Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1814-09-22

m its ne1ghDOPnooo, DcihS VPA"ioh ~t'",
that the close of the evening would bring
with it a calm, in which happily we were
not disappointed. Other gentlemen, well
mounted, volunteered, as Capt. Creighton
had done. to 90 out and bring me positive
intelligence of the enemy's situation, 1t pos
sibIe to obtain it.
The evening came, and | waited with
much anxiety the return of Capt. Z. having
almost continual information, that the enc
nv we're in the neighbourhood of the Ma
,ine Barracks-at the Capitol Hill-ard
that their /" advance" was near Georgetown.
/ therefore determined to wait only until
half past s o'clock, to commence the eSecu-
ton Of my orders, becoming apprehensive
that Capt. G. had, from his long stay, fall
len into the hands of the enemy. During
this delay, | ordered a few Marines, and
other persons who were then near me, to
go off in one Of the small gallies, which
was done, and that boat is saved. Col.
Wharton had been furnished with a light
boat, with which he left the yard, Proea-
bly, between z and 8 o'clock.
At 90 minutes past s capt. Creighton re-
turned, he was still extremely averse to
the destruction of the property, but having
informed him that your orders to me were
imperative the proper disposition of the
boats being made, the matches were ap-
piled. and in a few moments the whole
was in q state of irretrievable eonfagra-
ton.
When about leaving the wharf, | observ-
ed the fire had also commenced at the
works at Greenleaf's Point, and in the
way out of the Branch, we observed the
Capital on fire.
1t had been my intention, not to leave
The vicinity of the yard with my boat, du-
ring the night, but having Capt. Creighton
and other gentlemen with me-, she was too
much incumbered and over-laden, to rem
der that determination proper. We there
fore proceeded to Alexandria, in the vicini
ty of which ! rested till the morning of the
25th, when we left Alexandria at IL past
= o'clock, and proceeded again up to the
ward, where | landed unmolested about a
quarter Before nine.
The schooner Lynx had laid along side
the burning wharf, still unhurt-koping
therefore to save her, we hauled her to
The quarter of the hulk of the New-York,
which had also escaped the ravsges Of the
flames.
The detail issuing store, of the Navy
store keeper, had remained safe from the
fire during the night, which the enemy
tbeing in force in the Yard about s o'clock
set fire to, and it was speedily consumed.
1t appeared that they hi left the yard a
bout half an hour when we arrived.
From the number and movements OF the
enemy, it would have appeared rash teme-
iity, to have attempted returning again
that da v-though my inclination strongly
urged it; therefore accommodating their
motions. as we'll as could be effected at a
convenient distance in the gig, until even
ING. | again proceeded to Alexandria for
the nighG.
Yesterday morning the Goth it was I'M
possible to form from the various and con
Trajectory reports at Alezandria) any sort
of probable conjecture, either of the pro
ceedings and situation Of our army or that
of the enemy. Determining therefore to
have a positive knowledge of somo part
thereof, from occular demonstration, l "a
gain embarked in the gig, proceeding with
due caution to the yard, where learned
with chagrin, devastatio II and pillage had
commenced and found also to my sur
prize that the old Gun boat, which had
been loaded with provisions, and had
grounded in endeavoring to get out OF the
Branch, on the evening of the cath, was
nearly discharged of her cargo, by mum
Der Of our people, without ccnnexion with
each other.
Having landed in the yard, l soon as
certained that the enemy had left the city
excepting only a s%ergeant's guard, for the
security Of the sick and wounded. Find
ing it impracticable to stop the scene of
plumber that had commenced, | determin-
ed instantly on repcssessing the yard, with
al, the force at my command repairing
therefore Immediately to Alexandria, lieut..
Haraden, the ordinary men and the few
marines there were ordered directly up,
following myself, and got full possession a.
gain at evening.
lam now collecting the scattered pur-
Joined provisions ready for your orders,
49,, I'LL nove hnooroo x1..