Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-06-12
NO.. 139.
Mistellatleons.
THE FIRST NAVAL BATTLE OF THE REV.
OLUTION-THE MACHIAS CENTENNIAL.
CONCLUDED FROM YKsrERDAY.1

CONCLUDED FROM YEsTERDAY.l
Twenty men armed with pitchforks,
were now selected to board the schooner,
and when the vessels were again brought
in contact, amid fierce discharge from
the enemy, they rushed over the schoon-
er's side, followed by the rest of the crew.
The English bravely stood their ground,
but they could not withstand the impetu-
Gus onset of the Americans, and after
spirited struggle they were forced to SUBJ
NIT, having lost about ten killed and the
same number wounded. Among the lat
ter was Captain Moore, who in the early
part OF the action was shot through with
brace of balls, from the effects Of which
he died next day, much lamented. The
loss of the Americans was four killed and
eight or nine wounded.
When the sloop appeared in the river
with the Margaretta as a prize those on
shore were perfectly wild with excitement
Men, women aud children gathered on the
banks shouting and exhibiting every DEM
onstration of joy. The liberty pole was
decorated with evergreens, and through
out the day and long in the night might be
heard the sounds of revelry and rejoicing.
AS mark of the distinction for the brav-
cry he had displayed, the Committee OF
Safety appointed John O'Brien as bearer
of dispatches to the Provincial Congress
of Massachusetts at Watertown, to report
what had been done and to receive direc-
tions for the future. The news was re-
ceived with the most lively interest and
Congress gave their appreciation to the
conduct of the people OF Machias in the
highest terms and passed vote of thanks
to the individuals concerned in the battle.
Ii the news OF the capture Of the Mar
garetta was received with lively interest
at the headquarters of the Provincial Con-
gress, not less lively, although of differ
ent nature, was the excitement caused on
its reception in Nova Scotia. Two schoon-
ers were Immediately fitted out at Halifax
for the purpose Of retaking her. These
vessels were called the Diligence and
Tapnaquish, the former mounting eight or
ten guns, with a crew of fifty men, the lat
ter sixteen swivels, with crew of twenty
men. About a month had elapsed after
taking their prize, when the people Of Ma
chas were notified of these vessels coming
up the bay. Instead of beng alarmed at
the news, pre- operations were made to give
them battle.
The armament was taken out of the
Margaretta and placed on board the Lib
erty, which, with full crew under CON-
mand of Jeremiah O'Brien proceeded
down the bay to meet the enemy. As
they entered the bay they met coaster
coming in, which they took possession of,
placing thirty-tive men on board under
command of Colonel Foster. 1t was
agreed that O'Brien should attack the
Diligence and Foster the Tapnaquish. In
accordance with this arrangement they
bore down upon the enemy, and each at
about the same time boarded. Five min
utes were not required to settle the mat.
ter
Both of the English vessels surrendered
at the first attempt at boarding, without
making the least resistance. On his re-
turn with bis prizes Captain O'Brieu fell
in with II boat containing his father and
surgeon whom the old man had brought
off. Happily there was no occasion for
his services.
The news OF this second capture created
intense feeling III Halifax, and to wipe oil
the stigma OF former defeats, and to pun
ish the authors of them: in the course of
three weeks another expedition was fitted
out from that place, consisting of frig-
ate, a twenty-Sun ship, brig of sixteen
about a thousand men. The news of this
formidable ilotilla being on the way
caused no little apprehension in Machias,
and some OF the more limid advised that
the place should be abandoned. This
proposition was. however, Immediately
secuted. and the O'Brens, with about one
hundred and fifty volunteers. determined
to resist the approach OF the enemy, over
W a. u = in har
three miles below the town, on the east
ern side OF the river at Il place called
SCOTS Point, II breastwork was hastily
thrown up. They had no cannon to de-
fend it; all they had to rely upon were
common muskets.
Hearing that the fleet was coming up
the bay the brave little band. under the
command Of Jeremiah O'Brien and
Colonel Foster, took up the line of march
for SCOTS Point, resolved that il they
could not check the advance OF the enemy
they would pour out the last drop OF blood
in the attempt. All the inhabitants had
gathered in the vicinity OF the liberty pole
to see them start. Mothers and wives
were there, with heavy, foreboding hearts
but there was no shrinking on their par,
no urging of Il son OF "A husband to re-
main On the contrary, struggling with
the emotions that filled their hearts, they
eXhorted them not to talter in their duty,
and without II sign OF weakness bade
them farewell. Such were the women OF
the Revolution.
Soon after taking possession OF the re-
doubt party of observation was sent out,
which shortly returned, bringing intelli-
gence that the squadron had anchored in
the bay, with the exception of the brig
and number OF boats filled with men,
who were advancing toward the town.
1t WAS not long before they came in sight
and when they were opposite the breast
work large body of men, about 800,
landed. As this formidable number drew
up on the banks. their bright arms glis-
tening in the sun, O'Brien and Foster made
their preparations. AT this .juncture Cap
tain O'Brien addressed his men :--"You
see, my lads what you have got to contend
with. The odds are greatly against us,
therefore, il there is one man here who Ii
sick of his baroain and wishes IN leave i'm