Star.
London, England, 1814-11-02 00:00:00

AMERICAN PAPERS.

'EXTRACTS OF A LETTER FROM COMMODORE T!NGfY TO

TUB SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, DATED

" Navy-Yard, Washington, August 27,1814..

N SlR—After receiving your orders of the 24th,
dintting the public shipping, stores, &c, at this esta-
ba, ,mert, to be destroyed, in case of the success of
the ellesny over our army, no time was lost in making
the nec.Aary arrangements for firing the whole, and
p.tri,.g hlats for departing from the yard, as you
had s:.4gested.

" About tour P. M. I received a message by an
officer from the Secretary of War, with information
that he gg could protect me no loogfr."
" Saint after t!is, I was informed that the confla-
gration of the Eastern Branch bridge had com-
menced, and in a few minutes the explosion announced
the blowing up of that part near the draw, as had
been arranged in the morning.

The intended fate of the yard had before been
publicly announced to the neighbours, in order that
they might take every possible precaution for the
safety of themselves, families, and property.

g, Immediately several individuals came in sue-
cess'on, endeavouring to prevail on me to deviate
from my instructions, which they were invariably in.
f..rnied was unavailing, unless they could bring me
your instructions in writing, countermanding those
previously given.
". A deyutation, also, of the most respectable wo-
men came on the same errand—when I found myself
.painfully necessitated to inform them, that any far-
ther importunities would cause the matches to be in-
stantly applied to the trains—with assurance, how-
ever, th it, if left at peace, I would delay the men-
t:on Of. the orders as long-as I could feel the least
hadmw of justification.
44 C tptain Creighton's arrival at the Yard, with
The men who had been with him at the bridge, (pro-
bably about five o'clock-) would have justified me in
instant operation, but he also was strenuous in the
desire to obviate the intended destruction, and vo-
lunteered to ride out and gain me positive informa-
ti in as to the position of the enemy, under the hope
that our army might have rallied and repulsed them.
I was myself indeed desirous of delay, for the reason
that the wind was then blowing fresh from S.S.W.
which would most probably have caused the destruc-
tion of all the private property north and east of the
yard, in its neighbourhood ; being of opinion ills%
that the close of the evening would bring with it a
calm, in which, happily, we were not disappointed.
(Mkt gentlemen, well mounted, volunteered, as Cap-
tain Creighton had done, to go out and bring me
positive intelligence of the enemy's situation, if pos-
sible to obtain it.

The evening came, and I waited with much
anxiety the return of Captain Creighton, having al.'
most continued information, that the enemy were in
the neighbourhood of the. Marine Barracks, at the
Capitol Hill, and that their " advance" was near
George Town; I therefore determined to wait only
until half-past eight o'clock, to commence the exe-
cution of my orders, becoming apprehensive that
Captain Creighton had, from his long stay, fallen
into the hands of the enemy.

" During this delay, I ordered a few marines, and
other persons who were then near me, to go off in
one of the small gallies, which was done, and that
boat is saved.

44 Colonel Wharton had been furnished with a light
boat, with which he left the yard, probably between
sev,:n and eight o'clock.

" At twenty minutes past eight, Captain Creigh-
ton returned : he was still extremely adverse to the
destruction of the property, but having informed him
that your orders to me were imperative, the proper
disposition of the Wats being made, the matches
were applied, and in a few moments the whole was
in a state of irretrievable conflagration.

ig When about leaving the wharf, I observed the
fire had also commenced at the works at Greenleaf's
koiut, and in the way out of the Branch, we ob.
so-ved the Capitol on fire.

is It had been any intention not to leave the vicinity
of the yard with my boat, during the night, but bay-
i Captain Creighton and other gentlemen with me,
she waeteta much incumbercd and over-laden.to ma,-
- der that determination proper. We therefore pro-
ceeded to. Alexandria, in the vicinity of which I test-
ei till the inornhlg of the 25th, when we left Alex-
andria, at half past seven o'clock, and, proceeded
again up to the yard, where I landed, unmolested,
Atom a quarter before nine.

" The schooner Lynx had laid alongside of the
burning wharf, still unhurt; hoping therefore to save
her, we hauled•her to the quarter of the hulk of the
New York, which had also escaped the ravages of
the fbtmes.

44 The Detail issuing Store of the Navy Store-
keeper, had remained safe from the fire during the
night, which the enemy (being in force in the yard)
about eight o'clock set fire to, and it was speedily
consumed.
•d It'apPeared that they bad left the yard about
half an hour when, we arrived. •
dd From the number and movements of the enemy,
it would haVe appeared rash temerity to have at-
tempted returning again that day, though my lack-
nation strongly urged it ; therefore reconnoitering
thpir motions, as well as could be effected, at a con•
16 Ao

venient distance in the gig, until evening, I again
proceeded to Alexandria for the night.
ceYesterday morning, the 26th, it was impossible to
form, from the various and contradictory reports at
Alexandria, any sort of probable conjecture either of
the proceedings and situation of our army or that of
the enemy. Determining therefore to have a posi-
tive knowledge of some part thereof from ocular de-
monstration, I again embarked in the gig, proceed-
ing with dug caution to the yard, where I learned
with chagrin devastation and pillage had commenced,
and found also to my surprise that the old gun-boat,
which had been loaded with provisions, and had
grounded in endeavouring to get out of the Branch,
on the evening of the 24th was nearly discharged of
her cargo by a number of our people, without con-
nexion with each other.

Havinglanded in the yard, I soon ascertained
that the enemy had left the city, excepting only a
serjeant's guard, for the security of the sick and
wounded. Finding it impracticable to stop the scene
of plundei that had commenced, I determined in-
stantly on repossessing the yard with all the force at
my command. Repairing therefore immediately to
Alexandria, Lieutenant Haraden, the ordinary men,
and the few marines there were ordered directly up,
following myself, and got full possession again at
evening.

4, I am now collecting the scattered purloined pro.
visions ready for your orders, presuming they will
now become very scarce indeed ; the quantity saved
you shall be informed of when known to me.

" The Lynx is safe, except her foremast being
carried away in the storm of the 25th, about four
P. ht. We have also another of the gun-boats, with
about one hundred barrels of powder ; and one of the
large yard cutters nearly full with the filled cylin-
ders for our different guns previously mounted ; the
powder of those, however, is probably much wetted
by the storm.

.g I have the honour to be, very.respectfully, Sir,
your obdient servant, (Signed) "T. TINGEV.
" Hon. Wm. Jones, Secretary of the Navy."

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN PERRY TO THE, SE-
CRETARY OF TIIE NAVY, DATED

" Georgetown, September 9, 1811.

SlR—The battery under my direction at the In-
dian-head was of too small calibre to make much im-
pression on the enemy as they descended the Poto-
mac on the,fith instant. A single 18-pounder, which
arrived only thirty minutes before the firing began,
ill supplied with ammunition, was the only gun that
could be of much service.

66 The field-pieces (six-pounders) under the direc-
tion of that excellent offider, Major Peter, of the
Georgetown, and Captain Birch, of the Washington,
volunteers, and Captain Lewis, of General Stew art's
Brigade, kep: up a very spirited fire. These Offi-
cers, together with Captains Stull and Davidson, and
their brave men, behaved in the handsomest manner,
and rendered all the assistance-their limited means
afforded.

The ammunition of the 18-pounder and of seve-
ral of the sixes being expended; and the fire of the
enemy from two frigate; two sloops of war, two
bombs, one rocket ship, and several smaller vessels,
being very heavy, it was thought advisable by Gene-
ral Stewart, Major Peter, and myself, to retire a short
d:stance in the rear. This was done in good order,
after sustaining their fire for more than an hour.—
General Stewart and Colonel Beall were much ex-
posed during the whole time of the cannonading. It
would be presumption in me to speak in commenda-
tion of these veterans ; I cannot, however, avoid ex-
pressing my admiration of their conduct.
" The few seamen (of the Guerriere) under the
immediate command of Lieutenant Read, of the Ja-
va, exhibited their usual bravery. Indeed, in the
whole of this affair, every officer and man did his
duty. Major Stewart, of the 36th regiment of infan-
try, was constantly with me, and rendered all the as-
sistance in his power.
41 The advantageous situation we occupied pre-
vented the enemy from doing us much injury; only
one man was wounded.

46 I have the honour to be very respectfully, your
obedient servant, (Signed) " o. it. mum

" Hon. Wm. Jones, Secretary of the Navy."
CAPTAIN PORTER'S LETTER.

The Intelli,gencer gives a long letter from Captain
Porter be the Secretary of the Navy, dated the 7th
September, presenting a minute account of the pre-
parations made by him at the White-house, on the
west bank of the Potovrmac, to destroy the British
squadron .in their passage down the river. The
most interesting part will be found in the following
extracts:

After giving the previous operations both of bis
and the enemy's force, for three or four days, and
stating the force of the enemy to be two frigates car-
rying 96 guns ; three bomb-ships, 30; one sloop of
war, rocket ship, 26; a brig, 18 ; a schooner and two
barges, 3; making a total of 173 guns—Captain Por-
ter proceeds:
4, The guns mounted in the battery were three
18-pounders, two twelve-pounders, six six-pounders,
and two fours. My two mortars were without car-
riages, as were all my thirty-twos ; for notwithstand-
ing every effort was made by the Government at Wa-
shington to have them made there, as by myself on
the spot, they could not be completed in time.
(t,Dp the morning of the 6th the enemy :hewed a
disposition to move. I advised General Hungerford,

. .

of the Virginia militia, of the same, and prepared to
meet them with hot shot.
0, About twelve o'clock the two frigates got under
weigh with a (air wind and tide, and stood down for
us. The rocket sloop, bomb vessels, brig, schooner
and prizes following in succession, the gun-boats en-
deavouring to flank us on our tight. I immediately
dispatched an officer to General Hungerford, to re-
quest him to take the position agreed upon in the
woods on the heights, but from the distance of his
camp, and the quick approach of the enemy, he was
unable to march before the firing commenced, and,
after that period almost impossible,, as I have.ander-
stood, from the vast quantities of shot, shells, and
rockets, which were showered over the hills, and fell
among his troops.

44 As the enemy approached, a well-directed fire
was kept up from the battery, with hot and cold shot,
and my brave officers and men stood the broadsides
of the ships with unparalleled firmness. I anxiously
expected the militia would open their fire of musketry
but was disappointed—the cause was not explained
until after the firing ceased.
it Finding that the whole of the enemy's fire was
directed at my force, and that in a few minutes all hii
force would be brought to bear on me, and, enter-
taining no hopes of preventing his passing, as some
of my men had already been killed and wounded, I
determined not to make an useless sacrifice ; and.
when the enemy was on the point of anchoring abreast
the battery, after sustaining his fire one hour and a
quarter, I directed the officers and men to retire be-
hind a hill on our left, and be in readiness to charge.
the enemy if he should land to spike our guns.
" The two frigates anchored abreast, the bombs,
sloops, and smaller vessels passed outside them, all
pouring into the battery and neighhouring woods a
tremendous fire of every description of missive.
[Then follow eulogiums on various officers, volun-
teers, and corps ; who all behaved with great gallan.
try.—The letter concludes thus :]
" The number we have had killed and wounded
on this occasion I cannot ascertain exactly. lam
induced to believe, however, it does not exceed thirty,
and when we consider the constant fire which had
been kept up by the enemy for the four days preced-
ing their passage by the fort, we should esteem our-
selves very fortunate—his damage can never be known
by us—some of his ships were much crippled, and I
should suppose his loss considerable.
46 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 produced... 4 have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) 41 D. PORTER.
" Hon. W. /once, secretary or the Navy"
NEW-YORK, SEPTEMBER 12.

Advices received at St. Bans from Bourdeaux
state, that the French civil and military officers. for
M.rtinique and Guadalou pe; had embarked nn board
a French squadron, commanded by Admiral Linois,
and were to sail shortly.

FROM TILE BOSTON CENTINEL Or SEPTEMBER 10.
THE CRISIS.

"He that bath can to hear let him hear." BIBLC.

The present aspect of the war in which we have
been so inconsiderately and wickedly plunged by our
profligate rulers, is indeed appalling to every man
who values the security and even the liberty of his
country, for even that is brought into jeopardy by a
war begun with the hope and expectation of conquest.
The indignation of HEAVEN, it is apparent, has
now visited our country for placing its confidence in
men who have uniformly set at defiance the common
rules of just policy and public morality.
Our capital has been conquered by a brigade of
the enemy, and every sea-port in the United States
is now trembling for 'its safety. The President is
now moaning over the ashes of that proud capitol
whence issued the decree of vengeance against Bri-
tain, which is likely to terminate in ruin—utter ruin
to those who promulgated it, and those who are un-
happily politically connected with them.
Where is our Navy, the only defence against a
powerful maritime nation with whom we chose to
make war ? It is destroyed, or, we fear, to be de-
stroyed in our very harbours—being incapable of
going to sea.
Where are our Armies ? Waiting with trembling
the approach of a superior enemy.

Where is our Money, our Credit ? Blasted and de-
stroyed upon the most miserable projects which mad-
men ever devised—or to effect electioneering pur-
poses.—What, then, is our hope and resource in this
hour of difficulty and danger ? Are we to submit to
be subjugated, revolutionised ? GOD forbid I And
yet the prospect is dismal ; even in 1775 or 76 we
were scarcely as near Being conquered as we are at this
moment. Then we had nerve, a heart, and a :ood
cause. Now we have neither; as we are humiliated
and discouraged, and the war we have waged is
wicked and wanton. Then we had a Congress, com-
posed of enlightened patriots and true friends to their
country. Now we have a President and his Minis.
ters, in whom nobody has confidence, nor have they
confidence among themselves. Then we had a Wash.
ington, given to us by HEAVEN, to raise our drooping
spirits—to heal our divisions—and excite our energy.
Now we have Madisons, Armstrongs,
Monroes, and others, blind and obstinate creatures

of party, without any love of country, or regard for
its interests.

What, then, shall we do to be saved; One thins,
only. The people must rise in their majesty, protect
themselves, and compel their unworthy servants to
obey their will. Love to the Constitution which has
been so shamefully abused will preserve Mr. Madison
in his chair until his term expires; but he ought to
be compelled to use his power to save the country
from utter destruction. He ought to be compelled
to dismiss his whole corps of incompetent or corrupt
Ministers, and replace them with men of fortitude
and love of country. In any other country but this,
the state of things which exists here would dethron,,
the author of the mischief, or disgrace his advisers.
In England, in much less perilous times, the King
has been obliged to dismiss his favourite Ministers,
and appoint others more agreeable to his people.—
And shall we, in a free government, submit to accu-
mulating wretchedness two years more, because Mr.
Madison is to be so long President ? GOD fotbid.—
The subjects of despotic governments, in which the
head of the despot must expiate his criminal aban-
donment of his country's interest, would wag their
heads at us. But let us not lose our invaluable Con-
stitution, because our present rulers are not fit to exe-
cute it. Let us officer and man the ship anew, and
then see whether she will weather the storm.

HoW shall this be done ? is the question.—Let oar
Legislature, when assembled, choose Commissioners,
and invite the neighbouring States to do the same.
Let these Delegates proceed to Washington, or where.
ever else Mr. titi.liSbri .be found—and tell hins,
that he ought to change his Ministers and Hs mea-
sures ;—that he must abandon the invasion of Canada.
—to say conquest would be ridiculous ;—that he
ought to she w to the nation with whom weave at war,
that those men who made that war when Bonaparte
was making his last attempt to subjugate England
through Russia, are not in power ;—that he must, if
necessary, recall some of his present obnoxious En-
voys, and appoint others ;—and that he must make
one fair and honest attempt to obtain Peace without
cunning or equivocation. If he will do this, Peace
will be had, my life for it ;—if not, the country will
rise, as one man, to finish a war, then, and not till
then, just and necessary. If he will not do this, but
will continue to prefer his party to his country, these
Delegates should be empowered to adjust terms of
union with other States, and to make a Peace for
themselves. Self-preservation, the great law of na-
ture, requires this, and it is worse than idle to expect
any other course. The union is already dissolved,
practically--The Government now cannot protect
the several States, if it would.
Massachusetts has already lost its wood country,
and its million of acres of land. It has lost Nan-
tucket--its fisheries—its commerce—its ships—its

sailors What has it left ? Nothing but the property
it acquired under the principles of Washington, and
its courage and spirit to defend the remnant of its
tights, if unshackled by a palsied and nerveless Go.

vernment.
Men of Massachusetts !—I say, then, arise ! Shake
off your slumbers—act for yourselves, for if you de.
pend longer upon the wretched Rulers who have
ruined you, you will indeed be restored to the rank
of subjects, and your proud Common-wealth will
again cake the humiliating name of the « Province
of Massachusett's Bay !" The Spirit of 1775.
B3STON, SEPTEMBER I.

The British expedition against Baltimore has corn.
plet:•ly failed by flood and field, and they have re.
treated from the Petapsco.
BUMMAEY OF THE EXPEDITION.

On the 12th, the British landed 4 or 5000 troops
about 12 miles below the city; who were at first op-
posed by a brigade of militia. The militia being com-
pelled to retreat, the enemy advanced to within four.
or five miles of the city, in the afternoon of the 13th ;
and in the night of the 13th or morning of the 14th,
without being attacked, retreated to their shipping,
embarked about noon, and on the same day, or Cie
next, left the Petapsca.
During these land operations, the English light
fleet sailed up the river ; bombarded fort *Henry
for about twenty hours ; met a forcible resistance :
then retired from the conflict—sailed down the river;
took their troops on board, and left the Petapsco,
'without, as reported, having landed at Colegztes•
creek. We believe this outline to be con ect ; but no
official accounts have yet been received.
The loss on both sides, as usual, is varioucly state.'
and estimated. There was no great fighting on land ;
and our killed is stated at eleven, of which Adjutant
Donaldson is the only person of name reported ;
the wounded at 28—of which Mr. *Collodi, the
Collector, and Messrs. Amos A. and Nathawel Wil-
liams, are the only persons named ; and they well sll
wounded in the thigh. In the attack on fart
Military, only siz men are stated to have been kJ...1.
The British loss is estimated, in round numbrr.i
400 ; but this could only be guessed at.
EXTRACT OP A LET T= DATED SALT! Vulllt, &EFT. Ij.
66 I embrace the earliest opportunity of giviug yo 3
an account of the action of yesterday, beteeee our
troops and thc. British. The alarm was fired on SL,r.•
day, at 3 P.N. and the Baltimore brigade, commin
by General Stricker, took up the line of
abontiner. We proceeded that eveaiug doom to 10'
Menintbouse, about 'even miles from town, who
krt arms all night, Ia a wouw;

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