Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-02-19
DEFENCE OF cRANY EG Is rag aN mH'S.

~.
From Jnsttio, who makes his eatrance in the
hug of the 9th, il appears that in late debate in
the House of Delegates that the successful defence
o. Cfany Island was attributed mainly, if exclu
slVeiy, TO MAJ. Faulkner and Capt Enncrson
Where the debaters got data for such conclusion
It IS difficult to ascertain-it Is hard to imagine.
There is no reason for singing these officers from
their gallant comrades in that gallant defence There
Is at least one member of the House of Delegates
Who was an officer the Island at the time Of the
engagement, and should have expected from him
tribute OF justice to some of the other officers while
these Two were bearing away the palm of honor from
that held, by the assignment of the debaters.
There was officer who deserved more esne
cally the distinction of being singled out as one who
came In for the greater share of the bonors of tina,
day. The late chvalrous and most gallant Lieut.
Heaie, of the Navy, was the efficient officer in
the defence OF Crany Island. And his command tvas
IN some measure accidental.
The evening before the action took place. from she
movements OF The enemy indicatiuo N attack unon
the Island, Gen. Taylor reinforced It with detach
rnent of about 90 regular troops from Fort Norfolk
and 80 rank and Ale, and two subaitern officers from
regiment of militia. Fhe command of this de.ach
ment was given to Captain OF the United States
Army.
The forces the Island were commanded by Col
BeattIe from Winchester. He had associated 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 it a command of cannon
IN consideration of the ,en from Fort Norfolk being
most deXterous artlllel;ss. Just the night set in
reinforcement to the Island from the fIigate
Constellation, of about 100 men, cons listing of ma
rines and eaiIors, under the command Of Captain
breckenridge OF the marines, and Lieut.. Neae, of
that ship. In consequence of this additional REIN
forcemcB, Col Beattie changed his order of arrange
nIent phe detachment under the command of the
United States Captain required to as infantry
and The sailors to servo ariiests as they would
be more at home with the great guns than with mus
kcts. Phus was the u. 3. Captain thrown out of a
command which he socitous to RETAIN and
Lieut. Neaie brought into position which pave him
blaze OF distinction Lieut.. Nealc was more eff.
Client IN repeil1ng the assaants than any other Off
Ger. The cannon served and worked princ,-
paily not exclusively by the suiors As the BRUSH
barges approached the Island Lieut.. Neale had espc-
ciai charge OF an rs pound piece, which he pointed
with so much accuracy to throw upon the enemy
most CALLING and destructive fire. Three of the
bargcs were sunk, the largest of them, and 1t is
believed all of then by the cannon which was aimed
by Neaie The barges did not approach the Island
within reach OF musketry. Had they so approached
as to have brought the officers generally into action
have doubt others would have done their duty as
signaly as did Lieut.. Neale perform his. Upon the
retreat OF the barges which followed directly after
the upsettmg OF the three, the were directed
against force upon the shore WHICH had sent few
congrepe rockets a. the Island. An immediate route
OF that force ensued, and thus ended the Battle of
Crany Island From this succinct account. il may
! be seen with what reasou-wiih what Justice ssit
was coDteided, that to Major Faulkner Of Berkeley
county, and to Capt. Emmerson of Norfolk county,
chiefly, if not exclusively, due the merit of the
gallant and successful defence of Crany Island during
! The late war"
! am acquainted with Major Faulkner Hc is a
brave officer and 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. l have personal acquaintance with
! Capt. Emmerson, but nave no reason to believe
that he would desire injustice to any of the off
GERS who were in the action of Granny Island for bis
own personal sggrandikement Major Faulkner be-
longed to the State Artillery and so did Capt EN-
rnerson know that MAJOR Fsulkners manner, and
no doubt Capt. Emmerson's, bold, fearless anC
firm and calculated to inspire the men with courage
and confidence, and SO was the manner of other Off
! GERS.
One ,cho present al Tie Action.
" The Cd No. of "a Virginian," will be peru
sed with great interest. The fair and precise nature
of his reasoning, finely contrasts with the spurou
logic Of those whom he corrects
GTGen. Eppcs' Speech on the bill tecbartcriDg tn
1ark s,f 20