Documentary History 9W ttl# ampatgn on tl?e lagara f rontier iMiaM. K«it*«l fisp the Luntf y« Lfluiil PAKT 1. ftjf 0«i»t. Ik OruiltslMinlk* Port «ri«. PfUee, 60 0ENT8. "■'■«■'>.,-,.* -'-^*f-:, 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 ' J7 V.I ^L //s 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*oceedeut 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, unis (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 tielis 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 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
  • 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 aS, 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»ovei. 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 die 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>oy 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 pounout 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-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 necesHary to hrin^' forwaixl alwo. Suhstance of information ^'iven by three dewuiern of the 2Hd Regiment, rniteth 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 enablee 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 expoHei>. 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 maeeause 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-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 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 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 Mony 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 instructee deferreack 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 woorymen 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 thr<'d on his, by which means the pieces were exchangee 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,) marcheGeneral 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 anund 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, detachese 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 wn into the ay, 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 dini 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»onss- 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 impee 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€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€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