With ammunition exhausted and water critically short, Maurice opened negotiations on 2 June rather than wait for thirst to force an uncontrolled collapse. His terms kept the men under their officers, allowed officers to retain their swords, and provided for return to a British settlement on parole. The British reported only two killed and one wounded while estimating much heavier allied losses and significant damage to boats and warships. Back at Barbados, Maurice reported the loss to Nelson in a letter dated 6 June, identifying ammunition and water shortages as the reasons for surrender. The required court-martial concluded that he had done his duty under the service's accountability rules.
Notable Point · 32:33-34:29
Diamond Rock's surrender and court-martial
Maurice negotiated when ammunition ran out and water was critically short, secured terms that kept the garrison together, and was cleared by court-martial.