Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-07-13
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We have received the following statement
from an authority which will not be ques-
toned
Alter the capture of the Essex, captain
Porter entered into an arrangement with
CON. Hillyar, to transport the survivors of
his crew TO the u States in the Essex Juni
or, on parole on Condition that she should
receive pa sport to secure her from re-
capture aud detention On he 5.h of Ju-.
w, tell in with Il. 3. NJ. ship Saturn, Capt
Nas',, who examined the papers of the E.
sex Junior, treated Capt. Porter with ,rea
ciyilI;y, furnished him with late news pa
pers. and sent ham on board some oranges,
and, at .i!e sauie tine, made him an offer o.
services The boarding officer endorsed
the passport, ard permtedthe ship to pro-
coed. She stood on the same tack with the
Saturn and a5ont hours afterwards was
again brought too, the papers examined. and
the ships hold oyerhauled by the boa, s crew
AID an officer. Captain Porter expressed
hrs establishment at such proceedings, and
was informed that captain Nash had his mo-
tives.
twas stated that Com. Hillyar had no
authority to make such arrangement that
the passport must so on board Of the Sa urn
again, and the Essex Jun. be detained.
Captain Porter. then insisted that The small
est detention would be violation Of the con.
tract on the part the British, and that nc
should consider himself as the prisoner of
captain Nash, and no longer on his parole
at the same time offering his sword, which
was refused, assuring the officer he would
deliver it up with the same feelings he had
presented it to Cm. Hillyar. The officer wen.
on board, returned and informed captain
Porter, that the Essex Jun. most remain all
night under the lee of the Saturn. Then,
said captain Porter. am your prisoner !;
do not feel myself bound BY any contract
with Com. Hillyar, and shall act according
y.
At o'clock next morning, the wind being
light from the southwark the ships being a
bout 80 or 20 miles from the land, OF the easl-
ern part OF Long Island, ana about m sket shot
from each other, there appearing no dispositi-
on on the part OF the enemy to iiberate the Es.
sex, Jun. captain Porter determined u attempt
his escape. A boat was lowered, manned ard
armed he desired Captain Downs to inform
capt. Nash that he WAS now satisfied that most
British naval officers were not only destitute OF
honour, but regardless OF the honour of each
other, that be was armed and prepared to dc,
fend himself agsiss their boats if sent in pur-
suit OF him and that they must hereafter meet
bim AZ an enemy.
He now pulled off from the ship, keeping the
Essex Junior, IN direct line b-tween h IN and
the Saturn, and go. near gun shot from them
before be was discovered; at this instant fresh
breeze sprung up, and the Saturn made all sail
in pursuit of him, but fortunately chick fog
set in and concealed him, when he changed his
course, and eiuded them during the fog he
heard hring, and on It's clearing up discover
ed the Saturn IN chase Of the Essex, Junior,
who soon brought her too.--After rowing and
sailing about 30 miles, captain Porter succeed
ed, with great difficulty and hazard, in reach
ing the town of Babylon, iLong IsIand) where,
being strongly suspected to be an English off,
Ger, he was closely Intercepted, and his story
appearing so extraordinary, none gave credit TO
1t but on showing his commission all doubts
we're removed, and he met from all the inha-
bItan's the most friendly and hospital receptl'