Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1811-09-18
NEW YORK, Sept. IS.
COITRT OF ENQUIRY.
August 81, 1911.

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COURT OF ENQUIRY.
The court Of enquiry on the conduct OF
commodore Rodgers in the action between
the President and Little Belt, closed the
testimony in the case on Thursday.
The court, as heretofore stated, con-
sists Of
Com. Stephen Decatur, President,
Capt. Charles Stewart,
Capt Isaac Chauncey, and
The hon. William Paufding, jun. esq.
Judge Advocate.
OF the evidence furnished to this court,
on the oaths Of the several witnesses ex-
amined, we present brief outline, in the
order il was adduced, and leave the public.
in case where doubt is impossible and
conviction irresistible, to make Its own
comments.
The first witness examined was,
CHARLESLUDLOW, .Master Comman-
dant and acting Captain fthe President.
He was on board the ship at the time
of tie actin with the Little Belt, on the
night of the 10th of May last. The Lit
tie Belt had her topsail aback. From his
position he was uncertain which fred the
first gun; but the second was from the
President, and was instantly followed by
three cannon and musketry from the Lit
tie Belt.
Commodore Rodgers ordered to fire
low and with two round shot. After a
short pause the Belt recommended firing,
as did the President. The Belt soon APP
peared ungoyernable and lay bow on to-
wards the President, and when CON. r.
observed that some accident must have
happened TO her and ceased firing. Her
gaff was down, and her maintopsail yard
on the cap, and m;zen too, he thinks. The
action continued Ii or ) minutes. includ-
ing the interval. There was nothing but
round and grape shot fired, or on deck on
board the President. The ship was not
on fire, in any part of her. and did not
sheer off after tie action. Another broad
side would probably have sunk the Little
Of the c0mmodore's official account Was
untrue or incorrect.
John Orde Creighton, First Lieutenant
Was stationed at the 18th division Of
guns. on the upper deck. Commodore
Rodgers hailed first, then second time,
when a shot was fired, as he believes, from
tie Little Belt, no gun having been fired
or proyOeation given on board the Presi-
dent. The orders of com. II. were, to
keep the guns upon half cock and guard
against accidents. After receiving the
Little Belts broadside was ordered TO
fire. The Belt was siIenced in i've mi
nutcs, and the President ceased. The
Belt renewed the fire and commodore
Rodgers returned it, and siIenced the Belt
again in five minutes. Boarded the Lit
tie Belt the next morning. Com. II. sent
friendly message. expressing regret for
the occurrence, and offers of assistance.
Captain Bingham said he took the Presi-
dent for Il Frenchman. President was
not on fire, and did not sheer off. Moth
Ing but round and grape was fired or on
the deck. Another broadside would pro-
badly have sunk the Belt. Commodore's
account confirmed.
Henry Cald'celt, Commaudant of va
rines-Heard the hailing; was looking at
the Little Belt, and saw the first shot
proceed from her; on which commodore
Rodgers said, So What is that:, and he
answered, s. She has fired into u.s." Or
ders were then given to fire. Belt silenc-
ed in Eve minutes. Commodore r. was
anxious to stop his fire, and did so. The
Belt renewed the action, and in six or Sc
ven minutes was silenced again, when
Com. X. was anxious to prevent mischief
and stopt his fire. No fire or steering of.
COmmodore's account confirmed.
Raymond IL. I. Perry, Junior, Lieut..
and Signal Otieer-Was on the quarter