Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1822-02-14

lection. On the 9Th, having seen the yes-
sells bound to Havana and Matanzas safe TO
their destined ports, made all sail To the
westward, and on the following day boarded
the brig Bolina, of Boston, Gorham master,
from whom Ireceved the following informal
tioa; That, on the day previous, his vessel
was captured by pirates, and robbed of every
,'a'eriai tney could carry away with them, at
the same time treating the crew and himself
with inhuman cruelty. After supplying, him
from this vessel with what necessaries Inc re-
CURED, made sail for the land, and early the
following morning, Saddle HILL ON the north
coast oil Cuba, then bearing S. by E.) dis
patched our boats, with forty men, under
command of Lieut.. Curtis, in pursuit of these
enemies of the human race. The boats hay-
| Ing crossed the reef, which here extends y con-
! siderable distance from the shore, very soon
discovered, chased and captured, piratical
schooner, the crew of which made their es-
cape TO the woods. Lieut. Curtis very iu-
diciousiy manned the prize from our boats,
aud proceeded about 10 miles to leewar,l.
where, 1t was understood, the principal depot
OF these marauders was established. This he
fortunately discovered and attacked. A slight
skirmish here took place, but as our force ad-
'anced, the opposing party precipitately re-
treated. We then took possession aud burnt
ana destroyed their fleet, consisting of five YES
sells one OF them beautiful new schooner. of
about go tons, ready for sea, with the excep-
| ton of her sails. We also took three prison
ers the others fled to the woods.
In tue affair just mentioned the officers of
the expedition state the enemy's loss to be
severe. Only one man was wounded in our
ooats-and 1t isyworthy ofremark, that this
i'an was one OF their own gang, then Il pris-
oner In our possession, and surrounded by
our people.
Inc destruction of this place will, trust,
be oil some service. From information by
me received, it was their principal depot from
whence they dispatched squadrons to Cape
Antonio. These returning, loaded with pl:in-
der, It was transhipped to Havana in vessels
sent from there for that purpose. Stores and
materials were collected on the spot, not only
Tor repairing but building vessels.
The prisoners now on board are recognised
Dy seaman IN my possession who was one
| OF the crew of the English ship Alexander.
of Greenock, lately burnt by these nirates !.
and, not content with destroy VIM the vessel.
they inhumanly butchered her unfortunate
commander. The seaman in question retain
rs an evidence i'm the case.
| Lieut.. Curtis speaks in the highest terms of
the Saantry and good conduct of Midship-
| men Pinkney, Kingston, and Morris as also
ofDoctor Terril, and every other officer and
man employed in the expedition. Nothing
could exceed their ardour in pursuit hut their
enthusiasm in attack, and both aiTording a.
bundant proof that more would have been
done had more been required.
have manned one of the schooners, taken.
a very fine fast sailing vessel, and keep her
with me. She will prove of great service in
my farther operations on this coast
cannot close this letter, sir, without nam
ing TO you Lieut. Curtis, whose conduct, not
only IN the present instance, but in every 9TH
er respect, during the period he has been
under my command, has merited my warm
and decided appreciation.
have the honor to be- Sc
JAMES RAMAGE.
Honorable SMITH THOMPSON,
Gacra r,l,o