Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1814-06-30

Instructions must apply to property afloat,
such as vessels and goods. or to fortlhca
tons, but not to helpless, unprotected IN
dividuals, residing on the waters edge,
without the means of annoyance.
Lieut.. D~ickinSOn-i could wish the
war conducted differently, but 1t is un
avoidable. Recollect the conduct of the
American troops at Fort George, York
town and Newark.
Dickinson then made inquiries about
Barney's force. Col. Platter answered BY
making enquiries about the British force.
Some conversation then passed about the
action with Barney on Friday, in which
the Lieut.. acknowledged the loss Of two
men killed in his barge and five wounded
lie said Barney kept a point of woods be
tween him and the frigate, or he would
have been destroyed. He spoke Of rein
forcements. Col Platter said we could
reinforce with artillery as fast as they could,
which he admitted, but added, if Barney
is not destroyed he will be useless. We
should not nave come into the river but
for Barney's fotiila, and it shall be des-
troyed.
Lieut.. DickinsoR-Sir, / know you
have no militia force, and ! have heard you
would have none.
Col. Ptater-"i do not want an in
efficient force, but if such d force is sent
here | cannot help it. With a few hundred
men | could annoy your marines very
much before they could reach the house. "
He smiled and asked for news and papers,
in which he was not INDUCED.
Lieut.. D-Whst is the opinion of your
people as to Commodore Rodgers account
of the force that threatened him off New,
York
Col. PIN what way, / don't under
stand you.
LIEUT.. D-Why this frigate of SO guns,
with a little schooner captured the day be
fore were The line ofbattie ships described
by the Commodore in his letter to the
Secretary ofthe Navy. We made sail af
ter him believing it to be-, but Rod
gers was too quick heeled.
Col Pts Admiral Coehrane on this
station?
Lieut.. .D.-No. He will soon be- here
with a formidable force ifthere is not peace.
We hav Sent a great frce to Canada
The Tiipbers Of two frigates ready to put
togs;herlhav been sent. Sir James will
HSht udIu IUE tuC COinIDdnu Oh Inc ldke.
and you cannot take Canada.
He departed, saying he should report to,
the captain, col. Ps determination.
Extract of letter from a gentleman of
~. Mary's to the Editor.
In a former letter, you have had the re-
suit Of the enemy's. operations, up to the
18th inst. On that dag four Of Col. Plater's
negroes went over to the enemy, and at
10 A. NJ. the next day, the enemy common
ced a cannonade of his house, but without
effect. At 4 p. NJ. they landed in his field
a large force of marines, between four and
five hundred, and marched to the house.
The colonies family and most of his furni,
ture was removed, and his. stock driven
into the country.
Arrived at the house with his marines,
the commander, Brown, and colonel Platter
held the following dialogue.
COmm0dore-I heard. sir. YOU had a
strong force OF militia, and ] came to give
them some amusement.
Cot. Hater-You are misinformed. but
II had an equal force, and your large yes.
seis would be quiet, you would not reach
them again.
C0m.-Thats impossible, sir. But to
business-being disappointed in a fight. my
men must have something, and YOU must
not think hard of my suffering them to;
take the poultry.
Coz. PIT is no advantage to troops to
suffer them to plumber. Lord Wellington
Seta laudable and exalted example in his
march through the South of France.
tIhe permission was given to the soldiers
by the commodore to take the poultry)
Com,.sir. Twill pay for the poultry.
Col. P-You will not, sir.
Com.-if you will give me an idea of the
value of the poultry, IpiH ieaue the moneu
IN the house, for | must have them.
Co'. P-You will injure my feelings
very much if you do.
Com do not wish to, nor will Iiniure
your feelings.
The soldiers took all the poultry, but
disturbed nothing else. Guards were plac-
ed at the doors to prevent the soldiers en-.