Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-07-09
Essex. May 18th 1914.

Essex. May Eth 1914.
To his Excellency, Daniel D. Tompkins:
Sir:
beg the honor to inform you, that the
British Flotila consisting of one brig Of
twenty guns six sloops and schooners K
ton Row-g alies appeared on this side OF
the lines on Wednesday last. Owing to
southwardly wind. they did not pass
this Village until Friday evening about
sunset. & came to anchor OFF split rock
for the night. Previous to which one "
the Row gallies cha sed a small boat into
the river Boquett, but not being inclined
to pursue her up the river they landed
at the farm of Aaron Fairchld, Esq.
& plundered the proprietor to consid-
cradle amount. Early the next morning
the Enemy's Row gallies attacked the
Fort at the mouth ofOtter's Creek. where
Commodore McDonough Is preparing his
squadron but there met with such n re-
ccption as 10 induce them to put about.
residing some distance from this vii
lage. & not being promptly informed
of the appearance of the Enemy. Lieuten-
ant Colonel MOBILES anticipated my wish
es by ordering out the Militia from n
number OF adjacent towns. who collected
and were formed about a mile in the
rear of this village about noon Yesterday
at the same time that the British came
off the same place. when the Commodore
dispatched an officer with flag demand
ing the surrsK1cr Of ! shsHl sloop be-
longing to Mr.. WIN. d. Ross. which had
been LAUNCHED two days previous. but
which had fortunately been conveyed to
the southwark of the Fort at otter Creek.
On receiving this assurance from one Of
the ma gistrates he departed for the brig.
Immediately after which. the whole fleet
directed their course to the North. About
three o'clock three of the Enemy's Row
gallics passed up the river BoQuett II
landed at the falls, where after demand
Ing the public property (Which had been
timely conveyed to distance) and
learning that the Militia were in force a
few miles distant & were on the march
to intercept their retreat. they precip!tat-
ly embarked In their boats & made for
the Lake. On ascertain!ng hat the Enemy
were shaping their course towards the
mouth Of the River Lieutenant Colonel
Mobiles directed his march towards that
point & approving his plan OF
operation. I directed him to cross the
wood & post his men on the bank OF
the river. which was done with the great
| est promptncss in time to arrest the pro
gress Of one OF the Encmys gallies. the
crew OF which were SO disabled as 10
ob!ige them to hoist n flag Of distress
when a sloop came to their assistance
& towed her off.
II would he invidous To distinguish
particular officers e. soldiers who acted
IN this encounter. With pleasure can
assure you. that every man engaged con-
Quoted himself with cool elaboration of
a veteran. In this skirmish we had only
two mon wounded, one severely the other
slightly.
hope & expect that Commodore Me-
ponough will in the course OF few days
be able to assume the command OF the
Lave which will relieve tho anxiety Of
,hr inhabitants residing on its borders.
With great respect, havc the honor to
be,
Your Exccllecy's very humble Servt
Daniel Wright. Il. G..
This to certify that the above document
Is a correct copy and the whole thereof.
Of letter recorded on pages LOG. l07 and
los Of n manuscript volume entitled I'D.
D. Tompkins Papers, vol Q" in the GUS
tody of the Regents OF the University of
the State of New York In the state
library.
(Seal)
Witness the seal of the University of
the state Of New York.
(Signcd) George Rogers Howell,