Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1822-07-27

the scsttored crowds poured into Piatts-
burg, they collected in lines on the sa-
ranac to resist the passage of the enc.
nv. or struck into the woods, with Or
| ders to harass their rear.
The feet was now equipped; and
| when that of the enemy appeared in
sight, moored in line across the en-
trance Of the bay: with such breathless
| alacrity had the Americans prepared
to meet this encounter, that one Of the
| vessels which then entered into action,
| had been built and equipped in the
space ola fortnigh eighteen days pre-.
vious to the engagement, the timber OF
which it was constructed had been ac-
| tually growing in the forest upon the
shores of the lake.
The British flotila, under the COM
| mand of capt. Downie, mounted 95 guns
and upwards of a thousand men; the
American, under Com. Marlborough,
Sc guns, and nearly 500 men The first
exchange for cannon between the fleets
was The signal of the armies to land. A
desperate conflict ensued. The Brit
ish twice attempted to force the brid-
ges, and twice were driven back then,
filing up the river, a detachment att
tempted to ford but here a volley of
musketry suddenly assailed them from
the woods, and forced them to retreat
with loss.
The issue of the day was felt by both
parties to depend upon the naval en-
gagement, then raging in the sight of
both armies. Many an anxious glance
was cast upon the waters by those sta
toned near the shore. For two hours
the conflict remained doubtful :; the yes
sells on either side were stripped of their
sails and rigging; staggering and reel
ing hulks, they still gave aud received
the shocks that threatened to submerge
them. The vessel Of the American
commodore was twice on fire, her can
non dismounted, and her sides leaking:
the enemy was in the same condition.
The battle for a moment seemed
drawn one, when both attempted ma
neuvre which was to decide the day.
With infinite difficulty, the American
ship veered about; the enemy attempt
ed the same in vain fresh fire pour
ed upon her, and she struck. A shout
then awoke upon the shore, and, ring
ing along the American lines, swelled
for moment above the roar of the bat.
tie. For short space the British eff.
forts relaxed: but then, as if nerved ra-
Their than dismayed by misfortune, the
experienced veterans stood their ground
and continued the fight until darkness
constrained its suspension.
The little town of Burlington, during
these busy hours, displayed far differ
ent, but not less interesting scene; all
occupation was interrupted; the anxious
inhabitants lining the heights, and
straining their eyes and ears to catch
some signal that might speak the fate
of a combat upon which SO much Deepen
ded. The distant firing and smoke
told when the fleets were engaged.
The minutes and the hours dragged on
heavily; hopes and fears alternately
prevailing; when, at length, the can.
nonsding suddenly ceased; but still,
with the help ofthe telescope, nothing
could be distinguished across the vast
waters, save that the wreath of smoke
had died away, and that life, honor, and
property were lost OF saved.
Not a sound was heard. The citi
o. ~
speaking; women and children wander
ed along the beach, with many of the
men of Vermont, who had continued to
drop in during the day, but found no
means of crossing the lake, Every
boat was on the shore, and all were still
too busy there to ferry over tidings Of
the naval combat. The evening fell, and
still no moving specks appeared upon
the waters. A dark night, heavy with
fogs, closed in, and some with saddsn-
ed hearts slowly sought their homes:
while others still fingered, hearkening
to every breath, pacing to and fro dis
tractedly, and wildly imagining all the
probable and possible causes which
might occasion this suspense. We're
they defeated--some would lave taken
to the boats; we're they successful, some
would have burned to bring the tidings.
AT eleven at night, shout broke in the
darkness from the waters. 1t was one
of triumph. Was it from friends or e.
nemies !? Again it broke louder: it
was recognized and re-echoed by the
listeners on the beach, swelled up the
hill, and victory, victory!" rang thro'
the village. l could not describe the