Daily National Intelligencer

I have the honor to forward a detailed report of the circumstances attending the destruction of the United States' ship Adams at Hampden on the 3d instant.

On the 1st instant at noon, I received intelligence by express that the enemy with a force of sixteen sail were off the harbor of Castine 30 miles below us. This intelligence was immediately forwarded to Brig. Gen. Blake, with a request, that he would direct such force as could be collected to repair immediately to Hampden. As our ship prepared for heaving down was in no situation to receive her armament, our attention was immediately directed to the occupation of such positions on shore as would best enable us to protect her. By great and unremitted exertions, and the prompt assistance of the inhabitants in our immediate vicinity, during the 1st and 2d insts. nine pieces were transported to a commanding eminence near the ship, one to the place selected by Gen. Blake for his line of battle, our thirteen upon a wharf commanding the river below, and one on a point covering the communication between our hill and wharf batteries; temporary platforms of loose plank were laid, and such other arrangements made as would enable us to dispute the passage of a naval force. Want of time prevented our improving all the advantages of our position. and we were compelled to leave our rear and flanks to the defence of the militia in case of attack by land troops. Favored by a fresh breeze, the enemy had advanced to within 3 miles of our position at sunset on the 2nd with the Sylph mounting 20, and Peruvian 18 guns, and one transport, one tender and ten barges manned with seamen from the Bulwark and Dragon, under command of Commodore Barrie. Troops were landed under command of Col. John, opposite their shipping without any opposition, their numbers unknown, but supposed to be about 350. To oppose these troops about 370 militia were then collected, assisted by Lt. Lewis of the U.S. artillery, who by a forced march had arrived from Castine with his detachment of 28 men. Many of the militia were without arms and most of them without any ammunition, and as our numbers were barely sufficient to man our batteries, I ordered the ships' muskets to be distributed among the militia, and further ordered them to be supplied with ammunition. Our sick were sent across a creek with orders for such as were able, to secure themselves in the woods in case of our defeat. These arrangements were not concluded until late on the evening of the 2nd. As the wind was fair for the enemy's approach and the night dark, rainy and favorable for his attempting a surprize, our men were compelled, notwithstanding previous fatigue to remain at their batteries. At day-light on the 3d, I received intelligence from Gen. Blake, that he had been reinforced by three companies, and that the enemy were then advancing upon him. A thick fog concealed their early movements, and their advance of barges and rocket boats was not discovered until about 7 o'clock. Believing from their movements that they intended a simultaneous attack by land and water, I placed the hill battery under the direction of my first Lieutenant Wadsworth, assisted by Lt. Madison and Mr. Rogers, the Purser, and directed Lieut. Watson to place his small detachment of twenty marines in a position to watch the movements of the enemy's main body, assist in covering our flank, and finally to cover our retreat in case that became necessary. I had but just joined the wharf battery under the direction of Lieuts. Parker and Beatty and Sailing-Master M'Culloh, when the enemy's infantry commenced their attack upon the militia. The launches still held their position beyond the reach of our fire, ready to improve any advantage their troops might obtain. A few minutes only had elapsed when Lieutenant Wadsworth informed me that our troops were retreating, and immediately after that they were dispersed and flying in great confusion. We had now no alternative but precipitate retreat or captivity. Our rear and flanks entirely exposed, without other means of defence on that side than our pikes and cutlasses. The only bridge across the creek above us nearer the enemy than ourselves, & the creek only fordable at low water, with the tide then rising. I therefore ordered Lt. Wadsworth to spike his guns, and retire across the bridge, which was done in perfect order, the marines under Lt. Watson covering their rear. Orders were given at the same time to fire the ship, spike the guns of the lower battery.
try and join our companions across the creek. Before these orders were fully executed the enemy appeared on the hill were exposed to their fire for a short time while completing them Retreating in front of them for about five hundred yards, we discovered it impossible to gain the bridge, forded the creek, ascended the opposite bank, and gained our companions without receiving the slightest injury from the ill-directed fire of the enemy. We continued our retreat towards Bangor when we found and retired upon a road leading to the Kennebec by a circuitous route of 65 miles. Perceiving it impossible to subsist our men in a body through a country almost destitute of inhabitants, they were ordered to repair to Portland as speedily as they might be able.

The entire loss of all personal effects rendered us dependant on the generosity of the inhabitants between the Penobscot and Kennebec for subsistence--who most cheerfully and liberally supplied our wants to the utmost extent of their limited means. Our warmest thanks are also due to the inhabitants of Waterville, Augusta and Hallowell for their liberality and attention.

Our loss was but one marine and one seaman made prisoners. That of the enemy was estimated at 8 or 10 killed and from 40 to 50 wounded, principally by the 18 pounder under charge of Lt. Lewis of the U. S. artillery.

The character of my first Lieutenant Wadsworth was already too well established to require the additional evidence he gave of richly deserving the entire confidence of the department and his country. His brother officers of the navy and marines, equally zealous and attentive, are equally entitled to my thanks and their country's approbation. The bravery of the seamen and marines is unquestioned, their uncommon good conduct upon their march--those feelings which induced them to rally round their flag at a distance of 200 miles from the place of their dispersion, without one instance of desertion, entitle them to particular approbation, and render them an example which their brother tars may ever be proud to emulate.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. MORRIS.

Hon. William Jones,
Secretary of the Navy.