The Enquirer

THOMAS SHIELDS.

I have the honor to claim the gallant Shields as one of my most respected friends. I have letters from him of the 6th and 17th ult. He says "the day after the gun-boats were taken, I was sent down under a flag of truce to ascertain the fate of our officers & men, with power to negotiate an exchange, especially for the wounded. But the enemy would make no terms—they treated the flag with contempt, and myself and the surgeon who was with me, as prisoners, until the 14th inst. He has now lowered his tone, and begs the exchange that we offered. Defeat has humbled the arrogance of the enemy, WHO HAD PROMISED HIS SOLDIERS FORTY-EIGHT HOURS PILLAGE & RAPINE OF THE CITY OF NEW-ORLEANS!!"

"Our beloved Jackson deserves immortality. He was always in the hottest and thickest of the fight; and though his health is much impaired, he sticks to his post, We pray the Almighty to spare him."

"Every movement of the enemy indicates a retreat. I am just starting on a secret business to avenge myself. If I succeed, the affair will be creditable to me—if I fail, the world, at least, shall say, 'there lived a man.'"

We have not yet the particulars of Mr. Shields's successful enterprize; but I flatter myself when they come to hand, they will redound no little to the honor of my generous friend, high-minded friend, and perhaps add a ray of glory to the blaze that encircles the American Navy. Mr. S. was a volunteer. He states that our five gun-boats had a complement of 200 men--they were attacked by forty-five boats carrying 1200 men. The fight against such fearful odds lasted one hour and fifty minutes-we had only five killed and thirty wounded; the enemy acknowledge a loss of 100; but Mr. Shields adds 'we may with perfect safety double that number.' [Ed. Balt. Reg.]
We have seen what Shields has done—his gallant achievement has nobly avenged his wrongs and emblazoned his reputation.