Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-06-22
1BGt&GG JIIMp.
Defence ola E'Eivafccr.
THE BoLDEsT FIGHT ON RECORD

fought al + ayal, Western Islands, Ia Is 4,
between British gun brig ana the boats of a
British squadron or the one side, and on the
| other, the little privateer armed American
brig General Armstrong. of seven guns and
ninety men, com manded by Captain Samuel
G. Reid, out of the port of New York.
The terrible engagement of Paul Jones with
British cruiser, is scarcely a parallel of it,,
and few naval battles, even by large fleets,
exhibited so great a slaughter.
A British resident at Fayal, who was wit
ness to the action, in a letter TO the celebrated
Goblet, under date of October 18th 1914,
thus describes the bold defence and noble
conduct of the daring American priyateers-
man:
1.-The American privateer brig Gen. Arm
strong. Of New York, Capt. Samuel Reid, of
seven guns and ninety men, entered here on
the 25th ultimo, about noon, II days from
that place, for the purpose of obtaining water.
The capt. seeing nothing on the horizon, was
induced to anchor. Before the lapse of many
hours, his Majesty's brig Carbation came in,
and anchored near her.
About six, his Maiesty's ship Plantagenet,
Of "A guns, and the Rota frigate came in and
anchored near also. The captain of the pri-
vateer and his friends consulted the first au-
thorities here about her security. They all
considered her perfectly secure, and that his
mats officers were too we'll acquainted with
the respect due to neutarl port to modest her.
But to the great surprise of every one, about
nine in the evening, four boats were Dispatch
ed, armed and manned, from his maJesty's
ships, for the purpose OF cutting her out 1t
being about the full Of the moon, the night be-
ing perfectly clear and calm, we could see ev-
cry movement made. The beats approached
with rapidty towards her. when it appears
he cop Oft r he hail ed and
told them to keep off several times. They
Notwithstanding pushed Oh, and were in the
act of boarding before any defence was made
from the privateer. A warm contest ensued
on both sides. The boats were finally dis
persed with great loss.
The American now calculating on n very
superior force being sent, cut his cables and
rowed the prvateer close in alongside of the
fort within half cable, where he moored
her. head and stern, with four lines.
The governor now sent n remonstrance to
Capt. Lloyd, Of the Plantagenet, against such
proceedings, and trusted that the privateer
would not be further molested; she being in
the dominions of Portugal, and under the
guns Of the Castle, was entitled to Portuguese
protection.
Captain Lloyd's answer was, that he was
determined to destroy the vessel, at the ex-
pense of all Fayal, aud should any protec-
ton be given her by the fort he would not
leave a house standing in the village. All the
inhabitants were scattered about the walls,
expecting a renewal Of the attack. At about
midnight, fourteen launches were discover
ed to be coming, in rotation for the purpose.
When they got within clear gunshot, a
tremendous and effectual discharge was made
from the privateer, which threw the boats in
to confusion. They now returned spirited,
but the privateer kept up continual fire, so
that it was almost impossible for the boats TO
make any progress. They finally succeeded.
after an immense loss, to get alongside Of her.
and attempted to board her at every point
cheered by the officers, with a shout Of No
quarters (which we could distinctly hear as
we'll as their shrieks and cries. The termin-
alton was near about a total massacre.
Three of the boats were sunk, and but one
poor solitary officer escaped death, in a boat
containing fifty souls; he was wounded
The Americans fought with great frmness
some of the boats were left without a single
man to row them others with three or four:
the most that any one contained was about
ten several boats floating on shore full of
dead bodies.
With great reluctance I state that they
were manned with picked men, and command
ed by the first, secOnd, third and fourth lieu
and fourth lieutenants OF frigate, and first Of
fcers Of the brig, together with a great num-
Der Of midshipmen. Our whole force exceed
ed 400 men, but three officers escaped. two
of which We're wounded. This bloody con-
test lasted about 90 minutes.
After the boats gave out. nothing more was
attempted till daylight next morning, when
the Carnaton hauled alongside and engaged
her. The prlvateer still continued TO make
Il most gallant defence. These veterans re-
minded me OF Lawrence's dying words, on
the Chesapeak, don't give up the ship -
The Carnation lost one of her topmasts and
her yards were sho. away; she was much
cut up in her rigging, and received several
shots in hull This obliged her to haul off
to repair, and to cease firing.
The Americans now finding their principle
gun, (Long pom,) and several others, dis
mounted, deemed 1t folly to think OF saving
her against so superior force; they cut a
way her masts to the deck, blew a hole ;hro
her bottom, took out their small arms, clio
thing, &c, and went on shore / discovered
only two shot holes in the hull or the priya
teer, though much cut up in rigging.
Two boats crews were afterwards dispatch
ed from our vessels which went on board
took ont some provisions and set her on fire
For three days after, we We're employed in
burying the dead washed on shore in the surf
The number OF British killed exceeds 100 and
90 wounded. The enemy, (Americansl TO
the surprise Of mankind, lost only two killed
and seven wounded. We may well say God
deliver us from our enemies" if this is the
way the Americans fight.
After burning the privateer, Capt. LLOYD.
made demand of the governor to deliver up
the Americans prisoners-which was refused.
He threatened to send 500 men on shore and
take them by force. The Americans imme-
, diately retired with their arms to anold Goth
I ic Convent, knocked away an adjoining draw
/ bridge. and determined to defend the mselves