The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1813-06-24

i1Sates in tue i,riNisu navy, anu CptntnuOuSI
by Captain John s. Csrden, one cs the ab.cst
officers She was In prime order, two years
old, and but four months out OF dock. Tho
enemy being to windwald, had the advantage
of choosing his own distance and, sapposs
ing the United States 70 be the Essex,( which
only mounts carronades,) kept at first at long
shot, and did not at any moment come within
the complete effect os the musquc,'y and
grape. After the sriga,es haA come TO closc
action the baide was terminated In a very
short period by the enemy's surrender. The
whole cngagcrca. lasted FOR an hour and a
half, being prolonged by the distance az
which the early part Of il was fought, and BY
a heavy swell Of the sea. The superior gun
merry of the Americans was appArsn, in this,
as in all other actions. The Macedonian inst
her mizen-mast, fore and maiu- top ma.ts and
riuin-yard, and was much cut up in the hull
Her loss was thirly-six killed and eighty-six
wounded. The damage OF the United S,a,os
was comparatively trivial four killed add sew
en- wounded aud she suffered so little in her
hull and rigging, that shc might have con,;n-
ucd her croi2e, had not Commodore Decatur
thought IL important TO convoy his prize irsc
port. His reception OF Captain Garden on
board Of the United States was truly charac.
',cris,ic. On presenting his sword, DECATUR
observed that he could not thihk OF taking
the sword Of an officer who had defended his
ship so gallan,ly, but he should bc happy TO
take him by the hand.
We are sorry to observe thut Captain Car.
den has not been ingenious in his accouot OF
this affair. He mentions that, "after az
hours action the enemy backed and came TO
the wind, and was fhen enabled 10 bring her
10 close action" Now, on the contrary, We
have il from the very brsf authority, that tie
United States was close hauled 10 tho
wind, and her commander was extremely
anxious TO come 10 close quarters. Thtto
are other parts Of Captain Gardens Official
letter that are exGcp,ionabie, but We shall
pass them over Without comment. h Is nat
ural for proud and gallaps mind 10 wsithe
under humiliation, and to cndeavor 70 paliatc
the Disgrace Of defeat but truly msgnshis
NOUS spirit would scorn 10 do il q, the cx.
pense of brave and gchcrous foe. Captain
Garden niust know that lie had il in his powA
er to close with the United States whenever
nc pleased, and that there was no movement
on the part Of Commodore Decatur to prS-
ven, Il, We again repeat, that i, 10 with re.
grct we notice any instance Of disingenuous.
ness in an officer whose general character wo
admire, and whose department at all times
TO our counirymcn has been such as "a entitlo
him to their hiCheA good will.
II is not one OF tho least circumstances Of
Commodore Dcca,ur's good fortune, or rath.
cr sod management, that I've conveyed his
prize, in her shattered condition, across 1
vast extent Of ocean, swurming with foes, and
conducted hor triumpbsntly Tito port thus
placing immediately Before the eyes OF his
countrymen noble trophy Of his own skill,
and Of national prowcss.
Such has been thc brilliant career Of this
naval hero. In private lilo his fortune has
been equally propitious. Honored by his
country, beloved by his friends, and blessed
by tho affections Of an amiublc and elegant
woman. He is now in the very primo Of life,
pleasing 10 his person, OF an intelligent ar
interesting countcpancc, and an eye In whose
mild snd brilliant lustrc, spirit, cnscrprizu
and urbanily are happily blendid. His dc.
portment Is manly ard unassuming, and his
manners peculiarly gentle and engaging u.
niliny the polish Of the gcotlethan with tho
frans simplicity Of the sailor. Ii is with the
most perfect delight that we have noticed our
naval officers, on returning from the gallan,
achievements which are the universal topics
OF national pride and cxuItstion, sinking az
once into unosieDta,ious and quiet citizens.
No vain glorious boas,ings, TO purile gascoh.
ades, are ever heard from their lips Of their
enemy they always speak with courtesy asd
respede Of their own exploits, with unafcct-
ed modcsty and frankness. With the aspir~
ing ardor Of truly brave spirits, they pay but
little REGARD TO tina mast their whole souls
seems stretched towards the future. Into
such hands we con6de, without apprehension
or reserve, our national interests and honor |;
10 this handful of gallant worthless is allotted
the proud destiny Of founding the naval fame
Of the nation, and OF thus having their names
inscparably connected with the glory Of ti,cir
country. --"|---
FROM THE AURORA.
STATE OF FRANCE.
Er!rdrf qf a tener from an american !yenIe-