portance Capt. Hardy has
attached to the circumstance of Mrs. Stewart's being sent off to the
British squadron, may possibly apprehend that she has received insult,
or signified some fears for the personal safety of herself and
children.--So far from this being the fact, no lady ever experienced
greater civilities from the citizens; as no one has better deserved
them. And her feelings during the proceedings at Stonington, demanded
the sympathy of her friends.

By the terms offered by Capt. Hardy, it was impossible to discover
whether he was most doubtful of his ability to accomplish the
destruction of the town, or desirous of a pretext to save it. He assured
the gentlemen who accompanied the flag that this was the most unpleasant
expedition he had undertaken.

The truce on the part of the enemy having expired at 8 o'clock on
Thursday morning, a flag was soon after observed at the battery to be
coming on shore, and there not being sufficient time to give information
of the fact at head quarters and receive instructions, it was determined
by the officer then commanding to send a boat off to receive the
communication. Mr. Faxon, of Stonington, took charge of the boat, met
the flag, and offered to convey the dispatch agreeable to its
directions. The British officer, Lieut. Claxton, questioned his
authority to receive it; enquired whether Mrs. Stewart would be sent
off; and said he would go on shore. Mr. Faxon replied, that he knew
nothing of Mrs. Stewart; and that if he attempted to proceed for the
shore, he would undoubtedly be fired on. He continued his course, when
a centinel was directed to fire forward of the boat, but the ball passed
through the after sail. They immediately put about and steered for the
ship; the lieutenant swearing revenge, for what he termed an insult to
his flag.

An explanation of the circumstance was immediately transmitted by
General Isham to Capt. Hardy, which he received as satisfactory.

At the moment, a flag had started for the Ramilies,[10] from the civil
authority of the town, which was received on board; by which was sent
the following letter:--

_Stonington Boro', Aug. 14, 1814._
TO THOMAS M. HARDY, _Commander of H.B.M. Ship Ramilies_.

Sir--Since the flag went into New London for Mrs. Stewart, and family,
General Cushing, who commands at New London, has written, we are
informed, to the Secretary of War on the subject, and it is our opinion
t