of the Flotilla on the New-Orleans station, where he rendered important services in enforcing the embargo and non-intercourse laws. In this service he likewise ferreted out,and captured a French piratical schooner, which had so long infested the Chesa peake, as to attract the attention of government.

At the declaration of War with Great Britain, in 1812, he sailed from New-York, in command of the Essex, fell in with, and after a short engagement, captured the British Sloop of War Alert, Capt. Laugharne.

Returning to the United States, to refit, he again put to sea Oct. 27th, 1812, and proceeded to the coast of Brazil, agreeably to instructions from Com. Bainbridge, where places for rendezvous had been agreed upon between them. On that coast he fell Nocton, out of which

in with his majesty's Packet he took £11,000 sterling, in specie. About this time, he heard of the capture of the Java, by Com. Bainbridge, and of his return to the U. S.; likewise that the Hornet had been taken by the Montague, and that the British force on that coast was considerably increased, and were in pursuit of him. He therefore abandoned his ground, and ran down as far as Rio de La Plata; from thence to the Pacific Ocean, and reached Valparaiso, March 14th, 1813. Sailing from thence down the coast of Chili, and Peru, he brought too a Peruvian corsair, and found on board twenty-four Americans held as prisoners, whom he liberated, throwing her guns and ammunition into the sea. He continued cruising for seve

ral months in the Pacific, capturing great numbers of British vessels. Two were given to the prisoners; three sent to Valparaiso, and three to America. Most of the ships taken mounted several guns. He therefore equipped one with twenty guns, and gave the command to Lieut. Downes, calling her the Essex Jr.

The numerous prizes taken, furnished him abundantly with provisions, clothing, and naval stores; so that, without inconvenience, he was enabled to keep at sea for a long time. From the spoils of his enemy, he had now under his command a little squadron, which spread devastation, and became the terror of those seas. Merchants, not only in the Ports of the Pacific, but in Great Britain, groaned under the weight of losses; every arrival bringing a catalogue of captures. Although ships were sent after him into the Pacific, the China Seas, off NewTimor, New-Holland, and the river La Plata; still the manner in which he cruised, completely eluded their vigilance. Shunning the American coast, he was either lying among the desolate groups which form the Gallipagos islands, or in the open seas. At length, Lieut. Downes returned from Valparaiso, whither he had sailed to convoy the prizes, and brought intelligence, that Com. Hillyer was expect ed at that place with the Frigate Phoebe, of 36 guns, and two Sloops of War. He had become glutted with spoils, and the easy captures of Merchantmen were not calculated to raise him to that zenith of fame, after which he aspired. As an opportunity now appeared to present, in which it was probable

he might meet the enemy on equal terms, he determined to embrace it; and after running into the Island of Nooaheeva, to repair, proceeded to Valparaiso. While here, at anchor, Com. Hillyer arrived, but contrary to anticipation, with a Frigate superior in size to his, and accompanied by the Cherub, Sloop of War, both fitted out with picked crews, expressly for this enterprise. Their force amounted to 81 guns, and 500 men, with the crew of a Letter of Marque. That of the Essex of 46 and 255 men. The Essex Jun. being design

guns, ed for a store ship, mounted ten 18 pound carronades, and ten short sixes, with but 60 men.

This disparity of force would not permit the venture of a general action. He therefore endeavoured to provoke a challenge from the Phoebe, although vastly superior to the Essex, but without effect. Fearing an addition would be made to their force, he wished if possible to make his escape.

On the 28th March, a gale came on, and the Essex parting her cable, the Com. thought that a more favourable opportunity would not occur, to pass the enemy, and sail was therefore ordered to be immediately made. On clearing the harbour, a sudden squall carried away the main-top-mast, and finding it impossible to return, he ran into a bay at some distance from his former anchorage, expecting that the enemy would respect the neutrality of the port, but in this he was disappointed. Both ships now drew up, and commenced an attack upon the Essex. Capt. Porter succeeded three different times in getting springs upon his cables, but they were as often shot away,

leaving him exposed to a raking fire from the enemy. In this situation, his chief dependance was upon three long twelves from her stern, which were managed so dexterously that the enemy were obliged to haul off, and repair. His crew were not, however disheartened, although morally certain of being conquered.

The conflict was sustained with unabated fury, until resistance was ineffectual, when the flag was struck, and the ship resigned to an overwhelming force. Out of 255 men, 58 were killed, 66 wounded, and 31 missing; making in all 154. The spectacle was truly horrid; and when the officer came on board, to take possession, he turned from the spectacle, as if sickened at its sight.

It was with difficulty that either the Essex or Phoebe, could be got into the harbour of St. Salvador, both being very much injured, the latter having 18 shots in the hull, and some of them 3 feet under water.

Capt. Porter and his crew were soon after paroled, and returned to New-York. On landing, a carriage was provided for him, and drawn by the populace, to his lodgings, with shouts and acclamations.

The mere loss of the Essex, could hardly be considered unfortunate, as she hadtlone more injury to the enemy's commerce than the rest of the Navy together.

Since the close of the war, Capt. Porter has been in various commands, and is at this time, one of the Navy-Commissioners, enjoying alike the confidence of government, and the love of his country.

CAPT. JAMES LAWRENCE.

CAPT. James Lawrence, was born at Burlington, New-Jersey, October 1st, 1781. His father, John Lawrence Esq., was an eminent counsellor at law of the same place. By the death of his mother, he was left in infancy in charge of his sisters. Affectionate in disposition and ardent in his attachments, he ever entertained towards them the warmest gratitude, for their tenderness and care in his early youth. He entered as midshipman in the service of his country, at about the age of sixteen, where his strict attention to the discharge of his duties, and his endearing manners gained him the esteem, both of officers and seamen.

At the declaration of war with Tripoli, he was promoted to a Lieutenancy, and volunteered his services as first Lieut. under Decatur, in destroying the Frigate Philadelphia, one of the most brilliant and gallant enterprises ever undertaken and executed by

inan.

After continuing in the Mediterranean three and a half years, he returned to the U. S. and was again sent on that station, in command of Gun Boat No. 6, where he remained sixteen months. After that time, he commanded the Vixen, Wasp, Argus and