The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1815-03-15
TRIBUTE TO YALnR.

The public, doubtless, recollect the gallant
defence OF the private armed brig General
Armstrong, Commanded by Samuel G.. Reid,
Esq. in the neutral port of Fayal, against an
attack made by the boats of squadron Of
British ahips OF war, consisting of the Planta-
genet 74, the Rota, frigate, and Csrns,ion
sloop OF war, which, amer a resistance ON the
part OF the OIL .,rs and crew of the General
Armstrong, not surpassed by any of the ex-
poits OF our gallant seamen during tho war,
compelled the enemy to retire, with tho lcss
OF upwards Of 30 killed, besides many woun-
ded. As . mark Of the high sense cntertain-
ed of the skill and Yalor of the commsnder,
the owners of the General Armstrong, aud
others, presented captain Reid with an Gle.
gan. service of plate, consisting of large sill
yer pitcher, with an enblemalieal engraved
OF the action, and a suitable inscription there
on also, silver teapot, sugar bowl, miik-
ever, slop-bowl, and two silver tumbicrs, all
made in the most fashionable and best mar-
ner.
The presentation took place in the large
room at Iammauy Hall, on Saturday evening
last, in tho presence OF a number OF citizens,
who had assembled 10 pay their respects 70
the heroic commander. On the occasion,
the following address was delivered, By Jous
FERGUSON, Esq. ~ captain Reid -.
ADDRESS.
SIR-Thc owners of the l9te private armed
brig General Armstrong, end others, of your
fellow-citizens, have hete assembled, TO testify
to you, the high sense they entertain of your
gallant conduct as commander of that vessel.
In neutral port, in violation OF national
faith, and OF every rule of honorable warfare
you we're attacked by an overwhelming force,
determined on your destruction.
The terrified spectators Of hi. evcntfui
scene, believed that resistance would be mad
ness, and saw no safety but in flights
Far noblcr were your emotions. The ii1g
that waved above you was the ensign Of honor
the promp'er to deeds Of glory aud all
though. OF danger was lost or tcspsed in the
inspiration OF that moment. Your brave com.
panions caught The sacred impulse, and no
accents were breathcd around you but those
enthusiastic patriotism, and indignant ven.
gcance.
Thebloody conilic, of that night will be long
remembered, and the defence of the General
Armstrong will be considered not the lcas, OF
those gallant fcats which have shed iustro on
our arms, IN the late triumphant struggle.
.'I"" uS, orl 10 present 10 you this SER
vice oi plate, as a token of our esteem and ad-
miration small part Of that general tribute
OF your country, which will enrol the name OF
Samuel {. Reid in the list Of those heroic
l..en who have raised, for that country, and
themselves, the proudest monuments in story.
Captain Reid then made the following re-
ply, which was received by the audience with
much satisfaction, and who testified their re.
sPect for the brave man who had so nobly de-
tended the honor Of the American flag, with
three hearty cheers -
GsSrLEMEN,-In answer to the very Rat.
tering cncomiums you have been pleased TO
express, in my favor this evening, can only
say, that feel the highest sense of gratitude.
Your appreciation Of my conduct, as long
as had the honor to command the General
Armstrong, has been ny first care and con.
sideration--and, having happily succeeded in
that, feel myself most amply compensated.
For tho service OF plate now presented as a
testimony of your regard, pray you to ae-
cept my most unfegned thanks and, have
to hope, may ever merit your present
opinion -tr-y. York National Idpocntr