The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-06-22

y
interfered between him and the enemy, but
rather than take in an inch Of canvass, he Or
dered his men 10 f.e through it. Seeing the
commodore engaged in the the thickest of
the fight he proposed 10 the commander of
another small vessel, to board the Detroit
the other however prudently declined the
rash, but gallant proposal
1t has been mentioned that two Indians
were on board the Detroit, stationed in the
tops, 20 pick of our officers with their rifles.
No sooner, however, did the ships come into
close action, than they were dismayed by this
new and tremendous species of battle, and
skunk into the hoe.--W hen the ship was Ia
ken, they anticipated cruel treatment, if their
station was discovered, aud borrowed sailors
clothes that they might pass for Enghshmen.
Thus disguised, they lay in close eoncealment
for two days, when word was brought TO Com.
Perry that two Indians were concealed below
who had not tasted food for eight and forty
hours. lie had them brought upon deck,
where they made most uncouth and ludic-
rous appearance, with their borrowed gar
ments bagging about them--They expected
nothing less than 10 be butchered aud scalped,
but Notwithstanding, preserved the most ta'
cilurn inilexibility of muscle. Perry, how
ever, after putting few good humorcd ques-
tons TO them, ordered them TO be taken away
and fed degree Of lenity which seemed to
strike them with more surprizc than their
stole natures arc apt to evince.
The only time that the GOODNESS and self
command OF Perry experienced any thing of
shock, was on seeing his young brother,
knocked down by hammock, which had
been driven in by ball. In the momentary
agony of mind he gave him up as slain, but
had the delight to see him rise up perfectly
unhurt.
Perry speaks highly of the bravery and
good conduct OF the negroes, who formed
considerable part of his crew. They seemed
to be absoluly insensible to danger. When
captain Barclay cane on board the Niagara,
and beheld the sickly and particoloured be-
ings around him, an expression of chagrin
escaped him, at having been conquered by
such men. The fresh water service had very
much impaired The health of the sailors, and
crowded the sick list with patients
We shall close these few particulars OF this
gallant and romantic affair, with the affecting
fate of lieutenant Brooks of the marines. 1t
presents an awful picture of the scenes which
the warrior witnesses in bat,le---his favourilc
companions SUDDENLY cut down before his eyes
those dreadful transitions from the flush of
Eealth and the vivacity of youth, to the ghast-
liness Of agonising dcath-trom the cheering
and the smile, TO the shrek and the conyul-
sion.
Brooks was gay, animated young officer,
remarkable for his personal beauty. In the
midst oil the engagement he accosted Perry
in spirited tone with smile on his counte-
nance, and was making some observations
about the enemy, when q cannon ball struck
him in the thigh, and dashed him To the oppo-
site side of the deck. The blow shattered
him dreadfuly, and the sudden anguish forced
from him the most thrilling exclamations
He implored Perry TO shoot him and put an
end to his torture--the latter directed some
of the marines to carry him below and con-
sign him to a surgeon. The scene was rem
dered more affecting, by the conduct Of lit
tie mulatto boy Of twelve years Of age, favour
ite of Brooks.--He carried cartridges to one
of the guns, but, on seeing his master fall, he
threw himself upon the deck, with the most
frantic gesticulations and piercing cries, eXclai
ming that his master was killed nor could
he be appeascd until orders were given to take
him below when he Immediately returned
to carry cartridges.
Mr.. Hamilton, :hc pursur, who had work.
ed ut gun like a common sailor, being
wounded, was carried below and laid on the
same matrass with Brooks, the wound of the
latter was stauched, and he lay composed,
calmly awaiting his approaching death. Ham
ilton observes that he never looked so perfect
ly beautiful as at this moment, when the an
guish Of his wound had impaired feverish
flush over his usually bloc ming countenance.
He asked with geas solicitude after Perry,
and how the battle went. He gave few di-
rcctions about his own affairs, and while his
voice was growing weaker and weaker, re-
commended his little mulatto TO kindness
aud protection, directing into whose hands
he should be placed. While he was talking,
Hamilton's attention was suddenly attracted
by some circumstances which occasioned him
10 look another way for moment--thc voice