the Etna and Erebus succeeded in getting down to their assistance, and the following day they were joined by the frigates and prizes; but the Devastation, in spite of every exertion, still remained five miles higher up the river.
The Erebus, being placed by Captain Bartholomew in an admirable position for harassing the workmen employed in the trenches, was now attacked by three field-pieces, which did her considerable damage before they were silenced. Another attempt was likewise made to destroy the Devastation; but the enemy’s fire-vessels were immediately obliged to retreat by some boats under Captain Baker, whose alacrity in proceeding to her assistance was highly extolled by the Commodore. His loss, however, was considerable, owing to the Americans having sought refuge under some guns in a narrow creek, from which it was impossible for him to dislodge them.
On the 5th, at noon, the wind coming fair, and Captain Gordon having made all his arrangements, the Seahorse and Euryalus anchored within short musket-shot of the batteries, while the whole of the prizes passed between them and a shoal; the bombs, &c. firing as they passed, and afterwards anchoring in a favorable position for facilitating the further removal of the frigates. At 3 P.M., having completely silenced the enemy’s fire, the latter cut their cables, and the whole fleet proceeded to the next position taken up by the American troops, where they had two batteries, mounting from 14 to 18 guns, on a range of cliffs, extending about a mile, under which the British were of necessity obliged to pass very close. Captain Gordon did not intend to make the attack that evening; but the Erebus grounding within range, the other men of war were necessarily called into action. On this occasion, the fire of the Fairy had the most decisive effect, as well as that of the Erebus, while the bombs threw their shells with excellent precision, and the guns of the batteries were thereby silenced about eight o’clock.
At day-light on the 6th, Captain Gordon made signal to weigh, and so satisfied were the whole of the parties on shore[1]
- ↑ “Commodore Rodgers, with a chosen body of seamen from the Guerriere, at Philadelphia; Captains Perry, Porter, and other ‘distinguished officers;’ a party of officers and men from the Constellation, at Norfolk;
