Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

The British approaching Baltimore

Office of the Baltimore American,

Monday morning, Sept 12

THE ENEMY IN SIGHT.

Yesterday morning the British fleet were plainly seen from Federal Hill, and towards the afternoon they seemed to be working into the mouth of the Patapsco river, supposed about 30 sail large and small. On firing the alarm guns as signals of their approach, all the corps of every description turned out with alacrity, and a body of light troops were advanced to meet the enemy, if he attempts to land on either shore, in order to dispute with him every inch of the road: If the enemy does attempt a landing we have a confidence in the spirit of our army, determined to defend the city, which is now well covered by a number of forts batteries and extensive entrenchments.

Extract of a letter from Major Barney to Major Gen Smith, dated,

Annapolis, Saturday, Sept 10, 4 o'clock, PM

"Thirty-one sail are now in sight, standing up the Bay and a frigate above Thomas Point; the rest considerably below, Fifteen square rigged, the remainder schrs and sloops, They get along rapidly. Only 2 ships of the line that I can distinguish."

POSTSCRIPT.--At 11, the different regiments were dismissed: to reassemble at their respective places, when the alarm guns are fired

Half past 1 P M--THE ALARM GUNS HAVE JUST FIRED--EVERY MAN IS IN ARMS.

VIDETTE INTELLIGENCE.

PHILADELPHIA, SEPT 13--One of Capt. Ross's Videttes arrived in Philadelphia, late last night. He brought a letter from the Vidette Station, dated 11 o'clock yesterday forenoon. Only 8 large vessels could be distinguished, supposed to be bound into the Patapsco. No firing had been heard.

BY EXPRESS--OFFICIAL.

Thirty sail in sight from the Observatory at sun down, 3 frigates anchored between North and Sparrow's Point; 2 sloops of war and 10 transports within the bar; 2 frigates at anchor 2 miles from the above: 4 frigates standing in, abreast of North Point in company with 8 sail supposed to be transports

We understand from unquestionable authority, that Mr. Monroe had received information that the enemy soon after leaving Washington were joined by a reinforcement of 5000 men.