Printed and published by H. NILES, Water-street, near the Merchants' Coffee-House, at $5 per añacM. President and Little Belt. short speaking distance. This, however the com mander of the chase appeared, from his manœu. [The affair (every thing is an "affair" now a days) vres, to be anxious to prevent, as he wore and of the President and Little Belt, appearing to as hauled by the wind on different tacks four times sume great importance in England, we have successively, between this period and the time of thought proper to record the official papers rela. lour arriving at the position, which I had ordered to tive to it; so that, at once, our readers may see the taken. At fifteen or twenty minutes past eight, the whole nature of the contention, giving cre- being a little forward of her weather beam and disdit where credit shall appear to be due.] tant from seventy to a hundred yards, hailed "what Copy of a letter from commodore RODGERS to the ship is that?" to this enquiry no answer was given, secretary of the navy. but 1 was hailed by her commander, and asked "what ship is that?" Having asked the first question, U. S. FRIGATE PRESIDENT, Off Sandy Hook, May 23, 1811., of course considered myself entitled, by the comSir-I regret extremely being under the necessi mon rules of politeness, to the first answer; after a ty of representing to you an event that occurred on pause of fifteen or twenty seconds, I reiterated my the night of the 16th inst. between the ship under first enquiry of "what ship is that?" and before I my command and his Britannic majesty's ship of had time to take the trumpet from my mouth, was war the Little Belt, commanded by captain Binganswered by a shot, that cut off one of our main ham: the result of which has given me much pain, instant captain Caldwell (of marines) who was stand. top backstays and went into our mainmast-at this as well on account of the injury she sustained, as that I should have been compelled to the measure ing very near me on the gangway, having observed that produced it, by a vessel of her inferior force." sir, she has fired at us," caused me to pause for The circumstances are as follow: On the 16th inst. a moment, just as I was in the act ef giving an or der to fire a shot in return; and before I had time at twenty five minutes past meridian, in seventeen fathom water, Cape Henry bearing S. W. distant to resume the repetition of the intended order, a fourteen or fifteen leagues, a sail was discovered shot was actually fired from the second division of from our mast head in the east, standing towards us this ship, and was scarcely out of the gun before it was answered from our assumed enemy by bree under a press of sail. At half past one the sym-others in quick succession, and soon after the rest metry of her upper sails which were at this time dis tinguishable from our deck) and her making signals shot was fired, being under an impression that it of his broadside and musquetry. When the first shewed her to be a man of war. At forty five minutes past one P. M. hoisted our ensign and pen-without the orders of the commander, 1 had determight possibly have proceeded from accident, and dant: when finding her signals not answered, she mined at the moment to fire only a single shot in wore and stood to the southward. Being desirous return, but the immediate repetition of the previous of speaking her, and of ascertaining what she was, I now made sail in chase; and by half past three unprovoked outrage induced me to believe that the P. M. found we were coming up with her; as, by insult was premeditated, and that from our adversathis time, the upper part of her stern began to shew ry being, at that time as ignorant of our real force itself above the horizon. The wind now began, opportunity of acquiring promotion, although at as I was of his, he thought this, perhaps a favorable and continued gradually to decrease, so as to pre the expence of violating our neutrality, and insultvent my being able to approach her sufficiently be fore sun-set, to discover her actual force, (which the ing our flag; I accordingly with that degree of repug position she preserved during the chase was calcu nance incident to feeling equally determined neither lated to conceal) or to judge even to what nation to be the aggressor, or suffer the flag of my country she belonged; as she appeared studiously to decline to be insulted with impunity, gave a general order shewing her colors. At fifteen or twenty minutes to fire; the effect of which in from four to six mipast seven P. M. the chase took in her studding sails, nutes, as near as I can judge, having produced a and soon after hauled up her courses, and hauled partial silence of his guns, I gave orders to cease by the wind on the starboard tack; she at the same firing, discovering by the feeble opposition that it time hoisted an ensign or flig at her mizen peak, but must be a ship of very inferior force to what I had it was too dark for me to discover what nation it re- supposed, or that some untoward accident had hap presented; now for the first time her broadside was pened to her. presented to our view; but night had so far pro- My orders in this instance however (although they gressed, that although her appearance indicated she proceeded alone from motives of humanity and a was a frigate, I was unable to determine her actual determination not to spill a drop of blood unneces force. sarily) I had in less than four minutes, some rea At fifteen minutes before eight P. M. being about son to regret, as he renewed his fire, of which two a mile and half from her, the wind at the time very 32 pound shot cut off one of our fore shrouds and light, I directed captain Ludlow to take a position injured our fore mast. It was now that I found to windward of her and on the same tack, within myself under the painful necessity of giving orders E The injury sustained by the ship under my command, is very trifling, except to the fore and mainmasts, which I before mentioned; no person killed, and but one (a boy) wounded. for a repetition of our fire against a force which my,ed with personal considerations, solicit that you will forbearance alone had enabled to do us any injury of be pleased to request the president to authorise a moment; our fire was accordingly renewed and formal enquiry to be instituted into all the circumcontinued from three to five minutes longer, when, stances, as well as into every part of my conduct perceiving our opponent's gaff and colors down, connected with the same. his maintop-sail yard upon the cap, and his fire si lenced, although it was so dark that I could not dis cern any other particular injury we had done,or how far he was in a situation to do us further harm, nevertheless embraced the earliest moment to stop For further particulars, I refer you to captain our fire and prevent the further effusion of blood Caldwell, who is charged with the delivery of this Here a pause of half a minute or more took place, communication. I have the honor to be, with great at the end of which our adversary not shewing a respect, sir, your obedient servant, further disposition to fire, I hailed again, and asked JOHN RODGERS. [Signed "what ship is that ?" I learned, for the first time, that it was a ship of his Britannic majesty; but ow. ing to its blowing rather fresher than it had done, I wis unable to learn her name.. Honorable PAUL HAMILTON, (LONDON) Admiralty Office, July 16. Copy of a letter from rear admiral Sawyer, commander in chief of his majesty's ships and vessels on the coast of North America, to John Wilson Crocker, esq. dated on board the Africa, at Bermuda, the 11th of June, 1811. After having informed her commander of the name of this ship, I gave orders to wear, run under his lee and haul by the wind on the starboard tack, and heave too under topsails and repair what little injury we had sustained in our rigging; which was accordingly executed, and we continued lying too SIR,-Enclosed I transmit to you, for the inforon different tacks with a number of lights displayed, mation of the lords commissioners of the admiralty, in order that our adversary might the better discern a copy of a letter from capt. Arthur Batt Bingham, our position and command our assistance, in case commander of his majesty's sloop Little Belt, rehe found it necessary during the night. At day-ceived this day from lord James Townsend, captain break on the 17th she was discovered several miles of his majesty's ship Eulus, and senior oflicer at to leeward, when I gave orders to bear up and run Halifax; by which their lordships will perceive he down to him under easy sail; after hailing him I sent a boat on board with lieutenant Creighton, to learn the names of the ship and her commander, with di rections to ascertain the damages she had sustained, and to inform her commander how much I regret ted the necessity on my part which had led to such an unhappy result; at the same time to offer all the from him. assistance that the ship under my command afford- Captain Bingham's modest, but full and clear ed, in repairing the damage his had sustained. At statement, renders any comment from me unne9 A. M. lieutenant Creighton returned with inforcessary, and I have only to admire the extraordinary mation, that it was his Britannic majesty's ship bravery and firmness with which himself, his offiLittle Belt, captain Bingham; who in a polite man ner declined the acceptance of any assistance; say ing at the same time, that he had on board all the necessary requisites to repair the damages sufficient ly to enable him to return to Halifax. This, however, was not the most unpleasant part of captain Bingham's communication to lieutenant Creighton, as he informed him, that, in addition to the injury his ship had sustained, between 20 and 30 of his crew had been killed and wounded. was attacked on the evening of the 16th of May last, when cruizing between Cape Henry and Cape Hatteras, by the United States frigate the President of forty four guns, commanded by commodore Rodgers; and that after a close action of three quarters of an hour the American ship made sail cers, and ship's company, supported the honor of H. SAWYER, Rear Admiral. 55, N. long. 71, 49, W. Cape Charles, bearing II. 48 miles. The regret that this information caused me was such, you may be sure, as a man might expect to His majesty's sloop Little Belt. May 21, 1811, lat. 36, feel, whose greatest pride is to prove, without ostentation, by every public as well as private act, that he possesses a humane and generous heart; and SIR-I beg leave to acquaint you, that in pursuwith these piments, believe me, sir, that such a ance of your orders to join H. M. ship Guerriere, communication would cause me the most acute and being on my return from the Northward, not pain during the remainder of my life, had I not the having fallen in with her that about 11 A. M. May consolation to know, there was no alternative left me 16th, saw a strange sail, to which I immediately between such a sacrifice, and one which would have gave chase. At 1 P. M. discovered her to be a man been stil! greater, namely, to have remained a ol war, apparently a frigate, standing to the eastward passive spectator of insult to the flag of my coun who when he made us but edged away for us, and try, while it was confided to my protection-and set his royals. Made the signal 275, and finding it I would have you to be convinced, sir, that how not answered, concluded she was an American ever much individually I may previously have had frigate, as she had a commodore's blue pendant reason to feel incensed at the repeated outrages Aing at the main. Hoisted the colors and made all committed on our flag by British ships of war, nei sail south, the course I intended steering round ther my passions nor prejudices had any agency in Cape Hatteras; the stranger edging away, but At 3. 30, he made sail not making any more sail. To my country I am well convinced of the impor in chase, when I made a private signal, which was tance of the transaction, which has imposed upon me not answered. At 6, 30, finding he gained the necessity of making you this communication; Isiderably on us as not to be able to elude him must, therefore, from motives of delicacy, connect during the night, being within gun shot, and clear ly this affair. so con discerning the stars in his broad pendant, I imagined officer, and afforded me very great assistance in the most prudent method was to bring too, and stopping the leaks, himself, in the gale, securing hoist the colours, that no mistake might arise, and the masts, and doing every thing in his power. It that he might see what we were. The ship was would be the greatest injustice was I not also to therfore brought too, her colours hoisted, her guns speak most highly of lieut. Lovell, second lieut. of double shouted, and every preparation made in case Mr. M.Queen, master, who as I have before stated, of a surprise. By his manner of steering down, he was wounded in the right arm, in nearly the middle evidently wished to lay his ship in a position for of the action, and Mr. Wilson, master's mate; inraking, which I frustrated by wearing three times. deed the conduct of every officer and man was so About 8, 15, he came within hail-I hailed, and good that it is impossible for me to discriminate. asked what ship it was? He again repeated my I beg leave to enclose a list of 32 men killed and words, and fired a broad-side, which I instantly wounded; most of them, mortally, I fear. returned. The action then became general, and I hope, sir, in this affair, I shall appear to have continued so for three quarters of an hour, when he done my duty, and conducted myself as I ought to ceared firing, and appeared to be on fire about the have done against so superior a force, and that the main hatch-way. He then filled-I was obliged to honor of the British colors was well supported. desist from firing, as, the ship falling off, no gun I have the honor to be, &c. would bear, and had no after sail to keep her too. All the rigging and sails cut to pieces; not a brace To Herbert Sawyer, Esq. nor a bowline left. He hailed and asked what ship! this was; I told him-He then asked me if I had struck my entors? My answer, No, and asked what| ship it was? As plain as I could understand (he hav ing shot some distance at this time) he answeredthe United States frigate. He fired no more guns, but stood from us, giving no reason for his most extraordinary conduct. A. B. BINGHAM, Capt. Rear Admiral of the Red. Return of officers, petty officers, seamen and marines, killed and wounded on board his majesty's sloop Little Belt, Arthur Butt Bingham, esq. commander, in an action with the American frigate President, on the 16th of May, 1811. KILLED. Mr. Samuel Woodward, midshipman; Christ. Bennet, captain of the fore-top; Jacob Greaves, carpenter's crew; Thomas Shippard, gunner's mate; George Wilson, able seaman; Robert Liversage, able seaman; James Gray, ordinary seaman; Robert Howard, ordinary seaman ; John Pardee, private mariner. At day light in the morning saw a ship to wind ward, when having made out well what we were, bore up and passed within hail, fully prepared for action. About 8 o'clock he hailed, and said if 1 pleased he would send a boat on board: I replied in the affirmative, and a boat accordingly came with an officer, and a message from commodore Rodgers WOUNDED.-Daniel Kilham, landman, dangeof the President, of the United States, to say that rously, died ten hours after the action; Richard he lamented much the unfortunate affair (as he Coody, ordinary seaman, died twenty hours after termed it, that had happened, and that had he the action; John Randall, able seaman, dangerousknown our force was so much inferior he would not ly; Nicholas Manager, gunner's crew, do; James have fired at me. I asked his motives for firing at M Queen, acting master, severely; Janies Dunn, ali? His reply was, that "we fired the first gun at 2nd captain of the maintop, do; James Lawrence, him," which was positively not the case. I cautioned able seaman, do; John Richards, able seaman, both the officers and men, to be particularly care do; Thomas Ives, able seaman, do; Michael ful, and not suffer more than one man to be at a Skinners, landman, do; William Fern, boy, do; gun. Nor is it probable that a sloop of war within David Dawd, marine, do; William Harrold, mapisto! shot of a large 44 gun frigate should commence rine, do; Mr. James Franklin, boatswain, slighthostilities. He offered me every assistance I stood ly; Mr. Benjamin Angle, carpenter, do; Peter in need of, and submitted to me that I had better M Caskell, captain of the mast, do; William Wes. put into some port of the United States; which Iton, boy, do; Edward Graham, able seaman, do ; immediately declined. George Delany, able seaman, do; George Roberts, By the manner in which he apologised it appeared boy, do; George Shoard, marine, do; Daniel evident to me that had he fallen in with a British Long, marine, do. frigate, he would certainly have brought her to action. And what further confirms me in that opinion: is, that his guns were not only loaded with round and grape shot, but with every scrap of iron that could be collected. I have to lament the loss of 32 men killed and wounded, among whom is the master. His majesty's ship is much damaged in her masts. sails, rigging and holl, and as there are many shot through between wind and water, and many shot! still remain inside, and upper works all shot away, stirboard pump also, I have thought proper to pro ceed to Halifax, which will I hope meet with your approbation. (Signed) A. B. BINGHAM, Captain. By Herbert Sawyer, Esq. rear admiral of the red, You are hereby required and directed to put to sea in his majesty's sloop under your command, and proceed without loss of time off Charleston I cannot speak in too high terms of the officers where you may expect to meet captain Pechell, in and men I have the honor to command, for their the Guerriere, to whom you will deliver the packet steady and active conduct throughout the whole of you herewith receive; and follow his orders for this business, who had much to do, as a gale of your farther proceedings. Should you not meet wind came on the second night after the action. the Guerriere, off Charleston, you will stand for have to request, sir, that you will be pleased to re the northward, and use your utmost endeavors to commend to the notice of my lords commissioners join him off the Capes of Virginia, or off Newof the admiralty, my first lieutenant, Mr. John York; and in the event of not meeting the GuerMolenly, who is, in every respect, a most excellent!riere, you will cruise as long as your provisions and water will last, and then repair to Halifax tor farther, commodore Rodgers sent a friendly message expres orders. You are to pay die regard to protecting sing regret for the occurrence, and offers of assistthe trade of his majesty's subjects, and the capture ance. Captain Bingham said he took the President or destruction of the ships of the enemy. You are for a Frenchman. President was not on fire, and to be particularly careful not to give any just cause did not sheer off; nothing but round and grape shot of offence to the government or subjects of the was fired, or on deck; another broadside would United States of America, and to give very par-probably have sunk the Belt.-Commodore's stateticular orders to this effect to the officers you may ment confirmed. have occasion to send on board ships under the Henry Caldwell, commandant of marines-Heard American flag. You are not to anchor in any of the hailing; was looking at the Little Belt, and saw the American ports, but in case of absolute necessithe first shot proceed from her; on which commoty, and then put to sea again as soon as possible. dore Rodgers said "what is that?" and he answerGiven under my hand at Bermuda, this 19th of ed, "she has fired into us." Orders were then givApril, 181. HERBERT SAWYER. To Arthur Batt Bingham, Esq. commander of his majesty's sloop Little Belt. By command of the rear admiral, H. N. SOMERVILLE. NEW YORK, September 13. en to fire. Belt silenced in five minutes. Commodore Rodgers was anxious to stop his fire, and did 80. The Belt renewed the action, and in six or seven minutes was silenced again, when commodore Rodgers was anxious to prevent mischief, and stopt his fire. No fire or sheeting off. Commodore's account confirmed. Court of Engary.--The court of enquiry on the Raymond H. Y. Perry, junior, lieutenant and sigconduct of commodore Rodgers, in the action benal officer-Was on the quarter deck, near comtween the President and Little Belt, closed the tes-modore Rodgers' elbow. The commodore hailed, timony in the case on Thursday. The court, as heretofore stated, consisted of com modore Stephen Decatur, president.-capt. Charles Stewart, capt. Isaac Chauncey-and the honorable William Paulding, jun. esq. judge advocate. Of the evidence turnished to this court on the paths of the several witnesses, we present the fo lowing brief outline, in the order it was adduced and leave the public in a case where doubt is impos sible, and conviction irresistable, to make its own comments.-Columbian. The first witness examined was CHARLES LUDLOW, Master commandant and acting captain of the got no reply-hailed a second time, and got none. He was on board the ship at the time of the ac tion with the Little Belt, on the night of the 16th of May last. The Little Belt had her top-sail aback; from his position he was uncertain who fired the Andrew L. B. Madison, lieutenant of marinesfirst gun; but the second was from the President, Was on the gangway. Heard the commodore hail and was instantly followed by three cannon and first, then wait 15 or 18 seconds, time enough for musketry from the Little Belt. reply, but got none, and hailed again; when the Com. Rodgers ordered to file low and with round Little Belt fired a gun from her gangway. Saw the and grape shot. After a short pause the Belt reflash and heard the report; no gun or provocation commenced firing as did the President-The Belt had been offered by commodore Rodgers. In six soon appeared ungovernable, and lay bow on to seconds a gun was fired from the President, when wards the President, when com R. observed that instantly the Belt fired three guns, and then her some accident must have happened to her, and broadside and musketry. Belt silenced in six or cea ed firing. Hier gaff was down and her main seven minutes. Firing stopped in the President. In top sail yard on the cap, and mizen too, he thinks. two or three minutes the Belt renewed the action, The action continued 14 or 15 minutes, including and in four or five minutes was again silenced, when the interval. There was nothing but round and commodore Rodgers ordered his fire to cease, and grape shot fired, or on deck on board the President. appeared anxious to prevent damage. No fire or The ship was not on fire, in any part of her, and sheering off of the President. Commodore's redid not sheer off after the action. Another broad port confirmed. side would probably have sunk the Little Belt. Did not know or believe that any part of the commodore's official letter was untrue or incorrect. Captain Caldwell confirmed the account of the first and second guns, and broadside, as given by the other witnesses. John Orde Creighton, first lieutenant. Jacob Mull, sailing master – Was on the quarterWas stationed at the 4th division of guns on the up deck. Commodore Rodgers hailed and got no answer per deck. Com. Rodgers, hailed first, then a second but "halloo." After sufficient time, hailed again, time, when a shot was fired, as he believes, from and got no reply but a shot, without provocation. the Little Belt, no gun having been fired or provo In three or four seconds returned the shot, and got cation given, on board the President. The order a general fire from the Little Belt. Thought the of com. R was, to keep the guns upon half cock, Belt a heavy frigate until next day. Action conand guard against accidents. After receiving the tinued fourteen or fifteen minutes, including three Lytle Belt's broad side, was ordered to fire. The or four minutes interval. Little Belt could not have Belt was silenced in five minutes, and the President fired again, but President could have sunk her.eeased. The Belt renewed the fire, and commo Commodore's official account is true. dore Rodgers returned it, and silenced her again in Leutenant Creighton thought the Little Belt a fri five minutes. Boarding the Belt the next morning, gate (excepting her feeble defence) until next day Captain Bingham told him the President's colors, modore's orders as before stated. Belt was in a were not hoisted, but recollected the pendant. It is favorable position for firing, but another broadside the usage as before stated by another witness, for would probably have sunk the Belt. Saw no colors the President to be prepared for action on coming on the Belt, and took her for a frigate of 36 or 38 along side of any armed vessel. Thought the Little guns. No fire on board, or sheering off by the Belt displayed bad management or want of conduct President. Commodore Rodgers' account confirm in ber defence. ed. Joseph Smith, Midshipman, acting as Master's Alexander James Dallas, third Lieutenant-Commake-Commanding fourth division of guns. Fleard manded third division of guns. Heard first hail, Commodore Rodgers hail, and no eply for five and second, and question repeated back from Little seconds. Heard second hail, and was looking at Belt; then third hail and gun. Was looking at the the Little Belt when the first gun was fired by her, Belt when she fired, when no gun or provocation before a shot or any provocation was given by the had been given from the President. Was in the briPresident. Then Commodore Rodgers fired a gun, dle port, when the Belt fired, and after the shot was then the Belt three, and action continued. Thought received got into the port and fired a gun in return, the Belt a frigate. The duration of the action, from general orders, without particular direction. and orders to cease, as before stated. The last A broadside from the Belt immediately succeeded. order to stop firing was received by three differ- None but round and grape shot used in his division ent officers. Commodore Rodgers' statement con--and no fire or sheering off. A broadside more firmed. would probably have sunk the Belt. Commodore Rodgers was very anxious to stop the firing. The Commodore's statement confirmed. Henry Dennison, acting Chaplain-Was on the quarter deck. Little Belt was 70 or 80 yards distant. Heard Commodore Rodgers hail, and the John M. Funck, 4th Lieutenant-Com. third divireply, and the second hail-then a gun, he thinks sion, gun deck. Heard hail, reply, second hail and from the Belt, as he felt no jar in the President-gun from Belt, as before. Heard no gun or pro and no gun or provocation had been given by Com-vocation from President, and certainly was none modore Rodgers. Account of Commodore Rod from his division. Gun from Belt returned from gers confirmed. President in five or six seconds, and broadside from Belt ensued. Orders of Commodore Rodgers as before. Round and grape only fired. No fire or sheering off. Another broadside would have sunk the Belt. Commodore Rodgers exerted himself to stop the firing. Commodore's official account confirmed. Michael Roberts, Boatswain-Was on the fore cas tle-saw the flash and heard the gun from the Little Belt, before any provocation had been given from the President. Had not seen the Commodore's account. Richard Carson, Midshipman-Was on the fore castle and gangways. Commodore Rodgers hailed, and was answered by repeating his words; second hail was answered by a shot. Was looking at the Little Belt, and saw and heard the gun before any provocation from Commodore R.-gun from the President was followed by the Belt's broadside, as stated by others. Commodore's account confirmed. Matthew Perry, Midshipman-Was on the quar ter. Heard hail, reply, second hail and gun from the Belt, before any gun or provocation from Pre sident, followed by fire from Little Belt. Statement of Commodore Rodgers confirmed. Silas Duncan, Midshipman-Was in the foretop. Heard Commodore R. hail, reply, and second hail; then two guns in quick succession, and believes the first from the Belt, but could not swear, as he was behind the foretop-sail. Commodore's statement confirmed. John McClack, Midshipman-Was in the mizen top. Heard first hail, no reply, and second hail as stated. Thought the Belt fired first, as he felt no jar at first shot, but did at second. Confirms Com modore R's report. Peter Gamble, Midshipman-Was on gun deck, at second division. Heard first shot from Little Belt, and felt no jar on board the President. No gun or provocation from Commodore Rodgers.Confirms the official account. Edward Babbet, Midshipman-Was on gun deck, third divison. Was looking at the Belt, and saw and heard the first gun from her. No gun or provocation had been given by the President. Commodore Rodgers' account confirmed. Licutenant Creighton testified that lights were hoisted on board the President the night after the action, Mr. Mull testified that the damage on board the President was one boy wounded, a shot in the mainmast, and another in the foremast, with some of the back stays cut away; but not a single shot of any kind from the Little Belt struck the hull of the President. Edward Rutledge Shubrick, Midshipman-Was forward on gun-deck, at first division. Was looking at the Bell, and saw and heard the first fire from her, before any gun or provocation from the Presi dent, and confirms the Commodore's account. Thomas Gamble, second Lieutenant-Commanded Phip Dicherson Spencer, Midshipman-Was on the first division of guns. Commodore Rodgers the gun deck, at third division. Was confident the hailed " ship ahoy!" Was answered, "halloo." first shot came from the Little Belt. No gun had Asked what ship is that?"-Received his own fired from his division, or provocation had been givwords repeated in reply. Hailed again, "what ship en by Commodore Rodgers. Heard no hail from is that?" Then a gun from the Belt. Heard no the Belt. Confirms the Commodore's statement, gun or provocation from the President-swears no gun was fired from his division. Nothing but round and grape shot fired after action commenced. Com * Some landmen (like the reporter) might mis take the manner of hailing which was thus: President, The ship ahoy? L. Belt, halloo. President, What ship is that? Little Belt, What ship is that? President, What ship is that? Little Belt, Answers by a gun! Breasted Barnes, Carpenter-Was on gun deck, to attend pumps, and looking at the Belt when she fired the first shot, before a gun or provocation from Commodore Rodgers. The President did not receive a shot of any sort, in the hull, but one in her mainmast and another in her foremast. John Nesse, Captain of first gur, in the first division on the gun deck, was looking at the Little Belt, and saw and heard her fire first. Eli halett Carr, gun No. 2, gun deck, testifies exactly the same as Nesse, |