Delaware patriot & American watchman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1828, 1828-01-25

causes, had caused US 10 De lett IN slalc " u''s
Hesitation, and dependent Tor defence on our own
resources. A country accessible oy numerous ~
lels from the sea, was left undeended by any iorn
cations except two the principal much dlapidated,
in provided and very inadequaiely garrisoned me
other, incapable OF the slightest defence. ie"
gun boats were the only maritime defence Tor those
approaches; flat bottom irigste, which would nave
proved eectua in the shallow waters that sortoun-
ded the coast, by some extraordinary policy or cul
nahle neglect. was lef. un6nishcd The military
force VAS Two incomplete regiments, militia badly
armed. and battalion Of city volunteers. Two or
three field pieces, and howltzer, formed our PARK
Of atillcry--and our arsenal contained no arms )
even the necessary and common article OF MINIS WAS
totally wanting. The magazines alone were wei
provided This was the state OF our defence I'M
mediateIy previous to the month OF Decembcr.-
We had long been cut off from any intercourse
with the sea by 5ockading squadron, which II was
known preceded the arrival OF formidable Heel,
bearing an invading army Of the most imposing
force from their nu~ber, their dicipline, the excel
Ience Of their appointments and the reputation OF
the Generals who commanded them.
10 add TO the difficulties OF our situation, there
was division Let me not be misunderstood; not
disaffecton. but that confusion which naturally arises
IN times OF danger, when there is no heao, OF ems
in which there is no confidence. Committees Of
were m AIDE 10 resist the enemy. and show that the
insulting cot6 dence he had expressed IN the Saht
cl attachment Of large portion OF the State 10 ths
Unien was fall. EunGs were endeayores TO be
raised every thing was done TO show that the IN
babtants were disposed 10 defend themselves and
heir country: but every effot demonstrated that,
without further aid, the struggle would be inefsetu-
al. Thai aid at length arrived in the person OF the
Commanding General From the moment OF his
arrival, the confidence o. the inhabitants IN him be
got confidence il themselves. He visited the forts ;
he organized the seanty force which was placed IN
der his command; he addressed to them the insp
ing language which promised future victory; he
addressed their passions. their preludicss,-and
above all their love Of country and OF glory He
ronrasied the fearful consequences OF defeat, and
the shameful results OF submission 10 themselves,
e their wives, their children. and heir country with
Tie honors and safety Of The victory which he con-
6denly promised. He spoke to the inhabitants oil
different origin, the language best calculated to ex-
cite national enthusiasm and 10 direct 10 the com
mon defence. This was the grt al, he in.po tant
peration. In organizing this moral and physical
force, the foundation was laid for the great work
Ina, followed; and hope | may be allowed TO say
here were better materials provided Tor these
causes to operate upon, than were found ln my con-
,tituents. National preludices were converted into
the nobest emulation. The sedentary and luxp-
rous hebits OF city life were with alaclly, exchan
ged for the tolls of service in most lnclement sea
son; independence of action, Tor strict discipline !;
life OF and safety, for OF tell and exposure.
A post OF honor and Of danger was promised 10 the
city battalion and corps OF city rltemen, the ranks
oil which we're not then halt filled and instantly
the names Of the most respectable citizens were in
stribed on the muster rolls. Nor was this spirit
confined to particular corps The body of The mi
llta were equally jealous, and, never calculating
the difference Of numbers or discipline. all we're
found at their posts when the hour oil conflict arrl
ved But although all we're ready, yet he mum
Der was comparatively small. Some were unarmed,
others we're necessarily posted with view TO int
rlor defence and the nature OF the country caEed
for dispersion OF this little force to guard its nu-
merous inles. In the mean time, by forced march
es, our brave and generous neighbors had run TO
our assistance. AT length the storm which had
been gathering, and OF which Jackson and his little
band had calmly waited the approach, burst over
hem Our little naval force, after most gallant
defence, fell into the hands Of our invaders, and ia
cilitated their operations; an outpost which guar
ded one OF the principal nlets was surprised, and
advancing through an uninhabited and unnhabltabe
country, the enemy within seven miles of the
city on the banks Of the river, before he was dis
covered This was at two in the afternoon OF one oil
the shortest days in the year. All the dsposabe force
was collected from distant points. Before the sun
had set, fifteen hundred men, the greater part oil
which were militia some OF whom we're armed only
with pixies, were their march, with perfect
knowledge that they were about TO attack the
open field. three times their number, of the best
disciplined, best appointed troops in the world
They advanced as gaily, as cheeriully, as il they
were going to feast like this aud before it was
we'll night, they in the midst Of their enemy's
camp. The remains of our gallant little navy, a
single schooner, under the brave Patterson, who
himself took the command OF this small force, pour
ed destruction into their ranks. And the scene oil
slaughter. the obstinate nature OF the conflict ha.
been we'll described in the memoirs Of British OH
Ger. who does justice to the bravery, though he mis-
takes the numbers Of our troops. This master