Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1814-07-21

| and at 20 minutes after 6 P. M gave the
painful order to strike the coloFs. 80 men,
including officers, were all that remained
of nv whole crew, after the action, capa
BILE of DUNG duty, and many of them Sc
verely wounded, some of whom have since
died The enemy still continued his fire,
and my, brave, though unfortunate com.
panions, we're still falling about me.
directed an opposite gun to be fired, to
shew them that we intended no further
resistance: but they did not desist; four
men were killed at my side, and others
in different parts of the ship. | now be-
lieved he intended to shew US no quarter,
and that it would be as well to die with
my flag flying as struck, and was on the
point Of again hosting it, when about ten
minutes after hauling the colors down he
ceased firing.
| cannot speak in sufficiently high terms
of the conduct of those engaged for such
an unparalleled length of time under
such circumstances) with me in the ar
dnous and unequal contest. Let it suffice
to say that more bravery, skill, patriotism
and zeal were never displayed on any oc.
casion. Every one seemed determined to
die in defence of their much loved coun.
try's cause, and nothing but views to hu~
manity could ever have reconciled them
to the surrender 81 the ship, they rersem-
bered their wounded and helpless ship
mates below. To acting Lieatenants
Midnight and Odenheimer, | feel much
indebted for their great exertions and bra
very throughout the action in fighting and
encouraging the men at their divisions,
for the dexterous management of the long
guns, and for their p~romptness IN re man.
ing their guns as their crews were slaugh-
tered. The conduct of that brave and he
roic officer, acting Lieut.. John G. Cowell,
who lost his leg in the latter part of the
action, excited the admiration of every man
in the ship, and after being wounded would
not consent to be taken below until loss of
blood rendered him inseusible. Mr.. Ed
ward Barnweli, acting sailing master, whose
&coarage was equally conspicuous,
returned on dec!; after his first wound, and
remained after receiving his second. until
with The loss Of blood. Mr.. Samuel
u. Johnson, who had joined me the day be-
fore, and acted as marine officer, conducted
with great bravery, and exerted
assisting at the long gun the
musketry after the first halfhour being use
from our long distance)
Mr.. NJ w. Bostwick, whom | had ap.
acting purser of the Essex Junior,
and who was on board my ship, did the du-
OF aid, In a manner which reflects on
him the highest honor-and Midshipman
%lsaacs, Farragut and Ogden, as well as act
ing Midshipman james Terry, James r.
and Samuel Dcxenbury, and Mas
ter's Mate William Pierce. exerted them |
selves in the performance of their respective
duties, and give an earnest of their value to
the service the three first are too young
to recommend for promotion, the latter |
beg leave to recommend for confirmation,
as we'll as the acting Lieutenants, and
Barnwell, Johnson and Bostwick.
We have been unfortunate, but not dis
graced-the defence of the Essex has not
been less honorable to her officers and crew,
the capture of an equal force, and 1
consider my situation less unpleasant,
than that of Com. Hillyer, who, in violation
OF every principle OF honor and generosity,
and regardless of the rights of nations, at
tackled the Essex in her crippled state,
within pistol-shoc ola neutral shore when
for six weeks had daily offered him fair
and honorable combat, or terms greatly to
his advantage the blood of the slain must
be on his head, and ne has yet to reconcile
his conduct to heaven, to his conscience and
to the world The annexed extract of a
letter from Com Hillyar, which was writ
ten previous to returning me my sword,
will shew his opinion of our conduct.
My loss has been dreadfully severe, IS
killed, or have since died of their wounds,
and among them Lieut.. Cowell SO were
severely wounded, 81 slightly, and 81 are
missing; making in all l5l, in killed,
wounded and missing, a list of whose names
is annexed.
The professional knowledge of Doctor
Richard Hoffman, acting Surgeon, and
Doctor Alexander Montgomery, acting Sur
geon's Mate, added to her assiduity and
the benevolent attentions and assistance of
Mr.. ID. p. Adams. the Chanlain saved tho