Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1813-05-17

my command the general and suite, and a
bout 100 troops, and left Sackett's Harbol
on the 18th instant, for this place. We ar
rived here yesterday morning and took g
position about one mile to the South and
westward OF the enemy's principal fort and
! as near the shore as we could with safety
to the vessels. The place fixed upon By the
Encouragement and myself for landing the
| troops was the scite of the old French Fort
Taranta.
The debarkation commenced about eight
O'Clock a. NJ. and was completed about TO-
he wind blowing heavy from the Eastward,
the boats fell to leeward of the position fix
ell upon and were in consequence exposed
!. TO calling fire from the enemy, who adj
taken position in thick wood near where
the hrst troops landed; however, the cool
intrepidity of the officers and men, over
came every obstacle. Their attack upon
the enemy was vigorous that he fed in
every direction, leaving great many of
his killed and wounded upon the field. AS
soon as the troops were landed, / directed
the schooners to take a position near the
forts in order that the attack upon them by
the army and navy might be simultaneous.
The schooners were obliged to beat up to
their position, which they did in very hand
some order under 4 very heavy fire from
the enemy's batteries, anu took position
within about six hundred yards of their
principal fort and opened heavy cannon
ade upon the enemy, which did great exc.
cuiion and very much contributed to their
final destruction. The troops as soon. as
landed were formed under the immediate
orders of Brig. General Pike, who led in
most gallant manner, the attack upon
the forts, andiafter having carried two re-
doubts in their approach to the principal
work { the enemy having previously laid a
tram blew up his magazine, which in its
effects upon our troops was dreadful, hav-
ing Killed and wounded great many and
amongst the former, the ever to be. lament
ed Brigadier General Pike, who fell at the
head of his column By confusion received
by heavy stone from the magazine. His
death, at this time is much to be regretted,
as he had the perfect confidence of the Ma
Jor General and his known activity, zeal
and experience make his loss national one.
In consequence OF the fall of General
Pike, the command of the troops devolved
for time upon Colonel Pierce, who soon
after took possession OF the town. At about
two VI. the American flag was substitut-
ed for the British, and at about 4, our troops
were in quiet possession of the town. As
soon as Gen. Dearborn learnt the situation
of Gen. Pike he landed and assumed the
command. / have the honor or inclosine a
copy of the capitalization which was entered
into, and approved by General Dearborn
and myself
The enemy set IRE to some of his principal
stores, containing large Quantities of naval
and military stores, as. well as large ship
upon the stocks nearly finished-the .ong
vessel found here is the Duke of Colchester
undergoing repairs-the Prince Regent left
here om the Oath for Kingston. We have
not yet had a return made of the naval and
military stores, consequently can form no
correct idea of the quantity, but have made
arrangements to have all taken on board
that we can receive, the rest will be destroy
led.
= Ihave to regret the death of midshipmen
Thompson ard Hatfield, and several sea.
men killed--the exact number / do not
know, as the returns from the different YES
sells have not vet been received.
From the jndicious arrangements made
by General Dearborn, presume that the
public stores will be disposed ofsso chat the
troops viii be ready to re-embaI.k to-mor-
row and proceed to execute other. objects of
the expedition the first fair wind.
cannot speak in too much praise of the
cool intrepidity uf the officers and men gene
rally under my command, and feel myself
particularly indebted to the officers COM
mandng vessels for their zeal in seconding
all my views.
= have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, sir,
Your most obdt seryt