The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1814-10-05

rzz-es,.c.ss......--.z.
TO The KDIToRs OF THE W LifriHgencer.
Cenflemer-Win you have the goodness to publish
In the National lntegencer the ncosed copies Of let
ters to the hon. the Secretary of the NAVY and of n
report to com. Marlborough both OF which ,ubstan-
TALLY correct, though, perhaps, not verbally, having
been written in such haste, deprive Of having
apsrfecty correct copy madei
Soar obedent servant,
RIO. HENLEY.
Copy efs letter from 1t. Henley 10 the Secretary of
tie Nary, dated
q. s. Brig Eagle, of Plattsburg,
Sept IL, 1914 =
Permit to make you acquainted with that
part ct che action OF yesterday, which particularly
eJrne BY the ,essell have the honor to command As
may not apperrin the official report of Captain Mac
anoush, whose duty it is to make true and in rtial
atefnent oflacts.
Being anchor in the harbor of Pattsbrgh in line
North and South, at the distance OF about one hundred
yards the Eagle North the Saratoga in the centre and
the Iiconacrosa south, the enemy approached in a
line abreast, with favorable wind, which enabled him
20 choose his positions his brig taking her station on
the starbd bow Of the Eagle, the distance of about
mile, his ship about point abait her (the Eagles)
ard the Sloop Lnnet OF eleven guns, making an effort
90 obtain fsking position under stern. Perceyiny
the object ofhe sloop ordered hers broadsde which
compelled her Immediately to strike her colors.
AZ the moment when the enemy's ship had ap-
preached within pont-bank distance the Eagle oom-
Teneed upon her most destructive fire of her whole
broatstde, excepting the long ISIS forward which
We're occasionally discharged ut the enemys brig who
frequently relieve her position and kept upa rnkng
and most destructive FIRE upon this vessel.
was confident that it ofthe highest Importance,
~ order to insure success toendeavor first to the
enemy ship. For great length of time after the
commencement Of the action the ship leyelled her
whole force at the Eagle, dealing forth destruction
Aer having sustained the severest of the action for
moro than one hour-having my springs shot away
many OF my starboaJ guns disabled and being in
Atuaton to make them bear upon either the en-
emys ship or brig Iordered the cable and east the
brig, taking advantageous position little south of the
Saratoga bringing my arboard broadside to bear upon
heship which was very soon compelled TO haul down
her coiors. Our fire was directed at the brig,
which struck within the space ofeight minutes s. our
contest terminated in victory Wenow turned our Az
tention toward the gaes, some of which, it sbelieyed
sunk, and the residue made their escape. The Eagle
was IN too shattered 4 condition to pursue them.
have the honor to enclose the surgeons report
the Killed and wounded on board the Eagle by which
you will perceive there Is killed and ~ wound
most OF them severely. Also copy of the report of
che mertorious conduct ofmy ofcersand men, which
made TO captain marlborough, for your information,
and which, he has since informed me, he had lost.
have the honor 10 be, sir, with high respect your c.
hedent servant,
Ro HENLEY.
Copy efG letter from Ii. Henley 10 Com .ifacGo.
nough dated
{. S. brig Eagle, of Plattsburs,
Sir,
havethe honort to enclose report of the Killed
and wounded on board the U. S. brig Eagle under nv
command In the action of yesterday. And while in the
performance oths painful task, permit me, sir to pro-
Mt by the occasion, to perform more gratifying part
o. my duty, in representing you for the information
Oh the Hon. the Secretary Oft the Navy the brave and
good o'nduct Of my officers and crew; ell of whom
am proud To say, d;d their DUTY An uerfo1n ed their
part OF real Americans; during the scveres shock of
me action their courage remained mistaken Nothing
oonld surpass the coonessand deliberate rnness with
otneh every oiicer and man performed his respective
Early in the action was deprived of the services Of
that excellent officer 1t. Joseph Smith, who was vo1n
dec end carried below but returned to his duty before
Spe close OF eaction He went into action in that
cooi and deliberate manner which mark the truly brave
man
The gallant acting Lieut. Vim A. Spencer shortly
after received severe wound in the head and was al
close of the action. ~ >
Acting sailing-master, Daniel Record, was slightly
wounded, but did not leave the deck. Acting Lieut.
James oonis, htidshprnen C amberlin Machesney
sNu si1y behaved with great spirit-in short, sir
CRY oheer and man acted bravely and much to nv So
tsactio1. -
The Jealous and active attention Of acting surgeon
zi ael Stodard to the unfortunate officers and men
"'D "uuiueO, ehutleShim TO my waImest thanks,
ana shond be extremely gatie tosee him re warded
ry an appointment rs surgeon in thenavy.
Mr. augustus i1oomis, volunteer, was very active
and useful and through you, sir beg leave to recon-
mend lnm to the consideration of the hon secretary
Tor Lientenaney Of Marines and earnestly request
that acting Iieuts Spencer and Loos may be confirm
ed IN their appointments as Leutcnants
Mr. Record whom appointed at Vergennesas acting
SAILING master, has proved himsefa good and wor.
sy officer and if il should please the hon secretary
TO confirm his appointment should be much eratfed
Also Messrs Edward Smith as gunner Charles John.
son as carpenter, and John Wilson as boatswainthey
behaved well & are worthy ofwarrants in the navy
have the honor to be, respectfully, sir your most
obedient servant,
RO HENLEY.
Com. THoMAs MACDoSoUeH
------------a===7z -sssSss=-===-~------