her being in a proper state to meet the enemy; by the promised co-operation of the land forces not being carried into effect; and by the pressing letters of their commander-in-chief, whereby it appears that he had, on the 10th Sept. 1814, only waited for the naval attack to storm the enemy’s works. That the signal of approach on the following day was made, by the scaling of the guns, as settled between Captain Downie and Major Coote; and the promised co-operation was communicated to the other officers and crews of the British squadron before the commencement of the action. The Court, however, is of opinion, that the attack would have been attended with more effect, if a part of the gun-boats had not withdrawn themselves from the action, and others of the vessels had not been prevented, by baffling winds, from getting into the stations assigned them. That Captain Pring, of the Linnet, and Lieutenant Robertson, who succeeded to the command of the Confiance, after the lamented fate of Captain Downie (whose conduct was marked by the greatest valour), and Lieutenant Christopher James Bell, commanding the Murray, and Mr. James Robertson, commanding the Beresford, gun-boats, who appeared to take their trial at this court-martial, conducted themselves with great zeal, bravery, and ability, during the action ; that Lieutenant William Hicks, commanding the Finch, also conducted himself with becoming bravery; that the other surviving officers and men, except Lieutenant M‘Ghie, of the Chubb, who has not appeared here to take his trial, also conducted themselves with bravery; and that Captain Pring, Lieutenant Robertson, Lieutenant Hicks, Lieutenant Bell, Mr. James Robertson, and the rest of the surviving officers and ships’ crew, except Lieutenant M‘Ghie, ought to be most honorably acquitted; and they are hereby most honorably acquitted accordingly.”
On the 18th of the ensuing month, Lieutenant M‘Ghie was also tried, and “the Court, having heard the circumstances, determined, that the Chubb was not properly carried into action, nor anchored so us to do the most effectual service; by which neglect, she drifted into the line of the enemy: that it did not appear, however, that there was any want of courage in Lieutenant M‘Ghie; and, therefore, the Court, did only adjudge him to be severely reprimanded.”
Captain Pring was made post, Sept. 19, 1815; and appointed to a command on Lake Erie, June 26, 1816.
Agents.– Messrs. Goode and Clarke.
