 Willoughby would then use a local man serving on his ship named John Johnson (known in some texts as "the black pilot"), to steer through the channel and land troops near the town, distributing leaflets promising freedom and prosperity under British rule in an attempt to corrode the morale of the defenders.The first attack on Île de la Passe was launched on the evening of 10 August, with "Staunch" towing boats carrying over 400 soldiers, Royal Marines and volunteer sailors to the island under cover of darkness, guided by "Nereide"'s pilot.During the night the pilot became lost; the boats were scattered in high winds and had not reassembled by dawn.