The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-03-03
Mar GDents.
Pricateer Governor 7omt&ins.

Gov. Iompkns, 10 his agent in this city, dated
af Sea, January lsr, 1siA
Two days alter despatching the Nercide, I
took whaleman from London, bound for the
South Seas bu, she being % no value, took
out such stores, &c rs could stow and be-
ing much lombercd with prisoners and bag
gage, put them on board, end ordered her
for Falmouth.
The chasing this ship had taken me some
distance OF my ground aud, owing 10 Gains,
could not regain II Until the 25th ult when
al sunrise three sail were discovered ahead,
and We made sail 10 chase. The wird being
light we came slowly Up with them. On
nearcr approach they proved to be two ships
ADDS brig. One oil the SHIPS had all the op-
pearance of a large II transport, and, from their
manGuyres, they appeared to have concerted
measures Tor a mutual defence and the large
ship appeared prepared TO take the bulk of un
action. Boats were seen passing to and from
her; she had boarding netting almost up 10
her tops |; she also had her topmast s,uddng.
sail booms out, with the sails at their ends,
feady for running, as IL prepared for run
ning tight. Her ports appeared 10 be painted,
pod she had something on deck resembling a
merchantman's boat and, after all, what the
leucc do you think she was !-Wky have .
little patience, and win tell you.
Al ), p. NJ. a sudden squa,l struck us from
The northwaId, and tie ship not having yc,
seceivcd it before could get in our ligh,
ils,aod Amos, before cou ld,urn round,I was
under the guns--no. ?f a 1,anstorf, but Of
LARGE FRlGATE I! 1! aud not more than
one third OF mile from her. Immediately
aan!ed down English colors, which had pre-.
viously had up set three American ensigns,
trimmed our salts by the wind, ard commenc-
ed brisk lire from our little battery . but
this was returned with woc.ul interest. Her
hrst broadside killed two men and wounded
SIX Others Two of them severely, one since
dead. !: also blew up one of my salt boxes,
with two nine pound cartridges. This COM
rDunica,ed fire TO number OF pistols and three
tube boxes which were laying on the compan-
ion way, all OF which cXp.odcd and some Of
the tubes penetrated through a email crcvlce
under the companion leaf, anG found their
way TO the cabin floor but tha, being wet,
and the lire screen being Up, no further acci
dsnt took plaoc->S
This, together with thu. tfewendous 6c
from the frigaic, assure You, made warm
work on the Tompkin's quarterback but,
thanks To her heels, and the cxcr,ioDs of my.
brave Officers and crew, | sill have the com.
mand Of her.
When she opened her Gre upon me, il was
about half pas, 5. was then little abaft he,
beam. 10 have attempted 10 tack, in a hard
squall, would al least have exposed me TO "a
raking hre and TO have attempted il and miss.
would have been attended with the inevitable
loss ol the schooner. therefore, thought j,
most prudent 10 take her 6,e on the tack on
which was aod this ! was exposed to FROM
the position which, have mentioned until
passed her bow she all the while standing on
with me, and almost as fast as ourselves !;
and such tune us w,s played round my ears,
assure you, never wish to bear again on
The same kcy.
At her sho, began TO fall shor, Of us. A,
hall past tho wind dying away, end the enc
my still holding il, his shot again began to
reach us. Gu, out sweeps, and turned all
hands to. also threw over oil the lumber
from the deck, and about 5000 VT. OF sho,
from the after hold. From about s, A. 81. oil
his shot feel short Of us. At about IS min
u,es after the enemy hove about, and I wa.
glac 10 get SO we'll clear OF one Of ,hc-mos,
quarrelsomc companions that ever met with.
Alter the frs, brosdside from the frigatc,
TO shot struck the bull OF the Tompkins but
the water was literally in foam all round her.
The moment before the squaI struck us,
told Mr Fafnom that she was too heavy for
US, and he went forward with The glass TO take
anoihe. look when the squsll took the schr.
as 1t by magic, and up with her be6brc We
could &c, in our light sails.
My officers conducted themselves ip way
that would have done honor to more perma.
nent service. MIR. Fsrnam, ist Lieut.. con-
Quoted himself with all hi. usual sigor. Me.
Atchcson, sailing master, performed bis part
In the style of brave and accomplished sea-
man. Messrs. Miller & Dodd, I'd and Sd
Lieutenants, were not so Immediately under
my eye bu, the precision and prompiitudc
with which all my orders were executed, il
sufficient p:oof ths: :hey are 10 be relied on.
Mr.. Thomas, bos,swsin, and Mr.. Casweii,
masters mate, were particularly active, and
deserve encouragement.
The name Of one Of my poor fellows who