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Domestic News
July 26, 1813
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
Reports from Westmoreland County detail enemy ships entering the Potomac River on July 19 and a militia skirmish at Mattox Creek where Captain Hungerford's men repelled enemy barges without losses, inflicting casualties on the foe.
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Full Text
We have been favoured with the following extracts from the latest despatches received by the Executive, relative to the movements of the Enemy in the Potomac, and its waters, from which it will be seen, that they have not yet retired :—
FRIDAY MORNING, July 23.
Extract of a letter from Major Turberville, of Westmoreland, to Colonel Parker, of the same county
"In addition to the numerous fleet of the enemy, already in the Potomac, on the evening of Monday, the 19th, seven sail went up that river, two of which appeared to be ships of the line, three frigates, one brig & one schooner."
Col. Parker, of Westmoreland, communicates the following, under date July 19th:-
On to day our Videts gave information that several barges were making for Monroe's or Mattox Creek, and one or more for Rozier's. As the King George Militia were near the latter place, and my force was too small to divide, I determined to move upon Mattox near a Mr. Miller's house. On arriving there I found a small schooner close in land flying from the enemy's barges, and having reason to believe their object was to plunder a large house on the other side of the Creek, (here perhaps 300 or 400 yards wide.) I instantly determined to cross the detachment in the schooner, which I stopped. Only one company could be carried over at a time—The first was the light infantry, under Capt. Henry Hungerford, who was directed, without waiting for the rest, to proceed to the destined point. Before the others could embark, three barges full of men, were distant not more than a quarter of a mile, and making directly for the house we occupied. As soon as they commenced firing their cannon at us, Captain Hungerford very gallantly made his attack, and after a short engagement, succeeded in beating the enemy off and preventing their landing. He lost not a man, whilst an officer and several men were seen to fall on the other side. Many of our militia, of whom there were less than forty engaged, not content with firing from the bank of the Creek, ran into the marsh and water to get a shot, regardless of the cannon or musketry of the Enemy. The cannon shot directed at us, passed harmless over our heads.
FRIDAY MORNING, July 23.
Extract of a letter from Major Turberville, of Westmoreland, to Colonel Parker, of the same county
"In addition to the numerous fleet of the enemy, already in the Potomac, on the evening of Monday, the 19th, seven sail went up that river, two of which appeared to be ships of the line, three frigates, one brig & one schooner."
Col. Parker, of Westmoreland, communicates the following, under date July 19th:-
On to day our Videts gave information that several barges were making for Monroe's or Mattox Creek, and one or more for Rozier's. As the King George Militia were near the latter place, and my force was too small to divide, I determined to move upon Mattox near a Mr. Miller's house. On arriving there I found a small schooner close in land flying from the enemy's barges, and having reason to believe their object was to plunder a large house on the other side of the Creek, (here perhaps 300 or 400 yards wide.) I instantly determined to cross the detachment in the schooner, which I stopped. Only one company could be carried over at a time—The first was the light infantry, under Capt. Henry Hungerford, who was directed, without waiting for the rest, to proceed to the destined point. Before the others could embark, three barges full of men, were distant not more than a quarter of a mile, and making directly for the house we occupied. As soon as they commenced firing their cannon at us, Captain Hungerford very gallantly made his attack, and after a short engagement, succeeded in beating the enemy off and preventing their landing. He lost not a man, whilst an officer and several men were seen to fall on the other side. Many of our militia, of whom there were less than forty engaged, not content with firing from the bank of the Creek, ran into the marsh and water to get a shot, regardless of the cannon or musketry of the Enemy. The cannon shot directed at us, passed harmless over our heads.
What sub-type of article is it?
Military
Shipping
What keywords are associated?
Potomac Enemy Fleet
Militia Skirmish
Mattox Creek
Barges Repelled
What entities or persons were involved?
Major Turberville
Colonel Parker
Captain Henry Hungerford
Where did it happen?
Mattox Creek, Westmoreland
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Mattox Creek, Westmoreland
Event Date
July 19
Key Persons
Major Turberville
Colonel Parker
Captain Henry Hungerford
Outcome
militia lost not a man; an officer and several men seen to fall on the enemy side.
Event Details
Enemy barges approached Mattox Creek aiming to plunder; Colonel Parker's militia, using a schooner to cross, engaged under Captain Hungerford, repelling the enemy after a short fight with cannon and musketry fire.