Posted by Brian Stephens on Sunday 30th of March 2014 21:27

BOSTON, March 29,
Holmes Hole, 19 March 1813
This day arrived in this harbour, the U. States ship Hornet, Capt. Lawrence, form a cruise. Off Surinam fell in with his Britannic Majesty's brig, Peacock, Capt. Peake, of 10 guns, which he sunk after 15 minutes close action. The following from the Log Book was handed us which diffused a general joy.
Thursday 25 Feb. 1813. At half past three o'clock P. M. discovered a strange sail, bearing down for us. At 4, 20 she hoisted English colours, at 4,30, beat to quarters and cleared ship for action, and hauled close to the wind in order to get the weather gauge of her, at 5,10, hoisted American coloures, tacked and stood for the enemy, at 5,25, in passing each other exchanged broadsides within pistol shot, the enemy then were gave us their starboard broadside bore up close on her starboard quarter, and kept up such a heavy and well directed fire, that in less than 15 minutes, she made the signal of submission being cut to pieces. In 5 minutes after, her main mast went by the board - sent our 1st. Lieutenant on board, he returned with her 1st. Lieutenant, who reported her to be His British Majesty's brig Peacock , mounting 19 guns and a 134 men - that her commander, Capt. Peake, was killed in the action, a great number of her men killed and wounded, and that she was sinking fast - dispatched the boat immediately to take out the wounded and the rest of the prisoners, and brought both vessels to anchor - but notwithstanding every exertion was made to save the crew, she unfortunately sunk - carried own 19 of her crew and 3 of my brave fellows. Lt. Conner, Midshipman Cooper, and the remainder of our men employed in getting out the prisoners, with difficulty saved themselves, by jumping into one of her boats stowed on the booms, four men were taken from the fore-top by our boats. We had 1 man killed and 2 slightly wounded. The enemy had 8 killed and 27 wounded.