the Linnet, Chubb, Finch, and gun-boats, arrived in view of the American squadron, consisting of the Saratoga, bearing the broad pendant of Commodore Thomas M‘Donough; the Eagle brig. Captain Robert Henley; the Ticonderago schooner, Lieutenant Stephen Cassin; the Preble cutter, and ten gun-boats; mounting in the whole 14 long 24-pounders, 12 eighteens, 14 twelves, and 7 nines; 6 medium 18-pounders, and 33 carronades; 6 of which were 42, and all the others 32-pounders. The total number of American officers and men was 981, the whole of the latter, excepting about 83 soldiers, acting as marines, were sailors belonging to the ships of war at New London and other blockaded ports on the Atlantic frontier.
The Saratoga, Eagle, Ticonderago, and Preble, were found moored in line, abreast of the American encampment, with a division of five gun-boats on each flank; and Captain Downie immediately determined on laying the Confiance athwart-hawse of the enemy’s ship; directing Captain Pring to engage the brig. Lieutenant M’Ghie to support the Linnet, and Lieutenant Hicks, assisted by the gun-boats, to attack the schooner and cutter.
“The moment the Confiance arrived abreast of Cumberland Head, she scaled her guns as had been agreed upon; but the signal was not answered from the array. Sir George Prevost did, however, direct a signal to be made: it was for the army ‘to cook,’ instead of to fight; to give the men their breakfasts, instead of to deprive the enemy of the opportunity of taking his. To the honor of the soldiers, and the officers in general, they all panted to rush forward; but, in truth, a third part of the troops would have done all that was required, and, in two hours from the time the Confiance scaled her guns, would have given a victory to both army and navy, instead of a flight to one, and a defeat to the other. Captain Downie now discovered, too late, the mistake into which his confidence had led him. The Confiance was already in the enemy’s bay, and almost within gun-shot of his squadron.
“Within 15 minutes after the commencement of the action,” that gallant officer fell. “The way in which he met his
