_Extract of a letter from Matanzas, dated November 11, 1822._
“The gallant ALLEN is no more!—You witnessed the promptitude with which
he hastened to relieve the vessels which I informed him had been
captured off this port. He arrived just in time to save five sail of
vessels which he found in possession of a gang of pirates, 300 strong,
established in the Bay of Lejuapo, about 15 leagues east of this. He
fell, pierced by two musket balls, in the van of a division of boats,
attacking their principal vessel, a fine schooner of about eighty tons,
with a long eighteen pounder on a pivot, and four smaller guns, _with
the bloody flag nailed to the mast_. Himself, Capt. Freeman of Marines,
and twelve men, were in the boat, much in advance of his other boats,
and even took possession of the schooner, after a desperate resistance,
which nothing but a bravery almost too daring could have overcome. The
pirates, all but one, escaped by taking to their boats and jumping
overboard, before the Alligator’s boats reached them. Two other
schooners escaped by the use of their oars, the wind being light.
Capt. Allen survived about four hours, during which his conversation
evinced a composure and firmness of mind, and correctness of feeling, as
honourable to his character, and more consoling to his friends than even
the dauntless bravery he before exhibited.”
The Surgeon of the Alligator in a letter to a friend, says, “He
continued giving orders and conversing with Mr. Dale and the rest of us,
until a few minutes before his death, with a degree of cheerfulness that
was little to be expected from a man in his condition. He said he wished
his relatives and his country to know that he had fought well, and added
that he died in peace and good will towards all the world, and hoped for
his reward in the next.”
Lieut. Allen had but few equals in the service. He was ardently devoted
to the interest of his country, was brave, intelligent, and accomplished
in his profession. He displayed, living and dying, a magnanimity that
sheds lustre on his relatives, his friends, and his country.