Daily National Intelligencer

Copy of a Letter from Mid'n. M'Clintock to the Secretary of the Navy.

Kinsale, Va. July 13, 1813.

Sir—I have to inform you of the unfortunate event which occurred here on the 14th; the action between the British barges and the U. S. schooner Asp, commanded by Mr. Segourney.

At 9 A. M. the Scorpion and Asp got under way from Yeocomico River and stood out at 10 discovered a number of sail, which proved to be the enemy; the Scorpion then made signal to act at discretion and stood up the river; the schooner being a bad sailer and the wind ahead, we were not able to get out. Finding the enemy approaching us, we thought it best to return; immediately two of the brigs stood towards us and anchored a short distance from the bar, where they manned their boats. Mr. Segourney thought it would be for our advantage to run further up the creek which we did, but finding the enemy had left their vessels we had not time to weigh anchor, therefore we were obliged to cut our Cables. We were attacked by three boats well manned and armed, we continued a well directed fire on them, & after a short time they were compelled to retreat, and obtain a reinforcement. About an hour after they retired, we were attacked by 5 boats; we continued doing the same as before, but having so few men, we were unable to repel the enemy. When they boarded us they refused giving us any quarter; there was upwards of fifty men on our decks, which compelled us to leave the vessel, as the enemy had possession. They put her on fire and retreated. A short time after they left her we went on board and with much difficulty extinguished the flames. But it is with deep regret that I inform you of the death of Mr. Segourney, who fought most gallantly in defence of the vessel, and the utmost exertion was used by every man on board. Our crew only consisted of twenty-one; there are ten killed, wounded and missing.

Your ob't servant,
H. M. M'CLINTOCK.
Midshipman in the U. S. Navy.

The hon. W. Jones,
Secretary of the Navy.