Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-09-07

Particulars Of the late action 5etspeen the
U. 5. frigate CONSTITUTION, and the
British JTfgafc GUERRIERE.
Communicated to the editors of the Boston
Gaz. by an officer on board the Constitu-
toni
Lat Al, 42, n. lon. SIS, SO, w. Thursday.
Aug. 10, fresh breeze from n. w. and clou-
dy; at 2. p. NJ. discovered vessel to the
sou Inward. made all sail in chase; at 3, per-
| ceived the chase to be ship on the starbarti
tack, close hauied to the wind hauled s. S.
W.; at half past 8, made out the chase to
be frigate; at 4, coming up with the chase
very fast at quarter before 5, the chase
lad her am topsail to the mast took in
Oar top-gatiant- salts. stay-saiis, and flying
Slb; took second reef in ire tops sails, haul
ed the Courses up; sent the royal Yards
down; and got all clear for action beat TO
qGarteis, en- which the crew gave three
| cheers; at 5 the Chase hoisted English En-
sl5ns; at 5 minutes past S, the enemy COM
nenced firing; at 70 minutes pass S, set our
colours, one at each mast head, and one at
the mlzen peak, and began firing on the G.
nemy, and contiuued to fire occasionally. he
wearing very often, and We maneavering TO
close with Inn, and avoid being raked :: at
6, set the main top gallant-saii,, the enemy
having bore '1p; at five minutes past 6,
brought the enemy TO close action, standing
before the wind; at is minutes past 8, the
enemy's nizen- mast fell over on the star
board side; at 20 minutes past 6, finding we
were drawing ahead OF the enemy, Iuffed
short round his bows, TO rake him at IS
minutes past E, the enemy fell on board of
us, his bowsprit foul Of our mizen rigging.
We prepared to board, but immediately az
ter, his fore and main mast went by The
board, and it was deemed unnecessary. Our
cabin had taken fire from his guns but soon
eXtinguished, without material injury; at 80
minutes past 6, shot ahead. Of the enemy.
when the firing ceased on both sides: he
making the signal of submission, by firing a
gun to leeward; set fore-sail and main-saiI.
and hauled to the eastward to repair da-
mage; all our braces, and much of cur stand
ing and running rigging, and some of our spars
being shot away. At7, wore ship, and stood
under the lee OK the piize-sent our boat OH
board, which returned at 6, with Capt. Da-
ores, late of his Majcsty's ship Guerrero,
mounting 40 carriage guns, aud aIanned with
500 men; got our boats out, and kept them
employed in removing the prisoners and
baggage from the prize to our own shin.
Sent surgeons mate to assist in attending
the wounded, wearing ship occasionally to
Keep III inc DeSt position TO receive tile boats.
At 20 minutes before 2, A. M. discovered
sail off the larboard beam, standing to the
south; saw all clear for another action; at
the sail stood off again; at daylight was
hailed by the lieut.. on board the prize, who
informed, he had feet of water in the hold,
and that she was in sinking condition; all
hands employed in removing the prisoners.
and repairing our own damage through the
remainder of the day. Friday the goth COM
menced with light breezes from the north
ward, and pleasant; our boats and crew
still employed as before. At3P. NJ. made
the signal Of recall for our boats, Chaving re-
ceived all the prisoners) they Immediately
lett her on fire, ant. quarter past 8, she
blew up. Our loss in the action was 7 killed.
and wounded; among the former, Lieut..
Bush of Marines, and among the latter,
Lieut.. Morris, Sevcrcly;s and Mr.. Avirvfn,
the master, Slightly. On the part of the e.
nemy, Is men killed, and 81 wounded. A.
mong the former, 1t. Ready, I'd of the ship
among the latter, Capt. Dacres, 1t. Kenf,
LIST; MIR. Scott, master, and masters mate