its disastrous result, as might erable them correctly ority of our force was manifest, we could see no neto appreciate the conduct of the officers and men, cessity for capitulating, nor any propriety in alluding and to develope the causes which produced so foul to it. We therefore determined in the last resort to a stain upon the national character, I have the honor incur the responsibility of divesting the general of to submit for your consideration the following state-his command. This plan was eventually prevented by two of the commanding officers of régiments be ment: When the forces landel in Canada, they landed ing ordered upon detachments. with an ardent zeal and stimulated with the hope of On the 13th the British took a position opposite to Conquest. No enemy appeared within view of us, Detroit, and began to throw up works. During that and had an immediate and vigorous attack been and the two following days, they pursued their object made upon Maiden, it would doubtless have fallen without interruption and established a battery for an easy victory. I knew general Hull afterwards two 18 pounders and an 8 inch howitzer. About sun declared he regretted this attack had not been made, set on the 14th, a detachment of 350 men from the and he had every reason to elieve success would regiments commanded by col. M'Arthur and myself have crowned his efforts. The reason given for de-was ordered to march to the river Raisin, to escort lying our operations was to mount our heavy can- the provisions, which had some time remained there non, and to afford to the Canadian militia tinie and protected by a party under the command of captain opportunity to quit an obnox.ous service. In de Brush. COM e of two weeks the number of their militial On Saturday, the 15th, about 1 o'clock, a flag of who were embodied lad decreased by desertion from truce arrived from Sandwich, bearing a summons six hundred to one hundred nien; and, in the course from gen. Brock, for the surrender of the town and of three weeks, the cannon were mounted, the an-fort of Detroit, stating, he could no longer restrain the munation fixed, and every preparation made for an fury of the savages. To this an immediate and spiimmediate investment of the fort. At a council, at rited refusal was returned. About 4 o'clock their which were present all the field officers, and which batteries began to play upon the town. The fire was was held two days before our preparations were com-returned and continued without interruption and pleted, it was unanimously agreed to make an imme-with little effect till dark. Their shells were dide attempt to accomplish the object of the expe-thrown till 11 o'clock. dition. If by waiting two days we could have the ser- At day light the firing on both sides recommenced; vice of our heavy artillery, it was agreed to wait; about the same time the enemy began to land troops if not, it was determined to go without it and at- at the Springwells, three miles below Detroit, protcm, the place by storm. This opinion appeared tected by two of their armed vessels. Between 6 and to correspond with the views of the general, and the 7 o'clock, they had effected their landing and in meday was appointed for commencing our march. Hediately took up their line of march.-They moved in declared to me that he considered himself pledged to a close colunin of platoons, twelve in front, upon lead the army to Malden. The ammunition was the bank of the river. placed in the waggons; the cannon were embarked The fourth regiment was stationed in the fort; the on board the floating batteries, and every requisite Ohio volunteers and a part of the Michigan militia, was prepared. The spirit and zeal, the ardor and behind some pickets, in a situation in which the animation displayed by the officers and men on learn-whole flank of the enemy would have been exposed. ing the near accomplishment of their wishes, a sure The residue of the Michigan militis were in the upand sacred pledge, that in the hour of trial they per part of the town to resist the incursions of the would not be found wanting in duty to their country savages. Two twenty-four pounders loaded with and themselves. But a change of measures, in op-grape shot were posted on a commanding en nence, position to the wishes and opinions of all the officers, ready to sweep the advancing column. In this situwas adopted by the general. The plan of attacking ation, the superiority of our position was apparent, Malden was abandoned, and instead of acting offen- and our troops, in the eager expectation of victory, sively, we broke up our camp, evacuated Canada, awaited the approach of the enemy. Not a sigh of and re-crossed the river in the night, without even discontent broke upon the ear; not a look of cowardthe shadow of an enemy to injure us. We left to ice met the eye. Every man expected a proud day the tender mercy of the enemy the miserable Cana- for his country, and each was anxious that his individians who had joined us, and die protection we afford- dual exertion should contribute to the general result. ed them was but a passport to vengeance. This fatal When the head of their column arrived within and unaccountable step dispirited the troops, and about five hundred yards of our line, orders were destroyed the little confidence which a series of ti- received from general Hull for the whole to retreat mid, irresolute and indecisive measure had left in the to the fort, and for the twenty-four pounders not to commanding officer. Jopen upon the enemy. One universal burst of indigAbout the tenth of August, the enemy received nation was apparent upon the receipt of this order. a reinforcemen, of four hundred men. On the twelfth Those, whose conviction was the deliberate result of the commanding officers of three of the regiments a dispasionate examination of passing events, saw (the fourth was absent) were informed through a the folly and impropriety of crowding 1100 men into um which admitted of no doubt, that the gene-a little work, which 300 could fully man, and into ral had stated, that a capitulation would be necessa- which the shot and shells of the eneiny were falling. They on the same day addressed to governor-The fort was in this manner filled; the men wore Meigs of Ohio a letter, of which the following is an directed to stack their arms, and scarcely was an opportunity afforded of moving. Shortly after a white "Believe all the bearer will tell you. Believe it, flag was hung out upon the walls. A British officer however it may astonish you, as much as if told by rode up to enquire the cause. A communication one of us. Even a c is talked of by the passed between the commanding generals, which enThe bearer will fill the vacancy." ded the capitulation submitted to you. In entering The doubtful fate of this letter rendered it neces-into this capitulation, the general took counsel from sary to use circumspection in its details, and there- his own feelings only. Not an officer was consulted. fore the blanks were left. The word 'capitulation' Not one ant e pated a surrender, till he saw the white wil fill the first and commanding general the flag displayed. Even the women were indignant at other. As no enemy was near us, and as the superi- 'so shameful a degradation of the American charae rv. extract: ter, and all felt as they should have felt, but he who dispirited, hopeless and desponding, at least 500 held in his hands the reins of authority. shedding tears because they were not allowed to meet Our morning report had that morning made our their country's for, and to fight their country's bateffective men present fit for duty 1060, without inciu-tles, excited sensations, which no American has ever ding the detachment before alluded to, and without before bad cause to feel, and which, I trust in God, including 300 of the Michigan militia on du- will never again be felt, while one man remains to ty. About dark on Saturday evening the detachment defend the standard of the union. sent to escort the provisions received orders frem I am expressly authorised to state, that colonel general Hull to return with as much expedition as M'Arthur and colonel Findley, and Leut, col. Miller possible. About ten o'clock the next day they arriv-viewed this transaction in the light which I do. They ed within sight of Detroit. Had a firing been heard, know and feel, that no circumstance in our situation, or any resistance visible, they would have immediate-none in that of the enemy, can excuse a capitulation ly advanced and attacked the rear of the enemy.- so dishonorable and unjustifiable. This too is the The situation in which this detachment was placed, universal sentiment among the troops; and I shall be although the result of accident, was the best for surprised to learn, that there is one man, who thinks annoying the enemy and cutting off his retreat that it was necessary to sheath his sword, or lay down his could have been selected. With his raw troops en-musket. closed between two fires and no hopes of succour,| I was informed by general Hull the morning after it is hazarding little to say, that very few would have the capitulation, that the British forces consisted of escaped. 1800 regulers, and that he surrendered to prevent I have been informed by colonel Findley, who saw the effusion of human blood. That he magnified the return of the quarter-master-general the day af- their regular force nearly five fold, there can be no ter the surrender, that their whole force of every doubt. Whether the philanthropic reason assigned description, white, red and black, was 1030. They by him is a sufficient justification for surrendering a had twenty-nine platoons, twelve in a platoon, of fortified town, an army and a territory, is for the gomen dressed in uniform. Many of these were evi-vernment to determine. Confident I am, that had dently Canadian militia. The rest of their militia the courage and conduct of the general been equal to increased their white force to about seven hundred the spirit and zeal of the troops, the event would mer. The number of the Indians could not be as-have been brilliant and successful as it now is disascertained with any degree of precision; not many trous and dishonorable. were visible. And in the event of an attack upon the Very respectfully, sir, I have the honor to be, your town and fort, it was a species of force which could most obedient servant, have afforded no material advantage to the enemy. In endeavoring to appreciate the motives and to The hon. WILLIAM EUSTIS, Secretary of War. LEWIS CASS, Cal. 3d reg. Ohio vol. PROCLAMATIONS. investigate the causes which led to an event so unexpected and dishonorable, it is impossible to find any solution in the relative strength of the conrending parties, or in the measures of resistance in our power. That we were far superior to the enemy; WHEREAS, The United States are now at war that upon any ordinary principles of calculation we with Great Britain, whose forces are aided by savages would have defeated them, the wounded and indigof the most ferocious nature--and the Lentiers of nant feelings of every man there will testify. A few days before the surrender, I was informed by general Hull, we had 400 rounds of 24 pound shot fixed and about 100,000 cartridges made. We surrendered with the fort 40 barrels of powder and 2500 stand of arms. · the state of Ohio are exposed to their crucities and zens, In order, therefore, as far as lays in our power, to The state of our provisions has not been generally prevent such cruelties, machinations, treachery and understood. ́On the day of the surrender we had spying, fifteen days of provisions of every kind on hand.- I issue this my proclamation, exhorting the citi Of meat there was plenty in the country, and arzens and inhabitants of the state of Ohio to a strict rangements had been made for purchasing and grind-observance of all their duties as such, requiring all ing the four. It was calculated we could readily military officers according to their rank, to be strict procure three month's provisions, independent of 150 in their attention to discipline, arms, and order of barrels Hour, and 1300 head of cattle which had been those under their command; and to hold themforwarded from the state of Ohio, which remained selves in constant readiness for active service. at the river Raisin under captain Brush, within reach with according to law. of the army. Also, requiring all magistrates, conservators of the peace, and all civil officers and others, to be vi-But had we been totally destitute of provisions, gilt in the apprehension and commitment of such our duty and our interest undoubtedly was to light.itors and spies, in order that they may be de..it The enemy invited us to meet him in the field. By defeating him the whole country would have been open to us, and the object of our expedicion gloriously and successfully obtained. If we had been defeated we had nothing to do but to retreat to! the fort, and make the best defence which circum- Fellow citizens, stances and our situation rendered practicable. But At a moment like this, I appeal to your valor basely to surrender without firing a gun-tamely to and patriotism. R. J. MEIGS, Prava, September 2, 1812. submit without raising a bayonet-disgracefully to Major-general HARRISON will rendezvous & respass in review before an enemy as inferior in the pectable force of Kentucky volunteers at Dayton, on quality as in the number of his forces, were circum-the 15th instunt, for a short expedition. Gen. Harstances, which excited feelings of indignation more rison desires to add to his troops any number of easily felt than described. To see the whole of om volunteers from the state of Oluo who will serve on men flushed with the hope of victory, eagerly await-an expedition not exceeding 30 days. All those ing the approaching contest, to see them afterwards who will embrace this favorable opportunity of dis tinguishing themselves under an able commander,, In Richmond alone, exclusive of Manchester and of rendering the state of Ohio a valuable ser-$5232 were raised on the spur of the moment, to vice, will, in their equipments and movements fol- provide for the benefit of such persons and their falow the directions of General Harrison hereto sub-milies as may leave the state of Virginia in the serjoined. vice of the United States. R. J. MEIGS, From the various facts that have come to our Governor of Ohio. knowledge we feel warranted in expressing a full belief that 10,000 Americans will be in Upper Canada. before the first day of October. The purchase of VOLUNTEERS WANTED! Any number of Volunteers, mounted, and prepar-Detroit will turn out a dear bargain. ed for active service, to continue for twenty-five or thirty days, will be accepted, to rendezvous at the Pennsylvania, passed through New-York last week, Twenty waggons drawn by fve horses each, from town of Dayton, on the Big Miami, on the 15th inst. laden with military clothing and supplies, for Alba It is expected that the volunteers will provide themselves with salt provisions and proportion of bisny and the frontiers. cuits. Those who are unable to provide themselves,racteristic of the people of hat section of the coun The following from a western paper is truly chawill be furnished if possible. Those brave men who may give their services on try: this occasion, may be assured, that an opportunity of the Ohio militia, presents his respectful comple"A CARD.-Colonel Symmes, of the senior division for distinguishing themselves will be afforded-I shell command the expedition in person, and the number pritannic majesty's forces white and red, in Upper ments, to major-gcneral Brock, commanding his of troops will be entirely adequate to the object pro- Canada. posed. I wish also to hire a member of substantial horses. of capitulation of fort Detroit to maj. gen. Brock, all Colonel Syrames observing that by the 4th article Fifty cents per day will be allowed for each horse public arms moving towards fort Detroit, are to be which is provided with a saddle and bridle. Those patriotic citizens who are unable to afford their personal assistance, will render essential service to their country by furnishing the horses-which must be delivered in Dayton on the 14th instant, to a person who will be authorised to receive and receipt for them. WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. The British are about to send a considerable body of troops from England to Canada-at least order have been issued for that purpose. out by the capitulation, forty thousand stand of arms, delivered up; but as no place of deposit is pointed coming within the description, are at the service of mai. gen. Brock, if his excellency will condescend za come and take them." Gen. Bloomfield with 2000 regulars, is at Plattsburg, N. . The forces at head-quarters near Albany are continually fluctuating-at our last accounès A company of volunteers with a Canada destination, they mounted to 3000 men. has been formed in Petersburg, Va. They are spoken of as a body of excellent young men. "Hull's surrenMajor general Harrison was received with shouts der has electrified the nation. Incidents of this naof applause by the army of volunteers assembled in ture are occurring in all parts of the country. From the state of Ohio. We have full faith that he will do Baltimore there will also march for Canada, in a few all that is expected of him. The troops are well days a little band of heroes. Some of them are now supplied. It is stated that the whole body, 6000 encamped a short distance from the city. It will be strong, has marched towards Fort Wayne. Eight hundred men, consisting of the first batt:-) lion of colonel Pearce's regiment of infantry, with several troops of colonel Burn's regiment of cavalry, have moved from their rendezvous near Philadelphia, to the northward. come our duty to notice the circumstance hereafter. The recruiting service goes on actively in Tennessee. The quota of men expected from this state will soon be complete. Gen. Hull's official statement may be expected in our next paper. His aid-de-camp is reported to be on his way to Washington city. It is stated, also, that general Hull was on his way to Albany, on paNAVAL role. We are much gratified in being assured of the health and spirits of the troops, regulars, volunteers and militia, on the New-York frontier. All is life and activity in that quarter of the country. The utmost energy appears to pervade every branch of the Letter from Commodore Rodgers to the Secretary of military department. Arms and men--cannon, ammunition and stores, are moving towards the lakes, from every direction. the Navy. to U. S. Frigate President, Boston, Sept. 1, 1812. Sin, I had the honor yesterday of informing you Great military preparations are making in Pennsyl- of the arrival of the squadron, and have now vania. Several pieces of cannon have been sent to state the result and particulars of our cruise. the frontiers, and considerable bodies of volunteers Previous to leaving New-York on the 21st of June, are marching to the various points of attack or de- I heard that a British convoy had sailed from Jamaifence. There is some stir even in Delaware. A va-ca for England on or about the 20th of the preceding luable company of artillery, commanded by Caleb month, and on being informed of the declaration of P. Bennet an old veteran of the Delaware line, rauch war against Great Britain, I determined, in the event esteemed by general Greene, for his conduct and of commodore Decatur joining me with the United courage, has volunteered its service to the president States, Congress and Argus, as you had directed, to of the United States, and is under marching orders. go in pursuit of them. We are pleased to observe that several other volun- The United States, Congress and Argus, did join teer companies are organizing in that state, where me on the 21st; with which vessels, this ship and the the military spirit has long been dormant. Hornet, I accordingly sailed in less than an hour after Four companies of exempts have been formed in I received your orders of the 18th of June, accomthe western parts of the state of New-York, for the panied by your official communication of the declarapurpose of offering their services to the president, tion of war. under the act authorising him to accept of 50,000 volunteers. On leaving New-York I shaped our course south leastwardly, in the expectation of falling in with vessels, by which I should hear of the before men- American property that would otherwise have fallen tioned convoy, and the following night met with an a sacrifice." American brig that gave me the sought for informa- I am aware of the anxiety you must have experition; the squadron now crowded sail in pursuit; but enced at not hearing from me for such a length of the next morning was taken out of its course by the time, but this I am sure you will not attribute in any parsuit of a British frigate, that I since find was the degree to neglect, when I inform you that not a sinBelvidera, relative to which I beg leave to refer you gle proper opportunity occurred from the time of to the enclosed extract from my journal; after re- leaving the United States until our return. pairing as far as possible the injury done by the Bel- Mr. Newcomb, who will deliver you this, you will viders to our spars, and rigging, we again crowded find an intelligent young man, capable of giving all sail and resumed our course in pursuit of the con- such further information as you may deem of any voy, but did not receive further intelligence of it, moment: he will at the same time deliver you a chari, until the 29th day of June, on the western edge of shewing the track in which we cruised: Annexed is the banks of Newfoundland, where we spoke an a list of vessels captured, re-captured and Lurnt. American schooner, the master of which reported The four vessels we chased and did not come up that he had two days before passed them in lat. 43, with were, the Belvidere, a small pilot-boat schcoon. 55, steering to the eastward. I was surprised to ner supposed to be an American privateer, the her and that the convoy was still so far to the eastward maphrodite privateer brig Yankee, which we lost ef us, but was urged, however, as well by what I sight of in a fog, but whose character we afterwards considered my duty as my inclination, to continue the learnt, and a frigate supposed to be British, that we pursuit. chased on the 28th uit. near the shoal of George's On the 1st of July a little to the eastward of New-Bank, and should certainly have come up with, had bundland bank, we fell in with quantities of cocoa we have had the advantage of two hours more dayint shells, orange peels, &c. which indicated that light. the convoy were not far distant, and we pursued it On board of the several vessels of the squadron with zeal, although frequently taken out of our there are between 80 and 100 prisoners, taken from ourse by vessels it was necessary to chase, without the vessels we captured during our late cruize:-gaining any further intelligence until the 9th of July, The government not having any agent for prisoners ʼn lat. 45, 30, ion 23, we captured the British private here, I shall send them to commodore Bainbridge, amed brig Dolphin, of Jersey, and were informed by to be disposed of in such manner as best appears to ome of her crew, that they had seen the convoy the be the interest of the United States, and which I preceding evening, the weather was not clear at the hope may meet your approbation. ime, but that they had counted 85 sail, and that the bree charged with its protection, consisted of one wwo decker, a frigate, a sloop of war and a brig. This was the last intelligence I received of the With the greatest respect, efore mentioned convoy, although its pursuit was The hon. PAUL HAMILTON, Secretary of the Navy, JOHN RODGERS. of letters received at the Navy Department from captain PORTER, of the United States frigate Essex, of 32 guns. From this we steered for the Island of Madeira,| passed close by it on the 21st of July, thence near Copies the azores, and saw Corvo and Flores; thence steerel for the banks of Newfoundland: and from the latter place (by the way of Cape Sable) to this port, it having become indispensably necessary (by the time we reached our own coast, to make the first convenient port in the United States; owing, I am sorry to say, to that wretched disease the scurvy, having made its appearance on board of the vessels, most generally to a degree seriously alarming. AT SEA, August 17, 1812. SIR,-I have the honor to inform you that on the 13th his Britannic majesty's sloop of war Alert, captain T. L. P. Laugharne, ran down on our weather quarter, gave three cheers and commenced an action (it so trifling a skirmish deserves the name) and after 8 minutes firing struck her colors, with 7 fect waFrom the western part of the banks of Newfound-ter in her hold, much cut to picces, and three men hand to our making the island of Madeira, the wea-wounded. ther was such, at least six days out of seven as to I need not inform you that the officers and crew obscure, from our discovery, every object that wel of the Essex behaved, as I trust all Americans will, did not pass within four or five miles of, and indeed in such cases, and it is only to be regretted that so for several days together the fog was so thick as to much zeal and activity could not have been displayprevent our seeing each other, even at cable's length ed on an occasion that would have done them more asunder, more than twice or thrice in the twenty-four honor. The Essex has not received the slightest inbours. jury. From the time of leaving the United States until we arrived here, we chased every vessel we saw, and you will not be a little astonished when I inform you that, although we brought too every thing we did chase, with the exception of four vessels, we only made seven captures and one re-capture. The Alert was out for the purpose of taking the Hornet! I have the honor to be, With great respect, Your obedient servant, (Signed) D. PORTER. Secretary of the Navy, Washington. It is truly an unpleasant task to be obliged to make Hon. a communication thus barren of benefit to our country; the only consolation I individually feel on the occasion being derived from knowing that our AT SEA, August 20, 1811. being at sea obliged the enemy to concentrate a con- SIR-Finding myself much embarrassed by the siderable portion of his most active force and thereby Alert, from the great number of prisoners we have prevented his capturing an incalculable amount of * Vide last number. already made (about 500) I concluded that before our arrival in America the number would be considerably augmented, and as I found my provisions and water getting short, and being well satisfied that a¡ Laugharne,he verbally informed me “that his officers plan had been organized by them for rising on the preferred remaining with him, and sharing his fate, ship in the event of an engagement; I conceived it and as he was confident some of his ship's company to be the interest of my country to get clear of them were much prejudiced against him, he did not wish as speedily as possible, particularly as I was well as them to go to Newfoundland, until he could be presured that immediately on their arrival in St. John's, sent to appear in his own justification, before they an equal number of my countrymen would be releas- could have an opportunity of injuring his honor and ed and find a sure and immediate conveyance. 1, reputation as an officer, both of which he held as intherefore, drew up written stipulations correspond-jestimable, and as a court-martial could not take ing with the accompanying letters; threw all the place in his absence." He then wrote me the followguns of the Alert overboard; withdrew from her all ing letter: the men belonging to the Essex; appointed lieut. J. P. Wilmer to command her as a cartel, put all my prisoners on board her, and dispatched her for St. Johns, in Newfoundland, with orders to proceed from thence to New-York, with such Americans as sloop Alert. he may receive in exchange. tion. August 18, 1812. SIR-I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this day's date, offering an arrang ment for the officers and crew of his majesty's late In answer thereto, I beg leave to inform you that I At a more suitable opportunity I shall do myself accept and agree to the first, second and third artithe honor to lay before you coples of every paper re-cies, but permit me to mention my objection to the lative to this transaction, and sincerely hope that my last, as it seems by your requiring me to remain as conduct in this affair may meet with your approba-an hostage for the performance of the preceding ones, to cast (though I am willing to believe unintentionalAs the Essex has been so annoying about Bermu-ly) an indirect suspicion on the faith of the British gɔda, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, I expect I shall vernment, so universally known for its fulfilment have to run the gauntlet through their cruisers; you of every compact entered into by its public servants. may, however, rest assured, that all a ship of her By your allowing me to accompany my ship's size can do shall be done, and whatever may be our company and officers, I will pledge to you mine honfate, our country shall never blush for us. or to see the articles of our release fully complied I have the honor, &c. with on our arrival in a British port. (Signed) Hon. PAUL HAMILTON, D. PORTER. Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Should you object to this, my officers prefer emaining with me till we are regularly exchanged. I have the honor to be, &c. (Signed) T. L. P. LAUGHARNE, late commander of H. M's sloop Alert. [The following are the papers accompanying the preceding, viz. my two letters to captain Laugharne, with his answer, verbal and written, to the first; a Capt. D. PORTER, copy of the passport given to lieut. Wilmer, and a copy of captain Laugharne's certificate, certifying to the number of prisoners put on board the cartel Alert.] U. States' frigate Essex. August 18, 1812. SIR--In reply to one paragraph in your letter in answer to the terms offered by me I shall observe thit, August 18, 1812. having on two former instances permitted cartels to SIR-An arrangement has suggested itself to me, proceed to British ports without reserving hostages, which, in my opinion, is calculated to advance the I have sufficiently evinced that I entertained the interest of the United States as well as that of his highest confidence in the honor and faith of the BriBritannic majesty, and if acceded to by you, shall be tish government as respects the fulfilment of comiramediately put in execution: should you object to pacts entered into by their officers; nor should I the terms, they will not, after this, be repeated, and have proposed the last article in this instance were the treatment usual to prisoners of war, will in fu- it not that I felt a necessity for holding some pledge ture be observed towards your crew. as a justification of my conduct to my own governArt. 1. The Alert to be deprived of all her arma- ment for the unlimited confidence I have reposed: ment, and to proceed 'under charge of an officer of For the reasons (however) that you have stated I am this ship, as a cartel to such. British port as you may willing to yield that condition; and you may consider deem most advisable, and to take your officers and yourself at liberty to proceed with your officers and crew, together with the British captains and mates crew, and on the same terms. of merchant vessels, with their crews, now prisoners I have the honor, &c. on board this ship. (Signed) CAPT. T. L. P. LAUGHARNE, Art. 2. The officers to go on parole of honor, not to serve against the United States of America during the existing war, until regularly exchanged. The cptams and mates of merchant vessels, and their crews, as well as the petty officers, seamen, &c. marines, landsmen and boys, composing your crew, to be exchanged immediately on their arrival in a British port, for an equal number of equal grades of American prisoners, and are not to serve against the United States until the exchange takes place. Art. 3. The swords of the officers to be returned D. PORTER. sloop of war Alert-Present. [Here follow copies of the agreement, passport, and a list of the prisoners.] At sea, September 1, 1812. SIR-On the afternoon of the 30th August, in latitude 36 N. longitude 62, W. discovered one of the sail, apparently with an intention of speaking us. enemy's frigates standing towards us under a press of Stood for him under easy sail, with the ship preparArt. 4. You to remain as a pledge for the faithfuled for action; apprehensive that he might not find fulfilment of the foregoing articles. to them. I have the honor to be, &c. (Signed) D. PORTER. us in the night, I hoisted a light. At 9, he made a signal, consisting of two flashes and one blue light, apparently about four miles distance from us. icontinued to stand on for the point where they were seen commander of H. B. M's sloop of war Alert-prest.until midnight, when not getting sight of the eneAfter delivering the preceding letter to captain my, I concluded that it would be best to heave to for Capt. T. L. P. LAUGHARNE, late |