Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

Chesapeake and Shannon. In this day's paper we have collected every account we could collect respecting the engagement which has doubtless taken place between these two frigates, each carrying the honor of its nation at its mast head, determined to support it or die in the attempt. In addition to these accounts passengers who arrived in the Boston mail stage of this morning, inform us that late on Wednesday evening, they were in company with com. Bainbridge, who told them that two fishing smacks had just arrived, which had passed the two frigates at eight o'clock the same evening: the Shannon the leading ship and the Chesapeake in chase, each having their national flags hoisted; the former, however, gained fast ahead. This, it will be observed, brings the accounts down one hour and an half later than the printed statements. It was remarked that the flag spoken of in the printed accounts as being the British flag hoisted over the American on board of the Chesapeake, might have been the bloody flag hoisted by capt. Lawrence in consequence of the explosion mentioned. Besides, the fact that no boats were seen to pass between the ships after the supposed capture, is a strong circumstance that the Chesapeake had not struck her colours. At all events no American need entertain the least apprehension, that our flag has in this instance been disgraced. Accident may have given the enemy an advantage, but the honor of our country we are very sure remains untarnished.

From the Boston Daily Advertiser, Thursday

Chesapeake and Shannon The following statement of the late rencontre is given by a number of gentlemen who were in a packet-boat, within about two miles of the frigates at the time.

When the Chesapeake passed the light-house, at half past 5 o'clock, the enemy bore E. S. E. 6 leagues distant, standing on a wind to the southward.

At half past 5 the Shannon bore on-before the wind, and stood out to sea, the wind W. S. W.

At 4 o'clock the Chesapeake hauled up and hoisted jib and staysails and fired a gun, the ships at this time about 7 miles apart. The enemy immediately hove to and reefed his top-sails, and lay by on the starboard tack, the Chesapeake in chase.

At half past 4 the wind changed to S. S. W. a fresh breeze: and the Chesapeake took in top-gallant-sails and royals- and hoisted the American flag at the main-top-gallant-mast head.

At half past 5 the enemy hoisted jib and filled the main topsail and steered close by the wind, the Chesapeake on his weather quarter, standing towards him, about 5 miles distance.

At three quarters past 5 the Chesapeake hauled up her foresail, closing fast with the enemy.

At 5 minutes before 6, the enemy commenced the action within musket shot, by firing her after gun on the starboard side, which was returned by the Chesapeake, and the action became general.

At 5 minutes after 6, the Chesapeake being on the starboard-bow of the enemy, bore down across his hawse, and appeared to board him, both ships keeping away before the wind. The firing at this time ceased on both sides from the great guns.

At 10 minutes past 6, there appeared to be a great explosion from the quarter deck of the Chesapeake.

At 10 minutes past 6, the ships separated, the Chesapeake on the starboard tack. The English flag was then hoisted on board her over the American.

The ships then hove to, to repair damages, which appeared to be trifling on both sides.

There were not more than one hundred guns fired from both ships.

The action took place about 11 leagues outside the light-house.

The jib-boom and fore and mizzen royal masts and maintopsail tye of the enemy were shot away. No appearance of damage on board the Chesapeake.

The Chesapeake was carried by boarding, and no boats were seen to pass from either ship.

It is supposed the colors were hauled down by the enemy after the conflict.

The above minute particulars were handed to Mr. Gilbert of the Exchange Coffee House, by capt. T. W. Ward, who with other gentlemen were within 3 miles from the ships during the engagement.

Since the above, which was received yesterday morning, and which is confirmed by hundreds who viewed the action from different points, we have received a hundred other reports, which are entirely contradictory, and upon which little reliance can be placed. Crowds are collected at the corners of the streets, seizing with avidity at every tale, which varies in every narration. We shall not even attempt a catalogue of these rumours.

For ourselves, we entertain no doubt, that the first account will prove too true.

From the Boston Gazette of Thursday, June 3.

Chesapeake and Shannon frigates.--Various and contradictory reports are in circulation, respecting the engagement which took place between these frigates on Tuesday evening last. Our personal and political feelings are too strongly excited to dwell on a circumstance, which we fear will turn out to be a serious one, by publishing every surmise and conjecture that are afloat. The following account of the affair we have been requested to publish, as containing the most accurate statement of facts, and sanctioned by the authority of a gentleman, who was a near and an eye witness to the whole action:

At 5 P. M. I left the Chesapeake, Boston Lighthouse bearing about W. 6 leagues distance, the Shannon then in sight; the Chesapeake prepared for action, standing for her; at 6 P. M. the action commenced, and in 12 minutes after both vessels were yard-arm and yard-arm along side each other, as if in the act of boarding: at that moment an immense explosion took place on board the Chesapeake, which spread a fire from the foremast to the mizenmast, and apparently as high as the tops, on which both vessels were enveloped invisibly in smoke, and on the smoke clearing away, the English colours were seen flying on board the Chesapeake, over the American, and both vessels were standing to the eastward. From every appearance, it was evident to me, that the loss of the Chesapeake was owing to the unfortunate explosion that took place on board of her.

ROBERT KNOX.

June 1, 1813.

We wait with impatience for some further and more minute particulars of the engagement.

Capt. Slocum, arrived at Marblehead, on Tuesday, reports, that he had been captured by the Shannon, and was put on board a boat at 12 o'clock, the same day; and was the bearer of a written challenge from com. Broke, to the commander of the Chesapeake. Capt. S. also states, that the crew of the Shannon consisted of 350 men, apparently fine sailors.