Extracts from Nov 1779 - Feb 1783
Samuel Ancell served as a clerk with the 58th Regiment of Foot during the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779–1783). His account survives as a series of letters written to his brother, later published as a journal of the siege.
November 1779
“This day the bakers shut their doors, and delivered their bread thro’ a wicket, protected by a guard, as the crowds were so pressing, that they were under the apprehension of their houses being pulled down - the flour they have in hand will not last, according to computation, more than two months. Antonio Smilie, a note Genoese baker, assured me, he had only 18 barrels of flour to serve himself, family, and the public. The Governor has ordered them to bake but a stipulated quantity daily.
It is really grievous, to see the fighting of the people for a morsel of bread, at a price not to be credited by those who never knew hardship, or their country’s service. Men wrestling, women intreating and children crying, a jargon of all languages piteously pouring forth their complaints. You would think sensibility would shed a tear, but yet, when we are in equal distress ourselves, our feelings for others rather subside. Compassion is very extensive, but self-preservation shuts out all condolement.”
8th - 9th May 1780
“Last night four deserters, who endeavoured to reach the garrison, only one escaped fate, three were either taken or shot by the Spanish horse patroles - He is one of the Walloons, and says, that the Spanish General has received advice form Madrid, to fire, whenever he thinks proper, fifty-two large mortars are mounted in their lines, with an incredible number of cannons. From this intelligence, we may conclude that a bombardment will shortly take place.
This day a soldier was executed for theft. He died with great contrition and penitence, seemingly sensible of his situation and wickedness. This day the Spaniards executed two men, we suppose them to be those whom they took on the night of the 7th instant.”
October 1780
GARRISON ORDERS
Issues of provision for the next month, commencing 23rd of October, and ending 19th Nov 1780. The stoppage of beef will be paid for at the rate of 20 quarts the pound, the oatmeal at 24 quarts the gallon. OFFICERS PER MONTH Bread, seven pound; beef, six ditto; flour, three pounds, raisins, two ditto, kidney beans, four pints, butter, ten ounces; oatmeal, four pints N.B. four pound beef, and eight pints of oatmeal to be paid for.
HOSPITAL PER WEEK Beef, half a pound, pork, one pound; oatmeal, three pints; butter two ounces and half. Wheat, one pint and half, flour, 3-4ths of pound, raisins, half pound; rice, ditto; kidney beans, one pint, vinegar, half pint, in lieu of four pints pease, and seven ounces and half butter N.B. one pound beef to be paid for.
19th April 1781
LETTER XIX
Dear Brother,
The enemy keep up a vigorous bombardment upon us. Our town has almost become a heap of ruins, and what few houses are left standing, the walls are so shattered, that it is not safe to go into them. The inhabitants are constructing temporary shades, some in the gullies between Buena Vista and Europa, others on Windmill-Hill, nor is there scarce any part of the Rock out of reach of the enemy’s fire by land, but what is covered over either with marquees, tents, or huts. The regiment (whose quarters in town were destroyed,) are now encamped at the southward, a reinforcement of officers and man are every night detached to town, exclusive of the daily guards, as we are held in expectation of a speedy visit from the foe.
20th May 1781
“Last night, a man was discovered advancing in slow steps towards the garrison, on the road leading from Bay-side to Landport; but when he came pretty near the advanced guard, he crawled upon his hands and knees. A Hanoverian serjeant, on duty there, challenged him before he came as far as the work, upon which he made a retreat. Lieutenant Whetham, of the 58th regiment, immediately made a sally, and being pretty nimble, soon came up with him; but just as he was going to make a blow, he unfortunately fell into a shell-hole which gave the other time to push through Bay-side. A gold-laced hat was picked up on the road, which makes us imagine that he was an officer in the enemy’s service, who had come to view the situation of the place, and how far a detachment might advance in to night before they would be discovered. Our guards at the lines fired pretty briskly, and was very near killing the officer that sallied out.”
18th Nov 1781
“The enemy continue their long-range shells upon the southward, which is of great annoyance. Last night a shell fell under the platform of a tent where two corporals were asleep, when the intolerable fume and stench of burning composition awakened them, nor could they image where from whence the smoke proceeded. The shell lay burning under the boards, when they opened the tent-door to let in the air, to prevent being suffocated, at that instant it exploded, and blew them some yards, without receiving any injury, they shortly recovered from their surprise, and turned their eyes to the place where the tent had stood, but the bedding, blankets, tent poles, &c. could not be seen, they being torn to pieces, and scattered in many places. Int this naked situation they began a search for the wearing apparel, but only found the coif of a coat in one place, part of a sleeve in another, and their sock parched to a cinder. Thus forlorn they began to console each other, when Corporal R exclaimed “D__n it, I don’t care for the loss of my clothe, but all my money is gone.”
2nd - 3rd Feb 1783
“This day has brought us joyful news, which at first we could scarce believe. A flag of truce came over from the Orange Grove with the Duke de Crillon’s compliments, mentioning he had the greatest reason to believe that a cessation of the hostilities had taken place, the garrison, enraptured with the sound, spread the harmonious tidings, and about eleven at night all firing ceased on our side, agreeable to an order sent by his Excellency the Governor to the different posts. The enemy’s cannonade became silent in the afternoon. I scarce know where to begin upon a subject so truly interesting and captivating. Our situation is changed from noise and confusion to calm serenity, the air that was continually disturbed with flames and smoke is no longer darkened, the stars that were eclipsed, now shine with their wonted splendor, and the devine rays of Aurora once again adorns each hill and height, that have for these eighteen months past only been distinguishable by the flashing of pieces of ordnance."
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