The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1813-08-09

landed at Gardner's-Island. In the morn
ing they found themselves within the reach
Of the guns of the Families, and deemed it
necessary to quit their boat. The crew,
consisting of midshipman and or men,
Immediately proceeded to Gardner's house,
where they found FIRST and third ieute-
nant, the sailing master and men OF the
Families. The midshipman on entering,
told the first lieutenant that he and his
corps were Americans, and they were his
prisoners; and that he had his choice, ei-
Their to be parolsd or to go with him to the
American squadron. The lieutenant at
first hesitated but, on being told that he
must answer him imme diately, the lieute-
nant concluding, / suppose, that he had q
number OF men besides on the island, con-
sidered it most prudent for himself, and
men to be parolled, which they did. They
then left the house finding themselves
sufficiently strong, took the beat belonging
to our men, and went off to the Families.
Our men took whale-boat from the island
Git being impossible to return at that time,
the enemy were so situated) and started
tor Sag Harbor; but soon discovered they
were pursued by eleven barges from the
enemy. The militia, however, prevented
their landing there, and protected the bar
ses.
They all started in the night together,
passed the enemy and arrived safe.
August 2.
Commodore Decatur has sent flag OFF
to-day--the purport 1 lave not learnt but
think probably to obtain satisfaction for
the prisoners taking his boat after being
paroled.
and Fro 1T II
which suppose, constitutes the present
force OF the enemy.
Ertract Of a letter from Cattain TAILOR.
late Of khe fr'iUate armed schooner Paul
Jones, Of Nezu- York, dated Mil Prison,
Plymouth, England, May 29M.
Il have to inform you that l continued
on my cruize since you have heard from
me along the coast of Portugal and of Lis
bon Tor several days without success.
Then stood to the northward of the channel.
where l gained information of a fleet be.
ing at Cork ready to sail for Lisbon. Stood
to westward to fall in with them. Retook
an American schooner and ordered her for
France. Cruised off Cape Clear for seye-
raj days, with very thick, foggy weather,
until the 23d instant, when we discovered
sail to westward. immediately stood for
her. While pursuing her, the fog clear
; ing up, discovered feet TO which the
chase, with more that were some way
astern, belonged. Coming up, found her
to be the English brig Betsey, laden with
full cargo OF dry goods. Immediately
took possession and ordered her for a port
of the u. States.
When our boats returned, which they
did without loss Of time, the fog clearing.
discovered frigate on our lee onarter
within gun-shot. She Immediately lacked
Tor us We crowded all sail in heavy sea.
blowing fresh, to escape her: but. by rea.
son OF the uncomInonly thick weather, she
leil upon US before we could discover her.
She commenced heavy and constant fire
both ct cannon and musquetry, which UNI
fortunately cut away SO much of our rigg-
ing, especially halyards and sheets, toee-
the ioreyard and wounding the fore gaff,
that she came up soon, giving us barely
time 10 give her two OF our guns, which
were well directed. Alter she came upon
our lee quarter, and after had surrender
ed she gave US some of her quarter deck
guns, some Of the shot going thro' the bull
wark & trunk, & left her a complete wreck
In fact, She was wreck in her sails and
rigging before. 1t appeared as if they
were disposed to murder all hands on
board tor some minutes before this. the
officers and crew left the deck, except NV.
self, Mr.. Burbank the gunner, and one
man. The two latter were wounded in the
arm and thigh. had a ball passed through
my hat.
My crew and officers are placed on board
prison ship. Myself, Mr., Burbank, Mr.