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Daily National Intelligencer
Washington, District Of Columbia
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Lieutenant Claxton writes from the USS Macedonian in New London on Jan. 19, 1814, describing an American challenge to engage two British frigates, which the British declined, disappointing the crew amid War of 1812 tensions.
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on board the United States Macedonian, New-London, Jan. 19, 1814.
Dear Father—For the two last days we have been all anxiety; an American captain returned on parole from the Ramillies, 74, a few days since, and communicated to commodore Decatur, a consultation he had with captain Hardy, in which the latter said "that now that two frigates were off, of equal force to the United States and Macedonian, that he should have no objection to a meeting taking place, but that he could not allow the challenge to come from the English commanders." The hint was embraced in a moment, and captain Biddle dispatched with a challenge from our commanders. In the mean time every preparation was made, on our side, for an immediate engagement, which we all supposed no objection could be made to, the crew of both ships were called together, and addressed by their commanders, who made known to them the substance of the business then on foot, they were answered by three hearty cheers. Captain Jones concluded his short and pertinent address in the following words, spoken with great modesty, "my lads, our cruise will be short, and I trust, a very profitable one." Captain Biddle went on board the 74, a signal was immediately made for the two commanders of the English frigates, and they went on board. Captain Hardy addressed them, "gentlemen here are two letters for you, it rests altogether with you to decide on the matter, Stackpole of the Statira, answered with the greatest affectation "pon honor sir, it is the most acceptable letter I ever received." The final answer was to be given yesterday. Captain Biddle returned, and related the circumstances as I have mentioned. For myself, I thought from the manner of Stackpole that he would be the first to flinch, I am not able to say that he did, it is enough, that the captain of the Borer (sloop of war) came in yesterday and made known that they had declined meeting us. This circumstance has made a vast deal of conversation here much to the credit of our commanders -it will probably be distorted into a hundred different shapes before it is done with, I have therefore given you a correct though brief account of it. The Endymion, mounts the same weight of metal with the United States and three or four guns more, and the Statira is superior to us by one or two guns. The disappointment is very great with us, for every soul calculated on taking her with ease. You see we must trust altogether to our heels.
Yours affectionately,
A. CLAXTON.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
New London
Event Date
Jan. 19, 1814
Key Persons
Outcome
british commanders declined the challenge to engage the american ships.
Event Details
An American captain on parole informed Commodore Decatur of Captain Hardy's hint about a meeting between frigates. Captain Biddle delivered a challenge to the British. Preparations were made, crews addressed. The British, including Stackpole of the Statira, declined via the captain of the Borer. Disappointment ensued as the American ships, United States and Macedonian, expected an easy victory but must rely on speed.