Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1813-11-04

up tor tue outposts. tncrctore, NJ we could
have rode out the gale, we should have
been cut up by their shot from the shore
under all these circumstances, and taking
into view the consequences resulting from
| the loss Of our superiority on the Lakes at
this time, without hesitation relinquished
the opportunity then presenting itself of &C
quiring individual reputation at the expense
| of my country.
The loss sustained by this ship was consi-
dcrable, owing to her being so long expo
sed TO the fire Of the whole Of the enemy's
fleet, but our most serious loss was occa-
stoned by the bursting of ono Of our guns.
! which killed and wounded 90 men and tore
up the top gallant forecastle which render
| cd the guts at,on that deck useless. We had
four other guns cracked in the muzxlc,
which rendered their use extremely doubt
full. Our main top gallant mast was shot
away i'll the early part of the action, and
! the bow spirit fore and main mast wounded,
| rigging and sails much cut up, and num-
| Der of shot in our huh, several of which
| were between wind and water, and e men
killed and wounded, including those by the
bursting of the gun The Madison received
| few shot, but no person hurt on board
/ The Gov Tompkins lost her foremast and
the Oneida her main topmast badly wound
ed: We have, however, repaired nearly all
our damages, and are ready to meet the
enemy During our chase one, if not two,
Of the enemy's small vessels was completely
| in our power, if could have been satisfied
| with SO partial victory, but was SO sure
| of the whole that passed them unnoticed,
by which means they finally escaped
The gale continued until last night, but
1.-The wind still blows from the eastward
Thought il important to communicate with
| Gen Wilkinson, to ascertain when he meant
| to move with the army. therefore ran off
this place for that purpose. and he thinks
that the public service will be promoted by
| my watching Sir James at the head of the
Lake, and il possible preventing his return
i to Kingston, while he proceeds with the ar
my for Sacketts Harbor. shall, there
fore, proceed Immediately in quest Of the
! enemy.
/ have great pleasure in acknowledging
the assistance received from Captain Sin
j clair .ss~sinx our chase, in using his best ex.
4 ertions to bring his ship into close action
| The other officers and men behaved to my
| perfect satisfaction; and were extremely
anxious to close with the enemy even singly,
and if he ever gives us an opportunity for
4 close sction, they will show that they are
I not inferior to any Of their countrymen.
/ 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully,
| sir. your most obedient humble servant.
ISAAC CHAUNCEY-
/ Hon. William Jones,
| Secretary of the Navy.
4
Copv Of d letter. from Com. Chanacey to
| Tie Secretary Of the Macy, dated
United States Ship General Pike,
Sackctts Harbor, 9th Oct. 1918.
SIR,
/ I have the pleasure to inform you that
/ arrived here this morning, with five of the
enemy's vessels, which l fell in with and
captured last evening off the Ducks. These
were part Of fleet Of seven sail which left
tYork on Sunday with 234 troops on board,
hound TO Kingston. OF this feet five were
captured, one burnt, and one escaped; the
prisoners. amounting to nearly 800, besides
| having upwards of 500 Of our own troops on
board from Niagara, induced me to run In
1 to port for the purpose of landing both.
| fhave an additional pleasure in inform
inc YOU. that amongst the captured vessels
are the late u. 8. schrs. Julia and Growler,
| the Others are gun vessels
have the honor to be, very respectfully,
| Sir, your aa0st obedient servant,
ISAAC CHAUNCEY.
| Hon william Jones,
Secretary of the Navy
| Copv of a lettsr1<rons Com. Cha0ncey to
the Sed gory Of the Macy.
| UnitedsStates' Ship General Pike,
Sackett's IIarbor, 9Th Oct. 1878.
SIR-As soon as the last of the fiotiha
with the troops cleared the Niagara. pro-
ceeded in quest Of the enemy On the ga
/ inst. at 10 A M discovered him steering q
course for Niagara with studding sails and
all sails set, wind from the south TO the
westward; we made all sailin chase, but
as soon as we shot out from the land so that