The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1811-09-25
Msgp- York, Seht. IL, 1911.
Court of l.iouiry

kHE court OF enquiry on tnc conduct OF
Com. RoDeERs in the action between the
PRESIDENT and Little Beit closed the testi-
mony in the case yesterday, and terminated
the proceedings this morning. The tesiimo-
ny is sent on to Washington.
This court, as heretofore stated, consisted of
Com. STEPHEN DECATUR, President,
Capt. CHARLES STEWART,
Capt. ISAAC CHAUNcEY and
Tie Hon. WILLIAM PAuLpIYo, iun. ESQ.
Judge .1dvocafe
Of the evidence furnished to this court, on
the oaths of the several Witnesses examined,
we present brief outline, in the order twas
adduced, and leave The publick, in a case
where doubt is impossible and conviction ir-
resistible,to make its own comments. When.
ever the proper leave is obtained, the pro-
ceedings, in their Official shape, and extent,
shall be given TO our readers.
The hrst witness examined was,
CHARLES LuDLow,
Muster Com'h. and acting Captain of the President.
He was on board the ship at the time Of
the action with the Little Belt, on the night
of the 10Th Of May last. The little BELT had
her topsall aback. From his position he was
uncertain which fred the first gun but the
second was from the President, and was in
-stantly followed by three cannon and muskcl-
ry from the Little Belt. Com. Rodgers or
dered to fire low and with two round shot.
After a short pause the Belt recomni enced
firing, as did the President. The Belt soon
appeared unsoyernable and lay bow e,n tc-
wards the Presidcnr, when Com. Rodgers op-
served that some accident must have
happened to her and ceased firing. Tier gsff
was down, and her maintopsail yard on the
cap, and mizen too, he thinks. The action
continued IA or Is minutes, including the
interval, There was nothing but round and
grape shot fired, or on deck on board the
President. The ship was not OIL fire, in any
part of her, and did not sheer off after the
action. Another broadside would probably
have sunk the Little Belt, Did not know or
believe any part of Commodore's official ac-
count was untrue or incorrect
john Orde Creighton, i@. dsut.--Was sta
toned at the 4,h division of guns, on the up
Der deck Com. Rodgers hailed first, then
second time, when shot was fired, as he be-
ieycs, from the Little Belt, no gun having
been fired or provocation given on board the
President. The orders Of Com. Rodgers
were, 10 keep the guns upon half cock, and
guard against accidents. After receiving the
Little Belts broadside was ordered to fire.
The Belt was silenced in FIVE minutes, and
the President ceased. The Belt renewed
the fire and Com. Rodgers returned it, and
sienced the Belt again In five minutes. Boar
ded the Little Belt the next morning. Com.
Rodgers sent friendly message, expressing
regret for the occurance, and offers Of assis-
tance. Capt. Bingham said he took the Pre-
sident for Frenchman. President was not
II ~ 0H. m
round and grape was fired, or on the deck
Another broadsde would probably have sunk
the Little Belt-Commodore account con-
frmed.
Henry Caldwell, CormandGnt Of Dfarines.-
Heard the hailing was looking al the Little
Belt, and saw the first shot proceed from her !;
on which Com. Rodgers said," What is that"
and he answered, She has fred into u.s."
Orders we're then given to FIRE. Belt silenc.
ed in FIVE minutes. Com Rodgers was anx-
ious TO stop his fire, and did so.--Thc Belt
renewed the action, and in SIX or seven min
utes was silenssd again, when Com. K. was
anxious to pre- vent mischief and stopt his FIRE.
No fire or shecring of. Commodore's ac-
count confirmed.
Raymond H. j. Perry, Junior, Lieut.. and
Signal e6icer.-Wss on the quarter deck near
Com. Rodgers elbow. The Commodore hail
ed, got no rcply--haiied second time and
got none.--IIeard gun, and was looking at
the Belt, whic h fired 1t, previous to any gun
or provocation from the President The Belt
was silenced in five minutes, and orders was
sent to every division of guns on board the
President to cease. The Belt renewed the
FIRE, and the President also. In six minutes
the Belt ceased firing again, and the Com
modore was very anxious to stop the firing on
board the President. No firing or shearins
Of. The Belt was in a very dangerous si,ua.