defence, to Mr.
Crawford, secretary of war, containing a concise narrative of the
action. Philip Freneau's _Battle of Stonington_,--though not of the
highest order of lyric excellence,--challenges favorable comparison with
many of the loyal effusions which have found their way to the public,
during the present war; and will be welcomed as an old friend by some
who value patriotism more than poetry. T.

_Hartford, Conn., July 28th, 1864._

THE DEFENCE OF STONINGTON.

[From the Conn. Gazette, Aug. 17th, 1814.]

RECORD OF THE EXTRAORDINARY ATTACK ON STONINGTON.[1]

NEW LONDON, AUGUST 17, 1814.

On Tuesday the 9th instant, at 5 P. M. the _Ramilies_, 74, _Pactolus_,
38, a bomb ship, and the _Dispatch_, 22 gun brig, arrived off
Stonington, and a flag was sent on shore with the following note--

"_On board his Majesty's Ship, Ramilies,
Stonington, Aug. 9._
TO THE MAGISTRATES OF STONINGTON.

Gentlemen--One hour is allowed you from the receipt of this
communication, for the removal of the unoffending inhabitants.

THOMAS M. HARDY.[2]

This notification was received by two magistrates[3] and Lieutenant
Hough of the drafted militia, who went off to meet the flag. The officer
was asked whether a flag would not be received on board. He said no
arrangements could be made. They inquired whether Com. Hardy had
determined to destroy the town. He replied that such were his orders
from the Admiral, and that it would be done most effectually.

When the gentlemen reached the shore, a crowd waited with great anxiety
for the news; which being stated, consternation flew through the town.
An express was despatched to General Cushing,[4] at New London. A number
of volunteers hastened to collect ammunition; others ran to the battery,
which consisted of two 18 pounders and a 4 pounder, on field carriages,
with a slight breast work, 4 feet high. The sick and the aged were
removed with haste: the women and children, with loud cries, were seen
running in every direction. Some of the most valuable articles were
hastily got off by hand, others placed in the gardens and lots, or
thrown into wells, to save them from the impending conflagration. The
sixty minutes expired, but the dreaded moment did not bring the attack.
Nelson'