429 
THE SERVICES 
OF 
LIEUT.-COLONEL FRANCIS DOWNMAN, R.A., 
IN 
FRANCE, NORTH AMERICA, AND THE WEST INDIES 
BETWEEN THE YEARS 1758 AND 1784. 
EDITED BY 
COLONEL F. A. WHINYATES, late RfctA. St 
paet"Tii. XIV 
P^f\ BRA 
The capture of the Island of St. Lucia in 1778, and subsequent evolu¬ 
tions of the English and French fleets. 
The season for active operations being over, it was decided to retain 
at New York only such a number of troops as were necessary for the 
defence of the different posts. An expedition of 5000 men was there¬ 
fore despatched to the West Indies under General Grant. Captain 
Downman accompanied the artillery portion of the force,, probably in 
special charge of the ordnance and engineer stores sent with the 
expedition, of which he has left an exact list which is appended. His 
experiences of the capture of St. Lucia are detailed in his journal as 
well as in a letter written to a friend. We prefer to give the letter as 
it contains the fullest account of the operations. 
Chapter I. 
The expedition sails for the West Indies. The troops land at St. Lucia. 
A French fleet arrives off the Island, and makes an attack upon the 
English squadron. 
27th October, 1778. New York. 
I embarked this day on board the Friendship ordnance . store ship, 
under orders for an expedition to the West Indies, at least so con¬ 
jectured. Captains Williamson's and Standish's companies are ordered 
9. rot. xxv. 39 
