M. gave the painful order to strike the colors. Seventy-five men, including officers, were all that remained of my whole crew, after the action, capable of doing duty, and many of them severely wounded, some of whom have since died. The enemy still continued his fire, and my brave, though unfortunate companions, were still falling about me. I directed an opposite gun to be fired, to show them we intended no farther resistance;- but they did not desist; four men were killed at my side, and others at different parts of the ship. I now believed he intended to show us no quarter, and that it would be as well to die with my flag flying as struck, and was on the point of again hoisting it, when about 10 minutes after hauling the colors down he ceased firing.
I cannot >speak in sufficiently high terms of the conduct of those engaged for such an unparalleled length of time (under such circumstances) with me in the arduous and unequal contest. Let it suffice to say, that more bravery, skill, patriotism and zeal, were never displayed on any occasion. Every one seemed determined to die in defence of their much loved country's cause, and nothing but views of humanity could ever have reconciled them to the surrender of the ship; they remembered their wounded and helpless shipmates below. To acting Lieutenants M'Knight and Odenheimer, I. feel much indebted for their great exertions and bravery throughout the action, in fighting and encouraging the men at their divisions, for the dexterous management of the long guns, and for their promptness in re-manning their guns as their crews were slaughtered.
The conduct of that brave and heroic officer, acting Lieutenant John G. Cowell, who lost his leg in the latter part of the action, excited the admiration of every man in the ship, and after being wounded, would not consent to be taken below, until loss of blood rendered him insensible. Mr. Edmund Barnwell, acting sailing-master, whose activitv and courage were equally conspicuous, returned on deck after receiving his first wound, and remained after receiving his second, until fainting with loss of blood. Mr. Samuel B. Johnston, who had joined me the day before, and acted as marine officer, conducted himself with great bravery, and exerted himself in assisting at the long guns; the musketry after the first half hour being useless from our long distance.
Mr. M. "VV. Bostwick, whom I had appointed acting purser of the Essex-Junior, and who was on board my ship, did the duties of aid in a manner which reflects on him the highest honor: and Midshipmen Isaacs, Farrugut, and Ogden, as well as Acting Midshipmen James Terry, James B. Lyman and Samuel Duzenbury, and Master's Mate William Pierce, exerted themselves in the performance of their respective duties; and gave an earnest of their value to the service; the three first are too young to recommend for promotion; the latter I beg leave to recommend for confirmation, as well as the acting lieutenants and Messrs. Barnwell, Johnston and Bostwick. We have been unfortunate, but not disgraced — the defence of the Essex has not been less honorable to her officers and her crew, than the capture of an equal force; and I now consider my situation less unpleasant, than that of Com.
Hill jar, who, in violation of every principle of honor and generosity, and regardless of the rights of nations, attacked the Essex in her crippled state, within pistol shot of a neutral shore, when for six weeks I had daily offered him fair and honorable combat, on terms greatly to his advantage. The blood of the slain must rest on his head; and he has yet to reconcile his conduct to heaven, to his conscience, and to the world. The annexed extracts of a letter frem Com. Hillyar, which was written previous to his returning me my sword, will show his opinion of our conduct. My loss has been dreadfully severe, 58 killed, or have since died of their wounds, and among them Lieut.
Cowell; 39 were severely wounded, 27 slightly, and 31 are missing; making in all 155 killed, wounded, and missing, a list of whose names is annexed. The professional knowledge of Dr. Eichard Hoffman, acting surgeon, and Dr. Alexander Montgomery, acting surgeon's mate, added to their assiduity and the benevolent attentions and assistance of Mr. D. P. Adams, the chaplain, saved the lives of many of the wounded; those gentlemen have been indefatigable in their attentions to them; the two first I beg leave to recommend for confirmation, and the latter to the notice of the department. I must, in justification of myself, observe, that with our six 12 pounders only, we fought this action — our carronades being almost useless.