Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1813-06-28

fire our readers. something certain re-
lative to this unfortnnate affair. A Hall
far paper of the 9th inst. received in
town by a Swedish sloop which arrived
yesterday afternoon, contains the sad de-
tails of our calamity. The American
account will probably throw different
Light on the suDject.2
HALIFAX, June 9,
On Sunday, arrived, H. Nj. ship Shannon
from Boston Bay, with the American fri
gate Chesapeake, late Captain LAWRENCE,
her prize.
The Halifax Editor adds
1t is with pleasure we congratulate our
readers on the capture of the American
frgate Chesapeake, commanded by Capt
Law REEcE, by his Majesty's ship Shan
non, Capt Broke, after an action of eleven
minutes.
The following particulars Of this pleasing
event we have collected from conversations
with some of the officers of the Shannon,
and hive reason to think them materially
Correct.
On the 25th May, Fl. NJ. ship Tenedos,
which had for nearly months been CRUZ
zing in Boston Bay, with the Shannon, Sc
parated from her, and Capt. Parker was
instructed by Capt. Broke not to rejoiu
him until about the l4th June-this was
done in the hope and expectation, that the
Chesapeake frigate, finding the Shannon
was alone off Boston, would come out and
give her battle-nor were our tars disap
poiuted-Early in the morning of the Ist
inst. the Shannon stood in close to Boston
Light House, and observed the Chesapeake
lying at anchor, with royal yards across, &
apparently ready for seattle British colors
were then hosted on board the Shannon
and She hove TO, near the land at 9 a. M.
the enemy frigate was seen to loosen her
sails and tre gun; at half past IL, she
weighed anchor, and stood out of the har-
Dor, when the Shannon filed, and, under
easy sail, edged off the land, followed by
the Chesapeake; at shortened sail, at
hove too, with the topsails aback, for fear
the enemy would not bring her to action be-
fol e dark-in 90 minutes after, the Chesa
peake cheered within musket shot of the
Shannon, still standing towards her i'm such
way as left cur tars in uncertainty which
side of their ship she intended to engage
at half past ), however, she lufed up on
the Shannon's weather qu.lter, and on her
foremost coming in line with the Shan
mons mizen, tile latter fred the after gun,
and her others, successfully, until the enc
my came directly abreast, when the Che
sapeake fired her whole broadside, which
the Shannon Immediately returned; and
here broadside to broadside, the 1ction ccm-
menced-in S minutes the Chesapeake fel,
alongside the Shannon, and was boarded
in her tops, as well As on her decks, by our
gallant countrymcn, and, in / 1 minutes from
the commencement of the action, her three
ensigns were hauled down, and soon after
wards replaced with the English flag over
them-her decks cleared of the dead, the
wounded taken below, great portion of
the prisoners removed cut of her--and &C
companied by the Shannon, she YVES steered
for this port.
On board the Shannon, Mr.. Watt, the
1sr Lieutenant; Mr.. Aldham, the Purser
Mr.. Dunn, Captains Clerk, and 23 seamen,
were killed.-Capt. Broke, midshipman
and Sc seamcn wounded.
On board the Chesapeake, Mr.. Ballard
18th Lieutenant Mr.. Broome, Lieut. ma
rines Mr.. White, the master; several pet
~ officers, and about 20 men were killed
Capt. LAWRENCE (snce dead y Mr.. Lud-
do 1t. Cox, Sd 1t. slightly midshipmen
Weaver, Abbot, aud NicoIls, severely, and
Berry, slightly; Mr.. Livermore, the Chap
lain, severely, and near 100 seamen woun.
ded.
Capt. Broke, we understand, ncbly led
the boarders from the quarter deck, and
was, we are sorry to state, severely woun.
ded, in the moment Of victory by a sabre.
ON the head, While eXerting himself to save
two Americans from the fury of his men
he is, however, we rejoice to learn, i'm fair
way Of recovery, and we hope will soon be
able to return to that station, which he 81
led with so much benefit to his country, and
with such imperishablc honor to himself.
Lieut.. Watt was killed after boarding the
Chesapeake--he was an excellent officer.
On captain Broke being wounded, the
command Of the Shannon devolved on the
Cd Lieutenant Mr.. Wallis, sen of Mr.. Wal
lis IF the Navy Yard, who conducted him
self in a very brave manner.
Great credit is due TO captain Broke. ON
this occasion. not only for TIE perseverance
with which he has so long sought contest
with an American frg@te, but for the
promptitude and skill WITH which he has
decided the question Of superiority, and nut
an end to ali the vaporing, with which the
American papers have of late been filed.
In point of size and number of guns the two
ships were as nearly equal as could be wish
ed: Whatever advantage there was, was
in favor Of the Chesapeake, both as to size
and number of men.
The respect due to brave enemy was
CHE tyn m the rar,a;,g e