[2] Peirson's refusal to surrender was contrary to the order of the imprisoned Corbet who had already signed the garrison's official capitulation under the threat that St Helier, island's town, would be burnt to the ground.

[3] Peirson energetically rallied the garrison from its various posts on the island, first dispatching Captain Hugh Fraser, commander of the Highlanders and light company, to secure the heights overlooking the town, which the French had inexplicably left unoccupied.

[3] Peirson then organised a counterattack against the main French force occupying St Helier, planning to outflank the De Rullecourt's troops by attacking the town from two directions.

[3] Many of the British soldiers were veterans of fighting in North America and the outnumbered French were driven back to the centre of the town at bayonet point.

As the engagement in St Helier was being fought, Grenadiers from the 83rd Regiment under the command of Captain Campbell stormed and recaptured the La Platte Rocque Battery which had been occupied by 100 French troops.