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that route. I was aware that it was extremely strong, and, if well defended, nearly impracticable. Advancing with part of my army, I had the satisfaction to find that it was not disputed with us, and the only obstacle to our progress was occasioned by the destruction of the bridge over the Anjol river. I approached the river on the 6th, and observing during that evening a large fire in Batavia, I concluded it was the intention of the enemy to evacuate the city; and with this impression I directed the advance of the army under Colonel Gillespie, to pass the river in boats on the succeeding night. They lodged themselves in the suburbs of the city, and a temporary bridge was hastily constructed on the morning of the 8th, capable of supporting light artillery. On that day the burghers of Batavia applied for protection, and surrendered the city without opposition, the garrison having retreated to Weltevreede.

⚫ The possession of Batavia was of the utmost importance. Though large storehouses of public property were burnt by the enemy, previous to their retreat, and every effort made to destroy the remainder, we were fortunate in preserving some valuable granaries, and other stores. The city, though abandoned by the principal inhabitants, was filled with an industrious race of people, who could be particularly useful to the army. Provisions were in abundance, and an easy communication preserved with the fleet.

bayonet, completely routed their force, and took their guns. A strong column from their works advanced to their support; but, our line being arrived, they' were instantly pursued, and driven under shelter of their batteries.

In this affair, so creditable to Colonel Gillespie, and the corps of the advance, the grenadier company of the 78th, and the detachment of the 89th regiment, particularly distinguished themselves, by charging and capturing the enemy's artillery. Our loss was trifling compared with the enemy's, which may be estimated at 500 men, with Brigadier General Alberti, dangerously wounded.

Though we had hitherto been successful, beyond my most sanguine expectations, our further progress became extremely dif ficult, and somewhat doubtful.

The enemy, greatly superior în numbers, was strongly intrenched in a position between the great river Jacatra, and the Sloken, an artificial watercourse, neither of which were fordable. This position was shut up by a deep trench, strongly pallisaded. Seven redoubts, and many batteries, mounted with heavy cannon, occupied the most commanding grounds within the lines. The fort of Cornelis was in the centre, and the whole of the works was defended by a numerous and well organized artillery. The season was too far advanced, the heat too violent, and our numbers insufficient to admit of regular approaches. To carry the works by assault was the al

In the night of the 8th, a feeble at-ternative, and on that I decided. In aid tempt was made by the enemy to cut off a small guard I had sent for the security of the place, but the troops of the advance had, unknown to them, reinforced the party early in the evening, and the attack was repulsed.The advance under Colonel Gillespie occupied the city on the 9th.

Very early on the morning of the 10th, I directed Colonel Gillespie, with his corps, to move from Batavia, towards the enemy's cantonment at Weltevreede, supported by two brigades of infantry, that marched before break of day through the city, and followed his route. The cantonment was abandoned, but the enemy were in force a little beyond it, and about two miles in advance of their works at Cornelis. Their position was strong, and defended by an abbatis, occupied by 3000 of their best troops and four guns of horse artillery. Colonel Gillespie attacked it with spirit and judgment, and, after an obstinate registance, carried it at the point of the

of this measure, I directed some batteries to disable the principal redoubts, and for two days kept up a heavy fire from twenty 18-pounders and eight mortars and howitzers. Their execution was great, and had the pleasure to find, that, though answered at the commencement of each day, by a far more numerous artillery, we daily silenced their nearest batteries, considerably disturbed every part of their position, and were evidently superior in our fire.

At dawn of day on the 26th, the assault was made. The principal attack was entrusted to that gallant and experienced officer, Colonel Gillespie. He had the infantry of the advance, and the grenadiers of the line with him, and was supported by Colonel Gibbs, with the 59th regiment and the 4th battalion of Bengal volunteers. They were intended, if possible, to surprise the redoubt No. 3. constructed by, the enemy beyond the Sloken, to endea vour to cross the bridge over that stream

with the fugitives, and then to assault the redoubts within the lines, Colonel Gillespie attacking those to the left, and Colonel Gibbs to the right. Lieutenant-Colonel M'Leod, with six companies of the 69th, was directed to follow a path on the bank of the great river, and, when the attack had commenced on the Sloken, to endeavour to possess himself of the enemy's left redoubt No. 2. Major Yule, with the flank corps of the reserve, reinforced by two troops of cavalry, four guns of horse artillery, two companies of the 69th, and the grenadiers of the reserve, was directed to attack the corps at Campong Maylayo, on the west of the great river, and endeavour to cross the bridge at that post.

The remainder of the army, under Major-General Wetherall, was at the batteries, where a column, under Colonel Wood, consisting of the 78th regiment, and the 5th volunteer battalion, was directed to advance against the enemy in front, and at a favourable moment, when aided by the other attacks, to force his way, if practicable, and to open the position for the line.

The enemy was under arms, and prepared for the combat, and General Jansens, the Commander in Chief, was in the redoubt when it commenced.-Colonel Gillespie, after a long detour through a close and intricate country, came on their advance, routed it in an instant, and with a rapidity never surpassed, under a heavy fire of grape and musketry, possessed himself of the advanced redoubt No. 3.He passed the bridge with the fugitives, under as tremendous a fire, and assaulted and carried with the bayonet, the redoubt No. 4. after a most obstinate resistance.

Here the two divisions of the column separated. Colonel Gibbs turned to the right, and with the 59th in front, and part of the 78th, who had now forced their way in front, carried the redoubt No. 1. A tremendous explosion of the magazine of this work (whether accidental or designed is not ascertained) took place at the instant of its capture, and destroyed a number of gallant officers and men, who at the moment were on the ramparts, which the enemy had abandoned. The redoubt No. 2, against which Lieut. Col. M'Leod's attack was directed, was carried in as gallant a style; and I lament to state, that most valiant and experienced officer fell at the moment of victory. The front of the posion was now open, and the troops rushed from every quarter.

During the operations on the right, Co lonel Gillespie pursued his advantage on the left, carrying the enemy's redoubts towards the rear, and being joined by Lieutenant-Colonel M'Leod, of the 59th, with part of that corps, he directed him to attack the park of artillery, which that of ficer carried in a most masterly manner, putting to flight a body of the enemy's cavalry that formed, and attempted to defend it. A sharp fire of musketry was now kept up by a strong body of the enemy, who had taken post in the lines in front of Fort Cornelis; but were driven from them, the fort taken, and the enemy completely dispersed. They were pursued by Colonel Gillespie, with the 14th regiment, a party of sepoys, and the seamen from the batteries under Captain Sayer, of the royal navy. By this time the cavalry and horse artillery had effected a passage through the lines, the former commanded by Major Travers, and the latter by Captain Noble; and, with the gallant Colonel at their head, the pursuit was continued, till the whole of the enemy's army was killed, taken, or dispersed.

Major Yule's attack was equally spirited, but after routing the enemy's force at Campong Maylayo, and killing many of them, he found the bridge on fire, and was unable to penetrate further.

I have the honour to inclose a return of the loss sustained, from our landing on the 4th to the 26th inclusive. Sincerely I lament its extent, and the many valuable and able officers that have unfortunately fallen; but when the prepared state of the enemy, their numbers, and the strength of their positions are considered, I trust it will not be deemed heavier than might be expected. Their's has greatly exceeded it. In the action of the 26th, the numbers killed were immense, but it has been impossible to form any accurate statement of the amount.

About one thousand have been buried in the works, multitudes were cut down in the retreat, the rivers are choaked with dead, and the huts and woods were filled with the wounded, who have since expired. We have taken near 5000 prisoners, among whom are three general officers, 34 field officers, 70 captains, and 150 subaltern officers; General Jansens made his escape with difficulty, during the action, and reached Buitenzorg, a distance of 30 miles, with a few cavalry, the sole remains of an army of 10,000 men. This place he has since evacuated, and fled to

the

the eastward. A detachmens of our troops is in possession of it.

The superior discipline and invincible courage which have so highly distinguished the British army, were never more fully displayed, and I have the heartfelt pleasure to add, that they have not been clouded by any acts of insubordination.

I have the honour to inclose a copy of the orders I have directed to be issued, thanking the troops in general for their services, and particularising some of the officers, who, from their rank or situations, were more fortunate than their equally gallant companions, in opportunities of distinguishing themselves, and serving their Sovereign and their country. But I must not omit noticing to your Lordship the very particular merit of Colonel Gillespie, to whose assistance in planning the principal attack, and to whose gallantry, energy, and judgment in executing it, the success is greatly to be attributed.

To the general staff of the army, as well as my own staff, I feel myself particular. ly indebted. The professional knowledge, zeal, and activity of Colonel Eden, Quarter-Master-General, have been essentially useful to me; but I cannot express how much I have been benefited by the able assistance and laborious exertions of Colonel Agnew, the Adjutant-General, an officer whose active and meritorious services have frequently attracted the notice and received the thanks of the Government in India.

It is with particular pleasure I assure your Lordship, that I have received the most cordial support from the Honourable Rear-Admiral Stopford and Commodore Broughton, during the period of their commanding the squadron. The former was pleased to allow a body of 500 seamen, under that valuable officer, Captain Sayer, of the Leda, to assist at our batteries. Their services were particularly useful, and I have the satisfaction to assure you, that both the artillery and engineers were actuated by the same zeal, in performing their respective duties, that has been so conspicuous in all ranks and departments, though, from the deficiency of the means at their disposal, their operations were unavoidably embarrassed with uncommon difficulties.

I have the honour to be, &c.

S. AUCHMUTY, Lieut.-General.

LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED. Total killed-Europeans, 1 lieutenant

colonel, 3 captains, 9 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 2 staff serjeants, 6 serjeants, 91 rank and file. Natives-2 jemindars, 2 havildars, 23 rank and file.

Total wounded-Europeans, 3 licutenant-colonels, 2 majors, 14 captains, 36 lieutenants, 7 ensigns, 1 staff serjeant, 32 serjeants, 2 drummers, 513 rank and file. Natives-2 subildars or serangs, 4 jemindars, 9 havildars, 1 drummer, 107 rank

and file.

Total missing-13 rank and file. Total horses-14 killed, 21 wounded, 3 missing.

P. A. Agnew, Adj.-Gen.

[Next follows letters from Rear-Admiral Stopford, and Cominodore Broughton, detailing the particulars of the co-operation of the navy in the reduction of Batavia, and the attack upon Fort Cornelis.

A letter from Rear Admiral Stopford, dated Scipion, Batavia Roads, Sept. 4. states, that Commodore Broughton sailed that morning, with the Illustrious, Lion, Minden, and Leda, and was directed to rendezvous off Gressi, until joined by the transports conveying the sepors and ordnance stores, for the attack upon the enemy's remaining possessions upon the island of Java, at Gressi and Sourabaya. Lieut. Gen. Sir S. Auchmuty and Admiral Stopford proposed sailing the following day.

A letter from Captain Hoare, of his Majesty's ship Minden, gives an account of two contests between 200 soldiers,royal marines and seamen, landed from the Minden, and 500 of the enemy's chosea troops, near Bantam, on the coast of Java. in both of which the French were entirely defeated, with great loss. The Loss of the detachment from the Minden was 2 killed and 23 wounded.

A letter from Lieut. Edmund Lyons, of the Minden, gives an account of his hav ing, with only 34 seamen, in the launch and cutter, stormed the Dutch fort of Marrack, on the coast of Java, moimting 54 guns, and garrisoned at the time by 180 soldiers, and the crews of two boats, disabling the guns in their possession, and every other part of the battery which it was practicable to destroy, which was completed by dawn of day, when it was judged prudent to embark. On reaching the boats, the launch was bilged, and heat up so high with the surf, as to leave no prospect of getting her afloat, all the mea therefore embarked in the cutter. The sun was now rising, and Licut. Lyons

add •

adds, "the momentary gratification the enemy might have felt, by our leaving the launch, must have vanished, when they beheld a small boat bearing away their colours, a public and undeniable testimony of the few men that attacked them, which amounted to 35, including officers." The Lieutenant particularly notices the gallantry of Mr W. Langton, midshipman, who received a slight wound from a bayonet; and Mr C. H. Franks, midshipman, a young man of only fifteen years of age, who volunteered to hoist the British flag, a service he performed most gallantly, under a heavy fire.-Four 'men were slightly wounded.]

UNITED STATES.

PEAKE AND THE LEOPARD.

that which occurred in the month of last May, between the United States ship President and his Majesty's ship Little Belt, when every evidence before his Majesty's Government seemed to show that a most evident and wanton outrage had been › committed on a British sloop of war by an American Commodore.

A Court of Inquiry, however, as you informed me in your letter of the 11th inst. has since been held, by order of the President of the United States, on the conduct of Commodore Rodgers, and this preliminary to further discussion on the subject being all that I asked in the first instance, as due to the friendship hetween the two States, I have now the honour to acquaint you, that I am ready to proceed, in the truest spirit of concilia

ADJUSTMENT OF THE AFFAIR OF THE CHESA- tion, to lay before you the terms of reparation which his Royal Highness has commanded me to propose to the United States Government, and only wait to know when it will suit your convenience to enter upon the discussion.

New York, Nov. 16. MESSAGE TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES.

I communicate to Congress copies of a correspondence between the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain and the Secretary of State, relative to the aggression committed by a British ship of war on the United States frigate Chesapeake, by which it will be seen, that that subject of difference between the two countries is terminated by an offer of reparation, which has been acceded to. JAMES MADISON.

Washington, Nov. 13, 1811.

A

MR FOSTER TO MR MONROE.

Washington, Oct. 30. SIR-I had already the honour to mention to you, that I came to this country furnished with instructions from his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, for the purpose of proceeding to a final adjustment of the differences which have arisen between Great Britain and the United States of America, in the affair of the Chesapeake frigate, and I had also that of acquainting you with the necessity under which I found myself of suspending the execution of those instructions, in consequence of my not having perceived that any steps whatever were taken by the American Government to clear up the circumstances of an event which threatened so materially to interrupt the harmony subsisting between our two countries, as

AUG. J. FOSTER.

The Hon. James Monroe, S. S.

SIR,

MR MONROE TO MR FOSTER.

Department of State,"
Oct. 31, 1811.

I have just had the honour to receive your letter of the 30th of this month.

I am glad to find that the communica tion which I had the honour to make to you on the 11th inst. relative to the Court of Inquiry, which was the subject of it, is viewed by you in the favourable light which you have stated.

Although I regret that the proposition which you now make, in consequence of that communication, has been delayed to the present moment, I am ready to receive the terms of it whenever you may think proper to communicate them. Permit me to add, that the pleasure of finding them satisfactory will be duly aug mented, if they should be introductory to a removal of all the differences depending between our two countries, the hope of which is so little encouraged by your past correspondence. A prospect of such a result will be embraced, on my part, with a spirit of conciliation, equal to that which has been expressed by you.

A. J. Foster, Esq.

JAMES MONroe.

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sta FOSTER TO MR MONROE.

Washington, Nov. 1.1811. Sin-In pursuance of the orders which I have received from his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, for the purpose of proceeding to a final adjustment of the differences which have arisen between Great Britain and the United States, in the affair of the Chesapeake frigate, I have the honour to acquaint you-First, that I am instructed to repeat to the American Go vernment the prompt disavowal made by his Majesty (and recited in Mr Erskine's note of April 17,1809, to Mr Smith) on being apprised of the unauthorised act of the of ficer in command of his naval forces on the coast of America, whose recal from an highly important and honourable command immediately ensued as a mark of his Majesty's disapprobation.

Secondly, That I am authorised to offer, in addition to that disavowal, on the part of his Royal Highness, the immediate restoration, as far as circumstances will admit, of the men who, in consequence of Admiral Berkeley's orders, were forcibly taken out of the Chesapeake, to the vessel from which they were taken; or, if that ship should be no longer in commission, to such sea-port of the United States as the American Government may name for the

purpose.

Thirdly, That I am also authorised to offer to the American Government a suitable pecuniary provision for the sufferers, in consequence of the attack on the Chesapeake, including the families of those seamen who unfortunately fell in the action, and of the wounded survivors.

These honourable propositions, I can' assure you, Sir, are made with the sincere desire that they may prove satisfactory to the United States, and I trust they will meet with the amicable reception which their conciliatory nature entitles them to. I need scarcely add how cordially I join with you in the wish that they might prove introductory to a removal of all the dif ferences depending between our two counAUG. J. FOSTER.

tries.

To the Hon. James Monroe, &c.

MR MONROE TO MR FOSTER.

Washington, Nov. 12. 1811. Sin-I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 1st November, and to lay it before the President.

It is much to be regretted that the repaJanuary 1812.

ration due for such an aggression as that committed on the United States frigate the Chesapeake, should have been so long de layed; nor could the translation of the of fending officer, from one command to another, be regarded as constituting a part of a reparation otherwise satisfactory; considering, however, the existing circumstances of the case, and the early and amicable attention paid to it by his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, the President accedes to the proposition contained in your letters, and, in so doing, your Go vernment will, I am persuaded, see a proof of the conciliatory disposition by which the President has been actuated.

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The officer commanding the Chesapeake, now lying in the harbour of Boston, will be instructed to receive the men who are to be restored to that ship. I have the honour, &c. JAMES MONROE.

Aug. J. Foster, Esq. &c.

FURTHER DOCUMENTS ACCOMPANYING THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

ORDERS IN COUNCIL.

Mr Foster, in his letters of the 3d, 11th, 14th, and 16th July 1810, and Mr Monroe, the American Minister, insists, that the Berlin and Milan decrees had not been effectually repealed, and that the Regent could not therefore forego the just measure of retaliation, which his Majesty, in his defence, had found it necessary to have re

course to.

Mr Monroe, in reply to Mr Foster, dated 23d July, considers that his Govern ment was bound to respect the solemn de claration of the French Government, Aug. 5, 1810, that the decrees were repealed; argues that they are repealed from the release of the New Orleans packet, the Grace, Anne, and other vessels.

Mr Foster, in a letter of the 24th July, asks, whether it is the determination of the President to rest satisfied with the partial repeal of the Berlin and Milan decrees, which Mr Monroe believes to have taken place. To this no reply seems to have been given. In a letter from Mr Foster, dated 26th July, he shews that Mr Monroe had not, in his letter of the 23d of July, adduced any satisfactory proof of the repeal of the obnoxious decrees of France, and he urges afresh the injustice of the American Government in persevering in their union with the French system to crush the commerce of Great Britain.

In a reply to this letter by Mr Monroe,

on

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