Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

Washington, Sept. 20th, 1814.

From the federal Gazette.

DIVISION ORDERS.

Division Head Quarters New Church street, September 15th 1814

Brig. Genl. Winder congratulates the troops of his command upon the suspension of the severe duty to which they have been exposed for the last four days.

The Garrison of Fort McHenry under the command of Maj. Armistead, are entitled to, and receive, the warmest acknowledgments and praise from the Brigadier General for their steady, firm and intrepid deportment during an almost incessant bombardment for twenty-four hours, during which time they were exposed to incessant shower of shells.

The militia Artillery of the 3d Brigade under Capts. Nicholson & Berry and Lieut. Pennington vied with the regulars in a firmness and composure which would have honored veterans, and prove that they were worthy to co-operate with the regulars artillery, infantry and sea fencibles in defence of that important post. Maj. Armistead receives also the warmest acknowledgments of the Brigadier General commanding, for his able, vigilant and exact arrangements before and during this period of arduous duty, as well as for the uniform zeal, vigor and ability he has discovered in his preparations for the defence of the post immediately committed to his charge, for the prompt and efficacious manner in which he has complied under great and perplexing difficulties with demands from all quarters for ammunition.

Lieut. Col. Stewart and Major Lane, neither of whom were required to expose themselves in this dangerous post, will please accept the Brig. General's warmest acknowledgments for the handsome and gallant manner in which they volunteered to take command of the regular infantry; who, with their officers and men, have evinced the most resolute and steady intrepidity in the midst of imminent and long continued danger.

The Squadron of U. S. Light Dragoons under captain Bud have proved by the indefatigable and bold manner in which they have constantly kept upon the very lines of the enemy under the fire of his guards and the regular and exact intelligence which they have constantly given of his situation, that they want nothing but an opportunity to signalize themselves. The bold and intrepid charge which sergeant Keller, of capt. Bud's company, made upon the rear guard of the retreating enemy with but three dragoons in which he dispersed a guard of 18 fusileers taking 6 of them prisoners in despite of their fire and that of a four pounder within half canister distance which made three discharges at him, deserves the highest approbation, and the skill and dexterity with which he accomplished this bold achievement proves he will be competent to a more considerable command to which the justice of his government will no doubt advance him.

Brigadier General Douglass with his entire brigade of Virginia militia have evinced during four days of the most active and arduous duties, under the severest privations of rest and refreshment, in constant exposure to the unusual inclemency of the weather for the season, a patience, obedience, and alacrity for the most dangerous duties which cannot be surpassed; and the prompt and eager pursuit in which they yesterday engaged after the retreating enemy in the midst of heavy and constant rain after such a series of suffering and fatigue, is the best evidence which can be given that the patriotism which so promptly led them to the field in defence of their country, was bottomed upon a courage which danger and difficulty cannot subdue.

Lieut. Col. Griffin Taylor with his regiment also of Virginia militia who was left in charge of the defences in part on the Ferry Branch, has proved by his judicious arrangements and the zealous manner in which he was supported by his men and officers, that he only wanted an occasion to prove himself and them the worthy coadjutors of their countrymen.

The enemy has retired from our city and it is to be hoped under such circumstances as will deter him from again attempting it. Those gallant Virginians will have the consolation of believing they have essentially contributed to its safety.

The enemy however has at present only taken refuge in his ships--he still remains in our vicinity and may and probably will return if he knows there is the least relaxation of vigilance or readiness. The Commanding officers of corps and detachments will therefore exert themselves with unremitted diligence to repair the damages of the late fatigue and exposure--to refresh their troops and hold them in readiness for moving at a moment's warning.

By order,
ROBT. G. HITE,
Ass't Adj't General.