Daily National Intelligencer

Copy of a letter from Captain J. H. Dent, commanding on the Charleston station, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated Charleston, 2d Feb. 1814.

Sir--The wind blowing heavy from the eastward, has prevented the Alligator's getting through the Wappoo Cut to the city; it is moderate this morning, and I expect she will accomplish it. I have the honor to forward for your further information the copy of a letter from Sailing Master Bassett, and an extract from his log-book, detailing the particulars of the attack made on him by the enemy's boats.

The great order and discipline of the Alligator, with the bravery of her officers and crew, alone saved her; having lost some men during her cruise by sickness, mustered but thirty-eight souls at the commencement of the action. In my letter of the 10th October, 1813, I represented to you the activity and good conduct of this young gentleman, and requested that he might be promoted. I hope, sir, this proof of merit will not go unrewarded, when I assure you he amply deserves it, and on other occasions will do honor to the service.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
J. H. DENT.

Hon. WM. JONES,
Secretary of the Navy.

U. S. Schooner ALLIGATOR,
Wappoo, 31st January, 1814.

SIR--I have the honor to inform you that the U. States' Sch'r. Alligator under my command was attacked on the evening of the 29th inst. (lying to an anchor in Stono river, at the point of Cole's Island) by six boats from an enemy's squadron then off the mouth of the river, and succeeded in beating them off after a warm action of thirty minutes.

I have to regret on this occasion the loss of two killed and two wounded, one of the latter, the pilot, Mr. Robert Hatch, severely; this brave man fell at the helm exhorting those around him to take good aim at the enemy; I hope his good conduct will entitle him to your notice. It is impossible to ascertain what loss the enemy sustained, but from suddenly ceasing their fire from the two large launches, and the other boats joining them immediately, I am induced to believe they suffered severely; as the schooner grounded and they did not renew the action.

The sails and rigging of the schooner are much cut, but no damage sustained in the hull. I cannot conclude without tendering my sincere thanks to the gallant officers and men you did me the honor to place under my command for their meritorious conduct, which prevented the schooner from falling into the hands of an enemy of more than treble our number.

With great respect, &c.
R. BASSETT.

John H. Dent, Esq.
Commanding Naval Officer,
Charleston, S. C.

List of Killed and Wounded.

KILLED.
Joseph Bates, seaman,
William Fields,
do.

WOUNDED
Mr. R. Hatch, pilot, dangerously.
James McGee, O. S. severely.

Extract from the Log-Book.

Jan. 30, 1814
Pleasant weather, wind S. W. at 1 p. M. anchored at the end of Coles's Island. At 4 P. M. the frigate and brigs close in the breakers, when after laying too some time, made sail and stood off to the southward. I was of opinion from that moment, that they would attempt to cut us out in the night; every preparation was accordingly made to receive them. At 30 minutes past seven P. M. they were discovered, six in number, under cover of the marsh with muffled oars, when within speaking distance were hailed and receiving no answer, a musket was fired, which they returned with a shower of musketry and grape, accompanied with three cheers, a broad side was returned, the cable instantly cut, and sail made on the vessel; there being at this time a light air from the southward and westward; the enemy's boats were then distant about 30 yards, when a heavy fire was opened from our battery and small arms, and kept up by the enemy for twenty minutes, when they were compelled to drop astern in great disorder. About this time the schooner grounded on a shoal (the pilot being wounded in the early part of action) and the enemy were not seen after.