Historical records of the 91st Argyllshire ... - waughfamily.ca

12 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE1796.regiments garrisoned Muysenberg, and the lightcompanies, with the Hottentot regiment, werecantoned as a reserve corps at Wynberg. Butjust at this critical moment a fleet of East Indiamen,havingon board the 25th and 27th LightDragoons, the 33rd and 80th Regiments of foot,and five companies of the 19th Eegirnent, put intoSimon's Bay for fresh stores. Allof these troopswere at once landed, and a re-distribution of thedifferent garrisons took place. General Craighad now a strong army at his disposal,andleaving Major-General Doyle in command at CapeTown, he marched to Saldanha Bay, throwing outbefore him detachments of dragoons and lighttroops, which picked up several parties the Dutchadmiral had sent to reconnoitre. So well-timedwas General Craig's march, that he arrived inSaldanha Bay just two hours before the Englishfleet hove in sight. On descrying the fleet, theDutch were in great joy, imagining the ships tobe those of their friends the French ;but theywere soon undeceived when, to their great surprise,the English drew upin line of battle acrossthe entrance to the bay. They now perceivedthat they were completely shut in, and that nochance was left for escape. The Dutch officers