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 declined. By the manner in which he apologised, it appeared to me evident, that had he fallen in with a British frigate, he would certainly have brought her to action; and what further confirms me in that opinion is, that his guns were not only loaded with round and grape shot, but with every scrap of iron that could possibly be collected.

“I have to lament the loss of 32 men killed and wounded, among whom is the master. H.M. sloop is much damaged in her masts, sails, rigging, and hull; and, as there are many shot through between wind and water, and many still remaining in her side; upper works all shot away, starboard pump also; I have judged it proper to proceed to Halifax, which will, I hope, meet with your approbation.

“I cannot speak in too high terms of the officers and men I have the honor to command, for their steady and active conduct throughout the whole of this business, who had much to do, as a gale of wind came on the second night after the action. My first Lieutenant, Mr. John Moberly, who is in every respect a most excellent officer, afforded me very great assistance in stopping the leaks himself in the gale, securing the masts, and doing every thing in his power. It would be the greatest injustice were I not also to speak most highly of Lieutenant Thomas Levell; Mr. M‘Queen, master, who was wounded in the right arm; and Mr. Wilson, master’s mate. Indeed the conduct of every officer and man was so good, it is impossible for me to discriminate.

“I hope, Sir, in this affair, I shall appear to have done my duty, and conducted myself as I ought to have done against so superior a force; and that the honor of the British flag was well supported.

(Signed)“.”

“''To Rear-Admiral Sawyer, &c. &c. &c.''”

The following references to the Naval Chronicle will enable the reader to place himself more fully in possession of all the facts and circumstances relating to the above action:–

For remarks contained in the National Intelligencer, usually considered the organ of the American government; and for an account of the engagement, taken from the Norfolk Gazette, see vol. xxv. pp. 502, et seq. For remarks contained in the New York Evening Post, see vol. xxvi. p. 33; extract of a letter from Halifax, id. p. 34; additional particulars copied from the Nova Scotia Gazette, id. p. 35; statement by an officer of the Little Belt, id. p. 36; remarks on the same, id. p. 37; official letter from Commodore Rodgers to the secretary of the U.S. navy, id. pp. 38–40; strictures on ditto, extracted from the Boston Repertory, id. p. 198;