by John Marshall

“ They took their position on each quarter, every shot raking us, whilst the brig had the same advantage on the larboard bow At 6-30, five of our carronades were dismounted on the larboard side, and several of the officers and crew killed and wounded. Every effort was used to get the Seagull round, so as to bring the starboard guns to bear, but without effect; our sweeps being all shot away, the gun-boats hulling us every time they fired, having five feet water in the hold, and all our sails and rigging cut to pieces. ”

“ Towards the close of 1810, Captain Cathcart was appointed to the Alexandria frigate, mounting 26 long twelves, 10 twenty-four-pounder carronades, and 2 long sixes, with a complement of 212 officers, men and boys. His last exploit was that of driving the U.S. ship President, commanded by Commodore Rodgers, from her cruising ground, thereby preserving a valuable fleet of British merchantmen from being captured, and adding greatly to his professional reputation. ”

“ I feel flattered,” added that honorable and worthy officer, “in being the organ of the court, which unanimously returns you a sword that has been so honorably worn and used.”
Immediately after his acquittal, Captain Cathcart had the further gratification of receiving a post commission, dated back to the day of his gallant action; and as an additional mark of their lordships’ high approbation of his gallant conduct, the survivors of the Seagull’s crew were subsequently sent to join the Ganymede, a 26-gun ship, of which he obtained the command about Sept. 1809. ”

“ I beg through the medium of your paper to state a few facts relative to this circumstance, which, if ever they happen to meet the eye of this braggadocio, I hope will teach him a little more modesty in relating, as well as discernment in ascertaining the force of ships he may meet with, before he runs away and presents to the world such a disgraceful narration of absurdity and falsehood as is contained in his letter, at which his own countrymen will blush. ”