Daily National Intelligencer

POSTSCRIPT.

Copy of a letter from New-Orleans to the Post Master General.

New-ORLEANS, Dec. 16, 1814.

SIR—Intelligence reached this city last Monday of a British squadron of from thirty-five to forty sail of vessels of various descriptions, transports included, having appeared off Ship Island, near the Bay of St. Louis, under command (as is supposed) of Admiral Cochrane, who lately left the Chesapeake. The force on board these vessels may be estimated at six thousand, part being black troops from Jamaica. The enemy since their arrival have been engaged sounding the different passes, with a view to the debarkation of their men. The nature of the country will render the experiment hazardous. A small flotilla of five gun-boats and a schooner have unfortunately fallen into their hands, after a severe contest and great loss to them of men. This leaves them without a check upon the lakes, except from the fort at Petite Coquille, commanding the passage of the Rigolets and the fort St. Jean at the mouth of the bayou of that name, neither of which are considered very defensible. Rumor states that the squadron has been reinforced. Fresh vessels probably have and will continue to arrive. It would be presumption to predict the result of an invasion, but appearances justify the expectation of its not being ineffectually resisted.

The report by the Balize boat last evening is, that the brig Herald had appeared off the Bar, had sent an armed boat to the block-house, and taken five of the pilots.

Later from New-Orleans.

[Received at 10 o'clock Last Night.]

Extract of a letter from T. Johnson, Esq. Post Master at New-Orleans, dated December 17th.

"The enemy's vessels, about sixty sail, are at Ship Island, in the bay of St. Louis. They approach the city by lake Pontchartrain. Our naval force on that lake consisted of five gun-boats and one small schooner; they were attacked by thirty-eight of the enemy's barges, and were carried after a severe action of an hour and thirty minutes. The enemy's loss was great—thirteen of their barges were sunk. They are now masters of the lake. To oppose their march to the city, we have but two small forts; one at the mouth of the bayou St. John. If they effect a landing, a battle must decide the fate of the city. All here have full confidence in Gen. Jackson, and calculate on a favorable result.

Our present force is 4000 regulars and militia. To this we may add, by Sunday, 2000 Tennessee troops under Gen. Coffee. The other force from Kentucky and Tennessee will not arrive in time. The fleet is the same you had in the Chesapeake, and is under Admiral Cochrane. Gen. Jackson has established the most perfect order and police. He is confident he can defend the place. The accounts of the enemy's force are various. Our fate will be decided before you hear from me again."