The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-12-21

Reid was thus deprived, early in tie action,
of the services of all his licusensnts bu' bis
cool and intrepid conduct secured him the
victory.
On the morning of the 9Th u!t. one Of the
British ships placed herself near the shore
and commenced heavy cannonade on the
privatcer. Finding fu,iher resistance unavail-
ing, capt Reid ordered her to be abandoned
after being partially destroyed, TO prevent her
falling into the hands Of the enemy. who soon
after sent their boats and set her on tire.
AS o'clock in the evening (soon after the
frs, attack applied to the Governor request
ing his Excellency to protect the privateer
either by force or by such remonstrance to the
commander Of tho squadron as would cause
him to dcsis, from any further attempt. The
Governor indignant at what had pissed, but
feeling himself totally unable with sne slender
means he possessed, TO resist such force,
took the part Of re demonstrating, which he did
in forciblc but respectful terms. His letter
10 captain Lloyd had no other effect than to
produce mcnacing reply insulting in the
highest degree Nothing can exceed the in-
dignation Of the public authorities, AS we'll a.
Of all ranks and description Of persons here,
at this unprovokeG enormity. Such was the
rage of the British to destroy this vessel, tbs,
no regard was paid to the safety of the town;
some of the inhabitants were wounded and a
number of houses were much damaged. The
strongest Representations on this subject are
prepared by the Governor for his court
Since this affair the commander, Lloyd,
threatened to send on shore an armed force
and arrest the privatccr's crew, saying there
were many English men among thom, and
our poor fellows afraid Of his vengance have
f1cd to the mountains several times and have
been harrasscd. extremely. AT length cap
tain Lloyd, fearful OF losing more men If he
put his threats in execution, adopted this
etratagem he addressed an official letter to
the Governor, stating that IN the American
crew were two men who deserted from his
squadron in America, and as they were guilty
of high treason, he required them to be found
and given up. Accordingly a force was sem
into the country, and the American seamep
were arrested and brought to .tswn, and
they could not designate the said pretended
dcserters, ali the scamen here passed an ex
animation or tho British officers, and no such
persons were to be found among them. /
was requested by the Govotno, snd British
Cons al 10 attend this humiliating examina
ton, as was also captain Reid; but we declined
10 sanction by cur presence any such procee
dihgs.
Capt. Reid has protested against the
British commanders Of the squadron for the
unwarrantable destruction of his vessel In -
neutral and friendly port, as also against the
government Of Portugal for their inability t.
protect him.
No doubt this government will feel them
selves bound to make awplc indcmni6c alton
20 the owners. of6cers and crew Of this YES.
scl, Tor the great loss they scvcrally sustained.
| shall a. early as possible transmit a
statemcnt OF this transaction TO our Ministers
ut Rio Janeiro Tor this government.
Ihavc the honor to be, with great respect,
Git, your most obcdicnt scrv't.
JOHN b. DABNEf
Washington.