The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-03-31
DIS. COLI wAsHIScToN, mARsH 20.
IPRIvATE CORRESPONDENCE


the Thames. They were oyertaken about 20 miles
from the Delaware townsi skirmish ensued, which
terminated in favor of troops; upwards OF seventy
we're taken prisoners killed and wounded the residue
made safe retreat. The British force was about 200
Of the prisoners state, that four companies OF
British troops, together with 300 indians were on
their march to attack Sandwich. If this account is
correct We soon expect another engagement Some
days ago 1T Jackson in the British arrived
here with a flag Of truce, bearing dispatches from
Gen. Drsmmond, .purPorting an enquiry OF Bssbee's
being taken prisoner. This is mere sham. The
officer is yet detained and what rout he will next
take is yet uncertain" s
UT..CREIGHTON'SCRUIZE.
Copy of letter from Lieut.. Creighton, commanding
khe u. s. brig Rattlesnake to the Secretary OF the
Navy, dated Wilmington, N C. March 9th 1914.
SIR have the honor TO announce 10 you
the arrival of the u. S. brigs Rattlesnakc and
Enterprize, under my command, after eruize
of eight weeks. The Enterprise joined me
yesterday, having separated on the 25th ult.
10 avoid capture, both vessels being closely
pursued by frigate or razee.
BY the enclosed report from 1t. Renshaw,
you will perceive the chase continued 70 hours,
during which time nc was under the nccessi-
ty of Tightening his vessel by throwing over
board bis guns, cutting away his anchors, and
starting his water. This IS the third time we
have been chased by superior force, and in
every instance the good fortune Of the Enter
prize has been wonderfully manifest.
In obedience TO your instructions OF the Cd
January, after leaving the United States,
passed to the eastward of Bermuda, and hav.
ing reached tho latitude Of lS deg. 5e min
". and long. 62 deg % min. w. bore up,
and on the 2eth January made the Island of
Anega6a and Virgin Gorda, hence by St.
Thomas down the north sides of Porto Rico
and St. Domingo, through the windward pas.
age, along the north side Jamaica, round tho
west end of Cuba, through the Florida pas
sage, and so TO this place. tas
In The wiudward passage we were chased
by friga.e and narrowly escaped capture.
For the preservation of one aud perhaps both
vessels, was under the nece ssity Of separat-
ing, but was joined again by the Enserprize'of
Cape Antonio on the l4,h February confsrm-
ably to previous arrangement.
On the 10th of February we were again
chased by line of battle ship, but outsailed
her with great case. The same vessel,which
we learnt to be the Bedford "a, pursued the
Enterprise, when on her way to join me OF
Cape Antonio, for nine hours /; the latter es.
Saped by a mannuvre at night.
should have continued 10 eruizc on the
ground you recommended, but was continual
ly taken from the STATION by vessels, it became
my duty to pursue, az we'll as the prospect of
falling in with a convoy that had passed the
Havana about eight or ten days previous to
my appearing of that place.
have the honor to enclose you list of
vessels captured an6 spoken during the
cruize among the former you will perceive
the private armed sch. Mars of Ia guns, and
Is men. This capture affords me the more
satisfaction, as she belonged TO that nest Of
pirates commonly called Providence priva-
teers. She Is fine vessel, built in Baltimore,
and we'll calculated for public service, should
government require vessel Of her cla.s. A
mother privateer was in CO. wia, her, but night
had so far advanced it was impossible for me
to prevent her escape. The Mars having ta-
ken US a: frs, for English briggs, between 20
and 80 of her men took 10 her boats and land
cd on the Flo, ida shere TO avoid impressment;
Notwithstanding this she ranged up alongside
the Enterprise with tompions out and training
her guns: 1t. Renshaw ignorant Of the cir
cumstance of any of her men having lef, her..
gave her broadside, which killed tvo and
wounded two others of her crew. 1t. Rem.
shaw's conduct was perfectly correct it was
the indiscreet aud ridiculous parade Of the
commander Of tho privateer that caused this
unnecessary bloodshed. AT the same time
the Mars struck, we took possession Of the
SCH Eliza, from Nassau, New-Providence, TO
.Pensacola, laden with salt. In passing the
prize hailed 1t. Gamble, who had her in
charge, and dirested him to scuttle the vessel
and cut away her masts, take to the boa! he
had along side and Join the Enierprize then
in pistol shot Of him. The wind and current
having set Us close in with the Florida shore,
Iwss under the necessity Of working TO wind
ward, and directed the Enterprise to do the
same as soon as possible. A light was shown
from the Rattlesnake, rockets thrown and
false fires occasionally burnt during the nigh,