My Battles > Dr Benjamin Moseley's account

1. The capture of Fort San Juan, Nicaragua, 1780: Dr Benjamin Moseley's account

It was on our San Juan expedition that Nelson commenced his career of glory. He did more than his duty: where everything was to be done he saw no difficulties; not content having carried the armament safe to the harbour of San Juan, he accompanied and assisted the troops in all their difficulties.

He was the first on shore at the attack on the outlying fort of San Bartholomew, followed by a few brave seamen and soldiers, in the face of a severe fire. The undauntedness of the act frightened the Spaniards and they ran away and abandoned the battery.

By his example and perseverance, the Indians and seamen were encouraged through their toil in forcing the boats against the current up the river; otherwise not man would have seen San Juan castle.

When they arrived at the castle, as prompt in thought as bold in action he advised the carrying it instantly by assault. He knew the seasons were at hand and that there was no time to be lost. Misunderstandings, oppositions and delays, the ruin of many military operations, were the origins of the failure of this. But even these perplexities and disappointments, great as they were, would not have defeated the expedition had the first detachment taken San Juan castle in two hours instead of sitting down formally before it for eleven days.

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