Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1814-09-08

CVntlnucu ABOUT an nOur. Inc CONTEST was
not as obstinstely maintained rs could have
been desired. but was by parts ofthe troops
sustained with great spirit and with prodi,
gious effect, and had the whole of our force
been equally firm, lam induced to believe
that the enemy would have been repulsed
notwithstanding all the disadvantages I'm.
der which we fought. The artillery from
Baltimore, supported by Major Pinkney',
rifle battalion, and a part OF Capt. Dough-
tey' from the Navy Yard, were in advance
to command the pass Of the bridge at Bla-
densburgh, and played upon the enemy, "a
have since learned, with very destructive
effect. But the rifle troops were obliged
after some time to retire and of course the
artillery. Superior numbers however rush
ed upon them and made their retreat ne
cessary, not however = oabbs at loss on
the part of the enemy. Major pInkney re-
ceiyed a severe wound in his right arm af-
ter he had retired to the left flank of Stans-
bury's brigade. The right and centre of
Stansbury's brigade consisting of Lieut..
Col Ragan's and Shuler's regiments, ge-
morally gave way very soon afterwards,
with the exception of about forty rallied by
Col. Raglan, after having lost his horse,
and the whole or a part Of Captain Show
er's company, both of whom Gen. SLAMS
bury represents to have made, even thus
deserted, a gallant stand. The fab which
Lieut.. Col. Raglan received from his horse,
together with his great efforts to sustain
his position, rendered him unable to follow
the retreat ; we have. therefore to lament
that this gallant and excellent officer has
been taken prisoner ; he has however been
paroled, and | met him here recovering
from the bruises occasioned by his fall
The loss of his services at this moment ID
serious.
The 9Th Baltimore regiment Under Ii.
Col. Sterrett being the left of Brig. Gen.
Stansbury's brigade, still however, stood
their ground, and except for a moment
when part of them recoiled a few steps, re-
manned firm, and stood until ordered to re-
treat, with a view TO prevent them from
being out-fanked.
The reserve under Brig. Gen. Smith Of
the District of Columbia, with the militia
ofthe city and Georgetown, with the regu-
lars and some attachments of Maryland
militia, fanked on their right by Commo.
dore Barney and his brave fellows, and
Lieut. Col. Beall, still were to the right on
the hill, and maintained the contest for
some time with great effect.
II is not with me to report the conduct
of Com. Barney and his command, nor can
speak from observation, being too re-
mote, but the concurrent testimony of all
who did observe them, does them the high
est justice for their brave resistance and
the destructive effect they produced on the
enemy. Commodore Barney, after having
lost his horse, took post near one of his
guns, and there unfortunately received a
severe wound in his thigh, and he also fell
intothe hands of the enemy. Capt. Miller
of the marines was wounded in the arm
fighting bravely. From the best intelli-
gence, there remains but little doubt that
the enemy lost at least four hundred killed
and wounded, and of these q very small
portion killed.
Our loss cannot, | think, be estimated
at more than from thirty to forty killed.
and fifty or sixty wounded.
They took altogether about one hundred
and twenty prisoners.
You will readily understand that it il
impossible for me to speak infinitely Of the
merit or demerit Of particular troops so
little known to me from their recent and
hasty assemblage. NY subsequent move
ments for the purpose Of preserving az
much of my force as possible. gaining re-
Inducements, and protecting this place, you
already know.
am with very great respect, sir, your
obedient servant,
WV. H. WINDER.
Brig. Gen. 10th Nil. Dist.
Hon JOINS ARMSTRONG,
Secretary of War.
~ u we baya IN Iauanf <bst rar-