The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-03-31

noon by observation found we had drified
rdegree and half to.the norlhward of the
place where we made the capture. From the
state Of the weather imme diateIy after spoke
the Eliza il became necessary for all the 9th
er vessels to work of shore, and 1t. Gamble
must have been sensible OF the necessity of
doing the same with the vessel under his
charge and as he had six men and plenty of
water and provisions hourly look for him az
this place, or expect to hear Of his arrival as
Savannah. After removing the prisoners
from the Mars, intended to have turned TO
windward again and remained a few days off
the Cat Keys but at 4, p. NJ. discovered
ship which we gave chase TO, and which ui-
tima.ely led Us through the passage. II be-
inc now out Of my power to get TO windwarc,
] shaped a course 10 the northward and east
ward with strong gate from the southward
and westward, in hopes Of meeting with some
struggling vessels Of the convoy, and having
proceeded as far in this direction as thought
my instructions would authorize, witl,oet see
ing single sail, altered fry course 10 the
Westward
The Rattlesnake yhas been under her top
sails the greater part of her cruize, except
when in chase, or avoiding superior force.
- 1t. Repshaw has rcndered me every assist
ancc, and has discharged his duty with zeal
and ability. The Enterprise is gallant lite
tie vessel as ever foated--at the same time
one Of the dullest in point of sailing she has
escaped capture to be sure, but altogether by
good fortune and the great exertions of her
officers and men, ! assure you, sir, she has
caused me much anxiety and uneasiness from
that particular alone. On board both brigs arc
about 70 prisoners, among them is a midship-
man and nine men belonging to the frigate
Belvidera. The Rattiesnake will require
some repairs, but all believe can be done by
our own carpenters her mainmast head is
badly sprung, and will have to be Eshed, and
the upper part of her stem has worked loose
in consequence Of the shortness of the scarf,
and the very careless manner in which il was
bolted but rest assured, sir, she shall be
ready for sea with all possible despatch
am happy to add The officers and men Of
both brigs have enjoyed the higheG health
not single death having taken place on board
either vessel. regret being obliged TO re.
turn so soon, but as it became necessary
trust it will meet your appreciation.
l have the honor to be, Sc.
JNO. o. CREIGHTON.
Hon. Nm. Jones, Sec'ry Navy.
Copy of a letter from It. Renshaw, commanding the
U. s. brig Enterprise to Lieut.. Creighton. dated
Cape Fear River, n C. 7th March, 1874
SIR--I have the honor to acquaint you with
the arrival at this anchorage of the Y. S. brig
Enterp.izo under my command. Tho ene-
my's frigate that caused the separation of the
two briggs Rattlcsnake and Enterprise on the
morning of the 25th ult. continued in chase
of the latter vessel for upwards of 20 hours
during which time she was repeatedly within
2 IL miles and on the morning Of the 27th
in q calm, observed the enemy making pre-
.parations for the hoisting out of her boats. To
a light breeze springing up at this time from
the s. w. which brought the Enterprise to
wiDdward, alone is to be attributed our escape
Of this day the frigate being within gun shot
at the time. In the early part of the chase,
by tho advice and wishes Of all my officers, as
the only alternative left Us, the sheet anchor
and Is of our guns were thrown overheard to
tighten the brig. Be assured sir. that this
painful measure was not resorted to. until al
most every prospect of escape had left US,
and the evident benefits arising from what liz.
tie We had lightened her by the pumping out
of the salt water. Ia the chase made the
private signal of the day, as also No. s2s
from signal book, to the stranger, which were
not answered..
] have the honor to be, Sc.
! III JAMES RENSHAW.
IMPRESSMENT.
Copy Of a letter from Com Decatur to the Secretary