In the House of Representatives, on the Bill to provide for the payment of Militia called out by State authority, and not placed under the command of the United States.
[After animadverting with great severity on the affair at Pettipaug point,[19] and the course pursued by Governor Smith, of Connecticut, for the defence of New London]—
"There was one achievement, said Mr. R., which brightened the annals of Connecticut and shed lustre on the American character. He alluded to the Defence of Stonington. A more brilliant affair, said he, had not taken place during the late war. It was not rivalled by the defence of Sandusky, the glorious triumph on the Niagara, nor the naval victories on Erie and Champlain. And yet that heroic exploit is claimed in favor of Governor Smith's militia, and is to gild the pill which we are called upon to swallow. The detached militia, said Mr. R., had nothing to do in that affair. It was achieved by fourteen democrats, volunteer democrats, who were determined to defend the town or perish in its ruins. Commodore Hardy, fearful that that democratic town would send torpedoes among his squadron, demanded a pledge that no harm should be done to his ships. No pledge being given, and after advising the removal of women and children from the town, the enemy made a vigorous attack, first in barges, and afterwards in a brig of war. This heroic little band, with a single gun mounted on a small battery, drove off the brig as they had before driven off the barges. They sent havoc and death among the enemy,—saved the town,—and crowned themselves with never fading laurels."—The (Hartford) Times, March 18, 1817.
[The Battle of Stonington, on the Seaboard of Connecticut.]
by philip freneau.
In an attack upon the town and a small fort of two guns, by the Ramillies, seventy-four gun ship, commanded by Sir Thomas Hardy; the Pactolus, 38 gun ship; Despatch brig, and a razee, or bomb ship,—August, 1814.
Four gallant ships from England came
Freighted deep with fire and flame,
And other things we need not name,
To have a dash at Stonington.
Now safely moor'd, their work begun,
They thought to make the Yankees run,
And have a mighty deal of fun
In stealing sheep at Stonington.
A deacon then popp'd up his head,
And Parson Jones's sermon read,
In which the reverend doctor said
That they must fight for Stonington.