Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-03-05

gustine, and from thence run on sounL;ngs as
Ia; as Oh .rleston, passing within 4 or S miles
Of Columbia Island. and as near to Savannah as
the weather and dep,l, OF water would allow
without meeting singi- vessel except a Span
ish ship from the Havanna, bound to Spain
bnt steering for Savannah, in consequences Of
having srrunk xleak.
Arriving on Charleston, (Which was on
the 1th inst. l stretched close in with the
Bar. and made the private signal of the ola,
to two schooners lying in Rebellion Roads.
and which from their appearance believed
to be public vessels. After remaining all
day of the Bar with coiors hoisted and the
before mentioned signal displayed, without
being able to communicate with the schoo
ners, I stood to the northward, and at z o
clock the next morning discovered and cha !
ced a ship 70 the southwark, which, alter
pursuing or miles, led me to second
sail. Ia brig under her topsaiIs, with her top
gallant>masts housed and flying BIB boom
rugged in) and from thence to the discovery
Dof, third sail, Represented from the mast
head to be large frigate on discovering
the third sail, added to the maneuvies Of
the first and second, was induced to be
lieve them part of an enemy's squadron. &
accordingly hauled up and stood for the for
mer, toascertain her character; and after
nrnaiinE her from the deck. perceived she
was fvigate Is reported. j now tackled
and shortened sail, believing that towards
might 1 might be enabled to cut offthe ship
(Which was either a small frigate or large
sloop Of, war; and brig, from the third or
largest sail, at this time or 10 miles to
windwards; in thir, however, Twas not able
20 effect mn purpose, owing to the weather
sail (betwe2 sunset and dark bearing
down for tlse others. Judging now from the
Fmanoeuvresthata after dark they would chase,
! stood to the eastward under abort sail: be-
lieving that In the morning might ind them
in some disorder; at day light however, owing
to the haziness of the weather, they were not
to be seen consequently. ! wore and stood
back to the westward TO make them again.
and few inmates discovered two Zone on the
lee, the other on the weather bow ITO which
i gave chace, but after chasing them about
half an hour, the weather becoming more
clear aud two large ships suddenly making
their appearance Zone on the weather and
the other on the lee beam change
| ed my course to the eastward. wheR
the four Immediately crowded sail in pur>
suit; but, owing to the weather, assisted
by the enemy's manner of chasing, I was
| enabled to get clear of them without diff.
| Guilty in few hours. From this pursued
course on soundings (except in doubling
Cape HatfeiAs) 20 Is iathom water offthe
Delaware, where. in fog, I fell in with
a large vessel. apparently man Of war;
Shortened san to topsails and cleared ship
for action. but she suddenly disappearing
and in a few minutes she, or some other
vessel near, being heard to FIRE signal guns.
i stood on to the northward, from belief
was near another squadron. From the
Delaware saw nothing until / made SAM
Il ,b<..>T FeII !,
of the cnemy's squadrons. and by some un,
accountable cause, was permitted to enter
the bay, although in the presence Of de-
citledly superior force. after having been
obliged TO re main outside seven hours and a
half waiting Tor the tide.
% j am, &c.
JOHN RODGERS.
Hon. Wa. Jones,
| Secretary of the Navy.