Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-10-08
BRITISH ACCOUNT OF THE ACTION ON
LIKE CH41TPL.aI.M
From the Canadian Cou-ant.
MONTREAL, Sept. IL, 1914.

As we have reason to think that the accounts
which have hitherto been given to the public, OF
the late disastrous action on Lake Chanplain,
have been for wait OF sufficient inflammation on
the subj -ct. cx;remely erroneous and imperfect,
we have collected from authentic sources the
following statement. which we give to our rea-
ders as a correct ono, Of this unfortunate event.
The squadrons met in platts5urg bay on the
morning of the 1Ith inst ant; Captain Dounie in
he new Ship the CoEfiance. led the attack in the
most gallant style, but was un fortunately killed
q few minutes after the action c. mmenced.-
His ship was afterwards fought for more than
an hour, with the most determined bravery by
1t Robinson when having suffered very Sc
we're loss both in officers and men, the side on
posed to the enemy being very much disabled
and fai'ing IN an attempt to wear in order 70
bring her other hrcadsde 10 bear on her oppo-
M, whilst the cnsiny's ships had succeeded in
swinging round, so as 10 bring her fresh broad
side 10 bear OH the CoEfance, her commanding
officer most reluctantly ordered her colors to be
struck, and the enemy got possession of a mere
wreck, which from the damage she had sustain.
ed, was with great difficulty kept from sinking
The brig Linnet, commanded by Capt. Prinr,
antthe two sloops supported the frigate in the
most courageous and determined manner, and
did not yield until the fall of the latter, which
rendered all further resistance unavailing The
gun boats which did not appear to bear any
great share IN the action, seeing the fate Of the
other vessels. were enabled to make good their
RETREAT with the provision vessel. which attend
ed The squadron Shortly after the action corr
menccd, our batteries were opened upon the G.
Demy's forts, and works, our troops were pre-
Paring TO assault them, when in conse. uence o.
the DISASTROUS result ofthe naval contest, it was
deemed e1rcdient TO recall the storrnRg party,
then advancing.
The object ofthe, expedition having been
completely frustrated by the loss of the feet,
The possession of the enernv's forts and works
wci. not considered of sufficient importance 10
compensate for the valuable lives of the many
brave mes which must ha. been sacrificed tc
obtain them, particularly as the position would
not have been maintained, even il we had gain
ed POSE rss'oa of il. Our feet was not fired up
on during any part Of the action from the ene~
my's batteries. The only one from whence il
was supposed the squadror ccu.' have been an
noyed, was battery constructed by the enemy
npon III beach, from which they were driven
without shot having been fred from t--im-
mediately after the fire of our batteries had o.
peRed.
Our whole loss in the action i estimated about
40 in killed and wounded t,,at of the enemy
nearly as great The rnemy's ship was much
damaged, both in her hull ard rigginc. and her
side nrst opposed 90 the Confiu,ce, nearly tiisar
bled. Our army re, red fro m Pli t,sburgh OF the
18th to Champ'ain, where part Of it is now
posted. and the remainder Immediately upon
sur own frontier