Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1813-08-02
= NEW-HAVEN, July 26.

NEW-HAVEN, July e..
Yesterday the arrivals at this
port were numerous. We under
stand that there were about go ves-
sells Of different descriptions-A-
mong which was the Spanish brig
Sample, from New York. Also, a
Spanish and a Portuguese ship,
from New-York.
Erracs Of letter from a gentleman in
Kahnsworth, to his friend in Ve7u-
Haven, daied July 10, 1873.
+" On the morning of the Sth inst.
barge from the enemy's ships ap-
peared in our harbour at that time
schooner was lying aground, load
ed for New York-The object of the
boat appeared 10 be to get possession
of the schooner. The company Of
state artillery with 2 brass 6 pound
ers, was ordered TO tie east side of
the harbour accompanied with con-
siderable number Of militia and yo-
lunteers. after several shots we
succeeded in driving OFF the barge,
having shet one six pound ball
through the hoat-Severai other
barges were seen off, but did not
come up.
:" Gu the 18th, large sloop from
Connecticut river, loaded, FIR N.
York. was chased into our karhor
by several of the barges. On the
18th at o'clock, A. Nj. our bar
Dor was discovered to he completely
blcckaded by the enemy. Three
barges IHd a large launch came up
and stretched across the mouth CT
the harbour. AS many OF the artiI-
lery company as coeld lie collected,
assisted by volunteers. sufficient to
man the pieces, immediately repair
ed to the cast side of the harbour,
and proceeded as Far as WAS safe--A
Ere was connencea On the enemy !;
the beats soOn returned the fire,
and made such movements as Undue
cdra belief That they intended land
inS. BY this tine the inhabitants
had generally collected-Captain
Hsrd's militia and Capt. BueIl's yo-
iun,eer company, had mostly assem-
hlcd when one Of the field pieces
advanced, with the infantry, ON the
east bank to the mouth Of the har-
bour the other piece remaining in an
advantageous position TO cover the
retreat Of the men, if such an event
had taken place. The enemy were
of superior force. After con-
test of about oHe hour IT, barges
made off. What damage was done
10 the boats is not EnowE-h is sup
posed some shot hit the boats-We
laboured under every disadvantage
in not having grape shat; We had
nothing but Six pound balls and but
very few of them. We were necessi-
tated TO stand still and hear the
whistling Of the grape shot of the
enemy, for fear eur little stock Of
ammunition would lie exhausted.
At 2 o'clock, two ships, a ~
and a frigate, came up and anchored
off abreast Of the harbor aceompani.
cd by smaller craft. Sucli an ap-
pearance gave great alarm 10 the
inhabitants, not being able to con-
ceiye Of the intention Of such for
midable force. 1t was thought ex.
pedient TO send an express to colonel
Sill, which was donc-l,e arrived
that evening the Sd and 9TH com
panies Of militia under the command
Of captains Hurd and Wilcox, and
part Of the second company of ca
vatry commanded by captain Clark,
were ordered out. The citizens of
all classes, old and young, capable
OF bearing arms. volunteered their
services. A part of the State Ar.
lillcry Company had been on duty
from the first attack in the morning
and were retained till the afternoon
OF the 18th, when the ships made