The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1813-11-04

close with the ensmy, ftci The Madison bav-
ing heavy scsoonrF III tow, and the Oneida
sailing very dull before the wird, prevented
those officers from closing near enough TO do
any execution with their carrona6rs. The
Governor Tomrkins kept in her station until
her fore mast was SO badly wounded as TO o.
tlige her 10 shorten sail. Ii. Finch, of the
Madison, who commanded her for this cruizc,
lowing TO the indisposition Of 1t. Pe,iigrew,)
behaved with great galianlry, and is an officer
Of much promise. Capt. Woolsey, in Iho
Sylph, was kept astern by the Ontario,w hich
he had in tow, but did considerable execution
with his heavy guns.
AT IS minutes before 8, p. NJ. very re-
lucranty rehnquished the pursuit OF a beaten
enemy-thc reasons that led TO this deterni.
nation were such as 1sttcr myself that you
will spprove-they were these At the TINS
gave up the chase, this ship was making SO
much water, that IL required all our pumps 10
keep her free Owing 10 our receiving sew
eral shot much below the waters edge,
that we could not plug the holes from tho
outside j the Governor Tompkins with her
forcmss, gone, and the squskIon within SIX
miles Of The head oi the Lake, blowing gale
of wind from the east and incressiug with o.
heavy sea on, and every appearance otihe
Equinox. i considered that il chased tho
enemy TO his anchorage at the head Of the
Lake, l SHOULD be obliged TO anchor also, and
although we might succeed In driving him
on shore, the probability was, that We should
60 on shore slso-he amongst his friends, VIC
amongst our cnernics AID aiber the gale a.
ba,ed, If he could succeed in getting off one
or two vessels out of the two fleets, it would
give him as completely The command of the
Lake as if ho had twenty vessels. Moreover
he was covered at his anchorage by part Of
his army, and several small batteries thrown
up for the purpose. Therefore, if We could
have wrode out the gale, VIC 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 GA the Lake at this time,
without hesitation reIinqaished the opportu-
nifty then presenting itself Of acquiring indi-
vldual reputation at the expense OF my coun-
try.
erabls, owing 10 her being so long exposed
10 the fire OF the whols of the cnsmy's fleet,
bot our most serious loss was occasioned by
the bursting of one Of our guns, which killed
and wounded % men, and tore up the Top
gallant icrecaslle, which rendered the guns
upon that deck useless. We had four other
guns cracked in the muzzle, which rendered
their use extremely doubtful. Our main top
gallant mast was shot away in the early part
of the action, and the bowsprit, fore and main
mast wounded, rigging and sails much cut
up, and number OF shot in our hull, several
OF, which were between wind and water, and
27 men killed and wounded, including those
by the bursting OF the gun. The Madison
received few shot, but no person hurt on
board. The Governor Tompkins los, her
foremast and the main top mast badly wound
ed. We have, however, repaired nearly all
our damages, and are ready to meet the enc
my. During oor chase, one, ii not two, OF
the enemy's small vessels was completely i'll
our power If could have been satisfied with
so partial victory, but was so sure Of the
whole tha, passed them unnoticed, by which
means they 6naly escaped.
The gale continued until last night, but the
wind still blows from the Eastward ,bought
il it,impOrtant to communicate with Gen. Will
kinson, to ascertain when he mcnt 10 move
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 if posi-.
bic preventing his return 10 Kingston, while
he proceeds with the army for Sackeu's Har-
bor. l shall, therefore, proceed immeda
ly in quest Of the enemy,
have great pleasure in acknowledging the
assi,tance received from Captain Sinclair
during our chase, in using his best excr-
tons 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 close action,
they will show that they are not inferior to
any of their conn,rymen.
have the honor 10 be, with great respect,
sir, your obedicnt servant,
ISAAC CHAUNCEY.
Hon. Nm. Jones, Srerefory Of he Navy.
Rnsrov Nnve,uh<v