Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1814-04-07

was incapable OF further service, anu seeing
the hazardous situation of the conflict, he
! formed the bold resolution of shifting his
flag. Giving the snip, therefore, in charge
to Lieutenant Ysrnall, who had already
distinguished himself by his bravery, lie hal
ed down his union, bearing the motto OF
Lawrence, and taking it under his arm, or
dered TO be put on board of the Niagara,
which was then in close engagement. In
leaving the Lawrence he gave his pilot
choice either to remain on board or accom-
pany him; the faithful fellow told him
! Hhe'd stick to him to the last" and Jump
ed into the boat He went offfrom the ship
in his usual gallant manner, standing in
the stern of the boat, until the crew abso-
lutely pulled him down among them
Broadsides were levelled at him, and small
arms discharged by the enemy, two of
whose vessels were within musket shot,
| and third one nearer His brave ship
mates who remained behind, stood watch
ing him in breathless anxiety; the balls
struck around him and flew over his head
| in every direction but the same special
providence that seems to have watched
over the youthful hero throughout this DIES
perate battle, conducted him safely through
| a shower of shot, and they beheld with
transport his inspiring flag hoisted at the
mast head of the Niagara. No sooner was
he on board than Capt Elliott volunteered
to put off in a boat and bring into action
the schooners which bad been kept astern
by the lightness of the wind the gallant
offer was accepted, and Elliott left the
Niagara to put it in execution.
About this time the Commodore saw,
with infinite regret, the flag of the Law
renee come down. The event was una
voidable she had sustained the whole fury
of the enemy, and was rendered incapable
of defence any further show of resistance
would but have been uselessly and cruelty
to have provoked carnage among the relics
of her brave and mangled crew The
enemy, however, were not able to take
possession of her, and subsequent circum-
stances enabled her again to hoist her flag
Commodore Perry now made signal for
close action, and the small vessels got out
their sweeps and made all sail Finding
that the Niagara was but little injured, |
he determined. if possible to break the
enemy's line. He accordingly bore up and !
passed ahead of the two ships and brig, |
giving them a raking fire from his star
board guns, and also to a large schooner
and sloop from his larboard side at half
pistol shot Having passed the whole
squadron, he lufed up and laid his ship a
longside the British Commodore. The
smaller vessels under the command of
Capt Elliott having in the mean time, got |
within grape and canister distance, and
keeping up well directed fire, the whole |
of the enemys fleet struck, excepting two
SMALL vessels which attempted to escape,
but were taken.
The engagement lasted about three hours,
and never was victory more decisive and |
complete. The captured squadron, as has
been shewn, exceeded oars in weight of
metal and number Of guns Their crews
were also more numerous; ours were ,
motley collection, where there were some
good seanen, but eked out with soldiers, |
volunteers and boys, and many were on !
the sick list. More prisoners were taken
than we had men to guard. The loss on
both sides was severe. Scarcely any of the |
Lawrence's crew remained unhurt. Among
those slain was Lieutenant Brooks of the
Marines, gay and elegant young officer,
full of spirit, of amiabe manners, and re.
markable for his personal beauty. Lieut..
YarnaI, though repeatedly wounded, re
fused TO quit the deck during the whole of
the action Commodore Perry, notwith-
standing that he was continually in the |
most exposed situations of the battle, es-
capped unin jured; he wore an ordinary sea
mans dress, which, perhaps, prevented
him from being picked off by the enemy's
sharp shooters. He had younger brother
with him on board the Lawrence as mid |
shipman, who was equally fortunate in re-
ceiving no injury, though his shipmates fell
all round him. Two Indian chiefs had
been stationed in the tops of the Detroit to
shoot down our officers, but when the ac-
ton became warm, SO panic struck were
they with the terrors of the scene, and the
strange perils that surrounded them, that
they fled precipitately to the hold of the