[164] This is the number stated by James, the British naval historian, and is somewhat difficult to reconcile with Warren's expression, "the troops and a re-enforcement of seamen and marines from the ships." To be effective, the attack should have been in greater numbers.
[165] The British story of this failure, outside the official despatches, is given in James' Naval History, vol. vi. pp. 232-234.
[166] Report of the commander of the "Scorpion" to Captain Morris, July 21, 1813. Captains' Letters.
[167] This letter, from the commanding officer of the "Narcissus", is in Niles' Register, vol. iv. p. 279.
[168] Morris to Navy Department, August 13, 23, and 27. Captains' Letters.
[169] Captain Hayes, of the "Majestic," in charge of the blockade of Boston, wrote to Warren, October 25, 1813: "Almost every vessel I meet has a license, or is under a neutral flag. Spanish, Portuguese, and Swedes are passing in and out by hundreds, and licensed vessels out of number from the West Indies. I find the licenses are sent blank to be filled up in Boston. This is of course very convenient, and the Portuguese consul is said to be making quite a trade of that flag, covering the property and furnishing the necessary papers for any person at a thousand dollars a ship." Canadian Archives, M. 389. 3. p. 189.
[170] Annals of Congress, 1813-1814, vol. i. p. 500.
[171] This parenthesis shows that the censures were not directed against New England only, for the blockade so far declared did not extend thither.
[172] Niles' Register, vol. iv. pp. 370, 386.
[173] Ibid., p. 387.