“The boats under the immediate command of Lieutenant Pedler, the first of the Dragon, agreeably to a previous arrangement with Colonel John, advanced in line with the right flank of the army. The Peruvian, Sylph, Dragon’s tender, and Harmony transport, were kept a little in the rear in reserve.
“Our information stated the enemy’s force at 1400 men; and he had chosen a most excellent position on a high hill. About a quarter of a mile to the southward of the Adams frigate, he had mounted eight 18pounders. This fort was calculated to command both the highway by which our troops had to advance, and the river. On a wharf close to the Adams, he had mounted fifteen 18-pounders, which completely commanded the river, which at this place is not above three cables’ length wide, and the land on each side is high and well wooded.
“A rocket boat, under my immediate direction, but manoeuvred by Mr. Ginton, gunner, and Mr. Small, midshipman, of the Dragon, was advanced about a quarter of a mile a-head of the line of boats.
“So soon as the boats got within gun-shot, the enemy opened his fire upon them from the hill and wharf, which was warmly returned. Our rockets were generally well-directed, and evidently threw the enemy into confusion. Meantime our troops stormed the hill with the utmost gallantry.Before the boats got within good grape-shot of the wharf battery, the enemy set fire to the Adams, and he ran from his guns the moment our troops carried the hill.
“I joined the army about ten minutes after this event. Colonel John and myself immediately determined to leave a sufficient force in possession of the hill, and to pursue the enemy, who was then in sight on the Bangor road, flying at full speed. The boats and ships pushed up the river, preserving their original position with the army. The enemy was too nimble for us, and most of them escaped into the woods on our left.
“On approaching Bangor, the inhabitants, who had opposed us at Hamden, threw off their military character; and as magistrates, select men, &c. made an unconditional surrender of the town. Here the pursuit stopped.
“About two hours afterwards, Brigadier-General Blake came into the town, to deliver himself as a prisoner.
"The General and other prisoners, amounting to 191, were admitted to their parole.
“Enclosed I have the honor to forward you lists of the vessels we have captured or destroyed, and other necessary reports[1]. I am happy to- ↑ Captured, Two ships, one brig pierced for 18 guns (afterwards lost), six schooners (one of which was the Decatur privateer, pierced for 16 guns, afterwards lost), and three sloops. Destroyed by the British at Bangor, One ship, one brig, three schooners, and one sloop. Burnt by the enemy at Hamden, The Adams of twenty-six 18-pounders, and two ships, one of them armed.
