Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
The Providence Journal, And Town And Country Advertiser
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
Capt. Josiah Orne reports from Copenhagen on the English attack on Danish batteries on May 7, involving destruction of floating hulks and heavy Danish losses of about 2000 killed and wounded. Lord Nelson sailed eastward with his fleet shortly before Orne's departure, and a British frigate carried an ambassador to St. Petersburg.
Clipping
OCR Quality
Full Text
Capt. Josiah Orne arrived here on Sunday last from Copenhagen, from which place he sailed the 7th of May. Capt. Orne was at Copenhagen on that tremendous day when the English attacked the Danish batteries. It appears not to have been expected that hostilities would actually take place, till the British made the passage of the Sound; and no preparations of defence appeared to be making then; and, from the shortness of the time, these were but slight. The ancient spirit of the Danes was roused by the danger that threatened, and every man became voluntarily a soldier. The floating batteries which were opposed to the British were merely old hulks, which on this occasion were mounted with cannon, and manned with resolute Danes: the destruction of these was an inconsiderable loss; but that of their brave defenders was dreadfully severe, as they were open and exposed to the shot of their enemy, the hulks not affording that shelter to the men which is usual in ships of war. This battle did not expose the Danish navy, which were safe in an interior situation, and could not be approached but through a narrow channel, filled with obstructions for the occasion. Nor was the city of Copenhagen in any danger from the English ships either before or after the action : and all the land defences were perfect, and manned with people ready to shed the last drop of blood to repel an attack. The effect of the battle was the destruction of old hulks of little value ; the loss of about 2000 Danes, and not a small number of English, killed and wounded; and the exasperating of the Danes to a very high pitch against the English.-Such is Capt. Orne's account from Copenhagen.
A day or two before Capt. Orne's departure, Lord Nelson sailed eastward with his fleet. On the 14th Capt. O. spoke a British frigate, having on board an Ambassador, bound to St. Petersburg. They appeared to regret the sailing of Nelson, fearing his operations, before they could overtake him, might be contrary to the object of the embassy.
What sub-type of article is it?
What keywords are associated?
What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Copenhagen
Event Date
7th Of May
Key Persons
Outcome
destruction of old hulks of little value; the loss of about 2000 danes, and not a small number of english, killed and wounded; and the exasperating of the danes to a very high pitch against the english
Event Details
Capt. Orne was at Copenhagen when the English attacked the Danish batteries. Hostilities were unexpected until the British passed the Sound; defenses were slight due to short notice. Danes rallied voluntarily. Floating batteries were old hulks mounted with cannon and manned by resolute Danes, destroyed with severe loss to defenders exposed to enemy shot. Danish navy safe in interior, city not in danger, land defenses perfect and manned. Effect: destruction of hulks, losses as above, Danish exasperation. A day or two before Orne's departure on May 7, Lord Nelson sailed eastward with fleet. On the 14th, Orne spoke a British frigate with ambassador bound to St. Petersburg; they regretted Nelson's sailing fearing contrary operations.