The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-10-28
O'BRIEN'.S DETdIL.
OF THE LATE ELECTION BATTLE SEA:
FLED

or LAi ELECTION BATTLE
FLED.
Both fleets put to sea and came in sirbt Of
each other on the 18th October, 1soS--bv
land reckoning, admiral Snyder's fleet ON the
starboard tack, in line ahead, cables
length asundcr. The opposite Acct formed
on the opposite tack, under admiral Ross.
The fleets cut a fine appearance the aivi-
sions OF admirais, vIce-admirals rear admi-
rails, and comUodores, with the division of
reserve under experienced officers The
shores were crouded; the fate of nations
seemed to depend Oh the result of the battle
he wind had been at eastwartlly, Sc now see
med battling; the clouds to the n E. indicated
strongly it would be rain in that quarter, &
squaliy. As the fleets approached on oppo-
site tacEs, the starboard feet edged awav
two points, and those on the larboard Iuff;.d
and then hauled to. Admiral Ross threw
out the Signal for attack and close action. 8,
his van commenced a heavy firing on the
van OF Admiral Snyder, but some heavy me-
tailed ships being in admiral .Snvder's van.
obiIged the van of admiral Ross's fleet IN
edge of. This occasioned, the second van di-
vision OF admiral Ross's feet to make sail
and support their van. This Brought the
chiefs OF both fleets into close action :; when
admiral Snyder hove out his signal to his
meet to do their duty, and also his signal to
connect his line. Each admiral, as tlrey
came abreast of each other threw their ton
sails to the mast. The reserve under adj
miral .Qnid, bore up with an intent to en-,
through the feet of admiral Ross, from the
second ship in his rear; on this the reserve
or admiral Ross, Under the command of VICE
admIral Quaker, led on and engaeed-the
fog, smoke, and fire was go great that both
fleets seemed double opposite and connect
ed one--but The fog, and smoke clearing M
a little, admiral Ross finding his ships in
some confusion, threw out the signal for rear
admiral Tory, in the Britannia, to lead on
with his division, and engage the cnamv
WITHIN pistol shot-as this manGuvre was
Intended to cut oFthe rear division of adm;
raj Snyder, he threw out the signal for rear
aoniral Hibernia to lead on his division. 2,
lay the enemy on board--but his division n c
leading down fell in with the van oe con,mo
core Caledona's division, some heavy broad
sides were tired, until the Hibernia was sun
ported by commodore Gallo. This brought
on general action, which lasted until II
Il. M. when the fire of the feet ON the lar.
board tacks was nearly silenced, and their
signals indicated their retreatirg. throwing
their boats into the sea, with lights i'm them.
thls fnesse to escape was discovered bv the
look out ships of admiral SNYDER Day light
appeared, and by sun rise the shin Federal
Of ICE guns, with admiral Ross. and FAC
struck to the PennsylYania-Democ under
the command of admiral Snyder-fiicrdly
signals were hoisted by both fleets, and Il
was agreed that lmiral Ross should retire
with the yellow flag, that the ship Federal
sho'ld be lad up in the dry dock & enbar-
god. Both !leets hoistcd the union wing flag
and formed into one solid fleet, and steercd
". w.
WIND at the close of the action due soufh
a sfiB6reeze.
Ldifndc o6serDed IN NO TRIBUTE.
Longitude in FREE TRADE AND NO GAG
Laws.
Union Ioast.--OUR COUNTRY ONLY.
.41rcrr