THE Defence of Stonington (CONNECTICUT) AGAINST A BRITISH SQUADRON, AUGUST 9TH TO 12TH, 1814. "Vixere fortes ante Agamemnona. " HARTFORD: 1864. ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE COPIES PRINTED. FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION. [Transcriber's Note: the various spellings of Ramilies have been retainedin the text. Similarly, some opening quotes are not always matched withclosing quotes. ] CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY NOTE, page v RECORD OF THE EXTRAORDINARY ATTACK ON STONINGTON, 9 NAMES OF VOLUNTEERS, FROM THE CONNECTICUT GAZETTE, 20 MUSTER-ROLL OF CAPT. WM. POTTER'S COMPANY, 22 ACCOUNT OF THE ATTACK, PUBLISHED BY THE BOROUGH AUTHORITIES, 24 LETTER FROM CAPT. AMOS PALMER TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 33 EXTRACT FROM GEN. ROOT'S SPEECH IN CONGRESS, 1817, 37 THE BATTLE OF STONINGTON, BY PHILIP FRENEAU, 38 CELEBRATIONS OF THE ANNIVERSARY, 42 NOTES, 47 INTRODUCTORY NOTE. The repulse of a British squadron, at Stonington, by a few undisciplinedvolunteers, having only two effective guns, imperfectly protected by alow earth-work, --and this repulse accomplished without the loss of asingle life, --was not the least glorious achievement of the War of1812-14. The fiftieth anniversary of the action is close at hand. Fewwho witnessed, --only three or four who participated in it, survive. Inthis day of great events, when armies and navies are gathered on a scaleof magnitude of which our fathers never dreamed, --when from the heightsof modern science, we look back to the guns and the ships of war of thelast generation, as to the toys of childhood, --when we are in the verycrisis of a war greater in itself, and waged for a grander issue, thanthe world has hitherto witnessed, --it is not surprising that so few findleisure or inclination to look from the present to the past, or torecall to memory the heroism of their fathers. Yet there are some for whom the story of _The Attack_ has not yet lostits interest. They learned it in childhood, from the lips of those whoshared the perils and the glory of the action. They grew up, amidassociations which could hardly fail to kindle an honest pride in theirbirth-place. To them, the "Tenth of August" was not merely aschool-holiday, but an anniversary entitled to equal honors withIndependence Day itself. They have helped draw the "old Eighteens, "through the streets of the Borough, in solemn procession to the site ofthe demolished Battery. They have seen the cherished Flag--pierced andtorn in a dozen places by the enemy's shot, --float again from theflag-staff, in honor of the day: and some of them were standing by when"Old Hickory" bared his head to salute it, and bade the citizenspreserve, with all care, this precious memorial of the courage andpatriotism of their townsmen. It is for these--the companions of my own school-days, --and in honor ofthe volunteers of 1814, that I have reproduced some of the contemporaryaccounts of the attack and defence of Stonington. The first (pp. 9-20)was written by Col. Samuel Green, the publisher of the _ConnecticutGazette_, who visited the Borough during the action, and obtained hisknowledge of facts of which he was not an eye-witness, from the actorsthemselves and from official sources. This account, printed in the_Gazette_, of August 17th, was copied into many of the newspapers in thenorthern states, and appeared in Niles's _Weekly Register_, November5th, with some additional particulars. Following this, are copies of the muster-roll of the Borough company ofmilitia; the official account furnished for publication by themagistrates, warden and burgesses (pp. 24-32); and a letter from Capt. Amos Palmer, chairman of the citizens' committee of defence, to Mr. Crawford, secretary of war, containing a concise narrative of theaction. Philip Freneau's _Battle of Stonington_, --though not of thehighest order of lyric excellence, --challenges favorable comparison withmany of the loyal effusions which have found their way to the public, during the present war; and will be welcomed as an old friend by somewho value patriotism more than poetry. T. _Hartford, Conn. , July 28th, 1864. _ THE DEFENCE OF STONINGTON. [From the Conn. Gazette, Aug. 17th, 1814. ] RECORD OF THE EXTRAORDINARY ATTACK ON STONINGTON. [1] NEW LONDON, AUGUST 17, 1814. On Tuesday the 9th instant, at 5 P. M. The _Ramilies_, 74, _Pactolus_, 38, a bomb ship, and the _Dispatch_, 22 gun brig, arrived offStonington, and a flag was sent on shore with the following note-- "_On board his Majesty's Ship, Ramilies, Stonington, Aug. 9. _TO THE MAGISTRATES OF STONINGTON. Gentlemen--One hour is allowed you from the receipt of thiscommunication, for the removal of the unoffending inhabitants. THOMAS M. HARDY. [2] This notification was received by two magistrates[3] and LieutenantHough of the drafted militia, who went off to meet the flag. The officerwas asked whether a flag would not be received on board. He said noarrangements could be made. They inquired whether Com. Hardy haddetermined to destroy the town. He replied that such were his ordersfrom the Admiral, and that it would be done most effectually. When the gentlemen reached the shore, a crowd waited with great anxietyfor the news; which being stated, consternation flew through the town. An express was despatched to General Cushing, [4] at New London. A numberof volunteers hastened to collect ammunition; others ran to the battery, which consisted of two 18 pounders and a 4 pounder, on field carriages, with a slight breast work, 4 feet high. The sick and the aged wereremoved with haste: the women and children, with loud cries, were seenrunning in every direction. Some of the most valuable articles werehastily got off by hand, others placed in the gardens and lots, orthrown into wells, to save them from the impending conflagration. Thesixty minutes expired, but the dreaded moment did not bring the attack. Nelson's favorite hero and friend was seized with the compunctions ofmagnanimity;--he remembered what ancient Britons were; he rememberedthat something was due to the character of Sir Thomas M. Hardy. Threehours in fact elapsed, when at 8 in the evening the attack was commencedby a discharge of shells from the bomb ship. Several barges andlaunches had taken their stations in different points, from whence theythrew Congreve rockets, and carcasses. This mode of attack was continuedincessantly till midnight; and the fire was returned occasionally fromthe battery, as the light of the rockets gave opportunity with anychance of success. The few drafted militia which had been sometime stationed there, undercommand of Lieutenant Hough, were placed in the best directions to givean alarm in case a landing should be attempted. During the night thevolunteers and militia had assembled in considerable numbers; and thenon-combatant inhabitants had generally removed to the neighboringfarm-houses, in the momentary expectation of seeing their abandoneddwellings in flames. It was a night of inexpressible anguish to many awidow and orphan, to many aged and infirm, whose little pittance theywere now apparently to lose forever. But Providence directed otherwise. This compact little village of 100 buildings had been for four hourscovered with flames of fire and bomb shells, and not a single buildingwas consumed nor a person injured. At the dawn of day on the 10th, the approach of the enemy was announcedby a discharge of Congreve rockets from several barges and a launch, which had taken their station, on the east side of the town, and out ofreach of the battery. Several volunteers, with small arms and the fourpounder, hastened across the point, supposing the enemy were attemptinga landing. Colonel Randall of the 13th regiment, who at the time wasmoving towards the battery with a detachment of militia, ordered them toassist the volunteers in drawing over one of the 18 pounders to theextreme end of the point; the fire of which in a few minutes compelledthe barges to seek safety in flight. During this time the brig wasworking up towards the Point, and soon after sunrise came to anchor, short of half a mile from the battery, (or more correctly, thebreastwork). Our ammunition being soon exhausted, the guns were spiked, and the men who fought them, being only about 15 or 20, [5] retired, leaving them behind for want of strength to drag them off. The brig now continued deliberately to pour her 32 pound shot and grapeinto the Village, without our having the power of returning a shot, foran hour, and the bomb ketch occasionally threw in shells. A fresh supplyof ammunition being obtained, the 18 pounder was withdrawn from thebreastwork, the vent drilled, and the piece taken back again, when suchan animated and well directed fire was kept up, that at 3 o'clock thebrig slipped her cable and hauled off, with her pumps going, havingreceived several shots below her water line, and considerable damage inher spars, &c. During this action between the eighteen pounder and thebrig, Mr. Frederick Denison was slightly wounded in the knee, [6] by afragment of a rock, and Mr. John Miner, badly burnt in his face by thepremature discharge of the gun. The flag, which was nailed to the mast, was pierced with seven shot holes, [7] the breast-work somewhat injured, and 6 or 8 of the dwelling-houses in the vicinity essentially injured. At this time a considerable body of militia had arrived, andBrigadier-General Isham[8] had taken the command; the inhabitants hadrecovered from the consternation of the first moments; and weredeliberately moving off their furniture and goods. At 1 o'clock theRamilies and Pactolus had taken stations about two and a half miles fromthe town, when resistance appearing hopeless, the Magistrates as a lastresort applied to the General for permission to send a flag off, beingimpressed with the opinion that there must exist some latent cause of apeculiar nature to induce a commander who had heretofore distinguishedhimself for a scrupulous regard to the claims of honorable warfare, --toinduce him to commit an act so repugnant to sound policy, so abhorrentto his nature, so flagrant an outrage on humanity. The General, weunderstand, would not sanction, nor did he absolutely prohibit, a flagbeing sent. They, therefore, on their own responsibility, sent on boardthe Ramilies, Isaac Williams and Wm. Lord, Esquires, with the followingletter. Copy. ) _Stonington August 10, 1814. _TO SIR THOMAS M. HARDY, SIR--Agreeable to notice received from you yesterday, this town is nowcleared of "unoffending inhabitants, " and they feeling anxious about thefate of their village, are desirous to know from you, your determinationrespecting it. Yours, &c. _Amos Denison_, Burgess. _William Lord_, Magistrate. The deputation proceeded on board the Ramilies, and shortly after anofficer informed the boatmen that they might return to the shore, as thegentlemen would be landed in a boat from the ship; and that CaptainHardy had declared that no further hostilities would be committedagainst the town. After remaining on board an hour, or more, thedeputation were conveyed in a flag from the ship, which was met by onefrom the shore. They brought with them a very singular and extraordinarycommunication. An exact copy cannot at present be obtained, as officialetiquette will not permit; but having read it when it was received onshore, as far as memory serves us, it was as follows: _On board H. M. Ship Ramilies, off Stonington, Aug. 10. _ GENTLEMEN--You having given assurances that no torpedoes have beenfitted out from Stonington; and having engaged to exert your influenceto prevent any from being fitted out or receiving any aid from yourtown: If you send on board this ship tomorrow at eight o'clock, Mrs. Stewart, wife of James Stewart esq. Late His Majesty's Consul at NewLondon, and their children, I engage that no further hostilities shallbe committed against Stonington; otherwise I shall proceed to destroy iteffectually. --For which purpose I possess ample means. T. M. HARDY, Capt. This letter was received indignantly. No answer was given. It was a factwell known that no torpedoes have been fitted out at Stonington, andthat the inhabitants are unfriendly to the system; but neitherindividuals nor the town have power to prevent their resorting to thatplace. The condition _sine qua non_, is truly _tragi-farcical_. Neitherthe town of Stonington or the State of Connecticut, had any legal powerto comply with it, which Capt. Hardy well knew. And if Stonington Pointwith its rocky foundations had been in danger of being blown up, scarcely a voice would have been raised to have saved it on suchdisgraceful terms. The first duty of a citizen we are taught inConnecticut, is to obey the laws. Mrs. Stewart is under the protectionof the government of the United States, and the petition of her husbandfor a permission for a departure is in the hands of a proper authority, who will undoubtedly decide correctly in the case. [9] Our countrymen at a distance, from the importance Capt. Hardy hasattached to the circumstance of Mrs. Stewart's being sent off to theBritish squadron, may possibly apprehend that she has received insult, or signified some fears for the personal safety of herself andchildren. --So far from this being the fact, no lady ever experiencedgreater civilities from the citizens; as no one has better deservedthem. And her feelings during the proceedings at Stonington, demandedthe sympathy of her friends. By the terms offered by Capt. Hardy, it was impossible to discoverwhether he was most doubtful of his ability to accomplish thedestruction of the town, or desirous of a pretext to save it. He assuredthe gentlemen who accompanied the flag that this was the most unpleasantexpedition he had undertaken. The truce on the part of the enemy having expired at 8 o'clock onThursday morning, a flag was soon after observed at the battery to becoming on shore, and there not being sufficient time to give informationof the fact at head quarters and receive instructions, it was determinedby the officer then commanding to send a boat off to receive thecommunication. Mr. Faxon, of Stonington, took charge of the boat, metthe flag, and offered to convey the dispatch agreeable to itsdirections. The British officer, Lieut. Claxton, questioned hisauthority to receive it; enquired whether Mrs. Stewart would be sentoff; and said he would go on shore. Mr. Faxon replied, that he knewnothing of Mrs. Stewart; and that if he attempted to proceed for theshore, he would undoubtedly be fired on. He continued his course, whena centinel was directed to fire forward of the boat, but the ball passedthrough the after sail. They immediately put about and steered for theship; the lieutenant swearing revenge, for what he termed an insult tohis flag. An explanation of the circumstance was immediately transmitted byGeneral Isham to Capt. Hardy, which he received as satisfactory. At the moment, a flag had started for the Ramilies, [10] from the civilauthority of the town, which was received on board; by which was sentthe following letter:-- _Stonington Boro', Aug. 14, 1814. _TO THOMAS M. HARDY, _Commander of H. B. M. Ship Ramilies_. Sir--Since the flag went into New London for Mrs. Stewart, and family, General Cushing, who commands at New London, has written, we areinformed, to the Secretary of War on the subject, and it is our opinionthat the request will be complied with. But whatever may be the resultof the communication from Gen. Cushing, you will be satisfied it is notin our power to enter into any arrangement with you respecting her. From yours, &c. Isaac Williams, }William Lord, } _Magistrates. _Alexander G. Smith, }Joseph Smith, _Warden. _Geo. Hubbard, } _Burgesses. _Amos Denison, } To this letter, Capt. Hardy replied verbally, that he should allow till12 o'clock for Mrs. Stewart to be brought on board. [11] At this time theprincipal part of three regiments of militia had arrived, and the townwas perfectly secure against a landing. At 3 o'clock, the bomb ship commenced throwing shells into the town; andbeing out of reach of our cannon, the General withdrew the militia, excepting a guard of 50 men who were ordered to patrol the streets forthe extinguishment of fire, should any happen. The bombardment continuedtill evening. On Friday morning the bomb ship renewed her operations a little beforesunrise, while the Ramilies and Pactolus were warping in. At eighto'clock the frigate opened her fire and was soon followed by theRamilies. At this time the cannon were ordered to be moved to the northend of the town, where they would have been serviceable if an attempthad been made to land under cover of the ships. This was a veryhazardous service, as the party would be entirely exposed to the fire ofthe enemy. Volunteers in sufficient numbers instantly offered theirservices; among whom were upwards of twenty of the Norwich artillery. The command of the party was entrusted to Lieutenant Lathrop, [12] ofthat corps. They marched to the battery and brought off the pieceswithout the smallest accident; exhibiting all the steadiness whichcharacterises veteran soldiers. This tremendous cannonade and bombardment continued till nearly noon, when it ceased; and about four o'clock the ships hauled off to theirformer anchorage. During the succeeding night a large force was kept on guard, in theexpectation and hope that a landing would be attempted. The militiaduring this afflicting scene discovered the very best disposition, andwere eager to take revenge of the enemy or sacrifice their lives in thecontest. It may be considered miraculous that during the several attacks, whileso many were exposed to this terrible and protracted bombardment andcannonade, not a person was killed, and but five or six wounded, andthose but slightly. Among the wounded is Lieutenant Hough[13] of thedrafted militia. On Saturday morning the enemy relinquished the hope of burning the town, weighed anchor, and proceeded up Fisher's Island sound. The volunteers who so gloriously fought in the battery, deserve thethanks of their country. No men could have done better. Their examplewill have the happiest influence. About forty buildings are more or less injured, 8 or 10 essentially so;and two or three may be considered as ruined. The damage was principallydone by the brig. Many shells did not explode, several wereextinguished. The Congreve Rockets which were frightful at first, losttheir terrors, and effected little. The inhabitants, fearing another attack, have not returned to theirdwellings, and their desolate situation calls loudly upon thephilanthropy of their fellow citizens. If a brief should be granted forcollections in the churches of the State we trust very essential aidwill be furnished. Nineteen-twentieths of the inhabitants, it is said, have no other property than their dwellings. A Nantucket man has been on board the British fleet to redeem his boat, and learned that the Dispatch had 2 men killed and 12 wounded; her losswas undoubtedly much greater. * * * * * NAMES OF VOLUNTEERS. [From the Conn. Gazette, Aug. 24th. ] The following is handed us as a list of the volunteers (tho' presumednot entirely perfect, ) of those who so bravely stood the brunt of theattack of Stonington Point:-- Of _Stonington_:-- Capt. George Fellows, Gurdon Trumbull, Capt. Wm. Potter, Alex. G. Smith, Dr. Wm. Lord, Amos Denison jun. , Lieut. H. G. Lewis, Stanton Gallup, Ensign D. Frink, Eb. Morgan, John Miner. Of _Mystic_:-- Jesse Deane, Jeremiah Holmes, Deane Gallup, N. Cleft, Fred. Haley, Jedediah Reed. Of _Groton_:-- Alfred White, Frank Daniels, Ebenezer Morgan, Giles Moran. Of _New London_:-- Major Simeon Smith, Capt. Noah Lester (formerly of the Army), Major N. Frink, Lambert Williams. From _Massachusetts_:-- Capt. Leonard, and Mr. Dunham. [From the Conn. Gazette, Aug. 31st. ] By an error of the compositor, the following names were omitted in thelist published in our last paper, of volunteers who so greatlycontributed to the glorious defence and preservation of Stonington, viz. :-- Simeon Haley, Thomas Wilcox, Jeremiah Haley, Luke Palmer, Frederick Denison, George Palmer, John Miner, Wm. G. Bush, Asa Lee. There were probably others, whom we have not learnt. [From the original in the Comptroller's office, at Hartford. ] MUSTER ROLL of the 8th Company of Infantry under the command of CAPTAINWM. POTTER in the Thirtieth Regiment of Con. Militia in service of theUnited States, at Stonington, commanded by Lieut. Col. WM. RANDALL, fromthe 9th of August when last mustered, to the 27th of August 1814. -- _Names and Rank. Commencement Expiration Alterations and Remarks of service. Of service. Remarks since last muster. _ _Captain_, William Potter, Aug. 9 Aug. 27_Lieut. _ Horatio G. Lewis, " 9 " 27 {detached for service_Ensign_, Daniel Frink, " 9 " 23 { and ordered to N. { London, Aug. 22. _Sergeants:_Francis Amy, " 19 " 27Charles H. Smith, " 9 " 27Peleg Hancox, " 22 " 27Gurdon Trumbull, " 9 " 27 _Corporals:_Azariah Stanton jr. , " 16 " 27Junia Cheesebrough, " 9 " 27Joshua Swan jr. , " 22 " 27 _Privates:_ {detached for servicePhineas Wilcox, " 9 " 23 { and ordered to N. { London, Aug. 23. Hamilton White, " 9 " 27 {detached for serviceHenry Wilcox, " 9 " 23 { and ordered to N. { London, Aug. 23. Nathan Wilcox, " 9 " 27Samuel Burtch, " 9 " 27Jonathan Palmer, " 9 " 27Andrew P. Stanton, " 9 " 27James Stanton, Aug. 9 Aug. 27Thomas Breed, " 9 " {Volunteer exempt, {discharg. , Aug. 17. Amos Loper, " 9 " {Volunteer exempt, {discharg. , Aug. 20. Samuel Bottum, Jr. , " 9 " 27 {Produced certificateBenj. Merritt, " 9 " {of parole on 15th {Aug. & discharged. Elisha Cheesebrough Jr. , " 9 " 27 {detached for serviceChristopr. Wheeler, " 9 " 23 { & ordered to New { London, Aug. 23. Amos Hancox, " 9 " 27Zebadiah Palmer, " 15 " 27Nathl. Waldron, " 15 " 27Thomas Spencer, " 19 " 27Nathl. M. Pendleton, " 20 " 27Simon Carew, " 22 " 27Elisha Faxon Jun. , " 22 " 27 {detached for serviceEbenezer Halpin, " 22 " 23 { & ordered to New { London, Aug. 23. {detached for serviceAsa Wilcox Jun. , " 22 " 23 { & ordered to New { London, 23 Aug. Warren Palmer, " 22 " 27 {Waiter to Capt. Joseph Bailey Jun. } " 9 " 27 {Wm. Potter. }_Waiters_, " " 23 {Waiter to Lieut. Nathl. Lewis, } {G. Lewis I certify, upon honor, that this Muster Roll exhibits a true statementof the 8th Company; and that the remarks set opposite the men's namesare accurate and just. WILLIAM POTTER, _Capt. _ We certify upon honor, that the foregoing Muster Roll exhibits a truestatement of Captain William Potter's Company; and that the remarks setopposite the men's names are accurate and just. JOHN JAMIESON JR. , _Asst. Adjt. Genl. & Mustering Officer, per order_. WM LORD, _Regimental Surgeon_. ACCOUNT OF THE ATTACK, FURNISHED FOR PUBLICATION, BY THE MAGISTRATES, WARDEN AND BURGESSES. [14] [From the Conn. Gazette, Sept. 7th, ] _Stonington Borough, Aug. 29, 1814. _ _Mr. _ Green--In relation to the extraordinary attack of the enemy, ofthe 9th inst. , on this village, the public have been furnished withvarious accounts; and though the circumstantial and generally correctaccount given in your paper [of the 7th of August, ] precludes thenecessity of a recapitulation of the whole transaction, yet this villagehaving been the object of the attack and resentment of Sir Thomas, theMagistrates, Warden and Burgesses residing therein, feeling deeplyinterested that some official document comprehending a supply of somefacts not given, and alteration of others, and a general statementrelative to the whole, should be published, --offer the public thefollowing statement: On Tuesday afternoon of the 9th inst. Anchored off our harbor, thefrigate _Pactolus_, the _Terror_, a bomb ship, and the brig _Dispatch_of 20 guns. From the difficulty of the navigation in Fisher's IslandSound, we have been generally impressed that such ships of war dare notapproach us; but the presumption of the enemy has created new fears, andwe think it our duty to say, that further means of defence andprotection ought to be afforded us; this we have often requested. Various were the opinions respecting the object of the enemy, but soonall was settled. A flag was discovered to leave the frigate and rowtowards the town. The impropriety of suffering them to come on more wassuggested; and a boat was immediately obtained, Capt. Amos Palmer, William Lord Esq. , and Lieut. Hough of the detachment here, selected, and the flag of the enemy met by ours, when we received the followingunexpected and short notice--(This not having been furnished the publiccorrectly we give it at length:) _His Britannic Majesty's ship_ PACTOLUS, _9th of August, 1814, halfpast 5 o'clock, P. M. _ Not wishing to destroy the unoffending inhabitants residing in the townof Stonington, one hour is given them from the receipt of this, toremove out of the town. T. M. HARDY, _Capt. Of H. B. M. Ship_ RAMILIES. _To the Inhabitants of the Town of Stonington. _ From the date of this communication it will appear that Commander Hardywas himself on board the Pactolus to direct the attack; the _Ramilies_then laying at anchor at the west end of Fisher's Island. The peopleassembled in great numbers to hear what was the word from the enemy;when the above was read aloud. The enemy in the barge lay upon theiroars a few moments, probably to see the crowd and if some consternationmight not prevail. Whatever effect was produced, this we know, that SirThomas's "unoffending inhabitants" did not agree to give up the ship, though threatened by a force competent, in a human view, to destroythem, when compared with the present means of defence in their power. Itwas exclaimed, from old and young, _We will defend_. The male citizens, though duly appreciating the humanity of Sir Thomas, in not wishing todestroy them, thought proper to defend their wives and their children, and, in many instances, all their property; and we feel a pleasure insaying that a united spirit of defence prevailed, and, during the shorthour granted us, expresses were sent to Gen. Cushing at New London, andto Col. Randall, [15] whose regiment resided nearest to the scene ofdanger. The detachment stationed here under Lieut. Hough was embodied;Capt. Potter, residing within the Borough, gave orders to assemble allthe officers and men under his command that could be immediatelycollected. They cheerfully and quickly assembled, animated with the truespirit of patriotism. The ammunition for our two 18-pounders and4-pounder was collected at the little breast-work erected by ourselves. The citizens of the Borough, assisted by two strangers fromMassachusetts, manned the 18-pounders at the breast-work, and also the4-pounder. One cause of discouragement, only, seemed to prevail, whichwas the deficiency of ammunition for the cannon. This circumstance, however, together with the superior force arrayed against us, did notabate the zeal for resistance. Such guards of musketry as were in ourpower to place, were stationed at different points on the shores. Inthis state of preparation we waited the attack of the enemy. About 8o'clock in the evening they commenced by the fire of a shell from thebomb-ship, which was immediately returned by a shot from our 18-pounder. This attack of the enemy was immediately succeeded by one from threelaunches and four barges, surrounding the point, throwing rockets andshot into the village. This also was returned as often as, by the lightof the rockets streaming from the barges, we could discover them. Assisted by the above military force, the inhabitants alone, someseventy years old, defended the town until about 11 o'clock; and had itnot been for the spirited resistance manifested, a landing no doubt, would have been effected. At this time Col. Randall had arrived, andhaving issued orders to the militia under his command, they began toassemble, and from the short notice given them were truly prompt andactive in appearing at the post of danger: some volunteers had alsoarrived. From this additional strength, the apprehensions of the enemy'slanding, in a measure vanished. Their shells, rockets and carcasses, having been prevented from spreading the destruction intended, theyceased firing them about 12 o'clock. All was still from this time untilday-light. A fire of rockets and shot from the launches and barges againcommenced, which was spiritedly returned from our artillery taken fromthe breast-work, in open view of the enemy and exposed to their shot, onthe end of the point, and they [were] compelled to recede. This trulyhazardous service was nobly performed. Col. Randall having been promptin his appearance, as were all the officers and soldiers of hisregiment, they were now organized, ready and eager to receive ourinvaders. From the spirit manifested among the citizens, volunteers andsoldiers, and the judicious arrangements made of the troops assembled, had a landing been attempted a good account would no doubt have beengiven of them. We were now also assisted by numbers of volunteers. Thebarges having receded from the fire of our four and eighteen-pounder onthe Point, they were taken back to the breast-work. About 8 o'clock in the morning of Wednesday, the Brig [_Dispatch_]hauled within half a mile of our breast-work, and opened a well directedand animated fire. Our few guns being now well manned by citizens andvolunteers, from Stonington, New London, Mistick and Groton, they wereready to receive her. Her fire was returned with a spirit and couragerarely to be equalled, --and of those gallant souls who stood thisconflict, we can only say, they gloriously did their duty. Heroes havingso nobly acted, with ours, will receive the plaudit of their country. What effect such bravery had on the enemy, will appear from the fact, that the brig was compelled to cut her cable and retire out of reach ofour shot. Her anchor has since been taken up, with a number of fathomsof cable. No attack was afterwards made by the brig. This contest withthe brig (called the _Dispatch_), continued on our part from thebreast-work until the ammunition was expended. To this circumstance, unfortunately for the village and mortifying to those so gallantlyengaged in the defence, may be attributed the principal injury sustainedby the buildings. For two hours or more, she kept up a constant firewithout having it in our power to return a shot: during which time, weare confident, had there been a supply of ammunition, she would havebeen taught the use and meaning of her name. The further particulars which transpired on Wednesday and Thursday, having been noticed by you, in the publication above referred to, verycorrectly, the public must be satisfied without any comments from us. Inthe publication of the transactions of Friday, we have discovered oneerror. Amidst the combined fire of the Ramilies, frigate and bomb-ship, Lieut. Lathrop and volunteers from the Norwich Artillery, in fact didproceed, to undertake in assisting to get off the cannon from thebreast-work, but they met other brave lads who had accomplished thishazardous duty. The praise therefore of this performance, however theymay have distinguished themselves in other duties, is not correctlybestowed. In passing the proceedings of Thursday and Friday, we would not overlookthe singular communication received from Commodore Hardy, which precededthe fire on Thursday. Two subjects esteemed very important by Sir Thomasseem connected, Torpedoes and Mrs. Stewart, --a lady we presume worthy ofthe notice even of Commodore Hardy. But a demand made on those withwhom, it was well known, no power existed to comply, is not a littleextraordinary: besides, this communication is totally different from andunconnected with the one it was sent as an answer to. It would appearfrom reading the documents, that assurances were given that no torpedoesever did, or ever should, go from this place. This was not the fact; nopromises or confessions of any kind were ever made. To this singularletter no general reply was given; that part, only, [was] noticed, relative to Mrs. Stewart. The enemy left us on Friday, without having accomplished thatdestruction which they told us was to be effected. The damage done thebuildings is estimated at about four thousand dollars. This wouldundoubtedly have been much greater, had not the volunteer vigilantfiremen[16] from Capt. Potter's company before mentioned, and others, continued firm at their posts, determined that not a flame kindled bythose fiery engines of the enemy but should be extinguished, --and it wasdone. This duty, perhaps, was as important and useful for the salvationof the village, as any performed during the conflict. The list of individuals given to the public as distinguishing themselvesduring the contest, we esteem very imperfect. To give a correct list ofall those who did distinguish themselves in the various duties that wereperformed, is not easy to do; we shall therefore forbear. Having thoughtproper to bestow a just tribute of praise on the officers and soldiersof the 30th Regiment, who first arrived at the scene of action, itbecomes us to express, also, the high sense which we entertain of theservices and judicious and soldier-like conduct of Brigadier-GeneralIsham, and the officers and soldiers of the 8th and 20th Regiments, assembled under his command. During this protracted bombardment, nothing more excites ourastonishment and gratitude than this, that not a man was killed on ourpart. We understand from good authority, the enemy had a number killedand several badly wounded, [17] in this unprovoked attack upon us. We have made some estimate of the number of shells and fire carcassesthrown into the village, and we find there has been about three hundred. The amount of metal fired by the enemy will exceed, we think, fiftytons. About three or four tons of bombs, carcasses and shot have beencollected. [A] WILLIAM LORD, }_Magistrates. _ALEX. G. SMITH, }JOSEPH SMITH, _Warden. _AMOS PALMER, }AMOS DENISON, }GEO. HUBBARD, } _Burgesses. _THOMAS ASH, }REUBEN CHESEBROUGH, } FOOTNOTES: [Footnote A: "Some respectable citizens from motives of curiosityweighed several shells &c. , and found their weight to be as follows. One of the largest carcasses, partly full of the combustible, 216 lb. One of the smallest sort do. 103One of the largest kind empty, 189One of the largest bomb shells, 189One of the smallest do. 90One, marked on it (fire 16 lb) 16 One of the largest carcasses partly full, was set on fire, which burnthalf an hour, emitting a horrid stench; in a calm the flame would riseten feet. Some of the rockets were sharp pointed, others not, made ofsheet iron very thick, containing at the lower end some of them a fuseeof grenade, calculated to burst, and if they were taken hold of beforethe explosion, might prove dangerous; one or two persons received injuryin this way. They appear to contain a greater variety of combustiblesthan the fire carcasses. ] LETTER FROM CAPT. AMOS PALMER, TO THE SECRETARYOF WAR. [From Niles's Weekly Register, Oct. 21, 1815. ] DEFENCE OF STONINGTON. The defence of Stonington by a handful of brave citizens was more likean effusion of feeling, warm from the heart, than a concerted militarymovement. The result of it, we all know, and it afforded sincere delightto every patriot. But the particulars we have never seen so accuratelydescribed as in the following concise narrative from the chairman of thecommittee of defence, to the Secretary of War, of which we have beenprovided with a copy for publication. --_Nat. Intelligencer. _ "Stonington Borough, Aug. 21, 1815. To the Hon. Wm. H. Crawford, Secretary of War. SIR: The former Secretary of War put into my hands, as chairman of thecommittee of defence, the two 18-pounders and all the munitions of warthat were here, belonging to the general government, to be used for thedefence of the town, --and I gave my receipt for the same. As there is no military officer here, it becomes my duty to inform you[of] the use we have made of it. That on the 9th of August last [year], the _Ramilies_ 74, the _Pactolus_ 44, the _Terror_ bomb-ship, and the_Despatch_ gun brig, anchored off the harbor. Commodore Hardy sent off aboat, with a flag; we met him with another from the shore, when theofficer of the flag handed me a note from Commodore Hardy, informingthat one hour was given the unoffending inhabitants, before the townwould be destroyed. We returned to the shore, where all the male inhabitants were collected, when I read the note aloud; they all exclaimed, they would defend theplace to the last extremity, and if it was destroyed, they would beburied in the ruins. We repaired to a small battery that we had hove up--nailed our colors tothe flag staff--others lined the shore with their muskets. At about seven in the evening, they put off five barges and a largelaunch, carrying from 32 to 9 lb. Carronades in their bows, and openedtheir fire from their shipping, with bombs, carcasses, rockets, round, grape and cannister shot, and sent their boats to land under cover oftheir fire. We let them come within small grape distance, when we openedour fire upon them, from our two 18-pounders, with round and grape shot. They soon retreated out of grape distance, and attempted a landing onthe east side of the village; we dragged a six-pounder that we hadmounted over, and met them with grape, and all our muskets opened fireon them, so that they were willing to retreat the second time. Theycontinued their fire 'till 11 at night. The next morning at seven o'clock, the brig _Despatch_ anchored withinpistol shot of our battery, and they sent five barges and two largelaunches to land under cover of their whole fire (being joined by the_Nimrod_ 20 gun brig). When the boats approached within grape distance, we opened our fire on them with round and grape shot. They retreated andcame round the east side of the town. We checked them with our sixpounder and muskets, 'till we dragged over one of our 18 pounders. Weput in it a round shot and about 40 or 50 lbs. Of grape, and placed itin the centre of their boats as they were rowing up in a line and firingon us. We tore one of their barges all in pieces; so that two, one oneach side, had to lash her up, to keep her from sinking. They retreatedout of grape distance, and we turned our fire upon the brig, andexpended all our cartridges but five, which we reserved for the boats, if they made another attempt to land. We then lay four hours withoutbeing able to annoy the enemy in the least, except from muskets on thebrig, while the fire from the whole fleet was directed against ourbuildings. After the third express to New London, some fixed ammunitionarrived. We then turned our cannon on the brig, and she soon cut hercable and drifted out. The whole fleet then weighed, and anchored nearly out of reach of ourshot, and continued this and the next day to bombard the town. They set the buildings on fire in more than twenty places, and we asoften put them out. In the three days' bombardment they sent on shore 60tons of metal, and, strange to say, wounded only one man, since dead. Wehave picked up 15 tons, including some that was taken up out of thewater, and the two anchors that we got. [18] We took up and buried fourpoor fellows that were hove overboard out of the sinking barge. Since peace, the officers of the _Despatch_ brig have been on shorehere: they acknowledge they had 21 killed, and 50 badly wounded; andfurther say, had we continued our fire any longer, they should havestruck, for they were in a sinking condition: for the wind then blew atS. W. Directly into the harbour. Before the ammunition arrived, itshifted round to north, and blew out of the harbour. All the shotsuitable for the cannon we have reserved. We have now more 18 pound shotthan was sent us by government. We have put the two cannon in thearsenal, and housed all the munitions of war. " EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH OF GEN. ERASTUS ROOT, OF NEW YORK, In the House of Representatives, on the Bill to provide for the paymentof Militia called out by State authority, and not placed under thecommand of the United States. [After animadverting with great severity on the affair at Pettipaugpoint, [19] and the course pursued by Governor Smith, of Connecticut, forthe defence of New London]-- "There was _one_ achievement, said Mr. R. , which brightened the annalsof Connecticut and shed lustre on the American character. He alluded tothe _Defence of Stonington_. A more brilliant affair, said he, had nottaken place during the late war. It was not rivalled by the defence ofSandusky, the glorious triumph on the Niagara, nor the naval victorieson Erie and Champlain. And yet that heroic exploit is claimed in favorof Governor Smith's militia, and is to gild the pill which we are calledupon to swallow. The detached militia, said Mr. R. , had nothing to do inthat affair. It was achieved by fourteen democrats, _volunteer_democrats, who were determined to defend the town or perish in itsruins. Commodore Hardy, fearful that that democratic town would sendtorpedoes among his squadron, demanded a pledge that no harm should bedone to his ships. No pledge being given, and after advising theremoval of women and children from the town, the enemy made a vigorousattack, first in barges, and afterwards in a brig of war. This heroiclittle band, with a single gun mounted on a small battery, drove off thebrig as they had before driven off the barges. They sent havoc and deathamong the enemy, --saved the town, --and crowned themselves with neverfading laurels. "--_The (Hartford) Times, March 18, 1817. _ * * * * * THE BATTLE OF STONINGTON, ON THE SEABOARD OF CONNECTICUT. BY PHILIP FRENEAU. _In an attack upon the town and a small fort of two guns, by the_RAMILLIES_, seventy-four gun ship, commanded by Sir Thomas Hardy; the_PACTOLUS_, 38 gun ship; _DESPATCH_ brig, and a razee, or bombship, --August, 1814. _ Four gallant ships from England came Freighted deep with fire and flame, And other things we need not name, To have a dash at Stonington. Now safely moor'd, their work begun, They thought to make the Yankees run, And have a mighty deal of fun In stealing sheep at Stonington. A deacon then popp'd up his head, And Parson Jones's sermon read, In which the reverend doctor said That they must fight for Stonington. A townsman bade them, next, attend To sundry resolutions penn'd, By which they promised to defend With sword and gun old Stonington. The ships advancing different ways, The Britons soon began to blaze, And put th' old women in amaze, Who feared the loss of Stonington. The Yankees to their fort repair'd, And made as though they little cared For all that came--though very hard The cannon play'd on Stonington. The _Ramillies_ began the attack, _Despatch_ came forward--bold and black-- And none can tell what kept them back From setting fire to Stonington. The bombardiers with bomb and ball Soon made a farmer's barrack fall, And did a cow-house sadly maul That stood a mile from Stonington. They kill'd a goose, they kill'd a hen, Three hogs they wounded in a pen-- They dash'd away, --and pray what then? _This_ was not taking Stonington. The shells were thrown, the rockets flew, But not a shell, of all they threw, Though every house was full in view, Could burn a house at Stonington. To have _their_ turn, they thought but fair;-- The Yankees brought two guns to bear, And, sir, it would have made you stare, This smoke of smokes at Stonington. They bor'd _Pactolus_ through and through, And kill'd and wounded of her crew So many, that she bade adieu T' the gallant boys of Stonington. The brig _Despatch_ was hull'd and torn-- So crippled, riddled, so forlorn-- No more she cast an eye of scorn On the little fort at Stonington. The _Ramillies_ gave up th' affray, And, with her comrades sneaked away. Such was the valor on that day, Of British tars, near Stonington. But some assert, on certain grounds, (Besides the damage and the wounds, ) It cost the King ten thousand pounds To have a dash at Stonington. [Few of Freneau's earlier and _better_ poems were so popular as this of"The Battle of Stonington, " in its day. All Connecticut boys knew it byheart, and it had an established place among the 'declamations' ofschool exhibitions. Until within a few years it was to be found in theassortment of every street vender of ballads and patrioticpoems, --sometimes in its original form, but more often, with'emendations and corrections. ' In the broad-side from which I firstlearned it (bought at a stall in the neighborhood of Fulton market, somethirty years ago, ) for the twelfth and thirteenth verses was substitutedthis:-- "They bored the _Despatch_ through and through, And kill'd and wounded half her crew; 'Till crippled, riddled, she withdrew, -- And curs'd the boys of Stonington. "] CELEBRATIONS OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACK. 1815. Thursday, Aug. 10th, the first anniversary of the battle, was observedas a day of thanksgiving and prayer. The old flag was again hoisted onthe flag-staff at the battery: and a procession, formed at that place, marched to the Congregational meeting-house, to listen to a discourse bythe pastor, Rev. Ira Hart. On its conclusion, the procession returned tothe battery, where the exercises of the day were closed by prayer. "OnFriday evening a grand anniversary ball was given; the assembly beingboth numerous and brilliant. "--_Conn. Gazette, Aug. 23d. _ 1818. Celebration at the Borough, on Monday, Aug. 10th. "The company was verynumerous, and the business of the day went off with great eclat. "--_Id. Aug. 12th, 1818. _ 1824. An Oration was delivered at the Congregational meeting-house, by Rev. David Austin, "characteristic of his talents, patriotism, andeloquence. " The concourse of citizens from Stonington and theneighboring towns was unusually large and respectable. An excellentdinner was provided by Major Babcock, at the Borough Hotel, to which alarge number of citizens and invited guests did ample justice. Thefollowing were among the volunteer toasts: By Capt. Edmund Fanning. _The Grasshopper Fort_[B]--may it never beforgotten by those whom it defended. By Samuel Copp, Esq. _American Eighteen-pounders_--as handled in theGrasshopper Fort. By Gen. J. Isham. _August 10th, 1814_--May no vile calumniator hereafterattempt to tarnish the hard earned fame of the heroes of that day. By Gurdon Trumbull, Esq. _John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson_--Theirelevation to the first offices of our government, will demonstrate thatsovereignty is yet with the _people_, and guarantee the defence of ournational rights, whether assailed by the _pen_ or the _sword_. By Dr. Swift. _Capt. Amos Palmer_--His memory; his energy andperseverance. By W. Storer Jun. _Gen. La Fayette_[C]--Whom God doth bless, we willhonor. By Jesse Dean, esq. _Major Simeon Smith_--Who made cartridges of hisstockings, for our defence, on the day we celebrate. --_New LondonGazette, Aug. 18th. _ FOOTNOTES: [Footnote B: "Alluding to a term used by the Rev. Orator of the day. "] [Footnote C: Gen. La Fayette's arrival at New York was daily expected. He landed at Castle Garden, Aug. 16th. ] 1826. The installation of Benevolent Chapter of Royal Arch Masons took placeat Stonington, on the anniversary of the attack. The revenue cuttersEagle, from New Haven, the Newport cutter, and the steamboatLong-branch (Capt. Mather), from New London, brought numerous masonicand other guests, --military companies, --and a band of music. Aprocession of some three hundred brethren and companions was formed, byorder of Doct. Thomas Hubbard, M. E. G. H. P. , under the direction ofCompanions Gen. W. Williams, Samuel F. Denison, and others, as marshals. The procession marched to the site of the battery, where a spacious tenthad been erected, with seats for 2500 persons, --and listened to a prayerfrom the Gr. Chaplain, Rev. Seth B. Paddock, and an Oration by AsaChild, Esq. ; after which the new chapter was dedicated in ample form, and the several officers duly installed. A grand dinner closed theexercises of the day. --_N. L. Gazette, Aug. 16th. _ 1827. A grand celebration, on the battle ground, where a large tent had beenerected. Among the guests were his Excellency Governor Tomlinson and hisstaff. The procession formed early in the morning, and marched throughthe principal streets, escorted by the Stonington artillery and Norwichrifle companies, to the tent, --where an address was delivered by GurdonTrumbull, Esq. : after which, the procession re-formed, and proceeded tothe dinner table (spread in Mr. Faxon's rope walk, under the supervisionof Major Paul Babcock). Samuel F. Denison, Esq. , presided at the table, assisted by Major General Wm. Williams, George Hubbard and B. F. Babcock, Esquires. A long account of the celebration, with the toastsdrank at the dinner, &c. --is given in the _New London Gazette_, ofAugust 15th. NOTES. NOTE 1, page 9. Stonington Borough, incorporated by the Legislature [of Connecticut, ] in1801, is situated on a narrow point of land about half a mile in length, at the eastern extremity of Long Island sound. On its eastern side liesPaucatuck bay, and on its west the harbour, terminating in Lambert'sCove. It has four [two] principal streets running north and south, intersected at right angles by nine cross streets, and contains aboutone hundred and twenty dwelling houses and stores. It has also twohouses for public worship, an academy, where the languages are taught, and two common schools; two rope-walks, commodious wharves, and warehouses for storage. .. . In the census of 1810, the _town_ contained 3043inhabitants, and there are now [1819], 335 qualified electors. --_Pease &Niles's Gazetteer of Connecticut. _ NOTE 2, page 9. Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Bart. --afterwards Vice-Admiral, and G. C. B. , --was at this time not far from thirty-five years of age. He enteredthe British navy, as a midshipman, at twelve; and was promoted to therank of commander in 1797, for distinguished gallantry in the capture ofa French brig, under the walls of Vera Cruz. He commanded the _Mutine_brig, in the battle of the Nile, --became the favorite of Nelson, and wasappointed to the command of his flag-ship, serving with him, successively, in the _Vanguard_, the _Namur_, the _St. George_, (at thebattle of Copenhagen), the _Iris_ and _Amphitrion_, and the _Victory_, on board which Nelson conquered and fell at Trafalgar. Capt. Hardy wascreated a baronet, in February, 1806; from which period, until 1824, hewas almost constantly on active duty in the West Indies and on Americanstations. He was made a knight commander of the Bath, Jan. 1815, andknight grand cross, in 1831. In October, 1827, he retired from theservice; was appointed a lord of the admiralty in 1830; and governor ofGreenwich Hospital, in 1834, retaining that office until his death, Sept. 20th, 1839. --_Annual Register_, vol. LXXXI, p. 363. _Dispatches &Letters of Nelson. _ [Col. Green gave the _substance_ of this note, from memory. A correctcopy of it was published with the official account, in the _Gazette_ ofSept. 7th. Commodore Hardy wrote from on board the _Pactolus_, --his ownship, the _Ramilies_, then lying at anchor off the west end of Fisher'sIsland. ] NOTE 3, page 10. Capt. Amos Palmer, and Dr. Wm. Lord. The former was the senior warden ofthe Borough, and chairman of the committee of citizens who had beenentrusted, some months previously, with the preparations for defence. "He was distinguished for his integrity, his republican principles, andhis patriotism. "--_Pease & Niles's Gazetteer, 1819. _ Capt. Palmer's ownaccount of the attack (in a letter to the Secretary of War, ) will befound on pages 33-36. He died at Stonington, March 1, 1816, æt. 69. NOTE 4, page 10. Brigadier-General Thomas H. Cushing, who commanded at New London. Afterthe ratification of peace, in 1815, General Cushing received theappointment of collector of the port of New London, and retained theoffice till his death, Oct. 19th, 1822, æt. 67. --_Hist. Of New London_, p. 649. NOTE 5, page 12. An account of the "Bombardment of Stonington" [by the Rev. FrederickDenison] printed in the _Mystic Pioneer_ of July 2d, 1859, contains manyinteresting particulars, "gathered from the lips of prominent actors inthe battle. " This account says, "The first men, so far as remembered, that took stations in the battery, were four, William Lord, Asa Lee, George Fellows, and Amos Denison. Just before six o'clock, sixvolunteers from Mystic, Jeremiah Holmes, Jeremiah Haley, EbenezerDenison, Isaac Denison, and Nathaniel Clift, reached the place, on foot, and ran immediately to help to operate the gun in the battery. ". .. . .. "The battery being small, but few men could work in it, and at thistime [later in the morning of the 10th, ] it was operated, as nearly asremembered, by Jeremiah Holmes, Simeon Haley, Jeremiah Haley, IsaacDenison, Isaac Miner, George Fellows, and Asa Lee. " This list is not_complete_, but is doubtless correct so far as it relates to the_Mystic_ volunteers. NOTE 6, page 12. The wound proved mortal. Mr. Denison died November 1st, 1814. He was thefourth son of Isaac and Eunice [Williams] Denison, of Mystic, born Dec. 27th, 1795. On the morning of the attack, Frederick, --a youth not yetnineteen years old, --hastened, on foot, to the Borough, to join thelittle band of volunteers, with whom were already his two elderbrothers, Ebenezer and Isaac, and his brothers-in-law, Capt. Jer. Holmesand Capt. Nath. Clift. He went immediately to the battery, where hehelped to work the guns, and during the heat of the action, when thematch-rope proved unserviceable, volunteered to go out to procure a newsupply. While on this dangerous errand, he was struck by a shot from thebrig, or, as other accounts say, by a fragment scaled from a rock by apassing ball. The wound was not considered dangerous, and if surgicalaid could have been promptly obtained, Mr. Denison's life might havebeen spared. In May, 1856, the Legislature of Connecticut made an appropriation fora suitable monument to his memory, which was erected in Elm GroveCemetery, at Mystic. --F. D. [_Rev. Fred. Denison_, ] in _Mystic Pioneer_, Aug. 27th, 1859. NOTE 7, page 13. "The colors on the flag staff were shot through nine times. A fence nearby was pierced by _sixty-three_ balls. "--_Mystic Pioneer. _ The flag hasbeen carefully preserved, and was in the keeping of Francis Amy, Esq. , --orderly sergeant of Capt. Potter's Company, at the time of theattack, --until his death in 1863. Its future preservation should beinsured by depositing it with the Connecticut History Society. NOTE 8, page 13. Jirah Isham, Esq. , commanding the 3d Brigade of the State Militia, --inthe 3d Division, (William Williams, Esq. , Major General. ) NOTE 9, page 15. "On Sunday [Aug. 7] a flag came up [to New London] from the frigate_Forth_, Com. Hotham. The object was to obtain permission for JamesStewart, Esq. , formerly consul here, to take off his family. Mr. Stewartwas on board. General Cushing, we understand, replied that the requestwould be forwarded to Washington. "--_Conn. Gazette_, Aug. 10th. NOTE 10, page 17. Mr. Gurdon Trumbull was the bearer of this flag, and was accompanied byDr. Wm. Lord. The boat was rowed to the _Ramillies_ by Noyes Brown andJabez Holmes. Gen. Isham's explanation of the firing on Lieut. Claxton, under a flag of truce, had not been received by Com. Hardy when the boatwith this letter from the civil authority came along side. The bearerof the letter was met, at the head of the gang-ladder by a lieutenant, and informed that the Commodore was much incensed at the insult offeredto the flag, and would not receive any communication from the shoreuntil it should be explained. Mr. Trumbull replied that he came as amessenger from the _civil_ and not the _military_ authorities, and wasnot instructed to offer any explanation: but, as an eye-witness of thetransaction, he would state the circumstances, as they occurred. Thelieutenant reported these to the Commodore, and returned with a messagethat the latter was "perfectly satisfied;" that the defenders of theplace were fully authorized to prevent the nearer approach of theflag-boat; and that his officer [Lieut. Claxton] was in the wrong. Mr. Trumbull was then conducted to the cabin, where he found the Commodore, in consultation with all the other commanders of the squadron, anddelivered the letter from the Borough authorities. NOTE 11, page 18. This is not exactly correct. He said nothing of Mrs. Stewart; but, afterreading the letter, remarked, "I learn from this, Sir, that I am underthe necessity of resuming hostilities, --which I shall do, at oneo'clock. " NOTE 12, page 18. Lieut. John Lathrop, of the Norwich Artillery or "Matross Company"(Capt. Charles Thomas). It will be seen, by the narrative of themagistrates, that Lieut. Lathrop was anticipated in the execution ofthis service, by a party of volunteers. NOTE 13, page 19. Lieut. Samuel L. Hough, of Canterbury, Lieutenant of the L. InfantryCompany (Capt. James Aspinwall), detached from the 21st regiment ofmilitia, --in the service of the U. States. Lieut. Hough's wound was notserious. He is still living (June, 1864), --and in receipt of a pensionfrom the U. States. NOTE 14, page 24. This account was written by Alex. G. Smith, Esq. NOTE 15, page 26. Col. Wm. Randall, of Stonington, commanding the 30th Regiment of StateMilitia. NOTE 16, page 31. Too much praise can hardly be awarded to the volunteer firemen, who, during the whole of the engagement, continued to patrol the streets, watching the fall of every rocket and shell, and extinguishing fires assoon as lighted. Two of this band may be named without injustice toothers, as having rendered efficient and constant service, --Capt. CHARLES H. SMITH and FRANCIS AMY, Esq. , both serjeants in Capt. Potter'scompany. Capt. THOMAS SWAN was not less active or persevering. Heremained in the Borough, (except for an hour's visit to his family, placed in safety at a farm house, a mile distant, ) from the beginning ofthe attack till the departure of the ships; serving, as necessityrequired, with the volunteer firemen, and with the guard stationed onthe east side of the Point to prevent a landing of the enemy from theirboats. NOTE 17, page 32. See Capt. Palmer's letter to the Secretary of War, next following. NOTE 18, page 36. The anchor left by the _Dispatch_ brig, at Stonington, when she 'cut andrun, ' has been got up and brought to New London. It weighs upwards of 20_cwt. _--_Niles's Weekly Register, Sept. 10, 1814. _ "Mr. Chalmers, late master of the _Terror_, bomb-vessel, employed in theattack on Stonington, has been captured in a British barge and sent toProvidence. He says 170 bombs were discharged from that ship in theattack on Stonington, which were found to weigh 80 lb. Each; the chargeof powder for the mortar was 9 lbs. ; adding to this the wadding, thatvessel must have disgorged eight tons weight. "--_Ibid. _ * * * * * "The following appears in a New York paper, in the shape of anadvertisement: _English Manufacture, and Memento of the "Magnanimity" of CommodoreHardy. _ Just received, and offered for sale, about THREE TONS OF ROUND SHOT, consisting of 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 32 lbs. , very handsome, being a_small_ proportion of those which were fired from his BritannicMajesty's ships, on the unoffending inhabitants of Stonington, in therecent _brilliant_ attack on that place. LIKEWISE, a few _Carcasses_, in good order, weighing about 200 lbs. Each. Apply to S. TRUMBULL, 41 _Peck-slip_. N. B. The purchaser of the above can be supplied with about _two tonsmore_, if required. New York, November 19th, [1814. ]" _Niles's Weekly Register, Dec. 3d, 1815. _ * * * * * INDUSTRY. --Many of our readers will recollect the anecdote of thethrifty American who asked Commodore _Hardy_, when he would attack_Stonington_ again? so that he might have his cart ready to carry offthe shot; and also the accounts we have had of the mighty mass of metalcollected there and sold at New York, &c. It seems, however, that the_iron mine_ is not yet exhausted, for certain persons with a divingmachine have raised no less than 11, 209 lbs. Of shot, which was thrownoverboard from the _Pactolus_, when she was in such a hurry to get awayfrom the two guns of Stonington! They have also picked up a quantity ofcopper. --Niles's _Weekly Register, June 3, 1815. _ NOTE 19, page 38. Capt. Coote, of H. B. M. Brig _Borer_, landed two hundred men atPettipaug, (Saybrook, ) in barges and launches, on the 8th of April, 1814, and destroyed upwards of twenty sail of vessels, without meetingany opposition (until after they had re-embarked, ) and without the lossof a man. --_Conn. Gazette, April 13, 1814. _ LETTERS OF COMMODORE HARDY. Since the foregoing pages were printed, my friend Professor D. C. Gilman, has brought to my notice the original letters of CommodoreHardy, to the inhabitants of Stonington and to General Isham, which arenow in the Library of Yale College. The first (of August 9th) was copiedwith sufficient accuracy in the account published by the magistrates, warden and burgesses (page 25), I reprint it here, but with a facsimileof the signature. _His Britannic Majesty's Ship_, PACTOLUS, _9th August, 1814. 1/2 past 5 o'clock, P. M. _ Not wishing to destroy the unoffending Inhabitants residing in the Townof Stonington, one hour is granted them from the receipt of this toremove out of the town. [Illustration: (Hardy Signature)] _To the Inhabitants of the Town of Stonington. _ The second, is in reply to the letter from the magistrates which wassent on board the _Ramillies_, by Col. Isaac Williams and Dr. WilliamLord, on Wednesday, the 10th. As "official etiquette" did net permitCol. Green to obtain "an exact copy, " he could only print its substance"as far as memory served" (see page 14). The magistrates allude to it, in their published account (p. 30), as "the singular communicationreceived from Commodore Hardy, which preceded the fire on Thursday. " Itis evident that the British commander was strangely in error as to theassurances and engagements which he professed to have received, or thatthe gentlemen entrusted with the delivery of the letter from themagistrates must, in their conference with the Commodore, have exceededtheir instructions. _Ramillies, off Stonington, 10th August, 1814. _GENTN I have received your letter and representation of the State of yourTown, and as you have declared that Torpedoes, never have been harboredby the Inhabitants or ever will be, as far as lies in their power toprevent--and as you have engaged that Mrs. Stewart the wife of theBritish vice consul late resident at New London, with her family, shallbe permitted to embark on board this Ship to-morrow morning, I aminduced to wave the attempt of the total destruction of your Town, whichI feel confident can be effected by the Squadron under my Orders. I am Gentn Your most obedient servant, T. M. HARDY, Captain. _To Doctor_ LAW [_Lord_] _and Colonel_ Williams, _Stonington_. In reprinting the response of the civil authorities of Stonington, tothe foregoing letter, on page 17, _ante_, an error in the date shouldhave been corrected. It was written and despatched on the _eleventh_ ofAugust. The following note acknowledges the explanation sent by General Isham, of the circumstances under which a flag of truce from the _Ramillies_, was fired upon by a sentinel at the Battery, on the morning of the 11th(see pages 16, 17, and note 10). _Ramillies, off Stonington_, _11th August, 1814. _ Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, apologizingfor the Flag of Truce I sent on shore this morning, having been firedat; and I beg to assure you that under the Circumstances you havestated, the apology is perfectly satisfactory. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant, T. M. HARDY, Captain. _To Brigadier_ ISHAM--_Commanding at Stonington_.