ries, have equally entitled themselves, by their good they 7 do. 18's, we 12; they 16 do 12's, we 12, &c. conduct, to my and their country's thanks. being every way our superior, except in gallant hearts. He also underrates our force 3 guns-but in his account of naval matters, the knight is to; lerably correct. I must avail myself of this occasion to express my With the highest respect, I am, sir, your obedient Com. Patterson. Same to the same. Pring's detail of the affair on the lake is lengthy and doleful-but like the British despatches, generally, it is not true. He complains terrioly of the want of "gun locks." How long has it been since they became so great a desideratum? I am not informed of the fact, but I rather doubt if Macdonough had any. It is certain that the crews of the British vessels were picked chosen men, and greatly superior in number to ours, as were they also in guns. They had 1050 men, we 820; they 95 guns, we 86; they 84 killed and 110 wounded, we 52 killed and 58 wounded. Sir George Prevost's account of his defeat before Plattsburg. He therein refers to his returns of the loss sustainHead-quarters 7th military district, ed by the left division of the army in its advance on 19th January, 1815. Commodore Patterson. SIR-In my communication Plattsburg, which does not appear to have been pub. lished. COLONIAL DEPARTMENT, of this day I omitted to mention the satisfaction with which I have observed the zeal and diligence with which Mr. J. K. Smith, the navy agent, has performed all the duties of co-operation, that were entrust-been received from lieutenant general sir George Downing-street, Nov. 29. A dispatch of which the following is a copy, has ed to him, and as far as came under my observation, the ability with which he has done the duties of his station. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servt. revost, Bart. addressed to earl Bathurst, one of his majesty's principal secretaries of state: Head quarters, Plattsburg, State of New-York, Sept. 11, 1814. from the Garonne, I lost no time in assembling three MY LORD-Upon the arrival of the reinforcements brigades on the frontier of Lower Canada, extendHead-quarters 7th military district, ing from the river Richelieu to the St. Lawrence; 27th January, 1815. SIR-The very able manner in which you superin-and in forming them into a division, under the comtended the general hospital during the necessary mand of major-general de Rottenburg, for the purabsence of Dr. Kerr at camp, demands a return of Pose of carrying into effect his royal highness the my acknowledgments and thanks. To have ten-prince regent's commands, which had been conveyed dered your services at so momentous a crisis, for so to me by your lordship in your dispatch of the third important a duty, is proof of the honorable and pa- of June last. As the troops concentrated and aptriotic motives which govern you, and these feelings, proached the line of separation between this proexercised as they have been, will enable you to par- abandoned its entrenched camp on the river Chazy, vince and the United States, the American army ticipate with great satisfaction in the general joy at the happy deliverance of our country from its invaat Champlain, a position I immediately seized, and ders. To every man, whose exertions were employ occupied in force on the 3d inst. The following day ed in bringing about this glorious event, even miti- the whole of the left division advanced to the village gating the evils necessarily to be encountered on the of Chazy, without meeting the least opposition from way to its accomplishment, the gratitude of his country is due. What you have so justly merited you will certainly receive. I am, most respectfully, your ob't. servant, Dr. Heerman. Maj. gen. commanding BATTLES OE PLATTSBURG AND CHAMPLAIN. British officials. the enemy. On the morning of the 11th, our flotilla was seen over the isthmus which joins Cumberland head with the main land steering for Plattsburg bay. I immediately ordered that part of the brigade under majorconsisting of four light infantry companies, 3d batgeneral Robinson, which had been brought forward, talion 27th and 76th regiments, and major general Powers' brigade, consisting of the 3d, 5th, 1st battallion 27th and 58th regiments to force the ford of The following is well calculated to make us laugh. the Saranac, and advance, provided with scaling ladPoor sir George! We should have pitied the old ders, to escalade the enemy's works on the heights man, if his vanity had not induced him to date his-this force was placed under the command of maj. letter fuisely. He no more wrote it at "Plattsburg, gen. Robinson. The batteries opened the fire the state of New York, on the 11th September," than I instant the ships engaged. did. It was not until 9 o'clock in the night of that day, that his guns were withdrawn, &c. and, ship, that, notwithstanding the intrepid valor with It is now, with deep concern, I inform your lord. it is very likely that, while all was confusion and which captain Downie led his flotilla into action, retreat, he sat himself down to write a despatch my most sanguine hopes of complete success were to his government! Why this foolish falsehood?—not long afterwards blasted, by a combination as it John Bull must indeed be a mere "cull" to swal-appeared to us, of unfortunate events, to which na low such trash. According to sir George's account, the British fleet on Champlain, carried ninety guns-Macdonough, ance, published by the marshal of New York, that * It appears, however, by the libel of the Confiwho personaly inspected all but the gallies, rates Macdonough found thirty-seven "gun-locks" on board hem at ninety-five-his own at eighty-six, in the that vessel so that only two of her guns wanted cle. They had 30 long 24 pounders, we 14; 'them. val warfare is peculiarly exposed. Scarcely had his mation of the lords commissioners of the admiralty, majesty's troops forced a passage across the Saranac, a copy of a letter from captain Pring, late commandand ascended the height on which stand the enemy's er of his majesty's brig Linnet. It appears to me, works, when I had the extreme mortification to hear and I have good reason to believe, that captain Dowthe shout of victory from the enemy's works, in con- nie was urged, and his ship hurried into action besequence of the British flag being lowered on board fore she was in a fit state to meet the enemy. I am the Confiance and Linnet; and to see our gun-boats also of opinion, that there was not the least necessi seeking their safety in flight. This unlooked forty for our squadron giving the enemy such decided event depriving me of the co-operation of the fleet, advantage, by going into their bay to engage them; without which the further prosecution of the ser- even had they been successful, it would not in the vice was become impracticable, I did not hesitate to least have assisted the troops in storming the arrest the course of the troops advancing to the at-batteries; whereas, had our troops taken their battack because the most complete success would have teries first, it would have obliged the enemy's squabeen unavailing, and the possession of the enemy's dron to quit the bay, and given ours a fair chance. works offered no advantage to compensate for the I have the honor, &c. loss we must have sustained in acquiring possession of them. (Signed) JAMES LUCAS YEO. Commodore and commander in chief. CAPT. PRING'S DISPATCH. U. S. ship Saratoga, Plattsburg bay, lake Champlain, On the 5th, it halted within eight miles of this place, having surmounted the difficulties created by the obstructions in the road, from the felling of trees, Sir-The painful task of making you acquainted with the cirand the removal of bridges. The next day, the di-cumstances attending the capture of his majesty's squadron, yes vision moved upon Plattsburg, in two columns, on terday, by that of the Americans, under commodore Macdonough, it grieves me to state, becomes my duty to perform, from the everparallel roads; the right column led by major-gene-to-lamented loss of that worthy and gallant officer, captain ral Power's brigade, supported by four companies Downie, who unfortunately fell early in the action. of light infantry, and a demi-brigade, under major-George Prevost for the co-operation of the naval force on this In consequence of the earnest application of his excellenc sir general Robinson; the left by major-general Bris lake to attack that of the enemy, who were placed for the support bane's brigade. The enemy's militia, supported by of their works at Plattsburg, which it proposed should be his regulars, attempted to impede the advance of stormed by the troops, at the same moment the naval ac tion should commence in the bay, every possible exertion was the right column, but were driven before it from all used to accelerate the armament of the new ship, that the militatheir positions, and the column entered Plattsburg.ry movements might not be postponed at such an advanced season of the year, longer than was absolutely necessary. On the This rapid movement having reversed the strong po 3d inst. I was directed to proceed in command of the flotilla of sition taken up by the enemy at Dead creek, it was gun-boats to protect the left flank of our ar.ny advancing towards precipitately abandoned by him, and his gun-boats Plattsburg; and on the following day after taking possession and paroling the militia of Isle la Motter, I caused a bartery of three alone left to defend the ford, and to prevent our re-long eighteen pounder guns to be constructed for the support of storing the bridges, which had been imperfectly de- our position abreast of Little Chazy, where the supplies for the stroyed, an inconvenience soon surmounted. Here I army were ordered to be landed. The fleet came up on the 8th inst. but for want of stores for found the enemy in the occupation of an elevated 11th at daylight, we weighed, and at seven were in full view of the ridge of land on the south branch of the Saranac, enemy's fleet, consisting of a ship, brig, schooner, and one sloop, moored in line, abreast of their encampment, with a division of crowned with three strong redoubts and other field five gun boats on each flank; at 42 minutes past seven, after the works, and block-houses armed with heavy ordnano, equipment of the guns, could not move forward until the with their flotilla (the Saratoga, 26 guns; Surprize, Anal instructions as to the plan of attack, we made sail in order officers commanding vessels and the Blotilla had received their 20 guns; Thunderer, 16 guns; Preble, 7 guns; 10 of battle. Capt. Downie had determined on laying his stap gun-boats, 14 guns) at anchor out of gun-shot from athwart-hause of the enemy's, directing lieut. M'Ghee of the Chub the shore, consisting of a ship, a brig, a schooner, and lieut. Hicks, of the Finch, with the flotilla of gun boats; to to support me in the Linnet, in engaging the brig to the right, a sloop, and 10 gun-boats. I immediately commu-attack the schooner and sloop on the left of the enemy's line." nicated the circumstance to captain Downie, who At 8 the enemy's gun boats and smaller vessels commenced a had been recently appointed to command the vessels heavy and galling fire on our line; at 15 minutes after 8, the Confiance having two anchors shot away from her larboard bow, on lake Champlain, consisting of a ship, a brig, 2 and the wind baffling, was obliged to anchor (though not in the sloops, and 12 gun-boats, (the Confiance, 36 guns; Linnet and Chub soon afterwards took their allotted stations, situation proposed) within two cables length of her adversary; the Linnet, 18 guns; Broke, 10 guns; Shannon, 10 something short of that distance, when the crews on both sides guns; 12 gun-boats, 16 guns) and requested his co-cheered and commenced a spirited and close action; a short time operation; and in the mean time batteries were con structed for the guns brought from the rear. however, deprived me of the valuable services of lieut. M'Ghee, who, from having his cables, bowsprit and main-boom shot away, drifted within the enemy's line, and was obliged to surrender. I nave ordered the batteries to be dismantled, the From the light airs and smoothness of the water the fire on each side proved very destrutive from the commencement of the en guns withdrawn, and the baggage, with the wound-gagement, and with the exception of that of the brig, that of the ed men who can be removed, to be sent in the rear, enemy appeared united against the Confiance. After two hours in order that the troops may be sent to Chazy to-severe conflict with our opponent, she cut her cabl, run down, and took shelter between the ship and schooner, which enabled morrow, and on the following day to Champlain, us to directour fire against the division of the enemy's gun-boats where I propose to halt until I have ascertained the and ship, which had so long annoyed us during our close engage ment with the brig, without any resistance on our part; at this use the enemy propose making of the naval ascen-time the fire of the enemy's ship slackened consid ranly, having dancy they have acquired on lake Champlain. Iseveral of her guns dismounted, when she cut her cable and winn have the honor to transmit herewith returns of the ed her larboard broadside to bear on the Coufiance, who, in vain, endeavored to effect the same operation; at 33 minutes after 10 loss sustained by the left division of the army in its I was much distressed to observe that the Confiance struck her advance to Plattsburg, and in forcing a passage across colors. The whole attention of the enemy's force then b-came directed towards the Linnet; the shattered and disabled state of the river Saranac. I have the honor to be, &c. the masts, sails. rigging and yards, precluded the most distant (Signed) GEORGE PREVOST. Lope of being able to effect an escape by cutting her cable; the result of doing so, must in a few minutes have been her drifting alongside the enemy's vessels close under our lee; but in the hope the flotilla of guu-boats, who had abandoned the object assigned them, would perceive our wants and come to our assistance, which would afford a reasonable prospect of being towed clear, f determined to resist the then destructive cannonading of the whole of the enemy's fleet, and at the same time dispatched lieutenant H. Drew to ascertain the state of the Confiance. At forty-five minutes after ten I was apprize of the loss she had sustained by tite death of her brave commander whose nerit it would be presnay tion in me to extol) as well as the great slaughter which had taken place on board, and observing from the meres of the Right honorahle Earl Bathurst. Admiralty office, November 26. Cpy of a letter from commodore sir J. L. Yeo, comnander in chief of his majesty's ships and vessels on the lakes of Canada to J. W. Croker, esq. dated on board his majesty's ship St. Lawrence, at Kington, 24th September, 1814. Siz-I have the honor to transmit, for the infor i notilla that I could enjoy no further expectations of relief, the wind which was then blowing. It being now situation of my gallant comrades who had so nobly fought, and and men, I gave the painful order for the colors to be struck. Lieutenant Hicks, of the Finch, had the mortification to strike bave been expected. were now fast falling by my side, deinauded the surrender of bis high water, it became necessary to force her majesty's brig entrusted to my command, to prevent a useless waste of valuable lives, and at the request of the surviving officers over the bar before the tide fell; in this we succeeded by 10 o'clock, when we shaped our on a reef of rocks, to the eastward of Crab Island, about the mid- course along the shore of Long Island for 50 dle of the engagemet, which prevented his rendering that asssis-miles, and then steered S. E. by E. At 5 tance to the squadron, that might, from an officer of such ability, o'clock, three ships were discovered ahead ; we immediately hauled up the ship and pasferers, I have deemed necessary to give of the particulars which sed 2 miles to the northward of them. At ded to it; and when it is taken into consideration that the Confi ance was sixteen days before on the stocks, with an organized day-light, we discovered four ships in chase, crew, composed of veral drafts of men who had recently arrived one on each quarter; and two astern, the leadfrom different ships at Quebec, many of whom only joined the aquadron a few days before, and were totally unknown either to ing ship of the enemy, a razee—she commenthe officers or to each other, with the want of gun locks, as well ced a fire upon us, but without effect The misfortune which this day befel us by capture, will sir, I trust, apologize for the lengthy detail which in justice to the suf as other necessary appointments not to be procured in this country, At 1 trust you will feel satisfied of the decided advantage the enemy meridian, the wind became light and baffling, possessed, exelusive of their great superiority in point of force, a comparative statement (the account of the British force has not we had increased our distance from the razee, been transmitted] of which I have the honor to annex. It now but the next ship astern, which was also a becomes the most pleasing part of my duty to notice to you the determined skill and bravery of the officers and inen in this une large ship, had gained and continued to gain maintaining it has been so great-that of the enemy, I understand, upon us considerably; we immediately occupied all hands to lighten ship, by starting wa qual contest; but it grieves me to state that the loss sustained in apounts to something more than the same number. The fine style in which captain Downie conducted the squadron Into action amidst a tremendous fire, without returning shot, no-ter, cutting away the anchors, throwing overtil secured, reflects the greatest credit to his memory, for his judg board provisions, cables, spare spars, boats, strictly attending to his example and instructions; their own ae and every article that could be got at, keeping the sails wet from the royals down ment and coolness, as also on lieutenants M'Ghee and Hieks for so Counts of the capture of their respective vessels, as well as that of heutenant Robertson, who sticceeded to the command of the Cont officers aud men serving under their immediate command; but 1 At fiance, will, I feel assured, do ample justice to the merits of the 3, we had the wind quite light; the enemy cannot omit noticing the individual conduct of lieutenants Ro- who had now been joined by a brig, had a bertson, Crawick and Hornby, and Mr. Bryden, master; for their strong breeze and were coming up with us particular exertion in endeavoring to bring the Confiance's starboard side to bear on the enemy, after most of their guns were rapidly. The Endymion (mounting 50 guns, It is impossible for ine to express to you my admiration of the 24 pounders on the main deck) had now ap officers and crew serving under my personal orders; their coolness proached us within gun-shot, and had comand steadiness, the effect of which was proved by their irresistible fine directed towards the brig opposed to us, claims my warmest meneed a fire with her bow guns, which we acknowledgments, but more particularly for preserving the same returned from our stern. At 5 o'clock, she so long after the whole strength of the enemy had been directed dismounted on the other. the lower deck, from the number of shot which struck her between wind and water. I have to regret the loss of the boatswain, Mr. Jackson, who was killed a few minutes before the action terminated. The assistance I received from Mr. Much, the gunner, and also from Mr. Clark, master's mate, Messrs. Towke and Sinclair, uidshipmen, the latter of whom was wounded in the head, and Mr. Guy, my clerk, will, I hope, recommend them, as well as the whole of any gallant little crew to your notice. i have much satisfaction in making you acquainted with the humane treatment the wound ed have received from commodore MDonough; they were imme diately removed to his own hospital on Crab Island, and were furnished with every requisite. His generous and polite attention also, to myself, officers and men, will ever hereafter be gratefully sigainst the Lionet alone. My first lieutenant, Mr. Wm. Drew, had obtained a position on our starboard quarwhose merits I have before had the honor to report to you, behaved ter, within half point blank shot, on which on this occasion in the most exemplary manner. By the death of Mr. Paul, acting second lieutenant, the service neither our stern nor quarter guns would bear; has been deprived of a most valuable and brave officer; he fell early in the action. Great credit is due to Mr. Giles. purser, for we were now steering E. by N. the wind N. volu steering his services on deck; to Mr. Mitchell, surgeon, for W. I remained with her in this position for the skill he evinced in performing some amputations required at the moment, as well as his great attention to the wounded during half an hour, in the hope that she would close the action, at the close of which the water was nearly a foot above with us on our broadside, in which case I had prepared my crew to board, but from his continuing to yaw his ship to maintain his position, it became evident that to close was not his intention. Every fire now cut some of our sails or rigging To have continued our course under these circumstances, would have been without placing it in his power to cripple us, being subject to injury himself, and to have hauled up more to the northward to bring our stern guns to bear, would have exposed us to his raking fire, It was now dusk, when I deSIR-The painful duty of detailing to you termined to alter my course south, for the the particular causes which preceded and led purpose of bringing the enemy abeam, and to the capture of the late United States' fri- although their ships astern were drawing up gate President by a squadron of his Britannic fast, I felt satisfied I should be enabled to majesty's ships, (as per margin) has devolved throw him out of the combat before they upon me In my communication of the 14th, could come up, and was not without hopes, if I made known to you my intention of pro- the night proved dark, (of which there was ceeing to sea on that evening. Owing to some every appearance) that I might still be enabled mistake of the pilots, the ship in going out to effect my escape. Our opponent kept off grounded on the bar, where she continued to at the same instant we did, and our fire comWe continued enstrike heavily for an hour and a half; although menced at the same time remembered. I have, &c. DAN. PRING. Copy of a letter from commodore Decatur to the secretary of the navy, dated M. B. M. ship Endymion, at sea, January 18, 18:5. she had broken several of her rudder braces, gaged steering south with steering sails set and had received such other material injury two hours and a half, when we completely as to render her return into port desirable, I succeeded in dismantling her. Previously to was unable to do so from the strong westerly her dropping entirely out of the action, thera were intervals of minutes, when the ships was unable to make out a correct return when were broadside and broadside, in which she I left the President, nor shall I be able to did not fire a gun. At this period (half past make it until our arrival in port, we having 8 o'clock) although dark, the other ships of parted company with the squadron yesterday. the squadron were in sight and almost within The enclosed list, with the exception I fear of gun-shot. We were of course compelled to its being short of the number, will be found abandon her. In resuming our former course correct. for the purpose of avoiding the squadron, we For twenty-four hours after the action it were compelled to present our stern to our was nearly calm, and the squadron were ocantagonist but such was his state, though we cupied in repairing the crippled ships. Such were thus exposed and within range of his of the crew of the President as were not badly guns for half an hour, that he did not avail wounded, were put on board the different himself of this favorable opportunity of rakships; myself and a part of my crew were put ing us. We continued this course until 11 on board this ship. On the 17th we had a gale o'clock, when two fresh hips of the enemy from the eastward, when this ship lost her (the Pomona and Tenedos) had come up.-bowsprit, fore and main-masts and mizen topThe Pomona had opened her fire on the lar-mast, all of which were badly wounded, and board bow, within musket shot; the other was in consequence of her disabled condition, about two cables' length astern, taking a rak-obliged to throw overboard all her upper ing position on our quarter; and the rest deck guns; her loss in killed and wounded (with the exception of the Endymion) within must have been very great. I have not been gun-shot. Thus situated, with about one fifth able to ascertain the extent. Ten were buried of my crew killed and wounded, my ship crip-after I came on board, (36 hours after the pled, and a more than four-fold force opposed action); the badly wounded, such as are oblito me, without a chance of escape left, I deem-ged to keep their cots, occupy the starboard ed it my duty to surrender. side of the gun deck from the cabin-bulk-head It is with emotions of pride I bear testimo-to the main mast From the crippled state of ny to the gallantry and steadiness of every of the President's spars, I feel satisfied she could ficer and man I had the honor to command on not have saved her masts, and I feel serious this occasion, and I feel satisfied that the fact apprehensions for the safety of our wounded of their having beaten a force equal to them-left on board. selves, in the presence and almost under the It is due to captain Hope to state, that every guns of so vastly a superior force, when, too, attention has been paid by him to myself and it was almost self-evident, that whatever their officers that have been placed on board his exertions might be, they must ultimately be ship, that delicacy and humanity could dictate. captured, will be taken as evidence of what I have the honor to be, with much respect, they would have performed, had the force op- sir, your obedient servant, posed to them been in any degree equal. STEPHEN DECATUR. It is with extreme pain haye to inform The hon. Ben. W. Crowninshield, you that lieuts. Babbit, Hamilton and How- Secretary of the Navy. ell fell in the action. They have left no offi-dymion; Pomona; Tenedos; Dispatch, (brig.) eers of superior merit behind them. If, sir, the issue of this affair had been for tunate, I should have felt it my duty to have recommended to your attention lieutenants Shubrick and Gallagher. They maintained throughout the day the reputation they had acquired in former actions, Lieut. Twiggs, of the marines, displayed great zeal, his men were well supplied and their fire incomparable, so long as the enemy continued within musket range. Midshipman Randolph, who had charge of the forecastle division, managed it to my entire satisfaction. British squadron referred to in the latter.-Majestic, razee; En. List of killed and wounded on board the United States' frigate President.-KILLED.-Lieutenants F. H Babbit, A. Hamilton, E. F. Howell; Henry Hill, Samuel Gaines, Samuel De Coster, WOUNDED. -Sailing-master Rogers, Mr. Robinson, midship Regan, John Melville, Saml. Turner, Thos. Gore, D. Lamphiere, Smyth, Jacob Darlig. Joh Gore, Jas. Anderson, Wm. Davidson, From Montreal and Quebec papers. By a correspondent at the north we have been fa From Mr Robinson, who was serving as a vored with the "Montreal Herald" of the 4th inst. volunteer, I received essential aid, particular-containing Quebec dates to the 1st. ly after I was deprived of the services of the Intelligence of the check given to the British armaster, and severe loss I had sustained in my ms at New-Orleans, in the action of the 23d of Deofficers on the quarter-deck. comber, and of the capture of the U. S. frigate PreOf our loss in killed and wounded, I am un-the Herald, republishes a brief statement of both |sident, had just reached Montreal. The editor of able at present to give you a correct state-vents, from the New-York and Boston papers; and ment; the attention of the surgeon being so on the capture of our frigate, he thus in the fullness entirely occupied with the wounded, that he lof exultation, tauntingly remarks: [Com. Advi but they were too full of tumultuous joy to let him be heard. He arrived at New-York on the 26th. THE PRESIDENT. "This 74 in disguise, it seems sailed from New York on the 14th ultimo, as chief of a squadron; the The official account of the capture of the Press, whole but herself, however, consisted of only heavy dent is inserted below. It seems that the Endymion corvettes, 3 in number: next day, they fell in with a was completely beaten, though our tars fought undetachment of his majesty's squadron, one of them der the certainty that they must fall a prey to the an old razee; the rest three frigates. The Endymion squadron. It will not be pretended that the Endybeing the best sailer, after a considerable length of mion was inferior to the President, and therefore we chase, brought the enemy to action, and after 4 1-2 claim a second and more glorious victory for Decahours fighting, crippled and compelled him to sur-tur and his crew. He struck his flag to the Pomone render, we believe, without any assistance from the and Tenedos, but delivered his sword to the captain rest of the detachment; the story of the broadsides of the Majestic razee, the commander of the squadfrom the Pomona, remains to be proved; we will not ron; thus settling, to the satisfaction of the most give credit to it, until we see capt. Hope's official fastidious, the manner of his capture. letter, and we are confident in belief, that the Endymion would have done the business if entirely left to herself. This is strongly corroborated by the accounts before us, from an American officer belonging to the President. In the gale that came on the day after the battle, the President lost all her masts and the Endymion her fore and main masts-the former arrived at Bermuda on the 28th and the former on the 25th of January. The people there expressed great exuitaThe Yankee account is really ludicrous:-The Pre- tion at the capture of our frigate-until they learnsident it seems was almost water logged by an excessed the truth of the matter. It was not known that of crew, without sea leg. Even Decatur himself is the brig Macedonian, which sailed in company with stated to have been in a reeling mood; what mean the President, was captured, as has been stated. subterfuges! If this ship had been long at sea, and We understand (says the N. Y. Mercantile Advermet when her crew had been reduced a little, then tiser) the citizens of New London celebrated the what apologies about honor, bravery, &c. But why return of peace, on Wednesday evening, by a brilliant prolong remarks? These republicans will never be illumination of the city, and an elegant ball. What satisfied, happen what will. If Decatur had escaped, added much to the joyous occasion, commodore Dethe would have affirmed, but from some untoward catur had that day arrived, and we hear attended circumstance, that the whole of his majesty's squa- the ball. We understand also, that admiral Hotham, dron, would have been carried right into New York. and most of the officers of the British squadron had "Now, about the consequences of this paltry cap-been invited and would attend. ture (as regards naval glory there is nothing to From Bermuda. From the Royal Gazette. An apoboast) they are probably of great importance. Per-logy. An incorrect statement of the capture of the haps the President was ordered to India or to the frigate PRESIDENT, having been published in the Pacific ocean, whither she would have committed Bermuda Gazette of the 1st inst, the following was great spoliations on our commerce. In the latter issued in a hand-bill the next day: Royal Gazette office, Bermuda, Feb. 2, 1815. region we have no force to oppose a vessel, to our "The editor of the Royal Gazette having learned shame be it said, and in the former, where our strength is very great, much damage might have, from authority, that the statement published in the nevertheless, been done, on account of her superior Gazette of yesterday was incorrect, takes the earli. equipment, and advantage in sailing; we have no est opportunity of thus contradicting the detail ship in India which could come near her in chase. therein given; assuring that to wound the feelings But something has been gained of no minor impor- of a brave enemy, is as far from being the wish of tance in the capture of this sea-monster; and this is the officers of the British navy, as it is foreign from in ascertaining her size, weight of metal and number his intentions." of crew. Our purblind lords of the admiralty knew nothing of these profound secrets. It will now be From the London Gazette, September 30. the duty of admiral Cochrane to inform them, and Colonial department, Downing-street, September 30. of captain Hope to see into the aecuracy of the Captain Jervois, aid-de-camp to general Drum statement. The Yankees have a lame President on shore; had a crippled one on the ocean, now lost to mond, arrived this morning with a dispatch from them by the valor of a British frigate; their Consti-Sir G. Prevost, bart. of which the following is an extution is also afloat; if she should be captured, what will become of the Union!! Who knows but the President may, before long, sink the Constitution The President on shore is laboring hard to accomplish his views; we hope the name-sakes will both succeed. We beg pardon of the Hartford convention men about their naval disgrace; of their political insignificance, Madison's rod has also convinced them." ARRIVAL OF COMMODORE DECATUR. We have not seen the article alluded to, for which the above is the amende honorable. tract: Head quarters, Montreal, August 5. I have the satisfaction of transmitting to your lordship, lieutenant-general Drummond's detail of the distinguished exertions of that division of the army near the falls of Niagara, on the 25th of last month, when the skill of his majesty's generals, and the valor and discipline of his troops were eminently conspicuous; and I beg leave to join the lieutenant general in humbly soliciting his royal highness the prince regent's gracious consideration of the meritorious services of the officers particularized in this report. The gallant commodore, with two ar three other officers, arrived at New London on the 22d ult. in the Narcissus frigate, from Bermuda. He was reThis despatch will be delivered to your lordship ceived with all the applause due to a conqueror, as, indeed, he really was. But there was one thing done by captain Jervois, aid-de-camp to lieutenant-geneby the people that we cannot commend; for they ral Drummond; having shared in the events of the fixed ropes to his carriage and drew it about the 25th, he can satisfy your lordship's enquiries retown to his lodgings, amidst the huzzas of the mul- specting them; and he is well calculated, from his titude-this is a vulgar English custom, "more ho- local knowledge, to give your lordship information nored in the breach than the observance." The upon the state of the upper province. hero, however, was sensibly affected by the enthusism of the people, and attempted to address them, SIR-I embarked on board his majesty's schooner Head quarters, Upper Canada, near Niagara Falls, July 27, |