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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 . 5 6 -T \v 6^^ ^ ,< FACTS / y' KfiLATtVft T» THE / / /// •" CAMPAIGN ON THE NIAGARA, s tN 1814. i % m i WWVWV«rtA/\/VlA< BOSTON: PRIjrrMB AT THE PATRIOT-OFFICE. f ir] 1. Facts Relative to the Campaign on the Niaoara, in 1814. Boston, 1815* With Major-Gen. Ripley's autograph on title. ADVEHTISEMENT. ■I I The following Documents are given to the public without comment. Some explanatory facts are stated ; but in such instances the persons who can bear witness to them are invariably pointed out. The object is to elicit truth, and to do that justice to a gallant Army, whose merits are yet but imperfectly known to their countrymen. With a view to render the developement of truth complete, and to remove the veil of mystery which a system of puffing intrigue has spread around the trans- actions of the Niagara Campaign, any officer who deems the present statement incomplete, is requested to forward his own statement, certified upon honor, to the Patriot Office, at Boston, and it shall be published in the form of a supplement. The object, it is repeated, is not to raise an artificial reputation at the expense of any officer, but to unfold to the Country, and to the Army, the real events of a Cam- paign as they existed in fact, and as they ought to exist in history. Perhaps this developement has been too m i Vl % ,1 long delayed. It is possible that the Public may cease to feel the interest which the moment of triumph excites. But in any event, now that the period of enthusiasm is over, and conflicting opinions caused by temporary ex- citement are done away, it is confidently believed that an appeal may be made with effect, to the reason and intelligence of the community. It is not, however, without regret, that there ex- ists a necessity for this appeal. It would have been much more gratifying to have derived from the honest integ- rrity ot a Commanding General that fair exposition of facts and deductions for which it becomes now necessary ta resort to the statement of officers of the Army, and the justice of the nation. 1 ^ cease >c cites, asm is iry ex- :d that )n and ;re ex- 1 much integ- Ltion of cessary ny, and ] ^ CAiMPATON ON THE NIAGARA. STATEJUE^rr of facts r^speotittg the late Campaign ou the J^iagara frontier, which fell within my knowledge while acting as Volunteer Aid to Brigadier General RIPLEY, of the United States Army. ON the night of the 3d of July, 1814, General Ripley crossed the Niagara River with his Brigade, above Fort Erie, and landed his men in good order notwithstanding the embarrassing situation the General had been placed in for want of means of transporta- tion, having only two gun boats, and two small boats, for the crossing of his whole brigade. The gun boats could not get nearer the Canada shore than about three quarters of a mile, and the small boats would not contain more than about fifty mei each — fortunate for the General, the enemy made r-* resistance on our landing, or he must have lost a great many of i. Tiej, as, he could not land at a time more than one hundred men. On the morning of the battle of Chippewa, General Porter was ordered out on the left of our two lines, first and second brigades with his volunteers and Indians to skirmish with the enemy, who at that time were constantly annoying our flanks. Shortly after General Porter entered the woods, he was attacked by a large body of the enemy's light troops and Indians ; during this time Generals Brown, Scott and Ripley, with several other officers, were met together at Ihe "White-house. I ii* I • i Mi licncral Uiplcy on hearing the constaut anil heavy li ring between General Porter and the enemy, mentioned to General Brown, that Vorter wag engaged and ought to be supported. General Brown immediately ordered General Scott to get his brigade in readinesi for action, and gave the same orders to General Ripley, which wer» immediately complied with. General Scott had scarcely his brigade in motion, before the enemy made their appearance in line of battle on his right. Gen. Scott advanced his brigade to meet the enemy, and commenced the action. General Ripley had his brigade formed in line of battle, and remained some time exposed to the enemy's artillery, waiting for orders ; at length he received orders to advance with bis Brigade on the left of General Scott, in the woods, which ht immediately complied with, and although not particularly engaged in the action of that day, his brigade wa« in advance of the first, anxious to have an opportunity in sharing in the ho»or of the day. The enemy had he«n beaten over the Chippewa Rivers, and obliged to take shelter behind their works. The whole of our army had orders to return to camp. Some few days after our army marched to Queenstown, 1 received orders from the War Department to join my regiment at New York. ] cannot in justice to my feelings dismiss this subject, without expressing the high opinion I entertain for that worthy gentleman and soldier, Brigadier General Ripley. (Signed) ^Ibanyy iStk March, 18 iff. D, NOON, J^ajor 4-ls* Infantry. < P. S. I forgot to mention that On the day the battle was fought at Chippewa, General Ripley did more than once solicit orders from General Brown to attack the enemy on the left of General Scott, and he certainly was much disappointed in not receiving drders sooner than he did. (Signed) D.N. Mtj. 4!ist Inf. / Operations of the Jlvmtj after the Battle of Chippewa, THE battle of Chippewa presented this singular phenomenon in military history : an enemy, inferior in numbers, cross a bridge, advance a mile und an half, attack us ; are repulsed at ail poiDt8,aud by little more than half our force ; and yet they are suft'ered to re- tire across the bridge wiOi their artillery, and their whole force ; oulv leavina; their dead and wounded on the field. The victorious army remained four days on their former ground, and then took f Uj) their line of march in pursuit. On the lOlh of July, they ar- rived at Quoenstown ; on the 14th, th»^y received intelligence that Gen. Hial was at the 12 mile creek with the main body; and Col. tScott of the load was al the 10 mile Creek, with the ad- vance, consisting of militia, Indians, and the Glengary light in- fantry, which had come up from York. The militia of the country were called out, and collecting en masse from Long-point to the bay of Quinti, a distance of 120 miles. The position of Gen. Rial was 10 or 12 miles from our camp at Queenslown ; and about the same distance from Fort George, and his regular force was as- certained to be about 10 or 1300. He had been reinforced with the garrison of Burlington Heiglits, 300 strong, and the Glengary light infattry from York, 400 strong. His force consisted of these corps, a part of the Royal Soots, and the 100th regiment. He hud left the 4tst and the 8th to garrison forts George, Mississauga and Niagara, together with the seamen and marines of two brigs in the river. With these facts known to the General Staff of the American army, Major General Brown called a conference of officers. Gen. 8cott was for investing Fort George. Gen. Ripley made a propo- tiiiion to march that night, with his brigade and Towson's and Bid- die's artillery, and attack Gen. Rial at reveille, so as to bring him to action, and far Generals Scott and Porter to be kept within siipportitig distance ; and Colonel Hindman to bring up the park of artillery in reserve. The reasons General Ripley assigned for this movement were, — that if we moved against Fort George, we could not carry it. To think of storming it, was out of the ques- tion ; and to invest it, would be perfectly absurd, for we had only our 18 pounders to besiege a place where by dismantling Niagara, i' ® I 8 30 heavy pieces of artillery could be brought to bear upon us. That if we invested Fort George, we should waste a few days, wi.ch would give the enemy opportunity to reinforce from Kingston j and if this were allowed them, as we only had an eft.cl.ve iorec of 26 or ^700 men, our movement must re.olve itse f .nto a retro. ^rade one for our own security. But on the other hand, .f we attack- ed Rial, and broke him down before he could be reinforced, he peninsula was within our power. This proposition was supported by Gen. Porter, Col.McRee and Col. Wood : Col. Hindn >u gave no opinion : Gen. Brown, Gen. Scolt and Col. Gardner,were opposed to it, and in favor of investing Fort George. The movement was „ad; on Fort George the 16th of July ; and on the 23d w.tho.. even opening a single trench, the forces retrograded 1 hey fell ba.k to Chippewa the 24th ; and on that evening. Gen. Drmnmond arrived with three fresh battalions from Kingston ; several batlal. ions of militia were concentrated, and Gen. Rial, with a torce aljout 3000 strong, moved forward his camp to Lund^s lane. For the truth of these facts we refer to all the officers of the General Staff above named. „ ,, « It may be proper to give a statement of the forces of the two armies at the commencement, and during the battle of Niagara as nearly us their force can be ascertained. Royal Scots, 2 battalions consolidated 8th, * • • 41st, . 100th, *» 89th, from Kingston ** 103d, from Kingston ** 104th, Flank Companies from Kingston Glengary Light Infantry, from York Regulars, . 4276 ** Those with this mark, reinforcements^ the others were enga- eed in the battle of Chippewa. Regulars, . . 4276 Militia, . . 1230 Indians, . . ^*^0 Grand Total, 6006 The reinforcements, excepting Glengarians, arrived about nine 800 S30 600 400 700 800 229 400 mw 9 iiperationa of Gen. Ripleifa brigade at Masara, 800 830 COO 400 700 800 22(1 400 Mnutes of the proceedings of a Court of Inquiry assembledin the Court House, in the village of Troy and State of mw York, in pursuance of the following General Order, issued by the War Department* Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, idth I'eb. 1819. GENERAL ORDER. A Court of Inquiry, of which Major General Henry Dearborn is President, and Brigadier Generals Moses Porter and Daniel Bis- sell, members, will sit in Troy, in the State of New York, imme- diately after the General Court Martial now sitting in that place Jail have finished its business j to inquire into the conduct of Brigadier General E. W. Ripley, during the last campaign, and particularly in relation to his conduct immediately after the battle of Niagara of the 25th of July, 1814. The Court will hear and r'eportsuch testimony, documents, and evidence, as it shall deem important, and give its opinion on the CftSC* E. A. Banoker, Esq. Army Judge Advocate, will attend the court ts recorder. «* By order of the Secretary of War, ^Signed) D. PARKER, Mj. and Ins. General Troy, March 14, 1815. The Court convened pursuant to the preceding General Order, Present, Major General H. DEARBORN, President. Members, Brigadier General Porter. Brigadier General Bissell. E. A. Banoker, Judge Mvocate.\ 1 he prescribed oaths being adriiini.tered, and the Court organic- edas above. Brigadier General Eleazar W. Ripley, of the United States Army, appeared, the General Order was read, and the in. 2 I., TV ! I i| :il ii *0 a-ilry into the subject matter enjoined by tliesanje was commenced ' William McDonald. Captain in the i9th -S|-" o^ «^^^^^^^^^^^^ States Infantry, being produced and swo.n as a . itncss by General Bipley-Testified, ^ ^ ^^ ^^ That in the campaign of 18U, belere aim uur ^b Brid'-evvater, near Niagara, he was aetu.g Aid to Brigadier Gen. R ±1. On the morningof the 2.th of Jnly,the army umler the ommand of Major General Bro. n, was encamped on the upper d"^ Cb ppewa Creek; many of the men were that day engaged Uiang 'and about half an hour before sun-set were sU out wne. a tirin. was beard, which they in camp ascribed to General wne.i u .a pncmv. as he had marched out with fecott's being engaged with tne en^my, us "^ "^ his brigade aboat two hours before. Wh*u General Scott first m.rehed o.t, » "»» "•" f "'™' ,7,- pressio- that be had done ,o for the purpose of P«;»f« '^^ ^ ■' " Our army at tliia time eonsUted of two brigades of regular troops ^:Zded b, Brigadier G..eraU8eot. and Uip.ey. and a sa...l eoros of 3 or 600 volunteers nnder Gen. rorter. Tb. total of Gen. Ripley's brigade, may have amounted to .bout ,00 tieefflvesfrom /to 800. TM.e da, before at Queens own heLbU be reeollected bearing General Seott ,ay tbat ku brigade colined about the same number-perbaps -< '" >^;- About tbe .Mb of J"^^;„^7, tru ■ir.":^h'';;oo ml Itr:: rg:^r;\l:eli::;be bad a UHedeneamp. r-ix best^f-bis ^''-^^f-::::;^-^^ rcecivcd of tbc for«e ami position ol Ibt enemy oci» *" On uledaytt mentioned, tbe proportion of tb.se »bo fon^ed .be V sbin parties a.d seattcred men of 'H-amp. amounte was from the firing. ^ g gj„lt In the order ofthe encampment, the first ""S*"' ™" „. , re'ted onjbe ObiiM.e,v. , ^'•'^-^^"i'Tt'.llT/^^ abo«t tw, hundr«i ,»rd. tet^t, wA tM«.r b-'ni t. th. N»SW. 11 lenceil LTniteil ieneral ittle of r Gen- der the ; upper ngaged till out, SeneraV ut with eral im- nd drill. r troops, a »mall to about Ruatown brigade n. Rial: iOO men. encamp- tion was the I6th o formed ounted in re parties nber. a, was en- ly knowl- they had Sen. Scott D. Bipley, Niagara, and at right angles to the first. The encampment embraced the Single formed by the Niagara and Chippewaj which at that place formed a junctiun. Across the Chippewa was a bridge, over which General iScott had passed and advanced about two miles, when (he firing of musketry commenced. Immediately on hearing it, Gea. Ripley ordered his brigade to be formed. By the time this was effected, the report of artillery was distinguished. Soon after, orders were received from Major Gen. Brown, through some of his staff, for t'le second brigade to advance and reinforce Gen. Scott. Gen. Ripley immediately on receiving the order, marched with his brigade, across the Chippewa, and when about half a mile in the rear of the scene of action, it being then near dusk, despatched the witness in advance to Major Gen. Brown, to ascertain the situa- tion of the enemy, and what point he should march to, and form his brigade. The witness on his way to General Brown, met his aid. Captain Spencer, proceeding with orders to General Ripley, to form his brigade in the skirts of a wood on the right of General Scott'. . The brigade accordingly continued to advance, and was in the act of forming the line, when General Ripley remarked to Col. Mil- ler and other commanders that, to form a line in that place would be of no consequence, as they could not advance in liriPy through the woods— and they were not then within striking distance of the enemy. — He added, that he would take upon himself the responsi- bility of moving further on toviards the enemy, before he formed. The witness left the brigade for a few minutes to apprize Gen. Brown, of this movement, but did not find him, and immediately rejoined General Ripley. The march from the encampment to the scene of action was prompt and rapid, and the brigade for one half the distance was on a long trot to keep with the General's horse. — While passing the woods in pursuance of General Ripley's determination to ad- vance, the fire of the enemy was very heavy, and their shot and shells fell about us in great quantities, but was more particularly directed at General Scott's brigade on the left, which the second was then in the act of passing. The imprassion was, that the first brigade was at this time suffering very severely from the continued and destructive fire poured in upon them, and General Ripley in consequence remarked to the witness and Col. Miller, that he would detach the 21st regiment^ commanded by the latter, I4 ',11 "if m •11 1" ; to carry the enemy's artillery, adding that unless this was done, they would destroy our whole force, or compel us to fall back. It was then completely dark, and though it was known their ar- tillery was posted on an eminence, we had no knowledge of their number, or how they were supported. The distance of General Scott's line from the enemy, must have been between three and four hundred yards at that time, and there was then no firing of musketry from it. After General Ripley's suggestion to Col. Miller, the latter immediately made dispositions to execute it— displayed his regi- ment by forming a line on the left of the road nearly fronting the enemy's artillery. General Ripley, at the same time he gave the order for the ;^l8t to storm the battery by an attack in front, directed ihe 23d to forni in column, and march against the enemy's flank. About the time the 2lst was preparing to move as directed, the witness met JSeneral Brown, who enquired for General Ripley, and asked what dispositions he hud made; the witness informed him, he approved of it, appeared qi|ite elated with the iptelligence, and accompanied him to General Ripley. Some conversation took place between them, and in a very few minutes both battalion::^ were in motion ; the 3lst commanded by Col. Miller, the 23d by Major McFarland, but led by General Ripley in person. — While the 23d was advancing to operate against the enemy's flank, and about 150 yards distance from the height, they received a fire in front from perhaps 50 or 60 musketry which threw them into confusion for a few minutes, and caused them to fall back about dO or 6Q yards. The regiment however speedily recovered and formed intq column, sooner than he has ever known one formed for parade- though perhaps not with equal accuracy. Some difficulty occurred in forming the platoons, in consequence of their having been bro- k£n J but their numbers were guessed at, and wheeled into column with a view to despatch and to facilitate the movement. The whole was accomplished under the particular direction and im- mediate agency of Brigadier General Ripley. His exertions to effect it were very great, and no one could be more active than he was. The whole interval from the moment the fire was received in front, until the actual re-organization of the column in readiness to advance, did not exceed five minutes. They then marched directly and displayed upon the enemy's flank. While this was performing Col. Miller had advanced pursuant to his orders against ^1 13 iljie front, and succeeded in carrying'tlie enemy's battery, consisting of seven pieces of artillery ; to m it, two brass twenty-fours and smaller ones. Having; passed thf; position where the artillery bad been planted, Col. Miller again formed his line facing the enemy, and engaged them within twenty paces distance. There appeared a perfect sheet of fire between the two lines. While the 2lst was in this situation, the 33d attacked the enemy's flank, and advanced within twenty paces of it, before the first volley was discharged ; a measure adopted by command of General Ripley, that the fire might be effectual and more completely destructive. The movement compelled the enemy's flank to fall back imme- diately by descending the hill out of sight ; upon which the firing ceased. Prior to the fire of the 23d, the enemy were closing in upon Col. Miller's command, which appeare th; 2 command of the Consolidated Battalion (Col. Brady be- ing too much exhausted by the loss of blood to command, though he declined leaving the field.) My orders were to march the bat- talion to the top of the hill, and form there as a second line. They were formed in Lundy's lane, with the right towards the Niagara road ; and their left in the rear of the captured artillery. This artillery and the American field artillery, under command of Maj. Hindman, occupied the summit of the eminence near the old church. Next on the right of his artillery was the 22f\ regiment, and then the 2Sth regiment on the extreme right. On the left of I the artillery was tlie 21st regiment, with lume other troops eoa- snlidtitcil with it ; thea the lat iiit'untry. Oen. Porter's voluuteers occupied the extreme left. The army was thus situated when in* formation was received, that the enemy were again advancing, and their near approach was discovered by a sheet of tiro from both armies, who were not to exceed thirty yards from eacli other, and dearly in parallel lines. Gen. Bcott having been absent from us a short time, for the purpose, as I supposed, of ascertaining the situation of the enemy, returned and asked me in a loud and animated voice, " are thes* troops prepared for the charge," and without giving me time to answer him, he added, ** Yes, 1 know they are prepared for any thing," and he ordered me to form them in close column, left in front. This being done, Oen. Scott ordered " Forward and charge my brave fellows," and leading the column himself, we passed I through our line between the pieces of our artillery, and came ia contact with the left of the enemy's line, a short distance past the centre, which immediately gave way. Owing however to the darkness of the night our column had become in some degree irregular, we passed the extreme left of Oen. Porter's volunteers, and formed our men in line. Gen. Scott again ordered me to fornv the troops " in column at half distance, right in front." This order being executed, Gea. Scott again led the column to the charge with a view to turn the enemy's right flank, but finding that flank supported by a heavy second line, his charge was with- drawn. Oen. Scott then passed through the American line, and joined Col. Jessup with the 25th regimenc on the right of that line, and was there wounded. The remainder of Oen. Scott's brigade were again formed a small distance from the left of Oen. Porter's volunteers. This was executed in the presence of Major Gen. Brown. He informs me that he was wounded at this period. In executing formation, I received the most essential services from Lieut. Cushman, acting adjutant of the 9th regiment, and Lieut Crawford, adjutant of the 11th regiment. Lieut, Brady of the 22d also rendered me (he most substantial service on this occasion. In my opinion he has merited the particular attention of the War Department, as much as any officer in the army. This formation bting executed, Major Jones, pssistant adjutant general, generously offered to ascertain the position of the con' lendiDg arimes, and uiforB mQ at what point the troops tli«n i ii I I !i under my Command could be led into action to the ^rcateaf^ advantage, and without injury to 6ur own men of other corps. Having been dismointed since the first charge, this offer was of the greatest service to me, and most gladly did I accept it. Major Jones then reconnoitred in the most gallant manner, under an incessant fire of musketry, the situation of the American line, and reported it to me. From this report I was induced to lead the Iroops under my Command to the summit of the hill. Firing had now ceased on both sides. The thickest and most impenetra- ble darkness prevailed. All was still, and nofbing to be heard but the groans of the wounded and dying. Moving forward to gain the summit of the hill, I was hailed by Gen. Scott, who informed me of his wounds, and orderod me to push forward and join the 20th regiment, under the command of Col. Jessup, who was also severely wounded. Gen. Scott informed me, he was then compelled by the severity of his wounds to retire from the field, and ordered me in case .the enemy should again return to the contest, to seek an opportunity to charge, and drive them from the field with the bayonet In a short time after. Gen. Brown hailed me, and inquired for Gen. Scott. I informed him that he was wounded and gone from the field. He then informed me of his own wounds, and said he must also retire, and that I must look to Gen. Ripley for orders, as the command of course devolved on him. I then moved on, and formed my men on the right of the 25th regiment, and the extreme right of the American line. Col. Jessup and myself now had some conversation as to our own situation and that of the army. His command and my own were consolidated, and consisted of all the effective men of the first brigade remaining on the field which I do not think excseded 130 or 200 men exclusive of officers. The men were exhausted with fatigue and the want of water. The enemy had retired front the field, but in what direction was not known. From the length of their lines which we had during the action discovered by our own and their fire, we had reason to believe they were far superior to us in numbers. To refresh our men on the field would be hazar- dous in the extreme, and we were liable to be flanked on our left, and cut off from our camp at Chippewa. Under these circum- stances, not knowing the situation of General Ripley's brigade or General Porter's corps, it was decidedly my opinion that the army ought to return to their camp at Chippewa. Col. Jegsup express- f;rcateaf^ !r corps. • was of , Major nder an 2an line, I to lead Firing penetra- )e heard ward to ott, who t'ard and iup, who he was from the return to Ve them ler, Gen. med him informed id that I sf course in on the iLmericaii as to our my own in of the excseded txhausted ired front le length f our own iperior to be hazar- our left, 9 circum- rigade or the army > express* S3 ^d to m^ the same opinion. lie also directed me to take com" tnand of the troops of the first brigade while lie went in search of General Ripley for orders and inforniation. Col. Jessup sufl'ering the most excrutiating pain from his wounds, and it being excessive- ly dark, was unable to find General Ripley, and soon returned to me, and again took command of the troops, and directed me to find General Ripley, if possible, and obtain orders and information as to the intended course of operations. I soon found General Ripley, and informed him of my wish, and my directions from Col. Jessup. General Ripley inquired the strength and situation of the first brigade, and while doing so, a person rode up to General Ripley, with orders from Gen. Brown (as I understood.) General Ripley then told me he had received orders from Major-Gcneral Brown, to collect the wounded and return with those, and the ar- my, to the camp at Chippewa. Gen. Ripley then gave me order!* to the same eff'eet, as it respected the first brigade. His informa- tion and order was immediately communicated by me to Col, Jes- sup. He feeling that the action was over, and suflering severely from his wounds, did what most men would have sooner done : he gave to me the command of the troops of the first brigade, and re- tired from the field. He however continued near us, and proba- bly would have Joined us, hud we been attacked. All the wound- ed who could befmnd on and near the field were put into waggons, which had been sent from the camp atChippe.v^ lor that purpose, and sent oflf. Gen. Ripley ,was very particular ip his orders, that the movement of the troops should be conducted with resrularity and order, and so far as came to my knowledge, his orders were strictly obeyed. Not a shot was fired from the enemy, and our troops moved in as good order, and with as much regularity /ro?nj as to the field, and arrived at Chippewa between one and two on the morning of the 26th. During tbe whole of thfs night, as well during the action as after it, I was impressed with a high sense of the merit of General Ripley as a soldier, and the gallantry of his brigade in capturing the enemy's artillery. He manifested on that occasion, while in conversation with me, all that coolness and deliberution for which he has become distinguished, aud which was so peculiarly necessary at a moment big with the fate of the army uuder his command, and the honor and glory of the American arms. Having a hope that this statement may, at some day, appear to ■4' 'ili I 26 (lie world as an honest relation of facts, I should do great iujusticr to my feelings did 1 not mention the gallant conduct of Capt. Pent- land, of the 22A regiment. Soon after the commencement of the action, he brought his company (which had been the advance of Gen. Scott's brigade) into action, on my right. This was done in the most brave and soldierly manner. His example and conversa- tion had the most beneficial eftect during the warmest of the ac- tion, and contributed greatly to keep the men steady and active in their duty. As to thi 9th regiment, which on that occasion I had the honor to command, I cannot make particular distinction as to the merits of individuals. Every man in the regiment, from the highest to the lowest, gave me the most perfect satisfaction. They main- tained th»ir ground against an overwhelming superiority of force, in a manner which has seldom been excelled for gallantry in any age or country. It has been stated that their numbers were but ±50 rank and file when they entered the field ; and it will appear from the official return of killed and wounded, that 1-28, including every officer with the regiment, were included in that report. It is due to the memory of Lieut. Burghardt, who was killed at the close of the action, to say that he particularly distingu ished him- self, by continuing to do his duty in the most able manner, after being severely wounded in the left side, at the commencement of the action, although he bled freely, and was advised by me several times to go to the rear, he declined to do so, and continued with me until he was shot through the breast in the last charge. On the morning of the 26th, at about 7 or 6 o'clock. Col. Gard- ner, adjutant-general, came to me with an order to make a field re- port, stating the strength of the first brigade, and to prepare thent to march, and take possession of the field of battle immediately. I immediately took measures to ascertain the strength of the sever- al regiments. The ninth regiment I counted myself, and recollect its effective force was 64 men. The strength of the other regiments 1 do not recollect. My impression now is, that the whole strength of the brigade, exclusive of attendants on the wounded, and the details for guard then on duty, did not exceed 5 or 600 men. The troops were formed, and took up the line of march at about nine o'clock. After crossing the Chippewa, I received orders from Gen. Ripley, to take possession of the works at Chippewa with the first brigade; which wai done by bridging the ditch on the : 111 I ill ay fiiouih side of the breastwork, thereby making a platform for th'# men to stand upon. From what I saw of our forces, whieh I do not think at that time exceeded 15 or 1600 men ; and from what I had seen of the enemy's force the preceding evening, J did think it the most eonsummatel folly to attempt to regain possession of the field of hatth — and every officer with whom I conversed, among whom were many of the first distinction, expressed their astonishment at such an attempt^ and their surprise that every exertion was not made immediately to take up the line of march for Fort Erie. The troops however re-crossed the Chippewa at about 12 o'clock, and took up the line of march for Fort Erie. We arrived and encamped in good order, in the field opposite the Black Rock ferry, on the evening of the 26th July. The march from Chippewa to Fort Erie, was made in the most perfect order, nor was any thing left behind us which could be of any advantage to the enemy. AYith the highest esteem and respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, [Signed] H. LEAVKNWORTH, Colonel V. S. Jirmy. Note. It is to be understood that Major Arrowamith, of the 22d regiment, rendered me every service during the atition, and after the command of the brigade devolved on me, which his short acquaintance with the troops would admit. He joined the brii;ada either a few minutes before or after the commencement of the action. Extract of a Letter from Brig. Gen. James Miller to a friend in Boston. Sir, Fort Erie, Sept. 4th, 1814. I improve the opportunity which a short indulgence from duty allows, of hastily communicating to you the occurrences of the action of theSdth, and the present situation of the army, which is mvf closely invested by the enemy a. *ii8 post. I 88 i On (lie 25(Ii Gen. fecolt was detached Iroui our position nt Oliippoua by Gen. Brown, with directions to occupy Queenstown. He marched with his own brigade, and in two hours the sound ol* his musketry informed ns that he was ch)sely engaged with the enemy. At this time, tlie 2d brigade and other corps were quietly remiiining in camp. All immediately marched, without calling Id our pi«iuets and other parties, to the support of the 1st brigade— "We found them at the distance of three miles, gallantly support- ing a most unequal conflict. Our arrival was a little past sun-set^ and soon changed the aspect of the field. The enemy's artillery was advantageously posted upon an emi- nence commanding the plain. The destruction which it dealt tlirough our ranks, suggested the imperious necessity of carrying tile height. Tliis G(Mieral Uipley directed to be done with his own hrigaf^t; — t!ie 21st regiment* advanced and charged the battery in front : he led the 2.3d upon their jtank — both these regiments pres- scnt, were If ss than 7()(> men. The movement was performed in the most heroic manner by both regiments, and in a few minutes vve found our.«e!ves in possession ofthe whole park, consisting of seven j»ieces, and t!ie enemy was routed in every direction. But his line was soon formed in rear ofthe artillery, and several most desperate charges were made to regain the ground and artillery, from which he had been driven ; he was repulsed as often as the attempt was re- newed, with great slaughter. During two or three charges the eon- test was carried on by the Jtl brigade. Gen. Porter soon brought up his command to support it ; and Lieut. Col. Jessup, with the 2i1th regiment, also arrived at the same point. The action closed at 11 o'clock, and we found ourselves in complete possession of the field, the enemy having been driven at every point. We remained near an hour, \>hen Gen. Brown ordered General Ripley to retire to the camp — this movement was etfccted in perfect order, but through some unfortunate circumstance, the trophies of our victory, the ar- tillery, were not carried oft'. As General Brown remained in com- mand upon the field until we retired, I do not consider General Ripley in the least accountable for this neglect, more especially as I understood that the order was to retire immediately. Some have shewn a disposition to detract from the merit of Gen. Ripley, and to charge upon him the commission of all the errors which • (Jeneral Miller nt this time commanded the 2Ist reglirent, and led it to ihis charge. I ' S9 4)4icurrv<^d. I am, however, fully satiafied of his good conduct genr crally as an officer, as well as of his discernment and ability in the field on this day. ■I Albany, 20th March, iSUi. jfirigadier General Rjpf.Erf Sir, Agreeably to your request, I will state to the best of my recollection, the amount of the order given you by Major General Brown, in his own tent, about 1 o'clock in the morning of the 26th July, 1814, and of some conversation that took place, between the General and myself, at Judge Barker's, some days after you had taken your position with the army, then under your command, at Fort Erie. After the troops had retired from the field of battle, on the night of the 2dth of July, to their encampment at Chippewa, I ae> companied Brigadier Gen. Ripley, to Major Gen. Brown's tent. General Brown was then confined to his bunk, in consequence of a wound received on that occasion— considerable conversation took place respecting the battle, and of the relative strength of the two armies ; both were of opinion that there was not much difference in our loss, but were of opinion that that of the enemy was greater than our own, as many of their valuable officers had been captured, aud were then in our possession. Gen. Brown ordered Gen. Ripley to have the troops refreshed, and at reveille in the morning to take up his march for the field of battle, and that if the enemy appear- ed in force, to be governed entirely by circumstances. Gen. Brown, at Judge Barker's, sometime between the 5th and 10th of August, asked me many questions respecting the battle of Niagara. After relating to him the circumstances which came under my own view, the General expressed his pleasure at our recollectionn having served sc correctly, and that to Gen. Ripley he was under strong obligations, for to his gallantry and uniformly good conduct he was indebted for the safety of the army. (Signed) w. McDonald, Captain i9th Infantry. 80 Certificate of Major S. Burhank. I certify on honor that I was an officer in Gen. Ripley's brigadt at the battle of Bridgewater on the 25th July, 1814 ; that I belong- ed to the 3l8t regiment under the command of Col. James Miller; that when the brigade arrived within about one hundred and fifty yards of the enemy's park of artillery, I heard Gen. Ripley give orders to Col. Miller to advance uith the 21st regiment and charge the enemy's battery. Gen. Brown was not present at the time the above order was given. I further testify, that I have seen Capt. McDonaWs statement, given before a Court of Inquiry at Troy, and so far as my knowl« edge extends, the facts are correctly stated. (Signed) S. BURBANK, Major by brevet) U. S. Army. Boston^ June) 1819. 1 f I Troy, (N. Y.) March 13th, Iftlff; Gen. Riflet, Sir, I have the honor to state to you, that a few minutes after the close of the action of the 25th of July, 1814, near the falls of the Niagara, on returning to the heights at Lundy's lane, from which I had a few minutes before been absent. I overtook Capt. Austin, the senior aid-de-camp of Major Gen. Brown, who was in quest of jrou; and fearing himself that he should not be able to find you, he requested me to bear an order to you, which he had in charge from Gen. Brown, and which he delivered to me in the following words : viz. « that Gen. Ripley after collecting and sending off the wounded, would retire in good order, and in ease the enemy pressed upon him, would face about and fight him." Agreeably to the request I delivered the order to you on the heights. I have the honor to be, Sir, With the greatest respect, Your obedient and humble servant, (Signed) N. S. CLARKE, CapU iith Inf. Brigade Jdt^or, 81 3ir, Sacket's Harbor, &th March, isifi* brlgadft [ belong- Mitler; and fiftj ►ley give lent and at at tbft atementy f knowl« ^> Sf. Army. l&tff; after the Is of the tn which . Austin^ quest of find you, a charge nllouiiig idiog off B enemy greeablj In compliance with your request, I shall state to you such facte as come within my recollection, that transpired at the battle of Bridgewater, U. Canada. On the night of the i»5th July, 1814, at the battle of Bridge- water, Major Austin, aid to Major Gen. Brown, gave orders to Brigade Major Clarke and myself to communicate to Gen. Uiplcy that Generals Brown and Scott were wounded, and the command devolved on Gen. Ripley ; and that it was Gen. Brown's orders that Gen. Hipley should march the troops from the field of action to the mouth of Chippewa Creek, where the army had eneamped previous to the battle, without delay j and if he w as attacked in making his retreat, he should defend himself. This order we re- ceived at the White House, about half a mile from where the battle was fought. We accordingly made all haste to inform yon ef this order, which order Brigade Major Clarke communicated to you, Sir, in my presence. Previous however to your receiving this order, tliere were, I should say, ten or twelve waggons going to the field of battle, to carry off the wounded : they had arrived as far as the White House, when they were ordered not to proceed »ny further, but to return to camp. I cannot say who gave th» order for them not to proceed any further. Your most obedient, Most humble servant, (Signed) JNO. P. LIVINGSTON. Mju. >nt 2Sd Inf. e Jd(^or, Statement of Lieut. Col. Hindmati. After the enemy was repulsed (at Bridgewater) the last time bjr Qur troops on the hill, I rode to the rear to bring up my spar* ammunition waggons. On my return with them I met Gen. Brown, who gave me orders to the following effect : *< Collect your artil- lery as well as you can, and retire immediately; we shall all march to camp." He observed, that we had done as much as ygo could de^ that nearly all ear eflioers were killed or wea)ided; 32t h that he himself was wouuded, and he thought it hest to retire (t» camp. I proceeded to execute my orders. The firing had ceased In my opinion not more than fifteen hundred men could have been collected in our eamp for battle on the morning of the 26th July. (Signed) J. HINDiMAN, Brev. Lt, Col. U. S. Ji. commandinir *irtil. on the nDTiagara Frontier. 6Vr, Sacket's Harbor, March 15th, 1815. In answer to your inquiries relative to the action of the 25th July, at Bridgewater, I would observe that being at that time severely indisposed with the fever and ague, I had an opportunity of witnessing but few of the movements or transactions of the day. I can state, however, that Brig. Gen. Scott crossed the Chippewa River with his brigade (about 900 strong,) in the afternoon of the 25th, about two hours before sunset, and marched down the Nia- gara. That about sunset, while the troops were paraded for roll call, a heavy fire of musketry was heard from the direction Gen. Scott had marched ; that the second brigade was immediately formed, and marched with the greatest expedition to reinforce Gen. Scott. Immediately after the second brigade had marched, I collected about fifty men of the 21st and 33d regiments, most of whom had returned to camp from washing, and other parties, on hearing the firing, and followed with as much expedition as possible. On arriving near the field of action, and being unsuc- cessful in attempting to join my brigade, I saw the adjutant gene- ral, who ordered me to remain with my detachment on the ground, (I had halted till I was conducted to it,) and in the mean time ta prevent the soldiers returning to eamp. About eleven o'clock at night, as Major Gen. Brown was returning to camp, ha observed io me that our troops were about withdrawing from the field, and ordered me to remain with my detachment where I then was till they had passed, and then follow them to the camp. Soon after the troops passed in good order, under the command of Gen. Ripley, to the best of my judgment about 600; and I with my to relirc fo had ceased. I have been ! 26th July. wimandins a Frontier. 83 detachment followed agreeably to orders, aod the whole arrived m camp about 12 o'clock at night. I have the honor to be Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, (Signed) MORRILL M.\RSTON, ^ . ^ „ JSrevet Major aist Inf. Brig.Oen.E.W.mpky. h, 1815. f the 20tb that time opportunity of the day. Chippewa ioon of the n the Nia- led for roll ction Gen. iiniediately > reinforce I marched, ents, most Jr parties, tediliun as ing unsuc- itant gene- lie ground, n time ta o'clock at J observed field, and m was till Soon after I of Gen. [ with my On the morning of the 33th July, 1814, the American armv. under the command of Major Gen. Brown, being then encampe.! at Chippewa, U.C. I was detailed and assigned to the command! of a piquet, which agreeably to the directions I received, was poste.! on the lower side of the Chippewa creek, near the banks of the Niagara river, on the road leading from Chippewa to Queenstowa heights, about a quarter of a mile from the encampment. Between 8 and 9 o'clock, a. m. I discovered a part of the enemy on an eminence near the fulls, a mile and a half, or two miles in advance of the piquet. The party was stationary, and continued so during the day. Of this 1 gave immediate notice to the officer of the day. Between 13 and 1 o'clock, a few of the enemy's dra- goons approached very near the piquets, and were fired on by some men concealed in advance; and frequently in different directions small parties of the enemy were observable from the piquets, of which the officer of the day was informed ; who, when he visited the piquet observed, that the information he had received wa«* eommunicated to the General, who ridiculed the idea that the enc my wert in force near tJie falls. Between and r, o'clock, p. m. General Scott with hisbrigad.-. marched past the piquet on the road to Queenstown. The parii. - «f the enemy in view retired at his approach. Near the falls, and on the ground occupied by the enemy, ( ^ heretofore mentioned) Gen. Scott's advance were fired on, and a few mmutes after, the action became general. Captain Spencer General Brown's aid, rode up and inquired "where was the firingf and when informed returned to camp. Having received orders, I moved with the piquet to join Gen. Scott, and not far in my rear was the 2d brigade, under General Ripley, The movements dur 9 V 3'h i»i5 ihe remainder of the battle, are detailed in Captikiii McDon. aid's testimony, which, as far as my knowled|;e extends, h correct. General Ripley was singularly 'n-ave and active. [Signed] A. W. ODELL, Capt. 23d Infantry. '.'!•■: >• ':> Sir, PiTTSTOwN, Ren«ellaer Connty, (N Y.) 20th March, 1815. In conformity to your wishes, as expressed to me at our last interview, ! avail myself of the present opportunity (the ear- liest that has since occurred.) to detail such -of the crents as eame under my observation, in which you had an official agencv, or personal interest, at thu action of Bridgewater on the ','0th Juiy fast ; together with the relative situation of the two armies on the morning subsequt^nt to that sanguinary conflict. The testimony of your aid, Capt. McDonald, before the court of inquiry convened to investigate your conduct at Troy, is so ac- curate, full, and luminous, that a repetition would be superflu- ous. I shall content myself, therefore, at present, with declaring that so far as my observation extended, the narrative of Capt. McDo- nald contains a faithful and correct statement of facts relating to the operations of your brigade, and of the army, after you assumed the command, from the commencement to the termination of the action ; excepting, that the witness was, in my opinion, generally incorrect in his estimate of distances ; which would, I think, have approximated nearer to accuracy, if he had substitu- ted feet for yards. During the action 1 was a witness to your indefatigable zeal and activity. When hostilities had ceased for the night, I well recollect your anxiety to render the victory com- plete, byseeuring the enemy's artillery; and when that was found to be impracticable, your humanity, as exemplified in your attention to the wounded, was no less conspicuous than your valor io the field. i I ■• > McDon* in correct. rifantry. , 1810. le at our (the ear- Tents as agency, ;5th July es on the he court is so ac- superflu- ring that McDo- reiating fter you nination opinion, would, I substitu- to your ised for ry com- pound to ttention 10 the 89 On the return of the army to camp, the corpn to which T belong- ed was stdtioned at the brid^p on the opposile si.le of the Chippe- wa, to guard that pa>i' CASTELLO. mark. Albany, March 2lst, 1815, ■'1^ We certify, that the above named John Castello, made and suit scribed the foregoing statement in our presence. [Signed] JAMES C. BRONOUGH, Hospital Surgeon, U. S, Ji, [Signed] A. W. ODELL, Capt. 2Zd Infantry f .iT.;; t li HI The following is the statement ofSergeau- Dean ff'aymouth, of the late 2lst regiment infantry, respecting the state of the enem^fs forces at, and after the close of the action of the 25th of July^ 1814, at JViagara, in which he was wounded and made prisoner. Previous to the close of the action of the iSth July, 18t4, at Niagara, a rejn^'orcement of 2000 men from Kingston, joined the enemy on the battle ground — at the termination of whicli he retired, with a force estimated at i5000 strong, about half a mile down Lundy's lane, and encamped until the next morning at day light, when he drew up his forces in three lines, viz. front, rear and reserve — the former on the plain, the two latter in the woods. At 9 o'clock, A. M. this army moved up to, and covered the battle ground, where the above named Sergeant lay wounded, from whence, they removed the cannon left the night previous,— and re- mained, shewing readiness to renew tlie action, about one hour, at the same time reconnoitreing the American army, until they dis- covered from it, a d!&|^osition not to' meet them, — when the enemy moved forward bis whole force, about three quarters of a mile^ where he remained till afternoon, whence he retired to the battle ground, and continned two days before he moved towards the posi* tion of the American army, which ^as ^t Fort Brie, by reason ef the destruction of Chippewa bridge. 10 1 the t were at and suit JGH, 7. S, .% ntrtfr th, of the enemifs of July^ prisoner, 18 14, at oined the e retired, ile down ay light, rear and ads. At le battle }d, from -and re- liour, at they dis- le enemy a mile^ le battle the posi- reasen ef 8d The enemy^ army was said to have retired, not knowing the position of the \merican army, to.avoid stratagem, until day-light, when they confidently expected with their addkional ^r«e, hav- ing drained forts George and Niagara, to renew the action sue- cessfuUy. The above was taken, at the request of Major General Riploy^ early in the month of June last. [Signed] JAMES T. B. ROMAYNE, Major, U. S. A, Brigade Inspector. Boston, Auc. 7th, 181^. Events after the Betreat to Fort Erie, On the 26th of July the army retrograded on Fort Erie, and encamped opposite to Black Rock. This movement received the express sanction of Maj. Gen. Brown. On the 27th Gen, Ripley, contrary to the opinions of the engineers, directed the troops to assume the position on the left of Fort Erie. He issued an order to Lieut. Col. Towson to build a battery on Snake Hill, (which covered the left of the poshion,) taking the opinion of the engineers as respected its construction. He also directed in person the positions where the lines were to be drawn. Col. McRee in the first instance thought it not necessary to entrench at all ; and at first his opinion preferred the heights opposite Black Rock. It is believed, although there were many conflicting opinions at the time, that not an ofiicer of the army can now be found, who will assert that General Ripley could have hazarded a batde with the enemy on the 26th of July, without assuredly losing thj2 army ; for in less than five days, a force more than 40 double our number invested us, notwithstanding the militia^nd^dijns^had been, discharged, and the gar- risons ordered from Forts George and Niagara. Captain Kirby^s Certificate, "'■': <■ In compliance with the request of Gen. Ripley, I certify to the following statement of occurrences on tl Niagara frontier, subse- quent to the action at the Falls on the 25th of J y last. The army had assumed its position at Erie, and from the 27th was employed, under th^ command and direction of Gen. Ripley, in completing the defences of that post. On this duty every man not on guard was engaged until about the dth or 6th of August, when Gen. Gaines arrived and assumed the command. Withiit this period much labor had ])een performed, as the different parties had relieved each other in such a manner, that the work was carried on as well by night as during the day. Fort Erie, which protected the right flank of the camp, had been much improved ; a redoubt had been thrown up on Snake Hill, which covered the left ; and these works had been connected by a line of intrench- ments and abbatis that formed the front. The lake was in our rear. Gen. Gaines, after hts arrival, made no alteration in these dispositions. The enemy did not appear in force until the 3d of August, when he drove in our piquets, effected a reconnoisance of the camp, and made preparations for its investment. On the 30th of July I was sent by Gen. Ripley, with some com- munication, to Gen. Brown at Buffaloe. While with Gen. Brown he spoke of the action of the 25th, and in the course of his remarks, mentioned in high terms the good conduct of the second brigade, particularly of the 2lst regiment belonging to that brig- ade, and expressed his approbation of the conduct of Gen. Ripley on that occasion. At day light on the morning of the 13th of August, the enemy opened a new battery on the fort and camp, firing hot shot and 41 jl^ells : iliU cannonade was vigorously continued through Ihat day, night, and succeeding day. At this time Gen. Ripley com- manded the left wing ; and as expectations were entertained of an assault, much vigilance was exercised to guard against a surprise. It was an order to keep one third of the men, exclusive of the regular guafd*', standing in the works through the night ; audit was the constant practice of Gen. Ripley to be either himself awake, or when he slept to employ one of his staff in watching all that occurred, and in continually visiting the difterent parts of his command. On the night succeeding the 14lh, I was called by him at 11 o'clock, with directions to be particularly observing, as he was apprehensive of an attack before morning. About half past twelve, the fire of the enemy slackened, and in an hour had entirely ceased. I called Gen. Ripley, and notified him of the circumstance. As their shot passed through the camp, and would have annoyed a column of their own in its approach upon this flank, and as this cessation of fire might have the etfect of putting our men off their guard, and from other indications. Gen. Ripley told me that he was satisfied that the enemy meditated an attack. He immediately ordered the brigade to be formed in the lines ; and after having seen the men turned out, directed me to report to Gen. Gaines his belief that the enemy were in motion. I proceed- ed to head-quftrters, and found the Geueral, together with his aid, Capt. Harris, in the act of mounting their horses. I communicated my message, and he turned towards the left flank of the camp, where, before our arrival, the attack had commenced. It continued in separate charges for 18 or 20 minutes, when the enemy was repulsed with great loss, leaving IdO prisoners in our possession. T!>e attack on the right flank did not begin till about the close of ihe a^'tion on the left; and I believe that the troops had not been alarmed, or turned out, previous to the firing of the second brigade on their left. The left of our position was esteemed the weakest point, and we afterwards ascertained that the strongest column of the enemv advanced upon it. During the period occupied in the assault, the command o£ G6u. Ripley was at all times in order; reinforcements were sent to different points without confusion ; and the enemy were, promptly met, and overpowered with ease. (Signed) REYNOLD M- KIRIIY, „lld-Je-Caiitp, A iBANY, March 20th, 1815. 4;& i Major TV. S. Foster's CcrUJlcaic. In compliance \\\i\\ the request of Gen. Uiplcy, I ecrlify that on the 27th day of July, 1811, 1 took the command ef the n?mnins ol" the 11th regiment, amounting in the aggregate for duly (inchiding those who were washing on the day of action at Bridgewater, and who were not engaged, and sixty men of my company w ho were with me at Sclilosser, and some fifteen or twenty men who escaped from the action of the SSth of July, 1814,) to one hundred and twenty-five or tliirty men : That on the 27th of July the army^ under the command of Gen. Ripley, took up its position at Fort Erie ; the right of the army rested at the Fort, the left at a place known afterwards by the name of Snake Hill. The enemy, far superior in numbers, was near us, and an immediate attack was expected from the 27th of July to the 6th day of August. The General was indefatigable in erecting works to defend (if possible) his position against the expected attack. The work was carried on without cessation, as well by night as day, by officers as w ell as men. The fort was much strengthened, and defended the right flank of the army. A strong redoubt was thrown up for the protection of the loft flank. The centre of the army was protected by a breastwork, ditch, and a double row of abbatis: Ibis breastwork connected the fort with Snake Hill. On the 3d of August the enemy attacked and drove in our piquets, and reconnoitred oui- camp and works : he chose how ever rather to make his approaches regularly than to attack and cany the position by stoini. On the (ith or 7tlj of August Gen. Gaines arrived, and look the command of the luiny : no alteration of Gen. Ripley's work:,, for the defence of the army, was directed by him : but they were ordered to be completed as soon as possible. On the night follow • ing the 12th of August, two of the throe schooners then at Krif, were cut out by the enemy, and drifted down the river. These schooners annoyed the enemy very much by their fire upon his working parties, and assisted us in the defence of the place. On the 13th of August the enemy opened his batteries, Avith bombs, shot, &,c. and continued his fire until almost dusk, on the 14tli, when one of our caissons was blown up by a hot shot : from its being near the Fort, the enemy supposed it to be our principal 43 y that o» i^mniiis oi" iiicliHUn;^ atcr, and I ho were escaped (Irt'd and lie anny^ ri at Fort X a phicu iiemy, far e attaclv ' August, efcnd (if 'he work day, by ?ned, and ouht was tre of the [e row oi' lill. c in our lose how to attack and look 's workii, they werr^ ht follow . n at Krk'. 1'. These upon hi'* luce. On th bombs. tlie 14th, from its principal itia^^azine : he intmediately mounted \ui works and gave three cheers. From the eirenmstanee of his being elated at the exph)- «ion of the caisson, from the weatjier being favorable, and from his keeping up his tire, with little intermission, until hall' past 12 o'clock on that night, many were induced to believe (as was the case) that we should be attacked before light. The attack com- menced on the left tlauk, which was defended by General Ripley's brigade, commanded by him. His brigade was in good order, and hy being prepared and having no confusion, he was enabled to repel their determined and repeated attacks, and to make about ICO prisoners, without assistance from any other division of the army. The reason why I have mentioned the regular order of the General's brigade, and that there was no confusion, was owing to the positive knowledge of these facts, from my position in the command of the 11th regiment, which placed me so near as to be perfectly able to hear all words of command given, in his brigade, as well as in the enemy's column. This column, which the General defeated, was supposed to be the greatest that moved against us. (Signed) WM. S. FOSTER, J^Iajor V. S. j3r»n/. Col. Uindman's Statement. After the enemy was repulsed at Bridgewater the last time by '^ur troops on the hill, I rode to the rear to bring up my spare am- munition waggons. On my return with them, I met Gen. Brown, who gave me orders to the following effect : " Collect your artil- lery as well as you can and retire immediately, we shall all march to camp.'^ He observed that we had done as much as we (fould do ', that nearly all our officers were killed or wounded ; that he himself was wounded, and he thought it best to retire to camp. I proceeded to execute my orders — the firing had ceased — When upon the hill with the troops, I inquired for General Ripley, to ■■y»' 44 (ifiiiimuuiciito llie orders 1 had received. I did nut see Hen. Uiplej ut that time. InunedTutely after this, I turned my attention to getting off the niciny's brass 24 ponnder, and for this jiurpose detached Lieut. Fontaine, of the ar'.iUery, v : ,> rdcrs to cake it from the fiehl, and afterwards ordered Lieut, j ", of the artillery to assist him. I then rode to (he bottom oi ,,ie hill, and after great difficulty, procured some liorsea, and at the same time ordered several wag- gons to (he top of the hill, to bring off t!ie wounded. On my re- turn to tlie gun, some of the waggons having previously reached the hill, I discovered the gun and waggons in possession of the enemy ; some of the men and horses were captured — I left the iield at (he same time. When 1 reached the troops on their return to camp, Lieut. Fontaine informed me, that I had left him but a tew minutes, before the enemy charged his little party at the gun, Wid made them all prisoners. He escaped by dashing through their ranks on liorr «back, it being dark. In my opinion, not mor€ than fifteen hundred men, could have been collected in our camp for battle, on the morning of the 26th of July. (Signed) J. HINDMAN, Brevet Lieut. Col. U. S. J. Major IlarrU's Slatement. Sir, Boston, August 23, 1815. In compliance with your request, I have the honor of stating to you the conversation which passed between myself and that highly distinguished officer, Lieutenant Colonel Towson, of the artillery. When he retired from the field, at the close of the action at Niaga- ra, I asked him if the enemy's pieces could not be brought off; he replied that he had no horses ; I offered him those of my troop — he asked if I had harnesses ; answering him in the negative, he I ■'' 43 II. Uiplej g off the ed Lieut, field, and ssist iiim. ilifllculty, eral wag- ►n my re- y reached on of the ■I left the eir return him but a the gun, ; through ould have the 26th 17. S.Ji. observed, it was then impossible to bring them off. Our force the next morning, I presume, did not exceed 1500 men. Your obedient servant, (Signed) SAMUEL D. HARRIS, Brevet Major Artillery j late Captain Regiment Dragoons. Statement of a British Officer, Albany, March 17, 1815. I eerUf^) that Gapt. Loring^ aid-de-eamp to Gen. Drummond of the British army, and prisoner at war to the U. States, informed me in the month of January last, that Gen. Drummond had about two thousand infantry, and four or five hundred light dragoons, which were not brought into action at Bridgewater, near Niagara Falls, on the 2dth of July. He also stated, that the two thousand infantry were a part of the reinforcement from Kingston^ and arrived at Bridgewater sometime after the action commenced, (Signed,) WM. BROWNING, Capt. 9th Infantry. J, 1815. stating to lat highly artillery, at Niaga- )ught off ; ly troop — native, he I 40 It was c-qxctcd by the nation that General Ripley M oirid be inimcdiatcly placed in arrest for the disobe- dkncc of orders stated in Gen. Brown's report of the Vtli of August. Instead of that, Gen. Ripley received the following communication : 8ir, Head-Quarters, Caledonia, IStli August, 1814. Von have permission to be absent for eio;ht iveeks, — at the end of which you will please to report to the Commanding General on this frontier in person. Ji// order of Maj. Gen. Brown. With great respect, (Signed) C. K. GARDNER, Brig. Gen. E. W. Rivley, / Jldjutant General. Fort Erie. In May last, Gen. Brown wrote a letter, which was shewn to Gen. Ripley by Mr. Dallas, acting secretary at war ; the substance of it is given from recollec- tion. I- Washington City, May, 1813, Hon. Alex. J. Dallas, Sir, My report of (he 7(h August created an impression, in relation to Gen. I*ipley, which I by no means intended. 1 did not intend to implicate his courage, his talents, or his zeal. h\ that report 1 stated, that I had given him orders to meet and boat the enemy on (he morning of the 26th July. This order was not ijiven until after the command of the army had entirely devolv- ed uj)on Gen. Hiplcy ; and I am fully convinced, that circum- fttanees afterwards occurred, to satisfy the judgment of Gen. Rip- iey that (be order could not be executed. .Justice to myself, as well as to the army, requires that I should make this statement. (Signed) .TACOB BROWN. !. <. 47 This is the substance of a letter whicVi was wiiUtu to the war department. Without resortins^ to extraor. dinary reasons, which never existed, the letter at once illustrates the motives of Gen. Ripley's conduct in rela- tion to Gen. Brown. Previously to the writing of it, Gen. Ripley had no intercourse with Gen. Broun, farther than was rendered necessary by military etiquette. Had the letter been made public, the necessity for this developement would not have existed, I ■.! APPENDl*. ■..^ ! It 14 a painful task to scrutinize the action of Niagara ; it shall be done briefly, and only in relation to the enemy's artillery ; attempts having been made, by some oflicers attached to the General Staff, to throw the censure of its not being removed upon Gen. Ri|)ley. The artillery vas captured. That it should at once have been removed to the rear is obvious ; this could have been eifected in one hour,merely by ordering up the spare horses that were with our reserve of artillery. It then would not have been subject to contingencies. Instead of that, less than half our force was defending it in a most desperate manner : that force by killed, wounded and strag- glers continually lessened: the enemy was reinforced, and when fie retired from the contest, simply retreated under the hill, about 200 yards from our line. Our force had become so diminished, that the :ast charge compelled the whole line to recoil, and it was with unexampled difficulty that it was rallied. It had become re- duced to not more than six hundred, exhausted an(^ almost without officers. Gen. Brown remained on the ground (not on the height, but in the roar) in command. His wound was a flesh wound in the thigh, which did not dismount him. Under thvse circumstances Gen. Uipley first discovered our own artillery t j be gone, and in full march toward Chippewa ; — in consequence, as he afterwards learnt, of orders from Gen. Brown to Col. Hindman. Next came a peremptory order to collect the wounded and retire. Gen. Ripley was satisfied that Ins troops could not M'ithstand another charge. He attempted to remove the artillery by means of detachments. It was unavailing. Under these circumstances was he to obey or dis- obey the order .? Had he disobeyed it, and been destroyed by another charge, what would have been the consequences to him- self personally and to the army ? His force was too weak to admit of assuming that responsibility by a delay ; and no military man eonid have done it. When Gen. Brown ordered Col. Hindme camp and in the fceld. ^o corps for its gallantry, its patience, and its hardi- liood, deserves more credit Irom its country. General Kipley slates in the most positive manner, that from the period of his entering the army until the present moment, he lius been neither the author nor adviser of any publication what- ever, cit tier 111 the newspapers or in any periodical paper, except, jiig such official documents as have borne his signature. I he irregularily of the arrangement of the foregoing papers ii Mie result of haste and employment in other pursuits NOTES. ^ote to pageu. « Gen. Scott, with the three remaining bat- talions on the right ; but the latter were so situated as not to be engaged." This ought to be, " were so situated as not to be en- gaged in line with the 2d tottC^." It is probably an error in transcribing. -^^'^ ''J Page 22. « A! this moment the enemy ceased his Ore, and re- tired Jrom the held." ^ This retiring uas merely falling back to the main body situated in the rear of the artillery. General Rial committed a great mil- itary error. His force consisted of at least 2500 men. No officer has estimated them at less. His sharpshooters and militia were in the woods through which Gen. Scott advanced. The moment Gen. Scott debouched from the woods,Gen. Rial should have pushed lorward every effective man. But instead of this, he was unwill- ing to eave Lundy's height, because it afforded a strong position. He simply threw forward his right wing, so as to attempt to reverse Wen. bcott's left ; and sent detachments to the front. A bold and gallant forward movement at once with his whole force and the bayonet, would have settled, in fifteen minutes, the fate of that portion of the American army. Had Gen. Drummond been there, he would have done so j but he did not arrive until afterward. vn forward re, an other tr spoke ul* A rfflpvcl imp and in iu hardi- tliat from nunient, he tiun what- er, except^ ; papers U iuing bat- i not to be ; to be en- fi error in e, and re- y situated ;reat mil- No ofHcer litia were e moment ve pushed i8 unwill- ; position, to reverse L bold and le and the te of that een there, Mard. // US py. tT I rns oi\ tj« Bsa*!; I StrengihoflstBrigade,July 23(1, 1814, . . . . Strerigthof2dBrigade,July 2Sd, 1814, . . . • Strength Gen. Porter's Volunteers, July 30th, 1814, Strength of Corps of Artillery, July 30th, 1814, . 1) c O u ei BQ 1 i 1 a. s as 0) 2 1 i la O •5» 0) 613 a "o O 1 1 1 1' i 11 e al e 01 ■«-' 3 Oi an o a 3 1 2 2 3 3 i 1 0) s 3 1 2 u 6T/^£J c o 3 B O V 813 u S FOU BVTY, a & A U s S3 s s o » en ^ 1 to *- 3J • S e o X 4^ O 3 > b. o en S ^ 4-1 C s 3i •^ Sfl a> ' la B H 03 ai 4 1 8 11 8 2 3 4 7 5 2 1 9 8 y 3 3 4 4 5 3 8 8 7 on c « 613 aj 15 u sj 4 1 1 4 Rank and file present for duty, » )> on extra duty, » »y in arrest 2458 65 6 Grand total dfective rank and file, . 3529 The rank and file, include Corporals and Privates ; Sergeants are file closers in the rear, and the Music was not ar- -d. Deduct on piqi Washing and C and Rtgii futiguc par Detachment o; icry, and tvv( panics of teers, direct Gen. Browr main in can •» The report of Gen. Porter, oif July 23d. is not to he found. His report of July 30th is here inserted. il . ' ' STREJVGTH OF THE AMERICAJV AMMY, JULY %5, 1814. ■^■MM PRESENT Sirei FOR DUTY • EXTUi DUTY. c o» * 0^ 1 "3 9J 1 B C Second Lieutenants. CC S Ok 3 a> -3 ' la Ensigns or Cornets, 1 • X •J: c ■A a &r t. Si a; u u ai 3 Principal Musicians. Pay Master's Clerks. • ■4mt a* Of r/. * "3 u O a. O U • tn u U >% 3 2 o 8 .2 3 •ST on ^« a; •^- • 'on 3 c an b a< « • s s v *-4 • at O Ol v s o • > 0, 1 • ; £ V : "3 il O) 5 . 91 5 SID V CC t- c s. o U • a^ • OR U «J S i « 3 • 3 ;^ an .S *^ 33 • X c t s Hi < • en 4-* o Total Non Commissi 8 4 8 4 4 00 84 37 1 6 3 12 909 8 7 4 19 5 5 8 2 1 3 48 63 6 38 1 4 773 2 3 3 39 1 6 4 3 7 1 2 34 22 12 38d 1 1 4 1 4 1 12 11 2 2 211 3 1 1 246 Deduct on piquets, Washing and General and Rogi mental fuiiguc parties, Detachment of artil- lery, arid two com- panies of volun- ( teers, directed by Gen. Brown to re- niain in cuiup. 2529. 250 300 %\'IU 200 750 S.Mcn in camp during the whole battle of \ Niagara and never ordered on to the field. This copy is not dated Total engaged, 1779 ' ' ly SOth Is here inserted. To this is to be added his casualties at Niagara. The game remark IS applicable to the artillery. — The remarks and ealc 25, 1814. # X an i -3 1 < 3 o a Stren<>:th, c a o o "o 246 a! 12 B a < in St Oil 3 SICK 'S -= ■-; I ss CS 3 2 14 10 1 f! 4^ V. c «J ee t- aj *^ b. 3j O (fs. U 24 17 12 13 11 4 1 _2 s « d 218 2 iro 1 60 1 11 m True Coffyfrom Bociments Jiled in this oj^ce. (Signed) s. >py is not dateu, »iui nils liiaufc ouv .iv -3- __-- -The remark* and calculafuns on this report have been added to the copy, and were :n ■*— c « WD CIS, u c ^< fcT o In Arrest 2 't/3 « m S3 24 17 1 12 13 2 11 4> 1 1 1 218 iro 60 11 a a u o in > HI u n3 e o -i^. '5 • • ^^ ■»i* s a in o u B a O a 6ID O WD H <1 1422 1506 1198 538 260 N. B. During the active operations, re- ports were made week- ly, or once in tiveilajs. i Ihe only change irom the morning of the 23d when this report was! made out, to the 25thj July, was the arrival ol about ISOettectives, un-| der Lt. Col. Nicholas,) of the let Kegl. anUhel detachment of about thej same number to SchJcs- ser, so that the detach- ment, under Colonel Nicholas, is not taken | into view, but consider- ed balanced ^y the I detachment sent tol Schlosser. ed in this ojjice. GRIFFITH, Acting Assistant Mjutant General* Jacket's Harl»or in February last. I ded to the copy, and were not m the originak. il , .4 "*' ■ APPENDIX. M cro- B , ft <* '-" p^ pr *, 5 5- •*■ M* ^* "J c o 3 2 -« » s ^ 3 S r» S O r- C S" c — cr k-»., OD 3 5«-- ft _^ f. 5* SOB- srtt ^^^ •sgj {- D sr si. 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