Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-04-01
NAVAL.
CAPTURE OF THE ESSEX.

CAPTURE OF THE ESSEX.
IL any thiog hac been wanting to fix the
character of Capt. Porter and his officers
and crew for desperate defenc. of the Es.
sex frigate, we might find it in the follow.
ing statement of capt. Hillyar. On pub
iishing this letter the editor of the Demo.
cratic Press observes
" AS the whole letter Of captain Hilly,
ar has not before been published, and as
what was published from the Jamaica pa.
Pers as his letter was erroneous in many
particulars. we doubt not that the following
VIII be read with interest. Every thing
which relates to the Essex, her officers and
crew, must interest the American people.
IL Is distinctly understood that captain Por-
ter wished, as is Customary on the loss of
vessel OF war, to have court of enquiry
organized, and report on his conduct but
the government, feeling with the people, &
enjoying their strong convictions OF the dis.
tingnished bravery Of this excellent and en-
terprizing officer, did not deem it necessa-
ry to institute an enquiry. That their con
hdence was well placed has not been doubt
ed yet still we feel gratiiied IN terrifying
that confidence by the testimony of the en-
emy--a testimony as decisive and honora-
BILE as personal friendship or national pride
could wish"
8ritsb official account offhe CAPTURE ofiAe
EsseE.
Copy OF a letter from Captain Hillyar, OF
II. Nj. ship Phoebe to John Wilson Gro.
ker, esq dared
VALPARAISO BAT, March 80. 1919.
Sir.
have the honor to acqua;nt you, for
the information of the lords commissioners
of the Admiralty, that q little past 3o'clock
in the afternoon of the 2Sth inst. after
S nearly months anxious search, II weeks
still more anxious look out,, for the Essex
and her companion to quit the port of Val,
paraiso, we saw the former under wtizh
and Immediately ACCOMPANIED by tie che
rub, made all sail to close with her. On
rounding the outer point of the bay, and
hauling her wind for the purpose of endea.
voring to weather us and escape, she last
her main tot mast, and afterwards, not sue.
ceeding in an effort to regain the limits of
the port. bore up and anchored so near the
shore "a few miles to the leeward of icy as
to preclude tbs possibility of passing ahead
of her without risk 20 his majesty's Ships
As we drew near, my intention of going
close under her stern was frustrated by the
ship breaking off, aud from the wind blow
ing extremely fresh. Our first FIRE, com
mencing little past four, and continuing
about ten minutes, produced no visible eff
feet; our second, a few random shot only
from having increased cur distance by wear
ing, was NOT apparently more successful.
and having loss the use of our main sail :,
jib and main stay, ahfe6yances 4vere iffIe
inGusiiieious. On standing again towards
her, signihed my intention of anchoring.
for which we were not ready before, with
springs, to captain Tucher, directing him
to keep Under weigh. and take q convenient
station for Annoying our opponent. On clio.
sing with the Essex, at IS minutes past s
the firing commenced, and before / gained
my intended POSITION. her cable was cut, &
a serious conflict ensued. The guns of his
majes'y's ship gradually becoming more de-
structive, and her crew, if possible, more
animated, which lasted until 90 minutes
past 8, when it pleased the Almighty Dis
poser Of events to bless the efforts Of my gal
liant companions and my personal very hum.
BILE ones. with victory. My friend, captain
Tucker, an officer worthy Of their lordships'
best attentions, was severely wounded at
the commencement Of the action, but re
NAMED on deck until il terminated, using
every exertion against the battling winds
and occasional Gains which followed the
heavy firing, to close near the enemy. He
informs me that his officers and crew, Of
whose loyalty, zeal and discipline / enter
tain the highest opinion, conducted them4
selves to his satisfaction.
i have to lament the death of four of nv
brave companions and one OF his with real
sorrow add that my first lieutenant, Ing
ram, is among the number He fell early
is great loss to his msjesty's service. The
manly tears which observed thus morning.
while performing the last mournful duty az
his funeral, on shore, more fully evinced
the respect and affection Of his afflicted com.
panions than any eulogium my pen is equal
to. Our lists Of wounded are small, and
there is only one for whop am under anx
iety. The conduct ofmy officers and crew,
without an individual exception that ha,
eomets my knowledge, 5efOrs, during and