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Tous las autras exemplairas originaux sont filmte en commenpant par la premiere page qui comporte une emprelnte dimpression ou d'illustratlon et en terminant par la darnlAre page qui comporte une telle emprelnte. Un des symbc es suivants appara?tra sur la darnlire imag i de cheque microfiche, seion le cas: la symbi ie -^ signiffie "A SUIVRE". le symbols V signiffie "FIN". Les cartas, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre ffiimAs A des taux de reduction diffirents. Lorsque le document ast trop grand pour Atre reprodult en un seul ciichA, il est ffilmA A partir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut an bas, en prenant le nombre d'imagas nAcessalra. Les diagrammes suivants illustrant la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 OI FOl lVY a NAVl COLLECTIOM OF THE P [OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS, IN DETAIL, OF ALL THE BATTLES FOUGHT BY SEA A^B LAND, BETWEE\ THE lvy and army of the u>^jted states, AND THE • NAVY AND ARMY OF GREAT BRITAIN, . BY H A. FAY. Late Capt. m the Corps of ITT^ ArtiUtritts. NEW- YORK : PRij\rTEi) Br E. cc^-MA^), 1817. ■1--->-- ■;,. jf4.<'«*¥i-<™'- /: % LP 1^ ( t i SouTUESN District op New-York, h$. BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the tweM^-nintk dm/ qf April, in the forty-first year of the Independence of the UnUed States of America, H. A. Fay, of the said District, hath deposited in this office the title qfa book, the right mhereqfhe claims as atUhoravd proprietor, in the words and figure's fbttoning, to wit: " Cotlecfion of the ofltcial accounts, in detail, of all the " battles fought, by sea and land, between the navy and armj of the United " States, and the navy and army of Great Britain, durine the years 1812, 13, " 14, and 15. By H. A. Fay, late Capt. in the corps of U. S. Artillerists."— In conformity to the Act ofCongreu t^the United States, entitled " An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies qfMaps,' Charts^ and Books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein mentioned." And alto to an act, entitled " an Act, supplementary to an Act, erUitled an Act for the encouragement qf Learning, by securing the copies qf Maps, Charts, and Books to the authors and proprietors qjf such copies, during the tim^s therein mentioned, and extending the ben^s thereqf to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints." THERON RUDD, Clerk of the Southern District of New-Tork. "•t" -^Ti, PREFACE. Whether the reader approved, or disapproved of the causes, conduct, and issue of the late war, is not so mate- nai at present— as it is, that he should have it in his pow« er, for a very moderate sum, to preserve, for his own and his children s use, the verj skeleton aud soul of the histo- ry ol the war, bj this record of the most extraordinary actions ever fought; nor is it conceived, that any man, with American feehngs, can object to a collection of this _ kind. f I It was no part of my object to write a history: this K should not be attempted but by a Marshal, Clintoiv, t KAMSAY, or other eminent writer, who could, without prejudice or partiahty, state the whole grounds of the 1. ^?r-r^r ™^""^r '» which it was conducted— the events L which happened between the actions herein recorded, I with the political and other effects which the war itself produced on the people of the United States. 1 his, therefore, is only a collection of the « Official Accounts, m detail, of all the battles fought, by sea and land, during the late war, as given by the otf;cer whd commanded in each action, or, (in case of his death,) by the next m command. M Nor did I think proper to add a single comment of my own— choosing rather to leave the reader to make his own remarks, and form his own opinion, from a simple statement of facts, as given to the people by those whose duty and whose honor were deeply concerned in giviW correct statements ; nor is it proper (as some have^onel ^to alter the style of these communications, not even in a Lsingieword; because, from the composition itself, much k-may be seen of the character of the writers. 15JJ043 ^s^- '■•<<^f*- I mmmmm ■•^ •^^^i^P /'■/ I i I am happy, however, in this opportunity, to state my belief, tnat the actions, herein detailed, are reported with less partiality tiian were ever a like number of actions by any otiier nation ; but this only shews my opinion of Ame- ncan otiiceis, compared with others. It would be ver^ satislactory to have a genuine collec. tion, of similar events, during our revolutionary war— the ^^e^ieral result has been stated by Ramsay and Gordon- but, I believe, there never has been collected a detailed account of the action* fought— hence the names of those (especially subalterns) who distinguished themselves, have not been made kown, except in very extraordinary cases; and It IS one prime object, in publishing- this collection, to do juslice to nlU ^fevtry trradt, that their names may be always remembered by the American people. Besides, a eo>f,p/ef€ history of the war will form a work, which will be beyond the means of the majority of the people to purchase. This collection was put low, with a view of obviating that objection, and placing it within the means of almost every man; and, if I may be allowed to recommend a book to be used in our schools,! know of none better calculated to keep alive the true national jietimrs, than the one here presented. Instead of publishing in duodecimo form, as at first pro- posed. It was thourrht advisable to make it an octavo, with a larger type and a much fairer page— the cost, to me, is more; but, if the work has a tendency (as I believe it will) to disseminate, and keep alive the national feeling, a mam object is answered. The collection was made for my own use, as a soldier, without reference to, or inten- tion ol publication-,1 wish it may prove useful to others. H. A. FAY. ■'^****' "••ytf^^- ,/ INDEX. :M Actions fought at Detroit, Fort Mdgs, and within their vicinity. Battle of Brownsto^rn - • - . Crcneral Hull's Surrender - . . , Block's Acoount of Hull's Surrender Captain Z. Taylor's Defence of Fort Harrison Colonel [itissell against the Indians - . . General Hopkins si^uinst the Indians Captain Heaid's Defeat, by the Ind!!)ns Defent of (ien. Winchester - . . _ Further p»rti' ulars of Win'hestor's Defeat General Harrison's Account of an Attai-k upon Fort Meigs --..-. Second L«'3te •, on the same subject Colonel Dudle^v's Defeat . - _ . Croghan's Defence of Sandusky - . _ Declar tion of War by the Six Nations Fort Maiden taken ..... Defeat of Gen. Proctor .... Treaty with the Indians at Detroit Gener 1 Harrison's Detailed Report of the Defeat of Gen. Proctor - . . . . Captain Holmes, on the ri?er De French - PAH. 9 £5 26 29 «8 M 65 73 75 88 90 92 117 119 127 128 lb. 133 178 Actions fought on the Niagara, at Sackefs Harbor, and their vicinity. Battle of Queenstown - . . . 5$ Attack upon Fort Niagara - . . . gg 6 PiCK. 61 , K ■ i n II Winding up of Ocn. Smydi's Affairs Captui-e ol two BiitUli armed vesHcIs, on the Niamra sti-alt, bv Capf. Elliotl, and others - '''""^™ Capture of York, U. Can da Terms of Capitulai ion (York) Loss ol' the Knevay, in the above Capture Captui* of Fort George (U. C.) Pi-oceedings, after the ca|>tuie of Fort Georce - ' . Difencc of Sacket's Harbor - . . Capture of Generals Chandler and Winder " . Movements of Gen. Lewis, subsequent to the capture of Chandler and Winder - . . Colonel Boerstler'a Suri-endep - . ' Mjg'or Chapin's Escape S'ott and Chauneey's Expedition to Burlington Bay (li. CO 116 Commodore Chauncey and Sir James Yoo-skirmisliing ^ ill lioss of Fort Niagara ... ^ Destiuetion of Buffaloe . . " . " Colonel Mitehell, at Oswego - - ' . ' Major Appling, at Sandy Creek - . " . Battle at Chippewa, July, 181* . . * General Brown's Detailed Report of the above - After movements of Gen. Brown's army General Brown's Disappointment, in not having the fleet on Lake Ontario to assist him ... Battle of Bridgew-iter - . . Detailed Report of the Battle of Bridgewater Battle at Fort Er io (U. C.) . Sortie at Fort Erie - . Detailed Report of the Sortie at Fort Erie " - Affair near Chippewa - . . General Izard's Aceount of the above Affair 67 81 8S «6 9S 100 101 104 105 ilfl 114 165 i«r 18S 191 209 21f 216 air 218 219 228 240 254 264 ^ 2«fi Actions on the St. Lawrence, Plattsburgh, and their vicinity. Affair at St. Regis Colonel Claik's Expedition, and success - General Wilkinson's Proclamation Action at Williamsburgh (U. C) Coppcspondence between Generals WUkinson and Hamo- ton, on the proposed junction of their armies - Oeneral Hampton's Affair at Chatauguay Wilkinson, at La CoUc Mai . 40 142 145 146 151 155 181 -■-«^a»'.-jaity rAQK • 61 Niagnra - or m 81 - W - • 46 « 9$ - • 100 m 101 - lOi iptupe of - 105 • 112 . 114 lay (U. C 116 iniHhing 126 - 165 - i«r - 188 • 191 - S09 - 21< . 216 the fleet - 217 • 218 - 219 ■ 228 - 240 - 254 - 204 ■■ 265 I, and their . 40 - 142 - 145 - ■ 146 lamp- - 151 155 - 181 llh General Order - - . . : Defence of Fort Moreau General Macomb's Detailed Account of the above Naval Actions. i^aptnre of the Sloop of war Alert, by the Essex L Guerrier, by Iho Constitution pommodore Chuun( cy, on Lake Ontario -pture of the Frolic, by the Wasp Macedonian, by the United States - Java, by the Constitution Peacock, by the Hornet American Gun-boats, with the Frigate Junon ;i08s of the Frigate Chesapeake Capture of the English Schooner, Lady Murray a British Tender - . ^ . Gun-bnat, on Lake Ontario the Dominico ... , Boxer - . . _ ^ommodore Perry's Victory, on Lake Erie Loss of the Argus— British Aecount fe-capture of the Julia and Growler Commodore Chauncey and Sir James L. Yeo— the for- mer having the latter in his power Capture of the British Brig Morgiana Epervler - . iramodore Barney's Flotilla, with Enemy's Frimites " Restriction ofa Gun-boat, on Lake Ontario "^f laptain Porter's Cruise, and Loss of the Essex Baptain Hillyar's Complimentary Letter ^:^7.1°Z^"d.X^er"-:"^^ at P«.,„..M. i'Donough's Victory ... lis Detailed Report - . " ' ' |aptui'e of the Reindeer further Account of the Wasp's Cruise Privateer General Armstrong ^lntu^^L^ »*'"•• . •'yan English Gentleman capture of the Penguin, by the Hornet . Cyane and Levant, by the Constitution PAOV. 184 236 2«i 27 ib. M ri 77 109 110 112 lis 115 120 ik 122 127 129 ISO 14i 185 192 193 194 209 210 235 236 237 259 266 269 274 287 288 .k .V- qp 3S3 aaHBBRHHHqi M ^! I i (I: iSiouMem fTar. 'AM. CoIomI Newman*! Expedition against the Indians is Capture of the FlantaKenet'H Riirge, &o. • « 115 General CofTce -.tgaiiisi the Indianit • > 143 >iVhite do. . ' . . 159 General Floyd's Victory over tlie Creeki - 161 Claiborne against the Indians - • 168 Flovd's Victory over tlie Creeks , - ib, Jackson against the Creeks ... 170 do. do. ... 179 Colonel Pearson against the Indians > • • 219 Affair of Bladensburgh .... 225 Attack on Baltimore .... 247 Colonel Armistead's Defence of Fort M'Henry . ' 251 Defence of Fort Bowyer - - . . 259 Account of the Action at Fort Bowyer - > . 262 Destruction of the Pirates of Barratarii* . • 263 Action of the 2Sd December, near New-Orleans • 277 General Jackson's Detailed Report - • 278 Further Proceedings, Di^cember 29 > • . 281 Battle of January 8th, near Orleans . - . ib. Detailed Report of the above action • • 284 Decampment of the £nemy . > <. - 28(T Miscellaneous. Rupture with* Algiers — cause of - Genf>ral Miller's demand upon Sir J. B. Warren • O'Neale, a prisoner) and Sir J. B*^ reply for 40 8f .# OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. BATTLE OF BROWNSTOWN. [I am indebted for the following account of the battle of I Brownstown, to Major James Dalliba, who was in the action, and who has published it under the inspection oi C^eneralJames Miller, who commanded the Ameri- can lorces in said action. lA part of Major Dalliba's account is omitted here, because I It more properlj. beluiig. to the historian to record. , 'i'HIE fUBLlSHUR. The object of publishing the following narrative, is, to Relate a simple story of facta, which are not eenerillv known ; and which, I think, cannot but be interestiW to those who take the trouble to read it. I have often conversed with gentlemen of intelligence on the subject of the campaign of the North Western Ar- ny, under the command of General Hull, in 1812, who appeared to possess but very little correct information re- lative to the transactions of that army. LI"" ""♦If "^^l?'^ ^^?V* ^* *^^ *'*°«' *at the impres- pion on the public mind, that such an event ever occurred, 18 nearly lost. The distance of the scene from the popu- lous parts of the country, and the interruption to them, by the enemy, confined the intelUgence of the engagement t J I the army, and to the few inhabitants of the territory of '■y i 10 Michigan, until it was brought out by the parolled prijon- ers of war, after the fatal surrender of the army and of the territory, to the enemy, by general Hull. The little spark of intelligence, though brilliant, WM then so completely enveloped in the general darkiiesi that pervaded the United States, that it shone but faintly, and the impressions it made on the minds of the people were superficial. The eommunicatlon with the state of Ohio (and the tFnited States army at Detroit depended for provisions upon its being kept open,) was completely blocked up ; the provisions for the supply of HulFs army, under a con- voy of 200 men, commar led by Captain Brush of the Ohio Volunteers, were waiting at the River Raism, 36 miles from Detroit ; Major Van Home had been dispatch- ed a day or two before, with a small command, to the assist- ance of Captain Brush, but was defeated and driven back. General Hull now saw it necessary to turn his serious attention to that point ; and to send a force to open this communication, vhich was fully competent to the task, both to enable the supplies to pass unmolested, and to counteract the unfavorable irtipressions made on the minds of the troops by the defeat ofMajor Van Home. He accordingly detached from the army a part of the regular troops, tne Michigan legion and some riflemen, and dragoons of the Ohio volunteers, making in the whole about 600 men, under the command of ILieutenant Colonel James Millerv^f the 4th regiment U. S. Infantry, for this object. a 1 The 4th regiment, except one company left at Sand- wich, to garrison a small fort, built by order of General ikull ; a small detachment of tlie Ist Infantry, and a smaU number of Artillerists from Cantain Dyson's compa- ny stationed in fort Detroit, formed the regular troops of the detachment, amountmg to about 300 in number. The Michigan legion consisted of about 60 men, mostly native Frenchmen of that territory, commanded by Captain De Cant. The cavalry consisted of about 40 dragoons and mounted spies, conimanded by Captain Sloan, of the corps of volunteer cavalry. The riflemen amounted to about *\ 11 200, commanded by Major Morrison, of the Ohio volun- teers, makin? the 600 men. Colonel Miiler obtained permission from General Hull to take two field pieces with the detachment, one 6 pounder and one 51-2 inch howitzer, with their appendages and am- munition. The first was manned by a squad of artillerists from Captain Dyson's company, detached from fort De- troit, and commanded by Lieutenant Jonathan Eastman ; 1 that corps and the second was manned by a aquad picked I from the first Infantry (the General refusing to detach from the 1st any more Artillerists) and was placed under the command of Lieutenant James Dalliba, of the regi- ment of Artillerists, then serving as master of ordnance to General Hull's army. Captam Brevoort, of the 2d U. S. Infantry, then commanding the transports on the lakes ; and Captain Abraham P. Hi3l, of the 13th Infantry, son and aid to the general, volunteered their services as aids de camp to Colonel Miller. Lieutenant John L. East- man, adjutant of the 4th Infantry, served as brigade major. Captain Maxwell, of the Ohio volunteers, a revo- lutionary officer, and who had served in the Indian war un- der General Wayne and others, was chosen to lead the spies, to reconnoitre the country a-head of the detachment, and point out the rout of march : he was assisted by sev- eral volunteer citizens from Detroit, well acquaintedf with the country. The detachment having drawn two day's provisions, bemg organized, and every thing prepared for the march, was paraded in line in order of march, as to the station of corps, m the main street m the town of Detroit, on the 8th of August, 1812, at 5 o'clock P. M. Colonel MUler then rode to the centre, and in front of the line, addressed the troops in the following words : « Soldiers, we are go- mg to meet the enemy, and to beat them ! The reverses of the 5th must be repaired ! The biood of your brethren, spilt by savage hands, on that day, must be avenged by their chastisement and by the chastisement of the enemy who employs them, more savage than they! I shall lead you— I trust that no man will disgrace himself or me— every man who is seen to leave the ranks, to give way or k .«. «»Mpi i.-«». I ,C- t\ \fl 12 fall back, without orders, shall instantly be put to death. The officers are hereby charged with the execution of this order. My brave soldiers ! you have once faced the enemy in a hard conflict, and beaten them, and gained glo- ry to yourselves and honor to your countrj' ! Let this op- portunity be improved to add another victory to that of Tippacanoe, and new glory to that which you gained on the Wabash. Soldiers, if there are any now in the ranks of this detachment, who are afraid to meet the enemy, they are now permitted to fall out and stay behind—" At which the words « I'll not stay," ran through the ranks, with a "• huzza." After which the line was wheeled by sections to the ri^ht into open column, when Colonel Miller took his po- rtion at the head, and ordered the detachment to march. The whole moved off in order and in high spirits, and dis- covered those ardent feelings to meet the conflict, which inspired a tull confidence in the remaining army and anx- ious citizens, that they would be successhil. The head of the column arrived at the river Rouge, six miles from Detroit, about sun set. There being no bridge, and the water very deep, the detachments were conveyed over m scows ; there being but two provided, which would not carry more than 50 men each ; it was 10 o'clock at night before the troops, artillery, horses and waggons, were all crossed over. The weather being somewhat rainy and very dark, it was determined to encamp there for the night. The guards and piquets having been sta- tioned, and every arrangement completed for Uie security of the camp ; the men were permitted to lie down upon their arms and rest till day light. The tents and all other dispensable baggage, was left at Detroit. The troops had no other covering than some rails which they took from the fences, to screen them from the weather. Cooks of messes were directed to cook the provisions during the night so as to be ready to march at day break. Accor- dingly the troops were paraded, and every thing prepared to move m that order, which appeared the best calculated to receive or make an attack, when and wherever the ene- my might be met. The following is the order in which ^musqut A^ar gu rwrofth The , and or lowed \ )Ut to death. execution of ice faced the d gamed glo- Let this op- j to that of u gained on in the ranks the enemy, ^ behind — " ^h the ranks, tions Xo the took his po- Qt to march, irits, and dis- nfiict, which my and anx- r Rouge, six ng no Bridge, jre conveyed which would 9 o'clock at ad waggons, g somewhat icamp there ng been sta- ' the security down upon tndall other le troops had f took from '. Cooks of during the ak. Accor- ing prepared st calculated Jver the ene- ler in which 13 U troops marched : Captain Maxwell, with his mounted ^les went a-head, as a van guard, at such a distance as he Idged prudent An advance guard, under Captain Snel- ij5, of the fourth Infantry, of 40 men of his*^company, irched mime of smgle rank, 200 yards in advance of id covenn^ the hea dk of the columns. The musquetrv ^ and marched by files by the right of columns. One i^rr "^A ^^*^^ ''^^^'^* 200 yards distance u each other. One commanded by Major Morrison cavli^' Wt ^^? ^r ^' ^^*« ^^- --J"»t"«^ colnmn 7/ uf S^P*f " ^^^°' "^^^^^^ »n the road, column of double files hy the rieht of column. The d of this column kept in line witS the heads of the co! ans of musquetry on the right and left. Flank guards hhl'nT '^"^"°*'"J.""^ "^^"^^^^ ^7 singlefiles, beaded inusquetry and at the „ 14 the second line were to advance and form respectively on the right and left flanks of the first line. If the first line should not require extending, the setond Une was to form a corps of reserve. The right and left flank guards were to form respectively on the nght and left flanks of the front line. Tne artillery and cavalry were to move to that point by order of the commander in chief, which he should think proper to direct The rear guard was to protect the waggons and stores. If an attack should be made in rear, the Columns were to form lines to the rear, and march upon the i ear guard as upon the front and so of other corps. If an attack should be made on either flank, the whole were to halt and the columns face to the ene- my ; and by so facing they would already be formed in two lines ; and tihe other corps would form as before di- rected. In this order the detachment marched from the en- campment near the river Rouge, on the morning of the 9th. They proceeded through the White Settlement, which was about five miles, and entered the woods. The country, from the river Rouge to Brownstown, is generally flat, and lies a little above the surface of the river Detroit. Indian huts and fields are interspersed through the woods : at that time the fields were: covered with com, which was grown to 7 1 and 8 feet high. The first woods which the troops entered was about one mile and a half through. When the advance | guard had arrived at the fartheredge of this wood, the spies having advanced into the Indian opening, were fired upon by a party of about ten Indians, who were on horseback, and had concealed themselves behind the house of the celebra- ted chief, Walk-in-the-water. The spies fell back : a citi- zen from Detroit, who accompanied them, was killed, and fell from his horse. The guard under captain Snelling ad- vanced quickly towards the house, at sight of which, the Indians fled without receiving much injury from the guard, who fired upon them as they were uncovered by the house, bearing away as a trophy, the citizen's scalp whom they had shot. The facility with which the scalp was taken, was astonishing. There appeared not to have been time for the Indian to have reached the spot wherel % I 15 the man feU, before the guard arrived upon the same spot, when the scalp had been taken off, and the Indian fied. When the firing was heaid bv the columns, the order was given by Colonel Miller to " form the Une of battle," which soon ran through the detachment, and was executed promptly ; but as the Indians had fled, the firing ceased, and all was silent for a few moments. The spies were a- gain sentforward, but soon returned, and reported that no enemy could be discovered. The troops were again formed m the order of march and moved forward as before The firmness with which Colonel Miller conducted during thi8alarm,and his presence of mind, gave the army fresE courage, and increased their confidence in their comman- der : as also, the promptness and order with which the line ol battle was formed, gave him reciprocal confidence in his troops; for every one believed that the enemy had met «iemm force. This hanpened about 9 o'clock A. M. The march was contmuca until 12, without much further mterruption. Some flying Indians were discovered now and then, who had been sent out by the enemy to watch the movements of the Americans, and to give Information of their approach towards Brownstown f where the ene- my, as appeared afterwards, then lay in ambush to receive them. He had crossed over from Maiden, and taken that position, on the night of the 7th, the same time the Ameri- can detachment crossed from Sandwich to Detroit : which clearly proved that he had intelligence of the movement and object of Colonel Miller: forSl the Indians, and XS^ fl«i65, had recrossed to Maiden, afteif the defeat of Maior Van Home, to celebrate the victory end present the American scalps to the commanding officer of that fort. 1 he position which the enemy had chosen, lay in an open l^r.S;^'r*^>*^^^^^'^»ty of a rising giund, om- which the Americans had to pass. He W thro;n up breastworks of trees, logs, &c. behind which he lay con- cealed m foree, and in order of battle. His works were thrown up in form of a eourtine with two flanks. The meoftheco«r/i«elyacro^^ and perpendicu- of about 120. The couriine war Kne3 with British regu- H I \ue troops, two deep, of the 41st regiment of foot, under the command of Major Muer, of that regiment, who had long been in command at Maiden. The flank of the cour- iine, on the enemy's right, and American left, was lined with Canadian militia and Indians, commanded by Walk*- in-the-water and Marpot. This line was flanked by the river Detroit. Most of the militia were dressed and pain- ted like their " brethren in arms," the savages. The left flank of the courtine was lined entirely by savages, un- der the command of the celebrated Indian warrior Tecum- seh, of the Shawanoese nation. The number of the Brit- ish regulars and militia amounted to about 300 : about 200 regulars. The Indians amounted to 450 ; making the enemy's force about 750 men. The position and strength of the enemy were entirely unknown to Colonel Miller and to the army, at this time. At 12 o'clock, meridian, the detachment arrived at a large opening which contained 4 or 5 Indian houses, gar- dens and orchards. The army halted to take some re- freshment, and to bury the man who had been killed ; where they lay about one hour. The village was desert- ed, and nothing left in the houses of conseauence. The march was again resumed at 1 o'clock P. M. and continued without interruption. The troops marched over the ground on which Major Van Home had been de- feated four days before ; and passed the dead bodies of several of the slain, and some dead horses. The body of captain M'Cullock lay under an Indian bark. The co- lumns having arrived at the oak woods near Brownstown, at half past three, some guns were heard a-head by them. In a few seconds a volley was heard from captain Snellings advance guard, and another instantlv returned from a great number of pieces. The troops, dv this time com- pletely awake, were ordered to halt. Colonel Miller rode towards the centre at full speed, halted, and with a firm voice, ordered the columns to " form the line of battle," which was executed with that order, promptness and zeal, which he had expected : after the first voUies, the firing be- came incessant in front. Captain SnelHng stood his ground till the lines were formed, and moved to his relief. "He| 17 stood within pistol shot of the enemy»8 breastworks, in a shower of bafis from the regular troops in his front, who shewed the^^elves after thlfirstfire,*and set up the I„. d.an relh When the first line appeared before tL breast- work, they received the fire of the whole front anda nart of the flanks: at this instant Colonel Miller dTscovfred that the enemy outflanked him, when the second line and f^^SY^l^'^'^^^'o^S^tupon the flanks of the front l.ne, and extended to meet the whole line of the enemy. The savages, m unison with the British troops, set up a firin*^ Ar'^'/'"'^^""^'^* ^"^"^^- Theincssant crlr!.W nf • T-r 7".^'^«r?'ng to the flanks : from the ZTl^A ^^!"^'\'^"^» Pieces, Tt clianged to alternate vol- lies ; and at length to one continue! sound : and, while every thing seemed hushed amidst the wavering rilUhe discharge of the SIX pounde:- burst upon the fa^ The Americans stood !-At this instant 6olonel Miller was thrown from his horse which took fright at the discharge oftheartillery,. he was supposed tolbe shot, those nefr him flew to his aid. The savages who saw him fall sprang over the breastwork to take Kis scalp, but were Ef back. Colonel Miller instantk remou^nted and LurneS to continue his orders. The fire from the Indians who were screened by their breastworks, was deadly. The soldiers saw the advantage it gave them, and Colinel Mil- er, throwmg his eye along tTie line, discovered one or two, edging to place themselves behind a tree. He saw the instant must be improved, and ordered « charo-e '» which instantly ran through the line : the men whom he saw edging, with every other, brought down their pieces, struckupa huzza ! and marched directly into the freast- ^Z)t: ^^^ f ""i^ ?^ "t^ ^""^ ^^«°^ *^« six-pounder, and the approach of the bayonet, caused the British line to yield, and then to break, and the troops fled in disor- t^i • ^ "^l*^? ^^^ f?^ '"f *^"* *^^ '"^'^ns and militia on their right flank, being charged in their work, by the Michigan fegion, under Captain De Cant, and a part of the Ohio riflemen, tummg this flank by the river, fled in confiision. Tecumseh, on the enemy's left flank, stood longer ; some of the Indians under his command, near the "( 1 18 extremity of the liiie,lmd jumped over the breast-works, in the full assurance of victory : they were driven back, by the point of the bayonet. Tecumseh endeavoured to outflank the American line, and turn their ri^ht ; but from the skill and gallantry of the officers, and farmness of the men on that flank, he was foiled in every attempt, and was finally forced to fall back, and take new positions, and fight on the retreat. The British and Indians on their right flank, fled directly down the river, and were pursued by Colonel Miller, with that part of his troops which had opposed them ; and Tecumseh, with his Indians, fled di- rectly from the river, westwardly, into the wilderness, and were pursued by that part of the troops which had oppo- sed them, overtaking them who were wounded, and other- wise unable to escape. After the British had retreated about one mile, they came into an opening, of about half a mile in diameter ; here they endeavoured to form again, but on the precipitate approach of the Americans, they again broke and fled into the woods down the river. They were pursued to the edge of these woods, when Colonel Miller received infor- mation from Major Van Home, whom he had left in com- mand of the right flank, that Tecumseh had retreated westwardly, that he successively took new positions with his Indians, that they were still fighting, and that it was still doubtful how the conflict would finally terminate in that quarter. On the receipt of this information, Colonel Miller ordered the troops under his immediate command, to halt, and form the line. He informed the officers, that it would not do to pursue the enemy any farther, until he had heard again from the right flank. That as Te- cumseh had retreated in another direction, the army was now divided, and the two divisions, already out of hearing of each other's muscjuetry. That if Tecumseh was likely to overpower that division, he must send back a reinforce- ment to their relief, or the Indians would otherwise im- mediately advance upon the field of battle, and massacre the wounded, destroy the rear guard, and take the ammunition and stores; and finally fall upon his rear. Information was at length brought that Tecumseh had 19 finally fled, and that the troops were returning to join that division as soon as possible. Colonel Miller immediately ordered the troops to march in further pursuit of the British. They entered the woods, and the cavalry moved a-head at full speed. When they arrived through these woods, which was a- bouthalf a mile, they came upon the beach of Lake Erie, and discovered the enemy all in boats, steering to- wards Maiden, and out of reach of their shot. They ha d concealed their boats at this point, when they came over, for this purpose, if they should be defeated. This circum- stance however could not have been known to Colonel Miller before. He now ordered the troops to return upon the field from whence thev had last marched, which was done ; and on their arrival, they were joined by the other division which had returned from the pursuit of Tecumseh and his Indians. The cause is now shewn, which has not been generally understood heretofore, why the British were not all cap- tured, when they had been so totally defeated. The troops were then formed in line, fronting the field of battle ; when Colonel Miller rode in front of the cen- tre, and addressed them in the following words : « My brave fellows ! you have done well ! every man has done his duty. I give you my hearty thanks for your conduct on this day ; you have gained my highest es- teem ; you have gained fresh honor to yourselves, and to the American arms: your fellow soldiers in arms will love you, and your country will reward you. You will re- turn to the field of battle to collect those who have glo- riously fallen ; your friendly attentions to your wounded companions is required." After which, detachments were sent out with waggons, to search the woods, and collect all the wounded and dead, and to bring them to the "round then occupied by the troops. After this was completed, all the Indian houses were prepared, amounting to 3 or 4, and the wounded moved into them, as it began to rain, and the surgeons were industriously employed with them, du- ring the whole night. The troops then encamped in or- der of battle, about dusk, on the bank of the river, fronting .: «i 20 the woods, forming three sides of a parallelogram, the river forming the other side. The time from the attack on the van guard, to the time of forming the line on the Indian fields, after the pursuit Was finally ended, was two and a half hours. During this sharp conflict, the conduct of each individual, officer and soldier, was so uniformly and strictly military, that the commander was scarcely able to make distinctions in his brief and modest official report to General Hull. The physical powers of almost every man, were called to action, and severely tried. The names of some officers only, will be mentioned, whose conduct was, from concommitant cir- cumstances, most deeply impressed on the mind of the writer. In doing this, nowever, he wishes to be distinctly understood, that the conduct of many pthers, was equally meritorious. As he writes entirely from recollection, the impossibility at this time, of giving the names, and much more, the actions of every individual, will readily be con- ceived. Major Van Home, who had the mortification to be defeated on nearly the same ground, on the 5th, had sought and obtaineci a command under Colonel Miller. He behaved during the whole action, in a gallant and sol- dierly manner. Major Morrison, of the Ohio volunteers, also obtained a command in the detachment, of whose me- ritorious conduct. Colonel Miller always spoke with the greatest warmth of feeling ; his horse was shot under him at nearly the same time Colonel Miller was dismounted, being at that moment near together. Ijieutenant Johnson, of the Michigan dragoons, (a small number of which corps, formed a part of the cavalry,) behaved in a most gallant manner — he had his horse shot under him. At the mo- ment the charge was ordered, being near Colonel Miller, he discovered one of his men shrink from the attack, at which he presented his pistol to his breast, and was on the point of blowing him through, when Colonel Miller desired him not to kill him, as he c6nsidered the battle was going in their favor. Captain De Cant, and his En- sign M'Comb, of the Michigan legion, behaved in a man- ner, which would have done honor to veterans, particular- ly, when charging the Indians in their works, on the river 21 flank J Captain Dc Cant was the first man, who jumped the breast work at that point, thereby encouraging his men to follow him. Captain Brown, of the Ohio volun- teers, who was on the flank opposed to Tecumseh, with his comoany, fought hard and stubborn ! his conduct was admired by Colonel Miller— as was the conduct of all the volunteers, both officers and men on that flank. Captain Darnel Baker, of the first regiment U. S. Infantry, had re- quested and obtained a command ; he was on the flank opposed to the Indians under Tecumseh. His gallantry, ^ }.f. ^^^*^* °^ *^'s experience, contributed greatly to the foiling of Tecumseh, in his manceuvreing to turn that "a"'fo/'t"e American line. He was shot through the thigh, in the warmest part of the engagement, but did , not quit his command, till the enemy finally fled, nor the I ground until the wounded were all brought off. Lieu- tenant Eastman, with the six pounder, did good execution, and contributed greatly to the defeat of the British troops. 1 he fourth regiment behaved generally in that chival- rous manner, which ought to render the individuals then composing it, the objects of their country's warmest af- fections and unceasing patronage. \ These sentiments, it is believed, must be acknowledged by all those who are acq^uainted with their conduct, fa- tigues and hardships, during this, and the preceding cam- paign on the Wabash. They had been for eighteen months, almost continually traversing those wild regions of the north west, where perils and dangers awaited Siem through every succeeding day and night, where they were necessarily deprived of almost all the enjoyments and comforts of fife, and during some portion of the time, of the necessary means of subsistence. They had march- ed during successive weeks, in mud and water, and du- nng successive days, without having dried their feet .7 . , ^ "?^ (*""?*** *^"""g ^^'s *»«»e, two of the sever- est battles that had ever been fought under the govern- ment of the Umted States, larger numbers had b^en en- I gaged, but an equal number had never fought more des- I perate. Ihese battles were as much more perilous than I usual, as the enemy were more terrible : capture was massacre, and defeat was annihilation. 22 The conduct of Colonel Miller, it is believed, will be correctly appreciated from the foregoing narrative of factfi, by his countrymen. Encomium would be insipid. Captain Snclling, of the advance guard, behaved in tnat heroic manner that can never be excelled : of his com- mand of for vV men, more than twenty were killed and wounded, in the retreat of the enemy, he pursued on horseback (the remnant of his guard falling into the line,) bare-headed, having lost his hat in the engagement. It is believ d it was shot away. Captains Fuller and Burton ; Lieutenants Peters, Hawkins, Way, Eastman, Ager, Peck- ham and Larabee, of the fourth, all conducted in ihe most gallant manner; as also did Captain Whistler, junior; Lieutenant Stansbury, Ensigns WTiistler, M'Cabe, Cibley and Phillips, of the first U. fe. regiment of infantry, who served in the fourth on that tour. Lieutenant Peters was wounded in the early part of the engagement, having been shot through the leg, the same, and a little below that, which had been shot through at the battle of Tippacanoe : Ensign Whistler was also wounded. Capt. Brenvort, aid to Col. Miller, behaved with that cool and daring intrepidity, which gained him the admiration of the army. Captain Hull was active, and verj useful in carrying the orders of Colonel Miller. Lientenant Charles Larabee of the fourth, was also wounded ; he was shot through the left arm, a little below the shoulder, the bone of which was broken and split, and which was amputated a few days afterwards. (Jn his falling to the rear, which he was persuaded to do, he found the officer and squad with the howitzer in difficulty. The position of this piece on the march, being in rear of the six pounder, and its ammunition waggon, and considerably in the rear of the centre of the columns, when the attack was made in front, it had not ascended the risinp- ground on which the lines formed. The enemy not uciug -en from that position, and their situation, and th rr^wxc of the attack, being unknown ; the piece was uninuueied and prepared for action, and awaited the orders of the com- mander in chief, agreeably to his instructions. Orders soon came by an aid. Captain Hull, to advance the piece 23 to the front, inline with the infantry; in conncquence of hav- ing to ascend the rising ground, the boII bting soft, and the road somewhat obstructed by logs and roots, it was necessary again to hmber the piece, in order to advance it to Its intended nosition. At this moment, the horses be- ing Inghtened by the firing, grew frantic and unmanage- able, and in endeavouring to bring the limbers to tlie piece, they were run against a tree, and so twisted around it as to break them down. They were thrown aside, and an attempt madtao advance the piece to the front by the men. With their d,ag ropes. In consequence of the ob- struc I.. nsboforo mentioned, the men with all their exer- tions, Wf). r able to advance It but slowly up the nsinc ^rraund, with the officer at the drag rop^s. fn this situa- tion, tugging ud the hill. Lieutenant Larabee met them, whenhesawtheirtrouble, forgetting that he was hurt, he sprang to the piece, clinched the drag rope with his right hand, and with the greatest enthusiasm of feeling and language, he assisted in bringing the piece to the fron* with his left arm swinging from its shattered point, when he again returned to the rear. This misfortune of the howitzer, deprived Colonel Miller of its use, during the time the British troops stood their ground. It could not be brought m front of the line so as to fire on the onemv, without injuring the Americans, till the moment the ene- my 8 line broke as there was but ten men attached to it. 1 hat number bemff its complement in action only, could not advance it, under those circumstances, in time. The conduct of the officer commanding the piece, however was applauded, and his misfortune solaced by Colonel Miller. In this action eighteen Americans were killed, and sixty three wounded, making in killed and wounded, eighty one ; about one man in seven who were engaged • not one man was captured. The loss of the enemy was* ascertained to be, of Indians killed and wounded, one hun- di-ed and two, more than one half of that number were lelt dead on the field, and believed to be from the best inlormation, of whites, fifty eight, total, one hundred and sixty : a few whites were taken prisoners. The British had brought over horses and sleds to carry off their kil- 24 Jed and wounded, and consequently they were mostly ta- ken to Maiden. The writer believes the above stated number of killed and wounded, of the white enemy, to be too small, as he saw in the hospitals at Maiden, a few weeks afterwards, while a prisoner of war, and on his way to Quebec, a great number of convalescent men: many had died : among whom were one or two officers of the 41st. regiment. He also ascertained that Major Muer, Te- cumseh. Blue Jacket, and other commanders, were woun- ded. Some time in the evening of the ninth, Captain Max- well returned with his spies, having been sent forward to the village of Br owns town, and reported, that the village was abandoned, and that no enemy could be discovered. Early next morning, August 10th, detachments were sent out by Colonel Miller, to scour the woods in search of one man who was ascertained to be still missing j he was, however, found dead. While the men were ranging over the woods, one of them was shot dead. A smoke of a Eiece was discovered at a distance, rising from the ground, y the party— they approached the spot, and beheld an Indian lying on the ground wounded, and unable to stand — one arm and one leg were broken — he had lain there du- ring the night, by his piece, which was loaded when he fell. The cool deliberation with which he died, provtd the na- tive fortitude of the savage to meet death when resis- tance is useless. Unwilling to endure his pains longer, and die by degrees, he determined to die by the hand of his enemies, and Co sell his life to them, as dear as possi- ble. He summoned together the little strength which remained, and so steadily levelled his rifle at the approach- ing American, as to put the ball through his heart. A singular occurrence happened also, as to the death of an Indian, who was killed the day before during the battle, and near the close of it :~An officer of the fourth re- giment had observed two or three balls strike close to him, and apparently from a quarter where no enemy could be discovered, he told one of his men to search for the Indian whom he supposed concealed, and on watching for the discharge, he discovered it to be overhead — hft looked ■#' ;fM, 25 into the ten of a tree, and saw an Indian loading his ri- fle ; he took a position to fire at the savage, who discovered It, and made ready to fire at the soldier, but the soldier being a little too quick for him, put a ball through him, and he. came tumblmg down from the tree like a bear. » 11 ^^\^b®»ng all collected, on the tenth, about 10 o clock A. M. were buried under an Indian house, in one grave, and the house burned down, to conceal from the savages the spot where they lay. At sun rise the march was resumed, and at 12 o'clock on the 12th of August, the detachment re-entered the town of Detroit, covered with mud, from foot to head, Aeir clothes not having been dried in two and a half days. The sun now cheered them with its influence, they march- ed through the street to the encampment, to the tune of the soldier's return, and closed with yankee doodle. They were met by their brother soldiers and citizens, with all that sympathy and heart felt joy, which consti- tutes the soldier's reward, for his hard earned victory. r f SURRENDER OF HULL'S ARMY. Head Quarters, Detroit August 16, 1812. GENERAL ORDERS. It is with pain and anxiety, that Brig. General Hull announces to the North West Army, that he has been comp-lled from a sense of duty, to agree to the follow- ing articles of Capitulation. Camp at Detroit, Aug. 16, 1812 Capitulation for the surrender of Fort Detroit, en- tered into between Major General Brock, commanding His Britannic Majesty's forces, on the one part, and Brig. Gen. Hull, commanding the N. Western Army of the United States, on the other part. 1.;/. Fort Detroit, with all the troops, regulars as well as mihtia, will be hnmediately surrendered to the British forces under the command of Major Gen- f L 26 eral Brock, and will be considered as prisoners oi war, with the exception of such of the militia of Mi- chigan Territory who have not joined the army. 2nd. All the public stores, arms, and all public do- cuments, including every thing of a public nature, will be immediately given up. 3d. Private persons and property of every descrip- tion, will be respected. 4th. His Excellency Brig. General Hull, having ex- pressed a desire that a detachment from the state of Ohio, on its way to join his army, as well as one sent from Fort Detroit, under the command of Colonel M' Arthur, should be included in the above capitula- tion, it is accordingly agreed to ; it is however to be understood, that such part of the Ohio Militia, as have not joined the army, w ill be permitted to return to their homes, on condition that they will not serve du- ring the war ; their arms, however, will be delivered up, if belonging to the public. 5th. The garrison will march out at the hour of 12 o'clock this day, and the British forces will take im- mediate possession of the fort. J. M'DONEL, Lt. Col. Militia, P. A. D. C. J. B. GLEGG, Miyor, A. D. D. JAS. MILLER, Lt. Col. 5th U. S. Infantry. £. BRUSH, Col. 1st. Regt. Michigan Militia. Approved. W. HULL, Brig. Gen. Comdg. U. S. Army. ISAAC BROCK, Major GeneriO. OFFICIAL. From General Brock to Sir George Prevost— dated Detroit, 16 August, 1812. Sir, I hasten to apprise your Excellency of the cap- ture of this very important post ; 2500 troops have this day surrendered prisoners of war, and about 25 pieces of ordnance have been taken without the sacri- fice of a drop of British blood. I had not more than 700 troops including militia, and about 600 Indians, to ;« 1 ■ t- IK ft" 87 accomplish tiiis service. When I detail mv good for- tune, your Excellency mil be asKmished. m rr „ t- ^^A AC BROCK, Major General. To His Ex. Lieut. Gen. Sir GEO. PRE VOST. CAPTURE OF THE SLOOP OF WAR ALERT. Copy of a letter received at the Navy Department, from Captain Por- ter, of the United States Frigate Essex, of 32 Guns. At Sea, August 17,1812. Sir, I have the honor to inform you that upon tlie 13th, his B. M. s!oop of war Alert, Captain T. L. P. Laugharne, ran down on our weather quarter, gave three cheers and commenced an action, (if so trifling a skirmish deserves the name,) and after eight minutes' firing, struck her colours with 7 feet water in Iier hold, much cut to pieces, and 3 men wounded. I need not inform that the officers and crew of the Essex, behaved as I trust all Americans will in such cases, and it is only to be regretted that so much zeal and activity could not have been displayed on an oc- casion that would have done them more honor ; the Essex has not received the slightest injury. The Alert was out for the purpose of taking the Hornet ! I have the honor, &c. How. P. HAMILTON. D.PORTER. revost — dated CAPTURE OF THE GUERRIER. UnitedStates Frigate Constitution. off Boston Light, August 30*. 18 12- Sir, I have the honor to inform you, that on the 19th inst. at2P. M. bein§ in lat 41, 42, and long. 55, 48, with the Constitution under my command, a sail was discovered from the mast head, bearing E. by 8. or S. S. E. but at such a distance we could not tell what she was .; all sail was made in chase, and soon ■t* ".jtt*. ;; 'f li. 28 found we come up with her; at 3, P. M. could plainly see that she was a ship, on the starboard tack, under easy sail, close, on a wind ; at half past 3, P. M. made her out to be a frigate ; continued the chase until we were with- in about 3 mile.?, wiien I ordered the light sails taken in, the courses hauled up, and the ship cleared for action ; at this time the chase had backed her main-top-sail wait- ing for us to come down. As soon as the Constitution was ready for action, I bore down with an intention to brin^ her to close action immediately ; but on our coming within gun shot, she gave us a broadside and filled away, and wore, and giving us a broadside on the other tack, but without effect ; her shot fell short. She continued wearing and manoeuvring for about three ^[uarters of an hour, to get a raking position, but find- ing she could not, she bore up and ran under her topsails and jib with the wind on the quarter. I immediately made sail to bring the ship up with her, and at 5 mi- nutes before 6 P. M. being along side within half pistol shot, we commenced a heavy fire from all our guns, double shotted with round and grape, and so well di- rected were tkey, and so warmly kept up, that in 15 minutes her mizen mast went by the board, and her main yard in the slings, and the hull rigging and sails vet-y much torn to pieces ; the fire was kept up with equal warmth for 15 minutes longer, when her main mast went, taking with it every spar except the bow- sprit ; on seeing this we ceased firing, so that in thirty mmitesy after we got fairly alongside the enemy, she sur- rendered, and had not a spar standing, and her hull be- low and above water so shattered, that a few more broadsides must have carried her down. After informing you that so fine a ship as the Guer- rier, commanded by an able and experienced oflScer, had been tr)tally dismasted, and otherwise cut to pieces, so as to make her not worth towing into port, in the short space of thirty minutes^ you can have no doubt cl the gallantry and good conduct of the officers and ship s company, I have the honor to command ; it only remains therefore for me to assure you that they all fought with great bravery ; and it gives me great plea- .\% A 29 sure to say, that from the smallest boy in the shin to the oldest seaman, not a Jock of fear was seen thev all went into action giving three cheek and requ'estinff to be laKi close along side the enemy. EXsed f have the honor to send you a list of the kS L wounded on hoard the Constitution, and a repo t of the damage, she has sustained, also a list of killed and wounded on board the enemy, with his quarter MU. 1 have the honor, &c. „ , , ISAAC HULL. r/,i^""^^^'"®^^"^ wounded on board the United , States Friaate Constitution. Isaac Hull, Esq Captain in th« action with his B. M. S. Guerrier, Jas. H. dS' I Esq. C apt. on Ihe 19th Aug, 1812. J-'acies, ^7/ct/--Lieut. W. S. Brush, and 6 seamen, 7 JVounded^Lieut Ch. Morris, and 6 seamen, 7 Total killed and wounded, 1 4 [List of the killed and wounded on board the Guerrier. A2//crf— Lieut. Ready and 38 others 39 munded~.Cnpt. Dacres and 60 others 61 I otal killed and wounded in the Guerrier 1 00 L HULL, Capt. I. J. CHEW, Purser. |joK;il'''?^'"°"T*"S,^''^"«°S« was written on the face of the «T^e^^r;f^''i';'*'^'^*''^^•*'•"^•°"«*° the abore action !!! Ll»„f n *^"*7'*'"' i^ g"ns, 300 men, will be happy to see the Presi- Ph!;£ T.T'*^'^ ^''^•^t"' °"^^'''« the Hookfirany other lirge Frigate, to have a sociable tete-a-tete." ' ^ ATTACK ON FORT HARRISON. \Letterfrom Z. Taylor, commanding Fort Harrison, (In. Territory \ I to General Harrison. ^'' Dated, Port Harrison September lOth, 1812. I, ^]h ^^- Thursday evening, the 3dinst. after retreat beating, four guns were heard to fire in the direction iwhere two young men (citizens who resided heise \ Iwere making hay, about 400 yards distant from the % i i '# 30 fort ; I was immediately impressed with an idea that they were killed by the Indians, as the Miamies or Waes had that day informed me, that the Prophet's party would soon be here, for the purpose of commen- cing hostilities ; and that they had been directed to leave this ^ace, which they were about to do. I did not think it prudent to send out at that late hour of the night to see what become of them ; and their not coming in, convinced me that I was right in my conjec- ture ; 1 waited until 8 o'clock next morning, when I sent out a corporal, with a S'liall party, to find them, if it could be done without running too much risque of being c^ raw n into an ambuscade; he soon sent back to inform me that he had found them both killed, and wished to know my further orders ; I sent the cart and oxen, and had them brought in and buried; they had been each shot with two balls, scalped and cut in the most shocking manner Late in the evening of the 4th inst. Joseph Lenar, and between 30 and 40 Indians, arrived from Prophet's town with a white flag, among whom were about 10 women, and the men were composed of chiefs of the different tribes that compose the Prophet's party. A Shawone man, that spoke good English, informed me that old Lenar intended to speak to me next mor- ning, and try to get something to eat ; at retreat beat- ing, I examined the men's arms, and found them all in good cutler, and completed their cartridges to 16 rounds per man — as I had not been able to mount a guard of more than 6 privates and two non-commissioned offi- cers, for some time past, and sometimes part of them every other day, from the unhealthiness of the com- pany, I had not conceived my force adequate to the defence of this post, should it be vigourously attack- ed, for some time past ; as I had just recovered from a very severe attack of the fever, I was not able to be up much through the night — after taptoo, I cautioned the guards to t^ vigilant and ordered one of the non- commissioned officers, (as the centinels could not see every part of the garrison,) to walk around the inside, during the whole night, to prevent the Indians taking •* #■ 31 any advantage of us, provided they had any intention ot attacking us. About eleven o'clock I was awakened by the firing of the centinels ; I sprang up, ran out and ordered the men to their posts, when my orderly Serjeant, who had charge of the block-house, called out that the Indians bad fired the lower block-house, which contained the property of the contractor, which was deposited in the lower part, the upper having been assigned to a corporal and 10 privates, as an alarm post ; the guns had began to fire pretty smartly from both sides— I directed the buckets to be got ready, and water brought from the well, and the fire extinguished immediately, as it was hardly perceivable at that time ; but trom debility, or some other cause, the men were very slow m executing my orders, the word appeared to throw them all into confusion ; and by the time they had got the water, and broke open the door, the hre had communicated to a quantity of whiskey ; and in spite of every exertion we could make use ot, m less than a moment, it ascended to the root, and baffled every eflTort we could make to extin- guish it. As that block-house adjoined the barracks that make part of the fortifications, most of the men immediately gave themselves up for lost, and I had the greatest difficulty m getting any of my orders ex- ecuted, and sir, from the raging of the fire, the yelling and howling of several hundred Indians, the cries of 9 ^T^t" ^"** children who had taken shelter in the fort, and the desponding of so many of the men, (which was worse than alU I can assure you, that my feelings were unpleasant, indeed there were not more than 10 or 15 men able to do a great deal, the others being either sick or convalescent, and to add to our misfortunes, two of the stoutest men of the fort, and that I had every con- fidence in, .jumped the picket and left us. But my me- sawby throwing otr part of the roof that joined the block-house that was on fire, and keeping the end per- fectly wet, the whole row of buildings might be saied, and leave only an entrance of 18 or 20 feet for the In- dians to enter after the house was consumed i and that •f I B ■ 4 32 a temporary breast-work might be erected, to prevent even their entering the re. I convinced the men that this could be accomplistied, and it appeared to inspire them with new life, and never did men acf with more firmness or desperation ; those that were able, (while the others k«pt up a fire from the other block-house and the two bastions,) mounted the roofs of the houses, with Doctor Clarke, at their head (who acted with the great- est firmness and presence of mind, the whole time the attack lasted, which was eight hours under a shower of bullets,) and in a moment threw off as mucftvof the roof as was necessary, this was done with the loss of one man only, and two wounded, neither of them danger- ously, the. man that was killed was a little deranged, and did not get off the house as soon as directed, or he would not have been hurt ; and altho' the barracks were several times in a blaze, the men used such exer- tions, that they kept it under; and before day light, rai- sed a temporary breastwork as high as a man's head, altho' the Indians continued to pour in a heavy fire of ball, and an innumerable quantity of arrows, during the whole time the attack lasted, in every part of the pa- rade. I had but one other man killed, nor any other wound- ed inside the foi-t, and he lost his life by being too anxious ; he got into one of the gallies in the bastions and fired over the pickets, and called to his comrades that he had killed an Indian, and neglecting to stoop down, in an instant he was shot dead ; one of the men that jumped the picket, returned an hour before day, and running towards the gate, begged for God's sake it , might be opened ; I suspected it to be a stratagem of the Indians to get in ; as I did not recollect the voice, I directed the men in the bastion where I happened to be, to shoot him, let him be who he would, and one of them fired at him, but fortunately he ran up to the other bastion, where they knew his voice, and Doctor Clarke j directed him to lie down close to the pickets behind an empty barrel that happened to be there, and at day- j light I had him let in ; his arm was broke in a most shocking manner, which he says was done by the In- 33 dians, and which I suppose was the cause of his returning constant fire, until aL^utl^L'cl^^^^^^^^ which we began to return with some eftbct, afte day* light, they removed out of the reach of our "uns ^a party of them drove up the horses that belonged to the citizens here, and as they could not catch them very readily,shotthe whole of them, in our sia i^s weH the catt e which amounted to 65 head, with the Dubnc oxen. I had the vacancy filled up before nieht Fwhch was occasioned by the burning the K-house V w t£ a strong row of pickets, which*! got by pu^HnTdown the guard house. We lost the whole of .mrp ""visions but must make out to live upon green corn .m J Ti can get a supply, which I hope wiH not be loJi I beheve the whole of the MiaSies or Waes, Jre v^^h he prophet's party, as one chief gave his ord^isL That language which resembled Stonl-eater's voice! and I LtTnd'^eSt^tU'd-^" 1^^"^^^^ ^ ^--^-- fli "Pi;^*^stands their different languages, and several ofthe Waes that have been frequently he;elTre sX^dl'Lly buf "'^ "-tInorniJiiTtheXia"; lu^h^i^ V: ^^u ^^''^ '^ numerous as to take off a^l that.were shot ; they continued with us until the next mormng, but made no further attempt on the fbrt nor have we seen any thing more of them since ' «i3 iLx. trov. Harrison. Z TAYLOR inlSfc^'a^arrr"^^^ ' ""'''"''^'^ '^^ ^^^^^^^^^ BATTLE OP QUEENSTOWN. c; A u ^®*^ Quarters, Lewistown, October 14, 1812 SIR,—- As the movements of the army under mv com inand, since I had last the honor to address you?onthL" E 34 nHi insl. hare been of a very important character, pro- ducing consequences serious to many individuals ; es- tablishing facts actually connected with the interest of the service, and the safety of the army ; and as I stand prominently responsible for some of these con- sequences, I beg leave to explain to you sir, and through you, to my country, the situation and circum- stances, and the reasons and motives which governed me ; and if the result is not all that might have been wished, it is such, that when the whole ground shall be re- viewed, I shall cheerfully submit myself to the judg- ment of my country. In my letter of the 8th inst. I apprized you, that a crisis in this campaign was rapidly advancing, and that (to repeat the same wordsj) " the blow must be soon struck, or all the toil and expence of the cam- paign go for nothing ; and worse than nothing, for the whole will lie tinged with dishonor." Under such impressions 1 had, on the 5th inst. written to Brig. Gen. Smyth, of the U. States forces, request- ing an interview with him, Major Gen. Hall, and the commandants of the U. States regiments, for the pur- pose of conferring upon the subject of future opera- tions. I wrote Major Gen. Hall, to the same purport ; on the 11th. I had received no answer from Gen. Smyth ; but in a note to me of the 10th. Gen. Hall mentioned that Gen. Smyth had not then agreed upon any day for the consultation. In the mean time, the partial success of Lieut. Elliott^ at Black Rock, (of which, however, I have received no official information) began to excite a strong disposi- tion in the troops to act ; this was expressed to me through various channels in the shape of an alternative ; that they must have orders to act ; or at all hazards they would ^oAoiwc. I forbear commenting here upon the obvious consequences to me, personally, oi longer withholding my orders under such circumstances. ^ I had a conference with ■ , as to the possi- bility of getting some person to pass over to Canada, and obtain correct information. On the morning of the \h 35 4th. he wrote to me that he had procured tlie man who bore his letter to go over ; instructions were ffiven him, he passed oyer, obtained such information as war- ranted an immediate attack. This was confidentially communicated to several of my first officers, and oro- duced great zepi to act; more especially, as it midit havea controlling effect upon the movements at Oe- I uu' n f.*"^ i* '*^^^ supposed General Brock was gone I with all the force he dared spare from the Niagara trontier; the hest preparations in my power were therefore nriade, to dislodge the enemy, from the heights ot Uueenstown, and possess ourselves of the villajre I where the troops might be sheltered from the distress- m inclemency of the weather.— Lieut. Col. Fenwick's , flying artillery, and a detachment of regular troops under his command, were ordered to be up in season! trom fort Niagara ; orders were also sent to Gen. Smyth, to send down from Buffaloe. such a detachment of his brigade, as existing circumstances in that vicinity might warrant ; the attack was to have been made at 4 oclockon the morning of the 11th. by crossin»' »oo„ feR , Tt,./: • "^ t-nsign, named m the list of kill»J killeLnr'T .*" P"'?r"' '^i* their arms? &c^^ crott'",nvS",h:':iHr '■"•'i" """t ""-=• -« ine river at the vdlMre, and returned to camp by 4 t'' 42 the nearest route, where we arrived at 11, A. M.— tlie batleaux, with baggage, &c. arrived a few minutes before us. V\ e had not a man hurt.— I cannot close this leiter, without statmgto jour excellency, that the officers and soldiers, for their conduct on this occasion, deserve the highest encomiums ; for, so strict was their attention to duty and orders, that we entered the place without even being heard by the Indians' dogs. The prisoners I have just sent off to Pittsburgh, to await the disposition of your excellency. I am, &c. k G. D. YOUNG, Major, ^ n . ^ ^. Commanding troops at French Mills. Brig. Gen. Bleomjield. AFFAIR ON LAKE ONTARIO. SackeVs Harbor, 13th Nov. 1812. SIR— I arrived here last evening in a gale of wind, the pilots having refused to keep the Lakes. On the 8th, I fell in- with the Royal George, and chased her into the Bay of Quanti, where I lost sight of her, in the night. L. the morning of the 9th, we again got sight of her, lyinff in Kingston channel. We gave chase, and followed her in the harbor of Kingston, where We engaged her and the batteries, for one hour and forty-five minutes. I had made j up iriy mmd to board her; but she was so well protected by the batteries, and the wind blowing directly in, it was deemed imprudent to make the attempt at that time ; the pilots also refused to take charge of the vessels. Under these circumstances, and it being after sun-down, I deter- mined to haul off, and renew the action the next morning. We beat up, m good order, under a heavy fire from the Royal George and batteries, to 4 mile point, where we anchored ; it blew heavy, in squalls, from the westward, during the night, and there was every appearance of a gale of Wind ; the pilots became alarmed, and I thought it most prudent to get into a place of more safety— I there- 1 lore deferred renewing the attack, upon the ships and ' k^.. h >■ 43 forts, until a more favourable opportunity —At 7 A \1 on the lOth, I made the signal tfweigh Ind we beat o^i of a verv narrow channel, under a very heavy press of sad, to tie open Lake. At 10, we kllinZi t^ie Sov S.mcde, running for Kingston, and chased h r into the harbor; she escaped by running over a reef of rocks un^ der a heavy hre from the Gov.^Tompkins, the Sto^ and the Jul.a, which cut her very mich : all her peon e ^n below while under the fire of these ve seli The Ham. ton chased her into 9 feet water, before TelJed off. In our passage through the bay of Quanti, I disco- vered a schooner at the village of ArmingTton, wlic we took possession of; but finding she woulJ detain us (be! mp then in chase of the Royal George) I ordered Lieut A^Pherson to take out her s'ails and rTg^ing? Srn her which he did. We also took the scESont Mary Hal K from Niagara at the mouth of Kingston Harbor, a^d took her with us to our anchorage. The next mornino-, find- ng she could not beat through the channel with us I o- deied the sailing master, in the Growler, to take her un- tZt'enZK 77 ^7" ^t Kingston, anchor on the eas end of Long-Is and, and wait for a wind, to come up on the east side; I was also in hopes, that the Royil George might be induced to follow, fir the purpose of e- takmg our prize; but her commander was too well aware d the consequences, to leave his moorings. We lost, in this affair, one man killed, and three shghtly wounde with a few shot through our sails. The olhe/vessSst u^itFTth;? /'^'"^ r .K 'o^" '"JT^^ •" *'»^"'^^"" ^"d sails, Hith the exception of the Pert, whose gun bursted in the ear y part of the action, and woundeS her commander badly and a midshipman, and three men, slightly. Mr. Arundel, who refused to quit the deck, although wound^ ed, was knocked oveiboard, and drowned, in Beating up o our anchorage. The Royal George must have refeiV? d very considerable injury, in her Imll, and in men, as he gun vessels, with a long 32 pounder, were seen to sti.ke her, almost every shot; anJ, it was observed, that .he was reinforced with troops, four different times, dur- ing the action. I have great pleasure in saying, that the f- I 44 officers and men, on board of every vessel, behaved with the utmost coolness, and are extremely anxious to meet the enemy on the open Lake; and, as long as I have the honor to command such officers and men, I can have no doubt of the result.--I think I can say, with great proprie- ty, that we have now the command of the Lake ; and that we can transport troops and stores, to any part of it, with- out any risk of an attack from the enemy. Although the whole of his naval ibrce was not collected at Kingston, yet, the force, at the different batteries, would more than counterbalance the vessels that were absent; it was thought, by all the officers in the squadron, that the ene- my had more than 30 guns, mounted at Kingston, and from 1000 to 1500 men. ^ , _ The Royal George, protected by this force, was driven into the inner harbor, under the protection of the mus- quetry, by the Oneida, and 4 small schooners, fitted out as gun-boats. I have the honor to be, &c. Th.TJ 1. rj n '^^^^ CHAUNCEY. I'he Hon. P. Hamilton. « i >' k THE WASP AND FROLIC. oj war Wasp, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated New- York, 2ilk Nov. 1 812. SIR~I here avail myself of the first opportunity, of in- forming ^ou of the occurrences of our cruise, which ter- Ttt p" ! ' 'Xr "^ *^f .^^^P' °" *he leth of Oct. by tne Poictiers, 74 guns, while a wreck, from damages received m an engagement with the British sloop of war Frolic of 22 guns; sixteen of them 32Ib,carronrdes,S four 12 pounders, on the main deck, and two 12 pounders rforT f " T *etop-.alIant forecastle, makin^C supe: s ru^k r' "":, ^^ ^""' ?2 P°""^^r«- The^rolic h^ad struck to us, and was taken possession of, about twu hours before our surrendering to the Poictiers ^HAUNCEY. 45 We had left Che Delaware, on the 13th-the 16th, had H«lTZf r' '" ""^'"^.^^ ^-^l* °"r jib-boom, and two men. ?70 nPlI rr'.r *^" "'gh' of the 17th, in theJat. of 37^ north. Ion. 65« west, we saw several sail, two of them appearing very large ; we stood from them, for some time" then shortened sail and steered, the remainder of the night' the course we had perceived them on. At day day-lifh on Sunday the 18th, we saw them ahead-Wchfse and soon discovered them to be a convoy, of fix saH, un- der the protection of a sloop of war; four of heir large ships mountmg from 16 to \s guns. At 32 Linutes p£t II, A. M. we engaged the sloop of war, having first re- ceived her fire, at the distance of 50 or 60 yafds, which space we gradually lessened, until we laid hir on board, after a weTl supported fire of fortv-three minutes ; and although so near, while loading the last broadside, tha our rammers were shoved against the side of the enemy, our men exhibited the same alacrity, which they had done durmg the whole of the action, ^hey immediately sur! rendered, upon our gaining their forecastle, so that no loss was sustained, on either side, after boarding. Uur mam top-mast was shot away, between 4 and 5 minutes after the commencement of the firing, and falling, together with the main topsail yard, across the larboaS fore and fore topsail braces, ren'dered our head yards un- manageable the remainder of the action ; at 8 minutes the gaft and mizen top-gallant mast came down ; and, at twenty mmutes from the beginning of the action, ey;ry brace, and most of the riggfng, wis shot away. A few minutes after separating from the Frolic, bothlier mas^ A T'^r ^''^' *^^ ""^"^ ™^«t g«'ng close by the deck and tlie fore mast twelve or fiftten !eet aboveU. The courage and exertions of the officers and crew, fully an-' swered my expectations and wishes : Lieut. Biddle's ac tive conduct, contributed much to our success, by the ex- act attention paid to every department, durng the en- .ndM^P '"tfP'^'ty-, Lieutenants Rodgers, Booth, Ili^n R^W; Bhewed, by the incessant fire (ram thei^ divisions, that they were not to be surpassed in resolution # 46 or skill. Mr. Knig.ht, and every other officer, acted with a courage and promptitude, highly honorable ; and, I trust, have given assurance, that they may be relied on, when- ever their services may be required. I could not ascer- tam the exact loss of the enemy, as many of the dead lay buned under the masts and spars, that had fallen upon deck, which two hours exertion had not sufficiently re- moved. Mr. Biddle, who had charge of the Frolic, states, that, from what he saw, and from information from the oflicers, the number killed must have been about thirty and that of the wounded, about forty or fifty. Of the killed, 18 her first Lieutenant, and sailing master; of the wounded, Captain Whinyates, and the second Lieutenant. We had five k ed, and five wounded, as per list; the wounded are recovering. Lieut. Claxton, who was con- lined by sickness, left his bed a little previous to the en- gagement; and, though too weak to Ibe at his division, remained upon deck, and showed, by his composed man' ner of noting its incidents, that we had lost, by his illness, the services of a brave officer. I am, &c. ^ „ „ „ JAMES JONES. I he Hon. V, Hamilton, Sec. Navy. w f .-"' II.. ■^T ■ ( EXPEDITION AGAINST THE INDIANS. Detailed Account of Col. NEWMAN'S EXPEDITION AGAINSt THE FLORIDA INDIANS. New-Hope, St. John's, Wih Oct. 1812. DEAR SIR— I have now the honor of transmitting to whinhT *T ^" r°"".* °^ *^^ ^^^^^^» engagements whch have taken place, between the Lotchlway and Alligator Indians, and the detachment of Georgia volun- ♦tT' "3 r °*^ *^°Tt"^- ^« *^^ «bJ«ct of this expedi- tion, and the views of the peraons engaged in it, have Len [ES JONES. 47 misconstrued, and nais-statements, relative to its protrac- tion, circulated, I ask the indulgence of your excellency to detail every transaction, from its commencement to its' termination.-.I arrived upon St. John's, in obedience to your orders, about the 15th of August, with the whole of my detachment, consisting of about 250, (with officers^ and with few on the sick report. I immediately waited J ? ' ^ Augustine, and received orders, da- ted the 21 St of August, to proceed immediately against the hostile Indians, within the province of E. Florida, and destroy their towns, provisions, and settlements. I then returned to the detachment, upon the St. John's, and made every preparation to comply with my orders, by dispatch- '"g parties to procure horses, from the kw w' ibitants that had not fled from the province, in preparii. packs and provisions, and taking every step, which I deemed necessary, to ensure success to the enterprize. In conse- quence of the sickness of myself, and nearly one half the detachment, the period of our marching was delayed, un- til the 24th September; and, when just upon the eve of departing, an express arrived from Col. Smith, informinir me, that his provision waggons and escort were attacked b^ a body of negroes and Indians, and ordering me to ioin him immediately, with 90 men, and bring alf the horses and carriages I could command, for the removal of his baggage, field pieces, and sick ; he having only 70 men ht for duty. I marched to the relief of the Colonel, with 130 men and 25 horses, and assisted him in removing to the block-house, upon Davis's creek. This service delay- ed, for a few days, our expedition to the nation ,• and when the detachment assembled again upon the St. John's, and were about to commence their march, the men had but SIX or seven days to serve. About this time, I received a letter from Col. Smith, advising me to propose to the de- tachment, an extension of their service for 15 or 20 days longer, as the time for which they were engaged was deemed insufficient to effect the object of the expedition 1 accordingly assembled the detachment, and, after stating the necessity of a tender of further service, proposed thS the men should volunteer for three weeka longer— when ia V^ It s * / I'.k i. rt 84 men, including officers, stepped out, and were enrolled, which, with the addition of 23 volunteer militia, sent to imr aid, by Col. Smith, and 9 patriots, under the command of Capt. Cone, made my whole force amount to 117. With this small body, provided with 4 days provisions, and 12 horses, I was determined to proceed to the nation, and give those merciless savages, at least, one battle ; and I was emboldened in this determination, by the strong ex- pectation of being succored by a body of cavalry, from St. Mary's ; and which, it has since appeared, did assem- ble at Cfolerain, but proceeded no further. On the even- ing of the 24th September, we left the St. John's, marching in Indian file'; Capt. Humphrey's company of riflemen in front, Lieut. Fanuir's company in the centre, and Captain Coleman's company, with Cone's detachment, under the command of Lieut. Broadnax, in the rear ; a small party marched in the front of the main body, and another m the rear. Our encampments, at night, (there being three companies) was in the form of a triangle, with the bag- gage in the centre ; the men, with their clothes on, lying with their feet pointing outwards, and their firelocks in their arms. In case of an attack, the officers were in- structed to bring up their companies, upon the right and left of the company fronting the enemy, and attend to the Indian mode of fighting, until ordered to charge. In case of meeting the enemy upon our march, Humphreys' com- pany was instructed to file off to the right; Fort's com- pany, to advance, and form to the front, in single rank, and Coleman's company to file off to the left — the whole, then, to advance, in form of a crescent, and endeavor to encircle the enemy. On the morning, of the 4th day of our march, when we were within 6 or 7 miles of the Lotchaway towns, our advanced party discovered a body of Indians, marching along the path, meeting us, and, at the same moment, they appeared to have discovered us. As soon as I was informed of it, I lost no time in giving the necessary directions for the companies to advance, and obey the instructions which had been previously given to them. As soon as Fort's company (at the nead of which I had placed myself) had advanced to its proper \ 49 ground, I discovered the Indians falling back, and making every preparation for battle, by imaiinging their packs, priminff their rifles, and each man taking his tree. We continued to advance, takuig advaniajre of the trees in our progress, until we were within 130 I yards of the Indians, when many of them fired, and I instantly ordered the charge, which drove theiri from behind the trees, and caused them to retire, with the greatest precipitation. Our men, all the while, firing at them, slew several ; and, by repeated charges, drove them half a mile, when they took shelter in .a swamp. The action, including the skirmishing upon the flanks, lasted two hours and a half— the Indians frequently at- tempting to outflank us, and get in our rear, but were repulsed by the companies on our right and left. We had 1 man killed, and 9 wounded ; 2 of which have I since died of their wounds. The loss of the enemy must have been considerable ; I saw seven fall to the ground, among whom was their king, Payne. The rifle company on the right, and Broadnax's on the left, speak of killing several, near the swamp, who were borne off by their comrades ; it being a principle among the savages, to carry off their dead at the risk of their lives. We remained on the battle ground, watching the movements of the Indians, who were near the swamp, painting themselves, and appeared to be in consultation ; all which indicated a renewal of the com- bat. Accordingly, half an hour before sun set, having obtained a considerable reinforcement of negroes and Indians, from their towns, they commenced the most horrid yells imaginable, imitating the cries and noise of almost every animal of the forest ; their chiefs ad- vancing, in front, in a stooping, serpentine manner, and making the most wild and frantic gestures, until they approached within 200 yards of usi when they halted, and commenced firing. Our men were not to be alarm- ed by their noise and yells ; but, as instructed, remain- ed perfectly still and steady, behind logs and trees, un- til the enemy, by this forbearance, had approached ?!omewhat nearer, when a brisk and well directed fire, G U,r q6 from our line, soon drove them back to their original ground. 1 would now have ordered the charge ; but, being under the necessity, from the extension of the enemy's line, of detaching nearly one half of my force to protect our camp and wounded, (the assailing of which, is a great object with Indians,) I was left to con- tend with a force three times as numerous as my own. The action lasted until 8 o'clock, when the enemy were complelely repulsed, in every attempt. We had two men killed, and one wounded ; the enemy carried off several of their men before it was dark ; after which, all firing, (of course at random) was at the spot from whence the flash arose. After fighting, and fasting, the whole day, we had to work through the night;, and, at dav-light, had a tolerable breast-work, of logsand earth, wjlh port holes, on the ground on which the battle was fought : we were reduc;ed to thJH necessity ; for, in dis- patching Capt. VVhitaker, about dark, to St. John's, for a reinforcement, six more men took the liberty to ac- company him, taking with them our best horses ; our pilotand surgeon, (who was sick,) was among the num- ber. The two days succeeding the battle, we neither saw nor heard any thing of the enemy ; but, on the evenmg of the third day, they commenced firing on our work, at a long distance, and renewed it every day for 5 or 6 days, but without killing or wounding any of our men. After killing two or three of theni, through our port holes, they seldom came within gun- shot. Seven or eight days had now elapsed, since our express had left us ; hunger was staring us in the face and we were reduced to the necessity of eating one of our horses ; we had no surgeon, to dress the wounded, and apprehensions were entertained, that the enemy would receive reinforcements from Augustine, or the Makasukie Indians. Expecting relief every hour I was unwilling to leave our breast-work, while we had a horse left to eat; but T understood, from some of mv othcers, that a certain Captain was determined to leave us, with his company ; and, that many of the men, giv- mg up all hopes of relief, talked of deserting in the m night, rather than perish, or fall a sacrilice to the mer- cilesw nej^rocs and Indians, whom iliuy were tauiiht to believe would .surround us in great nuinhers, in i days. In this trying situation, wlien our few rei a few mam- ing horses were shot down by them, and the number of our sick daily increasing, I reluctantly assented to leave our works that niglit, and directed the litters to be pre- pared, to carry the wounded. About 9 o'clock we com- menced our distressing march, carrying r> wounded men in litters, and supporting two or three more. We had not proceeded more than eight miles, when tlie men became perfectly exhausted, from hunger and fa- tigue, and were unable to carry the wounded any far- ther. About 2 hours after we left our breast-works, 25 horsemen, with provisions, arrived to our relief, on a different road from the one we had taken ; but, from motives best known to themselves, instead of following us, returned to St. John's, and we were left to encoun- ter new difficulties. AVe again constructed a plan of defence, and I dispatched sergeant-major Keeso, with one private, to Picolata, to learn what had occasioned the delay of our expected supplies ; and told him, I should remain where I was, until T could hear from him, and endeavored to procure cattle, as I discovered signs of their being near us The evil genius of Capt. , again prevailed ; and I have since learned, from Capt. Cone, that this person instigated not only him, but many of the privates, to urge a departure from our works, even in the day time, when I was con* vinced that the Indians, knowing our weak situation, would endeavor to ambuscade. This gentleman, if in- nocent, will have an opportunity of proving himself bO, before a court martial. With a burning fever on me, and scarcely able to walk, the inarch was ordered, about 3 o'clock, P. M. I had directed the Adjutant, Captain Harden, to march in front, to avoid all places where there could be an ambuscade, and the litters should be distributed among the different companies. Being extremely weak, I marched in the rear, with Captain , (who carried ■■"^'iB*'. 62 %\ J.I r I my firelock,) Lieut. Fannin, and 15 or 20 privates. We had scarcely marched 5 miles, before the front of the detachment discovered the heads of several Indians, on both sides of the path, from among several pine trees ; the same instant, the enemy fired upon our ad- vanced party, and shot down 4 of them; one, a Spaniard, died on the spot, and 2 survived a few days ; my negro boy was one of them. The moment I heard the firing, I ordered the detachment to charge, and the Indians were completely defeated, in 15 minutes; many of them dropping their guns, and the whole running off, without attempting to rally ; four were left dead on the field ; and 1 am convinced, from the constant fire we kept up, that many more must have been slain, but were hid from our view, by the thick Palmetto bushes. We lay on the battle ground all night, and started next day at JO o'clock — marched 5 miles, and again threw up breast-works, between two ponds — living upon gophers, alligators, and Palmetto stocks, until serjeant- major Reese arrived with provisions, and 14 horses — when we were enabled to proceed to St. John's, with all our sick and wounded, where a gun-boat, by the direction of Col. Smith, was in waiting for us, which conveyed us to his camp, where we met with every at- tention, that humanity or benevolence could bestow. The number of Indians, in the first engagement, from every circumstance that appeared, must have been from 75 to 100. In the second engagement, their number must have been double our's ; and, in the third engage- ment, there appeared to be 50, which was nearly equal to our force, deducting sick and wounded. I believe the loss of the enemy was fifty. I have the honor to be, &c. DANIEL NEWMAN. His Ex. David B. Mitchell. !\' *53 RUSSEL'S INDIAN EXPEDITION. , Copif of a letter from Col. Russell, commanding a detachment of the • v. States Rangers, to the Secretary of War, dated Camp Russell y 31 st Oct. 1812. SIR — This will inform you, that I arrived at this place, from Vincennes, after Gen. Hopkins had march- ed his mounted nflemen up to fort Harrison. I took with me, a part of tliree companies of U. States ran- gers, where I was joined by Gov. Edwards, with his mounted riflemen ; the whole of our strength amount- ed to 360 privates. We penetrated very far into the Indian country, with an expectation of co-operating with Gen. Hopkins, who, by appointment, was to meet us at the Peoria towns, on the Illinois. In this, we were sadly disappointed, as we could get no intelli- gence of his army. This prevented us from doing as much damage to the Indians, as otherwise we could have done. As our numbers were too weak to make any delay in that quarter ; as this was farther than any troops had hitherto penetrated — we stole a march upon the celebrated Pimartam's town, situated about 21 miles above Peoria, and immediately at the head of Peoria Lake. This was a well built town, and contain- ed a number of Indians ; between tjie towq and river, was a dismal swamp, in which they immediately flew for shelter, returning a few scattering shots. Our men nobly pursued them through the swamp— and also others, as they were crossing the Illinois river ; the men also pursued them to the opposite bank, and brought back some of their canoes, and several dead bodies. The Governor states, to be upwards of 20 killed, of the enemy.— This was a flourishing town, with an immense deal of Indian plunder in it, together with a great deal of corn ; all of which was committed to the flames. I believe not less than 80 horses fell in- to our hands, belonging to the enemy. Several white persons' scalps, were also found among their plunder. I had the immediate command of the battalion, and r* II' * 54 the superior command was retained by his excellency the Governor. On thi. expedition, we were fortunS we had but 4 men wounded, and none mortall:?: Thi; I have the honor, &c. W.KUSSELL, Col 7th Dist. Comdt, CAPTURE OF THE MACEDONIAN. * • CoRy of a Utter from Commodore Decatur, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated if J ^ne U. S. Ship, United States, At sea, Oct, 30, 18J2. , o^fJ^T^*'?^^ *^® honour to inform you that, on the wt h 1'h '"f '*• ^^° "."^*^' *«"• 29° 30' west, w^ fell in with, and after an action of an hour and a half, capt ir ed bv ?anrr h "'^^'^^ '^ ^^^5 Macedonian. commS- lu^/ J^^P*i"*^n Garden, and mounting 49 carriage- guns-the odd gun shifting. She is a^rigafe of the 1 largest class, two years oldf four months out of do(i and reputed one of the best sailers in the British ser- vlnf;«-/f "^^^ ^^'"S *** windward, had the ad- vantage of engagmg us at his own distance, which was so great that, for the first half hour, we dM not use ou ZiZ^^'V ?"^ '' "^ ^^'"^"^ ^^« he withrthe'co'nl Stance ?nd °/h."' '""^q^ft^^r grape ; to this circum stance, and a heavy swell, which was on at the time I ascribe the unusual length of the action. * on hoa^ri'^K 'T ''^^''^'I ^^^^"' ^^^^'^^^ «"d marine, onboard this ship, on discovering the enemv-thei could not be surpassed—where all met my fullest ex rermit me, however, to recommend to your particular ^mdwThi'* ^^'"*r"> '^™- H/Allen'^T he h aerved with me upwards of 5 years; and, to his unre- >y his excellency, e were fortunate; B mortally. This and back to this ELL, ih Dist. Comdt. DONIAN. the Secretary of the States, Oct, 30, 18 J2. you that, on the I 'west, we fell in I id a half, captur- ^nian, command- ing 49 caniage- a frigate of the 1 Lhs out of dock, the British ser-f ^d, had the ad- ance, which was did not use our j within the coin- ; to this circum- 1 ►n at the time, I ' 1. lan, and marine, j B enemy— their n of tlieir fire, t my fullest ex- 1 to discriminate, j ^our particular Allen : he has id, to his unre- *h5 mitted exertions, in disciplininff the crew i'« ♦.. k« • hours after the action: he r^"nnffi.*'V''^ ^ ^•^'^ With the highest, &c. STEPHEN DECATUR. ^IT OF KILLED AND WOUNDED, ONBOARD THE UNITED STATES, Killed— Privates - ♦ Womded-l Lieut, and 6 privates" - * Total, killed and wounded. 5 7 12 ON BOARD THE MACEDONIAN. Total, killed and wounded of the enemy, ,"5J S. DECATUR. Killed, 56 fi * DEFENCE OF FORT NIAGARA. To Brigadier General Smyth, commanding the Army of the Centre. SIR — I beg leave to inform you that, on the morn- ing of the 21st Nov. at 6 o'clock, a heavy cannonading I opened upon this garrison, from all the batteries at, and | in the neighborhood of fort George, which lasted, with- out intermission, imtil after sun-down. They had 5 1 detached batteries ; 2 mounting 24 pounders, 1 mount- ing a 9 pounder, and 2 mortar batteries; one ten ahd al half, and the other five and a half inch— the batteries firing hot shot, which set some of our buildings on fire. But, from the extraordinary vigilance of the officers and men, particularly Major Armistead, of the U. S. corps of engineers, whose indefatigable exertions were extended to all parts of the garrison, the fires were got under, without being observed by the enemy. Our garrison was not as well provided with artillery and ammunition, as I could have wished; however, thej batteries opened a tremendous fire upon them, in re- turn, with hot shot, admirably well directed. Several! times, during the canijpnading, the town of Newark was in flames; but was extinguished by their engines, as I also the centre building in fort George. Their Mess-j house, and all the buildings near it," were consumed.! Capt. M'Keon, commanded a 12 pounder, in the S.f E.' block-house, and distinguished himself, by his usual gallantry and skill. Capt. Jacks, of the 7th regiment,! militia artillery, commanded a 6 pounder in the north! block-house - and, together with a pail of his own coin-j pany, though placed in a situation most exposed to thej fire of the enemy, maintained their position like vetel rans. Lieut. Reese, of the 3d regiment, artillery, had! the command of an 18 pounder, on the S. E. batter),! which was pointed at a battery, en barbette, mounting a I 24 pounder, and also at Fort George ; several well di-j rected shot were made from this gun, which proved the! skill of its commander. About 10 o'clock, Lieutenant Rees had hia shoulder bruised, bv a Dart nt ik. ». felhW on hhn , which, Viough i.lid n^rmlriallS^* hun, obhged h.m to retire ; and capt. Leonard? oWlH regiment, artilierr, at that moment arriving*,. .„b .u command of this battery, durinSremZf;, f fi? j *** Lieut. Wcndel, of the S reZfnt artilT^ hlf .?' ''^y- mand of » ,8 and 4 pom,ir^ ttl^ZtLt"'"':; Doctor Hooper, of Caft Jack^company of Sa^a«m, ui mese gentlemen, and their commands, 1 cannot snnat Sly'^and "t^P^h"- ' ^^ ,*^%-hed SX' injgnij, and, irom their shot, a I of which wpr« hr.* lu b^hl^"'^'i"^^^T^*^^»^fi-<^"-^^^ lmy.3 batteries silenced for a time. Lvf "Jf *^f ^ °C7^7 extraordinary bravery, in a female l(the wife of one Doyfe, a private in the U. States arXr^* made a prisoner at Queenstown) I cannot pass over •- idurmg the most tremendous cannonading I ha^ve ever seJI she attended the 6 oounder, on the old messW w^^ L.V^"*';-^^"'^uT*.^"*^ ^^"•^«' «^ Ae 1st regiment U States artillery, had the command of the salt Cv ai lYoungstown, mounting one 18 and a 4 pounder Sese fcwo guns played upon the garrison of fort Sge and bkelZtr''«^*'* ^™ r^y observation f could Imake, during their fire, I am happy to say, thev merited ny warmest thanks, for their skiK the seVce^of these ?uns Lieut. Harr s, from his 4 pounder, sunk a schoon BF, which lay at their wharf; Jthese t;o officert and Itheir men, m the warmest part of the cannonadbl hav- ing fired away all their cartridges, cut up their lannll Wcoats.and shirts and the s^oldiers thefr t"s ^ Lupp^ their guns.-I cannot say too much in praTse of all LI nb ?^ ' -^^'l^' ^^*^" ^^*'"^n^' immedLly under hiy observation, m this garrison; thev merit theWks and esteem of their country, for the defence of it, and I The enemy threw more than 2000 red-hot balls into H ^ :■ i 5«, it, at}d ft number of bbells, {imounting to 180, only oi)e ol' which did injury to our men. Lieut. Col. Gruy comtnando id the artillery ; the unremitting attention paid to his du- ty, proved him an officer, whose zeal and science do hon- or to himself and country ; to this gentleman I feel Bauch indebted, for the manner in which he acquitted himself. To tiie officers of my regiment, (particularly Captain Milligan) and the soldiers who assisted the artillery, and those employed in extinguishing the fires, and carrying off the killed and wounded, I am also much indebtedf — they i merit my warmest thanks. To Dr. West, of the garrison, j Dr. Au^am, of the 14th regiment, U. States Infantry, and I Dr. Craig, of the 22d regiment, U. States infantry, I offer my thanks ; they were employed, during the entire day, in the most critical duties of their proiiession. Our killed is, 4. Wounded, 7 — total 11. — From the numbers carried off (which we saw) from the enemy's batteries, I presume many more Were killed and wounded, on their side. Only two of the above men was killed by the enemy's shot ; the others, by the bursting of a 121 pounder, in the S. E. battery. GEORGE M'FEELEY, Lieut. Col Brig. Gen. Smyth. Conammanding Fort Niagara, [' i' EXPEDITION ON THE WABASH. Cqtgvfa letter froth Mag. Gen. Samuel Hopkins, to kw ExeelUruyl Governor Shelby. On Wabashy near the mouth of Pine-creeU 27th Nov. 1812. SIR^By Col. Richard Taylor, Quarter-master Gene-, ral, who goes on as quick as possible to Frankfort,! have It m my power to give you general information of the nioVetoents tfflhe army, siace my last.— On the 11th, the • />' OS wmymarelwd from fort Harrisnn „n .i. j ■• ma/e by Gov. Harriaon's a™v "d L K T** '"™"^' the saaie time. The ieng,r«f rime th, " "^VS' »' pected unmade it «eoes "£ ,o eS^rd ^r^""^- ^ *"• pecal mamier. The rise S'.h/, . '"'"«'™s m an es, <«no doubt of comidcSdifficultvrd /^ '='*'='"• ''=''' insomuch, that not until theTr,7,1?i ^•^'""^ment; Creek, 3 miles above the r*d ^ ** ^^ ^"S'" that ,ve did not reiW; P^te^runter'' on the mornmg of this day, I Setached irm II . * ' from '30 to zil^r, -T "''?•".**' '«'"^^^' ""'"y of t£ of the countiy, and constnuotine works for i)^l/ rfour army and boats. Set^naSlastrf t ^^ Ponce i»a,B« creek, a party of Indian. *e,^ *^^edt! 4 *...-^*r *'«ti imrdgiiiL - '» 1 to they had fired on ^ small party of burs, on the 2l8t, and killed a man, by the name of Dunn, a fi;allant soldier, in Capt, Duvairs company. On the 22d, upwards of sixty horsemen, under the command of Lieut. Colonels Miller and Wilcox, anxious to bury their comrade, as well as to obtain a more complete knowledge of the ground, went on to a point near the Indian encampment, fell into an am- buscade, and 18 of our party were killed, wounded, and missing. Among these, are three hopeful young officers, and one private, from the 8th regiment, viz.— Mars, Ed- j wards, Murray, and the private, Webb, presumed to be killed ; the other 14, were of the Rangers. On the re- turn of this party, «nd the information of a large assem- J blaae of the enemy, who, encouraged by the strength of their camp, appeared to be M^aiting for us, every prepara- tion was made to march early, and engage the enemy at I every risk ; when, from the most violent storm, and fall of I snow, attended with the coldest weather I ever saw or f felt, at this season of the year, and which did not subside until the evening of the 23d, we were delayed until the 24th. Upon arriving on the ground, we found the enemy had deserted the camp before the fall of snow, and had! passed the Ponce Passu. I have no doubt but their ground was the strongest I ever have seen ; the deep, rapidcreekj spoken of, was in their rear, running in a semicircle, and! fronted by a bluff, 100 feet high, almost perpendicular,! and only to be penetrated by three steep ravines ; if the! enemy would not defend themselves here, it was evidentl they did not intend fighting at all. After reconnoiteringl sufficiently, we returned to camp, and found the ice so ac-j cumulated, as to alarm us for the return of the boats. ll had fully determined to have spent one more week in enJ deavoring to find the Indian camps ; but the shoeless,! shirtless state of the troops, now clad in the remnants ofl their summer dress ; a river full of ice ; the hills coveredl with snow ; a rigid climate, and no certain point to which! we could direct our operations; under the influence of the! advice of every field and staff officer, orders were given,! and measures pursued for our return, on the 25th. We! are now progressiiig to Fort-Harrison, through the ice! 61 and snow, Trherd we exoect tn nr-;^ .1 . this month. ^ *" ^'^"^ «" ^e Jast daj of J Before I close this. I mnnr.* /• u Lerite of the officers .„d,S°„f±'/ ''P'T"» *« leaving, .. fort H.rri,o„r&'t S^wf-h ^"^' Ipnvates of every corps, about innn—- ,1^' "«,'»<', in at the P«.phet',^towrupwa.^,X2" f'r,'"'''' '^' the sick reUrt Yet sir h»vl i "' **»* "''■'e <>« Ur, as to «enac:\':?iri"'f PjiT''''' '"'""' (Seven laive keel Uats have S' j*"^ annoyance. to a poin/hithertSoTn ^ ndlT::' £r^^''«'' Barge Indian estabhshments have Cbnmf J S J ^^"^ H with near tliree miles of fence r^„JiV "?'' ^'='™y- couidfind,) besides r»;ifetjll*\™™ T feast side of the Wabash v^Z ""'''—» "arch, on the fce country, fuUv 100 ^ll. ? "f^' "•• '"enhance of I have the honor to be, &c. m Es. Co.. ShcHi,. ^"*"^^ HOPKINS. * ■! ARMY PROCEEDINGS. SIR Ti, . ^°'"^' "'"^ ^^^o^w. *th Dec. 1812 lutv to ^port to you .he p^ ediChad ht^^^^^ "i M command on this frontier ^ ^' """ ' Cssi:5^t"^^^^^^^^^^ ' orde.d that 20 y and artillery, aTC.^fhi *»^"«portation of caval- bat duty. fiAhe 2&h N "!T^»*«^« «f the army upon 7. ^y the 26th Nov. ten scows were compJetS ; #. -ifxC;: ill h . f and, by bringing boats from Lake Ontario, the number was increased to seventy. I had issued an address, to the men of New-York ; and, perhaps, 300 volunteers had arrived at Buffaloe. I pre. sumed that the regular troops, and the volunteers, under Colonels Swift and M'Clure, would furnish 2,300 men, for duty ; and, of Gen. Tannehill's brigade, renorting a total of 1,650, as many as 413 had volunteered to cross over into Canada. I deemed myself ready " to cross with 3O00 men, at once^'^ according to your orders. Preparatory thereto, on the night of the 27th Nov. 1 sent over two parties ; one, under Lieut. Col. Boerstler ; the other, un. I der Capt. King, with whom Lieut. Angus, of the navy, at the head ol a body of seamen, united. The first mentioned party was to capture a guard, and destroy a bridge, about 5 miles below fort Erie ; the se. cond party were to take, and render useless the enemy's I batteries, and some pieces of light artillery. The firstl party made some prisoners, but failed to destroy the bridge! The second party, after rendering unserviceable the lightl artillery, separated, by some misapprehension. T^ieiitl Angus, the seamen, and part of the troops returned, witlj all the boats, while Capt. King, Capt. Morgan, CaptI Sproul, Lieut. Houston, and about sixty men, reraainedl Capt. King, notwithstanding, with those under his comi mand, advanced to the enemy's batteries, attacked anJl took two of them in succession, rendered unserviceable! the cannon, and took a number of prisoners. In descendJ ing the Niagara some distance, two boats were found-j on board of which Capt. King sent his prisoners, all hil officers, and half his men ; his high sense of honour wouil not allow him to quit the remainder — he was captur" with them. Orders had beoa given, that all the troops in the nei^ borhood, should march at revalie, to the place of embart tion. A part of the detachment, sent in the night, haviia returned, and having excited apprefaen^om for the rest due, about 250 men, under Col. Winder, put off", in boaii for the opposite ahoire^ a part of their iorce had lande^ when a force, with a piece of artillery, appeared ;— a ■ ' kiJt iof the number 63 treat was ordered, and Cok Winder's detachment suffered *« "' ^K ' ^""^ 20 wounded} of whom, six were officers. The ffeneral embarkation commenced, as the troops arrived ;^ut, this being the first time the troops had embarked, the whole of the scows were occupied L about one third part of the artillery; while about 800 re- gularmfantry, somethmg upwards of 200 twelve month^B volunteers, and, perhaps, 2W of those militia who had vo- llunteered their services for a few days, occupied all the boats that were ready The troops, then embarked, moved up the stream, to Black Rock, without sustaining loss from the enemy's fire. It was now the afternoon, and they were ordered to disembark, and dine. The onemv showed a force, estimated at five or six hundred men, drawn up m a held, at some distance from the river: and had one piece of artillery, said to be a 9 pounder, ready to fire on our troops. 7 ^ *« There remained, unembarked, a part of the artillerr; a lew cavalry; the volunteers, under Col. M*Clure-- amounting, on that day, to 340 men ; a detachment from C>en. lannehill's brigade; (number unknown, and little to be relied on,) there were also sundry crowds, who [might have followed the army— if it was successful. * Kecollecting your instructions, « to cross with 3000 men at once, ' and to consult some of my principal officers, m all important movements," I called for the field offi- cers, of the regular and twelve months volunteerfi, om- barked ; Col. Porter not being found at the moment, Capt (jibson was called, as the next senior officer of artillery These questions were put :— " Is it expedient now to cross lover .-^ is the force, we have, sufficient to conquer the opposite coast ?'' The first question was decided in the negative, by Colonels Parker, Schuyler, -Winder, Lieut. Colonels Boerstler and Coles, and Major Campbell. Col. awilt, ol the volunteers, alone gave an opinion for then crossmg over. The second question was not decided ;— Col. Parker, Col. Schuyler, Lieut. Col. Coles, and Major Camnbell, were decidedly of opinion that the force was insufficient ;--ColoneIs Winder and Swift, Lieut. Colonel Boerstler, and Capt. Gibson, deemed the force sufficiftnt.— i\ ii ^Jb,. U V 1 determined to postpone crossing over^ until more torn-' plete preparation would enable me to embark at once^ ac cording to your instructions: the next day was spent in such preparations, and the troops were ordered to be again at the place of embarkation^ at 8 o'clock, on the inomiug of the 30th November. On their arrival, they were sent into the adjacent woods, there to build fires, and remain until 3 o'clock in the morning, of the 1st of December, when it was intended to put off two hours be* fore day-light, so as to avoid the fire of the enemy's can- non. ; in passing the oosition which, it was believed thej occupied below, to land above Chippewa, assault that place, and, if successful, march through Queenstown, to fort George. The Contractor was called on, to furnish rations, for 2500 men, for four days ; when it was found, he could furnish the pork, but not the flour ; sixty barrels were required, and only thirty furnished. The embarka- tion commenced ,* but was delayed by circumstances, so as not to be completed until after day-light— when it was found, the re^ar infantry, 688 men, the artillery, 177 men, Col. Swift's volunteers, about 230, six companies of ' Federal Volunteers, amounting to 276 men, about lOQ militia, of Col. Dobbins's regiment, and a few men iii a boat with Mr. P. B. Porier, contractor's agent, who was to pilot the enterprize, had embarked ; the wbole on board, without the commissioned officers, being 1500 men; and it was now two hours later than the time fixed on for setting out There were some groups of men, not yet embarked; they were applied to, requested, and ordered, by the Bri^de Major, to get into the boats ; they did not. He estimated their number at 150 — it was probably greater, It then becQine a question, whether it was expedient to invade Canada, in open day-light, with 1500 men, at a point where no reinforcement could be expected for some days. I saw that the number of regular troops was declining ra- pidly ; I knew that on them, chiefly, 1 was to depend. I called together officers, commanding corps of the re- gular army. Col. Parker being sick, those present were Col. Porter, of the artillery, Col. Schuyler, CoL Winder. 65 we proceed ;- I hey unanimously ilecidod that we oujrht not.-lforesaw hat the volunteers, who had come out%r a few dap, would disperse. Several of them Zl on thi evening of the 25th Uken their musketsXi^'hey had not seen a battle ; I foresaw that the number of re^ gular troops would decrease; the measles had affected them generally ; the constant use of fresh meat had pro- ducecT dysenteries, and thej were now in tents in*^th« month ol December. I informed the officers thai he at tempt to mvade Canada would not be made, 'u^U the a I my was remforced, and directed them to M;ithdraw thel; roops, and cover them with huts immediately. The v^ lunteers, and neighbonng people, were dissatisfied, and U has been m the power of tL contractor's agent to excite some clamor agamst the course pursued ; he finds the co„! tract a losmg one, at this time, and would wish to see the army m Canada, that he might not be bound to supply it mand, had not been such, as to make the propriety of a forward movement to all. Circumstanced as we were I have thought ,t my duty to follow the cautiouTcrunTels I ixSdetr '' ^^^^•^•^"'-' '^ ^'' --^"-« i n J wk""'"- P?'''^'T^ "? '"*'*'''^'' ^y my »««er of the 30th Oct. wherem I sa.d~« I would cross in three days, if I had I he means; without them, it would be injustice to the na- tion and myself, to attempt it-7 must nit be deLTd. I have the honor, &c. Maj. Ben. i>»^^™'^^« ««™' ^^- «- \k' HEALD'S DEFEAT BY THE INDIANS. l^er from Captain Heald, late Commandant at Fort Chicago, dated On ih. QfK r A , ^*''**«'-5r*. Oct. 23. 1812. I H,?I M «f August last, I received orders from Gen. I Hull, to evacuate the post, and proceed, with my command. ,;''«' ^v i*>\ 60 to Detroit by land, leaving it at my discretion, to dispose of the public property as I thought fit. The neighboring Indians got the information, as early as I did ; and came in, from allauarters, in order to receive the goods in the factory store, which they understood were to be given them. On the 13th, Capt. Wells, of Fort Wayne, arrived, with about thirty Miamies, for the pur- pose of escorting us in,, by the reauest of Gen. Hull. On the 14th, I delivered the Indians all the goods in the facto- ry store, and a considerable quantity of provisions, which we could not take away with us. The surplus arms, and 1 ammunition, I thought proper to destroy, fearing the)/ would make a bad use of it, if put into their possession ; I also destroyed all the liquor on hand, soon after they be- gan to collect. The collection was unusually large for 3iat place, but they conducted with the strictest propriety until I left the fort. On the 15th, at 9 in the morning, we commenced our march ; a part of the Miamies were detached in front, and the remainder in our rear, as guards, under the direction of Capt. Wells. The situation of the country rendered it necessary for us to take the beach, with the lake on our left, and a high sand-bank on our right, at about 100| yards distance. We had proceeded about a mile and half, when it was discovered that the Indians were prepar- ed to attack us, from behind the bank. I immediately marched up with the company, to the top of the bank. when the action commenced: after firing one round, we charged, and the Indians gave wajr in front, and joined those on our flanks. In about 15 minutes, they got pos- session of all our horses, provisions, and baggage, of eve-i ry description ; and, finding the Miamies did not assist Ui. I drew off the few men I had left, and took possession of a small elevation, in the open priarie, out of shot of the bank,! and every other cover. The Indians did not follow me. but assembled in a body, on the top of the bank, and after I some consultation among themselves, made signs for mel to approach them. | I advanced towards them, alone, and was met by one oil the Potawatamie chiefs, called the Black-bird, with an in-r 'n-i i<^ 67 terpreter; after shaking hands, he requested me to sur- render, promising to spare the lives of all the prisoners. On a few moments' consideration, I concluded it would be most prudent to comply with his refjuest, although I did not put entire confidence in his promise. After deliyerinff up our arms, we were taken back to their encampment, near the fort, and distributed among the different tribes. The next morning, they set fire to the fort, and left the place, taking the prisoners with them ; their number of warriors was between 4 and 500, mostly of the Potawa- timie nation, and their loss was about 15. Our strength was 54 regulars, and 12 militia— out of which, 26 regu- lars, and all the militia, wsre killed in the action, with two women and twelve children. Ensign Ronan, and Doctor Voorhis, of my company, with Captain Wells, of Fort Wayne, to my great sorrow, numbered among die dead. Lieut. Helm, with 25 non-commissioned officers and pri- vates, and 1 1 women and children, were prisoners when ri were senarated. Mrs. Heald and myself, were taken to the mouth of the river St. Joseph, and, being both bad- ly wounded, were permitted to reside with Mr. Burnet, an Indian trader. In a few days after our arrival there, the Indians all went off to take fort Wayne ; and, in their ab- sence, I engaged a Frenchman to take us to Mackinac, by water, where I gave myself up as a prisoner of war, with one of mjr sergeants. The commanding officer, Capt Ro- berts, offered me every assistance in his power, to render our situation comfortable, while we remained there, and to enable us to proceed on our journey. To him I gave my p?irole of honor, and came on to Detroit, and reported myself to Col. Proctor, who gave us apassage to Buffaloe ; from that place, I came by way of Presque-Isle, and ar- rived here yesterday. J. HEALD, Captain, ELLIOT'S AFFAIR ON LAKE ERIE. Letter from Captain Elliot, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated Black-JRo€k,Oct.9lh,lS12. SIR — 1 have the honor to inform you that, on the morn- ing of the 8th inst two British vessels, which I was in- I i *■ 1 I.'f H > jii ii ^'i If'. I f^i formed were his Britannic majesty's brig Detroit, (late the U. S. brig Adams,) and the brig Hunter, mounting 14 guns, but which afterwards proved to be the brig Ca- ledonia, both said to be well armed and manned, came down the lake, and anchored under the protection of fort Erie. Having been on the lines, for some time, and, in a measure, inactively employed, I determined to make an attack, and, if possible, get possession of them. A strong inducement to this attempt, arose from a conviction that, with these two vessels, added to those I have purchased, and am fitting out, I should be able to meet the remainder of the British force, on the Upper Lakes, and save an in- calculable expence and labour to the government. On the morning of their arrival, I heard that our sea- men were but a short distance from this place, and imme- diately dispatched an express to the officers, directing them to use all possible dispatch, in getting their men to this place, as I had important service to perform. On their arrival, which was about 12 o'clock, I discovered that they had only twenty pistols, and neither cutlasses nor battle-axes. But, on application to Generals Smyth and Hall, of the regulars and militia, I was supplied with a few arms ; and Gen. Smyth was so good, on my request, as immediately to detach 50 men from the regulars, armed with musquets. By 4 o^clock, P. M. I had my men selected, and sta- tioned in two boats, which I had previously prepared for I the purpose. With these boats, 50 men in each, and un- der circumstances very disadvantageous, my men having scarcely had time to refresh themselves, after a fatiguing I march of 500 miles, I put off from the mouth of Buffaloe creek, at 1 o'clock, the following morning, and at 3, 1 was along side the vessels. In the space of about 10 minutes, | I had the prisoners all secured, the top-sails sheeted home, I and the vessels under way. Unfortunately, the wind was not sufficiently strong to get me up against a rapid cur- rent, into the lake, where 1 had understood another arm- ed vessel lay at anchor ; and I was obliged to run down the river, by the forts, under a heavy fire of round, grape, and canister, from a number of pieces of heavy ordnance. 69 and several pieces of flying artillery, was compelled to an- chor at the distance of about 400 yards from tv/o of their batteries. Alter the discharge of the first gun, which was from the flying artillery, I hailed the shore, and observed to the oflicer, that if another gun was fired, I would brinff the prisoners on deck, and expose them to the same fate wl should all share; but, notwithstanding, they disreffarded the caution, and continued a constant, and destructive fire One single moment's reflection, determined me not to com- mit an act, that would subject me to the imputation of bar- barity. 1 he Caledonia had been beached, in as safe a position as the circumstances would admit of, under one of ourbattenes at Black Rock. I now brought all the guns of the Detroit on one side, next the enemy, stationed he men at them, and directed a fire, which continued as long as our ammunition lasted, and circumstances permit- ted. Uuring the contest, I endeavored to get the Detroit on one side, by sounding a line, (there being no wind,) on shore, with all the line I could muster; but, the current being so strong, the boat could not reach the shore. I then hailed our shore, and requested that warps Would be made fast on land, and sent on board ; the attempt proved useless. As the fire was such as would, in all probability, sink the vessel m a short time, I determined to drift down the river, out of reach of their batteries, and make a stand against the flying artillery. I, accordingly, cut the cable, made sail with very liffht airs, and at that instant discovered that the pilot hadf aban- doned me. I dropped astern for about ten minutes, when I was brought up on our shore, on Squaw Island— ffot the boarding:-boat ready, had the prisoners put in, and tent on shore, with directions for the officer, to return for me, and what property we could get from the brig ; he did not re- turn, owing to the difficulty of the boats getting ashore, discovering a skiff", under the counter, I put the four re- maining prisoners in the boat, and, with my officers, I went on shore to bring the boat off! I asked for protection to he brig, of Lieut. Col. Scott, who readily gave it. At Jr L"!r^S*'-3 J^^.Tr^^,a boat, with about 40 soldiers, Irom the British side, making for the brig; they got on 70 Vli. ■m! Ti' iifl i'l 'i ', 'li \i K'.. board, but were soon compelled to abandon her, with the loss of nearly all their men. During the whole of i this morning, both parties kept up, alternately, a conti- nued fire upon the brig, and so much injured her, that it was impossible to have floated her; several shot in her bends, her sails in ribbons, and rigging all cut in pieces. To my officers and men, I feel Under grer* obliga- tion ; to Cap i. Towson, and Lieut Koach, of the 2d regiment of artillery, Ensign Prestman, of the infantry, Capt. Chapin, Mr. John AI*Comb, Messrs. Town, Dain, Overstocks, and Sloan, resident gentlemen of Buffaloe, for their soldier and sailor-like conduct; in a word, sir, every man fought, as with their hearts, animated only by the honor and interest of their country. The prisoners, I have turned over to the military. The Detroit mounted 6 six pounder long guns, a com- manding Lieutenant of marines, a boatswain and gunner, and 56 men — about 30 American prisoners on board, musquets, pistols, cutlasses, and battle axes. In board- ing her, I lost one man, one officer wounded, Mr. John C. Cummings, acting Midshipman, a bayonet through the leg — his conduct was correct, and deserves the no- tice of the Department. The Caledonia mounted two small guns, blunderbusses, pistols, musquets, cutlasses, and boarding-pikes; 12 men, including officers, and 10 prisoners on board ; the boat, boarding her, com- manded by sailing-master George Watts, who perform- ed his duty in a masterly style ; but one man killed, and four wounded badly. I enclose you a list of the officers and men engaged in the enterprise, and also a view of the lake and river, in the different situations of attack : in a day or two, I shall forward the names of the prisoners. The Caledonia belongs to the North- West Company, loaded with furs, wortl?, I understand. 200,000 dollars. I have the honor, &c. JESSE D. ELLIOTT. Hon. P. Hamilton^ Sec. Navy. IP''' V ^^^B'U h' i 1 71 ELLIOTT. CAPTURE OF THE JAVA. Copy o/aletUrfrom Commodore William Bainbridge, to the Secretary I of the Navy, dated ^ U. States Frigate Constitution, St Salvadorey 3d Jan. 1813. SIR— I have the honor (o inform you, that on the 29th ult. at 2, P. M. in S. lat 13, 6, afid W. Ion. 38, about 10 leagues distance from the coast of Brazils, I fell in with, and captured his B. M. frigate Java, of 49 guns and upwards of 400 men, commanded by Captain Lam- bert, a very distinguished officer. The action lasted 1 hour and 55 mmutea, in which time the enemy was com- pletely dismasted, not having a spar of any kind stand- ing. The loss on board the CJonstitution, was 9 killed and 25 wounded, as per enclosed list. The enemy had 60 killed, and 101 wounded, certainly ; (among the lat- ter, Capt. Lambert, mortally,) but, by the enclosed letter, written on board this ship, (by one of the offi- cers of the Java,) and accidentally found, it is evident that the enemy's wounded must have been much great- er than as above stated, and who must have died of their wounds, previously to their being removed— the letter states, 60 killed, and 170 wounded. For further details of the action, I beg leave to refer you to the enclosed extracts from my journal. The Java had, in addition to her own crew, upwards of 100 supernumerary officers and seamen, to join the British ships of war, in the East Indies; also Lieut. General Hyslop, appointed to the command of Bombay, Major Walker, and Capt. Wood, of his staff, and Capt. Mar- shall, master and commander in the British navy going to the East Indies, to take command of a sloop of waF Should I attempt to do justice, by representation, to [ the brave and ^ood conduct of all my officers and crew j during the action, I should fail in the attempt ; there- lore, suffice it to say, that the whole of thf ir conduct was such as to merit my highest encomiums.— I beg leave to recommend the officers, particularly, to the notice of government, as also the unfortunate seamen, 4 ,.f^r.- mi to< > 72 who were wounded, and the families of those brave men who fell in the action. The great distance from our own coast, and the perfect wreck we made of the enemy's frigate, forbade every idea of attempting to take her to the U. States ; I had, therefore, no alterna- tive but burning her, which I did, on the 31st ult. after receiving all the prisoners and their baggage, which was very tedious wofk, only having 1 boat left, out of 8, and not one left on board the Java. On blowing up the frigate Java, I proceeded to this place, where I have landed all the prisoners on their parole, to return to England, and there remain until regularly exchanged ; and not to serve in their prof es\ sional capacities, in any place, or in any manner what| ever, against the U. S. of America, until regularly ex- changed. 1 have the honor, &c. WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE. Hon. Sec. Navy. m LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED, On board the U. States Frigate Constitution, under the eotnmandtfl Com. Wm. Bainbridge, in an action with his B. M. Frigate Java,} Henri/ Lambert, Esq. commander, Dec. 29, 1812. Killed, 9—JVoundedy Com. Bainbridge, Lieut, Ayl-, win, Master's Mate, Waldo, and Qr. Master Wood- bury, A^Woundedy Seamen and Marines, 21— total 34. [ A. A. EVANS, Surgeon. ^ „ . , . , R. C. LUDLOW, Purser. W. Jiatnbndge. The foUoming is a list of his B. M. military and naval officers, m roUed at St. Salvadore, by Com. Bainbridge, viz. One Lieut. General, 1 Major, 1 Captain, (militarjj officers,) 1 Poat-Captain, 1 Master and Commander, 5 Lieutenants, 3 Lieuts. of Marines, 1 Surgeon, 2 Assl. Surgeons, 1 Purser, 15 Midshipmen, 1 Gunner, 1 Boat- swam, 1 Master, 1 Carpenter, 2 Capts. Clerks— making 28 officers, and 323 petty officers, seamen, and marines; add 161, the killed and wounded, and it will appear that 512 men were on board the Javs, •^[•MTf*" » - NBRIDGE. 73 At 2, 10, P M. commenced the action, within good grape and canister distance, the enemv o windwr,d (but much further than I wished.)~at 2, 30, omXel was shot entnely away~2. 4o/determined o cLe With the enemy notwithstanding his raking set he fore and mam sail, and lulled up'close to hifn:~2 50 the enemy's jib-boom got foul of our miz.n rigghig- bV us-3 7:ho7'^''^*"lT''' ^"^.iib-boom. sh^faw^ay board-^lV. d?nf^'''^\t' ^"^."^-^'^ ^"''^"'^st. by the the cavils 40 h?^^ *^^ •"l^" top-mast, just above 3, 55 shot away his mizen mast, just bv the board- 4. 5, having silenced the fire of the'enemv c mS neliadstiuck ; then hauled aboard the courses, to shoot ahead, to repair our rigging, which was extreme y cut eaving the enemy a complete wreck; soon a^ter, dis> covered the enemy's flag was still flying-hove to to repair some of our damage~-4, 20, thLnem^. ma n Uast went by the board-1, 50,' wo're Ihip anVstooS for the c2iemy--5, 25. got very close to the enemy n a very effectual raking position, athwart his bow7and was at the very instant of raking him, when he mnlf prudently sti^ck his flag; for,^ad W suffered i^^^ broadside to have raked him, his additional lo s must have been extremely great. W. BAINBKIDGE. WINCHESTER'S AFFAIR. [Sopifofa letter from Brig Gen. Winchester, (now a prisoner of War ) I to the Secretary of War. J ''^^tj Maiden, January 23d 1813. SIR— A detachment from the left wing of the N p" o^.' ""^^^ "^y command, at Frenchtown, on the Kiver Raism, was attacked on the 22d inst. by a force greatly superior in number, aided by several pieces of anuiery. 1 he action commenced at the dawn of day ; K f 74 Ir > m M' h ^. iMi the picket guards were driven in, and a heavy fire open- ed on the whole line, by which a part thereof was I 1 In-own into disorder; and, being ordered to retire a small distance, in order to form on more advantageous ground, I found the enemy doubling our left flank, with force and rapidity. A destructive fire was sustained for some time ; at length, borne down by numbers, the few of us that re- mained, with the party that retired from the lines, sub- mitted. [ The remainder of our force, in number about 400, continued, to defend themselves, with great gallantry, in an unequal contest, against small arms and artillery, until I was brought in as a prisoner, to that part of the field occupied by the enemy. I At this latter place, I understood that our troopsi were defending themselves, in a state of desparation,! and was informed by the commanding officer of thel enemy, that he would afford them an opportunity ofl surrendering themselves, prisoners of war ; to wliich If acceded. I was the more ready to make the surrender, that, unless done quickly, the buildings adjacent wouldl be immediately set on fire, and that no responsibility! would be taken for the conduct of the savages, who! were^ theri assembled in great numbers. In this critil cal situation, being desirous to preserve the lives ot al number of our brave fellows, who still held out, I sentl a flag to them, and agreed with the commanding officer of the enemy, that they should be surrendered, prison- ers of war, on condition of being protected from Ihel savages, allowed to retain their private property, and! having their side-arms returned to them. It is ininos-I sible for me to ascertain, with certainty, the loss we have sustained in this action, from the impracticabilitv of knowir^ the number who made their escape. Thirty-five officers, and about 487 non-commissioned officers and privates, are prisoners of war— our loss, in killed, is considerable. However unfortunate may seem the aflair of yestei-, day, I am flattered by a belief, that no material erroi 75 is chargeable upon myself, and that still less censure is WUh f h^ '^" '"''T ^ K'"^ '^^ ^«"«r of command fni With the excep ion of that portion of our force which was thrown mto disorder, no troops have ever behaved with a more determined intrepidity. The In' dians have still, a few prisoners in their possession Sich ''''* ""' '^ ^^^^" "p ^« c«^- ^^-"7"; I have the honor, &c CI r r^ •^^^' WINCHESTER, Bris Gen Secretary of War. > -"'S- "^"'• PUKTHER REPORT. ' Copy of a letter from Gen. Winchester to the Secretary/ of War, dated ^JU ^^^""H^ George, U. Canada, Uth Feb. 1013. I thP 29ZP^f /h *^^^"Se/hich my troops received, on the 22d ult at the river Raisin, was from the 4 1st reel- ment ot British regulars ; out of 300 of these troops! 30 fell dead upon the field, and about one hundred wSund- ed were removed from the ground. It is impossible to ty s allies, fell ; but the number must have been very great, as they were exposed, for 4 hours, to a continued and heavy hre from our musquets and rifles, our men being behind a breast-work. The action had endured about a quarter of an hour, when the right division of our troops, who were less secured by a breast-work and exposed to a heavy fire from a body of Indians and militia, who had possessed themselves of some out- houses within heir reach, were obliged to retreat from their lines in the encampment, for the purpose of o^ cupymg ground less exposed. This retreat being dis- covered^ by the enemy, the whole Indian force, togeth- ^2t^ portion of the militia, bore down upon fhem rioritv n?"^^' ^'"^^"'f ' f ^ prevented, by their sup^ riority of numbers, and the severity of their fire the practicability of ever again forming this portion of our troops m order of battle. It was" from thi division m r?' "\ 76 that our principal loss was sustained, few indeerl hav- in^ escapf*d. Every eftbrt, in vain, was employed to form iliem in some order of action, as afi'ordinec the only m«'ans (ff « uiit r 'cpelJing the pursuers, or regaining the tewip /'ary '>'( ist-work, from behind which, tlie remain- ing pari ol «»»ir troops still gallantly defended them- selves ; but every exertion was in vain employed, and the very few who survived, ol the party, surrendered as prisoners to the enemy. ^ Our l«'ss, in this a^ Captain Janus Lan,rence, of the V. S. Sloop of I ffar Hornet, to the Secretary of tlie Navy. ^ ^ U- S. Ship Hornet, Holmes' Hole, March 19, 1813. I /*i- .? ^.^^ *'''"<^'' to inform you of the ar ival at this no. t, of the U. 8 ship Hornet, under my com Imand, froni a cruise ol 145 days ; and to sfate to you fcut"6?r.^r'''tvf i^« --toV' Brain": l(.ianpary b,) 1 continued ofT the harhor of St Salva U'* ^u'^t'"'^'''^ *^^ Bonne Citoyenne, un il the sllb Iwhen the Monta/rue. 74 hov«> ,*« JX """7"® j^^a, »-!,) I judged U L"^7^de„f ;« 4"m" ^^STg a 70 I' n I ground, and hauled by the wind to the wesiward, witli ! a view of cruising off Penianibucca, and, on the 4th of February, captured the English brig Kcsolution, of 10 guns, from Kio Janeiro, bound to JVlaranhani, with cof- fee, jerked beef, flour, fustic, and butter, and about 23,000 dollars in specie. As nhe sailed dull, and I could ill spare hands to man her, I took out the money] and set her on fire. I then ran down the coast for Ma- ranham, and cruised there a short time ; from thence, run oir Surinam. After cruising off that coast, froml the 15th until the 22d February, without meeting al vessel, I stood for Bemarara, with an intention, should! I not be fortunate on that station, to run through the! W. Indies, on my way to the U. States ; but on thel 24tli, in the morning, I discovered a brig to leeward,! lo which I gave chace ; run into quarter less four, andl not having a pilot, was obliged to haul ofi; the fort, at! the entrance of Demarara river, bearing S. W. distanll two and a half leagues. Previous lo giving up thel chace, I discovered a vessel at anchor, without the bar,l with English colours flying, apparently a brig of war.l In beating round Carobana bank, in order to get to lier,| at half past 3, P. M. I discovered another sail on inyl weather quarter, edging down for us — at 4, 20, shej hoisted English colors, at which time we discovered! her to be a large man of war brig — beat to quarters,! and cleared ship for action, and kept close by the wind] in order, if possible, to get the weather-guage — at 5, 10,1 finding I could weather the enemy, I hoisted Ameri-I can colors, and tacked — at .% 25, in passing each other,! exchanged broadsides, within half pistol shot. Obseir- ing the enemy in the act of wearing, I bore up, receiv| ed his starboard broadside, run him close on board, i the starboard quarter, and kept up such a heavy anill well-directed fire, that in less than 1 5 minutes she surf rendered, (being totally cut to pieces) and hoisted aoj ensign union down from his fore rigging, as a signal oil distress. Shortly after, her main mast went by thel board — dispatched Lieut. Shubrick on board, who soool returned with her 1st Lieut, who reported her to bebisi 79 )rig Peacock, commanded by Capt. William fell m the latter part of the action ; Ihat a B. M. late bri| Peake, who number of her crew were killed and wounded, and (hat «lie was sinking fast, she having then six feet water in her hold— dispatched the boats immediately for the wounded, and brought both vessels to anchor Such shot-holes as could be got at, were then plugired jruna thrown overboard, and every possible exertion used to keep her afloat, until the prisoners could be removed by pumpjng and bailing~but without eflect, as she un- fortunately sunk, in five and a half fathoms water car- rying down 13 of her crew, and three of my brave fel- lows viz. John Hart, Joseph Williams, and Hannibal Boyd. Lieut. Conner and Midshipman Cooper, and Ithe remainder of my men. employed in removing the prisoners, with difficulty saved themselves, by jumpinir into a boat that was lying on the boom., as she went Idown. Four men, of the 13 mentioned, were so forlu- Inate as to gam the fore-top, and were afterwards taken lofl by our boats. Previous to her going down, four of Iher men took to her stern boat, that had been much Idamaged during the action, who, I sincerely hope Ireached the shore ; but, from the heavy sea, running at thattiire, the shattered state of the boat, and difficulty lof landing on the coast, I am fearful fiey were lost -l II have not been able to ascertain, from her officers, the lexact number of killed. Capt. Peake, and 4 men, were ■found dead on board ; the Master, one Midshipman, ICarpenter and Captain's Clerk, and 29 men wounded Iinost of them very severely, 3 of which died of their [wounds after being removed, and 9 drowned.— Our lloss was trifling, in comparison; John Place killed, [hamuel .oulson, and .Jos. Dalrymple, slightly wound- led ; our rigging and sails were very mucli cut ; one Ishot through the foremast, and bowsprit slightly iniufed. [Our hull received little or no damage. j At the time 1 brought the Peacock to action, the li-spei^le, (the brig mentioned as being at anchor.) hiounting sixteen 32lb. carronades, and 2 lono- nines llay about 6 miles in shore of me, and could plamly see the whole of the action— Apprehensive she would beat y 'I I Al 1 y ■"' T K i i h x!J ^i\ 80 out to the assistance of her consort, such exertions were I used by my officers and crew, in repairing damages, &c,[ that by nine o'clock our boats were stowed, a new set ofl sails bent, and the ship completely ready for action. All 2, P. M. got under way, and stood by the wind to thel northward and westward, under easy sail. On musterinj next morning, found we had 277 souls on board, (inclulj ing the crew of the American brig Hunter, of Portlandl taken a few days before, by the Peacock,) and, as we hadl been on two-thirds allowance of provisions, for some timei and had but 3,400 gallons of water on board, I reduced! the allowance to 3 pints a man, and determined to makel the best of my way to the U. States, I The Peacock was deser\'edly styled one of the finesl vessels of her class in the British navy. I should judge! her to be about the tonnage of the Hornet ; her bean was greater, by 5 inches, out her extreme length not i. great, by 4 feet. She mounted sixteen 24 pr. carronades, 2 long nines, one 12 pr. carronade on her top-gallanj forecastle, as a shifting gun, and one 4, or C pounder, ani 2 swivels, mounted ait. I find, by her quarter bill, thai her crew consisted of 134 men, 4 of whom were absent mi a prize. The cool and determined conduct of my officers and crew, during the action, and their almost unexampled e.i ertions afterwards,, entitle them to my warmest acknovf lodgments; and I beg leave, most earnestly, to recom mend them to the notice of government. By the indisposition of Lieut. Stewart, I was deprive! of the services of an excellent officer ; had he been able to stand on the deck, I am confident his exertions would not have been surpassed by any one on board. I shouldl be doin^ injustice to the merits of Lieut. Shubrick, aiM acting Lieutenants Conner and Newton, were I not to re commend them particularly to your notice. Lieut. Shu- brick was in the actions with the Guerriere and Java Captain Hull, and Commodore Bainbridge can bear tes- timony as to his coolness and good conduct on both occasions. With the greatest respect, I un, &c. Hon. W. Jones, Sec. Navy. JAS. LAWRENCE m 81 BATTLE OF YORK. Copies of Utters from Major-General Henry Dearborn, to the Seereta: r^- of War, dated Head-Quarters, York, Capitol of U. C SIR~We are ,n full possession of this place after a 8harp conflict, ,n which we lost some brave^officerfand sokhers. Gen. Sheaffe commanded the Britirt'UpsI m. h^a and Indians, m person.-We shall be prepareTto sa,i for the next object of the expedition, the fi^st Cura^ itt B^Ge'n'pikir ^^"^^"^ *'^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ -^ ^ I am, &c. Hon. J, Armstrong:. * 1 3. LAWRENCE Head-Quarters, York, Capitol of ZT. C. April 28, 1813. blK--.After a detention of some days, by adverse wi'ndc we arrived at this niace yesterday mLin^g'S aVe^ clock commenced landing the troops, about three X westward from the town, and one and a half from the Jenemj's works. The wind was high, and in an unfavom J le direction for the boats, which^rLvented L itdTnt ^troops at a clear field the scite*of the ancient FreZf, iotTarento; 't prevented, also, many of the armed ve. ] el from taking positions, which would have, most effeC ferelcTd!^^^^^^^^^ *^-^ ^^ Ifo e in the woods, near the point where the wind com! Med our troops to land ; h.^ force consisted of 7oS r" feulars and militia, and 100 Indians. Major Forsyth wL C? . ?f ^°' ""^^'^y ^^-^ ^n hour, and the enemy Ke repulsed by a number far inferior to theirs. As so2 I jLi il %,^ H I n V i 'f i h i 82 as Gen. Pike landed, with 7 or 800 men, and the remain- der of the troops were pushing for the shore, the enemy retreated to their works. Our troops were now formed on the ground, originally intended for their landing, ad- vanced through a thick wood, and after carrying one bat- tery by assault, were moving in columns towards the main I work; when within 60 rods of this, a tremendous explo- sion took place, from a magazine previously prepared, and which threw out such immense quantities of stone, as most seriously to injure our troops. I have not yet been able to collect the returns of the killed c.nd wounded ; but our loss will, I fear, exceed 100 ; and among these, I have to lament tlie loss of that brave and excellent officer, Brig, Gen. Pike, who received a contusion from a large stone,! which terminated his valuable life within a few hours.-l Previously to this explosion, the enemy had retired intol the town, excepting a party of regulars, to the number oil forty, who did not escape the shock, and were destroyed! Gen. SheafTe moved off, with the regular troops, and Ir'^^' directions with the commanding officer of the militia, make the best terms he could. In the mean time, all furl ther resistance, on the part of the enemy, ceased ; and the! outlines of a Capitulation were agreed on. f As soon as I learned that Gen. Pike had been woundedJ 1 went on shore ; to the General, I had been induced 4 confide the immediate attack, from a knowledge thatij was his wish, and that he would have felt mortified hal it not been given to him. Our loss m the morning, and in carrying the first batt&l ry, was not great ; perhaps 40 or .00 killed and woundeJJ and of them a full proportion of officers. Notwithstadl ing the enemy's advantage in position, and numbers, id the commencement of the action, their loss was greatej than ours, especially in officers. I I am under the greatest obligations to Com. Chauncejl for his able and indefatigable exertions, in every possiblJ manner which could give facility and effect to the expedl tion ; he is equally estimable for sound judgment, braverf and industry; the government could not have madci more fortunate selection. S3 I Unfortunately the enemy's armed ship, Prince Regent, ^ left th,s pkce, for Kmgston, a few days fiefore we aJyed A large sh.p, on the stocks, and nearly planked up and much naval stores, were set fire to by the enemyfsoon after he explosion of the magazine ; a considerable quan" 2 ft fo 'S ''-'-'^ '''' ^^°^^^^-^' --'•"' *>"t noTel .nj^^n/i:t:=t&^^Sf^'^— - I hope we shall so far complete what is necessary to be donehercas to be able to sail to-morrow for Nfa^ara! whither I send tins, by a small vessol, with notice to Gen Lewis, of our approach. I have the honor, &c. Hon. Sec. TTar. H.DEARBORN. TRANSPORTATION OF TROOPS TO YORK. I Copy of a letter frcn Commodore Chauncey, to the Secretary of the Navy. U. S. Ship Madison, at anchor, cm A ,, ^ff ^^'•*' 28th April, 1813. SIR-A^reeaWy to your instructions, and arrano-o- ments, maSe with Major-General Dearborn, I took^o„ bo rd the squadron, under my command, the General an u.te and about 1700 troops, and left Sacket's Harboro the 25th mst for this place. We arrived here yesterday morning and took a position about one mile to the south and westward of the enemy's principal fort, and as nea,' the shore as we could, with safety to the vessels Tho place fixed upon, by the Maj. Gen' and myself tr land- la Thf.' rV^.' "''^ °^'^^ «'^ ^'^-'^ f-t,Ta- ranta. 1 he debarkation commenced about 8 o'clock A M and was completed about 10, the wind blowing h^Lvy Zti T"' ' K^ '''''^ '" consequence, exposed to a galling fire from the enemy, who had taken a position in a thie^ ,vood near where the first troops lanL; how" ! ever, the cool intrepidity of the officers and men over- M • -iH^ ' ^4Mu £ ^/! '* , S' 84 came every obstacle. Their attack upon the enemy wag so vigorous, that he fled in every direction, leaving a great many of his killed and wounded upon the field. As soon as the troops were landed, I directed the schooners to take a position near the forts, in order that the attack upon them, by the army and navy, might be simultaneous. The schooners were obliged to beat up to their position, which they did in very handsome order, under a very heavy fire from the enemy's batteries, and took a position within about 600 yards of their principal fort, and opened a heavy cannonade upon the enemy, which did great execu- tion, and very much contributed to their final destruction. The troops, as soon as landed, were formed under the immediate orders of Gen. Pike, who led, in a most gallant manner, the attack upon th*^ forts, and after having car- ried two redoubts, in tneir approacli to the principal work, (the enemy having previously laid a train,) blew up his magazine, which, m its effects upon our troops, was dread- ful, jjaving killed and wounded many ; and among the for- mer, the ever to be lamented Brig. Gen. Pike. His death, at this time, is much to be regretted, as he had the per- fect confidence of the Maior-General ; and his own activity, zeal, and experience, make his loss a national one. In consequence of the fall of Gen. Pike, the command of the troops devolved, for a time, upon Col. Pierce, who soon after took possession of the town. At about 2, P. M. the American flag was substituted for the British, and, at about 4, our troops were in quiet possession of the town. As soon as Gen. Dearborn learnt the situation of Gen. Pike, he landed, and assumed the command. — I have the honoi of enclosing a copy of the capitulation, which was entered into, and approved by General Dearborn, and myself. The enemy set fire to some of his principal stores, con- taining large quantities of naval and military stores, as well as a large ship, upon the stocks, and nearly finished, The only vessel found there, is th^ Duke of Gloucester, undergoinp; repairs ; the Prince Regent left here, on the ,24th, for Kingston. We have not yet had a return made 9S «f the naval and military stores, consequently can form no correct idea of the quant.t,., but have lade Arrangements to have all taken on boarcT, that we can receive-fh^rest will be destroyed. I have to regret the death of MidsWp men Thompson and Hatfield, and several seamen killelr the returns from the different vessels have not yet been I cannot speak in too much praise of the cool intrepedi- Ity of the officers and men, generally, under my command • and I feel myself particularly indebted to the officers commanding vessels, for their zeal in secondino- all mv i views. o ^J I have the honor, &c. Hon. W. Jones. '^^'^ CHAUNCEY. On board the squadron, there were 4 killed, and 8 [wounded — total, 12. TERMS OF CAPITULATION ^iLTn'U v°' r ^'fr ^^^^^^ ^P"'' ^'^3, for the',urrender of the town of York m Upper Canada, to the Army and Navy of the TJ 'r j^hTutv;.^ ^^""^"'^ '' ^^j- «-• «-»'-". -d°cr.^: iJ^^^ ;he troops, regular and militia, at this post, and fche naval officers and seamen, shall be surrendered prison- ^rsof vyar-the troops, regular and militia, to ground their ps, immediately on parade, and the naval officers and learaen be immediately surrendered. That all public stores, naval and military, shall be im- nediately given up, to the commanding officers of the ar- ny and navy of the U. States; all private property shall be guaranteed to the citizens of the town of York i 7-\^^ P^P^''' belonging to the civil officers, shall be htained by them ;-that such surgeons, as may be pro- lured to attend the wounded of the British regulars, and Canadian m.htia, shall not be considered prisoners of war U T^l^'^"*'^?*??^'^ ^ ^- '^^''' 13 Captains, 9 Lieufen^ kn s, 11 Ensigns, 1 Qua, t.^-master, I Dep. Adj. General, E f }t'^' \9 /«^rg:eants, 4 corporals, and 204 rank and p; of the field tram department, 1 ; of the provincial !.I 86 navy, 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 2 Midshipmen, 1 Captain's Clerk, 1 Boatswain, 15 naval artificers. Of his majesty's regular troops, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Sergeant-Major ; and of the royal artillery, 1 Bombardier, and 3 Gunners, shall be surrendered as prisoners of war, and accounted for in the exchange of prisoners, between the United States and Great Britain. (Signed) G. a. MITCHELL, Lieut. Col. 3d, A. U. S. SAML. S. CONNER, Maj. and Aid to Gen. Dearborn. WM. KING, Major, 15 U. S. Inlantry. JESSE D. ELLIOT, Lieut. U. S. Navy. W. CHEWITT, Lieut. Col comg. 3d Reg. York xM. W. ALLEN, Maj. 3d Reg. York Militia, F. GADRREAU, Lieut. M. Dpt. Our loss was, 14 killed in battle, and 38 by the explo-l sion — 32 wounded in battle, and 222 by the explosion;! total, killed and wounded, 306. I V 1^ FURTHER ACCOUNT. Extract of a letter from Maj. General Henry Dearborn, to the Semi tary of War, dated Niagara, May 3d. As nearly as I have been able to ascertain, the loss dl the enemy, in the late affair of York, amounted to lOil killed, 200 prisoners, and 300 wounded. I have not beeil able to ascertain, precisely, the amount of militia put o their parole ; I presume it could not be less than 500.- There was an immense depot of naval and military storeJ York was a magazine for Niagara, Detroit, &c. and, noil withstanding the immense amount which was destroyel by them, we found more than we could bring off. GeDl Sheaffe's baggage and papers fell into my hands. Thel papers are a valuable acquisition. — A SCALP was founl m the F xecutive and Legislative Council Chamber, sm pended near the speaker's chair, in company with the! mace. H, DEARBORN. 87 AMERICAN PROTECTION. ^^(^^-Quarters, Baltimore, 8th May. 1813. SIR— It becomes my duty to represent to your excel- lency, that a citizen of the U. States, and an inhabitant of Havre-de-Grace for the last fifteen years, named O'Neale, has been recently taten in arms, and in defence of his pro- perty and family, at that place, by a detachment from his L • i^.xf *'i ^?^^'"S under your command ; and that the bid O jNeale has been menaced with immediate and capi- lal punishment, as a traitor to the government of his B. M. (on the ground of his being, by birth, an Irishman. No- khing, m the course of public duty, would be more pain- ful to me, than the obligation of resorting to the law of re- laliation on this, or any other occasion; but. Sir, in the JBvent of O'Neale's execution, painful as may be the duty, It becomes unavoidable : and I am authorized and com- jnanded to state to your excellency, that iwo British sub- jects shall be selected, by lot or otherwise, and immedi- Titely executed. , It is for your excellency to choose, whether a charac- ker of such barbarism be, or be not given to the war, hvaged under your immediate direction. I am, &c. HENRY MILLER, Bri^. Gen. His Ex. J. B. Warren. ** f ■f. DEARBORN. ANSWER. ^^' '^' ^' "^"^ Domingo, May 10, 18 1 3. blK — 1 have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, of the 8th inst. respecting a man named O'Neale, taken jby a detachment from the squadron, under the orders of IKear Admiral Cockburn. This man has been released, jiipon the application of the magistrates of Havre-de-Grace, Ion parole. I was not informed of tiiis man being an Irish- Iman, or he would certainly have been detained, to account to his sovereign and country, for being in arms against the IBritish colors. I am. &c. .T. B. WARREN. *. / „ I f h''l 88 GEN. HARRISON'S ARMY. Copy of a letter from Oen. Harrison, to the Secretary of War, daiM Head-Quarters, Camp Meigs, 9lh May, I813, SIR— I have the honor to inform you, that the enemy, having been several days making pr^arations for raisin? 1 the siege of this post, accomphshed tnis day the removal of their artillery, from the opposite bank, and about m o'clock left their encampment below, were soon embark! cd, and out of sight. — I nave the honor to enclose you anl agreement between Gen. Proctor and myself, for the m charge of the prisoners of the Kentucky militia, in his poJ session, and for the exchange of the officers and men o( the regular troops, which were respectively possessed bJ us. My anxiety to get the Kentucky troops released, ai| early as possible, induced me to agree to the dismission o( all the prisoners I had, although there was not as many ours, in Gen. Proctor's possession ; the surplussage is tol be accounted for, and an equal number of ours released from their parole, whenever the government may thinl! proper to direct it. The two actions on this side the river, on the 5th, wenl infinitely more important, and more honorable to our arras, than I had at first conceived. In the sortie made upon tlii left flank, Capt. Waring's company of the 19th regimenl. a detachment of 12 months volunteers, under Major Alei- ander, and three companies of Kentucky militia, undeil Col. Boswell, defeated, at least, double the number of fc dians and British militia. The sortie on the right waii still more glorious. The British batteries, in that direcj t'on, were defended by the grenadier and light infanti] companies, of the 41st regiment, amounting to 200 effec- tives, and two companies of militia, flanked by a host ol Indians. The detachment sent to attack these, consisted of all the men off duty, belonging to the companies of Croghan and Bradford, of the 17th regiment, Langhaml Elliott's, (late Graham's,) and Waring's, of the 19th, about 80 of Major Alexander's volunteers, and a single compa- ny of Kentucky militia, under Captain Sebry, amounting, in the whole, to not more than 340. Yet the event of the «9 action was not a moment doubtful ; and, had not the Bri. tjsh troops been covered .n their retreat, by their a/Z the whole of them would have been taken ' ^ It 19 not possible for troops to behave better than our's M, throughout; all the offfcers exerted themselves to ex! ecute my orders, and the enemy, who had a full view of our operations, from the opposite shore, declared that Ly had never seen so much work done, in so short a time ^ [ 1 o all the commandants of corps, I feel narf ir..l«^ ui- :ations; these were Col. Miller, oV heT9t£ iSrv r l" Jills, of the Ohio militia, MajoJ StodlJt ofTfeS "Z^l^^: '''''"-'^ -^ Major Johnson, o?T^e Captam Gratiot, of the engineers, having been, for a bng time, much indisposed, the task of forti^ing th s post evolved on Captam \Vood; it could not have been Zed [abetter hands. Permit me to recommend Wm to the President, and to assure you that any mark of hTs appro! gallon, bestowed on Captain Wood, Would be highl/La- fymgto the whole of the troops, who witnesselKs^Ir ^uous exertions. ^^ From Major Hukill, my aid-de-camp Major Grab^n, .eutenant 6'Fallon. and ^ volunteer^id-ie-camp J^^^^^^^ Johnson, Esq I received the most useful assistant 1 have the honor to enclose you a list of the killed and rounded^^during the siege, and in the two sortie those S^k^'^'mF' ^"f ^^"^ ^M^osures to the continued rains hich have fallen almost everyday, for some time past en ers ^e incapable of mentioning'nianyinteresrgS jculars ; amongst others, a most extraordinary prSposi- onoi&en. Proctor's, on the subject of the Indfanrwith- or boundary ; this shall form the subject of a commu- i.ca .on, to be made lo-morrow or next d^y, and for wS will provide a safer conveyance than thai which caries Alltlic prisoners and deserters agree in savinir thai ^Mnformafon given to M^or Stoddard, by ^fnd! of the Biilibli having launched a sloon of war, this spring, in incorrect; the most of them say, that the one now build-l ing will not be launched for many weeks. I am, &c. W. H. HARRISON. Hon. J. Armstrong. In the seiege, and the several sorties of the 5th instant, (here was 81 killed, and 109 wounded — total, killed and wounded, 270. i : I !^ FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. Copy of a Dispatch, from Maj. General William H. Harristn^ ttHi Secretary of War, dated ' Head-Quarters, Loner Sandusky, May 13, 1813. SIR — Having ascertained that the enemy (Indians well as British,) had entirely abandoned the neighboN hood of the Rapids, I left the command of Camp Meij with General Clay, and came here last night. It is wit the greatest satisfrxtion i inform you. Sir, that I have evd ry reason to believe that the loss of the Kentucky troops' in killed, on the north side of the river, does not exced fifty. On the 10th and 11th inst. I caused the ground which was the scene of action, and its environs, to be can fully examined ; and, after the most diligent search, d bodies only, of our men, vere discovered ; amongst ttei was the leader of tie detachment, Col. Dudley. IS other officer of note fell in the action. I have strong red son to believe, that a considerable number of KentucHI ans effected their retreat up thr river, to fort WinchesteJ General Proctor did not furnish me with a return of t!l prisoners in his possession, although repeatedly promise! His retreat was as precipitate as it could properly W leaving a number of cannon-balls, a new elegant slini carriage, for cannon, and other valuable articles. Tlir night before his departure, two persons that were emplojj ed in the British gun-boats, (Americans by birth) deseilj HARRISON. m H. Harrison, toni 91 ed to us—the inform;, ^m they gave me was very intei- estiiif,'; ihey say that the Indians, 1600, or 2000, left the Bntiiih, the day before their departiire, in a high state of dih atisfactjon, from tlie great loss which they had sustain- ed m tiie several engagements of the 5th, and the failuio ol the British, w accomplishing their promiHc, of taking the post at the Rapids. From the account given by these men, my opinion is confirmed of the great s iperiority of the enemy, whi( h were defeated by our troops in the two sall.es, ruado on il o 5th instant. That, led by Col. Miller, did not exceed 350 men; and it is very certain that they deleatcd 200 Bi-itish regulars, 1.-50 militia men, and 4 or 500 Indians. That American regulais, (althoucrh ihey were raw recruits,) and such men as compose tlie Pitts- burgh, Fenn. and Pctersbiirffh, Va. volunteers, should be- have well, 18 not to be wondered at; but, that a company of militia should maiitain its ground, against four times its numbets, as did Captain Sebie's, of thb Kentucky, is trulr astonishing. These brave fellows were at length, hovv- cver, entirely surrounded by Indians, and would have been entirely cut off, but for the gallantry of I.ieut. Gvvynne, of tlic 10th regiment, who, with a part of Captain Elliott's' company, charged the enemy, and released the Kentucki- ans.— You will receive, herewith, a monthly return of the troo{)s, at Camp Meigs, for the last month; the commu- nication with the other posts being cut oiF, the returns hvere not received. A copy of Gen. Clay's report to me, o( the manner of his executing my order, for the attack on the enemy's batteries, is likewise forwarded, by which it will I)e seen that my intentions were perlectly understood • and the great facility with which they might have been executed, is apparent to every individual who witnessed the scene; indeed, the cannon might have been spiked, the carnages cut to pieces, the magazine destroyed, and the retreat effected to the boats, without the loss of a man, as none were killed in taking the batteries— so complete was the surprize. An extensive open plain intervenes, between the river and the hill, upon which the batteries of the enemy were placed; this plain was raked by 4 of our 18 pounders, a #* ■^tu ^.^ ^^v >, 9^:%%Xs% IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A "U^ /A^^, 1.0 I.I ^ m 2.5 2.2 1.8 pS 1.4 1.6 ^ 6" ► '/] m A ? /^ ^^^"V .^ '»^ '/ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 92 :' 'i > ii 12, and a 6 ; the enemy, even before their guns were spiked, could not have brought one to bear upon it. So perfectly secured was their retreat, that 150 men, who came off, effected it without loss, and brought off some ol the wounded, one of them upon the backs of his comrades. The Indians followed them to the woods, but dared not enter into the plain. I am unable to form a correct estimate of the enemy'g force. The prisoners varied much in their accounts; those who made them least, stated the regulars at 550, and the militia at 800 ; but the number of Indians were beyond comparison greater than have ever been brought into the field before ; numbers arrived after the siege com- menced. I have caused their camps, on the S. E. side of the river, to be particularly examined, and the general opinion is, that there could not have been fewer on that | side, than 10 or 1200 — they were, indeed the efficient I force of the enemy. I am sorry to inform you, that Major Stoddard died the I night before I left the Rapids, of a lock-jaw, produced by a slifht wound, from a fragment of a shell, which struck him on the thigh ; several have died in this way, from their | great and unavoidable exposure to the cold ; but, per- haps, there were never so many instances of desperate I wounds being likely to do well. The gallant Captain | Bradford will recover. I shall go iVom here to Upper Sandusky, and shall take I my station at Delaware, or Franklinton, until the troops are assembled. Gen. Clay, who commands at the Rapias, | is a man of capacity, and entirely to be relied upon. I have the honor, &c. WM. H. HARRISON. Hon. J. Armstrong, Sec. War. :m\ GENERAL CLAY'S REPORT. Copy of a letter from Gen. Clay to Gen. Harrison. Camp at Fort Meigs, May — , 1813. SIR — On the 5th instant, about 8 o'clock, A. M, de scending the Miami of the lake, about midway of the Ra- 03 pids, with 1200 of the Kentucky troops, in eighteen flat bottomed boats, ! was met by Capt. Hamilton.°and a sub- altern, who delivered me (as he said) the orders of Mai Gen. Harrison, to the following effect; . #i "You must detach about 800 men from your brieade who will land at a point I ..ill show, about one, ofonJ f°i^ R C?^r ^^"y^ *^^ ^«"*' ^"^ ' ^i" conduct them to the British batteries, on the left bank of the river— they must take possession of the enemy's cannon, spike them, cut down the carriages, and retuni to their boats," observing that the British force, at their large batteries, was inconsiderable; but that their main force was at tho old garrison, about one and a half miles below, on the same side of the river-" the balance of the men, under fol! ? t"?' "L '"^^ • ^^H* ^^''l ^^^' *^"'°"gh tK^ Indians, w u [°^* !-ob«J^'nff that the route, thus to be taken with Captain Ham. ton, who would land the perouL at ^the^pomt on the right bank, at wiiich the bSats would nJ^^ 7u^'^ a^ descending the river in boats, was the Zn 1 l" ""m"" i r''^'' '^ ^'"^ °^' battle, in solid co- lumn, each officer akmg position according to his rank Col. Dudley, the eldest dofonel, led the van, and in tht order, the mer had been descended. As soon as Captain Hamdton had delivered these orders, being in theC eenth boat from the front, I directed him to proceed im- ntt 1 /rV /f^^"^"-''""*^ ^^"- Harrison's orders, on he left bank of the river; and post his (Capt. HamiU 0.S) s^^^^ on the right banlc, to coLdu^t mjsTlf, • h the men m the six rear boats, to the fort. I ordered the five boats in the rear to fall in a line, aiid follow me. High winds, and the rapidity of the current, drove four of he rear boats ashore, m the attempt to follow on accord- oir ?"' J?"'" u ^y '"""^'"^^ ^ «h°rt time ; sufficient, however, to detam them one half, or three fourths of a mile in the rear.— To land, according to order, I kept close along the right b.^Jc, until opposite Col. DudJey'« } I % 1 ■I ■:\ ' ■H \ .t" in : ^< UN. .h^^ 94 landing: there I found no guide left, to conduct me to the fort, as Captain Hamilton had promised. I then made an attempt to cross the river, and join Col. Dudley ; but, from the rapid current on the falls, I was unable to land on the point with him. Being nearly half way across the river, and the waves running too hi^h to risque the boat, then driven down the current sidewise, veered about, and rowed the best way we could, to save the boats. My at- tempt to cross the river, to Col. Dudley, occasioned all the boats, (I presume in the rear of me,) and which were then out of hailing distance, to cross over, and land with Col. Dudley, Having been defeated in a landing on the left, we then endeavored to effect one on the right, even without a guide ; but, before a landing could be effected, we received a brisk fire from the enemy on shore, winch was returned, and kept up on both sides ; and I was, in this unavoidable situation, compelled to make to Fort Meigs, with no other force than about 50 men on board, (the other boats being still in the rear) and to receive the enemv's fire, until we arrived under the protection of the fort. ' Col. Boswell's command (except the men in ray boat,) having landed, to join Col. Dudley, were, as I have been informed, ordered, by Captain Hamilton, immediate- ly to embark, and land on the right hand shore, about a mile above the fort, and prepare to fight his way through to the garrison. The Colonel embarked, landed, as he | conceived, at the proper point, pursuant to Captain Ham- ilton's order, and was forming his men in order of battle, when he was met by Captain Shaw, and ordered to march into the garrison, at open order, the safest route. When my own boat landed, wc were met by two men, who took charge of the boat, as we understood, to bring her under the protection of the fort batteries ; believing our baggage to be thus made safe, we forbid our servants to carry any portion of it ; but loaded them with cannon- balls, which they bore to the fort. Our baggage was, however, taken by the Indians, in a very short time after we left the boat. In receiving the orders of Capt. Hamil- ton, I asked if he had brought spikes, to spike the ene- my's cannon.^ to which he replied, that he had plenty. 9d Captain Hamilton, on delivering the orders of General Harrison, observed, that the object of landing, and marching a portion of the troops on the right bank, wa» to draw the attention of the Indians ; and, by thus en- gaging them, afford an opportunity to the garrison to make a sally ; and, by a circuitous route, surprize and carry the batteries, and cannon of the enemy, below the fort, on the right bank. 1 am, respectfully, &c. ,r. r, ,. . ^ , GREEN CLAY, Brig. Gen. Hts Ex. Maj. Gen. Harrison. (A true Copy) G. CROGHAN, A. D. C. > TAKING OF PORT GEORGE. Copies 0/ letters from Commodore Chauncey, to the Secretary of the Navy. "^ U. 8. Ship Madison, ___ ^ ^ Niagara River, 21th May, 1813. bin — 1 am happy to have it in my power to say, that the American flag is flying upon fort George. We were in quiet possession of all the forts at 12 o'clock. I have the honor, &c. I. CHAUNCEY. U. S. S. Madison, 28th May, 1813. SIR— Agreeably to arrangements, which I have al- ready had the honor of detailing to you, I left Racket's Harbor, with this ship, on the 22d inst. with about 350 of Col. M'Comb's regiment on board ; the winds being light from the westward, 1 did not arrive in the vicinity of Niagara, before the 25tb ; the other parts of the squadron had arrived, several days before, and landed their troops. The Fair American, and Pert, I had or- dered to Sacket's Harbor, for the purpose of watching the enemy's movements at Kingston. I immediately had an interview with Gen. Dearborn, for the purpose «f making arrangements to attack the enemy, as soon as i W^ liA I» ■1 *I* 96 possible ; and it was agreed, between him and myself, to make the attack the moment that the weather was such as to allow the vessels and boats to approach the •hore with safety. On the 26th, I reconnoitered the position for landing the troops, and at night sounded the shore, and placed buoys to sound out the stationi for the small vessels. It was agreed, between the Gene- ral and myself, to make the aitack the next morning, (as the weather had moderated, and had every appear- ance of being favorable.) 1 took on board of the Ma- dison, Oneida, and Lady of the Lake, all the heavy ar- tiHery, and as many troops as could be stowed ; the remainder w^ere to embark in boats, and follow the fleet. At 3, yesterday morning, the signal was made for the fleet to weigh, and the troops were all embarked on board the boats before 4, and soon after Gens. Dear- born and Lewis came on board this ship, with their suites. It being, however, nearly calm, the schooners were obliged to sweep into their positions. Mr. Trant, in the Julia, and Mr. Mix, in the Growler, I directed to take a position in the mouth of a river, and silence | a battery, near the light-house, which, from its position, commanded the shore where our troops were to land. Mr. Stevens, in the Ontario, was directed to take a po- sition to the north of the light-house, so near in shore as to enfllade the battery, and cross the fire of the Ju- lia and Growler. Lieutenant Brown, in the Governor Tompkins, I directed to take a position neai to Two Mile Creek, where the enemy had a battery, with a heavy gun. Lieutenant Pettigrew, in the Conbuest, was directed to anchor to the S. E. of the same batte- 1 ry, so near in, as to open on it in the rear, and cross the fire of the Governor Tompkins. Lieutenant M'Pher- son, in the Hamilton, Lieut. Smith, in the Asp, and Mr. Osgood, in the Scourge, were directed to anchor close to the shore, and cover the landing of the troops; and to scour the woods and plain, whenever the enemy made his appearance. AH these orders were most| promptly and gallantly executed ; all the vessels an- chored within musquet-shot of the shore, and in ten | 87 minutes afterthey opened the batteries, they were rn™ noITdv^S; ir^e^affote" t^Thr 'd*" "^^ I --' 10 charge our Uolm tZ jJl "''^^ "^ ""« ''»'*' [er, that thee„e»y so^ related frLr.rb?nk"our ererv direction ihT^r*'*''' ""■'' ''""'«'' ""e enemy in Un. Owing to tlie wind hanng sprZ'm veryCl^ ^rom the eastward, which caused a hea'^l XdS' m shore, I was not able to get the boa(,nff .„ i. T.u^ iroops from the Madison afd OnXbefo^" ^he «,*!;? l 'f "d brigades had advanced ' CaptSnsJf nh the marines, landed with Col. M^oX "^i rlt! d l^.h ^sK.r *'"«». rweh I im:^rd"to lanu w.m myself, if the enemy had made a stand • h..# S Ger?"!!:?"!^™ r.rP""^ into'tBetwn: a'rf »ri ueorge, that J found there was no necessili fn- «ore force ; moreover, the wind had increased som.rh le t h"Id r"" " ''V" «'«"-^' 'h-t the^Xatio^At* feet had become dangerous and critical I (h„ .re, made signal for tEe fleet to w"igb. and irderS iier me enemy had abandoned fort George Thi^ 12o'c1ocr^;:d''i1 '" ^"-^ possession oZfr'tJop: SstSeenlVn" """^ '''''''^' ^" ^ ^-^*- Where all behaved so v,e\l it is difficult to select utTlather"^?t'^""%y^^' ^» doin. justice to hers H? «« f"* f ''" "°f ^^^''^^^ f'-o"* tL merits of rin^ ihJ ♦ '^endered very important service, in co- CanS p'" ^".'"P^^tf b' that their loss wa, Captam Perry jomed me, from Erie, on the y. rifling. 98 evening; of (he 25th, and very gallantly volunteered hi» services ; and 1 have much pleasure in acknowledging the great assistance which 1 received from him, in ar- ranging and superintending the debarkation of the troops ; he was present at every point where he could be useful, under sliowers of musquetry ; but, fortunate- ly, escaped unhurt. We lost but one killed, and two wounded, and no injury done to the vessels. I have the honor, &c. ISAAC CHAUNCEY. m \ ' I 1 » ■ FUIITHER REPORT. Copies of Idlers from Maj. General Dearborn, to the Secretary (j '^ "" War, dated Head-Quarters, Fort George, 17. Canarfa, May 27,1813. SIR— The light troops, under the command of Col Scott and Maj. Forsyth, landed this morning, at nine o'clock. Maj. Gen. Lewis' division, with Col. Fori ter's command of light artillery, supported them. Gea Boyd's brigade landed immediately after the ligtl troops, and Generals Winder and Chandler followed ii quick succession. The landing was warmly and obstH nately disputed by the British forces ; but the coolnea and intrepidity of our troops, soon compelled them to| give ground in every direction. General Chandler, with the reserve, (composed his brigade, and Col. M'Comb's artillery) covered the whole.— Com. Chauncey had made the most judiciowl arrangements for silencing the enemy's batteries, neail the point of landing The army is under the greatestl obligations to that able naval commander, for his co-l operation in all its important movements, and especiall ly in its operations this day. Our batteries succeeddl in rendering fort George untenable; and, when theenel my had been beaten from his positions, and found itnej cessary to re-enter it, alter firing a few guns, and settinj fire to the magazines, which soon exploded, he moTr CHAUNCEY. 99 off rapidly by different routes; our light troops pur- sued them several miles. The troops having been un- der anns, trom one o'clock in the morning, were too much exhausted for any further pursuit. We are now in possession of fort George, and its immediate depen- dencies ; to-morrow we shall proceed further on. The behaviour of our troops, both officers and men, entitle them to the highest praise ; and the difference in our loss, with that of the enemy, when we consider the ad- vantages his position afforded iiim, is astonishing —we had 17 killed, and 45 wounded—the enemy had 90 kil- led, and IGO wounded, of the regular troops. We have taken 100 prisoners, exclusive of the wounded Col Meyers, of the 49th, was wounded and taken prisoner • of ours, only one commissioned officer was killed^ Lieut Hobart, of the light artillery. Enclosed is the report of Major-Generul Lewis. I have the honor, &c. „ ^ ^ ^ H. DEARBORN. JHon. tren. J. Armstrongs m\ GEN. LEWIS' REPORT. On the Field, 1 o'clock, 27th May, 1813. DEAR SIK^Fort George and its dependencies are ours; the enemy, beaten at all points, has blown up his magazines, and retired. It is impossible, at this time, to say any thing of individual gallantry ; there was no man who did not perform his duty in a manner which did honor to himself and country. Scott's and Forsyth s commands, supported by Boyd's and Win- der s brigades, sustained the brunt of the action. Our loss IS trifling - not more than 20 killed, and twice that number wounded. The enemy has left in the hospital lU, and I sent several on board of the fleet. We have also made about 100 prisoners of the regular forces. I am, &c. lM.tr n . MORGAN LEWIS. Maj. Gen. Dearborn. 100 FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. Hend-Quarters, Fort George, May 29lh, 1813, SIR — Gen. Lewis was ordered to inarch yesterday morning, with Chandler's and Winder's brigades, the liglit artillery, dragoons, and riflemen, in pursuit of the enemy, by way of Q,ueenstown. I had received satis- factory information that the enemy had made a stand on the mountain, at a place called the Beaver-dam, where he had a deposit of provisions and stores ; and that he had been joined by 300 regulars, from Kings- ton, landed from some small vessels, near the head of the lake. I had ascertained that he wm calling in the militia, and had presumed he would confide in the strength of his position, and venture an action, by which an oppor- tunity would be aflbrded, to cut off his retreat. I have been disappointed. Although the troops, from fort Erie and Chippewa, had joined the main body, at Bea- ver-dam, he broke up yesterday, precipitately, continu- ed his route along the mountains, and will reach the head of the lake by that route. Lieut. Col. Preston took possession of fort Erie, and its dependencies, last evening ; the post had been aban- doned, and the magazine blown up. I have ordered Gen. Lewis to return, without delay, to this place ; and, if the winds favor us, we may yet cut off the enemy's retreat. I was, last evening, honor- ed with your dispatch of the 15th inst. I have taken measures in relation to the 23 prisoners, who are to be put in close confinement. I have the honor, &c. H. DEARBORN. Hon. J. Armstrong, Sec. of War. DEFENCE OF SACKET'S HARBOR. Extract of a letter from Brig. Oen. Jacob Brotvn, to his Ex. Qov. Tompkins, dated Sacked s Harbor, May 29, 1813. We were attacked at the dawn of this day, by a Bri- tish regular force, of at least 900 men, (and most pro- bablyI200;) they made good their landing at Horse- Island. 1 tie enemy's fleet consisted of two ships, 4 schooners, and 30 large open boats. We are com- pletely victorious ; the enemy lost a considerable num- ber m killed and wounded, on the field ; among the number, several officers of distinction. After having re-embarked, they sent me a flag, desiring to have their killed and wounded attended to : 1 made them satisfied on that subject— Americans will be distinguished for humanitv and bravery. Our loss is not numerous, but serious, from (he great worth of those who have fallen. Col. Mills was shot dead at the commencement of the action ; and Col. Backus, of the light dragoons, nobly fell at the head of his regiment, as victory was declaring for us. I will not presume to praise this regiment ;— much gallant conduct on this day, deserves more than praise. The new ship, and Com. Chauncey's prize, the Duke of Gloucester, are yet safe in Sacket's Harbor. Sir George Prevost landed, and commanded in person. Sir James L. Yeo commanded the enemy's fleet. In haste — Yours, &c. JACOB BROWN, )EARBOUN. FURTHER ACCOUNT. Extract of a letter from Qen. Brown, to the Secretary of War, daieit Socket's Harbor, June 1, 1813. SIR— In the course of the 28th, and during the 28th and 29th ult. a considerable militia force came in, and were ordered to the water-side, near Horse-Island, on which was Lieut Col. Mills, and his volunteers. Our strength, at this point, was now 500 men, all anxious for battle, as far as profession would go. The moment it was light enough to discover the ap- proach of the enemy, we found his ships inline, betwecB Horse-Island and Stoney-point, and, in a few minutes afterwards, 33 large boats, filled with troops, came off* to the larger Indian or Garden-Island, under cover of the fire of his gun-boat?. ^^^WP^t'^^ f 'S. 'I 102 My orders were, that the troops should lie close, and reserve their fire, until the enemy had approached so near that every shot might hit its object. It is, how- ever, impossible to execute suchorders with raw troops, unaccustomed to subordination. D^y orders were. In this case, disobeyed ; the whole line fired, and not with- out etiect ; but, in the moment while I was contem- plating this, to my utter astonishment, they rose from their cover andjlcd. Col. Mills fell gallantly, in brave, but in vain endeavors to stop his men. I was, person- ally, more fortunate: — gathering together about 100 militia, under the immediate cominand of Capt. M'JNitt, of that corps, we threw ourselves on the rear of the ene- my's left flank, and, I trust, did some execution ;— It was during this last movement that the regulars, under the command of Col. Backus, first engaged the enemy; nor was it long before they defeated him. Hurrying to this point of action, I found the battle still raging, but with obvious advantage on our side. The result of the action, so glorious for the officers and soldiers of the regular army, has already been communicated, in my letter of the 29th. Had not Gen. Prevost retreat- ed, most rapidly, under the guns of his vessels, he would never have returned to Kingston. One thing, in this business, is tb be seriously regret- ted ; in the midst of the conflict, fire was ordered to be set to the navy barracks, and stores. This was owing to the infamous conduct of those who brought information to Lieut. Chauncey, that the battle was lost ; and that, to prevent the stores from falling into the enemy's hands, they must be destroyed. The ene- my's force consisted of 1000 picked men, led by Sir Gfcorge Prevost, in person ; their fleet consisted of the new ship Wolf, the Koyal George, Prince Regent, Earl Moira, 2 armed schooners, and their gun and other boats. Of the officers who distinguished themselves, I cannot but repeat the name of Lieut. Col, Backus, who, praised be God ! yet lives. Captain M'Nitt'a conduct was noble ; he well deserves to be placed in the regu- lar army. Major Swan, of the army, served as my 103 Adjutant-General, and was highly useful. Lieutenant Chauncey is a brave and honorable man ; to him no blame can attach, for what happened at Navy-point • he was deceived. Lieut Col. Tuttle was in tnarch for this post ; but, with every exertiou, was unable to reach it, HI tnne to take part in the action ; this is felt, by the Colonel, and every officer of his detachment, as a mis- fortune. At the moment I am closing this communi- cation, Commodore Chauncey has arrived with his squadron ; this renders my longer stay here unnecessa- ry ; I shall, therefore, immediately return to my home. I have the honor, &c. J. BROWN. Our loss, in the above action was 154, killed, wound- ed and missing. The enemy's loss, according to his own account, in killed and wounded, was 150. '.^\ ROYAL PROPERTY CAPTURED. Copy of a letter from Com. Chauncey, to the Secretary of the Navy. U- S. S. Madison, Backet's Harbor, 4tb Jnne, 1813. SIR— -1 have the honor to present to you, by the hands of Lieut. Dudley, the British standard, taken at York, on the 27th of April last, accompanied by the mace, over which was hung a human scalp ! These ar- ticles were taken from the Parliament-house, by one of my officers, and presented to me. The scalp I caused to be presented to General Dearborn, who, I believe, still has it in his possession. I also send, by the same gentleman, one of the British flags, taken at fort George, on the 27th of May. I have the honor, &c. „ „, , ISAAC CHAUNCEY. Hon. W. Jones, Sec. of the Navy. NOTE BV THE PUBLISHER. ^ About this time we lost the armed schooners Growl- er and Eagle, on Lake Champlaift IfiM I. .\A m (. HP 104 GENs. CHANDLER AND WINDER TAKEN. r &(^^ of a Utter from Maj. Qeneral Henry Dearborn, to the Seertf taryofWar, dated Hsad-Quarters, Fort George, June Gth, 1813. SIR — I have received an express from the head of ^he lake, this evening, with intelligence that our troops, commanded by Brig. Gen. Chandler, were attacked, at 2 o'clock this morning, by the whole of the British and Indian forces — and by some fatality ; (though our loss did not exceed 30,) and the enemy completely routed, and driven from the field — both Generals Chandler and Winder, were taken prisoners . they had advan- ced to ascertain the situation of a company of artillery, when the attack commenced. General Vincent is re- ported to be among the killed of the enemy. Colonel Clark was mortally wounded, and fell into our handsi, with 60 prisoners of the 49th British regiment. The whole loss of the enemy is 250 ; they sent in a flag, with a request to bury their otail. Gen Lewis, accom- panied by Gen. Boyd, goes on to take the command of the advanced troops. ' I have the honor, &c. H. DEARBORN. Hon. Gen. J. Armstrong. M HONOR TO THE BRAVE. Q'opy of a letter from Major-Oeneral Henry Dearborn, to the Secrela- ry of War, dated Head-Quarters, June Qth, 1813, SIR— I hasten to state to you, that the whole of our officers and men discovered, in the action of the 27th ult. that readiness and ardor for action, which evinced a determination to do honor to themselves, and their country. The animating examples, :et by Gen. Boyd and Col. Scott, deserve particular mention. I am great ly indebted to Col. Porter, of the light artillery ; to 105 MitfOFArmislead, of theMregt artillery; and to Lieut Tptten, of the engin^r ^rps. for their judicious and Sllr Th^ffl demolishing the eneiy's fort and batteries. The officers of the artilleiy, who had the direction of the guns, generally, are very deservinir. I have the honor, &c. Hon. J. Armstrong, «!^ZlT' iPi!^^ **'"''? ^"^"^"^ ^«« '^' «n k>"ed and DEARBORN. FURTHER, OF CHANDLER AND WINDER. Ofyefalttttr from My. Om. Lewis, to the Secretary of War, Med Niagara, June 14, 1813. SJR—You will perceive, by the enclosed copy of op- ders, marked I. that Gen. Dearborn, from indisposition, has resigned bis command, not only of the Niagara army, but of the district. I have doubts whether he will ever again, be fit for service. He has been repeatedly in a state of convalescence, but relapses on the least amtation otmmd. ^ In my last, I mentioned the unfortunate circumstancea of the capture of our two Brigadiers, Chandler and Wind- er; the particulars are detailed in the report of CoL Bum, which he gives from the best information he could collect: bis corp lay a considerable distance from the scene of ac- tive operation, as you will perceive by the enclosed dia- gram, which is on a scale of 100 yards to the inch. Th# fight corps, spoken of, were Captains Hindman's, Biddle's, and Nicholas' companies, of the 2d artillery, serving as mfantry. Theso three gentlemen, and Capts. Archer and Towson, of the same regiment, and Leonard of the light artillery, are soldiers, who would honor any service; their gallantry, and that of their companions, was equally con- spicuous, on this occasion, as in the affair of the 27th ult A view of Gen. Chandler's encampment wHl be tufi^ieni to O 106 ^ I ■ «! 1 i^'f if^'Vt show, that his 'disaster was owing to its arrangement — jte centre being its weakest point, and that being discovered by the enemy, in the evening, received the combined at- tack of his whole force, and his line was completely cat. The gallantry of the 5th, 25th, and part of the 23d, and light troops, saved the army. Of the 5th, it is said, that, vvhen the day broke, not a man was missing ; and, that a part of the 23d, under Major Armstrong, was found sus- taining its left flank j their fire was irresistible, and the ene- my was compelled to give way. Could he have been pressed the next morning, his destruction was inevitable ; he was dispersed in every direction ; and even his com- manding general was missing, without his hat or horse. I under&tand he was found the next morning, at a distance of four miles from the scene of action. Lieut. M'Chesney's gallantry recovered a piece of at- tillery, and prevented the capture of others ; — ^he merits promotion for it. On the evening of the 6th of June, I received the order, No. 4, and joined the army at 5 in the afternoon of the 7 th. I found it at the Forty Mile Creek, 10 miles in the rear of the ground on which it had been attacked, encamp- ed on a plam, of about a mile in width, with its right flank on the lak^, and its left on a creek, which skirts a perpen- dicular mountain, of a considerable heighth. — On my route, I received Nos. 5 and 6, enclosed. At 6 in the evening, the hostile fleet hove in sight, though its character could not be ascertained with pre- cision. We lay on our arms all night — at dawn of day, struck our tents, and descried the hostile squadron abreast of us, about a mile from the shore. Our boats, which transported the principal part of our baggage, and camp equipage, lay on the bea'ch— it was a dead calm ; and, about 6, the enemy towed in a large schooner, which open- ed her fire on our boats. As soon as she stood for the shore, her object being evident, I ordered down Archer's and Towson's companies, with four pieces of artillery, to resist her attempts j I, at the same time, sent Capt. Tot- ten, of the engineers, (a most valuable officer,) to con- struct a temporary fiirnace, for heating shot ; which was MtWk.... 107 prepared, and in operation, in less than 30 minutes. Hei- fire was returned with a vivacity and effect, (excelled by JIG artillery in the universe,) which soon compelled her to retire. A party of savages now made their appearance, on the hrow of the mountam, (which, being perfectly bald, exhi- bited them to our view,) and commenced a fire on our camp. I ordered Col. Christie to dislodge them, who en- tered on the service with alacrity— but found himself an- ticipated by Lieut. Eldridge, the adjutant of his regiment, who, wUh a promptness and gallantry highly honorable to that young officer, had already gained the summit of the mountain, with a party of volunteers, and routed the barbarian allies of the defender of the Christian faith ;— ■ this young man merits the notice of government. These little affairs cost us not a man. Sir James L. Yeo, being disappointed of a tragedy, next determined, in true dramatic style, to amuse us with a farce: — an officer, with a flag, was sent to me, from his ship, advising me, that, as I was invested with savages in iwj- rear, a fleet in my front, and a powerful army on my flank ; he, and the officers commanding his Britannic majesty's land forces, thought it their duty to demand a surrender of my army' I answered, that the message was too ridiculous to merit a reply. No. 7 was delivered to me, at about 6, this morning. Between 7 and 8 o'clock, the four waggons We had, be- ing loaded first with the sick, and next with ammunition, &c. the residue of camp equipage and baggage was put in the boats, and a detacnment of 200 men, of the 6th regi- ment, detailed to proceed in them. Orders were prepar- ed, to be given them, to defend the boats ; and, if assailed by any of the enemj^'s small vessels, to carry them by boarding ; by some irregularity, which, I have not been able to discover, the boats put off without the detach- ments, induced, probably, by the stillness of the morning. When they had progressed about three miles, a breeze sprung up, and an armed schooner overhauled them :■— those who were enterprizing, kept on, and escaped; others ran to the shore, and deserted their boats — we lost 12 ot £\.. ■mt^M,- iSlfc 108 &e number, prmcipally ecmtaining the baggage of the ofii< cere and men. At 10, 1 put our army in motion, on our return to this place; the savages, and incorporated militia, hung on our flanks and rear, throughout the march, and picked up a few stragglers. On our retiring, the British army ad- vanced, and now occupies the ground we left. The enemy's fleet is constantly hovering on our coast, and interrupting our supplies. The ni^t before last, having been advised that thoy had chased into Eighteen Mile Creek, two vessels laden with hospital stores, &c. I detached, at midnight, 75 men, for their protection. The report of the day is, though not ofiicial, that they arrived ioolate for their purpose, and that the stores are lost I have the honor, &c. MORGAN LEWIS. Hon. J. Armstrong, trUMBER S—Rrftrred to in tJu REPORT of GEN. LSWIS'-mx. Niagara, June 6, 1813. DEAR GENERAL— A ship havii^ appeared this monung, steering towards the head of me lake, which is undoubtedly one of the enemy's ships j and, as others are appearing, you will please to return with the troops, to this place, as soon as possible. Yours, with esteem, H. DEARBORN. P. S. The object of the enemy's fleet must be, cither to cover the retreat of their troops, or to bring on a rein- forcement. J{, j)^ Mqj. Gen. Lewis. In the action of the 6th of June, at Stoncy Creek, there was 17 killed, 38 wounded, and 50 missjog making a total of 105, killed wounded, and missing. I DEARBORN. 109 UTILITY OF THE GUN-BOATS. I C(!R)r ^fl Mter Jrcm Commodort John Cassin, to the Secretary of the I •*▼ «py» dated ^ d with the flotilla, under his commaiKt consistinff of 15 ^-boats, m two divisions— Lieut. J. M. Gardner, Ist di- Usion, and Lieut. Robert Henley, the 2d, manned from thefngate; and 50 musqueteers, which General Taylor onlered from Craney Isfand-and proceeded down the nver ; but adverse winds, and squalls, prevented his ap- proaching the enemy, until Sunday morning, at 4, P ]ff when the flotilla commenced a heavy, gaBinff fire in a hn^te, at about three-fourths of a m'ile ^distance, layin^ well up the roads-two other frigates lying in sight. JU half past 4, a breeze sprung up, /?om E. N E, which ena- Ibled the two frigates to get under way, one a razee, or Kttn''^frif"1 *^^ ""^^^^ ^ ^">*^' *° *^°°^« nearer r 1 r'ff 3?* IT' '" ^«n«eq»ence of their approach, hauled off, though keeping up a well directed fire on the mee and other ship, which gave us several broadsides. IThe fngate, first engaged, (supposed to be the Junon,) Iwas certainly very severehr hancffed ; had the calm con- I mued, one half hour, that fSrigate must have fallen into our Ihands, or been destroyed : she must have slipped her noonng, so as to drop nearer the razee, who haU all her y 8 set, coming up to her, with Ihe other frigate ; the bdion contmue3 one hour and a half, with the three ships iShorUy after the action, the razee got along side of tVe fchip, and had her upon a deep careen, in a little time, with bnumber of boats and stages around her; I am satisfied f hat much damage was done to her ; for she was silenced borne tune, until the razee opned her fire, when she com- fenced again. Our loss is very trifling: Mr. Allison Nter's mate, on board No. 139, was k|ed early n the' Uon, by an 181b. ball, which passed through hVa„d lodged m the mast. No. 154, fad a shot betweerwl^d fcffld water. No. 87, had her Franklin s? , ^ rway; and «veral ot thetn had some of their sweeps, aa ivell as their ^\l ,' -"I # *l ,m-m r 110 stantions shot away; but two men slightly injured, by thei splinters, from the sweeps. On the flood tide, sevej ships of the line, and frigates, came into the roads, and J expected an attack last night. There is now in the RoadJ 13 ships of the line and frigates, one brig, and severj tenders. I cannot say too much for the officers and cw J on tb's occasion ; for every man appeared to go into ao tion with so much cheerfulness, apparently, to do their 4 tjr, resolved to conquer. I had a better opportunity I discovering their actions, than any one else, being in ml boat the whole of the action. I have the honor, &c. - ^ ,, JOHNCASSIN. Hon Sec. N4ivy^ Thirty prisoners, who were taken 2 days after «, above action, and who were separately examined, staj that the loss on board the Junon, in killed and woundet was about 60— her Captain killed ; and that the Juna received between 70 and 100 shots in her hull. THE CHESAPEAKE TAKEN, Copif of a Utter from Lieut. Btidd, to the Secretaryof the Navy, cm rru - , Halifax, Jum, 15, 1813. J 1^"" * unfortunate death of Capt. James Lawrency and Lieut Augustus C. Ludlow, has rendered it my M to inform you of the capture of the late U. States friffatJ Chesapeake. * " On Tuesday, June 1st, at 8, A. M. we unmoored sliipi and at meridian got underway, from President Roaf with a light wind from the southward and westward, aoi proceeded on a crnise. A ship was then in sight, in tlie offing, which had the appearance of a ship of war; aa' which, irom information received from pilots, we believMi to be the British frigate Shannon. We made sail in chasj and cleared ship fbr action. At half past 4, P. M. shJ . ? J?°i:.r**^^^.'' ^^^^ ^« *b« southward and eastward-! at 5, P. M. took jn the royal and top-gallant sails ; and ail Iwounc ■the lo! JCapta la Midi Th( Ian offi apart I Hoi Kijthis JOHN CASSIN. ecretarjf, of the Navy, ( iXyJuWy 15,1813. Ill Ihalf past 5, hauled the courses up. About 15 minutes jbefore 6, the action commenced, within pistol-shot. The Ifirst broadside did great execution on both sides ; damaged lour rigging; killed, among others, Mr. White, the sail- lingr-master J and wounded Capt. Lawrence. In about 12 ■minutes, after the commencement of the action, we fell on ■board the enemy; and immediatelj after, one of our arm- «d chests, on the auarter-deck, was blown up, by a hand grenade, thrown from the enemy's ship. In a few min- utes, one of the Captain's aids came on the gun-deck, to inform me that the boarders were called. I immediately ■called the boarders away, and broceeded to the spar-deck, where 1 found that the enemy had succeeded in boarding us, and had gamed possession of our quarter-deck. I im- mediately gave orders to haul on board the fore-tack, for ■the purpose of shorting the ship clear of the other, and ■then made an attempt to regain the quarter-deck, but was ■wounded, and thrown down on the girt-deck. I again nade an effort to collect the boarders; but, in the mian- Rime, the enemy had gained complete possession of the bhip. On my being carried down to the cock-pit, I there Ifound Capt. Lawrence, and Lieut. Ludlow, mortally ■wounded ; the former had been carried below, previously ■to the ships being boarded— the latter was wounded ia ■attempting to repel the boarders. Among those who felL ■early m the action, was Mr. Ed. J. Ballard, 4th Lieuten- ■ant, and Lieut. James Broome, of Marines. I herein en- ■close, to you, a return of the killed and wounded; by Iwhichyou will perceive, that every officer, upon whom Ithe charge of the ship would devolve, was either killed or wounded, previously to her capture. The enemy report Nie loss of Mr Watt, their 1st Lieutenant, the Purser, the Captain s Clerk, and 23 seamen, killed; Captain Broke, a Midshipman, and 56 seamen wounded. The Shannon had, in addition to her full complement an officer, and 16 men, belonging to the Belle Poule, and I a part ot the crew belonging to the Tenedos. I have the honor, &c. GEO. BUDD. Hon. TV. Jones. Sec. Navy. [hi this action, we had 49 killed— 97 wounded— total 146. ■'» *1 ' ' ' .' ■■< '■ ] \ *^^ *:/,(. m'' ii AFFAIR ON LAKE ONTARIO. f^<^o/ a Utter from Lieut. Chauneejf, to Commodore Chaunety. SackeVs Harbor, 16th JutUy 1Q13. SIR — According to your orders of the 14th inst. I pro- ceeded off Presque-Isle, in the schooner " Lady of M Lake." On the morning of the 1 6th, fell in with, and cap.! lured the English schooner, Lady Murray, from KingstonJ bound to York with provisions and ammunition. Endosei is a list of 1 Ensign, 15 non-commissioned officers, an]| privates, found on board, with 6 men, attached to thtl vessel. I have the honor to be, &c. WOLCOTT CHAUNCEY. The prize is valued at 20,000 dollars. COL. BOERSTLER's SURRENDER. Copy of a letter from Maj. Gen. Henry Dearborn, to the SecretanA War, dated ^? Head-Quarters, Fort George, June 25, 1813, SIR — ^I have the mortification of inK>rming you of aol unfortunate and unaccountable event, which occurred jesJ terday. On the 23d. at evening, Lieut. Col. BoerstlerJ with 570 men, (Infantry, artillery, cavalry, and riflemen,! in due proportion,) was ordered to march, by wayil Queenstown, to a place called the Beaver-Dama» on th«| high ground, about 8 or 9 miles from Queenstown, to atl tack and disperse a body of the enemy, collected therefor! the purpose of procuring provisions, and harassing those inhaoitants who are considered friendly to the U. State J Their force was, from the most direct information, com- posed of one company of the 104th regiment, above 80, strong; from 150 to 200 militia, and from 50 to 60 In- dians. At 8 o'clock yesterday morning, when within about two miles of the Beaver-Dams, our detachment wat attacked from an ambuscade, but soon drove the enemj some distance into the woods, and then retired to a clear field, and sent an express for a reinforcement ; saying, he| h{i 113 "'""J'ir.frm*'" his position, until reinforced. A reinforces Tinrro.TK ""TY '^mediately, under the com- mandofCo. Christie; but, on arriving at Queenstown Co Chrysfe received authentic inform^ationTthat lieut ColBoerstler, with his command, had surrendered to the enemy, and the remforcement returned to c^mp. A man, who belonged to a small corps of mounted volunteer rifle- men, came m this morning, who states, that^ the enemv surrounded our detachment in the woods; and, toward^ 2 clock, commenced a general attack ; that our troops fought more than two hours, until the artillery had ex- pended all Its ammunition, and then surrendered ; and, at the time of the surrender, the informant made his escape Why it should have been deemed proper to remain, se- veral hours m a position surrounded with woods, without either risking a decisive action, or effecting a retreat, re- mains to be accounted for, as well as the project of wait- ine for a reinforcement, from a distance of 15 miles. No information has been received of the killed or wounded. Ihe enemy s fleet has agam arrived in our neighborhood; 1 am, &c. TT r >« H.DEARBORN. Hon. J. Armstrong, Sec. War. CAPTURE OF A BRITISH TENDER. Copy of a letter from Com. Lewis, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated r?!. r'.- ri "'® pleasure to inform you of the capture of the British sloop tender, (Eagle) which, for some time, had been employed by Com. Beresford, for the purpose ot burning the coasters, &c. Her force was 2 officers and 11 seamen, with a 32 brass howitzer. ' This service was performed, in a most gallant and offi- cer like manner, by sailing-master Percival, who, with vo- lunteers from the flotilla, which I have the honor to com- mand, jumped on board a fishing-smack, ran the enemy along side, and carried him by a coup-de-main. I am so/- J^y to add, that, m this little affair, the enemy lost ihfi. com- P TH manJing officer, one Midshipman, mortally wounded, and two seamen badly. I am happy to say we suffered no in- jury, which is to bo attributed to the superior manage- ment of sailing-master Percival, and the coolness with which his men tired ; for which they all deserve well of their country. J. LEWIS, Com. U. -8. Flotilla. Hon. W. Jones, Sec. Navy. r'rT ' •I f ! i\\ m ESCAPE OF MAJOR CHAPIN. C % "'.<.. ri|. ;' j« 'Ml- r- ^• 120 t^APTURE OF THE DOMINICO. Sxtrad of a letter from Capt. John H. Dent, commanding naval ojitxr at Charleston, S. C. to the Secretary of the Navy, dated August 21, 1813. SIR — I have the honor to inform you, that the privateer schooner Decatur, of this port, arrived here yesterday, with H. B. M. schooner Dominico, her prize. She was I captured on the 5th instant, after a most gallant action of one hour, and carried by boarding, having all her officers killed, except one Midshipman. The Dominico mounts 15 guns ; one a 32 pounder, on i a pivot, and had a complement of 83 men, at the com- mencement of the action, sixty of whom were killed ori wounded. She was one of the best equipped and manneii vessels, of her class, I have ever seen. The Decatur I mounts 7 guns, and had a complement of 103 men, atttwl commencement of the action, 19 of whom were killed orj wounded. I have the honor, &;c. JOHN H. DENT. CAPTURE OF THE BOXER. Copy of a Utter from Lieut. Ed. R. M'Call, of the V. S. Brig Enterpml to Capt. Isaac Hull, dated ' U. S. Brig Enterprise, Portland 7th Sept. 1813,1 SIR — In consequence of the unfortunate death of Lieulj Commandant William Burrows, late commander of thil vessel, it devolves on me to acquaint you with the resii of our cruise. — On the morning of the 4th, weighed i ehor, and swept out, and continued our course to the easll ward. Having received information, of several privateen being oflf Mannagan, we stood for that place ; and, on tin following morning, in the bay near Penguin-point, discoj vered a orig gettmg under way, which appeared to be| vessel of war, and to which we immediately gave chasej she fired several guns, and stood for us, having four enf signs hoisted. After reconnoitering, and discovering hd JOHN H. DENT. 121 force, and the nation to which she belonged, we hauled upon a wind, to stand out of the bay • and atTnV^» t shortened sail, tacked, and run do'/n,' with a i i.Uemh'n to bring her to close action. At 20 ni. uf es , ^ i P M. -hen within half pistol shot, til h"^ cV^ il J-fd from both ,. and, after beinff warmly kept'up, and with some manoeuvering, the enemy hailed an Uai"d tLey had surrendered, about 4, P. M.-»heir col r bew ! nailed to the masts, ccMiId „„t be hauUd d.w-n S f proved to be his B. M. biiV Boxer of M .rnn. i. -? I Biythe, Esq. commander, Iho^eTl hf tltSr paT."o te engagement having received a cannon shot uCi^ the body ; and, I am sorry to add, that Lieut. Bu ro"vs who had gallantly led us to action, fell, also, about the same time, by a musquet ball, which terminated h"s existence m eight hours. 'txtaieu ms The Enterprize suflered much, in spars and rig£rin«- • and the Boxer both in spars, rigging, and hull havW many shots between wind and Sate?. ^ \v ^k"'?"!^.^®. ^'^^"^ "ywstice to the merit of Mr. Til- hnghast, 2d Lieutenant, were I not to mention the able assistance I received from him, during the re.nainder of Ihe engagement, by his strict attention to his dwn di- vision, and other departments ; and the officers and crew, generally : I am happy to add, their cool and de- Jeimined conduct have my warmest approbation and apphmse. As no muster-roll, that can be fully relied on, has come into my possession, f cannot exactly state he number lulled, on board the Boxer ; but, from in! formation received from the officers of tliat vessel it appears that there wore between 20 and 2.3 killed, and 4 wounded. On board the Enterprize, there ^as 1 Ikilled, and 1.3 wounded, among whom was Lieut Bur- lows, (since dead.) and Midshipman Waiters, moHally |-5ixty-six prisoners. ^' I have the honor. &c. t!.,n TJu 1.^ P^^ARDR.M'CALL,.^.«.(^.,r. mav Hull, Esq. Comg. Naval OfKcor, on the Eastern station. \m 122 [\ A f PERRY'S VICTORY. Copt/ of a letter from Com. Perry, to the Secretary of the Navi/t datd V. S. Brig Niagara, off the Western Sister, Head of Lake Erie, September lOtb, 1 8 13, 4, P. M. SIR— It has pleased the ALMIGHTY to give to the ARMS OF THifi IT. STATES a signal victory over their enemies, on this lake. ' The British Squadron, consisting of TWO SHIPS, TWO BRIGS, ONE SLOOP, and ONE SCHOON- ER, have, tliis moment, surrendered to the force under my command after a sharp conflict. 1 have the honor, &c. O. H. PERRY. Hon. W. Jones, Sec. of tlie Navy. f- ■ ??■ FURTHER ACCOUNT. Cdspy of a letter from Commodore Perry, to the Secretary of the A'ary, U. S. Schr. Arid, Pul-in-Bay, \3th Sept. 1813. SIR — In my last, I informed you that we had cap- tured the enemy's fleet, on this lake. I have now the! honor to give you the most important particulars of I the action: — On the morning of the 10th instant, all sunrise, they were discovered in Put-in-Bay, wheni lay at anchor, with the squadron under my command Wo got under weigh, the wind light at S. W. and stood! for them ; — at 10, A. M. the wind hauled to S. E. andl brought us to windward ; formed the line, and bore up,| At 15 minutes before 12, the enemy commenced firing;! at 5 minutes before 12, tlie action commenced onourl part. Finding their fire very destructive, owing loj their long guns, and its being mostly directed at tkl Lawrence, 1 made sail, and directed the other vessels! to follow, for the purpose of closing with the enemy-l every brace and bow line being soon shot away, she! became unmanageable, notwithstanding the great exerf tions of the sailing-master. In this situation, she sus-l tained the action upwards of two hours, within canistetl O. H. PERRY. 123 distance, until every gun was rendered useless, and tbe greater part of the crew either killed or bounded Finding she could no longer annoy the enem? I left her in charge ofLieut Yarnell, who, [ was convinced by the bravery already displayed by him, would do what would comport with the honor of the flao- At half past 2, the wind springing up. Captain Elliot wts enabled to bring ns vessel, the Niagara, gallantly i^o close action ; 1 immediately went'on lK)ard of er when he anticipated my wish, by volunteering to br n'* the schooners, wlHch had been kept astern bylhe I ghC ness of the wind, into close action. ^ It was with unspeakable pain that I saw, soon after Igot on board of the Niagara, the^^^^/^/wrc com down- although I was perfectly'sensible tlml she had been defended to the last, and that to have coX nued to make a show of resistance, would have been a wanton sacrifice of the remains of her brave crew But theentmy was not able to take possession of her, and ^crmytancessoon permWcdUEH FLAG- AGAIN TO BL HOIbTED. At 45 minutes past 2, the signal was made for « close action;" the Niagara being ?erv lit' le injured, I determined to pass through the enemy's hne-bore up, and passed ahead of thei? two ships, and a brig, giving a raking fire to them, from the starboard guns, arid to a large scliooner, and sloop, from the lar- board side, at half pistol-shot distance. The smaller vessels, at this time, having got within grape and canis- Iter distance, under the direction of Capt. Elliot, and keeping up a well directed fire, the two ships a bria land a schooner surrendered ; a schooner and sloo'^I Iniaking a vain attempt to escape. ' I Those officers and men, who were immediately un- Ider my observation, evinced the greatest gallantry • land, I have no doubt but all others conducted Ihem- Iselves as became American officers and seamen. Lieut I Yarnell, 1st of the Lawrence, although severaj times fvounded, refused to quit the deck. Midshipman For- lest, (doing duty as Lieutenant,) and sailing-master paylor, were of great assistance to me. I have o-reut I H' A MX l< t 124 pain, in staling lo you the deatli of Lieut. Brook, of the marines, and Midshipman Laub, both of the Lawrence, and Midshipman John Clark, of the Scorpion ; they were valuable and promising officers. Mr. Hamilton, Purser, who volunteered his services on deck, was se- verely wounded, late in the action. Midshipman Clax- ton, and Swartwout, of the Lawrence, were severely wounded. On fjoardof the Niagara, Lieutenants Smith and Edwanis, and 31idshif)man Webster, (doing duty as sailing-master,) behaved in a very handsome nitinner. Captain Brevoort, of the army, who acted as a volun- teer, in the capacity of a luaiine officer, on board that vessel, is an excellent and brave officer ; and, with his musquetry, did great execution. Lieut. Turner, com- manding the Caledonia, brought that vessel into action in the most able manner, Jind is an officer, in all situa- tions, that may be relied on. The Ariel, Lieut. Packet, and Scorpion, sailing-mas- 1 ter Champlin, were enabled to get early into action, and were of great service. Captain Elliot speaks In I the highest terms of Mr. Magrath, Purser, who had been dispatched in a boat, on service^ previous, to my getting on board the JNiagara; and, being a seaman, since the action has rendered essential service in taking charge of one of the prizes. Of Captain Elliot, already so well known to the go- vernment, it would be almost superfluous to speak:- in this action, he evinced his characteristic bravery and judgment; and, since the close of the action, has giveni me the most able and essential assistance. I have the honor to enclose you a return of the killl ed and wounded, together with a statement of the rela- tive force of the squadrons. The Captain and 1st Lieu tenant of the Queen Charlotte, and 1st Lieut, of the Del troit, were killed. Captain Barclay, senior officer, and! the commander of the Lady Prevost, severely wound| ed. The commander of the Hunter and Chippewa, slightly wounded. Their loss, in killed and wounded, I have not been able to ascertain ; it must, however,! have been very great. 126 f have Harnson to have them marched to Ch?lHcothe and The Lawrence has been so entirely cut up, it is ab sohile y necessary she should go into a safe harbor I have, therefore, directed Lieut. Yarnell to proceeVto siiaji naui iiiem into the inner bay, at this olarp iml moor the.n for the present. The Detroi i^a r^m^rka ly fine ship; sails well, and is very strongly blit- he Queen Charlotte is a much superior vessel to whTJ it ^hTnir "^^^^-^^^ LadyVevosrifi^^:: verned by humanity, w' ^'^'^^""^ «^the capture of the U imen.— ifte action lasted 43 minutes Th^ A JL^- [loss was 30, killed and woundT;"{hat oFtt bS e" MALDEN TAKEN. I % of a letter from Major General William U, Harrison, to the I fVar Department, daicd ' am ru ^:flT^^^^^»^^»^^rstbur£^, Sept. 23 1813 lie nnT^nnr '^" ''"""'' '^ •*"^«"» y""' ^^^t I landed [io and 'font n.''- *'''^ t"^^"^"^' without opposi- Vn'enlPrl^f ""'''? ""^ ^^^ ^^^^" ^" hour after.- General Pioctor has retreated to Sandwich, with his M I "" -»(.-«'. r mil '] 128 regular troops and Indians, havini? previously burned the fort, navy-yard, barracks, and public stores ; the two latter were very extensive, covering several acres of ground. I will pursue the enemy to-morrow, al- though there is no probability of overtaking hnn, as he has upwards of 1000 horses, and we have not one in the army ; I shall think myself fortunate to be able to col- lect a sufficiency to mount the general ofhcers.—lt is supposed, here, that General Proct(>r intends to estal). lish himself upon the river French, 40 miles from Maiden. I have the honor, &c. „„,^^,, WM. H. HARRISON DEFEAT OF GEN. PROCTOR. Head-Quarters, near Moravian-Town, on the rirer Tliainej, j 80 miles from Detroit, 5th October, 1813. SIR— I have the honor to inform you, that, by the blessing of Providence, the army under my command has obtained a complete victory over the combined In- dian and British forces, under the command of General Proctor. I believe that nearly the whole of the ene- my's regulars are taken or killed ; amongst the former are all the superior officers, except Gen. Proctor ; my mounted men are now in pursuit of him. Our loss is very triffing ; the brave Col. R. M. John son is the only officer that I have heard of, that i^ wounded— he badly, but I hope not dangerously. « I have the honor, &c. W. H. HARRISON. Hon, J. Armstrong, Sec. of War. TREATY WITH THE INDIANS. Extract of a letter from Gen. W Arthur, to the Secretary of War, dalti Detroit, October 6lh, 1813. On our arrival at Sandwich, my brigade was orderej across the river to disperse some Indians, who werf^ -e-T- jlts-9t - I. HARRISON H. HARRISON. 129 pillaging the town, and to take Dossessinn nf tw i Information was received .,,^P°^^®^^'0"of this place. dians had retired a smif dUance'in7n?i *'"•"««"'' ''- instructions to attack Gen HarrLn *^^ ''^"^^' ^>»h sage for the purpose orr;tX?ts^rgr^^ "iT" quently, my brigade was left to garr sSi X^ ni«n '^" Since General Harrison's rl*>».at/ V P'^^®- Indians. viz.--Ottowas Chinn.tf'''^^'*'' ^^"^ "^tions of amies, and Kick poosXho^^^:,^^^^^^^ ^'- have come in for peace anr/h ^ ^ ^^w m.les back. lilies should cease for' irnr^'^l'S'"^^^ "'«t hosti- conditions :--theThavL alr^^^^^^ on the following tomahawk with ul and'foSall whn"^^ ""^'^^ ^^'"^ enemies to the U, St.ies^t^'h^l Sritirir VT "^ (hey are to brinir in a niimhp!r^f ng, that he had last even nir OTertaW.„ r „ 2'°"' tor's force, and had gained a ^mplete victory auTh" principal officers wprp in w.c, r. • ^ * all the Hon. See. of War. "^^AN M'ARTHCR, THE JULIA AND GROWLER RE-CAPTURED leMvhichlfe., in wi.hfa:rca"pr„r:Vrs."'e"SilS; Ibound to Kineston Of th^i^ fl . e * ''""P' "" '«*»'■<'• '^^,^•1 130 inti to nearly 300, besides having upwards of 300 of oiir troops on board, from Niagara, induced me to run m- to port, for the purpose of landing both. I have an additional pleasure in informing you, that amongst Ihe captured vessels, are the late U S. schrs. Julia and Growler ; the others are gun-vessels. I have the honor, &c. ISAAC CHAUNCEY. How. J^. Jo nM, Sec. Navy. ':? i mh'fk^ FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. Cow of a tetter* from Commodore Chaunccy, to tlu Secretary ofthi '^^ ■' Havy, dated U. S. S. Gen. Pike, off Niagara, Oct. 1, 1813. SIR— On the 26th ult. it was reported to me, that Ihe enemy's fleet was in York. I immediately dispatched the Lady of the Lake to look into York, and ascertain the fact; she returned in the evening with the informa- tion, that the enemy was in York bay. I immediately prepared to weigh ; but, ow.ing to a strong wind fromi N. N. E. was not able to get out of the river before the evening of the 271h ; and, owing to the extreme dark- ness ofthe night, apart of the squadron got separated, and did not join before next morning, at 8, A. M. On the 28th, the Gen. Pike, Madison, and Sylph, each took a schooner in tow, and made all sail for York; soon after, discovered the enemy's fleet in York bay, shaped our course for him, and prepared for action ; he per- ceived our intention of engaging him in his position- tacked, and stood out of the bay, wind at east. I form- ed the line, and run down for his centre : when we bad approached within about 3 miles, he made all sail to the southward ; I wore in succession, and stood on tbel same tack with him, edging down gradually in orderlol close. At 10 minutes, past meridian, the enemy, hndj ing we were closing fast with him, and that he musU * This l«tter bears the AJbaoy post-mark of the 16th inst. having, fra some unknown cause, been mislaid in sonie Post-office. 131 Ik, cut ofl, he lacked in succession, beginninir at the van, hoisted his colours, and commenced a well direct- ed hre at this ship, for the purpose of coveririiA^a • a.id attacking our rear as he passed to leeward. Per! cemn^ his intention. I determined to disappoint him • , and. t lorefore. as soon as the Wolf, (the leading shin^ I passed the centre of his line, and a Lam of u"*! uS'i np in succession, (preserving our line for the enemy'^ centre this mantjeuvre not only covered our rear but hove him in confu.ion ; he immediately bore away We had, however, closed ,o near as to brilig our guns to bear with etfect; and, .„ 20 minutes, the main ancfniizea top-mast, and main yard of the Wolf was shot away: he immedmtely put before the wind-was enabled to outsail mos ofoursquadroij; as it brought all the sail upon one mast, he did not feel the loss of his main and mikn top- mast I continued the chase until near 3 o'clock, durin«- which time I was enabled, in this ship, (with the Asp Si tow,) to keep in po.nt-blank shot of the enemy, and Sua- tamed the whole of his fire during the chase. Oapt Crane, in the Madison, and Lieut. Brown, in the Oneida, used every exertion to close with the enemy; but the Madison having a heavy schooner in tow, aiicl the Oneida sailinff vmdull before the wind, prevented those officers from closing near cnou^ to do any execution with their carron- ades. 1 he Gov.Tompkins kept in her station, until her foremast was so badly woundecf, as to oblige her to short- ' en sail. Lieutenant Finch, of the Madison, who com- manded her for this cruise, (owing to the indisposition of Lieutenant Pettigrew,) behaved with great gallantrv, and IS an officer of much promise. Capt. \folsey, of the Svlnh «;as kept astern by the Ontario, which he had in tow, tut did considerable execution with his heavy euns. At 1 1 minutes before 3 P. M. I very reluctantly relinquished he pursuit of a beaten enemy; the reasons whicbled to this determination, were such as, I flatter myself, you will approve—they were these : / ' / " wm At the time I gave up the chase, this ship was makinff I liM fording to be met with, for a very considerable distance ; but, upon examination, it was found too deep for the in. fantry. Having, fortunately, taken two or three boats, and some Indian canoes, on the spot, and obliging the horsemen to take a footman behind each, the whole were safely crossed by 12 o'clock, Eight miles from the cross- ing, we passed a farm where a part of the British troops had encamped the night before, under the command of Col. Warburton ; the detachment, under General Proctor, had arrived, the day before, at the Moravian towns, four miles higher up. Being now certainly near the enemy, I directed the advance of Johnson's regiment to accele- rate their march, for the purpose of procuring intelli- gence ; the officer commanding It, in « snort time, sent to inform me, that his progress was stopped by the enemy, who were formed across our line of march : one of the enemy's waggoners also being taken prisoner, from the information received from him, and my own observation, assisted by some of my officers, I soon ascertained enough of their disposition, and order of battle, to determine that, which it was proper for me to adopt. I have the nonor, herewith, to enclose you my general order, of the 27th ult. prescribing the order of march, and of battle, when the whole army should act together; but, as the number and description of the troops had been es- sentially changed, since the issuing the order, it became necessary to make a corresponding alteration in their dis- position. From the place where our army was last halted, to the I Moravian towns, a distance of about three and a haifl miles, the road passes through a beach forest, without ai ^ clearing; and, for the first two miles, near to the bank of the river; at from 2 to 300 yards from the river, a swamp extends parallel to it, throughout the whole distance; the intermediate ground is dry, and, although the trees are tolerably thick, it is in many places clear of underbnish;! across this strip of land, its left appuayed upon the river,! supported by artillery, placed in tne wood; their right in I the swamp, covered by the whole of their Indian force— j Ae British troops were drawn up. m if .J 137 7^'^ VTP''n*l*r^' '^'^PosaJ' consisted of about 120 re- gulars of the 27th regiment, five brigades of Kentucky volunteers, iiul.tia infantry, under his excellency Govern- or Shelby, averaging less than 500 men; and 6ol John- sons regiment of mounted infantry, making, in the whole, an aggregate of something above 3000. No disposition of an army, opposed to anlndian force, can be safe, unless ,tis secured on the flanks, and in the rear; I had, there- fore, no difficulty in arrangmg the infantry, conformably to my general order of battle. General trotter's brigade, of 500 men, formed the front line ; his right upon the road -his left upon the swamp ; Gen. King's bric^ade, as a second hne, 150 yards in the rear of Trotter's and Chiles brigade, as a/;orps of reserve, in the rear of it— tliese three brigades formed the command of Major-Gene- ra Henry; the whole ofGen. Desha's division, ionsistinff oltwo brigades, were formed^ en potettce, upon the left oT 1 rotter. "^ Whilst [ was engaged in forming the infantry, I had di- rected Col. Johnson's regiment, which was still in front, to be formed in two lines, opposite to the enemy ; and upon the advance of the infantry, to take the ground upon le left; and, forming upon the flank, to endeavor to turn the rignt ol the Indians. A moment's reflection, however, convinced me, that Irom the thickness of the woods, and swampiness of the ground, th^y would be unable to do any thino- on horse- back--and there was no time to dismount them, and place their horses in security; I, therefore, determined to refuse my left to the Indians, and to break the British lines, at once, by a charge of the mounted infantry. The measure was not sanctioned by any thing that I had seen or heard ol, but I was fully convinced that it would succeed. The American back-woodsmen ride better in the woods than sny other people; a musquet, or rifle, is no impediment to them, being accustomed to carry them, on horseback, trom their eariiest youth. I was persuaded, too, that the enemy would be quite unprepared for the shock, and that they could not resist it. Conformably to this idea, I di- ted the regiment to be drawn up in close column, with S I' I <■ I'pf i.'^f). ^1 ■^ ,,..^- 138 < ■f rr its right at the distance of 50 yards upon the road, (that it might be, in Bome measure, protected by the trees, from the artillery,) its left upon the swamp, and to charge, at full speed, as soon as the enemy delivered their fire. The few regular troops, of the 27tb, under their Colonel (Paul) occupied, in columns of four, the small space be< tween the road and the river, for the purpose of seizing the enemy's artillery; and some, 10 or 12, friendly In- dians were directed to move under the bank. The crotch- (i, formed by the front line, and Gen. Desha's division, was an important point ; at this place the venerable go. vernor of Kentucky was posted, who, at the age of 66, preserves all the vigor of youth — the ardent ze^, which distinguished him in the revolationaiy war — and the un- daunted bravery, which he manifested at King's Mountain. With my aids-de-camp, the acting assistant Adjutant Gen. I Capt. Butler; my gallant friend, Com. Perry, who did me the honor to serve as my volunteer aid-de-camp, a Brig. Gen. Cass, who, havmg no command, tendered me I his assistance — [ placed myself at the head of the front line of infantry, to direct the movements of the cavalry, and give them the necessary support. The army had mo- ved on, in this order, but a short distance, when tne mount- ed men received the fire of the British line, and were or- dered to charge : the horses, in the front of the column, | recoiled from the fire ; another was given by the enemy, and our column, at length getting in motion, broke through the enemy with irresistible force. In one minute the con- test, in front, was over. The British officers, seeing no hopes of reducing their disordered ranks to order, and I our mounted men wheeling upon them, and pouring in i destructive fire, immediately surrendered. It is certain I that three only, of our troops, were wounded in this charge. Upon the left, however, the contest was more severe, with the Indians : Col. Johnson, who commanded on that flank of his regiment, received a most galling fire from them, which was returned with great effect. The Indians, still further to the right, advanced, and fell in | with our front line of Infantry, near its junction with De- sha's division, and, for a moment, made an impression upon I J 39 it His excellency, Gov. Shelby, however, brought up a regiment to Us suoport ; and the enemy, receivki/a severe fire m front, an^ a part of Johnson's regimeSt having pined their rear, retreated with precipitation. Thef I. can give no satisfactory information of the number of Indians that were m the action ; but they must have been considerably upwards of one thousand. From the docu- ments m my possession, (Gen. Proctor's official letters all of which were taken) and from the information of res- pectable mhab.tants of ths territory, the Indians, kept in hay by the Bntish, were much more numerous than has ^en ge«fa" J supposed. In a letter to Gen. De Rotten- burg, of the 27 th mst. Gen. Proctor speaks of having pre- vailed upon most of the Indians to accompany hii; of lis hi'' ''^'^''' ^° '''' ^^ Wyandot warrior, aban- \Jt^iT'^^'''^T!'''T "^^^ <=ertainly greater than hat of the enemy; but, when it is recollected that thev ad chosen a position, which effectually secured their flank, which it was impossible for us to turn ; and that we could not present to them a line more extended than their own, It will not be considered arrogant to claim, for my Iroops, the palm of superior bravery. In communicating to the President, through you, sir my opimon of the conduct of the officers, who senred un- der my command, I am at a loss how to mention that of bov. bhelby, being convinced that no eulogium of mine can reach his merits; the governor of an independent state-greatly my superior in years, in experience, and in military character— he placed himself under my command • andwasi^ot more remarkable for his zeal and activity I than for the promptitude and cheerfulness with which he'' I obeyed my orders. I J}^^ Maior-Generals, Henry and Desha, and the Bri- ^diers, Allen, Caldwell, Chiles, and Trotter, all of the I Kentucky volunteers, manifested great zeal and activity. I /* ^^"[d be useless, sir, after stating the circumstances lolthe action, to pass encomiums upon CoV Johnson, and M'. f 140 ^' >i ^[\ /.-; his regiment — ^veterans could not have manifested more firmness ; the Colonel's numerous wounds prove that he was in the post of danger. Lieut. Col. James Johnson, and the Majors Payne and Thompson, were equally ac- tive, though more fortunate. Maj. Wood, of the enti- neers, already distinguished, by his conduct at fort Meigs, attended the army with two 6 poi nders ; having no use for them in the action, he joined in the pursuit of the ene- my ; and, with Maj. Payne, of the mounted regiment, two j of^ my aids-de-camp, Todd and Chambers, and three pri- 1 vates, continued it for several miles after the troops fiad halted, and made many prisoners. I left the army before an official return of the prisoners, or that of the killed and \ mded, was made out; it waa,. however, ascertained, thai the former amounted to 601 regulars, including 25 officers. Our loss is seven killed, and 22 wounded, five of which have since died. Of the British troops, 12 were killed, and 22 wounded; the In. dians suffered most — .33 of them having been found upon! the ground, besides those killed on the retreat. On the day of the action, six pieces of brass artillery were taken — and 2 iron 24 pounders, the day before ;- several others were discovered in the river, and can be I easily procured. Of the brass pieces, 3 are the trophies of our revolutionary war, that were taken at Saratoga and I York, and surrendered by Gen. Hull. The number ofl small arms, taken by us, and destroyed by the enemy, [ must amount to upwards of 5000 ; most of them had been ours, and taken by the enemy at the surrender of Detroit, at the river Raisin, and at Col. Dudley's (:efeat. I believe that the enemy retain no other trophy of their victories,! than the standard of the 4th regiment ; they were not! mao;nanimous enough to bring that of the 4)st into the | field, or it would have been taken. You have been in- formed, sir, of the conduct of the troops, under my com- 1 mand, in action ; it gives me great pleasure to inform you, that they merit, also, the approbation of their country, for their conduct — in submitting to the greatest privations,! 'With the utmost cheerfulness. 141 Theinfantry were tnJrely without tents; and, for se- veral days, the whole army subsisted upon fresh beef without bread orsaU.— Gen. Proctor escaped by the fleet- ness of his horses, escorted by 40 dragoons, and a number of Indians. I have the honor, &c. ij T A . „ W'L LI AM H. HARRISON. Hon. J. Armstrongs Sec. War. 1 PRIVATEER SARATOGA. Mractofa letter from Thomas Aderto», Esq. Commander of the vr^^ vate armed schr. Saratoga, to the owners, in ySork ^ « We have been chased by bri^s, frigates, and hue of battle ships ; but, at last, off Surinam nver, in about 4 fathom water, we captured the British packet-briff Mor- giana, of 18 guns, (16 long 9's, and two 12's,) and be- ween 40 and 50 men, James Cunningham, commander, from Falmouth, 29 days out, for Surinam. We discover' cd the br,^ at half past 5, A. M. Sept. 26, on our lee bow -made sail m chase. Being to the windward of Surinam she ran down before the wind, for the river, and o-ave us a hard run. At a little before 3, P. M. got nearly within musquet-shot, when the chase hoisted English colours, and gave us her stem chasers, which she repeated three times and cut away some of our rigging. At 3, P. M. we hoisti ed American colors ; and, being within good lausquet shot hve commenced the action, and continued, a considerable part of the time, within pistol-shot— and a part of the time close along side— till 25 minutes past 4, P. M. when we earned herljy boarding, after a severe action, in which the Saratoga, as well as her prize, were made almost wrecks-stays, shrouds, &c. almost all cut away, and more than one hundred shot-h9les in her main-sail— manv in our masts, spars, and hull. The bulwarks of the Mor- giana being equal, if not superioir to those of the Saratoffa, enabled her to hold out as Jong As she did. They fouffht desperately; and even beyond what prudence would lie- late: she had two killed, and eight wounded; (6 mor- 142 I'j \^H '<\ ■' I »'■, M tally,) amon^ which is James Cunningham, Esq. her com. mander. With regret 1 have to inform you, our loss wai the 1st Lieut Mr. Sebring, and one man killed, one mor- tally wounded, and 3 or 4 slightly wounded I send Mr. George H. Fellows, prize-master ; Mr. Til- ton Newcomb, mate ; and 12 men, in the brig, ordering her for some port in the U. States, as best suits circum- stances and convenience ; and, as she is a very fast sailing ■vessel, feel much confidence that she will arrive safe ; she sails nearly as well as the Saratoga, and, 1 think, will make an excellent privateer. She has been a Spanish sloop of war, a French sloop of war, an English packet, and IS now a Yankee prizcy and is a fine vessel. The Saratoga had but 4 guns, and 116 men — having throwi overboard the rest of her guns, in a chase. »«■« COL. CLARK'S EXPEDITION. €:(ypy of a letter from Brigadier-Qeneral Parker, to the Secreta- ry of War t dated Burlington^ Vt. Oct. 1813. SIR-^— I have the honor to enclose you a communication) from Col. Isaac Clark, dated the 15tn inst. The expedi- tion appears to have been well concerted, and happily executed ; for which the Colonel deserves great credit. On our part, none were killed, and only two wounded *-Hfieither of them dangerously. I have the honor, &c. THOMAS PARKER, Brig. Gen. cm^\ Hon. J. Armstrongs Sec. War. lExfrocf of a letter from Col. IseuuClark, to Brigadier-General Ta- ker, dated Campt Chazty Landing, Oct. 15, 1813. It is with great pleasure I can inform you, of a success- fill attack upon the enemy, at Missisqui bay, on the mom- 143 ing of the I2th inst. [after detailing his approach to the enemv, which evmces ao excellent kSowIedffUf the coun irr, t^e Col states :] at this time, I had onf; the iflemen" w.th me-the art.llery moving »low, and iL mihtia n.^ tectmg thejr rear. *"uiua pro- We proceeded to the village, (Missisqui,) and arrived tlnn/^i °^ '^'' """'">^' *^^^^^ ^« ^«^ discovered We found them drawn up, under Mai. Powell in «! ner that would have annLd us iml, h7d we at aXS SslThtLnd slrth^^ ""P'P^^'^? *° defend tW jejves on me land side, they commenced a fire on the left ank; but, m ten minutes after the first attackXv laid rfown their arms, and surrendered themseitt p^^^^^^^^^^^ Understanding that a force of 200 men, under Colonel Lock was marcTung to attack us, I dispatched cZaio inch with his company, to reconnoiter them, and asce" ta-n their course ; he proceeded with such pmmless and my, as to surprize and capture the aSvaZd ^uard consisting of cavalrv, excepting one man ; Xo esfaped and giving the mf^rmation, tEe enemy ^tieated^^the y^^re then put on board our Lats, and s'ent to^ Our whole force, engaged, was 102-the number of |pnsoners taken, is 101-their killed, 9-and wounTedru: I am, sir, &c. Brig. Ge„. Parker. 'SMC CLARK. gham, Esq. her com. m you, our loss wai nan killed, one mor- )unded ze-master ; Mr. Til- 1 the brig, ordering 9 best suits circum- is a very fast sailing will arrive safe ; she 1, and, 1 think, will has been a Spanish an English packet, a fine vessel. The nen — having throwi ;hase. OITION. Parker, to the Secrtta- m. Ft. Oct. 1813. ou a communication) I I inst The expedi- certed, and happilj rves great credit, j only two wounded I, Brig. Gen. cmg. SOUTHERN INDIAN WAR. I % of akUer from Brig Gen. John Coffee, to Mag. Qcn. Andrew I Jackson, dated SIR T h. I *K S^'^P' ""^ Ten Islands, Nov. 4/A, 1813. Mgadier-General Par- I l> ! v Ml f 144 of 1 beg leave to recite to you : — Pursuant to your order. of the 2d, I detailed, from my brigade of cavalry and mounted riflemen, 9()0 men and otticerH, and proceeded di- rectly to the Tallusliatches towns; crossed Coosey river, at the fish-dam ford, 3 or 4 miles above this place. I ar- rived within one and a half miles of the town, (distant from this place, S. E. 8 miles,) on the morning of the 3d, at which place I divided my detachment into two columns; the right, composed of the cavalry, commanded by Col, Allcorn, to cross over a large creek, that lay between us and the towns ; the left column was of the mounted ritle- men, commanded by Col. Cannon, with whom I marched myself. Col. Allcorn was ordered to march up on the right, and encircle one half of the town ; and, at the same time, the left would form a half-circio on the left, and unite the head of the columns in front of the town ; all of which was performed, as I could wish. When I arrived within half a mile of the towns, the drums of the enemy began to beet, mingled witli their savage yells, preparingj for action. It was after sun-rise, an hour, when the action! was brought on by Capt. Hammond and Lieut. Patter- [ son's companies, who had gone on, within the circle ofl alignment, for the purpose of drawing out the enemy fromj their buildings, which had the most happy effects. As soon as Capt. Hammand exhibited liis front, in view of thel town, (which stood in open woodland) and gave a few! scattering shot, the enemy formed, and made a violent charge on him; he gave way, as they advanced, uniill they met our right column, which gave them a generall fire, and then cnarged ; this changed the direction oil charge, completely — the enemy retreated, firing, until [ they got around, and in their buddings, where they madcl all the resistance that an overpowered soldier could do;| they fought as long as one existed, but their destructionj was very soon completed ; our men rushed up to tliel doors of their houses, and, in a few minutes, killed thel last warrior of them. The enemy fought with savage M ry, and met death, with all its horrors, without shrinKinsJ or complaining ; not one asked to be spared, but fougnff as long as they could stand or sit. In consequence o| s..i«,««*^,K^W^^»IW 145 their flying to their houses, and mixing wJH. iu.' r • li(% our men, in killinir h»» mTi ^-^^ "' *'^.^"'^^'"^'• killed and wounded a fel of tr? """'""'. ""*"'"•"" Which was regretted by everv ofK J?'*''. «"^ /^^^^'en. .lelachment 1>ut wh.'rStr r^S^/ "!,t maber of the enemy, killed, wan IHB ii.=. ' '"' .d,.nJ a „u,„l«r o^f »£ X.'terkmed In^T; weeds, not found • I UAni tu^ i iV- '^"'*^^ »" the .«,to .ay. 20,; o'f hemtere k!M'''3 »;™?''-"l« of women and children TT,..! ^^ P"s>>n*-r», iMkn,..vn heietofort ^ ""'-" circunistance :i:r^:a'^a:reU»^''"M^^^^^^^^^^^ l-un(Jie of arrows vvS /« f'r'^ ^ .''°^' ^^^*» » I have the honor, &c. JOHN COFFEE, Bri;§-. Gen, ]kj. Gen. Andrew Jackson. PttOCLAMATrON. James Wilkinson, Major-General, and Commander iu ' W:i^^'''^^^^-^ '^^ CanadaTZt/: Tiie army of the United States, which I hav^ fh. lonor to command, invades these Provinces-!to c ^n b ''?^ "° *« ^^^^roy ; to subdue the forces of his £ r T&h"''/^ '''' ^^^'-^ his unXding fe'tuh?^ r^^*%^ inlerr^lUttdTo- I"/ w ueaied as avowed enemies. T 146 I'o menace, is unjust — to seduce, dishonorable— yet it is just and humane to place these alternatives before you. Done at the Head-Quarters of the Array of the United States, this 6th day of November, 1813, near Ogdensburffh, on the St Lawrence. JAMES WILKINSON. By the General's command, N. PINKNE y. Major, and A, D. C PROCEEDINGS OF THE ARMY. From Gen. Wilkinsoii, to (he Secretary of War. Head-Quarters, French Mills, adjoining the Prorince of Lower Canada, November 16, 1813. SIR — I b^g leave to refer you to the journal, which accompanies this letter, for the particulars of the move- j ments of the corps, under my command, down the St. j Lawrence, and will endeavor to exert my enfeebled mind to detail lo you the more striking and important I incidents, which have ensued my departure from Gren- adier Island, at the foot of Lake Ontario, on the 3d | instant. The corps of the enemy, at Kingston, which follow- ed me, hung on my rear ; and, in concert with a heavy | galley, and a few gun-boats, seemed determined to re- tard my progress. I was strongly tempted to halt-| turn about, and put an end to his teazing ; but, ala I was confined to my bed — Maj. Gen. Lewis was too iii I for any active exertion ; and, above all, I did not dare suffer myself to be diverted, a single day, from a pro- secution of the views of government. I had writteDi Maj. Gen. Hampton, on the 6th inst. by his Adjutant- General, Col. King, and had ordered him to form a { junction with me, on the St. Lawrence, which I expect- ed would take place on the 0th or 10th. It wouldl have been unpardonable, had I lost sight of this object,! or, and A, D. C E ARMY. 14^ a moment, as I deemed it of vital importance to the jssue of the campaign. The enenriy deserve credit for their zeal and intelli- gence, which the active, universal hostility, of the male inhabitants of the country enabled them to employ to Ihe greatest advantage. Thus, while menaced by a res^ pectable force in the rear, the coast was lined with tnusquetry ,n front, at every critical pass of the rivei" which obliged me to march a detachment, and this im- peded my progress. On the evening of tlie 9th inst. the army halted a [ kw miles from the head of the Longue Sa^utjln the General Brown marched agreeably to order, and about noon we were apprized, by the report of his artillery that he was engaged, some distance below us. At the same tirne, the enemy were observed in our rear ; and tlieir galley and gun-boats approached our flotilla, atid opt nea a hre upon us, whit h obliged me to order a bat- ^'^' ..5 P'^""ders to be planted, and a shot fiom it I compelled the vessels of the enemy to retire, together I «ith their troops, after some firing between the advan- I C6u parties. But, by this time, in consequence of disembaikinff and re-embarkmg the heavy guns, the dav was so fir spent, that our pilots did not dare to ente'r the Saut • (eight rniies, a continued rapid,) and, therefore, we fell down about two miles, and come to for the ni J ! f: 'I ^^t * ■ BiM'^i ^ 148 Boyd, that the enemy's troops were advancing in co- luinn ; I immediately sent orders to him to attack them. This report was soon contradicted ; their boats, how- ever, continued to scratch us, and a variety of reports of their movements, and counter-moveuients, were brought to me in succession ; which convinced me of their determination to hazard an attack, when it could be done to the greatest advantage ; and, therefore, I resolved to anticipate them. Directions were, accord- ingly, sent, by that distinguished officer. Col. Swift, of the engineers, to Brig. Gen. Boyd, to throw the detach- ments of his command, assigned to him in the order of j the preceding day, and composed of men of his own, Covington's and Swartwout's brigades, into three co-' lumns, to march upon the enemy, outflank them if pos- sible, and take their artillery. The action soon after commenced with the advanced body of the enemy, and became extremely sharp and galling, and with oc' casional pauses, not sustained with great vivacity, in j open space and fair combat, for upwards of two and an half hours, the adverse lines alternately yielding and advancing. It is impossible to say, with accuracy, what was our number on the field ; because it consisted of indefinite detachments, taken from the boats, to render sale the passage of the Saut. Generals Covington and Swart- wout voluntarily took part in the action, at the head of detachments from their respective brigades, and exhi- ted the same courage that was displayed by Brig. Gen. Boyd, who happened to be the senior officer on the ground. Our force, engaged, might have reached 16 or 1700 men; but actually did not exceed 1800;- that of the enemy was estimated from 1200 to 2O00, but probably did not amouqt to more than 15 or 1600 —consisting, as I am informed, of detachments from the 49th, 84th, and 104th regiments of the line ; with three companies of the Voltigeur and Glengary corps, and the .militia of the country, who are not included in the estimate. I It would be presumptuous in me to attempt to giFel ^^^JAi^ K ' *. ;-*5' •**•»*.-, 149 I T ^f "^h-^ilf ^*'''°""* °^ **>»« afla"» which certainly reflects high honor;on the valor of the American soN d.er ; as no examples can be produced of undSined men, with inexperienced officers, braving a fir"of two hours and a half, without quitting the field or vie HW to their antagonists But? sir, the inforlbn^^ „o| give you, IS derived from officers in my confidenc^ who «ok parts in this conflict; for, though I was ena- 'Kli: t:.tad'th?r'''' r ^y *^-^ feinrnouo I 1 J uf ^^^ ^^"""^^^ ' commanded; the disease irvT^LTr;""'^^ '"^^ 2^ September, oTry journey to tort George, having, with a few short inter- Fa s of convalescence, preyed on me ever since and at he moment of this action, I was confined "my bed and emaciated almost to a skeleton; unable to^siton h^ t^Tu' *^ ""T *"" 1^"^^« ^^>thout assistance. ilTfL ^''^'^^'*' *^ P^^doned for Irespassing on your ime a few remarks, in relation to the affair —the X Fcts of the Briti^Bh and American colanders weit precisely opposed-the last being bound by ins ruc^ ons of his government, and the most solemn obliga- tions of duty, to precipitate his descent of the St S- 2trl^ ^-""^f Pf ^^«^^We means ; because, this being elfected, one of the greatest difficulties opposed to thi American arms would be surmounted— and the first by duties equally imperious, to retard, and if oossibTe to prevent such descent. He is to b^ acco»rd rfe lonous, who efTects his purpose! The British com- mnder, having failed to gain either of his objects, can IITa i"J^^^^^ ^T'' ^^^^^ '^"^y-' <*^e battle flue- It ated and the triumph seemed, at different times, in- Iclined to the contending corps ; the front of the ene- my were at first, forced back more than a mile ; and, 1 ough they never regained the ground they lost, thei^ s and was permanent, and their charges resolute. Amidst hese charges, and near the close of the con- test, we lost a field piece, by the fall of the officer, who was serving il with the same coolness, as if he had been \L\FZ rn '^""T ' •^^'' ^^' J-ieutenant Smith, of (he light artillery, who, in point of merit, stood at the » m #\ k<- 5 'LIJ' ISO 4 f ■ head of his grade. The enemy having halted, and our troops being formed again, in battalion, front to front, dnd the firing having ceased on both sides, we resumed our position on the bank of the river, and the infantry being much fatigued, the whole were re-embarked, and proceeded further down the river, without fnilher an- noyance from the enemy or their gun-boats — while the dragoons, with five pieces of light artillery, march- fid down the Canada shore, without molestation. It is due to his rank, to his worth, and his services, that I should make particular mention of Brig. Gen, Covington, who received a mortal wound directly through the body, while animating his men, and lead- ing them to the charge — he fell, where he fought, at the head of his men, and survived but two days. The next morning the flotilla passed the Saut, and joined that excellent officer. Brig. Gen. Brown, at *Barhhart's, near Cornwall, where he had been instnict-l ed to take post, and wait my arrival ; and where 1 con- fidently expected to hear of Maj. Gen. Hampton's ar- rival, on the opposite shore. But, imm»?diately after ll halted. Col. Atkinson, the Inspector-General of the di- vision under Maj. Gen. Hampton, waited on me, witbl a letter from that officer ; in which, to my unspeaka- ble mortification and surprize, he declined the junction! ordered, and informed me he was marching towards Lake Champlain, by way of co-operating in the pro- posed attack on Montreal. This letter, together with a copy of that to which it was an answer, were immedi- ately submitted to a Council of War, consisting ofmyl general officers, and the Colonel commanding the elite, the chief engineer, and the Adjutant-General— who unanimously gave it as their opinion " that the attack on Montreal should be abandoned for the present season, and the army near Cornwall should! be immediately crossed to the American shore, foi taking up winter quarters ; and that this place afford ed an eligible situation for such quarters." I acquiesced in those opinions, not from the short- ness of the stock of provisions, (which had been redu- ced by the acts of God,) because that of our meat hadl Frm sm-.i Secretary ( and ill heal |place,and ( linffton, froi 1 am desi t n ■;^^ 1:^ ^ * 151 be«n increased five days, and our bread had been re. duced onJv two days; and, because we could i^ca^; the loss oi JVJaj. Gen. Hampton weakened my force too hensibly, to justify the attempt. In all my measuree and movements of moment, I have taken tVopTS \iyZl ''^"'''' ""^'^^ *^^""*^^*^" inacco?dTilh. 1 remained on the Canada shore until the next dav wit out seem^ or hearing from the " pow^rfi^ for^^? ofthe enemy ,n our neighborhood, and he same d^y jached this position, wfth the artillery and infantrT The dragoons have been ordered to Utica, aid it" v^ [mch. ^''^^''^' ^"^ ^^ ^" ^^ i«il^ on thii liif 3" *^2^®' ""?^*' ^^^^^* * summary abstract of the Wed and wounded, in the affair of the Ilth instanL w ,ch shall soon be followed by a particular retSrLi^ w .ch a just regard shall be paid to individual merits -the dead rest m honor, and the wounded bled forSr Icountry, and deserve its gratitude. With perfect respect, &c. JAMES WILKINSON. ImlV^f 5*'*''*!1 1*^® "*^ ^"^*- *he American loss was 1 334 ' wounded-total, killed and wound- THE PROPOSED JUNCTION. JiV#m Oeneral Wilkinson, to General Hampton. H. Q. ofthe Army, 7 miles above Ogdensbureb Not. 6, 1 8 13. (in the evening.) Sm-,1 address you at the special instance of the fc^K^uu^^'^'y*'^' ^y ^^^ ^°«*^«» ^^«^«« weather, la d ill health, was diverted from meeting me, near this lplace,and dctermmed to tread back his steps to Wasli- linffton, from Antwerp, on the 29th ult. I Cam destined to, and determined on the attack of 152 Montreal, if not prevented by some act of God ; and to give security to the enterprize, the division under your command must co-operate with the corps under niy immediate orders. The point of rendezvous is the circumstance of greatest interest to the issue of this operation ; and the distance which separates us, and my ignorance of the practicability of the direct or devious routes, by which you must march, make it necessary that your own judgment should determine that point To assist you m making the soundest determination and to take the most prompt and determined measures I can only inform you of my intentions and situation' «i some respects of first importance :— I shall pass PrescOtt to-night, because the stage of the season will not allow me three days to take it—shall cross the ca- valry at Hamilton, which will not require a day ;-I shall thence press forward, and break down every op. j position, to this river, there to cross the Isle Perrot and, with my scows, to bridge the narrow inner chan' nel, and thus obtain foothold on Montreal Island, at about 20 miles from the city ; after which, our artille- ry, bayonets, and swords, must secure our triumph, or i provide us honorable graves. Inclosed you have a memorandum of field and bai- 1 tering train, pretty well found in fixed ammunition which may enable you to dismiss your own; but we are deficient in loose powder, and musquet cartridges and, therefore, hope you may be abundantly found! On the subject of provisions, I wish I could give a favorable information ; our whole stock of bread mav be computed at about 15 days, and our meat at 20. In speal^ing on this subject to the Secretary of War, he i informed me, ample magazines were laid up on Lake Champlain, and, therefore, I must request of you to order forward two or three months supply, by the safest route, in a direction to the proposed scene of action. I have submitted the state of our provisions to my ge- neral officers, who unanimously agree that it should | not prevent the progress of the expedition; and they t»i •>■ .•■n.f-'.i. 153 also agree in opinion, 'if vou am »«♦ • r enemv, you should meet us at St R '" ^""'^ *^. ^«^« *^« I sM expect to hear from if n ^ ^"' ^^ '*' ^'^""*7- on the 9th. '^ ^'*'"' '^ "*** ««« 7^" at that pla, I have the honor, &c. Mas, Gen. Hampton, ^^^^^ WILKINSON. place, ANSWER. From Gen. Hampton to Gen. WiUcinson. SIR uZ'TT'' ^'" ''"""^^ ^^^- «' ^«»3. felK—l had the honor to receive at a !.♦ k b% it imp|4 orri^'trtrml^^^^^^^ opation. The idea suffeesteS a. th^ " ^"'' *'°- olficers, of effecting the Sion at Sf ^P'^'^" °^^°"r pleasing, as bein/most immpSiL ^f?'' ^^« ""ost Llosure of the amoTmt of vm! ' r"*'^' "^""^ *« the Col. Atkinson wiire^plarn Z '"PP^"' ?^ P''«visions.- rendered it impo^WeTr mf tVhaT"h' ^^^'^ "''"^^ ^^- each man coulS have carrS 1 v\ ''°,"^''* """'^ t^^" reflected, that in thrl „" "^^^^ '' ^"^' ^^en I (should be weakenino- vJnTv" "P°"7°"^,«cant7means, Idid not hesitate to afoDtth^ ^ ' ' ^^^^ vulnerable point pneral and pl%T^mtsXT\T^^^^ U on mj m*ain depot, when a 1 the L!^ T^ "^^"^^ ation had |one, and^falCupon the Trnvf fllTP^ straining every effort to «,.«« ^.^ "^"^' ^nd indicate on the St Lawrpnpl f i? u P^'^* you may 154 my is t6 burn, and eonsume every thing in our advance. My troops, and other means, will be described to you by Col. Atkinson ; besides the rawness and sickness, they have endured fatigues, equal to a winter's campaign, in the late snows and bad weather, and are sadly dispirited and fallen off; but, upon this subject, I must refer you to Col. Atkinson. With these means, what can be accomplished by human exertion, I will attempt — with a mind devoted to the ge- neral objects of the campaign. 1 have the honor, &c. W. HAMPTON. His Ex. Maj. Gen. J. Wilkinson. V. Y- THE AFFAIR AT WILLIAMSBURGH. Gen. Wilkinson to Oen. Armstrong. H. QuarterSy French Mills, Nov. 18, 1813. SIR — I beg this may be considered as an appendage to my official communication, respecting the action of the 11th inst. 1 last evening received the enclosed iuforma' tion, the result of the examination of sundry prisoners, taken on the field of battle ; which justifies the opinion of the surviving general officers, who were in the engage- ment. This goes to prove, that though the imperious obligation of duty did not allow me sufficient time to route the enemy, they were beaten — the accidental loss of one field-piece notwithstanding, after it had been discharged 15 or 20 times. I have also learned, from what is con- sidered good authority, (but I will not vouch for the cor- rectness of it,) that the enemy's loss exceeded 500, killed and wounded. The enclosed report will correct an error in my former communication : as, it appears, it was the 39th, and not the 84th British regiment, which was en- gaged on the 11th. I beg leave to mention, relative to i the action of the 11th, what, from my extreme indisposi- tion, I have omitted : — having received information, late | in the day, that the .contest had become somewhat dubi- HAMPTON. 155 ous, I ordered up a reserve of 600 men, whom I had di- reeled to stand by the.r arms, under Lieut. Col. Upham, who gallantly led them into action, which terminated a lew mmutes alter their arrival on the ground. With consideration, &c. u 1 J s a ..r ^^^^S WILKINSON. Hon. J. Armstrong, Sec. War. The strength of the enemy, according to the statement of a number of British pnsone,^, taken Sn the field of bat- tle, (and separately examined,) was 2,100 men-4 pieces of artillery, and 7 gun-boats, one mounting a 24 pounder X. AFFAIR AT CHATAUGAY. C(^!f of a letter from Oeneral Wade Hampton, to the Secretary of War, dated ^^ H. Quarters, Four Corners, Nov. 1. 1 813. SIR--On the morning of the 21st ult. the army com- menced Its movement down the Chataugay, for the pur- pose of placing itself in a situation which would enable it to fulfil Its parts of the proposed combined operations, on the St. Lawrence, An extensive wood, of 11 or 12 miles in front, blocked up with felled timber, and covered by the Indians and fight troops of the enemy, was a serious impediment to the arduous task of opening a road for the artillery and stores. Brig. Gen. Izard, with the light troops, and one regiment of the line, was detached, early in the morning to turn these impediments in flank, and to seize on the more open country below ; while the army, preceded by a strong working party, advanced on a more circuitous but practicable route for a road. The measure, as will be seen by the report of Brig. Gen. Izard, which I have the honor to enclose, completely succeeded ; and the main body of the army reached the advanced position, on the evening of the 22d ; the 23d and 24 th were employed in completing the road, and getting up the vtifiery and stores. 1^ » I haa aiTanged, at my departure, under the direction of Major Parker, a line ol communication, as far up tiie St. Lawrence as Ogdensburgh, for the purpose of hastening to me the earliest notice of the progress of our army down. I had surmounted 24 miles of the most difficult part of the route, and had, in advance of me, seven miles of open country J but, at the end of that distance, commenced a wood of some miles in extent, which had been formed in- to an entire abattis, and filled by a succession of wooden breast-works, the rearmost of which were supplied with ordnance. In front of these defences were placed the In- dian force, and liffht corps of the enemy ; and, in the rear, all of his disposable force. As the extent of this force depended upon his sense of danger on the &i. T -awrence, it was a cause of regret that all communication, from yourself or Major Parker, seemed to be at an end. As it was, however, believed that the enemy was hourly adding to his strength, in this position — if free from the appre- hension of danger from above, an effort was judged ne- cessary to dislodge him ; and, if it succeeded, we should be in possession of a position which we could hold as long as any doubts remained of what was passing above, and of the real part to be assigned us. Our guides assured us of a shoal and practicable ford- ing-place, opposite the lower flank of the enemy's de- fences ; and that the wood, on the opposite side of the river, a distance of seven or eight miles, was. practicable for the passage of the troops. Col. Purdy, with the light corps, and a strong body of infantry of the line, was de- tached, at an early hour of the night of the 25th, to gain this ford by the morning, and to commence his attack in the rear ; and that was to be the signal for the army to fall on in front — and, it was believed, the pass might be carried, before the enemy's distant troops could be brouo-ht forward to its support. ° I had returned to my quarters, from Purdy's column, about 9 o'clock at night, when I found a Mr. Baldwin, of the Quarter-Master General's department, who put into my hands an open paper, containing instructions to him, from the Quarter-Master General, respecting the building 157 «1 huts for the army, i„ Chataugay, below the lino Tl • papersunk my hopes, and raised ser^noubJorrJ"" uigthat efficacious support which .^7' '^^^^^^ o^receiv- I vvould have recaJIed'tL coTuto, "u it'wa" " f^T^"^' and the darkness of the nitrhi r«n^ i • • Motion— I could o„i, fo wrte-^t;:^ ■: Tr'^f *• » the momjng o[ the 26.h, h.y2Tbaf'^ Z"^ the ground of encampment. "^'SK^ge &,c. on On advancing near the enemy, it was found ih * ,u column, on the opposite side wa^ n!!* /• ? *"®* ^^^ y been anticipaffi the t 'ides l?« "' "'^ ?^*'""^«^ «« Wailed in findL the ford^ W '^^^,?'«'«^ '*' and final- U it, but on ly^aw^ed 1L YJ' Tilr' ^°'»'«"nicate »'clockthe firinVcomnl^rlnH ^^r- ^*^«"* *^o spicily to the aS;"The 'eremy^rii' h^^^^ ^'^^^^ fenced a sharp fire, but Br ^ f?!^ T j ^^^P^ «om. ysbri.ade--dfovehime3w^^^^^^^^ Ld sirenocd the fire in hll^fZT TW t^'' ^^^^''''^'* ave pushed forward, as ft as ^la.!,' LlW "°"^' ranee could have carried it • but 'fo^' ^/"" ^P<^ P^rseve- o.nd that the firing had clmenceSoniT'^^^ ^«« d tlie ford had not been Sd t. "PP"'"*^ «'^«' Lhind his defences; bu^TrS ofl IX^w:^^^^^^ ^cted, and the troops remained some t me n ttl ^''' ton to meet t. The tmnna «r, X "™®.'" *neir posi- U and Cof PuAly w3erdto iltTw'hir" U to a shoal, four ox- five miles aboverand crl ' "?" u place L bagprdtl:rif:t.r' '" kct, thV presumed not tJv n S'rea hot^ST* U, movement, but the u„^,„,eXrof „ t Z U,P ~"?»»nd exposed Sim to a rear atlH (^^ fc Indians, which was repeated after daii »nrf „!: j I i 1 i t Pii '*, . ' 158 ceed 50. In its new position, within three miles of the enemy's post, tlie army encamped on the night of the 26tli, and remamed until 12 o'clock of the 28th. All the de- sertera, of whom there were four, having concurred in the information that Sir George Frevost, with three other ge- neral officers, had arrived, with the whole of his disposa- ble force, and lay in the rear of these defences ; and a letter from Major Parker, (by express, received on the evening of the 26th,) having informed me that no move- ments of our army, down the St. Lawrence, had been heard of at Ogdensburgh, and for some distance above. The following Questions were submitted to the command- ing officers of brigades, regiments and corps, and the heads of the general staff, in a council, convened for the purpose :— " Is it advisable, under existing circumstances, to renew the attack on the enemy's position ; and, if not, what position is it advisable for the army to take, until it can receive advices of the advance of the grand army down] the St. Lawrence .^" The opinion of the council was ex- pressed in the following words : — " It is the unanimous! opinion of this council, that it is necessary, for the pre-[ servation of this army, and the fulfilment of the ostensible! views of the government, that we immediately return, bTj orderly marches, to such a position, (Chataugay,) as will secure our communications with the U. States, either tol retire into winter quarters, or to be ready to strike below."| In pursuance of this opinion, the army has returned, bjl frlow marches, to this place, and now awaits the orders of I the government. Its condition will be stated by the bear-f er. Col. King, who can j^ive you, upon every point, morel full and perfect information, than could be contained in a| written detail. r'ii A if 1m I have the honor, &c. W. HAMPTON. m Hon. J. Armstrongy Sec. War. ^ 1^9 VICTORY OVER THE CREEKS SIR-I h«v« fh^'.^" '''"'' ^^'trong, Nm,. 28, 1813. Ihc Hillibee Towns. ^ '^^^'^ ^^ '^'^ ^^''^^''^'on to I am, &c. V JOHN COCKE, Major-Genernl GEN. WHITE'S REPORT. DEAR GENFRAT^T' ^r""'7«f» -^ov. 24//i, 1813. have now the honor to Rif^it^ tKo* V promise, J .tfanlry under the immediL command rf Cd "'Burrh'' lb cavalry, under the command of Maior P„« t ' few of .ha Cherokee Indians, under fcrnaT/if^Cof c.«s,.tmg of 93 houses , thenee "leZ^A t N^' Captoa, consisting of about 25 housc^wS I co„sWe7 U II most prudent not to destroy, as it rai^ht 1"^ hi lofuse at some future nprm^J t> ^.l ^ possiojy be In thn H:ii:r r^ period. I rom thence we marched 10 the Hil ibee Town, consistinjr of about 20 houses «?? >al at that place, I was advised that a part of the hostnl Creeks was assembled there. Havin^f marched w^ - or seven mdes of it, on the ,7th, I dismountd apt ¥ the force under my command, and sent them.ln^der ' |ii 160 i *; V the command of Col. Burch, with the Gherokees, under the command of Col. Morgan, in advance, to surround the town in the ni^ht, and make the attack at daylight, on the I8th. Owmg to the darkness of the night, the town was not reached until after daylight — but so complete was the surprize, that we succeeded in surrounding the town, and killing, and capturing almost (if not entirely) the whole of the hostile Creeks assembled there, consisting of about 316, of which number about 60 warriors were killed on the spot, and the remainder niade prisoners.— Before the close of the engagement, my whole force was up, and ready for action, had it become necessary ; but, owing to the want of knowledge, on the part of the In- dians, of our approach, they were entirely killed and taken before they could prepare for any effectual defence. We lost not one drop of blood in accomplishing this enter- 1 prize. We destroyed this village ; and, in obedience to your orders, commenced our march for this post, which "we were unable to reach until yesterday. I estimate the distance, from this to Grayson's farm, at about 100 miles. The ground over which we travelled, is so rough and hilly as to render a passage very difficult. Many defiles it was impossible to pass in safety, without the greatest precaution. For a part of the time, the weather was so very wet, being encumbered with prisoners, and the troops, and their horses having to subsist, in a very great degree. upon such supplies as we could procure in the nation, rendered our march more tardy than it otherwise would have been. The troops under my command have visited the heart of that section of the Cfreek niition where the Red Sticks! were first distributed. In justice to this gallant band, I am proud to state, that I the whole of the officers and men, under the command of I Col. Burch, performed their duty cheerfully, and without | complaint — that from the cool, orderly ancf prompt man- ner m which Major Porter, and the cavalry under his com- mand, formed and conducted themselves in every case of I alarm, I had the highest confidence in them. Col. Mor- gan, and the Cherokees under his command, gave unde< 161 assure you that thpv nr« ^o« ui i- ^ "* enable me to .. himself highl^'^h™„I:^e """""'•^ '^'"^ "^^f"'' -"■ ' have the honor to be, &c. M«;»r Ge^ John Cocke. '^^^ "^"'T^^' B"^- G^«- GEN. FLOYD'S VICTORY OVER THE CREEKS. Head-amrters,mh and 7,1, dis/ricts. SiR-I have the honor „/''''f'^f ««'"'- «A C«. 1813. Hie official account wWoh 1 1?""S '" 7°" " «°Py of gadier-GenSFWd of »n H^T 'T'^ ''■■<»»«'•!- Lie Indians andT„celrvco"lr.'''' ^^ ^'"" "" *« I » the good oo'nduct and bCrrite""' T^"'"''^ « b, the officers and troo^lfffr r^Tot I have the honor to be, &c. His excellency Pccr Early. '^^^^^^ PINCKNEY. r \r I' [^"c.^^lct^.ttr^irf:^^^^^^^^^ Talapoosw river, between part ff tl . f ""j™ "'^ »™nand and a large bodySe Ct^ek /nZ ""''"'' ""^ ■ A iiMiin''-i»' i:^^^' J * r i; J I % I A 'S 162 Hickory-ground, and twenty above the junction of that river with the Coosa, 1 proceeded to it with 950 of the Georgia militia, accompanied by between 3 and 400 friendly Indians. Having encamped within nine cr ten miles of the point of destination the preceding evening, we resumed the march a few minutes before one on the morn. ing of the 29th, and at half past six were formed for ac- tion in front of the town. Booth's battalion composed the risht column, and march. ed from its centre. Watson's battsdion composed the left, and marched from its right; Adams' rifle company, and Merriwether's under Lieutenant Hendon, were on the flanks ; Captain Thomas' artillery marched in front of the right column in the road. It was my intention to have completely surrounded the enemy, by appuying the right wing of my force oii Can- lehce creek, at the mouth of which I was informed the town stood, and resting the left on the river bank below the town ; laut to our surprise, as day dawned, we per- ceived a second town about five hundred yards below that which we had first viewed, and were preparing to attack. The plan was immediately changed — three companies of infantry on the left were wheeled to the left into ccAe//wi, and were advanced to the low town, accompanied by Me riwethcr's rifle company, and two troops of light dragoons under the command of captains Irwin and Steele. The residue of the force approached the upper town and the battle soon became general. The Indians pre sented themselves at every point, and fought with the des Cerate bravery of real fanatics. The well directed fire owever, of the artillery, added to the charge of the bay onet, soon forced them to take refuge in the out houses iliickets, and copses in the rear of the town ; many it i believed,v concealed themselves in caves, previously lonnei for the purpose of secure retreat, in the high bluff of th river, which was thickly covered with reed and brush wood. The Indians of the friendly party who accompa^ uied us on the expedition, were divided into four comj panics, and placed under the command of leaders of thei own selection. They were, by engagement entered int [Pi ' ■>-«»» 163 the day previous, to have crossed the river above the town, and been posted on the opposite shore during the action, for the purpose of firing upon such of the enemy as raight atemptto escape, or Jeep in check any rein/orcements which might probably be tUwn in from the neighborinff towns ; but owing to the difficulty of the ford, and cold- ness of the weather, and the lateness of the hour, this ar- rangement failed, and their leaders were directed to cross Canleebee creek, and occupy that flank, to prevent es- capes from the Talhsee town. Some time aFter the ac- tion commenced, our red friends thronged, in disorder, in the rear of our Imes. The Cowetaws? under M'Intosh, andtheTookabatchians, under Mad Dog's Son, fell on our flanks, and fought with an intrepidity worthy of any At 9 o'clock the enemy was completely driven from he plain, and the houses of both towns wrapped in ! iames. As we were then 60 mil^s from any dfepot of provisions, and our five days rations pretty much reduced, HI the heart of the enemy's country, which in a few mo- fflents could have poured, from its numerous towns, hosts of Its fiercest warriors~as soon as the dead and wounded were disposed of, I ordered the place to be abandoned, and u •''TJ'' ?°"»™fnce their march to Chatahouche. t IS difficult to determine the strength of the enemy ; hU from the information of some of the chiefs, which it is said can be relied on, there were assembled at Autosse, warriors from eight towns, for its defence—it being their teioved ground, on which they proclaimed no white man cou d approach, without inevitable destruction. It is dif- I kult to give a precise account of the loss of the enemy ; ' but, irom the number which were lying scattered over the tield, together with those destroyed in the towns, and the I many slam on the banks of the river, which respectable officers affirm they saw lying in heaps at the wateJ-'s edge, where they had been precipitated by their surviving friends, their loss, in killed, independent of their wounded, I must have been, at least, 200, (among whom are the Au- osse and Talhssee kings,) and from the circumstance of their making no efforts to molest our return, probably VWl^ „*>? , \n v\ 164 H.'-.!i ill '^1 > i P' > •: Wh'- • I &,. 'i I ' Itki. I greater. The number of buildings burnt, some of a su- perior order for the dweUing of savages, and filled with valuable articles, is supposed to be 400. Adjutant-General Newman rendered important ser- vices during the action, by his cool and deliberate courage. My aid. Major Crawford, discharged, with promptitude, the duties of a brave and meritorious officer. Maj. Pace who acted as field-aid, p!so distinguished himself; both these gentlemen had their horses shot under them, and the latter lost his. Dr. Williamson, hospital surgeon, and Dr. Clopton, were prompt and attentive in discharge of their duty towards the wounded, during the action. Major Freeman, at the head of Irwin's troop of cavalry and part of Steele's, made a furious and successful charge upon a body of Indians, sabred several, and completely defeated them. Captain Thomas and his company, Capt. Adams, and Lieut. Hendon's rifle companies, killed a great many Indians, and deserve particular praise. Captain Barton's company were in the hottest of the battle, and fought like soldiers. Captain Myrick, Captain Little, Captain King, Captain Broadnax, Capt. Cleveland, Capt. Joseph T. Cunningham, and Captain Lee, with their com- Eanies, distinguished themselves. Brigade-Major Shar- leford was of great service in '^ringing the troops into action ; and Adjutant Broadnax, and Major Montgomery, who acted as Assistant-Adjutant, shoyved great "activity and courage. Ma,jor Booth used his best endeavors in bringing his battalion to action, and Major Watson's bat- tallion acted with considerable spirit. Irwin's, Patterson's and Steele's troops of cayalry, whenever an opportunity presented, charged with success. Lieutenant Strong had his horse shot, and narrowly escaped ; and Quarter-mas- ter Tennal displayed the greatest heroism, and miracu- lously escaped, though badly wounded, after having his horse shot from under him. The topographical enpneer was vigilant in his endeavors to render service. The troops deserve the highest praise for their forti- tude, in enduring hunger, cold, and fatigue, without a murmur, haying marched a hundred und twenty miles, in seven days. ICOl 165 .i™aadi„.eIlige„t„ffi:tXbearerSXferrr"; can, more part cuIarJv, exnlain ♦« V^ ^^^se dispatches,) 1 nave the honor, &c. JOHN FLOYD, A G^«,. [Gen. Newman, flighu/^"^ ^'""^'^ ''""^^^^' ««^dj. LOSS OF FORT NIAGARA SIR T . ^; Quarters, Buffaloe, Dec. 22, 1813 Lt We-consisti„g7f Lilt I^^ Th' """"u""'' '" llleir way, undiscovered ^^.J ■ . ?'.' '''«' "'»<'<= Lt correct informa^on Vi^ir'n'™' ''^'''^' «■»"' th- l-lL enemy rushed T^nd 3.^ ?P '" "'«"-*«^nte Ireltotheold mess-hou'^e, where'C W^ aTf/ '" Ire fire on the cnemp, until i w„.. „V '^ P- • "^slmc- Veiled them to surriLder llZ Lh ^'"™™"«'» •'"■n- wkrt Pnw 1 '^ , .* ^f^^^ commanding officer of liho 24th regiment, ,s killed, and it is said three oS 166 y>i' { f' You will perceive, sir, by the enclosed general orders, that I apprehended an attack, and made the necessary arrange. ments to meet it ; but have reason to believe, iroin infor- j mation received by those who have made their escape, j that the commandant did not, in any respect, comply with | those orders. On the same morning, a detachment under Major Ben- net, stationed at Lewistown Heights, was attacked bjaj party of savages ; but the Major, and his little corps, by making a desperate charge, effected their retreat, afterj being surrounded by several hundred, with the loss of six j or eight, who doubtless were killed, among whom were! two sons of Capt. Jones, Indian interpreter. The villagesj of Youngstown, Lewistown, Manchester, and the Indianl Tuscci i ora village, were reduced to ashes ; and the inof-l fensive inhabitants, who could not escape, were, withoutj regard to age or sex, inhumanly butchered by savacfesJ headed b; British officers, painted. A British officer/ who is taken prisoner, avows, that many small childieJ "were murdered by their Indians. Major Mallory, whd was stationed at Schlosser, with about 40 Canadian vo^ lunteers, advanced to Lewistown Heights, and compelle the advanced guard of the enemy to tall back to the fool of the mountain ; the Major is a meritorious officer ; li( fought the enemy two days, and contended every inch op f round to the Tautawanty creek. In these actions, Lieulj vices, with honor to themselves, and usefulness to the cause in which they have embarked. Four waggon and several other horses were killed, and two of the ar- tillery horses were wounc'^.d. VVbile I deplore the lodses sustained on this occasion, I have the consolation to know that the men, which I have the honor to com- mand, have done their duty. I, herewith, transmit you a list of the killed and wounded. 1 have the honor, &c. JOHN FLOYD, Brig. Gen. Our ioss, in the above action, was 17 whites, and 5 friendly Indians, killed — and 132 whites, and 15 friend- ly Indians, wounded — ^total, killed and wounded, 169. PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE CREEKS. Copy of a letter from Oen. Jackson, of the Teniusset FolmUert, to Oen. Pinckney, dated H. Q. Fort Strother, 29th Jan. 1814. 1 SIR— -I had the honor of informing you, in a letter of the 31st ult. forwarded by Mr. M'Candless, (express) of an excursion I contemplated making, still further in the enemy's country, with the new raised volunteers, from Tennessee. I had ordered those troops to form a junction with me, on the 10th instant ; but they did not arrive until the 14th. Their number, including oflRc rs, was about 800; and, on the 15th, I marched! them across the river to graze their horses. On the! next day I followed, with the remainder of our force-| consisting of the artillery company, with one G pound- '\i 171 er, one company of infantry, of 48 men, two compa- mes of spies commaodeu by Captains Go d.n and SSI sel. of about 30 men earh, and a company of volunt "er officers, headed by Gen. Coffee, who had been abandon. ed by h.8 men, and who still remained in the fidd a«^aitmK he orders of the government-makinrmy fo";e. exelusive of Indians, 930. ^ ^ JheVrnTo^'h«Tn'^ iVfluenced me to penetrate stiJl further into the enemy's country, were many and ur- gent--.the term of service, of the new raised volunteer^ was short; and a considerable part of it was eSed- they were expensive to the government, and weJL fuil ofardortomeettheenemyf The ill effect* of keep J'^'i^'^Z^'^^^^^^^cripiXon idle, and long Itiona- ry, I had been made to feel but too sensibly already. Other causes concurred to make such a movement not only JUS ifiable but absolutely necessary. I had re- eeived a letter from Capt. M'Alpin, of the 5th inst. who cormnanded at fort Armstrong^^in the absence of CoL Snodgrass informing me that 14 orl5 towns of the ene niv. situated on the wat. h of the Talapoosa were 't-"h r\'t^ 'Y'l f^'-^'^^i «"^ attacking^hat p7ace jhuh had been left in a /erj feeble state of defence' You had. in your letter of the 24th ult. informed me ha Gen. Floyd was about to make a movement to the Ullapoose, near it* junction with the Coosee: and in Ihe same letter, had recommended temporary excur- «ons against such of the enemy's towns, or settlements, as might be withm striking distance, as well to prevent my mt n from becoming discontented, as to harrass the enemy—your ideas corresponded exactly with my own; and I was happy n the cpport unity of L»,epinff my men engaged, distressing the eneniv, and, at the same time, making a diversion to facilitate the oj.era- lionsofGen. Floyd. * D_ drinined by these and r her considerations, I took IntMofT^'iflT''^*'' ""^ "f '7th Jnst; and, on the n^htof the 1 8th^ encamped at the Talladega fort, d\l InV'^^.^ ^y heiv^een 2 and 3 friendly In' I flians ; 65 of vn aich were Cherok es,the balance Creeks ♦* I ; w. 172 ;1'' II- H«re I received your letter of the 9tli inst. staling, that Gen. Floyd was expected to make a movement from Cowetau, the next day ; and that, in ten days tliereaf. ter, he would establish a firm position at Tuckabatchee; and also a letter from Col. 8nod>(ras!!, who had return' ed to fort Armstrong, informing me that an attack was intended to be soon made on that fort, by 900 of tht enemy : if I could have hesitated betore, I could now hesitate no longer — I resolved to lose no time in meet- ing this force, which was understock to have been col- lected from New Yorcau, Oakfuskie, and Ufauley towns, and were concentrated in a bend of the Talla- poose, near the moulh of a creek, called Emuckfau, and on an island below New Yorcau. On the morning of the 20tb, your letter of the lOtb instant, forwarded by M'Candless, reached me, at the Hillabee creek ; and that night I encamped at Enolo- chapco, a small Hillabee village, about 12 miles from Emuckfau. i^lere I began to perceive, very plainly, how little knowledge my spies had of the country, of the situation of the enemy, or of the distance f was from them. The insubordination of the new troops, and the want of skill in most of their officers, also be- came more and more apparent ; but their ardor to meet the enemy was not diminished— and I had a sure reliance upon the guards, and the company of old vo- lunteer officers, and upon the spies — in all 125. My wishes and my duty remained united ; and I was de- termined to effect, if possible, the objects for which the excursion had been undertaken.— On the morning of the 2l8t I marched from Enotachopco, as direct as I could for the bend of the Tallapoose ; and about 2 o'clock, P. M. my spies having discovered two of the enemy, pursued, but could not overtake them. In the evening I fell in with a large trail, which led to a new road, much beaten, and lately travelled. Knowing that I must have arrived within the neighborhood of a strong force, and it being late in the day, I determined to encamp, and reconnoitre the country in the night: I chose the best scite the country would admit, encamp- > .ff 173 Ljin a hollow square, sent out my spies and pickets doub ed ,„y cent.neli.and ^^^, the necessary a? anil Lents for a n.ghl attack. About 10 o'clock at niX. oneof .he pickets hred at three of the enemy, and kHI r''.'"V^ .^ ?y''''^.* **'^ «P^**«' *^hom 1 had sent out .turned w. h the information, that there was a arge encampment ot Indians, at the distance of about hree ft L?.-' ^'J^V^'^" ''^'"^P^"^ «"^ <^«"^'i"g' seemed be apprized of our approach. One of these apiesi klTi^V'' ''*'"'" ' f'^^ '^'•^"t ccnfidence. assured Biethatt ley were carrying otf their women knd chil- Wn, and hat the warriors would either make their e - cape, or attack me before day. Being prepared at a 1 ^..nts, nothing remamed to be done but to await their hpproach ,f they meditated an attack; or to be in re^ ne98,ilthey did not, to pursue and attack them atdav- m While we were in this state of readiness, the \mtny, about 6 o'clock in the morning, commenced a f^orous attack on my left flank, whicrwasvigo?Sy r L i!ft ?" ^«"tinued to rage on my left flank, and n the left of my rear for about half an hour. The bve Gea Coffee, with Col. Sittler, the Adj. General! Id Col. CarroH, the Inspector General, the moment lite firing commenced, mounted their horses and repair- «l to the line, encc -raging and animating their men to e performance of their duty. So soon as it became Jibl enough to pursue, the left wing having sustained Ik heat of the action, and being somewhat weakened, l«3 reinforced by Capt. FerrilPs company of Infantry land was ordered, and led on to the charge by General blfee who was well supported by Col rfiggins and the Inspector General, and by all the officios and pr^ Irates who composed that line. The enemy were routed at every point ; and the friendly Indiansloining lathe pursuit they were chased about two miles wiff coDsiderable slaughter. The chase being over, I im- mediately detached Gen. Coffee, with 400 men, and Si lie Indian force, to burn their encampment ; but it was hid, by some, to be fortified. I ordered b)im, in that l»Tent, not to attack it, until the artiJlery could be sent ' T • K\ ■* 174 forward to reduce it. On viewing the encampment and its strength, the General thought it most prudent to i-eturn to my encampment, and guard the artilJerr thither : the wisdom of this step was soon discovered • i in hair an hour after his return to camp, a considera'l ble force of the enemy made its appearance on my right flank, and commenced a brisk lire on a party of men» who had been on picket guard the night before I and were then in search of the Indians tliey had tired upon, some of whom they believed had been killed Gen. Coflee imipediately requested me to let him take 20Q men, and turn their left flank— which I accordingly ordered j but, through some mistake, which 1 did not then observe, not more than .'^4 followed him, among whom were the old volunteer officers. With these, however, he immediately commenced an attack on thel left flank of the enemy, at which time I onlered 20o| of the friendly Indians to fall in upon the right tlankl of the enemy, and co-operate with the General. This order was promptly obeyed ; and, in the moment of its execution, what [ expected was realized. The enerav had intended the attack on the right as a feint ; and expecting to direct all my attention thither, meant to attack me again, and with their main force, on mv left flank, which they hoped to find weakened and in disor4 der— they were disappointed. I had ordered the lefJ flank to remain firm to its place ; and, the moment II J alarm gun was heard in that quarter, I repaired thitlH er, and ordered Capt. Ferrill, part of my reserve, (J support it The whole line met tiie enemy with asto] nishmg intrepidity ; and, having given a few fires, they forthwith charged with great vigor; the effect was mi mediate and inevitable— the enemy fled with precipitaj tion, and were pursued to a considerable distance by tlie left flank, and the friendly Indians, with a gal]in2 and destructive fire. Col. Carrol, who ordered the, charge, led on the pursuit ; and Col. Higgins and his re] giment, again distinguished themselves. In the mearf time. Gen. Coffee was contending with a superior ford of the enemy ; the Indians, who I had ordered to m ^...^..i^ —^1 ■'' 175 hupport, and who had set out forthia nni.n,v«» i, * fVon the left, had retunTidtt^^Trr^t^^lt the enemy were routed, there entered intn ?K ' u That being now over, I forthwithtrredTm m' 'X jasone of the pnnc.pal commanders of the frienjlv r«eks, wuh oneliundred of his warriors, to execute mv bt order. So soon as he reached Gen. Coffee t^e charge was made, and the enemy routed ; they ^"'0 pur .ed about three miles, and 45 'of them 'slainf ^ho r'e" fo nd. Gen. Coffee was wounded in the body, LThU. tners. Havmg brought m and buried the dpac? ^^a Jessed the wounded,' I ordered my clp to be IrS^^ kht be made ,n the night, determined to commence a hturn march, to fort Strother, the next day; many causes eoDCurred to make such a measure neces ary! as I had Mt set out prepared or with a view to makTa perma- \ni estabhshment. I considered it worse than use^es^to .dvance, and destroy an emoty encampment. I hid, il^ I W, hoped to have met the enemy there- K„* K • Lt and Wen them a little sooner?! i^'otthi^khn? «ssary or prudent to proceed any further-not necessa-" 7,because I had accomplished all I expected to effect ty marchmg to their encampment-and Ibecause, if hwas p^per to contend wrth and weaken their forces s" 11 far! per, this object would be more certaih'y attained by com- hencmg a return, which, having to th/m the appearance a retreat, would inspirit them^o pursue me. Tt ."u! dent-because of the number of my wounded; of thoC hforcements, from below, which the enemy might be ex peeled to receive; of the starving condition of ly horses Mavmg nether had cane nor corn for two Says and jAs ; of the scarcity of supplies for my men, the Indians whojomed me at Talledega having drawn none, and be- fflg wholly destitute; and beoause,1f the enemy prsued K'Vly *'^ry ^^ --^^' the diversion^ favor^'^f L *^^«rt ^°!!^^ be the more complete and effectual^ ir h^'^^tf considerations, t commenced my re- ta inarch at half after 10, on the 23d ins. and was for- 176 I' V tunate enough to reach Enotachopco l)efore night, haying I passed, without interruption, a dangerous defile, occasion- ed by a hurricane, t again fortified my camp ; and I having another defile to pass in the morning, across a deep creek, and between two hills, which I had viewed with attention as I passed on, and where I expected I J might be attacked, I determined to pass it at another point I and gave directions to my guide and fatigue-men accord' j ingly. My expectation of an attack in the morning was! increased by the signs of the nigtit, and with it my cau- tion. Before I moved the wounded from the interior of my camp, I had my front and rear guards formed, as welll as my right and left columns, and moved ofi* my centre in j regular order, leading down a handsome ridge to EnotaJ chopco creek, at a point where it was clear of reed, ex-l cept immediately on its margin. I had previously issued! a general order, pointing out the manner in which the! men were to be formed, m the event of an attack on the front or rear, or on the flanks ; and had particularly cau^ t- med the officers to halt, and form accordingly, the mstanj word should be given. The front gua? d had crossed, with part of the flank co- lumns; the wounded were over, and the artillery in tk pet of entering the creek, when an alarm gun was heard in the rear ; Iheard it without snrprize — and even with, pleasure, calculating with the utmost confidence on thd firmness of my troops, from the manner in which 1 had! seen them act on the 22d. I had placed Col. Carrol A the head of the centre column of the rear guard ; its right] column was commanded by Col. Perkins, and its left by Col. 8tump. Having chosen the ground, I expected there to have entirely cut off" the enemy, by wheeling the n^ and left columns on their pivot, re-crossing the creeki above and below, and falling in uf)on their flanks and rear] But, to my astonishment and mortification, when the word was given by Col. Carrol, to halt, and form, and a few guns had been fired, I beheld the right and left colurana of the rear guard precipitately give way ; this shamefut retreat was disastrous in the extreme ; it drew along wit it tile greater part of the centre column, leaving not mor as a ramme 177 -a constemation not easily „S and » "' faonwhic;. could not easily bl „„oX order TheT: Has then left, to repulse the eneinv ih^ fll i. .™ ed of the rear miarS. Se artill^r!^^' "^ "''? ''"'«'''- Russell's co,npL„f'sX"^u''{ '=""'P^"^> »nd. Captain .needed .ny^uksfr^^ectaSs'^TrritlT' , who commanded the artilJprv n«,»r,o • .1 ^^'^''trong, I Capt. Deadrict, (conred'^^r/nZV^r ted'^h™ tf n.iitra'2^:d';*:,,iri'''^'^''-«^^^^^^^^^ cannon were left t ed to thp IlmKo. F'CKer ot the faovered than Jair,': jiit't ^"^ZrLTf t enemy, pulled out the ramrod of his musquet and .u.H ! . a p,cker, primed with a cartridge, »S the cannon Porkms havng pulled off his bayonet, used ht musQue; .w nis former plan, again discharged her. The hr. J L.eu, Armstrong, just after the fi?st fire of the can^n kXe' fellows', t;^:f"';~tirTjt" '^ '.if cannon." About this time, aCm"er Zlei,^ '^ hnd entered into the chase The brave Ca^tGnif/"'"''. Set a, d'^f ^1 :,T™V ^hi^h •>« Partially sue- lint ard P;!!" ,' . "'2:gms, and Captains EI- "Of and Pipkms, pursued the enemy for more than two '11 it • ^ r 178 miles, vrlio fled in consternation, throwing away their racks, and leavinff 26 of their warriors dead on the field, should do injustice to my teelings if I omitted to men- tion, that the venerable judge Cocke, at the age of 65 entered into the engagement, continued the pursuit of the enemy with youthful ardor, and saved the life of a felloe, soldier, by killing his savage antagonist. In these several engagements, our loss was 20 killed and 75 wounded— 4 of whom have since died. The loss of the enemy ' annot be accurately ascertained — 189 of their warriors " ere found dead ; but this must fall con- siderably short of the real number killed — their wound- ed can only be guessed at. 1 have the honor, &c. ANDW. JACKSON, Maj. Gen. ll :i i| Si k AFFAIR ON THE RIVER DE FRENCH. Copy of a letter from Col. H. Butler, to Gen. Harrison, dated Detroit, March 7th, 1814. DEAR SIR— By Lieut Shannon, of the 27th regiment U. S. infantry, I have the honor of informing you, that a detachment of the troops, under my command, led by Captain Holmes, of the 24th infantry, have obtained a sig- nal victory over the enemy. The affair took place on the 4th inst. about 100 miles | from this place, on the river De French, Our force con- sisted of no more than 160 rangers and mounted infantry. I The enemy, from their own acknowledgement, had about 240. The fine light company of Royal Scots is totally I destroyed ; they led the attack most gallantly, and their j commander fell within ten paces of our front line. The | light company of the 89th has also suffered severely ; one I officer of that company fell ; one is a prisoner, and ano- ther is said to be badly wounded. In killed, wounded, and prisoners, the enemy lost about 84 ; whilst, on our part, there were but 4 killed, and 4 wounded. I'he great disparity, in the loss on each side, is to be attributed to 179, ,he very judicious position occupied by Capt. Holmes, ,vho compelled the enemy to attack him at great disad- vantage—this, even more than his gallantry, merits the Capt. Holmes has just returned, and will furnish a de- tailed account of the expedition, which shall immediately be transnutted to you. ^ Very respectfully, &e. H. BUTLER, Lt. Col. comg. Detroit. The enemy's force, as stated by the prisoners, was 256 men.— There was 100 head of cattle taken from the ene- my, intended for Long Point or Burlington. EXPEDITION TO THE TALLAPOOSEE. I i:opyofa letter from Maj. Gen. Jackson, to Maj. Gen. PincknoAf, dated On the Battle Ground, in the Bend of the Tallanoosce, 28th March, 18K1. SIR — I feel peculiarly happy in being able to commu- nicate to you the fortunate eventuation of my expedition 10 the Tallapoosee. I reached the bend, near Emucfau, (called, by the whites, the Horse-shoe,) about ten o'clock in the forenoon of yesterday, where I found the strength of the neighboring towns collected ; expecting our ap- proach, they had gathered in fvom Oakfuskee", Oakcha- I ga, New Yauca, Hillibees, the Fish-pond, and Eufaulee towns, to the number, it is said, of 1000. It is difficult to to conceive a situation more eligible for defence, than they I had chosen ; or one rendered more secure, by the skill with which they had erected their breast-work ; it was fiom H to 8 feet high, and extended across the point in I such a direction as that a force, approaching it, would bo exposed to a double fire, while they lay in perfect securi- ty behind; a cannon, planted at one extremity, could have I raked it to no advantage. Determining to exterminate tljetjj, I detached General Coffee, with the mounted men, a» d nearly the whole of the Indian force, early on the Uiciijng of yesterday, to tmi eross the river, about two miles below their encampment and to surround the bend in such a manner, as that none of them should escape, by attempting to cross the river. With the infantry I proceeded slowly, and in or- der, along the point of land which led to the front of their breast-work; having planted my cannon (one 6 and one 3 pounder,) on an eminence, at the distance of 150 to 200 yards from it, I opened a very brisk fire, playing upon the enemy with the musquets and rifles, whenever they show- ed themselves beyond it; this was kept up, with short in- terruptions, for about two hours, when a part of the In- dian force, and Captain Russell's and Lieut. Bean's com- panics of spies, who had accompanied General Coffee, crossed over in canoes, to the extremity of the bend, and set fire to a few of the buildings which were there situa- ted ; they then advanced, with great gallantry, towards the breast-work, and commenced a spirited fire upon the enemy behind it. Finding that this force, notwithstand- ing the bravery they displayed, was wholly insufficient to dislodge them, and that Gen. Coffee had entirely secured the opposite bank of the river, I now determined to take their works by storm. The men, by whom this was to be effected, had been waiting with impatience to receive their order, and hailed it with acclamation. The spirit which animated them was a sure augury of the success which was to follow ; the history of warfare, I think, furnishes few instances of a more brilliant attack; the regulars, led on by their intrepid and skilful command- er. Col Williams, and by the gallant Major Montgomery, soon gained possession of the works, in the midSt of a most tremendous fire from behind them ; and the militia, of the venerable Gen. Dohertjy's brigade, accompanied them in the charge, with a vivacity and firmness which would have done honor to regulars. The enemy were completely routed— 557 were left dead on the peninsula ; and a great number of them were killed by the horsemen, in attempt- mg to cross the river ; it is believed that no more than 10 had escaped. The fighting continued, with some severity, about five Boiirs; but we continued to destroy many of them, who 181 . concealed themselves under the banks of the river killed 16 which had been concealed. We took 250 ori- K.ners, all women and children except 2 or 3 : our loss » Il06 wounded arid 26 killed. Major k'lntosh, (the Cowe- ju,) who joined my army with a part of his trTbe, ffreatly istmguished hmiself When I get an hdur's leTsure 1 dl send you a more detailed account. The power of the reeks is, I thmk, forever broken. I send ymi a hasty ketch, taken by the eve, of the situation on which the enemv were encamped, and of the manner in which I an- proached them. , *^ I have the honor to be, &c. , ANDREW JACKSON, Maior Gen I%or General Thomas Pinckney, U. 8. army. AFFAIR AT LA COLLE MILL. ify of a letter from Majin- General fVilkinsm to the Secretary oi War, dated , ^ ^ Province of Lower Canada, Odell Town, March 31 8t, 1814. SIR— We have had an affair with the enemy, in which lojMroops have given him another test of fimness and Pursuant to the designs communicated to you in my last. y to accomplish yowr views, if in my power, I entered Canada yesterday morning, and was met by the enemy ear this place about 1 1 o'clock, whom we forced at exJv Ipnt of attack on the route to La Coile, distant Trom lence one league, and from St. John's six. We reached e former f^ost about three o'clock, and found there a r? TK '" P«^«^ssion of a spacious lofty stone-mill, of fhich I had received some information. An eighteen pounder had been ordered forward to effect the dfstruc N of this building, but It broke down, and after being f paired, the only road of approach, through adecp forest, as reported to fee impracticable to agunof such weight Afl opimon prevailed at the same time with the chiefen- % 182 tl ■' ■; Ml ■ 1 gineer, Major Totten, founded on intelli£^ence previously' received, and several of the best informecl officers, that aQi iron tveelve would suffice to make a breach ; but after al fair and tedious experiment, at three hundred yards disJ tance only, it was discovered our battery could make no| impression. Brigadier Generals Smith and Bissell covered our gunsJ and Brigadier Genera! Macomb, with a select corps, IbrmH ed the reserve. The enemy had been reported, from i source considered strictly confidential, to two thousanci five hundred strong, and his first attack of my right favorJ ed the report from the use he made of Congreve rocketsj and other indications of deliberate preparation ; the corps] therefore, were held in high order to receive his corabineJ attack. Yet believing in the efficacy of our battery, dis] positions had been made to intercept the enemy should he evacuate the post, and to give it the utmost etTect, we wera obliged to take ground near the margin of the field whicH encompassed the mill. During the cannonade, which waj returned with vivacity by the enemy's gallies, (I presume,} several sorties and desparate charges were made from tin mill upon our battery, which were repulsed with incredii ble coolness by the covering corps, at the expense of somJ blood and some lives on both sides : it is reported to ml that in the last charge a Captain of grenadiers andfifteeJ men fell together, but I cannot vouch for the fact. Find] ing all our attempts to make a breach unsuccessful, I with] drew the battery, called in my detachments, and, havind removed our dead and wounded and every thing else, fell back to this place about six o'clock. Where a military corps appears to be universally mated by the same sensibilities, where the only competij tion is for danger and glory, individual distinctions seeJ improper except in extraordinary cases — such as the conj duct of the officers who commanded our battery yesterj day. Captain M'Pherson, of the light artillery, (my milij tary secretary,) impelled by the noble spirit whicn mark! his whole career, asked permission to take part in tM operations of the day with his proper arm ; he was ini dulged, and being first for command, took charge of tlid 183 Leccs which followed the advanceand formed our battery. Uhich he was seconded by Lieutenants Larrabee and ISlieldon. Un opening h.s fire he seemed inclined to the jpinion he could nnake an impression on the work, but he |xK)n received a wound under the chin, which he tied up Uh his handkerchief, and continued at his piece until a l«cond shot, which broke his thigh, brought him to the l«rth. Larrabee had kept his station until shot through Ik lungs, and Sheldon kept up the fire until ordered to htire. 1 he conduct of these gentlemen has, from thena- Ijire ol their duties, been so conspicuously gallant as to at- Iwct the admiration of their brethren in arms, and should, llhumbly conceive, be distinguished by the executive I I have sent forward my wounded who can bear the Iwvement to Plattsburg, or Buriington, and those who lannot will be provided for at Champlain. I I would hold this position until I receive further orders liere It not for the difficulty of transporting our provisions, liod the impossibihtv to cover the troops; but I shall not lietire further than Champlain, which will place us twenty- lire miles from St. John's, and forty-two from Montreal. ■ I cannot close this letter without confessing my obliga- jons to my general and field officers, and to my general lilaffofeverygrade, for the able and prompt support I Iteceived from them. So small an affair does not merit so lledious a detail ; but it warrants the remark that it will Iroduce a degree of self confidence, of reciprocal trust, of llarmony and friendly attachments in this corps highly be- JDeficial to the service. It is a lesson of command to the jollicers, and of obedience to the soldier, worth a whole ■fear's drill of empty parades. I The returns ot killed and wounded have not yet been lomished, but they will not exceed 80 or 90, includino- a ■captain and 4 subalterns, and this shall be forwarded lo- jinorrow or next day. For the information of their friends Ijouhave at foot the names of the wounded officers. I With great respect, «fec. JAMES WILKINSON. iThe Hon. Secretary of War. I Captain M'Pherson,' Lieutenants Larrabee; Green, Par- lier, and Kerr, wounded. 51 IP^ SIR—I have the honor to inform you, that we have this Imormng captured, after an abtion of 42 ri.lnutes, his ma- Ijesty s bng Epervier, rating and mounting eighteen 32lb carronadca, with 128 men, of whom 8 were killed and 13 bounded, (according to the best information we could ob- tain.) Amon^ the latter is her 1st Lieut, who has lost an arm, and received a severe splinter wound on the hip — \U a man in the Peacock was killed, and only two wound- ed; neither dangerously so. The fate of the Epervief pQuld have been determined in much less time, but fop A a \, ..,%. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 1.4 i 1.6 V] v^ / ^> O 7 ■'/// /A Photographic Sdeiices Corporation ^ N^ f\ ^ <> ^ V O" c> 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 (716) 373-4503 1^ .^'O \ im ''. *3 1^ •' m the circumstance of our fore-yard being totally disabled by two round shot in the starboard quarter from her first broadside, which entirely deprived us of the use of our fore and fore-top sails, and compelled us to keen the ship large throughout the remainder of the action. This, with 9. few top-mast and top-gallant back stays cut away, a few shot through our sails, is the only injury the Peacock has sustained. Not a round shot touched our hull ; our masls and spars are as sound as ever. When the enemy struck lie had five feet water in his hold, his maintop-mast was over the side, his main-boom shot away, his foremast rut nearly in two and tottering, his fore rigging and stays shot away, his bowsprit badly wounded, and 45 shot holes in his hull, 20 of which were within a foot of his water line. By great exertion we got her in sailing order just as the dark came on. " In fifteen minutes after the enemy struck, the Peacock was ready for another action, in every respect but her fore-yard, which was sent down, fished, and had the fore- sail set again in 45 minutes—such was the spirit and activi- ty of our gallant crew. The Epervier had under her con- voy an English hermaphrodite brig, a Russian and a Spa- nish ship, which all hauled their wind and stood to the E. N. E. I had determined upon pursuing the former, but found that it would not answer to leave our prize in her then crippled state, and the more particularly so, as we found she had g 120,000 in specie, which we soon transfer- red to this sloop." "To the unwearied and indefatigable attention of Lieu- tenant Nicholson, (Ist,^ in organizing and training thcl crew, the success of this action is in a great measure to be attributed. I have confided greatly in him, and have never found my confidence misplaced. For judgment, coolness, and decision in times of difficulty, few can sur-l pass him. This is the second action in which he has been engaged this war, and in both he has been successful; his freatest pride is to earn a commander's commission by ghting for, instead of heiring it. [ From Lieutenant Henly, (2d) and Lieutenant Voorhees, (acting 3d, who has been also twice succe$sfully engaged,) l[ ,,<^ .«w«a».,*«)|i«^ 187 ''':tHlr^T\r^^^''T *^^* "^^'' ^'^^'^ «"J experience could afford ; the fire from their divisions was terrible, and directed with the greatest precision and coolness. In 8a.ling.mas er Percval; whose great wisli and rride it is to obtain a heutenant's commission, and whose unremittino- and constant aUention to duty, added to his professional know edge, entitle him to it in my opinion, I found an able as well as wiling assistant; he handled the ship as if he had been working her into a roadstead. Mr. David Cole acting carpenter, I have also found such an able and raluable man m his occupation that I must request, in the most earnest manner, that he may receive a warrant: for I feel confident that to his uncommon exei/on we in'a great 'JJfasure, owe the getting our prize into .ort. From 1 A. M. until 6 P. M. he was over her side s oppinff shot holes, on a grating; and when the ordinary resources failed of success, his skill soon supplied him with efficient I 7u- Mf;.^^"''P Myers, master's mate, has also conduct, t ed himsel m such a manner as to warrant my recommen- dation of him as a master ; he is a seaman, navigator, and officer— his family in New- York is respected, and'he would prove an acquisition to the service. My clerk, Mr. John h.lownsend, is anxious to obtain through my means a . . , J midshipman's warrant, and has taken pains to qualify him- Lir prize m her ■ self for It by volunteering, and constantly perforininff a arly so, as TC« midshipman's duty— indeed I have but 'little use for a ^ "'"" n '^'f!;'''.^"^ ^e is as great a proficient as any of the youno- midshipmen, the \;'hole of whom behaved in a manner tha't ms pleasing to me, and must be gratifying to you, as it gives an earnest of what they will make in time ; three only have been to sea before, and one only in a man of war, yet were they as much at home and as much dispos- ed to exert themselves as any officer in the ship. Lieu- tenant Nicholson speaks in high terms of the conduct of Messrs. Greeves and Rodgers, (midshipmen) who were in the prize with him." I have the honor, &c. „ ^ , L. WARRINGTON. Hon. W, Jones, Sec. Navy. .ammi^0K ^Kr ' '■I > j) ■? im^' m If 'j f r* 188 AFFAIR AT OSWEGO. Copy of a letter Jrom Mnj. General Brown, to the Sccretarv of War, dated ^^ H. Q. SackeVs Harbor, May 12, 1814. SIR—Enclosed is an abstract from the report of Lieut Col. Mitchell, of the afiair at Oswego. Being well satis- fied with the manner in which the Colonel executed my or- ders, and with the evidence given of steady discipline, and gaHant conduct, on the part of the troops, I have noticed them in the general order, a copy of which is enclosed. The enemy's obiect was the naval and military stores deposited at the falls, 13 miles in rear of the fort—these were protected. The stores, at the fort and village, were not important. I am, &c. JACOB BROWN, Maj. Gen. COL. MITCHELL'S REPORT. I informed you of my arrival at fort Oswego, on the 30th ult. This post being but occasionally, and not recently occupied by regular troops, was in a bad state of defence. Of cannon, we had but five old guns, three of which had lost their trunnions ; what could be done in the way of repair, was effected; new platforms were laid; the gun-carriages put in order, and decayed pickets replaced. On the 5th inst. the British naval force, consisting of 4 large ships, three brigs, and a number of gun, and other boats, were descried at reval- lie-beating, about 7 miles from the fort. Information was immediately given to Capt. Woolsey, of the navy (who was at Oswego village,) and to the neighboring militia. It being uncertain on what side of the nvei the enemy would land ; and my force (290 effectives,) being too small to bear division, I ordered the tents, in store, to be pitched on the village side, while I occu- pied the other with my whole force ; it is probable that ^his artihce had its effect, and determined the enemy to ■I - 1",. 189 &„ boats, .arge".'a"„d° cl^^wd S-'w.tLr TaXl7 len Signal, moved slowly to the shnr*. . 7^k°P^* ^* » S^^" Lch bad been deSd' i^'f /'["'« *"Ty ' ''°»«^' Ime others by the mimia • tht « ^" "? ''y "*' »»<• L lonrn of the killed wounded, and prisoners, on the part [f the enemy, which is as follows : 133 prisoners Ln QTm!:; v"''~^'"^.?^^^^ 2« ditto-kSled ??d tto fcts of thT"'"' "" '' *^"" Post-Captains, four Lie«: pants of the navy, prisoners ; and two Lieutenants of \i J 192 marines dangerously wounded, and prisoners. Tliei dead will receive all the honors due to uutbrtunate soi-J diers — the wounded remain at this place, waiting the] arrival of medical aid from the Harbor; the prisonersl have been marched into the country, and to-morrowl they will proceed for the Harbor. The enemy's boatsl also fell into my hands, consisting of two gun-boats andl five barges, some of which carried howitzers. Of l2o| men, and a few Indians, my loss does not exceed one! man, of the rifle corps, wounded. I cannot sufficiently extol the conduct of the officer^ who served under me — who were Lieutenants M'lntoshl Calhoun, Macfarland, Armstrong and Smith, and En] sign Austin. I have the honor, &c. D. APPLING. Brig, Gen. Gaines. »«« COM. BARNEY'S FLOTILLA. O Copy of a letter from Commodore Barney, to the Secretary of tht Navy, dated Sunday, 26thJuney 1814—10, A.^ SIK — This morning, at 4, a combined attack ofth« artillery, marine corps, and flotilla, was made upon thd enemy's two frigates, at the mouth of the creek ; aftej two hours engagement, they got under way, and madl sail down the river j they are now warping round Point] Patience, and I am moving up the Patuxent, with mJ flotiUa. My loss is acting Midshipman A«quith killedj and ten others, killed and wounded — [3 killed, and wound (as prisoners,) the crews of two Iwhale-ships. which she had taken on the coast of Chili I he Captain informed me, that, as the allies of Great IBntain, they would capture all they should meet with Ijj expectation of a war between Spain and the United pWes. I consequently threw all his guns and ammu- oition into the sea, liberated the Americans, wmt" a Jrespectful letter to the Vice-Rov, explaining he cause I my proceedings which I deliV^recfto herUptain- II then proceeded for Lima, and re-captured one of the Ifessels, as she was entering the port ; from thence I (fit J h ej m m mem m ■^■Sif m 196 brocMded for the Gallapagos islands, where I cruised from the 17th of April uotil the 3d of October 181 1 during which time Ij touched only once on the coast i of America, which Wns for the purpose of procurinir a ' supply of fresh waAe^ as none is to be found amoniri Uiose islands, whicR are, perhaps, the most barren and desolate of any known. While among this grouoe F captured the following British ships, employed chiefly in the spermaceti whale fishery, viz. Letters of Maraue Montezuma* 270 tons, 21 men, 2 guns ; Policy, 175tons 26 men, 10 guns, pierced for 18; Georgiana, 280 tons' 25 men, 6 guns, pierced for 18; Greenwich, 338 tons' 25 men, 10 guns, pierced for 20 i Atlantic, 355 tons* 24 men, 8 guns, pierced for 20 ; Hose, 220 tons, 21 men 8 guns, pierced for 20; Hector, 270 tons, 25 men li guns, pierced for 20 ; Catharine, 270 tons, 29 men 8 guns, pierced for 18 ; Seringapatam, 357 tons, 31 men I 14 guns, pierced for 26; Charlton, 274 tons, 21 men'' 10 guns, pierced for 18 ; New-Zcalander, 259 tons 23 men, 8 guns, pierced for 18 ; Sir A. Hammond, *30l tons, 31 men, 12 guns, pierced for 1 8— making a tola! of 3465 tons, 302 men, and 107 guns. As some of thost shms were captured by boats, and others by prizes, mv officers and men had several opportunities of shewina their gallantry. = ers. The Hector, Catharine, and Montezuma, I sent tj Valparaiso, where they were laid up. The PolicvJ Georgiana, and New-jCealander, I sent for America Ihe Greenwich I kept as a store-ship, to contain the stores of my other prizes, necessary for us; and the Atlantic, now called the Essex Junior, I equipped with 20 guns, and gave command of her to Lieut. Downa Liieut. Downs had convoyed the prizes to Valparai so, and on his return brought me letters, informing m that a squadron, under the command of Commodore James Hillvar, consisting of the frigate Phcebe, of 36 guns, the Racoon and Cherub, sloops of war, and a store-ship, of 20 guns, had sailed on the 6th of July,foJ thii sea. The Racoon and Cherub had been seekinJ Hfi •/ J 97 oe, for some time, on Uie coast of Brazil ; and, on t!»ir me to the Pacific. fAy ship, as \t may be supposed, [after being near a year at sea,'^«,quired 7ome repairs, to ! anJh"/ "T '° •"'"> them; which I determined to 0, and bring them to action, if I could meet them on near- Ij equal terms. I proceeded, now, in company with the rema.nder of my prizes, to the island of Nooaheevah, or Madron's Island, lying in the Washington groupe, disco' Ar ^^.^f?^^'" Ingraham,of Boston; hie Qulked, »d completely overhauled my ship; made for her a new «t of water-casks, her old ones being entirely decayed; Ud took on board, from my prizes, provisions and stoi^e '".h^T,!' n ^ ™?"*^^' ^"^ «^"«^ f°r the coast of Chuf, ri 1% Q^ • '^'"''"'' '"'^- Previous to sailing, I se- cured the Sermgapatam, Greenwich, and hir A. Ham^ jopd, under the guns of a battery, which ^ erected for I Lrr^'iTT^'^*'*" *«*^'"S P««««««'«» of this fine .land for the U States, and estabfishing the most friendly charge of Lieut. Gamble, of the marines, With 21 men »i h orders to repair to Valparaiso, after a certain period; arrived on the coast of fchili, on the 12th of January, l814~looked into Conception and Vnlparaiso ; found, at both Dlaces, only 3 English vessels, an j^ learned that the Ijquadron, which sailed from Rio de Janeiro for that sea, had not been heard of since their departure, and were ipposed to be lost, m endeavoring to double Cape Horn 1 had completely broken up the British navigation in the Pacific; the vessels which had not been captured by me, were laid up, and dare not venture out. I had afford- ed the most ample protection to our own vessels, which were, on my arrival, very numerous, and unprotected.— The valuable whale fishery there, is entirely destroyed ; hnd the actual injury we have done them, may be estima' ted at two and a half millions of dollars, independent of the expence of vessels in search of me. They have fur- nished me amply with sails, cordage, cables, anchors, pro- mions, medicines, and stores of every description ; Md the slops, on board them, have furnished cloathingfor the ill (' f. ~«*Mi^W!fliillW*'f m H ■ H ¥ i'l' ■ t * 1' '11 m m ■\'> i, t l».l 4 ll!li« JiHItfl 'v-Jk V w m il 204 ftteerage, the ward-room, and the birth-deck, could con- tain no more wounded-^that the wounded were killed! while the surgeons were dressing them ; and that, unless] something was speedily done to prevent it, the ship would] soon sink, from the number of shot-holes in her bottom •] and on sending for the carpenter, he informed me that all] his crew had oeen killed or wounded ; and that he hadl once been over the side, to stop the leaks, when his slinffgl had been shot away, and it was with difficulty he was! saved from drowning. The enemy, from the smoothness! of the water, and the impossibility of our reaching bin with our carronades, and the little apprehension that was excited by our fire, which had now become much slacks ened, was enabled to take aim at us, as at a target; hii shot never missed our hull ; and my ship was cut up in a manner, which was, perhaps, never before witnessed— in fine, I saw no hopes of saving her ; and, at 20 minutel after 6, P. M. gave the painful order to strike the colors] Seventy-five men, including officers, were all that remainj cd, of my whole crew, after the action, capable of doing duty ; and many of them severelj^ wounded, some of whon have since died. The enemy still continued his fire, and, my brave, though unfortunate companions, were still fall] ing about me. I directed an opposite gun to be fired, tq shew them we intended no further resistance; but thej did nr^t desist — ^four men were killed at my side, and others in different parts qf the ship. I now believed M intended to show us no quarter, and that it would be ^ •well to die with our flag flying as struck, and was on thJ point of again hoisting it, when, about ten minutes aftei] hauling the colors down, he ceased firing. 1 I cannot speak in sufficiently high terms of the conducl of those engaged, for such an unparalleled length of timej under such circumstances, with me, in ^e arduous and unequal contest. Let it suffice to say, that more braverj skill, patriotism, and zeal, were never displayed on anj occasion. Every one seemed determined to die in del fence of their muchioved country's cause ; and nothina but views of humanity, could ever have reconciled thei to the surrender of the ship; they ramembered thei^ ^Wi 1 ■■nf^i %l'i ^Bl il mj ^^^P'?»'' /- 1 n' ' 203 wounded and helpless shipmates below. To actincr Lieu- tenants M.Kn.ght and oJenheimer, I feel much inSebted, for their great exertions and bravery throughout the ac lK,n. in fiditin., and encouraging tL men Vtherdivl mns; for the dexterous management of the long gun . «.d for their Dronrptness in re-manning their guns f sfheir ci^ws were slaughtered. The conduct of that brave and eroic officer, actmg Lieut. John G. Cowell, who lost hU ks in the latter nart of the action, excited the adiXation ofevery man in tlie ship ; and after being wounded/vvould jot consent to he taken below, until loss%f bloodTender- ed him insensible. Mr. Edward Barnwell, acting saiJ- in^-masten whose activity and courage was equa"fy co„- Lpc^ous, retmriedon deck, after his Lt woun^ andT f Kin '/ m'^c '''"^,*'i? '"'^^"^^ "»*•' f«'"ting vith loss VLI u r^'- ^'T"' ^; •'«^>"««"' ^^'^« had joined mc he dav before, and acted as marine officer, conducted msel/ with great bravery, and exerted himsWrassS LL K • '''"^,S""^- *'^« musquetry, after the first half hour, being useless, from our long distance. • M. W. Bostwick, whom^I had appointed acting r5iS^theH^"'%'^T-' ^"^ ^»^° w- on board mf Kl K- I * f ""^ ^'^' '? e '"^""^^ ^h'c'^ reflects on n A^^r^ ''°"°';/ ^"^ Midshipmen Isaacs, Farra- fjaml YT' ^' ^'" ""1 1^*'"^ Midshipmen James Tor- £'.Z wn^^'n'""^ ^""^"^^ Duzenbuiy, and mas- ir 7*f -^ ^''''"'. '""''^'^ themselves in the per- formance of their respective duties, and gave an earnest of their value to the service ; the three firs^t are too Png to recommend for promotion-the latter, I beg leave t! recommend for confTrmation, as well as the ac^ng ILu^ \t rT S*"^" ""fortunate, but not disgraced; the de- fence of the Essex has not been less honoLle t^her offi. W ^Jr' *''"" -^^ '-^^'T ^^ ^" «^"^' ^o«=o ; and I C Hm ^7 .^•*".^*'«» J«ss unpleasant than that of ta£3 r & ^""^ J-T'^^'-' °^ ^^^ "ghts of nations, Wnff i , iT''"H""P?^^^ «^^*^' within pistol! m of a nm/r«/ shore-when, /Sr six weeks, I had daily ' * ■V, il 20b iV- JU ■l>lf offered him fair and honorable combat, on terma greatly to his advantage ; the blood of the slain must be on his head; and he has yet to reconcile his conduct to heaven to his conscience, and to the world. The annexed ex' tract of a letter from Commodore Hillyar, which wis written previous to his returning me my sword, will show his opinion of our conduct. My loss has been dreadfully severe — 58 killed, (or have since died of their wounds,; and, among them, Lieut. Cowell — 39 were severely wounded ; 27 slightly, and 31 are missing — making, in all, 154 killed, wounded, and missing. The professional knowledge of Doctor Richard Hoff- man, acting surgeon, and Doctor Alexander Montgomery, acting surgeon's mate, added to their assiduity, and the benevolent attentions and assistance of Mr. D. P. Adams, the chaplain, saved the lives of many of the wounded; those gentlemen have been indefatigable in their atten tions to them ; the two first I beg leave to recommend foi confirmation, and the latter to the notice of the depart. ment. I must, in justification of myself,, observe, that with ou six 12 pounders only, we fought this action ; our carron ades being almost useless. The loss, in killed and wounded, has been great withi the enemy; among the former is the 1st Lieut, of the Phoebe ; and of the latter, Capt. Tucker, of the Cherub, whose wounds are severe, lioth the Essex and Phcel were in a sinking state ; and it was with difficulty the^^ c^ould be kept auoat, until they anchored in ValparaisoJ next morning. The battered state of the Essex will, 1 believe, prevent her from ever reaching England ; and, I also think, it will be out of their power to repair the da' mages of the Phcebe, so as to enable her to double Ca^ Horn. All the masts and yards of the Phcebe, and Che rub, are badly crippled, and their hulls much cut up — thi former had eighteen ] 2 pr. shot through her, below he water line, some three feet urijder water. Nothing but tb smoothness of the water, saved both the Phoebe and Essex I hope, sir, that our conduct may prove satisfactory t I our carronn 207 L"wrtoVove^^^^^^^ "' "^^ "«^'" »'^^^ ^' -<>- •^.li'T'^/*';^ **^?!^'^'' ' ^"^ informed, has thouirht re 7. .?-''^*^ h,8 government, that the action oSly lasted 45 minutes; should he have done so, the mot?ve r?Ll?"'?''^''^^'^'"^• »"* *he thousinds of dls- iDleres ed witnesses, who covered the surrounding hils can testify that we fought his ships near two ho?rs and an half. Upwards of fifty broadsides were fired bv the enemy, agreeably to their own account ; and ud- jards of seventy-five by ours. Except the fe^ minute. Ley were repairing damages, the firing was incessant Soon after my capture, 1 entered intS an agreement «th Commodore ifillyar^to disarm my prizef the Es- «x Junior, and proceed with the survivorsof my offi- cers and crew in her, to the United States. He con- «n ed to grant her a passport, to secure her from r"- Jcpture. The ship was small, and we knew we had much to sufier ; yet we hoped soon to reach our coun- lertoaeryei. This arrangement was attended with loo additional expence, as she was abundantly supplied fith provisions, and stores, for the voyage l/^Ju?'*'®^'? ^o"^™odore Hillyar, I must observe I at, although I can never be reconciled to the manne,' Ijf his attack upon the Essex, or to his conduct before lliie action, he has, since our capture, shown the great- I. humanity to my wounded, Twhom he permitted mo Itoland, on condition that the l). States should bear the leipences ;) and has endeavored, as much as lay in his Ipower, to alleviate the distresses of war, by the mZ henerousand delicate deportment towards myself my lofficers, and crew. He gave orders that the property lof every person should be respected ; his orders, how- lew, were not so strictly attended to, as might have teen expected : besides being deprived Tbookf c arts, &c. both myself and offiLs lost many articled lot clothing, some to a considerable amount. I should not have considered this last circumstance of sufficient i :' S.Mi P III -"-— *«fc„-< i !W. 208 lynportoo^ie to notice, did it not mark a sriking ditferJ ence between the navy of G. Britain, and the U. States highly credible to the latter. '' fo possess the Essex, it has cost the British govern-, ment nearly six millions of dollars ; an«l yet, sir, her capture was owing entirely to accident ; and, if we con- sider the expedition with which na^al contests are now! decided, the action is a dishonor to them. Had thevl brought their ships boldly into action, with a force sol very superior, and having the choice of position, thev should either have captured 6r destroyed us, in ont fourth the time they were about it. During the action, our Consul General, Mr. PoinsettJ called on the Governor of Valparaiso, and requeslec that the batteries might protect the Essex ; this re-l quest was refused ; but he promised, if she should such ceed in fighting her way to the common anchorage, he would send an officer to the British commander, ani request him to cease firing; but declined using force] under any circumstances ;— and, there is no doubt, 1 perfect understanding existed between them. Thisconj duct, added to the assistance given to the British, m their friendlv reception, after the action, and the stronfi bias of the faction, which govern Chili, in favor of tht. English, as well as their hostility to the Americans, in] duced Mr. Poinsett to leave that country. Under sucli circumstances, I did not conceive it would be proper for me to claim the restoration of my ship, confidenj that the claim would be made by my governraenl] with more effect. Finding some difficulty, in the sale of my prizes, I had taken the Hector and Catharine le sea, and burnt them, with their cargoes. I exchanged Lieut. M*Knight, Mr. Adams, and Mr| Lyman, and 1 1 seamen, for a part of the crew of the Sir A. Hammond, and sailed from Valparaiso on the 27th of April, where the enemy were still patching uj their ships, to put them in a state for proceeding to Ric de Janeiro, previous to going to England. I have the honor, &c. D. PORTER. Zfon. Sec. Navy. 209 [LETTER REFERRED TO m THE WREGOIiyo 1 ^'^''-^o/aUHerJ,omCo^,„aij,artoCapt.P^er. U M J r, " ^^"'*'' ^/''«' 4'^» 1814. % ciwr «ir-Neither in our convemtioL n • the accompan>'in^ letter, have I mtn^K v^^^^^^^ """* !? Ascribe my remisqnpqa ,-n |u^V,"°"^"}^our sword. n possession of him who wore it so honorahlv S. V fending his country's cause. "o^orably, m de- I « Believe me, &c. " Captainfo'rZ'}^ " '^^^^ HILLYAR. in:i-« BATTLE AT CHIPPEWA PLAINS Sr R— F v«,. ^hipperva Plains, July 6. 1 8 1 4 Jiighlofthe4lb larS./.'!,- . oe''«'l'. on the General Sc„rhaVw uVe„ .^^^^^^^^^ «he reserve, Iwith the van mJ. "^ position, about noon, W i ™a?-the^,fern"r&Te^;. oTSi. """ t.i'r':,;d"adT '>"•'; «T «-"• "^ctins rin: "elhan to ^^""^ *" '^^'•"'*' «'>»• " « better to IS about ^^M* I" ?"?u'''' ,'^""'* fr"™ behind hfa per of battle w'''h'". "'«,»««™«on of the 5th, ta I'losely pressed, and „ouW have b:enXly"4:3! '.i fi 'U* 210 but for the proxiinitv of his works, whillier li(j flod for shelter. The wounded of the enemy, and those of our own army, must be attended to — they will be removed to Bufiuloe ; this, with my limited means of transporta- tion, will take a day or two ; after which, I shall ad- vance, not doubting but that the gallant and accom- plished troops I led, will break down all opposition, l)e- 1 tween me and lake Ontario, when, if met by the fleet, all is well — if not, under the favor of heaven, we shall behave in a way to avoid disgrace. My detailed re-j port shall be made in a day or two. I am, &c. J VCOB BROWN. Hon. Sec. War. PROCEEDINGS ON LAKE ONTARIO. Copy of a letter from Com. Chauncey, to the Secretary of the Navy. U. S. H. Superior, Sacket'a Harbor, July 7, 1814. SIR — I am happ^ to have it in my power to detail to you, another brilliant achievement of Lieut Gregory] with his brave companions. — I received^ informalionl some time since, that the enemy was building a largd^ schooner, at Presque-Isle. On the 26th ult. I direclec Lieut. Gregory to take with him Messrs. Vaughn and Dixon, proceed, with the two largest gigs, to NicholaJ island, (within about 7 miles of Presque-Isle harbor,] and there conceal his boats, and wait for some trans ports, which, I had information, were expected there t^ take up provisions and munitions of war, which haj been sent up the bay of duintu, for the troops at Yorl and fort George ; but, if these transports did not raakj their ^'MO-anceina or 4 days, then to proceed tj Presr*'t and buu ^ he vessel on the stocks— bi witl [ ^*(: jrders not to injure a private building private property. The day after Lieut. Gregory arrived on the coasl he discovered a vessel beating up; but, just as hi shoved off'to board her, a large gun-boat hove in sigh! 811 L little below him ; this boat made a signal to the vea- k 1 bol "'V"PT "r!"^'' ^*^^' '^'^^^^ a„d"«toodibr dl r'he r«..wV\"*, ^'"^"'•^ ^f ^t«^ »"« boats as veil aa he could but was apprehensive tliat he had ken covered. The «un-boat, and her convoy. whi?h r '^"" "^^'""P^. «t<»od into Presque-Isle. Lieut Ore gory was determined to ascertain whether hehad b^en iscovered ; acordingly. ho sent one of h boatsln ll^eV£^ra^ ««'o-«f the inhabitants' :;io luilormed iiirn that it was known he was on the coast .nd that two expresses had been sent to Kingslon in consequence ; he, therefore, determined upZexecut" Wthe la ter part of his instructions, and made his ar- hngenients accordingly-landed, placed centinerat I e houses, to prevent alarm, and set fire to the vessel ; 1 b«nrve"stl^^^ ''"'•' ''' ^^""^''•' Sbe was a stout f have llpn ' ^" rr '^ g""^' «"^' ^«"id probal ■DI7 nave been launched in about JO davs A srn,ii Lre-house, which contained stores for The vesfel wa loavoidably burnt, as it was so near the vesseT that it Itook fire from her. Lieut. Gregory Lrnr from tl. Lbabitants, that much property L^lLen sent up a Iw days previous ; that a com'pany, of the Glen£rv rcgunent, had been stationed there, but had been^se ft York a few days before; another companrwas on r "'?•' ITa ?»"««*«"' to replace them ,- thelew mili la. which had been left to guard the vessel and proper- llj, retreated, upon the approach of our boats. As s^>n h the vessel was entirely consumed. Lieu Gregory l^mbarked his men. without having permitted oife oiF K ^^ l"/"' ^ ^""^^- *''"^''ng th? a^^rm so general thought prudent to cross thelake immediatdy he topped one day at Oswego, for refreshment, and ar! nved here last evening-having performed a most Put.'''"'''' ^i*^' *>i« usuafgJuantry and gTod I have the honor, &c. «».. ff /««., S.O. N.vy'"*''^ CHAUNCEY. ill lks^Ul£iiSa£, % ii' II 212 FURTHER, OF THE BATTLE OF CHIPPEWA. Copy of a letter from Major-Oeneral Brown, to ih« Secretary of " War, dated H. Q. Chippewa Plains, July 7, 1814. DEAR Sn{ — On the second inst. I issued my or- ders f(v crossing the Niagara river, and made the ar-j rangemfnts, deemed necessary, for securing the garri- son of fort Erie. On the 3d, that post surrendered, at 5, P. M. Our loss, in tliis affair, was four wounded— 1 have enclosed a return of the prkoners, of the ord-| nance, and ordnance stores, captured. To secu'-? my rear, I have placed a garrison in (hisl fort, and requested Capt. Kennedy, to station his ves- sels near the post. On the morning of the 4th, Brig. Gen. Scott, with! his brigade, and a corps of artillery, was ordered lo ad-j vance towards Chippewa, and be governed by circum-^ stances — taking care to secure a good military position for the night. After some skirmishing with the enemy] he selected this plain, with the eye of a soldier— hia right resting on the river, and a ravine being in front] At II, at night, I joined him with the reserve, under Gen. Ripley, our field, and battering train, and corps oi artillery under Maj. Hindman. Gen. Porter arrived, nexJ morning, with a part of the N. Y. and Pennsylvania vo| lunteers, and some of the warriors of the Six Nations] Early in the morning of the 5th, the enemy com menced a petty war upon our pickets, and, as he \va^ indulged, his presumption increased; — by noon, he showed himself on the left of our exterior line, and atj tacked one of our pickets, as it was returning to camp] Capt. Treat, who commanded it, retired, disgracefullyj leaving a wounded man on the ground. Capt. Biddlej of the artillery, who was near the scene, impelled by feelingb, highly honorable to him, as a soldier and off cer, promptly assumed the command of this pirket- led it back to the wounded man, and brought him of the field. 1 ordered Capt. Treat, on the spot, to retird from the army ; and, as I am anxious that no officeJ 213 Aall remain under my command, who can be suspect- ed of cowardice, I advise that Capt. Treat, and Lieut — --, who was also with the picket, be struck from' the rolls of the army. At 4 o'clock. P. M. agreeably to a plan I had given Gen. Porter, he advanced from the rear of our camo hth the volunteers and Indians, (taking the woods, in order to keep out of view of the enemy,) with a hope ofbr,ngingh.s pickets, andscouting parties, between M ( Porter s) line of march, and our camp. As Porter bved, i ordered the parties, advanced in front of our tamp, to fall back, gradually, under the enemy's fire, n \^ i'^"^ ?'"'' impossible, up to our line. About yf past 4, the advance of Gen. Porter's command, met ie light parties of the enemy in the woods, upon our (itreme iett—the enemy were driven ; and Porter ad- rancing near to Chippewa, met their whole column in der of battle. From the cloud of dust rising, and bbe heavy finng, I was led to conclude that the whole irce ot the enemy was in march, and prepared for ac- m. I immediately ordered Gen. Scott to advance, Ifith his brpde, and Towson's artillery, and meet llem upon the plain, in front of our camp. The Gen- Iral did not expect to be gratified, so soon, with a field Iflgagement ; he advanced, in the most prompt and Ifficer-like style, and, m a few minutes, was in close ■iction, upon the plain, with a'superior force of British fe^iilar troops. By this time. Gen. Porter's command lad given way, and fled in every direction, notwith- ^tending his personal gallantry, and great exertions to ^y their flight. The retreat of the volunteers and In- dians, caused the left flank of Gen. Scott's brio-ade to 1^ greatly exposed. Capt. Harris, with his dr'Jgoons, Ijas directed to stop the fugitives, behind the ravine Ifronting our camp ; and I sent Col. Gardner to order fen. Ripley, to advance with the 21st regiment, which Ir i^^l\u^ **'^ reserve-pass to the left of our I amp, skirt the woods, so as to keep out ^f view, and fall upon the rear of the enemy's right flank ; this or- pr was promptly obeyed ; and the greatest exertions 'H ..O: 214 I 1 were made by the 21st regiment, to gain their position and close with the enemy— but in vain; for such was! the zeal and gallantry of the line, commanded by denj Scott, that its advance upon the enemy was not to bj checked. Major Jessup, commanding the left flanS battalion, finding himself pressed in front, and in flank I and his men falling fast around him, ordered his batta-l lion to " support arms, and advance." The order waal promptly obeyed, amidst the most deadly and destruc-l tive fire ; he gained a more secure positio'n, and return-l ed upon the enemy so galling a discharge, as caused them to retire. By this time, their whole line was falj^ ing back, and our gallant soldiers pressing upontheml as fast as possible. As soon as the enemy had gainec" the sloping ground, descending towards Chippewa, anq distant a quarter of a mile, he broke, and ran to gairj his works; in this effort, he was too successful; and the guns, from his batteries, opening immediately up! on our hue, checked, in same degree, the pursuit. aJ this moment, I resolved to bring up all my ordnance] and force the place by a direct attack, and gave the or} der accordingly. Major Wood, of the corps of en^i neers, and my aid, Capt. Austin, rode to the bank ol the creek, towards the right of their line of works, anc examined them. I was induced, by the lateness of theii report, the lateness of the hour, and the advice of Genl Scott, and Major Wood, to order the forces to retire k camp. My most difficult duty remains to be performed- I am depressed with the fear of not being able to da justice to my companions in arms ; and apprehensive thai some, who had an opportunity of distinguishing them] selves, and promptly embraced it, will escape my notice Brig Gen. Scott is entitled to the highest praises ou( country can bestow ; to him, more than to any man, ara I indebted for the victory of the 5th of July— his brigadfl has covered itself with glory. Every officer, and everj man of the 9th, 22d, 11th, and 25th regiments, did hil duty, with a zeal and energv worthy of the Americad character. Wtien every officer stands so pre-eminentlj .^^' 216 igh in the path of dutf and honor, it is impossible to tanate ; but I cannot deprive myself of the pleasure %'T/' i!r • ^^1^°'' Leavenworth commanded the 9th, ,d 22d ; Major Jessup the 25th, and Major M'Neil the u .11 ,V^™Pbe". was wounded early in the action, ^ llantly leadmg on his regiment. The family of General IScott were conspicuous in the yd ; Lieut. Smith, of the 6th infantry. Major of Brigade, aid Lieutenants Worth and Watts, his aids. From General Ripley, and his Brigade, I received eve- yassistarice that I gave them an opportunity of render- ?"i r^ o"* '''^'''' ^''y ^^^^ °^ ^^'^ r«^serve into action, jitilGen. Porter's command had given way; and then Sen. fecott s movements were so rapid, and decisive, that tm. Kipley could not get up in time, with the 21st, to fe position as directed. The corps of artillery, under Hajor Hindman, were not generally in action ; this was kt their fault. Capt. lowson's company was the only be that had a ful opportunity of distinguishing itself: fed It IS believed that no company ever embraced an op- krtunity with more zeal, or more success. A detachment from the 2d brigade, under the com- mand ot Lieut. M'Donald, penetrated the woods, with the tdians and volunteers, and for their support; the con- luct of M'Donald, and his command, reflects high honor Ipon the brigade to which they belong. I The conduct of Gen. Porter has been conspicuously [allant; every assistance, in his power to afford, with the lescription of force under his command, has been render- Id; we could not expect him to contend with the British loluinn of regulars, which appeared upon the plains of IChippewa— It was no cause of surprize to me, to see his [lommand retire before this column. Justice forbids that I should omit to name my own fa- mlv : they yield to none, in honorable zeal, intellio-ence, ftnd attention to duty— Col. Gardner, Major Jonel, and p aids, Captains Austin and Spencer, have been as ac- fcve, and as much devoted to the cause, as any officers of fie army ; their conduct merits my warmest acknowledg- bents—of Gardner and Jones. I shall have occasion again />'f) '*«._ 216 to speak to you. Major Camp, deputy Quarter-mastel General, deserves my particular notice, and approbationi by his great exertions I was enabled to find the means ( crossing. Capt. Daliba, of the ordnance department, hs rendered every service in his power. The enclosed return will show you our loss, and kt nish you with the names of the dead and wounded ofi cers—these gallai)t men must not be forgotten ; our coue try will remember them, and do them justice. Respectfully, &c. JACOB BROWN. Hon. Sec. War. In the above action, the enemy had 208 killed, and 9J wounded — 15 prisoners — Total, 308. Those reported under the head of wounded and prism ers were so severely injured, that it would have been im practicable for them to have escaped. The enemy ha] the same facilities of carrying their wounded from thefiel/ at the commencement of the action, as ourselves ; an! there can be no doubt, from the information that I hav, received from unquestionable sources, that they carriel from the field as many of their wounded as is reportel above in the total. f AZ. ORNE, Asst. Ins. Gei Our loss was 60 killed— 115 S. 134 B. wounded-ll prisoners — Total 328. The British official account of the above action, stall their total loss at 514. if' FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. C<^ efa Utter from Maj. Gen. Brown, to the Secretary of War,M H. Q. Queenston, July 22df, 1814. DEAR SIR— On the 20th, the army moved, and eiL camped in the rear of fort George. Gen. Scott, with th] ¥ T^. Mf ve action, stad 217 *an, had some skirmishing. bofnrA tu^ ^ ■ i i up; but, as the enemy S dseTo 't: *""'" ^^^Y ?«»« important occurred. ^No Ce 1. ,1ft ' ''°'^'' "°*^^'"S , heiVhts were abandoned to the enemv 'nd'"' TIT'^^ \ that the movement would have tnducld h^ T.^'^ '^"'^ , them, or close in nearer to us so a. ^K.' »«-occupy ment out of his workr. In fhf ""?.°" ^" ^"g^^^- Respectfully, &c. JACOB BROWN. FURTHER PROCEEDfNGS. C<^I, of a letter from ^'ii<^^^e^»e^lBrorvn, to the Secretary of If. Q. Chippewa, July 25, 1814 DEAR SIR-On the 23d inst. I received a lettJh fcpress from General Gaines, advisinTm;, that on th{ l»th, the heavy guns that I had orderecf from the Harbor lb enable me to operate against forts George and IvL' kwereblockadecl in that port, toeetKi^h fh ^^ " W these guns, and troops, in boats, provided thTcZ fre should not deem it ^oper or ^rCuo conve vThZ Id his fleet, not doubting b'ut that^e woukl hav^ 1 "^ atv t '^; .^'^- P-*-^- anTtt the'ent; ■foiid have been driven mto port, or caoturpr? Ac r^ Llnf •l'^™'' ■."■"* .'^ '"' *'' not know when, he pet would sail, or when the guns and forces which I h.5 h «P-t.ng, would even lelve Sacke^^HaZr, I havf Kb Lr'1!j^"''''T "y P"""""' '^i'h « view to f»er objects. I^^now Kow greatly 1 am disappoiated; y ^ISi^ ^■Ha If" ^^^K i^n'^ H i- ? ^^^IkIVhj.,^^ '-.?[ ^^^^^^^Hi^^^f ^SS w y' 218 and therefore I will not dwell upon that painful subject ; and you can best perceive how much has been lost by the delay — and the command of lake Ontario being with the enemy — reliances beinff placed upon a different state of things. The Indians all left iwe some time since ; it is said that they will return ; but this, you will perceive, de- pends upon circumstances. The remforcements ordered orr, from the west, have not arrived. Yours, respectfully, and truly, JACOB BROWN. Hon. Sec. of War. BATTLE OF BRIDGEWATER. Copy of a Idler from Capt. L. Justin^ Aid to Gen. Bronn, to the Se- cretary of }Var, dated » H. Q. Buffaloe, 29 hausted, it was thought prudent to rPhV« «« inent; which was dono m rT. i i '^^ f° °"*' encamp- b«ndredp,i™,e,,aretk:rp"tt' "'"""' "'"" '"" Brown and Scott are on th: -a^' r^ Generals pounds, Ge„X,e7corJ^ /^^,,:<'l-'^ bj^'heij 1 have the honor, &c. Hon, Sec. War. ^' ^^™^' ^' ^- ^«^i'- COL. PEARSON'S EXPEDITION I Jthe f ^•"l/:?°^»»"»'^«tion of Col. Pearson, command- 15 ^''tr , • ""^'/'^' '" *^^ southern indian country i<. PCRTHER-BATTLE OP BRIDGEWATER feLfn°t"ill'h^,r ' ""'' ^"^.^"^ '«™' ™<=« *e last pgement with the enemy, I feat that the account I am 1 ■.l!-l \ ■] w 220 liiw about to give, may be less full and satisfactory, than, un« der other circumstances, it might have been made. I par. ticularly fear that the conduct of the gallant men, it was my good fortune to lead, will not be noticed in a way due to their fame, and the honor of our country. You are already apprised that the army had, on the 25th ult. taken a position at Chippewa ; about noon of that day. Col. Swift, who was posted at Lewistown, ad- vised me, by express, that the enemy appeared in consi- derable force, in Queenston, and on its heights ; that four of the enemy's fleet had arrived, during the preceding night, and were then lying near fort Niagara ; and that a number of boats were in view, moving up the streight— . Within a few minutes after this intelligence had been re- ceived, I was further informed, by Capt. Denmon, of the j Quarter-master's department, that the enemy was landing j at Lewistown ; and that our baggage and stores at Schlosser, and on their way thither, were in danger of im- naediate capture. It is proper here to mention, that hav-j ing received advices as late as the 20th, from Gen. Gaines, that our fleet was then in port, and the Commodore sick,! "we ceased to look for co-operation from that quarter, and! determined to disencumber ourselves of baggage, andl march directly for Burlington heights : to mask this in-j tention, and to draw from l^chlosser a small supply of pro-j visions, I fell back upon Chippewa. As this arrangement,! under the increased force of the enemy, left much at ha-| zard, on our own side of the Niagara, and as it appeared,! by the before stated information, that the enemy waaj about to avail himself of it, I conceived that the most effec- j tual method of recalling him from this object, was to putl myself in motion towards Queenston. Gen. Scott, with! the 1st brigade, Towson's artillery, and all the dragoonsl and mounted men, were accordingly put in march, on the! road leading thither, with orders to report if the enemy appeared — then to call for assistance, if that was necesH saiT. On the GeneraPs arrival at the falls, he learned that the enemy was in force, directly in his front, narrow pieces of woods alone intercepting his view of them > t was necesH 281 become close and ceneral TZl .1 ^'"PP^^a, ,t had Though Gen. Kipd wfth thr' ^' l^ the head of his commL^ k i ^' ". ^^^' Sorter, at ward with ISor, h w"^^^^ tt ^^^''T^y ^''''^^ ^^r^ were brought to susS g1« ^'jfY^^'^"'' '^^^^''e they command CtskS^^^^^^^ conflict. Upon my Ski I r ^ i fu '^' ™^'«ta'"ed the passed the wood^S eZ^;^^^^^^^^^ '^^' '^^ ^^^^^^^ had ton road, and on thrgroSo th.lT^r? *H^"*^^»«- lith, and 22dregrmf„rwt^^ 25th had been tErown 1 the JlTT 1 ^^^'"erj-the circumstances. Apprehend n^ ttl' ^ ^ ^^""''""^ *^^ -.uch exhausted, an^S^^h fL^^^^^^^^^^ ^f T " verely, 1 determined to interp^e a new ^i«e w f^^^^^ T vancmg troops, and thus dislngaee gL SrnT/ f. ^?; his brigade in reserve • nr^Jt. ^ ,*^°"' ^'"' hold Oen. nTplev TheT„;m;f ^^1 T.r "^'^ S'^"' "> cupicd a hill, wliich eavTlL .'^ »' «'"» moment, oc- the^eyof hewholo^nl!i,i™5^^' =''™teges, and wa. of incLry To "ecu™ he tii "■"^f PP'"^«'> by 'line ea.., «h/ar.illeV, and setVh?S ;!!!.KT^ «" assigned to Col. Miller, while, to tToftT^^^^^ T St regiment, under the command of C„| nS° ' directed to menace and amuse the i,°fa„t^ T„ ' "" mortification, this regiment, after a di chaTgel ,7o T' way, and retreated some distance befor^ ,?^. u ? ^'''.* a though, it is believed, he offieerrof ,h" ''•' ■^'■ eierted themselves to shorten hi^ dS- r ™S""™t lime. Col. Miller, without regird tZ":^. *" "^^ , vanced steadily, and ffallanVlv .„ I?- ""'l "•«"™nce, ad- Ihe height, an^ he cannon Y'. P? ■"''•'f '' '"•> ""™'' 23d (wlich had also fauhered ^o IF ^^ '"■°"''" "P *" l.»emV disappeared from E^emTK' '"'' ""' taaohments of the nth and 19th, Gen. Porter i^^^^n* I l;J I !» i\ 223 with his command, the extreme left— about tlie time Col. Miller carried the enemy's cannon. The 25th regiment, under Major Jessup, was engaged in a more obstinate contest, with all that remained to dis- pute with us the field of battle. The Major, as has been already stated, had been ordered by General Scott, at the commencement of the action, to take ground to the right ; he had succeeded in turning the enemy's left flank — had captured (by a detachment under Capt. Ketchum,) Gen. Riall, and sundry other officers — andf showed him- self again, to his own army, in a blaze of fire, which de- feated or destroyed a very superior force of the enemy. He was ordered to form on the right of the 2d regiment. The enemy, rallying his forces, and, as is believed, havino' received reinforcements, now attempted to drive us from our position, and regain his artillery ; our line was unsha- ken, and the enemy repulsed ; two other attempts, hav- ing the same object, had the same issue — Gen. Scott was again engaged, m repelling the former of these ; and the last I saw of him, on the field of battle, he was near the head of his column, and j^iving, to its march, a direction that would have placed him on the enemy's ri^lit. It was with great pleasure I saw the good order and intrepidity of Gen. Porter's volunteers, from the moment of their ar- rival ; but, during the last charge of the enemy, those qualities were conspicuous — stimulated by the example set them hy their gallant leader, h^ Major Wood, of the Pennsylvania corps, by Col. Dobbin, ol New- York, and by their officers generally, thev precipitated themselves upon the enemy's line, and made all the prisoners which were taken at this point of the action. Having been for some time wounded, and being a good deal" exhausted by loss of blood, it became my wish to de- volve the command on Gen. Scott, and retire from the field ; but, on enquiry, I had the misfortune to learn that he was disabled by wounds ; I therefore kept my post, and had the satisfaction of seeing the enemy's last effort repulsed — I now consigned the command to General Ripley. While retiring from the field, I saw and felt that the 223 victory was complete on our r.o.^ .t pro«,pV adopted to Tee^reT'te','"";?"'" *«™ men was, however surh ». 1, i e«haU8lion of the extremelj. sensible oCtfie wa" oflhT.l """' '"^»«"; therefore beheved it p^er that .rn-T-^ "'''='''' ' troops shonld .eturn to camn »ft.. k ° •'^'P'7' """^ ">« .1.0 wounded and t "e ar«S td ln"?."'^°""'" '*'»''• ficultj, as the enemy had enLl ' i""'' ' '"»' »"> •!"- an ho'ur after .«ramvajl caZ Vr' V° ^ . '^"'"" Ripley had retu'r„ed::VlTa^'„'"::;f°^^^^^^^^ der. I now sent for him- and »f£! ^'- l" S""'' or- sons for the measure ltLl^Ltt\T''.^ '"™ ""y ™«- to put the troops in the Cr-oihl ^V ?"'''''"•' '"'» .0 them the necessary refr^sLen," ?'i. "™u' J° S'™ Picquets and camp cuaJds and „ ' '" ''""j""* '''"' *« dawned, and there m m.l, '"","*"' "' hatlle as the day P«ared-,„ ,l^s 0^1;^:*' ^"^ ^'-V•^f"^»'^ •<' ho ap^ upon its execution !li.,„ ? "■'J^Xon, and I relied sensibly, how "nldeoUe arl T '"'"'""'■• ' ''»«''• "»<«' .he troops, t„3o jSe ehhe7Jr" '» . 'P^^^ng of own sense of them-under ahl/,! ^"'" T""' ^ '" '"i' done more, and better ' ''"'"""' ""'>' ""'s"" h^ve the^'Sn^tEail'a^.^rol' S ''7%'"''' ^'''^"^ "^ .fCol M3ler,and^M^W Jelp.'""''' ^""' ""'' ^"^"^ Wo'JJhlt'lliaj^tftifadell^^^^^^ er of battalion, were Sded Th„ oj ?'?'■>' ^"'""'"i racter-they could not w u u'f ""^"^ ^ "^^ ^^a- &tr>£«r^--V"?^""-^^^^^^^ militia vo ulersrfpin'nrvT"'- "'' ' S™' ''''■■'«'•' "'o »ndismayed,'Ssf th,™ f [.r I?' K't ^'^ veterans opposed ,„ them. rtt^atnTottet 224 r commanded hy Col. "Wilson, arc reported by Gen. Porter as having meiited and received his approbation. The' corps of artillery, commanded by Major Hindman, be- haved with its usual gallantry. Capt. Towson's compa- ny, attached to the Ist brigade, was the first and the Ust engaged ; and, during the whole conflict, maintained that hij^h character, which they had previously won by their skill and their valor. Captains Biddle and Ritchie were both wounded early in the action, but refused to quit the field ; the latter declared that he never would leave his piece — and, true to his engagement, fell by its side, co- vered with wounds. The staff of the army had its peculiar merit and dis- tinction — Col. Gardner, Adj. Gen. though ill, was on horseback, and did all in his power ; his assistant. Major Jones, was very active and useful ; my gallant aids-de- camp, Austin and Spencer, had many, and critical, duties to perform— -in the discharge of which, the latter fell .-—I shall ever think of this young man, with pride and regret — regret, that his career has been so short ; pride, that it has been honorable and distinguished. The engineers, Majors M'Rea and Wood, were greatly distinguished on this day, and their high military talents, exerted with great effect; they were much under my eye, and near my person — and, to their assistance, a great deal is fairly to oe ascribed ; I most earnestly recommend them, as wor- thy of the highest trust and confidence. • The staff of Generals Ripley and Porter discovered great zeal, and attention to duty. Lieut. E. B. Randolph, of the 20th, is entitled to notice — his courage was con^pi- cuous. I enclose a return of our loss ; those noted as missing may generally be numbered with the dead. The enemy had but little opportunity of making prisoners. 1 have the honor, &c. Hon. J. Armstrong, Sec. War. JACOB BROWN. Return of killed^ wounded and missing, in the above action.— Kilhdi 171— Wounded, 570— Missing, 117 Total, 858. C. K. GARDNER, Adj. Gen. 226 . Return ofpriswurs, taken from the enemu in th, ^h 7%* i^rt7,-,A official a^cmnl of th.nt'"'"^' '"'P' ^""• [Missing, 193l.Pri«o'n:,MiZroH ^^ ^^^- (Signed; £D. BAYNES. ! AFFAIR OF BLADENSBURGH iMcmble, there were but about 1700 in tli« SE? Ht 250 at Bladensburgh, under Lieut. CoI/^LS^ N, with tbe ineffectiveness of the laws to comulTthZ h- out. rendered it impossible to hare^ttd The inilitia of this statp nnrl ^r ♦»,- ^ ^- J^giniaand Penns^Cil cl^r^^^^^^^ fc tt rr' ""^'i'V^^ of Pennsylvania had expired' L t f rV°' •^^'^' ^"^^ ^^o one adopted in itsfi c nfaid'^rht:rn""T**^^ ™'^*'^' '^^^-oc! p, no aid, therefore, has been received from that ^ After all the force that could be put at mv disDo.al in ' fabulated' r' "^''"^ r ^ dis^ositiLTLtCed £ ve^^^^^^^^ to present the most respectable force, at Kst aS inVr"*^ ^'^^' '''^'^ ' ^^« enabled, by KLs? h.r *r^'""^ movements of the troops, interpose before the enemy, at Bladensburffh, about KcommrJ"'^'"^ 350 regulars, and Commodo're Bar- ErcdZTtr'"r\^^" V^"^^ P^^tion of this force rnrcd on the ground when the enemy were in sight, and F f ''***^. 0y ■ 226 were disposed of to support, in the best manner, the posi- tion which Gen. Stansbury had taken. They had barely reached the ground when the action commenced, which was about 1 o clock, P. M. of the 24th instant — and con- tinued about an hour. The contest was not as obstinately maintained as could hate been desired ; but was, by parts of the troops, sustained with great spirit, and with pro- digious efiect ; and, had the whole of our force been equally firm, I am induced to believe that the enemy would have been repulsed, notwithstanding all the disad- vantages under which we fought. — The artillery, from Baltimore, supported by Major rinckney's rifle battalion, and a part of Capt. Doughty's, from the navy-yard, were in advance, to command the pass of the bridge, at Bla- densburgh, and played upon the enemy, as I have since I learned, with very destructive effect. But the rifle troops were obliged, after some time, to retire ; and, of course, the artillery. Superior numbers, however, rushed upon I them, and made their retreat necessary ; not, however,! without great loss from the enemy. Major Pinckney re-l ceived a severe wound in his right arm, after he had re-| tired to the left flank of Stansbury's brigade. The rightl and centre of Stansbury's brigade, consisting of Lieut.j Col. Ragan's and Shuler's regiments, generally gave wajl very soon afterwards, with the exception of about 40, ral-| lied by Col. Ragan, after having lost his horse, and the whole, or a part of Capt. Shower's company — bothol whom Gen. Stansbury represents to have made, even thus! deserted, a gallant stand. The fall which Lieut. Coll Ragan received, from his horse, together with his grealj efforts to sustain his position, rendered him unable to foH low the retreat : we have, therefore, to lament, that thi^ fallant and excellent officer has been taken prisoner; he as, however, been paroled ; and I met him here, recoj vering from the bruises occasioned by his fall. I The 5th Baltimore regiment, under Lieut. Col. Sterrettj being the left of Gen. Stansbury's brigade, still, however! stoo^ their ground ; and, except for a moment, when pari of them recoiled a few stepSf remained firm, and stood unj .^'' 227 Kiss""' -»■■■"» p~..« u,„ fc„ lime, with great effect contest for some wounUed. Tliey took, allogether, about 120 prfl You will readily understand, thai it is impossible for me o speak, minulely, of the merit or demerit of ir .cular troops, so little known to me, froiMhe r re^nt I am, &c. i „ _ ^ W. H. WINDER, B. Gen. lOth M n Hon. J. Armstrong, Sec. War. ^ ^ tif fl 228 \mmi BATTLE AT FORT ERIE. Cflpiw ofUtters from Brig. Gen. Gaines, to the Secretary of War, dtUed H. Q. Fort Erie, U. C. Aug. 2H 1814. SIR — Loss of sleep, and constant exposure to the weather, iu its various changes, gave me, some days ago, a violent cold, which lias put it out of my power to do any thing more than the state of the service here rendered absolutely indispensable; hence my apology for delaying, until this day, my report of the battle of the i 5th inst. General Drumraond is quietly engaged, in collect- ing his reinforcements ; his camp appears to be forti- fied : I attempted to look at it, a few days past, and it cost me a fine young officer, Lieut. Yates, of the 4th rifle regiment, killed, and Lieut Kearsley, of that ex- cellent corps, with Lieut. Childs, of the 9th, wounded; ' with the loss of some 2 or 3 privates killed, and 5 or 6 woundnd. The loss of the enemy, 1 was unable to ascertain ; he would not leave his defences, and I did ! not think fit to leave mine at all exposed. Several de- 1 serters say, that the 6th and 82d regiments arrived last | night — if this be true, their strength is about the same I as it was before the|battle of the 15th; their Col. Scott, is dead. About 20 deserters from the De Watleville regiment, and some few from other corps, concur in I the report, tliat their loss in killed, wounded, and mis8-| ing, on the 15th, was upwards of a thousand. Your obedient servant, E. P. GAIJSES, B. Gen. C« I Erie, with a 24 18 and 19 r"'"' """"^hed foH, IU.e Douglass tottel-yi.hP.fl'''™,"]? ^- *=-»'«' I edge ftf ("he lake th/'s F-l i V"""" ^ P""- "«»■• the felfended t Vrtdo'ubf Ctfrvf „Th 7fi'e'li. 'o'f '^"^ Ihe artillery To,r„anded brMf?""u?'.^ »<■ ofthe nth^lh anr2ld inL* v'Tof the*!"?" • ^"^ brigade of Mai Gen 4 J. i „ ^' ^ T '"'« veteran uier the oo1S„ra„d of "iirrJT"."" 'S^ "Sht. Kipley's brigade, consTsti^rof the 2. t'^aT^ fr- iended the left ; Gen. Portfr's brigade of Net V ''t and Pennsylvania volunteers w7h m,r ^ .• ^^?'''' riflemen, occupied the centr?' o"*- d»«'ngu.shed in' \Z'iith'^!T,iuT"^ ''"""« •» yo"' that, dur- caJnonade, which t^?; hLX'^i. '""'.''r "P """sk ■y cessatloTTthe*^hunde«T.'r.HMr' " """"»'»- # i 230 the British army, which was instantly returned on our part ; and Capt. Williams, amidst the smoke of the ex- plosion, renewed the contest by an animated roar of his heavy cannon. From the supposed loss of our ammunition, and the consequent depression such an event was likely to pro- duce upon the minds of our men, I felt persuaded that this explosion would lead the enemy to assault, and made my arrangements accordingly — the annexed pam- per, No. 1. is a copy of Lieut. Gen. Drummond's plan of attack. The night was dark, and, the early part of it, raining; but the faithful centinel slept not :— one third of the troops were up at their posts. At half past 2 o'clock, the right column of the enemy approached; and, I though enveloped in darkness, black as his designs and j principles, was distinctly heard on our left, and prompt- ly marked by our musquetry, under Major Wood, aridj artillery, under Capt Towson. Being mounted at the moment, I repaired fo the point of attack, where the sheet of fire, rolling from Tovvson's battery and the musquetry, of the left wing of the 21st infantry, under Major Wood, enabled me to see the enemy's column, of about 1500 men, approaching on that point ; his ad- vance was not checked, until it approached within 10 1 feet of our infantry ; a line of loose brush, represent- 1 ing an abattis, only intervened ; a column of the ene- my attempted to pass round the abattis, through the I water, where it was nearly breast deep : apprehending that this point would be carried, I ordered a detach- 1 ment of riflemen and infantry to its support ; but hav- ing met with the gallant commander. Major Wood, was assured by him that he could defend his position with-[ out reinforcements. At this moment the enemy were repulsed ; but in-j stantly renewed the charge, and were again repulsed.! My attention was now called to the right, where ourj batteries and lines were soon lighted by a most bril-l liant fire, of cannon and musquetry ; it announced the I ftpproacb of the centre and left columns of the enemy,! 231 Cap.. FosJr. tj cTp?af: 'firgMofanT Htd"' "' companies of Mew- V ork an.lPor^ I . Wardmg's chief engineer, who was most aetire?n(..Tfn. ,..?•' »omt-they were repulsed. That o^lte cemre ed by ( ol. Druinmond, was not long kept in Xrk h approaclied, at once, every assailable point of TfA^ and, with scaling ladders, ascended Ite parane' 1^,1 ws repulsed with dreadful carnage. The aS tT. tivice repeated, and as often checked, h... ?i " liaving moved round in the dUch c overeH K . T"'^' added ,o the heavy clouS of 'si'XThich iia'dtS former, and several of their men, rlTehld deadiv wounds-our bastion was Jost. L eut M^onou Jlf being severely wounded, demanded n .arw "* ^ ' refused by Col Drummond~tr LLutenant hen .7' ed a handspike, and nobly defended tSf^^iT^^ r?fni:?V-^^" '''l^ ' P'^^°^' ^^ *»'^ moS 'who had efused him quar er ; who often reiterated the order ••pve the damned yankees no quarler " TM .ffl ' whose hravprv if u I J ""4"*»'>cr. 1 uis oihcer, ™.ent while repeatiW the orderf to " g ve rmq^er " fliJi,? li. • '".* :?"^"'y ™s repulsed and nut In light; thence, and from the centre, I ordered r.;!, forcements-they were promptly sent b v Rri5 r * i 232 the fort. Major Hindman^8 gallant efforts, aided by Major Trimble, having failed to drive the enemy from the bastion, with the remaining artillery and infantry, in the forts, Capt. Biid$all, of the 41h rifle regiment, with a detachment of riflemen, gallantly rushed in, through the gateway, to their assistance ; and, with some infantry, charged the enemy— but was repulsed, and the Captain severely wr»unded. A detachment from the 11th, 19th, and 22d infantry, under Capt. Fos- ter, of the 11th, were introduced over the interior bas- tion, for the purpose of charging the enemy ; Major liall, assistant Inspector-General, very handsomely ten- dered his services to lead the charge ; the charge was gallantly made by Capt. Foster, and Major Hall ; but - owing to the narrowness of the passage up to the bas- tion, admitting only 2 or 3 men abreast, it failed : — it was often repeated, and as often checked. The ene- my's force in the bastion was, however, much cut to pieces, and diminished, by our artillery and small arms. At this moment, every operation was arrested by the explosion of some cartridges, deposited in the end of the stone building, adjoining the contested bastion— the explosion was tremendous— -it was decisive — the bastion was restored. At this moment Capt. Biddle was ordered to cause a field piece to be posted, so as to enfilade the exterior plain and salient glacis. The Captain, though not recovered from a severe contusion in the shoulder, received from one of the enemy's shells, promptly took his position, and served his field piece with vivacity and effect. Capt. Fanning's battery, likewise, played upon them, at this time, with great effect— the enemy were, in a few moments, entirely defeated, taken, or put to flight, leaving on the field 221 killed, 174 wounded, and 186 prisoners— (581,) in- cluding 14 officers killed, and 7 woundeU and prison* ers ; a large portion are so severely wounded that they cannot survive ; the slightly wounded, it is presumed, were carried off. To Brig. Gen. Ripley, much credit is due, for the judicious disposition of the left wing, previous to the r fi -«k>,.^ 233 fantry handsomelj! contributed to he ItluW. ?,f /i"" Tw'hT ?f ""O^n^n'y. "nder Coll Sc.m'^'"''' "' ""> Lieut S,l'"'rn-'"'*f!?™"""'' '"" '•"""y "-nducl of ueui. «^olAspinwall, commanding the fiisi hriVJL merit approbation. To Major Al'ifea chief IniS^ ' the greatest credit is due, fir the excel en ""^^J"^"' «nd defending the right, and for his correc?anH I^i'^ ^ S:\t ur Tdt'r',:^ rd'?"'i •: f command of a regiment of TnftntTy'tttnrt'f ^ which he has ofteS proved himself wdrqualiieV tl never so conspicuously as on this occasio^ ' ' 1 owaon 5 battery emitted a constant sheet of fire- Wood's small arms lighted up the space, and renuk^ ve terrible charges made between the ba„er> Xd he lake. Bug. Cien. Ripley speaks in high ter.ns"f h! officers and men engaged, particularly Capla ns Ma s ton and Hopes. Lieutenants Kiddle, of .he l"lb (VlT ng duly wiih the 21st,) and Hall ; Enlns Vnn' P»ssed. The particular situation of Capt. To«v»on, and I G g 294 the much lamented Captain Williams and Lieutenant M^Donougt), and tliat of Lieut. Watmough, as already described, with their respective commands, rendered Ihein most conspicuous. The courage and good con- duct of Lieut. Zantzinger, and Lieut. Chiles, is spoken of in high terms, by Major Hind man and Captain Tow- son ; as also that of serjeant-major Denhon. Captains Biddle and Fanning, on the centre and right of their entrenchments, threw thfir shot to the right, left, and front, and annoyed the Indians, and light troops of the enemy, approaching from the woods. Lieut. Fontaine, in his zeal to meet the enemy, was unfortunately wounded, and made prisoner. Lieut. Bird was active and useful ; and, in fact, every individual of the corps did their duty. The detachment of Scott's gallant brigade, consist- ing of parts of the 9th, 1 1th, and 22d infantry, did its duty in a manner worthy the high reputation the bri- gade had acquired at Chippewa, and at the falls of Nia- gara. The 9th, under the command of Capt. E. Fos- ter, was actively engaged against the left of the enemy ; and, with the aid of Lieut. Douglass' corps of bombar- diers, commanding the water battery, and of that of the volunteers, under Captains Boughton and Harding, effected their repulse. I'he good conduct of Lieuts. Childs, Cushman, and Foote, and Ensign Blake, de- serves commendation. The officers killed, are Capt. Williams and Lieut. M'Donough, of the artillery — wounded, 6 other subal- tern officers, severely. . Lieut. Fontaine, of the artillery, who was taken pri- soner, writes from the British camp, that he fortunate- ly iell into the hands of the Indians, who, after taking bis money, treated him kindly — it would seem, then, that these savages had not joined in the resolution tc give no quarters. 1 have the honor, &c. E. P. GAINES, Bng. Gen. Comg. Hon. J. Armstrong, Sec. War. 'i^^Jt^- W0r 236i Belurn of the killed wounded, and misssing, CAme- ncaiis) m the above action, i;i>.-Killed, l7-wounded. |5b— missing, II— total 84. ' I^Aw'C i^lt,' .^^"i^P^'^^nded, and prisoners, taken at Hn o^,f '"' ^- P- ^"^- ^^' '8'4.--Killed, left on the held. 222 ; wounded, left on the field, 1 74 ; prison- |er9 taken, 186— total, 582. *^ flJt*^" hundred, supposed to be killed, on the left ank. near Snake Hill, (in the wat^r,) and permitted float down the Niagara ; the nutnber on the right flank, near the woods, could not be ascertained. \BHg. Gen. K. P.fli^ "^ "^'''^' ^"'- '•"^- «- Adjutant-General Baynes' official account of the labove, makes their loss between 900 and 1000. ■>\v »*« THE ADAMS DESTROYED. Copy of a letter from Capt. C. Morris, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated Portland, Sep ff 8th, 18H. SIR— It is with regret that I inform you we were compelled to destroy the Adams, at Hampden, on the morning of the 3d inst. to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy. All the officers effected their escape ; and I believe the crew, with the exception of Tery few, who were unable to travel : their precise number cannot yet be ascertained, as we were obliged to pursue different routes, for the purpose of obtaining provisions, through the woods, between the Penobscot and Kennebek. I am now engaged in collecting, and forwarding the men, with the utmost dispatch, to Portsmouth ; from which place I hope soon to forward a detailed account * i ! 236 of our proceedings. In the mean time, I request you to believe, that ttie olficers and crew of the ship ne- glected no means, in their power, for her defence. 1 have the honor, &c, C. MORRIS. Hon. W JoneSi Sec. Navy. U ♦ M'DONOUGH's VICTORY. Co^o/a letter from Commodore M'Donough, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated U. 8. S. Saratoga, off Plattgburg, Sept. lllh, I814. SIR — The Almighty has been pleased to grant usl a signal victory, (m Lake Champlain, in the capture ofl one frigate, one brig, and two sloops of war, of thef enemy. I have the honor, &c. T. M'DONOUGH, Comg. Hon. W. Jones, Sec. Navy. DEFENCE OF FORT MOREAU. Copy of a letter from General Macomb, to the Secretary of War, datedl Fort Moreauy Sept. 12, 1814. ^ SIR — I have the honor to inform you, that the Bri-I tisb army, consisting of four brigades, a corps of artil-l lery, a squadron of horse, and a strong light corps, amounting, in all, to about fourteen thousand men, after investing this place, on the north of Saranac river, since the 5th inst. broke up their camp, and raised the siege this morning, at 2 o'clock ; they are now retreat-! ing precipitately, leaving their sick and wounded be- hind. The enemy opened hiis batteries yesterday morn- ing, and continued the cannonading, bombarding, and focket-firing, until sunset ; by this time our batteries had completely silenced those of our opponents. I The light troops, and militia, are now m full pursuit 237 olthe enem^, making prisoners in all directions ; desert- ers arc continually com.nir in, so that the loss of the Brl tJsh army, ,„ this enterpnze, will be considerable , A more detailed report will be made of the siege, and circiimstances attendint^ it, as soon as possible. ^ 1 he officers, and men, have all done their duty. I'he artillery and the engineers, have performed their Amc!: tions, with a zeal and precision highfj creditable to them- selves, and honorable to their "country. Our loss is tntl.n;r, mdeed; havmg only 1 officer and 15 men killed and 1 officer and 30 men wounded ' The militia oINew-York, and volunteers of Vermont have been exceedmgly serviceable, and have evinced a de- kree of patriotism, and bravery, worthv of themselves and the states to which they respectively belong. The ImTile ^^"'"''" '' """'^ ^'^^^ """""^'^^ "«"' »«"^ I have the honor, &c. Hon. Sec. War. ^^^^* ^^^™«- VICTORY ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. of War, daied^ Copy of a letter from George Beale, Jun. to Com. WDonough, dated m H T K .u 1 ^' ^' ^' ^^^'^t^^fi^ ^epl' 1 3, 1 8 1 4. »iK-~l have the honor to enclose you a list of the kill- ed and wounded, on board of the dirferent vessels, of the squadron under your command, in the action of the 11th It is impossible to ascertain, correctly, the loss of the enemy ; from the best information received from the Bri^ S f!' ^'T ""f ?«'" observations, and from various sts, found on board the Confiance, I calculate the num- ber ol men, on board that ship at the commencement of the action, at 270, of whom, at least. 180 were killed and wounded; and, on board the other captured vessels, at jI^K^Tk^'"' I '"?'/" *^^t ^*^«'"' killed and wound- ea, zw. 1 his IS, doubtless, short of the real number, as J £3() many were llirown overboard, from the Confiance, durin(r the engagement. The muster-books must have been thrown overboard, or otherwise disposed of, as they are not to be found. I am, sir, &.c. GEO. BEALE, Juw. Purser. Thos. M'Donough^ Comg. FURTHER, OF M'DONOUGH'S VICTORY. C^y of a letter from Com. M'Donough, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated U. S. S. Saratoga, Flaltsburgh Bay, Sept. 13, 1814, SIR — I have the honor to give you the particulars of i the action, which took place on the 1 1 th instant on this lake. For several days the enemy were on their way to Plattsburgh, by land and water j and it being well under- stood, that an attack would be made, at the same time, by their land and naval forces, I determined to await, at anchor, the approach of the latter. At 8 o'clock, A. M. the look-out boat announced th« i approach of the enemy — at 9, he anchored in a line,! ahead, at about 300 yards distance from my line — his ship opposed to the Saratoga, b's brig to the Eagle, his I galiies, (13 in number,) to trie schooner, sloop, and a di- vision of our galiies ; one of his sloops assisting their ship and brig, the other assisting their galiies — our remaining galiies, with the Saratoga and Eagle. In this situation, the whole force, on both sides, became engaged; the Saratoga suffering much, from the heavy fire of the Confiance. I could perceive, at the same time,! however, that our fire was very destructive to her. The! Ticonderoga, Lieut. Comdt. Cassin, gallantly sustained! her full share of the action. At half past 10 o'clock, the Eagle, not being able to I bring her guns to bear, cut her cable, and anchored in a| more eligible position, between my ship and the Ticon- ^f • 23» icroga, where she very much annoyed the enemy, but unfortunately leaving me exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's bng. ?)ur guns, on the starboar!l side be- mg nearly all dismounted, or not manageable, a stem an- ZT \"' n'^^^^r' ^«^'^ ^"^ «"■.* men to the guns. Mr. Beale, Purser, was of great ser- vice at the guns, and in carrying raj orders throughout the ship, with Midshipman Montgomery. Master's mate, Joshua Justin, had command of the third division ; his conduct, during the action, was that of a brave and cor- rect officer. Midshipmen Monteath, Graham, William- son, Piatt, Theving, and acting Midshipman Baldwin, all behaved well, and gave evidence of their making valuable officers. The Saratoga was twice set on fire, by hot shot from the enemy's ship. I close, sir, tnis communication with feelings of grati- tude, for the able support I received from every officer and man attached to the squadron, which I have the hon- or to command. I have the honor, &c. T. M'DONOUGH. Hon. W. Jones, Sec. Navy. Return of killed and wounded^ on board the U. States squadronyin the above action. — Killed, 52; wounded, SB- total, 1 10. Our force amounted to 86 guns — that of the enemy to 95 guns. ^^ W %■ Mi' SORTIE NEAR FORT ERIE. Copy of a letter from Major-General Brown, to the Secretary oj' War, dated H. Q. Fort Erie, Sept. 18, 1814. SIR — I have the satisfaction to announce to you a bril- liant achievement, yesterday effected by the forces under my command. A sortie was made upon the enemy's bat- teries — these were carried ; we blew up hi- principal work, destroyed his battering pieces, and captured 400 prisoners. The enemy resisted our assault witn firmness^ but suffered greatly — his total loss cannot be less than 800 men. liot shot from 241 In such a business, we could not but expect to lose many valuable hves; they were offered up V voluntary sacr^ce to the s.fety and honor of this army and natlo^ I will forward to you the particulars of this splendid af- fair, with a return of the killed and wounded, in the course of a [ew days. , Very respectfully, &c. Hon. See. of War. JACOB BROWN. GEN. MACOMB'S DETAILED KEPORT. Copy of a letter from Brig. Gen. Macomb, to (he Secretary of War, dated ^' ^ P^^^^^^^rg^* Sept. 15, 1814. bIR--.I have the honor to communicate, for the informa- tion of the war department, the particulars of the advance oi the enemy into the territory of the U. States, the cir- cumstances attending the siege of Plattsburgh, and the dejence of the posts entrusted to my charge. The Governor-General of the Canadas, Sir Georce Preyost, having collected all the disposable force of Low- er Canada, with a view of conquering the country as far as Crown-pomt and Ticonderoga, entered the territory of the U. States, on the first of the month, and occupied the Village of Champlain— there avowed his intentions, and issued orders and proclamations, tending to dissuade the people from their allegiance, and inviting them to furnish his army with provisions. He immediately began to im- press the waggons, and teams, in the vicinity, and loaded them v7ith his heavy baggage and stores ; from this, I was persuaded he intended lo attack this place. I had but just returned from the lines, where I had commanded a [ne brigade, which was broken up to form the division of Maj. Gen. Izard, ordered to the westward. Being senior officer, he left me in command ; and, except the four com- panies of the 6th regiment, I had not an organized batta- lion among those remaining ; the garrison was composed convalescents, and the recruits of the new regiments—- all in the greatest confusion, as well as the ordnance and stores, and the works in no state of defence. To create H h Jl: V * "* V^ S' 1 'I :?: ^y^ :| r •** ■■ ^^ 242 an emulation and zeal, among the oUicers and men in completing the works, I divided them into detachments and placed them near the several forts— declaring, in or- ders, that each detachment was the garrison of its own work, and bound to defend it to the last extremity. The enemy advanced cautiously, and by short marches and our soldiers woi ked day and night ; so that, by the time he made his appearance before the place, we were prepared to receive him. Gen. Izar^ named the principal work Fort Moreau • and, to remind the troops of the actions of their brave countrymen, I called the redoubt, on the right, fort Brown • and that on the left, fort Scott ; besides these three works we have two block-houses, strongly fortified. Finding, on examining the returns of the garrison, that our force did not exceed fifteen hundred men for duty, and well informed that the enemy had as many thousand, I called on Gen. Mooers, of the New- York militia, and arranged, with him, plans for bringing forth the militia, en masse. The inhabitants of the village fled, with their fa- milies and effects, except a few Worthy citizens, and some boys, who formed themselves into a party, received rifles, and were exceedingly useful. By the 4th of the month, Gen. Mooers collected about 700 militia, and advanced 7 miles on the Beekman Town road, to watch the motions of the enemy, and to skirmish with him as he advanced — also, to obstruct the roads with fallen trees, and to break up the bridges. On the lake road, at Dead-creek bridge, 1 posted 200 men, unde Capt. Sproul, of the 13th regiment, with orders to abatti the woods, to place obstructions in the road, and to fortifi himself; to this party I added two field pieces. In at' Tance of that position, was Lieut. Col. Appling, with 11 riJIeraen, watching the movements of the enemy, and pr(^ curing intelligence. It was ascertained that, before day light on the 6th, the enemy would advance in two columns on the two roads before mentioned, dividing at Sampson's a little below Chazy village. The column, on the Beek man Town road, proceeded most rapidly; the militi skirmished with their advanced parties, and, except a fe ^Rrb.'- « 243 fire on them, except \" to„& ^J'' T' '^'T '» "roles. The nightVevious! o^ Mafor WoT,^ '^^ , ranee, with a detachment of 23ri m.„ ,' Wool to ad- litia, and set them an e "amDlfof T ' '"PP,"" "* ""'■ Leonard, of the liVht »rtS *'T''' ' '»'^'' Captain with t,vo' piecet t^t Int'^^rZdte"'^ ,'° ^'^'^ did not make his appearate" Z^i 8 nt'T t'^T^'' !'" -my had approach'eS withb .rLJe: of thetS ''"' .aoy, but the mSitia^'oodSt- Le p°ti7ed ^T "'^i' notwuhstanding the exertion; of tErOenlraT an"d ^ ff officers, although the fiolH. u,.™ i- • , , "'™'' and stafl Ualls, and they were toW 11,!,^ "'''' '">' '""™S """^ My cnt them y The 3,ato fr.T'"^ -^^W not oossi- «ear red coats; and! they teh,»S"'h ?'^,New-fork, Ihe enemy, gave constant L™? 1 """..^P'Sh's lo watch *em/orL^;e™:rd'£Ci^ -^g:; r^i IFindina: the enemv's r>ol.»«.r,o V j ^^ » " *"®"^ ''ear. a destructive fire from li^. r fl! JT V ^^'^ ^^ Po^^ed in toannoythecoTumTL Ih r ™'"/*.'^^*' ""^ continued ?ool Th! S • }f ^'''"'^^ ^ J"n<^t'o« with Major enemy, th^at he neve^ del" d"" k' ^TT^' ^^« ^^^ ways pressing on rcolu^rt'"^-^'' T^^^^ "^^^^' ^^- lf,„* L- r'"*e'^on> and to cover tlie retivAt nfih^ :„ -f the wo^ts^ 'The'te^y^Ko^ "c::^:;^ t- ''n f * '■4! 244 the bouses near the bridge, and kept up a constant firing from the windows and balconies, and annoyed us much~>- 1 ordered them to be driven out with hot snot, which soon put the houses in flames, and obliged these sharp-shoot- ers to retire. The whole day, until it was too late to see, the enemy's light troops endeavored to drive our guards from the bridge ; but they suffered dearly for their per- severance. An attempt was also made to cross the upper brido-e, where the militia handsomely drove them back. tSc column which marched by the lake road, was much impeded by obstructions, and the removal of the bridge at Dead-creek ; and, as it passed the creek and beach, the gallies kept up a lively and galling fire. Our troops being now all on the south side of the Sara- nac, I directed the planks to be taken off the bridges, and piled up in the form of breast-works, to cover our oarties mtended for disputing the passage, which afterwards ena- bled us to hold the bridges against very superior numbers. : From the 7 th to the 11 th, the enemy was employed in getting his battering train, and erecting his batteries and approaches, and constantly skirmishing at the bridges I and fords. By this time, the militia ol New-York, and volunteers from Vermont, were pourin^ in from all quar-l ters. I advised Gen Mooers to keep his force along the i Saranac, to prevent the enemy crossing the river, and to send a strong body in his rear, to harrass him day and night, and keep him in continual alarm. The militia be- haved with great spirit after the first day, and the volun- teers from Vermont were exceedingly serviceable. Our regular troops, notwithstanding the constant skirmishing, and repeated endeavors of the enemy to cross the river, kept at their work, day and night, strengthening their defences, and evinced a determination to hold out to thef last extremity. . I It was reported that the enemy only awaited the arri-| val of his flotilla, to make a general attack. About 8, onl the morning of the 11th, as was expected, the flotillal appeared in sight, round Cumberland Head, and at 9, borej down and engaged our flotilla, at anchor, in the bay, offl this town. At the same instant, the batteries were opened] SWsi 245 on us, and continued throwing bomb-shelli, shrapnelli, balls, and Congreve rockets, until sun-set, when the bom- bardment ceased ; every battery of the enemy being si- lenced by the superiority of our fire. The naval engage- ment lasted 2 hours, in full view of both armies; three efforts were made, by the enemy, to pass the river at the commencement of the cannonade and bombardment, with a view of assaulting the works, and had prepared for that purpose an immense number of scaling ladders ; one at- tempt was made to cross at the village bridge ; another at the upper bridge ; and a third, at a ford, about three miles from the works; — at the two first he was repulsed hy the regulars j at the lord, by the brave volunteers and militia—where he suffered severely in killed, wounded, and prisoners, a considerable body having passed the stream, but were either killed, taken, or driven back. — The woods, at this place, were very favorable to the ope- rations of our militia; a whole company of the 76th regi- ment was here destroyed — the three Lieutenants, and 27 men, prisoners; the Captain, and the rest, killed. I cannot forego the pleasure of here stating the gallant conduct of Captain M'Glassin, of the 15th regiment, who was ordered to ford the river, and attack a party con- structing a battery on the right of the enemy's line, with- 1 in 500 yards of fort Brown— which he handsomely exe- cuted, at midnight, with 50 men ; drove off the working party, consisting of 150, and defeated a covering party of the same number — killing one officer, and 6 men, in the charge, and wounding many. At dusk, the enemy with- drew his artillery from the batteries, and raised the siege; and, at 9, under cover of the night, sent off all the heavy baggage he could find transport for, and also his artillery —at 2, the next morning, the whole army precipitately retreated, leaving the sick and wounded to our generosi- ty, and the Governor left a note with a surgeon, request- ing the humane attention of the commanding General. Vast quantities of provision were left behind, and destroy- ed; also, an immense quantity of bomb-shells, cannon balls, graoe shot, ammunition, flints, &c. &c. ; intrenching tools of all sorts, also tents, and marquees. A great quan- I l^<' m 246 lily has been found in the ponds and creeks, and buried in the grouiid---and a vast quantity carried off by the iniiabi- lants. Such was the precipitance of his retreat, that he arrived at Chazy, a distance of 8 miles, before we had dis- covered he had ^one. The hght troops, volunteers, and mihtia, pursued immediately, on learning his flight; and some of the mounted men made prisoners 5 dragoons, of the 1 9th, and several others of the rear guard. ^A conti- nued fall of rain, and a violent storm, prevented further pursuit. Upwards of 300 deserters have come in, and many are hourly arriving. The conduct of the officers, non-commissioned officer^ and soldiers, of my command, during this trying occasion' cannot be represented in too high terms ; and ffeel it my duty to recommend, to the particular notice of govern- inent, Lieut. Col. Appling, of the 1st rifle corps; Major Wool, of the 29th; Major Totten, of the corps of engi- neers; Captain Brooks, of the artillery ; Captain M'Glas- sin, of the 15th; Lieutenarts De Russy antf Trescott, of the corps of engineers ; Lieutenants Smyth, Mountford, and Cromwell, of the artillery; also, my aid, Lieut. Root, who have all distinguished themselves, by their uncom- mon zeal and activity, and have been greatly instrumen- tal in producmg the happy and glorious result of the siege. I have the hftnor, &c. ALEX.MACOMR The loss of the enemy, in killed, wounded, prisoners, and deserters, since his first appearance, cannot fall short of 2,500, including many officers, among whom is Colonel Wellington, of the Buffs. Beturn of killed and wounded, on the American side, during the skirmishing and bombardment above described': Killed, 37— wounded, 66— missing, 20— total, 123. The principal officers of the British army, under Sir G. Prevost, are named by Gen. Macomb in the above ac- count ; and the particuUir description of forces, how many 247 BATTLE NEAR BALTIMORE. ^W of a letter from Maj General Smith, to the Secretary of IVar, dated • ^ '' H. Q. Baltimore, Sept. 19, 1 014. hlf *h ' ,^ T\'l ^^^^ "°^ t'^e ^onor of statinff. oay the 12th inst. at North Point, 14 miles distant from SCdettt'r''"^'^!? ^^'^^^^^'-' Gen. Stricke ftaa been detached, on Sunday evening, with a portion of h.s brigade, on the North Pofnt road.^ MaL Car nf flfco^'f 'T*^ "'"^'^J ^^^-g underK^i^a hght corps of riflemen, and musquetry, taken from G^„ Stansbuy 's brigade, and the Pennsylvania volunteers was* detached to the mouth of Bear Creek, with orders to c^ I T.T.^''^ Gen. Strieker, and to check any landing Uhich the enemy might attempt in that quarter of Monday, Brig. Gen. Strieker toik a good position, at the junction of the two roads, leading from this place T^ North Point having his nght flanked %y Bear cLk, and h^' left by a marsh ; he here awaited the approach of the enemy, having sent on an advanced corps, under thfcom- mand of Major Heath, of the 5th regimen t. This advan^ jvas met bv that of the enemy, and after some skiimthTn^ . returnecl to the hne, the main bodvof the enemTbS 2^5 f M ^f T" "* '^^' °^ '^^^ advance. Between 2 and 3 o'clock, the enemy's whole force came up and commenced the battle by some discharges of rSk'?. which were succeeded by the cannon, f?om both side ' nd soon after, the action became general throug the ne. Gen. Strieker ^Hantly maintained his gTou^ against a great superiority of numbers, during the^spacc left r^hTi'^ •^- "^'""^'^^ ^^^"' '^' regiSent on his ^ft (the 5 St) giving way, he was under the necessity ^• retiring to the ground in his rear, where he had stalbned ne regiment as a reserve. He here formed his britf^de but the enemjr not thinking it advisable to pursue'fe! in compliance with previous arrangements, l\\ U^Z 11 ; >,-*^*t^r-?'->.^- 248 took post on the left of my entrenchments, and a half mile m advance of them. In this affair, the citizen soldiers of Baltimore, with the exception of the 51st regiment, have maintained the repu- tation they so deservedly acquired at Bladensburgh ; and their brave, and skilful leader has confirmed the confidence, which wc had all so justly placed in him. I take the liberty of referring you to his letter, for the more particular men- tion of the individuals, who, new to warfare, have shown the coolness and valor of veterans ; and who, by their con- duct on this occasion, have given their country, and their city, an assurance of what may be expected from them, when their services are again required. I cannot dismiss the subject without expressing the heartfelt satisfaction I experience, in thus bearing testimony to the courage and good conduct of my fellow-townsmen. About the time Gen. Strieker had taken the ground just mentioned, he was joined by Brig. Gen. Winder, who had been stationed on the west side of the city ; but was now ordered io march with Gen. Douglass' brigade of Virginia militia, and the U. States dragoons, under the command of Captain Bird, and take post on the left of Gen. Strieker. During these movements, the brigades of Generals Stansbury and Foreman, the seamen and marines, under Com. Rodgers, the Pennsylvania volunteers, under Colonels Cobean and Findley, the Baltimore artillery, under Col. Harris, and the marine artillery, under Capt« Stiles, manned the trench> es and the batteries, all prepared to receive the enemy— we remained in this situation, during the night. On Tuesday, the enemy appeared before my entrench- ments, at the distance of two miles, on the Pniladelphia road, from whence he had a full view of our position. He manoeuvred, during the morning, towards our left, as if with intention of making a circuitous march, and coming down on the Harford or York roads. Generals Winder and Strieker were directed to adapt their move- ments to those of the enemy, so as to baffle this supposed intention ; they executed this order with great skill and judgment, by taking an advantageous position, stretching from my left across the country, where the enemy was U49 likely to approach the quarter he seemed to threaten;-. th.9 movement induced the enemy to concentrate his /ois. ces (between 1 and 2 o'clock) in my front, pushing, his ttdrance to withm a mde of us, drivinoin our v.dettesand showmg an intention of attacking us that evoninp-. im- »ned.ate)y drew Generals Winder and Strieker nearer To the left of m^ intrenchments, and to tiie liHit of tiie ene- my, with an intention of their falling on his^rio-ht, or roar, [should he attack mej or, if he declined it, ol" attackin<^ nim in the morning. *^ Tbfhis movement, and to the strength of my defences, [which the enemy had the fairest opportunity'of obacrv- mg) 1 am induced to attribute his retreat, which was com- menced at half past 1 o'clock, on Wednesday morninc.^ \m this he was so favored, by the extreme darkness Snd continued rain, that wc did not discover it until day-hVht. I consented to Gen. Winder'^ pursuing, with the VhSnk brigade and the U. States dragoons? at the same lime Major Randal was dispatched, with his light corps in pursuit, oh the enemy's right, whilst the whSle of tlie mi^ iitia cavalry was put in motion for the same object. All the troops Were, however, worn out with continued watch- ing, and with being under arms three days and ni«-hts. exposed, a greater part of the time, to very inclement weather, that it was found impracticable to do any thino- more than pick up a fe^y stragglers. The enemy com"- menced his embarkation that evening, and completed it the next day at 1 o'clock; it would have been impossible, even had our troops been in a condition to act offbnsivelv, have cut off any part of the enemy's rear guard durino- he embarkation, as the point where it was etfected wasi (lelended from our approach by a line of defences, extend- ing h-om Back-river to Humphy's Creek, on the Patapsco, , thrown up by ourselves, previous to their arrival. I have |ilow the pleasure of calling yoUr attention to the brave commander of Fort M'Henry, Major Armistead, and to . .he operations confined to that quarter. The enemy made Ills approach by water, at the same time he did bV land. 1 5r)d commenced a discharge of bombs and rockets at thfi T i h I my. . 2rjo [f rsy w% fl Bfi [\ lut B* ^^^^B^l;^ « M^ K ^^^Kjfl 11 r m 1 siM .1* ^^kII 1 >R ^^^^^^vila in e fort, as soon as he came within range of it The situatioo of Major Arinihtead was peculiarly trying, the enemv having taken his position at 8uch a distance as to ren. der offensive operations, on the part of the fort, entire* ]y fruitless, whilst their honr)b»and rockets were every moment falling in and about it; the officers and men being at the same time entirely exposed. The vessels, however, had the temerity to approach somewhat near- er — they were soon compelled to withdraw. During the night, whilst the enemy on land was re> treating, and whilst the bombardment was the most se- vere, two or three rocket-vessels, and barges, succeed- ed in getting up the ferry branch ; but they were soon compelled to retire, by the forts in that quarter, coin- manded by Lieut. Newcomb, of the navy, and Lieut. Webster, of the flotilla — these boats also destroyed | one of the barges, with all on board ; the barges and] battery, at the Lazaretto, under the command of Lieut. Rutter, of the flotilla, kept up a brisk, and it is believ- ed a successful fire, during the hottest period of the bombardment. Major Armistead being seriously ill, in consequence of his continued exposure to the wea- ther, has rendered it impossible for him to send in his report. It is not, therefore, in my power, to do justice to those gallant individuals who partook with him the danger of a tremendous bombardment, without the ability of retorting, and without the security, which, inl more regular fortifications, is provided for* such occa-l sions. The loss, in the fort, is 4 killed, and 24 wound-l cd ; (the wounded will all recover.) The killed and! wounded of Gen. Strieker's brigade, is believed to bel about LW— among the former is James Lowry Donald-I son. Adjutant of the 27th. | I cannot conclude this report without informing youl of the great aid I have derived from Com. Kodgers— liej was ever present, and ever ready to afford his useful counsel, and to render his important services ; his pre^ sence, with that of his gallant officers and seamen, gav« confidence to every one. 251 I have the honor, &c. Hon. Sec, War,^^''^'' ''"^«' ^^"^ ^-- ^«-^. DEFENCE OP FORT M'HENRY. Ccpyo/a Uttcr/rom Lieut Col. A.^isUad, tothe Secretary of War, dated ' ■' A ««tr^ • A' . ^^''^ ^'Henry, Sept. 24lh, 1814. A severe indisposition, the effect of great fatiffue and exposure, has prevented me, heretofore, from p.^^^^^^^^^ m ni^ht of Saturday the JOth insJ. the British fleet consKs„ng of ships of the line, heavy frigates a 3 bc^^b vessels, amounting, in the whole, to 30 sail appeal al the mouth of the river Patapsco, vvi.h ever/?ndTJ .on of an attempt on the city of Baltimore. My own force consisted of one company of United States artil- lery, under Capt. Evans,andtwo companies of sea-fen- cibles. under Captains Bunbury and Addis near to fort Covington, when thoy began to throw rockets— inlendcd, I presuu.e, to give them an oppiMtur.ity of examining the shores : as I have fince understood, they had detached 1250 picked men. with scaling hidfjers, for the purpose of s(o,ming this fort. We onro more had an opportunity of opening our bat- teries, and krpt \ip a coi^tinued blaze for nearly two hours, wliici, had I ho ellect again to drive them ofT In justice to Lieut Newcomb, of the U. States navy • who co.nmand.Ml at fort Covington, whh a detachment ot sailors, and L.eut. \Vi.b8ter, of the flotilla, who com- manded the SIX gun ballery, near that fort, 1 ou«rht to state, that, diu ing this ti,ne,they kept up an animated, and I believe a very destructive fire, to which, 1 am persuaded, we are much indebted in repulsing the ene- my. One of his sunken barges has since been found with two dead men in it— otiutrs have been seen float' ing in the river. The only means we had of directing- our guns, was by the blaze of their rockets, and t\w flashes ot their guns. Had they ventured to the same situation in the day-time, not a man would have es- caped. The bombardment continued, on the part of thcyene- my, until 7 o'clock on Wednesday morning, when it ceased ; and about nine, their ships got under weigh and stood down the river. During the bombardment' which lasted 25 hours, (with two slight intermissions,) trom the best calculation I can make, from fifteen to eighteen hundred shells were thrown by the enemy A few of these fell short. A large proportion burst over us, throwing their fragments among us, and threat^ ening destruction. Many passed over/ and about four hundred fell within the works. Two of the public y:M Ki^# ^w' ^Kf^k¥^^ j^Sil EiH>|K H,fml^?BB^ R'lyiv mm 254 buildings are materially injured— the others but slight- ly. I am happy t"r Ijne We had already suffered much from the fire of two of their batteries, and were aware that a third was about to open upon us. Under theS circumstances. I resolved to storm' the batteries, de troy the cannon, and roughly handle the brigade upon til before those in reserve could be brought into action On the morning of the 17th. the inffntri and J flel men regulars and militia, were ordered to 'be paraded and put in readiness to march, precisely at 12 o'clock fhlV^T"' '^^'^ 't X«»""teers. Colonel Gibson! with he rflemen ond Major Brooks, with the 23d a. d " infantry and a kv^ dragoons, acting as infantry were ordered to move from the extreme left of our Kon upon the enemy's right, by a passage opened ^rorh he woods for the occasion, den. Miller was diSd to station his conimand in the ravine, which lies between fort Erie and the enemy's batteries, by passiiiffihpm fetw f^r"/' ^^'•'T^h^he skirts of t^^ wool; and the 2l8t infantry, under Gen. Ripley, was posted as a corps of reserve, between the new bastions of fort Erie aI""*'*«;^'^*'''^''' ^"^ ""^ °f the view of the enemv About 20 minutes before 3. P. M. I found theTeft columns under the command of Gen. Porter which rnTnffh'^R'^v'l*"';" the enemy's right, with n a few rods of the British entrenchments. They were ordered advance, and commence the action. Passing down hat he action had commenced on our left; I now has- tened to Gen. Miller, and directed him to seize the mo bTtteVe^ Nr2\Vd^ entrenchment, betwe", oaueries JNo. 2 and 3. My orders were promptly and ably executed. \\ ithin 30 minutes after the first lut was fired, batteries ^o. 3 and 2, Ihe eneZ^sliJnl entrenchments, and his two block-house" were in om rtrBdtisb ThI'"' '^*-*^^^f " ' w^sabandonTl oy the iiutigb. 1 he guns, m each, were spiked by us. 256 >, ftr otherwise destroyed, and the magazine of No. S was blown up. A few minutes before the explosion, I had ordered up the reserve, under Gen. llipley ; as he passed me, at the head of his column, I desired him, as he would be the senior in advance, to ascertain, as near as possi* 6le, the situation of the troops in general, and to have a care, that not more was hazarded than tlie occasion re- quired ; that the object of the sortie etl'ected, the troops would retire, in good order, &c. — Gen. Ripley passed rapidly on. Soon after, I became alarmed for General Miller, and sent an order for the 2 J st to hasten to hk support, towards battery No. 1 : Col. Upham received the order, and advanced to the aid of Gen. Miller.— fien. Ripley had inclined to the left, where Maj. Brooks' command was engaged, with a view o( making some ne- sessary enquiries of that olKcer; and, in the act of doing so, was unfortunately wounded. By this .irae* ihe object of the sortie was accomplished beyond my most sanguine expectations. Gen. Miller had conse- quently ordered the troops, on the right, to fall back ; ; observing this movement, I sent my stafl" along the line to call m the other corps. Within a few minutes, they retired from the ravine, and from thence to camp. Thus, one thousand regulars, and an equal portion of I militia, in one hour of close action, blasted the hopes of the enemy, destroyed the fruhs of fifty days laboi', and diminished his eflective force 1000 men, at least.— | I am si a loss to express my satisfaction at the gallant conduct of the officers and men of this division, whose , valor has shaae superior to every trial. Gen. Porter^ j in his official report, herein enclosed, has very proper- ly noticed those patriotic citizens, who have done Sf) { much honor to themselves, by freely, and voluntarilj j tendering theis- services, at a dangerous and critical} period. As the scene of action was in the Wood, in advance | of the position t had chosen for directing the move raents of the whole, the several reports of the command *nts of eorps must guide me, in noticing individuals. 257 the rifle corps devolved, upon the fall of thA hrl! J e reports generally, .hat .he b,.very and^tdZl Major Brooks, to whom much credit is due for thp distmguished manner in which he executed the oiVers nit rf .' '^^^^' ^" ^'^h t«^"^« «f Lieuts Goodel? ot the 23d— particularly of the latter. Also of Canf Simms, Lieutenants Bissel, Shore, and BrSot of theTf* infantry, and L«3ut. Watts of the dragooT sP.tp^"oftf ""r ^P« "\' ''^'* ^"""^ command of the re- set ve, after Gen. R.pley was disabled, bestows ^reaf praise upon Major Chambers, of the 1th rS Lit of riflemen, attached to the 21st infantrv L SIT Capt. Bradford, and Lieut Holl'^hhattaiJ^^^ My staff Col. Snelling, Col. Gartnet X'o/S' and my aid-de-camp. Major Austin, and Lieut Arm strong weije, as usual, zealous, intelligent and activt ;;;l&tife' '''''' '"^^ -quirelof them to ^^ Major Hall assistant Inspector Gen. led a balallion Le^t K-rhv'^Tf'*"^^^^'^ ^^^" «"d gallantry- Lieut Kirby, aid-de-camp to Gen. Ripley, was ex- J^^fu'^^u^ ^'■^^^'' ''^"^ ^'^^^^ ^e^-e in Gen. Porter's hpfr .7 ^^""^'y '''^' conspicuous, and no officers of their grade were more useful. Ihe corps of artillery, commanded by Major Hind- man, which has been so eminently distinguished through- n; 258 out this campaign, had no opportunity of taking a part in the soitie. The 25th iniantry, under Col. Jessup, was stationed in fort Erie, to bold the key of our po- sition. Col. Brady, on whose firmness and good conduct every reliance i )uld be placed, was on command at Bufialoe, with the remains of the 22d infantry. Lieut. Col. M'Bea, and Li^ut Col. Wood, of the corps of en- gineers, have rendered to this army services the most important ; I must seize the opportunity of again men- tioning them, particularly : on every trying occasion, I have reaped much benefit from their sound and excel- lent advice ; no two officers of their grade could have contributed more to the safety and honor of this army. Wood, brave, generous, and enterprizing, died, as he had lived— without a feeling, but for the honor of his country and the glory of her arms ; — his name and ex- ample will live, to guide the soldier in the path of duty, so long as true heroism is held in estimation. M'Rea lives to enjoy the approbation of every virtuous and generous mind, and to receive the reward due to his services and high military talents. It is proper here to notice, that although but one third of the enemy's force was on duty when his works were carried, the whole were brought into action while we were employed in destroying his cannon. We secur- ed prisoners from seven of his regiments, and know that the 6th and 82d suffered severely m killed and wounded, yet these regiments were not upon duty. Lieut. Gen. Drummond broke up his camp, during the HJght of the 21 st, and retired to his entrenchments, be- hind the Chippewa. A party of our men came up with the rear of his army, at Frenchman's Creek ; the enemy destroyed part of their stores, by setting fire to the build- ings from which they were employed m conveying them. We found, in and about their camp, a considerable quanti- ty of cannon ball, and upwards of one hundred stand of arms. I send you, enclosed herein, a return of our loss. The 2^9 return of prisoners inclosed does not include the strao- giers that came in after the action. I have the honor, &c. „ ^ „, JACOB BROWN. Hon. Sec, War. I -?«/»<>»■(' DEFENCE OF FORT BOWYER. f^^ofi letter from Ma;. Oen. Jackson, to the Secretary o/War, daltd , H. Q. 7th M. D. Mobile, Sept. 1 7, 1 8 1 4. SIR — ^With lively emotions of satisfaction I communi- cate, that success has crowned the gallant efforts of our brave soldiers, in resisting and repulsing a combined Bri- tish naval and land force, which, on the 15th inst. attack- ed fort Bowyer, on the Point of Mobile. I enclose a copy of the official report of Major William Laurence, of the 2d infantry, who commanded. In addi- tion to the particulars communicated in his letter, I. have learnt that the ship, which was destroyed, was the Her- mes, of from 24 to 28 guns, Captain the hon. William H. Percy, senior officer in the gulf of Mexico ; and the brig, 80 considerably damaged, is the Sophie, 18 guns. Captain Lockyer. The other ship was the Carron, of from 24 to 28 guns, Capt. Spencer, son of Earl Spencer — the other brig's name unknown. On board of the Carron, 85 men were killed and wounded, among whom was Col. Nicoll, of the royal marines, who lost an eye, by a splinter. The land force consisted of 110 marines, and 200 Creek In- dians, under the command of Capt. Woodbine, of marines, and about 20 artillerists, with one four and a half inch howitzer, from which they discharged shells and 91b. shot. 263 Thev re-embarked the piece, and retreated, by land, to- wards Pensacola, whence they came. In fZ r^'^.TT"? '^PO'^of the 16th, there were present in the fort, fit for duty, officers and men, 158. The result ol this engagement has stamped a character on the war m this quarter, highly favorable to the American arms- it is an event, from which may be drawn the most favora- ble augury. . An achievement so glorious in itself, and so important in Its consequences, should be appreciated by the govern- ment; and those concerned are entitled to, and will doubtless receive, the most gratifying evidence of the ap- probation of their countrymen. ^ In the words of Major Laurpnce, « where all behaved well. It IS unnecessary to discriminate ;" but all beinc me- ritorious, I beg leave to annex the names of the officers who were engaged and present, and hope they will, indi- vidually, be deemed worthy of distinction : rw^'^W^'l''^"'r ^u*"""^"^,^; 2d infantry, commanding; Capt. Walsh, of the artillery; Captains Chamberlafn Brownlow, and Bradley, of the 2d infantry; Capt Sands dep com. of ordnance ; Lieuts. Villard, Sturffes,V:Jonwav' H. Sanders, T. R. Sanders, Brooks, Davis, and C. Saun- ders, all of the 2d infantry. I am confident that your own feelings will lead you to participate in my wishes, on this subject— permit me to suggest the propriety and justice of allowing to this ffal- lant band the value of the vessel destroyed by them. I am, &c. H o ANDREW JACKSON, iltfo/. Ge«. Co«,^. Hon See. of War, '^ I DESTRUCTION OF THE PIRATES. Copy of a letter from Commodore Patterson, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated •' New-OrleanSy lOth Oct. 1814. I ^^^""',h*ve very great satisfaction in reporting to you, that the contemplated expedition against the pirate-s iM4 so long, and strongly established among the western islands and waters of this state, ol" which f had the honor to inform you, by my letter of the lOth ult. has terminated in the capture and destruction of all their vessels in port- their establishments on the island of Grand 1 erre, Grand- Isle, and Cheniere Caminada; and the dispersion of the band themselves. The successful issue of this attack upon them, will, I trust, prevent their ever coilecting again, in sufficient force to injure the commerce of this state. The force of the pirates was twenty pieces of cannon, mounted, of different calibres, and, as I have learnt since my arrival, from 800 to 1000 men, of all nations and colors. 1 have brought with me, to this city, six fine schoonersj and one felucca, crurzers and prizes of the pirates—and one btrmed schooner, under Carthagenian colors, found in company, and ready to oppose the force under my com- mand. Herewith I have the honor to transmit u detailed ac- count of this expedition, which I hope will prove satisfac- tory to the department ; as also a copy oi a letter fromi Lafitte, the Cfiief of the pirntes, to Capt. Lockyer, of his B. M. brig Suphin, which forms the conclusion of a correspondence bef ween the English commanders in thei gulf of Mexico and the Floridas, and the pirates, copies of I which his excellency Gov. Claiborne informs me, he trans- f mitted to the department of state. This correspondence shows the importance of the t xpedition, and the impor- tant species of force we have prevented the enemy's re- ceiving, by their proposed alliance with the pirates, and added to our own. I have the honos, &c. DANl. T. PATTERSON. Hon. W. Jones. AFFAIR NEAR CHIPPEWA. On th/^ 18th October, 1814, Gen. Izard had directed] Gen. Bi&bci to proceed against the enemy near Chippewa,] 265 which he did, with lOno men-^mv^ iU strayed near 200 bushels of^™L*^ *"'""^' «"^ ^^^ General Bissel reports ha owS?' ' ^'?T"^ ^^ *^'«"»-- wounded and ^isC^t^t^aUT '" ''^^^*^ ^^ '2- J'; tr 7.it:nf "'"•' ^" ^^« «^'^' -'^o -- bu. FtJHTHER ACCOUNT. GENERAL ORDERS. H. Q. of the Pfopthern Army. Th. A- '■ ''' "*" ''°'* ^"*' October 23d. 1814 place „„ J 19.hX leen : d^tCnfr J'^if'? ""''' and a superior force of the enemy *"" ''"S'"''. lish troops. He «.aXlfr„ra"S'' K^' *"" |ne of the 1 8 th, with parts of thf 5^h i dH .V°? ""^ ""'"'- .nrantrjr, a small party rfZ«'. i '*""' ""'' '«* riflemen, the „h.l?, j^ Ir Vr'drrvL" hT^""/ "^ a picket, of which they made ihT ^ ^ r ** ""«■" frfsoner, they encampei^fo" ,4 Ltirr'-^'-S officer Lyon's Creet two lighl- nfanirv .* ' ^.""""S "-evond Dorman. 5lh, and liu Ho^l S-'f"' """'"Cant riflemen, under Capt. I"ine°7 picket 'nt,^^^^^^ *« road, commanded by Lieut G,,S1. " Chippewa iwo couipanies of feWrv ^"7' ."" "'"'^^'"1 bj beaten back, with loss T7,h? •'''■>'; "•"<='' '"e™ detachment ^IL atirked b^^ a ekX^if j^f^""'- ""' not less than 1200 stroDi Th! r i,?? J*^ ** '"^inr. Cap. Dorman, and ir^V J^^,,'* ;;K».;7. undj; 8re of tile enemy, for fifteen mii, ,.«V j • . ? "''"''« |4e 5th and .4th were formed- ieA,l"™S '"\"='' '™' ^.coi.«„ckney,7Sfi''M?rfcrrt^ ■ Ju I u !i mi i ! 266 14tli, ^vlio greatly distinguished himseli', by the ofHcer- like style in which he conducted his battalion. The ene- my were compelled to a precipitate retreat, and hid them- selvcSf once more, behind their fortifications. Bri^. Gen. Bissell particularly mentions the skill and intrepidity of Col. Snclnng, Inspector^eneral, Col. Pinck- ney, commanding the 5th regiment, Major Barnard, 14th infantry. Major Barker, 45th infantry, acting with the 5th, Capt. Dorman, Capt. Allison, (whose horse was shot un- der him,) and Brigade-Major, Lieut. Prestman, of the 5th. Lieutenant Anspaugh, of dragoons, was conspicu- ous, by his alertness in communicating the Brigadier-Ge- neral's orders, during the action. It is with the highest satisfaction, that the commanding General tenders, to the brave officers and troops, of the 2d brigade of the right division, his thanks, for their good conauct on this occa- sion. The firmness of the 15th and 16th regiments, com- manded by Col. Pierce, and who were posted as a reserve, proved, that had the resistance of tne enemy afforded them an opportunity of going into action, they would have emulated the valor of the commanders of the 5th and 14th. A number of prisoners were taken, among whom a picket of dragoons, with their horses ; a large quantity of grain also feu into our hands. The Brigadier, after completing the orders be had received, and burying the few of our brave soldiers who fell in the action, ana the dead of the enemyt which were left on the ground by the latter, re- turned to Black Creek. To the cool, and intrepid con- duct of Brig. Gen. Bissell, the General offers the praise he has so justly entitled himself to. By order of Mm. Oen. Ixardt C. K. GARDNER, A^. Gen. N. Army. THE WASP'S CRUISE. Copy of a UtUr from Johnson Blakeltf, Esq, Commander ofUuU.S. Shop of War Wasp, to the Secretary oftiu Nmy, iaUd U. S. Sloop Wasp, at Sea, llih Sept. 1814. SIR — After a protracted, and tedious stay at L'Orient, I had, at last, the pleasure of leaving that place, on Satur- 267 da; the 27lh August. On the 30th, captured the British bng Let .ce-and Slat Augunt the BrSish brig Bon Ac" cord. On the morning of the 1st September, liscovered 7rZ7 Vrl' to i-«ward, in charge of Ihe Armada 74, and a bomb 8h,p-.8tood for them,\nd succeeded in cuttmg out the Bntish brig Ma,^, laden with brass can- non, taken from the Spaniards; iron cannon, and military fr?;*^"' Gibraltar to England-i^moved the prison- ers, set her on fire, and endeavored to capture another of the convov, but was chased off by the Amada. On the evenmg of the same day, at half past 6, while going free, discovered 4 vessels, nearlv at the same time; two on he starboard, and two on the larboard bow-hauled up or the one most on the starboard bow, being the farthest to wmdward-at 7, the chase (a brig) commenced making signals, with flags, which could not be distinguished fo? wantofhght; and soon after, made various ones, with lanterns, rockets, and guns— at 26 minutes after 9, hav- ing the chase under our lee bow, the 12 pr. carronade was directed to be fired into him, which he returned : ran under his lee, to prevent his escaping, and, at 29 minutes past 9, commenced the action— at 10 o'clock, believinc the enemy to be silenced, orders were given to cease fir- ing, when I hailed, and asked if he hacTsurrendered ; no answer being given to this, and his fire having recom- menced, it was again returned- at 12 minutes after 10 the enemy havmg suffered greatly, and having made nJ return to our two last broadTsides, I hailed bin? a second time, to know if he had surrendered, when he answered in the affirmative. The guns were then ordered to be se- cured, and the boats lowered down, to take possession— in the act o lowering the boat, a second brig was disco- vered, a httle distance astern, and standing for us— sent the crew to their quarters, prepared every thing for ano- ther action, and awaited his coming up ;— at 36 minutes after 10, discovered two more sail standing for us : I now felt myself compelled to forego the satisfaction of destroy, ing the prize— our braces having been cut away, we kept offthe wind until others could be rove, and with theTex- pectation of drawing the second brig from his companions; 268 I't r-if Vn but, in this last, we were disappointed: the second brig continued to approach us, until she came close to ou? stern, when she hauled by the wind, fired her broadside (which cut our rig^ng and sails considerably, and shot awaj^ our lower main cross-trees,) and re-traced her steps to join her consorts. When we were necessitated to aban- don the prize, she appeared, in every respect, a total wreck; he continued, some time, firing guns of distress until, probably, delivered by the two last vessels who made tbeir appearancs. The second brig could have en- gaged us, if he had thought proper, as he neared us fast; bul contented himself with firing a broadside, and immedi- ately returned to liis companions. It is with real satisfaction I have again the pleasure of bearing testimony to the merits of Lieutenants Reily, Tilhnghast, Baury, and sailing-master Carr ; and to the good conduct of every officer and man on board the Wasp, Their divisions and departments were attended and sup^ plied, with the utmost regularity and abundance ; which, with the good order maintained, together with the vivaci- ty and precision of their fire, reflects on them the greatest credit. Our loss is two killed, and one slightly wounded with a wad. The hull received four round shot, and the foremast many grape shot ; our ringing and sails suffered a great deal—every damage has been repaired, the day after, with the exception ofour sails. Of the vessel with whom we were engaged, nothing ttositive can be said, with regard to her name or force.* While hailing him, previous to his being fired into, it was blowing fresh, (10 knots,) and the name was not distinct- ly heard. Of her force, the 4 shot which struck us aie all 32lbs. m weight, being one and three quarter lbs. hea- vier than any belonging to this vessel ; from this circum- stance, the number of men in her tops, her general appear- ance, and great length, she is believed to be one of the largest brigs in the British navy. I have the honor, &c. J. BLAKELY. Hon. bee. Navy. the AVON, of 18 guns-ud that she sunk soon after Oit Wasp left her. 269 PRIVATEER GENERAL ARMSTKONG. Fayal.mOct. 1814. With infinite regret, I am constrained to say, it has even- tually .alien to my lot to state to you the loss, and total destruction of the private armed brig, General A rmstronff late under my command. ® We sailed from Sandy Hook, on the evening of the 9th ult.and, about midnight, fell in close aboard of a razee and ship of the line. They pursued till next day noon* when they thought proper to give over chase. On the nth, after a nine hours chase, boarded the private armed schr. Perry, John Colman, 6 days from Philadelphia : had thrown over all his guns. On the following day, feU in with an enemy's gun brig ; exchanged a few shots with, and left him. On the 24 th, boarded a Spanish briff and n T^o'^fu'^rl'^*'^*"^^'^ "'^'P' «" ^'•^°> the Havanna. On the 26th, following, came too in Fayal Roads, for the purpose of filling water J called on the American Consul who very politely ordered our water immediately sent o,T it being our intention to proceed to sea, early the next day. At 5, P. M. I went on board, the Consul, and some other gentlemen, in company. I asked some questions conceminff enemy's cruisers, and was told there had been none, at these islands, for several weeks; when about dusk, while we were conversing, the British brig Carna- tion suddenly hove m sight, close under the N? E. head of the harbor, within gun-shot, when first discovered.— 1 he idea of gretting under way was instantly suggested • but finding the enemy's brig had the advantage of a1)reeze' and but httle wind with us, it was thought doubtful if we' should be able to get to sea without hazarding an action I questioned the Consul, to know if, in his opinion, the enemy would regard the neutrality of the port } He gave me to understand, I might make myself perfectly easy • assurine me, at the same time, they would never molest us, while at anchor. But no sooner did the enemy's brio- understand, from the pilot-boat, who we were, when she immediately hauled close in, and let go her anchor, within pistol-shot of us. At the same moment, the Plantagenet l» u m i r \ f ■ i , ^1' ' J' 270 and frigate Rota, hove in sight, to whom the Carnation instantly made signal, and a constant interchange took place for some time. The resuh was, the CarnaSon pro- ceeded to throw out all her boats; dispatched ooe^ on board the Commodore, and appeared, otherwise, to be making unusual exertions. From these circumstances J began to suspect their real intentions. The moon w'a near Its full which enabled us to observe them veryli! nutely ; and I now determined to haul in, nearer the slore Accordingly, after clearing for action, we got under way' and began to sweep i„. fhe moment thif was observed by the enemy s bng, she mstantly cut her cable, made sail and dispatched four boats in pursuit of us. Being now about 8, P. M. as soon as we saw the boats approaclunff we let go our anchor, got springs on our cabfef and pre- pared to receive them. I hailed them repeatedly, as thev drew near, but they foltno indination to reply. ^ Sure of their game, they only pulled up with the greater speed. I observed the boats were well manned, and, apparently as well armed ; and, as soon as they had cleverly got aloril' side, we opened our fire, which was as soon returned- but, meeting with rather a warmer reception than they' had probably been aware of, they veiy soon cried outfoV quarters, and hauled off. In this skirmish I had one man killed, and my 1st Lieutenant wounded. The enemy's wounde"d* upwards of twenty, killed and They had now repaired to their ships, to prepare for a more formidable attack. We, in the interim, W^ng taken the hint, prepared to haul close into the beach, where we moored hea^ and stern, within half pistol-shot of the cas- ^t'nni r T'- "^^ *^^'" preparecf, in the best possible manner, for their second reception. About 0, P M we observed the enemy's brig towing in a large fleet of boats --Aey soon after feft the brig, and took their station in three divisions, under covert of a small reef of rocks, within about musquet-shot of us. Here they continued manoeuverin^ for some time the trig still keeping under *ray to lu^t with the boats, should we at anytime attempt our escape. ^ ^ 271 The shores were lined with the inhabitants, waiting the expected attack; and, from the brightness of the moon, they had a most favorable view of the scene. The Go- vernor, with most of the first people of the place, stood by, and saw the whole affair. . At length, about midnight, we observed the boats in motion, (our crew having laid at their quarters during the whole of this interval.) They came on, in one direct line, keeping in close order ,♦ and we plainly counted twelve boat 1. As soon as they came within proper distance, we opened our fire, which was warmly returned from the ene- my's carronadcs and small arms. The discharge from our long Tom rather staggered them ; but soon reconnoi- tering, they gave three cheers, and came on most spi- ritedly. In a moment, they succeeded in gaining our bow and starboard quarter, and the word was loard.— Our great guns now becoming useless, we attacked them sword in hand, together with our pikes, pistols and musguetry, from which our lads poured on then! a most destructive fire. The enemy made frequent and repeated attempts to gain our decks, but were re- pulsed at all times, and at all points, with the greatest slaughter.— About the middle of the action, I received intelligence of the death of my second Lieutenant ; and soon after, of the third Lieut, being badly wounded :~ from this, and other causes, I found our fire had much slackened on the forecastle ; and, fearful of the event I instantly rallied the whole of our after division, who had been bravely defending, and now had succeeded in beating the boats off the quarters— they gave a shout, rushed forward, opened a fresh fire, and soon after decided the conflict— which terminated in the to- tal defeat of the enemy, and the loss of many of their boats ; two of which, belonging to the Rota, we took possession of, literally loaded with their own dead. Seventeen Oidy escaped, from them both, who had swam to the shore. In another boat, under our quar- ter, commanded by one of the Lieutenants of the Plan- tagenet, all were killed, saving four : this I have from N ni^lgggSS*-^**ia^Si 272 the Lieutenant himself, who further told me that he jumped overboard, tp save his own lifp. The duration of this action was about 40 minutes - pur decks wei* now found in much confusion, our lone Tom dismounted, and several of our carriaees broken; many of our crew having left the vessel, and others disabled. Under these circumstances, how;ver we succeeded in getting long Tom in his birth, and the decks cleared ,n some sort, for a fresh action, should ^V'T'I ^"^'''' J*' ^«^'"' ^^""'^ day-light. About 3. A. M. I received a message from the American Con- sul, requesting to see me on shore ; where he informed me the Governor had sent a note to Captain Lloyd begging bim to desist from further hostilities. To which Captain Lloyd sent, for answer, that he was now determined to have the privateer, at the risk of knock- ing down the whole town; and that if the Governor suffered the Americans to injure the privateer, in any manner he should consider the place Sn enemy Wt and treat it accordingly. Finding this to be the case I considered all hope., of saving our vessel, to beat an end. I therefore went on board, and ordered all our wounded, and dead to be taken on shore, and the cr^w Jh- 'TJ*"^'" !P'^ ^ ^' ^^'^ «^ possible-Soon afteT- this. It became day-light, when the enemy's brig stood close in. and commenced a heavy fire on us, with all her force. After several broad-sides, she hauled off having received a shot in her hull, her rigging much cut, and her foretopmast wounded ; (of th¥ ll^sTn formed by tne British Consul.) She soon aftercame '"^^^^'^^2"^"''^**'^^ *^^^^^ ^^ *h^ privateer. I then ordered the Armstrong to be scuttled, to prevent the enemy from getimg her off. She was soon after blrdt ed by the enemy's boats, and set on fire, whichToon completed her destruction. They h^ve destroyed a number of houses in the town, and wounded some of the inhabitants. By what I have been able to learn from the IMHi about 40gefficerB and men in the Isst attack by fk .!*, 273 boats, of which 120 were killed, and about 130 wound- ed— Captain Lloyd, I am told by the British ( onsul, is badly wounded in the leg ; a jury of surgeons liad been held, who gave as their opinion, that amputdtion would be necessary to insure his life. It is said, how- ever, that the wound was occasioned by an ox Irewhn^ on him. — I'he fleet has remained here about a week, during which they have been principally employed in burying their dead, and taking care of their wounded Three days after the action, they were joined by the ship Thais and brig Calypso, (two sloops of war) who were immediately taken into requisition, by Captain Lloyd, to take home the wounded men The Calypso sailed for England, with part of the wounded, on the 2d instant—among whom, the first Lieut, of the Planta- genet. The Thais sails this evening, with Jhe remain- der. Capt. Lloyd's fleet sailed to day, supposed for the West-Indies. The loss on our part, I am happy to sav, is compa- ratively trifling; two killed and seven wounded. VV'ilh regard to my officers in general, I feel the greatest sa- tisfaction in sa>ingthey, one and all, fought with the most determined bravery, and to whom I feel highly indebted for their officer-like conduct, during the short period we were together ; their exertions and bravery deserved a better fate. 1 here insert, for your inspection, a list of the killed and wounded : — Kiiled^Uv. Alexander 0. Williams. 2d Lieut, and one seaman. f^'oMnrfcrf— Frederick A.Worth, 1st Lieut. Robert Johnson, 3d Lieut. Bazilla Hammond, duarter- master, and 4 seamen. It gives me much pleasure tc announce to you, that our wounded are all in "a fair way of recovery, through the unremitted care and attention of our worthy sur- geon. Mr. Dabney, our Consul, is a gentleman, professing ^very feeling of humanity, and to whom the utmost M m si I • '''*mm m » * ' mf»-0' »» mimnim >:iig^i «■, 274 gratitude is due, from us, for his great care of the airk and wounded, and his polite attention to my officers and myself. ' Mr.*Williams was a most deserving and promisintr olliier. His country, in him, has lost one of its bright- est ornaments ; and his death must be sadly lamented by all who knew his worth. Accompanied with this, you will find a copv of mv Irotest, together with copies of letters, written by Mr Dabney, lo the Governor of Fayal, our Minister at Kio Janeiro, and our Secretary of State. These let- ters will develope, more fully, the circumstances of this unfortunate affair. VVe expect to sail to-morrow, in a Portuguese briff for Ameha-Island, who takes the whole of our crew- till when, I remain, gentlemen, your very obedient humble servant, *^ SAMUEL C. REID. W.l Wh FURTHER ACCOUNT, From an English gentleman, at Fayah to William Cobbett,Esq. W7/7- ^7, ^ Fatal, October 15, 1814. William Cohbetty Esq. SIR— The American schooner privateer General Armstrong, of New- York, Captain Samuel C. Reid o seven guns, and ninety men, entered here on the 26th nl'n rt"- °"* '^ ^^^' f^«"^ ^hat place, for the pur- Sn fhf i?*"*''"'"^ '"'*?'•• ^^^ C«P*«i"' seeing notfw on the horizon, was induced to anchor. Bi fore hf elapse of niany hours, his majesty's brig Ca?nat on tyS Ptnrirf "r.?^^-- Aboutsil Ws rn^e" came in^ni «nT^*^ °,^ ^^ ^rS?'' '"^ ^^^ ^"ta frigate, came in and anchored also. The Captain of the nriva- teer, and h,s friends, consulted the first ai^or ties kre ?y s" ure' rnTtt'/h-^'^^ all considered h^'pS Jy secure, and that his majesty's officers were too well 275 acauainted with the respect due to a neutral port to molest her. But, to the great surprize of every one, about nine in the evening, four boats were dispatched, armed and manned from his majesty's ships, for the purpose of cutting lier out. It being about full of moon, the night perfectly clear and calm, we could see every movement made. The boats approached wiih rapidity towards her, when, it appears, the Captain of the privateer hailed them, and told them to keep offl several times. They, notwithstanding, pushed on; and were in the act of boarding, before any defence was made for the privateer.— A warm contest ensued on both sides. The boats were finally dispersed, with great loss. — The American, now calculatiug on a very superior force being sent, cut his cables, and rowed the privateer close in along side of the fort, within half ca- ble s length, where he moored her, head and stern, with four lines. The Governor now sent a remonstrance to the Van Lloyd, of the Plantagenet, against such pro- ceedings, and trusted that the privateer would not be further molested ; she being in the dominions of Portu- gal, and under the guns of the castle, was entitled to Portuguese protection. Van Lloyd's answer was, that he was determined to destroy the vessel, at the expence of all Fayal, and should nny protection be given her by the fort, he would not leave a house sta.idino- in the village. All the inhabitants were gathered about the walls, expecting a renewal of the attack. At midnight, 14 launches were discovered to be coming, in rotation for the purpose. When they got within clear, or gun- shot, ■\ tremendous and effectual discharge was made from the privateer, which threw the boats into confu- sion. They now returned a spirited fire ; but the pri- vateer kept up so continual a discharge, it was almost impossible for the boats to make any progress. They finally succeeded, after immense loss, to get along side of her, and attempted to board at every quarter, cheer- ed by the officers with a shout of no quarter, which we could distinctly hear, as well as their shrieks and cries. The termination was near about a total massacre. 276 Three of the hoats were sunk, and but one poor solita- ry officer escaped death, in a boat that contained fiiiy souls; he was W(Minded. The Americans fought with great firmness— some of the boats were left without a smgle n)an to row them ; others with three and four — the most, that any one returned with, was about ten Several boats floated on shore, full of dead bodies With great reluctance I state, that they were manned witli picked men, and commanded by the first, second third, and fourth Lieutenants of the Plantagenet ■ first' second, third, and fourth ditto of the frigate, and the first officers of the brig ; together with a great number ol midsliipmen. Our whole force exceeded 400 men • but three offictrs escaped, two oi which are wounded! 1 his bloody, and unfortunate contest lasted about fortv minutes. After the boats gave out, nothing more was attempted till day-light the next morning, when the C aination hauled along side, and engaged her. The privateer still contiimed to make a most gallant defence. Ihese veterans reminded me of Lawrence's dyiiic words, of the Chesapeake— « don't give up the ship."-? J he Carnation lost one of her top-masts, and her yards were shot away ; she was much cut up in rigging, and rec en ed several shot m her hull. This obliged her to haul off to repair, and to cease firing. The Americans, now finding their principal gun, (long Tom) and severa others, dismounted, deemed it folly to think of saving her against so superior a force, they therefore cut away her masts to the deck, blew a hole through her botton^ took out their snml arms, clothing. &c? and went on shore. 1 discovered only two shot holes in the hull of the privateer, although much cut up in rigging Two boats crews were soon after dispatched from our ves- fnd'l'llir''^"^ ""^ ijr^'l! *^°^ out some provisions, plowed in burving the dead, that washed on shore lon*"^ 'TL T*'^»r^" «^ B"tish, killed, exceed' 120, and 90 wounded. The enemy, to the surprise of mankind, lost only two killed, and seven wounded - ^ e may well say, « God deliver us from our enemies;' .3' 277 if this is the way the Americans fight.— After burning the privateer. Van Lloyd made a demand of the co- vernor to deliver up the Americans, as his prisoner£- which the governor refused. He threatened to send SOO men on shore, and take them by force. The Ame- ricans immediately retired, with their arms, to an old Oothic convent ; knocked away the adjoining draw- bridge, and determined to defend themselvef to the last. 1 he Van, however, thought better than to send his men. ^He then demanded two men, which, he said deserted from his vessel, when in America. The go- vernor se^t for the men, but found none of the descrin- tion given. * Many hoiise^s received much injury, on shore, from the guns of the Carnation. A woman, sitting in the fourth story of her house, had her thigh shot off: and a boy had his arm broken. The Amereican Consul here has made a demand on the Portuguese govern- ment for a hundred thousand dollars, for the privateer • which our Consul, Mr. Parkin, thinks, injustice, will be paid ; and that they will claim on England. Mr Par kin, Mr. Edward Bay ley, and other English gentlemen disapprove of the outrage and depredation committed by our vessels on this occasion. The vessel that was dispatched to England, with the wounded, was not per- mitted to take a single letter from any person Being an eye witness to this transaction, I have given vou a correct statement, as it occuned. With respect, I am, &c. H. K. F. The publisher has conversed with Captain Reid. who pronounces the foregoing account correct-especially in many particulars which he, being engaged, could not have an opportunity of witaessing. AFFAIR NEAR NEW ORLEANS. Copy of a letter from Qen. A.. Jackson, to the Secretary of War, dated ci I, rS^^P' ^^^^^ New-Orleansy 25th Dec. 1814. iTT u enemy having, by the capture of our gun-boats, obtained command of the lakes, were ena- mm i 278 bled to eftect a passage to Hie Mississippi, at a po.nt on (he side of New-Orle«ns, and about 9 miles below it. The moment I received the intelligence, I hastened to attack him in his first position ; it was brought (»n in the night, and resulted very honorably to our arms. The heavy smoke, occasioned by an excessive fire, ren- dered it necessary that I should draw off my troops, after a severe conflict of upwards of an hour. The attack jvas made on the night of the ?ld ; since then, both armies have remained near the battk ground, making preparations for something more decisive. The enemy's force exceeded ours, bv double ; and their loss was proportionably greater. The moment I can spare the time, I will forward you a and acting under the command o*' Major Dagwin; and a detachment of artillery, under ihe direction of Col. M'Rea, with two 6 prs. under the command of Lieut Spotts ;— not exceeding, in all, 1500. I arrived near the enemy s encampment about 7, and iuunediately made my dispositions for the attack— -his forces amount- ing, at that time, on land, to about 3000, extended half a mile on the river; and, in the rear, nearly to the wood. Gen. Cotfee was ordered to turn their right, while, with the residue of our force, I attacked his strongest position on the left, near the river. Commo- dore Patterson having dropped down the river, in the schooner Caroline, was directed to open a fire on their camp, which he executed at about half after 7. Thi« being the signal of attack. Gen. Coffee's men, with their usual impetuosity, rushed on the enemy's right, and en- tered their camp— while our right advanced with equal 4l IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) m 1.0 I.I Ui|2S UUI. 2.5 1.8 1.25 1 1.4 1.6 •♦ 6" ^ V] <^ /J ^^ # /a ^ Photographic Sdences Corporation # iV # :\ \ «^ ^ n the 27th, in blowinff ud the Carohne, (she being becalmed,) by means of lot Cot from a battery whicj he had erecteS in the nilht E^ boldened by this event, he marched his whole force the next day up the Levee, in the hope of drivinir us from our ros.t.on. and, with this view, onLed upon Ts, ^t rdT tance of about half a mile, his "bombs Ld rockets He was repulsed, however, with considerable loss-not less ,t .s believed, than 120 killed ; ours, not exceeding 6 km ed, and 12 wounded. Since then, he has not ventured o repeat fa,s attempt, though lying close together-frequent skrm.sh,ng between our pickets. I lament that l\ave not the means of carrymg on more offensive operations!!! The Kentucky troops have not arrived; an^ my effec- tive force, at this point, does not exceed aOOoftheira must be, at least, double-both prisoners and d;serters Sr^' 'f^K*"' 1^'T'"*' *^"* ™^ ^^»<«•»»» made by tfie enemy, on the morning of IheSth, irtake »««« Sf That report, having been seat by the mail which i>rn«.*. #17-1.1- »ay possibly have miaearried-ftj whicTiiawM Su th. t^ ^.^«at;». f^.K-m- ft ' 285 Ikriy oil the moroingof the 8th, the eoemy. having been actively omploy ed t .e two preceding days in making preparation, fir ..torof advanced, m two strong column., on my right and left : tjjv w«e' received, howey.r, with a firmness, whichfit seems, they iJukei pected, and which defeated all their hooes Mv n.P„ „„ ! ! u ." by their approach which indeed. theyXJ lo^g"^ .Sous"lf S:3 for, opened upon them a fire, so deliberate and certnJn «. ^ i . their scaling-ladders, and fascines, at well a. IheS 1 're d r^.K*^ plement. 01 warfare, perfectly useless. For «, Suof aj ,0'"?; ZVnZ^tV *f ' ''"''°*^' «f ^•'•"^ "'"« ''ave been but f^^v'i. stances, perhaps, in any country. In justice to the enemi" it mu« be said, they withstooci it as long as ccnild have been exVer J. T the most determined bravery, it length, however" S a,t JroT pectof success became hopeless, they fled, in confusion" from th^ fmiLT",^*' r"f ';** "''*• *"•'' *»«''•' «««» «'ounded-the r Zn as immense : I had, at first, computed it at !500 • but U i» .J„„ tained to have been much greater. Upon iSf;,rmlt^'oi\rcb?s'bT ieved to be correct. Col. Haynes, the Inspector-Generarrenor s it 1','" t^ *1*" ' 2.600-his report I inclise you. My oss wal in co,«iderabe, being only 7 Icilled. and 6 wounded. S^uchadfsnm portion in loss, when we consider the number and Icind of troopS' gaged, must, I know, excite astonishment, and may noT everJ where, be credited ; yet, I am perfectly satisfied that^heaccountfs not exaggerated on the one part, nor underrated on the other 1 he enemy having hasUly quitted a post which they had ^aino.! possession of, on the other side of the river, and we haying iSr Whether, aHer the severe losses he has sustained he i^ nr..no^ to return to his shipping, or to make still mSer efforts U.li?.T his first object, I do not pretend to determine. irbecL^, » " act as though the latter were his intention One hin^h„ *° hitherto been unable to accomplish, he must expect considerabfe rr nforcements-as the force with which he landed mu"?, undoubted' ly. J)e diminished, by at least 3000. Besides the loss whirJh M"''hT '\^'^ ""• :^"'^»' " -«'"»teT;t/oorL cannot hZ" suffered Tess, between that period and the mornine of hT^i! -7 iuemnts7'r*"«' within t'hat time, been T^^eVin ^^olenerai attempts to drive us from our posilion, and there haying be?n con inua cannonading and skirmishing during the whole of ft yJT ii«till«ble to show a very formidaMe force. ' ^* There Is little doubt that the commanding General Sir VA«,u.a Pakenham, was killed in the action of the 8th, and tiat Maio^. ?!'^ Keane and Gibbs were badly wounded. Whenever a S? ? °* moment shalj occur, I will tie Ihe HbeVtyTo ^ke U^nTfiZJS XSyThrirr 'is"".' T!'"''' °^ the'several acUo;s.ld y^S calarly that of th« 8th; in doing which, my chief motive will K * l^ tilM Wt ll l M ll l l L 286 render justice to those brave men I have the honor to command and who have so remarkably distinguished themselves. 1 have the honor, &c. ANDREW JACKSON. „,^^J'^^'^ 'if ''^'Ji^lf mounded, aiidprUoners taken, at the batlU on the Sllnf /r""?*-S'* '8l*VTK«""d' TOO-M'oundcd. HOO-Prisoners take" I UZ\ *f "Pt"""; ." Lieutenants, 1 Ensign. 483 noncommissioned officer' and privates—making a grand totaJ of 2,C(X). MaJ. Gen. J. Jackson. a. P. HAYNE, Imp. Gen. DECAMPMENT OP THE ENEMY. From Maj. Gen. Jackson, to the Sccretari/ of War. r . ' u. '': ^ 7th 'Mil. Dist. Camp, below Orleans, Jan. 19. 1015. Last night, at 12 oclocli, the enemy precipitately decamped, and returned to his boats, leaving behind him, under medical atten' «.ance, eighty of his wounded, including tivo officers, fourteen pieces of his heavy artillery, and a quantity of shot, having destroyed much of his poxvder. Such was the situation of the ground which he abandoned, and of that through wl.ich he retired, protected by canals, redoubts, intrenchments, and swamps on his right, and the mer on his left, that I could not. without encountering a risk, which true policy did not seem to require, or to authorize, attempt to annoy him much, on his retreat— we took only eight prisoners. Whether it is the purpose of the enemy to abandon the expedition nitogether, or renew his efforts at some other point, I do not pretend I,".* i-.!I"T*k!* ' Po^'^.'^en^^s; in my own mind, however, there is but little doubt that his last exertions have been made, in this nuaN ^'n K*"^ u^^ '^"^ the present season; and. by the next, I hope we shall be fully prepared for him. In this belief I am strengthened not only oy the prodigious loss he has sustained at the posilion he has just quitted, but by the failure of his fleet to pass fort St. Philln His loss, 6n this ground, since the debarkation of his troops, as sta^ ted by all the last prisoners and deserters, and as confirmed by many additional circumstances, must have exceeded four thousand, and was greater, in the action of the 8th, than was estimated, from the most correct data then in his possession, by the Inspector-General whose report has been forwarded to you. We succeeded, on the 8lh in getting from the enemy about 1000 stand of arms, of various descriptions. ' »»r«uus Since the action of the 8th, the enemy have been allowed very little respite-my artillery, from both sides of the river, being c.n- stantly employed, till the night, and indeed until the hour of their retreat, in annoying them ; no doubt they thought it ouite timp tn quit a poaition, in which so little rest could be found I am advised by Miyor Overton, who commands at fort St. Philip. inlJiiltAl . »?«'>,T't"f; Without effect. Had, on the mora- Ihi L if ^' \^^lu^' ' '"'^* ""'« **°"*" *•'«» h« «^o"'d have been able to have sunk their vessels, had they attempted to run by. i'-^^^S^iL yo?wm'^„„'f '.iirj'" 7'^''* ^'^ ."" *''"« consjderalion., I believe tZxvhlLJJt ^' , ' ''°i'^' »'««'«''«r, I need not assure you, P < n *h «.. ANDREW JACKSON, r. o uiitho ISth, our prhonen on shore wero tlrlivoro.i *« anexcess of »e,en»l hundred.'' tliDREwTACKToN"''^ 200. January.^Mr. Shields, purser in the Navy, ha., to-day to- ken 54 prisoners ; among them are 4 officers. T \ Hon. James Munroe, Sec. War. U. Q. 7tk Mil. Di.t yidj. Cms. Office, Jackson', Linei, below sin T I. . 41. .. . OWeons, ./an. 16, 181.0. Killed, inthe action of the 2M Dec laia 9i u-^„^j^ji • j ,..- ... int. ill do 74— Total sAllIiAiij '."'^'24— ^^ounrfeJ, m do. ll.^~3/m. „?' , r . ^' ^''* Killed, m the action of Dec 2H/A i«i/i t /rou«rf«rf. iu do. H-Missing, None-Total l5.-l:Amd in /a* i/L 3- Ja«u«rj, 1, 181f». U-IVounded, in do. 23-AL,n/Nol^T„t,i li"" "-^ KiUedtn the action of Jan. Sth, 1815. on boVs es of the r iv^ i? ?r "T ed,^Mis»ing, 19-Total 71 Graad ^1 M3. ' '^-"'^"''* /Far Department. ROBERT BUTLER. ,^rf/. Of n. HORNET AND PENGUIN. Coj,^/ of a letter from Capt. Diddle to Com. Decatur, dated-V. s. Sloon Nor cm .. ^^^'iir Tristan d'Jcunha,March2.'i.m5. '•*""'^^'"- „» I ir iT^ the honor to inform you, that on the morning of the 23d inst fi I A^'^'V'^"' *" -f " '"'°"* *" ^'"^'»°'' °'^*''« "«'th end of the isiL of Tr ' tan d'Acunlja, a sad was seen to the southward and eastward, steerhi? to thr westward the wind tresh from the S. S. W. In a few minutes .he had L ed on to the westward so that we could not see her for the land. I immed " ate y made sail for the westward, and shortly after, getting m si4t of he," again, perceived her to bear up before the wind. I hovl too for h ?n ♦« down to us When she had a^roached neaJ I LS[?he mS-t S a'lS couUnued to yaw the ship, while she continued to come down, w 'afS occa sionally to prevent her passing under our stern. At 1, 40, P M. be i"^ w^th" in nearly musquet-shot distance, she hauled her wind on the starS 7»^r hoisted fenglish colon,, and fired a gun. We ir^meSJaSy Sffed tt hoS our ensign, and gave the enemy a broadside. Tlie action beinir th„c n„ ineneed. a quick and well directed fire was kept up Lm S shff thpL gradually drifting nearer to us. when at 1. 55^. he'ire Tip. iyXtrto 2 m on board As soon as I perceived he would certainly fall on boS I ca ^stlnt^vlrrffi"'" 10 be ready to repel any attempt to board m mZ v«ll' *'^ '*®^*'" ?"•* """• '■*'•'''''■«'' »° the quarteiwleck. where the twn hS r™ «°""«g 'nf»"tact, and eagerly pressed me to permit them « board the enemy; but this I would not permit, as it was evident from th.? commenceaieut of the action. -that our fire wa's greatly s?Sr'. bo?h ii; fel 288 quickness awl in effect. The enemy's bownprit eamo In between onr nuin ■nd mlzen rigging, on our starboard lide, aflbrding bim an opportunity to board us, If such was his design ; but no attempt was made. There was a consida- rabloswull on, and ah the sea iiiled ui ahead, the enemy's bowsprit carried away our iiiizen shrouds, stem davits, and spanker boom, and he hung upon our larboard quarter. At this moment, an oflker, who was afterwards lecor- nteed to be Mr. IVl'Donaid, the 1st Lieutenant, and the then commanding o1' Acer, called out that they had surrendered. I dir«cted the marines and miis* qiietry-men to cease firing ; and, while on the taffrail. asking If they had sur- rendered, I received a wouud in the neck. The enemy Just then got clear of us, and his foremast and bowsprit being both gone, and pereeiTlng us wear- ing to give him a freSh broadside, he agJn called out that be had surrendered. It was with diflkulty I could restrain my crew from firing into bin again, as he had certainly fired into us after having surrendered. From the firing of the first gun, to the last time the enemy cried out ho had surrendered, was eiactly 22m. by the watch. She proved to be his B. IM. brig Penguin, mounting sixteen .321b. oarronades, two long 12*s, • 121b carronade on the top-gallant forecastle, with swivels on the cap-ctero. in the tops. She had a spare port forward, so as to fight both her long guns of a side. She sailed from England in September last. She was shorter upon deck than this ship, by two feet, but she had a greater length of keel, greater breadth of beam, thicker sides, and higher bulwarks, than this ship, and was, in all respects, u remarkably tine vessel of her class. The enemjr acknowledge a eomple- ment of 132 ; 12 of them supernumerary marines, from the IVIedway, 74 ~ They acknowledge, also, a loss of 14 killed and 28 wounded ; bat Mr. Mayo who was in charge of the prize, assures me that the number of killed was cer- Uinly greater. It is a most pleasing part of my duty to acquaint you that the conduct ef Lieuts. Conner and Newton, Mr. Mayo, acting Lieut. Browns- low of the marines, fniling'master Rommey, and the other officers, seamen and marines. I have the honor to command, was, in the behest degree, en* ditable to themselves, and calls for my warmest recommendation. I cannot indeed do justice to their merits. I have the honor, &c. j BIDDLE CAPTURE OF THE CYANE AND LEVANT Copy qfa Utter from Capt. SUmart, to the Seeretani of the Navv. daUd V S. Frigate Cotutitution. May —,1816. ' ^ Sm-On the 20th of February last, the inland of Madeira bearing about W S. W. distant 60 leagues, we fell in with his B. M. two shipTof Sr the r!' ane and Levant, and brought them to action about « o'clock in the'eveninc both of which, after a spurited engagement of 40 minutes, sorriindered to the ship under my command. Considering the advantages, derived by the enemy, from a dirided and more active force, as also their superiority in the weight and number of guns! I deem the speedy and decisive result of.this action the strongest msiSS which call be given to the government, that all under my comS«»d^ «S dutr, and gallantly supported the reputation of American seiunen. Enclosed you will receive the minutes of the action, and a list of the kill- ed and wounded on board this ship; also, enclosed you will roceire. for your Lt"^ir;o'l.S5'"''"^i"L"lt'f *"?!'■""'• "^ theienemy, and the nS kUled and wounded on board their ships, as near as could be ascertained. I have the honor, *c. CHAS. STEWART. Our loss, in the above action, was 3 killed ud 12 wounded—total 15 • that of the enemy was 13 killed and 26 wound^l— total 38. 289 CAPTURE OF THE FRIGATE PRESIDENT Cm of a letter Jrom Com. Decatur, to the Secretary of the NavyMcd Hi. Bntannic Miyealy'. Shi,, En.l^mion. at Sea, per margin) has devolJTunonLv ?"*"""'« Miyesly's .hips (ns 14th. I Sade knom, o yoS mv Tn ;„. " "'J' '^°'"'"»"J««tion of the that evening. o7ing?oT.7Ju 2 'o? I'Xr'Jj^ ''• ^^^ *'" ing out grounded on the bur, wi.ere t con UnueH '" T for an hour and a half- nithm.n-i. «k„ u ,\""';""«" 'o strike heavily der braces, and Ld rece leH ih n.K "'' ''7''"". !"'*"""' "^ ''" ""'- her return nto por deBirabt y 1. ["."'f "^' '"J^^y "« '° ••«"''«r westerly wind Sh rst'e'n'bKSr'^ " '"" '"•' '^""^ th J barb?rore^e't15e":,^^ 'U-"'''" ' ""'"T"^ *« ^-- »•" over we shaped our CO "rseS.r«I''.hr'"fr''"\''^ 10 o'clock, when and the'n BteeredTE. i^l'^^At n'ctck"Ti;'''''°t'"*'' '° "•''««' covered ahead; we immidiately hnu?ed u„ Ihl T ""P." "^"* *'"• our distance from the razSrbuUhe next sT/i^;:;'! ''"'' TT''"^ also a large ship, had gained and conned ;%a 1 »'^.;;'' ''" siderably; we immediately occupied all hand^fn^h? u' *'°"' W^lw • ^u°"u' '" ^""^ ''°P« that she would close with us on onr broadside, in which case I had prepared my crew to bS- b,.t frnm eiide^n*; tr;"»^ *!* ^*^ *"" ^"'P *^ '"«'"*«^" "is posiSjt becam^ circumstances w3 Sive Eeen Xcinett i'n^hSsT' "".''''' '.""« us without being subject to inl^r^Sl ':^VZ':tS^ to alter my course south, for the purpose of bringing the e^lmy / ****»k«.-^,»i«ftS 290 aheMm, and although Ihvir thips aaturn were drawiug up Tatt, 1 f«|t satisfied I should be euabled to throw him out of the combat before they could come up, and was not without hopes, if the night proved daric, (of which there was every appearance) that I might still be enabled to effect my escape. Our opponent kept off at the same in- stant we did, and our fire commenced at the same time. We con- tinued engaged, steering south, with steering sails set, two hours and n half, when we completely succeeded in dismantling her; previous- ly to her dropping entirely out of the action, there were intervals of minutes when the ships were broadside nnd broadside in which she did not fire a gun ; at this period (half past 8 o'clocli) although dark, the other ships of the squadron were in sight, and almost with- in gun shot; we were of course compelled to abandon her. In re* suming our former course for the purpose of avoiding the squadron, we were compelled to present oui stern to our antagonist ; but such was his state, though we were thus exposed and within range of his guns, for half an hour, that he did not avail himself of this favoura- ble opportunity of raking us. We continued this course until 1 1 o'clock, when two fresh ships of the enemy (the Pomona and Tene- dos) had come up. The Pomona bad opened her fire on the lar- board bow, within musket shot; the other ^about two cables length astern, taliing a raking position on our qaarter, and the rest (with the exception of the Endymion) within gun sliot. Thus situated, with about one' fifth of my crew killed and wounded, my ship cripptrd and a more than fourfold force opposed to me, without a chance of escape left, I deemed it my duty to surrender. It is witli emotions of pride, I bear testimony to the gallantry and steadiness of every officer and man I had the honor to command on this occasion; and I feel satisfied that the fact of their having beaten a force equal to themselves, in the presence and almost under the guns of so vastly a superior force ; when, too, it was almost self-evident, that whatever their exertions might be, they must ultimately be cap- tured, will be taken as evidence of what they would have performed, had the force opposed to them been in any degree equal. It is with extreme pain I have to inform you, that Lieutenants Babbitt, Hamilton, and Howell, fell in the action. They have left no officers of superior merit behind them. If, Sir, the issue of this affair bad been fortunate, I should have felt it my duty to have recommended to your attention. Lieutenants Sbubrick and Gallagher ; they maintained through the day the repu- tation they had gained in former actions. Lieut. Twiggs, of the marines, displayed great zeal, bis men were well supplied and their fire incomparable, so Ions as the enemy continued within musket range. Midshipman Randolph, who had charge of the forecastle di- vision, managed it to my entire satisfaction. From Mr. Robinson, who was serving as a volunteer, I received essential aid, particular- ly after I was deprived of the services of the master, and severe loss I bad sustained in my oflQcers on the quarter deck. Of our loss in killed and wounded, I am unable at present (ogive you a correct statement; the attention df the surgeon being so en- 291 Io« her biZnth folll ^ ?"' *''" «"t»^*rJ. when tbit ship which w^rhii «n«l "'ainmaiti, and miten topmaits, all of nnl £ »",'^'"ed and wounded must have been very irreat I haVe oTbt"d,t^ rrat? itr^^ri"*- ?'? ^^'^ bSX 1 c.™: are oblig^l to keen thoIrM* "*^"«"') "'« badly wounded, .uch «• deck from thl /.K? thoir cots, occupy the starboard side of the gun- sta^e ofTh^ th-jabin bulk-head to the mtinma.t. Prom the crippled woundeJl'board/"' "''°"' «"P'-«''«""on. for the safety of our P.W by'hTn!';o''X*irf ?nr;ir "'•\''.: ''•"* '^"^ •"«"««" •«» •«'- I have, Sic. Hon. B. W. Cron,ninskieia, Sec. Navy.'*'^^'*"'''' DECATUR. British squadron referred to in the above letter. Miyestic, (razee) - Endymion, frigate, Pomona, do. Teiiedos, do. Dispatch, brig. C2 guns. 50 guns. List of killed and wounded on board the President in the above action. Killed - Wounded 24 ^5 Total 79 killed and wounded. (About this time, Port Bowyer was surrendered to the BritUl. • the garrison consisted of 370~the enemy, 6OOO0 " ' \ ' 292 CAPTURF OP THE CYANE AND LEVANT. Copjf of a letter from Lieut. Hoffman to the Secretary of the Nam/, dated His B. Ai. ]ate Ship Cyane, New-York, April 10, 1815. SIR-i-I have the honor to inform yon, that on the evening of the 20th February last, while cruising off Madeira, the United States frigate Constitution fell iu with His B. M. ships Cyane and Levant, which she captured after an action of fifty minutes. The Cyane is a frigate built ship, mounting 34 carriage guns, viz. 22 321b. carronadeB on the main-deck — 8 181b. carrouades on the quarter-deck — 2 iSlb.carronades and two long nines on the forecas- tle, and from the best information 1 could obtain, carrying a compli- ment of 1 75 men, commanded by Gordon Falcon, Esq. The Le- vant mounting 21 carriage guns, viz — 18 241b. carronades — 2 long nines and a shifting 12 pr. on the top-gallant forcastle, with a com- pliment of 150 men; commanded by the Hon. George Douglass. Both ships suffered severely in their spars, rigging, and sails ; the Constitution received but trifling injury, having only four men killed and 10 wounded; as to the loss of the enemy 1 cannot positively say, but should presume it was very severe. On tlie 0th of March, the Constitution with her two- prizes in com- pany, anchored off the Isle of May, (one of the Cape-de-Verd Isl- ands.) On the loth, «t 5, A. M. got under way and made sail for St. Jago's, where we anchored at 10.45 A. M. on the 12th, at half past meridian, discovered three sail in the offing; at 1. 10 made them to be frigates, at which time the Constitution made signal to get un- der way ; at 1.20 cut our cable and made sail to the southward and eastward close on a wind ; at 1.30 the forts on shore commenced firing on us; at 2. the Constitution made a signal to tack, which 1 did to the northward and westward; at 2.5 the aterniriost frigate com- menced firing on us, and- hoisted English colours, distant about two miles; at 2.20 lost sight of the Constitution and Levant, who were standing on a wind to the southward and eastward, the frigates in chase ; at 2.35 lost sight of the enemy ; at 3, heard a heavy can- nonading, which continued at intervals until half past 4; at sun down shaped my course for ti.e United States. For the further par- ticulars of our cruise. I beg to refer you to Captain Stewart's official account on his arrival in the United States. I cannot conclude my letter without particulaHy recommending to your notice. Midshipman Joseph Cross, for whose unremitted ex- ertions and attention I feel myself greatly indebted ; and he is a young man, I think, who would do, honor to a commission. As to Midshipmen James Delany and James F. Curtis, and the few men 1 have under my command, words would be insufficient to express my gratitude to them. Very respectfully, &c. „ „ , B. T. HOFFMAN. Hon. B. W. Crotvnimhield, Sec. Navy. 293 GUN-BOATS TAKEN BY THE ENPMv detailed account of the action beTween^t'hJ^*'"'^ Jonei, giving a command, and a flotilla of th» .. J^ f ^ ^°* S""* vesuels under his i4th December, 1814 wMcl .r?^"^ ' '''""'^''«" "^ barges7oJ the nated as stated in my leUer If the'l'tTn «""!"* 'f «»tance. ter^! our squadron. The^couragf and ,li , ii^^t"''"' '" *''« ««?*•"« of defence of the gun vesseKd tend " ^^^ ''^' ^p^pJayed in the agamst such an overwhelming force a, tfc"K^ V*"«^'^ °^ «""«' reflects additional splendor on our n«t.i ^ *""^ **» ^^^^^^nd with, mlnish the regret occ^siore J brtheTr ll*'*'''^' *°^ *"'' ' ^^''t' ^i-' I have, &c. ff<«. B. nr. Cron^ninshieU, Sec>'o?K;;^TTERSON. SIR-Havingsufficientlvrec!!'"'"?^'""' '2'* i»f«rc*, 1815. honor of reportfngTo yo„ fhe narti^^^^^ "V'^'^Sth, I do myself the »ion of United Stites gS^-boaf ""j!?; '*"/ the capture of the di^! Onthcl2thDecemL lSi4 lii r*' '■"^-*'°""''»nd. had increased to such a f^rj a's o'^Jri ^^ff * ^^ S^ip-Isiand, dent for me to continue in that Jart of fhJT ? '""S*"* «'''"« or pru- force which I commanded. I thSore det.^;-""'. 7"^ *"« »«"«» Hon near the Malhereux Islanrf. « determined to gain a sta- vrould better enab^re^o ople J Se'r'S^^l"*'. "^^^* «""'»t t «P the Lakes, and at the samrtimeSS T" ''"°" °^*''««°«'"J^ l-d^*eft\^ fl?et,7sWing1h^ a^^ge flotilla of barges ^hichl supposed iobe^^^bSlon o7/'' '""'•^"'^ <^^""«««") at that place. About 3, P M ihl °° of troops intended to land the Pass Christian, and co„« ' J^ l"-*"^ ' ^°""« having ga Jed convinced me tha an at?S "n Jh."" ^""'^^ *° the wlstwa^ At this time the ivater in the Lai.! !"""*"'"*^ ""^^ ^^^i' desiw -! wh-'r^f/^"^ wind which ha J^ptvaS Z"'"""'^^ '°^' «'"^"g which still continued from «.« =- '"' * number of davs an«l 163, although in the be^t ih. "*? *^""*«'"' ^os. 156, 162 S water than fheir dr^ghtf ever^e"^;/"""' '" '^ «' ^« '"«"«« fe, ''^throwing overboard all art^s o? ^1"^.'?^*'^ *** ^'' *»'«•" «floa with. At 3 30, the flood ti, L h L '^''* **•"* ««"'d be dispensed making the bes of mylav tow»r1 TJ"^ ""«*' ' ««t under SS the enemy dispatched rhreeboa^So'fr*"^^^''"'"^- ^rs 55,' Ho.e, Which had been sent ^iX^^L^^tTZ^ -.»i««*tA2i«.-_«.__,._ ,^. j»(tt^i"i"- "*^^-—^..jm^'-^..„>.^ 294 to assist in (be reuioval of the public stores which I had preTiousIy ordered} these finding a removal impracticable, I ordered prepara^ tions to be made for their destruction, least they should fall into the enemy's hands. A few discharges of grape shot from the schooner Sea-Horse, compelled the three boats which had attacked her, to retire out of the reach of her gun, until they were joined by four othem, when the attack was recommenced by the seven boats. — Mr. Johnson having chosen an advantageous position, near the two six-pounders on the bank, maintained a sharp action for near thirty minutes, when tlie enemy hauled off, hjEiving one boat apparently much injured, and with the loss of several men killed and wounded. At 7 ^0, an explosion at the Bay, and soon after a large fire, indu- ced me to believe the Sea-Horse was blown up, and the public store house set on fire, as was the fact. About 1, A' AX- on the 14tb, the wind having died away, and our vessels become unmanageable, came to anchor in the west end of Malbereux Island's passage. At daylight next morning, still a per- fect calm, the enemy's flotilla was about nine miles from us, at anchor, but soon got in motion, and rapidly advanced towards us. — The want of wind, and the strong ebb tide which was setting through the Pass, left me but one alternative, which was, to put my vesseln in the most advantageous position to give the enemy as warm a reception as possible. The commanders were all called on board and made acquainted with my intentions, and the position which each vessel was to take, the whole to form a close line abreast across the channel, anehored by the stern, %vith springs, on the cables, &c. &c. Thus ive remained anxiously waiting an attack front the advancing foe, whose force I now clearly distinguished to be composed of forty-two heavy launches and gun barges, with three light giggs, manned with upwards of one thousand men and officers. About 9 30, the Alligator (tender) which was to the south- ward and eastward, and endeavoring to join the division, lyas cap- tured by several of the enemy's barges, when the whole flotilla came to, with their grapnels a little out of the reach of our shot, apparently making arrangements for the attack. At 10 30, the enemy weighed, forming a line abreast in open order, and steering direct for 9ur line, whieh was unfortunately, in some degree, broken by the force of the current driving Nos. 156 and 163 about 100 yards in advance. As soon as the enemy came within reach of our shot, a deliberate fire from our long guns was opened upon him, but without much effect, the ol^ects being of so small a size. At 10 minutes before 11, the enemy opened a fire from the whole of his line, when the action became general and destructive on both sideso About 11 49, the advance boats of the enemy, three in Kumber, attempted to board No. 156, but were repulsed with the loss of nearly every offi- cer killed or wounded, and two boats sunk — a necond attempt to board was then made by four other boats, which shared almost a similar fate. At this moment I received a severe wound in my left 295 unabating severity untiT/o mU^l^'' tTs nt. T «°""°V«d ^"'^ 1 have, &e. Captain D. T. Patterson, '''"'''• ^^^ <^^TESBY JONES. Com'dg. U. S. naval forces New-Orloans station Statement of tiie effective force of a divhion of the U St»,. gun-boat8. under the command of Lieut. Thomas An r«/ I .Tones, at the commencement of the action, wi?h a floliUa of P„ '' Iish gun-boats, on the 14th December laij ti, r . "S" T . ^'■"".P®- *•"• 0- JONES, were engaged 1„ the cap. JTrelaJt United S,?."''' "i'''"* S s-^ij-u i??rr • -" «•'■■ "- "".»-^^^^^ .0 '•-»*-»JJ-'S;j.[?ou„ti„,o„ec.„„„.doeaoh,„f „, ,» 1 la. nch mounting one long brass 12 pounder, I do. do. do. do 3 giggs with small arms only. Total number of boats, 45 rrn. u ^'°*''' number of cannon, 42 J he above flotilla was manned with twelve hnnH^o.! .v, IHOS. A P. C. JONES.