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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 4 5 6 I a^^^^ HP wfm. fe.f..-^,„ -«rv ^%/p A COLLECTION op SUNDRY PUBLICATIONS, ND OTHER DOCUMENTS, "PON THE PRIvix. ARMED BRia GEN^IRAL ARMSTRONG OP NEW-YORK, COMMANDED BY S. C. REID, * «« aeth OP SEPTEMBER, 1814 AT Tlia ISLAND OP PAYAL, ' BT HI. «R,TA,f^,C MAJESTf ', SHIPS PLANTAq,^^^ „^„^,, "O-^-K. AK. C.R..x,0. a.OOP 0, ".«''"' *^ ■ I ffi •#P"!-IP '^mmmmmm I « f lipPPP""'l'"'"'™B«"iiw" i «, ,■ A COLLECTION OF SUNDRY PUBLICATIONS, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS, IN RELATION TO THE ATTACK MADE DURING THE LATE WAR UPON THE PRIVATE ARMED BRIG GENERAL A.RxMSTRONG, OF NEW-YORK, « COMMANDED BY S. C. R '^D, ON THC NIGHT OF THE SBth OF SEPTEMBER, ldl«« AT THE ISLAND OF FAYAL, BY H18 BRITANNIC MAJESTY's SHIPS PLANTAGENET SEVENTY-POUR, ROTA FRIGATE, AND CARNATION SLOOP OF WAR. NEW- YORK: PRINTED BY JOHN GRAY, 110 FULTON-STREET 1833. <. ^"]U REMARKS. It may not be amiss to bring to the recollection of the reader, circumstances showing the influence which the action of the Armstrong at Fayal, had on the movements, and final success of General Jackson at New-Orleans, although Jackson and Reid were neither of them conscious of it at the time. The action with the Armstrong, commanded by Capt. Reid, was on the 26th, of Sept. 1814. The fleet commanded by Admiral Cochrane and des- tined for the expedition against New-Orleans, was at that moment waiting at Jamaica for the Squa- dron commanded by Capt. Lloyd, which had been dispatched from England with orders to join the fleet at Jamaica, with all convenient speed. Capt. Lloyd however, with an honest zealfor his Britannic Majesty's service, on being informed of the fact, that the Gen. Armstrong wns then actually lying in the harbour of Fayal, very naturally concluded that such a vessel might be useful to the expedition of which he was to compose a part ; and ordered the immediate capture of this Rebellious Yankee vessel. The attack was accordingly made — the result of which appears in the following pages. When Lloyd arrived at Jamaica, and it was told to the Admiral and to General Packenham, what had befallen him, that he had sustained a loss of about 200 of his best men, and had in con- sequence been detained at Fayal above ten days, they were exceedingly indignant ; and loaded Lloyd with bitter reproaches. ir REMARKS. To show more clearly the influence of Captain Reid's action upon the expedition iixtendcu for New-Orleans, it is necessary to notice the following" dates. Cochrane's fleet arrived ofl" New-Orleans on the 5th of December, and General Jackson arrived at the City on the 10th of the same month. Now it is manifest that if Cochrane and Llo)'d had arrived 10 days sooner, (say 25th, Nov.) the British army might have marched into and taken possession of New Orleans, before the American forces could by any possibility have arrived. iptaiM d for n the ed at Llo)'d ) the Laken ricau I DOCUMENTS, &c. Letter from the American Consul to Captain Reidi You have performed a most brilliant action in beat* ing off Fourteen Boats of the British ships, in this Road. They say they will carry the Brig, cost what it will, and that the Brig will haul in to attack you at the same time the boats do. My dear fellow do not uselessly expo- *i K-.\» The commandant at Fayal despatcherl a boat to thi ^nemy, forbidding an attack on the Gen. Armstrong. The answer returned, was, that if he attempted to pro- tect her, they would fire on the town. Capt. Reid is expected in town from St. Mavy's, when we shall, no doubt, have a further and more par- ticular account of this affair. a 42 I Copy of a letter from our Coi vCt at Fayal to the Secre- tary of State. Fayal, 5th October, 1814. Sir — I h-^vethe honour, io state to you that a most outrageous violation of the neutrality of this port, m v.'.teT contempt of the laws of civilized nations, has recently been commited here by the commanders of his Britannic majesty's ships Plantagenet, Rota and Carnation, against the American private armed brig General Arm- strong, Sam. C. Reid commander, but I have great satisfaction in being able to add, that this occurrence terminated in one of the mo^it brilliant actions on the part of Captain Reid, his brave officers and cew, that can be found on naval record. The American brig came to ani^hor in this port in the afternoon of the 26th of September^ and at sunset of the same day, the above named ships suddenly ap» peared in these roads ; it being nearly calm, in the port, it was rather doubtful if the privateer could escape if she got under way, and relying on the ju.-tice ?,nJ g.^o.t fkith of the British captams it was deemed most pru- dent to remain at anchor. — A little after dusic Captain Reid, seeing some suspicious movements on the part of the British, began to warp bis vessel close under the guns of the castle, and while doing so, he was at about eight o'clock, P. M. approached by four boats from the ships filled v/ith armed men. After hailing them repeatedly and w^arning them to keep cfF, he order* I i\ i I i. » M * ed his men to fiie on them, and killed and wounded several men. The boats returned the fire and killed one man and wounded the first Lieutenant of the priva- teer, and returned to their ships, and, as it was now light moonlight, it was plainly perceived from tho brig as well as from the shore, that a formidable attack was premeditating. Soon after midnight, twelve or more large boats crowded with men from the ships and armed with carronades, swivel» and blunderbusses, small arms, &c. attacked the brig ; a severe contest ensued which lasted about forty minutes, and ended in the total defeat and partial destruction of the boats, with a most unparalleled carnage on the part of the British. It is estimated by good judges that near 400 men were in the boats when the attack commenced, and no doubt exists in the minds of the numerous spec- tators of the scene that more than half of them were killed or wounded ; several boats were destroyed ; two of them remained alongside of the brig literally loaded with their own dead. From these two boats only 17 reached the shore alive ; most of them were severely wounded. The whole of the following day the British were occupied in burying their dead ; among them were two 'ewts. and one midshipman of the Rota — the first lieut. of the Plantagenet, it is said, cannot survive his wounds, and many of the seamen who reached their ships were mortally wounded, and have been dying daily.— Tlie British, mortified at this signal and unexpected defeat, endeavour to conceal the extent of the loss ; they admit however that they lost in kill- ed and who have died since the engagement, upwards of 120 of the flower of their officers and men. The captain of the Rota told me he lost 70 men from his ship. Two days after this afftiir took place the British sloops of war Thais and Calypso cainc into port, when Capt. Lloyd immediately took them into requisition to carry home the wounded officers and seamen — they have sailed for England, one on the 2d and the other on the 4th inst. each carried 25 badly wounded. Thoso who were slightly wounded, to the number, as I am ia- I I formed, of about 30, remained on board of their respec- tive ships, and sailed last evening for Jamaica. Strict orders were given that the sloops of war should take no letters whatever to England, and those orders were rigidly adhered to. In face of the testimony t)f all Fpval and a number of respectable strangers who happened to be in this place at the moment, the British commander endeavours to throw the odium of this transaction on the American captain, Reid, alleging that he sent the boats merely to reconnoitre the brig, and without any hostile inten- tions. The pilots of the port did inform them of the privateer the moment they entered the port. To recon- noitre an enemy's vessel in a friendly port, at night, with four boats, carrying by the best accounts 120 men is certainly a strange proceeding ! The fact is, they ex- pected as the brig was warping in, that the Americans would not be prepared to receive them, and they had hopes of carrying her by a "coupde main." If any thing could add to the baseness of this transaction on the part of the British commander, it is want of can- dour openly and boldly to avow the facts. In vain can he expect by such subterfuge to shield himself from the indignation of the world and the m.erited resentment of his own government and nation for thus trampling on the sovereignty of their most ancient and faithful ally and for the wanton sacrifice of British lives. On the part of the Americans the loss was compara- tively nothing, two killed and seven slightly wounded ; of the slain, we have to lament the loss of the second Lieut. Mr. Alexander O. Williams of New- York, a brave and meritorious officer. Among the wounded are Messrs. Worth and John- ston, first and third Lieutenants ; Capt. Reid was thus deprived, early in the action, of the services of all his Lieutenants; but his cool and intrepid conduct secured him the victory. On the morning of the 27th ult. one of the British ships placed herself near the shore and commenced a heavy cannonade on the privateer. Finding further 2* l!tl I ' I PI it 6 resistance unavailing, Capi. Reid ordered her t" be sent their boats and set her on fire. remonstrance to the comni..naer oi ' h , wnnM raiise him to desist from any tmtner J"«'"^ The GovernoriSdignant at what had passed, but fcel- S^S'ot'aUy'unable, with the sle.^der mean he possessed, to resist, such a f«c^ took the P«n ot^j^j monstrating, wh.ci he -^ <'.'°/°'"^n J „„ other ef- terms. His letter to Captam Lloyd had oo feet than to produce a menacing ^e^^^^^^ highest degree. No hing c-xn ex oAhe public authorities ^^^f^^^^J^d enormity. description of Pe'^^^^f^'f'B^^i^h W deslroy this vessel. Such was the rage of theBntifitoa y """' "Vf^"nhS« wire wounded and a number some of the inhabitanis we strongest repro- of houses ^vere much damaged^ 1 he stronge p^^_ sentations on this subject are prepc^ea oy harassed extremely. At length Captain Y°Uecution, of losing more men if he P"t h ^ 'h^ts adopted this stratagem ; he "•'•W'9ssea »-n o to the Governor, stating that '" 'he Ameiumn c were two men who 'J>-'^«ted froin his squa seamen here passed an examination of the BnUsn ora I i i Lo be event I after st at- ixcel- ' such on as tempt. it feel- xnshe of re- lectful her ef- in the nation ks and Drmity. vessel, town; lumber t repre- Gover- eatened vateer's among igear ".c ive been fearful lecution, ial letter \Xi crew ,dron in ason, he ordingly .merican i as they rs, all the itish offi- cers but no such persons were to be found among them, iwks requested by the Governor and British Consul to nt^nd this humiliating examination, as was also Cap- Sn Re?dl bTwe declinedto sanction by our presence '"^^pfR^jrha^protested against the British com- mande s of the squadron for th. unwarrantable de- TcUon o'f his velel in a neutral and « po^ , as also against the government of Portugal lor ineir ^^t'^ouW: government will feel themselves bound to make ample indemnification to the owners, officers and ciew^ this vessel, for the great loss they have ^7S=?as ^sible trar^- -l^ri^ this transaction to our Minister at Rio Janerio tor tn.s ^'iTreThe honour tobe, with great respect, sir, your most obedient servant. ^^^^ ^ pABNEY. To the Secretary of State of V. S. Washington, We this day present our reaeters ^^'^.^.^^l^^^J^^ gallant Capt Reid's Letter detailmg '"^ J"^ «f 7^?^^^^^ Victory over the ene.ny, in 'he harbour of the neuWai portof Fayal, in their late attack upon the private armea brig General Armstrong, of this port. We have also been f'^voured with Capt Re ds pro test, mc.de before our Consul, Mr Dab»eya^ Fayal setting forth the gross violation by the British ottne neutrality of Fayal. The protest is long, and will be ^tltr'thTsa^nnah head, our -ders are r^^erred to the British account of their attact upon the C,ener^ Armstrong, copied from a Jamaica paper.-Mcrc. Adv. New-York, December 15, 1814. The following is Captain Keid's account of his Re- r -m li I 8 to'?he%'Shnr^'!ff ?."''?)?"' ^''^^*' ^"'^ '^ communicated to theeduors of the Mercantile Advertiser for publica- Fapal, ith October, 1814. evemualiv'^fnn' '?''' ^"'" constrained to say it has eye. tuallj fa len to my lot to state to you the loss and total destruction of the private armed brig Gen? Ann strong, late under my command. ^ 9th nif'"'^^^ '"u"" ^^■^''^ ^°°^ 0° 'he evening of the 9th ult. and about midnight fell in close aboard of a noon' ZitV 'K ''"^l ^'^^^ P"'^"^d "''"'' day un tne nth, after a nine hour's chase, boarded the nri. vate armed schr Perry, John Colmin, 6 days from Philadelphia ; had thrown over all his guns o"T following day fell i„ with an enemy's |un bris et changed a few shots with, and left him. ^ On the^kth shrall'frt'r'H""" ""' "'^°"'^'' '""' - Po""!-- snip, all fiom the Havanna. On the 26th followino- caZ""' '."/Y"' ^"^O^' '■» "^^ Purposeof fi ling wa^ef • ca led on the American Consul, who very polite^v or- de.e< our water immediately sent off; it befngCr'nten. tion to proceed to sea early the next day. At 5 P M n'^or.n':"": 'trr' -^^ -'- o^her gentlemfn' company, l asked some quest bns conreminn. enemy's crmzers, and was told there had been,?one If these Islands for several weeks ; when about du"l whit we were conversing the British brig Carnation sudden \y hove m sight close under the K E. head of the bar' bour withm gunshot when first discovered. The lea of getting under way was instantly suggested hni finding the enemy's brig had the advantage of a bie^^e we should t T'/'" "^' " ""^ "^°"ght .iLbS'uT if we should be ab e to get to sea without hazardin- an action. I questioned the Consul to know [f Tn Ws port rHetr""^ ''°"" r^"'' "^« "^"""a'i'y 0? ,he self perfect^r! "' '° ""de^tand I might make my! seit perlectly easy, assuring me at the same lime thev would never molest u, whilt at anchor Tut n™solnTr IM 1 r i 3mmunicated r for publica- ^ber, 1814. 3 say it has the loss and Gren. Arm- Jning of the aboard of a till next day over chase, fded the pri- • days from :is. On the 1 brig-; ex- )n the 24th, Portuguese following", hng water ; politely or- ? our inten- At 5 P. M. gentlemen concerning en none at usk, while on sudden- of the har- The idea 3sted; but >f a breeze loubtful if arding an if in his iy of the lake my* time they no sooner 9 did the enemy's brig understand from the pilot-boat who we were, when she immediately hauled close in and let go her anchor within pistol shot of us. At the same moment the Plantagenet, and frigate Rota, hove in sight, to whom the Carnation instantly made signal, and a constant mterchange took place for some time. The result was the Carnation proceeded to throw out all her boats ; despatched one on board the commodore, and appeared otherwise to be making unusual exertions, i^rom these circumstances I began to suspect their real mtentions. The moon was near its full, which enabled us to observe them very minutely ; and I now determined to haul m nearer the shore. Accordingly, after clear- mg for action we got under way, and began to sweep in. inst^nl^t?""^"! ?'' '^?? °^'^'^^^ ^y ^^^ enemy's brig, she .o!.to -^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^' "^^<^« sail, and despatched four boats in p^rs^t of us. Being now about 8 P. M as r/hof cTt® '^^ ^^^ ^°^*' approaching, we let go our anchoi, got springs oa our cable, and prepared to receive ^T\ u ^^\^^^,?^em repeatedly as they drew near, but they fe t no inclination to reply. Sure of their game, they only pulled up with the greater speed. I observed tne boats were well manned, and apparently as well armed : and as soon as they had cleverly got alongside we opened our fire, which was as soon returned ; bui meeting with rather a warmer reception than they had probably been aware of, they soon cried out for quarters and hauled off. In this skirmish I had one man killed and rny first lieutenant wounded. The enemy's loss mus have been upwards of twenty killed and wounded. 1 liey had now repaired to their ships to prepare for a more formidable attack. We. in the interim having taken the hint, prepared to haul close in to the beach where we rnoored head and stern within half pistol shot of he castle. This done, we again prepared in the best possible manner for their second reception. About flppi ofY'''", aT^ the'enemy'p brig towing in a large fleet of boats. They soon after left the brig and took their stations in three divisions, under covert of a small reel ot rocks, within about musket shot of us. Here tney continued mancEUvring for some time, the brig still 10 keeping under way to act with the boats, should we at any time attempt our escape. The shore was lined with the in habitants, waiting the expected attack ; and from the brightness of the moon, they had a most favourable view of the scene. 1 he governor, with most of the first people of the place, stood by and saw the whole affair. At length about midnight, we observed the boats in motion, our crew having laid at their quarters during the whole of this mterval) They came on in one di- rect Ime, keeping in close order ; and we plainly counted tweive boats. As soon as they came within proper distance we opened our fire, which was warmly return- ed from the enemy's carronades and small arms. The discharge from our Long Tom rather staggered them : but soon recovering, they gave three cheem, and oame on most spiritedly. In a mom-nt they succeeded m gaining our bow and starboard quarter, and the word was Board. Our great guns now becoming use- iess, we attacked them sword in hand, together with our pikes, pistols, and musketry, from which our lads poured on them a most destructive fire. The enemy made frequent and repeated attempts to gain our decks, but were repulsed at all times, and at all points, with the greatest slaughter. About the middle of the ac- tion 1 received intelligence of the death of my second l^ieutenant ; and soon after of the third Lieutenant beino badly wounded. From this and other causes, I found our fire had much slackened on the forecastle; and, fearful of the event, I instantly rallied the whole of our after division, who had been bravely defending and now had succeeded in beating the boats off the quarters.-- 1 hey gave a shout, rushed forward, opened a fresh fire, and soon after decided the conflict, which termi- nated in the total defeat of the enemy, and the loss of many of cheir boats : two of which, belonging to the Kota we took possession of, literally loaded with their own dead. Seventeen only escaped from them both, who had swam to the shore. In another boat under our quarter, commanded by one of the Lieutenants of the i^lantagenet, qll were killed saving four. This I have should we at a.nts, waiting; htness of the of the scene. 3 of the place, I the boats in arters during on in one di- linly counted vithin proper armly return- I arms. The •gered them ; cheerflf, and ey succeeded er, and the scorning use- )gether with lich our lads The enemy n our decks, points, with lie of the ac- ' my second tenant being ses, I found castle; and, vhole of our ng and now quarters. — ned a fresh hich termi- [ the loss of ring to the 1 with their them both, It under our ants of the Phis I have 11 from the Lieutenant himself, who further told me that he jumped overboard to save his own life The duration of this action was about' 40 minutes Our deck was now found in much confusion, our Lonff Tom dismounted, and several of our carriages broken • many of our crew having left the vessel, and others disabled Under these circumstances, however we i succeeded m getting Long Tom in his birth, and the decks cleared m some sort for a fresh action, should the enemy attack us again before daylight.-About 3 A. M. I received a message from the American Consul requesting to see me on shore, where he informed me the Governor had sent a note to Captain Lloyd,be£^^inff him to desist from further hostilities. To which Cap- tain Lloyd sent for answer, that he was now determined to Have the privateer at the risk of knocking down the whole town ; and that if the Governor suffered the Americans to injure the privateer in any manner he should consider the place an enemy's port, and trea't it accordingly. Finding this to be the case, I considered all hopes of saving our vessel to be at an end. I there- fore went on board, and ordered all our wounded and dead to be taken on shore, and the crew to save their effects as fast as possible.-Soon after this it became day.ight, when the enemy's brig stood close in, and com- menced a heavy fire on us with all her force. After fn'^W \ n K '"^"^ '^' ^^"^"^ °^ ^^^^"^ received a shot wr^Z.f)fV'^'''^ '"''^^ ^"^' ^"^ ^^' foretopmast wounded ; (of this I was informed by the British Con- sul.) bhe soon after came in again, and anchored close to the privateer. I then ordered the Armstrong to be scuttled, to prevent the enemy from getting her off She was soon after boarded by the enemy's boats, and set on fire, which soon completed her destruction. 1 Hey have destroyed a number of houses in the town and murdered some of the inhabitants. ' By what I have been able to learn from the British about 400 officers and men m the last attack by the boats, of whicn 120 were killed and about J 30 .^nd- ea. Oaptam Lloyd, I am told by the British Consul iji-l 12 is badlywounded in the leg; a jury of Surgeons had been held, who gave as their opinion that amputation would be necessary to insure his life. Tis said, how- ever, that the wound was occasioned by i "i Oa; tread- ing on him. The fleet has remained here about a week, during which they have been principally employed in burying their dead, and taking care of fheir wounded. Three days after the action they were joined by the ship Thais and brig Calypso (two sloops of war) who were immediately taken into requisition by Captain Lloyd, to take home the wounded men. — The Calypso sailed for England with part of the wounded, on the 2d mstant, among whom was the first Lieutenant of the Plantagenet. The Thais sails this evening with the remainder. Capt. Lloyd's fleet, sailed to day, supposed for the West-Indies. The loss on our part, I am happy to say is compara- tively trifling ; two killed and seven wounded. With regard to my oflicers in general I feel the greatest sa- tisfaction in saying they one and all fought with the most determined bravery, and to whom I feel highly in- debted for their officer-like conduct during the short period we were together ; their exertions and bravery deserved a better fate. I here insert for your inspection, a list of the killed and wounded. KILLED. Mr. Alexander O. Williams, 2d Lieut, by a musket ball in the forehead, died instantly ; Burton Lloyd, Seaman, do. through the heart, do . WOUNDED. Fredk. A. Worth, 1st Lieut, in the right side. Robert Johnson, 3d do. left knee, Bazilla Hammond, Qr. Master, leO ^rm, John Piuer, Seaman, knee, Wm. Castle, do. arm, Nicholas Scalsan, do. arm and leg, John Harrison, do. hands and face, by the explosion of a gun. Surgeons had ,t amputation i'is said, how- t "I Ox tread- about a week, employed in eir wounded, joined by the of war) who L by Captain The Calypso inded, on the Atenantof the ing with the lay, supposed 7 is compara- nded. With > greatest sa- ght with the 3el highly in- ng the short and bravery of the killed 13 It gives me much pleasure to announce to you that our wounded are all in a fair way of recovery, throurrh the unremitted care and attention of our worthy surffeon Mr. Dabney, our Consul, is a gentleman possefsTn.' every feelmg of humanity, and to whom the utmos*? gratitude is due from u.s for his great care of the Tick and myse^ ' '"^ ^^ ^'^^' ""^"^^°^ ^° "^^ ^^^^rs Mr. Williams was a most deserving and promising- officer. His country, in him, has lost ofe of itsE^s^ ornaments; and his death must be sadly lamemed bv all who knew his worth. -^ Accompanied with this you will find a copy of mv r^bn!' '^fi!^'' ^^'^ ^'^''' '^ 1^"«^« written by M^ Hne^ ni^' ^r'"'' °^ ^^^^^' °"^ Minister a^t ^o Janeiro, and our Secretary of State. These letters will nZlZr' ''"^ '^' circumstances of this Su! We expect to sail to morrow in a Portuffuese brio- for Amelia Island, which takes the whole of our ere w^ til slrvTnt ''"''''" ^^"^1^"^^". your very obedient hunible SAM.C. REID. »y a musket irton Lloyd, side. he explosion 4 PROTEST Of Captain Reid, of the private armed brig General t2T^' "''"^ '' ^" yesterday's Mercantile Id- CONSULATE OF FAYAL. AZORES. ,„«-["'!',^"''''° '"^trument of Declaration and Pro- test, be It known unto all persons whom it doth or ma v concern. That on this present day, being the t went? seventh day of September, eighteen hunSanTC een, before me, JOHN B. DABNEY, Consul of th. Un.,ed States for the Azores, persotWly^lpplet o 14 Samuel C. Reid, Commander of the American armed bng General Armstrong, of New- York, of two hundred and forty-six tons, American measurement, &c. and on oath declared as follows, to wit : that he sailed in and with said brig, from the port of New- York, on the ninth day of September, last past, well found, staunch and strong, and manned with ninety officers and men, for a cruise ; that nothing material happened on the pas- sage to this Island, until the twenty-sixth instant, when she cast anchor in this port, soon after twelve o'clock at noon, with a view to get a supply of fresh water ; that during the said afternoon his crew were employed in taking on board water— when about sunset of the same day, the British brig of war Carnation, Captain Bentham, appeared suddenly doubling round the north- east point of ihis port: she was immediately followed by the British ship Rota, of thirty-eight guns, Captain i . Somerville, and the seventy-four gun ship Planta- genet, Captain Robert Lloyd, which latter, it is under- stood, commanded the squadron. They all anchored about 7 o'clock P. M. and soon after some suspicious movements on their part, indicating an intention to vi- olate the neutrality of the port, induced Captain Reid to order his brig to be warped in shore, close under the guns of the castle; that in the act of doing so, four boats approached his vessel, filled with armed men Captain Reid repeatedly hailed them, and warned them to keep off; which they disregarding, he ordered his men to fire on them, which was done, and killed and wounded several men; the boats returned the fire, and killed one man, and wounded the first Lieutenant. 1 hey then fled to their ships and prepared for a second and more formidable attack; the American brio-, in the mean time, was placed within half cable's lengtli of the shore, and within half pistol shot of the castle. Soon mer midnight, twelve, or as some state, fourteen boats supposed to contain nearly four-hundred men, with small cannon, swivels, blunderbusses, and other arms, made a violent attack on said brig, when a severe conflict en- sued, which lasted near forty minutes, and terminated V ^ f J i lerican armed f two hundred it, &c. andoix sailed in and :, on the ninth staunch and and men, for d on the pas- instant, when tvelve o'clock fresh water ; ere employed 3unset of the ion, Captain nd the north- tely followed uns, Captain ship Planta- r, it is under- all anchored le suspicious tention to vi- 'aptain Reid •se under the )ing so, four led men varned them ordered his d killed and the fire, and Lieutenant, for a second I brig-, in the ength of the istle. Soon irteen boats, i, with small arms, made conflict en- terminated :'i 15 in the total defeat and partial destruction of the boats "Tht^roTtVe'S^: - '1- ZT'^^ ^^'^ lieutenant and one seZTnZl^,, ^ ri^ern^: cannonade on the American bri:' • wLnS^ntalR'^ findmff further ri>sio(in/.„ , °.'.*''°™ l-aptain Reid vessel after narfai!^.""'"'"'^' abandoned the .herefore desires meTo ut hiP P^ } ^:''h: b v fh""' presents does most solemnly protest 5atn,,^^''"S Llojd, commandernf ih«=,;j _,^ "^^ '"^ ^^^ the other eommanlr oaTnTl^T' ''"'' '"'^''""^' this infamous attack on hi In - ^u ""^^^"'^ '" neutral friendlv ^n And ,!,» T^ ^^>^en ijing in „ protests against t^hrGofe^ t'f'pX'J t' S uuibihty to protect and defend theneutrtu'v nf'ih X ^e '^sHt""' •''^ '''" »^^-" al -d° ev' y C. ReidTrred'-iST '^^T^ ^^ "^« -i-^ Samuel Johnson third ieut7n.mRl^''"-'''"i""""'' «°''^« ."aster, John BrZ^Zl iZ^n^^nl f //"^ captam of marines Thnmo. d ' """f" E. Allen, Eliphalet Sheffield \„dS tZ°""' ^"""'^ ^='^''' the said brig GenerarArmstron?'""' pnze-masters of ■S."ttS oteTs'ftr ''" fr [-.jtn-^i^imS^'oV'^^^^^^^^^ and fourteen. ^'P'""^"- ^'^hteen hundred JOHN B. DABNEY. 16 t^ Fayal, Oct. 15, 1814. Wm. Cobbett, Esq. — Sir, the American Brig pri- vateer General Armstrong, of New- York, Captain Samuel C. Reid, of seven guns and ninety men, entered here on the 26th ult. about noon, seventeen days from that place, for the purpose of obtaining water. The Captain seeing nothing on the horizon, was induced to anchor. Before the elapse of many hours, his Majesty's brig Carnation came in and anchored near her. About six his Majesty's ship Planiagenet, of seveny-four guns, and the Rota frigate, came in and anchored also. The Captain of the privateer and his friends consulted the first authorities here about her security. — They all con- sidered her perfectly secure, and that his Majesty's offi- cers were too well acquainted with the respect due to a neutral port to molest her. But to the great surprise of every one, about nine in the evening, four boats were dispatched, armed and manned from his Majesty's ships, for the purpose of cutting her out. It being about full of moon, the night perfectly clear and calm, we could see every movement made. The boats approached with rapidity towards her, when, it appears the Cap- tain of the privateer hailed them, and told them to keep off several times. They, notwithstanding, pushed on, and were in the act of boarding before any defence was made for the privateer. A warm contest ensued on both sides. The boats were finally dispersed with great loss. — The American, i w calculating on a very superior force being sent, cut his cables, and rowed the privateer close in along side of the fort, within half cable's length, where he moored her, head and stern, with four lines. The Governor now bent a remonstrance to the Van Lloyd of the Planiagenet 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 protec- tion. Van Lloyd's answer was,, that he was determined to destroy the vessel at the expense of all Fayal, and should any protection be given her by the fort, he would '. 15, 1814. :an Brig pri- ork, Captain ' men, entered en days from water. The as induced to his Majesty's r her. About ny-four guns, ed also. The consulted the rhey all con- liajesty's ofR- spect due to a ;reat surprise ur boats were lis Majesty's t being about .nd calm, we 3 approached jars the Cap- them to keep r, pushed on, ' defence was isued on both th great loss, very superior the privateer ible's length, th four lines. I to the Van seedings, and ler molested ; nd under the guese protec- s determined I Fayal, and art, he would 17 not leave a house standing in the village. All the in- habitants were gathered about the walls, expectin* a renewal of the attack. At midnight, fourteen launches were discovered to be coming in rotation for the pur- pose When they got within clear, or gun shot, a tre- mendous and effectual discharge was made from the privateer which threw the boats into confusion. Thev now returned a spirited fire, but the privateer kept up so continual a discharge, it was almost impossible for the boatc to make any progress. They finally succeed- ed, after immense loss, to get along side of her, and attempted to board at every quarter, cheered by the officers witn a shout of no quarters, which we could distinctly hear, as well as their shrieks and cries. The termination was near about a total massacre. Three of t..e boats were sunk, and but one poor solitary officer escaped death in a boat that contained fifty souls- he was wounded. The Americans fought i«'ith great firmness. Some of the boats were left without a sniffle man to row them ; others with three and four. The most that any one returned with was about ten. Se- veral boats floated on shore full of dead bodies With great reluctance I state that they were manned with picked men, and commanded by the first, second, third and fourth Lieutenants of the Plantagenet • first' second^ third,^ and fourth ditto of the frigate, and the first officers ot the brig ; together with a great number of midshipmen— Our whole force exceeded four hun- dred men.— But three officers escaped, two of which are wounded This blt)ody and unfortunate contest lasted about forty minutes. After the boats gave out nothing more was attempted till daylight the next morning, when the Carnation hauled in alone- side and engaged her. The privateer still continued to make a most gallant defence. These veterans reminded me of Lawrence's dying words of the Chesapeake, "don't give up the ship."-The Carnation lost one of her top masts, and her yards were shot away; she was much cut up 111 rigging, and received several shot in her hull This obliged her to haul off to repair, and to r«as. 3» - • ^' 1 •t !*' M » f ■ 18 firing. — The Americans now finding their principal gun {lo7ig Tom) and several others dismounted, deemed it foll}^ to think of saving her against so superior a force; they theicfore cut away her masts to the deck, blew a hole through her bottom, took out their small arms, clothing, &c. and went on shore. I discovered only two shot holes in the hull of the privateer, although much cut up in rigging. Two boat's crews were soon after dispatched from our vessels, which went on board, took out some provisions, and set her on fire. For three days after, we were employed in burying the dead that washed on shore in the surf. The number of British killed exceeds one hundred and twenty, and ninety wounded. The enemy 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, Van Lloyd made a demand of the governor to deliver up the Americans as his prisoners, which the governor refus' d. He threatened to send five hundred men on shore and take them by force. The Americans imme- diately retired, with their arms, to an old Gothic con- vent ; knocked away the adjoining drawbridge, and de- termined to defend themselves to the last. The Van, however, thought better than to send his men. He then dema .ded two men, who, he said, deserted from his vessel when in America. The governor sent for the men, but found none of the description given. Many houses received much injury°on shore from the guns of the Carnation. A woman, sitting in the fourth story of her house, had her thigh shot W, and a boy had his arm broken. The American Consul here has made a demand on the Portuguese government for a hundred thousand dollars for the privateer, which our consul, Mr. Parkin, thinks in justice will be paid and that they will claim on England. Mr. Parkin' Mr. Edward Bayley, and other English gentlemen! disapprove of the outrage and depredation committed by our vessels on this occasion. The vessel that was aispalched to England with the wounded, was not per- ^ r principal ed, deemed superior a the deck, their small discovered r, although 1 were soon t on board, For three ) dead that of British ind ninety nkind, lost ; may well is the way privateer, r to deliver e governor ed )nen on ans imme- xothic con- ?e, and de- The Van, . He then I from his nt for the shore from ing in the ot off, and n Consul overnment eer, which II be paid, r. Parkin, gentlemen, committed [ that was 13 not per- Id milled to take a single letter from any person R.ino. an eye-wilness to this transirtinn i i.., "^^^"^ correct statement as it oc~d ' '' ' ^^"'" ^'°^ ^■ With respect, I am, &c. H. K. F. CITY OF WASHINGTON. Saturday, Jan. 25, 1817. Congress. We publish, this day, the report of the committee of the Senate on the petition of the owners of the m ktm armed r,g General Armstrong, elarm ng °ndem.^ y fo Jhe^^struenon of the said vessel in the port of 71% 1^ The report is unfavourable to the nraver of ibo n„ ...uoners, and the .Reasons set forth are' tit and eoncL': w h ,"%'? "" '^''^'^ principle of law or enuitv under which the United States can be called up2n to mke good a loss sustained under the circumstances of °hr, re ■sent case. In the attack and destruction of the General Armstrong, a flagrant violation of the neuTramv o a o civilized powers unite in pointing out the correct d ?.t;thS ••=""" '" *'-"">|indemnm:S' 1 ere rno doub I ■ u'^'r''""'''' <"■ ""^ "•'">^='clion uitie is no iloubt but the Poituguese ."overnmcnt will' on prompt representations, make good" a 1 the losV ' tamed on this occasion, and although not a subioct nro l)er to be debated upon, we feel i doubt Vho, .k n P- ?' mentfor the assumption of this claim, irrougln on bv he imprudent zeal and culpable conduct of hfr officers s,„ 1 ^'?' ."'^"Sh the government of the Sd 1^ a T 20 The committee of the Senate ^vould not permit them- selves to report without paying a just tribute to the ffallant efforts. of Captain Reid and his httle crew in repelUnff an attack made under such discouiigmg cir- cumstances. It can never cease to be an object ot astonishment and just pride to the nation ; and tne more that defence and its awful effects are examined the more securely we may roly on the skill and bravery of our officers and seamen. Captain Reid, we under- stand, is not interested in the General Armstrong, nor does he petition for indemnification or relief; he has, however, no less claims on the liberal consideration ot his country. I* ' li CONGRESS. The naval committee of the senate, to whom has been referred the memorial of Frederick Jenkins and Rensselaer Havens, in behalf of the owners, officers, and crew of the late private armed brig General Arm- strong. Report : That the memorialists state, that on the 26th of Sep- tember, in the year 1814, while the pri- ate armed brig General Armstrong was lying at anchor in the port ol Fayal, she was attacked by a superior British lorce, and, after a brave resistance by her commander, Samuel C. Reid, and his valiant crew, was destroyed, liiey also state, that the vessel and armament cost forty-two thousand dollars, and pray that such relief, indemnity, or compensation may be extended to the owners, otti- cers, and crew of the privateer, as, under the peculiar circumstances attending her destruction, may be deemed by congress just and equitable. The committee are left to conjecture the grounds on which the memorialists rely for a remuneration or in- demnity from their own government. It is presumed, however, that if the claim must be supported at all, on one of two grounds : First, because the vessel and ar- I 4 21 it them- j to the jrew in ing cir- bject of md the camined bravery e under- jng, nor he haSj ration of hom has iins and officers, ral Arm- h of Sep- med brig le port of sh force, , Samuel I. They forty-two idemnity, ners, offi- ) peculiar )o deemed rounds on ion or in- presumed, at ail, on el and ar- i mament were destroyed by the public enemy in a neu- tral port, and in violation of the laws of nations ; or Secondly, because the brave and gallant defence of Cap- tain Reid, his officers, and crew, entitle them to the bounty of the government. The committee are unable to perceive, what rights of mdemnity the citizens of the United States can acquire agamst their own government for losses sustained in consequence of the violated rights of a third party. It is the duty, no doubt, of all governments to extend to the person and property ^f the citizen all the protection in their power. • It is the end of all governments to do !so. It is the right of the citizen to make known his wrongs to his government, and it is the duty of the government to seek redress by such means as it may deem expedient. The neutrality of Portugal was gross- \y violated in the case of the private armed ship Gen. Armstrong. It was the duty of that government to preserve her neutral character, and to protect the brig, and all on board, from any hostile attack while in her port. Either f^om want of ability or inclination it failed to do so ; but can this failure to support its own rights, and perform its duty towards us, vest a right in dXi individual to come on his own government for in- demnity on account of a pecuniary loss ? The United States, it is believed, have done, or will do, what com- ports with their rights and their character. That in- demnity from Portugal for the loss of this property, should be insisted on as an affair of State, is perhaps highly proper ; but the committee cannot perceive how the weakness or the delinquency of Portugal can im- pose on the United States the duty of indemnifying the memorialists for the loss of the brigand her armament. The committee believe that this opinion is in con- formity with the practice of this government, and per- haps, of all governments. Antecedent to thayear 1802, much property belonging to citizens of the United States, has been wrongfully seized by the cruisers of France. In no case, known to the committee, did this government indemnify its citizens from its own trea- 'I f mhmmm \i I 22 sury. Indemnity was sought from France by nego- tiation, and obtained in the Louisiana convention. Citi- zens of the United States at this moment, have claims to a vast amount against the governments of France, Spain and Naples, for property seized in violation ot ail ri^'-ht On principle, all these claimants have tne same^rio-ht to demand indemnity from their own go- vernment as the memorialists in the present case ; for, m principle, the committee can see no distinction between a private armed ship and a merchant ship ; nor between property captured and converted to th^ use of the cap- tors, and property destroyed by a third party omitting todoitsdutj^ ,,.,,• r If this is a mere appeal to the liberality of congress , if the memorialists rely for the success of their applica- tion on the bravery, gallantry, and good conduct ot Captain Reid, his officers and crew, in the defence ot the vessel, then the committee are sensible that a stronger case of the kind could not present itself. The stubborn bravery, the cool intrepidity, and presence of mmd dis- played by Captain Reid, and his associates, in the de- fence of the ship, was perhaps, never equalled, certainly never surpassed, by any private armed vessel in the an- nals of naval warfare. It has excited the admiration of the nation, and cannot fail to immortahze those con- cerned. If actions Uke this are to be rewarded with money, too much could not be given ; but government is but the trustee of the nation, and is bound, deliberately to examine into the principle on which the treasure of the nation is bestowed, and the extent of the precedent which is set in bestowing it. It is unknown to the com- mittee that congress, as yet, has ever dispensed its boun- ty, or in any way bestowed a gratuity for any achieve- ment, except to its own peculiar force : nor in any case except there was victory. The committee are of opi- nion that it would be inexpedient to do so. It would open the treasury to a class of cases, arising out of the last war, which would be extensive and erroneous. The effect of such a men sure must be counted on, for they would be felt in all future wars. (tl 23 The case of the Essex, attacked also in a neutral situation, IS a strong one. The defence there too was vahant, persevering-, and highly honourable to all on board, as well as to the nation, yet Congress has dore nothing ; for the essential quahtj of victory was want- ing to the transaction. The committee, therefore in whatever aspect thej view the application of the me- morialists, are of opinion, that it would be unsafe and inexpedient to grant it, and recommend the followincr resolution : =• Resolved, That the committee on naval affairs be dis- charged from the further consideration of the memorial ot J^rederick Jen'ans and Rensselaer Havens k HERO OF FAYAL. In the present state of affairs, both foreign and do- mestic, we know not how we can better discharo-e our duty to the readers of the Chronicle than by publish- ing the following documents, relative to the brilliant affair at Fayal, when Captain Samuel C. Reid so nobly defended the privateer General Armstrong- against a very superior force. Comment is unnece'i- sary. REPORT. Of the Committee on Naval Affairs, on the petition of Capt. Samuel C. Reid, accompanied with a bill au- thorizing a sum of money to be distributed arnonr the officers and crew of the late private armed bri*- the Gen. Armstrong. * March 4, 1818. Read, and with the Bill committed to a committee of the whole House on Monday next. The Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was re- ferred the petition of Samuel C. Reid, captain of the late private armed brig, the Gen. Armstrong, on behalf ot himself, the officers and crew of the said brig, Ujk******'' 24 Ml! 1 't u HEPORT '. nptition and other documents, seven guns and nme. v men^e the po^^ of i;. ^ ^^^^ ^^ on 0. ctuise, early in Sep^nai'er. '»'''> j ^^ ^^ of the same ^o^/lj.fiy^^en/VSem Islands, belong- f:i:l'rJ:^oiXT.::x^in the evening of^ the rrh:sria::ndtheb^^^^^^^^^^^ this second contest several of the enemy s uuai ». I 25 American consul, requesting to see him on shore ; when he repaired thither, the consul informed him that the Portuguese governor had addressed a note to the com- mander of the British squadron, protesting against his violatmg the neutrality of the port, and requiring him to cease from further outrage on those whom it was his duty to protect; To this note captain Llojd return- ed a menacing reply, that he woula take the Armstrong at every hazard, and if she was injured by her crew- he would consider the place as an enemy's port, and treat it accordingly. During the last action with the boats, the Armstrong lay within pistol shot of the castle. Captain Reid then returned on board his ves- sel, and about day-break a cannonade was commenced from one of the enemy's vessels on the Armstrong. Thus situated, finding the enemy determined to perse- vere in their outrage, and from the immense superiority of their force, knowing it would be impossible to save his vessel, Captain Reid having due regard for the safe- ty of his comrades who had so nobly supported him determined to scuttle her and leave iier ; this he did' when she was immediately set on fire by the enemy and destroyed. In these several contests, from good in!, formation, there is reason to believe the loss of the ene- my at a moderate calculation, amounted at least to 250 men m killed and wounded ; that of the Ameri- cans was two killed and seven wounded. The petition further states, that this British squadron was on its way to the West Indies to join the force destined to make an attack on New Orleans; that in consequonce of the injury which they sustained, their junction was so much retarded, and the expedition so much delayed that the Americans had time to prepare for the defence of that place, which, but for this circumstance, could probably not have been effected. The petition con- eludes with a prayer that Congress would bestow some- thing on those who so gallantly defended the Ameri- can flag, under circumstances so hopeless; and who in the contest loit nearly the whole of their little all Tins case has engaged much of the atteution of the •V 'i li n r hUt IP li t 26 committee. They do not believe that the annals of our goverment furnish a precedent of rewards bestowed on men situated as were the crew of the Armstrou^r, not in the public service. They are fully aware also of thevveight attached, and justly attached to precedents which have been settled on due consideration ; it would therefore, be with much reluctance that they would •consent to establish one, to which an appeal might be made in future cases somewhat analogous in principle. But on mature reflection, apprehensions from the pre- cedent which may be established by this case, are much diminished. It will not be going too far, in the opinion of the committee, to say that amojig all ike ackierejneuts which embellish the annals of the late war there was not one which surpassed that now under consideration. A few brave rnen in the mid lie of the Atlantic Ocean, who had no personal interest in the preservation of the vessel they defended, and the mere preservation of which without a miracle, muit have been impracticable, could have been actuated by nothing short of the noblest motives which impel men to the achievement of valiant deeds; those motives could have been only their own honour and the glory of the flftg under which they fought. They knew well the high value which was placed by their coimtry on the risnig reputation of their infant navy; they knew it was all important that that reputation should be sus- tained by Americans in whatever situation they might be placed; and impelled by these generous motives, and these alone, they hazarded every thmg to accom- plish their object. They succeeded ; and though after two complete victories, the second gained under cir- cumstances of the greatest inequality, they were ulti- mately obliged to yield to a superior force, yet the honor of the flag w;.s suppoited, and the American character raised to an elevation calculated to produce the mOot beneficial effects. Should this Congress be- stow on these galUmt men some mark of their bounty, the committee think it would be well bestowed , and should it have the effect of producing similar exertions 27 in future wars, and this precedent be pleaded in eun. CO ntf.wn/'r »PP"^*"°-. they do n'ot belt ^th^: sZu {„m L """'" '" "Srei the application of a small sum to a purpose so beneficial. -From all ths the House, the passa,w of a bill herewith reported strong: the sum of ten thousand dollars. To the honourable the Congress of the United Stales m Senate and House of Representatives c«.ven d ' 1 he memorial of Samuel C. Reid, late comma der behalf T,T r'"^ brig-General Armstrong on behalf of the officers and crew of the said vessel, RespectfMy S/ieweth : That on the 20th September, 1814, the said vessel being at anchor in the port of Fayai, and havir. on board a crew of ninety men, and'seien guns, wnlat" acked by a superior force under the command of CW modore Lloyd, and that the said vessel was finX burnt and destroyed. ^^"uny For the details of that action, your memoriaH^t ro :rthVun'srt'°'" '^•j'''^"^"^^""~ It would not become your memorialist to speak of the merit (,f any there was) of the nflicers and crew of the Armstrong in that action, h ra,.y nevenhelesr be allowed to state as t fipf th..f ♦^ "cvciuieitss, Which they engaged ^a^^^ pa o^ t^hTt' tmail li'^ S, ^nrrnd'rtfh •" ™"''' '^^. ''--«' "P-New! "he action It '"J"-^ '?"""''' ^y 'his squadron unctbn whh th/fl 'f "''°"^^' t'^^y''^ f"^ '^ 'hne its thus ?efx«led h! 'hen in the West Indies, aad eave,u'e;^f„ h! P^^Svess of the expedition, ihich his fo ces '"' •^'''''°" '° =<'"<'<=' and arrang. 28 The officers and crew of the Armstrong do not ar- rogate to thernselves any personal merit, by reason of events and consequences which they could not have foreseen. Yet, if by the faithful discharge of their duty as citizens, they have, under Providence, been the instruments in effecting a great public good, they may hope thence to derive a fairer claim to the notice of their governmenl. Your memorialist, on behalf of the said officers and crew, begs leave farther to observe, that when they were attacked by a force so vastly superior, ai./. when there was no longer a hope of successful resistance or of the preservation of the vessel, they would have been justified to t!ie owners, and would have perhaps es- caped the reproaches of their fellow citizens if they had abandoned their' vessel, and sought only their per- sonal safety. But they owed a duty to their country and It was this impulse alone that could induce them to make such a resistance at the expense of their lives and property, no other object being in view ; and they do hope, therefore, that their case may not be con- founded with that of those who may have fouo-ht bravely from the mere prospect of gain. "^ The officers and crew of the Armstrong had not the advantages of being in the immediate employ, nor of enjoying. the pay and emolument of government; yet they have been led to presume that a service rendered to their co.nitry is not the less meritorious for having been performed without the obligation of contract or previous stipuhition for reward. ' It may be true that valiant deeds are not to be re- warded with money, yet the practice of our own go- vernment, and that of every civilized nation in the old world, testifies their opinion, that sound policy requires that the citizens or subjects who perform such deeds as attract the notice of government, should not want the means of decent support; and congress have deign- ed to bestow and our naval heroes have not disdained to receive pecuniary reward for services they may have rendered their country in the destruction of men and ships of the enemy. ] \ t 1 I I t 29 gr?al Vrivafion., rHtT™''' '"^ """''"^ "l^" ^"«''"-«'' Sta.esabow heck eof h?'' '"'^^ '" '^'^ United barrassmemV nf . ^ '^'"'' ''"'^ ""'"ff '» the em- unableT; any e, Srr '"'' ""P"""- have been families ba"e ™bsis Z J ''l^'""''' /" 'I'^^^e'ves and ^ lu uisuoss in the bosom of their own country SAxMUEL C. REID. maa tribute to heroic bravery. Caftain Reid, of the General Armstrono- nrivatP», E£i3- - -~ wSb« Ian sTr.nlr ,t',°f''"'"'""''^ °^ '^^"''^''"S '° the ga" li (■• i •it !l t I 30 honour of his company to dinner on the next day. Cap- tain Reid politely consented to stay, and accepted ttie invitation. Thouerh the time was so short, yet the im-^ pulse was irresistible.— It drew a most brillant a d respectable company of the members of both houses of the Legislature and the citizens of this place, to aii ex- cellent dinner provided by Mr. Brooks at the Eagle XaYern. The scene was graced with the company ot the Governor, members of the Executive Council, judg- es of the Superior Court, of Captain Reid in uniform and his companion, Mr. Blanchard.— The company met to enjoy themselves, and nothing could occur .0 mar the harmony of the scene or arrest the "flow ot soul." This was the first opportunity which ou'* citi- zens or the individual Members of the Legislature have enjoyed during the present war of manifesting, m any public way, their personal respect for tLe heroes who have won the applause of the world. It was not won- deiful, therefore, that our feelings should come forth, fresh, warm and full of enthusiasm. The electric hre of patriotism spread from bosom to bosom; and while the toast and song of sentiment went round, every generous heart caught the inspiration, and every iip gave it utterance. Mr. Stevenson, (the Speaker of the House of Dele- gates,) acted as President— and Mr. Wirt as Vice- President— After the cloth was removed, the following Toasts were drank : 1. The" People, the purest fountain of political power. 2. The Union of these States; the ark of our co- venant—May the hand that touches it wither in the dust. TT • J 3. The President and the Congress of the United States— May the spirit of our fathers descend to guide tl;ieir councils. 4. The memory of Washington, the Father ot his Country, and the wonder of the world, 5. The heroes of the Revolution, who died for tho Liberties of America.— May their glory never be en- Jianced by the degeneracy of their soo3. } '^ 31 1 6. The heroes of the present war, who have sealed their devotion to their country by their blood — when giatitr.de has paid the pious tribute of its tears, memo- ry shall crown each name with unfading laurel. 7. The Navy — whose lightning has struck down the "meteor flag of England" — They have conquered those who had conquered the world. 8. The private cruisers of the United States — whose intrepidity has pierced the enemy's Channels, and heard- ed the Lion in his Den. 9. The army of the Niagara — the rivals of our tars — Their gailant deeds will live to endless ages, in the records of time. 10. Brown, Scott, Gaines, and Porter — Chippewa, Bridgewaler, Plattsburg and Erie, are the deathless monuments of their fame 11. Barney, Boyle and their compatriots, who have ploughed the seas in search of the enemy, and hurled retaliation upon his head. 13. The i^ort of Fayal — whose waves have been stained by a violation of neutrality —May the Prince Regent of Portugal remember what is due to himself. 14 Our Mmisters at Ghent — who breathe the spirit of their country — icar, in preference to the slightest sacrifice of our honour. 15. Foreign Nations— let us hold them as did our fathers of old — " Enemies in war, in peace, friends." 16. Legislalorsl may the people abandon those who sacrifice the safety of their country to the shadow of popularity. On the Governor's retiring, 18. W. C. Nicholas, Governor of Virginia. — The firm patriot and inflexible republican. VOLUNTEERS: r I ^/ By Captain Reid — Commodore Perry, the Conqueror of Lake Erie — Commodore Macdonough, the Conqueror of Lake Champlain— May it not be long, ere Commo- dore Chauncey is Conqueroi' of Lake Ontario. y 32 I ft By Mr. Blanchard — The memory of Commodore Preble, whose discipline laid the corner-stone of the Pillar of Naval Glory now erecting. By the Vice-President— The memory of the General Armstrong; she has <' graced her fall and mode her ruin glorious." Bij Judge Cabell— The Spirit of onr Forefathers : displayed in concert and energy of action ; not wasted in endless and fruitless discussion. By Judge Brockenbrough. — Neutral Ports, — when- ever the Tyrants of the Ocean dare to invade these sanctuaries, may they meet with an ^Essex^ and an ^Armstrong^ By General Cocke— Americvin, Tars— their achiev- ments form an era in the naval annals of the world; may their brother soldiers emulate their deeds of ever- lasting renown. On Captain Reid's retiring: By the Prcsir/e?i^.— Captain Reid— His valour has shed a blaze of renown upon the character of our sea- men, and won for himself a laurel of eternal bloom. • By Mr. hlltle of N. C— The Patriotism of the An- cient Dominion of Virginia ; that never flags in peace or in war. By Mr. Wm. Watkins of the H, of D.— The People, more ready to pay Taxes, than the constituted authori- ties to impose them. By Mr, Charles F. Mercer of the same — The Na- vy—Our shield and our sw^ord. By Mr. T. Ritchie— The Co7is:ress of theU. S— Whatever be the apathy or imbecility that reigns over their councils, let us never despair of the Republic. By Mr. James Rohcr/snu {of the H. of D. ) — The Conventional Hartford— d it' be pregnant with any thing National^ may its deliberations eventuate in abortion. By Mr. Barbour {of the H. of D. )— The Defence Bill — Decision in the council lind energy in the field. By Mr. Joseph C. Cabell, of the Senafc.—The Con- gress at Vienna, and the Dispatches from our Minister, 33 at Ghent, notwithstanding— The best foundation for Peace is vigorous preparation for War. By Mr. Wm. Sdden of the H. of D.— ^he Old Do- mniion— long maj she be like Greece in science and in Liberty ; As Athens learned, like Lacedemon free. By Mr. Cook ( of Portsmouth) of the U. of D.—Ex\g. Gen. Porter, late commnnder in chief at Norfolk— his military talents and labours have secured that post against assault. May the rewards of his country be commensurate with his talents. By Mr. John Hooe of tht H. ofD—Mixy the present sons of America evince equal virtue, patriotism, and candour, with those of their forefathers. State of New-York. In Senate, April 17 thj 1815. Resolved : That the valour and heroism of our fellow citizen, Samuel C. Reid, Esquire, commander of the late pri- vate Armed Brig General Armstrong ; and the officers and crew under his command, in resisting the attack of his Britannic Majesty's Ships, the "Plantagenet seventy-four. Rota frigate, and Carnation Sloop of War, in the neutral port of Fayal, command the ad- miration of the American people; and render proper an expression of commendation and applause by the Re- presentatives of this state. Re.'^olced : That the thanks of this legislature be presented to Samuel C. Reitl, Esquire, and the gallant officers and brave crew under his command, for their coul and in- trepid valour displayed in resisting the said attack, and thus gloriously maintaining the honour of the American Flag, and valiantly avenging the violated rights of their country ; and that his excellency the governor be requested to present the said Samuel C. Reid, Esquire, with a Sword, in behalf of this Legislature, as a testi- jnonial of their gratitude. I 1-3 '^1 ^1 J 11 34 m m ■s|' If ■ ill Resolved : That the concurrence of the honourable the assembly be requested, and that in case of such concurrence, his excellency, the Governor, be desired to transmit a copy of the above Resolutions to the said Samuel C. Reid, Esquire. By Order of the Senate, John F. Bacon, Clerk. State of New-York In Assembly, April 18/A, 1815. Resolved : That this House do concur with the honourable the Seriate, in their preceding Resolutions. By Order of the Assembly, Aaron Clark, Clerk. (Private) Castleton, Stalen Island, Oct. 20lh, 1815. Sir — The enclosed communication was prepared be- fore I left Albany in April lust, with an intention of de- livering- It to yoii in New- York. On my arrival in New- York I learned that you were in Europe, and waited your return ; of which I was not advised until I saw Governor Shelby's letter in the public prints a few days ago. The object of this private letter is both to apologize for the dehiy of the communication an I resolutions; and to int^orm you that I will have the honour to present the sword, so soon as that and other swords voted by our Legislature, all of which are preparing, shall bo finished. Allow me here to renew an assurance of my great consiileration and esteem, ami to repeat my conviction that theevent to which the communi^.atims and reso- lutions relate, will long form one of our proudest na- tional recollections. Daniel D. Tompkins Samuel C. Reio, Esquire. fi 36 New-York, Zd December, 1815. To HIS Excellency Governor Tompkins. Sir— I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellenc/s esteemed favours of the 24th April, and 20th October last ; together with a copy of the Resolutions passed by the Hon. Legislature of this State, expressing their approbation of the conduct of the officers and crew of the General Armstrong, (which vessel I had the honour .o command) during the action with the enemy at Fayal. The manner iu which that honourable body has been pleased to notice our affair, though peculiar in itself, must be truly grateful to the feelings of every person who bore a part in that doubtful conflict ; for the ter- mination of which, I am wholly indebted to the patri- otism and good conduct of the officers ; and the fidelity, and firmness of our crew, whose exertions notwith standing must have been in vain— had not th^t Om- nipotent Being who shielded us from the weapons of the foe, at the same time decreed us the victory. I pray yonr Excellency will make known to the lion. Legislature the high sense of gratitude I feel, and bhall ever continue to fee!, for the several Resolutions they have been pleased to pass in my favour. For the flattering cncomiijms contained in vour Ex- cellency's first mentioned letter, I beg leave to offer for myself my most sincere and unfeigned thanks; and, agreeable to your request, shall take the earliest opportunity of communi uiting the same to the officers and crew of the General Armstrong. With great consideration and esteem, I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your most obedient and very humble Servant, SAMUEL C. REID. >5' 36 h> •fj< h Moiiday, December 2, 1816. The glory which attended the American arms throughout the whole of our late contest with Great Britain, will be handed down to posterity, and will re- main as a monument of the virtue and valour of a young and high-spirited nation, so long as a page of history shall be preseived from the ravages of time. Our naval victories have all been conspicuously honour- able ; but it remained for America to rescue from the stigma, which a habit of barbarous plunder had thrown upon il, the system of privateering, and which was considered, by many, a species of highway robbery and legalised plunder — acts of barbarity and wanton cruelty having too often marked it. The genius and humanity of our countrymen stripped it of these dis- graceful attendants, and, while they employed private armed ships to annoy the commerce of our enemy, they never tarnished their valour by acts at which iioncur- able men might blush; and they rendered this species of warfare of particular advantaue to the nation — so much so, that, at the time when the war approached its close, the government seeing tlie great effects to be pro- duced by li:^ht vessels, in injuring th« commerce of our foe, had ordered a number to be fitted out as national ships, and theie is no doubt in the mind of anyone but that they would have struck a- terror to British commerce without a parallel. Among the many acts of heroism performed by the private armed vessels of our citizens, that performed by captain Reid, in the harbour of Fayal, in defence of the private armed brig Gen. Armstrong, against the enormously superior force employed ngain.st him by two frigates, was of so brilliant a nature, that it called forth the attention of the legislature of this state, and claimed from that body a reward due to extraordinary merit. They therefore voted him, with other heroes, a 3word, which was presented to him on the 25tli ult. by his excellency governor Tompkins, with the following appropriate address : .Sir— Previously to the declaration of the late war J 37 our prowess had not been sufficiently tested to establish a decided claim to pre-eminence on tiie ocean. No sooner did the sound to arms reverberate throuo-h the land than our naval heroes, panting for an opportu- nity to evince the superiority of American tars, launch- ed forth in pursuit of a foe, unrivalled in exploits on that element. A succession of brilliant triumphs, crowned them with imperishable fame, and exalted the h^r.l Tv?""^'' °u T ^°^"^'-^ '^ '^'^ ^^^ost enviable Height. Many who had not the opportunity to gather laurels in the navy, fired at the recital of the victories obtained by their brother tars, equipped private vessels, and sailed in search of adventures and of fame. Ihe brig General Armstrong which was confided to your command, is amongst the most renowned of our private armed vessels. Whilst peaceably anchored in the neutral port of Fayal, she was attat-ked by a Hri- tish squadron of overwhelming force, in violation of all the principles of public law. The enemy was repeat- edly foiled in his attempts to capture the Armstrong, by the most desperate defence which the mind can con- ceive of: and, although the enemy ultimately compel- led you to destroy your vessel and repair to the shore- the immense loss he sustained, and the deep wound which the gallant repulse inflicted on his character, will long be remembered by the British nation. Un- subdued, and burning with indignation at the baseness ot the attack on the one hand, and with the unprece- dented timidity of the governor of Fayal in withholding the rights of hospitality and protection on the othe? your heroic band encamped upon the shore, and hurled defiance at all around them. Such heroic conduct con- founds the mind with admiration, and the fame of it Jias resounded in every country. The whole civilized world has awarded to it the meed of praise and of ad- miration. Impressed with a lively sense of the honour confe-red on the American character, by the conduct of the offi cers and crew of the Armstrong, the legislature of the state of New- York, have testified their approbation *<> : I H f 38 and thanks, by presenting a sword to you, the com- mander In performing the duty assigned me, and wnue 1 convey to you frhe assurance of my exalted opinion of your courage and conduct on that occasion, allow me to mmgle my sympathies with vours, -nd with tnoseof the American nation, at the untimely fate of the lamented heroes, Worth and Willia7ns, who so nobly seconded your efforts to defend the Armstrong-, and to sustain, untarnished, the naval reputation Sf Amenca. The one fell greatly in the action; and it Has pleased an allwise Providence to entomb the other with a Blakehj and a Shubrick, in that ocean whose proiouudest depths have been illuminated by the fflorv of their deeds. i= J CAPTAIN REID's REPLY. fo f'^"^''^''' 1^'e. through your Excellency, to tender to the ever watchful guardians and patriotic represent- atives of this state, my unfeigned thanks for this marked approbation of my conduct whilst command- ing the General Armstrong. I accept this Sword, Sir with the liveliest sense of gratitude to your Excellency; and tjie enlightened people over whom you so happily It IS with pleasure we publish the following testi- monial o undaunted boldiiess and skill exhibited by I«U. C ' '" \'''u ^"°^''' engagement at Fayal in 1814. bravery which no one at all acquainted with the facts, ever doubted, we believe, for a moment. Messrs. Editois, Having been aL.rnt from this section of the country for several years past, I was not a little astoni.shed o tt\ ..7l '''"'■" ^"-^^^'^ ^^^^' ^ ''''y i» circulation (and as 1 learn growing out of political opposition) doubting the good conduct and bravery of Cant Samuel C.R«id, while commanding t le Le prVva^te armed brig Gen. Armstrong, in the^meuiolrbleS f r h I n h t] 61 i* ■ 39 of the night of the 26th September, 1814, in the por of Fajal, with the Plfftitagenet 74, Rota frigate, and Carnation sloop of war. Gentlemen. I had the honour of holding the office of iSailing Master, on board the Gen. Armstrong, under the command of Capt. Reid, and being desirous while I have the opportunity of clearin.sr up all doubts on this fiubject in relation to that gentleman, if any yet re- main, I now most sincerely declare without fear of contradiction, that Capt. Keid's conduct during the whole cruise, and particularly in the said action at Fayal, was of the most exemplary character : and that so far from being in any possible shape or man- ner the least remiss in his duty as commander, at any one time during the said action, he was on the con- trary always at his post directing the battle, and shar- ing the dangers with the rest of us on that eventful niglu. Nor did he leave the said vessel at any time from the commencement of the action until the ene- my's boats were entirely deft>ntobowl, and two silver tumblers, all made in the most fashionable and best manner. The presentation took place in the large room at Tammany Elall, on Saturday evening last, in the pre- sence of a number of citizens, who had assembled to pay their respects to the heroic commander. On the occasion, the following address was delivered, by John Ferguson, Esq. to captain Keid : — ADDRESS. " Sir, " The owners of the late private armed brig General Armstrong, and others of your fellow citizens, have here assei^nbled to testify to you the high sense they entertfiin of your gallant conduct as commander of that vessel. " In a neutral port, in violation of national faith, and of every rule of honourable warfare, you were at- tacked by an overwhelming force, determined on your destruction. " The terrified spectators of this eventful scene be- lieved that resistance would be madness, and saw no safety. " Far nobler were your emotions. The flag that ill. \ 'T 46 waved above you was the ensign of honour; the prompter to deeds of glory ; and all thought of dan- ger was lost or despised in the inspiration of that mo- ment. Your brave companions caught the sacred im- pulse, and no accents were breathed around you but those of enthusiastic patriotism, and indignant ven- geance, " The bloody conflict of that night will be long re- membered, and the defence of the General Armstrong will be considered not the least of those gallant feats which have shed lustre on our arms, in the late trium- phant struggle. " Permit us. Sir, to present to you this service of plate, as a token of our esteem and admiration; a small part of that general tribute of your country, which will enrol the name of Samuel C. Reid in the list of those heroic men who have raised, for that coun- try, and th^mselv t,b^ proudest monuments in story. Captain \ 'id ^^- made the following reply, which was received ly .iie audience with much satisfaction, and who tp«iifip.d their respect for the brave man who had so nobly defended the honour of the American flag, with three hearty cheers : — " GEJ^TLE 1/EJV. " In answer to the very flattering encomiums 3'ou have been pleased to express in my favour this evening, I can only say that I feel the highest sense of grati- tude. " Your approbation of my conduct, as long as I had the honour to command the (general Armstrong, has been my first care and consideration — and, having happily succeeded in that, I feel myself most amply compensated. •' For the service of plate now presented as a testi- mony of your regard, I pray you to accept my most unfeigned tha».;8; and, I have to hope, I may eyey merit your present opinion." 47 THE AMERICAN PRIVATEERS. Which the British have called in contempt " cock boats, have |5roved a much more serious scourge to that intolerable proud nation than the most san^^uine Ame- rican could have supposed. It is an extraordinary fact. a very extraordinary fact, that two of our private ships namely the Neufchatel and the General Armstrong have killed and wounded more than 300 of the prime seamen of Britain, the flower of their navy. All the inhabitants of the Portuguese Island of Fayal and the numerous strangers there, viewed with admiration the heroic conduct of the Captain of the ArmstronV his brave officers and men. The valiant deed will fly through the world, and will be told to the children and children s children of all who witnessed the unequal battle England must make up her mind to hear the dreadful story, that their boasted sailors are not a mntch for the seamen of the new world. It seems as if Pro- vidence has decreed that Air.erica should be the grave of British g,ory as well as of British character. Their defeats and their false accounts of the battles, and of the relative forces of the combatants will be told toge- ther. 1 hat nation verifies the text, that ' pride comes before destruction, and a huughty spirit before a fall." Let us avoid their arrogance, and rejoice with trem- bling, n * n °. Bust. Pap. YANTCEE ENTERPRISE. Cnpt. Lloyd of the Plantagenet, 74, who did not fight Commodore Rodgers in the frigate President off bandy Hook, has at length, in company with a frinate and sloop of war, succeeded in bringing down ''one piece of "striped bunting- from an Anuricnn mast Ihe united forces ol the .squadron compelled the cap- tain of the privateer General Armsirono- to give \n^ his vessel, though the enemy reap no advantage f.oin her capture~-and the British government may reward Capt Lloyd by " making him a bishop" for his hero- ism, if they please. 48 4 11 ^ HONOR TO THE BRAVE ! The General Armstrong Privateer, The gallant and glorious defence made by the Gene- ral Armstrong privateer^ when attacked by the boats of a British squadron in the neutral port of Fayal, has been displayed, in several statements to the view of our readers. There is not an American heart, we are very sure, that has not glowed with indignation at the Bri- tish outrage — and with exultation, mingled with sur- prise and admiration, at the noble manner in which the American vessel was defended. The destruction of his Majesty's subjects, and the loss sustained by our inso- lent and unprincipled enemy in this memorable conflict, were greater than in any other action during the war — and if ever man deserved the gratitude and applause, and popular honours of his country, the captain of the General Armstrong does. This hero is now in town ; and we learn with infinite pleasure, will be welcomed and cheered with a public subscription dinner given him this day at the Eagle Tavern. From the Rickmovd Compiler of Dec. 15. ^NATIONAL BALL. Among the distinguished Citizens invited to the Na- tional Ball, is Captain RE ID, the Hero of the Arm- STONG, who adds such lustre to the naval character of our country. Whatever part of the Union this gen- tleman nas visited, the gratitude of the people has been fully evniced by the attention he has received- -this city we are satisfied will not be backward. Charleston Paper, 1815. In the attack on the privateer General Armstrong-, at Fayal, the British owned a loss (according to the Jamaica papers, where the ships arrived after the disas- ter) of 63 killed and 1 10 wounded ; the number pro- bably much greater. 49 In the great battle off Cape St. Vincent, in 1797 be- tween a Spanish fleet of 27 ships of the line, (inc'lud- mg- one of 186 guns, six of 112, &c.) and 12 frigates and a British squadron of 15 ships of the line (two of iOO guns, two of 98, &c.) 7 frigates, and 2 'sloops— tile latter acknowledge a loss of only 73 killed • (ten more than they lost in attacking a small privateer of 9 guns !) and 223 wounded ! although the action lasted above 6 hours. For this brilliant engagement, (the ^Spaniards having been defeated, and a number of their largest ships taken) Admiral Jervis was created an ^arl, and had a pension allowed him by the the kino- of iiOOO pounds per annum. We know not what cSm- pensation the brave Captain Reid, of the Armstrooff lias or Will receive, save the applause of his country- men ; but this we do know, that the enemy will not very soon forget him and his valiant crew, for the sound drubbing he gave them in Fayal Roads, on the night of 36th September, 1814. Boston Palladium. Extract from the Evening Post. The General Armstrong, Sampson-like, had, during her prosperity, dealt destruction liberally among her foes. But as his strong arm in death inflicted the most signal vengeance upon his perfidious enemies to our view Armstrong in her fall dealt the most dreadful felow she had ever given, and like him, " Heroically finished A life heroic on her enemies Fully revenged." Trent, T. Am. Communication. December I5ik, 1814 It may have escaped the recollection of many that Captain Lloyd of the Plantagen.t 74, who, with the as- «wtance of the Rota fiigaic and Carnation Sloop of War, recently made such a " brilliant dash" -in tho 6 .ys^:^i.-^^ y I. 1 50 destruction of the General Armstrong privateer, in the port of Fayal, is the same Capt. Lloyd, of the same Plantagenet, who last winter, so undauntedly sailed towards the President, 44, off Sandy Hook, and who so politely declined the combat offered by that frigate- Nat. Intell. FINE ARTS. The medals voted by congress to our military and naval officers, we learn, have been commenced, and are in a state of forwardness. The one representing the capture of the Java on one side, and a bust of Commo- dore Bai abridge on the reverse, has been finished by Mr. Furst, in Philadelphia, in the most perfect style of execution, and is a distinguished proof of the advance- ment of the arts in this country. The same artist has commenced the medal of Commodore Perry, and will, likewise, finish one representing the action on lake Erie, by order of the State of Pennsylvania, which has appro- priated 2000 dollars to defray the expense. The series of medals, comprising all the celebrated merits of the war, will be first finished ; after which we learn that it is the intention of the artist to perpetuate some of our private actions — among which will be a representation of the attack on the General Armstrong in the port of Fayal. The frigate Essex hasbeeu repaired and carried into Plymouth, conveyed by the Phcebe. The? General Armstrong ought to be got there too, as a companion in glory, and splendid monument of the gallantry and magnanimity of John Bull's heroes. Courage and generosity being always inseparable. From HunCs History, Now the loud and frightful noise of war sounded upon the bosom of the great deep ; and the shores of Columbia knew no peace. <»Hwm il l.l l HKM I Im, , 51 The dreadful clangor of arms run^a^ i^pon the land, and echoed from the^ mountains ; and the groans of suffering victims floated in the air of heaven. But the Lord favoured the people of Columbia, and their armies and their navy gained strength, and pros- perity was showered upon them: the voice of war be- came familiar to those who were strangers to it in times past. Now on the twenfy-sixth day of the ninth month, being in the thirty and ninth year of Columbian Inde- pendence. It cam.e to pass, that a certain private armed vessel of the people of Columbia, called the General Arm- strong, commanded by Samuel^ whose sur-name was Reid, Had cast her anchors in the haven of Fayal, an island in the sea, which lieth towards the rising sun, about iwo thousand miles from the land of Columbia ; A place where, two score and ten years ago, there was a mighty earthquake; and where poisonous rep- tiles never dwell. And it was about the dusk of the evening when Sa- muel saw a number of the strong vessels of Britain hemming him in, so he drew nigh to the shore for safety, for the place was friendly to both powers. Nevertheless, the boats from the vessels of the king went against Samuel to take his vessel; but with his weapons of war he drove them off and slew numbers of them, so that they were glad to return to their strong ships. However they quickly returned with a greater num- ber of boats, an'd about four hundred men; and Samu^ el saw them and prepared to meet them. The silver beams of the moon danced upon the gently rolling waves of the mighty deep, and the sound of the oar again broke the sweet silence of night. But, whonthoy cnmo nigh the vessel of Samuel, the men of Columbia poured out destruction upon them with a plentiful hand ; Inasmuch as they were again compelled to depart to their strong vessels, with dreadful loss. t-. I .52 However, about the dawning of the day, one of the- strong" vessels, called the Carnation, came agamst the vessel of Columbia, and let her destroying engines loose with great furj. Now Lloyd, who commanded the Plantagenct, was the chief captain of the squadron of the king, in the place; and he violated the law of nations. So when Samuel saw that the whole fleet of Britain were bent on destroying his vessel, in defiance of the plighted honour of nations, he ordered her to be sunk. After which he and his brave mariners deserted her, and went upon the shore; and the servants of the king came and burnt her with fire in the neutral port of FayaL, Nevertheless, they received the reward of their un- righteousness, for much damage vv^as done to their ves- sels, and their slain and wounded were two hundred- two score and ten. Of the people of Columbia two only were slain and seven maimed ! ! And the valiant deeds of Samuel gained hiia a name amongst the brave men of Columbia. H. R. 115. MARCH 4, 1818. Read twice and committed to a committee of the whole House on Monday next. A BH.L Authorizing a sum of money lo he. distrihu led among the ojficers and creio of the late private armed brig, General Jlrmstrong. I Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre^ 3 senta fives of the United States af Ameriea in Con- \A 5S 3 ^rc55 assembled, That the sum of ten thousand 4 dollais shall be, and is hereby, appropriated, out ot 5 any money in the Treasury, not otherwise appro- 6 priated; which sum shall be paid to Cap. b. L. 7 Reid, to be bv him distributed as prize money, 8 amon^ tho ofiicers and crew of the late private 9 brig the General Armstrong, and the rcpresenta- 1 tives of such as may be dead. THE GENERAL ARMSTRONG, A NEW SONG. Composed hy the officer* of the General Armstrong, off Fayai Tune—" vive-la." Come, listen to a gallant action, Which was fought in Fayal Bay, By the Saucy General Armstrong: From eight P. M, 'till break of day. CHORUS. Hail ! the saucy General Armstrong : Reid's immortalized her name— Her cannon dealt death and destructioa To furbish young Columbia's fame. 3 Phmtagenet, Rota, and Carnation Thought with iu-r t(» have rare sport Sent in their boats, with an intention To cut her out of a neutral port. CHORUS. Hail, &c. 3 At eight, four boats commonc'd tho action. Which fifteen mintites' work laid low ; Quarters next came in rotation, Which on tliem we did bestow. CHORUS. Hnil, &c. 54 i Fourteen boats, with men four hundred, At midnight made the grand attack ; In forty minutes, half Iheir number Were killed and wounded, falling back. CHORUS. Hail, &c. 5 Britons killed in both engagements, Amounted to two hundred men : Fifty more of them were wounded — The rest retreated hack again. CHORUS. Hail, Sac. 6. Tbe number killed on board the General, It doth grieve na to rel ito The falling of Lieutenant Williaras, And cue man we do regret. CHORUS, Hail, &c. 7. Two Lieutenants more were wounded, And likewise five of our men; But we've got them safely landed, And recovering fast again, CHORUS. Hail, <&c. 8. Then at break of day next morning, The sloop of war got underway And opened her broadside upon us, British courage to display. CHORUS. Hail, &c. 9. Lest she should fiill in their possession, We thought it prudent her to sink ; Which was put in execution, Aad thus the General became extinct CHORUS. Hail, kc. i. 46 10 Then by the British she was boarded, (Who finding her partly destroyed) Set her on fire, wlien thus abandoned By command of Captain Lloyd. CHORUS. Hail, &c. 11 Altho' we could not save the General, Columbia's fame we held in view : We have chastis'd the haughty Britons With our little YANKEE CREW. CHORUS. Hail ! the saucy General Armstrong, Stc. I ^ ii I f 1 \ ^1 1^ ^ H J- i lit y fl I' ! 'MA I