Thornbrough, commander-in-chief at Cork, dated off St. David’s Head, Aug. 18:–
“At four o’clock this morning I saw a vessel on fire, and a brig standing from her, which I soon discovered to be a cruiser; made all sail in chase, and at 5-30 came alongside of her; she having shortened sail and made herself clear for an obstinate resistance. After giving her three cheers, our action commenced, which was kept up with great spirit on both sides 43 minutes. We then lay her along-side, and were in the act of boarding, when she struck her colours. She proves to be the United States’ sloop Argus, of 360 tons, eighteen 24-pounders, and 2 long 12-pounders; had on board when she sailed from America, two months since, a complement of 149 men, but in the action 127; commanded by Lieutenant-Commandant William Henry Allen, who, I regret to say, was wounded early in the battle, and has since suffered amputation of his left thigh.
“No eulogium I could use would do sufficient justice to the merits of my gallant officers and crew, which consisted of 116; the cool courage they displayed, and the precision of their fire, could only be equalled by their zeal to distinguish themselves; but I must beg leave to call your attention to the conduct of my first lieutenant, Thomas Welsh, of Mr. William Glanville, acting master, Mr William Ingram, purser, who volunteered his services on deck, and Mr. Richard Scott, boatswain.
“Our loss, I am happy to say, is small. Mr. William Young, master’s-mate, slain in the moment of victory, while animating, by his courage and example, all around him, and one able seaman killed; five other men wounded, who are doing well: that of the enemy I have not yet been able to ascertain.”
The Argus had 13 killed and mortally wounded, including among the latter her commander and 2 midshipmen: her other wounded consisted of the first lieutenant, W. H. Watson, and 13 men. When afterwards surveyed, at Plymouth, she was found to measure only 316 tons.
In this action Captain Maples had a narrow escape: a spent canister-shot struck, with some degree of force, one of his waistcoat buttons, and then fell on the deck. He was promoted to post-rank Aug. 23, 1813, and nominated a C.B. in Oct, 1815; since which latter period he has not been employed.
This officer married, in 1814, the widow of Mr. John Carthew, attorney, of Woodbridge, Suffolk, brother to Rear-Admiral Carthew.
Agents.– Messrs. Chard.
