No. 3 oF VOL. VII.] BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1814.

Hæc olim meminisse juvabit.-VIRGIL.

[WHOLE NO. 159.

Printed and published by H. NILES, South-st. next door to the Merchants' Coffee House, at $5 per ann

Official Articles.

works useless, as it was remarked that none but the enemy's grape passed over us, his

Copy of a letter from Captain Porter to the Secretary round shot went into the bank below. No

of the Navy, dated

men could have shown more zeal on the ocWashington, September 7, 181. casion than those composing the army, and if SIR-Agreeable to your orders of the 31st they committed any errors which gave rise ult. I procee de 1 with the detachment of sailors to confusion, they proceeded from an over and marines under my command to the White desire to injure the enemy. Of the conduct House, on the west bank of the Potomac, of the sailors and marines, I deem it unnecesthere to erect batteries and attempt the de- sary to say any thing; their conduct on all struction of the enemy's ships on their pas- such occasions has ever been uniform. The sage down the river. Captain Creighton, evening of our arrival two 18-pounders reachlieut. Clack, and several other navy officers, ed our position, and next morning one of the as well as Mr. Augustus Monroe, Mr. Ferdi- enemy's bomb ships and two barges, one carnand Fairfax, and several other citizens and rying a long two and thirty, the other a morofficers of the militia and volunteer compa- tar, commenced their operations upon us, the nies, hearing of my destination, volunteered first throwing shells in front, beyond the their services on the occasion, and ably sup reach of our shot; the other flanking us on ported me through the arduous and fatiguing our right; several shells fell near and burst enterprise. By preceding my men, I arrived, over our battery, and although the firing lastin company with the honorable Secretary of ed all day, without intermission, it had no State, and Generals Hungerford and Young, other effect than to accustom the militia to on the evening of the 1st inst. at the spot fixed the danger. In the afternoon I took an 18on, where I found a few militia belonging to pounder to a more advanced point, about a General Hungerford's army, clearing away mile distant, and commenced a fire on the the trees to make room for mounting our can-bomb ship, which did so much execution as to non, which had not yet arrived, but which draw on me the fire of all their vessels, incluhad been seen on their way down, consisting ding a schooner and an eighteen gun brig of three long 18's and two 12's. Generals which had dropped down that day. On the Hungerford and Young had received orders 3d the enemy was reinforced from above by to co-operate with me, to detach men on my another bomb ship and a sloop of war fitted requisition, and make such disposition of their up as a rocket ship. The latter anchoring withforces as would effectually protect me in the in reach of our battery, we were enabled to rear, in the event of the enemy's landing; the play on her with great effect, and compelled positions they were to occupy were also al- her to change her position. All this day and lotted to them by mutual agreement, when the succeeding night the enemy kept up a the enemy should attempt to pass, as it was brisk fire on us of shot, shells and rockets. believed that, concealed by the thick woods In the course of the day their prizes from on the high bank, they would be enabled to Alexandria anchored above them, and out of clear the enemy's decks with their musquet-the reach of our cannon. The work of our ry, and in a great measure divert his fire from battery went on; five light field pieces, from our battery. At the moment of my arrival four to six pounders, arrived and were plant one of the enemy's vessels of war, a brig offed, and we had every hope of soon receiving 18 guns, was seen coming up. General Hun some long thirty-two pounders from Washgerford and his men took their position in the ington; we built a furnace for hot shot, and woods; and two small four pounders that in-time only appeared necessary to make our stant arriving, I caused them to be planted on selves formidable. The whole of the 4th and the edge of the bank, and on the enemy ar-5th, an incessant fire was kept up by the eneriving abreast of us we opened a brisk fire on my night and day. He had once attempted him; having a fine breeze he was enabled to landing at night, it is supposed with an intenpass us, but could fire only one broadside as tion of spiking the guns of our battery, but he crossed the fire of our field pieces and was repulsed by the picket guard. My formusquetry; the militia continued following mer plan of annoying him by advancing guns him up along the bank and greatly annoyed was adapted to better effect than before. The him by their well directed fire. In this af rocket ship lying close in shore, was much fair we had only one man wounded, and we cut up by a twelve pounder and two sixes carbelieved our elevated position rendered breast ried to a point; scarcely a shot missed his VOL, VII.

C

hull, and for one hour we drew to this point whole of the enemy's fire was directed at my
the fire of all the enemy's force. The cool force, and that in a few minutes all his force
indifference of my sailors to the danger to would be brought to bear on me, and (enter-
which they were exposed was very remark- taining no hopes of preventing his passing) as
able, and the intrepidity of captain Griffith, some of my men had already been killed and
of the Alexandria artillery, his officers and wounded, I determined not to make an use-
men, merit the highest eulogiums. They less sacrifice; and when the enemy was on the
fought their six pounders until their ammu- point of anchoring abreast the battery, after
nition was expended, and coolly retired with sustaining his fire one hour and a quarter, I
their guns, when ordered to do so, under a directed the officers and men to retire behind
shower of the enemy's shot.
a hill on our left, and be in readiness to charge

We now, as if by mutual consent, ceased all the enemy, if he should land to spike our guns.
hostilities. Some thirty-two pounders arrived. The two frigates anchored abreast, the bombs,
Carpenters were employed to make carriages. sloops and smaller vessels passed outside them,
Two mortars, a large quantity of ammunition all pouring into the battery and neighbor-
and an abundance of shot and shells reached ing woods a tremendous fire of every descrip-
us; two barges were equipped, and every thing tion of missive. In the woods on the left, a
promised that we should speedily be put in a
proper state for annoying the enemy. In the
evening two frigates anchored alone above us,
making his whole force

Two frigates, carrying

Taree bomb ships

guns

96

30

One sloop of war fitted as a rocket ship
One brig

26

18

One schooner

1

Two barges

Total

2

173

company of riflemen from Jefferson county, Virginia, under captain George W. Humphreys, greatly distinguished themselves by a well directed fire on the enemy's decks, as did a company of militia under the command of captain Gena, who was posted by me on the right. The first lost one man killed, and one sergeant and four privates wounded; the latter two privates killed. The company of artillery which so much distinguished itself on a former occasion, behaved with no less gallantry to-day; and it affords me much pleasure to obThe guns mounted in the battery were three serve, that the militia who came under my 13 pounders, two 12 pounders, six 9 pounders immediate notice, and were attached to my and two fours. My two mortars were without command, voluntarily or otherwise, conductcarriages, as were all my thirty-two's; for not-ed themselves in a manner which reflects on withstanding every effort was made by the them and their country the highest honor. government at Washington to have them made Many before the battle requested to be posted there, and by myself on the spot, they could near me; and there was no instance where one not be completed in time. offered to retire until I gave the order to reOn the morning of the 6th the enemy shew-tire-and it was not necessary to repeat the ed a disposition to move. I advised general order to rally. Captain Grayson of the maHungerford of the same, and prepared to meet rines is a brave and zealous officer-he had them with hot shot. About twelve o'clock volunteered to come with his detachment unthe two frigates got under way, with a fair der me at Baltimore. Those veterans who se wind and tide, and stood down for us. The much distinguished themselves under their rocket sloop, bomb vessels, brig, schooner and gallant though unfortunate commander at prizes following in succession, the gun boats Bladensburg, were all willing to try another endeavouring to flank us on our right. I im battle-they have been again unsuccessful, mediately despatched an officer to general but no less courageous: two of them have Hungerford, to request him to take the posi-fallen.

tion agreed upon in the woods on the heights; Captain Spencer of the United States' artilbut from the distance of his camp and the lery, late second in command at fort Washquick approach of the enemy, he was unable ington, and now in command of the officers to march before the firing commenced, and, and men stationed there, were attached to my after that period, it was almost impossible, as command by the war department-they have I have understood, from the vast quantities of given the most unquestionable proof that it shot, shells and rockets which were showered was not want of courage on their part which over the hills and fell among his troops.

caused the destruction of that fort. Captain As the enemy approached, a well directed Spencer, his officers and men merit the atfire was kept up from the battery with hot and tention of their country, and have incurred cold shot, and my brave officers and men stood my esteem-three of them were killed. The the broadsides of the ships with unparalleled remnant of the crew of the Essex behaved as firmness. I anxiously expected the militia usual. Lieutenant Barnwall received on this would open their fire of musquetry, but was day his third wound. Doctor Hoffman was disappointed; the cause was not explained un- also wounded in the head. To particularise til after the firing ceased, Finding that the the good conduct of each individual placed

under my orders would swell too much the,Stewart, major Peter and myself to retire a bulk of this letter. Several lieutenants and short distance in the rear. This was done in midshipmen of the navy, as well as many good order, after sustaining their fire for more young gentlemen of the neighborhood, volun-than an hour. General Stewart and colonel teered to serve under my order and near my Beall were much exposed during the whole person-they all conducted themselves with time of the cannonading. It would be pregreat courage, and made themselves of great sumption in me to speak in commendation of utility before and during the battle, and I shall these veterans-I cannot, however, avoid extake an opportunity of making you more par-pressing my admiration of their conduct The icularly acquainted with their names and me few seamen (of the Guerriere) underthe immerits. After the bombs, gun vessels and prizes diate command of lieutenant Read, of the Java, had all passed, the frigate proceeded down and exhibited their usual bravery. Indeed, in the anchored abreast Indian Head, where a con- whole of this affair, every oflicer and man did stant firing was kept up until after sunset; but his duty. Major Stewart of the 36th regiment 1 am fearful with little success on our part. of infantry was constantly with and rendered The number we have had killed and wound-all the assistance in his power. ed on this occasion I cannot ascertain exactly. I am induced to believe, however it does not exceed thirty, and when we consider the con stant fire which has been kept up by the ene I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your iny for the four days preceding their passage obedient servant, O. H. PERKY. by the fort, we should esteem ourselves very Honorabie Willium Jones, secretary of the navy, fortunate. His damage can never be known by us. Some of his ships were much crippled, Copy of a letter from Commodore Porter to the Secre and I should suppose his loss considerable.

The advantageous situations we occupied prevented the enemy from doing us much injury. Only one man was wounded.

tary of the Navy, dated WASHINGTON, SEPT. 9. The enclosed note was sent to me by col. Parker, and I beg that you will publish it along with my report.

I have understood, that in order to bring their guns to bear on our battery, they cut away the upper part of their ports and took the inner trucks from their gun carriages. When they had passed down, I sent a torpedo after them-it was heard to explode about nine at night, but I have not learnt the effect it pro- Hon. Hm. Jones, Secretary of the Navy.

duced.

I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient and humble servant, D. PORTER.

Honorable William Jones, secretary of the navy.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,

D. PORTER.

THE NOTE ENCLOSED.

The very moment information was received by col. Green and myself of the enemy's intention to come down, the regiments were paraded, mine being in front, and commenced

Copy of a letter from captain Perry to the their march. Fearing that unless the ground secretary of the navy, dated was previously marked out, there would bo Georgetown, September 9. 1814. some difficulty in forming them in the midst SIR-The battery under my direction at of so heavy a fire, I rode forward myself; the Indian Head was of too small a calibre to went to the ground on the right of the batmake much impression on the enemy, as they tery which was to have been my station, descended the Potomac on the 5th instant. found it occupied by some riflemen, &c.; then A single eighteen pounder, which arrived only went to the left, ordered capt. Janway's comthirty minutes before the firing began, ill sup-pany to take their position, and waited myself plied with ammunition, was the only gun that for the regiment to come up. After some could be of much service. time the fire becoming excessively besvy, I

The field pieces (six pounders) under the found that the sailors and marines were redirection of that excellent officer major Peter, treating from the fort, and seeing commoof the Georgetown, and captain Birch of the dore Porter among the last, I ran to him and Washington volunteers, and captain Lewis, of asked if he had ordered it. He replied that general Steward's brigade, kept up a very he found it impossible to maintain the fort spirited fire. These officers, together with longer against so disproportioned a force captains Stull and Davidson, and their brave I could myself proceed very little farther, men, behaved in the handsomest manner, and and found it not only more dangerous to 16rendered all the assistance their limited means treat than remain, but quite impossible to reafforded. join the troops, who had, as I understand, The ammunition of the eighteen pounder. continued to advance to within 300 yards of and of several of the sixes, being expended, the battery, until gen. Hungerford ordered a and the fire of the enemy from two frigates retreat.

two sloops of war, two bombs, one rocket The 11th regiment was a second time or ship, and several smaller vessels, being very dered to advance obliquely to the right to heavy, it was thought advisable by generalleover the battery, and did so advane unti!

they came within view of the shipping and sarily obliged me to relinquish this determi
were again re reated.
The brigade of gen. Young were in col. the Virginia shore, to haul up the boats and
hation, and give orders to proceed across to
Green's and my rear.
place the lighter in a situation to be defended
against the enemy's barges.

R. E PARKER,
Lieut. Col. Com'g. 11th Regt.

Copy of a letter from Commodore Rodgers to the Se-
cretary of the Navy, dated,

BALTIMORE, SEPT. 9, 1814.

Having reconnoitered te enemy, on returning to the lighter at 9 P. M. Í seized a man under suspicious circumstances, on the Beach near to a small boat, about a mile SIR-In pursuance of your instructions, induced me to change my position to the opabove the enemy's uppermost ship. that again have to inform you, that on the 3d inst Iposite side of the river, where, after getting proceeded down the Potomac with three the cutters hauled up, placing the lighter in small fire-vessels under the protection of four an advantageous position, and my musket men barges or cutters, manned with about sixty upon the top of a cliff overlooking the river, I seamen, armed with muskets, destined against was at 11 P M. attacked by all the enemy's two of the enemy's frigates and a bomb-ship, barges, but which, by the cool intrepidity of which lay about 2 1-2 miles below Alexandria. lieut. Newcomb, having charge of the lighter, At 9 A. M. in advance of the fire vessels assisted by lieut. Forrest, S. Master Ramage, in my gig, finding no colors displayed at M Mate Stockton and Midshipman Whitlock Alexandria, but a Swedish ensign on board and 45 scamen with muskets, the enemy was a schooner-being near the wharves, I hailed not only repulsed, but in less than 20 minutes an ordered the American flag to be hoisted; thrown into the utmost confusion and driven after seeing the flag hoisted, I directed the back to his ships, and I have sufficient reafire-vessels (which were conducted by lieut. son to believe with great loss, although the Newcomb. lieut. Forrest, and sailing master only injury sustained on our part was one Ramage) to proceed on to the objects of at- man wounded on board the lighter tack, and I have no doubt, would have succeeded in destroying two at least of the ene-of doing him further injury in this way, as The enemy thus repulsed, and no prospect my's ships, had not the wind failed them some his rearmost ship was not more than a mile time before, and particularly after they had distant, I, had the lighter shifted further up, reached the uppermost ship, within the range and at 7 A M. a fire vessel brought down for of musket shot At this time perceiving the the purpose of assailing him in conjunction whole of the enemy's barges in motion, I d- with the battery at the White House, under rected lient. Newcomb, who commanded the the command of captain Porter-but in this van vessel, after giving her a proper direction, I was again disappointed, as that excellent to set fire to her and after Mr. Ramage officer, after using every possible exertion, came up, gave him the same orders; the ves- was not able in so short a time as had been sel under charge of lieut. Forrest was fired afforded him, to erect a work sufficiently by the pilot without orders, some distance strong, to check the enemy any length of Of the enemy's boats, some were employed found no difficulty in effecting his destruction. time; otherwise, I conceived I should have in towing off the fire vessels, and the rest in At the time the enemy silenced the battery, pursuit of our four cutters, my own gig, and a the fire-ship, under full sail was about a mile small boat with three oars without a rudder; above his uppermost vessel, when I found mythey did not, however, venture to come with self under the necessity of ordering her to be in musket shot, although their force and num set on fire, and at the same time, our boats to bers were more than treble ours, but continu retire to prevent their being taken el at a distance, firing their great guns for 30 of by his numerous barges. or 35 minutes, and then retired to their ships) possession again. Although I did not succeed in the destrucOn the 4th inst. I had another fire vessel theless convinced, that the expedition was in tion of any of the enemy's vessels, I am neverprepared, but it being calm, I ordered lieut. many points of view attended with good effect, Newcomb and the four cutters, to proceed consequently I feel it a duty to recommend with one of the remaining lighters of the to your notice the officers and seen en engag yard, having an 18 pounder in her, to attack ed in the same; as, in two of the fire-vessels. the bomb-ship, which in the anxiety of the Lieut. Newcomb and S. Master Ramage enemy to get below the temporary forts erect- manifested so much zeal. as to continue on ing by my gallant associates captains Porter board, steering them, until they were envean Perry. had been left exposed to attack. loped in the flames, and obliged to jump At sun set, just as I was about to give orders overboard to avoid sharing the fate of the to attack the bomb, I discovered one of the vessels themselves. I am also indebted to the ene ny's frigates behind the point forming the exertions of lieut. Forrest, who volunteered entrance of Washington's reach, which neces- his services, and although very much indis

above the others.

posed at the time, afforded all the assistance had been manifested by the public to have in his power. the fleet on the lake I should have asked Permit me at the same time to recommend captain Jones to take charge of it and go out, to our attention Mr. Stockton. masters mate, but I was then recovering my health, and was who not only rendered me essential service as confident I should be able in three or four acting aid-de camp, but in every other situa days to go on board myself.

The e was an

tion manifested a zeal and intrepidity not to additional reason for submitting to this delay be shaken also, midshipman Whitlock, in the difficulty I found in making the changes. whose conduct in every part of the service I of commanders, neither of them being willing highly approve. Mr. Thomas Herbert, a to be separated from his officers and men, and young gentleman of Alexandria, and Mr. Por- a change of crews through the fleet being inry, pilot, who volunteered their services, also admissible. deserve well of their country.

In the afternoon of the 31st July, I was

The conduct of the seamen for energy and taken on board, but it was calm, and I did patriotism, was not even excelled by that of not sail before the next morning To satisfy their officers. at once whatever expectations the public had

At the time I took possession of Alexandria. been led to entertain of the sufficiency of this there were 1500 pounds of fresh beef lying squadron to take and maintain the ascendancy on the wharfs ready to be delivered to the on this lake, and at the same time to expose boats of the enemy s ships, which were then the futility of promises, the fulfilment of only 2 1-2 or 3 miles below the town, and I which had been rested on our appearance at mention this to shew the state that place was the head of the lake, I got under way at 4 in at the time o'clock in the morning of the 1st inst. and In justice to maj. Kemper, commanding a steered for the mouth of the Niagara. Owing detachment of the militia of gen. Hunger to light winds, I did not arrive off there before ford's brigade, it is but proper I mention, that the 5th. There we intercepted one of the eneon taking possesion of Alexandria he imme-my's brigs running over from York to Niadiately marched his detachment to my assist-gara with troops, and ran her on shore about ance and which at once secured the town six miles to the westward of Fort George. I against any force the enemy could send back, ordered the Sylph in, to anchor as near to the The quantity of flour the enemy was ena- enemy as she could with safety, and to destroy bled to take from Alexandria, I found on en- her. Captain lliot ran in in a very gallant quiry to be not more than between 14 and manner to within from 300 to 500 yards of her 16,000 barrels. and was about anchoring, when the enemy

As respects the manner of my reception by set fire to her and she soon after blew up.--the citizens of Alexandria, when I landed and This vessel was a schooner the last year and took possession of that place, I shall inform called the Beresford-since they alte ed her you hereafter in a separate communication. With great respect, I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

JOHN RODGERS.
The Hon. W. Jones, Secretary of the Navy.
Copy of a letter from Commodore Chauncey
to the Secretary of the Navy, dated

to a brig they changed her name, and I have not been able to ascertain it. She mounted 14 guns, twelve 24 pound carronades and two long 9 pounders.

Finding the enemy had two other brigs and a schooner in the Niagara river, I determined to leave a force to watch them, and selected the Jefferson, Sylph and Oneida for U.S S. Superior, off Kington, Aug. 10, 1814 that purpose, and placed the whole under the SIR-Great anxiety of mind and severe orders of capt. Ridgely. Having looked into bodily exertions, have at length broken down York without discovering any vessel of the the best constitution and subjected me to a enemy, I left Niagara with the remainder of violent ever that confined me for eighteen the squadron on the evening of the 7th, and days This misfortune was no more to be arrived here the 9th. We found one of the forseen than prevented, but was particularly enemy's ships in the offing, and chased her insevere at the moment it happened, as it in to kingston. duced a delay of five or six days in the sailing My anxiety to return to this end of the of the fleet lake was increased by the knowledge I had In the early part of July, I expected the of the weakness of Sackett's Harbor, and fleet would be made ready for sailing by the the apprehension that the enemy might re10th or 15th; but many of the mechanics ceive large reinforcements at Kingston, and, were taken sick, and amongst them the block embarking some of the troops on board his makers and blacksmiths, so that the Mohawk fleet, make a dash at the Harbor and burn eould not be furnished with blocks and iron it with all my stores during our absence work for her gun and spar decks before the When I left the Harbor there were but about 24th or 25th ult. when she was reported ready 700 regular troops fit for duty. It is true a by captain Jones. As considerable anxiety few militia had been called in, but little could