Alexandria Daily Advertiser

The following is a copy of a letter received by the secretary of the navy, from midshipman Ogilvie, commanding officer of gun-boat No. 7, built at New-York:

U. S. Gun Boat, No. 7, New-York,

May 31, 1805.

SIR,

I have the honor to transmit for your information, the following account of my transactions, since the 14th instant.

On that day I got under way, in company with the United States ship John Adams, and gun boats Nos. 3 and 6, to proceed to the Mediterranean. We kept in company that day and the next; but on the 16th, it came on to blow very fresh in the evening, from E. N. E. sent down top-sail and lower yards, but carrying all other to keep up with the frigate. At 11, we lost sight of the frigate and gun-boats, owing to its being excessively thick and foggy. Next morning, (and for 3 days afterwards) the fog continued; no sail in sight, and a high sea running, we now discovered that in consequence of our carrying a press of sail to keep up with the ship, we had sprung our mast, and found it split from the heel to the partners. I immediately had two strong mouldings clapped on below and an iron band above the partners, hoping it would be sufficient to prevent its going farther; but on the 21st, in lat. 37, 17, long. 65, I found the mast to be so much weakened, and worked so much, (the split having now got five feet above the deck) I was induced to believe that should we get into a heavy sea, we should inevitably lose it. My only alternative now was to return, as I thought the consequences might be much worse were we to lose it in the middle of the ocean.

I cannot express to you, sir, my mortification, at the unfortunate accident, which has thus in some measure defeated your, and I assure you, my wish to join the squadron as early as possible. But I trust I shall yet be there in time to participate in the glory which I am confident our little navy will acquire this summer, against its enemies. Be assured, sir, nothing shall be wanting on my part to forward her refitting; and by the time I can have the honor to hear from you, I shall be again ready for sea.

No. 7, is a very fine vessel and capable of going to any part of the world; she sails well, holds a good wind, is very stiff, and an excellent sea boat.

The other gun boats, I have reason to believe, were separated at the same time with myself, as they were still farther from the ship when I lost sight of her; but there is no doubt of their making their way across in safety.

From the time I determined to return, we experienced nothing but head winds and calms; and from the weakness of the mast, we were obliged to be very tender in carrying sail; indeed, had not the mast been made of white pine, it never would have been sprung with the sail we were then carrying on it.

I have the honor to be,

Sir, with the greatest respect,

Your obedient servant,

P. S. OGILVIE.