158 Naval War of 1812 



Lieut. Lawrence Kearney, with three barges con 

 taining about 75 men, at once proceeded outside to 

 cut them off, when the militia drove them away. 

 The frigate was at anchor out of gunshot, but as 

 soon as she perceived the barges began firing guns 

 as signals. The British on shore left in such a 

 hurry that they deserted their launch, which, con 

 taining a 12-pound boat carronade and six swivels, 

 was taken by the Americans. The other boats 

 two cutters, and a large tender mounting one long 

 nine and carrying 30 men made for the frigate; 

 but Lieut. Kearney laid the tender aboard and cap 

 tured her after a sharp brush. The cutters were 

 only saved by the fire of the Hebrus, which was 

 very well directed one of her shot taking off the 

 head of a man close by Lieut. Kearney. The frigate 

 got under way and intercepted Kearney's return, 

 but the Lieutenant then made for South Edisto, 

 whither he carried his prize in triumph. This was 

 one of the most daring exploits of the war, and 

 was achieved at very small cost. On Feb. I4th a 

 similar feat was performed. Lieutenant Kearney 

 had manned the captured launch with 25 men and 

 the 12-pound carronade. News was received of 

 another harrying expedition undertaken by the Brit 

 ish, and Captain Dent, with seven boats, put out to 

 attack them, but was unable to cross the reef. Mean 

 while Kearney's barge had gotten outside, and at- 



