U.S. SHIP Saratoga,
Plattsburg Bay, Sept.13,1814SIR,
I have the honor to give you the
particulars of the action which took place on the 11th instant on this lake.
For several days the enemy were on their
way to Plattsburgh by land and water, and it being understood that an
attack would be made at the same time by their land and naval forces, I
determined to await at anchor the approach of the latter.
At eight A.M. the lookout boat
announced the approach of the enemy. At 9, he anchored in a line ahead, at
about three hundred yards distance from my line; his ship opposed to the Saratoga,
his brig to the Eagle,
Captain Robert Henley; his galleys, thirteen in number, to the schooner, sloop,
and a division of our galleys; one of his sloops assisting their ship and brig,
the other assisting their galleys; our remaining galleys with the Saratoga
and Eagle.
In this situation, the whole force, on
both sides, became engaged, the Saratoga
suffering much from the heavy fire of the Confiance.
I could perceive, at the same time, however, that our fire was very destructive
to her. The Ticonderoga,
Lieutenant Commander Cassin, gallantly sustained her full share of the action.
At half past 10 o'clock, the Eagle,
not being able to bring her guns to bear, cut her cable, and anchored in a more
eligible position, between my ship and the
Ticonderoga, where she very much annoyed the enemy, but
unfortunately, leaving me exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's brig. Our
guns on the starboard side being nearly all dismounted, or not manageable, a
stern anchor was let go, the bower cable cut, and the ship winded, with a fresh
broadside on the enemy's ship, which soon after surrendered. Our broadside was
then sprung to bear on the brig, which surrendered in about 15 minutes after.
The sloop that was opposed to the Eagle,
had struck some time before, and drifted down the line; the sloop which was with
their galleys having struck also. Three of their galleys are said to be sunk,
the others pulled off. Our galleys were about obeying, with alacrity, the signal
to follow them, when all the vessels were reported to me to be in a sinking
state; then it became necessary to annul the signal to the galleys, and order
their men to the pumps. I could only look at the enemy's galleys going off in a
shattered condition, for there was not a mast in either squadron that could
stand to make sail on; the lower rigging being nearly shot away, hung down as
though it had been just placed over mastheads.
The Saratoga
had fifty-five round shot in her hull, the Confiance
one hundred and five.
The enemy's shot passed principally over our heads, as there were not twenty whole
hammocks in the nettings at the close of the action, which lasted, without
intermission, two hours and twenty minutes.
The absence and sickness of lieutenant
Raymond Perry, left me without the services of that excellent officer; much
ought fairly to be attributed to him for his great care and attention in
disciplining the ship's crew, as her first lieutenant. His place was filled by a
gallant young officer, Lieutenant Peter Gamble, who I regret to inform you, was
killed early in the action. Acting lieutenant Vallette worked the first and
second division of guns with able effect. Sailingmaster Brum's attention to the
springs, and in the order to wind the ship, and occasionally at the guns met my
entire approbation; also captain Young's, commanding the acting marines, who took
his men to the guns. Mr. Beale, purser, was of great service at the guns, and in carrying my orders throughout the ship with
Midshipman
Montgomery. Master's Mate Joshua Justin had command of the third division; his
conduct during the action was that of a brave and correct officer. Midshipmen Monteath,
Graham, Williamson, Platt, Thwing and acting-midshipman Baldwin, all behaved
well and gave evidence of their making valuable officers. The Saratoga
was twice set on fire by hot shot from the enemy`s ship.
I close, sir, this communication with
feelings of gratitude, for the able support I received from every officer and
man attached to the squadron which I have the honor to command.
I have the honor to be, with great
respect, sir
your most obedient servant,
T. MACDONOUGH
