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THE DOCUMENTARY 
 
 HISTORY OF THE CAMPAIGN 
 
 ON THE - 
 
 NIAGARA FRONTIER IN 1814. 
 
 EDITED FOR THE LUNDTS LANE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
 
 BY CAPT. K. CRUIK8HANK. 
 
 WELLAND : 
 
 PRINTBD AT THE THIBVNK OKKICB. 
 
F -5^0 15 
 
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 V.I 
 
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 21(f615 
 
The Documentary History of the 
 
 Campaign on the Niagara 
 
 Frontier in 1814. 
 
 LIEVT.COL. JOHN HARVEY TO Mkl^-iiE^, RIALL. 
 
 (Most Beoret and Confidential.) 
 
 Deputy Adjutant General's Office, 
 Kingston, 28rd March, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Lieut. -General Drummond having had under his con- 
 sideration your letter of the 10th of March, desirinjr to be informed 
 of his general plan of defence as far as may be necessary for your 
 guidance in directing the operations of the right division against 
 the attempt which there is reason to expect will be made by the 
 enemy on the Niagara frontier so soon as the season for operations 
 commences, I have received the commands of the Lieut.-General 
 to communicate to you the following observations and instructions : 
 
 The Lieut. -General concurs with you as to the probability of 
 the enemy's acting on the ofTensive as soon as the season permits. 
 Having, unfortunately, no accurate information as to his plans of 
 attack, general defensive arrangements can alone be suggested. 
 
 It is highly probable that independent of the siege of Fort 
 Niagara, or rather in combination with the atttick on that place, the 
 enemy \vill invade the District of Niagara by the western road, and 
 that he may at the same time land a force at Long Point and per- 
 haps at Point Abino or Fort Erie. An attack of such a general 
 and combined nature, if made, as it. doubtless will be, in foi-ce, you 
 can have no hope of successfully resisting by any other means than 
 a concentration of your whole force at Burlington or Ancaster, 
 leaving for the moment the garrisons at Fort Niagara and Fort 
 George to themselves and those means of defence which it is ex- 
 pected that they possess and will most strenuously exert. 
 
 With your whole force thus concentrated in an advantageous 
 and open position, the Lieut.-General has no apprehension of your 
 not being equal or superior to anything the enemy can bring against 
 you. On the contrary, if correct information of the enemy's move- 
 ments be fortunately obtained by you in time to enable you to effect 
 your own concentrative movements with that precipitation (that 
 
 y 
 
rock which has ho often been fatal to the wuccesH of our opemtioiis) 
 Lieut.-General Druiiiniond feels coiiHdeiit that, notwitlmtanding the 
 proverbial caution of (General HarriHon, an opportunity will l)e 
 afforded you of effecting, by one action, the defeat, capture, or 
 destruction of a considerable part of the eneniy's disposanle force. 
 
 It is clearlv to be understoofl that the abandonment, even for a 
 moment, by the troops under your command, of their advanced 
 position on the frontier for the purpose of C(mcentratin^ at Burling- 
 ton, is a measure which the Lieut.-General would approve only in 
 the event, clearly ascertained, of the actual atlvance of the enemy in 
 great force froui the westward. 
 
 If the enemy's principal force be assembled on the Niagara 
 frontier and smaller bodies advance from the westward and from 
 Long Point for the purpose of threatening your rear, it will be 
 sufficient (as no serious attack will in tliat case be apprehended) if 
 you order the troops at Burlington to make a forward movement 
 for the purpose of taking a position, say at Burford or Anctister, or 
 to dispute the passage of the Gi'and River, where the detachments 
 at Long Point and Oxford can fall back on them, and the whole, 
 with such Indians and militia as can be assembled, form a corps of 
 observation sufficient to keep in check the enemy's force and cover 
 your rear. 
 
 The whole of the troops on the frontier will then become dis- 
 posable, and may, it is hoped, prove sufficient with the powerful 
 appai they will have in Fort Niagara and Fort George and the aid 
 which the squadron will afford them, to prevent the eneuiy's cover- 
 ing army (for it must be recollected that the siege of Fort Niagara 
 will, in all probability, occupy a considerable part of his force) from 
 being able to force back your division from the frontier and by 
 that means greatly facilitate his operations against Fort Niagara by 
 the possession of both banks of the river. 
 
 In the distribution of so comparatively small a force as you 
 are likely to have for the defence of the Niagara frontier, the 
 arrangement which v^ould naturally strike a military man unac- 
 (Miainted with the character of the enemy he has to contend with, 
 or v/ith the e^^ents of the two last campaigns on that frontier, 
 would \>e to concentrate the troops in some central position from 
 whence they could be moved to either extremity or whatever point 
 was invaded. 
 
 Such an arrangement, however would leave the extremities of 
 the line open to attack and would actually invite invasion, and the 
 persons and property of the inhabitants would be left exposed to 
 the smallest parties of the enemy's marauders. Experience, more- 
 over, has proved that a small force may be distributed along the 
 
frontier without any j^reat risk of being cut off. It is, therefore, 
 Lieut.-Gerteral Dnuninond'H wJHh that the diHtributioii of the force 
 should l)e umde with reference to that of the last and preceding? 
 canipaitfUM (previous to the attacic of the enemy on Fort George on 
 tl;e 27th May last) and that all the statiouH that were then occupied 
 from Fort George to F'ort Erie (but not further) Hhould be now 
 occupied. Change of circuiiiHtances has prescribed a change of 
 strength of several detachments — that at Fort Erie, for instance, 
 the Lieut.-General conceives need not consist of more than one 
 strong company of infantry, with a small party of artillery suffi- 
 cient to man the 24 pounder proposed to be mounted in the southern 
 demi-bastion, and this detachment (if the arrangement pointed out 
 by the Lieut.-Genoral to the acting-deputy-(iuai-termaster-general 
 be made) would be well covered and in perfectsecurity against any- 
 thing short of an invasion in foi'ce — and even in the latter case a 
 small party so posted nught not only very much annoy any craft or 
 vessels which might apjjroach the head of the river, but would 
 operate with infinite advantage in the I'ear of any force which 
 might venture to place itself betwixt two fires by landing between 
 Fort George and Chippawa, and even if cut oti' its loss would be of 
 no importance comparatively with the services which, under an 
 intelligent officei-, it might render. Chippawa should be strongly 
 occupied (the expression is of course relative) and a detachment 
 placed intermediately l>etwixt Chippawa and Fort Erie — say at 
 Frenchman's Creek — and a rapid movement should be made from 
 Chippawa to support the detachments on the right and to oppose 
 any descent made above Chippawa. 
 
 I now come to a proposition made by you in a former letter to 
 Lieut.-General Drummond for reducing the extent of the works of 
 Fort Niagara, with a view to the reduction of the garrison. Your 
 proposition will be referred to His Excellency the Commander of 
 the Forces, but in the meantime I am directed to observe to you 
 that, considered in a point of view which does not seem to have 
 struck you, Lieut.-General Drummond is so far from being inclined 
 to diminish the defences or the garrison of Fort Niagara (still less 
 wholly to destroy or abandon that fort) that it appears to him that 
 500 or 600 men of your division cannot be better occupied than in 
 occupying, as they in all probability will, at least ten times their 
 number, and that, it is confidently hoped, for no inconsiderable 
 period. 
 
 Strengthened indeed as your division will be by the accession 
 of a regiment of upward of 700 strong, (the 103d,) which will join 
 you as soon as the navigation opens, the Lieut.-General is disposed 
 to indulge the hope that much may be done even in the open field 
 

 
 agaiiiHt an enemy the greatent part of whoHe force will probably 
 be directed against Fort Niagara. 
 
 fn the reduced Htate contemplated by your proposal you are 
 aware that that place could not poHsibly hold out for a single day 
 against the powerful means which the enemy will be able to briqg 
 against it. By the adoption of that suggestion, therefore, it appears 
 to the Lieut.-General that we should be voluntarily resigning for a 
 possible but contingent good, all the solid advantages which the 
 ac(|uisition and possession of this fort is capable of affording us, 
 and of which, besides the iniportant one above alluded to, of occupy- 
 ing so large a portion of the enemy's force in its reduction, the 
 benefit to the s(|uadron of a secure harbor in which to take shelter, 
 either from the weather or a superior enemy, is far from being the 
 least — to say nothing of the negative advantage of the loss of that 
 harbor to the eneujy. 
 
 The occupation of Fort George as a ffank to Fort Niagai-a is 
 essential to the defence of the latter. A battery of a few heavy 
 guns to bear upon the esplanade of Fort Niagara should, therefore, 
 be inniiediately completed in Fort George. A small detachment, 
 even in the event of its becoming necessary to withdraw the whole 
 of the troops from the Niagara frontier for the purpose of eont 
 centration at Burlington, would be sufficient to place in that for- 
 (George), which in its turn is protected by, as it is commanded by. 
 Fort Niagara. 
 
 A battery at Missassauga Point (Flagstaff) is highly necessaiy, 
 and an enclosed one on Queenston Heights if time, &c., permit its 
 completion. 
 
 In concluding these observations Lieut.-General Drummond 
 has particularly directed me to invite you to conununicate such 
 remarks as may suggest themselves to you, and to beg that you 
 will on all occasions freely and fully communicate your ideas on all 
 subjects connected with your most important command, but espe- 
 cially on those herein discussed. 
 
 I am further commanded to take this occasion of assuring j'^ou 
 of the very great satisfaction and consolation which Lieut.-General 
 Drummond experiences in the reflection that the arduous trust con- 
 nected with the command of the Right Division at this critical 
 juncture is reposed in an officer of such tried zeal, activity and 
 ability as yourself. I have the honor to be, Sir, 
 
 J. Harvey, Lt.-Col., D. A. G. 
 
Lleut.-Cieneral Sir Gordon Drummond to Sir deorge Prevo§t. 
 
 Kingston, April 7th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to report to Your Excellency that 
 Major-General Riall's laHt letter to nie states that no regular force 
 has as yet made its appearance on the American side of the Niagara 
 River, and that consequently he supposes no part of the column 
 which left Sackett's Harbor some time since had arrived in that 
 neighborhood, conceiving, from the display the enemy used to make 
 formerly, they will not be long in showing themselves when they 
 do arrive, at the same time expressing his hope and belief that in 
 the hands of the garrison (the 100th regiment), who so gallantly 
 gained possession of it. Fort Niagara is, for the present, safe. 
 
 A Mr. Bell, a respectable man, and two others, lately made their 
 escape from Maiden, and report that there is not the slightest 
 appearance there for a forward movement, nor did they hear it 
 spoken of. They were totally unaccjuainted with occurrences at 
 Presfju' Isle. On their way to Port Talbot they discovered the two 
 guns left by the enemy in the woods near Point Aux Pins, and hid 
 them so carefully as to prevent them fi'om being found again 
 except by themselves. Two gun carriages and two ammunition 
 carts, discovered at the same time and place, Colonel Talbot has 
 sent a party to destroy. 
 
 I am happy to inform Your Excellency that Assistant-Com- 
 missary Coffin, in the absence of Mr. Dance, has reported to me 
 that the three months' sr.pply of provisions, ordered to be deposited 
 in Fort Niagara, will have been laid in there in the course of a 
 week from the 27th ultimo. 
 
 Major-General Peter B. Porter to Governor D. D. Tompkins. 
 
 Canandaigua, 8th April, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I returned yesterday from Buffalo, where I met Mr. 
 Parrish, with a talk from the Secretary of War to the chiefs and 
 warriors of the Six Nations, inviting them to take up arms and 
 form a corps to be attached to my command. 
 
 We met the chiefs of Buffalo on Sunday, and altho' they 
 decline giving an answer to so important a proposition until they 
 consult the chiefs of other villages. Red Jacket, who was the 
 speaker, expressed his full conviction that they would all turn out. 
 They have sent runners to the west and are to give us an answer at 
 this place in four or five days from this time. Mr. Parrish is of 
 opinion that we shall have 500 warriors ready to act with us by 
 the first of May. 
 
8 
 
 Our prospects for volunteers in this county and to the west are 
 very flattering. There is every reason to calculate that from the 
 counties of Ontario, Genesee and Niagara we shall raise from 800 
 to 1,000 men. In the more remote counties I have less faith. The 
 zeal and patriotism of those who are not in immediate danger is 
 not so much to be calculated on, and the most discouraging circum- 
 stance is that the pecuniary inducements offered to volunteei-s is so 
 much below those offered toother troops. If the five dollars were 
 added we should find no difficulty. We have encouragement, how- 
 ever, that Steuben, Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Otsego, Broome and 
 Tioga counties will average at least one company each, and a com- 
 pany is expected from Tioga in Pennsylvania. From the counties 
 more to the east we have not heard, owing to the badness of the 
 roads and the snail-like movement of the mail. Colonel Dobbins 
 and several other valuable officers are engaged in recruiting among 
 the detached militia on the frontier. 
 
 **«*♦** 
 
 Colonel Swift is very active in engaging volunteers and will 
 enter heartily into all the views of the Government in authorizing 
 this force. - 
 
 Sir Gordon Druiniiioiid to Sir Georg^e Prevost. 
 
 Kingston, April 10th, lcS14. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acquaint Your Excellency that 
 Major-General Riall has reported to me his having been requested 
 to attend a grand council of the Indians at the head of the 
 lake. The Prophet has been chosen the principal chief of all the 
 western nations. His having been presented with the sword and 
 pistols from His Royal Highness the Prince Regent gave very 
 general satisfaction. He has promised the most cordial co-operation, 
 and says that their smallest boys capable of bearing arms shall be 
 readv to march at a moment's notice. 
 
 I am much concerned to communicate to Your Excellency that 
 the Major-General states three of the Six Nations, speaking through 
 their principal chiefs, have requested the Major-General to repre- 
 sent to Your Excellency their dissatisfaction at tl e appointment of 
 Captain Norton to be their leader. They say they will not 
 acknowledge him as such, will pay him no i-espect or obedience, nor 
 look to him for anything they want ; that they know him not, 
 except as a disturber of the peace and harmony that ought to exist 
 amongst them ; they have a head man whom the King has appointed, 
 and they want no other (Colonel Claus); the representation made to 
 Colonel Drummond was the work of a few who had no authority 
 
9 
 
 to do so and it was not the opinion -of the nations. The Major- 
 General inquired if such was the general opinioi^. The chiefs of 
 three, viz., the Mohawks, Oneidas and Tuscaroras, said it was theirs 
 decidedly ; the others, viz., the Cayugas, Onondagas and Senecas, 
 refused to answer. 
 
 Licut.«€olonel Robert Nicliol to Sir Cordon Druiniiioud. 
 
 York, April 22, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — A man of the name of Constant Hacon came o\er from 
 the enemy the day before yesterday and has been sent to this place 
 by Major- General Kiall on suspicion of being a spy. I have ex- 
 amined him, and as I conceive the information he has given to be 
 of the greatest consequence, and as it ap})ears from a full con sider- 
 ation of all the circumstances to be correct, I have retj nested 
 Colonel Stewart to despatch an express with it that you may liave 
 it in your power to act upon it. 
 
 I was always of the opinion that the enemy's troops on the 
 Niagara frontier must be supplied on the opening of navigation by 
 water, and that they would fortn depots in different places along 
 the south shore of Lake Ontario, to be transported under the pro- 
 tection of their fleet so soon as it should put to sea. 
 
 To destroy these is an object, as I conceive, fully within our 
 power, and which, if effected, must have the happiest effects on the 
 future operations of the campaign, and, with the greatest deference, 
 I beg leave to propose it. Great quantities of provisions, of which 
 we are much in want, may be brought off, and what we cannot 
 bring away can Vie easily destroyed. To succeed in this business, 
 however, no time must be lost, for if the American fleet gets out, 
 unless we should defeat them in a decisive action, the attempt should 
 not be made. I am only waiting for a batteau to go to Kingston, 
 when, if you .see fit to undertake the business, I will be happ}-^ to 
 give every assistance. 
 
 Bacon says the Americans intend attacking us on this side, 
 which I think probable, but 1 firmly believe their principal object 
 will be Burlington, and that a joint attack from both lakes will be 
 made upon it. A blow of this kind, which if well arranged must 
 succeed, would ruin us, and I fear unless Long Point is soon occupied 
 in force it will be attempted and carried into effect. 
 
10 
 
 Deposition of Constant Bacon. 
 
 York, April 2nd, 1814. 
 
 Examination of Constant Bacon, late a sutler with the division 
 of the American army on the Niagara frontier, born in the town 
 of Scipio, County of Cayuga, State of New York — left the Ameri- 
 can advanced posts on the 20th inst. and arrived at Fort Niagara 
 about 2 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day — gives the follow- 
 ing information : 
 
 The troops on that line are stated by the officers and men to 
 amount to 7,000, of whom (25th regiment) 500 at Hardscrabble, five 
 miles in rear of Lewiston, 100 at Black Rock, and 6,400 at Kleven 
 Mile Creek. There is an arsenal (log building) at Hardscrabble 
 containing 500 stand of arms, deposited by the militia, who were 
 all dismissed on the 11th inst.; there is also a quantity of ammu- 
 nition and four wagon loads of entrenching tools. There were no 
 field pieces. There is a depot of provisions on the Ridge Road at 
 the widow Forsyth's, about nine miles from Hardscrabble. It con- 
 sists of beef, pork, whiskey and flour, of all of which there is a 
 large supply. There is a road leading from the mouth of the 
 Eighteen Mile Creek on the west side. The distance is ten miles, 
 but the road is very bad. Thinks there is at least 2,000 barrels of 
 provisions at this depot. There is no force nearer to Hardscrabble 
 than the Eleven Mile Creek and Buffalo, which are equi-distant 
 (about 32 miles.) There are at the Eleven Mile Creek some heavy 
 guns, viz., a long 24 pounder, an 18 pounder, one 9 pounder, two 6 
 pounders, two mortars, and a large depot of provisions. General . 
 Hairison is expected in about three weeks with a strong reinforce- 
 ment from Detroit. The nearest depot of provisions to those 
 already mentioned is at the mouth of the Genesee River and at the 
 upper landing, exactly four miles, up to which place large schooners 
 can sail. There are there large quantities of beef, pork, salt, and 
 whiskey, and no batteaux, guns, or troops for their protection. 
 The next, consisting of flour, pork, and whiskey, is a£ Irondiquet, a 
 few miles further to the eastward. It is exactly four miles from 
 the falls of the Genesee to the Irondiquet storehouse, and three 
 miles from the upper landing to the falls. The country here is not 
 well settled. The next depot is at Putney, which is betw^een the 
 Genesee River and Big Sodus — this depot is on the lake shore. It 
 consists, as before, of a large quantity of provisions and salt, and 
 there are no men stationed here, unless they have come very lately. 
 There is also a large depot at Sodus. There is also a large depot at 
 Oswego, but there is a strong force stationed there. A schooner of 
 40 or 45 tons is building at Irondiquet. He says the army on the 
 
11 
 
 frontier has no boats, was In this province at Swagatchee 
 (Ogdensburg), but has no acquaintance with any person there. His 
 object in coining here was to get rid of paying some money which 
 lie owed for a cargo of liquors which he had bought on credit, and 
 which had been plundered from him by the American troops. 
 Bacon further says it is intended to attack on this side. 
 
 ROBT. NiCHOL. 
 
 Sir Gordon Druniinond to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 Kingston, April 25th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to transmit for Your Excellency's 
 information a copy of a deposition of Constant Bacon, who was 
 sent to York from Fort Niagara, having left the advanced posts of 
 the enemy on the 20th inst., and arrived at that place on the evening 
 of the same day. 
 
 Should this man's report be true, and should not the most 
 ample supplies of provisions, particularly flour, be sent from the 
 lower provinces, I feel strongly apprehensive that the right division 
 will not be able to hold its ground, even though the entire resources 
 of the country should be at our command. 
 
 Major-General Riall, I am concerned to report to Your 
 Excellency, states to me that he has received a very strong repre- 
 sentation from Deputy- Assistant-Commissarj^-General Dance of the 
 absolute necessity of decreasing the issue of flour to the Indians. 
 Mr. Dance says that "without losing time by the consideration of 
 the necessity on policy of this, I must repeat my positive conviction 
 that at the rate of our present issues to them (nearly 1,200 barrels 
 to the Indians alone per month) no effort of human exertion can 
 supply this army many months longer, for the flour is not in the 
 country." The total consumption he states at nearly 2,000 barrels 
 per month, without including the garrison of York or the militia. 
 The average consumption of the Indians of all descriptions being 
 about 40 barrels per day. The consumption on the immediate 
 frontier being about 20 barrels per day. 
 
 Major-Generjil Riall feels much at a loss how to act with 
 respect to the issues to the Indians, being very certain, in which I 
 agree with him, that the reduction of any portion of the usual 
 ration of flour will excite considerable discontent, and even defection, 
 unless some other article is substituted for it. Fresh meat is not to 
 be had, and very little, indeed, can be expected from fishing. Salt 
 meat, therefore, is the only alternative, and this must be procured 
 with immense difficulty from the lower province, and the transport 
 of it by the squadron we cannot always depend upon. 
 
12 
 
 From the enclosed information and the ci' lumstances before 
 detailed, I therefore consider that the safety of the province, in a 
 great measure, depends as well upon the naval superiority as upon 
 the destruction of the enemy's vessels, etc., at Sackett's Harbor, and 
 there does not appear to me a more favorable opportunity than the 
 present, could Your Excellency afford the means of undeHaking the 
 enterprise, which, to ensure a reasonable hope of success, cannot 
 con.«st unquestionably of less than 4,000 effective men. 
 
 Return of the Resources of the Niagara and London Districts, 
 Including the West Riding of the Home District. 
 
 1st Lincoln — 442 cwt. of flour, 7,997 bushels wheat, 1,299 
 bushels rye, 1,387 bushels oats, 134 bushels corn, 38 bushels barley, 
 184 bushels peas, 6 fat cattle, 33 to fat, 257 oxen, 1,206 cows, 1,057 
 young cattle, 3,222 sheep, 1,705 hogs, 835 tons of hay, 733 horses, 
 254 sleighs, 105 wagons, 2,129 acres of wheat, 2 of barley, 101 of 
 rye. 
 
 2nd Lincoln — 337 cwt. flour, 7,881 bupliels wheat, 301 bushels 
 rye, 1,749 bushels oats, 180 corn, 511 peas, 11 fat cattle, 50 to fat, 
 403 oxen, 1,325 cows, 930 young cattle, 3,980 sheep, 1,676 hogs, 950 
 tons hay, 716 horses, 236 sleighs, 99 wagons, 3,228 acres wheat 
 sown, 128 acres of rye. 
 
 3rd Lincoln— 392 cwt. flour, 6,043 bushels wheat, 267 rye, 3,417 
 oats, 466 com, 580 peas, 6 fat cattle, 50 to fat, 362 oxen, 1,087 cows, 
 894 young cattle, 3,028 sheep, 1,665 hogs, 1,073 tons hay, 598 
 horses, 174 sleighs, 106 wagons, 2,659 acres of wheat sown, 152 of 
 rye. 
 
 4th Lincoln — 400 cwt. flour, 6,000 bushels wheat, 350 rye, 
 3.000 oats, 520 corn, 280 peas, 12 fat cattle, 52 cattle to fat, 350 
 oxen, 1,236 cows, 1,080 young cattle, 3,205 sheep, 3,706 hogs, 975 
 tons hay, 500 horses, 200 sleighs, 80 wagons, 3,217 acres of wheat 
 sown, 200 of rye. 
 
 5th Lincoln— 2,000 cwt. flour, 12,700 bushels wheat, 1.637 rye, 
 2,455 oats, 419 corn, 15 barley, 213 peas, 1 fat animal, 13 cattle to 
 fat, 359 oxen, 1,318 cows, 677 young cattle, 3,110, sheep, 1,155 hogs, 
 543 tons of hay, 605 horses, 253 sleighs, 54 pungs, 85 wagons, 18 
 carts, 3,594 acres of wheat sown, 310 of rye. 
 
 2d York— 2,022 cwt. flour, 9,797 bushels wheat, 589, rye, 2,062 
 oats, 157 corn, 96 barley, 142 peas, 102 cattle to fat, 472 oxen, 982 
 cows, 897 young cattle, 1,969 sheep, 1,308 hogs, 409 tons hay, 467 
 horses, 215 sleighs, 68 wagons, 3,365 acres of wheat sown, 1 acre of 
 barley, 130 of rve. 
 
 Ist Norfolk— 473 cwt. flour, 3,211 bushels wheat. 2,495 rye, 
 
13 
 
 1 ,587 oats, 446 corn, 55 peas, 48 cattle to fat, 288 oxen, 520 cows, 
 475 young cattle, 1,180 sheep, 954 hogs, 249 tons hay, 265 hoi-ses, 
 84 sleighs, 37 pungs, 49 wagons, 20 carts, 1,257 acres of wheat 
 sown, 551 of rye. 
 
 2nd Norfolk— 407 cwt. flour, 4,093 bushels of wheat, 3.199 
 rye, 2,093 oats, 487 coin, 4 peas, 5 cattle to fat, 280 oxen, 651 cows, 
 583 young cattle, 1,472 sheep, 1,050 hogs, 208 tons of hay, 373 
 horses, 101 sleighs, 19 pungs, 65 wagons, 3 carts, 1,483 acres of 
 wheat sown, 620 of rye. 
 
 Oxford— 226 cwt. flour, 2,798 bushels wheat, 983 rye, 1,861 
 oats, 831 com, 129 peas, 8 cattle to fat, 278 oxen, 649 cows, 623 
 young cattle, 1,395 sheep, 1,050 hogs, 232 tons hay, 242 horses, 41 
 wagons, 63 sleighs, 872 acres of wheat sown, 132 of rye. 
 
 Recapitulation— Flour, 6,699 cwt., equal to 3,828 barrels; 60,520 
 bushels wheat, 11,031 bushels rye, 19,611 bushels oats> 3,640 bushels 
 corn, 149 bushels barley, 2,099 bushels peas, 36 fat cattle, 361 cattle 
 to fat, 3,046 oxen, 8,974 cows, 7,219 young cattle, 22,561 sheep, 
 12,329 hogs, 5,474 tons of hay, 4,529 horses, 1,580 sleighs, 110 
 pungs, 698 wagons, 41 carts, 21,756 acres of wheat sown, average 
 yield 12 bushels per acre, 3 acres of barley, 2,330 acres of rye, 
 average yield 15 bushels per acre. 
 
 Dated February 24th, 1814. 
 
 General Peter B. Porter to Governor D. D. Tompkins. 
 
 Canandaigua, 3rd May, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — The first of the month, Your Excellency knows, was 
 appointed for the rendezvous of the volunteer at this place, when 
 I had reason to hope, as well from the assurances I received before 
 leaving Albany as from the obvious necessity of the thing itself, 
 there would be some tents and other camp equipage provided for 
 our acconnnodation. 
 
 About ten days ago, seeing no prospect of the arrival of these 
 articles and dreading the embarrassments which the want of them 
 would occasion, I sent directions to the recruits in various parts to 
 remain where they were until further orders. A considerable num- 
 ber, however, whom the order did not reach, have come in. These I 
 can made shift to dispose of. 
 
 On the first and second inst., about forty officens came in for 
 instructions. The difficulty of the situation was great. I had no 
 alternative consistent with ray reputation and that of the govern- 
 ment but to dismiss the recruits and wholly abandon the under- 
 taking, or to prosecute it with all the energy and effect which a 
 
14 
 
 total destitution of the necessary means would allow. Not feeling 
 authorized to do the first, I resolved of course on tht latter. 
 
 From the information of the officers I calculate that we have 
 now about 1,000 recruits enp-aged. Having now so many assist- 
 ants, we can recruit with great rapidity. The officers all went 
 home in high spirits, and we calculate to collect the troops at this 
 place about the 18th or 20th inst., provided we shall in the mean- 
 time receive the necessary supplies of cai...p equipage, &c. 
 
 There is not a tent, camp kettle, axe or spade in the arsenal 
 of this place. 
 
 Red Jacket and five other chiefs came in on Saturday to in- 
 form me that the Indians had all agreed to accept the invitation of 
 the President, and they will join me here or in Buffalo any day I 
 may name. There will probably be 500 warriors. The Oneidas 
 receive an indemnity from the State about the first of June. 
 Would it not be convenient to send it a little earlier this year, that 
 they may have the benefit of it to prepare them for the campaign ? 
 
 If I were furnished with the proper supplies I have little 
 doubt buo I could complete my corps in the course of the month. 
 Colonel Swift and I shall set out for Onondaga and other counties 
 to the east to-morrow. • 
 
 Major-Creneral Riall to Sir Gordon Drummond. 
 
 Fort George, May 19th, 1814 
 
 Sir, — i have the honor to transmit to you a report made to 
 me by Colonel Tall ot, commanding the militia in the London dis- 
 trict, that on the 14th inst. a party of the eneniy, consisting of 
 about 1,800 men, had crossed Lake Erie from Presqu' Isle and 
 landed near Dover, whi"h place, together with the mills and stores 
 in its neighborhood, they iestroyed, and after having committed 
 every other excess possible ie-einbarked. They showed a disposi- 
 tion to land again at Turkey Point, but were, it is supposed, 
 deterred from doing so bj' the appearance of a body of militia and 
 a detachment of the 19th Dragoons, whom Colonel Talbot had 
 assembled at that place. When Colonel Talbot had despatched his 
 report the enemy's vessels were at anchor at the extremity of Long 
 Point. Should they again attempt to land I hope they will be re- 
 ceived by a detachment of troops and Indians which I ordered 
 from Burlington, under the command of Lieut. -Colonel Parry, 103d 
 Regt., upon receiving the first intelligence of their attempt. 
 
15 
 
 $ir Crordon Drammond to Sir George Prevog*. 
 
 Kingston, May 27th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — In my letter which I had the honor to address to Your 
 Excellency on the 2l8t inst., I stated that a force of the enemy, at 
 that tinie supposed to be about 300, had landed near Dover on Lake 
 Erie. I have now the honor to transmit a letter from Major-General 
 Riall conveying a report of Colonel Talbot, commanding the militia 
 of the London District, on the subject. Your Excellency will, how- 
 ever, perceive that the force of the enemy has since been computed 
 to consist of about 800 men, whose conduct has been disgraced 
 during their short stay ashore by every act of barbarity and of 
 illiberal and unjustifiable outrage. Not only a large store, fitted as 
 a barrack for the militia, but every private house and other build- 
 ing belonging to the peaceable inhabitants of the village and 
 neighborhood of Dover has been reduced to ashes, together with 
 Ryerse's and Finch's mills between that place and Turkey Point. 
 The court house and public buildings at Turkey Point were only 
 saved by the appearance of the militia and a detachment of the 
 19th Light Dragoons, both of which corps, I have very great satis- 
 faction in acquainting Your Excellency, evinced the strongest 
 anxiety to come in contact with the enemy. 
 
 I have likewise received from Lieut. -Colonel Parry of the 103d 
 Regiment the most satisfactory accounts relative to the conduct of 
 the grenadier company of that corps and the light company of the 
 89tli, placed under his immediate orders. The latter, he says, are 
 wild, but with attention and management perfectly tractable and 
 orderly, and Lieut.-Colonel Parry bestows much commendation on 
 the zeal and alacrity with which the militia assembled, considering 
 the distance from whence they were to be collected. The Lieut.- 
 Colonel froin all these circumstances feels convinced that had not 
 the enemy retired to his shipping before his arrival, his little band, 
 increased by a few of the rangers and Kent volunteers as well as 
 some persons and some Wyandot Indians who joinevi him from 
 Amherstburg, would have made the enemy pay dear for their out- 
 rages. He states that but one house, in which a sick woman 
 resided, was left standing between Paterson's Creek and Turkej' 
 Point, and the enemy on retiring avowed their intention to destroy 
 Port Talljot in a similar manner. And as their officers appear 
 determined to puraue the same system throughout the whole of the 
 western frontier, I feel convinced that nothing but the most vigor- 
 ous opposition to such divSgraceful proceedings will prevent a 
 recurrence of them. The accompanying declaration made by 
 Colonel Holmes, commanding at Amherstburg, to the inhabitants of 
 the new settlement, is a proof of the enemy's nefarious intentions. 
 
16 
 
 Lfeut.*Cieueral Druniinoiid to Sir Cieorge Prevost. 
 
 Kingston, May Slst, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to transmit herewith for Your Excel- 
 lency's information the deposition (^f Mr. Mathias Steele of Woocl- 
 house, in the District of London, agent to the property of Lieut.- 
 Colonel Nichol at Dover, who vvas on the spot at the time the 
 enemy hinded there on the 14th inst., and which I feel satisfied is 
 corr(jct. 
 
 I have had a conniiunication from Major-General Riall of the 
 25th, wherein he states that on the 23d three large vessels were 
 standing in for Turkey Point, but that Lieut.-Colonel Parry with 
 his small force, the militia ^nd Indians, had no apprehension what- 
 ever of any numbers which could be conveyed in them. 
 
 It having been considered necessary, however, to reinforce the 
 detachment of the Royals at Burlington, and as this latter place 
 could but ill spare any drafts from its garrison occupied in the pro- 
 tection of its depot and in guarding a number of civil prisoners at 
 present under trial for treasonable practices at Ancaster, the Major- 
 General considered it necessary to move forward two companies of 
 the 41st Regiment from York, until the arrival of the 103d Regi- 
 ment at the head of the lake. 
 
 The Wyandt)t Indians, who lately arrived at the beach, amount 
 to 90. They say that many more would join them, but that they 
 are too closely watched by the Americans. 
 
 The Chiefs Blackbird and Splitlog, who were with us last year, 
 have joined the enemy. 
 
 deposition enclosed. 
 
 Midland District. 
 
 Personally appeared before me, the Hon. Richard Cartwright, 
 one of His Majesty's Justices assigned to keep the peace in and for 
 the said district, Mathias Steele of Woodhouse, in the London Dis- 
 trict of Upper Canada, Gentleman, who, being duly sworn on the 
 Holy Evangelists, saith : " That on Saturday, the fourteenth of 
 the present month, an American force computed at about 800 men, 
 and consisting of regulara, militia and seamen, the whole under 
 command of a Colonel Campbell, disembarked at the mouth of 
 Paterson's Creek from six schooners, where they encamped for the 
 night. That, having met with no opposition, they on the following 
 morning advanced and took possession of the village of Dover, 
 and having plundered the houses of all the inhabitants and carried 
 off all their provisions, set lire to the village and entirelj'^ destroyed 
 it. They then proceeded to Ryerson's mills, situated a little further 
 
17 
 
 up the lake, and set fire to them, with several other buildinffR, and 
 proceeding still further up the lake destroyed another set or mills, 
 belonging to Mr. Finch. He further deposeth and saith that, to the 
 best of his knowledge and behef, they clestroyed altogether twenty 
 dwelling houses, three flour mills, three aaw mills, three distilleries, 
 twelve barns and a number of other buildings. He further depos- 
 eth and saith, that they shot all the cows and hogs which they 
 could find, leaving them to n)t on the ground. And further, that 
 on the said Colonel Campbell being asked the reason of this wanton 
 and barbarous conduct, where he had met with no opposition, he 
 answered that it wtis done in retaliation for the burning of Havre 
 tie Grace, Buttalo, and Lewiston, and further this deponent saith not. 
 
 (Sgd.) 
 
 Mathias Steele. 
 
 Sworn before me at Kingston, 
 this 31st day of May, 1814. 
 
 Richard Cartwright, J. P. 
 
 1 
 
 lliijor-Creneral Riall to the Officer Commanding at Presqn* 
 
 Isle (Erie, Pa.) 
 
 Headquarters, Niagara Frontier, June 19, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — The detachment of the United States army which lately 
 made a landing at Dover on Lake Erie, having committed acts of 
 outrage on the private property of the unoffending inhabitants by 
 burning and destroying that village and the mills in the vicinity, 
 I have it in command to request from you an explicit declaration 
 whether those acts were authorized by the government of the 
 United States. 
 
 Colonel John B. Campbell, lltli U.S. Inlantry, (o Major-General 
 
 Riall. 
 
 June 16th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have had the honor to receive your communication of 
 the 9th current. I commanded the det«.chment of the United 
 States army which lately made a landing at Dover on Lake Erie. 
 What was done at that place and its vicinity pi*oceede<l from my 
 orders. The whole business was planned by myself and executed 
 upon my own responsibility. 
 
18 
 
 Opinion of a f'onrt of Enquiry on the Conduct of Colonel Camp* 
 
 bell at Port Dover, Held at BuflTalo, the SOth June, 1HI4, 
 
 Composed of Brigadier*General Scott, Major Jesnp 
 
 and Major Wood. 
 
 That considering the important supplies of breadstutt's, which 
 From the evidence it appears the enemy's forces deiived from tlie 
 flour manufacturing mills at and near to Dover, Cc»lonel Campbell 
 was warranted in destroying those mills according to the laws and 
 usages of war, and for a like retison the court think him justified 
 in burning the distilleries under the said laws and usages. The 
 saw-mills and carding machine, from their contiguity to the other 
 mills, were, as the court conceives, necessarily involved in one and 
 the same burning. 
 
 In respect to the burning of the dwelling and other hou.ses in 
 the village of Dover, the court are fully of opinion that Colonel 
 Campbell has erred, that he can derive no justification from the 
 fact that the owners of these houses were actively opposed to the 
 American interests in the present war, or from the other facts that 
 some of them were at the conflagration of Buflalo. In their 
 partizan services it does not appear to the court that the inhabi- 
 tants of Dover have done more than their proper allegiance required 
 of them, and the destruction of Buflalo by a Lieut-General of the 
 enemy's regular forces was emphatically the wrong of the British 
 Government itself, rendered such by its subsequent adoption of the 
 measure, and ought not to be ascribed to a few Canadians who were 
 present at the time. 
 
 Sir James Lucas Yeo to Lieut.-Cieneral Drummond. 
 
 Frivce Reqent, at anchor off Sackett's Harbor, 
 
 June 3d, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — The enemy's squadron being now nearly ready for sea, 
 and it being too late for any joint attack on the enemy's force at 
 Sackett's Harbor, I conceive it necessary to determine in what way 
 His Majesty's naval force can best b6 employed to defeat the 
 enemy's views and protect this province. I transmit you herewith 
 a statement of their force, on which it is unnecessary for me to 
 make any comment. 
 
 There are two things to be considered : 1st, what the enemy's 
 squadron can effect before our large ship is ready ? 2nd, what 
 object have we for risking an action with our present force, when 
 we will so soon have the superiority ? 
 
 From the large reinforcements government are sending to this 
 country, it appears to me to be their wish that a respectable naval 
 
19 
 
 force Hhould be established to meet the enemy, and that any rash, 
 ill-timed or unnecessary risk would defeat their views. The enemy 
 are not in sufficient force to undertake any expedition in the face 
 of our present stjuadron, but any disaster on our side might give 
 them a serious ascendancy. 
 
 In making this counnunication I trust you will give me credit 
 when I assure you I do not write from the feeling of a captain of 
 a ship, but consider myself placed here in a hiijfhly responsible posi- 
 tion as commanding the naval force in this country, on which most 
 matenally depends the safety or loss of this province. 
 
 I therefore recjuire of you, sir, as the general officer with 
 whom I am acting, your opinion on the .several points In my letter. 
 I shall at all times be ready to take the squadron into action when- 
 ever the general officer with whom I am acting represents to me 
 that he thinks it necessary for the good of the service and safety 
 of the colony, but such sanction or authority, under existing 
 circumstances, I will require, as I never can take the whole respon- 
 sibility on myself. 
 
 Lieut.-1iieneral Druiuiuond to Sir James L. Yeo. 
 
 Headquarters, Upper Canada, 
 
 Kingston, Gth June, 1«14. 
 
 Sir, — Your letter of the 3d inst. has received my most serious 
 attention. So long as your position off Sackett's Harbor was found 
 to distress the enemy and to retard the armament and equipment 
 of his new ships, so long it appeared to me that the blockade ought 
 to be maintained, and so long in fact no risk whatever could 
 attend it. 
 
 It appearing, however, •from your letter that the enemy's 
 squadron, including his new ship (Superior) and brigs, is now ready 
 for sea, it is evident that the blockade has not had all the effect to 
 which we looked, and moreover that it can be no longer main- 
 tained without risking an action with a squadron quite equal, if 
 not superior, to that under your command, and under circumstances 
 on our part of decided disadvantage. With regard uO the probable 
 objects of the enemy, and to what their squadron may be able to 
 effect, I am of opinion that whatever may be their ultimate views, 
 they will not undertake any offensive operations until their second 
 large ship is ready, and even then I am very much disposed to c(m- 
 cur with you that they will not venture in the face of your present 
 squadron, and, with the knowledge of the powerful addition to it 
 which is in rapid progress, to encumber theirs with troops and other 
 means necessary for the invasion of any part of this province. . 
 
20 
 
 It followH, tliercfore, aH my opinion, and I have no hcHitation 
 in ^vinj( it aH hucIi, that there exiHtn at present no motive or object 
 connected with the .security of ti»iH province which can make it 
 necBHHrtry for you to act othei wise than cautiously on the defentdve, 
 (V>ut at the same time closely watching all their movements,) until 
 the nioment arrives when by the addition of the larjje ship now 
 on the sUxjks you may brin^ the naval contest on this lake fairly 
 to issue, or by a jmwerful combined expwlition, (if the enemy, as is 
 probable, should decline meeting you on the lake,) we may attack 
 and tlestroy him in his stronj^hold. 
 
 In thus frankly givinj^ you my ideas as to the line of conduct 
 which it would be prudent and proper for you k) pursue, it is 
 scarcely' necessary for n»e to observe that circumstances may arise 
 which may render it expedient and necessary to adopt a widely 
 different system, such, for instance, as the relief of the necessities 
 of the advanced division, and expedition against 8ackett's Harl)or, 
 &c., &c., &c. 
 
 But these circumstances as they may arise will be discussed 
 by us with those feelings of perfect good understanding and cordiality 
 which have, I think I may affirm, ever existed betwixt us, and 
 which to me has been a source of great satisfaction and confidence. 
 
 Lieut.-General Drummond to Sir CieorKc Prevost. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter (in;3opy) 
 from Commodore Sir James Yeo, covering a statement of the 
 enemy's naval force in addition to their old squadron at present 
 preparing for service on Lake Ontario, and requiring of me, as the 
 general officer with whom he is acting, my opinion with regard to 
 the employment of the squadron as soon as the superiority of the 
 enemy's fleet appeal's unequivocal. 
 
 Coinciding with the Commodore in the propriety of not risk- 
 ing an action until our ship on the stocks here shall have joined the 
 squadron, I have communicated my opinion to Sir James Yeo 
 accordingly, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose for Your 
 Excellency's information, and I request to be favored with Your 
 Excellency's ideas and instructions on this important subject. 
 
 The Commodore, in consideration of the enemy's new ship, 
 Superior, being with the rest of their fleet afloat ready to take the 
 lake, has not judged it prudent any longer to continue off Sackett's 
 Harbor, and has therefore come over to the Upper Gap where the 
 squadron is now at anchor, as well to protect supplies proceeding 
 upwards to the Right Division as to receive the seamen on lx)ara 
 who have lately arrived from England. 
 
21 
 
 Lieiit.-€ieneral Drummond to Sir Cieorg*^ ProYOiit. 
 
 KiNOHToN, June 7tli, 1H14. 
 
 SiK, — By a report I have received from the Right DiviHioii I 
 find that the traitor WeHtbnH>k, who t'oriiiei'Iy lived near Deleware 
 town, made hiH app«iarauce with aU)ut 30 riliemen of the enemy at 
 Port TaUxjt on the evening of th ; 30th ultimo, where they made 
 priuonera Captain WilH(m of the militia and the miller, an alHu 
 l>aptaiii Patterson at the hoUHe of Cvolonel Tallwt. The miller 
 effected Iuh eHcape, but the others were obliged to fake an oath 
 similar to that adminiHtered to the iidiabitantH of the new Hettle- 
 ment under pain of their houHcs being innnediately burnt, aH well 
 aa all others in the neighborhood. The party came from the west- 
 ward, did but little damage and returned after a very short stay, 
 through apprehension of their retreat being cut off' by the 
 assembling of the militia on the information of the man who made 
 his escape. 
 
 i'apt. J. II. lloUaiul, A. I>. €., to Miijor Deane, Royal Scot:*. 
 
 Fort Ge(>K(JE, May 31, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I an» directed by Major-General Riall to transmit you 
 the enclosed secret instructions for the officer connnanding at Bur- 
 lington, which you will be pleased to hand to Colonel Scott of the 
 103d regiment on his arrival to take command of t\\e post. 
 
 An extract of the part No. 1 has been forwarded to Lieut.- 
 Colonel Parry. 
 
 I am directed to request that you will be pleased to acknowledge 
 the receipt of this. 
 
 Secret and Conjidential. 
 
 Fort George, May 31, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — As the entire command which the enemy possess of Lake 
 Erie and the means they have of moving from Detroit makes your 
 position very assailable, either by a landing at Long Point or its 
 vicinity, or a movement along the western road, and as my measures 
 will very materially depend on the reports I may receive, and which 
 I beg may be always instantly forwarded to me, of any attempts of 
 the enemy in that quarter, I have put together a few observations 
 upon the line of conduct I could wish you to adopt in the command 
 oi the post of Burlington and the advanced detachments. 
 
 1. From the recent events which have taken place, that part 
 of the country is evidently exposed to marauding parties, whose 
 sole object appears to be the destruction of private property. For 
 the purpose of checking these depredations I shall keep a larger 
 detachment there than I had otherwise intended, as small parties of 
 
22 ^ 
 
 observation at Burforcl and Long Point I should have considered 
 sufficient to watch the regular approaches of the enemy. You will 
 therefore detach a field officer and 200 men to Long Point and 
 instruct him accordingly. The officer selected for this command 
 will find the greatest assistance and resources in communicating 
 with Colonel Talbot, commanding the militia of the London District, 
 and such is the spirit and determination lately shown by them that 
 I not only consider this force as perfectly sufficient to protect the 
 inhabitants against any further marauding attempts, but even, 
 should the enemy appear in regular force, he will be enabled, with 
 their co-operation, to annoy his landing and harass his advance with 
 very considerable effect, retiring on the Grand River upon the 
 troops which will have advanced to that position from Burlington. 
 It will be advisable for him to detach small parties at such points 
 in his neighborhood as he shall see best suited for observing the 
 enemy's motions on the lake, and as I shall be much governed in 
 my intentions by his reports of the number and description of the 
 enemy's force, he cannot be too strictly cautioned on this subject ; 
 indeed it has been a principal object with me to have an officer of 
 rank stationed there upon whose information I could place 
 dependence. 
 
 2. On receiving intelligence of any attempt of the enemy 
 you will, of course, send such support to your advanced detachment 
 as you shall judge necessary from the report of the officer com- 
 manding. But should a landing in great force be effected I wish 
 you immediately to despatch information to the officer commanding 
 at York, in order that he may immediately advance to Burlington 
 with the garrison of that place, which he has received instructions 
 to do in this event without waiting till my orders could reach him, 
 at the same time that yourself with the whole of the troops and 
 Indians at Burlington (leaving a sufficient guard for the commis- 
 sariat and other stores) make a forward movement to the Grand 
 River, where your advanced detachment and militia will fall back, 
 and which position I should hope you will, with the means you 
 have, be enabled to maintain. But should you find it not possible, 
 your retreat should be made at once upon Burlington, as should the 
 enemy's force be so great as to force its passage you will find it 
 impossible to keep the open country about Ancaster. 
 
 3. There is always at Burlington a superintendent of the 
 Indian Department, with whom you may make arrangements for 
 the necessary co-operation of the Indians in any movement, and 
 with whom you will communicate on all subjects connected with 
 them. 
 
 4. It will be necessary to station an officer and 20 men at 
 
23 
 
 Burford to watch the road from Detroit, and also to give notice of 
 any advance in that direction to the officer commanding at Long 
 Point, that his retreat may not be cut off", the enemy reaching the 
 Grand River before him. 
 
 There is a corps of very useful volunteers under Lieut, 
 McGregor, which it would be advisable to keep in advance of Bur- 
 ford, at Campfield s. 
 
 Lieuti-Colonel John Harvey* D. A. G., to Colonel Hercules Scott, 
 
 10341 Rest, 
 
 Kingston, June 28th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I am directed by Lieut-General Drummond to desire 
 that you will continue to afford every possible assistance to the 
 sheriff, not only in guarding and escorting the prisoners for trial, 
 but also such as are convicted and under sentence. Additional irons 
 are to be made if necessary, and every means taken to ensure their 
 safe custody. 
 
 The men employed on this duty are at all times to be com- 
 manded by steady officers. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. John Harvey to Colonel Hercules Scott. 
 
 (Secret.) 
 
 Deputy Adjutant-General's Office, 
 
 Kingston, July 5th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — With reference to a former communication, I am directed 
 to acquaint you that, in consequence of the reduced state of the 
 garrison of York and other circumstances, Lieut.-General Drum- 
 mond has thought proper to withdraw, for the present, the power 
 which was granted you of calling upon the officer commanding at 
 York for a reinforcement of half his force in the event of an attack 
 being made by the enemy upon the post at Burlington. 
 
 The General desires me to request that you will yourself see 
 the prisoners who are under sentence of death at Ancaster. As it 
 is most desirable to ascertain their security, 3'^ou will be pleased to 
 make an immediate report on the subject, for the information of 
 Lieut.-General Drummond, who also directs me to desire that 
 additional irons, leg bolts, etc., may be made if necessary, and in 
 fact that every possible precaution may be taken to obviate all 
 danger of their escape or rescue, which will, of course, become 
 greater as the time of their execution draws nearer. The Lieut- 
 General depends entirely on your vigilance and caution to prevent 
 the ends of justice being defeated. 
 
24 
 
 Lleut.-General Drnmmond to Lord Bathurst, Secretary of State 
 
 for the Colonies. 
 
 (No. 17.) 
 
 Kingston, Julj^ 3, 1814. 
 
 My Lord, — I was detained at York by the meeting of the 
 Legislature till the 18th of March, vhen I returned to Kingston 
 and gave up my whole time and consideration to concert measures 
 for the safety of the province. I strained every nerve to place our 
 fleet in a condition most confidently to meet the enemy, by furnish- 
 ing Sir James Yeo every assistance that cw.ld possibly be derived 
 from the troops. With this united exertion the two lai'ge ships, 
 the Prince Regent, carrying 50 guns, and Princess Charlotte, 44, 
 were completed ready for sea while the American fleet were still in 
 port and by no means in a state to come out to meet ours under a 
 considerable time. 
 
 I projected an attack on Sackett's Harbor, which I did not 
 think in the least chimerical. On the 27th April I communicated 
 my design to Sir George Prevost and stated the force I deemed 
 necessary. When disappointed in this. I turned my thoughts to the 
 destruction of the depot at Fort Oswego, by which the American 
 fleet has been retarded beyond measure in acquiring that degree of 
 strength which must be vastly superior to our own before the 
 enemy could venture to take the lake, and it is only now I leam 
 that in a few days their vessels will, for the flrst time this season, 
 leave Sackett's Harbor. 
 
 The strict blockade kept up by Sir James Yeo on the harbor 
 and line of coast until the affair of Sandy Creek did much to 
 retard their naval pieparations, as they were obliged to send all 
 species of equipments by circuitous land routes on which they 
 experienced extreme bad roads. But they are now so formidable 
 that Sir James Yeo will be obliged to remain in port until his new 
 ship is finished. To conciliate the people I have directed the 
 magistrates of each district in full assemblyto fix upon a fair price 
 to he paid for every article. It is highly probable that a similar 
 vote of censure will be passed on my conduct as on Major-General 
 De Rottenburg last year, and I would like to know if my conduct 
 is unconstitutional. 
 
 Sir Gordon Drnmmond to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 Kingston, July 5th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the 
 letter addressed to the officer conmianding at Presqu' Isle by Major- 
 General Riall, on the subject of the conduct of the detachment of 
 
26 
 
 the enemy's troops which some time since landed at Turkey Point, 
 together with Colonel Campbell's reply thereto. 
 
 This letter was received oy Major-General Riall in the state I 
 now forward it to Your Excellency, it appearing to have the seal of 
 General Brown affixed to it, and as it enclosed a New York news- 
 paper the supposition is that General Brown drew his pen across 
 the insolent observation of the latter part of it. 
 
 Major-General Riall reports that the enemy broke up from 
 Buffalo on the 27th ultimo and has proceeded to Eleven Mile Creek; 
 from thence to the mouth of Tonnewanto it is only six miles of a 
 good road, where it is thought they will collect their boats for the 
 purpose of crossing over between Navy and Grand Islands. 
 
 The Major-General directed Lieut.-Colonel Pearson to make a 
 reconnoissance from Niagara Fort, but nothing extraordinary was 
 discovered within a circuit of six miles from the place. The Lake 
 Erie squadron with troops on board sailed from Presqu' Isle the 
 20th ultimo, report said for Michilimakinac and Matchedash on Lake 
 Huron, Nine gunboats carrying heavy metal were at Buffalo. 
 The force of the enemy computed at nearly 5,000. 
 
 Captain Crowther of the 41st Regiment has arrived at Fort 
 Niagara and is anxious to obtain a sanction from superior authority 
 to return to his duty, as he conceives the parole exacted of him to 
 be even more particular than that given to the other officers who 
 came in before him. 
 
 On the relief of the King's Regiment Major-General Riall con- 
 sidered it advisable, in which I fully concur with him, to place the 
 100th Regiment at Chippawa and Fort Erie, the Incorporated 
 Militia (now in an admirable state of discipline and efficiency 
 under Captain Robinson of the King's Regiment,) with the Light 
 Companies of the Royals and 100th under the command of Lieut.- 
 Colonel Tucker, with the 4l8t Regiment at Fort Niagara, Lieut.- 
 Colonel Pearson between those places, and Lieut.-Colonel Hamilton 
 at Long Point. 
 
 Sir Gordon Druminoiid to iiir George Prevost. 
 
 Kingston, July 7th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acquaint Your Excellency that about 
 150 Western Indians, under Captains Caldwell and Elliott, were 
 crossed over last week at Niagara for the purpose of ascertaining 
 in which direction the enemy went when he broke up from Buffalo, 
 and on this service they burnt the barracks at Hardscrabble, about 
 five or six miles from Lewiston, capable of accommodating from 
 1,500 to 2,000 men. They returned without having committed the 
 
26 
 
 smallest act of personal violence to any individual. But having 
 brought off some horses and cattle, private property, it was thought 
 proper to induce them to leave them behind, which they did with 
 very great reluctance and dissatisfaction, and in remuneration for 
 this forbearance I have deemed it advisable to give directions that 
 30 dollars each shall be paid for the horses and 20 dollars each for 
 the cattle. 
 
 I am concerned to inform Your Excellency that a gunboat and 
 a Durham boat of the enemy landed a strong party at Presqu' Isle 
 (Lake Ontario) on the night of the 1st inst., where they burnt the 
 storehouse of a Mr. Gibson and a small schooner which was build- 
 ing there by him. 
 
 Major-Cieneral Peter B. Porter to Ciovernor D. D, Tompkins. 
 
 Buffalo, July 3, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — General Brown crossed the Niagara this morning in pur- 
 suance of an admirable plan which was admirably executed, and 
 invested Fort Erie, which surrendered to him this afternoon with a 
 garrison of 120 men. And all this without the loss of a man killed 
 and scarcely a shot exchanged. 
 
 As to my corps, I need not tell you, because Your Excellency 
 knows how egregiously my expectations have been disappointed in 
 every respect. Instead of being provided with clothing, quarter- 
 master's stores, &c., by the general government, it was not until 
 long after the force was to have been assembled and organized that 
 I was able to obtain from the Secretary of War any recognition or 
 even any notice of the existence of such a corps. I have not yet 
 received a rifle, sabre, bayonet, blanket, and but a partial supply of 
 tents. 
 
 I have 500 Indians and 150 mounted men with me at the place 
 where General Brown wished me to be at the time of his crossing. 
 The infantry I left at Batavia with Colonel Swift, who was obliged 
 to wait a few days for the arrival of some quartennaster's stores 
 and for some companies not yet arrived. He is, however, now on 
 his march to this place. 
 
 My whole force will be about 1 ,000 volunteers and 500 Indians. 
 To this General Brown has agreed to add, as soon as Colonel Swift 
 arrives, the regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers, which will in- 
 crease the command to upwards of 2,000. With this respectable 
 force and the fair support of General Brown, which I have no 
 doubt he will give, I hope to gain some credit for the volunteers. 
 
 I find myself, however, commanded by two young brigadiers. 
 Of my repugnance to the command of one of them (Scott ?), with 
 
27 
 
 whose character I anj better acquainted than the world generally, 
 you were apprised last winter. 
 
 Had I foreseen the situation in which I was to be thrown, 
 nothing would have induced me to have undertaken the task I did. 
 But I embarked, and if I have but ten men I will persevere. 
 General Swift is with me and I feel anxious he should continue. 
 The expense of two Generals in the corps need not be an objection. 
 As to myself, in whatever situation, I want only enough to defray 
 my current expenses. My object is not pay. 
 
 Burlington, June (July ?) 4, 1814. 
 
 Having received information from Major-General Riall of the 
 enemy havmg landed, and considering it probable that an attack 
 may be soon made on this post, I have been led to look most 
 attentively at the works which are now going on under the acting 
 engineer, and from the wretched state they are in I am of opinion 
 that they are not capable for a moment of being depended on, nor 
 do I see any prospect of their being made so. Under these circum- 
 stances I have been led to consider what may be the best and most 
 expeditious mode of rendering this position defensible, but well 
 knowing the misrepresentations that may be made of my conduct 
 and of the present state of the defences of this place, and con- 
 sequently the censure that would follow were I at once to order 
 the men to be employed on the works in a different mode to what 
 they have hitherto been employed, I consider it necessary for the 
 good of the service, and for my own justification, to call on the 
 senior officei"s in garrison to inspect with me the present state of 
 the works, and also to consider of the plan I have now to propose, 
 so as with the means in our power to put the place in a state of 
 defence. Officers present, viz. : 
 
 Major Maule, D. A. Q. M. General. 
 
 Major Smelt, 103d Regiment. 
 
 Captain Brown, 103d Regiment. 
 
 Lieut. Charlton, senior officer of R. A. 
 
 Lieut. Engouville, acting engineer. 
 
 Lieut. Reynolds, D. A. Commissary General. 
 
 I have now to propose that the ditch of the old works shall be 
 immediately widened and piqueted with the piquets now on the 
 beach, a small angle to be thrown up so as to flank the ditch, the 
 rampart to be repaired and thickened, platforms placed for such 
 guns as are disposable. Two guns to be mounted on the new block- 
 house near the work, such as the officer of artillery may think 
 proper, and placed on temporary platforms as he may direct. These 
 
28 
 
 I consider the first and most important works. Should time and 
 means permit, platforms to be laid in the new works lately thrown 
 up so as to enable the fieldpieces (if judged expedient to be ran out) 
 to be fired over those works and to retard the advance of an enemy. 
 Abattis to be formed on the ravine near the Red House so as to 
 retard an enemy advancing on the left, the whole of the timber on 
 the right bank near the marsh and in advance of the old works to 
 l:»o felled so as to cover the right flank. Should further time permit 
 an abattis to be formed so as to connect in some degree the new 
 works and retard the advance of an enemy. These, gentlemen, are 
 the proposals I have to make for the purpose of putting this place 
 in some state of defence in two or three days. At present I have 
 not a doubt that it will appear obvious to every one that it is in no 
 state whatever, and from the works at present going on there is not 
 the smallest prospect of its being in any state of defence for many 
 days. I have now to request your opinions on the plan I have pro- 
 posed, and shall be most happy to adopt any other which may be 
 considered better. For the purpose of expediting the cutting of 
 the timber, I propose that the militia shall be employed, to whom a 
 reasonable allowance shall be made by three respectable persons, to 
 be chosen. By this means I am confident the place will be in a 
 state of defence in three days. 
 
 H. Scott, 
 
 Colonel, 103d. 
 
 We are of opinion that the proposal of Colonel Scott is 
 extremely judicious and should be immediately carried into effect. 
 
 Wm. Smelt, Major 103d. 
 J. Maule, Major, D. A. Q. M. G. 
 J, Brown, Capt, 103d Reg. 
 G. Charlton, Lieut., R. Arty. 
 RoBT.' Reynolds, D. A. C. G. 
 
 Abstract of Weekly Distribution Return of the fiixht Division, 
 
 Major-Creneral Rial!. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort George. June 22, 1814. 
 
 Fort Niagara, Lieut-Col. Hartiiltoii, 100th Regt.: 
 
 Staff — ^twenty-one officei-s. 
 
 Royal Artillery — one officer, twelve privates. 
 
 Royal Marine Artillery — two officers, three sergeants, thirty 
 privates. 
 
 8th Regt. — one private. 
 
 100th Regt. — 23 officers, 33 sergeants, 21 drummers, 535 rank 
 and file — 25 sick. 
 
29 
 
 Total — 47 officers, 36 sergeants, 21 drummers, 678 rank and 
 file— 25 sick. 
 F(yrt George and dependenciefi, Lieut-Colonel Qcyrdon, Royal Scots : 
 
 19th Ldght Dragoons — two officers, two sergeants, one bugler, 
 28 rank and file — five sick. 
 
 Provincial Light Dragoons — two officers, three sergeants, 16 
 rank and file. 
 
 Royal Engineers — one officer. 
 
 Royal Artillery — two officers, one sergeant, two buglers, 18 
 rank and file — five sick. 
 
 Royal Marine Artillery — three officers, two sergeants, one 
 bugler, thirty-two rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivers — three privates — four sick. 
 
 Incorporated Militia Artillery — two sergeants, two privates. 
 
 Ist Royal Scots — twenty -three officers, 44 sergeants, 18 drum- 
 med, 677 rank and file — 88 sick. 
 
 103d — four officers, six sergeants, one drummer, 129 rank and 
 file. 
 
 Colored Corps — one officer, two sergeants, twenty rank and 
 file — four sick. 
 
 Total — 38 officers, 62 sergeants, 23 drummers and buglers, 927 
 rank and file — 106 sick. 
 Qiteenston and dependencies, Major Deane, Royal Scots: 
 
 19th Light Dragoons — one sergeant, eight rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery — 40 rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivei-s — three sergeants, one bugler, 15 rank 
 and file. 
 
 1st Royal Scots — 10 officers, 13 sergeants, four drummers, 195 
 rank and file — eight sick. 
 
 Total — 11 officers, 17 sergeants, five drummers and buglei*s, 
 258 rank and file — eight sick. 
 
 Chippawa and dependencies, Colonel Young, 8th Regt. : 
 
 19th Light Dragoons — one sergeant, four rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery — 11 rank and file. 
 
 Incorporated Militia Artillery — eight rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivers — seven rank and file. 
 
 8th Regiment— 25 officers, 28 sergeants, eight drummers, 398 
 rank and file — 88 sick. 
 
 Total — 26 officers, 29 sergeants, 8 drummers, 428 rank and 
 file— 88 sick. 
 
 Fort Erie and dependencies, Majar Buck, 8th Megt. : 
 
 19th Light Dragoons — one officer, one sei^eant, 23 rank and file. 
 Koyal Artillery — 12 rank file. 
 
30 
 
 8th Regiment — eight officera, seven sergeants, one drummer, 
 111 rank and file. 
 
 Total — 10 officers, 8 sergeants, one druunner, 146 rank and tile. 
 Long Point and dependencies, Lieut.-Colonel Parry, 103d Regt. : 
 
 19th Light Dragoons — three officera, six sergeants, one bugler, 
 53 rank and file — one sick. 
 
 Provincial Light Dragoons — one officer, one sergeant, 13 rank 
 and file. 
 
 89th Regt. — one private sick. 
 
 103d Regt. — eleven officers, 13 sergeants, two drummers, 187 
 rank and file — four sick. 
 
 Kent Volunteers — three officers, three sergeants, 41 rank and 
 file. 
 
 Total — 18 officers, 23 sergeants, three dnimmei's and buglers, 
 249 rank and file — six sick. 
 Burlington, Colonel H. Scott, lOiid Regt. : 
 
 Provincial Dragoons — three rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery — one officer, 18 rank and file — one sick. 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivers — one officer, one sergeant, 15 rank 
 and file. 
 
 Ist Royal Scots — one sick. 
 
 89th Regt. — one sick. 
 
 103d Regt. — 18 officers, 29 sergeants, 20 drummers, 350 I'ank 
 and file — 20 sick. 
 
 Total — twenty officers, 30 sergeants, 20 drummei-s, 386 i*ank 
 and file — 23 sick. 
 York, Colonel Stewart, Royal Seotf* : 
 
 Royal Artillery — one officer, 12 rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivera — one officer, one sergeant, nine i'ank 
 and file. 
 
 Royal and Provincial Engineers — two officers, one sergeant, 17 
 rank and file. 
 
 Ist Royal Scots — two officer's, one sergeant, three rank and 
 file — nine sick. 
 
 8th Regt. — one sergeant, three rank and file — four sick. 
 
 41st Regt. — 29 officers, 33 sergeants, 17 drummers, 493 rank 
 and file — twelve sick. 
 
 89th TRegt. — one sergeant — one sick. 
 
 103d Regt. — one. sergeant — one sick. 
 
 Royal Newfoundland Regt. — one officer, one private — one sick. 
 
 Incorporated Militia — 29 officers, 27 sergeants, 11 drummers, 
 339 rank and file — 25 sick. 
 
 Total — 65 officers, 66 sergeants, 28. drummers, 877 rank and 
 file — 53 sick. 
 
81 
 
 Major-Cieneral Riall lo Sir Crordon Drnmmond. 
 
 Chippawa, July 6th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to inform you that the enemy effected 
 a landing on the morning of the third inst., at the ferry opposite 
 Black Rock, having driven in the picquet of the ganison of Fort 
 Erie. I was made acquainted with this circumstance about eight 
 in the morning and gave orders for an immediate advance to 
 Chippawa of five companies of the Royal Scots to reinforce the 
 giirrison of that place. Lieut.-Colonel Peai'son had moved forward 
 from thence with the flank companies of the 100th, some militia 
 and a few Indians, to reconnoitre their position and numbera. He 
 found them posted on the ridge parallel to the river near the ferry 
 and in strong force. I received mformation from Major Buck that 
 they had also landed a considerable force above Fort Erie. In 
 consequence of the King's Regiment, which I had reason to expect 
 the day l>efore from York, not having arrived, I was prevented from 
 making an attack that night. 
 
 The following morning (the 4th) a body of their troops were 
 re[x>i*ted to be advancing by the river. I moved to reconnoitre and 
 found them to be in considerable force, with cavalry and artillery 
 and a large body of riflemen. Lieut.-Colonel Pearson was in 
 advance during the reconnoissance with the light company of the 
 Royal Scots, the flank companies of the 100th, and a few of the 
 19th Dragoons, four of whom and eight horses were wounded in a 
 skinnish with the enemy's riflemen. 
 
 Having been joined by the King's Regiment on the morning 
 of the 5th I made my dispositions for attack at four o'clock in the 
 afternoon. The light companies of the Royal Scots and the 100th 
 Regiment, with the 2d Lincoln Militia, formed the advance, under 
 Lieut-Colonel Pearson. The Indian warriors were thrown out on 
 our right flank in the woods. The troops moved in three columns, 
 the third (the King's Regiment) being in advance. The enemy had 
 taken up a position with his right resting on some buildings and 
 orchards close to the river Niagara and strongly supported by 
 irtillery, his left towards the woods having a considerable bodj'' of 
 riflemen and Indians in front of it. 
 
 Our Indians and militia were shortly engaged with the enemy's 
 riflemen and Indians, who at fii*st checked their advance, but the 
 light troops being brought to their support they succeeded after a 
 • sharp contest in dislodging them in a very handsome style. I 
 placed two light 24 pounders and a 5| inch howitzer against the 
 right of the enemy's position, and formed the Royal Scots and 100th 
 Regiment with ^he intention of making a movement on his left. 
 
32 
 
 which deployed with the greatest i-egulanty and opened a heavy 
 tire. I immediately moved up the King's Regiment to the right 
 while the 100th and Royal Scots were directed to charge the enemy 
 in front, for which they advanced with the greatest gallantry under 
 a most destructive tire. I am sorry to say, however, that in this 
 attempt they suffered so severely that I was obliged to withdraw 
 theuj, finding their further etfoiis against the superior numbers of 
 the enemy would be unavailing. 
 
 From the report of some prisoners we have made, the enemy's 
 force amounted to about six thousand men with a very numerous 
 train of artillery, having been augmented by a very large bod}' of 
 troops which moved down from Fort Erie immediately before the 
 commencement of the action. 
 
 Our own force of regular troops amounted to about fifteen 
 hundred exclusive of the Indians and militia, of which description 
 there were not above three hundred. Fort Erie, I underatand, sur- 
 rendered upon capitulation on the third instant. 
 
 Although this att'air was not attended with the success which 
 I had hoped for, it will be highly gratifying to you to learn that 
 the officers and men behaved with the greatest gallantry. I am 
 particularly indebted to Lieut.-Colonel Pearaon for the very great 
 assistance I have received from him and for the manner in which 
 he led his troops into action. Lieut.-Colonel the Marquis of 
 Tweeddale and Major Evans, commanding the King's Regiment, 
 merit my warmest praise for the good example they showed at the 
 head of their respective regiments. The artillery, under the com- 
 mand of Captain Mackonochie, was ably served and directed with 
 good effects, and I am particularly obliged to Major Lisle of the 19th 
 Light Dragoons for the manner in which he covered and protected 
 one of the 24 pounders which had been disabled. I have reason to 
 be highly gratified with the zeal, activity and intelligence of Captain 
 Holland, my aide de camp, Captain Eliot, deputy-assistant-quarter- 
 m aster-general, Staff Adjutant Greig and Lieutenant Fox of the 
 Royal Scots, who acted as major of brigade during the absence of 
 Major Glegg at Fort George. The conduct of Lieut.-Colonel 
 Dickson of the 2d Lincoln Militia has been most exemplary, and I 
 am very much indebted to him for it on this as well as on other 
 occasions in which he has evinced the greatest zeal for His Majesty's 
 service. The conduct of the officers and men of this regiment has 
 also been highly praiseworthy. 
 
 Lieut.-Colonel Pearson has reported to me the excellent manner 
 in which Lieut. Horton, with a party of the 19th Light Dragoons, 
 observed the motions of the enemy while he occupied the position 
 he took on his first landing and during his advance* to this place. 
 
83 
 
 Abitract of Return of Casaaltlei In the Action Near €hlppawa» 
 
 5th Jnly, 1814. 
 
 General Staff — one captain wounded. 
 
 Royal Artillery — one Icilled, four wounded. 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivers — one subaltern wounded, two horses, 
 killed. 
 
 19th Light Dragoons — one sergeant, live rank and file wounded^ 
 one horse wounded. 
 
 Ist Royal Scots — 63 killed, 35 wounded, 30 missing. 
 
 8th Regiment — three killed, 24 wounded. 
 
 100th Regiment — 69 killed, 134 wounded, 1 missing. 
 
 Lincoln Militia — 12 killed, 16 wounded, 15 missing. 
 
 One twenty-four pounder limber blown up, two tumbrils 
 damaged. 
 
 Ihe men returned as missing are supposed to be killed or 
 wounded. 
 
 Officers killed — Captain Bailey, Royal Scots ; Lieut. Gibbon, 
 Ensign Rea, 100th ; Capts. Rowe and Turney and Lieut. McDonnell, 
 Lincoln Militia. 
 
 Officers wounded — General Staff — Capt. Holland, A. D. C. ; R. 
 A. Drivers, Lieut. Jack ; Royal Scots, Lieut.-Col. Gordon, Capts. 
 Bird and Wilson (prisoner), Lieuts. W. Campbell, Fox, Jackson, 
 Hendrick, McDonald, A. Campbell and Connell. 
 
 8th — Lieut. Boyle. 
 
 lOOth — Lieut.-Col. the Marquis of Tweeddale, Capts. Sherrard 
 and Sleigh, Lieuts. Williams, Lyon, Valentine and Fortune (missing), 
 Ensigns Clarke and Johnson, Adjutant Kingston. 
 
 Lincoln Militia — Lieut.-Col. Dickson, Lieuts. Clement and 
 Bowman, Ensign Kirkpatrick. 
 
 Sir Gordon Druinmond to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 Kingston, July 9th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acquaint Your Excellency that at a 
 late hour last night I received a report from Major-General Riall, 
 dated Chippawa, the 5th inst., in which he informed me that on the 
 morning of the 3d the enemy landed opposite Black Rock in con- 
 siderable force. The Major-General immediately moved forward 
 with five companies of the Royal Regiment to Chippawa. On the 
 4th the enenjy occupied a position along the banks of the creek 
 which runs from the river by Mr. Street's house to the wood. 
 
 Being in hourly expectation that the King's Regiment would 
 join him from York, (which it did on the 5th,) Major-General Riall 
 
34 
 
 did not move forward to the attack of the enemy until four o'clock 
 on the afternoon of that day. I re^-et, however, to state that tlie 
 Major-Oeneral found it neceHsary to retire on the position at Chip- 
 pawa after having HUHtained a Hovere Iohs, not far short, I am 
 apprehensive, of 500 in officers and men. The enemy's loss must 
 have lieen considerahle. 
 
 It is with great satisfaction that I have to report to Your 
 Excellency the veiy high terms in which Major-Oeneral Riall 
 expresses hinmelf of the steadiness and good concfuct of the troops, 
 but the superior numbers to which his force was opposed, (for I 
 imagine they could scarcely have exceeded one thousand men,) 
 rendered their gallant efforts unavailing. 
 
 By information received from pnsoners, it appears that the 
 American army waH estimated at 6,000 njen, with a considerable 
 train of artillery. They were commanded by Generals Brown, 
 Scott, Ripley and Porter. From the same source the Major-Oeneral 
 was made ac(|uainted with the capture by capitulation of Fort Erie 
 on Sunday last. 
 
 The 100th Regiment has .suffered severely, having had 12 
 officers killed and wounded ; the Royal Regiment has lost in the 
 sajne proportion. I am concerned to add that amongst the wounded 
 are Lieut. -Colonel (Jordon, Lieut.-Colonel the Marquis of Tweed- 
 dale, and Capt. Holland, A. D. C. to Major-Oeneral Riall. 
 
 The Major-Oeneral has not correctly ascertained what are the 
 intentions of the eneiiij^ as to the subseciuent operations, but he was 
 inclined to think their efforts would be directed to turning the 
 right of his position at Chippawa. 
 
 Major-Oeneral Riall's official report has not yet been trans- 
 mitted to me, but the moment it arrives it shall be forwarded to 
 Your Excellency. 
 
 Major Clifford with three companies of the 89th arrived hero 
 on Tuesday: they proceed with the light company this evening to 
 the Riglit Division. I expect Lieut.-Colonel Morrison to-morrow 
 with the remainder, in the coui-se of the day, when they shall be 
 pushed forward also. 
 
 I request Your Excellency will bo pleased to expedite the 
 movement of the 6th and 82d Regiments to this place, as the 
 garrison is extremely deficient in sti-ength, consisting only of the 
 104th and De Watteville's Regiments, and that you will be pleased 
 also to order such officers of the Royal Regiment and of the 100th 
 a.s may be now in the Lower Province to join their regiments 
 without delay. 
 
 
86 
 
 §lr Oordon Drummond Co §lr George Prevost. 
 
 KiNdMTON, July 10th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to traiiHinit herewith a copy of Major- 
 Oeneral Riall'H official report on the Hubject of the landing of the 
 enemy between Chippawa and Fort Krio on the 3d inst., and of the 
 Major-General's attack upon their position on the 5th. 
 
 It is highly satisfactory to observe that the i^allantry and 
 steadiness of British soldiers throutjhout the conduct of every 
 regiment engaged, and that the 2d Regiment of Lincoln Militia, 
 un<ler the comnmn<l of Lieut.-Colonel Dickson, which composed part 
 of the advance under Lieut -Colonel Pearson, oijually distinguished 
 themselves, although their brave and vigorous efforts proved un- 
 availing against the prodigious superiority in numbers which the 
 enemy possessed, and which induced the Major-General to with- 
 draw his small force to the position of Chippawa. 
 
 Sir <iiordon Driiinmond to Sir Cieorge Prcvost. 
 
 (Oonfldantlal.) 
 
 Kingston, July 10th, 1814. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Your Excellency will receive by the same convey- 
 ance Major-General Riall's official report of his attack on the enemy 
 in their position at Street's Creek. 
 
 The conduct of the troops and militia appears to have been 
 highly creditable, and nothing but the exceedingly unequal numbers 
 of the enemy could have prevented the attack from being covered 
 with complete success. 
 
 Our artillery was well served, and a disabled brass twenty-four 
 pounder, which had its limber blown up and the two shaft horses 
 killed, was saved principally by the exertions of Major Lisle of the 
 19th Light Dragoons. 
 
 The enemy deployed into line, and withstood our attacks with 
 the greatest steadiness. 
 
 They are now understood to be establishing batteries under 
 cover of the wood in front of the position at Chippawa, from which 
 Major-General Riall is apprehensive he will be under the necessity 
 of retiring, as his force is so consi^lerably diminished from the 
 casualties of the action and from the fall of Fort Erie. 
 
 I regret extremely the loss of this place, which I had the 
 strongest hopes would have made an excellent defence, or at all 
 events held the enemy in check for several days. I felt the more 
 confident in that expectation from Captain Marlowe's report of it 
 on his return from that frontier. 
 
 Our Indian allies, as usual, proved of little service. There 
 
36 
 
 were but few on the ground— about 200 under Norton and about 
 100 of the western tribes, and these penetrated too far into the 
 woods to afford the assistance required of thera. 
 
 I perceive the Major-General has omitted, in the haste of 
 transmission I presume, the numbers he had on the ground. The 
 Royals took into the field about 500, half of whom have been 
 killed or disabled for the present; the 100th, about 460, have 
 suffered in even a greater proportion, and have not now more than 
 four duty officers remaining. The King's, I imagine to have been 
 from the embarkation returns from York, about 400, has not ex- 
 perienced much loss. These, with the artillery, the 19th Dragoons 
 and the Lincoln Militia, would constitute a force of about 1,500. 
 
 I beg, therefore, again to request that every absent officer of 
 these corps be ordered to join forthwith, as well as Lieut.-Colonel 
 Ogilvie of the King's Regiment, Colonel Young being on his way 
 from York to Montreal, and there being consequently but one field 
 officer with the regiment. 
 
 I have been happy to learn of the arrival at Queenston of the 
 Incorporated Militia, under Captain Robinson of the King's Regi- 
 ment. This is the only divsposeable corps I had left to send. But 
 as soon as the 89th, which leaves this place to-day under Lieut. - 
 Colonel Morrison, arrives at York, I propose pushing forward the 
 Glengarry Light Infantry to Burlington to support Major-General 
 Riall, or, with the 103d Regiment, to sustain that post, and I have 
 placed the two flank companies of the 104th, completed to 60 each, 
 under Lieut.-Colonel Drummond, for the purpose of acting with 
 the Indians in that direction also, as circumstances may require. 
 
 I fear we shall suffer much difficulty in feeding all this force, 
 Mr. Couche having received a letter from Mr. Turquand this day, 
 expressing his apprehensions of a failure in the article of flour, 
 which it is totally im[( ;«, ible to assist them in from Kingston from 
 the want of means oi vvansport from hence; I have even been 
 under the necessity of taking twelve batteaux from the brigades 
 which arrived yesterday to forward the 89th Regiment to York. 
 
 I am happy to observe that Major-General Riall states there is 
 a sufficiency of provisions in each of the forts for the supply of 
 their garrisons until our fleet can take the lake again. 
 
 Major-General Riall has heard that the enemy are collecting a 
 force at Detroit. 
 
 The Marquis of Tweeddale's wound is in the leg and severe ; 
 Lieut.-Colonel Gordon's in the chin and neck ; Captain Holland's 
 in the head and through the left hand; Captains Sleigh and 
 Sherrard in three places each, the former supposed to be mortal. 
 
37 
 
 The General himself was struck on the hip, but without 
 further injury than to tear his coat. 
 
 Sir James Yeo has received a letter from a vsry intelligent 
 officer of the navy, captured at Sandy Creek. He states that the 
 enemy's new ship Superior is very low between decks, and carries 
 32 pounders, her ports very close. The new ship Molmwk is less 
 by a port on each side than the Prince Regent. This officer had a 
 good opportunity of viewing the works of defence at Sackett's 
 Harbor, which he states to have l)een considerably strengthened, so 
 much so as to require at least 7,000 men to ensure success against 
 them. 
 
 General Order. 
 
 Adjutant-General's Office, Left Division, 
 
 July 2, 1814. 
 
 Major-General Brown has the satisfaction to announce to the 
 troops of his division that he is authorized by the orders of his 
 government to put them in motion against the enemy. The iirst 
 and second brigades, with the corps of artillery, will cross the 
 Straights before them this night, or as early to-morrow as possible. 
 The necessary instructions have been given to the brigadiers, and 
 by them to the commanding officers of regiments and corps. 
 
 Upon entering Canada the laws of war will govern. Men 
 found in arms, or otherwise engaged in the service of the enemy, 
 will be treated as enemies ; those behaving peaceably and following 
 their private occupations will be treated as friends. Private 
 property in all cases will be held sacred. Public property, where- 
 ever found, will be seized and disposed of by the commanding 
 general. Our utmost protection will be given to all who actually 
 join or evince a desire to join us. 
 
 Plundering is prohibited. The Major-General does not appre- 
 hend any difficulty on this with the regular army, or with honor- 
 able volunteers who press to the standard of their country to 
 avenge her wrongs and to gain a name in arms. Profligate men 
 who follow the army for plunder must not expect that thej'^ will 
 escape the vengeance of the gallant spirits who are struggling to 
 exalt the national character. Any plunderer shall be punished 
 with death who shall be found violating this law. 
 
 By order of the Major-General. 
 
 C. K. Gardner, 
 
 Adjutant-General. 
 
38 
 
 (Fram Branncm's Ojfficial Letters, Washington, 1823.) 
 Major-General Brown to the Secretary of War. 
 
 Chippawa Plains, July 6th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Excuse my silence. I have been much engaged. Fort 
 Erie did not, as I assured you it should not, detain me a single day. 
 At 11 o'clock on the night of the 4th I arrived at this place with 
 the reserve. General Scott having taken the position about noon 
 with the van. My arrangements for turning and taking in near 
 the enemy's position east of Chippawa was made, when Major- 
 General Riall, suspecting our intention, and adhering to the rule 
 that it is l)etter to give than receive an attack, came from behind 
 his works about five o'clock in the afternoon of the 5th in order of 
 battle. We did not baulk him. Before six o'c'ock his line was 
 broken and his forces defeated, leaving on the field four hundred 
 killed and wounded. He was closely pressed, and would have been 
 utterly ruined but for the proximity of his works, whither he fled 
 for shelter. The wounded of the enemy and those of our own 
 army must be attended. They will be removed to Buffalo. This, 
 v/ith very limited means of transport, will take a day or two, after 
 which I shall advance, not doubting but that the gallant and accom- 
 plished troops I have will break down all opposition between me 
 and Lake Ontario, when, if met by the fleet, all is well — if not, 
 under the favor of heaven, we shall behave in a way to avoid 
 disgn 3e. My detailed report shall be made in a day or two. 
 
 Major-General Jacob Brown to the Secretary of War. 
 
 Headquarters, Chippawa Plains, July 7th, 1814. 
 
 Dear Sir, — On the second inst. I issued my orders for cross- 
 ing the Niagara River and made arrangements deemed necessary 
 for securing the garrison of Fort Erie. On the 3d inst. that post 
 surrendered, at 5 p. m. Our loss in this affair was four wounded. 
 I have enclosed a return of the prisoners of the ordnance, and the 
 ordnance stores captured. 
 
 To secure my rear I have placed a garrison in this fort and 
 requested Captain Kennedy to station his vessels near the post. 
 
 On the morning of the 4th, Brig. -General Scott with his 
 brigade and a corps of artillery was ordered to advance towards 
 Chippawa and be governed by circumstances, taking care to secure 
 a good military position for the night. After some skirmishing 
 with the enemy, he selected this plain with the eye of a soldier — 
 his right resting on the river and a ravine being in front. At 11 
 at right I joined him with the reserve under General Ripley, our 
 tielfi and battering train, and corps of artillery under Major 
 
39 
 
 Himlman. General Porter arrived next morning with a part of 
 the New York and Pennsylvania volunteers and some of the 
 warriors of the Six Nations. 
 
 Early in the morning of the 5th, the enemy commenced a petty 
 war upon our pickets, and as he was indulged his presumption 
 increased ; by noon he showed himself on the left of our exterior 
 line, and attacked one of our pickets as it was returning to camp. 
 Captain Treat, who commanded it, retired disgracefully, leaving a 
 wounded man on the ground. Captain Biddle of the artillery, who 
 was near the scene, impelled by feelings highly honorable to him as 
 a soldier and officer, promptly tissumed command of this picket, led 
 it back to the wounded man, and brought him off the field. I 
 ordered Capt. Treat on the spot to retire from the army, and as I 
 am anxious that no officer shall remain under my command who 
 can be suspected of cowardice, I advise that Captain Treat and 
 Lieut, (name illegible), who was also with the picket, be struck from 
 the rolls of the army. 
 
 At 4 o'clock p. m., agreeably to a plan I had given General 
 Porter, he advanced from the rear of our camp with the volunteer's 
 and Indians (taking the woods in order to keep out of view of the 
 enemy) with a hope of bringing his pickets and scouting parties 
 between his (Porter's) line of march and our camp. As Porter 
 Hioved I ordered the parties advanced in front of our camp to fall 
 back gradually under the enemy's fire, to draw them, if possible, up 
 to our line. About half-past four the advance of General Porter's 
 command met the light parties of the enemy in the woods upon our 
 extreme left — the enemy was driven, and Porter advancing near 
 to Chippawa met their whole column in order of battle. From the 
 cloud of dust rising and the heavj- firing, I was led to conclude that 
 the whole force of the enemy was in march and prepared for action. 
 I immediately ordered General Scott to advance with his brigade 
 and Towson's artillery and meet them upon the piain in front of 
 our camp. The General < .. not expect to be gratified ao soon wnth 
 a field engagement. He advanced in the most prompt and officer- 
 like style, and in a few minutes was in close action upon the plain 
 with a superior force of British regular troops. By this time 
 General Porter's command had given way and fled in every 
 direction, notwithstanding his personal gallantry and great exertions 
 to stay their flight. The vetreat of the volunteers and Indians 
 caused the left flank of General Scott's brigade to be greatly 
 exposed. Captain Harris, with his dragoons, was directed to stop 
 the fugitives behind the ravine fronting our camp, and I sent 
 Colonel Gardner to order General Ripley to advance with the 21st 
 Regiment, which formed a part of the reserve, pass to the left of 
 
40 
 
 our camp, skirt the woods so as to keep out of view, and fall upon 
 the rear of the enemy's right flank: this order was promptly 
 obeyed and the greatest exertions were made by the 21st Regiment 
 to gain their position, but in vain, for such, was the zeal and 
 gallantry of the line commanded by General Scott that its advance 
 upon the enemy was not to be checked. Major Jessup, command- 
 ing the left flank battalion, finding himself pressed in front and in 
 flank and his men falling fast around him, ordered his battalion to 
 "support arms and advance." This order was promptly obeyed 
 amidst the most deadly and destructive fire ; he gained a more 
 secure position and returned upon the enemy so galling a discharge 
 as caused them to retire. By this time their whole line was falling 
 back and our gallant soldiers pressing upon them as fast as possible. 
 As soon as the enemy had gained the sloping ground descending 
 towards Chippawa and distant a quarter of a mile, he broke and 
 ran to gain his works ; in this effort he was too successful, and the 
 guns from his batteries opening immediately upon our line checked 
 in some degree the pursuit. At this moment I resolved to bring up 
 all my ordnance and force the place by a direct attack. Major 
 Wood of the corps of engineers, and my aid, Captain Austin, rode 
 to the bank of the creek towards the right of their line of works 
 and examined them. I was induced by the lateness of their report, 
 the lateness of the hour, and the advice of General Scott and Major 
 Wood, to order the forces to retire to camp. 
 
 My most difficult duty remains. I am depressed with the fear 
 of not being able to do justice to my companions in arms, and 
 apprehensive that some who had an opportunity of distinguishing 
 themselves and promptly embraced it will escape my notice. 
 
 Brig.-General Scott is entitled to the highest praises our 
 country can bestow ; to him more than any other man am I in- 
 debted for the victory of the 5th of July. His brigade has covered 
 itself with glory. Eveiy officer and every man of the 9th, 22d, 11th, 
 and 25th Regiments did his duty with a zeal and energy worthy 
 of the American character. When eveiy officer stands so pre- 
 eminently high in the path of duty and honor, it is impossible to 
 discriminate, but I cannot deprive myself of the pleasure of saying 
 that Major Leavenworth commanded the 9th and 22d ; Major 
 Jessup the 25th, and Major McNeil the 11th. Colonel Campbf;ii 
 was wounded early in the action, gallantly leading on his regiment. 
 
 The family of General Scott was conspicuous in the field : 
 Lieut. Smith of the 6th Infantry, Major of Brigade, and Lieu- 
 tenants Worth and Watts, his aids. 
 
 From General Ripley and his brigade I received every assist- 
 ance that I gave them an opportunity of rendering. I did not 
 
41 
 
 order any part of the reserve into action until General Porter's 
 command had given way; and then General Scott'a movements 
 were so rapid and decisive that General Ripley could not get up in 
 time with the 21st to the position as directed. The corps of artil- 
 lery under Major Hindman were not generally in action ; this was 
 not their fault. Captain Towson's company' was the only one that 
 had a full opportunity of distinguishing itself ; and it is believed 
 that no company ever embraced an opportunity with moie zeal or 
 more success. 
 
 A detachment from the 2d Brigade, under the command of 
 Lieut. McDonald, penetrated the woods with the Indians and 
 volunteers, and for their support. The conduct of McDonald and 
 his command reflects high honor upon the brigade to which they 
 belong. 
 
 The conduct of General Porter has been conspicuously gallant. 
 Every assistance in his power to afford with the description of force 
 under his connnand has been rendered. We could not expect him 
 to contend with the British column of regulars which appeared 
 upon the plains of Chippawa. It was no cause of surprise to me 
 to see his command retire before this column. 
 
 Justice forbids that I should omit to name my own family. 
 They yield in honorable zeal, intelligence, and attention to duty. 
 Colonel Gardner, Major Jones, and my aids. Captains Austin and 
 Spencer, have been as active and as much devoted to the cause as 
 any officers of the army. Their conduct merits my w^armest 
 acknowledgments. Of Gardner and Jones I shall have occasion 
 again to speak to you. Major Camp, Deputy Quartermaster- 
 General, deserves my particular notice and approbation. B}'- his 
 great exertions I was enabled to And the means of crossing. Cap- 
 tain Daliba, of the ordnance department, has rendered every service 
 in his power. 
 
 The enclosed return will show you our loss and furnish you 
 with the names of the dead and wounded ofiicei's. These gallant 
 men must not be forgotten. Our country will remember them and 
 do them justice. 
 
 In the above action the enemy had 208 killed, and 95 wounded 
 — 15 prisoners. Those reported under the head of wounded and 
 prisoners were so severely injured that it woulc' have been im- 
 practicable for them to have escaped. The enemy had the same 
 lacilities of carrying their wounded from the field at the commece- 
 ment of the action as ourselves, and there can be no doubt from the 
 information that I have received from unquestionable sources that 
 
42 
 
 they carried from the field as many of their wounded as is reported 
 
 above in the total. 
 
 Az. Orne, 
 
 Asst. Ins.-Gen. 
 
 Inspector-General's Office, Headijuarters, Left Division, 
 
 Camp Near Fort Erie, July 3d, 1814. 
 
 Return of the British prisoners of war who surrendered by 
 capitulation with Fort Erie on the afternoon of the 3d July, 1814, 
 to the left division of the United States army under the command 
 of Major General Brown. 
 
 8th or King's Regiment — one major. 
 
 Royal Artillery — 1 lieutenant, 1 corporal; 1 bombardier and 19 
 gunners. 
 
 100th Regiment — 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 4 sergeants, 
 5 corporals, three musicians, 98 privates. 
 
 Aggregate, 137. 
 
 Az. Orne, 
 
 Asst. Inspector-General. 
 
 Inspector-General's Office, Headquarters, Left Division, 
 
 Chippawa, July 9th, 1814. 
 
 Return of the killed, wounded, and prisoners of the enemy in 
 the action fought on the plains within half a mile of Chippawa, 
 between the left division of the United States army, commanded 
 by Major-General Brown, and the English forces, under the com- 
 mand of Major-General Riall. 
 
 Killed — three captains, three subalterns, and 87 rank and file 
 of the regular troops. 
 
 Wounded — two captains of the 1st Royal Scots, one lieutenant 
 of the 100th Regiment, and 72 rank and file of the Royal Scots, 
 8th and 100th Regiments. 
 
 Prisoners — one captain of the Indians, and nine rank and file 
 of the regulars. 
 
 Killed in the woods — of the Indians, 87 ; of the regulars and 
 militia, 18. 
 
 Indian prisoners — one chief and four privates. 
 
 Total of the enemy placed hors du combat, that we have' 
 ascertained beyond doubt — 6 captains, 4 subalterns, and 298 rank 
 and file. 
 
 Az. Orne, 
 
 Asst. Inspector-General. 
 
43 
 
 Report of the killed and wounded of the left division com- 
 manded by Major-General Brown, in the action of the 5th July, 
 1814, on the plains of Chippawa, Upper Canada: 
 
 Artillery — killed : 4 privates; wounded — severely: 3 corporals, 
 5 privates ; slightly : 8 privates. 
 
 General Scott's Brigade : 
 
 9th Infantry — killed : 2 musicians, 1 1 privates ; wounded — 
 severely : 1 captain, 2 subalterns, 2 corporals, 19 privates ; slightly : 
 2 sergeants, 18 privates. 
 
 22d Infantry, attached — killed : 8 pri\'ates ; wounded — severe- 
 ly : 1 captain, 8 privates ; slightly : 2 sergeants, 35 privates. 
 
 25th Infantry — killed : 1 sergeant, 4 privates ; wounded — 
 severely : 1 captain, 2 subalterns, 5 sergeants, 2 corporals, 37 
 privates ; slightly : 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, 1 musician, 19 privates. 
 
 11th Infantry — killed: 1 sergeant, 4 corporals, 10 privates; 
 wounded — severely : 1 colonel, 1 subaltern, 3 sergeants, 5 corporals, 
 28 privates ; slightly : 3 sergeants, 19 privates. 
 
 General Ripley's Brigade : 
 
 21st Regiment — none. 
 
 19th Infantry, attached — killed : 3 privates ; wounded severe- 
 ly : 2 privates ; missing : 2 privates. 
 
 23d Infantry — wounded severely — 1 private. 
 
 General P. B. Porter's Command : 
 
 Fenton's Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia — killed : 3 privates ; 
 wounded — severely: 1 private; slightly: 1 private; missing: 3 
 officers, 4 non-conHnissi(med officers and privates. 
 
 Corps of Indians — killed : 9 privates ; wounded — severely : 4 ; 
 missing: 10. 
 
 Grand total — 2 sergeants, 4 corporals, 2 musicians, 52 privates, 
 killed ; 1 colonel, 3 captains, 5 subalterns, 8 sergeants, 12 corporals, 
 105 privates, severely wounded; 9 sergeants, 2 corporals, 1 
 musician, 103 privates, slightly wounded ; 3 officers, 16 non-com- 
 missioned officers and privates, missing. Aggregate, 328. 
 
 Names and rank of officers wounded — Colonel Campbell, 11th 
 Infantry, severely ; Captain King, 22d Infantry, dangerously ; 
 Captain Read, 25th Infantry, badly ; Captain Harrison, 42d, doing 
 duty in 9th Infantry, severely; Lieut. Barron, 11th Infantry, 
 severely; Lieut. DeWitt, 25th Infantry, severely; Lieut. Patchin, 
 25th Infantry, badly ; Lieut. Brimhall, 9th Infantry, slightly. 
 
 Note — The slightly wounded are fast recovering. 
 
 C. K. Gardner, 
 
 Adjt.-General. 
 
44 
 
 
 Major Hindman to tbe Adjutant-Cieneral. 
 
 Agreeably to ^reneral ordei-s, I transmit the following report : 
 
 At the eorninenceinent of the action of the 5th July, Capt. 
 Towson's company of artillery with the first brigade was solely 
 engaged with the enemy ; he maintained his position on the right 
 and kept up a spirited and <lestructive fire during the charge of the 
 enemy. Amidst the tire and charge of the enemy the captain and 
 his subalterns, Lieuts. Can\pbell and Schniuck, and Lieut. Randolph 
 of the infantry, connnanding the reserve of the artillery, behaved 
 with the greatest gallantry, and I am proud to say tended gi'eatly 
 to check the impetuosity of the enemy. 
 
 At an early part of the battle the captain's piece was thrown 
 out of action by a 24-pound shot of the enemy, yet his zeal and 
 exertions were g'ven with his characteristic spirit to the remain- 
 ing pieces, and he reports handsomely of the cohduct and services 
 of his officers, non-commissi(med officers and men. 
 
 About the time the enemy commenced their charge, and at tlie 
 moment they broke, Captain Ritchie's company of artillery and 
 one piece, (a 12-pounder,) of Captain Riddle's company of artillery, 
 under Lieut. Hall, participated in the action. The captains, officei*s, 
 non-commissioned officers and men, conducted themselves as brave 
 and faithful soldiers, and the whole artillery then on the field pur- 
 sued under the fire of the enemy's batteries with rapidity, and saw 
 them precipitate themselves within their works. At this period of 
 the action two 18-pounders under Captain Williams, and the re- 
 mainder of Captain Biddle's artillery, were brought upon the 
 ground without being permitted to open a battery upon the enemy's 
 works. 
 
 To particularize, if all had been engaged from firat to last, 
 would have l)een invidious, but in this case Captain Towson and 
 I company deserve particular mention. The captain, being so fortu- 
 nate as to be ordered in advance with his company of artillery, 
 only, had an opportunity of showing his gallantry and distinguish- 
 |mg hmiself, officei-s and soldiers, above all others. 
 With due respect, yours, etc., 
 
 J. Hindman, 
 Major Commanding fiattalion of Artillery. 
 
 Bri8;.-General Winfield Scott to the Adjutant-General. 
 
 QuEENSTON, U. C, July 15, 1814. 
 
 •?^.?'~^^ ^^^ general order of the 13th inst., a methodical and 
 letailed report is called for, designating the names of such persons, 
 
46 
 
 whether commissioned or not, who in the action of the 5th con- 
 tributed in a particular manner to the successful result of that day. 
 
 I am not asked for an account of the disposition made of the 
 troops under my command during the action. I shall, therefore 
 confine myself strictly to the general order. 
 
 A severe action has been fought and a signal victory gained. 
 The general order of the 6th inst. attributes that victory to the 1st 
 brig«Se of infantry tind Captain Towson's company of artillery, 
 under my command. It was believed at the time, and has since' 
 been clearly ascertained, that, of the forces engaged, the enemy 
 were greatly superior in numbers. Under such circumstances 
 victory could not have been obtained without a very general 
 participation of all ranks and grades in the event. 
 
 The truth of this observation was most conspicuous in the 
 very crisis of the action. Conduct univei-sally good leaves but 
 little room for discrimination. Accordingly, but few names are 
 reijoi-ted to me by the several commandants of battalions as entitled 
 to select mention (in respect to their gallant comrades) and those 
 cases are noticed principally from accidental circumstances of good 
 or bad fortune, as in the instance of Captain Ketchum of the 25th 
 Infantry, whose good fortune it was to be detached with his com- 
 pany, by order of Major Jessup, to attack a much superior force 
 whilst the battalion was engaged with another body of the enemy. 
 Captain Ketchum gallantly sustained himself in the execution of 
 his onlers till the battalion had cleared its own front in order to 
 march to his support. 
 
 The good conduct of Captain Harrison, conmianded by Major 
 Leavenworth and observed by myself, was of another kind. A 
 cannon ball shattered and carried away part of his leg. The 
 captain preserved a perfect serenity under the tortures of his 
 wound, and utterly refused any assistance till the enemy should be 
 beaten. So glorious a display of fortitude had the happiest effect. 
 
 Of the three battalions of infantry composing the First 
 Brigade, the first consisted of the 9th and a detachment of the 22d, 
 under command of Major Leavenworth. The 2d Battalion, or the 
 nth Regiment, was gallantly conducted towards its place in order 
 of battle by Colonel Campbell, who, being early wounded, was 
 succeeded by Major McNeil. Major Jessup commanded the 25th 
 Regiment, or the remaining battalion of the brigade. Of these 
 three excellent officers it would be difficult to say which was the 
 most meritorious or mast conspicuously engaged. The 25th 
 Regiment, having been detached to my left to turn the enemy's 
 right wing, was rested in a wood. Major Jessup was less under my 
 personal observation than the other two commanders, but I have 
 
 i 
 
4() 
 
 every evidence of the able dispoHition he made of his corps, aa well by 
 the report of my aids as by the effect he produced on that part of the 
 enemy's line imiiiediatoly opposed to him and which contributed 
 much to the ^'eneral result of the day. Major Jesaup had hi.s horse 
 shot under him. 
 
 The other two battalions, with an enlarged interval between 
 them, received the enemy in open plain, that under Major Leaven- 
 worth parallel to the attack, that under Major McNeil with its left 
 win<' thrown forward to take the enemy in front and flank at the 
 same time. Captain Towson, who connnenced the fire before the 
 troops were in order of battle, innned lately afterwards advanced to 
 the front of the extreme ri<(ht with three pieces of artillery, and 
 took post on the river. Majors Leavenworth and McNeil made 
 prompt dispositions to receive the charge. The fire of these corps 
 (including the artillery) produced a prodigious effect on the enemy's 
 ranks. That of Major McNeil's was most effective from the oblicpie 
 position which his cor|)s judiciously occupied. The enemy's 
 batteries were also admirably served, to the fire of which all the 
 corps were exposed, that of Major Leavenworth in particular. 
 This cannonade, however, did not prevent the latter from preserving 
 his corps in the most excellent order, at all times prepared tt) 
 advance or to tire, to give or to receive the charge. 
 
 Captain Towson finally silenced the enemy's most effective bat- 
 tery by blowing up an ammunition wagon, which produced great 
 confusion. Turning next a heavy discharge of canister on the 
 enemy's infantry, now nearly in ctnitact with om- line advancing to 
 the charge, the enemy could not long withstand this accunmla- 
 tion of tire ; he broke and fled to his strong works behind Chip- 
 pawa. All the corps pursued with prouiptitude. 
 
 To mention them in order of their rank, (I know of no other 
 in this case,) Majors Jessup, Leavenworth and McNeil, and Captain 
 Towson, deserve, in my luunble opinion, every thing wdiich con- 
 spicuous skill and gallantry can wish from a grateful country. 
 
 I cannot close this account of meritorious conduct without 
 mentioning the great services rendered me by those two gallant 
 young soldiers, Lieats. Worth and Watts, my aids. 
 
 There was no danger they did not cheerfully encounter in 
 conmmnicating my orders, and by their zeal and intrepidity won 
 the admiration of the whole brigade. They both rendered! essen- 
 tial service at critical moments by assisting the commandants of 
 corps in forming the troops under circumstances which prevented 
 the voice from being heard. 
 
 This conduct has been handsomely acknowledged by the 
 
47 
 
 officei-H of the lino, who have joined in requesting tlmt it niiglit be 
 pHi'ticuhirly noticed. 
 
 My brigade-major, Lieut. Smith, rendered me every aasi.-itance 
 that his aeciaental situation on foot permitted. He in entitled to 
 njy thanks. 
 
 During the action Major Wood of the engineers, and Captain 
 Harris of the dragoons, whose troop could not act, came up and 
 very handsomely tendered their services. The latter had his horse 
 shot under him. 
 
 It ia proper I should take this opportunity to mention the case 
 of Captain Crooker of the 9th Regiment of Infantry, in the affair 
 of the 4th of July, on the same ground on which the action of the 
 5th was fought. I have already had the honor to mention this 
 case verbally to the Commanding-General. 
 
 It is due to the gallant individual particularly concerned that his 
 conduct shouM be formally noticed. 
 
 My brigade constituted the advance of the arnty. In descend- 
 ing the left bank of the Niagara from Fort Erie we met an 
 advanced corps of the enemy at Black Creek, strongly posted behind 
 that stream. Capt. Towson, who was with the advance, obliged the 
 enemy to fall back, who, on retreating, took up the bridge over the 
 creek. Captain Crooker, who flanked out to the left of our march, 
 crossed the stream some distance above the bridge, and was pur- 
 suing the enemy just as the head of the brigade colunm arrived at 
 the bridge, which could not be passed until the pioneers had 
 replaced the boards, which the enemy had hastily removed. 
 
 While this operation was going on Captain Crooker innnedi- 
 ately, within my view, was suddeidy enveloped by a troop of the 
 19th Light Dragoons, composing a part of the enemy's rear guard. 
 He fought his way to a house then near him, turned upon the 
 dragoons, an<l put them to flight. 
 
 Captains Hull and Harrison and Lieut. Randolph with a small 
 party were at the same time marching to the support of Captain 
 Crooker, and arrived just as the enemy took to flight. I have wit- 
 nessed nothing more gallant in partizan war than was the conduct 
 of Captain Crooker and his company. 
 
 From Niles' Register, Vol. 6, Page 306. 
 
 (Froini the Ontario Messenger.) 
 
 We have received the following account and plan of attack ofi 
 the battle of Chippawa from a valued and obliging correspondent! 
 at the west, who was an eye witness to the engagement. 
 
 On the 3d of July, General Scott, by orders from Major-! 
 
48 
 
 
 General Brown, biokc np l>is (Mieainptncnt and mlvaiict'd »i|M)n 
 Chippawa, and with ('apt. Towson's diviHion of artillory, drove the 
 enemy's pickets across the hrid^'e. In the afternoon General Ripley, 
 with the tiel<l and park artillory uinler Major Hindnian, t(K)k the 
 same route and encaniped on the ^'round with (ieneral'H Scott'a 
 
 advance. 
 
 On the morning; of the 4th of July the BritiHh In<lians, who 
 had tilled the W()o<ls contit^uous to the American encampment, com- 
 menced tirin^jf at our pickets. Reconnoitering narticH from 
 Chippawa were fre<|uently observed during the day alon;; the river 
 road, and information was received that reinforcements had ari-ivecl. 
 
 On the ")th the same course was ))urHUed. The Indians were 
 discovered almost in rear of our camp. At this moment General 
 Porter arrived with his volunteers and Indians. General Brown 
 immediately ordered them to enter the woods and effectually scour 
 them. Generals Bi'own, Scott and Ripley were at the White House 
 (marked ()) reeonnoiterin*;. (leneral Porter's corps seemed sweep- 
 inj( like a torrent everytlnn<if before them, until they almost 
 debouched from the woods oj)posite (chippawa. In a moment a 
 vollty of nmsketry convinced (Jeneral Brown that the whole British 
 force had cro.ssed the Cliii)pawa bridge and that the action must 
 become general. He ^nvc immediate orders to General Scott to 
 advance and feel the enenjy, and to General Ripley to be in readi- 
 ness to support In a few minutes the British lin«; was di ^covered 
 formed and rapidly advancing; — their ri<,d)t (the Royal Scots) upon 
 the wooils and the left (the Prince Regent's) near the river, with 
 the Kind's (Jwn in reserve. Their object was to gain the bridge 
 across the creek in front of our encamj)ment, which if done would 
 have compelled us to retire, (ilenei'al Brown feared a flank move- 
 ment through the woods on th(^ left of our camp with a view to 
 seize our reserve of artillery, and directed General Ripley not to 
 tulvance until he gave him orders. At the same time he ro<le to the 
 first line with his staff" and an escort of about 30 dragoons, in order 
 to direct the whole movements of the Held and animate the troops 
 by his presence. Meanwhile General Scott, under a most tremen- 
 dous lire of the enemy's artillery, crossed the bridge, which the 
 enemy had endeavored to gain, and formed his line. The enemy's 
 orders were to give one volley at a distance and immediately charge. 
 But such was the warmth of our nuisketiy that they could not 
 stand it At this moment General Brown sent orders to General 
 Ripley to make a movement through the woo<ls upon the enemy's 
 right flank. With the 21st Regiment he passed a ravine in his 
 front, where the men had to wade up to their chins, and advanced 
 as rapidly as possible. But before he commenced filing from tlie 
 
 f 
 
49 
 
 W(mk1h into tlie open land luulor tlio enemy's hatteiieH tliey luid been 
 completely broken by the C(X)1 bravery and diHcipline of General 
 Scott'H brigade. 
 
 (From BoHton Sentinel, IS 1 4.) 
 
 of 
 
 Extract from a letter from a captn,in in Fenton's Re^jiment 
 Pennsylvanian Volunteers, dated at Chippawa, July 7, 1814: 
 
 " On the afternoon of the 4th in.st, Fenton's detachment w 
 ordere<l to crosH the river, which we did with oi^ht companies, 
 leaving two companies at Huttalo. Wo arrived at Chip[)avva and 
 had one hour's rest, when General Porter called for 100 men to j;o 
 scouting with the Indians to drive the British In<lians (jut of the 
 woods, where they were harassing our (jutposts. We turned out 
 150, and, accompanietl by .S.*i() Indians, advanced half a mile, when 
 we were iire<l on by their Indians, but we drove them three-cjuarters 
 of a mile, when we were compelled to retreat by the British regu- 
 lars and Indians. We rallied and drove them back when they 
 came out of their hiding place, but we were outflanke<l an«l again 
 forced to retnuit. I had two men missing from my company. We 
 went out yesterday afternoon to bring in the dead who had not 
 been found by the regulars in the morning, and found one of my 
 men dead. We found a great number. Every company among us 
 lost two or three." 
 
 Extract from a letter from Captain Mackonochie, R. A., to 
 Major-General Glasgow, dated Montreal, August 11), liSl4: 
 
 " Two artillerymen, deserters from the enemy, stated to Major 
 Glegg that they had lost at one gun alone (in the battle of Chip- 
 pawa) seventeen men, and they were no sooner replaced than they 
 were swept away by our shot and grape. The two 24 pounders 
 and the 5i inch, howitzer were never further than 400 yards from 
 the enemy, and at times much nearer ; the G pounder never further 
 than 500 yards. 
 
 (From the Baltimore Federal Gazette, July :io, ISUf..) 
 Extract from a letter written by an officer in the United States 
 army to a friend in this city, dated Chippawa. July 7 : 
 
 "We pursued them three miles, and drove them into Fort 
 Chippawa. Just as we arrived in sight of this place my piece, a 
 twelve pounder, being the largest on the ground, was dismounted, 
 Towson's men being exhausted by a constant fire of six or seven 
 hours. He had fired 120 rounds from two sixes, besides shells and 
 canister from his howitzer. I did not get into action until the 
 
50 
 
 British line was formed. Tlie numbers engaged were about eipial. 
 The British artillery fired very well, but were exceeded by Towson, 
 who bore the brunt of the battle. 
 
 General Order. 
 
 Adjutant-General's Office, Headquarters, 
 
 Montreal, 13th July, 1814. 
 
 His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief and Commander of the 
 Forces has received from Lieutenant-General Drummond the official 
 report of Major-General Riall of the sortie which took place on the 
 5th inst. from the lines of Chippawa. 
 
 His Excellency derives a proud consolation in the undaunted 
 gallantry and exemplary discipline displayed in this unequal con- 
 test, in which Major-General Riall represents Lieut.-Col. Pearson in 
 command of a detachmert of light troops, Lieut.-Col. the Marquis 
 Tweeddale, 100th Reffiment; Major Evans, 8th or King's Regiment; 
 Major Lisle, 19th Li^. Dragoons, and Capt. Mackonochie, Royal 
 Artillery, to have afforded the most able support in zealous and 
 judicious command of their respective corps, and that the zeal and 
 intelligence evinced by his aide-de-camp, Capt. Holland, Capt. Elliot, 
 Deputy-Assistant-Quartermaster-General, Lieut. Fox, Royal Scots, 
 Acting-Brigade-Major, and Staff- Adjutant Greig, merited his appro- 
 bation, and that the conduct of Lieut.-Colone^ Dickson, Lincoln 
 Militia, was most exemplary. 
 
 His Excellency laments the loss of so many valuable officers 
 and men, but this sentiment is greatly aggravated by the disap- 
 pointment and mortification he has experienced in learning that 
 Fort Erie, entrusted to the charge of Major Buck, was surrendered 
 on the evening of the third instant, by capitulation, without having 
 made an adetjuate defence. 
 
 Return of killed, wounded and missing : — 
 
 Royal Artillery— 1 gunner killed, 4 gunners wounded. 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivers — 1 subaltern wounded. 
 
 1st or Royal Scots — 1 captain, 4 sergeants, 43 rank and file 
 killed ; 1 field officer, 2 captains, 7 subalterni, 4 sergeants, 121 rank 
 and file wounded ; 30 rank and file missing. 
 
 8th or King's Regiment— 3 rank and file killed ; 1 subaltern, 1 
 sergeant, and 22 rank and file wounded. 
 
 100th Regiment— 2 subalterns, 3 sergeants, 64 rank and file 
 killed ; 1 field officer, 2 captains, 6 subalterns, 11 sergeants. 114 
 rank and file wounded ; 1 subaltern missmg. 
 
 Militia— 2 captains, 1 subaltern, 9 rank and file killed ; 1 field 
 
61 
 
 officer, 3 subalterns, 1 sergeant, 11 rank and file wounded; 1 ser- 
 geant and 14 rank and file missing. 
 
 19th Light Dragoons — 1 sergeant and 5 rank and file wounded. 
 
 Weekly Distribution Return of tlie Right Division, Major- 
 
 General Rial!. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort George, July 8th, 1814. 
 
 Fort Niagara, Lieut-Colonel Tucker, Ji-lst Regt: 
 
 Staff -21 officers. 
 
 Royal Marine Artillery — four officers, five sergeants, one 
 drumiiier, 62 rank and tile. 
 
 41st Regiment — 25 officers, 29 sergeants, 18 drummers, 466 
 rank and file. 
 
 100th Regiment — one sergeant, twelve rank and file. 
 
 Fort George, Lieut-Colonel Gordon, Royal Scots : 
 Fort Missassauga, Major Evans, 8th Regiment : 
 
 19th Light Dragoons — three officers, six sergeants, one bugler, 
 64 rank and file — four sick. 
 
 Provincial Light Dragoons — two officers, three sergeants, 15 
 rank and file. 
 
 Royal Engineers — two officers. 
 
 Sappers and Miners — six rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery — eight officers, three sergeants, three buglers, 
 162 rank and file — two sick. 
 
 Incorporated Militia Artillery — one officer, two sergeants, ten 
 rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivers — one officer, three sergeants, one 
 bugler, 28 rank and file — one sick. 
 
 Ist Royal Scots — 29 officers, 53 sergeants, 22 drummers, 726 
 rank and file — 153 sick and wounded. 
 
 8th Regiment — 27 officers, 35 sergeants, 10 drummers, 515 rank 
 and file — 11 sick and wounded. 
 
 100th Regiment — 5 officers, 15 sergeants, 17 drummers, 261 
 rank and file — 121 sick and wounded. 
 
 Incorporated Militia — 33 officers, 27 sergeants, 10 drummei's, 
 309 rank and file. 
 
 Colored Corps — one officer, two sergeants, one drummer, 22 
 rank and file — four sick. 
 
 Long Point and Dependencies, Lieut-Colonel Parry, 103d Regt : 
 19th Dragoons — three officers, four sergeants, one bugler, 56 
 
 rank and file — one sic':. 
 
 Provincial Dragoons — one officer, 13 rank and file. 
 
62 
 
 103d Regiment— 12 officers, 11 sergeants, two drummers, 173 
 rank and file— five sick. 
 Burlington, Colonel H. Scott, lOSd Regiment : 
 
 Provincial Dragoons — three rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery — one officer, three rank and file. 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivel's — one officer, one sergeant, 15 rank and 
 file. 
 
 108d Regiment — 24 officers, 37 sergeants, 23 drummers, 598 
 rank and file — 27 sick. 
 
 York, Lieut. -Colonel Battersby, Glengarry Light Infanti'y : 
 
 Royal Artillery — one officer, one sergeant, ten rank and file. 
 
 Royal '.rtiller}^ Drivers — one officer, one sergeant, nine rank 
 and tile. 
 
 Royal and Provincial Engineei's — one officer, one sergeant, 15 
 rank and tile. 
 
 1st Royal Scots — one officer, one sergeant, two rank and tile — 
 seven sick. 
 
 (Sth Regiment — two officers, six sergeants, two drummers, 70 
 rank and tile — 49 sick. 
 
 41st Regiment — two officers, two sergeants, four rank and file — 
 14 sick. 
 
 89th Regiment — one sergeant, two rank and file — one sick. 
 
 103d Regiment — two rank and file. 
 
 Royal Newfoundland Regiment — one officer, one private — one 
 sick. 
 
 Glengarry Light Infantry— 18 officers, 30 sergeants, 15 drum- 
 mers, 34(i rank and tile — 35 sick. 
 
 Incorporated Militia — one officer, one sergeant, 17 rank and 
 file— 12 sick. 
 
 Embodied Militia — seven officers, six sergeants, one drummer, 
 five rank and file — six sick. 
 
 Kir Ciordoii Druiuuiond to Lord Bathiirst. 
 
 (Bxtraot.1 
 
 Kingston, July 10th, 1814. 
 
 A considerable party of this description (disaffected residents) 
 had been formed and organized in the District of London, who, it 
 appears, had placed themselves under a notorious partizan leader of 
 the enemy, who had frecjuently before made incursions into the 
 unprotected parts of the country, connnitting depredations on 
 private property and carrying off the loyal inhabitants. Nor was 
 this party less active in these respects than liim under whose direc- 
 tions they proposed to act. Their principal object, it appears, was t(3 
 
-63 
 
 disorganize the militia b^ making prisoners of, and delivering up 
 to the enemy, every militia officer upon whom they could lay 
 hands, and which they to some extent effected. They acted chiefly 
 in the District of London, of which the greater part of them were 
 inhabitants. 
 
 Alarmed at their depredations, a small band of the loyal and 
 well disposed of the militia volunteered under one of their officers 
 to march and attack them at their place of rendezvous, with a 
 determination to capture or destroy them, in which they fortunately 
 succeeded, after a sharp resistance from a number far exceeding 
 their own. 
 
 A special commission was formed for their trial but did not 
 open till the 23d day of May, and continued its sitting until the 
 21st of June, when it adjourned till the lOtli of August. Seven- 
 teen were brought to trial out of upwards of seventy in those three 
 districts, (Western, London, and Niagara,) the greater part being in 
 the London district; fifteen were convicted and sentenced to be 
 executed on the 20th of July. Three judges of the King's Bench 
 formed the commission and presided in turns, two being always 
 present. I have selected seven of the condemned men as the least 
 guilty, whom I have reprieved until His Majesty's pleasure is known. 
 
 Opinion of the Acting-Attorney-General, Mr. Robinson, en- 
 closed, dated 18th June, 1814 : 
 
 Aaron Stevens, Dayton Lindsay, Benjamin Simmonds, George 
 Peacock, Jr., Adam Crysler, Isaiah Brink and John Durham are the 
 most guilty. John Johnson is an ignorant man. He behaved with 
 great humanity towards prisoners, and expresses his regret. Samuel 
 and Stephen Hart well returned to their native country at once 
 wlien war was commenced and avowed their hostility. They were 
 taken prisoners by General Brock and paroled at Detroit. He 
 advises that in natural justice they should be reprieved and 
 banished. 
 
 Remarks of Chief Justice Scott : 
 
 Fourteen were convicted, one pleaded guilty. The two Hart- 
 wells should be pardoned. Cornelius Hovey, who pleaded guilty, 
 is so sick that he may not live to abide the sentence of the law — 
 this probably was the cause of the plea. 
 
 Reprieved — Samuel and Stephen Hartwell, Isaac Petit, Jacob 
 Overholser, Garret Neil, John Johnson, Cornelius Hovey. 
 
 To be Executed — Aaron Stevens, Benjamin Simmonds, Noah 
 Hopkins, Dayton Lindsay, George Peacock, Isaiah Brink, Adam 
 Crysler, John Durham. 
 
54 
 
 General Riall to General Drnmmond. 
 
 Fort George, July 8th, 18)4. 
 
 Sir, — I much regret to have to report to you that I have been 
 obHged to retire this afternoon from Chippawa to this place, the 
 enemy having cut a road through the wood from Street's house to 
 where Lyon's Creek falls into the Chippawa and brought along it 
 7 guns covered by the whole of their riflemen and Indinns, uadci 
 the fire of which they bridged the river. This operation was 
 attempted to be opposed by the flankers of the Royal Scots and 
 three field pieces, under Lieut.-Colonel Pearaon, but it was found 
 impossible. 
 
 The right of my position being thus turned, it was no longer 
 tenable, and as at this moment a report was brought that another 
 division of the enemy were passing the river four miles higher up, 
 which would enable them to get into my rear by Lundy's Lane, I 
 felt the necessity of retiring from it. 
 
 My force, having been considerably diminished by the loss it 
 sustained on the 5th, and by the total "defection of the militia and 
 Indians, I tliought it more advisalile to fall back at once on Forts 
 George and Missassauga than to hazard another action with so 
 superior a force without the support of light troops. 
 
 General Riall to General Drumniond. 
 
 Fort George, July 9th, 1814. 
 Sir, — I wrote you last night by express to inform you that 
 the enemy had passed the Chippawa about a mile and a-half above 
 the village, and obliged me to retire from that position. I under- 
 stand his advance is this morning at St. Davids ; an officer of the 
 Provincial Dragoons, who was there to watch them, having been 
 fired at by some dragoons. Our wounded have just gone ott' to 
 York in the schooners. My whole force is retired here, witliout 
 having left anything to fallmto the hands of the enemy. 
 
 General Druininond to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 KiNG.sTON, July 11th, 1814. 
 
 Sir,— I have just received a communication from Major- 
 General Riall of the 7th instant, in the afternoon, observing upon 
 the omission, in his public despatch of the same day, of the num- 
 ber of men engaged under his command at Street's Creek, which 
 he should have inserted (as I imagined) at fifteen hundred. 
 
 The Major-General also states that previous to bis attack upon 
 the enemy's po.sition he had, with Lieut.-Colonel rearson, recon- 
 
55 
 
 noitred them at an early hour in the day with much precision, 
 when, from the extent or ground their encampment occupied, and 
 other observations, and from the information of miHtia men of 
 good character and intelligence, and from Indians who got close to 
 them and climbed trees to overlook their position, he was induced 
 to believe that their force did not exceed 2,000 men, and as the 
 Major-General had not heard at that time of the fall of Fort Erie, 
 he concluded that there must have been a strong force occupied in 
 its investment. These observations proved perfectly just, for the 
 enemy was joined but a few houi*s afterwards by that strong force 
 from above. 
 
 Colonel Scott, connnanding at Burlington, has directed Lieut.- 
 Colonel Parry to fall back to the Grand River from Long Point. 
 By this means the corrnnunication between these two officers may 
 be preserved, or Lieut.-Colonel Parry can retire still further upon 
 Burlington if occasion should require. ^ 
 
 I have received likewise a letter from Major-General Riall, of 
 the 8th instant. Nothing of moment has occurred since the attack 
 on the 5th. The enemy still occupied the same position, and on the 
 7th received a reinforcement of 400 men. Their loss in the action 
 of the 5th appears to have been, from good authority, very severe. 
 They suffered much from the fire of our artillery. Brigadier- 
 General Scott is among the wounded, being shot through the foot. 
 Not a single Indian remained with the Major-General at Chippawa. 
 
 I have the honor to trarsmit the cop}'^ of information received 
 from a person sent from hence to Sackett's Harbour on the morn- 
 ing of the 8th inst. 
 
 P. S. — Since writing the foregoing I have received information 
 from a source to be depended on that the plan of the enemy is to 
 wait the result of their army's proceedings on the Niagara, in the 
 expectation that General Riall will be driven back by degrees, 
 when their fleet is to leave Sackett's Harbor with a strong force 
 on board, which is to be landed at the Forty or Fifty Mile Creek in 
 General Riall's rear and thus get possession of the provisions and 
 stores at Burlington. This information left Sackett's Harbor on 
 the 2d inst. 
 
 General Drummoud to Sir Cieorge Prevost. 
 
 Kingston, July 11th, 1814. 
 Half past 6 o'clock p. m. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to transmit herewith a despatch this 
 minute received from Major-General Riall, stating that the enemy 
 had crossed the Chippawa about a mile and a half fi^om its mouth, 
 
56 
 
 whereby the Major-General was under the necessity of retiring 
 
 from that position. xi. ' • -^ ^ 
 
 I trust Your Excellency will see the pressing necessity of 
 expeditiiif? the intended reinforcements for this place, which I can- 
 not avoid expressing my anxiety about, from its present very 
 defenceless state in conse(|uence of the reduced numbers of the 
 garrison, as it is ii)i possible to say what may be the intentions of 
 the enemy on leaving Suckett's Harbor, when they will probably 
 be accompanied by a considerable land force. It is natural to 
 auppo.se that they obtain >is good information of our force here as 
 we do of theirs at Sackett's Harbor. 
 
 (General Druiiiiiiond to Sir Crcorge Prevost. 
 
 K1NG.STON, July 13th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Major-General Riall's official despatch of the 8th inst. 
 has just now reached me. By the enclosed copy Your Excellency 
 will perceive that the enemy having cros.sed the Chippawa in two 
 places above the village the Major-General thought proper to retire 
 upon Fort George and Missassauga. 
 
 The flank companies of the Royal Scots, with three field pieces, 
 attempted to oppose them in their passage to the river, but, covered 
 as their advance wa.s by seven guns, it was found impossible to 
 prevent them. 
 
 The enemy have established themselves at Queenston, where 
 they have placed guns on Mr. Hamilton's house and commenced forti- 
 fying the heights, as appears by a further communication from the 
 Major-General of the 10th inst, wherein he also represents that 
 every exertion is making to resist any attack which may be made 
 upon Fort (Jeorge or Missa.s.sauga, although he considers the former 
 in so defective a state of <lefence as to be incapable of holding out 
 for any length of time should it be 8eriou.sly bombarded. 
 
 With the superior force of the enemy, covered as it is by 
 numerous light troops and Indiana, the Major-General feels it at 
 present impo.s8ible, especially as he is now deprived of both these 
 means, to give much effective interruption in their operations with- 
 out reinforcements. 
 
 Lieut-Colonel Pearson had just returned before Major-General 
 Riall's letter was sent, from reconnoitering the enemy's position at 
 Queenston. They had not any advanced party at a distance of a 
 mile from that place. 
 
 
57 
 Arrangements for CoUectlnK a Force at Burlington. 
 
 (Boorat.) 
 
 The Glengarry Light Infantry to be pushed on to Burlington 
 without waiting for the arrival of the 89th Regiment, leaving all 
 non-effectiveH at York. 
 
 The 89th to push on in like manner, leaving the two boy- 
 companies and all non-effectives and incumbrances at York, Lieut.- 
 Colonel Morrison to take with him two brass tield-pieces under 
 Lieut. Armstrong from York. 
 
 One wing of the Regiment DeWatteville to be pushed on to 
 Burlington inmiediately, the other to be in readiness to follow on 
 the arrival at or near Kingston of the head of the 6th or 82d 
 Regiment. 
 
 Five companies of the Canadian Regiment to proceed to King- 
 ston without waiting for the 104th going down. 
 
 The latter regiment (104th) to remain at Kingston until further 
 orders. 
 
 If found necessary, Commodore Sir James Yeo must be applied 
 to to land 200 of the Marine Battalion for the garrison of Point 
 Frederick until the arrival of the 82d. 
 
 Lieut.-General Drunnuond intends proceeding to the head of 
 the lake in a few days to assume command of the troops assembling 
 there. 
 
 The following officers of the staff will accompany him, viz : 
 
 The officers of his personal staff, including the adjutant-general 
 of militia, and his assistant, deputy-quartermaster-general and one 
 assistant, Capt. Powell, Major Philott, commanding artillery, the 
 (quartermaster-general of militia. 
 
 J. Harvey, D. A. G. 
 
 Sir Gordon Drnminond to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 (Private.) 
 
 Kingston, July 13th, 1814. 
 
 Dear Sir, — The official despatch of Major-General Riall sent 
 by this express was forwarded to York by water, which in con- 
 sequence of tempestuous weather caused the delay in the receipt of 
 it here. 
 
 The Major-General is strongly inclined to think that the 
 intentions of the enemy are shortly to invest the forts upon which 
 he has retired. Fort George is not capable of much resistance, yet 
 he assures me that every possible exertion shall be made to place it 
 in the best state of defence that time and means will permit. 
 
 The Indians, he says, have behaved most shamefully, literally 
 
58 
 
 speaking, not one remaining of tlie hundreds that were with him 
 prior to the retreat. 
 
 Such of tlie uiiHtia as are disposed to keep the field, tlie Major- 
 General has ordered to rendezvous at Burlington. 
 
 Several officei-s and 120 wounded men have arrived at York in 
 the schooners. 
 
 From the report of a deserter, it appears that the enemy lost 
 about 500 men in the action of the 5th ; this number they couM 
 well aftbrd, but to us it was the loss of one-third of our men. 
 
 The Royals and 100th Regiments are in the greatest want for 
 officei-s. The latter has but one captain and three subalterns doing 
 duty and al)out 250 effective men. 
 
 Major-General Riall calls upon me strongly for, and indeed 
 expects, reinforcements, but Your Excellency must be aware that I 
 have not a man to send him. and that those expected from the 
 Lower Province cannot l)e calculated at arriving higher than Corn- 
 wall before the latter end of this week. I have, however, ordered 
 the Glengarry Light Lifantry to proceed to Burlington, and the 
 89th on its arrival at York, leavnig there its boy companies, to 
 follow on the same route. I have likewise made some further 
 arrangements, which shall be conununicated to Colonel Baynes by 
 the deputy -adjutant-general for Your Excellency's information, 
 and as the troops cannot be forwarded without provisions, I have re- 
 (juested Sir James Yeo to send his two brigs immediately, with as 
 much flour and pork as they can carry, to York and Burlington. 
 
 As soon as the five companies of Canadian Fencibles arrive 
 here I propose proceeding to Burlington myself, and with the force 
 I shall collect there to form a junction with Major-General Riall. 
 
 York, in the meantime, will l)e protected by such of the HDth 
 and Glengarry Light Lifantry as are unfit for more active service, 
 by a body of militia, and perhaps by the crew of the Star brig. 
 
 Nr. Turquand to Major David Secord. 
 
 You are hereby authorized to take under your charge a party 
 of militia for the purpose of collecting all the cattle you can pi-o- 
 cure m the country, for which you will receive a fair price, accord- 
 ing to estimation on their being delivered over to the person 
 employed in the Commissariat Department appointed to receive the 
 cattle, at Fort George or its vicinity. 
 Chippawa, 8th July, 1814. 
 
 Peter Turquand, 
 
 Dy. Comm'y Gen'l. 
 
59 
 
 Sir Gordon Drnmniond to Sir Ceorffe Prevost. 
 
 Kingston-, July 15th, 1«U. 
 
 Sir, — Since my letter to Your Excellency of the 13th inst, I 
 have not received any coniniunication from Alajor-Geiioral Riall. 
 
 I have received letters from Colonel Scott at Burlinjj^on .statinji: 
 his intention of moving to the Forty Mile Creek, his force at 
 
 S*esent being the I08d Regiment, a detachment of the 19th 
 ragoons, about 1,000 nnlitia and some Indians, but whase number 
 he could scai-cely ascertain. I have disapproved of this movement 
 and dii-ected him to return and retain his iKKst at Burlington, as 
 well as to dismiss all the too young, elderly, and inactive men of 
 tlie militia, as I consider he is much better without such description 
 of men, and to keep only those of healthy and serviceable appear- 
 ance, as well from this reason as that it woiUd l>e impossible to 
 provision such numliei-s. 
 
 Jilajor-General Conran shall be pushed on to Burlington with- 
 out delay on his arrival here. 
 
 The 89th Regiment is, I trust, well on its waj' to York from 
 the Carrying Place, from whence it proceeds by land. 
 
 This day has been so boisterous from the westward as to pi*e- 
 vent the right wing of De Watteville's Regiment fi-om leaving this 
 by water. It will proceed by land to-morrow morning ; the left 
 wing on the arrival of the 82d Regiment. 
 
 Three companies of the Canadian Regiment arrived here this 
 morning;. 
 
 Although I should have wished it, I am apprehensive that I 
 shall not have it in my power to forward any further reinforce- 
 ments to the right division, from the inability of the commis-sariat 
 to supply provisions, and in fact di-ead their failing in due supplies 
 to those already ordered there. 
 
 I acquainted Your Excellency in my private letter of the 18th 
 inst. that I had been under the neces.sity of calling on ComnuKlore 
 Sir James Yeo to send up his two brigs, the Star and Charwfll, 
 with flour and pork. One sailed yesterday, the other is now taking 
 in her cargo and will be ready to proceed this night if the wind, 
 at present foul, permits, and if the enemy's fleet does not prove to 
 have taken the lake. 
 
 Four of their veshels were telegraphed as being off Pidgeon 
 Islands. 
 
 I propose leaving this place on Sunday morning for Burlington. 
 
()0 
 
 sir Gordon Druminond to Sir Cieorge Prevost. 
 
 Ki\(JST()N, July Kith, 1H14. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to tnuiHinit a despatch from Major- 
 General Riall of the 12th in.st., covering a copy of the opinion of 
 the otticei-s of the Royal Artillery and Royal EngineerH upon the 
 state of the defenees and means of rcHistance of the three forts at 
 the mouth ol" the River Niagara. 
 
 I approve of the Major-Cieneral's retiring to Burlington. But 
 I am of opinion that he cannot make any serious impression upon 
 the enemy with the Force he at present has, as little reliance can lx> 
 
 f laced on the nund)erH of the militia, and still less on the Indians, 
 trust, however, that when the leinforcement of the J)e Watteville's 
 Regiment shall have got up to his succour that something may be 
 done worthy of observation. 
 
 I wish it were in my power still further to increase the num- 
 bers of the right division, either by forwarding the ()th or «S"2d 
 Regiment to the frontier, but I feel afraid the connnissariat could 
 not supply them. So nmch alarmed am I even with the present 
 nundters that I have directed all the women and children of the 
 troops to be sent down from Niagara, Burlington and York, and 
 the families of the Indians to be placed on half allowance. 
 
 The Chtinrell brig sailed from here yesterday evening for the 
 head of the lake with provisions and some ammunition. I am in 
 very strong ho|)es she will arrive safe' at her destination, for Mr. 
 McKenzie, an intelligent master of the sijuadron, has returned this 
 morning from reconnoitering the e!iemy in Sackett's Harbor, where 
 their whole .squadron was lying with all their sails bent and 
 apparently ready for sea, but the Muhawh, on board of which from 
 her foremast forward no guns could be perceived, and as she 
 appeared to be very much by the stern it is imagined she cannot 
 be conjpletely armed yet. 
 
 I have urged Dy.-Commissar^-tieneral Couche to forward sup- 
 plies to the head of the lake so much that it will be necessary to 
 pu.sh on the next brigades of batteaux which arrive from below. 
 This may answer for the present, but with the decided naval 
 superiority of the enemy it will be a most extraordinary circum- 
 stance if they will permit our connnunication by water to proceed 
 unmolested. 
 
 I am concerned to observe that none of the engineer officers 
 (80 nmch wanted in this province) have as yet made their appear- 
 ance. 
 
 I hope to be at Burlington in the course of a few days. 
 
61 
 
 NaJor*General Rlall to General Drummond. 
 
 Fort George, July 12, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — The enemy Htill occupy the same position and I imagine 
 are waiting for the arrival of their fleet to furnish them with heavy 
 ordnance for their opcratioim against our forts. I have recjuired 
 the opinion of the onicers of artillery and enj(ineers upon the state 
 of their defence. If their opinion be correct the fall of these 
 places is inevitable if vigorously attacked, unless the besiegers are 
 interrupted in their operations or a <li version made to di'aw their 
 attention elsewhere. Having left in Forts George, Missassauga and 
 Niagara such garrisons as the ofRcei's of engineers shall consider 
 necessary, I shall move from this towards Burlington with between 
 800 and 900 men. I have directed Colonel Scott to meet me with 
 the lOUd, the militia collected at Burlington, of whom I understand 
 there are a considerable body, and the whole of the Indians that 
 can be assembled and will get into the enemy's rear by the Short 
 Hills and Lundy's Lane. I have also directed Lieut.-Colonel 
 Battersby to move from York with the Glengarry Light Infantry, 
 as I conceive the protection of that place a secondary consideration 
 and that it is not likely to be attacked. If you are forwarding 
 reinforc(*ments to this place, part of them may be left at York, but 
 I am decidedly of the opinion that every man should be taken to 
 create such a force here as will make the discomfiture and ainiihi- 
 lation of the enemy beyond doubt. 
 
 Ans Wei's to questions submitted to officers of engineers : 
 Fort George is in a very bad state of defence and can make 
 little or no resistance against an army computed at between 5,000 
 and (5,000 men, with a due proportion of heavy artillery, and the 
 only thing to prevent its being taken by assault is a bad row of 
 pickets. If Fort George falls into the enemy's hands, he will be 
 enal)led to carry on a regular attack against Fort Niagara on his 
 own side of the river, which he would otherwise find difficult to do. 
 Forts George and Niagara having fallen. Fort Misstissauga will be 
 very much weakened, as all the supplies without that fort will be 
 cut off entirely. There is no secure cover for the garrison of Fort 
 Missassauga and it would soon fall if attacked by land. Fort 
 Niagara being the protection of our supplies outside it. Fort 
 Missassauga would not be easily taken by assault, but is incapable 
 of holding out against a bombardment. 
 
62 
 
 Major Thomafl Evans to MaJor-l>en«ral RIall. 
 
 FoKT CiKoiuJE, i:Hh .July, 1HI4. 
 
 SiK,— I have tlie honor to report to yon that, conformable to 
 your instructions, I last u\^\\t prm'iHMlrd witii the company of the 
 Kind's H('j;iiiu*nt. consisting; of two ser^tuints and 32 rank and tile, 
 to execute the ordtTs with which you had l)een pleawd to entrust 
 me. The vicinity of the road leadinj^' to Colontil Hannlton's house 
 was well examined, and every means used to aHcortnin if any 
 enemy was in the nei;,diliorhood. The Held at HamiltouH l)earinj; 
 suspicious murks that an I'liemy had been there, a non-connnissioned 
 officer and four rank and tile were left to watch that position. 
 Soon after our approach to Cope's and a<ljacent houses, a single .shot 
 was tired in the rear, but not being followed by othei-s was disre- 
 garded, except by the company being kept in a most profound state 
 of defence. Whilst examining the inhabitants on the points 
 referred to me by you, the conjpany was vigorously atUicked from 
 the lear by the road by which it had a<lvanced. The enemy, how- 
 ever, notwithstanding his prodigious numbei's, was foiled in his 
 attempting to intercept its return, and his loss occasioned by the 
 tire of n»y .small party must have been great, from the fact of his 
 so early desi.sting to act ottensively against us. As the preservation 
 of the coujpany naturally l^ecame the first object, and oeing in the 
 neighborhood of the enemy, I trust it will be thought enough was 
 done to entitle the officers and men to the claim of their usual 
 steadiness and gallantry. Every credit is due to Captain Sadleir, 
 his subalterns, Lieuts. Barstow and Young — the former for his 
 vigilance and caution ; the latter for their aninuited example under 
 very trying circumstances. 
 
 I enclose a list of casualities, and have the honor to be, 
 
 Thos. Evan.s, 
 
 Maj. Comd'g King's Regt. 
 
 P. S. — Since writing the above, information has l)een received 
 that the party by which the light company was attacked amounted 
 to 200 men, under General Swift, who was killed in the affair with 
 17 of his men. 
 
 Major-Cieneral Riall to Lieut.-General Drummond. 
 
 20 Mile Creek, 14th July, 1814. 
 Sir,— I have the honor to enclose you a report of Major Evans 
 of the King's Regiment, whom I had sent out with a sniall party 
 on the evening of the 12th inst. I have every reason to be satisfied 
 with the conduct of the Major and of the officers 8,nd men of that 
 regiment on this occasion. The report of the death of Brigadier- 
 General Swift is fully confirmed. 
 
m 
 
 Brigade Orders. 
 
 QUEENHTON, July 13, 1814. 
 
 It in with the moHt painful HeiiHatioiiH that Hrigadior-General 
 Porter aiinounceH tlie duath of his friend and companion in aruis, 
 Brij,'adier-Cfeneral John Swift. He yeHterday ^enerouHly volun- 
 teered liis HerviceH to the Commanding Oeneral tc» reconnoitre the 
 enemy's position and works at Fort Oeori^e, accompanied by a pai*ty 
 of 120 volunteers, and having by the most judicious arrangement 
 succeeded in capturing, without the discharge of a gun, an outpost, 
 a pic(iuet with a corporal and tive men, from whom he expected to 
 obtain important information, he was assassinated by one of the 
 prisonei"s, wh«» after begging for and receiving (quarter shot him 
 through the breast. 
 
 The alarm occasioned by the discharge of the gun immediately 
 brought towards the ground a patroling party of the enemy alxjut 
 50 or 60 strong, when General Swift formed his men, advanced at 
 their head upon the patrol and connnenced a successful attack, 
 when he fell exhausted by his wounds. The other officers of his 
 command, of whom notice will hereafter be taken, animated by the 
 example of heroism and fortitude which had been set them, fought, 
 beat and drove the enemy into Fort George, from which they were 
 not more than half a mile distant, and then retired, bearing their 
 wounded and expiring General with them. 
 
 It is impossible for General Porter to express the poignancy of 
 his own gi'ief, or to appreciate the loss which the corps has sustain- 
 ed in the fall of this excellent officer. After serving his country 
 for seven years in the war of the Revolution, he again stepped for- 
 ward as a volunteer to give the aid of his experience in support of 
 the violated rights of this country, and never was that country 
 called on to lament the loss of a firmer patriot or a braver man. 
 
 He will be interred at 6 o'clock this afternoon with military 
 honors. The brigade will parade at 5 p. m. 
 
 By order of Brig. -Gen. P. B. Porter. 
 
 Jacob Dox, A. D. C. 
 
 Extract fk'om Niles* Register. 
 
 Baltimore, Md., July 30, 1814. 
 
 " There have been several small affairs between the piquets. 
 On Tuesday night last a party from our army, commanded by 
 General John Swift (late of Palmyra, Ontario County,) of the 
 volunteers, encountered a party of the enemy, a part of whom sur- 
 rendered, and while our party were advancing to receive those of 
 
64 
 
 the enemy who had surrendered a fellow shot General Swift 
 through the body, which wound proved mortal next morning. 
 
 " We understand the man escaped, but those who surrendered 
 
 were brought in. 
 
 " On Friday last several wagons in the employ of the United 
 States were taken by the enemy near St. David's, four miles from 
 Queenston. Seth Cotton of Buffalo and his team were among the 
 
 captured. 
 
 "On Saturday night last a pai*ty of the enemy, said to l^e 
 Indians, surprised our picket at Fort E' io, consisting of eight men, 
 two of wlioni were killed and the rest taken." 
 
 General Brown to Commodore Chaiincey. 
 
 Headquahteus, Queenstox, July 13, 1814. 
 
 My Dear Sir. — I arrived ut this place on the 10th, as I assured 
 you that with the blessing of God I would. All accounts agree 
 that the force of the enemy in Kingston is very light. Meet me on 
 the lake shore north of Fort George with your fleet, and we will 
 be able, I have no doubt, to settle a plan of operations that will 
 break the power of the enemy in Upper Canada, and that in the 
 course of a short time. At all events, let me hear from you. I 
 have looked for your fleet with the greatest anxiety since the 10th. 
 I do not doubt my ability to meet the enemy in the fleld, and to 
 march in an}' direction over his country — your fleet carrying for 
 me the necessary supplies. We can threaten Forts George and 
 Niagara, cany Burlington Heights and York, an<l proceed direct 
 to Kingston and carry that place. For (lod's sake let me see you. 
 Sir James will not tight: two of his vessels are now in the Niagara. 
 
 If you conclude to meet me at the heatl t)f the lake and that 
 inline* liately, have the goodness to bring the guns and troops that I 
 have ordered from the harbor: at all events have the politeness to 
 let me know what aid I am to expect from the fleet of Lake 
 Ontario. 
 
 Therw is not a doubt resting in my mind but we have between 
 us the eoinmand of sufficient means to coiujuer Upper Canada 
 within two months if there is prompt and zealous co-operation, and 
 a vigorous application of the.se means ; now is our time, before the 
 enemy can be greatly reinforced. 
 
65 
 
 Major-Cieneral Riall to Llent.*General Drammond. 
 
 20 Mile Creek, 15th July, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to report to you that, agreeable to the 
 intentions conveyed to you by my letter of the 12th, I caused the 
 detJichnient of troops, as per margin, to move from Fort George on 
 the morning of the 13th ; and Colonel Scott having at the same 
 time moved forward with the 103d Regiment from Burlington, a 
 junction was formed at this place, where I have for the present 
 placed the troops in position on the height above the creek. 
 
 I had ordered the Glengarry Regiment from York; three com- 
 panies are, I understand, near at hand, and the remainder, I presume, 
 from the Deputy- Adjutant General's letter, will soon arrive. 
 
 I have great satisfaction in stating to you the loyal and patri- 
 otic spirit of the militia of the London District, who have marched 
 hither in numbei*s. The Lincoln Regiments are assembling, and in 
 the course of to-morrow I expect the militia will muster in strength, 
 and I have some hopes of the more spirited co-operation of the 
 Indians. 
 
 With these favorable circumstances I meditated another attack 
 upon the enemy, and conceiving that the sanction you gave for my 
 withdrawing the garrison of York in the event of the enemy 
 appearing in force from the westward would equally apply in other 
 cases of great emergency, I yesterday despatched an order to Lieut.- 
 Colonel Morrison to join me with the 89th without delay. With 
 this reginient I had hoped that the capture or destruction of the 
 greatest part of the enemy's force at Queenston would have been 
 within my power. 
 
 From Lieut-Colonel Mori'ison's instructions, a copy of which 
 I received from the Deputy-Adjutant-General this day, I doubt 
 whether that officer will feel himself authorized in obeying my 
 orders, which I must greatly regret, bacause, from the information 
 all along received of the enemy's means, it is to be pre- 
 sumed, speaking with reference to the force he has brought, that 
 his private intentions are directed solely against the forts. York 
 is therefore safe for the moment and I wished the attack immediate 
 while in possession of the co-operation of the militia and Indians, 
 which delay must deprive me of. 
 
 Artillery— Three O-pounders, one 6i-inch howitzer. 
 
 Royals 820 
 
 Klnn'B 200 
 
 Incorporated Militia • • - - 316 
 
 886 
 
 Colonel Scott. 
 
 Artillery— Four 6-pounder8. 
 
 103d eno 
 
66 
 
 General Riall to General Drnmmond. 
 
 20-MiLE Creek, 16th July, 1814. 
 
 SiR^_I have the honor to enclose you a report from Lieut.- 
 Colonel Tucker, left in the connnand of the forts on the frontier, 
 and I hope the activity shown by that officer and the spirit evinced 
 by the troops will meet with your approbation. 
 
 I propose to-morrow to take up a more ailvanced position at 
 the 12 Mile Creek, for the jnu'pose of favorin^.^ some parties of 
 militia and Indians, who will be pushed forward with a view to 
 gain information of the enemy's movements and prevent his re- 
 ceiving supplies from the country. 
 
 From the report of deserters and some prisoners who have 
 been made, I learn that the enemy has been reinforced by 700 men, 
 who were crossed over at Lewiston. A return of the troops and 
 militia is forwarded by this express to the Deput}'- Adjutant- 
 General. 
 
 Lieiit.-Colonel Tucker to iMaJor- General RIall. 
 
 MississACA Four, lotii July, A past 10 p. m. 
 
 SiK, — When I had the iionor of acMivssing you this afternoon 
 the enemy's columns wei'e advancing in great force in every direc- 
 tion, with a view of driving in my pic<iuets and establishing their 
 position, as I ajiprehend to open and cany on their operations 
 against the fortresses which you <lid me the honor to entrust to 1113' 
 surveillance. I lost no o))poi'tunity of directing my pic<|uets to 
 contest the advance of the enemy with vigor and resolution, and 
 happy am I to leport that this arduous fluty was executed with 
 vigor and skill, which enabled me to complete every arrangement 
 which I thought ex])edient (under circumstances of peculiar interest 
 and anxiety) to adopt. The prisonei*s and other individuals who 
 had been in the enemy's camp affbr<led me an assurance that the 
 American army destined for the reducti<m of these three fortresses 
 amounted to >S, or 10,000, and the very formidable columns which 
 they bi'ought forward and the extent of ground which they occu- 
 pied, extending from the left to the "'(ht of the.se fortresses, suil" 
 ciently proved that their nundiers were considerable, and not less 
 than three thousand men. 
 
 I wish to do justice to a l)rave eneni}'' on every occasion, and 
 must thert'fore confesH that they pushed forward in a spirited man- 
 ner, our pic(|Uets retiring before them. You are aware of the very 
 extraordinary and peculiar nuxle of warfare, ailvantageous and 
 only applicable to American troops in this country, and I trust you 
 will approve my having allowed my advanced posts to retire with 
 
61 
 
 a view of drawing them into an open country to enable me to take 
 advantage of the superior skill of British troops. 
 
 I had every reason to believe, from many concurrent accounts, 
 that the American army intended and expected to carry everything 
 before it from its vast superiority of numerical force, but I am 
 proud to assure you that a very different opinion was entertained 
 bj' every individual under my command, all equally determined to 
 do their duty to their country. 
 
 Skirmishing with the advanced posts continued from the 
 enemy until three o'clock, when I deemed it prudent to move out 
 of this fortress two six-pounders under Lieut. Tomkyns, Royal 
 Artillery, (the enemy having formed a very solid column, supported 
 with a six-pounder and howitzer, on the road leading to Colonel 
 Hamilton's,) which were so well served and judiciously directed 
 that I had the pleasure of seeing them retire after having made a 
 foel)le resistance. The six-poundera were supported and protected 
 by a detachment of the King's Regiment under Captain Campbell. 
 The Royal Regiment also u»ove<l out of Fort George, agreeable to 
 my orders, to be in readiness to move on any point which circum- 
 stances might reijuire. The zeal and exertions of Major Deane of 
 the Royals, and Captain McLauchlan, Royal Artillery, both in com- 
 mand of important forts, afforded me the highest satisfaction, and 
 inspired me with a perfect confidence in their co-operation should 
 the enemy make a vigorous effort to possess himself of my guns, 
 or to turn the flanks of my small parties. After a very brisk can- 
 nt)nade of near an hour, I had the satisfaction of seeing the enemy 
 move off one of his field-pieces, having, I imagine, suffered from 
 the fire of oiu' artillery. The enthusiasm and zeal of the troops 
 inider my connnand, viz.: Royal Artillery, Royals, King's and 41st 
 Regiment, will ever deserve my esteem, and I hope will afford you 
 a confidential reliance on a gallant defence of the three forts 
 should the threatened siege ever take place. 
 
 Every individual seemed to be actuated by one sentiment of 
 distinguishing himself on the field of battle, and every encourage- 
 ment was given to the enemy to come forward to try the temper 
 of our tr(X)ps. To all I feel deeply indebted for various services, 
 but I beg to call to your particular notice Lieut. Hill, King's Regi- 
 ment, Staff Adjutant ; Lieut. Le Breton, Deputy- Assistant-Quarter- 
 Master-General, and Lieut. O'Reilly, acting as my aide-de-camp. 
 These officers afforded me the greatest satisfaction — their conduct 
 was conspicuous to all. Lieut. Pliilpot, Royal Engineers, has a just 
 claim to my regard and perfect approbation ; — animated in the field 
 nn<l judicious in his opinions, I derived great assistance from him. 
 
68 
 
 The Canadian Militia hanissed the eneinv in a very manly and 
 spirited style. They merit my most favorable opinion. 
 
 I con^Miitulate you, sir, on the complete failure of a dashing 
 enterprize of the enemy to establish his superiority over us, which 
 he vainly imai;,*'ed mijjlit lead to the reduction of these fortre.ssea 
 without mucirresistance. We have driven him back without hav- 
 ing suffered on our part, although we were Hensible that his iuss 
 alone induced him to retire. From my own observation and every 
 account from other otficei"s I am pei*Huaded that three thousand 
 tr(X)ps occupied our front at the tnne of my advance. Thus, .sir, 
 you may perceive the just degree of credit due to Lieut. Tomkyn.s 
 and his artillery for that execution which induced so large a force 
 to retire. 
 
 I write at a very late hour to despatch a message to you, in the 
 hope that your advance may enable me to act offensively, and a.s I 
 am nmch tired, which nnist pleml my excuse for this very hasty 
 letter. 
 
 John G. p. Tucker, Lt.-Col. 
 
 General Peter B. Porter to General Jacob Brown. 
 
 QuEEX.sTON Hekjhts, July 16, 1814. 
 
 SiK, — In pursuance of your instructions to me to move round 
 Fort (Jeorge, interrupt the enemy's communication with the coun- 
 try and reconnoitre his works, I marched yesterday morning at 
 reveille, accompanied by that excellent officer, Major Wo(xl of the 
 engineers, with the whole of my brigade and two pieces of artil- 
 lery under Captain Ritchie of the regular anny, by the way of 
 St, Davids and the Cross Roads to Ltike Ontario, where we had an 
 opportunity to exan)ine the northern face of Forts Riall and Niag- 
 ara, alM)ut two miles distant. From the lake I returned to the 
 Cross Roads, moved in upon Fort George, drove the enemy's pickets 
 and formed the brigade in full view and within a mile of the fort. 
 Lieut.-Colonel Wilcocks with his command, Captains Hull, Harding 
 and Freema!! with their companies of New York Volunteei-s, and 
 Captain Fleming with part of our Indian wamoi's, advanced under 
 cover of a tuft of woo«ls within musket shot of the fort, and 
 rtfibrded Major W(K)d a fair op|)ortunity to examine the works. 
 
 After remaining an hour and a half, and having accomplished 
 the object of the expedition, I returned slowly ai*ound the south 
 side of Fort George and joined General Ripley on the Niagara, and 
 with his brigade retired to camp at nine in the evening. 
 
 The enemy fired but a few shots from his batteries, and, with 
 the exception of two or three small parties that were sent out and 
 imi'^ediately driven back by our light troops, kept close within his 
 
 
69 
 
 works until we were retiring, when several pieces of artillery were 
 sent out and a brisk fire commenced on our rear. 
 
 We lost not a man killed, and but two (both of Colonel Swift's 
 regiment) wounded. Lieut. Fontaine of the artillery and one of 
 Colonel Boughton's officers had their horses killed under them by 
 cannon shot. 
 
 But I have to report the loss of five men of Capt. Boughton's 
 fine company of New York Cavalry made prisoners. They are the 
 victims of your own generous policy of suflTering the inhabitants, 
 who profess neutrality, to remain unmolested. The safety of my 
 brigade required me to place videttes at the several roads leading 
 from Fort George and crossing my line of march at right angles. 
 Five of them were surpnsed and taken by a part,y of 15 or 20 
 militia who live on the road, but who had secreted themselves in 
 the woods on our approach, an \ were advised of all our movements 
 and positions by the women who were thronging around us on our 
 march. Some of these men, I am informed, have been in our camp 
 professing friendship. 
 
 The conduct of every part of my command was such as not 
 only to meet my approbation, but considering the descripton of 
 force to excite my highest admiration. They performed a march of 
 thirty miles, drove in the enemy's pickets, lay for some haul's under 
 his batteries, retired in good order, and in every movement of the 
 day exhibited examples of order, fortitude and gallantry, which 
 would have been honorable to the oldest coi'ps. 
 
 General Riall to General Drumniond. 
 
 20 Mile Creek, 17th July, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Since I wrote you yesterday transmitting a report of 
 Lieut.-Colonel Tucker of the enemy's appearance before Fort 
 George and of his liaving retired to Queenston, nothing extraordin- 
 ary has occurred. I had the honor to receive your letter of the 
 13th. informing niie of your intention to conie up here and of the 
 reinforcemenis we may shortly expect, at both of which circum- 
 stances I am very highly pleased. Under the circ.mistances that 
 have taken place it is very much to be regretted that Fort Niagara 
 should have been so weakened as it is to our side. The officei*s of 
 engineer did intend to do something to protect and strengthen it 
 when I left Fort George, and I make no doubt are working there. 
 I shall write to Lieut.-Colonel Tucker on the subject inmiediately. 
 Fort George has not, as you imagine, a 24-pounder mounted in it. 
 There are three 18-pounders, two garrison 12-poundei's and two 
 field 12-pounders that were brought from Queenston Hill, one 9, 
 
70 
 
 and one 8-inch mortar iiwd howitzer, but I do not think the twelves 
 thut Jire mounted on the hind or weHtern face are sufficiently lieavy 
 in case tlie enemy sliall erect batteries apiinst it, which of coui-se 
 he will do: the only 24-pounderH that were .sent up, four in number, 
 are mounted in MissaHsau^ja, as are tlie two brass guns of that 
 calibre: the 24-i)oun<ler belonj^Mnjjf to the Mmjnet is mounted in the 
 southwest angle of Fort Niaj^ara, which is a very important situ- 
 ation, as it overlooks the plain and Fort Georjre better than any 
 other position it att'ords. 1 «ifave direction that the rampart of the 
 north face of Fort (Jeorge is to Ih' levelled in order to open the 
 plain as much as possible to the tire of Nia<jar>i. The Commissary 
 of Ordnance, Mr. (lordon, deserves to be displaced from liis situation 
 for the most <;ross nc«,dect. I have ujore than once remarked to 
 him on s'-eini; his returns that the quantity of powder was not 
 sutticient, hut beinj; assured by him that it was equal to 200 rounds 
 for every piece of ordnance we had, which was all we are allowed 
 by the Board of Ordnance, I di<l not myself make a calculation to 
 see whethei" it was or not. When Sir James Yeo arrived at Niagara, 
 I st'ut for Mr. (Jordon and further asked if lie wanted j)Owder, as if 
 he did I .should make an apjilication to the Commodore for it. He 
 told me he tlid not want any, that he had an ample .supply. In the 
 course of two or three days after he reported to me that there was 
 not sufficient powder and that it would Ix' necessary to get u}) some 
 both from Yoik and Hurlington, which has Ix^en effected with a 
 good deal of trouble, to the amoiuit of, I l)elieve, 40 barrels. There 
 wants a gieat jvformation in that tlepartment of the ordnance here. 
 I have much reason to be dissatisHcfl with the con<luct of Captain 
 Norton in a circum.stance which has occurred within a day or two, 
 and which possibly may be attenvled with very serious conse(juences, 
 an<l which 1 am sorry to say places him, I think, in a very 8u.spicious 
 point of view. Two American Indians arrived at Burlington, 
 bringing with them an old Cayuga chief, who had been taken in 
 the action at Chippawa. Captain Norton was not only accjuainted 
 with this circumstance, but permitte<l them to atten'l a council of 
 the Six Nations in order to deliver a niessag'.- from those in the 
 interest of America. It is true, I believe, that the officer who wa^ 
 left in comuiand at Burlington was informed of the circumstance, 
 but he was ignorant of the customs of those people and uncerttiin 
 how he should act and did not apprehend them. Whatever tho.se 
 fellov.'s have .said has caused much dissatisfaction among the Indians, 
 and the western people have rea.son to.su.spect the Six Nations of 
 treachery. Colonel Caldwell had told Norton that lie should not. 
 only have prevented the American Indians from intercoui'se with 
 his, but that he should have apprehended them immediately, which 
 
71 
 
 he would not do, and when I asked him why he had not done so, 
 he I'eplied that he had neither ^uard nor place to put them in, and 
 that it wjis the business of the officer commanding the post. There 
 is something extraordinary, I do think, in Mr. Norton's conduct 
 altogether in this business. V^ery few of the Cayugas and Onon- 
 dagas have come forward with the other Indians. 
 
 There is a considerable body of militia collected here, and it 
 will be a great pity if the reinforcements you have ordered up 
 should not arrive to take advantage of it. Their liay being now 
 receiving injury and their corn ripening fa.st, they will not be in- 
 duced, I fear, to remain long. They are all tine, serviceable men, 
 few or none coming un<ler the description you wish should be sent 
 home. The whole of our wounded men have arrived at York. 
 Lieut.-Colonei T^^cker lias been instructed to hold out to the last 
 extremity all the forts. The garrisons that have been left in them 
 are fully .sufficient for their defence. In Fort George are nearly 
 400 of the Royals, 200 of the 100th, and upwards of 60 artillery. 
 In Missassauga 290 odd of the King's, the Colored Corps, Military 
 Artificers, and others, making, with artillery, not far from 400 men. 
 In Fort Niagara the 4l8t and the wliole of the mai'ine artillery. 
 I have not heard from Lieut.-Colonel Tucker since I received the 
 report which has Ijeen transmitted to you. 
 
 P. S. — I have only this moment, just as I was closing this 
 letter, received yours of the I4th, brought, I am told, by an officer, 
 whom I have not seen. I am glad I anticipated your supposition 
 that I had fallen back on the 14th. I know nothing of the circum- 
 stances attending the fall of Fort Erie. The garrison consisted of 
 100 men of the 100th Regiment, and 20 artillery. The reinforce- 
 ment you directetl me to sen<l there was on its way, and was veiy 
 near falling into the hands of the enemy. All the wounded officera 
 are doing well ; most of them are gone to York. Capt. Holland 
 never would confine himself for a moment, though shot through 
 the left hand and wounded in the head. Capt. Bridge and Lieut 
 Armstrong have arrived at York some time since. We have not 
 made many pri.soners, in all not more than 10 or 12. Several de- 
 serters have come to us — six in one day — they have been sent to 
 York. I am happy to say we have not lost any. One, I under- 
 stand, attempted to desert, but was apprehended by some of the 
 militia. There are now .several parties out, who prevent the enemy 
 from coming beyond their picquets. One party surprised some 
 dragoons in St. Davids, took three dragoons and four horses. 
 Willcocks was in the villagB at the time, but unfortunately escaped. 
 Mallory was very near being taken by another party, near the 
 Beaver Dams. A party of militia, Indians, and a few soldiers were 
 
72 
 
 sent to Chippawa the other iiijjlit to endeavor to surprise a guanl 
 they were said to liave there, but there was neither man nor Ixmt 
 to l>e found. Tliey j;et everythinjj across from Lewiston, to wliieh 
 phice they have broujfht their Ixwits. It is impossible now to send 
 over any IncUans to the other side of the Niajjara, indeed, if thiy 
 were at Fort (Jeorj^e I do not tliink they wouhl go. My reason for 
 preventing them from bringing the hoi-ses and cows across the 
 water, you must, I hope, Ik* aware, was l)ecause I was at the 
 moment chiiming restitution from American officeix for private 
 property taken or desti*oyed by their soldiei*s at Dover. If the 
 same hititude is to be given to our Indians, have we any riglit to 
 complain f 
 
 licneral Riall to General Druiuiiiond. 
 
 12 Mile Ckeek, July 19th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Since I had the honor of writing to you on the 17th, 
 nothing of an imj)ortant natiu'e has t)ccurred. The troops at pre- 
 sent occupy the position of the Twelve Mile Creek, liaving in 
 advance at th»» 10 to the right, extending to DeCoo's and 
 Street's Mills, the Ist, 2nd, 4th. and 5th Regiments of Lincoln 
 Militia and a l>o<ly of Indians, the main bcxly of whom is with the 
 advance of the tr<M)ps at the Twelve. There was a g(X)d deal of 
 skirmishing yesterday with the advance of the militia ami the 
 enemy's outposts near St. David's, and they have in conse(|uence 
 burnt that village and several of the neighboring houses. They 
 have also, I understand, Viurnt the whole of the houses between 
 Queenston juid the Falls. The 2«1 Brigade of militia, under Lieut- 
 Colonel Hamilton, is at the 40 Mile Creek. I am happy to Ix^ able 
 to inform you that almost the whole lK)dy of militia is in anns, and 
 seem actuated by the most determined spirit of hostility to the 
 enemy. The Indians also are in great numlmi-H, not less, I believe, 
 than 900, and evince the sjime spirit. It is very much to be re- 
 grette«l that it cannot be taken advantage of at the moment 
 Everything goes well at Fort (ieorge. 
 
 Extract fVoin the Memorial of Major David Secord to the As- 
 sembly of Canada. 
 
 While the American army was at Queenston, in the District of 
 Niagara, under the inunediate command of General Brown, a de- 
 tachment of his troops under the direction of a Colonel Stone 
 entered the village of St. Davids and said it was their avowed 
 intention to l»urn, plunder, and destroy that Tory village, as they 
 had been well infonned that it had been headquarters for the British 
 
78 
 
 troopH, and thev were fully detennined that they should not find 
 shelter in that place if they Hhould ever return. 
 
 Accortlinfrly they went to work and bunit, plundered, and 
 destroyed of IiIh real and perHonal property aw followH: 
 
 One frame houHe, three storicH, 22 l>y 80 feet, with three 
 stacks of brick tire chimneys, seven tire-places, built and furnished 
 for a house of entertainment, with Hheds and stables thereto 
 lielonj^ng. 
 
 One stone dwelling house, two storieH, 24 by 30 feet. 
 
 One stone «litto, two stories, 24 by 60 feet. 
 
 One grist mill, stone an«l timl»er, 22 by 40 feet, with Iwilts and 
 machinery. 
 
 One blacksmith shop and all the tools. 
 
 One new frame barn, 34 by 44 feet, witli two fanning mills and 
 other property. 
 
 Two log buildings, 22 by 20 feet. 
 
 One thousand weight of candles contracted for with the 
 British troops at 2/ per poun<l. 
 
 Seven horses ami four cows, 20 fat hogs supposed to weigh 
 from 150 to 250 each. 
 
 One new wagon with a large yoke of oxen, laden with 
 furniture. 
 
 One store of merchant goo«ls, piiced at £500. 
 
 All his household furniture and family clothing. 
 
 Nearly all the above property burnt Jind destroyed on the lOth 
 July, 1814. 
 
 Major niacFarlaiid, 93d V, 8. lufantry, to his wife. 
 
 (Bxtraot.) 
 
 The (American) militia and Indians plundered and burnt 
 everj'tbing. The whole population is against us ; not a foraging 
 party but is tired on, and not unfrequently returns with missing 
 nuni Iters. This state was to l»e anticipated. The militia have 
 burnt seveml private dwelling houses, and on the lf)th inst. burnt 
 the village of St. Davids, consisting of 30 or 40 houses. This was 
 done within three miles of our camp, and my battalion was sent to 
 cover the retreat, as they had l;»een sent to scour the country and 
 it was presumed they might be pui-sued. Mj' God, what a service ! 
 I never witnessed such a scene, and had not the commanding officer 
 of the party, Lieut.-Colonel Stone, l»een disgraced and sent out of 
 the army, I would have resigned. 
 
74 
 
 Colonel iMaac W. Stone to Governor D. D. Tompkins. 
 
 Vii.iwUiE OF Rochester, 
 
 (lENEsEE Fam-s, July 25th, 1814. 
 
 SiK, — On the 18th inst. I was, with a Hinall (Ictacluiient of 
 vohnittHTs, hy order of (ii'iieral IVtrr H. Portor, onltTtMl to ^o and 
 di.slodj^^e a party of tlu' t'lKMiiy's tr<M)j).s at a .small village calK-d St. 
 Davids, al>out three miles from QiieeiiHton, who were ainioying our 
 reeoimoiteriut; paities and pic<|UetH. Accordingly, I went, and in a 
 HJiort time after followefl a few regulars under the connnand of n 
 lieutenant, as I understood. We drove the enemy from the said 
 village. When on my return, about one mile and a-half from the 
 said village, with most of the men under my command, (I have 
 since iK-en satisfied that none of them were in the village at the 
 time,) I discovered the village of St. Davids to he on fire. Hy 
 whom it was set, or hy whose order, I am yet to learn. On the 
 morning of the following day, without notice, without inrjuiry, or 
 any investigation to my knowledge. I was served by the Brigade- 
 Inspector with the following onler : 
 
 " Grncml Order. 
 
 " Asst.-Adj.-CJeneral's Office, 
 
 . " giEEXSTox, l!)th July, 1814. 
 "The accountability for burning the houses at St. Davids 
 yesterday must rest with the senior officer. It was directly con- 
 trary to the t)i-<lers of the (lovernment and those of the Comnjand- 
 ing Oeneral publishe(l to the army. 
 
 " Lieut.-Colonel Stone will retire from the army. 
 ' By order of Major-General Brown. 
 
 " C. K. G.\UI)\ER, 
 
 " Adjt.-(ien." 
 
 In conse(|Uence of which order two captains and one adjutant 
 of the volunteers have resigncMl their commi.ssion.s, not kjiowing 
 how soon they might share tlie same fate. I feel injured, inasnnich 
 as 1 am not guilty of the charge alleged against me. My reputation 
 is somewhat impeached before the public. All I jusk for is a fair 
 investigation of my conduct, whether I am guilty or not guilty. 
 As I anj at a loss how to get this investigation, I pray Your 
 Excellency to advi.se with me in what manner I .shall proceed. 
 
 Extract from Niles' Reglgter. 
 
 Baltimore, August C, 1814. 
 " It is untrue that Fort Erie had been retaken as stated in our 
 last ; 800 troops had arrived there from Erie, Pa., in three of our 
 
76 
 
 Bcljoonem Tho liuffalo Gazdtfi of the 25th ult. HnyH, ' Sinco the 
 AiiiericHii anny arrive<l at Quuenstoii there were Heveral teainu in 
 the United States' employment attjicked by armed inhahitimtH of a 
 phice calle<l St. Davids, alxnit four miles from Qiieenston. A few 
 teams were capture<l and some of the drivers and men attache<l to 
 to the wajfoiiH wounded, and several other instances of this kind of 
 petty skirmishing; t(X)k place in the vicinity of that place. In onler 
 to put a stop to these procee<linj;s, a party of (leneral Porter's 
 volunteers, connnanded by Colonel Stone, marched to St. Davids; 
 a skinnish l>ej;an, in which several of the inhabitants and a few of 
 the volunteers were killed, a nart of the villaj^e was then burnt. 
 The act, we learn, was perfectly unauthorized, (ieneral Brown has 
 dismissed the officer who connnanded the expe«lition.' 
 
 "On the 2()th ult., 100 men of the 22<1 Rejriment enibarked at 
 Erie in the U. S. schooner Pitrcunine for Buffalo, and the next <lay 
 220 men of the 1st Rejifiment, under Lieut.-Cohmel Nicholas, left the 
 same place with the like destination, in the schooneix Oh'ut and 
 Ti/grens. Twrt tine companies of the lOth Re^Mment p»is.sed through 
 Zanesville, Ohio, (to embark at Cleveland) on the 15th ulto." 
 
 (General Riall to General Driiiumond. 
 
 12 Mile Ckeek, 20th July, 1«14. 
 
 Sir, — I received a report from Lieut.-Colonel Tucker this day 
 informing; me that alwjut 7 o'clock this morninj; the officer com- 
 manding the pic((uet at Wilson's house, on the road from Foit 
 George to Queenston, had l)een obliged to withdraw from thence in 
 consequence of the advance of the enemy in that direction with a 
 lx)dy of cavalry and infantry and four pieces of artillery. It 
 appears to be the intention of the enemy to take up that position, 
 in order to prevent which Lieut.-Colonel Tucker directed a fire to 
 be connnenced upon them from the Imtteries of Fort George, but 
 with what effect he could not ascertain on account of the quantity 
 of brushwood that interposed. When Lieut.-Colonel Tucker wrote 
 to me the connuunication with this phice was still open, and the 
 enemy at that time occupied McFarlane's and Wilson's, and had a 
 picquet of cavalry near to the ruins of Dick.son's house. As I have 
 not heard the report of any guns since 9 o'clock, although the 
 Lieut.-Colonel mentioned that he would occasionally throw some 
 shot and shells to annoy them, I imagine they have retired again to 
 their position at Queenston. Three desertei-s were brought in here 
 about 3 o'clock. One of them appears to be a very intelligent 
 young man, and has given the enclosed report of the amount of 
 their force according to the best of his judgment. I anxiously 
 
76 
 
 wait your jirrivftl \\vn\ jiml I l)og loave t<) exnrcHM my Iiojh; that you 
 will hv Jill means push forwanl the 8})tn Ruginiunt, the Hi-st 
 division of which I un(I«'i'Htoo<l fi-oni Colonel MorriHon wan to arrive 
 at York this <lay. Tliere is a very tine Ixnly of militia under 
 Lieut-Colonel Hamilton at the 40 Mile Creek, which it may Ik> 
 necesHary to hrin^' forwaixl alwo. 
 
 Suhstance of information ^'iven by three dewuiern of the 2Hd 
 Regiment, rnite<l States Army, who came to our advanced posts, 
 20th July, IS 14. 
 
 They left Queenston at 10 a. m., and havinj^ Ijeen Heparately 
 examined r«'|M»i't as follows : — 
 
 The American army, believed to amount to nearly 6,000 men, 
 exclusive of nearly 1.400 volunt«'ei-M and IndiauH. Strength of the 
 artillery not known, tho' the following pieces have Iwen seen by 
 the parties : 
 
 Five iron IH poundei*s, 
 
 One brass \H do., 
 and several pieces of smaller calibre. 
 
 Two regiments of cavalry, alnrnt 100 men; mounted volun- 
 teei-s, (licensed phunlerers engaged for six months at 25 dollars per 
 month,) I.SO men. 
 
 The following regiments are at Queenston : 
 
 SvftiKtut'd Htrengtli. 
 
 23d (JOO 
 
 21st !)00 
 
 J>th not known. 
 
 11th 
 
 i:Uh 
 
 22nd 
 
 25th 
 
 = 6,000 men. 
 One company bombardiers. 
 
 Informants further mention that a general parade was ordered 
 last niglit at Queen.ston, when it was publicly dticlared that Colonel 
 Stone of the volunteers wjis cashiered the service (Credat Jiuhvo>* 
 
 Informants add that the arm^- was put in motion at 7 this 
 inorning, with the avowed intention of proceeding against Fort 
 George.^ A strong division was at the same time sent across the 
 river. The brigade to which the desertei-s l^elonged did not leave 
 Queenston. It was Scott's brigade that was sent towards Fort 
 George. 
 
77 
 
 MfiJor-4«eneral Stall to Lleut.*€ieneral llrumiuond. 
 
 12 Mile Cheek, 20th July, ^ piiHt 10 p. m. 
 
 Sir, — Since I wrote you this eveuiiij; I have received a letter 
 from Lt.-Col. Tucker, informing me that he han been enable<l to 
 uHcertain the poHition of the enemy between McFarlanc's and 
 WilHon'H, where he in in very jjreat force. Lt.-Col. Tucker appre- 
 hended a very HeriouH atbick will be made upon him, probably this 
 ni^ht. He InjlievuH the enemy is throwing up a work on the riHinjf 
 ^roun<l in front of WilHouH, tin Win advanced HentrieH think they 
 hear {Hioplt' at work and the noiHo of plank beinjj thrown u|K)n the 
 j^rround from wjigons. I am really in a very unpleaHant predica- 
 ment. It will l>e expected that I HhouM do Homethin^ to relieve 
 Fort (leor^e, which I certainly have every inclination to do, but if 
 I advanced fi*om tluH I leave the country in my rear perfectly 
 expoHe<l to the enemy 'h advance from Queenston, or if 1 move in 
 that tlirection and from thence to Foi-t Oeor^e, th<? enemy may, if 
 he pleaHeH, detach a part of Ihh force by the croHH roadH to eft'ect 
 the object of j(ettinj( into my rear an<l to Burlington. If, besideH, I 
 Hhouhl a<lvance and any revei-HC happen, I Kxjk upon it as fraught 
 with the greatest danger to the province. I am most anxious for 
 your arrival, and I entreat you will direct the 89th to be pusheil 
 ff)rward with all despatch, an«l also the Hank companies of the 
 I04th, whom Lt.-Col. Morrison detained at York. If Fort George 
 shouhl be seriously attacked I fear, from the report of t)fficers of 
 engineers antl artillery that I send you, that it wdl not be capable 
 of much resistance. Lt.-Col. Tucker luul four men wounded in a 
 skirmisli with one of the enenty's picpiets, one of whom lost his 
 leg. 
 
 to the Secretary of War. 
 
 SACKErr's Harbor, July 20, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Taking a warm interest in the success of the campaign, 
 and suspecting that the government has not been as reguarly in- 
 formed of things at this post as might be pi-oper, I have ventured 
 to give you the fcllowing statement of fticts which have recently 
 taken place, whicli for clearness and brevity I give the form of a 
 journal : 
 
 8th July. — Saw the Commodore, who said he was now nearly 
 ready, and would leave the harbor in a few days and take a station 
 off the Ducks to watch Yeo, who was in Kington. 
 
 12th. — Fleet yet in port. General Games had a free conver- 
 sation with the Commodore, who said he should not go to the head 
 of the lake unless called by Yeo's movements. 
 
78 
 
 14tli.— No clmnge in tlie situation of the fleet nor in tlie 
 intentions of the ConuncMlore. Wiien he does sail will go to tlie 
 
 Ducks. 
 
 15tli._The Connnoflore sick with a fever, expected to l»e able 
 to ^o out in thret' or four days. 
 
 17th. — Mor^'an's ritle Iwittalion, conveying a l»ittering train 
 sent fo)' by CJeneral Brown, sailed yesterday in Ixmts Hupplied by 
 tlio (juarteruiJister. Their fate doubtful, our fleet being yet in tlie 
 liai lK)r, detained by soniethino- wanted for the Mohawk. Yeo and 
 his fleet at the Ducks. The C'onnnodore expects to be out by the 
 20th, l)ut will not go to the head of the lake unless Yeo leads him 
 there. 
 
 20th. — Morj^mn, with the riflemen anc' cannon, prevented from 
 sailing by Veo's l)l<)ckade of the harl)or. Expectetl the fleet (now 
 ready) would break the Idockade to-day. Prevented by the con- 
 tinued illness of the C'onuiiodore. Captain Jones would have gone 
 out and settled the matter with Yeo, but had not authority to do 
 so. Strange, that when the chief of a s(|uadron is non conifMfx the 
 otticer ne.xt in rank is not entitled to the connnan<l. If this be a 
 rule in the navy it should be altere(l. There was a flne opportunity 
 of fighting and winning the long wi.shed for battle, but lost l)ecause 
 the only man in the fleet who \ as not ready was the connnanding 
 (jflicer. 
 
 (From (i('i\<'i'al ./olni Arnisfroiifi's Xoficrs (tf ilir Wur nf 
 16 IJ, Vol. II., i>i>. M7-S.) 
 
 (it'll. Rinll to (i!«ii. Ilriiiiiiiioiifl. 
 
 12 iMiLE (M{EEK, 21.st July, 1814. 
 
 Siu. — I have received no n'port from Lt.-Col. Tucker since last 
 night. The enemy has concentrated his whole force, with thr 
 exception of about .*U)0 men who have crossed the river to Lewi- 
 ston, between De Puisayes and McFarlane s. He is certainly erect- 
 i.»g batteries against Fort (Jeorge, a' ;le in advance of Wilson's 
 house. A deserter brought in this da\ says he tldnks they will b.- 
 completed to-morrow. The onhmnce which he has with him con- 
 sists of four bS- pounders, an eleven inch mortar, two heavy 
 howitzei's, and .several smaller pieces. 1'he deserter who gave this 
 information belonged to the artillery, and I believe it to be correct. 
 All the desertei-s who come in agree pretty well in the coniputiition 
 of their niind)ers. A man, who came over her»3 on some business 
 with one ot the American oflicers, was ma«le prisoner this evening by 
 h party of our militia. He says they are in hourly expectation of tlie 
 arrival of the fleet with a large reinforcement of troops. It is very 
 
79 
 
 much to be lamentec that we have not sufficient force to attack 
 them before its arrival. Our militia occupy Queenston and St. 
 Davids this evening. In the former place they ma<le three prisoner. 
 I have just j;ot a report from the officer commanding at Turlington 
 to say that he has received information that a party of . * enemy, 
 consisting of about 200 infantry and 80 horsemen, h:i l)een at 
 Port Talbot, where they have done a great deal of injury to the 
 crops in that settlenient, and that they threaten to advance into the 
 country for a similar purpose. Lt.-Col. Hamilton has sent the 
 Oxford Regt. of militia and some Indians in that direction from the 
 40 Mile Creek. I have the honor herewith to enclose you a return 
 of the officer's and troops composing the garrisons of the several 
 forts as called for in the deputy-adjutant-general's letter of the 
 Kith inst., received this day. Capt. Jervois arrived here this 
 evening. 
 
 Cien. Riall to Cieii. Drniuiiiond. 
 
 12 Mile Cheek, 22 July, 1814. 
 
 SiH, — I have just received the enclosed letter from Lt.-Col. 
 Tucker, which I loso not a moment in forwarding to 3'ou. I also 
 enclose to you the information received from some deserters that 
 came into Fort George hist evening. The troojjs shall be ready to 
 move at a moment's warning, but I shall wait for your orders before 
 I put them in motion. The number I have here amount, with the 
 Incorporated Militia, to alx)ut 1,700 men, the militia that may be 
 collected probably amount to between 7 and 800, the Indians to 
 about a similar number. Capt. Jervois takes this letter and goes 
 by the Beach. I send a duplicate by Burlington. If you send 
 your ordei*s by express they shall be instantly obeyed. I have 
 resolved to wait for your directions, as the attempt may involve the 
 safety of the whole of the troops as well in the field as in the 
 garrisons. Fort George may fall, but I cannot think there can be 
 nnich danger for Missassauga and Niagara for some days. The 
 enemy have a considerable body of troops on their own side of the 
 river, w'lich have been lately marched down from Buffalo. They 
 are constructing a battery at the old Salt Battery near Youngstown, 
 for which they have got, by the reports of deseitei*s, two 32- 
 poundei-s and two 12 inch mortars. 
 
 P. S. — I have ordered the Lincoln Militia to concentrate at 
 the 10 Mile Creek, and Lt.-Col. Hamilton's brigade to move from 
 the 40 to this place. 
 
HO 
 
 Infonnatuni of Desrrtert* to Fort George. 
 
 Stanley Ri we, private," Hth Co., Uth Regt, Maj. Leavenworth, 
 tleserted l>eeause lie was afraid of hard Hjrhtin^: 
 
 1st Brigade, conuiianded by (Jen. Scott, consists of 3,000 nu'ii, 
 the whole force consists of (1,000 or 7,000 men on this side the river 
 and -i.OOO on the other side, with two long 82-pdi*8. and two 12 inch 
 mortars for a battery at Y«)ungstown : four 5 or inch howitzers 
 on this side, four long IS-pdrs., three (I or 9-pdix 
 
 It will not be long before they attack, most likely next day. 
 
 They expect the schooners up the river and Iiave a battery 
 neai- McFarlane's to prevent their advancing. 
 
 (Jen. Brown is on this side : the tii-st brigade is commanded by 
 (ten. Scott, the second by (Jen. Ripley, the 8rd by Uen. Porter, total 
 5,000 or (5,000 men : 2,000 regulars at Youngstown ; 1,000 militia 
 and 500 Indians in .Srd Brigade ; 4,000 regulai"s in 1st and 2nd 
 BriL'a<les. When they crossed the river there were 500 Indians and 
 1,500 volunteers and militia. 
 
 Originally the army was H.OOO men, reduced to about 5,000 
 tightiui men. When at Chippawa H5 were buried and 150 wounded. 
 A sl'.ell bui-st yesterday and killed Gen. Scott's hoi'se under him 
 near McFarlane's. Lieut. ChiMs and al)out a dozen wounded an<l 
 one killed yestenlay. 
 
 Orders were issued that all tents should be struck before day- 
 break in order to surround us and cut ott all comnnniication with 
 Burlington. 
 
 Some long bS-pdrs. with tlie howitzers to come to-morrow to 
 attack the fort, while the army will go to the 4 Mile Creek to sur- 
 rouml U.S. This informaticai from the officers of his regiment, who 
 heard it on parade in the orders. He thinks the men much more 
 determined than the oHiceix 
 
 They have about 150 or 200 hoi*se. 
 
 Benj. Barnard, !)th Regt, deserted because his time was out 
 and they would not give him his discharge : 
 
 On this side are four IJS-pdrs., f«mr i2-pdi-s., four (i-pdrs., two 
 howitzers; on other side: two iVi-pfli-M., two 12 inch mortars; on 
 this side alKiut 5,000 regulars, 1,000 volunteers; 2,000 regulai-s on 
 other side. Their intention to strike their tents at daybreak and 
 attack Fort (Jeorgt^ tomorrow by surrounding it. The v expect we 
 have alx)ut 1 ,000 men towards St. Davids. OriginulJy the army 
 was 7,000 on this side, and only 2,000 and some horw iv>-ci'ossed. 
 Alnmt 44 killed and not 100 woundt^d. Gens. Brown, Scott and 
 Porter are on this side. Plenty of ]>rovisions. The first shot fired 
 yesterday stiuck Gen. Scott's horse in the neck. The artillery 
 belonging to the 18-pdrs. said they have prepared ladders for 
 
81 
 
 scaling Fort George. The enemy will come by day, not before 8 or 
 9 a. m. 
 
 The enemy are building a Imttery on the other side against 
 Fort George, and one beyond McFarlane's against our vessels. No 
 battery nearer to Fort George than Wilson's. The enemy intenda 
 to attack Fort George and Niagara at once. 
 
 Cieneral Rlall to General Drnmmond. 
 
 12 Mile Cheek, 22 July, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I had the honor to write to you this morning by Cant. 
 Jervois and enclosed you a letter I had received tVoiri Lt.-Col. 
 Tucker, stating his apprehensions for the safety of Fort George 
 from the vast preparations the enemy seemed to be employed in 
 making for its reuuction, and urging me to advance immediately 
 for its relief. About 8 o'clock p. m. I received a report from Capt. 
 Fitzgibbon of the Glengarry Regt., whom I had sent out with a 
 party for the purpose of reconuoitering and gaining information of 
 the enemy's intentions, that he had withdrawn from his position 
 before Fort George and was again falling back upon Queen.sion. 
 From the top of the liill, over that place where Capt. Fitzgibbon 
 was enabled to see his whole force, which was in coluiim, extending 
 from near the village to De Puisaye's house. The wagons and 
 baggage seemed to be haltefl at Brown's. When Capt Fitzgibbon 
 k'ft the hill, which he was obliged to do by the advance of a bod}'^ 
 of cavalry and ririeiiien, the column was moving towards St. Davids, 
 and when about 1,000 men, &c., entered into that direction it was 
 halted. Capt. Fitzgibbon was obliged to retire with his party 
 through St. Davids, and was pui'sued about a mile upon the road 
 leading from thence to this place. I understand some riflemen have 
 advanced to within a mile of the 10 Mile Creek, which is the 
 rendezvous of Lt.-Col. Parry's brigade of militia. That officer has 
 been indefatigable in his exertions and has aciiuired great influence 
 with the militia. I have directed Lt.-Col. Peai-son to detach two 
 companies of the Glengarry Regt. to his support and he has besides 
 a considerable number of Indians with him. 
 
 I make no doubt the enemy has either retired or been <lriven 
 back before this, or I would have received further information. I 
 have not been able to learn what the enemy has intended by this 
 movement, which he evidently wished to mask by the numbers of 
 riflemen and dragoons which he had thrown out in his front. I 
 have received a report also from Lt.-Col. Tucker that their army 
 had al)andoned his position before Foi-t George and that his pic(}uets 
 were again established at Wilson's and McFarlane's. The comnmni- 
 cation with this place is perfectly open. 
 
82 
 
 Col. Harvey to CSen. Sllall. 
 
 York, 23rd July, 1814. 
 SiK __I am directed by Lt.-Gen. Drumniond to acknowledge 
 the receipt of your letter by Capt. JervoiH, with the encloHure from 
 Lt.-Col. Tucker, and to ac(juaint you that the Lieutenant-General 
 is by no means inclineil to balk the ardor of the troops, whom it is 
 his intention immediately to employ in offensive operations. Until 
 the arrival, however, of some part of the reinforcement at present 
 on their march to this point, the Lieut.-General does not consider it 
 prudent, highly as he thinks of the lu-aveiy of the troops, to risnue 
 an attack on a force so powerful as that which you represent the 
 enemy to have on this side of the river : the conseijuence of failure 
 might l)e tlie innne<lirtte fall of the forts and the temporary loss of 
 that part of the province. Conceiving, however, from your report, 
 that the disposition the enemy is nmking for an attack of Fort 
 George affords a favorable opportunity for operations on the 
 Niagara side, Lt.-Col. Morrison, with 400 of the 89th Regt, is this 
 moment I'lnbarking on lM)ard the Star and Charwell to reinforce 
 the garrison of Fort Niagara, and to enable Lt.-Col. Tucker to 
 make a sortie from the fort for the {)urpose of gaining possession 
 of the guns the enemy may have in the Salt and Youngstown 
 batteries, and wliich, if suffered to remain, would render Fort 
 George unti-nabl*' in a few h<mi-s. Lt.-Col. Drununond, with the 
 flank companies of the l()4th Regt., is also instructed to throw 
 himself into Fort Niagara to assist in this operation, and it has 
 been suggested to Lt.-Col. Tucker to draw a couple of hundred men 
 from Forts Cieorge and Missassauga, (in .such proportions as he may 
 think proper,) to leave in Fort Niagara in the absence of the other 
 troops. Lieut.-Cien. Drummond proposes that the attack should 
 take place on Moiulay at daylight, and from the character of the 
 orticei-s and troops to be employe<l he feels very sanguine hopes of 
 its success. In (jrder to hwur this operation, however, and to draw 
 the attention of the enemy from that side of the river, it is the 
 Lieut.-Gejieial's wish that you .slumld march to St. Davids and con- 
 centrate the whole of the regular force under your command at that 
 place, throwing the militia and Indians into the woods towards the 
 enemy'K positicju and the lake. The Lieut.-General conceives that 
 this movement nuiy be made with perfect .safety on your part, as in 
 event of the enemy's ])ushing promptly forward to attack or inter- 
 po.se l)etwixt you and Hmlington, you can always (as you have to 
 move on so much shorter ix line) reach Shipman's (the point of 
 junction of the roads) before him, that is, provided you take pre- 
 cautions to cause his movements to be properly watched and re- 
 ported, and even in this case the divei-sion in favor of Lt.-Col. 
 
83 
 
 Tucker would be effected. It is not probable, however, in the 
 Lieui-General's opinion, that the enemv would move with that 
 degree of promptnesH expecting an attack from you ; he would, it 
 is conceived, rather wait in his position than anticipate it. In this 
 event (of his making no immediate movement towards you) the 
 Lieut.-General conceives that by showing your force towards the 
 Queenston Road, at the moment of Lieut-Col. Tucker's attack, at 
 the same time driving in the enemy's picquets by means of your 
 Indians and militia, he would be deterred from passing over rein- 
 forcements to support the batteries at Youngstown, which move- 
 ment might further be prevented by the fire of our schooners, 
 which, with the gunboat, must take a position for that purpose two 
 hours previous to moving out to the attack. Lt.-Col. Tucker is 
 directed to throw up two rockets, and not to excite alarm or sus- 
 picion they will l>e thrown up from Fort George or Missassauga. 
 (To annul this signal, should unexpected intelligence or other cir- 
 cumstances occur to render it expeuient, one rocket will be fired.) 
 From the moment of your putting the troops in motion from their 
 
 f (resent position, the whole of your militia and Indian force should 
 »e thrown forward, and from their numbers and description must 
 be superior to any body of light troops which the enemy can have. 
 The importance of placing the militia under the direction of intelli- 
 gent otficei*8 is very ol>vioua. In addition to tluwse at present acting 
 with that force he reconnuends Lt.-Col. Pearaon being so employed. 
 Should the enemy by pressing suddenly and boldly on you make 
 an action unavoidable, you must, by means of the Glengarry Light 
 Infantry and Incorporate<l Militia, endeavor to check his light 
 troops until you reach an open space in which, keeping your guns 
 in your centre and your force concentrated, your flanks secured by 
 light troops, ntilitia and Indians, you must depend upon the 
 superior discijiline of the troops under your command for success 
 over an undisciplined though confident and numei*ouH enemy. It 
 is Lieut. -Gen. Drummonjl's intention to pass ov^r to Fort Niagara 
 in the course of to-morrow, in order to ascertain the accuracy of 
 the intelligence respecting the state of the enemy's foree and of his 
 preparations on the right bank of the river. He will then proceed 
 to your iiead(|uarters, probably by way of the 10 Mile Creek. In 
 event of the operation above alluded to taking place on Monday 
 morning, and of its success, he may be induci^d to take advantage 
 of the impression produced to risque an attack with the whole v.. 
 the force on the frontier (including the garrisons of the forts) with- 
 out waiting for the junction of the DeWatteville Regt, which, 
 however, is expected to arrive here on Monday, and is ordered to 
 push on with all possible expedition. In the present state of the 
 
84 
 
 wind the American fleet, even were it out, could not reach Niagara 
 in less than 7 or 8 days fron> the time of its sailing. It hod not 
 Hailed on the 20th. 
 
 Lt.-Col. Dnimmond ia onlered to deposit the musket ball cart- 
 ridges he liJiH in charge, 50,000 rounds, at Burlington. Captain 
 Dobbs will take over a further supply, but the Lieut-General is in 
 ignorance Jis to the uuantity you have with you, never having re- 
 ceived returns of onlnance stores and ammunition with the right 
 
 division. 
 
 I have the honor to be, &c., 
 
 J. Harvey, 
 
 Lt-Col. D. A. G. 
 
 Lt.-Col. Harvey to Lt.-Col. Tucker. 
 
 (8«or«t.) 
 
 YoKK, 23rd July, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Lt.-Geii. Dnnnniond directs me to ac<]uaint you that Lt.- 
 Col. Morrison, with 400 rank and hie of the 8J)th Regt., who are 
 sent to Fort Niagara, as well as Lt.-Col. Drumnjond, with the flank 
 companies of the 104th Regt., for the purjxwe of enabling you to 
 gain the guns, with which the Licut.-( Jeneral »nulei*stands the enemy 
 IS arming the l)atteries at Youiigstown, by an attack upon the troops 
 stationed for their protection, which, it is the Lieut.-Cieneral's wisli, 
 should take place on Monday morning at daylight. In order to en- 
 able you to employ the whole of the 4l.st Regt., in addition to the 
 trooi)s ulK>ve mentioned, in this sortie, Lieut.-( Jeneral Drummond 
 will ap[>rove of you drawing a couple <>f hundred n»en from the 
 garrisons of Forts (JefM'ge ami Mis.sa»sauga, in such proportions as 
 you may think proper, to be sent l)ack immediately after the per- 
 formance of the service. Maj.-CJenenl Riall has received instruc- 
 tions to draw the enemy's attention from your side of the river and 
 operate a divtnsion fn favor of your sortie: by advancing the whole 
 of his force to St. Davids, pushing forward his militia and Indians 
 towards the enemy's jtosition. It is n;)t Lieut.-Cieneral Drunnnond's 
 wish to ns(|ue an action on the left bunk of the river until the ar- 
 rival of |)art of the reinforcements, wliich are marching on this place 
 and expected to arrive on Mon<lay. Slujuhl the attack on the right 
 Ije HncccMMfal, the impression which it may occasion on the force of 
 the enemy on this side, particularly il his IxHits are (jained by us, 
 niay afl'ord a favorable opportunity which Maj.-General Riall is 
 •lirected to improve, and in that case, or in the event of the failure 
 of your attack and the enemy forcing Maj.-General Riall to action, 
 you are to move out every man who can be 8pare<l horn the three 
 forts, and favor the Maj.-General's operations by threatening or 
 
86 
 
 attacking the enemy h rear. It \» conceived that with the 89th, 
 104th flank con)panieH and two thircbt of your garriHonH, you would 
 have a force amounting to nearly 1500 for this purpoe*. The more 
 effectually to prevent the enemy from passing over troops to the 
 asHistance of those to be attacked V>y you at Youngstown, should 
 Maj.-General Riall's movements fail in deterring him from doing it, 
 Capt. Dobbs has been re(|uested to station one or more of the 
 vessels of war in such a manner as to command the passage, and if 
 possible destroy the enemy's Ijotits. The destruction of their boats, 
 you will be aware, is an object of the git^atest possible importance. 
 In event of your gaining the guns and Innng enabled to make use 
 of them, the artillery onicei*s must be instructe<l to keep this object 
 in view. Capt. Doblw will lanil a party of 30 or 40 marines to 
 assist in the attack. Ah Lieut.-Uen. Drumnumd is going ovor to 
 Fort (ieorge, you will receive fiom him verbally such further 
 instructions as he may consider necessary, but should anything 
 prevent his reaching Niagara to-ujori-ow, the atto«k is not on that 
 account to l>e deferre<l, should the HOth and 1 04th flank companies 
 have arrived, and should no circuniHtances (connected with the 
 enemy's force, position, or state of preparation,) with which Lieut.- 
 Oeneral Drunnnond \n uniic(|uainted render it expedient in your 
 judgment to postpone it until you can have further conununication 
 with him or with Maj.-General Riall. Two rockets tlirown up two 
 bout's before you mean to attack will Im seen and undei'stoo<l by 
 Maj.-General Riall, one i-ocket tired Hubse(|Uently will annul the 
 former signal. To avoid creating Huspicion it is desirable these 
 signals should be made fix^m Fort George or MisHaHsauga. 
 
 I have the honor to l)e, &c.. 
 
 J. Hauvev, 
 
 Lt.-Col., D. A. G. 
 
 Cien. Druinmond to Sir George Prevoit. 
 
 York, 231x1 July, 1S14. 
 
 Sir, — On my arrival late last evenitjg at this |)ost, I was 
 honored with Your Excellency's despatch of tlie 15th iuHt., jic(|uaint- 
 ing me that the Lcoiuii'd, with the left wing of the 4th Batt. of the 
 Royals, hsis lieen wrecked on the island of Anticosti. It in at the 
 same time most consoling that the ti-oops and crew are saved. 
 
 I have recommended Sir James Yeo, in consetjuence of the 
 necessity he is under of invalidijig a nunaber of his seamen, to a|)plv 
 for the crew of the LeoiHtnl. The two brigs, the iitat' and Cfuuyell, 
 got up in safety to this pliice with their cargoes, which has, in a 
 great measure, assisted us in our straitened circumstances us regards 
 
86 
 
 will Htill further relieve us, tho' even then our supply will be very 
 far from Hutfieient ; I have, therefore, been under the neccHHity of 
 ordering all the women l)elonj;in^ to the Right Divimvm (Ixjyoml 
 3a company) to j^ «lown to the Lower Province, with a view of 
 decreasing aH much aw posHihlo the issueH. The Sedentary Militia 
 have been for sonu* time called for Hervice to this post, but I find it 
 alwohitely impracticable to keep them any longer, jih the whole pro- 
 duce of the neighlioring country ix in the greatest <langer of being 
 lost. I encloHe an application made to me on this he»ul, which will 
 clearly show Your Kxcellencj' the urgency of the case. 
 
 I am very gla«l to find that Maj.-Cieneral Conran and boveral 
 ofRcei-H of the Royal Scots are on their way up, as their services are 
 particidarly reipiired. 
 
 The ettectiv*' part of tlu- HDth Regt., Your Excellency will per- 
 ceive by the encloHe<l copies of letteix to Maj.-CJen. Riall and Lieut- 
 Col. Tucker, will, in conseipunce of arrangements I have found it 
 neceH.sary to make, !)»• sent juroH.s this evening to F'ort Niagara in 
 the brigs »S7fO' an(WAfovrt7/, and to-morrow I shall likewise cross 
 in one of the .schooners which are expectetl in to-night for the 
 purpose. As sojui as the tr(K)ps moving on Kingston arrive at that 
 place I propo-se ordering up the 82nd Regt., which, I beg leave to 
 olwerve to Yom* Kxcellency, will leave that important post in a 
 state to be still further strengthene<l. 
 
 I am fully pei-suaded that Your Excellency will afibrd me every 
 assistance in the very great difficulties I have to encounter, and I 
 caimot but remark that it will require every exertion to overcome 
 them. 
 
 P. S. — Since closing the alx)ve, Lieut. Riidclitte of the Magvrt 
 has come over from Niagara, which he left early this morning. He 
 brings information that the enemy have retired from their position 
 at McFarlane's and re-occupied Queenston Heights. 
 
 Major-Cieneral Brown to the Secretary of War. 
 
 H. Q., Queenston. July 22nd, 1«14. 
 De.vr Sir, — On the 20th the army moved and encamped in the 
 rear of Fort (ieorge. General Scott with the van had some skir- 
 mishing Itefore the main Innly came up, but as the enemy kept close 
 to their works nothing important occurred. No force was left in 
 our rear, the heights were abandoned to the enemy, and we did 
 hope that the movement would have induced him to re-occupy them 
 
87 
 
 or close in nearer to uh, ho as to brintr on an enga^nient out of his 
 works ; in this we were disap|X)intea. The anny returned to-day 
 and found a body of militia and a few regulars in and about the 
 heii^hts. Porter pursued them with his command and a few regulars, 
 and was ho fortunate aH to come up with and capture seven officers 
 and ten privates — they will be sent to Oreenbush. 
 
 MaJor-€eneral Brown to the Secretary of War. 
 
 H. Q.. Chippawa, July 25, 1814. 
 
 Dear Sir, — On the 23d inst. I receive<l a letter by expresH from 
 (teneral (iaines, advising me that on the 20th the heavy guns that I 
 had or»lered fm.a the harbor to enable me to operate agaiuHt Forts 
 George and Niagara were blockadetl in that port, together with the 
 rifle regiment I had ordered up with them. I had ordered these 
 guns and trcwps in boats, provule<l the Conunotlore Hhould not deem 
 it pro|)er or prudent to convey them in Iuh fleet, not doubting but 
 that he would have been uiM)n the lakes for their protection an<l 
 that the enemy wouhl have been driven into port or captured. 
 Ah (ienei*al (iaines informed me that the Commodore was confined 
 to his Ix'd with a frver, and an he did not know when the fleet 
 would Hjiil or when the guuH and forces which I had l)een exjKiCting 
 would even leave Sackett's Harl)or, I have thought pi*oper to change 
 my position with a view to other objects. You know how greatly 
 I am disappointe<l, and therefore I will not dwell on that painful 
 subject, and you can Inist pei-ceive how nmch haslx^en loHt by delay 
 and the command of Ltike Ontario being with the enemy, reliances 
 being placed up(m a ditterent state of things. The Indians all left 
 me some time since ; it is said they will return, but this you will 
 perceive depen<ls upon circumstances. The reinforcements oitlered 
 from the west have not arrived. 
 
 Sir Ciordon Drnmmoiid to Sir Geo. Prevost. 
 
 HEAiHiUARTEits, NIAGARA Fall.s, 27th July, 1814 
 
 Sir, — I embarked on Ixmrd His Majesty's schooner Net'e}/ at 
 York on Sunday evening, the 24th instant, and reached Niagara at 
 daybreak the following morning. Finding from Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Tucker that Major-General Riall was supposed to be mov- 
 ing towards the Falls of Niagara to support the advance of his 
 division, which he had pushed on to that place on the preceding 
 evening, I ordered Lieut-Colonel Morrison, with the 89th Regi- 
 ment and a detachment of the Royals and Kings, drawn from Forts 
 George and Missassauga, to proceed to the same point, in order that 
 with the united force I might act against the enemy (posted at 
 
88 
 
 Street'H Civek, with \m ft«lvance at Chinpawa.) on my arrival, if it 
 HhouM Ik' fouiul ox|H'«iient. I onlered Liout. -Colonel Tucker at the 
 Mime time to jmxjeed on the right Imnk of the river with three 
 hun<h«'<l of the 4lHt, and alKUit two hundreil of the Royal iSeotH, 
 and a hnly of Indian warriors, HumMjrted (on the river) bv a party 
 of armed Hi-amrn under Captain I)«)1)1)h, Royal Navy. 'Iheobjwt 
 of thiH movement waH to diHOei'se or capture a Uxly of the enemy 
 whieh wjiH encamped at Lewiston. Some unavoidable delay having 
 occurred in the march of the tr<K)ps up the ri;;ht bank, the en«'iny 
 ha<l movi'd (»rt* previous to Lieutenant-Colonel Tucker's arrival. I 
 havf to cxprt'Hs myself satisfied with the exertions of that officer. 
 
 Having refreshed the troops at Quetuiston, and having brought 
 across the 41st, Royals, and Indians, I sent l>ack the 41st and l(M)th 
 Regiments to form the garrisons of the F'orts (Jeorge, Mississaga 
 and Niagara, und«'r Lieutenant-Colonel Tucker, and moved with 
 the H'Jth and detaclnnents of the Royals and King's and Light 
 Company of the 41st, in all alnnit HOO men, to join Major-( Jeneral 
 Riall's division at the Falls. 
 
 When ariived within a few miles of that position, I met a 
 report from Major-(ieneral Riall that the «Miemy was advancing in 
 great force. I inniiediately ])»ished on and joined the head of 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison's cohnnn just Jis it reaclu'd the road 
 leading towards the Heaver Dam, over the sunniiit of the hill at 
 Lundvs Ijjine. Instead of the whole of Major-Cieneral Riall's 
 division, which I expected to have found occupying this position, I 
 found it almost in the (K'cupation of the enemy, whose colunms 
 were within (iOO yards of the top of the hill and the surrounding 
 woo<ls filled with his light troops. The a<lvance of Major-CJeneral 
 Riall's divi.sion, consisting of the (ilengarry Light Infantry an«l In- 
 corporated Militia, having commenced their retreat, I countermanded 
 these corps and formed the 8!)th Regiment and Royal Scots detivch- 
 ments and 41st Light Company in the rear of the hill, their left 
 resting on the great road : my two twenty-four pounder brass field 
 guns a little advanced in front of the centre on the summit of the 
 hill: the (Jlengarry Light Infantry on the i-ight; the battalion of 
 Incor|K)rated Militia and the detachment of the King's Regiment 
 on the left lA the great road : the scpiadron of the 19th Light 
 Dragjxais in rear of the left on the road. I ha«l scarcely completed 
 this formation when the whole front wjis wannly and closely en- 
 gaged. The enemy's principal efforts were directed against our left 
 and centre. After repeated attacks the troops on the left were 
 partially forced back, and the enemy gained a momentary poaseei- 
 sion of the road. This gave him, however, no material advantage, 
 as the troops which had been forced back formed in the rear of the 
 
HO 
 
 89th Reffiineiit, fruntiii)^ the road and Hecuring the flank. It waH 
 during tniH sJiort interval that Major-Cieneral Riall, Imving received 
 a Hevere wound, waH intercepted iih he wan ptiNNing to the rear by a 
 party of the enemy 'h cavah-y and made priHontir. In the centre 
 the reiH»ated and determined attaclcH of the enemy were mt^t by the 
 89th Regiment, the detachmentH of the RoyalH and KingH and the 
 light company of the 4lHt, with th** moHt perf«'ct Htea<lineHH and 
 intrepid galhintry, and the enemy waH constantly repulsed with 
 very heavy Iohh. In ho »letermim'<I a manujT wen; tlu'He attacks 
 directe«l agaiuHt our guuH that our artill(>rymen were bayoneted by 
 the enemy in the »ict of loading, and the muzzlen of tin? enemy h 
 guuH were ailvanced within a few yardn of ouix The darknesH of 
 the night during tluH extraordinary conflict (K-oanioned several un- 
 common incidi>ntH. (hir troopH having for a moment lM>en pUHluMJ 
 back, Home of our guns remained for a fow minutes in the enemy's 
 han«lH; they were, however, not only (piickly recov«*red, but the 
 two pieceH, a Hix-poun«ler and a Hvr and a half-inch howitzer, 
 which the enemy had brought up, werr captun-il by »is, together 
 with H(>veral tumbriln, and in lindiering up our gunn at one perioil 
 one of th<? enemy'H six-pounders was put by a mistake upon a 
 lind)er of ouix, and one of our six-poundcrs lindH>r<'d on his, by 
 which means the pieces were exchange<l, and thus, though we cap- 
 tured two of his guns, yet a8 he obtained one of ounu we have 
 gained oidy one gun. 
 
 AlM)Ut nine o'clock (the action having commenced at six) there 
 was a short intermission of flring. during which the tuiemy was 
 employed in bringing up the whole of his remaining force, and he 
 shoillj' after renewed his attack, but was everywhere repulse<l with 
 equal gallantry and success. Alxuit this periinl th«' remainder of 
 Major-(ieneral Riall's division, which had l)een ordere<l to retire on 
 the advance of the enemy, consisting of the 103d Regiment, umler 
 Colonel Scott, the he!uh|uarter division of the Sth (or King's,) flank 
 companies, 104th, and some detachments of militia, under Lieut.- 
 Colonel Hamilton, inspecting Held otticer, joine<l the tnwps engaged ; 
 and I placed them in a second line, with the exception of the Hoyal 
 Scots and flank companies, 104th, with which I prol«jnged my front 
 line on the right, where I was apprehensive of the enemy's out- 
 flanking me. The enemy's eflforts to carry the hill were continuetl 
 until alSmt midnight, when he had suflTered so severely from the 
 superior steadiness and discipline of His Majesty's troops that he 
 gave up the contest and retreated with great precipitation to his 
 camp Ixjyond the Chippawa. On the following day he abandoned 
 his camp, threw the gi*eatest part of his bjiggage, camp equipage, 
 and provisions into the rapids, and having set Are to Street's Mills 
 
90 
 
 and destroyed the bridge at Chippawa, continued his retreat in 
 great disorder towards Fort Erie. My light troops, cavalry, and 
 Indians are detached in pursuit and to harass his retreat, which, I 
 doubt not. he will continue until he reaches his own shore. 
 
 The loss sustained by the enemy in this severe action cannot 
 be estimated at less than fifteen hundred men, including several 
 hundreds of prisoners left in our hands. His two commanding 
 generals. Brown and Scott, are said to be wounded ; his whole force, 
 which has never been rated at less than five thousand, having been 
 engaged. Enclosed I have the honor to transmit a return of our 
 loss, which has been very considerable. The number of troops 
 under my comnjand did not, for the first three hours, exceed sixteen 
 hundred men ; the addition of the troops under Colonel Scott did 
 not increase it to more than two thousand eight hundred, of every 
 description. 
 
 A very difficult but at the same time a most gratifying duty 
 remains, that of endeavoring to do justice to the merits of the 
 officers and soldiers by whose valor and discipline this important 
 success has been obtained. I was very early in the action deprived 
 of the services of Major-General Riall, who, I regret to learn, has 
 suffered the amputation of his arm in the enemy's possession ; his 
 bravery, zeal, and activity have always been conspicuous. 
 
 To Lieut.-Colonel Harvey, Deputy- Adjutant-General, I am ao 
 deeply indebted for his valuable assistance previous to as well as 
 his able and energetic exertions during this severe contest, that I 
 feel myself called upon to point Your Excellency's attention to the 
 distinguished merits of this highly dese' ving officer, whr services 
 have been particularly conspicuous in jry affair that has taken 
 place since his arrival in this province. The zeal and intelligence 
 displayed by Major Glegg, Assistant-Adjutant-General, deserve my 
 warmest approbation. I much regret the loss of a very intelligent 
 and promising young officer, Lieutenant Moorsom, 104th Regiment, 
 Deputy-Assistant-Adjutant-General, who was killed towards the 
 close of the action. The active exertions of Captain Elliot, Deputy- 
 Assistant-Quartermaster-General, of whose gallantry and conduct 
 I had occasion on two former instances to remark, were conspicuous. 
 Major Maule and Lieutenant Le Breton, of Quartermaster-General's 
 department, were extremely useful to me ; the latter was severely 
 wounded. 
 
 Amongst the officers from whose active exertions I derived the 
 greatest assistance, I cannot omii to mention my aides-de-camp, 
 Captains Jervois and Loring, and Captain Holland, aide-de-camp to 
 Major-General Riall ; Captain Loring was unfortunately talcen 
 
91 
 
 prisoner by some of the enemy's dragoons, whilst in the execution 
 of an order. 
 
 In reviewing the action from its commencement, the first object 
 which presents itself is the steadiness and good countenance of the 
 squadron of 19th Light Dragoons, under Major Lisle, and the very 
 creditable and excellent defence made by the Incorporated Militia 
 battalion, under Lieutenant Colonel Robinson, who was dangerously 
 wounded, and a detachment of the 8th (King's) Regiment, under 
 Captain Campbell. Major Kerby succeeded Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Robinson in the command of the Incorporated Militia battalion and 
 continued very gallantly to direct its efforts ; this battalion has 
 only been organized a few months, and much to the credit of Captain 
 Robinson of the King's Regiment (Provincial Lieutenant-Colonel) 
 has attained a highly respectable degree of discipline. 
 
 In the reiterated and determined attacks whicn the enemy 
 made upon our centre for the purpose of gaining at once the crest 
 of the position and our guns, the steadiness and intrepidity dis- 
 played by the troops allotted for the defence of that post were 
 never surpassed ; they consisted of the 89th Regiment, commanded 
 by Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison, and, after the Lieutenant-Colonel 
 had been obliged to retire from the field by a severe wound, by 
 Major Clifford; a detachment of the Royal Scots under Lieut. 
 Hemphill, and after he was killed Lieut. Fraser ; a detachment of 
 the 8th (or King's) under Captain Campbell ; light company, 41st 
 Regiment, under Captain Glew, with some detachments of militia 
 under Lieutenant-Colonel Parry, 103rd Regiment. These troops re- 
 peatedly, when hard pressed, formed round the colours of the 89th 
 Regiment, and invariably repulsed the attacks made against them. 
 On the right the steadiness and good countenance of the 1st Bat- 
 talion, Royal Scots, under Lieutenant- Colonel Gordon, in some very 
 trying moments excited my admiration. The King's Regiment, 
 (1st Battalion,) under Major Evans, behaved with great gallantry 
 and firmness, as did the light company of the Royals, detached 
 under Captain Stewart ; the Grenadiers of the 103rd, detached 
 under Captain Browne; and the flank companies of the 104th 
 under Captain Leonard. The Glengarry Light Infantry, under 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Battersby, displayed most valuable qualities as 
 light troops. Colonel Scott, Major Smelt, and the officers of the 
 103rd deserve credit for their exertions in rallying that regiment 
 after it had been thrown into momentary disorder. Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Pearson, Inspecting Field Officer, directed the advance with 
 great intelligence, «^nd Lieutenant-Colonel Drummond, having gone 
 forward with my permission early in the day, made himself actively 
 useful in different parts of the field under my direction. These 
 
92 
 
 officers are entitled to ray best thanks, as is Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Hamilton, Inspecting Field Officer, for his exertions after his arrival 
 with the troops under Colonel Scott. 
 
 The field artillery so long as there was light was well served. 
 The credit of its efficient state is due to Captain Mackonachie, who 
 has charge of it since his arrival with this division. Captain 
 McLauchlan, has charge of the batteries at Fort • Missassaga, 
 volunteered his services in the field on this occasion ; he was severely 
 wounded. Lieutenant Tomkins deserves much credit for the way 
 in which the two brass 24-poanders, of which he had charge, were 
 served, as does Sergeant Austin of the rocket company, who 
 directed the Congreve rockets, which did much execution. The 
 zeal, loyalty and bravery, with which the militia of this part of the 
 province have come forward to co-operate with His Majesty's troops 
 in the expulsion of the enemy, and their conspicuous gallantry in 
 this and the action of the 4th, aim my warmest thanks. 
 
 I cannot conclude this despatch without recommending in the 
 strongest terms the follov/ing officers, whose conduct during the 
 late operations has called for marked approbation, and I ara induced 
 to hope Your Excellency will be pleased to submit their names for 
 promotion to the most favorable consideration of His Royal High- 
 ness the Prince Regent, viz : Captain Jervois, my aide-de-camp ; 
 Captain Robinson, 8th (King's) Regiment, (Provincial Lieutenant- 
 Colonel) commanding the Incorporated Militia ; Captain Elliot, 
 Deputy- Assistant-Quartermaster-General ; Captain Holland, aide- 
 de-camp to Major-General Rial], and Captain Glew, 41st Regiment. 
 
 This despatch will be delivered to you by Captain Jervois, my 
 aide-de-camp, who is fully competent to give Your Excellency any 
 further information you may require. 
 
 District General Order. 
 
 Headquarters, Falls of Niagara, 26th July, 1814. 
 
 Lieutenant-General Drummond offers his sincerest and warm- 
 est thanks to the troops and militia engaged yesterday, for their 
 exemplary steadiness, gallantry and discipline in repulsing all the 
 efforts of a numerous and determined enemy to carry the position 
 of Lundy's Lane, near the Falls of Niagara. Their exertions have 
 been crowned with complete success by the defeat of the enemy, 
 and his retreat to the position of Chippawa with the loss of two 
 of his guns and an immense number of killed and wounded, and 
 several hundred prisoners. When all have behaved nobly it is 
 unnecessary to hold up particular instances of merit in corps or 
 individuals. The Lieut.-General cannot, however, refrain from ex- 
 
93 
 
 pressing in the strongest manner his admiration of the gallantry 
 and steadiness of the 89th Regiment, under Lieut.-Colonel Mom- 
 son and Major Clifford, who ably and gallantly supplied the Lieut.- 
 Colonel's place after he was wounded ; 41st Light Company under 
 Captain Glew, and detachment of the 8th or King's Regiment 
 under Captain Campbell, and Royals acting with them ; also a 
 party of Incorporated Militia, by whom the brunt of the action 
 was for a considerable time sustained, and whose loss has been 
 severe. To the advance under Lieutenant-Colonel Pearson, consist- 
 ing of the Glengarry Light Infantry under Lieut.-Colonel Batters- 
 by, a small party of the 104th under Lieut.-Colonel Drummond, 
 the Incorporated Militia under Lieut.-Colonel Robinson, and de- 
 tachments from the 1st, 2d, 4th and 5th Lincoln Militia and 2d 
 York under Lieut.-Colonel Parry, the Lieut.-General offers his 
 warmest thanks. They are also due to the troops which arrived 
 under Colonel Scott during the action, viz.: The 1st or Royal 
 Scots under Lieut.-Colonel Gordon, 8th or King's under Major 
 Evans, 103d Regiment under Colonel Scott, flank companies, 104th, 
 with the Norfolk, Oxford, Kent and Essex Rangers and Middlesex 
 Militia, under Lieut.-Colonel Hamilton. 
 
 The admirable steadiness and good conduct of the 19th Light 
 Dragoons, under Major Lisle, and of the detachment of Royal 
 Artillery, under Captain MacLauchlan, are entitled to particular 
 praise ; the latter officer having been badly wounded, the command 
 of the artillery devolved to Captain Mackonochie, with whose 
 gallantry and exertions Lieut.-General Drummond was highly 
 pleased. Sergeant Austin, who directed the firing of the Congreve 
 Rockets, deserves very great credit. To the officers of the general 
 and of his own personal staff, and to Captain Holland, aide-de-camp 
 to Major-General Riall, Lieut.-General Drummond feels himself 
 greatly indebted for the assistance they afforded him. 
 
 He has to lament being deprived (by a wound early in the 
 action) of the services of Major-General Riall, who was most 
 unfortunately made prisoner, whilst returning from the field, by a 
 party of the enemy's cavalry, who had a momentary possession of 
 the road. Lieut.-General Drummond has also to regret the wounds 
 which have deprived the corps of the services of Lieut.-Colonel 
 Morrison, 89th Reginient, and Lieut.-Colonel Robinson of the 
 Incorporated Militia. In the fall of Lieut. Mcorsom, serving as 
 Deputy-Asst. -Adjutant-General, the service has lost a gallant, 
 intelligent and meritorious young officer. 
 
 The Lieut.-General and President has great pleasure in dis- 
 missing to their homes the whole of the Sedentary Militia, who 
 have so handsomely come forward on the occasion, confident that 
 
94 
 
 on any future emergency their loyalty will be again equally con- 
 spicuous. He will perform a grateful duty in representing to His 
 Majesty's government the zeal, bravery, and alacrity with which 
 the militia have co-operated with His Majesty's troops. 
 
 J. Harvey, Lt.-Col., 
 
 Deputy- Adjt.-General. 
 
 JKetnm of KUled. Wounded and Missing in the Action at Londy'i 
 Lane, on the 95th July, 1814. 
 
 Staff — one officer killed, four officers wounded, one officer 
 missing. 
 
 19th Dragoons — two rank and file wounded, one private 
 missing. 
 
 Royal Engineers — one subaltern missing. 
 
 Royal Artillery — four rank and file killed, one captain, twelve 
 rank and file wounded ; seven privates missing. 
 
 Royal Marine Artillery — three rank and file wounded, two rank 
 and file missing. 
 
 1st Royal Scots — one subaltern, 15 privates, killed; three 
 officers, 112 non-commissioned officers and men, wounded ; two 
 officers and 39 non-commissioned officers and men missing. 
 
 8th, or King's — twelve non-commissioned officers and men 
 killed, three officers and 57 non-commissioned officers and men 
 wounded, one officer and twelve non-commissioned officers and men 
 missing. 
 
 41st Regt. — three privates killed, 34 non-commissioned officers 
 and men wounded. 
 
 89th Regt. — two officers, 27 non-commissioned officer and men, 
 killed; eleven officers and 177 non-commissioned officers and men 
 wounded, 37 non-commissioned officers and men missing. 
 
 103d Regt. — six privates killed, one officer and 46 non-com- 
 missioned officers and men wounded, three officers and four non- 
 commissioned officers and men missing. 
 
 104th Regt. — one private killed, five privates missing. 
 
 Glengarry Light Infantry — four privates killed, one officer, 30 
 non-commissioned officers and men, wounded ; one officer and 21 
 non-commissioned officers and men missing. 
 
 Incorporated Militia — one officer and six men killed, four 
 officers and 39 non-commissioned officers and men wounded ; 75 
 non-commissioned officers and men missing ; three officers and 14 
 men prisoners. 
 
 Provincial Light Dragoons — two rank and file wounded, one 
 captain missing. 
 
96 
 
 Ist Lincoln Militia — one private killed. 
 2d do do — one private wounded. 
 4th do do — two officers, three men wounded ; two 
 officers missing. 
 
 5th Lincoln Militia — one officer and three men wounded. 
 2d York Militia — three officers and six men wounded. 
 
 Officers Killed. 
 
 General Staff— Lieut, Moorsom, 104th Regt., Deputy-Assist.- 
 Adjt.-General. 
 
 1st, or Royal Scots — Lieut. Hemphill. 
 
 89th Regt., 2d Battn. — Captain Spunner, Lieut. Latham. 
 
 Incorporated Militia — Ensign Campbell. 
 
 Officers Wounded. 
 
 General Staff — Lieut.-General Drummond, severely, not dan- 
 gerously ; Major-General Riall, do,, and prisoner ; Lieut. -Colonel 
 Pearson, slightly ; Lieut. Le Breton, severely. 
 
 Royal Artillery — Capt. McLauchlan, dangerously. 
 
 1st, or Royal Scots — Capt. Brereton, slightly ; Lieut. Haswell, 
 severely, not dangerously ; Lieut. D. Fraser, do., do., and missing. 
 
 1st Battn., 8th or King's — Lieut. Noel and Emsign Swayne, 
 slightly ; Ensign MacDonald, severely. 
 
 89th Regt. — Lieut.-Colonel Morrison, Lieuts. Sanderson, Street, 
 Pierce, Taylor, Lloyd and Miles, severely, not dangerously ; Lieut. 
 Redmond and Adjutant Hopper, slightly ; Lieut. Gray and Ensign 
 Saunders, dangerously. 
 
 103d Regt. — Lieut. Langhorne, slightly. 
 
 Glengarry Light Infantry — Lieut. R. Kerr, slightly. 
 
 Incorporated Militia — Lieut.-Col. Robinson, dangerously ; Cap- 
 tain Fraser, severely ; Capt. Washburn, slightly ; Captain McDonald, 
 severely, left arm amputated ; Lieut.-MacDougall, mortally ; Lieut. 
 Ruttan and Ensign McDonald, severely ; Lieut. Hamilton, slightly. 
 
 2d Lincoln Militia — Adjutant Thompson, slightly. 
 
 4th Lincoln Militia — Captain H. Nelles and Ensign Kennedy, 
 slightly. 
 
 5th Lincoln Militia — Major Hatt, severely. 
 
 2d York Militia — Major Simons, severely ; Captain Rockman, 
 Lieuts. Orrfield and Smith, severely. 
 
 Officers Missing. 
 Royal Engineers — Lieut. Yule. 
 
 Is^, or Royal Scots — Lieuts. Cljiie and Lament, supposed to be 
 prisoners. 
 
 8th, or King's Regt. — Quartermaster Kirnan. 
 
 4th Lincoln Militia — Capt. H. Nelles and Quartermaster Ball. 
 
96 
 
 Officers Prisoners. 
 
 General Staff — Captain Loring, A. D. C. to Lieut.-General 
 Drummond. 
 
 89th Regt.— Capt. Gore. 
 
 103d Regt. — Capt. Brown, Lieut. Montgomery (wounded,) and 
 Ensign Lyner. 
 
 Glengarry Light Infantry — Ensign Robins. 
 
 Incorporated Militia — Captain McLean, Ensign Wharf and 
 Quartermaster Thompson. 
 
 Provincial Light Dragoons — Capt. Merritt. 
 
 Total, including officers — killed, 84; wounded, 559; missing 
 193 ; prisoners, 42. 
 
 In consequence of the gi'eat use made by the enemy of buck- 
 shot, many of the wounds have proved slight. 
 
 Captain L. Austin, A. D. €. to Major-General Brown, to tiie 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 H. Q., Buffalo, 29th July, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor of addressing you by desire of Gen. 
 Brown, who is now confined by wounds received in a severe and 
 desperate engagement with the enemy on the afternoon and night 
 of the 25th inst. 
 
 Our army had fallen back to Chippawa. The enemy collecting 
 every regiment from Burlington and York, and meeting with no 
 opposition on Lake Ontario, transported by water troops to Fort 
 George from Kingston and even Prescott, which enabled them to 
 bring against us a force vastly superior, under command of Lieut.- 
 Gen. Drummond and Ma j. -Gen. Riall. They were met by us near 
 the Falls of Niagara, where a most severe conflict ensued ; the 
 enemy disputed the ground with resolution, yet were driven from 
 every position they attempted to hold. We stormed his batteries 
 directly in front and took possession of all his artillery ; notwith- 
 standing his immense superiority both in numbers and position, he 
 was completely defeated, and our troops remained on the battle 
 ground without any interruption. As, however, both Generals 
 Brown and Scott had received severe wounds — almost every chief 
 of battalion disabled, and our men quite exhausted, it was thought 
 prudent to retire to our encampment, which was done in good order 
 without any molestation from the enemy — our wounded having 
 been first removed. 
 
 Maj.-Gen. Riall, with the aide-de-camp of Gen. Drummond and 
 about twenty other officers, are taken prisoners. 
 
 The loss on both sides is immense, but no account has been yet 
 
97 
 
 returned. The aide end brigade major of Gen, Scott are botli 
 severely wounded, and Capt. Spencer, an aide of Gen. Brown, most 
 probably dead, having received two balls through his body. Both 
 Generals Brown and Scott are on this side confined by their wounds. 
 Gen. Ripley commands on the other. General Brown received his 
 wounds at the same instant during a late part of the action, but 
 still continued to keep his horse until exhausted by loss of blood — 
 this, probably, has rendered his wounds more painful than they 
 would otherwise have been. 
 
 ]IIaJor*General Brown to the Secretary of War. 
 
 Buffalo, 7th August, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Confined as I was and have been since the last engage- 
 ment with the enemy, I fear that the account I am about to give 
 may be less full and satisfactory than under other circumstances it 
 might have been made. I particularly fear that the conduct of the 
 gallant men i A^as my fortune to lead will not be noticed in a way 
 due to their fame and the honor of our country. 
 
 You are already apprised that the army had, on the 25th ult., 
 taken a position at Chippawa. About noon of that day Col. Swift, 
 who was posted at Lewiston, apprised me by express that the enemy 
 had appeared in considerable force in Queenston and on its heights ; 
 that four of the enemy's fleet had arrived during the preceding 
 night and were then lying near Fort Niagara, and that a number 
 of the enemy's boats were in view moving up the Straight. Within 
 a few moments after this intelligence had been received, I was 
 further informed by Captain Denman of the Quartermaster's 
 Department that the enemy was landing at Lewiston, and that our 
 baggage and stores at Schlosser and on their way thither were in 
 danger of immediate capture. It is proper here to mention that 
 having received advices as late as the 20th from Gen. Gaines that 
 our fleet was then in port and the Commodore sick, we ceased to 
 look for co-operation from that quarter, and determined to dis- 
 encumber ourselves of baggage and march directly for Burlington 
 Heights. To mask this intention and to draw from Schlosser a 
 small supply of provisions, I fell back upon Chippawa. As this 
 arrangement, under the increased force of the enemy, left much at 
 hazard on our side of the Niagara, and as it appeared by the before 
 mentioned information that the enemy was about to avail himself 
 of it, I conceived the most eflectual method of recalling him from 
 this object was to put myself in motion towards Queenston. Gen. 
 Scott with the 1st Brigade, Towson's Artillery, and all the dragoons 
 and mounted men, were accordingly put in march on the road lead- 
 
98 
 
 ing thither, with orders to report if the enemy appeared — then to 
 call for assistance if necessary. 
 
 On the General's arrival at the Falls he learned that the enemy 
 was in force directly in his front, narrow pieces of woods alone 
 intercepting his view of them. Waiting only to give this informa- 
 tion, he advanced upon them ; by the time Assistant- Adj. Jones had 
 delivered his message, the action began ; and before the remaining 
 part of the division had crossed the Chippawa, it had become close 
 and general between the advanced corps. Though Gen. Ripley 
 with the second brigade. Major Hindman with the corps of artillery, 
 and Gen. Porter at the head of his command, had respectively 
 pressed forward with ardor, it was not less than an hour before 
 they were brought to sustain Gen. Scott, during which time his 
 command most skilfully and gallantly maintained the conflict. 
 Upon my arrival, I found that the General had passed the wood 
 and engaged the enemy on the Queonston road and on the ground 
 to the left of it with the 9tli, 11th and 22d Regiments, with 
 Towson's Artillery — the 25th had been thrown to the right to be 
 governed by circumstances. Apprehending that these corps were 
 much exhausted, and knowing that they had suffered severely, I 
 determined to interpose a new line with the advancing troops, and 
 thus disengage Gen. Scott and hold his brigade in reserve ; orders 
 were accordingly given to General Ripley. The enemy's artillery 
 at this moment occupied a hill which gave him great advantages 
 and was the key to the whole position ; it was supported by a line 
 of infantry. To secure the victory it was necessary to carry this 
 artillery and seize the height. This duty was assigned to Col. Miller, 
 while to favor its execution the 1st Regiment, under the command 
 of Col. Nicholas, was directed to menace and amuse the infantry. 
 To my gi'eat mortification this regiment, after a discharge or two, 
 gave way and retreated some distance before it could be rallied, 
 though it is believed the officers of the regiment exerted themselves 
 to shorten this distance. In the meantime Col. Miller, without 
 regard to this occurrence, advanced steadily and gallantly to his 
 object, and carried the height and the cannon. Gen. Ripley brought 
 up the 23d (which had also faltered) to his support, and the enemy 
 disappeared from before them. The 1st Regiment was now brought 
 into line on the ^eft of the 21st and the detachments of the 17th 
 and 19th, Gen. Porter occupying with his command the extreme 
 left — about the time Col. Miller carried the enemy's cannon. 
 
 The 25th Regiment, under Major Jessup, was engaged in a 
 more obstinate contest with all that remained to dispute with us 
 the field of battle. The Major, as has been already stated, had been 
 ordered by General Scott at the commencement of the action to 
 
09 
 
 take gi"ound to the right ; he had Hucceeded in turning the enemy's 
 left .flank — had captured (by a detachment under Captain Ketchum) 
 Gen. Riall and sundry other officers — and showed himself again in 
 a blaze of lire, which defeated or destroyed a very superior force of 
 the enemy. He was ordered to form on the right of 22d Regiment, 
 The enemy rallying his forces and, as is believed, having received 
 reinforcements, now attempted to drive us from our position and 
 regain his artillery ; our line was unshaken and the enemy repulsed. 
 Two other attempts having the same object had the same issue. 
 Gen. Scott was again engaged in repelling the former of these, and the 
 last I saw of him on the field of battle he was near the head of his 
 colunm, and giving to its march a direction that would have placed 
 him on the enemy's right. It was with great pleasure I saw the 
 good order and intrepidity of Gen. Porter's volunteers from the 
 moment of arrival ; but during the last charge of the enemy those 
 qualities were conspicuous — stimulated by the example set them by 
 their gallant leader, by Major Wood of the Pennsylvania corps, by 
 Col. Dobbin of New York, and by their officers generally — they 
 precipitated themselves upon the enemy's line and made all the 
 prisoners which were taken at this point of the action. 
 
 Having been for some time wounded, and being a good deal 
 exhausted by loss of blood, it became my wish to devolve the com- 
 mand on Gen. Scott and retire from the field, but on inquiry I had 
 the misfortune to learn that he was disabled by wounds. I there- 
 fore kept my post, and had the satisfaction of seeing the enemy's 
 last effort repulsed. I now consigned the command to General 
 Ripley. 
 
 While retiring from the field I saw and felt that the victory 
 was complete on our part if proper measures were promptly 
 adopted to secure it. "The exhaustion of the men was, however, 
 such as made some refreshment necessary; they particularly 
 required water — I was myself extremely sensible of the want of 
 this necessary article. I therefore believed it proper that Gen. 
 Ripley and the troops should return to camp after bringing off the 
 dead, the wounded and the artillery ; and in this I saw no difficulty, 
 as the enemy had entirely ceased to act. Within an hour after my 
 arrival in camp I was informed that Gen. Ripley had returned 
 without annoyance and in good order. I now sent for him, and 
 after giving him my reasons for the measure I was about to adopt, 
 ordered him to put the troops in the very best possible condition ; 
 to give to them the necessary refreshment ; to take with him the 
 picquets and camp guards and every other description of force ; to 
 put himself on the field of battle as the day dawned, and there to 
 meet and beat the enemy if he appeared. To this order he made no 
 
 y^ 
 
100 
 
 objection and I relied upon its execution ; it was not executed. I 
 feel most sensibly how inadequate are my powera in speaking of 
 the troops to do justice either to their merits or to my own sense 
 of them — under able direction they might have done more and 
 better. 
 
 From the preceding detail you have new evidence of the dis- 
 tinguished gallantry of Generals Scott and Porter, of Col. Miller 
 and Major Jessup. 
 
 Of the 1st Brigade, the chief with his aide-de-camp, Worth, 
 his major of brigade. Smith, and every commander of battalion, 
 were wounded. The 2d Brigade suffered less, but as a brigade their 
 conduct entitled them to the applause of their country. After the 
 enemy's strong position had been carried by the 21st and detach- 
 ments of the 17th and 19th, the 1st and 23d assumed a new 
 character — they could not again be shaken or dismayed. Major 
 McFarland of the latter fell nobly at the head of his battalion. 
 Under the command of Gen. Porter the Militia Volunteers of 
 Pennsylvania and New York stood undismayed amidst the hottest 
 lire, and repulsed the veterans opposed to them. The Canadian 
 Vohmteers, commanded by Col. Wilcocks, are reported by General 
 Porter as having merited and received his approbation. The corps 
 of artillery commanded by Major Hindman behaved with its usual 
 gallantry. Capt. Towson's battery attached to the 1st Brigade was 
 the first and the last engaged, and during the whole conflict main- 
 tained that high character which they had previously won by their 
 skill and valor. Captains Biddle and Ritchie were both wounded 
 early in the action, but refused to quit the field ; the latter declared 
 that he would never leave his piece, and true to his engagement 
 fell by its side covered with wounds. 
 
 The stafi' of the army had its peculiar merit and distinction. 
 Col. Gardner, Adj. -Gen., though ill, was on horseback and did all in 
 his power; his assistant, Major Jones, was very active and useful ; 
 my gallant aids-de-camp, Austin and Spencer, had many and criti- 
 cal duties to perform, in the discharge of which the latter fell. I 
 shall ever think of this young man with pride and regret — regret 
 that his career has been so short ; pride that it has been so dis- 
 tinguished. The engineers, McRea and Wood, were greatly distin- 
 guished on this day, and their high military talents exerted with 
 great efiect ; they were much under my eye and near my person, 
 and to their assistance a great deal is fairl^T^ to be ascribed. I most 
 earnestly recommend them as worthy of the highest trust and 
 confidence. 
 
 The stafi' of Generals Ripley and Porter discovered great zeal 
 
101 
 
 and attention to duty. Lieut. E. B. Randolph of the 20th is 
 entitled to notice ; his courage was conspicuous. 
 
 I enclose a return of our loss. Those noted as missing may 
 generally be numbered with the dead. The enemy had but little 
 opportunity of making prisoners. 
 
 Return of prisoners taken from the enemy in the above action, 
 viz: 1 Major-General (Riall,) 1 aid (to Lt.-Gen. Drummond,) 6 
 captains, 11 subalterns, 150 rank and file — total, 169. 
 
 Az. Orne, 
 
 Assist. Insp. Gen. 
 
 Major-Gen. Peter B. Porter to Crovernor D. D. Tompkins. 
 
 Fort Erie, U. C, July 29, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Our Canadian campaign seems drawing to a close, or 
 must, at any rate, be suspended for want of reinforcements. After 
 a month wpent in marching and countermarching we have got hack 
 to the point from which we set out, much impaired in strength but 
 I hope not disheartened. 
 
 Besides almost daily skirmishing we have had two severe 
 general engagements, In the first of these we were ludky, (I use 
 this term because so far as depended on any previous arrangements 
 or knowledge of the commanding officer, both engagements were 
 wholly accidental and unexpected,) and obtained a splendid victory, 
 if not with a trifling yet a very disproportionate loss. In the last 
 we were most unlucky both as to time and place, the action having 
 been commenced three miles from camp about sundown, with one- 
 third of our army against a greatly superior force occupying a 
 commanding position. But no disadvantage of time, place or 
 circumstance, could resist the desperate bravery of the American 
 soldiery. 
 
 The enemy's battery of seven pieces of artillery was carried 
 by a charge, his commanding- position occupied and four desperate 
 and deliberate attempts to regain it by desperate charges success- 
 fully repelled. Our victory was complete, but, alas, this victory 
 gained by exhibitions of bravery never surpassed in this country, 
 was converted into a defeat by a precipitate retreat, leaving the 
 dead, the wounded and captured artillery, and our hard earned 
 honor to the enemy. I entered my remonstrance against this 
 measure, and I confess at the time I almost wished that fate had 
 swept another General from the combat. But it is certain that no 
 Militia General is to gain any military fame while united to a 
 regular force and commanded by their officers. 
 
 i^li^ta. 
 
102 
 
 The purpose of this letter is to request tliat I may be per- 
 mitted to retire from the service, for in truth the volunteer force is 
 is now so small as not to warrant a Brigadier's command. You well 
 know how greatly my expectations have been disappointed in 
 relation to this command. I expected that the force would amount 
 to something near what was authorized, that it would be supplied 
 with the means enabling it to live, march and tight, that in point of 
 numbers it would be respectable and form so large a part of the 
 army as to enable it to assert its equal rights and privileges with 
 the I'egular troops, and not be what an interior militia force always 
 will be, the tools and drudges of the regular troops. As regarded 
 myself I did expect, too, that I would not be lower than second in 
 command, and that if the fortune of war should dispose of the first, 
 I might take my chance to fill his place. But all liopes of such an 
 event have vanished, for altho' I am now second in conniuind, 
 another Brigadier has been sent for to Sackett's Harbor. In short, 
 I have been brigadiered till I am quite satisfied. 
 
 Nothing but the shame of abandoning a measure, which under 
 mistaken auspices I had engaged and made some progress in, would 
 have induced me to take the field with a ragged, unprovided and 
 undisciplined force. I have done with then, nil I could, and altho' 
 I may not retire with much credit, I hope I shall not go home 
 wholly disgraced. 
 
 I have just seen General Brown's report of the battle of Chip- 
 pawa. Altho' he has been very civil to me personally by giving 
 me credit for a quality which in the sense in which it is commonly 
 used I am sure I do not possess, he has done great injustice to the 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers and Indians, who fought as bravely and 
 in proportion to their numbers did double the execution of any 
 other troops that day. I participated in all their disgrace, and the 
 only unpleasant feeling I have on the business of that day is that 
 I rallied and led a scattered line, (formed to scour the woods and 
 not to fight a regular force,) exhausted by the fatigue of pursuit a 
 second time, against a compact line of British regular troops per- 
 fectly fresh, and this when we were more than half a mile in 
 advance and unsupported by our regular troops, by which I lost 
 several valuable omcei's. General Brown does not hesitate to 
 acknowledge that on the night of the 25th the volunteers fought 
 at lead as well as the regulars. 
 
 Do not understand me as intending to cast a heavy censure on 
 General Ripley for the retreat from Lundy's Lane. He is a very 
 clever fellow, and besides having been in opinion opposed to General 
 Brown's plan of operations, he on that night, I am told by him, 
 received a pasitive order from General Brown at Chippawa to 
 
103 
 
 retire. Had I, however, been in hia situation I should, without a 
 moment's hesitation, have disobeyed the order, for he commanded 
 the battle and was answerable for its issue, and ought not to have 
 been dictated to by a wounded man four miles from the scene of 
 action. 
 
 Second Sheet. 
 
 In the report of the battle of the 25th, the volunteers will 
 probably be put down as one of the three brigades which were 
 engaged, and as our number of killed, wounded and missing will, 
 of coui"se, be considei-ably less than that of other brigades, it will 
 seem that we were cowardly and did not do our duty, when, in fact, 
 the reverse is the case. Our brigade, as I stated before, is the ser- 
 vant of the army. 250 men were detached and acting under 
 Colonel Swift across the river, one company was at Butialo, part of 
 company at Erie (Fort Erie,) and two companies during the battle 
 were ordered to remain at Chippawa to protect the camp, so that in 
 fact we carried less than 300 men into the field, and detachments 
 were made again to send off prisoners. But in proportion to the 
 numbers engaged we lost more than any other corps, and I believe, 
 small as we were, we actually lost more officers killed than either 
 of the other brigades. Our whole loss was 05. I mention this not 
 to boast, but to show how uneijually the policy observed towards 
 volunteers bears upon them. 
 
 Major-Genera 1 Brown to Governor D. D. Tompkins. 
 
 Buffalo, 1st August, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Will it not be possible for you to increase General Por- 
 ter's command, and that promptly. I have found General Porter a 
 brave and efficient officer. In the midst of the greatest danger I 
 have found his mind cool and collected, an<l his judgment to be re- 
 lied upon. These are rare qualifications, and therefore it is that I 
 desire all the militia force may be continued under his command. 
 
 It does appear to me to be an object of great material import- 
 ance to thix State that the enemy should be driven out of the 
 Peninsula, and a line drawn between him and his savage allies to 
 extend from near York or Burlington if it cannot be pressed farther 
 down. If you could by any means bring out a force of from three 
 to four thousand militia to operate with my gallant little army, I 
 do not doubt but that the object could be effected. 
 
 It is in vain for the people of this country to attempt to shrink 
 from the war in which they are engaged : if they do not arm and 
 exert themselves at a distance from their farms they will soon find 
 the war brought to their firesides. 
 
104 
 
 This State has suffered in reputation this war ; its militia have 
 done nothing, or but little, and that, too, after the State had been 
 for a long time invaded. 
 
 Being resolved not to order my army out of Canada under 
 existing circumstances without further instructions from the War 
 Department, I have deemed it proper to call upon Major-General 
 Hall for a thousand militia for the defence of the frontier. I hope 
 you will approve the measure, but if you do I am not sure the 
 force will be found unless stronger and more military measures are 
 adopted than have hitherto been, as I find the inhabitants of this 
 frontier more disposed to skulk from the danger which threatens 
 them than to arm in defence of their country and her rights. 
 
 My wounds are very troublesome but not dangerous. I send 
 you the enclosed statement of Dr. Bull for your information, but 
 not for publication. The battle of the 25th, it is believed, will find 
 but few parallels. More desperate lighting has rarely been known. 
 I hope the nation will be satisfied by our conduct — we have 
 endeavored to do our duty. 
 
 The official returns are not yet in, but I am informed that I 
 have lost above sixty officers, killed and wounded, among which 
 first, I fear, is my aid-de-camp. Captain Spencer. 
 
 Dr. Bull to 
 
 Buffalo, 31st July, 1814. 
 
 In convei-sat.ion with Major-General Brown, after dressing his 
 wounds on the evening of the 25th, I understood from him that 
 General Ripley was ordered to move early in morning of the follow- 
 ing day to the scene of action of the d&y preceding for the purpose 
 of burying the dead, securing all the trophies captured, and driving 
 back the enemy should they appear. I did not doubt from the 
 observations of other officers but such a movement would tal'e 
 place agreeably to the order. In consequence I rode to the battle 
 ground about daylight without witnessing the presence of a single 
 British officer or soldier. The dead had not been removed during 
 the night, and such a scene of carnage I never beheld, particularly 
 at Lundy's Lane, red coats and blue and grey were promiscuously 
 intermingled, in many places three deep, and around the hill where 
 the enemy's artillery was carried by Colonel Miller, the carcasses of 
 60 or 70 horses disfigured the scene. I went forward more than a 
 mile beyond this point and saw no enemy. 
 
 E. W. Bull, 
 
 Hospital Surgeon, Army, U. S. 
 
105 
 Col. James Miller to- 
 
 (Fro'm the Adjutant-General' a Report for New Hampshire, for 
 
 1868.) 
 
 Fort Erie, July 28, 1814. 
 
 On the evening of the 25th instant, at the Falls of the Niag- 
 ara, we met the enemy and had, I believe, one of the most desper- 
 ately fought actions ever experienced in America. It continued for 
 more than three hours stubbornly contested on both sides, when 
 about ten o'clock at night we succeeded in driving them from their 
 strong^ position. Our loss was severe in killed and wounded. I 
 have lost from our regiment in killed, wounded and missing, one 
 hundred and twenty-six. The enemy had got their artillery posted 
 on a height in a very commanding position, where they could rake 
 our columns in any part of the plain, and prevented their advanc- 
 ing. Maj. McRae, the chief engineer, told Gen. Brown he could do 
 no good until that height was carried and those cannon taken or 
 driven from their position. It was then evening, but moonlight. 
 Gen. Brown turned to me and said : " Col. Miller, take your regi- 
 ment and storm that work and take it." I had short of three 
 hundred men with me, as my regiment had been much weakened 
 by the numerous details made from it during the day. I, however, 
 immediately obeyed the order. We could see all their slow matches 
 and port-fires burning and ready. I did not know what side of the 
 work was the most favorable of approach, but happened to hit 
 upon a very favorable place notwithstanding. We advanced upon 
 the mouths of their pieces of cannon. It happened there was an 
 old rail fence on the side where we approached undiscovered by the 
 enemy, with a small growth of shrubbery by the fence and within 
 less than two rods of the cannon's mouth. I then very cautiously 
 ordered my men to rest across the fence, take good aim, fire, and 
 rush, which was done in style. Not one man at the cannons was 
 left to put fire to them. We goji into the centre of their park be- 
 fore they had time to oppose us. A British line was formed and 
 lying in a strong position to protect their artillery. The moment 
 we got to the centre they opened a most destructive fire on us, 
 killed a great many and attempted to charge with their bayonets. 
 We returned the fire so warmly they were compelled to stand. 
 We fought hand to hand for some time, so close that the blaze of 
 our guns crossed each other, but we compelled them to abandon 
 their whole artillery, ammunition, wagons, and all, amounting to 
 seven pieces of elegant brass cannon, one of which was a twenty- 
 four pounder, with eight horses and harnesses, though some of the 
 horses were killed. The British made two more attempts to charge 
 
106 
 
 Us at close quarters, both of which we repulsed before I wai^ rein- 
 forced, after which the First and Twenty-third Regiments came to 
 my relief ; and even after the British charged with their whole line 
 three several times, and after getting within half pistol shot of us, 
 Were compelled to give way. I took with my regiment between 
 thirty and forty prisoners while taking and defending the artillery. 
 Lieut. Aaron Bigelow of my regiment was killed ; Capt. Burbank 
 and Lieut. Cilley badly wounded, a number of others slightly ; 
 Gen. Brown and his aide both dangerously wounded ; Gen. Scott 
 and his Brigade-Major, Lieut. Smith, both badly wounded ; Gen. 
 Ripley and his aide both shot through the hat ; Maj. McFarland 
 killed ; Col. Brady hadly wounded ; Maj. McNeil badly wounded, so 
 he must it is said lose his leg. It is unnecessary for me to 
 enumerate a quarter of our loss, but we have very few officers left 
 for duty. [ now command a brigade ; Gen. Ripley is Commander- 
 in-chief. I am the only full Colonel, and we have but one Lieuten- 
 ant-Colonel left to all the regular troops here. We expect re- 
 inforcements soon. But I forgot to tell you we were unfortunate 
 about our artillery at last. After Generals Brown, Scott and others 
 were wounded, we were ordered to return back to our camp about 
 three miles, and preparations had not been made for taking off the 
 cannon. It was impossible for me to defend it and make prepara- 
 tions for that too, and it was all left upon the ground except one 
 beautiful brass six-pounder, which is made a present to my regi • 
 ment in testimony of their distinguished gallantry .... We wounded 
 Maj. -Gen. Drummond, took Maj. -Gen. Riall prisoner, with between 
 thirty and forty other officers ; how many non-commissioned officers 
 and privates I have not yet learned, as they were sent hastily 
 across the river, but a very considerable number." 
 
 From the Pittsfleld (Mass.) San. 
 
 (Reprinted in Niles Reglder, Vol. 6, p. ^13.) 
 Extract of a letter from Dr. E. L. Allen of the 21st Regiment 
 to his brother in this town, dated Buffalo, 26th July, 1814 : 
 
 " Last night was fought the most sanguinary action the 
 annals of this country record. General Ripley by the blessing of 
 heaven is safe ; a musket shot perforated his hat just by the crown 
 of his head without injury. The 20th, we invested Fort George, 
 their shells and shot did little execution. 22nd, fell back to 
 Queenston Heights, probably on account of the powerful reinforce- 
 ments arriving from Kingston. 24th, fell back to Chippewa, which 
 is two miles above the Falls. 25th, at noon the enemy sent 500 
 across the river to Lewiston and destroyed some baggage our sick 
 had just left. 
 
107 ' 
 
 " In the afternoon the enemy advanced towards Chippewa with 
 a, powerful force. At six o'clock General Scott was ordered to 
 advance with his brigade and beat them. He was soon reinforced 
 by General Ripley's brigade ; they met the enemy in great force 
 below the Falls. They had selected their ground for the night, 
 intending to attack our camp before daj'light. The action began 
 Just before seven, and an uninterrupted stream of musketry con- 
 tinued till half-past eight, when theie was some cessation, the 
 British falling back. It soon began again with some artillery, 
 which, with slight interruption, continued till half-past ten, when 
 there was a charge, and a tremendous stream of fire closed the 
 conflict. Both armies fought with a desperation bordering on mad- 
 ness ; neither would yield the palm, but each retired a short distance 
 wearied with fatigue. Such a constant and destructive fire was 
 never before sustained by American troops without falling back. 
 
 " The enemy had collected their whole force in the peninsula 
 and were reinforced by the troops from Lord Wellington's army, 
 just i'anded from Kingston. For two hours the two hostile lines 
 were within twenty yards of each other, and so frequently inter- 
 mingled that often an officer would order an enemy's platoon. - The 
 moon shone bright, but part of our men being dressed like their 
 Gleng&.rian Regiment, caused the deception. They frequently 
 charged^ and as often were driven back. Our regiment, under 
 Colonel Miller, was ordered to storm the British battery. We 
 charged and took every piece of the enemy's cannon. We kept 
 possession of the ground and cannon until twelve o'clock at night, 
 w^hen we fell back to camp, distant more than two miles. This was 
 done to secure our camp, which might otherwise have been attacked 
 in the real'. Our horses being most of them killed, and there being 
 no ropes to the pieces, we got ofl' but two or three. The men were 
 so extremely fatigued they could not drag them. We lost one 
 howitzer, the horses being on full gallop towards the enemy to 
 attack them the riders were shot oft* and the horses ran through 
 the enemy's line. We lost one piece of cannon, w^hich was too 
 much advanced, every man being shot that had charge of it but 
 two. Several of our caissons were blown up by their rockets, 
 which did some injury and deprived our cannon of ammunition. 
 The lines were so near that cannon could not be used with 
 advantage. This morning General Ripley marched out our whole 
 force to the battle ground to bur}'- our dead and secure what 
 wounded were left. "The enemy had gotten many who were badly 
 wounded and left on the ground. He marched near their army, 
 but neither were disposed to engage. 
 
 We took about 200 non-commissioned officers and privates 
 
108 
 
 prisoners, and 21 officers, including Major-General Riall, who was 
 wounded in the shoulder. They acknowledge Colonel Gordon of 
 the 100th and many other British officers killed, their rank yet un- 
 known. The enemy must have suffered very severely. Our loss is 
 immense, but was not known when I left the army this morning. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from an Officer in the Army to hf s friend in 
 Alexandria, dated Fort Erie, V. €., July S8. 
 
 (Niles Register, Vol. 6, p. JflJf.) 
 
 On the 23rd I found myself so far recovered as to join the 
 army at Queenston Heights, although that part of my foot w^hich 
 was fractured will never be of much service. On the 24th we re- 
 tired to ChippewH., and on liie 25th, at half -past 4 p. m., our first 
 Brigade, commanded by General Scott, engaged the enemy's advance 
 about 2^ miles from Chippewa. The main body of both armies 
 soon supported the advances, and a tremendous battle was fought, 
 lasting 5 hours and 23 minutes, mostly within half musket shot 
 and sometimes within pistol shot, which ended in the enemy's total 
 defeat, leaving 2 brass 24-pounders and 1 brass six-pounder in our 
 possession. We kept the battle ground until midnight, when, hav- 
 ing removed our wounded and part of our dead, we retired to 
 Chippewa, taking with us his bras^j 6-pounder. We were unable 
 to bring off his two 24-pounders from a want of horses, almost all 
 ours being killed, and oui p eces were generally taken off with 
 bricoles. The enemy's loss in killed, wounded and prisoners, must 
 be about 12 or 1300. Of prisoners we have taken Major-General 
 Riall, Gen. Drummond's aide-de-camp, IP officers anJ 350 or 400 
 men. His force engaged was, by their own account, about 4,500 
 regulars, besides his Indians, &c., commanded I y Lieut. -Gen. Drum- 
 mond and Maj.-Gen. Riall. We had not a;A Iniian engaged, and 
 our force did not exceed twenty-eight hundred men. Our loss is 
 severe. Generals Brown and Scott, and an aide of eiich with several 
 field officers, are wounded. Several other officers are killed, among 
 whom was my captain, (Ritchie.) He was wounded in the body, 
 but refused to quit his piece, when a cannon shot took most of his 
 head off All the men at his piece were killed or wounded. He 
 was brother to the editor of the Richmioyid Enquirer, and formerly 
 lived in Alexandria. 
 
109 
 
 Extract of a Letter from an Officer to the Editor of the Buffalo 
 
 Gazette, July 31, 1814. 
 
 (Niles' Register, Vol. 6, p. 414-) 
 
 I have this moment seen your extra of July 28, giving an 
 account of the battle at Bridgewater, in which Captain Towson's 
 company of artillery is the only one mentioned. 
 
 It is due to Major Hindman's battalion to state that he advanc- 
 ed with the First Brigade. When the action commenced he returned 
 to camp and brought up Captains Biddle's and Ritchie's companies 
 to its support. It is to be regretted that the enemy's position did 
 not permit our artillery to be as destructive as his, but any credit 
 it may deserve should be shared by the companies mentioned. 
 
 Captain Ritchie was killed and Captain Biddle was twice 
 wounded. 
 
 The (Phila.) Democratic Press has the Following Letter from 
 
 Buffalo, dated July %9. 
 
 " Our killed were interred in one grave, and a sermon preaclied 
 over them by the Rev. David Jones, formerly chaplain to General 
 Wayne's army. The artillery which was taken from the enemy 
 was left behind in consequence of the horses being mostly killed. 
 Lieut. Gen. Drummond, as well as Maj.-Gen. Riall, had surrendered, 
 but it being 9 o'clock, and the enemy having possession of our 
 watchword, the Lieut.-Gen. escaped. 
 
 Another from Fort Erie, dated August 1, Informs : 
 
 " Our army still remains at this place, and are busily employed 
 in entrenching. The enemy's advanced parties are daily skirmish- 
 ing with our pickets and foraging parties. Nothing of material 
 consequence has as yet occurred. We have just received a rein- 
 forcement of about two hundred riflemen from Sackett's harbor. 
 I am happy tp find that our loss on the 25th ulfc. was not so great 
 as at first apprehended. The battle being fought at night, many of 
 men scattered and secreted themselves in the woods, and have not 
 until within a day or two all been collected. 
 
 Extract of a Letter Dated Buffalo, August 3, 11 a. m. 
 
 " The whole of the enemy's forces have moved up within about 
 one mile of our army. This morning at daylight he crossed over 
 about 500 men just below Black Rock ; his object was, no doubt, to 
 attack Buffalo and destroy our stores, etc. He was gallantly met 
 by 200 riflemen and a party of volunteers under Major Morgan. 
 
110 ' : 
 
 After contending nearly five hours, he recrossed the Niagara. 
 The loss or gain iDy either party was not great. We lost two or 
 three men killed and several wounded. Capt. Hamilton is supposed 
 to be mortally wounded. 
 
 " We took several prisoners. The enemy's loss is much greater 
 than oui*8. The armies are still skirmishing." 
 
 From Niles' Register, Baltimore, Aug. 13. Vol. O, p. 415. 
 
 Gen. Brown has made a demand on Maj.-Gen. Hall for 1,000 
 militia. Gen. Hall has issued his orders for an immediate draft of 
 that number. 
 
 J^Bi'own's army was hourly receiving reinforcements. Brig.- 
 Gen, Gaines from Sackett's Harbor, an officer highly spoken of, 
 arrived at Buffalo about the 4th inst., and is supposed to have taken 
 the command at Fort Erie, which by great exertion has been made 
 a strong place. The corps of volunteei-s under Colonel Swift, late 
 at Lewiston, had ciossed and joined the army, as well as consider- 
 able bodies of regulars and militia. Twenty wagons laden with 
 bomb shells passed through Geneva for the frontier from the 1st to 
 the 3d inst. Capt. Kennedy with three of our vessels is at Fort 
 Erie ready to co-operate as occasion may re(]uire. 
 
 From the Vermont Historical Collections, Vol. VI, Page 510. 
 
 .(From the Northern Sentinel, Augast 19th, IS 14-) 
 
 Extract of a letter from an officer of the 11th Regiment to his 
 friend in Burlington, Vt., dated Buffiilo, 2nd August, 1814. 
 (Probably written by Lieut. F. A. Sawyer.) 
 
 " The* late engagement was probably the most sanguinary ever 
 fought on this continent. W^e engaged the enemy the 25th July, at 
 6 p. m., near the Falls of Niagara, and continued the fight till half- 
 past 11 at night, when by very inferior numbers the enemy was 
 compelled to retire, leaving us in quiet possession of the field of 
 battle. 
 
 The First Brigade, as usual, bore the brunt of the action. We 
 maintained our ground for an hour and a half against the whole 
 forces of the enemy, which were four times our number, before we 
 were supported by a solitary individual of Gens. Ripley's and 
 Porter's brigades. They, however, joined in time to prevent us 
 from being entirely cut up, and contributed a little in giving the 
 enemy a hearty drubbing. 
 
 On leaving camp no one anticipated a general engagement. It 
 was the impression that the brigade was ordered out to disperse 
 400 or 500, as it was supposed, of the enemy's militia and Indians, 
 
Ill 
 
 who were hanging on the rear for the purpose of annoying our 
 piquets and kidnapping those who might be led by curiosity to visit 
 the Falls. As we advaaced a few of the enemy would form and 
 then retire. This manoeuvre was continued until we had advanced 
 within half musket shot of the enemy's lines, when the battle 
 commenced. The enemy's position was a moat excellent one. Their 
 line of infantry was posted behind a fence, which formed a semi- 
 circle and encompassed a field which our troops wore compelled to 
 accept of if they made the attack. Their flanks w( i-e protected by 
 woods filled with militia and Indians, and in their rear, at a desir- 
 able distance, was a height on which their artillery was planted. 
 Nature could not have formed a more advantageous position. 
 Under these disadvantages our troops attacked them. The 9th 
 and 25th were ordered to attack their flanks, while the lltli and 
 22nd met their front. We endeavored to form a line in the face 
 and eyes of all their infantry and artillery, but they opened such a 
 deadly and destructive fire upon us that we were compelled to 
 retire a few paces and form in the skirts of a wood, and before we 
 opened upon them more than two-thirds of the two regiments were 
 cut down. However, we then maintained our ground until a rein- 
 forcement joined us, when we advanced and drove the enemy in 
 every direction. Col. Miller with his regiment charged and took 
 their artillery, consisting of nine pieces, but they repossessed them- 
 selves (on the next morning, when our army had left the field,) of 
 all but two brass six-pounders. F'or an hour the two lines were 
 within four rods of each other, firing with as much deliberation as 
 if it had been a sham fight, and now and then for a change the 
 point of the bayonet was used. Here, for the fii*st time, I witnessed 
 a charge. It did not prove destructive enough. Towards the close 
 of the action, as there was hardly a company remaining of our 
 regiment and but one man in my platoon, I volunteered in the 9th, 
 and was assigned to Capt. Hull's company. He was killed in the 
 last charge we made upon the enemy. Capt. Pentland and two or 
 three subalterns were also wounded. The latter part of the action 
 was most severe. Gens. Brown and Scott remained untouched, as 
 well as the greater part of the field officers, until the action was 
 nearly at an end. This part of the action proved more destructive 
 to the enemy than to us, as our men did much better execution 
 when in close contact with them. Our fire at length proved so 
 destructive that the enemy's bugle sounded the retreat for the last 
 time, and our troops were left in undisturbed possession of the 
 heights. After having taken off" all our own and some of the 
 enemy's wounded, we were ordered to camp. It is a circumstance 
 much to be regretted that our troops did not keep possession of the 
 
112 
 
 field until next morning, as it is believed it might have been etfected 
 without much hazard on our part, and then the enemy would not 
 have had the shadow of a claim to the victory, for never was an 
 enemy more completely beaten thai: in this action, nor never was 
 one gained by harder knocks. We may date all mishaps from the 
 time our beloved General (Scott) was wounded. None could fight 
 more gallantly than he. He had three horses shot under him. 
 Gen. Brown was brave, even to imprudence. He and Gen. Scott 
 were continually in front of the line encouraging the men, both by 
 example and precept. It would be impossible to give you an 
 account of the killed and wounded on their side, if it was proper. 
 Neither can I guess at it, though I am a Yankee. Of our regiment 
 is Capt, Goodrich killed ; Capt. Bliss, Lieuts. Hall, Cooper, Webster 
 and Stephenson, and Ensigns Thompson and Bradford wounded. 
 But two captains of our regiment were in the action. Capt. 
 Weeks, with five or six other officers of the regiment, were at Buf- 
 falo sick. Our company suffered more severely than any other one. 
 At the commencement of the action it was fifty strong, and next 
 morning but thirteen could be mustered for duty. Gen. Drum- 
 mond joined the enemy but an hour previous to the action, with 
 1,400 men. They had 800 or 1,000 more in the field than we did. 
 
 *From the Baltimore Federal Gazette. 
 
 (Issue of 6th August, ISlJf.) 
 
 Extract from a letter from J. B. Varnum to Abraham Bradley, 
 dated at Buffalo, 27th July, 1814: 
 
 " Our army behaved most gallantly, fought to desperation, but 
 the enemy was too numerous for them. Our First Brigade was 
 almost annihilated ; but one field officer escaped death or severe 
 wounds. It is impossible to say what is the full extent of our 
 loss. A small proportion of our wounded fell into the hands of the 
 enemy besides, I fear, some prisoners. The enemy was so severely 
 cut to pieces that they did not pursue our army. 
 
 Lieut. NacEwen to His Wife. 
 
 (From A. Brymners " Excerpts." ) 
 
 Falls of Niagara, 29th July, 1S14. 
 
 I came here yesterday on my way to Fort Erie, where the 
 enemy is determined to make a stand. They have done a great deal 
 of harm in this part, and among the sufferers is poor Muirhead, 
 who has been burnt out of his house — Street's Mills and many 
 more. 
 
113 
 
 From Niles* Register, HUh August, 1814. 
 
 Richmond, August 11. 
 A letter from Major Hindman of the United States Artillery, 
 after giving an account of the gallant conduct of Captain Ritchie 
 of that corps, who was killed in the battle of the 25th, says : " The 
 British General, Riall, our prisoner, has written for his (Captain R.'s) 
 sword and promises that I shall return it to his friends." 
 
 Colonel Hercules Scott, 103d Regt., to His Sister. 
 
 Falls of Niagara, 30th July, 1814. 
 
 My Dear Helen, — I am much to blame in thus long having 
 delayed replying to your several letters which I have from time to 
 time received, but for a long time past I have been so much 
 employed in one way or other I have not had a moment to myself. 
 For nearly a month past I have been lying in the woods ; the enemy 
 having entered this province in force, all the troops in the neighbor- 
 hood have taken the field. On the 5th of this month a severe 
 action was fought within about 5 miles of this place, wherein our 
 troops were defeated with a heavy loss. In the first action I was 
 not engaged, but we had another severe one on the 25th, when we 
 had rather the advantage. Thank God, I escaped with only the loss 
 of one horse shot under me. We have been following the enemy 
 and hope to drive them out of the country. I wish you were beside 
 me just now for 10 minutes just to see the grandest falls in the 
 world. No description that I have ever seen comes up in any 
 degree to the original. ♦ « * * * 
 
 Believe me, yours ever affectionately, 
 
 H. Scott. 
 
 Lieut. Wni. jHcEwen, Royal Scots, to Mrs. McEwen. 
 
 Street's Creek, 31st July. 
 
 This place from the quarters we occupied yesterday is one 
 continuous ruin. We have not seen a soul all the w^ay we have 
 come. We are making every preparation to move towards Fort 
 Erie, where the enemy is in considerable force waiting for one more 
 trial. If once more defeated here, they will be quiet for the 
 remainder of the summer. 
 
 From NUes' Register, 97th August, 1814. 
 
 Extract from a letter from General Scott, dated Williamsville, 
 August 2d, 1814: "I am doing pretty well under my wounds. 
 That in the shoulder (musket ball through the point of the left 
 
114 
 
 shoulder and clavicle) gives me ^eat pain. I hope, however, to 
 recover the use of my arm, which is at present helpless. This 
 wound was received just at the close of the action." 
 
 Extract from a Letter fk'oin Sailing Master J. E. McDonald to 
 
 Capt. Kennedy, 11. S. Navy. 
 
 Erie, Pa., July 27, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Agreeably to your instructions, I sailed on the 23d iust. 
 on board the schooner Diligence with sixteen volunteers, which, 
 with the six seamen fron) the Lady Frevont, made a party of 22 
 men, for Long Point. At daylight on the morning of the 25th I 
 landed, with 18 men. We ascended a high and steep bank and 
 advanced about half a mile into the country to Charlotteville, a 
 small village. At this place the enemy had commenced a very 
 large block house. We broke open the doors of an inn and the 
 iail and seized the jailor, from whom I was in hopes I should be 
 able to collect the information wanted. At this moment an alarm 
 gun was fired by the enemy, which was answered by several others. 
 We then retired with the jailor to the boat. When distant from 
 the shore about half a mile, nearly 300 of the enemy had collected 
 on the bank, which number seemed constantly increasing while we 
 were in sight. 
 
 Hon, James Fisk to the Secretary of War. 
 
 Barre, Vt., 27th June, 1814. 
 Sir, — 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 the Connecticut river, and can only be checked by an 
 armed force — probably one company of horse might be sufficient. 
 Whether the object be worthy of attention you must judge. 
 
 Major-General Izard to the Secretary of War. '^ 
 
 (Extract.) 
 
 Camp Near Plattsburg, July 31, 1814. 
 
 The letter from Mr. Fisk of Vermont only confirms a fact 
 which is not only disgraceful to our countrymen but seriously detri- 
 mental 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 rafts destined for the enemy. The revenue 
 
116 
 
 officers see these things but acknowledge their inabiHty to put a 
 stop to such outrageous proceedings. On the eastern side of Lake 
 Charnplain the high roads are found insufficient for the supplies of 
 cattle which are pouring into Canada. Like herds of buffaloes, they 
 
 f)res8 through the forest making paths for themselves. The col- 
 ectors of Plattsburg and Burlington have applied to me for 
 assistance. I have offered to supply them with what men and 
 means they might require. Plans have been proposed and acceded 
 to. But when the time of execution arrives the civil officers decline 
 acting. Nothing but a cordon of troops from the French Mills to 
 Lake MemphramagOj^* could effectually check the evil. Were it not 
 for these supplies the British forces in Canada would soon be suffer- 
 ing from famine, or their government be subjected to immense 
 expense for their maintenance. 
 
 (From "Official Correspondence with the Department of War 
 relative to the military operations of the American army under 
 the command of Major-General Izard on the Northern frontier of 
 the United States in the years 1814 and ]815." 
 
 Philadelphia, 1816.) 
 
 Lt.-Gen. Druiiimond to Sir Creo. Prevost. 
 
 Headquarters, Niagara Falls, 31st July, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your 
 Excellency's letter (duplicate) of the 20th, and your private com- 
 munication of the 23rd, the latter stating Your Excellency's view 
 in sending Major Coore to my headquarters. 
 
 In reply to the latter I beg briefly to state that in this quarter 
 the great object at present is the defeat and expulsion of the 
 enemy's force which has taken post at Fort Erie, and to this object 
 my sole attention must be given. I am sanguine that w^ith the 
 force I am collecting it will not be found difficult of attainment. I 
 have in the meantime been under the necessity of considerably 
 reducing the garrisons of the forts. Defended, however, by the 
 89th and 100th Regts., 4 companies of the 41st and 50 marines, 
 they are secure against a cou]^ de main. Moreover, if the enemy's 
 squadron should even make its appearance without a co-operating 
 army, and ignorant of the state of their garrisons, I much doubt 
 whether any force that might be embarked on board it would at 
 once proceed to attack the forts. I shall, of course, lose no time in 
 reinforcing those garrisons the moment my present object is accom- 
 plished, and if I am fortunate in my operations at Fort Erie this 
 whole frontier may be considered as secure, and I shall immediately 
 
116 
 
 direct my attention to Burlington and York. With regard to 
 Kingston, I beg permission most earnestly to recommend to Your 
 Excellency to concentrate a very large force at that place, not alone 
 for the protection of that most important depot, but the moment 
 the squadron is ready to sail to strike that blow which can alone 
 extinguish the war in this province. 
 
 Maj.-Gen. Conran hav'ing joined this division, it will move for- 
 ward towards the enemy to-morrow. 
 
 Sir G. Drummond to Sir Geo. Prevost. 
 
 Headquarters, Camp Before 
 
 Fort Erie, 4th Aug., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acquaint Your Elxcellency that on 
 Monday the 1st I moved my headquarters to Palmer's, (halfway 
 betwixt Chippawa and Fort Erie,) and on the following morning, 
 the troops being closed up in the order directed in the accompany- 
 ing District General Order, I took up a position on the heights 
 opposite to Black Rock, the enemy retiring his picquets on the 
 approach of our advanced guards. 
 
 Previous to the advance of the brigades, I gave the instructions 
 of which I enclose a copy, to Maj. -General Conran for the crossing 
 of a detachment of 600 men to the right bank of the river for the 
 purpose of capturing or destroying the enemy's depots at Buffalo 
 and Black Rock. Had this service been effected, as I sanguinely 
 expected, the enemy's force shut up in Fort Erie would have been 
 compelled by want of provisions either to come out and fight or to 
 surrender it. I enclose Lt.-Col. Tucker's report, on which I do not 
 think it necessary to offer any other observation than that the dis- 
 embarkation was effected without the smallest opposition; the force 
 of the enemy which was distinctly seen from the heights on this 
 side the river did not exceed 150 or 200 men, chiefly militia and 
 Indians. The officers, I am happy to find, appear to have done their 
 duty. 
 
 The enemy having been put on his guard by thia movement 
 made against Black Rock, has in consequence increased his force at 
 that place arid Buffalo. Whatever furtlier movement I may be in- 
 clined to make on the right bank must be made in considerable force. 
 
 On the afternoon of yesterday I advanced the Light Brigade 
 under cover of the wood as close as possible to the fort and 
 position, of which I obtained a very tolerable reconnoissance. In ad- 
 dition to a breastwork and intrenchment by which the fort has been 
 connected with Snake Hill, the enemy has continued the north- 
 eastern demi-bastion of the fort down to the lake and mounted a. 
 
117 
 
 considerable number of heavy guns along the whole face. Snake 
 Hill has also been fortified and armed with heavy guns, and the 
 wood round the whole position abbatied. Three armed schooners 
 are anchored off the place, so as to flank by their fire the roads both 
 above and below. 
 
 On mature consideration therefore, I have determined not to 
 assault the position until I have made some impression by guns of 
 proper battery calibre, which I have sent for from Fort George. 
 The fire of the long 24-pdrs, (iron) which I brought up with the 
 troops, and which was directed during the reconnoissance of yester- 
 day against the enemy's schooners and the fort, convinced me that 
 with the addition of those I have ordered up, viz. : a long 18-pdr., 
 an 8-inch mortar and a 24-pdr. carronade, I shall be able to compel 
 the force shut up in Fort Erie to surrender, or attempt a sortie 
 which can onlj terminate in his defeat. 
 
 Should a favorable opportunity occur before my batteries are 
 established of attacking the place in any other manner, I shall avail 
 myself of it. 
 
 I have this morning detached an officer of the Quartermaster- 
 General's Department with a party of dragoons and a few mounted 
 men of the Glengarry Light Infantry by the road leading upon 
 Fort Erie by Bird's and Tyce Horn's, along the lake shore, to make 
 an accurate reconnoissance of the enemy's position. 
 
 Should the report be favorable to the enterprise I may prob- 
 ably be induced to assault the place at two points after I am joined 
 by the right wing of the Regt. De Watte ville, for which the 
 schooners have been sent to York, and I am in hourly expectation 
 of hearing of their arrival. 
 
 Capt. Dobbs, R. N., is with me with a party of about 30 sea- 
 men, and has already been of very essential service to the troops, 
 particularly in the enterprise against Black Rock yesterday. 
 
 I have been duly honored with Your Excellency's letter of the 
 25th ulto. The force recapitulated by Your Excellency as that of 
 the Right and Centre Divisions has a very formidable appearance 
 on paper. I regret, however, to be obliged to observe that the in- 
 efficient state and composition of many of the regiments are such 
 as to detract greatly from the confidence which their numbers might 
 otherwise inspire. It is my intention to write, when I have leisure, 
 more fully on this subject, and also, as soon as circumstances will 
 permit, to send down to Kingston several of the corps on this 
 frontier, which are entirely unfit for service in the field. 
 
 I transmit by ' ' is opportunity a letter which I had intended 
 to have forwarded some days ago by Major Coore. But that officer 
 having informed me that he has Your Excellency's confidential 
 
118 
 
 instructions to remain here for some time, I have acceded to his 
 wishes to be permitted to do so. 
 
 (Secret.) 
 
 Headquarters, 2nd Aug., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I am directed by Lieut.-Gen. Drummond to desire that 
 you will place the following force under the command of Lt.-Col. 
 Tucker, who must be instructed to hold it in readiness to embark 
 this evening in batteaux for the purpose of passing over and oper- 
 ating on the right bank of the river, viz : 
 
 Rank and File. 
 
 4 Battn. Companies, 41st Regft 240) t a /-< i t? 
 
 2 Flank " " " 14o|^^-^^^- ^''^""- 
 
 Lt.-Col. Drummond. 
 
 .380 
 
 Light Company, 89th Regt 63' 
 
 100th Regt 52 
 
 Flank Companies, 104th Regt 95, 
 
 210 
 
 I subaltern, a steady sergeant and 10 
 
 Arty 10 
 
 Total 600 
 
 6 or 8 guard rockets and one rocketeer. 
 
 The detachment of artillery to take with it a few 6 -pound 
 cartridges, port-fires and slow match, a smith with a sledge hammer, 
 and axes with spikes and everything necessary for effecting the 
 destruction of ordnance, and, (if necessary,) the burning of build- 
 ings, stores, and vessels. 
 
 This force will embark at 10 o'clock, as near to Frenchman's 
 Creek as may be considered prudent. It is desirable to land it as 
 near the foot of Squaw Island as possible. Proper pilots will be 
 put into the boats, and guides will be sent* to conduct the column, 
 which is to proceed with all possible silence and secrecy by the 
 right bank of Conguichity Creek to gain the road leading upon the 
 
 II Mile Creek from Buffalo, which place is to be the first attacked 
 and destroyed, and the l)oats and craft (if any) seized ; this (rapidly) 
 effected, the troops are to march upon Black Rock, attack whatever 
 force the enemy may have there and get possession of his guns 
 should he have any. Lt.-Col. Tucker will decide at the moment as 
 to the expediency of spiking, dismounting, or destroying their guns, 
 or manning them and serving them against the enemy's position or 
 
119 
 
 corps or on the schooners which are anchored on his right flank 
 and which Capt. Dobbs of the Royal Navy with a party of seaman 
 under his command will make an attempt to gain. It is desirable 
 that Lt.-Col. Tucker should time his march so as to arrive at Buffalo 
 an hour before day in order, after effecting his object at that place, 
 to reach Black Rock just as the day begins to break, at which 
 moment the whole of the division on the left bank will move for- 
 ward towards Fort Erie for the purpose of favoring Lt.-Col. 
 Tucker's operations against Black Rock by preventing the enemy 
 from detaching troops to that bank. The destruction of the enemy's 
 depot of provisions and stores at Buffalo is the first object, the cap- 
 ture of the guns and dispersion or capture of his troops at Black 
 Rock, should he have either at that place, the second and scarcely 
 less important. By this blow, if effected, and particularly if his 
 stores and provisions fall into our hands, the enemy's force on this 
 side will not only be reduced to the necessity of fighting under 
 desperate circumstances or surrendering unconditionally, but it may 
 lead immediately to the re-establishment of our naval ascendancy 
 on Lake Erie. 
 
 The foregoing outline for Lieut.-Col. Tucker's operations is 
 made upon the supposition that his force is passed undiscovered, 
 and at least that his landing is effected without opposition. Should 
 this not be the case, however, and should Lt.-Col. Tucker find him- 
 self not only discovered but opposed on approaching the shore, or 
 attacked when landing, it may then become necessary for the Lieut.- 
 Colonel to change his plan of operations by beginning with Black 
 Rock, and afterwards, (if necessary,) proceeding to execute the 
 other objects of the service. Lt.-Col. Tucker will exercise his dis- 
 cretion in this as in every other contingency that may arise and 
 which may not have been contemplated in the proceeding 
 memorandum. 
 
 The next point to be considered is the disposal of the batteaux 
 after the troops are landed. The Lieut. -General conceives that they 
 cannot be better disposed of than by taking a station at Strawberry 
 Island or the lower end of Squaw Island, there to await the return 
 of the troops. Capt. Dobbs will avail himself of any favorable 
 opportunity which may offer of carrying into effect the enterprize 
 against any of the enemy's schooners. 
 
 Lt.-Col. Nichol, Quartermaster-General of Militia, will accom- 
 pany Lt.-Col. Tucker, who will not fail to derive the greatest benefit 
 from his valuable local knowledge and his zeal and ability. 
 
 J. Harvey, 
 Lt.-Col., D. A. G. 
 
 To Maj.-Gen. Conran. 
 
120 
 
 Lt.-Col. Tucker to MaJ.-Cieii* Oonran. 
 
 Bivouac Near Ferry House, Aug. 4th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I am sorry to report to you that the force entrusted to 
 my command for purposes stated in the secret instructions with 
 which you did me the honor to furnish me on the evening of the 
 2nd inst. has failed in the attempt to accomplish the important and 
 very desirable object contemplated by Lieut-General Drummond, 
 owing to the enemy having destroyed the bridge over Conguichity 
 Creek prior to our arrival at that point and there being no possi- 
 bility of fording it. I lament to add that in exploring our situation 
 we have sustained a loss of one sergeant and 11 rank and file 
 killed, 17 wounded, and five missing. 
 
 I should have been less chagrined at our miscarriage could I 
 consistently, with matter of fact, commend the conduct of the 
 soldiers under my command. Unfortunately it becomes a painful 
 but very necessary duty to apprise you that the men displayed an 
 unpardonable degree of unsteadiness, without possessing one solitary 
 excuse to justify this want of discipline. The officers were per- 
 fectly unaware of the sudden impulse of panic which threw their 
 men into a tremendous confusion; their exertions and spirit, however, 
 succeeded in re-forming our column, and I am happy to express my 
 approbation of their conduct. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Drummond commanded my advance and cheerfully 
 afforded every assistance that I could wish or expect from an officer 
 of zeal and judgment, nor am I less indebted to Lt.-Col. Evans, 41st 
 Regt., who had charge of the reserve. These officers perfectly con- 
 curred with me in opinion that the destruction of the bridge, the 
 position of the enemy, and the want of a proper guide to conduct 
 us tlirough an intricate wood, amply justified my withdi*awing 
 my force in the best possible manner, the wood being occupied 
 partially by the enemy, who was evidently collecting a large force 
 to retain the command of it, and who occupied two small redoubts 
 on the left bank of the creek, which were so situated as to obstruct 
 my advance by a footpath on the right bank, had one been dis- 
 covered or pointed out to me. 
 
 I have the honor to be, &c.. 
 
 John Goulston Price Tucker. 
 
 Return of killed, wounded and missing of the 2d dcTni of the 
 Light or Reserve Brigade and 41st Regiment, under the command 
 of^Lieut.-Colonel Tucker, in an action on the 3d August, 1814 : 
 
121 
 
 4l8t Companies.— Killed — 6 rank and file. Wounded — 9 rank 
 and file. 
 
 89th do.— None. 
 
 100th do. — Wounded — 3 rank and file. 
 ' 104th do. — Killed — 1 sergeant, 5 rank and file. Wounded — 1 
 rank and file. Missing — 4 rank and file. 
 
 41st Regiment. — Wounded — 4 rank and file. 
 
 Major Morgan to MaJ.*€en. Brown. 
 
 Fort Erie, August ^th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Having been stationed with the 1st Battalion of the 1st 
 Regiment of riflemen at Black Rock, on the evening of the 22nd 
 instant, I observed the British army moving up the river on the 
 opposite shore, and suspecting they might make a feint on Fort 
 Erie with an intention of a real attack on the Butf'alo side, I im- 
 mediately nioved and took up a position on the upper side of Con- 
 jocta Creek, and that night threw up a battery of some logs which 
 I found on the ground and had them torn away. About 2 o'clock 
 the next morning my pickets from below gave me information of 
 the landing of 9 lx)ats full of troops, half a mile below. I immedi- 
 ately got my men (240 in number) to their quarters, and patientl}'^ 
 awaited their approach. At a quarter past 4 they advanced upon 
 us and commenced the attack, sending a party before to repair the 
 bridge under cover of their fire. When they had got at good rifle 
 distance I opened a heavy fire on them, which laid a number of 
 them on the ground and coujpelled them to retire. They then 
 formed in the skirt of the woods and kept up the fi're at long shot, 
 continually reinforcing from the Canada shore, until they had 22 
 boat loads, and then attempted to flank us by sending a large body 
 up the creek to ford it, when I detached Lieutenants Ryan, Sm'th 
 and Armstrong with about 60 men to oppose their left wing, where 
 they were again repulsed with considerable loss, after which they 
 appeared disposed to give up their object and retreated by throwing 
 six boat loads of troops on Squaw Island, which enfiladed the creek 
 and prevented me from harassing their rear. 
 
 Their superior numbers enabled them to take their killed and 
 wounded off" the field, which we plainly saw, and observed they 
 suffered severely. We found some of their dead thrown into the 
 river and covered with logs and stones, and some on the field. We 
 also collected a number of muskets and accoutrements, with cloth- 
 ing that appeared to have been torn to bind their wounds. We 
 took six prisoners, who stated the British force opposed to us to con- 
 sist of from 12 to 1500 men, commanded by Lieutenant-Col Tucker 
 
122 
 
 of the 4l8t Regiment. They also state that their object was to 
 recapture General Riall with other British prisoners, and destroy the 
 stores deposited at Buffalo. The action continued about two hours 
 and a half. I am happy to state they were completely foiled in 
 their attempts. 
 
 Our loss is trifling compared with theirs. We hsd two killed 
 and eight wounded. I am sorry to inform you that Captain 
 Hamilton, Lieutenants Wadsworth and Mcintosh are among the 
 latter. Their gallantry in exposing themselves to encourage their 
 men, I think, entitles them to the notice of their country. My 
 whole command behaved in a manner that merited my warmest 
 approbation, and in justice to them I cannot avoid mentioning the 
 names of the officers, which are as follows: — Captain Hamilton, 
 Lieutenants Wadsworth, Ryan, Calhoun, Mcintosh, Arnold, Short- 
 ridge, McFarland, Tipton, Arnistrong, Smith, Cobbs, Davidson and 
 Austin, with Ensign Page. If, sir, you believe we have done our 
 duty we shall feel highly gratified. 
 
 I am, sir, &;c., 
 
 L. Morgan, 
 
 Major 1st Rifle Regiment. 
 
 Major-General Brown. 
 
 Brigadier-Gen. Ciaines to the Secretary of War. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort Erie, 
 * Upper Canada, Aug. 7th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I arrived at this post on the 4th instant and assumed the 
 command. The army is in good spirits and more healthy than I 
 could have expected. 
 
 The British aimy under Lieutenant-General Drummond is 
 strongly posted opposite to Black Rock, two miles east of the fort ; 
 a skirt of thick wood separates us. I yesterday endeavored to draw 
 him out to see and try his strength ; for this purpose I sent the rifle 
 corps through the intervening woods with orders to amuse the 
 enemy's light troops until his strong column should get in motion, 
 and then to retire slowly to the plain this side the woods, where I 
 had a strong line posted in readiness to receive the enemy. Our 
 riflemen met and drove the enemy's light troops into their lines, 
 where they remained, although the riflemen kept the woods near 
 two hours and until they were ordered in. They returned without 
 being able to draw any part of the enemy's force after them. 
 
 Major Morgan reports that his officers and men acted with 
 their usual gallantry. The enemy left 11 dead and three prisoners 
 in our hands, and I am informed by two' persons just from the 
 
123 
 
 • 
 
 British camp that their loss was much more considerable; among 
 their killed were five Indiana. We lost five killed and three or 
 four wounded. 
 
 General Drummond's force, from the best information we are 
 able to collect from deserters and others, amounts to upwards 4,000, 
 principally regulars. De Watteville's regiment has joined since the 
 battle of the 25th ultimo, together with two or three companies of 
 the Glengarry corps, making a total joined since the 5th of 
 about 1,200. 
 
 August 11th, 1814. 
 
 The enemy's position remains unchanged. They have con- 
 structed two batteries with two embrasures each, and have erected 
 a wooden breastwork 1200 to 1400 yards in our rear. In examin- 
 ing their works yesterday. Captain Birdsall of the 4th Rifle Regi- 
 ment, with a detachment of the 1st and his company, amounting in 
 the whole to 160 men, beat in two of their strong pickets with a 
 loss on their part of 10 killed. Captain Birdsall ihad one killed and 
 three wounded. General Drummond was much disappointed 
 and chagrined at the failure of the enterprise of the 3rd instant 
 against Buffalo, our riflemen having opposed and beaten him. 
 Colonel Tucker, it seems, has been reprimanded in General Orders 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 Edmund P. Gaines. 
 
 To the Secretary of War. 
 
 From Niles' Register, Vol. 6, P. 4^8. 
 
 August 20th, 1814. 
 
 Brig.-Gen. Gaines arrived at Fort Erie on the 5th. Some rifle- 
 men and other detached parties had gone over. Fort Erie is strong, 
 and our men are full of spirits and confidence. We have no official 
 particulars of the great battle; the account has possibly gone to the 
 enemy with the post-rider from Buffalo. One private letter says 
 the cannon we took in that affair were rolled into the Niagara. 
 
 The enemy having been disappointed in gaining Buffalo, made 
 a movement on our position at Fort Erie. They opened a fire on 
 the fort from a large piece of artillery placed on the point about a 
 mile below, which was answered from the fort and a schooner in 
 the harbor. The enemy attacked our picquets with a large force, 
 and marched into the open ground in the rear of the fort, and com- 
 menced a heavy fire of musketry, which was warmly returned, and 
 a brisk discharge from several pieces of artillery soon compelled him 
 to retreat in great confusion, leaving a number of his men on the 
 
124 
 
 field as the price of his temerity. The actual loss of the enemy 
 we have not ascertained. We had a few wounded. 
 
 Sir Ci. Drnmmond to Sir Cleo. Prevost. 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 8th Aug., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Immediately after the dispatch of the Deputy- Adjutant- 
 General's letter to Colonel Baynes, respecting the unfortunate ac- 
 cident which Maj.-Gen. Conran met with, and the appearance of the 
 enemy's fleet olf Niagara, a sharp affair of outposts took place, 
 the enemy having thrown the whole of his riflemen into the woods 
 in front of his position for the purpose of driving away the 
 Indians, the latter having retired precipitately on. the advance of 
 the rifles, some of our most advanced picquets also fell back. On 
 being supported, however, by the Glengarry Light Infantry in the 
 first instance, and subsequently by the reserve, the enemy was 
 driven back and our advanced posts quickly re-occupied. I enclose 
 a return of casualties on this occasion. 
 
 During this operation the enemy's schooners cannonaded our 
 position, and one of his 32-pdr. shot having struck close to myself 
 and the Deputy-Adjutant-Geueral, I am sorry to say Lt.-Col. 
 Harvey received a severe wound from one of the splinters, which 
 will, I fear, deprive him of the use of one of his eyes for a few 
 days. 
 
 In consequence of the very exposed situation in which we have 
 been compelled from the nature of the ground to place our breach- 
 ing battery, of which the accompanying sketch will give Your 
 Excellency some idea. I felt convinced that it would be risquing the 
 safety of the guns to arm the battery until a traverse had been 
 thrown up in the front and an abbattis on the flanks, to protect it 
 against a sortie, which the enemy would otherwise have the op- 
 portunity of making against it with his whole force. The engineer 
 and an officer of the Quartermaster-General's department have ac- 
 cordingly been employed on it, and I am in hopes that by this night 
 the battery will be in a state of sufficient security to admit my 
 placing the guns in it. Your Excellency will perceive, however, by 
 a glance at the sketch, that from the position of the enemy's 
 schooners on its flank and the battery at Black Rock in its re§ir, a 
 traverse in both these directions is also necessary, for although the 
 enemy has not as yet shewn any gims at Black Rock we have no 
 reason to believe he will refrain from availing himself of that 
 position. 
 
 I hope to be able to open this battery to-morrow morning, and 
 if a good effect is produced and no unfavorable circumstances occur, 
 
126 
 
 I shall probably risque an assault upon the place on the following 
 morning, the 10th. My present idea is to make the principal attack 
 with the 2nd Brigade, consisting of the King's and De Watteville'a 
 Regts., under Lt.-Col. Fischer, upon the right of the enemy's position 
 by the lake road, on which side I have hitherto carefully refrained 
 from making any demonstration, and have reason to believe that 
 the whole of the enemy's attention has been drawn to his left. If 
 Li/.-Col. Fischer succeeds in gaining possession of Snake Hill I 
 cannot doubt of our success; but Your Excellency may be assured 
 that I shall well weigh the risque and consequences of failure 
 against the chances of success before I commit this division of the 
 troops by an attempt which, considering the strength of the enemy's 
 position and the number of men and guns by which it is defended, 
 must certainly be considered as one of great hazard. 
 
 I enclose Your llixcellency the latest report from Lt.-Col. 
 Warburton, which is dated at 4 o'clock this morning, at which time 
 the enemy's fleet was standing down the lake without having 
 attempted anything against the forts or vessels in the river. I 
 regret to find that His Majesty's schooner Macjnet, which had not 
 been able to enter the river Niagara on the appearance of the 
 enemy's squadron and which had in consequence been run ashore at 
 the 10 Mile Creek, has been burnt by her commander. To me this 
 appears to have been an act of unpardonable precipitation, Lt.-Col, 
 Warburton having moved a field-piece and troops to her support. 
 But I am not yet in possession of the whole of the circumstances ; 
 however, I trust and believe that the whole of her stores, &c., have 
 been landed and saved. 
 
 I omitted to mention, I believe, to Your Excellencey, that on 
 the firat appearance of the enemy's fleet I ordered Col. Grant to 
 detach one wing of his regiment to Burlington, remaining with the 
 other himself at York, by which means the security of both places 
 has been effectually provided for. 
 
 With a view to the attack contemplated above, I have moved 
 up the remainder of De Watteville's regiment from the forts, and 
 sent the battalion companies of the 41st to replace them. 
 
 The troops have hitherto supported the privations and hard' 
 ships of this severe service with great constancy and cheerfulness, 
 and I am happy to say very few desertions have taken place. 
 Those from the enemy to us have been numerous, and, what is re- 
 markable, three of our deserters serving in the enemy's rifle corps 
 have just come in. I have pardoned these men. They state a 
 circumstance which I have strong reason for believing to be a fact, 
 viz: That in the night action of the 25th ulto., their boasted Ist 
 Brigade laid down their arms and called out that they had sur- 
 
126 
 
 rendered. This being believed by us to be a ruse de guerre was not 
 attended to, our fire resumed and the enemy compelled to save them- 
 selves by flight. 
 
 P. S. — I have considered it necessary to order the 6th Regt. to 
 this frontier. 
 
 Commodore Chauncey to the Secretary of the Navy, 
 
 U. S. S. Superior, off Kingston, 
 August 10, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Great anxiety of mind and severe bodily exertions have 
 at length broken down the best constitution, and subjected me to a 
 violent fever that confined me for 18 days. This misfortune was 
 no more to be foreseen than prevented, but was particularly severe 
 at the moment it happened, as it induced a delay of five or six days 
 in the sailing of the fleet. 
 
 In the early part of July I expected that the fleet would be 
 made ready by the 10th or 15th, but many of the mechanics were 
 taken sick, and among them the blockmakers and blacksmiths, so 
 that the NoJiawk could not be furnished with blocks and iron work 
 for her gun and spar decks before the 24th or 25th ult., when she 
 was reported by Capt. Jones. As considerable anxiety was mani- 
 fested by the public to have the fleet on the lake, I should have 
 asked Capt. Jones to have taken charge of it, but I was then re- 
 covering my health and was confident I should be able in three or 
 four days to go on board myself. There was an additional reason 
 for submitting to this delay in the difficulty I found in making the 
 changes of commanders, neither of them being willing to be separ- 
 ated from his officers and men, a change of crews through the fleet 
 being inadmissible. 
 
 In the afternoon of the 31st July, I was taken on board, but 
 it was calm, and I did not sail before the next morning. To satisfy 
 at once whatever expectations the public had been led to entertain 
 of the sufli(3iency of the squadron to take and maintain the as- 
 cendency on this lake, and at the same time to expose the falsity of 
 promises the fulfilment .of which had been rested on our appear- 
 ance at the head of the lake, I got under way at 4 o'clock in the 
 morning of the 1st inst. and steered for the mouth of the Niagara. 
 Owing to light winds, I did not arrive there before the 5th. There 
 we intercepted one of the enemy's brigs running from York to 
 Niagara with troops, and drove her ashore alwut six miles to the 
 westward of Fort George. I ordered the Sylph in to anchor as 
 near to the enemy as she could with safety, and destroy her. Capt. 
 Elliot ran in in a very gallant manner to within from 300 to 500 
 
127 
 
 yards of her, and was about anchoring, when the enemy set fire to 
 ner and she soon after blew up. This vessel was a schooner the 
 last year, and called the Beresford; since they attired her to a brig 
 they changed her name, and I have not been able to ascertain it. 
 She mounted 14 guns, twelve 24-pound carronades and two long 9- 
 pounders. 
 
 Finding the enemy had two other brigs and a schooner in the 
 Niagara river, I determined to leave a mrce to watch them, and 
 selected the Jefferson, Sylph and Oneida for that purpose, and 
 placed the whole under the orders of Capt. Ridgely. Having 
 looked into York without discovering any vessel of the enemy, I 
 left Niagara with the remainder of the squadron on the evening of 
 the 7th and arrived here the 9th. We found one of the enemy's 
 ships in the offing, and chased her into Kingston. 
 
 My anxiety to return to this end of the lake was increased by 
 the knowledge I had of the weakness of Sackett's Harbor, and the 
 apprehension that the enemy might receive large reinforcements at 
 Kingston, and embarking some of the troops on board his fleet 
 make a dash at the harbor and burn it with my stores in our 
 absence. When I left the harbor there were but about 700 regular 
 troops fit for duty. It is true a few militia had been called in, but 
 little could be expected of them should an attack be made. My 
 apprehension, it seems, was groundless, the enemy having contented 
 himself with annoying, in some trifling degree, the coasters between 
 Oswego and the harbor, in his boats. 
 
 I cannot forbear expressing my regi'et that so much sensation 
 has been excited in the public mind because this squadron did not 
 sail so soon as the wise-heads that conduct our newspapei-s have 
 presume to think I ought. I need not suggest to one of your ex- 
 perience that a man-of-war may seem to the eye of a landsman 
 perfectly ready for sea when she is deficient in many of the most 
 essential points of her armament, nor how unworthy I should have 
 proved myself of the high trust reposed in me had I ventured to 
 sea in the face of an enemy of equal force without being able to 
 meet him in one hour after my anchor was weighed. 
 
 It ought in justice to be recollected that the building and 
 equipment of vessels on the Atlantic are unattended by any of the 
 great difficulties which we have to encounter on the lakes ; there 
 every department abounds in facilities. A commander makes a 
 requisition, and articles of es'ery description are furnished in twelve 
 hours; but this fleet has been built and furnished in the wilderness, 
 where there are no agents and chandlers, shops and foundries, &c., 
 &c., to supply our wants, but everything is to be created, and yet 1 
 shall not decline a comparison with anything done on the Atlantic 
 
 .^_^jj^^ 
 
128 
 
 m 
 
 in the building and e(iuipinent of vessels. The Ouerriere, for in- 
 stance, has been building and fitting upwards of twelve months in 
 the city of Philadelphia, and is not yet ready. The President went 
 into the navy yard at New York for some partial repairs a few 
 days after the keel of the Superior was laid, since then two 
 frigates of a large class unil two sloops of the largest class have 
 been built and fitted here, and have sailed before the President is 
 ready for sea, although every article of their armament and 
 rigging has been transported from New York in despite of obstacles 
 almost insurmountable. I will go further, sir, for it is due to the 
 unremitted and unsurpassed exertions of those who have served the 
 public under my command, and will challenge the world to produce 
 a parallel instance in which the same number of vessels of such 
 dimensions have been Vmilt and fitted in the same time by the same 
 number of workmen. 
 
 I confess that I am mortified in not having succeeded in satis- 
 fying the expectations of the public, but it would be infinitely more 
 painful could I find any want of zeal or exertion in my endeavors 
 to serve tliem to which I could in any degree impute their 
 disappointment. 
 
 Umted States Ship Superior, off Kingston, 
 
 August 10th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have been duly honored with your letters of the 19tli 
 and 24th of July. I do assure you, sir, that I have never been 
 under any pledge to meet General Brown at the head of the lake ; 
 but, on the contrary, when we parted at Sackett's Harbor I told 
 him distinctly that I should not visit the head of the lake unless 
 the enemy's fleet did. I can ascribe the intimation of General 
 Brown, that he expected the co-operation of the fleet, to no other 
 motive than a cautious attempt to provide an apology to the public 
 against any contingent disaster to which his army might be 
 exposed. 
 
 But, sir, if any one will take the trouble to examine the topo- 
 graphy of the peninsula, (the scene of the General's operations) he 
 will discover that this fleet could be of no more service to General 
 Brown and his army than it could to an army in Tennessee. 
 
 General Brown has never been able to penetrate nearer to Lake 
 Ontario than Queenston, and the enemy is in possession of all the 
 intermediate country, so that I could not even communicate with 
 the army but by a circuitous route of 70 or 80 miles. 
 
 Admitting General Brown could have invested Fort George, 
 the only service he could have derived from the fleet would have 
 
120 
 
 been our preventing the supplies of the enemy from enterinjf the 
 Niagara river, for the water is so shallow that large vessels could 
 not approach within two miles of their works. General Brown had 
 therefore two abundantly sufficient reasons for not expecting the co- 
 operation of this fleet ; it was not promised him, and was chimerical 
 in itself. 
 
 My fixed determination has always been to seek a meeting 
 with the enemy the moment the fleet was ready, and to deprive 
 him of any apology for not meeting me. I have sent four guns on 
 shore from the Supervjr to reduce her armament in number to an 
 equality with the Prince Regent's, yielding the advantage of their 
 68-pounders. The Mohawk mounted two guns less than the 
 Princess Charlotte, and the Montreal and Niagara are equal to the 
 General Pike and Madison. I have detached on separate service 
 all the brigs, and am blockading his four ships with our four ships 
 in hopes that this may induce him to come out. 
 
 Commodore Chauncey to General Brown. 
 
 United States Ship Supemoi\ off Kingston, 
 
 August 10, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Your letter of the 13th ult. was received by me on a sick 
 bed, hardly able to hear it read, and entirely unfitted to reply to it. 
 I, however, requested General Gaines to acquaint you with my 
 situation, the probable time of the fleet's sailing and my views of 
 the extent of its co-operation with the army. 
 
 From the tenor of your letter it would appear that you had 
 calculated much upon the co-operation of the fleet. You cannot 
 surely have forgotten the conversation we held on this subject at 
 Sackett's Harbor previous to your departure for Niagara. I then 
 professed to feel it my duty as well as inclination to afford every 
 assistance in my power to the army, and to co-operate with it 
 whenever it could be done without losing sight of the great object 
 for which this fleet had been created — to wit, the capture or 
 destruction of the enemy's fleet; but this was a primary object, 
 would be first attempted, and that you mast not expect the fleet at 
 the head of the lake unless that of the enemy should induce us to 
 follow him there. 
 
 I will not suffer myself to believe that this conversation was 
 misunderstood or has siiice been forgotten. How then shall I 
 account for the intimation thrown out to the public in your des- 
 patch to the Secretary of War, that you expected the fleet to co- 
 operate with you ? Was it friendly or just or honorable, not only 
 to furnish an opening for the public, but thus to assist them to 
 
130 
 
 infer that I hacl pledged myself to meet you on a particular day at 
 the head of the lake for the purpose of co-operation, and in case of 
 disaster to your army to turn their resentment from you, who are 
 alone responsible, upon me, who could not by any possibility have 
 prevented or retarded even your discomfiture ? You well know, 
 sir, that the fleet could not have rendered you the least service dur- 
 ing your late incursion u^ )n Upper Canada. You have not been 
 able to approach Lake Ontario on any point nearer than Queenston, 
 and the enemy were then in possession of all the country between 
 that place and the shore of Ontario, and I could not even conununi- 
 cate with you without making a circuit of 70 or 80 miles. I would 
 ask, of what possible use the fleet would have been to you in 
 threatening or investing Fort George when the shallowness of 
 water alone would prevent an approach with these ships within 
 two miles of that fort or Niagara ? To pretend that the fleet could 
 render the least assistance in your projected capture of Burlington 
 Heights, on your route to Kingston, is still more romantic, for it is 
 well known the fleet could not approach within 9 miles of those 
 Heights. 
 
 That you might And the fleet somewhat of a convenience in 
 the transportation of provisions and stores for the use of the army, 
 and an agreeable appendage to attend its marches and counter- 
 marches, I am ready to believe, but, sir, the Secretary of the Navy 
 has honored us with a higher destiny — we are intended to seek and 
 to fight the enemy's fleet. This is the great purpose of the govern- 
 ment in creating this fleet, and I shall not be diverted in my eflbrts 
 to eflectuate it by any sinister attempt to render us subordinate to 
 or an appendage of the army. 
 
 We have one common object in the annoyance, defeat and 
 destruction of the enemy, and I shall always cheerfully unite with 
 any military commander in the prosecution of that object. 
 
 Colonel Hercules Scott to His B^ '« 1 er. 
 
 Bef(1he Fort Erie, 12th August, 1814. 
 
 My Dear James, — I shall now give you a short account of our 
 military transactions in this quarter. About 5 weeks ago the enemy 
 crossed over into this Province at Fort Erie with about 6,000 men 
 with 12 pieces of cannon. General Riall, who commanded at Fort 
 George, marched out to meet them, with only 1,500 men. He 
 attacked the enemy near Chippawa, and after a severe action was 
 defeated, with the loss of 700 killed, wounded and missing. This 
 action was ill-advised and the movements ill-executed. After this 
 action General R. returned to Fort George, which the enemy in- 
 
131 
 
 vested, but in a partial manner. Reinforcements arriving fronr 
 below he came out of the Fort and marched towards Burhngton, 
 where I had assembled a considerable force and advanced to meet 
 him. Finding that we had been reinforced, the enemy retired and 
 we followed them. On the 25th of last month they attacked our 
 advanced guard in the evening. This brought on an action, which 
 began about 7 in the evening and lasted till 11 at night. The 
 enemy made several severe and determined attacks and were as. 
 often repulsed. In the last they gained possession of 5 out of 7 of 
 our guns, but the fire kept upon them was so severe that it after- 
 wards appeared they had not been able to carry them off, for we 
 found them next morning on the spot they had been taken. No 
 boast of a " Great Victory," but in my opinion it was nearly equal 
 on both sides. Their loss in men was equal ours — 878 killed, 
 wounded and missing, besides 61 officers. We found on the field 
 five of the enemy's iron guns, and they carried off one of our brass 
 O-pounders. The troops engaged behaved well, particularly the 
 89th Regt., with small detachments of the Royals, 8th, and 108rd. 
 These were in the action during the whole time and lost more than 
 one-half the number they had in the field. Gen. Drummond com- 
 manded in the action, but I am sorry to hhv I could not then or 
 now observe the smallest appearance of generalship. I fear he has 
 got his connnand, like many others, from tlie interest of friends, not 
 from his own merit. Since the action the enemy have retired to 
 Fort Erie. We have advanced within tv/o miles, and after innmner- 
 able delays have in 9 dayi^ constructed a J^ gun battery, whicii I 
 expect will open to-morrow, but in my opinion- is not ade(iuate to 
 the reduction of the place. Time will show how we get on. We 
 had a severe loss the other day in Gen. Conran. He had only joined 
 a few days when we were deprived of his valuable ser/ices by a 
 fall from his horse. He broke his leg. In the few days he was 
 with the the army he had gained the esteem and confitlence of every 
 officer and man in the army. We are since the above accident again 
 under the immediate ctmimand of Gen. Drummond. For one I can 
 safely say, njy confidence is gone. B^or my part I like to see a 
 General that can first form a plan an<l then has steadiness to carry 
 his plan into execution. Thank God, I have hitherto escapeil. I 
 had only one horse shot under me on the 25th. I shall write you 
 again soon, but probably shall have another brush first in storming 
 this same Fort Erie. Should I fall I have to request that you will 
 give to Archibald five hundred a year to enable him, when he thinks 
 proper, to live in his own country. I have made no will since I 
 have been in this country. I made one in India but do not know 
 what is become of it, so that it will entirely depend on yourself if 
 
132 
 
 you comply with my request or not. I also wish you to ^ve one 
 thousand each to Helen and David. I have some funds in this 
 country but cannot at present say the amount. I shall leave a 
 memorandum for some one here to have my accounts settled and 
 the balance remitted through my friend, Mr. Mure of Quebec, who 
 has some of my baggage in his charge. 
 
 Since writing the above our battery has opened against the 
 Fort, and continued the whole of yesterday without having the 
 smallest effect. It is at much too great a distance. I expect we 
 shall be ordered to storm to-morrow. I have little hope of success 
 from this manoeuvre. I shall probably write you more, that is, if 
 I get over this present business. 
 
 My dear James, yours ever sincerely, 
 , H. S. 
 
 14th Augt. 
 
 Lt.-Cten. Drummond to 8ir George Prevost. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Camp Beb^ore Fort Erie, 12th Aug., 1814. 
 
 I had hoped to have been able this morning to have tried the 
 effect of the guns, which have been placed in battery against the 
 enemy's fort and schooner, but the very limited means at the dis- 
 posal of the engineer officers, and the absolute necessity of con- 
 structing a traverse in the rear of the battery against any guns the 
 enemy may have at Black Rock, and of throwing a strong abbattis 
 in front of the battery, and securing it on its flanks by similar 
 abbattis against a sortie which the enemy would have it in his 
 power to make upon it with his whole force, together with other 
 circumstances connected with the enterprise which Capt. Dobbs of 
 tlie Royal Navy, with a party of seamen and marines, will this night 
 undertake against the enemy's schooners, have induced me to defer 
 opening the guns until to-morrow morning. 
 
 The enemy has unavoidably had so much time for preparation, 
 and ha^ in his position so considerable a number of heavy guna, 
 that I much fear we shall find the fire of our battery unable to 
 effect much. * That of his schooners, if Capt. Dobbs succeeds, will 
 be removed or perhaps turned in our favor, but we shall still be 
 exposed to the enemy's batteries at Black Rock should he, as is con- 
 fidently believed, have established any on that commanding ridge. 
 From the nature of the ground in front of Fort Erie, Your Excel- 
 lency must be aware, that without cutting down an immense tract 
 of forest wood it would not be possible to establish my batteries in 
 any situation that would not be taken in reverse from batteries at 
 
133 
 
 Black Rock. I am, however, far from approving of the site on 
 which the battery has been placed by Capt. Romilly, and I have 
 had reason in other respects to be so little satisfied with that officer 
 in the field that I have sent him to Fort George to superintend the 
 duties of the Engineer Department at that post, Lieut. Philpot, 
 assisted by Lieut. Portlock, Royal Engineers ; by Lieut. Stevens, 
 Royal Marine Artillery, and by Capt. Barney, 89th Regt., whom I 
 have for the moment attached to the Engineer Department, has 
 conducted the works much to my satisfaction, and should it be 
 found necessary to change the situation of the battery I feel con- 
 fident in its being quickly and ably efiected by thene officers. 
 
 The eneniy makes daily effiDrts with his riflemen to dislodge our 
 advanced picquets and to obtain a reconnoissance of what we are 
 doing. These attacks, tho' feeble and invariably repulsed, yet 
 harass our troops and occasion us some loss. I enclose returns of 
 those of the 10th and of this day. Your Excellency will observe 
 with concern that on both occasions we have lost an officer killed. 
 I am happy to report that on ever}'^ occasion the troops show great 
 steadiness, and invariably inflict a loss on the enemy more consider- 
 able than their own. The Indians went forward with great spirit 
 the day before yesterday, and in the aflair of this day it has just 
 been reported to me they surprised, took, and scalped every man 
 of one of the enemy's picquets. 
 
 I cannot forbear of taking this occasion of expressing to Your 
 Excellency my most marked approbation of the uniform exemplary 
 good conduct of the Glengarry Light Infantry and Incorporated 
 Militia, the former under command of Lt.-Col. Battersby, and the 
 latter under Major Kerby : of the services of the latter officer, I 
 regret to say that I have this day been deprived by two wounds, 
 which I trust will prove slight. These two corps have constantly 
 been in close contact with the enemy's outposts and riflemen during 
 the severe service of the la«t fortnight ; their steadiness and 
 gallantry as well as their superiority }is light troops have on every 
 occasion been conspicuous. 
 
 I am sorry to acquaint Your Excellency that Colonel Stuart of 
 the Royal Scots, whom I had ordered up from York on my being 
 deprived of Major-General Conran's services to assist in the 
 direction of the details of this division, and who arrived here yes- 
 terday, is this day attacked with ague and so ill as to be unable to 
 leave his bed. I particularly regret this in cons'^quence of the 
 extraordinary circumstance of Colonel Scott, the next senior officer, 
 having begged permission to resign the command of the briga4le to 
 whiclrhe had been appointed and to serve in command of his regi- 
 ment, under a junior officer. I can therefore derive no assistance 
 
134 
 
 from that officer. I am very anxious thLt another General officer 
 should be sent up to this Province as soon as possible. 
 
 I have ordered up the 82nd Regt. from York as soon as the 
 first division of the 6th approaches that place. 
 
 Commodore Chauncey has left three of his brigs to watch our 
 vessels in the Niagara. They continue cruising off that place. 
 
 To-morrow I hope to be able to make a satisfactory communi- 
 cation to Your Excellency of the result of Capt. Dobbs' attempt 
 against the enemy's schooners off Fort Erie, and of the effect pro- 
 duced by the fire of our battery. 
 
 I fear I have omittpd to represent to Your Excellency the very 
 great assistance which this division of the army has derived from 
 the detachment from H. M. squadron on Lake Ontario, consisting of 
 the Star and Gharwell brigs, and Netley and Magnet schooners, 
 under Captain Dobbs, R. N. Without their valuable aid in the 
 transport of troops and stores I certainly should not have been able 
 to have attempted offensive operations so soon after my arrival. I 
 feel infinite obligations to Sir James Lucas Yeo for his prompt 
 acquiescence in my request to him to detach these vessels, and I feel 
 the appointment of an officer of such conciliating manners and 
 such zeal and professional ability as Capt. Dobbs to command as an 
 additional favour. Everything is to be expected from the gallantry 
 and exertions of Capt. Dobbs and the party of seamen and marines 
 who have undertaken the enterprise alluded to in the former part 
 of this letter, and who have on every occasion been most forward in 
 volunteering on any service in which they could be useful. 
 
 P. S. — Since writing the above the enemy has opened two 
 guns from Black Rock, by the fire of which one sergeant has been 
 killed and four men wounded, of the 2nd Brigade. 
 
 G. D. 
 
 Lt.-Geii. Druinmond to Sir Geo. Prevost. 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 13th Aug., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have great satisfaction in acquainting Your Excellency 
 with the capture of two of the three armed schooners which were 
 anchored off Fort Erie, and which very niucli annoyed our left 
 flank. This enterprise wjis executed in very gallant style by Capt. 
 Dobbs and a party of about 70 seamen and marines, who embarked 
 last night in six batteaux which I had caused to be carried across 
 to Lake Erie for that purpose. I enclose a copy of an order which 
 I have given on the occasion. 
 
 I have this morning opened the fire of the battry on Fort Erie, 
 and, although the distance is found to l>e gi'eat, I hope a sufficient 
 effect will be produced. 
 
135 
 
 Morning District General Order. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Camp before Fort Erie, 13th Aug., 1814. 
 
 Lieut.-Gen. Drummond congratulates the army on the brilliant 
 achievement executed last night by Capt. Dobbs of the Royal Navy 
 and a party of 70 seamen and marines, who in the most gallant 
 style boarded and after a short struggle carried two of the enemy's 
 armed schooners, anchored close to Fort Erie. Accident alone pre- 
 vented the capture of the third schooner. Those captured are the 
 Somers and Ptyrcupine. The former mounts two long 12-pounders, 
 the latter one 12. They were connnanded by lieutenants, and had 
 on board 35 men each. The Lieut.-General laments to find that 
 Lieut. RadclifFe, commander of H. M. schooner Netley, has fallen on 
 this occasion. He will be buried at 12 o'clock, with such marks of 
 respe< as circumstances will permit. Besides Mr. RadclifFe our loss 
 has been only one seaman killed and four wounded. The enemy's 
 loss was one seaman killed, three officers and four seamen wounded. 
 The whole enterprise reflects the greatest credit on the ability and 
 spirit of Capt. Dobbs and the gallant party under his command. 
 The Lieut.-General felt convinced that it could not fail, from the 
 spirited manner in which it was undertaken. He takes this occa- 
 sion of informing the troops tliat he has a similar service for them 
 to execute, and he invites corps and individuals desirous of volun- 
 teering their services on the occasion to intimate their wishes with- 
 out delay through their respective Brigadiers to the Deputy- 
 Adjutant-General, for the information of the Lieut.-General com- 
 manding. 
 
 This Order to be read to the corps immediately. 
 
 J. Harvey, 
 
 Lt.-Col., D. A. G. 
 
 Captain Alexander Dobbs, R. N., to ftiir James L. Yeo. 
 
 Niagara River Near Fort Erie, 
 SoTiiers Schooner, Aug. 13th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Having succeeded in getting my gig and five batteaux 
 across from the Niagara River to Lake Erie, a distance of eight 
 miles by land, I last night attacked the throe enemy's schooners 
 that had anchored close to Fort Erie for the purpose of flanking 
 the approaches to that fort. Two of them were carried sword in 
 hand in a few^ minutes, and the third would certainly have followed 
 had not the cables been cut, which made us drift to leeward of her 
 among the rapids. The schooners taken are the Ohio and Soniers, 
 commanded by lieutenants and mounting three long 12-pounder8, 
 
136 
 
 with a complement of 35 men each. My gallant friend, Lieut. Rad- 
 cliffe, and one seaman fell in. the act of boarding, which with four 
 wounded is our loss. The enemy had one man killed and seven 
 wounded ; among the latter is Lieut Conkling, commanding the 
 squadron, ajs well as two of his officere. The steady and gallant 
 conduct of the officers, seamen and marines employed on this service 
 was such as to have insured me success against a greater force, and 
 has called forth a very handsome General Order from His Honour, 
 Lt.-Gen. Drummond. I beg leave particularly to mention Mr. 
 Grinded, mate of the 8tai\ and Mr. Hyde, mate of the Cfiarwell, 
 not only for their gallant conduct in the attack, but for their skill 
 in bringing the vessels into this river through shoals and rapids and 
 under a constant and heavy tire. 
 
 Killed and wounded in an attack on two of the enemy's 
 schooners under Fort Erie on the night of Aug. 12th : 
 
 Killed — C. Radcliffe, acting commander, and J. Acton, seaman. 
 Wounded — J. Hudson and J. Bowen, seamen; T. Roach and J. 
 Dickson, private marines. 
 
 Lieut. Conkling to Captain Kennedy. 
 
 Fort Erie, Upper Canada, August 16th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — With extreme regi-et I have to make known to you the 
 circumstances attending the capture of the Ohio and Somers. On 
 the night of the 12th between the hours of 10 and 12 the boats 
 were seen a short distance ahead of the Somers and were hailed 
 from that vessel ; they answered "provision boats," which deceived 
 the officers on the deck, as our army boats had been in the habit of 
 passing and repassing through the night, and enabled them to drift 
 athwart his hawser and cut his cables, at the same time pouring in 
 a heavy fire before he discovered who they were. Instantaneously 
 they were alongside of me, and notwithstanding my exertions, 
 aided by Mr. McCally, acting sailing master, (who was soon dis- 
 abled,) I was unable to repulse them but for a moment. I main- 
 tained the quarter deck until my sword fell in consequence of a 
 shot in the shoulder, and all on deck either wounded or surrounded 
 with bayonets. As their force was an overwhelming one I thought 
 further resistance vain, and gave up the vessel, with the satisfaction 
 of having performed my duty and defended my vessel to the last. 
 
137 
 
 List of Killed and Wonnded. 
 
 Ohio. 
 
 Killed — John Fifehill, boatswain's mate, shot through the body. 
 
 Wounded — Reuben Wright, shot through the arm. 
 
 Sailing-Master McCally, shot through the tliigh and bayonetted 
 through the foot. 
 
 Sergeant Eastman of the 11th Regiment of the army, wounded 
 in the neck by a musket ball. 
 
 Granger, 11th Regiment., wounded in the arm. 
 
 Wreath, 11th Regiment, wounded in the arm. 
 
 Whillers, 21st do., wounded, cut in the arm. 
 
 Scrmera. 
 
 Wounded — Samuel Taylor, shot in the arm and cut in the head, 
 
 Charles Ordean, cut in the shoulder ; also one of the Ohio's 
 marines, whose name the sergeant cannot find, now in the hospital, 
 badly wounded. 
 
 The enemy's loss in killed and wounded is much more consider- 
 able. Amongst the killed is the commanding officer of the Netley, 
 (lying here,) Captain RatclifF; he fell in attempting to come over 
 my quarters. Notwithstanding the number of muskets and pistols 
 which were tired, and the bustle inseparable from enterprises of 
 this kind, neither the fort nor the Porcupine attempted to fire as 
 we drifted past them, nor did we receive a shot until past Black 
 Rock, though they might have destroyed us with ease. 
 
 Respectfully your obedient servant, 
 
 A. M. CONKLING. 
 
 p. S. — We expect to be sent to Montreal, and perhaps to 
 Quebec, directly. 
 
 General Ciaines to the Secretary of War. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort Erie, August 13th. 1814. 
 
 Sir, — It has become my painful duty to announce to you the 
 loss of that brave and excellent officer. Major Morgan of the Ist 
 Rifle Regiment. He fell at the head of his corps in an atfair with 
 the enemy on the 12th instant, after a display of gallantry worthy 
 of the corps and meriting the gratitude of his country. 
 
 I had desired him to send a detachment of from 80 to 100 men 
 to cut off a working party, supported by a guard of the enemy's 
 light troops, engaged in opening an avenue for a battery in our rear, 
 having directed him to have his corps ready in support in case the 
 enemy should be reinforced. The detachment was commanded by 
 Captain Birdsall, who attacked and drove the enemy, but when 
 about to return to camp he discovered a large force approaching. 
 
138 
 
 The firing having continued longer than the Major expected, he 
 moved up the moment the enemy's reinforcements made their 
 appearance. A warm conflict ensued, in which they were forced 
 back, but discovering additional reinforcements and receiving my 
 order to fall back on the appearance of a large force, the Major 
 gave the signal with his bugle to retire ; at this moment he received 
 a ball in his head. He was brought from the field together with his, 
 men who were killed and wounded. Of the former were two rifle- 
 men and a New York volunteer, who, unsolicited, accompanied the 
 riflemen with a small party of his corps, under the command of 
 Lieut. Goodfellow, who, I am informed, has distinguished himself 
 on similar occasions, and for whom permit me to request a com- 
 mission in one of the Rifle regiments. 
 
 (Secret.) 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 14th Aug., 1814. 
 
 ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 Right ColuTiin — Lt.-Col. Fischer: 
 
 King's Regiment. 
 
 Volunteers — Regt. DeWatteville. 
 
 Light Companies — 89th and 100th Regts. 
 
 Detachment Royal Artillery, one officer and 12 men, and a 
 rocketeer with a couple of 12-pound rockets. 
 
 Capt. Eustace's picquet of cavalry. 
 
 Capt. Powell, Deputy-Asst.-Quartermaster-General, will con- 
 duct this column, which is to attack the left of the enemy's position. 
 
 Centre Column — Lt.-Col. Drunvniond: 
 
 Flank Companies — 4l8t Regiment. 
 
 do do —104th do 
 
 Royal Marines — 50. 
 Seamen — 90. 
 
 Detachment Royal Artillery, one subaltern and 12 men. 
 Capt. Barney, 89th Regt., will guide this column, which is to 
 attack the fort. 
 
 Left Column — Col. Scott, lOSrd Regt : 
 
 103rd Regt. 
 
 Capt. Elliott, Deputy- Asst. -Quartermaster-General, will conduct 
 this column, which will attack the right of the enemy's position 
 towards the lake, and endeavor to penetrate by the opening between 
 the fort and the entrenchment, using the short ladders at the same 
 
139 
 
 time to pass the entrenchment which is reported to be defended 
 only by the enemy's 9th Regt., 250 strong. 
 
 The infantry picquets on Buck's road to be pushed on with 
 the Indians to attack the enemy's picquets on that road, Lt.-Col. 
 Nichols, Quartermaster-General of Militia, will conduct this column. 
 
 The rest of the troops, viz : 
 
 1st Battalion Royals. 
 
 Remainder of De Watte vi lie's Regt. 
 
 Glengarry Light Infantry and Incorporated Militia 
 Will remain in reserve under Lt.-Col. Tucker and are to be 
 posted on the ground at present occupied by our piccjuets and cover- 
 ing parties. 
 
 Squadron of 19th Dragoons in rear of the battery nearest 
 to the advance, ready to receive charge of prisoners and conduct 
 them to the rear. 
 
 The Lieut.-General will station himself at or near the battery, 
 where reports are to be made to him, 
 
 Lt,-Col, Fischer, commanding the right column, will follow the 
 instructions he has received, copy of which is communicated to Col. 
 Scott and Lt.-Col, Drummond for their guidance. 
 
 The Lieut.-General 'most strongly recommends a free use of 
 the bayonet. The enemy's force does not exceed 1500 fit for dut}*, 
 and those are representetl as nmch dispirited. 
 
 The ground on which the columns of attack are to be formed 
 will be pointed out, and the orders for their guidance will be given 
 by the Lieut.-General commanding. 
 
 J. Harvey, 
 
 D. A, G. . 
 
 (Secret.) 
 
 Headquarter.s, 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 14th Aug., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Lieut-General Drun)mond having selected you to com- 
 mand the (volunteer) force intended to be employed in assaulting 
 the right of the enemy's position, I am directed to desire that you 
 will accordingly march immediately in order to enable you to pass 
 through the woods before dark. On reaching Baxter's you will 
 halt for the night, using every precaution which your experience 
 Hnd prudence can suggest, aided by the necessary personal vigilance 
 of the officers of every rank under your command, to present 
 desertion and the consequent discovery of your situation and in- 
 tentions to the enemy. No fire must be lighted, nor any loud 
 chatting by your sentries or patroles permitted. Frequent (hourly) 
 
140 
 
 roll-calls must take place, and no officer allowed to quit his com- 
 pany, section, or sub-division for a single moment except while em- 
 ployed in perfonning dutj^^ on visiting videttes or patroles, and 
 which duties officers of every rank must be required to perform. 
 The surprise of the enemy and perhaps the success of the attack 
 may depend upon this. You are to advance to the attack precisely 
 at two o'clock. You are to enter the enemy's position between 
 Snake Hill and the lake, which is presented as sufficiently open, but 
 this is not to prevent your making your arrangements for assault- 
 ing any other point of the position by means of the short ladders 
 or hay-bags with which you will be furnished. In order to ensure 
 secrecy the Lieut.-General most strongly recommends that the flints 
 are taken out of the firelocks with the exception of a reserve of 
 select and steady men who may be permitted to retain their flints, 
 (if you think it necessary or advisable,) not exceeding one-third of 
 your force. This reserve, with the detachment of artillery, should 
 take post on Snake Hill. The Lieut.-General is unwilling, however, 
 to suppose the probability of such neceasit3^ as it can only originate 
 in a check, which he is persuaded if the troops are steady and re- 
 solute cannot happen. Turning to the left after entering the 
 position, the whole of the enemy's diminished and dispirited troops 
 will be found either in the trench extending from Snake Hill to the 
 fort or in rear of the White House near the lake shore, and in 
 either case will, as well as the batteries, be completely taken in 
 reverse and exposed to your attack under ver}'^ favorable circum- 
 stance which you could desire. The rest must be left to the valour 
 of the troops. I am to apprize you that tw^o columns will advance 
 from this side as soon as it is ascertained that that under your com- 
 mand has entered it — one to attack the fort, composed of flank 
 companies under Lieut.-Col. Drummond and a party of seamen and 
 marines. The other to assault the line of entrenchments extending 
 from the fort down to the lake. A demonstration will be made a 
 few minutes before two o'clock by an attack upon the enemy's 
 picquet opposite to the centre of his entrenchment. The advan- 
 tages wdiich will arise from taking out the flints are obvious. Com- 
 bined with darkness and .silence it will effectually conceal the 
 situation and number of our troops, and those of the enemy being 
 exposed hy his fire and his white trousers, which are very conspicu- 
 ous marks to our view, it will enable them to use the bayonet with 
 effect which that valuable weapon has been ever found to possess 
 in the hands of British soldiers. A detachment of Royal Artillery 
 will accompany the column for the purpose of either spiking or 
 turning the enemy's guns against himself, according as may be 
 found expedient. 
 
141 
 
 If repulsed the troops are to retire upon tlie battery on this 
 side and on the reserve on Snake Hill and the cavalry, which will 
 be posted on the Lake Road, on the other. 
 
 If the British troops meet within the place they will recognize 
 each other by the words " Prince Regent," answered by " Twenty," 
 the countersign of the day. Capt. Powell, Quartermaster-General's 
 Dept., and Major Coore, A. D. C. to His Excellency the Commander 
 of the Forces, will accompany you. As proposals of surrender may 
 probably be made to you, you are to attend to none which are not 
 unconditional, not suffering yourself for a moment to be diverted 
 from the prosecution of your attack. Clemency to prisoners it is 
 unnecessary to recommend to you, but in removing them to the 
 rear you must be careful not to detach too many men. The cavalry 
 will be found useful in receiving and escorting prisoners. By mak- 
 ing a considerable number of prisoners you will find, in the event 
 of the contest being protracted until daylight, that the enemy will 
 be so reduced in numbers as not to be able to make any stand 
 against the force under your command (particularly if you have 
 taken possession of Snake Hill) and that which will be detached to 
 co-operate with you from this side. His force is at present under- 
 stood to be about 1,500 fit for duty. I shall be found at or near 
 the battery. 
 
 Much is necessarily left to your judgment and discretion, on 
 which Lieut.-Gen. Drummond has the fullest reliance. 
 
 J. Harvey, 
 
 Lt.-Col., D. A. G. 
 
 Gen. Armstrong to Gen. Wilkinson. 
 
 Sackett's Harbor, September 18, 1813. 
 
 " De Watteville's Regiment was made up in Spain, is composed 
 of Poles, Germans, Spaniards and Portuguese, and completely 
 disaffected." 
 
 Lient.-Gen. Drummond to Sir Geo. Prevost. 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, Aug. 15th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Having reason to believe that a sufficient impression had 
 been produced on the works of the enemy's fort by the fire of the 
 battery I had opened on it on the morning of the 13th, and by 
 which the stone building had been much injured and the general 
 outline of the parapet and embrasures very nmch altered, I deter- 
 mined on assaulting the place, and accordingly made the necessary 
 arrangements for attacking it by a heavy column directed to the 
 entrenchments on the side of Snake Hill, and by two columns to 
 
142 
 
 advance from the battery an* I assault the fort and entrenchments on 
 this side. The troops destined to attack by Snake Hill, (which con- 
 sisted of the Kind's Regiment and that of De Watteville, with the 
 flank companies of the H{)th and 100th Rej^iments, under Lieut.-Col. 
 Fischer of the Regiment De Watteville,) marche<l at four o'clock 
 yesterday afternoon in order to gain the vicinit}' of the point of 
 attack in sufficient time. Im is with the deepest regret I have to re- 
 port the failure of both attacks, which were made two hours before 
 daylight this morning. A copy of Lieut.-Col. Fischer's report here- 
 with enclosed will enable Your Excellency to form a tolerably cor- 
 rect judgment of the cause of the failure of that attack. Had 
 the head of the colunni, (which had entered the place without 
 difficulty or opposition) been .supported, the enemy must have fled 
 from his works, (which were all taken as was contemplated in the 
 instructions in reverse) or have surrendered. The attack on the 
 fort and entrenchments leading from it to the lake was made at the 
 same moment by two columns, one under Lieut.-Col. Drummond, 
 104th Regt., consisting of the flank companies of the 41st and 
 104th Regts., and a body of seamen and marines under Capt. Dobbs 
 of the Royal Navy, on the fort ; the other, ur)der Col. Scott, I03d, 
 consisting of the 103d Regt., supported by two companies of the 
 Royals, was destined to attack the entrenchments. These columns 
 advanced to the attack as soon as the flring upon Col. Fischer's 
 column was heard, and succeeded after a desperate resistance in 
 making a lodgment in the fort through the embrasures of the 
 demi-bastion, the guns of which they had actually turned against 
 the enemy who still maintained the stone building, when most un- 
 fortunately some amnmnition which had been placed under the 
 platform caught fire from the firing of the guns to the rear, and a 
 most tremendous explosion followed, by which almost all the troops 
 which had entered the place were dreadfully mangled. Panic was 
 instantly communicated to the troops, (who could not be persuaded 
 that the explosion was accidental,) and the enemy at the same time 
 pressing forward and connnencing a heavy fire of nmsquetry, the 
 lort was abandoned and our troops retreated towards the battery. 
 I immediately pushed out the 1st Battalion, Royals, to support and 
 cover the retreat, a service which that valuable corps executed with 
 great steadiness. Our loss has been very severe in killed and 
 wounded, and I am sorry to add that almost all those returned 
 " missing" may be considered as wounded or killed by the explosion, 
 and left in the hands of the enemy. The failure of these most im- 
 portant attacks has been occasioned by circumstances which may 
 be considered as almost justifying the momentary panic which they 
 produced, and which introduced a degree of confusion into the 
 
143 
 
 columns which in the darkneHa of the night tlie utniOHt exertions 
 of the officers were ineffectual in removing. The officers appear 
 invariably to have behaved with the most perfect coolness and 
 bravery, nor could anything exceed the stemliness and order with 
 which the advance of Lieut.-Col. Fischer's brigade was made until, 
 emerging from a thick wootl, it found itself suddenly stopped by j-ii 
 ahhattiH, anu within a heavy tire of nmsquetiy and guns from be- 
 hind a formidable entrenchment. 
 
 With regard to the centre and left cohmins, under Col. Scott 
 and Lieut.-Col. I'^rummond, the peraevering gallantry of both 
 officer and men until the unfortunate explosion could not be sur- 
 passed. Col. Scott of the 108d and Lieut.-Col. Drummond of the 
 104th Regiments, who commanded the centre and left attacks, were 
 unfortunately killed, and Your Excellency will perceive that almost 
 every officer of those colunms was either killed or wounded, by the 
 enemy's fire or by the explosion. 
 
 My thanks are due to the undermentioned officers, viz : To 
 Lieut.-Col. Fischer, who commanded the right attack ; to Major 
 Coore, aide-de-camp to Your Excellency, who accompanied that 
 column ; Major Evans of the King's, connuanding the advance ; 
 Major Villatte of De Watteville's ; Capt. Basden, light company, 
 89th ; Lieut. Murphy, light company, 100th. I beg also to add the 
 name of Capt. Powell of the Glengarry Light Infantry, employed 
 on the staff as Deputy-Assistant in the Quartermaster-General's 
 Department, who conducted Lieut.-Col. Fischer's column and first 
 entered the enemy's entrenchments, and by his coolness and 
 gallantry particularly distinguished himself ; Major Villatte of De 
 Watteville's Regiment, who led the column of attack and entered 
 the entrenchments, as did Lieut. Young with about 50 men of the 
 light companies of the King's and De Watteville's Regiments. 
 Capt. Powell reports that Sergt. Powell of the 19th Dragoons, who 
 was perfectly acquainted with the ground, volunteered to act as 
 guide and preceded the leading sub-division in the most intrepid 
 style. In the centre and left columns, the exertions of Major 
 Smelt of the 103d Regt., who succeeded to the command of the left 
 column on the death of Col. Scott ; Capts. Leonard and Shore of 
 the 104th flank companies ; Capts. Glew, Bullock and O'Keefe, 
 41st flank companies ; Capt. Dobbs, of the Royal Navy, command- 
 ing a party of volunteer seamen and marines, are entitled to my 
 acknowledgements (they are all wounded). Nor can I omit mention- 
 ing in the strongest terms of approbation the active, zealous and 
 useful exertions of Capt. Elliott of the 103d Regt., Deputy-Assist- 
 ant-Quartermaster-General, who was unfortunately wounded and 
 taken prisoner, and Capt. Barney of the 89th Regt., who had 
 
144 
 
 volunteered his services as a temporary assistant in the Engineer 
 Department and conducted the centre column to the attack, in 
 which he received two dangerous wounds. To Major Phillot, com- 
 manding Royal Artillery, and Capt. Sabine, who commanded the 
 battery as well as the field guns, and to the officers and men of that 
 valuable branch of the service, serving under them, I am to express 
 my entire approbation of their skill and exertions. Lieut. Charlton 
 of the Royal Artillery entered the fort with the centre column, 
 fired several rounds upon the enemy from his own guns, and was 
 wounded by the explosion. The ability and exertions of Lieut. 
 Philpot of the Royal Engineers and the officers and men of that 
 department claim my best acknowledgements. To Lieut.-Col. 
 Tucker, who commanded the reserve, and to Lieut. -Col. Pearson, 
 Inspecting Field Officer, and Lieut.-Col. Battersby of the Glengarry 
 Light Infantry, and Capt. Walker of the Incorporated Militia, I am 
 greatly indebted for their active and unremitting attention to the 
 security of the outposts. To the Deputy-Adjt.-Gen. and Deputy- 
 Quartermaster-Gen,, Lieut.-Col. Harvey and Lieut.-Col. Myers, and 
 to the officers of their departments respectively, as well as to Capt. 
 Foster, my military secretary, and the of?) CRT's of my general staff, 
 I am under the greatest obligations for th^ , sistance they afforded 
 me. My acknowledgements are due to Capt. D'Alton of the 90th 
 Regt., Brigade Major to the Right Division, and to Lieut.-Col. Nichol, 
 Quartermaster-General of Militia; the exertions of Dep.-Commis- 
 sary-Gen. Turquand and the officei*s of that department, for the 
 supply of the troops ; and the care and attention of Staff Surgeon 
 O'Malley and the medical officers with the division to the sick and 
 wounded, also claim my thanks. 
 
 Lt.*€ol. Fischer to €oI. Harvey. 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, Aug. 15th, 1814. 
 Sir, — I have the honor to report to you for the information of 
 Lieut.-Gen. Drummond, that in compliance with the ordei"s I 
 received, the brigade under my command, consisting of the 8th and 
 De Watteville's Regiment, the light companies of the 89th and 
 100th, with a detachment of artillery, attacked this morning at two 
 o'clock the enemy's position at Snake Hill, and to my great concern 
 failed in the attempt. The flank companies of the brigade who 
 were formed under the ordei*s of Major Evans of the King's Regi- 
 ment for the purpose of turning the position between Snake Hill 
 and the lake, which was found impenetrable, and was prevented 
 from supporting Major De Villatte of De Watteville's and Captain 
 Powell of the Quartermaster-General's Department, who actually 
 
145 
 
 with a few men had turned the enemy's battery. The column of sup- 
 port, consisting of the remainder of De Watteville's and the King's 
 Regiment forming the reserve, in marching too near the lake found 
 themselves entangled between the rocks and the water, and by the 
 retreat of the Hank companies, were thrown into such confusion as 
 to render it impossible to give them any kind of formation during 
 the darkness of the night, at which time they were exposed to a 
 most galling fire of the enemy's battery and the numerous parties 
 in the ahbattis, and I am perfectly convinced that the great number 
 of missing are men killed or severely wounded at that time when 
 it was impossible to give them any assistance. After daybreak the 
 troops formed and retired to camp. I enclose a return of the 
 casualties. I have, &c., 
 
 J. Fischer. 
 
 Killed, Wounded and Missing of the Right Division at Fort on 
 the Morning of 15tli August, 1814. 
 
 Killed — 2 lieut-colonels, 1 captain, 1 lieut., 1 sergeant, 1 
 drummer, 51 rank and file. 
 
 Wounded — 1 dep.-assist.-quarternmster-general, 1 major, 8 cap- 
 tains, 11 lieuts., 2 ensigns, 1 master, 12 seamen, 20 sergeants, 3 
 drummers, 250 rank and file. 
 
 Missing — 1 dept.-assist.-quartermaster-general, 1 captain, 3 
 lieuts., 2 ensigns, 1 midshipman, 1 adjutant, 7 seamen, 41 sergeants, 3 
 drummers, 479 rank and file. Of tlie number returned missing the 
 greater part are supposed to have been killed by the explosion of a 
 
 magazuie. 
 
 Ofiicers killed, wounded and missing : 
 
 Killed — 1st or Royal Scots, Capt. Torrens ; 8th Regt., Lieut. 
 Noel ; 103d, Col. Scott ; 104tli, Lieut.-Col. Drummond. 
 
 Wounded — General Start', Capt. Powell, Navy Captain Dobbs, 
 Lieut. Stevenson, Mr. Harris, master ; Royal Scots, Captain Rowan, 
 Lieut. Vaughan ; 8th Regt., Lieut. Young; 4l8t Flank Companies, 
 Capts. Glew and Bullock, Lt. Hailes, Ensign Townshend ; 89th 
 Regt, Capt. Barney; 100th, Volunteer Frazer ; 103d, Major Smelt, 
 Capts. Gardner and Colclough, Lieuts. Fallon, Charlton, Cuppage, 
 Meagher, Burrows and Hazen, Ensign Nash ; 104th Flank Com- 
 panies, Capt. Leonard, Lieut. McLaughlan. 
 
 Missing — General Start', Capt. Elliott, Royal Navy : Mr. Hyde, 
 midshipman ; 4l8t Flank Companies, Lieut. Gardner, Ensign Hall ; 
 100th Light Co., Ensign Murray ; 103<l Regt, Capt. Irwin, Lieut. 
 Kaye, Ensign Henry, Lieut, and Adjt Pettit. 
 
146 
 
 Lt.-Cien. Drummond to Sir Geo. Prevost* 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, Aug. 16, 1814. 
 
 (Private.) 
 
 Dear Sir, — I have had a most painful and distressing duty to 
 perform in reporting to Your Excellency the disastrous result of 
 the attack which I directed *g be made yesterday morning on the 
 enemy's works and Fort Erie, an attack which there was no pro- 
 bability of a doubt but must have succeeded had the troops fulfilled 
 that part allotted to them. 
 
 It signifies not to the public to whom the culpability of failure 
 in military matters is attachable, the commander at all times falls 
 under censure, however high his character may have been. The 
 agony of mind I suffer from the present disgraceful and unfortu- 
 nate conduct of the troops committed to my superintendence wounds 
 me to the soul. 
 
 The right column of attack was entrusted to Lt.-Col. Fischer, 
 and from the reports I had of its steady conduct on the line of 
 march every hope was entertained of a continuance of it in the 
 hour of trial. Capt. Powell, i). A. Q. M. G., led v!ie colunm. The 
 forlorn hope con.sisted of a sub-division of the light company of 
 the King's Regt. under Lieut. Young, and Sergt. Powell of the inth 
 Light Dragoons accompanied it, being acquainted with the ground. 
 This sub-division was supported by the light company of De Watte- 
 ville's Regt. The 100th Light Company followed. Next, the 
 second sub-division of the King's Light Company. Then the 
 gi nadiers of De Watteville's and the light company of the 89th. 
 This corps was supported by the volunteers of De Watteville's 
 (nearly the whole reginjent) and the King's Regt. 
 
 It appears that part of the forlorn hope and about half of De 
 Watteville's Light Company, by wading through the water, though 
 the footing was excessively rough and rocky along the lake shore, 
 turned the left flank of an abbattis which extended from the 
 enemy's battery on Snake Hill (the left of their position) to the 
 lake, and part penetrated through the ahhaitw itself, and thereby 
 gained the rear of the enemy's works. The fire of the enemy by 
 this time being extremely heavy, both from artillery and musketry, 
 it would seem as if a sinmltaneous shock of panic pervaded the 
 greater part of those not immediately in advance, and the forlorn 
 hope, not finding itself sufficiently supported, was reluctantly under 
 the necessity of relinquishing the advantages they had gained and 
 of retiring again through the water under a most galling fire. 
 They lost many men, and De Watteville's light company nearly 
 half their numbers. The light company of the 89th, notwithstand- 
 
147 
 
 ing they were nearly overwhelmed by the grenadiers of Watte- 
 vine's in the precipitancy of their retreat, was the only body that 
 preserved its order and remained firm upon its gi'ound. By this 
 act of steadiness they fortunately lost scarcely a man. The main 
 body of De Watteville's retreated in such confusion they carried 
 the King's Regt. before them like a torrent. 
 
 Thus by the misconduct of this fo'^eign corps has the oppor- 
 tunity been totally lost for the present of striking such a blow at 
 the enemy's force in this neighborhood as would altogether prevent 
 his appearing again in any force on the Niagara frontier, at least 
 during the present campaign. 
 
 The attacking columns of the left were entrusted to Col. Scott 
 and Lieut.-Col. Drummond. An unfortunate explosion, supposed 
 by accident, of some expense ammunition in the demi-bastion of 
 the works, by the destruction of many valuable officers and men, 
 threw the remainder into such confusion and dismay that they 
 likewise made a precipitate retreat, and the enemy remained in 
 possession of his works. 
 
 Major Coore, Your Excellency's A. D. C, who volunteered his 
 services, accompanied Lt.-Col. Fischer's column and, I have much 
 pleasure in acquainting you, afforded much assistance to that officer. 
 
 Capt. Powell's zeal and gallantry was most conspicuous. His 
 exertions have at all times been so unremitting as to merit my 
 warmest approbation. 
 
 I am now reduced to a most unpleasant predicament with 
 regard to force, as the Royals, the King's, 41st, 89th, 100th, and 
 now the 103rd, are so much weakened as certainly not to be fit to 
 keep the field. 
 
 I have thought advisable to order the 82nd from Burlington 
 and York without delay, and the Oth, now on its march to York, 
 also to proceed to this frontier. 
 
 I had intended to order another regiment from Kingston, but 
 from the badness of the roads since the recent rains I could not 
 calculate upon their arrival hewe before our squadron will be able to 
 take the lake, and as even at present the diminution of stores and 
 provisions is beginning to be felt, I entreat Your Excellency will 
 impress upon the Commo<lore the necessity of conveying to the 
 Right Division, the very first moment the s<^uadron can leave 
 harbor, a full supply of each, as well as a reinforcement of troops, 
 which I should wish to be the 90th or any equally strong regiment, 
 instead of the Canadian Fencibles or 97th, both comparatively 
 weak in point of numbers. 
 
 I take the opportunity of transmitting this letter by Your 
 Excellency's A. D. C., Major Coore. 
 
148 
 
 General Order. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Montreal, August 25th, 1814 
 
 Iii promulgating to the troops an extract from a District 
 General Order issued by Lieutenant-General Drummond to the 
 right division of this army in consequence of the capture of two 
 of the enemy's schooners, co-operating in the defence of the enemy's 
 position at Fort Erie, the commander of the forces avails himself 
 of the opportunity it presents to acknowledge the high sense he 
 entertains of the valuable services rendered to the right division by 
 Captain Dobbs of the Royal Navy and the officers and seamen of 
 the vessels placed under his command for that purpose by Com- 
 modore Sir James Yeo. 
 
 This event, so abl}'^ planned and so gallantly executed, was 
 followed by a general attack of the enemy's foi-ts and entrenchments. 
 
 Lieutenant-General Drummond reports that the spirit with 
 which it was undertaken en.ibled our tr(X)ps to surmount every 
 obstacle, Fort Erie and the entrenchments were entered, the guns 
 turned on the barrack blockhouse, (the enemy's last refuge) when 
 unfortunately a most violent explosion occurred in the battery, 
 in its eftect destroying and disabling many a valuable ofi'cer and 
 soldier, and caused so considerable a consternation as to induce the 
 remaining troops to abandon the works and all those advantages 
 which they had gained by their determined conduct, and precipi- 
 tately to retire on our fii-st approaches. 
 
 From other causes, almost inseparable to night operations 
 carried on in a close and difficult country, the right column failed 
 in the object it had to accomplish. 
 
 With deep regret the Commander of the Forces records the 
 loss His Majesty's service has sustained on this occasion. 
 
 Return or Hilled, Wounded and Missing of the Right Division, in 
 tlie Assault of Fort Erie on the 15th August, 1H14. 
 
 Killed — 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 
 1 sergeant, 1 dninnner, 51 rank and file. 
 
 Wounded — 1 major, 9 captains, 11 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 
 master, 20 sergeants, IJ drummers, 262 rank and file. 
 
 Missing — 2 captains, 3 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 
 midshipman, 41 sergeants, 8 drummei*s, 48G rank and file. 
 
 Officers killed — 1st Roval Scots — Captain Torrens: 8th King's — 
 Lieut. Noel; 103rd Regt!"— Colonel Scott: 104th Regt.— Lieut.- 
 Col. Drummond. 
 
149 
 
 Officers wounded — Royal Navy — Captain Dobbs and Lieut. 
 Stevenson, slightly ; Mr. Harris, master, severely. 
 
 let Royal Scots — Capt. Rowan, severely; Lieut. Vaughan, 
 slightly. 
 
 8th King's — Lieut. Young, slightly. 
 
 4l8t Flank Companies — Captains Glew and Bullock, severely ; 
 Lieut. Hailes, slightly ; Ensign Townsend, severely. 
 
 89th Regt. — Oapt. Barney, acting assistant engineer, severely. 
 
 ICOth Regt. — Lieut. Murray, wounded and prisoner ; volunteer 
 Fraser, severely. 
 
 103rd Regt. — Major Smelt and Capt. Gardner, severely ; Captain 
 Colclough and Lieut. Charlton, severely and prisoner ; Lieut. 
 Fallon, severely ; Lieut. Cuppage, Jr., dangerously ; Lieut. Meagher, 
 slightly ; Lieuts. Burrows, Hazen and Ensign Nash, severely. 
 
 104th Flank Companies — Capt. Leonard and Ensign Mc- 
 Laughlin, severely. 
 
 Officers missing — General Staff — Capt. Elliot, deputy-assistant- 
 quartermaster-general. 
 
 Royal Navy — Mr. Hyde, midshipman. 
 41st Flank Companies — Lieut. Gardner and Ensign Hall. 
 103rd Reg^j. — Capt. Irwin, Lieut. Kaye, Ensign Huoy, Lieut, 
 and Adjutant Pettit. 
 
 Edward Baynes, 
 
 Adjutant-General. 
 
 Gen. Gainci^ to the Secretary of War. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Fort Erie, U. C. August 15th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — My heart is gladdened with gratitude to heaven and joy 
 to my country, to have it in my power to inform you that the gal- 
 lant army under my command has this morning beaten the enemy 
 commanded by Lieutenant-General Drummond, after a severe con- 
 flict of near three hours, commencing at 2 o'clock this morning. 
 They attacked us on each flank, got possession of the salient 
 bastion of the old Fort Erie, which wa« regained at the point of 
 the bayonet with a dreadful slaughter. The enemy's loss in killed 
 and prisonera is about 600 ; near 300 killed. Our loss is consider- 
 able, but I think not one-tenth as great as that of the enemy. I 
 will not detain the express to give you the particulars. I am pre- 
 paring my force to follow up the blow. 
 
150 
 
 Killed, Wounded and Missing of the Lett Division of the United 
 
 States Army, Commanded by BriKadiei>General Craines, 
 
 in the Action of the 15th Ausnst, 1814, at Fort 
 
 Erie, Upper Canada. 
 
 Adjutant-Generara Office, 
 Fort, Erie, Aug. 14th, 1814. 
 
 Corjys of Bombardiers. 
 Killed — 1 private. 
 
 Artillery. 
 
 Killed — 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 2 privates ; wounded — severely, 
 1 lieutenant, 3 privates ; slightly, 6 privates ; missing — 1 lieuten- 
 ant, 3 privates. 
 
 1st Brigade. 
 
 9th Regiment — slightly wounded — 1 private. 
 
 nth do — killed — S privates; wounded — dangerously, 1 ser- 
 geant, 1 private ; severely, 4 privates ; slightly, 4 privates. 
 
 19th Regiment — killed — 5 privates ; wounded — dangerously, 1 
 subaltern ; severely, 1 sergeant, 4 privates ; slightlj'', 1 corporal, 8 
 privates. (This regiment was stationed in the fort.) 
 
 22nd Regiment — killed — two privates; wounded — severely, 5 
 privates, 
 
 ^Jind Brigade. 
 
 21st Regiment — killed — 2 privates ; wounded — severely, 1 sub- 
 altern, 3 privates ; slightly, 3 privates ; missing — 2 privates. 
 
 1st and 4th Rifle Corps. 
 
 Wounded — severely, 1 captain, 1 private ; missing — 1 private. 
 
 Naines of O^fficers. 
 
 Artillery— Capt. Williams and Lieut. McDonough, killed ; Lieut. 
 Watmough, wounded severely; Lieut. Fontaine, missing. 
 19th Regt. — Lieut. Bushnell, Ensign Cissna, wounded. 
 23rd Regt. — Lieuts. Brown and Belknap, wounded. 
 4th Rifles — Capt. Birdsall, wounded. 
 
 Keport of the Killed and Wounded During the iiannonading and 
 
 Bombardknent, 
 
 Commencing at sunrise on the morning of the 13th instant and 
 continuing without intermission till 8 o'clock p. m., recommenced on 
 the 14th at daylight with increased warmth, and ending one hour 
 
161 
 
 before the commencement of the action at Erie on the morning of 
 the 15th : 
 
 Adjutant-General's Office, Au^st 15th, 1814. 
 
 Corps of Artillery — wounded — severely, 2 privates ; slightly, 1 
 captain, 2 subalterns, 1 sergeant, 1 corporal, 3 privates. 
 
 11th Regt. — wounded — severely, 2 sergeants, 2 privates ; 
 slightly, 3 privates. 
 
 19th Regt. — wounded — severely, 1 subaltern. 
 
 21st Regt. — killed — 4 privates ; wounded — severely, 3 privates ; 
 slightly, 2 privates. 
 
 22nd Regt. — killed — 1 sergeant; wounded — severely, 2 cor- 
 porals, 2 privates ; slightly, 3 privates. 
 
 23rd Regt. — killed — 1 private ; wounded — severely, 1 pnvate. 
 
 Rifle Regiments, Ist and 4th — killed — 1 corporal, 2 privates ; 
 wounded — severely, 3 privates ; slightly, 1 private. 
 
 Offi.cers Wounded. 
 
 Artillery — Capt. Biddle, Lieuts. Zantzinger and Watmough. 
 Infantry — Lieut. Patterson, 19th Regt. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 George Carryl, 23rd Regt., Orderly to General Gaines. 
 
 Roger Jones, 
 Asst.-Adjt.-Gen. 
 
 Brig^adier-Creneral Cralnes to the Secretary of War. 
 
 H. Q., Fort Erie, U. C, Aug. 23d, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Loss of sleep and constant exposure to weather gave me 
 some days ago a violent cold, which has put it out of my power to 
 do anything more than the state of the service here rendered in- 
 dispensable ; hence my apology for delaying until this day my 
 report of the battle of the 15th inst. 
 
 General Drummond is quietly engaged in collecting reinforce- 
 ments. His camp appears to be fortified. I attempted to look at 
 it a few days past and it cost me a fine young officer, Lieut. Yates 
 of the 4th Rifle Regiment, killed, and Lieut. Kearsley of that 
 excellent corps with Lieut. Childs of the 9th, wounded, with the 
 loss of 2 or 3 privates killed and 5 or 6 wounded. The loss of the 
 enemy I was unable to ascertain ; he would not leave his defences, and 
 I did not think fit to leave mine at all exposed. Several deserters 
 say that the 6th and 82d Regiments arrived last night. If this be 
 true, their strength is about the same as it was before the battle of 
 the 15th. Their Colonel Scott is dead. About twenty deserters 
 
152 
 
 from the De Watteville Regiment and sonje few from the other 
 corps concur in the report that their loss in killed, wounded and 
 missing on the 15th was upwards of a thousand. 
 
 Brigadier^Creneral Gaines to the Secretary of War. 
 
 H. Q., Left Wing 2d Division, 
 Fort Erie, U. C, Aug. 23d, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to communicate for the information of 
 the department of war, the particulars of the battle fought at this 
 place on the 15th inst. between the left wing of the 2d Division of 
 the Northern army under my command and the British forces in the 
 Peninsula of Upper Canada commanded by Lieut.-General Drum- 
 mond, which terminated in a signal victory in favor of the United 
 American arms. Our position on the margin of the lake at the 
 entrance of the Niagara River being nearly a horizontal plain, 
 twelve or fifteen feet above the surface of the water, possessing few 
 natural advantages, had been strengthened in front by temporary 
 parapet, breastworks, entrenchments and ahattis, with two batteries 
 and 6 field pieces. The small unfinished Fort Erie with a 24, 18 
 and 12-pounders formed the N. E., and the Douglass battery with 
 an 18 and 6-pounder the S. E. angle of our right ; the left is 
 defended by a redoubt battery with 6 field pieces, just thrown up 
 on a small ridge ; our rear was left open to the lake, bordered by a 
 rocky shore of easy ascent ; the battery on the left was defended 
 by Capt. Towson ; Fort Erie by Capt. Williams, with Major 
 Trimble's command of the 19th Infantry ; the batteries on the front 
 by Captains Biddle and Fanning ; the whole of the artillery com- 
 manded by Major Hindman. Parts of the 11th, 9th and 22d In- 
 fantry (of the late veteran brigade of Maj.-Gen. Scott) were posted 
 on the right under the command of Lieut.-Col. Aspinwall ; Gen. 
 Ripley's brigade, consisting of the 2l8t and 23d, defended on the 
 left ; Gen. Porter's brigade of the New York and Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers with our distinguished riflemen occupied the centre. 
 
 I have therefore omitted stating to you that during the 13th 
 and 14th the enemy had kept up a brisk cannonade, which was 
 sharply returned from our batteries without any considerable loss 
 on our part. At 6 p. m. one of their shells lodged in a small 
 magazine in Fort Erie, which was fortunately almost empty ; it 
 blew up with an explosion more awful in its appearance than 
 injurious in its effects, as it did not disable a man or damage a gun. 
 It occasioned but a momentary cessation of the thunders of the 
 artillery on both sides ; it was followed by a loud and joyous shout 
 of the Biitish army, which was instantly returned on our part, and 
 
153 
 
 Captain Williams, amidHt the smoke of the explosion, renewed the 
 contest hy an animated roar of his heavy cannon. 
 
 From the supposed loss of our ammunition and the consequent 
 depression such an event was likely to produce upon the minds of 
 our men, I felt persuaded that this explosion would lead the enemy 
 to assault, and made my arrangements accordingly. The annexed 
 paper, No. 1, is a copy of Lieut.-Gen. Drummond's plan of attack. 
 
 The night was dark and the early part of it raining, but the 
 faithful sentinel slept not. One-third of the troops were up at 
 their posts. At half-past 2 o'clock the right column of the enemy 
 approached, and though enveloped in darkness, black as his designs 
 and principles, was distinctly heard on our left and promptly 
 marked by our musquetry, under Major Wood, and artillery, under 
 Captain Towson. Being mounted at the moment, I repaired to the 
 point of attack, where the sheet of fire rolling from Towson 's bat- 
 tery and the musquetry of the left wing of the 21st Infantry, under 
 Major Wood, enabled me to see the enemy's column of about 1,500 
 men approaching on that point. His advance was not checked 
 until it approached within ten feet of our infantry ; a line of loose 
 brush representing an ahattis only intervened; a column of the 
 enemy attempted to pass round the aJxittia through the water, 
 where it was nearly breast deep; apprehending that this point 
 would be carried, I ordered a detachment of riflemen and infantry 
 to its support, but having met with the gallant commandei', Major 
 Wood, was assured by him that he could defend his position with- 
 out reinforcements. 
 
 At this moment the enemy were repulsed, but instantly renewed 
 the charge and were again repulsed. My attention was now called 
 to the right, where our batteries and lines were soon lighted by a 
 most brilliant fire of cannon and musquetry. It announced the 
 approach of the centre and left columns of the enemy, under 
 Colonels Drummond and Scott. The latter was received by the 
 veteran 9th, under the command of Capt. Foster, and Captains 
 Boughton and Harding's companies of New York and Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers, aided by a 6-pounder judiciously posted by Major Mc- 
 Rea, chief engineer, who wjis most active and useful at this point. 
 They were repulsed. That of the centre, led by Col. Drummond, 
 was not long kept in check. It approached at once every assailable 
 point of the fort, and with scaling ladders ascended the parapet, but 
 was repulsed with dreadful carnage. The tissault was twice re- 
 peated and as often checked, but the tnemy having nioved round in 
 the ditch, covered by darkness added to the heavy cloud of smoke 
 which had rolled from our cannon and musqetry enveloping sur- 
 rounding objects, repeated the charge, re-ascended the ladders, and 
 
154 
 
 with their pikes, bayonets and spears fell upon our gallant artillerists. 
 The gallant spirits of our favorite Capt. Williams and Lieuts. Mc- 
 Donough and Watmough, with their brave men, were overcome ; 
 the two former and several of their men received deadly wounds. 
 Our bastion was lost. Lieut. McDonough being severely wounded, 
 demanded quarter ; it was refused by Col. Drummond. The 
 lieutenant then seized a handspike and nobly defended himself 
 until he was shot down with a pistol by the monster who had re- 
 fused him quarter, who often reiterated the order, "give the damned 
 Yankees no quarter." This officer, whose bravery if it been seasoned 
 with virtue would have entitled him to the admiration of every 
 soldier — this hardened murderer — soon met his fate. He was shot 
 through the breast by of the regiment while repeat- 
 ing the order to give no quarter. The battle now raged with 
 increased fury on the right, but on the left the enemy was repulsed 
 and put to flight ; thence and from the centre I ordered reinforce- 
 ments. They were promptly sent by Brig.-Gen. Ripley and Gen. 
 Porter. Captain Fanning of the corps of artillery kept up a 
 spirited and destructive fire with his field pieces on the enemy 
 attempting to approach the fort. Major Hindman's gallant efforts, 
 aided by Major Trimble, having failed to drive the enemy from the 
 bastion with the remaining artillery and infantry in the fort, Capt. 
 Birdsall of the 4th Rifle Regiment gallantly rushed in through the 
 gateway to their assistance, and with some infantry charged the 
 enemy, but was repulsed and the captain severely wounded. A 
 detachment from the 11th, 19th and 22d Infantry under Capt. 
 Foster of the 11th were introduced over the interior bastion for the 
 purpose of charging the enemy; Major Hall, Assistant-Inspector- 
 General, very handsomely tendered his services to lead the charge. 
 The charge was gallantly made by Capt. Foster and Major Hall, 
 but owing tf) the narrowness of the passage up the bastion, admit- 
 ting only 2 or 3 men abreast, it failed. It was often repeated and 
 axS often checked. The enemy's force in the bastion was, however, 
 much cut to pieces and diminished by our artillery and small arms. 
 
 At this moment every operation was arrested by the explosion 
 of some cartridges deposited in the end of the stone building 
 adjoining the contested bastion ; the explosion was tremendous ; it 
 was decisive ; the bastion was restored. 
 
 At this moment Capt. Biddle was ordered to cause a field piece 
 to be posted so as to enfilade the exterior plain and salient glacis. 
 The captain, though not recovered from a severe contusion in the 
 shoulder received from one of the enemy's shells, promptly took 
 his position and served his field piece with vivacity and effect. 
 Capt. Fanning's battery likewise played upon them at this time 
 
156 
 
 with great effect. The enemy were in a few moments entirely 
 defeated, taken, or put to flight, leaving on the field 221 killed, 174 
 wounded, and ISH prisoners, (581), including 14 officers killed and 7 
 wounded and prisoners, A large portion are so severely wounded 
 that they cannot survive. The slightly wounded, it is presumed, 
 were carried off. 
 
 To Brig.-Gen. Ripley much credit is due for the judicious dis- 
 position of the left wing previous to the action, and for the steady, 
 disciplined courage manifested by him and his immediate command, 
 and tor the promptness with which he complied with my orders for 
 reinforcement during the action. Brig.-Gen. Porter, commanding 
 the New York and Pennsylvania Volunteers, manifested a degree of 
 vigilance and judgment in his preparatory arrangements as well as 
 military skill and courage in action, which proves him worthy the 
 confidence of his country and the brave volunteers who fought 
 under him. Of the volunteers. Captains Boughton and Harding, 
 with their detachnients posted on the right and attached to the line 
 commanded by Capt. E. Foster of the veteran 9th Infantry, hand- 
 somely contributed to the repulse of the left column of the enemy, 
 under Col. Scott. 
 
 The judicious preparations and steady conduct of Lieut. -Col. 
 Aspinwall, commanding the First Brigade, merit approbation. To 
 Major McRea, chief engineer, the gi'eatest credit is due for the 
 excellent arrangement and skilful execution of his plans for fortify- 
 ing and defending the right, and for his correct and seasonable sug- 
 gestions in regaining the bastion. Major Wood of the Engineers 
 also greatly contributed to the previous measures of defence. He 
 had accepted the command of a regiment of infantry, (the 21st,) 
 for which he had often proved himself well qualified, but never so 
 conspicuously as on this occasion. 
 
 Towson's battery emitted a constant sheet of fire. Wood's 
 small arms lighted up the space and repulsed five terrible charges 
 made between the battery and the lake. Brig.-Gen. Ripley speaks 
 in high terms of the officei's and men engaged, particularly Cap- 
 tains Marston and Ropes ; Lieutenants Riddle of the 15th, (doing 
 duty with the 21st,) and Hall ; Ensigns Benn, Jones, Cummings 
 and Thomas of the 21st ; and Keally and Green of the 19th. 
 
 Major Hindman, and the whole of the artillery under the 
 command of that excellent officer, displayed a degree of gallantry 
 and good conduct not to be surpassed. The particular situation of 
 Capt. Towaon and the much lamented Captain Williams and Lieu- 
 tenant McDonough, and that of Lieut. Watmough as already de- 
 scribed, with their respective commands, rendered them most con- 
 spicuous. The courage and good conduct of Lieut. Zantzinger and 
 
156 
 
 Lieut. ChileH is spoken of in high terms by Major Hindman and 
 Captain Towson, as also that of Sergeant- Major Denbon. Captains 
 Biddle and Fanning on the centre and right of their intrenchinents 
 threw their shot to the right and left and front, and annoyed the 
 Indians and light troops of the enemy approaching from the woods. 
 Lieut. Fontaine in his zeal to meet the enemy was unfortunately 
 wounded and made prisoner. Lieut. Bird was active and useful, 
 and, in fact, every individual of the corps did their duty. 
 
 The detachment of Scott's gallant brigade, consisting of parts 
 of the 9th, 11th and 22d Infantry, did its duty in a manner worthy 
 the high reputation the brigade had acquired at Chippawa, and at 
 the Fjalls o* Niagara. The 9fch, under the command of Capt. E. 
 Foster, was actively engaged against the left of the enemy, and 
 with his and Lieut. Douglass's corps of bombardiers commanding 
 the water battery, and of that of the volunteers under Captains 
 Boughton and Harding, effected their repulse. The good conduct 
 of Lieuts, Childs, Cushman and Foote, and Ensign Blake, deserves 
 commendation. 
 
 The officers killed are Captain Williams and Lieut. McDonough 
 of the artillery. Wounded — 6 other subaltern officers, severely. 
 
 Lieut. Fontaine of the artillery, who was taken prisoner, writes 
 from the British camp that he foi-tunately fell into the hands of 
 the Indians, who after taking his money treated him kindly. It 
 would seem then that these savages had not joined in the resolution 
 to give no quarters. 
 
 Brigadler*General Ripley to General Gaines. 
 
 Fort Erie, August 17th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I take the libei-ty of reporting to you the course of 
 operations on the left flank of the camp during the action of the 
 15th instant. 
 
 From indications satisfactory to me I was persuaded very early 
 of the enemy's design ol attacking us in our position. Before any 
 alarm, I caused my brigade to occupy their alarm posts. On the 
 first fire of the picket, Captain Towson opened his artillery upon 
 them from Fort Williams in a stvle that does him infinite credit. 
 It was continued with very great effect upon the enemy during the 
 whole action. 
 
 The enemy advanced with fixed bayonets and attempted to 
 enter our works between the fort and the water. They brought 
 ladders for the purpose of scaling, and in order to prevent their 
 troops from resorting to any other course excepting the bayonet, 
 had caused all the flints to be taken from their muskets. The 
 
157 
 
 column that approached in this direction conHisted of Colonel 
 Fischer's command and amounted in number to at least 1,500 men, 
 and according to representations of prisoners they were 2,000 
 strong. The companies posted at the point of the works which 
 they attempted to escalade were Captain Ross's, Captain Marston's, 
 Lieutenant Bowman's and Lieutenant Larned's of the 2 1st Regi- 
 ment, not exceeding 250 men, under the command of Major Wood 
 of the Engineer corps. On the enemy's approach, they opened their 
 musketry m a manner the most powerful. Fort Williams and this 
 little band emitted one broad uninterrupted sheet of light. The 
 enemy were repulsed. They rallied, came on a second time to the 
 charge, and a party waded round our line by the lake and came in 
 on the flank, but a reserve of tv.o companies posted in the com- 
 mencement of the action to support this point marched up and 
 fired upon the party, who were all killed or taken. Five times in 
 this manner did the enemy advance to the charge ; five times were 
 their columns beaten back in confusion by a force one-sixth of their 
 numbers, till at length finding the contest unavailing they retired. 
 At this point we made 147 prisoners. 
 
 During the contest in this (juarter the lines of the whole of the 
 left wing were perfectly lined in addition to the reserves, and I 
 found myself able to detach three companies of the 23rd Regiment 
 from the left to reinforce the troops at Fort Erie, viz : Captain 
 Wattle's, Lieutenant Cantine's and Lieutenant Brown's companies, 
 and one of the 19th under Captain Chunn. They were in the fort 
 during the time of the explosion, and their conduct is highly spoken 
 of by Major Brooke, their commanding ofHcer. Indeed from the 
 high state to which that regiment has been brought by Major 
 Brooke, I am convinced that no troops will behave better. 
 
 In submitting to your view the conduct of the troops under 
 my command on this occasion, I find everything to applaud and 
 nothing to reprehend. The utmost coolness and subordination was 
 manifested both by the 21st and 23rd Regiments. To Major Wood 
 I feel particularly indebted. This officer's merits are so well known 
 that approbation can scarcely add to his reputation. He has the 
 merit with this Spartan band, in connexion with Captain Towsou's 
 Artillery, of defeating a vaunting foe of six times his force. Major 
 Brooke did everything in his power, and it affords me pleasure at 
 all times to call the attention of the General commanding to this 
 amiable and accomplished officer. 
 
 The officers commanding companies immediately engaged have 
 my highest commendation. Their conduct was most judicious and 
 gallant. I cannot refrain from adverting to the manner in w^hich 
 Captain Towson's Artillery was served. I have never seen it 
 
158 
 
 equalled. This officer has so often distinguished himself that to 
 say simply that he is in action is a volume of eulogium ; the army 
 only to oe informed he is thei'e, by a spontaneous assent are at once 
 satisfied that he has well performed his part. I have no idea that 
 there is an artillery officer in any service superior to him in the 
 knowledge and performance of his duty. 
 
 The officers I have mentioned as commanding companies of the 
 21 st and 23rd Regiments are particularly commenaed by their 
 conmianding officers. Captain Mai-ston, a most valuable officer, 
 commanded a first line of three companies opposed to the enemy's 
 column. Captain Ropes commanded the companies of reserve. 
 Major Wood reports in the highest terms of the gootl conduct of 
 the subalterns, Lieutenant Riddle of the 15th, attached to the 21st, 
 and Knsigns Bean, Jones, Gumming and Thomas of the 19th, as 
 being extremely active and performing their duties with alacrity. 
 
 The manner in which Lieutenant Belknap of the 28rd retired 
 with his picket guard from before the enemy's column excites my 
 particular commendation. He gave ordei*s to fire three times, as he 
 was retreating to camp, hinuself V>ringing up the rear. In this 
 gallant manner he kept the light advance of the enemy in check 
 for a distance of two or three hundred yards. I have to regret 
 that when entering our lines after his troops the enemy pushed so 
 close upon him that he received a severe wound from a bayonet. 
 
 Lieutenants Bushnel and Cissney of the 19th, while gallantly 
 engaged with the enemy at Fort Erie, were both severely if not 
 mortally wounded. Their conduct merits the warmest approbation. 
 
 Permit me to recommend to your notice the good conduct of 
 my start* Lieutenant Kirby of the Corps of Artillery, my aid-de- 
 camp, and Lieutenant Holding, Acting-Brigade-Major. Their 
 activity and zeal was entirely to my satisfaction. 
 
 I close this long report with stating to you in the highest terms 
 of approbation the skilfulness exhibited by Doctor Fuller, surgeon 
 of the 23rd, and Doctor Trowbridge, suigeon of the 21st Infantry, 
 with their mates, Dr. Gale of the 23rd and Doctoi's Everett and 
 Allen of the 2l8t. Their active, humane and judicious treatment 
 of the wounded, both of the enemy and of our own, together with 
 their steady and constant attention to the duties of their station, 
 must have attracted your attention, and I am confident will receive 
 your approbation. 
 
 Report of the Killed, Wounded and Prisoners taken at the Battle 
 of Erie, V. €., Angnst ISth, 1H14. 
 
 Killed— left on the field, 222; wounded— left on field, 174; 
 prisoners — 186. Grand total, 582. 
 
159 
 
 Two hundred supposed to be killed on the left flank (in the 
 water) and permitted to float down the Niagara. The number on 
 the right flank near the woods could not be ascertained. 
 
 Given at the Inspector-General's office, Fort Erie, Upper 
 Canada. 
 
 Nathl. N. Hall, 
 
 Asst.-Inspt.-Gen. 
 
 Brigadier*€eneral Gaines to the Secretary of War. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort Erie. 
 Upper Canada, August 26th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — In my report of the battle of the 15th instant, I inad- 
 vertently omitted the names of Captain Chunn of the 19th, Lieu- 
 tenants Bowman and Larned of the 21st, and Jewitt of the 11th 
 Infantry, as also of my brigade-major. Lieutenant Gleason, each of 
 whom bore a conspicuous part in the action, and whom I beg leave 
 to recommend to your notice. Lieutenants Bowman an<l Larned 
 conmianded compani.^s in the 21st, which so gallantly beat the 
 eneujy's right column. Captain Chunn with his company wavS doing 
 duty with the same regiment. I also omitted mentioning that a 
 part of this regiment pursued the enemy's right upwards of a mile, 
 and took 100 prisoners. His left was also puraued and more than 
 an hundred prisoners were taken beyond our works. Tliese facts 
 prove that the affair was not merely a defence of our position, or 
 a n)ere repulse of the enemy, as I find it called by .some. As 
 regai-ds myself, I am satisfied with the result and am not disposed 
 to make any difficulty about the name by which the affair may be 
 called, but it is due to the brave men I have the honor to command 
 that I should say that the affair was to the enemy a sore beating 
 and a defeat, and it was to us a haruhome victory. 
 
 Our position is growing stronger every day by the exertions of 
 Majors McRea and Wood and the officers and men generally. We 
 keep up a smart cannonade. One of the enemy's pickets yesterday 
 approached nearer to ours than usual. Major Brooke, officer of the 
 day, added 100 men to our picket, attacked and drove them in with 
 considerable loss ; the Major brought in alx)ut 80 nmskets. In this 
 affair, however, we have to lament the loss of another gallant 
 officer. Captain Wattles of the 23rd ; our loss was otherwise 
 inconsiderable. 
 
160 
 
 (iKtraets.) 
 
 Charges Preferred Against Ccneral Gaines by Col. W. A. Trimble. 
 
 Q«ner«l Oourtmartial Oonv«n««l at N«w York, 2nd ••pt., ISie^ 
 
 CHARGE II. 
 
 Miscondiwt and Otosh Injustice in Offi.ce. 
 
 Specification 2. — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines, 
 being m command of the army of the United States in the battle 
 of the 15th of August, 1814, at the fortified encampment aforesaid, 
 during said battle ordered a small detachment of infantry and rifle- 
 men into Fort Erie not to act under the ord^^rs of Major Trimble, 
 the oflicer commanding the fort, but under the direction of an 
 officer of the staff* with special orders to charge the northeast bastion 
 of the fort, then in the possession of the enemy — orders whicli could 
 not be successfully executed — prevented said detachment from be- 
 ing usefully employed, and exposed part of it to destruction with- 
 out the possibility of subjecting the enemy to equal loss. 
 
 Spec. 3. — In this : That at the fortified encampment ijforesaid 
 between the 15th and 23d of August, 1814, the said Major-General 
 Gaines, commanding as aforesaid, required many officers to report 
 to him the conduct of their commands at the battle aforesaid, and, 
 actuated by injustice and a vindictive spirit, did not require Major 
 Trimble to report the conduct of his command in said battle, 
 although he held throughout the said battle the separate and highly 
 important command of Fort Erie, where the battle raged with great 
 fury and the enemy was bravely and efficiently fought by stiid 
 Tirmble's command, but refjuired Major Hindman and Major Hall 
 to report the operations in the fort, the former of which oflficers, be- 
 ing the senior officer of the artillery of the army under the said 
 Major-General Gaines and having the general superintendence of 
 all the artillery attached to said army, was not stati(med in Fort 
 Erie, and the command o*" Major Hall being confined to a small 
 detachment, which was sent into the fort under special orders a 
 very short time before the close of the action and which was, 
 though bravely, worse than uselessly, employed on impracticable 
 service, and neither of which officers had an opportunity to be 
 ac<iuainted with the general defence of the fort— conduct on the 
 part of the said Maj.-Gen. Gaines calculated most unjustly to insult 
 and wound the honorable sensibilities of Major Trimble t.iid the 
 offieei*s and men of the infantry under his command, to exclude 
 them from their rightful participation in the glorv and honoi-s of 
 that Imttle, and to pro<luce dissatisfaction and dissension in the 
 service and ii\jure its interests. 
 
161 
 
 Spec, 4. — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines, in his 
 principal detailed official report to the Secretary of War of the 
 battle of the 15th of August, 1814, aforesaid, with malice and 
 unjustly and contrary to his duty, concealed the fact that Major 
 Tnmble commanded Fort Erie during the said battle, and not only 
 concealed said fact but endeavored to communicate the impression 
 that he did not so command, and that in the first part of the 
 action the fort was commanded by Captain Williams and afterwards 
 by Major Hindman — the said Major-General Gaines having, in 
 person, on the evening immediately preceding the action assigned 
 the command of the fort to Major Trimble, and Major Trimble 
 ranking both Captain Williams and Major Hindman and command- 
 ing the fort during the battle. 
 
 Spec. 5. — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines, in 
 his aforesaid official report of the battle of Fort Erie, stated that 
 the centre colr^rn or the enemy, led by Colonel Drummond, 
 " approached at once every a.s.sailable part of the fort, and with 
 scaling laddei-s ascended the parapet, but was repulsed with dread- 
 ful carnage. The assault was twice repeated and as often checked," 
 whereas the whole efforts of said column of the enemy in the first 
 part of the action and during the time alluded to in said statement, 
 as said Maj.-Gen. Gaines knew or ought to have known, were 
 directed against the north curtain of the fort (or north line of the 
 redoubt connecting the bastions of the fort), and that the said 
 Major-General Gaines in said statement and throughout said report 
 omitted to mention that it was by the detachment of the 19th 
 Infantry, stationed in the fort, that this service was performed ; 
 the said Major-General Gaines being careful in other parts of his 
 report to state who were engaged in the services mentioned and 
 alleged, herein misrepresenting the battle of Fort Erie, unjustly 
 injuring the officers and men of the detachment of the 19th In- 
 fantry stationed in the fort, and acting with improper partiality' 
 towards other parts of the army he commanded, to the injury of 
 the service. 
 
 Spec. 6. — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines, in his 
 aforesaid official report of the battle of Fort Erie, represented and 
 caused to be undei-stood that the left column of the enemy, led by 
 Col. Scott, was completely repulsed and finally driven from the 
 contest by the American troops stationed to the right of Fort Erie 
 and be ,veen the fort and the lake ; and that the said Maj.-Gen. 
 Gaines in his official report suppressed the facts that the said left 
 column of the enemy, having advanced in the direction and within 
 about 50 yards of an opening in the said line l)etween the fort and 
 the lake and being deterred from proceeding further in that 
 
162 
 
 direction, and from entering said opening by an incessant blaze of 
 tire from the Douglass battery and the artillery and infantry 
 stationed on said line, moved promptly to the right, gained the ditch 
 of the northenst bastion of the fort and was the first to assault and 
 enter the bastion ; that a large proportion of the prisoners remain- 
 ing and taken in and near the fort belonged to the 103d Regiment ; 
 and that it was at the fort that Colonel Scott, who commanded said 
 column, was mortally wounded, and - aptain Elliott, who conducted 
 it, was made prisoner ; which facts the said Major-General Gaines 
 at the time of making his said report ought to have known and 
 did know ; the said Major-General Gaines by said wilful misstate- 
 ments and siippresvsion of facts materially misrepresenting • the 
 battle to his government, unjustly depriving the garrison of Fort 
 Erie, particularly the detjichment of the 19th Infantry, of the 
 credit of important services which they hatl performe<l, contrary to 
 his duty, and to the injury of the service. 
 
 Spec. 7. — In this : That the said Major-Gen. Gaines, in his 
 aforesaid official report of the battle of Fort Erie, stated that 
 Captain Fanning of the corps of artillery kept up a spirited and 
 destructive tire with field pieces on the enemy attempting to 
 approach the fort, whereas no part of the centre and left colunms of 
 the enemy, the columns which attacked the fort, were within range 
 of Captain Faiming's field pieces, and, if the Indians and light 
 ti*oops of the enemy in front of the encampment were refeiTed to 
 in said statement, there was not evidence nor gix>und of pre- 
 sumption to wan'ant the assertion that Capt. Fanning's fire, how- 
 ever spirited, was destructive, and the strong presumption was that 
 it could not have been so. 
 
 And that the said Major-General Gaines in his oflficial report 
 stated that " Captain Fanning's battery likewise played upon them 
 (the enemy) at this time with great ettect." whereas at the time 
 referred to the enemy were not within scope of Captain Fanning's 
 battery, and of course could not have been playetl upon it with 
 etfect. 
 
 And that the said Major-Gener J Gainen in said report repre- 
 sented and gave it to be unaerstood that Brigadier-General Porter, 
 commanding the New York and Pennsylvania Volunteers, and said 
 volunteera generally, were engaged in action in the aforesaid battle 
 at Fort Erie, and mentioned him and them with high commendation 
 for their conduct in action therein, whereas Captain Boughton's 
 and Captain Harding's companies, detache<l and distantly separated 
 from General Porter's command in said battle, and not under his 
 command tlierein, were the only part of said volunteers who fouijht 
 or could be said to be engaged in action in said battle, they being 
 
163 
 
 under the command of Lieut.-Col. Aspinwall on the right of the 
 American position and acting with Capt. Foster of the 11th, 
 
 And that the said Major-General Gaines in his said official re- 
 port stated that " Captain Birdsall of the 4th Rifle Regiment with 
 a detachment of riflemen gallantly rushed in through the gateway'* 
 (of Fort Erie) " to their assistance," (meaning to the assistance of 
 Major Hindman and Major Trimble,) " and with some infantry 
 charged the enemy but was repulsed and the captain severely 
 wounded," thereby exhibiting in aetail with praise conduct in Fort 
 Eris, which, though gallant, was of little or no avail, and of very 
 short continuance. 
 
 And that the said Major-(}eneral Gaines, in his said official re- 
 port, detailed, " that a detachment of the 11th, 9th and 22d Infantry, 
 under Capt. Foster of the 11th, were intro<luced over the interior 
 bastion " (of Fort Erie) " for the purp(.>se of charging the enemy. 
 Major Hall, Assistant- Inspector-General, very handsomely tendered 
 his services to lead the charge. The charge was (gallantly made by 
 Capt. Foster and Major Hall, but owing to the kiarrowness of the 
 passage up the l)astion, admitting only two or three men abreast, it 
 failed. It was often repeated and as often checked," thereby show- 
 ing forth in detail and with praise, and calling the attention of his 
 government to the conduct of officei*s and men in Fort EHe, who 
 were sent into the fort only a short time before the close of the 
 action, and, however bravely, were worse than uselessly employed 
 on impracticable service, and for a few minutes onl}'. 
 
 And that the said Major-General Gaines, in said official report, 
 with malice omitted to mention the judicious arrangements and 
 preparations which Major Trimble under the most embarrassing cir- 
 cumstances made for the defence of Fort Erie ; the gallant manner 
 in which the detachment of 19th Infantry, stationed in the fort, 
 repelled the repeated assaults of the centre column of the enemy, 
 and the prompt and skilful disposition made of said <let»ichment, 
 and the cool and desperate courage it displaye<l in thn most 
 hazardous situation and against a great superioi'ity of force wheit 
 the enemy obtained [possession of the northeast bastion of the fort, 
 that a part of said detachment was formetl so as to command the 
 gorge of said bastion, under cover of which line part of which 
 detachment was thn>wn into the a<ljoining stone messhouse, and 
 that thence a constant and destructive tire was kept up on the 
 enemy, that a part of said detachment without the messhouse was 
 posted in a situation which attbrded it security and enabled it to 
 pour intfj the bastion a direct and deadly Are ; that the enemy 
 repeatetlly advanced from the bastion to gain possession of the 
 fort, and twice attempted to force the door of the messhouse afore- 
 
1«4 
 
 said, and were driven back with loss by said detachment of the 
 19th Infantry and a small detachment of artillery, which in the 
 last attack were aided by Lieutenant John Brady who had just 
 come into the fort with about twenty men of the 22d Infantry, — 
 several of which circumstances were communicated in a written 
 statement to the said Major-General Gaines before he forwarded or 
 closed his said official report, and all of which ciixiumstances and of 
 the defence of Fort Erie generally the said Major-General Gaines 
 might have obtained full information had he required it of Major 
 Trimble, as it was his duty to have done, and that the said Major- 
 General Gaines with malice omitted to allude to said circumstances 
 in the particular manner in which they merited to lie spoken of in 
 the said report. 
 
 The said Major-General Gaines by said representations, wilfully 
 incorrect statements and designed suppression of facts, in his said 
 official report, ascribing services to officers and men which they did 
 not peform, displaying services some of them performed in Fort 
 Erie with disproportionate emphasis and minuteness and improper 
 partiality, and unjustly concealing other services of much greater 
 importance and usefulness performed in Fort Erie, grossly injuring 
 and insulting Major Trimble and the officers and men of said 
 detachment of the 19th Infantry, and very materially misrepre- 
 senting the Imttle of Fort Erie to his government, to the injury of 
 the service. 
 
 Spec. 8, — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines, in his 
 official report aforesaid, stated that "at this moment every operation 
 was arrested by the explosion of some cartridges deposited in the 
 end of the stone building adjoining the contested bastion. The ex- 
 plosion wan* tremendous — it was decisive — the bastion was restored," 
 hereby very improperly misrepresenting the place of the explosion 
 — the cartridges that explodecl not being in the end of the stone 
 building adi'^ Miing the contested bastion, but under the platform of 
 the bastio" aid the end of the stone building lieing occupied by 
 his own troops, part of the 19th Infantry, who poured from it a 
 constant and destructive tire on the enemy, and further, by the said 
 statement, unjustly and to the great injury of part of his army, 
 ascribing to an untoward accident a victory which had been insured 
 by the valor and good conduct of his troops, who had fought the 
 enemy without intermission and at first under the most disad- 
 vantageous circumstances for more than two houre — and the said 
 Major-CJeneral Gaines knowing, or it being his duty to have known, 
 that the enemy had been repeatedly repulse«l and driven from the 
 interior of the fort, that they had suffered extremely from the fire 
 of the garrison, to which they could do but little injury, and that 
 
165 
 
 had they remained in the bastion but a few minutes longer their 
 capture or destruction might have been made certain. 
 
 CHARGE IV. 
 
 Neglect of Duty and Misconduct in Office. 
 
 Spec. 1. — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines, in his 
 principal detailed official report to the Secretary of War of the 
 battle of Fort Erie aforesaid, stated that " the small unfinished Fort 
 Erie with a 24, 18 and 12-pounders forms the northeast, and the 
 Douglass Battery, with an 18 and (j-pounder near the edge of the 
 lake, the southeast angle of our right, " there being, as it was the 
 duty of the said Major-Generul Gaines to have known, six pieces of 
 cannon in Fort Erie and but one, an 18-pounder, in the Douglass 
 Battery. 
 
 Spec. 2. — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines, in his 
 said official report, stated that " the ^ront of our position had Ijeen 
 strengthened by temporary afxttis," &c. there being at the time, as it 
 was the duty of the said Major-Genera\ Gaines to have known, on 
 what he denominated the front of our position no abatis nor any- 
 thing representing aJKitis. 
 
 Spec. 3. — In this : That the said IVIajor-General Gaines, being 
 in command of the army of the United States at Fort Erie and the 
 adjoining fortified encampment, between the 5th and 15th of 
 August, 1814, and having good reason to expect an attack from the 
 army of the enemy under the command of Lieut.-General Drum- 
 mond, gi'eatly superior in numbei"s to his own army, neglected to 
 strengthen and improve the defence and works of his said position 
 to the extent he had the means and it was his duty to strengthen 
 and improve them. 
 
 Spec. 4. — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines, Iteing 
 in command as aforesaid on the 14th of August, 1814, and having 
 every reason io expect an attack from the enemy's army, under 
 Lieut.-Gen. Drummond, neglected to make that arrangement and 
 provision for the defence of B'ort Erie which the place re<iuired, 
 and which by a proper use of the means at his disposal he might 
 have made ; and that he intrusted the defence of that place, the 
 key of his position, to about sixty artillerists and to about one 
 hundred and eighteen infantry recruits who had never seen service 
 and were placed in the fort under the most embarrassing and un- 
 favorable circumstances. 
 
 Spec. 5. — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines, on the 
 15th August, 1814, at the fortified encampment aforesaid, being 
 then and there in command asaforesi.id, made no attempt to inter- 
 cept, capture, or destroy the right column of the enemy after it had 
 
166 
 
 been effectually repulHed in the battle of the said 15th of AutruHt, 
 from Towson's battery, and was retreating in great disorder without 
 flints or cartridges. 
 
 Spec. fi. — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines at the 
 time and place last aforesaid, being then and there in connnand as 
 aforesaid, neglected to make a sortie on the centre and left colunnis 
 of the enemy when they were in great confusion in the northeast 
 bastion of the fort and its surrountfing ditches, in which last place 
 they could have made but little resistance to an attack on their 
 flank or rear. 
 
 Spec. 7. — In this : That the said Major-General Gaines at the 
 time and place aforesaid, after the explosion of some ammunition 
 under the platform of the before mentioned l)astion, suffered the 
 centre and left columns of the enemy, in great confusion and dis- 
 order and partly unarmed, to retire fi-om Fort Erie over a plain 
 without making or having made any effort or attempt to capture 
 them. 
 
 Spec. 8. — In this : That the aforesaid Major-General Gaines 
 at the time and place aforesaid, being then and there in connnand 
 as aforesaid, neglected to avail himself of the advantages gained 
 by the valour of his ti*oops in the action fought between the 
 American and British forces at Fort Erie and Towson's battery, on 
 the said 15th August, the situation and condition of the British 
 forces Ijeing such as would have exposed them to inevitable 
 destruction had the American army lieen properly commanded. 
 
 Finding. 
 
 IstNov., 1816. 
 
 The court do therefore honorably acquit him (General Gaines) 
 of the same, and the court feel it to be due to the gocxl of the 
 service to pronounce that most of the charges appear to it as 
 frivolous, and the whole of them without support or foundation. 
 (Sgd.) WiNFiELD Scott, 
 
 Brevet Major-General, President. 
 
 Lieut. Nacniahon to Mr. Wm. Jarvis. 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 22nd August, 1814. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I have received and laid before the President 
 your letter of the 17th, and am sorry that it is not in my power 
 under present circumstances to prepare warrants for the payment 
 of your office accounts to the 30th June. I have, however, obtained 
 the letter of credit for fifty pounds sterling, which in the event of 
 the warrants not being granted, you desire, and which you will 
 receive herewith. 
 
167 
 
 Since the a^nault of the fort on the morning of the 15th 
 nothing of any moment has taken place "between the armies. 
 Cannonading and skirmishing daily takes place, in which there are 
 always lives lost. The day l)efore yesterday a serious one for the 
 enemy took place with the Western Indians, in which the former 
 lost about fifty, killed and wounded, and the latter only two. On 
 this occasion the Indians l)ehaved with great spirit and drove the 
 enemy to their very works. 
 
 The result of an assault upon the fort we have great cause to 
 lament, for our loss in valuable officers and the best of our men, 
 which, including all ranks, was 920, was one which at the present 
 moment we can but badly bear ; and this is the more to Ik; regretted 
 as the loss which the enemy sustained on the occasion did not ex- 
 ceed 50 men. A considerable portion of the lass on our part was 
 occasioned by the explosion of a quantity of ammunition which 
 the enemy had placed under the platfonn of the bastion at which 
 our troops had entered and made a lodgment, and but for which 
 the place would have been ouix It whs not, however, intentionally 
 placed there for the purpose, but, seeing the opportunity and avail- 
 ing himself of it, a corporal of American Artdlery, having got on 
 a red coat and the cap of a British deserter, and while it was scarce 
 daylight, got in amongst our men, who were principally in and near 
 this bastion, and appeared to make himself very busy in working 
 the gun, which by this time had been turned against the enemy, 
 and in the bustle he got under the platform and effected his pur- 
 pose by a slow match. He had but just time himself to slink otf 
 and get behind a stone building in the fort when this unfortunate 
 explosion took place, which has left the 103rd Regt., who were 
 principally at that point, but a mere skeleton. Poor Col. Drum- 
 mond, whose loss is universally deplored. Colonel Scott of the 103rd, 
 Capt. Ii'win of the same corps, Capt. Torrens" of the Royals, and 
 many others, some of whom from their mutilated state could not 
 be identified, have fallen in this affair. Colonel Drummond was 
 mortally wounded before the explosion, as was Col. Scott, but the 
 other officers which I have mentioned were all blown up. Capt. 
 Elliott of the Quartermaster-General's department was also blown 
 up, but I am glad to say was only slightly wounded : he is prisoner. 
 The 103rd have lost on that unfortunate morning, killed, wounded, 
 &c., 370, and out of 18 officers present 14 were killed and wounded. 
 De Watteville's Regiment, which were before held in high esti- 
 mation, lost on that morning their claim to distinction. That 
 corps with the King's and some of the flank companies of other 
 regiments composed the right column, under Colonel Fischer of the 
 former corps, which was destined to attack an important point of 
 
168 
 
 the enemy's workfi, and it ma»*ched with the greatest steatliness and 
 order till within about three hundred yards of the point of attack, 
 when suddenly the Dutchmen caught a panic which no exertions of 
 the officers could remove, and that regiment, being strong and rather 
 near the head of the column, when they turned all the other corps 
 in rear, who were weak, were compelled to give way. 
 
 The enemy kept up a most tremendous fire of musquetry and 
 artillery from half-past two o'clock until daylight, when our troops 
 retired, during which time a single shot was not discharged by us, 
 the whole dependence being placed in the bayonet when the troops 
 should enter the works for the accomplishment of the object, and 
 to prevent the possibility of men breakmg through the ordei's the 
 flints were all taken out of the musquets. The enemy maintained 
 their ground with bravery, but then they had all the firing to 
 themselves, and few of our men came in contact with them. We 
 were for a day or two greatly dispirited, but it is now dispelled and 
 the troops in high spirits once more. We are preparing again for 
 offensive operations. 
 
 Believe me, dear sir, faithfully yours, 
 
 Edw. MacMahon. 
 
 William Jarvis, Esq. 
 
 Extract from a Letter from Col. J. Le €outenr to Col. H. Le 
 
 Conteur. 
 
 17 Chapel Street, 
 Belgravia, 29th July, 1869. 
 
 My Dearest Halkett, — I was greatly interested in that part 
 of your letter in which you tell of my gallant friend's death, Col. 
 Scott of the 103d, at the storming of Fort Erie. 
 
 After we were blown up, some three or four hundred men, by 
 the springing of the nune or magazine in Fort Eiie, on recovering 
 my senses from being blown off the parapet some twenty feet into 
 the ditch, which was filled with burnt and maimed men, the Yankees 
 relined their works and fired heavily into the ditch. 
 
 My colonel, Drummond of Keltic, had commanded the right 
 attack, Col. Scott the left attack. Finding that the ditch was not 
 to be held under such disarray and such a fire, several of us jumped 
 over the scarp and ran over the plain to our lines. Lieut. Fallon of 
 the 103d, who was desperately wounded, was caught by his sling 
 belt in a log and thought to die there ; however, I said to my 
 grenadier friend, " Jack, my lx>y, put your arm over my neck and I 
 will take you round the waist and run you into the lines." The 
 Yankees were then pelting us with grape and musketry. As we 
 
169 
 
 jogged on I saw an officer carried on his back in some sort of a 
 stretcher and I said to the four men, " Who is that officer ? " ' Col. 
 Scott, sir, shot through the head," where I saw the bullet mark in 
 the noble man's forehead. When I got my friend into the lines, 
 regardless of who was by, in a fit of sorrow, I threw my sabre down 
 exclaiming, " This is a disgraceful day for Old England." Col. M., 
 who heart! me, said, " For shame, Mr. Le Couteur ! The men are 
 sufficiently discouraged by defeat." Col. Pearson said, " Don't blame 
 him ! It is the high feeling of a young soldier." To my surprise 
 the commander-in-chief, Sir Gordon Drummond, had heard all this 
 as he was close l^ehind and asked me, " Where is Col. Scott ?" 
 " Oh ! Sir ! He is killed, just being brought in by his men." 
 "Where is Col. Drummond?" "Alas! Sir! He is killed too! 
 Baytmetted !" And I burst into tears at the lo.ss of my 1)eloved 
 coumiander and three parts of my men. Sir Gordon innnediately 
 gave me ordei-a to collect all the stragglei-s, line the works, and 
 prepare to resist an attack should the Yankees a.ssault our works, 
 which they di<l not do. 
 
 Poor Drummond's body remained in the American lines blown 
 up. Col. Scott received a soldier's funeral — a most amiable and 
 gallant officer ; indeed, there were no two more heroic men in our 
 army. 
 
 Dr. Yonng, Surgeon of 103rd Regiment, to Mr. James Scott, 
 Writer to the Signet, Ediiiburgii. 
 
 Quebec, 20th December, 1814. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I wrote you in August last announcing the death 
 of your much lamented brother, the late Col. Scott. Part of the 
 regiment arrived here a few days ago and the rest are on their way 
 for this place, where we are to winter. On their arrival I expect 
 to be able to settle all the concerns of your brother in the regiment 
 and send you a statement of them. The affaii*s of the regiment 
 have been in much confusion of late from the loss of so many of 
 the principal officers, viz. : your brother and the adjutant and Capt. 
 Irwin, the acting paymaster, &c., and the corps have not been 
 together, and they have suffered severely from sickness. 
 
 I informed you in my last that your brother on being wounded 
 was attended by some of our men and one of the assistant surgeons 
 of the 89th Regt. He inquired for me, and as I was not present he 
 directed that all his effects should be given to me. In consecjuence 
 of this Lieut.-Col. Smelt desired me to take charge of his property 
 and to settle his affairs, and if I required it that he would give me 
 every assistance in his power, and to write you the particulars of 
 
170 
 
 hie last moments. Altho' I had the honor of being more in your 
 brother's confidence than any one in the regiment, he never hinted 
 anything to me concerning liis affairs in this country in case of his 
 fall. 1 suppose he considered them of too trivial a nature, as he 
 had left his will at home. The night of the attack I slept on the 
 ground with him under a piece of canvas suspended from a branch 
 of a tree, but not sufficient to protect us from the inclemency of a 
 dreadful rainy night. I asked him his opinion of the attack ; he 
 spoke unfavorably of it, yet tho' drenched with rain he was in high 
 spirits, and his last words to me before he led off the corps were : 
 " We shall breakfast together in the fort in the morning. ' Alas ! 
 when I saw him again he was mortally wounded and he could not 
 speak to me, but the slight pressure from his hand and the languid 
 expression of his countenance seemed to say, "I am dying ! Farewell ! 
 I leave you my best wishes." 
 
 Extract from Dr. Young's Letter of Auk. 18th« 1814, to Nr. Scott. 
 
 Your brother was wounded in the fort. He was carried off by 
 a sergeant of grenadiei*s and one of the men. His remains were 
 intended on the evening of the day on which he fell. We had a 
 coffin made by the regunental carpentens, who have since enclosed 
 his grave with a wooden paling. His funeral was attended by 
 three officere and myself, the whole that remained untouched after 
 the attack. 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Lieut.*€eneral Drumniond. 
 
 (Secret.) 
 
 Headquarters, Montreal, 25th July, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have had the honor of your letter of the 20th inst. 
 transmitting four letters (originals) from Major-General Riall, with 
 their enclosures from Lieut.-Colonel Tucker of the 4l8t and Major 
 Evans of the King's Regiment. The events detailed in these, 
 which have lately taken place on the Niagara frontier, are highly 
 creditable to the steadiness and gallantry of the troops, and to the 
 skill and judgment of the officers in command of them. 
 
 The general features of the campaign have been so much the 
 subject of my late communications that but little remains for me 
 to add. 
 
 Your local knowledge will give you great advantage and 
 much is left to your discretion, upon which I have the fullest 
 reliance. 
 
 Should the enemy remain at Queenston after the concentration 
 of our forces upon the 12 or 20-Mile Creek has taken place, would 
 
171 
 
 it not be expedient to crosH over some troops to Fort Niagara for 
 the purpose of being detached from thence to Lewiston to deprive 
 the Americans of that debouche to retreat. 
 
 The movement from the fort ought to be simultaneous with 
 the advance upon Queenston Heiglits. It appears to me that the 
 sooner you commence molesting Ueneral Brown's line of communi- 
 cation and by which he obtains his supplies, the easier will his task 
 prove. 
 
 It is now state*! that Commodore Chauncey's sijuadron will not 
 be ready to take the lake before the end of the month. If that 
 information prove correct and Brown's anny remains stationary at 
 Queenston, I have hopes if will not escape without a severe retri- 
 bution for the evils it has inflicted. I have enumerated in the 
 margin the corps with and destined for the Right and Centre 
 Divisions ; the expansion of the force to the Right Division must 
 depend on the success of your operations, never losing sight of the 
 pnncipal object of the campaign, the destruction of Sackett's 
 Harbour. 
 
 Major-General Powei-s' brigade consisting of the 3rd, 5th, 27th 
 and 58th Regmients, from Bordeaux, is in the river, and part of it 
 has arrived at Quebec. It left Bordeaux on the 5th June, 
 
 (Memo, in the Margin.) 
 
 Proposed force of the Right Division : 
 Ist Battn. Royals. 
 ()th Regt. 
 1st Battn. King's. 
 4 1st Regt. 
 
 82d do . ' 
 
 89th do . 
 100th do . 
 103d do . 
 
 * 
 
 104th flank companies. 
 
 Canadian Fencibles. 
 
 Glengarry Light Infantry. 
 
 De Watteville s Regiment. 
 
 Exclusive of cavalry, artillery, militia and Indian warriore. 
 
 Proposed force of the Centre Division : 
 16th Regt. 
 90th do . 
 97th do . 
 104th do . 
 
 Nova Scotia Fencibles. 
 Exclusive of artillery, cavalry and nnlitia. 
 
172 
 
 Sir Cieorg« Prevost to Lord Bathnrst* SecretJiry of State for the 
 
 Colonies. 
 
 (No. las.) 
 
 Heaikjuahters, Montreal, 5th August, 1814. 
 
 My Lord, — I hml the honor of addreHsing Your Lordship on 
 the 18th of hwt month, for the purjKJse of reporting that the enemy 
 crossed the Niagara River on the 8rd, and of stating the events 
 that had resulted from that movement. 
 
 As soon as I becivme ac<|uainted with the intention of His 
 Majesty's government strongly to reinforce the army in the North 
 American Provinces, tho trtH)ps in Lower Canada not innnediately 
 employed in opposing the advance of the United States commanded 
 by Major-(Jeneral I'/Awd against the Richelieu frontier, were pushed 
 forward under Major-deneral (\)nran to replace those Lieutenant- 
 General Drunuuond had drawn from York and Kingston, with the 
 view of strengthening the Right Division, to the conun&nd of which 
 Lieutenant-General Drummond had repaired with characteristic 
 promptitude l)efore my wishes on the subject could be made known 
 to him. 
 
 I have the high satisfaction of transmitting to Your Lordship 
 Lieutenaut-General Drummond's detail of the distinguished exer- 
 tions of that division of the army near the Falls of Niagara on the 
 25th of last month, when the skill and the valour ami discipline of 
 his troops were eminently conspicuous, and I beg 1 ave to join the 
 Lieutenant-Oeneral in soliciting His Royal High. less the Prince 
 Regent's gracious reward of the officoi's particularized in his report. 
 
 Major-General Coiiran arrived at Fort (Jeorge with a wing of 
 De Watteville's Regiment on the 2J)th ulto. — the remainder of that 
 corps, with the (Jth and 82nd Regiments, were fast approaching 
 York. I have just received a report that His Majesty's ships VorK 
 and Vengeuf are at anchor in the river, ami that the transports 
 under their convoy with tr(H)ps from France are arriving at Quebec. 
 
 This despatch will be «lelivered to Your Lordshij: 'oy Captain 
 Jervois, aide-de-camp to Lieutenant-General Drummond. Having 
 shared in the events of the 25th, he can satisfy Your Lordships 
 entjuiries respecting tl.cm, and he is well calculated to gi'e Your 
 Lordship full infornif.tion upon the state of the Upper Pi ince. 
 
 Sir Ceorge Prevost to Lord Batiiiirst. 
 
 (Mo. 184.) 
 
 Headquarters, Montreal, 5th August, 1814. 
 Mv Lord, — Intelligence has just reached me that Oommodoi*e 
 Chauncey's Hijuatlron was undc weigh and cruising out of Sackett's 
 
178 
 
 Harbor on the Ist inst., probably for the purpose of proceeding off 
 Niagara in order to co-operate with Major-General Brown. 
 
 ThiH rteet will amve too late to be a^y material service to the 
 American army. It \h perhaps intended -o receive on boanl all the 
 troops which can be procurea from that fi-ontier in order to convey 
 them to Sackott's Harlxjur, there to be reinforced by the disposable 
 part of that garrison and then to attempt the execution of part of 
 General Armstrong's plan of operations towards the close of this 
 campaign, p«.i*ticularly the interruption of tl»e intercourse between 
 the two Fi-ovinces. 
 
 Your Lordship may rely on my adopting every practicable 
 precautionary measure to prevent the success of such a (fesign. 
 
 The transports with the two last brigades of tr(K)ps fn)in 
 Bordeaux are approaching Quebec, where arrangements have been 
 nuuie for their being pushed forward without a moment's delay. 
 But notwithstanding every exertion, it will Ik' impossible to collect 
 the whole force in the neigh lK)rh(X)d of this place Itefore the end of 
 the present month. 
 
 This circumstaiice is the less to he regretted as our fleets on 
 the hikes cannot attain a suflicient strength to eo-opei'ate with the 
 divisions of the army assembling for the <lestruction of Sackett's 
 Harljour and the occupation of Plattsburg l)efore the 15th of next 
 month, and without their aid an<l protection nothing could l)e 
 undertaken affording a reasonable hope of Hul)sttintial advantage. 
 
 The Stiite of W'rmont having shown a decided ()n)K)sition to 
 the war and very large supplies of specie daily connng in from 
 thence, as well as the whole of the cattle re^juired for the use of the 
 troops, I mean for the present to confine myself in any offensive 
 operations which may take place to the western shoi'e of Lake 
 Champhiin. 
 
 Sir Geonre PrevoHt to Lieut, deneral Drninmond. 
 
 HEAIKirAltTEHS, MoNTIlEAL, IJitll AugUSt. 1«I4. 
 
 I^IU, — I have had the honor to receive your lettei-s of tlie 81st 
 ulto. an<'. 4th inst. I have only to observe in reply tluit your 
 suggestion respecting Kingston has been anticipated by tlie arrange- 
 ments which have l)een ma<le for tissembliiig \i\ the fii-st instance 
 General Kempt's brigade at this place and the allotment of it for 
 the service you mention. 
 
 I have remarked with pain and mortification the conduct of 
 the troops under the command of Lieut-Colonel Tucker in the 
 enterprise entruste<l to him on the right Iwink of the Niagara river, 
 and nuist confess I had expecte<l a very difFei*ent result 
 
174 
 
 The enemy appear to have made extraoriinary exertions since 
 the last action, for the defence of the position they have taken up. 
 The caution, therefore, with which you have acted in the previous 
 measures to an attack upon them I cannot but commend as being 
 the best calculated to obtain the end wished for — the defeat and 
 expulsion of the enemy without an unnecessary effusion of blood. 
 
 I am in hopes that the tire of your batteries, which I observe 
 by a letter from Colonel Harvey of the 6th inst. were to open on 
 the 7th, will have hII the effect you expect from them, particularly 
 their vertical fire and rrxjkets, which will l^e most likely to intimi- 
 flate the enemy. 
 
 Precautionary measures ought immediately to be ttiken to replace 
 from the depots at Kingston tl;e small arm and great gun ammu- 
 nition which shall Ikj expended on the Niagara frontier. 
 
 The reports received from Kingston of the return of Chauncey 
 to Sackett's Harbour on the 0th, 'ead me to hope that the Gth and 
 82nd Regiments will have no difficulty in joinnig you. Strength- 
 ene«l by such a description of men as they are comp)sed of, you 
 will be competent to resist any efforts of the enemy, however they 
 may l)e reinforced, and I trust finally to expel them. 
 
 The measures you shal' adopt for that purpose will, I am satis- 
 fied, be prudent and proper. 
 
 Whilst such important operations have been pending. Major 
 Coore has acted right in availing himself of my instructions to 
 remain at your headiiuartere. 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Lieut.-Cieiieral Drumniond. 
 
 (An IiitAvoaptml Lattar) 
 
 Montreal, Aug. 2(5, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 official letters of the 15th an<l Kith with their enclosures, and a 
 private (me of the 17th inst. 
 
 I do most deeply regret the .se(|uel of the gallant enterprise 
 which put into your possession two of the enemy's schooners. 
 You appear to have been inclined to precipitate the attack of Fort 
 Erie by a desire to reap the full benefit of the spirit of emulation 
 produced by that daring achievement. If the object had been 
 accomplished, a scrutiny of the operations to attain it would have 
 been e(|ually excited, and it is not in reproach of its failure that I 
 observe to you that night attacks ma«Je with heavy troops are very 
 objectionable, principally because chance and not skill too frequently 
 decide the contest, and that at night difficulties and dangera are 
 ever magnified, particularly when they present themselves un- 
 
176 
 
 expectedlv, and in the latter case the best disciplined troops are 
 placed only on a level with raw and unforme<l soldiers. 
 
 It is to be inferred from Lieui-Colonel Fischer's report and 
 your statement that the Right Column was not sufficiently prepared 
 for the obstacles it had to surmount in attaining the point of attack, 
 otherwise neither hesitation nor consternation would have presented 
 themselves. 
 
 I acknowledge that I feel apprehensive you have rather 
 yielded to than approved the eagerness of the Bight Division to 
 mcrease its fame, before you were sufficiently prepared for the 
 entei-prise. Your skill and excellent judgment will profit by 
 experience in your future operations, by guarding you against 
 public opinion, however clamorous, when it would sacrifice your 
 well-earned reputation and the honor and safety of the army placed 
 under your command. 
 
 I sincerely hope the candor with which I have disclosed my 
 sentiments on your last operation will be to you their \)est apology. 
 They flow from a source unpolluted by any invidious feeling. 
 
 The 37th is ordered to Kingston, from w^heuce General Stovin 
 is desired to send you the 97th or any other corps you may 
 have demanded. Major-General Kempt with the remainder of the 
 troops will soon follow. My views in sending that officer U) King- 
 ston will l)e fleveloped to you by the Adjutant-General. 
 
 Mir George Prevost to Lieat.*Cieneral Sir Gordon Drummond. 
 
 (An InteMMptad E<«tt«r.) 
 
 Montreal, Aug. 26th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Major Coore has this moment delivered to me your letter 
 of the 16th. I view with pain the agony of mind you experience 
 from the unfortunate termination of the night attack you had been 
 induced to make on the 15th, and would gladly soothe your feelings 
 on the occasion by anything I could offer in addition to the senti- 
 ments you will find expressed in the letter I addressed to you this 
 moniing, but all I have heard since has confirmed )ny prejudices to 
 highly important operations l)eing performed in the dark. Too 
 much was required from De Watteville's Regiment so situated and 
 deprived, as I am told they were, of their flints. The atteFupt has 
 proved a costly experiment, and its result will be severely felt. 
 
 As you have hxe<l on the 90th, or<lei*H shall be given for that 
 regiment to proceed to you without delay. I had intendetl the 97th 
 for that service as being men of a hardy description, but the num- 
 l)ers of the 90th will probably make them equally useful to you. 
 When this regiment, together with the 6th and 82nd, shall have 
 
176 
 
 joined you, you will, I have no doubt, be enabled to efface the 
 recollection of the late disaster and to effect the expulsion of the 
 enemy from the Province. 
 
 Sir Geoive Prevost to Tice Admiral tlie Honorable Alexander 
 
 Cochrane* 
 
 Headquarters, Montreal, 30th July, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Since writing to you on the 20th June last communi- 
 cating the wanton destruction of private property on the noi'th 
 shore of Lake Erie, a repetition of similar outrages has taken place 
 (11 the Niagara frontier. The enemy crossed the Niagara river 
 with (),000 men on the 8<1 of July, and having innnediately after- 
 wards got posseHsion of Fort Erie advanced towards Chippawa, 
 where Major-General Riall had collected about 1,500 trooi)s, ex- 
 clusive of militia and Indians. With this small foi*ce, he on the 5th 
 anticipated the attack which the enemy hml intended to make on 
 his positicm on the following day, and after a severe contest of 
 several hours, in consequence of the great inferiority in his num- 
 bei-s, he was obliged to retire to his lines at Chippawa with great 
 lo.ss. Two days afterwai"ds, his position being turned, he retreated 
 to Fort George, and the American army advance*! to Queenston. 
 
 In this situation it remained for nearly three weeks, occasionally 
 making a demonstration for attacking the forts, but evidently 
 waiting for the co-operation of the fleet from Sackett's Harbour. 
 Inuring this time the possession by the enemy of Queenston and 
 t David's with a force far superior to any we could oppvwe tt) it, 
 c-.iabled them to follow up with impunity the same disgraceful 
 incxle of warfare to which they have hitherto so fi*enuently resorted, 
 the wanton destruction of private property. The villages of 
 Queenston and St. David's were connnitte<l t<) the flames by them 
 and totally destroyed. 
 
 Lieutenant-General Drununond arrived at Fort George on the 
 24th, and the enemy, despairing of any co-operation from the fleet, 
 bi'gan on the following day to retreat from Queenston. Major- 
 General Riall being immediately pushed forward with the advance 
 to harass them on their retreat, wa« attacked by their whole force 
 on the evening of that day, and General Drummond shortly after- 
 wards coming up with the remainder of our disposiible troop.s on 
 that frontier, a general action commenced, which terminated at mid- 
 night by the total discomfiture of the enemy. I have not yet 
 received the official details of the action, but the enclosed will give 
 you the substance of the information which has reached me re- 
 specting it. 
 
177 
 
 You will observe by it that the enemy on the last moment of 
 retiring added another act of wanton outrage to those before com- 
 mitted, by the destruction of Messrs. Clarke and Street's mills, the 
 most useful and valuable in the country, and the loss of which will 
 be long and severely felt by the peaceful and unoffending in- 
 habitants, who were accustomed to resort to them with their grain. 
 
 These events so dishonorable to the American character, so 
 little merited by the forbearance I have practiced, I deem it my 
 duty to bring under your consideration as affording ample grounds 
 of justification for any conflagrations which may have taken place 
 on the coast, and as calling loudly for a severe retribution, which I 
 trust when opportunities offer you will not fail to inflict. 
 
 §lr Cieorffe Prevost to Lord Bathurst* 
 
 (No. lar.) 
 
 Headquarteks, Montreal, 14th August, 1814. 
 
 My Lord, — Since I had the honor of addri'Msing Your I^ord- 
 ship on the 5th inst., it has Ijeen ascertained that the enemy's 
 .s(juadron sailed from Sackett's Harl)our on the 4th with reinforce- 
 ments of troops for General Brown's army, which were disembarked 
 on the 6th a few u.iles below the foi-t of Niagara, near a rojid lead- 
 ing to Buffalo. 
 
 The fleet afterwards made its appearance off York and King- 
 ston, and are now blockading the latter port. The naval ascen«lency 
 possessed by the enemy on Lake Ontario enables him to perfonn in 
 two days what our ti^oops going from Kingston to I'emforce the 
 Right Division require fn>ni sixteen to twenty of severe marching 
 to accomplisl) : their men arrive fresh, whilst ours are fatigued and 
 with an exhausted e(|uipment. The route from Kingston to the 
 Niagara frontier exceeds two hundred and fifty miles, and passes in 
 several places through a tract of country impracticable for the con- 
 veyance of extensive supplies. By our exertions ti»e Right 
 Division has been placed l)eyond the apprehension of any material 
 want before the periinl fixed by Sir James Yeo for taking the lake 
 with his augmented fleet; until then our l)esfc endeavors will be 
 used to prevent the enemy fnmi making a serious impression on the 
 Upper Province. Whilst Kingston is blockaded, Your Ijordship 
 must be aware that no movement against Sackett's Harl)our can 
 take place. It will require extreme vigilance to prevtMit the inter- 
 ruption of our intercoui*se from hence with that post, and to secure 
 the highly important supplies which are at this moment on their 
 way for an ulterior service and for the armament of the large ship, 
 
178 
 
 BA well aH the tranHport of the frame and Htoren of one of our 
 frigates. 
 
 The accoHjpanying tlespatch from Lieut. -General Drummond 
 addressed to me, together with the reply I nuule, will show Your 
 Lordship the exact state of our affairs on the Niagara frontier on 
 the 6th inst, at which time the enemy did not manifest any dis- 
 position to recross the Niagara River, an event not to be regi*etted 
 provided our resources are sufficient (as I trust they are) to compel 
 them to lay down their arms or to atten»pt such a retreat as cannot 
 fail to prove disastrous to them. 
 
 It is with regret I state to Your Lordship that it appears by 
 Lieut-Colonel Harvey's letter of the (3th, referred to in my reply to 
 General Drumn»on<rs despatch, that Major-General Conran, who had 
 just assumed the command of the Right Division, had been so much 
 injured by a severe fall from his horse as to be incapable of serving 
 for some time. Another Major-General has been immediately 
 ordered forward to supply his place. 
 
 Sir deorge Prevo§t to Lord Bathurst. 
 
 iMo. 189.) 
 HEAIMil'ARTERS, MONTREAL, 27th AugUst, 1«14. 
 
 Mv Lord, — The successful result of the gallant enterprise 
 against the enemy "s small vessels laying off Fort Erie, as detailed 
 in the enclosed extract of a despatch from Lieut.-Cieneral Drum- 
 mond, having encouraged the expectation that a favorable period 
 had arrived for attacking the enemy in their entrenchment, the 
 Lieut. -General was induced to order an assault upon Fort Erie and 
 the works coiniected with it before the break of day on the 15th inst. 
 
 It is with deep concern I have now to ac(]uaint Your Lordship 
 tliat notwithstandnig there was the fairest prospect of success at 
 the commencement of the attack, our troops were afterwards 
 obliged to retire without accomplishing their object and with very 
 considerable loss. 
 
 To Lieut.-General Drununond's official report on this subject 
 (a copy of which I have the honor of transmitting) I lt)eg leave to 
 i*efer Your Lordship for the causes of our failure. It is, however, 
 highly satisfactory to know that until the unfortunate explosion 
 took place, and until His Majesty's troops by their near approach to 
 the (Mhxtitt in front of the intrenchments met such difficulties in 
 penetrating as were found to be insurmountable without the aid of 
 light, they behaved with their usual gallantry and discipline, and 
 
179 
 
 had ^aine<l by their determined efforts jul vantages which accident 
 alone appears to have compelled tl em to forego. 
 
 By accounts fi-om Major-Genei il Dnnnmond to the 18th inst., 
 I find he has since the 15th been joined by the 82nd Regiment and 
 that the (Hh was on the way and would probably be with the Right 
 Division by this time. These regiments and reinforcements which 
 are proceeding to the Right Division will fully supply the late 
 losses and enable the Lieut.-General again to connnence offensive 
 operations against the enemy's position. 
 
 (Bxtraot.) 
 Mo. 100. 
 HEADglAKTERS. MoXTUEAL, 27th AugUst, 1814. 
 
 My Lord, — 
 
 The vacillatory communications I have received from Sir 
 James Yeo put it out of my power to stjite to Your Lordship 
 exactly when the first-rate ship building at Kingston will be 
 launched, but from the representations of Major Coore, my aide-de- 
 camp, who is just returned from the Right Division, it is not prob- 
 able can take place before the middle of next month, and in con- 
 sequence all hopes of seeing our s({uadron on Lake Ontario Ijefore 
 the fiiTst week in October have vanished. 
 
 The njost pres.sing and impoi*tant service to be performed by 
 the Conunodore Jis soon as his s(juadron shall have ac(iuired the 
 ascendence is the conveyance of fresh troops, with a large pro- 
 portion of provisions and supplies of every description, to York and 
 the Niagara frontier before the navigation closes, and to bring from 
 those places to Kingston the exhausted corps, the disabled and the 
 sick who can endure transport. 
 
 In the accompanying copy of a letter from Lieut.-Ueneral 
 Drummond on the subject of supplies, Your Lordsliip will find there 
 is ample cause for the anxiety I experience respecting our m*val 
 preparations, as well as for the delay in the arrival of provisions 
 sufficient for ten thousand men for .six months, which Your Lord- 
 ship in your secret dispatch of the 3d of June did me the honor to 
 announce as ordered to Vie immendiately shipped for Quebec. 
 
 The resources of the Upper Province benig exhausted, a large 
 supply of provisions of every nature must be thrown into it before 
 the navigation of the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario becomes 
 impracticable. Unfortunately our magazines do not afford salt pro- 
 visions for the purpose, and of that important article nmch will be 
 required, more, I apprehend, than it will be possible to transport 
 
180 
 
 from Quebec to Kingnton unlesH winter is more backward in its 
 approach than usual, or that the supply is nearer at hand than I 
 contemplate. 
 
 In fact, my Lord, two-thirds of the army in Canada are at this 
 moment eating beef provided by American contractors, drawn 
 principally from the States of Vermont and New York. This 
 circumstance, as well as the introduction of large sums of specie 
 into this Province, being notorious in the United States, it is to be 
 expected that Congress will take steps to deprive us of those 
 resources, and under that apprehension large droves are daily cix>ss- 
 ing the lines coming into Lower Canada. 
 
 The accompanying rejwrt from Commissary-Oen(»ral Robinson 
 will enable Your Lordship to judge of some of the difficulties which 
 attend the operations in this country, and to see that the supplies 
 of our army are not the least, but that they augment as war is 
 protracted. 
 
 €onimls8ary*G«neral W. H. Robinson to Sir Cieorge Prevost. 
 
 MoNTHEAL, 27th August, 1814. 
 
 Sill, — I have the honor to report to Your Excellency that I 
 this day received a letter from Deputy-Comniissary-(3('iieral Couche, 
 covering a communication from Deputy-ComnuHsary-General Tur- 
 quand, which excites in my mind the greatest alarm on account of 
 the want of provisions on the Niagara line. I had been led to be- 
 lieve the right division consisted of about nine thousand men 
 entitled to draw provisions, including Indians, and that there was 
 an ample supply to serve that number to the 1st October. But I 
 now learn with extreme concern that fourteen thousand rations are 
 issued daily, one-half of these to Indians and their families, and 
 that the present state of the magazines does not admit of a 
 hope that the army can, with every exertion of the conniiissariat 
 attached to the right division, be victualled beyond the middle of 
 next month, though 1 have every reliance on the zeal and abilities 
 of Commissary-General Turquand. 
 
 The season of the year is unfavorable there for procuring 
 flour, as the crop of last year must l»e consumed and that of the 
 present harvest is not yet available, even if the mills had not l^een 
 destroyed by the enemy. 
 
 With respect to cattle, I need not inform Your Excellency 
 th"* the constant drain upon the country for fresh meat for the 
 tr js, the depredations of the enemy and the Indians, have 
 entirely exhausted the Upper Province of any kind of uieat. Fore- 
 seeing the evils I have now the honor to represent, I have not failed 
 
181 
 
 to throw a large (luantity of proviuions into KingHton, a return of 
 which iH enclosed as late as the 20th inst. 
 
 The difficulties in accomplishing this object are well known to 
 Your Excellency even if notning but provisions had been re(|uired, 
 but when it is considered the immense quantity of naval stores 
 that have been transported to meet the common expenditure of an 
 extensive dockyard to constnict frigates ami ships of the first rate, 
 with their armament, ordnance and other stores, besides all the 
 hospital, Uirrack, engineer, and regimental stores, with the innumer- 
 able other articles reijuisite for the supply of forts, garrisons, and 
 camps, I feel confident that the exertions of my depai*tment will be 
 acknowledged, and that they have exceeded the expectations of 
 Your Excellency as much as I confess they have done my own. 
 For the impe<liments of the navigation, the scarcity of workmen, 
 laboivrs and voyayeurM, are not to l>e describefl — in fact they are in- 
 calculable, yet they have l>een surmounted hitherto and at a time 
 when the supply of all the posts in this district, the arrival of 
 troops, and the general increjise of every establishment and of the 
 military force throughout the Canadas, forming, it may be said, a 
 new era in the present war, have all called for new and incessant 
 efTorts, as all these circumstances necessarily create fresh labors in 
 the commissariat. Deputy-Commissary Couche has endeavored by 
 every means to forward supplies to the head of Lake Ontario, and 
 several small vessels were despatehed while the enemy's s<]uadron 
 were unable to leave Sackett's Harlior, but as the exertions of the 
 enemy have been more successful than ours in completing ships 
 sufficient to command the navigation of the lake, that resource is 
 for the moment cut off and only batteaux can be employed. These 
 ai*e a very useful conveyance, not oidy from the danger of the 
 enemy's small vessels which can approach the shore without 
 difficulty, but also fmni the want of pi*oper steei'smen, pilots, and 
 middlemen. 
 
 Mr. Couche has, liowever, succee<le<l in despatching twenty-four 
 l)atteaux loaded with ffour and pork, which have been chiefly 
 manned by the soldiei*s of the Nova Scotia Fencibles and a few 
 pilots, with great difficulty procured fi-om the country. But this 
 leeble means of transport wdl never effect the forming a sufficient 
 depot at York, Burlington Heights ami Niagara, and uidess the 
 commissariat can be aided to a gi'eat extent by the Royal Navy the 
 most disastrous consequences must ensue, which no efforts, no 
 arrangement of mine, can avert. 
 
 My only hope rests upon the prospect of our ffeet being very 
 soon superior to that of the enemy, when the first object, I trust, 
 will be to convey provisions from Kingston to the head of the lake, 
 
182 
 
 of the necessity of which it would be aseless for me to dwell upon 
 after the foregoing representations, for Your Excellency is aware 
 that the roa<l between Kinjfston and Niagara is not practicable for 
 loaded wagons, therefore land carriage is out of the (juestion, and 
 the most ample assistance from the Royal Navy will be iniperiously 
 demanded jis the only means of supporting the right division of 
 the army. 
 
 On my part 1 shall continue the transport of provisions from 
 hence to Kingston, but I am sorry to say I am not enabled to send 
 any more salt meat at present, having already drained the stores of 
 Lower Canada for the supply of Kingston as far as prudence would 
 admit. The arrival of the June convoy will probably relieve my 
 anxiety, though from its being so late I have "many apprehensions, 
 when the season of the year increases the difficulties of transport, as 
 to the distribution of the expected supplies to all the posts from 
 Quebt'C to Niagara, yet, if J am led to expect, the superiority on the 
 lake is shortly obtained by the completion of the lOO-gun ship now 
 on the stocks and the recjuired »issistance from the squadron is 
 afforded, the right division may be supported, but it never can be 
 effected without cordial and efficient aid from the Royal Navy. 
 
 Sir Ci. DruiuEuond to Sir J. Yeo. 
 
 HEADgUARTERS, 
 
 Camp before Fort Erie, 18th Aug., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I feel it incund)ent on me to represent to you, that in 
 consecpience of the operations of this division being by the late 
 unfortunate events protracted so much beyond the period which 
 had been expected, and the consequent necessity of bringing for- 
 ward to this position a greater force than was intended, its wants 
 in provisions, ammunition, and stores of every kind, have become 
 so alarmingly gi'eat and urgent that nothing but the assistance of 
 the whole of H. M. squadron on Lake Ontario can enable it to con- 
 tinue its operations against the enemy, or even to retain its present 
 position on this frontier. I enclose for your information a copy of 
 the latest return of the provisions with this division. Of the utter 
 impfjssibility of getting up an adequate or timely supply from 
 Kingston in the present interrupted state of our communication, 
 (a blockading scjuadron of the enemy's vessels being left off Niagara 
 for the- important object of obstructing it,) you are yourself per- 
 fectly aware. All, therefore, that can be done by your forces is to 
 hasten the equipment of the new ship, and, the moment the squad- 
 ron can sail, to push up to this point with every article of provi- 
 sions and stores which the departuient of the army at Kingston 
 
188 
 
 may apply to you to receive. If in the ineantiine any material 
 supplieH could by your force be puHhed on to York, they will l»e 
 moHt acceptable and invaluable. 
 
 Lieat.*Gen. Drummoud to Sir Cieo. Prevost. 
 
 HEADyUARTEKS, 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 21st Aug., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Nothing; important haw occurred Hince my letter of the 
 15th. The troopH have been refreHhed, aunnunition hoH lx;en 
 brought up, and a long IS-pdr. \h on its way from Fort George. I 
 have employed the engineei* officerH in nelecting a site for a Imttery 
 much nearer to the fort, and in different reconnoiHsances neceHsary 
 to be made for this purpose we have had fre<|uent occasions to drive 
 in the enemy's pic(|uetH, which has always l)een done with loss on 
 his part. Yesterday a feeble eftbrt wjis made by the enemy to sup- 
 port his piccpiets, when our Indians behaved with uncommon spirit 
 and drove back the whole of his riflemen, supported by some 
 hundre«ls of his regular troops, without its being necessary for our 
 troops to advance to their support. From the number of .scalps 
 that were taken by the IndiaiiH and the number of dead and 
 woun<led which were seen carried into the fort, the enemy must 
 have lost 40 or 50 men in this affair. It also appeai-s that a party 
 of his riflemen must have fled with great precipitation, from the 
 numbers of rifle-arms which have been brought in. The casualties 
 of our Indians were only two wounded. Our troops are in the best 
 spirits, those of the enemy very much depressed by the display of 
 intrepidity on the part of our troops in the late attisick, which they 
 are in the nightly expectation of being repeated. The deserters to 
 to us are on the average of 6 or 7 a day, and the fear of the Indians 
 alone prevents greater numbers from coming over. We have very 
 few desertions, and the troops bear the little privations and hard- 
 ships of the service with great cheerfulness. 
 
 The battery which I propose to establish will be within 500 or 
 600 yards of the place ; being in the centre of the wootls it will 
 re(|uire some days to cut and secure a communication to the spot. 
 In the meantime gabions and fascines are constructing, and when- 
 ever the necessary previous arrangements are made the battery, 
 (which I propose to consist of three heavy long guns and one 8 inch 
 mortar, supported by the fire of a couple of guns in the present 
 battery,) will be quickly thrown up and armed, and I hope by that 
 time the arrival of the 6th Regt. and the remainder of the 82nd 
 will place me in a situation to avail myself of the opening into the 
 enemy's fort and works which the artillery and engineer officera 
 
184 
 
 « 
 most confidently assure me its fire will certainly make in a very 
 short time. 
 
 Within these last few days the enemy has endeavored to 
 alarm me for the security of my communication to the rear, and 
 has made a show of moving troops and boats in the direction of 
 Schlosser, as if his object was an attempt on the two captured 
 schooners, which are in the creek at Chippawa. In addition to 
 their crews of seamen and marines, there is a detachment of 50 
 men with a 6 pdr. field piece at Chippawa, and I have ordered a 
 couple of companies of militia to assemble there every night. It 
 is my intention to order the remains of the 103d Regt. to this post 
 on the arrival of the 6th. This post I have ordered to be placed 
 in a defensible state and a new permanent bridge constructed 
 accoiding to the enclosed plans ; in the meantime a temporary 
 bridge passable for waggons and a scow for artillery have been con- 
 structed, and one of the guns, 12-pdr. from the schooners, has been 
 placed in the old battery, which has been restored by the seamen. 
 I have no apprehensions for the security of Chippawa or of my 
 communications. 
 
 I must now speak to Your Excellency of the wants of this 
 division and the mode of transporting the supplies. 
 
 A7mnunition. — The battery of field guns on this frontier hav- 
 ing, by some extraordinary mistake, been ordered by the command- 
 ing officer of artillery in Canada to be kept supplied with only 
 200 rounds per gun. To show the absolute unfitness of the person 
 in the important situation of t' -.^ assistant coran sary in the field 
 train department with this -vision, I enclose copy of a letter 
 which he has addressed to the senior ofiicer at Fort. George for my 
 information. Various instances of neglect have been reported to 
 me and have fallen under my observation, (but which I have not 
 now time to particularize,) make me desirous that Mr. Assistant 
 Commissary Gordon should be immediately relieved here in his 
 important charge by a proper officer, and that a sufficient number 
 of inferior officers may be appointed to make the department 
 efficient. 
 
 Artillery. — It is absolutely necessary that at least another 
 efficient company should be sent up. Weak as the regiments are 
 here, they are obliged to furnish additional gunners and drivers to 
 enable us to man our guns. Regular officers of drivers are much 
 wanted, the only regular officer (Lieut. Jack) having gone down, 
 there remains only one Provincial officer of that corps with this 
 division. 
 
 Artijicers. — A company of sappers and miners is equally re- 
 quired at this ac'iVanced season. Not only no preparations have been 
 
185 
 
 made, but we possess no means of making anything like adequate 
 preparations for covering the troops which it may be necessary 
 to retain on this frontier during the approaching winter. The 
 Deputy-Commissary-General reports that such is the distress and 
 suffering of the country, and the want of population as of energy 
 in what remains, that he has not yet been able to make a single 
 contract for the supply of fuel for the troops. 
 
 Provisions. — By the beginning of next month we are likely to 
 begin to experience the most alarming deficiency, even in the grand 
 essential of flour. Spirits also, I fear, will by that time fail, and if 
 that should unfortunately be the case the health of the troops must, 
 (particularly if they remain in the field,) suffer, and the diseases of 
 last campaign may again thin our ranks ; hitherto they are uncom- 
 monly healthy — this I am confident must in a great measure be 
 attributed to an extra allowance of half a gill of spirits, which I 
 have authorized and which I propose to continue as long as I have 
 the means and the troops continue in the field. I have also found 
 it necessary to authorize the daily issue of the ration of spirits to 
 the staff officers, who have no greater means in the present state of 
 this division of procuring wine, &c., than the regimental officers. 
 Transcripts of the order are enclosed. 
 
 Barracks. — Stores of every description, particularly stoves, of 
 which there are abundance at Kingston. 
 
 Of the various wants as above enumerated, the whole, with 
 the exception of the artillery and artificers, can, I believe, be sup- 
 plied from Kingston. As to the mode of transport. Your Excel- 
 lency will at once see that it is by the squadron alone that relief 
 can reach us, and from the accounts I have lately received of the 
 state of forwardness of the new ship I really begin to fear that re- 
 lief by this mode ma^ not reach us in time. I enclose copy of a 
 letter which I have thought it incumbent on me to address to Com- 
 modore Sir James Lucas Yeo on this subject. I have to entreat 
 that Your Excellency will make such further communications as 
 may appear necessary to urge the Commodore to use all possible 
 expedition in preparing the squadron for that service, which is 
 certainly far more important than any other on which it can be 
 employed, as on its rapid and successful performance depends the 
 fate of this division. 
 
 I propose that the 90th Regt. shouM come up in the squadron, 
 and to send down some of the most exhausted corps on its return. 
 
 I rejoice to find that so iine a force as that under Gen. Kempt 
 has l)een ordered to Kingston, and as I am sanguine in hoping that 
 by the return of the squadron I shall be enabled, after conducting 
 my operations on this frontier to a successful and satisfactory issue, 
 
186 
 
 to repair to Kingston myself in time to receive Your Excellency's 
 orders respecting the operations of the force assembled there. 
 
 Ltt-Gen. Drnmmond to Sir Geo. Prevost. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 24th Aug., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Nothing of importance has occurred since my letter of 
 the 21st except the arrival of the 82nd Regt., which marched into 
 camp this morning. The first division of the 6th Regfc. would reach 
 York this day, and the whole of that Regt., I have reason to hope, 
 will be assembled on this ground by the 1st of September, by which 
 day I expect to be able to make a successful attack on the enemy's 
 fort or entrenched can , notwithstanding the preparation which 
 deserters report he is making to check our troops by means of 
 mines and foregasses, &c. The desertions to us continue to be veiy 
 considerable. As our outposts are pushed nearer to those of the 
 enemy desertions may be expected to increase with the facility of 
 efifecting it, and I am sorry, accordingly, to report that we have lost 
 more men within this few days than during the whole of the pre- 
 ceding operations. Our desertion is chiefly from De Watteville's 
 Regt. It has just been reported to me that the enemy's schooner 
 which was drove away by our fire has returned from the direction 
 of Presqu' Isle. 
 
 The enemy's brigs on the lower lake have resumed their station 
 from which they were driven by a violent gale on the 20th. Capt. 
 Dobbs has, however, been able to detach some seamen in batteaux 
 to York with deserters, and to bring back supplies. 
 
 I have employed Lt.-Cols. Nichol and Dickson in going through 
 the country to endeavor by their personal influence aad exertions 
 and the messages with which they are charged from me to induce 
 the farmers to thresh out their grain earlier than usual, to enable us 
 to hold out until our wants can be relieved by the squadron. I 
 hope their efforts may be successful, but Your Excellency must be 
 aware that this is at best but a precarious dependence. 
 
 Having long seen the necessitj'^ of the appointment of a 
 provost marshal with this division, I beg to recommend that a 
 commission of that kind l)e accordingly prepared, and if Your 
 Excellency has no candidate for ihe situation that it be conferred 
 on Cornet Amos McKenney of the Niagara Light Dragoons, the 
 officer at present acting in that situation and apparently well 
 qualified. 
 
 I beg to acknowledge the receipt of Your ExceUency's letter of 
 the 16th. 
 
187 
 
 With regard to Maj.-Gen. Conran, I greatly lament to acquaint 
 Your Excellency that two of the small bones of his leg are found 
 to be broken. It is therefore quite impossible to reckon on his 
 services during the present campaign. I have accordingly given him 
 permission to proceed downwards to York, and to continue his 
 progi'ess to the Lower Province should he find it advisable. His 
 loss to me and to the service is a severe one indeed. 
 
 Lt.-Col. Harvej'^, I am happy to inform Your Excellency, has 
 recovered from the effects of his wound and has resumed the duties 
 of his situation. 
 
 I rejoice to find that a company of artillery is proceeding to 
 Kingston. It is on this frontier, however, that the deficiency in 
 that arm is felt by me at the present moment. To enable me to 
 ■carry on operations in the field I am obliged to draw from the forts 
 more of that corps than can in strict prudence be spared. 
 
 Anselm ioster, Adjutant of the First Lincoln MUitia, to Captain 
 
 Jacob A. Ball. 
 
 * * * I am also directed by Major Robertson to desire you 
 to see that the following general order is put into execution with 
 all possible despatch. The wheat or flour to be delivered at the 
 nearest mills where there are persons to pay the amounts specified 
 in the order. You will keep a correct account of what is delivered 
 and by whom, and forward me a report of your progress, for the 
 information of the commanding officer. 
 
 Militia General Order. 
 
 The commanding oflScers of regiments of Lincoln Militia are 
 particularly enjoined to instruct the officers commanding companies 
 to enforce, if required, from five to twelve bushels of wheat from 
 each inhabitant belonging thereto who is known to have such a 
 quantity to spare independent of a supply for his own family. He 
 will receive for the same the very liberal price of two and a half 
 dollars per bushel, two dollars for an equal quantity of rye, and at 
 the rate of fourteen dollars for flour. It is hoped that the voluntary 
 compliance of every individual will render coercion unnecessary. 
 
 Given under mj^ hand at headquarters, near Fort Erie, this 25th 
 of August, 1814. 
 
 Gordon Drummond, 
 
 Lt.-Genl. and President. 
 
188 
 
 Lt.-€en. Drnmmond to Sir Geo. Prevost. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Camp Beforf Fort Erie, 27th Aug., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — No express having arr- ^ed from below for several days, 
 I am in ignorance how far the 6th Regt. may have advanced on its 
 route, but have every reason to hope the 1st division would leave 
 York on or about the 25th, and may therefore be expected here the 
 day after to-morrow. 
 
 On the evening of the 25th the enemy, hearing us at work in 
 the wood, (or perhaps apprized by our deserters,) moved out in con- 
 siderable force and made an effort to drive back our picquets to 
 discover what we were doing at that point. The gallantry of part 
 of the 82nd Regt., (which happened to be on duty,) defeated his 
 plan, and he was repulsed by our picquets after a sharp contest of 
 ten minutes. The enemy must have suffered very considerably. 
 Our loss was two killed and thirteen wounded, of the 82nd Regt. 
 
 The desertions from the enemy continue, (particularly from the 
 23rd Regt). I enclose a return of the number who have come in 
 since the 25th ulto. 
 
 I also enclose a sketch by which Your Excellency will perceive 
 the position of the enemy's enfilading batteries on the side of Black 
 Rock, and also the line of our picquets and the position of the 
 battery now constructing. 
 
 Previous to any further assault on Fort Erie, I have some 
 thoughts of attempting to remove the annoyance we experience 
 from the guns at Black Rock, by crossing over a force to storm those 
 batteries. This movement must be made in considerable force, as 
 the enemy is understood to have a large body of militia and some 
 regulars and all the rifle corps on that side. At all events, I cannot 
 decide upon the operation until the arrival or approach of the 6th 
 Regt. 
 
 Our new battery is more than half completed, and the engineer 
 officer informs me will be ready to receive its guns to-morrow night. 
 
 I am sorry to inform Your Excellency that Col. Talbot arrived 
 in camp yesterday with an account of the enemy having detached 
 a party of militia, accompanied by some white people painted and 
 dressed as Indians, headed by a man named Walker, to plunder 
 Col. Talbot's property and seize him. He effected his escape^ 
 fortunately, tho' in the house when they entered it. He states 
 that the whole of his property has been carried off or destroyed, 
 and all his horses carried away. There is reason to believe that 
 this party has committed the same outrages throughout the whole 
 of that small settlement. Mr. Burwell, a member of the House of 
 
189 
 
 Assembly, and several other respectable inhabitants, have been 
 carried off by them. They threaten to return in a few days and 
 take away the cattle and complete the destruction of the settlement. 
 
 Return of Deserters from the American Army since tlie S5th 
 
 July, 1814. 
 
 Total — Seventy. 
 
 J. B. Glegg, Maj., A. A. G. 
 
 Lt.>€ien. Drummond to Sir Geo, Prevost. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Camp before Fort Erie, 30th Aug., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — The new battery, consisting of two long IS-pdrs., one 24- 
 pdr. carronade, and one 8-inch howitzer, was armed in the course 
 of last night and opened its fire with very good effect, at daylight 
 this morning. Having reason to believe from the trial already 
 made that whenever I am disposed to attack the place it will not 
 be difficult to open the breach in the fort, I have directed the 
 commanding officer of artillery not to throw away his ammuni- 
 tion, of which I am far from having a superabundance, but to con- 
 fine his fire for the present merely to the annoyance of the enemy, 
 an object in which we have every reason to believe we have hitherto 
 been very successful. The accounts of every deserter agrees in 
 representing their daily casualties occasioned by our fire at not less 
 than from ten to fifteen in killed and wounded. 
 
 The first division of the 6th Regt. reached the Beaver Dams 
 yesterday, and will be within eight miles of camp this day. The 
 second division is only two days' march behind it. By the 2nd, 
 therefore, the regiment will be assembled here. I have ordered up 
 from Fort George six batteaux, in addition to the 18 which I before 
 had on this side the Chippawa. I must, however, apprize Your 
 Excellency that I am by no means come to a final decision as to the 
 mode of attack most advisable to be adopted. If my force was 
 sufficient to admit of being divided I should certainly pass a strong 
 detachment to the right bank of the river. I do not think that 
 less than a thousand men should be risqued on that side even for a 
 single day, and I could not spare such a detachment without leav- 
 ing myself weaker on this side than would be prudent. Moreover, 
 I have information that the enemy, in expectation of such a move- 
 ment, has removed all his stores from Buffalo and the Eleven Mile 
 Creek into the interior. 
 
 On this side he has been unceasinglj'' employed in strengthen- 
 
190 
 
 ing his position by every means in the power of an active, labori- 
 ous and ingenious enemy to devise and execute. He has had his 
 whole force at work day and night, and has thrown up such an 
 accumulation of mounds of earth, of batteries and breastworks, a» 
 will certainly cost us many men to dislodge him from, and which 
 bid defiance to our shot. Nevertheless I am very much disposed to 
 the opinion that an assault in open day is more preferable to a 
 night attack, on many accounts. The enemy, since our last attack, 
 are known to be constantly on their guard by night. By day I 
 think they may be taken very much off their guard. By night it 
 has been found that mistakes may arise that cannot easily happen 
 by day. Moreover, the impression produced on the minds of the 
 enemy by our late attack, and which would be strengthened and 
 confirined by one made in open day, would be highly favorable to us. 
 
 I do not give Your Excellency the opinions of the senior 
 officers of the artillery and engineer departments on a point so 
 immediately belonging to their respective departments, because, 
 promising as is the one and zealous as are both, yet they neither of 
 them possess that degree of experience necessary to qualify them 
 to give a good practical opinion on such a subject. It is not to 
 them, therefore, that I can look for such an opinion. 
 
 The information just received from Lieut. -Col. McDouall 
 renders it necessary that the decision I am to make on this point 
 should not be delayed, as the arrival of the enemy's squadron with 
 troops from Lake Huron may be expected every day. I hope, 
 therefore, in my next to communicate to Your Excellency the 
 arrangements for the attack, of the success of which I feel every 
 confidence. 
 
 The necessity which I find for two general officers with the right 
 division, from the extent of the frontiers and the great increase of 
 force, added to the state of my own health, and the information 
 that Major-General Kempt is moving upon Kingston, have induced 
 me to order Major-General Stovin to join the headquarters of this 
 division. Major-General De Watteville 1 have not heard of beyond 
 Kingston, yet, finding the sailing of the squadron remote, I have 
 ordered the 90th Regiment to niarch up to join this division. 
 
 Lieut.-C(en. Drummond to Sir €eo. Prevost. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 2nd Sept., 1814. 
 Sir, — Major-General De Watteville arrived yesterday. 
 The 6th Regt. marched into camp this morning, and has volun- 
 tarily undertaken to labor this night on the construction of a 
 battery, which it has been thought advisable to advance in front of 
 
191 
 
 our right picquet to within about 550 yards of the fort. It is in- 
 tended to open the rear face and complete the destruction of the 
 stone buildings. This battery will, I hope, be ready to open on the 
 morning of the 4th. I propose to arm it with three heavy long 
 guns, an 8-inch howitzer and 9. heavy mortar. Its fire, combined 
 with that of the other batteries, will probably decide the mode of 
 attack, which I feel it to be of much importance not to defer. I 
 enclose a Buffalo paper of the 30th, in which Your Excellency will 
 find the cause of my deciding not to pass troops to the other shore. 
 I allude to the call made to the militia of the opposite frontier, 
 numbers of whom I have occasion to believe have already come 
 forward. It is also reported that the enemy's 6th and 13th Regi- 
 ments and a body of riflemen are also at hand. 
 
 A large brig, from whence I have not yet learned, has arrived 
 and anchc^ed off Buffalo since my last. If from Lake Huron, she 
 will hp u brought them an account of the failure of their 
 expedition against our possessions in that (juarter. 
 
 On Lake Ontario, the enemy's blockading squadron not having 
 been seen for some days, I sent the Vincent across to York, where 
 she has arrived in safety, and Capt. Dobbs has directed the Charwell 
 to push across the first morning the wind is fair. By their aid I 
 got quit of many encumbrances, (prisoners and sick,) and shall 
 receive the supplies which are waiting at York for this division. 
 
 I am happy to report that a large detachment of batteaux 
 laden with provisions and stores, which Major-General Stovin having 
 properly sent off from Kingston on first learning our alarming 
 situation, have passed York in safety and are by this time, I hope, 
 at Fort George. 
 
 Capt. Romilly is now from sickness wholly incapable of service. 
 I have therefore to hope that Your Excellency will see the necessity 
 of ordering up another engineer officer of that rank. Independent 
 of the important charge which attaches to that department on this 
 frontier, there is at the present moment another highly import- 
 ant scheme to be prepared, which requires more experience and 
 judgment and involves a greater degree of responsibility than any 
 of the young men of that department at present with this division 
 can be supposed to possess or ought to be required to assume. I 
 allude to the selecting of a site for a work to protect the formation 
 of our naval establishment on Lake Erie. 
 
192 
 
 J. B. Yates to Governor D. D. Tompkins. 
 
 Buffalo, Sept. 3, 1814. 
 
 Dear Sir, — The nnlitia are collecting at this place very rapidly. 
 There is every probability that more will turn out than were re- 
 quired by the order. Everything has been done to rouse the feel- 
 ings of the community, and the exertions for that purpose have 
 apparently been attended with very great success. Brigadier- 
 General Davis of Genesee County has ordered out his whole brigade 
 without any requisition or authority. Yet, as it was considered 
 that they might be usefully employed, it was thought proper not to 
 discourage him. If he were regularly ordered out he would take 
 the command from General Porter. This would by no means 
 answer in the present situation of things, as it would occasion very 
 general dissatisfaction. The command will be a large one, probably 
 not less than 4,000 men, perhaps 5,000. Would it not be well to 
 send him as soon as possible the brevet rank of Major-General, so 
 as to obviate any difficulty that may occur. By a proper disposi- 
 tion and use of the means that are, or in a few days will be, in the 
 power of General Brown, the enemy's force cannonading Fort Erie 
 will probably be obliged to retire. 
 
 There is every appearance of a disposition on the part of the 
 militia to cross the Niagara, and if they do not the disappointment 
 will be great indeed, but I cannot for a moment doubt it. If they do 
 the enemy must retreat or submit. The disproportion of force will be 
 too great for them to resist. There has been a very great difficulty 
 in procuring a sufficient quantity of arms. I wrote to Mr. Carpen- 
 ter at Whitesborough, from whom I have not yet heard. I have 
 also written to Mr. Hopper at Onondaga. The arms at Canan- 
 daigua and Batavia have been taken for the use of the detach- 
 ment. 
 
 Men have been sent out to collect such as may be in the hands 
 of individuals and have not been returned. These, together with 
 such United States arms as can be procured and British arms taken 
 from the enemy, will probably be sufficient to arm the men. 
 
 Pursuant to the request in your letter, I have made inquiries 
 about Mr. Joshua Pell, living near Chippawa, and was told he was 
 well and had removed about two or three miles back from the river. 
 
 Lieut.-Gen. Drmumond to €apt. Noah Freer. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 5th Sept., 1814. 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acquaint you for the information of 
 His Excellency the Cx)mmander of the Forces that on the 30th ulto. 
 a marauding party of the enemy, consisting of about 70, came to 
 
193 
 
 Oxford and made prisoners of Capts. Curtis, Hall and Carrol and 
 Sergeant Dowland of the militia. They have likewise taken and 
 paroled the greater part of the inhabitants from Delewaro to 
 Oxford. 
 
 They also made prisoners of Mr. Bonnell and Mr. Palmer, who 
 were at that time purchasing cattle for the government, which to 
 the value of 270 dollars, and 600 dollars in cash, they also made 
 prize of. 
 
 On Mr. Burdock's house being attacked, he fired on and wounded, 
 one of the enemy. Mr. Burdock, I am concerned to say, was wounded 
 in return. 
 
 The traitor Westbrook accompanied the gang. 
 
 On the Ist of September the enemy was attacked by a party 
 of militia under Lieut. Rapelje, who lay in ambush for them near 
 Deleware. The enemy did not return his fire but fled with pre- 
 cipitation towards Oxford, leaving their commander mortally and 
 several others wounded on the road. Westbrook, being in the rear, 
 conducted th^m safe off' through the woods. Capts. Curtis and Hall 
 by this circumstance found means to effect their escape from the 
 enemy, who left the greater part of their plunder, several hoi-ses, 
 all their cattle and some arms. 
 
 Several strangera have appeared lately in the neighbourhood 
 of Dover. One, armed, was fired at some nights since by a sentry, 
 but the villain escaped into the bush. One Dickson and Simon 
 Mabee, a fellow who made his escape from justice last year, 
 entered the house of a person named John Muckle in Townsend 
 and forcibly broke open a chest and robbed him of 200 dollars. 
 Several persons are in pursuit of them, but hitherto without effect. 
 
 I take this opportunity of informing you that Deputy-Com- 
 missary-General Crookshank still continues unremitting in his 
 exertions to forward supplies to Machilimackinac. Three only of 
 the eleven canoes from Montreal have proceeded to that post, and 
 the crews of those three, (the others having altogether refused to 
 proceed,) he found it necessary to bribe largely for that purpose. 
 Mr. La Mothe has returned to Montreal to procure fresh crews. 
 But I have directed Colonel Claus to send steady Indians without 
 delay in charge of the remaining canoes to Machilimackinac, and 
 as the loss of the Nancy schooner has been a very serious one in- 
 deed, I have directed as many batteaux as are necessary to be taken 
 from York to Nottawasaga for the purpose of transport across 
 Lake Huron. 
 
194 
 
 General Order. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort Erie, 6th September, 1814. 
 
 The Brigadier-General commanding has received the report of 
 Major Matteson of the New York Volunteers, on whom devolved 
 the command of the party engaged in the affair of the 5th after 
 the death of the gallant Colonel Wilcocks. 
 
 With sincere pleasure the Brigadier-General congratulates the 
 army, that the steadiness and valour which have marked the con- 
 duct of this division during the whole campaign, were again most 
 singularly manifested by the volunteers and regulars engaged on 
 this occasion. 
 
 A party not exceeding 100 volunteers, (the enemy being of 
 treble numbers,) drove the enemy to his works with comparatively 
 small loss, and made him suffer severely. Previously to this a 
 detachment of forty men from the 21st, under Ensign Thomas, had 
 successfully skirmished with the enemy. 
 
 The conduct of Major Matteson on this occasion excites the 
 highest approbation of the Brigadier-General, his coolness, courage 
 and prudence, and the good conduct of his troops, were again con- 
 spicuously manifested. The New York Volunteers have on this 
 occasion, as well as every other that has occurred during the whole 
 campaign, reflected honour on the State. Captain Hale of the 11th 
 Infantry, commanding picquet No. 2, and Ensign Thomas command- 
 ing the regulars, conducted themselves in a manner to the perfect 
 satisfaction of the Brigadier-General. The loss on our side, with 
 the exception of the gallant Wilcocks and Lieutenant Roosevelt, is 
 trifling, but on the side of the enemy it was severe in the extreme ; 
 various deserters report that they had four officers and nearly 100 
 either killed or wounded ; so great a disparity evinces in the 
 strongest light the difference between the coolness of troops such aa 
 ours in a just and honorable career and of the enemy's thousands, 
 who fight for objects which they care not for and in a cause which 
 they deprecate. 
 
 Major Matteson speaks in the highest terms of the courage and 
 good conduct of Captains Hull, Harding, Knap and Satterly, who 
 volunteerei to command a company, and Lieutenants Hathaway, 
 Jones and Ensign Wickwire. He also expresses his highest opinion 
 f^i. the correct, brave and soldier-like conduct of Brigade-Major 
 Dobbin, Quarter-Master Green and Adjutant Gilbert. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Wilcocks, whose services and bravery have 
 excited the warmest interest of the armv in his favor, and Lieuten- 
 ant Roosevelt of the New York Volunteers, have added other 
 names tfj the gallant heroes who, during this unexampled campaign. 
 
195 
 
 have glorioualy died on the field of honor. Colonel WilcockH, at 
 the moment he was mortally wounded, wavS charging and repulsing 
 an infinitely superior force under the enemy's battery. The com- 
 mand devolving on Major Matteson, he succeeded in driving the 
 enemy to their works and retired in good order to camp. 
 By connnand of Brigadier-General Ripley. 
 
 R. Jones, 
 
 Asst.-Adjt.-Gen. 
 
 District General Order. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 7th September, 1814. 
 
 Major-General De Watteville having been directed to detach a 
 arty yesterday evening to endeavor to cut oft' the enemy's picket 
 ^o. 4, reports that this service was executed by a company of the 
 6th Regiment and one of the Glengarry Light Infantry, joined by 
 infantry pickets at Platow's and the detachment of the 19th 
 Dragoons, under Captain Eustace, the whole under the command of 
 Captain Patteson of the 6th Regiment, and conducted by Captain 
 Powell, Deputy -Assistant-Quartermaster-General. 
 
 The enemy's picket was surprised at daylight this morning. 
 Of its advance party, which consisted of 21 men and an officer, not 
 one escaped ; 14, including an officer, being killed, and seven wounded 
 and taken prisoners. The main body of the pickets fled towards 
 the forts, pursued by our troops close under the guns of the place, 
 and nmst have suffered very considerably from our fire. Our loss 
 has been only one killed, (private, 6th,) and one slightly wounded. 
 
 The conduct of this little enterprise reflects great credit not 
 only on Captain Patteson, commanding the detachment, and the 
 whole of the officers and soldiers of which it was composed, but on 
 Captain Powell, Deputy- Assistant-Quatermaster-General, by whom 
 the enterprise was planned. Sergeant Powell, 19th Light Dragoons, 
 has been named to the Lieutenant-General as having again dis- 
 tinguished himsef on this occasion. 
 
 J. Harvey, 
 
 Lieut.-Col., D. A. G. 
 
 Lieut.- Gen. Drnmmond to Sir Geo. Frevost. 
 
 Camp before Fort Erie, 8th Sept., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — The new battery was completed and armed on the night 
 of the 4th. After due consideration, however, and after consulting 
 with the commanding artillery officer, I determined not to open its 
 fire until the small supply of disposable ammunition which re- 
 
196 
 
 mained at Fort George had been brought up, and until by the 
 arrival of the 97th Regt. I might have it in my power to take 
 advantage of the impression it might produce by an assault on the 
 place, should such a measure appear advisable. The ammunition 
 now on its way from the forts leaves them with little more than 
 200 rounds per gun, and with very little powder, nor is there any 
 prospect of a supply until the arrival of the squadron, or of part 
 of the vessels from Kingston. Under these alarming circumstances 
 it becomes absolutely necessary that I should husband every round 
 of my remaining stock of ammunition. 
 
 I regret very much the capture of Your Excellency's despatches 
 in answer to mine &,nnouncing the result of the attack of the 15th 
 ulto. By that unfortunate event I am in all probability deprived 
 of the knowledge not only of your sentiments but also of that of 
 Your Excellency's views and plans with regard to the general 
 operations of the campaign, and above all of your wishes and in- 
 structions with regard to the expediency of hazarding any further 
 assault upon the enemy's strong position at Fort Erie and Your 
 Excellency's opinion as to how far the blockade by this division 
 may not be more politic than attempting its capture or destruction 
 under circumstances which in the event (but doubtful) of success, 
 forbid us to hope to accomplish without a very severe loss. 
 
 In ignorance of Your Excellency's sentiments and wishes, and 
 in the absence of your instructions on these points, I shall continue 
 to act according to circumstances, and shall not fail to avail myself 
 of any favorable opportunity which may offer of attacking the 
 enemy. But should no such offer present itself, I feel it incumbent 
 on me to prepare Your Excellency for the possibility of my being 
 compelled by sickness or suffering of the troops, exposed as they 
 will be to the effects of the wet and unhealthy season which is fast 
 approaching, to withdraw them from their present position to one 
 which may afford them the means of cover. Sickness has, I am 
 sorry to say, already made its appearance in several of the corps, 
 particularly the 82nd. 
 
 The affair of the 5th was more important than I was aware of- 
 The Deputy-Adjutant-General transmitted to Colonel Baynes, Lt.- 
 Col. Campbell's very clear report on that occasion. Nothing could 
 surpass the gallantry and good conduct of all the troops; their im- 
 petuosity was with difficulty restrained. 
 
 I have directed Lt.-Col. Harvey to forward to the Adjutant- 
 General a copy of the district general order issued by my order 
 yesterday on occasion of an enterprise planned by Capt. Powell, 
 Deputy-Assistant-Quartermaster-General, and very well executed 
 
197 
 
 by detachments of the 6th and Glengany Regts., under direction 
 01 Capt. Patteson of the 6th. 
 
 Since the 1st of this month, the day appointed for assembling, 
 the militia iiave been collecting in great numbers on the opposite 
 frontier — I am informed to the amount of 3 to 4,000. I do not 
 understand that any part of them have as yet been prevailed upon 
 to cross to ""his shore, but it is said they have promised to come over 
 to Fort Erie for one week. If they do and any part of them should 
 fall into my hands, I shall assuredly send them to Quebec, and hope 
 they may not be suffered to return to their families for a consider- 
 able perio<l. Nothing will more effectually check their enterprising 
 spirit than such a measure. It is said the enemy has 40 boats 
 nearly finished at Buffalo. His squadron, consisting of two brigs 
 and four schooners, is still at anchor off that place, but does not 
 venture near the fort. 
 
 On Lake Ontario the enemy's squadron has disappeared for 
 some time. The Gharwell brig, with the Vincent and Netley 
 schooners, are at York waiting to bring over the 97th, which I hope 
 will arrive there this day. 
 
 IHaJor-General Brown to Major Creneral Izard. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort Erie, Sept. 10, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have been expecting with much anxiety to hear from 
 you, and to learn the aid you can afford this army. My total 
 effective force does not much 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 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 juncture by landing be- 
 low Niagara, marching on the American side of the strait, and cross- 
 ing over from Buffalo. Will j^^our force be such as to insure relief 
 to this array if you land on the British side? Our united forces 
 would, I have no doubt, be competent to drive Drummond from the 
 field and perhaps capture him. Whatever may be your plan of 
 operations, be so good £is 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 militia. It 
 remains to be seen if they can be made useful. 
 
198 
 
 niaJor-General Broivn to Major-General Izard. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort Erie, Sept. 11, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have nothing new of importance to communicate, and 
 by the return of the express think proper to say so for your satis- 
 faction. 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 re- 
 supplied within a short time. There is no doubt but they are 
 erecting additional batteries. General Porter has succeeded in get- 
 ting over about one thousand of his militia. More are expected to 
 cross. Should you deem it proper to pass rapidly to this threatre 
 of war, I do not doubt that it will be in your power to carry every- 
 thing within this peninsula. However, if with the aid of the fleet 
 and the forces at Sackett's Harbor you can succeed in carrying 
 Kingston, you will accomplish a much more important object. In 
 the execution of any plan you will find me disposed to exert myself, 
 and I am convinced the remainder of my gallant army will do their 
 duty under any circumstances. I shall be happy to receive your 
 ordera, and be made acquainted with your plan of operations. My 
 command must find relief in some way before many days. 
 
 P. S. — Forts George and Niagara must be nearly empty. It is 
 not probable that there are many of the enemy's regular troops be- 
 tween this and Kingston. Their militia are worse than ours, they 
 are good for nothing. 
 
 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 land- 
 ing so as to press upon the enemy, it would perhaps br the shortest 
 cut to your object, 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. 
 
 Sir Crordon Drnminond to Sir Geo. Prevost. 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 11th September, 1814. 
 
 Since my last the enemy have shown a considerable number of 
 boats and scows, which have kept up a frequent communication 
 between Fort Erie and the opposite shore ; this communication has 
 passed chiefly by night, and from the singular circumstance of the 
 desertion from the enemy to my camp, (my best source of in- 
 formation,) having almost entirely ceased, I am very much in 
 ignomnce of the nature of their movements, whether the enemy is 
 
199 
 
 preparing to avail himself of the increased means of transport 
 which he has created to withdraw from his position at Fort Erie, 
 or whether the account which is invariably given by deserters 9f 
 his intention to act offensively against the division under my com- 
 mand be correct, I have not yet been able accurately to ascertain. 
 The recent accounts of the capture of Washington, the alarm which 
 is felt for New York, and the probable discovery (by the inter- 
 cepted despatch) of our designs against Sackett's Harbour, would 
 appear strongly to countenance the former supposition, the positive 
 concurring declarations of deserters, however, and the fact (reported 
 on the same authority) of a very large number of militia and 
 volunteers, to the number it is said of 2,500, having actually crossed 
 to the fort yesterday evening, these circumstances tend to favor 
 the latter idea. Every preparation has been made to give the enemy 
 a warm reception. 
 
 The batteries have almost been silent for several days from the 
 reduced state of the ammunition. A small supply, the last I can 
 command, has arrived from Fort George to-day. This I must 
 reserve until the arrival of the 97th Regiment, in order that I may 
 be enabled to avail myself of any favorable opening it may effect. 
 No direct tire from the small number of guns which I have could 
 produce any material effect on such mounds of earth defended by 
 such a number of guns. Mortar fire is alone of use, and of that I 
 have not more than 80 rounds for the two mortars. 
 
 I am much disappointed at not having yet heard of the arrival 
 of the 97th Regiment at York. I had expected to have had them 
 here before this time ; the wind has been adverse, and the weather 
 tempestuous and rainy. Should the rainy weather continue only for 
 a few days, I dread the effect it must have on the men in their pres- 
 ent situation ; hitherto with the exception of one or two corps they 
 have stood it tolerably well. 
 
 I have to acknowledge Your Excellency's letter of the 2nd inst. 
 
 I look with impatience for duplicates of your answer to my 
 letter of the I7th ulto. 
 
 Major-General Brown, who has resumed command of the troops 
 at Fort Erie, has this day sent in several private letters taken in 
 the bag which was intercepted near the Presqu' Isle on the 29th. 
 
 I enclose a copy of his note. 
 
 Deeming it absolutely necessary to send down several of the 
 corps on this frontier which have suffered much by sickness and 
 severe service, as soon as the campaign here is over, I have directed 
 Major-General Kempt to embark a regiment of the centre division, 
 (the selection of which I have left to him,) and send it up on board 
 the squadron, by the return of which I propose sending down one 
 
200 
 
 or more of the corps alluded to, viz : the Kings, 100th, 4l8t, and 
 Royals. 
 
 Lt.>€ien. Druminond to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 14th September, 1814 
 
 Sir, — I am sorry to acquaint Your Excellency that ever since 
 the despatch of my last letter it has continued to rain almost in- 
 cessantly. As the whole of the troops are without tents, and the 
 huts in which they are placed are wholly incapable of affording 
 shelter againj^c auch severe weather, their situation is most distress- 
 ing. I am happy to say, however, that no considerable degree of 
 sickness has as yet been the consequence, and what is, if possible, 
 still more satisfactory, our desertion, except from the Regiment De 
 Watteville, has by no means increased, notwithstanding the hard- 
 ships to which they now are exposed. 
 
 The late heavj?^ falls of rain have rendered the roads almost 
 impassable, and at this late season there is little chance of them 
 again becoming good, and when Your Excellency considers that I 
 have no depot of provisions or of any other description of supplies 
 nearer than Fort George, that the forage of the surrounding 
 country to the distance of upwards of ten miles has been e^.nausted, 
 that even if I could feed them I have not a sufficient number of 
 cattle to move one-third of the heavy ordnance which I have in the 
 batteries, should any unforeseen circumstances render a sudden 
 movement necessary the difficulties of my situation will be 
 sufficiently apparent to Your Excellency. It is certain the enemy 
 has found the means of inducing his militia to cross the river, and 
 I have reason to believe that a body of not less than 2,000 has been 
 brought to Fort Erie. I also understand that a considerable num- 
 ber still remain on the opposite shore, to which weak regiments of 
 regulars have within this day or two been joined from the troops 
 at Fort Erie. It is said to be the intention, (as mentioned in my 
 last,) to land this force in my rear. 
 
 The sudden and most unlooked for return to the head of Lake 
 Ontario of the two brigs by which the Niagara has been so long 
 blockaded and my communication with York cut off, has had the 
 effect of preventing the junction of the 97th Regiment, which 
 arrived at York on the 10th, and would probably have been at 
 Niagara on the following day but for this unlucky circumstance. 
 They have been reduced to the necessity of continuing their route 
 by land, and accordingly marched from York on the 12th. In the 
 present state of the roads and weather I cannot expect them here 
 before the I7th or 18th. In the meantime I have strong grounds for 
 
201 
 
 thinking that the enemy will risque an attack, an event which, from 
 the necessity of defending my batteries in the first instance with 
 the picquets alone, I shall have to meet under every possible dis- 
 advantage, yet I am very much disposed to hope may be the most 
 fortunate circumstance that can happen, as it will bring us into con- 
 tact with the enemy at a far cheaper rate than if we were to be 
 the assailants, and may at the' same time, I trust, bring to a happy 
 crisis a campaign which has been marked by a series of unlucky 
 circumstances, as well as of late severe hardships and privations 
 on the part of the troops, which I am most happy in repeating 
 have borne them with the utmost cheerfulness, and have evinced a 
 degree of steadiness and spirit highly honorable to them. 
 
 I have directed the Deputy-Adjutant-General to transmit to 
 the Adjutant-General a return of casualties which have taken place 
 since my last ; those of this day were occasioned by an attack which 
 about 400 of the enemy's militia and riflemen made on our batteries 
 immediately after daylight. They were repulsed by the picquets, 
 the oflBccr who led them was killed and one man made prisoner. 
 
 I enclose a report of an alarming nature which has just been 
 received from Lt.-Col. Warburton, commanding at the forts. 
 Previous to this a considerable part of one of the other bastions 
 had fallen down, (from the effect of the weather,) the restoration of 
 which has been effected by great exertions. Situated as I at present 
 am, and considering the large disposable force the enemy has on or 
 can pass to the other bank of the river, and the weakness of the 
 present garrison of Fort Niagara, I cannot but regard the circum- 
 stance reported by Lieut.-Col. Warburton as a very awkward one. 
 
 P. S. — Another report, (copy enclosed,) has just been received 
 from Lieut.-Col. Warburton. 
 
 Sir Gordon Drnmmond to Sir Creorge Prevost. 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 17th September, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acquaint Your Excellency that the 
 enemy made a sortie with his whole force at 3 o'clock this after- 
 noon, and having under cover of a heavy fall of rain and favored 
 by the thick woods whiih approach close to our position, gained, 
 unperceived, the right of our batteries, he rushed upon them in 
 such overwhelming force that the picquets and covering parties 
 were forced liack, and the momentary possession of the right and 
 centre batteries obtained. The gallantry of the supporting brigade 
 quickly recovered them, but not before the guns in the right battery 
 had been disabled. The loss on our side has been considerable ; 
 that of the enemy great. Upwards of 200 prisoners are in our 
 
202 
 
 hands, including a number of officers, among them Lieut.-Colonel 
 Wood, their chief engineer, mortally wounded. 
 
 A more detailed account will be transmitted to-morrow, 
 together with a return of casualties. 
 
 Major-General Stovin arrived a short time before the attack. 
 The 97th Regiment is within eight miles. 
 
 P. S. — The enemy's force, including militia, could not have 
 been less than 5,000. Our troops behaved admirably. 
 
 G. D. 
 
 District Cieneral Order. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Camp T?^fore Fort Erie, 18th September, 1814. 
 
 Lieutenant-General Drummond, having received the reports of 
 the general officers in the immediate direction of the troops engaged 
 yesterday, begs to offer his best acknowledgements for their very 
 gallant conduct in repulsing the attack made by the enemy upon 
 our batteries with his whole force, represented to consist of not less 
 than five thousand men including militia. The brilliant style in 
 which the battery No. 2 was recovered and the enemy driven be- 
 yond our entrenchments, by seven companies of the 82d Regiment 
 under Major Proctor, and three companies of the 6th Regiment 
 detached under Major Taylor, excited Lieutenant-General Drum- 
 mond's admiration, and entitled those troops to his particular 
 thanks. On the righ^; the enemy's advance was checked by the Ist 
 battalion of the Royal Scots, supported by the 89th, under the 
 direction of Lieutenant-C )lonel Gordon of the Royals, and in the 
 centre he was driven back hy tLa Glengarry Light Infantry, under 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Battersby and directed by Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Pearson, inspecting field officer. To these troops the Lieutenant- 
 General's best thanks are due, as ah o to the remainder of the 
 reserve under Lieutenant-Colonel Campbtsll, consisting of the 
 remaining companies of the 6th Regiment, the flank companies of 
 the 41st and the Incorporated Militia, which supported the troops 
 engaged. 
 
 The Lieutenant-General deeply laments the unfortunate circum- 
 stances of weather, which enabled ohe enemy to approach unper- 
 ceived close to the right of the position and to captur ; a considerable 
 number of the Regiment De Watteville, stationed at that point. 
 The severe loss in killed and wounded which the 8th or King's and 
 De Watteville's Regiment have suffered, affi)rds incontestable proof 
 that No. 2 battery was not gained without a vigorous resistance ; 
 it is equally obvious that the blockhouse on the right was well 
 defended by the party of the King's Regiment stationed in it. 
 
203 
 
 Lieutenani-General Druramond feels greatly indebted to Major- 
 Oeneral De Watteville for his judicious arrangements, and he also 
 desires to offer his thanks to the respective commanding officers of 
 brigades and corps and the officers and men of the Royal Artillery 
 and Engineers, for their exertions. To Major-General Stovin, who 
 joined the army a short time before the attack, the Lieutenant- 
 General is indebted for his assistance, and also to the officers of his 
 personal staff. 
 
 Lieutenant-General Drummond greatly regrets the wounds 
 which have deprived the army for the present of the services of 
 Colonel Fischer, Lieutenant-Colonels Pearson and Gordon. 
 
 Lieutenants-Colonels Fischer, Pearson, and Gordon have per- 
 mission to proceed to the rear for the recovery of their wounds. 
 
 J. Harvey, 
 
 Lieut.-Col., D. A. G. 
 
 Major-Cien. De Watteville to Sir Gordon Drummond, 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, Sept. 19th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to report to you that the enemy attacked 
 on the 17th in the afternoon, at 3 o'clock, our position before Fort Erie, 
 the Second Brigade, under Col. Fischer, composed of the 8th and De 
 Watteville's Regiments, being on duty. Under cover of a heavy 
 fire of his artillery from Fort Erie and much favored by the nature 
 of the ground, and also by the state of the weather, the rain fall- 
 ing in torrents at the moment of his approach, the enemy succeeded 
 in turning the right of our line picquets without being perceived, 
 ■and with a very considerable force attacked both the picquets and 
 their support in their flank and rear ; at the same time another of 
 the enemy's columns attacked in front the picquets between No. 2 
 and No. 3 batteries, and having succeeded in penetrating by No. 4 
 picquet, part of his force turned to his left and thereby surrounded 
 our right and got almost immediate possession of No. 3 battery. 
 The enemy then directed his attacks with a very superior force to- 
 wards No. 2 battery, but the obstinate resistance made by the 
 picquets, under every possible disadvantage, delayed considerably 
 nis getting possession of No. 2 battery, in which, however, he at 
 last succeeded. As soon as the alarm was given, the 1st Brigade, 
 being next for support, composed of the Royal Scots, the 82nd and 
 6th Regiments, under Lieut.-Col. Gordon, received orders to march 
 forward, and also the light demi-brigade under Lieut.-Col. Pearson, 
 the 6th Regiment remaining in reserve under Lieut.-Col. Campbell. 
 From the concession road, the Royal Scots and the 89th moved by 
 the new road and met the enemj^ near the blockhouse on the right 
 
204 
 
 * 
 
 of No. 3 battery, whom they engaged, and by their steady and in- 
 trepid conduct checked his further progross. The 82nd Regt. and 
 three companies of the 6th were detached to tlie left in order to 
 support Nos. 1 and 2 batteries ; the enemy having at that time 
 possession of No. 2 battery and still pushing forward, seven com- 
 panies of the 82nd, under Major Proctor, and three ccnpanies of 
 the 6th, under Major Taylor, received directions to oppose the 
 enemy's forces, and immediately charged them v, ith the most 
 intrepid bravery, driving them both across our entrenchments and 
 also from No. 2 battery, thereby preventing them from destroying 
 it or damaging its guns in a considerable degree ; Lieut.-Col. Pear- 
 son with the Glengarry Light Infantry under Lieut.-Ool. Battersby, 
 pushed forward by the centre road and carried with great gallantry 
 the new entrenchment, then in full possession of the enemy. The 
 enemy being thus repulsed at every point was forced to retire with 
 precipitation to their works, leaving prisoners and a number of 
 their wounded in our hands. By five o'clock the entrenchments 
 were again occupied, and the line of picquets established as it had 
 been previous to the enemy's attack. I have the honor to enclose 
 a return of casualties, and the report of the officer commanding the 
 Royal Artillery respecting the damage done to the ordnance and 
 the batteries during the time they were in the enemy's possession. 
 
 Lt.-Gcii* Drnmmond to Sir Geoi^e Prevo§t. 
 
 Camp Before Fort Erie, 19th Sept., 1814. 
 
 Sir, — My letter to Your Excellency of the I7th, gavo a short 
 account of the result of an attack made by the enemy on my 
 batteries and position on that day. I have now the honor to trans- 
 mit a copy of Major-General De Watteville's report, together with a 
 return of killed, wounded and missing on that occasion. To the 
 information which Your Excellency will derive from those docu- 
 ments I have to add that as soon as the tiring was heard I pro- 
 ceeded toward the advance and found the troops had moved from 
 camp, and the Royals and 89th had been pushed by Major-Gen. 
 De Watteville into the woods on the right towards No. 3 battery, 
 and that the 82nd was moving to the support of the batteries on 
 the left. At this moment it was reported to me that the enemy 
 had gained possession of batteries Nos. 2 and 3 and that our troops 
 were falling back, a report which the approach of the fire confirmed. 
 Your Excellency will have in recollection that the whole line of 
 operations lay in a thick wood. I immediately directed Lieut.- 
 Col. Campbell to detach one wing of the 6th Regt. to support the 
 82d in an attack, which I ordered to be made for the recovery of 
 
205 
 
 battery No. 2. I dire(*ted Major-Gen. De Watteville to superintend 
 the mcvement. Major-Gen. Stovin took the direction olf the troops 
 and guns left in reserve. I threw forward the Glengarry Light 
 Infantry into the woods in front of the centre to check the advance 
 of the enemy and support the troops retiring from that point. 
 Both these movement were executed to my entire satisfaction, and 
 being combined with a judicious attack made Ly Lt.-Col. Gordon 
 with part of the Ist Brigade, consisting of the Ist Battalion of the 
 Royal Scots, supported by the 89th, the enemy was everywhere 
 driven back ana our batteries and entrenchments regained, not, 
 however, before he had disabled the guns in No. 3 battery and 
 exploded its magazine. The enemy did not again attempt to mak<^ 
 a stand, but retreated in great disorder to the fort and was followed 
 by our troops to the glacis of the place. To Major-Gen. De Watte- 
 ville's report I must refer Your Excellency for the cause of the 
 enemy's success in the first instance, viz : the overwhelming number 
 of the enemy, to which we had only the King's and De Watteville's 
 to oppose. The spirit which the troops displayed in all the sub- 
 sequent operations deserves the highest commendation, and entitles 
 them to my warmest approbation. I have only to regret that the 
 scene of action, (a thick wood,) was so unfavorable to the display 
 of the valuable qualities w^hich are inherent in British troops. The 
 charge made by the 82d Regt. under Major Proctor, and detach- 
 ment of the 6th under Major Taylor, led to the recovery of the 
 battery No. 2, and very much decided the precipitate retrograde 
 movement made by the enemy from the different points of our 
 position, of which he had gained a short possession. Major-Gen. 
 De Watteville reports most favorably of the steadiness evinced by 
 the 1st Battalion, Royal Scots, under Lieut.-Col. Gordon, (command- 
 ing 1st Brigade,) and the remains of the 2d Battalion, 89th, under 
 Capt. Basden. I myself witnessed the good order and spirit with 
 which the Glengarry Light Infantry, under Lieut.-Col. Battersby, 
 pushed into the wood, and by their superior fire drove back the 
 enemy's light troops. Lieut.-Col, Pearson, inspecting field officer, 
 accompanied this part of his demi-brigade, and, I am sorry to say, 
 received a severe, though I hope not a dangerous, wound. To Major- 
 Gen. De Watteville, who commanded in camp and by whom the 
 first directions were given and arrangements made, I am under 
 great obligations for the judgment displayed by him, and for his 
 zeal and exertions during the action. My acknowledgments are also 
 due to Major-Gen. Stovin, who arrived at my headquarters a " few 
 hours before the attack, for the assistance I received from him. I 
 cannot sufficiently appreciate the valuable assistance which I have 
 received from Col. Myers, Dep.-Quartermaster-Gen., and Lieut.-Col. 
 
206 
 
 Harvey, Dep.-Adj.-Gen., during the present service, and which have 
 been of the more important as from my own state of health of late, 
 (in consequence of my wound,) I have not been able to use those 
 active exertions which I otherwise might. I avail myself of this 
 opportunity of again expressing my sincere concern at the loss 
 which this division of the army sustained by the accident which 
 deprived it of the services of Major-Gen, Conran, from whose 
 energy and ability much was justly to be expected. To Major 
 Glegg, Assist-Adj.-Gen., and to Capts. Chambers and Powell, Dep.- 
 Assist.-Quartermaster-Gen., to Capt. Foster, Military Secretary, 
 Lieut.-Col. Hagerman, Provincial Aide-de-Camp, and to Lieut. 
 Nesfield, 89th Regt., acting aide-de-camp, who have rendered me 
 every assistance in their respective situations, my best acknowledg- 
 ments are due. They are likewise due to Major D'Alton, Brigade 
 Major with the right division, for his uniform correctness, zeal and 
 attention to his duty. To Lieut.-Col. Campbell of the 6th Regt. I 
 am also much indebted, as well in his capacity of commanding 
 officer of that excellent corps as in that of senior officer of the 
 reserve of this division. Col. Fischer of De Watteville's Regt. and 
 Lieut.-Col. Ogilvie of the King's are entitled to my best thanks. 
 The zeal and exertions of Major Phillot, commanding the Royal 
 Artillery, Captains Walker and Sabine, and the officers and men of 
 that corps, have been unremitting, and merit every commendation. 
 I have reason to be pleased with the activity and zeal which Major 
 Lisle and the officers and men of the squadron of the 19th Dragoons 
 have uniformly displayed. The enemy, it is now ascertained, made 
 the sortie with his whole force, which, including the militia volun- 
 teers by which he has lately been joined, could not consist of less 
 than 5,000. About 200 prisoners fell into our hands, and I cannot 
 estimate the enemy's loss in killed and wounded at less than that 
 number. The dreadful state of the roads and of the weather, it 
 having poured with rain almost incessantly for the last ten days, 
 rendered every movement of ordnance or heavy stores exceedingly 
 difficult. By great exertions the commanding artillery officer has 
 succeeded in moving the battery guns and mortars with their stores, 
 &c., towards Chippawa, to which place I mean to withdraw them 
 for the present. 
 
 llIaJoi>Cieneral Brown to the Secretary of War. 
 
 Headquarters, 
 Fort Erie, September 18, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — I have the satisfaction to announce to you a brilliant 
 achievement yesterday, effected by the forces under my command. 
 A sortie was made upon the enemy's principal batteries — these were 
 
207 
 
 carried; we blew up his principal work, destroyed his battering 
 
 pieces and captured 400 prisoners. The enemy resisted our assault 
 
 with firmne««, but suffered greatly ; his total loss cannot be less than 
 800 men. 
 
 In such a business we could not but expect to lose many valu- 
 able lives ; they were offered up a voluntary sacrifice to the safety 
 and honor of this army and nation. 
 
 I will forward to you the particulars of this splendid affair, 
 with a return of the killed and wounded, in the course of a few 
 days. 
 
 Cleii. Brown to Gov. Tompkin§. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort Erie, Sept. 20, 1814. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — Your Excellency is no doubt aware how much 
 the army under my command has suffered from the fire of the 
 enemy's batteries, of which the first and second were not more than 
 500 yards distant. Soon after my arrival, I ascertained they were 
 day and night employed in erecting a third, to the right of the 
 others, which would rake obliquely our whole encampment. About 
 the 12th this new work was nearly completed, and in it were 
 mounted some long 24-pounders. Being very impatient under the 
 fire of the old, and knowing that our difficulties would increase 
 from the opening of the new, battery, I determined to hazard a 
 sortie with a view of carrying them and destroying the cannon. 
 On the I7th inst. an order was given to this effect and executed in 
 the most gallant style. 
 
 The batteries were carried, the principal work blown up, and 
 the cannon effectually destroyed. It was a desperate conflict. The 
 loss of the enemy cannot be less than 800 men. Our own is severe, 
 in officers particularly. The militia of New York have redeemed 
 their character — they behaved gallantly. Gen. Davis was killed, 
 and General Porter slightly wounded in the hand. 
 
 Of the militia that were called out by the last requisition, 
 fifteen hundred men have crossed. This reinforcement has been of 
 immense importance to us ; it doubled our effective strength, and 
 their good conduct cannot but have the happiest effect upon the 
 nation. The brave men deserve well of their country ; and I flatter 
 myself that the legislature about to convene will notice them as 
 becomes the representatives of a generous people. 
 
208 
 
 Brlffadler^ileneral Porter to HaJor-€ieii«ral Brown. 
 
 Fort Erie, September 23rd, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — In executing the duty you have imposed upon me of 
 reporting the conduct of the officers and men composing the left 
 column, which you were pleased to place undei my command 
 in the sortie of the 17th instant, the pleasure I derive in represent- 
 ing to you the admirable conduct of the whole is deeply chastened 
 by sorrow for the loss of so many brave and distinguished men. 
 
 Being obliged from the nature of the ground to act on foot, it 
 was impossible that my own personal observation should reach to 
 every officer. Some part of this report must therefore rest upon 
 the information of others. 
 
 It is the business of this communication to speak of the con- 
 duct of individuals, yet you will permit me to premise, although 
 well known to yourself already, that the object of the left column 
 was to penetrate by a circuitous route between the enemy's batteries, 
 where one-third of his force was always kept on duty, and his main 
 camp, and that it was sub-divided into three divisions — the advance 
 of 200 riflemen and a few Indians commanded by Colonel Gibson, 
 and two columns moving parallel to and 30 yards distant from each 
 other. The right column was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Wood, headed by 400 infantry under Major Brooke of the 23rd, 
 and followed by 500 volunteers and militia, being parts of Lieuten- 
 ant-Colonels Dobbins', McBurney's and Fleming's regiments, and 
 was intended to attack the batteries. 
 
 The left column of 500 militia was commanded by Brigadier- 
 General Davis, and comprised the commands of Lieutenant-Colonels 
 Hopkins, Churchill and Crosby, and was intended to hold in check 
 any reinforcemeiats from the enemy's camp ; or both columns, (cir- 
 cumstances requiring it, which frequently happened,) to co-operate 
 in the same object. 
 
 After carrying by storm in the handsomest syle a strong block- 
 house in the rear of the third battery, making its garrison prisoners, 
 destroying the three 24-pounder8 and their carriages in the third 
 battery, and blowing up the enemy's magazine, and after co-oper- 
 ating with General Miller in taking the second battery, the gallant 
 leaders of the three divisions all fell nearly at the same time : 
 Colonel Gibson at the second Jbattery, and General Davis and Lieu- 
 tenant-Colonel Wood in an assault upon the first. 
 
 Brigadier-General Davis, although a militia officer of little ex- 
 perience, conducted himself on this occasion with all the coolness 
 and bravery of a veteran, and fell while advancing upon the 
 enemy's entrenchments. His loss as a citizen as well as a soldier 
 
200 
 
 will be Heverely felt in the patriotic county of Oenosee. Colonel 
 GibHon fully suHtainod the hijjfh nulitary reputation which he had 
 before so justly acijuired. You know how exalteil an opinion I 
 have always entertained of Lt.-Col. Wood of the engineers. His 
 conduct on this day was what it has uniformly been on every similar 
 occasion, an exhibition of military skill, acute judgment and 
 heroic valor. Of the other regular officers, Lt.-Col. McDonald and 
 Major Brook, senior in command, will report to you in relation to 
 their respective divisions. Permit me to say, however, of these two 
 officers, that nnich as was left to them by the fall of their dis- 
 tinguished leaders, they were able to sustain their parts in the moat 
 admiraV>le manner, and they richly deserve the notice of the 
 government. 
 
 Of the militia, I regret that the limits of a report will not per- 
 mit me even to name all those who on this occasion established 
 claims to the gratitu<le of their fellow citizens, much less to 
 particularize individual merit. Lieut.-Cols. Hopkins, McBurney, 
 Churchill and Crosby, and Majors Lee, Marcle, Wilson, Lawrence, 
 Burr, Dunham, Kellogg and Ganson, are entitled to the highest 
 praise for their gallant conduct, their steady and persevering 
 exertions. Lt.-Col. Dobbins being prevented by indisposition from 
 taking the field. Major Hall, Assistant-Inspector-General, volunteered 
 his services to join Major Lee in command of the volunteer regi- 
 ment, and Major Lee and every other officer speaks of the gallant 
 and good conduct of this young officer. 
 
 Captain Fleming, who commanded the Indians, was, as he 
 always is, in the front of the battle. There is not a more intrepid 
 soldier in the army. I should be ungrateful were I to omit the 
 names of Captains Knapp and Hull of the volunteers and Captain 
 Parker and Lieut. Chatfield of the militia, by whose intrepidity I 
 was during the action extricated from the most unpleasant situation. 
 Capts. Richardson, Bull and Kennedy, and Lieuts. Parker and 
 Brown, and Adjutants Dobbin, Bates and Robinson, particularly 
 distinguished themselves. The patriotic conduct of Capt. Elliott, 
 with twenty young gentlemen who volunteered from Batavia, and 
 of Major Hubbard, with fourteen men exempted by age from 
 military duty, should not be omitted. They were conspicuous dur- 
 ing the action. 
 
 You will excuse me if I seem partial to my own family, con- 
 sisting of my Brigade-Major Frazer, my volunteer aide-de-camp, 
 Riddle, (both first lieutenants in the 15th Infantry,) Captain Biggar 
 of the Canadian volunteers, Messrs. Williams and Delapierre, 
 volunteer aids for the day, all of whom, except Mr. Williams, were 
 wounded. 
 
210 
 
 Lieuts. Frazer and Riddle were engaged for moat of the preced- 
 ing day with fatigue parties, cutting roads for the advance of the 
 column through the swamp, and falling timber to the rear and 
 within 150 yards of the enemy's right, which service they executed 
 with so much address as to avoid discovery, and on the succeeding 
 day they conducted the two columns to the attack. Frazer was 
 severely wounded by a musket ball while spiking a gun on the 
 second battery ; Riddle, after the first battery was carried, descended 
 into the enemy's magazine, and after securing (with the assistance 
 of Quartermaster Greene of the volunteers, whose good conduct 
 deserves much praise,) a quantity of fixed ammunition, blew up the 
 magazine and suffered severely by the explosion. I must solicit 
 through you, sir, the attention of the general government to these 
 meritorious young men. Captain Bigger is an excellent officer and 
 rendered me much assistance, but was dangerously wounded. The 
 other young gentlenien are citizens and deserve much credit for 
 their activity and for having voluntarily encountered danger. My 
 aide-de-camp, Major Dox, was confined at Bufialo by sickness. 
 
 On the whole, sir, I can say of the regular troops attached to 
 the left column, of the veteran volunteers of Lieut.-Col. Dobbins' 
 regiment, that every man did his duty, and their conduct on this 
 occasion reflects a new lustre on their former brilliant achievements. 
 To the militia the compliment is justly due, and I could pay them 
 no greater one than to say, that they were not surpassed by the 
 heroes of Chippawa and Niagara in steadiness and bravery. 
 
 The studied intricacy of the enemy's defences, consisting not 
 only of the breastwork connecting their batteries but of successive 
 lines of entrenchments for a hundred yards in the rear, covering 
 the batteries and enfilading each other, and the whole obstructed 
 by abattis, brush, and felled timber, was calculated to produce con- 
 fusion among the assailants and led to several conflicts at the point 
 of the bayonet. But by our double columns temporary irregularities 
 in the one was always corrected by the other. Our success would 
 probably have been more complete but for the rain, which unfortu- 
 nately set in soon after we commenced our march, which rendered 
 the fire of many of our muskets useless, and by obscuring the sun 
 led to several unlucky mistakes. As an instance of this, a body of 
 60 prisonei*s, who had surrendered, were ordered to the fort in charge 
 of a subalteni and 14 volunteei-s : the officer misttiking the direction 
 conducted them towards the British camp in the route by which 
 we had advanced and they were retaken, with the whole of the 
 guard excepting the officer and one man, who fought their way 
 back. Several of our stragglers were made prisoners by the same 
 mistake. But, sir, notwithstanding these accidents, we have reason 
 
211 
 
 to rejoice at our signal success in inflicting a vastly disproportionate 
 injury on the enemy, and in wholly defeating all his plans of 
 operation against this army. 
 
 Major-Creneral Brown to the Secretary ot War. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort Erie, Sept. 29th, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — In my letter of the 18th inst. I briefly informed you of 
 the fortunate issue of the sortie which took place the day preced- 
 ing. But it is due to the gallant officers and men to whose bravery 
 we are indebted for our success on this occasion, that I should give 
 you a more circumstantial and detailed account of this affair. 
 
 The enemy's camp I had ascertained to be situated in a field 
 surrounded by woods, nearly two miles distant from their batteries 
 and entrenchments, the object of which was to keep the part of the 
 force which was not upon duty out of the range of our tire from 
 Fort Erie and Black Rock. Their infantry was formed into three 
 brigades, estimated at 12 or 15 hundred men each. One of these 
 brigades with a detail from their artillery was stationed at their 
 works, (these being about 500 yards distant from old Fort Erie 
 and the right of our line.) We had already suffered much from 
 the fire of two of their batteries and were aware that a third was 
 about to open upon us. Under these circumstances, I resolved to 
 storm the batteries, destroy the cannon, and roughly handle the 
 brigade upon duty before those in reserve could be brought into 
 action. 
 
 On the morning of the 17th, the infantry and riflemen, regulars 
 and militia, were ordered to be paraded and put in readiness to 
 march precisely at 12 o'clock. Gen. Porter with the volunteers, 
 Colonel Gibson with the riflemen, and Major Brooks with the 23d 
 and 1st Infantry and a few dragoons acting as infantry, were 
 ordered to move from the extreme left of our position upon the 
 enemy's right by a passage opened through the woods for the 
 occasion. Gen. Miller was directed to station his command in the 
 ravine which lies between Fort Erie and the enemy's batteries, by 
 passing them by detachments through the skirts of the wood, and 
 the 21st Infantry under Gen. Ripley was posted as a corps of reserve 
 between the new bastions of Fort Erie — all under cover and out of 
 the view of the enemy. 
 
 About 20 minutes before 3 p. m. 1 found the left columns under 
 the command of Gen. Porter, which were destined to turn the 
 enemy's right, within a few rods of the British entrenchments. 
 They were ordered to advance and commence the action. Passing 
 down the ravine, I judged from the report that the action had 
 
212 
 
 commenced on our left. I now hastened to Gen. Miller and directed 
 him to seize the moment and pierce the enemy's entrenchments 
 between batteries Nos. 2 and 3. My orders were promptly and 
 ably executed. Within 30 minutes after the first gun was fired, 
 batteries Nos. 3 and 2, the enemy's line of entrenchments, and his 
 two blockhouses were in our possession. Soon after, battery No. 1 
 was abandoned by the British. The guns in each were spiked by 
 us or otherwise destroyed, and the magazine of No. 3 was blown up. 
 
 A few minutes before the explosion, I had ordered up the re- 
 serve under Gen. Ripley. As he passed me at the head of his 
 column, I desired him, as he would be the senior in advance, to 
 ascertain as near as possible the situation of the troops in general, 
 and to have a care that not more was hazarded than the occasion 
 required ; that the object of the sortie effected, the troops would 
 retire in good order, &c. Gen. Ripley passed rapidly on. Soon 
 after I became alarmed for General Miller and sent an order for the 
 21st to hasten to his support towards battery No. 1. Col. Upham 
 received tlte order and advanced to the aid of Gen. Miller. Gen. 
 Ripley had inclined to the left, where Maj. Brooks' command was 
 engaged, with a view of making some necessary inquiries of that 
 officer, and in the act of doing so was unfortunately wounded. By 
 this time the object of the sortie was accomplished l:)eyond my most 
 sanguine expectation. Gen. Miller had consequently ordered the 
 troops on the right to fall back. Observing this movement, I sent 
 my staff along the line to call in the other corps. Within a few 
 minutes they retired to the ravine and from thence to camp. 
 
 Thus one thousand regulars and an equal portion of militia, in 
 one hour of close action blasted the hopes of the enemy, destroyed 
 the fruits of fifty days' labor, and diminished his effective force 
 1000 men at least. I am at a loss to express my satisfaction at the 
 gallant conduct of the officers and men of this division, whose valor 
 has shone superior to every trial. Gen. Portei*, in his official report 
 herein enclosed, has very properly noticed those patriotic citizens 
 who have done so much honor to themselves by freely and volun- 
 tarily tendering their services at a dangerous and critical period. 
 
 As the scene of the action was in the w(X)d in advance of the 
 position I had chosen for directing the movements, the several 
 reports of the commandants of corps must guide me in noticing 
 individuals. 
 
 General Miller mentions Lieut.-Col. Aspinwall, Lieut.-Col. 
 Beedle, Major Trimble, Capt. Hull, Capt. Ingersol, Lieut. Crawford, 
 Lieut. Lee, and particularly Ensign O'Fling, as entitled to distinction. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. McDonald, upon whom the command of the rifle 
 corps devolved upon the fall of the brave and generous Gibson, 
 
213 
 
 names Adjutants Shortridge of the 1st and Ballard of the 4th 
 Regiment as deserving the highest applause for their promptness 
 and gallantry in communicating orders. Of the other officers of 
 the corps, he reports generally that the bravery and good conduct 
 of all was so conspicuous as to render it impossible to discriminate. 
 
 Major Brooks, to whom much credit is due for the distinguished 
 manner in which he executed the orders he received, speaks in high 
 terms of Lieuts. Goodell, Ingersol, Livingston, and Ensigns Brant 
 and O'Fling of the 23d, particularly of the latter. Also of Capt. 
 Simms, Lieutenants Bissel, Shore and Brinot of the 1st Infantry, 
 and Lieut. Watts of the dragoons. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Upham, who took command of the reserve after 
 Gen. Ripley was disabled, bestows great praise upon Major Cham- 
 bers of the 4th Regiment of riflemen attached to the 21st Infantry, 
 as also upon Capt. Bradford and Lieut. Holding of that regiment. 
 
 My staff, Col. Snelling, Col. Gardner, Major Jones, and my 
 aide-de-camp. Major Austin, and Lieut. Armstrong, were, as usual, 
 zealous, intelligent, and active ; — they performed every duty required 
 of them to my entire satisfaction. 
 
 Major Hall, Assistant Inspector-Gen., led a battalion of militia 
 and conducted it with skill and gallantry. Lieut. Kirby, Aid-de- 
 Camp to Gen. Ripley, was extremely active and useful during the 
 time he was in the action. 
 
 Lieutenants Frazer and Riddle were in Gen. Porter's staff; 
 their bravery was conspicuous, and no officers of their grade were 
 more useful. 
 
 The corps of artillery commanded by Major Hindman, which 
 has been so eminently distinguished throughout this campaign, had 
 no opportunity of taking a part in the sortie. The 25th Infantry, 
 under Col. Jessup, was stationed in Fort Erie, to hold the key of 
 our position. 
 
 Col. Brady, on whose firmness and good conduct every reliance 
 could be placed, was on command at Buffalo with the remains of 
 the 22d Infantry. Lieut.-Col. McRea and Lieut.-Col. Wood of the 
 corps of engineers have rendered to this army services the most 
 important. I nmst seize the opportunity of again mentioning them 
 particularly. On every trying occasion I have reaped much benefit 
 from their sound and excellent advice. No two officers of their 
 grade could have contributed more to the safety and honor of this 
 army. Wood, brave, generous, and enterprising, died as he had 
 lived, without a feeling but for the honor of his country and the 
 glory of her arms ; his name and example will live to guide the 
 soldiers in the path of duty so long as true heroism is held in estima- 
 tion. McRea lives to enjoy the approbation of every virtuous and 
 
214 
 
 generous mind, and to receive the reward due to his services and 
 high military talents. 
 
 It is proper here to notice that although but one-third of the 
 enemy's force was on duty when his works were carried, the whole 
 were brought into action while we were employed in destroying his 
 cannon. We secured prisoners from seven of his regiments and 
 know that the 6th and 82d suffered severely in killed and wounded, 
 yet these regiments were not upon duty, 
 
 Lieut.-Gen. Drummond broke up his camp during the night of 
 the 21st and retired to his entrenchments behind the Chippawa. 
 A party of our men came up with the rear of his army at French- 
 man's Creek ; the enemy destroyed part of their stores by setting 
 fire to the buildings from which they were employed in conveying 
 them. We found in and about their camp a considerable quantity 
 of cannon ball and upwards of one hundred stand of arms. 
 
 I send you enclosed herein a return of our loss. The return of 
 prisoners enclosed does not include the stragglers that came in after 
 the action, 
 
 Report of the Killed, Wounded and Missing in tlie above Action. 
 
 Killed, 79; wounded, 216; missing, 216; total, 511. 
 
 C. K. Gardner, 
 
 Adj.-Gen. 
 
 Return of prisoners taken in the above action : — Two majors, 
 4 captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 assistant-surgeon, 4 staff 
 sergeants, 19 sergeants, 17 corporals, 1 drummer, 332 rank and file. 
 Total, 385. J. Snelling, 
 
 Insp.-Gen. 
 
 Names and Rank of Officers Killed, Wounded and Missing at 
 Fort Erie, ITth September, 1814. 
 
 Killed — Lt.-Col. Wood, Engineers ; Capt. L. Bradford, 2l8t Inf.j 
 Capt. H. Hale, 11th Inf. ; Capt. L. G. A. Armistead, 1st Riflemen. 
 
 Wounded — Brig.-Gen. Ripley ; Brigade-Major Lieut, Crawford, 
 11th Inf.; 9th Inf., Lt.-Col. Aspinwall, Capt. Ingersol, Lieut. E. 
 Childs, (bayonet wound); 11th Inf., Lieuts, W. F. Hale, I. Clarke, 
 Stevenson, and Davis ; 19th Inf., Maj. Trimble, Ensign Neely ; 21st 
 Inf., Ensign Cummings ; 23d Inf., Lieut. Brown, Ensign O'Fling, 
 (mortally); 1st Rifles, C»ipt, Ramsey, Lieut, Cobb, (dead); 4th 
 Rifles, Col. Gibson, (dead), Lieut. Grant. 
 
 Missing — Lieut. Ballard, 4th Rifles, militia. 
 
215 
 
 Killed — Brig.-Gen. Davis, Capt. Buel, (Crosby's Regt.), Lieut. 
 Brown, (McBumey's), Lieut. W. Belknap, (Hopkins'), Ensign 
 Blakely, (McBumey's). 
 
 Wounded — Maj.-Gen. Porter, (sword wound), Lieut. Frazer, 
 15th Inf., Riddle, 15th Inf., Capt. Bigger. N. Y. Vol., (Dobbin's 
 Regt.), Capt. Knapp, Lieut. Bailey, (McBumey's), Capt. Hale, 
 (wounded and prisoner, Hopkin's Regt.), Lieut. Gillet. 
 
 Missing— Lieut.-Col. Churchill, Major E. Wilson, Q. M., O. Wil- 
 cox, Capts. Crouch and Case, Lieut. Case, Ensigns Chambers, Clark, 
 and Church. 
 
 Cieneral Brown to the Secretary of War. 
 
 H. Q., Camp Fort Erie, October Ist, 1814. 
 
 Sir, — Looking over my official account of the action of the I7th 
 ultimo, I find that the names of the regiments which composed 
 General Miller's command were not given. As I believe it even more 
 important to distinguish corps than individuals, I am anxious to 
 correct this mistake. General Miller on that day commanded the 
 remains of the 9th and 11th Infantry and a detachment of the 19th. 
 Of three field officers attached to them, two were severely wounded ; 
 Lt.-Col. Aspinwall of the 9th, gallantly leading his men to the at- 
 tack, and Major Trimble of the lOth, who was shot within their 
 works, conducting with great skill and bravery. A detachment of 
 the 17th Regiment was attached to the 21st. 
 
PUBLICATIONS , 
 
 I98UED BY 
 
 LUNDY'S LANE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
 
 BY CAPT. K. CRUIK8HANK, Fort Krie, Onti 
 
 The Battle of Luiuly's Lane, 1814, pp. 50 (3rd Edition, 1895, greatly imi)rovcd. 
 
 with map) $0 25 
 
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 Driimmond's Winter Campaign, pp. 30, 1895 15 
 
 The Documentary History of the Campaign on the Niagara Frontier in 1814, 
 
 Part I., pp. 216, 1896 50 
 
 BY MRS. 8. A. CURZON, Toronto. 
 
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 Memento of the Unveiling of the Monument on Lundy's Lane, July 25th, 
 
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 1892 10 
 
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 — ALSO— , 
 
 Brief Account of the Battle of Lundy's Lane, 1814, by Sir R. H. JBonnycastle, Knight. 
 
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