plunder of this kind, to be flogged at the gangway. The English papers, while they were writhing under the severe injuries thus inflicted, were unanimous in their testimonials of respect to the conduct of this gallant officer, for the humanity and delicacy with which he performed a service so invidious. Probably no action of his life could more plainly distinguish his character than this: he loved danger as much as he abhorred to plunder the defenceless. On the 14th of August, being in latitude fifty-two degrees fifteen minutes north, longitude five degrees fifty minutes west, he discovered, at four o'clock, A. M. a large brig of war, standing down under a press of sail upon the weather quarter of the Argus. Captain Allen immediately prepared to rcceive her; and being unable to get the weathergage, he shortened sail, and gave her an opportunity of closing. At six o'clock, the brig having displayed English colors, the Argus hoisted the American flag, wore round, and gave her the larboard broadside, being at this time within grape distance, which was returned, and the action commenced within the range of musketry. A few minutes past six, captain Allen was wounded: and, being much exhausted by the loss of blood, was taken below. At this time, the Argus had lost her main braces, main springstay, gaff, and try-sail mast, and shortly after her spritsail-yard, and the principal part of the rigging on the larboard side of the foremast. Lieutenant Watson, upon whom the command of the vessel devolved, after captain Allen was carried below, received a wound on the head from a grape shot, which, for a time, rendered him incapable of attending to duty, and he was also carried below. The command now devolved upon lieutenant Allen; the enemy, being on the weather quarter of the Argus, edged off, for the purpose of getting under her stern, but the Argus frustrated his attempt by giving him a broadside. About half past six, the Argus, having lost the use of her after-sails fell before the wind, when the enemy succeeded in passing her stern, and ranged upon the starboard side. The Wheel-ropes, and rigging of every description being shot away, the Argus became unmanageable; and the enemy, not having sustained any apparent damage, had it completely in his power to choose a position. By this advantage he profited, and continued to play upon her starboard quarter, occasionally shifting his situation, when lieutenant Watson returned to the deck, and prepared to board the enemy; but, in consequence of the shattered condition of the Argus, was unable to effect it. After this, the British continued a raking fire, which could be but faintly opposed, the guns of the Argus being much disabled, and seldom brought to bear. Having suffered in the hull and rigging, and also in killed and wounded, and being exposed to a galling fire, which, from the enemy's ability to manage, could not be avoided, lieutenant Watson deemed it necessary to surrender. The Argus was then taken possession of by the British sloop of war Pelican, of twenty-one carriage guns, viz. sixteen thirty-two pound carronades, four long sixes, and one twelve pound carronade, commanded by captain Maples. The Argus carried eighteen twenty-four pounders, and two long twelves. The loss on board the Pelican, as stated in the British official account, was eight in killed and wounded. The loss in the Argus was six killed and twelve wounded. Five of the wounded died soon after, among whom was captain Allen, who lost his leg at the second broadside, and died the next day. It would be unjust to the feelings which are revived by the preceding account, and ungrateful to the memory of a brave and distinguished officer, to record in our pages only the circumstances which cost him his life, and his countrymen so much poignant regret. The prominent traits of his character, and the honours paid to his remains, in a foreign land, and by those who were his adversaries in war, should be co-extensive with every register of naval achieve ments. The following letter from John Hawker, Esq. ci-devant American consul, will be read with interest. Plymouth, August 19, 1813. SIR. The station I have had the honour to hold for many years past, of American vice-consul, calls forth my poignant feelings in the communication I have to make to you of the death of your son, captain Allen, late commander of the United States brig of war Argus, which vessel was captured on Saturday last, in the Irish channel, after a very sharp ac tion of three quarters of an hour, by his Britannick majesty's ship Pelican. Early in the action he lost his left leg, but refused to be carried below, till from loss of blood he fainted. Messrs. Edwards and Delphy, midshipmen, and four seamen were killed; and lieutenant Watson, the carpenter, boatswain, boatswain's mate, and seven men wounded. Captain Allen submitted to amputation above the knee, while at sea. He was yesterday morning attended by very eminent surgical gentlemen, and removed from the Argus to the hospital, where every possible attention and assistance would have been afforded him had he survived; but which was not, from the first moment, expected, from the shattered state of his thigh. At eleven, last night, he breathed his last! He was sensible, at intervals, until within ten minutes of his dissolution, when he sunk exhausted, and expired without a struggle ! His lucid intervals were very cheerful, and he was satisfied and fully sensible that no advice and assistance would be wanting. A detached room was prepared by the commissary and chief surgeon, and female attendants engaged, that every tenderness and respect might be experienced. The master, purser surgeon, and one midshipman, accompanied captain Allen, who was also attended by his two servants. I have communicated and arranged with the officers respecting the funeral, which will be in the most respectful, and at the same time economical manner. The port admiral has signified that it is the intention of his Britannick majesty's government, that it be publickly attended by officers of rank, and with military honours. The time fixed for procession is on Saturday, at eleven, A. M. A lieutenant-colonel's guard of the royal marines is also appointed. A wainscoat coffin has been ordered; on the breast plate of which will be inscribed as below.* Mr. Delphy, one of the midshipmen, who lost both legs, and died at sea, was buried yesterday in St. Andrew's churchyard. I have requested that captain Allen may be buried as near him, on the right (in the same vault, if practicable,) as possible. I remain, respectfully, sir, your most obedient, humble servant. (Signed) JOHN HAWKER, Cidevant American vice-consul To GEN. ALLEN, &c. &c. &c. Providence, R. I. On the 21st of August, agreeably to previous arrangement, the remains of the departed Allen were interred at Plymouth. The following was the order of the funeral procession. PROCESSION. Guard of Honour. Lieutenant-colonel of royal marines, * Tablet, whereon will be recorded the name, rank, age and character of the deceased, and also of the midshipman, will be placed (if it can be contrived) as I have suggested; both having lost their lives in fighting for the honour of their country. |