Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1830-02-19
EoR TIE VINO.


From Justitia, who makes his entrance in the
Whg of the 9th, il appears that in late debate in
the House of Delegates that the successful defence
OF Crany Island was attributed mainly if not OK cl1
sively, 10 Maj Faulkner and Can't Ednmcrson
Where the debaters got DATA for such conclusion
II Is difficult TO asccrtain-it is hard to imagine
Fhere is no reason for singing these officers from
their gallant comrades in that gallant defence 9berr
Is at least one member of the House of Delersles
who was an officer the Island at the time Of the
engagement, and should have expected from him
tribute oil Justice to some of the other officers, while
these two were bear ng away the palm of honor from
that held, by the assignment of the dcbaters.
There was one officer who deserved, moro espe-
cialy the distinction of being singled out rs one who
came In Tor the greater share of the honurs of that
day Fhe late chivalrous and most gallant Lieut.
Neale, of the Navy, the efficient officer in
the defence Of Crany Island. And his command was
In some measure accidental
The evening before the action took place from the
movements of the enemy indicating an attack upon
the Island, Gen. Taylor reinforced 1t with detsch-
ment of about 90 regular troops from Fort Norfolk
and 80 rank and file, and two subaltcrn officers from
a regiment of militia The command of this dctach
ment was given to u Captain of TIC United Suites
Army.
The forces on the Island were commanded by Col
Beatte from Winchester. He had a.socatei with
him Major Wagner, belonging to the same regimen,
with HIMSELF an active and energetic officer.
Upon the arrival of this force, which had been
despatched by Gen Taylor TO the Island, Col Beat
tie promised the Captain of n command of cannon
in consideration of the men from Fort Norfolk being
most deXterous artilleriss. Just as the night set in
reinforcement came to the Island from the friyafe
Cancellation, of about 100 men, consisting of ma
rlnes and sailors under the command OF CAPTAIN
Breckenridge of the marines, and Lieut. Nealc of
that ship. In consequence of this additional rein
orcement, Col Beattie changed his order of arrange
ment. Inc detachment under the command of the
United States Captain required TO act as infantr1
and the sailors to serve arlcrsis, as they would
be more at home with the great guns than with mus
kets. Thus was the U. s. Captain thrown out of a
command which he was solictous 10 retain, and
Lieut.. Neae brought into position which rave linn
n blaze Of distinction. Lieut.. Nealc was more eff.
clen IN repeiling the assaants than any other Off
Ger. The cannon were served and worked primer
paliy mot exclusively by the suilors As the British
barges approached the Island, Lieut. Neale had espc
cial charge of all 10 pound piece which he pointed
with so much accuracy as to throw upon the enemy
a most CALLING and destructive fire. Three of the
bnrgcs were sunk, the largest of them, aud It is
believed all Of them, by the cannon which was aimed
by Neale The bargcs did not approach the Island
within reach Of muskctry. Had they so approached
as 10 have brought the officers generally into action
nave no doubt others would have done their duty
signaly rs did Lieut.. Ncae perform his. Upon the
retreat of the bages, which followed directly aft
tho upsettmg of the three the cannon were directed
against force upon the shore which had sent few
cOngreve rockets at the Island An immediate route
OF that force ensued and thus ended the Battle Of
Crany Island From this succinct account il NAV
! be seen with what Teason-wh what Justice. sIt
was commended, that To Major Faulkner OF Berkeley
county, HO0 10 capt. BsmmcrSOn OF Norfolk county,
was chiefly, II not exclusively, due the merit of the
gallant and successful defence of Crany Island during
the late war a"
am acquainted with Major Faulkner Tie is
brave officer and n high minded man, and cannot
believe that he would wish to have himself exalted ,
to the prejudice Of the other officers in the deeds Of
that day | have no personal acquaintance with
Capt. Emmerson but | have reason TO believe
that he would desire injustice to any Of the off
GERS who wero IN the action of Granny Island, for his
own personal aggrandlkemont. Major Faulkner be-
longed TO the State Artillery, and did Capt. En-
mcrson. know that MAJOR Faulkncr's manner. and
no doubt Capt Emmersons, wns bold, fearless and
firm. and calculated TO inspire the men with courage
and confidence, and was the manner of other Off
cor5.
one tGho D7s present at Hs fiction
~ Tho ID No. Of "a vrginau," will be peru
sed with great interest. The fair and precise nature
OF his reasoning, finely contrasts with the spuriou!
logic of those whom he corrccts.
gTGon. Eppes' Speech on the bill recIartcripr tho