Star. — London, England, 1814-09-22 00:00:00

41111ERICAN P.sfiERS. ...• . WAR IN THE CHESAPEAKE.-(OFFICIAL) RICHMOND. VIRGINIA, JULY 27, 1514. The Adjutant. General has received the following dispatch from Colonel `e'arker, i a Westmoreland, detcd " Camp, Clifton Cross Rna.l4, Jaly 44 The catastrophe which I anticipated in my lest to you, and which all the refleceing inhabitants of the Northern Neck have expected far some time, has at length fallen upon a•pert of this conntry. On the h inst. I was Informed by my videttes stationed on the Heighil above Nomony, that the enemy's ships had edfteil off from the Maryland shore and fallen into the Potomac Channel neatly opposite the Nomony.— At: the saints time indications of an attempt to land • somewhere 'acceme more and morejtpparent, which were =vetted into certainty about ten o'clock r. for by that time eight of the enemy's tenders and a brig of 14 or 48 guns, accompanied by a great num ber of barges, were iii the mouth of the Nomony, and immediately after, about 40 barges advanced slowly up the river towards the ferry. a I had at this time, in consequence of the detach ments I was obliged to send out as boat-guards. &c. about 75 or 80 iiientry.(ificluding artillerists under Captain Marmaduke), and 18 or 20 cavalry, badly . equipped. The lower battalion were guarding their own shores. The point where my company then was was about six . miles to Nomony ferry, which I was satisfied would be the• first object of the enemy's at ten don ; and I therefore wished to attack them as they were going up, but upon viewing the ground, found - it would be impossible without exposing my two six pounders, and probably the whole detachment to the imminent danger, nay. certainty of captures, the eonn. try there being vet y flat, liable of course to the rake of cannon for some distance, and penetrated by seve ral small creeks, at whose herd a landing might have been effected, so as to gain the rear of any force sta tioned nn or ucar the bank of the main stream. I was therefore obliged to decide en attempting to gain the trry ; yet anxious to retard their movements, by occupying their -attention for a few moments, I direct el Captain Monroe, with SO men, to descend into the plain, and approaching the narrow river, to give them ii few fires, it he found it possible to do so. This, as I feared, ma impracticable, and he very narrowly escaped capture by two parties of the enemy, who landed and were gaining his rear. I hastened on to the ferry with my very small and reduced force, and arrived there myself azcompanied by General Hnn gerford (who remained constantly with me and rendered every assistance it was possible to give), and a few troepers, just in time to witness the ap eroach and lending of the enemy, and to receive some ineffectual fires from their advance. In a very few moments 12 or MOO mess were thrown ashore, and began to advance on the road to Westmoreland Court House. I gave orders to retreat slowly and delibe rately, which was effected in trod order, and with tittle or no confusion. 4 ‘ Several times I halted, with the dou'ele view of inspiring the men rekh confidence so as to prevent a too precipitate retreat, and to enable the women and children to save themselves from a merciless enemy. t one time I den mined to wait their approach, halted, unlimbered the guns, and formed my srnal: parry of about 30 infantry in a skirt of wino's, but cfsccverieg that their flanking parties would pro • b tbly cut of cur retreat if we waited to fire on those advaricing along the toad, I reluctantly continued try retreat.' The flanking parties of the enemy at this time were not SW yards from us, but not in a situation to be reached by our cannon. Yet the party under my command, with tweaty or thirty times their number in front, evinced generally a firmness which under more favourable ci:eurnstences, and with the advantages of discipline, would prove them to be real Virginians. " I am certain that the deliberation of onr retreat rendered the enemy more cautious in advancing, and consequently alloned mare time to the affrighted in hahitants to save themselves. They advanced n 6 further than Templernen's cross roads, about three miles. from their landing-place, and I retired a little above the Court-House, to a position entirely secure, about three miles and a half from the enemy, leaving tt party of cavalry within a mile and a halt of them, and a small piquet guard at the Coen House. " On the retreat I dispatched messengers to the neighbouring Counties for assistance, and early yes terday, finding that the enemy had not advanced, I approached to Westmoreland Court House, and 1 e'ng joined here by two companies of infantry from le;ch mond County, under Major lielfield, 1 had giveli orders to advance again to Templernan's cress roads, when I learnt the enemy had embarked. " My object was to occupy this last position im usediately in his neighbourhood, to restrain his m:i. rauding parties, and attack him as soon as my rein forcements offered me any possibility of success. " In the mean tune a small party, under Captain Millleton, in the lower battalion, bad several sick mishes with them, with what success I know note— He was unfortunately unable to transport his artil lery across the Maehodick, or I should have expected from him every thing that a Aidicious officer could effect, which, in fact, under circumstances, could sibs very little. . " It was reported by my videttes, that the enemy Wed a party of cavalry, and there are various reports on the subject. It is certain some of their officers were mounted, and when I ascertain the truth of the case, it shall be communicated to yen. a Yesterday evening some of their parties were on both sides the Nomony, and I learnt have not to this moment quitted Mrs. Buckner on the lower side.— They have entirely interrupted my communications with that part of the county except very circuitously, and as the force there is inconsiderable, I expect the whole neck will be elundered. ss Ott the Nomony every thing is destroyed. Th e aegroes and stocks of cattle carried off, and every nousidcrable house burnt—among the latter are all Mrs. Thompson's, at Nomony Ferry, Bushheld the seat of Mr. Lewis, and Walnut 'Farm, of Lieutenant Jett. Other houses are plundered of every thing, and the extept of the injury is yet unknown. 44 I .expect today, two companies from Ki ng George and one from Essex. Until I hear from the : Eiecutive I shall' continue to organize the assemb ling force, and afford all the assistance iu my power :o wet ly place attacked in or out of the - county, P. 5.—1 omitted to state that the Vra;c4ouse was burnt aid all the tobacco carried off or burst. On our retreat, Mr. Randall Pearce, a citizen who had, joined us, though not in the militia, was throws from his horse, and being insensible, was removed a little distance out of the road, and there found by theenemy. He is now a prisoner." EXTRACT Of A LETTER FROM COLONEL DOWNING. DATED " Northumberland C. H. July 23, IEI4. " Last evening I received information by express from Colonel Parker, that the enemy has fallen down the river a little, and I am under apprehensions their next object will be either Yeocomoco, Coan, or Wi comica, or, what is equally probable, all three of these points, unless we shall be able to foil him in his attempts. I have therefore ordered the whole of this regiment under arms, in order, if practicable, to repel any attack they may make." ALBANY. AUGUST S. Verbal advices by gentlemen who left Buffalo. on Tuesday state, that our army remained at Erie, had received considerable reinforcements, and rendered their position very strong. They had ample means of crusting if it became necessary. The enemy were encamped about four miles below Fort Erie, and their piquets extended to the vicinity of the Fort. The Canandaigua way-bill, of the 4th of August, has this note : " Seat to this office by the Postmaster at Buff,loe, hecanse he had not time to mail them, expecting an attack from the British every moment at that plAcc." NEW-YORK. AUGUST S. We understand that General Armstrong has given it as his opinion the City of Washington cannot be defended; and it is said he has engaged quarters at Carlisle, (Pena) to which place it is supposed he will roma, should the British make their appearance in the District. Three British ships of the line and a frigate, were off the Hook on Monday last. General Nl‘Arthur's division of one thousand men is stated to have joined General Ripley, and rendered his position very strong. NEW LONDON, AUGUST 10. Several of the enemy's ships came into the Sound on SltturdAy and Sunday. Their force last evening consisted of seven ships And two brigs, having in corn pany two sloops, supposed to be prizes. Three ships and a brig came to anchor yesterday afternoon in Fishers-Island sound. HARTFORD, AUGUST 10. Eight o'Clock in the Evening.—An express his Jost arrived here from Stonington : -he comes to the Governor for ammunition, &c. the English having commenced a* attack on that place at one o'clock yesterday afternoon, and when the express came away thi were trying to effect a landing, having three times successively driven our troops from their guns. It is serious times at New London and Stonington, the British having 13 sail off those places, and there is no doubt they are determined to have the frigates at New London, or lay our co.ist in ashes. The express left Stonington this afternoon, at one o'clock, and the enemy were throwinr , shells into the town, and two of our men were severely wounded by the explosion of or.e of them. BALI INIORF, AUGUST 6. EXTRACT OF A LETT ER TO A GENTLEMAN IN THIS CITY, DATED PORT TOBACCO, AUG, 4. " 6 It is impossible for me to convey MT paper any adequate information of our present condition.— Having no competent regular or other force to pie vent it, the enemy have rendered this county (Charles) St. Mary's and Calvert, the most unenviable mi. deuce imaginable. A general destruction, by con: flagration or capture, of the Tobacco of these coun ties; great havoc amongst stocks and negroes—vil !ages and farm-houses burnt; crops lost, &c. &c. we have a frightful prospect of winter and starvation ! You may consider the great track of rich country com prising the Peninsula, bounded by the Potomac and Chesapeake, below this—say a triangle, whose sides are 50 miles long—as conquered by a barbarous foe. A considerable portion of it is beginning to be ac tually abandoned, many families moving up north, literally choaking the roads with hungry fugitives of all colours and ages. " Don't, 1 pray you, denounce us as cowards—for how can a handful of militia oppose thousands of regular . troops, and in a count r y as t hi c kly set w i t h n:tvigable streams as the human frame s ith veins? On two sides, the Chesapeake and Potomac, their 1:c tvy ships go above us ; while all through the cows ties ;ire rivers and creeks for their hundred barges.— Above, fir above us, and in perfect safety at present, gnvsrnmcnthlve a c-tmp of r‘Till.trs, under Ge nt r.4i Wi!:der. While these may ca.tbte our great peop',e at Washington to enjoy repose o'nights, we, the people, know net at what unhappy hour the dunes, rf our dwellings, or the- flight of our wives and chil dren, may saint:" our aching eyes. "O War!—thou art a bitter draught!" EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CIIAREEi COUNT; DATED AVGMT 1. sg The enemy on Saturday took possession of Chap tico, and carried off all the tobacco. Our force is utterly . inadequate there to an-est their course. Curse upon that wicici;d and corrupt executive, which most disgracefully and inhumanly forgets the object of its creation, mid suffers all our labour and future pro spects in life to be destroyed by the invasion of an enemy. Will our people submit to see themselves reduced to beggary ? Let them meet and tell the President of the United States, if no aid is afforded, that they, will take every measure, not prohibited by law, to save them from want and their children from beggary. Will the people of the U►:ited States believe that a strong regular force has been, for the last three weeks, within fifty miles of an enemy l.tying waste the whole country, and that the Secretary of IVar hat not, although repeatedly' solicited, ot dered on a soli tary individual to our assistance!? S'ich is the case. —The whole 'militia of Charles county do hot ex• teed nine hundred. The enemy had from 150! to 2000 men. They seize on our tobacco, negiot•s, and stock ; no farms are cultivated; the holders of slaves are removing them to Washington comity— the houses in the interior are crowded with the effects of the inhabitants on the water courses, and very many families during the night retired to the woods for security. An universal apprehension of ruin exists, m i nd although the . encmy shall withdraw his forces, a Janine for the r.czt Tear mast be our misfortune.— Thum is nut all individual abaft,: to orwhatever po litics, but pronounces cones upon Madison and Armstrong.' PORT OF IN, JULY as. Arrived the Haytian schooner,Cosusepolite, Cordi, twelve days from Lance de Neau, (a port near Je remie ) Hayti, with salt and oil. She was bound to Amelia Island, but was obliged to put in here in con sequence of the late blow. By this arrival we learn that there were several American armed vessels in the Haytian ports. Two large American privateer schooners had lately an engagement with a British sloop of war, with money on board, but were beat off, and the sloop of war afterwards arrived at Port-au-Prince very much cut up. It was reported that the privateer schooner Deca tur, of this port, was at Carthagena about six weeks since. AUGUST I.—On Saturday last sailed from this port, on hor sixth cruize, the privateer schooner Saucy Jack, Captain Chazel, with a crew of 130 picked men. The value of the vessels and property cap tured and destroyed by this privateer alone exceeds nne million of dollars—amount of revenue to the United States, 60,000 dollars. There were seven square-rigged vessels under neu tral flags off St. Mary's River on the 2Sd ult. bound to Amelia Island. NEW LONDON, JULY 10. At eight o'clock last evening, after this paper was put to press (the New London (iasate) an express ar rived at General Cushing's head-quarters from Sm. nington, with information that two frigates and 2 brig had arrived is that harbour, and demanded the surrender of the town, or that it should be laid in ashes ; to which demand alit answer WAS given, that the inhabitants would defend their fire-sides with their lives. At the request of General Cushing, General Wil liams ordered out the flth and 30th regiments for the defence of that town. Cengreve rockets were fired on shore during the night without injury, and this moinilig, at sun-rise, a cannonade conamenced, and still continues (at six o'clock). The militia bare collected in such force as to pre vent a landing; but we fear the place will be nearly destroyed, as the enemy ate lying within half gun shot, and our only defence is two long 18-pounders. The cxpcdition is commanded by Com. Hardy. Stonington is a post town and port in New Lon. don county, Connecticut, 14. miles E. by 8. of New London city. The harbour sets up from the Sound, opposite to Fisher's Islands The town is separattd from Rhode Island by the E. I:ne of the State ; here are two or three places of public worship ; and the number of inhabitants 7 or 8,000. SACKETT'S HARBOUR, AUGUST 1. Early this morning the fleet under Commodore Chauncey, who was convalescent, left this harbour, consisting of ten sail in all, and sailed into Lake Ontario. The Quebec and Montreal Papers all intimate that their squadron is not sufficiently strong to meet ours on the Lake. HERKIMER, AUGUST 2. An officer of the army has arrived here direct from Fort Erie, who informs that General Ripley had re ceived a summons to surrender Iron: the British Cirn mander, and that two hours only were allowed to re turn an answer. This we doubt. ALBANY, AUGUs r 2. The British officers, 18, with about IGO privates, taken by General Brown, ;misted Cananciagua on the 30th, on their way to Greenbush. BURLINGTON, CHAMPLAIN BORDER, AUGUST 3. General Izarel's army, WOO strong, has advanced towards Lower Canada, and encamped. Expect more news! BALTIMORE, AUGUST 4. The British who burnt Mrs. Thompson'► Ferry houses assert, that she had deserted them, leaving poisoned, spirits in the porch. Colonel Parker, in a letter to Admiral Clckburne, has denied the charge, expressing his :;hborrence of so vile an act, and has received a very polite letter from the Admiral. On the Ist instant was bunched the Java frigate, rated 44 guns, but will carry 50. Of the British only two frigates are in the Pa. tuxent, but them appear to be sufficient to keep Com modore Barney sticking in die mud. The late reinforcements in the Chesapeake have caused a pret►y general and serious alarm in Mary- I land. The Governor has ordered out a very large force who are to assemble in the vicinity ot Bath more. The city brigade is said to consist of one re giment of artillery, full; one regiment of cavalry, live troops ; one company of flying artillery ; of in fantry, five full regiments, the sth, 6th, 17th, 69th, and 51st. All die arms, &C. are in complete order, and every preparation taken to en►►ble this strong di vision to take the field at a moment's warning.— Major-General Smith has the command, and is very active in seeing that the troops, their equipments, and supplies ot every kind, are in the best order pos sible. How much they love the war, and are dis posed to undergo its fatigues, its privations, its dan gers, and its expenses, time, thereat teller of secrets, will inform us. A letter from Baltimore to a gentleman in Phila delphia gives the following description of some of the loudest talking, and, in civil strife, the bravest acting heroes of that city To avoid militia duty and escape from danger, it is an absolute fact, that seve. ral hundreds of foreigners, chiefly Irishmen, have re ported themselves to the Marshal as aliens, and re ceived his certificate to that effect, alledging, that if t.und in arms against their King, they may be pu nished for treason ! Among this number several old citizens of Baitimore are included, some of them mete of property, who have been exercising the privilege of voting for fifteen years !" XTIIACT OF A LETTER rims( A DENTLEMAN C" TUE 1110111 .1T NEM'ECTABILITT, AT TME SEAT or GOVERNMENT. ea The citizens complain loudly of the defenceless state of the district—Armstrong is suspected and cursed by almost every person here. Deputations 'lave been sent to the President both from tots city old Georgetown —they have declaied to the Presi dent their total want of confidence in Atilis.ren g , ,nd demandesl in strong terms that :PT% be iminedi ,ately taken to !dace the district in a state of defence: Arinstroat and DOWD others in power will be well watched. If any disaster befal the district through their neglect or disaffection to the seat of gove r n. meat, they may not, from the preseut temper of the people, find it easy to escape." HALIFAX, AUGUST 10. In the Bacchante, came Mijnr•General Gosselin, and suite. The transports, kc. from Bermuda, brought his Majesty's 29th regiment, commanded by Maj or Hodge, and 62d regiment, commanded by Colonel Ximenes. The fleet sailed from Genoa May 12th. with the 21st and 62d tegiments, touched at Mahon, and afterwards at Gibraltar, where the 29th regiment was taken on board ; sailed from thence June 12th, touched at Teneriffe, and then proceeded for Ber muda. The 21st regiment joined the forces under Major-General Ross. •tc be employed Oil the set- COWS of the American States. Admiral Sir A. Cochrane sailed from Bermuda on the Ist inst. supposed for the Chesapeake; ant Admiral M.ilsolm, a dal' or two later. HALIFAX, AUGUST U. On the 10th inst. the Dispatch anchored nee./ abreact of Stonington, Conaecticut, vr:th a sprieg upon her cable, end commenced a heavy fire upoa that place, whilh was returned from the tort on shore, wi;la two 16-pounders. After about two hours the Dispatch haul-d off, having been hulled severe times, with the loss of two killed and eight or tea w•mnded. On the 12th, the Ramillies, Pactolus, and rerrar bomb, renewer+ the attack; and we believe that the town was nearly destroyed when the Dispatch lett the coast, on Sunday last. Stoniogton is said to have been the place froth whence several trrpedees have been fitted our. FROM THE HALIFAX WEEKLY CIIROMCLE OF AUGUST 26. We were last evening favoured with ft Baran Pa. per of the 17th inst. It states a reprr: from Nat. August sth, that the British force bad lren re- pulsed in an attack wade on Fort Erie on the 3d. Another account, dated Fort Erie, August 7th, says, that place was invested by a superior force—an amok hourly expected. Chauncey's squadron was seen August 2d, stand ing up the Lake. The Doris transport, No. 650, from Seregal Portsmouth, taken July the 17th from a privateer, •Gsetmpys, has arrived at Marblehead. She had oa board two Arabian horses, a hyena, and two jack. ails, as presents. The number of deserters from the American army since the war, is stated to exceed 12000. The people of New London affect to make light of the recent attack on Stonington, and pretend that the damage sustained there was but trifling. FECIII THE ACADIAN nieconnan, AUGUST 26. The British packet PrincessElizibetli, from Malts and Gibraltar for Falmouth, was taken July 4th, atter a sharp anion, by the privateer Harpy, which took from her 10,000(1(41ms in spe:ie, and ransomed her for 2000 dollars. The Mail was thrown overboard. T!ze tiny being much injured is the acticn, was compelled to return into port. LOUISBURGH, AUGUST L A cons:Jerable trade is said to be curried on upon Lake Champlain, under the Swedish and Danish. Ts. Several hundred bales of gcods, imported frnm Canada under these passed through thit village last week flr New Yolk. LANCASTER COUNTY (VIRGINIA), ICILY 22. A wit.us alarm is now spreading among the people in this quarter, in consequence of regimental orders from the Lieutenant-Colonel of the 92d regi. ment, to the Major (if the lower or 2d battalion stf militia in Lancaster County, dated 21st inst. from which the following is an extract 6 , I have received information by express that the enemy have landed, and are no w marc hi ng down the county in great force, within 12 miles of Richmdhd Court-house. You are therefore comtnanded to cort• rene the battalion under your command to the cross, roads, without delay, and without further orders. P. S. Guards detached horn it • (die lower hats talion) will still keep their posts, and be ready to march at a Moment's warning." A report is in circulation hc:e, that 5000 British troops have landed, and are on their march. If this be trite, I know of nothing to prevent them from carrying devastation into all the lower parts of the Northern neck of Virginia—a place of rendezvous on the road leading from Kilmarnock to Windmill or Northern Point. EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO TIIE EDITOR OP TOE Ciltolloi- TOWN TILDITNAL IMPIALICAN. el On Sunday, July 23, Admiral Cockburnorith 1200 marines, and about 400 sailors, landed on the farm of John Kilgour, Esq. at the month of St. Clement's Bay. Mr. Kilriur had repaired to camp, leaving a young infant with his sister, (Mrs. Kilgour is lately dead.) Anxious about the fate of his sis ter and children, be obtained a furlough and hurried home. In a few minutes after hie arrival, the enc. my debarked at his landing, treated him a ith re. spect, declaring they must have block. They took from him 20 head of cattle, 21 of sheep, much poul try, and some vegetables. During their stsy, Adm.. ral Cockburn remarked, that he' should respect prim vale buildings, unle ss fi re d on by t h e mi li t i a from them ; that he should take no citizens unless found in arms ;* that reinforcements had arrived dm morn. ing ; and that he should immediately pay Washing ton a visit. He left in the room, occupied by the of ficers, 305 dollars in silver. Mr. Kilgour immediately informed General Stewart of these occurrences. Mr. Kilgour naked permission to count the marines: it was granted him." MONTREAL HERALD EXTRA. Tuesday Afternoon, ed August, 1814. Lieut. Colonel Tucker, with part of the garrison of Fnrt George, and Vja of the 89th regiment, under Lieut. Colonel Morrison, moved on the enemy's camp. at Lewiston, on the net.rning of the 2.5 th ult. drove them from it, and brought away 100 tents, their bag gage and provisions, without loiag a man. The enemy, on the 27th, had retired across the Ch'ppawa towards Fort Erie, pursued by the Milit4 and ludians, having previously but at street-, and destroyed the bridge over t .at river. Iteintorc.- meats were rapidly 4,ivanciiig to the right divoim: atid the s e tt w i ng of De IV atteville's would inn It about the 23t11. Our latest accounts from our army on the Niagara I