Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-03-01
WASHINGTON, Feb. %.
Cofy Of a letter from Com. Patterson TO
the Secretary of the Navy.
.Ne7v Orleans, s7sk Jan. 1915.


the Secretary of the NaUy.
Ne7o Orleans, a7sk Jan. 1915.
SIR.
The enemy having retreated. rs 7 had
the honor to inform you by my letter of the
goth inst, have the pleasing duty only
LETT OF reporting to you, that during the late
most eveBttul struggle for the preservation
| OF this important portion OF the u. States,
L have received from all the officers whom
l have the honor to command, every aid
and support which could possibly be ren.
dered; they have been exposed to ex,ranr-
binary hardships, both by day and night, to
all the changes of this unsuitable cline, in
this inclemant season of the year, performing
the mos arduous duties on shore, out of the
lire OF their profession, independent Of their
Ordinary duties and all has been borne &
executed with cheerfuiness and alacrity
that reflects upon them the highest credit
and that the unweariea eXertions of the
small naval force on this station, from the
tirst appearance of the enemy, has contribr
ufed in great degree. to mis- expul sion. is
freely acknowledged by the gallant general
commanding the land forces, and will be,
trust, by all who have witnessed their
endeavors TO effect the end, which has so
happily and with so LITTLE loss been accom-
pished 1t affords me great pleasure to
have in all cases co~cperated with the ar.
my TO the entiys satisfaction Of their cons
maudei.
Captain Henley merits my acknowledr.
ments for his uRremitted attention 10 the
execution of the various duties commits
ted 70 him, particularly the superntenda nce
OF the erection Of two batteries WI the
Bayou Saint John, and one opposite this CRY,
his gallant conduct on the night Of the ed
Iit as already detailed, (the fire from the
Carolina proving, as have since learned.
truly destructive to the enemy, and pro,iu-
cling disorder and confusion in their troone.
giving TO our army manifest ADVANTAGE
and for the able assistance received from
him when serving at the marine battery
erected by me m the right bank OF the ri.
yer, where lac remained till the departure
of the enemy.
To Lieutenant Louis Alexis, commanding
the naval arsenal at this place. am great
ly indebted for his interchangeable exertions
to furnish the various munitions. &c which
we're constantly required for the navy. ar,
my and militia, and which were furnished
with promptitude and correctness that re.
fleets upon him and those under his imme.
date command, as named in the accornpa-
nyiug copy OF letter from him, the great
es, credit-t1is services and merit entitled
him 20 the notice of the Department.
Great credit is also due to Lieutenant
Charles G b. Thompson, for his great ex,
ertons in fitting his ship for service. with
crew obtained BY coersion from the streets
OF the city, composed of all nations EngIjsb
men excepted) two thirds of whom could
not speak or understand English, for the
spirited fire supported by his ship on the
18th ult. and his continued endeavors to an
noy the enemy when they approached within
the range OF his guns,his prompt execution Of
my orders, particularly in landing the guns
from his ship, transporting them to my bat.
terry, and his attention in supplying the bat
terry With ammunition from his ship. in
whose magazine it was deposited. To the
accompanying letter from him, beg leave
10 refer for a detailed account of the merits
of his officers, all Of whom merit the euco.
NUNS passed on them.
Lieutenant Ohio Norris, acting lieut..
Crawley, Msssrs. r. Watkins and j. Peiot,, |
midshipmeD, and William Livingston, mas,
ter's mate, who were stationed at heavy |
cannon in General Jackson's lines, and |
named in the letter which accompanies |
this, have, by their gallant conduct, reiec-
ted upon the navy great credit, and merited !
my highest appreciation.
Acti0g lieut.. Thomas S. Cunningham,
commanding gun-yessel No: IS, stItioned |
at Fort St. Philip. solicited and obtained |
the command OF two 80 Founders, which |
are mounted in the most exposed situation |
at that fort, being outside the walls, which |
ne manned with his crew and rendered |
great service 10 the officer Commanding ri |
that post, during the heavy bonbardment !
by the eacmy froin the 9Th to the 18th M
slant.
Mr.. Thomas Shields, Purser Of the sta
ton, and Doctor Robert MorTell, attached |
to the aoaTine corps, (who volunteered hs |
services in any way they could be usetui) AMI |
who were sentby me with flag Of truce |
to the enemy on the 18th uIt. supported |
with becoming dignity their stations, and |