Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-04-07

the following bearings were taken from
the place where the snip grounded.
The westeinmost of the small rocks
which from the harbour, w. by s. l-2 s.
the steeple of the Mosque near the Danish
consul's flagstaff 5. w. by w. fort Eng
fish to the east of the town S. w. Bear
ing taken by the point of compass. When
the ship grounded, her head WAS n. L.
Alter giving up the chase of the pursuit
oil the cruizer, and bearing of shore. str-
King on the rocks was as unexpected to-
me, as If IL had happened in the middle of
the Mediterranean sea; immediately laid
all sails aback, run all the guns aft, sound
ed and found sufficient depth of water
astern, and small distance from each
side. A consultation of the officers was
called, when it was unanimously agreed
to heave the guns overheard and start the
water; tins was done as expeditiously as
possible, and a fire kept up at the gun
boats from our stern and weather quarter
guns; in firing the lower stern chasers,
the stern caught fire, which was put out
without much confusion; The gul-boats
carrying brass eighteen and twenty four
Founders were keeping nip fire against
Us, but direcled their shot at cur nasts.-
Finding that the guns and water did not
tighten her sufficiently, the officers were
oil opinion that the forc-mast should be cut
away, which was done, but without the
desired effect. \ reinforcement Of more
gun boats Coming upon our lee-quorter,
where IT was impossible Tor US to FIRE
gun, except down in the water, and the
weather guns could not he depressed sur.
hcient to heave within the distance of the
boats. Az P. Nj. every hope was hed of
our being able TO get her Of, and not the
least power Whatever of iniurjrg our enc
my, arl saw no alternative but our even
tuai'y becoming prisoners 90 Trpoli a
council Of the officers was called, when
thev We're unanimously Of the opinion that
II was impossible tor us to get her off the
rocks, and that continuing i'm our situation
would only be sacrificing lives without at
iecting our enemy, or rendering the least
service 10 our country. In such diem
ma, too painful to relate, the flar Of The
United States, was struck. trust that
want OF courage can never he imputed
where there is no Chance Of res;stanCe.-
Distressing indeed TO brave minds To be
obliged to surrender without havine had
an opportunity Of defence. Some faua-
ticks may say that blowing tie ship up
would have been the proper result.
thought such conduct would not stand ac-
quilted before God or man, and never
presumed 10 think had the liberty OF put
ting TO death 500 souls because they were
placed under my command, and chose per
COWS who argue thus to have been in oar
situation would no doubt have had very
different ideas.
Although feel conscious that my con-
dnct will bear the incest investigation, yet
| am no stranger 10 the ce0sures of an
ungencrous world, and the regrets and
mDrtiications which are incident to a
Change of public opinion, which does not
always follow mert9rjous .eXertiors; and
an accident, although occasioncd by cir
cmms,ances which no prudence could fore
see or valor controul may weigh agains,
years of arduous services; yeti have a con
solationil believing that my friends are too
sincere to let adversely of fottuue Change
their opinion.
have the honor to be, Sir,
With the most sincere respect,
Your obcdjcGt servant,