Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-05-14

this time perfectly fresh) the American
Commodore seeing, that as yet the day was
against him This vessel having struck soon
after he left her) and also the very defence
less state Of the Detroit. which ship was now
perfect wreck, principally from the ra
KING hre OF the gun boats, and also that the
Queen Charlotte was in such situation,
that Gould receive very little assistance
from her. and the Lady Provost being at
this time too far to leeward, from her rud.
der being injured, made a noble. and alas |,
too successful. An effort to regain it, for he
bore up, and, supported by his small We ssels,
passed within pistol shot. and took rakiny
position on our bow. nor could prevent it,
as the unfortunate situation of the Queen
Charlotte prevented US from wearing in
attempting it we fell on board Of her nv
gallant first lieutenant Garland was now
mortality wounded, and myself so severely
that was obliged to quit the deck. Man
ned as the squadron was with not more than
so British scanen, the rest a mixed crew
OF Canadians and soldiers. and who were to
| tally unacquaintsd with such service, rem !.
dered the loss OF officers more sensibly felt |:
C never n any actionswas the loss more sc !.
we're every officer commanding vessels, and
their seconds, was either killed or wounded
30 severely as to be unable to keep the deck.
Lieutenant Buchan, in the Lady Provost.
behaved most nobly. and did every thing
that brave and experienced officer could
do in vessel armed with IL pound carron-
AIDES. against vessels carrying long guns
Iregrct to state that he was severely wound.
ed: Lieutenant Bisnal. of the Dover, COM
manding the Hunter. displayed the greatest
intrepidity but his guns being small 1.-TWO
fnnr and cI~ Yn0unharol he H. :
less service than he wished. Every officer
in the Detroit behaved in the most exempla,
ry manner. Lieutenant Inglis showed such
calm intrepidky, thatI was fully Convinced
that. on leaving the deck, left the shin in
excellent hands J; and for an account of the
battle after that, refer you to his letter
which he wrote me Tor your information.
Mp. HoHmeinster, purser of the Detroit. no.
bly, volunteered his services on the deck &.
behaved in manner that reflects the hjph,
est honor on him. regret to add that he
Is severely wounded in the knee. Provinci-
al Lieutenant Purvia. and the military Off
GERS, Lieutenants Garden. Of the ROYAL New
toundiand Rangers, and O'Keefe, of the dist
regiment. behaved ia a maner which exci>
TED my warmest admiration the few Bri
tish seamen fhad, behaved with their usual
intrepidity, and as long as was ON deck
q
rage worthy of a more fortunate issue 10
their exertions.
The weather-gage gave the enemy pro
digious advantage. as it enabled them not
only to choose their position, but their dis.
lance also, which they did in such a manner
as toPrevent the carronades of the Queen
Charlotte and Lady Provost, from having
much effect, while their long guns did great
execution, particularly against the Queen
Charlotte. Captain Perry has behaved IN
most humane and attentive manner, not
only to myself and officers, but to all the
wounded. trust that, although unsuccess.
fal, you will approve of the motives which
induced me to sail under so many disadyan.
tages. and that it may be hereafter proved.
that under such circumstances the honor Of
his majesty.s flag has not been tarn;shed, -
enclosed the list of killed and wounded -
have the honor &c.
R. H. BARCLAY.
Commander and late Senior Officer.
His majesty's late ship Detroit
SIR,
have the honor to transmit to you
an account of the termination of the late un.
fortunate battle with the enemy's squad.
ron.
Ch coming OH inc quarter UeCk, AFTER your
being wounded, the enemy's second brig, at
that time on our weather beam, shortly af
ter took position on our weather bow to
rake as; to prevent which. in attempting to
wear, to get our starboard broadside to bear
upon her, number of the guns on the lar.
board broadside being at this time disabled,
we fell on board tine Queen Charlotte, at this
time running up to leeward of Us. In this
situation the two ships remained for some
time. AS soon as we got clear Of her, or
dercd the Queen Charlotte TO shoot ahead
OF US. ifpos.ible and then attempted. TO back
our fore-topsaii TO get astern, but the ship
lying completely unmanageable every brace
cut away, he msen"topmast and gaff down,
all the other masts badly wounded, not a stay
lett forward, hull shattered very much, q
numbero of the guns disabled, and the enc
my's squadron raking both ships ahead and
astern. none of our own in situation to sup
port us, was under the painful necessity of
answering the enemy, to say we had struck,
the Queen Charlotte having previously
done so.
have the honor, &c.
GEORGE INGLIS.
To Captain Barclay, &c.
H6sfrnct offhe killed and avounded.
Three officers, 3s men-kiled nine off,
GERS, IS men--wounded. Total, Al killed.
81 wounded.
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