The Placer herald., 1858-07-10

demanding protection for the privateer, but
the Governor simply despatched note tc
Admiral Lloyd, requesting him to abstain
from further hostilities. TO this note Lloyd
replied, that as the Americans had first fired
, into one of their boats without any provoca
ton, he now determined to take the priva
: teer at all hazards, and if protection was
afforded her, he would fire into the town.
About nine P. NJ, the wind having breezed
up, the enemy's brig was observed standing
In with large number of boats in tow.
numbering fourteen, and carrying between
forty and fifty men each. When within
gun-shot the boats cast off from the BRIG.
and took their stations in three divisions
under cover of small reef or islands of
rocks, within muske-shot of the privateer
Inc brig kept under weigh to act with the
boats, in case the privateer attempted to
escape. In the meantime terror and con-
sternaion had spread through the town.
The windows of the houses nearest the scene
were filled with women, and the whole shore
was crowded with inhabitants awaiting with
intense excitement and breathless eXpecta-
ton the coming attack. There lay the little
American brig, with her tall, tapering spars,
sleeping on the moon'it waters as quiet and
as peaceful as an over-wearied child There
she lay, like the apparition Of phantom
ship; not movement was to be seen, not
sound was heard to break the stiffness of her
decks, and seemingly deserted, from the
deathlike silence which prevailed. Notwith-
standing, Capt Reid had made every prepa-
ration to receive the enemy on all sides, and
his crew were then lying concealed at their
quarters. In this position the belligerents
remained for nearly three hours, watching
each other with painful interest. When it
is considered that tie crew of the Arm
strong had nothing to gain, and had no mo-
tive for remaining by their vessel but the de-
fence of their country's honor; when they
saw The terrible odds that opposed them,
and which threatened fearful retrbution,
with no hope of reward except death for the
defence of the American flag, while a leap to
the shore held out to them the inducement
of safety, it is remarkable that they stood
so firm, and their wonderful discipline may
be imagined.
AT length, at midnight, the enemy seemed
resolved upon the attack, and the boats were
observed in motion. Instead of approach
ing in divisions, as Capt. Reid expected, they
came on in solid column in direct line.
When about twenty-five yards off, Capt Reid
ordered his men to stand by after the fire. to
run in the guns and lash in the ports, in order
to prevent the enemy from getting through
fthe port poles on boarding, as they would not
have time to reload the guns before the
enemy would be alongside The men were
then cautioned to wait for the word, and to
be sure of their object The Long Tom,"
heavy forty eight FOUNDER, placed on a
pivot alndships, was sighted with fearful ac-
curacy. On came the British boats with un-
daunted interpidity, when they were again
turned. The fatal command was then given,
and tremendous fire was opened on the
enemy, the thunder and crash of which broke
the charmed stiffness of the before quiet mid
night scene. Keeling back and recoiling
from the missiles of death, they warmly re-
turned the fire, renamed their oars, and
giving three cheers, came on most spiritedly.
The crew of the privateer asked if they
should return the cheer9 NO." replied Capt.
Reid. "no cheering until we have gained a
victory" In a moment they succeeded in
gaining the bow and starboard quarter of
the Armstrong. The cry of the officers COM
manding the boats was, "Up and board, my
lads-gve the enemy no quarter!" AIT lie
same instent they opened a terrific fire with
carronades, swivels, blunderbusses and mus.
kerry. They were gallantly met by the crew
of the privateer in their black leather board
ing caps strapped with iron, looking ike de-
mons, with boarding pixies, muskets, battle
axes, pistols and cutasses. The vessel soon
became one broad sheet of fire, the red glare
Of which strangely contrasted with the bril-
liant light of the moon, now riding high in
mid heaven Shrieks and yels, orders and
oaths amid the clang of sabres, were heard
on both sides through the din and roar Of
the musketry. Again and again the enemy
led by their officers, attempted to gain the
decks of the privateer, but were repulsed
at all times with immense loss. The battle
now ragged with the greatest fury. The
Americans fought with the desperation o
fends. Making last desperate effort tc
board, the enemy gained the sprtsa-yart
and bowsprit of the prvateer, and were pres
ing their way to her decks, when the Ameri
can sailors, welding their battle-axes will
the skill and might Of knights Of old, drove
back Englands best and bravest men will
horrid slaughter The second lieutenant o
the Armstrong, Mr. Alexander 0. Williams
was killed at this moment, while gallantl
leading on his forward division; and the thir'
lieutenant, Mr.. Robert johnson, also fell dan
gerously wounded At the same instant
Capt. Reid, who commanded the after divi
, sion, was engaged beating off two larg
. launches, the men and officers Of which ha
succeeded in climbing up the sides of tn
prvateer. One of the latter, the first leutt
a nant of the PIantagenet, had engaged Cap
n Reid in hand-to-hand fight with cutlase
and once or twice came near overpowerin
r him. Capt Reid, being left-handed, use
}, his right hand in firing pistols, which tt
e powder-boys handed him, while ne continue