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 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 
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 WITH 
 
 THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR, 
 
 
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 BXLATITK TO TBR 
 
 MILITARY OPERATIONS OF THE AMERICAN ARMY 
 
 ^■ 
 
 VROXE THE COMIUND OF 
 
 
 MAJOR GENERAL IZARD, 
 
 
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 OITTHB 
 
 Northern Frontier of the United Statei. 
 
 IN THE YEARS 1814 AND 1815. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THOMAS DOBSON, AT THE STONE HOUSE. 
 
 No. 41, SOUTH SECOND STREET. 
 
 WiUiam Fry, Printer. 
 
 1816. 
 
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 District of Pennitylvania, to wit: 
 
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 .**.t***»« Bf; 1 1 KKMEM BRUEI), That on the twenty-ninth day 
 • SEAL. J of Mav, in t!ie fortiwth year of tlie Independence of the 
 «••••••••• United' States of America, A. ».1816, Thomas Dobson, of 
 
 the saiil district, hath deposited in this offict, tlie title of a boolc, tlie 
 right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit: 
 
 "OflScial Correspondence with the Department of War, relating to 
 the Military Operations of the American Army under the command of 
 Major General Izard, on the Northern Frontier of the Uuited States, 
 in the years 1814 and 1815." 
 
 In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, intitu- 
 led, " An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies 
 of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors ofsuch copiet 
 during the times therein mentioned." — And also to the act, entitled) 
 " An act supplementary to an act, entitled, " An net for the encourage- 
 ment of learning, by securing the copies of majjs. charts, and books, to 
 the authors and proprietnrs of such copies during the times therein 
 mentioned," and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of design- 
 ing, engraving, and etching historical and otlier prints." 
 
 D. CALDWELL, 
 Clerk of the District of Fennsylvaniat 
 
11 
 
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 INTRODUCTION. 
 
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 The people, in our free and happy country, have the 
 right to expect information respecting events of national 
 interest; and every man, who has been placed in a situation 
 of trust in the public service, is amenable to the great 
 tribunal of public opinion, — whose judgments differ from 
 those of posterity, only inasmuch as time exposes to the 
 latter, misrepresentations which not unfrequently involve 
 contemporary history in doubt and obscurity. 
 
 The following correspondence will enable the attentive 
 reader to judge of the real state of our military affairs on 
 the northern frontier, during the last year of the war with 
 Great Britain. It may be proper here to remark, ttiat our 
 estimates, at that time, of the British force in the Canadas 
 were considerably below the truth. From unquestionable 
 sources of information, since the peace, it has been ascer- 
 
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 tained that in the month of October, 1814, there were 
 from thirty-four to thirty-five thousand British regular 
 troops in the upper and lower provinces; on the American 
 side (from Detroit to Plattsburg inchisively) the whole 
 amount of the effective United States* forces never ex- 
 ceeded ten thousand men. 
 
 It may now be determined with what degree of justice 
 h clamour was raised against the military conduct of the 
 officer commanding in chief on the northern frontier at 
 the close of the war. Puerile vanity may have attributed 
 to itself success which had been prepared by the foresight 
 and exertions of another; — pride may have hesitated to 
 acknowledge the relief afforded in its distress;-«-arrogance 
 may have sought consolation for its repulse, by encourag- 
 ing calumny; — and malice, writhing under chastisement, 
 may have exulted in the prospect of attaching its venom to 
 the fair fame of an honest man and a successful commander; 
 but the offspring of falsehood and folly must vanish before 
 the mirror of truth. 
 
 The appearance of a pamphlet, ascribed to the pen of 
 General Armstrong, (in which offensive mention was made 
 of Major General Izard,) induced the latter to inquire of 
 the supposed author, if he avowed the production; — it 
 was disavowed in the following terms. 
 
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 " La Bergerie, 25 ^/ri/, 1816. ^ 
 
 " SIR, 
 
 "I received your letter of the 17th instant by Saturday's 
 mail, and the duplicate copy by that of yesterday. I am not 
 the author of the pamphlet to which you refer, and which 
 you say the public voice ascribes to me. Though no ap'- 
 prover of your military conduct in the campaign of 1814, 
 I have not published a line on that subject. You do me no 
 more than justice in supposing that what I write, I am 
 willing to acknowledge. 
 
 * 
 
 I am, sir, respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, ^ 
 JOHN ARMSTRONG." 
 
 ' Gen. Izard, Philadelphia. • ..■. 
 
 r 
 
 ... ,_,. 
 
 With an anonymous libeller, no man of honour can 
 enter the lists. The sarcasm levelled at Gen. I's character 
 was entitled to notice, only as coming from a personage, 
 whose opinions might appear to the world the result of an 
 intimate acquaintance with facts. But as Gen. Armstrong 
 has (in the above quoted letter) announced himself unequi- 
 vocally to be no approver of the military conduct of one 
 who, during his ministry, was placed in a situation so 
 responsible, as well as honourable, as that of commander 
 of the principal army on the menaced frontier of the 
 
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 United*States, — General Izard feels it incumbent on him, 
 as an American and a soldier, to furnish his fellow citizens 
 with the means of deciding on the merits of his public 
 conduct. No mode more efiectual presents itself of ob- 
 taining a candid judgment than by exhibiting for public 
 investigation his correspondence with the department of 
 war, accompanied by such documents as may illustrate 
 the facts mentioned in his letters. No erasures have been 
 made but of such passages as relate to the misconduct of 
 individuals. . ' , 
 
 The many meritorious officers, whose intrepidity and 
 military talents solaced their commander in those scenes 
 of labour, danger and privation, would have cause to 
 complain of being neglected in the official reports to the 
 secretary at war, but for the following ex[^anation. On 
 every occasion where an officer had distinguished himself, 
 the circumstance was noticed in general orders issued to 
 the army, and a memorandum was entered on a record 
 which was intended to be laid before the executive at the 
 close of the campaign. After the peace, and on the reduc- 
 tion of the army, General Izard had no opportunity of 
 laying these titles to the patronage of governiuent before 
 the competent authority;-*nor was he consulted in the 
 selection of officers for the peace establishment. In the 
 few instances where names were particularly mentioned 
 (in the correspondence with the secretary at war) it was 
 
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 done to guard the rights of individuals who were Isntitled 
 to promotion; — because some alarming instances of the 
 irregular advancement of favourites had occurred in the 
 new organization of the army in 1814. 
 
 It would be superfluous to apologize for any inaccu- 
 racies in the composition of th^se letters. Most of them 
 were written amidst unavoidable interruptions. During 
 the latter part of the campaign on the Niagara, the writer 
 was suffering from a painful and debilitating malady. This 
 was the period seized upon, by nn infamous tool of dis- 
 appointed ambition, for inventing calumnies, not only 
 unsupported by a shadow of truth or probability, and 
 contradicted by the tenor of a whole life, but entirely 
 irrelevant to the exercise of professional duties. . ' 
 
 Philadelphia, May 30, 1816. 
 
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OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 WITH THB 
 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF WAR, 
 
 IN THE YEARS 1814 AND 1815. 
 
 ■"■I 
 
 The Secretary at War to Major General George Izard, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 War Defiartmenti 18th j^/iril, 1814. 
 
 ■t 
 
 ^ Enclosed is a duplicate copy of my letter -to you of the 
 8th instant, by which authority is vested in you to adjourn 
 the court to be assembled for the trial of Major General 
 Wilkinson, in the contingency only of your not finding its 
 members together on the 25th inst. The late occurrences 
 on the frontier made it proper that this authority should 
 be enlarged. You are accordingly instructed to postpone 
 the assembling of the court until the end of the campaign, 
 if, in your opinion, its sitting, agreeably to the order 
 given, would produce inconvenience or injury to the 
 public interest. Should you decide on deferring the trial, 
 you will immediately proceed to the head quarters of the 
 army, at or near Plattsburg, and take upon yourself the 
 command thereof. 
 
 I have the honour to be, sir, 
 With great respect, 
 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
 
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 Major General Izard to the Hon. John Armstrong ^ 
 Secretary at JVar, , ; 
 
 
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 SIR, 
 
 JVorthern Army^ H. Q. Plattaburg, May 7, 18 U. 
 
 The papers which I forwarded from Lake George will 
 have informed you of what took place in regard to the 
 court martial ordered to assemble there. I arrived in this 
 vicinity on the 1st instant, and assumed the command of 
 the army on the 4th. Brigadier General Macomb had been, 
 called to this station, from the eastern side of the lake, by 
 Major General Wilkinson on his departure, and Brigadier 
 General Smith was sent to Burlington. Both these officers 
 being desirous of resuming their former posts, I directed 
 them to do so. Brigadier General Smith has not yet * j- 
 ported himself here. • 
 
 I have been engaged for three days in examining the 
 troops, and am sorry to say that I am greatly disappoint- 
 ed, both in their number and quality. With very few 
 exceptions (and those confined to companies) they are 
 deficient in all the requisites of regular soldiers. Their 
 clothing and equipment are in a wretched state,-~their 
 pjtoficiency in field manceuvres, and even the rudiments 
 of exercise, is lamentably small, — and an undue proportion 
 of them are on the sick list. Of those who appear under 
 arms, a very great number are unfit to take the field, m 
 consf^quence of indispositions contracted in the last move- 
 ment to the Lacole. Whole battalions are composed of 
 year's men, who in a few days will be entitled to their 
 discharge from the service. In short, I cannot, on this 
 side of Lake Champlain, produce an aggregate force of 
 more than two thousand effectives, and these raw, ill- clad 
 and wcM^f disqiplined. 
 
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The brigade in Vermont is not proportionally stronger: 
 the last report from Burlington presents no more than an 
 aggregate of six hundred men. There is besides, at Ver- 
 gennes, a detachment of about three hundred; and I un- 
 derstand that four or five hundred recruits, under Colonel 
 Dana, may soon be expected in that quarter. 
 
 The extent of my command not having been defined, I 
 have some hesitation in giving orders to detached officers. 
 The morning on which I left Albany, I was informed that 
 orders, directly from the war office, had been received by 
 the senior ofiicer at Greenbush to forward all his recruits 
 to the westward. Nothii^g is farther from my wishes than 
 to interfere with the movements of any offi'rer at a distance. 
 I must, however, request, that limits may be designated 
 to the district over which I am to have a cdntrol-«^till, of 
 course, reserving the right to command in chief, should 
 circumstances bring a junior officer within the circle of 
 my operations. 
 
 In th(i mean time I find it necessary to order some 
 of the officers at Albany to join their corps here. We 
 have a detachment of more than one hundred dragoons 
 under charge of a single subaltern. Lieutenant Colonel 
 Ball will be directed to repair hither, and to order such 
 dragoon officers as he may meet or hear of, not on other 
 active duty, to join him. The same measure will be 
 adopted respecting the light artillery, of which there are 
 three companies, with only one officer to each. 
 
 Different systems of instruction have been adopted by 
 the officers of this division. As uniformity is indispensable 
 in this particular, I am about to authorize the former 
 practice, agreeably to Baron Steuben's regulations — with- 
 out, however, giving to the latter the formality of a general 
 order until the first of June; when, unless I receive in- 
 
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 structions to the contrary, I shall adopt them as regula- 
 tions for the troops under my command. ^ iv.'M'' 'M 
 I have the honour to be, very respectfully, 
 
 . ;•.»■•, • . i- ■' Sir, 
 
 - Your most obedient humble servant, 
 
 GEO. IZARD. 
 
 
 From the Same to the Same, 
 
 
 SIR, 
 
 JVorthem jtrmyt H. Q. PlaUaburgf May 9, 1814. 
 
 I DEEM it proper to make you acquainted with the 
 state of our supplies here; and enclose returns from the 
 quartermaster's department, handed in this morning. >^ > 
 
 The dragoons are without clothing; their arms, with 
 scarcely an exception, unfit for use — and they have not 
 been paid for many months. i.^.i 
 
 The riflemen have had no pay for considerably more 
 than a year. I regret to say that several desertions have 
 taken place from these two corps since my arrival. . . ., . 
 
 The master of the steam-boat from Whitehall reports, 
 that Commodore Macdonough will not be ready so soon as 
 was expected. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, &c. &c. 8cc. 
 
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 The Secretary at War to Major General Izard, 
 
 
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 War Department, 26th Jjirili 1814. 
 
 If, under the authority given by my last letter, you 
 have not already adjourned the proposed court-martial 
 (in the case of Major General Wilkinson) until further 
 orders, you will no longer delay doing so. The early 
 movements of the enemy on the lakes render it highly 
 imprudent to detain you longer from the army, or to 
 draw from it the witnesses necessary to the prosecution 
 and defence. Colonels King and Hamilton will return to 
 the Fifth District, and Brigadier General M'Arthur to 
 the Eighth, via Washington. 
 
 lam, sir, Sec. Sec. ;:i^:v ; 
 
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 The Same to the Same, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 IVar Defiartmenti April 28^A, 1814. 
 
 It is to be hoped that our flotilla on Lake Champlain 
 will soon be in condition to act with effect, and that the 
 naval force of the enemy will be confined to the Sorrel. 
 
 In this case you will concentrate all your regular force 
 6n the west side of the lake, and take such position as 
 may be best recommended by the following considerations. 
 
 1st. Its own physical strength and fitness to receive and 
 accommodate an army: 
 
 « 
 
 2d. The protection it will give to your depots of sup- 
 plies, and to the country in your rear: and 
 
 3d. The facilities it may offer of approaching and an- 
 noying the enemy. 
 
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 These considerations indicate the character to be given 
 to the campaign on Lake Champiain. 
 
 If our force shall be so augmented by enlistments as 
 will warrant foi attack on the enemy's posts in front of 
 Montreal, it will be made. Lacole, forced or turned, and 
 a position taken between the Isle<aux-noix and Montreal, 
 he will be compelled to hazard a battle in defence of his 
 communications* This object in view, reinforcements will 
 be forwarded to you from all the points from which they 
 can be spared: but as these will be principally composed 
 of recruits, the most unwearied attention must be paid to 
 them. It is matter of serious regret that, in our oldest 
 corps, an attention to police and a knowledge of duty are 
 yet very deficient. The source of this evil is principally 
 to be found in the commanding generals, who do not fol- 
 low up their orders, by their own personal observation, or 
 by that of their staff, to their complete execution. I have 
 also to complain, that the rules prescribed by this depart- 
 ment, and which had for their objects order and economy, 
 have not been steadily or strictly observed. The President 
 looks to you for a remedy oi these evils, and for a correc- 
 tion of all other abuses which come under your notice. 
 
 I am, sir, Sec. 
 
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 Major General Ixard to the Secretary at War. 
 
 Mrthem jirmy, H, Q. Plattabvrg, Mxy 13, 1814. 
 
 U:^ SIR, ,V,,. ;. ,; . \. , . ,„..,.. . 
 
 The enemy's flotilla, consisting ef one brig of twenty 
 or twenty-four guns, three sloops of from six to eight 
 guns, and thirteen gun>boats and gallies, passed Chazy on 
 the 9th and 10th instant They remained the 11th and 12th 
 in sight of this place, and are this day out of sight, having 
 proceeded up the lake. Their approach was announced by 
 express to Brigadier General Macomb, at Burlington, 
 early on the 10th, who forwarded the information to Cap- 
 tain Macdonough (Navy) at Vergennes and to Whitehall. 
 They have not landed on this side of the lake, but plun- 
 dered some of the inhabitants on the Vermont shore. They 
 may have from twelve to fifteen hundred men on board. 
 They have a number of small boats with them. 
 Our force at Vergennes consists of 
 
 ., ;-^v;« 1 ship of 26 guns, 
 
 1 schooner of 20 guns, 
 
 2 sloops of 8 \ 
 
 6 row- gallies of 2 C each. 
 
 4 gun-boats of 1 ) 
 The mouth of Otter creek is defended by a small bat- 
 tery of seven twelve pounders, on ship carriages. A fiu'nace 
 is also built for heating shot. 
 
 Captain Macdonough wrote to me, under date of the 
 5th May, a letter which I received only last i/tght from 
 Burlington. He states his equipment to be nearly all 
 arrived; but is short of his complement of men by two 
 hundred and fifty. He requests that number to be fur- 
 nished him from among the troops. We are ourselves 
 very deficient in numbers; but, conceiving it to be of 
 
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8 
 
 material advantage to have his force out, I have instruct- 
 ed Brigadier General Macomb to make such an arrange- 
 ment as may be least inconve /lent. Were it not for the 
 mass of provisions which I should be obliged to leave 
 exposed here, I would proceed to Rouse's Point, in the 
 hope of intercepting the enemy's return. They are, how- 
 ever, in force between Isle-aux-noix and Montreal, and 
 are daily receiving reinforcements from below. The re- 
 ports of spies and deserters are doubtless exaggerated; 
 but they greatly outnumber us at the lowest estimate. 
 
 On the 10th a detachment of exchanged prisoners, 
 amounting to three hundred men, of whom twelve are 
 seamen, were received by an officer of my staff near 
 Champlain. They arrived within my cantonment yester- 
 day. No rolls, except of names, accompany them. Colonel 
 Pinkney is directed to report on the subject to the Adju- 
 tant and Inspector's office at Washington. The seamen 
 are now proceeding to the other side of the lake, and I 
 hope will reach Vergennes to-morrow. I have directed 
 the quartermaster's department to furnish them with pro- 
 visions, and a boat, which they will navigate themselves. 
 They are wafhed to be on their guard. Sailingmaster 
 Trent is their senior officer. 
 
 Lieutenant Spenser, of the pay department, has lately 
 arrived here with money for the troops, which they are 
 now receiving. I shall rejoice when it is all spent; and 
 hope means will be adopted to correct the inconvenience 
 of such distant payments. — 
 
 I send this letter by express, on the west side of Lake 
 Champlain to Albany, under cover to Colonel Jenkins; 
 and, while the enemy continues above us, shall establish 
 a line of expresses on that route. 
 
 r ' I have the honour, &c. &,c. 
 
 X'u..,^^lift.. . 
 
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 7%e Secretary at War to Major General Izard. 
 
 .*->• 
 
 SIR, 
 
 fVar £)e/iarltncnt, 6th May^ 1814. 
 
 Your letter of the 27th ultimo, enclosing copies of 
 your correspondence with General Wilkinson, has been 
 received. I may hereafter make some remarks upon it. 
 My object at present is principally to give you some 
 information, received through Commodore Chauncey. 
 That Benedict's story, in extenso, is that of an old 
 woman, there can be no doubt. Whether the senses of 
 a man, who could believe such a quiz, are to be trusted 
 at all, is the only question at present. 
 
 If large detachments have gone up the St. Lawrence 
 (and he says he has seen one of this description) they are 
 not from Europe, but from Montreal. They are of course 
 proportionably weak in this point, and may be struck with 
 effect, if the roads yet permit the travelling of cannon of 
 sufficient calibre to batter down or to burn their out- 
 wor]^s. Employ all means to get information, and act 
 aocordingly. 
 
 I am, Sec. &c. 
 
 
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 ■"^iW 
 
 ■■^'■ i-*:' i f -^ 
 
 '^iiittL-. . 
 
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I 
 
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 10 
 
 "><^/:f •■^■y',ti^^V&tri»k0'^ 
 
 •*«• 
 
 Major General Izard to the Secretary at fVar. 
 
 -Id- 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Head Quarter$, Plattaburg, May 17, ISU. 
 
 On the 13th instant I had the honour of informing ; 
 you, that the enemy's flotilla had proceeded up the lalceii 
 Early the next morning a heavy firing was heard in a 
 south-east direction, for which we were at a loss to ac- 
 count until last afternoon, when the express I had sent to 
 Vermont returned with a letter from Brigadier General 
 Macomb, enclosing a note to him from Captain Mac- 
 donough. On receiving notice of the enemy's proceeding 
 up the lake on the 13th, a detachment of fifty light artillery 
 men, under the command of Captain Thornton, of that 
 corps, was despatched in wagons from Burlington to 
 Vergennes, where they arrived in time to man the battery 
 at the mouth of Otter creek. At day-break the enemy at- 
 tacked with his whole force; and, after a severe cannonade 
 of two hours' duration, during which their gallies suffered 
 very considerably, they withdrew to repair damages. — 
 Yesterday they repassed this place, having some of their 
 vessels in tow, and are gone towards their own posts. Two 
 of their gallies are said to be missing. No damage was 
 done on our side, except dismounting one gun in the 
 battery, by which two men were slightly injured. I enclose 
 a copy of the note, written by Captain Macdonough to 
 Brigadier General Macomb. 
 
 I have information that eighty new bateaux, to hold 
 from twenty-five to thirty men each, are assembled below 
 Rouse's Point, and that the enemy is daily receiving rein- 
 forcements in that quarter. One battalion of the 8th and 
 one of the 60th British regiments are stated^ by the ofiicers 
 
 
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 '.-t>ji. ji";.'i •j-^*'*v^ • .- 
 
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 V" 
 
 11 
 
 lately exchanged, to have arrived at Chambly and St. 
 John's. A hand-bill was published at Montreal, four days 
 ago, announcing the arrival at Quebec of a large number 
 of transports. When our fleet is well out*of port, I shall 
 concentrate my force on this side of the lake, and collect 
 the stores dispersed at several points. 
 
 It is stated that the communication is stopped on the 
 lines by the British authorities. This has been the usual 
 precursor of their expeditions. — Not having heard a word 
 from the westward, I can only make my arrangements for 
 the banks of this lake; and, if the flotilla were well out, I 
 shall have very little apprehension in this quarter. 
 '•■ Among the exchanged prisoners, who reported them- 
 selves to me yesterday, were Captain Leonard, of the ar- 
 tillery, and Dr. Chapin, of Niagara. The former is ordered 
 to proceed to Washington: the latter I informed he was 
 at liberty to go home, as he wishes to do. 
 
 Some claims against the United States, by inhabitants 
 of the vicinity of French Mills, have been presented here. 
 I refused to act on the subject; and at the request of the 
 agent, a Mr. D. Jones, forward them, under cover, to the 
 Adjutant and Inspector. 
 
 I am, &c. &n. * - 
 
 
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 12 
 7%e Secretary at TVar to Major General Izard. ?t|r;?iT 
 
 IVar De/iarttncnt, Wth May, IB\4,^ 
 SIR, 
 
 You will receive herewith a copy of laws, having rela- 
 tion to the army, passed at the last session of Congress, 
 and of the new military regulations, which the President 
 has approved-^and which, in addition to those already 
 published, it becomes your duty to promulgate and enforce 
 within your command. Those relating to hospitals ai\0 to 
 clothing call for the most rigid observance. 
 
 Brigadier General Winder, having been exchanged, 
 has been assigned to the important office of chief of the 
 staff, and, as such, will report to you. ■ •> ' • \ 
 
 I am, sir, &c. &c. -i "^i^ 
 
 From the Same to the Same* 
 
 
 It', 
 
 
 SIR, 
 
 War Defiartment, May 1 1/A, 1814. 
 
 As in Other branches of service, there are many irregu- 
 larities in the conduct of judge advocates; and particularly 
 in their not transmitting the proceedings of courts martial, 
 within a reasonable time, to this department, as matters of 
 record. The only notice received here of the proceedings 
 in the cases of B. P. Barnet, Frederick G. Gates, James 
 Deane, James W. Lanning, Amasa J. Brown, Conant, 
 Waterman, Baily, and Presbury West, is a copy of the 
 general order of the Slst of January last. Other trials have 
 been had, as those of Lieutenant Nickerson (Slst regiment) 
 
 ■ '•'*'»«««*M-.«iN.,;ii|pp(ii«ft 
 
 v.=^5 ^i 
 
 ^-jaW^i;>v„.;'-vj 
 
 =>iT.--.-;.%^^i...- 
 
13 
 
 and of Lieutenants Merrit and SUndiford, of which no 
 notice of any kind has been received. It is the province of 
 Inspectors General to report judge advocates not perform- 
 ing their duty agreeably to law. 
 
 You will be pleased to issue the necessary orders on 
 this point, and accept the assurances of my great respect. 
 
 JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
 
 From Major General Izard to the Secretary at War. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Head Quartera, Plattaburgy May 34, 1814. 
 
 Yesterday's mail brought me two letters from you, 
 dated the 1 Ith inst. The papers they covered are referred 
 to the Inspector General, who will report respecting any 
 irregularities in the proceedings of courts martial. The 
 judge advocate whom I found here, Mr. S. Lush, had 
 leave of absence two days ago (on his repeated and ear- 
 nest sdicitation) to attend to private business of the 
 greatest importance at Albany. 
 
 Brigadier General Winder, not being met by the officer 
 who was expected from Montreal, returned hither yester- 
 day. I communicated to him your notice of his being ap- 
 pointed chief of the staff. — My letters, from this place,, 
 will have informed you how diminutive the force under 
 my command is. The appointment of so large a staff 
 gives me the comfortable assurance that it is intended to 
 add to the number of troops on this lake: they now would 
 barely constitute a full brigade, on the footing of the re- 
 gulations for the army; and I shall be somewhat puzzled, 
 when the remnant of Macomb's brigade joins me from 
 
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LiN. 
 
 •f 
 
 Iter 
 
 k 
 
 
 
 "*■••*»»■,■ 
 
 Vermoiu, now to di&|/()»c of four brigatftfrs and all their 
 staff '^^ccrs. 
 
 T directed the commanding officer in Vermont to 
 furnisl) '^'nptain Macdonough ^vith the number of men he 
 required, ui^ r tht assurance that n a few days he 
 would, by their assistance, be enabled to sail. My in- 
 structions were either misunderstood or neglected; and 
 on further notice from the Commodore, that he was di- 
 rected, by the navy department, to apply for this aid, and 
 that he could not move without it, I repeated the order to 
 supply the men immediately. It has at last been done: but, 
 to my surprise and mortification, I am informed from 
 Vergennes, that another week must elapse before the 
 fleet can put out. In the meantime the intercourse with 
 the other side of the lake is rendered dangerous by gallies 
 of the enemy, which skulk behind the islands, and pre- 
 vent the transportation of troops or stores; and this morn- 
 ing I have intelligence, that the enemy's naval armament 
 is again above Rouse's Point. Paralyzi'i as I am by this 
 unexpected delay in the advance of our fleet, I can only 
 make preparations to guard the position I occupy— a po< 
 sition adapted for three times the number of men at my 
 disposal; but to which I am tied by a variety of conside- 
 rations, which it is needless to repeat to you. 
 
 Of the accuracy of the intelligence transmitted from 
 Ogdensburg, I have no means of judging. There is no 
 intercourse whatever between this point and the St. Law- 
 rence. I have endeavoured to obtain c rect information 
 of the enemy's force and movements. The men liither j 
 employed are, I suspect, as much in the enemy's pay as 
 in ours. I fcund some of them on the footing of receiving 
 monthly stipe V; to no inconsiderable amount. This is 
 stopped; and ih-. i^uve . *otice that, in future, the reward 
 shall be propoit'Oi ;d to the vah-? of the service rendered. 
 
 "^ W 
 
 iM:' 
 
 i,.-*^. 
 
 i_W,ii-A<V.«i**l»«i>> I 
 
Ml 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Forsyth has undertaken to ascertain 
 what I wished to know. I am in hourly ex iitr Nation ol his 
 discoveries. >*' -•' ' * ' • 
 
 ".'The report of Lieutenant Colonel Davis, relative to the 
 attack of the battery at Vergennes, and Brigadier Ma- 
 comb's letter, transmitting it, are herewith enclosed. I 
 also send a letter from Captain Macdonough to the Briga- 
 dier, under d"** IPtii, May. 
 
 In conFi .^u^t.cc .<' Brigadier General Winder's com- 
 munication tc v\Cf respecting the convention entered into 
 ^y hi .1, I have thought it my duty to alter the disposition 
 o* u. .. «)fficers and soldiers lately received as exchanged 
 prisoners from Canada. This, as a matter of delicacy, I 
 beg to have specific instructions about. 
 
 :;»Vl7' 
 
 I have the honour, Sec. 
 
 4 
 
 '■■i 
 
 u' i> r 
 
 4 
 
 From the Secretary at War to Major General Izardi 
 
 ■' -I > 
 
 SIR, 
 
 War De/iartment, I4th May, 1814, 
 
 Enclosed is the distribution made of the general 
 staff, and of regiments and corps, for District No. 9. 
 
 If the regiments assigned to your division can be filled 
 by even the 1st day of August nexty the campaign maybe 
 a good one. 
 
 ux reinforcements to the enemy, we hear only of the 
 76th and 16th regiments of infantry coming from England. 
 
 It is proposed to get together at Buffaloe about six 
 thousand effectives, regular and irregular, pass them into 
 Canada by means of the flotilla on lake Erie, and give 
 them Burlington and York as objects of attack. The ene- 
 
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 ■■'* . 1 
 
16 
 
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 my, to maintain these posts, must weaken himself below, 
 and expose either Kingston or Montreal. If the former, 
 General Gaines will be instructed (with the aid of the 
 fleet) to carry his attack against that point; and if the lat- 
 ter, you will be in condition to avail yourself of it. If, on 
 the other hand, the western posts are left to maintain 
 themselves, they must fall; and the peninsula will be 
 added to what we already hold of Upper Canada. This 
 result will be assured, if Chauncey should beat Yeo. The 
 enemy's force, westward of Kingston, .does not exceed, 
 as we are informed, two thousand men. 
 
 The privates of the 20th regiment will be transferred 
 to the 12th; and the officers of the former sent to Virginia 
 to recruit 
 
 The fragments of the 22d and 23d regiments will be 
 sent to Sackett's Harbour; and all parts of corps or regi- 
 ments, which have been assigned to your division, and 
 are now serving in that of the left, will have orders to 
 join you. 
 
 From General Macomb's account of the militia at Ver- 
 gennes, they ought to be discharged. 
 
 I am, sir, &c. &,c. 
 
 # 
 
 
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 17 
 
 ENCLOSURE. 
 
 •■■■ ..^ ^ iiHv •'-•':%^"'l"* ■■■'V '.:, 
 
 jyistribuHon of the General Staffs of the Corps and Regi- 
 ments of the Army of the United States^ in the Ninth 
 ' Mi/itart/ District, for the t/ear 1814. <- ^^ :^ ""'> 
 
 
 *.-n' 
 
 FIRST, OR DIVISION OF THE RIGHT. ; v 
 
 Major General George Izard. 
 
 Brigadier General Wm. H. Winder, chief of the staC 
 
 r Alexander Macomb. 
 Brigadier Generals < Thomas A. Smith. 
 
 ( Daniel Bissell. , - ' ' t ,' 
 
 Adjutant General William Gumming, 
 
 A • .. AJ-. n< C Ebenezer Beeke. " - ' " ' 
 Assist. Adits. Gen. ^ _, t, t 
 
 C Mann r. Lormax.^ :j 
 
 Inspector General Ninian Pinkney. 
 
 A . . T r> ^ Sylvester Churchill, - * 
 Assist. Insp. Gen. ^ ^ _ _, 
 
 C George P. Peters. 
 
 Deputy Quartermasters General J ^°^" Bleeker. v v » 
 
 C James Rees. 
 C John B. Hogatl. 
 C Henry Stanton* 
 
 Engineers Major J. G. Totten. ; 
 
 Depy. Gommy. of Ordnance..., 
 
 Assist. Depy. Gommy. of Ordnance.,.. ^ 
 
 Physician and Surgeon General... .Jameis Tilton. 
 
 C James Mann. 
 
 Hospital Surgeons j W. V. Wheaton. 
 
 ^ (H. Hunt and J. C. Bronaugl>. 
 
 Assist. Dep. Q. M. Gen. 
 
 Mosp'.Si!Tff. Mates ^•'^^^P^ ^^' ^^"'*^^- 
 
 C Abraham Vanhoy, &c. 
 
 Judge Advocte, S ^'f ^•,^"''"' ^""l' 
 
 ( Stephen Lush, i^sn.. 
 
 &c, 
 
 ■f.- 
 
 * 
 
 "t! 
 
 .'If: 
 
 •■»v. 
 
 i-vw. 
 
 
'12.. '■r'^'^'^r'T'^i ' 
 
 Mi 
 
 II 
 
 \u 
 
 Regiments and Corps, 
 
 1. The regiment of light artillery. 
 
 2. Two squadrons of light dragoons. ^^ ■ 
 
 3. The 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th; 
 29th, 30th, 3 1st, 33d, 34th, 37th, 45th infantry, and 
 a battalion of the 1st rifle regiment. +;> .: i*^ .^ 
 
 ■>?f » 
 
 ■AJ^v. 
 
 
 :■«■>■ 
 
 M-t 
 
 SECOND, OR DIVISION OF THE LEFT. . ■ 
 
 Major General Jacob Brown. 
 
 r Edmund P. Gaines, i ;&^ 
 Brigadier Generals < W» Scott. ^1 
 
 (E.W. Ripley. - -vf: 
 
 Adjutant General Charles K Gardner. 
 
 Assist. Adits. General \ ^y^ " ^' 
 ^ : ^ i ^ Robert G. Hite. 
 
 Inspector General.. ...... Josiah Snelling. 
 
 * . ^ T ^ CAzorOrne. - " -/i- 
 
 Assist. Insp. Gen. -< ^^ i • i « n « 
 . * C Nathaniel B. Hall. 
 
 T> *r» ,. ^ 4, r> C Samuel Brown. 
 Deputy Quartermast. Gen. < ^ . . , 
 
 ^ Darby Noon (acting), < 
 •e ' C Major William M*Rea. 
 
 Eagmcers Jj.. D.Wood. 
 
 f Hosea Blood. 
 Hospital Surgeons j J. K. Martin. 
 
 ( E.„W. Bull, and Wm. Thomas. 
 
 Regiments and Corps. 
 
 1. Two squadrons of light dragoons. 
 
 2. Detachment of the corps of artillery, serving as such. 
 
 3. Corps of artillery, serving as infantry. 
 
 4. The 1st, 9th, 11th, 21st, 22d, 23d, and 25th rcgi- 
 ments of infantry^ ' 
 
 5. Battalion of the 1st regiment of riflemen. 
 
 ■1 
 
 
 ^^l; 
 

 19 
 
 fB 
 
 From the Secretary at War to Major General Izard. 
 
 ■ik.- 
 
 I 
 
 SIR, 
 
 War Defiartmentf May \6th, 1814. 
 
 You will take measures to have the public provisions 
 on lake Champlain inspected, and the quantity ascertained 
 to be on hand on the 1st of June next. You will cause re> 
 turns of the same to be made to this department, and re- 
 ceipts given by the store keepers to the present contractor 
 as promptly as possible. These returns and receipts will 
 designate by whoniy when and where the provisions have 
 been deposited. You will also direct the necessary arrange- 
 ments to be made to secure the regular issues from the 
 same, until the new contractor, or other authorized agent 
 or agents, arrive to take possession of such balance as 
 may remain on hand. 
 
 I have the honour, &c. 
 
 m 
 
 %■ 
 
 ^•* 
 
 From the Same to the Same. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 War Office f I8th May, 1814. 
 
 The guard having charge of the British prisoners at 
 Pittsfield, have orders to conduct them to the lines, in 
 exchange for our*s recently sent from Canada. You will 
 prescribe the route by which they are to go; and notice is 
 sent to deputy marshal Melville to this effect. 
 
 I am, Sec. 
 
 ■■■$^ 
 
 .»■» *--\}^^^^^^ 
 
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 -■— ~(.«rj.Vy_. 
 

 20 
 
 From the Same to the Same. 
 
 • 
 
 ■ «■>•■ 
 
 ■(* 
 
 If i 
 
 SIR, 
 
 IVar De/iartment, i-Tay \8t/i, 1814, 
 
 Your letters of the 7th and 9th instant have been re- 
 oeived. The papers forwarded by you from lake George, 
 were lost in transmission to the President from the war 
 office. I must ask other copies of them. 
 
 The report you make of the troops is painful. When 
 will our regimental officers learn their duty, and practice 
 it? Whenever the commanding general shall do his. Con- 
 fidential reports have been provided by the rules. Colonel 
 Atkinson is the only inspector of the north w^ho has com- 
 plied with them — and he in relation only to General Hamp- 
 ton's division. Of clothing, there has been the most de- 
 testable abuses. Among the new rules, are some intended 
 to correct these hereafter. I know your attention and firm- 
 ness — both will be tried, and will triumph, in spite of 
 the many deep- laying causes of insubordination. 
 
 All recruits belonging to regiments assigned to your 
 division, will be sent to you. 
 
 Money has been forwarded for the re-enlistment of the 
 men of the 29th, 30th, 31st, 33d, and 34th, actually in 
 service. — Are the officers attentive to their duty? Do the 
 men re -enlist? 
 
 Major Lee says, he has not been able to get a muster- 
 roll from Forsyth. He will have orders to pay the cifle- 
 jnen, but muster-rolls are indispensable — and the officer 
 omitting to render them, must be arrested and tried for 
 2ieglect of duty. Orders will also be given for paying off" 
 the dragoons. — The senior officer present of this corps, 
 
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 m.^ 
 
 -M-^. 
 
1814. 
 
 leen re- 
 ieorge, 
 the war 
 
 When 
 practice 
 s. Con- 
 Colonel 
 as com- 
 
 Hamp- 
 lost de- 
 ntended 
 nd firm- 
 spite of 
 
 to your 
 
 nt of the 
 
 ually in 
 
 Do the 
 
 muster- 
 the ciBe- 
 le officer 
 tried for 
 laying off 
 lis corps, 
 
 21 
 
 ■A'ill make a requisition on the issuing commissary for 
 clothing and arms. . ' ^- ■,. - ." rr ' 
 
 Territorial limits of command are found inconvenient. 
 The corps assigned to your division, and all officers be- 
 longing to these, unless specially designated for other duty, 
 will form your command. Where two or more divisions 
 unite, the senior officer will necessarily command. The 
 quartermaster general, the apothecary general, and the 
 ordnance department, at Albany, will obey your requi- 
 sitions. 
 
 I am, sir, Sec. &c. See. 
 
 
 \ •'■»?*•, 
 
 From Major General Izard, to the Secretary at fFar. 
 
 ■ ■-,"w*;% 
 
 Head Quarters, Plattaburg, June l«r, 1814. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your letter of the 18th, was received by the last mail. 
 I enclose copies of the papers which I forwarded to you 
 from lake George. • 
 
 Captain Macdonough made his appearance here on the 
 529th May. We are now engaged in bringing over from 
 Burlington, the troops and stores on that side of the lake. 
 As soon as I can equip a portion or the force for the field, 
 I shall advance a small corps to occupy the ground in front 
 of Chazy. Brigadier General Smith will command the 
 detachment. What shall we do for horses? there are not 
 more than sixty fit for service among the dragoons, about 
 forty in the light artillery, and but six in the Quartermas- 
 ter's department. 
 
 The senior hospital surgeon reported to me yesterday, 
 that a case of small pox has occurred in the cantonment. 
 
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 V:' 
 
 . I 
 
 i 
 
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Every precaution is taking to prevent infection — and there 
 not being any kine pox matter in this part of the country, 
 an express has been sent to Albany for the purpose of 
 procuring some. It is unfortunate that this was not done 
 by the proper department some weeks ago. 
 
 In my next I shall have the honour of submitting to 
 you more in detail the state of things here, and the result 
 of the enquiries directed to be made in some of your late 
 communications.; .• 
 
 .' : I am very respectfully, &c. &c. 
 
 H. I 
 
 ' ■% 
 
 SIR, 
 
 i'VoOT the Same to the Same, 
 
 head Quart er»i Plattaburg^ June 2</, 1814. 
 
 A despatch for the secretary of state accompanied by a 
 note to me, from sir George Prevnst,, (in which he re- 
 quests that it may be forwarded as expeditiously as possi. 
 ble,) was delivered at Chazy this forenoon. I have in con- 
 sequence directed Colonel Snelling to proceed with it to 
 the seat of government, as he is the only confidential officer 
 who can be spared from this army at present. 
 
 ^ I am, &c. &c. 
 
 pfe- 
 
 /■• .-•■ 
 
 t 
 
 • •^,~*mmmMi- 
 
^■^v. 
 
 23 
 
 itting to 
 
 le result 
 
 your late 
 
 mied by a 
 ich he re- 
 ' as possi- 
 ive in con- 
 with it to 
 tial officer 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 '• '''•/■■,:/■ ■ *^ fi. - t 
 
 From the Secretary at Wary to Major Gtneral hard. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 .1' 
 
 War Department f May iilhf 1014, 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter ofthe 13th instant. * ' ; ' ' ^ " 
 
 A despatch, from Captain Macdonough, is published in 
 the Intelligencer of yesterday, stating the repulse of the 
 enemy's squadron at the mouth of Otter creek, and their 
 retreat up the lake. We ought not to be thus anticipated 
 by naval reports. Officers at posts nearer the seat of go* 
 vernment than the head quarters of the division or brigade 
 to which they belong, should be instructed to report all 
 affairs with the enemy in which they may be engaged, as 
 well to the department of war, as to the commanding 
 general. 
 
 In the despatch above mentioned (dated the 14th in* 
 stant) the Captain states, that his whole force will be at 
 the mouth of the creek in four or five days— by which I 
 understand that he will then be in condition to face the 
 enemy's flotilla on the lake. Of this contingency you will 
 not fail to avail yourself. Should the enemy be brought to 
 action and beaten on the upper part of the lake, you will 
 immediately seize Rouse's point, and plant upon it a heavy 
 battery, which, with the; aid of Macdonough, will put you 
 at ease with regard to your magazines, for the remninder 
 of the campaign; — enable you to concentrate your force, 
 and (with the exception of the men necessary to manage ~ 
 the battery) make the whole of it disposuble. If on the 
 other hand (which is the more probable conjecture of the 
 two) he withdraws himself from the open lake, and refuses 
 
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 ]' 9 
 
 
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 >-l. A-t 'A-ai-VL- .1. 
 
 n -^••''wW'?''*'^^*^?* 1 
 
24 
 
 to engage but in the narrow waters, and under the protec- 
 tion of his land batteries, the same course should be pur- p 
 sued — ^because the advantage resulting from it to you 
 will be the same as in the former case. On the supposition 
 that Macdonough is beaten, you will be compelled to 
 adopt a plan merely defensive. ' ^^ , ^ » i.-,,^ •, r, /;;;.» * f: 
 
 The calls of the navy for soldiers, as substitutes for 
 marines or seamen, or for the protection of ships build- 
 ing, or built and laid up to avoid the enemy, are becoming 
 frequent and producing a very considerable diversion from 
 our field strength; and if yielded to, without the most dis- 
 tinct understanding, that the supply is temporary and wilt 
 be withdrawn whenever wanted for military purposes, will 
 extinguish all effort on the part of that department to fur- 
 nish itself. We have now one regiment and a detachment 
 of artillery guarding the United States and Macedonian, 
 at New London; the fleet on lake Erie wants men (I be- 
 lieve two hundred and fifty or three hundred.) Chauncey 
 wants a company for artillerists — and HulPs 74, at Ports* 
 mouth, may be attacked by the enemy, and iiust therefore 
 be defended. Be explicit therefore with Captain Macdo- 
 nough, otherwise he will expect from you this campaign 
 as much, if not more aid, than he had the last from Ge- 
 neral Hampton, -v-/ - • ' .V'^ ^". : ^^'-^ V^ '• '■^^^':^-:y^^^ ; n^'^r ' ' 
 
 The recruits belonging to the regiments assigned to 
 your division, will be ordered on to join you without de- 
 lay. ^V, Vf 
 
 Enclosed are two lists of exchanged prisoners, which 
 indicate the regiments to which they respectively belong. 
 We shall furnish such other facts in relation to them as 
 the muster and inspection rolls will afford. The men be- 
 longing to regiments serving with Major General Brown, 
 or in the eighth military district, will be sent on to Utica, 
 to await further orders. This grows out of a rule, which 
 
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25 
 
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 r 1 
 
 must be most punctually observed, that regiments are not 
 
 ^ hereafter to be split up into detachments serving remotely 
 
 from each other. — The non-observance of this rule has 
 
 . been a fruitful source of mischief to the armv. '« '^ : 
 
 f» You will perceive, by a General Order, communicated 
 through the Adjutant General, attached to the war depart- 
 ment, that the practice of duelling, no where tolerated at 
 the opening or during the progpress of a campaign, has be- 
 oome so prevalent in our army, (as well in the presence 
 of the enemy, as in the face of the law,) as to have drawn 
 upon it the most marked disapprobation of the executive 
 department. Two young men at this place have been 
 killed within a very short period; and if a late duel, fought 
 near your head quarters, has not been personally so dis- 
 astrous, its effects on the public service have been much 
 more so, as it has deprived us of a most useful officer as- 
 signed to the command of a regiment very much requiring 
 his immediate attention; and eventually can hardly fail to 
 
 , put an end to the public services of all the parties con- 
 cerned. On the receipt of this letter you will cause to be 
 
 . arrested the principals and seconds, report their names and 
 the names of persons having knowledge of the fact, to this 
 department, and order the whole to Greenbush, where a 
 court martial shall be promptly instituted. If Colonel At* 
 kinson's wound be such as prevents him from travelling) 
 he may remain where he is, until he can be removed with- 
 out hazard. 
 
 As your troops have recently been paid, let me know 
 exactly the number receiving pay, and the amount actu- 
 ally paid to each. Our army is very great in the estimat^^ 
 noted by payments, and very small in the liejd. #^i ■ 
 
 .^.- 
 
 1 : /•' 
 
 I am, sir, &c. Sec. 
 
 iSff-.r'.f,-' 
 
 ... i.*'' « 
 
 n 
 
 'f^i 
 
 
 -"►v-"* 
 
 ^' 
 
V 
 
 ^ 
 
 26 
 
 . ,■.■.. ,^m . 
 
 From Major General Izard, to the Secretary at fTafiL 
 
 k' 
 
 M'^' 
 
 Jffead Quarter», J'une tO/*, ltt4^ 
 
 SIR, 
 
 It was some days after the arrival of Captain Macdo- 
 nough*8 force, before a sufficient number of transports 
 could be found to bring over the troops and stores from 
 Burlington. The former have all arrived, some of the lat- 
 ter are yet to come. My intention has been to have in fu- 
 ture on this station, as an intermediate depot, only two 
 months supply at one time for the whole active force on 
 this side of the lake, to be replenished monthly from 
 Whitehall, where our magazines and stores may be ac- 
 cumulated. The latter is a place easily secured. By vtiaX. 
 troops this shall be done, and whether or not to consider 
 it as a dependency of this army, are questions which I 
 beg leave to submit for your determination. 
 
 At Burlington there remains only the hosj^ltfll, wliicli 
 is on an excellent establishment. The convalescents are 
 deemed sufficient for such military duties as are necessary. 
 The number left there, including nurses, &c. is two hun- 
 dred. 
 
 I have endeavoured to ascertain what number of year's 
 men have re-enlisted, but can obtain no correct reports on 
 the subject. This is the effect, not merely of ignorance 
 and negligence on the part of the officers, but also of the 
 irregularity with which the recruiting service has been 
 carried on in th^s quarter. Many of the men re-enlisting; 
 preferred changing their regiments, and in the repeated 
 modifications in the formation of the c(»ps, consolidations, 
 
 ? 
 
 
 .* 
 
57 
 
 transfers, Sec. &c. the company and regimental books 
 have in most instances been kept in a confused manner. 
 'V^ The circumstance of taking soldiers from our ranks to 
 man the navy, is in every aspect a very unpleasant one. It 
 is not only unjust to the individuals, but mortifying to their 
 officers. But what is to be done? — In a late instance the 
 naval force could not have moved without adopting this 
 measure; and had it lingered in Otter creek one week lon- 
 ger, we should have been out of bread at this place. I have 
 remonstrated freely on the subject with the commander 
 of the fleet, and read to him the passage of your letter res- 
 pecting it. He assured me that he had repieatedly urged 
 this matter to his department, and would do so again. In 
 the mean time I have endeavoured to render the service 
 less disagreeable to all concerned, by substituting volun- 
 teers for the companies originally placed on board, and 
 have succeeded in a great measure. This however has 
 also its attendant inconveniences, as some officers, whose 
 principal importance in the army consists in the talent of 
 being dissatisfied with every thing, have discouraged their 
 men from coming forward. 
 
 4< '^VsCN-i 
 
 I have no other mode of determining the amount of 
 money paid to the troops, than by reference to the pay- 
 rolls; these are of course in the pay-office ut Washington. 
 
 Mr. Irving, an assistant commissary of {Airchases, ar- 
 rived here a few days ago. The issues commenced only 
 yesterday. Some of the men were literally naked. The 
 clothing is of a very bad quality*— so bad indeed, that the 
 commanding officers of regiments would be justified in 
 refusing it, if their men were not in this pitiful condi- • 
 tion. There have no uniforms arrived for the riflemen; 
 they object to receiving the infantry dress. I can devij>e 
 no remedy. " 
 
 If 
 
 \ 
 
 
 •..^.| 
 
 (i- 
 
 ■ i 
 
 I •' if 
 
 
 
 
 W^^' 
 
 i-Rm 
 
 I.V-- 
 
 r-.o-*'-" 
 
 tit .'v'f<'"ji. - vs*1^ 
 
(■ 
 
 28 
 
 The quantity of stores arrived and arriving much exceeds 
 my expectation and wish. I shall probably be under the 
 necessity of sending some of them up the lake. 
 a The prisoners from Pittsfield mentioned in one of your 
 letters of the 18th May, have not been heard of. #, U 
 
 ^i In conformity to your instructions the detachments of 
 the 22dt and 2Sd, regiments are preparing to proceed to 
 Utica; they will leave this place on the 14th instant for 
 Whitehall. Their number is between three and four hun- 
 dred men. Major Brooke, of the 23d, has charge of them. 
 Major Arrowsmith is not here. This is no inconsiderable 
 reduction in so small an army. 
 
 I have formed a light brigade, of which I have given 
 the command to Brigadier General Smith. It consists of 
 the 4th, and 10th regiments consolidated. Colonel Purdy; 
 the 12th, Major Morgan; the riflemen now at Chazy, Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Forsyth; and one company of light artille* 
 ry. Captain Branch. The whole nearly one thousand three 
 hundred men. They have been encamped some days at 
 Dead creek, where their preparations have been making 
 with all practicable expedition. I indulge th6 hope that 
 they may march to Chazy in the course of to-morrow. 
 The flotilla will cover the boats containing their camp 
 equipage, which will precede them to that place, and Cap- 
 tain Macdonough will go on to examine the enemy's fleet, 
 now at anchor near Rouse's Point. ^.^~v, 
 
 It is with great exertion that we have been able to 
 equip this little force. As soon as I can get the rest of the 
 infantry ready, I shall join them. Brigadier Smith will 
 take a strong position at Champlain; and I am not without 
 expectation that we shall succeed in carrying some of their 
 detached posts. At all events, we shall be enabled to com- 
 pute more accurately their force between the St. Law- 
 
 AV. 
 
 -■* *r , 
 
 .•j«(i- ,«'«*;*-*«»«•» .f 
 
rw,-' 
 
 39 
 
 I'ence and Richelieu, and will govern ourselves accord" 
 ingly. v*^.. 
 
 My artillery consists only of light pieces. I have, in all, 
 but six medium eighteen pounders on travelling carriages; 
 a heavy battery cannot therefore be mounted, as you sug- 
 gest, at any point below this. The enemy's attention has 
 been for some weeks attracted by Touse's; he expects us 
 there: as yet we have the command of the lake, and its 
 occupation is not essential so long as that is the case. But 
 if the information, received within the last twenty>four 
 hours, of gallics being transported from Chambly to St. 
 John's, and of considerable preparations being in forward- 
 ness at the Isle-aux-noix, be confirmed, something must 
 be risked in order to seize that or some other command- 
 ing position. i " .5?v^^j§*«^i: ' »,; rti^f«#/-v^,i*|^- 
 ;«^ The funds in the Quartermaster General's hands are 
 very low. He informs me that he is this day reduced to 
 less than one thousand dollars. The deputy paymaster 
 placed with him ten thousand dollars, a few weeks ago, 
 for bounties and premiums, subject to my order: of this 
 sum only about two thousand has been drawn. There re- 
 sults- always much difficulty, in the settlement of ac- 
 counts at the war office, from taking of an * appropriated 
 fund for another service; it may however become neces- 
 sary to do so in the present instance. Brigadier General 
 Gaines gave me notice, by a letter dated the 8th of May, 
 of the handsome affiiir at Sandy creek. T bis, with the de- 
 feat of the enemy in their late incursion upon lake Cham- 
 plain, and the gallant defence at Oswego, has had the ef- 
 feet of inspiriting our men, who will, I doubt not, deserve 
 praise whenever an opportunity shall present itself. ^ 
 ^1*4. ,^^??^ieif^'% I have the honour to be, sir, &c. &c. . 
 
 P. S. I enclose an abstract, just handed in, for your in- 
 
 ^ 
 
 X 
 
 H' 
 
 ): 
 
 '■to''. ■'^{j^.K. 
 
 
 'tli.' yr 
 

 M» 
 
 30 
 
 formation. Deduct three hundred and thirty-two for 
 Brooke's command, and of the remainder (although re- 
 ported for duty) not less than one fifth, who would be left 
 on the road after two days march. Total effective force 
 three thousand men. 
 
 ft . 7 • . 
 
 \>- '■- TS^fV '■-■' V;«5^Vs' :i/-'^ 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^tK 
 
 The Secretary at War to Major General Izard, 
 
 f^iv-i' 
 
 War pepartmentt StAJune, 1814. 
 
 •V SIR, ':M^- :%'^'--'':^- . 
 
 The coni^ition in which you found your troops, as to 
 numbers and discipline, as stated in your letters of the 
 
 and , is indeed provoking. With regard to the 
 
 former, you will soon have less reason for complaint. 
 Your aggregate is even now respectable. But why so 
 great a difference between that and your effective force, 
 present and fit for duty? This is nearly or altogether one 
 third, and exists no where but in District No. 9. An 
 order on this subject was issued this day, which will be 
 communicated to you from the Adjutant and Inspector 
 General's office. The recruits of the regiments assigned to 
 your division are under marching orders, and will amount 
 to upwards of four thousand men. The 37th infantry, re. 
 tained at New London, to guard the frigates laid up there, 
 does not enter into this calculation. Another call is making 
 for the protection of a seventy-four gun ship, building at 
 Portsmouth. Between drafts to protect vessels in such 
 situations, and doing nothing— and calls for assistance to 
 man others preparing for service, we shall be considerably 
 weakened. Mr. Secretary Jones assures me, however, that 
 men are going on to Macdonough, and that he will not 
 long require the aid of yours. 
 
 mki 
 
 ^ :\ 
 
 .i'.k 
 
 , :ik.^0U^w ^' ■ 
 
 ■.iSif-'' 
 
/ 
 
 .;■ \ 
 
 v?f. 
 
 31 
 
 The other subject, the want of discipline^ is one oi> 
 which we neither can nor ought to speak temperately — 
 because it is the consequence of a most unpardonable 
 neglect in your predecessor, and the officers of his general 
 staff. Was it not the duty of these to have known and re- 
 ported to this department the fact and its causes? These 
 existed somewhere — with platoon, field, or general offi- 
 cers. In the particular instance, given by you, of the 
 condition of the dragoons, the light artillery, and the rifle 
 battalions, the fault is properly with the commanding 
 general and his inspector. The former furloughed the 
 officers, and, in their absence, the men were neglected. 
 But why, in this case, was the inspector silent? Why did 
 he not do his duty? Why not report the state of discip- 
 line, arms and clothing, and whether the men were or 
 were not regularly paid? Why is he himself paid, but to- 
 do this? How can abuses be corrected, but by being 
 known? The paymaster is prepared to show that the fault 
 is not his. Money was given to an officer of dragoons, , 
 acting as paymaster, to pay off both regiments; and with 
 regard to the riflemen, no roll, on which they could be 
 legally paid, was tendered. These facts could not but be 
 known to the Inspector General. The last was matter of 
 common conversation in camp. 
 
 These facts present a state of things truly degrading 
 and reproachful. Without discipline, order and economy^ 
 an army is a nuisance. The foundation of these is obedi- 
 ence. This must be exacted from the highest as well as 
 the lowest. It must go throughout, or it will not exist at 
 all. For creating and maintaining it, you will have the full 
 and unqualified support of this department. 
 
 Accept, sir, the assurance of my great respect 
 
 .■I 
 t 
 
 . I 
 
 
 :f^ 
 
 ■;u-;»,f>. 
 
 „.rf^e--tJr:-'"*»' ' * '•• ■ 
 
 *■ .^.'^•": iiiii.^fcxi*^ -'"" ''■* • *^'frT i/-" 
 
 :^-. 
 
4:. 
 
 ) ' 
 
 iLi.tS^';.fir;"V* -i>i*f^-« 
 
 32 
 
 
 ....,t:.i,,, 
 
 tl^:^J 
 
 P. S. The following is the order alluded to in tlie preceding letter. 
 
 [CIRCUI.AR.3 
 
 : !•.»«)#-. ,^:. . 
 
 "^'^ GENERAL ORDER. ^"^ 
 
 7i:S 
 
 Mutant £s? Inspector General's Office, '*^'*'' 
 
 V Washington, ith June, 1814. 
 
 General Izard will despatch an officer, qualified in all 
 respects for the duty, to look up and assemble the ab- 
 sentees of every regiment or corps, assigned to his divi- 
 sion, and now serving on lake Champlain. If, of these, 
 any are unfit for service, let them be left at the place of 
 rendezvous, and reported to this office. All others will be 
 marched to their regiments respectively, and without de- 
 lay. This order includes servants to officers, of whatever 
 grade, who are soldiers in the line. ,.^^,j^ii^i^K,^a , 
 
 
 , _.^ , .. . ,. ... 
 
 ' kV^.^i •¥/ji"a''i ■-'^ii::irf 
 
 •^t::bi^f ■••"■<■* '''H 
 
 . 1 he Same to the Same. . > /fi^ 
 
 '' War Department, 10//* J^ne^ 1814. 
 
 ■•■■.:..: S|IR| 'f!''--' '-^.j^-hV'" ■• '>■' • '■■■'^?"^f;r"'''-'-^*':i"<^'^i$Mi'-f.f-' 
 
 A LIST of the prisoners, receipted for by Colonel 
 Pinkney, was transmitted to this department by the 
 Commissary General of prisoners, a few days ago, with 
 the following remarks: " These men are not yet exchange 
 ed* So soon as we learn that corresponding numbers, 
 now sending by us to Canada, have arrived, I shall niake 
 use of all the exertions in my power to effect the requisite 
 exchanges, regulars against regulars, militia against mill- 
 tia, as far as practicable." 
 
 ^1 
 
 m^ 
 
 ^%(itf 
 
 ..^Si 
 
 .«';*,« -^-f^JlriWPl!- 
 
# 
 
 '■M*|f'^.> 
 
 *' vU>;:- • 
 
 . 33 
 
 It will be proper for you to inform Sir G. Prevost, 
 that the men returned to us are not on military duty, and 
 will not be put on such duty till regularly exchanged; and 
 that it is expected diat a measure corresponding with this 
 will be taken, on his part, in relation to the prisoners sent 
 back to Canada by us. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, &c. 
 
 The Same to the Same, 
 
 4^^' 
 
 SIR, 
 
 (Confidential.) War Dejiartment^ 1 \th JmCf l^U. 
 
 I AVAIL myself of the return of Colonel Snelling) to 
 communicate to you the general objects and outline of the 
 present campaign. 
 
 1. Captain Sinclair will repair to Detroit with a part of 
 the fleet under his command. He will there embark 
 Lieutenant Colonel Croghan and as large a number of 
 troops, with the necessary supplies of ammunition and 
 provisions, as his vessels will accommodate. He will then 
 enter lake Huron, and proceed to Gloucester Qay, where 
 the troops will debark, attack and carry the enemy's new 
 estabUshment at Motshedash — fortify and garrison that 
 place, and open, with General Brown, a communication, 
 if another part of the plan, to be next detailed, shall suc- 
 ceed. This effected, the fleet will go on to the mouth of 
 St. Jos'^.ph's and 19 Mackinaw, &c. 
 
 2. What remains of the fleet at Buffalo will be put 
 under orders to transport General Brown's division to the 
 Canada shore. The place of landing will be selected in 
 the discretion of the general, and under the best informa- 
 
 B 
 
 
 ■■■* 
 
 7^» — ,( 
 
 fW 
 
w 
 
 ,» 
 
 
 m 
 
 "34 
 
 tion of which he may be possessed. Burlington heights 
 wiU be his first object. These he will fortify; and, so soon 
 as Commodore Chauncey shall be in condition to co-ope- 
 rate with him (say the 15th of July) proceed to attack the 
 enemy's posts on the peninsula in succession, &c. 
 
 3. A number of armed gallies (such as those employed 
 on lake Champlain), will be immediately constructed at 
 Sackett's Harbour, and (while we have the ascendency 
 on lake Ontario) pushed into the St. Lawrence, with 
 orders to occupy the rapids of that river, and thus inter- 
 cept the water communication between Montreal and 
 Kingston. The better to effect this object, a post will bt 
 established on the south bank of the St. Lawrence, 
 strongly fortified, garrisoned by a competent force (say 
 fifteen hundred men) and sustained by the first or division 
 of the right. The moment for beginning this establish- 
 ment will be that which assures to us the command of 
 lake Ontario. An engineer will be employed by the war 
 department to select the site: and 
 
 4. A post on lake Champlain, adapted to the purpose 
 of co-operatihg with and covering our fleet on that lake, 
 and of excluding the enemy's flotilla therefrom, will be 
 immediately selected, established and garrisoned. This 
 post you will select. 
 
 I am, sir, with very great respect, &c. 
 
 >l?5 
 
 
 '•mn^f^^ 
 
 ">->:: 
 
■*- 
 
 35 
 
 From Major General Izard to the Secretary at War, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Head Quartertt Plattaburgy June 35, 1814. 
 
 Colonel Snelling delivered to me your letters of the 
 10th and 11th of June on the 22d, and the mail of yester- 
 day brought me yours of the 5th of June, with a copy of 
 a (circular) general order, dated the 4th, relative to des- 
 patching an officer to assemble the troops assigned to my 
 division, &c. The post-mark of the latter is of the 13th 
 instant, Washington. There must have been some neglect 
 in forwarding it. .:^, 
 
 The plan of the campaign, as detailed in your despatch 
 of the 11th, is before me. That part of it, which relates to 
 lake Champlain, was in part anticipated. I had commenced 
 raising works for the security of the fleet, about which 
 Captain Macdonougl^had expressed some uneasiness. A 
 battery of four eighteen pounders is thrown up on Cum- 
 berland Head; and other field works will be prepared in a 
 few days, at such points as shall appear most advantage- 
 ously situated for the purpose. You will have noticed, in 
 a former communication, that I have, in all, but six pieces 
 of that calibre, which are of the medium size, on field 
 carriages. Some weeks ago I wrote to Major Bomford to 
 send me some twenty-four pounders. Two of these are, 
 he informs me, on their way; the remainder of what I 
 asked for (ten twenty-four pounders) are to come from 
 New York, or Philadelphia, or Washington. No addition 
 has been made to my stock of horses, besides the few 
 which have lately arrived from Burlington, belonging to 
 the light artillery and quartermaster's department there. I 
 have, therefore, availed myself of water 'transportation for 
 the detachments in advance of this position. 
 
 \ 
 
 
 •f 
 
 ^ I 
 
 ,'■,10!^.,^^^. 
 
?' ff"^ - 
 
 -"V'^-r 
 
 
 Brigadier General Smith is at Champlain, occupying 
 that village, and the ground between it and the Canadian 
 linr, with fourteen hundred men. Colonel Pearce, t>f the 
 16th, with the consolidations of the 15th and 16th, and of 
 the 6th and 13th, at Chazy; the latter about eight hundred 
 effectives. The rest of my force, consisting of about 
 twelve hundred effectives, occupies Cumberland Head, 
 Dead Creek, and the cantonment between the lake and 
 the Saranac. The troops are new clothed,— ^but badly so,- 
 irom the quality and make of the clotliing. I daily expect 
 detachments, which are reported on the road from the 
 eastward and southward; they are said to amount to about 
 one thousand men. When they arrive, I shall break up 
 this cjgitonment, leaving a garrison of invalids at Piatt's 
 Point and Cumberland H&ad, and take the field near the 
 Canadian linei. ^ ' 
 
 Brigadier General Smith reports the enemy to be five 
 thousand five hundred strong near Lacole. This is con- 
 firmed by spies and deserters, malting due allowance for 
 exaggeration by tlie latter. The folld^vingis the Brigadier's 
 report. . 
 
 British Force at Lacole, 
 J3th regiment - - 900 
 
 16th . . - . 1000 
 
 49th - - - 500 
 
 100th - - . - 800 . 
 
 Marines .... 400 
 Voltigeurs (at the bndge) - 650 
 
 ^.leuron's regiment (at Lacadie) 1000 
 
 Cavalry at Chambly - - 300 
 
 Total 5550 
 
 The last deserte»'s add to tiie above, two brigades of 
 artillery, of fifteen pieces each, at Chambly. 
 
 , i^&iiv^i;. 
 
37 
 
 A few evenings ago, Lieutenant Colonel Foriyth, ni^th 
 a party of seventy riflemen, was attacked in Odeltown by 
 two hundred of the enemy's light troops. Tb ; latter were 
 beaten off with the loss of several of their men. We lost 
 one rifleman, killed, and five wounded. 
 
 Last night a small picket, commanded by a lieutenant, 
 was surprised in consequence of the carelcHncM of a 
 sentinel by a detachment of Voltigeurs of twice their 
 number. The picket had established itself in a blacksmith's 
 shop; — they were surrounded; — but charged through the 
 enemy, and escaped without loss. One of the latter was 
 found dead on the ground by the supporting party from 
 Champiain,—- the others had fled. 
 
 £very thing in the proceeding of the enemy kads me 
 to expect a serious attack. I shall endeavour to draw him 
 to this side of the Great Chazy river, and then g^ve him 
 battle. He will outnumber us; but I hope for a successful 
 termination. On& half of the idlers belonging to regiments 
 assigned to my division would enable me to face him 
 without a doubt of the event. I now must trust to fortune, 
 while I cannot dissemble my surprise at the tardiness of 
 every preparation for the due equipment of the force under 
 my command. 
 
 The flotilla, under Captain Macdonough, returned this 
 forenoon from the lines, and is now anchored north of 
 Cumberland Head. I had no notice of the movement, and 
 am unacquainted with its cause. 
 
 Colonel Snelling, whom I despatched with a flag as 
 bearer of a letter, wi^h which he was entrusted by the 
 secretary of state, was directed to be urgent to deliver it 
 in person to Sir George Prevost. He penetrated some 
 miles into Canada, but was at last positively refused per> 
 mission to go further. His observations confirm the other 
 reports I have detailed. The roads, lately obstructed, 
 have been cleared of their obstacles. 
 
 i 
 
 
:fp. 
 
 
 38 
 
 Colonel Gumming, my Adjutant General, has this 
 evening returned from my advance. He reports the arri- 
 val at Montreal of two thousand regulars more. Whether 
 intended for us or not is of course uncertain. Threats are 
 uttered of retaliation for the proceeding at Long Point. If 
 this take place, though humanity groan for the resolution, 
 I shall try to make such a return of their barbarity as 
 shall set it at rest, in this part of the frontier at least. 
 
 In your letter of the 5th of June, which, as I before 
 observed, was only received yesterday, are several ques- 
 tions respecting the causes of the inefficiency, both in 
 numbers and discipline, of this portion of the forces. The 
 division commanded by Major General Hampton last au- 
 tumn, of which the remnant is now here, was principally 
 composed of year's- men. The 29th, 30th, 31st, 33d, 34th 
 regiments, and Colonel M'Cobb's volunteers, from Maine, 
 were exclusively of this description: many of the 10th were 
 so. In the march down the Chateaugay, the latter regiment 
 did not exceed two hundred effectives. When to the di- 
 minution, produced by the expiration of inlistments, arc 
 added the prodigious mortality occasioned by the ill- 
 judged movements of the troops, at an inclement season, in 
 this frightful climate, — and the diseases consequent upon 
 the unlucky expedition to Lacole, it will cease to be sur- 
 prising that so many men should have disappeared from 
 the roll of effectives. 
 
 Another circumstance deserves attention. The regi- 
 ments have been so broken into fragments, that it is diffi- 
 cult to report their real strength. The estimates sent into 
 the war office will generally be found to exceed the actual 
 force; because absentees are accounted for in different 
 reports. Thus in the light artillery, when I came here, the 
 aggregate embraced the pans of that regiment, stationed 
 at various places; — so with the dragoons; — so with some 
 
 •\i 
 
 '*■ 
 
 ,*•>■. 
 
 
 ■»^ti^^. 
 
39 
 
 regiments of infantry. At Sackett's Harbour the thing was 
 rcven«d. The detachments on lake Champlain were there 
 agaii, accounted for. — These double rolls ..^ald naturally 
 induce error in those who are not familiar with the forms of 
 our very intricate and tedious military returns. 
 • The want of discipline can be with equal facility ac- 
 counted for. Though the regiments are the same that 
 served in the last campaign, the greater part of the officers 
 and men have joined since; the best of the former have 
 either been promoted, or transferred, or have retired from 
 the service. Raw officers have charge of raw recruits; and if 
 they were not alarming to the safety of the country and 
 the honour of our arms, the exhibitions in even old regi- 
 ments, which not unfrequently meet the eye, would excite 
 ridicule as much as disgust. 
 
 Good inspectors may in some degree correct these evils; 
 but they must not only be themselves qualified to per- 
 form the important duties entrusted to their department, 
 they must likewise have the aid of some intelligent officers 
 and non-commissioned officers. 
 
 Of the neglect of duty among the staff officers, previous 
 to my arrival here, I can say nothing; — of their activity 
 since, I may speak with commendation: but that duty is 
 arduous and requires more practical experience, than mi- 
 litary subjects have often met with in our country. 
 
 The foundation of discipline, as is very justly stated in 
 your letter, is obedience. To establish it is not the work 
 of a day, and requires the sincere co-operation and support 
 of the highest authority. If the frivolous complaints and 
 misrepresentations of subordinates meet with attention and 
 respect, and produce enquiry and investigation, without 
 being communicated to the superior officer at whom they 
 are aimed, the consequence is as injurious to the service 
 
 li 
 
 ,.«• >" '-■■ 
 
40 • 
 
 as it is alarming and oftnsive to a commander. I have 
 therefore reason to rejoice at the assurance you honour 
 me with, that ** in creating and maintaining obedience^ 
 I shall have the fttU and unqualified support of the war 
 department," 
 
 Colonel Snelling can no where be more usefully em- 
 ployed than here. As he received no renewal of orders to 
 proceed to the weMward, in his late visit to Washington, 
 I have ventured to consult his inclination and my own in 
 assigning to him some important duties in this part of the 
 force. I have in die last campaign had reason to appre* 
 ciate hb firmness and activity. 
 
 No answer has been received from Sir Gewge Prevost 
 on the subject of the returned prisoners of war. I have lit- 
 tle doubt however that he will put such as he shall find 
 useful immediately on active duty. 
 
 I have the honour to be, 8cc. Ccc. &cc. 
 
 
 p^-a; 
 
 SIR, 
 
 From the Same to the Same, 
 
 Head Quarters 7iear Plattaburgy June 24thf 1814. 
 
 Some days ago, Lieutenant Colonel Forsyth took a man 
 of the name of Perkins, from his residence in Odeltown, 
 and coTiVvyed him to the camp of our advanced brigade. 
 This Perkins has been notoriously employed by the enemy 
 as a spy, and my (Mrders were to seize him within our ter- 
 ritory, for the purpose of making such an example of 
 him, as might deter others from conduct so prejudicial to 
 
our interest. The following day one of our citizens, by 
 the name of Hamilton, residing on the frontier, was carried 
 off by a British party, and a note, from th*^ British officer 
 commanding at Lacole, was addressed to Lieutenant Colo- 
 nel Forsyth, remonstrating against the seizure of Perkins, 
 and offering to relieve their captive if we would return 
 ours. The details of this business were reported to me 
 only on the 27th, and I am about to institute an enquiry 
 into the subject. 
 
 The enclosed letter will inform you of what took place 
 yesterday on the lines. The indiscretion of poor Forsyth, 
 prevented the entire success of the project; he has paid for 
 it with his life. By a second note from Brigadier General 
 Smith, of this morning, I find that the loss of the enemy is 
 seventeen killed, among whom are some Indians. On 
 our side none has fallen besides the gallant, but eccentric 
 and irregular Forsytl; Major Willoughby Morgan, of 
 the 12th, received a slight contusion from ~ musket ball. 
 
 The enemy's attention seems much engaged with the 
 proceedings in this quarter. Sir George Prevost was at 
 Chambly two days ago. 
 
 I have, &c. Sec. &c. 
 
 ■:•#" 
 
 ■'A-''i?v'' •; ■ 
 
 in 
 
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 4.2 
 
 From the Secretary at fTar to Major General Izard, 
 
 War Department, June 15/A, 1814. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 As the hot season is approaching, it is deemed advisable 
 to have the flour which has been deposited by the late con* 
 tractor, or other public agents, baked into hard bread as 
 soon as practicable. You will give orders to have this done 
 in whole or in part, as you may think proper. , 
 
 I am, sir, &c. Sec. &c. 
 
 Major Bell to Major General Izard, 
 
 Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, 
 
 Waafiington, \5 Jane, 181 4. 
 SIR, 
 
 Your letter of the 5th instant has been received, and 
 submitted to the secretary of war. I am directed to inform 
 you, that, to avoid the inconvenience of travelling, the 
 general court martial may be held near your head quar- 
 ters, and that you will be pleased to appoint the court. 
 I have the honour, he. &c. 
 JNO. R. BELL, 
 
 Adjutant Inspector General, 
 
 I 
 
 11 
 
 .\< .■•/ *■.":. 
 
 i 
 
 ||[|liji^ll(M»»M»«^'<llMI Hi I 111 I 
 
43 
 
 Major General Izard to the Secretary at War* 
 
 Camfi near Platttburg, \ttJuly, 1814. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have directed the Judge Advocate of this division, to 
 forward the proceedings of the general court martial, in the 
 
 cases of Colonel A — and Captain M , to the 
 
 war office. It has appeared to me that the most proper 
 course for me to follow in this business, would be to refer 
 the decision to superior authority; and in the mean time, 
 as these gentlemen have been for several weeks under 
 arrest, I shall this day allow them to resume their swords 
 until the pleasure ofthe President respecting them shall be 
 known. 
 
 I am, 8cc. &c. See. 
 
 The Secretary at fTar to Majof Qineral Izard. 
 
 War Defiartmenty June 31«r, 1814. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your letters of the* 3d, and 10th instant have been 
 received. The quartermaster must mount your dragoons. 
 Funds, for that and other purposes, will be sent the mo- 
 ment they are put at my disposition. Orders shall be 
 given to Mr. Merchant, to forward from Albany, three 
 hundred suits of rifle clothing to Mr. Irvine, who will 
 
 * Note. The letter of the 3d from General I. to General A. was 
 private, it related to the duel mentioned above. The secretary's an* 
 swer was dated the 18th June, and was considered 9\9o Jirivate. They 
 are therefore both omitted. 
 
 
 
 
44 
 
 
 issue it agreeably to the rules atid regulations. The light 
 artillery with you, will do the duty of heavy artillery, and 
 therefore need not be mounted. I need not tell you the 
 reason of mounting light artillery. With us, this reason 
 does not and will not exist, until we have masses of caval- 
 ry with whom they may co-operate, and until our champ 
 de hataille is an open and level plain. 
 
 By the last letters from Commodore Chauncey it would 
 appear, that he will be ready for Sir James Yeo, by the 
 first proximo. Can you spare Major Totten for the exami- 
 nation of the point on the St. Lawrence, mentioned in my 
 letterby Colonel SneUing? : ' ' 
 
 General Wilkinson stated, that he had required a num- 
 ber of heavy guns for Rouse's point. What became of 
 the heavy pieces he brought down the St. Lawrence with 
 him in November last? Besides these, several of the gun 
 boats were heavily armed. By what we learn from Halifax, 
 the reinforcements for Canada do not exceed one thou- 
 sand eight hundred men; one thousand four hundred in- 
 fantry, and four hundred seamer. 
 
 I am, sir. Sec. &c. &c. 
 
 V, 
 
 
 
 
 titi^^MMA^wM*. 
 
■■■>.>■ 
 
 45 
 
 Major General Izard to the Secretary at War, 
 
 ild 
 the 
 
 ,:, 
 
 n: 
 
 4' 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Camfi near Plattaburg, July 3c/, 1814. 
 
 I am honoured with your letters of the 15th, 18th, and 
 21st June. 
 
 The protection of the stores and public property, which 
 are daily but irregularly arriving at this place, has deter- 
 mined me to raise some defensive works here. A few re- 
 doubts, j udiciously placed, and flanking each other, will ena- 
 ble a small force to resist numbers for a given time, and will 
 2:ender the favourite mode of proceeding of the enemy in 
 destroying public buildings and d6pots, more difficult than 
 heretofore. The work is commenced and will be executed 
 exclusively by the troops. 
 
 I shall be obliged to support the battery at Cumber* 
 land Head in the same way; and when able to march, will 
 leave them in charge of invalids, under the best officer I 
 can select for the purpose. Colonel Fenwick will be ad- 
 vantageously employed in this way. His wounds have in- 
 capacitated him for the fatigues of the field, but his zeal 
 and activity will render him essentially useful here.- 
 
 Several small detachments have arrived from Whitehall 
 and the eastward in the last ten days, amounting in all to 
 men. 
 
 Nothing worthy of notice has occurred on the lines since 
 my last. After examining the Canadian prisoners, men- 
 tioned in .my letter of the 29th June, I dismissed them to 
 their homes; and made the elder Perkins a present which 
 seemed to reconcile him to what had happened. A letter 
 from Hamilton, (the American who was taken in retalia- 
 
 -if' 
 
 
 1i 
 
 *■ f i 
 
46 
 
 tion,) was sent to me by his wife; it appears that he was kind- 
 ly treated, and informed that he should be released when 
 the others were. This was one of the many instances in which 
 the indiscretion of the late Forsyth, prepared embarrass- 
 ments for his commanding (^cer. The inhabitants near 
 the border were greatly alarmed from the apprehension of 
 the system being persevered in. I have endeavoured to 
 tranquillize them, and, I believe, with success. 
 
 In consequence of your having mentioned Major Totten 
 as a proper officer, to examine the banks of the St. Law- 
 rence, for a situation on which to establish the intended 
 fortification, I sent him on that duty two days ago. He is 
 instructed, should it appear that a letter would reach the 
 war office sooner from that quarter, than by postponing 
 the report until his return, to write to you from thence. 
 It is inconvenient to be without him; but the object in view 
 is of immediate importance, and we can spare him for a 
 short time. He will be absent eight or nine days. 
 
 Desertion prevails to an alarming extent among the re- 
 cruits before they join the army. Of a detachment of the 
 6th regiment lately arrived here, and consisting, when they 
 left Greenbusli, of about one hundred and sixty men, 
 twenty-six deserted on the road. The late order, for re- 
 warding citizens who shall deliver up deserters, will, I 
 have no doubt, prove eminently useful. 
 
 There was, some years ago, a regulation of our service, 
 prohibiting the enlistment of negroes and people of colour. 
 I have not heard of its being enforced. Among the New 
 England recruits there have lately been brought hither a 
 number of these people, to the great annoyance of the 
 officers and soldiers here. The latter object to doing duty 
 with them. The Inspector General is now organizing them 
 
 '•■' 'I 
 
 
 
47 
 
 as a sort of pioneer corps. Shall they be retained and mus- 
 tered in that capacity? 
 
 I am with the greatest respect, &c. - - 
 
 •t >■•■ 
 
 The Same to the Same. 
 
 "A o 
 
 ■ '■,i-f::->Z-li: --^ 
 
 StR, 
 
 '*■* '■■(' 
 
 JulySt/i, 1814. 
 
 Th£ enclosed letter is from one of the most valuable 
 officers of his grade, in the service of the United States. 
 Captain Nelson has uniformly distinguished himself by 
 attention to duty, as well as the most undaunted bravery 
 and cheerful ac.:**y. There is probably not, in this army, 
 one officer wh been more frequently in action, and 
 
 none more generally esteemed by all ranks for his good 
 humour and correct deportment. He commanded the 
 2d company of the 10th regiment, in the engagement on 
 the left bank of the Chateaugay river, where less than two 
 hundred and fifty Americans beat four full companies of 
 Voltigeurs, after a brisk action of twenty minutes, and 
 drove them from a strong position which they occupied. 
 There are not many gentlemen in our service more 
 entitled to the notice of the war department. 
 
 I have the honour, &c» 
 
 f 
 
 ■:W' '* 
 
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 .;* 
 
 M^^ 
 

 48 
 
 ■•;«^fJ'i:^-Ji^|,- 
 
 I%<? Secretary at War to Major General Izard, 
 
 War Department^ June 28rA, 1814. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Herewith! forward to you a register of the army, and 
 a certified copy of the rules and regulations as approved 
 by the president The former has in it some errors, for 
 the correction of which, officers commanding corps have 
 been required to send in their remarks to the office of the 
 Adjutant and Injector General at this place. ' ';f # > 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, &C. -^ ' 
 
 The Same to the Same, 
 
 .^^ 
 
 SIR, 
 
 War JDefiartmentf June 30thf 1814. 
 
 I enclose the copy of a letter of the 11th instant, from 
 Captain Macdonough to the secretary of the navy. If it be 
 determined not to augment our fleet on lake Champlain, 
 the alternative of fortifying will necessarily be imposed 
 upon us, and to an extent beyond our first calculation. I 
 suggest this idea, that your requisitions on the ordnance 
 department may be commensurate with the wants of the 
 service. I find a difference of opinion exists between the 
 relative advantages of occupying Rouse's Point, and that 
 at the mouth of Lacole and Ash Island. Between these^ 
 being on the spot, you will decide. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 

 ys^:-<i ,. 
 
 49 
 
 ;;v.. i^^>K.,;V. ■• 
 
 From Captain Macdonough, United States Navy^ to the 
 Secretary of the Navy ^ (enclosed in the preceding letter, j 
 
 - ' 
 
 SIR, 
 
 U. S. SAi/i Saratoga^ 1 l^A June^ 1814. 
 
 ■h' ■ ■■• %'■ .■ .--'-■ - ■'.-.".- 
 
 Four sailors (deserters) from the enemy's squadron 
 came in to-day, who give information that the keel of a ship 
 to carry thirty-two gmis was laid a1 Isle-aux-Ndx, and 
 that the enemy are getting up gallies from Quebec, This 
 intelligence is confirmed by the person whom I sent in a 
 few days since, who has returned with information, that 
 the enemy have the keel of a ship Kaid, which was to equal 
 at least the Saratoga; that three gallies had arrived at the 
 Isle-aux-Noix from Quebec, and that eight more gallies 
 were on their way to that place from Quebec. 
 
 They certainly consider the command of thislakeof much 
 importance, by the determination they evince to have an 
 ascendency on it; and, as they can easily obtain a correct 
 statenient of our force, they can prepare their's accordingly. 
 
 Four frames of vessels have arrived at Montreal, two 
 of which, it is said, are intended for this lake, the others 
 for lake Ontario. I shall, however, ascertain what is to be 
 done with those frames without delay. 
 
 Our force is now very considerable on the lakes, an 
 augmentation of which, on this, probably might be un- 
 necessary, if the narrow parts in the vicinity of the line 
 were so fortified as to keep the enemy from entering our 
 waters with the assistance of our vessels, until there should 
 be an expedition against Isle-aux-Noix. Should it be or- 
 derc*! to increase our naval force, it should be commenced 
 withe It loss of time, and Messrs. Browns of New York, 
 would be the persons to build such force as might be 
 
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 It be 
 
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 50 
 
 deemed necessary. Gallies are unquestional the best 
 description of vessels for the northern parts of this lake, 
 but the number of men they require is a very serious ob- 
 jection to. them. The next best, vessels for this service in 
 my opinion, are schooners' or brigs, carrying sixteen or 
 eighteen long eighteen pounders; these guns would reach 
 their gallies in their skulking places; the number of men 
 requisite for these latter vessels in comparison with the 
 gallies, 1 think would make them the 'i-essels to be pre- 
 feired. The whole expense of the gallies would exceed the 
 expenses of larger vessels, without being so healthy or 
 comfortable. All the carpenters h^ve long since gone to 
 New York. •. • - "' 
 
 Cannon, rigging, &c. would have to be sent on, which 
 I should like to be about getting on immediately, should 
 you order me to build. • * J<< 
 
 I hoped a short time since that no increase of our naval 
 force would become necessary, and that the enemy would 
 meet us with what force he had completed, which three 
 years ago he would have considered equal to ours; but 
 now, sir, I am sure he intends risking nothing, but will 
 endeavour to out build us, and there is no knowing where 
 this building may stop, for as I before said, his acquain- 
 tance with our force, will enable him to know exactly 
 what force to bring against us, so there is a probability of 
 his not meeting us, unless he is pretty confident of being 
 successful. 
 
 He is now under the protection of the Isle-aux-Noix, and 
 will no doubt continue there unlil he feels himself strong 
 enough to risk a battle. 
 
 I have been changing some of my crews for other men 
 from the ranks, and shall now go down towards Isle-aux- 
 
 
~ — - ^««w ^.1 
 
 ( I- 
 
 ' ■ » 
 
 I '. .' f 
 
 51 
 
 Noix, and if I can, without very imprudently exposing my 
 vessels, I sfhall endeavour to bring him to action. 
 
 I have the honour to be, sir, with great respect. 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 - ^^ a T. MACDONOUGH. 
 
 •-•».i 
 
 
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 'K 
 
 .¥ 
 
 The Secretary at War to Major General Izard' 
 
 SIR, 
 
 War Detiarttnent, July 2d, 1814. 
 
 I yesterday saw the secretary of the navy, and received 
 from him an explicit declaration that he would not ad0 to 
 the naval means on Lake Champlain, as suggested by 
 Captain Macdonough, in his letters of the 8th and 11th 
 ultimo. We are, therefore, driven to the expedient of 
 fortifying the narrows. 
 
 The late events in Europe give to the enemy a great 
 disposable force, and the means, of course, of being very 
 formidable. The newspapers report, that large armaments 
 are to be sent hither; but of the actual sailing of these, we 
 have no advice. The next arrivals from Europe will show 
 whether the story be merely made up to operate on the ne- 
 gotiation, or is the precursor of a new and increased activity 
 on the part of the enemy in prosecuting the war. 
 
 I am, sir, &c. 
 
 *■ . 
 
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 Major General Izard to the Secretary at War. 
 
 f, ' V. 
 
 r^- i '■ 
 
 ■'..^M'iv' 
 
 ■^. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 /■-V ■ 
 
 ¥■ 
 
 Plattaburgj July 18/A, ISUr. 
 
 VovR letters of the 30th June and 2d July, with en- 
 closures, reached me at Champlain. I am gratified at 
 having anticipated the instructions you have honoured 
 me with for the protection of the naval force and military 
 stores, 1^ having commenced some defensive works, 
 whi-^h wUl, I hope^ be executed in time to meet con- 
 tingencies no longer improbable. With respect to their 
 location, it will be difficult to explain the reasons for the 
 preference of certain points, without referring you to 
 correct plans and drafts of the country and neighbouring 
 waters. Of these there are, I believe, none but a few 
 sketches, made by the officers under my command. I am 
 led to the observation, by a passage in your letter of the 
 30th June, relative to Rouse's Point, the mouth of Lacole 
 river, and Ash Island. , ,^^ w^-.- *^( 
 
 The two latter are in the occupation of the enemy, 
 strongly fortified, and affisrding a cover for their fleet, 
 which is moored under batteries at those places. The 
 other (Rouse's) has been long an object of my attention. 
 It is admirably situated for the establishment of a heavy 
 b?ttery, which would command the passage of the lake ia 
 its narrowest part; but there is not room for o.efensive 
 works in its rear; and its immediate vicinity to the princi- 
 pal post of the enemy at the Lacole mill (now surrounded 
 * '^ intrenchmenti) ^would make its occupation very ha- 
 ;.. us. The question next lay between the relative ad- 
 ^ *.';»«;? of the Pointe-aux-Rochers and Cumberland 
 Head. I have determined in favour of the latter for a 
 
 jp wSr^ ' -^ . 
 
 
 "/.^ 
 
53 
 
 variety of reasons. Its connexion with this position (which 
 I hope to nlace soon in a respectable state oi' defcnof') and 
 the protection it may aiFord in combination with the oppo- 
 site shore of Grande Isle to our naval force, are the prin- 
 cipal inducements to the choice I have made. But I am 
 deficient in heavy artillery. Two twenty-four and six 
 eighteen pounders are all I have. .".**" >y :- ,. i:, . ' "*> v" 
 ■'-■M. beg leave to transmit a letter and draft from Major 
 Totten, U. S. Engineers, touching the ground for a for- 
 tificat'on on the St. Lawrence, y^ ' ..^, «^^~ -^i ••- --.« J»* 
 - Cblonel Lear and Major Melville arrived at this plac^ 
 two days ago. On the 7th instant, I communicated t j the 
 Briiish commander the appointment of the former gentle* 
 man as commissioner to treat of an exchange, Sec. I have 
 yet had no answer on the sbbject. 
 
 With the highest respect, &c. v • * 
 
 fe. 
 
 P. S. July 13th. Last afternoon a despatch from Sir 
 George Prevost announced that he had appointed Colonel 
 Bayn;s, his Adjutant General, and Lieutenant Colonel 
 Brenton, his provincial Aid>de-Camp, to meet Col. Lear 
 at Champlain Town, on Friday the 15th. Not having any 
 pbjectidn to the time or place, I have given notice of the 
 circumstance to Col. Lear, who will proceed accordingly 
 with Major Melville. ' :*^:;:i^^r- 
 
 
 
 
 
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 From the Same to the Same, 
 
 ■^'y'.J'vU) -v^' 
 
 V** 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Camfinear Flattaburg, July \9th, 18U. 
 
 Colonel Lear and Major Melville have returned from 
 the conference they held with Col. Baynes and Lieut. Col. 
 Brenton, of the British army; and have terminated, I be- 
 lieve satisfactorily, their negotiation. I am informed by 
 them, that the exchange, previously to the 15th April, is 
 definitive; and shall, in consequence, put on duty those 
 men, now very few in numbers, who were considered as 
 paroled prisoners. The Governor of Canada had taken this 
 step some time ago. 
 
 Frequent desertions to the enemy from our troops on 
 the lines, within the last week, induced an inquiry into 
 the causes of a crime hitherto novel in our service. I am 
 sorry to say that it is, in a great measure, attributable to 
 the unwarranted severity which inferior officers have been 
 in the habit of exercising towards the soldiers, by privately 
 punishing them with blows. I have strongly reprehended 
 this mode of proceeding, and have announced my inten- 
 tion of making an example of such individuals as shall be 
 again guilty of this infraction of the laws. The lax dis- 
 cipline entertained by the late Colonel Forsyth in his 
 corps, has induced his successor to endeavour at restoring 
 order by a more arbitrary rule than that irregular troop 
 had been accustomed to. Several have gone over to the 
 enemy. A systematic mode of enforcing subordination will, 
 I hope, put a stop to this serious evil. 
 
 On a complaint of improper conduct against Colonel 
 
 C ( — th Regt.), recruiting in Vermont, I directed 
 
 my Adjutant General to order the restitution of a man he 
 
 11 
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 1 
 
 i 
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 -*ii 
 
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 ■\f:-' 
 
8U. 
 
 55 
 
 (Col. C ) had taken by force from the general hospital, 
 
 in opposition to the remonstrances of Dr. Hunt, director 
 of that establishment. He took no notice of the order. He 
 is in consequence arrested, and wtiuld have been tried by 
 a general court martial, now in session here; but for ill- 
 ness, real or pretended, which, as he alleges, prevents his 
 crossing the lake. As he is in the habit of writing to the 
 war office, his case has probably been already presented 
 to you by himself. The Adjutant General's note to him I 
 did not see till after it was transmitted, and is couched in 
 terms too harsh for a man of his age. This, however, is a 
 matter between themselves, and has no relation to his dis- 
 obedience and contumacy. I will direct him to turn over 
 his recruiting business to the next senior officer of his 
 regiment; and, if he is not well enough to attend here in 
 the next ten days, shall refer him to a trial at a season when 
 we have less business of importance to attend to. ■^- "^ '- ^ 
 It is wonderful how much valuable time these courts 
 martial engross. I have more than once exerted the pri- 
 vilege of pardoning, in order to empty the provost prison; 
 but it is rapidly repeopled. I do not, however, complain 
 of the troops. With better officers, especially of the lower 
 grades, in a few weeks they would be equal to the finest 
 corps in any foreign service. 
 
 The fortifications are progressing fast. They will be 
 nearly finished in this month. Leaving the necessary num- 
 ber for their guard, and that of the stores, I count on 
 confronting the Lower Canada forces with five thousand 
 men, early in August. With this army, I can defend this 
 frontier against a greater force. It is, however, entirely 
 inadequate to the conquest of any important part of the 
 country, with the intention of retaining it. 
 
 I look with some uneasiness to the westward. Should 
 
 '■■' r .ft*»-. 
 
 ^^^-i..-^!^ 
 
56 
 
 any accident occur in that quarter, ought I not to move 
 to the St. Lawrence, and threaten the rear of Kingston? 
 
 Colonel Lear, on leaving this place yesterday, wrote to 
 request that the tWenty-three British soldiers, hostages at 
 Greenbush, who are released and exchanged in common 
 with the o\\er prisoners, might be ordered under a secure 
 guard to the frontier for delivery. I cannot, by the present 
 arrangement, order Brigadier General Burbeck to take 
 this step: but I shall, by this day's mail, recommend it to 
 him; and, if they are sent here, will deliver them to the 
 nearest British post. 
 
 ■' I am, &c. &c. 
 
 From the Hon, James Fuk to the Secretary at War. 
 (Referred by the latter to Major General Izard.) 
 
 ■i ■■'< 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Barre, Vermont, 27th June, IS 14. 
 
 I learn, from unquestionable authority, that droves of 
 cattle are continually passing from the northern parts of 
 this State into Canada to the British. This business is 
 principally carried on in that part of this state which lies 
 east of lake Memphramagog and west of Connecticut 
 river, and can only be checked by an armed force: pro> 
 bably one company of horse might be sufficient. Whether 
 the object be worthy of attention, you must judge. 
 With great respect, &c. 
 
 ■i; 
 
f 
 
 4 
 
 fo move 
 
 ^ston? 
 
 i'rote to 
 
 btages at 
 
 pommon 
 
 |a secure 
 
 t present 
 
 to take 
 :nd it to 
 to the 
 
 War. 
 
 e, 1814. 
 
 Iroves of 
 parts of 
 iiness is 
 lich lies 
 necticut 
 ze: pro- 
 Vhether 
 
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 ■m -^ . 
 
 >♦• iFj-oM Major General Ixard to the Secretary at War* 
 
 %■■ Camft near Platfdurgt July 31,1814. 
 
 .^, SIR, 
 
 Several communications from the war office have 
 reached me since I last had the honour of addressing 
 you. They have all been duly attended tow 
 ' The letter from Mr. Fisk of Vermont, only confirmed 
 a &ct, which is not only disgraceful to our countrymen, 
 but seriously detrimental to the public interest. From the 
 St. Lawrence to the ocean an open disregard prevails for 
 the laws prohibiting intercourse with the enemy. The 
 road to St. Regis is covered with droves of cattle, and 
 the river with rafis, destined for the enemy. The revenue 
 oF'^'^rs see these things, but acknowledge their inability 
 to \ a stq} to such outrageous proceedings. On the 
 eastern side of lake Champlain, the high roads are found 
 insufficient for the supplies of cattle which are pouring 
 into Canada. Like herds of buffiiloes, they press through 
 the fovest, making paths for themselves. The collectors of 
 Plattsburg and Burlington have applied to me for assist- 
 ance. I have offered to supply them with what men and 
 means they might require. Plans have been proposed and 
 acceded to. But when the hour of execution arrives, the 
 civil officers decline acting. Nothing but a cordc. of 
 troops, from the French Mills to lake Memphramagog, 
 could effectually check the evil. — Were it not for these 
 supplies, the British forces in Canada would soon be sufu 
 fering from famine, or their government be subjected to 
 enormous expense for their maintenance. 
 
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 58 
 
 The enclosed extract from a handbill,* published in 
 Montreal on the 25th instant, was sent me yestejday by a 
 respectable inhabitant of the neighbourhood. You will pro- 
 bably have received the information from other sources. 
 
 On the night of the 27th instant, a small party, headed 
 by Captain Nelson of the 10th (in whose favour I wrote to 
 you on the 8th instant) surprised an enemy's guard in 
 Odeltown, and brought oif nine prisoners. They were 
 very near taking the commanding officer at Lacole (Col. 
 Herriot) who, with two others, owe their escape to the 
 speed of their horses. --i^^^WM'^^ ^*i-^- tr^-fyi''hii^00~:iis^^fi. 
 -' The recruits who have arrived here in the last three 
 months, have not yet received the second moiety of their 
 bounties. I have been under the necessity of making to 
 some of the companies an advance, on account, of ten 
 dollars per man, which I have drawn from the fund at 
 my disposal for the recruiting service. Officers and men 
 complain of the irregularity of their payment. It is pecu- 
 liarly hard on the former at the moment of taking the field. 
 
 Yesterday afternoon arrived here Captain Hopkins's 
 troop of light dragoons, and on the 29th a party of fifty 
 men, belonging to ihe 15th infantry. These are all the re- 
 inforcements I have had since the arrival of Iiieutenant 
 Colonel Clinch with a detachment of the 10th infantry. — 
 Not a man has yet joined from the left division. I am 
 told, however, that some of the 13th and 29th regiments 
 are on their way. I know not when to expect them, l- 
 
 Macomb's brigade (0th, 13th, 15th, 16th and 29th) set 
 out this morning in bateaux from Cumberland Head for 
 Chazy Landing. He has left his invalids, and two hundred 
 
 ■'h'*- 
 
 • J\/'ote. This handbill stated the arrival at Quebec of a fleet of men 
 of war and transports, >vith several thousand troops from Bordeaux. 
 The strength of each regiment was given in detail. 
 
 '% 
 
 
 ■•iim-5-.L' 
 

 men as a working party, to finish the work at the former 
 place. His force is about eleven hundred effectives, r *' 
 ^; Bissell»s brigade (5th, 14th, 30th, 31st, 33d, 34th, and 
 45th) commences its movement this afternoon, by land, 
 and will be at Chazy village, two miles from the Landing, 
 to-morrow. I shall attach one company of light (serving 
 as field) artillery to each brigade. Including all arms, we 
 shall be to-morrow at our position, in rear of Champlain, 
 with the three brigades, about 4500 strong. I leave two 
 incomplete companies of artillery, all the sick, and a 
 working party, of between three and four hundred men, 
 here, under command of Colonel Fenwick. Major Totten 
 (Engineers) directs the fortifications. 
 
 It is matter of surprise to me, that so few officers join 
 their regiments. The dragoons and artillery have less than 
 half their complement of subalterns. In the infantry there 
 is also a deficiency. Many of the ofiicers from the east- 
 ward, on the appearance of active service, have sent in 
 their resignations! Some on the plea of ill health — others 
 claiming to be discharged^ having engaged for one year's 
 service only! I accept no resignations; but direct the Ad- 
 jutant General to forward them to the war office. On the 
 recommendation of their immediate commanding field 
 officers and the Brigadier to whom they are attached, 
 they generally obtain leave of absence till answers arrive 
 from Washington. 
 
 Colonel Snelling, to the regret of the officers of this 
 division as well as his own, leaves us to-morrow for 
 the Niagara frontier. 
 
 I have the honour, &c. 
 
 5 
 
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 60 
 From the Secretary at War to Major General Izard. 
 
 ■;€? 
 
 SIR, 
 
 •'^'^^■k^^'^^^ War Defiartment, 30th Julyt 18 U. 
 
 Your letter of the 19th instant was brought by the 
 mail of to-day. Colonel Lear's arrangement reached us' 
 some days ago, and gave occasion to the order of the 26ch 
 instant, a copy of which has been forwarded to you. An 
 order has also been sent to General Burbeck to hasten the 
 departure of the remaining hostages to the lines. Colonel 
 
 C is not in the habit of corresponding with me, nor 
 
 have I heard any thing from him on the subject of his 
 arrest. The lawless punishment of soldiers should be 
 strictly forbidden, and your orders in this case rigorously 
 enforced. . ' •■ ■■;"■ ■' ' ••;•>- ■'w/ ^s^s^'^^'i^-^^^f^'^^w^^'f^;^'?''^'? 
 
 My letter of the 27th has anticipated your remark in 
 relation to a movement towards the St. Lawrence, ^-^^mim^ 
 
 ■-■•:••>.*'■ •^, J- ■■■■?■ ;->*.> .j:f, ■'■'/'.■■■'": . ■» am,, OCC. (XC. ,■;.'{;'- '* '\-'i*S'^^^^^' 
 
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 f>.\ x 
 
 Major General Izard to the Secretary at War, 
 
 Camfi before Chazt/y Augutt Tth^ 1814. 
 SIR, 
 
 i have just received your letter of the 30th July, which 
 was brought by the express mail from Plattsburg. You 
 inform me, that your *' letter of the ^Ith ult. has antici- 
 pated my remark in relation to a movement towards the 
 St. Lawrence." I have received no letter from yoii of that 
 date. No communication from yourselfh^s reached me of 
 a later date than the 2d of July. As it is impossible for 
 
 ,.s», ,- Vli, . 
 
 '" ' ^iiA'*^****"•;•/!•\i•'*-♦^■'^*.'''■•••^:^■'^^•■ 
 
■■*. 
 
 me to judge, from the other passages of your letter, what 
 the nature of the instructions in the missing despatch is, I 
 hasten to inform you of the accident by an express, who 
 is ordered to cvertake the mail, or proceed to Albany. 
 The post-office at Plattsburg closes the departing southern 
 mail before the letters from that quarter are delivered. 
 
 My first line, consisting of Macomb's and Smith's 
 brigades, is within an hour's march of the enemy, who is 
 in force at Odeltown. My reserve is here. 
 
 I am, most respectfully, &c. "*" , 
 
 . ■ , I ■ ' " "" ' 
 
 %p''-^^>^ 
 
 ^h.-r 
 
 '■i'T' f-«,;'r" 
 
 ■'M:'y, 
 
 From the Secretary at War to Major General Izard. 
 
 (Private.) War jJeftartmenty jiuguat 2d, 1814. 
 
 ^ SIR, 
 
 £ N c L s E D is the copy of a letter this moment received 
 from Buffalo. The movement indicated in my letter of the 
 27th, a copy of which is also enclosed, ought to be made 
 without delay. General Gaines is under orders for Buffalo, 
 and Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell in command at Sackett's 
 Harbour. Commodore Decatur is ordered, provisionally, 
 to take command of the fleet on lake Ontario. With the 
 actual commander you will communicate freely and fre- 
 quently. The secretary of the navy assures me, that he 
 is at ease with respect td the naval superiority on lake 
 Champlain. 
 
 I am, sir, very, &c. 
 
 I 
 
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 nm>* 
 
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 ;*#' From J. B. Varnum to the Secretary at PTar. 
 
 
 "■■ (Enclosed in the foregoing letter.) 
 
 Buffalo, July 27th, 1814. 
 
 BEAR SIR, 
 
 vn 
 
 I have but just time to inform you, that a most san- 
 guinary battle was fought on the evening of the 25th inst. 
 near Chippewa. General Drummond came up with a large 
 reinforcement from Kingston, and immediately moved up 
 against our army with a force nearly double our number. 
 The battle commenced about seven o'clock in, the even- 
 ing, and continued until near eleven. Our army behaved 
 most gallantly, fought to desperation — but the enemy 
 were too numerous for them. ^;t v >^c*-^?*fll^^s'^?'^"- 
 • The whole of the enemy's artillery was twice taken 
 and retaken. The slaughter on both sides was dreadful. 
 Our first brigade was almost annihilated. But one field 
 officer, in the whole brigade, escaped death or severe 
 wounds. General Brown and General Scott were both 
 severely wounded. One of General Brown's aids was 
 mortaMy wounded, and both of General Scott's severely. 
 Major M'Farland, of the 25th, was killed. Ct)lonel Brady, 
 Majors M'Neill, Levenworth, Brooke, Jessup, and many 
 other worthy officers, wounded. It is impossible to say 
 what is the full extent of our loss. A small proportion of 
 our wounded feJ! into the hands of the enemy, besides, I 
 fear, several prisoners. The enemy were so severely cut to 
 pieces, that they did not pursue our army. Several most 
 brilliant charges were made by General Scott's brigade. 
 The enemy's lines were completely broken, and upwards 
 of two hundred prisoners made, among whom are Major 
 
 ; i;'«-^.-lV"A- 
 
 / 1* • *'■'-■ 
 
 L 
 
 A' 
 
 M 
 
,t,yua'/», 
 
 General Rial and suite, one of General Drummond's aids, 
 and fifteen other officers. The prisoners are now here. 
 General Rial badly wounded. I cannot say for certainty, 
 but I presume the remnant of our army will immediately 
 recross the Niagara. Please excuse my hasty scrawl. My 
 time has been so much engrossed in at listing: to render 
 the wounded comfortable, that I have but a moment to 
 write. I will give you more particulars by the next mail. 
 We shall lose the services of General Brown and General 
 Scott for this campaign. 
 
 I have the horiour to be, very respectfully, >*'" 
 <»^i**^^ Your obedient servant, 
 :^mm^.:x^ ;^p■H^ . ^ . • _ J. B„ VARNUM. " 
 
 P. S. Our army retired about two miles from the battle 
 ground, and remained in good order for the night and yes- 
 terday. Our artillery and baggage is all safe. j. b. v. 
 
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 i^^l^:>^mM^^'iy '' 
 
 The Secretary at fFar to Major Qenetal George Izard, 
 
 \t if i' 
 
 [This letter accompanied J. B. Varmim's etter to the secretary^ en- 
 closed in the same envelope wr.h thai of the 2d of AugU8t.3 
 
 CPnvate.— .Ouplicate.) J .. • 
 
 ^^p War Defianmeni, July 2?iAj 1»14. ' 
 
 "■M 
 
 SIK, 
 
 « If Gesicral Brown's movements have produced large 
 detachinc:<\^s from Montreal (»s is stated) ^me ei»t;;rpitise 
 on your part, men-icing; ro tl at place, or to some other 
 higher up the 8t, L^v^tnce, would be proper. Of these 
 points, Prescot wouid be *ic best, from the relation a 
 movemenii; in il>Js direct' :,nj asd apparently with this 
 object, would bear to «hRi which follows, viz. Should 
 Chauncey be&t aiid cripple Yeo, ind drive him into 
 Kington, we should gain little but honour. If merely 
 blockaded, he \'dll soon refit, and, when his new bhip is 
 rivr»d!y, come out and turn the tables upon us. Though I 
 uudcrsland a mere blockade of this kind is all that (even 
 in the £ 'srcumstance of victory) enters into the commo- 
 dore's plm of operations. We must endeavour to give to 
 these a character more decisive. A jurxtion between you, 
 Gaines aad himself may be the means employed. Arrived 
 at Ogdensburg, you may be embarked, and carried up, by 
 the inner channel, to a point near Kingston, while the fleet 
 attackfi *ni face of the harbour. I throw out these hints 
 for your consideration, and (if nothing oppose) for your 
 adoption. Should vou make this movement, your stores 
 shouki be placed as far from the en^my as your water 
 communication admits, and covered by batteries or block- 
 houses, and a small but efficient corps. Nor should an} 
 time be lost in communiciu' g with Commodore Chaur 
 
 V4 
 
 % islSfS 
 
 i^-. 
 
 ■'.~ra»'/«»fi>*i^'r^.< 
 

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 Izard. 
 
 kary^'cn- 
 
 I8t.] 
 
 , 1814. f 
 
 d large 
 rprise 
 
 le other 
 )f these 
 lation a 
 ith this 
 
 Should 
 im into 
 
 merely 
 
 tihip is 
 hough I 
 Eit (even 
 commo- 
 > give to 
 een you, 
 Arrived 
 d up, by 
 the fleet 
 se hints 
 for your 
 jr stores 
 ir water 
 ir block- 
 luld an* 
 rhaur- 
 
 6 5 
 
 cey. I did hope much from his co-operation with General 
 3roum: but that has failed, and in all probability the second 
 division is now falling back upon fort Erie. "*)■• 
 
 I am, ^ir, very respectfully, &c. 
 
 c-\ .:.-■*>■• :„V^ 
 
 -J -■■--.,, 
 
 
 Major General Izard to the Secretary at JVar 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Camii near Chazy, Head Quartette AugUit 1 1 /A, 1814. 
 
 Your letter of the 2d August, (accompanying a copy 
 of that of the 27th July from you to me, and one of the 
 same date of Mr. J. B. Varnum from Bufl^lo,) reached 
 me last afternoon. The original of the missing despatch 
 dated 27th ultimo, has not come to hand. 
 " I have sent two confidential officers, this day to the 
 wes>tward; one to Sackett's Harbour, with a communication 
 to Captain Chauncey o£ the United States' navy, desiring 
 to know from him what assistance he can furnish me with, 
 for the tr^sportation of my troops from Ogdensburg, in 
 the way designated by you; and the other to Ogdensburg, 
 to learn what provisions, artillery and land transportation 
 may be counted upon in that quarter. 
 
 I will make the movemtkit you direct, if possible; but 
 I shall do it with the apprehension of risking the force 
 under my command, and with the certainty that every 
 thing in this vicinity, but the lately erected works at Platts- 
 burg and Cumberland Head, will, in less than three days 
 after my departurr?, be m th*. possession of the enemy. 
 He is \\\ fornr ".perior to mine in my front; he daily 
 
 
 
 \ I 
 
 ■■r.';vSM/-'K<"l;' 
 
 '*^m"' 
 
 '".^ 
 
i,:.: 
 
 66 
 
 threatens an attack on my position at Champlain; we are 
 all in hourly expectation of a serious conflict. That he 
 has not attacked ua before this time, is attributable ta 
 caution on his part, from exaggerated reports of our num- 
 bers, and from his expectation of reinforcements. , ^ 
 
 You wiU ask why I have changed my view of this sub- 
 ject since my letter of the 19th July? On that day, I knew 
 of the proceedings at the westward no more than you had 
 communicated in the plan of the campaign, forwarded by 
 Colonel Snelling, and than I had read in the newspapers. 
 The second division was advancing. I had not advanced, 
 with the whole of my disposable force, to the frontier line; 
 nor had I certain information. of what was in my front; nor 
 did I foresee that neither men, nor funds for the Quarter- 
 master's department, would arrive. 
 
 Let me not be supposed to hesitate about executing any 
 project, which the government I have the honour to serve 
 think proper to direct My little army will do its duty. I 
 only desire to have the difficulties which I have to cou' 
 tend with, properly understood»i if < -i^ 
 
 It has always t)een my convictiotr, that the numerical 
 force ef the enemy has been underrated. I believe this to 
 he the strong point of our frontier, for either attack or de- 
 fence; and I know that a British force has been kept in 
 check in Lower Canada, for many weeks past, greatly 
 superior to that which I could oppose to it. ^.f .-\£'^\< , 
 
 These things I mention, sir, because althougfi I antici- 
 pate disappointment, I will guard myself against disgrace. 
 
 I enclose what is believed to be a correct statement of 
 the arrivals at Quebec, from the 26th July to the 2d of 
 August. 
 
 Yesterday morning Captain Mailloux, a Canadian par- 
 tisan of some celebrity on these borders, was wounded 
 
 * 1 
 
 
 •' ■^r.-*-'^.^%^*J!J^;; '. -.*^'l 
 
Ir'. 
 
 67 
 
 and taken prisoner in a skirmish at our outposts. He died^ 
 this forenoon at the camp near Champlain. An Indian was 
 killed of the party under his command, the rest escaped. 
 We have, for some days past, lost but a couple of centinels 
 killed by skulking savages. Our men are in the best 
 spirits, but they begin to ask for their pay. The officers 
 suffer from the want of it. 
 
 M 
 
 M'^%yM^0'-*^ ■••>' 
 
 I am, sir, &c. 
 
 >."'.*-^;;j f, V. 
 
 /j*k'- 
 
 
 I, ' ' ■ ' '■'.:' 
 .,•* The Secretary at War tb Major General Izard, 
 
 ' ' I • ' War Department, Juguat \0(A, 18 U. 
 
 Should you make a movement towards the St. Law- 
 rence, in conformity to my suggestion of the 27th ultimo, 
 or of that contained in your letter of the 19th, will it not 
 be advisable to strengthen the several posts on lake Cham- 
 plain, by military detachments? You are authorised to call 
 on the governors of New York, and Vermont, for this 
 species of troops, if in your opinion they will be necessary. 
 
 I am^ sir, &c. 
 
 ■:ti- K-\x.-. 
 
 ,-»;'--.- » -■ *.- ■ 
 
 * Note. This was a mistake. Mailloux lingered about a week aftrr 
 the date of this letter, and died at Judge Moore's hquse. His corpse 
 was given to the enemy, who buried him in Canada. 
 
 
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 .,.; ,»"• 
 
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 a: 
 
 
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 The Same to *he Same. 
 
 
 SIR, 
 
 If^r Df/iari/iiertjAugutt IIM, 1814. 
 
 Your letter of the 31i,t ultimo was received on the 
 9th instant. — Our embarrassments for money are extreme, 
 ■which may have occasioned the delay in paying off the 
 second moiety of the bounty. These embauuasmc»it:; were 
 foreseen, when the law giving increased bounties was in 
 progress througi the legislature, and many endeavours 
 made, to prevent .heir prompt payment; but congress in 
 its wisdom, thought only of getting the men, without 
 looking forward to the difficulty of getting the money to 
 pay them. What I can do, has been cone. I have or- 
 dered the paymaster to make provision for the case. 
 
 The ISihand 29th have left Sackett's Harbour for Platts- 
 burg, but by what route 1 do not know. The strength of 
 both is about five hundred. Several other detachments 
 are in march for your head quarters. 
 
 The absence of officers from their regiments is as un- 
 accountable to mc as to you. Orders have been long since 
 given, that all not employed on tVie recruiting service, 
 should join their corps resnectively and \\ ithout delay. 
 Major Bell is now making v.< t a \\oi of thi e engaged in 
 recruiting, by comparing wl.ich with your report of such 
 as are in the field, we may ar' ivv at the names of the ab- 
 sentees against orders. 
 
 I wish you to accept the resignation of all oflpa ers whose 
 past conduct gives no pledge of future ^efuliess. Refer- 
 ences to this department are useless, on as your In- 
 rpector General, by withholding confidcatial r -ports, with- 
 
 { 
 
 \ 
 
t» 
 
 I18U. 
 
 holds also the means of knowing whether office re worth 
 
 retaining or otherwise. *../v i 
 
 The Postmaster General will establish without delay 
 an express mail, between your head quarters and those of 
 the second division, via Sackett's Harbour. It is the Pre- 
 sident's wish, that a direct and frequent correspondence 
 be kept up between the two divisions, so that each com- 
 manding officer be fully acquainted with the movements 
 of the other, and both, with those cf the fleet, by separate 
 communications with the commodore. Until the Post- 
 master General shall have made the above mentioned ar- 
 rangemtiit, your Quartermaster General will provide ex- 
 presses, as occasion may require. 
 
 I am, sir, 8cc. .. » 
 
 From the Same to the Same, 
 
 War Dejiartmenti Juguat 13//;, 18U. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The mov -nicnt suggested in my letter of the 27th ulti- 
 mo against Kingstc , rests altogether upon the presump- 
 tion that Chaunce) as beaten Yeo, or at least has driven 
 him into port and confined him there. If, hov/ever, the 
 enemy should carry his force from Montreal to Kingston, 
 (and his is the shorter line of the two) and be prepared to 
 meet you at this new point, the attack may be suspended, 
 and another safer movem^iit substituted for it. This will 
 be to embark two thousand men at Sackett's Harbour, and 
 carry them up to the west end of the lake. United with 
 the second division, you will be al le to reduce fort George 
 and Niagara, and what is of even more importance, cap- 
 
 ■I 
 
 ill 
 
 ^1 
 
 
70 
 
 ^ 
 
 turc the whole of Drummond's foree on the Niagara. We 
 have already seen that Rial, on General Brown's approach 
 to fort George, withdrew his main body to Twenty Mile 
 Creek. Drummond, when he falls back, will pursue the 
 same policy and retire to the same place, or to Burlington 
 Heights. To defeat this, these heights should be seized 
 by you. This will compel him to take a position at fort 
 George, and abide the fall of that place or of a battle; it 
 will completely sever his communication with York and 
 Kingston by land, as well as by water, and deprive him of 
 the resources of the neighbouring country. From thi^ 
 point of debarkation, your movoments will be made in 
 concert with Brigadier General Gaines, who commands the 
 division of the left. Commodore Chauncey will be in- 
 structed by the secretary of the navy, on this plan of ope< 
 rations. It remains to say a word or two, with regard to 
 the residuary part of your corps. May not this be left at 
 Sackett's Harbour, with advantage? Will it not compel the 
 enemy to keep a large force at Kingston? Can any other 
 point be menaced with more effect? On the project of 
 taking post on the St. Lawrenge, there is a great draw- 
 back, from the difficulty we shall find in subsisting, and 
 if occasion should arise, in supporting it. It is very dis- 
 tinctly my opinion, that it has become good policy on our 
 part, to carry the war as far to the westward as possible, 
 particularly while we have an ascendency on the lakes. 
 Were a post taken at the narrows and on our side of the 
 river, it would immediately produce one on that of the 
 enemy, and sufficiently near Vermont, to have the whole 
 benefit of the shameful traffic carried on by many of its 
 inhabitants. 
 
 In this proposed translation of your force ..from lake 
 Champlain, immediate attention will be necessary to your 
 
71 
 
 deposit of provisions. Those on lake Ontario and its 
 waters should be multiplied and increased, while those on 
 lake Champlain should be lessened both in number and 
 quantity. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, 
 tw3^/Ss.v +.^ vi»J Your most obedient, ' *■ ' ' 
 
 i'*i {><(> .1 r?^ ♦ and very humble servant, "' 
 '^•:^i5-:'i^^;,f4<?^'-r'l •>''^'^^ jivjXi'^'^'A' J. ARMSTRONG. ■'' 
 
 NoTB. The object of the /iretent publication it not !• criminate 
 public functionaries, but to throw lighten an interesting; period of our 
 national history. To judge sanely of the expediency of military ope- 
 rations, dates as well as distances must be attended to. On the 13th 
 August, (the date of the foregoing letter,) Brigadier General Gaines 
 was closely invested at fort Erie, by a British army under General 
 Drummond;— on the night of the Uth— 1 5th August, the assault took 
 place, in which our troops gallantly repelled the enemy. On the 30th 
 (the day when the secretary's letter reached General Izard) the 
 siege of the American intrenchments was progressing. The dis- 
 tance from Champlain to fort Erie, a vol d'oiaeau is about three hun- 
 dred miles;— by the nearest practicable route, considerably more than 
 four hundred miles* 
 
 ', ^■. 
 
 v«- 
 
 '■'', Major General Izard to the Secretary at War* 
 
 Can^ near CAazy, Augu*t 30/A, 1814. 
 
 -'-."■ •< .V- ''.'•• 
 
 SIR, 
 
 My last of the llth instant will have informed you, that 
 I had, immediately on receiving yours of the 27th ultimo, 
 taken measures to execute the movement you have 
 directed. I this day received your despatch of the 12th of 
 August, by express from Albany. ^ . 
 
 Deficient as I am in the means of transportation, with 
 
 L/l 
 
 "~^,. 
 
 
 ;:^:^;t'S^j 
 
 "l&iXtt 
 
r'-yfH "■><•?: j-irt^TK ''Or'Vf 
 
 72 
 
 an enemy in superior force immediately before me, with 
 but one road to move upon, I need make no excuse for 
 delay in executing the order given to me. It v/ill yet be 
 four or five days before I can proceed with my division. 
 
 I must not be responsible for the consequences of aban- 
 doning my present strong position. I will obey orders, 
 and execute them as well as I know how. 
 
 Major General Brisbane commands at Odeltown, he is 
 said to have between five and six thousand men '"'ithhim. 
 At Chambly are stated to be about four thousand. 
 
 Enclosed is the report of Colonel Gumming, Adjutant 
 General, whom I sent to Ogdensburg. I have yet heard 
 nothing from Sackett's Harbour. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 The Same to the Same. 
 
 \ 
 
 (•>, 
 
 .'^.. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Camfi near Cfiazy, jiugust 23(/, 1814. 
 
 Major General Brisbane, commanding the advance 
 of the British army in Lower Canada, wrote to me some 
 days ago on the subject of the shooting of sentinels and 
 solitary individuals near our respective positions; and pro- 
 posing to establish a rule on this subject similar to 
 European practice. To this I answered, that not!iing 
 would give me more satisfaction, than to carry on the war 
 on this frontier, in an honourable and soldier-like manner 
 but that he would find on enquiry, this shameful practice 
 had not been commenced by the American troops. His 
 expressions to the ofiicer who bore my answer wore 
 liberal, and he mentioned his intention of ordering his In- 
 
 ■^»^' ,^A«»Hn 
 
 'M 
 
 i-»','-'^».^.^*i'' 
 

 dians into the rear. We, the following day, made one of 
 these wretches prisoner; he is sent to Plattsburg, and 
 sbirfl go on to Greenbush. On the 21st, notwithstanding 
 these fair ^eches, a sentry of ours was fired upon by 
 some creeping savages or soldiers, and two balls lodged 
 in his cap. The man is not hurt. 
 
 Yesterday a letter and packet were brought me from 
 the same oifficer, announcing that one of his subalterns 
 had taken from a tax collector in Vermont, near the lines, 
 a sum of money said to be seven hundred and seventy- 
 one dollars, which he now returned, not considering such 
 proceedings as according with the agreement he ha dpro- 
 posed. I have turned the money, which was found to 
 amount to the sum mentioned, into the hands of the Quar- 
 termaster General, who will pay it to the tax-collector, a 
 resident on Grande Isle of the name of Adams. 
 
 The road through Chateaugay-Four-Comers to Parish- 
 ville, is scarcely passable for horses. The enemy have 
 opened that which leads from their lower settlements . to 
 that place, and I understand are collecting a force in that 
 direction. Were I attacked m that wilderness, with a long 
 cohimn of infantry and baggage, the consequences, not- 
 withstanding every human exertion, might be deplorable. 
 The idea of turning our backs on the enemy is scarcely 
 less unpleasant. But the alternative was decided in my 
 own mind. However, to prevent grumbling, though by 
 no means an admirer of councils of war, I wrote the en- 
 closed note, which was some hours afterwards returned 
 with the opinion of which I send you the original.* 
 
 * Note. The council of war was composed of the following officers, 
 viz: Brigadiers General Macomb, Smith, and Bissell, Colonel dim- 
 ming, Adjutant General, Colonel Drayton, Inspector General, and 
 Major Rees, Deputy Quartermaster General. 1 he question: " Wc 
 are to move to Sackett's Harbour — Shall we proceed by Chateaugay, 
 
 l/| 
 
 
 ■ii-^'i- 
 
 ,.■^ X. ■-■ 
 
 ■'::"%»<«;w-.' *-- 
 
» tl- 
 
 ' \ 
 
 74 
 
 By Schenectady then we go. Some difficulty necessarily 
 presents itself on account of supplies and transportation; 
 but in the course of a very few days, or more properly 
 speaking, as soon as the quartermaster and contractor in- 
 form me they ate ready, I march with 4000 active men. 
 I shall take no artillery, expecting to find what I want on 
 Lake Ontario. All my sick and convalescents, and about 
 1200 effisctives, will garrison Piatt's Point and Cumberland 
 Head. Brigadier General Macomb will be left in com- 
 mand there. All this, however, is only in the supposition 
 that we shall not be attacked, a contingency by no meSns 
 unlikely.* 
 
 Your letter of the 10th instant, authorising me to call 
 out the militia, was yesterday received, and I have required 
 of Major General Moers, commanding that description of 
 force in this part of the country, to assemble without delay 
 one regiment of infantry and one troop of light dragoons, 
 organized and equipped according to law, at the village of 
 Chazy; rifle companies to be accepted as a portion of the 
 infantry. . 
 
 I'he inhabitants are in consternation, — and Capt. Mac- 
 donough will be obliged to go up the Lake near Cumber- 
 land Head. 
 
 I have the honor to be, hr.. 
 
 ^%\' 
 
 Ogdensburg and the right bank of the St. Lawrence, or by the south 
 end of lake George and Schenectady?" T/ic answer^ (signed by all and 
 stated to be unanimous,) " By Schenectady." 
 
 • It was devoutly prayed for by the whole army. 
 
 #' «**!?: ^.'• '^fc''v: ;mj 
 
;"''' ; ;,^-'-;^'«vi;r.f-ijpf. , \nil;i"*~' 
 
 ■'*'•. 
 
 75 
 
 ]'•■ 
 
 ; e 
 
 7%e iSamj? fo the Same, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Head of Lake George^ \at Sefitembert 1814. 
 
 On the 29th instant the troops at Champlain and Chazy 
 commenced their march in this direction. On the 29th, I 
 waited at Plattsburg till the rear of the last column had 
 left that village; and having passed them on the road, I ar- 
 riveu here yesterday. The whole division, consisting of 
 dragoons, light artillery, (armed as infantry,) the 4th, 5th, 
 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 45t.h infantry, 
 (making a total of about four thousand effectives) will be 
 at this place on Saturday, 3d September. — The transpor- 
 tation delays us. Oxen are necessarily employed, as there 
 ars not horses sufficient for the purpose, and they move 
 very slowly over this rough country. I hope that they will 
 reach Glenn's Falls on the 4th. — From thenc^j they will 
 tal ■■') the road which I shall learn to be the best to Sackett's 
 Hi ''ijour. There may be a good one by Johnstown; but I 
 have yet no correct information on the subject. 
 
 I wrote by express, before I left Chazy, to Commodore 
 Chauncey, that I expected to be at Sackett's Harbour on 
 the 13th September, and that I should be glad to embark 
 my troops immediately on their arrival. It is now doubtful 
 if we can be there so soon; but I will take care to give him 
 accurate information of our approach. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 /I 
 
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 *; 
 
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 .■.■•-'■\i^ 
 
 $: 
 
•: f* 
 
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 SIR, 
 
 74 
 
 The Same to the ^Samc. 
 
 Schenectady, JVewYork, Sefitember fthf 1814. 
 
 On the morning of the 5th instant the troops, having 
 rested twenty-four hours atthesouthendofLakeGeor,ge, 
 resumed their march for Sackett's Harbour. I had oppor- 
 tunities of acquiring better information respecting the 
 road by Johnstown than when I last wrote on the subject, 
 and in consequence gave the columns another direction, 
 which will considerably lessen the distance. To-morrow 
 they will halt at Johnstown; — from thence they will pro- 
 ceed to Remsen; sixty miles, — and from the latter to 
 Sackett's Harbour, sixty more. As I wish to bring thera 
 in fresh and ready for immediate service, we shall average 
 no more than fifteen miles per day, unless advices from 
 Commodore Chauncey should render a more rapid move- 
 ment advisable. 1 have written to that officer that I am 
 desirous of embarking the division on the moment of our 
 arrival, as success will in a great measure depend on 
 the promptness with which we shall reach the point of 
 attack. 
 
 Copies of intercepted letters from Sir George Prevost 
 to Lieutenant General Drummond, of the 26th August, 
 were forwarded to me by express from Colonel Mitchell, 
 and lead to the belief that we may arrive on the Niagara 
 before the reinforcements from Kii^ston and Montreal 
 shall have joined the British army. Every thing however 
 will depend upon the readiness of the fleet to convey us. 
 Not having received in^ructions from you since those 
 dated the J 2th of August, and the aspect of affairs having 
 materially changed since the advices you were at that date 
 
 A* 
 
 ^4 
 
 ■ .wwpt-' 
 
 ■ ^■f\ 
 
■',*r'-' ' **■:•■ >T 
 
 r-<,- 
 
 V •►-r,Tv-">'! 
 
 77 
 
 possessed of, I shall be under the necessity of govemiog 
 myself by the information I shall obtain at Sackett's Har- 
 bour, to which place I shall hasten after seeing the troops 
 at Johnstown to-morrow. On the 14th or 15th instant at 
 latest, they will overtake me. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 
 Major General Izard to Captain Chaunceyy commanding 
 U. 3. Naval Forces on Lake Ontario. 
 
 ''1 
 
 SIR, 
 
 First Bivmvnt JVorthem ^rmy, H. Q. Chazy^ 
 August Wth, 1816. 
 
 I HAVE received instructions from the Secretary at War 
 to communicate with you freely and frequently. — A move- 
 ment of the force under my command (preparatory to a 
 junction with some of the troops on Lake Ontario and a 
 co-operation with the naval armament in ulterior measures 
 against the enemy) is designated. Ogdensburg is men- 
 tioned as the place which I should occupy in the first 
 instance, — from thence to embark and be carried up by 
 the inner channel to a point in Canada, while the fleet at- 
 tacks in face of the harbour. 
 
 Should it be possible to reach with my army the banks 
 of the St. Lawrence, I have tc ask of you information re- 
 specting the means of transportation by water, in con- 
 formity with the secretary's project. Colonel Suelling, In- 
 spector General in the army, will deliver you this letter 
 and will receive your answer, as well as such confidential 
 communications as you may think proper to make me. 
 
 >i 
 
 ■■v a^iri i an; 
 
 : ; ■ ,t 
 
7i 
 
 He is authorised to give you information respecting my 
 situation and strength. ^ i 
 
 ^ - =:i ' -^ . 5#% I am, sir, respectfully, &c. 
 
 Ab^tf.— Th 3 Commodore's answer to the above letter 
 is mislaid. It contained a statement of the difficulties 
 which would attend the navigation up the St. Lawrence, 
 in consequence of the want of vessels adapted to it, the 
 enemy !iaving secured all the small craft from the lake 
 downwards. ; - > 
 
 SIR, 
 
 T/ie Same to the Same, 
 
 JI. Q. near C/iazy, August 28th, 18 U. 
 
 On comparing the inconveniences attending the march 
 of troops from this place to Sackett's Harbour by Malone, 
 and by Utica, I have determined on taking the latter 
 route. I hope to be at Sackett's Harbour with four 
 thousand men on the 15th September; this however will 
 very much depend on the state of the roads and on the 
 weather. If the expedition to the head of lake Ontario 
 should continue to be the order of government, the sooner 
 we embark after our arrival the more success we may look 
 lor,, I shall take care to advise you of our approach, and 
 shall have great pleasure in making the acquaintance of an 
 officer for whom, Sec. &c. . 
 
 U'v 
 
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 K*'.-rf.^S<-',J'l.i>: ».".>>■ ,T(.-^ ^,..-.f- *■»— F- ■ y '■'•■J-- • 
 
 79 
 
 Commodore Chauncey to Major General Ixard. 
 
 U. S. ahifi Suficrior, ofKingtton, Wth Sefitembett 1814. 
 SIR> 
 
 I WAS yesterday honoured with your letter of the Seth 
 ultimo, by Major Brown. — I am pleased that you move 
 direct for Sackett's Harbour, as the route by Ogdens- 
 burg would have been attended with many difficulties. 
 
 The fleet under my command shall be in a state of 
 preparation to receive the troops as soon as they ar. 
 rive. 
 
 . . I have the honor to be, 8cc. 
 
 i 1 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The Same to the Same. 
 
 U. S. Shifi Sufierior (Lake Ontario) IdtA St/it. 1814. 
 
 Your favour of the 13th was this day handed to me by 
 Major Brown. I hope to anchor the fleet at Stoney Island 
 (eight miles from Sackett's Harbour) between this and 
 to-morrow morning. If you will do me the honour to 
 step on board the Lady of the Lake, and visit me at my 
 anchorage, I shall feel particularly flattered, and I will 
 have the pleasure of communicating to you all the infor- 
 mation that I possess respecting the preparations of the 
 enemy at Kingston. 
 
 I have the honour, &c. 
 
 it 
 
 -I 
 
 1 
 
 '*'.^"'- '"- 
 
 -jfiit^iV-^***'"^'' - ■f- ■-*i^' 
 
 
'« 
 
 80 
 
 Mi^j&r Oeneral Ixard to Commodore Chtumeey. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 September \6th. 
 
 m i' 
 
 : f 
 
 
 Majoi Brown has juat now delivered to me yonr note 
 of this date, i regret that mine, of which he was die bearer, 
 did not reach you twentjr-foor hours sooner, as I should 
 then have been able to accept your obliging invitaticm to 
 visit you on board ot the fleet; but the troops have this 
 morning arrived, and my presence here is at present 
 indispensable. 
 
 Until the last communication which has been made me 
 by Major General Brown, under date the 11th instant, I 
 was impressed with the belief that an expedition might 
 be undertaken with success to the head of the lake, which 
 might embrace, among other objects, the attack of fort 
 Niagara. But it seems that he is very closely pressed by 
 the enemy in his position, and considers the arrival of my 
 division to his relief as of the utmost importance. In this 
 view, it has become my duty to hasten to his assistance, 
 and to proceed with the leist possible delay to Buf&lo. 
 The only doubt remaining is, whether the transportatiou 
 of my force by water to th? mouth of Genesee river,, or to 
 some other point in that vicinity, will expedite my move- 
 ment more than a continuance of my march by land. In 
 either case^ the train of the army must be sent to Onon« 
 dago, as so many horses cannot be conveyed in the vessels 
 provided here. The uncertainty as to the time of arrival, 
 should we go by water, is balanced by the greater fatigue 
 incident to the length and badness of the route. Permit 
 me then to rest my decision upon the answer to this ques- 
 tion which I beg leave to propose to you; — whether the 
 
\l6th. 
 
 81 
 
 naval means at your command are sufficient, and prepared 
 to take on board four thousand men, on the morning of 
 the 18th instant (the day after to-morrow) and convey 
 them to the mouiih of Genesee river' -If your opinion be 
 in the affirmative, the troops will be rt.dy for embarkation 
 at sun-rise on that day; — if it should be otherwise, we shall 
 march to-morrow afternoon, or the following morning. 
 Accept, sir, the assurance of respect, 8cc. 
 
 ' I 
 
 From Commodore Chauncey to Major General Izard. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 U, S. S/ii/i Su/ieriory off Stoney laland^ 
 
 Friday Evening, 16/A Sefit. 1814. 
 
 TwAs this evening honoured with your favour of this 
 day's date, and in answer to the question therein pro- 
 pounded, *' Whether the naval means at my command 
 are sufficient, and prepared to take on board four thousand 
 men on the morning of the 18 th instant, and carry them 
 to the mouth of Genesee river," I answer, that the naval 
 force under my comm?nd (and on this station) is nc" suf- 
 ficient to receive four thousand men; but all the means 
 that I have shall be ready to receive as many of your 
 troops, on the morning of the 18th, as we can accommo- 
 date, and transport them to Genesee river, or any other 
 point on lake Ontario, that you may wish to land them at. 
 Probably the vessels that are at present in this vicinity 
 could accommodate from fifteen hundred to two thousand 
 men. You will judge whether it is advisable to separate 
 your force or not. At any rate, I have ordered the ve-i^-els 
 cruising oflP Prcsque Isle to rejoin me immediately; anu I 
 
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 ' '"*^*2?^»*^^'**'*«li;^L£' 
 
 U/*,.' 
 
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 82 
 
 shall run into the Harbour with this fleet to-morrow 
 morning, and be prepared to t.u\n6 you every assistance 
 within my power. , . 
 
 1 have the honour, &c. 
 
 ■ V ' 
 
 Major General Izard to Commodore Chauncey. 
 
 
 \M 
 
 SIR, 
 
 /f. Q. Sackett's Harbour^ Sefit. 17, 1814. 
 
 The army will move at sun-rise to-morrow morning. 
 As many of the troops as can be received on board of 
 vessels will be embarked in such manner as you shall 
 deem most convenient. The rest will proceed by land. 
 
 I have the honour, Sec. 
 
 Commodore Chaunccy tv Major General Izard. 
 
 Superior, Sunday f I8(h Sejit, p. m. 
 
 DEAR SIR, 
 
 It is impossible to embark the troops so long as the 
 weather continues so boisterous. The moment that it 
 moderates I will cause the fleet to be prepared for the 
 reception of the troops, and inform you when they are 
 ready. 
 
 Boats at this season will be found troublesome, and 
 will retard the fleet, unless we should be so fortunate 
 as to be favoured with a fine wind. 
 
 I have, &c. &c. 
 
Major General Tzard to Commodore Chauncey. 
 
 S. H. September ISrA, 1814. 
 
 DEAR SIR) 
 
 I NEED make no apology, I am sure, to you for the 
 anxiety 1 feel to move to the westward. Voar re; ''"less 
 to assist me in this object I am convinced of. All 
 then to consult you with regard to the most exi ^di i^ 
 mode of transporting my force to the relief of 1 
 Your long acquaintance with this climate, as well as 
 professional eminence, give to your opinion a weight wincii 
 justifies my reliance on it; and, short as is our acquaint, 
 ance, I shall be fluttered if you would communicate it as 
 to one whom you believe to have confidence in your good 
 win and judgment. 
 
 Do you think that I can move the troops I have brought 
 on (setting out as soon as this conflict of the elements shall 
 cease) more quickly by waiting a day or two for the con- 
 veyance by water, through the aid of your fleet, than I 
 can do by land? You will suppose me, if you please, fur- 
 nished with all the wagons and horses that I have occasion 
 for. 
 
 This mod6 of treating on matters of public service, 
 after the lessons those engaged in them have received, 
 may appear indiscreet. I hope you will see in it nothing 
 more than the unaffected expression of my earnestness to 
 obtain an object, which I believe important, and of the 
 respect and esteem with which I am, sir, Sec. 
 
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 Sdences 
 
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 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
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 CiftnmodQre Qlig^ncey to Major General Izard. 
 
 
 ' i> W ^' '^' ^'")^ Superior^ Sackttfa Harbour^ 
 
 \9th Slefit. 1814. 
 
 DEAR SIR, 
 
 ■<n'l.^^r> .»i;v^^ " V- 
 
 >-l , !• 
 
 The fleet will be ready to receive your troops at 11 
 o'clock, A. M. Boats will be ready near the cantonment, 
 arranged agreeably to the numbers of the vessels. The 
 boats of the Superior, No. 1, will take the right offthe 
 line; Mohawk^ Not 2, next, and so on to the left. 
 
 Be pleased to give the necessary orders for the troops 
 so to arrange themselves, as to conform to the above ar- 
 rangement of the boats, which will avoid much confusion 
 in the embarkation. .,. 
 
 ■ I have, &c,,^ ;#;|^ J,4^:■"•,i^«> 
 
 I^rom Major General Izard to Major General Brown, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Sackett'a Harbour, Sefitember 13M, 1814. 
 
 In consequence of orders from the department of war, 
 I moved with about four thousand men of the army under 
 my command from lake Champlain for this place. I did 
 expect, before I arrived here, to have itceived further in- 
 structions relatively to my destination. These have not 
 reached me, and I am left to adopt such measures as ap- 
 pear to me best calculated for the advantage of the service. 
 
 The troops will be here on the 15th or 16th instant. It 
 will depend on the naval preparations how soon afterwards 
 we may embark. Should nothing intervene to alter my 
 
 
 
 ^'^^tW 
 
■^r- 
 
 85 
 
 destination, I will proceed to the head of the lake, and 
 place myself in the rear of the British forces in your front. 
 Should the reinforcements which are destined for the 
 enemy not join him before we land, the happiest con- 
 sequences may result from this movement. 
 
 I write without having seen Commodore Chauncey, 
 who is off Kingston. I have from him, however, the 
 promise, by letter, under date of the 11th, that his vessels 
 shall be ready to receive the troops as soon as they arrive. 
 
 I cannot yet positively , designate the point at which 
 I shall disembark, but will give you notice of every par- 
 ticular as soon as I can decide upon the subject. In the 
 mean time I have thought that it would be satisfactory to 
 you to know that an effective force is approaching to your 
 assistance. I shall be glad to learn your precise situation 
 and strength as soon as possible, and to have your opinion 
 i especting the ulterioi measures of the campaign. 
 
 ""^^r lAj'T 
 
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 I am, sir, &.c. 
 
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 From Major General Brawn to Major General Izard. 
 [Received a few hours after the preceding was despatched.] 
 
 -^.A,*^ 
 
 SIR, 
 
 n. Q. Fort Ericy September lOrA, Id 14. 
 
 I H A v£ been expecting with much anxiety to hear from 
 you, and to learn the aid that you can afford this army. 
 My total effective force does no|inuch exceed two thousand 
 men; perhaps I may be able to fight, in position, twenty- 
 five hundred. The force of the enemy, which confines us 
 to our works, is believed to amount to four thousand, and 
 the 90th or 97th (the deserters say both these regiments) 
 is nigh at hand. '"i^'V -'^v- • > ' ' '•■'' #" ; i'^ v--:i,' :wmi 
 
 I will not conceal from you that I consider the fate of 
 this army very doubtful, unless speedy relief is afforded; 
 and my opinion is, that the wisest course will be to effect 
 a junction, by landing below Niagara, marching on the 
 American side of the strait, and crossing over from 
 Buffalo. Will your force be s as to insure relief to this 
 army if you land on the Britkoii side? Our united forces 
 would, I have no doubt, be competent to drive Drum- 
 mond from the field, and perhaps capture him. Whatever 
 may be your plans of operations, be so good as to make 
 me acquainted with them, so that I may know how to 
 calculate. Your orders will be received and obeyed with 
 pleasure. 
 
 General Porter has assembled say three thousand mili- 
 tia. It remaiins to be seen if they can be made useful. 
 Very respectfully, sir, &c. 
 
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 87 
 
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 SIR, 
 
 i^!f|^. 0- Fort Erie, Sefit. IIM, 18U. 
 
 I HAVE nothing new of importance to communicate, and 
 by the return of the express, think propfr to say so for 
 your satisfaction. We have received but few shot or shells 
 from the enemy within the two last days. Many deserters 
 come in, who state that the enemy's supply is exhausted, 
 but that they expect to be resupplied witliin a short time. 
 There is no doubt but that they are erecting additional 
 batteries. General Porter has succeeded in getting over 
 about one thousand of his militia; — more are expected to 
 cross. Should you deem it proper to pass rapidly to this 
 theatre of war, I do not doubt but that it will be in your 
 power to carry every thing within the peninsula. However 
 if, W'!h the aid of the fleet and the forces at Sackett's 
 Harbour, you can succeed in carrying Kingston, you will 
 accomplish a much more important object. In the execu- 
 tion of any plan you will find me disposed to exert myself, 
 and I am convinced that the remains of my gallant army 
 will do their duty under any circumstances. I shall be 
 happy to receive your orders, and be made acquainted 
 with your plan of operations. - 
 
 : My command must find relief in some way, before many 
 days. >^.;. ■ , , , 
 
 ^,,, u,.^ .", I am, sir, Sec. 
 
 u^ S; . . JACOB BROWN. 
 
 .*. 
 
 P. S. Forts George and Niagara must be nearly empty. 
 It is not probable that there are many of the enemy's re- 
 gular troops between this and Kingston. Their militia are 
 worse than ours. They are good for nothing. 
 
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 My private opinion is, that the enemy cannot bring into 
 the field to exceed three thousand regulars between this 
 and Burlington, unless the 97th or 90th have arrived. If 
 you think proper to land north of fort George, and I could 
 know the moment of your landing so as to press upon the 
 enemy, it would perhaps be the shortest cut to your ob- 
 ject, the capture of Drummond and his army. He cannot 
 escape, provided you can promptly form a junction with 
 my present command. We have artillery sufficient for 
 every object in the field, and perhaps sufficient for the 
 reduction of Niagara. 
 
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 Major Generql Izard to the Secretary at fFifr,^ 
 
 ■ Sackett'a Harbour, Sept. ir, 18U. 
 
 
 Yesterday forenoon the division which marche^ 
 under my command from the Champlain frontier arrived 
 at this place. The mounted dragoons were halted at 
 Champion, and will be ordered to meet the rest of the 
 troops at Batavia; — they will march by Ononda^o. 
 
 Part of the fleet under Commodore Chauncey came 
 into this harbour within a few hours; the remainder is 
 expected in the course of the night. I have seen the Com- 
 modore for the first time this afternoon, upon his coming 
 on shore. We shall embark about three thousand men to- 
 morrow morning, and proceed to the westward. Should 
 the winds favour us, my intention is to land above the 
 Niagara river, in the hope of intercepting the army under 
 Lieutenant General Drummond. If the debarkation in that 
 part of the lake cannot take place in forty-eight hours 
 after sailing from hence, we will be landed at the mouth 
 
 #. 
 
 ♦. 
 
, ^ 
 
 '!'■' 
 
 89 
 
 of Genesee river, and hasten to the relief of Major General 
 Brown's force, which is represented by him as closelj 
 pressed. 
 
 The necessity for the fleet's returning to its station near 
 Kingston will prevent its supporting me in Upper Canada 
 for more than a few days; and without it, to cover my 
 supplies, I should risk the almost only remaining regular 
 force on our frontier. 
 
 The defences of Sackett's Harbour are miserable. This 
 point, rendered important by the scarcity of good harbours 
 on these waters, might with little expense be rendered 
 safe. It requires but an able engineer to construct works 
 which, with less than one thousand men, might effectually 
 protect the stores and fleet from any attack, except by an 
 overwhelming force by land as well as water. I find here fif- 
 teen hundred militia, in addition to the remnant of the Left 
 Division, consisting of Lieut. Col. Mitchell's detachment 
 of field artillery (four hundred men) and a squadron of 
 dismounted dragoons. The latter I take with me, and 
 leave in their stead a battalion of the 13th infantry, and 
 the sick and weary of my division. 
 
 I am, respectfully, &c. ' ; {|f ^i - > 
 
 P. S. I have this moment received a despatch from 
 Brigadier General Macomb, giving a hasty account cxf the 
 repulse of the enemy, on the 11th instant, from the works 
 near Plattsburg. As I ordered the Brigadier to communi- 
 cate all events of importance, after my departure, to the 
 war department as well as to myself, you will of course 
 have had an official report of this gallant achievement.— 
 Permit me, sir, to offer my congratulations on this further 
 decisive proof, if such were yet wanting, of the valour of 
 our regular troops, and of the confidence which the nation 
 may repose in them. 
 
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 i'Vom Mtf iSbmtf to the Same, 
 
 
 SIR, 
 
 /rra</ Quarterti Saekett*t Harbour^ Sefit. 18, 1814. 
 
 Last night a violent storm, accompanied by torrents 
 of rain, commenced and still rages. I despatched at dawn 
 of day a note to Commodore Chauncey, who had return- 
 ed to his ship after a conversation with me last evening,— 
 but, though anchored within a few hundred yards from 
 the shore, it is reported to me that no boat can reach him. I 
 wish to learn his opinion respecting the continuance of this 
 tempestuous weather, which some persons residing here de- 
 clare will last for a fortnight or more. (The wind is at west, 
 so that nothing can go out.) Should this be confirmed, as 
 every moment is precious, I will if possible resume my 
 march to-morrow towards Onondago. The roads are 
 scarcely passable; but I have in prospect two most im- 
 portant objects, — the relief of a brave and valuable band 
 of tried warriors at fort Erie, and the possible discomfiture 
 of the enemy who besieges them. 
 
 I am. Sec, 
 
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 > <7. 5. Shifi Sufieriort Saekett'n Harbour^ 
 
 Sefit. . 0th, 16\4. 
 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The storm having abated, I was yesterday forenoon 
 informed by Commodore Chauncey, that the fleet was 
 ready to receive the troops. Accordingly the infantry de- 
 signated for embarcation, amounting to twenty-five hun- 
 dred men, were at an early hour of the evening distributed 
 in the various ships of war, and in some schooners engaged 
 for the purpose by the Quartermaster General. We were 
 in hopes of being able to get under way in the course of 
 the night or this morning;— -but the wind is opposed to 
 our moving. Not a moment will be lost to hasten our 
 departure. 
 
 It was the opinion of the naval commander that the. 
 employment of the gun -boats and other small craft would 
 be both unsafe and productive of delay. In consequence, 
 I reluctantly resolved on dividing my force. The regiment 
 of light artillery and the dismounted (^^ragoons marched for 
 Onondago last afternoon. The squauA^ti of mounted drar 
 goons is ordered to leave Champion for the same point. 
 
 For the security of Sackett's Harbour, I leave, in ad- 
 dition to the artillery under Lieut. Col. Mitchell, two 
 battalions of infantry — the ISth, commanded by Major 
 Malcom, and the 45th, under Major Brevoort. These 
 troops, all in good condition, and among the best of my 
 division, will, I trust, be sufficient (with the numerous 
 militia already arrived and arriving) to guard the public 
 stores and navy yard. 
 
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 I cannot learn with certainty whether the reinforcements 
 ordered from Kingston have gone on to join General 
 Drumuiond, nor whether they consist of the 90th and 
 97th, or of only one of these corps. The last accounts 
 from Major General Brown state, that both are expected 
 by the enemy. 
 
 ; f '" Very respectfully, &c. 
 
 
 I* 
 
 ■'■ >(i, 
 
 r. ' 
 
 ..!■'.. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The Same to the Same, ,,,,•. 
 
 Mrthem Armyy U. Q. Butaviot A*. Y. 
 
 5</k/. 28, 1814. 
 
 On the 21st instant, the fleet under Commodore 
 Chauncey sailed, in the forenoon, from Sackett's Har- 
 bour; and, the wind favouring us, we were ofi* the mouth 
 of Genesee river the next morning early. The tifoops were 
 all disembarked before night, and encamped near the lake. 
 £very exertion was used to collect a sufficient number of 
 wagons and horses for the transportation of our camp 
 equipage and provisions; but our appearance being unex- 
 pected, and that part of the country thinly peopled, it 
 was not until the 24th that we could resume our march. 
 Part of the. tents and stores were unavoidably left, to fol- 
 low as fast as means could be procured for the purpose. 
 Through excessively bad roads, and amidst continual and 
 heavy rains, we proceeded; the officers of every grade, 
 with very few exceptions, being dismounted. On the 26th, 
 some hours before night, the whole of our corps arrived 
 in good spirits at this village, and with a less proportion 
 of men disabled for immediate duty than could, under such 
 circumstances, have been expected. 
 
 \^\s 
 
 
It was not until I had been here part of a day that 
 I received a letter from General Brown, for the first time 
 since we sailed from Sackett's Harbour. His messenger 
 had sought me at the Eighteen Mile Creek and at Genll- 
 see river. The successful sortie of the 17th, which I now 
 learnt, would have induced me to remain on the Ridge 
 Road, in order to approach fort Niagara with less fatigue 
 to the men. The want of artillery, however, would have 
 rendered the attack impracticable, until I should be sup- 
 plied from Buffalo and the little arsenal at this place. 
 
 Yesterday I met Major General Brown by appointment, 
 and obtained from him such details as are necessary for 
 the concert of our proceedings. Lieutenant General Drum- 
 mond*s further operations against fort Erie are in all pro- 
 bability abandoned for this campaign. He is reported to 
 have destroyed the bridges at Frenchman's creek and 
 Chippewa, — and to have covered himself with his field 
 works on the latter stream. His efiective force does pro- 
 bably not exceed three thousand men, besides the garrisons 
 of forts George, Niagara, and their dependencies; — these 
 cannot be complete. I have, therefore, determined on be- 
 sieging fort Niagara, while Brown^s division (which is not 
 a little reduced by the numerous gallant and sanguinary 
 conflicts in which it has been engaged) shall hold him in 
 check on the western side of the strait. We shall be but 
 badly furnished with artillery. With the exception of one 
 heavy twenty-four pounder, on a truck carriage at fort 
 Erie, there are no pieces of larger calibre than eighteens, 
 and these light, and their carriages wanting repairs. I have 
 directed the latter to be commenced immediately, and in 
 as short a time as possible shall transport towards Lewis- 
 town, by land and water, six or eight of the eighteen 
 poundrrs, and the only two mortars which can be found. 
 With these I hope, after a few days of open trenches, to 
 
 ^^ 
 
94 
 
 I 
 
 restoreto the United States the shamefully lost fortress of 
 Niagara. My intention is yet a secret to all but Major 
 General Brown and my chief engineer, Major Totten. I 
 slkll endeavour to mislead the enemy into a belief that I 
 am about to land a force on the north side of lake Erie, in 
 order to possess myself of Burlington heights. 
 
 The detachments which I was obliged to forward, by 
 land, from Sackett's Harbour, cannot be expected in less 
 than a week; neither will the squadron of light dragoons 
 join us sooner. The roads and weather oppose any rapid 
 movement. Indeed when I look back on the distance 
 which we have come since we left our position in front of 
 a superior enemy on the Champlain line, I am surprised 
 at the little time and few accidents which have attended 
 our progress. ^..r 
 
 The experience of the last campaign proves the neces- 
 sity of adopting timely measures for the accommodation 
 and comfort of the troops during the winter. Disease, 
 consequent on the severity of the climate, exposure at a 
 late season, and bad diet, destroyed ten times more men 
 than fell by the hands of the enemy. The force, now a3- 
 sembling on this frontier, small as it is in numbers, is 
 great in value to the United States. It should not be for- 
 gotten that they were raw recruits only a few months ago, 
 and that they have been engaged in active service ever 
 since. Their instruction as soldiers is consequently far 
 from what it might be, although the essentials of soldier- 
 ship, as obedience, hardihood and courage, are theirs. In 
 the repose of winter quarters they can acquire what is yet 
 9lone wanting to render them equal, if not superior, to any 
 troops on earth. Round these may be assembled the re- 
 cruits from the interior. The officers^ of all grades, should 
 be made to remain with them. Applications for leave of 
 absence^ except under very urgent circumstances^ should Se 
 
 
 ,..,.,-,., 
 
M 
 
 refused. In this manner discipline and order will be 
 speedily established, the many individuals who yet dis- 
 grace their military appointments, will be known and 
 driven from the service; and early in the spring, before 
 the enemy can receive reinforcements from Europe, the 
 most important blows may be struck. 
 
 I have the honour, Sec. 
 
 P. S. The latest communication I have had from the 
 war office, was received at Chazy, and is dated the 12th 
 August. 
 
 The Secretary at War to Major General Izard. 
 
 War Defiartmentf Sefitember 27th, 18U. 
 SIR, 
 
 Your letter of was the last which has been 
 
 received. 
 
 A strong hope is entertained that yours and Commo- 
 dore Chauncey's movements were in harmony, and that 
 you have been placed by means of his fleet in safety at 
 the point of your destination; — arriving there, full confi- 
 dence exists, that you and the corps under your com- 
 mand will justify the high opinion cherished by the govern- 
 ment, of the gallantry and probable success of your 
 operations. 
 
 When I took charge of the department of war, you 
 were on your march by Sackett^s Harbour to the strait of 
 Niagara, in aid of General Brown, who was closely pres- 
 sed by a superior force at fort Erie. General Macomb 
 was exposed by your departure, to an attack from Moi^- 
 
 
rA- ■-•f:M-ri 
 
 ■ I ;-*7— )■- 
 
 96 
 
 treal; and Sackett's Harbor would likewise be exposed 
 to an attack from Kingston, as soon as you and Commo* 
 dore Chauncey left it. It did not seem to be proper to 
 suspend any of these movements. I took the most effec- 
 tual measures in my power to strengthen the exposed 
 parts. I requested the governors of New York and Ver- 
 mont, to send immediate aid to General Macomb, and 
 Sackett's Harbour, and ordered a reinforcement of one 
 thousand men from Detroit to fort Erie, which may pos- 
 sibly arrive in time to afford aid there. 
 
 On your arrival at the strait of Niagara, being the 
 senior officer, the President directs that you take the com- 
 mand of the whole force. The military operations there 
 must be combined and directed to one result, which can 
 only be done, by bein^ placed in the hands of one com- 
 mander. 
 
 Your future command will extend to the whole of the 
 9th district. 
 
 >. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 JAMES MONROE. 
 
 P. S. Since writing the above, Ihave received your let- 
 ters of the 16th, and 18th of this month. 
 
 i.' 
 
 ^' 
 
 &.;. 
 
,w 
 
 97 
 
 .'J^-f'A 
 
 m, 
 
 
 Major General Izard to the Honourable James Monroe 
 m ^mi<% S^'cretary at fFar, ^^^ .,^^^_ ■■ 
 
 '•■v. 
 
 Northern Army^ H. Q. near Levnttowrif October 7ch, 1814. 
 
 '-•i'^* 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Ireckivbd last evening by express from BuiFalo, your 
 letter of the 27th ultimo — none other has reached me 
 from the war department of later date than the 12th of 
 Aygust I have in the interval, regularly addressed the 
 secretary at war, and my opinion respecting the move* 
 ments which I was ordered to execute, as well as the 
 modifications which were necessitated by circumstances, 
 have been detailed in my letters from Chazy of the 11th, 
 20th, and 23d August; from lake George, of the 1st 
 September; from Schenectady of the 7th September; from 
 Sackett's Harbour of the 17th, 18th, and 20th; and from 
 
 Batavia of the 28th. Being without instructions, and 
 
 having received at Sackett's Harbour pressing letters from 
 Major General Brown, to hasten to the relief of the forces 
 at fort Erie, I considered it my duty to depart from the 
 course laid down by the late secretary; and in the pro- 
 priety of having done so, I am confirmed by the situation 
 I find things in on this frontier. 
 
 On the Ist of this month I moved from Batavia, with 
 the troops which had accompanied me by water from 
 Sackett's Harbour, for this point. My route was through 
 a wHderness, the greater part swamp, twenty.six miles 
 in extent, until I reached the Ridge Road, (thirty-five 
 miles east of this place); from thence the road is good. 
 We arrived here the day before yesterday in tjie morning, 
 having encamped the preceeding night at a deserted^ ham- 
 let six miles off. If boats could have, been procured, we 
 
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 98 
 
 should have surprised a British battalion lying at Queens- 
 town. Unluckily every description of craft has been re- 
 moved from this shore, by the enemy. 
 
 Major Generals Brown and P. B. Porter met me the 
 same evening. The opinions of these officers are decided- 
 ly, that we should concentrate our forces south of Chip- 
 pewa river, (which stream has not yet been abandoned by 
 General Drummond,) and defer the attack of the forts at 
 the mouth of Niagara river, so long as he is in the field. 
 I enclose a copy of the note I addressed, after our conver- 
 sation, to Major General Brown, and his answer. As soon 
 as I hear again from him, I will march to Schlosser and 
 cross my brigades to the Canada shore. =>^ .m#^/,'' -^'#*^ 
 
 Two parties which were sent out last evening, to recon- 
 noitre fort Niagara and the intervening ground, have just 
 now returned. The enemy has drawn all his garrison with- 
 in his walls, and is adding to his defences both there and at 
 fort George. Early this morning a body of infantry, re- 
 ported to be eight hundred men, marched from the latter 
 fort towards Queenstown; they were accompanied by bag- 
 gage wagons, and are probably going to reinforce theiir 
 army above. 
 
 Some publications have appeared calculated to induce 
 a belief, that the force left at Plattsburg was incompetent 
 to the defence of that important point. I beg leave to cor- 
 rect this misrepresentation. There were at Plattsburg, in 
 and about the works which I had erected in the preced- 
 ing two months, under the direction of a valuable young 
 officer. Major Totten, of the engineers, not less than three 
 thousand regulars, of whom one thousand five hundred 
 were fit for duty in the field, (in the number were three good 
 companies of artillery,) besides some hundreds of what 
 are reported extra duty men and convalescents. There 
 can not have been five hundred of the whole number 
 
 .>"•» »' r, •■ "J-* 
 
 \», 
 
...V'^ 
 
 99 
 
 useless, in case of an attack. They were amply provided 
 with artillery, ammunition and stores of every kind, com- 
 pletely secured from annoyance. I may venture to assert 
 that without the works, (fort Moreau and its dependen- 
 cies,) Captain Macdonough would not have ventured to 
 await the enemy's attack in Plattsburg Bay, and would 
 have been obliged to retire to the upper end of lake 
 Champlain; and that with the garrison which Brigadier 
 General Macomb had, he might (with the skill and atten- 
 tion to be looked for, in a professional man of his rank, 
 and with the able assistance he had in some of our best 
 officers of every arm (Colonel Melancthon Smith of the 
 29th, Lieutenant Colonel Appling of the riflemen, Major 
 Totten of the engineers. Captains B ooke, and Leonard 
 of the artillery,) have defended those works for three weeks 
 against a combined attack by land and water, had the 
 British fleet been victorious, and Sir George Prevost's 
 force really as is stated. I hope, sir, that you will do me 
 the honour to lay these facts before the President — as I 
 am anxious to prove that I have not been undeserving of 
 the confidence, which has been placed in my exertions, to 
 defend the frontier entrusted to my charge. 
 H-' - i I am, very respectfully. See. 
 
 
 
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 //Irat/ Quartera, JVbrt&em Artnyi 
 J,... Co»0 ncar^trcft'fCreekf Ufi/icr Canada) Ocfr. 16, 19) A* 
 
 :.'" SIR, ■■'-:'■'::■ . ;;; 
 
 On the 8th instant J noarchcfl from Lewistown for 
 Schlosser, intending to embark at or near that landing witli 
 iny troops and cross the strait to a point south of Chip- 
 pewa, where J was to be met by Major General Browij's 
 Piyision. On arriving at Cayuga creek, where the bofit? 
 had. been concealed, I found that they would not con- 
 tain above one fourth of my force; and to cross in the 
 face of the enemy's batt(:ries and intrenchments at Chip- 
 pewa, by mail detachments, would have been mad- 
 ness. I therefore encamped for the nighU and the neM 
 rnoming having lightened my wagons by puttmg part of 
 their loads in the boat^, we proceeded towards 31ack 
 Rpck* Sonne ^ejay occi^rred ^t Tonewante creek, a bold 
 ^nd deep strean^i, the bridgP over which was destroyed 
 some months ago. On the IQth and I ith my division 
 crossed the %^r^\^ ^\}^. ^i^pan^ped ^bout two miles north 
 of fort Erie. 
 
 I found at that post (besides the remains of Brown's 
 division and the New- York volunteers under General|Por- 
 ter) the 17th regiment of infantry, which had arrived 
 a few days before from the westward; the latter I attached 
 to the 1st brigade of my division. Having ordered the 
 works to be completed, and leaving a garrison, competent 
 to their protection from insult under present circum- 
 stances, which I entrusted to Major Hindman of the ar- 
 tillery as commandant, I marched on the morning of the 
 13th with this army, consisting of the first division, three 
 
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 VVi 
 
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 .-.>•-■*' 
 
 "•^ff..- 
 
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 101 
 
 thousand five hundred strong, nnder my immediate com- 
 mand, and the second division under Major General 
 Brown, two thousand regulars and eight hundred militia 
 volunteers. 
 
 At Black-Creek W9 halted that night. A small party of 
 the enemy's light troops and dragoons were on die op- 
 posite si4e of the creek, observing us; they had destroyed 
 the bridges and houses, and driven away die inhabitants. 
 This forage they had endeavoured to bum, but were in too 
 m^ph haste to do sq efiectusJly. I cause all that we have 
 occasion to take to be paid for, and spare no pains to pro- 
 tect the wretched people from being plundered. Some 
 excesses, I regret to state, have been committed by the 
 irregulars (uid riflemen, but they are remedied as much 
 as possible; and if repeated (after the orders I have g^vea 
 on the subject) shall not go unpunished, r -f. ^ - /^ ..f.-^t^^-vi 
 
 The construction of bridges over the numerous little 
 streams we met with debyed our progress on the 14th. 
 We encamped that night at this place, little more than two 
 miles from the enemy's intrenchments on ibe Chippewa. 
 Yesterday morning, having completed a bridge over 
 Street's creek for the passage of the field pieces, I occupied 
 W^h my division forming the first line of the army, 
 the ground in front of the enemy's works; my right on 
 the strait, my left in the woods i^irting the Chippewa 
 river, and a body of riflemen in advance covering the left 
 fltnk, on Lyons's creek, which falls into the Chippev/a 
 about a mile and a half above its mouth. Both streams 
 are deep* and without a ford for many miles. At 
 their junction the enemy has erected a strong redoubt. 
 
 For the purpose of drawing the fire from his defences, in 
 order to choose the situation of our batteries, I ordered a 
 field piece forward into the road, from which several shot 
 
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 102 
 
 were distharged with effect at the prominent buildings 
 within their fortification; but they did not think proper to 
 answer us. Some confusion was observed on their side; 
 loaded wagons were seen going off and a number of 
 soldiers retreating by the lake road. Some of my officers 
 were induced to believe they were evacuating the post, 
 and Major General Brown was of this opinion. To ascer- 
 tain the fact, which seemed to me incredible in the appa- 
 rent state of their works, I ordered the whole of my little 
 train (consisting of Towson's and Archer's companies, 
 the former three six pounders and one Si inch howitzer, 
 the latter two eighteen pounders) to advance and fire on 
 their batteries. Nothing could be more gallant than the pro- 
 ceeding of this little band. They advanced through the 
 open ground in full view of the enemy's batteries of twen- 
 ty.four and twelve pounders, formed the line without any 
 cover whatever, and commenced a cool and correct can- 
 nonade, which was immediately answered by theu: ad- 
 versaries. The vast superiority of our artilleristis was dis- 
 cernible to the most inexperienced eye. Every shot told. 
 One of their batteries was sileifced. The intended effect 
 was produced, and it was plain that so far from abandoning 
 their forts, the British were in strength, and superior 
 in weight of metal, and number of guns. The firing 
 continued till dusk, when I directed, our pieces to be 
 withdrawn for the night. 
 
 Two deserters who came over this morning, state that 
 considerable execution was done in the battery which they 
 were posted in, on the hither side of the creek. On our 
 side we lost but four men killed; none wounded, except 
 Major S. Lush, Army Judge Advocate, who volunteered 
 his services as one of my staff", and who imprudently was 
 in a groupe with a number of other young officers, which 
 
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 Mtr^f^^ 
 
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 jtij^:**n^'-". 
 
 I ■*< 
 
 103 
 
 attracted the notice of the enemy. His horstwps shot un- 
 der him by a twenty-four pound ball, and himself severely 
 hurt. I am happy to add, that the surgeons pronounce the 
 wound not mortal. . ; . 
 
 This morning I have directed Lyons's creek, on the 
 right of the enemy's position, to be closely reconnoi» 
 tered. 
 
 I have just learnt by express from Sackett's Harbour, 
 that Commodore Chauncey, with the whole of his fleet, 
 has retired into port and is throwing up batteries for its 
 protection. This defeats all the objects of the operations 
 by land in this quarter. I may turn Chippewa, and should 
 General Drummond not retire, may succeed in giving 
 him a great deal of trouble; but if he falls back on fort 
 George, or Burlington Heights, 2 very step I take in pur- 
 suit, exposes me to be cut off by the large reinforcements 
 it is in the power of the enemy to throw in twenty-four 
 hours upon my flank or rear. 
 
 All the artillery and all the ordnance stores on this fron- 
 tier, are inadequate to the siege of one of the enemy's for- 
 tresses. Three fourths of the arms of the troops from the 
 westward, are unfit for service. The severe season is ap- 
 proaching. A fact, which I was not aware of before I wit- 
 nessed it from Lewistown Heights, is that the communi- 
 cation by water between York and the mouth of the Nia- 
 gara was uninterrupted, notwithstanding our supremacy 
 at that time on lake Ontario. I saw a large square rigged 
 vessel arriving, and another, a brig, lying close to the 
 Canada shore. Not a vessel of ours was in sight. 
 
 I confess, sir, that I am greatly embarrassed. At the 
 head of the most efiicient army which the United States 
 have possessed during this war, much must be expected 
 from me— and yet I can discern no object which can be 
 
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 'X^r'*^*"* 
 
F'.W- J 
 
 ^ - 
 
 1^ 
 
 '■ 1.1 
 
 104 
 
 achieved at ^a point, worthjr of the risk which wUI at- 
 tend its attempt. The relief of Major General Buown'tf 
 force is conif^etely efiteted. I have presented the army 
 under my command in the open field, and undef the 
 enemy's intrenchments for battle, whicb he prudently de- 
 clines. The opinions of all the principal officers whom h 
 have spoken with on the subject, are against attemptat 
 which can result in no national advantage, and which even 
 if successful, would be attended by the unavoidable io8» 
 of many men, now more valuable than ever. Under these 
 circumstances, should no opening present itself in a few 
 days, to obtain ai^ immediate advuitage over the enemy, I 
 sAali feel it iny duty to commence preparations for the dis- 
 tribution of the troops in winter quarters,, at such places 
 as will enable them to assemble with celerity round any 
 menaced pointi'^^vvii >•»«#' ■'.■ ^tiSk^M-i-'.^^^r^^ 
 '^m-.-^ ^.' .-•. 'i^r^-'^V' lams MT, &c. i!^--^^'-'«''*i^ * 
 
 ■■'•■ ■»' •'. »). •' ^!^..'i^_% 'itv^V^-: '%M 
 
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 The Same to the Same, 
 
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 "."''';;'. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Camfiy ofifioaite Black Rock, October 23tf, 18|i4» 
 
 ■•«■•" 
 
 On the 17th and 18th instant I manoeuvred with the 
 army under my command in front of Chippewa, in the 
 hope of drawing the enemy out into the field; — but in 
 vain. When I retired a few miles, his light parties ob- 
 served us with great caution; and whenever we returned 
 towards them, they took shelter in their works. — Having 
 been informed that there was a considerable quantity of 
 grain collected for the British troops at Cook's Mill oh 
 Lyons's Creek, twelve miles above Chippewa, I detached 
 
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 .,v - ■. .^.,itvt»iiifMr%:,<i*--'- 
 
 ,ir^'^^«tffy--»-*»(f - "f'*" 
 
105 
 
 '^\ 
 
 \ #- 
 
 Brigadier General Bissell, with nine hundred infantry, on 
 the morning of the 18th to seize it, and (if impracticable 
 to convey it to our camp) he had orders to destroy it. 
 Enclosed is the Brigadier's report. The enemy was 
 completely routed, and suffered severely. I transmit a 
 return of our loss, both there and in the cannonade be- 
 fore Chippewa, which, under the circumstances of the 
 case, has been small. The conduct of Brigadier Ge< 
 neral Bissell was marked by coolness,, and the most 
 undaunted intrepidity. During the whole campaign I have 
 received great advantage from the assistance of this valua- 
 ble officer. His zeal, and attention to discipline have been 
 unremitted. I beg leave to recommend him particularly 
 to the notice of the government. The officers who are 
 mentioned in his letter deserve also great commendation 
 for their uniform good conduct, since 1 have had the com- 
 mand of the army. During the absence of this detach- 
 ment, I learnt from several quarters that the British fleet 
 had arrived at the mouth of the Niagara, and that troops 
 and stores were landing at fort George. This intelligence 
 induced me to hope that the enemy would be encouraged 
 to accept the battle I had so frequently oflered him. I 
 therefore took a position at Black creek, leaving the 
 bridges, which we had thrown over the various streams, 
 in good repair for their accommodation. On the 21stj 
 finding that he still continued within his works which he 
 had been assiduously engaged in strengthening from the 
 moment of our first appearance, the weather beginning to 
 be severe, and a great number of our officers and men suf- 
 fering from their continued fatigues, and exposure, at 12 
 at noon I broke up my encampment and marched to this 
 ground, in order to prepare winter quarters for the troops. 
 Major General Brown addressed a note to mt on the 19th 
 
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 106 
 
 « 
 
 suggesting his wish to be ordered immediately to Sackett# 
 Harbour, where he should precede his division, which, I 
 had informed him, it was my intention to station there 
 this winter. In compliance with his request he was di< 
 rected to proceed to that post, which he did on the 20th. 
 The infantry remaining of his late force is placed under 
 the command of Brigadier General Winder (who joined ' 
 me a few days ago,) and will commence its march for 
 Sackett's Harbour to-morrow. I shall endeavour to secure 
 fort Erie from insult by perfecting its defences; and 
 having selected convenient ground at Black Rock, shall 
 lose no time in constructing huts for the army. It needs 
 repose. The dysentery has already commenced its ravages 
 among all ranks, and our sick list is daily increasing. I beg 
 leave to apologize for any omissions in the present com- 
 munication. — The weather is very cold and stormy, and 
 the ground wet. As soon as I shall have made my final 
 arrangements, I will do myself the honour of giving you 
 precise information on the subject. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 
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 107 
 
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 JN"* ■-■ . 
 
 The Secretary at IVar to Major General Izard, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 War De/tartment, October i^, 1114. 
 
 I HAVE received your letter of the 16th of this month.— 
 It appears doubtful by it, whether you will be able to 
 force the enemy from his present position, or to make any 
 further impression on ''^m before the campaign closes. 
 And as Commodore Chauncey is not a match for the 
 enemy on the lake, and the successes heretofore gained on 
 the strait, and the pressure now made on General Drum- 
 mond may draw Sir George Prevost in great force to his 
 aid, it becomes an object to look to your own safety and 
 to that of the country westward of you, more especially 
 the post of Detroit. Eqi^^Uy important is it to look to the 
 safety of Sackett's Harbour, which seems to be imminently 
 exposed by the ascendency which the enemy have gained 
 on the lake; — by its own weakness, the great force which 
 the enemy either have now or may soon have at Kingston, 
 and your distance from it with the main army of the Uni- 
 ted States. 
 
 Heretofore I thought it most advisable, as I intimated to 
 you in a former letter, to suffer the movement which had 
 been given by my predecessor to go on, and to strengthen 
 the posts which were most exposed in consequence 
 of it. 
 
 The Governor of ]N%w-York was called on for such 
 aids in militia as would secure Plattsburg, Sackett's Har- 
 bour and fort Eric. — Not kjoowing, as you depended on 
 the flotilla for your conveyance up the lake, when you 
 might aiirive at the point of destination, General M'Arthur 
 
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 1 1 1.1 
 
 'I 
 
 
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 108 
 
 was instructed to send a detachment of one thousand 
 regular troops from Detroit to its aid; and not wishing to 
 press too much on the militia of New- York, the Governor 
 of Vermont was requested to send a strong detachment of 
 the mili( ^ of that state to Plattsburg. I was happy to find 
 that those views had been anticipated in a great measure 
 by the Governors of those states, and to receive assu- 
 rances from them of their continued exertions in Vii|.' 
 port of our operations in those quarters. 
 
 If it should be practicable to demolish the army .>e*^;)r» 
 you, it would certainly be a happy eveiit. 'f:!- good ef- 
 fects of it would be felt through the whole isorthern and 
 western frontier, along the coast and in Europe. It is im- 
 possible at this distance to give an opinion of the propriety 
 of such an attempt. The President entertains full confi- 
 dence in your judgment, that you will omit nothing justi- 
 fied by a v/ell founded prospe()t of success, nor attempt 
 any thing attended with great risk, always recollecting that 
 the preso vation of the troops we now have is important, 
 not only for the protection of our frontier through the 
 winter, but as a school of instruction and a model for the 
 much greater army which it is contemplated to raise. 
 
 As soon as the enemy perceives that your offensive 
 operations are suspended in the strait, should that be the 
 case, and that General Drummond is secure, he will pro- 
 bably attempt Sackett's Harbour, if not previously. That 
 post is deplorably weak. I' , importance is well known to 
 you. It constitutes in a ma' r.-^^f h i/incipal \ .d-quarters 
 on our western frontier. ;. i.avc to request on the receipt 
 of this letter, in case the state of afiairs on the strait will 
 permit, that you either repair thither in person or detach 
 General Brown to take the command, as you may deem 
 most expedient. The great interest depending there and 
 th: critical posture of affairs, admit of no delay in pro- 
 
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 'e^">r!r 
 
 ' ' 109 
 
 viding for the safety of that post, which it is thought had 
 beat be done by either yoii, or General Brown, taking itn. 
 mediate harge of it. 
 
 The next distant object tn attend to is Detroit. It was 
 expected that tho regular troops brought thence lately to 
 Eric would be sent back before this winter set in. It is 
 apprehended that that post will be exposed to much dan- 
 ger in the course of the winter, not from the Indians only, 
 but from more serious exertions consisting of regular 
 troops, set on foot from below. How this may be practi- 
 cable, regarding the position which we may hold on the 
 strait, during the winter, and other circumstance on 
 which movements from below muse depend, you will best 
 be able to judge. If the one thousand ^ncn can be spared with 
 safety to other objects, the Presidei.t prefers that they be 
 sent back to Detroit. He leaves this however to your 
 judgment. You will apprize Gener; 1 M* Arthur of your 
 decision as soon as taken, whether it Le to detain or send 
 them back. 
 
 I am, &CC. 
 
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 ;:•«^s^^i;: 
 
 ■/ 
 

 110 
 
 
 »( 
 
 Major General Izard to the Secretary at War. 
 
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 bIR, 
 
 U. S. Military District, JVo. 9, H. Quarters^ 
 
 Buffalo, Jjovember 2rf, 1814. 
 
 Severe indisposition, which scarcely left me faculties to 
 execute the indispensable duties of routine, has prevented 
 me from sooner communicating to you the occurrences 
 on this frontier since the 23d ultimo, the date of the last 
 letter I had the honour of addressing to you. The infantry 
 of Major General Brown's division under Brigadier Gene- 
 ral Winder, proceeded (as was intended) on. the 24th, and 
 must be now well on its way towards Sackett's Harbour. 
 I entertain great doubts of the enemy's attacking that place 
 this winter; but even should they do so, this reinforce- 
 ment of troops, who have seen severe service, will be a 
 most important addition to its defence. The crowds of 
 disorganized and unarmed militia which have assembled 
 there in the last few weeks, would be of more disadvan- 
 tage than service. A letter from a Brigadier General 
 Tucker, of the New- York militia, dated the 20th ultimo, 
 states the number to be then between five and six thou- 
 sand, — without guns, mutinous, and determined to move 
 off (as they came) en masse on the 25th instant, should 
 they not be previously discharged. The arrival of Major 
 General Brown will, I hope, have the effect of calming 
 these people, to whom he has for years been personally 
 known, and among whom he is popular. I am happy un- 
 der every point of view, in having thus anticipated your 
 instructions of the 24th, which with the order of the 19th 
 relative to ordnance stores, reached me two days ago. A 
 
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 ^fy:5^:^^>, 
 
 111 
 
 private letter of a late date from Detroit which was read to 
 me by an officer of my staff the day previous to receiving 
 your despatches, stated the fact of the arrival at that post 
 of M' Arthur's command of mounted riflemen seven or 
 eight hundred strong. These would I trust secure it for 
 the present. From hence it would take a body of men at 
 least twenty, five days to march round the lake to Detroit, 
 and baggage and supplies could not in the present condi- 
 tion of the roads accompany them at all. 
 
 I despatched, however, immediately an express to 
 General M* Arthur, to know his situation, and should 
 means of water conveyance occur, and the situation of 
 things here permit the movement, I will send him such 
 forces as can be spared. The regiment you allude to from 
 that quarter, and which arrived at fort Erie, a few days 
 before me, is by no means as strong as stated in your let- 
 ter. By yesterday's report it has only twenty-one officers, 
 and four hundred and sevcnty>six non-commissioned 
 officers and privates fit for duty. Further changes have 
 taken place in this quarter, which again must govern my 
 operations. When before Chippewa, the impression left 
 by General Brown's estimates and observation was, that 
 the remaining British regular force for the field before us, 
 was rather under, than over four thousand men (includ- 
 ing the garMsons of the forts below, perhaps five hundred 
 men). It was also reported by our spies near the movth 
 of the strait, that the fleet landed only a few hundred 
 troops, but that the bulk of their cargoes consisted in 
 provisions and stores. This was only in part true. It now 
 seems from the deposition of deserters, corroborated by 
 more recent observation, that the troops were one thou- 
 sand six hundred in number; besides whom four hundred 
 exchanged prisoners (of the 41st regiment, from Erie,) 
 
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 112 
 
 had immediately been put upon duty — and the whole ad- 
 vanced to Chippewa. 
 
 Thus when General Brown's command, and Porter's 
 volunteers (the latter highly commendable for having 
 crossed when they did, and having encouraged by their 
 presence the fainting regulars at fort Erie,) had repassed 
 the strait, the relative change between the enemy's 
 strength and mine, exceeded four thousand men. If un- 
 der this disparity of numbers we can keep in check their 
 superior force, the object attained is no humble one. My 
 own belief is, that they have been in error respecting my 
 original force, and are yet ignorant of the movement of 
 General Winder's detachment. I cannot otherwise ac- 
 count for their cautious conduct in keeping behind their 
 intrenchments, at a moment when in the face of an open 
 country, I have crossed at least six thousand troops of 
 all descriptions with their horses, cannon, and baggage^ 
 and with a complement of boats which could convey no 
 more, than six to seven hundred at a time. The last bri- 
 gade which has landed at Black Rock, is that of General 
 Bissell; it reached the American shore in safety yesterday. 
 For the two days previous, the violence of the southwest 
 wind rendered all communication from this shore to the 
 other impracticable, without being driven so low in the 
 strait as would have thrown the boats within the British 
 posts below. 
 
 While the storm lasted, (on the last day of which would 
 expire the provisions for the whole force then left on the 
 other side,) 1 was informed from several sources that these 
 storms frequently continued a fortnight or three weeks in 
 the month of November; and that in the course of the 
 winter, the interruption was often repeated. These things 
 inspired no pleasing reflections. Fortunately the wind 
 
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 X 113 
 
 abated in time to relieve this important part of my army, 
 and induced me to examine maturely the advantages, and 
 inconveniences of retiiinin^ fort Erie under the American 
 flag. I can find not one of the former, (except its being 
 a trophy) which in any point of view would justify my ex- 
 posing in a weak, ill planned, and hastily repaired redoubt 
 (it aearcely deserves even that humble designation,) some 
 bumkeds of valtmbk officers and men, with the Gannon, 
 and various stores, which if it Were taken would nccea- 
 sarily M with it into the hands of the enemy. It is as 
 mueh unproteGted in the winter by a force on this si^, 
 as if it were fifty miles oiF. h comn>ands norhing» not 
 even the entrance of the strsii; and should by anyuntowM^ 
 accident, the naval superiority on lake Erie be recovered by 
 the enemy, the garrison must at any season and in a very 
 short titne, throw open then* gates to any body that wttl 
 famish them with the means of subsistenee. ' v ^. <^ 
 After much turning these thoughts and others onthe same 
 subject in my mind, 1 commviniGated the result separately 
 to Gen. Swartwout, Quartermaster Genera),— ^Brigadier 
 General Bissetl and Major Totten, tny chief engini'^r. 
 They each instantly, and unequivocally, expressed their 
 satisfaction at learning my resolution; and I was at the 
 same time informed, that the desertioHs among the troops 
 designated for the garrison had, since their destination wai& 
 known, been daily and numerous. I have directed the 
 secret to be rigidly kept— the work to be eontinued as if 
 for hots and magazines— but in fact, for fuel and mines?-* 
 and on the 4th or 5th (should the weather favour us, and 
 no attack be made previously by the enemy), fort Eri* 
 will be dismantled, evacuated and destroyed. 
 
 I have the honour, &c. 
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 The Same to the Sdme.^ '%#*<< ^^?r#\ 
 
 ' v" s - - / ' i ^(rarf Quarters, Buffalo, Mvember 8th, 1814.. 
 
 .■ •• . SIR) ..-V'^v'-S- S;'-* "■ ■ ;:V:'' .''^ ■;». ■**'«Ir]j!' 
 
 On the Sd instant I had notice that the British fleet 
 was again at the mouth of the Niagara, and landing 
 troops: and stores. My informant stated several pieces 
 of heavy ordnance, and fifteen hundred men to have 
 passed that morning from fort George to Queenstown 
 Heights. The enemy however advanced no force beyond 
 Frenchman's Creek. All appeared quiet in the vicinity of 
 his position. On the morning of the 5th, every thing hav- 
 ing been removed from fort Erie, and the preparations 
 for its destruction being completed, the small remaining 
 garrison was embarked, and soon afterwards the bastions 
 were blown up; — it is thoroughly demolished. The enemy 
 were not aware of what had been done for more than 
 twenty- four hours afterwards. The whole of my force is 
 now in the vicinity of this village, engaged in construct- 
 ing huts. The cantonment will be finished in about three 
 weeks. The scarcity of forage has induced me to send 
 the dragoons to the Genesee country; where they will be 
 kept better, and at one fourth of the expense. I have des- 
 patched Lieutenant Colonel Ball, and an officer of the 
 Quartermaster General's department, to select the ground 
 for their winter quarters; and in the mean, time they have 
 moved to Williamsville, where there is provender suffi- 
 cient for a few days. The construction of the hospital at 
 the latter place, has been delayed by jealousies, and quar- 
 rels, between the surgeons, and the Quartermaster's de- 
 partment of General Brown's division. It is far from ready 
 Jbr the reception of the sick and wounded, who remain 
 
 
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 ^T.ri^: 
 
 115 
 
 principally under tents. By the advice of Doctor Bull, 
 senior surgeon, I have directed such as could bear the 
 transportation, to be conveyed to Greenbush in wagons;— 
 amon^ these will be the wounded British prisoners. But 
 the remaining number is distressingly great; there are yet 
 nearly two thousand men on the surgeon's list. 
 
 No information has reached me from the westward, 
 since my last to you of the 2d instant. If the flotilla were 
 here, I would immediately detach a thousand or twelve 
 hundred men to Detroit by land — it is now impracticable. 
 The dispersion of troops, assembled with so much trouble 
 and difficulty, would be an ui^ileasant measure; but I know 
 no other means of protecting Detroit from an attack, — 
 which seems to me not an improbable event. The enemy 
 will, I believe, notwithstanding their now very superior 
 numbers, be disposed to let this part of the frontier alone. 
 With such a fair opportunity as was repeatedly offered 
 them on the Canada side of the strait to meet us, Idoubt 
 their inclination to resume the offensive, especially in this 
 ruined country. There is however a greater probability of 
 their sending a force to the westward. On the subject of 
 the preparations by General M' Arthur and governor Cass, 
 I am entirely destitute of information. . f -^y 
 
 The troops under my immediate command being now 
 engaged in constructing their huts, and the final disposi- 
 tion being made of the various detachments and garrisons, 
 there will remain in a short time nothing on this frontier, 
 to require my presence. The attention of government 
 will probably be immediately directed to the operations 
 
 of the next campaign. If it is the intention of the 
 
 President to honour me with the command of the 9th 
 district during the next season, it will be all-important 
 that I should employ the winter months in making such 
 arrangements, as will enable us to take the field, and seize 
 
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 iome strong positions early ia the spring. Much is to be 
 lione in every depanment of the army. System must be en- 
 fbrceid in ^e various braiiches of the Or4nance, Clothing, 
 Qiartermaster's, Suiigeon's and Pay departmcntsi IncfU- 
 cukible expense is produced by the present disorgimized 
 state of things. The staff of die army isoa a very ujspleasant 
 footing* No regular course of discipline, and instruction is 
 &Uowed i^ the troops. Much may be done in the next five 
 f)r six months; bui it must be quiokJy commeoced, to be 
 «f ipennanent advantage. I could, at Philadelphia, commu- 
 Bicftte more rapidly witu the department of wai, and there 
 <8U{>enntend the various supplies required for the frontier: 
 At the same time I should have an opportunity of paying 
 fiome attention to my health, whicli has suSered coasi- 
 derably by the two last campaign^, and the restoration of 
 which I can scarcely hope for, if I remaiin the winter in 
 this uiclement Ornate. ' 
 
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 hiai^^^ ,;H:^^v ^.^^ilfefe' ^M\.-A- *■ -fl-Wiir -:;••• "v.;^»%:*^t'?:^*f^^M> 
 
 vifi^t The Secretary at War lo Major General Izard. ^ 
 
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 '?«.■.> i-i itA-^^-^y- 
 
 ■4^'# . 
 
 ITar Defiarttnentt Mtvtmber 9/A, ltt4. 
 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I HAD the honour to receive your letter of the 2d in- 
 stant yesterday, and am much gratified to find that yoii 
 had withdrawn the greater part and intend to withdraw 
 the whole of your force from the north of the strait. With> 
 out a commanding force on that side of the strait^ I see 
 no essential advantage in holding the post of Erie. By- 
 keeping our force on this side, we shall secure it, and as 
 I presume compel the enemy to retain as many troops on 
 the other as if vve had remained there. A small force at 
 fort Erie, would form little if any check, on the operations 
 of the enemy against Detroit, should such be in contem- 
 plation. The President therefore approves of the removal 
 of your whole force, under existing circumstances to this 
 9ide of the strait. 
 
 The probability that the enemy may attempt to recover 
 the command of lake Erie, and the waters above it, of 
 Maiden and Detroit, and to destroy our vessels and stores 
 at the village of Erie (Presqu* Isle) excites great uneasi- 
 ness. This must be prevented; we have ample means to 
 retain what we have, and to fill the enemy with just ap- 
 prehensions for his own safety through the winter, and to 
 confirm his most unfavourable anticipations on the open- 
 ing of the next campaign. I must request that you will 
 look to the post of Erie, and see that it is made secure. 
 
 Strict geographical limits in military command involve 
 an obscurity that was not thought of when the arrange- 
 ment of military districts was formed. The protection of 
 oui' own people and overthrow of the enemy are the great 
 
 I ■ ■ ■ 1 
 
 
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 P"''', 
 
 
 118 , 
 
 objects. Fix your attention on'all the enemy's movements 
 in the direction stated, and afford all the protection in your 
 power to every exposed part 'of the country. Communicate 
 to General M 'Arthur every incident that occurs, that may 
 deserve attention. By this I do not mean to curtail your 
 command in any point to which it was heretofore extended. 
 
 • ^i-:f..vr,:v^&,:r'r--fmHe,'m I have thc honOUr, &C. ii*-' ■• f. 7* -W^ 
 
 '¥'n'-- 
 
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 .«!-^'.'- ^ ■;■>■: t^,'4,S'.'H!^r'' 
 
 Major General Izqrd to the Secretary at War, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 n. Q. Buffala^ Abv. 17, 1814. 
 
 
 Nothing of interest has occurred here since my last. 
 Rumours, from several quarters, lead to the belief that 
 Brigadier General M* Arthur has made an incursion in 
 the upper province. My only information on the subject 
 is derived from persons lately from the other side, who 
 have been permitted to join their families in this part of 
 the country. Where, when, and with what force, I am 
 entirely ignorant of. The express I sent to him on the 1st 
 instant, has not returned. 
 
 A letter from Captain Sinclair, U. S. Navy, dated Erie 
 Koads, 7th November, reached me on the 13th, at night. 
 He applies for marines, and a guard for naval stores. I was 
 glad to know where to direct to him, and despatched an 
 express informing him, that " if he deems it practicable, 
 and consonant to his instructions, a detachment of troops 
 should be embarked for Detroit as soon as he should be 
 ready to take them on board.'* The roads must be very 
 bad, or the messenger would have returned ere this. 
 
 Brigadier General Smith, on his urgent request, had 
 leave of absence, on our recrossing the strait. He had 
 
 
,} f 
 
 .•'.^,', 
 
 119 
 
 been absent several years from his famr' and is gone to 
 Tennessee. I had no particular reasons for wishing to de- 
 tain him. 
 
 Brigadier General Bissell is in ill health, and presses for 
 a similar indulgence. I wrote on his subject to the war 
 office on the 8th instant. To obviate the inconvenience of 
 leaving this division without general officers, I have order- 
 ed Brigadier Gen. Winder to repair hither from Sackett's 
 Harbour. I expect him about the end of this month. . 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
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 From the Same to the Same. 
 
 ,;«; 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Buffalo, A*ov. 20, 1814.' ' 
 
 I L AS r evening received your despatch of the 9th. The 
 arrangements you direct are progressing, and I hope to 
 send a detachment in a couple of days to Erie. On the 
 weather will depend the practicability of executing them 
 in time. By the next post I will detail my proceedings. 
 
 It is exceedingly satisfactory to find that my conduct 
 has met the approbation of the president and your own. 
 There are few attractions in our career; — the reward that 
 I have it most at heart to obtain is (with the consciousness 
 of having done my duty) the applause of the government 
 which employs me, and of the honest and independent 
 portion of the community. ******** 
 
 * * * * The success of the next campaign on this 
 frontier will, in a great measure, depend on concert and a 
 good understanding among the superior officers. The 
 proximity in rank between Major General Brown and 
 
 M 
 
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 M, 
 
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 myself cannot but make him feel vnpleasantfjr on the 
 subject of being under my orders. Nothing m words 
 indicated this feeling when we were together but I have 
 good reason for believing that there is a strong spirit of 
 jcalouiiy existing among the principal officers of the divi- 
 sions formerly designated as those of the right and left. 
 General Brown is certainly a brare, inteUigcitt and active 
 officer* Where a portion of the forces is composed of ir- 
 regular troops, I have no hesitation in acknowlcdgii^ my 
 conviction cf his being better qualified than I, to make 
 them useful in the public service. He is a resident in that 
 part of the Ninth District which rau^t become the center 
 of operations. I believe that he would duly execute the 
 intentions of the government as its commander. Should 
 my request, that he be appointed in my place, meet with 
 your consent, I only beg in addition that it may be so 
 done as to show to the army and the public that the mea- 
 sure is not consequent on my having lost the confidi^nce 
 of government Every :'i formation and assistance which 
 my experience and observations on this frontier enable 
 me to give, shall be candidly and fully communicated, in 
 order to contribute to the success of such operations as 
 may be undertaken. ;. 
 
 I am very truly, &c. 
 
 
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 1^ The Same to the Same, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 BuffalOf JVomem^r 26, U>4> 
 
 On the 23d» Colonel Miller with the 17th and 19th 
 regiments (consolidated) marched for Erie. The extreme 
 badness of the roads, and the difficulty of obtaining teams, 
 induced me to send his baggage in bateaux. The latter 
 can accompany the troops no farther tht^n Cataraugus; 
 from thence wagons must be used. An officer of the 
 q^uartermaster's department is gone for the purpose of 
 procuring them. The aggregate of his force is eight hun- 
 dred and ^ixty-eight. 
 
 To cover and protect the stores at B^tavia, I have de- 
 tached a battalion of dismounted dragoons, commanded 
 by Major Helms, tp take up their winter-quarters near 
 that village. Mr. J. Ellicott, agent for the Holland Land 
 Company, offi^red the use of land and timber for such 
 force as I should send there. Thisi will save considerable 
 expense to the United States. 
 
 A battalion of light artillery, under Lieutenant Colonel 
 Eustis, is stationed at Williamsville, to guard the exten- 
 sive hospital establishment there. 
 
 The squadron of mounted dragoons, under Lieutenant 
 Colonel Ball, is quartered, for the convenience of forage, 
 on the Genesee river, near the village of Avon. 
 
 The remainder of my force is cantoned in the vicinity 
 of this place. The whole of the infantry on the margin of 
 lake Erie, near Black Rock. The barracks are erected on 
 land belonging to the state of New York. 
 
 Two companies of artillery occupy the batteries cover- 
 ing the crossing place; the remainder of that corps, armed 
 
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 122 
 
 as infantry, are constructing their quarters about a mile 
 from hence, on the main eastern road, so as to command 
 a cross-road leading to the strait. 
 
 The rifle corps, under Major Selden, is in the advance, 
 on Conjockatis creek. 
 
 The quartermaster's department is reduced to the 
 greatest difliculty by the want of funds. Bi igadier General 
 Swartwout is gone to Albany, to attend to this important 
 subject. Here the Deputy Quartermaster General hus been 
 obliged to raise money, on his own responsibility, to meet 
 current demands. 
 
 Part of the troopy have been without pay since April 
 last; — many of those who came from -Sackett's Harbour 
 have yet the second moiety of bounty due to them. The 
 situation of the officers, who have now particularly need 
 of money to make their arrangements for the winter, is 
 extremely unpleasant. 
 
 The express which I sent, on the 1st instant, to Briga- 
 dier General M*Arthur has not returned, nor have I heard 
 any thing authentic of that officer. 
 
 I have the honour, &c. 
 
 & 
 
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12S 
 
 ancCy 
 
 the 
 
 neral 
 
 jrtant 
 
 been 
 
 meet 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The Same to the Same. 
 
 Nead-Quartera, Buffalo, JVovembcr 27, 1814. 
 
 Last night an express from Erie brought me letters 
 from Brigadier General M' Arthur and Captain Sinclair. 
 The former received my letter of the 1st on his return to 
 Detroit, and gives me in his of the iSth a brief account of 
 his expedition. 
 
 m * Mt ^^ ^ ^t « *iit*min*iit*m 
 
 I am respectfully, &c. 
 
 • .A 
 
 i 
 
 The Secretary at fVar to Major General Izard. 
 
 SIR» 
 
 War Defiartment, JVbvember 24, 1814, 
 
 You were inadvertently, on my part, put on the court, 
 martial to sit at Utica for the trial of General Wilkinson. 
 The importance of the command at the strait. of Niagara, 
 and its extensive relations and bearings, make it improper 
 that you should leave it. I have therefore ordered that 
 some other officer be appointed to the court in your 
 stead, and have to request that you remain in command 
 of your district. To the letter recently' received, I shall 
 have the honour to give you an early answer. I think pro- 
 per to intimate at this time, my regret, at seeing so many 
 officers of the line, some of these held in high estimation, 
 withdrawing on furlough from the army; we have much 
 reason to apprehend that the enemy will make an attack 
 
 '..'*/'■■"*»,. 
 
"V;:-yfV 
 
 n 
 
 124 
 
 on some of the points within your district in the course of 
 the winter. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The Same to the Same, 
 
 Department of Wavt JVovemier 26, 1814. 
 
 We have just heard from Colonel Smith, at present in 
 command at Plattsburg, that Sir George Prevost was en- 
 gaged in embarking from Canada for the East end of 
 Long Island, by Halifax, six thousand troops, to be com- 
 manded by General Powers, who is now at Halifax. Re- 
 cent accounts from England state that thirteen sail, con- 
 sisting of ships of the line, frigateii and other vessels, had 
 left Plymouth for the United States, early in September, 
 with several thousand men. It seems probable that these 
 two detachments will unite at Halifax, and move ugainst 
 the same object. Ne^- York may be that object. The idea 
 is prevalent that the enemy have a very strong force in Cana- 
 da, upwards of thirty thousand men, and that they contem- 
 plate an attack on some or all of our posts, more particu- 
 larly Plattsburg and Sackett's Harbour, with intention to 
 cQ'Operate with the force that may be expected on the 
 coast from England. 
 
 At New-York the regular force is inconsiderable. At 
 Plattsburg it is equally weak. It is thought by the Presi- 
 dent, painful as it is to move any part of the troops from 
 Bufialo, that it is desirable that you should detach one 
 t^^oy^sand men to Greenbush, to be prepared to move 
 them to any point at which the enemy may present him- 
 self. In executing this measure, it will be proper that you 
 
 ki:-:^[ 
 
125 
 
 have sleighs prepared for their transportation, to take 
 advantage of the first snow that falls. 
 
 This order is not intended to be positivte. Although the 
 occasion is considered urgent, yet its execution is left dis- 
 cretionary with you. Should you have detached any part 
 of your force for Detroit or Erie, a compliance with it will 
 be more difficult. In case you have sent no troops to either 
 of these places, I have to request that you apprize General 
 M* Arthur of your inability to do it, and the governors of 
 Ohio and Pennsylvania of the importance and exposed 
 situation of Erie, our flotilla being there, and call for such 
 troops from either or both, as may secure it. 
 
 I shall be glad to receive your opinion of the propriety 
 of retaining our force at BuiFalo, or on the strait. It appears 
 to me that there is little to defend there, and that our fu- 
 ture operations cannot weU commence there with a view 
 to any important effect. While it is retained, the force 
 must be adequate to the object. Whenever it is with- 
 drawn, the stores should be first moved to some other 
 place of safety. 
 
 In examining this question it will claim attention, what 
 force will the enemy keep there this wirrter, and whether 
 it be for defensive or ofiensive operations? at what point or 
 points the force which may be left in case of a change for 
 the protection of that frontier should be stationed, and 
 what number would be sufiicient? If the enemy withdraw 
 a part of their forces from Canada to attack our sea- board 
 during the winter, and more especially if they contemplate 
 a combined operation of the kind suspected, we shall be 
 much embarrassed if we cannot draw to our aid some 
 portion of our regular force from places where it may be 
 inactive. 
 
 I have the honour, &c. 
 
 i 
 
 ':-Xii 
 
I wr^ -. 
 
 '5''i>:--?^.v}' 'VP^'' 
 
 -'Ki;' 
 
 126 
 
 Major General Izard to the Secretary at fFar. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Buffalo^ December 16, i M4. 
 
 .#' 
 
 Your letters of the 24th and 26th November arrived by 
 the express mail late last evening. The cause of this ex- 
 traordinary delay is stated to be the badness of the roads; 
 I cannot however believe that this alone has detained the 
 mail. Permit me to answer your communications in the 
 order of their dates. . - 
 
 The circumstance of so many officers being absent from 
 the army is a serious evil, and calls for a remedy from the 
 highest authority. I had the honour to express my opinion 
 on this subject in my letter to you of the 28th September 
 from Batavia. What I had witnes£*?d on the frontier last 
 winter made me apprehend a repetition of the same incon- 
 venience; and I have exposed myself to the ill-will of many 
 individuals by resisting their importunities. I am at some 
 loss to know whether the officers in high estimation, whose 
 withdrawal you mention, are supposed to be from the army 
 under my immediate command. I beg leave to assure you 
 that this is a mistake. No officer of rank, whose services 
 could be considered important, has had leave of absence 
 except on account of health. Brigadier General Smith had 
 made application several months ago; the circumstance of 
 Colonel Miller's being the next senior officer in his bri- 
 gade justified its being granted when we recrossed the 
 strait, as I had reason to believe him competent to the 
 command which devolved on him. — The movement of 
 his regiment to Erie has deprived us of his assistance. 
 Brigadier General Bissell is seriously ill, and has been de- 
 tailed for the court-martial at Utica. Besides these two 
 
 hi 
 
 aC^ii; ''-(L.V .i. 
 
127 
 
 officers, none who were not supernumeraries have been 
 permitted to leave the frontier, except by orders from the 
 Adjutant and Inspector's Office at fVashington. The latter 
 have in some cases been sent to officers whose applications 
 had been refused here. For what has been done at the 
 other stations of this district I cannot answer, as I have 
 been left entirely uninformed of transactions there. Of 
 Brigajiier General Macomb's absence from Plattsburg I 
 knew nothing until I received a letter from him dated 
 Albany, stating that he had the Secretary at JFar's per- 
 mission to visit his friends. Brigadier General Winder was 
 ordered to join me here; — the last mail brought me notice 
 that he was summoned to New-York to attend a court- 
 martial. There are in consequence of these arrangements 
 (over which I have had no control)no general officersforduty 
 on the whole northern frontier besides General Brown and 
 myself. Brigadier Bissell's brigade is now commanded by 
 Colonel Pearce of the 16th infantry, and Brigadier Smith's 
 by Lieutenant Colonel Clinch, of the 10th; these are the 
 only two officers of this division above the rank of 
 Majors. 
 
 The inconvenience of this state of things is great and 
 sensibly felt by me personally. Averse from troubling 
 you with details, while I know the multiplicity of weighty 
 matters which engage you, I intended to defer the men- 
 tion of this and several other subjects until I should have 
 the advantage of seeing you. The truth is, that my com- 
 mand, though nominally over the 9th district, does not 
 extend beyond the division with which I am present; and 
 if I am to construe literally some of the orders which 
 have been transmitted to me by colonel J. R. Bell, Inspec- 
 tor General and by Brigadier General D. Parker, Adju- 
 tant and Inspector General, it is so understood at the war 
 office. The former addresses me as commanding the se- 
 
 fc:^-^r-^«^»*. ^ .»_-,>-^ *!*-.«*»-*. *r- 
 
 . • »• » ^ •**"' V ^ — — <-* 
 
 -".i^ .'•'■:^•>» ..-,_ 
 
 ■/^ 
 
 >«* 
 
 i'' ■■Hi"' 
 
W-'L 
 
 ■,:\ ( 
 
 12a 
 
 cond division of the Northern Army; the latter directs me 
 to remain in the command of the army at Buffah^ (in 
 General Orders of the 25th November,) and sends to my 
 Adjutant General an order for an officer of my staff to 
 proceed to Plattsburg without any reference to me. 
 
 The movement of so considerable a portion of my force 
 as 1000 men from this point to Greenbush will be attended 
 at this season with great difficulty. The distance is more 
 than three hundred miles, and there are no quarters for 
 them on the road. They have very lately completed their 
 barracks. A small part only of their winter clothing has 
 been received. The Quartermaster General is entirely 
 destitute of funds. I will however immediately take mea- 
 sures for despatching the force required, though I shall 
 defer putting it in motion until I hear again from you. 
 
 On the subject of the propriety of retaining our force 
 at Buffiilo or on the strait, (respecting which you desire 
 my opinion,) I have no hesitation in saying that it seems 
 to me an error to have carried on our operations at a point 
 so distant from our sources of supply. Between the Nia- 
 gara and Genesee rivers there is, as you justly observe, 
 little to defend. The country is thinly settled and incapa- 
 ble of aflfording subsistence for an army even of the smal- 
 lest size. The position we now occupy is an admirable 
 site for a fortress, and (did one exist, in which stores might 
 be accumulated without danger) it would become the 
 centre from which military operations against Upper Ca- 
 nada might be undertaken with effisct. But in the present 
 circumstances of this frontier, I can discern no advantage 
 in keeping a large force here. The enemy might indeed 
 pohbtss himself of it; but every step he takes into the 
 ir.ierior will multiply his difficulties. There is at present 
 one important oljject gained by our being here; — the 
 cnemv has been induced to keep a much larger force in 
 
 ^A. 
 
."<' 
 
 , v.if ^Ti^'r .1. ■- -^x ■ _ --.;- lf^' 
 
 ,'-' v.* 
 
 129 
 
 our vicinity than heretofore. From the best accounts I 
 can obtain he has not less than five thousand men on 
 the Niagara, besides strong detachments at BurKngton 
 Heights and at York. These he subsists at great expense 
 and with much trouble. The four voyages which the 
 whole British fleet made from Kingston to Niagara were 
 principally for the transportation of stores to the latter 
 place. I do not believe that they will move from thence 
 this'winter; indeed I doubt if they have it in their power. 
 By water it is impossible; and by land, besides the seve- 
 rity of the weather, they would encounter great difficulty 
 in conveying the necessary supplies. 
 
 Although I doubt the fact of the British force in Ca- 
 nada amounting to thirty thousand regulars, it is certain 
 that they will find it very inconvenient to feed even a con- 
 siderably less number duriiig the long winter of this 
 country. It is therefore not improbable that the detach- 
 ments to Halifax may be for the purpose of wintering 
 there in consequence of the readier communication with 
 Europe. The navigation to that port is, I believe, never 
 interrupted, though it may be more dangerous at some 
 seasons than at others. 
 
 With respect to iae frontier from Lake Champlain to 
 Lake Ontario, the enemy can undoubtedly penetrate at 
 any point between Plattsburg and Sackett's Harbour. I 
 do believe, however, that both these posts are safe. There 
 are at least three thouss^nd regulars at each of them. If they 
 invade our territory, it will (in my opinion) be for the 
 purpose of occupying both shores of the St. Lawrence. 
 It seems to me very improbable that they will advance into 
 the interior. The possession of the right bank of the St. 
 Lawrence is all- important to them, and therefore it is that 
 the object of our first operations next campaign should be 
 the establishment of a respectable fortress on that river^ 
 
 i w 
 
 \ 
 
 1 ^^ 
 
 
 • 1^ 
 
 1 
 
 ■I 
 
 
 ^^^ 
 
 \ I 
 
i' 
 
 130 
 
 which would interrupt its navigation artd thus paralyze the 
 Upper Province. ^ , ,.. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 ' ■,.!■' ■'V.,.: 
 
 2^ > 
 
 rill 
 
 !/ ^ 
 
 I 
 
 7%e Same to the Same, 
 
 BuffalOy beer. 18/A, 1814. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The present state of this frontier admits of my retiring 
 from it without inconvenience to the public service; I may 
 therefore without any sacrifice of duty prefer, through you, 
 my request to the President that he will be pleased to ac- 
 cept the resignation of my commission as a Major-Gene> 
 ral in the army of the United States. 
 
 Considerations of a private nature (though urgent) do 
 not alone induce me to take this measure, which I fear 
 will be disapproved by some of my friends, among the 
 most distinguished of whom I have long been proud to 
 consider yourself; I hope, however, at a future moment, 
 to satisfy them of the propriety of my proceeding* 
 
 I am fully aware that attempts have been made to lessen 
 the confidence of government, as well as of the publrc, in 
 my ability to execute the important duties entrusted to 
 me,—- duties which were imposed unexpectedly and much 
 against my inclination. It is therefore not improbable that 
 my voluntary retirement will relieve the department of 
 war from some embarrassment, and that my individual 
 satisfaction will accord with the public advantagft; especi- 
 ally as my view of the connexion between military com- 
 mand and responsibility differs materially from that enter- 
 tained by persons in high authority. 
 
"i'^'y'i'^^^.^T,-^ 
 
 zethe 
 
 131 
 
 You will add to the many favours, for which I am sin* 
 cerely grateful to you, by obtaining for me with as little 
 delay as possil>le the President's permission to withdraw 
 from the service, as both my health and domestic affairs 
 require my presence with my family. 
 
 I have the honour to be. See. 
 
 The Same to the Same. 
 
 ^i 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Buffalo, January 1«;, 1815. 
 
 In my despatch of the 16th December, I stated to you 
 that I should defer putting the detachment you directed to 
 Greenbush in motion until I heard again from you. Pre- 
 parations were however immediately commenced, and as 
 it is uncertain if the same means of transportation could 
 ag^in without considerable additional expense be procured 
 in the winter, (although I have nut received any further 
 orders) I determined to send on the troops. With the view 
 of facilitating their progress and accommodation on the 
 route, they proceed in parties of about two hundred each, 
 at intervals of twenty-four hours. The whole effective 
 force consists of between one thousand and eleven hundred 
 men, of the following regiments: the light artillery, dis- 
 mounted dragogns, and the 14th infantry. They will ar- 
 rive at Greenbush before the middle of this month. The 
 commanding Qfficer at that post is ordered to prepare quar- 
 ters for their reception. 
 
 I beg leave to request your attention to the several let- 
 ters I have had the honour of addres'iing to you in the last 
 six weeks, — an(l remain with great respect, &c. 
 
 N J 
 
 . ii''' 
 
 '.Ti^-fiM^'- 
 
W.i 
 
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 h\ 
 
 M. - 
 
 I / 
 
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 <4(t. !«. 
 
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 las 
 
 ^^AJ*' 
 
 rW 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The Same to the Same. ^>- **f ^ 
 
 ,,;^f*.i *u, , Buffaloy January \it\^\5. 
 
 The removal of the several detachments mentioned in 
 my last of the 1st instant rendered it necessary to rephvce 
 them in the positions they had held by other troops. The 
 15th regiment occupies the post at Batavia in the place of 
 the dismounted dragoons, and the 4th regiment is now sta- 
 tioned at Williamsville, which was heretofore guarded by 
 the light artillery. A detachment composed of the men dis- 
 charged from the hospital, belonging to various regiments 
 of the division commanded by M»jor General Brown,, 
 (nearly two hundred men) has also left us to join their 
 corps at Sackett's Harbour. ,«.:;,;. .-.i . . : ...,. jv 
 
 There now remain in the vicinity of Buffalo, one brigade 
 of i: fantry (nearly complete) — a battalion of field artillery 
 — and one battalion of riflemen. They are in better health 
 than has been usual at this season on this frontier, — are 
 comfortably clad, and well hutted. The ordnance stores - 
 are removed to Batavia; — all the artillery, not in use as a 
 field- train with the corps, will be at that place in the next 
 week. 
 
 I have directed the contractors not to accumulate pro- 
 visions at this point; there are now as much as will suffice 
 for the present force until the 1st of March. 
 
 The Quartermaster's Department has bc^en sorely press- 
 ed for funds. Finding there were sums of money ip the 
 hands of officers for the pay and recruiting service, as 
 balances of unsettled accounts, I recommf^nded that they 
 should pay them into that department, which I directed to 
 give receipts for them. The money thus obtained, amount^ 
 
 N. 
 
 K 
 
 s^ 
 
 J.O^k'^-.:.^*. .. 
 
i 
 
 :.•>; 
 
 133 
 
 ing to about ten thousand dollars, alone enabled me to 
 move the troops to Greenbush. 
 
 In ordc j lessen the Expense of feeding the cattle here 
 (which is enormous) I have caused all the oxen and 
 horses, that could possibly be dispensed with, to be sold at 
 auction; this has not only relieved us from considerable 
 daily expense, but added something to our disposable 
 fund. 
 
 More than six months have elapsed since any of the 
 troops have been paid; — some of them have a twelve- 
 month's pay due. The officers suffer; — the men are as- 
 tonishingly patient. — The enemy is quiet. I can learn 
 nothing of interest from" their side of the strait. 
 
 Not having any thing to call for immediate attention 
 here,' I purpose in a few days to visit my posts eastward of 
 this place (at one of which, where the mounted dragoons 
 are cantoned, there has been some disturbance) and shall 
 proceed to Utica and Greenbush, in the hope of receiving 
 (before I reach the latter) an answer to the letter I had the 
 honour of addressing to you on the 18th ultimo. , - , 
 . . I am, 8cc. ■ 
 
 •'■;'-l ' 
 
 n 
 
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 J.!-..Ut.KC '-'H" 
 
 
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kl.. 
 
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 *(:■ 
 
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 1S4 
 
 ' s 
 
 The Secretary at fFar to Major General Ixqrd. 
 
 91R, 
 
 Department ^f Wary January 8/A, 1815. 
 
 Your letter of the 18th of December I have had the 
 honour to receive. 
 
 The object of this is to request you to repair here 
 without delay, after making the best arrangements for 
 the command pf the troops^ in your absencei, in jour 
 
 power. ""J "■"_ .;"■'" " ' ;.','"'' -•'■'•• ,— 
 
 .. V ,- J y^^^ ^^ honour, &c. 
 
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 7/W Same to the Same* 
 
 ;■;; .ti ,,T-y\: V' '\''. 
 
 » .',» i. 
 
 ^>V."4|'«"^!i « 
 
 (Private) 
 
 WaahingtQUi January 6, 1815. 
 
 lisj;' 
 
 DBAU SIR, 
 
 Of the opinion entertained by the President of your 
 merit, the rank with which you have been honoured is a 
 sufficient proof. Of my own personal respect and friend- 
 ship for you, your letter of the 18th ultimo, satisfies me 
 that you have entire confidence. — On the subject of that 
 letter it is thought most advisable to make no decision 
 until an opportunity is offered for a personal interview, 
 and free and friendly communication. It is with that view 
 that an order to you to repair here is enclosed. 
 
 With great respect and esteem, &c. 
 
 i 
 
 K..-.-. 
 
 K;:^:*;,;' 
 
 ^; 
 
 ^Atija*! &.^ 
 
135 
 
 u 
 
 The Same to the ^mt. 
 
 /". 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Department of fVor, Jonttary 13, 1815. 
 
 I FIND by a letter just received Arom General Ma6otnb 
 that he is in great apprehension of an attack from the 
 en^my, at Plattsburg and Whitehall. It would be morti- 
 fying, if after the former repuL^e ahd all the warning^ We 
 have since had, these posts should be carried by the enemy. 
 I trust that such an event is impossible; yet th6 tnost ac- 
 tive and vigorous measures ought to be taken to ptey^tH 
 it. General Macomb complains that he is destitute of at*- 
 tillery, and under the absolute necessity of drilling infantry 
 to the guns. He complains also that Whitehall is unpro- 
 tected. I have to request that you will change the route of 
 the men ^one thousand) heretofore directed to Albany, to 
 Whitehall, and send to General Macomb all the artillery 
 which you may spare with safety to the force more imme- 
 diately under your command. 
 
 t have the honour to be, He. 
 
 t 
 
 ;VV" 
 
 ;hffeK><.i-'.V,./^.{;?"i^-:' -V- . . . "v;"7* ' \.,i:' ,. ■ 
 
 -tSIji^---'^- 
 
) ^^r 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 136 
 
 . '• i 
 
 ■ifc", 
 
 f.> 
 
 Mq/or Qeneral Izard to the Secretary at H^ar. 
 
 .♦fV#>^, 
 
 W--VIV 
 
 SIR, 
 
 ■♦.'^jf.w^^i'^ 
 
 C//ica, January 31, 1815. 
 
 I H A VE had the honour of receiving your letters of the 8th 
 and 12th instant. Mine of the first will have informed you 
 of the march of the detachments directed to Greenbush. 
 They all arrived at their place of destination in tlie middle 
 of this month. The posts at Williamsville, Batavia and 
 Genesee river are in good order; the troops remarkably 
 healthy. — I shall visit Greenbush, and proceed with , is 
 little delay as possible to Philadelphia.. >(-<);' 
 
 1\ 
 t 
 
 
 
 ... ' '' i. '■ * ' ■ 
 
 1 am, sir, &c. 
 
 ■ ''■'■h'. 
 
 
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 " .'•' 
 
 
 
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 \ . 
 
 ■■■' 
 
 ■n 
 
 The Same to the Same. 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 SIR. 
 
 
 
 FAitadelfihiaf Feb. 
 
 1 '* 
 
 11/A, 
 
 1815. 
 
 It appeared by the last accounts I had at Albany from 
 the Champlain frontier, that considerable detachments had 
 been made by the enemy from the lower province, and 
 that the apprehensions at Plattsburg had subsided. Of the 
 state of the forces at that post I have been left uninform- 
 ed for several months. I can, however, estimate them at 
 not less than four thousand effectives. I ordered from 
 Greenbush and Whitehall some companies of the 6th and 
 29th infantry to join their regiments under Major General 
 Macomb. A strong detachment of the 15th was at the 
 same time forwarded to Whitehall, where they will join 
 one or two companies of that corps under Major Youngs, 
 
137 
 
 and, with a body of riflemen already there, they will be 
 more than sufficient for the security of that station. 
 
 There arc at Plattsburg two companies of the corps of 
 artillery. These are amply adequate to the service of the 
 pieces there, — and the circumstance of attaching infantry 
 to guns is customary in all armies. I would have sent 
 from Greenbush the light artillery, — but this corps, com- 
 posed almost entirely of recruits of last spring, has, by 
 orders from the late secretary at war, been armed and 
 disciplined only as infantry. 
 
 I shall pass two or three days with my family, from 
 which I have been absent almost a twelvemonth, and 
 hasten to present my respects to you at Washington. 
 
 I have the honour, 8cc. 
 
 I*i^om the Secretary at War to Major General Izard, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 War Dejiartrnent, Feb. 22, 1815. 
 
 You will proceed to Philadelphia, and remain there 
 iMitil further orders. The peace which has just taken place 
 lessens the motive for your hastening back to take the 
 command you have hitherto had on the frontier; though 
 that (except in directing General Macomb to report to 
 this department and, in your absence, to General Brown) 
 remains under you as heretofore. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 JAS. MONROE. 
 
 ?. ''I 
 
 11 
 
 K. ' 
 
 # 
 
 J 
 
"'i-'.-,:TT*"**i'- ■".■'■"'"' "f^,-^~T^'' ''o-V »* ""' . ■■*\"/'-''v.*'"l'''-"' 
 
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 ■ 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 i 
 
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 r 
 
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 * 
 
 M^ m 
 
 
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 ■ ^*-.i. &^&i 
 
■"-'"^^••rw VMf%^ p 
 
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sr; 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 « 
 
 Mi^or General Brisbane, commanding the British advance^ 
 fto Ma^ar Qenerallzardy commanding U, S, Forces, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Odeitovmt 16 Jiuguat^ 1814. 
 
 As I have the command of the posts opposite to you, 
 aind as I have lately arrived from a coimtry where war 
 was carried on upon a great scale, and in the most hon- 
 ourable manner, I beg leave to propose to you that we 
 should follow up the same system here. I regret to learn 
 that sentinels are fired at, as well as solitary individuals, 
 which I never before heard of. If, therefore, you will 
 abdish it on the part of your troops, I shall pledge myself 
 for iny own. Fix your own boundary, and I shall occupy 
 my posts accordingly, and shall not trespass on yours; 
 withoi)t which, in my opinion, neither party should have 
 recourse to a petty warfare beneath the dignity of the 
 nations which carry it on, and which exists amongst no 
 other regular armies. It, therefore, remains with you to 
 abolish what can only aggravate the horrors of war with- 
 out benefiting either party: or by adhering to a mode of 
 warfare that must lower the troops that practice it in the 
 eyes of the world, and which I should most sincerely 
 lament. 
 
 I have the honour to be, sir. 
 
 Your obedient and humble servant, 
 
 Thos:" BRISBANE, 
 
 Maj, Genl. 
 
 'ifv-.':r^« 
 
■*.<( t I/.*."- a 
 
 
 142 
 
 ANSWER. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 H. Q. Chazy^Augutt 17, 1 814. 
 
 The note you did me the honour to address to me 
 yesterday was received in the evening. You will, I believe, 
 on inquiry, find that the practice of firing on sentinels was 
 not commenced by the American troops on this frontier. 
 It will give me great satisfaction to see an end put to this 
 savage and unsoldier-like species of warfare. Young as 
 we are in war, we know that those who fight their coun- 
 try's battles may, without departing from duty, be govc;*n- 
 ed towards its enemies by a sense of humanity, — ^and that 
 courtesy is not incompatible with zeal for the service o^ 
 our government. Disposed to esteem the brave already 
 distinguished by honourable and successful military ex- 
 ploits, we shall endeavour to inspire them with a similar 
 sentiment for troops, whose character has been misunder- 
 stood., and whose conduct greatly misrepresented. — What- 
 ever mode of preventing the irregularities alluded to shall 
 appear satisfactory to both parties, I will cause to be en- 
 forced, on your engaging to adopt reciprocal measures. 
 
 I am, sir, ^ 
 
 Your obed. humble servant, 
 
 Geo, IZARD. 
 M* Genl. Brisbane^ ^c. &fr. &?r, 
 
 Odelfown, 
 
 
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1 ■'.■* -nfft*'"'-^-"--"---'* 
 
 4, 
 
 me 
 eve, 
 was 
 tier* 
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 that 
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 [>, 
 
 
 143 
 
 I£aJor General Izard to Brigadier General Macomb. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Head Quortere, Chazy, Augtut 2r, 1814. 
 
 The orders of the department of war call me, with 
 a considerable part of the force under my command, to 
 the westward. As you are the officer next in rank, I en- 
 trust to your charge the posts at Piatt's Point and Cum- 
 berland Head, with the command of the United States' 
 troops on the banks of lake Champlain, as well in the 
 state of Vermont as in that of New- York. 
 
 You are hereby authorised to call upon the ordnance 
 and quartermaster's departments for such supplies as you 
 may have occasion for. A co-operation with the naval 
 force under Captain Macdonough will be necessary, in 
 many instances, for mutual security and the public service* 
 The works near Plattsburg are now in a state of defence. 
 Should they be attacked, I anticipate much distinction for 
 the commandant arxd credit for the troops. 
 
 So soon as the finishing work is performed on the for- 
 tifications, you will direct Major Totten and Lieutenant 
 Trcscott, of the engineers, to join me at Sackett's Har- 
 bour; they must make their arrangements to be at that 
 place on the 12th September at latest. 
 
 Captain SprouU of the 13th regiment will remain with 
 you, and take charge of such detachments of infantry as 
 you may assign to him. 
 
 Major Bleecker, Deputy Quartermaster General, is at- 
 tached to your command. 
 
 You will communicate ail matters of '.np./iance to the 
 war office directly, and let me know from time to time 
 such occurrences, worthy of notice, as may take place 
 within the limits assigned to you. 
 
 M 
 
n--/- 
 
 14i 
 
 I have writte»i to the governor of New- York to inform 
 him that Major General Moers, senior officer of militia 
 in this part of the country, has not felt himself authorised 
 to call out one regiment of infantry and one troop of dra- 
 goons, upon a requisition made by me some days ago. It 
 is probable that the governor will address the command- 
 ing officer here on this subject. Should a letter for me 
 from His Excellency arrive at the post-office, you are 
 hereby instructed to open it, and act upon its contents.-— 
 All other despatches of a public nature, unless addressed 
 |o me or commanding officer^ you will forward by express 
 to be furnished by the quartermaster's department, or by 
 a commissioned officer of the U. S. army. 
 
 I have the honour to be, Sec. 
 
 
 Return and estimate of the forces left at Plattibwg {and at it* dependencies) on the 
 i%th August, commanded by Brigadier General Alexander Macomb. 
 
 FOR DUTY. 
 
 Aggregate. 
 
 Detachments of the regiments and corps tbnt marched - -77 
 
 Captain Leonard's company of Light Artillery ... iflO 
 
 Captain M'Glassin's, ISth Infantir - - • - 50 
 6th, 29th, 30th, 3l8t, 33d, and 34th regte, of Infantry, reported from 
 
 the aggregate present on the 3 1st of July - - - 1771 
 
 Capt. Shell's company, 6th regt., arrived 9th Sept., (100 aggregate) say 80 
 
 Detachment of 13th regt under Captain SprouU, estimated - 200 ^ 
 
 For Duty asrs 
 
 Sick and Invalids of the Light Artillery and Dragoons, the 4t,h, 5th, ' , 
 10th, 12th, 14th, 15th, loth, and 45th regts. of Infkntry, from re. 
 
 gimental returns, for August, of these regiments - 803 
 
 On board the fleet, detachments from the infantry of the line - 250 
 
 Grand aggregate 3331 
 
 Of which force, it is presumed, that not more than one thousand are 
 
 Invalids and non-combatants. 
 This return and estimate is believed to be under the total amount of forces left 
 ' by a few hundreds; for instance, the 29th regiment was reinforced in August 
 
 by a detachment under Major Sizer,— and this regt. is reported from July. 
 
 J. M. O'CONNOR. 
 
 ■i^# Lake George, 3d Sept. 1814. Assist. Adp Gen. 
 
 Omitted in the above — two veteran companies of the corps of Artillery, com^ 
 manded by Captain Alexander Brooks, U. S. Artillery. 
 
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 gate; 
 
 77 
 
 100 
 50 
 
 i*. 
 
 145 
 
 . Itb^vtu-:. 'ttii 
 
 sfWi/i li?iJiA-^*s -lj:>»/.M-. »''.,.ii;^i>«;i»s iK.l*ji isit 
 
 ».;*••- -I* 
 
 Emtmcts of Letters from Colonel G. C, Mitchell, United 
 
 :ff^^m-i^-> I'^'^^-i: State, ArtiUery. 
 
 ^4'-,.,., uaSfea ,v.-. u,,ii. 5ac*.?//'* «ir6o«r, Octr. lOrA, 1814. 
 
 ' " Co]iMODOR£ Chauncey returned to Harbour on the 
 7th instant. From his conversation and his preparations to 
 build several batteries, it is probable he will not venture 
 another cruise. He appears convinced that Sir James 
 Yeo will attack him in Harbour." V^^ • ^^^^ r VT ' 
 
 " There are about three thousand troops at Kingston. 
 Reported that Sir George Prevost was on his way up 
 with a large force." , 'v': •* ' 
 
 *'' There appears to be a general alarm in the country 
 for the danger of this place. I shall take advantage of it, 
 and make the militia work on our works, which are con- 
 siderably improved since you left this place.^* ; 
 
 « 
 
 October, 15/A, 1814. 
 
 The General (Collins, of the ir ilitia) read me a letter 
 to day from below Prescot, inform'ng that an attack would 
 be made on this place on the 16th instant. This has 
 alarmed the General and his officers." — " The militia un- 
 der the late order of the Governor are crowding into this 
 place. We have not less than three thousand militia at 
 this post.' 
 
 » 
 
 October,^ at A, 1814. 
 
 * The Britii^h fleet sailed from Kingston on the 18th 
 with between two and three thousand land troops for 
 the Niagara. Sir (ieorge Prevost remained at Kingston." 
 " Lieutenant — — • was over in Canada, and had a good 
 
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 146 
 
 opportunity of obtaining information. As usual the captuie 
 of this post was spoken of \vith confidence. Sir George 
 had pledged himself (report says) " to take SueketVs 
 Harbour this winter.''^ The British officers visited Og- 
 densburg daily. One of them had been to this post. The 
 enemy was supplied with scow loads of live cattle every 
 day." 
 
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 SEAA GBMEEAi.* 
 
 /Hm Commodore Chauncetfy to Major General Izanf^ 
 
 ^. 8. Shift Sufierior, Saekett*» Harbour^ Vtth Octr, 18 U. 
 
 .•..:H-; •*,'! •■^■;ft:■^ //'ijr V! r^^'K', r^>f> 
 
 >' I CAME in with the fleet a few days since, in order to 
 prepare for the reception of the enemy. The Sylph re- 
 turned last evening with information that the enemy's 
 fleet was out, consisting of eight sail, including his large 
 ship. Whether his object is immediately to atts jk this 
 place or go to the head of the Lake with provisions, I 
 am at a loss to determine; but am inclined to think the 
 latter. But that he is determined to attack this place this 
 fall we have every reason to believe, and I regret that we 
 are not better prepared to meet him. We have a large 
 body of militia here, it is true; but one third of them are 
 without arms, and the best of them are still militia. I 
 should feel more safety in half the number of regular 
 troops. If you could spare a regiment from your army 
 for the protection of this place, you would insure its safety; 
 but without such reinforcement it will be very doabtful 
 whether the place can be maintained, and the fall of 
 Sackett's Harbour involves the destruction of this fleet. 
 I am confident that you will give this subject all the con- 
 
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 sideration that its liiiportance demaiidSy and wiU dcckkl 
 with a view of promoting the best interest of ouv 
 oountiy. "r-'''- #'^i'^' •#■'" 
 
 '*^.i I hAve the honour to be, fcc. ^- t v.>^*> 
 
 -• v;-^,V' -« »,4A ^'i^i ■■ ■ ! . • ■• 
 
 ^om Brigadier Oeneral Oliver CoUinSy New York Mill' 
 
 tia to the Same. 
 
 ).; /, '.,^ ... Saekett't Harbour^ Octr. 20tAt \814. 
 
 Colo IT EL Washhjgton Irving', aid-de-camp to his ex- 
 cellency the Governor, arrived here on the Stl^^ instant, 
 with orders to empower the commandiL.g officer to make 
 such reqaisitions on thti mititia as should be thought ad- 
 visable for the defence oS tht post. After consulting with 
 Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell, I called the militia en maatt 
 from the counties of Herkimer, Oneida, Lewis, and !«£• 
 ferson. The two former counties have produced about 
 twenty five hundred men, the two latter not more than 
 four hundred, which in addition to our former force 
 amounts to between five and six thousand. This force 
 might protect us if it were possible to detain them. We 
 have the greatest difficulty on account of quarters; five 
 thousand men are almost literally without them.^— Many 
 are quartered in the dwelling-houses, — great niunbers arc 
 quartered in barns-^frora twen^ to fifty in a common 
 room. ^ 
 
 Every exertion will be made to detain the militia untii 
 the danger is past,< — but I fear it will be impossible to 
 detain them longer than the 1st day of NovenU^er, as some 
 of my confidential officers inform me that there appears an 
 universal determination to go in a body on that day, un- 
 less they are discharged. 
 
 If there is a probability that this place will be attacked 
 
 
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 148 
 
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 after the 1st of November, it will be neceissary to send a 
 regular force to ensure our safety. .v^»^ .v .*^. h i^ -' 
 In my letter of the 1st instant I requeflited authority to 
 order General Courts Martial for the trial of militia 
 offenders. 
 
 O. COLLTSS, Brig. OenL 
 
 . -^ , • . , ^ Commanding at Saekett't Harbour. 
 
 Majoi General Izard to Colonel Mitchell^ U, S, ArttUery, 
 
 '.h-.. SIR, 
 
 
 
 JBtifalo, 6ctr. 28/A, 1814.; 
 
 I HAVE to thank you for several communications since 
 my arrival in this quarter; the last is of the 25th instant, 
 and was received this morning. Major General Brown's 
 arrival will have removed some of the embarrassments of 
 your situation. I cannot but regret that such an accumu- 
 lation of militia should have taken place at Sackett's Har- 
 bour. The expense will be great and not at all commen- 
 surate to their usefulness. For my own part I very much 
 doubt the enemy's attacking you; but if he should do so 
 after the arrival of tlie force under Brigadier General 
 Winder, I anticipate an abundant harvest of laurels to all 
 concen)cd« 
 
 General Collins, of the militia, wrote me a letter dated 
 the 520th, in which he expresses his belief that his men 
 will go off in a body on the 1st November, unless dis- 
 chai^ed. For the credit of the country I trust this will not 
 be done till the regulars arrive, when I think the others 
 may be spared. 
 
 I am with much esteem, &c. 
 
 
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 lilitia 
 
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 The Same to Brigadier General CoilinSt New- York Militia. 
 
 '■'•"■ Head'Quarter*t Buffalo^ October 38rA, 1814. 
 
 I MAO the honor to receive very lately your letter of the 
 20th instant from Sackett's Harbour. While I regret that 
 the militia called out for the defence of that post are sub- 
 jected to so much inconvenience, I indulge the hope that 
 they will not abandon it before a considerable reinforce- 
 ment of regular troops, now on their march from this quar- 
 ter, shall have arrived. 
 
 You mention in your letter having written a preceding 
 one to me on the 1st instant; this I have not received. 
 Miijor General Brown, who has proceeded to take the com- 
 mand at your station, will be authorized to order general 
 courts-martial. 
 
 , I am, su", your obedient servant, '*^ 
 
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 The Same to Comrhddore Chauncey. 
 
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 Buffalo^ October 29, 18U. 
 
 H ' DEAR SIR, 
 
 I HAD some days ago the pleasure to receive your letter 
 of the 17th from Sacketf's Harbour. — You will have found 
 that I anticipated your wishes, in detaching, as soon as 
 circumstances in Uiis quarter permitted me to do so, a large 
 force for the defence of that place. 
 
 No authentic information respecting the movements of 
 the enemy has lately reached me. It is believed that they 
 
 \- •?■:: 
 
ISO 
 
 have landed some fresh troops at fort Georp^, and have 
 I taken away their wounded and invalids. Their fleet lay 
 some days off the mouth of the Niagara, and then disap- 
 peared. I cannot but doubt their intention to attack you 
 in port;-->--but this is no time for coniecture. 
 
 am, &.C. • 
 
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 : ^ M^or TattM, U. S. Engineert, to Oentrul Izardt^i^ 
 
 •^•^ ■ .:-.. • "--^ 
 
 I HAVE the honour to report that from the progress 
 already made in preparation for the explosion of these 
 works, three more days may be estimated as suf 'ent. It 
 is proper to state the impossibility of sinking our . ^fts to 
 a depth which will give the greatest eflfect to our powder, 
 from the circumstance of meeting veins of water in almost 
 every instance of our attempts. More powder will conse- 
 quently be- requisite, nor indeed will that resource give us 
 the means of complete destruction. The materials of the 
 bastions also (the toughest clay and masonry ) require 201b 
 of powder to a cubic toise,— a proportion unusually 
 ^^reat. 
 
 I beg leave to enclose for your order a return of the 
 
 ordnance master. The quantity is doubtless more than 
 
 sufficient. I am de^rous of having at hand enough to meet 
 
 contingencies. * * '•*' 
 
 »■ ''^ ■'■'•■ ^' "•• -v .: ^Alam, &c. ■ -■•; '■'" ".'•■'•^''^ 
 
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 151 
 
 '-...|»^"- i-"V:.-,^'. ANSWER. 
 
 « > V' ■ Neud-Quarter»f Mvemder Srf, 18 U. 
 
 
 't ^ 
 
 ' ^ 2( i, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Yours dated the 1st instant (by mistake I presume) it 
 this moment received. There is an irrefragable argument 
 against sending the article* )^ou require, which you shall 
 know in due season. Let then what can be usefully applied 
 at fort £rie be freely used at the last momem only, and let 
 me know positively, before iMon to-morrow, your state of 
 preparation. 
 
 ' I remain, &c ' * ' 
 
 Lieut, CoL Hhtdmant U, S. Artillery ^ to MaJ, Oenl. Izard. 
 
 i,"-/'?*-^' 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Fort Erie, U/iper Canada, Mvember 3d, I8U. 
 
 I HAVE this moment received a flag, which I send you 
 by Lieutenant Robinson, dragoons. It is evident from 
 some improper questions asked the picket guard, that 
 something is brewing, \ dragoon deserted last night from 
 vfff picket guard, he \. lU be able to tell the enemy much. 
 By to-morrow night I think we shall be ready to blow up 
 the place. If heavy boats are not sent, there will be a great 
 sacrifice of artillery. I sent over yesterday ten or twelve 
 pieces of heavy ordnance. I have fifteen or sixteen still 
 
 * NoTB.— There was at this time a great scarcity of powder 
 with us. ^ ' ^ *, 
 
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 -(• • 
 
 152 
 
 here^ and some heavy. I wait boats to transport them to 
 the other side. We have horses and oxen, which can only 
 be transported from opposite the Rock, but I fear the 
 enemy will seize upon the ferry. 
 
 ;^^it.if4-. ■■'■'lAydi^^. '■ lam, &c. ' ' ■ ■ ^'.^ 
 
 My: ' '-^%^t-r<'?^'m'kl ANSWER. 
 
 
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 rv^ 
 
 iM'xi0'i ■■" ■ ^■i'-'r.i'i^^t-^i i'/liarf Quartert, JVovember 3rf, 1814. i;' 
 
 ^J^'/ iSIR, .'. •' '•^■•' ' 
 
 Your note dated (I presume by mistake) the 2d No- 
 vember, is received this day. Large boats for your pur- 
 pose will be provided, and nothing of value must be left. 
 You can, should you be molested, defend yourself, and 
 will of course, be duly supported. It is from choice, not 
 force, that we relinquish an useless conquest; and if die 
 latter be resorted to, we will keep it. v ^ ^ r, , ^^ 
 
 ■<.T-^^»:---vv>j:7>-' 
 
 
 I am, 8cc. '■'^-''■■-r- 
 
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 \;, ;,: ,.., FINIS. _ _:■•,_•_ 
 
 KKRATA. 
 
 Page 1 1, Line 12, for ^^ shall" read a/iould. 
 
 Page 17, Line 13, for « Lormax" read J.omax. 
 
 Page 26, Line 9, for «< on" read at. 
 
 Page 67, Line 15, for " military" read militia. 
 
 Page 1 10, Line 22, for « 25rA ?>?«;««<;" read l.s/ instant. 
 
 
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