by John Marshall

“ Seeing us pull the boat round, to bring the 24-pounder to bear, the enemy thought we were commencing a retreat, when they advanced with their whole force, consisting of 150 riflemen, near 200 Indians, and a numerous body of militia and cavalry, which soon overpowered the few men I had. Their resistance was such as I could have expected from a brave and well-disciplined body; but, opposed to such numbers, unavailing: their officers set them an example honorable to themselves, and worthy of a better fate. ”

“ Our loss in killed and wounded (mostly dangerous) is great [7] . I send as correct a return as I can possibly get of them, as well as of the survivors. The winding of the creek, which gave the enemy great advantage in advancing to intercept our retreat, rendered any further perseverance unavailing, and would have subjected the men to certain death. ”

“ The Orion, commanded by Captain Archibald Collingwood Dickson, formed part of the fleet under Admiral Gambier, in the expedition against Copenhagen, from whence Lieutenant Popham brought home the Rota, a Danish frigate of the largest class. During the summer of 1808, he was frequently employed in the Orion’s boats, protecting convoys through the Sound, and engaged with the enemy’s flotilla. ”