October 30, 1812.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, on the 25th instant,
being in the latitude 29° north, longitude 29° 30' west, we
fell in with, and, after an action of one hour and a half,
captured His Britannic Majesty's ship Macedonian, commanded by
Captain John Carden, and mounting forty-nine carriage guns,
(the odd gun shifting.) She is a frigate of the largest class,
two years old, four months out of the dock, and reputed one
of the best sailers in the British service. The enemy being to
windward, had the advantage of engaging us at his own distance;
which was so great that, for the first half hour, we did not
use our carronades, and at no moment was he within the complete
effect of our musketry or grape. To this circumstance, and a
heavy swell which was on at the time, I ascribe the unusual
length of the action.
The enthusiasm of every officer, seaman, and marine, on board
this ship, on discovering the enemy, their steady conduct
in battle, and the precision of their fire, could not be
surpassed. Where all have met my fullest expectations it
would be unjust in me to discriminate. Permit me, however,
to recommend to your particular notice my first lieutenant,
William H. Allen; he has served with me upwards of five years,
and to his unremitted exertions in disciplining the crew is to
be imputed the obvious superiority of our gunnery exhibited in
the result of this contest.
Subjoined is a list of the killed and wounded on both sides.
Our loss, compared with that of the enemy, will appear small.
Among our wounded you will observe the name of Lieutenant Funk,
who died a few hours after the action; he was an officer of
great gallantry and promise, and the service sustained a severe
loss in his death.
The Macedonian lost her mizzenmast, fore and main-topmasts, and
main-yard, and was much cut up in her hull.
The damage sustained by this ship was not such as to render her
return into port necessary; and had I not deemed it important
that we should see our prize in, should have continued our
cruise.
With the highest consideration and respect, I am, sir, your
obedient humble servant.