IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^ .**> 4^ A^> ^, ^ ^ « I ^S «* M ■2.2 1.1 f.-^Kfi ^ li ii L25 B_u 11.6 -» HiotogFaphic Sdmoes CorparatiQn «!^ 29 WMT MAM STtin WIISTM,N.Y. I4SM (71«)in-4503 ^^ ^\ v\ % CIHM/ICMH Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. CuMdlwi ImtltuM fw Historical Mieroraprodiictlant / liwtitut Canadian da mlcroraproductlons histoflquas Tachiiical and Bibliographic Notaa/Notaa taehniquas at Mbliographiquas Tha Instituta has attamptad to obtain tha bast original copy availabia for filming. Faaturaa of this copy which may ba bibllographicaiiy unlqua, which may altar any of tha imagaa in tha raproduction. or which may significantly changa tha usual mathod of filming, ara chackad balow. L'Institut a microfilm* la maillaur axamplaira qu'il lui a it* possibia da sa procurar. Las details da cat axamplaira qui sont paut-*tra uniquas du point da vua bibliographiqua, qui pauvant modif iar una imaga raproduita, ou qui pauvant axigar una modification dans la mithoda normala da filmaga sont indiquis ci-dassous. Colourad covers/ Couvartura da coulaur I I Covars damagad/ D □ D D D Couvartura andommagia Covars rastorad and/or laminatad/ Couvartura rastauria at/ou palliculia I I Cover titia missing/ La titra da couvartura manqua Colourad maps/ Cartas giographiqras an coulaur Colourad inic (i.a. othar than blua or black)/ Encra da coulaur (i.a. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ D Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relii avac d'autras documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serrie peut ceuser de I'ombre ou de la distortion la long de la marge intirieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever posalbla, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajouties lors d'une restauration apparaisaent dans la taxte, mais. lorsqua cela itait possible, ces pages n'ont pas iti filmies. Additional comments:/ Commentairas supplimentaires: D D n D D D D D Coloured pagus/ Pafies de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagies Pages restored and/or laminated/ Peges restauries at/ou pellicuiies Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages dicolories, tacheties ou piquies Pages detached/ Pages ditachias Showthrough/ Transparence Quality of print varies/ Qualit* irtigaki de I'impression Includes supplementary material/ Comprend du material suppMmentaire Only edition available/ Seule Mition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by erreta slips, tissues, etc.. have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Lea pages totalement ou partieliement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, una palure, etc.. ont Ati filmies A nouveau de fa^on h obtenir la meilleure image possiMe. This item is filmed at tha reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document ^ .' f ilmi au taux de rMuetion indk|u* ci'de a aoua. 10X 14X 1BX 22X aix 30X c 1 J 12X 1«X »X MX 2IX 32X Jhm copy filmed h«r« hat b««n raproduecd thanks to th« ganarosity of: York Univtrsity Toronto Soott Library Tha Imagaa appaaring hara ara tha baat quality poaaibia eonaidarlng tha condition and laglbillty of tha original oopy and In kaaping with tha filming contract apaoiflcationa. Original copiM in printad papar eovara ara filmad baginning with tha front covar and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or lUuatratad Impraa- •k>n, or tha back covar whan appropriata. All othar original copiaa ara filmad baginning on tha f Irat paga with a printad or INuatratad Impraa- sion. and anding on tha laat paga wMi a printad or illuatratad impraaalon. Tha laat racordad frama on aach mioroflcha •haN contain tha aymbd ^^ ^ (moaning "CON- TINUED"), or tha aymbol ▼ (moaning "END"), whichavar appliaa. L'axamplaira flimA fut raproduit grica i la gAnAroaM da: York Univtrsity Toronto Soott Library Laa Imagaa auivantao ont At* raproduitas avac la pitia grand soin, compta tanu da la condition at da la nattat* da l'axamplaira film*, at an eonformit* avac laa conditions du contrat da flimaga. Laa aKamplalraa origlnaux dont la couvartura wx papiar aat imprimia sont fllmAs an commanfant par la pramlar plat at an tarmlnant soit par la damlAra paga qui comporta una ampralnta dimpraaalon ou d'llluatration. soit par la sacond plat, aalon la caa. Toua laa autraa axamplairas origlnaux aont fllmAa an eomman9ant par la pramMra paga qui comporta una ampralnta dimpraaalon ou dllluatration at an tarmlnant par la damMra paga qui comporta una talla ampralnta. Un daa aymbolaa suhmnta apparattra sur la damMra imaga da chaqua microficha. salon la caa: la aymbola — »• signifia "A 8UIVRF", la aymbola ▼ signific "FIN". Mapa. plataa, charta. ate., may ba filmad at diffarant reduction rattoa. Thoae too large to be entirely Included toi one expoeure ere filmed beginning In the upper left hend comer, left to right and top to bottom, ae many fra ma e aa requkred. TIm followhig diagrama Muatrete the method: planches, tablaeux, etc., peuvcnt Atre fllmAe A dee taux da rAduction diff Arents. Loraqua la document eet trop grand pour Atra raproduit li un aeul cllchA. II eet fllmA A pertir do rangle supArieur gauche, do gauche A droite. et do heut en baa. en prenent le nombre d'imegee nAceeaalre. Lee diegremmes suhrants INuatrent la mAthode. 12 3 3BX 1 2 3 4 S 6 ^t^ I . •.■J» S. .- 1 't • .. , ■^^l 0,' "t" "6 '■'^ f ei "^ "« If y^ ttNtTED STAHiS, tv tin tjMmitiih i$,u^ki$i ' «i.iKit9«nif^ vtM aitroBT •r^bat tuioAi WllifMlUiAW .i.V/.^v ^'V.' ^T ;09N BftiiJIKAlK^ V ^;:^ V ^ t >--T< ^ -^SS, •''vr-. 'J' i*.^. A. f-s«- 1 ^^ .^.- . ,\, JHqriV^^t or COtUMBIA, to wU: Wf^i^^^pniliWMtar in m to wit t MBttfV W lJr«tRl OfBeoii of tfie United SMea dnriM ^ i»lM^7«M^|i{S, MIS, in%» «Dd til«^, vUi adniad- — ' fi\»ili^y til Milaii flf tit fBriwi» wlUfiliirt ini of fh» Untod Stxtm. «fltiiM *« An A«t . aeeuring die Mwt tf auuH, «lHurta «mI ti ii '- . it i|MAni(d^ ixt^ Ml of i •«4a Ael Itri (MfiMir^ Md ctaidng htiUriadia^ ,. >IftWHiWEOF» I ImfchamwUftet nr ImmI, Md m^am Wit of nj oA«e, tlie dqr Md ydrVfif^Mid, BpMUNDLLBB. ,. Ctek«rtlwDirtrirtGoiirtf>r&Oi«riotlirCaliii■ d whiilir it is most respecefuU^dedicaied)it it presumed thtsvoluiile WiD^prove.i^Ni^ aoceptabie, ^ ^, ^ 4«;^■ ■m. # '^f.w m . .(.i. #■ S<-,Sf-^fi ^s^MdS'f- 7- ^M"^ % ,}: ^. TABLE OF CONTENTS. l-i .■*;'• * 1812. JitiM* PltijldiMrtMftdiiOB*taMiMntoCon|reM, •' • IU|tortdrtlMCemiiiltt«a of Foreign ReUtloos, .*••• 15 'AitldMlaringwar. witbtlM Y«MaudNayi,.«.* tS nttr B. Ponor, 4HPfk|^«rfjQfthe Jatra».*...**^M«*.*.«.** tt%4 MinutefW^MActipn widith«#a«tu.....*>.,«*i..**...**4**>**«» 499 Ifigor MtdliM^^yaad G«wwatTan^Rans8elaer,..*.*..«i'^**...ltO it HI Oewral gfi r N ii' 'C"p fa»w of Gviwral Wlnc|iester)M»*M«v««l«t |( lt§^ '■'' ' ■ ■.'■ *■■ -'' & J« Ju A< '%. % «*■ '•!•• • . innfj, Imbc Day to Gknettl Htrriioi, * •••• 1*4 ^ Colonel Lewis— Battle near Frenchtown, • •••• IM » Major MK/Unehan— Battle at the River Raitin •#•!.•• 190 OeuerallVincbeater's account of hie capture,.** • , 198 Febr*7* Secretary of W»r*a Plan of the Northern Campaign; ' 139 Mauacre at Ftenchtown, • ••«•*••••• 196 Major Foriyth--Capture of Ofdeneburgi ••• 196 President Madison'i MetMage to Congreeii** •• 4 »»»»»»• 196 . March. General Dearborn->expected attack on SackettU Harbour^**.. 137 General Harrison^ affaire in the North-West, •*... 198 — — — — ^— objects to the Plan of the Campaign,.** 199 Captain Lawrence-^Capturo of the Peacock •*•*••• 141 April. General Pike's General Order.......... ...........*..*••.. 144 Commodore Chauncey and General Dearborn— Capture of York 146 • May. GeneralHarriion— Capture of General Clay's Detachment,..*. 149 Captain S. H. Moore on the Capture of York,...*.. ...•.*•.•>••. 151 General Harrison— Attack on Fort Meigs, Geueral Order and Siege of Fort Meigs, '. 14tffti5£ General Clay ^s account of his disaster,... •• ....»*•«**.. 158 General Boyd's Btigade Orders, 160&168 General Dearborn— Capture of Fort George,..* •.*•■•••• 161 General Brown— Attack on Sackett's Harbour,,.^. *....'... .*•••* 163 lune. General Dearborn — Capture of Generals Chandler and Winder, 164 Lieutenant Allen— from LK>rient, (Prance,).... ••• 164 General Lewis — Capture of Generals Chandler and Winder,**** 165 Lieutenant Budd — Capture of the Chesapeake,*.***.. .**..*..* 16T Midshipmen Berry and Weaver on ditto, *.••• 1y8 LieutanintChauncey— Capture of the Lady Murray, 169 General Chandlar on the Affair at Stony Creek, ...• 169 |i Captain Casein — Attack on Craney Island,. >*.* ITI-S General Dearborn — Affair at the Beaver Dams, '^^ * Captain Angus — Flotilla in the Delaware,.*.... »t 174'^*^ July. Conmiodore Porter— Affairs in the Pacific,...* tt*** 175 August. General Harrison and Major Crogban— Defenceof FortSandusky l8l-4 Plan of Campaign subniitted to General Wilkinson ••*... 186 Correspondence with General Wilkinson op ditto,..* 187 Secretary of War at Sackett's Harbour to General Wilkinson,. , l99 General Harrison to Governor Meigs on the Campaign, > . . . 194 4. Commodore Chauncey attempts to bring Sir James to action,. . 195 Sai^ng Master Sheads' account of his Capture, • *. 198 General Boyd— skirmishing with the Enemy,.* •*. 199 Captain Dent— Capture of the Dominico, Nc ** 201 General Boyd— skirmishing with the enemy, *..***•***..• 801 Septem. Major Beasler defeated and killed by the Indians, * S02 Lieutenant M'CaU— Capture of the Boxer, 501 Commodore M'Donough— Affiiirs on Lake Champlain,. ..**..**. 205 Commodore Perry— Victory on Lake Erie, c**.******.^* 205 , Commodore Chauncey chases Sir James round tiia Lake, 308 Citizens of Ontario otttt their services,.... ..«y...^«*^.....««,**** 209 Gen. P. B. Porter ft others offer their services ft are accepted, 2)0 & 8l3 General Wilkinson on Aflhirs of the Campaign,. .«.....,.•... .*«s 212 General Harrison's arrival at Amberstburg,... .....*.*.... >*..*• 214 f Commodore Firry to the Secretary of the Navy, 21g Governor BtQUnrs Orders to Oeiteval JackMn, • 215 V Conriiodore Chaiittcey->>AfM)ii eti Lake Ontarii^**** •• 9^ General Harrison's General Order, ..Mkii.'JV* 216 General Wilkinson on embarking for Sackett's Hwrboii/;...***.* 219 vl ^ eoRMedore Perry ^ m |«ptm,CMmB«iora iUKlf«it«-Cr4iiM UiIm HcHh Ink*. iMI GaMtal HavfiMHi*! PTeelanailoB aad OtMMl OidM| tM Otl«k«ikCMMbo4«M Cbauiia«7->chM* «!» •■<> lUnBlib wlihy iir Jmrnn, Stt OcatrBl MK!UiN*f Adrtrcu to th* PaltW H , kc •• Sit ColOMtlSmUb toColoml Mkol, tM 8«cNtury of W«r authoilMk tb* daatriietlon of Nvvark, SS9 CkMral Hurtaon— Victory ontte TtamM,/. SM SSS 199 Ututoooat NIcholioB— Capturtoftbo Dort^ •• t29 QoWiral M*Artbur rtipectiag tho IndlHM, • iSO GoMralM'Cluro— akirmiahwithtlMCiMiiijr, 290 Conniodon Channety copturot 6 vetMto and chuMt Sir JamM^. S3l TMuoiMh*! Spoocb to Otatral Proctor^.. S40 Coloacl W. Scott to Qtnual Wilkinton, S4l ColomI Clark-*<7aptar« mT th« EMBijr at Manlquoi, •#..• S4* Gtneral M'Clart*! Adiir*n to the Canadian*^ S4* Gancial Ha»lHMi*s Proclamation, 946 Gf noral Proctor-i>aflkln{ cUmency to priwnort 246 Central HarrlMO to G«n«ral Vioctnt, In roply to Proctor, ••«... SSf iBeaeral Vinetnt's Reply to Oraeral Harriton, S60 General Wilkloion from Grenadier lalend, S47-t Secretary of War to General Wilkinson Drom Denmark,*. •« MS Noveni. General Hampton— Battle on tbe Cbataugay, ••• ^ General Coflhe-«-Vlctory o?er the Creeke, tS^ Commodore CbaiMcey — Aflbirt on Lake Ontario, 356 General WUkloton*e Prodamatlon—or d ere Hampton to Join,,.*. S57«8 General Hampton refutea to join WilUnaon, 8M Commodore Lewie— Aflair at Long Branch, tS9 Governor Chittenden's Proclamation ordering tlie MiliHa home,. t6l Answer of the Oftcers refusing to obey him,.. « • SdS GeDcral Jackson— Battle of Talladega, XV4 General Boyd— Battle of Williamsbnrg ; S6< Jt' Return of killed and wounded In ditto, • t74 General Wilkinson on General Hampton refiisisg to join, and General Order, S6t General Hanison at Newark, to General M*Ckire, S69 General Wilkinson*s descent of the St. Lawrence, S70 -— ■■ ■■-■ ■ nn General Hampton's Conduct, 274,S8S,286 Colonel Hurdy's Report on ditto...... • 275, Treatment of Prisoners at Quebec, f79 General White— Victory orer the Creeks, 28l ;9i»^m. General Floyd— Ditto, 383 -> General Isard to General Wilkinson, f S86 General M'Clure's Orders to Captain Leonard and Address, 286 ComnMhlore Decatur— respecting the Blue Lights, IfT General M*Clure— Ion of Fort Niagara SOS <>eneral Hall— >Buffalo In rains, 169 Gtneral A|dger»— Cruise of the President, «.... 107 March. Surgeon Evans of Ute Constitution— British veracity,., ......... dlO ■J "r^y^ ^^•■ J«) A« # «.• ,n CoIomI ftutlM mUI C«M«U ttdbiMf Victory aii Um TbAMci,.. aiS CoMSodon P— atiir— C oaduet of CapMioCap*li •••• 91? QiMMitl FlOikiMir«->Vlcter]r omr tb« CrMka, |.. .•*•••'»• 3ln Om. JacliMn— B«Ul« 9t Um HorafBho* »nd Addrer* to hto in«y 319 ..i to Ciovwo>r BIOMHt, v •«. ^H ti«Mral Coek«*« OoBdiwt, fkom iUld*t Llfa oi' J *ckwn, aH^ Gaawal WUkiuMa-rBtnte of La Gel*, S2j ApM. ColoMl Wlllitm Cock* to Ovnoiral Jack«on, 317 Ganara) Jtokton to Oovernpr Blouiii, 3f7 Commodor* Chauneey'-i^ritUh attampt to bura tlia naw Sht|l,t» SM Captain MorrU capturai aiTeral Vetpalit f •••• 329 Captalu warringtoa and Liautaaaat jVlcholion— 42aptur* oftba Eparvier, 329 Majr* CoraiQodora Cbaiiacay-^riilp Superior Uunohad, «• S3l Captain Warringtoii—commendiDg bit Oftcerif***** 331 Conmodore Cbauncey— Battle at Oawegn, •••*•. 33t Oenaral Brown and Colonal MitcbeUU account of ditto,.. ••.t>* 33) Commodore M*Doiioufb— Battle at Otter Creek, 335 Commodore Lewia— Oun-Boata and the Cnenty,t. ..•*... .....•• 334 iaaa. Com. Chauncey k CaptWoQl«ey— ^ aUnot Affair at Sandy Creek SS/ Commodore Barney— Affair at St. Leonardos Creek,.. • 340 Commpdor* Chauncay^^apture of a Qun-Boat,.*..*. ••• 341 0«n«»IP. Stuart— Affalii on tba Potomac, •* 342 Commodor* Barney** Battle with two rrigaUi, • 34j C^iqniodar* Rodiwf— Affaif* in the Delaware 343 Colonel Wadaworth—A"*)' •* St. Leonardi, 343 ialy. Qen*ral Brownie General Order and descent on Canada,.. ..•.«. 346 Commodore Porter— Cruiie and (bapture of the E*mx, 347 Captain Gamble — Sequel of the En«x*e Cruise,.. • 362 General Brown — Battle of Chippewa end General Order,.... 308 k 374 Sai;ing Maater Sbead— Ion of the Alligator, 37S Commodore Chauncey— Schooner burnt at Presque Isle, 37S Captain Blakely— Capture of the Reindeer, 376 Commodore Rodger*— Affaire in the Delaware, 377 CaptainHull — Capture of a British Tender, 978 General Brown — skirmishing at Fort George, S79 • complains of the Fleet not co-operating, 379 ■ Battle of Niagara or Bridgewater, 380 NamesofOflcers killed and wounded in ditto,. 80S Aagust Mejor Murgan~-Battle at Conjoeta Creek, • 383 General Gaines assumes the command at Fort Erie...... •, 384 Comodore Chauncey— denies agreeing to meet General Brown, 385 ' complain)) oi' public murmurs about his Fleet, 38 General Smitli and Geaaral Strieker— Attack ou Baluinore,.. 420,427 Colonel Arniaitad^Defeoce of JFoit He. iianry,...^.^'^^*. 439 Gea«raU»cklMmanf Maj. LawrsQC*— 4*f*Bc* of FoitlEawyar, 43M^ Qaascal Btowa on Gaaaral BroanaaBd^s 0*ndQct,.w.««;..»»..M«» 430 ,,■<•*. ^■a: i n m *«.- W ,fi<-' % M 8«pMak FrtaldMt llMUaoa*altf«Nafs to Ooii|nM.*MM«... 3l OMMr«l Dfowa aad Otmral P.B. PoiMi^-Sortto •) foirEri«| 444,4aiS Ooteb. Captalo i|pld— PrlvatMr 0«Mr*l AiaMtroag.....** 445 Oovtnior Wrlg bi— Bruulhj of ih* •nemy tt Cbapilco 449 Oflotral famn^Afkir m Lvom CNtk, • 4M- MevtHi OaiMral JmImoih— PiDweMa Uktn • ••• 4Sl OMMrtl JukMB— BatU* btlow Ntw OtltUM».. • 4M 1816. ia%Vy. Oiaat victory of N«wOrl«MM, «.•« «••.. 4ft5,to ^\ ^ CemnodoN Patt«noo*i account of ditto,* « 4i » (lot Ovafton— attack OB Pert St. PtilUpi ; 4«4 oaral Jackaon to tha Trooptea tka rigm bank,**...., 465 Kav. W. Duboarf to Uanaral Jackaon and hit reply, ..*.. 4 ? I Hie practice, hence, is so far from affecting British subjeetft alone, that under the pretext of searching for these, thousands of American citizens, under the safeguard of public law, and of their national flag, have been torn from their country and from every Ihin^ dear to them ; have been dra^d on board ships of war of a fcreij^ nation, and exposed, under the severities of their disci- pline, to be exiled to the most distant and deadly climes, to risk their lives in the battles of their oppressors, and to be the me- lancholy inistraments of taking away those of their own brethren. Against this crying enormity which Great Britain would be so prompt to avenge if committed against herself, the United States have in vain exhausted remonstrances and expostulations. And that no proof might be wanting of their conciliatory dispositions, and no pretext left for a continuance of the practice, the British gDvernment v/as formidly assured of the reaainess of the United tates to enter into arrangements, such as could not be rejected, if the recovery of British subjects was the real and the sole object. The communication passed without effect. ^ British cruisers have been in the practice also of violating the rights, and the peace of our coasts. They hover over and harass our departing commerce. To the most insulting pretensions they have added the most lawless proceedings in our very harbors ; and have wantonly spilt American blood within the sanctuary of our territorial jurisdiction. The principles and rules enforced by that nation, when a neutral nation, against armed vessels or bellige- rants hoveringnear her coasts, and disturbing her commerce, are well known. When called on, nevertheless, by the United States, to punish the greater offences committed by her own vessels, her government has bestowed on their commander additional marks of honour and confidence. Under pretended blockades, without the presence of an ade> quate force, and sometimes without the practicability of applying one, our commerce has been plunderea in every sea ; the great itaples of OUF country have been cut off from their le^timate mar- kets ; and a destructive blow aimed at our agricultural and mari- time interests. In a^;ravation of these predatory measures, they have beeA consideredas in force from the dates of their notifica- tion ; a retrospective effect beine thus added, as has been done in other intportant casec, to the unlawfulness of the course pursued. And to render the outrage the more signal, these mock blockade! have been reiterated ana enforced in the face of official communi- cations from the British government, declaring as the true defini- tion of a legal blockade, " That particular ports must be actually invested, and previous warning given to vessels bound tc them not to enter." Not content with these occasional expedients for laying waste our neutral trade, the cabinet of Great Britain resorted, atlengtii, to the sweeping system of blockades, under the name of orders in covBcil, which MB been moulded and managed, aa might best suit mi 11 its political views, its commercial jealousies* or the avidity of Bri- tish cruisers. To our remonstrances against the complicated and transcend- ent injustice of this innovation, the first reply was, that the orders were reluctantly adopted by Great Britain as a necessary retali- ation on the decrees of her enemy proclaiming a general blockade of the British isles, at a time when the naval force of that enemy dared not to issue from his own ports. She was reminded, wi^- out effect, that her own prior blockades- unsupported by an ade- auate naval force, actually applied and continued, were a bar to lis plea : that executed edicts against millions of our property could not be a retaliation on edicts, confessedly impossible to be executed : that retaliation, to be just, should fall on the party set- ting the guilty example, not an innocent party, which was not even chareeable with an acquiescence in it. When deprived of this flimsy veil for a prohibition of our trade with her enemy, by the repeal of his prohibition of our trade with Great Britain, tier cabinet, instead of a corresponding repeal or & practical discontinuance of its orders, formally avowed a determi- nation to persist in them against the United States, until the mar- kets of her enemy should be laid open to British products ; thus asserting an obligation on a neutral }M>wer to require one belliee- rant to encourage, by its internal regulations, the tradeof another belligerant ; contradicting her o\rn practice towards all nations, in peace as well as in war ; and betraying the insincerity of those professions which inculcated a belief tliat, having resorted to her orders with regret, she was anxious to find an occasion for putting an end to them. Abandoning still more all respect for tlie neutral rights of the United States, and for its own consistency, the British government now demands as prerequisites to a repeal of its orders, as they relate to the United States, that a formality should be observed in the repeal of the French decrees no wise necessary to their ter- mination, nor exemplified by British usage ; and that the French repeal, besides including that portion of the decrees which oper- ates within a territorial jurisdiction, as well as that which operates on the high seas against the commerce of the United States, should not be a single special repeal in relation to the United States, but should be extended to whatever other neutral nations, unconnect- ed with them, may be affected by those decrees. And as an addi- tional insult, they are called on for a formal disavowal of condi- tions and pretensions advanced by the French government, for which the United States are so far from having made themselves responsible, that, in official explanations, which have been pub- lished to the world, and in a correspondence of the American minister at London with the British minister for forei^ affairs, ■uch a responsibility was explicitly and emphatically disclaimed. It has become indfeed sufficiently Certain, thattiie commerce of the United States ^ to be tftcriiteiid, not at intefftving with ihf % *■,■ s. 4^! * ■^ :%, ii if ^—^^ -"'^*H-'— -c^-y- ^ ♦tI^ 4* J Ii» belligetjint rights of Great Britain — ^not at) supplying tlie wants of her enemies, which she herself supplies ; but as interfering with the Aionopoly which she covets for Ker own commerce and navi- gation. She carries on a waragunst the lawful commerce of a friend, that she may the better carry on a commerce with an ene- my-~a commerce, polluted by the forgeries and perjuries which are> for the most part, the only passpo^s by which it can succeed. Anxious to make every experiment short of the last resort of injured nations, the United States have withheld from Great Bri- tain, under successive modifications, f,he benefits of a free inter- course with their market, the loss of which could not but outweigh the profits accruing from her restrictions of our commerce with other nations. And to entitle these experiments to the more \ favourable consideration, they were so framed as to enable her to place her adversary under the exclusive operation of them. To theise appeals her government has been equally inflexible, as if willing to make sacrifices of every sort, rather than yield to the claims of justice, or to renounce the errors of a false pride. Nay, 80 far were the attempts carried to overcome the attachment of the British cabinet to its unjust edicts, that it received every encou- ragement within the competency of the executive branch of our government, to expect that a repeal of them would be followed br a war between the United States and France, unless the Frencn edicts should also be repealed. Even this communication, although silencing forever the plea of a disposition in the United States to acquiesce in those edicts, originally the sole plea for them, received no attention. If no other proof existed of a predetermination of the British government against a repeal of its orders, it might be found in the (Correspondence of the minister plenipotentiary of the United States at London, and the British secretary for foreign affairs, in 1810, on the question whether the blockade of May, 1806, was considered as in force, or as not in force. It had been ascer- tained that the French government, which urged this blockade as the ground of its Berlin decree, was willing, in the event of its removal, to repeal that decree j which, being followed by alternate repeals of the other offensive edicts, might abolish the whole sys- tem on both sides. This inviting opportunity for accomplishing an object so important to the United States, and professed so often to be th 2 desire of botii the belligerants, was made known to the British ^vernment. As that government admits that att Itctual application of an adequate force is necessary to the exist- ifence of a legal blockade, and it was notorious, that if such 4 force had ever been applied, its long discontinuance had annulled the blockade in question, there could be no sufficient objection on the part of Great Britain to a formal revocation of it ; and no ittki^nable objection to a declaration of the fact that the blockade did Aot exist The declaration would have been con- Bistelit with her avowed principles of j^lockade, and would hate i; .# u so enabled the Unites' ^ies to demand from Franee the pledged repeal of her decree ; either with success, in which case th€ way would have been cpened for a general repeal of the belli- gerant edicts; or without suc^sess, in which case the United States would have been justified in turning their measures exclusively against France. The British government would, however, neither rescind the blockade, nor declare its non-exist<^ ence ; nor permit its non-existence to be inferred and affirmed by" the American plenipotentiary. On the contrary, 6y representing the blockade to be comprehended in the orders in council, the United States were compelled so to regard it in their subsequent proceedings. There was a period when a favourable change in the policy of the British cabinet was justly considered as established. The minis- ter plenipotentiary of his Britannic majesty here proposed an adjustment of the differences more immediately endangering the harmony of the two countries. The proposition was accepted wi^ a promptitude and cordiality corresponding with the invariable ftrofessions of this government. A foundation appeared to be laid or a sincere and lasting reconciliation. The prospect, however, Suickly vanished. The whole proceeding Was disavowed by the tritish government, without any explanations which could at that time repress the belief, that the disavowal proceeded horn a spi- rit of hostility to the commercial rights and prosperity of the United States. And it has since come into proof, that at the very moment when the public minister was holding the language df friendship and inspiring confidence in the sincerity of the nego- tiation with which he was charged, a secret agent of his govern- ment was employed in intrigues, having for their olject a subver- sion of our ^vemment, and a dismemberment of our happy union. In reviewing the conduct of Great Britain toward 6ie United States, our attention is necessarily drawn to the warfare just re- newed by the savages on one of our extensive frontiers : a war- fare which is known to spare neither sex nor age, and to be dis- tinguished by features peculiarly shocking to humanity. It is difficult to account for the activity and combinations which have for some time been developing themselves among tribes in the constant intercourse with British traders and garrisons,, without connecting their hostility with thatiftfiuence ; and with- out recollecting the authenticated examples of such interposi* tions heretofore furnished by the officers and agents of thit government. Such is the spectacle of injuries and indi^ities which havie been heaped on our country ; and such the crisis which its unex- ampled forbearance and conciliatory efforts have not been able to avert. It might at least have been expected, that an enlig|ht- ened nation, if less urged by moral oblinitions* ot invited by friendly dispositions on the part of the United States, Itoula have found, m its trae interest alone, a sufficient Itiotivetslre- i^ TU:if,'>mMWiifiiOiii'ir rm * 14 f*!" !!*' w §pect their ri^ts and their tranquillity on the high seas ; that au enlai^d policy would have favoured that free and general cir- culation of commerce, in which the British nation is at all times interested, and which in times of war, is the best alleviation of its calamities to herself as well as the other belligerants ; and more especially that the British cabinet would not, for the sake of a £recarious and surreptitious intercourse with hostile markets, ave persevered in a course of measures which necessarily put at hazard the invaluable market of a great and erowing country, disposed to cultivate the mutual advantages oi an active com- merce. Other councils have prevailed. Our moderation and concilia- tion have had no other effect than to encourage perseverance, and to enlarge pretensions. We behold our seafaring citizens still the daily victims of lawless violence committed on the great common and highway of nations, even within sight of the country which owes them protection. We behold our vessels, freighted with the products of our soil and industry, or returning wiUi the honest proceeds of them, wrested from their lawful destinations, confiscated by prize-courts, no longer the organs of public law, but the instrument of arbitrary edicts; and their unfortunate crews dispersed and lost, or forced or inveigled, in British ports, into British fleets : whilst arguments are employed in support of these aggressions which have no foundation but in a principle equally supporting a claim to regulate our external commerce in all cases whatsoever. We behold, in fine, on the side of Great Britain, a state of war against the United States ; on the side of the United States, a state of peace towards Great Britain. Whether the United States shall continue passive under these progressive usurpations, and these accumulating wrongs; or, opposing force to force in defence of their natural rights, shall commit a just cause into the hands of the Almighty Disposer of events, avoiding all connections which might entangle it in the cotatests or views of other powers, and preserving ^ constant rea- diness to concur in an honound>le re-establishment of peace and friendship, is a solemn question, which the constitution wisely confides to the legislative department of the government. In recommending it to their early deliberations, I am happy in the assurance that the decision will be worthy the enlightened and patriotic councils of a virtuous, a free, and apowerful nation. Having presented this view of the relations of the United States with Great Britain, and of the solemn alternative growing out of them, I proceed to remark, that the communications last made to Congress on the subject of our relations with France, will have shown, thfc since the revocation of her decrees as they violated the neutral rights of the United States, her government has au- tiiori^ed iUe|^ captures, by its privateers and public ships, and tbat other otttrages have been practiced on our vessels and our ## ^WF f M u # citizens. ^ It will have been seen also, that no indemnity had been provided, or satisfactorily pledged, for th") extensive spolia- tions committed under the violent and retrospective orders of the Fi'ench government against the property of our citizens seized within me jurisdiction of France. I abstain at this time from recommending to the consideration of Congress definitive mea- sures with respect to that nation, in the expectation, that the result of unclosed discussions between our minister plenipoten- tiary at Paris and the French government, will speedily enable Congress to decide, with greater advantage, on the course due to the nghts, the interests and the honour of our country. JAMES MADISON. Washington, June 1, 1812. 3un« ^, iSi^. !I%0 Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the Message of the President of the United States, of thelsti^ June, 1812, REPORT— That, after the experience which the United States have had of the great injustice of the British government towards them, exemplified by so many acts of violence and oppression, it will be more difficult to justify to the impartial world their patient for- bearance, than the measures to which it has become necessary to resort, to avenge the wrongs, and vindicate the rights and honour of the nation. Your committee are happy to observe, on a dis- passionate review of the conduct of the United States, that they see in it no cause for censure. If a long forbearance under injuries ought ever to be consider- ed a virtue in any nation, it is one which peculiarly becomes the United States. No people ever cherished it with greater sinceri- ty and zeal. But tlie period has now arrived, when the United States must support their character and station among the nations of the earth, or subirit to the most shameful degradation. Forbearance has ceased^ to be a virtue. War on the one side, and peace on the other, is a situation as ruinous as it is disgraceful. The mad ambition, the lust of power, and commercial avarice of Great Britain, arrogating to herself the complete dominion of the ocean, and exercising over it an unbounded and lawless tyranny, have left to neutral nations an alternative only, between the base sur- render of their rights, and a manly vindication of them. Happily for the United States, their destiny, under the aid .«f Heaven, it : i % % I; I li 16 in their own hands. Tlie crisig is formidable only bj their ioTtt of peace. As soon as it becomes a duty to relinquish that situa- tion* danger disappears. They have suffered no wrongs, tiiey have received no insult, however great, for which they cannot obtain redress. More than seven years have elapsed since the commencement of this system of hostile aggression by the British government, on the rights and interests ofthe United States. The manner of its commencement was not less hostile, than the spirit with which it has been prosecuted. The United States have invariably done every thing in their power to preserve the relations of friendship with Great Britain. Of this disposition, they gave a distinguished proof at the moment when they were made the victims of an opposite policy. The wrongs of the last war had not been for- gotten at the commencement of the present one. They warned us of dangers, against which it was sought to provide. As early as the year 1804, the minister of the United States, at London, was instructed to invite the British government to enter into a negotiation on all the points on which a collision might arise be- tween the two countries in the course of the war, and to propose to it an arran^ment of their claims on fair and reasonable condi- ^ons. The invitation was accepted. A negotiation had com- menced and was depending, and nothing had occurred to excite a doubt that it would not terminate to the satisfaction of both parties. It was at this time, and under these circumstances, that an attack was made by surprise, on an important branch of the American commerce, which affected every part of the United States, and involved manv of their citizens in ruin. The comnierce on which this attack was so unexpectedly made, was between the United States and the colonies of France, Spain, and other enemies of Great Britain. A commerce just in itself; sanctioned by the example of Great Britain in regard to the trade with her own colonies ; sanctioned by a solemn act between the two governments in the last war, and sanctioned by the practice ofthe British government in the present war, more than two years having then elapsed, without any interference with it The injustice of this attack could only be equalled by the ab- surdity of the pretext alleged for it. It was pretended by the British government, that in case of war, her enemy had no ri^t to modify its colonial regulations, so as to mitigate the caiamitiet •f war to the inhabitants of its colonies. This pretension, pecu- liar to Great Britain, is utterly incompatible with the rights of sovereignty in every independent state. If we recur to the well established and universally admitted law of nations, we shall 4nd no sanction to it in that venerable code. The sovereignty of every state is co-extensive with its dominions, and cannot Maoro- cated or curtailed in its rights, as to any part, except by conquest. Neutral nations have a right to every .port of eitheir helligerant, which is not legally blociuided, and in all articles which are not %i\\.-:» W^ 17 ••Btraband of war. fluch is the absurdity of this pretension, thai your committee are aware, especially after the able manner in which it has been heretofore renited and exposed, that they would offer an insult to the understanding of the house, if they entarved on it; and if any thing could add to the high sense of the injus- tice of the British government in this transaction, it would be tilt contrast which her conduct exhibits in regard to this trade, and ia reawrd to a similar trade by neutrals with their own colonies. It is known to tiie world, that Great Britain regulates her own trade in war and in peace, at home and in her colonies, as she finds for her interest-^at in war she relaxes the restraints of her colo- nial system in favour of the colonies, and that it never wag sunested that she had not a ri^ht to do it ; or that a neutral, in taung advantage of the relaxation, violated a bellig^rant ri^t of her enemy. But with great Britain every thing is lawful. It is only in a trade with her enemies that the United States can do wrong : with them all trade is unlawful. In the rear 1793, an attack was made by the British govern- ment on tne same branch of our neutral trade, which hacT nearly involved the two countries in war. That difference, however, was amicably accommodated. The pretension was withdrawn, and reparation made to the United States for the losses which they had suffered by it. It was fair to infer, from that arrangement, that the commerce was deemed by the British government lawful, and that it would not be again disturhnd. Had the British government been resolved to contest this trade with neutrals, it was due to the character of the Britidi nation that the decision should be made known to the govern- ment of tiie United States. The existence of a negotiation which had been invited by our ^vemment, for the purpose of preventing differences by an amicable arrangement of their res- pective pretensions, gave a strong claim to the notification, while it affmrded the fairest opportunity for it. But a vei j different policy animated tiie then cabinet of England. Generous senti- ments were unknown to it The liberal confidence and friendly overtures of the United States were taken advanttte of to ensnare them. Steady to its purpose, and inflexibly hostile to this coun- tnr, the British government calmly looked forward to the moment when it mi^^t give the most deadly wound to our interests. A trade, jnst in itself, which was secured by so many strong and •acred |dedges, was considered safe. Our citizens, with their ■sual industry and enterprise, had embarked in it a vast propor- tion of their shipping, and <^ their capital, which were at set, under no other protection than the law of nations, and the confi- dence which they reposed in the justice and friendship of tho British nation. At this period the unexpected blow was given. Many of our vessels were seized, carried into port, and c 4 13 pontion to all law. Hundreds of other vessels were driven firom the ocean, and the trade itself, in a great measure, suppressed. The effect produced by this attack on the lawful commerce of the United States, was such as mi^t have been expected from a vir- tuous, independent, and highly injured peonle. But one sentiment pervaded the whole American nation. No local interests were regarded ; no sordid motives felt. Without lodiing to the parts which suffered most, the invasion of our rights was considered a common cause, and from one extremitv of our union to the other, was heard the voice of an united people, calling on their govern- ment to avenge their wrongs, and vindicate the rights and honour of the country. From this period the British ^vemment has gone on in a con- tinued encroachment on tlie rights and interests of the United States, disregarding; in its course, in many instances, obligations which have heretorore been helid sacred by civilized nations. In May, 1806, the whole coast of the continent, from the Elbe to Brest inclusive, was declared to be in a state of blockade.^ By this act, the well established principles of the law of nations, Erinciples which have served for ages as guides, and fixed the oundary between j^e rights of belugerants and neutrals, were violated : by the law of nations, as recognized by Great Britain herself, no blockade is lawful, unless it be sustained by the ap- plication of an adequate force, and that an adequate force was applied to this blockade, in \isk full extent, ought not to be pretended. Whether Great Britain was able to maintain, legally, so exten- sive a blockade, considering the war in which she is engaged, requiring such extensive naval operations, is a question which it is not necessary at this time to examine. It is sufficient to be known, that such force was not applied, and this is evident from the terms of the blockade itself, by which, comparatively, an Inconsidendble portion of the coast only was declared to be in a state of strict and rigorous blockade. The objection to the mea- sure is not diminished by that circumstance. If the force was not applied, the blockade was unlawful, from whatever cause the failure might proceed. The belligerant who institutes the block- ade, cannot iu>solve itself from the oblieation to apply the force under any pretext whatever. For a belligerant to relat a block- ade, which it could not maintain, with a view to alMolve itself from the obligation to maintun it, would be a refinement in in- justice, not less insulting to the understanding tiian repugnant to the law of nations. To claim merit for tiie miticatiim of an evil, which the party either had not the power, or found it inconve- ment to inflict, would be a'new mode of encroaching on neutral rights. Your committee think it just to remark, tiiat this act of the British government does not appear to have been ad| '% * M ■^^ ** m in» » ;C;r •0 I m It woald be luperflttoiii in your committee to tttte* tiiet by tiiit order the British mvernment declared direci and poeitive war acainet the United Statei. The dominion of the ocean waa eomp^tely uiarped bj it, all commerce forbidden, and every flag driven from it, or subjected to capture and condemnation, which did notsulraerve the policy of the British government by paving it a tribute and sailing under its sanction. From this penodf the United States have incurred the heaviest losses and most morti- fying humiliations. They have borne tiie calamities of war with- out retmrting them on its authors. So far your committee has presented to the view of the house the agressions which have been committed under the authority of theuritish government on the commerce of the United States. We will now proceed to other wrongs, which have been still more leverely felt Among these is the impressment of our seamen, » l^ctice which has been unceasingly maintained by Great Britain m the wars to which she has been a party since our revolution. Tour committee cannot convey, in adequate terms, the deep sense which tiiey entertain of the injustice and oppression of this pro- ceeding. Under the pretext of impressing British seamen, our fsUow-citizens are seized in British ports, on the high seas, and in every other ouarter to which the British power extends, are taken on bond British men of war and compelled to serve there M British subjects. In this mode our citizens are wantonly snatched from their country and their families, deprived of their libertv and doomed to an ignominious and slavish bondage, com- pelled to fi|^t the battles of a foreign country, and often to perish >in them. Our flag has siven them no protection ; it has been iinceaduigly violated, ana our vessels exposed to danger by the loss of the men taken from them. Your committee nMd not re- mark, that while this practice is continued, it is imnosnble for the United States to consider themselves an independent nation. Kvery new case is a new proof of their degradation. Its continu- ance is the more unjustindile, because tne United States have re]>eitedly proposed to the British government an arrangement which would secure to it the controul of its own people. An exemption of the cittzens of the United States from this degrad- ing oppression, and their flag from violation, is all that they liave aottflht "niis lawless waste of our trade, and equally unlawful im- pressment of our seamen, have been much aggravated by the insults and indignities attending them. Under the pretext of Uockading the harbours of France and her allies, British squad- rons have been stationed on our own coast, to watch and annoy eur own trade. To give effect to the blockade of European port8« tiie ports and harbours of the United States have been blockaded. In executing these orders of the British government, or in Obey- ing 1^ *pni which was known to animate it, the commanders ertiiese squadrons have encroached on «v jurisdiction, seized •I •nrTeMelSi and carried into eflTect impraiimenta within our limitd. and done other acts of great ii^justice, Tiolence and op- prer iOn. The United States have teen, with mingled indigna- tion and surprise, that these acts, instead of procuring to the perpetrators the punishment due to unauthorized crimes, have not failed to recommend them to the favour of their sovemment* Whether the British government has contributed by activt measures to excite against us the hostility of the savage tribes on our frontiers, your committee^ are not disposed to occupy much time in investicatine. Certain indications of general noto- riety may supply the piace of authentic documents ; though these have not bieen wanting to establish the fact, in some in- •tances. It is known that symptoms of British hostility towards the United States have never failed to produce correspondinjt symptoms among those tribes. . It is also well known, that on all such occasions, abundant supplies of the ordinary munitions of war have been afforded by tne acents of British commercial companies, and even from British garrisons, wherewith they were enabled to commence that system of sava^ warfare on our frontiers, which has been at all times indiscriminate in its effect, on all ages, sexes, and conditions, and so revolting to humanity. Your committee would be much gratified if they could close here the detail of British wrongs; but it is their duty to recite another act of still greater malignity, than any of tiiose which have been already brought to your view. The attempt to dismember our union and overthrow our excellent constitution, by a secret mission, the object of which was to foment discontents and excite insurrection acainst the constituted authorities and laws of the nation, as lately disclosed by the acent employed in it, affords full |Nroof that there is no bound to the hostility of the British Kovemment towards the United States— no act, however ni^ustifiable, which it would not commit to accomplish their ruin. This attempt excites the greater horror from the consi- deration that it was made while the United States and Great Britain were at peace, and an amicable negotiation was depend- ing between them, for the accommodation of their differences, through public ministers rM|;ttlarly authorized for the purpose. The United States have beheld, with unexampled forbearance, this continued series of hostile encroachments on tiieir rights and interests, in the hope, that, yielding; to the force of friendly remonstrances, often repeated, the Bntiih government mig^t adopt a more just policy towards them ; but tiiat hope no lon|;er exists. They have also weired impartially the reasons which have been ui^^d by the Bntidi gova*nment in vindication of those encroacmnents, and found in them neither justificati: ^ed ri^ts or wounded honour of the injured party. An utter in&biiit'^ »1 . '.e to n* ist, would justify a quiet surrender of our right: av A dt^ading f^ubmission to the will of othera. To that conditif a th^ Jnited Stii would not be maHe to them in vain. But the motive wan nuataken, if thiMr forbearance was imputed, either to the wait of ajugt aensibility to their wrongs, or a determinatiuii, if suitable i-^dress wns not obtained, to resent them. The time has now arrived wh#^n this system of reasoning must cease. It woul d be insulting to r«poat it It would be degrading to hear it. The United States must act as an independent nation, and assert their rirhU and avenp their ivttngt, accordinc to their own estimate ot them, with the n*r Y wi.u commits them, holding it responsible for its own nui^ kc Is. .nmitigated by those of another. I«\)r the difference madfe between Great Britain and Prance, hj ty .application of the non-importation act a^inst England only, the motive has been already too often explained, and .is too well known to reoulre further illustration. In the commercial restric- tinne to whicn the United States resorted as an evidence of thetr sensibility, and a mild retaliation of their wronn, they invariably placed both powers on the same footing, holding out to each and the same is hereby declared to exist between the United Kingdom of Oreat Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof* and the United States of America and their territories ; and that the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized to use the whole land and naval force of, the United States to carry the same into eflfect, and to issue to private armed vessels of the United States commissions or letters of marque and general reprisal, in such form as he shall think proper, and under the seal of the United States, against the vessels, goods and effects of the cdvemment of Ihe same United Kingdom of Great Britun ana Ireland, and the subjects thereof. June 18, 1812. Approved, JAMES MADISON, OWER , and us to ■seat— On (he passage of the preceding Jiet, the vote, in the House of It^esentatives was as follows, vix, IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. JV)fw*JKifi^Mre— Samuel iHnsmocv, Obed HmU, John A. Hatper, 3. Jltutachauetf—Fnacn Carr, iHuah L. Cbreen, William M. Kchardaon, Eb- enezer Seaver, Charies Turner, jun. William Widgety, 6. Bhtde-Jaland— None. Comiectfcitf— None. Fimnettf— James Flak, Saml. Shaw, DTilfiam Stronff, 3. AVw-Ferit— %aiuel Aveiy, Benja- min Pond, Ebenexer Sage, 3. Mw-Jeney—htwis Coiidiet, James Moigan, 2. Penfuyfeonjo— William Anderson, David Bard, Robert Brown, William Crawford, Roger Davis, William Find- ley, John M. Hyneman, Abner La* cock, Joseph Lefevre, Aaron Lyie, William Piper, Jonathan Roberta, Adam Seybert, John Smilie, George ^mith, Robert Whitehill, 16. i)e/awore— None. Jfbryiiaiwf— Stevenson Archer, Jo- seph Kent, Peter Little, Alexr. M*Kim, SamL Ringgold, Robt Wright, 6. 4 Ftrjvma— Burwell Bassett, WilKam A. Burwell, John Cloptcoi, < J*Ii, John Taliaferro, 14. JVbD';«-Carolifui>— Willis Alston, jr. William Blackledge, James Cochran, WilUam R. King, Nathaniel Macon, Israel Pickens, 6. South-CmUnah-'Wm. Bat|«r, John C. Calhoun, Langdon Cbmi§, Eliac Earle, William Lowndes^ Thomas Moore, David R. Williams, Jl^chard Winn, 8. G«er7to-^William W. Bibb, BoL ling Hail, C;eorge M. Troup, 3. JTenlucJby— Joseph Desha, Richard M. Johnson, Samuel Mad|;e, 7. feniMftf— Martin Chittenden, 1. ASn» r«riis-->Hennanu8 Bleeker, lliomaa B. Cooke, James Emot, Aaa litch, Thomas R. Gold, Arunah liet- calf, Samuel L. ICtchel], Thonaa Sam- nons, Sihs Stow, Uriah Traqr, iKeite Van Cortlandt, jr. IL ASiw /cTMy—Adam Boyd, Jacob Hufty, George C. MazweU, Thomas NQwbold, 4. Pennrafoamo— James Milnor, W^ liam Rounan, 2. He&nwifv^— Henry M . Bidgely, 1. JMbry&imf— ChaileB Goldsborougfa, Philip B. Key, Philip Stuart, 3. Virginta-^ohn Baker, James Breck- enri^ge, Joseph Lewi% jr. John Ban- dolplC Thomas Wilson, 5. Mrlh Carv&'na-Archibald M»— None. ' YlAS, Nats, 49 M^oiityforWar, 30 IN THE SENATE. TEAS. JV!m l fa « ^« »»-Charlea Cutta, MatMchiut^tt— Joseph B. Vamum* r«rmMrt-^onathan Robinson, JVWv FffHb— John Smith, JVVw Jbtey— John Con^t^ ^W M Myi poi i i a— Andrew Gr^^, Mi. chaelLeib, JMarafatMf--8amueI Snuth, HfovMcH- Richard Brent, William B. Giles, AVrlH Corsiffia Jes se Franklin, James Tumei^ SHUh Cors&no— John GaiUard, John Taylor, 6ssrj>i»— Wm. H. Crawford, Charies Tait^ Jftnlitc— Obadiah German, Mw Jenejf—JcHm Lambert, Delawttre—J$att» A. Bayud^ Outers bridge Horsey, .Mbry&md— Philip RcMsd, irm08ite side of the river, to commence firing, in order to divert their attention, and to throw them into confusion. I then pro* ceeded with, the remainder of the force about five miles, to a (brd over the Canas, and down on the southern bank of the river. About sun -set we arrived within sight of the enemy. Being entirely destitute of guides, we marched too near the bank ot the river, and found our progress checked by a creek, which waa then impassable. We were then compellea to march up a mile, in order to effect a passive over the creek. This gave the enemy time to make their arrangements, and prepare for their defence* Qn coming down the creek we found them formed ; they com- menced a distant fire of musketry. The riflemen of th^ detach- ment were formed upon the wings, and the two companies of infantry in the centre. The men moved on v/ith great spirit and alacrity. After the first discharge the British retreated— we continued advancing. Three times they formed, and aa often retreated. We drove them about half a mile, when it be- came so dark that we were obliged to relinquish the pursuit. Two privates in the 41st regiment were wounded ana taken prisoners. We learn from deserters, that nine or ten were wounded, and some killed. We could gain no precise infor- mation of the number opposed to us. It consisted of a consider- able detachment from toe 4l8t resimentr some militia, and a body of Indians. The ruard at the bridge consisted of fifty men. Onr riflemen stationed on this side the Canaa, discovered the enemy reinfOTcina; them during the whole afternoon. There if Bo doubt but their number considerably exceeded ours. Lieu* tenant colonel Miller conducted in the most spirited and able manner. I have every reason to be satisfied with the C(mduct ef the whole detachment Very respectfully, air, I have the honour, &j. LEWIS CASS, Col. Sd ng, O, vqL His Excellency Brigadier General Hull. BritUh account of the capture of Fort Miehilimaekinae, MACKINAC, 18th July, 1813. DEAR SIR, I am happy to have it in my power to announce to you that Mackinac capitulated to us on the 15th instant, at It e'cbck, A. M. Captain Roberts at our head, witii a part of the 10th B. v. battalion. Mr. Crawford had the command of the 5 Ctnadiani, whieh consisted of about flOO moil } Mr. Dickcnsoii 143 Sioux, Forlavians, and Winebagoes ; and myself about 230 men, Attawas and Chippewas, part of Attawas or L*harb Croche had not arrived. It was a fortunate circumstance, the fort capi- tulated without firing a single gun, fol* had thej done so, JNlrmfy believe not a soul of them ivould have been eaved.* My son* Charles liongdale, Augustin Nolin, and MachelioBadotte, jr.havo rendered me great service in keeping the Indiatu in order, and in executing, from time to time, such commands as were deliver* •d bj the commanding officer. I never saw so determined a $tt of people as the Chippewas and Attawat. Since the capitulation they have not drank a single drop of liquor, nor even killed a fowl belonging to any person, (a thing never known before) for they generuly destroy every thing thcgr meet with. I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, JOHN ASKIN, Jun. SUire keeper*9 De^ The hon. col. W. CImu, &c. Fort George. SIR, DETROIT, 4th August, 1819. I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint your excellency of the surrender of the ^rrison or Michiumacki^n :ac, under my command, to his Britannic majesty's forces under the command of cwtain Charles Roberts, oii the 17th ultimo, the particulars of which are as follows :— On the 16th, I was informed by the Indias interpreter, that he had discovered from an Indian that the several nations of Indians then at St Joseph, (a British garrison, distant about forty miles) intended to make an immediate attack on Michilimackinac. I was inclined, from the coolness I had dis- covered in some of the principal chiefs of the Ottawa and Chip- pewa nations, who had but a few days before professed the greatest niendship for the United States, to place confidence in this re- port. I immediately called a meetinj); of the American gentiemen at that time on the island, in which it was thought proper to des- patch a confidential person to St. Joseph to watch the motions of the Indians. Captain Daurman, of the militia, was thought the most suitable for this service. He embarked about sun-set, and met the British forces within ten or fifteen miles of the island, by whom he was made prisoner and put on his parole of honor. He was landed on the island at day -break, with positive directions to ^ve me no intelligence whatever. He was also instructed to take the inhabitants of the village indiscriminately to a place on the west side of the island, where their persons and property * BritMi magpMunu^. •hoQld bfl protected by a British guard ; but should they go to tlis fort, thejr would be subject to a general massacre by tine savages. which would be inevitable if the garrison fired a gun. This in- formation I received from doctor Da^, who was passing through the village when every person was flying for refuge to the enemy. Immediately on beinj; informed of the approach of the enemy, I placed ammunition, £c. in the block-houses ; ordered every gun charged, and made every preparation for action. About 9 o'clock I could discover that the enemy were in possession of the heights that commanded the fort, and one piece of their artillery directed to the most defenceless part of the garrison. The Indians at thif time were to be seen in great numbers in the edge of the woods. At half past 11 o'clock, the enemy sent in a flag of truce, de- manding a surrender of the fort and island to his Britannic ma- jesty's forces. This, sir, was the first information I had of the declaration of war ; I, however, had anticipated it, and was as well prepared tb meet such an event as I possibly could have been with the force under my command, amounting to 57 efiective men, including oflicers. Three American sentlemen, who were prisoners, were permitted to accompany the flag; from them I ascertained the strength of the enemy to be from nine hundred to one thousand strong, consisting of regular troops, Canadians and savages ; that they had two pieces of artillery, and were provided witli ladders and ropes for the purpose of^scalinj^; the works if necessary. After I had obtained this information, I consulted my officers and also the American sentlemen present^ who were very Intelligent men; the result of which was, that it was impossible for the «u-rison to hold out against such a superior force. In this opinion I fully concurred, from the conviction that it was the only measure that could prevent a general massacre* The fort and garrison were accordingly surrendered. The enclosed papers exhibit copies of the correspondence be- tween the officer commanding the British forces and myself, and of the articles of capitulation. This subject involved questions of a peculiar nature ; and I hope, sir, that my demands and pro- tests will meet the approbation of my government I cannot allow this opportunity to escape without expressing my obligation to doctor Day for the service ne rendered me in conducting this correspondence. In consequence of this unfortunate affair, I beg leave, sir, to demand that a court of inc^uiry may be ordered to investieate all the facts connected with it ; and I do further request, wat the court may be specially directed to express their opinion on tbs merits of the case. I have the honour to be, sir, &c P. HANKS, LUutmuuU of JhiUkrif, Nts Ezcelleiur^ Gen. Hull, ConiDMimiig 1J» N. W. Amy* ' i Ni] ■^i? Ill it' f I: Jill: 96 f, S. The following particulars relating to the British finre* irere obtained after the capitulation, from a lource that admits of DO doubt. ilegular tnopt, ToUl, BAVAGES— Sious, TaUenwaiiuH Chippewu and Ottowa% 46 (including 4 oiReen.) 360 306 56 48 39 573 715 Savaffea^ 306 Whites. 1031 It may also be reniarlced, that one hundred and fifty Chippewat and Ottawas joined the British two days after the capitulation. P. H. SIR, SANDWICH, Auguitr, 1813. On the 4th instant major Van Horn, of colonel Findlay's re- giment of Ohio volunteers, vtras detached from this army, with the command of 200 men, principally riflemen, to proceed to the river Raisin, and further, if necessary, to meet and reinforce captain Brush, of the state of Ohio, commanding a cooApany of Yolunteers, and escor tins provisions for this army. At Browns^ town, a large body of Indians had formed an ambuscade, and the miyor's detachment received a heavy fire, at the distance of fifty yards from the enemy. The whole detachment retreated in dis- order. Major Van Horn made every exertion to form, andpre- vent the retreat, that was possible for a brave and eallant officer, but without success. By the return of killed and wounded, it will be perceived that the loss of officers was uncommonly great. Their enbrts to rally their companions was the occasion ofit. 1 am, very respectfully. Your most obedient servant, WM. HULL. Hon. Wm. Eustia, Secretaty of War. Killed, 7 oiHcen— 10 privates: — number of wounded unknown. SIR. DETROIT, August 13, 1813. The main body of the army having re-'«;rossed the river to De« trmt, on the night and morning of the 8th instant, 600 men were immediately detached under the command of lieutenant colonel Miller, to open the communication to the river Raiain, and S7 wtttect 4m fiwittom iiid«r the etcorC of enpUlii Bntih. Thii ittMhmenC consisted of the 4th United States* regiment, «n4 two snell detachments vnder the command of lieutenant Stant* bury, and ensign M'Labe of the 1st regiment, detachment* from the Ohio and Michican volunteers, a corps of artillerists, witii one six pounder and an howitzer under the command of Uentenant Eastman, and a pert of captains Smith and Sloan^ cavalry, commanded br captain Sloan of the Ohio volunteers. I^tenant colonel Miller marched from Detroit on the after" nomKt the 8th instant, and on the 9th, abojat 4 o'clock, P. M. the van guaH, commanded by captain Snellin^ of the 4th United States* regiment, was fired on by an extensive line of Britisli troops and Indians at the lower part of the Magaugo, about 14 miles from Detroit At this time the main body was marching in two columns, and captain Snelling maintained his position in a most gallant manner, under a very heavy fire, until the line was formed and advanced to the ground he occupied, when the whole, excepting the rear guard, was brought into action. The enemy were formed behind a temporary breast-work of logs, the Indians extending in a thick wood on their left. LieS" tenant colonel Miller ordered his whole line to advance, and whea within a small distance of the enemy made a general discharge and proceeded with charged bayonets, when the British line and Indians commenced a retreat. They were pursued in a most vi- gorous manner about two miles, and the pursuit discontinued only on account of the fatigue of the troops, the approach of evening^ and the necessity of returning to take care of the wounded. Ths judicious arrangements made by lieutenant colonel Miller, and the nllant manner in which they were executed, justly entitle him to tne highest honour. From die moment the line commenced the fire, it continually moved on, and the enemy maintained tiieir {mmi* tion until forced at the point of the bayonet. The Indians on the left, under the commana of Tecumseh, fought with great obstinacy, but were continually forced and compelled to retreat. The vic- tory was complete in every part of the line, and the success would have been more brilliant had the cavalry charged tlie ene- my on the retreat, when a most favorable opportunity presented. Although orders were given for the purpose, unfortunately they were not executed. Majors Van Horn and Morrison, of the Ohio volunteers, were associated with lieutenant colonel Miller, as field officers in this command, and were highly distinguished by their exertions in forming the line, and the firm and intrepid manner they led their respective commands to action. Captain Baker of the tst United States* regiment, captain Brevoort of the 2d, and captain Hull of the iSth, my aid-de- camp, and lieutenant Whistler of the 1st, requested permission to j[oin the detachment as volunteers. Lieutenant colonel Miller assigned to captain Baker and lieutenant Whistler, separate cDmmandt; and captsini Brevoort and Hull, at his request $8 attended his person and aided him In the eeneral arrangements. Lieutenant colonel Miller has mentioned the conduct of those officers in terms of high approbation. In addition to the captains who have been named, lieutenant colonel Miller has mentioned captains Burton and Fuller of the 4th regiment, captains Saun- ders and Brown of the Ohio volunteers, and captain Delandre of the Michi^n volunteers, who were attached to his command, and distinguished by their valour. It is impossible for me, in this communication, to do justice to the officers and soldiers, who gained the victory which I have described. Theji^ave acquired high honour to themselves, and are justly entitled to the gratitude of their country. Major Muir of the 41st regiment, commanded the British in this action. The regulars and volunteers consisted of about 400, and a large number of Indians. Maior Muir and two subalterns were wounded, one of them since de&d. About forty Indians were found dead on the field, and Tecumseh, their leader, was slightly wounded. The number of wounded Indians who escaped has not been ascertained. Four of major Muir's detachment have been made prisoners, and fifteen of the 41st regiment killed and wounded. The militia and volunteers attached to his com- mand, were in the severest part of the action, and their loss must have been great— 4t has not yet been ascertained. I have the honour to be, yours, &c« WM. HULL, Brig. Oen, eommanding JV*. W, JSlrmy, Hon. Wm. Eustis, Secretary of War. Mailed and wounded in the action near Maguago, dug, 9, 1812. 4th U.S. regiment — 10 non-commissioned officers and privates killed, and 45 wounded. Ohio and Michigan volunteers — 8 killed and 12 wounded. GENERAL HULL'S CAPITULATION. DETROIT, August 13, 1818. tiEAR SIR, I have several times written to you since I heard you were oa Tour march, but I find that my letters have never reached you. Two detachments have been sent to meet you, but both returned with loss. We have abandoned Canada, and l^e British force is now oppoprte this place pointing their artillery ; the firing will commence shortly. I fear you will not be able to see us. If Kssible take care i»f yourself and party. The enemy may not ve force to see you and attend to us. The bearer will, or can give you a hint of our situation. Adiev^ I have not time to write. Respectfully yours, DUNC/ii M'ARTHUR. CH>*un H. Brush. 1^ a» snt. DETROIT, Uth August^ U12. The state of the communicalion between this and the river Raisin, is such that a sufficient detachment cannot be sent at firesent to bring on the provisions with safety. You will there- ore remain at the river Raisin, and in conjunction with Le Croix's corps and your own, protect the provisions and yourselves until further orders. The detachment sent for the purpose of opening the communication are so fatigued after a severe and victorious batUe that it will return here. I am, respectfully, W. HULL, Gfen. Commanding* Captain Bniah, or the comman^ng officer at the river Raisin. P. S. If consulting with colonel Anderson and captain Jobart, the bearer of this, and from all the information you can obtain, it should be the opinion, you can come an upper road crossing the river Huron, at Godfrey's trading establishment, you are authorized to proceed that route, in which case you will give me an immediate notice. No person must know this excepting colonel Anderson, captain Jobart, and yourself. Take captain Jobart for a guide, and if he recommends other ^ides, with him, they shall be paid. Captain Le Croix, with his company, will proceed on wnth you. Respectfully, W. HULL* Captun Bnidi. 'i-'i SIR, KIVfiR RUSH, August 16th, 1819. By the within letter you will see that the army under general Hull has been surrendered. By the articles you will see that provision has been made for the detachment under your com- mand ; you will, therefore, I hope, return to Ohio with us. DUNCAN M'ARTHUR. Ci4;>tun Heniy Brush. SIR, HEAD QUARTERS, AT DETROIT, August 16th, 1813. I have signed articles of capitulation for the surresder of this nrrison in which you and voar detachment are prisoners of war. Such part of the Ohio militia as have not joined the army, will be permitted to return to their homes, on condition that they will not serve during the war. Their arms, however, will be delivered up if belonging to the public. I am, very respectfully, &c. W. HULL, Brig, Om, Cdmmaniing the JV*. JF, army. CdsQel Dqncin M*Artbur. Vj.. ■M •ft^ r * i-tii 11 «!;■ J, liiiilt 40 . HBAD QUARTERS, DETROIT, Augnitl6k 181S. GENERAL ORDERS. It is with ft&n and anxiety that brigadier-general Hull an- ■eunces to the North-western armr, that he has been compelled* from a sense of duty, to agree to me following articles ot cajM- Ration: CABIP AT DETROIT, 16th August, 1813. Capitulation for the surrender of Fort Detroi^ entered into betwen major general Brock, commanding his Britannic majes- ^'s furces, on the one part, and brigadier-general Hull, com- manding the N(Hrth-westem army of the United States, on the other purtr— Akt. 1. F(Nrt Detroit, with all the troops, regulars as well as militia, will be immediately surrendered to the British forces, «nder the command of miyor ^neral Brock, and will be con- vdered as prisoners of war ; with the exception of such oS the . «iliiia of the Michigan territory who have not joined the army. S. All public stores, arms and all public documents, including tvery thing else of a public nature, will be immediately given up. S. Private persons and property of every description will oe lespected* 4. His excellency brigadier-general Hull having ei^pressed a desire that a detachment from the state of Ohio, on its way to join his army, as well as one sent from Detroit, under the com- mand of colonel M'Arthur, shall be included in the sdbove ca^- tttlation, it is accordinely agreed to; it is however to be under- stood tiiat such part of the Ohio militia as have not joined tiie army, will be permitted to return to their homes, on conditioii that Uiev will not serve durinj^ the war. Their arms, however, wM be aetivered up, if belonging to the public 4. The garrison will march out at the hour of twelve o'clock this day, and the British forces will take immediate possession of the fori. J. MACDONALD, Lieut Col. Militia^ F. d. D, C, J. B. GLE66. Major, 4. D. C. JAMES MILLER, lAeut, Col 5th U. 8, h^utry, E. BRUSH. CoL \at regt, ^ jmtkigan milititL AmiovBD, WM. HULL, Brigadier-general eotnmtmiing tht JV*. W, tfnpy. ArmovED, ISAAC BROCK, '^Sim 41 The arm J, at IS o'clock this day, will inarch out of the easik gate, where they will stack their arms, and then be subject to the articles of capitulation. WM. HULL. Brigadier general commanding the A*. JF, Jirmy, SIR, HEAD QUARTERS, SANDWICH, August 15, 1813. The force at my disposal authorizes me io require of you the immediate surrender of fort Detroit. It is far from my in- clination to join in a war of extermination, but you must be aware, that the numerous body of Indians who have attached themselves to my troops, will be beyond my controul the moment the contest commences. You will nnd me disposed to enter into such condi- tions as will satisfy the most scrupulous sense of honour. Lieute- nant colonel Macdonald and major Gle^ are fully authorized to conclude any arrangement that may lead to prevent th unne- cessary effusion of blood. I have the honor to be, sir, Your most obedient servant, ISAAC BROCK, JKcj/or C^elurut. ffis Excellency briga^er general Hull, comnmndinJi^ at Fort Detroit, SIR, HEAD QUARTERS, DETROIT, August 15, 1812. I have received your letter of this date. I have no other reply to make, than to inform you, that I am prepared to meet any force, which may be at your disposal, and any cotisequences which may result from any exertion of it you may think proper to make. I avail myself of this opportunity to inform you that the flag of truce under the direction of captain Brown, proceeded con- trary to the orders, and without the knowledge of colonel Cass who commanded the troops which attacked your picket, near the river Canardbridge. I likewise take this occasion to inform you that Cowie's house was set on fire contrar;]^ to my orders, and it did not take place until after the evacuation of the fort. From the best informa- tion I have been able to obtain on the subject, it was set on fire by some of the inhabitants on the other side of the river. I am, very respectfully. Your excellency's most obedient servant W. HULL, Brig. Gen, Commanding tlu JiT, W, Armj/ U, 8 His excellency major general Brock, conunanding his Briiannic majesty's forces, Sandwich, Upper Canada. 6 4a ^ article tuppleraental to the articles of eapitulatioii« concluded at Detroit, 16th August, 1812. It is agreed that the officers and soldiers of the Ohio militia and volunteers shall be permitted to proceed to their respective homes on this condition, that the j are not to serve during the pre- sent war, unless they are exchanged. W. HULL. Brig. Oen. Commanding JV. W, army U» A ISAAC BROCK, Major Generai. An article in addition to the supplemental article of the capitu- lation, concluded at Detroit, I6th August, 1812. It is further agreed that the officers and soldiers of the Michi- gan militia and volunteers, under the command of mum: wetherell, shall be placed on the same principles as the Ohio volunteers and militia are placed bj the supplemental article of the I6tii instant. W. HULL. Brig. Omu Commanding tV. W, army U, 8, ISAAC BROCK, Major OeneraXt MtUumof ordnanea taken in ^foH and baiUrie$ at Datroit, Iron pieces of ordnance, Bnn do. 9S 8 Total, 33 FELIX TR0U6HT0N, lAiwUnanU amwumding Roy, Jkihf. mjor gtueiiil Brpck, conunsnding the forces of Upper Camida. GENERAL ORDER. OF GENERAL BROCK. ^ BEAD QUARTERS. DETROIT, August 16th. 1813. Maior general Brock has every reason to be satisfied with the conduct of the troops he had the honour to lead this mominjg against the enemy. The state of discipline which thev so emT nentiy displayed, and the determination they evinced, to under- 43 take the mMthaztrdovsenterprige, decided the enemy, infltiitety more numerous in men and artillery, to propose a cajntulationf the terms of which are herewith inserted for the information ef the troops. The major general requests colonel Proctor will accept hil thanks for the assistance he derived from his experience and in- telliffence. The steadiness and discipline of the 41st re^ment and the readiness of the militia to follow so good an example, were high- ly conspicuous. The ability manifested by captain Dixon of the royal enei- neers in the choice and construction of the batteries, and the high state of the royal artillert under lieutenant Troughton, af- forded the major general much gratification, and reflects great credit on those officers. The willing assistance given by captain Hall and the marine department during the whole course of the service has been verjf conspicuous, and the manner the batteries were served this morn- ing evinced a degree of steadiness highly commendable. Lieutenant Dewar, deputy assistwt quarter master general, afforded strong proof of the local knowledge he has acquired of the country, of an unremitting attention to nis duty ; and the care and regularity with whfch the troops were transported across the river, must in a like degree be ascrioed to his zeal for the service. To lieutenant colonel St. George, majors Tallon and Chambers, who commanded brigades, every degree of praise is due for their unremitting zeal and attention to their respective commands. The detachment of the royal Newfoundland regiment, under the command of major Moekler, is deserving every praise for theif steadiness in the field, as well as when embarkea in the king's vessels. The major general cannot forego this opportunity of express- ins his admiration at the conduct of the several companies of muitia who so handsomely volunteered to undei^ the fatigues of a journey of several hunm*ed miles to eo to the rescue of an inva- ded district ; and he requests migor Salmon, captains Hatt, Stew- ard, Boswick and Robinson, will assure the officers and men under their respective commands, that their services have been duly appreciated and will never.be forgotten. The major general is happy to acknowledge the able assistance he has derived from the zeal and local information of lieutenant colonel NiohoU, actinc quarter master general of militia. Tohis personal staff the major generalfeels himself under much •bligation ; and he requests lieutenant oolonel Macdonald, majori Olegg and Givens, will be assured that their zealous exertions have made too deep an impression on his mind ever to be foigot* ten. The conduct of the Indians under colonel Elliot, captain M* Kee, and the ethera of Ihdat departmient, joined to that of the 44 fffillant and brave chiefs of their respective tribes, has since the eommencementuf the war been marked with acts of true heroism* and in nothing can they t-^stify more strongly their love to the king, their great father, than in followin^j the dictates of honour and humanity, by which they have been hitherto actuated. Two fortifications have already been captured from the enemy with- out a drop of blood being shed by the hand of the Indian ; the iuBtaKt th« enemy submitted, his lite became sacred. By order of Major General Brook. J. B. GhEGG,capt,^,D, C. CAPTURE OP THE ALERT. 3IR, AT SEA, Au8;urt 17, 1812. I have the honour to inform you that upon the 13th, his Bri- tannic majesty's sloop of war Alert, Captain T. L. P. Langhorne, ran down on our weather quarter, gave three cheers and com- menced an action (if so tnfling; a skirmish deserves the name,) and after eight minutes firing si. ^k her colours with seven feet water in her hold, much cut to pieces, and three ;nen wounded. I need not inform you 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 occasion that would have done them more honour. The Essex has not received the slightest injury. The Alert was out for the purpose of taking the Hornet. I have the honour, &c. D. PORTER Hon. FmiI Hamilton. SIR, FORT GEORGE, August 26, 1812. Enclosed are the articles of capitulation, by which tiie Fort of Detroit has been surrendered to major general Brock, com- manding his Britannic majesty's forces in Upper Canada, and by which the troops have become prisoners of war. My situation at present forbids me from detailing the particular causes which have led to this unfortunate event. I will, however, generally observe, that after the surrender of Michilimakinac, almost every tribe and nation of Indians, excepting a part of the Miamies and Delawares, north from beyona Lake Superior, west from be} '^nd the Mississippi, south from the Ohio and Wabash, and east from every part of Upper Canada, and from all the inter- mediate country, joined in open hostility, under the British 45 standard, against the army I commanded, contrary to the most solemn assurances of a large portion of them to remain neutral: even the Ottawa chiefs from Arbecrotch, who formed the delega- tion to Washington the last summer, in whose friendship I know you had great confidence, are among the hostile tribes, and seve- ral of them distinguished leaders. Among the vast number of chiefs who led the hostile bands, Tecamseh, Marpot, Logaa, Walk-in-the-water, Split Log, &c. are considered the principals. This numerous assemblage of savages, under the entire influence and direction of the British commander, enabled him totally ti» obstruct the only communication which I. had with my country. This communication had been opened from the settlements m tiie state of Ohio, two hundred miles through a wilderness, by the fatigues of the army, which I marched to the frontier on the river Detroit. The body of the lake being commanded by the British armed ships, and the shores and rivers by gun boats, the army was totally deprived of all communication by water. Oa this extensive road it depended for transportation of provisions, military stores, medicine, clothing, and every other supply, on pack horses— all its operations were successnil until its arrival at Detroit, and in a few days it passed into the enemy's country, and all opposition seemed to drop before it. One month it re- mained m possession of this country, and was fed from its re- sources. In different directions, detachments penetrated sixty mii«s in the settled part of the province, ana the inhabitants seemed satisfied with the change of situation, which appeared to be taking place ; the militia from Amherstburg were daily de- serting, and the whole country, then under the controul of the army, was asking for protection. The Indians, generally, in the first instance, appeared to be neutralized, and determined to take no part in tne contest. The fort of Amherstburg was> eigh- teen miles below my encampment. Not a single cannon or mor- tar was on wheels suitable to carry before this place. I consult- ed my officers, whether i{ ^as expedient to make an attempt on it with the bayonet alone, without cannon, to make a break in the first instance. The council I called was of the opinion it was not. The greatest industry was exerted in making prepara- tion, and it was not until the 7th of August, that two 24 poun- ders, and three howitz'^rs were prepared. It was then my inten- tion to have proceeded on the enterprize. While the operations of the army were delayed by these preparations, the clouds of adversity had been for some time and seemed still thickly to be gathering around me. The surrender of Michilimackinac open- ed the northern hive of Indians, and they were swarming down in every direction. Reinforcements from Niagara had arrived at Amherstbui^ under the command of colonel Proctor. Th^e de- sertion of the militia ceased. Besides the reinforcements that came by water, I received information of a very considerable forrc under the command of major ChamberS| c»^ the river. Le , > ■ ■ rv'li 1 1 \i ..•■■ ' 1 "'; '.■,■•■■ ' t 1! ' ■ , i ■ ■ , '; J Mill o 49 VKiich, with four field pieces, and collecting the militia on hit route, evidently destined for Amherstburg; and in addition t$ tiiia combination, and increase of force, contrary to all my ex- Ectations, the Wjandots, Chippewas, Ottawas, Pottawatamies* unsees, Delawares, &c. with whom I had the most friendly intercourse, at once passed over to Amherstbui|;, and accepted the tomahawk and scalping knife. There being now a vast number of Indians at the British post, they were sent to the river Huron, Brownstown, and Maguago to intercept my communica- tion. To open this communication, I detached major Van Hor« of the Ohio volunteers, with two hundred men, to proceed as far as the river Raisin, under an expectation he would meet captaiA Brush with one hundred and fifty men, volunteers from the atat* of Ohio, and a ouantity of provision for the army. An ambuacadt was formed at Brownstown, and maior Van Horn's detachment defeated and returned to camp witnout effecting the object af file expedition. In my letter of the 7th instant you hare the particulars of thai transaction, with a return of the killed and wounded. Under this sudden and unexpected change of things, and havins; received in express from general Hall, commanding opposite the British shore on the Niaga^-a river, by which it appeared that there wai no prospect of a co-operation from that quarter, and the two se- nior officers of the artillery havine stated to me an opinion that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to pass th« Turkey river and river Aux Cannard, with the 24 pounaers, and that they could not be transported by water, as the ^ueeii Char- latte, which carried eighteen 24 pounders, lay in the nver Detroit above the mouth of the river Aux Cannard ; and as it am»eared indisjpensibly necessary to open the communication to the river Raisin and the Miami, 1 found myself compelled to suspend the operation against Amherstburg, and concentrate the main forc6 •f the army at Detroit Fully intendipg; at that time, after the communication was opened, to re-croes the river, and pursue the object at Amherstburg, and stronely desirous of continuing pro- tection to a very large number of uie inhabitants of Upper Cana- da, who had voluntarily aci;epted it under my prociamatioii« I established a fortress on tlie banks of the river, a litde below Detroit, calculated for a garrison of 300 men. On the evening of the 7di, and morning of the 8th instant, the army, excepting the garrison of 850 infantry, and a corns ^ artillmsts, all under the command of major Denny of the Onio folunteers, re-crossed the river, and encamped at Detroit. |n pursuance of tiie object of mening the communication, on which 1 contidered the existence 01 the anny depending, a detachment of 600 men, under the command or lieutenant colonel Miller, was immediately ordered. For a particular account of the proceedinn nf thia detachments and the memorable battle which was fougnt at Maguwo, which reiecte the highest honour on the American enns, I refer yon t* 41 »j letttr of the ISth of August instant, a dnplicate of which i* enclosed, marked G. Nothing however but honour was acquired by this victory ; and it is a painful consideration, that the olood of aeventy-five gallant men could o "y open the communication* as far as the points of their bayon^cw extended. The necessary care of the sick and wounded, and a very severe storm of rain, rendered iheir return to camp indispensibly necessary for their own comfort. Captain Brush, with his small detachment, and the provisions being still at the river Raisin, and in a situation to be destroyed by the savages, on the 13th instant in the eveain^ I permitted colonels M'Arthur and Cass to select from their regiment four hundred of their most effective men, and proceed an upper route tiirough the woods, which I had sent an express to captain Brush to take, and had directed the militia of the river Kaisin to accompany him as a reinforcement. The force oi the enemy continually increasing, and the necessity of opening the communication, and actinc on the defensive, becoming more ap- parent, I had, previous to detachinc colonels M'Arthur and Cast •n the nth instant, evacuated and destroyed the fort on the op- posite bank. On the 13th, in the evening, eeneral Brock arrived at AmherstbuTK about the hour that colonels M'Arthur and Caif 8 arched, of which at that time I had received no information, n the 15th I received a summons from him to s'urender fort Detroit, of which the paper marked A is a copy. Mjr answer is inarked B. At this time I had received no information from •olonels M'Arthur and Cass. An express was immediately •ent, strongly escorted, with orders for tnem to return. On tro 15thw as soon as general Brock received mv letter, his batteriea opened on the town and fort, and continued until eveniiu;. In the evening ^1 the British shiiM of war came nearly as far up the river as Sandwich, three miles below Detroit At dav (i^t on the l6th (at which time I had received no information from colo- nels M'Arthur and Cass, my expresses, sent the evening before, and in the night having been prevented frcm passing bv numerous bodies of Inaians) the cannonade re-commenced, andi in a short time I received information, that the British army and Indians, were landing below the Spring Wells, under the cover of their ships of war. At this time the whole effective force at my dis- poMl at Detroit did not exceed eight hundred men. Beinc new troops, and unaccustomed to a oamp lifct ; having performed a la- borious march ; having been encsced in a number of battles and skirmishes, in which many haa fallen, and more had received wounds, in addition to which a large number being sick, and un- provided with miidicine, and the comforts necessary for their sit- uation i are the generii causes by which the strength of the army was thus reduced. The fort at this time was filled mA women, children, and the old and decrepid people of the town and country ; they were unsafe in the town, as it was entirely open and vsposed to the asetty's batteries. Back af the fari^ I lit sV' ;^ >;! hi t4 ; . ^,1 jf :;. 1 m Ji ..! 48 above or below it, there wm no Aafety for them on aeeount of (he Indians. In the first instance the enemy's fire was principally directed against our batteries ; towards the close, it was directed against the fort alone, und almost every shot and shell had their effect. It now became no'^.essary either to fight the enemy in the field ; collect the whole ^orce in the fort ; or propose terms of capitula- tion. I could not have carried into the field more than six hun- dred men, and left any adequate force in the fort. There were landed at that time oi the enemy a regular force of much more than that number, and twice the number of Indians. Consider- ing this great inequality of force I did not think it expedient to actopt the first measure. The second must have been attended with a great sacrifice of blood, and no possible advantage, be- cause the contest could not have been sustained more than a day for the want of powder, and but a very few days for the want of Erovisions. In addition to this, colonels M'Arthurand Cass would ave been in a most hazardous situation. I feared nothing but the last alternative. I have dared to adopt it. I well know thehigh responsibility of the measure, and take the whdle of it on my- •elt. 1^ was dictated by a sense of duty, and a full conviction of its expediency. The bands of savages which had then joined the Britisn force were numerous beyond any former example. Their numbers have since increased, and the history of the barbarians of the north of Europe does not furnish examples of moi'e gree- dy violenci-t than these Mvaces have exhibited. A large portion of the bra^e and gallant ^cers and men I commanded would cheerfoUy have contested until the last cartridge had been ex- pended, and the bayonets worn to the sockets, f could not con- sent to the ^sele88 sacrifice of such briive men, when I knew it was impossible for me to sustain my situation. It was impossi* ble'in the nature of things thai an army could have been fur- nished with the necessary supplies of provision, militanr stores, clothing and comforts for the sick, or pack horses, through a wildaness of two hundred miles, filled with hostile savages. It was impossible, sir, that this little army, worn down by fa- tigue, by sickness, by wounds, and deaths, could have supported itaelf not only against the collected force of all the northern nations of Indians ; but against the united strength of Upper Canada, whose population consists of more than twenty times the number contained in the territory of Michigan, aidea by the principal part of the regular forces of the province, ana the wealth and influence of Ine north-west and otner trailing estab- lishments among the Indians, which have in their ei^ployment, and under their entire controul, more than two thousand white men. Before I close this despatch, it is a duty I owe to my respectable associates in command, colonels M'A^ur, Findlay, Cass, and lieutenant colonel Miller, to express my obligations t* them for the prompt and judicious manner they have perforined 49 their respective duties. If aught has taken place during the cam paiirn, which Im honourable to the army, these officers are entitled to a large share of it. If the last act should be disap- proved, no part of the censure belongs to them. I have likewise to express my obligation to general Taylor, who has performed the duty of ((uarter master veneral, for his great exertions ia Itrocuring every thing in his department which it was possible to iirnish Tor the convenience of the army ; likewise to brieade major Jessup for the correct and punctual manner in which he has discharged his duty; and to the army generally for their exertions, and the zeal they have manifested for the public in- terest. The death of Dr. Foster soon after he arrived at Detroit, was a severe misfortune to the army<(«it was increased by the capture of the Chachago packet, by wnich the medicine and hos- pital stores were lost. He was commencing the best arrange- mentb in the department of which he was the principal, with the very small means he possessed. I was likewise deprived of the necessarv services of captain Partridge by sickness, the only officer of the corps of engineers attached to the army. All the officers and men have gone to their respective homes, excepting the 4th United States' regiment, and a small part of the Ist, and captain Dyson's company of artillery. Captain Dyson's company wa^ left at Amherstourg, and the others are with me prisoners — they amount to about three hundred and forty. I have only to solicit an investigation of my conduct, as early as my situation and the state of things will admit ; and to add the further request, that the government will not be unmindful of my associates in captivity, and of the families of those brave men who have fallen iu the contest. I have the honour to be, very respectfully. Your most obedient servant, WM. HULL, Brig. Oen. commanding tfu A*, ff* Arm}f U, 9, Hon. W. Enstis, Secretary of the Department of War. UNITED STATES' FMGATE CONSTITUTION, off Boston Light, August 30, 181%. SIR, I have the honour to inform you, that on the 19th instant,, at 2 P. M. being in latitude 41, 42, lon^tude 55^ 48, with the the Constitution under my command, a sail was discovered from the mast-head bearing E. by S. or E. S. E. but at such a distance we could not tell what she was. All sail was instantly made in ehase, and soon found we came up wHh ner. At 3 P* M* cottl# 1 I i I X im^^ 50 plainly see that the was a ship on the starboard tack, under eaiy •ail, close on a wind ; at halt past 3 P. M. inude her out to be a ft-isate ; continued the chase until we were within about three miles, when I ordered the light sails taken in, the courses hauled up, and the ship cleared for action. At this time the chase had backed his main top-sail, waiting 'for us to come down. As sooo as the Constitution was ready for action, I bore down with an intention to bring him to close action immediately ; but on our coming within gun-shot she ^ave us a broadside and filled away* and wore, giving us a broadside! on the other tack, but without ef- fect ; her shot falling short. She continued wearing and man- jBUvreing for about three quarters of an hour, to get a raking position, but finding she could not, she bore up, and run under top-sails and ^ib, with the wind on the quarter. Immediately made sail to bring the ship up with her, and 5 minutes before 6 P. M. being alone side within half pistol shot, we commenced a heavy fire trom aU ourguns, double shotted with round and grape, and so well directed were they, and so warmly kept up, that in 15 minutes his mizen-mast went by the board, and his main-yard in the slings, and the hull, rigging and sails very much torn to Itieces. The fire was kept up with equal warmth for 15 minutes onger, when his main-mast and fore-mast went, taking with them every spar, excepting the bowsprit ; on seeing this we ceased firing, so that in 30 minutes after we got fairly along side the enemy she surrendered, and had not a spar stanaing, and her hull below 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 Guerriere, com- manded by an able and experienced officer, had been totally dis- masted, and otherwise cut to pieces, so as to make her not worth towing into port, in the short space of 30 minutes, you can have no doubt of the gallantry and good conduct of the officers and ship's company I have the honour to command. It only remains, therefore, for me to assure you, that they all fought with great bravery ; and it gives me great pleasure to say, that from the smallest boy in the ship to the oldest seamaa, not a look of fear was seen. They all went into action, giving three cheers, and requesting to be laid clt»se along side the etiemy. Enclosed I have the honour to send you a list of killed and wounded on board the C«oMitvtioB, and a report of the damages she has sustained ; alsv, a list of the killed and wounded on board the enemy, with his quarter bill, &c. 'I have the honour to be, Witk very great respect. Sir, your obedient servant, ISAAC HULL. Hie Hle officer, lieutenant Morris, in bringing the ship into action, and in working her whilst alons side the enemy, ana I am extremely sorry to state that he is badly wounded, being ^hot through the body ; we have yet hopet of hfs ,.fS1 ill ill] %. Sil recovery* when I am sure he will receire the thanks and grati" tude of his country, fqr this and the many gallant acts he has done in its service. Were I to name any particular officer as havins been more useful than the rest, I should do them great injustice ; they all fought bravely, and gave me every possible assistance that I coulcT wish. I am extremely sorry to state to you the loss of lieutenant Bush, of marines: he fell at the head of his men in getting ready to board the enemy. In him our country has lost a valuable and brave officer. After the fall of lieutenant Bush, lieutenant Con tee of the corps, took command of the marines, and I have pleasure in saying that his conduct was that of a brave, good officer, and the marines behaved with great coolness and courage during the action, and annoyed the enemy very much whilst she was under our stern." UNITED STATES' I ll SIR, FRIGATE PRESIDENT, BOSTON, September 1, 1812. I had the pleasure of informing you of the arrival of the Squadron, and now to state the result and particulars of our cruise. Previous to leaving New York on the 21st of June, ;I heard that a British convoy nad sailed from Jamaica for England, on or about the 20th of the preceding month, and on being informed of the declaration of war against Great Britain, I determined in the event of commodore Decatur joining me with the United States, Congress and Argus, as you had directed, to go in pur- suit of them. The United States, Con^ss and Argus, did join me on the 21st, with which vessels, this ship and the Hornet, I accordingly sailed in less than an hour after I had received your orders of the 18th of June, accompani3d by your official commu- nication of the declaration of war. On leaving New York, I shaped our course south-eastwardly, in the expectation of falling in with vessels, by which I should hear of the before mentioned convoy, and the following night met with an American brig that gave me the sought for information : the squadron now crowded sail in pursuit; but the next morning was takeu out of its course, by the pursuit of a British frigate^ that I since find was the Belvidera, relative'to which I beg leave to refer you to the enclosed extract from my journal : alter re- pairing as far as possible the injury done by the Belvidera to our spars and rising, we again crowded all sail and resumed our course in pursuit of the convoy, but did not receive further in- telligence of it until the 29th of June, on the western edge of the banks of Newfoundland, where we spoke an American schooner, the master of which reported that he had two days before passed them m latitude 43, longitude 55, steering to the eastward ; I (i^r SSi wu surprised to find tiiai the squadron was still so far to the eastward of us, but was urged, however, as well by what I con- sidered my duty, as by inclination, to continue the pursuit. On the 1st of July, a little to the eastward of Newfoundland bank, we fell in with quantities of cocoa-nut shells, orange peels, &c. which indicated that the convoy were not far distant, and we pursued it with zeal, although frequently taken out of our course by vessels it was necessary to chase, without gaining any fur- ther intelligence until the 9th of July, in latitude 45, 30, longi- tude 23, we captured the British private armed brig Dolphin, of Jersey, and was informed by some of her crew that they had seen the convoy the preceding evening, the weather was not clear at the time, but that they had counted 85 sail, and that the force charged with its protection consisted of one two decker, a frigate, a sloop of war, and a brig. This was the last intelligence I received of the before men- tioned convoy, although its pursuit was continued until the ISth of July, being then within 18 or 20 hours sail of the British channel. From this we steered for the island of Madeira, pas- sed close by it on the 21st of July, thence near the Azores, and saw Corvo and Flores ; thence steered for the banks of New- foundland ; and from the latter ^lace (by the way of Cape Sable) to this port, it having become indispensibly necessary (by the time we reached our own coast) to make the first convenient port in the United States ; owing, I am sorry to say, to that wretch- ed disease the scurvy, having made its appearance on board of the vessels, most generally to a degree senously alarming. From ^he western part of the banks of Newfoundland to our making the island of Madeira, the weather was such, at least six days out of seven, as to obscure from our discovery, every object that we did not pass within four or five miles of, and in- deed for several days together the fog was so thick as to prevent our seeing each other, even at a cable's length asunder, more than twice or thrice in twenty-four hours. From the time of our leaving the United States until our ar- rival here we chased every vessel we saw, and you will not be a little astonished when I inform you that, although we brought to every thing we did chase, with the exception of four vessels, we only made seven captures and one re-capture. It is truly an unpleasant task to be obligea to make a commu- nication thus barren of benefit to our country : the only consola- tion I individually feel on the occasion, being derived from our knowing that our being at sea obliged the enemy to concentrate a considerable portion of his most active force, and thereby pre- vented his capturing an incalculable amount of American pro- perty that would otherwise have fallen a sacrifice. I am aware of the anxiety you must have exj^erienced at not hearing from me for such a length of time, but this I am sure you will not attribute in any degree to neglect, when I inform you that 11 f ■ m H , iJ — ,- ■.■■■ , i 1 k^ til I 54 not a single proper opportunity occurred from the time of leaving the United States untu our return. Mr. Newcomb, who will deliver ^ou this, you will find an in- telligent young man, capable of giving such further information as you may deem of any moment : he will at the same time de- liver you a chart, shewing the track in which we cruised : an- nexed is a list of vessels captured, re-captured and burnt. The four vessels we chased and did not come up with were, the Belvidera, a small pilot-boat schooner, supposed to be an American privateer, the hermaphrodite privateer brig, Yankee, which we lost sight of in a fog, but whose character we i^terwards learnt, and a frigate supposed to be British, that we chased on the 28th ultimo near the shoal of George's bank, and should certainly have come up with, had we have liad the advantage of two hours more day -light. On board of the several vessels of the squadron there are be- tween 80 and 100 prisoners taken from the vessels we captured during our late cruise : the government not having any a^nt for prisoners here, 1 shall send them to commodore Bainbndge, to be disposed of in such manner as best appears with the interest of the United States, and which I hope may meet your approba- tion. With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, JOHN R0D6ERS. The Hon. Paul Hamilton, Secretaiy of the Navy, Washingfton. One uhip, four brigs, and two achoonen were captured during; thia cmiiae. ■'if, f ^Mi VOLUNTEERS WANTED. Fellow cmzENs or Ohio, At a moment like this, I appeal to your valor and patriotiam. Major general Harrison will rendezvous a respectable force of Kentucky volunteers at Dayton on the 15th instant for a short expedition. General Harrison desires to add to his troops any number of volunteers from the state of Ohio, who will serve on the expedition thirty days. All those who will embrace this fa- vourable opportunity of distinguishing themselves under an able commander, and of rendering to the state of Ohio a valuable ser- vice, will in their equipments and movements follow the direction! of General Harrison, hereunto subjoined. R. J. MEIGS, Oovemorof Ohio. Piqua, September 3, 1812. 5$ VOLUNTEERS— TO ARMS! TO ARMS! Any number of volunteers, mounted and prepared for active service, to continue twenty-five or thirty days, will be accepted, to 1 eudezvous at the town of Dayton, on the Great Miami, on the lath instant. It is expected tiiat the volunteers will provide themselves with salt provisions, and a proportion of biscuit ; those who are unable to procure them will be furnished if possible. Those brave men who give their country their services on this occasion, may be assured that an opportunity of distinguishing theinselves will be offered. I shall command the expedition in person ; and the number of troops employed will be entirely adequate to the object proposed. I wish also to hire a number of substantial horses : fiftjr cents per day will be allowed for each horse which is provided with saddle and bridle. Those patriotic citizens who are unable to afford their personal assistance, will render essential service to their country oy furnishing the horses, which must be delivered in Dayton on the 14th instwt, to a per* son who will be authorized to receive and receipt for them. W. H. HARRISON. Head Qvf^rters, Piqua, Sept. 2, 1812. ■*"!i S, W, Culbertson to Mr. Chambers^ editor of the Zanesville Messenger, 1812. Mr. Chambcrs, I have just returned from Urbanna, where governor Mei^ is at present with about 1000 soldiers. Brigadier general Harrison is at Piaua with 2000 Kentucky soldiers, and 2000 more in his rear. Harrison's presence appears to inspire every person with courage, and makes even cowards brave. His present conduct evinces a determination to retrieve the injured reputation of our country. He has made a most animated speech to the friendly natives at Piqua, who are numerous, and sueing for a continuance of peace. He has promised them protection, at the same time assuring them in terrific language, which struck terror to idl hearts* that the name of an Indian foe should not long be known among us — ^that the American army will no longer be commanded by an old woman. Governor Meigs's late patriotic conduct and (exertions appear to be rewarded only with ingratitude. He has ordered the 2d detachment of militia, which marched from this plaoe under the command of colonel M*Connell, to be dismissed, having been called out contrary to his instructions and intentions, which must have been misunderstood. 8. W. CULBERTSON. a?? Jl(^ U'- i Extract of a Utter jV'vmQov, Hanrison to Oov, Shettyt dated HEAL^ QUARTERS, PIQUA, September 5tb, 1812, 4 o'clock, A. M. ** The British and Indians have laid siege to Fort Wayne, per- haps have taken it. It is their object to push on to Fort Hamson and Vincennes. You will, my dear sir, leave nothing undone, I am convi; '.d, to relieve those places ; but it must be done with mounted aien, who will carry the ereater part 6f their own pro- visions. Miller's regiment I hope have marched from the fails ; it ought to be followed bj a ^considerable force of mounted inea. I have already detached colonel Allen, with 900 Kentucky infan- try, (towards' Fort Wayne) he is to be joined by 700 mounted me j that are advanced of this ; but I have been unable to move with the rest of the arany for the want of two essential articles ; a small supply will oe up to day, and the troops will be ready to march in two hours. Great God ! what an opportunity I may lose of avenging my country and saving the frontiers, for th^ want of a few trifling articles. However, we are amply sup- plied with bayonets, and our spirits are roused to the mghest pitch. Indignation and resentment fire every breast.'* WASHINGTON, September 10th. 1813. SIR, Having been ordered on to this place by colonel M'Arthur« for the purpose of communicating to the government such 'pv- ticulars respecting the expedition lately commanded by briga- dier general Hull and its disastrous result, as mi^t ename them correctly to appreciate the conduct of the officers, and men, and to develope the causes which produced so foul attain upon the national character, I have the honour to submit to your consider- ation the following statement t When the forces landed in Canada, they landed with an ardent zeal, and stimulated with the hqie of conquest No enemy ap- peared within view of us, and had an immediate and vigorous attack been made upon Maiden, it would doubtless have fallen an easy victory. I knew general Hull afterwards declared he regretted this attack had not been made, and he had every reasoB to i>elieve success would have crowned his efforts. The reasons (^ven for delaying our operations was to mount our heavy cannon* and to afford to tiie Canadian militia time and epportnidty to quit an d>noxiotts service. Ir^ the course of two weeks Hie number of their militia who were embodied, had decreased by desertion, froia six hundred to one hundred men ; and, in the course of three weeks, the cannon were mounted, the ammuni- tion ixed, and every preparation made for an immediate invest- ■ i w ment of the fort. At a council, at which were present all the field offic«ni, and which was held two days before our prepara- tious were completed, it was unanimouslj agroed to mau an immediate attempt to accomplish the object of the expedidon. If by waiting two dajs we could have tiie service of our hesvj artillery, it was ^;reed to wait; if not, it was determined to;f0 without it and attempt the place bj storm. This ofMnion* ap- peared to correspond, with the views of the general, and the day was appointed for commencing our march. He declared tO me that he coidsideVed nimself pledged to lead the army to Maiden. T^e ammunition was placed in the wagons ; the cannon wore ^Abarked on board the floatinjn; batteries, and every requisite article was prepared. The spirit and zeal, the ardor and anima- ^mdis|dayedD^the officers and men on learning the near accota; SLshment of their wishes, were a sure and sacred pledge, that 91 le hour of trial they would not be found wanting in duty to thei**.. country and themselves. But a chanee of measuresrin opposi* lion to the wishes and opinions of all the officers, was adopted by the general. The plan of attacking Maiden was abandoned^ and instead of acting offensively, w^ broke up our camp, e^vacu* ated Canada, and re-crossed the river in the nisht, without even the shadow of an enemy to injure us. We left to the tender mercy of the enemy, the miserable Canadians who had joined us, and the mrotectum we afforded them was but a passport <^ vengeance* . This fatal and unaccountaMe ste]^ dispirited the ^roops, and destroyed the little confidence which a series of timid, irresolute and indecisive measures had left in the com* mandlng officer.' About the 10th of August, the enemy received a Fcinforce- mont of four hundred men. On the 18th, ecame of them ; and their not cominc in, Gonyinced me that I,was right in my conjecture. I waited until 8 o'clock next moiming, to find them, when I sent out « corporal, with a small yirty to find them, if it could be done without running too mi >ch risk of being drawn into an ambus* cade. He soon sent ba^ to inform me that he had fo^nd them both killed, and wished tciknow mv 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 ^enin^ of the 4th instant, Joseph Len«r and between 30 and 4p Indians arrived from Prophet's >towa with a white flag, amoM whom were about 10 women, and the men were composed of the chieft of the different tnbes that compose the Prophet's party. A Shawnee man, that spoke good Rnglish, informed me tiiat (dd Lenar intended to speak to me nextmominff, and try to get iomethlns; to eat. At ratreat beating I e^mined the men's arms, and found them all in good order, and completed their cartridges to 16 rounds per man. As I had not been able to mount a guard of mere than 6 privates and 3 nou-commissioned officers, for some time pas^ and sometimes part of them every otiier day* from the unhealthiness of the company, I had not conceived my force adequate to the defence of this post, should it be vigorously attecked, for some time past. As 1 4iad just recov ^red.flrom |i verr severe attack of the fever, I was not able to be ul> much through the night. After tatoo, I cautioned the guards to be vigilant, and orderMlone of the non-commissioned officers (as the sentinels could not see evfry part of the garrison) to walk round the inside* during the whole night, to prevent the Indians taking any adyan* iM» of us, providra they had any intentiogi of attackii^ us. About 11 o'clock I was awakened by the firing of tht; sentinels. I snran(|^ up, ran out, and ordered the men to their posts, when my orderly sera^ant, who had charge of the block house, called out that thfi Inmans had fired the lower block hcrase, which contained the psDperty of the contnwtor, which was d-eposited in the lower psrt» the upper part having been assigned to * coiporti nd kT i f» I im^ # « w- 9 i ■: 'i' i it P4: privatM* ai an altmi pott ; the sam nad began to fire prettj ■martlj from both sidea. I directed the bvckets to be ^t ready and water brought from the well, and the fire extinguiahed im- mediately, aa it waa hardly perceivablel at that time ; but from debiliiT or some other cause the men we^ very slow in executing my oraers ; the word appeared to throw Nthem all into confuiion ; and by the time they had sot the water And broke open the door, tiie fire had communicated to a quantity pf whiskey ; and in spite of every exertion we could make use ofjin less than a moment, it ascended to the roof, and baffled evchr effort we could make Id extinguish it ] As m^t block house adjoined the baihicks that make port of the fortifications, most of the men immetiatel^ gave themselves tip for lost, and I had the ^preatest diffisulty in getting any of my orders executed ; and, sir, from the rwing of the fire, oie yell- ing and howling of several hundred Inif ans, the cries of 9 wo- men and children who had taken shelter In the fort, and the des- ponding of so many of the men (which waa worse than all,) I can assure you that my feelings were uimleaaant 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 mia- fortunes, two of the stoutest men of the nrt, and that I had every confidence in, jumped the picket and left us. But my presence of mind did not for a moment forsake vie« I saw by throwing off part of the roof that joined the block thouse that was on fire, and keeping the end perfectly wet, the Vhole row of buildinn mig^t be saved, and leave only an entrai^ce of 18 or 20 feet for the Indians to enter, after the house waa consumed ; and that a temporary breaat work mij^t be erected to prevent even their entering there. I convince the men that this could be accom- SUdied, and it appeared to inspire them with new life, and never id men act with more Irmness or denieration :. those that were able, (while the others kept up a fire m>m the other block house and the two baations,) mounted the roofs of the houses, with' doctor Clarke at their head, (who acted with ^e greatest ftrpi- ness and presence of mind the whole time the attack lavted, which was 8 hours un«i|er a shower of bullets,) and in a moment threw off as much of the roof as was necessary. This was done with the loss of one man only, and two wounded, nnther of them dai^rously ; the man that was killed was a little derang^, and did not get off the house as aoim aa directed, or he would not have been hurt; and although the barracks were several times in a blaze, the men used such exertions that tiiey keut it under ; and; before day-light, raiaed a temporary breaat-work as high aa a man's head, althou^ the Indians contuued to poUr in « heavy fire of ball, and an innumerable quantity of arrowa, during the whole time the attack lasted, in every part of the parade. / I had but one other man killed, nor any otfiw wounded inndlb th^ fort, and he lost Ui lift by being too aaxioiii: he got into ow ( - 1 # of th« gtlli«t in the bastiont and fired over the pickets, and called ta hii comrades that he had killed an Indian, and neglecting to itoop down, in an instant he was shot dead. One of the men that jump" ed the picket returned an hour before day, and ninninc towardf the gate, begged for Ood*s saute it might m o|)ened. I suspect- ed 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 w^ere I happened to be, to shoot him, let him be who he would, $A one of tnem fired at him, but fortunately he ran up to the othe^bas- tion, where they knew his yoice, ana doctor Clarke directed him to lie down close to the pickets behind an empty^ barrel dia^ap- pened to be there, and at day -light I had him let in. His arm waS broke in a most shocking manner, which he says was done b} the Indians, and which I suppose was the cause of his returning. The other man they caught about ISO yards from the nrrison, and cut him all to pieces. After keeping up a constant fire, until aitout 6o*clQck the next morning, which we began to return with s#me effect after day-lu^t, they removed out of the reach of our ^ns» A party of them c&ove up the horses that belonged to the ctttzenB- here, and as they could not catch them very readily, shot the whole of them in our sight, as well as a nymber of their hors* They droye off the cattle, which amounted to 65 head, with v^e pubfic oxen. I had the vacancy filled up before night (which was occasioned by the burning of the block house) wiUi a strong nw of pickets, wnich I goiby pulling down the guard house. We list the whole of our provisions, but must make out to live upon green com until we can get a suroly, which I hope will not be long. I believe .the whole of the Miamies or Waes, were with the Pro- phet's party, as one chief save his orders in that language, which resembled Stone-eater's vmce, and I believe Negro-lecs was tha« likewise. A l^renchman here understands their different lan- guages, and several of the Waes that have been frequently here, were recognized by the soldiers next inorning. The Indians sif- lered smartly, but were so numerous as to tuLO off all that w«re shot} tiiey continued with us until the next morning, but made no ftirther attempt on the fort^ nor have we seen any tiling more< at them since. 1 have the honour to be yours, &ic. Z. TAYLOB* JSi exceUenoy gor. HartiMm. i iilr FORT MADISON, September 10, 1813. SIB. On the 5th instant, this garrison was attacked by a numerous body of Indians. They b^;an by their usual mode of sneaking np. One man, who hadliberty to go outside upon a necessary oc- ctaion, WM killed, tomahawked and scalped within twenty-five i 94 :■' I faces of the aentinel who was ttfitioned in a block houae, not* withttanding the sentinel fired on them. little time the attack commenced with a pretty general of fire arms on all sides — tiie balls and buck shot fell ul and continued until dark. Thej then retired, le morning of the 6th, thev appeared in small Squads in •▼erj jdirection— a part under the bank firinc into our loop holea^ while jOthcrs were employed in killing all the lire stock in tka Slace., At 4 o'clock P. M. they all collected under the bank of le ri^er and commenced firing ^t our flag and block houses^ and after nring about 400 shot thejf cut the htlyards and the flac fell insi(^ t a geineral shout was given )yr them as a triumph (M vic- tor^j They continued in paK till after night* and kept up afira while one took awav the man whom they hsd killed, which wa were unable to effect as we did not know the number that might be tiiere. On the morning of the 7th» about the first thing that presente4 to ojar Tiew was tne man's head and heart stuck upon sticks, tha head painted after the manner of themselves. They kept a firi vpoD us all day, during which time a party of them set Mr. Juliean'a hoiikea on fire, and in a short time I discovered our boats wer« all pn flames. I must confess that at this moment I felt some little confusion, but no alternative was left but the greatest exertions : wo had 8 old gun barrels made into squirts, ^and made hdea tiiipugh the tops of the block houses, and in a few minutes w« weire able to make them as wet as if tiiere had fallen a showorol rai I. The little panic was soon dissipated and we felt ourselvea an In secure ; but the greatest efforts were made on the part of tnc Indians to consume us in flames. They wounded one of our meain|the face but not dangerous. By sundown I discovered Ml . M'Nabb'a house on fire, which led me to believe that they in- teoded to bum all. The wipd had fallen. I despatohed a num in I dark with a stick of port fire and instruments to set fire to the 7, which waa performed. the 8th,tiiey aid not make their appearance until 9 o^dock jM . which was in an old stable thatthey )iad fortified th sailed hef. July 31st, took and burnt the sh^p Princess-Iioya!. August 1st, took and manned the ahip KiUy ; 2d, took and burnt the following : brig Fame, brig Devonshire, schoofter Squid, and took the bog Bromers— put on board her 60 prisoners, and sent her to St. J^ns, to be exchanged for as many Americans. 3d, took and sunk the brig Henry and schooner Race-horse ; burnt the schooner Halifax, manned the brig William (arrived) and gave the schooner Two Brothers to 40 prisoners, and seni them to St Johns, on parole. 9th, took the ship Jeanie, after a short actioii ; she mounting 12 gujss; sent her for the Uaitad SMatcB 9 ,j! ■ i ill w If I ■ 1 ■:■ . r I 06 (arrived.) lOth/seized'the brig Rebec?:*, of Saco, from London, for a breach of the non-importetion law, (arrived.) 14th, spoke brig Hazard, from Cadiz, informed her of the war. 16th, spoke ship Hercules, from Malta, informed her of the war. irth, spoke brig Favorite, from Cadiz to Boston. 20th, spoke brig John Adams, who had been captured and plundered by the Guer- riere, and let go. August 25th, seized snip Euphrates, of New Bedford, for breach of the. non-importation law, (arrived.) 28th, spoke a brig, prize to the Benjamin Franklin, privateer. 29th, spoke ship Jewell, of Fortl&nd, informed her of the war. SOth, spoke schooner Ann and Mary, of New London, informed her of the war. September 7, spoke brie , from Providence, Rhode Island, in distress ; left her under care of the Revenue Cutter, of Newport. 9th, chased by three ships of war, a short chase. 10th, spoke ship Joseph, from Bonavista, informed her of the war. 10th, spoke a brig, prize to the schooner Saratoga, of New York. 12th, chased by a frigate six hours ; outsailed her. I6th, took his Britannic majesty's packet ship Princess Ame|ia, after a severe action of nearly an hour, at pistol-shot distance. The captain, sailing-master, and one man was killed, the master's mate and six men wounded. We had Mr, Long, first lieutenant, severely wounded, and six men (most of whom have recovered), the ship cut to pieces, and the Rossie much injured in sails and rimng. September I6th, fell in with three ships and a brig armed, ex- changed shot with the commo^orei received an 18 pound shot through our quarter, wounded, a man and lodged in our pump; continued to dijug and watch the above vessels 4 days, in hopes to separate them, but in vain. September 2Sd, spoke the private armed schooner Globe, captain Murphy, of Baltimore, went in pursuit of the above vessels, but could not fall in with them. 25th, spoke a Spanish brig bound to Porto-Rico. October 8th, took (in company with the Globe,) the schooner Jubilee, and sent her in.' 9th, spoke a Spanish schooner from Palma to Porto-Rico, loth, chased and spoke uie privateer schooner Rapid, of Char- leston, S. O. 52 days out, haa taken nothing. 22a,. seized the ship Merimock, for breaih of the non-importation act. Result is, three thousand six hundred and ninety-eight tons of shipping, and itro hundred and seventeen prisoners — ^valued at upwuras of one jniUion five hundredthousand dollars. ;:-r: BLACK ROCK, October 9, 1812. SIR, I have the honour to inform you that on the morning of the 8th. instant, two British vessels, whicli I was informed were his Britannic majesty's Inrig Detroit, late the United States' brig Adams, and the brig Hunter, mounting 14 guns, but whith aftier- 'viu'ds proved to be the brig Caledonia, Iwth said to be well armed and manned, came down the lake and anchored under the pro> tection 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 to get possession of them. A strong in- ducement to this attempt arose from a consideration that with these two vessels and to those which I have purchased and am fitting out, I should be enabled to meet the remainder of the Lriti in force on the Upper lakes, and save an. incalculable ex- pensii and labour to the government. On the morning of their ar- rival I heard that our seamen were, but a short distance from this place, and immediately despatched an express to the oiBEicers, di- l^cting them to use all possible despatch in getting their men to this place, as I had an important service to perform. On their arrival, which was about 12 o'clock, I discovered that they had only 20 |)istols, and neither cutlasses nor battle axes. But on applica- tion to generals Smyth and Hall of the regulars and muitia, I wa9 supplied with a few arms, and general Smyth was so good, on my request, as immediately to detach 50 men from the regulars, armed with muskets. By 4 o'clock in the afternoon, I had my men selected and sta- tioned in two boats, which I had previously prepared for the pur- pose. With these boats, 50 men in each, and under circum- stances very disadvantageous, m^ men having scarcely had time to refresh themselves after a fatiguing march of 500 miles, I put off from the mouth of Buffaloe creek, at 1 o'jjiock the fol- lowing- morning, and at 3 I was along side the vessels. In the space of about 10 minutes, I had the prisoners all secured, the top-sails sheeted home, and the vessels under way. Unfortu- nately the wind was not sufficiently strong to get me up agunst a rapid current into the lake, where I had understooa another armed vessel lay at anchor, and I was obliged to run down the river, by the forts, under a heavy fire of round, grape, and canis- ter, from a number of pieces of heavy ordnance, and several pieces of flying artillery, was compelled to anchor at a distance of about 400 yards from two of tneir batteries. After the dis- charge of rded t« him, giving colonel Allen the command of the men t>r de&cnbe ^e state 'jsfei> the Rixpids, the other to proceed by Tawa towns, to unite t i a eertaiQ tiaie 12 miles above the Rajpidsr I was unwiUing U' v>»Qsent U» this meadure; The forue united waa not half tlte number you tliought necessary 'to order on tiie most )«.scret route. A division of less than -500 men, to meet in an ene- my's country, where many eircumstances m^t prevent their junction, was to me a measure I could only cons^t to by com- pulMn->- thu measure was in the end abandoned. . It 18 a duty I owe to colonel- Allen, tiiat I have not the iHnaUeit reason to bel)«ve, he wa9 privy to the order of general Winches- ter, nving to kim the command: hiS' character, and every part ^ his conduct ma tiiat, occasion, convinces me he U above it. * I'he whole force proceeded to Tawa towns, where w^ reached tk6 day following. Barly on tiie morning of the 9th, 1 oidered the inarch for the -Rajpids, when at the distance of half a mile it wits found our whole torce was reduced to 200.men, exclusive of dficers: the other part of the ftuxe had refused to inarch, and remained in the encampment: scarcely a man marcUed from-me •econd iMttklion of colonel Findleyla re^menlr commanded bj major Taylor. Manary's comJiNiny orUnited Statea' rangeni,.bofli oi^«rt and sojidiera, refiiied io inarch. When it was ascertaiiied that our whole force fiir the Rinndi was neduced to 200 men, I called a council of the officers to, determine whether with that force it was advisable to proceed on to tiie Rapids. The cpHttCil^ considered tiliat our force wm not mfficimit to carry the first 4>bject of your orders into effect; that we were too numerous to-fet as a spy party; and too. weak to carry offien- aive <^ration8 into the enemyfs country ; attd tkai.it would be improper and unadviMblo ttadk those arcttttitaacea to coutiMie A« expedition. "T* With the then remaining force I proceeded to this place, wheve I directed colonel Findley and major Roper, to discharge such men only as had continued to do their dutj. Thus, sirj has terminated an expedition, at one time capable of tearing the British flag from the walls of Detroit, wherein our troops might have returned with the pleasing reflection of having fenoered their country an essential service. It is a duty, sir, I owe to the officers of the Kentucky forces, to colonel Finaley and the officers of his first battalion, to say that they were zealous of pressins forward the expedition ; while the officers of the second battalion, commanded by major Taylor, with few exceptions, were shrinking from their duty, and shame- ftilly deserting the cause of their country. The detacliing of colonel Simral's regiment from our force stands prominent among the causes of our failure. Already was there a panic in some parts of our camp: the enemy that had retired at eeneral Winchester's approach liad been greatly mag- nified. The day succeeding the alarm general Winchester drew in one wing of his lines ana strengthened his camp with a breast work. Even this circumstance was noticed, and urged as an evidence, that he apprehended a force superior to his own. Thus, when imaginary obstacles unite with those that are real, to oppose the movement of a force so insubordinate, as that every man's will is hit law, little can be expected to the officers, but a plen- tiful harvest of mortification and disgrace. It cannot be denied that at the time those men refused to march, that there was a scarcity of provisions in the camp ; not tiiree days rations of meat to each officer and soldier remained, and no bread or flour. But we had found at those towns, an abundant supply of good sound corn, tq[;ether with nearly 30 bushels cured when green, or tossamonona. Our sufferings with this supply could not have been great in going or returning from the Rapids. The man whose courage and patriotism expires when his ra- tions are reduced, ought never to place himself between hia country and his enemies. When you shall have examined and considered the whole causes of our failure, should doubts rest on your mind whether some part of it does not attach to my conduct, may I not hope, sir, that you will order a court of enquiry, that I may have an oppor- tunity of meeting an investigation. I have the honour to be yours, &c. BDW. W. TUPPER, Brigadier CtemraU Gen. WilUam Bomy Huriwn. 10 J.'i ■' h m: ] 74 UBAD dUARTEtlB, LEWI&tOWN, October 14, WS. SIR. . , As the movements of the armj under my command, since I had last th?> honour to address you on the 8th instant, have been of a very imtxNrtaAt character, producing consequences serious to many individuals} establishing facts actually connected with the interest of the service and the safety of the army; and as I. stand I»rominently responsible for some of these consequences, I beg eave to explain to you, sir, and through you to my country, the situation and circumstances in which I have had to act, 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 viewed, I shall cheerfully submit myself to the judgment of my country. In my letter of the 8th instant I apprized you that a crisis in this campaign was rapidly advancing; and that (to repeat the same words) •" the blow must be soon strvick, or all the toil and ex- pense of the campaign go for nothing, aud worse than nothing ; for the whole will be tinged with dishonour.'* Under such impressions, I had on the 5th instant written to bri^dier general Smyth, of the United States* forces, requesting an interview with him, major general Hidl,and the commandanta of the United States* regiments, for the purpose of conferring upon the subject of future operations. I wrote raaior genena Hall to the same purport. On the 1 1th, I had received no an- swer from general Smyth ; but in a note to me on the 10th, gen- eral Hall mentioned that general Smyth had not yet then agreed upon any day for the consultation. In the mean time, the partial success of lieutenant Elliott,^ at Black Rock, (of which however I have received no official in- formation) began to excite a strong disposition in the troops to act. This was expressed to me through various channelif in the shape of an alternative : that they must have orders to act; or at all hazards, ^ey would go home. I forbear here commenting upon the obvious consequences to me, personally, of longer witk- holdins my orders under such circu.'^istanccs. I hm a conftfrence with lieutenant colonel ■ as to the possibility of ^tting some person to pass over to Canada and obtain correct information. On the morning oi the 4tii, he wrote to me that he had procured the man who bore his letter to go over. Instructions were given him ; he passed over— obtained such information as warranted an immediate attack. This was confidentially communicated to several of my first officers, and produced great zeal to act ; more especially as it might have a controlling efl^t upon the movements at Detroit, where it was supposed general Brock had jgnne with all the force he dared spare from the Niagara frontier. The best preparations in my iMwer were, therefore, made to dislodge the enemy from the iieig^ts of Queenstown, and possess ourselves of tiie village, where 7fl 1 ii the troops migHt be tkeltered from the distreieing incleiiMiicy of the weather. Lieutenant colonel Fenwick't flying artillery, and a detach- ment of regular troops under his command, were ordered to be up in season from Fort Niagara. Orders wero also sent to md- eral Smyth to send down from BuflGUoe, such detachment of hi« brigade as existing circumstances in that vicinity might warrant. The attack wu to have been made at 4 o'oloclr In the morning <^ the 11th, by crossing over in boats at the Old Ferry opposite th« heights. To* avoid any embarrassment in crossing the river, (which is hero a sheet of violent eddies) experienced Iwatmen were pro- cured to take the boats from the landing below to the place of embarkation. Lieutenant Sim was considered the man of great* est skill for this service. He went ahead, and in the extremo darkness, passed the intended place far up the river ; and ther« in a most extraordinary manner, fastened his boat to the shore, and abandoned the dfetachment. In this front boat he had carried nearly everv oar which was prepared for all the boats* In diis agonizinff dilemma, stood officers and men. whose ardor had not wen cooled by exposure throu^ the ni^t to one of the most tremendous north-east storms, which continued, unabated« for twenty-eight hours, and deluged the whole camp. The ap- proach of^day-ligiit extinguished every prospect of success, and the detachment returned to camp. Colonel Van Rensselaer was to have commanded the detachment. After this result. I had hoped the patience of the troops would have continued until I could submit the plan sucgosted in my letter of the 8th, that I might act under, and in conformity to, tho opinion which might be then expressed. But my hope was idle: the previously excited ardor seemed to have f^uiod new heat from the late miscarriage : the brave were mortined to stop ^ort of their object, and the timid thought laurels half won by an attempt. On tiie morning of the 12th. such was the pressure upon m« frcMU all quarters, that I became satisfied that my refusal to act might involve me in suspicion, and the service in disgrace. Viewing affairs at Buoaloe as yet unsettled, I had immediately countermanded the mareh of general Smyth's brigade, upon the failure of the first expedition; but having now determined to attack Queenstown, I sent new orders to general Smyth to mareh; not with the view of hit aid in the attack, for I considered 1h^ foree detached suffioieat. but to support the ^^etachment should the conflict be obstinate and long continued. Lieutenant colonel Chrystie. who bad just arrived at the Four Mile Creek, had late in tiie night of the first contemplated attack, gallanUy offered me his own and his men's service ; but he got my permission too late. He now agun came forward, had a conference with colonel Van Rensselaer, and begsed that ho might have the honour of a commaad m the txfSn^uW' The ( i- Xi P 76 lUrtngement was maile. Colonel Van fUnuelnter was to e«u- mand one column, 3liO militia ; and lie'Jtenant colonel Chryitto a column of the tame number of regular troops. Every precaution was now adopted aa to boata, and the moat confidential and experienced men to manage them. At an early hour in tlie night, lieutenant colonel Ohryatie marvh^ hi» de- tachment, by the rear road, from Niagara, to camp. At 7 in the evening lieutenant colonel Stranahan^s regiment moved from Niu;ara Fails ; at 8 o'clock Mead's ; and at 9, lieutenant colonel Blain's regiment marched from the same place. All were in camp in good season. Agreeably to my orders issued upon this occasion^ the two columns were to pass over together ; and soon as the heishts should be carried, lieutenant colonel Fen wick's flying artulenr w.«3 to pass over ; then major Mulla- ny's detachment of regulars, u*iid other troops to follow in order. At dawn of day the boats \.-''.re in readiness, and the troops commenced embarking, under the cover of a commanding battery, mounting 2 eighteen pounders and 3 sixes. The movements were soon discovered, and a brisk fire of musketry was poured from the whole line of the Canada shore. Our battery then Opened to sweep the shore; but it was, for some minutes, too dark to direct much fire with safety. A brisk cannonade waa now opened upon the boats from three different batteries. Our battery returned their fire, and occasionally threw grape upon the shore, and was itself served with shells from a small mortar of the enemy's. Colonel Scott, , of the artillery, by hastening in the night, arrived in season his march from Niagara Falls to return the enemy's fire with 2 six poiuiders. The boats were somewhat embarrassed with the eddies, aa well as with a shower of shot : but colonel Van Rensselaer, with about 100 men, soon effected his landing amidst a tremendous fire directed upon him from every point : out to the astonishment of all who witnessed the scene, tnis van of the column advanced alowly against the fire. It was a serious misfortune to the van, and indeed to the whole expedition, that in a few minutes after landing, colonel Van Rensselaer received fcur wounda. A ball passed through his right thieh, entering iust below the hip bone ; another shot passed through the same thigh, a little below ; the third through the calf of his leg ; and a fourth contused his heel. This was quite a crisis in the expedition. Under so aevere a fire it was difficult to form raw troops. By some mismanagement of theboaitmen, lieutenant colonel Chrystiedid not arrive until some time after this, and was wounded in the hand in paaaing the river. Colonel Van Rensselaer was still able to stand ; and vnth great presence of mind ordered his officers to proceed with ra- pidity and storm the fort This service was gallantly performed, and uie enemy driven down the hill in every direction. Soon after this boti- parties were considerably reinforced, and the conflict was renewed in several places; many of the enemy if UMik shelter behind a itone suard-houiie, where a piece of erd- nance was now briskly served. I ordered the fire of our battery directed upon the guard -house ; and it was so effectually done, that with eight or ten shot the fire was silenced. The enemy then retreated behind a large store-house ; but in a short time the route became general, and the enemy^s fire was silenced ex- cept from a one gun battery, so far down the river as to be out of the reach uf our heavy ordnance, and our light pieces could not silence it. A number of boats now passed over unannoyed, except from the one unsilenced Kun. For some time after I nad passed over, the victorv seemed complete ; but in th(^ expectation of further attacks, I was taking measures for fortifying my camp immediately — the direction of this service I committed to lieu- tenant Totten of the engineers. But very soon the enemy was reinforced by a detachment of several hundred Indians from Chippawa — ^tney commenced a furious attack, but were promptly met and routed by the rifle and bayonet. By this time I per- ceived my troops were embarking very slowly. I passed imme- diately over to accelerate their movements ; but to my utter as- tonishment, I found at the very moment when complete victory was in our hands, the ardor of the unengaged troops had entirely subsided. I rode in all directions—urged men by every consi- deration to pass over, but in vain. Lieutenant colonel Bloom who bad been wounded in action, returned, mounted his horse and rode through the camp ; as did also judge Peck, who hap- pened to be here, exhorting the companies to proceed, but all in vain. At this time a large reinforcement from Fort Georse, were discovered coming up the river. As the battery on the nill was considered an important check against their ascending the heights, measures were immediately taken to send tnem a Tresh supply of ammunition, as I had learnt there was left only 20 shot for the 18 pounders. The reinforcement, however, obliqued to the right from the road, and formed a junction with the Indfians in the rear of the heights. Finding to my infinite mortification, that no reinforcement would pass over; seeing that another se vere conflict must soon commence; and knowing thattib.. Hrave men on the heights were quite exhausted and nearly out of .1:1- munition, all 1 could do was to send them a fresK suppVy^ of cartridges. At this critical moment 1 despatched a note xv t^en- cral Wadsworth, acouainting him with our situation— 4eaving the course to be pursuea much to his own judgment, with assurance, that if he thought best to retreat, I woi^ld endeavour to send as many boats as I could command, and cover his retreat, by every fire I could safely make. But the boats were dispersed — ^many of the boatmen had fled, panic struck, and but few got offl Bat my note could but have fittle more than have reached general Wadsworth, about 4 o'clock, when a most severe and obstinate Mnftict commenced and contiaued about half an hour, with a tre-* I, 1 ' r »> 78 mtndous fire of cannon, fljin^ artillery and mviketrj. 7'ht> •nemj succeeded in reposieising their battenr; and cainin^' advantaM on ererj aide, the brave men who hadT gained ttie vic« torj, exnauatad of itrength and ammunition, and grieved at the unpardonable neglect of their fellow-ioldiert, gave up the con- flict I can onlv add, that the victory wai really won ; but loit for the want of a small reinforcement 0ne4hird part of like idU men might have eaved all, I have been so pressed with tiie various duties of burying the dtad, providing for the wounded, collectinff the public property* negotiating an exchange of prisoners, and idl the concerns conse- auent of such a battle, that I have not been able to forward thb espatch at as early an hour as I could have wished. I shall soon forward you another despatch, in which I shall endeavour to point out to you the conduct of some most nllant and de- secving officers. But 1 cannot in justice close this without ex- pressing the very great obligation I am under to brigadier gene- ral Waldsworth, colonel Van Rensselaer, colonel Scott lieutenant colonels Chrvstie and Fenwick, and captain Gibson. Many others have also behaved most sallantly. As I have reason to believe that many of our troops led to the woods, with the hope of crossinc the river, I have not been able to learn the probable number of killed, wounded and prisoners. The slaughter of our troops must have been very considerable. And the enemy have suffered severely. General Brock is among their slain, and his aid-dfi-camp mor- tally wounded. I have the honour to be yours, &c. STN. VAN RENSSELAER, Maj, Qtn. Wbjat g«nenl De«ri>om. EXPEDITION AGAINST THE FLORIDA INDIANS. NEW-HOPE, ST. JOHN'S, October 19th, 1813. DEAR SIR. I have now the honour of transmitting to your excellency, an account of the several engagements which have taken place, between the Lotchaway and Alligator Indians, and the detach- ment of Geoi^a volunteers, under my command. As the object of this expedition, and the views of the persons engaged in it; have been misconstrued, and mis-statements, relative to ita pro* traction, circulated, I ask the indulgence of your excellency, t» detail every transaction, from its commencement to itstermtiiif-' tion. I arrived upon St John's, in obedience to your orders, ^M>ttt the 15th of August will the whole of mr detachment, consistiiig of about 290 men including officer*, «aa with* few oa th«tiek refiort. I immedUtely wuted on colonel Smith, befbrt Auguttino, and received orders dated 81st of August, to proceed immediately against the hostile Indians, within the province of Bast Floriaa, and destroy their towns, provisions, and settle- ments. I then returned u> the detachment upon the St. John's, and made everjr preparation to complj with my orderit, by dis- patching parties to procure horses, from the few inhabitants that nad not fled from the province, in preparing packs and provisions, and taking every step which I deemed necessary, to peared, did assemble at Colerain, but proceeded no further. On the evening of tlie 24tli of September, we left the St Jdin's, marching in Indian file ; Captain Hum- phrey's company of riflemen in front, Captain Fort's company, un- der me comnuuid of lieutenant Fannin, in the centre, and captain Hi i ri; 80 Coleman's company, with Cone's detachment, under the command* of lieutenant Broadnax, in the rear. A small part v marched in front of the main body, and another in the rear. 17 t openness of the ground (except in particular places^ rendered it unne- cessary to employ men upon the right and left. Our encamp- ments, at night, (there beiiag three companies) were in the form of a triangle, with the ba^age in the centre ; the men, with their clothes on, lying with their feet pointing outwards, and their fire- locks in their arms. In case of an attack, the officers were in- structed to bring up their companies, upon the right and left of th? company fronting the enemy, and attend to the Indian mode of fighting, until ordered to charge. In case of meeting the ene- my upon our march, Humphrey's company was instructed to file off to the right; Fort's company 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 the form of a crescent, and endeavour to encircle the enemy. On the morning of the 4th day of our jmarch, when we were within 6 or 7 miles of the Lotchaway towns, our advanced party discovered a body of In- dians, marching along the path, meeting us, and, at the same mo- ment, they appeared to have discovered us. As soon as I was informed ot 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, and which appeared exactly suited to the situation in which we found the enemy. As Soon . as Fort's company (at the head of which I had placed myself) had advanced to its proper ground, I discovered the Indians falling back, and making every preparation for battle, by unslinging their packs, priming tneir rifles, and each man taking his tree. We continued to advance, taking advantage of the trees in our pro- gress, until we were within 130 yards of the Indians, when many of them fired, and I instantly ordered the chai^, which drove them from behind the trees, and caused them to retire with the great- est precipitation, our men, all the while, firing at them, slew se- veral; and,^ repeated charges, drove them half a mile, when they took shelter in the swamp. It unfortunately happened, (I presume through inadvertance) that Humphrey's company in filing to the right, took too great a circuit, got a small sv amp between them and the enemy, and thereby rendered the victory less deci- sive than it would have been, had the whole charged together, and before the Indians had dispersed themselves, and extended their force (which they soon did) near half a mile up and down the swamp. The company however was of service afterwards, in preventing the enemy after their dispersion from entering our eamp, retaking their baggage and provision (all of which feil into our hands) or falling upon the wounded that had been sent to the rear. The action^ including the skirmishing upon the flanks, lasted two hours and a half — the Indians frequently attempting to outflank us, and get in our rear, but wci-e repulsed by the com- ftl fNUiies extending on our right and left We had 1 man killed^ and 9 wounded ; 2 of which have since died of their wounds. The loss of the enemy must have been considerable ; I saw 7 fall to the ground vrith mv own eye, among whom was their king. Payne : two of them fell near the swamp, the rest our men had the curiosity to scalp. The rifle company on the right, and Broad- nax's on the left, speak of killing several near the swamp, who were borne off by uieir comrades ; it beine 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 th« Indians, who were near the swamp paintine themselves, and ap- peared to be in consultation ; all of which indicated an intention to renew the combat Accordingly, halt an hour before sun set having obtained a considerable remibrcement of negroes and Indians, from their towns, they commenced the most horrid yells imagin- able, imitilting the cries and noise of almost every animal of the forest : their chiefs advancing in front, in a stooping, serpentine manner, and makine the most wild and frantic gestures, until they approached wimin 200 yards of us, when they halted, and commenced firing. Our men were not to be alarmed by their noise find yells ; but as instructed, remained perfectly still and steady behind logs and trees, until the enemy, by this forbear- ance, had approached somewhat nearer, when a brisk and well directed fire from our line, soon drove them back to their origi nal ground. I would now have ordered the charge ; but beini under the necessity, from the extension of the enemy's Une,ol 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 contend with a force tliree times as numerous as my own. The action lasted until 8 o'clock, when the enemy were completely repulsed in every attempt whether made upon our centre or flanks. We ha«l two men killed, and one wounded i. 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 day -light had a tolerable breast-^work of logs and eartii, with port holes, on the ground on which the battle was fought : we were reduced to this necessity; for, in despatching captain Whitaker about dark, to St JoKn's for a reinforcement, six more men took the liberty to accompany him, taking with them our best horsec : our pilot and surgeon, (who was sick,) was among the number. Th6 two days succeeding the battle, we neither saw nor heard any thing of tlie enemy ; but ou the evening 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 oui men. After killing two or three of them, through our port holes, they seldom came within gun phot. Seven or eight days had now elapsed, since our express had lelt us hun^ ^1^ n l I i Bit ger was aUring us in the face, and we were reduced to the ne- eeaaitjr of eating one of our horses ; we had no surgeon to dress the wounded, and apprehensions were entertained, that the ene- my would receive reinforcements from Augustine, or the Ma- kasukie Indians. Expecting relief every hour, I was unwiUinK to leave our breast-work, while we had a horse left to eat ; but I understood, from some of my officers, that a certain captain was determined to leave us, withnis company ; and that many of the men, giving up all hopes of relief, talked bf deserting in the night« rather than perish, or fall a sacrifice to the merciless negroes and Indians, whom they were taught to believe would surround us in great numbers in a few days. In this tryine situation, when our few remaining horses were shot down by them, and the number of our sick daily increasing, I reluctantly assented to leave our works that night, and directed the litters to be prepared, to carry the wounded. About 9 o'clock we commenced our distressing march, carrying 5 wounded men in litters, and supporting two or three more. We had not proceeded more than eight miles, when the men became perfectly exhausted from hunger and fatigue, and were unable to carry the wounded any farther. About two hours after we left our breast-works, 25 horsemen, with provi- sions, 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 en- counter new difficulties ; two men that I had despatched on the path the horsemen came, by some means or other missing them. We again constructed a plan of defence, and 1 despatched ser- feant-major Reese, with one private, to Picolata, to learn what ad occasioned the delay of our expected supplies ; and told him I should remain where 1 was, until I could hear from him, and endeavoured to procure cattle, as I discovered signs of their being near us. The evil genius of captain , again pre- vailed ; and I have since learned from captain Cone, that this person instigated not only him, but many of the privates, to urg^ a departure from our works, even in the day time, when I was convinced that the Indians, knowing our weak situation, would endeavour to ambuscade. This gentleman, if innocent, will have an Jiness of veterans. Lieutenant Broadnax showed a great deal of courage and presence of mind, and ensign Mann, who was wounded m the nrst action, fought well. Captain Cone, who was wounded in tiie head early in the action, behaved well, an'^ lieutenant Wil- liams did himself great honour in every action, but particularly in the bold and manly stand he made m the ni|^t engagement Sei^eant Hawkins and corporal Neil, of Coleman's company, acted like soldiers, and sergeant-major Reese's activity was only surpassed by his courase ; he was every where and always brave. ^ Captain Humphrey's company acted bravely, particu- larly lieutenant Reed, serseant Fields, sergeant Cowa •., sergeant Denmar'a, and t^ any of the privates. I can only speak of cap- tain Humphreys from the report of some of his men, who say he acted well ; it so happening he nefer met my eye during either of the engagements, while the conduct of every other person that I have named (except one or tvfo) camte under mf personal observation. . 1 h'-. m i . \M f 84 The number of Indians, in the first engagement, from every circumstance that appeared, must have been from 7.5 to 100. la the second engagement, their number, including negroes (who are their best soldiers) was double our's ; and, in the third engage- ment, there appeared to be 50, which was nearly equal to our force, after deducting the sick and wounded. From every cir- cumstance I am induced to believe that the number of killed and vounded among the Indians, must be at least fifty. I have the honour to be yours, &c. DANIEL NEWMAN. His Excellency David B. Mitchell. ; t !fS ' PITTSBURG, October 23d, 1811 SIR. - I embrace this opportunity to render you an account of the garrison of Chicago. On the 9th of August last, I received orders from general Hull to evacuate the post and proceed with my command to Detroit, by land, leaving it at my discretion to dispose of the public pro- perty as I thought proper. The neigbourin^ Indians got infor- mation as early as I did, and came in from all quarters in order to receive the goods in the factory store, which they understood were to be given them. On the 1 3th, Captain Wells, of fort Wayne, arrived with about 30 Miamies, for the purpose of es-^ cortmg us in, by the request of general Hull. On the 14th, I delivered the Indians all the j^^ods in the factory store, and a con- siderable quantity of provisions which we could not take away with us. The surplus arms and ammunition I thought proper to destroy, fearing they would make bad use of it if put in their possession. I also destroyed all the liquor on hand soon after they began to collect. The collection was unusually large for that place ; but they conducted themselves with the stncteet pro- priety till after I left the fort. On the 15th, at 9 o'clock in the morning, we commenced our march : a part of the Miamies were detached in front and the remainder in our rear, as guarde, under the direction of captain Wells. The situation of the country rendered \\. necessary for us to take the lv»ach, ^/»th the lake on our left, iind a high sand bank on our right, at f bout 100 yards distance. We had proceeded about a mile and a half, when it was disco- vered that the Indians were prepared to attack us from behind the bank. 1 immediately inarched iip with the company to the top of the bank, when the action commenced ; after firing one round, we charged, and the Indians gave way in front and joined 85 J '. fhdse on cur flanks. In about fifteen minutes they got posses- sion of all our horses, provisions, and bag|g;age of every descrip- tion, and finding the Miamies did not assist us, I drew off the few men I had left, and took possession of a small elevation in the open prairie, out of shot of the bank or any other cover. The Indians did not follow me, but assembled in a body on the top, of the bank, and after some consultations among themselveSv ntadf signs for me to approach them. I advanced towards them alone, and was met by one of the Potawatamie chiefs, called the Black Bird, with an interpreter. After shaking hands, he requested nle to surrende* , promising to spare the lives of all the prisoners* On a few moments consideration, I concluded it would be most prudent tp comply with his request, although I did not put entire confidenc: in nis promis".. After delivering up our arms, we were taken back to their encampment near the fort, and distri- buted among the different tribes. Tlie next morning, they set fire to the fort and left the place, taking the prisoners with them. Their number of warriors was between four and five hundred* mostly of the Potawatamie nation, and their loss, from the best information I could get, was about fifteen. Our strength was fifty four regulars' and twelve militia, out of which, twenty -six regulars and all the militia were killed in the action, with two women and twelve children. Ensign George Ronan and doctor Isaac V. Van Voorhis of my company, vitn captain Wells, of fort Wayne, are, to my great sorrow, numbered among the dead. Lieutenant Lina T. Helm, with twenty -^ve non-commissioned officers and privates, and eleven women and children, were pri- soners when we were separated. Mrs. Heald and myself were taken to the mouth of the riyer St. Joseph, and being both badly 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 absence, I engaged a Frenrhman to take us to Michilimackinac by water, where ij^ve ray self up as aprisoner of war, with one of ray sergeants. The commanaing officer, captain Roberts, offered me every assistance in his power to render our situation comfortable wniie we re- mainea tiiere, and to enable us to proceed on our journey. To him I gave my parole of honour, and came on to Detroit and re- ported myself to colonel Proctor, who gave us a passage to Buf- laloe ; from that place I came by the way of Presque Isle, and arrived here yesterday. I have the honour to be yours, &c^ N. HEALD, Captain U, &» Infantry* Thomas tL Gushing, Esqr. Adjutant Genenu. 'i ■ I 8« AFFAIR AT ST. REGIS. • - « HI£AD QUARTERS, CAMP FRENCH MILLS, October 24th, 1812. 6n the 22d I despatched several confidential friendg, torecon- Buitre about the village of St Regis; they returned with the in- fonhation, that the enemy had landed in the village, and that we might expect a visit from them immediately. Their number was stated by no one at less than 1 10, and from that to SOO ; the most certain information fixed on the former number. It was also believed that the enemy were determined to make ft stand at that place, and would speedily increase their number: this determinea me to make an immediate attempt to take those already landed, before any reinforcement could at rive. I order- ed the men to be furnished with two days rations of provisions, with double rations of whiskey ; and at 11 at night, we marched "With the utmost silence, tliat we might give as little akini as iptain Lyoi company crossed in tj^e boat ; captain M'Neil^s, in tlie canoe, and the remainder, wi^h our horses, crossed on the cribs. We arrived, within hidf a mile of the village, at 5 o'clock ; where, being concealed fromi'he enemy by a litde ris'S of ground, Tve halted to reconnoitre, refresh the men, and make disposition for the attack, which waii arranged in the following order >— captain Lyon waa detached i'rom tlie right, with orders to take the road, running along the bank of the St. Regis river, with directions ta gain the rear of captain Montaigny's house, in which, and Don- ally's, the enemy were said to be quartered. Captain Oilden was detached to Ihe St. Lawrence,, with a view of gaining the route of Donally'g house, and also securing the enemy's boats, expected to have been stationed there to prevent their retreat. With the remainder of the force, I moved on in front, and ar> rived within a hundred and fifty yards of Montaigny'a hoase, when I found by tiie fi* ing, that captain Lyon was engaged. At the same instant, I discovered a person passing in front, and or- dered him to stand ; but not being obeyed, onlered captain Hig- bie's first platoon to fire, and the poor fellow soon fell; he proved to be the ensign named in the list of killed. The finng was at an end in an instant, and we soon found in our possession 40 prisoners, with their arms, &c.— 4 killed— 1 wounded mor- tally ; took 1 stand of colours, '2 batteaux, 38 guns, — 40 men. After searching in vain for further military stores, we re- crossed the river at the village, and returned to camp by the nearest route, where we amved at 1 1 A. M. — the batteaux:, with baggage, &c. arrived a few minutes before us. We had not a man hurt. I cannot close this letter, without stating to 87 y6ur exeellency, that the officers and soldiers, for their conduct on this occasion, deeeiire the hi^est eneofniums ; fur so strict was their attention to duty and orders, that we entered the plact withont even heiitt heara bv the Indians' d<^. The prisonert I have just sent on to Plattsburg, to s.vT:\t the disposition of jour excellency. I have the honour to be, yours, &;c.. 6. D. YOUNG. Majtn\ commanding froojui at Frtnch JUiJh* ^Sriff. General Bhiomfield : J NAVY DEPARTMENT, Oetdber STth, 1819. SIR, I have received, with great satisfaction, your communica- tion of the 9th instant ; I have been desired by the President of the United States, to return to you, and through you, to the officers and men, under your command, in the expedition to fort Erie, which terminated to the glory of the American arms, hi^ particular thanks. I am, with great respect, yours, &c. PAUL HAMILTON;* P. S. Your having abstained from fulfilling your intimation that you would expose your prisoners to the enemy's fire, is high- ly approved. Jesse D. Elliott, Esqr. Ueut. Coimnanding, BliMsk Rock. tm%m U. S. SHIP UNITED STATES, AT SEA, October 30th, 1812. SIR, I have the honour to inform you, that on the 35th instant, being in the latitude 29, N. longitude 29 SO, W. we fell in with, and, after an action of an hour and a half, captured his Britannic Majesty's ship Macedonian, commanded by captain John Carden» and mounting 49 oamiatfe guns (the odd sun shifting.) She is a frigate of the lamest claaa, two years oid^ four months out Of dock, and reputed one of the best sailors in the British service. The enemy being fo windward, had the advantage of engaging ut tit his own distance, which was so great, that for the first halt hour we did not use our carronades, and at no moment was he within the conijplete elTect of our musketry or grape — to this cir- cumstance anil a heavv swell, which was on at the time, I, as- cribe the unusual lengUl 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 com ; all of which was committed to the flames. I believe not less than 80 horses fell into our hands belonjg^ng to the enemy. Several white per- sons* scalps were also found among their plunder. I had the immediate command of the battalion, and the superior command was retained by his excellency the governor. On this expedition we were fortunate; we had but 4 men wounded, none of which is mortal. This tour was performed from camp, and back to the ^|me place, in 13 days. / I have the honour to be yours, &c. W. RUSSELL, Colonel 7th JHsU Comdg» The Secretary of War. !) ''! lb' 1' SIR, AT iSEA, longitude 32, latitude 33, November 1, 1812. I wrote you on the 18th ultimo, by the British packet Swal- low, informing vou of having captured that vessel with between an hundred and fifty and two hundred thousand dollars on board; and I now write you by a British South Sea ship, loaded witii oil, captured yesterdfay, one of two ships under convoy of the frigate Galatea. The above ship is manned by the Congress, and it is now blow- ing so fresh, that I cannot learn from Captain Smith her name, haying separated from him yesterday in chase of the Galatea whilst he Was manning the prize, and owing to excessive bxd weather, last ni^t, was unable to join him to day. I got within six or seven miles of the Galatea by sun-set, but &e extreme darkness of the night enabled her to escape. With the greatest respect, I am, &c. JOHN R0DGER3i The Hon. Paul Hanulton, Secretsty of the Nkvy. 90 I I. I I: B VCKETT'S HARBOR, November 13th, 1819. BIR, I arrived here last evenina: in a gale of wind, the pWrn^ nM- ing refused to keep the lake. On the 8th I fell in with tiiC Roj- al George, and chased her into the bay of Quanti, where I lost sight of ner in the nlxht. In the morning of the 9th we u;ain got sight of her lying in Kinnton channel. We gave chase, and follow- ed her into the harbor of Kingston, where we engaged her and the batteries for one hour and 45 minutes. I had made up my mind 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 vessel. Under these circumstances, and it being after sun-down, I determined to haul oft' and renew the attack next morning. We beat up in 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 therefore (very reluctantly) deferred renewing the attack upon the ships and forts until a more favourable op- portunity. Ait a. M. on the 10th, I niaJe the signal to weigh, and we beat out of a vetj rnrrow channel, under a very heavy press of sail to the opr^^ U'm"^ At 10 we fell in with the governor Sincoe running for ¥ih^^im<.y and chased her into the harbor. She es- caped by niiin'msj; over a reef of rocks under a heavy fire from the Governor ToiiK>kins, the Hamilton and the Julia, which cut her very much. All her people ran below while under the fire of these vessels. The Hamilton chased her into nine feet water before she hauled offl We tacked to the soulhwurd, with an in- tention of running to our station at the Ducks, but it coming on to blow very heavy, the pilots told me it would be unsafe to keep the lakes. I bore up for this place, where I arrived last night. In our passage through the b^y of Quanti, I discovered a schooner at the village or Arming <.jwn which we took possession of, but finding she would detain us (being then in chase of the Royal Geo^ejl ordered lieutenant Macpherson to take out her sails and rigging and bum her, whichhe did. We also took the schooner Mary, Hall, from Niagara, at the mcntii of Kingston har- bor, and took tier with us to our ancho age. The next inomin|^ finding that she could not beat through the channel with us, I ordered the sailing master of the Growler to take her under con- voy and run down past Kingston, anchor on the east end of Long Island, and wait for a wind to come up on the east side. I wias ^ also in hopes that the Royal George might be induced to follow for the purpose of re-taking our prize, but her commander was too well aware of the consequences to leave httt moorings. We lost in this affair one man killed, and three slightly wounded. VVH K and it was "^rent times and men on with a few shot through our salU. The other vessels lost no men and received but little injury in their hulls and sails, with the exception of the Pert, whose gun burst in the early part of the action, and wounded her commander (sailing-master Arundel) badlv, and a midshipman aad three men slightly. Mr. Arundel, who refused to quit the deck, although wounded, was knocked overboard in beating up td anchorage, and I am sorry to say was drowned. The Royal Oeoree must have received verv considerable in- jury in her hull ^d in men, as the gun vo with a lonjfj; 32 pounder were seen to strike her almop^ Sbserved that she was reinforced with tiv uringthe action. I have great pleasure in saying that the board every vessel behaved with the utmost coolness, and are extremely anxious to meet the enemy on the open lake, and as long as 1 have the honour to command such officers and such men, I can have no doubt of the result. I think I can say with great propriety, that we have now the command of the lake, and that we can transport troops and stores to any part of it without any risk of an attack from the enemy. Although the whole of his naval force was not collected at Kings- ion, yet the force at the different batteries would more than coun- terbalance the vessels that were absent. It was thought by^ all the officers in the s<|^uadron, that the enemy had more than thirty suns mounted at Kingston, and from 1,000 to 1,500 men. The Roysl Geoi^, protected by this force, was driven into the inner harbor, under he protectitm of the musketry, by the Oneida and four small schooners fitted out as gun bloats ; the Governor Tompkins not having; been able to join in the action until about sun-down, owing to the lightness of the winds, and the Port's gun having burst tlie second or third shot. We are replacing all deficiencies, and I ahill proceed up the lake the first wind, m the hop^s to fall in wri ui the Earl Mmra and the Prince Regent ; at any rate I shall endeavour to preveut them from forming^ a junction with the Royal George acain this winter^ I shall also visit Niagara river if practicable, in order to land some Sins and stores that I have taken on board for that purpose. If e enemy are still in possession of Queenstown, I shall try to land them a few miles below. I shall have the honour of writ- ing you more in detail upon this subject on my return, or perhaps before I leave here, if the wind shouM continue ahead. I have the honour to be yours, &c. ISAAC CHAUNCEY. Th^ Hon Paul Kanuhon, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. "3 ill ^, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) V z ^J^ ^ ^ 1.0 I.I ■u Uii 12.2 2.0 lU u liO U£ 1 III 1.25 1^ ||.6 ^ 6" ^ i^^^ ^ ^ ^J w ■> PhoiDgraphic ScMices Carporation ^ ¥^ ^ ;\ ^^^S.^^ 23 WIST MAM STIMT WIISTII,N.Y. MSN (7I«) 172-4303 4^0 .V c\ 5.^ 3^ i > iv Jr-' \ M JJtV In J" NEW YORK, November 34tli, 1819. SIR, I here avail myself of the first opportunity of informing you of the occtirrences of our cruise, wnich terminated in the capture, of the Wasp, on the 18th of October, by the Poictiers of 74 gi^ns, while a wreck from damiues receiyed in an engage- ment with the British sloop of war Frolic, of 22 guns ; 16 of them 32 pound carronades, and four twelve pounders on the main deck, and two twelve pounders, carronjides, on the top« eallant-forecastle, making her superior in force to us by four twelve pounders. The Frolic had struck to us and was takes ?9ssession of, i^ut tviro hours before our surrendering to the oictiers. We had left the Delaware on the 13th. The 16th had a heavy gale, in which we lost our ^b-boom and two men. Half past 1 1, on the ni^t of the 17th, in the latitode of 37 degrees north, and longitude 65 degrees west, we saw several sail ; two of them ap- peared very large. We stood from thpm for some time, then shor- tened sul and steered the remainder of the night the course we had perceived them on. At day -light, on Sunday the 18th, we saw them ahead— gave chase, and soon discoverea them to be a convoy of six sail, under tiie protection of a sloop of war, four of them large ships, mounting from 16 to 18 guns. At 30 min- utes past 11, A. M. we engaged the sloop of war, havin|; first re- ceived her fire at the distence of fifty or sixty yards, which snace we gradually lessen^ until we laia her on board, after a well supported fire of 43 minutes; and althou^ so near, while load- ins the last broadside, that our rammers were shoved a^nst the side of the enemy, our men exhibited tiie same alacrity which they had done during the whole of the action. Thc^ imme- diately surrendered upon our raining their forecastle, so that no loss was sustained on either s^e after hoarding;. - Our main-top-mast was shot away between four and five min- utes from the commencement of the firing, and falling together with the main-top-sul yard across the larboiard fore anaf(»«- top-sail braces, rendered our head -yards unmanageable the re- mainder of the action. At eight minutes the gaft and main top- gallant-mast came down, and at twenty minutes from the begin- ning of the action, every brace and most of the ngging ^m shot away. A few minutes after separating from the frolic, both her masts fell upon deck, the main-mast going close by die deck, and the fore-mnst twelve'or fifteen feet above it. Tlie courage and exertions of the officers and crew fully an- swered my expectations ai^d wishes. Lieutenant Biddle's active conduct contnbuted much to our success, by the exact attention paid to every department during the engagement, and the ani- mating example ne afforded the crew by his Intrepidity. Lieu- tenants Kodgers, Booth, and Mr. Rapp, shewed by the incessant fire from their divisions, that they were not to be surpassed i|i was in centre buildii 12pov as resolution or slull. Mr. Rnight and every other officer acted with a^ courage and promptitude highly honourable, and I truat have given assurance that they may be relied on whenever tiieir services may be required. I could not ascertain the exact Idss of the enemy, as many of the dead lay buried under the masts and spars that had fallen upon deck, which two hours' exertion had not sufficiently removed. Mr. Biddle, who had chaise of the Frolic, states that from what he saw and from information from the officers, the number of killed must have been about thirtv, and that of the wougded about forty or fifty— «f the killed, is her first lieutenant aqid sailinc master; of the wounded, captain Whinyatesand the se- cond lieutenant. We had five killed and five wounded as per list ; the wounded are recovering. Lieutenant Claxton, who was confined by sickness, left his bed a little previous to the engagement, and though too weak to be at his division, remained upon deck and shewed b^ his composed manner of noting incidents, that we had lost, by hip fliness, the services of a brave officer. I am, respectfully, yours, &c. JACOB JONES^ The Hon. Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the Navy. vr II, j.) ■" i mi^ FORT NIAGARA, November S5th, 1812. SIR, I beg leave to inform you that on the morning of the 21st instant, at 5 o'clock, a heavy connonading opened upon this gar- rison from all the batteries at, and in the neighbourhood of. Fort George, which lasted, without intermissioi^until after sun-down. They had five detached batteries, two mounting 24 pounders, one mounting a 9, and two mortar batteries, one of 10|, the other 5} inch. The batteries fired hot shot, which set some of our buildings on fire, but from the extraordinary vigilance of i\ie officers ana men, particularly major Armistead of the United States' corps of eii^neers, whoMi indefatigable exertions were extended to all parts of the garrison, the fires were got under without being observed by the enemy. The garrison was not as well provided with artillery and am- , munition as I could have wished ; however, the batteries open^ a trenMndons fire upon them in return, with hot shot, admirably well directed. Several times during the cannonadingi the town of Newark was in flames, but wto extinguished by their engines, as also the centre building in Fort Oeoi^. Their mess house and all the buildings near it were consumed. Captain M'Keon commanded a 12 pounder in the south-east block house, and distinguished him- r r i. m. »'■..;, - ■ 'y ■] si ■:■■ '''iy: H ■\% 'W I '-'A' ;■ ■ f t ' ■ / ." 'S self by hit usual gallaqtry ud skill. Captain Xackn^of the Tth regiment militia artillery, commanded a six pounder on tlue north block house, and together with a part of bin own company* though placed in a situation most exposed to the fire of the enemy* main- tained their position like Teterans. Lieutenant Reesor the 3d regim«it of artillery, had the command of an eighteen pounder on the south-east battenr, which was pointed at a battery m burbeUe, mounting a ttnrenty-four pounder, and also at Fort George ; seve- ral well directed shot were directed from^ this gun, which proved tbtiMdll of its commander. ^^ilMttt'lO o'clock, lieutenant Rees had bis left shoulder bruised by a i>art of the parapet falling; on him; which, tiiough it did not materially injure him, obliged nim to retire, and captain Leonard, of the 1st foment UnitecTStates' artillery, at that moment arriv- ing, he took command of the batterv for the remainder of *he day. Lieutenant Wendel, of the 3a regiment of artillery, had Ibe command of an ei^teen and four pounder on the west bat- tery, and doctor Hooper, of captain Jack's company of militia artillery, had the command of a six pounder on tne mess house* Ctf these gentlemen lynd their, commands, I cannot speak .with too much praise ; they distinguished themselves hiriily; and from their shot, all of which was hot, the town of Newaric .was repeat- edly fired, and one of the enemy's batteries silenced for a time. An instance of extraordinary bravery in o female (the wife of one Doyle, a private of the United States' artillery, made a pri- soner at Queenstown) [ cannot pass over. During the most tre- mendous cannonading I have ever seen, she attended the six pounder on the old mess house with red hot shot, and showed fortitude e^al, to the naid of OrktmB, Lieutenants Gansevoortand Harris* of the 1st regiment United States' artillery, had command of the salt battery at Youngst«> mounting one eighteui and a four poundi^r. These two,^ played upon the DafHry of Fort Geoi|;e and the buildings Uciu- lit from every observation I could make during tiieir fire, I am happy to say th^y merited my warmest thanks for, tiieir skill in the service of these guns. . '^ ' Ideutenani Harris, from his four pounder,, sunk a schooner winch lay 4t their wharfs she ^,vi ode of those taken by the enemy at tte uoutii of Geneie^'Hver a short time since. He also assist^ in burning and destiNiying the buildings near the wharf. T^MMe two (officers and their men in the warmest part of the caniK^a(iiaj|, having fir^ away all their cartridges* cut np their flanncA waistcoats and shiVts, and the soldiers tneir trow- sers, to supply their guns. , I cannotiay tjoo'muchof all the officers and soldiers of the artillervimmediately under My observation in this nrrison ; the/ m^ritihe tiuinks and esteem of their country for the defence of it* and I believe it never sustained so sharp and continued a bom- bardment. The enemy threw mere than two tiiousand red hoi balls into it, and a number oi shells, amountinz :o more ttian 180, only one of which did injury to our men. Lieutenant colonel ' Oray commanded the artillery ; the unremitted attention paid to his duty, proves him an officer whose zeal and science do honour to himself and country; to this gentleman I feel much indebted for the manner he acquitted himself; To the officers of my re- ptnent (particularly captain Milligan) and the soldiers who as- sisted the artillery, and those employed in extinguishii^ the fires and carrying off ^e killed ana wounded, I am •also muoh in- debted; they merit my warmest thanks. To doctor West of the garrison, doctor Hugi^of the 14th regiment Uhited States' infantry; and doctor Craie of the 22d regiment United States' ^1||fantry, I offe^ my thanks j ther were cimployed. during the e^re day in the most critical dunes of their profeteion. .Our kitled*and wounded amounted to eleven. Froto'the llum- benr we saw carried off from the enemy's battnies, I presume many more were lulled and wounded on their side. Only two of the above men were killed by the enemy's shot^ the rest by the bursting of it 12 potinder in me south-east block house, and by the sponges of the guns on the north block house, and at the salt battery. GEORGE M'FEELET, Li, CoL commanding Fort Magarat Gcncnl Alex. Smyth. EXPEDITION ON THE WABASH. ■t' • ''i i: H' r^i II 11 m\ ^. i ON WABASH, NEAR THE MOUTH OV PINE^REBPL i NoTember 37th, 1813. SIR, By colonel Richard Taylor, quarter master eeneral, who goes on as quick as possible to Frankfort, I have it iti my power to 1^^ you general information of the movements of the army, since my last« On the 11th, the army marched from fort Harn- son, on the road formerly made by governor Harrison's army, and the boats set out at the same time. The length of time the ene- my had expected us, made it necessary to guard ourselvep in an espetiat manner. The rise of the waters,, from the heavy fall of rain precedili| our march, and some large creeks, left us no doubt of considerable difficulty and embarrassment; insomuch, that not until the 14th did we pass Sugar creek, 3 milei above the road. From every information, I had. no hesitation in moving on the east side of the Wabash ; the Vermillions, Pine creeks and other impediments on the west side, superadded to the presumption that we were expected, and might more easily be annoyed and ambu^adcd on {hat route, determined me in this measiire ; the I a ! ;tl mm iti I' ■■ J 1' , ! I' I .«^^ % ■U-' '■\- m 96 Boats too, with our provisions of rations, forage, and militaiy stores, could be more easily covered and protected, as the line of march could br; invariably nearer the river. Lieutenant colonel Barbour, with one battalion of his regiment, had command of the 7 boats, and encamj^ed with us, on the bank of the river* idmost every night This so protracted our march, that we did not reach the Prophet's town until the 19th : on the morning of this day, I detached 300 men to surprize the Winebago town, lying on Ponce Passu creek, one mite from the Wabash, and 4 below the Prophet's. This party, commanded by general Butler, surrounded the place about break of day, and found it evacua- ted. There were in the main town about 40 houses, manv of them from SO to 50 feet in length ; besides many temporary nut|» in the surrounding Prairie, in which they had cultivated a gre-af deal of com. On the SOth, 21st and 22d, we were employed in the complete destruction of the Prophet's town, which contained abcut 40 cabins and huts, and the lar^ l^ckapoo villase adjoining below it, on the west side of the nver, consisting of about -160 cabins and huts ; finding, and destroying th^ir com, reconnoitering the circumjacent paiiof the country, and constructing works for the defence of our boats and the army. Seven miles ei^t of us, on the Ponce Passu creek, a party of Indians were discovered—* they had fiired on a small party of ours on the Slst, and killed a man by the name of Dunn, a gaJlant soldier in captain Duvall's company. On the 22d, upwards of sixty horsemen, under the com- mand 01 lieutenant colonels Miller and Wilcox, anxious to bury their comrade, as well as gain a more complete knowledge of the grouild, went on to a, point near the Indian encampment, fell into an ambuscade, and 18 of our party were killed, wounded, and missing. Among these, are three hoi.;iful young officere, and one private from the 8th (Wilcox's) re^ment, viz : — ^Man, Edwards, Murray, and the private Webb, presumed to be killed; the other 14 were of the rangera. On tiie return of this party, and the information of a large assemblage of the enemy, who, encouraged by the strength of their camp, appeared to be waiting for us, every preparation was made to march early, and engage the enemy at every risk ; when, from the most violent storm, and fall of snow, attended with tiie coldest wcuther I ever saw or felt,^ at this sea- son of the year, and whicji did not subside until the evening of the 23d, we were delaved until the 24th. Upon arriving on the ground, we found the enemy had deserted tiieir camp before the fidl of snow, and passed the Ponce Passu. I have no doubt but tiieir eround was the strongest I ever have seen ; the deep, rapid creek spoken of, was in their rear, running in a semi'' circle, and fronted by a bluff 100 feet hi^, almost perpendicular, and only to be penetrated by three steep ravines. If the enemy would not defend themselves here, it was evident they did not tntend fighting M all. After reconnoitering sufiicientlyi we re- turned to ttmp, and (bund the ice so accumuUted»as to alarm ua for the return of the boats. I had fully intended to have spent one more week in endeavouring to find the Indian camps; but the shoeless, shirtless state of the troops, now clad in the remnants of their summer dress ; a river full of ice ; the hills covered with snow ; a rigid climate, and no certain point to which we could further direct our operations ; under the influence of the advice of every field and staff oflicer, orders were given, and measures pursued for our return, on the 25th. We are now pro* grossing to fort Harrison, through the ice and snow, where we expect to arrive on the last day of this month. From Vincennes I shall have the honour of addressing your ex- cellency again : but, before I close this, I cannot forbear express- ing the merits of the officers and soldiers of this command. After leaving at fort Harrison all unfit for duty, we had in privates of every corps, about 1000— >in the total, 1250 or thereabout At the Prophet's town, upwards of 100 of these were on the sick report. Yet, sir, have we progressed in such order as to menace our enemy, from any annoyance. Seven lai^ keel boats have been covered and protected, to a point hitherto unknown in Indian expeditions. Three large Indian establishments have been burnt and destrov- ed, with near three miles of fence, (and all the corn, &c. we could find,) besides many smaller ones ; the enemy have been sought in their strong holds, and every opportunity afforded them to attack or alarm us ; a march on the east side of the Wabash, without road, or recognizance of the country, fully 100 miles perfected ; and this was done with a naked army of infantry, aided by only about fifty rangers and spies : all this will have been done in twenty days — no sigh, no murmur, no complaint, I have the honour to be, yours, &c. SAMUEL HOPKINS. Hit exeelleney Gov. Shelby. CAMP, NEAR BUFFALQE, December itb, 1813. SIR, The troops, under my command, haying been ordered to hut tiiemselves for the winter, it becomes my craty to report to you the proceedings had here, since I took comn^and on ttiis frontier. On or about the 26th of October, 1 ordered that SO scows should be prepared for the transportation of cavalry and artillery, and put the carpenters of the army upon that duty. By the 26th November, ten s^ws were completed ; and by bringing boats from lake Ontario, ihe number was increased to seventy. I had issued an address to the men of New York ; and per- liapa 300 volunteers had arrived at Buffaloe. 1 presumed that the regular troops, aod the volunteers, under colonels Smith and Mdure, would furnish 2,300 men for duty ; and, of general 13 [1: U 98 k- '. r- Tannehill's bricade, reporting a total of 1,650, aa maiij u 41S had volunteered to cross into Canada. I deemed myself ready * haps 200 of those militia who had volunteered their services for a few days, occupied all the boats that were ready. Hie troopa then embarked, moved up the stream to Black Rock, without sna-r taining loss frcmi the enemy's fire. It was now tiie aftem ,.-.H »i pi/ m\>'' I'- '>■•!'. Li« ' ber of regular troops #ai deolining npidlj. I knew that ob them I was chiefly to depend. 1 called together officers commanding corps of the recnlar army. Colonel Parker being sick, those present were colonel Porter, of the artillery, colonel Schuyler, colonel Winder, and lieutenant colonel Coles. I put to them this question t— ** Shall wo now proceed ?*' They unanimouriu decided Uiat wd ought not. I foresaw that the volunteers, who nad come out for a few days* would disperse. Several of them had on the evening of the 2oth broken their muskets, because they had not seen a battle; I foresaw that the number of regular troops would decrease | th« measles had affected them generally ; the constant use of fresh meat had produced dysenteries, and they were now in tents, in the month of December. I informed the officers, that the attempt to invade Canada would not be made, until the army wai reinforced, and directed tiiem to withdraw their troops, and cover them with huts immediately. The Volunteers and neighboring people were dissatisfied, and it has been in the power of th« contractor's agent to excite some clamor against the course pur- sued ; he finds the contract a losing one, at this time, and would Wish to see the army in Cilnada, that he might not be bound td supply it. I am sorry that the situation of the force under m command, had hot been such, as to make the propriety of*^ a forward movement obvious to all. Circumstanced as we were, I bavd thought it my duty to follow the cautious counsels of expe- rience, and not by precipitation, to add another to the list of our defeats. Yott will perceive my motives by my letter of the 30th Octo- ber, Wherein I said ** I would cross in three days, if I had this means ; without them» it would be injustice to the nation and myself, to attempt itz-^Inuit not be mfeatei,** Allow me to recommend to your attention, and that of th* deiprstiry of War, captain W. King of the 15th regiment infin- try, as an officer of the first class. His dauntiess braverv, refined mindt hi^ sense of honour, and ambition to distin^ish himself^ render him a fit subject for promotion ; and he is perhans ^ best disciplinarian in thfe army. I have a wife and children ; I Iiav« not seen them for fourteeh ibonths ; I isk permission ttoW t« vintlkem. 1 have the honour t6 be yolirS, Ice. ALEXANBfili SMYtlt, BrigwtUr OmtrmL- Itiijar 6enenl Desibom. I r lei $kntfal 9mji^ to a c&mmitta of ike patriotie cIHmm of Urn western counties of^ew Fork, CAMP NEAR BUFFALOE, DcoemberSd, 1813. Obntlsmbn, Your letter of December fid it before me ; and I answer it in the following manner : On the fi6th October, I ordered that 20 scows should be pre- pared for ^e transportation of artillery and cavalry, and put the carpenters of the army upon that duty. By the 26th of November, 10 scows were completed, and by bringing some boats from lake Ontario, above the falls of Niagara, the numoer was increased to seventy. I had on the 26th of November, issued an address to the men of New York, and "srhaps SOO had arrived at Buffaloe. I pre- sumed that the regular troops, and the volunteers under colonels Swift and ftfClure, would furnish 2,300 men for dut;^ ; and of general Tannehill*s brieade (from Pennsylvania) reporting a totat of 1,650, as many as 413 had volunteered to cross into Canada. My orders were to '* cross with 3,000 men at once.*' I deemed myself ready to fulfil them. Preparatory thereto, on the night of the firth November, I sent over two parties, one under lieutenant colonel Boerstler, the other under captain King, with whom lieutenant Angus, of the navy, at tiie head of a body of seamen, united. The first was to capture a guard, and destroy a bridge about five miles below fort Erie ; the second were to take and render useless the cannon of the ene- my's batteries, and some pieces of light artillen^. The first party failed to destroy the oridge ; the second, aner rendering nnsdrviceable the liriit artillery, separated bv some misapprehen- sion. Lieutenant Angus, the seamen, ancl part of the troops, returned with all the boats ; while captain King, captain Morgan, au|>tain Sproul, lieutenant Houston, and about sixty men remain- ed. The party thus reduced, attacked, took, and rendered unseN ticeable two of the enemy's batteries, c iplured thirty -four prison I en, found two boats, in which captain King sent the pnsonere and about half his partv with the other officers; he himself femainingwitii 30 men wnom he would not abandon. Orders had been g^ven, that all the troops in the neighbourhood should march, at reveille, to the place of embarkation. A pad! of the detachment sent in the night having returned and excited apprehensions for the residue, about 250 men, under the command of colonel Winder, suddenly put off in boats for the opposite shore $ a jpart of this force had landed, when a force deemed superior. With one piece ofartilleiy, was discovered ; a retreat was ordered ; and cdonel Winder's detachment suffered a loss of ux killed and nineteen wounded, besides some officers. The general embarkation commenced as the troops arrived; but this being a first embarkation, the whole of the scows were occu- '<-i m 108 irfed by about one third of the artillery, while about 800 regular infantry, about 200 twelve month's volunteers, under colonel Swift, ' and about 200 of the militia who had volunteered their servicet for a few days, occupied all the boats that were ready, the troopa then embaked, moved up the stream to Black Rock without losa ; they were ordered to disembark and dine. ihad received from my commanding general an instnictioft in the following words—" In all important movements you will, I presume, consider it advisable to consult some of your principal officers/* I deemed this equivalent to an order i and the move* ment important I called for the field officers of the regulars, and twelve month's volunteers embarked. Colonel Porter was Aot found at the moment. Those questions were put— /s U txp€' dient ^OW to eroas over ? h the force we have tv^jjkienlb to con- fer the opposite coast ? The first question was decided in the ne^tive by colonel Parker, colonel Schuyler, colonel Winder, lieutenant colonel Boerstler, lieutenant colonel Coles, and mi^r Campbell. Colonel Swift, of volunteers, alone gave an opinion for then crossing over. The second question was not decided. Colonel Parker, colonel Schuyler, lieutenant colonel Coles, and major Campbell, were decidfedly of opinion that the force was insufficient. Colonel Winder, colonel Swift, lieutenant colonel Boerstler, and captain Gibson, deemed tlie force sufficient I determined to pospone crossinc over until more complete S reparation would enable me to embark the whole force at otice» le course prescribed by my orders. The next day was spent in tuch preparation, and the troops were ordered to be ftgun at the Jlace of embarkation at 8 o'clock in the morning of the 30th November. On their arrival they were sent into the ai^acent woods, there to build fires, and renuun until 3 o'clock in the. morning of the 1st of December ; when it was intended to put % if successful, march through Queenstown ior Fort Georse. For thb expedition the contractor was called on to furnish rations for 2,500 men for four days, when it was found he could furnish tiie pork but not the flour ; the deputy quarter master called for 60 narrek and got but 30. The embarkation commenced, but was deli^ed bv circum- stances so as not to be completed until after day-liriit, when it w4t found the regular infantry, 688 men, the artillery, \77 men,. Swift's volunteers estimated at 23, six coAi|Nmie8 of federal ▼olunteers under captains Collins, Phillips, Allison, Moore, Ma- ther and Marshall, amounting to 276 men, commanded by lieu- tenant colonel M'Clure, 100 men of colonel DoUnn's militia, und a few men in a boat with general P. B. Porter, had embarked, the whole on board amounting, exclusive of officers, to 1,466 men. 101 or thereibottti. and it wu now two hoart later than had bem contemplated. There were some sroupii of men not yet embarkedi; thej were applied to, requested, and ordered hy the brigade mi^or to met into the lioats ; they did not. The number of these the brigade nior estimated at about 150. It was probably greater. ft then became a ciuestion, whether it was expedient to invade Canada in open day-light, with 1,500 men, at a point where no reinforcements could be expected for some days. I saw that the number of regular troops was declining rapidly. I knew that on them chiefly I was to depend. I called together the officers commanding corps of the regular army. Colonel Parker being sick, those present were, colonel Porter of tlie artillery, colonel Schuyler, colonel Winder, and lieutenant colonel Coles. I put to them this question: shall we proceed P They unani- ■ mously decided that we ought not. I foresaw that the volunteers, who had come out for a few days, would disperse— several of them had on the evening of the 28th, broke their muskets. I foresaw that the number of the regular troops would decrease ; measles, and other diseases, being among them ; and they were now in tents, in the month of December. I informed the officers that the attempt to invade Canada would not be made, until the army was reinforced ; directed them to withdraw their troops, and cover them with huts immediately. You say that on Saturday every obstruction was removed, and thata landing mig^t have been effected " without the loss of a single man.'* This proves you unacquainted with the occurrences of the day. Colonel Wmder, in retiring from the enemy's shore in the morning, lost a tenth part of his force, in killed and wounded. The enemy showed no more than 5 or 600 men, as estimated by colonel Parker, and one piece of artillery, supposed a 9 pounder. That force, we, no doubt, might Intve overcome, but not witiiout loss ; and that, from the g^reat advantage the enemy would have had, m^t have been considerable. To recapitalatev— My orders were to pass into Canada with 9000 men at onee. On the first day of embarkation not more than 1,400 men were embarked, of whom 400, that is, half of the r^jular infantry, were exhausted with fatigue, and want of rest. On the second embarkation, only 1,500 men were embarked, and these were to have put off immediately, and to have descended the river to a point where reinforcements were not to be expected. On both days many of tiie regular troops were men in bad health, who could not have stood one day's march ; who, although they were on the sick report, were turned out by theu' ardent officers. TheaffairatQueenstowniaa caution against relying on crowds, who go to the Iwnks of Niagnra, to look at a battle as on a the- atrical exhibit) m ; whw, if they are disappointed at the^ sights. '■m Vu 104 t break their muskets ; or if they are without rations for a Aaj, desert.* I have made ^rou this frank disclosure, without admitting your authority to require it, under the impression that you are patriotic and candid men ; and that you will not censure me for follow- ing the cautious counsels of experience; nor join in the sense- less clamor excited against me by an interested man. I have some reason to believe that the cautious counsel given by the superior officers of my command, was good. From desert- ers, we learn that 2,314 rations are issued daily on the frontiers on the British side. Captain King, prisoner at Fort George, writes to an officer ihnsi--** tell our friends to take better care of them,' selves than it appears I have done J* I am, genilemen, with great respect, yours, &c. ALEXANDER SMYTH. Brigadier Oeneral, To Messrs. Geoi^ M'Clure, Lewis Birdsall, John GrifBn, and William B. Rochester, a committee from the patriotic citizens of the western counties of New York. P. S. It will be observed that the force realty could be no other- wise ascertiuned than by an actual embarkation, it being uncertain what portion of the volunteer force would embark. ;l, 1 i M I : ' CAMP, ON MISSISSINEWAY, Two miks above Silver Heels, December 13t}i, 1812. PEAR GENERAL. After a fati^ing march of tliree days and one night from Greenville, I amved with the detachment under my command pi a town on the Mississinewa, thought by the spies to be Silver HeePs town ; but proved to be a town settled by a mixture of Pelaware and Miami Indians. About 8 o'clock on the morning of the irth,a chai^ was mad^ upon the town, when many fled over the river, others surrendered ; ^ose who fled made resistance after crossing, by firing across the river. Thirty-seven prisoners are taken, ^om I shall brin^ in with me, including men, women and children ; seven warriors were killed. After disposing of the prisoners, I marched a detach- ment down the river, and burned three villages without resistance. I then returned and encamped on the ground where stood the firsi village attacked. This morning about day-light, or a little before, my camp was attacked by a party of Indians (the number unknown, but supposed to be between 2 and 300) on my right line, occupied by major * Six hundred of general Tanneliill's brigade deserted in twcnty-four hours. A court martial of this brigade have finsd a man twtlve and an ha(f cents for the ciime of desertion ! KMT 9lP?rfqiildrijB, who mJUkaiij resisted them for about thr«»i|ttti^ ters of an hour, when the Indians retreated^ after being most ge)« lantlj lihai^sd by captain Trotter, at the head of hia troop of caval- ij. Wolort in tii« first action, (me killed and one wounded (b|^ accijdeBt the last) ;^.m &e action of this morning, we have eidit' kitted and about thirtj-fiv^ilir forty wounded. Not having 'yet sptten a report* I am unable to state the number exactly. The IlMUllishaire lost, aboat forty killed, from the disaivenes now madsj the spies are otttatiprcsent ascertaining 4he number. I hnrir aant tadGbeeenfille.for a reinfo«cmo»Dt, and^ iei|d yott« ;tiiia his^ skat«i|' A detailed Moort sh«Al be hereafter, made knofwgi to^, 9oti«fiM; MTticiilaKly those companies and individuala wkb havedis&iguishedtheinselTes signally. , .«■ I anticip«toi»aother atteckMbrel roach OreenfiUe, but r«#: ai8«re4my diar gc»eral,,t^^ shall be warmly receiy^. .| ham A^etachmealcomposed of the bravest fellows, both immf aid soldiers, in the world* Our return wiU be coinmeiice4 this moRung. AinliiR oar l^teid, I have, to d«|^ore the loss .^H^i brave captain Pierce. Lieutenant Waltz, of captaipMai^^ tfoooof cavalry, is aliM mortally wounded. ?he& ftJAant,«)()a» dtiCdkill be niticedhereafiiir. ^^ T| "f oviri, with the gr^Uest re^cit and afteieipi, ? JOi^ a GANFBBIiL, ¥ eSMNtilW. tt. *iV JH* ^fm VH^* ;;'«,»] -ai 111 '■-";t iS#ckEAi P. a posrm "rd THR plniyf;^ ^ikmOtamm if laat wwk, I praniMd togiir»^ aone nf titt most pnin^ient tramactiiMbft of the 9MM| «f 9$mm^0mmam* Ilani% iisee that time, raceived i i#^|^ fMwvAcea, w4dc^^ hoMi:, I .m a,t»Ml«ritted to cMty 4ft men each « . • . • • S808 ilongboiMslMsloiiguiytai mdividuiil%>«twtaidiliad • into the puhfic ien^ce,ealaUated ^,caR7 100 men c«iph • • M0 10ioowsfiwattiUeiy,and25menea^ ,^^ • S59 besides a number of small boats. At 2 o'clock on that day^ I received a copy of cen^ 8n jtkli order fw the march of all tiie troops, the succeeflUM, mpniiif .^t revellie, to the Navj Yard, t^embark flight, so as to pass this oangerous line of shore in the dark, when we should suffer less from tiieir fire, and to land about five miles below the Navy Yard, where the stream and the bonks of the river were pe- culiarly favourable to a safe and orderly landing. Colonel Win- der seconded with great earnestness and force, and it was adiqyted. Tlie army was to embark at 3 o'clock on Tuesday morning, and to proceed at half past 4, according to the order of a line of Mttie submitted a few days before by general Smytii ; the regnlan oa the right, or in the front boat; general TannehilPs troops in the centre, and the New York volunteers on the left. I was to go'in the front boat with a chosen set of men, direct the landing, and join the New York volunteere on their arrival. On Monday evening, seven boats for colonel Swift's regiment, and eig^t for the late volunteera, were brou^jht some distance up 4ie river, and left at dilferent p SIR, HEAD QUARTERS, FRANKLINTON, January 3d, 1813. I have the honour to enclose you, herewith, the official report of lieutenant colonel Campbell, of his expedition against the Mississineway towns, of tiie 25th ultimo, and 1st instant. I am entirely satisfied with the colonel's conduct, and beg leave to re- commend him, major Ball, and the rest of the officers and soldiers of the detachment, who were fortunate enou|^ to have an oppor- tunity of distinguishing tiiemselves, to the notice of the prwudent I will venture to predict that colonel Campbell's future career will support tile cnaracter he has detained in tiie commencement of his military service. Major Ball, my Mend and associate in general Wayne's army, would do honour to any service. Lieu- tenant colonel Simral deserves great credit for the excellent dis- cipline of his r^ment, which perhaps equals that of any otiier regiment of light dragoons on the continent. The character of muor M*Dowell has long been established in Kentucky for intre- pidity. At an age when most men retire to the enjoyment of ease, this nardy veteran solicits every post of difficulty, fatigtfe and danger, with the ardour of a youthful warrior. Tlie conduct of the other officers is so particularly described by colonel Campbell, that it is unnecessary for me to repeat them. Knowing each individual, I heartly accord in the sentiments he has expressed of thiir merits. There is, however, a circumstance which colonel Cti^bell has neglected to mention, that is so henourable le a youbg ill 11^ ■ r* LVv 1 1 110 kerB, now no more, m well as to the amy, that I cannot paaa R ever. Migor M'Dowell, captain Trotter, and captain Hite, have all informed me that lieutenant Waltz, of captain Markle*t troo^ of volunteer draffoons, like the g^lant Spencer, could not be brouiht to leave his post, after having received two wounds, one of ^i^ich shattered his arm. In this situation he was moviiq; hie horse to make a charge when a ball passed throng his head* In abort, sir, the whole detachment have redeemed a solemn pledse given to me at the moment of their departure, that they would ebej'llieir officers and support the character of American stddiera. '^' ' I have the honour to be yours, &c. "'* WILLIAM HENirr HARRISON;. , Honounble James Monroe, acting SecretMy of War. n: ■h. • 11 1, ' (iNCLOSVRE.) FORT GREENVILLE, December 35t]i, 1813. vi I left this place on my march out, on the 14th, with 600 rank and file, which number was reduced on my march by the return' of some who became sick. My first order of march was in five columns, colonel Simral's regiment in two on the left, the icfiutry in one on the centre, and n^jor Ball's squadron in two on the right. There were also strong front, rear, and flank guards, wh» marched at a distance from the columns of from two to four hiin- dced yards, as the ground wiould permit. From the flank guards I ordered small . parties occasionaUy t» examine the country to the^ right and left, and report to me whe- ther they had made any discoveries. My encampments wa« in a square form, covering ground sufficient to embrace Ihe horsea within the first line of fires, without being crowded. I had a se- cond line of fires made around the camp at the distance <^ sixty yards, outside of which, and opposite to each angle of the canm, a fedoubt was constructed, in which tiie guards were fdaced. Ine want of axes prevented me from mduuc the outer fires and con- structing the redoubts as well as I widied. I had one-third of tiie mea on guard every nig^t, and formed a chain of sentinels around the camp so dose that the enemy could not possiUy pene- trate withont being discovered. At day -liriit each morning I sent, out parties to patrole it at a considerable distance from camp. I found it necessary in a day or two to vary mv order of march* and directed the infiuitry and riflemen to march in two c tonied to Vinc«'«nes after burning some Indian vfllacea, and driving tiion, si^p <;: r J to be 301' in number, up ^ Wabaui. This gtiU nrade my «ru m« '^perii antly, which and who ara a« hi|^y worthy of notice, aa most of those I have already detailed. I must, tlierafore, in the moat spa-* eial manner, mention Mr. James Bradshaw, captain Lewia Hite, and Mr. Silas M'Cullough, who tendered their services to me oa the battle ground, to carry intelligence to Greenville of our situa- tion, and request a reinrorcement of men, and a supply of prwri- •iom. This danaerous and fatiguing service they peruumed in tho IMstunmipft ana expeditious manner. In twenty-twohourathey travelled upwards of eighty milea without rcsti^, except a few minutes, twice to feodtkmr horses, and reached Greenville worn down with fiitigtte. At Greenville, in assisting to forward suppliea* their cQuuttctmerita the bii^estnraise. Imustalsomoitionbyname, ;ketttenanta Magee and lrvin,or the Pittsburg blues, whose cool de* tiberate bcavery was ebaerved amidst the hottoat fire of the enemy, and I renret extremely that those young gantlemen who highly vented £»tiiictio«, abonldliave been pretermitted in my first reports I made a mistake in stattng that captain was abandoned by half bia guard) only a«eer two went in for part of their arma» whilst tho rest remi^Mied with tbek companions, and upon enquiry, wore found to have labaved welL Captain Smith was aided in hi» excellent dinpesitioA at the redoubt he conmanded, b^ Ueutenantt iMlama and Fishel, whose names and bravery are sy nonimous terms* A4iittNllOiijr lid vvulu Miter Hite, ef the JKivtuckj^ Ugjut .[I y , 116 dragoons, are two flhe young men, and wat actnallj emplojed cai the morning of the battle. I am, sir, with great respect, irours, &c ^ JOHN B. CAMPBELL, Lieut. Cbl. 19£fc U. S, regiment Ail excellency Gen. Huoaon. UNITi^D STATES' FRIGATE CONSTITUTION, St. Salvador, January 3d, 1813. SIR, I have the honour to inform yo'\ that on the 29th ultimo, at S P. M. in south latitude 13,06, and west lon^tude 38, 10 leagues distance from the coast of Brazils, I fell in with and captured hit Britannic majesty's frigate Java, of 49 guns, and upwards of 400 men, commanded by captain Lambert, a very distin^ished officer. The action lasted one hour and fifty -five minutes, in which time the enemy was completely dismasted, not having a spar of any kind standing* The loss on board the Constitution, was nine killed and 25 wounded, as per enclosed list. The enemy had 60 killed and 101 wounded, certainly, (among the latter— captain Lambert, mortally) but by the enclosed letter, written on board the ship, (by one of the officers of the Java) and accidentally found, it is evident that the enemy's wounded must have been much greater than as above stated, and who must have died of their wounds previously to their being removed. The letter states 66 killed and 170 wounded. For further details of the action, I beg leave to refer you to the •nclosed extracts from myjoumad. The Java had in addition t» her own crew upwards or one hundred supemnmwary officers and seamen, to join the British ships of war in the East Indies : also, lieutenant eeneral Hislop, appointed to the command oi Bombast major Walker and captain Wood, of his staff, and cap- tain ImirbhaU, master and commander in the British navy, going to the East Indies to take command of a sloop of war there. Should I attempt to do justice, by representation, to the brave and good conduct of all my officers and crew, during the action* I should fail in the attempt ; therefore, suffice it to say, that the whole of their conduct was such as to merit my himest enco- miums. I beg leave to recommend the officers particularly to the notice of government, as also the unfortunate seamen who were wounded, and the families of those men who fell in the action. The great distance from our own coast, and the perfect wreck we ma(w the enemy's frigate, forbid every idea of attempting t» take her to the United States ; and not considering it prudent to trust her into a port of Brazils, particularly St. Suvaoor, as you will perceive by the enclosed letters, No. 1, 2 and 3, I had n» aUornativc but burnii^ her, which I did on tht dltt ultimo, after lit lecemng all tiie prisoners and their ba^jagft, which was very tti- dious work, only having one boat left H^ut of eight) and not on* left on board the Java. On blowing up the fri^te Java. I proceeded to this place, where I have landed all the prisoners on tneir parole, to return to Eng- land, and there remain until regularly exchanged, and not serve in their professional capacities in any place or in any manner whatever, against the United States of^ America, until the ex« change shall be effected. I have the honour to be, &c. W. BAINBRIDGE, The Secretaiy of the Navy. M i 6(/^ reg. Infantry, ALBANY, January 5tb, 1 813. ^ BSTEKMED SIR, I deem it a duty I owe to you and to myself, to state in detail the conduct ot my command in the expedition against Queenstown, Upper Canada, on the 13th of October last, which I now readily embrace, having been informed last evening. that I was exchanged. ^ I arrived at the old encampment. Lew stown, on the morning of Ae 13th of October, between 4 and 5 o'clock from fort Niagara, with— Captains Machesny and Nelson, Lieutenants Wendell and Buck, Captain Morris, Lieutenants Turner and Phelps, 1 ^ih do. Lieutenants Clark, M'Carty and Whiting, 2Sd do. Lieutenant Bayly, of the 3d regiment United States' artillery, a^tins adjutant, and 250 non-commissioned officers and privates, all in nigh spirits and anxious for the field. I reported and received orders to repair to the old French ferry, and was there informed that there were no boats. Lieutenant colonels Fr^wick and Chris- tie had a short conversation at the ferry, and I was ordered by the fomi«r to " countermarch my men." At this time, firing com- menced at Queenstown, and a cry of help ! help ! reinforcement ! reinforcement ! was hesurd from our advanced party. I was at this moment informed that there were a few boats, out neither boatmen nor pilots. I immediately repiured to the river, and in marching towards the shore, one of my best officers, captain Nelson, received a musket ball, at the head of his company, in the abdomen, which caused his death. The enemy directed an incessant and heavj fire of grape and canister from their batteries, and a steady street firing from their muskets towards the ferrv, to prevent our embark- ation ; notwitlistanding, I persisted, followea by my brave men, under the most discouraging auspices. Three boats were inime- diately filled; colonel Fen wick gallantiy embarked in the third boat. On finding the enemy's fire extremely galling, I commraced ■ V ' i ^ 1^1 m Iftisk art from mjbJiat in order to d!v«st ntj men from the fire •f the enemy, which had an excellent effect, and our dropping down the river, by the rapidity of the current, was taken for a man- oavre to effect a landing below the town, for the purpose of stormine the north battery and of attacking the enemy from tiie rear. At tiiis moment, the enemy then engaged with the stormins party, broke in disorder, when general Brock, endeavouring to rally ^em, was killed, and lus aid m(Hially wounded. In the retreat of the enemy, lieutenant colonel Fenwick and all in his boat* were made pn" soners, also lieutenant Clarke, and about forty men. I must inevi- tably have shured the same fate, did I not hazard re-crossing under all their fire, and which I effected without losing a man. I seized the boat that drifted from colonel Fenwick's party, put some of my wounded into it with five volunteers, who declared, desperate «s the alternative was, they should not surrender— four of whom were my own men, and the fifth a doctor Lawson, of Philade!]jhia, e truly brave man, met accidentally on' the shore. By this time, captam Machesny, gaining experience by my misfortune, effected « landing hig^rup the river and ascended the heights of Queem- iown in time to secure the victory obtained by the valour of the storming party. On mv arrival, at Lewistown, I ordered a Ser- jeant to collect such or the detachment as did not yrenmAj cross. I repaired to fort Gray and informed lieutemmt Rees, of the 3d artillery, who commanded there, that his shot was lost for want of elevation. I returned and re-crossed with 25 men. On mjr arrival at the first battery, I was informed that a number of mr men were still at Lewistown. I crossed again in search <^ an of- ficer to coHect them, found one, gave him necessary orders, and had the honour of accompanying you, sir, being the fifth time I passed ever that river that day. I then took a command in the ongagement against the Indians and militia, whom we drove inid the woods, a service which was repeated preparatory to the ar- rival of the British reinforcement. Our men were paraded^ lieutenant colonel Christie had sixl^ in his division, and I had sixty-five in mine, with 117 militia, officers included; we had casptein Gibson and one piece of ordnance with nine rounds for it. This was our whole force, and commanded by colonel Scott; when the enemy very cautiously approached us with upwards of 2000 men and a train of artillery. I shall ever look back with pleasure to the firmness and patri- otic derotton exhilnted at that moment by our little force ; near half my men were in coloured clollies — ^mere recruits, yet their conduct would da honour to veterans, and from that day I date the superior excellence of our military materials. Satisfied that you are already aecpiainted vrith the remainder of that day's transactions at Queenstown, I will only state that my detach- * The boat in which I embarked had the bow ahot away in croiwig', and KM nukiy ftitt rf water as we got on ibare*. ^ luent braved every thing : that lieutenant Bayl j merited honour^ able notice ; he accompanied me in the boat and humanely stayed bv a wounded officer (lieutenant Sweeny, of captain Doxe's volunteers) on the Canada shore, and was made a prisoner early. To captain Machesny, of the 6th re^ment infantry, lieutenants Clarke and M'Carty of the 23d, lieutenants Turner* and Phelps, of the 13th, I feel grateful for their valuable support. Captain Morris having re- turned early to Lewistown with some prisoners, was engaged there the remainder of the day, and lieutenants Wendell and "Whiting were left to collect such of the detachment as were missinn; and in charge of public stores I cannot, in justice to my brave detachment, close this communication without expressing iBV astonishment at the omission of its arduous duties in your official detail of that day : althoush indifferent as to myself (satis- fied that t will yet have justice done when the scenes of that en- terprise are better known) many of my officers merited a full share of public notice, and from my knowledge of ypu, sir, to the want of correct information alone, I ascribe the omission. I have the honour to be yours, &c. J. R. MULIiANY, Jttajor 2Sd regt* Infantry, To M^jor general . Stephen Van Benatelaer, Albany. ALBANY, Januuy 33 ',. 122 i ■'■( SIR> HEAD QUARTERS, PORTAGE RIVER, 15 miles from Miami Rapida, Januaty 24tli, 1813. It ig with the deepest regret that I have to inform you, that the detachment under eeneral Winchester has been entirelj destroyed by an Indian ana Biitisli force, on the morning of th« 22d instant, at the river Raisin. About 12 o'clock on that day I was informed at the Rapids, by a messenger from an officer wha was marching to reinforce general "Winchester, that the general had been attac)eed that morning, and that the Frenchman who brought this intelligence, supposed that our troops were retreating. I hatl then with me a renment of Ohio militia, about three hundred and fifty strong. Two detachments were on the way to jc general Winchester, but had taken different roads. One or tw . hundred Ohio troops were marching on the edge of the lake, and the other tliree hundred strong were pursuing Hull's road. Leaving direction for the regiment m camp to follow me, I pro- ceeded on and overtook the detachment of Kentucky troops in about five miles. Additional information was now received. The French citizens were flying in considerable numbers in carryalU upon the ice, and about 3 o'clock some of the fugitives began to arrive. All agreed that the defeat was total and complete — tliat the troops were nearly ail surrounded and cut off, or taken bjr 7 o'clock— that general Winchester was seen retiring a few miles from the river Raisin along Hull's trace, with a few men and two or three officers, all of whom were entirely exhausted— that they were pursued by Indians on horse back, who were constantly tliin- ning their numbers by firing upon them, and that our men were unable to resist, as almost all of them had thrown away their arms. I could not hesitate as to the propriety of hurrying to their assistance as long as tliere was a possibility of being able to afford any ; but I was much embatTassed in tlie choice of the roads which it was proper to take ; that upon the ice, would afford the most easy and expetlitious march, and that route, major Col- grove, with the battalion before mentioned, had taken. On the contrary, all the accounts agreed that general Winchester had taken the land road, but in a short time, from the fugitives 'vho began to drop in, I learnt that general Winchester and the fortv or fifty men who were with him were all cut of, a few excepted, who hadtaken off to the margin of the lake ; and from those wiio were last fi-om the scene of action, I learnt that all resistance upon the part of the troops that had remained there, had ceased before S o'clock. The question then to be determined, was, whether it would be proper to advance to the scene of action or not. The force with me, when joined by colonel Grove's bat- talion, would amount to nearly nine hundred men. This batta- lion had made a forced march of twelve miles the morning of the action, and had arrived within about 15 miles of the river Uaisin, vrhen the major received such certain information of the total is3 defleat of the troops, that he had thougut proper to return, and was then within a few miles of us. General Payne, general Perkins, and all the field officers were consulted, and it was unantmousty determined, that as there could be no doubt of the total defeat of general Winchester, there was no motive that Could authorize an immediate advance, but that of attacking the enemy, who were reported to be greatly superior in numbers, and were certainly well provided with artillery ; that after a forced march of thirty -two miles (the distance from our then Eosition from the river liaisin) the troops would be too much ex- austed to encounter the enemy ; that colonel Grove's battalion, from having already marched twenty-five miles that day, would be unable to accompany us. It was therefore determined to return to camp with the troops, but large detachments of the most large and vigorous men were sent along the different routes to assist and bring in the fu^tives. I had despatched colonel Wells early in the evening in a carryall to procure intelligence. He progressed within twelve miles of tlie scene of action and re-" turned about 9 o'clock. A council of war was then called, con tistine of the general and field officers, and two questions sub- mittea to them, viz: whether it was probable that the enemy would attack us in our then situation, and if they did, could we resist them with effect P At this council, major M'Clanehan, of the Kentucky volun" teers, who escaped from the action, assisted. He was of opinion that there were from sixteen hundred to two thousand British and Indians opposed to our troops, and that they had six pieces of artillery, principally howitzers. It was the unanimous opinion of the councd, that under all circumstances it would be proper t6 retxtrn a short distance upon this road which the artillery and reinforcements were approaching; for should we be able to main- ta:tn our camp, by getting in our rear the enemy would defeat our th)ops in detail, in spite of all the efforts we could make, and would take the all important convoy of artillery and stores coming from Upper Sandusky. The march to this place was accoraingly made yesterday ; where I shall wait for the artillery and a de- tachment under general Leftwich. I hope in a few days again to be at the Rapids. With respect to the disaster that has hap- pened, and the cause which has produced it, it is proper that I should say, that the movement which led to it, was not only without my knowledge or consent, but entirely at variance with the instructions that I had given to general Winchester. As soon as I was informed that it had been made, every effort in mj power was used to increase their strength. Three hundred men more than the ^neral had asked for, were on their march to join him. As his situation enabled him to obtain the most correct in- formation of the strength and position of the enemy, I could not doubt of his having obtained it. In justice to general Winchester, however, it is my duty to elnerve that ) have understood tliat thf 1 1 ^* ■ •?' m 'f. -A .1 If 184 detachment under colonel Lewis was made at the earnest solicit tations of his officers, and perhajis contrary to his judgment. However deeply to be lamented, sir, the destructiSuch are the allies of a power which boasts its attainments in every art and science, and such tlie war associates of British officers who claim distinctian for their nice feelings and delicate sense of honour. I have the honour to be, &c. WILUAM HENRY HARRISON. * But 3 officen and 35 or 30 privates have reached my camp from the battle of the river Raisin. Honourable James Monroe, acting Secretary of War. SIR, OTTER CREEK, Januaiy 13th, 1813. I havt taken iiie liberty to send per express to inform you that the enemy are apprized of your oeing at the RajHds, and have removed all the nruaadf that it was his intention to advance against tne enemy, and directine him (genenu Perkins) to send a reinforcement to the Rapids, m one battalion. Alarmed at. this information, I despatched an ex- press with the enclosed letter, by the direct route to the Rapids, and set out myself to Lower Sandusky, and reached it on the even- ing of the 17th. On the morning of the 18th, the battalion ,whicli general Winchester applied for, marched from Lower Sandusky. About 2 o'clock on the mornins of the 19th, a letter from general Winchester was received, of wiiich the enclosed is an extract. I Eve immediate orders for the 2d regiment of Perkins's brigade hich consists of two regiments only) to march immediateljr for e Rapids, and proceeded thitlier myself. On my way, I received the general's letter of the 19th, informing me of the success of colo- nel Lewis, a copy of which I had the honour to enclose you from the Rapids. Upon my arrival at the latter place, on the morning of the 20th, I found that general Winchester had marched the 5 receding day, having left general Payne with about three hun- red of uie Kentucky troops. It was not until late on the 21 st instant, that major Golgrove was enabled to extricate his baggage from the horrid swamp which separates the Miami and Sandusky rivers. He encampea that evening near the Miami bay, and by marching early on the following morning, he had arrived within fifteen miles of the river Raisin, when he was informed of the total defeat of our troops there. The 2d resiment of Perkins's brigade arrived there on the 21st« and I immediately ordered the remaining part of the Kentucky troops under general Payne, to proceed witn all possible expedi- tion to the river Raisin. I was ntill uneas;^ for tne troops tnere, but supposing general Winchester had obtained the best informa- tion of the strength of the disposable force of the enemy, and as I sent him three hundred men more than he deemed sufficient Ibr maintaining his ground, and as there were a thousand reasout 187 which made it necessary to maintain it if practicable ; I did not think it proper to order him to retreat, aUnough the advance in iiie first instance was contrary to ir.y v/inhes, and opposed to a principle by which 1 have been ever Koverned in Indian warfare, 1. e. never to make a detachment but under the most urgent circumstances. Amongst the many reasons why the post at the river Raisin should be maintained, the protection of the French inhabitants was not the last. The greater part of these people had received our troops with open arms. Many of them had sallied out of their houses upon the arrival of colonel Lewis, with their arms in their hands, and had even, in the opinion of some of our officers, won the palm of valour from our troops. They at- tacked and killed the straggling Indians wherever they met them ; their houses were all open to our men, and they offered to give up the whole of the provisions which yet remained to them, upon condition that they should not again be abandoned to the fury of the savages, or subjected, for what they had done, to be immured in the prisons of Maiden. I had also been informed that the sup- plies to be procured there were considerable (see Day's letter en- closed in No. 3), and the assistance to be derived from the caryalla of the inhabitants was an object of the greatest importance. The former of these motives had made so strong an impression upon the minds of the general and his troops, that 1 am persuaded tliat nothing but a reiterated order to retreat, would have produced obedience upon the part of the latter. These reasons, together with the respect which it was necessary to shew to the opinion of an officer of high rank and experience, whose opportunities of procuring the most correct information, was much better than mine, produced the determination to support, rather than with- draw the detachment from the river Haisin. indeed it appears that there was not time for either, after my arrival at the Rapids When I left Upper Sandusky, the artillery was ordered to be •ent on immediately to the Rapids, escorted by three hundred men. Detachments were also ordered for the pack horses, wa- Sns and sledr, which were constantly pro^ssing thither. Ano- er battalion could also have been drawn trom Lower Sandusky, so that the troops at the Rapids would have been almost daily increased. On this day they would have amounted to twenty -five hundred, with two pieces of artillery ; and in four or five days more, the Virginia brigade and Pennsylvania regiment would have increased them to tliirty-eight hundred, with a further supply of artillery. By the 5th of February the whole force, four thousand five hundred, which I contemplated assembling at the Rapids, would have been there ; and provisions and munitions of war in abundance. I should have been enabled to advance to the Rapids again this day or to-morrow, but for a most unfortunate rain, which has broken up the roads so as to render them impassable for the artil- lery, although it is fixed on sleds. The whole t.&ia is stopped ii II ia& twenty-five miles from this. I hsve reason to believe the Misnii river has broken up. I have the honour to enclose you a report made to me bjr major ll'Clanehan, the senior of the two officers who esoaped from the action at the river Raisin. It requires no comment trom me. I have the honour to be yours, &c. WILLIAM HENRY HAR^SON. . Bonourabtc. James Monroe, «ctiug Becretar}' of Wnr. I I }, I ^.. ft (iNCLOSURE.) CAMP AT FRENCH TOWN, Jwiuaiy 30tb, 1813, on the Itiver RSishi. HR, In obedience to your order, I proceeded on the march with the detachment under my command to Presquile on the 17th instant, where the reinforcement under the command of lieuten- ant colonel Allen arrived at 7 o'clock P. M. On the 18th, as I informed you it was my determination, we set out for the camp of tiie enemy at this village. From an early start, t(»ether with the adivantaa;e of a passage on the ice of the lake, and the rapid march we made, we were enabled to meet them by 3 o'clock in the evening. WIten we were within three miles of the enemv, correo j^fnr- ■latioD was obtained that they were prepared^ to receive Vki. Having arranged the troops inthe following order— they were directed to prepare fur action t the right wing composed of the iBompanies' commanded by captain M'Cracken, subalterns lieu- tenant Williamson and ensign M*Clary ; captain Bledsoe, sub- nltems ensign Morrison (acting as lieutenant,) and ensign Chiner; captain Matson, subalterns ensign Nash (acting as lieutenant) and tosign Caldwell. The left wing composed of the companies commanded by captain Hamilton, subalterns lieutenant Moore and ensign Heron ; captain W' illiams, subalterns lieutenant Hi|^;ins and ensi^ Havraw ; captain Kelly, subalterns lieutenant M'Otiine and ensign Wash. The centre composed of the companies commanded by captain Hishtowen (17th United States' regiment,) ^tnbalterns lieutenant Holden and ensign Butler ; captain Collier, tubalterns lieutenant Story and ensign Fleet ; captain Sebree, sub- alterns lieutenant Rule and ensign Bowles. Lieutenant colonel Allen commanding the right wing, maior Orovet the left, and major Madison the centre. Captain Ballard (acting as ini^IP ON CANYING RIVER, January 36th, 1813. SIR, As the senior officer who escaped from the disaster which befell our troops under general Winchester on the 22d instant, it becomes my duty to report to you so much of that affair as comes within my knowledge. On the morning of the 19th instant I marched from the camp at the Rapids of the Miami with the detachment under colonel Wells, consisting of about 300 men, including officers, to reinforce colonel Lewis at tlie river Raisin. Shortly after we left camp, general Winchester passed us in a carryall, and as I understand, reached the advanced troops that night Our detachment arrived there about 3 o'clock, P. M. on the 20th, except captain Morris's com- pany. It had been left ta, a rear guard with tne baggage, and did not join us at all. We found the detachment under lieutenant colonel Lewi» encamped in the gardens on the north side of the river Raisin at French Town ; not in any regular order, and apparentlyas thej had settled down in the nisht after the battle of tlie 1 8th. The field officers were generally in nouses. General Winchester had taken up his quarters in the house of Mr. Navarre, about three quarters ot a mile from the troops, and on tlie opposite side of the river. Ml llie land wu cleartocl and entirely open,excent fencing and tome buildingt fur near a mile on every side from tne encampment. The detachment under colonel Wells encamped below, and on the right of the other troopH, about one hundred yard* tram them, in ground entirely open ; tnree companiex in a line leadinj^ from the river; the fourth at right aiigleH to thone three, and leading down the river. These troops had about ten rounds of ammunition. They paraded and called their rolls as usual ; the others did not. On the morning of the 21st there was a talk of moving, and encamping on be^er ground, and in regular order. The general and some of the field officers rode out to view ground for that purpose, but nothing was done. Our spies were not sent out to my knowledge after I reached camp. 1 saw them on the 2 1st, and understood that on that evening onlers were given for their going out on the 22d. The fixed ammunition, which was sent from the Rapids on the Slst, was taken to general Winchester's quarters at Mr. Navarre's on that evening, ft remained there and was not distributed. On the morning of the 21st, colonel Wells returned on some business to the camp at the Rapids and left the detachment under us to my command. He advised that the officers and men should remain at their posts as there was a probability of an attack. That evening a rumour reached us tliat the enemy were coming against us with 3 or 4,()00 men, and would be with us before day. I expected that the field officers would have been called together, and a consultation held and instructions given to meet the event ihould it happen. It was not done. I directed the officers under my command to form in case of an attack, so as to close the vacancy between us and the other troops. At day break on the next morning, and during the beating of revellie, two of our sentinels fired alarm suns, anaimmediately the enemy commenced a heay^ cannonade TriMn six or eight pieces, with Domb shells and canister shot, followed up by small arms. The troops under my command, and apparently throughout the line, were soon formed, and returned the fire very briskly. The enemy consisted of British forces in the centre, as exten- sive, and apparently in closer order than we were ; and Indians on both flanks extending quite to our rear. The action was warmly contested for near half an hour, at which time the Indians laid under cover of some fencing, and a band approached so near as to gall us severely in the flanks, whilst the British kept up an incessant fire in front. Our troops then be^n to ^ve way ; they retreated to the river. I then for the first time during the action saw general Winchester. He directed in a voice not loud, to form under the north bank of the river. Lieu- tenant colonels Lewis and Allen were present and assisted in rallying and forming the men. A considerable number look their poutiou, and some of them renewed their fire, but it was not f .#•■ 180 1/ 1 long kept, as the Indians were still on our flank and fast gaining our rear. A second attempt was made to form the troops about sixty jards on this side of the river along some fences, but not many of them formed. A third effort waH made in some woods after crossing a branch, about a mile and a half from the place of ac- tion. Colonel Lewis was the only field officer I saw there. We used our endeavours to rally the men, but they could not then be stopped ; the pursuit was then very hot. After continuing with the men about half a mile further, and finding nothing more could be done, I took captain Graves, who was wounded, behind me, and my son by the hand, and left the road and reached camp with them. General Winchester and lieutenant colonel Lewis were riding slowly at the head of the retreat when I saw them rest ; they could to all appearance easily have left the footmen and made tiieir escape, haa they intended leaving the men. I have been informed from sources I cannot doubt, that frequent enquiries were made for ammunition during the action. The men appeared ardent and obedient to orders whilst it lasted. When the first attempt was made to rally them, they could, I have no doubt, have been completely formed, had the place af- forded an advantageous position. It did not appear to me to possess any. ' During the retreat our men kept up an occasional but not a regular me. 1 received no orders from the general during the action. The order to form under the river bank was all I heard. The other orders to rally probably came from him. The enemy must have been at least double our numbers. Mangr think much beyond it. I have the honour to be, &c. ELIJAH M'CLANEHAN, Jlaj. 2d B, 1st Reg, L, V, JH, General Wm. H. Harrison. 1)' :i r t ■^, MALDEN, Januaiy 23d, 1813. SIR. A detachment from the left wing of the north-western army, under my command, at' French Town, on the river Raisin, was attacked on the :^2d iqstant by a force greatly superior in num- ber, aided by several \^eres of artillery. The action commenced at the dawn of day i'.ihe picket guards were driven in, and a heavy fire opened on the wnole line, by which a part thereof were thrown into disorder ; and, being orclered to retire a small dis- tance, in order to form on more advantageous ground, I found the enemy doubling our flank with force and rapidity. ■I: . m *--.i UB A destructive fire was sustained for some time ; at length borne dow by numbers, the few of us that remained with the party that retired from the lines, submitted. The remainder of our force, in number about /our hundred, continued to defend themselves with great gallantry, in an unequal contest, against small arms and artillery, until 1 wa& brought in as a prisoner to that part of the field occupied by the enemy. At this latter place I understood that our troops were defend- ing themselves in a state of desperation, and was infonned by the commanding officer of the enemy, that he would afford them an opportunity of surrendering themselves prisoners of war ; to which I acceded. I was the more ready to make the surrender, from being assured, that unless done quickly, the buildings adja- cent would be immediately set on fire, and that no responsibility would be taken for the conduct of the savages, who were then assembled in great numbers. In this critical situation, being desirous to preserve the lives of a number of our brave fellows who still held out, I sent a flag to them, and agreed with the com- manding officer of the enemy, that they should be surrendered prisoners of war on condition of being protected from the sava- ges, allowed to retain their private property, and having their side arms returned to them. It is impossible for me to ascertain with certainty the loss we l.ave sustained in this action, from the impracticability of knowing the number who have made their escape. Thirty-five officers, and about four hundred and eighty-seven non-commissioned officers and privates, are prisoners of war. A list of the names of the officers is herewith enclosed to you. Our loss in killed is considerable. However unfortunate may seem the affair of yesterday, I am flattered by a belief, that no material error is chargeable upon myself, and that still less cen- sure is deserved by the troops I had the honour of commanding. With the exception of that portion of our force, which was thrown into disorder, no troops have ever behaved with more determined intrepidity. I have the honour to be, &c. JAMES WINCHESTER, Brig. Gfen. U, S. army. Hon. Secretary of War. \ SIR, WAR DEPARTMENT, Febmaiy 10th, 1813. I have the President's orders to communicate to you, as ex- peditiously as possible, the outline of campaign which you will immediately institute and pursue against Upper Canada. 1st. Four thousand troops will be usseinbled at Sacket's Harbor 2d. Three thousand will be brought together at BuffiUoe and its vicinity* ittl .i 'J -'i!| 184 The former of these corps will be embarked and traii&ported under convoy of the fleet to Kingston, where they will be landed. Kingston, its garrison and the British ships wintering in the harbor of that place, will be its first object. Its second object will be York, (the capital of Upper Canada) the stores collec- ted and the two frigates building there. Its third object, Forts George and Erie, and their dependencies. In the attainment of this last, there will be a co-operation between the two corps. The composition of these will be as follows : 1st, Bloomfield's Brigade, - 2d, Chandlers do. Sd, Philadelphia detachment, 4th, Baltimore do. 5th, Carlisle do. 6th, Greenbush do. - 7th, Sacket's Harbor do. 1,436 1,044 - 400 300 SOO 400 250 " I 11 ' 4,030 8th, Several corps at Buffaloe under the command of colonel Porter, and the recruits belonging thereto 3,000 7,030 The time for executing the enterprise will be governed by the opening of lake Ontario, which usually takes place about the first 01 Apnl. The adjutant general has orders to put the more southern detachments in march as expeditiously as possible. The two brigades on lake Champlain you will move so as to give them full time to reach their place of destination by the 25th of March. The route by Elizabeth will, 1 think, be the shortest and best They will be replaced by some new raised regiments from the east You will put into vour movements as much privacy at may be compatible with tneir execution. They may oe masked by reports that Sacket's Harbor w in danger, and that the princi- Ell effort will be made on the Niagara in co-operation with general arrison. As the mute to Sacket's Harbor and to Niagara, is for a considerable distance the same, it may be well to intimate, even in orders, that the latter is the destination of the tw» brigades now at lake ChamplMn. I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN ARMSTRONG. "Major Gen. H. Dearborn; 135 MASSACRE AT FRENCH TOWN. MEADVILLB (PENNSYLVANIA,) February 20th, 1813. At a meeting at Erie, Pennsylvania, of the following named •fficers who survived the battle at French Town, on the river Raisin, viz : Captains Uriel Sebree, Samuel L. Williams, Cole- man Collins, and Richard Bledsoe ; Lieutenants Dyndon, Corn- stock and Higgins ; Ensigns Thomas M'Guine and Harrow :— Captain Williams was called to the chair, and John Beckley (on^ of the volunteers) appointed secretary ; when the following reso- lutions were introduced, and unanimously adopted : Whereas it is deemed necessary that our fellow citizens should be informed of the late perfidious and brutal acts of the British fovemment, performed by their officers at the battle of French 'own : Resolvedt That the following statement of the conduct of the British officers, be published to our countrymen : That when general Winchester was taken prisoner on the S2d of January, 1813, and brought before colonel Proctor, the British commander, he directed the commanding officer of the Americans (major Madison) to surrender. Major Madison refused so to do, unless those surrendered should be free from savage massacre ; this was agreed to ; and the British officers pledged themselvea to leave a sufficient force with the wounded to protect them, and that they should be conveyed to Maiden the next morning. Thej likewise promised to return to the officers their arms at Maiden. Captain N. G. F. Hart, inspector to the north-western army, , being among the wounded, it was proposed by his friends, that they should carry him with them : this they were prevented from doing by captain Elliott,* a British officer, and an old acquain- tance of captain Hart's, who promised captain Hart his special protection— to convey him in his own sleigh to Maiden that evening, and informing him that he should be welcome to remain at his house there, until he should recover. These were the premises of the British, let our countrymen and the world see how they were fulfilled. At the break of day rext morning the savages wre suffered ta commit every depredation upon our wounded which they pleased Jtn indiscriminate slaughter took place, of all who were unable to waUct many were tonumawked, and many were burned alive in the houses. Among the unfortunate thus murdered, it is with regret and sorrow we have to name captains Hart and Hi :kman. The arms of the officers, as promised, were never returned. Every species of private property remaining in the tents, be- longing to both omcers and solifiers, were plundered by the savages. * This Elliott » nephev to the uvage colonel ElKott ; he once Iteld a epDuniadon in the United States' annj. r i>)t ' m I ' ISfl Resolved, That in consideration of the high respect we hold the memories of both officers and soldiers who were thus cruelly murdered, by permission of the British commander, Froctor, and his subalterns, and those who gloriously fell in thefeld, defending the only free gover.iment on earth, that each of us wear black crape on our hats and left arm for the space of ninety days. Resolved, That a similar procedure, testifying their respect for those who wsre murderea and fell on that day, be recom* mended to our brother officers and soldiers, who survived it. SAMU£L WILLIAMS, Prm(2ent. JoHH Bbckut, Secretuy. SIR, NEAR OGDENSBURG, February 22d, 1813. I have only time to inform you that the enemy, with a very superior force, succeeded in taken Ogdensburg this morning about 9 o'clock. They had about two men to our one, exclusive of Indians. Numbers of the enemy are dead on the field. Not more than twenty of our men killed and wounded. Lieutenant Beard is among the latter. I have made a saving retreat of about eight or nine miles. I could not get all the wounded off. We have killed two of the enemy to one of ours killed by them. We want ammunition and some provisions sent on to us ; also sleighs for the wounded. If you can send me three hundred men all shall be retaken, and Prescott too, or I will lose my life in the attempt. I shall write you more particularly to-day. Your obedient servant, BENJ. FORSYTH General Macomb. -V' ill MESSAGE OF MR. MADISON. To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, I lay before Congress copies of a proclamation of the' British lieutenant-governor of the island of Bermuda, which has appeared under circumstances leaving . no doubt of its authenticity. It recites a BritisL order in council of the 26th of October last, providing fo%t!" supply of the Bntish West Indies, and other colonial possessions, by a trade under special licenses, and is accompanied by a circular instruction to the colonial governors, which confines licensed importations from ports of the United States to the ports of the eastern states exclusively. The governnient of Great Britain had already introduced into her commerce, during the war, a sysiem, which, at once violatiof 137 the rights of other nations, and resting on a mass of forgery and peijury unknown to other times, was making an unfortunate process in undermining those principles of morality and religion which are the best foundation of national happiaess. The policy now proclaimed to the world, introduces into her modes of warfare, a system equally distinguished by the deformity of its features, and tiie depravity of its character ; haying for its object to dissolye the ties of allegiance, and the sentiments of loyalty in tiie adversary nation, and to reduce and separate its eomponent parts, the one from the other. Tiie general tendency of these demoralizing and disorganizing contrivances will be reprobated by the civilized and christian world ; and the insulting attempt on the virtue, the honour, the patriotism, and the fidelity of our brethren of the eastern states, will not fail to call forth aft their indignation and resentment, and to attach more and more all the states to that happy union and constitution, agunst which such insidious and malignant artifices are directed. The better to guard, nevertheless, against the effect of indivi- dual cupidity and treachery, and to turn the corrupt project of the enemy against himself, I recommend to the consideration of Congressi, the expediency of an effectual prohibition of any trade whatever, by citizens or inhabitants of the United States, under special licenses, whether relating to persons or ports, and in aid thereof a prohibition of exportations from the United. States in foreiffB bottoms, few of which ai*e actually employed, whilst mul- tiplying counterfeits of their flags and papers, are covering and encouraging the navieation of the enemy. JAMES MADISON. February 24th, 1813. mm Bin, SACKErrs HARBOR, March 3d, 1813. Having been informed that sir George Preyosthad ai^oumed having passed having arrived at Kingston, I set out immediately for thisj^ace, having ordered the force at Greenbush, and part of colonel Pike's command, in sleighs for this place. I arrived here in fifty-two hours. I am now satisfied from such informaUon is is entitled hi full credit, that a force has been collected from Quebec, Montreal, and Upper Canada, of from six to ei^ttliousand men, at Kingston, and that we may expect an attack in forty-eight honrB and per- haps sooner. The militia have been called in, and every effort wilt, I trust, be made to defend the po»t ; but I fear neiUier the troops from Green- 19 laa bush nor Plattsburt; will arrive in season to afford their aid. I should feel easier if colonel Pike should arrive in season. I am ia want of officers of experience. 1 have sent expresses to have them hurried on. Commodore Chitdncey has not arrived ; he. will be here to-morrow. The armed vessels have not been placed in the positions intended bj the commodore. Our total force maj be estimated at nearly 3000 of all descriptions. ^ Sir George Prevost is represented to be determined to effect his object at all events, and will undoubtedly make every effort ia his power for the {)urj)ose. We shall, I trust, give him a wana reception ; but if his rorce is such as is expected, and should make an attack before our troops arrive from Greenbush and Plattsburg, at Sackett's Harbor, the result mtiy at least be doubtful. I have the honour to be, &c. H. DEARBORN. Honourable John Armstrong. HEAD QUARTERS, FRANKLINTON, March 12tl), 1813. sm. I had the honour to inform you in my letter of the 25th ulti- mo, that I had organized a detachment fo. '*^e purpose of striking a blow at the vessels of war of the enem^ • J^i^g ^^^^ Maiden. Captain Lan^jham, with about two hundred and fifty men, in thirty sleds and sleiehs, set out from L • * t u , : I .- i 14D reason why Cleveland should be preferred as the point of em- barkation for the troops, or the deposit for the provisions and stores. These are already accumulated at the Rapids of Miami, or in situations easily to be sent thither, to an amount nearly equal to the consumption of a protracted campaign. Althouga the expense and difficulty of transporting the previsions, artillenrt and stores for an army, round the head of the lake, would be very considerable, the lake beinff possessed by our ships, and the heavy bamge taken in boats along the mai^n, the troops would find na difficulty in the land route. The force contemplated in your ietter is, in iny opinion, not sufficient to secure success. Admitting that the whole should be raised by the time pointed out, they would be very little superior to militia; the officers having/with scarcely an exception, to learn their duty before they could instruct their men ; we have, therefore, no alternative but to make up by numbers the deficiency in discipline. I am well aware of the intolerable expense which attends the employment of a larji^e militia force. We are now, however, in a situation to avoid tuose errors, which made that of the last campaign so peculiarly heavy. Our supplies are procured, and so deposited, that the period for the march of the army from the advanced piosts can be ascertained to an hour, and of course the troops need not be called out until the moment they are to act. Experience has convinced me that militia are more efficient in the early, than in the latter part of their service. Upon the whole, it is ihy decided opinion that the Rapids of Miami should be the point of rendezvous for the troops, as well as the principal depot ; indeed it must necessaiily be the first depoRit/-~, ISlSt^f SIR, I have the heoverth#landMigof thalwopa. Thaif will not ' 4b», wniaaialtay i di a i.o ! »at t ii a >appwach of a body of #0 enemy, bi^^aiitaaab» ^ i' i* aiim i"^ ij i iy pii a im who awy bi faa a iii gi and <>^^ii.ftagtba>iiganaiil/ ^ limy wP^M Mlawed by #• #Mim«ital '-<- pMMiMMat^mia ■lai avigaiMi wim iww picBaooi mmaBnpwni^nry, ^'•■a OA H^mriahtmtA 4«e-«on 4h»laMMfi e«««i«t bt" HfOir'mnt- ■*im»m mti^A^matA ^HauimiBifti a f il t am w, «f ttt Iflb^ tnd «« ltlii7i«lbiii"|»'»^hett wtt<«o luiied #a dnwt flatawm af tiie H ii w ai ' i i ai ai^im iiaibriMdai mider maiii Sanui 4hilM«l|oir Baatia, * t il0kmm i/ k ^%rmm 0'mmui %y Ml aiwii JlJlfctHij.; then mall «w^ in , tt^fW ba in 4ha iiMi»ti|^»r «ittt IM% UNif^MHMtailiir, llltti fMtoer front and ianli faaada f im lagiBMiibi el HHHlrat blr^p^lRth their paacat) thrtt ^^aa pialatna af Miarvai aaiilar ifi«Slia% train ftiM^iRm|taMaMtai^'iiii^~|iiiMNMi<^ WliMif-' * Ma •f artilleiy; volunteer corps; twentv-firit regiment; etchcoiptt tending out proper flanic -guards. When tiie enemy shall be dis- covered in front, the riflemen will form the chain, and maintain their ground, until they have the siunul (the preparative) or receive orders to retire, at which thejr will retreat witn the greatest velo- city, and form eoually on the two flanks of the regiments of the first brigade, and then renew their tire. The three reserve pla* toons or this line will form under the ordero of major Swan, one hundred yards in the rear of the colours, ready to support an^ part which may show an unsteady countenance. Major Eustis and his train will form in the rear of this reserve, ready to act where circumstances mav dictate. The second line will be composed of the 21 at infantry, in six platoons, flanked bv colonel M'Clure's volunteers, equally divided, as light troops. The whole under the orders of colonel Ripley. It is expected that every corps will be mindful of the honour of the American anna, and the disgraces which have recently tarnish- ed our arms ; ^nd endeavour, by a cool and determined discharge of their dutv, to support the one, and wipe off the other. The riflemen in front will maintain their ground at all hazards, until ordered to retire, as will every corps of the armi/. With an as- surance of being duly supported, should the commanding general find it prudent to withdraw the front line, he will give orders to retire by the heads of platoons, covered by the riflemen ; and the second line will advance by the heads of platoons, pass the inter- vals, and form the line ; call in the light troops, and renew tiie action : but the general may find it proper to bring up the second line, on one or both flanks, to charge in columns, or perform a variety of manouvres which it would be impuKHible to foresee. But as a general rule, whatever may be tli« directions of line at the com- mencement of tlie action, the corps will form as before directed. If they then advance in Um«. it mav be in parallel escheUms of platoons, or otlierwise, asi the grountf or circumstances may dic- tate. No man will load until ordered, except the light troops in firont, until within a short distance of the enemy, anuthen charge bayo- nets ; thus letting the enemy see, that we can meet them wi^ their own weapons. Any man firing, or quitting hi» post, tpithout orderSt mtist w put to instant death, as an example may be neces' sary. Platoon officers will pay the greatest attention to the cool- rnss and aim of their men in the fire ; their regularity and dress* ing in the charge. The field officers will watcn over the conduct qfthe whole. Courage and bravery in the field do not more dis- tinguish the soldier, than humanity after victory ; and whatever examples the savage allies of our enemies mar have given us, the general confident^ hopes, that the blood of an unresisting or yielding enemy, will never stain the weapons of the soMiav ojhift column, 19 ..■f^' Wd *f l^ Mr V. If The unoffending citizens of Canada are many of them our own countrymen, and the poor Canadians hove been forced into the tirar. Their property, therefore, must be held sacred ; and any soldier who shall so far neelect tiie honour of his profession as to be ^ilty of plundering the inhabitants, shall, if convicted, be pumshed with death. But the commanding ^neral assures the troops, that should they capture a large quantity of public stores, he will use his best endeavours to procure them a reward from his government. This order shall be read at the head of each corps, and every field officer shall carry a copy, in order that he may at any mo- ment refer to it ; and give explanations to his subordinates. All those found in arms in tne enemy's country, shall be treated as enemies ; but those who are peaceably following the pursuits of their various vocations, frienos— and their pro^rty respect- ed. By order of the brigadier general, Z. M. PIKE. CaABtBS G. JOHRB, Miistant aid-de-camp. f t ft UNITED STATES' SHIP MADISON, at anchor off Yorl^ Upper Canada, April 28th, 1813. SIR, Agreeably to your instructions and arrangements with major general Dearborn, I took on board the squadron under my com- mand, the general and suite, and about 1700 troops, and lift Sackett's Harbor on the 25th instant for this place. We arrived here yesterday morning, and took a position aoout one mile south and westward of the enemy's principal fort, and as near the shore as we could, with safety to the vessels. Tlie place fixed upon by the major general and myself for landing the troops, was the site of the old French fort larento. The debarkation commenced about 8 o'clock A. M. and was completed about ten. The wind blowing heavy from the east- wara, the boats fell to leeward of the position fixed upon, and were, in consequence, exposed to a galling fire of the enemy, who had taken a position in a thick wood near where the first troops landed ; however, the cool intrepidity of the facers and men overcame every distacle. Their attack upon the enemy was so \ vigorous, that ne fled in every direction, leaving a great many batteries, until the enemy's batteries were carried or bloWn up by the explosion, which undoubtedly had a powerful effect oh the enetiij. I am under the greatest obligations to commodore Chaun- cey for his able and indefatigable exertions in*every possible man- ner that could £'ve facilitv and effect to the expedition. He it equally estimui * ^trr deliberate sound judgment, bravery and in- dustry. The ^j'^^vti ument could not have made a more fortunate selecnoh for 'L . Lnportant trust he holds. Unfortunately, the enemy's armed ship, the ** Prince R^ent," left this place for Kingston, four days oefore we arrived. A large ship on the stocks, nearly planked up, with a large store of naval stores, were set on fire by the enemy, soon after the explosion of the masazine. Thet« are no vessels fit for use in the harbour. A consiaerable quantity of military stores and provisions remained. We shall not possess the means of transporting the prisoners from this place, and must, of course, leave them on parole. 1 hope we shall so far complete the necessary measures at this place, in the course of this day, as to be id)le to sail to-morrow for Niagara, by which route I shall send this by a small vessel, with notii:e to general Lewis of our approach. I am sir, your obedient servant, R, DEARBORN i Hon. John Ann*tron{f, Secretary irf" War. It' '1!"' U HEAD QUARTEltS, CAMP MEIGS, May 5th, 1813. SIR. \^ ; I am sorry to inform you of another disaster to theKentncky troops, not indeed bearing any comparison to that of the river Raism in point of killed and wounded, but exceeding it as to the number or prisoners. I had the honour to inform you in my tetter of the 38th instant, that the %itish troops destined to \>e- ,*, 150 I'll tn ':. i sieee this place were then in view. On the succeeding night they broke ground upon the heights opposite, and on the followinff morning our batteries opened iipon them and continued a partial firing throughout that and the following day. On the first of MajF*. the enemy returned it from a two gun and one mortar battery, and on the second from a third gun battery. On the night of the third they passed a part of their troops to this side of the river, and Opened another gt and mortar battery within tw9 hundred and fifty yards of oui lines. They were soon however driven from that position, and obliged to take one at a more respectful distance. On tiie first, second, and third iniL'tant, the fire was most inces- sant and tremendous. Five and a half and eight and a half inch shells, with twcnf;y-four pound ball, fell in showers in our 'camp, and would have produced the most unfortunate eftect, but from tiie great pains and labour which hau been bestowed in the erec- tion of traverses, which in a great degree shielded our camp from the former. For the latter niere was no preventative but that of taking the batteries. About twelve o'clock last night an officer arrived in a boai from general Clay, to inform me of his approach^ ar.d that he would reach this place in about two !i mrs. I imme- diately determined upon a general sally, and sent an officer to fffmeral Clay directing him 1» land eight hundred men some short distance above, to attack and carry the batteries, spike the cannon and destroy the artillery. The general was unfortunately delayed longer than he expected in passing the Rapids, and the detach- ment destined to make the attack did not reach the landing until near nine o^'clock. Th^s however did not prevent them from ntaking the attempt, and never was any thing more completely successful. The four batteries were immediately taken possession of, and their defenders driven off, and the cannon spiked. Here Hie work of our men was done. But that confidence which always attends militia when successful, proved their ruin, aiithou^ there was time sufficient to return to tne boats before a reinforcement arrived to the enem v. They remained upou the grounds in spite of the repeated calls which we made across the river to bring them back, suffered themselves to be amused and drawn into the woods by some faini skirmishing, whilst the British troops and an immense body of Indians, were soon brought up. A severe action then took place. The British immediately interrupted the retreat <^onr ruen to the plain over the river, where they would have been under cover of our cannon ; but about one hundred and fifty only, out of nearly eight hundred effectives, made their escape i» the boats. Where the balance of general Clay's force maae its appearance and attempted to land above the garrison, their flank was attacked by a large body of Indiaris. 1 immediately ordered out a detachment consisting; of part of the 19th United States' regiment, about one hundred twelve months' volunteers, and some muitia. They however succeeded in drivr^ig the enemy entirely off. Pursuant to the plan which I had formed, an attack was then ,& 1« made upon the batteries on this side of the river, conducted bj colotiel Miller, of the 19th re^ment, with part of his regiment* the aforesaid volunteers, and a few militia. This attack was also •completely successful. The enemy were driven from their works, a number killed, and two British officers and forty-one privateff broyght into camp. This attack was intended to be simultaneous with that on the other side, and it was nearly so. Notwithstand- ing the severe loss we have sustained in the Kentucky militia, the events of the day have been honourable to the American arms. The detachment under colonel Miller suffered very little, and had the militift been contented with executing^ what they were ordered to do, every object which I had contemplated would have been accomplished. I h rve only time to add that I am confident of my ability to defeni^ this place until the expected targe reinforcements arrive $ and tliat I am, with great respect, &c. WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. IIoiMMuable John Amutronp, Secretaiym War. Extract of a letter from Stephen H. Moorey captain of the Balti- more voliMkerSt to his brother^ dated NIAGARA, May 5th, 1813. ** I last wrote you from the harbor, stating that I was then about to embark with my company, together with general Pike's brigade, for the purpose of making a descent on the Canada shore. ! nave to inform you now of the result, which has been victorious and glorious to the American arms, although peculiarly unfortunate to me. We arrived at the head of lake Ontario on Tuesday morning the 27th ultimo, and debarked the forces about a mile above York, the capital of Upper Canada. Here we were met on the beach by about five hundred British regulars and two hundred and fifty Indians. We contended with them warmly for N>ut an hour, when we succeeded in driving them before us, and made sood our landing, with l loss of some brave officers, and about forty men killea and wounded. We then formed immediately, moved up to York, and when arrived just at the opening of the main street, the enemy sprung a mine upon us, which destroyed about eighty of his own men, and killed and wounded about one hun- dred and thirty of our men. This horrible explosion has deprived me of %iy leg, and otherwise grievously wounded me. I was taken from the field, and carried on board the commodore's ship, where my leg was amputated, and I am now likely to recover. Two of my company were killed at the sttme time, and four or five more of mv brave fellows were severely wounded, now out of danger. We nave taken the capital of the enemy, and about a h IM # I' f]' 4 < n ■'i ! f li. t'\ i million and a hali' wortli of public stores and other juroperty . We have killed and wounded about three hundred Bntisn and their savage allies, and have taken prisoners about seven hundred men. We nave taken from them also several vessels of war which were found in tiie harbor, and destroyed a 32 gun frigate, then on the stocks. . " This is the severest Mow the British have felt since the war, and is to them irrer>v«>diable. It will teach them a lesson of Ame- rican bravery, wh?c' i\ey cannot soon forget. The conquest of Upper Canacla is nr ao longer doubtful, as almost aII the guns, munitions of war, auU provisions, necessarv to carry on the present campaign, were depositeil at York, and have been taken by us. General Pike, however, the brave and gallant projector of this enterprize, fell in the very moment of complete victory, at the head of his column. We have suffered severely in loss of officers ; two captains and fourteen lieutenants have been killed, and five captains and seven lieutenants wounded. My wound, they say, is a very good one, but it has maimed me for life. Lieutenant Irvine received a bayoi t through his ri^t shoulder, at the mo- ment of steppinff out of the boat, but is doing ver^ well. Gill and Warner escaped unhurt. M^ company distinguished themselves gloriously, anu were noticed for their determined spirit." ^WP SIR, HEAD QUARTERS, CAMP MEIGS, May 9th, 1813. 1 have the honour to inform you that the enemy having been several days making preparations for raising the siege of this post, accomplished this day the removal of their artillery from the op- posite bank, and about 12 o'clock, left their encampment below, were soon embarked and out of sight. I have the honour to enclose you an aei'eement entered into Mtween general Proctor and my- self, for tne discharge of the prisoners of the Kentucky militia in his possession, and for the exchange of the officers and men of the regular troops which were respectively possessed by us. My anxiety to get the Kentucky troops released as early as posaible, induced me to agree to the dismission of all the prisoners I had, although there was not as many of ours in general Proctor's pos- session. The surplusage is to be accounted for, and an equal number of ours released from their parole, whenever the govern- ment may think proper to direct it. The two actions on this side the river on the 5th, were tn$- nitely more important and more honourable to our arms, than I had at first conceived. In the sortie made upon the l^t flank, captain Waring's company of the 19th regiment, a detachment of twelve month's volunteers under m^jor Alexander, and thiiee companies of Kentucky militia under colonel Boswell, defeated at least double the number of Indians and British militia. 153^ , The tortie ob the right was still more glorioas ; the British battenM inithittdirectioitweredefeatedby the gretfit,ElHott»s aate'Ondumi's) ukL lKMig?s»^f^the 49tb -^ tbont eig^.ey Itf" mtttor Alexattd^ft volvot^eaik and a lini^companjref Kentucky miHIia tAfltei*'«atf- **^ W$bvmh4mowmnto ilk ^kt %he*« to ^im m««% than tKl^ l;«ia4 fttit^^ «Ye^ the vm^ ^ef the'iic^to* wiir mt% pienent 4(Hibtfiil, aBdihmdk^not theBrleit(h lM^itfeeii*^tfv#^ i»,|h»(rttisBtiielf i^^thtir ellieiiy the whoie of th^i%6tfld hm him^^M^l^m* .-*^ i«'.-v;iw«*.. Jr ■■*:*' V ■■■'■■■ '■". •-'- .Mr^^.>..ia^^ -»..«■*. ^|^^j«Bit^|Maibb'>A>r^>e<^ to ibehave bett^ thm iburs'^ did tMOHiAKMI^jallvtiie oAeers ^eierted* themselves to ete««^ W oi^n,jui< 4the eneiby, who Imdl a'fkktt tiew «tf dur'^MHAM .%)!»iL»Hl«iappQMtft«di«M, vtoekured that they had ifeVer 'seen" ^ i9l^hjfrQ||L,pM£MniMiklB)8v«lMrtaiSliie. ^ .y^OI thi eommandailts of eor]M I feet partievlal^obliiktiddl^ 'PfMupeiei^QAbnel BiiUerof th<»t#thiiifantr *h1»nelMlltt iii the Ohio,jAiUti«» muor dteddaMl^ of the w^titk . , liii^ot^ Biirtel the dragoons, and mijor Johnson of the Kentucky militia. Cap- tain Gratiot of the engineers, Wmk been for a longtime much mdispoaed, the Uik of fortifying tlSs^Boilt 4eiMiLvedeik tAptai' Wood. It cevfd Hot h&ve been placed in better hands. PeyiNit me toi^pmmeadhim^te ^e Fr^ident, 4a4vt . W«it^^dn8 within the works, the general is convinced his deci- sion will be awarded by every individual in the camfTwho wit- nessed his indefatigable exertions, his consummate skill in providin|;l'for the safety of every point, and in foiling every at- teiApt oAhe enemy, an(i'his undauntedbraveiyln the p6rfonnani^» of his duty in the mOst exposed situations.^ An unfortunate wouImI in the commencement «f the siege deprived the general, afteir tiilt time, of the abkJ services of major Stoddu^ of the artiliery, whose tetd and talents had been eminehtly liseful. Caiptiiin €hratik charge of a battery, and msinaged It with ability and efl%ct Captain Cu<»hing« of the artillery, and captain liailt of the irth infantijr. 156 (but doing duty with the former corps) were extremely active and attentive to their post. To colonel Miller and major Todd, of the 19th United States* infantry ; majors Ball of the drasoons* Sodwick, and major Ritzer of the Ohio militia, and major Johntou of the Kentucky militia, rendered tlie most important services. To each of the above gentlemen, as well as to each captain, subaltern, non-commissioned officer, and private of their respec- tive commands, the general gives his thanks and exprejMes hia warmest approbation ; also to adjutant Brown, Mr. Peters, con- 4ttctar of artillery ; Mr. Lien, principal artificer ; Mr. Timberlee, and to Serjeants Henderson, Tommes and Meldruu, who seve>^ ally had charge of batteries and block-houses. The battery man- a^^ by Serjeant Henderson was, as the enemy confessed, managed with peculiar efficacy and effi^ct with respect to the sorties which were made on the 5th instant. The subsequent information which has been received from the prisoners, has given the gallant troops which were enjE^aeed on those occasions additional claims upon the gratitude of uieir general. It is ascertained that in both instances the enemy far outnumbered our troops. The general gpves his tlianks to brigadier general Clay; for the promp- titude with which the detachment of his brisade were landed, and the assiduity shown by him in forming them for the attack on the left : to colonel Boswell and major Fletcher, for their gallantry and good conduct in leading them in the charge made on the enemy, and to captains Dudley, Simons and MedcaJ , the subalterns, non-cominissioued officers and privates, ^or the dis* tincuished-valor with which they defeated the enemy, 'fhe gene- ral nas, in the order of the 6th instant, expressed his sense of the conduct of the regular troops and volunteers, which were engaged in the sorties on the left flank, but he omitted toinention capUin Sebree's company of Kentucky militia, whose eallanitiy yr^ not surpassed by that of any of the comjpanies whicn fought by their side* The Pittsburg blues, led by lieutenant M'G«e, in the ill- ness of their gallant captain, sustained the reputation which they had acquired at Mississineway. The Petersburg volunteers and lieutenant Drum's detachment, discovered equal intrepidity. To the detachments from the 17th and 19tli United States' regiments, under their respective commanders, captains Crftehan, ISrudford, Langham, £lliott, and Nering, the hnuourable ta^.was ^sig^ed of storminff the British batteries, defended by two hundred jBri- tish grenadiers and lu;ht infantry, flanked by an host of Indiana and two companies ofCanadian militia. Colonel Miller ^aka in the highest t«nn« of the captains before mentioned, and lieute- nants Canipliell, Gwynn, Lee, Kerchcval and Rees ; and of en- signs Shep, Hawkins, Harrison, Mitchell, and Stockton. The general requests colonel Miller, major Todd, and each of tiie officers above named, U^ther with all tlie officers, non-commis- sioned officers and soldiers, who were engaged on the fifth instant, i ' 156 il It lii to accept his thanks. The general is under the highest obliga- tions to his stair for their conduct, as well in the action of the fifth as for the assistance which he received from them throughout the siege. Maior Hukill, the acting inspector general, distin* gttished himself by his assiduity in forwarding me part of our works which was most necessary and which was most exposed to the fire of the enemy. From major Graham, his aid-de-cn:np, his volunteer aid-de-camp, J. Johnson, esq. and from lieutenant O'Fallon, acting assistant adjutant general, as well as from the deputy quarter-master, Mr. Eubank, he received the greatest assistance. »,. .. It rarely occurs that a general has to complain of the excessive ardour of his men, yet such appears always to be the. case when- ever the Kentucky militia are engaged. It is indeed the source of all their misfortunes. They appear to think that their valour can alone accomplish any thing. Tlie general is led to make this remark from the conduct of captain Dudley's company of the •— -- regiment, as he has understood that that gallant ofiicer waa obllg;ed to turn his espontoon against his company to oblige them to desist from a further pursuit of the enemy, in compliance with an order from the general. Such temerity, although not so dis- graceful, is scarcely less fatal than cowardice. And in the in- stance above, had it been persisted in, would have given a differ- ent result to the action, as the whole of the enemy's force which were pli|ced near the batteries, would have been precipitated upon Ikn rear of our detachment. The purnuit being stopped, allowed time for a new disposition under cover of our cannon, and the enemy's batteries were attacked and carried without difliculty. JOHN ()*FALLON, Acting tta»igt, ^dj, Gf.ii. 1: SIR, LOWER SANDUSKY, May 13U), 1813. Having ascertained that the enemy.(Indians as well as Bri- tish) had entirely abandoned the ne^:hbourhood of the Rapids, I eft the coniniand of Camp Meigs with general Clay, and came here last night. It is with the greatest satisfaction Tinform you, sir, that the loss of the Kentucky troops in killed, on the north side of the river, does not exceed fifty. On th«s 10th and llth instant, I caused the groufid which was the 8cenrc chiefly on the right bank of the river : " The balance of the men under your command, must land on the right bank, opposite to the first Inndiii';, and will fight their way throng the Indians to the fort :" observing that the route thus to be taken, would be shown by a subaltern officer there, in company with captain Hamilton, who would land the oero^e at the point on the right bank, at which the boats would land. ** The order of descending the river in boats, was the same M the order of march in the line of battle, in solid column, each officer taking position according to his rank. Colonel .T>udl^y, the eldest colonel, led the van, and in this order the ri^er had been descended. As soon as captain Hamilton had delivered these orders, being in the thirteentn boat from the front, I directed him to proceed immediately to colonel Dudley, and onler ! 'm to take the men in the twelve front boats, and execute general Har- rison's orders on the left bank of the river ; and to post his (cap- tain Hamilton's) subaltern on the right bank to conduct myself with the men in the six boats to the fort. I ordered the five boats in the rear to fall in a line, and follow me. High winds and the rapidity of the current, drove four of the rear boats ashore, in thei attempt to follow on according to order, where they remained a short ume, sufficient, however, to detain them half, or three quarters of a mile to the rear. To land according to order, I kept close along the right bank, until opposite colonel Dudley's 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 colonel Dudley, but from the rapid current on the falls, I was unable to land on the point with him. iteing nearly half way acroti^ the river, and the waves running too high to risk the boats ; then driving down the current sidewise— veered about the boat and rowed the best way we could to s» t 'ur boat. My attempt to cross the river to colonel 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 colonel Dud- ley. Having been defeated in landing on the left, we then en^ deavoUredto effect ont; on the ridit, evenwUhout a coide: but before a landing couM be effected, we received a brisk fire from, the enemy on sirare, which waa returned and kept up on both sides. And I was in this unavoidable situation, compellea to make fort Meigs, with no other force tlian about 50 men on board, (the other boats being still in the rear) and to receive tiie enemy's nre, until we arrived under the protection of the fort Colonel Boswell's command (except the men in my boaty having landedto join colo- nel Dudley, were, as I have be^ il inforlnra, ordered by captain m MB;; Hamilton immediately to emWWand land on the ri^ht hand shore,' aboiit a mile above the fort, and prepare to fifi;ht his way through to the garrison, The colonel embarked, landed, as he conceived, at the prpper point, pursuant to captain Hamilton's orcfer, and was farming his men in order ,0f battle, when he was met by captaiii Shaw, and ordered to Qvtirch into the garrison at open order, the safest route. Wheinny own boat landed, we were met by two men who took eharge of the boat, as we understood, to brinf her under ilie pro- tection of the fort batteries. Believing our baggage to be thuti^ made safe, we forbid our servants to carry any portion of it, but loaded them with cannon ball, which the^ bore ^o. the fort. Our ^ baj^age was, however, taken by the Indians in-a vciry sliort time * after we left the boat. Upon receiving the orders of caj/taiif Hamilton, I asked if he had brought spikes to spike the enemy's cannon, to which he replied he had plenty. • .'^ 1 am, sir, respectfully, &c. GREEN CLAY, Bng.-Gen. His excellency major general Harrison. P. S. Captain Hamilton, on delivering the orders of general Harrison, ooserved, that the object of landing and marching a portion of the troops on the right bank, was to draw the attention of the Indians, ana by thus engaging them, afford an opportunity to the garrison to make a sally, .and hy a circuitous route, surprise and carry the batteries and cannon of the enemy below the fort " on the right bank. ■ -- ■■>{ BRIGADE ORDERS. 4*^ BRIGADE HEAD QUARTERS, ij. Camp, Four Mile Creek, May 26th, 1813. Conformity to the general order of the 2dth and 26th instant, the JJIrst brigade witf embark at 3 o'clock to-morrow morning. Th|& several regiments mil hold themselves in readiness accord- ingly. The boats of the brigade will form in three lines suc- ceeding^ colonel Scott's advance party. The 15th regiment, formed in column of battalion, tfie right in front, will precede. The 6th and 16th will successively fiillow in the same order. Colonel M'C lure's volunteers will flank the ridKt of the brigade, and move accordingly. Four pieces of the fi^hit artillery will move in the rear of the 1 8th regiment, and four in the rear of the 16th regiment ; the first four to form on the right o^ the brigade. the other to ftum on the left of the bri^de. The troops willland in column, and form immediately in order of battle. Colonel Miller, of the 6th. ou the right, mijor King. Of tiie 15th. in th^ lai . / centre, an4 colonel Pearce,of Ihe IStih, onihe left. Oolohel M*C1 ore's volunteers on the right flank of the bri^de. The com* manding officers of regiments will carry the regimental standard in tlfb boat in wbicfa* they embark, aoa each boat }^ regimental »camp colour. To ^ard the stores and camp equipage of each regiment, on% commissioned officer, one non-commissioned officer, and a sufficient number of non-effectives, will be left. Th<* cqmmaindingi^fficers of regiments will be responsible that ihe tioats which' have been assigned to them, are in perfect readi- ness toi eceive the troops by the time desi^ated for embarkation. Tl\e troops which compose the 1st brigade, have already once triumphed over 'the foe they have again to encounter. Their country expects much from them, and will not be disappointed. With their present numbers and accustomed bravery, the flag of the United States will once more wave over the territory of Ca- nada. JOHN P. BOYD. Brig. Gm, Comd*g 1st Brigade* m BEAD QUARTERS, FORT GEORG^, Upper Canada, Hay 27th, 1813. SIB, The light troopa under, the command of colonel Soott and major Fors^, landed this morning at 9 o'clock, lllajor general Lewis's division, with colonel Porter's command of li^htartillery« supported them. General Boyd's brieade landed immediatelf after the light troops, and generals Winder and Chandler fol- lowed in quick succession. The landing wa« warmly and obsti- nately disputed by the British forces ; but the coolness and intre- Sidity of our troops, soon compelled them to give ground in everf irection. General Chandler with the reserve (composed of hit brigade and colonel Macomb's artillery) covered tlie whole. Commodore Chauncey had mad^ the most judicious arrange- ments for silencing the enemy's batteries near the point of land- ing. The ariny is under the ^eatest obligation to that able naval commander, for his indefatigable exertions, in co-operating in all it4 important movements, and especially in its operatiomi tills day. Our batteries succeeded in rendering fort Geoi|;e un- tenable ; and when the enemy had been beaten from his position* and found it necessary to re-enter it, after firing a few guns« and setting fire to the magazines, which soon exploded, moved off rapidly in diflferent routes. Qur light troops pursued them several miles. The troops having been underarms rrom 1 o'clock in the morning, were too much exhausted for any further pursuit. We are now in possession of fort Geoixe and its immediate de- pendencies } to morrow we shall proceecTfurther. The behaviour of our droops, both officers and men, entitle them to the higMit t >•' J i ^»5 'i Iff ■ III I. p nuse $ and ike difference of our load with that of the tnmtj^ when we consider the advantages his positions afforded him, ia astonishing. We had seventeen kiUea and forty-five wounded* The enemy had ninety killed and one hundred and sixty woun* ded of the regular troops. We have taken one hundred prisoners e^tclusive of the wounded. Major Meyers of the 49th waa wounded and taken prisoner. Of ours only one commissioned officer was killed. Lieutenant Hobart, of the light artillery. In- closed is the report of major general Lewis. I have the honour to be, &c. H. DEARBORN, Son, John Annstrong; ^" ■ f:r ON THE I1ELD, 1 o'clock, Mav37th, 1813. DEAR SIR, Fort Geor^ and its dependencies are ours. The enemy, beaten at all points, has blown up his magazines and retired. It is impossible at this moment to say any thing of individual g|^l- lantry. There was no man who did not perform his duty in a manner which did honour to himself and his country. Scottand Forsjrth's commands, supported by Boyd's and Winder's brigades, sustained the brunt of the action.* Our loss is trifling, perhaps not more than twenty killed and thrice that number wounded. The enemy left in tne hospital one hundred and twenty -four, and I sent several on board the fleet. We have also made about •ne hundred prisoners of the regular forces. I am, sir, your obedient servant. MORGAN LEWIS. Ml^ general Deaibprq, BRIGADE ORDER. ^rf J, ^.NEWARK, May 28th, 1813. The general commanding 1st brigade feels a peculiar satisfac- tion in congratulating the troops on their glorious achievementa of yesterday. Their conduct was such as to entitie them to the thanks of tneir commander, and the gratitude of their country. Colonel Miller of the 6th reeiment deserves great applause fortiie steadiness and tepidity with which he supported the advance party under the gallant Scott ; the 15th, under major King, inipatient to share in the honour of the day, immediately seconded and formed under a most galling fire ; the 16th, under colonel Pearce, urged tiieir boats to the shore, and bore an honour- able participation in the contest. The light artillerj^, under colonel Porter, merits the highest encomiums, for their indefati- * Note. lITmder'B brigade was not in this action. The battle was wonb^ Boyd' s brigade and Scott and Fonyth's coaunMid% befbre Winder was en* 4p6dto fauid.'^EoiT. ■ ■a ^• u I s * m ^Ue' exertions and petsevering success in brineing up ^iAa ordnance. They surmounted every obstacle. Much was expect*^^ ei^ from colonel M'Clure's volunteers, and the general has not iiieen disappointed t it will be his duty as well as inclination to make their claims known to the commander in chief. As all the troops behaved so well, it would be a difficult task to discriminate those who were pre-eminent; but the general cannot suppresi bis admiration oi the fortitude of major King, who continued to lead his regiment through the severity of the contest, long after having received a painfiH and debilitating wound. The exertions of the officers and men who ascended the oank and formed amidst such a destructive fire, excited his admiration, and astonished iheir enemy's, and will convince their countrymen as well as foes, that valour will overcome every resistance. The general will find great satisfaction in obeying the order of the commander in chief; which required him to make a report of conspicuous merit, whetii^r found in the commissioned officer or in the 'ranks, and they may be assured that tlieir distinguished actions shall not pass witnout the proper encomium. Although the general has not particularized discriminate merit, he may perhaps oe excused in recording the intrepid conduct of his aid-ue-camp, lieutenant Whiting, and brigade major captain Grafton. They have justilied his expectations, and are entitled to his applause. If there is any honour due to your brigadier general, it is his having had the command of such a gallant band of heroes. By order of brigadier general Boyd. H. WHITING, AH, SACKETTS HARfiOR, May 29th, 1813, DEAR SI1t» We were attacked at the dawn of this day by a British'regular force of, say at least, 900 men, most wolrably 1200. They made good their landing at Horse Island. The enemy's fleet consisted of two ships and four schooners and thirty large open boats. We are completely victorious. The enemy left a considerable num- ber of killed and wounded on the field, among the number seye^d officers of distinction. After having re-embarked they sent me a flag desiring to have their killed and wounded attended to. I made them satisfied upon that subject Americans will be distin- guished for humanity and bravery. Our loss is not numerous, but serious from the great worth of those who have fallen. Lieu- tenant colonel Mills was shot dead at the commencement of tiie action, and lieutenant colonel Bacdius,of the 1st regiment of light dragoons, nobly fell at the head of his re^ment as victory was declaring for us. I will not presume to praise this regiment t their gallant conduct on this day merits much mere ^«n pralsft ii m Ml m w ,:i 114 fihe new ship and cbnmodore Chaunce j^s prize, the "Duke «f Gloucester," are yet safe in Sackett's Harbor. ' Sir George Prevost landed and commanded in person. &t James Yeo commanded the enemy's fleet. ^^ < I have the honour to be, &c. JACOB BROWN. 'Ifajor general Dearborn. P. S. It is very probable we ame r^ment, and Leonard, oi the Sight artillery, arc soldiers who would honour any service. Thdr gallantry.- and tiiat of their companies, was equally conspicuous \fin this occasion aa in the affair of the srth ultimo. A view of Seneral Chandler's encampment ^ill be sufficient to show that his isaster was owine to its arrangements. Its centre being its weakest point, and that being discovered by the enemy in the evening, recjsived the combined attack of tKe whole iorce, ami his line was completely cui. The g^lantry of the 5th, 25^ and part of the 33d, and light troops, saved the army. Of the 5^ it is said, that when tiie day broke, not a man was missing— and that a part of the 23d, under, major Armstronet was found sua* taining its left flank, llieir fire was irresistible, and the enemy was compelled to give way. » Could he have been pressed the lext morning, his destruction was inevitable. He was dispersed in •very direction, and even his commanding general was missii^, without his hat or horse. I understand he was found the next morning almost famished, at a distance of four miles from ^ scene of action. I i' II .9« 1*» LituieAant M'Chesney's nllanti*)' recovered a )>iec^ of artiilkry^ and prevented the capture of others. He merits promotion for it^- On the evening or the 6th of Jun^, I received the order No* 4, and joined the army at 3 in the afternoon of the 7th. I found it at the Forty Mile Creek, ten miles in the rear of the ground on which it had been attacked, encamped on a plain of a mile in width, with its right flank on the la^^e, and its left on the cr^^ek which skirts the base of a perpendicular mountain of a consider-^ rable height On mv route I received No. 5 and 6, Enclosed. \ At 6 in the evenmg, the hostile fl>^et hove ixi sight, though Hm , character could not be ascertained with precision. We hj ou our arms all night. At dawn of day struck our ten^v^, and descried the hostile squadron abreast of us, abou^ a mile T t>m the bhore* Our boais which transported the principal part ofourbas^niage and camp equipage lay on the beach ; it was a aead calm, and about d» theeneinj t(t\ved m a large pchooiier, which opened iierfireou our boats. As 30v'»n as 8ju> «fo(>d for the shore, her object being sjvi(l«nt^ I ordered down Archer's and Towson's companies, with ioup pieces of artillery, tv vi\fii:-,i her attempts. I, at the same timegi sent captain Totten, of flic e.?«,'jjintj*ns (a most valuable officer) to construct a temporary fvr'ice for heating shot, which was pre- pared and in operation i" ]e bably by the stillness of the morning. When they had progressed about three miles, a breeze sprang up, and an armea scnooner overhauled them ; those who were enterprizinlg kept on and es- caped, others ran to the shore and deserted their boats; we lost twelve of the number, principally containing the baggage of the officers and men. At ten, I put the ariny in motion, on our return to this place. The savages and incorporated militia huns oft our flanks ana rear throu^out the march, and picked up a. lew stra^lers. On our retiring, the British army advanced, and now occupy the ground we left. The enemy's fleet is constantly hovering on our coast, and in- terrupting our supplies. The night before last, being advised ot their naving 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 official) that they irrived too late for tneir purpose, and tnat the stores were lost. I have the honour to be, &c. MORGAN LEWISv JIonound>le John Armstrong, Secretuy (tf War. Bepwrt ofkUUd, wounded and missing, in the action of the Gth qf June, at 6toney Creek, KUled, Wounded, Itiasing, ir 38 99 ToH 154 HAUFAIC, June 15th, 1813. The unfortunate death of captain James Lawrence, and lieu- .tenant Auguatus C. Ludlow, has rendered it my duty to inform you crif ^e capture of the late United States' frigate Chesapeake. On Tuesday, June Ist, at 8 A. M. we unmoored ship, and at meridian got under weigh from President's Roads, with a lij^t vind from the southward and westward, and proceeded on a cruise. A ship was then in sight in the offing, which had the appearance of a snip of war, and which, from information received from pilot- boats and crtSt, we believed to be the British frigate Shannon. We made sail in chase, and cleared ship for action. At half past 4 P. M. she hove to with her head to the southward and eastward. At 5 P. M. i/Hk \m the royals and top-gallant saili^ and at h»Kf ^^ i I 1«8 past 5, hauled the emirms up. ^ About 15 minutes before 6 P. Mi the action commenced within pistol shot. The first broadside did great execution on both sides, damaged our rig^ng, killed, among others, Mr. White the sailing master, and wounded captain Law- rence. In about 1 ^ minutes after the commencement ot the actioui^ we fell on board of the enemy, &nd immediately after, one of our arm chests on the quarter-deck was blown up oy a hand-grenade thrown from the enemy's ship. In a few minutes, one of the cap- tain's aids came on the gun-deck to inform me that the boarders- were called. I immediately called the boarders away, and proi^ ceeded to the spar-deck, where I found that the enemy had sue > ceeded in boarding us, and gained possession of our quarter deck. I immediately gave orders to haul on board the fore-tack, for the purpose of shooting the ship clear of the other, and then made an attempt to re -gain the quarter-deck, but was wounded and thrown down on the ^un-deck. I again made an effort to collect the boarders, but in the mean time the enemy had gained complete possession of the ship. On my being carried down in the cock- pit, I there found captain Lawrence and lieutenant ludlow, both' mortally wounded ; the former had been carried below, previously to the ship's being boarded ; the latter was wounded in attempting to repel tne boarders. Among those who fell early in the action, was Mr. Edward J. Ballard, the 4th lieutenant, and lieutenant James Broom, of marines. I herein enclose you a return of the killed and wounded, by which you will perceive that every officer, upon whom the charse ofthe snip would devolve, was either killed or wounded, previously to her capture. The enemy report the loss of Mr. Watt, their first lieutenant, the purser, the captain's clerk, and 23 seamen killed i and 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 a part of the crew belonging to the Tenedos. -r I have the honour be, &c. GEORGE BUDD. The Hon. William Jones, Secretary of the Navy, WashbgtoOi 1^ -TV 1 H iff- s Setum of killed and wounded on board the Chesapeake, in hey-^- action with the Shannon. IS&cd— OfRcera, • . . Seamen, • • •• Marinea, ... 10 S6 11 Wounded—OiBcerB, Seamen, . . . Marines, Total woooded. 30 Total killed. 47 98 mmmmm MhMw .*fc SACKETT'S HARBOR, June 18tb< 1810, SIR, «. , » According to jour orders of the 14th instant, I proceeded oC Presque Isle, in the schooner Ladjr of the Lake. On the morninf; of the 16th fell in with and captured the English schooner Ladjr Murray, from Kingston, bound to York, loaded with provisionn and ammunition. Enclosed is a list of one ensign, fifteen non-commissioned offi* cers and privates, found on boutl, with six mev attached to the> vessel. I have the honour to be, &c. WOLCOTT CHAUNCEY^ 'Commodore Chauncey. MONTREAL, June 18th, 1813> I deem it my duty to embrace the earliest opportunity possi-' ble to give you a more detailed account of the anair of the 6th in- stant near Ston^ Creek, than I have before had it in mypower to do. On the morning of the 5th I arrived at Forty Mile Creek. Th© detachment under general Winder was then under marchinar orders fbr Stony Creek. After a short halt the whole marchea lor that place and arrived there between five and six o'clock, P. M, at which place a small picket of the enemy was posted, but retired^ on our approach. The advanced guard pursued, and soon fell iq. with a picket of about 100 strong, under colonel Williams. A skinnisn ensued. I hastened to the main body. Williams retreat- ed, and our advance pursued. The pursuit was continued rathev longer than I could have wished, but returned to their proper posi- tion in the line of march, not far from sun-set. I had ordered tb«. 13th and 14th, who were in the rear, to take a position for the might, near the mouth of tlie creek, to cover the boats, (should ihey arrive) which would be on the route which i intended to pur- sue the next inorning; and a favourable position presenting itself, I encamped with the residue of the troops (except captain Archer'a company of artillerv, which encamped witn the 13th and 14th) on the spot where we had halted, with an advanced picket from naif to three quarters of a mile in front, with express oi-ders for them to keep out constantly a patrole. A right and left flank guard and a rear guard were also posted, I gave positive orders for the troops to lay on their arms. Contrary to my orders fires were kindled ; but there are doubts whether tfiis operated for or against us, as the fires of the. S3th, which were in tront, and by my orders "had been alMndoned, enabled us to see a small part of the enemy, while the fires on our left enabled the enemy to see our line. On the whole, I thitik it operated against us. I did expect the enemy would attack us that night, if he intended to fight; but perhaps *^' waa Boi expected by ail. I had my horse confint^d near mei, 22 •V' 170 ;■; !;. Ir and directed that the hanieis ehould not be taken from the artil- lery horses. I directed where and how the line should be formed, in case of attack. Aboat an hour before day-light on the morn- ing of the 6th, the alarm was givent I wan instantlr up, and the S5th, which lay near me, wa« almost as instantly rormed, as well as the 5th ana 2Sd, which was on the left, under the immediate eye of general Winder. Owinj to the neglect of the front picket, or some other cause, the British forces say that they were not hailed, or an alarm given, until they were within 300 ^ards of our line. The extreme darkness prevented us from seeing or knowing at what point they intended to attack us, until an attack was mtde upon our right A well directed fire was opened upon them from the 23th, and from nearly the whole line. After a few minutes I heard several muskets in our rear, in the direction of the rear guard, and then expected that the. enemy had gained our rear by some path unkown to us, ani was about to attack us in the rear. I instantly ordered colon \. Milton, with the 5th, to form in our rear near the woods, to meet such circumstances as mi^ht take place, knowing tliat I could call him to any other point if necessary, at any moment. I had observed that the ar- uUenr was not covered, and directed general Winder to cause the 2Sd to be formed so far to the risht, that their right should cover the artillery. At this moment I heard a new burst of fire from the enemy's left, on our right, and not able to see any thing which took place, I set out full speed towards the right, to take mea- sures to prevent my ri^^t flsnk from beine turned, which I ex- pected was the object of the enemy. I had proceeded but a few yards before my horse fell under nie, by which fall I received a serious injury. Here was a time when 1 have no recollection of what passed, but I presume it was not long. As soon as I re- covered, I recollected what my object was, and made mv way to the right, and gave jnajor Smith such directions as I thought proper, to preveniMs right from being turned by surprise. I waa then returning toward the centre, and Svhen near the artillery, hrard men, \mOf by the noise, appeared to be iu confuHion, it being the point at which I expectea tiie 23d to be formed ; I ex- pected it was that re^ment. I a|qnt>ached them, and as soon as I was near enough, I saw a body of men, who I thouglit to be the 23d, in the rear of the ar- tillery, broken. I hobbled in atnongfit them, and began to rally them, and directed them to form ; out I soon found my mistake; it was the Critish 49th who had pushed forward to the head of their column, and gained the rear of thn artillery. I was imme- dbtely disarmed, and conveyed down the column to its rear. It was not yet day, and the extreme darkness of the night, to which was added the smoke of the fire, put it totally out of our power to see the situation of the enemy. I1iis was aU tiiat saved their columns firtHn sure Jtnd total destruction, of widch son' of ^ehr are aware. After seeing the situation of the column as t, 171 MiMd, I did hope and expect that genera) Winder, on tiiA first dawn of light, would see their situation, and brini|[ colonel Milton with the 5th (whom I had atill kept in reserve until I could have daj-Iight to discern their situation) to attack this column, which I am sure he would have done to advantage ; but, to my mortification, I soon learned that he had fallen into the same mis- take with mjself ; and by endeavouring to learn what was taking place in the centre, he was also taken, as well as major Van De Venter. To the extreme darkness of the niglit, the enemy's knowledge of his intended point of attack, and our not know- ing at what point to expect him, must be attributed this partial success, ana not to a want of strength or bravery in our troops* who generally behaved remarkably w«ll under all circumstances; and however unfortunate the event, as it relates to myself, I only ask that all the circumstances may be taken into consideration, in making up vour opinion upon the conduct of general Winder and myself in this affair, which I am sure you will do, and I flatter myself you will see no cause of censure. I regret that my decre* pid situation, and the rapidity with which we have been brousht to this place, has put it out of luy power to give you a detailed account oi the aflfkir earlier. I am now able to walk some with the aid of a cane, and hope I shall continue to recover. I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN CHANDLER, Mrigadier Generah Mi^jor General Dcurbom. i of I NAVY YARD, GOSPORT, June 21st, 1813. SIR, On Saturday, at U P. M. captain Tarbell moved with tht flotilla under his command, consisting of 15 gun-boats In two divisions i lieutenant John M. Gardner, 1st division, and lieutenant Robert Henley, the Sd, manned from the frigate ; and 50 muaket- teers general Taylor , tww other rrigates lying in sight. At half past 4 a breeze sprung up from east north east, which enabled the two frigates to get under way, one a razee or very heavy ship, and the other a frigate, to come near into the action. The boats in consequence of their approach hauled off, though keeping up a well directed fire on th* razee, and other ship, which gave us several broadsides. The fri- gate first engaged, suppoeedto be the Junon, was certainly very severely handled. lUd the calm continued one half hour, that frigate must have fallen iato, our hands or boss destrojod. Sbe ;i*'''l'l?'' '?• 171 '■^i wist have ftlipt her ttooring eo at to Artip M$nr th« HzH, wh« had all sails aet coming up to her with tha other frigate. 'I1)« action continued one hour and a half with the three ahipa. Shortly after the action the razee j^t along aide of the ahip. and had her upon a deep careen in a little time with a number of boats an4 •tagea round her. 1 am aatisfied considerable damage was done to her, for she was silenced some time, until the razee opened her fire, when she commenced again. Our loss if very trifling. Mr. Allison, master's mate on board number 139, was killed earl j JR the action by an eighteen pound ball, which passed through nim and, lodged in the maat. Plumber 154 had a shot between wind «nd water. Number 67 had her franklin s^t away, apd several of titein had some of their sweeps as well as their atauntions shot away ; but two men ali^htly ii\)ured by tike nplinters from tho «wee^B. On the flood tide several ships of the line and fng&tea came into the roads, and we did expect an attack last night. Tnere ere now in the roads thirteen ships of tlie line and mgates, one brig and several tenders. f cannot say too much of the oflicers and men on this occasion* for every man appeared to go into action with so much cheerful- ness, apparentl;^ to do their duty, resolved to conquer. I had a better opportunity of discovering their actions than any one elsc^ being in my boat the whole of the action. I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN CASSIN. Tke Sccretaty of the Navy. ■Hj 1 !il ATTACK UPON CRANEY ISLAND. NAVY YARD, GOSPORT, June 23d, 1819. SIR, I have the honour to inform tou that on the SOth the enemr got under way, in all thirteen sail, and dropped up to the mouth of James River, one ship bearing a flag at the mizen. At 5 P. M. -were discovered making great preparation with troops for landings liaving a number of boats for the purpose. Finding Craney Island rather weak manned, captain Tarbell directed lieutenants Neale* Shubrlck and Sanders, with 100 seamen on shore, at 11 A. M. to a small battery on the north west point of the island. Tuesday 22d; at the dawn, the enemy were discovered landing round the Doint oi Nansemond River, said to be 4,000 troops ; and at 8 A.^ M. the barges attempted to land in front of the island, oat of r^dr of the shot from the gun-boats, when lieutenants Neale, Skubrick and Sanders, with the sailors; and lieutenant BrackentiddM, witk the marines of the Constellation, 150 in number, <^ned uie fire, which was so well directed, that the enemy were glad to set off, after sinking three of their largest boats. One of them, cal&d the Centipede, admiral Wanw's boat . fifty feetia length, carried rff nil ttoi, the greftter put of whom wore loit bj her linking. Twenf^ •oldien and tailorR were MTod, end the boats hauled up. I pro- •ume there were fortj fell back in the rear of the island, and .oommenced throwing rockets from Mr. Wise's houses; when gun-boat 67 threw alew shots orer that way, thej dispersed and went back. We have had all day deserters from the army coming in ; I have myself taken in 25, and 18 prisoners belonging to the Cen^ iipede. The officers of the Constellation fired their 18 pounder more like riflemen than artillerists. I never saw such shooting, and seriously believe they saved the island. In the evening their boats came round the point of Nansemond, and at sun-set were seen returning to their ships full of men. At dusk they strewed the shore along with fires, in order to runawav by the light. I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN CASSIN. t%o honounble WilUam Jones, Ascntaiy of >tfM Navy. AFFAIR AT BEAVER DAMS. 4 i «m, 70RT GEORGE, June 35th, 1811 I have the mortification of informing you of an unfortunate and unaccountable event which occurred yesterday. On the 2dd, at evening, colonel Boerstlo' with 570 men, infantry, artillery, cavalry and Hflemen, in due proportion, was ordered to march, by tile way of Queenstown, to a place called the Beaver Dams, on the high ground, about eight or nine miles from Queenstown, t» attack and disperse a body of the enemy collected tiiere for the purpose of procuring provisions and harassing those' inhabitantg who are considered friendly to the United States ; their force mm, from the most direct information, conmosed of one company of was attacked from an ambuscade, but soon drove the enemy some distance into the woods, and then retired to a elear field, and sent an express for a reinforcement, saying he would maintain his po8F<- tion until reinforced. A reinforcement of 800 men, marched immediately, under the command of colonel Chrvstte; but on ar- riving atl^enstown, colonel Chrystie receivea authentic infbr- matimi, that lieutenant colonel Boerstleri with his command, had suvrendered to the enemy, and the reinforcement returned to camp. A man who belonged to a small corps of volunteer riflemen, came ih this menring, who statel tfiat fhe enemy surrounded oiv de<* it li- lit 1^4 ■teehment in the woods, and towanis 12 o'clock, comnr^iced a general attack; that our troops fouffht more than two hovs, until the artillery had expended the whole of its ammunition, anu then surrendered, and at the time of the surrender, the iaformant made his escape. Why it should have been deemed proper to remain several hours in a position surrounded with \yood8, without either risking a decisive action, or effecting a retreat, remains to be accountedfor, as well as the project of waiting for a reinforce' ment, from a distance of 15 or 16 miles. No information has been received of the killed or wounded. The e;.einy's fleet has again arrived in our neighbourhood. I have the honour to be, &c. H. DEARBORN. The Secretaiy of War. U. S, FLOTILLA, CAPE MAY, June 29th, l6l3. ', i^ ^■ ill ■« S : ..S SIR, ^ Laying off Dennis's Creek this morning, I discovered that an enemy's sloop of war had chased a small vessel, and had taken her near the Overfaiis. I immediately got under weigh and stood down the bay. The sloop of war stood so near the Over- falls that she grounded slightly on the outer ridge of Crow's Shoals. I thought proper to endeavour to bring him to action. I succeeded and ^t within three quarters of a mde, and anchor- ed the boats (consisting of eight gun boats and two block sloops) in a line ahead. A heavy frigate had by this time anchored about a half mile further out. After a cannonade of one hour and forty- five minutes, in which the ships kept up a constant and heavy fire, heaving their shot from a halt to three quarters of a mile over us, they doing us little or no dama^, their shot seldom striking us, the sloop of war and frigate finding our shot to tell on their hulls, manned their boats, ten in number, ( 2 launches, the rest large barges and cutters) with from 30 to 40 men each, and despatched tliem after gun boat No. 121, sailing marter Shead, which had un- fortunately fell a mile and a half out of the line, althourii it had been my possitive and express orders to anchor at h^f cable length apart, and not further. From the strong ebb tide they succeeded in capturing her, after a gallant resistance, ffor three times did N<). 121 discnar^e her long gun, apparentiy full of can- nlster, among the whole line of boats, when at a very short dis- tance, which must have done execution, and not till after he was boarded did the colours come down) before any assistance could be S'ven her : however, we got near enough to destroy three or four of eir boats, and must have killed a vast number of men. It being a calm, they succeeded in getting her away, by sending all their boats ahead and towing her, but nave paid dearly for their temer- ity ; they must at least liave had one-third of tbeir men killed and 175 wounded. THey put one shot throudi the foot of the Buffaloed jib, and one through the under part m the bowsprit, and cut gun boat No. 125, sailing master L. Moleire's rigging in several places, and an eigjhteen pound shot struck her lung gun and in- dented it several inches ; but happy am I to say, uiat not a man was wounded in any of the boats, except the one captured, and have not yet learned their &te. I feel much indebted to lieuten- ant Mitchell, and officers commanding gun boats, for their spirit- ed conduct in carrying into execution my orders ; and if i may .judge from the gallant resistance made by sailing master Sheadf* in engaging when surrounded by the boats of ^e enemy, ttuit every officer and man of the flotilfa^will do their duty in all situa- tionst I have the honour to be, &c. SAMUEL ANGUS, Commanding U, 8. DeL flotilla* P. S. The action commenced at 7 minutes before 1 P. M. and ended at 37 minutes after 2 P. M. i' h Wm'^^ U. S. FRIGATE ESSEX, PACIFIC OCEAN, July 2d, 1813. SIR, I have the honour to inform you that on the 29th of April, ill the latitude of 40 north, longitude 91 Id west, about 20 miles to the northward of the island of Albermarle, one of the Gallapagos, in the Pacific Ocean, I captured the British ship Montezuma ; two others being in sight, close together, distant from us about 7 miles, which we were informed were the British letters of marque ships Policy and Geurgiana ; the first mounting 10 guns, 6 and 9 pounders; the other six 18 pounders, 4 swivels, and 6 long blunderbusses mounted on swivels. The wind being ligh^ and variable, and coufidiug greatly in the bravery and enterprise of my officers and men, and apprehensive of their escape from the prevalence of fogs in that climate, 1 directed the boats of this ship to be armed and manned, and divided into two divisions, placing the first under the command of lieutenant Downes, 1st lieutenant, in a whale boat, accompanied by midshipman Farra- gutt. The officers in command of boats under lieutenant Downes, were lieutenant S. D. M'Knight, in the 3d cutt<^r, accompanied by midshipman W. II. Odenheimer, sailing master John P. Cow- ell, in the jolly boat, accompanied by midshipman H. W. Og^den, and midshipman George Isaacs, in the 2d cutter. The 2d division under the command oT lieutenant Wiliner, 2d lieutenant in the pinnace, accompanied by midshipman Henry Gray, and master's mate James Terror ; lieutenant SYilsou and Mr. Shaw, purser, in the ist cutter« and lieutenant Gamble, of the marines, in the gig. *7^ Suitable s^als were esjUiblished, and etob boat had her particilt&r' •tation pointed out for the attack, and every other previous ar- rangement was niade to prevent confusion. The boats, seven ii> number, rowed off in admirable order. Guns were fired from the enemy to terrify them ; they rowed up under the muzzles of ^e guns and took their stations for attacking the first ship, and no sooner was the American flag disj[rfayed by lieutenant Downes, as the signal for boarding, and the intention was discovered by the enemy, than the colours were struck, without a shot being fired ; «o much were they daunted by the intrepidity of our brave officers and men. They then left a crew on beard the prize and took their stations for attacking the other vessel, when her fliag was also struck, on the first call to surrender. Thus were two nne British ships, each pierced for 20 guns, worth near half a million of dollars, mounting between them 16 guns and manned with 55 men, well supplied witli ammunition and small arms, surrendered, without the slightest resistance, to seven small open boats, with fifty men» armed only with muskets, pistols, boaroing-axes, and cutlasses ! Be assured, sir, that Britons have either learned to respect the courage of Americans, or they are not so courageous themselveil as they would wish us to believe. I have tlie honour to be yours, &c. O. IPORTER: The Secretary rf the Navy, at Washington. - ^4 sflR. V. S. FRIGATE ESSEX, AT SEA, Pacific Ocean, July 2d, 1813. On the 23d March last, I sailed from shaping m^ course to the northward, and on the 26th of the same month fell in with the Peruvian corsair ship Nereyda, mounting 15 guns. She had, a few days before, captured two American whale utips, tiie crews of which (amounting in number to twenty-four men) were then detained prisoners on board her ; and they cculd assign no other motive for the capture, than that they were the allies oi' Great Britain, and as such should capture all American vessels they could fall in with ; therefore, to prevent in future such vexa< tions proceedings, I threw all her armament into the sea, liberated the Americans, and dismissed the Nereyda. I then proceeded with all jpossible desnatch for Lima, to intercept one of the detaih« ed vessels, which had parted with tha Nereyda only three days before, and I was so fcntunate as to arrive thctc' aiid re-capture her on the 5th of April, ai che moment she was entering the port This vessel (the ship Barclay, captain Gideon Randall, of New Bedford) I toek fin«er my protectito, and have iMtd kmr with 19^ evmraince. \ 177 Froiih Lima I |nr(N:«eded to the Gallapagos Islands* where t ruptured the following British ships, viz : Ldters of Marque, Montezuma* 270 tons. 21 men. 2 guns Policy, 275 26 10 Georgiana, 280 25 6 Atlantic, 351 24 8 Greenwich, S38 25 10 The Georgiana being reputed a very fast sailer, and apparently %ell calculated for a criiiser, I mounted 16 guns on her, and gave the command of her to that excellent officer, lieutenant John Downes, with a complement of 42 men ; appointing midshipman W. H. Hadaway acting lieutenant on boara her, and sent her on a cruize. Lieutenant DowneS joined me at Tumbez, near Guya- quil, on the coast of Peru, on the 24th June, after capturing 3 prizes, to wit ; Letten of Marque fMfs, Hector, 270 tons, 25 men, 11 guns. Catharine, 270 29 8 Rose, 220 21 8 *t\k6 1st had two men killed and six badly wounded in her rencontre with the Georgiana ; and the Rose was discharged (after being deprived of her armament) with all the prisoners captured by the Georgjiana, as they amounted to nearly double her crew} she was furnished with a passport to proceed to St. Helena* My own prisoners I liberated on parole at Tumbez. I fonnd by experience that the Georgiana did not deserve the characteir Sven of her sailing. I therefore shipped her officers and crew to e Adantic, and mounted on her 20 guns, with a com pUment of 60 men, and appointed midshipman R. Dashiell acti;>g sailing master on board of her. To this vessel I gave the name of the Essex Junior. I also fitted up the ship Greenwich, as a store-ship^ and mounted on her 20 guns, placing her under the command of lieutenant Gamble, of the marines. On board hei I ^ave put all the provisions and stores of my other prizes, except a supply of three and a half months for each, and have by this means secured my- self a full supply of every necessary article for seven months. I had hoped to aispose of my other prizes at Guyaquil : the govern- ors in Peru, however, rre excessively alarmed at my appearance on the coast, as my fleet amounts now to nine sail of v«»ssels, all. formidable in their appearance, and they would, if th^ (i;jre, treat us with hostility litwie short of declared, enemies. I have given to Mr. John G. Cowell, sailing master, an appmnt- ment to act 3d lieutanant ; midshipman John S. Cowan to act 4tii lieutenant, and midshipman Odenheimer as sailing master.. 1 beg, sir, that the appointment of those officers, as well as of lieutenant ^. D. M'Knignt, who is acting second lieutejaantr and thosi Mrvii^ ^3 ii; 17d ;| ."M .1 mi ii# .1 «n board the Kssex Junior, may be confirmed by the departmeiif. I have given to Mr. M. W. Bostwick, my clerk, the appointment; of acting midshipman ; not that he is desirous of coming forward in the navy in that line, but 1 hoped by this means to introduce him to the notice of the department, as I shall take the liberty to recommend him strongly as a suitable person to hold the appomt- ment of purser. Doctors Richard R. Hoffman, and Al«ixander M. Montgomery, two gentlemen of great merit, vfho volunteered their services witn me at the commencement of hostilities, have received acting appointments from me, the first as surgeon to fill the vacancy oc: iPioned by the death of doctor Miller ; the otner as surgeon'* mate. To the great care and attention of those gentlemeii, may^ in a considerable degree, be attributed the extraordinary health of iJie cre^v; and as they are both desirous of joining the, navy, I hope t 'iir appointments may be confirmed. I hare ulsn appointed vaj marine officer and chaplain to the comi and of prizes. They all enter with cheerfulness into their new duties ; and if the expedition should not prove successful, it will not be, I am persuaded, owing to our want of activity or vigilance ; and of this you must be satisfied, as for the last eight months we have been constantly at sea, with the exception of 23 days, and yet, sir, we have enjoyed extraordinary health and spirits ; no symptom of the scurvy having yet appeared in the shin, nor have we, at this moment, more than two on the sick list ; anil their diseases are more owing to the infirmities of old age than any other cause Indeed, sir, when I compai . my present situation with what it was when I doubled Cape Horn, I cannot but esteem myself fortunate in an extraordinary degree. There my ship was shattered by tempestuous weather, ana destitute of every thing; my oilicers and crew half starved, naked and worn out with fatigue. Now, sir, my sf-iip is in prime order, abandantly supplied with every thing necessary for her. I have a noble ship for a consort of 20 guns, and well manned ; a store-ship of 20 guns well supplied with the best of every thing we may want, and jpiizeii which would be worth in England two millions of dollars ; fand what renders the comparisim more pleasing, the enemy has furnished all. Excust. me, sir, for not making known my present intentions, as this letter may not reach you. It, however, may be satisfactory to you to know how I intend to dispose of my prizes i iet it sufiice to say that I shall endeavor to [cypher.] f British letters of marque are numerous in these seas, and, were it not for my ari-ival, ou^ whaSc fishers would have been muclt harrassed ; lijiit they now find it necessary to keep together for mutual protection. I expect to be [cypher] but shall be [cyphfi.l Subjoined is aliet of deaths since 1 left the United States, and beg you will relieve the anxiety of my family, and all our friends,. by communicating as much of this letter as you may think proper. The times of my best men have expired: but their attachment to the ship, and tueir zeal for the service v/e are engaged on. ?t f' =1 ^' ■ m lid prevent all complaints on that account. It is not nrobable tha* you will hear from inc for several months to come, unless some disaster happens; but, I beg leave to assure you, sir, that I shall not be idle ; and I hope before my return to make the services of the Essex as important as those of any other ship. We may nofe be individually benefitted,, but we shall do the enemy much »rjury, which will be a sufficient compensation to us for all the hardshijjs and privations we must naturally experience, while cut otf from -all communication with the rest of the world, and are dependent on the precarious supplies the enemy may aftbrd. I have the honour to be, with great respect, yours, &c.' D. PORTER. •« Hon. Secretary of the Navy, Washington. ** List of deaths on board the Essex since my departure frm» tJu ifnited States, i^ 1812, Decembers,'* evi Holmes, seaman, palsy .^ ■?} jtA13, January 24, Eaward Sweeny, ordinary seaman, old age. k January 24, Samuel Grace, seaman, contunon of the brain, by a fallfivm the main yiwd. March 1, Lewis Price, marine, consumption. April, 4, James Shafford, gunner's mate, accidental g^n shot — wound p^ the lungs. May 25, Dr. Robert Miller, surgeon, disease of the liver. May 26, Benjamin Geers, qr. gr. inflammation of the stomach. June 29, John Kodgers, qr. gr. tall from the main yard. ; i}- ' public, disgraceful to a civilized nation. If your request could ; " bive been made sooner, I should have felt gratified in making a fuller brave enemy, whilst undressing myself in the steerage, after the Americans M^ere driven bt 'uw or had surrendered, i^ aftelri resistance had ceased, I believe entirely, several -nuskets and pis- tols were at once nointed down the hatchway, und discharged in « the direction of me cock-pit, and as the steerage and cock-|»t were filled with wounded, in all probability some of them wen^ killed outright. It was midshipman Hopewell, and not Livin^ton^ who was so inhumanly treated, as described in the public prints. It has been the <:;ustom in our navy, to take the side-arms of officers, (prison* ers) but to return them on leaving the ship. Oars were taken, >v<»ii, and never restored, together mth ^yhat nautical imtru- ■jSP ^ 181 inente they couM Hj ^nr hands on.. When spoken to br th* American officers on the subject, the answer was, such things^ w«irt^re6 phmder. A day or two after the action, I was convers- ing with lieutenants Biida and Mr. Nichols, near the taffrail, re- «p«cting the engagement, when it was observed some of the Shan« non's men were listening to our conversation. Immediately after, lieutenant Faulkner, the commanding officer, ordered senti- nels to be plaeed at the mizen->;aa8tf And said he to them, if you. tee any of the Cher.apeake's officers abaft the mizen-mast, • cut them down, if yoii see thtm conversing together cut them down without hesitati It will S>e remembered that three officers «> who caused this order, weire all severally wounded. We received -4^ no -caution, and overheard it by accident. So great was the rage it for plunder, that captain Lawrence, before his death, could not ^ obtain a bottle of wine from lus private stores, without a note. ^ from the doctor to the lieutenant commanding. I pass over the ij robbing of the midshipmen on board the Shannon, af it did not {^ come under my immediate notice. If yonr request could have. « been made earlier, I should have felt grat^ed in making a fuller ^«. statement. H Yours respectfully, « WM,A.WEAVEIt 4 The Hon. Lewii Qondit, Washington. ■i> ; I. HEAD QUARTERS, SENECA TOWNS, August 4th, 1813' SIR, In my letter of the 1st instant, I did myself the honour to in^ form you tiiat one of my scouting parties had just returned from tiie lake shore, and had discovered the day before, the enemy in force near ^ mouth of the Sandusky baj. The party ^; had not passed Lower Sandusky two hours before the advanee^j consisting of Indians, appearen before the fort, and in half au.*^' hour niter a Uuge detachme^c of British troops ; and in the course , of die night they commericed a cannonadine against the fort with three six pounders and two howitzers. The latter from gun boats. The firing was partially answered by major Cri^han, having a six jpeunder, the only piece of artillery. The fire of the enemy was continued at intervals durii^ the second instant, until about half after five P. M. when finding ^at their cannon made little iaipresiiiou upon the works, and having discovered my position, and here apprehending an attack, an at- tempt was made to carry the jdace oy storm. Their troops were formed io two ct^unuis, lieutenant colonel Short headed the princi- pal ooe composed of the light battalion companies of the 4l8tregt} ment. This galUnt officer conducted his men to the brink of &e ditch indor ^e inott galling and destructive fire from the garrison^ ,;■« 18» «. ; mnd leaping into it, was followed by a considerble part of his own and the light company ; at this moment a masked port hole wa9 suddenly opened, and a six pounder with an half load of powder^ and a double charge of leaden slugs at the distance of 30 (ec poured destniction upon them, and killed or wounded nearl every man who had entered the ditch. In vain did the Britisi officers exert themselves to lead on the balance of the column ; it retired in disorder under a shower of shot from the fort, and touffht safety in the adjoining woods. The other column, headed by the grenadiers, had also retired, after having suffered from the muskets of our men, to an adjacent ravine. In the course of the night the enemy, with the aid of their Indians, drew off'the greater part of the wounded and dead, and embarking them in boats, de- scended the river with the utmost precipitation. In the course of the 2d instant, having heard the cannonading, I made several attempts to ascertain the force and situation of the enemy. Our scouts were unable to get near the fort from vhe Indians that sur- rounded it. Finding, however, that the eusmv had only lijB;ht artillery, and being well convinced that it could make little im- pression upon the works, and that any attempt to storm it would be resisted with effect, I waited for the arrival of 250 mounted volunteers, which on the evening before had left Upper Sandusky. But as soon as I *vas informed tnat the enemy were retreating, I set out "A'ith the dragoons to endeavour to overtake them, leaving generals M' Arthur and Cass to follow with all the infantry (about 700) ii'.at could be spared from the protection of the stores and tick at this place. 1 found it impossible to come up with them. Upon my arrival at Sandusky, I was informed by the prisoners that the enemy's forces consisted of 490 regular troops and 500 of Dix- on's Indians, commanded by general Proctor in person, and that Tecumseh, with about 2000 warriors, was somewhere in the swamps between this and Fort Meigs, expecting my advance or -that of a convoy of provisions. As there was no prospect of doing any thing in front, and being apprehensive that Tecumseh might deslroy the stores and small detachments in my rear ; I Ment orders to general Cass, who commanded the reserve, to fall back to this place, and to general M' Arthur, with the front line, to follow and support him. I remained at Sandusky until the paHies that were sent out in every direction returned ; not an enemy was to be seen. i am sorry that I cannot transmit you major Croghan's official report. He was to have sent it to me this morning. But I have jdsf heard that he was so much exhausted by thirty-six hours of con- tinued exertion as to be unable to make it. It will not be amongst the least of general Proctor's mortitications to find that he ha;* been baffled by a youth who has just passed his twenty • first yeai*. He is however a hero worthy of his gallant uncle (general William Clark) and 1 blew my good fortune ]« having first introduced this t8S premising shoot of a distinguished family to the notice of thtf-. government. . Captain Hunter of the 17th regiment, the second in command, nducted himself with great propriety, and never were a set of ner young fellows than the suoaltems, vix : lieutenants Johnson nd Bajrlor of the 17th, AnthOnv of the 24th,Meeks of the 7th, and ensiffns Ship and Duncan of the 17th. The following account of the unworthy artifice and conduct of' the enemy will excite your indignation. Major Chambers was sent by general Proctor, accompanied by colonel Elliott, to de- mand the surrender of the fort. They were met by ensign 8hip. The major observed that general Proctor had a number of can- non, ti, large body of regular troops, and so many Indians whom it was impossible to control, and if the fort was taken as it must be, the whole of the garrison would be massacred. Mr. Ship an- swered that it was the determination of major Cro^han, his officers and men, to defend the garrison or be buried in it, and that tliey mieht do their best. Colonel Elliott then addressed Mr. Ship,, and said, ** y«u are a fine young man, I pity your situation, for God's sake surrender and prevent the dreadful slaughter that must follow resistance." Ship turned from him with indignation and was immediately taken hold of by an Indian, who attempted to wrest his sword from him. Elliott pretended to exert himself to release him, and expressed great anxiety to get him safe into ijie fort. In a former letter I informed yov.. mr, that the post of Lower Sandusky could not be defended against heavy cannon, and that J had ordered the pommandant, if he could safely retire upon tlie advance of the enemy, to do so after having destroyed the fort, as there was nothing in it that could justify the risk of defending it, commanded as it is by a hill on the opposite side of the river, within range of cannon, and having on that side old and illy con- structed block houses and dry friable pickets. The enemy ascending the bay and river with a fine breeze, gave major Croghau so little notice of their approach, that he could not execute the order for retreating. Jjuckilv they had no artillery but six pounders and five and a half inch howitzers. General Proctor left Maiden with the determination of storming Fort Meigs. His immense body of troops were divided into three commands, and must have amounted to at least 5000. Dixon 'commanded the Mackanaw and other northern tribes ; Tecumseh those of the Wabash, Illinois and St. Joseph ; and Round Head, a Wyaildot chief, the warriors of his own nation and those of the Ottaways, Chippeways, and Putawattamies of the Michigan terri- tory. Upon seeing the formidable preparations to receive them at FOi't Meiffs, the idea of storming was abandoned, and the plan adopted of decoying the garrtson out, or inducing me to come to its relief with a force inadequate to repel the attack of his immeMe hordeB of savages. Having waitt?d several days for •i':, ■: H .if ":(; i&i 184 ^e latter, and practiiing IneflTectually leveral ttratagems t» ft. oinpliHh the former, pruvisions besan to be scarce and the Indians to be dissatisfieJ. Th 3 attack upon Sandusky was the dernier resort The greater oart of the Indians refused to accom%^ pany him and returned to tiie river Raisin. Tecumseh, with rWf. command, remained in the neighbourhood of fort Meigs senuiut^ parties to all the posts upon Hull's road and those upon the AugUize to search for cattle. Five hundred of the northern Indians under Dixon attended Proctor. I have sent a party to the lake to at- certain the direction that the enemy have taken. The scouts which have returned saw no signs of Indians later than those made in the night of the 2d instant, and a party has iust arrived from Fort Meigs who make the same report I thinli it probable that they have all gone ofT. If so, this mighty armament, from which BO much was expected by the enemy, will return covered with disgrace and mortification. As captain Ferr^ was neoriy ready to sail from Erie when I last heard from him, I hope that the period will soon arrive when we shall transfer the lahouring oar to the enemy, and oblige him to encounter some of the labours and difficulties which we have undergone in waging a defensive war- fare, and protecting our extensive frontier against a superior force. I have the honour to enclose you a copy of the first note received from major Croghan. It was written before day, and it has since been ascertained that of the enemy there remained in the ditch one lieutenant colonel (by brevet), one lieutenant and twenty -five privates, fourteen of them badly wounoed. Every care has been taken of the latter and i\u' offiters buried with the honours due to their rank and their !- Jt., <. ;^ ..II ■J, SM > While theM<^i«iions tare pendins^, a bold' feint «r proTiMonal attack on Montreal, by miyor ^neral Hamptpn, will certainly call or George Provost to that place^ and it is presumable, that seeing our movements directed towards>Erie, he may carry his best troopa tvith him from Kingston* .These sjgKestions spriiw from my desire to hazard as little as possible in uie outset, ancT to secure infallibly whatevM- may be attempted, with the intention to increase our own confidence, to diminish that of the enemy, and to popularise the war. After our operations on ihe peninsula have been^ closed, we mi^ raze the works there under your provisions, leave pur settle- ments on the strait in tranquillity, and like lightning'must direct our whole lorco against Kingston ) and having reducra tiiat place, and captured the shipmng, we may descend the stream, and form ' a junction with the column of general Hampton in the neif[^bour> hood of Montreal, should the lateness of th» season permit, by which all our movements* after the conquest ivaiii secretary, which is necessary, and of right belongs to the command on which I am about to en- ter? isd. I require permission to take for my aids-de-camp such Oncers as are best fitted to diicharge the important duties of the sta^. • 4th. I ask authority (oi is it understood that f possess it P) to sup* ply every defect of the munitions of war, and transport'by land w^ water bv means ot the authorized agents. 9t)i. I entreat that aimjple funds may be deposited in propw limds, to give efect to the department of intellinnce, without ^JMch^ the chief will find himself hood-winked. 6th. I trust no order, of whatever nature, will be'pasaed to any officer under my command, but through my hands. This is not 1 '# * •Illy necMMrjr to the retul;^r conduct of the public semce,' but it is vitally essential Jto the preservation of sound subordination, uid is conformable to the rules of service in all armies, in as much ms he who is responsiUe for all, ^ould have the controul of alL » - 7th. I hope I may be expressly author»ed to detach irom my comlnand, all persona who may manifest a temper gir diapoMtio'n to excite discontents, to generate factions, or embitter the service^ This is indispensable to put down seditious spirits, and to har- monize the corps. * 8th Should we move acainst Kingston in the fii^ instance, the wi^drawal of our force m»m Fort Geoi|;e will enable tlie enemy to ^-occupy that point, and for a brief period toharrass our fron** tier on that strait. May not the militia, or a body of volnnteera; be called forth to relieve the r^lar troops at that places and prevent discontents and complaints F ^ 9th. For the maintenances the necessary authOTit|roithe«lmf, it is hoped the secretary of war will decUno and forbid all' corres- pondence with his subordinate officers, except in' eases of personal grievance. . u ;. . 10th. I b^ to be advised of the meana of oommunica^eil, be- tween our military positions, ^and particularly from Saekett's Harbor to Burlington, which dll6uld be rmid ami infallible.f 11th. I ask autiioritfjr to equip the whole of our horse artillerf, and to moont tiie whole of our drasoons, because these arms will be found alMmportantin every combat which may ensue. A serious impression of the dread responsibility which awaits me, and a correct settse of the public expectation ^which accompa- nies me, must Je my apol<^ for giving you so much trouble. With great respect, £c, your obedient servant, JAMES WILKINSON. Honoumbie John Armitrong^, Secretaiy of War. SIR* W^m DEPARTMENT, August 8th, ISlS. I have ^ven to your observations of the 6th instant all the consideration they so justly merit. The main objection to any plan, which 6hall carry our operations wide of Kingston and westward of it, is, that in the event of ItH success, it leaves the strength of the enemy Unbroken ; it but wounds the tail of the lion, and of coorse, is not ciitieuUfed Hi hasten the termination of the wa^, either by encVeasing o^ 0m vigour, or l>y diminishing that of the eneitty» Kington' is'^'die great depot of his resources, and so loiig as he retains tiitis iijid keeps open hiH communication with the sea, her will not want i^ie means of multiplying his naval and other def'yottgain. On thisplan the navy would ptirfbrm iti piirt tiy occupying the mouth otthe river, and pi^venting a pursuit by watftrj' by clearing the river of the Armed boats of me enemy ; by holding "with its own, tiie passq^e at Hamiltdn, and by iiving su[»ort to that position. If the enemy pursues, it muit le bt lana, witiMut subsistence, (excepting what tie carries on %is bacley and without artillery. If he remains stationary, hni ntuation must soon become even more serious, as the countty in which he is cattmit long subsist him. It will then but remain fitr him to fijSht his way to Qaebec, to ]>erish in the attempt, or to lay down his arms. After thiai exposition, it is unnecessary to add, that in conducting the present campaign, you will make Kingstmi jQiir pHmdrU oljeety and that you will choose (as circumstances may warrant) between a (direct and indirect attack upon that post I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN ARxMSTRONG. Maj. Gen. Wilkinson, corttnd'g district No. 9. ^ ^ ** sm. WAR DEPARTMENT, August 901* t813« iirf In answer to that part of your letter of the 6th instant, wliichi cuXh fer information, ikic» on certain enumerated |Knnte» I hava the hommr to atate i > 1st l^iat general HMspton^s instinctionsfo only tiNasseni^le and organise hisilivisiaii at Burlington. It is intaniini that he shdl operate cotemporarily with yout and under your orders. in prmocntion <^ the fdan (^campaign which hat been given to .M". ▼ou. »g iid. The ffilioyp^ geawi^ qmunwiiduig the principal amy in* entitled to the teirices of « private Becretar J. 34* The ordnuice aS^*^!^i' ? tp^be cpmmranicated br Kim to the eeneral coininuuiding the district in which such suopidi- nate officer may sf^p., ., v - 6th. No niedfic penmssioQ is oece^sarjplDi^ removing factious disc^^ly^ m^. AU such will projj^ly become rabjectf of |tie eonldcio^ repprta to be inade by anspeQtors. ITo, detail such men iWiin^ one district. to anetiier, iapnly shifting the,eyUf iihe bettfir way is to rep<^ them for dinmimon, 7th. If the corps M fort Geoige be recalled, the .works fhould be razed or occuined by a fo|:ce competent to hold it af[^nat,aii assauft. There is a coipa of militia and volunteers (to wh^m ,mfb Six Nition Indiana nave associated themselves) at Black ' jptock, ^ch may be k^pt in ^rvice, They are commanded by aeuer^Porter and Mr. Parnah.^ tft^u 8th. The secretary of war will decline and forbid aU improper coQiinttiiicfitionar and particulai-ly such as may bear any colour of iiwybttrdination. 9di« Beaideathe ordinary nM>'le.ot communication by. mail, ex- presses niay be employed in extraordinary cases, loth. The dragpona and li§^t artillery corps shall be made effi< dent.. Horses may bebou^^t for both. An officer from each corpe abould be directed to auperintend the purchases.' ^rice (average) not to exceed ISO dollars. „ I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN ARM&TROKG. Hiy • €ien^ Wilkinfon, comdf . the N, Aimy. .^^. ...^ ^ '■it '■ii'?t' ■..r .M • to SIR, SACKETTS HABBOB, August 2l8t, 1813. I arrived here yesterday: my machinerj^ is in motion, and I have strong hmea of giving the*cliange to sir George which will lead directly to the olqect of first importance. ii:, Cemmodove Cbauncey is in port here, and his antagonist, sir Jamea ¥eo, at KiagitoQ. bi the late interviewa between thes« navd commanders, the first has zealously soufj^t a combat, which the ktftar baa cautioiisly avoided) the a^qpenority r ranee for it, and place much confidence in his word ; it is obvimM^ ly shr Jmms's plan to decline a conflict ; :biit on what grmnd I Qannot determine. --■■■i '^: , i , ! f l| ! ii'-3 !li. lyiiiii i M. m .ndt'wrar^Ss^^ dIshiUlaful , . . afters) tmepfleayoriiig to drftFllirQMi)^^ •wer report, «ia Heaven fiiToar «)e» I WU*^^ P^ Fh pVfMMUon.-or ^iBt JMT^ri IQTI H T^ i9|li«Hi||i;i]Mf<#»**Jf»T»i^ hean^lroiip lpc^lft,ffr|,G^m,|^ metuHi, wAue inadenti bejrona tat c<»A!farQa|^, veoe.to pricri^iMifflWte #|^^^oveme «n4 %>> |jr»of ML* thedHcttof tili»f ». «$ oeptajble ui Me to see jm aft Nutgara, from wheiiv»noiil,4oiqfcthotoi< i^utdMi4l^tl» qftliejM^nioiith; the beat»pQaii||lftjKqi»flitiffiii'^ of t|ki|limttiir, anil%,^e sefiirit/ of tUYaiiii«MHP^{^wa])IA«0«IP% leave Ifeere^ najcemdar, joor aflliQe «nd wlAoriij iniUqifiimtlj wc&uwcy to av«rt dantors and prevent anj obttnicdon to ipj ^pnui!^ m>v«nietti( . '*..<.-;.'..'- ..-. * . I ani, flir« joiir oUdieiit servaiit, &c. . < JAS]^ WILI^INSO!^. Jiatt;ioha AnnrtMMilv teeretnjrafWar. ^ i .1 4« <^.Jtf|Beaiiii^iiMNlj|«iiiiM!eeN^ • ptno0mimtl$$tmm mmtiitmf^^ ow tfaOreforo» Ihe dtciaion I leM^itaM^«MaiN'€»nteat to apia^oai ibe r aw paign, «id gnib tinnOiA^r reildoA:enientg, and the organization oCniUtU; % A 1919 kttt ifhe will not CMle DEAR GENERAL, I arrived here yesterday. Nothing new, excepting that Prevost has returned to Kingston* General Hampton Will go through tiie campaign cordially and vigorouslv, but will resign at the end of it* He will be ready to move by tne flOth* with an eff fective regular force of 4000, and a militia dr^t^chment of 1500* On the supposition that siclQeorge had decide^' y taken hia part^ and had chosen the penintala aa his camp de ba^taile, I had or- dered Hampton to move immediately against the Isle Aux Noix* Two thousand miKtia will be promptly aaaembled at Champion* twenty -four miles from this place, aira on the route to the St(i Lawrence* The place was selected, as oiTerins two^ objects, and of course leaving nis knightship to ctte«s. To have pushed them directly to Ogdensbarg^ would not kave had that advantue* A larger draft would have been difficult* Another view of the sub- ject is, tiliat thb part of the plan cannot be oonfided to militift exclusively i they must be propped by a recular corpe, otherwiM^ the back dfoor may not be sufficiently .cloaed Mid barred. The baiUle on {he lake ! Shall we have one? If Yeo fif^ta UmI is beaten, all will be well* If h* does not fight* the resuli may also be favourable. Tours cordlallyi JOHN A|lilSl1kQK4i(. (^neral Wilkiiiaoit ^4: tw ^" fttAD 4I7ABTII8, CVPm MAMNTlKr, JPCAR SIR, Your excellencj't of th« 4th instant, wu delirered to me ietterdaj morning, bj colonel Bruih. The exertions whidi you sve made, and fae promptitude with which your orders have bean obejed, to assemble the militia to repel the late invasion of the enemj, is truly astcmishiac, and relects the highest honour on the state. Believing, that in a formal interview, I could best explain te jott the intentions of the ^vemment and mj own views, I deter- mined to come on to tiiis place to see you. I have now the ho- ■our to repeat to yon in tiiis way, the result of my determination «pon the emplojrment of die militia, and most of the facts upoo which my determination is founded. It has been the intention of Gverament to form the army destined for operation, upon the ie Erie, exclusively of regular troops, if they could be raised ; the number was limited to 7000. The deficiency of the regj^olart was to be made up from the nulitia. From all the information I at jnresent possess, I am convinced that there will be a great de- ficiency in the contemplated number of troops, after the militia now in service, and whose term <^ service wul not expire imme- diately, have been added to tiie rM^lars. I have therefore called on the covemor of Kentucky, lor 2000 effectives: with these, there wifl still be a defect of perhaps ISOO troops. Your excel- lency has stated, the men who have turned out on this occasion, liave done it with the expectation that they would be efEectuall/ employed, and that, riiould diey be sent home, there is no |u-os- pect of getting tfaero to turn out, should it be hereafter required* To empfoy them all, is inqMMsible. With mjr utmost exertions, tiie embarkation cannot be eiectMl in a lesa time than 15 or IS 4m Should I even determine to substitute them for the reffular troops, which are expected, to keep so large a force in the field* even for a short period, would consume the means which are pro- ^ri^d for the support of the campaign, and which are only calcu- lated for the number of men above stsled. I would recommend, under these circumstances, to vour excel- lency, a middle course, yiit to dismiss all the militia out two re- nments of 10 companies, of 100 men each, and an usual propw- tion rf field and-jflatoon non-commissioned officers and musicians. That thia oorpa m encamped at or near this plsce, until it b as- ^ «ertBined> whetiiw their service will be wanted. A shturt time Hill determiiie this qoeatloit. Permit me to reqvest vour excellency to give your countenance end support to theixertiona w4uch generd M* Arthur will make to fill up tka fi0di regiment of 12 month's trooM. It appeart that the venerable governor le, I need fioiteU ^« htw ij^lj gratUjring it would be to, dear lir, your friend, WILUAM H. HARRISON. Te hia tsceUcncy Gov. llcigi. yj SIR. ON BOARD THE SfflP GENERAL PIKE, AT 8ACKETT 8 HARBOR, AagMt lltb, IIIO. 34. I arrived here this ditj with thii thipt the Madison, Oneida* Governor Tompkins^ Conquest, Ontario, Pert, and Ladj of the Laker The Fair American and Asp, I left at Niagara. Since I had the honour of addressing jou last, I have been much distressed and mortified : distressed at a loss of a (Mtrt of the force entrusted to mj command, and mortified at not beiny^Mble to bring the ene- mj to action. The following movements and transactions of th« a^uadron, since the 6th instant, will give you the best ideas of the difllculttes and mortifications that I have had to encounter. ' On the rth, at dav^Ught, the enemy's fieet, consisting of tw* •hips, two brits, and two large schooners, were discovered bear- ins; west nor^-west distant about five or six miles, wind at west. Ac 5, weighed with the fleet and manouvred to gain the wind. At 9, having passed to the leeward of the enemy's line, and •breast of his van sh^p, (the Wolfe) hoisted our colours and fired a few guns to ascertain whether we oonld reach him with our shot{ findicg they fell short, I wore and Hauled upon a wind on thtf itarboard tack ; the rear of our schooners then about six milea astern. The enemy wore in succession and hauled upon a wind on the same tack, but soon finding that we should be aUe to wea- ther him upon the next tack, he tacked and made all sail to th» northward. As soon as our rear vessels could fetch his wake» tacked and made all sul in chase. In the afternoon the wind be- came very li|^t, and towards night quite calm. The schomiera used their sweeps all the afternoon, in order to close with th« taemv, but withatst suciiess. Late in the afternoon I made the dgnal of recal, and formed in close order | wind dvaiiut the nif^t from tlie westwurd, and after midnijght squally ; kept aU bands at auarters, and beat to the windwardT in hopes to gain the wind oft le enemy. At 2 A. M. missed two of our schooner»— at day- l^t discovered the missins; schooners to be the Hamilton and Scourge. Soon^after, spoke the Governor Tompkins, who informed me tiiat the Hamilton and Scourge both overset and sunk in • heavy squall about S o'clock ; and, distressing to relate, every soul pendied, except 16. This fatal accident deprived me at once of the services of two valuable officers, lieutenant Winter and sailing master Oi^;ood, and two of my best schooners, mount- ing together 19 guns. This accident dvins decidedly to the Memy the superiority, I thenght he wtud m» adviRt4|e ef ity tu IH r ,'■' ii I ^ficnlarlj M bj a eliMigt of wind, h« wm tmin brMtht detd lowindwftrd of me ; formed the line upon the Tarboerd tack and hove to. Soon after 6 A. M. the enemj bore up and letttudding •ails, apparentlT with an intention to fairing ut to action. Whea he had approacned ue within aboilt four milet, he broi«ht to on Ktarboaru tack. I wore and brought to on Mme tack. N^indinc the enemy had no intention of bringing us to action. I edged awaj to gain the land, in order to have the advantagv '^f the land breeze in the afternoon. It soon after fell calm, and ' directed the schooners to sweep up and engage the enemv. About noon we got a light breeze from the eastward. I took the Oneida in tow, as she tails badly, and stood for Uie enemy. ^Vhen the van of our schooners was within about one and a half or two milea of his rear, the wind shifted to the westward, which again brought him to windward ; a% soon as the breeze struck him, he bore up lor the schooners, in order to cut them off before they could reioin me; but with their sweeps, and tiie breeze soon reaching tnem also, they were soon in their station. The enemy finding himself foiled in his attempt upon the schooners, hauled bis wind and hove to. It soon after became very squally, and the appearance of its continuing so during the night ; and as we had been at quartern lor nearly 40 hours, and being apprehensive of separatins from some of the heavy sailing schooners in the squall, induced me to run in towards Niagara, and anchor outside the bar. General Boyd very handsomely offered any aMistance in men that I might .require. I received 150 soldiers and distributed them indifferent vessels, to assist in boarding, or repelling boarders, as circum- stances might require. It blew very heavy in squalls during tha night. Soon after day -light discovered the enemy's fleet bearing north; weighed and stoml after him. The winds soon became light and variable, and before 12 o'clock, cjuite calm. At 5, fresh Inezes from north, the enemy's fleet beanng north, distant i^ut 4 or 5 leagttos. Wore the fleet in succession, and hauled upon a wind on me larboard tack. At sun-down the enemy bore N. W. ■ by N« on the starboard tack. The wind hauling to tne westward, I atood to the northward all night, in order to ^n the north shore. At day-light, tacked to ^e westward, the wind having changed tonortK north-west Soon after, discovered the enomy's fleet bearing south-west ; I took the Asp and the Madison, the Fair American in tow, and made all sail m chase. It was at this time we thought of realizing what we had been so long toiling for, but \ before fS o'clock, the wind changed to west soutii-west, which brought the enemy to windward^tacked to the northward. At 3, th^ ^nd inclining to the northward, wore to the eouthward and westward, and made the signal for the fleet to make all sail. At 4, the enemy bore south south-west, bore up and steered for him. At 5, observed the enemy becalmed under the land, nearing him Very fast, with a flne breeze from north nor^-west At 6, formed tt« order of battle, within about four milei of tiia enemy; the t)M '10 nvind at this time terj light. At 7. the wind changed t» south- .weit, and a fifwh breexe, which again placed the enemy to wind« ward of me ; tacked and hauled upon a 'wind on the larboard tack, under easy laiU the enemy standing aftvk- uh. At 9, when withi'i about two gun shot of our rear, he wore to the southward — I »t(K>d on to the northward undel* easy sail— the fleet formed in two lines, a part of the schooners forming the weather line, with orders to commence the fire upon the enemy as soon as their shot would take effect, and as Uie enemy reacned tl\|m, to edjg;e down upon tlie line to wiiidward and pass through the intervals and form to leeward. At about half past 10, the enemy tacked and stood after uv. At 11, tiie rear of our line opened his fire upon the enemy } in about 15 minutes, the fire became general from the weather line, which was returned from the enemy. At half past 11, the weather line bore up and passed to the leeward, ex- cept the Growler and Julia, which soon after tacked to the south- ward, which brought the enemy between them and me. Filled the main-top-sail and edsed awiiy two points to lead the enemy down, not only toengace nim to more advantage, but to lend him from the Growler and Julia. He, however, kept his wind, until he completely separated ^ose two vessels from the rest of the squad- ron, exchanged a few shot with his ship as he passed, without in- jury to us, and made sail after our S scnouners. Tacked and stood after him. At 18 (midnieht) finding that I must either separate from the rest of the squadron, or relinquish the hope of saving the two which had separated, I reluctantlv gave up the pursuit, rejoined the squadron, then to the leeward, and formed tne line on the starboard tack. The firing was continued between our 2 ichooneni, and the enemv's fleet until about 1 A. M. when, I presume, they were obliged to surrender to a force so much their superior ; saw no more m the enemy that night : soon after day- li^it discovered them close in with the nom shore, with one of our schooners in tow, the other not to be seen. I presume she may have been sunk. The enemy showed no disposition to come down upon ui, although to windward, and blowing heavy from W. The scnooners laboring very much, I ordered 2 of the dullest to run ipto Niaffara and anchor. The gale increasing very much, and as I could not go into Niagara with this ship, I determined to run to Genesee bay, as a shelter for the small vessels, and with the expectation of being able to obtain provisions for the squadron, as we were all nearly out, the Madison and Oneida, having not a sin- gle day's on board when we arrived opposite Genesee bay. I ound there was every prospect of the ^le*8 continuing and if it did, I could run to this place and provision the whole squadron with more certainty, and neariy in the same time that I could at Genesee, admitting tiiat I could obtain provisions at that place. After bringing the breezes as for as (Iswego, tiie wind became j^ght, inclining to a calm, which prolonged our passage to thta "d^ I shall provision the squadron for 5 weeks, and' proceed iip m :''!11 ■■■*{»5 ,:':l^ ikt lake this eyeuag, tad when I return ag^inlhope to be ablet* communicate more agreeable news than this communication con- tains. The loss of the Growler and Julia, in the manner in which they have been lost, is mortifying in the extreme; and although theur commanders disobeyed m J positive orders, I am willing to believe that it arose from an error of judgment, and excess of zeal to do more than was required of them, minking probabl j that theenemj intended to bring us to a general action, they thought by gaining the wind'of him they n^ould have it more in their power to annoy and injure him than they could b^ formine to leeward of our line. From what I have been able to discover of the movements of the enemy, he has no intention of engaging us, except he can get de- cidedly the advantage of wind ana weather, and as his vessels in squadron sail better than our squadron, he can always avoid an action— -unless I can gain the wind, and have sufficient day- light to bring him to action before dark. His object is, evident-; ly, to harrass us by night attacks, by which means he thinks te cut off our small dull sailine schooners in detail. Fortune has evidently favored him thus far. 1 hope that it will be my turn next, and although inferior in point of force, I feel very confident of success. I have the honour to be, sir, &c. ISAAC CHAUNCET. Hod. Wm. Jonei, Secretaiy of the Navy. SIR. UNITED STATES, FLOTILLA, NEW CAStLE, August 17th, 1818. I have just received a letter from sdOing-master Shead, res- pectins the capture of the gun-boat No. 1 21 (a cod^ of which I nave uie honor of inclosing to you.^ I see from this the enemy had 7 killed and 12 wounded, 4 since dead. 1 am convinced they have deceived him, both as to the number of killed and woun* dedf, as well as the number of men in the boats, which at th* Smallest calculation could not have been less than 250. I have the honour to remain, &c. SAMUEL ANGUS. Hon. Wm. Jonei^ Secretaiy of the Navy. (lH0LOSURB>)' ON BOABD H. M. SLOOP MABTIN, Off Rhode bbnd, August 6th, 1813. SIH, It is with the deepest regret that I announce to you the cap- ture of the United States gun-boat No. 121, under my commanda lij the boats of the Junon frigate and Martin tloop of war, 8 hi ■f '"I ?! 199 winiber, S of vAtich mounted 12 pound carronadegf and carr^ring in all 150 men. At 10 minutes before meridian on the 27th of July, I received orders from jou to form a line a head and to fire on the enemas but finding myself drove away from the squadron by the wind ayine away and a strong ebb tide, I remained sweep- ing and firing the 32 pounder. At the same time finding my iJiot did not reach, I placed all hands to the sweeps to endeavour to gain the squadron. At 20 minutes before 1 P. M^ I com- menced firing on the enemy's boats and sweeping at the same time ; but finding I could sain nothing, I anchored to receive them at American tars have been accustomed to. The enemy then get- ting within grape reach, I commenced it, but unfortunately the inntle of the lai^e gun ^ve way the Ist round ; I aeain charged and got her to bear, which disdnar^ did considerame dami^e, but tearing my gun carriage all to pieces. I loaded with the hope of getting her to bear again, but found it utterly impossible ; the enemy now close on board, discharging voUies of shot from tiieir carronades and musketry, I called the boarders and smalt arms men away to repel the enemy ; they now surrounding ua, poured in a heavy fire which we returned with as much prompt* ness as our feeble numbers would admit ; several of my mea having now fell, our ensign halyards shot away, and seeing the supenoritv or the enemy's force in the act of boarding us in every auarter, they began to fire briskly, and I found it necessary for le preservation of those few valuable lives left, to surrender to seven times our number : the enemy boarding, loaded our decks with men ; we were all driven below, and it was with the utmost difficulty that the officers could stay the revenee of the seamen, vAio seemed to thirst for blood and plunder, the utst of which they had, by robbing us of evcrv thing : we had none killed, but seven wounded, five slightly. The enemy's loss by us, was seven killed and twelve wouMod, four of whom have since died. They have conquered me, but they have paid dearly for it, and I trust, sir» when you come to view the disadvantages that I laboured under, having been but seven days on boai'd my boat, and scarcely time to station my men, and the misfortune of entirely disabling my gun, and the superiority of numbers to oppose me ; you will be convinced that the flag I had the honour to weu-, has not lost any pf that national character which has ever been attached to it. I have the honour to be, &c« WILLIAM SHEAD, SaUing Master] lieut. Samuel Angui^ eemmandinif U. S. Flotilla, Delaware. SIR, HEAD QUARTERS, FORT GEORGE, August irth, 181 J. In the last letter which I had the honour to address to you, I had to commiMGttte tbe information that commodore Chauncey j 1 '' ^ III i 1. 1 if 1- . i ■ , . il 'U mo \ ■ • ' liad left this part ef the lake ; Yesterday am express arrived front the 18 Mile Creek, stating that he was then ofT that place, in pur- suit of the British fleet, which was likewise to be seen. A body of volunteers, militia and Indians, under the command of brigadier general Porter, of the New York militia, having ar- rived at this place, and very impatient to engage the enemy, a plan was, this morning, concerted to cut off one of his pickets. About 300 volunteers and Indians under the command of muor Chapin, was to effect this object, supported by 200 regulars under tiie command of major Cummings, or the I6tn infantry. A heavy rain, and other untoward circumstances, defeated the primary object, hut in n skirmish that ensued, in which the enemy were completely routed, our Indians captured 12 of the British Indians, and four whites* Many of the enemy's dead were left on the field, among whom is supposed to be the^ famous chief, Norton. Our loss was only two Indians, and a few slightly wounded. Those who participated in this contest, particularly the Indians, conduct- ed with great bravery and activity. General Porter volunteered in the afluir, and maior Chapin evinced his accustomed zeal and courage. The regulars under maior Cummings, as far as they were engaged, conducted well. The principal chiefs who led the warriors mis day, were. Farmer's Brother, Red Jacket, Little Billy, Pollard, Black Snake, Johnson, Silver Hecfls, Captain Half- town, Maior Henry O* Ball, (Cornplant^r's son) and captain Cold, chief of Onondago, who was wounded. In a council which was held with them yesterday, they covenanted not to scalp or mur- der ; and I am ha[^y to say, tJiat tliey treated the prisoners with humanity, and committed no wanton cruelties upon the dead. The Canadian volunteers, under major Wilcox, were active and brave as usual. I have the honour to be, fcc. JOHN P. BOYD, Bris* Qen, Comndg, Hon. John Amutrong. H*mm SIR, HEAD QUARTERS. FORT GEORGE, Augwi iSth, 1813. Yesterday I had the honour to address you a letter, dietuling the conduct of the Indians in a late skirmlidi. Their bravery and humanity were equally conspicuous. Alrniy the ouietness in Vrhich our pickets are suffered to remain, eyinces the oenefitarik- ing from their assistance. Permit me to suggest the propriety of immediately depositing presents for them lii tiie hands of Mr. Granger, of whose exertions^ and those of Mr. Parrish, I must ex- press my approbation* I have {Ke honoin* to be, &c. JOHN P, BOYD, Brig. Gm, Hon. John Annitrong* . 'rt , 1813. Btyof f Mr. Btex" Oenr Ml ojjfcer at CKarUsimit S, C. dated JugustZlst, 1813. ** I have the honour to inform you that the privateer schooner Decatur, of this pcnrt, arrived here yesterday, witii hit Britannic n^esty's. schooner Dominico, her prize. She waa cafttured on tne 5th instant, after a most gallant and desperate action of one hour, and carried by boarding, having all her oAcei* killed or wounded. 9he was one of the best equipped and man- ned vessels of her class I have ever seen. The Decatur mounti seven guns, and had a complement of 103 men at the commencd^ ment vem
company, both of whom had been badly wounded. Previously to their i>etreat, they threw into the flames many of the guns of tile dead men. Few of them succeeded in escapim;. Both tike officers are missing, and supposed to be dead. Nine of the vo- lunteers and tiiree of the volunteer militia have reached this* several of them wounded. A few citizens who fought in the iiiockiMe, but not enrolled in any company, also escaped, one of them leaving a wife and six children, who were probably burnt to death. Major Bessley M\ gallantiy fif^ting at the head of his command near tite eate, at the commencement of the action* Captaiii Jack wap klUed about the close of the scene, having pre- VTonsly received tWo woiinds. Captain Middleton also mstin- ffuished himself, havimr received four or five wounds before he fell; He vnk active i^(ated my wish by vUtinteering to brine the schooner which had been kept astom by the lightness of the wind, into close action. It was with unspeakable pain that I saw, soon after 1 got onboard the Niagara, the flag of the Lawrence come down, although I was perfectly sensible that she had been defended to the last, and that to liave continued to make a show of resistance would have been a wanton saciifice of tiie remains of her brave crew. But the en- emy was not able to take possession of her, and circumstances soon permitted her flag agam to be hoisted. At 45 minutes past f , the signal was made for *' close action.'* The Niagara being very little injured, I determined to pass through tl^e enemy's line, bore up and passed ahead of their two ships and a brig, vvii^ a raking fire to them from the starboai^ guns, and to a lane schoo- ner and sloop, from t^ie larboard side, at half pistol shot distance. The smaller vessels at this time having got within grape and can- ister distance, under the direction of captain Elliot, and keeping up a well directed fire, the two ships, a Inig, and a fdiooner sur- rendered, a schooner and sloop making a vain attempt to escape. Those officers and n^en who were immediately under my ob- servation, evinced the sreatest gallantry, and I have no doubt ^t all others conducted themselves as became American officers and seamen. Lieutenant Yamall, first of the Lawrence, altiiougjh several timte wounded, refused to quit the deck. Midshipman Forrest (doing duly as lieutenant) and sailing master Taylor, were of great assistance to me. I have great pain in statiltt; to you, the death of lieutenant Brook of the marine, and midshin- man Laub, both of the Lawrence, and midshipmaii Jolm Clarae of tiie Scorpion : they were valuable and promising (Mleert. Mr* Hambleton, purser, who volunteered his serviees on deek, was ^ severely wounded late in the action. Midbhipm^ Claxton and Swartout^ of the LawrenibcJ, were severely wonndid. (Ml b(i«rd the Niagara, lieutenanta St^iffi and Edwards, and midl^pman Webster (doing doty as sailing master) behaved in a very hand- some manner. Captain Brevoort of the army, ivho acted as a Xolanteer in the capaci^ of a marine offices*, on boai^ that vessel, to Iwai Ifuid id- \k •» txc^Umt nad br«f • «iic«r, and with hb vniiltetry. did irMt •xc^atioii. • I^ieut^entnt Twnier, commanding the Caledonio* brought that vetael into action in the most able manner,.and is as officer that in all situations, may be relied on. The Ariel, lieute- nant Parker, and Scor[^on, sailing master Champlin, were enabled to get early into action', and were of great service. Captain El- liot speaks in the lughest terms of Mr. Ma^th, purser, who had been despatched in a boat on service, previous to mjr getting on board the Niagara ; and, being a seaman, since the action has ren- dered esaentnu service in taking charge of one of the prizes. Of captain BUiot, already so well known to the government, it would be almost superfluous to speak ; in thb actfon, he evinced his cha- racteristic bravery and judgment i and, rince the close of the action, has (^ven me 4he moat able and essential assistance. I have the honour to enclose you a return of the killed and l|rounded, toeetiier with a atatement of the relative force of the squadrons. jThe captain and first lieutenant of tiie Queen Char- lotte, and first lieutenant of the Detroit, were killed. Captain Barclay, senior officer, and the commander of the Lady Prevost. severely wounded. Tlieir loss in killed and wounded, 1 have not yet been able to ascertain ; it must, however, have been very great* Yery respectfully, &c. a H. PERRr. Hon. Wn, Jone% Beoretaiy of the Nnvy. SMtemxiA of tikBfaret of ihe BriHah aquadron. Ship Detroit, 19 guns-^1 on pivot and 2 howitzers. Queen Charlotte, . . - - 17 guns, 1 ' do. Schooner Lady Prevost, " - IS dok 1 do. Brig Hutter, - - - 10 do. - Sloop Little Belt, « ,. . S do. • - Schooiler CUppeway, - k * ^ do. and S swiveli. 63 guns. Note— The Detroit is a new alup, very stron|^y I'lil^ and mounts long twentf-fours, eif^iteens, and twelves. SMtmmii qf Uuforu of «fte United 8tat€»^ aquadroiu Brig Lawrrace, « • SO guns* Niagara, - • • 90 do. Caledoua, Schooner ^jriel, ScorpuMH Somero, • • Sloop trippe, -I SchoioiMr Tygress, •■ « f ercupine. S 4 8 S 1 1 1 do. do. (1 burst early in action) do. do. and Sawivela do. do. do. t 54 gang* pl W'' ■ p'' \2 ■: ■•' ■ ^. -iK-'-'v ; 'Hi "i-j ^.. -. li, ■ ^ . . ■><: Vhe eiact namber vf the enemj'i forte, Hm not been tscer- ieined, but I have good reaioii to believe that it exceeded oure, by oearlj 100 men. ' Lift of kiUed and wownded m hoard the United Statee* squadron, under command of 0, H» Perry, eeq, in the action of the lOth of ekptember, 1813. [Two davt previous to the action, 57 men unfit for duty in the- amall ve88els.j Ob beard the Lawrence,— Killed S2,— Wounded 61— Total 83 Niagara, Caledonia, Somers, Ariel, Trippe, jikorpion. £ 1 s £7 £5 S £ S £ 96 V 8 ft 4 ft ft 123 8. HAMBLETON, Purur. O. H. Pbbrt, Captain and Senior qffieer. SIR, UMTTED STATES' SHIP GENERAL PIKE, Off Duck lalmnd, September ISt^ 1813. On the rth, at da^-Iig^t, the enemy's fleet was discovered olose in with Nia^a river, wind from the southward ^— made the sisnal, weighed with the fleet (prepared for action^ and stood out ofthe river after him ; he immediately made all sail to the north- wahl* We made sail in chase, with our heavy schooners in tow, and have continued the chase all around the lake, nij^t and day, until yesterday mominff, when he succeeded in getting into Am- herst Imt, wluch is so little known to our pilots, ana said to be full of shoals, that they are not willing to take me in there. I ehall, however, (unless driven from my station by a g;ale of wind) endeavour to watch him so close, as to prevent his getting out upon the lake. buring our long chase we frequently got within from one to two miles of the enemy, but our heavy sauing schooners prevented our closing vrith him, until the 1 1th, 08" Genesee river ; we carried , a breeze with us while he lay becalmed, to within about three fourths of a mile of him, when he took the breeze, and we had a running fight of three and a half hours, but by his superior sailing, he escaped me and run into Amherst bay yesterday morning, ui the course of our chase, on the 11th, I cot several broadsides from ii^g ship upon the enemy, which must have done him considerable jiijury, fts many of the shot were seen to strike him, and people were obMrrcd wtr the •id«, plugging shot holes. A fbw iihet ttnick our hull, and a little rigging wm cu^ but nothing of importanoo-* not a man was hurt. I was much disappointed that sir James refused to fight me, as he was so much superior in point of force, both in guns and men, having upwards of sO guns more than we have, and heaves a greater weiriit of shot. This ship, the Madison, and the Sylph, ave each of them a schooner constantly in tow, yet the othera cannot sail as fast as the enemy's squadron, which gives him de- cidedly the advantage, and puts it in nis power to engage me when and how he chooses. I have the honour to be, &c, ISAAC CHAUNCEY, Hon. Wm. Jonei, Secreteiy of the Navy. SIR, CANANOAIGUA, 8epteiiibei{14th, 1813. A large number of the patriotic citizens of this and the ad- jacent towns, anxious to do their duty in a crisis so interestinj; to the nation in general, and to this part of the country in particu- lar, have associated themselves to volunteer their services to the United States for the retidue of the campaign at lea$t» In order to effectuate their intentions, however, it will be ne- cessary that their movements should receive your approbation and sanction, and that they should be assured of, that tne corjM, whether a company, battalion, or (as is possible^ a regiment, should be received, organized, and countenanced oy your order and authority. The lateness of the season, and the anxiety of the members, induce us to request an early and authoritative reply, that the association may oe equipped accordinc to law, and be useful to their country (nis sei^on. It may not oe hardly decorous for us to say it, but we must observe, that the subscribers will prove to be obedient and brave soldiers. In their behalf, I am, &c. DANIEL RODMAN. MijorgenenJ WUkinMn, or the oiBcer conunaiiding «t Fort Getwfe. SIR, V. 8. NAVY YABD, PORTSMOUTH, September 14th, 1813. I have the honour to forward to you, by the mail, the flags of the wte British brig Boxer, which were nailed to her mast heada at t|^e time ^he ehgaged, and was captured by the United States' briji £nterprize. ^reat as tiie pleasure is that I derive from performii^ this part of Jmy duty, I need not tell you how different my feelings wouM e been, could the gallant Burrows have h^^ thjs honour ! 87 s^g^ JIO \ He went into ictton meet gtlUntW, and the difference of ii\iur}r r to b«, &c. ISAAC HULL, done the two veieeU provee how bout he fought. I have tne honour to b«, &c. Hon. Wm. Joiie% Sccretuy of Um Navy. SIR, BLACK ROCK, September irth,1813. In coniequence of encouragementa from general Boyd, that a general and decisive movement was about to m made by the army, and that an additional force was desirable, we repaired to fort George about five weeks ago, with 500 men, consisting of volun- teers, militia, and Indians. Most of us remained here for twelve ot fourteen days, but our hopes not being realized, the men contin- ually dispersed and went home, not however without expecta- tions, again encouraged by generals Bovd and Williams, th it w should be shortly called on again to aiciin operations, which u.f people in this part of the countnr, ao long harrasaed by thr> calam* ities of war, feel so strong an interest in forwarding. Under sim- ilar expectations numy ofour friends in the interior have intimated to us tneir readineaa to join with respectable reinforcements on the shortest notice : and we are informed that one company, about 70 atrong, is actually on its march, and will arrive here to-day or to- morrow. We are at thia moment much at a lose how to act, and our dif- ficulty is increaaed by the various rumours and conjectures circula- ted by the different ofiicuis daily arriving from head quarters, some of whom represent Uiat no offensive operations are to be under- taken on this frontier, but that the regi'iar army is immediately to be marched, either to the east to attack Kingston, or to the west to join general Harrison. Othfra state that an attack is to be piade on tlie British forces in the vicinity of this place. Under these circumstances, we are induced to inquire of ^ou whether such a force as we have it in our power to raise is desired by you to effectuate your plans, and if so, in what numbers, and at what time ? If your oligect be to sally out upon the enemy at fort George, we could bring yon a respectable forc^ But, on the con- trary, if you meditate an attack at some .)l:'.r i^miit, and the withdrawal of the regulai troops from fort r.«>t<: ,■; - A plac' l thia frontier on the dennsive only, by mean. uud^ we would observe that our prepared force is <^ such a character a« could aft be engaged in this service. Upon the supposition that vou intend to withdraw the rj^lar 'r')ow from this frontier, we beg leave to submit a proposition for y-iit; ronsidfiratioHt \ "^.V" lkr!i . 'e we :*ie not incorrect in ea^ng that it would reqj|ire i>.-^rly nuite as g:'^.;at a force to defend this nne of frontier against u givei\ torce of t^ie em^my, as it would to attack and subdue tliat rouid liar for ioBt 411 »n«my. Sir Omtm Pt* evMt hai ordered die militiA of the upper grovince to be ^le.3 • 213 ' ** The snail's pace of the reinforcements approaching tliis divl- Bion, and, pardon me, their direction and route occasion me sur- prize. Or what avail will be the detachments under colonels Randolph and Coles, which are, I learn from Washington, on their march to this place, where they cannot, or will not arrive before the 15th proximo. If these detachments had been ordered on by all the available water communications from Annapolis to Albany, they could have reached Sackett's Harbor in season^and a column of 800 men would have been found an important desidera* tum in our impending operations. Where also are the 1000 mem reported to me by colonel Duane as being ready for march before I reached Philadelphia? I must hope near' Sack ett's Harbor. I put these questions to you that I may apprize you of facts, that you, with whom it rests, may apply the remedy, for I find we possess little military subordination or respect, and that a chief of an army is obeyed more from courtesy than principle or pro^ fessional obligations. " I send this by the privateer Fox to commodore Chauncey, with, ft request that he accelerate its progress to you. This place neither stops a gap, extends our possessions, nor covers or pro- tects a country; it is good for nouehU but to command the grouml It occupies, and therefore 1 shall aismxintU and aJbandon it.'' Mxtract of a letter from the Secretary of War, to general tfU' kinson, dated SACKETT'S HARBOR, September 32(1, 1S13. DEAR GENERAL, "Your letters of the 16th, irth, and 18th instant, have beek this moment received ; I hasten to answer them. The main ob- ject must be prosecuted ; Chaunce;^ is not broken down ; he can and will command the lake. ^i>d whde he does so, our position at Fort George maybe maintained. If the enemy's sick list amounts to one thousand four hundred out of three thousand, the enemy can undertake nothing with effect. In this view of the subject, close with P. B. Porter^s p'oposition, made in the following woi-ds, viz: ' Our proposition (in case of your leaving this place) is, that we be permitted to raise, between this and the 1st of October, a volunteer force of from one thousand to o;.e thousand two hun- dred men, exclusive of Indians; that we add to it as many of the militia stationed on the lines as may be willing to join us;' that we be furnished widi a small train (say four pieces of field artillery with experienced officers and men to fight them) and that witti this force we be authorized to invade the enemy's country.' Rod^ man's corps may join Porter. Any volunteers you may have irith the army, whose times are near expiring, and who are de- xtrous ((f continning in service, may do so also. Wc will cover ■■i. i§ 414 the whole bj a requisition upon governor Tompkins tor additional militia. The encmj*8 fleet have left the Chesapeake, Ilielieve for Halifax, whence the land troops are to be sent into Canada : another motive for quick movements^ *• Mj last letters bj Chauncej of thfe 18th or 19th, gave you all we yet know. Prevost has left Kingston, it is said for Que* beck; more probably for Montreal. # *• Yours faithfully and forever, " JOHN ARMSTRONG." lIL 'u ■ :i Extract of a letter from major general Harrison to the Secretary , of Wary datied <*HEAD QUARTERS^ BASS ISLAND, September 22d, 1813. *' The greater part of the troops are here with me, and the whole will, I believe, be up by twelve o'clock. I shall proceed, as far as the Middle Sister m the course of liie night and to-mor- row, and in the following night get so near the enemy's coast aa to land two or three miles l^low Maiden by eight o'clock in the morning. The«e prospects may, however, be retarded by adverse winds. Commodore rerry gives me every assistance in his pow- er." ri'y Ir ;■ im ^ I HEAD QUARTERS, AMHERSTBURG. September 23d, 1813. SIR, I have the honour to inform you that I landed the army under my command, about three miles below this place, at three o'clock this morning, without opposition, and took possession of the town in an hour aften General Proctor has retreated td Sandwich, with his regular troops and Indians, having previously burned the fort, navy yard, barracks, and public store houses— the two latter were very extensive, covenng several acfes of ground. I will pursue the enemy to-morrow, although there is no probability of overtaking him, as he has upwards nf 1000 horses, and we have not one in the army. I shall think myself fortunate to be able to collect a sufficiency to mount the general officers^ It is supposed here, that general Proctor intends to establish him- self upon the river French,' forty miles from Maiden. I have the honour to be, &ct WILLIAM H. HARRISON^ The Secretary of War. ^ 315 V. 8. SCHOONER, ARIEL, PuUri-Bay, September 24th, 1813. SIR, I have the honour to acquaint you that about 1200 troops were yesterday transported to a small island, distant about four leagues from Maiden, notwithstanding it blew hard, with frequent squalls. This day, although the weather is not settled, the squadron will a^ain take over as many more. We only wait fnr favourable weather to make a final move, I need not assure you, sir, that every possible exertion will be made by the officers and men under my command to assist the advance of the army ; and it affords me great pleasure to have it in my power to say, that the utmost harmony prevails between the army and navy. I have the honour to be, &c. 0. H. PERRY. Hon. Wm, Jones, Secretaiy of the Navy. 0IR, NASHVILLE, September 24th, 1813. You will forthwith call out, to rendezvous in the shortest practicable time, at Fa^etteville, Lincoln county, 2000 of the militia and volunteers of your division, and march them to repel an approaching invasion and attack, to be made by the Creek In- dians on the frontier of Madison county, M. T. and the frontier of this state ; which information 1 have this mome?it received, by . express, from captain M'Clellan, of the United States' army, com- "^'manding officer at fort Hampton, communicated under cover of a letter received from captain Brahan, of Huntsville. The United States' contractor will, by your order, furnish provisions, and W. B . Lewis, esquire, assistant deputy quarter master, will furnish ammunition and other neciessary supplies in his department. You will require the muster master, or inspector, colonel R. Hayes, to muster the troops into service. Delay is inadmissible. You will observe my order of the 14th August last Your obedient servant, WILLIE BLOUNT, M<^jor general Andrew Jackioii, 3d division Tennessee militia, SIR, U. 8. SHIP GENERAL PIKE, NIAGARA RIVER, September 25th, 181S. After I had the honour of addressing you on the I5th, I con- tinued to blockade the enemy until the irth, when the wind blowing heavy from the westward, the enemy having run into Kingston, anH knowing that he could not move from that place |.n.| nc li '^i before t, ehftigw of wind, I took the opportunity of running into Sackett's Harbour. I reinuned but a few hours at the Harbour and left it at day- light on the morning of the 18th, but did not arrive here until .to follow me up the lake. There is a report here, and generallj believed, that captain Perry has captured the whole of the enemy's fleet on lake Erie. If this should prove true in all its details, (and God grant that it may) he has immortalized himself and not disappointed the high expectations formed of his talents and bravery. 1 have learnt, from a source which can be depended upon, that we did the enemy much more injury, in our encounter on the 1 1th, than I had expected : I find that we killed captain Mulcaster, of the Royal George, and a number of his men, and did considerable injury to that ship, as well as several other vessels. It was truly m'l fortunate that we could not have brought the enemy to a general action on that day, as I am confident the victory would have been as complete as that upon lake Erie. I have, however, the conso- lation to know, that every exertion was used to bring him to close action. If we did not succeed, it was not our fault. t have the honour to be, &c. ISAAC CUAVNCEY^ lion. William Jones, .Sc«ret«r>'of the Navy, Washington, GENERAL ORDERS ' Of Debarkatitm, of March, and of Battle. HEAD QUARTERS, ON BOARD THE U. 8. SCHOONER ARIEL, September 20th, 1813. As it is the intention of the general to land the army on the enemy's coast, the following will be the on* *r of debaduition, of march, and of battle : The right wing of the army will be composed of the Kentucky volunteers, under the command of his excellency governor Shel- by, acting as major general. The left wing, of the li^t corps of lieutenant colonel Ball, and the brigades of generals M' Arthur and Cass. The arrangement is made with a view to the localities of the ground, u^ion which the troops are to act, and the composi- tion of the enemy's force, and is calculated, in marching up the lake or straight, to place our regular troops in the open |;round on the lake, where they will probably be opposed by the British regu- lars, and the Kentucky volunteers in uie woods, wluch it ia pre* mimed will be occupied by the enemy's militia and ladiaaffi When the signal h given for putting to the shore, tfie corps of lieutenant colonel Ball will precede the left wing : the reanment of volunteer riflemen the right wing : these corps will land with the utmost celerity, consistent with the preservation of good or- der, and as soon as landed, will seize the most favourable position for annoying the enemy and covering the disembarkation of th* troops of the line. General Cass's brinde will follow colonel Ball's cc^, and general Calmes the volunteer riflemen. The regiments will land and form in succession upon those vrhich precede them. The right wing, witli its left in front, displs^ying to the right ; and the left wing with its right in front, displayine to the left. The brigades of generals King, Allen, and Cfudwell, will form successively to the right of general Calmes. General M' Arthur and Childs's brigades will form the reserve. The ge j neral will command in person, the right brigades of generala Cass and Calmes, assistea by major general Henry. His excel- lency governor Shelby will have the immediate command of three brigades on the right, assisted bjr major general Desha. As soon as the troops are disembarked, the boats are to be immediately sent back to the fleet. It will be observed that the order of land- ing, here prescribed, is somewhat that of direct eschelons de* ployed into line upon the advanced corps of the ri^t and left wing. It is the intention of the general, however, that all the troops which are provided with boats, should land in as quick, succession as possible ; and the general officers command towarda the extremities of the tine, are authorized to deviate from the ar- rangement to counteract any movement of the enemy, by landing any part of their commands, previously to the formation of th» corps, which is hrrein directed to precede them. The corps of lieutenant colonel Ball, and the volunteer rifle re^ment, will maintain the position tliey occupy on landing, until the troops of the line are formed to support thein ; they will then retire through the intervals of the line, or to the flanks, and form in the rear of the line. A detachment of artillery, with a six, four, and three pounder and howitzer, will land with the advanced light corps; the rest of the artillery will be held in reserve, and landed at such point as major Wood may direct. The point of landing for the reserve, under brigadier general M< Arthur, cannot now oe designated ; it will be made to support any point of the line which may require aid, or be formed on the flanks, as circumstances may render necessary. The arrange- ment for landing the troops, will be made entirely under the di- rection of an raicer of fiie navy, whom commodore Perry has been so obliging as to offer for that purpose. The debarkation of the troops will be covered by the cannon of the vessels. The troops being landed, and the enemy driven oft', or not om»osing the landing, the army will change its front to the left, ana form, 28 K'' t, , HHHft-r t I h i I h! I :*! )t '^; ini If f'i » . : k>l\ I iili IB order of batUf |nt the folloi^ng npaQner. The two b^Kades of regular troops, and two of the volunteers, to be formea in t^o lines at right angles to the shore of the lake. Generals M' Arthur's brigade and Caunes to form the front line, and Cass's and Childs's the second line; the resular troops still on the left; that fiank of ^ Iwth lines, resting on uie shore,— the distance between the tMro lines mil be 300 yards. The remaining three brigades of volun- teers will be drawn u), in a single line of two ranks, at ri^ angles to the line of march, its head upon the right of the front line, forming a crotchet (en jpotence) with that line,aAd extendins berond the second line. The corps of lieutenant colonel BklT wul form the advancle of the left wing, at the distance of 300 yards, tiie r^ment of rifle volunteers, the advance of tl)e right wing, at the same distance. . Some light pieces of artiltery will be. placed in the road lead- iiig up the hke, and at such other points as major Wood may direct When tiie order is given for marching, the first a^d aecond lines will advance by files from the heads of companies! in other words, these two lines will form two columns, marchinjg by their flfiiiks by companies at entire distances. 1' he three bn^ gad^i on tiie rigJ^tflauK will b^ faced to the left and marched forward— the head of this column still forming en potence with the front line^ It is probable that the two bri|;ades of the front line will extend from the lake, some distance into the woods, on the ris^t flank, and it is desirable it should be so: but should it ^ otherwise, and th^ crotchet or angle be at any time ?!i the open ground, hts excellency covemor Shelby wifi immediately jirolong the front line to the ri^t, by adding to it as many con^ panies of ihte leading brigade of the flank column as win bring the angle, and cgnsequenUy the flank column itseif, completely witlnn the woods. It is to be presumed that the enemy will make their attack upon tiie army on its march, that their regular t|tM)ps will form their right upon the Idee, Dieir militia occupy the l^und between the regulars and tiie woods, and tiie Indians the woods. ' The fbrmatidn herein prescribed is iiitended to resist ui arrangement 'of this kind. Should the general's conjecture on that subject prove correct, as it must be evident tliat the right of the enemy cannot be turned, and on that wing his best troops must be plaoed, it will be proper to refuse him wr left»and direct our principal eflbrt to ui^cover the At^k of his regulars bv drivmg off his inilitia. In the ^vent supposed, therefore, it will be. pro- per to bring up a p|irt or the whole of general Cass's brigade, to assist the charge mkdeby general Calmes, or that the former should change positions with th(B. brigade of volunteers in the second lijie. Should the geneial think it safe to order the whole of Cass's brigade to th^ nf^U without replacing it with another, general Cass will inarch to the right, formed in oblioue esch and will immediately form in rear. The light troops will be par- ticularly governed by this direction. The disposition of the troops on the ririit flank is such aa the commandini^ general thinks best calculateato resist an attack from Indians, which is only to be expected from that<|ttarter. Hisexcel- lency sovei^or Shelby will, however, use his discretion in inaking any alteration which his experience and iud^ent ma') diictate* Lieutenant colonel Ball, lieutenant colonel Simral, and the gen- ml officers commanding on the flank line) are to send out small detachments in advance of the two former corps, and to tlw flank of the latter* Should they discover the enemy, in force, immedi- ately notice will be sent to the lines. Tlie general commanding r forming in ordor p( battle, which will be the beat "to omu." Ail signals' will be immediately repeated by i^l the drums pf te line— the signal for the whole to halt, is the retreat.. Druma ill be distributed along^ the heads of companies, and tho tapr occasionally given to regulate their march. Lieutenant colonels Ball and Simral are to keep the general constantly advised of the discoveries made by the advanced par- ties. Where it shall tecome necessary for the corps of Ball and Simral to retire, they will form on the flank, or in the rear of generals M* Arthur's and Calmes's brigades, and receive the wdera of the brig^iers respectively. Brigadier general Cass will designate such officers as he may deem proper, to assist captain Elliott, of the navy, in the arrange- ment of tne troops. The general will be the signal for the whde to move. By command, EDMUND P. GAIKES, Coi, A43, Gen. Truly copied from the original. ROBERT BUTTLER, ^.Mj, den* im^ \ \ ! i 1 .aii ir, m en^- MlAGiklk, September 37tfa, 1813, 6 o^dock. A. M. DEAR SIR, I received, at eight o'clock last i^vening^ your interesting letteit : of the 29d, and shall employ iik authorizations to thebtitpofr* aibleefl^t. * 'IU\ fifteeil Hundred men vrere embarked with orders to sail the day before yesterday, but a strong easterly wind has made it im^ possible to mov^. The whole force, say three thousand combatants, after deduct- tina; the garrisons of Fort Georce and Nia^a, were ready for embarkation yesterday, and as the weather is serene at this mO' ment, I hope the whole may be able to move at dusk this day : I say at dusk becau'ie I am desirous to keep my neighbours under a delusion as long as possible ; they are perplexed as to my inten- tions, and will not be able to penetrate them before they have, discovered the tourse of my flotilla. I have authentic information from York the evening of the 24tk instant. The brigade of the militia in the vicinity were required to asseipble the 25th, and six hundred men of the 41st ana 49tK regiments, second battalion, were daily expected there on their route to tiiis neighboiiiood : this is good ; and still better, three spacious block houses are ordered oy sl^- George to be erected at York. But, sir, here is one drawback ; the tantalizing sir James Yeo was in shore with his fleet on the evening of the 24th, (Friday) about twenty -eight miles east of York. Where he is now, we know not, for he has not since been heard of, and Chauncey is j[u8t sending out the Lady of the Lake and the Neptune to reconnoitre York and the coast in that quarter. What may be the views of the knight i to gasconade, to retard my movement, or to en- able De Iwttenberg to follow me ? I am unable to divine ; but will not be longer delayed^ and, therefore, shall be twenty miles to the eastward before to-morrow morning, should the weather per-^ mit. If sir James can be discovered, Chauncey will seek him, otherwise he will sail with me to cover my left flank. ^ As we have not a moment to lose, ! shall proceed directly to Crrenadier Island, writing you and Stmdicur orders to the com- manding officer by a despatch boat, en pamnt After all, wc are so straitened for transport that we shall nof 'find room for more than fifteen day's provisions ; indeed, we have little more to spare from this position, and therefore, cur sole de- pendence must be on the magazines at Sackett's Harbor, of which the contractor should be personally advised . Heaven protect you. Truly yours, JAMfeS WILKINSON. Jlonounible John Annsirong", \ . . Secretary oi War< «IR, U. 8. 8CH00NEB ARIRL, MALDEN HARBOR, September 27th, 1813, 5 P. M< I have the honour to acquaint you, that the army undef . teajor general Harrison, have this moment mtfched into Maiden^ .►'.t*--'v *. M* Mrithsttt oppotition, and that the squadron are now '■ anchor q$ the town. I have the honour to be, &c. Ow H. P£RRY« *rhe Secretary of the Navy. '^ •mttm dm* U. S. FBIOATR PllE«roENT» Newport, September 37tli, 1813. Your having been informed of my leaving Boston on the 23d of April last, and of my departure from Presuldnt Roads in com- pany with the Congress, on the SOth of the same montli ; it now only remains for me to make you acquainted with my proceedings since the latter date. In a few hours after E^ttidfl; to sea, the wind, which had beeti light from the westward, shifted to the south-east and obliged me to beat, consequently prevented our getting clear of the bay until the 3d of May, when, in the afternoon, while in chase of a British brig of war, near tiie shoal of Oeorve's Bank, we passed to wind- ward of three iuiil, two of which, nrom their apptorance and the information previously received, I judged to oe the La Hogue 74, and Nymphe frigate, and the third a merchant brig. After getting clear of George's Bank the wind veered to the north-east- ward, and we continued along east-soUtherly, in the direction of the southern edge of the gulf stream until tlie 8th of May, in longitude 60 west, latitude 39 30 north, when I parted company ^tn the Coneress. After parting company I shaped a course as near as the wind would permit, lo intercept the enemy's Vfest India commerce passing to the southward of tiie Grand Bank. Not meeting with any thing in this direction except American ves lively. In the present dwpersed state of its population, manm officers an doubtless absent. In all cases, thus situated, the lajr incumbent who resi||;ned the office will resume the exercise of its duties. The laws in force at the period abovementiomHl wil^ be re-established, and continue in force until repeided by the propei: authority. .Given at head quarters, the 29th day of ^tember, 18U. V WILLIAM H. HARRISON. By the general, , ,s i^ JoHM 0'FAia.oN, Jiid'4e-Campn #n the day of the debarkation of our troop6 into Canada, the f oh lowing general order teas issued, HEAD QUART£B8, ON BOABD THE ARIEL, ; jj September 39th, 1813. GENERAL ORDER. The General entreats his bqive troops to remember that they are the sons of sires whose fam^ is immoi'tal : that they are to fight for &e riffhts of tjbeir lAsulted countnr, whilst their oppo«' nents combat tor the unjuit pretensions or a Aaster. .0) SfA Kentuckiiin»'-4«member the river Raisin, but remember it only turhilat tlie victory ii sunpended. The revenge of a auldicr cannot be gratified upon a fallen enemy. By command, ROBERT BUTTLRR, J. Mj, Gen, Bxtraet of a tetter from general Itartiaon to the liepariment of fVar, "SIR, IIRAD-QUARTERS, SANDWICH, U. C. 30th September, 1813< " General Proctor has with him 475 regulars of the 41st and Newfoundland regiments ; 60 of the tOth regiment of veterans; 45 drnvotms ; umi from 6(K) to 1000 Indians. Some deserteri who left him the night before last, give tlie latter as the number. The citizens of Detroit suppose the former to be correct* "The Ottawas and Chippewas have withdrawn from the British^ and have sent in three of their warriors to beg for peace, promis- ing to agree to any terms that I shall prescnbe. I have agreed to receive them upon condition of their ^ving hostages for their fidelity, and immediately joining us with all their warriors. The Wyandots, Mianties, and the band of Delawares, which iafi joined the enemy, are also desirous to be received upon the same terms. The celebrated chief, Main Pock, is at the head of the hostile J^nd on the Detroit side of the straight. Tecumseh heads that which remains with the British. The inhabitants of Detroit, who were in daily communication with them, make the former fiom 1000 to 1200. Their object in dividing their force was to make a night attack u])on the part of the army which remained on thi« side, by a junction of dteir force some miles above. " A detachment of tne army, and some of the vessels of war« will set out for the reduction of Mackinac and St. Joseph's in « few days. *' I have honor to be, &c< » WILLIAM H. HARRISON.;' nonounble John Armstrong, Secretary . ^.m north north-east, was not able to get out of the river before the evening of the 27th, and, owing to the extreme darkness of the night, a part of the squadron got separated, and did not join be- fore next morning at 8 o'clock. On the 28th, the General Pike, Madison and Sylph, each took a schooner in tow, and made all sail for York. Soon after, discovered the enemy's fleet under weigh in York baj — shaped our course for him, and prepared for action ; he perceiving our intention of engaging him in hici posi- tion, tacked and stood out of the bay, wind at east. I formed the line an run down for his centre. When we had approached with- in about three miles, he made all sail to the southward. I wore in succession and stood on the same tack with him, edging down gradually in order to close. At 10 minutes past meridian, the ene- my finding that we were closing fast with iiim, and that he must either risk an action or suffer his two rear vessels to be cut off", he tacked in succession, beginning at the van, hoisted his colors, and commenced a well directed fire at this ship, for the purpose of covering his rear, and attacking our rear as he passed to lee- ward : perceiving his intention, I was determined to disappoint him ; therefore as soon as the Wolf (the leading ship) passed the centre of his line and abeam of us, I bore up in succession (pre- serving our line) for the enemy's centre ; tliis manouvre not only covered our rear, but hove him in confusion. He immediately bore away : we had,' however, closed so near as to bring our guns to bear with effect, and in 20 minutes the main and mizen -top-masts, and main yard of the Wolf, were shot away; he immediately pu| before the wind, and set all sail upon his fore-mast. I made the signal for the fleet to make all sail ; the enemy, hoUrever, keeping dead before the wind, was enabled to outsail most of our squa- dron. As it brought all the sail upon one mast, he did not feel the loss of his main and mizen-top-mast. I continued the chase until near S o'clock, during which time I was enabled in this ship (with the Asp in tow) to keep within point blank shot of the enemy, and sustained the whole of his fire during he chase. Captain Crane, in the Madison, and lieutenant Brown, in the Oneida, used every exertion to close with the enemy ; but the Madison having a heavy schooner in tow, and the Oneida sailing very dull before the wind prevented those officers from closing near enough to do any execution with their carronades. The (Jovernor Tompkins kept in her station, until her fore-mast was so badly wounded as tc oblige her to shorten sail : lieutenant Finch, of the Madison, who commanded her for this cruize (owing to the indisposition of lieutenant Pettigrew) behaved with great gallantry, and is an officer of much promise. Captain Woolsey, in the Sylph, was kept astern by the Ontairo, which he had in tow, but did consi- derable execution with his heavy guns. At fifteen minutes before 3 P. M. I very reluctantly relinquished the pursuit of a beaten enemy. The reasons that lea to this deter- «a7 minai'um wei'e such as I. flatter myself you will approve— fhe)r were these : at the time I gave up the chase, this ship was making 80 much water, that it required all our pumps to keep her free, (owing to our receiving several shot so much below the water's edge, that we could not plug the holes from the outside) the Governor Tompkins with her fore-mast gone, and the squadron within about six miles of the head of the lake, blowing a gale of wind from east and increasing with a heavy sea on, and every appeaiance of the equinox. I considered that if I chased the enemy to his anchorage at the head of the lake, I should be obliged to anchor also, and although we might succeed in driving him on shore, the probability was that we should go on shore also ; he amongst his friends, we amongst our enemies, and after the gale had abated, if he could succeed in getting off one or two vessels out of the two fle^'ts, it would give him as completely the command of the lake as if he had 20 vessels. Moreover, he was coVered at his anchorage by a part of his army, and several small batteries thrown up for the purpose. Therefore, if he could have rode out the gale, we should have been cut up by their shot from the shore : under all these circumstances, and taking into view the conse- auences resulting from the loss of our superiority on the lakes at this time, I without hesitation relinquished the opportunity then presenting itself of acquiring individual reputation attl.o expense of my country. The loss sustained by this ship was considerable, owing to her being so long exposed to the fire of the enemy's fleet ; but our most .serious loss was occasioned by the bursting of one of our guns* which killed and wounded 22 men, and tore up the top -gallant forecastle, which rendered the gun upon that deck useless. We had four other guns cracked in tne muzzle, which rendered their use extremely doubtful. Our main top-gallant-mast was shot away in the early part of the action, and the bowsprit, fore and main-mast, wounded, rigging and sails much cut up, and a num- ber of shot in our hull, several of which were between wind and water, and 27 men killed and wounded, including those by the bursting of the gun. The Madison received a few shot, but no person hurt on board. The Governor Tompkins lost her fore-mast and the Oneida her main-top-mast badly wounded. We have, however, repaired nearly all our damages, and are ready to meet the enemy. During our chase, one, if not two, of the enemy's small vessels, was completely in our power, if I could have been satisfied with so partial a victory : but I was so sure of the whole that I passed them unnoticed, by which means they finally es- caped. The gale continued until last night, but the wind still blows from the eastward. 1 thought it important to communicate with general Wilkinson, to ascertain when he meant to move with the army. I therefore ran oflfthis place for that pui-pose ; and he thinks that the public service will be promoted by my watching sir Junes at the head of thelake, and if possible preventing his return to Kingston, while he proceeds with the army forSackett's Harbor. I shall j therefore, proceed immediately in quest of the enemy. I have great pleasure in acknowledging the assistance I received from captain Sinclair during our chase, in using his best exertions to bring this ship into close action. The other officers and men behaved to my perfect satisfaction, and were extremely anxious to close with the enemy, even singly, and if he ever gives us an opportunity for close action, they will show that they are not in- ferior to any of their countrymen. I have the honour to be, &c. ISAAC CHAUNCEY, Hon. W. Jones, Secretary of tlie Navy, •1^ TO THE PATRIOTS OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT. The period being at hand which is to decide the fate of the province of Upper Canada, and the command of the Niagara nontier having devolved on me ; I think proper to invite the old and young patriots of the western district, to join my biigade in defence of their country and rights— any number not exceed- ing 1000 will be accepted and organized iihmediately on their arrival at Lewistown, and officered by the choice of uieir men. As the movements of an army require secrecy, objects in view cannot be particularly developed ; but those who feel disposed to distinguish themselves am! render serviced to their country, may be assured that something efficient and decisive will be done. The term of service will be £ months, if not sooner discharged ; and every thing shall be done to render their situations as com- fortable as possivjle. 1 wish none to volunteer who may have any constitutional objections to cross the Niagara river. One thou- sand four hundred of my brigade haye already volunteered to cross the river, and go wherever they may be required ; and 600 of them are now doing duty at Fort George. I flatter myself that no other consideration need he urged, than love of country, to excite the patriotism of the yeomanry of the western district. Given at head quarters, Lewistown, October 2d, 1813, GEORGE M'CLURE, Brig. General Commanding ^"iagara frontier. Extract of a letter from colonel Smithy of the rifle regiment^ to colonel ^, V, J^Ticholl, inspector gene, d, dated "LOWBK SANDUSKY, October 2d, 1813. " I have already collected 520 men of my regiment. The last accounts from the general, state, that he was in pursttit of Proctor, 229 who had evacuated Maiden, a few hourp before he landed. I fear he will make his escape. I leave here immediately for Portage, and probably for head quarters, to procure transports for my detachment." SIR, WAR DEPAKTMF.NT, October 4tli, 1813. Understanding that the defence of the post committed to your charge, may render it proper to destroy the town of Newark, you are hereby directed to apprize its inhabitants of this circiim- stance, and to invite them to remove themselves and their cifects to some place of greater safety. I am, &c. JOHN ARMSTRONG. Brig. General M'Clure or officer commanding at Fort George, Upper Canada. HEAD QUARTERS, NEAR MORAVIAN TOWX, on the Itiver Thames, 80 miles from Detroit, October 5th, 1813. SIR, I have the honour to inform you, that by the blessing of Pro- vidence, the army under mv command has obtained a complete victory over the combined Tndian and British forces under the command of general Proctor. I believe that nearly the whole of the enemy's regulars are taken or killed. Amongst the former are all the superior officers excepting general Proctor. My mounted men are now in pursuit of him. Our loss is very trilling. The brave colonel R. M. Johnson is the only officer whom 1 have heard of that is wounded, he badly, but I hope not dangerously, I have the honour to be, &c. WILLIAM H. HARRISON. Hon. J. Armstrong, Secretary at War. NEWPORT, October 5th, 1813. SIR, I have the pleasure to inform you of the capture of tlie Bntish armed sloop " Dart," by the nivenue-cutter of this place, last evening. She appeared off the harbor before sun-set ; the captain of the cutter offered his services to go out. I put on board three sailing masters and about 20 men ; she immediately nmde sail and laid t^oard the Dart, and carried her by boarding : her first offi- cer was killed ; two of our own men were wounded slightly. The prisoners I send for your disposal. Very respectfully, your most obedient humble servant, JOHN NICHOLSON. Cbm. John Hodgcrs, U. 8. fngate President. f 9e B^tract of a letter from general M^ Arthur to the Secretary of War, « DETROIT, October 6th, 1813. ** You have no doubt been advised by the commanding general, that Maiden and this place were abandoned by the enemy previa ous to the arrival of our army, and that all the public buildings, &c. were destroyed. On our arrival at Sandwich, my brigade v/as ordered across the river to disperse some Indians, who were pillaging the town, and to take possession of the place. Infurma* tion was received that several thousand Indians had retired a small distance into the woods, with instructions to attack general Har> rison's army on its passage, for the purpose of retarding its pro- gress ; consequently my brigade was left to garrison this place. " Since general Harrison's departure, five nations of Indians, vix. the Ottaways, Chippeways, Pottawatamies, Miamies and Kickapims, who were but a few miles back, have come in for peace, and I have agreed that hostilities should cease for the pre-< sent on the following conditions : ** They have agreed to take hold of the same tomahawk with us, and to strike alfwho are, or may be, enemies to the United States, whether British or Indians.'* They arc to bring in a number of their women and children, and leave them as hostages, whilst they accompany us to war. Some of them have already brought in their women,, and are drawing^ rations. '* I have just received a note from general Harrison, advising that he had last evening overtaken general Proctor's force, and had gained a complete victory ; that all the principal officers, general Proctor excepted, were in his possession, which no doubt ends the war in this quarter, " I have the honour to be, &c. " DUNCAN M'ARTHUH^ Brig, G«n, l\8. «rmy." i^i JiMtract of a letter from brigadier general M^Clure^ to his excel- lency governor Tompkins, dated •< FOUT (;£ORGE, HALF PAST 5 O'CLOCK, P. M. October 6th, 1813. " We have commenced offensive operations against the enemy. About 500 militia volunteers, and about 150 InJianB, commanded by colonel Chapin, attacked the picket guard of the enemy, about $. mile and a half from Fort George, and drove them in upon the ^.mn body, when the enemy opened a fire from several field pieces. Our men retired ih goocl order into the fort, with the loss of one man killed and two or three wounded. The enemy's loss was seven killed, many wounded, and four prisoners. " In a short time tlie enemy a|)peared in considerable force within five hundred yards of the fort, at the edge of the woods. Chapin again sallied' out with about (}00 men and some Indians* -jkSl d3t commenced a brisk fire on the whole of the enemy's line, and drove them half a mile ; but perceiving by the movements of the enemy that they would outflank us, I ordered 200 to reinforce him, and in two detachments to attack the enemy's flanks. We succeeded in driving the enemy into the woods, when ni^ht comin<; on put an end to the conflict. Our loss was trifling ; I have not ascertained that of the enemy. Colonel Chapin is a brave man. Every officer and soldier did his duty." U. S. SHIP GENERAL PIKR, SACKETT'S HARnOR, October 6th, 1813. SIR. I have the pleasure to inform you that I arrived here thi*! morning, with five of the enemy's vessels, which I fell in with, and captured, last evening, oft the Ducks. These were part of seven sail which left York on Sunday with 234 troops on board, bound to Kingston. Of this fleet five were capturea, one burnt, and one escaped. The prisoners, amounting to nearly 300, be- sides having upwards of 300 of our troops on isoard from Niagara, induced me to run into port for the purpose of landing both. I have the honour to be, &c. ISAAC CHAUNCEY. Hon. Wm. Jones, Secretary of the Navy. l' ■ .' » VNITED STATES* SHTP GENERAL PIKE, Sackett's Harbor, October 6tli, 181*3. SIR, As soon as the last of the flotilla with the troops, cleared the Niagara, I proceeded in quest of the enemy. On the 2d in* stant, at 10 A. M. discovered him steering a course 'or Niagara, with studding sails, and all sails set, wind from tlie south and westward ; we made sail in chase, but as soon as we shot out, he took in studding sails, and hauled upon a wind to the westward, and made all sail from us ; the wind being light all day, we made but little progress against the current* and at sun down, the ene- my was on the Twenty Mile Creek, and had evidently gained considerably from us* During the night, the wind continued so light that we altered our position but very little, and at day-light, on the Sd, saw the enemy at anchor close in witli the land, be- tween the Twelve and Twenty Mile Creek ; as soon as he saw us, he weighed and made a!l sail to the west;vard, wind from south to south-west, and squally. We made all sail in cliase, and continued the chase the whole day, it blowiiu; very heavy in squalls ; at sun down, we could barely mark him out from tlic mast-head, when he appeared nearly up to the head of the lake; it continued squally with rain, and the night very dark ; at day- light, on the 4tb, hazy, could see nothing cf tho enemy— contin- ' i I: '•I'M ' mi;: n 1 ''''t-^-j Ji w ■ i:>i '?|t< 98;» tied working up for the head of the lake ; towards meridian, it became calm. 1 ordered the Lady of the Lake to sweep up to Jiurlington bay, and ascertain whether the fleet was there; at naif past 9 P^ M. she returned, with information that the fleet was not there. Saw but two gun-boats. It struck me at once that he had availed himself of tne darkness of the preceding night, and had either run fur Kingston, or down the lake, for the pur- pose of intercepting the flotilla with the army ; I tlierefore made nil sail and shaped my course for the Ducks, with a view of in- tercepting him or his prizes, if he should have made any. The uind increased to a strong gale from the northward and westward, and continued during the whole day on the 5th ; — we therefore made a great run, for at 1 P. M. we passed Long Point ; at 3, discovered seven sail near the False Ducks; presuming them to be the fleet, made all sail in chase ; at 4, made them out to be sloops and schooners. I made the signal for the Sylph and the Lady of the Lake, to cast oft* their tow, and chase north-east; soon after, perceiving the enemy separating on different tacks, I cast oif the Governor Tompkins from this stiip, gave the squadron in charge of captain Crane, and made all sail in ciiase; at 5, the enemy finding us to gain fast upon them, and one of his gun-ves- sels sailing much worsie than the rest, he took the people out and set her on fire. At su" down, when opposite the Real Ducks, the Hamilton, (late Grow -"^ Confiance (late Julia) and Mary Ann, struck to us. The Sylph soon afte.*, brought down the Drummond, cutter rigged. I'lie Lady Gore run into the Ducks, but the Sylph (which was left to watch her) took possession of her early the next morning. The Enterprize, a small schooner, is the only (me that escaped, and she owed her safety to the dark- ness of the night. Finding much difficulty in shifting the prisoners, owing to the ^mallness of our boats and a heavy sea, I determined to take the prizes in tow, and run for this place, and land the prisoners and troops that 1 had on board. On the 6th, the Lady of the Lake having towed one of the prizes in, I despatched her immediately to cruize betw een the Real and False Ducks. She returned the same afternoon, having discovered the enemy's squadron going into Kingston. I have repaired Ihe principal damages sustained by this ship in the action on the i28th ultimo, and have put in a new fore-mast into the Governor Tompkins. We a**: now ready, and waiting, the movements of the army, which is contemplated will leave here on the 10th. The vessels captured on tlie 5th, are gun vessels mounting from one to three guns each, with troops from the head of the lake (last from York) bound to Kingston. We learnt from the pri- soners, that the enemy was very much cut up in their hulls and Kpars, and a great many men killed and wounded, particularly on board the Wolf and Royal George. 1 enclose, herewith, a listoi M MS Ae prisoners taken dm the 5th [Alreadr published, see *■ VIkt War" of the 19th ultimo.] I have the honour to be, &c. ISAAC CHAUNCEY.. >on. Won. Jone% Seeretaty of ths Navj. U. S. FRIGATE PRBSIDBNT. PAWTUXUT, October 7th, IBH^. Enclosed I have the honor of transmitting you a letter thSi, moment received from lieutenant Nicholson,— «ommanding| th*'. (un-bnats at Newport, informing me of the capture of the privatt, armed sloop Dart. With great respect, &c. JOHN RODGERi* Hon. Wm. Jonei^ Secretary of the Navy. SIR, HEAD QUARTEH8, DETROIT, October 9th, 18% the the and ^ake ately the ;oing '■■§^" In mj last letter from Sandwich, of the 30th ultimo, I diflt. myself the honour to inform you, tliat I was preparing to pursut, the enemy the following day. From various causes, however*, I was unable to put the troops in motion until the morning of the- f if instant, and then to take with me only about 140 of the regu- lar troops, Johnson's mounted rej^ment, and such of Kovemor Shelby's volunteers as were fit for a rapid march, the whole amounting to about 3500 men. To general M* Arthur, with about 700 effectives, the protection of this place, and the sick, was committed. General Cass's brigade, and the corps of lieutenant colonel Ball, were left at Sandwich, with orders to follow me as soon as the men received their knapsacks and blankets, which haA been left on an island in lake Erie. The unavoidable delay at Sandwich was attended with no dit« advantage to us. General Proctor had posted himself at Oalson'^ on the right bank of the river Thames (or French), fifty-six miles from this place, where I was informed he intended to fortify an4 to receive mn. He must have believed, however, that I had no dia- position to follow him, or that he had secured my continuance her^, Dy the reports that were circulated that the Indians would attack and destroy this place, upon the advance of tiie army ; as he neglect- ed the breaking up of the bridges until the night of the 2d instant* On the night our army reachea the river, which is 25 miles from Sandwich, and is one of four streams crossing our route, over all of which are bridges, and being deep and muddy, are unfordable for a considerable distance into the country. The bridge here was found satirs, and* in ths moraing, I preceaded with Jemwiali.. 39 i^ \ii ■\;^: iS4 ffegimentf to save, If poMible, the others. At the sceond bridge* over a itranch of the nver Thames, we were fortunate enough to ca,>ture a lieutenant of dragoons and eleven privates, who had been seat bj e^neral Proctor to destroy them. From the prison- en 1 learneiT that the third bridge was broken up, and that the enemy had no certain informatiun of our advance. The bridte* having been imperfectly destroyed, was soon repaired, and me army encamped at Drake's farm^four miles below Dalson's. llie river Thames, alone the banks of which our route lay, is a fine deep stream, navigable for vessels of considerable burthen, after the paasage of the bar at its mouth, over which there is w and a hall feet water. The baggiige of the army was brought from Detroit in boats, protected by three gun-boats, which commodore Perry had fur- nished for the purpose, as well as to cover the passage of the armv over the Thames itself, on the mouth of its tributary streamu ; the banks beiag low and the country generally open (prairies), as high a» Damon's, tiiese vessels uere well calculated for the purpose. Above Dalson's, however, the character of the river and adjacent country, is considerably chaneed. The former, though still deep, is very narrow, nnd its banks high and woody. The commodore and myself, therefore, agreed upon tiiC propriety of leaving the boats under a guard of IdO infantry, and I deter- mined to trust to fortune, and the bravery of my troops, to effect tiie passage of the river. Below a place called Chatliam, and four miles above Dalson's, is the tnird fordable branch of Uie Thames. The bridge over its mouth had been taken up by the Indians, as well as at M 'Gregorys mills, one mile above. Several hundred of the Indians remained to dispute our passage, and, upon the arrival of the advanced guard, commencea a heav;^ fire from the opposite bank of the creek, as well as that of tlie nver. Be- lieving that the whole force of the enemy was there, I halted the ^my, formed in order of battle, and brought up our two six pounders to cover the party that were ordered to repair the brid^, and cross the troops. Colonel Johnson's mounted r^ment, being upon the right of the army, had seized the remains of the bridge at the mills, under a heavy fire from the Indians. Our loss, npon this occasion, was two killed and three or four wounded ; that of the enemy was ascertuned to be considerably greater. A house near the bridge, containing a very considerable number of muskets, had been set on fire, but it was extinguished by our troops, and the arms saved. At tlie first farm above the bridge, we found one of the enemy's vessels on fire, loaded with arms and wdnance stores, and learned that they were a few miles a head of us, still on the right bank of the river, with the great body of the Indians. At Bowles's farm, four miles Irom the bridge, we halted for the night, found two other vessels, and a lar^ distil- lery, filled with ordnance an tion received from him, and my own observation, assisted by seoie df my officers, I soon ascertiiined enough of their position, aad order of battle, to detennine that which it was proper for me t« adopt. I have the honour herewith to enclose you my general order of the 27th ultimo, prescribing the order of march and of battle when the whole army should act together. But as the nuntber and description of the troops had been essentially changed, since the issuing of the order, it became necessary to make a corres- ponding alteration in their disposition. From the place noere our army was last halted, to tne Moravian towns, a distance ot about three and a ^ialf miles, th« road passes through a beech forest without any clearing, and f«r the first two miles near to the bank of the river. At from two ^itfiree hundred yards from the river a swamp-extends parallel to iti^loughout the whole distanqe. The intermediate ^und is dry, att§ although the trees are tol- erably thick, it is m many placea cHar of underbrush. Acrou this strip of bind, its left oopayed upon the river, supported bjT artillery placed in the wood, tlieir ndit in the swamp covered by the whole of their Indian force, the Britiah troops w«e drawn up. The troops at my disposal consisted of a^t one hundred and twenty r^lars of the 27th regiment, five iklgades of Kentucky voluAteer militia ii^antry under his eiceUenoy gover n«r ibelby* h ■■ s I , fl$« iii '.♦I Jl, 1 „ ^ 1 ^ ,1 ' f i : ■; ■ '• wwMiping teis than flv« hundred men, and eolonel JohnaonV tegiment of mounted infantry, making in the whole an aggregate •omething above 3000. No diitposition of an army opposed t» an Indian force can be safe, unless it is secured on the flanks and in the rear. I had therefore no difHculty in arranginfl; the infan- try conformably td my general order of battle. General Trot- ter's brieade o\ 500 men formed the front line, his rieht upon the toad and his left upon the swamp. General King's brinde as a lecond line, 150 yards in the rear of I'rotter's, and Chuds's bri* gade, as a corps of reserve, in the rear of it. These three bri- gades formed the command of major general Henry ; the whole of jjeneral Desha's division, consisting of two brigades, were formed mipotenee upon the left of Trotter. While I wa!« engaged in forming the infantry, I had directed^ •olonel 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 ground to the left, and forming upon that flanks to endeavour to turn the right of the Indians. A moment's re- flection, however, convinced me, that from the thickness of the ' ttroods and swampiness of the ground, they would be unable te do uAj thine on horseback, and there was no time to dismount tiiem and place their horses in security ; I therefore dciennined 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 of, but I waa fiilly convinced that it would succeed. The American back- woodsmen ride better in the woods than any other people. A musket or rifle is no impediment to them, being accustomed te tarry them on horseback from their earliest youth. I was per- •uaded, too, that the enemy would be ({uite unprepared for the •hock, and that they could not resist it. Contormably to thia idea, I directed the regiment to be drawn up inclose column, wHh its right at the distance of fifty yards from the road, (that it miriit be, in some measure, protected by the trees from the artillery) ita left upon the swamp, and to chai^, at full speed, as soon as the enemy delivered their fire. The few regular troops of the 27th fegiment, under the command of their colonel (Paul), occupied* in column of sections of four, the small space between the road and the river, for the purpose of seizing the enemy's artillery, •nd some ten or twelve friendly Indians were directed to move vnder the bank. The crotchet, formed by the front line and gene- ral Desha's division, was an important point. At that place, the venerable governor of Kentucky was posted, who, at the age of Mxty-six, preserves all the vigour of youth, the ardent zeal whick distinguished him in the revolutionary war, and the undaunted bravery which he manifested at King's Mountain. With my aidsf which were taken] and ironi the information of respectable inhabitants of this terntory, the Indians kept in pay by the British, were much more numerous than has been generally supposed. In a letter to general De Rot- tenburg, of the 27th instant, general Proctor speaks of having prevailed upon most of the Inmans to accompany him. Of these it is certain that fifty or sixty Wyandot warriors abandoned him. * The number of our troops was certainly greater than that of the enemy, but when it is recollected, that they had chosen a posi- tion that 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 «laim for my troops the palm of superior bravery. In communicating to the President through you, sir, my opin- ion of the conduct oT the officers who served under my command, I am at a loss how to mention that of governor Shelby, being convincedsthat no eulogium of mine can reach his merits. The * A Britiah officer, of high rsnk, aaaured one of my aids^cK^mp, that on tiie day of our landing, general Proctor had, at his disposal, upwards of three thouiand Indian wairiors, hut aasrted (hat thegrestctt p&rt had kft him pretiovs to (he action. ■1 J ^i': ^M am m r \ ] |;overiior of an independent state, jgpreaflj m? luperior in yetrt; III experience and in military character, he placed hiinseir under my command, and waH not more remarkable for hii xeal and ac- tivity, tnan for lii» promptitude and cheerfulnesa with which he obeyed m^ orders. The major veneraU Henry and Desha, and tlie brigadiers Allen, Caldwell, Kinff, Childn and Trotter, all of the Keiituckv volunteers, manifested great zeal and activity. Of governor Shelby's staif, his adjutant general, colonel Walker, ren- ered great service, as did his aids-de*camp general Adair, and majors Barry and Crittenden. The military skill of Uie former was of great service to us, and the activity of the two latter gen- tlemen could not be surpassed. Illness deprived me of the talents of my adju^aiit general colonel Gaines, wno was left at Sandwich. His duties were, however, ably performed by the acting assistant adjutant general, captain Buttler. My aids-de-camp, lieutenant O'Fallon and captain Todd, of the line, and my volunteer aids John Speed Smith and John Chambers, esquires, have rendered me the mo»t important services from the opening of the campaign. I have already stated that general Cass and commodore Perry assisted me in forming the troops for the action. The former is an officer of the highest merit, and the appearance of the brave commodore cheered and animated every breast. It would be UHeless, sir, after stating the circumstances of the action, to pass encomiums upon colonel Johnson and his regiment. Veterans could not have manifested more firmness. The colo" nePs numerous wounds prove that he was in tlie post of danger. Lieutenant colonel James Johnson, and the minors Payne and Thompson were equally active though more fortunate. M^er Wood of the engineers, already distinguished by his conduct at Fort Meigs, attended the army with two six pounders. Having no use for them in the action, he joined in theparsuit ^the enemr, and with major Payne of the mounted regiment, two of my atdfs- . de-camp, Todd and Chambers, and three privates, continued it for several miles after tlie rest ol the troops had halted, and made many prisoners. I left the army before an oflUcia* retuna of the prisoners, fir that of the killed and wounded, was made out. It was however ascertained that the former amounts to 6ui regalars, inclvdinc 15 officers. Our Iosh is T killed aad 2£ wounded, 5 of which have since died. Of the British trw^ IS were killed and 22 wounded. The Indians suffered most — 3d of them haring been found upon the ground, besides those killed on the retreat. On the day ot the action, six nieces of brass artillerr were taken, and two iron 24 pounders oie day before. SeTeral others were discovered in the nver, and can be easily procured. Of tiie brass pieces, three are the trophies of our revolutJMUuy war, that were taken at Saratc^ and York, and surrendered by gene- ral Hull. The number of «mall arms taken by us and destnMnd by tlie enemy, must amount to upwards of 5000 j moit flf tnem.. «99 kad bMti ourt and taken hy the enemy at the' lurrender of 1 at the river Rabin, and at colonel Dudley^s defeat. I belii Detroit, . believe that the enemy retain no other military trophy of tliuir victories thitn the standfard of the 4th regiment ; they were aot magnniiiinouii enoueh to bring that of the 41st regiment into the field, or it would have lieen taken. Yqu iitt*e been informed, sir, of the conduct of the troops under my command in action ; it gives me great pleasure to intonn you, that they merit also the approbation of their country fur their conduct, in submitting to the greatest privations with the utmost •heerfulness. The infantry were entirely without tents, and for several days the whole army subsisted upon fresh beef, without bread or salt. I have the honour to be, &c. WILLIAM H. HARRISON. Ceneral John Armttrong, Secretary of War. P. S. General Proctor escaped by the fleetness of his horses, escorted by 40 dragoons and a number of mounted Indians. HEAD QUARTERS, DETROIT, October 11th, 1813. DEAR GOVERNOR, You will have heard before this reaches you, that I was for- tunate enough to overtake general Proctor, and his tawny allies, and to sive them a complete drubbing.* I have 601 prisoners of the British regulars, officers included, among which there are two colonels. Nothing but infatuation could have governed general Proctor's conduct. The day that I landed below Maiden, he had at his disposal upward* of 3000 Indian warriors : hi»t regular force, re- inforced by the militia of the district, would have made his num- ber nearly e^|«al to my aggregate, which, on the day of landing, did not exceed 4500. The papers have greiatly exajB;gerated the number of militia from Kentucky : those which embarked with me at Portage, did not amount to 30(N) rank and file ; and several hundred of them were left in the inlands. The Indians were extremely desirous ot fighting us at Maiden. I enclose you TecumSeh's speech to Proi tor ; it is at once an evidence of the talents of the former, ami the greater defect of them in the latter. His inferior officers my, that his conduct has been a series of continued blunders. He manifested, indeed,; some judgment in the choice of his field of battle, as he was so posted that I could not turn him, and could only opflye a line of equal extent to his. However, the contest was not for a mo- ment doubtful. The greater part of his Indians were in the airt (according to the Persian military phraseology) and his regulars ^roktB and made prisoners by a single charge of mounted infan- ^m i h:.' iij, yre took upon the eronnd, or near it, a ffne brast fiel^ inaiii of artillery. Several of the pieces are trophies of the revoItt> tion, taken at Saratoga and York, and surrendered by ffeneral Hull. The number of small arms and military stores, taken by us, or destroy^ by the enemy, is immense* My force in action, of all descriptions, was short of 2500. I am preparing an expedition to Michilimackinac, and another to Long Pomt, to destroy at the latter a depot of pronsions. I shdi send orders to general Oano, by this conveyance. It it probable that the greater part of his troops may be dflsmissed'in » short time. Tlie Indians in this neighbourhood, are submitting at discretion, I am your friend, WILUAM IL HARBISON) fiia excellency CSot. lUlffk (iNCLOSyRE.) SPEECH OF TECUMSEH it the name of the Indian chiefs and warriors, to major generid Proctor t as the representative of their great Father t the king. Father— -Listen to your children ! You have them now all be- fore you. The war before* this, our British father gave the hatchet to his red children, when our old chiefs were alive. They are now dead. In that war, our father was thrown on his back by th« Americans, and our father took them by the hand without onr knowledge ;t and we are afraid that our father will do so again at this time. Summer before last, when I came forward with my red brethren, and was ready to take up the hatchet in favour of our British father, we were told not to be in a hurry— that he had not yet determined to fidit the Americans. Listen! — When war was declared, our father stood up and gave US the tomahawk, and told us that he was now ready to strike the Americans ; ^at he wanted our assistance ; and that he would certainly get us our lands back, which the Americans had taken from us. Listen /—You told us that time, to bring forward our families to this place ; and we did so, and you promised to take care of them, and that they should want for nothing, while the men would go and fight the enemy ; that we need not trouble our> selves about the enemy's garrisons ; that we knew nothing about them ; aftd that our fatlier would attend to that part of the busi- ness, ^ou also told your red children that vou would take gott4 oare of their garrison here, which made our hearts glad. * The revolutionuy war. t The BntiAimdb peace without M^itfpttlMionftrtlieivBidianalBCfc Ml cen Listm! — When we were last to the Rapidg, it is true we gaY« Tou assistance. It is hard to fight people who live like grouoML no»4.* Listen Father!— Ow fleet has gone out— we know they havt foughtr— we have heard the great guns, but know nothing of what has tiappened to our father with one arm.t Our troops have gone one- way, and we are very much astonished to see our father tyii^ up every thing and preparing to run away the other, without let- ing his red children know what his intentions are. You always told us to remain here, and take care of our land»— it made our hearts glad to hear that was your wish. Our great father, the king, is the head, and you represent him. You always told us, that you would never draw your fittot off British ground ; but now, father, we see you are drawing back, and we are sorry to see our father doing so, without seeing the enemy. We must compare our father's conduct io a fat animal, that carries its tail upon it$ back, but when affrighted, it drops it between its legs, and rung off. Listen Father!— The Americans have not yet defeated us by land ; neither are we sure that they have dune so by water : wg therefore wish to remain here, andjlght our enemy, sliould they make their appearance. If they defeat us, we will then retreat with our father. At the battle of the Rapids, last war, the Americans certainly defeated us ; and when we retreated to our father's fort]: at that place, the gates were shut against us. We were afraid that it would now be th^case, but instead of that, we see our Britisb father preparing to march out of his garrison. Father!— Yon have got the arms and ammunition which the great father sent for his red children. If you have any idea of going away, give them to us, and you may go and welcome, for us. Our lives are in the hands of the Crreat Spirit— 'We are determined to defend our lands, and if it is his will, we wish to leave our bones upon them. Amherstburg, September \%th, 1813. liliee of ire men our- 9Ut Ibusi- goe4 alfi«k. FORT GEORGE, October 11th, 1813, 7 o'clock P. M. SIR, Within the last five minutes, I have had the honour to receive your despatch by " the Lady of the Lake." The enemy has treated me with neglect. He continued in hit old positions until Saturday last (the 9th) when he took up his * During the siege of Fort Meigs, the troops covered themielres fromthB tnemy's fire, bv throwing up travesses and ditches of eaiti). f Commodore Barclay. :t Fort Miami, near Wayne's battle groTmd> 31 J n 24t netreat on Burlingtoa heights, and has nhandoned this whole pen- iruiUu. Two caui^es are assigned br this precipitate movement ; the succour of Proctor,, who is reported to have been entirely de- feated, if not taken ; the other, the safety of Kingston, endanger- ed by your movement. We have had horn the enemy many de- serters, most of whom concur in the latter supposition. The British burnt every thing in store in this neighbourhood, SOOO blankets, many hundred stands of arms, also the blankets in the men's packs, and every article of clothing not in actual use. They are supposed to have reached Burlington heights last evening, from the rate of their march the night before. 1 have information of tlieir; having passed "the 40," by several inhabi- tants who have come down. They add to what was stated by the deserters, that two officers of the 41st had joined general Vincent from Proctor's army, with the information that Proctor was de- feated eighteen miles this side of Maiden. I cannet get particu- lars. From the same sources of intelligence, it appears that the 49th, a part of the 100th, and the voltigeurs, moved from this neigh- bourhood the day after our llotiila left this, the Sd instant, but with what destination is not certainly known, it was first reported (I mean in theEritish camp) tiiat these regiments had marcned to support Proctor, who, it is said, wrote that he would be compelled to surrender if not supported, i am pretty sure, however, that they are gone below, ihe movement of our army, belou , seems to have been known in the Britisii lines as early as the Sd instant* tei^etiter with the immediate objects in view; lience 1 have no dimculty in concluding, that ail the movements of the enemj will concentrate at Kingston. Chapin, wiio h:;s been commissioned a lieutenant colonel, marclied lute last evening up the lake, with about 100 volunteers under his Cu.iimi:nd, and was followed this morning by generals M'Clure and Porter, witii about 1000 men, Indians and niilitia included. There is no danger of their coming up with the enemy, «r they vould be in great danger of a total annihilation. Vincent took hence with him, about 1000 or 1,100 regulars, llany of the militia left this with tiie avowed design of plunder; but 1 fear from reports that the British have leit the miserable inhabitants without any thing, to be ravished. 1 expect general M'Clure back to-morrow evening, as he only took with him sup- plies for two days ; he will probably go as far as '* the 20." (in the 8th Chapin went out with a small party and attacked one of the enemy's pickets, which brought on a skirmibh in which many of colonel Swift's regiment participated. Alter a great v\aste of ammunition, the 'parties retired to their respective camps with little loss on either side ; we made and lost a prisoner, had two Indians killeil, and two otlier men wounded. \Ve hear the enemy had five men wounded. no lars. |iler; lable lieial Itiup- be of iiany Ite of Ivith had the SB4B lYiad this morning made an arrangement, on application of general M'Clure, to be relieved \n the command of tnis post on Sie morning of the 13th instant, with an intention of taking up my line of inarch for Sackett'3 Harbor, accordinj^to the dis»cre>ion allowed me in the instructions I had the honour to receive frcm J oil at this place. My situation has become truly insupportable* without the possibility of an attack at this post, and with- out the possibility of reaching you time enough to share in the glory of impending operations below ; I am nevertheless, flattered with the assurance that transport will be forwarded for my re- moval, and to favor that intention, I propose taking up my line of march on the morning of the 13th lor the mouth of Genessee river, and there await the arrival of the vessels you are good enough to promise me. By this movement, captain Mix thinks with me, that I shall hasten my arrival at Sackett'» Harbor 5 possibly 10 days. Captain Camp has a sufficient number of wagons to take me thither ; I can easily make that place by the evening of the 1.5th. I hope l shall have your approbation, and every tning is arranged with brigadier M'Clure. Knowing your wishes respecting the invalids or subjects for discharge, and fearing that water transport might not be had till ' •. reason was too far advanced for their removal, Ihave ventured 10 'id lieutenant Archer ( paymaster of the 2()th who was 4eft Li-t<5 without orders,) on command to Greenbush, with 100 men of this description. It was a measure approved of by doctor Mann* and I hope not contrary to your wishes and intentions. Doctor Hugo, surgeon's mate of the 14th (af^o left here without orders) accompanied the detachment. The quai*ter master's department furnished 8 wagons on my requisition. ^ * The a'lck. list of the garrison is much reduced since your depar« ture, (I have the honor to enclose my morning report) and Doctor Mann has dischartred many patients from his hospital: I also en^ close you his last report. Those marked "subjects for discharge" are partot the number sent oflTto Greenbush. Doctor Mann and captain Camp have concluded to remove the general hospital to *• the eleven mile Creek " near Butialoe, the barracks at Mhich, place will be sufficient for the reception of the whole of the sick* with some trifling repairs. From the morning report enclosed, ycu will find 794 the '* total," &c. present of the regulars of this garrison, including officers, &c. Transport will be necessary for about 80 persons. 1 wish also to take with me four iron 6's, one 5^ inch howitzer, and two caissons, the whole on field carriages. This train will form no im- pediment in my march to the mouth of Geressee river, as I have horses belonging to the regiment, sufficient to draw it. If it meet your approbation, I can send the horses thence to Sackett's Harbor by land. I have, by working almost night and day, ^eatly improved the defences of this post, and nearly filled up the idea of the engineer. 4 I h 1 \ l'4 1 J M ,;' » j J . s L .'. . ^E H ii I I- m I r ' r*^ I flatter myself that I Save also improved the garrison in disci- pline. I must apologize for the haste in which this is written, but captain Mix proposes to sail immediately, and I fear to detain hill) a moment I think I shall certainly be at the mouth of th* Genessee by the 15th instant. '. I have the honour to be. &c. W. SCOTT, Col, (kmdg. lli\jorgener»l Wilkinson. Extract of a letter from colonel Clark, to brigadier general Parker, CAMP, CHAZY-LANDING, October 15th, 1813. It is with great pleasu*-^ I can inform you of a successful attack upon the enemy at Massequoi bay, on the morning of the 12th instant At this time 1 had only the riflemen with me, the artiUery moving slow and the militia protecting their reai\ We proceeded to the village (Massequoi) and arrived within 15 rods of tiie enemy before we were discovered. We found them drawn up under major Powell, in a manner that would have annoyed ua much had we attacked them by water, but wholly unprepared to defbnd themselves im the land side ; they commenced a fire on the left flank, but in ten minutes after the first attack they laid down their arms and surrendered themselves prisoners of war. Understanding that a fiyce of 200 men, under colonel Lock» -was marching to attack us, I despatched captain Finch, with hia company, to reconnoitre them and ascertain their course. He proceeded with such promptness and ability as to surprise ^nd capture the advanced guard, consisting of cavalry, excepting one man who escaped, and, giving the information, the enemy letreated. The pri^ioners were then put on board our boats and sent to Burlington. Our wHole force engaged was 102— the number -of prisonera taken is 101, their killed 9. and wounded 14. 1 am, sir, with great respect, &c. ISAAC CLARK. Biig. gen. Parker, commanding at Burlington, Vt ■ !■ ADDRESS To the inhabitants of the Upper Province of Canada. Brigadier general M'Clure, commanding on the Niagara froi- tier, finds the Upper Province deserted by the British army and abandoned by its government in the peculiar situation of the ii4h inhabitants, it it essential to their security that some regulations should be established for their government, while the American army has the power of enforcing them. The genera! regrets to say, that illegal, unauthorized, and forbidden pillage has been committed by a few, who are lost to all honour, and insensible of the obligations of a soldier. To arrest such practices, to afford all the protection in his power, and to ensure safety to the property and persons of the inhabitants, who are now under his controul, the general has issued this address. The employment of the Indians has been a source of extreme regret to tne general. But finding them called out by the gov- ernment of the United States, and expecting to attack an army who had long employed them in scenes of atrocity and outrage, at which humanity shudders, he was driven to the only alternative left him, of using the same weapon against our enemies which they had used against ourselves ; that the British army had aban- doned their encampments and fled before the American force, does not weaken the necessity which he was under of employing the Indians before he knew the enemy had absconded. At the same time, it is due to them to say, that the Indians have con ■ ducted themselves far better than could have been expected, if the example of British officers and British savages be a crit«rion. Not a single individual has been scalped or tomahawked by them, no prisoner of war has been burnt, the dead have not been thrown into the public highways, women and children have not been massacred, nor has private property been destroyed, except in eases where the former conduct pf the owners required exemplary retaliation. The property which they have plundered, has, in eases where it was possible, been restored by the Inhabitants of the United States ; and when the necessity for their employment cease^H to exist, the Indians were sent to the American side of the river, beyond the reach of temptation, to wait until circum- stances justified another call upon them. The relation of these facts is due to the honour of our government, to. the reputation of the general, and to the merits of the Indians. From it, also, the inhwitanta of Canada may learn what they may expect from American forbearance and clemency. To insure that forbearance, the inhabitants have an easy duty to penbrm; let them be perfectly neutral, let them abstain from communications with the British army and remain at home, auietly pursuing their avocations. Those who conduct differently will incur the penalties of rigorous martial law. The character of our free republican government, and the nature of our institutions, will justify your expectation of security and protection. All civil magistrates will conticue to exercise the functions of their offices merely as conservators of the peace. As far as they are able, they mtuI preserve order and quiet among the inhabitants. The existing laws of thi province, so far as they regard the public peace, and not interfering with the regulations of the armya,vah 4 i I ■ ■: i •Ifi t46 be considered in force until other measures are talcen. The ma- gistrates are particularly required to give information at head quarters of all violence committed by American troops on citizens, unless they are authorized by a written order. The general enjoins the inhabitants to submit to their magistrates, and those who refuse obedience must be reported to head quarters. The brigadier general invite^ all the inhabitants who are disposed to be peaceable, orderly, and neutral, to return to their homes and their business. He' cannot promise complete security, but he engages, » ''^r as his power extends, to protect the innocent, the aiiiortun.*t id the distressed. ~ GEO. M'CLURE, Commanding Niagara Frontier, Ueab QvjlBtbbi, Fobt Gboroi, Oct. 16th, 1813. A PROCLAMATION BY GENERAL HARRISON. An armistice having been concluded between the United States and the ribes of Indians called Mianiies, Pattawatamies, Eel River, Weas, Ottoways, Chippeways and Wyandots, to continue until the pleasure of the government of the former flhall be known — 1 do hereby make known the same to all whom it may concern. This armistice is preparatory to a general council to oe held with these different tribes, and until its termination they have been permitted to retire to their hunting grounds, and there to remain unmolested, if they behave themselves peaceably. They have surrendered into our hands hostages from each tril>e, and have agreed imnhall move ; but I calculate on 6000 combatants, exclusive of Scott and Randolph,* neither of whom will, I fear, be up in season, notwithstanding all my arrangements and exertions to accelerate their march : they are both under provisional orders from Ogdensburg.'* i^ '4i 1 ilh^' iiii 5 -- 'I'm kl..» WAR DEPARTMENT, DENMARK, October 30th, 9 o'clock P. M. DEAR GENERAL, I this moment received your despatch by captain Nourse. I rejoice that your difliculties are so far surmounted, as to enable you to say, with assurance, when you will pass Prescott. I should nave met you there ; but bad roads, worse weather, and a consi- derable degree of illness, admonished me against receding further from a point where my engagements call me, about the Ist proxi- mo. Tne resolution oV treading back my steps, was taken at Ant- werp, and communicated in a letter from that place, by major Lusn. I wrote a single line to you to-day, giving the fortunate issue of Harrison's business, and his arrival at Fort George mth M' Arthur's brigade. If Vincent be within the peninsula, Harrison will root him out It remains with you to sweep the rest of the line before you. Montreal taken, vyhat are Prescott and Kings- ton? Give Hampton timely notice of your approach, and of Uie place and hour of junction. Yours sincerely, JOHN ARMSTRONG. Major General Wilkinson. Extracts of a letter from general Wilkinson to ihe Secretary of jFar, dated ^GRENADIER ISLAND, November Ist, 1813. <* You will perceive from the duplicate under cover (letter of the 28th of October) what were my calculations four days since : but the winds, and waves, and rains, still prevail, and we have made several fruitless attempts to turn Stony Point, one of them at great peril to 3,000 men, whom I seasonably remanded to the haroor, without the loss of a life. Oui* sick, one hundred and ninety -six in number, have not fared * as well : they were embarked in^ stout, comfortable vessels, and sailed, the day before '^ Scott and Randolph both joinad. m %49 yestenlaj morning, for Sackett's Harirar, but they were drlvei ok shore by a storm, which continued with unremitting violence all night ; and as no exertion could relieve them, 1 anticipated ths loss of the whole ; but the tempest having abated, and the wind shifting from south-west to nortn-east, boats were sent out yester- dny morning, and doctor Bull reports the loss of three men only* Otlier means of transport will be provided to-morrow, and these unfortunate men will be sent to the hospital at Sackett's Harbor.^ " Brigadier Brown, with his brigade, the light artillery, the riflemen, the volunteers, the gunboats, BissePs regiment, and a part of MTomb's, are, I expect, safe at French creek, with the artillery and ordnante stores. These corps have made the tra- verse of the arms of the lake under circumstances of great danger, though fortunately without the loss of a life, but at the expense of •ome, boats.'* " I shall wait one day longer, and if the passage ' should still continue impracticable to the troops. I will land them on the opposite shore, march them across the * country to the St. Law- rence, and send the empty boats round to a given rendezvous.'* " As major general Hampton is under jour orders, permit me to suggest to you what is worthy of reflection : whether he should take a position, and wait the arrival of my command near the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Grand river, or whether he should move down the St. Lawrence, and menace Ch::*nbly ? If he is strong enough to meet sir Geoi^e, the tatter will be the pre- ferable plan, because it will have the effect to divide the, enemy's force ; otherwise he should adopt the first idea, hazard nothing, and strer.gthen my hands." " The enclosed copy of a memorandum from colonel Swift will show you what he is al^ut, I flatter myself, to jour satisfaction. The sole unpleasant circumstance before me, is our total igno- rance of the preparations of sir George, and what we may expect to meet on the island. 1 fear no consequences ; but it 'must be painful to lead more than six t'lousand men to battle hoodwinked; and yet all my efforts to procure intelligence from Montreal have proved fruitless." ,\ . IL Q. FOUR CORNERS, November Ist, 1813. SIR. On the morning of the Slst ultimo the army commenced ita iqovement down the Chateaugay, for the purpose of placing itself, in a situation which would enable it to fulfil ita part of the pro- posed combined operations on the St Lawrenv c. An extensive wood of eleven or twelve miles in^ front, block- aded up with felled timber, and covered by the Indians fnd light troops of the enemy, was a serious impediment to the arduous iMMk of opening a road for the artillery and stores. Brigadier gen- 92 1 ', fu •^'J '5 ' >. M iA #!! eral Izard, with the light troop«i and one regiment of the line, WM fletached early in tlie iiiorniiig tu turn tliese impediments in flank, and to Huize on the mure open country Ix'luw, \^llile the army, preceded by a strong working i)Hrty, advanced on a more circuitous but practicnble route tor a roud. The measure, as will be seen by the repf»rt of brigadier general l/.ard, which I have the honour to inclose, rompletulv sucreeded, and the main body of the army reached tl *> ud^aticcc! j.okition on the evening of tlu' 22d. The 2.>d and 24th ucre emphtyed in completing the road and getting up the artillery and stores. I had arranged, at my departure, under the direction of major Parker, a line of communication as far up the St. Lawrence ai Ogdennburg, for the purpose of hantening to me the eailiest no- tice of the progress of our army down. 1 hud surmounted twenty four miles of tne most difficult part of the route, and had in ad- vance of me seven miles of open country, but at the end of that distance commenced a wtuxl ot some miles in extent, which had been formed into an entire abatis and tilled bv a succession of wooden breast works, the rearmost of which were supplied with ordnance. In front of these defences v ere placed the Indian force and liglit corps of the enemy, and in the rear all of his disposable force. As the extent of this force depended ujton his sense of danger on the St. Lawrence, it was a cause ot regret that all communication from yourself or mujor Parker seemed to be at an end. As it was, however, believed that the enemv was hourly adding to his strength in this position, if free from the apprehen- sion of danger from above, an effort was judged necessary to dislodge him, and if it succeeded, we should be m possession of a position which we could hold as long as any doubts reiuained of what was passing above, and of the real part to le assigned us. Our guides assured us of a shoal and practicable fording place opposite the lower ffank of the enemy's defences, and that the wood on the opposite side of the river, a distance of seven or eight miles, \\si» practicable for the passage of the troops. ^ Colo- nel Purdy with the light corps, and a strong botly oi infantry of the line, was detached at an early hour of the night of the 25th to gain this ford by the morning, and to commence his attack in rear, and that was to be the si<;nal for tiie army to (all on in front, and it was believed the pass might be carried before the enemy's dis- tant troops could be brought forward to its support. I had returned to my tpiarters from Purdy s column about 9 o'clock at night, where 1 found a Mr. Baldwin, of the quarter master general's department, v ho put into my liands an open paper containing instructions to him from tine quarter master general, respecting the building of huts for the urmy in the Chateaugay, below the line. This paper sunk my hopes, and raif>ed serious doubts of receiving that iflicncious support which hod been an- ticipated. 1 would have recalkd the cohimn, but it was in mo- tion, and the darkness of the night rendered it impracticable. ijSt'!''^.'."/™'' " Ml I could onlj KOiforward. The army was put in motion on the mor- niti>i; of the 2oth, leaving its baggage, &c. on the ground of en- cam pinent. Oil advancing near the enemy, it was found that the column oa the uppotiite side ^ as not as far advanced as had been anticipa< ted. The guides had missed it, and finally failed in finding the ford. We could not communicate with it, but only Hwaited the attack btilow. About 2 o'clock the firing commenced, and our troops advanced rapidly to the attach. The enemy's light troops commenced a sharp fire, but brigadier general Izard advanced with his brigade, drove him every where behind hin defences and silenced the fire in his front. This brigade would have pushed forward as far as couraj^e, skill and perseverance could have carried it ; but on advancing it was found tiiat the firing had com- menced on the opposite side, and the ford had not been gained. The enemy retired behind his defences, but a renewal of his attack was expected, and the truops remained some time in their position to meet it. The troops on the opposite side were extes- sively fatigued. The enterprise had failed in its main point, and colonel Purdy was ordered to withdraw his column to a shoal four or five miles above, and cross over. The day was spent, and general Izard was ordered to withdraw his brigade to a position three miles in the rear, to which place the baggage had been or- dered fttrward. The slowness anti order with which general Izard retired with his brigade, could but ha\e inspired the enemy with respect. They presumed not to venture a i^hot at him during his moveuient ; buttlie unguardcdness ot soate part of Purdy 's command exposed him to a rear attack from the Indians, which was repealed after dark, and exposed him. to some loss. These attacks were always repelled, and must have cost the enemy as many lives as we lost. Our entire loss of killed, wounded and missing, does not exceed fifty, in its new position within three miles of the enemy's post, the army encamped on the night of the 26tli, and remained until 1". o'clock of the ^8th. All the deserters, ol whom there were four, having concurred in the information that sir George Prevost, with tliree other general oiRcers, had arrived with the whole of his disposable force, and lay in the rear of these defences, and a letter fron» niajor Parker ^by express received on the evening of the i26th) having informeu me that no movements of our army down the St. Lawrence had been heard of at Ogdensburg, and for some distance above ; the following questions were submitted to commanding oflicers of brigades, regiments, and corps, and the heads of the general staff*, in a council convened for tlie purpose : "Is it advisable, under existing circumstances, to renew the at- tack on the enemy's position, and if not, what position is it advis- sable for the army to take, until it can receive advic^s of the advance of the grand army down the St. iiawrence P" Tht opinion of the council was expressed in the filUwiug words : ^^^jj„rfai«=^^?«rt;^ 9«» \'yi " Tt is tlie unanimoui opinion of this council, that it it neeei- iiary, for the preHorvation of thin army and the fulfilment of the ostonnible viewn of tlie government, that we immediately return by orderly marches to such - position (Chateaugay) aa will ae- cure our comniunicationH with the United StateH, either to retire into winter quartern, or to be ready to strike below." In ourHU- ancc of this opinion, the army has returned by slow mnrcnes to tliis place, and now awaits the orders of the government. Its condition will be stated by the bearer, colonel Kinjt, whocan irive you, upon every point, more full and perfect information, than could oe coi^tained in a written detail. I have the honour to be, &c. W. HAMPTON. Honourable John Armstrong*, Secretary of War. 'i ' [tt i^ SIR, HEAD QUARTERS, FORT GEORGE, November 3d, 1818^ Lieutenant Le Breton, an officer in your service, arrived at Detroit on the 15th ultimo, bearing a flag and a letter to me from general Proctor, requesting humane treatment for the prisoners in mv possession, and the restoration of private property and papers. This letter was directed to me at the Moravian towns ; and at the subject was nut of the importance to authori/.e the lieutenant^ft pursuing me to Detroit, I was somewhat surprised at his doing so. It did not appear to me proper to permit him to' return in that way, and as I was on the point of setting out fur this frontier by water, 1 conceived that that mode of conveyance would be full as agreeable to liim, and would enable him to meet general Proc- tor as expeditiously as by the land route. I regret that the bad- ness of the weather, and other causes which he will explain, have detaineeen dictated solely by motives of humanity, and not by a belief that it could be claimed upon the score of reciprocity of treatment towards the American prisoners J"'*' 959 who had fallen into the handii of general Proctor. The unhappj deHcription of perHons who hnve vHciiptMl fruiii the ttnuahHWK ot the Havageft in the employment of the HritiHh {i; >vernmerit, who fought under the immediate orders of that njflcerjxfive Huffi'red all the indignities and deprivations which human nature is capa- ble of supporting. There is no siii^le i;iHtance that 1 have heard of, in which the property of the officers has been respected. But ] am far from believing that the conduct of general Proctur has been thought an example worthy of imitation by the greater part of the British officers ; and in the character of general Vincent, I have a pledge that he will unite his exertions with mine, to soften ai much as possible the fate of those whom the fortune of war maj> reciprocally place in our power. But, sir, there is another subject upon which I wish an explicit declaration. Will the Indians who still adhe"e to the cause of his Britannic majesty, be suffered to continue t'. at horrible species of warfare which they have heretofore practiced against our Iroopn, and those still more'horrible depredations upon the piace;>>le in- habitants of our frontiers? I nave sufficient e idence ^o show that even the latter have not always been perpetrated by sinal! parties of vagrant Indians, acting at a distance from the 'Brit\>H army. Some of the most atrocious instances have occurred under the eyes of the British commander and the head of t.;. fndian department. 1 shall pass by the tragedy of the river RaisiM, and that equally well known which was acted on the Miami river, after the defeat of colonel Dudley, and select three other instances of savage barbarity committed under the auspices of general Proctor: In the beginning of June, a small party of Indians, conducted by an Ottawa chief, who 1 believe is now with the British army under your command, left Maiden in bark canoes, in which they coasted lake Erie to the mouth of Portage river ; the canoes were taken across the Portage to the Sandusky bay, over which the party proceeded tu the mouth of Cold creek, and from thence by land to the settlements upim that river, where they cap- tured three families, consisting of one man twelve women and children. After taking the prisoners sunu. .'i'^tance, one of the women was discovered to be unable to kcrwiup with them, in consequence of her advanced state of pregnancy. She was imme- diately tomahawked, stript naked, her womb ripped open, and the child taken out. Three or four of the children were successively butchered as they discovered their i nubility to keep up with the party. Upon the arrival of the Indians at Maiden, two or three of the prisoners were ransomed by colonel Klliott, and the others by the citizens of Detioit, where they remained until they wei-e taken off by their friends upon the recovery of that place liy our army. I have been informed that the savage chief received from colonel Elliott a reprimand for his cruelty. On the 29'"' or 30th or the same month, a large party of Indiaris were sent from Maiden en a war expedition to LoweV Sandusky^ (• ? ? (r':T ^ *1«] I- ■ . -'U • y.l . :, m%:: ! '.' f* ' s*^ Xj '"^ f'' |y||.j ' f" i Ui%' 1. ,i ^^1 nm l4 fM .& mn rishing province opened to our arms, venireance been wantina:. The savages At a farm house, near t1iat place, thej murdered the whole familr, consisting of a man, his wife, son and daughter. During the last attack upon Fort Meigs b^ general Proctor, a party headed by a Seneca, and intimate fnend of Tecumseh's, was sent to endeavour to detach from our interest the Shawanese of Wapockanata. In their way hither they murdered several men and one woman, who was working in her cornfield. I have selected, sir, the above from a~long list of similar in- stances of barbarity, which the history of the last fifteen months could furnish ; because they were perpetrated, if not in the view of the British conuuander, by parties who came immedintely from his camp and returned to it ; who even received their daily su|)port from the king's stores, and who, in fact, (as the documents in my possession will show) form part of his army. To retaliate then upon the sui)jects of the king would have been justifiable by the laws of war and the usages of the most civilized nations. To do so has been amply in my power. The tide of foitune has changed in our favour, and an extensive and fiou- Nor ha\e instruments of who sued to us for mercy would gladly have shown their claims to it, bv re-acting upon Thames the bloodtj scene<> of Sandusky and Cold creek. A single sign of approbation would have been sufficient to pour upon the isuhjects of the king their whole fury. The future conduct of the Kritish ofiicers will determine the correctness of mine in with- holding it. If the savages should be again let loose upon our set- tlements, 1 shall with justice bi. accused of having sacrificed the interests and honour of my country, and the lives of our fellow- citi'/.ens to feelings of false and mistaken humanity. You are a soldier, sir, and as I sincerely believe, possess all the honourable sentiments which ought always to be found in men who follow the profession of arms. Use then, 1 pray you, your authori- ty and intluence to stop tliat dreadful eH'uston of innocent blood, which proceeds from the efiinloyment of those savage monsters, whose aid (as must now he discovered) is so little to be depended upon when it is most wanted, and which can have so trifling an enect upon the issue of the war. The effect of their barbarities will not be confined to the present generation. Ages yet to come will feel the deep rooted hatred and eumity wiiich they roust produce between the two nations. 1 deprecate most sincerely the dreadful alternative which will be offerei< to me should they be continued ; but I solemnly declare, that if the Indians that remain under the influence of the British government, aresuftered tocommitany depredations upon^the citi y.cns within the district that is committed to my protection, I will remove the restrictions which have hitherto been imposed upon tiiose who have oftercd their services to the United States, and di- rect them to can y on the war in their own way. 1 have never heard a single excuse Vor the employment of tlie savages by your guv- I will be leclare, iritish lie citi Iwill upon bd (li- heard ir goY- 255 ernment, unless we can credit the story of some British ollicer hav- ing dared to assert, that " as we employed the ICentuckinnSt you had a right to make use of the /mftaws." If such injurious sentiments have really prevailed, to the prejudice of a brave, well-informed, and virtuous people, it will be removed by the representations of your officers who were lately taken on the river I'hames. They will inform you, sir, that so far from offering any violence to the persons of their prisoners, these savages would not permit a word to escape them which was calculateato wound or insult their feel- ings, and thin too, with the sufferinp;s of their friends and lelatives, at the river Raisin and Miami, fresh upon their recollection. I pledge myself for the truth of the above statements in relation tp the murders committed by the Indians. I have the honour to be, &c. WILLIAM H. HARRISON. Major general Vincent, VICTORY OVER THE CREEKS. CAMP AT TEN ISLiVNDS, Novembef iUi, 1813. SIR. I had the honour, yesterday, pf transmitting you a short account of an engagen^ent that took place between a detachment of about 900 men from my brigade, with the enemy at 1 allus- hatches town ; the particulars uliereof, I beg herein to recite you. Pursuant to your order of the 2d, I detailed from my brigade of cavalry and numnted riflemen, 900 men and officers, and proceed- ing directly to the I'allushatches towns, crossed Coosy river at the Fish Dam ford, three or four miles above this place. I ar- rived within one and a half miles of the town Mistant from this plai e south-east, eight miles) on the morning ot the 3d, ^t which place Ldi\ided my detachment into two columns, the right com- posed of the cavalry commanded by colonel Allcorn, to cross over a large creek that lay between us and the tow ns : the left column was of the mounted riflemen, under the command of colonel Cannon, with whom I marched myself. Colonel Allcorn was or- dered to march up on the riptit, aiul encircle one half of the to^•nj and at the same lime the Icit uenltl form a half circle on the Uft, and unite the head of the tolumns in front of the town: all of which was performed as I could wish. When i arrived within half a mile of the town, the drums of the enemy began to beat, mingled with their »avage yell^, jTeparine; for action. It was after 8un-rise an hoar, when ihe action was bs oujrht on l»y captaiit Ham- mond and lieutenant l^ttterson's companies, who I. ad gone on within the circle of alignment, for the purpose of lirawingou^ the enemy from their buildings, which had the most happy cfVect. As soon an ca; tain Hantnond exhibited lis fru!;t in \iew of the town, (^\hich sit'od in o|,en wootllMid) :in(i gave a few scuttoung shot, the enemy formed and made a violent charge on him ; he sisa > 'H 1^^ r i?'" } ii < A t i I gave way as they advanced, until they met eur right columt, which gave them a general fire, and then charged ; this changed the direction of the charge completely ; the enemy retreated'firing, until they got around, and in their buildings, where they made all the resistance that an overpowered soldier could do ; they fought as long as one existed, but their destruction was very soon completed ; our men rushed up to the doors of the houses, and in a few minutes killed the last warrior of them ; the enemy fought with savage fury, and met death with all its horrors, with- out shrinking or complaining : not one asked to be spared, but fought as loug as they could stand or sit. In consequence of their flying to their houses and mixing with the families, our men, in killing the males, without intention killed and wounded a few of the squaws and children, which was regretted by every oflicer and soldier of the detachment, but which could not be avoided. The number of the enemy killed, was 186 that were counted, and a number of others that were killed in the weeds not found. I think the calculation a reasonable one, to say 200 of them were killed, and 84 prisoners, of women and children, were taken ; not one of the warriors escaped to carry the news, a circumstance unknown heretofore. We lost five men killed, and 41 wounded, none mortally, the greater part slightly, a number with arrows : this appears to form a very principal part of the enemy's arms for warfare, every man having a bow with a bundle of arrows, which is used after the first fire with the gun, until a leisure time for loading oilers. It is with pleasure I say, that our men acted with deliberation and firmness ; notwithstanding our numbers were superior to that of the enemy, it was a circumstance to us unknown, and from the parade of tlie enemy, we had every reason to suppose them our equals in number: but there appeared no visible traces of alarm in any, but on the contrary, all appeared cool and determined, and no doubt when they face a foe of their own, or superior num- ber, the} will show the same courage as on this occasion. I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN COFFEE, Brig. Gen. of Cavalry and riflemen. Major general Andrew Jacktioii. r,' v: ■& # SACKEIT'S HARBOR, November 6th, 1813. SIR. As I have reason to believe that the Royal George, Prince Regent, and Duke of Gloucester, have gone up the lake, with troops to reinforce Fort George ; and as I have to believe that other troops are waiting at Kingston for their return, destined for the same port, 1 have determined to proceed with the force I have ready, in quest of the enemy. My present intention is, to take a position on the Canada shore, near some small islands. «5r ■#■ r. Zemnt. |1813. •rince with re that led for force I is, to Llands. called the " False Ducks," ix^here the enemy are obliged to pasi(« and wliere 1 will wait their return to Kingston. It I should sue* ceed in my enterprise (which I have but little doubt of) I shall make an attack U|M>n Kingston, for the purpose of destroying ths guns and public stores at that station. I shall proceed for my station this evening, or to-morrow morning, with the following vessels, to wit : birig Oneida, and schooners Hamilton, Governor Tompkins, Conquest, Growler, Ju- lia and Pert ; mounting altogether 40 guns, of different calibres, and 430 men, including marines. With this force I hope to give a good account of the enemy, although he is more than double our force in guns and men. nts consists of the following vessels, as nearly as I can ascertain, to Svit : the ship Royal George, 26 guns, 260 men ; ship Earl Moira, 18 guns, 200 men ; Schooners Prince Regent, 18 ^ns, 150 men; Duke of Gloucester, 14 guns, 80 men ; Governor Simcoe, 12 guns, 70 men ; Seneca, 4 guns, 40 men ; making a grand total of 108 guns, and 890 men. The officers and men, under my command, are all extremely anxious to meet the enemy. We cannot command success, bulb we will endeavour to deserve it. I have the honour to be, &c. ISAAC CHAUNCEY. The Hon. Paul Hamilton, &c. PROCLAMATION. The following proclamation to the inhabitants of Canada, was issued by general Wilkinson, on his passage down the St, vLawreuce. JAMES WILKINSON, Major genial, and commander in chief of an expedition againtt the Canadast to the inhtUiitants thereof: The army of the United States, which I have the honour to command, invades these provinces to conquer, not to destroy ; ta subdue the forces of his Britannic majesty, not to war against hia unoffending subjects ^— those, therefore, among you, who remaia quiet at home, should victory incline to the American standard, snail be protected in their persons and property. But those who are found in arms, must necessarily be treated as avowed enemies. To menace is unjust-— to seduce dishonourable— yet it is just and humane to place these alternatives before you. Done at the head quarters of the army of the United States, this 6th day of November, 1813, near Ogdens- burg, on the river St. Lawrence. JAMES WILKINSON. By the general's command, N. PINKNfiY, Major and aid-d^-etrnp. 33 "1 ' 4 mf^ * 1 1-:: ; 1 ■: ■ ■ I hi. ■ flP' IrSAD QUARTERS OF THB ARMY, 7 MILES ABOVE OGDENSBVRfl^ November 6th, 1813, (in the evening.) SIR, I address y«u at the special instance of the Secretary of war, who, by bad roads, worse weather, and ill health, was divert- ed from meeting me near this place, and determined to tread back his steps to Washington from Antwerp on the 29th ultimo. I am destined to, and determined on, the attack of Montreal, if not prevented by some r *t of God ; and to give security to th enterprise, the division under your command must co-operate with the corps under m> iin mediate orders. The point of ren- dezvous is the circumeiance of greatest interest to the issue of this operation, and the distance which separates us, and my ig- norance of the practicability of the direct or devious roads or routes by which vou must march, maken it necessary that your own judgment should determine the point. To assist you in forming the soundest determination, and to take the most prompt and effectual measures, [ can only inform you of my intentions and situation in one or two 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 cavalry at Hamilton, which will not require a day ; I shall then press forward and break down every obstruction to the confluence of this river with Grand river, there to cross to the Isle Perrot, and with m/ scovtrg to bridge the narrow inner channel, and thus obtain foothold on Montreal Island, at about 20 miles from the city : after which our artillery, bayonets, and swords, must secure our triumph, or provide us honourable graves. Inclosed you have a memorandum of field and Mattering train pretty well found in mixed ammunition, which muj enable vou to aisiniss your own ; but we are deficient in loose powder and mus- ket cartridgi^s, and therefore hope you may be abundantly found. On the subject of provisions 1 wish I could give as favourable information ; our whole stock of bread may be computed at about fifteen days, and our meat at twenty. In speaking on this sub- ject to the Secretary of War, he informed me ample magazines were laid upon Lake Chainplain, and therefore f 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. J have submitted the state of our provisions to my general officers, who unanimously agree that it should not prevent the progress of the expedition ; and they also agree in opinion, that if you are not in force to face the enemy, you should meet us at St. Regis or it« Ticinity. I shall expect to hear from, if not see you, at that place on the 9th or 10 instant I have the honour to be, &c. JAMES WILKINSON. Ijlajor General Hampton. 2S9 ^W SIR, NEW YORK, November rth, 1813. I have the honour to inform you of the re-capture of' the American schooner Sparrow, of Baltimore, from New-Orleans bound to this port, laJen with sugar and lead. On the 3d the enemy's ship Plantagenet, chased the said vessel on shore near Long Branch, six miles distant from where the flotilla is station- ed, and took possession of her with about 100 men. A detachment from the flotilla marched against them, attacked them, drove them from on board the vessel, and took possession under the fire of the enemy's ship and barges. In the affair we lost one man ; the enemy's loss must have beeii considerable, as many have been seen to fall. The whole cargo, together with sails, rigging, &c. have been saved, vessel bilged. I have honour to be, &c. J. LEWIS. Secretary of tlie Navy. w ' f- ■i 4 traim you to mus- found. urable about 18 sub- azines lest of safest have who of the not in or its Ion the ISON. HEAD QUARTERS, FOUR CORNERS, November 8th 1813> SIR, I had the honour to receive, at a late hour last evening, by colonel King, your communication of the 6th, and was deeply im- pressed with the sense of responsibility it imposed, of deciding uj|>on the means of our co-operation. The idea su^;ested as the opinion of your officers, ot effecting the junction at St. Regis» was most pleasing, as being the most immediate, until I r'ime to the disclosure of the amount of your supplies of provision* Colonel Atkinson will explain the reasons that would have ren- dered it impossible for me to have brought more than each man could have carried on his back ; and when I reflected that in throwing myitelf upon your scanty means, I should be weakening you in your most vulnerable point, I did not hesitate to adopt the opinicii, after consulting the general and principal officers, that by throwing myself back on my main depot, when all the means of transportation had gone, and falling upon the enemy's flank, and straining every effort to open a communication from Plattsburg to Coghnawaga, or any point you may indicate on the St. Law- rence, I should more effectuallV contnbute to your success, than by the junction at St Regis. The way is in many places block- aded and abatted, and the road impracticable for wheel carriages during Mrinter, but by the employment of pack horses, if I am not overpowered, I hope to be able to prevent your starving. I have ascertained and witnessed the plan of the enemy is to burn and consume ever^ thing in our advance. M v troops and other means will be descnbed to you by colonel Atkinson. Besides the raw- ness and sickliness, they have endured fatigues eaual to a winter campaign, in the late snows and bad weather, ana are sadly dis- pirited and f illen off*; but upon this subject, I mast refer you to colonel Atkinson. sea !■■: I 1^! I,' *>,; ■;■ ■ i' ii fP'« li^ With these means, wh^t can be accomplished by human exer- tion, I will attempt. With a mind devoted to the general objects of the campai((n, I have the honour to be, &c. W. HAMPTON. His excellency maj. gen. Jame^i Wilkinson. HEAD QUAUTERS, BURLINGTON nri'!i anxious friends. Tiuiugh y i luufit be sens^ible there are several points in your letter, re8|iecti»i«; \\\'uh it is wholly beyond mv power toanord you the satisfaci' .. of an •• explicit declaration,'' yot, be assured, sir, { !?haU never loel the smallest degree of hesitation in joining you in any pledge, that it will ever be my anxious wish and endea- vour to uiieviate as much as possible the fate of those who may fall into my power bv the cliances of war. Believe me, bir, 1 deprecate as strongly as yourself, the perpe- tration of acts i>f cruelty committed under any pretext ; and shall laiitenr e(|ually with yimrself that any state ot tnings isliould pro- duce iheui. No efforts of mine will be ever wanting to diminish the evils of a state of warfare, as far as may be consisitent with the duties which are due to my king and country. The Indians, when acting in conjunction with the troops under my cuminand, have been in>ariably exhorted to mercy, and have ne\ er been deaf to my anxious entreaties on this interesting subject. I shall not fail to trausmit the original of your letter to the Lower Province, for the consideration of his excellency the com- mander of the forces. I feel particularly anxious to be made acquainted with your in- atruciious relati>e to the di^^posal of the gallant and truly un- fortunate captain Barclay, whose wounds, I lament to hear, are such as to preclude all hope of his beine ever again able to resume the honourable duties of his station. Under these circumstances I am induced to rely on your liberality and generous interference to obtain a release or parole, that h^ may be allowed the indul- gence of immediately proceeding to the Lower Province. I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN VINCENT, Major generalf Britwh army. His excellency maj. general Harrison t61 By his Excellency, s MARTIN CHITTENDEN, Esq. Governor, captain general, and commander in chief in and over the state of Vermont* A PROCLAMATION. Wliereas it appears, that the third brigade of the 3d division of militia oi this state, has been ordered from our fron- tiers to the defence of a neighbouring state ; and whereas it further appears, to the extreme i ep'et of the captain general, that a part of the militia of said brigade have been placed under the command, aud at the disposal of, an officer of the United States, out of the jurisdiction or controul of the executive of this state, and have been actually marched to the defence of a sistei- state, fully compe- tent to all the purposes of sfelf-defence, whereby an extensive section of tmr own frontier is left, in a measure, unprotected, and the peaceable, good citizens thereof are put in great jeopardy, and exposed to the retaliatory incursions and rava<>;eH of an exas- perated enemy ; and whereas disturbances of a very serious na- ture are believed to exist, in consequence of a portion of the militia having been thus ordered out of the state : Therefore— -to the end that these great evils may be provided against, and as far as may be, prevented for the future: Be it known, that such portion of the militia of said 3d division as may be now doing duty in the state of New York, or elsewhere, beyond the limits of this state, both officers and men, are hereby ordered and directed, by the captain general and commander in chief of the militia of the state of Vermont, forthwith to return to the respective places of their usual residence, within the terri- torial limits of said brigade, and there to hold themselves in con- stant readiness to act in obedience to the onlers of briu;adier general Jacob Davis, who is appointed, by the legislature of this itate, to the command of said brigade. And the said brigadier general Jacob Davis is hereby ordered and directed, forthwith, to see that the militia of his said brigade be completely armed and equipped, as the law directs, and held in constant readiness to march on the shortest notice, to the defence of the frontiers : and, in case of actual invasion, without further orders, to march with hi«> said brigade, to act, either in co-opera- tion with the troops of the United States, or separately, as cir- cumstances may renuire, in repelling the enemy from our terri- tory, and in protecting the good citizens of this state from the ravages of hostile incursions. And in case of an event, so seriously to be deprecated, it is hoped and expected that every citizen, without distinction of party, will fly at once to the nearest post of danger, and that the only rallying word be—** our country." .'ii .. I " m 11 !i ■1 ; If?* : 1: ''' !tl I m- ]^elin|^, as the captain general doeik, the weight of responni- bility wliich rests upon him, with regard to the constitutional du- ties of the militia, and the sacred rights of our citizens to pro- tebtion from this great class of the community, so essentially necessary in al' free countries : at a moment too« when they are so eminently exposed to the dangers of hostile incursions and do- rofistic difficulties, he cannot conscientiously discharge the trust reposed in him by the voice of his fellow citizens, and by the constitutions of this state and the United States, widiout an une- quivocal declaration, that, in his opinion, the military strength and resources of this state must be reserved for its own defence and protection, ejeclusively ; excepting in cases provided for by the constitution of the United States ; and then, under orders derived only from the commander in chief. Given under my hand at Montpelier, this 10th day of Novem- ber, in the year of our Lofd 1813, and of the independence of the United States, the 38th. MARTTN CHITTENDEN. By his excellency's command, SAMUEL SWIFT, Secretary. ANSWER To Governor Chittenden's Proclamation, To his Excellency MARTIN CHITTENDEN, Esq. Governor, Captain GmieraU and commander in chief in and over the State of Vermont, SIR, A most novel and extraordinary proclamation from your ex- cellency, "ordering and directing such portion of the militia of the thinl brigade in the third division of the militia of Vermont, now doing duty in the state of New York, both officers and men, forthwith to return to the respective places of their usual resi- dence," has just been communicated to the und -rsigned officers of said brigade. A measure so unexampled, requires that we should state to your excellency, the reasons which induce us absolutely and positively to refuse obedience to the order contained in your excellency's proclamation With due deference to your excel- lency's opinion, we humbly conceive, that when we are ordered into the service of tiie United States, it becomes our duty, when re(|uired, to march to the defence of any section of the union. We are not of that class who believe that our duties, as citizens or soldiers, are circumscribed within ^he narrow limits of the town or state in which we reside ; but that we are under a para- r..v,n % sad mvunt obligation to our common country, to the great confederacy of th<^ states. IVe further conceive, tnat while we are in actual service, your excellency's power over us, as governor of the state of Vermont, is suspended. If it is true, as your excellency states, that *' we are out of the jurisdiction or controul of the executive of Vermont," we would ask from whence your excellency derives the right, or presumes to exercise the power of ordering us fo return from the service in which we are now engaged? It wi were {e^a% ordered int» the service of the United States, your excellency must be sensi* ble that you have no authority to order us out of that service. If we were illegally ordered into service, our continuance in it it cither voluntary or compulsory. If voluntary, it gives no one a right to remonstrate or complain ; if compulsory, we can appeal to the laws of our country for redress against those who illeplly restrain us of our liberty. In either case, we cannot perceive- the right your excellency has to interfere in the business. View- ing the subject in this light, we conceive it our duty to declare unequivocally to your excellency, that we shall not obey your excellency's order for returning; but shall continue in the ser- vice of our country, until we are legally and honourably dis- charged. An invitation or order to desert the standard of our country, v ill never be obeyed by us, although it proceeds from the governor and captain general of Vermont. Perhaps it is proper, that we should content ourselves with merely giving your excellency the reasons which prevail upon u§ to disregard your proclamation ; but we are impressed with the belief, that our duty to ourselves, to the soldiers under our coni- nand, and to the public, requires that we should expose to the . world, the motives which produced, and the objects which were intended to be accomplished by such an extraordinary proclama- tion. We shall take the litferty to state to your excellency plainly, our sentiments on this subject. We consider your [>ro- clamation as a gross insult to the officers and soldiers in service,' inasmuch as it implies that they are so ignorant of their rights, aa to believe you have authority to command them in their present situation, or so abandoned as to follow your insidious advice. We cannot regard your proclamation in any other light, than as an unwarrantable stretch of executive authority, issued from the worst of motives, to effect the basest purposes. It is, in our opinion, a renewed instance of that spirit of disorganization and anarchy which is carried on by a faction, to overwhelm our coun- try witn ruii) aad disgrace. We cannot perceive what other object ^our excellency could have in view, than to embarrass the operations of the army, to excite mutiny and sedition among the soldiers, and to induce them to desert, that they might forfeit the wa^es to which they are entitled fur their patriotic services. We have, however, the satisfaction to inform vour excellency, that although your proclamations have been distriouted among tlie i '1^ 1 I. L ■■. . "' ' 'i i: If i n %t ^04 ** soldiers, by your Agent delcgafetl for that purpose, they have fail- cd to produce the inteuded effect— and although it may appear incredible to your excellency, even soldiers have discernnient sufficient to perceive, that the proclamation of a governor, when issued out 01 the line of hin duty, is a I armleHH, inuttensive and nugatory document— they regard it with mingled emotions of Eity and contempt for its author, and as a striking monument of is folly. Before we conclude, we feel ourselves, injustice tjo yoUr excel- lency, bound to declare, that a knowledge of your excellency's character induces \i» to believe, that the folly and infamy of the proclamation to which your excellency has put your sijt;naiure, IS not wholly to be ascribed to your excellency, but chiefly to the evil adviser's, witli whom we believe your excellency is unhappily encompassed. ',Ve are, with due respect, ficc. Luther Dixon, lieutenant colonel i Elijah Dee, junr. major } Josiah Grout, mnmr ; Clmrles Bennet, captain ; Jesse Post, cap' tain; Elijah W.Wood, captain; Elijah Birge, captain f Martm D. FoUet, captain f Amasa Mansftelu, captain ; T. H. Campbell, lieutenant ; G. O. Dixon, lieutenant ; Francis Northway, /wwie- narif i Joshua Bi'ish, Lieatennnt ; Danie) Dodge, ^n«i^n ; Sand- ford Gadconib, ca^y^ntu ; James FuUington, quarter mastei' ; 8hep« herd Beuls, lieutenant ; John Fasset, sur>!:e(m ; Seth Clark, junr. surgeon'' a mate $ T! omas Waterman, captain} Benjamin FoUet, lieutenant i Hira Hill, surgeon^s mate. CAMP STROTHER, NEAR TEN ISLANDS OF COOSA, Noventber llUi, 1813. SIR, I am just returned from an excursion which I took a few days ago, and hasten to acquaint you with the result. If^te on the evening of the 7th instant, a runner arrived from the friendly party, in La»hley*s fort, (Talledega) distant about 30 miles below us, with the information that the hostile Creeks, in great force, had encamped near the place, and were preparing to destroy it ; and earnestly entreated that i would lose no time in affording them relief. Urged by their situation, as well as by a \\ish to meet the enemy so soon as an opportunity would offer, I vdetermined upon commencing my march thither with allmydis-' pns.ible force in the course of the night ; and immediately des- patched an express to general ^Vhitc, advising him of my intend- ed movement, and ur^ed him to hasten to wis encampment by a forced march, in order to protect it in my absence. 1 had re- peatedly written the general to form a junction with roe as speedily as practicable, and a few days before had received his assurance, that on the 7''. he would jom me. I commenced crossing the e fail- ippoar nnient , Avheii ve and ions of \ent of excel- lency's r of the nalure, T to the liappiljr major ; »9t, Cflp- Martm inipbelU , tteuU- i Sand- • ,• Shep- rk, junr. 1 Fullet. * 965 pSA, Ik a few led from It about Creeks, reparing no time kll as by I offer,! my dis-* [ely des- intend- |ment by had re- ^eedily jurance, [sing the river at the Ten Inlands, leaving behind me my bagi;age wa||oni and whatever might retard my progress { and encamped that night within six miles of the fort I nad set out to relieve. At midnisht I had received, by an Indian runner, a letter from general White, informing me that he had received my order, but that he had altered his course, and was on his march backwards to join major general Cocke, near the mouth of Chatu^a. I will not now re- mark upon the strangeness of this manouvre ; but it was now too late to change mv plan, or make any new anrangements i and between 3 and 4 o'clock, I re-commenced my maroi to meet the enemy, who were encamped within a quarter of a mile of the fort. At sun*rise we came within half ainile of them, and having^ formed my men, 1 moved on in battle order. The infantry were in three lines — the militia on the left, and the volunteers on the right. The cavalry formed the two extreme wings, and Mere ordered to ad- vance in a curve, keeping their rear connected with the advance of their infantry lines, and enclose the enemy in a circle. The advanced guard whom I sent forward to bring on the engagement, met the attack of the enemy with great intrepidity ; and having poured upon them four or five very galling rounds, fell back as they had been previously ordered, to tne main army. The enemr pur- sued, and the front line was now ordered to advance and meet him ; but owing to some misunderstanding, a few companies of militia, who composed a part of it, commenced a retreat. At this moment a corps of cavalry, commanded by lieutenant colonel Dyer, which I had kept as a reserve, was ordered to dismount, and fill up the vacancy occasioned by the retreat. This order was executed with a great deal of promptitude and effect. The militia, seeing this, speedily rallied ; and the fire became general along the front line, and on that part of the wings which was con- tiguous. The enemy, unable to stand it, began to retreat; but were met at every turn, and repulsed in every direction. The ri^ht win^ chased them with a most destructive iire to the moun- tains, a distance of about three miles— and had I nut been com- Selled by the/attXjpiw of the militia in the outset of the battle, to ismount my reserve, I believe not a man of them would have escaped. The victory however was very decisive — vir^O of the enemy were left dead— and there can be no doubt br«t msbj more were killed who were not found. Wherever they rau tVi*'y left be- hind them traces of blood ; and it is believed tiiat very few will return to their villages in as sound a condition as they left them* I was compelled to return to this place to protect tlie sick and' wounded, and get my baggage on. * In the engagement we lost 15 killed and 85 wounded— 2 of thenti have since died. All the officers acted with the utmost bravery, and so did all the privates except that part of the militia who re- treated at the commencement of the battle-~and they hastened to attone for their error. Taking the whole together, they have 34 269 i! li' :f II ■ ;|' - ^1 I. 1 :;.::: 1 -:•• realiEed the hich (ftpectations I had formed of them, am) '>» >e fairlj entitled uifemselves to the gratitude of their country. ANDREW JACKSON* liif ezocUency Willie Blount, Nashville. SIR. CAMP, NEAR CORNWALL. November 12th, ISIS* I have the honour to report to you. that yeaterday, while the rear division of the army, consisting of detachments from the 1st. Sd, and 4th brigades, and placed under my command to protect the flotilla from the enemy, that hung on our rear, was under arms in order to move, agreeably to your orders, down the bank of the St. Lawrienre, a report was brought to me from the rear guard, that a body of about 200 British and Indians had advanced int« the woods that skirted our rear. Oeneral Swartwout. with the 4th brigade, was immediately ordered to dislodge them ; general Covington, with the 3d brigade, at the same time, directed to be within supporting distance. Oeneral Swartwout dashed into the woods, and with the 21st infantry, (a part of his brigade) after a short skirmish, drove them back to tlie position of their main body. Here he was joined by general Covington. The enemy had juin- ciously chosen his ground among the ravines, which every where intersected the extensive plain, and discharged a heavy and galling fire upon our advanced columns. No opposition or obsta- cle, however, checked their ardour. The enemy retired for more than a mil<; before their resolute and repeated charges. During this time, the detachment of the 1st brigaile under colonel Coles, whose greater distance from the scene of action retarded itsr arri- val, rapidly entered the field. Being'directed to attack the ene- my's left flank, this movement was promptly and bravely executed amid a shower of musketry and shrapnell shells. The fight now became more stationary, until the brigade first engaged, having expended all their ammunition, were directed to retire to a more defensible position (o wait for a re-supply. This movement so disconnected the line as to render it expedient for the first brigade likewise to retire. It should be remarked, that the artillery, excepting two pieces under captain Irvine, attached to the rear division, which from the nature of the ground, and the circuitous route they had to take, were likewise much retarded in their |irrival, did not reach the ground until the line, for want of amm|pition, had already began to fall back. When they were arrangea, in doing which I was assisted by the skill of colonel Swift, of the engineers, their fire was sure and destructive. When the artillery was finally directed to retire, having to cross a deep, and exceptme in one place, (to artillery) impassable ravine, ;:.:;' piece was unfortunately lost llie fall of its gallant commandt \, Jleutenant Smith, and most f his men, may account fbr thia t67 tint . Accident. In the death of this young man, the am^ hu lout rae of its most promising officers. , The squadron of the 2d regiment df dragoons, under mi^of Woodford, was earl j on the field, and much exposed to the ene- my's fire, but the nature of the ground, and the |)osition of his line, did not admit of those successful! charges, whtch their disci- pline and ardour, under more favourable circumstances, are calculated to make. The reserve, under colonel Upham* and nu^or Malcolm, did not arrive from the boats in time to partici- pate in but a small part of the action ; but the activity and xeal they displayed while engaged, evinced the benefit that might have been derived from their earlier assistance. The whole of the line was now re-formed on the borders of those woods from which the enemy had first been driven ; when, ni^t coming on and the storm returning, and conceiving that the object you had in view, which was to beat back the enemy that would retard our junction with the main body below, to have been accomplished, the troops were directed to return to the ground near tne flotilla ; which movement was executed in good order* and without molestation from the enemy. I cannot close my representation of this battle, without indulg- ing in a few remarks upon those officers, whose conduct wnl g^ve a character to the conflict of this day. General Covington, whose readiness to enter the field was an earnest of his subse- quent activity, received a mortal wound, while leading his men on to a successful charge. His troops still feeline the effects of his gallant example, continued to advance long after their brave commander had fallen. His fate will perpetuate the memory of the plain which has been crimsoned by his blood. Colonel Preston was severely wounded, while nobly fitting at the head of hit regiment. The universal sympathy which is excited by the hon- ourable misfortune of this amiable officer, attests the estimation which is entertained of his talents as a soldier, and his virtues aa Major Cumming, with whose military merits and exer- a man. tions I have long been acquainted, met with a similar fate white leading to a charge, and undiscouraged by the wound continued to advance, until loss of blood obliged him to retire. Many pla- toon officers received disabling or slight wounds in the honour- able discharge of tlveir duty, a report of whose names and merits I have directed the several chiefs of brigades to make to me, in order that I may transmit it to you. It is with great satisfaction I acknowledge my warmest approbation of the gallantry and zeal whicli was constantly displayed throuehout this eventful day» by brigadier general Swartwout, and colonel Coles, who com- manded the detachment of the 1st brigade. After the fall of eeneral Covington, colonel Pierce, on whom the command of tiie 3d brigade devckved, conducted with * Colonel Upham was not in this action. His boat had shoved off and was ten miles from the scene of action when the battle commenced. It wasm^or MalcoUn who headed the reserve and decided the couftict. ..-. t /:Tr' fl6S m it: :fi ■1; I ^ his characterifttie coolneas and valour. In speakin,^ af the other numerous field officerg who participated in this bai/>, colonels Gaines and Ripley, lieutenant colonel Aspinwall, and majors Morgan, Grafton and Gardner, their equal claim to applause for- bids the invidious task of discrimination, ^ I find a pleasure like- wise in acknowledging the eminent service I derived from the experience and activitv of adjutant general colonel Walback i from the assisutnce of inspector general, colonel Johnson, and assistant adjutant generals, majors Beebe and Chambers; the I'.tter was wounded in the honourable discharge of his duty. In addition to these acknowledgments, a sense of justice, aa well as personal friendship, induces me to express my entire an- Srobation of the conduct of lieutenant Henry Whiting, my aid-^ e-camp, who was in this instance, as he has been during the whole campaign, my zealous and brave assistant. Lieutenant Worthy aid-de-camp to major general Lewis, led by a laudable ambition* left the flotilla, ann volunteered his acceptable services to me on the field. Permit me now to add, sir, that though the result of this action was not so brilliant and decisive as I could have wished, and the first stages of it seemed to promise, yet when it is recollected that the troops had long been exposed to hard privations and fatigues* to inclement storms from wnich they could have no shelter ; that the enemy were superior to us in numbers, and greatly superior in position, and supported by 7 or 8 heavy gun boats ; that the austion being unexpected, was necessarily commenced without much concert ; that we were, by unavoidable circumstances, long deprived of our artillery ; and that the action was warmly and obstinately contested for more than three hours, during which there were but a few short cessations of musketry and cannon ; when all these circumstances are recollected, peiitaps this day nay be thon^t to have added some reputation to the American arms. And if, on this occasion, you Midi believe me to have done my duty, and accomplished any one of your purposes, I shall be satisned. Allow me to adjoin my regret, which is felt in common with the army, that the severity of your indisposition deprived us of you^ presence on this occasion. The adiutant general has been direct- ed to furnish a report of the killea, wounded, and the casualties. I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN 'P. BOYD, Brig. Gen, Comdg, fU^w general Wilkinson. SIR, HEAD QUARTERS, NEAR CORNWAII^ (U. C.) November 12th, 1818. I this day had the honour tp receive your letter of the 8th instant, by colonel Atkinson, and want language to expnu my m 869 U- Momrw for your determinaHon not to join the divisionunier your $ommand with the troop* under my immediate orders. As such resolution defeats the grand objects of the campaign in this quarter, which, before the receipt of jour letter, were thought to be completely within our power, no suspicion beine entertained that you would decline the junction directed, it will oblige us to take post at French Mills, on Salmon river, orintheic vicinity, for the winter. I have the honour to be, &c. JAMES WILKINSON. Migor general Hampton. Extract from the general order of general Wilkinson, of JVo* vember 13th, 1813. " The troops are to embark without loss of time ; yet are not to be hurried in leaving the Canadian shore, from whence the commander in chief is compelled to retire by the extraordinary, unexampled, and, it appears, unwarrantable conduct of major general Hampton, in refusing to join this army with a division of 4,000 men under his command, agreeably to positive orders from the commander in chief, and as he has been assured by the Se- cretary of War, of explicit instructions from the war department. *' Thus deprived of a large portion of his promised lorce, the commander in chief feels himself bound by a sensii of regard to this meritorious corps, and of sacred duty to the United States, to spare the lives oi brave men, and not to hazard the character or interest of the nation, by an unequal conflict. He, with lively regret and the deepest mortification, suspends the attack on Mon* treal. But he assures the army that it is not abandoned.*' HEAD QUARTERS, NEWARK, November 15th, 181S. DEAR SIR. Being ordered to return to the westward, you will be pleased to resume the command which you received previous to my arri- val at this place The orders which you heretofore have received unll govern you. It will be necessar;)r that you keep a vigilant eye over the dis- affected part of the inhabitants, ana I recommend that you make use of the zeal, activity, and local knowledge which colonel Willcocks certainly possesses to counteract the machinations of our enemy, and ensure the confidence of our friends, amonv the inhabitants. It will, however, I am persuaded, be your wish, as it i» your duty, to guard the latter as much as possible from oppression. The volunteers which were lately called out will be retained •as long as you consider their services necessary ; the drafted mi- litia, until further orders are received from the Secretary of War. 270 jp^^ There can be little doubt of its being the intention of the enemj to send the greater part of the troops, which they have at Burlineton and York, to Kin&;ston, and to make York the, right of their line. Thej may, however, have a small command at Burlington, and those may be so securely posted as to render them safe from any desultory expedition you may set on foot; but it is desirable to have any supplies which they may have collected in the neighborhood destroyed ; and should the success below be not such as to promise possession of the whole of the Upper Province, may be destroyed. Captains Leonard and Reed, or either of them, are appointed to muster your troops, when and where you think proper. In closing this communication, I should not dfo justice to my feelings, if I were not to acknowledge the zeal and talents witn which you have managed your command. Your conduct appean to me to have been extremely judicious and proper throughout, and your troops exhibit a state of improvement and subordination which is at once honourable to your officers and themselves. I am, &c. WILLIAM H. HARRISON, Brigadier general George Al'dure. fpl HEAD QUARTERS, FRENCH MILLS, ADJOINING THE PROVINCE OF LOWER CANADA, November 16th, 1818, SIR, I beg leave to refer you to the journal which accompanieH thit letter, for the particulars of the movements of the corps under my command, down the St. Lawrence, and will endeavour to exert my enfeebled mind to detail to you the more striking and impor- tant incidents whicli have ensued my departure from Grenadier Island, at the foot of Lake Ontario, on the 3d instant. The corps of the enemy from Kingston, which followed me, hung on my rear, and in concert with a heavy galley, and a fe.r gun-boats, seemed determined to retard my progress. I was strongly tempted to iialt, turn about, and put an end to his teasing ; but, alas! I was confined to my bed : major general Lewis was too ill for any active exertion ; and above all, I did not dare suffer myself to be diverted a single day from the prosecution of the vie vs of government. I had written major general Hampton on the 6th instant by his adjutant general colonel Ring, and had ordered him to form a junction with me on the St. Lawrence, which I expected would take place on the 9th or 10th. It would have been unpardonable had I loi«t sight of this object a moment, as I deemed it of vital importance to the issue of the campaign. The enemy desei-vt; credit for their zeal and intelligence, which the active universal hostility of the male inhabitants of the coun- try enable them to employ to the greatest advantage. Thus*, while menac*"' by a. respectable force in rear, the coast was lined ?^w me, fev7 was his ncd bv musketry in front, at every critical pass of the river, which obliged me to march a detachment, and this impeded my pro- gress. On the evening of the 9th instant, the army halted a few miles, of the head of the Lon^ue Saut. In the morning of the lOth^ the inclosed order was issued. General Brown marched agree- ably 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 time the enemy were observed in our rear, and their galley and gun-boats approached our flotilla, and opened a fire on us, which obliged me to order a battery of 18 pounders to be planted, and a shot from it compelled the vessels of the enemy to retire, together with their troops, after some firing between the advanced parties. But by this time, in consequence of disem- barking and re-embarking the heavy guns, the day was so far spent, that our pilots did not dare enter the Saut, (8 miles a con- tinued rapid^ and therefore we fell down about two miles and came to for tne night. Early the next morning every thing was in readin^iss for motion ; but having received no intelligence from general Brown, I was still delayed, as sound caution prescribed I should learn the result of his affair, before I committed the flotilla to the Saut. At half past 10 o'clock A. M. an officer of dragoons arrived with a letter in which the general informed me he had forced the enemy, and would reach uie foot of the Saut early in tlie day. Orders were immediately given for the flotilla to sail, at which instant the eqeiny's gun-boats appeared, and began to throw shot among us. Information was brought me at the same time, from brigadier general Boyd, that the enemy's troops were advancing in column. I immediately sent orders to him to attack theyir|N:his report was soon contradicted. T^icir gun boats how- ever continued to scratch us, and a variety of reports of their movements and countermovements were brought tu me in succes- sion ; which convinced me of their determination to hazard an attack, when it could be done to the gi'eatest advantage, and therefore I determined to anticipate them. Directions were ac- cordingly sent, by that distinguished ofTir r colonel Swift, of the engineers, to brigadier general Boyd, to throw the detachment of his command, assigned to him in the order of the preceding day, and composed of men of his own, Covington's and Swartwout'g brigades, into 3 columns, to march upon the enemy, out-flank them if possible, and take their artillery. The action soon after commenced with the advanced body o\' the enemy, and became extremely sharp and galling, and, with occasios il pauses, was sustainedf v >th great vivacity, in open space and fair comb;ii:, for upwards of two and a 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 indefi- nite detachments taken from the boats, to render safe the passage of the 9aut. jBrigadier geincrabi Covington and Swartwout volun- »70 tarily took part in the action, at the head of detachments from their respective brigades, and exhibited the same courage that was displayed by brigadier general Boyd, who happened to be the senior officer on the ground. Our force engaged might have reach- ed 16 or 1 ,700 men, out certainly did not exceed 1,800 ; that of the enemy was estimated at from 1,200 to 2,000, but did not probably amount to more than 15 or 1,600, consisting, as I am informed, of detachments from the 49th, 84th, and 104tn regiments of the line, with three companies of the Voltigeur and OTengary cforps, and the militia of the country, who are not included in the estimate. li would be presumptuous in me to attempt to give you a detail- ed account of this affair, which certainly reflects high honour on the valour of the American soldier, as no example can be produced of undisciplined men, with inexperienced officers, braving a fire of two hours and a half, without quitting the field or yielding to their antagonists. But, sir, the information I now give you is derived from officers of my confidence, who took active parts in this conflict; for though [ was enabled to order the attack, it was my hard fortune not to be able to lead the troops I commanded. The disease with which 1 was assailed on the 2d of September, on my journey to Fort George, having, with a few short intervals of convalescence, preyed on me ever since, and at the moment of this action I was confined to my bed and emaciated almost to a skeleton, unable to sit on my horse, or to move ten paces without assistance. I must, however, be pardoned for tresp<"<*8ing on your time a few remarks in relation to the affair. The objects of^the British and American commanders were precisely opposed ; the last being bound, by the instructions of his ^vemment and most ^i^mn obligations of duty, to precipitate his descerit of the St. Lawrcttce by every practicable means ; because this being effected, one of the greatest aifficulties opposed to the American army would be sur- mounted; and the first, by duties equally imperious, to retard, and, if possible, prevent such descent. He is to be accounted victorious who enected his purpose ! The British commander having failed to gain either or his objects, can lay no claim to the honours of the day. The battle fluctuated, and triumph seemed, at different times, inclined to the contending corps. The front of the enemy was at first forced back more than a mile, and, though tiiey never regained the ground thus lost, their stand waa permanent, and their charges resolute. Amidst these charges, and near the close. of .i.e contest, we lost a field piece by ^he fall of the officer who was serving it with the same coolness as if h» had been at a parade of review. This was lieutenant 8 ma;, of the light artillery, who in point of merit stood at the head of his grade. The enemy having halted, and our troops being again formed in battalion, front U* front, and the firing ceased on Doth sides, we resumed our position on the bank uf the river, and the infantry being much latigued, the whole were re-embarked, and proceeo- eA ^own the nver witKoiiC fiirtli^r annoyance from tlie etietny oiP their gun-boats, while the dragoons, with five pieces of artilferyi marcheffdown the Canada shore without molestation. It is liue to his rank, to liis worth, and his services, that I should make particular mention of brigadier general C^ovington, who received a mortal wound directly through the body, while animating his men and leading them to the charge. He fell, where he fought, at the head of his m^n, and survived but two days. The next morning the flotilla passed through the Saut, and joined that excellent officer, brigadier general Brown, at Bard- hart's, near Cornwall, where he had been instructed to take post and wait .ny arrival, and where I confidently expected to hear of major general Ilaiopton's arrival on the opposite shore. But immediately after I halted, colonel Atkii. on, the inspector gene- ral of the division under major general Hampton, waited on me with a letter from that officer, in which, to my unspeakable morti- fication an< surprise, he declined the junction ordered, and in- formed me he was marching towards lake Champlain, by way of co-operating in the proposed attack on Montreal. This letter, together with a copy of that to which it is an answer, were imme • diately submitted to a council of war, composed of my general officers anil the colonel commanding the elite, the chief engineer and the adjutant general, who unanimouslv gave it as their opin- ion, that " the attack on Montreal shouldf be abandoned for the present season, and the army near Cornwall should be immediately crossed to the American shore for taking up winter quarters, and that this place affi)ixled an eligible position for such quarters.^' I acquiesced in these opinions, not from the shortness of the stock of provisions, (which had been reduced by the acts of God) because that of our meat had been increased 5 days, and our ^•read had been reduced only two days, and because we could, in case of extremity, had lived on the enemy ; but because the loss of the division under major general Hampton, weakened my force too iii''n8ibly to justify the attempt, tn all my measures and move- ments of moment, I have taken the opinions of my general officers* which have been in accord with my own. I remained on the Canada shore until the next day, without seeing or hearing from the " powerful force" of the enemy iu our neighborhood, and the same day reached this position witii the artillery and infantry. The dragoons have been ordered to Utica and its vicinity, and I expect are 50 or 60 i.iiles on the march. You have under cover a summary abstract of the killed and wounded in the affair of the 11th instant, which shall soon be followed by a particular return, in which a just regard will be paid to individual merits. The dead rest in honour, and the wounded bled for their country and deserve ite gr.atitnde. I h&ve the honour t^ be, &c. JAMES WILKINSON. To the Secretarv of Ww. 35 ■\ . 'fi. !.;! ' »74 # Metum of the killtd and wounded of a detachment of the army of the UniP(d States descending the 8t. Lawrence river, under the command of major general ^imes WiUci7t8on,in an action fought at Willianuburgh, in Upper Canada, on the llth of J^l\iv, 1813. Killed— Subalterns, 3 ; sergeants, 7 ; corporals, 3 ; musicians, 1; privates, 83 : Total, 102. Wounded— Bripadier general, 1 ; assistant adjutant general, 1 ; aid-de-camp, 1 ; colonel, 1 ; major, 1 ; captains, 5 ; subalterns, 6 ; sei^ants, 9 ; corporals, 13 ; musicians, I i privates, 193 : Total, 237. Total, killed and wounded, 339. Mtmes of the Commissioned Officers lulled and Wounded, Rilled— Liutenant William W. Smith, of the light artillery ; David Hunter, 12th infantry ; Edward Olmstead, 16th, ditto. Wounded — Brigadier general Leonard Covington, mortally, since dead ; major Talbot Chambers, assistant adjutant general, slightly ; major Darby Noon, aid-de-camp to brigadier general Swartwout, slightly ; colonel James P. Preston, of tne 23d/infantry, severely, his right thigh fractured ; major William Cummines, 8tn regiment, severely; captain Edmund Foster, 9th ditto, slightly; captain David S. Townsend, do. do. severely ; captain Mordecai Myers, 13th do. do.; captain John Campbell, do. do. slightly ; captain John P. Murdock, 25th do. do. ; lieutenant William S. Heaton, 11th do, severely; lieutenant John Williams, 13th do. slightly; lieutenant John Lynch,* 14th do. severely ; lieutenant Peter Pel- ham,* 21st do. do.; lieutenant James D.Brown, 25th do. slightly; lieutenant Archibald E. Crary, do. do. severely, in the Akiru.\sh the day before the action. Aot. Qsit's. OmcB, H. Q. Blilitary district No. 9, French Mills, Nov. 1813. T. B. WALBACK, Mj, Gen. N. B. Colonel Preston commanded the 13th regiment of infan- irr during the action ; and major Cummings did duty with the 16th regiment infantry in the action. Extract of a letter from general Wilkinson, to the Secretary of War, dated « FRENCH V:. JLS, November 17th, 1813. *' After what has passed between us, you can periiaps conceive my Amazement and chagrin at the conduct of major general Hamp- ton. The game was in view, and, had he performed tlie junction directed, would have been ours in eight or ten days. But he chose to reced«k in order to co-operate, and my dawning hopes, and the hopes and honour of the army were blasted.'* * Taken priaoners. iiii S76 181J. )nceive |Hamp- inction But he hopes, To COLONEL PURDY»S REPORT major general Wilkinsont of ^ action at Chataugayt S^c transmitted by the general to the Secretary of W^r, I arrived at Cumberland head September 16th, 1813, and on the 18th took command of die 4th regiment of infantry, sta- tioned at that place. The army, consisting of about 4000 men^ vras composed principrtUy of recruits who nad been but a short time in the service, and had not been exercised with that rigid discipline so essentially necessary to constitute the soldier. The^ had indeed been taught v^^rious evolutions, but a spirit of subordi- nation was foreigii to thelk* views. On the 19th, orders issued for the whole army, except a squadron of horse and the artillery embarked* in batteaux. The army got under weigh, preceded by the light corps, and flanked on the right by the navy, and arrived at Chesy at 12 o^clock at night, lay on their arms, embarked again soon after sun-rise the next morning, proceeded down the lake as far as Champlain.andtip Champlain river the distance of four miles, where we landed, .^nd immediately marched to Odletown. The light corps who preceded the other troops some hours, surprised and defeated a ^ard of the enemy at that place. We remained at Odletown until the middle of the next day, during which time a want of system in the management of the army was readily dis- covered by every military man, that led to apprehensions for the safety of the troops, should the enemy oppose with any consider- able force. The army returned to Champlain on the 21st, tlie 22d to Chesy, and the day following commenced the route to Chatau- gay. The whole of this march, a distance of more than 70 miles, was very disagreeable : the officers were not permitted to take with them tlie necessaries, much less the conveniences of life, and were compelled to abandon clothine and other things essen- tially necessary to preserve the body in nealth. We forbore com- plaint, endurinc every privation, presuming the commandii^ officer had suftcient reasons for his conduct, and concluding it was pro bono publico. The scene has passed, and time sufficient has elapsed to have discovered those reasons, had they existed. None have been found : on the contrary, circumstances have demon- strated that it was a useless and unnecessary sacrifice of both pub- lic and private property. The army remained at Chatauj^y 26 days, and on the 21 st October commenced an excursion into the enemy's country. The firat brieade followed the course of the Chataugay river to Spear's, the distance of 18 miles and upwards, and there met the second brigade, which had taken a nearer and more convenient route. The march was very fatiguing, equalled only by another that soon followed. Credit is due to both the officers and soldiers for their orderly conduct, patience and perseverance, in surmounting the incredible obstacles the enemy threw in their way. Oa the 25th, a difficult fatiguing expedition! was planned, and the execution of it assigned to the lirst brigade, which had ill in u b t^i m ! f ?7? i for sume time prevjoiis, and ttill remained, under my command. The desis^n was io cut off the retreat of a body of the enemy, supposed to be encamped on the banks of the Chatauffay, 6 miles distance. With this' intention the first brigade was ordered across the river at night, marched oilently down, and re-cross at a ford t\yo miles below the enemy, and attack them in rear, giving a pre- concerted signal, while the second brigade moved down the road in front. We commen(;ed the march at sun-down,.and by sun-rise the next morning had gained only 6 miles. Here we were dis- covered by the enemy and fired on from the opposite side of the river. During that night we were repeateuly misled by the g lides, who knew nothing of the country, having never been that way, and at the time we were attacked, thev had led us into a thick cedar growth or swamp on the banks of the river and imme- diately opposite the enemy s position,, and knew not how to ex- tricatie us. Incredible as it may app^'^ar, general Hampton en- trusted nearly one half of his army, and those his best troops, to the guidance of men, each of whom repeatedly assured him that they were not acquainted witn the country^ and were not competent to direct sudi an ejcpedition. At tiie same time eeneral Hampton toh! me he had a man by the name of Smith, who had a perfect knowledge of the country, aud whom he promised to send me, but which he neglected to do. The defeat of the expedition was the consequence of thii; neglect of the m:>jor general. About 2 o'clock, M'hile receiving an order &om colonel King, adjutant general, upon the opposite side of the river, to march back 4 miles and there ford the river and ,j[oin tlie second brigade, the enemy made a furious attack on the column hy a great discharge of musketry, accompanied by the yells of the savages. Unfortunately, the word " retreat," was heard, which for a short time spreaci confusion among the several corps. A sufl\cient number, nowever, remainefl firm, and the enemy was soon compelled to retire. Towards sun-down 1 sent general Hampton a request, that a re^ment might be ordered own to cover my landme on the opposite side of the river ; but judge n^y surprise, on receiving inteUigence that he had retreated, wim the second brigade, near^ Uiree miles. Thus was I deserted without the sm'JIest guard to cover my landing. To what cause shall it be attributed, that the general ordereua retreat, and that too at the moment m hen the presence of the second brigade was required, or could be useful, as soon afterwards he declared "hedwuld he willing to compound with thefrst brigade for 500 m^n." The wounded had previously been conveyed across on rafts, which made a removal of my brigade to that side absolute- ly necessary for their protection. An attempt was accordingly made, and a fioating bridge soon constructed of old logs, found on the margin of the river. The enemy discovering our dispo- sition, commenced firing from the opposite side, and killed several whiie crossing. Major Snelling, with about 100 men, effected » 277 landing, and joined the main body. The remainder of my force, exhausted by the excessive exertions of the preceding night, and weary with the fatigues of the day, not having had a muiii'ttit either for rest or refreshment, were compelled to enduie the privation of sleep another night. We retired two or three iiiiUn and took a position. At about 12 o'clock the enemv came up and made an attack upon us, but were soon routed. The nten at this time were formed and lying on the ground they Wf re to wwiy, as a referetice to the orders issued by him will show, mark \ ery strongly the capriciousness of his conduct and the total want of steadiness in his intentions. Suc^i has been the generals conduct on some occasions, that I have, in common with other ojficers, been induced to believe that he was utider the influence of a too free use of spirituous liquors. I must, in justice to general Hampton, say, that the expedition he planned, and which I have called "difficult and fatiguing," did, at the time it Mas su^ested to me by him, meet my full appro- bation, and tliat I have since pm -eason for changing my opini- on of iti practicability or usefulness, but I must also say that it required competent guides, and these (as I said before) he pro- mised to furnish me, but did not. I am of opinion no officer that has served ^nder major general Hainptoi), on the late campaign, can, o; will, contradict this state- ment. ROBERT PURDY, Col 4th Inf, A ti-ue copy, 9 R. H. M'PuEasoN, Captain ^ Secretary, 279 ss. TREATMENT of American Priaonen in Quebec. Extract of a Utter from captain M'Donou^ht commanding the United States* naval force on lake Chumplair{f to the Sebretary of the ^avi/t dated ** PLATTSBURG DAY, November 23d, 1810 . "Accompanying this is- the voluntary statement of Abraham Walter, who was pilot of one of the Mioops taken luHt summer He has made his escape from Quebuc; and after a severe journey of ten days, reported nimself to me yesf ' ay." tSlffidavit of Abraham Walter, pV' ^^nited States' sloop Growler, on lake (Jii ;. ' Statr of New York, } Clinton County, ^ AbrahaiH Walter, formerly pilot of the sloop of war Growler, on lake Champlain, beine duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that he was employed on board that sloop when it was taken by the Bri- tish in June la»t ; that after the sloops Growler and Eagle were surrendered, the prisoners, both officers and sailors, were taken to Quebec, where they were immediately confined on board a pri-. son ship; there they were examined by a public officer or exa- miner, and about eight or ten of the prisoners declared to be British subjects ; these were immediately separated from the rest, and put on board a man of war and sent to England, to be tried for treason. One of these was known to be a native of New Hampshire by captain Herrick, of the New Hampshire volunteers, who was also a prisoner, and who had known him from his infancy and sevei'al of the rest were declared by others of their acquain- tance to be native citizens of the United States. These represen- tations were unavailing!; with the British officers who commanded, and they were torn thuH from their companions to defend them- selves against the charse of treason in England. The residue were still confined in t^ ^ir prison ships, in a situ- ation more disagreeable Jian can well be imagined. Some time after, a number of British vessels were wishing to pro- ceed to Halifax, the crews of which had mostly been pressed out of them to fight the American forces on the upper lakes, and seamen were wanted to supply their places. Governor Prevust sent an order to general Glascow, who then commanded there, directing him to proceed on board the prison-ship and to induce the prison- ers to volunteer to man their fleet for Halifax ; and in case they refused to comply, to force theni *in board for that purpose. The application was made ; but the American prisoners, considering the measure unjustifiable towards their own government, refused to volunteer, and were accordingly forced on board the vessels by a British press-gang, where this deponent understood they hatl ^, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 ;^iu ui »IU 122 £ Ui 120 1.1 11.25 11.4 !■■ lii& 1.6 ^ '^ FhotogFaphic Sdmoes CarporatiQii 4^ v\ 23 WMT NIAM STRHT WnSTM,N.Y. 145M (7U)t7S-4»03 '^ .* %^^ v\^ ^ 4^ 6^ M ; I li . J.. / ft 5: '■ ' 5 Ml Quarters assigned them, and were compelled to assist in navigating Iritish vessels to Halifax, arid afterwards to England, as this deponent has since been informed : and further, that not one sea- man who Mas a prisoner there was exempted from this proceeding. And this deponent further saith, that in the beginning of the present month of November, an order was received in Conformity to the prince regent^s proclamation, to seize 46 Anierican officers and non-commissioned officers, who were then prisoners of war, and to imprison them, to be kept in close confinement, agreeably to the tenor of that proclamation. Prisoners to tliat number, most of whom were officers there on their parole, many of them in a delicate state of health, vrere immediately put under arrest, and maS'ched guarded to the public prison, and immured, for what fate is to him unknown. Among those destined for close impri- sonment, are lieutenant Smith, then in a declining state of health, and Dr. James Wood, a citizen of Champlain, who was taken from his home while he was in the employment of the riivenuei but, as this deponent believes, no way connected with the army. They vk ere imprisoned on the 5th of November instant. This deponent further saith. that the enemy has uniformly at that place treated American prisoners, both officers and privates, with extreme rigor ; that some time since an American midship- man and two masters' mates, merely for having proceeded on a party of pleasure, about half a mile beyond the limits assigned them, were seized and put into prison, and kept in irons, tifl th^ general imprisonment of officers and non-commissioned ofKcers, as above related, took place. And this deponent further saith, that all that was allowed for the American pnson^rs on board the pri- son-ship, was daily one pound of old wormy bread, which the inha- bitants declared had been twice to the West Indies, and condemn- ed lor spoiled bread, and one half pound of exceedingly bad meat, which in almost any other situation would be absolutely not eatable ;' no liouors ; no soap to prevent themselves from becoming loue^ ; no candles : and none of the other comforts of life ; and that it was the opinion of all the prisonei^ that .many of them had actually starved to death, not being able to eat the provisions ; and further, that immediately on the prince regent's proclamation being re- ceived, colonel Gardner, tne American agent there, who had been occupied in paying oft' the sick and privates of the land service, was immediately notified by governor Prevost, to consider hiiriself confined to the same litiii^ which were assigned for the officers at Beaufort ; and when this deponent left that place, he was compelrH ed to remain with g<^neral Winchester ana others, .i;^nd was not permitted to visit the prisoners who were in distre;>3,6n board the prison-ships, nor to ni^it the town to negotiate his bills for the relief of the officers, ahd had already beeA obliged to share what little private mrthey he had with him among them for their tem- porary relief. This deponent further saith, that he started from the neighborhood of Quebec, and came by the way of Derby in # m Y«Hlto«ft, klfA «itivC|4 act ttiis idftbe two ditjri kine^i ^iid lu^flUr Ihis deponent naith not. ABRAHAM WAtteft. iSwohi befoi« iat, this ^ diiy df, November, 1 81 3* ttENRt gELEinr. One of the Snigu fff the Cbuii^ C&Mvkon rUatt in tuH Jw the county of ilMnton, tUtRD VICtORTT OVER TOE €R^EKS* FORT ARMSTROKO, November 34th, 18tt. ^AR GENERAL, In mine of tlie 19<)i kiitant, by major Oittla#, I protaiis«d jtiA k more detailed report, respecting the detachment ordered by ynn to the IfilHbee Towna, in th« Cr^ natnnu In compliance with that promise, I have n^w the honour to ^tatef, that under ydur or" der of the tlth instant, t imttietliately march^ with ^ mott«t6d infantry under the knmediate conranand of t^onel Burch, l!ie tavalry under the cotnimand of major Porter* and a few «lf the Che* irokee Indians, under the oonmand of colonel Morgan, with very ^ort rations f^ four days only* We continued our march to Little Oakfiiskie, when we fell in with and captured five hostile Creek warriors, suppuied to be spSes. Finding; no other Irrdia^a mt that place, we burned the town, .#hich consisted of thirty houses. We Aen proceeded to a town called Oenal^, and burned the tame, consisting of ninety -three houses ; tiience we proceeded to Nitty Choptoa, consisting of about twenty-five houses* which I considered it most prudent not to destroy, as it might |KMsibl V be of use at some future period* From thence we inarch^ ed to the Hillibee Town, consisting of about twenty houses^ ad-* joining which was Grayson's farm4 Previous to our arrival at that place, t was advised that a party of the hostile Creeks waa assembled there* Having marched withm six or eight milea of it on the evening of the T'th, I dismounted a part of we force undei* n^ command, and sent them under the command of colonel Burch« with the Cherokees under the command of ctdonel Mwganinid' vance,to surround the town in the nij^ti and make (he attack at day* lighten thelStii. Owingtothedaruiessofthe night« the town wa4 Biyt ieachednntil after day-liglht ; but so complete was the surpriiey that we succeeded in surrounding the towm and kiHine and captur** tn|^a)most (if not entirely) the wholeof the tostiUCredLa assembled there, consisting of about 316, df which number about 60 wamiori were killed on tne spot, utd the remainder madeprisonetti iBeforf tiie close of the enmgement, mv whole force wis up and ntdf for action, haditmcome neeeeMuy* but owing to the want of knoivledge on the part ot ihe l^dfani of oqr appi'oaehj they were fntirely kitted ana taken before they could prapare^for aiiy eA^^ 11 :! 11' ■ ■'■•'• Si r .#. :ii ill p I; ■ ■'■^f ' tual dttfeMce. We lost net one drop of blood in accomplighing; this enterprise. Wc destroyed this village, and, in obedience to jour orders, commenced our march for this post, which we were unable to reach until yesterday. I estimate the distance from tliis -to Grayson's farm, at about 100 miles. The ground over which we travelled is so rough and hilly, as to render a pas- saee very difficult. Many defiles it was impossible to pass in safety, without thot greatest precaution. For a prt of the time, the weather was so ver^ we^ being encumberea 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 Creek nation, where the Ited Sticks were first dis- tributed. In justice to this gallant band, I am proud to state, that the whole of the officers and men under tne command of colonel Burch, performed their duty cheerfully and without complaint : that from the cool, orderly and prompt manner in which major Porter and the cavalry under his command, formed and conducted themselves in every case of alarm, I had the highest confidence in them ; colonel Morgan and the Cherokees under his command, gave undeniable evidence that they merit the employ of their go- vernment. In short, sir, the whole detachment under my com- mand, conducted in such a manner as to enable me to assure you that they are capable of performing any thing to which the same number of men are equal. It ^ves me pleasure to add, that Mr. M'Corry, who acted as my aid in this expedition, rendered ^'^vices that to me were indispensable, to his country very usv and to himself highly honourable. I have the honour to be, &c. JAMES WHITE, Brigadier general* Major genend Jolm Cocke. Bjptrad of a letter frtKn major general Wilkinson to the Secretary of JVSr, dated <*FRT£NCH MILLS, November 34«h, 1813. V ** I havei had the honour to receive your letter of the 15th instant from Albany, and hope my despatches have reached you which left this on the 1 7th. «* With respect to the unfortunate issue of the campaign, I disclaim the shadow ^ blame, because I know I have done my duty, and more than my duty, and so do those with whom I have actedf T\* general RimpUm's outrage of every prineipU of sub' ;ii J-: ience h we tance round ftpas- 188 in : time, konerSy ^ great lation, 1 have of that rst dis- hatihe colonel iplaint » h major nducted ifidence mmand, ^eir go- ny com- lure yott he Bame acted ae me were If highlf ral* betetary 1, 1813. ^h instant ou which tapaign, I done my |m I have \Uoftub- 283 wiinaHoH and dvtcipline may he ascribed the failure of the e»pedi' Ooni and that I have not yet arrented him must be attributed to my respect for you, and my desire that the arrest should proceed from the highest authority ; flh: if this act be suffered to pass unno- ticed and unpunished, it will establish a pricedent to justify disobedience and subvert those obli^tio'nsot blind obedience, ott which the efficiency of military institutions exclusively depend. " After our losses by deaths, desertions, and discharges since we left Sackett's Harbor, I think we shairnot be able to show you more than 6000 men at this point, exclusive of the dragoons who have been ordered to Greenbush and Pittsfield for convenience and economy." FOURTH VICTORY OVER THE CREEKS. CAMP, WEST CHATAUOUCHIE, December 4th, 1813. SIR. I have the honour to communicate to your excellency an ac- count of an action foudit on the 29th ultimo on the Tdapoosit river, between part of flie force under my command, and a large body of the Creek Indians. Having received information that a number of the hostile Indi- ens were assembled at Autossee^ a town on the southern bank of the Talapoosie, about 18 miles from the Hickory Ground, and 20 above the jrnction of that river with the Coosa, I proceeded to its attack with 950 of the Gteor^a militia, accompanira by between 3 and 400 friendly Indians. Having encamped within nine or ten miles of the point of destination the preceding evening, we resumed the march a .few minutes before one on uie morning of the 29th, and at half jpast six, were t capes from the Tallassee town. Some time after the action com* menced, our red Crienda thronsed in flisarder in the rear of our lines. The Cowetaws under M'Xntosh, and Tookaubatchians an-* der Bfad Dog^a sem, fell in on our flanka, «id fouf^t with «a iiitr<^dity worthy of any troops. At o'clock the enemy was completely driven from the plain» and the houses ol'tboth towns wrapfied in flames. As we wero then 60 miles from anv deoot of provisiona, and our Ave dayi^ rations pretty L;ach reauoea, in tiie heart of an enemy's country, which in ia wr momenta coula have poured from its nnmeroua towoa hosts oif the fiercest warriors, as aoon as the dead and wounded were properly disposed of, I ordered the place to be abandoned, and the troopa to commence their marcn to Chatar honchie. It ia difficult to determine the strength of the enemy s bat from the information of some of the chiefs, which it is said can be relied on, there were assembled at Autossee warriora from ei^t towns, for its defence, it being their beloved ground, en which they iNroclaimed no lytute man contd apjiroach without inevitable destruction. It is dtfiSicult to give a precise account (^ the lose of tiie enen^ ; bnt A?oni the nun»er which were ^ing scattered over the field, together with those destroyed in the towns, and the maby •Iain on the bank of the river, which reapectable officers affirm they aaw lying in heaps at the water's edge, where they bad been preeipitatM. by their surviving friends, th0ir loaa in killed, inde> pendent of their wounded, must ha? e been at least 200, (among whom were the Autosaee and TaUasafe kUiga) anc: from me cir* oumstance of their making no effiirta to niolest our return, im^^* blj greater. The number of buildings burnt, some of « superior ?!♦ . order (or th« liwelUiun of savaaes, and filled with valuable articlei^ . is suppoied to be 400. Adjutant general Newman rendered important services during the action, by hia eool and deliberate courage. M^ aid, major Crawford, discharged with promptitude the duties of a brave and meritorious officer. Major Pace, who acted as field aid, also distinguuhed himself; both these gentlemen had their liorses shot under them, and the latter lost his. Doctor Williamson, hosoital surgeon, and doctor Clopton, were prompt and attentive in the disdurge of their dutj towards the wounded during the action. Major Freeman, at the head of Irwin's troop of (favalry, and Krt of Steele's, made a furious and successful charge upon a dj of Indiana, sabred several and completely defeated them : c%ptiMn Thomas and his company, captain Adams and lieutenant Hendon's rifle companies killed a great many Indians, and de- serve particular praise. Captain mrton's company was in the hottest of the battle, and fought like soldiers. Captain Myrick, captwi; Little, captain Kin|;, captain Broadnax, captain Cleveland, captun Jfosepk J. Cunning^uun, and captain l^ee, with their compaoied, distinguii^ied themselves. Brigadier jgeneral Shackle- fprd wan of groat aorvice in brinwing tlie troops into action ; and «4itttaot Br^max, and mt^r Montgomery, who acted as assist- ant ^jiit^j^ showed great activity and covrase. Mi^or Booth 48ed his best endeavors in brining his battalion to action, and nsajor Wataon's battalion actod with considerable spirit Irwip's, Patterson's, and Steele's troops of cavalry, whenever an opportu- niity presented, chained with success. Lieutenant Strong had hia horse shot and narrowljr efcaped* and anarter master Fennell displayed the ereatest heroism, and miraculously escaped, though badly wounded, after having his horse shot firom under him. I1ie topographical engineer was ^ipUnt in his endeavours to render service. The troops deserve the hichest praise for their fortitude in enduring huiiger, cold, and tatlgue, without a murmur, having marched 190 miles in 7 dajrs. The friendly Indians lost several killed and wounded, the number not exactly known. Captain Barton, an active and intel- ligent officer, (th^ bearer of thele despatches) can more particu- larly explain to your excellency the conduct, movements, and operetiona of the army. I hav9 the honour to be, &c. JOHN FLOYD, H, ^. Ifijar general PinQkney. JTiUed and unmnM in t&e ocNoii mi ihe 2^h of AVvtmter. ISlii Total kiUfd U; wounded, 54. f . ,! M * :J • ij I \:>.&\l kJ..U.i] ■'' v.-:, Matnust ofu Utter from hiradier gmural /sen! to «M{for gtntral IFifiUfuon, dated •• PLATT8BURG, December Ml, 1813. ** There is an unavoidable delaj in the returns of the r^menta •f this division, proceeding from the extreme inexperience of the officers of all grades, now with them' ; almost every efficient officer is either sick, or was furloughed by major general Hamp- ton at the moment of his own departure : those that remain ara barely enough to perform the routine of duty in this canton- ment.*' Bxtraet of a letter from general WUkinsoH to the Secretary of War, dated MALONE, December Sth. 1813. ** The unavoidable delay of the express (as no reliance can be placed in the mail from" this place) enables me to send you the copy of a letter from general Izard, dated the 6th instant, which exhibits additional expositions of the pemioious and un- warrantable conduct of major general Hampton, i will not charge this man with traitorous designs, but I apprehend, in any other government, a military officer who first defeated the object of a campaint by disobedience of orders, and then, without authority} furlou^ed all the efficient officers of the division he commanded on a national frontief, in the vicinity of an enemy, would incu^ heavy penalties.** GENERAL ORDERS. HEAD QUABTEUS, FORT NIAOAKA, December 13tb, 1819. Captain Leonard will, as soon as possible, have aproportion of hand grenades in the different block houses, and eive directions to the officers of the infantry where they should De posted with their men, in case of an attack ; and should they not be able to maintain the outworks, to repair to the block and mess houses ; and have every thing arranged in such a manner as though he exDected an immediate ittacL Much is expected of captain Leonard, from his Ions experience and knowledge of duty ; and the general feels confident he will be well supported by lieutenant Loomaa, of the artillery, as well as the officers of the infantry. By order of brigadier general Creorge M*Clure. DONALD FRASER, LieuUnant I5th U, 8, Inf, ^ VoL Ji, de Camp' [;' il ADDRESS OF GENERAL M<0LtTRl2: To the inhabUanU of ^NHagarttt Oenesee and Chataugay, The present crisis it tnilj alarming. The enemy are prepariig to invade your frontier, and let their savages loose upon your familiefl and property. It is now in your power to avoid that evil* by repairing to Lewistown, Schlosser and Buffalo.^ Every man who is able to bear arms is not only invited but required to repair to the above rallying points, for a few davs, until a detachment of militia arrives. The enemy are now laying waste their own country; every man who does not take up arms, or who are dis- posed to remain neutral, are inhumanly butchered, their property plundered, and their buildings destroyed. Information has just been received that six or ei^^t of their most respectable inhabi- tants, between Queenston and Fort George, have fallen victims to their barbarity. Every man in the province is required to take up arms, and he that refuses is wantonly butchered. What then, fellow citizens, have you to oxpect from such an enemy, should they invade your frontier ? Think of the consequences ; be not lulled into a belief, tiiat because you reside a few miles from the river, that ^ou are secure : No, fellow citizens, the place to meet them is on the beach, llien you will have it in your power to chastise them ; but should they be suffiered to penetrate into the interior with their savages, the scene will be horrid ! If, then, you love your country and are detemiined to defend, its riehts ; if you love your families, and are determined to pro- tect uiem ; if you value your property, and are determined to preserve iU you will fly to arms and hasten to meet the enemy, should tliey dare to set foot on our shores. Since the above was prepared, I have received intelligence from a credible inhabitant trom Canada, (who has just escaped from tiience) that the enemy are concentrating; m their forces and boats at Fort George, and have fixed upon tA9 QcAETXB*, BvnuA, December 18th, 1818. Sxtrad of o, Utttr from commodore Stephen Decatur to fJie Secretary of the Mvy, VEW, LONDON. December 30th, 1813. ** Some few nights since, the weather promised ,an opportunity ttr this aquadren to get to sea, and it was said on shore tiiat we ■h y ' '1 11 m Ki*r. ■ ' i .i:i: X 188 itiMnd^d to make the Mtempt In Ihe eourle tif ihfe «v«ning t«> blue light! were burnt on both the fmnts at the hwrbo«ir*t mouth at. ai|pMU to the enemy, and there it not a doubt, but Ihat thej We, by tignalt ana otherwite, inttantaneout information of oar movementt. Great but untuccettful exertiont have been made to detect tiiote who communicate with the enemy bj tignal. The e^tor of the New London Gazette, to alarm them, and in a hope to prevent the repetition of thete tignalt, ttated in that newtpaner, that they had been obterved, and ventured to denounce tlvDse wno had made them in animated and indignant termt. The contequence it, that he hat incurred the exprettcentureof tome of his neighbourt. Notwithttanding thete tignab have been re- peated and have been teen by twenty pertont at leatt in thia tquadron, there are men in New London who have the hardihofld to afect to'diabelieve it, and the effipontery toavow their ditbeli^o ** I have the htmour to be, kc, ^ »« STEPHEN DEC ATtni.» llonounble WiU'uun Jones, Secretar}'of the Navjr. ■i|f i-' 5*!'..: .,9 ' .;*!•■ *i BEAD QUARTERS, BtlFTALO, OeCMbber 92d, tSlS. 8IR, I regret to be under the n^cettHy of announcing to you the mortifying intelligence of the loot <^ Fort Niagara. On the morning m the 1^ inttant, about fouroVIOck, the enem^ crost- ed the nver at the Five Mile Meadowt in great force, conntting 4^ rr^lart and Indians, who made their way un^tcovered to the gtrti- ton,which, from the most correct information Icite collect, waacmn- pletely surprised. Our men were nearly all asleep in tiieir tents } the enemy ruthed in and commenced a ttost liokrMe tlauf^ter. Such at etcaped the lory of the firtt ontet, retired tO the old mesdioute, wnere they fikpt up a dettructive fire on die enenrr, until a want of amnimiition compelled them to turrehdfer. Al- though our force wat very inferior and comparatively tmall indeed, I am induced to think that the ditafter it not attributabk to any tpaniof troops but to^»rott neglett hi the eoiHiKanding oMetr of thefortt captain 9 eonanl, in not preparing, being reaoy, and looking out for the expected attack* I have not been able to atcertain correctly the number of kilkd and wounded. About twenty regulart hiive etcaped out ot the fort, tome badly wounded. Lieutenant Peck, S4th regiment, it killed, and it it taid three othert. You will perce^re, iir, by the endoted general ordert, that I apprehended an attack, and made the necettary arrangements to meet it, but have reason to believoi from information received by thote who have made tiieir etcape^ that the commandant did not in ahy respect oompty wHh thot* ordert* S89 gt«-> tuthat. : they of otr made . The I in a n that Kounce I. The if tome sen re- in thia rdihood itbeli^t i,l81S. yov the On the it of th« iment, in r. by the id made I believe* escape* thosf On the same morning a detachment of militia, under mi^or Bennet, stationed at Lewiston HeiKhts, was attacked by a party of savages : but the major and his little corps, by making a dea« perate charge, effected their retreat after oeing surrounded by several hundred, with the loss of six or eight, who doubtless were killed ; amonc whom were two sons of captain Jones, Indian in- terpreter. li\e villages of Youugstown, Lewiston, Manchester, ana the Indian Tuscarora village, were reduced to ashes, and the inoffensive inhabitants who could not escape, were, without regard to age or sex, inhumanlu butehertd by savage* headed by BRITISH officers painted. A British pfficer who is taken prison- er avows that many small children were murdered by their Indians. Major MaJlory, who was stationed at Schlosser, with about forty Canadian volunteers, advanced to Lewiston Heiehts, and compelled the advanced guard of the enemy to fall back to the foot of the mountain. The major is a meritorious officer ; he fousht the enemy two days, and contended every inch of ground to me Tonawanta creek. In these actions lieutenant Lowe of the 23d regiment United States army, and eight of the Canadian vo- lunteers were killed. I had myself, three days previous to the at- tack on the Niagara, left it with a view of providmg for the defence of this place, Black Rock, and the other villages on this frontier. I came nere without troops, and have called out the militia of Genesee, Niagara, and Chataugay counties en nuuse. This place was then thought to be in most imminent danger, as well as the shipping, but I have no doubt is now perfectly secure* Volunteers are coming in, in great numbers; they -are, however, a species of troops that cannot be expected to continue in service for a long time. In a few days one thousand detached militiai lately drafted, will be on. I have the honour to be, &c« GEORGE M'CLURE, Brigadier genertU commanding. Honourable Jdm Armfctiong, Secretary of War. SIR, HEAD QUARTBB8, NIAGARA fVONTIEIi, December SOdi, 1818. I have only time to acknowledge the recaj^t of y6ur letter cl the 251h instant, and to add that uiis frontier is wholly desolate. The British crossed over, supported by a strons pftrty of Indians, at a littie before dayli^t this morning, near Black Rock. They were met by the militia iinder my command with spirit; but overpowerea by numbert and discipline of the enemy, the militia gave way and fled on every side ; every attempt to rally them waf meffectual. The enemy's purpose was obtained, and the flou- rishing vUlage of BUFFALO LAID IN RUINS. The NiagarA prospect of uniting our forces, of driving the enemy from fiur- 57 'f--- ' W ^■■'il V^ '',-,'■ '■-' ■ ■'. ■■^^W-'^ SM '. 4 r ws^ 1 i ■•1 Mil. lli 1 ' '' in liii tl; frontier naw Het open and naked to our enemiei. Your jodgment will direct you what ii moet proper in thiH emermncy. I «m exhauated with fatigue and mutt dfefer particulara till to-morrow. Manjr valuable lives are lost. I have the honour to be, &c. A. HALL, Major general Governor Tompkins. GENERAL M militia were discharged, I wrote, and continued writing, to the- Secretary of War, the necetsity of sending on a detachment of militia er regular troops ; that 1 found it impossible to retain the militia in service one day beyond their term; I also sin ted, from the best information, the enemy's forces. I offered a bounty of two dollars oer month, for one or two months, but without effect. Some few oi colonel Bloom's regiment took the bounty, and imme- diately dieappeared, and I was compelled to ffrant a discharge to the mUitia and volunteers, which left me about 60 effective regulars of the 24th United States infantry, under captain Risers, to garri- son Fort George. I summoned a council of tne officers, and pat the question^— '* Is the fort tenable with the present number of men P" They unanimously gave it as their opinion, that it would be mad- ness in the extreme to pretend to hold it, and recommended its evacuation immediately, as the enemy's advance was then within eight miles. I accordinsly gave orders for all the arms, ammuni- tion and public stores, of every description, to be sent across the river, which was principally effected (though the enemy advanced so rapidly that ten of my men were n||ide prisoners) and ordered the town of Newark to be burnt. This act, however distressing to the inhabitants and my feelings, wag by order of the Secretary of War, and I believe at the same time proper. The inhabitants had twelve hours notice to remove their effects, and such as chose to come across the river were provided with all the necessaries of life. I left captain Leonard in the command of Fort Niagara, with about 160 effective regulars, and pointed out verbally, and particularly in a general order, how he should prepare for an attack, which would certainly tak*^ t 290 nrotnptness and ability with which they performed their several duties, llie officers of the different corjps behaved handsomely, and are entitled to distinction. Courage animated every counte- nance, and each vied with the other in rendering service. I have taken the liberty of communicating to you directly, in consequence of the distant station ot the general commanding the district, and also for the purpose of forwarding to you the enclosed original docum^ent which was found in the house of Weatherford. It shows particularly the conduct of the Spaniards towards the American government. The third regiment has returned to this place, and volunteers are on the march to mount Vernon, near fort Stoddert, for the purpose of being paid off and discharged^ their terms of service having generally expired. I have the honour to be, &c. FERD. L. CLAIBORNE, Brig, Oen, of Volunteers. IloDourable John Annstron^. m { '^ ■{ . . jsS %\ '■■■ n' - 1 ■■sMr CAMP DEFIANCE, 48 MILES WEST OF CHATAHOUCHEE, Januaty 27t]i, 1814. SIR, I have the honour to acquaint your excellency, that this morn- ing at twenty minutes past five o'clock, a very large body of hos- tile Indians, made a desperate attack on the army under my command. They stole upon the sentinels, fired upon them, and with great impetuosity rushed upon our lines; in twenty minutes the action became general, ana our front, right and left flanks were closely pressed; but the brave and gallant conduct of the field and line officers, and the firmness of we men, repelled them at every point The steady firmness and incessant fire of captain Thomases artillery, and captain Adams's riflemen, preser^ved our front line*: both of these companies suffered greatly. The enemy rushed within fifty yards of the artillery, and captain Broadnax, who commanded one of the fllcket guards, maintained his post with great bravery until the enemy gained his rear, and then cut his way through them to the army. On this occasion [fimj^chie Bamuel, a half-breed, at the head of the Uchies, distiiiguisbed himself and contributed to the retreat of the picket guard ;^ the other friendly Indians took refuge within our lines and remained inactive, with the exception of a few who joined our ranks. So doon as it became light enough to distinguish objects, I ordered 'aajors Watson's ai)d Freeman's battalions to wheel up at rig^t angles with majors Booth's and Cleveland's battalions, (who form- ed right wing,) to prepare for the charge. Captain Duke Hamil- ton's cayabry (who had reached me but the day before,) was or- dered to fmrm in the rear of the rig^t wing to act as circumstances \ «a97 I I Irasor- inces •honld dictate : the order for the chorae was promptly obeTed^ and the enemy fled in every direction before tne bayonet. The sisnal was given for the charse of the cavalry who pursued, and sabred fifteen of the enemy who left thirty-seven deaa on the field ; from the t^Iiision of blood and the number of head-dresses and war-dubs fo^nd in various directions, their loss must have beea considerable, independent of the wounded . I directed the friends \y Indians, with Meriwether's and Ford's rifle companies, accom- panied by captain Hamilton's troop, to pursue them through Cali- pee Swamp, where they were trailed by their blood, but succeeded in overtaking but one of their wounded. Colonel Nevrman received three balls in the commencement of the action, which deprived me of the services of that gallant and useful officer. The assistant adjutant general Narden, was inde- fati^le in the discharge of his duty, and rendered important services ; his horse was wounded under hhn. The whole of the staff was prompt, and discharged their duty with courage and fidelity ; their vigilance, the intrepidity of the officers, and the firmness of the men, meet my approbation, and deserve the praise of their couAtry. I have to regret the death of many of my brave fellows, who have found honourable graves in the voluntary support of tlieir country. My aid-de-camp, in executing my orders* had his horse killed nnder him. (General Lee and miyor Pace, who acted as additional aids, rendered me essential service with honour to themselves and usefulness to the cause in which th^ are embarked. Four wagon and several other horses w^re killedi, and two of the artillery horses wounded. While I deplore the loss ittstained on this occasion, I have the consolation to know that the men which I have the honour to command have done their duty. I herewith transmit you a list of the killed and wounds I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN FLOYD, Brigadier General, Major geneni ^ckney. SIR, January 28th, 1814. The patriotism that brought you into the field at your ad- vanced age, which prompted you on with me to face the enemy ia the late excursion to the Talapoosie river, the example of order, and your admonition to strict subordination throughout the lines, and, lastiy, the bravery vou displayed in the battie of Enotochopco, by re-crossing the creex, entenng the pursuit, exposing your per- son, and thereby saving tiie life of lieutenant Moss, and killing the Indian, entitie you to the thanks of your general and the approbation of your country. Not having it in my power to move forward until the troops from East and West Tennessee arrive, (I mean tiie 1500 ordered for six months' service, under the re- quisition of the Secretary of War, and tiie late order ef generll 38 1 1 i' WW' «98 •: i- ,f ll' W^ mil' 'i - l^ineknej, with colonel Willuuns's renment, and such other auxi- liary troops, as may be permitted bv tiie orders of the governor of the state) I have to request that you will forthwith repair to East Tennessee, and use your best exertions in hurrying those troops to this point at the earliest possible day. The character of the State, by the retrograde of the troops, and the failure of having in tlie field such troops as were required by the Secretary of War, had like to have been tarnished. The public service has been much retarded thereby and much injured, and the public expense much enhanced, it is alone from the exertions of men of influence, that those evils can be cured, the public »^^® promoted^ and the objects of the campaign brought to a speedy and successful issue, whereby the high standing of the l^^pj"*™ of the state of Tennessee may be regained, which had like to have been buried by the conduct of miscreants whose sole olgect is popular views and self agxrandivement. You have been with roe— you have been a faittmil observer of the passing scenes, and do know that these would be potriote, these *ovm ink- ing boagters, these men who will not act tfcemsrfves, o»*»"*J fault with every thing, have been destroying the true interea^ oj their country » the cause we are engaged in, and every thin|| valua- ble to freemen to insure the cause ot our countrv, when 't**'*^® in contact with their own individual vintfe, and their owa vrivate turgrandixement. The eyes of the faithful and experienced patri- ot, one whose country's good it has in common with Wi follow-citi- Eens, has seen and felt these growing evils. You are one amongst this number, in whose exertions I have confidence, and in ^hoae patriotism I rely, and who has experience, and sees thino «• tney really exist, and will, with the true patriotism of an Ansencan, aid tne present campaign to a speedy and succesaful issi^e. 1 therefore repeat, that I wish you to repair to East Tennessee and use your utmost in sending on the troops and sufficient supplies of provisions with them, with which that country abundantly abounds, and which have from some unknown and strange cause been wrtn- holden from me. Your exfyerience and patriotism are a sure pledge to roe that your beat exertions will be used to promote the present campaign. Receive, sir, my best wishes, and believe me to be respectfully, Your most obedient servant, _ ^ A19DREW JACKSON. J%\ Gtn, Omdg. Colonel WiOinn Cocke. HEAD QUABTERS FORT STROTIIER, Uxmry S9th, 1814. SIR. I bad the honour of informing yon in a letter of the Slst ult ibr- warded by Mr. M*Candless (express) of anexcurwon I contemplat- ed making still farther in the enemy's conntry witii the new raised r ali- enor of [oEaftt troopa of the Lure of icretary vice has e public I of men service I speedy itnotiam { Uke to >ie otject )een vith V scenes* lien »«**: but fin* nnfvalua- en rt cam© ,„»«rii'fl*e wed patn- '^lowuaU- leavtongst i in whose logliltsthey lAjnerican. Wssee and t supplier ol [\y abettnds» \ been with- Uurc pledge the present bspectlully> 1 29th, 1814. ilstttltfiw- |contemi»la^t- le new raised $i9 motunteers from fennessee. I had ordered those troopg to fbriA * Junction with me on the 10th instant, but they did not arrive unm the 14t)i. Their number, including officers, 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 ihy force, con- sisting of the artillery company with one six-pounder, one com- pany of infantry of Is men, two companies of spies, commanded Dy captains Gordon and Russell, of about SO men each, and a company of volunteer officers, headed by seneral Coffee, who had beim aliandoned by his men, and who stiU remained in the field awaiting the order of the government ; making my force, excksivv of Indians, 930. The motives which induced me to penetrate still further inta the enemy's country, with this force, were many and urg^t 'Hie term of service of the new raised volunteers was short, and a con', siderablie part of it was expired ; they were expensive to the government, and were full of ardor to meet the enemj. The ill dfbcts of keeping soldiers of this description long stationary and idle, I had been made to feel but too sensiMy already : other causes concurred to make such a movement not only justifiable but absolutely necessary. I had received a letter from captain M' Alpin, of the 5th instant, who commanded at Fort Armstrong* in the absence of colonel Snodgrass, Informing me that 14 or 15 towns of the enemy, situated on the waters of the Talapoosie, were about uniting their forces, and attacking tiiat place, which had been left in a very feeble state of defence. You had in yoiilr letter of the 24th ult informed me that general Floyd was about to make a movement to the Talapoosie, near its junction with the Coosee ; and in the same letter had recommended temporary ex- cursions against such of the enemy's towi:s or settlements as might be within striking distance, as well to prevent my men from be- coming discontented as to harass the «nemy. Your ideas corres- ponded exactly with my own, and I was happy in the opportunity of keeping'my men engaged distressing the enemy, and at the same time making a diversion to facilitate the operations of general Floyd. Determined by these and other considerations, I took up the line of march on die 17th instant, and on the night of the 18th encamped at Talleden Fort, where I was joined by between two and three hundred friendly Indians ; sixty-five of which were Cherokees, the .balance Creeks. Here I received your letter of the 9th instant, stating that general Floyd was expected to make a movement from Cowetau tne next day, and that in ten days thereafter he would establish a firm position at Tuckabachet ; and also a letter from colonel Snodgrass. who had returned to Fort Armstrong, informing m(B that an attack was intended to be soon made on that fort, by 900 of the enemy. li I could have hesitated before, I could now hesitate no longer. I resolved to lose no tim« in meeting this force, which was understood tohav? beefi cellect* pi: .'f h ' ,1 ▼ored to turn the left flank of the enemy, in which he part'.allj succeeded, and colonel Carroll, colonel Higgins and captain* Elliot and Pipkins pursued the enemy for more than two milei, who fled in consternation, throwing aWay their packs, and leaving twenty-six of their warriors dead on the field. This last defeat was decisive, and we were no more disturbed by their yells. I should do injustice to my feelings if I omitted to mention that the venerable judge Cocke, at the age of sixty-five, entered into the engagement, continued the pursuit of the enemy with -uthi- ful ardor, and saved the life of a fellow soldier by kilKug hit savage antagonist. Our loss in this affair was killed and wounded t among the former was the brave captain Hamilton, of East Teiinc« * «• who had, with his a^ed father and two others of his compar>j^, after the neriod of his engagement had expired, volunleered his services for this excursion, and attached himself to the artillery company. No man ever fought more bravely or fell more glon- ously ; and by his side fell with equal bravery and glory, Bird Evans of the same company. Captain Quarles, who commaadcd the centre column of the rearguard, preferring death to abandoning his post, having taken a firm stand in which he was followed by twenty-five of his men, received a wound in his head of which he has since died. In these several en easements our loss was twenty killed and seventy-five wounded," tour of whom have since died. The lost of the enemy cannot be accurately asci rtained ; one hundred and eighty-nine of their warriors were found dead ; but this must fall considerably short of the number really killed. Their wounded can only be guessed at Had it not been for the unfortunate retreat of the rear guard in the affair of the 24th instant, I think I could safely have said that no army of militia ever acted with more cool and delibe- rate bravery. Undisciplined and inexperienced as they were, their. conduct in the several engagjements of thi' 29d could not have been surpassed by regulars, rfo men bv<'i ittct the approsnH of an enemy with more intrepidity, or re; i 'n**; li • .. with »..<.*« energy. On the 24th, after the retreat c. (Uc reav guard, they seemed to have lost all collectedness, and were more difficult to be restored to order than any troops 1 had ever seen. But this was no doubt owing in a great measure, or altogether, to that very r^^treut, and ot>ght ratiier to be ascribed to the want of conduct in iiuirof their officers tiian to any cowardice in the men, who on K-'xsr^ r. \^c\on huve manifested a willingness to perform their du* ^y f)0 far as they '..new it. Ail fhe effect)* which were designed to be produced by this excursion, it is believed have been produced. If an attack was I. they suit to It this ktvery iuct in j^hoon pirdtt- [y this M iMditatcd •ganiit fort Armitrong, tfitt hn b««n prtvented. If rinerti Floird ii *>peraiin|ii; 'tn Hie «ast tide or the Talapoosie. m •uppose him to he, a nxMt ltort«Mte diversion has been mode in hit Uvoor. Th«^ number **' the enemy ha* been dimiaiahed. emd ^ conidence li.ey maj have derived fr«in the deiays I have been made to experience, hat been dettroved. Dticor'^nt has been kept oat of my army, while the troops whe hive been espos«l to it, have been beneilciallj emfdoyed. The enemj*8 coentrr hne been explored, and a road cut to the point where thev will bo concentrated when they shalUbe driven from th« countrj oelow. Bat, in a report of this kind, and to you who %dll immediately percoive them, it is not necessary to state the h«ppy conseonenooa which may be expected to result from this evrurskin. Unless 1 am ^atly mistaken, it will be found to have hastened the termi- nation of the Creek war, more effectualty than any meaaure I could have taken with the troops under my'conuMtnd. I am, 6cc. ANDREW JACKSOX, Jfi^, Gen, Ttnnuau VolwHUmr, UBJiot fsneisl ThonMS I^nckoey. SIR. CHARLESTON, Juiu«y 31it, 1814. I have the honour to inform you that yesterday momini^ about 4 o'clock, I received informauon express from Stono, that the United States* schooner Alligator had been the e^rMiing before chased in by an enemy's squadron, and attacked in the nignt by a detachment of boats. I immediately repaired to the place, and ordered two barges round, and a detachment of teamen overland* §nm the Nonsnch, to her assistance. About 8 A. M. I got on board the Alli|;ator, then some distance up the river. I received the following information from uuling master Baatett, her com- nuHkler ; that he sailed on Saturday morning from the river of N«rtk Bdisto, fur Charleston. Soon after leaving the bar, diHco- v»red an enemy's squadron, consisting of a frigate, a heavy brig* tad a hermaphrodite, which nve chace to him— wind light from tihe south-west ; he found mat the frigate would cut him off froM Chariett«m, and in the evening run into the river and hove to; the enemy then clote oflT the bar; and from their nHM«vres was of opinion they intended to tend in their boats. He steed up tlie river about two milea, and anchored, prepped for actioB. About a quarter before fr' P. M. the moon very bnght* diaeovered six of the enemy's boate shors to preserve the honour and reputation of the army. I now enter- tain a gleam of hope that things will end well. No means on my part have or will be neglected to effect so desirable an ob|ect,t Reuoning, seasoned wiui threats of the consequences, and the direful effects which followed the improper conduct of the New York militia, have been represented in strong terms; nor have I omitted to remind them of their pledges to the government to brave dangers, encounter toil and endure privation— to risk life and fortune in support of the common cause. You may rest as- sured that I shall employ all the means ia my power to promote the imblio interests <^ Shite kV report of the battle of the 2rth. T tim welf Msat^, that seven of the enemy's slain have been found in one grave in Canlibee swamp, and five others in an adjacent one. Accept my acknowledgments for the terms in wnich you have been pleased to approbate my conduct<^-my endeavours to continue t« merit it will be unremitting." r *«februuy3d,l814. '* I am informed that the enemy are in possession of our works at Camp Defiance, on their vray to attack us, which in all proba- bility they will attempt to night. We are well prepared, and will g^ve a |;ood account of them, if they attempt the execution of their designs, I this morning sent off the most of our wound- ed and sick.'' SIR, HEAD QUARTERS, FORT STROTHER, Februaiy l/tb, 1814. son my object.< and the he New have I ment to risk life rest as< imote Your two letters of the 8th and 14th instant, have been receiv- ed, but from the continued hurry of business with which I am surrounded, I have not had time to answer them until now. The importance of the service vou, have rendered, and the deep interest you have taken in forwarding my views and the objects of the campaien, command mr sincere thanks. I hope you will continue to aid in procuring me means and transporting tlie supplies to this place : the active exertions of a patriot of «up- ty-Jive mars of age, wiU eeriaiiUy etimuUde the youtMul soldier to his duty t such examples have become necessary ; I find those who talk most of war and make the greatest huatCt about our in- jured rights at home, are l/ie last to step forward in vindication of ^lose rights. Patriotism is an appendage which such men wear as a coquette does a fine ribband, mere^ for show, and to be laid aside or applied as necessity aiay require. I have the honour to be, &c. ANDREW JACKSON, Major general commanding* ^'olond William Cocke. UNITED STATES FRIGATE PttBSfDFjrr, SANDY HOOK BAY,Febniaty 19th, 1814. SIR, I have to acquaint you^ that I arrived at my present aa« chorage last evening at 5 o'clock, after a cruize of seventy-fivt days, and now have the honour to detail to you the {Murticulara In pursuance to your directions, I sailed from Providence the dth December ; and although! expected to have run the gauntlet li j(M T^ h ! through the enemr's squadron, that was rejiorted to be cruizing betueen Block Island and Gajhead for the purpose of intercept* Ibk the President, I had the good luck to avoid them. The day liiuer leaving Providence, I re-captured the American schooner Comet, of, and bound to, New York, with a car^o of cotton from Savannah, which had been captured by the Ramilies and Loire, and in their possession about 48 hours. In a few hours after re- capturing the Comet, a sail was discovered to the eastward, which 1 felt inclined to avoid, from the circumstan<6e of the wea- ther being haxy, and knowing that I was in the nei^bourhood of an enemy's squadron. From an advantage of wind, she 'was enabled, however to gain our lee beam at a distance of three or four miles, owing to whibh I was induced to shorten sail, with the intention of offering her battle in the morning, should nothing else be in sight, and she not be a ship of the line. The weather becoming more obscure at 2 o'clock, prevented our seeing her un- til day -light, when she stood from us to the north east, although th% President was hove to, to let her come up. From this date until the 25th, we did not see a single sail, except the Recovery (a brig belonging and bound to Penobscot, from St.Bartholomew, in ballast) until after reaching the longitude of 35, and latitute 19, being carried thatfar eastward by a severe S. W. gale, accom|)anied by such a heavy sea, as to render heaving to impracftcable without infinite risk, when two large sail were discovered standing to the northward, and to which I gave chase, believing, as well from the situation in which they were first discovered, as the manifest dis- position they afterwards showed to avoid a separation, that one was a frigate and the other an Indiaman under her convoy ; in this 1 was mistaken, for on a nearer approach ( could discover the headmost was a frigate with seven ports abaft her gan^ay, and the other a ship of equal or little inferior force. On discov- ering their decided superiority, and supposing tiiem to be enemy's ships, I endeavored, duringthe succeeding night, to separate them by steering different courses, and occasionally shewing a light, but was unable to succeed, for the headmost was at one time so near that she fired a shot over us, whilst her consort was but a few hundred yards astern of her. I now directed our course to be altered, made sail, and continued the remainder of the night to shew them light occasionally, but to no effect, as at day -light they were discovered to be in a situation to uni: ? their force. After this I shaped a courf>e to reach a position to windward of Barbadoes, on a parallel of longitude with Cayenne, and did not meet another vessel till the dOth, when falling in with a Portu- guese brig, and receiving information that she had been boarded 36 hours before by two British store ships, btnind to the West In- dies with 300 troops on board, I crowded sail to the westward in the hope of overtaking them ; in this I was again disappointed, and after a pursuit of four days, hauled fjirther southwoi'd to gain the latitude of Barbadoes ; and in that situation, on the 5Ui of <■■ 1 '■ 309 JftnaaiT captured the British merchant ship Wanderer, of 7 gu&9 and 16 ineD, from London bound to Jamaica, partly loaded with plantation stores, and after taking from her such light articles as were of most value, sunk her. In the same position, on tiie 7th,. I fell in with the British merchant ship Prince George, in tlie character of a cartel with prisoners, which, with 4 other British vessels, had been captured by two French 44 gun frigates, the Medusa and Nymph, the same ships I had fallen in with 14 days- before. On board of the Prince George I sent the prisoners cap- tured in the Wanderer to Barbadoes, on parole. On the 9th of Januarv, while still to windward of Barbadoes, I captured the ship Edward, of 6 guns aud 8 men, from LonClon bound to Laguira, in ballast — which vessel I also sunk. Having learned from the master of the Edward as well as the Wanderer and Prince George, that they had been separated in the Bay of Biscay from their con- voy, consisting of the Queen 74, two frigates, and two sloops of war, I was induced, owing to a belief that the convoy was still to the eastward, to remain to windward of Barbadoes until the 16th January, when finding they must have passed, I changed my ^und and ran off Cayenne, and from thence down the coast of Surinam, Berbice and Demarara, though between Tubago and Grenada, thence through the Caribbean sea, along the southeast side of Porto Rico, through the Mona passage, down (^e north side of Jamaica, and otlier leeward islands, without meeting a single vessel of the enemy, or any other than four Spanish dred- gers and one Swedish ship, until I got near the Manilla reef ; near which, after captunng and sinking the British schooner Jonathan, loaded with rum and dry goods (the most valuable part of which [ took on board) I hauled over for the Florida shore and struck soundings off St. Augustine, and from thence run on sound- H as far as Charleston, passing within 4 or 5 miles of Colum- Iria island, and as near to savannah as the weather and depth of water would allow, without meeting a single vessel except a Spanish ship from the Havanna bound to Spain, but steering for Savannah in consequence of having sprung a leak. Arriving off Charleston, (which was on the 11th instant,) I stretched close in with the Bar, and made the private signal of the day to two schooners lying in Rebellion Roads, and which, from tficir appearance, I believed to be public vessels. After re- maining all day olf the Bar, with colours hoisted, and the before- mentioned signal displayed, without being able to communicate with the schooners, I stood to the northward, and at seven o'clock the next morning, discovered and chased a ship to the southward, which, after pursuing eight or nine miles, led me to a second sail, (a brig under her topsails, with her top-gallant masts housed, and her Hying gib-boom ri^ed in), and from thence to the discovery of a third sail, represented from the mast-head to be a large fri- Site ; on discovering the third sail, added to the manouvres of the rst and second, 1 was induced to believe them part of an enc- ■ji-i Sl» ■■:, i inj'A8<)u«dron» and accordinglj hauled up and itood for the fonner^ to ascertain her character; and after making her from the deck, Eerceived she was a fri^te as reported. 1 now shortened sail, elieving that towards n;ght I mignt be able to cut off the ship, (which was either a small fri^te or large sloop of war.) and brig^ from the third or largest sail, at this time nine or ten miles to wmdward ; in this, however, I was not able to effect my purpose, owing to the weather-sail (between sun-set and dark) bearing aown for the others* Judging now from their manouvres, that after dark they would chase, I stood to the eastward, under short sail i believii^ thatin the morning I might find them in some disorder; at daj-lig^t, however, owing to the haziness of the weather, thej were not to be seen ; conse(|uentlj, I wore and stood back to the westwaitl to make them agam, and in a few minutes discovered two, one on the lee, the other on the weather bow, to which 1 gave chace, but after chasine them about half an hour, the weather be- coming more clear, ana two lai^ ships suddenly making their appearance, one on the weather and the other on the lee beam, I cnaneed my course to the eastward, when the four immediately crowded sail in pursuit ; but owing to the weather, assisted by the enemy's manner of chasing, I was enabled to get clear of them without difficulty in a few hours. From this 1 pursued a course on soundings (except in doubling Cape Hatteras) to eighteen fa- thorn water off the Delaware, where, in a fog, I teU in with a lai|;e vessel apparently a man of war. Shortened sail to topsails and cleared snip fcr action, but she suddenly disappearing, and in a few minutes she, or some other vessel near, being heard to fire signal guns, I stood on to the northward, from a belief I was near another squadron. From the Delaware I saw nothing until I made Sandy Hook, when I again fell in with another of the enemy** squadrons, and bv some unaccountable cause was permitted to enter the bar, although in the presence of a decidedly superior force, after having been obligea to remain outside seven hours and a half waiting for'the tide. I am, &c. JOHN HODOERS. Ilea. Wm. Joiie% Secretaiy of the Kavy, BRITISH VERACITY. Surgeon «flmos w^. Evans to the Publie, ' BOSTON, March, 18l4i Having latdy seen in the British Naval Chronicle, for Majr ' , a publication signed Thomas Cook Jones, surgeon of his Bri- jiic majesty's late ship Java; in which accusations of ill treat- ment tOMrards the British wounded prisoners, whilst on board the United States* fKg»te Constitution, under the command of com-' last tannic ^'*i' ■: "Vft* Itreat- com" 311 aadoreBftinbridka, are brought forward ; I conceive it nj dvtfi lett silence ahoild be construed into an aclcnowledgement of na correctnesti to expose some of the falsehoods composing that state- ment. After introducing himself with considerable egotism, and much parade of professional skill, he makes the foUoMring observa- tions : "Their (tiie British wounded) removal to the Constitution, the deprivations thej tiiere experienced as to food, and the repeated disturbances thej suffered bj being carried below, and kept there for Several hours, three different times, on the report of an enem j heaving in sight : when these, I say, are considered, and the results contrasted with those of the American wounded, four of whom who lost their limbs died when I was on board, were laid in cots, {tlaced in the most healthy parts of the ship, provided with every ittle luxury from competent and attentive nurses, and not allow- cd to be removed, when ours were thrust into the hold with the other prisoners, the hatches at once shutting out light and fresh air, and this too in the latitude of St. Salvador, the recovery of our seamen appears as miraculous as it proved happy; and truly evinced both resignation and courage in patiently subroittinff, without a complaint, to the cruelties of their situation, and firmly conteniiing with every obstacle which chance or oppression could present or inflict. The Americans seemed verv desirous not to allow any of our officers to witness the nature of their wounded, or compute their numbers. I ordered one of my assistants, Mr. Caponi, to. attend, when their assistant went round, and he enumerated forty-six who were unable to stir from their cots, independent of those who had received what they called* *' slight hurts.** Commodore Bainbridge waa severely wounded in the right thigh* and four of tiieir amputations perished under mj inspection. ** I have noticed these facts, that your readers may be convinc- ed of the falsity of their officiid despatches, and to authorize tiieir being received with some degree of^scepticism. *' 1 sent my assistant, with most of tne wounded men, in the evening, and remained myself in the Java, till within a few mi" nutes of her being set on fire : one poor fellow only remained, who had received a musket ball, whicii entered the rignt orbit and remuned imbedded in the brain : he was in arHado mortts, and I ben^d die American lieutenant to let me sta^ with him undis- turiwd for a few minutes, as I expected his unmediate dissolu- tion. '*Thia Yankee son of humanity proposed assisting him into eternity; I instantly dragged him into the boat, and he expired alon|| side the Constitution," It is not true that there wia any distinction made between the British and American wounded : tiiey were aluQg promiscuously together on tiie fntn 4ick, and every thing which humanity could dictate that the ship afforded, was provided for their comfort and -^1 ■ ii, ill'!' ■ K i • p ■ 1 ■ ■■■''? m i. ?!,. ii cMToniwe*. Thii ihip wat cleared for action M onea Sulars presented an extended front from the beginning, ijt is evi« ent that a conmion sized tt-ee could not protect even one man, . much less the squads that often stood and breathed their last to- Kther ; and vet upon his regulars the enemy relied for victory* concert, therefore, and favoured by the snades of twilight, he commenced a general retreat, after one hour's close and gallant conflict. I did not pursue for the following reasons. First, we had tri- umphed a^mst numbers and discipline, and were therefore under uo obligation of honour to incur additional hazard. Second, in these requisites (numbers and discipline) the enemy were still superior, and the ni;!;ht would have ensured success toan ambua- eade. Third, the enemy's bugle sounded ths close upon the op- posite heights. If then we ha«l pursued, we must nave passed over to him, as he did to us, becituse the creek could be passed on horseback at no other point, and the troops being fAtigued and frost-hitten, and their snoes cut to pieces by the frozen ground, it was not possible to pursue on foot It follows that the attempt to pursue would have given the enemy the same advantage that pro^ dvced the defeitt« 317 #ar loti in killed and wounded, amounted to a non-eommission- ed officer and six privates, but the blood of between 80 and 90 brave EngUshmen, and among them four oflicerR, avenged their fall. The commander, captain Barden of the 89th, is supposed to have been killed at an early stage of the contest. The whole American force in action, ionsisted of 190 rank and file, of whom 70 were militia, including rangers. The enemy's regulars alone, were from 150 to 1 80 strong, and his militia and Indians fought upon three fronts of our square. I am .*nuch indebted to all my regular officers, and trust their names will be mentioned to the army and. to the War Department. Without intending a discrimination, it must be acknowledged, that the exertions of lieutenants Kouns and Henry of the ^iSth, and Jackson and Potter of the 24th, were most conspicuous, be- cause fortune had opposed them to the main strength of the foe. Captain Lee of the Michigan draeoons, was of great assistance be- fore the action, at the head of the advance and spies, and my warmest thanks are due to acting sailing master Darling, of the United States* schooner Somers, who haa volunteered to command the artillery. Ensign Heard of the 28tii, acting as volunteer ad- jutant, merits my acknowledgments, and especiallv for his zeal in defending my opinion against a final retreat, wnen others per- mitted their hopes to sink beneath the pressure of the moment. The enemy's wounded and prisoners were treated with the ut- most humanity. Though some of our men were marching in thin stocking feeti they were not permitted to take a shoe even from the dead. « > I have the honour to be, &c. A. H. HOLMES, Capt, Z4th Injt. (ieutenant colonel Butler. A UNITED STATES* SHIP UMTED STATES, NEW LONDON, • March 18th, 1814. SIR, I have the honour to forward to you enclosed, a despatch re- ceived by me from captain Capel, the commanding officer of the British s(||^uadron before this port, written in reply to an applica- tion of mme, for the release of an American seaman, detained against his will on board the frigate Statira. Hiram Thayer, bom in the town of Greenwich, in the county of Hampshire, and commonwealth of Massachusetts, was impress- ed into the naval service of Qreat Britain, in the month of August, 1803, and detained ever since. About six years ago, when the Statira was put in commission, he was transferred to her, and has been constancy on board her to this day. I am informed, and in &ct it was stated by captain Stackpole to lieutenant Hamilton, Irho was charged with the flag, that the late general Lyman, our Mji \{\\ .h' 818 coimul at London, made application to the Lords Commititionera for the diicliai^e of Thayer, but thejr were not latiHfled with th« evidence uf hit* nativity. John Thayer, the father of Hiram, aiiBurei me, that the certi' ficate of the telect-mcn, the town clerk, and the minister of Green wicl^ were forwarded some time ago to Mr. Mitchel, the resident agent for American prisoners of war at Halifax, but does not know the reason why he wns not released then. The son haa written to his father, and informed him that on his representins to captain Stackpnle, that he was an American citizen, and woula not tight against his coui^try, that captain Stackpole told him " if they fell in with an American man ot war, and ne did not do his d'^ty, he should be tied to the mast and shot like a dog." On Mondnv tlie 14th instant, John Thayer requested me to allow him a tfag to go off' to the enemy and ask for the release of his son. This 1 granted at once, and addressed a note to captain Cnnol, stuting that I felt pursuuded that the application of the futliur, furnished as he was with conclusive evidence of the cativi- tv unci the identity of his son, would induce an immediate order fur his discharge. The reply is enclosed. The son (le>cried his father at n distance in the buat, and tuld the first lieutenant of the Stutira that it was his father, and 1 understand that the teeU ings manifested bv tl.e old man on receiving the hand of his son, proved, beyond alf other evidence, the property he liad in him. There was no doubt left on the mind of a single British officer of Hiram Thn^er^s l)eing an American citizen ; and yet he is de- tained, not as a prisoner of war, but compelled, under tlie most cruel threats, to serve the enemies of his country. Thayer has so recommended himself by his sobriety, industry and seamanship, as to be appointed a boatswain^s mate, and is now yerviii!; in that Capacity in the Statira : and he says there is due to him from the British government about two hundred and fifty pounds sterling. He has also assured his father, that he has al- ways refused to jeceive any bounty or advance, lest it might afford some prettext for denymg him his discharge whenever a pro« per application should be made for it. 1 have the honour to be, &c. STEPHEN DECATUR. lloncNirable W. Jones, Secretary of the Navy. \ H "A ;■ SIR, SIXTH AND SEVENTH DISTRICTS, FORT HAWKINS, AprU 2tl, 1814. I have the honour of enclosing to your excellency the offi- cial account of a decisive victory over tne hostile Creek Indians, achieved by the military talents and enterprise of general Jack- ison, supported by the distinguished valor and good conduct of 811 the gaUant troopt under hii command. While the sigh of human- ity will eHcafve tor thin profuse effusion of human blood, which reftulu from the savage principle of our enemy, neither to give nor arcept quarter, and while every American will deeply la- ment the loss of our meritorious fellow soldiers who have fallen in tivis contest, we have ample cause of gratitude to the giver of all V ictory for thus continuing his protection to our women and children, who would otherwise be exposed to the indiscriminatq Imvoc of the tomahawk and all the horrors of savage warfare. 1 have the honour to be, &c. THOMAS PINCKNEY, Mag, (hiu U, 8. armt}^ His excellency Gov. Early. i\ (iNOLOSVRE.) * ON THE BATTLE GROUND, IN THE BEND OF THETALAPOOSIE, March 28th, 181i. SIR. I feel particularly happy in being able to communicate to you the fortunate eventuation of my expedition to Talapoosie. I reached the head near Emucfau (called by thtVhites Horse Shoe^ about 10 o'clock on the forenoon of yesterday, where I founa the strength of the neighboring towns^cullected ; expecting our approach, ^ey had gathered in from Oakfuskee, Oakehoni, New Yorcau, Hillibees, the Fish Pond, and Eufolce towns, to the number it is said of 1 000. it is difficult to conceive a situation more eligible for defence than the one they had chosen, or one rendered more secure by the skill with which they had ercted their breast- work. It w as from 5 to 8 feet high, and extended across the point in such a direction, as that a force approaching it would be exposed to a double fire, while they lay in perfect security behind. A cannon planted at one extremity could have raked it to no advantage. Determined to exterminate them, I detached general Coffee with the mounted, and nearly the whole of the Indian, force, early on the morning of yesterday, to cross the river about two iisilea 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 order along the point of land which led to the front of their breast- work ; having planted my catmon, (one six and one three poun^ der) on an eminence at the distance of 150 to 200 yards from it, I opened a very brisk fire, playing uiton the enemy with the mus- kets and rifles whenever they shewd themselves beyond it ; this was kept up, with short interruptions, for about two hours, when a part of the Indian force and captain Russell's, and lieutenant Bean's companies of spies, who had accompanied general Coffee, crossed over in canoes to the extremity of the bend, and set fire ^i •'■ • I. I m^ '* If * "si : w ,-; «*• :V to a few 6f the buildings which wer6 there situated , they thett advanced with great gallantry towards the breastwork, and com- menced a spirited fire upon the enemy behind it. Fimling that this force, notwithstanding the bravery thus displayed, was wholly insufficient to dislodge them, 4nd that general Conee 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 the 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 war- fare I think furnishes few instances of a more brilliant attack ; the regulars led on by their intrepid and skillful commander, colonel Williams, and by the gallant major Montgomery, soon gained possession of the works m the midst of a most tremlendoua fire from behind them, and the militia of the venerable general Boherty's brigade accompanied them in the charge with a vivacity and firmness which would have done honour to regulars. The enemy was completely routed. Five hundred and fftu-seven were left dead on the peninsula, and a great number were Killed by the horsemen in attempting to cross the river. It is believed that not more than twenty nave escaped. The fighting continued with some severity about five hourSt but we contiimed to destroy many of them, who had concealed themselves under the banks of the river, until we were prevented by the night. This morning we killed sixteen who nad been concealed. We took about 250 prisoners, all womten and children except two or three. Our loss is 106 wounded, and 25 killed. Major M*lntosh, the Cowetau, who joined my army with a part of his tribe, greatly distinguished himself. When I get a leisure hour I will send you a more detailed account. According t(^ my original purpose', I commenced my returft march to Fort Williams to-aay, and shall, if I find suMcient supplies tliere, hasten to the Hickory ground. The power of th« Creeks is I think forever broken. I have the honour to be, &c. ANDREW JACKSON, Maj, Gen. Major general Tliomas I^nckney. »9fter the battle of the Horse Shoe general Jaekmm made the fol- lowing address to the armytJ^arch 2Stht 1814. SOLDIERS, You have entitled yourselves to the gratitude of your coun- try and your generkl. The expedition, from which you have just returnea, has, by your good conduct, been rendered prosperous,, beyond any example in the history of our warfare : it lias re- deemed the character of your state, and of that description fff troops, of which the greater part of you are. ' thett 1 com- ig that wholly ntirely to tak(^ iffected I hailed I a sure of war- attack ; nander, ^, soon (ilendoua general vivacity 8. The L'en were id by the I that not re hours* oncealed irevented lad been I children 5 killed, a part of a leisure ly retura sufficient rer of th« ;. Gen. the /of - Bur coun' |have just isperotts^ It hM'f^ hption m 3dl You have, within a few days, opened your way to the Tallapoo- sie, and destroyed a confederacy of the enemy, ferocious by na- ture, and grown insolent from impunity. Relying on their num- bers, the security of their situation, and the assurances of their prophets, they- derided our approach, and already exulted, in anticipation of the victory they expected to obtain. But they were ignorant of the influence of government on the human pow- ers, nor knew what brave men, and civilized, could effect Br liieir yells, they hoped to frighten us, and with their wooden forti- fications to opfMise us. Stupid mortals ! their yells but designa* ted their situation the more certainly ; whilst tneir walls became a snare for their own destruction. So will it ever be when presumption and ignorance contend against bravery and pru- dence. The fiends of the Tallapoosie will no longer murder our women and children, or disturb the quiet of our borders. Their mid- night flambeaux will no more illumiiie their council-house, or shine upon the victim of their infernal or^es. In their places, a new generation will arise, who will know their duty better. Tlie weapKons of warfare will be exchanged for utensils of husbandry ; and the wilderness, which now withers in sterility, and mouma the desolation whicli overspreads her, will blossom as the rose, and become the nursery of the arts. But before thi^ happy da^ can arrive, other chastisements remain to be inflicted. It is indeed lamentable, that the path to peace should lead through blood, and over the bodies oi the slam: but it is a dispensation of Providence, to inflict partial evils that good may be produced. Our enemies are not sufiiciently hiimbled ; they do not sue for peace. A collection of them awaits our approach, and remain to be dispersed. Buried in ignorance, and seauced by their prophets, they have the weakness to believe they will still be able to make a sund against us. They must be undeceived, and made to atone for their obstinacy and their crimes, by still further suffering. The hopes which have so long deluded them, must be driven from their last refuge. They must be made to know that their pro- phets are impostors, and that our strength is mighty, and will prevail. Then, and not till then, may we expect to make with them a peace that shall be lasting. Extract of a letter frtam general Jackson to governor BUmnt-^ March 38th, 1814. ** I took up the line of march on the morning of the 24th instant, and having opened a passage of 52 miles over the ridges which divide the waters of the two rivers, I reached the bend of the Ta- lapoosie Uiree miles beyond where I had the engagement of the g2d January, and at the southern extremity of Kew Yorcan o« 41 #■ i i i I. --, I ■ii «at is *| . if!;!' W the morning of the £rth. This bend resembles in its curvature that of a horse shoe, and is thence called by that name among the whites. Nature furnishes few situations as eligible for defence ; and harbariaiiH have never rendered one more secure by art. Across the neck of land which leads into it from the north, they have had erected a breast- wOrk of the greatest compactness and strength, from five to eiu;ht feet high, and prepared with double rows of port holes very artfully arranged. The figure of this wall mani- fested no less skill in the projectors of it, than its construction : an tinny could not approach it, without being exposed to a double and cross fire from tlie enemy, who lay in perfect security behind it. The area of this peninsula, thus bounded by breast-works, includes, I conjecture, 80 or 100 acres. *' Having maintained for a few minutes a very obstinate conflict, muzzle to muzxie, through the port holes, in which many of the enemy^s batls were welded to the bayonets of our muskets, our troopd succeeded in gaining the opposite side of the works. The event could no longer be doubtful. The enemy, although many of them fought to the last with that kind of bravery which despera- tion inspires, were at length routed and cut to pieces. The whole margin of the river which surrounded the peninsula, was strewed with the slain. " Among the dead was found their famous prophet Mmiahooet shot in the mouth by a grapeshot, as if Heaven designed to chas- tise his impostures by an appropriate punishment. Two other prophets were also killed ; leaving no others, as I learn, on the Talapoosie. Our loss was 26 white men killed and 106 wounded. Cherokees 18 killed and 36 wounded. Friendly Creeks 5 killed and 11 wounded. «The loss of colonel Williams's regiment of regulars is 17 killed and 55 wounded, two of whom have since died. Amongst the former were major Montgomery, lieutenant Somerville, and lieu- tenant Moulton, who fell in the charge made on the works. No men ever acted fiiore gallantly or fell more gloriously. " Of the artillery company commanded by captain Parish, 1 1 were wounded, one of whom, Samuel Garner, has since died. Lieutenants Allen and Ridgely were both wounded. The whole company acted with its usual gallantry. Captain Bradford of the trth United States* infantry, who acted as chief engineer, and superintended tlie firing of the cannon, has entitled himself, by his good conduct, to my warmest thanks. ^ '* To say all in a word, the whole army who achieved this fortu- nate victory, liave merited, by their good conduct, the gratitude of Uieir country. So far as I saw or could learn, there was not an officer or soldier who did not perform his duty with the ut- most fide) ity. The conduct of the militia on this occasion has gone far towards redeeming the character of that description of troops. They have been as orderly in their encampments, and on their line of march,as tlicy have been signally brave in tht day of battle. ■ ■) J' 328 In a few days I shall take up the line of inarch for the Hickory ^ound ; and have every thing to hope from such troops." Hie following eMtractfrom the life of general Jackson, byhisaidt John Reid, brevet major. United States' armtj, pourtrays the dignities which surrounded the general prior to the battle of Tohopeka or the Horse Shoe* '* Nothing was wanted now, to put the troops in motion, and actively to prosecute the war, but necessary supplies. Retnon- stance, entreaty, and threats, had long since been used, and ex- hausted. Every mean had been resorted to, to impress on the minds of the contractors the necessity of urging forward, in faithful discharge of their duty; bui the same indiiferencc and neglect were still persisted in. Toward off the effects of such great evils,— evils which he foresaw vould again eventuate in «[iscontent and revolt, Jackson resolvea to pursue a different course, and no longer depend on persons who had so frequently disappointed him. He accordingly despatched messengers to the nearest settlements, with directions to purchase provisions at whatever price tliey could be procured. This course, to these in- cumbents on the nation, afforded an argument much stronger than any to which he had before resorted. Thus assailed in a way they had not before thought of, by being held and made liable for the amount of the purchases, they exerted themselves in discharge of a duty they nad hitherto shamefully neglected. Every expedient had been tried, to urge them to a compliance with the obligations they were under to their government ; un-> til present, none had proved effectual. In one of his letters* about this time, the general remarks : ' I have no doubt, but a combination has been formed, to starve us out, and defeat the objects of the campaign ; butMcGee ought to have recollected that he had disappointed and starred my army once $ and now in re- turn, it shall be amply provided for, at his expense. At this point, he was to have delivered the rations, and whatever they may cost, at this place, he will be required to pay ; aiiy price that will ensure their delivery, I have directed to be given.' The supplying an army by contractors, he had often objected to, as highly exceptionable and dangerous. His monitor, on this sub- ject, was his own experience. Disappointment, inuiiny, and abandonment by his troops, when in the full career of success, and an unnecessarily protracted campaign, were among the^ evils- already experienced, and which he wished, if possible, to be in fu- ture avoided. " Under these and other circumstances which seemed to in-* volve much more serifius cohsequences, the general had but little repose or quietness ; every thir^ was working in opposition to his wishes. The East Tenneiiee' brigade, under the command^of ill !l*i m4 Si ^24 P ! ^ /V> Bohertj, having been instructed to halt, until adequate supplies should be received at head quarters, had already mtinifested many symptoms of revolt, and was with much difficulty restrained from returning immediately home. Added to their own discontents, and unwdlingness to remain in service, much pains had been ta* ken by a personage high in authority, to scatter dissension amongst them, and to persuade them, that they had been impro- perly called out, and without sufficient authority ^— that the araft was illegal, and that they were under no necessity to serve. Arguments like these, urged by a man of standing, were well cal- culated to answer the end desired ; what the igovernine motive was, that gave rise to a course of conduct so strange, is difficult to be imagined ; none was ever avowed, and certainly none can be given, that will account for it satisfactorily. On the morning that general Doherty was about to proceed to head quarters^ he was astonished to find a beating up for volunteers, to abandon his camp and return home. Notwithstanding all his efforts to pre- vent it, one hundred and eighty deserted. His surprise was still greater, on learning, that a captain from Carter county, had been instructed by major general (Jockey that in the event ot his march- ing back any number of the troops, he would take upon himself to discharge them, on their return to Knoxville. Before this, Cocke had been at the camp of Doherty, and had, by different means, attempted to excite mutiny and' disaffection among the troops. As a reason for being unwilling to go with them in command, nc stated, that tliey would be placed in a situation which he disliked to mention, and one which his feelings would not enable him to witness : that they were going out to oe placed under the com- mand of gene.'al Jackson, who would impose on them the seve- rest trials, and where they would have to encounter every privation and suffering. He represented, that at head quarters there was not a sufficiency of provisions on hand to last five days ; nor was there a probability that there woula be any change of circum- stances tor the better ;•— that should they oiice be placed in the power of Jackson, he would, with the regular force under his command, compel them to serve as long as he pleased. Expres- sions like these, to men who had never before been in the field, and coming from one who had already been employed in a res- pectable command, were well calculated to poduce serious im- pressions. Doherty, who was a brigadier in the first division, was at a loss to know how he should proceed with his own major zeii- erdli who had obtruded himself into his camp, and was endea- voring to ea:cUe a revolt ; he accordingly despatched an express to head quarters, to give information of what was passing. The messenger arrived, and, in return, received an order from gen- eral Jackson to Doherty, commanding him, peremptorily, to seize, and send unde;- guard to Fort Strotlier, every officer, without re- gard to his rank, who should be (bund, in any manner, attempt- ing to excite his army to mutiny. General Cocke, perhaps appre- 1 t i^^'i 325 r hending what was going on, had retired before this order arrived, and thus escaped the punishment due to so aggravated an ofFem^." PROVINCE OF LOWER CANADA, OdellTown, March 31st, 1814s SIR, We have had an affair with the enemy, in which our troops' have given him another test of firmness and valour. Pursuant to the designs communicated to you in my last, and to accomplish your views if in my power, I entered Canada yes- terday morning, and was met by the enemy near this place, about eleven o'clock, whom we forced at every point oi attack on the route to La Cole, distant from hence one league, and from St. John's six. We reached the former post about three o'clock* and found there a strong corps in possession of a spacious lofty stone mill, of which 1 had received some information. An eigh- teen pounder had been ordered forward to effect the destruction of this building, but it broke down, and after being repaired, the only road of approach through a deep forest was reported to be impracticable to a gun of such weight. An opinion prevailed at the same time with the chief engineer, major Totten, founded on intelligence previously received, and several of the best inform- ed officers, that an iron twelve would suffice to make a breach ; but after a fair and tedious experiment at 300 yards distance only, it was discovered our battary could make no impression. Brigadier generals Smith and Bisscll, covered our guns, and brigadier general Macomb, with a select corps, formed the re- serve. Tne enemy had been reported, from a source considered strictly confidential, to £500 strong, and his fi* st attack of my right favoured the report, from the use he mude of congreve rockets and other intfications of deliberate preparation ; the corps, therefore, were held in high order to receive his combined attack. Yet believing in the efficacy of our battery, dispositions had been made to intercept the enemy, should he evacuate the post, and to give it the utmost effect, we were obliged to take fround near the marginofthe field, which encompassed the mill, luring Uie cannonade, which was returned with vivacity by the enemy^s rallies (I presume) several sorties and desperate charges were made from the mill upon our battery, wliich were repulsed with incredible coolness by the covering corps, at the expense of some blood and some lives on both sides ; it is reported to me, that in the last charge, a captain of grenadiers ana fifteen men fell together, but I cannot vouch for the fact. Finding all our attempts to* make a breach unsuccessful, I withdrew the battery, called in my detachments, and having remover, our dead and wounded, and every thing else, fell back to this place about six o'cUok. HH« ■ Ml i ' P ■■ 1 ' '■; - :■ ■IH' : ''-'l ■ IRws* ' "■ \ 'ifl ! M t'tl Mi M' 320 Where a military corps appears to be universally animated hf the same sensibilities, where the only competition is for danger and glory, indiv'dual distinctions seem improper, except in ex- traordinary cases, such as the conduct of the officers who com- manded our battery yesterday. Captain M'Pherson, of the light artillery, (my military secretary, impelled by the noble spirit which marks* his whole character,) asked permission to take part in the npemtions of the day with his proper arm ; he was indulg- ed, and being first for command, tooK ctiarge of the pieces which folloM'ed the advance and formed our battery, in wnich he was seconded by lieutenants Larrabee and Sheldon. On openinjg^ his fire he seemed inclined to the opinion he could make an impres- sion on the work, but he soon received a wound under the chin, which he tied up with his handkerchief, and continued at his piece, until a second shut, which broke his thigh, brouglit him to the earth. Larrabee had kept his station, until shot through the lungs, and Sheldon kept up the fire until ordered to retire. The conduct of these gentlemen has, from the nature of their duties, been so conspicuously gallant, as to attract the admiration of their brethren in arms, and should (I humbly conceive) be distinguish- ed by the executive. I have sent forward my wounded, who can bear the movement ^o Pluttsburg or Burlington, and those who cannot, will be pr(»v. d for at Champlain. I would hold this position until I received further orders, were it not for the diffi- culty of transporting our provisions, and the impossibility to cover the troops ; but ( shall not retire further than Champlain, which will place us twenty-five miles from St. John% and forty -two from Montreul. I cannot close this letter without confessing my obligations to my general and field officers, and to my general staff of every grade, for the able and prompt support I received from them. So small an affair itoes not ment so tedious a detail, but it warrants the remark, that it will produce a degree of self confidence, of re- ciprocal trust, of harmony and friendly attachments in this corps highly beneficial to this service. It is a lesson of command to the officers, and of obedience to the soldiers, worth a whole yearns drill of empty parades. The returns of killed and wounded, have not yet been furnished, but they will not exceed 80 or 90, in- cluding a captain and four subalterns, and this shall be forward- ed to-morrow or next day. For ^he information of their friends, you have at foot the names of the wounded officers. \ , With great respect, &c. JAMES WILKINSON. Ojfficers wounded: Captain M'Pherson, lieutenant Larrabee, light artillery ; lieu- tenant Green, 11th infantry ; Icutenaut Parker, 14th infftntry; lieutenant Kerr, rifle regiment. m SIR, RUTLEDGE, April 6th, 1814. The limited means 1 set' out with to procure provisions fur the troops under your command, andthetranspurtationlhuieof, wuuld in almost every other country have proved ineftcctual. Tl e con- tractors, the quarter master and the citizens concerned vvitii tne, have all done their duty, and it is with much pleasure that I now announce to you, that the watfers have risen, and theboat^ are de- scending the rivers Holstein, Frenchbroad, and Tcnvio^tsee. so that we shall be able to land from three to five thounaiul bai rels of bread stuft*, from thirty to fifty thousand weight uf ha< on and other necessary supplies at Fort Deposit, within eight or ten rla^s, in addition to what you now have, which will more than reali/.e your best expectations. It is a high gratification forme to ai^snre you that the nest exertions to aid inein all things necesiiary, have been cheerfully aftbrded by my fellow citizens in all parts of the state, as well as in the county ot Madison, in the Mississippi ter- ritory. May glory and conquest still attend you. I have the honour to be, &c. WILLIAM COCKE. # Major general Andrew Jackson. CAMP, AT THE JUNCTION OF THE COOSEE & TALAPOOSIE, April latli, 1814. SIR, I am hanpy to inform you that the campaic. ANDREW JACKSON, Maj, Gen. HiB excellency Willie Blount, Governor of Tennessee. k t ' .IK' I? m hi ' i SIR, VKITED STATES* SHIP GENERAL PIKE, Sackett'sHubour, April 2rth, f8l4. 'file nisht of the 25th instant, two of our j^ard boats fell in with three oT.the enemy's boats in this bay. Lieutenant Dudley, (tlie officer of the guara) hailed and was answereil, "guard boats ;" this, however, not being satisfactory, he repeated the hail, but was not answered; finding that strange boats were endeavourine to cut him oif from the snore, he fired upon them ; the enemy, fay- ing upon their oars for a short time, |>ulled in towards Bull Rock Point, without rcturnin|[ the fire. Lieutenant Dudley returned to t)\(e fleet, and got a' reinforcement of boats; but nothing more WLS seen of the enemy that night. Yesterday morning, I directed both shores of Shermont Bay to be examineu, to see whether the enemy had not secreted himself in some of the small Creeks. No* thing, however, was discovered, but six barrels of powder, found in the water near the shore, where our guard boato fired on the enemy ; these barrels were all slung in such a manner, that one man could take two across his shoulders and carry them ; etch barrel had a hole bored in the head of about an inch diameter, with a wooden plug i a it ; these barrels of powder were evidently fitted for the (] have got i and putting a piece of slow match or port- head, which would burn 'j, sufficient time to allow the parties to escape before the fire would communicate to the powder ; this als^ accounts for the enemy not returning the fire of our boats, for, haying so much powder in, he was apprehensive of accidents, which no doubt induced him to heave it overboard, to be prepared to return the fire if he was pursued. It would have been impossible for the enemy to have succeeded, even if he had eluded our guard boats (which theipe are two lines uMi) for, independent of iJl the approaches by water being secured ■'.I;. thme I foci a few Major ow or ssume, ohger. h me. Gen. (814. s fell in Dudley, boats;" but was lurine to pflRock t^eturned ns more directed sther the iks. No- sr, found d on the that one m ; each ster, with itly fitted my could 8 bottom, }le in the Murties to thisalsb loats. for, ccidents, prepared acceeded, two lines kg secured S8» by booms, the Madison is moored across the large ship^s stem within tvventT yards, and her guns loaded with canister and' bags of munket balls, to rake under the bottom if necessary. A lieute* nant, two midshir ^n and ten men, are on watch under fh6 ship's bottom every nif^t, besides a marine guard outside of her. With all these precautions, I think that it would be impossible for an enemy to land near the ship yard unobserved. However, after this discovery of the enemy's intentions, we shall redouble our vigilance ana exertions to preserve our fleet to meet the enemy fairly upon the Lake. I have the honour to be, &c. ISAAC CHAUNCBY. Honourable W. Jones. SIR, UNITED STATES' SHIP ADAMS, April S9th, 1814. Having passed the enemy in Lynhaven, on the night of the I8th of January last, I steered to the southward of Bermuda, and crossed the Atlantic, between 28 and 32 decrees, north latitude. On the 29th January, captured an English schooner from Malaga to Halifax, with a cargo of wine, oil and fruit, which we burnt, as we likewise did another schooner from Newfoundland to Grenada, with a cai|;o of fish and oil, captured on the 9th February. On the 4th March, captured a small sloop boat un^r Cape Mount, on the coast of Alrica, with a little rice and Camwood on board ; twenty leases east of Cape Palmas, we captured on the 11th March, tne bng Roebuck, of London, with a small quantity of ivory, a quantity of palm oil, and various other articles. After destroying her armament and cargo, we paroled our prisoners, and gave them the brig as a cartel to Sierra Leone. A.**ter a lone chase on the 25th March, the last four hours of which was in thick weather, we captured the English India ship Woodbridge, with a cargo of rice and dye-woods, but had scarcely taken possession of her, when the. weather cleared up, and we discovered a fleet of 25 siul immediately to windward of us, and two ships of war standing for us ; we were compelled to abandon the prize with precipita- tion, and attend to our own Safety, till 11 A. M. the next day, when they gave over the chase and returned to the fleet. I inclose the paroles signed by the prisoners. I have thjB honour tobe, &c. C. MORRIS. Honouable William JoatB, SIR, UNITED STATES* SLOOP PEACOCK, AT SEA, Latitude 3r, 47, longitude 89, April S9th, 1814, I have the honour to inform y6u, that we have this morning captured, after an action of 42 mibutes, his majesty's brig Bpc>';:, i9 |:3 ^ ^i^ "fil i^ 1 )MTU I* ' ' W if ' WMIV ™ . . . ■ i "w ■ -«t iil ' !-1 !' ■ S30 Vier, capUiti WaImi. ratine and mounting 18 thirtj-two pound ear* ronades, with 128 men, of whom 8 were lulled and IJ wounded« according to the best information we could obtain . Amone the latttr M her first lieutenant, who has lost an arm, and received a severe splinter wnund on the hip. Not a man in the Peacock was killed, and onlv two woundtd, neither dangerously so. The fate of the Epervier would have been determined in much less time, but for 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 keep the ship large throughout the remain- der of the action. This, with a few top-mast ana top -gallant back stays cut away, a few shot through our sails, is the only iiyury the Peacock has sustained. Not a round shot touched our hull ; our masts and spars are as sound as ever. When the enemy struck he had five feet water in his hold, his main top-mast was over the side, his main boom shot away, his fore-mast cut nearly in two and tottering, his fore rigging and stays shot away, his bowsprit badly wounded, and forty-nve shot holes in his hull, twenty of which were within a foot of his water line. By great exertion we got her in sailing order just as dark came on. In fifteen minutes after tiie enemy struck, the Peacock was ready for another action, in every respect but her fore yard, which was sent down, finished and had the foresail set again in forty five minutes : such was the spirit and activity of our gallant crew. The Epervier had under her convoy an English hermaphrodite brig, a Russian and a Spanish ship, wnich allhauled their wind and stood to the east north-east. I had determined upon pursuing the former, but found that it would not answer to leave our prize m her then crippled state, and the more particularly so, as we found she had in 180,000 dollars in specie; which we soon transferred to this sloop. Every officer, seaman and marine did his duty, which is the highest compliment I can pay thenv I am, respectfully, L. WARRINGTON. Honoumble WUliun Jones. SIR, 8AVANKAH, May 1st, 1814. I have the honour of iniorming^ you of mT arrival hei^ in laie his Britannic majesty ^s brig Epervier, of eighteen S2 pound car- ronades, captain Wales, captured by the sloop Peacock, captain Warrincton, on Friday morning, the 29th ultimo, <^ci4)e Cama- veral, aner an action of forty-two ninvtea, in which time she was much cut up in hull, spars, ri|g|;ine and sails, with upwards of five feet water in her hold, having we advanti^ of the weather m .1 13 ^1 331 ^ She has lout 8 killed and 15 wounded, among the latter her, first lieutenant, who has lost his arm. I am happy to say the Peacock received no material injury : her fore yard and two men slightir wounded ; she received not one shot in her hull. The brig haa upwards of one hundred thousand dollars on board. I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN B. N[COLSON. lIonourAble William Jones, i««»i UNITED STATES' SHIP GENERAL PIKE, SACKETT'S HARBOR, May lat, 1814: SIR, I am happy to have it in my power to inform you, that the United States' ship « Superior" was launched this mornine, with- out accident. The Superior is an uncommon beautiful, well-built ship, something larger than the President, and could mount 64 suns, if it was thou^t advisable to put as many upon her. Thit snip has been built in the short space of eighty days, and when it is taken into view, that two brin of 500 tons each, have also been built, rigged, and completely fitted for service, since the first of February, it will be acKnowfedsed, that the mechanics employed on this station have done their autv. I have tne honour to be, ^. ISAAC GHAITNCEY. Honourable William Jones,' SIR, UNITED STATES' SLOOP PEACOCK, May 5th, 1814. As my letter of yesterday was too late for the mul, I address you again in the per^rmanceof a duty which is pleasing and gra- tifying to me in a high degree, and is but doing justice to the merits of tlie deserving officers under my command, of whom I have hitherto refrained from speakine, as I considered it most correct to make it a subject of a particular communication. To the unwearied and indefati^ble attention of first lieutenant Nicolson in organizing and training the 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 surpass him. This is the second action in which he has been engaged this war, and in both he has been successful. His great pride is to earn a commander's eominisaion, by fighting for, instead of heiring it From second lieutenant Henley, and lieutenant Voorhees (act'^ ting third, who has also twice been successfully engaged) I receiv- ed every assistance that seal, ardor and experienco could afford. The fire from their two divisions was terrible, and directed with ti , •80 the greatest precision and coolness. In sailing master Percival, whoHo great wish and pride is to obtain a lieutenant's commission, and whose unremitting and constant attention to dut^, added to his professional knowledge, entitle him to it in my opinion, 1 found an able as well as willing assistant. He handled the ship as if he had been workins her mto a roadstead. Mr. David Cole, acting carpenter, 1 have also found such an able and valuable man in his occupation, that I must request, in the most earnest manner, that he may receive a warrant : for I feel confident that to his uncom- mon exertions, we, in a great measure, owi: the getting our prize into f^brt. From 11 A. M. to 6 P. M. he was over her side stop- {ring ohot holes, on a srating, and when the ordinanr resources ailed of success, his skill soon supplied him with efficient ones. Mr. Philip Myers, master's mate, has also conducted himself in such a manner as to warrant njjr recommendation of him at a master. He is a seaman, navigator, and officer ; his family in New York is respectable, and he would prove an acquisition to the service. My clerk, Mr. John S. Townsend, is anxious to obtain, through my means, a midshipman's warrant, and has taken pains to qualify himself for it, by volunteering and constantly performing a midshipman's duty. Indeed I have but little use- tor a clerk, and he is as great a proficient as any of the young midshipmen, the whole of whom behaved in a manner tliat was pleasing to me, and must be jgratifying to you, as it gives an ear- nest of what they will make in time ; three only have been to sea before, and one only in a man of war ; yet they are as much at home, and as much disposed to exert themselves, as any officer of the ship. Lieutenant Nicolson speaks in high terms of the con- duct of Messrs. Greeves and Rodgers (midshipmen) who were ia the prize with him, I have the honour to be, &c. L. WARRINGTON. Ilortbursble William Jones. Mxtract of a letter from Commothre Chauncey to the Secretarif of the JV*ary. UNITED STATES' SHIP GENERAL PIKE, SACKETrS HARBOR, May 7tb, 1814. " I received a letter from captain Wools^ last evening, dated 'at 6 o'clock P. M. on the 5tii instant. The enemy had been cannonading Oswego i^MSit three hours when the express came away, without doing any injury. He had been twice repulsed in his attempt to land, and the officers and men in high spirits, and expected to be able to hold out until reinforcements arrived. Colonel Mitchell and captain Woolsey are both excellent officers, and I may say, withovt disparagement to any other c(vps, ^at the Sdregfanentof artilleiy is one of the best disciplined corps in t^'. •TW^- 8tS iron» l«dto found tat if acting in his r. that incom- r prixe B ttop- (ources t ones, tself in m at a mily in ition to dout to IS taken ittantly ttle use 5 young hat wat I an ear- sn to tea much at ifficer of the con- were in TON. ritary of ig, dated Ihad been ^ett came nulted in lirits, and arrived. \t officers, . that the psintK army, and it remarkable for the great number of tcientiflc and correct officers in it^we therefore may expect a most gallant de- fence of Oswego. If the enemv has succeeded in taking the place, he has paid dearly for it. T*he attack, 1 presume, was renewed yesterday morning, as the guns we heart! aistinctly at this place from morning until about 2 P. M. when the firing ceased." UNITED STATES* SHIP OBNERAL PIKE. SACKRTT'S HARBOR. ftlay 7th, 5 o'clock P. M. 1814. SIR. The enemy's fleet passed in sight about an hour since, at a great distance, and standing for Kingston. We have several vague reports, that the enemy landed from 1500 to 3000 men, and that they carried the fort at Oswego by storm and put the garrison to the sword ; others, that the garrison, with captain Woolsey and seamen, surrendered, and that the enemy was marching to the falls. All these reports are unquestionably much exag^rated, and if it should turn out that Osweso has been taken, it will be found that the troops and seamen did their du- ty, and that the enemy hat paid dearly for the place. I have the honour to be. &c. ISAAC CHAUNCEY. lionoursble W. Jonea. Secretary of the Navy. GENERAL ORDERS. HEAD QUARTERS. SACKKTT'S HARBOR, May 12th, 1814. Major general Brown has the satisfaction of announcing to the troops of Khh division, that the detachment under the command of lieut«oa*t colonel Mitchell, of the corps of artillery, have, by their gallaat and military conduct oo the 5th and 6th instant, gained a name in arms worthy of the nation they serve and the cause they support. For nearly two days they maintained an unequal con- test against ten times their numbers, and but yielded tneir post when tne interest of their country made that measure necessary. The comfMinies composing this gallant detachment were Boyle^. Romayne's. M'Intires. and Pierce's, of the heavy artillery, and a few seamen under the command of lieutenant Pearce of the navy — in all, less than three hundred men. The enemy^s force by land and water exceeded three thousand. SIR. HEAD QUARTERS) SAOKETT'S HARBOR. May 12Ui, 18U, Enclosed is an abstract from the report of lieutenant colonel Mitchell, of the affair at Oswego. Being well satisfied with the :& ".; •] .{ n 934 IS >■ mai^Ber, in which the colonel executed my orders, and withtK* evidence given of steady discipline and gallant conduct on the part of the trod{>s, I have noticed them in the general order, a copy of which is enclosed. The enemy's object was the naval itnd military stores deposit- ed at the falls, 10 miles in the rear of the fort- These were pro- tected. The stores at the fort and village were not important. I am, &c. JACOB BROWN, maj, gen, Hon. Secretary at War. LIEUTENANT COLONEL MITCHELL'S REPORT. I informed you of my arrival at fort Oiwego on the 30th ulti- mo. 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 plat- forms were laid, the gun carriages put in order, and decayed pickets replaced. On the fifth instant the British naval force, consisting of 4 large ships, 3 brigs and a number of eun and other boats, were descried at reveflie beating about 7 mUes from the fort. Information was immediately given to captain Wool- sey of the navy, ( who was at Oswego village) and to the neigh- boring militia. It being doubtful on what side of the river the enemy would attempt to land, and my force (990 effectives) being too small to bear division, 1 ordered the tenta to be pitched on the . village side, while I occupied the other with my whole force. It is probable that this artifice had its effect and determined the en- emy to attack where, from appearances, they expected the least opposition. About one o'clock the fleet approached. Fifteen boats, large and crowded with troops, at a eiven signal, moved slowly to the shore. These were preceded oy gun boats sent to rake the woods and cover the lanaing, while the larger vessels opened a fire upon the fort. Captain Boyle, and lieutenant Le- gate, (so soon as the debarking boats got within range of our shot) opened upon them a very successful fire from the shore battery, and cunipelled them twice to retire. They at length returned to the ships, and the whole stood oft' from the shore Tor better anchorage. One of the enemy's boats, which had been deserted, was taken up by us, and some others by the militia. The first mentioned was sixty feet long, and carried thirty -six oars and three sails, and could accommfxlate 150 men. She had received a ball through her bow, and was nearly filled with water. Picket guards were stationed «t different points, and we lay on our arms during; th« night. ,•&■ ^35 At day break on the 6th the fleet appeared, bearing up tinder easy sail. The Wolfe, &c. took a position directly against tht fort and batteries, and for 3 hours kept up a heavy fire of Kr&pCf &c. Finding that the enemy had effectea a landing, I witndrew my small disposable force into the rear of the fort, and with two companies, (Romayne's and Melvin's) met their advancing coU umns, while the other companies engaged the flanks of the ene- my. Lieutenant Pierce of the navy and some seamen, joined in the attack, and fought with their characteristic bravery. We maintained our ground about 30 minutes, and as long as consist-- ed with my farther duty of defending the public stores deposit- ed at the fallsj which no doubt formed the principal object of the expedition on the part of the enemy. Nor was this move- ment made precipitately. I halted within 400 yards of the fort. Captain Romayne's company formed the rear guard, and, remain- ing with it, I marched to this place in good order, destroying the bridges in my rear. The enemy landed 600 of De WatteviUe's regiment, 600 marines, two companies of the Glengary corps, and 550 seamen. General Drummond and commodore Yeo were the land and naval commanders. They burned the old barracks and evacu- ated the fort about 3 oMock in the morning of the 7th. Our loss in killed, is 6 ; in wounded 38— «nd in missing 25. That of the enemy is much greater. Deserters, and citizens of ours taken prisoners and afterwards released, state their killed at 64 and wounded in proportiou^--«mong them arc several land and navy officers of merit. I cannot close this despatch without speaking of the dead and the living of my detachment. Lieutenant Blauey, a youn^ man of much promise, was unfortunately killed. His conduct in the action was highly meritorious. Captain Boyle and lieutenant Legate merit my highest approbation, and indeed I want lan- guage to express my admiration of their «illant conduct. The subalterns Af'Comb, ^^nsart. King, Robb, Earl, M'Clintock and Kewkirk, performed well their several parts. It would be injustice were I not to acknowledge and report the zeal and patriotism evinced by the militia, who arrived at a short notice, and were anxious to be useful. ^lO Extract ofaUtterfram captain Mudorwugh to the Secretary "tiif the JV^tjy •♦VERGENNE9, May 14th, 1814. ** I have the honour to inform yoo, that an engagement between our battery at the mouth of Otter Creek, and eight of the ene- my's galleys, with a bomb-vessel, has terminated by the retreat of the enemy, whe it is supposed came with an intention of blockading us. ■ f,-* 'H l.-n u ; f,t ' 390 " The battery, commanded by captain Thorntoni of the artil- lery, who was eillantl^ assisted by lieutenant Cassen of tlie navy, received but Tittle injury, although a number of shells were thrown, and many lodged in the parapet. " Colonel Davis was advantageously posted to receive the ene- my in the event of his landing, which we had reason to expect, as his new brig, with several other sallies, and four other sloops, were within two and a half miles of the point, on which the bat- tery stands, during the action, which lasted one hour and a half, when tiiey all stood oft', and were seen passing Burlington for the northward. Every exertion was made to get the vessels down to the creek, which, however, we could not effect until the enemy had withdrawn. Our whole force is now at the creek's mouth, with the exception of the schooner, and she will be down also in the course of four or five days." Extract of a letter from captain Macdonough to the Secretary of the JV*at*i/. « VERGENNES, May 18th, 1814. ** I omitted stating in my letter of the 14th, that the enemy had two fine row-boats shut adrift from their gallies in the action with the battery, which, in their precipitate retreat, were left, and picked up by us. ** 1 have since learned, that in other parts of the lake the^ were much cut up by the militia. Two of tneir gallies, in passing up a small river, on the New York side, had nearly all their men killed 2Pd wounded." 1 ' I SIR, NEW YORK, May 29tt., 18U. I have the honour to inform you, that on the 19th, I disco- vered the enemy in pursuit of a brig under American colours, standing for Sandy Hook. I ordered a detachment of eleven gun- boats to proceed to sea, and pass between the chase and the ene- my, by which means to bring him to action, and give opportunity to the chase to escape, all which was effected ; tiie enemy, after receiving my fire, bore away, and the brig in question, entering the harbour, proved to be the brig Regent from France, with a Terr valuable cargo. And on Monday the 23d, I engaged the enemy before New London, and opened a passage for forty sail of coasting vessels ; the action lasted three hours, in which the Flotilla suffered very little ; No. 6 received a shot under water, and others througn the sails : we have reason to believe, that the enemy suffered very ^cat injury, as he appeared unwilling to renew the action the ■fi ,i sw ! I artil- navy, were ic ene- txpectt sloops, [lebat- ahalf, for the own to enemy mouth, also in ttaryof I, 1814. e enemy le action vere left, ley were tssing up heir men L, 1814. I disco- colours, 5ven gun- the ene- Iportunity ly, after entering with a Ifore New vessels ; |ered very through fered very stion the 3^7 ioHowing momiQg;iny Direct was accomplished^ which wu ta force a passage for ihe convoy. There are before New London, three seventy-fours, four frigates, and several small vessels, the latter doing great iiQury from their disguised character, and supe« rior sailing. I have the honour to be, &c. J. LEWIS. n^. Wm. Jone% Secretuy (tyfthe Nftvy. UNITED STATES' SHV SUPiiBIOH, SACKETT^I HARBOR, June 2d, 1814. SIR, Finding it a most difficult task to transport our heavy guns on by land, I determined to get them to Sttmy Creek by water, when we should have only about three miles, land carriage, to transport them to Henderson's Harbor, from which we could bring them to this place by water. I directed captain Woolsey to send all the stores, except the heavy guns, up to Forth Bay, and to place the guns in boats ready to move up or down the river, but to M ready to start at a moment's notice for sandy Creek, when- ever the coast is clear oftheenemy'sgun-boats, which hovered about the creeks in Mexico Bay. On the evening of the 28th, captain Woolsey, sterted from Oswego with eighteen boats, containing idl our heavy Kuna, twelve cables, and a iiuantity of shot. Miyov Am>ling, of the rifle corps, accompanied the boats with about ISO riflemen. I had also engaged 130 Indians to traverse the shore, for the porpose of protecting the boats if chased on shore, or into any of tne creeks. Captain Woolsey proceeded unmo- lested to Sandy Creek, where he arrived about noon on Sunday the £9th, with one boat missing, containing le. She was other- wise much cut; they ran her ashore to prevent her sinking. Th4 ^\ nitted i mid- ^ his 10 the Iready IBYc ttary of , 1814. theCth. » ed mure et them, return-' attempt} ees, one «)cir ap- t fire tor live. But lown the attempt- •c at the [le razee covered tne them retary of \\f 1814. s at,Mving, By m-* las nearly^^ lr*« edge f lly cut off las other- liig. The commodore's boat was cut in two; a shot went througli the roekti; boat ; one of the small schooners, carrying two 32 pounders, had a shot which raked her from aft, forward ; the boats, generally, suffered ; but I have not ascertained what loss they sustained in men. ** Yesterday a gentleman of this county, by the name of Parrou; who lives at the mouth of the creek, came un, and said, tliat him- self and brother had been taken and carried on board. I'hat he had been landed from the commodore, to inform the inhabitants, that if they remained at home quietly, the v should not be molestedj but if on landing he found their houses deserted, he would burn them all, as be had done the house of a J/r. Patterson, and the barn of .^r. £Mrtnner (our purser). Saturday and yesterday, the enemy were employed on the Patuxent River, in landing on the banks to plunder stock, &c. It was on Sunday evening they burnt the property of Mr. Patterson and Skinner. Mr. Patron informs me, that commodore Barrie, of the Dragon, always commanded, and is much disappointed at his defeats, for that he had wrote to "admiral Cockbum, that if the admiral would send him a frigate and brie, he would most assuredly destroy the Flotilla. The fri- gate is the Ae€Lita, the br Se Jasseur. They left only 200 men, and one small boat on boara the Dragon, at the mouth of- the Pa» tuxeut, so that there must have been in the affair on Friday, up- wards of 800 men ! They came with a band of music playingJ" 'i UNITKD STATES' SHIP SUPEKIOH, SACKETT'S IIARROR, June 20U), 1814. SIR, Knowing that the enemy was constantly receiving naval and military stares at Kingston, by the fit, Lawrence, I thought it mieht be practicable to surprise and capture a brigade of 'boats Wttn stores on board, and eidier destroy or bring them off. For this purpose I directed lieutenant Greeury to take three gigs with only their crew and one settee in each boat, and pn>ceed down the St. Lawrence, seciete himself on some of the islands, and watch a favourable opportunity to surprise a brigade of loaded boats, and either bring them oft or destroy them, as circumstances would point out. Lieutenant Gregory left here wiU) his party on the evenin<; of the 13th instant, and procee T « S44 Yesterday morninf^, between 9 and 10 o'clock, lieutenant Grc Kory finding himself discovered, and a gun-boat close toe day before the Belvidera camo into the Bay> for the purpose of replenishing its provisions. With great respect, &c. • JOHN R0D6ERS. The Secretary of the Navy. SIR. CAMP NEAR ST. LEONARD'S, June 26th, 1814. We decided on attacking the enemy this morning at day- break ; after two and a half or three hours cannonading, he * Mr. T. P. Andrews, of Washinjfton, accompanied Mr. Blake ; they bdth ptA^d as captains of miunnes, under miyor William B. Barney.—^tbV. I I •-T w^ '^wt^ 1 'i* p 'i'i thought proper to retreat down the river, and commodore Bamej hat» taken advantage of his absence to pass his flotilla up the Pa- tuxeut. I was constrained to precipitate the attack before I was fully prepared, from the circumstance of all the enemy's small vessels having left ihe river. The ground I was obliged to occu- py for a battery, consisted of a high bluff point, having thePatux- ent on the right, and St. Leonardos Creek on the left, with which the communication was over a flat piece of ground, subject to be enfiladed from the Patuxent, and the hill on which the guns were to be placet!, liable to a severe fire from the same quarter ; there* fore, in case of an attack, the enemy might have rendered our situation very uncomfortable, by stationing a small vessel so as to command the low ground 1 speak of. We committed a great many blunders during the action, or our ftuccess would probably have oeen more coinplete. I fori)ear to enter into minute particulars, lest I should cast an indirect cen- sure on some officers, perhaps undeserved, for I must acknow- ledge, I v.'.is so much engaged at the battery, as to have but an Indistinct knowledge of what passed elsewhere. But the fact is, the infantry and light artillery decided upon retreating without m j orders, before they had lost a single man killed or wounded ; and at the timt too, when the enemy were nianouvring to the rear of our position with their barges. The consequence of thii moving was very disadvantageous ; the men at the guns perceiv- ing the infantry retreating, and the enemy getting into tne rear, their numbers began sensibly to diminish, and I was pretty soon left with only men enough to work one gun, which 1 was necessi- tated to turn to the rear for the sake of keeping the bai^^ in check. Finally, the few men that remained were to exhausted with fa- tigue, we found it impracticable tofire.ar.y more, and the limbers and horses which had been ordered down the hill, having disap- peared and gone, I know not wliere, I found myself pnder tne fainfitl necessity of spiking the guns, to prevent their being used y the enemy, should he get possession of them. * 1 might, in justice to the infantry, acknowledge they did not take to flight, but quitted the ground in perfect order ; after a while I was able to halt tliem, and bring them back. In the mean time the enemy were ^tting under way, and retiring down the river: from the precipitancy of his retreat, I infer he must have Buifered considerably. From some untoward circumstances, % had it not in my pov»er to observe the effect of each shot we fired, odierwise I tliink its destimcJon would be complete. Commodore Barney furnished me with twenty excellent men from his flotilla to work the guns. By some mismanagement in loading with the hot shot, one pour ttulow had his arm tilown off*, which IS the only material accident we sustained. One of the encmy^s rockets passed througli an ammunition box, which had been injudiciously placed, and exploded it, which did soroedam* III imi:"' u amey lePa- l wai gtnall OCCtt* Patux- wh'ich ttobe \v> were there- ed our go as to , or our [•bear to •ct cen- kcknow- B but an i fact U, hout my ounded ; I to the e of thia Tceiv- e rear, tty soon necessl- in check, with fa- limbers ag disap- nder the ting used did not , after a the mean lown the nust have ttances, X we fired, llent men ^ement in k»lown off, le ef the vhich had ome dani« age. An ammunition cart near it was covered with the fire, but fortunately did not explode. Some other trifling accidents wert sustained. We commenced in the night an epaulment to cover our guns | but the work progressed ho little, from the shortness of time, I did not think it best to occupy it We retreated our |^ns so at barely to allow the muzzles to peep over the hill. This brought us on descending ground, in a ploughed cornfield. The recoil of the gun downwards, every time it was fired, gave us excessive la- bour to bring it up to its position. In other respects it answered admirably. The enemy found it impossible to hit either the gunt or the men. Every sfiiot aimed by them, either fell short and struck the bank, or flew clear over. Towards the close of the firing, they adopted the methodof uning small charees of powder, which just threw his shot ovur the hill, probably nriiig trom hit carronades; but the effect was not more decisive. To prevent the enemy taking alarm in the night, from our movements, we w ere necessitated'to halt our ammunition wagona and carts above a quarter of a mile from the battery, and pass all our stores ; even the bricks of which our furnace was constructed, were brought that distance by hand. This fatigued the men ex- cessively. I felt certain, if the enemy should open upon us, even at a ranaom fire, it would be impossil>le to get any thing done for the confusion it would create. I ought to mention, that the situation in which the infantry and light artillery were placed, was a trying one for new raise'* ^r jops. Most of the shot wnich missed the battery, fell amon^ them. . I had anticipated that disadvantage, but it was unavoidable. It was indispensable to have them covered by some rising ground from the waters of the Patuxent, and the position chosen, was the only one compatible with that view, and the design I had in post* ing them, to protect the rear of our battery. The battalion of the 38th regiment, joined us but last evening, after a hard day's inarch, and were immediately marched to thti ground. Some of their men were completely exhausted, and the whole excessively fatigued and half famished. Commodore Barney's flotilla was at hand, ready to open upon tlie enemy, the moment a favourable opportunity should offer. He commenced firing soon after us, and drew off that of the enemy for a while. I have not seen him since the action, but understand he lost several men, killed and wounded. I hope, on the whole, taking into consideration our not being ful- ly prepared, the excessive fatigue the men had undergone, and that we have attained the object in view, which was the release of coni'^ modore Barney's flotilla, the affair will not reflect dishonour oa •ur troops. I have the honour to be, &c. DECIUS WADSWORTH. General John Annstrong, Secretary of Wfw. 44 ^vi i 846 GENERAL BROWN'S GENERAL ORDERS. ADJUTANT QENEKAL'S OFFICK, LM-T DIVISION, July ^d, 1814. U'^ ■h' H Major eeneral Biown has the HatiHfaction to announce to the troops of nis division, on thiM frontier, that he ia authorized by the orders of hin government, to put tliein in motion against the ene- m^. The first and second brigades, with the corps of artillery, will cross the straights brfoie them. this night, or as early to* morrow as possible. The necessary instructions have been given to the brigadiers, and by them to tne commanding officers of re- giments and corps. Upon entering Canada, the laws of war will govern — men ound in arms, or otherwise engaged in the service of the enemy, will be treated as enemies ; thosol)ehaving peaceably, and follow- ing their private occupations* will be treated as friends. Private property in all cases will be Iwld sacred ; public property, wher- ever found, will be seized andditiposed of by the commanding ge- neral. Our utmost protection will be given to all who actually join, or who evince a desire to join us. Plundering is prohibited. The major general does not appre- hend any difficulty on this account, witli the reuiular ->nny, or with honourable volunteers, who press too the standard of their country to avenge her wrongs, anu to gain a name in arms. Pro- fligate men who follow the army for plunder, must not expect tuat they will escape the vengeance of the gallant spirits, who are struggling to exalt the national character. Any plunderer shall be punisheu with death, who may be found violatin*; this oider. By order of the mujur geiierul. C.K. GARDNER, Jdjt. Oen, In pursuance of the above orders, the armv passed the Nia- gara river im Sunday morning, dd instant. The brij^aidR of ge- neral Hcott, and the artillery corps of major Hindman, landed nearly a mile below Fort Erie, between two and three o'clock, while general llipiey, with his brigade, made the t^horu about tho same distance above. The enemy v\as perfectly uimpprised of these movements. General Scott led the van, uud was on shdte before the enemy's picket, which was stationed at thin point, tired a gun ; the guard discharged their guns and retreated. In the morning, a siuall Indian corps was crof«sed over. The fort was approached onthe rij^htand left, and the Indians skirted the woods in the rear. General Brown now demanded a surren- der of the garrison, and gave tl)e commander two hours fur con- sideration.— In the mean time, n battery of long 18's was pluntvd in a position which conrmanded the fort. The enemy surrendered prisoners of war— marched out of the fort at six, stacked tluir arms, and were immediately sent across the river to the American shore; there were upwards of 170 prisoners, of the bthand 100th 547 regiinentH, among which were seven officrra. M^jor Burke com- mantled the fort. The itch()onerM Tif(reAfl and Porcupine asHisted in croRning tlie tronpH, and lay during the day within cannon-shut of the fort. Captain Camp, of the quarter master general's department voluntetMcd in the expedition, and croaaed in the boat witn general Scott. During tl'e mo n'ng, the enemy fired two or three cannon from the fort, which killed one man, and wounded two or three others. We learn the ^nemv had one killed. There are ieveral pieces of ordnance in the garrison, and some military Httxes. Thus haH the Niagara been crossed , and a fort captured, without scarcely the loss of a man. SIR, CRUIZE OP THE ESSE^i. ESSKX JUNIOR. July 3d, '.n i— at aet. I have done myself the honour to add' '...i you repeated >j, since I left the Delaware ; but have scarcelv a Nope that one of rny letters has reached you ; therefore consider it necessary to give you a brief history of my proceedings since that period. I sailed from the Delaware on the 27th of October, 1812, and repaired with all diligence (agreeably to the inatructions of com- modore Bainbridge) to Port Praya, Fernando de Noronho, and Cape Frio, and arrived at each place on the duy appointed to meet him. On my pasHage from Port Praya to Fernanuo de Noronho, I captured his Britannic majesty's packet Nocton ; and after tak- ing out nbout >^tl,UOO sterling in specie, sent her under com- mand of lieutenant Finch, for America. I cruized off Rio de Janeiro, and about Cape Frio, until the 12th January, 1813, hear- ing frequently of the commo«Iorc . ' y vessels from Bahia. I here captured one schooner, withhidu > water» lerhaps* )ne this cnieflgr for. 34» As some of these ships were captured by boat $t, and others by prizes, my officers and men had several opportunities of showing; their gallantry. The Rose and the Charlton, were given up to the prisoners ; the Hector, Catharine and Montezuma, I sent to Valparaiso, where they were laid up : the Policy, Georgian^, and New Zea- land, I sent for America : the Greenwich I kept as a store ship, to contain the stores of my other prizes, necessary fur us, and the Atlantic, now called the Essex Junior, 1 equipped with 20 guns, and gave the comiuand of her to lieutenant Downes. Lieutenant Downes had conveyed the prizes to Valparaiso, and on his return brought me letters, informing me that a squadron under the command of commodore James Hillyar, consisting of the fri^te Phoebe, of 36 guns, had sailed on the 6th July for this sea. The Racoon and Cherub, had been seeking for me for some time on the coast of Brazil, and, on the retura from their cruize, joined the squadron sent in search of me to the Pacific. My ship, as it may be supposed, after being near a year at sea, required some repairs to put her in a state to meet them ; which I deter- mined to do, and bring them to action, if I could meet them on nearly equal terms. 1 proceeded now, in company with the re- mainder of my prizes, to the island of Nooaheevah, or Madison's island, lying in the Washington ^up, discovered by a captain Ingraham, of Boston. Here! caulked and completely overhauled my ship, made for her a new set of water casks, her old ones being nearly decayed, and took on board from my prizes, provisi- ons and stores for upwards of four months, and sailed for the coast of Chili on the 12th December, 1813. Previous to sailing I se- cured the Seringapatam, Greenwich, and Sir A. Hammond, under the guns of a battery which I erected for their protection : after takiuK pKissession of this fine island for the United States, and establishing the most friendly intercourse with the natives, I left them under charge of lieutenant Gamble, of the marines, with 21 men, with orders to repair to Valparaiso, after a certain period. I arrived on the coast of Chili, on the 12th January, 1814 ; looked into Conception and Valparaiso, found at both places only three English vessels, and learned that the squadron which sailed from Rio de Janeiro for that sea, had not been heard of since their departure, and was supposed to be lost in endeavouring to double Cape Horn. I had completely broken up the British navigation in the Paci- fic ; the vessels which had not been captured by me, were laid up, and dare not venture out. I had afforded the most ample protec- tion to our own vessels, which were, on my arrival, very numer- ous and unprotected. The valuable whale fishery there, is en- tirely destroyed, and tlie actual injury we have done them maybe estimated at two and a half millions of dollars, independent of the expenses of the vessels in search of me. They have supplied me amply with sails, cordage, cullies, anchors, provisions, raedi- $s6 f?'f l! Ml*. If"! n; cinc», and stores of every description : and the slops on board them have furnished clothing for the seamen. We had, in fact, lived on the enemy since I had been in that sea, every prize hav- ing proved a well-found store ship for me. I had not vet been under the necessity of drawing bills on the department for any object, and had been enabled to make considerable advances to my omcers and crew on account of pay. For the unexampled time we had kept the sea, my crew had contin^ted remarkably healthy. I had but one case of the scurvy, and had lost only the following men by death, viz. : John S. Cowan, lieutenant; Robert Miller, surgeon; Levi Holmes, O. S. ; Edward Sweeny, do.; Samuel Groce, seaman; James Spaflbrd, gunner's mate ; Benjamin Geers, John Rodgers, fjuartor gunners; Andrew Mahan, corporal of marines; Lewis Price, private marine. I had done all the injury that could be done the British com- merce in the Pacific, and still hoped to signalize my cruize by something more splendid, before leaving that sea. I thought it not improbable, that commodore Hillyar might have kept his ar- rival secret, and believing he would seek me at Valparaiso, as the most likely place to find me, I determined to cruize about that place, anun to windward. Commodore Hilljar seemed determin- ed to avoid a contest with me on nearly equal terms, and from his extreme prudeiice in keeping both his ships ever after constantly within hail of each other, there were no nopes of any advantages to my country from a longer stay in port. 1 therefore determined to put to sea the first opportunity which should offer ; and I was the iuuie strongly induced to do so, as I had gained certain intel- ligence, that the Tagiis, rated 38, and two other frigates, had sailed for that sea in pursuit of me. I had reason to expect the arrival of the Racoon, from the north-west coast of America, where she had been sent for the purpose of destroying our fur es- tablishment on the Columbia. A rendezvous was appointed for the Essex Junior, and every arrangement made for sailing, and I intended to let them chase me off, to give the Essex Junior an oppcH'tuiiity of escaping. On the 28th March, the day after this determination was formed, the wind came to blow fresh from the southward, when 1 parted my larboard cable and dragged my star- board anchor directly out to sea. Not a moment was to be lost in "ettmg sail on the ship. The enemy were close in with the point forming the west side of the bay; but on opening them, I saw a prospect of passing to windward, when I took in my top- gallaiit-saiU, which were set over sinxle-reefed-topsails, and i'aced up for this purpose; but on r >Uiidiiig the point, a heavy squall struck the ship, and carriiMl away her main top-mast, pre- cii»italing the men who were aloft int(» the sea, who were drown- ed. Hoth ships now gave chase to me, and 1 endeavoured, in tny dinabled state, to regain the port ; but finding I could not reco- ver the common unchora|j:;e, I ra.i close into a small buy, about three nuartersof a mile to leeward of the batterv, on the east side of the narbor, and let go my anchor witliin pistol-shot of the shore, where I intended to repair my damages us soon as possible The enemy continued to approach, shewed an evident intention of at- tacking us regardless of the neutiuiHfy of the place where 1 was ftiichured ; and rhe t autioii oi)«icrveil in their a]tprodch to the attack of the crippled Essex, was truly ridiculous, as was their display ■l^ 95tr of their motto flags* and the number of jacks at all their mast head*. I, with as much expedition as circumstances would admit of, got tny ship ready for action, and endeavoured to get a spring on my cable, but had not succeeded when the enemy, at 54 minutes past 3 P. M. made his attack, the Phoebe placing herself under mj item, and the Cherub on my starboard bow ; but the Cherub soon finding hersi^.' ition a hot one, bore up and ran dow ^ inder the •tern also, where both ships kept up a not raking fire. I had got } iono; twelve pounders out ot the stern ports, which were workc«! with so much bravery and skill, that in half an hour we so disabled both as to compel them to haul off to repair dama- ces. In the course of this firing, I had, by the great exertions of Air. Edward Barnwell, the acting sailing master, assisted by Mr^ Linscott, the boatswain, succeeded in getting springs on our cable three different times ; but the fire of the enemy was so excessive, that before we could get our broadside to bear, they were shot away, and thus rendered useless to us. My ship had receiverought to vas out of m without top-sail le jib and . cut was could set, down on )ard. The St fall my sheets had bled, for a leeks were voundr '— as render- to save bnpelled to she appa- I SM rently had it in her power to do so, but kept up a distant firing with her long guns. The Phoebe, fntm our disabled state, was enabled, however, by edging otf, to choose the distance which best suited her long guns, and kept up a tremendous fire on us, which mowed doM'n my brave companions bv the dozen. Many of my guns had been rendered Ubeless by tne enemy's shot, ana many of them had their whole crews destroyed. We manned them again from those which were disabled, and one gun in particular was three times manned ; 15 men wete slain at it in the action! but strange as it may appear, the captain of it escaped with only a slisrht wound. Find- ing that the enemy had it in his power to chose his distance, I now gave up all hopes of closing with him, and as the wind, for the moment, seemed to favour the design, I determined to endea- vour to run her on shore, land my men and destroy her. Every tinnjj; seemed to favour my wishes. We had approached the shore within musket shot, and 1 had no doubt of succeeding, when, in an instant, the wind shifted from the land (as is very common in this port in the latter part of the day) and paved our head down on the Phcpbe. where we were again exposed to a dreadful raking fire. My ship was now totally unmanageable ; yet, as her head was toward the enemy, and he to leeward of me, I still hoped to be able to board him. At this moment lieutenant commandant Downes came on board, to receive my onlers, under the impression that 1 should so•■ «;': ^ : I. , f f I hf '^ 3M (T'lantitjr of powder below, served to increase the horrors of oun situation. Our boats were destroyed by the enemy's shot ; I there- fore directed those who could swim to jump overboard, and endea- vour to gain the shore. Some reacned it, Morric veic taken by the baemy, and some perished in the attempt , but most preferred sharing with n;o the late of the ship. We who ren\ained, now turned our atttntiot ./holly to f xiui* guishinji, the flames; and when we had succpedctJ, 'ven* again > our guns, where the firinj;; was kept up for -some Uimute;;, but t'.e crew had by this time become so weakened, t'atthey all deciarad tome the impossibility of uinking further resijitance, and entreat- ed me to surrender my ship i » save tlie wounded, as all further attempts at oppoiiition must prove ineffectual, tilmost evvry y^n being disabied by tiie destruction o( their crews. I now dent ifor the ofiiccrs of (livisions to consult themj but wLat was my sur- prise to fissd only acting lieutenant Su^phen Heca" ^i M-knight remaining, who confinned the report respectiii^i the condition of 'he gv.n>^ on the quarter-deck-— tnose on tiie spar-deck were not in ii belt' r state. Lieutenant Wiimer, after nshting most gal-' lanti;' 'hrou^hout the action, had been knocked overboard by n splinter, whi^e getting the sheet anchor from the bows, and was vlrowned. Acting lieutenant John G. Cowell had lost a leg; Mr, Edward Barnwell, acting sailing master, had been carried below, after receiving two severe wounds, one in the breast and one in the face ; ancfacting lieutenant William il.Odenheimer had been knocked overboard from the quarter, an instant before, and did not regain the ship till after the surrender. I was informed that the cockpit, the steerage, the wardroom^ and the birth -deck, could contain no more w'ounded ; and that the wounded \vere killed while the stti]eeon8 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 been killed cr wounded, and that he had been once over the side to stop the leaks, when his slin^ 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 him with our carronades, and the little apprehension that was excited by our fire, which had now become much slack- ened, was enabled to take aim at us as at a target ; his shot never missed our hull, and my ship was cut up in a manner which was perliaps never before witnessed: in fine, 1 saw no hopes of saving ncr, and at 20 minutes after 6 P. M, gave the painful order to strike the colours. Seventy-five men, including oncers, were all that re- mained of my whole crew, after the action, capable of doing duty, and many of them severely wounded, some of whom have since died. The enemy still continueahia fire, and my brave, though unfortunate companions were still falling about me. 1 directed an opposite gun to be fired, to show them we intended no further resistanca; ' " :>i!^ h'ut thep did not desist ; four men were kilicd at my nde, dnA others in different parts of the ship, I now believed he intended to show us no quarter, and that it would be as well to die with my fl(i^ flyin§; an struck, and was on the point of again hoisting it, when, about ten minutes after hauling the eoGura down, ht oeasnd firing' I cannot speak in sufficientlj high terms of the conduct of those engaged for such an unparalleled length of time, (under such cir- cnmstances) with me, in the arduous and unequal contest. Let it suffice to say, that more bravery, skill, patriotism, and zeal, were never display cd on any occasion; every one seemed determined to die in defence of their much loved country's cause, and no- Hiing but views to humanity could ever have reconciled them to the surrender of the ship; they remembered their wounded and helple.4s ship-mates below. To acting lieutenants M'Knight and Cklenheimer, I feel much indebted for their great exertions and bravery throughout the action, m fighting and encouraging the men at their divisions, for the dexterous management of the long ^ns, and for their promptness in re*manning their guns, as their- crews were slaughtered. The conduct of that brave and heroic officer, acting lieutenant John O. Cowell, who lost his leg in the latter part of the action, excited the admiration of every man in the ship, and after being wounded, would not consent to be taken below, until loss of blood rendered him insensible. Mr. Ed ward Barnwell, acting sailing-master, whose activity and courage were equally conspicuous, returned on deck after his first wound, and remained after receiving his second, until fainting with loss of blood. Mr. Samuel B. Johnston, who had joined me the day be- fore, and acted as marine officer, conducted himself with great bravery, and exerted himself in assisting at the long guns, the musketry after the first hulf hour being useless (from our great distance). ilMr. M. W. Bostwick, whom I had appointed acting purser of the Essex Junior, and who was on board my ship, did the duties of an aid, in a manner which reflects on him the highest honour ; midshipmen Isaacs, Farragut, and Ogden, as well as acting mid- shipmen James Terrf , James R. Lyman, and Samuel Ouzenbury^ ana master's mate William Pierce* exerted themselves in the per- formance of their respective duties, and gave an earnest of tneii* value to tlie service ; the three first are too young to recommend for promotion, the latter I bieg leave to recommend for conbrma^ tion, as well as tiie acting lieutenants, and Messrs. Barnwell;, Johnston, and Bostwick. We have been unfortunate, but not disgraced i the defence of the Essex has not been less honourable to her officers and crew, than the capture of an equal force, and I now consider my situa- tion less unpleasant than that of commodore Hillyar, who, in vio^ lation of every principle of honour and generosity, and regardless of the rights of nations, attacked the Essqx in her crippled state^ if i' S ■■ ■} I I* -Mil K- ■ ■u>!' .! .': 360 i i< . I > ( within pistol-shot of a nentral shore ; when for six weeks I had daily unered hint fair and honourable combat, on terin8;creath to his advantage ; the blood of tiie slain must be on liitt head, ami he haA ^j'et to reconcile his conduct to Heaven, to hin con8ctence,and to the world. The annexed extract of a letter from com luud ore Hill^rar, which was written previously to his returning me n\j sword, will Mhow his opinion of our conduct. My lo8s has been dreadfully severe; 58. killed or have since died of their wounds, and among theiu is lieutenant Cowell;- 59 were severely wounded, £7 slightly, and 31 hre missing ; iiiaking in all 154, killed, wounded, and missing, a list of whose names is annexed. The professional knowledge ot doctor Richard Hoftmah, act- ing surgeon, and doctor Al(»xai;der Montgomery, acting surgeon's mate, added to their assiduity, and the l^nevoient attentions and assistance of Mr. D. P. Ad urns, the chaplain, saved the lives of many of the wounded. Those gentlemen have been indefatigable in their attentions to them ; t* e two first 1 be^ leave to recom- mend for confirmation, and the lancr to ty.c notice of tlie depart-* ment. I must in justice to mvself observe, that with our six IS poun- ders only we fought this action, our carronades being almost useless. The loss in killed and wounded has been great with the ene- my ; among the former is the first lieutenant of the Phcebe, and of the latter captain Tucker, of the Cherub, w hose wounds are se- vere. Both the Essex and Photbe were in a sinking state, and it was with difficulty they could be kept afloat until anchored in Valparaiso next morning. The shattered state of the Essex will, I believe, prevent her ever reaching England, and 1 also think it will be out of their pow er to repair the damages of the Phcpbe, so as to enable her to double Cape Horn. All the masts and yards of the Phoebe and Cherub are badly crippled, and tlieir hulls much cut up; the former had eighteen 1^ pound shot through her below her water line, sonte three feet under water. Nothing but the amootiiness ot the water saved both the Phcebe and Essex. 1 hope, sir, that our conduct may (/rove' satisfactory to our country, and that it will testify it by obtaining our speedy ex- change, tlmt we may again have i in our power to prove our zeal. Commodore Hillyar (I am informed,) has thought proper to state to his goveriunent, that the action only lasted 45 utinuu^. Should he have done so, the motive may be easily discovered ; but the thousands of disinterested witnessea who covered the surround- ing hills, can testify that we fought his ships near two houra and a half; upwards of 50 broadsides were fired by tiie enemy, agreea- bly to their own accounts, and upwards of 7o by ours ; except the few minutes they were re^.lring damages^ the firii^ was mcea- •ftnt. > ^' Soon after my capture, T entered into an agreement with eDro> modui-e Hillyar tudiiiurm my pri/.e, the Khscx Junior, ami proc(>ed with the survivors uf my officers and crew in her to the United States, taking with me her officer* and crew. He consented to grant her a passport to secure her from re-capture. The ship was small, and we knew we had much to sutler, yet we hoped soun to reach our country in safety, that we might again have it in our power to serve it. This arrHnmrement was attended with no addi-^ tiottal expense, as she wa abundantly supplied with provisions and stores for the voyage. Injustice to commodore Hillyar, I must observe, that, (altl.oiigh I can never be reconciled to the manner of his attack on the Essex^ or to his conduct before the action) he has, since our capture, shown the greatest humanity to my wounded, (whom he permitted me to land, on condition that the United States should bear their expenses.) and l:as endeavoured, as much as lay in his power, to alleviate the distresses of war by the most eenerous and delicate deportment towards my officers and crew ; he gave orders that the * property of every person should be respected ; which orders, howe- ver, were not so strictly attended to as might have been eN])erted ; besides being deprived of books, charts, lice. Ike. both myself and officers lost mkny articles of our clothing, some to a considerable amount. I should not have considered ihis last circumstance of sufficient importance to notice, did it not mark a striking differ- ence between the navy of Great Britain and that of the United States, highly creditable to the latter. By the arrival of the Tagus, a few days after my capture, I was informed, that besides the ships which had arrived in the Pacific in pursuit of me, and those still expected, others were sent to cruize for me in the China Seas, oft' New Zealand, Timor, and New Holland, and that another frigate was sent to the river la Plate. To possess the Essex it has cost the British government near six millions of dollars, and yet, sir, her capture was owing entirely to accident ; and if we consider tlie expedition with which naval contests are now decided, the action is a dishonour to them. Had they brought their ships boldly into action, with a force so ery superior, and having the choice of position, they should either have captured or destroyed us in one tburtli the time they were about it. During the action, our consul general Mr. Poinsett, called on the governor of Valparaiso, and requested that the batteries might protect the Essex. This request was refused, but he promised that if she slnmld succeed in lighting her v/ay to the common an- chorage, that he would send an officer to the British commander and request him to cease firing, but declined using force under anv ciicumstances, and there is no doubt a perfect understanding existed between them. Ti.is conduct, added Ut iheassistauce^isen to the British, and their friendly rcceptiuii after the action, and M 958 ■tn- mm ■ fl if: --■■ Iff II \ tlie strong bias of the faction which ji^vem Chili in favor of th« Kns;liMh, as well :«h their inhoBpitality tu the AiiiericaiiH, induced Mr. Poinsett to leave that country. Under such circuin8tance», I did not conceive it would be proper for itie tu claim the restora- tion of wy Hhip, confident that the claim would he made by my government to more effect. Findin(^ some difficulty in the sale of my prizes, I had taken the Hector and Catharine to nea and burnt them with their cargoes. I exchanged lieutenant M'Kni<;ht, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Lyman, and eleven tusamen, for part of the crew of the 8ir Andrew Ham- mond ; and sailed from Valparaiso on the 27th April, where the enemy were still patching up their ships, to put them in a state for procetedinx to Uio dn Janeiro, previou8,to going to England. Annexed is a lint of the remains of my crew to be exchanged* as also a copy of \.- il rxehanncd certain imlivuluuN, tlivrcin named, maVing part oftItrci< 'v tithe iiir Ajitlrew llanmion health, observing that his ship was cleared for action, and his men prepared for boarding. I observed, " Sir, if you, by any accident, get on board of me, I assure you that great confusion will take Slace ; I am prepared to receive you, but shall only act on the efensive.*' He observed coolly and indifferently, " Oh, sir, I have no such intention ;" at this instant his ship took aback on my starboard bow, her yards nearly locking with tliose of the Essex. I called all hands to board the enemy ; and in an instant my crew were ready to springj on her decks. Commodore Hillyar exclaim- ed, with great agitation, ** I had no intention of cominj; so near vou. I am sorry I came so near you." His ship fell ofi^with the jib-boom over my decks ; her bows exposed to my broadside, her stern to the fire of the Essex Junior, her crew in the greatest con- fusion ; and in fifteen minutes I could have taken or destroyed her. After he had brouj^ht his ship to anchor, commodore Hillyar and captain Tucker, oAhe Cheruo, visited me on shore, when I asked him if he intended te respect the neutrality of the port. " Sir," said he, ** you have paid such respect to t^ie neutralitv of this port that I feel myself bound, in honour ^ to do the same." I have the honour to be, &c. 9AVID PORTER. The Secretai; of the Navy. .46 ^60 [ft 'ia deemed proper to introduce the following letters in this place, m ther are the sequel or captain Porter & cruize in th>: Pacific. — Editor.] SIR, NEW YORK, August 28th, 1815. I have the honour to inform jou that on the 12th of Decem- ber, 1813, (the day on which the Essex frigate and Essex Junior took their departure from Nooaheevah,) I was left in Port Anna Maria Bay, with eighteen men under my command, and six pri- soners of war in charge of the establishment on shore, together with the prize ships Greenwich, Seringapatam, Sir Andrew Ham- mond, and New Zealander, with orders from captain Porter to remain five and a half calendar months at that place ; at the '^ <- piration of which time, should he not return or send me further instructions how to act, I was, if possible, io man two of the ships, and after taking every article of value out of the other and burn- ing her, repair to the port of Valparaiso, where, in the event of not finding the frigate, or additional orders, I was authorized to dispose ofone of me ships to the best advantage, and take all the men under my charge, as well as the prize crews of the different ships then in that port, on board of the other, and proceed to the United States. After receiving these instructions my first object was, agreea- bly to captain Porter's wish, to fill the New Zealander with oil from the other ships, and on the 28th day of December, she took her departure for tne United States, with* a cai^ of 1950 barrels, and well found in every respect for so long a voyage. It is with regret I inform you, that the frigate had scarcely got clear of the Marquesas, before we discovered a hostile dispo- sition in the .natives, and in a few days they br^canie so insolent, that I found it absolutely necessary, not only for the security of the ships and property on shore, but for our personal safety, to land my men and regain by force of i'.rms the numerous articles they had in the most daring manner stolen from the encampment; and what was of still greater importance, to prevent, if possible, the execution of threats, which might have been at 'ended with very serious consequences to us, as duty required my m'^ix to be much separated. I, however, had' the satisfaction to accomplish my wish without firing a musket, and from that time lived in per- fect amity with t^^ -m, until the 7th day of May following, when my distressed situation had nearly placed me in their power. Be- fore, however, mentioning the lamentable events of that and the two following days, I will give you a brief account of a few pre- ceding occurrences, which were sources of great uneasiness: < The first was the death of John Witter, (a faithful old marine who was unfortunately drowned in the surf on the 28t)i of Februa- ry,) and the desertion of four of my men; oae of them, a black named Isaac Coflin, had deserted from the Essex the day before she left the bay, and was then a prisoner for making the second attempt. They toc'k advantage of a dark night, and left the bay !• 363 Mthey 1815. )ecem- Junior t Anna sU pri- w Ham- orter to ; the ^ > 5 further he ships, nd burn- event of [»rixed to Le a\l the different >ed to the ,, agreea- r with oil , she took 30 barrels, ircely got lie dispo- ) insolent, lecurity of safety, to us articles ampTOcnt; 7 piisnible, jnded with ..»ix to be iccomplish ed in per- inj5, when Bwer. Be- [hi and the a few pre- isiness: ; [old marine of Februa- in, a black day before the second left the bay in a whale boat, unobserved, fall, except the prisoner, havine the Watch on deck), andcarried off several muskets, a supply of am- munition, and many things of but little value. I was prevented from pursuing them, as they had in a measure destroyed the only remaining boat at that time seaworthy. On the 12th of April we commenced rigging the Serinsapatam, and Sir Andrew Hammond, which, as I had calculated^ kept the men employed until the Ist of May. All hands were then engage ed in removing the remainder of the property from the Green- wich to the Seringapatam, as I began to aespair of being rejoined by the frigate at that place. The work went on well, and the men were obedient to my or- ders, though I discovered an evident change in their countenances which led me to suppose that there was something wrong in agi- tation. Under that impression I caused all the muskets, ammu- nition, and small arms of every description, to be removed from the other ships to the Greenwich, (the one on board of which I lived,) as a necessary precaution a^inst a surprise from my own men. On the rth of May, while on l)oard the Seringapatam, on duty which required my presence, I was suddenly and violently at- tacked by the men employed in that ship. After struggline a short time and receiving many bruizes, I was prostratedon tiie deck and my hands and legs tied. They then threw me on the second deck, thence dragged me into the cabin and confined me in the run. Midshipman Feltus, and acting midshipman Clapp, were in a few minutes after thrown in, tied in the same manner as myself; the scuttle was then nailed down and a sentinel placed over it. After spiking all the guns of the Greenwich and of the Fort, and those of the Sir Andrew Hammond that were loaded; plun- dering the ships of every thing valuable ; rommittiug many wan- ton depredations on shore ; taking all tiie arms ana ammunition from the Greenwich ; sending for lUibert White, who was turned ashore from the Essex for mutinous conduct ; and bending all the necessary sails ; they stood out of the bay with a light wind off the land. My fellow prisoners and myself were shortly after taken cut of the run ana placed in the cabin, under the immediate charge of several men. I then learned the names of the mutineers, and assure you, sir, even in my truly painful situation, it afforded me no small degree of consolation, tKat there were no Americans among them. The following are the names of the mutineers and prisoners of war :— Thomas Belcher, boatswain^s mate. Englishman ; James Bantum, negro; Martin Stanley, foreigner; Robert George, Jo- seph Curtis, Richard Power, and Jeremiah Workman, English-^ men, (who entered on board the Essex from the whaling ships captured in the Pacific Ocean,) and Robert White, mutineer. — Prisoners, William Clarke, Lewis Ransford, James MorritQS, William Stiles, James Duncan, and Robert Lambries. mum ,' ' 1 ■ fill.' mi , 5 .: ■ Si:,':: 364 Shortly after getting clear of the bay, one of the sentineli, (al- though repeated^ cautioned against putting his fineer on the trig-l fer) fired a pistol, the contents of which passed through my iMt eel a little below the ancle bone. As soon as the men on deck heard the report, they immediately pointed their muskets down idle sky-light and were in the act of nring, but were prevented by the sentinel, who told them that the pistol was accidentally dis- charged. At nine o'clock, the night dark, and the wind blowing fresh, after receiving (by request) from the mutineers a barrel of powder and three olumuskets, 1 was put into a leaky boat, in which I found my unfortunate companions, and the only two Americans that were in the ship at the time the mutiny took place, the others being employed on board the Greenwich, and on shore, in putting the arms m order, baking bread, and doing other work which re- qjiired the most trusty. In this situation, after rowing at least SIX miles, and every person exhausted from the sreat exertions made to keep the boat from sinking, we reached the Greenwich, where 1 found the few remaining men anxiously looking out for me, and seriously alarmed at the conduct of the savages, who had already begun to plunder the encampment, and been informed by Wilson, (u man who had lived among them for several years, and who, as 1 afterwards learned, was not only instrumental in pro-« moting the mutiny, but, in my absence, plundered the Sir Andrew Hammond) of our defenceless situation. Finding it impossible to comply with that ;)art of my instruc- tions, directing me to remain in the bay until' the 2rth of May, I thought it most advisable to repair to the port of Valparaiso, and with that view, all hands, assisted by George Ross and William Brudenell, (who were living on the island for the purpose of col- lecting sandal wood,) exerted themselves in making the necessary preparations to depart. My first object was to put the Sir An- drew Hammonds'^ such a situation, that we might get under way at any moment. After which, all hands were engaged in getting the few articles of value from shore, and in endeavouring to reco- ver the property stolen from the Sir Andrew Hammond, when the savages made an unprovoked and wanton attack upon us, in which I have with the deepest regret to inform you, tfiat midshipmen William Feltus, John Thomas, Thomas Gibbs, and William Bru- denell, were massacred, and Peter Coddington dangerously wounded, who, with William Worth, made his escape by swim- ming some dist«.nce, when they were both taken out of the water by acting'midshipman Clapp, and the three remaining men. Our situation at this moment was most desperate. I'he savages put oflfhi every direction for the purpose of intercepting the boat and boarding the ship, but were driven back by my nring the few guns we had just before loaded with grape and'cannister shot. Before the boat returned and the guns were re-loaded thej made a second attempt, and afterwards repeated efforts, first to board the Green- 365 wtcK&nd then the Sir Andrew Hammond, but were repulsed bj our keeping up a constant fire. During this time several hun- dred were employed in pulling down the houses and plundering tlie encampment, whilst others were in the fort, endeavouring (as- sisted by Wilson, who had received several casks of powder from the mutineers) to get the spikes out of the guns. As soon as "William Worth had recovered a little strength, after having been ■o long in the water, I sent the boat to the Greenwich for John Pettinger, a sick man, and some thincs that were indispensably necessary, with orders to bum that ship and return with all pos- sible despatch, as our ammunition was nearly expended, and we had no other means of keeping the savages one moment out of the ship. We then bent the jiD and spanker, cut the moonngs, and luckilj^ had a light breeze, which carried us clear of the bay, with only six cartridges remaining. We now found our situation most distressing, for in attempting to run the boat up she broke in two parts, and we were compelled to cut away from the bows the only remaining anchor, not being able to cast it. We mustered altogether eight souls, of whom there were one cripple confined to his bed ; one man dangerously wounded; one sick; one convalescent (a feeble old man just re- covering from the scurvy) ; and mvself unable to lend any further ' assistance, the exertions of the day having inflamed my wound 80 much as to produce a violent fever ; leaving midshipman Clapp and two men only capable of doing duty. In that state, destitute of charts, and of every means of getting to windward, I saw but one alternative ; to run the trade m inds down, and, if possible, make the Sandwich islands, in hopes of either falling in with some of the Canton ships (that being their principal place of rendezvous) or of obtaining some assistance from Tamaahmaah, king of the Windw^n^ Islands* No time was lost in bending ihe topsails, snd on iL«* 10th of May we took our departure from Robert's Island, on the 25th of the same month made Owhyhee, and on the 30th, after suffering much, came to anchor in whytetee Bay, at the Island of Woahoo. I here found captain Winship, several olVir »rs of ships, and a number of men, from whom (particularly captain W.) 1 received every assistance their situations could aflfora me. The natives, though at first curprised at our deplorable condition, and inquisitive to know the cause, of which I aid not think prudent to inform them, suppUed tbs ship with fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, nartlv on condition that I would take the chief man of the ii»land and some others, with their property up to the Winil vard Island, where I found it necessary to go (after shipping some men) in order to procure from the king, a supply of provisions. Thence, it was my intention to have proceeded to Valparaiso, in compliance with my instructions from captain Porter, but I was unfortunately captured on he passage by the English ship Cherub, of twenty guns. I was some iirhat lurprised to hear captain Tucker say (when I pointed ovtt :, v:) fl f1 1 i ,(i J, , ! ' * . '; \i .vi 1 ^69 ft valuabIe>canoe and many other articlei, whi«h I asftur^ him was the property of the natives, and that I was merely conveying them anu it from one island to the other, the weather being too boisterous at that time for them to make the passage, in their canoes) that every thing found in a prize ship belonged to the captors. I thus had the mortification to see the peo Je, from whom I had received so much kindness, sent on shore, deprived of all they had been collecting for twelve months, and were about to present to their kins as a tribute. The Cherub proceeded to Atooi, where she captured the ship Charon, and made many fruitless attempts togettne carso of that ship, and of several others which had itetn deposited on tne island under the immediate protection of the king (if the Leeward Islands. She took her departure on the 15th of July, and on the 28th of November arrived at Rio de Janeiro with her prizes, tonchin? on the passage for refreshments at Otaheite and Valpa- raiso. During her stay at the latter place, the frigates Britton and Tagus arrived from the Marquesas, where they had been in search of the ships left under my charge. On the 15th of Decem- ber the prisoners were sent on shore, having received the most rigorous treatment from captain Tucker during their long confine- ment in his ship, and the greater part of them, like the natives, left destitute ot every thing, save the clothes on their backs. The men belonging to the Essex had little to lose, but those I shipped at Woahoo, had received in part money and goods, for one, two, and some of them three years .ie'~"ices in the Canton ships. On the 15th of May (by the advice of a physician who attended me,) I took my departure from Rio de Janeiro in a Swedish ship, bound to Havre ae Grace, leaving behind acting midshipman Benjamin Oapp and five men, having lost one soon Lfter my a^rivaI at that niace, with the small pox. No opportunity had Erevinusly offered by which 1 could possibly leave mat place, the 'inglish admiral on that station, being determined to prevent, by every means in his power, American prisoners returning to their own country. On the loth instant, in latitude 47 north and longitude 18 west, I took passage on board tlie ship Oliver Elsworth, captain Roberts, 15 days from Havre de Grace, bound to New York. I arrived here last evening, and have the honour to await, c^ither tho orders of the Navy Department or the commandant of the n^arine corps. I have the honour to be, &c. ^ JOHN M. GAMBLE. The Sscretaiy of the 'Sa.yy. UNITED STAThS' FUIGATE ESSEX, AT SFA, July 14th, 1813. SIR, Allow me to return to you my thanks for your handsome conduct in bringing the Scringapatam to action, which greatly 9«7 facilitated her capture, while it prevented the possibility of her^ escipf^. Be assured, sir, I shall make a suitable representation of the .affair to the honourable Secretary of the Navy. ' With the greatest respect, &c. D. PORTER. Lieut. John M. Gamble, commanding the prize slup Greenwich. SIR, NAVT COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE, February lOtli, 1816. Captain John M. Gamble of the marines served with me in the Essex, from the time of my taking command of that vessel, until my departure from Madison's Island ; duriug the whole of which his conduct was such as to entitle him to my respect, as an officer and a gentleman. During a great part of my cruise in the 3outh Seas, captain (then lieutenant) Gamble, continued in com- mand of one ot my most valuable prizes, and while in that situa- tion brought to action with an interior force, and caused to sur- render, an armed vessel of the enemy, which had long been the terror of the American ships, which had been engaged in com- mercial and other pursuits in that ocean. Honourable mention was made of this affair to the Secretary of the Navy, but by the capti.re of the vessel, the account was lost, and of course never reached the United States. Captain Gamble &t all times greatly distinguished himself by his activity in every enterpri/.e engaged in by the force under my command, and in many cntical encounters by the natives of Mad- ison's Island, rendered essential services, and at all times distiu' guished himself by his coolness and bravery. I therefore do, with pleaHure, recommend him to the department as an o'ficcr dc* serving of its patronage. I have the honour to be, &c. DAVID PORTER. Hon. B. W. Crowninshield, Secretary of the Navy. i'l' SIR. NAVY COMMISSIONERS' OFHCE, February 28Ui, 1816. Captain Gamble of the marine corps, has informed me thf.t he had understood it to be your wish that I should state my opinio on positively, whether I think him entitled to a brfivet for the ser- vices rendered. Making part of the diepartment, motives of deli- cacy prevented my doing so before, but I now avail myself of the opportunity of assuring you, that no marine Qffii(i|f in the service, ever had such strong claims as captain Gamt^, and that none have been placed in such conspicuous and critical situations, and [i 4ff il that none could have extricated themselven from ihei their honour. I have the honour to be, &cJ D. PORTER. honourable B. W. Crowninthield, Secretary of the Navy* HEAD QUARTERS, CHIPPEWA PLAINS, July 7th, 1814. 0£ar sir, On the 2d instant I issued my order for crossing the Niagara river, and made the arrauKements deemed necessary for securing the garrison of fort Erie. On the Sd that post surrendered at i P. M. Our loss in this affair was four of* the 29th regiment under major Jessup, of brigadier general dcott*s brigade, wounded. I have enclosed a return of the prisoners, of the ordnance, and ordnance stores captured. To secure my rear, I have placed a garrison in this fort, and requested captain Kennedy to station his vessels near the post. On the morning of the 4th, brigadier general Scott, with hit' bri^de and a corps of artillerv, was ordered to advance towards Chippewa, and be governed by circumstances ; taking care t» secure a ^lod military position for the night. After some skir- mishing with the enemy, he selected this plain with the eye of a soldier, his right nesting on the river, and a ravine being in front. At 11 at night, I joinea him with the reserve under ^neral Rip- ley, our field and battering train, and corps of artiUerj under major Hiindman. General Porter arrived the naxt momine with aj[>art of the New York and Pennsylvania volunteers, and some ofdie warriors of the Six Nations. Early in the morning of the 5th, the enemy commenced a petty war upon our pickets, and, as he was indulged, his presumption increased ; by noon he showed himself on Ihe left of our extensive line, and attacked one of our pickets as it was returning to camp. Captain Treat, who commanded it, retired disgracefully, leaving a wounded man on the ground. Captain Biddfe, of the artillerv, who was near the scene, impelled by feelings hidily honourable to him as a soldier and officer, promptly assumed tne command of this picket, led it back to the wounded man, and brought him off the n Id. I ordered captain Treat, on the spot, to retire from the army, and as I am an luus that no officers shall remain under my command who can be suspected of cowardice, I advise that captain Treat,* and lieutenant , who was also with the picket, be struck from the rolls of the armv. At 4 o'clock in the afternuoon, agreeably to a plan I had given general Porter, Jbe advanced from the rear of our camp, wiui the volunteers and^lldians (taking the woods in order to keep out ot> view of the enenky), witli the hope of bringing his pickets and *C«pt«n Treat was titPil liy a court martial and honourably acquitt^. sco«||||g parties between hit fPorter's] line of march* and wub> camp*) As Porter moved, I ordered the parties advanced in front of our camp to fall back ffradually. unaer the enemy's fire, iftr op*der to draw him, if possible, up to our line. About half past 4* . the advance of general Porter's command met the light parties of the enemy in the woods, upon our extreme left. The enemy were driven, and Porter advancii^ near to Chippewa, met their wholtt column in order of battle. From the clnud of dust rising, and the heavy firing, I was led to conclude that the entire force of the enemy was in march, and prepared for action. I immediately ord <;red genv»ral 8cott to advance with his brigade, and Towson^ ftrtil!ery, and meet them upon the plain in ifront of our camp. The general did nut expect to be gratified with a field engagement. He advanced in the most prompt and ofiicer-like style, and in • few minutes was in close action upon the i)lain, mm a superior force of British regular troops. By this time general Porter'a command had given way, and fled in every direction, notwitk> standi ng his personal eulantry, and great exertions to stay tl>eir flight. The retreat of the volunteers and Indians caused uie left flank of general Scott's brigade to be 8;reatly exposed. Captain Harris, with his dragoons, was directed to stop the fugitives, behind the ravine fronting our camp ; and I sent colonel Gardner to order ^neral Ripley to advance with the 21st re^ment whick formed pari of tlie reserve, pass to the left ot our camp, skirt the woods so as to keep out ot view, and fall upon the rear of the enemy's right flank. This wder was promptly obeyed, and the greatest exertions were made by the 21st re^ment to gain their position, and close with the enemy, but in vain ; for such was the zeal and gallantry of the line commanded by general Scott, that its advance upon the enemy was not to be checked. Major Jessup, commanding; the left nank battalion, finding himself press- ed in front and in flank, and his men falline fast arouna him, entered his battalion to '* support arms and mvance,;^* the order was promptly obeyed, amiast the most deadly and destructive fire. He gained a more secure position, and returned upon the enemy so gHiling a discharge, as caused them to retire. By this time, tlieir whole line was falling back, and our gallant soldiers pressing upon them as fast as possible. As soon as the enemy had fitted the sloping ground descending towards Chippewa, and distant a quarter of a mile, he broke and ran to gam his works. In this efsrt he was too successful, and the guns from his batteries opening immediately upon our line, checked in some degree the pursuit. At this moment I resolved to bring up all mj erdnance, and force the place by a direct attack, and gave the order accordingly. Mi^or Wood, of the corps of enginews, and . ^ ray aid, captain Austin, rode to the bank ot the creek towards the rujht of their line of works, and examined them. I was in- ducea by their report, the lateness of the hour, and the advice of general Scott aad major WooU, to order the forces to retire to camp. 47 ^ I ^!i i i! ji I'l «W It f;;?i Ky nMt difficult duty rfmains to be perfonned f t am fMBlpt* 'M with the fenr of not Ming able to do justice to my himimpSiija nions in arms, and apprehensive, that some who had an opportu- nity of distinguivhing themeelves, and promptly embraced it, will «acape my notice. Srigadier eeneral Scott is entitled to the highest praise our eountry can bestow : to him, more than any other man, I am indebted for the victory of the 5th of July. His brigade haa covered itself with glory. Every officer and every man of the 9th and 22d, llth and S5th regiments, did his duty, with a zeal «nd energy, worthy of the American character. "When every officer stands so pre-eminently high in the path of his duty and honour, it is impossible to discriminate, but 1 cannot deprive my- •elf of the pleasure of saying, that major Lavenworth commanded the 9th and 22d, major Jessup the 25th, and major M'Neil the llth. Colonel Campbell "was wounded early in the action, gal- lantly leading on his regin ent. The family of general Scott jvere conspicuous in the field y lieutenant Smith of the 6th infantry, major of brigade, and lieu- tenants Worth and Watts, his aids. From general Ripley and his brigade, I received every assist- ance that I gave them an o|i'pdrtunity of rendering. 1 did not order any part of the reserve into action, until general Porter's command nad given way, and then general 8cott's movementa were so rapid and decisive, that general Ripley could not get up in timewitn the 21st, to the position as directed. The corps of artillery under major Hindman, were not generally in action ; this was not their fault Captain Towson's company was the only 6ne that had a full opportunity of distinguishing itself, and it is believed, that no comfMiny ever embraced an opportunity with more zeal or more success. A detachment from the 2d brigade under the command of lieute- aant M'Donald, penetrated the woods with the Indians and volun- teers, and for their support. The conduct of M'Donald and hie eowmand reflects high honour on the brigade to which they belong. The conduct of j^neral Porter has been conspicuously gallant Every assistance in his power to affi>rd, widi the description of force under his command, has been rendered. We could not expect him to contend with the British column of regulars which appeared upon the plains of Chippewa. It was no cause of sur- prise to me, to see nis command retire before this column. Justice forbids that I should omit to name my own family They yield to none in honourable zeal, intelligence, and atten-^ tion to duty. Colonel Gardner, roigor Jones, and my aids, cap- tains Austin and Spencer, have been as active and as much de- voted to the cause as any officers of the army. Tlieir conduct verits my warmest acknowledgments ; of Qardaer ai^ Jtoea I *4mU1 have occaaion again to spMk to you. «i7l pa* >jpportu- Ht.wiU aiae our D, I am ;ade hat II of the th a zeal n every luty and rive my- nmanded 'Neil the tion, gal- he field ; and liea- ry asaiat- 1 did not I Porter'a ovements kot get up e corps of action ; was the If, and nity with loflieute- id volun- and hit hr belong. gallant riptiion of iould not in which of 8U1'- • family id atten-k ^a, eap- iQch de- conduct teMil iHVCamp, deputy quarter master |;enerat, deserve! my pis^ ticulOT^Otice and approbation. B^ his great exertions, I wat enabled to find the means of grossing. Captain Daliba^'^^of th« ordnance department, has rendered every service in his power.' The inclosed return will show jou our loss, and fumisn you with the names of the dead and wounded officers. These gallant men must not be forgotten. Our country will remember them, and do them justice. With great respect, &c. JACOB BROWNv Hon. John Annttrongf, Secretary of War INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE, H. Q. LEFT DIVISION, Chippewa, July 9th, 1814k Eehim of the kilUdt woundedt and prigoners, of the enemy, in my, commanded by major general Brown, andthe English foree$, under the command of major general RialL Killed.-— Three captains, three subalterns, and eighty-seven rank and file of the r^lar troops. WouNDED.f— Two captuns or the 1st Royal Scots, one lieute- nant of the 100th renment, and seventy-two rank and file of ^e Royal Scots, 8th and 100th renments. Prisonees.— C . captain of tlie Indians, and nine rank and file of the r^^lars. Rilled in the Woods.— Of the Indians eighty^seven, of the Siilitia and regulars eighteen. Indian Pai80NEE8.--One chief and four privateSii Killed, Wounded and > Prisoners, 5 Prisoners, XeeapUulatunu Captains. Subalterns* Rank and FUe 8 $ IM d 1 M I 9 14 4 398 Total of the enemy placed hors de eombat, that we haveascexi- tained beyond a doubt, 6 captains, 4 subalterns, and 298 rank and file. Those reported under the head of wounded and prisoners^ were so severely injured, that it would have been impracticable for them to have escaped. The enemy had the same facilities of carrying their wonn^d from the field at the commencement of the action as ourselves, and there can be no doubt, from the infw- mation that I have received Drom wiqutetbnable sources, t|Mt 't fi > ■ it ,v [t < ;.. I. r J!' hi \ '? J 'Alii 971 ^. Am^ cftrried from the field m maiijr of their wounded fl|^^W* ported above in the total. ^^ A. OUNE, JiMt. Ins. &en, Major g ernl Brown. Met/oTt of the killed and wounded of the l-J't .livmont commanded by major general lirownt in the uctimi, uj the 5th July^ 181'1» cin theplatm of Chippewat Upper Cunaaa. 11. Q. CAMP CHIPPEWA, July 7th, 1814. Aktillsky— Killed, 4 privates ; wounded seTerelj, S corpo- rals, 5 privates; 8 privates slight) j. General Scott's Brigade, 9th Inpantrt— Killed, 2 mutici^. ans, 1 1 privates ; wounded severely, 1 captain, 2 subalterns, 2 corporals, 19 privates; slii^htly, 2 sergeants, 18 privates. 22n Infantry attaohbd— Killed, '8 privates ; wounded Myttt- ky, 1 captain, 8 privates ; slightly, 2 sergeants, 33 privates. 11th Infantry — Killed, 1 sergeant^ 4 corporals, 10 privates; wounded severely, 1 colonel, 1 subaltern, 3 sergeants, 5 corporals, 28 privates ; slightly, 3 sergeants, 19 privates. 23d Infantry— Killed, 1 sergeant, 4 privates ; wounded se- Terely, 1 captain, 2 subalterns, 5 sergeants, 2 corporals, .17 pri- vates ; slightly, 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, 1 musician, 19 privates. General Ripley's Brigade, 21st Regiment, none; 19th Infahtrt attached— Killed, 3 privates ; severely wounded, 2 privates ; missifj, 2. jTio Infantry— Severely wounded, 1 private. Or NERAL r. B. PoRTER'a CoMMAND, FeNTOn's ReGIMENT Or I*KN^»YIVANIA Militia — Killed, 3 privates; severely wounded, 1 |>rivute ; slightly, 1 private ; missing, 3 officers, 4 non-commission- td 'ifficers and privates. Corps of Indians— Killed, 9 privates; severely wounded, 4; •lightly, 4 ; missing, 10. Grand total— 2 seraeants, 4 corporals, 2 musicians, 52 pri- ▼ates, killed. 1 colonel, 3 captains, 5 subalterns, 8sei^ants, 12 corporals, ]> 05 privates, severely wounded. 9 sergeants, 2 cor- porals, 1 musician, 103 privates, slightly wounded. 3 officers, 16 non-commissioned officers and privates, missing. Total, non-cur,> .aissioned officers, musicians, and privates, S16. Aggregate', 328. M\ime8 ar^ rank of OJficen wounded*. ^ ColoBel Campbell, 1 Uh infantry, severely ; knee-pui fractured. Captain King, 22d ii^iantry, dangerously ; shot \'Ound in the ab- domen. Captain Read, 25th infantry, badl^ ; fletih wound in the Ikigh. Captain Harrison, 42d, doing duty m the 9th infantry, se- ttrely; shot wound in the shoulder. Lieutenant Barron, 11th iaMnAiry, aevorely. Lieutenant De Wittt 25th infuitry, saTerely. ■:4 A: '»k- Ftu. Cren. cwnmandtd Jttiy. 1814, y 7th, 1814. y, 3 coqpo- Bd, 2 muiici-. abalterns, 2 iDded wvert - vatei. 10 privates; \, 5 i orporaU. wouiided «e- ►oraU, ^7 pn- i, 19 privates. nonk; 19tu r wouaUed» 2 Regiment or J wounded, 1 commission - wounded, 4 ; cians, 52pri- gergeants, 12 eeants, 2 cor- id. 3 officers* and privates, -pan fractured, lund in the ab- j wtfund in the th infantry, se- t Barron, Uth mtry, severely. LiewlMtntPatchini, S5th infantry, badly ; flesh wound in the thigli. liieutenant Brinihall, 9th infantry, slightly. l^OTEv— The slightly wounded are fast recovering. C.K.GARDNEll, Ji;^ GcM. INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFnCF, H. Q. LKFT DIVISION, Camp near Fort Eric, July Sd, 1814. • Metum of the British pri»onen of War, who surretidered by capi- tulation with ¥wt Erie, on the afternoon if the Srf July, 1814, to the left division of the United 8tate»^ army, under the com , mand of major general Brown, major. 1 corporal, 1 bombardier, and 8th or King's Regiment- Royal Artillery — 1 19 gunners. 100th Regiment — 1 ca, j tenants, 1 ensign, 4 sergeants, 5 corporals, 3 musicians, |>iivat6a« Becapitulation, 8th Regiment — t major. Royal Artillery—- 1 subaltern, 4 sergeants, 5 corporals, 3 n)usi< oians, 98 privates. Aggregate, 137. A. ORNE, Jlsst, Ins. Oen* Mi^or gen »al brown. LOSS OF THE ALLIGATOR. SIR, 8T. HELBNA ISLAND» July 2d, 1814. The painful task of informing you of the particulars of the loss of the United States' schuoner Alligator, I am now able to undertake. On the 1st July, at 3 P. M. while at anchor in the Port Royal Sound, with lower yards down, and top-gallant-masts housed, a heavy dark cloud rose in the west, and coming rapidly by us, the squall, when Aithin about half a mile, had the ap- pearance 01 a water spout or whirlwind ; supposing from its ap- pearance it would upset or destroy us. I thought the only way tu save the vessel would be to ruii her on shore, as it was first quar- ter flood ; the cable wait cut and the head of the jib hoisted ; when before the wind, she was struck by a most tremendous blast, but no injury was done ; it then cleared up. The small bower anchor was then let go, and the vessel brought up. In ten mfnutes she waa itruckby another still more violent eust, and instantly upset; the cable was again cut, in hopes that she would drive on shore, but ^1 to no purpose ; she sunk in four fathoms water, some of the 'men attempted to gain the shore by swimming, but dreadful to ivlate only foar succeeded i twenty-three were drowned. Among « y ■ii/''?^ ' .4 s»>. o ' FhotogFaphic ^Sdfflices CorptBBtion 4^^ ^^^ as WHT IMAM STRHT Wltl7M,N.Y. USM (7U)t71-4S03 '^ 3#^.S!* m ihe number I have to lament the loss of two promining^ een, midshipmen BraiUford and Rosenon. I^neteen hm^^ea found and interred in this island. Messrs. Brailsford and H^r- ]Bon were interred in the church-yard by the gentlemen oi St^ Helena. Annexed is a list of the names of those who have bcea found, and those who arc still missing. I have the honour to be, &c. R. BASSET. Csptun J. S. Dent Twelve including mjself were saved on the head of the top- mast. R. B» DnowNKD— Joseph Brailsford/ midshipman ; Robert Rogerson, Steel, do. ; Joseph Crosby, do. $ Jose^ Moulder, do. ; Thomaa Harvey, do.; John Nelson, do. ; J— Michael Rush, ordinary seaman ; Polydor Thomp- son, boy ; C«sar Howard, seaman ; Daniel Thompeon, do. Saved— Rnssel Basset, lieutenant commandant; John M. Bald, master's mate; Elias J. Sidters, volunteer; James Gelespie, boat- swain's mate ; John White, seaman ; Joseph Lewis, do. ; Henry M*Oruder, boatswain; John Roberts, seaman; Samuel Outtry, do. ; J<^n Davis, do. ; Hyman Perry, quarter s^nner ; William Ray, master at arms ; lohn Rodden, boy ; John Cook, ordinary seaman; Charles Mercer, seaman; Gciorge Selby, ordinary sea^ man* GENERAL ORDERS. ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, LEFT DIVISION, . Chippewa Pbuna^ Jidjr 6th, 1814. Major Koneral Brown has ^{S j;ratification to say, that the sol- diers of me 2d division, west m the Nianra, merit greater ap- plause than he is able to bestow in generaT orders ; they merit uw highest iu»probation of their countiy. The tiondvct of brigadier general Scott's briigade, which had the oppoirtnnitv to engage the whole force of die enemy, the greater part, it u believcJ, ^ all in the peninsula, removes en the day or this battle the reflection on our country, thit its reputatipn in arms is yet to be esta^ish- ed. His brisade consists of battalions of tbe 9th, the 11th, tha iiSth, and a «Mtachm«At of the anA. Taws«a*s company of ariS- n ofSt, ave bceB SSET. r the top- R> B» RovenoB, B.Hath»» [icholasT. I WUliam • Thoijniil r seaman; Int^ea, or- ; Willitm lorThomp- , do. in M. Bald, espie. boat- o,; Henry iiel Outtry* ; WUllAU . ordinarir sea-^ r 6th, 1814. atthe8ol^ ater ap- ff merit UM Lf lurigadier lenpiethe kvrl, of all [e reflefitum eata^luh- lltii.thtt •f vrtB- ♦Ty ich was attached to it, gallantly commenced, and with l| * the action. The the enemy' army: they meet the seneral's approbatioi Of the reports of killed and wounded, the names of the wound- ed officers vrill be mentioned, in order that they may be rewarded with that honourable mention which is due. le volunteers and Indians performed their part; they drove; nemy's Indians and lieht troops until they met the British ': they meet the seneral's approbation. By order of majorseneral Brown. C.t, GARDNER, Mjt, Gefi, VNTTED STATES' SHIP SUPERIOR, SACKETTS HARBOR, July 7th, 1814» SIR, I am happy that I have it in my power to detail to yon another briHiaiit achievement of lieutenant Gregory with his brave eompaniims.' . I received Information some time since that the enemy was buitffing a large schooner at " Presque Isle.*' I determined upon her destruction, but deferred the execution until she should be nearly ready for launching. Finding the alarm extensive down the St. Lawrence in consequencfe of taking the gun-^boat Black Snake, I thousht it a favourable opportunity to attempt something, at ^Presque isle." On the S6tn ultimo, I directea lieutenant Gregory totaki with him Messrs. Vaughan and Dixon, proceed with the two largest gigs to Nicholas Island, (within about seven miles of "Presque Isle"' harbor) and there conceal his boats and wait for some transports which I had information were expected thcte to take up provision and munitions of war, which had beea sent up the Bay of Quinta for the troops at York and Fort (George, but if these transports did not make their appearance in three or four days, then to proceed to *' Presque Isle,^^ and bum the vessel on the stocks ; but with positive orders not to intjure any private property. The day after lieutenant Gregory arrived on the coas^ ne discovered a vessel beating up, but just as he shored off to board her, a large gun-boat hove in sight a little below him. This boat made a signal to tiie vessel in the offing, upon which she tack- ed and stood ror tiie gun-boat. Lieutenant Gr^ry secreted hie boats as well as he conld^ but was apjirehensive that he had been discovered. The gun-boat and her convoy (which was full of troops) stood into ** Presque Isle." Lieutenant Ofegory W|ts de- temuned to asctatiun whe€h«r he had been discovered ; acoordii^ It he sent one «f iw boats in tiie next ni^^t and took off one of me inhabitants, who informed him that it was known he was oft the CMUM;, and tiutt two expresses had been sent to Kincstini in consequence. He therefore determined upon executing the latter j jjMrt tf hit imtmstiens and made his arrangements accordingly. nm ■:■ K ' I .,.^S^*?.! %■ :?f. fl liO^, pUced sentinels at Hit housti to finiftmi th^mi^titl^mi^ fire to the vessel, which was nearly ready to.lannc-h; ihil^imM # ftmifweU bnilt vessel to mount 14 guns, and wmildarobaUy hrva Qeea launched in about ten days. A small ttoraHkonsa, whicl^ contained stores for the vessel, was unavoidably barat, aa it wai^' a*^ near the vessel that it took fire from her. Lieutenant Gre^y learned from the inhabitants that asucls |iroperty had been sent up a few days pevioos, that a con^any of the Olengary regiment had been statiwied there, but had Men ae|it to York a few days before; another comnsny was on its way^ ^m Kingston to replace them. The few militia which had been left to euard the vessel and propertTt retreated upon theapproarh of our boats* As soon as the vessel was entirely consumM, lieu- tenant Gregory re-embarked his men without having perndtled^ •ne of them to enter a house ; finding the ilarm so general, ha- thought prudent to cross the laker immediately ; he stopped on« di^ at Oswego for refreshment, and arrived hiere last eveung^ having performed a most difficult service with hit usual gallaatrj! and go^conduct. ' ' ; Lieutenant Greaory v^ks in the highest fettos of iailiiig-iba-, ier Vaugluin, and Mr, Inxon, as'well as the men nnder his com*! nand, tor their patutwt endurance of hunger and fatiguie, and ^ %t9l with which they performed every |>art of their duty. 4 t think, in justice to these brave men, that they ought to be al-^ tpwed something for the destmctiQn of this vessel r thjey; hav^. %iwever, eveiy confidence in the justice and liberaUty «f the gaveri^mentf and si^mlt their case most cheerfully to its deoision., I have the honour te be; &c. ISAAC CAAUNGST. lloiMNMUe William JoBeih Secretwy of ib|| thetn theirnierited due, #hen it is declined (tf tkiiiti^iaiita Hetly ai|d Bn^j Ist and dd of thiavesael, and whose Ii4|iiel will be found aMoM those of the conqu^rom 1^ the Oaaftielv inid Java ; and of ^r.Tfiringhas^ Sd neute^ant who waa n^y ifistru- mental In the capture of the Thitif ; th&t their cOMKiei tad cqla^ 'W^. , «• it wait thad been onitawaf th had been it appf«af « iim«d» Ij^ general* ■» (topped «n» At eveiong* iiVj^aatey f«mns-«M- der bia com- ig«e,andth« idit to be al- «UtT«f.t|ie titadaoiBiMi. ASP. 1; atb, iftif iitiMto 49, 36, rginnic ma- iftersi eaqnire, tioua to etcelj , enly rcnd^r- 0f ii««teiimj^ n*f ^et^iOdHTa; tY kMtra- i|e illfaia aeeaaiMi fiilfilled %:^j hi|^eat«xpectfttioiiaalid gfatilMI ^trr niah. SaiUn|;tmaater Carr la alao entitled to gjreat Credit' for the zeal andaUlity with which he diachannd hia Tanoua dttliea« />The cool and pntient conduct of tvtrj officer and man, whScit •xpoaed to the fire of the ahifting son ofthe enemy, and withonii an opportunity of returning it, could only be equalled by the aiiii mation and ardor exhibitM when actually engaged, or by tht^' promptitnde and firmneaa with which every attempt of the enemy 10 board waa met and auccesafiilly repelled. Suoi conduct may be aeen, but cannot well be deacnbed. The Reindeer mounted aiiteen 84 pound carronadea, two long 6 or 9 poundera, and a ahifting 18 pound carronade, with a comple- ment (on board) of 1 1 8 men. Her crew were said to be the pride ofPlymottth. Our loaa in men haa been aevere, owing in part to the p:x»zimi^ of tiie two veaada and the extreme amoothneaa <^ the aea* but chiefly in cupelling boardera. That of the enemy, howoTer, waa in&utely more ao, aa will be seen by the liat of killed and wound- •d on both aidea. Six round rimt atruck our hull^ and many grape which did not penetrate fiur. Hie fore-mMt received a 84 pound shot, whidi paaaed through its centre* and our rigpng and aaila were a good dealimured. The Heindeer was literally cut to piecea in a line wilih her port8>^ her upper worka, boats and spare apara, were one complete wreck. A breeze afsrii^iiing up next afiemomi« her forermast went by 1h« board. Having received all the priaonera on board, which from the^ number of wounded occuiued much time, together with tiieir bag- gage, the Reindeer was tm th^ evening of the 89th set on fire, and in afew hqnra blew up. I have tiie honour to be, &c. J. BLAKELB7* Ronoumble W9IiMn Spam, Sccretuy of the Naipy. KiLLBo AND WouNDEDd— The loss on board the Iteindeer, wm 85 killed and 48 wounded, total 67. On board tiie Waap, 5 kUled and 81 woundCtdt principally in boarding; among the latter, mid- tridpmen tiangdon andTwcan, botii ni whom expired soma diaya after the action. SIR, 8U1MBT, PHILADEU'ttIA, Jul^f l¥!b, 181.4 In eoBSMHienea of mformatiMi received from general For«* man, al a late nour on the 1 1th instant, that four of the enemy'g baigea had been rn^aad I17 a party Of militia at Blkton, biit tSat tiiey wore expectea to return tiw auocee^ng night in greater force, I was indacM to order lleut^iaiit Moigan of the navy, to marehi i^ of thaoficarsand seamen a^laahedl to thaflotilla,to his assist* " ■ 48 • '•■ ft H\ I ■1: t-r- . 4 mm. , i \ \ pBMi» i^ tfw ddMM «f Hkki place and Hie adjaemt ctilitrf. THe nbovc offioera knd tailore were embarked in a few nilnut«i» awl yen will «ot think them inactiTe. when I inferm you that in S felMira aad 47 mimitet, the whole detachment, completely armed* Iteohed die coeit«lioute »i Elkton, carryinjK with them two ! eavy pieMiol'tnMrelUiM; artillery, notwithstanding the roads were ex* eiaaH*elT bad, ^BfT^e night very dark and rai^y* Disappointed )( m ee tin g the enemy> aira his not evincing any disposition to re- tfrti, licMMiant Morgan, with the detachment of sauors (masterfs mate Stockton, and 12 seamen left with afield piece to co-operate ipMi oaptaitt 0^, excepted,) returned yesterday to the flotilla, by aiy evdwra, tiieir place being tapi^ied by captain Gale, and iiemte^ tim HalU ^eritii some maruies Irom the navy yard, added to lieu- tenant Ki^n and the detachment of marinea of the Gnenricre, ail •f #hem readied Blkton early ^terda- afternoon. dn lientenant Morjjan's leavn^ the dotilla with the detachment i# tnilart; i ordarad lieutenant Gamble, , attending the equipment ^the Querriere, to proceed Uf New Castle with me seamen and marines to supply their place. On lieutenant Morgan's return t» Ike MStiit lieutenant Gamble with the seamen ke breuriit with hsm returned to Philadelnhiat and it is with much satiMtction I itfytm yon, that the ai(|cni(y and zeal with which all these change* were made, does infinite credit td the ofilcers, seamen and ma* tinet concerned in the same. Captain Gele» with the detadiment of marines, after prooeed- a$ fill- aa Cecil Fumaee, will return again to Philadelphia (by way of New Caatle,) should there be no immediate neoeentj hib hiding lemgemteent. ^^ I am now afbout to erganite a eoifis, con^ti^ of 100 eeanen, «k» can ke traniparted acioes in four hour* at any time, with the ■Bfistance that is promised me by the proprietors of the New Cat- tle lianefftage^ I have the honour to be, Itc. JOHN ROGEi». ^ SwBstsqr «r the llaffy. Bni. roSTSHOVni, Ml)r laib, 18U. I have the honour to inform ^ou, that yesterday moraiing £m«boat No. 88, commanded 4lgr ending-master Georse Clement, II ii^with «Bd c«ptnred|eirthi8 harbor, a Chebacco poat, tender tothe Tenedoe, commanded by her 2d lieutenant, having ale^ Q* $ke km take% nie moiinii^Areyieuf to her bei|||K, ceptnred. a paaUi^pailli^ #oii^, wM* we8«l90i rp -taken Inr McTCt^oenl. l%eprii^«iFftwpebe«n»veiiin^<^^ of themarw» wad Iliiy!|B the ,hol^wr to liev we. Henou m b to W^hm-JeBes* Sccrrtaiy «f the Navy. DEAHSIR, 1 Oh the SOtH the arm j moved and encamped in the rear «f Fort George. Gt^neral Scott, with the ran, had tome skirmiaMn|| liefore the main body came tip ; bat at the enemj kept close to fheir worke, nothing important occurred. No (eree was left Itt Irar rear ; the Heights were abandoned to the enem/, and we dU( hope that thd movement #oaId have indnced Mm to re-oc6up^ them, or close in nearerto tis, so as to bring on an engagenuMit out of his works. In this we were disappointed. The army ref* turned to-day, and found a body of militia and a few regular! in and about the Heights. General Porter pursued with his commaM «nd a few regulars, and was so fortunate as to eonae up wit^ «tta capttire seven officers and ten privates. They wtti be hM, 4ii Oreenbush* I have the honour to be, &c. JACOB BROWN. HoiUMirable John Anutron^^, Seeretuy of War. ^ HEAD QilABTEBS, CHIPPEIVA. JWfy 35th, 1814^ PEARdtR. Ou the 3dd ipstant, I rciceived a letter by express nrom gor Mval QuQes, advising me, tliat on the ^0^ the heavy guns that I hiid ordered from the harbor, to enable me to operate against fiMrta Qeoive and Niagara, were blockaded in that iNNrt, toother ii^tb the nfle redmentthat I had ordered u|^ with them. ,1 had ordered these guns and troops m boats, i^vided the qom^ ilodore should not deem it prudent or proper to oonvey then in bis flaet, not doubting but that he would have been upop tite laka for their protection, and that the enemy would ha(ve been.diiv^n ioliotpqrtor captured. As general Games informed me, tmrt the commodore, was confined to his bed with a fever, ftnd at ha did B^t know when the fleet would sail, or w^n the gnna and fercoi that I had been expecting would even leave Sacke^'a ttarbor, I have tiMiudht it proper to chanm my position, with V view to oth^r otgecta. You know how greaUv [ am disappointed, and therefore I will not dwell ippon that painful tu^iect. And you can best .perceive how much nas been lost by theoelay ; and theconmyid ^^ •f lake Ontario being with th^ enemy-HPtliaDce being p^aieed vaj^ iltierent state of thin«: ^m The Ind^ aU len me some time since. It is said tM pPPp triii retarn,: but this you will perceive depends on eurQumatanotp. The reUfonemeat oraered on fnmi the west liai^ not arriy«dr» I haTo the honour to be ^mmtlih SecKtaiy of Walk WaiUagtaiif ■i' ) in .,l!^4i'M ■'t ■' 'r ■Jss i iH/: :.:.;! JIATTLE OF NIAOARA. BUFFALO Augiul, 1814 Confined u I wu» and hvn been, a departs ^iihatoiir« er, were'iff^ mtioB, thail^ ra^ Qainevi^ k, waeeaa*« lenniMdto Ir for Bw- dimw frma onChippe* the eneonTV' itappeafed MHitteaTail tdefiecaH- , Towaon's Kceordiiigl^ toTapoftfU wasMoea^ ed that the ice of woods thwin- adji^- itieii tieoMi* theunip* ad^raneed _ with ar- •attain nneral Scott, during whiCih time hit e^mand mott tkU- fnlly and gallantly maintained the conflict. Upon my arrivil, I iTound that the general had patted the wood, ana engaged the enei. my on the Queenttown road, and on the ground to the l^ft of iC with the 9th, 11th, and SSd, resimentt, and Towton*t artillery. The si5th had been thrown to £e rif^t, to be governed by cir- cnmttancet. •^ Apprehending that thete cerpt were much exhauated, and know- iag that they had suffered teverely, i Jetermined Minterpotc a new line with the advancing troopi ; and that disengage general Scotti^ and hold his brigade in reserve. Orders were accoraiB|[Ur given te general Ripley. The enemy's artillery at this momejKecttpl^ ed a hilfrwhicn gave great advanta^, and wat the key of Vvwh jpeared. To this order he made no objection, and I relied anon Its execution. It was not executed. I feel moat aenaiM^ now inadequate are my powers in speakihsof thetroopa, todojuatice ^ their merits, or to my own sense of them. Uifder abler direc- tion, ^ey niij^thave ilone more and better. From the precedlHii; details, yon have new evidence of the dis- tinKuished gallantry of genenda Scott and Porter, of cdMlel Miner, and malor Jessun of ^thfe 1st brigade. The chief, with his aid'de'oamp. Worth, hia major of br^^eSmitii,and eveiy com- mander of battalion, were wonnded. The id brigade anfiired Teas ; bat as a brigaidN;, their Conduct entitled them to the applnose of tibeir country. After the enemy's atrong jioaition had boendar' ried by the 2lst and the detachmenta of the 1/th and 19tb, the 1st and SM assumeda new character. They eootdlMl agaift be iluken or dismayed. Major M'Varland of th#latlefvliBtt nobly it the head of hia battalion. Ulidcr oemmand of ienefnl Porter^ the aftHitbi viin n t e ew of PenniTflvaiiia ilid NtfWTork, ftood «adlfn«9«li^^ teftt ire; laid t^pttlaed tho tntevaia oppoaad tnteik IbnCaM- iin vilaiilMii, Mamwadtd' bj colonel WUmo, are repertod bj feneral Perter* u heiung merUed end received hit approbetiea. The corpe of irtUlery commeiided by ntjor Ilindroan, behaved with ita uaual nllaatry. Towaon'a company attached to the tMk brifade, waa the intend the laat engaged, and durinff the whole ceraict maintained that hi|;h character which they had previoualy veo by their akill and their valor. Captaina Bi N»«< SIR, FORT EraE, August 5th, 1814; Having been stationed with the let battalion of the Itt regl* ment of rimMnen at Black Rock, on u,o evening of the 8d instant, ' I observed the British army moving up the river on the opposite •ehere, and aoapeethig^ they might mtke a feint on Fort Erie, udth an intention or a real attack on the Buffiilo side, I immediately moved and took a position on theimper side of Coniocta Creek, andtiiat ni|^iihfew up n battery or aoroe loga, which I found on tiie gfoondk and -had them toptti away. About 2 o'clock the next morning, my pickets from below gave me information of thelMid* |M'df#boataluU of troops, half a mile below. I immediately KM ili;|r nieB (S404tt nundMr) to their quarters, and patiently awaits ■*«d dMir approach. At jb quarter past 4^ they advanced upon u«,. ♦ ii '■^' ■flli ^^^l. I "tl 'It '! III! tli0 itiaek, Mnding ft Muriy befoM i» itfilr^ t cover of their fire. When ther had got tt kmA •ad €#Maieneed bridge, under the cover of their Are. When the;|r had cot at go«| rifle distance. 1 opened a heavy 0re on them, which lain a number of them on the ground and compelled them to retire. They IhMi formed in the aairt of the wood, and kept np the fire at long ehot. eonUnually reinforcing from the Canaaa inore, until they bad It boat loadi, and then attempted to flank ut by sending a largi body up the creek to ford it, when I detached lieutenants Ryan* 8muh and Armstrong, with a|)o«t 60 men, to opi "e their left wingv where they were again repulsed with conslderai . i loss, after wl^ they appeared dispoeed to give up their otj^ct and retreat- ed by throwing six boat loads of troops on Squaw bland, whick enfiladed thV creek, and prevented me from harras inji; Uieir rear» ^. Their superior numbers enabled them to take their killed and wounded on the field, which we |^nly saw, and observed they suffered severely. We found some of their dead thrown into die river, and covered w ith logs and stones, and some on the fidd. We also collected a numliM' of muskets and aocotttrements* with clothing that aj^ared to have been torn to bind their wounds* We took six onsoners, who stated the British force opposed to Mp, to consist of from 1£ to }500me«, commanded by lieutenant colo<» nel Tucker, of the 4ist regiment. They also state that thde olject wu to re-capturjB general Riall, with the other JBritbbjri* soners, and destroy the public stor^ deposited at Buflaloh IW action continued aoout two hours and a half. 1 ani happy to stato they were completely foiled in their attempts. Our loss is tnfling compared with theirs. We had two killed and eight wounded. 1 am sorry to inform you that captain Hamilton* lieutenants Wadsworth and M'Intosh are among the latter. Thmr f^lantry in exposing themselves to encourage their men, I tk^k, entitloA th^m to the notice (^ their cmintry. My wholo command behaved in » manner that merited mv wanhest iqipro^ hation ; and injustice to them I cannot avoid' mentioning tfafe names of the officers, which are as follows; Captain Hanultonr lieutenanti Wadsworth, Ryan, Calhoun, M'Intosh, Arnold, Bhort* ridn, M'Farland, Tipton, Armstrong, Smith, Cobbs, Davidson, and Austin, with ensign Pace. U, sir, you believe we have.donof our duty, we shall feel higUy gratified. I am, sir, respectfoUy, &c. L.MORQAN, Jlfajor Ut r\fU Ttpmaii* Ibgor gcnonJ Bfovih _ \ , \ •fe dm» HEAD QUARTBB8, FORT EUE, VPPEB CANADA. AiigiMt7lbri814^ \ arrived at this post on the 4th instant, and assnuMd tho $ommand,-i-4he army is in good spirits* and BMrs healthy than I tbidd have expected. iM utai go«d aDv»b«r TheythMi li«7bad«t igalwgi into Ryan* • I tbtir l«ft ) loM, after ndrttrMt- ind, whkk Uieirrew* kUMuid •nred they )n tlie ftekl* MBtlfWitll lit lUNinda. poMdtoiifr t«nantcolo# I tlia^ their 3rttiibtri« iffUm TIm ippyl»at««< killed and iHamilt««« the latter, heir men, I My whoU toeatappr*^ itionink tfat iHanultMit told» Bhort* ^ Dfvidaon, » have don*. IPAN, The Britiik army inder lievtenant general Dmrnmoiid, li •trongly potted oppotite to Black Rock, two milci east of this fort r a akirt of thick wood Mparatet m. I yeiterdar endearoared to draw him out to tee and try hit itre**!^ } for wii purpoie, I aek.c the rite corpa throngh the i)itenr£uing woods, with ordcva to amuae the enemy'a light troope until hit strong column should get in motion, and then to retire sloiifly to the plain this side the woods, where I had a strong line posted in readiness to receife the enemy. Our riflemen met and drove the enemy's light troopa into their lines, where they remained, although the riflemen kept the woods near two hours, and until they were ordered in. They returned without being ahle to draw any part of the enemy's forca after them. Mi^or Morgan reports that his oflleers and men acted with their imal gallantnr. The enemy left 1 1 dead, and three prisoners in our llMde, and I am informed by two persons just from the Bri- tishjilji^ that their loes was much more considerable! among theij^PpL were Ave Indians. We lost five killed, and three or OeSnd Drumnoiid'a force, firom ^e best information we ar» able te> collect from deserters and others, amounts to upwards id 4000, nrincipally regulars. De Watterille's regiment has joined since the battle of the 95th ultimo, together with two or thret companies of the Olengary corps } making a total Joined since 1jk» 95th, of about tSOO, AUGUST, 11th, 1814. The enemVs position remains unchanged ; they have con- itmcted two oatteries with two embrasures each, and have erected a wooden breast work 1900 1» 1400 yards in our rear. In ex- amining their works yesterday, captain Krdsall of the 4th rifle re- l^ent witii'a detachment of the 1st, and his company, amounting in th4 whole to 160 men, beat in two of their strong juckets miek a loos on tiieir part of 10 killed. Captain Birdsall had one killed and tiiree wounded. General Drummond was much disap|Miinted and chanined at the failure of the enterprise of tiie Sd instant, andnst fiufido, our riflemen having oppooed and beaten them. Colonel Tucker, it seems, has been publicly refvimanded in ge- neral orders. I have the honour to be, &c. EDMUND Pw QAINES. ■on. Secretaiy of War. i I 9ApA. ^;7!lbri814^ tiie i|t|i|thiiil 3tB» USOnO) STAlVfi' 8BIP BUPBRIOl^ OFF tONttSTON, August lOtb, 1814, I have been duly l^ondured with your letters of the 19th and 24tli ef July. I do uBure jptt« sir, thai liiva nev^ beea under ia^'i ^i?i ¥ I'l 9ov \ , itt]^ jpledge to meet general Brown at 4&e head Of tiie Lake ; Init on the contranr, when we parted at Sackett^ Haibor, I told Mas distinctly, that I should not visit'the head of the Lake, unless the enemy's fleet did. I can ascribe theintimation of general BrOwn, ^t he expected the co-operation of the fleet to no other motite, ^n a cautious attempt to provide an a]^log3r for the poblie, against anj cohtingent disaster to which his armj might be ex- posed. neral Brown, or his army, than it could to an armj in Tennessee. General Brown has never been able to penetrate nearer to lake Ontario than Queenstown, and the enemj is in possession of all the intermediate country ; so that I could not even communicate With the army, but by a circuitous route of 70 or 80 miles. Admitting general Brown could have invested Fort George, the only service he could have derived from the fleet, would oe owr preventing the stipplies of the enemy firom entering the NiaciM river; for the water is so shallow, that the taive vessels couldnot approach within two miles of their works. General Br?wn had therefore two abundantly suflicient reasons for not expectimr the eo-operation of this fleet; it was not promised him— hum! was eKimerical in itself. *" My Ixed determination has always been to seek a meeting witib tfie enemy the moment the fleet was ready, and, to deprive him of any apology for not meetine me, I have sent four guns on s^ore {rom the Superior, to reduce her armament in number to an equa- ity with the Prince Regent's, yielding the advantage of their OS votinders. The Mohawk mounted two guns less than the Princess Charlotte, and the Montreal and Niacara are equal to the Gene- ral I^e and Madison. I have detached, on separate servi^; idl the bries ; and am blockading his four i^pe witiiour four diips» in hopes mat this may induce him to come out. I have the honour to be, he. ISAAC CHAUNCEY. Ronounble Willlun' Jones, Secretmy it tiie Vvty. SIR, ^ntlTlEl) STATES* SHIP SUPERIOB^ OFF KINOSTON, August 10th. 181« Great anxiety of mind and severe bodily exertions have at lenrth broken down the hest constitutimi, ana sulriected me to a violent fever that confined me for eighteen days. This misfortune was no more to be foreseen than preventMi, but was parttculaiiy ■evere at the moment U happened, as it indnced « ddaj of five Ofiiz daya in the aailifll of the fleet. m In tii« early ^art of Jvlj» I expected the fleet would be inade reed J for sailiiq; by the lOth or 15th ; but many of the mechanics wore taken sick, and amongst them the block-makers and black- smiths, so that the Mohawk could notbe furnished with blocks and iron works for the )(un and spar decks before the 34th or 25tli ultimo, when she was reported ready by captain Jones. As con- siderable anxiety had been manifested by the public to have the fleet on the lake, I should have asked captain XOnes to take charge of it and CO out, but I was then recovering my health, and was e<^ifident 1 should be able in three or tour days to jgo on board myself. There was an additional reason for submitting to this, delay in the difficulty I found in making the changes of comman- ders, neither of them being willing to oe separated from his ofli- cers and m«i, and a change of crews through the fleet being inad- missible. In the afternoon of the Slst of July, I was taken on board, but it was calm, and I did not sail before the next momuig. To sa- tisfy at once whatever expectations the pi4>lic had been led to entertain of the sufficiency of this squadron to take and maintain the ascendancy on this laxe, and at the same time to expose the futility, of promises, the fulfilment of which had been rested oa our anpMrance at t^ head of tfie lake, I got under weish at 4 o'clock in the morning of the 1st instant, and steered Tor the mouth of the Niagara. Owing to lig^t winds, I did not arrive oH there before the 5th. There we intercepted one of the enemy's brigs, running over from York to Niagara with troops, and ran her on shore about six miles to the westward of Fort George, for- dered the Sylph in, to anchor as near to the enemy as she could with safety, and to destroy her. Captain Elliot run in, in a very g^tllant manner, to within from SOO to 500 yards of her» and was about anchoring, when tite enemy set fire tp ner and she soon after blew up. This vessel was a schooner the last year, and called the Beresford--«incethey altered her to a brig, tney changed her name, and I have not been able to as6ertain it. She mounted 14 9uns ; IS twenly-four pound carronades, and two long ninepoun- era. Finding tiie enemy had two other bru;s and a schooner in the Niag^ira nver, I determined to leave a rorce to watch tiiem,'and selected the Jefferson, Sylph and Oneida for that nurpose, and {placed the whole under {he orders of captain Ridgelv. Havins ooked into York without discovering any vessel of tne enemy, I left Niagara with the remainder of tiie squadron, on the evening of the rth, and arrived here on the 9(h. We found one of Hkm enemy's ships in^tiie f^^|p, and chiuued her into Kingston. My anxiety to rctura to this end of the lake, was increased by the knowledge I had of the weakness of Sackett's HartN»r, and the apprdiension tiiat tius enemy might receive large reinforce- ments at Kingston, and, emoarking some of his troops on board his flee^ make a dash at the harbor and bum it with all mj ptorcp 11 'Bfl m t. : PI , ' >i 1*1 ' :t '■ 1 ' '■ 'f " ■ r i ,1 ■ ii; I 1^1 •f il :'i, iartment abounds with facilities. A commander ipakes a requisition, and articles of every description are furnish- ed in 12 hours ; but this fleet has been built and fitted in the wUdemess, where there are no agents and chandlers' shops and founderies, &c. &c. to supply our wants, but every thing is to be ereated ; and yet I diall not decline a comparison ,of what has been done here, with any thing done on the Atiantic, in ^the build- ing or equipment of vessels. The Guerrierc, for instance, hat been building and fitting upwards of twelve months in the city of Philadelphia, and is not yet ready. The President frigate went into the navy yard at New York; for some partial repairs, a few days after tiie keel of the Superior was laid ; since tiien, two frigates of a large class and two sloops of war of the larsest class, have been built and fitted here, and have sailed before the Presi- dent is ready for sea, although every article of their armament lund risgine nas been transported from New York in despite of obstacJM vmost insurmoontable. I will go further, sir, for it is due to. the unremitted and unsurpassed exertions of tiiose who have served the public under iny command, and will challenge the world to produce a parallel instance, in which the same num- ber of yessels of such dimenuons have been built and fitted in ^e same time by' the same number d workmen. . I confess tiiat I am mortified in not having succeeded in safli- fying the expectations of the puUic, but it would be infinitely more painful, could I find any want of zeal w exertion in my Mideayours to serve them, to which I could in any degree impute iheir disappointment, I haye tKehonovr to be, ficc ISAAC CHAVNCBY. >Wia.JO«aR It m BEAD QVAItTERS, FOBT ERIB, Aii(i«it IStfa, 1814^ It haa become mj painful dutj to announce to you the lost of that brave and excellent officer major Morgan, of the Ist rifle regiment. He fell at the head of hit corps, in an. affair vntii the enemy, on the 12th instant, after a display of gallantry worthy d^ the corps, and meriting the mtitude of his country. I haa desired him to send a detachment of from 80 to 100 mev to cut off a working party, supported by a guard of the enemy's light troops, engaged in opemng an avenue for a batterjr in our rear, having direcud to have his corps ready to support,- in case the enemy uiould be reinforced. The detachment was command** ed by captain Birdsall, who attacked and drove the enemy} but when about to return to camp, he discovered a large force ap- proaching. The firing having continued longer than the miyor expected, he moved up the moment the enemy's reinforcements made tiieir appearance. A warib conflict enaued, in which they were forced Iback, but discovering additional reinforcements, ana receiving my order to fall back, on the appearance of a large force, the major gave the signal with his bugle to retire ; at this moment he received a ball in his head. He was brou^t from the field, together with his men who were killed and wounded. Of tiie former were two riflemen and a New York volunteer, who, unao'* licited, accompanied the riflemen with a small party of his corps, under the command of lieutenant Ghiodfellow, wno, 1 am informed, has distinguished himself on similar occasions, and for whom, permit me to request a commission in one of the rifle regiments*, I have the honour to be, &c. EDMUND P. GAINES. Benounble Secretiiy of Wir. "^ w ■I- J DEFEAT OF THE BRITISH AT FORT ERIE. HEAD QUARTBBS, FORT KRIB, U. C. August 15tli, ISMr BIR, "^ My heart is gladdened with gratitude to Heaven and jov to my country, to have it in my power to inform you that the gallant army under my command haps this morning beaten the enemy com- manded by lieutenant general Dmmmona, after a severe conflict of near three hours, commencing at S o'clock this morning. Tlhfy attacked us on each flank, got possessioh of the salient bastion of the old fort Erie, which was trained at point of the baytmet, witii a dreadAil alauf^ter. J^t enemy's loss in killed and prisoners, * is about 000 ; near SOO^illed. Our loss is considerable, but I ftink not one-tenth fa great as that of the enemy. I will not li '1 ■^ V'l 1 M deteia the exprMt i» give Toitt the partiovlwt. I am preparing mj force to follow up the blow. With great respect, &c. EDMUND P. OAINBS. Jtonoonble 8ecret«iy of War. Brig. Otn. Commanding^ GENERAL RIPLEY'S REPORT. siR, FOBT ERIE* Attgusb 17th, 1814. I take the liberty of reporting jon the canae of ^rations on Ihe left flank of the camp, auriiu: the action of the 15th inatant. ^ From indications satinactory to me, I was persuaded very early of tiie enemy's des^n of attacking us in imir position. -Before any alarm, I caused my brigade to occupy their idarm posts. On ^e first fire of the picket, ciq^n Towson ojpened his artillery upon them from fort Williams, in a s^le which does him infinite credit It was continued with very great effect upon the enemy during the whole action. The enemy advanced with fixed bayonets, and attempted t» enter our works between the fert and water. They broudit laddera' for the purpose of scalinc, and in order to prevenf thlrir troopt from resorting to any o£er course excepting the bayonet, had eansed all tiie flints to be taken from their muuLets. The column tiwt approached in this direction consisted of colonel Fischer'a command, and amounting in number te i^ least 1500 men ; and, accordUngto the representations of prisoners, they were 2,000 regiment, not exceeding S50 men, wnder command of mi^or Wood, of the engineer corps. On the enemy's approach they opened their muMcetry upon them in a manner the most powerfuL Fort Williams and this littie band, emitted At this point we :i^iA» 147 orisoners* During tne. contest in this oiiarter» ^^les nt the whole of tiie left wing were perfecUy lined, in additiovto the reserves ; «id I found myself able to detach three companies ef the 23d r^ment flpMn tike left, to reinforce the troops at Fort Brie, viz : ciptaia Wattles', lieutenant Cantine's, and lientenant Brown's compa* nies, and one of the 19th under captain Chunn. They were in the fort during tiie time of the explosion, and their conduct is highly spoken of hj major Brooke, their commandine officer. Indeed, from the high state to which that re^ment has liceh brovf^t bj major Brooke, I am convinced that no troops will behave better. In sttl|mittin|^to jour view t|ie conduct of the troops under mj command on Ais occasion, I md every thing to applaud, nothittjl; to reprehend. The utmost coolness and subordination was mani- fested, both bv the 21st and £dd regiments. To major Woodl feel purtieularly indebted. This officer's merits are so ^ell knc^n, that approbation can scarcely add to his reputation. He has ihfr' merit, with the Spartan btod, in connexion with captain Towson'a artillery, of defeating a vaunting; foe of six tim^s his force. Ma^ jor Brooke did every thing in his power'; and it affikrds me plea- sure at all times to call the attention of the general comtnanding to this amiable and accomplished officer. The officers commanding cnnpanies immediately enga|;ed, have my highest commendation. Their conduct was most judiciioua and sallant. I cannot refrain from adverting to the manner in whicn captain Towson's artillery was served; I have •never seen it equalled. This officer has so often distinguished himself, that to say simply that he is in actiott, is a viiume of edl|;ium ; tiie army, only to be informed he is there, by a spontaneous assent;. are at once satisfied that he has performed well his part. I have no idea tiiat there is an artiUerjr officer in any service superior t» him in the knowledge and perrormance of his duty. The officers I have mentioned as commanding companies' of the Slst and 2Sd rc|pments, are particularly commended by their commanding officers. Captain Marston, a most valuable officer, commandea a first line of three companies opposed to the enemy'a column. Captain Ropes commanded the companies of reserve. Msjor Wood reports in the hu^est terms of the good conduct of the subalterns. Lieutenant fuddle, of the 15th, attached to the 21st, and Hidl, and ensigns Bean, Jones, Cummin^, and Thomas, of the 19th,< as bdng extremely active, and performing their duties with alacrity. The manner in which lieutenant Belknap, of the 23d, retired^ with his picket guard fr^mi before the enemy's column, excit«p my particular commendation. He ^ve orders to fire three times as he was retreating to camp, himself bringing up the rear. In this gallant manner, he kept the light advance df the enemy in. check, for a ^tmce irf two or three hundred yardi. I have to regret, that when enterijDC our lin^ >fter his troops, Ike enemy piMied so^close upon him rant ht received a severe wound from n Bayonet. ■'*■ t !l Lieutentnt Buthnel and CiMney, of the 19th, while nllantly engaged with the ^nemv at Fort Brie, were bdth geverefy, if not mortuij, wounded. Tneir conduct merits the warmest appruba- '•ti Permit me to recommend to your notice, the good conduct of Bj staff, lieutenant Kirby^, of the corps of artillery, my aid-de- campt and lieutenant Holmng, acting brigade major ; their activity «nd zeal was entirely to my satisfaction. 1 close this long report, with stating to yoiK in the highest termt •f approbation, the skilfulness edUbited by doctor FolterV suigeon •f the 23d, and doctor Trowbridse, surgeon of the 21st infantry, Iwitii their mates doctor Gale, of tke 2Sd, and doctors Everett and Allen, (tf. the 21st; their active, humane, and judicious treatment «f the wounded, both of the enemy and of our own, t(%ether with tiieir steady and constant attention to the duties of tteir station, Kust have attracted your personal observation, and I am confident ^will receive your approbartion. I hare the honour to be, &c. B. W. RIPLEY, Brig. Oen, Comd:*g id Brigade. Brigadier gencnl GiiiMfc m am. U. B. SHIP ADAMS, HAllPDEN, (MAINE.) Auguflt 33d, ISli. On the I6di, at noon, our latitude by D. R. and two double tkitudes wa842 20, and the longitude determinedly momins imd evening observstions of a cluronometer, which had four timet proven correct within 10 miles during our preceding and present cruize, was 66 54, tiie virind was fresh from south south-west, and the sea smooth. In the afternoon, two vessels were discovered in chase, but at such a distance that we could not ascertain their force. The weadier became very foggy at night, and the wind remaining fresh from the same quartet determined to push for tome port cS Massachusetts bay, near Portsmouth, and steered the proper course for that purpMe. Deeming it extremely pro*- bable we should mi^t some <« the enemy's vessels duririg the tt^t, our {nisMiers were confined in the hold, and our crew re- mained at quarters. We sailed from 10 to 11 knots an hour, till 2 A. M. whttn, as I expectisd to be, we were in 72 fkthoms water. Oiir estimated distance from cape Ann, 60 miles. At 4 A. M. while in the act of prepaiii^ for sounding again, th^ look-outa forward, announced oreakeiv ahiMul, and in a moment after, the ship struck upon a rock, g^ittg 10| knots. Believing it impossible she could bear such a ihock, the misoners were first relMsed from their confinement below, that lliey might have a chance to save tiieir Uves in common with (^rselvesupoh the rock^ shore, which iru now visible abtout 30 yards distant On aonidiiig the pumps. '%m e nllantly rely, if noii 8t appruba- [ conduct of my aii-de- keir activity idlest terma lerV surgeon Lst infantry* Everett and IS treatment (father wiih Oic^ station, am confident BY, ^ ^334,1814* d two double mornincand d fouromaa ; and present [th-west, and liscovered in lertain thtir id the wind , to push for and steered itremoly pro- jls duririg the our crew re- j an hour, till [thorns watar. At 4 A. M. k^look-outa ^t after, the lit Impossible released from lance to save shore, which tiiepumpf* 398 ne unvraal quantity of water was at first discovered, and all taUt were laid aMck in hopes of forcing the ship off. It was, how- ever, discovered in a few minutes, she was leakine so fast that it was deemed proper to remain on the rock until day-light. We accordingly furled the lisht sails, and clewed up courses and top- sails. Day soon enabled us to distinguish objects through tiie fog, at 2 or SOO vards distance, and to ascertain the hopelessness of savins the ship. Her cutwater was entirelv destroyed below the nine foot mark ; the depth of water under her fore foot, between five and six feet; forward of her starboard main chains, 12 feet ; astern, seven fathoms, into which the ship from the situation of ^ her bows, was depressed below her stem ports. The wind fredi and a number of rocks just to leeward, a considerable surf. From the small portion of land that was visible, it was generally be- lieved to be the nubble of cape Neddock, not far from Portsmouth. Hoisted out our boats, sent the small ones to seek a place where a landing mi^ht be most safely effected. In the mean time, en- gaged in getting oar sick into the lai^r boats, with their bedding, clothes and provisions, ready for landing. The boats soon re- turned, havine fortunately discovered a small chasm in the rock capable of admitting a boat, and a ravine connected with it, in which the sick ought be sheltered in some deeree from the wea- tiier. Having seoured the safety of the sick, it was determined, from motives of humanity, to send the prisoners next, with every thins; belonging to them, and vrith sails, tarpaulins and medicines for ^ further comfort of the sick. A suq^eons' mate was also pent, and the charge of the whole committed to the purser, Mr. Rodgers.^ Knowing it to be near low water when the ship struck, I determined to make every effort with the remainins postion of our crew, to get her off, when the tide should rise, tnoush with little hope that she could be kept long above water, as we had as- certained the leak to be about nine feet an hour. Our only hedge had been early laid out^ on our weather q\:arter to keep her as nearly in the same position as possible ; and our only heavy an- chor was now let go from the waist, to prevent her swinging into verv deep water, should she go off, and to keep her from tne rocks ana reefs to leeward, should she float, At 10 A. M. it became evident that the tide would light her off,— furled the topsails and light square sails ; carried the kedge out from the bow, two cables lengths, off shore, and continued to send such articles out of the- ship as we could most conveniently spare, in case of floatina^ After some heavy strains, at half past 10, the surf lifted her a six pounder judiciouslv posted by major M*Ree, chief engineer, who was most active ana useful at this pmnt ; they were repulsed. That of the centre, led by colonel Orummond, was not lone kept in check ; it approached at once every assailable point of uie tort, and witli scaling ladders ascended the parapet, but was repulsed with dreadful carnage. The assault was twice re- Stated, and as often checked, but the enemy having moved round e ditch covered by darkness, added to the heavy cloud of smoke which had rolled from our cannon and musketry, enveloping sur- rounding oMects, repeated the charge, re-ascended the ladders; thmr pikes, nayonets and spears fell upon our V^lsnt artillerists. The g^lant s|Hrits of our ravourite captain Wuliams and lieute- nants M'Oonough and Watmourii, with their brave men, were overcome. The two former, and several of their men, received deadly wounds. Our bastion was lost; lieutenant M'Dononch»> being severely wounded, demanded quarter; it was refused nj colonel Drummond. The lieutenant then seized a hand apike and nobly defended himself until he was shot down with a pistol by the monster who had refused him quarter, who often reiteratedr.^ the order— ** give the damned yankees no quarter." This officeft f whose bravery, if it had been seasoned with virtue, would have > entitled him to the admiration of every soldier. Tliis hardened murderer soon met his fate. He was iuiot through the breast by ^ ^— — — of the — — regiment, while repeating the wder^ * with increased fury on the rudit, bat on the left tiie enemy was r^ulsed and. put to fli|^t. Thence and from the centre, I ordered reinfwcemento. They were promptly sent ^ br^adier general Mpley, and Inrifladier general Porter. Captain Fanning, :la8A's corps of bom- bardetra, commanding the water battery, L:Ki of >!m^ of the volun* teers, under captains liroughton and m:o- nomrh ai the artillery. Wounded, lieutenant Watmough of the 'artiuehr ; ensign Cissney 19th ; lieutenant Bnshnel Slst ; lieute- i^^^ts )tr6wn rjid Belknap 23d; and ciptain Birdsall, 4th rifle ?ed'n!y.., all Cwverely. . 1. •sutenant fontaine of the artillery, who was taken prisono^ wri>£«^ from tiie British camp, that he fortvnately fell mto tiie- NT' tadi •! tht IndiMf , who, tiler taking hb mmef, tMatad Mm fcindlj. It would MOHi, diMn« that thMo aavagea had not Joinoir in the reaolntioB to give no quarter. ToBli^JoBea, iaainfant adjutant foneraJ, and major Hall» ftatlatant iBipector general ; cof^aia Httrio of the dragoon», vo- Inntoer Aid-de-camp ; lieutenat ^ Briton, aid-de-cainp, much credit ia die for their conatant vigilancf and atrict attentioti te* every dotr |>reviou8 to the action* and the atoidT courage, w^ and actiTity, which they manifested during the action. Tlie anrgeona, doctort Fuller 83d, Trowbridge Slat, with their matea t doctora Gale of the £fld, and Everitt and Allen of the Slit, deaerve the warmeat approbation, for their indefatigable ez- «rtiona and humane attenuon to the wounded of ouir army, at w^XL u to the priaonera who fell into their handa. I have the honour to be, ix. E. P. OAINBS, Brig, Oen. C&mdg, Hon. MpAnMtoong, Becretarjr of War. Mnart of tlu IriUad, woumM and fwiaonera, taken at fAc batila 0/ Srie» U, C, Jiuguit 15(fc, 1814. Killed, left on the field, 889— wounded, lefton the field, 174^ priaonera, 186. Grand total, 588. Two hundred auppoaed to be killed on the loft fiank, near Snake Hill (in the water) and permitted to float down the Nia- cam. The number on the right flank, near the woods, could not Ea aacerttined. Given at the inapector genertl't office. Fort Erie, U|^r Ct* NATHL. N. HALL. JM$t, Inapt^ Qmu Brig. Gen. B. P. Gidn«% 8te» HEAD QUABTBR8, FORT EUB, UPPER CANADA, f Auguataeth, 1814 SIR, Ib mr report of the battle of the 15th inatant, I inadvertent- 1t oalMea the namea of captain Chunn of the 19th, lieutenantt Bownaan and Lamed, of the 81at, and Jewittof the 11th infantry, aa alao my brigade m^or, lieutenant Gleaaon; each of whom bore a conapicttoua part in the action,, and whom I beg leave to i«fiiwwiiil to your notice. laeutenanta Bowman and Lamed coaaBMi4od conuianiea in the 81at, which ao eallantly beat thf ^ enesy^ ri|^ columB. Captain Chunn with nia company waa doing dbty with the aame repment I alao omitted mentioning Ihttta part ts M'Ree and Wood, and the 6fficers and men gene^Uy. iVe keep up a smart cannonade. One of the enemj's pickets yesterday approached nearer to ours than usual. Maior Brooks, officer of the aay, added 1 00 men to our picket, attaqked and dnrre tiiem in with considerable loss ; the major brought in about 30 muskets. In this affair, however, we have to lament the l oss of another gallant officer, captain Wattles, of the 2Sd ; oufSii was otherwise inconsiderable. . '^^ I have the honour to be. &c E. P. GAINES. BHgadier OeiiteriU Commanding. Hon. John AmuAxong, Secretary of War. BATTLE OF BLADENSBURO. m Hg ■ '^'^^^^B ? 1 j; y '"^ 'Vv -■' - ^^H : ■' '■ m -1 W ^ IihI fit: 1 «'^ i HIMl I'l ' ;- ^'1'^^ m¥ ■I U^ . 1 , . :}MH J, ||||[^::1?a liHHM>''ti^ - 1 • I'mM H^L'' ;aii-''H 1 1 SIR, BALTIMORE, August 2rt&, 1914. When the enemy arrived at the month of Potomac, of all the militia which I had been authorized to assemble there were but about 1,700 in the field, from 13 to 1400 under general Stansbury near this place, and about £50 at Bladensburg, under lientenant colonel Kramer ; the slow progress of draft, and the imperfect organization, with the ineffectiveness of the laws to compel them to torn out, rendered it impossible to have procured more. The militia of this state, and the contiguous parts of Vir^nia and Pennsylvania, were called on en masse, but the former militia law of Pennsylvania had expire^ on the 1st of June or July, and the one adopted in its place is not to take effect in organizine the militia before October. No aid, therefore, has been received from tiiat state. After all the force that could be put at my disposal in that short time, and making such dispositions as I deemed best calculated to present the most respectable force at whatever point the enemy might strike, I was enabled by the most active . and harrassing movements of the troops, to interpose before the enemv at Bla- densburg, about 5000 men, including 350 regulars, ana commo- dore Barney's command. Much the largest portion of this force arrived on the ground when the enemy were in 8^t> and were ii^ It srtb, 1814. H^iMi t6 ItqiMrt in tfte b«ftt mannet die position which g«h^Mt fiwaibtity had Uken. Thej Hd barely reached the ground bj»- fore the action commenced, which was about one o'clock, P. fij^ of the 24th instant, and continned about an hour. The^ cohtest was not as obstinately maintained as could havir been desired, bat was by parts ot the troops sustained with ereat spirit and with prodigious effect, and had the whole of our force b«en e^atly firm, I am induced to believe the enemy would have been repulsed notwithstanding all the disadvantages under whicK We foumt. . The artillery from Baltimore, supported by major Pinltt^*g rifle battalion and a part of captain Doughty's m>m thft IfavY tratd, wiere in advance to command the pass oi the bridg^ at BradensbuVg, and played upon the enemy, as I have since leanir ed, with very destructive effect; but the nfle troops were obliged after some time to retire, and of course artillery. Superior nttmbei#, however, rushed upon them and made their retreat necessanr, iiot however without great I^ss on the part of the enemy. Major Pinkney received a severe wound in his right arm, after he had ifetir^ to the left flank of Stansbury*s brigade. The right and eentre of Stansbury*s bri^e, consisting of lieutenant colond Bagaa*8 and Skutez's regiments, KenenJly gave way very soon afterwards, with the exception of diout forty rallied by colonel Ragan, after having lost his horse and a whole or a part of captain Trower's company, both of whom general Stansbury represents to have made, even thus deserted^ ajgallant stand. The fiul which lieutenant colonel Ragan received from his horse, together with liis great eflbrts to sustain his position, rendered him unable to follow the retreat ; we have, therefore, to lament that this gallant and Excellent officer has been taken prisoner. He has, however, been paroled, and I met him here recovering from the bruises occasioned by his tall. The loss of his services at this moment is serious. The 5th Baltimore regiment, under lieutenant colonel Sterret, being the left of brigadier general Stansbury's brigade, atill, however, stood their grc'aad, and except for a moment, when part of 'ihem recoiled u few steps, remained firm and stood until ordered to retreat with a view to prevent them from being •out flanked. 'the reserve under bri^dier general Smith, of the district of Columbia, witii the militia of the city and Georaetown, with the regulars and some detachments of the Maryland militia, flanked on tiieir right by commodore Barney and His brave fellows, and lieutenant colonel Beall, still were to the right on the hill and maintained the contest for some time with threat effect. It is not with me to report the conduct of commodore Bamey^ and his command, nor can I speak from observation, being too re> mote ; but the concurrent testtmonv of all who did observe Ihem, does them the highest justico for tneir brave resistance, and the destructive effect they produced on the eiiemy. Gommoderf mm ■t . ' ; la f:;:l ■ v'i Mm 16 s'* ..4. :•* llll1- iii 4ttl ^iatntjt after liating lost his hone; took post near one <^his nM, and there unfortunately received a severe wound in the uiig^ «nd he also fell into the hands of the enemj. Captain Miller, of marines, was wounded in the arm f ghting bravelj. From the best intelligence there remains but little doulra^ ^at the enemy lost at least four hundred killed and wounded, and of these a very unusual portion killed. Our loss cannot, I think, be estimated at more thaii from tiiirty to forty killed, and fifty vr foxij wounded. xou will readily understand that it is impossible for me to apeak minutely of the merit or demerit of particular troops so litUe known to me from their recent and hasty assemblagie. My subsequent movements, for the purpose of preserving as mnch of 9iy force aS possible, guning reinforcements and protecting this place, you already knpw. ' , K ' I have the honour to be, &c. WM. H. WINDER, Brig. Gen. Comdg, lOth M, D, P. S. We have to lament that captain Sterret, of the 5th Bal- timore regiment, has also been wounded, but is doing, well ; other officers, no doubt, deserve notice, but I am as yet unable to pari; ticttlarize. > Roo. JohnAnnrtroQ^ Sectctuy of Wsr. ftlR. NAVT TARD, WASHINGTON, Auguit STth, 1814. After receiving your orders of the 24th, directing the publie _ ping, stores, &c. at this establishment, to be destroyed, In case of tne success of the enemy over our army, no time was lost in making the necesaAcy arrangements for finngthe whole, and pre- paring boats for departing from the yard, asyon had sunested. About4 P. M. I receive«f a messaee by an oflETcer, from thesecre- .tary of War, with information mat he could '* protect me no loneer." Soon after this, I was informed that the conflagration of the Eastern Branch bridge had commenced ; and, in a few minutes, the explosion announced the blowing up of that part near tiie ** draw,'* as had been arranged in the morning. f It had been promulgated, as much as in my power, aniong the inhabitants of the vicinity, the intended fate of the yard, in order that they miffht take every possible precaution for the safety of tiiemselves, families, and property, immediately several indivi- duiJs came, in succession, endeavoring to prevail on me to deviate from my instructions, which they were invariably informed was vnavailing, unless they could bring me your instructions in writ- ing, conntermanding those previously given. A deputation also of the BMWt respectable women came on the tame errand* when I 408 Ikmnd m jBelf painfiiU j necessitated to inform theni that any file? Iher importunities would cause the matches to be instantlj ap-f rlied to the trains, with assurance, however, that if left at peace^ would delay the execution of the orders as long as I could feel the least shadow of justification. Captain Greighton's arrival at ^ yard, with the men who had been with him at the bridge, (pro^ babijT about 5 o^cIock,) would have justified nie in instant opera- tion; but he also was strenuous in the desire to obviate the intendf ed destruction, and volunteered to ride out and gain me positive informatipn, as to tiie position of the enemy, under the hope that our army mi^t have rallied and repulsed them, I was myself, indeed, desirous of delay, for the reason that the wind was then blowingft>eBhfrom the south south west, which would most probably kaye caused the destruction of all the private prcpert^r north and east of the yard, in its neighbourhood. I was oif opinion, also, that the close of the evening would bring with it a calm, in which happily we were not disappointed. Other gentlemen, well mount- ed, volunteered, as captain Creighton had done, to ^o out i(nd bring me positive intelligence of the enemy's situation, if pos- sible to obtain it. The evening came, and I waited witii much anxiety the returi, •f captain Creighton, having almost continual information that the enemy were in the neighbourhood of the marine barracks,— at the capitol hill— and that their ** advance" was near George- town. I therefore determined to wait only until half past 8 o'clock, to commence the execution of my orders, becoming ap- prehensive that captain Creighton had, from his long stay, tallen into the hands of the enemy. During this delay, I ordered a few marines, and other persons who were, then near me, to go off in one of the small gallies, which was done, and the boat is saved. Colonel Wharton had been furnished with a light boat, with which he left the yard, probably between. 7 and 8 irclock. At twenty minutes past 8 captain Creighton returned ; he was still extreme- ly averse to the destruction of the property, but having informed kirn that your orders tome were imperative, the proper disjiosition. of the boats being made, the matches were applied, and m a few moments the whole was in a state of irretrievable conflagration. When about leaving the wharf I observed the fire had also com- menced at Qreenlears point, and in the way out of the branch, we observed the Capitol on fire. It had been my intention not to leave the yicinity ot th^ yard with my boat during the niekt ; but having captain Creighton and other genUemen with me, she wai too much encumbereid and overladen to render that deteminatioA proper. We therefore proceeded to Alexandria, in the vicinity of which I rested till the morning of the 25th, when, having als* refreshed the gig'screw, we left Alexandria at half past 7 o'clock, and proceeded again up to the yi^rd, where I landed, unmolested,, ^at a quarter Mforti|iie. W: m «.r|-: ...I \\ V. 1 1 til !* ft !■' . ''t' iw <: I d!. 15 >• V 1 ll lit '^Ij 4M Hie f chooner Ljmx had laid alongnde the barnipg Fhaif , ttUI hi- (urt; hoping, therefor^, to aaye her« Kre ^ulipd her to thequartier of the hulk of the New York, which had alio escaped the rair^gea * •f the flames. ' The detail issqing store of the nav^ store keeper bad remained safe from the fire during the night, which the enemj* (being in force in the yard) about 8 o'clock set fire to^ and it was »pee proceeding with due cantion to ^e yaijd, where I learned with chagrin the dovastation and pUlege before mentioned, and found alsoi to mj^ sifrprise, that the old gun boat, which had been loaded with provisions,' and had grounml, in endeavouring to get out qf the branch, on this- evening of the fi4th, was neany discharged of her cargo, by a number of our people, withc'it connexion with each other. Having landed in ihe yflurd, I soon ascertained that the enemjr had leftlhe city,ex- ciepting only a Serjeant's guard, for ^e lecurity <^ the upk and IP it HI! '1 if'u # 405. iiro«ade4« Vinding it impracticable to atop the scene of (Aiuider '4iat had oommenced, I determined iuataiftiy en re-possessihg t^e ' jwrd» with all the force at my command. Repairing, therefore, im- QiediatelT to Alexaadria, lieutenant Haraden, the ordinary men, l^ld the few marines there, were ordered directly up ; following myaelf, I got full possession again at evening. I am now cdlecting the scattered ]purloined provisions, ready for your orders, presumins they will now become very scarce indeed ; the quantity saved, you shall be informed when knoWn w me. The Lynx i» safe, except her foremast being carried away in Uie storm of the 25th, about 4 P. M. We have also ano- tiier of the gun boats, .with about 100 barrels of powder, and one of the large yard cutters, nearly full,, with the filled cylinders, for our different guns previously mounted ; the powder oi those, how- ever, is probably much wetted by the storm. I would mostwil- Kngly have an interview with you, but deem it improper to leave my station without some justifiijble cause, or in pursuance oi your instructions, under which I am ready to proceed, wherever my services may be thought useful. . I have. the honour to be, &c: . THOMAS TINGEY. Hon. W. Jonetipecretuy of the Navy. Horn. In the nKVy yud at Wulungton, there is an elegant Italian niar> Me akonumen^ erectnl by the oiRcefs at the American navy, at their own experae, aacredtp the memory of their gallant brethren who fell before Tri- pofi. T1u4 monument was ntutilated by the BrUUh on the 35th of August 1814. £bit. •if'! ,4 ' 14 J, I SIR, FARM AT ELK RIDGE, August 39th, 1814. This is the first moment I have had it m my power to make a veportof the proceedinfp of the forces under my command, since I had the honour of seeing you at the camp at the ** Old Fields." On die aitemoon of that day, we were intfirmed that the enemy was advancing upon us. The army was put under arms, and our positions taken; my forces on the right, flanked by the two bat- nlions of the 36th and 38th, where we remained some hours ; tiie enemy did not make his appearance. A little before sun-set l^mtral Winder came to me^ and recommended that the heavy; ar- tillery should be withdrawn, with the exception of one 12 pounder to cover the retreat. We took up our line of inarch, and in the nuht entered Washington bpr the Eastern Branch bridge. I march- ea my men, &c to the manne'^barracks, and took up quarters for the night, myself sleeping at commodore Tingey's, in the navy yard. About 2 o^lock general Winder came to my quarters, and we made simie arrangements for the morning. In the morning I received a note from general Winded and waited upon him; he l ^ m 1 ) ^i u^ olflH 1': i m .,'F J. I 40$' fequested me to take cemmand, and place mj artillerjr te defend Ihe passage of the brid^ on the Eastern Branch, as the enemjr was apjnvaching^ the city in that direction. I immediately put my guns in position, leaving the marines and the rest of my men at the barracks, to wait further orders. I was in this situation when I had the lionour to meet you, with tiie President and heads of departments, when it was determined that I should draw 9ir my guns and men, and proceed towards Bladensbur^, which was immediately put into execution. On our way, I was informed" the enemy was within a mile of Bladensburgh ^— we hurried on. The day wi^ hot, and my men very much crippled from the severe marches we had experienced the days befo|re, many of them being without shoes, whicn I had replaced that morning. I preceded th^ men, and' when I arrived at the line which separates die district* from Maryland, the battle began. I sent an o^cer back to hurry on my men ; they came up in a trot t we took our position on the rising gro^ind,,put the pieces in bsttery, posted the marinea undei>i captain JUUUrt and the flotilla men, who were to act as infantry* under their own officers, on my ri|^t,to support the piecep, and waited the ajii>roach of the enemy. During this period the en- gageroent continued, and the enemy advancmg, our own army re- treating before them, apparently in much disonKlr. At lengtii the enemy made his appearance on the inain road, in force, and in front of my battery, and oh seeing us made a halt I reserved our fire. In a few minutes the enemy again advanced, when I ordered an 18 pounder to be fired, which completely cleared tiie road ; shortly arter, a second and & third attempt mas made by the' enemy to come forward, but all were destroy*^ They then cross* •d over into an open field, and attempted to flank our rig^t ; he was there met by three 12 ppunders, the marines under c^itaiit.' Miller^ and my men, acting as infantry, and again was totally cut up. By this time not a vestige of the American army remained, except a body of five or six nnndred, posted on a height on my ri^ht, from whom I expected much support, from dieir fine situ- ation. « The enemy from this period never appeared in force in froiii' of us; they pushed forward their $harp snooters; one of which shot my horse under me, who fell dead between two of my guns.* Tlie enemy, who had been kept' in check by our fire for nearly half an hour, now b^n to out-flank us on the righlf; our guns were turned that way ; he pushed up the hill, about two or mree hundred, towards the corps pf Americans stationed as above de« scribed, who, to my ^;reat mortification, made no resistance, givmg a fire or two and retired. In this situation we had the whole army of the enemy to contend with. Our ammunition was expended' (^' and, unfortunately, the drivers of my ammunition wwons had gone off in the ^neral papic. At this time I receiveda severe wennd in my thig^ j captaih MiUer was wounded ; tailing muii0 4oy killed ; attinc ttiling master Martin killed ; and muliac laaster Martin wounded ; but to the honour of my officers ana men, as fast as their companions and mesimates felf at the guns^ thef were instantly, replaced from the infantry. Finding the enemy now completely in our rear, and no means of defence, I gave orders to my officers and men to retire. Three of my officers assisted me to set ofTa short distance, bat the great loss of blood occasioned such a weakness, th.it I was compelled to lie down. I requested my officers to leave me, which they ob- stinately refused ; out upon being onlerei they obeyed, one only remained. ' In a short time I observed a British soldier, and had him called, and directed him to seek an officer ; in a few minutes an officer came, and on leamiiiswho I was, brought general Ro$s and admiral Coekhum to me. Those officers behaved to me with the most marked attention, respect and politeness, had a surgeon' broujB^t, and my wound dressed immediately. After a few min- utes conversation, the general informed me (after paying me a handsome compliment) that I was paroled, and at liberty to pro- ceed to Washington or Bladensburg ; as also Mr. Huffin^on, who had remained with me, offering me every assistance in his power, living orders for a litter to be brought, in which I was carried to Bladensburg ; ca]»tain Wainwright, first captain to admiral Coch- rane, remuneid with me, and behaved to me as if I was a brother. Dunne the stay of the enemy at Bladensburg, I received every markra attention possible from the officers of the army and navy« My wound is deep* but I flatter myself not dangerous ; the ball is not vet extracted. I fondly hope a few weeks will restore mo to hraith, and that an exchange will take place, that I may resume my command, or any other mat you and the President may think proper to honour me with* I have the honour to be, &c. JOSHUA BARNEY. Hen. W. lonet, Sscretanr of the Na?7. ■ r PROCLAMATION 43f eoUmd Mehdi of the BrUiah armvt to the etmthem and wed" em tnhabitante of the United SUUes. Natives ov Louisiana! On you the first call is matle, to as- sist in liberating from a faithless, imbecile government, your pa- ternal soil; Spaniards, Frenchmen, Italians and British, whether setUed, or residing for a time in Louisiana', on you, also, I call, to aid me in tiiis just cause ; the American usurpation in this coun- try must be abolished, and the lawful owners of the soil put io possession. I am at the head of a larae body of Indians, well artn- ed, disciplined^ «nd cosMntnded by BritisH officers—- a good train 408' If •; ill ) *5 Ilk; '. HI: «f arUilery, with ererj requisite, seconded by the powerfbl a!d ol a numerous British and SpSanish squadron of ships and vessels ot war. Be not alarmed, inhabitants of the country, at our approach ; the same |^ood/at m m ■ 408 opriglit American spurn them with unittd contempt. After tht esperience of twentj-one rean, can you longer «upport those l^wiert for liberty* who calf it freedom, when themoelvra are tntf Be no lon^ tiieir dupes ; accept of mj offers ; ever^ ng I havf promised in this ptipor, 1 guarantee to you, on the sAoaia> hoxous of a fimmsH orrioin. Given under rov hand, at my htai quarUn, Pensacola, tldl ^Othdajof August, 1814. BDWARD NICHOLS. %n\ 8IR, HEAD QUABTERS, CAMP AT THE WHITE HOUSE, YA. September 6ti^ Idl^ Yesterday morning about 2 o'clock, the enemy's squadron discontinued tlie bombarament which had been kept up with littte intermission, for three days, weighed anchor, and stodd down the fiver, commencing a heavy lire on the battery, and apross the neck of land ^roMch which the militia were compelled to march to its assistance. The rifle companies under captaws Humphries, "il^ebbs and fields^ were immediately orda«4 down to the battery, which Orders wwt promptiy obeyed. I followed with colonel Parker's regiment, and two detachments under colonels Green and Renno, leaving instructions with general Toun|^ to take a position between us and a creek, which madi|i^p some distance b^ind so as to pre* vent the eneiny falling on our rear, and to cn-operate with us, if necessary, at the battery. When I had proceeded with the ad vancjs to a point within three of four hundred ysjrds of the river, the troops were halted until I could obtain accurate information id the precise . situation of the enemy ; about this time, commodore Porter, as I understood, finding our littie battery inefficient to impede the pronress oi tiic vessels, after hating long gallantiy detenided it, and considering a Ipnger coptentibn with such a su- periority of metal a wanton sacrifice of blood, ordered the battery to be evacuated and his men to retire, which ihey did. The two larsett of the enemy's vessels, then anchored} one ji^st above, tjaS the other just faielow the battery, and commenced a most galL' ins cross fire of round shot.erape. canister, &c. The troops which hM been previously ordered to shelter themselves from ^e fire of my discovered a dispdsition to land, and aid was necessary to prevent their spiking our cannon. I again moved down with tiie troops under our command, coionel Danserfield with his rt^ment being sent on before, and had proceeded to a valley within abot|t fiHy yards «f the battery, when general Young and myself, who were following with the residue of the troops, were met by '■ — 52 t, ■ :i ^i ,'^^ 410 , 'i_ 'i'i "(( > Miodore Porter, within three or four hundred janti e# the rhier. He thought that it wai unnecetiarj to expose tiiO whole armt, and advised tiiat 200 men, which ne thousht anftdent fov the nurpose, should be sent down to protect me batterj. AH the troops were then ordered back, the detail made and sent down tnder the command of colonel Green ; major Banks followed witii 800 men, to aid, if necessary. Permit me to say, that it was impossible for men to have con- ducted themselves with more intrepidity, than the militia on thia occasion. Notwithstanding the dreadful cross fire of every sjm- eies of missive, by the enemy, to which they were exposed, with- out a possibility of returning the fire (the most trying of all situa- idons) not a man under my comaiand offered to move, until wdera to that effect was given ; and then it was donti slowly and in order. I bee leave also, to mention the promptitude and alacrity with which the second order to march mroug^ a trcfnendous discharge of large shot and grape, for the distance of about a mile, was im- mediately obeyed. Captain Humphries, with his ri^e company, was stationed just above the battery, and is entitled U* the highest eommendation for the courase and activity with whi«i:h he fought. Captain Griffith, of Alexandria, was under the iirmediate direc- tion of commodore Porter, who spoke of him in the highest terms of approbation. Captain Janney, of Essex, was near Uie battery at the time of the action, with a fatigue party of fifty or sixty men, and deserves to be particutaily mentioned. CKir whote loss was eleven killed, and seventeerf^r eighteen wounded I have the honour to be, &c ' JOHI'T p. HUNGBRFORD, Bti^. Gen. rirginia milUiM, IlQfk Jsmes Monroe. BATTLE ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. U. 8. SHIP SARATOGA, OFF PLATT8BURGH, September Itth, 1814* ttR. T^e Almwhty has been pleased to grant us a signal victoiy «n lake Champlain, in the capture of one frigate, one brig, and two aloops of war of the enemy. 1 have the honour to be, &c. T. MACDONOUGH.. HonounUe William Jone% Secretuy of the Na^. . # THE AVON SUNK BY THE WASP. UNITED STATE®* SLOOP WASP, AT SEA, September lltb, l8l4.-4atitDde 40 N. longitude 16 W. sm. After a protracted and tedious stay at L'Ori^nt, I had at list the pleasure of leaving that place on Saturday the 27th ef "t ^i"^ 411 of Augvtt. On the 30th, captured the British brig Lettice. Heni^jr Cockbum, master; and 31tt August, the British brw Bon Accord, Adam Durno, master. On the morning of the 1st September, discovered a convoT of ten sail at leeward, in chargi of the Armada 74, and a bomb snip ; stood for them and succeeded in cutting out the Bntish brig Mary, John D. Allen, master, laden with brass cannon taken from the Spaniardi, iron cannon and military stores from Gibraltar to England, removed the prisionert set her on fire and endeavoured to capture another or tiie con- voy, but was chased oflTb^ the Armada. On the evening of the same day at i past 6, while going free, discovered four vesseli nearly at the same time, two on the starboard, and two on the larboard bow, being the farthest to windward. At 7 the chase (a brig^ commenced making sij|;nals with flags, which could not be dis^ngttished for want of light, and soon after made varioui ones with lantherns, rockets and guns. At 26 minutes atter 9, having the chase under our lee bow, the 12 pound carronade was directed to be fired into him, which he returned } ran under hie lee to {prevent his escapins, and at 20 minutes after 9 commenced the action. At 10 o'clock believing the enemy to be silenced, orders were given to cease firing, when I hailed and asked if he had surrendered. No answer being g^ven to this, and his fire having re>eomm^nced, it was again returned. At 12 minutes after 10, the enemy haviuK suffered greatly and having made no return to our two last broadsides, I hailed nim the second time to know if he had surrendered, when he answered in the affirmative. The . guns were then ordered to be secured and the boat lowered to take Sossession. In the act of lowering the boat, a second brig wae iscovered, a little distance astern and standing for us. Sent the crew to their quarters, prepared every thing for another action, and wuted his coming up--at 36 minutes after 10, discovered twe more sail astern standing towards ut. I now felt myself com* Celled to forego the satisfaction of destroving the prize. Our races having been cut away, we kept off the wind until others could be rove, and with the expectation of drawing the second brig from his eompanions, but in this last we were disappointed. The Second brig continued to approach us until she came close to our item, when she hauled by the wind, fired her broadside which cut our rining and sails considerably, and shot away a lower main cross tree, and retraced her steps to join her consorts ; when w^ were necessitated to abandon the nrize, he appeared in every re^^ spect a total wreck. He continuea for some time firing guns of distress until probably delivered hj the two last vessels who made their appearance. The second brig could have engaged us if he had thought proper, as he neared us fast, but contented himself with firing a Broadside, and immediately returned to his compa- nions. It is with real satisfaction I have again the pleasure of bearing testiinony to the merits of lientenaate Reily, TiUingjhast, Berry t •■."1 Hi'' i . I' mri^ A^^ t :: ! rfT ■I[f ■1 !*■ i ^ '- ■■' [ 1.; 11 {« ^«! I' J. i I . >V 1,1: 4M Mkl tailiiig matter Ctir : and to the ^eed condeet ofererj eflcer •nd men un board the Waip. Their divitiont and departmeitt were attended and supplied with theutmott regularity and abund- ^ice, which, with the Kood order maintained, together with the v\' i^'tjr and precision or their fire, reflects on them the createst cre- i Our loss is two killed, and one sHghtljr wounded with a wad. in hall received four round shot, and the fore-mast manj grape tk^t. Our rinina; and sails suffered a great deal. Every damage las been repairecTthe day after, with the exception of our sails. ^ Of the vessel with whom we were engaged, nothing positive caa be said with renrd to her name or force. While hailing kirn, previoua to his being fired into, it was blowing fresh (then coing ten knots) and the name was not distinctiv understood. (H her forje, the four shot which ttruek us, are all thirty-two pounds in weight, being a pound and three quarters heavier than any belong* hie to this vetisel. From this -circumstance, the number of men in ner tops, her general appearance and great length, she is belier- •d to be one of uie largest briss in the British navy. 1 have the honour to be. Ice. J. BLAKELT. Bo». YTm. Jonca^ Secretary of the Navy. P. 8. I am told the enemy, after his surrender, asked for assiat* oce, and said he was sinking;. The probability of this is confim* ed by his firing sin^I: guns tor some time after his cutture. Tne action took place in latitude 47 30 north, longitude tl west. IA$t of killed mud wounded on hoard the United StaUe* doop of war, yrasp, Johneton Blakeljf,e»qttirep eommander,in the action with his Srittmnic majesty*i aXmp of war , on the lit September, 1814. KiLLBD— Joseph Martin, boatswain ; Henry Staples, quarter gunner. Wovndsd— James Snellings, seaman, collar bone frac- tured by a wad. Reoapitulatiok — Killed, 2 ; wounded, 1. Total, S. WM. M. CLARKE, Burgeon, It was afterwards ascertained that the prize, the name and force •f which, captain Blakely could not obtain, was the* British brig •f war Avon» captain Arbnthnot, of the same number of guns as the Reindeer. She sunk immediately after the Castilion which chased the Wasp, had taken out her last man. From the enemy's account it appeared that her captain was wounded in both legs, her first lieutenant and eight men killed, ind the second lieutenant, one midshipman, and 31 men wounded. After repairing damages/ the Wasp continued her cruize, and «& the £tst of September, she captured, fM the Madeiras, her tinrtienth prise, the British brig Atalanta, of eight guns. Thin 4t5 f ttiffl trrif dl %t RaYannah in the beginning of November follow- ing, with dotpatchet from captain Blalccly, and under the co»- ■und of Mr. Qeisinger of the \Vaip. ■1% ,1)' r « c. U. B. SHIP SARATOGA, PLATTSBUROII BAY, September 13th, 1814. MR. I haTe the honour to giTe yen the particulars of the action which took place on the lith inatant, on thia \»kt. For several dajs, the enemj were on their way to Plattsburgh by land and water, and it being well understood that an attack would be made at tiie same time, ny their land and naval forces, I de- termined to await, at anchor, the approach of the latter^ At eight A. M. the look-out boat announced the approach of the enemy. At nine, he anchored in a line ahead, at about 300 ^ards distance from my line ; his ship opposed the Sarato^, his rig to the Bagle, captain Robert Henley ; his gallies, thirteen in number, to the schooner, sloop, and a division of our gallies ; one, of his sloops assisting their ship and brig, the other assisting their gallies. Our remaining gallies widi the Saratoga and Eagle. In niis situation, the whole force on both sides, became enga^d* the Saratoga suffering much, from the heavy fire of the Confi- ance. I could perceive at tiie same time, however, that our fire was very destructive to her. Hie Ticonderoga, lieutenant com- mandant Cassin, gallantly sustained her full share of the action. At half past 10 o'clock, uie Eagle not being able to bring her guns* to bear, cut her cable, and anchored in a more eligible poaition, be- tween my ship and the Ticonderoga, where she very much annoyed the enemy, but unfortunately, leaving me exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's brig. Our guns on the starboard side being nearly all dismounted, or not manageable, a stem anchor was let go, the bower cut, and the ahip winded with a fresh broadside on the enemy's ship, which soon after surrendered. Our broadside was then sprung to bear on the brig, which surrendered in about 15 minutes after. The sloop that was opposed to the Eagle, had struck some time before, and drifted down the line ; the sloop which was with their gallies having struck also. Three of their gallies are said to be sunk, die others pulled off. Our gallies were about obeying with alacrity, the signal to follow them, when all the vessels were re- ported to me to be in a sinking state ; it then became necessary to annul the aijmal to the gallies, and order their men to the pumps. I could only look at the enemy's gallies going off in a shattered condition, for there was not a mast in either squadron that could stand to make sail on ; the lower rigging being nearly shot away, hung doWn as though it had been just placed ever mast % ■ ! f f I "I r r •V m ft :■ I 'i li . 'i; 414 Hie Saratoga had 55 round shot in her hull, the Confiance 105. The enemy's shot passed principally just over our heads, as there were not 20 whole hammocks in the nettings at the close of the action, which lasted, without intermission, two hours and twenty minutes. The absence and sickness^ of lieutenant Raymond Perry, left me without th<» services of tliat excellent officer ; much oug^t fairly to be attributed to him for his great care and attention in disciplining the ship's crew, as her first lieutenant. His place was filled by a gallant young officer, lieutenent Peter Gamble, who I regret to inform, you, was killed early in the action. Acting; lieutenant Vallette worked the 1st and 2d division of guns with able effect. Sailine master Brum's attention to the springs, and ia the execution of the order to wind the ship, and occasionally at the Suns, met n^^ entire^ approbation : also captain Youd^, comman- ing the acting marines, who took his men to the guns. Mr Beale. purser, was of great service at the guns, and in carrying my or- ders throughout the ship, with midshipmen Montgomery. Mas- ter's mate, Joshua Justin, had command of tiie 3d division ; hit conduct during the action, was that of a brave officer. Midship- men Monteath, Graham, Williamson^ Piatt, Thwing, and act- ^ ing midshipman Baldwin, all behaved well, and gave evidence of' their makine valuable officers. The Saratoga was twice set on f re, by hot shot from the enemy's ship. I cfoie, sir, this communication, with feelings of gratitude, for the able support I received from every officer and man attached to the squaaron which I have the honour to command. I have the honour to be, &c. T. MACDONOUGH. Honourable William Jones, Secretuy of the Navy. 1/ = ^ IJi UNITED STATES' SHIP SARATOGA, . September 13^ 1814. SIR, I have the honour to inclose to you a list of the lulled and wounded on board the different vessels of the squadron under your command in the action of the Utii instant It is impossible to ascertain correctly that of the enemy. From the best infor- mation received from the British officers, from my own observa- tions and from various lists found on board the Confiance, I calcu- late the number of men on board that ship, at the commencement of the %ction, at STO, of whom at least 180 were killed and woun- ded, and on board the other captured vessels, at leat 80 more, making in the whole, killed and wounded 260. This is, doabtless, short of the real number, as many were thrown ov«lNMurd from Dm Confiance, duriog the engagement The master books must ifiance 105. ds, as there close of the and twenty 1 Perry, left much ou^t attention in is place was imble, who I ion. Actinc »f guns with rings, and in lonallyat the gs, comman- s. MrBeale, rying mv or- niery. Mas- division ; hie r. Midship- ring, and act- ^ e evidence of twice set on rratitttde, for Dum attached 1. 40UGH. *OGA, IStb, 1814. he lulled and uadron under is impMsibl*^ le best infer-' own obser^a* ance,lcalcu-' »mmencement ed and woun- leat 80 more. i8,doabtle8S» rerboardfrom Br books must 418 bare been thrown OTerboard, or otherwise disposed of, as theyai^ not to be found. I have the honour to be, &c. GEORGE BEALE, Jr. Purser* trhoQUM Macdonougfa, Eaqr. ^ comparative view of the forces and lo88» Bbitihb— No. of guns 95 ; men 1050— killed <>4: wounded 110, AvsBicAir — ^No. m guns 86 ; men 820 — ^killed 52 ; wounded 58. V. 8. SHIP SARATOGA, OFF PL ATTSBURGH, September 13th, 1814 DEAR SIR, Enclosed is a copy of a letter from captaiii White Youngs, and a list of killed anfl wounded attached to his command. I beg leave to recommend captain Youngs to your particular nor tice ; during the action, his conduct was such as to meet with my warmest approbation. I feel much indebted to him for his persoipal* ▼alor and example of coolness and intrepiditjr to his own men, as well as to the sailors. He volunteered in a sinking boat, to carry my order to the gallies for close action, in the hottest part of it ; and supplied the guns with his men as fast as the sailors were disabled. ' I am, with much respecV &c. T. MACDONOUGH. Brigadier genend Maownb. SIR» HEAD QUARTERS, PLATTSBURGH, September 15th, 1814. I have the honour to communicate for the information of the war dejMrtment, the particulars of the advance of the enemy into the territorr ofMie United States, the circumstances attending the siege of PlattsDuigh, and the defence of the posts entrusted to my charge. The governor seneral of the Canadas, sir George Prevost, having collected all the disposable force of Lower Canada, witii a view of conquering the country as far as Crown Point and Ti- conderoga, entered the territories of the United States on the first of uiemonth^and occupied the village of Chaniplain, there avowed his intentions, and issued orders and j^roclamations tend- ing to dissuade tlie people from their allegiance, and inviting them to furnish his army .with provisions. He immediately began to press the wi»ons and teams in the vicinity, and loaded them wiu his heavy baggage and stores. From this I was persuaded he intended to attack this place. I had but just returned from the lines, where I had commanded a fine brigade, which was Itrokeo to form the diviiaon onder major general Izard» wdered /.-■^ ifl.M ■ ; i! • 1 i:; Hi to tiie wegtward. Being senior officer he left me in command* and except the four companies of the sixth regiment, I had not an organized battalion among those remaining. The garrison Vfti9 composed of convalescents and recruits of the new regi- ments,— all in the greatest confusion, as well as the ordnance and stores, and the works in no state of defence. To create an emnlation and zeal among the officers and men in completing the works, I divided them into detachments, and placed them near the several forts: declaring in orders, that each detachment was the garrison of its own work, and bound to de- fend it to the last extremity. The enemy advanced cautiously and bv short marches, and our soldiers worked day aiid night ; so that by the tine he made his appearance before this place we were prepared to receive him. General Izard named the principal work Fort MoreaUt and to remind the troops of the actions of their brave countrymen, I called the redoubt on the ri^t Fort Brown, and that on the left Fort Scott. Besides these three works, we have two block- houses strongly fortified. Ff udiog on examining the returns of the garrison, that our force did not exceed fifteen hundred effective men for duty, and well in- formed that tlie enemy had as many thousands, I called on gene- ral Mnoers, of the New York militia, and arranged with him plans for bringing forth the militia en masse. The inhabitants of tli«l village flea with their families and effects, except a few wortiiy citizens and some boys, who formed themselves into a party, re- ceived rifles, and were exceedingly useful. B;^ the 4th of the month, general Mooers collected abiout 700 militia, and advanced seven miles on the Beekman town road, to watch the motions of the enemy, and to skirmish with him as he advanced ; also to ob<^ struct the roads with fallen trees, and to break up the bridges.- On the Lake road, at Deer Creek bridge, I posted 2(K) men under captain Sproul, of the 13th regiment, with orders to abattis the woods, to place obstruetions in the road, and to fortify himself; to this party, I added two field pieces. In advance of that posi- tion, was lieutenant colonel Appling, with 110 riflemen, watcning the movements of the enemy, and procuring intelligence. It was ascertuined, that before diy-Iight on the oth, the enemy would advance in two columns, on the two roads before mentioned, di- viding at Sampson's, a little below Chazy village. The column on the Beekman town road, proceeded most rapidly; the militia fiki'-mished with his advanced parties, and, except a few brave men, fell back most precipitatelv in the greatest disorder, not- withstanding the British troops did not deign to fire on them, ex- cept by their flankers ai()d advanced patroles. The nig^t previous, I ordered major Wool to advance with a detachment of 250 men, to su pport the militia, and set them an example of finnness. Also captain Leonard, of the light artillery, was directed to proceed mih two pieces, to be on the ground before day; yet he did 417 not make his appearance ^before 8 o'clock, when the epemy had approached within two miles of the village. ' With his conduct, therefore, I am not well pleased. Major Wool, with his partj, disputed the road with great obstinacy, but the militia could not be prevailed on to stand, notwithstanding the exertions of theif general and staff officers ; although the fields were divided by strong stone walls, and they were told that the enemy could not possibly cut them off. The state dragoons of New York wear red coats, and they bein^ on the heights to watch the enemy, gave constant alarm to the militia, who mistook them for the enemy,' '. and feared his getting in their rear. Finding the enemy's columna had penetrated within a m'ile of Plattsburgh, I despatched my aid-de-camp, lieutenant Boot, to bring off the detachment at Dead Creek, and to inform lieutenant coUtnel Appling ^at I wished him to fall on the 'enemy's right flank. The colonel fortunately arrived just in time to save his retreat, and to fall in with the head of a column debotuhing from ihe woods. Here he poured iii a destructive fire from his rif emen at rest, and continued to annoy the column until he formed a junction with major Wool. The field pieces did considerable execution among the enemy's co- lumns. 80 undaunted, however, was the nemy, that he never deployed in his whole marchr always pressing on in colunin. Find- ing tKat every road was full of troops crowding oh us on lill sides, 1 ordered the field pieces to retire across the bridge and form a battery for its protection, and to cover the retreat of the infantry, which was accordingly done, and the parties of ^ppling^ and Wom, as well as that of i^oul, retired alternately, keeping up a brif k fire until they eut under cover of the works. The enemy's light troops occupied the houses near the bridge, and kept up a constant firing from the windows and balconies, and annoyed us much. I ordered them to be driven . out with hot shot, which soon put th^ houses in flames, and obUged these sharp shooters to retire. The whole day, until it was too late to see, the enemy's light troops endeavoured to drive our guards from the bridge, but thev suffered dearly for their perseverance. An atteiilpt was also made to cross the upper bridge, where the militia handsomely drove them back. Hie coldmn which inarched by the Lake road, was much impeded by the obstructions and the removal of the brid;^ at Dead creek, and, as it passed the creek and beach, the gallies kept una lively and galling fire. Our troops being now all on the south side of tiie miraiiac, I ctirected the planks to be taken off the brii^jlgita and piled up in tiie form of breastV'Orks to cover our parties intended for disputii^ tiie passage, which afterwards enabled us to hold th» bridges against very superior numbers. From tiie 7tii to the 11th, me enemy was employed in getting on his battering train, and erecting his batteries and approaches, and constantly skirmiflliing at the bridges and fords. By this time, the militia ot New York, and the volahteers of Vermont, were v^raring in from all quar^rs* I advbed general Mooers to keep 5S • .1: . - 1 Ik t < " .», Ibis force along the Saninac, to prevent the enemy's crossing^ dis riTer, and to send a strong body in his reai- to harass him day and tuffht, and keep him in continual alarm*. The militia behaved with great spirit after the first day, and the volunteers of Vermont were exceeoingly serviceable. Our regular troops, notwithstand- ing the constant skirmishing and repeated endeavours of the ene- my to cross the river, kept at their work day and night strength- ening the defences, and evinced a determmation to hold out to the last extremity. It was reported that the enemy had only waited the arrival of his flotilla, to make a general attack. About eight in the morning of the 11th, as was expected, the flotilla appeared in sight round Cumberland Head, and at nine, bore down and engaged our flo- tilla at anchor in the bay off the town. At the same instant, the batteries were opened on us, and continued throwing bomb shells, shrapnels, balls, and congreve rockets until sun-set, when the bombardment ceased, every battery of the enemy beink' silenced by the superiority of our fire. The naval engagement Msted but two hours, in full view of both armies. Tliree efforts were madift by the eneiny to pass the river at the commencement of th% cannonade iind bombardment, with a view of assaulting the Workf. and had prepared for that purpose an immense number of scaling ladders. One attempt to cross was made at the village bridge^ anotiier at the upper bridge, and a third at a ford about three miles from the works. At the two first, he was repulsed by the regulars; at the ford, by the brave volunteers and militia, where he suffered severely in killed, wounded and prisoners ; a conn- derable body having crossed the stream, but were either killed^ taken, or dmren back. The woods at this place were very favour- able to the operations of the militia. A whole company of the 76th re^ment was here destroyed, the three lieutenants and 27 men prisoners, the captain and the rept killed. I cannot fok<^ sne pleasure of here stating the gallant conduct (tf captain M*6iassin of the 15th regiment, who iraa ordered to tbrd tiie river, and attack a party constructing a battery on the rig^t of the enemy's line« within five hundred yards of fort Brown, which hd* handsomely executed at nudnight with fifty men ; drove off the working P^J consisting of one hundred and fifty, and defeated a covenng party of the same number, killing OLO officer and six men in the bharge and wounding many. At dusk the enemy withdrew hig artillery from the mtteries, and raised the sicuie; at- nine, under cover of the night, sent off in a mreat hurry afl the baggage he could find transport for, and also bis artillery. At two next morning the whole army precipi- tately retreated, ieaving the sick anawounded to our generosity, snd me governor left a note with a surgeon reqnesting the humfob mttention of the commandinjg; general. Vast quantities of provisions were left behind and dettrojed, alio an iittnente quantity of boiabthelli^ cannos baHi , grape tnot, 419 ammumtion, flints* &c. &c. intrenching tools of all sorts, also tenia and marquees. A great deal has been found concealed in the ponds and creeks, and buried in the ground, and a vast quanti^ carried off by tiie inhabitants. Such was the precipitiincy of hia retreat, that he arrived at Cbazy, a distance of eight miles, before we discovered he had gone. The li^t troops, volunteers and militia pursued immediately on learning of his fli^t ; and some of the mounted men made prisoners five dragoons of ^e 19th regiment, and several others of the rear guard. A continual fall of rain and a violent storm prevented further pursuit Upwards of 300 deserters have come in, and many are hourlv arriving. We have buried tiie British officers of the army andi navy witii the Ihionours of war, and shown every attention and kindness to those who have fallen into our hands. The conduct of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of my command, during this trying occasion, cannot be represented in too high terms, and I feel it my duty to recommend to the particular notice of government, lieutenant colonel Appling of the 1st rifle corps, major Wool of the 29th, muor Totten n the corps of engineers, captain Brooks of the artillery, captain H*Glassiir of the 15th, lieutenants De Russy and Trescott of the corps of engineers, lieutenants Smyth, Mountford, and Cromwell of the artillery, also my aid-de-camp lieutenant Root, who have all distini^imed themselves by their uncommon zeal and activity, and have been greatly instrumental in producing the happy and glorious result of the siege. J' I have the honour to be, &c. ALEXANDER MACOMB. The Secntaiy of Wtf. The toss of the enemy in killed, wounded, prisoners and'desert- ers, since his first appearance, cannot fall short of 2500, in clud- ins inftny officers, among whom, is colonel Wellington of the bttlpi. ' '% Jbwori of the kiiUd, uminded and misting at PlatUburgh,fi'Cln . themto^llihof September, 1814. '* . • l^oa-eommissioBed officers and privates, killed— 37 I- wounded— 6S I- ^ misting— 20 -119 Commietiainei C^jken. lit lievteiwAt George W. Bank, wooaded on the 7th, and Jied on the Sih of September, If M liettteaant R. M. Harriaon, wounded. do* Henry Taylor, do. ^ 4\ i: * t i 'ill jl ■I am ■>"* si «. M'\ m\ 420 . List of the principal British officers, and an eoehthit of the several corps under the command of lieutenant general Sir Oeorge Prevostt at the siege of Plattsbvroh. Lit^tttenant general Sir Oeorge Prevost, commander in ehieft major ceneral 2^ Rottenbure* maior general Robertson, major gsneral Powers, major general Brisbane, major general Banes, sir idney Beckwith, colonel Hughes, major Sinclair, lieutenant co- lonel Tryall, captain Murrajr, colonel Burke, major Montgomery* taptain Davis, &c. Regiments and corps of the BritiA army. 1st Brigtde, 3700 v 3d do ... 3600 3d do. . . 3100 Lif^tdo 2800 do. Dragoon^ ..--...- 300 Royal ArfiUerjr, ........ 400 Rocketeers, Sappers and Miners^ 100 14,000 SIR, HEAD QUARTERS 3d BRIGADE, BALTIlfORE, September 15th, 1814. I have the honour u .eport to you, *hat, in obedience to jour orders, I marched from Baltimore, on Sunday the 11th instant, with purt of my brigade, as tho advance corps of the army under your command. Mr force consisted of 550 of the 5th regiment, under lieutenant colonel Sterret ; 620 of the 6th, under lieuten- ant colonel M'Donald ; 500 of the 27th, under lieutenant colonel Long ; 450 of the S9th, under lieutenant colonel Fowler : 700 of the Slst, under lieutenant colonel Amey ; 150 riflemen, under cap- tain Dyer ; 140 cavalry, under lieutenant c6fonel Blays, and the Union artillery ef 75 men, with six four pounders, und^r captain Montgomery, making an aggregate of 3,185 effective men. I moved towards North PointToy the main road, and at 8 o'clock P. M. reached the meeting-house, near the head of Bear creek, seven miles from this city. Here the brigade halted, with the exception of the cavalry, vi^ho were pushed forward to Gorsuch's Mormng fivm the advanced videttes, that the enemy were debarking troops 'from and under cover df th^ir gun vessels which layoff the.bluff of North Point, within the mouth of Mitapsco river. I immediate- ly ordered back my baggage under a strong^ guanl, m«Ted for- ward the 5th and a7th regiments and my artjltery to th« head of JLong-log-lane (so called) resting the 5th with its right on the fthe several Sir Oeorge der in chief, tUon, major t\ Banes, sir ieutenant co- Montgomerj« 14,000 MORE, 15th, 1814. Hence to your : 11th instant, le army under 5th regiment, inder neuten- :enant colonel lowler : 700 of |en, under cap- iBlays, and the unaer captain ctive men. I id at 8 o'clock )f Bear creek, Ited, with the to Gorsuch'a jtook poit near encampment. d information ^barking troop* yoff thebluff I immediate- il, moTod for- to th« head of right on the 4ih hMid of a branch of Bear creek, and its left on the main North Point road, while the 27th was posted on the opposite side of the road in line with the 5th, its lett extending towards a branch of Back river. The artillery I posted directly at the head of the lane in the interval between the 5th and 27th. The 39th occupied ajground 300 yards in the rear of the 27th, a|id the 51st the same distance in rear of the 5th, extending each parallel to the front line. The 6th regiment was thrown back to a position a short distance this side of Cook's tavern, and half a mile in the rear of the second line. My orders were, that the 5th and 27th should receive the enemy, and if necessary, fall back through the 51st and 39th, and form on the right of the 6th or reserve regiments. The riflemen were ordered to the skirts of a thick low pine wood, beyond the blacksmith's shop, with a large sedge-field in front, that, as the cavalry were still in advance, who would inform him of the enemy's approach, thejr might t&ke advantage of the covering of the wood, and annoy his advance. I soon learned that the ene- my's advance party was moving rapidly up the main road, and as the cavalry continually announced their progress, I flattered my- self with the hope that the riflemen woula soon proclaim', by a galling fire, their still nearer approach. Imagine my chagrin when T perceived the whole rifle corps falling back upon my main posi- tion, having too credulously listened to groundless information, that the enemy were landing on Back river to cut them offl My hopes of early annoyance to the enemy, being thus frustrated, I threw the riflemen on the right flank of mv front line, thereby, with the addition of a few cavalry, very well securing that flank. My videttes soon brought information, that the enemy in small force, was enjoying himself at Gorsuch's farm. Insulted at the idea of a small marauding party thus daringly provoking chas- tisement, severel of my officers volunteered their corps to dislodge it. Captains Levering's and Howard's companies, from the 5tn, about 150 in nun ber, under major Heath, of that regiment ; cap- tain Aisquith's, and a few other riflemen, in all about 70 ; one four pounder, with 10 men, under lieutenant Stiles, and the ca- valry, were immediately pushed forward to punish Uie insolence of the enemy's advance, or, if his main body appeared, to give evidence df my wish for a general engagement. The latter pur- pose was soon answered : this small volunteer corps had proceeded scarcely half a mile before the main body of the enemy allowed ittielf, whicli was immediately attacked. The infantry and ' rifle- men maintained a fire of some loss in killed and wounded ; the eavalry and artillery, owing to the disadvantageous ground, not being able to support them. In this skirmish, major Heath's hoirse was killed' under him. At half past 2 o'clock, the enemy coni<= menced throwing rockets across my left flank, which seemed harmless, and had no other effect than to prepare my line for the sound of the artillery, which^soon commenced by us on the ene- my's right column, tnen pushing across towards my left, and re- If ^^ 1 i p|!l i|;. . i a -i; '% ¥ 'l-i 1 f'' ?J^ i H 4M "tiHrned by their six pounders and a howitzer upon my left and centre. The cannonadiug was brisk for some minutes, when I ordered mj fire to cease, until the enemy should get within close range of cannister. Seeing that my left flank was uie object of the enemy, I brought up the 39th into line, on the left of the 27th, and detached two pieces of artillery to the left of the 39th. Still more securely to protect my left flank, colonel Amey of the 5l8t was ordered to form his regiment at right angles with my line, resting his ri^t near the left of the 39th. This order being badly executed, created for a moment some confusion in that quarter, but was soon rectified by the efforts of my aid -de-camp and bricade najors ; who corrected the error of colonel Amey, and posted the 5l8tin its ordered position. The enemy's right column displayed and advanced upon the 391ii and 27th. The 5tst, unmindful of my object to ufe its fire in protection of my left flank, in case an attempt should be made to turn it, totally forgetful of the honour of the brigade, and regardless of its own reputation, delivered one random fire, and retreated precipitately, and in such confu- sion, as to render every effort of mine to rally them /ineffective.' Some disorder was occasioned in the second battalion of the 39th, by the flight of the 51st, and a few gave way. The fire now be- came general from left to right ; my artillery in the centre, poured forth an incessant volley of cannister upon the enemy's left column, who were endeav.ouring to eain the cover of a small log-house, about fifty yards in front of the 5th ; which, however, caution had been taken to fire, so soon as captain Saddler's Yagers, of the 5th, ^who were originally posted therein) should be compelled to leave it The enemy's line advanced about 10 minutes before 3 o'clock, with asevere'fire, which was well returned by the artillery, the whole 27th, the 5th, except the three companies of captains Le- vering, Howard and Saddler, which were too much exhausted by tile advanced skirmish of the two former, and the ordered retreat of the latter to resume their positions in line ; and from the first battalion of the 39th, who maintained its ground in despite of the disgraceful example sr^^by the intended support on the left. The fire was incessant till atiout 15 minutes before 4 o'clock, when finding that my line, now 1400 strong, was insuflicient to with- •tand the superior numbers of the enemy, and my left flank being exposed by tiie desertion of the 51st, I was constrained to order a m^ement back to the reserve regiment, under colonel M'Don- akbwhich was well posted to receive the retired line which most- ly rallied well. °On farming with the 6th, the fatigued state of we re^ments and corps vhich had retired, and the probability tiiat m^ risht flank might be turned by a quick movement of the enemy in that direction, induced me, after proper deliberation, to fidl back to Worthington's mill ; which I was the more persuaded to, by my desire to have the 61^ regiment (whose officers and men were eager to share the dangers of their brother soldiers) perfect and'ia good order to receive the enemy on his nearer approach te y left and teg, when I ithin close Meet of the f the arth. 39th. Still of the 51tt th my Une» being badly hat quarter, • and brigade d posted the an displayed anmindful of ik,in case an ,f the honour on, delivered I such confu- n/ineffective. n of the 39th, 5 fire now be- centre, poured 's left column, lall log-house, ^r, caution had ers.of iheSth, telled to leave -fore 3 o'clock, , artillery, the '' capttuns Le- B exhausted by [rdered retreat from the first , despite of the [the left. The o'clock, when icient to wilh- left flank beittg ^ined to order lolonel M'Don- ae which most- f* ued state of e probability ' »vetnent of the ieliberation, to iiore persuaded [fiicers and men ddiers) perfect ir approach ie 4t3 the city. All retired as I could wish, and were ready to act aa circumstances mij^ht require. In this situation you found the bri- gade on the morning of the I3th, somewhat fatigued^ but with in- creased confidence in ourselves, and renewing our preparation for the annoyance of the enemy alone if deemed proper, or in con- junction with any c*' : force. I have thought it due to the merits of my brigade, to detail thus fully their whole movement, and 1 feel a pride in the belief that the stand made on Monday in no small degree tended to check the temerity of a foe, danng to invade a country like ours, and designing the d\B8truction of our city, in whose defence some of the best blood, in the country has already been spilt, and for whose safety and protection the citizen soldiers of the Sd brigade are ready to suffer every privation, and meet every danger. Should report be true, (and I doubt not the fact) that th.^ enemy's commanding officer, timor general Rosst was killed in th.s action, and that the enemy suffereu in proportion to his superior numbers, I shall feel still more the valuanle consequences of our fight. The conduct of many of my company, ofiicers and privates, was such as I calculated on ; that of most of my field officers aho me- rits my particular notice. Major Richard K. Heath of the 5th, who led on the advanced party to bring on the action, behaved as be- came an officer ; the facts of his horse being killed under him iti the first skirmish, his second being badly wounded, and himself receiv- ing a contusion on the head by a musket ball, in the general action, are ample proofs of his bravery and exposure in dischai^e of his duty. Lieutenant colonel Sterret, and major Barry of the iUh, gained my highest approbation, and they unite with all in praise of captain Spangler and his company of volunteers from Penn- •vlyania, then attached to their command ; also of adjutant Cheston, who is slightly wounded. Lieutenant colonel Long of the 27th, and his field and company officers, did well ; this whole regiment were unsurpassed in bravery, resolution and enthusiasm. My brigade has to bewail the loss of adjutant James L. Donald- son, who fell in the hottest of the fight, bravely discharging the duties of his commission. Lieutenant colonel Fowler, and :ria« jor Ste^r, of the 39th, did their duty in every respect ; they speak highly of the volunteer companies of captain Quantnl from Hagerstown, and captain Metzgar from Hanover, Pa. Cap- tain Quantril is wounded. Captain John Montgomery, command- ing my artillery, gained for himself and his comnany lastii^ honour. Captain Aisquith and his company of rinemen, merit my thanks. Ensien Wilmot, commanding the company of Uni'> ted Volunteers of the jfth, and many of his men, aistinguished themselves. To brigade majors Calhoun and Frailey, I am under great obli« fitions lor the prompt and zealous performance of their duty, o my aid-de-camp, major George P. Stevenson, too much praise <;aBnot be giyen : his industry in every arrangement before the w ;.i i' i«rr *1 'J II I i fight, and in animating the whole line, wm oonipicuoiui i the •pri^tliness of his manners in the most trying scenes had the happiest effect upon all to whom he had to communicate mj or- ders ; and the precision with which he delivered my commande* could be exceeded only by the coolness with which he always saw them executed. He was animated, brave, and useful. Mi^or !¥. Barney, and adjutant L. Taylor, of the cavalry, who, haviiig no opportunity of distinction ita regiment owing to the grounds, did me grtat service, the former in aiding captain Montgomery, the latter in conveying my orders through the whole. Mr. Robert Goodloe Harper deserves my thanks. He visited me iust before the action ; accompanied the advanced party, and aidea me much throughout. The brave soldiers under nty command have suffered many privations, and I recognize among our killed and wounded many valuable men } of whieh I will make a report in a few days, I have the honour to be, &c. JOHN STRICKER, Brig, Oen. Commanding 3d Brigade JII, M. Major General Smith. II 8IK, FORT BOWYRB, September 15tlr, 1814, 12 o'clock at night After writing the enclosed, I was prevented by the approach of the enemy from sending it by express.- At meridian they \yere under full sail, with an easy and favourable breeze, standing (iiirectly for the fort, and at 4 P. M. we opened our battery, which was returned from two ships and two bngs, as they approached. The action became general at abput SO minutes past 4, and was continued, without intermission on either side, until 7, when one •hip and two brigs wera compelled to retire. The leading ship, supposed to be the commodore, mounting twenty-two 38 pound carronades, having anchored nearest our battery, was so much disabled, her cable being cut by our shot, that she drifted on shore, within 600 yards of the batterv, and the other vessels having sot out of our reach, we kept iucn a tremendous fire upon her that she was set on fire and al^ndoned by the few of the crew who survived. At 10 P. M. we had the pleasure of witnessing the explosion of her magazine. The loss of lives on board must have been immense, as we are certain no boats left her except three, which had previously gone to her assistance, and one of these I believe was sunk ; in fact one of her boats was burned alongside of her. The brig that followed her, I am certain, was much damaged both in hull and rigging. The other two did not approach^ near enough to be so much injured, but I am confident they did not Escape, as a well directed fire was kept on them during the whole time. 4MB o'clock »t night ' During th« aetira a battery of a 12 pounder and a howitxef tnyl iipened on our rear, but without doing anjr execution, and waa ailenced bj a few shot. Our loM ia four pritatet killed and fiT« privates wounded. Towards the cloie of the action the flag«ataf was shot awar| but the flac was immediatelj hoisted on a sponge staff over Ae parapet While the flag was down the enemy kept up their moi|t incessant and tremendous fire ; the men were withdrawn from m9 curtinsand north-east bastion, as the enemy's own shot complete- Iv protected our rear, except the position they had chosen for their batteiT. Where all behaved well it is unneeeasary to discrim- inate. Suffice it to say, every officer and man did his duty i thk whole behaved with that coolness and intrepidity which is char- acteristic of the true American, and which could scarcely have been expected from men most of whom had never seen an ene- my, and were now for the first time exposed for nearly three hours to a force of nearly or quite four guns to one. We fired during the action between 4 and 500 guns, most of them double shotted* and after the first half hour but few missed an effect. September 16th, 11 o'clock, A. IL Upon an examination of our battery thia morning, we find up- wards of 300 shot holes in the inside of the north and east cur- tins, and north-east bastion, of all calibres, from musket ball to it pound shot* In the north-east bastion, there were three cuns dis- mounted { one of which, a four pounder, was broken onnear tha trunnions by a 32 pound shot, ana another much battered. I regret to say that both tne 24 pounders are cracked in auch a manner as to render them unfit for service. ! ftin informed by two deserters from the land force, who have just arrived here, and whom I send for your disposal, that a rein- forcement is expected, when they will doubtless endeavour to wipe of the stain of yesterday. If you will send the Amelia down, we may probabljr save moat or all of the ahip's guns, as her wreck is lying in six or seven, feet water, and some of tiiem are just covered. They will not, however, anawer for the fort, as they are two ^ort. By the desertera, we learn that the ship we have destroyed was the Hermes, but her commander's name they did not recol- lect. It was the commodore, and he deabtless fell on lua quarter deck, as we had a raking fire upon it at about two hundred yardf distance for some time* To captain Sands, who will have the honour of hahdinryoil this despatch, I refer you for a more particular account m tho movements of the enemy than may be contained in my letters ; hia services, both before and during the action^ were of g;reat im' portance, and I consider fully justuy me in having detained hiin> Captain Walsh and several men were mnek btrmed by the i|cci« 54 1 . ! * I ■ i ^ ' I i^\ fu d§tKU\ eiploaton of two or three cartrid^. They are »ot ia- oluded in the list of wounded heretofore given. The enenty*! fleet, thit morning at day break, were at anchor il the channel, about four miles from the fort ; shortly after it got under way and stood to sea } after passing the bar they hove to, and boats have been constantly passing between the disabled brig tnd the others. I presume the former is m much injured as t^ nnder it necessary to lighten her. Fifteen Minutes after 1 P. 11. The wnole fleet have this moment made sail and are standing to sea. I have the honour to be. &c. r >« WILLIAM LAWRENCB. Ibjar I «ncnl Andrew Jackfon, &c. "S™ SIB, HEAD QUARTERS, 7th MILITARY DISTRICT, -f^...j.. , . Mobile. September 17th, 1814. With lively emotions of satisfaction, I communicate that success has crowned the gallant efforts of our brave soldiers, in resisting and repulsing a combined British naval and land force, which, on the 15th instant, attacked fort Bowyer, on the point of Mobile. I enclose a copy of the official report of major William Law- rence, of the 2a infantry, who commanded. In addition to the particulars communicated in his letter, I have learnt tliat the ship which was destroyed, was the Hermes, of from S4 to £8 gunt, captain the honourable William H. Percy, senior officer in. the gulf of Mexico ; and the brig so considerably damaged, is the Sophia, 18 guns, captain William Lockyer. The other ship was the Carron, of from 24 to 28 guns, captain Spencer, sun of^ Earl 8pencer; the other brig's name unknown. On board of the Carron, 85 men were Mlled and wounded; amonv whom, was colopel NicoU, of the -royal marines, who lost an eye oy a splinter. The land force consisted of 110 marines and 200 Creek Indians, under the command of captain Woodbine, of marines, and about SO artillerists, with oae four and an half inch howitzer, from which they diseiuirged shells and mine pound shot. They re-em- baiiied the piece, and retreated by land towards P«nsacoU, whence they r«sM). ^ By the morning report of the 16tli, there were present in ^e fort, fit for doty, oAcera and men, 15^. The result ra this encagettent has stamped a character on the war in this quarter, h^^fy l&vourable to the American arms; it is ftn event from which may lie drawn the most favovrable ai^|iiry. An arhievement so gforious in itself, and important in its ooB- fl«|u«ncoa, shovld be ^prtciatod by the 'government; aad tli9M li , ^i \ c«ie«rned art mtitUd t5, §mA will ddubfClen raeeit «, ih« MoH gratifying evidence of the approbation of their cuuritrymen. In the words of major Lawrence, <' where all behaved well it is unnecessary to discriminate.** But all being meritorious, I beg leave to annex the names of the officers who were engaged andj»resent,and hope the/ will, individually, be deemed worthy of distinction. Midor William Lawrence, Sd infantry, commanding ; captain Wft!sB, of the artillery, captains Chanioerlain, Brownlow and Bradley of the 2d infantry, captain Sands, deputy-commissary «f ordnance, lieutenants Villard, Storges, Conway, H. Sandert, T. R. Sanders, Brooks, Davis, and C. Sanders, all of the 8d infantry. ' I am confident that your own feelings will lead you to partici- Site in my wishes on this subject. Permit me to suggest the opriety and justice of allowing to this gallant band the value of e vessel destroyed by them. I remain, &c. ANDREW JACl^SON. Brig. Oen. Cm The Hon. Secretsfy oT War. d\ ATTACK ON BALTIMORE. On the approach of the fleet destined against Baltimore to the li^outh of the PatapBCO, consistins of nearly forty sul, and among tiiem several ships ot the line, the alarm spread quickly throum the adjacent countrjr. The largest vessels anchored across the channel ; the troops intended tor the land attack were debarked upon North Point, fourteen miles distant from the city, by land, and twelve by water, and on the morning of Senteihber 12th, Itttween ? and 8000 soldiers, sailors, and marines, nad effected a landing, while 16 bomb-vessels and frigates proceeded up the river, and anchored within two miles and an halt of Fort M'Henry. Thn ftiHlier result of the enterprise will be found in the letter Mlnwing, from mi^or general Smith, to the Secretary of War. BIR, HBAD QVARTEBS, BALTIIIORK, September 19tb, 1814. In compliance with the promise contained in my letter of the 1 5th instant, 1 have now the honour of stating, that the enemy landed between 7 and 8000 men, on Monday the 12th instant, at North Point, fourteen miles distant from this town. Anticipating this debarkation, general Strieker had been detached on Sunday even- ing with a portion of his brigade on the North Point road. Ma- jor Rnndalr of the Baltimore county militia, haviof under his oommand a light corps of riflemen and musketry, taken from ge- neral Stansbury'a brigade and the Pennsylvania volunteers, was dntneked to the montii of Be«r creek, with orders to co-operate kit 4t« with general Strieker, and to check an j landinc which the enaaAjr might attempt to make in that quarter. On Monday* brigadier ceneral Stritker took a good position at the two roads leading From this place to North Point, having his ri^t fluiked by Bear creek, and his left by a marsh. He here awaited the approach of theenemy, havine sent an advanced corps under the command of mijor Heath, of the 3th regiment. This advance was met by that of ^e enemy, and after some skirmishins it returned to the line, the main body of the enemy being at a ihort distance in the rear of their advance. Between two and three o'clock the eneny^'s whole force came up and commenced the battle by some ais« chares of rockets, wnich were succeeded by the cannon from both sides, and soon after the action became general along the line* General Strieker gallantlv maintained his ground against a great superiority of numbers during the space of an hour and twenty minutes, when the regiment on his left (the 51st) givinc way, he was under the necessity of retiring to the ground inliis rear, where he had stationed one r^ment as a reserve. He here formed his brigade ; but the enemy not thinking it advisable to pursue, he, in compliance with previous arrangements, fell back and took post on the left of my entrenchments, and a half mile in advance of them. In this affair the citizen soldiers of Baltimore, with the exception of the 5tst re^ment, have maintained tiie reputa* tion they so deservedly acquired at Bladensburg, and their brave and skilful leader has confirmed the confidence which we had all so justly placed in him. I take the liberty of referring you to hia letter tor the more particular mention of the individuals who, new to warfare, have shown the coolness and valor of veterans ; and who, by tiieir conduct on tiiis occasion, have g^ven their coun- try and their city an assurance of what may m expected firom them when their uervices are aj^n required. I cannot dis- iniss the subject without expressing the heartfelt satisfaction £ experienced in thus bearing testimony to the counij|e and good eonduct of my fellow townsmen. About the time |;eneral Strieker had taken the sround just mentioned, he was joined by brigadier general Winder, who had been stationed on the west side of the city, but was now ordered to march with general Douglas's brigade of Vii^nia militia and the United States' dra- goons under captain Bird, and take post on the left of general Strieker. During these movements the bri^;ades of general Stans- bury and Foreman, the seamen and mannes under commodore Rodeers, the Pennsylvania volunteers under colonels Cobean and Findley, the Baltimore artillery under captain Stiles, manned th^ trenches and the batteries^— all prepared to i^eive the enemy. We remained in this situation during the night On Tuesday, tKe enemy appeared in front of my entrenchments »t the distance of two miles, on the Philadelphia road, from whence he had a full view of our position. He manouvred during the morning, towards our left, as if with the intention of makiiig , brigadier ids lending ed by Bear approach of ommand of met by that to the line* in the rear he enennr's ' some ais-^ n from both igtke linet Inst a great and twenty inff way, he inliis rear, here formed e to pursue, kck and took i in advance timore, with the reputai- i their brave h we had all \a you to hi* iduals who, )f veterans ; itheircoun- pectedfirQm cannot dis- latisfacfionl ;eand good me ^neral as joined by on the west rith general States' dra- \ of general nerel Stans- commodore Cobean and manned th^ the enemy. renchments road, from vred ^uring lof m»ki|i| 4S9 » eircvfbms march and coming down on the Harford or Yoiik, roads. Generals Winder and Strieker were ordered to adapt their movemetits to those of the enemy, so. as, to l^flBle this, supr posed intention.' They executed this order with great skill and judgment, by taking an advantageous position, stretching from myleft across the country, when the enemy was likely to approach > thequarter be seemed to "Uireaten. This movement induced thmrn ''' ■ f I'll * kilt m -f'« 'M * ^» iiiem^itay on land wm retreating, uid whilgt the twrnterdnait WIS most severe, two or tiiree rocket vessels and baj^s succeeded in getting up the ferrj branch ; but they were soon compelled to retire by the forts in that ooarter, commanded by lieutenant Mewcomb, of the n^vj. and lieutenant, Webster, of the flotilla. xHese forts also destroyed one of the barges with all on board. The barges and battery at the lazaretto, under the coinlteand of ^peutenant Rutter, of the flotilla, kept U|^ a brisk, and is believed* t sUccessfal fire during the hottest period of the bombartoent. Major Armistead being seriously ill, in conseouence of his con^- tinned exposure to the weather, has rendered it impossible for Kim to send in his report. It is not, therefore, in my po#er to do justice to those gaAant individuals who partook with the danger of a tremendous bombardment, without the ability of retorting, and without that security, which, iii more regular fortifications, is provided for such occasions. Our loss in the fort is, I understand, «bout.27 Icilled and wounded ; amongst the former, I have to la- ment the fall of lieutenants Clagget and Clemm, who were both estimable citizens and useful officers. From general Strieker's bri^e, the return of the killed and Wounded lias not yet come in. It is supposed, however, to amount to about 150 ; amon^ the former, this city has to regret the loss of its representative m the state legislature, James L. DonaJdson, esq. adjutant of the 27th re^ment. This gentleman will ever be remembered bj his constituents for his zeal and talents, and by his corps for his bravery and military knowled^. 1 cannot conclude this report, without informing you of the great aid I have derived from commodore Rodsers. He was ever present and ready to afford his useful counsel, and to render hui important services. His presence, with that of his g^ant oflicers and s««3ien, aive confidence to ev^ry one. The enemjrs loss in his attempt on Baltimore, amounts, as near as we can ascertain it, to between 6 and 700 kUled, wounded and. missing. Oenerd Rosa was certainly killed. I have the honour to be, ke* S. SSllTH. Maj. OeH. ConOf. CoL Jimef Honroe, aotingSecrctaiyofWsr. * SIR. HEAD QUARTERS, FORT ERIE, September SD^ 1B14. Among the oflicers lost to this army at the battle of Niagara lalls, was my aid-de-camp, captun Ambrose Spe1n6er, who, being mortally wounded, was left in the hands of the enemy. By fla|8 from the Britiilh army, I was shortiv afterwards assured of his convalescence, andean offer was mane Ine by lie^tsnadt general Drummond to exchan|;e him for bis ownaict, caiiiyiB Xoring, th A Ih Donaldson* [eman will ever ind talents, and Ige. nwg YOU of the I. lie was ever nd to render hit A g^ant officers unounts. as near ed, wounded and. tobe,lii«^. ^ ipicmber ^J'l^ 181*' battle of l^*g»» ewer, who, being enemy. By flag; h assured of his teutenaiit general ^ Loritt|. th^n ■§ ihil propoiUiea 2 Roared, at captain Loring was not wounded* nor had received t slightest injury, I was willing to comply with it on captain Spencer's account ; but as I knew his wounds were severe, I flrst sent to ascertain the fact of his being then living. My mea- •cnger, with a flag, was detained, nor even once'permittedi ^^o se# caption Spencer, thouKh in his immediate vicinity. The evidence I wished to acquire tailed, but my regard for captain Spencor would not permit me longer to delay, and I informed genenU Brummond that his aid should be excHanged even for the 6ody ^ mine.^ This offer was no doubt gladly accepted, and the corpse eif eaptain Spencer sent to the American shore. ^ Indignant as I am at this ungenerous procedure, I yet hold myself bound in honour to lieutenant general Drummond to re- turn captain Loring ; and must therefore earnestly solicit of you his immediate release. He can return to lieutenant general Drummond by the way of Montreal. Very respectfully, fitc. JACOB BROWN, fion. Jamei Monroe. mtm PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE TO CONGRESS. FeUow eitixens of the SeruUe ^: and of the House of Representatives i Nothwithstanding the early day which had been fixed tor your session of the present year, I was induced to call you to- gether sooner, as well that any inadeqjiacy in the existing provi- 'sions fw tlie wants of the Treasury mi^t be supplied, as that no delay mi|^ht happen in providing for the result of the negotiations on foot with Great Britain, whether it should require arrangements- adapted to a return of peace, or further and more effective provi- sions for prosecuting the War. The result'is not yet known. If, on one hand, the repeal of the 9fders in council, and the general pacification in Europe, which wiiitidrew tiie occasion on which impressments from American vessels were practised, suggest expectations that peace and anuty may be re-established, we are compelled, on the other hand, b^ tlie refiyisal of the British government to accept the offered medi- ation oC ^e Emperor of Russia ; by the delays in givine effect to its own proposu of a direct negotiation ; and, above aU, by the principles and manner in which the war is now avowedly carried on, to infer that a spirit of hostility is indulged more violent than ever against the rigjnts and prosperity of this country. ^ iTJiis increased violence is best explained by the two important circumstances, tiiat the great contest in Europe for an equililuiutn guaranteeing all its estates against the ambition of any, has been closed wlttkout «ny check on the oveibearing power of Great Bih ■ I; f. I i- ■ I h .'V I . I \''ii ^■■3 U P.. % 4» tiutt 0n the oc«ui f and it ban left in her hands dispotable'emad ments with which, forgetting- the difficulties cf a remote war with a free people, and jilldii^ to the intoxication of svccess, with tiie example of a sreat yictim to it before her ejes, she cherishes hopes oi stiU farmer anrandisung a power aireuidy formidable in its abuses to the tranquwfitj of the ciioliKed and commercial world. But,; whatever may h^ve inspired the enemj with these more ritlent purposes, the public councils of a naaon« more sble to /iuiffitatn than it was to acquire its independencoi and with ^ de* Irotion to it rendered more ardent by the experience of its bles- •inss, can never deliberate but On the means most effectual for debating the exti* vagant views or unwarrantable pi3ii'jns witii which alone the war can now bfe pursued against us. In tiie events of tiie present campaign, th«f eneuiv ^ with all his augmented meanf and wanton use of them, has litae ground for exultation, unless iie can feel it in the success of his recent en- terprizes against this metropolis and the nei^bouriug town of Alexandria, from both of which his retreats were as precipitate as his attempts were bold and fortunate. In his other incursions on our Atlantic frontier, his process often checked and chastised bv the martial spirit oi the ueighborins citizens, has had more mid in distressing individuals, and in dishonoring his arms, than in promotingsunj wject of legitimate warfare. And, in the two instances mentioned, however deeply to be regretted on our part, he will find in his transient success, which interrupted for a moment only the ordinary public business at the seat of govern- ment, no compensation for the lo88 of ehataeter tpith the world, t^his violations of private property, and by his destruction of pub- lic edifices, protected, as monuments of the arts, by the laws of civiHzed warfare. « On our side, we can appeal to a series of achievements which have ^ven nt?r lustre to the American arms. Besides the bril- liant incidents in the minor operations of the campaign, the mlendid victmiesgained on the Canadian side of the Nia^ra, by iMe American fwces under major general Brown, and brigadiers Scott and Gaines, have gained for titose heroes, and their emula- ting companions, the most unfading laurels; and, having trium- phantly tested the progressive discipline of the American soldiery, nave taught the enemy that the longer he |nt»tracts his hostile ef- forts, the more certain and decisive will be his final discomfiture. On oar sonthern border, victory has continued also to follow the American standard. The bold and skilful operations of major general Jaduon, conducting troops dhiwn from the teihtia>of the states iMst distant, particularly !:;5ted by the steady and well directed fire of the fo^t and batteries opposed to it. In another recent attack by a powerful force on our troops at Platt';;burgh, of which regulars made a part only, the enemy, aftef a perseverance for many hours, was finally compelled to seek safety in a hasty retreait,*! with our gallant bands pressing upon hira. .^ On the lakes, so much contested throughout the war, the er^t wcertions for the command nrade on our part, have been well re- paid. On lak^ Ontario our squadron is now, and has been for some time, in a condition to confine that of the euemy to his own port ; and to favour the operations of our land forces on that frontier. A part of the squadron on lake Erie has been extended into lake Huron, and has produced the advantwe of displaying our command on that lake also. One object or the expedinon was tiie reduction of Mackinaw, which failed, with the loss of a few brave men, among whom was an officer justly distinguished for his gallant exploits. The expedition, ably conducted oy both the land and naval commanders, was otherwise h^ly valuable in its effects* On lake Champlain, where our superiority had for some^me been undisputed, the British squadron lately cam« into action with the American, commanded by captain Mucdonough. It issued in <'(ie capture of the whole of the enemar's shipi. The best praise for this officer, and bib intrepid coimdes, is in the likeness of his, triumph to the illustrious victory which immortalized another bfficer, and established, at a criticu moment, our command of an - other lake. dn the oceab, the pride of our naval arms has been amply sap- ported. A siecond frigate, indv.d, has fallen into the hands of Ihfb enemy, but the loss is hidden in die blaze of hercidm with which she was defended. Captain Porter, who commanded her* and w^ose previous career had been distinguished by dai'inj| tn- lerprize and by fertility of genius, muntalned a sanguinaty contest against two ships, one of them superior to his own, and under otiier severe disadvantages, till huvumity tore down the 00- Umn, which valor had naikd to the mast, 'fhis officer and his brave comrades, have added muchtothe rising glory of the Ameri- can flag, and have merited aUthe effiisions ofgratitude which t^eir countnr h ever ready*to liestow on the champions tf ita n^j^ and of its safety. ;: tf V. I I i ,Tt i.i 484 Two nnaOer vMsels of war hare also become prizes to tiie enemy ; but by a superiority of force which sufficiently Tindicates tiie reputation of their commanders ; whilst two others, one com- manded by captain Warrington, the other by captain Blakely, have captured British ships of the same class, with a gallantry aiid f^ood conduct which entitle them and their companions to a jost share in the praise of their country. In spite of the naval force of the enemy accumulated on our coasts, our private cruizers have also not ceased to annoy his -y* imerce, and to bring their rich prizes into our ports ; eontri- )ri in"! thus, with other proofs, U demonstrate the incompetency <^f:id illegality of a blockade, the proclamation of which is n;ade the pretext tor vexing and discouraging the commerce of neutral powers with the United States. To meet the extended and diversified warfare adopted by the trnemy, great bodies of militia have been taken into service for the public defence, and great expenses incurred. That the defence every wliere may be ooth more convenient and more economical. Congress will see the necessity of immediate measures for filling the r''nks of the regular army, and of enlarging the provision for speciial corps, mounted and unmounted, to be engaged for longer periods of service than are due from the militia, f earnestly re> < new, at the same tim^ a recommendation of such changes in the system of the militia, as, by classing and disciplining, for the most prompt and active service, the portions most capable of it, j^,^ill give to that creat resource for tlie public safety, all the re- quisite ener^ ana efficiency. The monies received into the Treasury during the nine months ending on the SOth day of June last, amounted to thirty-two mil- Ifons of dollars, of which, near eleven millions were ^He proceeds of the public revenue, and the remainder derived from loans. The disbursements for |4lNic expenditures during the same pe- riod, exceeded thirty-four millions of dollars. The demands dur- ing the remainder of the present year, already authorized by Con- gress, and the expenses incident to an extension of the operations of the war, will render it necessary that large sums would be provided to meet them. From this view of the national affairs. Congress will be ai^ed , to take up, without delay, as well tlie subject of pecuniary sup- plies, as that of military force, and on a scale commensurate with the extent and the character which the war has assumed. It is not to be disguised that the situation of our country calls for its SeatestewNrts. Our enemy is powerful in men and in mon6y, on e land and on the water. Availinj^ hknself of forii.^itous ad- vantages, he is aiming, with his undivided force, a deadly blow at our growing prosperity, oerhaps at ibI^ that my own personal observation should reach to ev§r^ officer. Some part oi this report must therefore rest upon the information of others. Xi is the business of tiiis communication to speak of the cou' duct of indiyiduals iret you will permit me to premise, although well known to yourself already, that the object of the left column was to penetrate, b^ a circuitous route, between the enemy^s bat- teries, where one-tlurd of his force ^as always kept on duty, and his main camp, and that it was subdirid*^ into three divisions— the advance of 200 riflemen, and a few Indians, commanded bj colonel Gibson, and two columns movins parallel t^, And 30 yards dist«(nt.from, each otiier. The richt cdumn was commanded by lieutenant colonel Wood, headedby 400 infantry, under major Bfook, of tlie i4dd, and followed by 500 volunteers and militia, being parts of lieutenant colonels Dobbin's, M'Buruey*s and Fleming's resiments, and was intended to attack ihe batterlf^s. The left column of 500 nulitia„was commanded by brigadier general Davis, and comprised the commands of lieutenant colo- nda.Hop|uui:j Churchhul and Crosby, and was intended to hold in check any reinforcements from the enemy's camp ; or both columns (circumstances requiring it, which frequentiy happened) to co-operate in the same o^ci. After carrying by storm, in tiie haodsomest style, a strong block house, in rear of the third battery, making its garrifton pri- soners, destroying the three S4 pounaers and their carriilgesin the third battery, and blowins up the enemy's magazine, and after co-operating with general Miller in taking the second bat- tery, the iplant leaders of the three divisions all fell neariy at the same time ; colonel Gibson, attiie second battery, and general Davis and lieutenant coionel' VTood in an assualt upon the first. Brigadier general Davis, altiiou^ a militia officer of litUe ex- Krience, conducted on this occasion with all the coolness and lyeryof a veteran, and fell while advancing upon the enemy's entrenchments. His loss as a citizen as well as a soldier,' will be severely felt in the patriotic county of Genessee. Colonel Gibson fully sustained the hirii military reputation, which he had before so justly acquired. You know how exalted an ofHnion I have always entertuned of lieutenart cfrfonel Wood of the enjgineers. His conduct on this day was what it uniformly has been, on every similar occasion, on an exhibition of military skill, acute judgment, and heroic valor. Of the other regular officers, lieutenmit tolonel M*Donald and miyor Brook, seiuor in com- mand, will report to you in relation to their respective divhibns. Permit me, however, to say of these two officers, thai, much as was left ta them by the fall ai their distinguished leaders, they were able to sustain their parts in the most admind>le mwiiier, and they richly deserve the notice of the government. M 497 Of the militift, I regret that the limite of a report will not per* mit me even to name all of those, who on this occasion establiahed claim-^ to the jgratitude of their fellow citizens ; much less to par tirttlariz,e individual merit Lieutenant colonels Hopkins, M'onr- ney, Churchhill and Crosby, and majors Lee, Marcle, Wilson, Lawrence, Burr, Dunham, Kellogg, and Oanson, are entitled to the highest praise for their gallant conduct, their steady and per- severing exertions: Lieutenant colonel Dobbin beine prevented by severe indisposition hrom taking the field, major Hul, assistant inspector general, volunteered his services to join miyor Lee in the command of the volunteer reeiment ; and major Lee and every other officer speaks in the hi^est terms of the gallant and good conduct of this young officer. Captain Fleming;, who commanded the Indians, was, as he always is, in the front of the battle. There is not a more intrepid soldier in the army. I should be ungrateful were I to omit tiie names of captadna Knapp and Hull of the volunteers, and captain Parker and lieutenant Chatfleld of the militia, by whose intrepidity I was. durii^the action, extricated from the most unpleasant situa- tion. Captains Richardson, Buel and Kennedy, lieutenants Park- hurst and Brown, and adjutants Dobbin, Bates and Robinson, particularly dbtincnished themselves. The patriotic conduct of captain EUiot, witn twenty voung centlemen, who volunteered from Batavia, and^of major HuUmu^ with fourteen men, exempt- ed by age from military duty, should not be tiriHted. They were conspicuous during the action. You will excuse me if I shall seem partial in speaking of my own fataiily, consisting of my bricadem^or Frazer, mv volunteer aid-de-camp Riddle, ^th first ueutenants in the 15tn infantry 1 captain Bigg;er of the Canadian volunteers^ Messrs. Williams ana Delapierre, volunteer aids for the day, all of whom^ excqpt Mr. Williams, were wounded. ' Lieutenants Frazer and lUddle were engaged for most of the preceding day with fatigue parties, cuttins roads for the advance of the cmnmn through the swamp, and falling timber to the rear, and within 150 ya^s of the enemy's ri^ht : which service they executed with so much address as to avoid discovery ; and on the Sttcceediiq; day they conducted the two columns to the attack. Frazer was severely wounded hy a musket ball while spiking a gun on the second -battery. IMddle, after the first battery was carried, descended into the enemy's manizine, and after securing (with the assistance of quarter master Greene of the volunteers, whose good conduct deserves much praise) a quantity of fixed am- munition,blew up tiie magazine and suffered severely by tiie explo- sion. I must solicit, Dirongh^on, s*^ the attention of the ^neral government to these meritorious young men. Captain Bigger is an excellent officer, and rendered me much assistance, but was dangerously wounded. The other young gentlemen are citizens, aAd deserve much eredit f6r their activity, and for having volunta- r. ' I*' I 1;* 1 S'l ■1 a ■■^^ I ■:'. '!!» ' R 4M rilj Mieountered cUBcer. Mj aid-de-cuap. miyor Dox, wu co^r Aned at BulRilo bj nckneu. On the whole, iir. I can ny of the regular troops attached tu the left column, of the veteran volunteen of lieutenant colonel Dob- bin's regiment, that every man did his dutj, and ^eir conduct on this occasion reflects a new lustre on their former brilliant achievements. To the militia, the compliment is justly due, and I could pav them no greater one, than to sav, that they were not surpassed by the heroes of Chippewa and Niagara in steadiness • and bravery. The studied intricacv of the enemy's deiences, consisting not only of the breast-work connecting their batteries, but of sue* cessive lines of entrenchments tor a hundred yards in the rear* covering the batteries and enfiladinjr each other, and the whole obstructed by abattis, brush and felled timber, wm calculated to produce contusion among the assailants, and led to several con- tests at the point of the bayonet. But by our double columns and temporary irregularity in the one, was always eorrected by the other. Our success would probably have been more complete, but for the rain which unfortunately set in soon after we commenced our march, which rendered the fire of many of our muskets use- less, and by obscuring the sun, led to several unluckv mistakes. As an instance of this, a body of 50 prisoners who had surren- dered, were ordered to liie fort in charge of a subaltern and 14 volunteers ; the officer mistaking this direction, conducted them to* wards the Britbh camp in the route by which we had advanced, and they were re-taken witii the whole of ^e guard, eptcepting the officer and one man, who fought their way back. Several of our 8trag|^ers were made prisoners by the same mbtake. But, sir, notwithstanding these accidents, we have reason to rejoieeatour signal success, in inflicting a vasUy disproportionate injury on the enemy, and in wholly defeating all his plans of operation agsinst this army. I have the honour to be, &c. P. B. PORTER, Brig, Otn, eomdg, votuwtun attd militvn, Major Genersl Brown, Commandini^ ttc, AVimes and rank of tJu offieert kilUdt wounded^ and miaiing. Rilled — ^lieutenant colonel E. D. Wood, captain and brevet lieu- tenant colonel of engineers; captain L. Bradford, Slst infantry ; caotain H. Hale, lltli infantry ; captiun L. G. A. Armstead, 1st rinemen. y Wounded— Staff*, brigadier g^aeral Ripley. Sd brigade, dange- rously, shot through the aeck ; Ui lieutenant Crawford, 11th in« fantry ; brijgade major Ist brigade, slightly, shot in the arm ; 9th infantry, lieutenat colonel Aspin wall, severly, lefl arm ampu^ tated ; captain Ingersd, slig^tlV, in the head » 1st lieutenant E Childs, severely, bayonet woiina thrpugh the thijg^ ; 1 1th infantry 4Si lit Uentamnt W. F. Hal«, daneerotttlj, shot in tht body ; 9A Heotenant I. Clarke, leverel^ in the body ; 3d lieutenant Steven- son, seTerely, through the thirii ; 3d lieutenant Davis, dangerous- Iv, through the body } 19th infantry, m^or Trimble, dancerously. shot through thebooj; ensign Neely, slightly, shot in the thigh ; 81st infantry, ensi^Cummings, severely, in the arm ; S3d infantry, 1st lieutenant Brown, slightly, in the arm; ensign 0*Flin|;, mortally, since dead ) 1st rifletoien, captain Ramsey, severely, in the groin ; 9d lieutenant Cobb, severely, in the body ; 4th riflemen, colonel James Oibson, mortally, since dead ; 1st lieutenant Grant, severe wounds in the arm and side Missinf^lst lieutenant Ballard, adjutant 4th riflemen, pri' soner. Belknap, of lieutenant colonel Flemming's regi- ment; ensign Blakely, of lieutenant colonel M*Burney*s regi- ment. Wounded — Staff, mi^or general P. B. Porter, sword wotind in the hand; 1st lieutenant Frazer, 13th infantrv, brigade major, teverelr, in the leg; 1st lieutenant Riddle, 15th infantry, acting as aid-ae-camp, slight contusion ; captain Bigger, New York vo- Bailej, in the side ; lieutenant colonel' M'Burney' regiment— captain Hale, wounded and prisoner ; lieutenant co- lonel Hopkins* regiment — ^lieutenant Gillet, through the thigh. Missing— lieutenant colonel W. L. ChurcMiill ; mi^or E. Wil- son ; quarter master O. Wilcox ; captain Crouch ; captain Case ; lieutenant Case ; ensign Chambers ; ensign Clark ; ensign Church, prisoners. it SIR, TORT M*HENRY, September 34th, 1814, A severe indisposition, the effect of great fatigue and expo- sure, has prevented me heretofore from presenting you with an account of (he attack on this post. On the night of ^turday the 10th instant, the British fleet, consisting of ships of the line, heavy frigates and bomb vessels, amounting in the whole to 30 sail, ap- peared at the mouth of the river Patapsco, with every indication of an attempt upon the city of Baltimore. My own force con- sisted of one compnoy of United States* artillery, under captun Evans*, and two companies of sea-fencibles, und'er captains Bun- bury and Addison. Uf these three companies, 35 men were un- fortunately on tihe sick list, and unfit for duty. I had been fur'' nished witn two companies of volunteer artillery from the city of Bftltimere under captain Berry and lieutenant commandant Pen- ^H i.i !■ f 'H '<,. * I - 'I if I, si- - 440 •ington. To tkeM I mutt add another vtry ttne compaiiT of ▼olunteor artilleritts, under judge Nichultont who had proffered their aervicet to aid in the defence of this pott whenever an attack might be apprehended ; and also a detachment from eominodor* Barney's notilla, under lieutenant Redman. Brigadier ceneral Winder had alto furnished me with about 600 infantry, under the command of lieutenant colonel Stewart and miyor Lane» consist* in|j; of detachments from the 12th, 14th, 36th, and 38th regimentff orUnited States' troops— the otal amounting to about 1000 effective men. On Monday morning, very early, it was perceived that the ene- my was landing troops on the east side of the Patapsco, distance aliout ten miles. During that day and the ensuing night, he had brought sixteen ships (including five bomb ships) within about two miles and a half of this fort* I had arrangMi my force as follows:— the regular artillerists under captain Evans, and the volunteers und^r captain Nicholson, manned the bastions in tho Star Fort Captains Bunbury's, Addison's, Rodman's, Berry's, and lieutenant commandant PenninKton's commands were sta- tioned on the lower works, and the in»ntry . under lieutenant colo- nel Stewart and major Lane, were in the outer ditch, to meet the , enemy at his landing, should he attempt one. On Tuesday morning, about sun-rise, the enemy commenced the attack from his five bomb vessels, at the distance of about two miles, and kept up an incessant and well directed bombard- ment. We immediately opened our batteries, and kept up a brisk fire from our guns ^nd mortars, but unfortunately our shot and shells all fell considerably short of him. This was to me a most distressing circumstance ; as it left us exposed to a conntant and tremendous shower of shells, without the most remote possibility 4}f our doing him. the slightest injury. It affords me the highest gratification to state, that thoozh we were left thus exposed, and thus inactive, not a man shrunk from the conflict About two o'clock P. M. one of the S4 pounders of the south- west bastion, under the immediate command of captain Nichol- son, was dismounted by a shell, the explosion from which killed his second lieutenant, and wounded several of his men; the bus- tle necessarily produced in removing the wounded and replacing the gun, inrobably induced the enemy to suspect we were in a state of concision, as he brought in three of his bomb sliiiM, to what I believed to be good striking distance. ^ I immediately or- dered a fire to be opened, which was obe>ed with alacrity throu^ the whole garrison, and. in half an hour those intruders again sliel- tered themselves by withdrawing beyond our reach. We gave three cheers, and again ceased firing— l*he enemy continued throwing shells, witli one or two slight intermissions, till one o'clock in the mohiing of Wednesday, when it was discovered that he had availed himself of the darkness of tiie nig^t, and had throw'n a considerable force above to onr right; they had ap|Hroach^ ii ii^y'h. I 44t ed rtrj netr to Fort Covington, when they began to throw rockets; intended, I preiiume, to give them an opportunitr ot examining the shores— as I have since understood, they had de- tached 1250 picked men, with scaling ladders, for the purpose of storming this fort. We once more had an opportunity of opening our batteries, and kept up a continued blaze fur nearly two hours, which had the effect again to drive them off. Injustice to lieutenant Newcomb, of the United States' navy, who commanded at fort Covington, with a detachment of sailors, and lieutenant A^ ebster, of the flotilla, who commanded the six gun battery near that fort, I ousht to state, that during this time tney kept up an animated, and I believe, a very destructive '* -e, to which I am persuaded, we are much indejted m repulsing .' . en- emy. One of his sunken barges has since bc^n founcf with two dead men in it ; others have been seen floating in the river, l^ie only means we had of directing our guns, wa> by the blaze of tleir rock- ets, and the flashes of their guns. Had thev ventured to the same situation in the day time, not a man would have escaped. The bombardment continued on the part ot the onemy until 7 o'clock on Wednesday morning, when i; ceaseti, and t''mt9, their ships got under weigh, and stood down the river, "'uring the botabardment, which Uisted 25 hours (with{two slight \i) ermis- sions) from the bftst calculation I can make, ^«'om 1£> to 1800 shells were thrown by the enemy. A few of th< ic cell short. A laive proportion burst over us, throwing their frajmeiits among us, ana threatening destruction. Many passed over, and about 400 fell within the works. Two of the public buildings are materially injured, the others but slightly. I am happy to inform you (won- derful as it may appear) that our loss amounts only to four men killed, and 84 wounded. The latter will all ' ecover. Amons the killed, I have to lament the loss of lieutenant Clagget, ana sergeant Clemm, both of captain Nicholson's volunteers; two men whose fate is to be deplored, not only for their personal bra- very, but for their high standing, amiable demeanor, and spotless integrity in private lue. Lieutenant Russel, of the company un- der lieutenant Pennington, receivei^ early in the attack, a severe contusion in the heal ; notwithstan^ i>^ wiiich he remained at his post during the whole bombardment. Were I to name an^ individuals who signalized themselves, it would be doing injustice to others. Suffice it to say, that every officer and soldier under my command did their duty to my entire satisfaction. I have the honour to be, &c. G. ARMISTEAD, Lt. Col a 8. A, The SecreUry of War. HEAD QUARTERS, CAMP FORT ERIE, September 29th, 1814, SIR, In my letter of tl'.e 18th instant I briefly informed you of the fortunate issue of the sortie^ which took place the day preceding, 56 il r I )l fit 442 But it is due to the gallant officers and men, to whose bravery we are indebted for our success on this occasion, that I should g^ve. you a more circumstantial and detailed account of this affair. The enemy's camp I had ascertained to be situated in a field,, surrounded by woods, nearly two miles distant from their batteries and entrenchments, the inject of which was to keep the parts of their force which was not upon duty, out of the range of our ftre from Fort Erie and Black Block. Their infantry was formed intis three brigades, estimated at 12 or 1500 men each. One of these brigades, with a detail from their artillery, wa^ stationed at their works, (these being but 500 yards distant from old Fort Erie, and the riffht of our line.) 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 these circumstances, I resolved to storm the batteries, destroy tiie cannon, and rouehly handle the brigade upon duty, before those in reserve could l>e brought into action. On the morning of the 17th, the infantry and riflemen, regu- lars and militia, were ordered to be paraded and put in readiness to march precisely at 12 o'clock. General Porter with the volun- teers, colonel Gibson with the riflemen, and major Brooks with the 23d and 21st infantry, and a fcfw dragoons acting as infantry, were ordered to move from the extreme left of our position, upon the enemy's right, by a jpassage opened through the woods for the occasion. General Miller was directed to station his command in the ravine, which lies between fort Erie and the enemy's bat- teries, by passing them by detachments throuidi the skirts of the wood, and the 21st infantry, under general Ripley, was posted as a corps of reserve between tlie new bastions of fort Ene : all under cover and out of the view of the enemy. About 20 minutes before 3 P. M, I found the left columns, un- der the command of eeneral Porter, which were destined to turn the enemy's ridit, within a few rods of ^e British entrenchments* They were^ ordered to advance and commence the action. Pass- ing down the ravine, I judged from the report of musketry; that the action hiid ^^ommenced on our left ; I now hastened to seneral Miller and directed him to seize the moment and pierce the ene- my's entrenchments between batteries No. 2 and 3. My orders were promptly and ably executed. Within SO minutes after the first eun was fired, batteries No. 3 and 2, the enemy's line of en- trenchments, and his two block houses, were in our possession. Soon after, battery No. I was abandoned by the British. The guns in each were spiked by us, or otherwise, destroyed, an(i the magazine of No, 3 was blown up, A few minutes before the explosion, I had ordered up the re- serve under general Ripley. Aa he passed me at the head of his column* I desired him, as he would be the senior in advance, to ascertain, ^s near ab possible, the situation of the troops in ge- ?»' 1 .■,>,, it f fort Ene : all 443 fleial, and to liave a care that not more was hazarded than the occasion required ; that, the object of the sortie effected, the troops would retire in good order, &c. General Ripley passed rapidly on ; soon after, I became alarmed for general Miller, and sent an order for the 2l8t to hasten to his support towards battery No 1. Colonel Upham received the order, and advanced to the dd of general Miller. General Ripley had inclined to the left, where major Brooks' command was en^ed, with a view of mak- ing some necessary enquiries of that officer, and in the act of do- ing so, was: unfortunately wounded* By this time, the object oif the sortie was accomplished beyond my most sanguine expecta- tions. General Miller had consequently ordered tlie troops oil the right to fall back ; observing this movement, I sent my staff along the line to call in the other corps. Within a few mmutes they retired from the ravine, and from thence to camp. Thus, one thousand regulars and an equal portion ci militia, in one hour of close action, blasted the hopes of the enemy, des- troyed the fruits of fifty days labour,' and diminised his dflfective force 1000 men at least. I am at a loss how to express my satisfaction at the gallant conduct bf the officers and men of this division, whose valor has shone superior to every trial. General l^orter, in his official report herein inclosed, has very properly no- ticed those patriotic citizens who h&ve done so much honour to themselves,' by freely and voluntarily tendering their services at a dangerous and critical period. As the scene of action was in a ^vood, in advance of the posi- tion I had chosen for directing the movements of the whole, the - several reports of commandants of corps, must guide me in no- ticing individuals. General Miller mentions lieutenant colonel Aspinwall, lieute* nant colonel Beedle, major Trimble, captain Hull, captain In^r- soll, lieutenant Crawford, lieutenant Lee, and partieularljf ensigjn O'Fling, as entitied to distinction. Lieutenant colonel M*Donald, upon whom the command of the rifle corps devolved, upon the fall of the brave and generous OiAson, names adjutants Shortridge of the Ist, and Ballard of the 4th regiments, as deserving the hi^est applause for their promptness and gallantry in communicating orders. Of the other officers of the corps, he reports generally, that the bravery and good conduct of all was so conspicttott8,a8 to render it impossible to discriminate. Miyor Brooks, to whom much credit is due for the distinguished manner in which he executed the orders he received, sMaks in If i!.>: W I m p "m I \ '■ I:- the 1st infantry, and KeutciMiit Watt8» of the «lragt)Dnt I n:-: Bt .'?!» mi- if" is %. 444 jLieutenant Colonel .Upham, who took commafld ef the reterre after general Ripley was disabled, bestows grt^at praiat upon miyor Ghambers, of the 4th regiment of riflemen, attached to the 91st infantry, as also upon captain Bradford and lieutenant Holding ci that regiment. My staff, colonel Snelling, colonel Gardner, major Jones, and my aids-de->camp, major Austin and lieutenant Armstrong, were», as usual,- zealous, intelligent and active ; they performed every duty required of them to my entire satisfaction. Major Hall, assistant inspector general, led a battalion of mi- litia, and conducted with skill and gallantry. Lieutenant Kirby, Md-de-camp to general Ripley, was extremely active and useful during the time he was in action. Lieutenants Frazer and Riddle were in general Porter's Staff; their bravery was conspicuous, and no officirs of their grade were more useful. The corps of artillery, commanded by migor Hindman, which has been ^0. eminently distinguished throu^out this campai^, had no opportunity of taking a part in the sorde. The 25th in- fantry,, under colonel Jessup, was stationed iif fort Erie to hold the key of our position. Colonel Bracfy, on whose firmness and good conduct every re- liance could be placed, was on command at Buffalo with the re<^ mains of the 22a infantry. Lieutenant colonel M'Ree and lieu- tenant colonel Wood, of the corps of engineers, having rendered to this army services the most important, I must aeiite the oppor- tunitjr of again mentioning them particularly. On every trying occasion, I liave reaped much benefit from their sound and excel- lent advice. No two officers of their grade could have contributed more to the safety and honour of this army. Wood, brave, gene- rous and enterprising, died as he had lived, without a feeling but for the honour of his country and glory of her arms. His name and example will live to guide the soldier in the path of duty so long as true heroism is held in estimation. M*Ree lives to enjoy the approbation of every virtuous and generous mind, and to re- ceive tne reward due to his services and high military talents. It is proper here to notice, that idthougn but one-third of the enemy's force was on duty when his woHcs were carried, the whole were brought into action while we were employed in des- troying his eannon. We secured prisoners from seven of his reg;i- ments, and know that the 6th and 82d suffered severely in kil^ and wounded, yet these regiments were net upon duty. Lieutenant general Drummond broke up ms camp durii^ the nifl^t of the 21st, and retired to his entrenchments behind the Chippewa. A part of our men came up with the rear of his army at Frenchman's creek I the enemy destroyed part of their stores, by setting fire to the buildings from which they were em- ployed in conveying them. We found in and a^ut the camp, a 44# opDsiderable quantity of cannon ball, and upwards of one hundred ;|tand of am)i}. I send jon enclosed herein, a return of our los:s. The return of •prisoners enclosed, does not include the stragglers that came in after the action. j, ' I TOve the honour to be, &c. JACOB BROWN. Hon. S«cr«taiy of mi!. .{'■.[.■' •««» A H. Q. CAMP FORT ERIE, October 1st, 1814. Looking over my official account of the action of the 17tli ultimo, I find that the names of the regiments which composed generd Miller's command have not been given. As I believe it even more important to distinguish corps than individuals, I am anxious to correct this mistake. General Miller on that day commanded the remains of the 9th and 11th infantry and a de- tachment of tiie 19th. Of three field officers who were attached to them, two were severely wounded ; lieutenant colonel Aspin- wall of the 9th, gallantly leading his men to the attack upon the enemy's entrenchments ; and major Trimble, of the I9th, who was shot within their works, conducting with great skill and bra- very. A detachment of the 17th regiment was attached to the ; 2l8t. I have the honour to be, &c. JACOB BROWN. Hon. SecHttaiy of War. PRIVATEER GENERAL ARMSTRONG. FAYAL, October 4th, 1814! SIR, With infinite regret I am constrained to say, it has eventualljr fallen to my lot to state to you the loss and destruction of the private armed brig General Armstrong, late under my command. We sailed from Sandv Hook on the evening of the 9th ultimo, and about midnight fell jn chase, aboard of a razee and ship qt the line. They pursued till next day noon, when they thought prqier togive over the chase. On the 1 1th, after a nine hours' chace. day fell in with an enemy's gun brig; and left him. On the 24th, ooarded a Spani^ brig and schooner, ttud a Portuguese ship, all from toe Havanna. On the 26th fol- lowing, came to in Fayal Roads, for the purpose of filling watery called on the American consul who very politely ordered our wa- ter ii^mediately s^nt off, it bcin« our intention to proceed to s, her hul^biv rining much cut, and her fore-top tiuist wouuded ; (of this I we» i'l^rmed by the British cons a L) She soon u.''ter came in asain, and anchored close to the privateer. I +hen ordered the Arm- strong to be scuttled, to prevent the enemy from getting her off. She was soon after boarded by the enemy's boats, and set < i Jlr^, " which soon completed her destriiction. They have destroyed a number af houses m -dht' towB, an^ 9'oi^nded some of the inhalntants. By what I have been able to learn from tlie British consul and oii-iiv?rs ''.«f the fleer,, it appears there were about 400 officers and men in iJk' 1a«it attack by the boats, of wiiich 120 were killed and about 13) wounded. Captain Lloyd, I am toldby the British con- m\t U badlv wounded in the leg ; a jury of surgeons had been held, wno gave it as their opinion, that amputation would be necessary to insure his life. 'Tis said, however, that the wound was occasioned by an ox treading on him. The fleet has remain- ed here about a week, during which they have been principally employed in burying their dead and taking care of tiieir wound- «d. Three days after the action they were joined by the ship Thais and brig Calypso (two sioop6 of war ; ) they were immediately taken into requisition by captain Lloyd, to take home the woaoded iiitien. The Calypso sailed for England with part of the wounded on the i2d instant, among whom was 'the first lieutenant of the Plantagenet. The ThaU sails this evening with the remainder. Captain Lloyd's fleet saiked to-day, supposed for the West Indies. The loss on our part, I am happy to sav, is comparatively trifling ; twd killed and seven wounded. With re^d to my officers in general, I feel the greatest satisfaction in saying they one and all fou^t 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. ^ I her^ insert, for your inspection, a list of the killed and -wounded. KiLLED—M. Alexander O. Williams, 2d lieutenant, by a mus- ket ball in the forehead, died instantly ; Burtoa Lloyd, seaman, do* through the heart dot n ; and that if ivateer in any . »rt, an4 treat ered all hopes vent on board, on '&}\on, and ioov after i1ii,s cloKo in, aad Aft'ar se i'leral rAier hull /si 'jv (of this I WIS »me in ittain, red the Am- etting her oflT. nd set «^i fir<':', t)>'^ towu, and ish consul and H) officers and 'ere killed an4 le British con- surgeons had ition would be hat the wound et has remain- len principallr f their wound- the ship Thins e immediately le the wounded »f the wounded atenant of the the remainder, e West Indies, comparatively re^d to my laying they one and to whom I aiing the short ery deserved a the killed and iant,by amus- Lloyd, seaman, 44j» % ^ 'WouNDE»— Fredetick A. Worth, 1st lieutenant, in the right vide; Robert Johnson, Sd do. left knee; Razilla Hammond, quarter master, left arm ; John Finer, seamr^n, knee ; William vastle, do. arm ; Nicholas Sealson, do. arm and leg ; John Har- risen, do. hand and face by the explosion of a gun. It gives me much pleasure to announce to yeu that our wounded are ail in a fair way of recovery, through the unremitted care and' attention of our worthy surgeon. Mr. Dabney, our consul, is a gentleman possessing every feel- ing of humanity, and to whom uie utmost gratitude is due from us, for his great care of the sick and wounded, and his polite attention to my officers and myself. Mr. Wiiiiaias was, a most oeserving and promising officer. His country in him has lost one of its brightest ornaments ; and his death must be sadly lamented by all who knew his worth. Accompuiied with this you will find a copy of my protest, to- gether with copies of letters written by Mr. Dabney to the gover- nor of Fayal, our minister at Rio Janeiro, and our Secretary of State. These letters will develope more fully the circa, but contains most of the facta. My name ia enclosed, which you are at liberty to make public, if lyiy respectable person should deny the truth of tiie following statemtot, ** *A citixm <^ Maryland,** «« I passed throuch Chaptico shortly after the enemy left it, and I am sorry to say wat thaw conduct would have disgraced ftokni ill I! 1 3'> m I f ' « * 4>A ■ ^Pf*' faMl J the hduMt were tern to pieces, the well which r.ffbrde(| wftter for tiie inhi^itaiits wee filled up, and, whet wet itiU worse, ^e church end the ashes of (he dead shared an eqvAUj had or worse fate. l¥ill yon belicTe me when 1 tell you that the sunken graves were converted into barbecue holes ? The remaining glase of the church windows broken, the communion table used as a diniier table, and then broken to pieces. Bad as the above may appear, it dwindles into insignificance, when compared with what , follows : the vault was entered and the remains of the dead dis- turbed. Yes, my friend, the winding sheet was torn from the body of a lady of the first respectability, and the whole contents of tne vault entirely deranged! llie above far-ts were witnessed by hundreds as Weil as myself, and I am happy to say, that but one sentiment pervaded our army." I immediately showed it to general Philip Stuart, lately com* mandin^; the American troops at that place, who read and de- clared it strictly true ; tiiat Cockburn was at the head of it; that they also destroyed the organs ; that judge Key's lady, who had been last nut into the vault, was tiie person alluded to ; that her winding sneet was torn lu pieces, and her person wantonly csposed ; and that his men were exasperated to desperation by this conduct. You will publish this. Yours, &c, ROBERT WRIGHT. October I9th, 1814. ai •■ AFFAIR AT LYON'S CREEK. « General Orikr* fiEAD QUABTERS OP THE NORTHERN ARMY. Csmp ney Fort Erie, October 3H 1814. The indisj^tion of brigadier general Biss^il has prevented, till this morning, his report of the mindsome affiiir which took place on the 19th, between a detachment of his brigade and a superior force of the enemy. The obfact of thie expedition, entrusted to tiie brigadier, was the seizure of some provisions, intended for the British troops. He niarched from Black Creek, ot thr morning of the 18th, with pjurts of the 5th, 14th, 15th and 16th infantry, a small party of dra^o••• On the moraiBff of the 19th, the detachment was atti^cked bj a telecit corpa of the enemj, not less than 1200 strong. The light infaa- trr under captain Oorman, jnd Irvine*s riflemen, sustained the wnole fire oi the enemy, for fifteen ninntes, during; which time the 5th and 14th were formed-*the 51h was orders to turn the enemy's right flank, while the 14th charged them in front. This was executed in the most eallant muiner, by colonel Pinkney of the 5(h, and major Barnard of the I4th, who greatly distinguish* cd himself by the officei like style, in which he conducted his battalion. Ine enemy were compelled to a precipitate retreat, and hid themselyes, once more, behind their fortifications. General Bissell particulariy mentions the skill and intrepidilhr of colonel BntUing, inspector general, colonel Pinkney,commana- ingthedth regiment, major Barnard, 14th infantry, major Barker, 45th infantry, acting with the 5th» captain Dorman, paptain Alii* son, whose horse was shot under him, and brigade major, lieuten- ant Prestman, of the 5tii. Lieutenant Anspai^, of dr^oons, was conspicuous by his alertness in communicating the brigadier general's orders, during the action. It is with the hi^est satis- faction the commandinE general tenders, to the brave officers and tromps of the 2d brigade of the risht division, his thanks for their good conduct on this occasion. Tlie firmness of the 15th and 16th regiments, commanded by colonel Pearce, and who were posted as a reserve, proved, that had the resistance of the enemy afford- ed them an opportunity of goinc into action, they would have emulated the valor of the 5th and 14th. A number of prisoners were taken, among whom a {ncket of dragoons with their horses ; a large quantity of grain also fell into our hands. The brigadier, after completing the orders he received, and burvine the few of our brave soldiers who fell in the action, and the dead of the ene- my, which were left on the ground by the latter, returned to Black Creek. To the cool and intrepid conduct of brigadier general Bissell, the general offers the praise he has so justly entitled him- self to. By order of m^joi* general Izard, ^ C. K. GARDNER, AJ^. Gen. JV*. army. fm 'H HEAD aUABTEBS, SEVENTH MILITAtlV DISTRICT, TENSAW, November 14th, 1814^ SIR, On last etenuig I returned from Pensacola to this place* I reached that post on tiie evening of the 6th. On my approach t sent major Pi'erre with a flag to communicate the oMect of my visit to the governor 9f Pensacola. He apprtached f»rt St Geof^, wi^ his flag displayenli and was fired on by the cannon from tiie (bri. ; he returned and made report thereof to me. I immediately 4 in Nl> ■', ■HI li-^:''l ■ Vi' Went With the Adjutant general and the mider with a tmall escoti, and viewed the fort, and found it defended by both British and Spanish troops. I immediately determined to storm the town ; retired and encamped mjr troops for the ni^t. and made the ne- oessanr arrangements to carry my determination into effect the next day. On the morning of the rth I marched with the effective rej^Iars of the Sd, 39thj and 44th infautry, part of general Coffee's brigade, the Mississippi dragoons, and part of the West Tennessee regi- ment, commanded by lieutenvnt colonel Hammonds (colonel Lowry having desired and gone home,) and part of the Choctaiva. led by migor Blue, of the 39th, and major Kennedy of Mississippi territory. Being encamped on the west of the town, I calculated they would expect the assault from that quarter, an^ be prepared to rake me from the fort, and the British armed vessels, seven in number, that lay in .Ke i>ay« To cherish tiiis idea I sent out part of the mo «how themselves on the west whilst I passed in rear of the fort undiscovered to the east of the town. vV^hen I appeared within a mile, I was in full view. My pride was ne- ver more heigjhtened than in viewing the uniform firmness of my troops, and with what undaunted courage they advanced,' with a stronc fort ready to assail them on the right, seven British armed vessels an the left, strong Mock-houses and batteries of cannon in their front ; but they still advanced with unshaken firmness, entered the town, when a battery of two cannon was opened upon the centre column, composed of regulars, with ball and grape, and a shower of musketry from the houses and gardens. The battery was immediately stormed by captain Lavall and companvr and carried, and the musketry was soon silenced by the steady and well-directed fire of the regulars. The governor met colonels 'Williamson and Smith, who led the dismounted volunteers, with a flag, begged for mercy, and surren- dered the town and fort unconditionally. Mercy was granted and protection given to the citizens and their property, and still Spanish treachery kept us out of possession of the tort until nearly 12 o'clock at nif^t. Never was more cool determined bravery displayed by any troops; and the Choctaws advanced to the charge with equal bravery. On the morning of the 8th, I prepared to march and storm th« Barancas, but before I could move, tremendous explosions told me that die Barancas, with all its appendages, was blown up. f despatched a detachment of two hundred men to explore it, who returned in the night witfi the information that it was blown up, all the combustible partii burnt, the cauioB spiked and dismount- ed« except two. Tnis being the case, I determined to withdraw my troops, but befope I did, I had the pleasure to see the British depart. Colunel NichoUs abandoned tne fort iw«^ Mxmj^ M" ough my t«rc«i,a#to^umber, hid b9(^ inci^aiedbr the arrival of the KentttcHr division* my strength had rec^v^ very tittle addition ; a small portion only bf that detachment being pipi^ed with arms. Compelled thus to wiit the attacl^^ the enemyt I took every measure to repel it when it shonld b(i mape, and to defeat the object he hadin view. General M,WMit widli ^e.New Orleans, contingent* the Itouisiana militU, iuoaa stripe dctr h> liient o^ the Kentucky troopsi occupied an entrenchei|^camp on the opposite side of the river, protected by .^trong^tteiieaOtt the bank^ erected and superintended by oogamodore^attiirson* In my encamj^ent evenr tlung was ready for tuition, wlusn, earay in the morning of the 8th, the enemy after throwing a h^vy shover of bombs and congreve vocket«» advanced their columns on my iight and left^ to storm my eirtrenthment9* t cannot ^^lesk fufficientiy in praise of ^q fipnneps and delibeismtion ivith which my wholiB line received their approacb-rlftore c(mld not hive been expected from veterans inured to war. For an hour the fire of the small arms was as incessant and s^re as cai| be imagined. The artillery, tooi directed .by olficen who displayed equal ^ill and courage, did.great execution* ¥et tbecmnqms 01 the eneinv continued to advance widi a firmness wluch reflects upon them the neatest credit. Twice the column which approach- ed me on my left, was rmralsed by the tro^ of general Ctr- ndl, 'those of generd Coffee, and a division of the Kentadcy miHtia, and twice they formed agpun and renewed tiw assault. At length, however, cut to pieces, they fled in confusion fioni tke^did, leaving it covered with their deacTand "youndefU !llie loss which the enemy sustained on this occasien*. cannot be estiroated at less titan 1500 in killed, wounded and (nrisouers. Upwards of three hundred have already been delivered over for Wri'4 > tnd my men are still engaged in picking them up within my l^nes and curryinff them to the point where the enemy are to receive them. This is m addition to the dead and wounded whoKi the en^my have been enabled to carrv from the field, during and since the action, and to those who nave $!nce died of tM wounds they received. Wc have taken about 500 prisoners, upwards of 300 of whom are wounded, and a great min of them mortolly. Mv less has not exceeded, and 1 believe has not amounted to, 10 kil> led and as many wounded* The entire destmct^n of tiieene- iny's army was now inevitable, had it not been for anisnft^nate occurrence which at this moment took place on the otiier side of the river. SimuItaneoUBly with his advance npbn myKnes,he had thrown over in his boats a considerate force to tin otirta' side of the river. T/ri^ having landed, were hardy efNmgli «i iivanee .f^' 4S7 tiffjUMi the workt of general Morgiii; and what is ttrange and difficult to account for, at the Tery moment when their «Dtire dia* comfiture was looked for with a confidence approaching to cer- taintj, the Kentucky reinforcements ingloriously fled, drawinc aiter them, by their example, the remainder of the forces ; ana thus yielding to the enemy tiuit most fortunate position. T\m batteries which had rendered me for many days, the most import- ant service, though bravely defended, were of course now aban- doned; not, however, until the guns had been spiked. This unfortunate route had totally chan^d the aspect of af- fairs. The enemy now occupied a position from which they might annoy us without hazard, and by means of which, they mig^t have been enabled to defeat, in a great measure, the effect of our success on this side the river. It became, therefore, an object of the first consequence to dislodge him as soon as possi- ' ble. For this object, all the means in my power, which I could with any safety use, were immediately put in preparation. Perhaps, however, it was somewhat owing to another cause that I succeeded beyond my expectations. In negotiating the terms of a temporary suspension of hostilities to enable the enemy to bury their dead and provide for their wounded, I had required certain propositions to oe acceded to as a basis ; among which, this was one : that although hostilities should cease on this side the river until 12 o'clock of this day, yet it was not to be understood that they should cease on the other side; but that no reinforcements should be sent across by either army witil the expiration of that day. His excellency major general Lambert b^;ed time to con^ sider of those propositions until 10 o'clock of to-day, and in the mean time re-crossed his troops. I need not tell you with how much eagerness I immediately regained possession of the position he had tiius hastiljr quitted. The enemy having concentrated his forces, may again attempt to drive me from my position by storm. Whenever he does, 1 have no doubt my men will act with their usual firmness, and sustain a character now become dear to them. I have the honour to be, &c. ANDREW JACKSON. Her. Secretary of War. .t*r HI **^ SIR, CABIP BELOW NEW ORLEANS, Jannaiy lOtb, 1815. I have the honour to make the following report of the killed, wounded, und prisoners, taken at the battie at Xarond's planta- tion, on tiie l^t bank (^ the Mississippi, on the night of we 3Sd December, 1814, seven miles below Mew Orleans. Killed— left on the field of battie^lOO Wounded—left on the field of t»attij6—S30 58 45S Priwnen ttkca— One vc^ti 2 UeuteBtiitt, 1 midakipMai'^ ^ non-commissioned officers and priyates, makinc a gqmia totiA of 400. 7 I have the honour to be, &c« A. P. HAYNB, In$pd, Otiu M^ fcneni Andrsw Jaekaon« ■ '!ir^^ HEAD Q0ABTEItS« CAMP, 4 MILES BELOW NEW OBLEAKSU January IStb, latS, SIR, At such a crisis, I conceive it mj duty to keep you coA« stantlj advised of my situation. On the 10th instant I forwarded you an account of the bold at- tempt made by the enemy, on the morning of the 8th, to take. rossession of my works by storm, and of the severe repulse which e met with. That i-eport having been sent by the mul which) crosses the lake, may possibly have miscarried; um- which reason, I think it the more necessary briefly to repeat the subtitance of it. ^ Early on the morning of the 8th, tiie enemy having been ac- tively employed the twp preceding days in making preparation^ for a storm, advanced in two strong columns on my right and left. They were received, however, with a firmness which it seems they tittle expected, and which defeated all their hopes. My men» undisturbed by their approach, which indeed they loiug; anxiously wished for, opened upon them a fire so deliberate and certain, as rendered their scaling ladders and fascines, as v/ell as their more direct implements of warfare; perfectly useless. For upwards of air4tour, it was continued with a briskness of which there have been but few instances, perhaps in any country. In justice to the enemy, it must be said, they withstood it aHlong as could be expected from the most determined bravery. At length, however, when all prospect of success became hopeless, they fled in' con- cision from the field, leaving it covered with their dead and wounded. Their loss was immense. I had at first computed it at 1500 ; but it is since ascertained to have been much greater. Upon information, which is believed to be correct, ceionel flaynes, tiie inspector general, reports it to be in total £600. His report I enclose you. My loss was* inconsiderable, being only sevens killed and six wounded. Such a disproportion in loss, when we consider the number and kind of troops engaged, must, I know» excite astonishment, and may not every where be fully credited ; yet I am perfectly sadsfied that the account is not exaggerated on the one part, nor underrated on iho^ther. The enemy having hastily critted a post which they had gained possession ot on the other side of tlie river, and we having im- mediately returned to it, both armies at present occupy their for- mer position*. Whether, after the severe losses he has sustained, ^e is preparii^ to return to his shippin|^ erto make still mightier 4&i JibHi to attain his first olgect, I do not pretend todeterttine. t becomes me to act as though the latter were his intention. "One thing, however, seems certain, that if he still calculates on effect- ing what he has hitherto been unable to accomplish, he mustex- C!ct c(msiderable reinforcements; as the force with which he nded must undoubtedly be diminished by at least SOOO. Be- aides the loss which he sustained on the night of the 23d ultimo, which is estimated at 400, he cannot have su&red less between that penod and the morning of the 18th instant than 3000 — having, within that time, been repulsed in two general attempts to driv« us from our position, and there having been continual cannonad- ing and skirmishing, during the whole of it. Yet jie is still abl« to show a very formidable force. There is little doubt that the commanding general, sir Edward Packenham, was killed in the action; of the 8th, and that major generals Keane and Gibbs were badly wounded. Whenever a more leisure moment shall occur, I will take the liberty to make and forward you a more circumstantial account of the several actions, and particularly that of the 8th ; in doing which my chief motive will be. to render justice to those brave men I have the honour to command, and who have so remarkably distinguished themselves. I have the honour to be, &c. ANDREW JACKSON. Hon. SecrtUiy of Wtr. * SIR, CAMP BELOW NEW ORLEANS, Januaiy 13th, 1815. I have the honour to make thefollowine report of the killed, wounddd and prisoners, taken at the batfle of Mac Prardie'e Slantation, on the left bank of the Miitsissippi, on the mornine of le Stii of January, 1815, and five mUes below the city of New Orleans. Killed, - - . . . • . 700 Wounded, - - - - - - 1,400 Prisoners taken— 1 major, <> captuns, 11 lieutenants, 1 en- •ign, 483 camp officers and privates, making a grand total of I have the honour to be, f^c, A. P. HAYNE, Inspector QeMrul )lR;wth sides of the river being con- stantly employed, till the ni^t, and indeed until the hour of their retreat, in annoying them. No doubt they thought it quite time to quit a position m which so littie re^t could be found. I am advised by nu^or Overton, who commands at fort S^. Philip* in alette: of the 18th, that the enemy having bombarded his fort for 8 er 9 days from 13 inch mortars without effect, had, on the morning of that day, retired. I have little doubt that he would have been able to have sunk their vessels had tiiey attenjpt- ed to run by. Giving tiie proper weight to all these considerations, I believe you will not tiunk me too sanguine in the belief diat Louinana ia now clear of its enemy. I tkope, however, I need not assure yoa* that wherever I command, such a belief shall never occasion any relaxation in the measures for resistance. I am but too sensible that the moment when the enemy is opposing us, is not the most proper Ui provide for tiiem. I have the honour to be« &c. ANDF^V^ JACKSON. The Secretary of War. P. 8. On the 18th our prisoners on shore were delivered us, an exchange having been previously agreed to. Those who are on board the Seet will be delivered at Petit Coquille-— afteir which \ shall still have in my hands an excels of several hundred. 461 20th-~ Mr. Shields, purser in the navy, has to-day taken 54 prisoners ; among them are four officers. At J< Report of the American loss in the several actions below jyew Orleans. December 23d, — killed 24 ; wounded 125; missing 74^-— Total ei3. December 28tb, — ^killed 7 ; wounded 8 ; missing none. — ^Total 1 5. J;inuary l»t, — Skilled 11 ; wounded 23 ; missing none. — ^Total 34. do. 8th,— do. 13 ; do. 30 ) do. 19.— Total 62. Recapitulation — ^killed 55 ; wounded 176; missing 93 — Grand total, 324. sm, NEW ORLEANS, January Srth, 1815. The enemy having retreated, as I had the honour to inform you by my letter of the 2Cth instant, I have the pleasins duty only of reporting to you, that during the late moft eventfuistrug- gle for the preservation of this important portion of the Unit«l States, I have received from all the officers whom I have thehon- cur to command, every aid and support which could possibly be rendered ; they have been exposed to extraordinary hardships, both by day and night, to all the changes of this unstable clime, in this inclement season of the year, performing the most ardu- ous duties on shore, out of the fine of^their profession, indepen- dent of their ordinary duties ; and all has been borne and -execu- ted with a cheerfulness and alacrity that reflects upon them the bluest credit ; and that the unwearied exertions of the small naval force on this station, from the first appearance of the ene-v^ my, has contributed, in a great degree, to his expulsion, is freely'^ ecKnowledeed by the gallant general commanding the land for-f ces, and wul be, I trust, by all Mrho have witnessed their endea- vours to effect tiie end, which has so happily and with so littie loss, been accomplished. It affords me great pleasure to haVe in all cases co-operated with the army, to the entire satisfaction of their commander. Captain Henley merits my acknowledgments for his unremit* ted attention to the execution of the various duties comr^iitted to him, particularly the superintendance of the erection or two bat* teries on the bayou St, John, and one opjiosite the city. His ^•• lant conduct on the ni^t of the 23d ultimo, as already detaii&d, (tlie fire from the Caroline proving, as I have since learned, truly destructive to the enemy, and producing disorder, and confusion in tlieir troops, giving to our army a manifest advantage) and for the able assistance I received from him when serving at the ma rine battery erected by me on the right bank of the river, where be remained till the departure of the enemy. I .*y :?1 4tt 11 To lietttentnt Lewis ^exis, commanding the navnl teiouil at this place, I am greatlj indebted for his inde&ligable exertions io furnish the various munitions, &c. which were constantly re- quired for the navj,< aritny, and militia, and which, were furnished with a promptitude and correctness that reflect upon him and those under his immediate command, as named in the accompany- ing cop}r of a letter from him, the oreatest credit— 4iis services and merit entitle him to the notice of the department. Great credit is also due to lieutenant Charles C* B. Thompson, for his great exertions in fitting his ship for service, with a creW> iibtained bv coercion from the streets of tiie cily, composed of all nations, (English excepted) two-thirds of whom could not speak or understand English, for the spirited fire suf^rted by his. ship on the. 28th ultimo, and his continued endeavours to annoy the enemy when they approached within the range of his guns. Us {trompt execution or my orders, particularly in landing the guns ^rom nisship, transporting them to m^ battery, and his attention in supplyinjs the battery with ammunition from his ship, in whose inagazine it was deposited. To. the accompanying; letter from hi^, I beg leave to refer for a detailed account of the merits of his officers, all of whom merit the encomiums passed on them. Lieutenant Otho Norris, acting lieutenant Crawley, Messrs. E. Watkins, and J. Felott, midshipmen, and William Living- ton, master's mate, who were stationed at the heavy cannon in general Jackson's lines, and named in the letter which accom- panies this, have, by their gallant conduct, reflected upon the na- vy pr&A c^redit, and warranted my highest approbation. Acting lieutenant Thomas S. Cnnninriiam, commanding gun vessel "No, 65, stationed at fort Saint Phuip, solicited and obtun- ed the command of two 32 pounders, which are mounted in the most exposed situation at that fort, bung outside the walls, which he manned witii his crew and rendered great service to the officer <^^ommandug at that post, during the heavy bombardment by the enemy from the 8th to the 17th instant. Mr. Thomas Shieids, purser of tiie station, and doctor Robert Morrell,jittached to the marine corps, (who volunteered his ser- vices in any way they could be useful) and who were sent by me with a flag of truce to the enemy on the 15th ultimo, supported with becoming dignity their- stations, and commanded from the enemy that respect which was due to them and their uissitm, during their detention by the enemy, prolonged beyond what I could have possibly expected, and have merited, m a special manner, my approDation. Of those officerSf^and Mr. Richard Deaky, saiKng master, whose gallant conduct during their subsequent successful expedition, (a detailed account of which jou will herewith re- ceive) reflects upon them the greatest credit, and merits the par- ticular notice of the department. Doctor Lewis Heerman, hospital surgeon, who, with my Sanc- ton, wliinteer^d Ua services to aid the hospital 8ui^;eon of th« 46^ anttjr in the farioM duUes d«Tolvine upon him, from tho number of •ur own sick, and the wounded of the enemj* is thereby, and from bis uniform attention to his professional duties, entiUed to my acknowledgments, as are all the officers of the medical department* For tiie particulars of his services, I refer you to the letter to him which Tott will herewith receive. Mr. John K. Sir.iui,u«vj agent, has, bj his unremitted attention to his departmeat, the promptitude wim which he has furnished articles mr both the navy and the army, and procuring me the funds that were necessary during this period of alarm and confu- sion, vnabled me to carry on my operations in conjunction with the army against the enemy, and contributed to that success witii which the ^rms of the United States have been crowned, and will receive my warmest thanks. His services rendered in camp will be seen by the enclosed copy of a letter from the commanding gener&I, of the 19th instant. To major Carmick, commanding the marine corps on tliis sta- tion, I am indebted for the promptness with which my reciuisitions on him have been complied with, and the strong desire he has always manifested to further, as far as was in nis power, my views. Mr. R. D. Shepherd, who very handsomely volunteered his ser- vices to me, and acted as my aid -de-camp, and rendered me very essential assistance by the uniform jH^mptitude with which he bore and executed my various orders, merits my warmest ac- knowledgments. Mr. J. B. Nevitt, of Natchez, formerly % lieutenant in the navy, who left his home and proffered to me his services, has ren- dered me important assistance from his practical knowledge, and which I acknowledge with much pleasure. My petty officers, seamen and marines, performed their duties to mj entire satisfaction. I bog leave, sir, to solicit a confirmation of their present rank, for the different officers named herein and iu the accompanying letters, actii^ by appointment, as also for acting lieutenants Spee- den and M'keever, and to recommend them ul as meriting, in a special rauuner, the notice of the department. I have the honour to be, &c« DANIEL T. PATTERSON. Hon. Secretaiy of the Navy. Bxtraet of a letter from general Jaekson to the Secretary of Wat, "HEAD QUABTERS rth MILITARY DISTRICT, •«New Orleans, February 17th 1815. " I have the honour to enclose you major Overton's report of the attack of Fort St. Philip, and of the manner in which it was ^fended. 1 * f! In ' i 464 flit "I ■ " The condoct of that officer and of those who acted uhder him, merits, I think, great praise. They nailed their own colors to tiie standard, and placed those of the enemy nndenieitii them, determined never to surrender the fort*" SIR, FORT St PHILIP, January 19th, 1815. On the 1st of the present month, I received the information that the enemj intendea passing this fort, to co-operate with their land forces, in the subjugation of Louisiana, and the destruction of New Orleans. To effect this with more facility, they were first with their heavy bomb vessels to bombard this place into com- plianee. On the grounds of this information, I turned my atten- tion to the security of my command. I erected small magazines in different parts of the ^;&rrJson, that if one blew up I could re- sort to another ; built covers for my men to secure them from the explosion of the shellR, and removed the combustible matter with- out the works. Early in the day of the 8th instant, I was advised of their approach, and on tiic 9Ui, at a quarter past 10 A. M. hove in sight two bomb vessels, one sloop, one brig and one schooner ; they anchored two and one quarter miles below. At half past 11 and at half past 12, they advanced two bargee apparently for the purpose of sounding wifliin one and a half miles of the fort ; at this moment, I ordered my water battery, under the command of lieutenant Cunningham, ot the navy, to open upon them : its well directed shot caused a precipitate retreat. At naif past 3 o'clock P. M. the enemy's bomb vessels opened their fire from four sea mortars, two of 13 inches, two of 10, and to my great mortifica- tion I found tliey were without the effective range of my shot, as many subsequent experiments proved ; they continued their fire with little intermission, during the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, l6th and 17th. I occasionalh opened my batteries on them with great vivacity, particularly when they showed a disposition td change their position. On the 17th. m the evening, our heavy mortar was said to be in readiness. I ordered that excellent officer, captain Wolston- crift, of the artillerists, who previously had charge of it, to open a fire, which was done with great effect, as the enemy from that motion became disordered, and at day light, on the 18th, com- menced their retreat, after having thrown upwards of a thousand heavy shells, oesides shells from howitzers, round shot and grape, whicn he discharged from boats under cover of the night. Our loss in this affair has been uncommonly small, owinc entire- ty to the great pains that were taken by the different officers to keep their men undercover; as the enemy left scarcely ten feet of this garrison untouched. The officers and soldiers through this whole affair, althoagii nine days and nights under arms in the different batteries, the >46S MUMqutBt f«tinift«B4 loM •f diecp, htre nuuitf^f ted tlwig^tt- •tt firmoess ura the nott sealwift warmth te regretted is that the enemy' was too timid to give us an opportunity of destroying bim* ^ . I JL herewitii enclose, you a liat of the lulled and wo|unded. I am, air, very respectfully, W.H. OVERTON. lli^or gfeD^Ml Jaekioa. Killed £ and wounded 7 during the bombardment on fort fit Philip, commencing on the 9th and ending on the 18^ la|i' nary, 1815. .V !., ADDRESS Of Major thneml Jatkaon on Ihe Wi f^ ^m^umry, I8I5, UtHh* troopi on the tight bank of'f he JRi^^^ While, by the blearing of heaven «' toe of the most brilliant are your feelings and it- -. ^n, nor enter into detail, on the aulnect. To all who reflect, it must be a aource of eternal regfet, that a few moments* exertion of that courage you certainfy possesf, w^a alone wanting, to have rendered^ your anccesa more complete than tiiat of your jfellowcitiziena^in this camp. To what cause %a» the abandonment of your linea owittt'^ Torfeari No! You '^'kte ^wripe oiT reproach, and show you will not be inferior, in the day of trial, to any of yonr ci rymen* But femeniber ! without obedience, without order, without dis- cipline, all your efforts are vain. The brave man, inattentive td his duty, is worth little more to his country than the coward who deserts her iii the hour of danger. Private opinions,^ as to ih6 competency of officers, must not be indulged, and ctiU less ex* pressed ; it is impossible that the measures of those who command should satisfy aU who are bound to obey; and one of the most dangerous faults in a soldier, is i dispfiisition to criticise and blame the orders and charactera of his superiors. Soldiers! I know ^at many of you have done yonr duty ; and I trust, in future, 1 g* all have no reason to make any exception. Officers ! I have the nest confidence that you will enforce obedience to your ccW nlands i but, above all, that by subordination hi your diffiBrent finides, you will set an example io yoni'men ; and mat, hereafter^ 1l^ army <^ the right will yield to none, in the essential qualitiei^ Which characterize ^oed soldiers ^—that they will earn their shar^ df Tiio'e honours and rewards, which their country will prepsire fix U:- aacied liberties : while grateful America, so lately wrapped up in anxious suspense, on tm fate of this important city, is re-ccheing l^m^idiore to shore your splendid achievements, and ^repariAig to inscribe your naroie jon ^^r immortal rolls, anumg ilioae oi ner Washin^onst while history, poetry, and the m<»iLmental arts, will vie in coasijning to the latest posterity, a ^um^h periiapS «fq»m11eley|.M|nefr records : while t^ius, raised, by universid ac- eUmatioB, 10 &e very pihnade of iainfe,how easy bid it been for #T d tonrce* whencA every merit ii ittthimf t6tgei,|ui4 ^0 AMume U return ip that f ulted tonrce, whence every , Bat better acquainted with the nature of true dory, and juitlj^ placing tlie summit of your ambiidon. in aj^provtng younelf the ,wia|rthy ipitrument of Heaven's merciful deitns, the first impulSA of your reliffiouB heart was to aclcnowledge fM iifwd interobil- Hm of promdenee-r-jow flrst step, a solemn display of yoltr Amii- Still a^tated at the remembrance of thosjB dreadful agpnieit from which we have been so miraculously rescued, it is our pride to acknowledge, that the Almighty has truly had the principal hand in our deliverance, ^' toToliow you, general, in attributing to his infinite j;oodne mace ol -our uiifelg^ed gratitude* Let the infatuated vot \ chance deride our credulous simplicity; let the cold ,ieist look for the explanation of important events, to i, v>ncatenation of human causes ; to us; the whole universe is loud in proclaimioga Supreme Ru- ler, who, as he holds ^e hearts of man in his hands, holds also the thread of all contingent occurrences. "Whatever be his intef* mediate agents,'' says an illustrious prelate, ** still on the secret orders of his all-ruhng providence, diepend the rise, and prosper^ ity.'aa well as the decline and downfal <^ empires. From hit l<»ty throne, he moves every scene below, now curbing, now let- ting, loo le,. the passions of men; now infunng his own wisdom into the leaders of nations ; now confounding^ their boasted pru« dence, and spreading upon their councils a sfMrit of intoxication ) and thus executing his uncontrollable judgmente on the sons of men, according to ue dictates of his own unerringjustice.*' To him therefore, ourmoGt fervent thanks are one, for our un- expected late rescue. It is him we intend to praise, when consi* dering you, general, as the man of hi»rii^nand» whom he has taken pains to fit out for the important commission of our defence. We extol that fecundity of genius, by which, under the most dis- coui^ng distress, you created unforeseen resources, raised, as it were, from the ground, hosts of intrepid warriors, and pro- vided every vulnerable r >int with ample means of defence. To Aim we tiace that instmctiye supenority df-mind, which at once rallied around your universal confidence; impressed one irresistible movement to all the jarring elements of which this political machine is composed ; aroused their slumbering spirits, and diffused tiirougfa evefj rank the noble ardour which gfowwl in your own bosom. To HiM, in fine, we address our acknowledg- Intfints for that conAumim'ate prudence, which defeated all ^e colnbinationei of a sankbieus enemy, entangled him in the venr «aftre§ which helUbilSre^ for us, and succeeded in eflfottiii^lwi utter destruciion, Witn^utexposiiu; the liyes of our citizens'. ' Ini- mortal thanks be to his ^opi'eme Ma|esty, for sending us such an iiistrttaie»t of his bountifhi designs! A gift of that yi^ue is (he iffrj . si» I PI) 1 1 ^ i>^^ ■H^, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) M ks ^ ^J^ V 1.0 1.1 Li 128 |?5 |jo ^^ IijH u DA 2.2 Itf l^^^^^i^^^i^^B VOWV^^^^^B^^^E ^^W^^^^^HB Fhotographic ScMioes Carporation aiWKT wnsTH MAMSTIMIT ,N,V. USM t72-4S<» c\ 4€i ' beit'loiam 6f the 'eMtiniiui€« othto jptoteetlBii-^ avHtioHi >'4^ •ncoungement tpsue for neWikvoan. The first wbich it em- boldens ufthnmbhr to BuppUoate, ss nearest our throUring heait«^ is tiiat y6u ihajr long enjoy the honour of jrocton«?* . , V,;.' mm - OENEIUIi JACKSON'S I^ I recmve,! wift^ |;ratitude and pleasure, the symboUqd crown« , ^ whidi inetT has prepaied. I recetve it in the name of the bravf» men who nave so ^lectnally eecoiidied my exeitions t ^ey, ipUk , deserve the laurels iriiidi their cooiitry will bestow. Vor. myself • to hMre been instrnmentil va. thejieliveranee of such a countryt .^j^ is the greatest blessinc that Heaven could cenfer. That it faas V beoi caected .with so little loss-nthat so few should clouiji toe •mites of ourtriumph* and not a cypress lei^be interwoven in the wreatii which you present, ia a source of the m"'-•' '^(^^•n.-v^rq- :f, .•♦(jr^:.-- ■;,.;»..■ y^. ;■-:;. .:., :■<„>•?:.., I thank yon, r e vfrea d sir* meit wcerely, fortfaepnjen w)ikl|^.^ you ofer up for my happiaess. May those your jpatnotism, di^-r tates, for our beloved country* belirBt heai4> anamay mine Imt your individual prosperity, as well as timt of.the.congregawip committed to yew care, be &vourably received— 4he prosperity* wealth, and happiness of this city, wilt then be comi^ensurate wHihtim cennge asdother qualities of its lahabitants. .-, iSiV Wt'ijSStf SIR, |IEW OBLftAN^ ICaivh 30th, mS, I have the hoiM^r, fgreeabbr toyottrreguef^tp •tete.jto yoiff exoeUency, in writing, the subetance ojf a ,convejgwfi^ that oc- cuned between quarter ina^r I'errieorjhe.Bntlfh fimy, a&d myself, en the Uth instant, onboard Jof $nta^i|lfi iiMttesty's 'ihlP K(eral4 Quarter mMter Peine observed, that ^e coinnumdii^ dQlcer»^«f the British fbrceswere daily in the recmpt of evif^ information from New Orleans, which tiiey might require, in aijl <^ their operations, for the completion, m idie otjecfs df the ex- . pedUioB ; that they were perfeotiy aeqiMupted with the situatioB of evmry part of our forces* the maiuier in wlueli tiie |«me m situatea* the number of our fqrt^katloiit, their sttreDgth/ppsitioii* luv As to the. battery on the left b^k of the MiMiss)pj^, he described its situation, its distance from the mam pos^ aiiff 4«» wniMj ntkniiOMM plu «r the irorks. He lortiienittre iti^* that me ebote bforaiauon wu received from seven or eij^tpet- aoQ9 in the citj of New Orleana« fnxa whom he conl9, at an;^ hcui', procure ^veiy information neceMary to promote Ms roi^sty^ interest * * I have the honour to be, &c.- CHARLES K. BLANCHARD. jovh 30th, l^tS, GENERAL JACKSON'S Farewett addmt to kb armjfi The major cenondia at length enabled to perform the pleasing task of restomcto fennessee, Kentockj, Louisiana, and the territor J of the Mississippi, the brave troops who have acted oneli a distingniyhed part' in the war which haa Just terannated. In restoring these brave men to their homes, much exertion ia expect' ed of, andcreat reeponiibiiltj imposed on, the commanding oflMeim of the diflerettt coi|w. It is reqnir^ of majtiietr iespeetive states. Hm , trocns from ^e MiseiisitojM tMrrnorr and itate of Louisiana, both milraa and volunteo^ wul be immeoiateljr nmstered otttofseprioc^i(H» paid^and dncharged* The nuuor general has the satis&ction of announcing the appro* . bation of tiieiPresident of the United States to the conduct of thtt troims under his command^ eaqtressedrln tattering terms, tiin»|^^«t tiie nonoerabte the Secretory MWaA . fh pttrttnt with those Iwa i e me n, l i lw si j destiniea have been ao long united with his own, and ia' wfaoae labors and gloriea it is hb happintM'lRMl Jus boast to ' hkve participated, the cOmmandirig general can neither sttpmresalrii fo^^toor^e utteraneelar tiiem as he oog^t. In wnat termt ean m bestow suitable praise en n|ei;it so oxtraordinary, so unparalleled? Let him, in one burst of jojr, latitude, a^d exHteion, exclaim, ** These are Uio aavioiurs of tiimr count^ ; these the patriot soldiersi who trinmph'* ed over the invindUes of WiAlington, aid conquered the con* qufrors of Rttrcpel** Witii what patience did you sulmnttr * priTttionia^^#ilil what' fortitude did yon endure fatigu»— what valW did yon ^splay inithe day of battle ! You have secured to America a prona name among tiie nations of ^ eartiif i^ glory which will never ptoish. Possessinff those dii^lo^tfiNis which equally adorn the cidzen and the solmer, the expectatilMis of your country will be met in K\ee; is her iMshek have bein gratified in war. 60, then, my fe companions, to yOnr homes; to those tender connexions, * and blisifal sceilee* whi^f«ttder life so dear-^ult of honoar,'and GMgrved with ianinln thai H^ never fade When participatini^ It m \mi 'I'fi i> "■ » t :. . in tlM b^MOw «C ^wHrfaniMMr the «Ri^9m^j^ i|Mfitr^m» with whathapptTieM will mi^lopkb^^f^t^^ vojiliayebpirqeTr to the aannni yov ii tinationtt to preienre thftt atthonuna^Qn, mi^ ^yji^fi^ fgij^^ i f^T deportment, which have so annobled your <£aractor. . ''" ^ : WhiU) the commanding generalia. thus ^jhringindttl^^ feeling tewatdathoie wave companions, who acc«mpanied (gjuUtyNUhe ifedttced witii Hm jsednfiftrs. T^nmrds yen^iellow^siQldNrBjtfie mosicheeringrecdlecti^s exist, Uended^ alas! with i«giet» %Miatoaae and war ehotti*^ ^lure ra- vishedfromnas»many»^Wnittiy Gompaniens. Bnt-^ KMjof thacanaeinswhiehitheypdrishedf^aiMj^idw virtoeawK >. ^mma- ted tlwm.wlulesli!ring» nmatiOGti»T«the pfaub wfaeneiaoRtim would elunrto'dwell. ' . .^■•^ ^J •!>?"* v -[^.^ i fanwell, fiAlnwaoldieiftt The flnc|M«SBi%.^' * i.A k -. «f W^UItt 'Viemk-^ fyOWtSKH^JlL Janu&iy lldi, 1815. Qoqf aCidiial ihe Ibibt Sixleaft of the enemy'a bargee ^^" aiie hata pasted la Pvngiiiesa and have landed.. .1 ' «, f '' f^ It 1 f K J. mm m U Ma fiw«* 'V-te alwiit KOh* hnndrid idUli m^ M^^ Hifir fleet it now betting dlan^ r (ab^80men,Ti9emenand in|bnti7»),tiiHnredlMit A«omptete' eover for nflemeit(in » i|dc|^ Uv# oil| giw %» right and left; th« evening previous (at a late MM^ T 4ii NHttljr 13Ab 1815. ei^tlsed tont 1i^ trees to be fallen and 'placed aorou 4>» deftly in aevend places, with a view to obstrnct his passage asmnclkatf posfiible. As we entered the defile Afone end* the enemj did-so il^, oT the 4Sd infantry, riflemen, to advance and gain the tiiicket on the enemj's left ; Ht the Mune time 14t lieutenant Hariee, of the 1st riffe r^ment, with another detachment of riflemen, was ordered to take pouiin the ticket on flieir right, and to be in readiness to puw the thicket in the enemy's rear:tiliis order was promptly obeyed^ Captain Tattnall, of tine 43 infantry, who was with me with the re- mainder (infantry) was ordered to advance inclose column and paSs the defile. At this moment the enemy's bugle sounded, when a brisk fire commenced on both sides, the riflemen on the right and left keeping a deadly fire on the eneuy, who was in close coluntfi } we had already passed the defile some distance, and the enemy had {niven way twice, when captain Tatnall, who stood nc«r me« received a severe wound which oblu;ed him to retire. This pro- ducted a momentary pause, when the enemy, beine encouraged, ^ssed forward, but was received with unequalled firmness by the infantry and riflemen with me. By the absence of captain Tatnall, his platoon became in charge of a Serjeant (Benson^ from whom I received unexampled suppon. But alas ! our eflbrts were unavailing, the number of the enemy too imposing, a thousand to eighty was too much odds : and finding it im^ssible to mamtiiil my position, and believing the battery to be in Ihe hands of tiie enemy, (as three signal guns had been fired) it was with rduet- tance J ordered a retreat, and which I am happy to state was effected in good order. We took the path to Mrs. Qordon*s plantation on the North River, at which point I had (in the event of my not being able to maintain myself in my position or pass by mi^or King's,) preti" ottsly secured (i laige boat i but this was by some one taken away^ I had then but one resource left to pass the North River (at mu- ler's Bluff) in a paddling canoe ; upon which orders were sent to ciptaiiTStalfings to retreat to me, which he promptly obeyed ; tiie enemy following close in his rear. I have nevertheless tiie plea- sure to state we effected the retreat without the loss of A msn. WlUle I lament the necessity of inforniln|^ you of the loss of tiie battery it Point Petre, I console myself wiui the consciousness of haidns done my best for its preservation, and of being peculi- arly fortunate in making good'a retreat by many considerad im- practicable. The enemy's loss most hate be«D considerable. The defiltf Was covered with Mobd. It is reported an officer of distinctioni Wearing a pair of gold epaulets, was among their slain. Our less iru very inconsi^rable, as will appear by the report annexed to ■* ■ ■ ii . $0 iii .^*f tbia ; ui4 I have .r«Mi^ if^ hfff» tkat some of our n^ who Wi|ni ,fp«]id no^ 4^ Mstice i^ the gentlemen I had the hqnoar tQ f(«l(p^«pH, l^ted^ leader in along and evfRtfiir war— attacked ^pircamp the m<'f^<'>'*t toejr had) pro&ned the ami pf torn ¥n|m t]if>ir nps^lp^t^ead, apd infiicted a bipir which fas a,pn^pd^ ^ t|ie Anal respli of their attempt to copquer, or their i;^ contfivancf s tp divide us* A few ho\^^ was sufficient to ^nlto. t}ii| |^I4f^t bpnd, though at the mqin(|nt they received the f^efcppV ft*^^' ^ ''^^^*,^,*^ were separated many li^esin M»ept ditectiona frjdijpi tiie wy. #nie gay ram^ity pf i^mg^^ up cheerful countenances of the oflkcers and men, V!?ppid have ^tfcied a belief that spi^p festive entertainmept^ imi l^e atfife of battle, was the pitjiect ^ which ti^yha^tenpdVthiiH^ i9i|<^ ^' l^ivi^' apd hilariiv. 1^ Ht^t conflict ^ai ensued, ifie avne ij0^% mi snppprte^, and my communicatilpns tp the execut£?;p oC^f voitaa States have testified the sense 1 haitt entertuned o^ the *?. JBSMi ncriti qIT mfe c^ynb litila officcra fliiA ^iji'e InMigi^. Kamoxoii the Held of battle, they retired hi peif(6ct orde?d& the hnt'tedrtf- Ing to theie liiiei, denihed to bN^come th6 fcene of futnM Vldto- riet, which tliej were to shari with the r^st of j&i, mr Wc¥% compAiiions in arms. Scarcely were your lines k pi^tecidon isiMt toniket shot, when, on the 2Sth. a mabositidn was made to ittaok thtm with all the pomp and parade or military tactics, ts fmprd Ms scaHi^g l4di!ler8 and fascraes, aim the thk^teued attack dwindled into ^ itmohitraHon, which served only to show fte emptiness of h!i pv«dek and to inspire you with ii Just c^fidehce in jourinelve*. llie neilr year was ushered in nidth the mkost tSremenddliB fiiie lib HrhdU millehr could prodnce ; is few hours 6nly, hoWeVei*, #iei« neceisury for the brave and skilfnl iheti who dit^ctM our •#n, to dismount his cinnoh, diei^jr his batteries, And etRbthrtiV siltece Kis fite. Hitherto, mV brkvie fHends, in the cbntestA en our lines, your courage had be^n jAtssiiVe obly ; y^ stood With clodnes^, k fiiPe thst Would have tried the firmnels of a vc^t^^. ^d ydn anticipated » hearer contest widi an eagemesiwhidi ilris soon to be gratified. Oil tfaie li^ of lahuSry, t)i6 final effort wiu ihlide. At tiie v ^^^ of day th^ hittteries opened, and th^ cblumh^ idvihced. Knoiri % H^t the vol^t^ers ftota Tennessee ah^ tfi^ likilitik fr6m KehtiSrcky ihn stati6M ^ your left, it i^as thtre they directed their idbf «1 «ttac|E. ' R^asMigll^wayS from false principle, thty te^liteted i6<^bpp- ilfjon IBolnlneh whiMe officers eveta #ere not tn tlikilbirin, #Ro were i|faoiiiit of the rtiles and dress, knd Whbhad hlhrer bMn Htkfi into lKsclplin«-4htal iteistiike \ a fire incessantly keiit iih, diluted Wik calibness and #ith Unerring aim, strewed the ftkfd «rith MteNhrestdfficerskhd Men of the enlamn#h(ck slbwlyifi. vknded, «6eu fhave made, and the success with which they have been crowned by heaven. These important results have been effected by the united cou- ,irage and perseven^ice of the arm j; which the diflferent corps, as well as the individuals that compose it, have vied with each other in their exertions to |Nroduce, Hie share they have ^o pectively bad will bepointed out in the general order Accompanijr- .ixig this address. But the sratitude, the admiration M thdr . country, . oljRers a fairer rewarcT than that which any praise of the mnerai can bestow, and the best ia that of which they can never pe deprived, the consciousness of havbg done their datj, aatd 9S meriting the applause thej^ will receive. 47f .* Md canister mowed dowa 7 pradpiutelj ith a few nsh ranee into the ydiapoMOised, the enemj of ^Ued, another mveit of their wounded and ed onljr bj the wii disabled by xampUd emt u directed Ae e covered with iottntrjr, '.. t, their spirits vhole attention This they have r, and manjr of es of this short Hienrideof lis leaders kil- i* hisezpecta- rj changed in- itacknowledg- I he had doom- d state, tction crushed, mquest, jrour rom intiU and t»andperiiapi >d savage war, the efforts jijbu been crowned le united cou- iiferent coips, iod with each lej have )t^< raccompanj- ition of^thdr praise of the BJ can never 'dBtjr.andtf GENERAL ORDERS. HEAD QUARTERS, 7th MLITAIIT DI8TIICT, ' Camp bcfbre New OrteMuy A4j> Genonl'a OAoe, Januuy 91ft, 1811. Before the camp at these memorable lines shall be broken up, the general thinks it a dutv to the brave armyirhicb has defended them, publid J to notice tne conduct of the different corps which compose it The behaviour of the rvular troops, consisting of piarts of the 7th and 44th regiments ofinfantrj, and the corps of marines, all commanded by colonel Ross, has been such as to merit his warm arorobation. The 7th regiment was led bv mn|or Peyre, and the 44th by captain Baker, in the action of the add, in a manner that does those officers the highest honour. They have continued throu^ the campai^ to do their duty with the same zeal and ability with which it was commenced. On that .occasion the countiy lost a valuable officer in the death of Uente- nant McClellan, of the 7th infanter, who fell while bravely lead- ing his- company. Lieutenant Dupuy, of the 44th, although severely wounded in this action, retumcMi in Ume to take a shwt in idl tne subsequent attacks. To the Tennessee mounted gun men, to their gallant leader, brigadier Reneral Coffee, the general presents his warmest thanks, not only ror their uniformly good conduct in action, but for the wondenul patience with which they have borne the fatiffue, and the perseverance with which they surmounted the difficiHties of a 'most painful march, in order to meet the enemy->-« dil^nce and zeal to which we probably owe the salvation of the countnr. Ordinary activity would have bron^^t them too late, to act tne brilliant part they have performed in the defeat ef our invaders. All the officers of that coips have distinguished themselvea4 but the general cannot avoid mentionin|[ the name of lieutenant colo- nel Lauderdale, who fell on the night ef the 23d, and those of colonels Dyer, Gibson, and Elliott who were wounded, but disdaining personal considerations, remained firm to their duty. The cavalry from the Mississipin territory, under their enter- prising leader, miyor Hinds, was always ready to .perform every service, which the nature of the country enabled them to execute. The daxuig manner in which they reconnoitred the ^nemy on his lines, excited the admiration of one army and the astonishment of the other. Miyor general Carroll, commanding the detachment of West f «[|nessee militia, has shown the greatest zeal for tiie servicoj a strict attention to diity, and an ability and courage that will . always recommend him to the gratitude of his country. His troops have} since the lines were formed, occufned and defended toe weakest part of them, and bctme, without a roormnr, an encamp- ment on a marshy and unhealthy joil* In the memorable ac^n of the Qth of Januaiy, the chief effort of ^e enemy was dijpected Isgainst them, but their >slor, and thatof tiie brave men who sup* «t iM^ ' Hi. ll; If: 471 K tried them (generti Cotbeli brigidt on 4m left, tnd a put of e KentttokjT troope on the right,) toon nede it clear that a rampart of high-minded men ia a Mtter defence than the most reiular fortification. General Adair, who, owing to the indiipotition of general Th colored troope. Bf idor Planche*s battalion of volunteers, tlio«|^ deprived of the valuable services of miyor Carniac, who commanded them, bv a wound which that officer received in the atUck of the SStli of December, have realized all the anticipations which the general had formed of their conduct. Midor Planche and mi^or St. Jame, of that corpe, have distinguishea themselves bjr their activitv, their courue, aud their zeal ; and the whole corps have greatly contribtttea to enable the general to redeem the pledge he gave, when at the opening of the campaign he promised the country not only safety, but a splendid triumph over its insolent invaders, llie two corps of colored volunteers, have not disappointed 4khe hopes that were formed of their courase and perseverance in the performance of their duty. Miyors Lacnete and Daquin, who commanded them, have deserved well of their country. Captain Savary^s conduct hat been noticed in the account rendered of the battle of the 2Sd ; and that officer haa since continued to merit the highesipraise. Captain Beale's company of th&citj riflemen haa sustained, by its subsequent conduct, the reputation it ac(|uired in the action of the £$d. Colonel de la Ronde, of the Louisiana militia, has been extremely serviceable by his exertions, and haa shown great courage, and an uniform attachment to the^cause of the Gountnr. Oicneral Humbert, who offered his services as i| iteer, haa continually exposed himself to tlie greatest dangers, his characteristiG Bravery^ aa has also the Mexican field hal don Juan de Anayer, who acted in the savie capacity* le general acknowledges the important assistance he hasreceiv-' ed from ootaimodore Patterson, as well by his professional exer- tion, as the zealous co-operatiion of his department during the whole course of the campai^. Captain Henley, on board the Ca- roline, and afterwfrds in directing the erection of several batte- ries at the Bayou and on the rig^t bank of the river, was of great utility to the army. Lieutenant Alexis, of the navy, stationed in the navy arsenal, was indefatinble in exertions to forward to the army ever^ thing which could facilitate its operations-^is zeal and activity deserve the notice of ^vemment. Major Nicks, who by an accidental wound waa depnved of ^e pleasure of com- i^anding the rth redmljMit during the campaign, waa coutinuaUy eniployed in the fori, and furnished the ammunition and the artil- lery thft vyaa wanted, with the greatest activity and promptitude. To the voluntf^ers of the Mississippi territwy, and to the militia of the remoter parts of this state, M(ho have arrived since the de^ cbiye SiCtion or the 8th, the general tenden his thanks, and is convinced that notidng but opportunity was wanting to entitle i ii /,' ■x-i? t #-. m 4^ I 5! 'UU *•, them to the praises that have been merited bj the rest of th^ &r« my. Captttn CI|Kdeii!8 trOoip mf fcoipe vas peculiarltuieliil bj their local knowledse of the grouj^d o^ w^blph^the^ ijkctea } and the small detachment of the Attacapas dragoons, stationed near h<2ad quar^ ters, were indefatigable in performvpig all the duties which de* Voli^ohthem. > The general would not do justice to^ his staff, if he did not bestow dese^ed praise^on ,tbe adjutant genend, colonel Butler, aind 4)is assistant, majoi" Chotard,, for the :^eal and activity in thft imporknt department of service confided to them, and for the J^vetj which led them^ wherever danger or duty required their presence. The vigilance, courage and attention to duty exjiiblicd during tlie campai^, by coloHDei Haynes, and his two assistants, majors Davis and Hampton, have been appreciated as they de- served to be by their general. V Tlie general's aids-de-camp, Thomas L. Butierand captain Joltti Reid, as well as his volunteer aids, Messrs. Livin^toii* Duncan, Grymes, Dupessis, and major Daverac de Castera, th^ judge advocate, have mented thethanks of the general by the calm and deliberate courage they have displayed on every occa- sion, tod in ever^ situation that called it forth. The topograph!- cal enfiineer,ima{or Tatumi exhibited all the ardor of youth in the hdur of P^ril, united to the experience acquired by his long ser- vices. The chief enf^eer, major Lacarriere de la Tour, has been useful to the army b^ hjis talents^ and bravery. The same praises are due to his assistants, captain Lewis Livingston uid Mr. Latrtrifee. The medical staffhas merited well of the country, and the general would not do justice to his own feelinffs, were he |(i withhold from doctor Rer, hospitdl sui^geon, who volunteer 8«rrices, and doctor Flood, the just tribute of appUuse 4ei by them for their medical skill and personal iM^very. l^e _^ ter master's deM^rtment, though deprived of the personal ea tions of colonel ^att, who was wounded in the nig^t liction of the SSd, performed well all their duties. Macjor general Vitlere^nd brigaoier generid Moi^n* have merited the approbation of the general by their unwearied; attention since tiiey took the field* ; The large mortar wa& ably directed by captain Lefebre and by Mr, Gilbert. Captain Bi^Qjchard was verv useful las an enj^- neer, and merits tiie KeneriUl^s praise for the celerity and skill with which he erected tiie Mtenr which now command the river, on the right of tive camp. Mr* Busquet and Mr. Duco'n, of major St Gen^s company, displayed gi-eat knowledge and dexterity as artillerists. To the vhole army, the (i^iferal presents the aiiur- ftnce of hie official approbation and of his individual regard. This splendid cftmpaign will be considered as entitiing every man who has tervtd in it to the salutation of his brother in arms. By command, ROBERT BUTLER, 4i^'. Gen. f Ka m p. B. M. SHIP BNDI^ON, 4T «BA, iMMUy iW^ VUi. 7!}» pmh\ duty of d«tai)iiig t<^ yott ^t pi^tdir eiine which preceded-atid W tu the cM>iure min* bulk head to the main-mast. From the crippled state of the Pre- sident's spars, I feel satisfied she could not have saved her masts, and I feel serious apprehensions for tiie safety of our wounded left on board. It is due to captain Hope to state, that every attention has been edd by him to myself and officers that have been placed on board ■ s ship, that delicacy and humanity could dictate. I Have the honour to be, &c. STEPHEN DECAtUR. Htm. B. ^. CrownimtueU, SccrctMy of the Navy. The correct account of the loss on board the President as af- terwards ascertained, was 25 killed, and 60 wounded. This vessel having been taken to Bermuda, was there repaired and sent to England. • II ■ 'm M m t: \ +1 If I.OSS OF FORT BOWYER. SIR, IfOBILB, Februuy 17tb, 1815^ It becomes my duty to communicate to you the very unplea^' sant news of the loss of fort Bowyer. R^nras clolely invested by and, as well u water, tn the Stit instant. On the lOtii and Ilth,T 1 «<«:- 'MM''-. .'.nTSJiy^fli^rj it it- Jl| paiMdf i iMgimm &rW fM Uf Mtb I^^W t&^limi tfre M^j fita 6lt ott«ct I but it tfrt^ed' ilkttt i4 h^Mfi <^ IiiM, «lta>tt|^ time mi6vA to cMpAlM otttf ckptttlwdi bj the enemjt^ barges nfl«vthirlMN)|^hadtanded. iS , i V * 1 u •I* VOST BOWyBm.r«bruMf 19tfa,.M15. SIR. tfniperfonw t/ittia&tf hid ccittpdled iM to enter iAt» Articles of eapttatatiiiHii irith major cellend: Lambert^ oomniattding ht» Britannic nuyest^ fortes itt nrentof fort Bofrfer,«cio|iy of which I fonMOd ytttt for the^ purposiB'of eirectin| an immediate exchange d priieners. Nbdiiiig Nt the want of provinons, and finding myself completelj sorrounded bj thousands; bjctterteft; erected on the sand, mounds which completely commanded the fort— and tfa» enemy having advanced, by r^;ular ^>^maches, within thirty yards ot the ditehes, and tiie utter impcMsibility of getting, any issistsiiooe w sup|ilies, would K^ve induced me to adopt this mea- sure. Feeling confident, and it beiiLsthe unanimous (pinion of the (^cers, tMt we could not retain the post, and tiiat the lives of many valuable officers and soldUers* would have bera uselessly sa- criftoed, I thought it most desirable, tp adopt this plan. A foil •nd correct statement wUl be forttiHiied yoU at early is possible. Captain Chamberlain, who beurs this to E. livingitbn, esquire, will relate to Inm every particular, which will I hope be satis- foctory* IiM,WitlireMecf.«le. ■ W. LAWKSNet. that the low iMMMMiM of Uoiieni; Abwxi rgei; M^ l^y. tittwfiX shMB Ititoii. tiiv •m hero 4t9tf nbebn atfort • ic. men». itadudiDg ietkchknont wat eaemj!^ baifiei J. W. I*3rl3tli,.l815. tttrhlt»ftticles Mbalaildiiig hi» ,»tio|i9>ofwHidi ediate okchange tnt, and finding KtlMtoa- tttcttn d the forfc— and M,' within thii>tj of getting, an J adopt this mea- moot minion of that the lives of en useleMlj aa- apian. A full irljaiposfible, Dgatbn, eaqvire, hope be aatis- .AWMBNet. 0» • AlOteLES' OT* CAlPlfrUlATION Agned upon between lieutenant colonel llawrence and miJMr Snenii tiainbert„/of the watrdna^oi fort fiowyer, on the Mo* l^PoiAt, Uth of iTebruapj, t3t5, I. that the' fiMPt shall be Mtnrtndered to the arms of his Bri- tannie Uiajeat^ in its existing state as to tlie works, ordnance, aiBiniuiition,- and every species of military stoves. 9> ThaA- the mrrisbn shall ber cpnsidered as prisoners of war, the traopi marchiBf^ out witb their cdlofs nving and drums beat* ingi; and g^Ntand their arma on' tlie glacis^the officers retaining their sworas, and th» whole to>f»mb^ in su^ ships as the British namd^ commander in ehiefshalV iqppoint. 5« All private pn^ty tn^ be rnpected. , 4^ That a communication shall be made immediately of the •ame to the commanding <^ficer of the7th military district of tiie tTnit^sd States, umI every endisavoup made to etifect an early ex- chang^of prisoners.- 5. That the garrison of the tTnted States remain ,in the fort untiVlS^ o'clock to-morrow, a British guard being put in posses* s^en ef the inner gate at S o*clook to-daj,, and the ^ritidli fl^; be hoiBte4-aA the same time ; aneffioerof each service remaining at the headquairteraof each comnumder until the fulfilment of tK^ artkles. H. O. SMlTIt,nM^*or and mUUary ieerOary. Agreed' otfthe part of the royd navy. T. H. mCRSTS, captain H.M,8kfp Vengeni. R. CHAMJkFltiLAIN, 2(1 r«ff. tr. £r. iit/antfy. W. LAWRgSNCF, Xe. Ott. iJ infantry eam^. Approved, ALEXANDER COCHRANE, C4teiltia7(Mr.CnNrftrd)and suiti atli'Oriettt, we proceed- etf <« thetriiit^ which llad heeil directs by the departtttot, and #. « P'.^ nv '"9 F« 4B9 • , after capturing SO yeuels Ul list of thenamas md other Mkiiculana of whicul have the honour TO aiiclo8e)baiiu; in latitude 5£ 15north, longitude 5 50 west, on the Hj^Aumat, 1818, we discovered at 4 o'clock A. M. a lai^ brig of w^annding down under a preaa of aail upon our weather auarter, the wind being at aoutii, and the Argus close hauled on the staiboard tack, we immediatelj prepar- ed to receive her ; and at 4 30» being unable to gat tike weather gage, we shortened sul and gave her an opportunity of dosing. At 6, the brig having displayed Enalidi coloui^, wis hoiated our flt^, wore round, and gave ner the larboard broadside (being at this time within grape distance,) which' Was returned, ana the ac- tion commenced witnin the range of musketi^. At 6 4, captain Allen was wounded, and the enemj shot awar our main bncea* main spring vUf, gaff, and trisail mast At o 8, captain Allen, being much exhausted bj the loss of blood, was taken below. At 6 Id, lost our spritsail yard, and the principal part of the standing rising on the larboard side of the foremast At this time, I re- ceiveda wound on the head from a grape-shot, which, for a time« rendered me incapable of attending to outjr, and was carried be- low. I had, however, the satisfaction of recollecUng on my reeo* very, that nothing; which the most snllant exertions could effect, would be left undone by lieutenant William H. Allen, junior, who Bttcceeded to the command of the deck. Lieutenant AUen reports, at 6 14, the enemjr, beins on our weather quarter, edged off for the purpose (^getting under our stem; but the Argus luffed close to, with tiie maiotopsail alNu^k, and nving him a nSung broadside, frustrated his attempt. At 6 18, the enemy sjiot away our pre- venter, mainbraces, and maintopsail tye ; and tiie Argus having lost the use of her after sails, fell off before the wintH when the enemy succeeded in passing our stem, and ranged up on the star- board side. At 6 S5, the wheel ropes and rigging of every des- cription being shot away, the Amu* became unmanageable; and the enemy, not having sustaineaany apparent damage, had it completeQr in his power to choose a position, continued to play upon our starboard quarter, occasionally shifting his situation until 6 SO, when I retumed to the deck ; the enemy being under our stern, within pistol shot, where he continued to rake us until 6 38, when we prepared to board, but in consequence of our shat- tered condition, were unable to effect it. . The enemy then passed our broadside, and took a position on our starboard bow. From this time until 6 47, we were exmiscd to a cross or raking fire, without being able to oppose but littie more than musketry to the broadside of the enemy, ourgCns being much disabled and seldom brought to bear. The Arfgns, having now suffered much in hull and rimng, u alto in kUlfd and wounded, among the former of whom (exclusive ci our i^Unt caj^n,) we have to lament the loss of two meritoriipva youni; iKfllcers m midshipmen Delphy and Edwards; and bong ex|MiMd ti» a galling fire, which, from tiie enemy'a abUitf to nan* rhis VesseC we could not avoid, I deemed it necesiary to aur* # y^k 487 render, and wai taken poNesiion of b^ his Britannic miyeity*s •loop Pelican, of twenty-one carriage guns, ▼!%: sixteen S2 pound carronades, four long sixes, and one IS pound carronade. I hope this measure will meet your approbation, and that the result of this action, when the superior size and metal of our opponent, and the fatigue which the crew, &c. of the Argus underwent, from a ▼ery rapid succession of captures, is considered, will not be tiiought ^worthy the flag under which we serre. I have the honour to inclose a list of killed and wounded, and feel great satisfaction in reporting tiie general good conduct of the men and officers ennged on this^occasion, and particularly the zeal and activity displayed by lieutenant Allen, who, you will observe, for a time commanded on deck. I have the honour to be, &c. W. H. WATSON. Late first Lt. U, 8. brig JirguM, Hon. B. W. Cnrnidnluekl, &e. Rilled, 6->died of their wounds, 5 — ^wounded, 12. *J' ■# 'Wi SIR, NEW OBLBANS, Httch 17th, Iftll Inclosed I hay#the honour to transmit for your informatioit s copy of a letter fromlieutenantThomas Ap Catesby Jonea» ^ving a detailed account of the actioft between the gun vessels under. Ma c uy ap the iikee, and at ^the tune Aiirw idninl j«e %o ,Hp|)^r(«QiM7 of i;etoeatiDgto the P«tite<;a(|iiiUee If iMQWMij. ▲t to A. M. on the ISih^ I .<^iscov«rad A Jmbb %till» i>f.)wies Jhad lefttl^ 4eet« (nhaping their oovnetopwtkvve raii? Chi»«Uwi) ivhich I eiippoged ia be a 4liieiiibad(fition eC itniope ipie«iidi|ig ti) Uiod at th»t place. About S P^ M. the enemf 9 AotfiU iba,vji|kg gi^jned the Pass Christian, aiU i«iitAiM«fl|r tijieU' qottrae ^ the ^ipeitWard, convince jne that ao Attadkion mt giw iHiKtf wijtn their ^cMgn* At this time the jraf^r in Hie lakes WM vVQ^ppvnlf low» owing to the we^tevlj wind which had prevaiUMl for|i|iwwhe)' of davj) previous, and w^ichatill continued froQi the same qvfir- ter. x^os. 156, 16S, and 163, althou^ in the best fihflnneU vnre in 12 or 18 inches less water than their draught ' Every elTprl was made to get tiiem afloat by throwiiu^ overboard all the article» el wei^t that could he dispensed with. At 3 30, the flood ^e had commenced ; got under weigh making the btst of ro j #|{|r towards the Petite Cpq^i^e. At 3 45, tM eu^m;^ despaj^neu ^ree boats to cut out uie schooner dea-Horsie, wmch hau be|i) sent into the bay St. Louis that rooming to assist in the removal of the public stores, whidi J h«d|>reviously ordered. Th^re find- ing a removal impracticable, I ordered preparations to be ja^c for their destruction, lest the/ should fail it^ the eneipy'p hands. A lew dischar^ of crape shot from the iJea-Hprse coiupe^Ied^ thrae boats, whidi had attacked ber» to rej^re oqt of the reach of her guns, until they werie joined by four Pljiers^ ;\vfien ^ «ttac)i waa recomnienoed by the soveo boats. Mr* Mns^o^p hj^ving cno- aen an advantageiMW ;poaition iic;b|' the it>vo ^, po^q^era ip^ounted on the bapk, maintained a sharp action^ for near 30 m'fjautes, when the enemy hauled off, having one boat app«irently much iujujped, and witb4he loss of seveod m«$U j^UM ^ndi wqupd^d,. At 7 3Q, ftn exfdouon at the bay* juduI aocin i|ft^ a lfiiX[e ^i-ei induced me to bt^ieve the Sea-Horse wa^ blown up imd tqe pjttl))^ store hoiise set on fire, which has proved to be the fact. About 1 A. M. on ,the HiJtb, the wiiid having entirely died away, and -our vessels becoiise junmani^able, came to anchor in the west end of Malhereux Islfind's pas^ace. ,4t daylight ^e?ct mornine, still a perfect calm, the enemy** «otill% was about nine miles from us at anchor, but soon ^t ih motion and rapidly advanced towards us. The wan]t of wind, and the strong ebb tide Which was setting through itie Past, left m» but one alternative, whisk ,wiM» ^ pt my vef aels ip the most Advantageous position, to give the enemy as warm a seception as possible. Tlie comman- ders were all called on board aiid made ew^uainted wlfth my inten- tions, and the position which each ressel w^s to ti|ke, tiie ivholeto form a close li^e M)reast across the chaiinel, anchored by the stern, irith^prings on tiie cablj^, £|cc. &c. t'hus we remained msiously awaiting aujattack frppntHe advaficing foe, whose force l%w f clearly distinguished to be composed of/orty-tu?o heavj launches **• itt^ tntt uoiMt. witk tbtc light gigt. pukttid witii ttyWNHNb ttf •iM ftonaMuTinenuid oftctrt. About 9 30, the Alligator (tMiiiir) which WM to the southward tnd eaitward, aid eMeavottring to join the diyitton, wa» ciptwed bj several of the mtv^jH bmMt when the whole flotilla came to with their gri|iples» |^ little fut of reach of our shot, apparentlj makinc arrangementi fbr the at« tacli* At 10 99f the enemy weighed, forming a line abreast ill open qrder, and steering direct for oi^r line, which wps ttnfo^«< nately in some degree brolcen b/ the force of tl^e current, d«nMt Bumbere 156 and 163 about one hundred yards i& advance* As aoon aa Ihe enemy came within reach of o)ir shot, a deliberate fins from our long guns was opened upon him, but without much ef* ftct, the objects beine of so small a site. At 10 minutes before U, the enemy openM a Are from the whole of his line, when thn action became general and ilestnictive on both sides. At 11 49»the advanced boats of the enemy, three in number, attempted to board No. 156, but were repuUed vrith the loss of nearly evMT officer killed or wounded, and two boats sunh* A second at&mpt t» board was then made by /our other boats, which shared almort 4 ■imilar fate. At this moment I received a severe wound in mj left shoulder, which compelled me to quit the deck, leavii» it in charge of Mr. George Parker, master^t mate, who talla&dy do* fSendr^d Ihe vessel until he Was severely wounded, wnen th^ ene* my, by his superior numbers, succeedml in gaining poiMesijon of the deck, about 10 minutes past li o'clock, l^e enemy imnke- dUtely turned the guns of his prize on our other gun-boats, and fired peveral shot previovs to strikin|; the American colours, llie action continued with unabated severity, ui^til 40 minutes past 18 o'clock, when it terminated widi the sunr nder of No. 83, all the other veMels having previously fallen into the hands of tiie elie* my. In this unequal contest, our loss in killed and wounded haf been trifling, compared to that of the enemy, which amounta ta nearly four nundred. Enclosed you will receive a list of the IdUed and wounded, and a correct statement of the force which I had the honour to com- mand at the commencement of the action, t(^ther witii an eeti- mate of the force I had to contend against, as acknowled^ by the enemy, which will enable you to decide how far the honour of our country's flag has been supported in this conflict. With much respect, Ate. THOMAS AP CATESBY JONES, Ci^t Dmid T. FattaiaviH fiOBPPiad^* $9 « i! ♦ 4M .■53^ ,■ ■iji r f r . ' •* > !;f '^ ^ 'J lib' ' "'8 i'l f< ;i 'I #"-^ illtetMMil 0/ Utotonnt Eobert ■poedeii; nn-bott. No. 16S, S guiit, 91 moii^ wiMng mMtor CKMNr|e Ulnck^— Total, £S tuns, 188 mon. N. B. The schooner Sea Hone had one 6 pounder and 14 mm, iailinc muter William Johnion, commanaer; none killed er wounded. The aloop Alligator (tender) had one 4 pounder and tigftt hmm* •ailur maiter Richard S. Sheppard, commander. THOMAS AP CATE8BY JONES, LUut. Com, U. 8, Atoy. HufoUowiHtg U a cOrrcef ttaUmmt ef Me JNtifft/orcfi tp/kleft vere engaged in the capture of the late United l^ai^gvm'boe^ JWt. as, 156, 5, 162 and 16^, near Maihereux iefmide, Uhe Borgne, lAth Beeember, 1814. Fortjr launchea and barget* mounting one carronade each, of. •IS, 19b and 24 calibre. One launch, mounting one long brass 12 pounder. Onis do. do. do. do. 9 do. Three ngs, with small arms onlj. Total number of boats, - • - . . • 48 > do. ' do. cannon, « • - - - 42 The above flotilla was manned with 1900 men and crfBcers, com- manded by captain Lockytr* who' received three* severe wounds in the action. The euemj,- as usual, will not. acknowledge hit loss on this occasion; in boats or men ; but from the nature of the action, and the observations made bj our officers while prisoners in their fleet, his loss in killed and wounded may be justij esti- mat<(d to exceed three hundred, among whom are an unusuift pn^ortibn of officers. CAPTURE OF THE PENGUIN. ' > . U. 8. SLOOP HORNET, OFT TRISTAN D'ACUNRA, Match 35th, 1815. SIR, I have the honour to inform you, that on tiie morning; of the 2Sd instant, at half past ten, when about to andior, off the nortii end of the island of Tristan d'Acunha, a sail was seen to the southward and eastward, steering^ to the westward, ^e wind fi«sh from tiie S. S. W. In a few minutes she had passed on to 1h^ westward, so that we could aot see her for the land. I immedi- gUly auidi tail for the wtitirtrd, and ihortlr thsi (•ttuag te ilgbt •r her again, perceited her to bear up before the wind. I bore to for him to come down to nt. IVhen the had a^proMhed near, I filled the naintopaail, and continued to jaw the ihip, while ahe omitinned to come down, wearing occaaionally to pre- vent her paaains under oor atom. At 1 40 P. M. being within nearly muaket mot diatance, ahe hauled her wind on the atarboard teoki hoiatcd Enriiah coloura and fired a Bin. We immediately iuffbd to, hoiited our ensign and gare the enemj a broadside.. The action being thus commenced, a quick and well directed fire was kept up from this ship, the enemy gradually driving near t» us, when- at 1 65 minutes he bore up apparently to run us on board. As soon aa I< perceived he would certainly fall on board, I called the boarders, so as to be ready to repel any attempt to board ua. At the instant every officer ana man repaired to the quarter deck, where the two vessels were coming in contact, and eagerly pressed me to permit them to board .tiie enemy } but this I would not per- mit, as it was evident, from the commencement of the action, that our fire was gi^Uy superior both in quickneu and in effect The enemy's bowsprit came in between our main and mizen rig- gin|^ on our starboard side, affording him an opportunitytb boani tts, if anch waa hia design, but no attempt was madok There waa a considerable swell on, and aa the iea lifted ua aheadr the ene- my's boom carried away our miaen ahrouds, atom davita and spanker boom, and he hung upon our larboard quarter. At this moment an officer, who waa afterwards recognized to be Mr. M*Donald, the first lieutenant, and the then commanding officer, called out that they had surrendered. I directed the marines and mudcotrv men to cease firinj^, mnd, while on the tafirail asking it' they had surrendered, I received a wound in the neck. The ene- my just then got clear of us, and his fore-mast and bowsprit be- ins both gone, and perceiving us wearing to give a fresh broad- side, he acain called out that he had surrendered. It was with difficulty I could restrain my crew from (ring into him again, aa he had certainly fired into ua after haying surrendered. From the firing of the first gun, to the last time the enemy cried out he had surrendered, was exactly 22 minutes by the watch. She proved to be his Britannic majesty'b brig Penguin, mountinff six 38 pound carronades, two long 12's, a twelve j^und carronade on the top-eallant fore*castle, with swivels on the capstern 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 lensth of keel, greater breadth of beam, thicker sides, SM higher bulwarks than mis ship, and was in all respects a I!e4 markably fine veasel of her class. The enemy acknowledge a comnlement of 132, 12 of tiiem supernumerary marinea from the Med way 74, received on bpard in.conaeqUence of their beinc or-^ diend to eruize fi»r the American privateer Young Wasp. They fiM lit If I •■ i I ■ ■(.; ■eihwwM|gh,tlt^;ilBM«ri4killcdMiMwittlldf4| bHUr. MiTo, wiM wal in chuM of the wriM, atibrM «t that th« iimiibtr •r kiHtdl Wit ewtualT crwitor. AwMf tkt MIM it captain DkkenAoBt wIm» ftll ttffttt dtoe cf the mBm, and tha baatowaw; •mmig tha wovmlad, ia tha aaeand lieataiiaiitk ikwaar^ and baa mMaMpnan. Badh of tha mSdahipman loat a le|« Wa raaahrat •n baard, iik all, 118 pritdnara, fear af wham hava tinea ^Uad nf thair wnvndt. Hamg ntaofed tha prilonart, and tihan 4m baard andk proritiont and atoraa aa Would bto vaafal to aa, I ■catHi id 'thn Penfvin thii'momin|r, btfora daj-light, and «ha wantoard bow— haulod up an4 made aail in chaae. At i paat one, .made the aail to bo a anip; at | paat one, diacovered another aail ahead ; made them out at two P. Af. to be both ahipa, atanding doae hauled, with their ataH^rd tacka on board i at 4 P. M* the weather-moat ahip made aignaU, and bore up to her conaort, then about 10 mil^a to leeward} we bore up after her, and ttet lower top-maat, top-gal* lant, and royal atuddung aaila in chaae ; at \ paat 4, carried aw^y our main royal maat ; took in the aaila and sot anotiier prepared ; at 5 P. M. commenced firing on the chaae from our two larboa^ bow gunaj our Aot falling abort, ceaaed firing; at | paat five, finding it impoaaible to prevent their junction, cleared ihip fur ac- tion, then about fovr miiea from the two ahipa ) at 40 minutea after \ they paaaed within hail of each other, and hauled by the wind ou the atarboard tack, hauled up their tbursea, and prepared to receive ua ; at forty •five minutea paat five, they made all aail close hauled by the wind, in hopes of getting to the windward of us ; at 55 Bunutea paat 5, finding themaelveadiaappointed in their object, and we were cleoiatg with them faat, they ahortened sail, and tormed on a line of wind, about half a cwle^s lensth from each other. At 6 P. II. having them under command of our battery, koiated our ooloarat which was anawered by both ahips hoisting English enaigaa. At 5 miaatea past 6,rahged up on tiie atarboard lida of the atoiitau)»tship, about 300 yards distant, andcQmmenc- »r i 4H 4- . cd the actioiklij broidfidM, both lUfi retarnint' dm irt with ike E>st spirit for about 15 minutM, then the Ire of the enemy ning t» ilicken, and the great column of smoke eidlected rour lee, induced us to cease bur fire to ascertain thoir por- tions and conditions. In about' three minutes the smoke dealing away, we found ourselves abreast of the headmoot ihip« the oteramost ship luffing up for our larboard quarter; we pOured a broadside into the hcidmost ship^ and then braced abafck our main and mizen topsails, aild backea astern under cover of tiie smoke, abreast the sternmost ship, when tiie action was continued witii spirit and con9>4eraUe effect, until 35 minutes past 6, when the enemy's fire k^ in slackened, and- we discovered tiie headmost bearing up; filled Our topsails, shot aheadiand gave her two stem *ake8. we then discovered tlie sternmost snip weariiu; also; wore ship immediately aft^ her, and gave her a stern n£e, she lufiing to on our starboard bow, and giving us her laif>oard broad- side. We ranged upon her larbbord quarter, within hail, and was about to give her our starboard broadside, when she struck her colours, firied a lee gun and yielded. At 50 minutes past 6, took possession of his Britannic majesty's shipUCyane, captain Gordon Falcon, mounting 34 guns. At 8 P. M. filled away aftef'\ Jier consort, which was still in sight to leeward. At half past 8, found her standing towards us, with her starboard tacks close hauled, with topnulant sails set and colours flying. At50minqtes past 8, ranged close alongside to windward of iier, on oppoiita tacks, and exchanged brMdsides ; wore immediately under her stem and raked her with a broadside. She tiien crowded all sail and endeavoured to escape by ranning ; hauled on board our tacks, set spanker and flying jib in chase. At half past 9, com- menced firing on her from our starboard 'bow chaser; nve her several shot, which cut her spars and rigging conridejrably. At 10 P. M. finding they could not escape, fired a gun, strack her colours, and yielded. We immediately took possession of his Britannic majesty's ship Levant, hon. captaih George Douglass, mounting 21 guns. At 1 A. M. the damages of our rigging wert repaired, sails shifted, and the ship in fighting condition. CAPTAIN BIDDLE*S ESCAPE FkOM A 74. U. S. SHIP IIOBNET, ST. SALVADORE, June 10th, 1815; SIR, I havf the honour to re|x»rt, that the Peacock and this ship, having continued off Christian IX'Acunha, the number of days directed by you, in your letter of instructions, proceeded in com> pany to the eastward on tiie 12th of April, bound to tin seiiiMid place of rendezvous. Nothing of any importance occurred t» oe until the 2rth of April, when at 7 A. M. m latitude 38 30 soatii and longitude 33 m»i, we mad» a strang^aaU to the Mwlii oattto' ;| :|^...^. /■ % 496r iSuchiWp |i3r*c)»iie. Thif^wkid wasfront^e Borfli eutbj Mrili •Dd light throittiioat the diy* and bj sun-down we had neared the chase coniidenUy. It was cidm during the nig^t, and at day-li|^t on the S8ti^he waa still in sight* A oreeze sprii^nc up from the nerth west, we crouded sail with steering sails on botn sides; the chase standing to the northward upon a wind.^ At 2 45 P. M. the Peacock was about six miles ahead of this ship ; and ebserving that die appeared tQ be suspicious of the chase, I took in starboards steenp^ sails* and hauled up for the Peacock. I waA still, however, of ommon that the chase was anindiaman, though indeed the atmosphere was quite smoky and indistinct, and I con- cluded^ as she was yerj lai^, that captain Wmrrington was wait- ing for me tbQ join him, that wemi^t to^ie^er so along side of her. At 9 f22 P. M. the Peacock made the signal that the chase was a ship of the line and, an enemj. I immediately took in all steering sails, and hauled upon a wind ; the enemy then upon our^ lee quarter, distant about eight miles. By sunndown I had perceived the enemy sailed remarkably £ut, and was very weatherly. At 9 P. M. as the enemy was gnining upon us, and as there was every appearance that he would >e. eow^ed to keep sij|;ht of us during the nig^ttl considered it necessary to lighten this ship. I there- fore threw overboard 12 tons of kentledge, part of our shot, some of our heavy spars, cut away the sheet anchor and cable, and started tiie wedges of the masts. At 2 A* M. the enemy beings rather befoj^ Qur lee-beam, t tacked to thos westward ; the enemy also tacked and continued in chase of us. At day-light, on the 29th, he was within gun shot upon our lee Quarter. At 7 A. M. havine hoisted English colours, and a rear aamiral's flag, he commenced firing from his bow guns. As his shot went over us, I cut away the remaining anchor and cable, threw overboard the launch, six of our suns, more of our ^ot, and every heavy, article tiiat was at hand; the enemy fired al|put thirty shot, not one of which took effect, though most of them passed over us. While he was firing, thad the satis&ctionto perceive that we slowly.dropt him, and at 9 A. M* he leased his fire. At 11 A. M. the enemy was a^in cor'ng up with us. I now therefore threw overboard all our remaining guns but one long gun, nearly all our shot, all our spare spars, cut away the top- SUant forecastle, j|ad cleared every thine off deck, as well as im bdlow, to iig^teh us as much as possible. At lioon the ene- my again commenced -firing. He fired many sho^j^nly tiiree of Which came on board; two striking the hull and one passing through the jib. It is, however, extraordinary, that every shot did not take effept, for the enemy, the second time he commenced fiiring^ Was certi^nly within three quarter^ of a mile of this ship, ai^d tiie sea auite smooth. .1 perceived from his mmIs that the effect of bis fire was to deaden At 2 SO P.M. ius wind, and at 2 P. M. he again ceased firing. , the wipd which had previejisljr, and greatly to our disadvantage, ftacked to the soutii east, hauled to the we^ward, and freslied up' %■ i \ m ' ■ M ^ll ■ ! I ' % 4m. iiit: m' ! At iiiui-dowtt^iB eiienij 'wm about hat idUm 'aitttfii. *SHt wind i^w^ fresh, and we went at the rate of < nine knots throug^at tii« r\fjast. We saw the eneni^ at iptervals through the squalls dur^ ingthe«ii|riit, and atday^'lig^t on the 30th he was about 1£ miles asHUi, stni in chase of us. At 9 30 A. M. he took in steering sails, reefed his top-sails- and hauled to -the eastward, and at 11 A. M. he was entirely out of sight. During the chase the enemy appeared to be very crank, ami 1 therefo^ conclude he must Mve jifl^tened while in chase of us. I did not at an;|F time fire our stern chasers, because it was manifest the .enemy injured Ids sailitigl^ his firing. As we had n^w no anchor, no cable, no boat, and but one gun, there was of course an absolute nececwity for relinquishing oui* intended cruize ; and as in our then condition, it would have been extremely hazardous on account ofjthe enemy^ cruizers, to ap- proach our own coast, I conHidered it most adwitageous to pro- ceed for this port. I airived here yesterday, and on my arrival received information of the peace between the United Stetes and Great Britain. Permit me to stete that it was with the most painful reluctance, and upon' the fullWtcfmviction that it was in- dispensable ih order to preveiat' a greater misfortune, that I could , bring tiay mind to consent to part with n^ guns ; and I beg leave to r*tque8t, that you will be pleased to move the honourable the Secfetanr of the Navy^ to call a court of inquiry to investigate the loss of $e armament of IJds ship. It wi^ be vwy satisfactory to me to have such an investigation. I have the honour to be, Ice, J. BIDDLE. Ctamnedore Decatur. ?f'ii ??,:? . , .^Extract from the journal qf one of the offiuri of the Hornet. ' ** During this tedious and anxious chace, the wind was variable, so as to omiffe u^ to niake a perfect circle round the enemy. Be- tween. 2 and 3 o'clock yesterday^ not a person on board nad the most distant idda that ther6 was a possibiHty of escape. We all packed up our tilings, and waited until the enetay's shot would comjueVtiB^o heave to and surrender, which appeared certain. Never has there been so evident an interposition of the goodness of a Divine Father ; my heart with gratitude acknowledg;es his . supreme powlilind gjoodness. On the morning of the 28th it was very calm, and nothing but murmurs were heard throughout the shi^, as it was feared we riiould lose our anticipated prizie ; many phiiis had been formed by vis for the disposal of our plunder. l%e seamen declared they would have' the birth deck carpeted with East India silk, supposing her an Zndi^iminfrom Indi|; while the officers, under the impression that she^ was from SnjgUmd, were making arrangements how we should dispose of tiie monevt forter, ckeeae, 4*0. 4*c. Nothing perplexed ut mere than the ulen tiAt % •hoMtd be obliged to dettrbt IttffV Mr« were i^gretfihg our ih^ did not sail faster, %% the PeieMk would certawlj capture her ftrat;. and ^*mAA ttdce oat many of the best and most taldable «^ c\m H^flre w#illotfld^ up. (This verr circumstance of ouriwl saflisc Jkrinr^e latter part of the chace, whenthe shot asid stiallfi werv Whiinlnr about our ears, it was an- interesting, sight t» txti> hold'tlte.varicMa countenances of our crew. They nad kepttka dedt^dnrihg all the pneceding nuht, emplbyed cimtinuailj 3m ligfktiBg ^ship, were excessiiSy fatinied,and undeii n/masu^^ expectation of hdliM; into the hands of a baritarous aad.Mirag9« cnemys The shot that fefi-on ihe maaa deck, struck inmedyfltsljtf over iiehead.of one of our^ipdUmt fellows, who had been wwundea in our glorious action wi<& the Penguin, where he was lying, tt his oot very ill «atK hie wounds;^ the «hot was near comingthroupi tine deck, apd it threw tnni^erable splinters all furound tluMMm; fellow, and sfrack down a small paper Am9rican eiu%n, whidi h(| had hoiJBted ever his bed. Destruction apparentiy stared us ip th« face* if we did not soon, surrender, yet no ofRcer, no min# in. the ship showed any disposition to let tiie enemy have the poor little Hornet. Many <^iMir men had been impressed and intfruiaiMi for years in their horrible service, and hated tiwm. and their na^Mi with the most deadly Inimosity ; wMle the rest of the crew, honer struck by the relation of the sufferings of their ship-matM, i«l|S| had been in the power of the English, and now equdty l^inif with ragiSj, joined heartily in execrating the present autiioi^eiveev misfortune* I* Captain Biddle mustered the crew and told them he was pleisid with their conduct during the chase, and hoped still to perceive that f^roprietv (^conduct which had always marked their characterk and that of the American tar generally, that we m^t soon e^^peet to be captured^ &c Not a dry eye was to be seen at the metttioB of capture. The rttqud hearts of the sailors, like ice before the swi. warmed by tfa^vine power of sympathv, wept ifl ttnisoii with their brave, coniiiander. About 2 o'cloclc, the wind whidi Had crossed us, and |^ te the test all our nautical skill to steer clear, of the enemy, now veered in our favour and we leii hloK* This wais truly e glorious victory over the horrors of beirid^Bieiit and the terrors er& Briti^ floatine dungeon . ^ick ae tkeegMr every &ce wa»diAjDiee9 from the gloom of despair to the hig^Milt •milebf deli«|;ht»aaiilw!ehegan once more to breathe the sweetaeif liberty* The \iV^ sij^s of regret were now changed,; a»d I |Nit ftrth my expresti/^n oTeveriasting gratitude to him, the .A ^. ^ , Author of our being, ivko had thus ngnallj 4eUT4rcd st from the piHrlr of a cruel and vindictiTe •neitty." #' tm. NEW Y01lK»Au|Hi^94th, 1815. Conceiting it my duty to make known the treatment exhib- ited by British officers and men to thole who are so nnfortu^s^ •a to fall in their power, I am induced to acquaint jou with the fbilowing cireuihsunces. After the surrender of the Sjren to the Medway, the oficeri and crew of tiie former were removed to the latter, the crew not being allowed to take their clothing, &c with them, so that the prize crew had a fair opportunity of plundering such articles as they tiiottg^t proper, which opportunity they took care to profit by, as mimy or our men were pillaged of every article they posaessed, excepting what they had on at the timo; and the officers in like inanner were plunuered on board tiie Medway ; the |nidshipmen« aome of them, were completely stripped, others lost their watches, &c. For my own part, I came off with tiie toaa of about half my dothing, and thought myself well off when compared with the; losses of my shipmates. The morning after our capture we were mustered on the quarterdeck to undergo a search ; the men were there stript to the skin, and their clotiiing not returned, so that many of them were left without any thing more than a shirt and trowsers ; the next day Mr. Baarton (the first lieutenant of the Medway) distributed the clothing he hadtaken from our men to his quarter masters and quarter gunners, in my presence. After being on board the Medway five weeks, we were landed at Simon's town, twenty- five miles to the eastward of the Cape of Good Hope, myself and oruther officers paroled, and the men marched to Cape town under an escort of dragoons, being oblieed to. ford a lake on the march, where the boys we^^e compelled to go over on the backs of the tall men ; this march of twenty-five miles was per- formed in one day, and without shoes or food, the latter article they were kept without four and twenty hours ; their shoes wera ittivm by the crew of the Medway while they were asleep. After , remainlnff in this situation nearly eight months, without bed or bedding (they were not even furnished with straw, and tSeir'ham- mocks were taken on the plea of their being puUic property) we were all embarked in different men of war and IndSanoien, for England; myself, with about sixty officers and men in the Cum- benand 74, captain Baker : we were all put in the lower gun-deck witiioat distinction, among their own crew, and fed on prisoners* allovirance; and on my remonstrating with tiie capti^in rorroceiv- ing such treatment, he ordered me off the quarter deck, witii a threat at the same time to put me in irons. vVe remained in tiiis ritution ^ghttan days, a^r which, lieutenants Qerman, Gordon* iT^rad US firom ilit treatmeot ezhib- ^ to MpfortuQ^ uaiiit jou with ^e the • theoftcersand le crew not being » 80 that the prize ch articles at tiiej ftre to profit by, as e they posaeased. ne officers in like ; the .nidshipmen* lost their watches, of about half my ompared with the; r capture we were ch ; the men were : returned, so that i than a shh^ and t lieutenant of the n from our men to presence. After landed at Simon's ipe of Good Hope, I march«d to Cape d to ford a lake to go over on the Tt miles was per- the latter arficle their shoes were (re asleep. After B« without bed or ^ and tSeir'ham- Mic property) we d Indiamen, for nen in the Cum- i lower gonith the^Britiah frigate Java, ''"Wednesday, December SOth, 1812 (nautical time) in latitude 19 d^rees, 6 minutes south, and longitude 39 west, ten leagues from the coast pf Brazil— commences with clear weather and mode* rate breezes from east north-east, hoisted our ensign and pendants At lj5 minutes past meridian, the ship hoisted her colours, an English ensign havine a signal flj[ing at her main, red, yellow an4 red. At 1 26 P. M. Mins sufficiently from the land, and finding the ship to be an English frigate, took in the main-sail and royals, tacked ship and stoml for the enemy. At 1 50 P. M. the enemy bore down with the intention of raking us, which we avoided by wearing. At 2 P. M. the enemy being within half a mile of uSu and to windward, and having hauled down his colours, except ai|. Union Jack at the mizeu'mast head, induced me to nve orders td; , the officers of the Sd division to fire one ^n ahead of the ene- my to make him show his colours, which being done,brouriitoh i; fire from us of the whole broadside, on which the enemy noisted his colonra4iid immediately returned our fire. A general action with round Mid f^pe then commenced, tlie enemy keeping at a much greater distance than I wished, but could not bring mm t« cloeer action without exposing ourselves to several rakea^ Con« siderable manouvres were maBe by both vessels to rake anU avoid being Tiked. Ilie ibUowing minutes were taken during the ac< tibn. *< At 2 10 P. M. commenced the action witiiin good grape and eanister distance, the enemy to windward, but much further tiiaa I "Irished. At 2 SO our wheel was shot entirely away. Two 40, determined to close with the enemy, notwithstanding his raking, set the fore and mainHMil and luffed up close to him. Two 5t^ the enemy's jib-boom eot foul of our mizen-rigging, Three* the head of the enemy's iiowsprit and jib-boom shot away by us; Three 5, shot away the enemy's foremast by the board. T1ire4 15, diet away his main topmast just above the cap. Hhite 40, shot a#ay giff and spanker boom. Three 55^ shot away his < mizen mast nearly by the board. Four 5, having silenced tim fire of the eiiomy completely, and his colours in main riEglqg beiii| down, s«t!pos^ he had struok^ then hauled abOarcTtlM ■■;! • \ I fi • • i 'til * ■■^w^ ». 'f-'^ 1' m T-: • ' B. f II:- m ..i; I h'^ .^l^ll 0.~' - ■:. ,.?:.'| U •3:} ■• : r\ : 1; ' . >,• * V" . ■ n was very mwoh eutin bMrsifla and rigging and many of her spars ii^nred. At 7 P. M. the boat retnmed with lientenajit ChMs» 1M imtlientenmit ef the eneoaiy'f Mgnte. and JUetttGrnntAeneml Hyelop, (appointed goiremerof'^ilombny)m^or Walker ai^Mptain >¥eed, belonging to hiastaff. Captain Lam- t»^ nf tjie Im, wee too dangerously wounded to be removed im- ine4i»|i9ly. The cutter retnmed en benrd the prime for the pi4Mi|ers,4nd brought captain Marshall, master and nemnander pf thf British navy, wtio was naasenger on board, as also several «tbnri&av«l efficera, destined Hnt ships in the East Indies^ . llm lava f^ an important ahip, fitted eat in the oompletBst iwnneir, to carry lieutenant general Hyslep and staff teVombay, 9§A mfm\ liaval oflkeva for diiwent ships in tlw Baai Indies : / m4Jw4 teatchea for St. lie)«ia. Cape efCtaod Hepc^Md eveiy InMlifPlalMiWimtiii th« India iMidCbiw^afmr^ 9Ha had ta PHiiotier OA'boHd the American AigtteConsdtutioi^ m. Sahri^ Januaiy lit, ISlStPiMili. Ifv ksAa Bia, I MD lorrj to inform you ot the unpletstnt newc ofl Mr. OftMoigqe's death. Mr. Gascoigne and myself were shipmaAei in the Marlboro, and fint came to lea together. He was sliot in the «arW {Murt of tiie action by a round ahet in his right thigh, and diea a few nannteB after; four others of his messmates shared the same fate, together with 60 men killed and t70w<»unded. The oAcial account tou no doubt heard of before this reaches you. 1 beg you wiR let all his friends and relations hear of hit untimely fate. We were on board the Java frigate for a paasi^ to India, when we firll in with this fri^te. IVo parcels 1 have sent you under good care--4tope this will reach you safe. Yours trulT, H. D. COHNECK. U. Peter V, Wood, 3Sd fegiment of foot. Isle of Fnuice or Boivbon, East Indies. ■IP .ill i\ li, jf,»»)|^iij >* i A true coi Wl LLIAM BAINBRIDGB. CAPTURE OF THE BOXER. UNITED STATES' BRIG ENTKRPIUZR, PORTLAND, September Ttfato 1913. . SI'R, ,,;#, In consequence of the unfortunate death <^ lieutenant. com' m^ f mandant William Burrows, Ute commander of this veiiel, it ^^-,. devolves on nwe to acquaint you with the result of oov cruize. After sailing from PbramouLi on the 1st instant, we stlNlred to thi^iWVtwaids and •■ the momine^f ^ 8d, off Wood, blandg, diiQsWed a schooner, which we chased into this harbitt', where .,^. wft anchored. On the morning of the 4th weighed Jini^r and^^ swej^ out, mmI continued our cruize to the eastward. Having received MiformatioB of several privateers being off Manhagan, we stood fur thatjslace; and on the following morning, in ^« bajr near Penguin Pooit, low, 2l8t do. Ist lieutenant Turner, 9th do. Sd lieutenant Burghardt, 9tii do. Ensien Hunter, 25th do. Captain Hooper. New York volunteers. Adjutant Poe, Pennaylvania volunteers. Wounded. Maior general Brown, severelv. Captain S^ncer^ his aid fsince dead). Artillery, captain Bidale, sli^tly. 2d li«V', tenant Campbell, nadly. 2d lieutenant Schmuck, severely. First brigade. Brigadier general Scott, severely. Lieutenant J. D. Smith, 5th infantry, origade major, badly. Lieutenant Worth, 2Sd infantry, A. D. C. severely. Major Leavenwwth. slightly. Captain W. L. Foster, slightly. Lieutenant and pay> master iPowle, slightly. Lieutenant and quarter master Brown- ing, alightly. sd hentenaat Fisher, Hverely. 3d Ueatentnl^ f*', w ># hJ' 5Q» CtttluBM^ tKckilT; ^Mign O, Jaeobi, Mverely; Jacobt, ■lightijr.'Engigii Blake ilightlv. 11th " 4 {nfahtrj^^Nifgor M'Neil, Mveraij. Captain Bliti, badflj. 1st ISententtn Rail* •Hghti J. • fid lievtenant ueapert ^^H^htly. sd lieutenant StojihefMiiil* , iUghtly. £naign Bedford, Niji^tlT. Bn8igul!1wmpaon(f6lh,4.dli^ duty in the 1 Itn, severely* 9M imantrj->-colonel Brad j, siB'^rarf* ' Captain. Pentlattt, severely. Captain Faulk, severely. 1st lieu- tenant Calbertson» severely. 1st lieutenant Furguson, caniliter shot in the hand. 2d lieutenant Armstrong, dangerously.' Sd liett« tenant Bean, slightly. S5th infantry*— Migor Jessup, severely.( Lieutenant and adjutant Shaylorr severelj. Lieutenant and quar^ ternuater M*Glassi, badly. Sd lieutenant GKafford Severely. Btisimilnigade,<\vt infantry— 1st lieutenant Vasquiz, shghtl v« Ist lieutenant Bissel, slightly. Slst infantry—Captain Burbank. ^ severely* 1st lieutenant CiUey, severely. Sd lieutenant Fbk '' (of the 19th attached) slightly. Ensign Jones, slightly. Ensign Camp (2d rifle regiment attached) slightly. Ensign Thomas, slightly. 2dd infantrv--Oaptain Odell, severely. Ist lieutenant H. Mliiting, severely. 2d lieutenant lagersoll. slightly. 2d lieuteuant Tappan, slightly. 3d lieutenant Abeel, slightly. 3d lieutenant Deitereieh, slipitly. 3d lieutenant Lamb, severely. BniOADfBK OENBRAL PO»TBR*S OOMMAMD. NoW York VOtun" teers— -Lieutenant colonel DobUn, slightly. Lieutenant O'FIing^ sli^tly. Pennsvlvaniavolunteers— major Wood, severely. (i^ar-< ter master Maclay, severely. Lieutenant Dick, severel v. Briga- dier general Porter was slightly wounded, but declined being re- ported. ' -^ " (Meen mmtng, 1st lieutenant Perry, 9th infantry, a prisonei'j Sd lieutcjaant Webster, severely, shot in the head and taken pri^ soner. Lieuteants Stureis, Keps and Davidson, 2d infantry, sup^ posed to be killed. Vorunteei*s — Brigade major Stanton, of New York, taken prisoner. Captain Roberts, of Pennsylvania, taken prisoner. Lieutenant Hunt, of New York, supposed to be killed. BRITISH PRISONERS TAKEN. > One major genera], (Riall, severely wounded in the arm.) 1 aid- deocamp. 1 captain and 2 subalterns of the 103d regiment. 1 ca^aiii S9th renment. 1 captain provincial dragoons. 3 captains, 2 subalterns. liilitia. — 1 lieutenant royal engineers. 3 subalterns royal Scetts. 1 do. Olengary corps. Quarter master of 8th or KuiK^s regiment. Quarter master of 41st regiment, and 150 rank and file. Aggregate 169. 'I *'■'% I '»%:.i ii m\ i 'im % %■- ■-■iiir' "•4 :^' % i$4 ■iv ^1. Mi%oir pttce ana ailufr 1tot«(reiih fchr Jritann(e mtj^ tbeUnitBd SUrtes of Anieriiea. . .s ' • • Ifii^Britaaitic msjettj, md the UiiHed 8t«tM> off A«MiiBi« MMii of termiiwting the wir which ha» «iihap|% fvldBted he< tWMtt'&e two ceuBtries, end of reitoriing^ upon prtaciptee of per-' iiet reciprocitT, peace, friendship^ atid geed uiiderattndhig, be-' twetathem, naTe, for that purpose* im»oiiited their Nipeetiv« plmiMtentiaries, that if to saf: HieBrhaDnic majeely.en'hle yart. hat ammiiitedthe right hoMouitdde James lord Oambier, hKe tdainl oi the white, new admiral of the red squadren of hiiil midestjr's fleet, Henry Ooulbom^ esquire^ a member of the impe- rial iparliament, and under secretary of slate, andWllliam Adams. « esquire, doctor of civil laws : And the president of the Unitei^ ^'itates, by and with the advice and consent of the senate thereof|» has appointed JohnQuincy Adnms^ James A* Bayard, Henry Clay ^ JonadMm Husesll, and Albert Qallalin, ckixens^ of the United Statea, who, ifter a reciprocal communicatien of their respective M\ powers, have amed apen the fbltowing articles; ji^,. Aut. 1. There snail be a firm and universal peace between his ^^TOritannic majesty and the United Stdtes^ and between their re< rtive countries, territeries, cities, towns, andpeonte^ of every ee, without exception of places or persons. A4l^ hasttltties, betSi by sea and land, shall cease as soon as this treaty shall have been ratified by both parties^ as hereinafter mentioned. .411 terri- tory, places, and possessione whatsoever, taken by either perty from the other, during the war, or which may be takeii ufter the signing of this treaty, excepting only the islands h^ieinafter mentioMd, lAiall be restored witmMit delay, and without causing aar deetructiont or carrying away any of the artillery or other pumic property originally captured in-^e said forts or places, and which shaH remain therein upon the exchange of the ratifications df tliis tventy, or any slaves or other private property. And alt iBchives, recordst deeds> and papers, ei^er of a public nature, or #• beroncing to private persons, which, in the course of the war, ''' anay have fallen into the hands of the oficers of either party i, •hul be, as far as may be practicable, forthwith restored and de- livered to the proper authorities and persons to whom they res- pectively belong. Such of the islands^in the Bay of Fassamaquoddy aa are claimed ny both parlies, shall remain. in the. possession of the party in whose occupation tliey may be at the time of the ex- change of the ratifications of this treaty, until the decision ces- pectii^ the title to the said islands inall have been made in conformity with the fourth article of this treaty. No disposition made by mis treaty, as to such possession of the islands and terri- tories claimed by both parties, shall, in any manner whatever, be G(Hi|telied to affect the right of either. Wk, 2. Immediately after the ratifications of this treaty by^ both parties, as hereinafter mentioned, orders shall be sent to the *^# ijms i WPst •rt, to c«M6 tnn all hottilHicf t al^, t* Pffveili iU' cottj^nnt which might ariie on MctMlfit of tiit prixat H N takoB at iM after tha nid ratiftaMaoiM of Urn $|)t^|jr, aipBMaUf afraod* that all v«Mab#Mt ofocts which mfy JiiMI ai|iv (he apace of twelve daya ffm 4hc said ntiftfiafai|^i all perta of the coast of Noathb^Aneiica. Iwm tha latitiida«f tveiity-three degreea north, lid^ latitude of fifty degreesimpth, and as lar eastmd in the AAluitic ocean as tha thirty fSbtu de- gree. of west longitade froii thajaeridian of QreenwichK shall he restored an esch aide t Ihat tha tina ohaU he thirty dars Ui all other parts of tha AtlaRtio ocean/ nortk of the eqainMtial line or aqnator, and tha ahihe time fee the British and Irish ohanna^» for the Qttlf of. Jieiico»aad aO parts of t^ West Indiesi forty days hr thaMarth 8eas» fortheBaUic, and for all parts- af. tha Meditsr- •iiiean x sixty d^s for the Atlantic ocean south of the equator, aafiur as the latitnda of tha Cape of Good Wepei nineCf days for averr other part of the world south of the equator : and one hundred and twenty days Ibr all other iiarts of the world, with- ewiexeeption* ▲nr. 3. All prisoners af» war taken on either sidc» as wall land aa hy sea* shall ha restored so soon as practicaUe after the mtiioatiana of thia treaty, aa hweinafter raentionad, qn ^tJieir payins tiie dehta which they may haM centraciked dxmng their eapdwy. The two contva<4ing partiea respectively eagsmtto dischiu^ in apecie^ the sdvances which may hare bean jmuo by tha other for the sustenance and maintenance of such pnsa«i^rs« Anff. dk Whereas it was stipulated by die aacond article in &e tnaty af peaioc, of one thousand seren nundred and e^ty-thrM, b(rtween hia Britannic mijosty and the United States ^ Amwica, thnt the boundary of the United States should comprehend all isUnds witidn twenty leagues of any part of ikib shores of the Umted Stifttea, and lyiaebMween lines to be drawn due east from thapMAts where tha ameesaid houndariesy between Novagco lia, on the ene part, md Bast Florida, on the otkei^ shall re^pacr tivety toutth the Bay^af Fnndy, and the Atlantic ocean, etcttnliag such itfands as now are, or heretofore have been, within the umitsH' «rf Nova Sootui; and whoreas tiie sevend islands in the Bay of Pssssmayoddy, which is part of the Bay of Fundy, and the island of GnrkaA Kenan, in the said Bay at Fundy, are claimed by the Ifnitad States, asbeingcmnBrdiended irithm their afore- avd boundiriils, wMch said irianos are claimed as belonging to hisBritattmc majestr* as having been at die time of,, and pre - vniuBtbt'tiieaforesaM treaty of one thousand seven hundred and d|^y^*thiie«, within the mnits of the province of Nova Scotia : in OHlieir,^the^sft»•, fimdiy taderids upon these daimitit is sigiMMid thattiiey shall be refinrred to tw» commisioners ta;|a ap- pmutediiiithaivllawiaf manner, riz: one comDibsionerstiAl be «pp«liilad'' I 4 ♦I t ^^ "i iw^ 4- a ■ »i C 1 h w i ,-^ • ( 1 i ') ,^ i t li 1^ ' ''v ^ , ■ ' % J 1 '■' i llf ',| --i •■ N'l H<^^ rw 1 ff f"-' Mi'S/ M-i H*. 9 P 1 '. i' »*| n ill 8M tli9 Halted Btitei, by ud with the a^l'iee tnd conpcBtor the •ettte thf ^eof, end the uUi two conmiMioners lo appointed, iheU be iwoni iw^^iaUff to e^MtmiiM and dteid* upon tM uM cMm, amrdiiati»~Mtek 9iritkiic0m $Ml k9 laid More th^mim iht fmri ofkU Brttmmh vii^ui^ mdoftlu UniM Stales, r»$ptetivtfy, Tho Kiid comminuonert thell meet at St Andrewi, iu the pro- vince of New Brumwick, andlhall have power to adjourn to euch other place or places aa thej iMall thinh fit The aaid commii- •ionert ihalU bj a declaration or. report, under their huidi and Mali, decide to which of the two contracting parties the leveral ielandi aibretaid do respectively beIon|, in conformity with the true intent of the said treaty of peace^«f, one thousand seven hundred and eightj^-three. And if the said eommissioners shall agree in their decirlon, both parties shall consider sfueh decision as final and conclusive. It is further agreed, that In the event of the two commissioners differing upon ul or any of the matters so r^erred to them, or in the event of both or either of the said commissioners refusing, or deolining, or wilfully omitting, to act aa such, they shall make, jointiy or separately, a report or repots, aa ,well to the government of his Britannic m^esty as to that of tiie United States, stating, in detail, the points on which they diil^r, and the grounds upon which their respective opinions have been for- med or mseFOunds upon which they, or either of them, have so re ! fused, declined, m omitted to act. And his Britannic mi^esty, and tiie government of the United Cuites, hereby agree to refer tiie report or reports of the said coinmissioners, to some friend- ly sovereign or state, to be then named for that purpose, an^ who shall be. requested to decide on the differences which maybe sta- ted ia the said report or reports, or upon tiie report of one com- misiioner, together with the grounds upon which the other commissioner shall have refuse«U declined, or omitted to act, as tiie case may be. And if the commissioner so refusing, declin- ing, or omittinc to act, shall also wilfully Omit to state the grounds upQn which he has so done, in such manner that the aaid statement maV be referred to such friendly sovereign or state, together with tiie report of such other commissioner, then such sovereign, or state shall decide, ex parte, upon the said report alone. And hia Britannic maiesty and tiie government of tne United States en- gage to consioer the decision of such friendly sovet^isn or state to DO final and conclusive on all tiie matters so referred. Art. 5. Whereas neither that point of the highlands lying due nofth from the source of the river St Crmx, and designated, in the former treaty of peace between the two powers, as tiie north- -west angle of Mova Scotia, nor the northwesternroost head' of Connecticut river, has yet been ascertained ; and whereas that part of tiie boundary line between the dominions of the iwd iWlii which extends from the source of the river St Crro- i^ottrn to such Mid commii- Birhandt and es the several init7 with the loutand aeren iisionera diall \iueh deciaion t la the event of the mattera lerofthe aaid itting,toaetu tor repots, aa to that of the ich thej diiftr, I have been for- im, have so re I innic majestjr. agree to refer some friend- n,and who ay be sta< t of one com- ch the other tted to act» aa using, declin- te the grounds laid sfatement together witii sovereign, or ae. And hia id States en- 'eign or state red. lids lying due esignated, in as uie north* nost head of whereas that s of the iwd tr St Croix ik^e of N'ovft woMrivcrt mti' 861 fhit«mptv themeelves into the river 8t Lawrtace, frotti tbAS« which fall into the Atlantic ocean, to tiie northwestemnott head of Connecticnt river i thence, down along the middle of that river, to the forty *fifth degree o^ north latitude ; thence* by albie due weat on said latitude, until it strikes tho, river Iroattola or Gataraguy, has not yet been surveyed } it is agreed, that rorthese aeveralpurposes, two commissioners shall be appointed, swom« and authorized, to act exactly in the mannei directed with respect to those mentioned in the nixt precediiut article, unless other- wise specified in the preMnt article. The said comroissionert shall meet at St. Andrews, in the' province of New Brunswick* and shall have power te adjourn to such other place or places as they shall think fit The said commissioners shall have power ia ascertain and determine the points abovementioned, in conformity with Ae i^rovisions of the said treaty of peace of one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, and shall cause the boundary aforesaid, from the source of the river St. Croix to the iwir Iroquois or Cataraguy, to be surveyed and marked accordil^ to the said provisions. The said commissioners shall make a inanp of the said boundary, and annex to it a declaration under tiieir hands and seals, certifying it to be the true map of the saidbotfn" dary, and particularizing the latitude and longitude of the-abrth- west angle of Nova Scotia, of the north-wejiterimost hi|ad of Connecticut river, and of such other points of the said boifndaijy as they may deem proper. And both parties agree to considn' such map and declaration as finally and conclusively fixing the said boundary. And, in the event of the said two commissioners differing, or both, or either of them, refusing, or declining, or wilfully omitUng to act, such reports, declarations, or statementSi shall M made by them, or either of them, and such reference to a friendly sovereign or state shall be made, in all respects, as in the latter part of the fourth article is contained, and in as full a manner as if the same was herein repeated. AnT. 6. Whereas, by the former treatv of peace, that por- tion of the boundary of the United States, from the point where the forty-fifth decree of north latitude strikes the river Iroquoil|; or Cataraguy to the lake Superior, was declared tobe ** alone tile •middle of said river into lake Ontario, through the middle of said lake until it strikes the communication by water between that lake and lake Erie, thence along tiie middle of said commu- nication into lake Erie, through the middle of said lake, until it arrives at the water communication into the lake Huron, thence through the middle Of said lake to the water communication be" tween that lake and lake Superior,'* And whereas doubts have arisen what was the middle of the said river, lakes, and water communications, and whether certain islands lying in the same were 'within the dominions of his Britannic majesty or ief tiie United States : in order, therefore, finally to decide these doiibts> ftey shall be referred to two commissioners, to be maiointed, #?> m %. ^-■^^ I in'- 508 U '■ 1 i' • i^ .It.' I" ftwqiH, and authiM^ed t«|.act, exaciW in %t muliMr dirtctcd witii respect to tiiose mentioned in the next preceding^ article unless otnerwifie specified in this present article. The said com- missioners shall meet, in <&e first instance, at Albany, in the st»te of Kitw York, and shall have power to a^joam to svcb other place or places as thej shall think fit: the said commii- •ioners shall, by a report or declaration, under &eir hands and seals, designate the ooundary through the said river, lakes, and water communications, and deci cording to the true intent of the said treaty of peace of one thousand seven hundred and el^ty-three, that part of the boun- dary between the dominions of the two powers, which extende from the water communication between lake Huron and lake Su^ perior, to the most northwestern point of the lake of the Woods, to decide to which of the two parties the several islands lying in the lakes, water communications, and riven, forming the said iMundary, do respectively belong, in conformity with the true in« tent of tne said treaty of peace of one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three ; and to cause such parts of the said boundary as require it, to be surveyed and marked. The said commission- era shall, by a report or declaration under their hands and seals^ designate the boundary aforesaid, .state their decision on the points thus referred to them, and particularize the latitude and longitude of the most northwestern point of the lake of the Woods, and of such other parts of the said boundary as they may deew^roper. And both parties agree to consider such designa- tion and decision as final and conclusive. And, in the event of the said two commissionera differing, or both, or either of them, refusing, declining, or wilfully omitting to act, such reports, declarations, or statement3, shall be made by them, or either of them» and such reference to a friendly sovereign or state, shall be made, in Idl respects, as in the latter part of the fourth article is 'I L> In II. so* «* sons as tfaej shall judge necessary* Duplicates of all Hieii* MA« pective reports, declarations, statements, and decisions* and of their a L. s.' * L. s. k « L. s. 1 l. s. ■ 1 L. s. • a L. s.^ # \h\ ■ I' 1 5 '^'\ m '^ * ^.jl^t :' 't! Iiave ei^ojed or red and eleven^ it such tribes or a^inst his Bri- ition of the pre- ns, and shall so :oncileable with sas both his ma- ting their efforts d, that both the 9 to accomplish been ratified on ractiug parties, binding on both it Washington, ler, if practica- ies, have signed eals. day of Decern- in. RN, DAMS, .■■^. '4«»;' .■/^•n riN. ^- W ^i\