The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-07-13
BY MAIL.
WAR EVENTS, &c.
Capture Of tie Irigate Essex.

NEw-YoRk, July Bly, the arrival, yes
tsrday, at quarantine, Of the cartel ship Es-
ser Junior, in 20 days from Valparaiso, we
have received the painful intelligence Of the
capture of the y. S. frigatc Essex, Captain
PORTER, of SO guns and 225 men, by the u.
nited force Of the British friga,e Phrbe, Capt.
Hillycr,' of SO guns and 800 men, and the
sloop of wa: Chcrub, of 2S guns and lso
mcn, after an obstinate engagement Of TWO
hours and hfty-scven minutes, in which the
Essex lost in killed, wounded and missing,
l52 men. The following is an extract from
the Log Book giving the particulars
United States Frigate Esser, David Porter,
Esg. Commander, March 28th, 1914.
Light winds and cloudy--at daylight Got
every thing ready TO weigh, expecting the
cncmy's ships we're to lecward, according TO
the report of 1t. Maury, who was last even
ing entrusted with an expedition to effect this
end. Wo were much surprised at about half
past to see both ships close to the weather
point of the bay ;--they stood within the
point, tackled and stood out again at noon
the wind frcshcncd at S. S. w. and increased
to strong gale--struck royal yards and masts.
At IS minutes past 2, parted tho larboard ca
BILE, which caused US to drag the starboard
anchor. Captain Porter hailed the Essex Ju-
nior 10 send her boat, TO take Mr.. Poinsettc,
the American Consul, OH shore. Immedi.
atsy after he Left US, Capt. Porter gave or
ders to cut the cable, which was done, aud
sail made on the ship the enemy's ships at
this timo standing in for port. On luffing
round tho point Of Angels, q heavy squall
struck Us, which carried away our inaintop-
mast by the lower cap--2 men, SamI Miller
~oJ Gil
drowned, as we supposed the ship was wore
and heeled to the wind on the starboard tack,
and orders given to clear the wreck ; the
mainsail and maintopsail were cut away from
the yards. so as not to act against Us in work
ing into tho bay. Capt. Porter finding it i'm
possible to gain our former anchorage, con-
cluded to beat up for small bay, situated on
the westward side of the harbor. AT IS min
uses past s came to with the best bower in
and half fathoms water, and in half pistol
shot Of the shore. The western fort (Castel-
10 Viego) bore 4. by N. distant miles ,fe
eastern fort (or CASTILLO del Barrco) bore S.
w. by w. distant about and half mile.
This fort was not In sight, as we were anch-
ored under high bluff that screened US from
1t. There was long 24.pounder detached
from it on rising ground to the N. +. dist.
i-2 mile, and consequently SO much nearer
60 where we anchored. In this situation we
considered ourselves perfectly secure. Capt.
p. gave orders to clear the ship for action, al
though he did not, Ibeieve, entertain an idea
that the enemy would attack him. AT SIS
minutes past 3, the Phoebe commenced firing
on our larboard quarter, and at the Chcrub
commenced firing on our lsrboard bow. In
about half an hour they wore round and stood
quito repair damages. They appeared to
bo much cut up in their rigging, their topsail /
sheets flying away. Ia this interval we got
The third spring on the cable, the two first be-
og shot away as soon as put on. They soon
and took their position out Of ,he
reach of our short guns, and opened o most
CALLING fire upon Us the wind shifting abou,
his time, Capt. p. determined to lay the |
Phoebe aboard--the cable was accordingly
:ut, but the only hallisrds standing were |
hose Of the hying glib, this sail was partly
'oistcd, but not sufficient to wear the ship off |
--wc were now in most dreadful situation,
9 the enemy hulled US every shot, and our
rave fellows falling in every direction, but
70 were all 80 animated by the brave, cool
nd intrepid conduct Of our brave Comman.
er. that every man appeared determined 10