Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-05-03
Majestic. At Sea. Jan. u. la. 80 min. IS

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deg N. long. II min. SO d e. w.
SrR--I have the honor to acquaint ynu that
notwithstanding my utmost endeayours to keep
the squadron committed TO my charge close il,
with Sandy Hook, agfeeably to YOUR directions
tor the purpose of preventing the escape of the
United states ship, resident, AID other vessels
ready tor sea at Staten Island, we were RI peat
edly blown off by fcequent gales but the very
great attention paid to my orders and instrucS
tons by the RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS, in situations
dltneult 10 keep companj, prevented separa-
ton and Whenever the windd force US from
the coast, invariably, on the "a moderStinss
placed the squadron on hat loiat OF b aPiny
rom the HOOK, 1 judged it likely, from exist
ING circumstances, would be the enemy's tracks
and IT is with great pleasure have now to n-
form you Of e success OF the captu t Of ne U.S
sta s't Pre- aept Com. Decatur, on sun
Gay night, after an anxious chase of Is hours.
On Frid he Tenedos jolnsd me, with YOUR
order to take captain Parker in that ship under
my command we were then in company with
the Endymion and Po one, Of the Hook, and
in sight ofthe eReny's ships hut that night tie
squadron was blown off again in severe snow
storm. On Saturday, q Q wind IN W stier be-
came favourable for the emmy, and I had no
doubt but he would attempt his escape that
night: it was Impossible, from the direction Of
the wind, to get in with the Hook, and, as be-
fore stated, lin preference to closing the land
u wv SoutnWarfiS we stood away 10 the north
ward and eastward, till the squadron reached
the supposed track Of the enemy, and what in
little singular, at the very instant Of arriving
al that point, an hour before day light, Sandy
Hook bearing w N. w. fifteen leagues, we
were made happy by the sight Of a ship and
brig standing to the southwark and eastward,
and not more than two miles on the Msiestic's
weather bow the night signal for a general
chace was made and promptly obeyed by all
the ships
To the course Of the day, the chase became
extremely interesting by the endeavors offhe
enemy TO escape, and the exertions of the Can.
tains to get their respective ships alongside Of
him, the former by cutting away his sncbors.
aud throwing overheard every movable arti
Gle, with great quantity Of provisions s. and tie
latter OF trimming their ships in every way nos.
slble to effect their purpose AS The dav sd-
yaneed, the wind declined, giving the Endv.
miOn an evident advantage in sailing ana
Captain Hopes exertions enabled him In s-sf.
his ship alongside of the enemy, and com
menced close action at half an hour pas, FIVE
o'clock in the evening, which was continns5
with great gallantry & spirit on both sides for
two hours and half, when the EndvUion,s
sails being cut from the yards, the ensn,y ,,,s
ahead Captain Nope taking this oppor,1n;fo
o bend new sails to enable him TO .lst he si.;
alongside again, the action ceased, tiIi are %,
none getting up at half past IL At njvbt 90
firing few shots. the enemy hailed 10 So, ~.
had slready surrendered
THIS ship on being taken possession Of urov.
Majesti c pit. Hayes Tenedss. cant l1yd..
Psrker' EndymiOn, capt Hope Pon.onr. cgpt-
] Lumley. 'p''