CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IN 1813 JOURNAL OF SURGEON JAMES INDERWICK EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT IN THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES By VICTOR HUGO PALTSITS CHIEF OF THE AMERICAN HISTORY DIVISION AND KEEPER OF MANUSCRIPTS THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 1917 CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IN 1813 JOURNAL OF SURGEON JAMES INDERWICK EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT IN THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES By VICTOR HUGO PALTSITS CHIEF OF THE AMERICAN HISTORY DIVISION AND KEEPER OF MANUSCRIPTS THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 1917 A o J\ / 7 Reprinted August 191" FROM THE Bulletin of The New York Public Library of June 1917 form i»-i»o Ivl 1 1-13-17 3cl 1 Ls K=T ?.-■?-&£&'* ^^m M W& : Wt -"_ b^l, - >«5\ ^^^^^^M ilJiwB-ri^ai^^^^S Sl^^ 'IhBHI^npkk ' ^^^^^^p ..,^^.^^^ . /•//v- ,y7A Cnitoi States Xavx. * ENGRAVED BY DAVID EDWIN Frontispiece to "The Port Folio," January, 1SI4 CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IN 1813 ' Journal of Surgeon James Inderwick INTRODUCTION THE original manuscript journal of Dr. lames Inderwick was presented recently to The New York Public Library by the Governors of the So- ciety of the Xcw York Hospital. It occupies forty- four pages of a small folio register, beginning on the first page with the heading: "Report of Sick on board U. S. Brig Argus W. II. Allen Esq. Com dr ." followed by the first entry on Tuesday. May 11, 1813. The last entry is Saturday. August 21, of the same year. The remaining 110 pages of the register are mostly blank, but some have pharmaceutical or other accounts, written during the years 1819, 1824, and 1827 to 1831, which have no relation to Inderwick or to the naval record. On a front flyleaf there is a calculation of the persons on board the Argus, consisting of "Officers & men 150. Passengers 3. Passengers'] Servants 2 — 155 Souls." In the matriculation register of Columbia College James Inderwick is registered as a student in the school of arts, graduating A. B. in 1808. He is also registered as a student in the medical school in 1808-1809, taking courses in anatomy and chemistry. He received his master's degree elsewhere and pursued his medical course; but it has not been determined whether he con- tinued at some other medical school or became associated with some physician. His name does not appear in the New York directories; there is no further record of him at Columbia, and he is not registered at the then newly-organized College of Physicians and Surgeons. His two autographs in the register of Columbia College leave no doubt that the naval journal was written by him. notwithstanding that his name nowhere appears in the journal itself. Dr. Inderwick was house surgeon at the Xew York Hospital from February, 1812, to February, 1813. In May, 1813, he was attached to the Brig Argus, and on July 24th. while on the cruise, was commissioned a surgeon in the navy of the United States, appearing as no. 18 in a list of nineteen named on that date. 2 In 1814 he was still credited as employed as a surgeon, singularly enough as of the Argus. 3 In 1814, the British Brig Epervier had been cap- 1 The publication of this account may not be considered inappropriate, in view of the international events that are now taking place in the same waters that were cruised by the Argus over a century ago. 1 American State Papers — Naval Affairs. 1:301. 3 Ibid, 34S. Being held as a prisoner of war in England, his name on the U. S. navy list naturally associated him with his last assignment. [3 ] 4 THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY hired and added to the navy of the United States. Inderwick was her surgeon in 1815, when, after passing through the Straits of Gibraltar, she was lost at sea with all aboard. It is believed that his manuscript journal of the Argus was left at the New York Hospital after his return from England and before his entrance upon the last fatal cruise in the Epewier. From Dr. Inderwick's record we are able to conclude that, on the whole, the health of the crew of the Argus was very good. There were on the sick- list from eight to seventeen, and usually about a dozen men, numbers of whom were soon able to return to duty. The brig Argus was built at Boston, in 1803, by Edmund Hart. She had a tonnage of 298; the length of her keel was 80 feet; the breadth of her beam was 20 feet, and the depth of her hold was 12 feet and 8 inches. 4 From a record of 1806, it appears that she had cost originally $37, 428. 29. s She then carried sixteen guns, the highest number of any brig in the navy. 6 In 1803 she went to the Mediterranean; was in the harbor of Tripoli, in August, 1804, with 121 men commanded by Lieutenant Isaac Hull, in the American squadron under Commodore Edward Preble. That year and the next she had repairs made to her in the Mediterranean. She was repaired in March. 1808, at Norfolk. Va., and again in March. 1809, at the navy yard in New York. These repairs cost more than $19. 000. 7 In 1811. she had her new berth deck calked, her bottom hove out, calked and coppered, at a cost of $13, 000. 8 In June, 1812, with a complement of 120 men, she was under Master Commandant Arthur Sinclair. In Ocotober. of that year, she was stationed in the North Atlantic under the same commander. Later Sinclair was given a leave to visit his friends and. by order of Commodore Decatur, was superseded in the command of the Argus by Lieutenant William Henry Allen. William Henry Allen 9 was born at Providence, R. I., on October 21, 1784, son of William Allen, an officer during the American Revolution, who, in 1786, was appointed by Congress senior officer of the legionary corps intended to be raised in Rhode Island, and who became, by legislative appoint- ment of 1799, brigadier-general of militia of that State. The father, whilst a major in the Revolution, is said to have had "for a short time, the charge of the unfortunate Andre," sitting up with him "the whole night previous 4 Niles' Weekly Register, V:230. ■ American State Papers — Naval Affairs. 1:149. * Ibid, 154. Later she carried eighteen guns. 7 Ibid, 253. " Ibid, 335. 9 The particulars of his biography, unless otherwise noted, have been taken from the excellent memoir in The Port Folio, 3d series, vol. 3, no. 1 (January. 1S14), published at Philadelphia, by Bradford ami Inskeep. CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IN 1813 5 to his execution." William Henry Allen's mother was a sister of William Jones, the governor of Rhode Island during the War of 1812. From such a stock patriots are expected and the son's career fulfilled the tradition. His parents had intended him for a liberal education; he got through with his preparatory studies, but yearned for a more active life and. on April 28, 1800. as a midshipman, entered the navy of the United States, against the remon- strances of his parents. Within three months he was on board the frigate George Washington, commanded by William Bainbridge, destined to Algiers. 10 On April l c >. 1801. he came back with Commodore Bainbridge and about a week later was ordered to the Philadelphia, commanded by Captain Samuel Barron. "u,> scour the Mediterranean sea again." This ship returned on June 27, 1802, and Allen had only a short furlough, for in October he went on a third cruise of the Mediterranean, this time in the frigate John Adams, commanded by Captain Rodgers. from which he returned in December, 1803. Early in 1804. Allen was appointed sailing-master of the frigate Congress, then at Washington, and sailed in her on July 1st, under Captain Rodgers, for another Mediterranean voyage. On the way out, in the midst of a storm, while he was aiding the sailors on the foreyard, Allen was thrown "headlong into the sea. to a depth of twenty feet," saving himself only by taking hold of the mizzen chains as he arose. Reaching the harbor of Tripoli. Allen assisted Rodgers in taking soundings, preparatory to an anticipated attack. This hazardous job was ended during a gale from which they made a narrow escape to the Nautilus. The cruise lasted from 1804 to 1806. In October. 1805, Rodeers removed to the frigate Constitution and became commander of the squadron, Allen going with him as third lieutenant.' It was during this cruise that he and Commodore Rodgers became lost in the fields of lava while visiting Mt. /Etna, only to be rescued by monks from a monastery below. The Constitution returned to the United States in 1806. Allen was given shore leave and seized the occasion to visit his friends at Providence. In February, 1807, he was ordered to the frigate Chesapeake, as third lieu- tenant, under Captain Barron. He was in the engagement with the British ship Leopard, in June of that year, and showed his mettle by snatching a coal from the flames, firing the only gun set off before his superior ordered a premature and humiliating surrender. For this misconduct Barron was subsequently condemned. Allen remained with the Chesapeake until Febru- ary, 1809, when he was ordered aboard the frigate United States, commanded by Commodore Stephen Decatur. Allen was with this frigate when, on October 25, 1812. she captured the British frigate Macedonian, and he had 10 This frigate was the first one to fly the American flag in the harbor of Constantinople. 6 THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY the honor of bringing the prize ship into the port of New York. Decatur, in his report to the Secretary of the Navy, particularly singled out Allen for notice and attributed the superior gunnery in the action to Allen's "unremitted exertions in disciplining the crew." n In the festivities provided by the corpo- ration and citizens of Xew York in honor of the event. Allen had a full share with his superior officer. He then got a respite and visited home and friends. It was. however, of short duration, and he was soon in command of the brig Argus, in succession to Captain Arthur Sinclair. His first lieutenant on the Argus was William H. Watson, and his second lieutenant was William Howard Allen, 12 not a relative; so that, singularly enough, the three officers bore exactly the same initials in their given names and two of them bad similar family names. 13 When the Journal of Surgeon Inderwick was begun, on May 11, 1813, the Argus lav at anchor near Sandy Hook; on the 17th she was near Staten Island, and on the 18th in the Narrows; from May 19th- June 17th. she lay off Xew York, and on the 18th was under sail at Sandy Hook. From June 19th- July 10th at sea, she sighted land on July 11th, and was at Port Louis L'Orient. France, from July 12-20. The remainder of her cruise until her capture by the Pelican will appear from the selections printed from the Journal. The object of the cruise was ostensibly to convey William Harris Crawford, of Georgia, newlv-chosen minister plenipotentiary, and successor to Joel Barlow, deceased, to France, accompanied by his suite. In his instructions from the navy department, dated June 5, 1813, Allen was directed to land the party at the first port of France without risk. On June 12th. he wrote to the secre- tary of the navy, that he would "immediately proceed to put in execution his orders as to the ulterior purpose of his destination." 14 The "ulterior pur- pose" in his instructions read: "You will then proceed upon a cruise against the commerce and light cruisers of the enemy, which y<»u will capture and destroy in all cases; unless their value and qualities shall render it morally certain that they may reach a safe and not distant port. Indeed, in the present state of the enemy's force, there are very few cases that would justify the manning of a prize; because, the chances of reaching a safe port are infinitely against the attempt, and the weakening the crew of the Argus might expose vou to an unequal contest with the enemy. It is exceedingly desirable that 11 The official text is in American State Papers — Naval Affair*. 1:28] '- He was mortally wounded in an action against about one hundred pirates near Point Hycacos, on the north side of Cuba; on N 9, 1822. As he was expiring, he expressed satisfaction that he was dying in the service of his country. — American State Papers — Naval Affairs, 1:823-824. Watson subse- quently revenged the loss of his old comrade by a successful slaughter of pirates, and died in the service with a fine record. 18 Captains were paid $100; lieutenants $40, and surgeons $50 per month. » Port Folio, 3d ser., 111:16. CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IX 1813 7 the enemy should be made to feel the effects of our hostility, and of his bar- barous system of warfare; and in no way can we so effectually accomplish that object, as by annoying and destroying bis commerce, fisheries, and coast- ing trade. The latter is of the utmost importance, and is much more exposed to the attack of such a vessel as the Argus, than is generally understood. This would carry the war home directly to their feelings and interest-, and produce an astonishing sensation. For this purpose, the cruising ground from the entrance of the British channel to Cape Clear, down the coast of Ireland, across to. and along the northwest coast of England, would employ a month or six weeks to great advantage. The coasting fleet on this track are im- mensely valuable; and you would also be in the way of their West India home- ward fleet, and those to and from Spain, Portugal, and the Mediterranean. When von are prepared to leave this ground, you may pass round the north- west of Ireland, towards Fair island passage, in the track of the Archangel fleets, returning home in August and September." The instructions closed with these words: "Your talents and honorable services are deeply impressed upon this Department, and will not cease to excite its attention. Wishing you a prosperous and honorable cruise/' l3 These definite orders Allen carried out with precision. It was at once a perilous task and "a service, to a man fond of glory, peculiarly invidious." 16 Notwithstanding. Allen showed himself the gentleman as well as a thorough man-of-war's man. Private property of passengers was secure from loot. On July 24th. having captured the Susannah, a large British brig, he gave her up to her captain on account of two women who were passengers. 17 "Prob- ably no action of his life could more plainly distinguish his character than this: he loved danger as much as he abhorred to plunder the defencele— ." And his character can be gaged from the beautiful feeling expressed in his last letter to his sister, viz. — "When you shall hear that I have ended my earthly career, that I only exist in the kind remembrance of my friend-, you will forget my follies, forgive my faults, call to mind some little instances dear to re fleet i< in, to excuse vour love for me, and shed one tear to the menu >ry of Henry." 19 The record of the twenty prize vessels taken by Allen dur- ing his short crui-e in the Argus is revealed in the portion of Inderwick's 15 The important document from which these extracts are taken is in American State Papers — Xazal Affairs. 1:375. Mahan shows that the Argus was the first United States vessel which emphasized the fact, that the waters surrounding the British Islands were the field where commerce destruction could be most decisively effected. — Sea Power in its relations to tlie War of 1812, 11:216. "Port Folio, 16. 17 This is recorded in the journal and verified by British accounts. See also Niles' Weekly Register, V:78: also 135-136, 1-49-150. for evidences of his humane conduct toward capti\<- 18 Port Folio. 17. 19 Ibid, 23. Allen was unmarried. g THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY Journal that follows here. 20 On December 20, 1815, his brother. Thomas J. Allen, acting as attorney and agent, presented to the U. S. Senate a claim for prize money for the vessels captured and destroyed. In this memorial to the chairman of the Senatorial Committee on Naval Affairs, reference is made to "a chart of the track of the Argus, and a list of the vessels she captured, their tonnage, &c. &c. and the documents that were found on board these vessels." It continues: "The chart shows the course of the Argus from L'Orient. up the western coast of Ireland, into the river Shannon, and thence, round into St. George's channel where she was captured. The red letters on the list of vessels indicate the time and place of their capture on the chart. ...Lieutenant Watson, of the Argus, on his return from England to this country, delivered at the Navy Department a report respecting the value &c. of these vessels and their cargoes, which he estimated at about three mil- lion of dollars, as will be seen by referring to the letter from Mr. [Benjamin] Homans. ... I made application at the Navy Department for the log book of the Argus, which, perhaps, contains some information of importance on the subject, but it has not yet been found; as soon as it is discovered. I shall beg leave to add the evidence it may afford to that presented now." 21 FIGHT BETWEEN THE ARGUS AND THE PELICAN The successful raiding of the British commerce filled the ship-merchants with consternation, whilst insurance mounted to prodigious rates on war risks. In Lloyd's lists, and otherwise, the English newspapers made public the awful losses. Something had to be done to hunt down this Yankee phantom of the seas and British cruisers were hurriedly despatched to scurry the waters in search of her. On August 12th, Yice-Admiral Thornborough. of the British navy, ordered Captain John Fordyce Maples 22 in the brig Pelican "to cruise in St. George's Channel for the protection of the trade, and to obtain informa- tion" of the American destroyer. 23 The Pelican was one of the largest brigs in the British navy and had been built in 1812. Her tonnage was 385. She had 16 carronades (32-pounders), two long 6-pounders, and a 12-pound launch- carronade, as well as two brass 6s procured by Captain Maples as standing chase-guns. Her metal broadside was 274 pounds, or one-sixth heavier than 20 Compare also Neeser, 11:300; American State Papers — Naval Affairs. 1:374. The latter is a list of vessels taken or destroyed by the U. S. navy during the war, not complete, however, for the Argus. 21 American State Papers — Naval Affairs, 1:373. ■-'-■ For his capture of the Argus, Maples was promoted to the rank of "Commodore." being succeeded in the Pelican by Captain Mansell. ••London Times, August _'?. 1813. letter of Maples to Thornborough; alsj in The Naval Chronicle (1S13), XXX: !46 CRUISE OF THF. U. S. BRIG ARGUS IN 1813 9 the Argus; whilst her complement, when the action began, consisted of 104 men and 12 boys, who were mostly under thirteen years of age. 24 The Pelican had only arrived at Cork from a cruise on the morning of the 12th and had been ordered to prepare again for sea immediately. 25 At ten o'clock at night of the 13th, Captain Maples fell in with the brig Mary, from Wexford, and from her master learned the course of the Argus. 26 At six in the morning of the Kith. Allen burnt the Defiance and the Baltic; at nine o'clock that night he captured his best prize, the large brig Bclford, and at midnight burnt her. 27 At four in the morning of the 14th, Captain Maples in the Pelican "saw a vessel on fire [the Bclford], and a brig [the Argus] stand- ing from her." 28 He "made all sail" to give chase, and "at half-past five came alongside" of the Argus. 29 When both brigs sighted one another at four o'clock, the Argus was in St. George's Channel, in latitude -50° 15' X. and longitude 5° 50' W., according to Lieutenant Watson, 30 which was some miles off St. David's Head, on the coast of Wales. Captain Allen had made up his mind not to run away from any two-masted enemy ship. 31 The Pelican was "standing down under a press of sail" upon the "weather-quarter" of the Argus, "the wind being at south," so "the Argus close-hauled on the starboard-tack." 32 Having shortened sail "and made herself clear for an obstinate resistance," the Argus got three cheers from the crew of the Pelican and the action commenced at six o'clock on the morning of August 14th, being "kept up with great spirit on both sides." according to the report of the British commander. 33 Now we have seen that the complement of the Pelican was 1 12. The Argus had originally 150, according to the notation of Surgeon Inderwick, and 149 according to the British captain, which is cor- rect if the allowance of one who died on the voyage over is deducted: but. whatever the exact number, the Argus's complement had been materially reduced by the manning of prize ships. 34 As the south wind gave the Pelican the windward position and prevented the Argus from getting the weather-gage, she shortened sail, "wore round." and gave the Pelican "the larboard broadside, being at this time 6 A. M. M James. Xazal Occurrences. London, 1817, p. 273, 275, 279, 281. "Ibid, 269; London Times, August 18, 1813. 26 London Times, August 13, 1S13. 27 Inderwick's Journal, infra. 28 Maples to Thornborough, in London Times, August 25, 1813. =» Ibid. 30 Xiles' Weekly Register, VIII:43; James, op. cit., appendix 43. 31 Port Folio. 3d series, 111:17. 33 Watson to secretary of navy. March 2. 1815, in Niles' Weekly Register, VIII:43; also James, of. cit., appendix 43. In London Times. August 18. 1813, testimony of Capt. Mills, of the Hope, from Newcastle to Cork, which had been ordered by the Argus to follow her, but had escaped during the battle. 33 Maples to Thornborough, in London Times, August 25, 1813. 31 Maples says that there were 127 in the crew of the Argus when the action began. James, op. cit.. 277, puts the number at 131, and Spears, or. cit., 11:368, as low as 104. 10 THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY within grape-distance." The Pelican replied with a full broadside and the brigs were presently "within the range of musketry." 3S The brigs ran side by side in this range, probably under two hundred yards apart. 36 Four minutes after the action had opened. Captain Allen had his "left knee shattered by a cannon shot." 37 But this intrepid commander continued to direct the fire for four minutes longer until, "being much exhausted by the loss of blood," he was taken below deck, where Surgeon Inderwick, about two hours after the action, "amputated the thigh." 38 The Pelican had shot away the "main braces, main-spring-stay, gaff and try-sail mast" of the Argus. First Lieutenant William H. Watson now took command. At 6.12, the Argus lost her "sprit-sail-yard, and the principal part of the standing rigging on the larboard-side of the fore-mast." 39 At the same time, Watson "received a wound on the head from a grape-shot," tearing off a part of the scalp, so that the bone was denuded. 40 Stunned by the blow, he was carried below, where the surgeon dressed the wound. The command of the quarter-deck now devolved upon the second lieutenant. William Howard Allen, Jr. At 6.14. the Pelican, being then on the weather-quarter of the Argus, edged off in an endeavor to get under her stern, "but the Argus luffed close to with the main-top-sail a-back," and frustrated the attempt, by throwing herself across the Pelican's path and giving her a raking broadside. 41 The aim was poor and "seems to have lost her the effect that should have resulted from this ready and neat manoeuvre." 42 The rigging of the Argus had already suffered great damage. At 6.18, she had her "preventer [duplicate] main-braces and main-top-sail tye" shot away. 43 Having lost the use of her after-sails and being unmanageable, she "fell off before the wind." 44 This gave the Pelican a chance to choose her own position, which she did by passing first under the stern of the Argus, and then up to the starboard side. 45 The Pelican was enabled to rake her fore and aft, whilst her only reply to the broadsides was with mu>ketry. 4t "At 6.25, the wheel-ropes and running- rigging of every description being shot away, the Argus was at the complete mercy of the Pelican. At 6.30, when First Lieutenant Watson, his wounds dressed and himself sufficiently re- W'atson to secretary of navy, March 2. 1815. M Mahan, Sea Power in its relations to the War of 1812, 11:217: Spears, op. cit., 11:363. 3T Inderwick's Journal. n to secretary of the navy, March 2, 1815. ■■'■' Watson, as cited ahove. 10 Ibid; Inderwick's Journal. 41 Watson as cited before. - 1 - Mahan, op. cit., 11 :218. 4 :; Watson as cited before. " Ibid. « Ibid. 40 Mahan. of. cit.. 11:218. c o T3 C o s o . — rr 1) 2 c 5 K >, , 1 ~ J- ^ * 2 r £ < H - >. c a. u c [x. CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IN 1813 11 covered, returned to the deck, the Pelican was at the stern of the Argus, within pistol-shot, where she continued to rake her until 6.38, when the Americans prepared to hoard, but were prevented by their shattered condition. 47 The Pelican now took a position on the starhoard-how of the Argus. From this time until 6.47 o'clock the Argus was "exposed to a cross or raking fire, with- out being able to oppose but little more than musketry to the broadside" of the British brit^. as her guns, being disabled, were seldom brought to hear After a fight of three-quarters of an hour, Lieutenant Watson, realizing his untenable position in the helplessness of the Argus, and observing that the British were preparing to board, surrendered. 49 When the smoke cleared awav. "the English flag was seen flying over the American, and both vessels lying to. repairing damages.'* 50 Two shots had "passed through the boat- swain's and the carpenter's cabins" of the Pelican. "Her sides were filled with grape-shot; and her rigging and sails injured much. Her fore-mast, and main-top-mast, were slightly wounded, and so were her royals; but no spar was seriously hurt. Two of her carronades were dismounted." The stubborn resistance of the Argus — despite the loss of her com- mander, the temporary disability of her first lieutenant, and the odd- in a series of sulphurous broadsides of iron — made an impression upon her oppo- nent. 52 It has been said, however, that when all things are considered, the defeat was "one of the most unfortunate defeats suffered at sea during the war"; 53 and Mahan's analysis is: "xAfter every allowance for disparity of force, the injury done by the American fire cannot be deemed satisfactory, and suggests the consideration whether the voyage to France under pressure of a diplomatic mission, and the busy preoccupation of making, manning, and firing prizes. . .may not have interfered unduly with the more important requirements of fighting efficiency." 54 On the other hand, Mahan avers, that the "rapid succession of captures" made by the Argus "is a matter of more significance than the loss of a single brig of war. It showed the vulnerable point of the British trade and local intercommunication." 5S In some earlv naval histories, followed by some later writers, 56 it has been alleged that the Argus, just before she met the Pelican, had captured a vessel 47 Watson, as previously cited. " Ibid. 49 Ibid. 50 London Times, August 18, 1813. 51 Tames, op. cit., 272. "Maples in his report to Thornborough expressed regret that Allen had been wounded, suffering amputation. 53 Spears, op. cit.. [1:367 "Mahan, op. cit.. 11:218-219. a Ibid, 219. se Cooper, History of the Navy of U. S. (London. 1839). 11:307; Dawson's Battles of U. S.. 11:267, who quotes Cooper, but does not take the charge seriously; Spears, op. cit.. 11:369. 12 THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY from Oporto, laden with wine, which had been brought aboard clandestinely, "as the boats passed to and fro, and that many of the people, who had been over-worked and kept from their rest, partook of the refreshment it afforded too freely." There is, however, not a scintilla of evidence in records to sup- port the charge. The Argus made no capture that fits the case with respect to Oporto. She had indeed captured, at that time, her main prize, the large brig Bclford, from Dublin, bound to London, laden with a large store of Irish linen and some wine. There was taken out of her "a box of Plate"' and in three hours after her capture she was ablaze. 0/ Moreover, Cooper, who made the charge, freely admits that Captain Allen's "influence over the crews with which he sailed was very great, and it is not possible to say now what might have been the result of the combat in which he fell, had he not been so early killed." 58 The crew of the Argus was a new one, under a new commander. She had sailed without delay with a diplomatic charge, precluding the opportunity of training the men in gun exercises and other manoeuvres. 59 She had in twenty- two days (July 23 -August 13) captured nineteen prizes. 'The continued loss of sleep, together with the excessive fatigue consequent upon such a rapid succession of captures, and the extreme watchfulness necessary in so exposed a situation, disabled the Argus from making so great a resistance to her more powerful enemy as she might otherwise have done." 60 Lieutenant Watson, communicating his report to the secretary of the navy, 61 also referred to "the superior size and metal" of the Pelican "and the fatigue" which those on the Argus had endured "from a very rapid succession of captures." Besides, he felt "great satisfaction in reporting the general good conduct of the men and officers engaged on this occasion." A court of inquiry, 62 "to investigate the causes of the loss by capture" of the Argus, was held at Baltimore, on board the U. S. frigate Java. The members of the court were Captains Ridgely and Spence, Lieutenant Budd, and Judge Advocate J. S. Skinner. They "care- fully examined into the causes of the loss by capture. . .and also into the conduct of the officers and crew of the said sloop of war before and after her surrender." After mature deliberation "upon all the testimony," they found, among other things, "that the crew of the Argus was very much ex- hausted by the continued and extraordinary fatigue and exposure to which they had been subjected for several weeks, and particularly for twenty-four 57 Inderwick's Journal. 08 Cooper, op. cit., 11:310, note. 69 Port Folio, 3d series, 111:18. " Memorial of Allen's brother, in American State Papers — Naval Affairs, 1:373. 81 X'- previously cited. w Xilcs' Weekly Register, VIII:145-146. CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IX 1813 13 hours immediately preceding the action"; that "every officer and man of the Argus i with the exception of one man. Jacob Allister, and one hoy. Hen- drick), made use of every practicable exertion to capture the British sloop of war Pelican." The verdict of the court, therefore, was. "that every officer and man (with the exception before mentioned) displayed throughout the engagement, a zeal, activity and spirit in defence of the vessel and flag com- mitted to their protection, which entitles them to the undiminished confidence and respect of their government and fellow-citizens." The casualties of the Argus in action were eight killed or mortally wounded, and ten wounded. Those who died were Captain Allen. Midship- men Edwards and Delphy, Boatswain's Mate Jordan, and four seamen. The wounded were Lieutenant Watson, a boatswain, the carpenter, the quarter- master and six seamen. 63 On the Pelican, the casualties were two killed and five wounded. 64 William Young, a master's mate, was 'Main in the moment of victory," as he led the boarding party and had stepped "upon the gunwale of the Argus" The others were seamen. Captain Maples "had a narrow escape; a spent canister-shot striking, with some degree of force, one of his waistcoat buttons, and then falling on deck." 65 A fter the fight was over, the prisoners were divided. A third of the crew of the Pelican were placed on board the Argus. On account of the unsup- ported state of the foremast of the Argus and in consequence of a strong breeze that came up, the prize-master bore up for Plymouth, while the Pelican went to Cork to report to the admiral. On her way, the Pelican transferred some thirty of her prisoners to the Leonidas, which she had met at sea. 66 Meanwhile. Captain Allen was in a precarious condition. He continued in the Argus to Plymouth, where, at the solicitation of Surgeon Inderwick. he was removed to the Mill Prison Hospital, and died there at eleven o'clock on the night of August 18th. 67 As he was being taken out of the ship to the hospital, he cast his languid eyes on his comrades, saying: "God bless you. my lads; we shall never meet again." 68 He was conscious at intervals "till within ten minutes of his dissolution, when he sunk exhausted, and expired without a struggle." The commander-in-chief or port admiral at Plymouth directed that Allen 63 This record of eight killed or mortally wounded and ten wounded, is deduced from Surgeon Inderwick's Journal. Lieut. Watson's report to the secretary of the navy, says six killed, seventeen wounded, of whom five afterwards died. Mahan, op. cit.. [1:218, has adopted ires. Spears, op. of.. 11^368, puts the killed at ten. and the wounded at fourteen, evidently an attempted analysis of James, op. cit., 2,2. 61 Maples to Thornborough, in London Times, August 25, 1813. 83 James, op. cit., 270. M 'ibid, 279. 67 Inderwick's Journal: John Hawker, former U. S. vice consul at Plymouth, to General Allen, August 19. 1813, in Port Folio. 3d series, 111:20. ' n Foli <. 111:19. 83 Hawker to Gen. Allen in Port Folio, 111:20. 14 THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY be buried with military honors. 70 The funeral took place on Saturday, August 21st. The procession left Mill Prison at noon. On the coffin was a velvet pall, over which was spread the American ensign, and on it were laid his hat and sword. As the coffin was being removed to the hearse, the guard saluted; when deposited, the procession moved forward, the band playing the "Dead March in Saul." Upon arrival near the church, the guard halted and clubbed arms, single files inward, through which the procession passed to the church, into which the corpse was carried and deposited in the centre aisle. The funeral service was read by the vicar, after which the recessional took place, passing through the guard as upon entrance, and the body was interred in the south yard of St. Andrew's on the right of his midshipman, Richard Delphy, who had had both legs shot off at the knees, and whose interment had taken place only the preceding evening. The order was as follows: "PROCESSION. Guard of Honour. Lieutenant-Colonel of Royal Marines, With two Companies of that Corps. The Captains, Subalterns, and Field-Adjutant (Officers with hat-bands and scarfs.) Royal Marine Band. Vicar and Curate of St. Andrew's. Clerk of ditto. THE HEARSE. with the Corpse of the deceased Captain, Attended by eight seamen, late of the Argus, with crape round their arms, tied with white crape ribbon. Also eight British Captains of the Royal Navy, as pall-bearers, with hat-bands and scarfs. Captain Allen's servants, in mourning. The Officers, late of the Argus, in uniform, with crape sashes and hat-bands, two and two. John Hawker, Esq. late American Vice-Consul, and his Clerks. Captain Pellowe, Commissioner for Prisoners of War. Dr. M'Grath, Chief Medical Officer at Mill Prison Depot. Captains of the Royal Navy in port, two and two. Marine and Army Officers, two and two. Servants of the American Officers, two and two. Followed by a very numerous and respectable retinue of Inhabitants." 71 ,0 London Times, August 23. 1813. "London Times, August 28, 1813. p. 3, col. 4; also in Port Folio, 3d series, III: 21-22. Allen Street in the city of New York, was named in his honor. CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IN 1813 15 SELECTIONS FROM THE JOURNAL July 1 st [1813] Thursday at sea This morning in Gale lost James Hunt one of our finest men. I [e fell from the main yard, struck on the starboard gunnel and then overboard. 1 July 7 th Wednesday at sea Captured yesterday the Brittish Schooner Salamanca 2 — burnt her. July 11 th Sunday in sight of land anchored between the Isle Groix & main. July 12 th Monday Port Louis [On this day Mr. Groves had his arm caught in a turn of the cable when the anchor was being dropped. For several days his forearm was much swelled, but under treatment of the surgeon it was restored in a week's time.] July 14 th Wednesday Port Louis L'Orient I this day received a note from M r Jackson 3 Sec y of Legation intimat- ing a desire of the Minister M r Crawford 4 that I should call upon him as he was indisposed. Found him labouring under a Cattarrhal affection — at- tended with fever. [On July 15th, the surgeon visited Mr. Crawford again "at the Consuls some distance above L'Orient," and found him "altogether better."] July 20 Tuesday Port Louis L'Orient Sailed this Evening from Port. July 23 d Friday at Sea Cruising of[f] the Mouth of the English] Channell 1 This was the first death on the voyage. ; The Salamanca, of Poole, was on her way from Oporto to Newfoundland; formerly she was the King of Rome, of New York. She was "of two hundred and sixty tons, pierced for eighteen guns, mount- ing six and manned with sixteen men." — Capt. W. II. Allen to the Secretary of the Navy, Inly 12, 1813, in Niles' Weekly Register, V:46. All names of ships are printed in italics, even when they are not underscored in the original manuscript. 3 Henry Jackson, a professor in the University of Georgia. After Crawford's return to the United States, Jackson remained in France as charge d'affaires until 1817. 1 William Harris Crawford, who succeeded to tin- mission to France, left vacant by the death of Joel Barlow in the preceding year. Crawford was born in Amherst County, Ya., on February 2-1. 1772; he died at Elberton, Ga., on September 15, 1834. In 1799, he began the practice of law at Lexington. Ga.; was a State Legislator, 1803-1807; United States Senator from Georgia, from November 7, 1S07, until he resigned on March 23, 1813. In the United States Senate he had been president pro tempore. He declined the portfolio of war offered to him by President Madison, preferring the place of Minister Plenipotentiary to France. This post he filled until April 22, 1815. 15 THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY Captured this Evening after a few hours chase the Schooner Matilda 5 from Brazil & bound to England — .formerly an American Privateer. July 24 th Saturday at Sea Captured this morning a large brig 6 from Madeira for England laden with wine, got a few J / 2 pipes of the best on board intended for the use of the Countess of Shaftesbury — £8.800 sterling — Stove nearly all the rest. On account of 2 Lady Passengers we gave her up to the Captain — Sent all our Prisoners on board her — Manned the Schooner 7 with 14 men under the com- mand of M r Groves. Lat 49 50 near Scilly July 25 th Sunday at sea Saw a fleet of 11 sail this morning a frigate among them — also a large sail to windward — -spoke her — she proved a palacre 8 ship from Lisbon to London Portuguese — fleet out of sight. July 26 Monday Mouth of the Channell Discovered a Square rigged vessell this morning — from her appearance supposed an American Standing before the wind up Channell — Did not give chace as it would carry us too far up the channell — especially as the wind is from the Westward. July 27 th Tuesday at sea off Ustend 9 Captured a large English Brig the Richard 10 from Giberalter in ballast. Took out the Capt & Crew and a female Passenger & burnt her. July 28 Wednesday at sea I )iscovered at 8 A. M. a Brig & Cutter apparently in chase of a Schooner. Bore down upon them and found them English armed Vessels. Tack'd and stood away when they all gave chase -- run the Schooner & Cutter out of sight by 12. at 3 P.M. the Brig Visible on our lee Quarter with a glass, at 6 The Matilda had been captured by thi a privateer of London. Now in the British service, she was on a voyage from Pet buco in Brazil to London when taken by the Argus. A few days later she was retaken by the frigate Revolutionaire and arrived at Plymouth, England, on July 30th. — Bell's Weeklv Messenger, 1813, p. 247. 255. 6 The Susannah, Captain Porrett, from Madeira to London. She arrived at Penzance on July 2oth. — Bell's Weekly Messenger. 1813, p. 247; London Times, August 26, 1813. ; The Matilda. s < !old ship. '•' ( Istend, in Belgium. 10 The Richard, of Whitby, Capt. Biggs or Briggs, from Gibraltar to Portsmouth. CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IX 1813 17 4PM the Brig continues the chase bearing the same as before — She rather free — we close to the Wind — Speed 9 knots lost her at dark. 11 July 31 st Saturday at sea Brought too a large Ship this morning, which proved to be a Danish Merchantman, sailing under license from Norway bound to Limerick, laden with Timber. She had been spoken in the X orth] Sea by the Pelican Sloop, and on the Coast by a Brittish Frigate. August 1 st Sunday at sea off the Shannon Made the land to day — the first light House on Loop Head 12 on the X orth] of the Entrance of the Shannon. Stood into the Shannon about 9 or 10 miles — Brought too a brig called the Fowey 13 from Limirick to Ports- mouth with Pork for Government — Burnt her — remained in the river under easy sail until she had burned to the water's edge & had nearly grounded among the breakers on the N[Orthj side — The Shore lined with inhabitants — Towards evening stood out to Sea. August 2 d Monday at Sea Captured this afternoon a Cutter rigged vessell laden with butter & Hides from Limerick for Liverpool. Called Lady Francis u — took out some of the Butter — She kept near us during the night. August 3 d Tuesdav at sea Lat 53 6 It blowing a heavy gale with a high Sea we were unable to board the prize — M r Allen 1S displayed a Signal we lay too 'till he came within speaking distance — found he had no Quadrant on board & was afraid of a separation — Slung a Cask containing a Quadrant- Xavigation book &c & veered it astern which after some dificulty he contrived to get on board — he remained by us all night. August 4 th Wednesday at Sea 12 oClk The gale still continues — unable to board the Prize on account of the Sea — 11 On the 30th they were "Off S. W. Coast of Ireland in sight — Ennis Tuscan." or the island of Inishtooskert. 12 The promontory on the north side of the entrance of the River Shannon. 13 The Fozvcy, Capt. McDonnell, laden "with 200 tierces and 138 barrels of pork." — Bell's Weekly Messenger, 1S13, p. 263. which says also that "she drove on shore the next day in Kilbaha Bay, where the greater part of the cargo was landed, end taken possession of by the inhabitants." 14 The Lady Frances. Capt. Blair, of Rothesay. Burnt on the afternoon of August 5th. 15 William Henry Allen. 18 THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 4PM Gale continues Sent M r Levy 16 in the Gig with men to relieve M r Allen & crew- August 5 th Thursday at sea Lat. 53 15 11 oCk The Weather has moderated. A heavy sea remains: but sub- siding. Prize in Co. 4 P.M. Every prospect of bad weather again boarded the prize — took out Provisions & water and set fire to her — during the time the boats were employed the Wind increased to a heavy Gale. 17 August 7 th Saturday at Sea Discovered this morning a large rock under our lee Supposed to be one of the Skellings. 18 August 8 th Sunday at Sea off Qapej Clear Discovered a large vessel early this morning — made sail for her — upon closing made her out to be a frigate — hauled upon a wind and soon lost sight of her. August 9 th Monday off Kinsale Four sail in sight at Day light this morning a large one to windward and one to leeward stand for us — The large one proved to be a Russian ship from Cork to Limerick — was informed that the Jalouse Sloop of 22-32 s was sent from Cork after us 5 days ago — The vessells to leward stood from us — wore ship after them — Wind very light & little hope of getting up with them. 5 P.M. Calm, manned the boats and captured both. The Ship Bar- badoes 19 & Brig Alliance 20 on Government service — Burnt them about 10 at night. 21 Much incommoded with Prisoners. 16 Uriah Phillips Levy, who entered the United States Navy in 1S12, being "Sailing-master" on Octo- ber 21, of that year. 17 On the 6th, land was in sight', in latitude 52°, 15'. One of the seamen was suffering from rheuma- tism over his whole body, he having "been much exposed to wet & fatigue." " < >ne of the Skelligs, rocky islets off the southwest coast of Ireland. Probably the one mentioned was the Great Skellij,'. 19 The Barbadoes. Capt. Skiller or Skilling, was a British transport. -" The Alliance. Capt. Davis, of Milford. was a British transport. -' A contemporary account dated at Cork, on August 13th, sa>-: "On Saturday the ship Barbadoes. the Alliance, and the Jason Russian vessel, in company with some others, sailed from this harbour for Limerick. In the course of Sunday, some of the vessels put into Kinsale, but the three abovementioned proceeded on their destination. On MmuLu evening they fell in with, off Baltimore, the American sloop of war the Argus. She boarded the Jason, bu1 permitted her to proceed. She then boarded the Barbadoes and Alliance, and after having taken out the crews, set them on fire and completely destroyed them." — London Times, August 18, 1813, p. 3. m J t^» u f»5 X Crt *"' C/3 C w o > O CO X (/I * . H 05 33 (C O > z Z z c 05 o IJ u 03 ti < > ; Hi E o z a; u. ^ CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IN 1813 19 August 10 th Tuesday at sea About 2 A.M., weather foggy, 4 large sail were discovered close aboard to windward. Soon after as day broke a large fleet were observed around us. One of the vessels near us proved to be a Frigate within musket shot of us. She did not discover us until we had gained the weather gage, when she made sail, but could not come up. She made signals and another more to leeward made sail a man of war Brig, at the same time lying too for us on our larboard bow. We ran nearly close aboard of the Brig in perfect silence — men concealed at quarters, we passed and she did not molest us. About 8 A M sent our boat aboard a Srqhooner The Cordelia 21 from Antigua for Bristol one of a fleet of 400 sail. Destroyed her Cargo consisting of Sugar & Mollasses. Put all our Prisoners aboard and sent her as a Cartel. While engaged with this vessel another Frigate passed close to us. The fog clearing a little below we could percieve [sk] her hull and ports but not her Masts or rigging. She did not observe us. August the 1 1 th Wednesday at sea standing towards Bristol Channel Came up with another part of the fleet this morning and after a chase of 4 hours Captured a large Ship the Mariner 23 — laden with Sugar &c Bound to Bristol. Sent M r Allen 24 aboard with directions to stand after us. Crowded all sail after another to leeward — 12 Sail in sight in that direction — A Brig & Cutter to windward —after a long chase captured the other named the Betsy 25 laden with Sugar — at the same time captured a Pilot Boat Cutter j ane 26 _ Soon a f ter a Brig 27 and a Cutter Sloop 28 from Poole to Liverpool with Clay. Sent in the Prisoners in the Brig. Sent in the Betsy a prize — Burnt the Mariner — Sunk the Cutter Sloop. 10 oClk P M captured another Cutter Sloop the Dinah & Betty 29 from Cork for Idjfracombe with cattle. Killed and got on board 2 head — Burnt her. --The Cordelia is not mentioned in the list of captures, in American State Papers — Xazal Afjairs, 1:374. She is mentioned in the British lists, however, her captain being named Avery. Alter her cargo was destroyed -lie was "delivered up to the prisoners of the different vessels, amounting to 48, six Masters and 42 men, who arrived at Cove on Wednesday." August 10th. — London Times, August 18, 1813, p. 3. Some accounts credit her as coming from the island of St. Martins. 23 The Mariner, Capt. Gilbert, was bound from St. Croix to Bristol. -* Apparently Lieut. William Howard Allen is meant. "The Betsv. Capt. Mcrryweather. bound from St. Vincent's to Bristol. She vt - ret ken by the British frigate Leonidas, Capt. Seymour, and arrived at Plymouth. — London Times. August 18, 24 and 26, 1813. - 6 No record has been found of this pilot boat in the British lists. -' The Eleanora. The English records state that she was given up as a cartel and arrived at Bristol. 28 The John and Thomas, Capt. Trewhella, bound from Poole to Liverpool. -' Also named in some lists Diana and Betty and Dinas and Betty. She was commanded by Capt. J. Evans, who deposed that he fell in with the Argus "off the Smalls." — London Times, August 18, 1813. 20 THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRAR\ August 12 th Thursday at sea off the Saltees Ireland Captured a new Brig called the Ann from Cardigan 30 to London with Slate and Welsh Woolens. Sunk her[.] Brought too a Portuguese Brig bound to Cork — Sent the Prisoners from the 2 last prizes on board of her. Gave chace to two large Ships and a Brig to leeward — Allowed the Brig to Pass us and continued the chase after the large vessells — All showing English colors. One ship showing 18 ports the other 16 apparently preparing for action. Brought them too and sent M r Allen on board the largest the Cap- tain of which refused to come on board us; and before our boat had returned theryj both made sail keeping close to each other. Made sail and engaged them both. The large one struck after receiving 2 broadsides — chased the other close in and she escaped among the Saltese rocks. The large one proved a Scotch Ship the Defiance 31 mounting 14 long nines 21 men — from Greenock to Newfoundland. 32 August 13 th Friday idem At 2 oClk A.M. captured a large Brig the Baltic 33 one of the W. I. fleet laden with sugar bound to Dublin — at 5 a Sloop laden with deal boards — at 6 burnt the Defiance and the Baltic — threw overboard the cargo of the Sloop and sent her away with the Prisoners at 9 P M — fired a gun and brought too a large Brig the Bel ford 34 — which had nearly ran aboard of us — She proved to be from Dublin bound to London laden with linen wine &c worth 100,000 £ — Took out of her a box of Plate and at 12 oClk burnt her. August 14 th Saturday St George's Channel Early this morning came to action with a large English Brigf.j She cap- tured us after an action of 45 minutes[.] She proved to be the Pelican. August 15 th Sunday at sea The following list comprehends the number of killed and wounded on board of our vessel as far as can be at present ascertained. M r W m W Edwards 35 Midshipman. Killed by shot in the head. 30 The Ann, Capt. Richards, hound from Barmouth to London. 31 The Defiance belonged to Glasgow. 3 - Among the ships credited in the English lists as captured by the Argus is a sloop called the John and Sally, of Cardigan, bound from Cork to llfracombe; also that another sloop, the Fame, was "given up." 33 The Baltic. Capt. Hardcastle, from Barbadoes to Dublin. 31 She is called erroneously the Bedford, instead of Bclford in the list in American State Papers, Naval Affairs, 1:374. She is listed correctly, however, in Lloyd's reports; was commanded by Capt. Donaldson; bound from Dublin to London "with 16,500 pieces of linen on board." — London Times. August 26, 1813. 35 William W. Edwards was commissioned a midshipman on September 1, 1811. CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IN 1813 21 M r Rich' 1 Delphy 36 Midshipman. D° Had both lc.^s nearly shot off at the knees — he survived the action about 3 hours Joshua Jones Seaman — Killed. Geo Gardiner Seaman — His thigh taken off by a round shot close to his body, he lived about J / 2 an hour Jn° Finlay Seaman- - His head was shot off at the close of the action \Y ,U Moulton Seaman Killed. Total 6. The following were wounded viz \Y m 11 Allen Esq — Commander — His left knee shattered by a cannon shot. Amputation of the thigh was performed about 2 hours after the action — An anodyne was previously administered — An anodyne at night. Lieut Watson 37 — 1 st — Part of the Scalp on the upper part of the head torn off by a grape shot — the bone denuded. It was dressed lightly and he returned and took command of the deck. Xow on board the Pelican. M r Colin McCloud 38 — Boatswain — Received a severe lacerated wound on the upper part of the thigh, a slight one on the face and a contusion on the right shoulder. Dressed simply with lint and roller Bandage. Mr James White 39 — Carpenter — Shot near the upper part of the left thigh — bone fractured. Hemmorrhage considerable — Dressed the wound with lint imbued with ol olivar — applied bandage and Splints — anodyne at night has also an incised wound in the head — Dressing — Suture — Adhesive plaster & double headed roller — Joseph Jordan — Boatswains Mate. Has a large wound thro the left thigh the bone fractured and splintered. — the back part of the right thigh carried off and nearly the whole of the fleshy nates carried away — Dressed with lint imbued with ol olivar — gave him a large anodyne — repeated it at night — Case hopeless. Jno. Young — Quarter Master — Received a severe shot wound in the left breast seemingly by a glancing shot. The integuments and part of the extensor muscles of the hand torn away — Dressed lightly with oil and lint with appropriate bandages — gave him an anodyne at night. Francis Eggert — Seaman — Has a very severe contusion of the right leg with a small gun shot wound a little above the outer ancle no ball dis- coverable — Dressed the wound with lint & bandage & directed the leg to 36 Richard Delphy was commissioned a midshipman on May 18, 1809. "• William II. Watson was commissioned a midshipman on January 1, 1808. and a lieutenant on March 7, 1813. He died on September 13, 1823. ' lin McCloud was commissioned a boatswain on March 17. 1812. » James White was commissioned a midshipman on August 20, 1814, and resigned on August 22, 1815. 22 THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY be kept constantly wet with Aq. Veg. Mineral — 3 hours after reception the leg was swelled and very painful gave him an anodyne — Proposed Amputation but he would not consent. This morning the leg excessively tense — swelled — vesicated — and of a dark color about the outer ancle — Has considerable fever Directed the saline mixture with occasional anodyne To continue the lotion. John Nugent — Seaman — Gun shot wound in the superior part of the right thigh about 2 inches from the groin — Thigh bone fractured and much splintered — ball supposed to be in — Several pieces of bone were ex- tracted but the ball was not found — Dressed lint Bandage with splints — Anodyne — Rested considerably well last night but there has been a large oozing from the wound — Applied fresh lint. Xo fever. Charles Baxter — Seaman — Has a lacerated wound of the left ancle — The lower part of the fibula splintered — apparently affecting the joint. Has much hemmorhage from this wound. He has also a gun shot wound of the right thigh. The ball has passed obliquely downwards thro the back part of the thigh. I proposed the amputation of his left leg but he would not give his consent. Dressed both wounds with lint & Roller Bandages — Made considerable compression on the left foot in order to restrain the bleeding — Has some fever this morning. H. Mist. Salin — Tamarind water for drink — low diet. James Kellam — Seaman — Lacerated wound of the calf of the right leg — also a wound in the ham of the same Extremity — Dressing simple — To day the leg somewhat swelled and painfull — slackened the bandage. YV m Harington — Seaman — Complains much of pain & soreness in the small of the back and nates. It is suspected that he has received a severe con- tusion on the parts H. Anodyne at night — X. S. ad oxvi Apply con- tinually Aq. Veg. Min to the parts. Ja s Hall — Seaman — Has a slight wound above the left eye — I suspect caused by a splinter — Dressing simple Total ascertained — 12. Owing to the disordered state of the vessel the wounded have wretched ac- commodation — if that term may be used — I endeavoured to make their condition as comfortable as possible — Divided, those of our people who re- mained on board, and were well, into watches — in different parts of the vessel — M r Hudson M r Dennisson & myself sitting up with the Captain — Directed Lemonade & Tamarind water to be kept made and served to the Wounded. CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IX 1813 23 August 16th Monday arrived at Plymouth Capt Allen — Morn — No fever — has had some slight spasms in the stump — on which account an anodyne was occasionally administered — He has been for some time troubled with a dyspeptic complaint which is peculiarly disagreeable in his present state H. Mist Salina with rather an excess of the alkali. Eve — an exudation of the thinner parts of the blood now begins to appear thro' the dressings — stump as easy as can be expected — Enjoined a light diet — Chicken broath. Panada &c — Administe rejd a purg. but it was not retained. Colin McLeod — Thigh but little swelled. No febrile action in his pulse — He is in the best of spirits. M r White — Morn — Rested considerably last night in consequence of the anodyne — Some oozing from the posterior orifice — Is extremely weak & is troubled with spasmodic twitches — Gave him wine & water as drink — Soup occasionally. Eve — very restless — delirium — Gave him a large anodyne which was repeated in the night with no good effect. Joseph Jordan — Died this morning. John Young — His Breast easy — arm painfull apparentlv in consequence of the swelling which has taken place — Loosened the Bandage — Pul>e frequent and rather hard — Directed Sulph Sod — and an anodyne at night — Eve. A poultice was directed Francis Eggert — this morning H. Sulph. Sod. Is easier — but the leg is still excessively swelled — Cap pil opii g r i 4 ta quaq hor. — Contin • the lotion — H. mist Salin. oviii adde Tart Emet g r ii cap lact mag 2 quaq hor. John Nugent — Is easier than could have been expected Has some fever to day — H mist Salin cum Tart Emet. Charles Baxter — Considerable oozing yet from the ancle Pulse frequent — Contin . mist Salin. Ja s Kellam — Has some fever to day — Complains much of soreness — Di- rected a cataplasfm]. \Y m Herington — The same — Contin. the application. Ja s Hall — Eye a little sore — Xo complaint. Our wounded are in a distressed condition. The riotous behaviour of the captors is such that they have no rest whatever and are frequently trodden upon and bruisd by them. Directed to day thin Chicken broth to be served out to them with their light Nourishment. 24 THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY August 17 th Tuesday Plymouth The wounded and sick Seamen were this morning carried to the hospital — M r Hudson attended them thither — I request'd him to enquire what ac- commodation he could find for the captain at the Town as the noise & tumult on board is very disagreeable. Cap 1 Allen — Stump in a good state — but little soreness — but has some fever this morning — Took an anodyne last night — dosed at times — the sickness of stomach & vomiting continues — He takes the Saline mist occasionally — but without relief — He is allowed wine in his drink — Diet Chicken broath — Panada & c — Injected a Cathartic enema. This afternoon I obtained permission to go to town for the purpose of hiring private lodgings for the Captain. On return found him worse. Vomit- ing more frequent. Pulse weak and frequent — Skin cold — now & then troubled with Hiccup— Mind, at times, wandering — false vision — Directed y 2 a wine glass full of Wine every hour — Ether & Tinct of Opii occasionally for the hiccup which did not often after recur — Lime water & milk was administered as an anti emitic but with little relief. Soda water was also occasionally given — Applied hot fomentations to the region of the stomach with anodyne liniment. August 18 th Wednesday Cap 1 Allen — Passed a very restless night - - vomiting continues, altho' wine & occasional anodynes seemed to relieve it. This morning I dressed the Stump assisted by the Surgeon of the San Salvadore 40 Flag Ship. Found the incision united but a little at the inner angle — Surface flabby Discharge thin, sanious — Whole appear- ance exhibiting a want of action in the parts. On consultation with the Surgeon of the Flag Ship and. with D r Magrath of the Mill Prison Hospital, it was agreed to have him removed thither — M r Denison, M r Hudson, & myself were to be favoured with the liberty of remaining with him untill the event of his case was determined. — The disagreeable condition of the vessel. — his danger, and the emi- nent medical assistance at the Hospital concur in inducing us to adopt this plan. 1 1 A M Cap 1 Nash of the San Salvador, sent his launch with a large cot slung in it. « The Salvador del Mundo, at Plymouth, the ship on which "nine of the Argus's crew, strongly suspected of being Englishmen," had been sent "for examination." — London Times, August 31, 1813. CRUISE OF THE U. S. BRIG ARGUS IN 1813 25 12 M Arrived at the Hospital and found a neat & commodious apartment ready — on arrival he complained of languor & appeared somewhat fa- tigued — a glass of wine reviv'd him — vomiting continues — By the direction of D r Magrath a mist Ether & laud with an Infusion of P Peruv. was given him & a Liniment composed of Camph, opium and oil was rubbed on the Epigrastric region, but without effect — Skin moist & cold — A blister was applied to the stomach and bottles of warm water to his foot — Abdomen humid — Has had no passage from his bowels, except 2 evacuations yesterday, in consequence of the Enema D r Magrath advised a purg — Cal. et P Rhei was given in balm — It was soon after- ward rejected. 9 P.M. — Pulse feeble, frequent, interrupted, skin covered with a clammy moisture — Vomiting continues unabated notwithstanding the use of anti Emetic remedies. — Since last report has taken Alkali & lime juice administered seperately — is now using Soda Water supersaturated with Carb. Acid Gas. — He is extremely restless, desireing often to have his position altered — Comatose Delirium with startings — subsultus tendinum. 1 1 oClk P M. He died. To the time of Cap 1 Allen's death, D r Magrath & his assistant M r Allan remain'd with us and afforded every assistance possible. [Xo entry made August 19-20.] August 21 st Saturday — Mill Prison Attended the funeral of Cap 1 Allen with M r Denison M r Hudson & M r Snelson 41 as Mourners. 41 Robert L. Snelson was commissioned a midshipman on January 1, 1812. The other names have not been identified. / /