Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1813-03-19

Gazette, and Charlestown Repository.
BY order of the Meeting,
CHRfsTIAN S1MoNs, Chairman.
ROBERT SHERRARo, Sec'ry.
There has been in circulation an idle
report respecting the capture of Bril-
tlsh frigate, by the u. States frigate Es.
sex, captain Porter. Unfortunately,
there does not appear to be any authentic
foundation for the report.
~. States GQx.
Extract Of a letter from Commodore
BAINBRlDaE, to his friend IN Wash
ington City, dated
g AT SEA, January "a, 1878
The Java was exceedingly well fought
and brayely defended. Poor Lambert,
whose death | sincerely regret, was dis
tinguished and gallant officer and worthy
man. He has left widow and two help
less children But his country makes pro
vision for such sad events
" We are now homeward bound The
damage the Constitution received in the
action, and the decayed state she is in,
make it necessary for me to return to the
T. States for repairs. This much regret !;
my crew participate in this sentiment ;
they are, however, consoling themselves
with the hope Of receiving their prize mo-
ney for the Guerrero on their return
You would be highly amused to hear these
rough, though noble sons Of Neptune, plan
nlng how they will spend their prize mo-
ney. One says he will buy himself snug
little ship on the highest hill he can find,
that he may thence in his old age view all
our sea fights-another that now he will
marry his Poll-another, that now he will
send his Jack to school, &c.
P" Poor fellows, | trust they will not be
disappointed in their expectations
have they willingly and CALAMITY encoun-
tered the enemy, and twice have they sue
ceeded: to return home now and find that
they have nothing but a remnant of pay
coming to them, would be extremely NOR
tlfying-it would inevitably depress their
spirits, and damp that noble ardor which
they have hitherto felt and displayed. The
officer may feel differently For, the per-
torrance of his duty, he feels reward in
his bosom, and in his countrys thanks
patriotism and laudable thirst for re-
nown, will lead him to court perils in de-
fence OF his country's rights. These feel
ings operate upon the sailor also but to
keep up the high tone of his ardor, he must
nave prize money IN riezol
True policy, in my humble opinion,
dictates the destruction of the enemy's
ships after capture for BY manning them.
even If they are left in a manageable situa-
uon, our ships would be so weakened in
their crews, that they would be liable to
De captured by an equal, insulted By an
anJersor force. The act OF destruction is
done by the command of the captain only !;
The crew who have exposed their lives
equally with him, have not the right of
opposition. When | ordered the Java to
DE destroyed, these considerations present
ed themselves to my mind with great force.
surely justice and sound policy obviously
recommei liberal provis on in their ia
Vor. In II a.,ing these observations, am
not intiteaced by any selfish motive-the
applause OF my eountrymen has for me
greater charms than all the gold that gilt
tiers. But justice t. those wh) have brave
~ fought under my command, and assist
ed me in obtaining this victory, requires
at my hands an exertion in their behalf;
and should it please Heaven To conduct us
safe to our shores ] all not fail to use my
best endeavofs. soemnly believing, as
do, that the principle is all important to
the continued success of our Navy For
if it Is, as hold it, the indispensable duty
OF the commander TO destroy tie ship after
capture, on account of the gauntlet he