James Madison Papers
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Permanent link for this document:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/03-06-02-0597

To James Madison from Richard Forrest, [12 September] 1813

From Richard Forrest

Sunday 2 oclock [12 September 1813]

Dear Sir

I hasten to inform you of another Naval Victory, by the U.S. Brig Enterprize Lieutent William Burrows, over his B. M Brig Boxer, Capn. Blyth of 18 Guns. The action continued 45 Minutes. I am sorry to add that Burrows was Killed.

The American Brig lost her Commander, and one Lieutent. and had seven men wounded. The Boxer’s loss, in killed and wounded is Sixty. Both Vessels have arrived at Portland.

The Enterprize Mounted 16 Guns, and was in size by no means equal to the Boxer. Capn Hull states that the officers who fell on board both Vessels, were to be buried at Portland with military honors.1

The mail is about closing, which must be my apology for this rough and hasty sketch—with the highest respects

Rd. Forrest

RC (NN). Undated. Conjectural date assigned based on the fact that 12 Sept. was the first Sunday following the 5 Sept. 1813 battle between the Enterprize and the Boxer (Dudley, Naval War of 1812, 2:235–37).

1This statement by Isaac Hull was noted in the Daily National Intelligencer of 13 Sept. 1813, in which letters from Capt. William Bainbridge and Portland navy agent Samuel Storer conveying news of the battle were also published.

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