Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1814-07-02

L
and the position chosen was the only one
compatible with that view, and the de-
| sign I had in posting thea, to protect the
rear of our battery.
The battalion Of the 3sth regt joined
| Us but last evening after a hard days
march, and were Immediately marched
| to the ground. Some Of their men we're
| completely exhausted, and the whole
excessively iatigued and halt tam'shea.
Com. Bsrney's flotilla was at hand
ready to open upon the enemy the mo.
ment favorable opportunity should Of
fer. He commenced firing soon alter
US, and drew of that of the enemy Tor a
while. have not seen him since the
action, but undrr,tOnd he lost several
men killed and wounded.
bnpc, on the whole, taking into con-
sideration our not being fully prepared
the excessive fatigue the men had un'
dergone, and that we have attained Inc
object in view, which was the release OF
Com. Barney's hctilla, the affair will MT
reflect dishonor on our troops.
have the honor to be. sc.
DECIUS WADSWORTH.
Gen. JOHN ARMSTRONG;,
Secretary OF War.
COPY ofa letter from Commodore Cham.
eey to The Secretary y the Mauy, dated
L. S. Ship Superior, Saekett's
Harbor, June 20, 1914.
SIa,
Knowing that the enemy was con.
stan,ly receiving naval & military stores
al Kingston by the St. Lawrence, tho't
it nigh, be practicable to surprize and
capture brigade Of boats with stores
on board, and either destroy or bring
them off; for this purpose directed
1t. Gregory to take three gigs with only
their crew and one settee in each boat,
and proceed down the St. Lawrence, Sc
crete himself on some Of the islands and
watch a favorable opportunity to sur.
prise brigade Of loaded boats, and ei.
Their bring them of or destroy them, IS
circumstances would point out.
1t Gregory left here with his party
on the evening Of the 18th instant and
proceeded to the "Thou,and Islands,"
where he hauled his boats on shore and
concealed them saw two brigades Of
boats pass, one up the river with troops,
Of course too strong for our little party
the other down the river, empty, and
not worth taking.
Lieut.. Gregory found the enemy had
gun boats stationed between Kingston
and Prescott within about six miles Of
each other, and that they had tele.
graph and look. ont IN almost every high
island, SO that they convey intelligence
with great expedition.
Yesterday morning between 9 and 10
O'Clock, Lieut.. Gregory finding him.
self discovered and gun.boat close to
him, be instantly formed the bold de.
sign to board her, which he did and
carried her without losing man, one
Of the snemy va, badly wounded-ste
proved to be the fine gun-boa, Black
Snake or No. 9, and mounted one Is
FOUNDER & manned with ls men, chiefly
royal marines. q list Of which is enelos-
ed) Lieut. Gregory manned his prize
and proceeded up the ST. Lawrence, but
was soon disc covered and pursued by a
veiy large gun boat mounting two hea.
Wy guns and rowed with upwards Of 80
oars which over.hsuled him fast-he
kept possession Of his prize until the
enemy threw their shot over him, he
then very reluctantly (but l think pre-.
perly) took all his prisoners out < scut-
tied the gun-boat which sunk Instantly,
and escaped the enemy, although so
heavily loaded. Lieut.. Gregory arrived
safe this morning With all his prisoners.
Permit ne to recommend this gal-
lent young cfieer to your notice and
patronage; he is not surpassed by
any Of lis grade, in gal, into rigt nee
md intrepijity. Sailing master Vsug.
han and Mr.. Dixos, each com.
handing Gig under Lieut.. Gregory,
are entitled to my warm acknowledge.
mems for their zeal and activity on ell
occasions TO render service to their
country. more particularly on the la.t
expedition, when, frsm their knowledge
OF the river, they rendered the most i'm.
por,ant services BY pointing oct the pro-
per chasaeis 70 elsde the pursuit Of the
enemy.
Will ycu be plsased 70 direct 10 cha, |