The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1814-09-07


the severe marches we had experienced the
preceding days. / preceded the men, and
when 1 arrived at the line which separates
the District from Maryland, the battle began
sent an officer back to hasten on nv men
they came up in nof We took our posi-
ton on the rising ground, put the pieces in
battery, posted the marines under Capt. Mil
Ter, and hotilla men who were to act as infai,-
try under their own officers, on my right, TO
support the pieces, and waited the approach
OF the enemy. During this period the engage
ment coDtinucd-the enemy advancing and
our army retreating before them, apparently
IN much disorder. At length the enemy made
ms appearance OH the main road in force and
IN front OF my battery, and on seeing us made
halt L reserved our fire in few mi
nutes the enemy again advanced, when | or
uered an Is FOUNDER to be fired, which COM
pieteiy Cleared the road shortly after Sc
cond and third attempt was made by the enc
envy to come forward, but all who made the
attempt were DESTROYED. The enemy then
crossed over into an open field and attempted
to flank our right. He was there met bv
twelve Founders the marines undo. Captain
Wiliier, and my men acting rs in .ntry, and
again was totally cut up. BY this time not a
VeSuge OF the American army remained ex-
cept body of five or six hundred posted OH
a height on my right from whom l expect
ed much support from their Tine situation
he enemy from this period never appeared
IN force "a Tront of us. He however pushed
forward his .sharp-shooters one of whom
shot my horse under me which fell dead be-
tween two OF my guns. The enemy who had
been Kept IN check by our fire for nearly half
an hour, now began to out-fank us on the
right. Our guns were turned that vav he
pushed up the hill about or 500 men towards
the corps OF Americans stationed as above de-
scrited, who to my great modification made
no resistance, giving FIRE OF two and rctir-
ing.
In this situation we had the whole army of
the enemy to contend with our ammuu;tion
was expended, and unfortunately the drivers
OF my ammunition Wagons had gone off in
the general panic. AT this tine received
severe wound in my thigh Captain Miller
was wounded, Sailing Master Warner Kill
ed, Acting Sailing Master Martin killed.
Sailing Master Martin wounded, but to the
honor OF my officers and men, as fast as their
companions and mesSmates fell at the f1,ns
they were instantly replaced from those act.
ing az infantry. Finding the enemy now com
pleteiy In our rear and no means of defence
L gave orders to my officers and men to re-
tire. Three OF my officers assisted me to
get Oft short distance, but the great loss of
blood occasoned such a weakness thatI was
compelled to lie down. / requested nv Off
Gers to leave me, which they obstinately refill
sed, but upon being ordered they obeved one
only remained. In a short time observed n
British soldier and had him called, and d.
rected him to seek an officer; in few mi
mites an officer came, who, on learning who
| was, brought Gen. Ross and Adm. Cockburn
ONE. These officers behaved to me with
the most marked attention, respect and no
likeness, had surgeon brought and nv wound
dressed Immediately. After a few minutes
conversation the General informed me CATER
paying me handsome compliment) that
asIar'oied and at liberty to proceed to Wash
ington or Bladensburg, as was also Mr. RuE
HnSfon who had remained with me, Offering
me every assistance in his power, giving or
ders for hitter to be brought, in which was
carried to Bladensburg. Capt Wam.right
hrst captain to Admiral Coch1une, remained
with me & behaved to me as / was a bro
Their.
During the stay of the enemy at Bladens-
burg received the most polite attention from
the officers both of the navy and army.
My wound IS deep, but flatter myself not
dangerous; the bail is not vet extracted.
tondy hope few weeks will restore me to
health, and that an exchange will take place
that may resume my command, or any o.
Their that you and the President may think
proper to honor me with.
Yours respectfully,
JOSHUA BARNEY.
Hon. VIM. Jones,
Secretary Of tie Nary.
VERY FEW WORDS ON AN INTERESTING
SUBJECT.
We have heard some indistinct suggestions
buzzed abroad of design to endeavour, in
consequence of the recent events, to remove
the seat of government, temporarily or per-
manenty, from this place. We cannot find
language to express our adherence and as
toniShment at the suggestion of a Permanent
removal of the seat of Government Besides
being violation of the constitution establish
ing permanent seat ofgovernment, it weuld
be injustice so great to the people Of this dis
trict, to those who have enriched the public
Offices with population and laid cut fortunes
in the purchase of property in and about
the city, as Congress cannot, dare not sane
ton. There is besides, something Of cruelty
in the idea of robbing the citizens OF their all,
because they have already greatly suffered
by the inclusion of the enemy. We say bold
: ly, and we say it more freely because we have
little personal interest in property here, that
such measure as we have alluded T., would
be treacherous breach Of the faith of the
nation, pledged by solemn law enacted I'M
der constitutional provision. A temhorury
remouat would be scarcely less Objectionable
1t would be kissing the rod an enemy has
welded ; it would be deserving the seat of
government at the dictation of an enemy
r4ftn L. Il Il.