Documentary History 
 
 of tho 
 
 (^ampatQw on t^e 
 
 IN 1812. 
 
 (WITH MAP.) 
 
 ■c|it«Mi tor th* Lundy^ Lan« 
 HIatortoal Sooloty 
 Hy Major ■. Oruik«}*ank, Pert Krl«. 
 
 PABTS I. AND II., COMPLETB. m.M. 
 
 PART lfl„ •1,00. 
 PART III., PAPER COVER, 780. 
 
-?tr 
 
 I 
 
 

 THE DOCUMENTARY 
 
 fflSTORY OF THE CAMPAIGN 
 
 UPON THE 
 
 Niagara Frontier in the Year 1812, 
 
 COLLECTED AND EDITED FOB THE LVNDTS LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
 
 BY MAJOR E. CRUIK8HANK, 
 
 Author of the "Story of Sutler's Rangers," &o., &o. 
 
 WELLAND : 
 PRINTED AT THE TRIBUNE. 
 
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The Militia Law of 1808. 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 
 An Act to explain, amend and reduce to one Act of Parliament 
 the several lawH now in being, for the raiding and training of the 
 Militia of this Province. 
 
 PtUised March 16th, 180S. 
 
 Whereas, a well regulated militia is of the utmost importance 
 to the defence of this Province, and whereas the laws now in force 
 are in some respects defective, be it therefore enacted by the King's 
 Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the 
 Legislative Council and Assembly of the Province of Upper Canada, 
 constituted and assend)led by virtue of antl under the authority of 
 an Act passed in the Parliament of Great Britain entitled, "An Act 
 to I'epeal certain parts of an Act passed in the fourteenth \'ear of 
 His Majesty's reign entitled an Act for making more effectual 
 provision for the Government of the Province of Quet»ec, in North 
 America, and to make further provision for the Government of the 
 said Province, " and by authority' of the s^ime, that from and after 
 the passing of this Act, the governor, lieutenant-governor or pei-son 
 administering the Government of this Province shall and may from 
 time to time constitute and appoint under his hand an<l seal a 
 sufficent number of colonels, lieutenant-colonels, majors and other 
 officers to train, discipline and command the militia of this Pix)vince, 
 according to the rules, onlei's and directions hereinafter mentioned, 
 and the officers so appointed for the militia shall i-ank with the 
 officei's of such of His Majesty's forces as may for the time being 
 serve within the Province as the youngest of their respective rank, 
 which said officers respectively shall within six months after their 
 several appointments take the oath of allegiance to his present 
 Majesty, his heii-s awX successors, l)efore the magistrates assembled 
 in quarter sessions within the district to which such officei's re- 
 spectively belong. 
 
 II. And I»e it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that it shall and may be lawful for the colonel or officer connnanding 
 any regiment or battalion of militia, and he is hereby requiretl to 
 specify to each captain of a company of his regiment or battalion 
 the limits from within which the militiamen of such captain's 
 company shall be enrolled. 
 
 III. And l^ it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that every male inhabitant from sixteen years of age to sixty shall 
 
be deemed capable of bearing arms, and shall enroll his name as a 
 militiaman on the iirst training day on which the said companies 
 shall be drawn out in the division or limit in which his place of 
 abode may be, and shall at such meeting give in his name, age, and 
 place of residence, and if he has thereto but lately removed, he shall 
 make the same known, together with the place from whence he 
 removed, and every such inhabitant who shall not attend and give 
 in his name to the captain or officer commanding the companj^ for 
 such division or limit, so that his name may be enrolled as a militia- 
 man, shall for such neglect forfeit and pay the sum of ten shillings, 
 to be recovered and applied in the manner hereinafter mentioned : 
 Provided, nevertheless, that no inhabitant shall be convicted of the 
 offence herein described unless it is proved at the time of trial that 
 the same inhabitant had been notified either personally or by leav- 
 ing a verbal notice at his usual place of abode of the time of 
 meeting at least six days previous thereto : Provided always, that 
 no person above the age of fifty years shall be called upon to bear 
 arms, except on the day of annual meeting, or in time of war or 
 emergency. 
 
 IV. Provided always, and be it further enacted by the 
 authority aforesaid, that the neglect of any pei-son so to present 
 himself for enrolment and exercise shall not be construed to pre- 
 vent the captain or officer commanding the company of militia of 
 the limits wherein the place of residence of any such person may 
 be from entering the name of such person, and such captain or 
 officer commanding such company as aforesaid is hereby required 
 to enter the name of every person as shall come to his knowledge 
 upon the enrolment of his company, and when so entered every 
 such pei"son shall be subject to perform all and every the like 
 militia dutias, and under the same penalties as if he had personally 
 presented himself for enrolment: provided also, that if any differ- 
 ence shall arise between any captain or officer and any militiaman 
 touching the age of such militiaman, it shall be incumbent on the 
 said militiaman to prove his age. 
 
 V. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that 
 the colonel or officer commanding each regiment or battalion shall, 
 on the fourth day of June in each and every year res|)ectively, or 
 in case it shall happen on a Sunday then on the next day, and 
 ofteuer if he thinks it necessary, call out the militia of eacli regi- 
 ment or battalion to be reviewed or exercised, and in his absence 
 from the county, or in case of his removal or death, the said militia 
 shall be called out by the next senior officer of such regiment or 
 battalion, and every person liable to serve in such militia, whether 
 officer or private, neglecting or refusing to attend (except in case of 
 
5 
 
 sickness or having obtained leave of absence) shall forfeit and pay, 
 if an officer, forty shilling, and if a non-commissioned officer or 
 private, ten shillings ; but if it shall appear to the colonel or officer 
 commanding such regiment or battalion that it shall be more con- 
 ducive to the interest of such regiment or battalion that the militia 
 of the same be reviewed at different times and in separate bodies, it 
 shall and may be lawful for the colonel commanding such regiment 
 or battalion to call out a part of the militia at some convenient time 
 and place and the remaining part at some other convenient time 
 and place, as to him shall seem meet, and at every such review the 
 captain or officer commanding each company shall give to the 
 colonel, or in his absence to the next senior officer, fair written rolls 
 of their resj tive companies, and the colonels or other commanding 
 officers shall transmit returns to the governor, lieutenant-governor 
 or person administering the Government within fourteen days after 
 the fourth day of June in each and every year, under the penalty of 
 live pounds for each captain or officer commanding a company, and 
 for each colonel or officer commanding a regiment or battalion ten 
 pounds, for such neglect or refusal. 
 
 VI. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that 
 it shall and may be lawful for the governor, lieutenant-governor or 
 perscm administering the Government to appoint a proper person to 
 be adjutant-general of the said militia, who shall do all matters and 
 things appertaining to the said office of adjutant-general. 
 
 VII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that 
 the captains of militia shall draw out their respective companies not 
 less than twice or more than four times in every year (giving six 
 days notice thereof) at the most convenient time and place in the 
 county or riding, and shall inspect their arms and instruct them in 
 their duties, and every person after such notice as aforesaid, who 
 shall neglect to attend or shall disobey, whether subaltern officer or 
 private, (except in case of sickness or leave of absence,) shall forfeit 
 and pay, every officer the sum of forty shillings, and every non- 
 commissioned officer or private the sum of ten shillings for every 
 such neglect or disobedience. 
 
 VIII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that in time of war, rebellion or any other pressing exigency, it 
 shall and may be lawful for the governor, lieutenant-governor, or 
 person administering the Government, to call forth any of the differ- 
 ent companies of militia, and to march them from their respective 
 counties, ridings, towns, townships or jmrishes to an}' part of this 
 Province, there to serve in conjunction with other militia or with 
 His Majesty's forces, and any person refusing to obey such order or 
 coumiand, or absconding from or neglecting to repair to the place 
 
6 
 
 he is ordered to, being a commissioned officer, shall forfeit and pay 
 the sum of fift}'^ pounds and be held unfit to serve His Majesty as 
 an officer in any military capacity ; and, being a non-commissioned 
 officer or private, shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty pounds, 
 and in default of payment for such refusal or neglect, such officer, 
 non-commissioned officer or private, shall be committed to the com- 
 mon gaol of the disti'ict for not less than six nor more than twelve 
 calendar months, except such person shall satisfj'^ the colonel or 
 officer commanding such regiment or battalion to which he belongs 
 that such refusal or neglect arose from sickness, or that he was 
 absent upon leave. Provided always that no part of the militia 
 called forth in the manner aforesaid shall be obliged to continue in 
 actual service for more than six months at one time, and no militia- 
 man shall be so called out who shall be above the age of fifty years, 
 unless the whole of the militia of any district or battalion to which 
 he may belong shall be called out and e)nbodied. Provided, also, 
 that it shall not be lawful to order the militia or any part thereof 
 to march out of this Province, except for the assistance of the Province 
 of Lower Canada (when the same shall be actually invaded or in a 
 state of insurrection), or except in pursuit of an enemy who may have 
 invaded this Province, and except also for the destruction of any 
 vessel or vessels built or building, or any depot or magazine formed 
 or forming, or for the attack of any enemy who may be embodying 
 or marching for the purpose of invading this Province, or for the 
 attack of any fortification now erected, or which may be hereafter 
 erected, to cover the invasion thereof. 
 
 IX. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that 
 it shall and may be law^ful that the governor, lieutenant-governor 
 or person administering the Government to call out detachments of 
 the militia, and to limit and tix the number of men to be called out 
 in such detachments; and in cases of emergency by actual invasion 
 or otherwise, when it may not be practicable to consult the governor, 
 lieutenant-governor or person administering the Government of 
 this Province, it sliall be and nmy be lawful for the senior colonel, 
 or in his absence the lieutenant-colonel, of the several regiments or 
 battalions to limit and appoint the number of n>en that he shall 
 judge necessary to be called out, and for that purpose to issue his 
 orders to the several commanding officers, and also to direct and 
 authorize any officer, having first obtained a warrant for such pur- 
 pose from one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace, to impress 
 such carriages and horses as the service may require, for the use of 
 which the owner or the owners thereof shall be entitled to receive 
 the sum of seven shillings and six pence per day for ever}' cart or 
 carriage with two horses or oxen during such time as the same shall 
 
be employed or detained on public service ; provided always, that 
 whenever it shall happen that only part of the militia of this pro- 
 vince shall be called out for actual service, it shall and may be 
 lawful for any person being of the militia of the county or riding 
 that may be so called out to provide and send an able-bodied man 
 to serve in the said militia in his stead, and such able-bodied man 
 shall be taken and received as a proper substitute for such person 
 living in the county or riding that would otherwise be obliged to 
 serve in the said militia called out aa aforesaid, 
 
 X. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that 
 in the several counties and ridings, where the number of men would 
 be sufficient, the militia shall be formed into regiments, consisting of 
 not more than ten nor less than eight companies, which companies 
 shall consist of not more than fifty nor less than twenty p)-ivate 
 men, and the field officers of such regiment shall be as follows, that 
 is to say : One colonel, one lieutenant-colonel and one major, and 
 where the number of companies shall be under eight and not less 
 than five, such militia shall be formed into a battalion, and the field 
 officers of such battalion shall be one lieutenant-colonel and one 
 major only, and in each regiment or battalion of militia there shall 
 be one captain, one lieutenant and one ensign to each company. 
 
 XI. And it be further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that 
 to every regiment of militia there shall be, in addition to the officers 
 already mentioned, one adjutant and one quartermaster, and that 
 every field officer commanding a regiment or battalion shall fix the 
 number of sergeants who shall serve in his regiment or battalion, 
 and the captains of the said companies shall res{)ectively nominate 
 the sergeants thus fixed and make a return of their names to the 
 field officer commanding such regiment or battalion, who is hereby 
 authorized to approve or disapprove of such nomination. 
 
 XII. And it be further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that in the several counties and ridings where the militia men are 
 not in number sufficient to form a regiment or battalion according 
 to the interest and meaning of V;his act, the militia of such counties 
 or riding shall be formed into independent companies, each com- 
 pany to consist of not more than fifty or less than twenty private 
 men, with one captain, one lieutenant and one ensign in each com- 
 pany, and that the governor, lieutenant-governor or person 
 administering the Government may, when he shall think proper, 
 join together any number of independent companies and form a 
 battalion or battalions, or may incorporate them with any other 
 regiment or battalion of militia ; provided the number of com- 
 panies in any such regiment or battalion be not thereby made to 
 
exceed the number of companies of which a regiment or battalion 
 of militia is hereinbefore directed to consist. 
 
 XIII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that every non-commissioned officer or private who shall refuse to 
 obey the lawful orders of his superior officer or officers when em- 
 ployed on militia duty, or shall quarrel with or insult by abusive 
 words or otherwise any officer or non-commissioned officer being in 
 the execution of his duty, shall for every such offence forfeit and 
 pay a sum of money not exceeding five pounds nor loss than ten 
 shillings, current money of this province, at the discretion of the 
 justice or justices imposing such fine, and according to the nature of 
 the offence. 
 
 XIV. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that every person who now is eni'olled in any regiment, battalion or 
 independent company shall, within sixjnonths after the passing of 
 this act, and every person who shall hereafter be enrolled, of any 
 regiment, battalion or independent company of militia shall, within 
 six months after such enrolment, provide himself with a good and 
 sufficient musket, fusil, rifle or gun, with at least six rounds of 
 powder and ball, and shall come provided with the same at each 
 and every time when he shall be called out, either for the purpose 
 of review, exercise or actual service, and if any person so enrolled 
 shall neglect or refuse to provide himself or to come so provided as 
 in the case of review or exercise, he shall for each offence be liable 
 to a penalty of five shillings, and in the case of actual service, to a 
 penalty of forty shillings, to be levied in the manner hereinafter 
 mentioned : Provided always, that when and so often as any 
 militiaman shall make it appear to his captain or officer command- 
 ing the company that he has not been able to procure such musket, 
 fusil, rifle or gun, it shall and may be lawful for such captain or 
 officer commanding such company to admit of such excuse and 
 certify the same in writing accordingly, in which case such militia- 
 man shall not be liable to pay the said fine of five shillings in case 
 of review or exercise and forty shillings in case of actual service. 
 
 XV. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that every person who shall sell or barter any part of the arms and 
 equipments which may be delivered to him out of His Majesty's 
 stores, or who shall destroy the same, and every person who shall 
 buy or by barter obtain such arms or equipments, shall severally 
 and respectively forfeit and pay the sum of five pounds for every 
 offence on conviction thereof by the oath of any one creditable 
 witness before two justices of the peace residing within the county 
 where the same has been committed, and in case the person or 
 pei-sons so selling any part of his ai'ms or equipments as aforesaid, 
 
9 
 
 or the person or persons obtaining the same in manner aforesaid, 
 beinjr thereof convicted as aforesaid, shall refuse or nejjlect to pay 
 the said sum of five pounds, it shall and may be lawful for the said 
 justices, by a warrant under their hands and seals, to commit such 
 person or perstms to the gaol of the countj?^ or district where the 
 offence shall be committed, for an}'^ space of tinie not exceeding two 
 months : Provided always that it shall and may be lawful for the 
 said justices to discharge the person or persons so offending any 
 time before the expiration of the said two months, when the person 
 or persons so convicted as aforesaid shall tender to the said justices 
 the penalty inflicted by this Act. 
 
 XVI. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that at all times when the militia may be called out and embodied 
 for actual service the officers, non-commissioned officers and private 
 men of the several regiments, battalions and independent companies 
 of militia, shall from the time of their being drawn out and 
 embodied as aforesaid, and until they shall return to their respective 
 towns, townships, parishes or places of abode, remain under the 
 command of the governor, lieutenant-governor, or person adminis- 
 tering the Government, or other officer having the command of 
 them, and shall be liable to punishment for mutiny and desertion as 
 hereinafter mentioned : that is to say, that every officer, non-com- 
 missioned officer or militiaman who shall presume to use traitorous 
 or disrespectful words against His Majesty's royal person, or disre- 
 spectful words against any of the royal family, if a commissioned 
 officer shall, upon conviction thereof before a general courtmartial, 
 as hereinafter directed to be established, be cashiered : if a non-com- 
 missioned officer or private, he shall suffer such punishment as by 
 the sentence of the said courtmartial shall be awarded. 
 
 XVII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that any officer, n<m-commissioned officer or militiaman who shall 
 behave himself with contempt or disrespect towards the governor, 
 lieutenant-governor or the person administering the Government 
 for the time being, or shall speak words tending to their hurt or 
 dishonor, shall be punished according to the nature of his offence by 
 the judgment of a general courtmartial. 
 
 XVIII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that any officer, non-commissioned ofl^icer or militiaman who shall 
 begin, excite, cause or join in any mutiny or sedition in the regiment, 
 detachment, troop or company to which he belongs, or in any other 
 regiment, detachment, troop or company, whether of embodied militia 
 or of His Majesty's regular or provincial forces in any camp or post, 
 or upon any party, detachment or guard, on any piotence whatsoever. 
 
10 
 
 « 
 
 shall suffer death or such other punishment as by a j^eneral court- 
 martial shall be awarded. 
 
 XIX. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that any officer, non-commissioned officer or militiaman who being 
 present at any mutiny or sedition shall not use his utmost endeavors 
 to suppress the same, or coming to the knowledge of any mutiny or 
 or intended mutiny shall not without delay give information thereof 
 to his commandnig officer, shall suffer such punishment as by a 
 general courtmartial shall be awarded. 
 
 XX. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that all officers, non-commissioned officers and militiamen, who shall 
 be convicted of having deserted to the enemy, shall suffer death or 
 such other punishment as shall be awarded by a general courtmartial. 
 
 XXI. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that any non-commissioned officer or militiaman who shall quit or 
 otherwise absent himself from his regiment, detachment, troop 
 or company without a furlough from his commanding officer, 
 or who shall withdraw himself from the regiment, detachment, 
 troop or company then in service, whether of the militia or of His 
 Majesty's regular or provincial forces, shall, upon being convicted 
 thereof, be punished according to the naturo of his offence, at the 
 discretion of a courtmartial, and in case any officer of the militia 
 shall knowingly receive and entertain such non -conniiissioned 
 officer or militiaman, or shall not after lus being discovered to b'3 a 
 deserter innnediately confine him and give notice to the regiment, 
 detachment, troop or company in which he lasr, sei ved, he, the ."aid 
 officer so offending, shall on being convicted thereof before a general 
 courtmartial be cashiered. 
 
 XXII. And be it further enacted by the autLorit^ thereof, 
 that if any officer, non-commissioned officer or militiaman shall 
 be convicted of having advised or persuaded any other oincer or 
 militiaman to desert His Majesty's service, he shall sufler such 
 punishment as shall be awarded by a general courtmartial. 
 
 XXIII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that when the militia of this province shall be called out on actual 
 service, in all cases where a general courtmartial shall be required, 
 the governor, lieutenant-governor or per.son administering the 
 Government, upon complaint and application to him made through 
 the colonel or officer commanding the body of militia to which the 
 party accused may belong, shall issue his order to the said com- 
 manding officer to assemble a general courtmartial, which said 
 courtmartial shall consist of a president, who shall be a field officer, 
 and twelve other commissioned officers of militia ; provided always, 
 that in all trials by general courtmartial, to be held by virtue of 
 
11 
 
 this act, the governor, lieutenant-governor or person administering 
 the Government, shall nominate and appoint the person who shall 
 act as judge advocate, and that every member of the said court- 
 martial before any proceedings be had before that court, shall take 
 the following oath before the said judge advocate, who is hereby 
 authorized to administer the same, viz : 
 
 ' You, A. B., do swear that you will administer justice to the 
 best of your under8tan<ling in the matter now before you, according 
 to the evidence and, the militia laws now in force in this province 
 without partiality, favor or affection ; and you further swear that 
 you will not divulge the sentence of the court until it shall be 
 approved by the governor, lieutenant-governor or person admin- 
 istering the (jrovernment : neither will you upon any account, at 
 any time whatsoever, disclose or discover the vote or opinion of 
 any particular member of the courtmartial, unless required to give 
 evidence thereof as a witness l)y a court of justice in due course of 
 law. So help you (lod. 
 
 And so soon as the said oath shall have been administered to 
 the respective members, the president of the court is hereby 
 authorized to administer to the judge advocate or the person offici- 
 ating as such, an oath in the following words : — 
 
 " You, A. B., do swear that you will not upon any account, at 
 any time whatsoever, disclose or discover the vote or opinion of any 
 particular member of the courtmartial, unless recpiired to give evi- 
 dence thei'eof as a witness by a court of justice in a due course of 
 law. So help you God." 
 
 And the said judge advocate shall, and he is hereby authorized, 
 to administer to every person giving evidence before the said court, 
 the following oath : — 
 
 " The evidence that you shall give to this courtmartial upon the 
 trial of A. B., shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but 
 the truth, so help you God." 
 
 Provided always that the judgment of ever}' such courtmartial 
 shall pass with the concurrence of two-thirds of the members, and 
 shall not be put in execution until the governor, lieutenant-gov^ernor 
 or person administering the Government has approved thereof ; Pro- 
 vided always, that no officer serving in any of His Majesty's other 
 forces shall sit in any couitmartial upon the trial of any officer or 
 private man serving in the militia. 
 
 XXIV. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that durini; the time in which the said militia shall be embodied for 
 actual service they and every of them, as well officers as privates, 
 shall be liable and subject to all and every the provisions, regula- 
 tions, matters and things in this Act contained respecting the said 
 
12 
 
 militia, and also in cases to which the provisions of this Act do not 
 extend, to all the rules, regulations, pains and penalties of any Act 
 or Acts of the British Parliament that are or may be in force for 
 the punishment of mutiny and desertion, not contrary to this Act; 
 provided nevertheless, that no sentence of any courtmartial so to 
 be constituted and established under and by virtue of this Act 
 shall extend to the loss of life or limb, unless for desertion, mutiny 
 and sedition, traitorous correspondence, or for traitorously deliver- 
 ing up to the enemy any garrison, fortress, post, or guard, anything 
 herein contaihed or any statute, law, or usage to the contrary not- 
 withstanding ; provided always, that in no case whatsoever shall 
 any non-commissioned officer or private man, for any offence by him 
 committed be subjected to the piuiishment of being whipped by the 
 sentence of any courtmartial whatsoever. 
 
 XXV. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that in all cases where a n)ilitia officer not on actual service shall be 
 guilty of improper conduct or do anything unbecoming his char- 
 acter as such officer, not otherwise provided for in this Act, the 
 governor, lieutenant-governor, or person administering the Govern- 
 ment, upon complaint and application made to him through the colonel 
 or other field officer of militia commanding the respective regiment 
 or battalion to which the said officer against whom the complaint is 
 made may belong, or in case the said colonel or other field officer is 
 the party accused, to the next in coniniand, to issue his order to 
 assemble a court of enquiry, which court shall consist of one field 
 officer in rank superior to the officer accused, who shall be president 
 thereof, together with not not le.ss than four other connnissioned 
 officers ; and such court of enquiry shall examine witnesses and take 
 every necessary step to investigate the matter alleged in the com- 
 plaint against the said militia officer and report the evidence in that 
 behalf brought before them to the governor, lieutenant-governor, or 
 person administering the Government, for his decision thereon. 
 
 XXVI. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that except in time of actual service, the judges of the court of 
 King's bench, and clergy, the members of the legislative and execu- 
 tive councils and their respective officers, the members of the house 
 of assembly for the time being and the officers thereto belonging, 
 His Majesty's attorney general, solicitor general, the secretary of 
 the Province and all other civil officers who have been or hereafter 
 may be appointed to any civil office in this Province under the 
 great seal of the same, as well as all magistrates, sheriffs, coroners, 
 half-pay officers, militia officers having served by virtue of any 
 militia connnission in any part of His Majesty's dominion (who 
 may not have been removed for any offence as an officer of militia, 
 
18 
 
 or who may have obtained leave to resijjn his comini.ssion), the 
 surveyor-general and his deputies duly appointed, seafaring men 
 actually employed in the line of their calling, physicians, surgeons, 
 the masters of the public schools, ferrymen and one miller to every 
 grist mill, shall be and are hereby excused from serving in the said 
 militia: Provided always that this Act and the exceptions herein 
 containe«l shall not prevent, and it is hereV)y declared that the same 
 shall not be construed to prevent any or every of the above men- 
 tioned person or persons from holding commissions as officers in the 
 militia in this Province : Provided always that it shall and may be 
 lawful for the governor, lieutenant-governor or person administer- 
 ing the Government of this Province by warrant under his hand and 
 seal to exempt any of the persons hereinbefore enumerated from 
 being called out on the service aforesaid. 
 
 XXVII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that the persons called Quakers, Mennonists and Tunkers, who 
 from certain scruples of conscience decline bearing arms, shall not 
 be compelled to serve in the said militia, but every person professing 
 that he is one of the people called Quakers, Mennonists or Tunkers 
 producing a certificate of his being a Quaker, Mennonist or Tiniker 
 signed by the clerk of the meeting of such society, or by any three 
 or more of the people called Quakers. Menonnists or Tunkers, shall 
 be excused and exempted from serving in the said militia : pro- 
 vided, nevertheless, that every such person that shall or may be of 
 the people called Quakers, Mennonists or Tunkers, from the age of 
 sixteen to sixty, shall, on or before the first day of December in 
 each and every year, give in his name and place of residence to the 
 treasurer of the <Jistrict where he or they shall reside, and pay to 
 such treasurer to and for the public uses of such district in time of 
 peace the sum of twenty shillings, and in time of actual invasion or 
 insurrection, or when any part of the militia of that district shall 
 be called out on actual service, the sum of five pounds, and in de- 
 fault of such payment, it shall and may be lawful on information or 
 complaint on oath made by the said treasurer before any justice of 
 the peace of such district, for such justice to issue his warrant 
 under his hand an<l seal to levy the same by distress and sale of 
 the offender's goods and chattels, returning so much of the said 
 distress as shall exceed the sum of twenty shillings per anntnn in 
 time of peace and five pounds per annum in time of actual invasion 
 or insurrection, or when any part of the militia of that district shall 
 be called out on actual service, deducting therefrom the charges and 
 all other incidental expenses of such distress and sale, as well as the 
 expenses of summoning such offender before such jiistice as afore- 
 said, shall be by him within the space of two calendar months paid 
 
14 
 
 into the hands of the colonel, or in his ahsence, the next senior 
 officer of the regiment, battalion or independent company of the 
 division where the offence has been committed, to be applied for 
 the like purposes as the fines, forfeitures and penalties imposed by 
 this act, and for want of such distress the justice before whom such 
 person shall have been sunnnoned, shall connnit him to the common 
 gaol of the district until he shall pay and satisfy such sum, 
 together with the reasonable charges incident to such conviction ; 
 provided, nevertheless, that no person or persons so committed shall 
 in any case be detained in custody longer than the space of one 
 calendar month : provided also, and it is hereby enacted, that each 
 and every of the persons usually called Quakers, Mennonists and 
 Tunkers that have attained the age of fifty years shall not be 
 lial)le to the payment of such sum of twenty shillings for being 
 exempted from serving in the said militia in time of peace, but that 
 in time of war or other emergency they shall be liable to serve or 
 to the paynjent of five pounds for being exempted for every year 
 until they shall have attained the age of sixty 3'ears. 
 
 XXVIII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that in time of war when and so often as occasion may recjuire, it 
 shall and may be lawful for the governor, lieutenant-governor or 
 person administering the Government of this Province to employ 
 the militia of this Province either upon land or upon the lakes, 
 rivers, and communications thereof in such parties or detachments 
 as may by him be deemed expedient. 
 
 XXIX. And whereas, by a certain clause in this Act it is 
 provided that it shall and may be lawful for the persons therein 
 mentioned on certain occasions to call out (h^tachments of the militia, 
 be it thei'efore enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the persons 
 to serve on detachment shall be regularl}^ taken from time to time, 
 as they shall be required, from a roster or list to regulate the turn 
 of dut}^ to be first formed by ballot of each and every person in 
 each respective battalion, regiment or independent company, and 
 that after the same has been formed, when any person shall be en- 
 rolled as a militiaman in any battalion, regiment or independent 
 company, the name of such man shall be inserted and follow the 
 last person in the said roster, the initial of whose surname corres- 
 ponds with the initial of the surname of the man so to be inserted, 
 and when any detachment shall be called out for service the 
 adjutant or officer commanding each regiment, battalion or inde- 
 pendent company shall give notice to the persons of their turn of 
 duty. 
 
 XXX. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that when any detachments are formed and called out for public 
 
15 
 
 service, it shall and may be lawful for the governor, lieutenant- 
 govenior or person adnunlHtering the Government of this Province 
 to divide the same into smaller detjichments or parties and appoint 
 them to serve on board vessels, boats, or bjitteaiix upon any of the 
 lakes, rivers or conununications by water of this Province with 
 great guns or artillery, jis well as with small amis, as occasion may 
 require, and shall and may appoint them to be stationary in any of 
 the creeks or harbors of the said lakes, or in any of the rivers of 
 the province, and also to train and exercise the same to the use of 
 great guns and artillery as well by land as by water. 
 
 XXXI. And whereas it may be convenient to form one or 
 more troops of cavalry, be it therefore enacted by the authority 
 aforesaid, that it shall and may Ix; lawful for the governor, 
 lieutenant-governor or person administering the Government of this 
 Prox-ince to form and embody such troop or troops and to employ 
 the same on such duties as the necessity of the service may re(|uire. 
 
 XXXII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that all detachments to be called out and employed as aforesaid, 
 shall, and may, if neefl recpiire, be detained on such service for and 
 during the space of six months at one time and no longer; provided, 
 that every .such detachment be relieved by the arrival of a fresh 
 detachment, sufficient for the indispensable occasions of the service 
 at such period, for which purpose, it shall and may be lawful for 
 the proper officer one week at least before the expiration of the said 
 period of service to call together the remaining parts of tlie regiment, 
 battalion or independent company or so many as may l^e necessary 
 according to their several terms, to be regulated by the roster as 
 aforesaid, to relieve such detachment. 
 
 XXXITI. Provided always, and be it further enacted by the 
 authority aforesaiil, that if such detachment cannot be replaced by 
 an equal number of men of the remaining part of such regiment, 
 battalion or independent com pan}', respectively, then and in such 
 case every detachment to be relieved as aforesaid shall ballot or 
 draw lots for such a number of men as may be wanting to make 
 the succeeding detachment equal to the detachment to be relieved, 
 and the parties whose names shall be drawn shall be liable to serve 
 with the said detachment, but in the case of a partial relief they 
 shall be the first to be relieved, either wholly or by ballot, according 
 to the number to l>e relieved. 
 
 XXXIV. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that when any person shall have been convicted of any offence 
 against this Act and shall refuse to pay the fine, forfeiture or 
 penalty imposed on such offender, it shall and may be lawful to and 
 for the justice or justices before whom such person shall have been 
 
1() 
 
 convicted to coniinit sucli offeiulor to the common ^aol of the (liHtrict 
 until he bhall pay and satisfy .such fine, forfeiture or penalty, 
 toi;ethor with the retisonable charges attending such conviction : 
 Provided, nevertheless, that no person or persons so committed shall 
 in any case be detained in custody longer than the space of one 
 calendar month, except in such cases as are otherwise provided for 
 by this Act, 
 
 XXXV^ And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that no persons who have been discharged from His Majesty's 
 service as non-commissioned officers shall be obliged to serve in any 
 station in the militia in this Province inferior to that which they 
 held in His Majesty's service, unless, having been non-couunissioned 
 officers in the said militia, they uniy have been reduced according 
 to law. 
 
 XXXVI. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that no person enrolled in the militia shall absent or withdraw him- 
 self from any place of review or exercise without having first 
 obtained leave of his commanding officer so to do, under the penalty 
 of forty shillings if a conunissioned officer, and ten shillings if a 
 non-commissioned officer or private. 
 
 XXXVII. And be it further enacted by the authority afore- 
 said, that if any sergeant of militia, when thereunto requested by 
 his superior and proper officer, shall neglect or refuse to warn the 
 militiamen of the company which he belongs to appear at the place 
 of enrolment or exercise, he shall for every such neglect or refu.sal 
 pay the sum of fort}^ shillings. 
 
 XXXVIII. And l)e it further enacted by the authority afore- 
 said, that every .sergeant in the militia duly appointed shall be 
 exempt from .serving as constable for and during such time as he 
 shall hold such appointment as sergeant. 
 
 XXXIX. And be it further enacted by the authority afore- 
 saitl, that if any person be wounded or shall be disabled when 
 employed on actual service, upon an invasion, insurrection or re- 
 bellion, he shall be taken care of and attended during the time of 
 such disability agreeably to his rank. 
 
 XL. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that when any per.son shall be summoned before two of His 
 Majesty's justices of the peace as aforesaid for having neglected or 
 refused to do such things as V»y this Act are reipiired of him to be 
 perfonned, and shall, upon the oath of one credible witness before 
 such justices be duly convicted of such offence, such person shall 
 pay the charges and expenses of and incident to such conviction, 
 and that all fines, penalties and forfeitures by this Act imposed, on 
 default of payment, shall be levied by distress and sale of the goods 
 
17 
 
 and chattels of the offender by warrant under the handu and seals 
 of the justices before whom the said offender shall be convicted, 
 rendering the overplus (if any) to the said person whose f^xxjs and 
 chattels shall have l>ecn hu distraineil and sold, after deilucting 
 therefrom the charges of such distress and sale, and within two 
 months after such conviction and recovery, the sums so recovered 
 shall )>e transniitte<l by the justices before whom such information 
 ah;il! have been laid to the colonel, or in his absence, ti> the next 
 senior officer of the regiment, battalion or independent company, 
 and the said colonels and other offieei-s respectively shall, and they 
 are hereby required, out of the several sums of money which they 
 shall receive for fines, forfeitures or penalties, or otherwise by 
 virtue of this Act, to provide for their regiments in their res|iective 
 counties or ridings, drums, fifes, coloi-s, bannei"s, regimental books, 
 and for the discharge of other incidental expenses, and in case any 
 any overplus of such monies shall remain in the hands of any such 
 colonel or other officer after providing such articles as aforesaid, 
 such surplus shall be disposed of in premiums to the persons who 
 shall make the best shot at a target or mark upon days of training, 
 and in such proportions jis at a meeting the colonels or officers 
 commanding regiments, battalions or independent compjmies, nhall 
 order and direct, and each colonel, or in his absence, the next senior 
 officer of the regiment, battjilion or independent company, shall 
 render a certified account thereof in detail, to be transmitted to the 
 governor, lieutenant-governor or pei-son administering the Govern- 
 ment, as s»)on after the thirty-first da}' of December annually as 
 practical »le. 
 
 XLI. And be it further enacted by the autlioritv aforesaid, that 
 no order of conviction made by any justice or justices of the peace by 
 virtue of this Act shall be removed by certiomri out of the county, 
 riding, division, or place wherein such order or conviction shall have 
 been made, into any court whatsoever, and that no writ of certiorari 
 shall supersede execution on other proceedings upon any such order 
 or conviction so made in pursuance of this Act, but that execution 
 and other proceedings shall be had and made thereupon, any such 
 writ or writs or allowance thereof notwithstanding: provided 
 always, that the fines, forfeitures or penalties to be levied by virtue 
 of such order or conviction shall not excee<l the sum of twenty 
 pounds. 
 
 XLII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that if any action shall be bi*ought against any person or persons 
 for anything done in pursuance of this Act, such action or suit shall 
 be commenced within six months after the fact committed and not 
 afterwards, and shall be laid in the county, riding or place where 
 
 I 
 
18 
 
 the cause of complaint did arise, and not elsewhere, and the defend- 
 ant or defendants in every such action or suit may plead the 
 general issue and give this Act and the special matter in evidence at 
 any trial to be had thereupon, and if the jury shall find for the 
 defendant or defendants in any such action or suit, and if the 
 plaintiff or plaintiffs shall be non-suited or discontinue his, her or 
 their action or suit, after the defendant or defendants ahall have 
 appeared, or if, upon demurrer, judgment shall be given against the 
 plaintiff or plaintiffs, the defendant or defendants shall have treble 
 costs and have the like remedy for the same as any defendant hath 
 in other cases to recover costs by law. 
 
 XLIII. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
 that all former Acts relating to the raising of the militia within this 
 Province shall from and after the passing of this Act be and are 
 hereby repealed : Provided, nevertheless, that nothing in this Act 
 contained shall in anywise extend or be construed to extend to 
 annul or make void any militia appointment which may have taken 
 place in pursuance of the former Acts relating to the militia forces, 
 or to prevent the completing of any proceedings commenced in 
 pursuance thereof, until new commissions are issued under and by 
 virtue of this Act. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUT.COLONEL BRUTERES, R. E. 
 
 Quebec, 24th August, 1811. 
 
 Report of Ihc State of the Fortified Military Posts In Both the 
 
 Canadas. 
 
 ♦ **♦♦*♦♦*»♦ 
 
 Fort George. — Situated on the west bank of the River Niagara, 
 about one mile from Lake Ontario, is an irregular field work, con- 
 sisting of six small bastions, faced with framed timber and piank. 
 These bastions are connected with a line of picketing, twelve feet 
 in height. The whole of this work is ver^' much out of repair : its 
 situation and construction very defective, and cannot be considered 
 capable of much defence. The troops are lodged in blockhouse* 
 within the fort, which contain quarters for about 220 men, exclusive 
 of a spacious building for the officers. The magazine is a stone 
 building, arched, but not bomb-proof. 
 
 Fort Chippavva. — Situated on the right bank of the River 
 Chippawa, about 16 miles from Fort George. It is the termination 
 of the carrying place, nine miles from the west landing, and one and 
 one-half miles above the Falls. This post can only be considered a 
 transport post for depositing and forwarding stores to the upper 
 lakes. It consists merely of a large blockhouse, containing quarters 
 for one officer and thirtv-six men, and storeroom sufficient for the 
 stores deposited there. It is enclosed with a line of picketing very 
 much decayed, and cannot be considered capable of any defence. 
 
 Fort Erie. — Situated at the entrance to Lake Erie, eighteen 
 miles above Fort Chippawa. The old fort on the borders of the lake 
 is in ruins and totally abandoned. The construction of a new fort, 
 projected by Lieut.-General Mann, on the rising ground above the 
 site of the old fort, to be built of masonry, was begun in the spring 
 of 1805, in conformity with a report approved by Lord Hobart, 
 Secretary of State, in a letter to General Hunter. This work was 
 continued until the latter end of the year 1807, when it was put a 
 stop to by order of General Sir James Craig on his arrival at 
 Quebec. At the time of cl "ng, the two piles of barracks, together 
 with the masonry of two bastions fronting the lake, w^ere finished, 
 the ditch excavated and part of the uiasonry founded of two 
 bastions towards the land. The interior of the barracks, only partly 
 completed, to accommodate troops quartered at the post. The 
 remainder unfinished and has received some injury from remaining 
 
20 
 
 so long noglected. Fort Erie cannot be considered a strong militar}' 
 position, but as it is necessary always to have some troops stationed 
 at this post, to carry on transport and communication with Amherst- 
 burg and St. Joseph's, the necessary security and accommodation 
 might be probably obtained by completing this post. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Freer Papers, 1811.) 
 
 Major-Cicneral C!(>orKe Gln^jgow, K. A., to Sir Cieoi^e Prevo§t. 
 
 REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE MAGAZINES, STOREHOUSES, PLATFORMS, 
 
 CARRIAGES, ORDNANCE AND STORES, IN CHARGE OF THE 
 
 FIELD TRAIN DEPARTMENT IN CANADA UNDER THE 
 
 SUPERINTENDENCE OF THE COMMANDING 
 
 OFFICERS OF ARTILLERY. 
 
 Quebec, 18th Sept., 1811. 
 
 Neither horses nor drivers having been attached to the field 
 train in Canada, the officers and men of the artillery are but little 
 acquainted with the pre.sent system of field exercise, and the pres- 
 ent strength of the detachment of artillery is by no means in pro- 
 portion to the services required of so extensive a command. 
 
 ******♦♦♦♦** 
 At Kingston there is a light ()-pounder, a sergeant and two 
 gunners; the magazine unfinished and unprotected. 
 
 At York there are two light G-pounders ; neither magazine nor 
 storehouse, one sergeant and one gunner. 
 
 At Fort George there are for garrison use six 12-pounders, 
 three 9-pounders and one mortar, ail of iron ; of brass, one 12- 
 pounder, five light 6-pounders, four 3-j)ounders and a 5^ inch 
 howitzer with cars, five cast iron mortars with carriages, harness, etc. 
 The magazine is not bombproof; the storehouses are under the 
 barracks, in wooden buildings. A captain, three non-commissioned 
 officers and twenty-one guimers stationed here. 
 
 •»♦ ♦***♦*♦*♦ 
 
 In the present situation of the posts of Upper Canada there is 
 not one situation that can be considered safe as a depot. The 
 works are faced and lined with wood, the bastions connected hy 
 palisades. The buihlings are of wood, liable at all times to accident 
 by fire, and within tlie power of an enemy to be burnt whenever he 
 chose to undertake it. l::'^,:; ;.. .-i v ^ ^ ^- ; -r- ;- 
 
 A depot at a distance from the frontier is much wanted, where 
 the powder, annnunition, field pieces, small arms and naval stores 
 
21 
 
 not immediately wanted might be kept in more safety, and where 
 an establishment might be formed for making and repairing car- 
 riages, and other purposes essential to the service. 
 
 York .seems to present a situation well adapted for such a pur- 
 pose. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Freer Papers, 1811.) 
 
 Mfljor-Cieneral Isaac Brock to Sir George Provost. 
 
 Y<mK, Upper Canada, Dec. 2d, 1811. 
 
 Sir, — The information contained in the message of the President 
 to Congress relative to the existing differences between England and 
 the United States will justify, I presumed to think, the adoption of 
 such precautionary measures as may be necessary to meet all future 
 exigencies. Under this impression, 1 beg leave to submit to Your 
 Excellency stich observations as occur to me to enable you to form 
 a correct judgment of the actual state of this Province. 
 
 The military force which heretofore occupied the frontier posts 
 being so inadequate to their defence, a general opinion obtained 
 that no opposition in the event of hostilities was intended. The 
 late increase of ammunition and every species of stores, the substitu- 
 tion of a strong regiment and the appointment of a military person to 
 administer the Government, have tended to infuse other sentiments 
 among the most reflecting part of the community, and I feel happy 
 in being able to assure Your Excellency that during my visit last 
 week to Niagara I received the most satisfactory professions of a 
 determination on the part of the principal inhabitants to exert 
 every means in their power in defence of their property and sup- 
 port of the Government. They look with confidence to Your 
 Excellency for such additional aid as may l)e necessary in conjunc- 
 tion with the militia to repel any hostile attempt against this 
 Province. 1 shall V»eg leave to refer Your Excellency to the com- 
 munications of Lieutenant-Governor Gore 
 5th Jan ' 1^" vfHh Sir James Craig (as per margin) for 
 
 20th Feij., 1809, the latter en- a corrcct view of the temper and composi- 
 
 clo8ing an extract from corres- ,. ,. ,, •!•.• itt iiii> 
 
 pondenoe with Lt. Col. Grant. 4i8t tiou oi the mihtia and Indians, and altno 
 JaT'im "* AmherHtbnrg, 5th p^.j.fectly awarc of the number of improper 
 
 characters who have obtained extensive 
 possessions and whose principles diffuse a spirit of insubordination 
 very adverse to all military institutions, yet I feel confident a large 
 majority will prove faithful. It is, however, certain that the best 
 policy to be pursued, should future circumstances call for active 
 prepai-ations, will be to act with the utmost liberality and as if no 
 mistrust existed. For, unless the inhabitants give an active and «;.**. 
 
efficient aid, it will be utterly impossible for the very limited num- 
 ber of the military who are likely to be employed to preserve the 
 Province. 
 
 The first point to which I am anxious to call Your Excellency's 
 attention is the District of Amherstburg. I consider it the most 
 important, and if supplied with the means of commencing active 
 operations must deter the Americans from any offensive attempt 
 from Niagara westward. 
 
 That Government will be compelled to secure their western 
 frontier from the inroads of the Indians, and this cannot be effected 
 without a very considerable force. But before we can expect an 
 active co-operation on the part of the Indians, the reduction of 
 Detroit and Michilimackinac must convince that people (who con- 
 sider themselves to have been sacrificed to our policy in 1794) that 
 we are earnestly engaged in the war. The Indians, I am given to 
 understand, are eager for an opportunity to avenge the numerous 
 injuries of which they complain. A few tribes at the instigation of 
 a Shawanese of no note, have already (altho' explicitly told not to 
 look for assistance from us) commenced the contest. The stand 
 which they continue to make on the Wabash against about two 
 thousand regulars and militia is a strong proof of the strong force 
 which a general combination of the Indians will render necessary 
 to protect so widely extended a frontier. The garrisons of Detroit 
 and Michilimackinac do not, I believe, exceed seventy rank and file 
 each, but the former can be easily reinforced by the militia in the 
 neighborhood, which tho' not numerous would be sufficient for its 
 defence unless assailed by a force much superior to any we can now 
 command. The Americans would draw their principal force either 
 for defence or attack from the Ohio, an enterprising, hardy race 
 and uncommonly expert on horseback with the rifle. This species 
 of force is formidable to the Indians, altho' according to reports 
 which have reached me by different channels (but none officially) 
 they have lately repelled an attack of some magnitude. Unless a 
 diversion such as I have suggested be made, an overwhelming force 
 will probably be directed against this part of the province. The 
 measure will, however, be attended with a heavy expense, especially 
 in the article of provisions, for not only the Indians who take the 
 field, but also their families, must be maintained. The numerical 
 force of the militia in the vicinity of Amherstburg exceeds by a 
 trifle seven hundred rank and file. Consequently very little assist- 
 ance ea,n be derived from that source in any offensive operation. 
 Should, therefore, the aspect of affairs hereafter give stronger 
 indications of a rupture, I propose augmenting the garrison of 
 Amherstburg with two hundred rank and file from Fort George 
 
:^r 
 
 ■ ■ . ■•■ :■ ■>..-■'■ 23 '■,.'"" ..:.;vo 
 
 and York. Suph a measure I consider essentially necessary, were it 
 only calculated to rouse the energy of both militia and Indians, who 
 are now impressed with a firm belief that in the event of a war 
 they are to be left to their fate. Great pains have been taken to 
 instil this idea into the minds of the Indians, and no stronger argu- 
 ment could be employed than the weak state of the garrison. The 
 army now assembled on the Wabash, with the ostensible view of 
 opposing the Shawanese Indians, is a strong additional motive in my 
 mind in support of the measure, for I have no doubt but the instant 
 their service in the field terminates a large portion of the regulars 
 will lie detached to strengthen the garrison at Detroit. I have 
 prepared Colonel Procter for such an event, and after weighing the 
 inconvenience to which the service would be exposed if the district 
 were placed under a militia colonel, (an event obvious, unless super- 
 seded by a regular oflScer of equal rank,) I have directed Lieut.- 
 Col. St. George to be in readiness to repair to Amherstburg and 
 assume the command. I entertain a high opinion of this officer, and 
 make no doubt that his intelligence and conciliatory disposition 
 will greatly promote the service. At any rate, I am without a 
 choice, and hope his situation of Inspector of Militia will not be 
 considered a bar to the arrangement. The state of the roads will 
 probably stop this projected movement until the latter end of this 
 month or beginning of next, nor do I intend that the troops should 
 leave their present quarters unless urged by fresh circumstances. 
 I therefore look to receive Your Excellency's commands previous 
 to their departure. 
 
 From Amherstburg to Fort Erie, n»y chief dependence must 
 rest on a naval force for the protection of that extensive coast. But 
 considering the state to which it is reduced, extraordinary exertions 
 and great expense will be required before it can be rendered efficient. 
 At present it only consists of a ship and a small schooner, the latter 
 of a bad construction, old, and in want of many repairs, yet she is 
 the only King's vessel able to navigate Lake Huron, whilst the 
 Americans have a sloop and a fine brig, capable of carrying twelve 
 guns and in perfect readiness for any service. If consequently 
 the garrison of St. Josephs is to be maintained and an attack on 
 Michilimackinac undertaken, it will be expedient to hire or purchase 
 from the merchants as many vessels as may be necessary for the 
 purpose. The Americans can resort to the same means, and the 
 construction and number of their vessels for trade will give them 
 great advantage, besides their small craft or boats in which troops 
 could be easily transported across the waters exceed ours consider- 
 ably. Indeed, we have very few of that description. I therefore 
 leave it to Your Excellency's superior judgment to determine 
 
24 
 
 whether a sufficient number of gunboats for both, lakes, so con- 
 structed as to draw little water, ought not to be added to our means 
 of defence and offence. It is worthy of remark that the only 
 American national vessel on Lake Ontario, built two years ago and 
 now laying in Sackett's Harbor, has remained without seamen until 
 within the last fortnight, when the officers began to enter men as 
 fast as possible. A lieutenant with a party came to Buffalo (a 
 tolerably large village opposite Fort Erie) and procured several 
 hands, but, not satisfied, a petty officer was sent to our side to 
 inveigle others. The magistrates hearing of this sent to have him 
 arrested, but he with difficulty escaped. The strait between 
 Niagara and Fort Erie is that which in all probability will be 
 chosen for their main body to penetrate with a view to conquest. 
 All other attacks will be subordinate or merely made to divert our 
 attention. 
 
 About 3,000 militia could, upon an emergency, be drawn to 
 that line, and nearly five hundred Indians could likewise be col- 
 lected ; therefore, with the regulars, no trifling force could hope for 
 success provided a determined resistance was made, but I cannot 
 hide from Your Excellency that unless a strong military force be 
 present to animate the loyal and control the disaffected nothing 
 effectual can be expected. A protracted resistance upon this 
 frontier will be sure to embarrass their plans materially. They 
 will not come prepared to meet it, and their troops or volunteer 
 corps without scarcely any discipline (as far at least as control is in 
 question) will soon tire under disappointment. The difficulty which 
 they will experience in providing provisions will involve them into 
 expenses, under which their Government will soon become im- 
 patient. The car-brigade will be particularly useful in obstructing 
 their passage, and I cannot be too urgent in soliciting the means, 
 both as to gunnel's and drivers, and likewise as to hoi-ses, to render 
 the one at Fort George complete for service. A small body of 
 cavalry would be absolutely necessary, and I have already offers 
 from many respectable young men to form themselves into a troop. 
 All they seem to require are swords and pistols, which the stores 
 below may probably be able to furnish. The situation of Kingston 
 is so very important in every military point of view that I cannot 
 be too earnest in drawing Your Excellency's attention to that 
 quarter. The militia from the Bay of Quinte down to Glengarry is 
 the most respectable of any in the province. Among the officers, 
 several are on half-pay, who still retain a sound military spirit. 
 Those from the Bay of Quinte would be properly stationed at Kings- 
 ton, but all downwards would naturally desire to be employed to 
 resist any predatory excursions, to which their property would be 
 
.■■....<■■-■' ■ ... .. 25 ■, .:■ -■; :. -;■^^- 
 
 80 much exposed from the opposite shore. I have, besides, been 
 always of the opinion that a strong detachment would follow the 
 route of Lord Amherst and attempt to enter the Province by 
 Oswagatchie. The militia on the whole of that communication can- 
 not therefore be more usefully employed than in watching such a 
 movement, and should the enemy direct the whole of his force by 
 St. Johns, the greater part can, with the utmost facility, join the 
 army acting upon that frontier. 
 
 The Militia Act, which I have the honor to transmit, provides 
 for such emergency, and Your Excellency will readily observe 
 among many wise and salutary provisions but few means of 
 enforcing them. ' 
 
 No exertions, however, shall be wanting in my civil capacity 
 to place that body upon a respectable footing. Mr. Cartwright, the 
 senior militia colonel at Kingston, possesses the influence to which 
 his firm character and superior abilities so deservedly entitle him ; 
 but as I cannot possibly give the necessary attention to so distant 
 an object, and as a regular officer will be indispensable to direct the 
 operations, one of high lank ought, if possible, to be nominated to 
 that command. 
 
 So much will remain to be done, and such high expenses to be 
 incurred in the Quarter Master General'^ department, that I cannot 
 be too earnest with Your Excellency in requesting that an officer 
 equal to the situation may be appointed. A head to the com- 
 missariat will likewise be indispensable. 
 
 I have trespassed greatly on Your Excellency's time, but I beg 
 to be permitted to entreat Your Excellency to honor me with such 
 advice and counsel as Your Excellency may suggest, and be assured 
 my utmost pride will be to meet your view^s and merit your 
 approbation. ^----^^.--.v ::--\r,;..:\-'/i'-'':>r^'-A'->/--:;-v^\.:r,- :v'.- ;'''--^^ 
 
 (Canadian Archives, C. 673, p. 171.) " . ' ' 
 
 Mojor Gt'ucral Brock to Sir Cleorge Prevost. 
 
 York, December 11, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I had the honor yesterday of receiving Your Excellency's 
 letter of the 1st ultimo, stating your intention of establishing depots 
 of small arms, Jiccoutrements, and ammunition at the different posts 
 in Upper Canada. 
 
 Since the settlement of the Province several thousand stands 
 have been at different times issued to the militia, and I have given 
 directions for collecting them, but in all probability great deficiencies 
 will be found ; indeed, it has been already ascertained that those 
 delivered in 1795 by Lieut.-General Simcoe are wholly lost to the 
 service. To obviate for the future such an extensive waste, I pro- 
 
■■■..,■--.' 26 
 
 pose fixing upon proper places at each post wherein the arms may 
 be deposited after the militia have exercised, and I have to request 
 Your Excellency's permission to direct the field-train department to 
 attend to their preservation and keep them in a state of repair, in 
 the same manner as those remaining in store. The expense cannot 
 be great, and in all such cases the infant state of the country obliges 
 the militia to have recourse to the military. 
 
 I have recently had occasion to report for Your Excellency's 
 information the totsil want of stores at this post beyond those 
 immediately necessary for the commissariat. I shall, consequently, 
 be much at a loss to find accommodation for the 2,329 French 
 muskets which Your Excellency has directed to be sent here ; and 
 as the only magazine is a small wooden shed, not sixty yards from 
 the King's house, which is rendered dangerous from the quantity of 
 powder it already contains, I cannot but feel a repugnance to lodge 
 the additional 13,140 ball cartridges intended for this post in a place 
 so evidently insecure. Bat as these arrangements cannot con- 
 veniently take place until the opening of navigation, there will be 
 sufficient time to contrive the best means to meet Your Excellency's 
 wishes. 
 
 (Prom Tupper's Life of Brock, p. 130.) 
 
 Sir €eorge Prevost to Major General Brock. 
 
 Quebec, December 24, 1811. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter of the 2nd instant, which reached me by the courier on Sat- 
 urday, and I have not failed to give it that consideration which the 
 importance of the several points to which it alludes entitle it. 
 
 In addition to the President's message being full of gunpowder, 
 the report made to Congress by its committee on the state of the 
 foreign affairs of the United States conveys sentiments of such de- 
 cided hostility towards England that I feel justified in recommend- 
 ing such precaution as may place you in a state of preparation for 
 that event, and with this view you must endeavor to trace an out- 
 line of co-operation compensating for our deficiency in strength. 
 I agree with you as to the advantages which may result from giving 
 rather than receiving the first blow, but it is not my opinion war 
 will commence by a declaration of it. That act would militate 
 against the policy of both countries ; therefore we must expect re- 
 peated petty aggressions from our neighbors before we are per- 
 mitted to retaliate by open hostilities. It is very satisfactory to 
 observe the professions of the inhabitants of Upper Canada in de- 
 fence of their property and in support of their Government. 
 
 I will look into the correspondence you refer to which took 
 
■,.;:■:. ':.'-::- - .. - . 27 ' ■ ■ ■' ^''^.--.y. 
 
 place between Sir James Craig and Lieut. -Governor Gore in 1S07, 
 1808, and 1809, respecting the temper and disposition of your 
 militia and the policy to be observed in your intercourse with the 
 Indians. 
 
 Your views in regard to the line of conduct to be observed to- 
 wards the militia forces, notwithstanding some existing circum- 
 stances unfavorable in their composition, are in my estimation wise, 
 and on such conception I have hitherto acted. 
 
 There are too many considerations to allow me to hesitate in 
 saying we must employ the Indians, if they can be brought to act 
 with us. The utmost caution should be used in our language to 
 them, and all direct explanation should be delayed if possible until 
 hostilities are more certain, though whenever the subject is adverted 
 to I think it would be advisable always to intimate that as a matter 
 of course we shall, in the event of war, expect the aid of our 
 brothers. Although I am sensible this requires delicacy, still it 
 should be done so as not to be misundei'stood. 
 
 I shall call the attention of the commissariat to the supply of 
 provisions that may be required in the Upper Province, and I had, 
 previously to the arrival of your letter, given the deputy-quarter- 
 master-general directions for the building of another schooner for 
 Lake Erie. 
 
 I am sorry to observe, both by your Militia Act and returns 
 [that] you are embarrassed with officers holding the rank of colonel. 
 It is certainly desirable that no higher rank should exist than that 
 of lieutenant-colonel commandant, else, in many cases, the officers of 
 militia on service might be senioi-s to the officers of the line in com- 
 mand of regiments. It is, I am apprehensive, scarcely possible to 
 revoke the commissions of colonel which have been issued to the 
 commanding officers of battalions of militia for that of lieutenant- 
 colonel ; therefore if couimisaions cannot without serious dissatis- 
 faction be withdrawn, you are authorized in that case, in order to 
 preserve the command of the inspecting field officer, to direct Lieut.- 
 Colonel St. George to act with the local rank of colonel in Upper 
 Canada, giving at the same time (should circumstances make it 
 necessary that the troops of the line and those of the militia be 
 called to act together) a corresponding local brevet to such lieutenant- 
 colonels serving in regiments of the line immediately under your 
 command as may appear to you necessary to obviate the inconve- 
 nience that may be anticipated from their having junior rank to 
 officers in command of militia regiments, but as this latter arrange- 
 ment is not free from considerable objection you must modify the 
 measure as much as circumstances will permit. 
 
 (Prom Tapper's Life of Brock, p. 153.) 
 
28 
 
 Memorandani to be Submttteil to HN Excellency, (he €o¥.-iiH 
 Chief, by Desire of INnJor General Brock. 
 
 To reinforce the 41 at by sending up their recruits, and to send 
 the regiment to Amherstburg, together with 50 artillery. 
 
 To send ordnance suited to the reduction of Detroit (4 to 6 
 eight-inch mortal's). ' 
 
 To explain the nature of the oftensive operations pi-oposed in 
 that quarter. 
 
 Militia on the Detroit side, 300 men, mostly Canadians ; Ken- 
 tucky population, 400,000 souls ; Amherstburg furnishes 700 militia; 
 Indians in the vicinity, from 2 to 3,000; at the Grand River, 2 to 
 300. 
 
 To send the 49th or some other effective regiment to the 
 Niagara frontier with a proportion of artillery. 
 
 To send a regiment to Kingston, together with a detachment of 
 artillery. 
 
 To send an officer of rank to Kingston to take charge of that 
 frontier. "■'?-■-•■:■'-'■„ ^'•^-;-:''■ ■'■■?:..:■■, -,';"■ -.■;,•-'■/••'- "> 
 
 It is proposed to select from the militia 2 companies from each 
 regiment as flank companies, which will produce as volunteers about 
 1,800 men. 
 
 It is proposed to raise corps of volunteers, which may produce 
 1,200 men. 
 
 To lay up ships next winter at York and by degrees remove 
 the naval yard. 
 
 To provide materials for ten more bacteaux at Kingston and at 
 Amherstburg. 
 
 To build one gun-boat, as an experiment, at Long Point. 
 
 To send plans of the Quebec lx)ats to York. The gun to unship 
 and lie in the hold in bad weather. 
 
 To fortify the harbor of Amherstburg. The co-operation of 
 the N. West and S. West companies. To take the post of Michili- 
 mackinac and remove St. Josephs to it. 
 
 A small work to protect the anchorage of vessels at Long Point, 
 and to have 6 gun-boats at Long Point if the plan succeeds. 
 
 The co-operation of the Indians will l>e attended with great 
 expense in presents, provisions, &c. 
 
 To send a person from Kingston to reconnoitre Sackett's Har- 
 bor, and to send front Niagara to examine the harbors and country 
 on the south shore of Lake Ontario to see what preparation and if 
 among merchant vessels. 
 
 Captain Gilkinson at Prescott. 
 
 To enquire if he will take a naval command. 
 
 Captain Fish to command the new schooner to be built at York. 
 
29 
 
 To superannuate Counnodure Grant and to appoint Lieut. Hall 
 Denior officer. 
 
 Lieut Barwis to command the new scliooner. 
 
 2nd Lieut. Rolette to be appointed first and to command the 
 HuiUer. 
 
 To superannuate Commodore Steele and to appoint Captain 
 Earle senior officer and to command the Royal George. 
 
 To appoint and to command the Moira. 
 
 To mount 6 24-pr. caiTonades on field carriages, to be used as 
 occasion may require. 
 
 To send two companies of the Newfoundland Regiment to act 
 as seamen and mariners. 
 
 To augment the establishment by sending an addition (»f 100 
 seamen to the lakes. 
 
 To purchase all the cordage from Capt. Mills at Amherstburg, 
 as this tends greatly to promote the growth of hemp. 
 
 To submit the memo, from Lieuts. Dewar and Hall. 
 
 . Archives, C. 728, p. 68.) 
 
 Ccaeml John ArniittronK to Hon. Win. Eusth. Serretairy of Wnr. 
 
 Red H(X)K, January 2nd, 1812. 
 
 Dear Eustis, — Yesterday's mail brought your hypothetical 
 note, w^hich I ha.sten to answer by a few suggestions that if 
 approved may be readily drawn out into as much detail as may be 
 useful. 
 
 1st. An abundant supply of what is technically called the 
 materiel of war is indispensable. This single term includes arms, 
 equipment's, and ammunition in all their varieties, tents, blankets, 
 and clothing, cavalry and draught horses, oxen, wagons, carts, 
 entrenching tools, &c., &c. To make a competent provision of these 
 will require a large expenditure of money, but to this you must 
 submit for two unanswerable reasons — the one, that without them 
 war cannot Vie made either morally or succe.ssf uUy ; the other, that 
 their cost now will be from 50 to 100 per cent, leas than it will he 
 after the dedaratixyn. of war. 
 
 2d. When obtained, these supplies should be placed in maga- 
 zines, the location of which must be governed by two considera- 
 tions — ^the security of the articles deposited in them, and the facility 
 and safety with which these may be brought into use. To each 
 magazine should be attached a lalx)ratory for fixing ammunition, 
 making and mending gun and other carriages, repairing arms, &c. 
 
 JJd. If you have remote posts liable to attack and difficult to 
 sustain, and having no direct or important bearing on the progress 
 
 I 
 
30 
 
 or issue of the war, hasten to dismantle them and withdraw the 
 garrisons. 
 
 4th. — Resting, as the line of Canadian defence does, in its whole 
 extent on navigable lakes and rivers, no time should be lost in 
 getting a naval ascendency on both for CAeterin paribiut the belli- 
 gerent who is the first to obtain this advantage will (miracles 
 excepted) win the game. Whether the commercial craft at present 
 employed on these waters can be made useful for the purpose, I do 
 not know, but among the sages now assembled at Washington you 
 cannot fail to find some one who can answer the question. 
 
 5th. — Without a knowledge, nearly approximating the truths 
 of the force you will have to contend with, of the disposition made 
 of this, and of the character, physical and artificial, of the posts 
 occupied by it, you will be compelled to make war conjecturally 
 and of course on data furnishing no just conclusions with regard to 
 either the number or composition of your own army, or of the kind 
 and extent of operations which ought to be assigned to it. That a 
 state of peace like the present will be more favorable than one of 
 war for acquiring this preliminary information catmot be doubted, 
 and if it be true, as I have been told, that the British posts are 
 victualled by American contractors, these agents (who by their 
 vocation must have free access to tlioin) may probably form the 
 safest and surest medium through which to obtain it. But what- 
 ever be the means employed for accomplishing this object, a moment 
 should not be lost in putting them into exercise. -^ 
 
 6th. — The number and composition of your army (as already 
 suggested) should be decided by the service given it to perform and 
 the kind and degree of resistance your enemy may be able to oppose 
 to it. Though from present appearances it be true that the exigen- 
 cies of the war in Europe will disable England from sending 
 promptly any important aid strictly military to the Canadas, it 
 does not follow that she will omit to employ such other means as 
 she may possess to supply the deficiency. Of these the most vex- 
 atious to us would be a portion of her armed vessels acting separ- 
 ately or in squadron on our long and defenceless line of sea coast, 
 while at the same time hordes of savages are let loase on the women 
 and children of the West. And that in the event of war. Great 
 Britain will not hesitate to employ this policy in both its branches, 
 cannot be doubted by those who have any recollection of what her 
 past conduct towards the United States has been, or who are now 
 capable of perceiving the impunity to herself and the mischief to us 
 with which she may pursue it. 
 
 From this general view of the subject, it follows that in com- 
 posing your army you must be careful to provide corps specially 
 
adapted for two purpones — the protection of your oum frontiers, 
 eastern and western, and the invaifion of those of your enemy. Of 
 each of these I offer the followinjj outline : — 
 
 For the former, divide your coast into military districts — open 
 in each a rendezous for volunteer asaociation and lociil defence, 
 with engagements commenHurate with the war and pay enrolments 
 such as are now given to the regular army. Of this description of 
 force the maximum ma^' be ttventy hattalionft, located as follows : — 
 One at Portsmouth, two at Boston, one at Newport, three at New 
 York, one at Philadelphia, three at Baltimore, three at Norfolk, two 
 at Charleston, one at Savannah and three at New Orleana Elach 
 of these stations to be well supplied with heavy guns for position^ 
 furnaces for heating shot, light pieces well horsed for field service, 
 and muskets and bayonets for camp and garrison duty. Corps 
 thus constituted and equipped, well instructed in the use of their 
 arms and respectably comiiiande<l, will do much to check, if they do 
 not entirely prevent, pretiatory excuraion, the evil most to he appre- 
 hended from the crews of single ships or from those of small squad- 
 rons not sustiiine<l by infantry. 
 
 For western defence employ western men accustomed to the 
 rifle and the forest and not unacquainted with the usages and 
 stratagems of Indian warfare. To their customary arms add a 
 pistol and sabre, and, to ensure celerity, mount them on horse-back. 
 Give them a competent leader and a good position within .striking 
 distance of Indian villages or Briti.sh settlementa Why not at 
 Detroit, where you have a strong fortress and a detachment of 
 artillerists i Recollect, however, that this position, far from being 
 good, would be positively bad unless your naval means have an 
 ascendency on Lake Erie, because Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, and the 
 two Sanduskys must be its base or source of supply. The maximum 
 of this corps may be six battalions. 
 
 Lastly, for a successful invasion of the Canadas (the great 
 operation of the war. because that only by which Great Britain can 
 be brought to a sense of justice,) you must rely on a regular army. 
 Of this description of force you have now the skeletons of ten regi- 
 ments, which, if completed, will give you ten thousand combatants — 
 a corps that in the present circumstances of England, and aided by 
 militia for purposes of demonstration, will be competent to great 
 achievements. Hasten then to fill up the rank and file of your 
 present establishment, and to existing inducements for enlisting 
 add an increased pay and a liberal bounty at the end of the war. 
 
 Should better information with regard to your enemy's strength 
 make an increase of your own expedient, give one or two additional 
 battalions to each of your seven regiments of infantry — a mode of 
 
82 
 
 incr«ia»inf; an anuy much to Ix; preferred to creationH Hltoj^^ether 
 •new. For, beai<leH beinjj obviouHly more economical, the direct 
 HSHOciation of raw recruits with old soldiers has the effect of making 
 the former eHicient in half the time it would otherwise take to do 
 so — the example of coniradeH l)eing a principle of tuition much more 
 active than the instruction of officerN. 
 
 On this head it ia but neceasary to add that the whole of your 
 disposable or Held force when obtained should be immediately 
 aa'embled at some point from which, the moment that war shall l>e 
 authorized, it may b»*pin it-, operations. Under present views 
 Albany or its neighborlu)od should be the place of this rendezvous, 
 because, besides other reconiniundations, it is lu've that all the roads 
 leading; fmm the central portion of the Unite«l States to the Cana<las 
 diverge, a circumstance which, while it keeps up your enemy's 
 doubts as to your real point of attack cannot fail to keep his 
 means of defence in a state of division. 
 
 7th. — In sketching the composition of »n army, two branches 
 of it, the one having charge of its discipline and its movement, the 
 other of its subsistence, must not be forgotten. For the first (a 
 GenemI Staff) I refer you to (Jriinoard's publication, which I Kent 
 to the War Department from Paris some years ago. If this b/ook 
 he not alre}id\' translated into Kiiglish, tio time should be lost in 
 naturalizing it for the use of the army. 
 
 The second or feeding department is of three kinds — that 
 fountled on Cjesar's maKiin that "war should sustain war," though 
 fashionable at present, is in fact a system of indi.scriminate plunder, 
 forbidden alike, as I hope, by the moral feelings and politicjil views 
 of the United States. The reinairiing two aro suf!i?ie;itly kntiwn 
 under the nvmes of the cantr.iRfc aril c )mmis.s-»riat .sy*.'» ms. To 
 recomm'Mi I eithi-r, as exclusively an I under all cirv.MiiiiHtAii he best, 
 would show only greit igci >raiiee or great folly. In old i.nd well- 
 |)eople4l di.stricts where corn and cattle are abundant, prices little 
 subjtHrt to change, roads safe and unobstructed, antl the means of 
 transportation (trains or boats) easily procured, the contract plan is 
 the l>est — because the most oconomical, sufficiently punctual in the 
 discharge of its engagements, and, from the settleil character of its 
 terms, i-arely if ever embarrassing the Government with extra or 
 unexiKH-ted charges. In districts of an opposite character, where 
 the population is thin and poor, supplies scarce and high priced, 
 roails few and Itad and nmch exposed to obstruction, the commis- 
 sariat nnist be submitted to, though certainl}' liable to great abuse 
 from the ignorance, in<lolence, or knavery 'of the agents employed. 
 The l»est remetly for the evils of this system will be found in 
 
suhjectinpf the aj^ents tt> military law and in vijforouHly enforcing 
 its proviHions. 
 
 8th an«l lastly. — A project oF campaign conformed to military 
 maxims must embrace thn-e tiling : Ist — ^4^ object of ivi/Hniant 
 or (If'risivf rhtnuter, the attainment of which will give asuceeHMful 
 isHue to the campaign, if not to the war. 2n<l — A Hue of opemtioii 
 aH short an<l perpendicular to the object as p().s.sible: and 8rd — A 
 well xecMved hnse, on which must be acciunulated and ready for 
 transportation all supplies necessary to sustain the operation. Each 
 of these rules luis its own special laws, but it is only of the Hi*st that 
 I will say inore at present than a few words. 
 
 In invading a ni'ighboring and in<lepend(Mit territory like; Can- 
 ada, having a frontier of immense e.xtent, <lestitute of means strictly 
 its own lor the purposes of defence. separat»Ml from the rest of the 
 empire by an ocean, and having to this but on«' outlet — this outlet 
 forms ifonr true olZ/frf nv /toiuf of ntftic/,-, because if gained, (!very- 
 thing <lepeiiding upon it is gained also. Such was the conse«|uence 
 of the ea]>turt' of (Quebec in the WJii" which ended in \7ih\, and such 
 would again l)e the caj)ttne ol that ca])ital had we the means to 
 effect it. Unfortunately, from deficient Foresight ir. the Governnu'ut, 
 these are wantin*;. Still, though unable to do what in the al>stract 
 would be best, it by no means follows that we shotdd omit to do 
 what may be Intth practicabh' and expedient. Such in my opinion 
 would be the va jttv r<' of Minit real - ~\\ j)()st which, eonunanding alike 
 the navigation of the St. Ijjiwrence and the Ottawa, if seized anil 
 lu'ld would give the same control over all that portion of the ('an- 
 adas lying westward oF itselF that (,)uebec now exerei.ses over the 
 whole territory. Kingston, York, Kort (Jeorge. Fort Krie and 
 Mahlen. cut off From their connnon base must soon and necessarily 
 fall. To reach this object your line of ojx'ration may be taken on 
 either sid«' oF I.jike Champlain, provided ytui have secunnl the com- 
 mand oF the lake, in which case also Albany, (ireenbush. Troy, 
 Whitehall, ».^c., covered by a dens(^ ]iopulation or secured by a large 
 rivei- nowhere Fordable by iuFantry, will give you a sufficient base. 
 When begini the movement should be made ivipidly and audaciously, 
 and, the better to secure its suc(H'ss, three <leiiionstrations by miusses 
 oF militia may be employed : one on the Niagara to keep within their 
 walls the garrisons of Fort (ieorge and Frie ; a secon<l at Sackett's 
 Harbor, to produce a similar effect on whateviM" force may l)e, found 
 at Kingston, an<l a third in Vermont, so })laced on the eastern side 
 of the Sorel as to menace the British posts on that river. 
 
 Though taking for granted, as stated above, that the capture of 
 Montreal vvoidd involve that oF all ])osts westward From itself, it 
 will no doubt be proper that the six battalions of mounted gun-men 
 
should march on Maiden as soon as they shall be apprised that the 
 campaign on Lake Champlain is opened. And here we must stop, 
 what remains of the subject being tactical and governed by circum- 
 stances as they occur in the camp or the field, must be entirely left 
 to the genius and judgment of your commanding general. 
 
 (From Notices of the War of 1812 by John Armstrong, New Tork, 1840, Vol. I., pp. 
 234-41.) 
 
 Sir George Pre vest to Thomas Barclay, His Majesty's Consnl- 
 
 Ceneral at New York. 
 
 " "" Quebec, 4th January, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Considering the spirit of hostility shown to England by 
 the United States no longer likely to be confined to a paper and 
 commercial warfare, and that, therefore, it is of importance I should 
 receive a correct account of the disposition and news of the Ameri- 
 can Government, I have sent Captain Coore, one of my aids-de- 
 camp, to Mr. Foster for the purpose, who is instructed to com- 
 municate with you as he passes through New York. 
 
 (From the Correspondence of Thomas Barclay, p. 302.) 
 
 Tliomas Barclay to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 New York, 22d January, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I agree with you that the period is fast approaching 
 when these States will take active hostile measures against Great 
 Britain, and it is apparent that their first military measures will be 
 directed against His Majesty's Provinces of Lower and Upper 
 Canada. I am satisfied also that attempts will be made to seduce 
 the inhabitants of Upper Canada generally, and the French Cana- 
 dians in Lower Canada, from their allegiance. You will pardon, 
 therefore, the liberty I take in recommending the utmost attention 
 in adnntting persona within cities oi these Provinces, as attempts 
 will be made to introduce characters fitted to persuade and delude 
 the ignorant. There is a man who lives on the line (45°) l>etween 
 these States and Lower Canada. Colonel Armstrong knows him ; 
 his name is Rous. Of him particular care should be taken and of 
 those who have communications with him. He is a sensible, 
 intriguing, cunning nifln, eminently qualified for such purposes and 
 well acquainted with all the disaffected Canadians. His move- 
 ments require special care. 
 
 (From the Correspondence of Thomas Barclay, p. 304.) 
 
»5 
 
 Captain A. Gray, Asslgtant Depaty I|aarterma8ter*6eneral, to Sir 
 
 George Prevost. 
 
 ^ York, 29th January, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I arrived safe at this place on the evening of the 27th 
 and delivered the money I was entrusted with to Mr. Selby. The 
 weather has been extremely unfavorable, having been exceedingly 
 cold or thawing, all the way from Montreal to York. From Mon- 
 treal to Kingston occupied 6 days, and from Kingston to York 
 5 days. 
 
 On my arrival at Kingston, I inspected the state of the marine 
 and have the honor to communicate the following particulars for 
 Your Excellency's information : 
 
 The Royal George lays alongside the wharf, dismantled and her 
 rigging laid up in the sail loft, and reported to be all in good order 
 and in readiness to refit at the shortest notice. But it is a singular 
 circumstance that they have as vet found no wav of mounting: the 
 carronades sent up last summer to arm this and the other vessels on 
 the lakes. This difficulty arises from the construction of the slide 
 upon which the carronade is mounted. This is upon a new principle 
 and is rather complicated, being of a nature not at all self-evident, 
 as appears from the variety of opinions that prevail as to its object 
 and utility. There ought therefore to iiave been a plan and descrip- 
 tion of the slide sent along with them. Major Fuller says in his 
 ju8tificati(m that l»e has written to Quebec for information on this 
 subject but received no answer. I shall remove this difficulty on 
 my return to Kingston. 
 
 Little is done to the Moira furtlier than preparing the materials, 
 as they say they wanted orders from Quebec as to lengthening her. 
 There has not, however, been much time lost, as the weather has 
 been very severe. I found, upon examining the vess^' that it 
 would not be advisable to lengthen her, as, notwithsta.iding the 
 process of salting, many of the timbers are rotten and must be 
 taken out, and what is at this moment of great importance, she 
 could not be got ready in time if lengthened. One of the chief 
 objects in lengthening her was to increase her battery, but this we 
 can do to a certain extent without, as by new spacing the distance 
 of the ports one gun may be added on each si<le. I have therefore 
 ordered them to proceed immediately with the repaira, and have her 
 ready to sail the moment the lake is open, which tliey have promised 
 shall be done. 
 
 There is every inducement to build the new schooner at York, 
 as, exclusive of the argument already adduced in favor of 
 establishing the naval yard at this place, there are the following 
 
y - 36 
 
 :,•'■,,■' ■ ; i^ 
 
 considerations, which are of great importance at this moment : 
 First, they have as much to do at Kingston as they can get through 
 with at present in fitting out the Molra and mounting the carron- 
 ades, etc. It would, therefore, extend our resources in ship building 
 if we could at the same time carry on our work at both places. 
 This woukl also have the effect of paving the way for the removal 
 of the Marine Depot from Kingston to this place, a change greatly 
 to be desired. The Toronto, having been broken up here, furnishes 
 an immediate supply of iron work and a variety of otlier articles 
 that may be worked up in the new vessel, and, in addition to what 
 may be supplied by this means, there is a considerable department 
 of naval stores appropriated to what is termed the civil service of 
 the Province. This store General Brock will u.se as the service ma}' 
 require. I have gone round the harbor with the General and have 
 examined as far as the season of the year would admit of, the 
 different places pointed out as favorable for building a vessel, and 
 find there will be no difficulty on that head. The General proposes 
 putting the superintendence of the work into the hands of the 
 person who comniaiuled the Toronto, who seems to be every wa}' 
 qualified for the task of building and commanding the new schooner. 
 
 The officers serving in this division of the Province are in some 
 instances extremely inefficient, and, in short, totally unfit for the 
 situations they hold, especially the deputy-assistant quartermaster- 
 general, and sevei'al naval officers. The former Gen. Brock has it 
 in contemplation to remove to York as soon as Your Excellency has 
 fixed upon a proper person to succeed him. This arrangement will 
 be advantageous to Major Fuller, a circumstance which is not to be 
 regretted, as there is nothing to be urged against him but his 
 incapacity and unfitness for the situation he has been unfortunately 
 placed in. The general has no officer here that he can recon.mend 
 for the situation. Nor does he know of more than one man in the 
 Lower Province that he thinks fit for it. The gent[lemajn the 
 General mentions is Captain King of the artiller3% and from what I 
 have heard of his professional character and ability from other 
 sources, I most readily unite with the General in recommending him 
 as a fit person to succeed Major Fuller. If this measure meets 
 Your Excellency's approbation, the sooner the appointment is made 
 the better, as there is great need of a man of energy and one who 
 can he trusted at Kingston. v \. 
 
 This suVtject I shall have the honor of explaining more at large 
 on my return. 
 
 Captain Steel, senior naval officer, has sent in his resignation, 
 praying to retire on full pay, which I hope may be granted h'ua, as 
 he has been ahnost half a century in the service and is now in his 
 
37 
 
 seventy-fifth year. The next in rank to Captain Steel is Lieut. 
 Earle, commander of the Moira, who is an excellent seaman, and 
 from all I can learn every way fit to succeed Captain Steel. 
 
 I speak from my own experience, as well as from the opinion 
 entertained of him by General Brock and others who have sailed 
 with him. 
 
 General Brock is likewise anxious to get rid of the old Com- 
 modore on liJike Erie. This gentleman has likewise been above 50 
 years in the service, and is 85 years of age. The next in seniority 
 is Lieut. Hall, who is in every respect a proper person to succeed 
 Captain Grant. I have had the same opportunities of attaining a 
 knowledge of his character and abilities and talents that I had of 
 Lieut. Earle, aiid consider him in all respects equally deserving 
 promotion. 
 
 These arrangements, should they meet Your Excellency's 
 approbation, General Brock conceives will enable him to accomplish 
 every object connected with the department, as far as those indi- 
 viduals are concerned, as he has a favorable opinion of Lieut. 
 Dewar, and thinks he will meet with support e(|ual to his wishes on 
 both lakes. 
 
 I have communicated to General Brock an extract from the 
 letter I had the honor to write Your Excellency from Montreal 
 relative to the promotion and the protection of the trade of the 
 N. West and S. West companies. The General most perfectly 
 concurs in the ideas submitted in that letter, and has directed me to 
 communicate to you his anxious wish that the post [at] St. Joseph 
 migiit be removed tc the Falls of St. Mary. In short, the General's 
 geneial policy and plan of defence agrees so exactly with the ideas 
 I had formed previously to my communicating with him that I can 
 be at no loss in giving Your Excellency every information on that 
 head on my return. It may not therefore be necessary to enter 
 more into objects at present. I propose remaining here till after 
 the House of Assembly has met, which will be about a week from 
 this day. 
 
 I am induced to make this stay in order that I may obtain 
 more accurate information on several j)ointH connected with our 
 defences, etc., as jiore of ir^formation will then V)e collected from ftll 
 parts of the counUy. I shall also have an opportunity of seeing 
 how they go on. I do not imagine my stay at Kingston need 
 exceed 3 or 4 days, as by building the schooner here the business 
 of the department at the station is considerably diminished. 
 
 I have also the hope of meeting Lieut. Dewar before my 
 departure from here, as he has obtained leave to come to York. 
 This will afford me the opportunity' of giving him more ample 
 
instructions as to the duties of the department than I could by 
 letter. There is likewise some interesting information received 
 respecting Detroit, which he and Col. Elliot, who is also expected, 
 will be enabled to confirm. 
 
 It seems the Americans are collecting a vast quantity of 
 ordnance at that post, which, with other indications, pretty clearly 
 manifests their intentions in that quarter. 
 
 The grant of land to the Glengarry Regt. is a subject upon 
 which General Brock intends to write you, as he fears this measure 
 will create embarrassment and a precedent which cannot be followed 
 up for want of lands to grant, and if not followed, there will not be 
 a man got for the service in future. 
 
 Tiie general has an idea that a corps upon the principles con- 
 tained in the sketch I brought him might easily be procured for the 
 defence of our frontiers without any expectation of land being held 
 out to them, and upon the whole he thinks it a bad precedent and 
 likely to produce discontent. The Genl. intends writing to Your 
 Excellency. He, however, wishes me to mention the circumstances, 
 which I accordingly do without presuming to give an opinion. 
 
 I have directed the Kingston paper to be regularly sent to the 
 castle. Mr. Cartwright, of that place, is a striking character. This 
 gent[lema]n has by every means in his power promoted the prosperity 
 of the country, and has on all occasions stepped forward in support 
 of the Gov[ernmen]t. He intends publishing a series of letters in 
 the Kingston paper. The signature, Falkland. 
 
 We intend to let fly a drive official at them in the next York 
 Oazette, as the Genrl. thinks it may have a good effect on both 
 sides. We have got a detailed account from the Prophet's Camp. 
 He has gained a glorious victory. His loss is 25 men, and his No. 
 (number) actually engaged did not exceed 100. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, C. 728, p. 77.) ' 
 
 Mnjor General Brock to Colonel Baynes. 
 
 York, February 12, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I received yesterday your letter dated the 16th and 23rd 
 ult My attention was so much occupied with my civil duties dur- 
 ing the stay of Captain Gray at York that some military points 
 escaped consideration, and I shall now advert to them. As no men- 
 tion is made of withdrawing the 41st from this Province, 1 con- 
 sider the proposed movement of the 49th as intended to give me an 
 accession of strength, and the apprehension occasioned by Captain 
 Gray's I'eport to the contrary is consequently dispelled. The assur- 
 ance which I gave in my speech at the opening of the Legislature, 
 
of England co-operating in the defence of this Province, has infused 
 the utmost confidence, and I have reason, at this moment, to look 
 for the acquiescence of the two houses to every n)ea8ure I may 
 think necessary to recommend for the peace and defence of the 
 country. A spirit has manifested itself little expected by those who 
 conceived themselves best qualified to judge of the disposition of 
 the members of the House of the Assembly. The most powerful 
 opponents to Governor Gore's administration take the lead on the 
 present occasion. I, of course, do not think it expedient to damp 
 the ardor displayed by these once doubtful characters. Some 
 opposed Mr. Gore, evidently from personal motives, but never for- 
 feited the right of being numbered among the most loyal. Few, 
 very few, I believe, were actuated by base or unworthy consider- 
 ations J owevcr mistaken they may have been on various occasions. 
 Their character will very soon be put to a severe test. The 
 measures which I intend to propose are : 
 
 1. — A militia .supplementary act. Sir George will hear the 
 outlines from Captain Gray. 
 
 2. — The suspension of the Habeas Corpus — a copy of the act 
 now enforced in the Lower Province. 
 
 'i. — An alien law. 
 
 4. — The offer of a reward for the better apprehension of 
 deserters. 
 
 If I succeed in all this. I shall claim some praise, but I am not 
 without my fears. I shall send you the militia act the moment it 
 passes into a law. The more I consider the new provisions, the 
 more I am satisfied (giving, of course, every proper allowance to the 
 disposition of the people,) they are peculiarly calculated to meet the 
 local situation of the country. I have not a musket more than will 
 suffice to arm the active part of the militia from Kingston westward. 
 I have therefore to request that the number of arms may be sent 
 according to the enclosed requisition to the places therein specified 
 on the communication, between Glengarry and Kingston. Every 
 man capable of bearing a musket along the whole of that line 
 ought to be prepared to act. The members of the Assembly from 
 that part of the country are particularly anxious that some works 
 ma}^ be thrown ap as a rallying point and place of security for 
 stores, &e., in the vicinity of Johnstown. I shall request Colonel 
 Macdonell to exaM'oo on his return the ground which those gentle- 
 men recommend as the best suited for that purpose. Being immedi- 
 ately opposite Oswegatchie, some precaution of the sort is indispen- 
 sable, were it only to preserve a free communication between the 
 two provinces. I have been made to expect the able assistance of 
 Captain Marlow. Should he be still at Quebec, have the goodness 
 
40*' 
 
 to direct his attention on his way up to that quarter. He had 
 better consult Colonel Fraser and Captain Gilkinson, men of sound 
 judgment and well acquainted with the country. The militia will 
 have, of course, to be employed on the works. 
 
 I must still press the necessity of an active, enterprising, intelli- 
 gent coumiander being stationed on that important line of com- 
 nmnication. I wish Colonel Ellice were here to undertake the 
 arduous task, as it is wholly impossible that I can do so. Every 
 assistance in my civil capacity I shall always be ready to give, and 
 to that point my exertions must necessarily be limited. Niagara 
 and Amherstburg will sufficiently occupy my attention. I deliver 
 my sentiments freely, believing the}^ will not be the less acceptal)le. 
 
 I discussed every point connected with AmherstVmrg so com- 
 pletely with Captain Gray that I do not find anything very essential 
 was omitted. Colonel Macdonnel will be able probabl}' to give us 
 further insight as to the actual state of affairs there. He was to 
 make every inquiry, and, as far as he was permitted to judge him- 
 self of the relative strength of Detroit. Lieut.-Colonel 8t. George 
 preceded him by some days, but in such a state of mind that 
 forbids my placing any dependence on his exertions. When I first 
 mentioned my intention of sending him to Amherstburg he seemed 
 diffi<lent of his abilities, but pleased at the distinction. However, 
 when he received his final instructions, his conduct in the presence 
 of some officers was so very improper, and otherwise so childish, 
 that I have since written to say that if he continued in the same 
 disposition he was at liberty to return to Niagara : I did not order 
 him directly back, because at this time I consider an officer of rank 
 necessary at Amhei'stburg, particularlj' during the absence of 
 Messrs. Elliott and Bab}', who are both attending their parlia- 
 mentary duties. You will imagine, after what I have stated, that 
 it is the influence of his rank that I alone covet, and not his personal 
 aid. He has very fortunately given timely proof that he is in no 
 way ambitious of militarj' command, therefore unfit for so import- 
 ant a connnand. Should it please His Excellency to place the 41st 
 and 49th at my disposal, I pi'opose sending the former regiment to 
 Amherstburg, as we cannot be too strong in that quarter. I have 
 already explained myself on that point, and Captain Gray ia 
 furnislied with further arguments in support of the measure. 
 
 I have delayed to the last the mention of a project which I 
 consider of the utmost consequence in the event of hostilities. I 
 set out with declaring my full conviction that, utdess Detroit and 
 Michilimackinac be both in our possession immediately at the com- 
 mencement of hostilities, not only the district of Amherstburg, but 
 most probably the whole country as far as Kingston, must be 
 
41 
 
 evacuated. How necessary therefore to provide effectually the 
 means of their capture. From Amherstburg it will be i;upossible 
 to send a force to reduce Michilimackinac : unless we occupy com- 
 pletely both banks no vessel could pass the River St. Clair. What 
 I therefore presume to suggest for His Excellencj's consideration is 
 the adoption of a project which Sir James Craig contemplated 
 three years ago. The North-west Company undertook to transport 
 50 or 60 men up the Ottawa, and I make no doubt would engage 
 again to perform the same service. If therefore a war be likely to 
 occur at the time the canoes start from Montreal, I should recom- 
 mend 40 or 50 of the 49th light company and a small detachment 
 of artillery embarking at the same time for St. Joseph's. Should 
 hostilities commence, the North-west Company would not object to 
 join their strength in reduction of Michilimackinac, and should 
 peace succeed the present wrangling the 4J)th detachment could 
 be easily removed to Amherstburg. 
 
 (From Tapper's Life of Brock, pp. 147-150.) 
 
 Fourth Session of the Fifth Provincial Parliament 
 
 Met at York on the third day of February and prorogued on the 
 sixth day of March following in the tifty-second year of the reign 
 of George III. 
 
 Isaac Brock, Esquire, President, 
 
 Anno Domini 1812. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 An Act to extend the provisions of an Act pa.ssed in the forty- 
 eighth year of His Majesty's reign, entitled " An Act to explain, 
 amend and reduce to one Act of Parliament the several laws now in, 
 being for the raising and training the militia of this Province." 
 
 (Expired 1813.) 
 
 Fourth Session of Fifih Provincial Parliament. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 An Act for granting to His Majesty a sum of money for the 
 use of the militia of this Province. [Temporary — £5.000 to be 
 applied in defraying the expense of training and exercising the 
 militia in such manner as the governor, lieutenant-governor or 
 person administering the Government of the Province shall direct.] 
 
 lllaJor*General Brock to Noah Freer. 
 
 York, February 12, 1812. 
 Sir, — I have directed the Assistant Deputy Commissary- 
 General at Andierstburg to purchase 2,000 bushels of Indian com. 
 
42 
 
 Corn will be absolutely necessary in the event of war, and should 
 peace follow the existing discussions the Indians will gladly receive 
 it in lieu of other food. It is to be procured, if poMsible, on the 
 American side, that our own stock may remain undiminished. 
 Several agents have already arrived from the Lower Province and 
 made large purchases of flour ; if therefore our contracts are not 
 soon concluded we shall be at the mercy of these gentlemen. I 
 have not considered myself justified in interfering in the business 
 of the commissariat. I have been informed very lately that my 
 account has been charged with £20 for my portion of the expense 
 of a canoe employed in taking Governor Gore and myself to York ; 
 perhaps His Excellency may consider this a fair public charge. 
 
 (Prom Tapper's Life of Brock, pp. 131-2.) 
 
 (From the Buffalo Gazette, Wednesday, February 19, 1812.) 
 
 We are sorry to state that the valuable mills of John Fanning, 
 Esquire, of Chippawa, were destroyed by tire on Sunday evening last. 
 
 Governor Tompkins to General Porter. 
 
 Alb AN V, 29th February, 1812. 
 
 Dear Sir, — The enclosed letter is from Judge Ostrom of Utiea, 
 who wishes an appointment in the army. He was formerly a de- 
 cided Federalist and represented Oneida County in the Assembly 
 for several years. But disappointment in 1810, and disgust wnth 
 the Federal party since, have caused him to avow himself a Re- 
 publican for upwards of a year past. He is well qualified for a ma- 
 jority in the army, and I can recommend him cheerfully for that 
 appointment. Senator Bloodgood has given me the preceding ac- 
 count of his politics. He considers him a Republican and well 
 qualified for the army. 
 
 I presume you are acquainted with Judge Ostrom, for which 
 reason, and also because 1 understand it has been referred to the 
 members of this State to select a list of officers which it is to furnish 
 for the new army, I have ventured to trouble you with this 
 business. 
 
 By a list, which it is understood is before the Secretary of War, 
 I learn that the names of Benjamin Walker, William North, 
 Samuel A. Barker, Aquila Giles and Solomon Van Rensselaer are 
 presented for the fii'st grades of command which will be allowed to 
 this State. Our Republicans will illy brook it that the command 
 of an army in a contest with Great Britain should be entrusted to 
 such men. 
 
 (MSS. of Hon. P. A. Porter.) 
 
43 
 
 HaJor>C>eneral Brock ta Sir Cieerce Prevost. 
 
 York, U. C. February 25th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I cannot permit Colonel Macdonell to go hence without 
 giving Your Excellency a short account of our proceedings here. I 
 had every i*ea8on to expect the almost unanimous support of the 
 two branches of the Legislature to every measure Government 
 thought necessary to recommend, but after a short trial found 
 myself egregiously mistaken in my calculations. 
 
 The many doubtful characters in the militia made me very 
 anxious to introduce the oath of aligenation into the bill. There 
 were twent}'^ members present when this highly important measure 
 was lost by the casting voice of the chairman. The great influence 
 which the fear and number of settlers from the United States 
 poHHess over the decisions of the Lower House is truly alarming, and 
 ought by every practical means.to be diminished. 
 
 To give encouragement to real subjects to settle in this 
 Province can alone remove the evil. The consideration of the fees 
 ought not to stand in the way of such a politic arrangement. 
 
 And should Your Excellency ultimately determine to proujise 
 some of the waste lands of the Grown to such Scotch emigrants as 
 enlist in the Glengarry Regiment, I have no hesitation in recom- 
 mending in the strongest manner the raising of a Canadian corps 
 upon similar offers, to be hereafter disbanded and distributed among 
 their countrymen in the vicinity of Amhei-stburg. Colonel Mac- 
 donell being in full possession of my sentiments on this subject, I 
 beg leave to refer Your Excellency to him for further information. 
 
 The bill for the suspension of the Habeas Corpus, I regret to 
 say, was likewise lost, by a very trifling majority. A strong senti- 
 ment now prevails that war is not likel}' to occur with the United 
 States, which I believe ten<led to influence the votes of the members 
 — I mean of such who, tho' honest, are by their ignorance easily 
 betrave«l into error. 
 
 The low^ ebb of their finances appears to stagger the most 
 desperate Dem*x;rats in the States, and may possibly delay the com- 
 mencement of hostilities. But should France and England continue 
 the contest much longer, it appears to me absolutely impossible for 
 the United States to avoid making this election, and the unfriendly 
 disposition they have for some years evinced against England leaves 
 little doubt as to their choice. Your Excellency, I am sensible, will 
 excuse the freedom with which I deliver my sentiments. 
 
 Everj' day hostilities are retai-ded the greater the difficulties we 
 shall have to encounter. The Americans are at this moment busily 
 engaged in raising six companies of rangers for the express purpose 
 
44 
 
 of overawinjj the Indians, and are beHiden collecting a regular force 
 at Vincennes, probably with the view of reinforcing Detroit ; indeed 
 report states the arrival of a large force at Fort Wayne, intended for 
 the former garrison. Their intrigues among the different tribes are 
 carried on openly and with the utmost activity, and as no expense 
 is spared it may reasonably Im supposed that they do not fail of 
 success. Divisions are thus uninterruptedly vsowed anumg our 
 Indian friends and the minds of many estranged from our interests. 
 Such must inevitably be the c<mse()Uence of our present inert and 
 neutral proceedings in regard to them. 
 
 It ill becomes me to determine how long true policy requires 
 that the restrictions now imposed upon the Indian Department 
 ought to continue, but this I will venture to assert that each day 
 the officers are restrained from interfering in the concerns of the 
 Indiaqs, each time they advise peace and withhold the accu.stomed 
 supply of ammunition, their influence will diminish, till at length 
 they lose it altogether. It will then become a question whether 
 that country can be maintained. 
 
 I find that ever since the departure of Prie.st Burk from Sand- 
 wich the £50 per annum paid from the military chest to that gentle- 
 man has been withheld, on what account I liave not been able to 
 ascertain. The person now in office is highl}^ .spoken of, and as 
 several gentlemen of the Catholic persuasion have applied to me to 
 intercede with Your Excellency to renew the allowance, I presume 
 to submit the case to your indulgent consideration. 
 
 - (CHniMliHn Archives, C. 676, p. 92.) 
 
 Mujor-laciieral Brock to Sir GvurRc Prcvost. 
 
 York, March 9, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — As the transactions which have occurred in the House of 
 Assembly in regard to the Chief Justice may be represented at 
 Quebec in a manner to excite wrong impressions, I deem it proper 
 to furni.sh Your Excellency with a summary of the whole business. 
 
 The inordinate power a.ssumed by the House of Assembly is 
 truly alarming, and ought to be resisted, otherwise the most tyran- 
 nical system will assuredly be pursued by men who suffer them- 
 selves to be led by a desperate faction that stop at nothing to 
 gratify their personal resentment. 
 
 Mr. Nichol is a gentleman of education, and who in the tli.striet 
 in which he resides has done essential good in opposing the demo- 
 cratic measures of a Mr. Willcocks and his vile coadjutoi*s. The 
 palpable injustice committed against his person by dragging him at 
 midnight, without any previous warning, one hundred miles, from 
 
45 
 
 hiH home tu the Itnr of the Houho, tuul then cfMuiiiittiii^ him to ^;aoI 
 under the iiioHt frivolouH preteiiHeH. haH ^-eatly alarineil the most 
 thinkiiiju: part of the community. Efforts are to be mmie by several 
 respectable cliai-acters to get into tlie next A«.sembly. but .such is the 
 spirit which unfortujmtely prevails that 1 much fear they will be 
 foiled in their attempt. I v«hm inclincil to dismiss the House liefore 
 thememlters paMHe<l such harsh resolutions a^inst the Chief Justice, 
 but his friends recommended that they should be allowwl to proceed 
 without interruption. 
 
 (From Tupper'n Life of Brork, pp. 156-7.) 
 
 Colonel Btiynes to Unjor Ornrral Brork. 
 
 Quebec, March 10, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I i*egr«'t to find by your late letters to Sir (jJeorge I'revost 
 that your expectations from your Legislature have not been i-ealized 
 to the extent of your well grounde<l ho|)e.s. Sir George, who is well 
 versed in the tickle and intractable di.sposition of public asstMublies, 
 feels nu)re regret than disappointment. He has a very delicate can! 
 tt) play with his House of A.ssembly here, who would fain keep up 
 the faree of being highly chanued and delighteil with his amiable 
 disposition and affable mannei's. They have even gone the length 
 of a.s.serting that these traits in his character have affonle<l them 
 the most entire confidence that in his hands the Alien Act would 
 not be abused. The}' have, however, taken the precaution of strip- 
 ping it of its very essence and spirit, while la.st year they pa.ssed it 
 without a division, when Sir James [Craig.J on whose mild and 
 affable disposition the}' did not pretend to ivly, told them that it 
 could only alarm such as were con.scious of harlioring seditious de- 
 signs. They have j)a.ssed an amendment to the militia bill which, 
 though not affording all that was require*!, is still a material point 
 gained : 2000 men are to be balloted to ser\'e for three months in 
 two successive summers. One of their strongest objections was the 
 apprehen.sion of the Canadians contracting military habits and en- 
 listing into the service. 
 
 Sir George has directed me to inform vou that he will be 
 ready to i^eniler you any assistance in his jx>wer to .strengthen the 
 Upper Pi-ovince, but that unless reinforcements arrive from Eng- 
 land, (in which case you may depend upon having a due proportion 
 put under your innnediate command) his means of doing so are ver}' 
 limited. His Excellency is not sanguine in his expectations of re- 
 ceiving reinforcements this sununer; on the contrary-, the appearance 
 of hastilities beginning to abate at Washington, and the pledge held 
 out in the Pi-ince Regent's speech, of supporting with energj' the 
 
46 
 
 contest in Spain and Portugal, are likely to prevent more troops 
 being seen in this quarter unless a more urgent necessity of doing 
 so should appear. I will not comment on American politics, in 
 which we all appear to agree, that the deep-rooted jealousy and 
 hatred of that people must in the end lead to hostilities, and that it 
 behooves us not to lose sight of an event which if not prepared to 
 meet we shall find more difficult to repel. Under this impression, 
 Sir George is disposed to promote the several plaoii you have recom- 
 mended to him relating to the general line of conduct you would 
 wish to adopt in defence of the important Province committed to 
 your charge. If no additional force be sent out he will send up the 
 strong detachment of the 41 st, composed of uncommonly fine young 
 men and in very good order. The General has it also in view to 
 send you a strong detachment of the Newfoundland regiment, 
 selecting their seamen and marine artificers who will be most useful 
 in the prop<jsed works to be carried on at York, and here I am ap- 
 prehensive that the means of augmenting your strength must be 
 bounded unless the Glengarry levy can be rapidly nned : and Sir 
 George is sanguine in his expectations of its being speedily placed 
 upon a respectable footing ; in that case it could occupy Kingston 
 and that line of communication between the Provinces which you 
 deem so essential to be guarded. This corps will have the very 
 great advantage of starting with a better 8elect«<l body of officers 
 of any Fencible regiment in Canada, I hope you will feel inclined 
 to bring forward Shaw as one of your captains, as without your 
 countenance I fear he will find it an arduous task to provide for 
 himself and his brother. The uniform of the corps is to be green, 
 like that of the 95th Rifles. 
 
 Sir George expressed himself very sensible of the policy of the 
 line of conduct you would wish to pui'sue respecting the Indians, 
 but as other considerations of the greatest political delicacy are so 
 minutely interwoven with them, and as the American government 
 are already inclined to view every transaction with those people 
 with a jealous and su'-.picious eye, he would recommend the utmost 
 caution and forbearance, lest a different line of conduct might tend 
 to increase the irritation between the two governments, which it is 
 evidently the wish o£ Great Britain to allay. 
 
 • *••»»«•••• 
 
 (From Tapper's Life of Brock, p. 159.) 
 
 (From the Bufalo Gazette, Wednesday, Manh 11, 1819.) 
 
 What does it mean ? By a law of Upper Canada latel^*^ passed 
 the militia of that Province are to turn out and drill six days in 
 every month. 
 
47 
 
 CSeneral Order. 
 
 Headquarters, April 2d, 1812. 
 
 The Commander-in-Chief is required by the President of the 
 United States to order into service for the defence and protection 
 of the frontiers of the State detachments of the militia thereof, to 
 be stationed at Niagara, Oswego and near the mouth of the Black 
 River, Major-General Widrig will, therefore, without delay, detach 
 from his division (excluding the Onondaga brigade) six hundred 
 men, including officers, a nd will organize them into eight companies, 
 will assign the captain:< and subi^Iterns. and will have them ready 
 to march at a moment's warning. 
 
 He will also report to the Commander-in-Chief one lieutenant 
 colonel and two majors whom he can recommend to be assigned to 
 the conmiand of the detachment. Should any company of artillery 
 or part thereof exceeding thirty men, uniformed and equipped, 
 volunteer their services they will be accepted and organized as part 
 of the above mentioned detachment and will be equipped with 
 field pieces, implements and ammunition by the State. The alK)Vfv 
 mentioned detachment wuli be stationed near the mouth of the 
 Black River. Major-General Widrig will also require Brigadier- 
 General Ellis to furnish from his brigade, and have in reatliness to 
 march to Oswego at a moment's warning, two companies of infantry, 
 or one company of artillery of not less than forty men and one 
 company of infantry of one hundred men, including officers ; the 
 latter to have one captain, two lieutenants and one ensign, or if 
 there be two companies of infantry of the ordinary number, then 
 each company to have one captain, oiie lieutenant and one ensign, 
 to be assigned by (Jeneral Ellis. The places of rendezvous for the 
 detachments from each brigade are to be fixed by the respective 
 Brigadier-Generals and reported to the respective Major-Generals. 
 
 Major-General King will detach from the Madison and Cort- 
 land t brigades of infantry two hundred and fifty men, to be in 
 readiness to march to Oswego whenever orders to that effect may 
 be received, and to organize them into three companies, with one 
 captain, one lieutenant and one ensign to each company. The 
 detachments from Onondaga, Madison and Cortland Counties will, 
 upon their arrival at Oswego, be formed into one corps, to be com- 
 manded by a field officer whom the Commander-in-Chief will a.s8ign 
 for that purpose. 
 
 Major General Hall will forthwith detach from the Seventh 
 division of infantry under his command six hundred men, including 
 officei*s, and will organize them into eight companies and a."»sign 
 captains and subalterns to command the companies. The detach- 
 
48 
 
 nient from his division will be directed to rendezvous in such 
 parcels and at such places as he shall designate, and will from 
 thenre proceed to the post of Niagara. Lieut.-Col. Philetus Swift 
 will take command of the detac* ment from the Seventh division. 
 The commandant of the Genesee brigade will detach one major, and 
 the comn)andant of Niagara brigade one other major, who, together 
 with Lieut.-Col. Swift, will compose the field officers of the detach- 
 ment. The regimental staff will be selected by the commandant of 
 the detachment and be reported to the Major-General. 
 
 The officers who are charged with the execution of this general 
 order are instructed to be prompt and vigilant in its execution and 
 to encourage by all lawful means volunteei-s for the detachment. 
 The Commander-in-Chief cherishes a lively hope that the patriotic 
 and brave spirit which pervades the divisions from which the above 
 detachments are to be taken will immediatel}- fill the reijuired 
 quota witii volunteers. 
 
 Volunteers under and pursuant to the Act of Congress of the 
 6th of February, authorizing the President to accept the services 
 of volunteers, will be preferred, and the general and field officers 
 will accept such volunteers accordingly as part of the detachments. 
 
 By order of the Commander in Chief. 
 
 Anthony Lamb, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 (Tompkins Papers, New York State Library.) 
 
 wioveriior Tomiikins to Colonel Plilletns Kwift. 
 
 Albany, 2d April, 1812. 
 
 Dr. Sir, — Perhaps you did not expect the evening that you 
 left Albany that I should so soon have occjusion to accept the offer 
 of your services. The enclosed papers will ntake you acciuainted 
 with the proceedings which I have been directed by the President 
 to pursue in relation to the <letachment of the militia. You may 
 consider yourself in service from the day of the receipt of this 
 letter, and will consult with General Hall and exert yourself to get 
 volunteers or others eiuolled and ready to march whenever oirlered, 
 which will be the moment the contractors arrive and proceed west- 
 ward to supply provisions, which will be in a day or two. 
 
 You are at libert}^ when the detachment shall l)e ordered to 
 rendezvous to call on the keepers of the ai*senals at Canandaigua 
 and Batavia for arms and ammunition to supply' such of the volun- 
 teers and others as may \)e deficient, and to show the keepers this 
 letter Jis evidence of your authority so to do. You will receipt to 
 them whatever they may «leliver. 
 
 Col. Burnet is appointed Brigadier-General, which will satisfy 
 hinj why he was not assigned to the command of Lt. Col'cy ; Major 
 
■ ■ W 49 
 
 Reddington is appointed Lt.-Col. in the stead of Col. Stanley, 
 resigned. I will, if possible, send their commissions by the 
 messenger whom I have employed to convey the General Orders 
 and other papers to the respective officers. 
 
 P. S. — I should think Major Gansen or Major Sutherland of 
 Genesee would be a good appointment for that county. 
 
 I have this moment received a line from the War Department, 
 saying that volunteers under the Act of the 6th of February last, 
 authorizing the President to accept volunteers, would be preferred. 
 If I do not procure a copy of that Act to transmit by this convey- 
 ance I will forward it speedily by mail. 
 
 I have procured a copy and have had it printed with a caption 
 for volunteering. I am in hof)es you and the majors can obtain 
 volunteers sufficient for the detachment, and therefore send you 
 several copies, 
 
 (Tompkins Papers, New York State Library.) 
 
 Governor Tompkins to Lieut.-€ol. Geortec Fteuiiiig. 
 
 (Undated.) 
 (2nd April, 1812 
 
 Sir, — I had recommended to the counnittee on the defence of 
 the frontiers to provide amongst othei' things for the appointment 
 of a Commissary of Military Stores for the Western District, with a 
 salary of 750 or 1000 Doll's. They unanimously agreed to that 
 among other things and reported a bill accoidingly, which was kept 
 back, perhaps designedly, until I found it my duty to prorogue the 
 Legislature. The bill will undoubtedly pass in May, when it is my 
 intention, if the Council approve it and you con.sent. to avail the 
 State of your experience and knowledge in military science. 
 
 In the meantime I am desirous of availing the State of your 
 usefulness in another way. I have received a requisition from the 
 President to detach and station at Niagara, Oswego and the mouth 
 of Black River portions of the militia. The number to be stationed 
 at Oswego will consist of 400, among whom may be one company 
 of artillery. I am desirous that you should take the command of 
 the last mentioned detachment, and for that pur[)ose have enclosed 
 you an appointment as my aid, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. 
 
 Should this appointment and the consecjuent command meet 
 your acceptance, you may consider yourself in service from the re- 
 ceipt of this letter, and may visit and make the necessary arrange- 
 ments with Genl. Ellis of (3nondaga Hollow, Genl. Knapp of Cort- 
 landt County, and Genl. Hurd of Cazenovia, from whose brigades 
 the Oswego detachment is to be taken. 
 
" \ ■••• ■'■■ .,:■■■ ■ '»■ ■'■■■ ^ , 
 
 ■,',■■,',"'■■■; ■% ; 
 
 '''■'. 50 
 
 Should you accept this command you will please to advise me 
 of your steps and of the places at which communications from the 
 Adjutant Genl., from the contractor for provisions, or from myself, 
 will reach you, 
 
 A copy of the President's requisition, of my Genl. Order 
 thereon, and of my letters to Major-Genls. King and Widrig, within 
 whose division the three above mentioned brigades are situated, are 
 enclosed for your information. 
 
 My General Orders refer to a conmiandant of the Oswego 
 detachment to be assigned by me. You may shew the respective 
 generals your commission and this letter as evidence of your being 
 authorized and assigned as such commandant. 
 
 P. S. — I am just advised by the Secretary of War that volun- 
 teers under the Act passed 6th Feby. last will be preferred. I will 
 send a copy of that Act by the first opportunity, if I do not get it 
 in season to accompany this letter. Those of the detachment who 
 may not be equipped and supplied with muskets, &c., from the 
 Onondaga arsenal, you will give your receipt for what is received 
 there and shew this letter as your authority for requiring them. 
 
 The Act and caption for volunteering are enclosed. The 
 inducements contained in the Act, together with the consideration 
 that young men who acquire a little knowledge of tactics will 
 probably be selected to officer the army, will, I hope, produce a 
 sufficient number of volunteers. Their tour of duty will not prob- 
 ably be arduous nor exceed two months. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, New York State Library.) 
 
 8ir Cieonee Prevost to Lord Liverpool. 
 
 Quebec, 3rd April, 1812. 
 . , No. 37. 
 
 My L(JRD, — Before Your Lordship receives this you will have 
 learned Henry's treachery. From Mr. Henry's residence in this 
 country, his religion, his thorough acquaintance with the Canadian 
 character and language, and above all his deep resentment against 
 its government. Bonaparte may give him a favorable reception with 
 a view of keeping his talents in reserve. I think the next measure 
 of hostility Mr. Madison will practice will be to cause a declaration 
 of war to be laid upon the tables of Congress. I have therefore 
 addressed the general officers commanding m the Provinces, recom- 
 mending the utmost caution and prudence in their intercourse with 
 the United States. I enclose an extract from my letter to Major 
 General Brock, that to Sir John Sherbrooke contains the same ex- 
 cept as respects the fort of Detroit. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 117-2, p. 181.) 
 
51 
 
 Extract of a Letter froTYi Sir George Prevost to Major General 
 
 -. Brock, (kited at Quebec, Slst March, 1812. 
 
 I have carefully examined Lieutenant Colonel Macdonnel's re- 
 port on the Amer'can fort at Detroit, written at your desire, from 
 information he !iad received during: a residence of a few days in 
 the vicinity. Whatever temptations may offer to induce you to de- 
 part from a system strictly defensive, I must pointedly request that, 
 under the existing circumstances of our relations with the Govern- 
 ment of the United States, you will not allow them to lead you into 
 any measure bearing the character of offence, even should a declara- 
 tion of war be laid on the table of Congress by the President's in- 
 fluence, because I am informed by our Minister at Washington 
 there prevails throughout the United States a great unwillingness 
 to enter upon hostilities, and also because the apparent neglect at 
 Detroit might be but a hait to tempt us to an act of aggression, in 
 its effects uniting parties, strengthening the power of the Govern- 
 ment of that country, and affording that assistance to the raising of 
 men for the augmentation of the American army without which 
 their ability to raise one additional regiment is now questioned. 
 You are, nevertheless, to persevere in your preparations for defence, 
 and in such arrangements as may, upon a change in affairs, enable 
 you to carry an}'^ disposable part of your force against the conmion 
 enemj'. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 117-2, p. 183.) 
 
 Major-iiercral Brock to Licut.*€ol. Robert Nichol, CoiuinandinK 
 
 *^d Regiment Norfolk Militia. 
 
 York, April 8, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — The power which is vested in the person administering 
 the Government by the amended Act of the militia, passed the last 
 session of the Provincial Parliament, of forming two Hank com- 
 panies to be taken indiscriminately from the battalions, being 
 limited to the end of the ensuing session, would almost deter me 
 from incurring public expense upon a system which will cease to 
 operate before its utility and efficiency can well be ascertained. 
 
 But, being anxious at this important crisis to organize an 
 armed force with a view of meeting future exigencies, and to 
 demonstrate by practical experience the degree of facility with 
 which the militia may be trained for service, I have to request you 
 to adopt imn>e(iiate measures for forming and completing among 
 such men as voluntarily offer to serve, two companies, not to exceed 
 one captain, two subalterns, two sergeants, one drunimer and thirty- 
 five rank and file, each in the regiment under your counnand. 
 
52 ' ■■ .-' ■ . 
 
 You will have the goodness to recommend two captains whom 
 you conceive the liest cjualitied to undertake this important duty; 
 the nominating of subalterns is left to your discretion. 
 
 Such other regiments as are conveniently situated to receive 
 military instruction shall have an opportunity afforded them of 
 shewing their ardor in the public service, whicli cannot fail of 
 creating a laudable emulation among the different corps. 
 
 Assisted by your zeal, prudence and intelligence, I entertain 
 the pleasing hope of meeting with very considerable success, and of 
 being able to establish the sound policy of rendering permanent to 
 the end of the present war a mode of njilitary instiniction little 
 burdensome to individuals and every way calculated to secure a 
 powerful internal defence against hostile aggression. 
 
 Printed rules and regulations for your future guidance are 
 herewith forwarded. The most simple and at the same time the 
 most useful movements have been selected for the practice of the 
 militia. 
 
 Experience has shown the absolute necessity of adopting every 
 possible piecaution to preserve in a proper state the arms issued to 
 the militia, and of guarding against the heavy defalcations which 
 have heretofore occurred. 
 
 You will make application to the officer commanding at Fort 
 Erie for the number of arms and accoutrements wanting to com- 
 plete the men actually engaged to serve in the flank companies, and 
 that officer will be instructed to comply with your requisition upon 
 your transmitting to him duplicate receipts, one of which is to be 
 forwarded to head(juai'ters, that you become responsible for the 
 articles delivered to your order. At the same time the most liberal 
 construction will be given to any representation accounting for such 
 contingencies as are incidental to the service. 
 
 (From Life and Correspondence of Major General Sir Isaac Brock by Ferdinand 
 Brock Tupper, London, 1847, p. 163. ) 
 
 Sir liieorgc Prcvost to Lord Liverpool. 
 
 Quebec, 14th April, 1812. 
 No. 38. 
 
 My Lord, — Considering a naval force properly constructed the 
 most efficient and cheapest mode of defence, I have gradually 
 increased the naval force on the lakes, and I have oitlered five com- 
 panies of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment to proceed to Upper 
 Canada as soon as the season will permit, to be enjployed afloat, 
 being men accustomed to boats and vessels. 
 
53 
 
 I am convinced that Kingston is a very exposed and unfit 
 situation for our vessels to winter, and I propose the removal of 
 the naval establishment by degrees to York. .... 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 117-2, p. 194.) 
 
 ^, Sir George Prevost to Lord Liverpool. 
 
 Quebec, 20th April, 1812. 
 No. 40. 
 My Lord, — 
 
 The recent passing of an Embargo Act in Congress, the orders 
 issued for the march of 1,600 men to reinforce the American positions 
 on Lakes Erie and Ontario and the River St. Lawrence indicate an 
 inevital)le disposition for hostilities, which have induced me to 
 accept the services of 500 Canadian youth, to be formed into a 
 coi'ps of light infantry or voltigeurs. ..... 
 
 As soon as the organization of the militia is en train, I propose 
 visiting Upper Canada to concert with Major-General Brock a 
 general plan of offensive and defensive operations in the event of 
 the democratic spirit of the United States having put the dispute 
 beyond the bounds of accommodation. ..... 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 117-2, p. 214.) 
 
 Mr. Augustus J. Foster, His niajcsly's Minister at Wasliington, 
 
 to Lord ('Ustlercagh. 
 
 W.\SHiNGTON, April 21st, 1812. 
 
 No. 25. 
 
 My Lord, — I have received Your Lordship's despatch No. 1, 
 that I should make tliligent inquiries into the actual military 
 establishment of the United States in the different arms, and 
 transmit such plans of the forts, military posts, &c., as I could 
 secure. I expect to be able to forward a complete statement by 
 the May packet. 
 
 The militia in the northern, and particularly in the eastern 
 States, are well trained and armed. The General, who has been 
 lately appointed Commander-in-Chief, (Dearborn), is a heavy un- 
 wieldy-looking man, who was a major in the American war and 
 was a prisoner in Canada. He has apparently accepted his appoint- 
 ment with great reluctance, having hesitated till within a few days. 
 His military reputation does not stand very high, nor does that of 
 Mr. Thomas Pinckney, the second Major General. 
 
 General Dearborn and his Aid-de-Camp, Mr. Melvin, who was 
 
54 
 
 a banker in Paris, and when nominated as a Deputy Commissary 
 was not confirmed in the Senate on account of the badness of his 
 character, have left this city for Albany to superintend the prepara- 
 tions in that quarter, where 1600 militia have been ordered out, 500 
 to be stationed at Niagara, 500 nearly opposite Kingston, and 600 
 at Champlain. It was reported that Governor Hull would succeed 
 Mr. Eustis as Secretary of War, but he has been made a brigadier- 
 general and proceeded to his Government, where his first object will 
 be to withdraw to Detroit a remote garrison of 60 men stationed 
 on the southern shore of Lake Michigan [at Chicago] and are said 
 to be in great danger of being dislodged by the Indians. Mr. Lewis 
 is confirmed as Quartermaster-General. He is son-in-law of Mr. 
 Livingstone, formerly Minister to France, and was himself once 
 Governor of New York and possesses considerable populnrity in 
 the State. 
 
 There is a cannon foundry near here, from which 100 cannon 
 have been lately sent to New York, many of them cast-iron. They 
 have 50 more now on hand. I am told that a quantity of harness 
 for upwards 1,000 horses is making expedition to New York, and 
 that considerable supplies are daily sending to Albany, the con- 
 tractors having shipped for that place every barrel of beef and pork 
 in the market. 
 
 Colonel Porter has obtained for his brother the contract for 
 supplying the troops, which, it is said, will be very profitable to 
 him. Colonel Porter, who was said to be very nmch against the 
 war measures towards the third month of the session, and was con- 
 sidered as having abandoned Mr. Madison's party for that of Mr. 
 Clinton, is now said to have changed his line of policy once more. 
 He is absent from Congress, and is now reported to be endeavoring 
 to save Mr. Madison's influence in the northern part of the State. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 119, p. 265.) 
 
 (From the Buffalo Gazette, Tuesday, April ?^1, 1812.) 
 A Speck of War. 
 
 To the Editors of the Buffalo Gazette : 
 
 Gentlemen, — To prevent the erroneous impression which 
 exaggerated reports may have in the public mind relative to an 
 unauthorized circumstance which took place yesterday, we enclose 
 
55 
 
 the correspondence on the subject, and request you will have the 
 goodness to insert it in your first Gazette published after the receipt 
 hereof. 
 
 We are, &c., 
 
 Thos. Dickson, 
 E. Grant, 
 James Kerry. 
 Messrs. Salisburys, Buffalo. 
 
 Messrs. Thomas Dickson, R. Grant, James Kerhy, William Robertson: 
 
 Gentlemen, — The inhabitants of this part of the country have 
 thought advisable to meet together to make some preparation 
 against attacks of Indians or vagal»onds that may take place (which 
 we have reason to believe we have sufficient grounds for so doing.) 
 While in the peaceable manner we were doing our business without 
 any intention of insult or menace to any person or persons on your 
 side, some bad disposed num or men discharged three inusket shots 
 from the door of John Smith in your village, no doubt with a view 
 to insult our people, one of which balls struck within eighteen 
 inches of a person here. 
 
 We think this highly improper at this time, and presume any 
 good man on your side will think with us, and that you will take 
 every measure to prevent the like again, as, if repeated, the fire will 
 certainly be returned, and we know not where it will end. 
 
 We remain, &c., 
 
 Benjamin Barton, 
 RuFus Spalding, 
 Joshua Fairbanks. 
 Lewiston, April 17, 1812. 
 
 QueenstoN, 18th April, 1812. 
 
 Gentlemen, — We have to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter of yesterday, and regret that the conduct of an inconsiderate 
 boy at this place in firing across the river should have caused an 
 uneasiness or drawn from you (previous to any communication with 
 us as to our knowledge of the circumstance) the intimation that if 
 repeated " the fire will certainly be returned " from your side. 
 
 That disposition which unanimously exists here for the pro- 
 motion of uninterrupted harmony between the countries has induced 
 the Magistrates in Quarter Sessions to take immediate steps to 
 punish the oflfender, and in consequence he has been this day bound 
 under recognizance to answer at the next assizes for the offence. 
 
m 
 
 We trust this example will be followed with equal prompti- 
 tude and a similar disposition on your part should any like instance 
 occur. 
 
 We respectfully are, 
 
 Thomas Dickson, 
 R. Grant. 
 James Kekby. 
 
 To Messrs Benjamin Barton, Rufus Spalding, Joshua Fairbanks. 
 
 (Pile In Buffalo Public Library.) 
 
 Major General Brock to Sir Georxe Prevosl. 
 
 York. April 22, 1812 
 
 Sir, — I had the honor to receive Your Excellency's letter, dated 
 the 24th ultimo, and I entreat you to believe that no act within my 
 control shall afford the Government of the United States a legiti- 
 mate pretext to add to a clamor which has been so artfully raised 
 against England. 
 
 We have received the account of the removal of the embargo, 
 and that the most rigorous measures have alread}' been adopted to 
 prevent the least infringement of it upon the Niagara River. 
 Armed men in colored clothes are continually patrolling along the 
 shore. These troops are stated to have recently arrived, but I have 
 not been able to ascertain whether they belong to the new levy or 
 to the militia. They are reported to amount to about 300. Colonel 
 Procter has doubtless written fully on the subject, but unfortunately 
 the letters l)y some negligence were left at Niagara. The accounts, 
 which have reached me, are not therefore so satisfactory as could 
 be wished. An idle boy is stated to have wantonly fired with ball 
 at the guard o))poHite Queenston, and it appears that the Americans 
 were guilty of a similar outrage, by firing during the night into a 
 room in which a woman was sitting. Luckily no mischief followed. 
 Being detained here upon civil business, I have sent Captain Glegg 
 over to see how matters stand and to ari'ange with civil and mili- 
 tary authorities the best means of preventing a recurrence of a 
 practice which may easily lead to serious consequences. I hope to 
 be at Niagara n)yself the day after to-morrow. 
 
 I beg leave to assure Your Excellency that I receive with no 
 small degree of pride the praise bestowed on my endeavors to 
 improve the militia system of this Province, and as the bill under- 
 went some alterations after the departuF'e of Colonel McDonnell, 
 particularly in limiting its operation to the end of the ensuing 
 session, I shall have the honor to forward for Your Excellency's 
 information the law as now enforced. I have by partial and gentle 
 
57 
 
 meaiiH already coinmence<l to ^ive it operation, and make not the 
 least <Ioubt that a sufficient niunWr will Yte found ready to volunteer 
 to complete the flank contpanieH, and I here bej( leave to y»arade the 
 flank companieH six times in each month, but, as no provision is 
 made for remunerating the men, I presume to submit for Your 
 Elxcelleuey's indulgent consideration that the commiasaries be in- 
 structed to issue rations for the numlier actually present at exercise. 
 These companies, I ex])ect, will he conip«)sed of the best description 
 of inhabitants, who in most cases will have to go a great distance 
 to attend parade, and unless this liberal provision l)e allowed will 
 be liable to heavy expense or be subject to considerable privations. 
 Acconling to my present arrangements, the numl)er embcxlied will 
 not exceetl 700, and when the companies are completed throughout 
 the pixjvinces they must be calculated at 1,800, and as <iuring 
 harvest and the winter months few or no parades will Uxkc place, 
 the total expense attending the measure can be of no material con- 
 sequence in a pecuniary point of view, and nmy in a political light 
 be pixxluctive at this juncture of considerable benefit. 
 
 I have likewise to rer|uest that such portion of clothing as Your 
 Excellency oan conveniently spare from the King's stores may be 
 fomi-anled to enable me to clothe such companies as are the most 
 likely to be called upon duty. 
 
 I am anxious to hear the real object of the embargo : should it 
 be directetl solely against Englaml the probability is that it leads 
 to a war: but .should France be included in its operation nothing of 
 the kiml need be dreaded. 
 
 In the ex|)ectation of having the honor of seeing Your Excel- 
 lency shortly at York, I limit for the present the works of the 
 military artificers at this place in preparing a temporary magazine 
 for the reception of the spare powder at Fort George and Kingston, 
 anil the excavation of the ditch for the proposed fortifications of 
 the spot on which the government house stands. 
 
 I transmit for Your Excellency's perusal a detailed account of 
 the transactions which led to the unjustifiable censure passed by the 
 House of Assembly uixm Chief Justice Scott. It is written by ISIr. 
 Nichol himself, and the warmth with which he Inis expressed his 
 indignation at the wanton exercise of a power yet undefined, as far 
 as regards this Province, is not therefore surprising. I am con- 
 vinced that whenever the business is brought legally before the 
 judges they will refuse to sanction the enormous power, undei">-the 
 name of privilege, which the House arrogates to itself. The execu- 
 tive will in that case be placed in a very awkward predicament. 
 Mr. Xichol, having commenced civil actions against the speaker and 
 sergeaut-at-arms for false imprisonment, will, should he succeed in 
 
68 
 
 obtaining daniageH, bring the queution with double force on the 
 tapis. The violence and ignorance which in all probability will 
 mark the proceedingH of the House cannot fail of producing a 
 di88( ' ition. I apply forcibly to ininisters for instructions, nut 
 should they be contrary to the opinion which the judges of the 
 (^ourt of King's Bench have formed of the law, I am led to believe 
 they will not influence the members ; therefore one of two alterna- 
 tives must be resorted to, either the appointment of more docile 
 judges or the decision of the question oy a British Act of Parlia- 
 ment. I trust, for the trannuillity and prosperity of the Province, 
 that the latter mode may be preferred. I have thus freely, and 
 perhaps with rather too much haste to be sufficiently explicit, 
 stated the difficulties which in all likelihood I shall have to 
 encounter at the next meeting of the legislature. Should the effect 
 of the embargo appear to be directed solely at Great Britain, I shall 
 avail myself of the confidence placed in me and order the purchase 
 of horses to enable the car brigade to act in case of necessity. This 
 being a service which requires infinite trouble and practice to bring 
 to any degree of perfection, cannot be too soon attended to. 
 
 (Prom Tupper'8 Life of Brock, pp. 167-170.) '. . 
 
 Major General Brock to Mr. Noah Freer. Military Secretary to 
 
 the Governor General. 
 
 York, April 23, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I transmit herewith for the information of the Com- 
 mander of the Forces a letter received from the Earl of Liverpool, 
 authorizing an increase of £200 per annum to the salary of Colonel 
 Claus, Deputy Superintendent of the Indian affairs, to commence 
 from the first of January last. 
 
 The inconvenience to which the public service has already been 
 exposed, owing to a scarcity of specie ; the likelihood of the evil 
 being increased by the operation of the embargo, and the almost 
 total impossibility in the event of w»r of getting a sufficient supply 
 to defray the ordinary expenses of Government, have led me to 
 consider the best means of obviating so serious a difficulty. And 
 having consulted with some of the principal merchants ai, to the 
 practicability of introducing a paper currency with any prol>ability 
 of success, I think myself warranted in stating that such an arrange- 
 ment would, particularly in the event of war, be generally supported 
 throughout the Province. The old inhabitants understand perfectly 
 the circulation of paper as a substitute for specie, and having been 
 formerly in the habit of receiving the notes of private individuals, 
 they would not hesitate taking the more certain security of Govern- 
 

 59 
 
 nient, especially if convinced thai payment could not be uiade in 
 any other way. 
 
 The couiniiHsaries ought to be instructed to receive this paper 
 as cash, givinff bills in return on Quebec. It is Hup{)OHed that the 
 circulation of 10 or £15,00<) would answer every purpose. No note 
 under 5s. or above £10 should l)e issued. The accoiupanyin^r letter 
 from Mr. Selby, the Receiver-General, will fully elucidate the 
 business. 
 
 I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st of 
 April. The Commissary -General will, doubtless, have been apprized 
 that his instructions t<) Mr. McGill arrived in time to supersede 
 those he received from me. Too great dependence ought not to l>e 
 placed on the surplus of the several species of stores at the different 
 posts. I have i*eason to think that at Andierstburg nearly the 
 entire excess will be found damaged and unserviceable. Being 
 desirous U} ascerUiin the actual state of the stores at that post, I 
 directed a month ago a regular surve}' to l»e tjiken of every article, 
 and the moment 1 receive the report it shall be forwarded to head- 
 quarters. 
 
 Flour has risen to eight dollai's and one-half per barrel. The 
 effect of the eml»argo is not yet felt. Upwaixls of 40,000 liarrels, 
 the produce of the south of Lake Ontario, will be kept by it from 
 the Montreal market. 
 
 (Proni Tupper's Life of Brock, pp. 170-1.) 
 
 (Frmn the Buf^ido Gazette, Tiiesday, April 28, 1812.) 
 
 We understand a companj' of VOLUNTEERS from Batavia 
 have arrive*! at Lewiston. 
 
 On Tuesday the 2l8t inst. upwards of 170 men VOLUN- 
 TEERED their services to form two companies in this village, to act 
 when an emei-gency should call for. 
 
 (Pile in Buffalo Public Library.) 
 
 Sir Cacorge Prc¥ost to Major General Brock. 
 
 Quebec, April 30, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have just heard from Mr. Foster that the Secretary at 
 War at Washington has transmittetl orders to Governor Tompkins 
 of New York, to send 500 of the State Militia to Niagara : 500 to 
 the mouth of the Black River opposite to Kingston, and 600 to 
 Champlain, in consequence of the hostile appearances in Canada. 
 Mr. Foster is of opinion the Government of the United States calcu- 
 lates that something will happen on the part of these men to pro- 
 duce a quarrel with the British ti*oops, which may lead to retaliation 
 
on both sides and occasion hostilities to cominenc*', as in this way 
 alone it Heetns thought an unjust war can lie forcetl on the American 
 people, who are ix'presented as really averse to it We must there- 
 fore use every effort in our power to prevent an^' coUision from 
 taking place between our forces and the American. 
 
 I havo also received information that the American gamson at 
 Fort Chicago, not excee<ling (U) men, has been onlereil to Detroit in 
 con8e4|uence of apprehensions from the Indians. 
 
 (From Tupper'8 Life of Brwk. pp. 172-3.) 
 
 Thoauis Barclay, H. M. Coiisnl*<«ciieral at Xcw York, to Sir 
 
 OeorKc Prt'vost. 
 
 (Bxtraot.) 
 
 New Yokk. May 5th, 1812. 
 
 You ma^' consider war as inevitable. It will take place in July 
 at the latest. I'^pper Canada will be the first object. Military 
 stores of all kinds and provisions are daily sending fnaii hence 
 towards the lines : 13,500 militia, the (piota of this State, aiv «lrawn 
 and ordered to be in I'eadinoss at a moment's notice. 
 
 (Cknaduui ArehiveN. i^. 1 1 7-2, p. :ill.| 
 
 (Fi'om the Biijhdo Gazette, Tae^^day, May •>, JS/J.j 
 
 Tlie tixwps from Batavia, wlu) lately volunteere«l their services 
 to defend our frontiei*s from " nocturnal incui-sions." stati(me<l at 
 Lewiston, have evacuated that town and retunuMl ta their res))ec- 
 tive homes. 
 
 (File in Buffalo Public Library | 
 
 From Colonel llu>iies to Illaijor-tieiirrnl Brork. 
 
 (^l EBEr, May U. 1HI2. 
 
 Sir. — I have great satisfaction in telling you that I have 
 rejKM-ted the Glengarry Lij;ht Int'antry more than complete to the 
 establishment of 400 rank and tile, and have receive*! Sir George 
 Prevost's conunands to recruit for a higher estrJ»lishnient : indeed 
 the quotas the officers have suggested to fulfill will nearly amount 
 to douole that number, and from the very great exertioits I have no 
 donbt of Rucceetling by the end of this year. Two officers have 
 divided Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for their hunting groun>?. 
 and are |>ermitteil to receive Acadians, and Lieutenant Ronald 
 McDoiuiell of the Canadians pi-oceeils in a few days to Pictou and 
 the Highland Settlements on the coast and gulf. He is an officer 
 that appeaiti eminently (pialified for that service, and he is sanguine 
 that the proffer of lands in the Scotch settlements of Upper Canada 
 
m 
 
 will induce ^reat nuiiibei's to enter. I aiu assured from various 
 channels that the men I have got are generally younjj, rather too 
 much so, and of a gooil description, there beinj; very few Yankees 
 among them. 
 
 Sir (ieorge has announced his intention of iccommending 
 Battersby to be Lieutenant-Colonel of the Glengarry corps, and 
 ordered him to take command of the recruits tissembled at Three 
 Rivei"s. Your Major of Brigade (Thomas Kvans) will be i*ecom- 
 mended to succeed to his majority in the King's Regiment. 
 
 (From Tupp«*r'8 Life of Brock, pp. 172-3.) 
 
 iHnJor General Brork to Sir CSeorjcc Prevost. 
 
 York, U. C, May loth, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have this day been honored with Your Excellency's 
 coutidential connnunication dated the *Wth ulto. 
 
 T have long since thought that nothing but the public voice 
 restrained the Unite<l States Governn»ent fron» commencing direct 
 hostilities, and it is but reasonable to expect that they will seek 
 every opportunity to inflame the minds of tlu; people against Eng- 
 land, in order to bring them the more readily into their measures. 
 It will be my study to guard against any event that can give them 
 any just cause of complaint, but the proximity of the two countries 
 will in all probability protluce collisions, which., however accidentally 
 biought al)OUt, will Ix* represented as so many acts of aggressions. 
 It would not surprise me if their first attempt to create irrit^ition 
 was the seizing the islands in the channel, to which lK)th countries 
 lay claim. Such wjvn represente<l to Sir James Cndg on a former 
 occasion to be their intention. 
 
 In addition tn the force specified by Your Excellency, I under- 
 stand that six companies of the Ohio militia are intended for Detroit. 
 Our interest with the Indians will materially suffer in consecpience 
 of these preparations being allowed to proceed with impunity. I 
 have always considered that the reduction of Detixiit wouM Ix- the 
 signal of a conlial co-oj)eration on their part, and if we are not in 
 sufficient force to eflect this object no reliance ought to Ix' placed on 
 the Indians. 
 
 About fortv regulai*s were last week adde<l to the garrison of 
 Niagara, and by all accounts barracks are to be immediately con- 
 structed at Black Rock, almost opposite Fort Erie, for a large force. 
 
 I returned three days ago from an excursion to Fort Erie, the 
 Grand River, where the Indians of the Six Nations are settled, and 
 back by the head of the lake. Every gentleman with whom I had 
 
62 
 
 an opportunity of conversing assured me that an exceeding good 
 disposition prevailed among the people. The flank companies in 
 the districts in which they have been established were instantly 
 completed with volunteers, and, indeed, an almost unanimous dis- 
 position t(3 serve is daily manifested. I shall proceed to extend this 
 system now that I have ascertained the people are so well disposed, 
 but my means are very limited. 
 
 I propose detaching one hundred rank and file of the 41st to 
 Amherstburg almost immediately. , 
 
 (Canadian Archives, C. 676, p. 112.) 
 
 Sir George Prevost to the Earl of Liverpool. 
 
 (Bxtraot.) 
 
 No. 4(J. 
 
 Quebec, 18th May, 1812. 
 
 My Lord, — In obedience to the command signified to me in 
 Your Lordship's despatch No. 7, of the 13th February, I now have 
 the honor to report upon the military position of His Majesty's 
 North American Provinces and the means of defen<ling them. 
 
 Fort George is a temporary fieltl work now repairing to render 
 it tenable, but in its most improved state it cannot make much 
 resistance against an enemy in consi<lerable force. The garrison 
 consists of a captain's counnand of artillery and about 400 men of 
 the 41st, the whole under Colonel Procter. The militia in the 
 neighlH)rhood does not exceed 2,000 nominal men. At Fort Erie 
 there is >v captain's command of the 4lHt, and at Chippawa a sub- 
 altern's. The American posts opptwite are Fort Niagara, Fort 
 Schlossor, Black Rock, and Buffalo Creek. In event of hostilities 
 it would be highly advantageous to gain possession of Fort Niagara 
 to secure the navigation of the river. 
 
 York has a goo<l harbour, and is best adapted for a depot for 
 military stores when converted into a |x>st of defence, and also for 
 a dock yard. The militia is computed at L500 men. 
 
 Kingston, at the head of boat navigation of the St. Lawrence, 
 is contiguous to a very flourishing settlement on the American 
 frontier, and exposed to a sudden attack, which, if successful, would 
 cut off* connnunication between the Canadas and deprive us of our 
 naval resources. The garrison consists of four companies of the 
 10th Royal Veteran Battaliim, under Major McPherson. The militia 
 are about 1,500. The Americans have posts in the vicinity, not 
 only opposite, but above and below, with good harbours, which are 
 open to the resources of a very populous country. In event of war 
 
63 
 
 this post is indispensably necessary for preservation of communica- 
 tion to establish a strong post for regulars and militia to secure the 
 navigation of the St. Lawrence above the rapids to Lake Ontario. 
 The total number of militia in Upper Canada is calculated at 
 11,000 men, of which it might not be prudent to arm more than 
 4,000. 
 
 (Canwllan Archives, Freer Papt^rH, 1812-13, p. 3.) 
 
 (From the Bufalo Gazette, Titesday, May 19, 18 V2.) 
 
 A company of the 100,000 men, from the town of Hamburg, 
 under the command Oi Major Whaley, arrived in this village last 
 evening on their march for Lewiston. 
 
 Other companies are on their way from the different parts of 
 the Genesee county for the frontier. 
 
 Colonel Swift of Ontario County, who is appointed to connuand 
 on the frontiers, arrived in this village on Sunday last. 
 
 Perhaps no recruiting regiment in this country ever met with 
 so great success as that of the Glengarry Sharp Shooters. This 
 regiment has had enlisting orders about five weeks, and it is said they 
 have already enlisted about 500 men. The Newfoundland and 
 Canadian Fencible Regiments are also said to have improved by this 
 uncommon spirit for enlistment, but, altho' their success luis been 
 uncommonly good it does not in any shape equal that of the Glen- 
 garry Regiment. — Montreal Courier. 
 
 (Pile in Buffalo Public Iii»)rar>'.) 
 
 Major D. Noon. Ily. <l|. M. G, of Stnte of New York* to General 
 P. B. Porter, 4|. M» General of that State. 
 
 OfJDENSBURG, 20th May, 1812. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Since I had the honor of addressing you last I 
 have made the necessary arrangements at Sackett's Harbor and at 
 Gravelly Point to accommodate two hundred and seventy men at 
 each place, if ecjuired. Captain Wolsy of the U. S. brig Oneida 
 was so good as to give up his barracks, which were occupied by his 
 crew during the winter, until the finst of Novemlier next. This by 
 some improvement will make very comfortable Imrracks for the 
 present, and give time to build othei-s, if required. I am also happy 
 to inform you that since my arrival at this place I have been able 
 to make a purchase of a range of buildings which was formerly 
 occupied as a ropewalk, having an excellent frame, for the term of 
 three years from the first of July next, at which time the lease from 
 the first pui chaser expires, subject to a small ground rent a year. 
 
64 
 
 It is with great difficulty I could get any ground near tlie 
 village, and the State owns none, from the bad conduct the inhabi- 
 tants say of the last soldiers (|Uartered he^-e — I would rather say 
 from the great desire the inhabitants have lo smuggle without the 
 aid of soldiei-s. The whole is 700 feet by 15, and the frame already 
 ife 230 by 15, which will contain about 800 men very comfortably, 
 as from the manner I intend to make the divisions and berths they 
 will make very good winter (juarters. I have nothing more to say 
 at present, but should wish to be informed in what manner I may 
 get money, should the sauje be wanting, and also your opinion 
 respecting blankets, as I have been very much in(|uired of respect- 
 ing them, as some officers told me they had some men who could 
 not get on for want of means to buy. Our enemies on the other 
 side of the river are making all the preparations in their power, 
 Tbjre has passed about sixty boats full of recruits for Montreal, and 
 the same number of boats going up with anniiunition and arms, &c., 
 in a few days, in my sight. The inhabitants of this place don't feel 
 much alarmed, as they say the Indians opposite to this and below 
 are divided, and, if report say right, friendly to our Government. 
 I expect to be able to get away from here in about four days for 
 Sackett's Harbor and Oswego, where I expect to have the pleasure 
 of hearing from you. Since writing the above there has arrived 
 here alwut 50 men, and more expected. I am ready for them. 
 
 of Hon. P. A. Porter.) 
 
 Colonel Baylies to Alnjor deiierul Brock. 
 
 QUEHEC, iMay 21, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Sir George has allowed me to make the following extract 
 from a <lespatch of Mr. Foster's, dated the 2(Sth April, which I do in 
 the Minister's own words : " The American Government affect now 
 to have taken every step incumbent on the executive as preparatory 
 to war, and leave the ultimate decision to C(jngress, as vested by 
 the constitution in that body, whicli is fluctuating as tlie seas. 
 There is a great party in the House of Representatives for war, 
 composed principally of the western and southern States — membei's 
 who have little to lose and may gain, while the northern and 
 eastern States are vehement against it. The embargo seems to have 
 been resolved upon because at the moment they did not know what 
 else to do. The Cabinet wished only sixty days — the Senate made 
 it ninety. Our Government leaves no room to expect a repeal of 
 the Order-in-Council, yet they wait for the return of the Honiet. 
 Something decisive must then be known ; perhaps when they 
 become completely convince<l of Bonaparte's playing upon theni, it 
 will end in declaring against France. The question of adjournment 
 
65 
 
 was lost, noiv ithHtanding there wan an absolute majority known a 
 few minutes before in its favor, revolutionists jealous of younger 
 men taking a lead. The army cannot, I conceive, soon be filled up 
 — they get few recruits." 
 
 You will have heard, long ere you receive this, that the 49th 
 Regiment is ordered home ; the 4l8t are by the same authority to 
 return to Europe, but Sir George will not, under existing circum- 
 stances, attempt to relieve the posts in Upper Canada, so that there 
 will be no immediate change in your quarter. Sir George regrets 
 that he has not field officei"s of the description you require to com- 
 mand at Kingston and Amherstburg. The only prospect of relief 
 in that respect which he has in view is from the arrival of the 
 absent inspecting field officers. 
 
 The arrangement you propose respecting the unfortunate 
 delinquents of the 4l8t Regiment will perfectly meet the approbation 
 of Sir George, who approved of your not forwarding the resignation 
 of the younger members, or, indeed, of any, if they are worthy of 
 consideration. 
 
 Kempt has brought his name into notice in the assault of La 
 Picurina, an outwork at Badajoz, where he commanded, being on 
 duty in the trenches. The Glengarry levy goes on swimmingly. 
 
 (Prom Tupper'8 Life of Brttck. pp. 176-7.) , 
 
 Sir €ieorge Prevost to llIaJor*€ieiicriil Brock. 
 
 (Quebec, May 27. 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I am much pleased to find by your letter of the 22d 
 ultimo you had taken precautions to prevent any act occurring 
 within your control that should aflTord the Government of the 
 United States a legitimate pretext to add to the clamor artfully 
 raised by it against England. 
 
 The circumstance which happened to the guard stationed 
 opposite to Queenston arrived here much exaggerated. Your 
 account of it silenced the idle reports in circulation. 
 
 I agree with you in deploring the limitation until the end of 
 the ensuing session in the operation of the Militia Act for Upper 
 Canada, but as in the event of hostilities it might not be possiole 
 to convene the Legislature, then the bill would in all probability 
 continue in force during the war, provided you were not induced 
 to make an exertion for a more perfect law. 
 
 Colonel Baynes having informed me he had an opportunity of 
 communicating with you more expeditiously than by post, I desired 
 him to make you ac(iuainted with the peaceful intelligence I had 
 just received from Mr. Foster ; but, although it conies with a good 
 
66 
 
 deal of reservation, still it warrants me in recommending the most 
 rigid economy in carrying on the King's service and in avoiding all 
 expense that has not become absolutely necessary, as it is with the 
 utmost difficulty money can be raised for the ordinary service. 
 
 I am apprehensive that I cannot look forward to the pleasure 
 of seeing you before the end of August, as my presence in the 
 Province is become indispensably necessary during the first opera- 
 tion of the new militia law. 
 
 Many thanks for the particulars of the transaction which led 
 to the censure paased by the House of Assembly on Chief Justice 
 Scott. 
 
 (From Tupper'B Life of Brock, pp. 177-8.) 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Lord Liverpool. 
 
 Quebec, 27th May, 1812. ' 
 
 No. 49. 
 My Lord, — 
 
 » • • • •••••••9 
 
 I enclose extracts from Major Geneml Brock's report on the 
 state of affairs in Upper Canada. The most ptwitive directions 
 have been given to the selected officers entrusted with connnandson 
 the frontier contiguous to the posts occupied by the American 
 forces, in addition t<) the orders relating to the precaution and vigi- 
 lance become indispensably necessary to observe in their intercourse 
 with the people of the United States, perfect civility, and to prevent 
 the occurrence of circustances calculated to create irritation be- 
 tween the two counf »-• . 
 
 (Ckuadiau Archives, ij. il7-2, p. 312.) 
 
 (From the Bu^alo Gazette, TueMiay, June 2d, 1812.) 
 
 Messrs. Granger, Parrish and Jones held on Tuesday last a 
 council with the chiefs of the Six Nations. There wa« a full meet- 
 ing of the chiefs, when they were asked what their determination 
 was in the event of war between the United States and Great 
 Britain. They answered, as we understand, that it was a general 
 understanding among them to take no part, but that they were 
 united in sending a deputation to their brethren in Canada in oi-der 
 to agree upon some plan in case of hostilities between the two 
 countries. 
 
 (Pile in Btiffalo Public Library.) 
 
67 
 Peter Walton & Son to James Cummlngs He Co. ol Chippawa. 
 
 (BxtPAOt.) 
 
 Albany, 6th June, 1812. 
 We are sorry to inform you tliat the prevailinjj opinion of the 
 people in this place is that war would be declared by Congress 
 against Great Britain during the course of this week. All the late 
 news from Washington will warrant this opinion. If they should, 
 under the circumstances it will be very unpopular indeed. Our 
 own opinion is that war will be declared. If so it will operate very 
 much against us all. 
 
 Sir George Prcvust to Lord Liverpool. 
 
 Quebec, 9th June, 1812. 
 No. 52. 
 
 La.st night I received a secret communication from Consul 
 General Barclay at New York, date<l 80th May, 1812. 
 
 Bxtraot. 
 
 His Majesty's Mitiister at Washington writes me on the 27th 
 instant that notwithstanding the clear proofs of the continuance of 
 the French Decrees, it seems war will be proposed on Monday, and, 
 it is said, will be carried in the House of Representatives. 
 
 (Canadian Anrhiv«?s. Q. 117-2, p. 339.) 
 
 Extract from u Letter Dated at Prescott, 14tli June, 181%. 
 
 A British vessel, the Lord Nrlnon, sailed from this on the 2nd 
 inst., loatled with merchandise, for Queenston and Niagara, and when 
 about 50 miles below that port she and another British vessel in 
 company full in with the United States Brig Oneida. One of the 
 vessels tacked to the northward, the other stood in for the south 
 shore and was brought to by tiring three guns at her. She was 
 then boarded an«l a prize master and crew took possession of the 
 Lord NelHon and anchored with her next day in Sackett's Harbor, 
 where she now lies unrigged. The reasons given for taking the 
 vvjssel are that she was found without a register or Customs House 
 clearance on board. The laws of Upper Canada do not reijuire that 
 a mei*chant vessel should have either register or cleai-ance. 
 
 G. P. 
 
 In Sir George Prevont's despatch to I^ord Liverpool, No. 53, 22nd June, 1812. 
 (Canadian Archives, (j. 117-2, p. 349.) 
 
68 
 
 Letter Irom Prescott, Dated 15th June, 181$S. 
 
 In addition to the capture of the L&rd Nelnon, I have to 
 acquaint you that the OtitaHo (an American vessel) which had 
 loaded at Queenston with 700 barrels of flour, bound to this place, 
 was on Friday last taken by an American armed Ixmt a little below 
 Carleton Island and carried to Gravelly Point. This vessel had left 
 the United States ports previous to the embargo laws, and had 
 made several voyages within the Province since the opening of 
 navigation. 1 can hear of no rea-son why the above named vessel 
 was detained, with a British cargo on board, but that the boarding 
 officer suspected her. 
 
 G. P. 
 
 Enoloned in Sir George PrevoHtV despatch to Lonl Liverpool, No. 53, 22d June, 1812. 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 117-2, p. 351.) 
 
 Hon. Wui. Eu8tl)i« Secretary of War, to Angnstns Porter. 
 
 War Department, June 15th, 1812. 
 Sir, — Two companies of militia are on their march ior San- 
 dusky, and General Hull will receive rein foremen ts at Detroit. 
 You will, therefore, in addition to the usual deposits and the 
 requisition particularly designated in my letter of May 2lHt, im- 
 mediately provide and dejxxsit fourteen thousand rations at San- 
 dusky, and three hundred and sixty-si.x thousand rations at Detroit. 
 Your letter of May 27 and bond are received. 
 
 (From MSS. of Hon. P. A. Porter.) 
 
 From the BoflTalo Ciiizette, Tuesday, June 10, 1819. 
 
 Colonel Swift has returned from Albany and resumed com- 
 mand of the volunteei"s on Niagara River. The volunteers have all 
 arrived on the fmntier, to the numl)er of (JOO. 
 
 ANOTHER " SPECK." 
 One of the sentinels at the Rock some time last week having 
 liberty to discharge his musket, levelled his piece acrt)ss the river 
 and Hre<I the same, intending, Jis he said, to see how prettily the 
 ball would skip on the water, when the ball, disdaining to be 
 tied down to a milk and water course, overleaped the Ixnmds of 
 reason and the boundary of the United States and deposited its cold 
 self into a rail on a fence near the bank of the river and also near 
 the house of a gentleman, &c. We are assuretl that tht' affair will 
 be noticed and may possibly lead to a correspondence. 
 
 From the BuflTalo Gazette, Tuesday, June )SS, 181!^. 
 
 To the Editor of the Buffalo Gazette : 
 
 Sir, — Whilst strict attention has been observed by the inhabit- 
 
69 
 
 ants on the Canada shore oppoHite Black Rock not to molest or 
 offend any person residing at the Rock or its vicinity, we had reason 
 to expect that a reciprocal attention would have been sliown to us, 
 but we are extremely sorry that our expectation has been disap- 
 pointed, and that our peace has been disturbed and our inhabitants 
 annoyed by some thoughtless or evil disposed iKJi-son having recently 
 tired several nmsket balls from the American shore. The whistling 
 of these bullets has been distinctly heart! and ascertained by the 
 examination of several reputable persons. One ball came near to 
 the blacksmith shop, one near to Henry Trout's tavern, and one a 
 little lower down the river. 
 
 While we regret the cause that has (occasioned this statement, 
 we feel confident that it requires only to l»e made known to the 
 authorities, who assuredly will prevent such licentious behavior in 
 future, and therefore reijuest that you will give it a place in your 
 impartial paper, and oblige 
 
 Your humble servants, 
 
 John Warren, Sr., J. P. 
 
 John Warren, Jr., J. P. 
 
 B. Hardison. 
 
 Hugh Alexander. 
 Fort Erie, 17th June, 1812. 
 
 Cieneral Order. 
 
 HEAi)guARTER.s, ALBANY, June 23d, 1812. 
 
 War is declared by the United States against the Kingdom of 
 Great Britain and Ireland and its dependencies. You will there- 
 fore Ite vigilant and attentive to the safety of the frontier of 
 Onondaga. You are by this letter authorized to oi*der out Major 
 Moseley's battalion of riflemen, (two companies), Captain Mul- 
 hoUand's company of artillery, or any other part of the volunteer 
 or detached troops of your brigade, to reinforce the Oswego detach- 
 ment upon the requisition of the conmiandant of that post. Should 
 Col. Fleming accept the office of Commis.sary, to which he is 
 appointed, Lt.-Col. Erastus Cleveland of Madison County will suc- 
 ceed him in that command. 
 
 By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 William Palldinc, Jr, 
 
 Adjutant-General. 
 
 To Brig'r General John Ellis. 
 
 (Tompkins Papers, New York State Library.) 
 
70 
 
 General Order. 
 
 HEADguAUTEKs, ALBANY, June 23d, 1812. 
 
 You will please to order out immediately and Heiid on in such 
 small detachments as can l)e accommodated on the road, the troops 
 detached from Ontario, Genesee, and Niagara as part of the 13,500 
 men. They may be e<|uipped from the arsenal with arms and am- 
 munition ; their clothinj; and blankets must l>e found by theni- 
 selves. Camp kettles and other camp e(|uipafi;e will be forwarded 
 immediately. Every officer and every citizen who values tfie sjifety 
 of his fellow citizens on the frontier and the dignity and honor of 
 his country will exert himself to the utmost to inspire nnitual con- 
 fidence, to obviate as much as possible the difficulties incident to the 
 assemblage of militia detachments, and by every po.ssible act of 
 kindness to assist and expedite the movements of the brave men 
 who turn out in behalf of their country, (jlenl. VVatlsworth is 
 ordered into service, and >vill take the command for the present of 
 the detachment already out and of the troops which may be onlereil 
 into service on the Niagara frontier. 
 
 The declaration of war between the King<lom of Great Britain 
 and Ireland and its depeiulencies and the United States, which de- 
 claration is enclosed, will call for the services of officei-s of a higher 
 grade than Brigadier-C General in a short time, and you will please 
 hold yourself in readiness accordingly. Tfie troops are, of course, 
 to act ofTensively whenever ah opportunity presents and the com- 
 manding officer may deem it to be for the good of the countiy. 
 
 By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 William Paulding, Jun'r, 
 
 Adjutant-General. 
 
 To Major-General Amos Hall. 
 
 (Tompkint* Papers, New York State Library. ) 
 
 General Order. 
 
 Headquarters, Albany, June 2M, 1812. 
 
 You will exert youraelf to forward the military stores whicli 
 may be wanted from Canandaigua towards the Niagara frontier, and 
 to supply every deficiency as far as may be practicable. If you can 
 procure cannon ball to be cast, let it be done, and let them suit the 
 calibers of sixes, fours, and threes. I have ordered additional troops 
 to the frontier; of course great exertions must be made to have 
 them accommodated in every respect. This duty will fall en your 
 department at present, and I shall expect your usual skill, prompt- 
 ness and patriotism in the performance of them. Camp kettles, a 
 few tents and some knapsacks and a quantity of cannon ball will 
 be sent on to-morrow with orders to proceed with the utmost 
 
71 
 
 despatch. Genl. Wadsworth is ordered with the detached troopn of 
 Ontario, Genesee, and Niagara to take the coniniaud, accommodate 
 them, feed them, cherish them. They will act offensively whenever 
 it may be ju<lge<l proper. 
 
 By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 William Paulding, Jun'r, 
 
 Adjutant-General. 
 To Quarterma8ter-General Peter B. Porter. 
 
 <Tompkins Papertt. New York State Library. ) 
 
 CaemTNl Order. 
 
 HKAi>grAKTER.s, ALBANY, Junc 23<1, 1812. 
 
 War is declaivd Initwcen the Kingdom of (Jreat Britain and 
 Ireland and its de]K*iuleneies and the United States of America and 
 the territories ther<H)f. As the Brigadier assigned to command the 
 most westerly detachment, you are hereby required to assemble the 
 volunteers and detache*! trixips of Ontario, Genesee and Niagara 
 Counties, to cauNo them to be equipped with arms and anuuunition 
 at the Ontario antl BaUivia ai-Henals. You are also at liberty to re- 
 quire the use of and transport with the troops the tield pieces 
 attached to such companies of artillery within the district aliove 
 mentione<l jis shall not volunteer or turn out in defence of the 
 country with patriotic promptitude. Ball for the cannon and the 
 other articles in wliich tlie ai*senals are deficient will be forwarded 
 without delay. 
 
 In the meantime you will be pleased to exert youi-self to pro- 
 mote a disposition to maintain the rights and honor of the country, 
 and may proceed U> Black Rock with the troops. You may collect 
 or go directly to Lt.-Col. Swift and order the tixx>ps to follow. 
 You are at liberty to act offensively as well as defensively, according 
 as in the exercise of a sound discretion may ap{>ear most for the 
 8afet3'^ '^'i^ interest of the United SUites and the good people thereof. 
 
 By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 William Paulding, Jun'r, 
 
 Adjutant-General, 
 
 To Brig'r-General William Wadsworth. 
 
 (TompkiDH Papers, New York State Library.) 
 
 Colonel Phtletas Swift and Benjamin Barton to Governor 
 
 Tompicius. 
 
 Sir, — Situated as we are on the frontiers and in plain view of 
 tiie armed force which we expect every day to call our enemy 
 gives us verj' serious apprehensions of the consequences that may 
 ensue unless timely aid is given to wai*d off the blow that may fall 
 
72 
 
 on thifi section of the country if war is declared in our present 
 defenceless situation. We consi<ler it our duty to state to you the 
 present prospect of affairs in this (|uarter in order that Your Excel- 
 lency may have as much information on the subject as possible, and 
 to enable you to adopt such measures as you may think most 
 advisable for the Initter defence and security of the frontier. The 
 British on the opposite side are making the most active preparations 
 for defence. New troops are arriving; from the Lower Province 
 constantly, and the (|uantity of military stores, &c., that have 
 arrived within these few weeks are astonishing. Vast quantities of 
 arms and annnunition are passing up the country, no doubt to arm 
 the Indians around the upper lakes, for they have not white men 
 enough to make use of such (mantities as are ptuwing. One-third 
 of the militia of the Upper Province are formed into companies 
 called flankers, an«l are wt'll armed and e({uipped out of the King's 
 stores and are regularly traine<l one day in the week by an officer 
 of the standing troops. A volunteer troop of honse has lately been 
 raised and havt* drawn their sabres and pistols. A company of 
 militia artillery luis been raised this spring and exercise two or 
 three days in the week on the plains near Fort George and practice 
 tiring, and have Ijecome very expert. The noted Isaac Swayzy has, 
 within a few days, received a captain's commission for the flying 
 artillery, of which they have a number of pieces, and we were 
 yesterday informed by a respectable gentleman from that side of 
 the river that he was actually purchasing hoi-ses for the purjtose of 
 exercising his men. They are repairing Fort George and V>uilding 
 a new fort at York. A number of boats are «laily employed, 
 manned by their soldiers, plying between Fort George and Queen- 
 ston, conveying stone, lime, and pickets for necessary repairs, and, 
 to cap the whole, they are making and using every argument and 
 persuasion to induce the Indians to join them, and we are informed 
 that the Mohawks have volunteered their services. In fact, nothing 
 is left undone by their people that is necessary for their defence. 
 It has also been suggested to me by a gentleman of respectability 
 residing there, and which we have every reason to believe to be 
 true, that if war is declared an<l we remain in the present defence- 
 less situation that an attack will te made on Fort Niagara, and in 
 that case it must fall, as the force they have there is but smal; and 
 the works in a miserable and decayed situation, and can make but a 
 feeble defence. The object in taking that fortress will be the com- 
 mand of the mouth of the river to prevent any supplies coming to 
 this side by water. 
 
 We have thus endeavored to give Your Excellency some idea 
 of the preparations that are making by the British in Upper 
 
73 
 
 Cantula, aH well a8 the people we have tu ii>«wt if a war takoM place. 
 Our threat feant are that our (joverninent will conaitler the taking 
 of that country of ho trifiin^ a nature that they will aeiui hut a 
 sniall forc(> an<l hadly sunplie<l. If that hIiouUI U> the caN<> many 
 valuable men will l)e lost and the invading army shamefully 
 defeated. 
 
 We have ^reat confidence that the general (Jovemment will 
 adopt Ruch nieasureN iw in their opinion will be the bent for the 
 welfare and .safety of the whole, but from want of proper informa- 
 tion may be led into an error. We therefore hope Your Excellency 
 will use your influence with the general CSoveniment to have a 
 respectable force on the frontier and well e«|uippe4l and supplied. 
 
 Lewiston, June 24, 1812. 
 (Tompkins Papers, roL VII., pp. 'JM-7, New York State Library. ( 
 
 Letter to Mr. H. W. Rylan«!, Secretary f Sir Ceorce Prevost. 
 
 Montreal, 24th June, 1K12. 
 
 You will l»e pleased to inform the (iovemor-(jener»l that we 
 have just receiveil by an express which left New York on the 20th 
 inst. and Allwiuy on Sunda3' last at 6 a. m., the account that war 
 against Great Britain is declared. 
 
 No particulars whatever are mentioned, but wc cannot doubt 
 of the fact, which we di>em it our duty to put His Excellency in 
 possession of without ileluy and acconlingly send this by express. 
 
 Forsyth, Ri< hariison & Co.. 
 
 McTaVI.SH, MdilLLlVRAY & Co. 
 Enclosed in Sir George Prevost's despatch to Lord Liverpool, 
 No. 54, June 25th, 1812. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 118, p. 4.) 
 
 Sir Georxe Prevost to Lord Liverpool. 
 
 Qi'EBEC, 2oth June. 1812. 
 
 No. 54. 
 
 My Lord, — Upon returning from the inspection of a battalion 
 of embodied militia training at some di.stance from Quebec, the in- 
 telligence herewith transmitted was delivered to me, it having 
 arrived two hours before. It conies through so good a channel that 
 I transmit it to Your Lordship by a vessel getting un<ler sail for 
 Cork, altho' I have not received any ollicial eommunicHtion from 
 Mr. Foster. The writers of the accompanying letter being the 
 principals of the Northwest and Southwest Fur Coiiipanies, were so 
 much interested in the question of war that they took extraordinary 
 means to obtain information of the decision of Congress that they 
 
74 
 
 might be enabled to preserve much valuable merchandise exposed 
 to the first a^^ressiun of the Americans. I hope Your Lordship 
 will send me a supply of money, the want of which I have already 
 so strongly represented. 
 
 It is with extreme disappointment that I acquaint Your Lord- 
 ship that the supply of anus and accoutrements shipped for Canada 
 last autumn has not yet arrived. 
 
 {Letter from Forsyth, Richanlson & Co. to Mr. Eyland. uinouDciiig the «lt<rUration 
 stt war. enrl<M(^. I 
 
 <CuuMlian ArrhircH, Q. 118, p. 2.) 
 
 Colonel Baynes to IIIiiJor>CieBenil Brock. 
 
 QrEBEC, June 25th, 1812. 
 
 Sill, — Sir Goorj^e Prevost desires me to infonn you that he has 
 this instant received intellij^ence from Mr. Richanlwjn by an express 
 to the NoKhwest Company, announcin*; that the American (iovern- 
 ment had declared war against (Jreat Britain. This despatch left 
 New York on the 2()th instant, and does not furnish any other 
 circumstance of intellig(Mico whatever. His Excellency in iiuluced 
 to ^ve i^erfect and entire credit to this report, althouj^h i has not 
 yet reached him through any oHicial channel. Indeetl, the extra- 
 ordinary tlespatch which has attended this c<mrier fully explains 
 his not having received the Minister's letters, of which he will not 
 fail tr^ give you the earliest intimation. 
 
 Mr. Richardson informs His Excellency that it is the intention 
 of the company to send six large canoes to receive their furs by the 
 Grand River (or Ottjiwa), and should it Ije experlient to n'inforce 
 the |>o8t of St. Joseph, that they will Ik' able to carry six 8oldiei> in 
 each boat. Anxious as Sir George feels to render you every aid in 
 his power and to atibnl every possible aKsistance and protection to 
 the Northwest Company, who have on their part aMKure<l tleir 
 co-operation. His Excellency, revertheless, does not think it a<lvi^' 
 able undei existing circumstt^nces to weaken the 4Uth Regiment, 
 which occupies so important and critical a station : imr can he hold 
 out any certain prospect of any further reinforwment until the 
 arrival of the troops he has been led to expect from England, but 
 directs ie to assure you of his cordial wish to render you every 
 efficient support in his |)ower. 
 
 iProin Tupper'n Life of Brook, pp. 193-4. 1 .^^,. 
 
 Ulvision Orders. 
 
 Bl(m>mfieli>, June 26th. 1812. 
 
 The detachment of infantry made from the 7th Division, under 
 and by virtue of Division Orders of the 11th of May last, have 
 
75 
 
 been organized by the Conunander-in-Chief into one brijjade, the 
 conunand wliereof is uMKi^ned to Brigadier-Cieneral William Wads- 
 worth, and i8 denoniiuattHl the 7th Brigatle. It is composed of three 
 regimentn, numbered and commanded as followH: — 
 
 18th, Hugh W. Dobbin of JuniuH, Seneca County. 
 
 19th, Henry Bl4X)m of Ueneva, Cayuga County. 
 
 20th, Peter Allen of Honeoye, Ontario County. 
 
 The IKth Regiment will bt; com)H)8ed of the detachment from 
 the brigades of (ieneralH McClure, Rea and Hopkins. 
 
 The 19th Regiment will Ik* con)|)OHed of the detachments fi"om 
 Generals Tillot.scm's and Hinu'cxl's brigatles. 
 
 The 20th Regiment will be compo.st'd of the detiichments from 
 Generals W»idsworth's an<l Hurnett's brigades. 
 
 The officers commanding the ISth l<»'gin>ent (except one com- 
 pany from (Jeneral MeChuf's iirigade) and the 20th Regiment are 
 ordered to concentrate the tnM)ps under tlnMr respective command 
 in such oonvmieiit places as they may think most convenient and 
 proper. The detachments will be furnishi>d frouj the iii-senals at 
 Canandaigua and HaUivia with arms, accoutrements and annnuni- 
 tion. Can)|) kettles and other camp etiuipage will !«• furnished and 
 forwurded with all convenient speed. The tr»M)ps must supply 
 them.selves with knapsacks, clothing and blankets. 
 
 These regiments, In-ing thus armed and ei|uip|)ed, are ordered 
 to march without delay to tlie Niagara frontier, under the (liriH;tion 
 an<l subject to the onlers of Brigadier-General Wailsworth. 
 
 To *he l)rigade composed of the above regiments (togetlier with 
 the militia already detache<l an<l stationed on the Niagara frontier), 
 the conunand whereof >s assigneil Brigadier-! Jeneral Wjidsworth, 
 are a.s.signei! for Brigade Staff', Julius Keves of Clan*nce, Niagara 
 County, Briga«le- Major and Inspector; Henry Wells of RImirH, 
 Tioga County, Brigade-* Quartermaster. To the reginients above 
 designatiMl are a.ssigned the following Majonn : — 
 
 ISth Regiment, Major John Morrison of Niagara County. Major 
 James (lan.son of Caledonia, Genesef County. 
 
 1 9th Regiment, Major Noah Olmsteafl of (\vuga County, Major 
 Aranthus Kverts of Hector, Seneca County. 
 
 20th Regiment, Major (Jeorge Smith of Livoiua, Ontario 
 County ; Major Thomas I^>e of Benton, Ontario County. 
 
 The I'egimental staff will Ije selected l»y the (ifficei-H assigned 
 to the conunand of the aUive regiments re.Hpectively. 
 
 Kvery officer connnanding a detached regiment will forthwith 
 transmit the Adjutant-General a roster of the names and places of 
 residence of the field and st'iff officers, an accurate ins{)ection i*eturn, 
 ami correct copies of the n^'istei rolls of tlu* companies am. troops 
 
76 
 
 thereof, an«l will also convey an extu-t copy of th« innpection 
 return t<3 the Coniiiiander of the Brigade aiul Hend it to the (ieneral 
 of the DiviHion, that he may in due Huason tranHniit to the Coui- 
 nmn<ier-in-Chief an inHpection return thereof. 
 
 The n>th Ri^^iiiient and the coin|)any from General McClure's 
 brigade are not at present orderefl to take the fieM, but will hold 
 theuiHelveN in readineHH to march at a moment's notice. 
 
 The MaJor-(teneral, confiding in the patriotism and courage of 
 the brave trcK)p8 ordered into s(«rvice, entertains no doubt but their 
 conduct will Ik» such as to ensur^t the grateful plaudits of their 
 belovtid country. As the servie«» into which they are called will [te 
 a service of privations and dang«'rs, it is hofMni that it will Im* borne 
 with the fortitude of men and the resolution of freemen, and that 
 the soldiers will carry with them the enduring recoll(>ction that as 
 citizens they have assumed the helmet of war for a season the more 
 effectually to secure the blessings of peace, U) attain which no 
 sacrifice short of a sjicrifice of naticml honor can be too great. 
 
 By order of tin? Major-(ieneral. 
 
 (iKOKCE HoSMEH, 
 
 Aide-de-Camp. 
 
 (From the lifjmMititni uf ( 'aimii<la!([:u«, Jxuw 'Mth, 1MI2.) 
 Pile in the WmMl liihrHry, CHiiRnilaitnin, N. V. 
 
 IliMtrlct l«cii«ral Order. 
 
 Niagara, 27th June, 1812. 
 D. G. (J. 
 
 Colonel Procter will assume the command »»f the troops U^tween 
 Niagara and Fort Erie. 
 
 The Hon'ble (^ol. Clans will connnand the militia stationed 
 between Niagara and Queenston, and Lieut.-Colonel (^lark from 
 Queenston to Kort Krie. 
 
 The commis.Mariat at their res|>ective |K)sts will issue rations 
 and fuel for the meml)ers actually prestMit. The ear briga«le and 
 th ^ of the Provincial ( 'avalrv are includt'd in the order. 
 
 )fticers connnanding |)osts or detachments will sign the neces- 
 sary certiiicate pn^vious to issuing tin; rations. The detachment of 
 the 4lHt, stationed at the Two and Four-Mile Points, will be relieved 
 by an etpnil innnberof the First Lincoln Militia to-nu>rrow morning. 
 It is reconnnen<led Ui the militia U) bring blankets with them < u 
 service. 
 
 The troops will be kept in a constant state of i-eatliness for 
 service, an<l ( olonel Procter will direct the n<»ce«miry guartls and 
 prvtr«)lK, which are to be made down the bank and close to the 
 water's edge. 
 
 Lieut«*nant-Colonel Nichol is ap{N>inted Quart4>rmaster-(jeneral 
 
77 
 
 to the militia forces, with the hhiiio pay am! allowanceH as tliOHe 
 graiiteil to the Adjutant-Cieneral. 
 
 Major-General Br<k:k. 
 IsHued by onJer of tlie Colonel. 
 
 John Clark, 
 Lieut.-Afljt. iHt Lincoln Militia. 
 
 lieu t •Colonel Robert Ktcbol to Captain James Cuuiniinirs. 
 
 Qi^EENSTON, June 27. IS 12. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Undei-Htandinj; that there may l)e some dirticulty 
 in jjc'ttinjf teams at Chippawa prepared to carry l)oatH, Mr. Phelps' 
 teams are despatched to bring what they can. You will of course 
 pay every attention to their ixiinj? carefull}' loaded on the carriaj^e, 
 so that they may not lie injured. 
 
 You will lie pleased to apply to Capt. Bullock to transmit the 
 enclosed letter to Fort H)rie without «lelay. 
 
 Colonel Philelus Swift to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Honored Sir, — This moment, at si.x o'clock a. m., I received 
 your despatches; although with so much speed, the British had them 
 almost two days before us. I forl)ear giving you a detail of our 
 circumstances here, as Mr. Barton and myself wrote in full length 
 the last mail, which will be received Ijcfore this. Our men are in 
 high spirits, and the declaration of war does not dampen the spirits 
 of oflicei's nor soldiei*s. 
 
 Dcx'tor Nathaniel Wilson, who is now surgeon of my detach- 
 ment, one of our g(K)<l friends and one whom I can cordially recom- 
 mend, has a large family to maintain, and his wages is not suflicient 
 8up)x)rt, wishes to l)e appointed hospital surgeon, if it can l)e. I 
 wisli to retain him in service if pt)ssible. 
 
 Black Rock, June 27, 1«I2. 
 
 ITonipkius I'aperH, vol. VIL, p. 2(i3, New York 8Uto Library.) 
 
 General Wm. Wadnworth to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 CiENESEO, 2«th June, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I havy received your letter of the 2:id instant. ! take 
 the command of the troops at Black R(x;k and its vieiiiity in 
 obeojence to Your Kxcelleney's order with the greatest difti<lence, 
 having Iwul no exjMjrience of actual service. My knowledge of the 
 nnlitary art is limited ; indeed, I foresee numlHuless difficulties and 
 occurrences which will prest»nt to which 1 feel totally inade(]uate. 
 
 I have been ambitious that the regiment and brigade which I 
 have conimande<l should be distinguished at their reviews, but I 
 
confeHs myself iurnoraiit of even the minor duties of the duty you 
 have assigned ine, and I am apprehensive that I may not only 
 expose myself Vmt my Government. Any aid which Your Excel- 
 lency may think proper to order will be received with thanks. A 
 military secretary intimately acquainted with the details of camp 
 duty would be of great service to me. 
 
 Permit me to a<ld that every exertion in my ix)wer shall be 
 made to discharge the duties of my otfice and to merit the approba- 
 tion of four Excellency. 
 
 (TompkinH Papers, vol. VII., pp. 271-2. New York Htat«» Llbrwrj'.l 
 
 Blnjor'liieiieral iinos Hall to €overiior ToinpklHs. 
 
 Bloo.mfieli), June 28, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — About an hour since I received a letter by express from 
 General Porter in 18 hours from Buffalo, advising that a small 
 American sloop (called the Cornmencemfnt), owned by Mr. (^olt, 
 sailed from that place up the lake about 12 o'clock on that day 
 (Satunlay). She had pnxjeeded only about two leagues, when the 
 wind, l)eing light, two large lK)ats, appearing to the spectatoi*s on 
 this side to contain about 50 armed men and some ordnance, pur- 
 sued her from Fort Erie, where the British arme»l ship is lying, and 
 took her after several Hres, the sloop having only four \w;u on 
 board ' iiout arms. The two boats towe<l her into the harbor at 
 Fort JL "The excitement b^' the event, "(the (Jeneral writes,) 
 
 " was such that almost every man in Buft'alo was anxious to embark 
 in some small Inrnts lying at that [ilace to retake her, and I confess 
 that on the first impreHsion I was disposed to encourage and join 
 them. But our l[)oats being very light, and having nothing but 
 small arms, I considered that it would l»e a wanton sacrifice of brave 
 and patriotic men to send them out. Besides, the wind springing 
 up, they could not be overtaken before they would reach the fort at 
 Erie." He likewise adds that "I am informed that the British, 
 having earlier information than we had of the declaration of war, 
 have detained Lieut. Gansevoort of the American garrison at 
 Niagani. and a lK)at'8 crew that happened to Ihj on the British side 
 on business." He concludes by urging the neces-sit}' of the detach- 
 ment of militia ordered to march from ()nt<irio, Genesee and Niagara 
 Counties being forwarded with all ])ossible speed, stating he would 
 give every facility to their march. 
 
 We begin to realize that we are now in an actual state of war, 
 hostilities having actually been commenced by the British on the 
 lakes. Whether they will follow it up vigorously or not is uncer- 
 tain : that course wouhl be characteristic, and I think we have no 
 reason to expect the}' will depart from it. I was in Canaudaigua 
 
79 
 
 this inorninjj, and the opinion there is that they will pursue im- 
 mediately every advantage to be gained by them. 
 
 We fe«;l a general anxiety for our fellow-citizens on the 
 frontiers, it being pretty well ascertained that the British have at 
 least 1,500 regular troops who have seen service that oan be brought 
 to act offensively at the shortest notice, if they should think it 
 a<lvisable, together with a considerable body of militia well dis- 
 ciplined and completely' armetl. With such a force, should they not 
 call to their aid the savage warriors, who are stated to l)e about 
 400, they might, notwithstanding the force we have at the post of 
 Niagara, whom I have no doubt would make a brave defence, be 
 able to do much mischief and commit great depredations on the 
 frontiers nearest to the Niagara River. Our whole foi'ce, when the 
 second detachment amves, will probably be about 1,800 effective 
 men. 
 
 If the al)Ove statements are correct. Your Excellency will judge 
 whether a large force will not be necessary to guard the post and 
 frontier on the Niagiira River. In great haste. 
 
 N. B. — Four pieces of field artillery and 500 stands of arnis^ 
 &c., passed Genesee River this morning on the way to Buffalo, taken 
 from the ai-senal in Canandaigua by order of the Quartermaster- 
 General. They will po.ssibly arrive at the place of destination on 
 Tuesday. 
 
 (TompkiiiH P&i>er8, vol, VII., pp. 274-7, New York State Library.) 
 
 ]||iUor>(ieiierMl Amos Hall to Ciovcrnor Toiiipkiiifi. 
 
 Bl(M).m FIELD, June 25), 1812. 
 
 Siu, — I this morning at 4 «j'cIock received by express from 
 General Porter (in 12 hours from Black Rock) information that by 
 every appearance on the British shore the triK)ps were preparing to 
 cross the river. The numl)er of the British force is, I l)elieve, about 
 1,500, as stated in my last letter. 
 
 General Porter was very urgent that every assistance should 
 l)e forwarded that could possibly be put in motion. Major Mullany, 
 commanding officer of the United States regular troops at Canan- 
 daigua, was re(|uested to march his men on inunediately. I was 
 clearly of opinion that in such an emergency he would be justifiable 
 to comply with the request. I wrote him by express, and at 8 
 o'clock he informed me that he would march his troops immediately. 
 They will probably pass through Bloomfield this afternoon. The 
 detachment of militia ordered to march will be on the way to- 
 morrow. Everything will lie done that the nature of the service 
 and the exigency of tlie times require to hasten the troops to the 
 Niagara frontier. 
 
80 
 
 We are ver}' much engaged at present in making the neceHsary 
 arraiigeinentH for general defence. 
 
 I have onlered a company to be Htationed at SoduH and 
 Pulteneyville and one cimipany at the mouth of the (ienesee River. 
 
 Major Mullany will have about 250 men. But they have no 
 arma, and muHt be furniahed from the arHenal at Canandaigua. 
 
 The whole of the arnm and accoutrementH will be taken from 
 the arsenal at Canandaigua to-day to furniHli the last detachment 
 We Hhall \^^i in immediate want of a supply, there being few arms 
 ami very little annnunition in the country. 
 
 I shall not 'close my letter, but wait till to-morrow morning, 
 expecting to hear something more serious. 
 
 80th June, 7 o'clock in the morning. 
 
 I this morning nnjoived by express innn Fort Niagara and 
 Lewiston in less than 12 hours information that 1,500 troops and a 
 large train of artillery were in view nearly opposite the post. 
 Captain I^onard writes that he momently expected the attacic to 
 commence, but Mr. Barton thinks they will wait the arrival of their 
 armed vessels. 
 
 I have ordered out a part of Captain Pierson's company of 
 dragoons to form a line of communication from Niagara and Buffalo 
 to this county. I shall send by mail, concluding that by express 
 could not gain time to answer the purpose. 
 
 N. B. — It is all important that tents, if p<js8ible, should be sent 
 on immediately. Camp equipage, I understand, is on the road. 
 
 iTompkinx Papera, vol. VII., pp. 281-2, New York 8t«t* Library.) 
 
 Isoveriior Tompkins to Hon. Wm. Enstls, Secretary at War* , 
 
 Albany, 27th June, 1812. 
 
 Sir. — Your letter of the 19th inat., announcing the important 
 intelligence of a declaration of war against the United Kingdom of 
 Great Britain and Ireland and its dependencies, was received on 
 Tuesday evening at eleven o'clock. Expresses with the information 
 and with instructions for the commandants of [)osts on the frontiera 
 were despatched in the course of that night. The express to 
 Sackett's Harbor has returned with the satisfactory intelligence 
 that the officers and men of that detachment are in fine spirits, are 
 tolerably well accommodated, are perfectly unite*! and harmonious, 
 and received the intelligence of war witli cheerfulness and deter- 
 mine<l courage. 
 
 In antici))ation of oixlers to that effect, I have directed the 
 frontier posts to be reinforced by detachments of militia of the 
 counties immediately adjoining, and have also oi-dered into service 
 
81 
 
 for the protection of the northern frontier between Ltike Chaniplain 
 and St. Lawrence the militia detached from Washin^on, Lssex, 
 Clinton and Franklin Counties, and have forwai-ded additional 
 quantities of arms and aunnunititm and military stores to each 
 point. You were advised by me last winter, and also when the 
 former detachments were ordered out, that the State was not, pro- 
 vided with camp e(|uipafre, and tha*< we must rely upon the Genl 
 Government for these articles. 
 
 It was also my wish that the Genl. Government should have 
 availed itself of my repeateil offers to forward and deposit in our 
 frontier ai*senals, free of expense, some arms, military stores and 
 camp equipajje in preparation for the event which has happene<]. 
 The United States have now collections of enlisted troops at Platta- 
 burg, Heme, Canandaigua and other frontier rendezvous within 100 
 ro«l8 of our arsenals, and yet these recruits are destitute of arms 
 and ammunition and camp equipacre. 
 
 Those at Plattsburg are within fifty miles of St. Regis and 
 Cognawago Indians, by whom they might be attacked suddenly 
 and with little hazaixl : unarmed and unprepared ns they are, the 
 regulars could not defend themselves, nmch less protect the inhabi- 
 tants. 
 
 I do not mention the preceding circumstances by way of com- 
 plaint, but in the hope and expectation that the statement of theut 
 may show you more fully the indispensable necessity of an im- 
 mediate and earnest attention to the suggestions which follow. 
 
 A belief that Gi'neral Dearl)orn's headquarters were to l>e at 
 this place induced me to calculate that by conference and arrange- 
 ment with him I should l)e able to procure from the United States 
 at any time those military stores of which we are deficient, but I at 
 the moment of needing his assistance [ascertained] that his head- 
 quarters are at Boston. General Gansevoort is very low, and 
 incapable of attending to business of any kind. Col. Simon(is has 
 arrive<l here, but says he was ordered to report himself to Genl. 
 Dearborn, and therefore can take no authority upon himself at 
 present. 
 
 The keeper of the stores will not part with cannon, muskets, 
 ammunition or other articles without the order of his superior 
 officer. 
 
 Genl. Dearborn has requested me to order out militia for the 
 Champlain frontier, and informs !no that the Quartermaster-General 
 will supply camp equipage for them. Upon application to the 
 Quartermaster-General, who is now in Albany. I find there is no 
 camp erpiipage except a few tents and about sixty camp kettles, 
 which have been in our arsenal at this place for several years. For 
 
82 
 
 the tielivery of tlie«e even I cnnnot obtain a written order. The 
 Deputy-Quarti>rnia8ter-General will not ^ive an order for their 
 dehvery without written directions from the QuarterniaHter-General, 
 and the Quartenn»u«ter-(ieneral does not Heein willing to give such 
 written directionu, or at leant hiut not done it, althou|;h he iH per- 
 fectly willing I Hhould have the articles. Under such circunistances 
 I shall presume to take possession of them at my own hazard, and 
 shall acconlingly forward them to-morrow morning, hoping that 
 my proceedings on the emergency will t»e approved and confirmed. 
 
 The detachments already in service, you will please to recollect, 
 are by your orders separate and independent corps, and the com- 
 mandante, of coui-se, will Ih) embarrassed jis to the coui-se to be 
 pursued by them in case of an attack of a part of the frontier not 
 under their respective commands. Besides, they are in temi)orary 
 barracks and have no tents or conveniences for removing more than 
 one day'H mai*ch from their present positions. Having thus stated 
 some of the <litficulties I have encountered and am likely to 
 encounter in the protection of an extensive and ex|M)sed boundary 
 upon Canada, I Wg leave to re«|Uest the innnediate and earnest 
 attention of (iovernment to the following particulars : — 
 
 I. — To cause to be forwarded with the utmost possible expedi- 
 tion tents an<i other camp equipage and knapsacks for the frontier 
 detachments, for without them they can form no offensive opera- 
 tion, and will be very inefficient for defence even. Competent 
 authority ought also to 1m» given to sul)ordinate officers of the proper 
 departments to press on tlu* supply without waiting for the ordei*s 
 to pass through the sujierior officers <»f their respective de|)urtments 
 should such superior otficei*s l)e al)sent at the time. 
 
 II. — To send on a (ieneral Officer to take command of all the 
 frontier detachments, or authorize me to re<juinj Major-Cenl. Stephen 
 Van Rensselaer of this city to tak«> the command until further 
 onlers, and also to send on son>e nngineers and other pro|)er officers 
 to aid in offensive operations at Niagara, Sackett's Harbor, &c. 
 
 III. — To place the cannon, muskets and annnunition, kc, 
 V)elonging to tne Unit<Ml States an»l now at this place, under the 
 requisition of the Oenl. who may nr(K;ei>d to the frontier command, 
 or subject to the or<lei*8 of some officer who may l)e stationed here, 
 and to authorize the District Quartermaster in the absence of the 
 Quartermaster-Cieneral immediately to conp^ly with the ordei-s of 
 the (ieneral commanding on the frontier or of the officer stationed 
 at this place. 
 
 Be assuretl. Sir, that I shall exert every nerve and afford every 
 
8:^ 
 
 aid in niy jwwer to proHecute the war vi^orouHly. and I hope to un 
 honorable and prosperouH tennination. 
 
 (TcmpklDH P»peni, New York 8t»t«« Library. ) 
 
 Ciovemor Tompkins to MaJor*Cien«r«l Dearbornt 
 
 Albany, June 2«th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Your letter of 2*inl inHtant haH been received. I had 
 anticipated your request by ordering the detaehinents from WjihIi- 
 in^ton, KHHex, Clinton and Franklin CountieN into service, and have 
 fixeil the days and places of their itMidezvoUH. Upon application to 
 the QuarternuiHter-Oenl. I fin<i that there are but 130 tents and (50 
 camp kettles at this plac**, an<l even those I take by a kind of 
 stealth. The Deputy-Quartermaster-Oeneral declines giving an 
 order for their delivery initil he shall have a written onler from 
 the Quarterniaster-(jenl., and the latter is willing I should take 
 them, but will not give the Deputy a written order for that purpose; 
 under such circumstances I shall avail myself of the rule of posses- 
 sion, and by virtue of the eleven jwints of law send them off 
 to-morrow morning without a written order from any one. You 
 may rememl)er that when you were Secretary of the War Depart- 
 ment I invited you to forward and deposit in our frontier arsenals, 
 arms, annnunition and camp equipage, free of expense, to \ni ready 
 for defence in ea.se of war, and the same invitation to the War De- 
 partment has Ikh'U repeatetl four times since. The United States 
 have now from five to six hundred regular tr(H)p8 at Plattsburg, 
 Home, Canandaigua, &c., where tho.se arsenals are, and yet those 
 recruits are now and must lie for weeks to come, unarmed and in 
 every respect unequipped, although within musket shot of arsenals. 
 The recruits at Plattsburg are within fifty mih's of two tribes of 
 Canadian Indians. In case of an attnck upon the frontiers that 
 portion of the United States army wouhl l»e as inefficient and as 
 unable to defend the inhabitants, or themselves even, as so many 
 women. 
 
 The militia detachments on the westt?rn frontiers received the 
 news of war with cheerfulness and determine<l courage, and I am 
 happy to find that they are united like brothers, highly improved 
 in discipline, and ready to devote themst'Ives to any service 
 or danger which the giKxl of their country may reipiire. 
 
 But they are in Imrracks, from which they eaiuiot remove a 
 <lay's march for the want of tents and other eipiipage, an«l they are 
 in separate and independent detachments without a general oHicer 
 to command them or combine their exertions for the accomplishment 
 of any desirable or im{3t)rtant object. 
 
 The only officer of the United States here who can do anything 
 
IM tlie Quai'teriuHHter-General, and he has not a tent, canipkettle or 
 knapsack in the arsenal (except what I have concluded to send off 
 to-uiorrow morning as above mentioned) to furnish nie. 
 
 As to cannon, muskets, ammunition, I can find no one here who 
 will exercise any authority over them or deliver a single article 
 upon my requisition. Neither can I find any officer of the army 
 who feels himself authorized to exeix;ise any authority or do any 
 act which will aid me in the all important object of protecting the 
 inhabitants of our extended frontier, exposed to the cruelties of 
 BavaguH an<i the depredations of the enemy. If I must rely upon 
 the militia solely for such protection I entreat you to give orders to 
 your officei*8 here to furnish upon my order for the use of the 
 militia detachments all needful weapons and articles, with which 
 the United States are supplied and of which we are destitute. 
 
 You may rely upon all the assistance which my talents, 
 influence and authority can furnish in the prosecution of the just 
 and necessary war which has l»een declared by the constituted 
 authority of our beloved country. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, New York State Library. ) 
 
 Governor D. D. Tompkins to De Witt Clinton. 
 
 Albany, June 20, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have just received an express from Canandaigua in- 
 forming me that Vonburgh from this city was arrested on his return 
 from Queenston in Canada, where he had lieen as an express with 
 Foster's dispatches. Those dispatches were dated June 17, at 
 Washington, and arrived in this city on Sunday morning. 2l8t 
 June, from whence they were forwarded by Vosburgh as exprefls. 
 McTavish, of the house of Caldwell, Fraser & Co. of this city, a Mr. 
 Hart and a certain Solomons were the peraons concerned in this 
 city. The Recorder Irns summoned them before him, and I am just 
 informed that McTavish upon his examination has declare<l that 
 he received the lettem from Samuel Corp of your city and supiiosed 
 them to be mercantile only. But Vosburgh Jeclares in his affidavit, 
 taken at Canandaigua, that the envelope sent from this city con- 
 tained information of a declaration of war, and that Mr. Clark of 
 Queenston, to whom he delivered it, so declaimed before he had 
 opened the enclosed letter of Foster. I give you this information 
 with respect to Mr, Corp that you as mayor of the City of New 
 York may make enquiry into his conduct and participation in 
 aiding and abetting, when he knew war was declared, the minister 
 of the enemy in forwarding information thereof to the British 
 garrisons to enable them to attack our troops unprepared and an- 
 
85 
 
 advised of the event, if you should think such en(|uiry proper and 
 likely to be beneficial. 
 
 (Toapkinii' Paper*, vol. II, pp. 514-5, New York SUte Library.) 
 
 Um Federal Repoblicaii of Baltimore. ■<!•« iMoe of ISth 
 
 Jaly, i8l«. 
 
 The news of war reached the British at Fort George by express 
 two ilays before it was received at our military station. Oeneral 
 Brock arrive<l at Fort Oeorge on the 28th June. Several American 
 gentlemen were there on a visit, who were treated very politely by 
 the Governor and sent under protection of Captain (Jlegg, his aid, 
 to Niagara with a flag. The news of war was very unwelcome on 
 both siilea of the river. They have been for six years in habits of 
 friendly intercourse, connected by marriages and various rclation- 
 shipH. Both sides were in consternation, the women and children 
 were out on the banks of the river, while their fathers, husbands 
 and sons were busily employed in arming. It was said Captain 
 Glegg had a summons for the surrender of Fort Niagara, but this 
 was contradicted! by Captain Leonai*rl, who said the message was 
 simply to inquire whether he had any official notice of the war, and 
 that he answeretl in the negative. 
 
 (Pile in New York Society Library. New York.) 
 
 Militia Cieneral Order. 
 
 HEAi)gUARTER.s, 2Hth June, 1812. 
 M. G. O. 
 
 His Honor Major-Geneml Brock has been pleaHe<l to make 
 the following pi*omotions and ap)M)intincntH in the First Regiment 
 of Lincoln Militia, viz : — 
 
 Captain VVm. Robertson to be Major, vice Muirhead, resigned. 
 
 Adjutant John Clark to be Lieut., vice John Secord, appointed 
 to Major Merritt's ti"oop of cavalrj'. 
 
 By order of the General. 
 
 J. Macdonell, p. a. D. C. 
 
 Militia fieneral Order. 
 
 Heaik^uarters, Niagara, 28th June, 1812. 
 
 Militia General Order. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Ryerson will order all the arms formerly 
 issued to the late First Regiment of Norfolk Militia to be delivered 
 into his own. Such as are serviceable or can be rendered so he will 
 retain and divide with Major Salmon of the Second Regiment. 
 Soch as are unserviceable and cannot be repaired in the London 
 
86 
 
 District will be packed up in boxes and forwarded by tlie first safe 
 opportunity to Fort Erie, where they will be delivered to the com- 
 manding officer at that post. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Ryerson will at the same time direct the 
 remains of the ammunition formerly issued to be delivered to him, 
 and will order a board of survey to examine it — he will make a re- 
 turn of whatever is serviceable, specifying the exact quantity of 
 each, also a return of the number of loose balls, powder, and 
 cartridge paper will be forwarded to make the unserviceable 
 cartridges. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Ryerson will make a division of the service- 
 able anminnition with Major Salmon, and will transmit receipts in 
 duplicate for the exact quantity which may be issued to each 
 regiment. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Ryerson and Major Salmon will send a boat 
 to Fort Erie with detachments of their respective regiments, com- 
 manded by intelligent officers, to receive the arms and ammunition 
 forwarded to that post for them. 
 
 These detachments will be supplied with provisions on their 
 arrival at Fort Erie, by application to the conmianding officer of 
 that post. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Ryerson will give pointed orders to the 
 c*"!' ers commanding ' <} detachments to be vigilant while emjdoyed 
 , this service and to take every precaution against surprize. 
 
 Signed by order of His Honor Major-General Brock. 
 
 J. Macdonell, p. a. D. C. 
 
 (Frmn the New Yoi'k Evening Post, Wednesday, 8th July, 1812.) 
 
 Buffalo, June 30, 1812. 
 
 On Saturday last, when the schooner CoTnmencement, Captain 
 Johnson, was lying off Buffalo Creek waiting a wind, two British 
 armed row boats, fitted out at Fort Erie, put to sea and took the 
 direction of the schooner. Meanwhile Johnson weighed anchor and 
 stood out with a faint breeze, intending if the wind should increase 
 to double Sturgeon Point, but by the time the schooner had beat 6 
 or 7 miles up the lake the breeze almost fell, and the boats came up 
 with her and captured and towed her into port The schooner 
 belonged to Mr. Peter H. Colt, merchant at Black Rock, and was 
 loaded with salt. There were forty men on board the boats and 
 only three men and a boy on board the schooner. The crew of the 
 Com,7nence7nent were released on Sunday morning. 
 
 Mr. Frederick Miller of this town has been appointed Major- 
 Commandant of the forces at Black Rock. (Jolonel Swift has taken 
 
87 
 
 command at Lewiston. General Porter arrived in town on Satur- 
 day, and we understand immediately sent an express to Canandai^ua 
 to expedite with all possible despatch the arms and ammunition 
 deposited in the arsenal at that place to Black Rock. Several com- 
 panies of militia of General Hopkins's brigade have been ordered 
 en masse to Black Rock. 
 
 The light infantry company of Captain Wells and militia com- 
 pany of Captain Hull are embodied and rendezvous in this village 
 to protect the town. 
 
 (Pile in New York S<K'ety Library.) 
 
 From the New York EveninK Post, Friday, 3rd July, 1813. 
 
 Extract of a letter from an intelligent gentleman in Albany to 
 his friend in this city, dated July 1st, 1812 : 
 
 In the postscript of one of my last letters to you I mentioned 
 that an express had just arrived from the west and that it was 
 rumored Fort Niagara had been taken hy the British. This rumor 
 is without the least foundation. The express proved to be the 
 Governor's, giving hiu> information against several persons in this 
 city who, it was alleged, had been aiding the British in forwarding 
 their despatches to Upper Canada, from which it appears they had 
 the declaration of war one day earlier than our garrisons. 
 
 The express that carried the news was a cartman of this city, 
 who was apprehended on his return, near Geneva, and is there 
 lodged in jail. The persons said to have been implicated here have 
 been examined and honorably acquitted, as they were concerned in 
 a mere mercantile transaction. 
 
 From the Ontario RBfiository, printed at Canandaigna, June 
 
 30. I8IS. 
 
 We learn that soon after receiving the news of the declaration 
 of war at Canada a British boat captured an American vessel on 
 Lake Erie belonging principally to Mr. Peter H. Colt, who was on 
 board — that an American officer, Lieut. Gansevoort of Fort Niagara, 
 with a sergeant who happened to lie over the river at the time the 
 news of war was received, were detained by the IJritish. 
 
 An express reached town yesterday morning, which left the 
 lines Sunday evening at 5 o'clock, with information that the British 
 forces were assembling in considerable numbers near the river, and 
 that their movements indicated a preparation to cross to the 
 American shore. In consequence Major Mullany, the commanding 
 officer at this place, immediately prepared his troops, about 200, and 
 marched last evening for the frontier. 
 
 (Pile in the Wood Library, Canaudaigua, N. Y.) ' • * : 'v ;%t,'' 
 
y<" ■'■'■'"''' 
 
 88 
 
 From the JNational lutelligencer ot Washington, D. €.« 11th Jnly. 
 
 181%. 
 
 Albany, July 1, 1812. 
 
 An express arrived here on Monday [June 29] in 36 hours 
 from Canandai^ua, announcing to His Excellency the Governor . the 
 arrest and imprisonment of Mr. Vosburgh of this city, who was 
 suspected of having carried the despatch of Mr. Foster to the 
 British commandant at Newark. In consequence of the disclosures 
 of Vosburgh several persons of this city have undergone examina- 
 tion before Mr. Recorder Yates. As the object of the express may 
 have been commercial, they have been admitted to bail. Circum- 
 stances, however, are dark. 
 
 (File in New York Society Library.) 
 
 General Amoa Hall to General Porter. 
 
 Batavia, July Ist, 1812, 4 o'clock p. m. 
 
 Sir, — I just received your letter by express, requesting to for- 
 ward on all the arms, &c., &c., that is to be had. About 600 men 
 under the command of Genl. Wadsworth will march from this place 
 to-morrow morning early. 
 
 I came to this place to give assistance to the march of the 
 troops. 
 
 One regiment will cross Genesee River to-morrow from Ontario 
 County. By Wednesday you will have at the two points of defence 
 a formidable force. 
 
 20 of Capt. Piersoh's troop are here in fine order and spirits. 
 
 It is not possible for me to come on, being totally unprepared. 
 
 All the arms are coming on, but on men's shoulders, and fine 
 men they are. 
 
 (From MSS. of Hon. P. A. Porter.) 
 
 General Amos Hall to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Batavia, July 1, 6 o'clock p. m. 
 
 Sir, — By a letter sent me by express from General Porter, 
 dated at Black Rock July 1, 10 a. m., I learn that he has no doubt 
 an attack is intended, although the exact time cannot be ascertained. 
 He urges me to despatch an express to meet the artillery now on 
 the way from Albany to have tliem travel day and night. He says 
 "we are miserably deficient — we have men but no arms for them — 
 we want artillery and men who know how to use then)." I shall 
 transcribe the following sentences from his letter and leave it to His 
 Excellency to make the comment. 
 
 " I hope you will come out and take the command yourself 
 under the present circumstances." 
 
89 
 
 " The feeble force now on this frontier is not sufficient to 
 inspire confidence, and families are moving back." 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, Vol. VII., p. 297, New York State Library.) 
 
 From the Aurora of Philadelphia, Jaly llth, 1819. 
 
 Geneva, N. Y., July 1st, 1812. 
 
 In consequence of an express to Major-General Hall, the 18th 
 Regiment, composed of men detachod from Brigadier-Generals 
 Rhea's, Hopkins's and McClure's Brigades (one company excepted), 
 commanded by Lieut.-Colonel H. W. Dobbin, and the 20th Regi- 
 ment, composed of men detached from Brigadier-Generals Wads- 
 worth, and Burnet's Brigades, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Peter 
 Allen, are ordered to take the field inimediately and march to the 
 Niagara frontier. The United States troops, amounting to near 
 300, stationed at Canandaigua, n)arched on Monday for Niagara, 
 under command of Major Mullany. Captain Abraham Dox's light 
 infantry company of this village marched this day. 
 
 (File in Mercantile Library, Philadelphia.) 
 
 John M. O'Connor to General Porter. 
 
 Bat AviA, July 1st, 1812. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — The troops under Major Mullany and the 
 militia under Major-Genl. Hall leave this to-night at 2 o'clock for 
 Lewiston and Niagara direct. We bro't on with us 400 stand 
 extra arms which have been distributed to the militia here. Our 
 force alone is 260, exclusive of 50 at Amsterdam and Black Rock 
 (the escort), so that there will be about 800 in all. The militia are 
 flocking in from the eastward, and in a very few days you will be 
 able to muster on the banks of Niagara some thousands. But they 
 are such troops as are not to be opposed to regulars in the open 
 country, and you must remember that our men are but recruits. 
 The appearance of this force will certainly prevent an attack on the 
 fort if it arrives in season. Meantime, perhaps, it is practicable to 
 make a feint a'u Black Rock by a great show and bustle and col- 
 lecting of boats and rafts, which will have the effect of distracting 
 the attention and dividing the forces of the enemy. They will not 
 expect such a feint from militia. 
 
 I return, (I believe) to Canandaigua to take command of the 
 district. As I don't think there will be any fighting for some time, 
 I prefer going back in consequence of a difference of opinion which 
 has arisen between myself and Major Mullany relative to putting a 
 man under guard, who was nmtinous. I confined the fellow (an 
 Irishman) and the major ordered his release, tho' I demanded as a 
 
90 
 
 right that he be kept confined till a general court-martial could be 
 assembled. I informed him that the effect of such a course would 
 necessarily prevent my issuing any order till the punishment of the 
 individual, and intimated my intention of appealing to the Colonel 
 or General. 
 
 He has so far consulted my feelings on this point as to give 
 me the choice of going back and assuming the district command, 
 which under present appearances I have preferred, especially as 
 our men will return as soon as the eastern militia arrive. 
 
 I understand from Capt. McKeon that the artillery will shortly 
 rendezvous at New York and the infantry at Albany. 
 
 Commodore Rogers is in pursuit of the Jamaica fleet, and 
 report states his having taken 100 sail. A great many privateers are 
 fitting out in the seaports. 
 
 P. 8. — I was at Geneva when your express arrived ; then I 
 received orders by express to return and instantly rejoined the 
 detachment. 
 
 (From MSS. of Hon. P. A. Porter.) 
 
 Augustus Porter to General Peter B. Porter. 
 
 Manchester, July 2d, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — The troops have come in in such numbers that all alarm 
 here has ceased. I think the danger now is that we shall have too 
 great a number. If it were possible to stop the common militia 
 from coming on any more, and let Wadsworth come with his detach- 
 ment of 1,000 and the regular troops, it would be best. I would, 
 however, let Swift take the responsibility of ordering this. I now 
 think the most important thing to be attended to is the sending to 
 Genl. Hull an express, notifying him that provisions are on the 
 lake but cannot be got up, and advise him to take his own measures 
 to obtain supplies. I think it best to send off the Contractor, and 
 for that purpose let her be got ready. I will see Swift to-day, and 
 will be up to-morrow. I shall be under the absolute necessity of 
 purchasing 1 or 200 bbls. of T. B. & Co. pork. Taylor should go 
 after cattle as soon as possible. I send up the bearer after five or 
 six head of cattle, and more, if you have obtained them from the 
 Indians, as you expected I should go up to Black Rock to-day, but 
 am obliged to prepare for troops which Col. Swift will send to-day 
 to this place. I expect a large number will be sent here, as I can 
 accommodate them with a number of empty houses and ropewalk. 
 Do let your deputy send down all the camp kettles you can possibly 
 obtain, the troops here are in want. 
 
 P. S. — I have no doubt the enemy have varied iheir notions of 
 operations and that the attack on Niagara is abandoned, as two 
 
91 
 
 companies came up yesterday, one of which has commenced a 
 battery at Queenston and the other gone up the river. 
 
 (Prom MSS. of Hon. P. A. Porter.) 
 
 District General Order. 
 
 Headquarters, Niagara, July 2nd, 1812. 
 
 D. G. 0.— 
 
 The troops will be formed of four divisions, to be composed 
 of regulars and militia as follows : — 
 
 Ist or Right Division commanded by Capt. Derenzy, 4l8t Regt., 
 
 to consist of a detachment of 41st Regt 200 
 
 A detachment of militia 200 
 
 400 
 2 three-poundei's. 
 
 2nd Division, Capt. Bullock, detachment 41st Regt 100 
 
 Detachment of militia 200 
 
 300 
 2 six-pounde!-s. 
 
 3rd Division, Capt. Chambers, detachment of 41st Regt 100 
 
 Detaclnnent of militia 200 
 
 300 
 2 three-pounders. 
 
 4th or Left Division, detachment 41st Regt 200 
 
 Detachment of militia 300 
 
 500 
 These divisions will be posted in the following manner, viz : — 
 
 First or Right Division at Fort Erie. 
 Second Division — Chippawa. 
 Third Division — Heights of Queenston. 
 Fourth or Left Division — Fort George. 
 
 The detachment of militia for the first division will be furnished 
 by the 3rd Regiment of' Lincoln militia, and will be commanded by 
 
 The detachment of militia for the second division will be 
 furnished from the 2nd Regiment of Lincoln, and will be com- 
 manded bv 
 
 The detachment of militia for the third division will be com- 
 
92 
 
 posed of the flank companies of the 5th and 6th Regiments of 
 Lincohi, and will be commanded by Captain Hatt. 
 
 The detachment of militia for the fourth division will be com- 
 posed of the flank companies of the Ist and 4th Regiments of 
 Lincoln, and will be commanded by Lieut.-Col. Butler. 
 
 The first and second divisions will receive their orders from 
 Lieut.-Colonel Clark — the third and fourth fro»' Jolonel Claus, to 
 whom the said divisions will respectively report. Reports of all 
 occurrences of consequence will at the same time be made to Major 
 General Brock and to Colonel Procter. 
 
 Morning states will be regularly transmitted to Brigade Major 
 Evans by Colonel Claus and Lieut.-Colonel Clark. 
 
 Officers commanding militia regiments will direct the officers 
 of their respective corps not embodied to use every exertion to 
 discipline the men under their command, and will have them in 
 constant readiness to march to their respective posts on the shortest 
 notice. They will at the same time give orders for their moving to 
 the point attacked on the first alarm, without waiting for orders to 
 that eflfect. 
 
 Colonel Procter will appoint the stations at the same time of 
 the detachments of Light Dragoons, and will particularly direct 
 that they shall not be detached from their posts except on urgent 
 occasions. 
 
 James Muirhead, Esquire, is appointed surgeon to the militia 
 forces and will be stationed at Chippawa, with the pay of ten shil- 
 lings per diem and the usual allowances. 
 
 The officers commanding divisions will be allowed forage for 
 one horse, furnishing the usual certificates. 
 
 General Order. 
 
 Headquarters, Niagara, 2nd July, 1812. 
 
 Report has this instant been made to Major General Brock 
 that the Americans on the opposite side of the river immediately 
 below the Falls, have for these three days past much annoyed his 
 centinels on this side by firing upon them, and in particular by 
 twelve shots fired at them this day about one o'clock p. m. by people 
 who came out of the woods, and who after firing immediately 
 retired. 
 
 The Major-General has too high an opinion of the American 
 army to suppose that such conduct could be tolerated even in a 
 state of actual warfare. He therefore hopes that measures will 
 immediately be taken to put a stop to a practice so contrary to the 
 known rules established among civilized nations. 
 
93 
 
 Cieneral Order. 
 
 Headquarters, Albany, July 2n(l, 1812. 
 
 I received your letter last evening and beg leave to inform you 
 that last week I sent on about 540 muskets to Canandaigua, making 
 the supply at Canandaigua and Batavia 3,000; and this day an 
 additional quantity of five hundred leaves this for Canandaigua. 
 With the last parcel have gone fixed ammunition, powder, some 
 camp kettles, tents, drums and fifes, knapsacks and cartridge paper ; 
 250 muskets and some ammunition have also been forwarded to 
 Steuben by Mr. Townsend. Cannon ball with some case, grape and 
 canister, for three and six pounders, are also on their way to 
 Canandaigua, with the exception of tents, of which there are none 
 yet here ; the preceding supply will be ample, with what Captain 
 Leonard may have at the fort, for the protection of the Niagara 
 frontier, 
 
 I hope you will exert yourself for the protection of the frontiers 
 and amongst other things supply some arms and amumnition to the 
 people south of Buffalo, in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus. We shall 
 have our hands full, but I calculate upon the energy and bravery of 
 the officers and soldiers of the western country for the efficient pro- 
 tection of the inhabitants of the frontiers until regular troops shall 
 approach the lines. In all cases where your personal services, by 
 proceeding with detachments to the frontier or otherwise will be 
 useful go, and you shall receive Major-General's pay while out, but 
 not rations. 
 
 By order of the Commander-in-Chief, 
 
 Wm. Paulding, Junior, Adjutant-General. 
 
 To Major-General Amos Hall. 
 
 (TompkiBs' Papers, New York State Library.) 
 
 Major-General Brock to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 Fort George, July 3d, 1812. 
 Sir, — I have been anxiously waiting for some days to receive 
 Your Excellency's commands in regard to the measures most proper 
 to be pursued on the present emergency. The accounts received 
 first through a mercantile channel, and soon after repeated from 
 various quarters, of war having been declared by the United States 
 against Great Britain, would have justified in my opinion offensive 
 operations, but the reflection that at Detroit and St. Joseph's the 
 weak state of garrisons would prevent the commanders from 
 attempting any essential service connected in any degree with theif 
 future security, and that my only means of annoyance on this com- 
 munication was limited to the reduction of Fort Niagara, which 
 
94 
 
 could be battered at any future period, I relinquiahed my original 
 intention and attended only to defensive measures. My first object 
 has been the calling out of the flank companies of militia, which has 
 produced a force on this line of about 800 men. They turned out 
 very cheerfully, but already show a spirit of impatience. The 
 King's stores are now at such a low ebb that they can scarcely 
 furnish any article of use or comfort. Blankets, haversacks and 
 kettles are all to be purchased, and the troops in watching the banks 
 of the river stand in the utmost need of tents. Mr. Couche has 
 adopted the most efficient means to pay the militia in paper cur- 
 rency. I cannot positively say the number of militia that will be 
 embodied, but they cannot throughout the Province be 4,000. The 
 Americans are very active on the opposite side, in the erection of 
 redoubts. We are not idle on our part, but unfortunately, having 
 supplied Amherstburg with the guns that post required from 
 Fort George, depending upon getting others from Kingston to 
 supply their place, we find ourselves at this moment rather short of 
 that essential arm. I have, however, every reason to think they 
 are embarked on board the Earl Moira, which, according to Major 
 McPherson's report, was to have sailed on the 20th ulto. 
 
 The Americans have, I believe, about 1,200 regulars and 
 militia between Fort Niagara and Black Rock, an<l I consider my- 
 self at this moment perfectly safe against attempt they can make. 
 About 100 Indians from the Grand River have attended to ujy 
 summons; tlie remainder promise to come also, but I have too much 
 reason to conclude that the Americans have been too successful in 
 their endeavors to sow dissension and disaft'ecirion among them. It 
 is a great object to get this fickle race interspersed among the 
 troops. I should be unwilling in the event of a retreat to have 
 three or four hundred of tliem hanging on my flanks. I shall 
 probably have to sacrifice some money to gain them over. The 
 appointment of some officers with salaries will be absolutely neces- 
 sary. 
 
 The Americans make a daily parade of their force, and easily 
 impose on the people on this side in regard to their numbers. I do 
 not think they exceed 1,200, but they are represented infinitely 
 more numerous. For the last fortnight every precaution has been 
 taken to guard against the least communication, and to this day I 
 am ignorant whether the President sanctioned the war resolutions 
 of the two houses of Congress — that is, whether war be actually de- 
 clared. The car brigade has been completed for service with horses 
 belonging to gentlemen who spared them free of expense. I have 
 not been honored with a line from Mr. Foster, nor, with all my en- 
 deavors, have I been able to obtain information of any consequence. 
 
95 
 
 The Prince Regent made her first voyage this morning, and I 
 propose sending her to Kingston to bring such articles as are 
 absolutely necessary, which we know have arrived from Quebec. 
 I trust she will outsail the Oneida. 
 
 (Canadian Archives. C. 676, p. 115.) 
 
 The llnartermaster-General of Militia to Lientenant'Colonel 
 Clark, Commanding Snd Lincoln Militia. 
 
 Headquarters, Niagara, July 3rd, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter of yesterday's date, in answer to which I am to inform you 
 that none of the articles required by you, excepting nails, are in 
 store here. 
 
 The General has, however, ordered camp kettles and haversacks 
 to be made, and as soon as they shall be brought in you shall be 
 supplied with a proportion of each. 
 
 You are not to expect tents, and must endeavor to shelter your 
 men in the adjacent houses, barns, &c. The General is constantly 
 employed in devising means to relieve the wants of the militia and 
 to render their situation in every respect as comfortable as his 
 means will admit, and the commissariat have been and are actively 
 engaged in the same pursuit. You must, however, be sensible of 
 the impossibility of complying with all your requisitions. 
 
 Muirhead has been appointed to the Medical Department and 
 will reside at Chippawa. He has been amply supplied with every- 
 thing necessary in that department. 
 
 To-morrow is the 4th of July, and should recommend extra- 
 ordinary vigilance — the enemy may wish to open the campaign by 
 endeavoring to give a little ecUU to that day. 
 
 (Signed.) The Qr. Mas'r-Genl, Militia. 
 Lieut.-Col. Clark, Comdg. 2nd Lincoln Militia. 
 
 Capt, Leonard to Major Adams. 
 
 Fort Niagara, July 3rd, 1812, 10 o'clock a. m. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I have received yours, with the communication 
 from Col. Porter. I would by all means recommend the detention 
 of every man now present on the river. It would in my opinion 
 have a bad effect on the troops coining on to allow the departure of 
 an individual. Let troops come from the eastward only — organize 
 them as they come on. Keep everything as at present, and we 
 shall soon be able to do something which will make everything 
 secure in this (juarter. 
 
 (MSS. of Hon. P. A. Porter.) . - U ;. % 
 
96 
 
 Major-General Amos Hall to €oyemor Tompkins. 
 
 Bl(m)Mfield, July 4th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — The troops now on the road to and at Black Rock will 
 amount to nearly 2,800, three hundred of which are United States 
 troops — this is the number who have been supplied with arms, &c. 
 There was, on examining the arms and accoutrements, a great de- 
 ficiency in cartridge boxes and flints. It was with difficulty that 
 flints could be procured to furnish two to a firelock, and many of 
 those very indifferent. I do not know the deficiency exactly in 
 cartridge boxes, but I should imagine from the l>est account I could 
 get that nearly one-third of the firelocks that have l:»een delivered 
 out were delivered without cartridge boxes. The greatest part of 
 the firelocks were prinie : some, however, were unfit for actual 
 service — they appeared to be refuse arms. 
 
 Nearly 1,000 of the troops now in the field are militia called out 
 on the spur of the occasion from General Rea's and Hopkins' brigades 
 and cannot remain but a short time in the service. Tliey have left 
 their farms, their crops, their all, and will be ruined if they cannot 
 soon return to their homes. The country is new, and most of those 
 soldiers are dependent on their exertions to support their families 
 and meet their engagements. But they are remarkably stout, able- 
 bodied men, and I have no doubt would do their duty as soldiers 
 were they to meet their enemy. 
 
 There had been no attack made by the enemy by the last 
 accounts, but one was confidently expected. 
 
 The troops have neither tents nor camp equipage of any kind 
 worth mentioning, and what they will do or how they will live is 
 difficult to conjecture. Men taken from comfortable abodes and 
 placed in the open fields with nothing but the heavens to cover them 
 cannot endure for any considerable length of time so great a change. 
 The disorders incident to camps thus formed of citizens will prove 
 more fatal in one season that two campaigns of hard fighting. I 
 hope that no time may be lost in forwarding a suitable number of 
 tents and other camp equipage. 
 
 It is not in my power to inform Your Excellency the exact 
 number of the enemy on the frontier at Niagara and Erie. 
 
 The number of regulars has been generally computed at 1500. 
 But fi-om some gentlemen with whom I have lately conversed 
 direct from Canada the numlier is judged to be less, though a rein- 
 forcement from Lower Canada is undoubtedly on the way. The 
 number is not ascertained — conjectures are from 1,000 to 1,500. 
 
 The whole numl»er of regulars and militia now on the river 
 from Fort George to Fort Erie and at those places, is estimated 
 variously from 1,500 to 5,000. - ; v^ ;; . v. > > v .^ 
 
97 
 
 By the best accounts I can get from gentlemen I have con- 
 versed from that quarter as late as Sunday last, 3,000 will be a 
 large calculation. I expect to be more correctly advised in the 
 course of to-morrow, probably by the mail which will pass within 
 two hours. 
 
 2 o'clock, p. m. The mail has arrived and brings no new in- 
 telligence. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, vol. VII., pp. 330-2, New York State Library.) 
 
 Major Parmeuio Adams to General Porter. 
 
 Your letter by the Indian, directed to Col. Swift, was received 
 here last evening. I called a number of the officers and principal 
 inhabitants together and had a council with the Tuscaroras, and we 
 all assured them that in our opinion they were perfectly safe, and 
 advised them to return with their families to their village. They 
 appeared to be satisfied with our assurances, and I think will rest 
 easy. 
 
 General Wadsworth staid four miles from this last night : will 
 be in here in a few hours. It is not considered advisable to send 
 any of the troops away that has already arrived until more arrive. 
 Two hundred men can be acconmiodated at Schlosser : Judge Porter 
 sent us word yesterday that that was the case. I think if that 
 number was sent there it would be best. They could act either up 
 or down the river, as occasion would require. The British have 
 completed a battery al>ove Queenston last night and are very busy 
 this morning clearing off the trees. 
 
 Enclosed I nend you Capt. Leonard's letter. You will see his 
 opinion on the subject of assembling troops. 
 
 I refer you to Col. Swift, who will be able to give 3'ou every 
 information. 
 
 Would it not be advisable for General Porter to come down 
 and see General Wadsworth to consult on operations ? 
 
 July 3d, 1812. 
 
 (MSS.'of Hon. P. A. Porter.) 
 
 General Order. 
 
 Adjutant General's Office. 
 Niagara, 4 Jul3% 1812. 
 
 Major-General Brock has witnessed with the highest satisfac- 
 tion the orderly and regular conduct of such of the militia as have 
 been called into actual service and their ardent desire to acquire 
 military instruction. He is sensible that they are exposed to ^reat 
 privations, and every effort will be inmiediately made to supply 
 their most pressing wants, but such are the circumstances of the 
 
98 
 
 country that it is absolutely necessary that every inhabitant should 
 have recourse to his own means to furnish himself with blankets 
 and other necessaries. 
 
 The Major-General calls the serious attention of every militia- 
 man to the etTorts making by the enemy to destroy and lay waste 
 this flourishing country. They must be sensible of the great stake 
 they have to contend for, and will by their conduct convince the 
 enemy that they are not desirous of bowing their necks to a foreign 
 yoke. The Major-General is determined to devote his best energies 
 to the defence of the country, and has no doubt that supported by 
 the zeal, activity and determination of the loyal inhabitants of this 
 Province, he will successfully repel every hostile attack and pre- 
 serve to them inviolate all that they hold dear. 
 
 From the experience of the past the Major-General is con- 
 vinced that should it be necessary to call forth a further proportion 
 of the militia to aid their fellow-subjects in defence of the Province, 
 they will come forward with equal alacrity to share the danger and 
 the honor. 
 
 By command of the Major-General. 
 
 iENEAS Shaw, Adjt.-Genl. M. 
 
 General Return of Troops in Upper Canada. 
 
 4th July, 1812. 
 
 Royal Artillery — Senior officer, Capt. Holcroft, Fort George — 
 Three officers, two sergeants, one trumpeter, 74 rank and 
 file. Total 80 
 
 Tenth Royal Veteran Battalion — Major McPhei^aon, Kingston 
 — Sixteen officers, eight sergeants, two drummers, 170 
 rank and file. Total 196 
 
 4l8t Regiment — Colonel Procter, Amherstburg — Thirty-seven 
 officers, 45 sergeants, 20 drummers, 912 rank and file. 
 Total 1014 
 
 Royal Newfoundland Regiment — Major Heathcote, Kingston 
 — Nineteen officers, 18 sergeants, 14 drummers, 317 rank 
 and file. Total 368 
 
 1658 
 
99 
 
 General Return of Troops in Lower Canada. 
 
 July 4th, 1812. 
 
 Total. 
 
 Royal Artillery 14 officers, 7 sergeants, 7 drummers, 347 rank and file, 375- 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivers — 1 " — 30 " " 31 
 
 Royal Engineers 3 " — — — 3 
 
 10th Royal Veterans 24 " 23 " 7 '• 309 " " 363 
 
 Ist Battalion, 8th Regiment.39 •' 55 " 22 " 946 " " 1062: 
 
 41st Foot — — — 2 " " 2 
 
 49th Foot 22 " 41 " 18 " 664 " " 745 
 
 100th Foot 24 " 31 " 20 " 479 " " 554 
 
 103rd Foot 25 " 36 " 20 " 700 " " 781 
 
 Canadian FencibleH 23 " 34 ♦ 21 " 666 " " 744 
 
 Glengarrv Light Infantry.. 31 " 35 " 22 " 435 " " 523 
 
 Canadian Voltigeurs 17 " 17 ' — 272 " " 306 
 
 5489' 
 
 D. Noon to General Porter. 
 
 Oswego, 4th July, 1812. 
 
 Dear Sir, — As soon as news of war being declared arrived at 
 this place I immediately repaired to Sackett's Harbor, and General 
 Brown, who commands that district, ordered me to prepare im- 
 mediately at Massena, Hamilton, Ogdensburg, Gravelly Point, 
 barracks, &c., to contain about four tliousand men. I immediately 
 started to Ogdensburg and the other places and made the necessary 
 arrangements, and no doubt all wmH be ready in a few days, or as 
 soon as troops can be marched to their respective stations. I have 
 built barracks in the old fort at this place to contain about 700 
 men, which will probably be as many as will be stationed here. 
 
 P. 8. — Your brother's vessels are safe at Ogdensburg, and Capt. 
 Wolsy is doing all in his power to collect and arm vessels to carry 
 them up to Sackett's Harbor with the assistance of Genl. Brown. 
 
 (MSS. of Hon. p. A. Porter.) 
 
 Colonel Baynes to iIajor*Gcneral Brock. 
 
 Montreal, July 4, 1812. 
 Sir, — We have a report here of your having commenced opera- 
 tions by levelling the American fort at Niagara. The General is 
 most anxious to hear good and recent intelligence from your quarter. 
 There is no considerable assembly of troops in our neighborhood as 
 yet. The flank companies, embodied under Colonel Young, are on 
 their march, and the 2,000 militia will form a chain of posts from 
 St. John s to La Prairie. The town militia of this and Quebec, to 
 the amount of 3,000 in each city, have volunteered, being embodied 
 and drilled, and will take their proportion of garrison duty to 
 relieve the troops. The proclamation for declaring martial law is 
 prepared and will be speedily issued. All aliens will be re(juired to 
 
100 
 
 take the oath of allegiance or immediately to quit the Province. 
 Our cash is at its last issue, and a substitute of paper must per force 
 be resorted to. This has been Sir George's principal object in call- 
 ing the Legislature together. You have a very arduous and difficult 
 card to play, and have our sincere and confident wishes for your 
 success. Sir George strongly recommends extreme moderation in 
 the use of the Indians, and to keep them in control as much as 
 possible. 
 
 (From Tupper's Life of Brock, pp. 196-7.) 
 
 Lord Batburst to Sir Cleorge Prevost. 
 
 Downing Street, 4th Ju^y, 1812. 
 No. 2. 
 
 His Majesty's Government trust that you will be enabled to 
 suspend with perfect safety all extraordinary preparations which 
 you may have been induced to make in consequence of the pre- 
 carious state of relations between this countrv and the United 
 States, and as every specific requisition for warlike stores and 
 accoutrements has been completed, with the exception of that for 
 the clothing of the corps proposed to be raised from the Glengarry 
 Emigrants, I have not thought it necessary to direct the prepara- 
 tion of any further supplies. 
 
 I conclude that in consequence of the instructions contained in 
 Lord Liverpool's letter of the 30th March, that measures for the 
 formation of that corps have been abandoned .... 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 117-2, p. 185.) 
 
 Proclamation. 
 
 Province of Upper Canada. 
 B}' Isaac Brock, Esquire, President, administering the Govern- 
 ment of Upper Canada, and Major-General commanding His 
 Majesty's forces within our said Province. 
 
 To all whom these Presents shall conie : — 
 
 Greeting, — 
 
 Whereas, on the seventeenth day of June last the Congress of 
 the United States (^f America declared that war then existed 
 between those States and their territories and the L^nited Kingdom 
 of Great Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof, and 
 whereas in pursuance of such declaration the subjects of the United 
 
101 
 
 States have actually committed hostilities against the possessions of 
 His Majesty ; as President of His Majesty's Executive Council in the 
 affairs of the Province, I do hereby strictly enjoin and require all 
 His Majesty's liege subjects to be obedient to the lawful authorities, 
 to forbear all communication with the enemy or persons residing 
 within the territory of the United States, and to manifest their 
 loyalty by a zealous co-operation with His Majesty's armed force 
 in defence of the Province and repulse of the enemy. And 1 do 
 further require and command all officers, civil and military, to be 
 vigilant in the discharge of their duty, especially to prevent all 
 communication with the enemy, and to cause all persons suspected 
 of traitorous intercourse to be apprehended and treated according 
 to law. 
 
 Given under my hand and seal at arms at York, in the Province 
 of Upper Canada, this sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord 
 one thousand eight hundred and twelve, and in the fifty-second of 
 His Majesty's reign. 
 
 Isaac Brock, President. 
 
 By command of His Honor. 
 
 William Jarvis, Secretary. 
 
 BrigadienGeneral Wm. Wadsworth to Governor Towpkinsi. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, July 6, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Since writing from Genesee and putting part of *he 
 detachment ordered out on the march, I came on to this place j**id 
 have visited Fort Niagara. The fort is very much decayed. There 
 is now at the fort six pieces (six-pounders) mounted. They can be 
 used only in the fort, for want of horses and harness. There are 
 four howitzers and two mortars, neither of them mounted. There 
 are no shells to make use of even were they mounted. Amongst 
 every other difficulty to be surmounted there is no one appears 
 more serious than the want of ammunition. 
 
 The store on hand may be considered about 3,600 of powder, 
 and shot in proportion, together with alwut 16 boxes of musket 
 cartridges and distributed nearly in the following manner : — At Fort 
 Niagara, thirty cwt. powder, and the remaining 600, a part at this 
 place and part at Black Rock ; the boxes of cartridges are at the 
 several places of rendezvous. Four field pieces have been ordered 
 in from Ontario ; two are at this place and two at Black Rock. To 
 make them useful it will be necessary to have horses for moving 
 them. 
 
 The arms that were drawn by Lieut.-Colonel Swift are many 
 of them unfit for service. They will be inspected very soon, when 
 
^\WTry^;^ 
 
 102 
 
 it will be known how manv of them are fit for use. The detach- 
 ment from Ontario County will be here this morning. The detach- 
 ments from Genesee and Niagara a^'e principally out, and will be 
 organized under Lieut.-Colonel Dobb.n. 
 
 When the several detachments that are ordered out are 
 inspected there will probably be the following number and organ- 
 ized in the following manner : 
 
 Under Lieut.-Colonel Swift 400 
 
 Allen 400 
 
 " *' " Dobbin 300 
 
 1100 
 
 Absent 336 
 
 Sick ...20 
 
 Dead 4 
 
 360 360 
 
 1460 
 
 The detachments when made, to which the above officers were 
 assigned, was as follows : — 
 
 Lieut.-Colonel S^^ ift 600 
 
 " Allen 510 
 
 " Dobbin 350 
 
 1460 
 There are in the fort under Captain Leonard 150, and on the 
 4th inst. were marched in by Major Mullany of the United States 
 army, his corps of about 250, making in the fort 400, together with 
 1100 detached militia, making in the whole 1500 now for duty on 
 the frontier. There has been considerable sickness in Lieut.-Col. 
 Swift's regiment. 
 
 Having duly considered tlie importance of procuring harness 
 for the field pieces in the fort and having horses to move them as 
 well as to exercise the four pieces in the field, I shall request 
 General Peter B. Porter to procure the harness as soon as necessary 
 and to purchase twenty horses, which will be only the one-half that 
 will be requisite for the use of the ten pieces, that is to say, six 
 from the fort and four now in the field. As for procuring a further 
 number, under the existing circumstances I shall wait your order. 
 It may hereafter be thought advisable to take the pieces now 
 in the fort to the field : if so a further number of twenty horses 
 more will be required. 
 
103 
 
 The preparations on the opposite side of the river are very 
 considerable. Between Lake Ontario and Fort George there are 
 three breastworks hove up, between Fort George and Queenston 
 there are two, and south of Queenston on the north side of the 
 mountain they have one. With the naked eye it appears strong, 
 built of stone and will probably mount two or three pieces. Those 
 between the lake and Fort George mount seven or eight pieces, part 
 twelve and part six-pounders. Those in Fort George Captain 
 Leonard saj's are twelve-pounders. 
 
 The circumstance of there being but 30 cwt. oi powder for the 
 use of the fort is very unpleasant, for in case of an actack from 
 Fort George on our fort Captain Leonard could make but about 
 one hour's defence, for the powder would be wasted and a retreat 
 would then be necessary. This further shows the importance of 
 having horses and harness prepared to move the pieces in the fort 
 to the field, as well as to have them for defence. 
 
 Two regiments of militia, one from Genesee, commanded by 
 Lieut.-Colonel Daniel Davis, and one from Niagara County, when 
 notified of the importance of having additional strength on the line, 
 very promptly appeared with haste to the field. Lieut.-Colonel 
 Daniel Davis's regiment appeared fuller than at any former call. 
 
 The call of the regiuient was undoubtedly justifiable from an 
 appearance on the opposite side of the river. There is yet consider- 
 able appearance of their determination to act ofi'ensively. 
 
 It is a cause of much regret that there are no tents, camp 
 kettles or any description of camp equipage now in this quarter. 
 
 The dissatisfaction of the two regiments of militia is not to be 
 surmounted in any other way than to dismiss them to save the 
 disagreeable necessity of their dispersing without permission. They 
 were called out at a moment's notice, and could make no prepara- 
 tion for themselves and they found very little made for them. They 
 were able to draw but little bread, and to draw flour seemed use- 
 less, for they had not any utensils to cook it in. Such pails and 
 kettles as were to be had were purchased, but in the distribution 
 there was not one to a company. From such information as I am 
 able to collect from intercepted letters and other ways, I have much 
 reason to believe our enemy have three thousand u)en now in the 
 field and one thousand more subject to a very short call, exclusive 
 of three hundred Indians, said to be arnied complete. 
 
 * Their strength taken into consideration, when it being the 
 probability that they will make an attack, I cannot consider myself 
 justified in saying that the river will be sufiiciently guarded unless 
 there are three thousand men placed between the lake and the 
 mountain and one thousand from the mountain to BuflTalo. Taking 
 
104 
 
 this number for the standard, it will require 2,500 men to make 
 such a resistance as prudence might dictate and to cease the pre- 
 vailing opinion in Genesee and Niagara Counties that they are in 
 danger. 
 
 I would renew my assurances of a determination to persevere 
 and leave nothing undone that is in my power to do. 
 (Tompkins' Papers vol. VII.. pp. 343-7, New York State Library.) 
 
 From the New York Evening Post, Wednesday. Jnly 15. 
 
 Canandaigua. July 7, 1812. 
 
 Of the force which the British have on the Niagara, various 
 accounts are given. The number of regular troops is probably not 
 far from 1500 — of militia ready for service about 3000. With re- 
 spect to the Indians which are said to have joined them, their 
 numbers are stated by different reports from 150 to 1000. We have 
 reason to believe it would approach nearer the fact to say there 
 were none. 
 
 General Brock, Governor of Upper Canada, commands in 
 person. 
 
 Nothing momentous had occurred at the last (Jates. The vessel 
 of Mr. Colt, mentioned in our last as being c&ptiired by the British, 
 had Iwen restored and Lieut. Gansevoort, who wv.h in their power 
 when the news of war being declared was received, has been suffered 
 to return to the American garris(m. 
 
 The apprehension that a descent would be made b}' the British 
 with a view to take the American garrison, Fort Niagara, has sub- 
 sided. Had they contemplated its capture they would have done 
 it before we increased our forces in its neighborhood. 
 
 ^Ve understand that Fort Niagara is in a decayed state, with 
 only six pieces of cannon and 120 men. We do not know the num- 
 ber of men stationed on the river from Black Rock to the fort, prob- 
 ably there a"e 300 regulars and 1500 or 2000 militia. 
 
 (File in New York Society Library.) 
 
 From the iluroru of Philadelphia, July 18th, IHIS. 
 
 Canandaiqua, July 7. — A number of waggons of warlike 
 stores and .several companies of drafted and volunteer militia left 
 this town last week for the frontiers, among them Captain A. Dox's 
 infantry. Captain Stanleys riflemen and Captains Bogert's and 
 Hart's militia. i - - 
 
 Major General Hall has put in requisition the whole militia of 
 his division to march when wanted. 
 
 (Pilein Mercantile Library, Philadelphia.) > • ' V ''■■:.' , ■' ;' 
 
105 
 
 PUBLIC SPEECHES. 
 
 Public speeches delivered at the Village of Buffalo on the 6th 
 and 8th days of July by Hon. Erastus Granger, Indian Agent, and 
 Red Jacket, one of the principal chiefs and speakers of the Seneca 
 Nation, respecting the part the Six Nations would take in the 
 present war against Great Britain. 
 
 BUFFALO. 
 
 Printed and sold by S. H. & H. A. Salisbury ; sold also at the Canand^l^i* and Qeneva book 
 Btor«s. 
 
 1812. 
 
 SPEECHES. 
 
 [This Council was convened at the request of the Hon. E- 
 Granger, Esq., Indian Agent. The sachems, chiefs and warriors of 
 the Six Nations of Indians, residing in the United States, were 
 present.] 
 
 Monday, July 6, 1812. 
 Red Jacket, 
 Addreufdng hirriKelf to the Agent, upoke as follows: 
 
 Brother, — We are glad of having an opportunity once more of 
 meeting you in council. We thank the Great Spirit that has again 
 brought us together. This is a full meeting. All our head men 
 are present. Every village is represented in this council. We are 
 pleased to find Mr. Parrish, our interpreter, is present. He has 
 attended all our councils since the last war, and is well acquainted 
 with all the treaties we have made with the United States. 
 
 The voice of war has reached our ears and made our minds 
 gloomy. We now wish you to communicate to us everything 
 which your Government has charged you to tell us concerning this 
 war. We shall listen with attention to what you have to say. 
 
 Mr. dranieer'M Speech. 
 
 Brothers of the Six Nations : — 
 
 I am happy to behold so many of you assembled together at 
 this time, I observe that the chiefs of the Seneca, Onondaga, 
 Cayuga and Tuscarora Nations, and some of the Delawares are 
 present. The Mohawks who live in Canada are not represented, 
 and the Oneidas, living at a distance, could not attend. Brothers, 
 you will now listen to what I say. 
 
 At the close of the Revolutionary war the United States ht :'d a 
 treaty with the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix. They restored to 
 you the country of land which they had concjuered from you and 
 the British and set you down once more on your old seats. Several 
 
106 
 
 treaties have since been made with you, but that which particularly 
 binds U8 together was made at Canadaigua about sixteen years 
 since. 
 
 The chain of friendship then formed has been kept bright until 
 this time. 
 
 In this great length of time nothing material has happened to 
 disturb the peace and harmony subsisting between us. Any 
 momentary interruptions of peace which have taken place have 
 been happily settled without injury to either party. Our friend- 
 ship has remained unbroken. 
 
 Brothers, — The prosperity and happiness of the Six Nations 
 have always been objects which the United States have had in 
 view. 
 
 You have enjoyed with us all the blessings which the country 
 afforded, consistent with your mode and habits of living. We have 
 grown up together on this great island. The United States are 
 strong and powerful ; you are few in nutnbers and we&k, but as 
 our friends we consider you and your women and children under 
 our protection. 
 
 Brothers, — You have heretofore been told that the conduct of 
 Great Britain towards us might eventually lead to war. That event 
 has at length taken place. War now exists between the United 
 States and the British Nation. The injuries we have received from 
 the British have at length forced us into a war. 
 
 I will now proceed to state to you the reasons why we have 
 been compelled to take up arms. 
 
 For a number of years past the British and French who live 
 on the other side of the great waters have been at war with each 
 other, shedding each other's blood. These nations wished us to 
 take a part in their war. France wished us to fight against Great 
 Britain. Great Britain wanted us to join against France. But the 
 United States did not wish to take any part in their quarrels. Our 
 object was to live in peace and trade with both nations. Notwith- 
 standing our endeavors to maintain friendship with them, both 
 France and Great Britain have broken their treaties with us. They 
 have taken our vessels and property and refused to restore them or 
 make compensation for the losses we have sustained. 
 
 But the British have done us the greatest injury. They have 
 taken out of our vessels at least six thousand of our own people, 
 put them on board their ships of war and compelled them to fight 
 their battles. In this situation our friends and connexions are con- 
 fined, obliged to fight for the British. 
 
 Brothers, — If you consider the situation in which we are 
 placed, you cannot blame us for going to war. I will ask you a 
 
107 
 
 question. Suppose that the Mohawk Nation, who live in Canada, 
 were at war with a nation of Indians at the westward. Both of 
 these nations being your friends, you were determined to take no 
 part in their disputes, but to be at peace with both — to visit them 
 and trade with them as usual. In consequence of this determination, 
 you should send messages with speeches to inform them of the 
 system you had adopted. But the Mohawks, not satisfied in seeing 
 you in prosperity, enjoying the blessing." of peace, visiting and 
 trading with them — determine to make you feel the evils of war 
 unless you agree to give up all intercourse with those they are at 
 war with. This you cannot consent to ; you want the privilege of 
 selling your furs and skins where you can find the best market. 
 The Mohawks still continue to flatter you — say they are your 
 friends — put on smiling faces and speak good words. But in the 
 meantime, while professing friendship towards you, they fall upon 
 your hunting and trading parties as they travel back and forth — 
 strip them of their property — leave them naked in the world and 
 refuse to make satisfaction. Not only this, but they come near 
 your village and there murder your people — others they take when 
 found from home, bind them fast and compel them to go and fight 
 their battles. 
 
 Brothers, — Could you for a moment submit to such treat- 
 ment ? W<^)uld you not all as one rise from your seats and let the 
 enemy feel your vengeance < If you are warriors, if you are brave 
 men, you certainly would. What I have stated is exactly our case. 
 The British have done us all these injuries and still continue to do 
 us wrong without a cause. The United States have risen from 
 their seats — they have raised their strong arm and will cause it to 
 be felt. 
 
 Brothers, — I feel it my duty at this present time to point out 
 to you the straight path in which you ought to walk. You well 
 recollect the advice given you by the people of the United States at 
 the commencement of the Revolutionary war against Great Britain. 
 You were then requested to stay at home — to sit upon your seats 
 at your own council fii'es and to take no part in the war. 
 
 It would have been happy for you had you followed this good 
 advice. But the presents and fair speeches of the British poisoned 
 your minds. You took up the hatchet against us and became our 
 enemies. At the close of the war with Britain (the event you well 
 know) the United States had it in their power to have cut you ofl' 
 as a people, but they took pity on you and let you return to your 
 former seats. 
 
 Your Great Father, the President of the Seventeen Fires, now 
 gives his Red Children the same advice that was given you at the 
 
108 
 
 beginning of the last war ; that is — That you take no part in the 
 quarreh of the white people. He stands in no need of your assist- 
 ance. His warriors are numerous, like the sand on the shores of 
 the great lakes which cannot be counted. He is able to fight his 
 own battles, and requests you to stay at home, cultivate your fields 
 and take care of your property. If you have any regard for your 
 women and children — if you have any respect for the country in 
 whose soil repose the bones of 3'our fathers — you will listen to his 
 advice and keep bright the chain of friendship between us. 
 
 You have been invited to join the British in this war. Reflect 
 for a moment on the consequence of complying with their request. 
 You will lose your property in the United States. We shall soon 
 take possession of Canada. They will have no land to sit you down 
 upon. You will have nothing to expect from our mercy. You will 
 deservedly as a people be cut off from the face of the earth. 
 
 The late delegation which you sent to Canada was told that 
 they ought not to put any confidence in the United States — that if 
 you did we should deceive you — that the United States kept no 
 promises made to Indians. 
 
 Brothers, — I now ask in what have the United States 
 deceived you ? Have they not punctually paid your annuities as 
 they became due i Have not the Senecas received annually the 
 interest of their money in the public funds ? Has not the State of 
 New York honestly fulfilled her engagements with the Oneidas, 
 Onondagas and Cayugas ? Have not the Tuscaroras been assisted 
 in the sale of their property in North Carolina and in obtaining a 
 pleasant seat purchased of the Holland Land Company ? I again 
 ask, have not the United States observed good faith towards you ? 
 Have they deceived you in any one thing ? I answer, they have not. 
 
 Knowing as you do that we are your friends, will you act like 
 children and suffer yourselves to be imposed upon at this time by 
 our enemies ? 
 
 Brothers, — It was our wish that the Six Nations should all 
 be agreed as one man, but the Mohawks and some few others living 
 on the British side, have been so foolish as to declare in favor of war. 
 The gt)od advice you lately gave them has not been attended to. 
 They are now at Newark in arms against the United States. 1 am 
 sorry they have not listened to good counsel. You, however, have 
 done your duty and you are not to blame for their folly. They 
 will soon find they have done wrong and must suffer the consequence. 
 .,. Brothers, — Continue to listen. 
 
 You have been fre(]uently told, that in case we went to war, 
 we did not want your assistance. The same thing has this day been 
 repeated. But I find some of your young men are restless and 
 
109 
 
 uneasy. They wish to be with our warrioi-s and I am sensible the 
 Chiefs have not power to control them. As I observed before, we 
 want not their aid, but we believe it to be better for them to be our 
 friends than our enemies. 
 
 If they will not be contented to stay at home but nmst see 
 something of a war, perhaps 150 or 200 will be permitted to stand 
 by the side of our warriors and receive the same pay and provisions 
 which our soldiers receive. 
 
 If they should be permitted to join our troops they must con- 
 form to our regulations. Your mod'^ of carrying on war is different 
 from ours. We never attack and make war upon women and 
 children, nor on those who are peaceably inclined and have nothing 
 to defend themselves with. Such conduct we consider as cowardly 
 and not becoming a warrior. 
 
 Brothers, — If you have not sufficient time this evening to 
 deliberate on what I have said, I will meet you to-morrow or next 
 day, and receive your answer. 
 
 Red Jacket*.<« Answer to Mr. Granger's Speech. 
 
 Wednesday, July 8, 1812. 
 
 Brother, — We are now prepared to give an answer to the 
 speech you delivered to us in council the other day. We are happy 
 to find so many of the white people present. We are not accustonied 
 to transact important business in the DARK I We are willing that 
 the light should shine upon whatever we do. When we speak we 
 do it with sincerity and in a manner that cannot be misunderstood. 
 
 You have been appointed by the United States an agent for 
 the Six Nations. We have been requested to make you acquainted 
 with the sentiments of those nations we represent. None of the 
 Mohawks, Oneidas, or Cayugas, it is well known, are present. The 
 number of treaties that has passed between the Six Nations and 
 the United States appears to be fresh in your memory. We shall 
 only mention to you some things that were agreed upon in the 
 treaty made at Canandaigua. 
 
 We were a long time in forming that treaty, but we at length 
 made up our minds and spoke freely. Mr. Pickering, who was then 
 agent for the United States, declared to us that no breach should 
 ever be made in that treaty. We replied to him, " If it should ever 
 be broken, you will be the first to do it We are weak. You are 
 strong. You are a great people. You tan if you are so disposed 
 place yourselves under it and overturn it, or, by getting upon it you 
 can crush it with your weight." Mr. Pickering again declared that 
 this treaty would ever remain firm and unshaken, that it would be 
 as durable as the largest rock to be found in our country. 
 
110 
 
 This treaty waH afterwank Hhown to Gen. WaHhinjfton. He 
 said that he was satisfied and pleased with what the a^ent had 
 done. He told us that no treaty could be formed that wouhl be 
 more binding. He then presented us with a chain which he assured 
 us would never rust, but always remain bright. Upon this belt of 
 wampum, (holding up a belt of wampum curiously wrought) he 
 placed a silver seal [upon which an eagle was engraved, representing 
 the United States.] This belt we always have and wish to look 
 upon as sacred. 
 
 In the treaty it was agreed that the Six Nations should receive 
 a small annuity, to show the intention of the United States to con- 
 tinue friendly with them. This has Xteen complied with. It was 
 also agreed that if any injury or damage should be done on either 
 side satisfaction should be made to the party injured. We were a 
 long time in conference before we could make up our minds upon 
 one article of the treaty — what punishment should be inflicted for 
 the crime of nmrder ? Mr. Pickering said that it should be hanging. 
 We told him that would never do — that if a white man killed an 
 Indian, the Indians would not be permitted to hang the white man 
 — the sacrifice would be ctmsidered too great for killing an Indian. 
 We at length agreed that conciliatory measures should be resorted 
 to, such as would give satisfaction to all parties. 
 
 In cases of theft as in stealing horses, cattle, &c., it was agreed 
 that restitution should be made. In this article the whites have 
 transgressed twice where the Indians have once. As often as you 
 will mention one instance in which we have wronged you, we will 
 tell you of two in which you have defrauded us ! 
 
 I have related these articles of the treaty to show you that it 
 still remains clear in our recollection, and we now declare to you, in 
 presence of all here a^^embled, that we will continue to hold fast the 
 chain which counsels us together. Some who first took hold of it 
 are gone, but othei"s will supply their place. 
 
 We regret extremely that any disturbance should have taken 
 place among the white people. Mischief has commenced. We are 
 now told that war has been declared against Great Britain ; the 
 reasons for it are unknown to us. The Six Nations are placed in 
 an unpleasant situation. A part of them are in Canada and the 
 remainder in the United States. 
 
 Whilst we were endeavoring to persuade those who live in 
 Canada to remain peaceable and quiet, the noise of war suddenly 
 sounded in our ears. W^e were told that all communication between 
 us and them would be prevented. We have since heard that they 
 have taken up arms. We are very sorry to hear of this. They are 
 our brothers and relations, and we do not wish that their blood 
 
Ill 
 
 should be spilt when there is ho little occafiion for it. We hope that 
 the passage is not so closely stoppecl but that a Hinall door may still 
 be open, by which wc may a^ain have an opportunity of seeing 
 our brothers and of convincing them to take no part in a war in 
 which they have nothing to gain. 
 
 We know the feelings of the greatest portion of them. We 
 therefore believe that if we have another opportunity we can per- 
 suade them to have nothing to do with this war. Our minds are 
 fully made up on this subject, and we repeat that it is our wish to 
 see them once more and to give them our advice about the path 
 they ought to travel. 
 
 You (Mr. Parrish) are going to the eastward. You will visit 
 the Oneidas and Cayugas. Relate to them faithfully what has 
 taken place in this council ; tell them all we have said, and request 
 that a deputation of their chiefs may be sent to attend our council 
 here. We wish that you would return with them. 
 
 [He then brought forward the belt which he had before held 
 up in his hand, and reijues^^ed Mr, Granger and the others present 
 to look at it and observe whether it was not the one that had I teen 
 presented to the Six Nations by Gen. Washington. 
 
 Red Jacket then held up another belt, nmch larger, of ditierent 
 colors, which appeared to be very ancient. He continued.] 
 
 Brother, — I will now state to you the meaning of this belt. 
 A long time ago the Six Nations had formed a union. They had 
 no means of writing their treaties on paper and of preserving them 
 in the manner the white people do. We therefore made this l)elt, 
 which shows that the Six Nations have bound themselves firmly 
 together ; that it is their deternjination ^o remain united ; that 
 they will never do anything contrary to the interests of the whole, 
 but that they will always act towards each other like brothei-s. 
 
 Whenever for the future you see a small number of our people 
 meeting together to consult about any matter of trifling account, 
 we desire that you would pay no attention to it. It may give you 
 uneasiness, when we have no intention to injure you. This hap- 
 pened but a few days ago. It seems that a white man and two or 
 three Indians living on the same creek had a small conversation, 
 which the mischievous talked about until the whole country was in 
 an uproar, and many families left their country and homes in con- 
 sequence. 
 
 The council held some time since at Batavia was unauthorized 
 by us, and we now declare to j^ou that none have a right to hold 
 council anywhere except at this place, arouiid the great council fire 
 of the Six Nations. 
 
 We hope that you will not accept of any of our warriors unless 
 
112 
 
 they are permitted by our great council to offer themselveH to you. 
 And we Mtiould be sorry, indeed, if any of the whites should entice 
 our young warriors to take up arms. We mention these things to 
 show you that we wish to guard against everything that may 
 interrupt our good understanding. 
 
 BnoTHFiH, — We hope that what has been said will be generally 
 known to the white people. I^et every one recollect an<i give a 
 faithful account of it. We wish them to know that we are peace- 
 ably disposed towards the United States, and that we are deter- 
 mine<J to keep bright the chain of friendship that we formed with 
 them at Canandaigua. 
 
 Bkothek, — We have one thing more to which we would wish 
 to call your attention. We present you the papers (handing to the 
 agent a sinall bundle of papers), which secure to us our annuities 
 from the U. States. We would U; glad U) know if this war 
 would affect om* interests in that quarter. We also rlesire that you 
 would i»iform us whether the monies we have de|MJsite<l in the [late] 
 bank of the United States will U? less secure than if this war had 
 not taken place. 
 
 Reply of the, Agent. 
 
 Mr. (Granger, after thanking them for their general and 
 punctual attendance, replied aw follows : — 
 
 HuoTiiEKs, — You have this day brought forward the large 
 white belt giv«'n you at Canandaigua. Your speaker has e.xplaine<l 
 the leading particulars of the treaty made at that time. 1 am much 
 pleased to find your minds so deeply impresHed with them. I now 
 repeat to you that the United States will on their part hold fast to 
 the treaty : they wish you to do the same. Should it be broken on 
 your part, the United States will no longer consider themselves 
 bound bv it. 
 
 BuoTHKHS, — It appears that 3'ou are still desirous of sending 
 to (Jrand Rivc^r to enueavor to prevail on yoin- brethren in that 
 (piarter to remain at peace. An undertaking of this kin<l will Ix* 
 of little use. They will only fill your hetuis with iflle talk, and 
 |X)ison your minds again.st the tlnitefl States. P«!rhapH after 
 crossing Niagara Kiver you will not Ik* permitted to go any further. 
 Should you, howevta*, insist upon it, permission will be granted to 
 four or fiv(^ of your chiefs to go over, with such instructions as you 
 shall think jiroper to give them. 
 
 Hut shotdd your young men cross over an*! join our enemies, 
 they must never expect to Ix? allowtjd to set their feet on our shoren 
 agaifi as fiiends. R«?st assured tht^y will Ix; severely puitished for it. 
 
 With respect to the pro|X!rty you havt? placed in the hands of 
 
the United States you have uothin^ to fear, it will be fully as 
 secure as if this war had not happened. Your annuities will be 
 paid to you as formerly and your bank stock be as productive as 
 usual. 
 
 I now return you my thanks for the good attendance you have 
 given at this council. I feel pleased that you have again come 
 Forward and renewed the covenant of friendship, that you have once 
 more declared your steady attachment to the United States. 
 
 Your friend, Mr. Parrish, will soon go to the eastward, where 
 he will see such of your brethren as were not present at this council. 
 In a short time he will return and remain here if he should be 
 wanted through the summer. 
 
 [In consequence of the permission of the agent several of the 
 chiefs repaired to Lewiston for the purpose of crossing. Applica- 
 tion was ma<le to General Brock (who has the command oi the 
 troops in the Upper Province) that they might be suffered to land 
 on the Canada shore. After two days General Brock sent them 
 word that two of their chiefs would be permitted to come over and 
 converse for a few minutes with such of the chiefs belonging to 
 Canada as would be authorized to meet them. They accordingly 
 went over, and after a few minutes' conversation with .some of the 
 Canadian chiefs, without elfeeting their object, they were ordered 
 to return.] '/:"'. ' '"'"'■'-:- ■■■■•: -•■■•-'.;■ :::'•' r;^-'' ■•■-'■ 
 
 8tr Cieorxe Prevost to Majur-l-eneral Bro<*k. 
 
 Montreal, July 7, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — It was only on my arrival at Montreal that I received 
 Mr. Foster's notification of the Congress of the Unit«;d States 
 having declared war against Great Britain. The fact had l^en 
 previously ascertained through mercantile channels. 
 
 I am convinced you have acted wisely in abstaining from 
 offensive operati(ms, which in their effect might have united a 
 people governed by public opinion, and among whom too much 
 division exists at this moment to admit of its influence in promoting 
 vigorous measures against us. 
 
 The manner of the Hank companies of militia turning out must 
 have l>een very satisfactory to you. I hope your su))plies of 
 ordnance and ordnance stores on their way from Kingston have 
 arrived safe. 
 
 I have caused arms, accoutrements an<l ammunition to be for- 
 warded for the use of the Cornwall, Stormont and Dundas battalions 
 of militia. Camp equipage for 500 men shall l)e sent to you »is soon 
 as possible, together with muskets. 
 
 We are on the eve of substituting paper for bullion. I am 
 
aware of the Canadian prejudice against such a circulating medium, 
 but it must give way to the imperious necessity of the times. 
 
 It is highly proper you should secure the services of the 
 Indians, but restrain and control them as much as you can. What- 
 ever appointments you deem indispensably necessary you are 
 authorized to make, as well as the sacrifice of some money to gain 
 them over. It is proper we should maintain our ascendency over 
 the Indians and feed with proper food their predilection for us. 
 
 Colonel Lethbridge, an inspecting field officer, is under orders 
 for Kingston, and thero cO wait your commands. 
 
 (Prom Tupper's Life of Brock, pp. 198-9.) 
 
 From the Independent Chronicle, of Boston, iSOth July, 181S. 
 
 Onondaga Valley, July 8th. 
 
 Since the declaration of war everything goes on briskly in 
 these western wilds. There are already 3,000 troops at Niagara 
 from the counties of Genesee, Steuben, Chautauqua and Niagara. 
 Monday last a considerable number of waggons passed through 
 here loaded with arms, ammunition and shovels. 
 
 (From file in Lenox Library, New York.) 
 
 Colonel Bayues to llIajor*Cieneral Brock. 
 
 ^ Montreal, July 8, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I was highly gratified yesterday in receiving your letters 
 of the 3rd July, for we have felt extremely anxious about you ever 
 since we have learnt the unexpected declaration of war, which has 
 been so long threatened that no one believed it would ever seriously 
 take place, and even now it is the prevailing opinion that from the 
 opposition testified by the Eastern States offensive measures are not 
 likely to be speedily adopted against this country. Sir George is 
 inclined to let these sentiments take their course, and as little 
 advantage would accrue by more active measures on our part our 
 present plans are all defensive. General De Rottenburg is arrived 
 and the flank companies embodied are on their way. This corps, 
 with the emlx)died militia, will form a chain from La Prairie to St. 
 Johns, with a light corps advanced in their front. We have reports 
 of the 103rd regiment being in the river and, it is added, recruits 
 for the 100th Regiment. 
 
 Sir George has had applications from so many quarters for 
 militia below Kingston that, to ensure a general arrangement and 
 to adopt the best system tlyit circumstances will admit, he has 
 directed Colonel Lethbridge, the Inspecting Field Officer here, to 
 proceed through the line of settlements to see the several colonels 
 
115 
 
 and corps of militia so as to fix their quotas, and afterwards to pro- 
 ceed to Kington and assume the command of that post, if necessary. 
 He will be placed under your orders, but you will perhaps not wish 
 to bring him in contact with the 41st Regiment, as he is senior to 
 Colonel Procter, ' • 
 
 Sir George desires me to say that he does not attempt to pre- 
 scribe specific rules for your guidance. They must be directed by 
 your discretion and the circumstances of the time ; the present 
 order of the day with him is forbearance until hostilities are more 
 decidedly marked. 
 
 (Prom Tupper'8 Life of Brock, pp. 199-200). 
 
 District General Orders. 
 
 Fort George, 9th July, 1812. 
 D. G. Orders. 
 
 The following proportion of officers and non-commissioned 
 officers will be entitled to receive pay and allowances : 
 
 ESTABLISHMENT. 
 
 Capt. Sub. Sergts. 
 
 For every company embodied for service, consisting 
 
 of 30 rank and file 1 2 2 
 
 For Do., consisting of 45 men and not exceeding 80 . 1 2 3 
 
 For Do., consisting of 80 men and upwards 1 3 4 
 
 For every 250 men one field officer will be allowed, and so in 
 proportion. 
 
 The difference of pay between a subaltern and an adjutant will 
 be allowed for every 200 men. A paymaster will be appointed for 
 the District of Niagara, who will muster on the 23d or 24th of 
 every month all the corps stationed between Niagara and Lake 
 Erie. Pay lists are to be certified on oath by the captains of com- 
 panies, and commanding officers of posts (whether of the line or 
 militia) will examine and .certify their belief as to the correctness 
 of the accouipt. 
 
 By order of Major-Genl. Brock. 
 
 Thos. Evans, B. M. 
 memorandum. 
 
 In consequence of the above order the circular letter from His 
 Honor the President to officers commanding regiments, dated 8th 
 April, 1812, is rescinded, and officers commanding regiments are 
 directed to transmit to headquarters an account of the actual 
 expenses that have been incurred under it. 
 
-116 ' 
 
 General Wadsworth to GoTernor D. D. Tompkins. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 8th July, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Since my last of the 5th inst., the unremitted exertions 
 of our opponents in heaving up breastworks is daily to be seen. 
 Not having had any communication across the river since the 5th 
 inst., I cannot relate anything in respect to the strength they may 
 gain, but every operation of theirs since the 5th inst. seems to 
 concur in adding to the belief that there are a large body of men 
 near the frontier, at least as many as was calculated in my letter of 
 the 5th inst, — three thousand near the line and one thousand 
 subject to a moment's call. Our shore must be considered unsafe 
 until we have at least four thousand troops on the line, and would 
 recotumend five hundred more, with a view of taking possession of 
 Grand Island. A party of soldiers and Indians seem to be making 
 a drift that way, seemingly with an intention to carry on a corres- 
 pondence in that quarter with this side or take possession of the 
 island themselves, more particularly to carry on with gi'eater ease a 
 correspondence that is already suspected. The great length of the 
 river that must be guarded requires a great number of soldiers. 
 
 From every appearance at present I think myself justified in 
 recommending the number aliove to be placed on the margin of 
 this river. ■ :.' ' ,., .^i'-: , "■.■■,':<':'.■<■■-■'■■ 
 
 I desire that you duly consider what 1500 men can do in 
 opposition to our opponents on a river of the length of the Niagara 
 from Lake Ontario to Buffalo, whose margin is principally covered 
 with timber and bushes. 
 
 If it is your pleasure I must express to you my anxiety for the 
 immediate support of some or all of the number proposed. 
 
 To be attacked would not be more than I have reason to expect 
 for the last twenty-four hours. I believe it is only owing to want 
 of information of our real situation why we have not been attacked 
 before this time. 
 
 The accommodation for the troops in this quarter is much to 
 be lamented. Every preparation is making that can be made with- 
 out axes, hoes, spades, shovels or anything of the kind. 
 
 I hope, sir, my zeal for the honor of our arms and for the com- 
 fort of the men under my command will be a sufficient excuse for 
 pressing on Your Excellency the importance of forwarding ammu- 
 nition, and camp equipage is indispensably necessary, and in case of 
 an action our ammunition would all be wasted and we be left in a 
 deplorable condition. 
 
 The soldiers that have la«t arrived on the frontier are very 
 much worn down with the fatigue of their march and the duty 
 since required of them. 
 
117 
 
 In the event of your sending the reinforcement proposed I 
 would recommend the sending the further number of ten pieces of 
 artillery, as they will be the only implements that will have aa 
 effect across the river. 
 
 Among the ammunition would recommend grape shot, to be 
 made use of in the event of their attempting to cross the river. 
 
 (Tompkins Papers, vol., VII., pp. 373-5, New York State Library.) 
 
 From the National Intelligencer of Washington, D. €., SSth July* 
 
 I81«. 
 
 Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Fort Niagara to his 
 friend in this city, dated July 8th : 
 
 This garrison and all my property at this place have been in 
 the most imminent danger. I expected every moment that it 
 would be destroyed and myself ruined. The British had the means 
 to lay the whole place in ashes, whilst we were entirely destitute 
 of men, cannon, ammunition and everything else. This danger is 
 not now past, but our prospect of security is more clear than it was 
 last week. This frontier has been in a state of alarm and confusion 
 for almost two weeks past. No business has been done except 
 moving goods and property to places of safety. 
 
 (Prom File in the New York Society Library.) 
 
 General Peter B. Porter to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Black Rock, July 9, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have just returned from Niagara and Lewiston, where 
 I spent two or three days with General Wadsworth. The ordinary 
 militia, who repaired to this frontier in great numbers and with 
 promptitude that has done them great credit, are now mostly dis- 
 missed and have returned to their homes, their places being supplied 
 by the detached militia, most of whom have arrived and the 
 remainder coming in daily. Our force when organized a day or 
 two hence will consist of the detached or drafted militia, about 
 1,500; Colonel Swift's regiment of volunteers, about 550; the 
 regular troops at Niagara fort, al>out 450, and a few men of the 
 ordinary militia, say 100, who are about to volunteer under the act of 
 the sixth of February, making in the whole about 2,500 men. This 
 force, raw as it is, with only a few pieces of light artillery, and not 
 more than one company (Captain Leonard's) who know anything 
 about artillery, is in my opinion barely sufficient for the protection 
 of this river against a greater number of men with a full supply of 
 heavy ordnance and a powerful train of field artillery managed by 
 experienced troops. I shall not be surprised if the British were to 
 make an attack on us even now, as they know our real strength. 
 
118 
 
 V 
 
 They have on the river from Newark to Fort Erie, inclusive, accord- 
 ing to the best information we can get, (and most of the people who 
 cross the river concur substantially in the estimate), from 9 to 1,200 
 regulars, from 2,000 to 2,500 militia, and about 250 or 300 Indian 
 wan'iors, making in all about 3,600 men. Such, however, is said 
 to be the disaffection among the militia that no reliance can be 
 placed on them for an attack or perhaps for defence. Our standard 
 once planted on their shore, and supported by a respectable force, I 
 have no doubt that most of the inhabitants would seek protection 
 under it. 
 
 I cannot avoid repeating to Your Excellency the opinion I have 
 heretofore expressed, that under present circumstances the policy, 
 interest and quiet of this State and the United States require that 
 no time should be lost in preparing for the invasion of Canada at 
 this point as well as otlier places. For this purpose we want in the 
 first place artillery of different descriptions, and in the next, men 
 who know how to use it. Our force now on the river, amounting 
 to about 2500 men, improved by a rigid discipline for six or eight 
 weeks to come, with the addition of 2500 regular troops, consisting 
 of a due proportion of artillerists, might pass over the river and 
 subdue the peninsula opposite here, which is the heart of Upper 
 Canada. Our army should also at the same time be prepared to 
 pass the St. Lawrence river below Lake Ontario, to prevent them 
 from concentrating the whole of their force at this point. A 
 general of experience and ability would of course be required to 
 conduct the enterprise. We regret that we have neither had men 
 nor other means to justify any attempt to pass the river ; 2,500 
 men well provided with arms and ammunition might at the first 
 moment have accomplished what will now require double the 
 number. Would it not be well to commence building 50 or 60 
 boats? I have ventured already to build four, which are indis- 
 pensable for ordinary uses. The village at the Falls is a place 
 peculiarly fitted for this business. There is plenty of good timber, 
 a saw mill, pitch, oakum, &c., and fine quarters for men. A few 
 ship carpenters, who could be engaged here, and the artificers belong- 
 ing to the troops, would build thenj in a few days. The boats there 
 would be perfectly safe as respects the enemy, and could be put into 
 the water above or below the falls. 
 
 The troops, who have been thus suddenly and unexpectedly 
 thrown upon the frontier, have subjected me to many serious diffi- 
 culties and embarrassments and to a heavy responsibility. They 
 have depended on me for almost everything, and it was necessary 
 they should be supplied, having brought with them no means of 
 subsistence for themselves. I am sure that I have acted with a due 
 
119 
 
 regard for economy. The detached militia (part of the 100,000) 
 were induced to hasten to this place by the solicitations of the 
 people on the frontier. But most of the ordinary militia who came 
 out were, I believe, brought here by the impulse of their own feel- 
 ings and a sense of common danger. They were dismissed the 
 moment the danger ceased to be imminent. 
 
 Situated as I am, it would be very gratifying to receive from 
 Your Excellency some general instruction as to what I am to do. 
 General Wadsworth has just made a requisition on me for the pur- 
 chase of twenty hoi-aes with harness, &c., for the artillery, also for 
 ^SS^^ waggons, &c. Having received no instructions from you 
 how to act, I am placed in respect to such demands in a situation of 
 great delicacy. 
 
 P. S. — A man just from Canada states that the British have 
 captured one schooner on the upper lakes and two on Lake Ontario. 
 About 100 British soldiers have been busily employed since yester- 
 day morning in throwing up a breastwork directly opposite to me 
 (about a mile distant), in which they have just placed three nine- 
 pounders. I am requested to ask whether a company of volunteers 
 associating under the act of February 6, and designating for them- 
 selves men as officers who now hold no commissions, can be accepted 
 and the officers if approved of by you immediately appointed. A 
 company under these circumstances wish to volunteer near this 
 village. 
 
 (Tompkins Papers, Vol. VII., pp. 366-70, New York State Library.) 
 
 . The Secretary of War to IMiijor'General Dearborn. 
 
 War Department, July 9, 1812. 
 [Abstract.] 
 Instructs him after making arrangements for the defence of 
 the seaboard to proceed to Albany and to send all recruits not other- 
 wise disposed of to that place, or some station on Lake Champlain, 
 to be organized for the invasion of Canada. 
 
 Militia Cieneral Orders. 
 
 Niagara, 10th July, 1S12. 
 M. G. Orders, — 
 
 Major-General Brock having received information that a large 
 portion of the troops assembled on the other side of the river have 
 retired, and being anxious to afford the militia every indulgence 
 compatible with the safety of the Province, orders that one-half of 
 each corps or company now on duty be permitted to return home on 
 furlough. 
 
_i2o -; ■; ■■ ■' . '- '•':■:■:■' 
 
 '■■-.■ ' , .' „ . :.">'■' 
 
 Officers commanding will give a preference to those whoso 
 presence on the farms are most required to bring in their harvest. 
 A proportion of officers will also be permitted to return to their 
 homes, who will as far as possible adopt measures to secure the 
 return of the men to their duty whenever their services are required. 
 
 The men will receive rations according to the distance they 
 have to travel, but during their absence they will not be entitled to 
 pay or rations. 
 
 The arms of suoh men as obtain leave of absence will be left in 
 charge of the commanding officer, who will take care that such of 
 them as do require it will be repaired immediately, and that they 
 are deposited in the most secure place. 
 ',. By order of the Major-General, ' f^-s.A 
 
 < ? . J. Macdonell, p. a. D. C. 
 
 Sir CleorKe Prevost to lll»Jor*€eneral Brock. 
 
 ' Montreal, Julj'^ 10, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Colonel Lethbridge's departure for Kingston affords me 
 an opportunity of replying more fully and confidentially to your 
 letter of the 3rd instant, than I could venture to have done the day 
 before yesterday by an uncertain conveyance. That officer has 
 been desired to transmit to you, together with this despatch, a copy 
 of the instructions given to him for his guidance until the exigen- 
 cies of the service make it necessary in your estimation to substitute 
 others, or to employ the Colonel in any other situation of command. 
 In them you will find expressed my sentiments respecting the mode 
 of conducting the war on our part, suited to the existing circum- 
 stances, and as they change so must we vary our line of conduct, 
 adapting it to our means of preserving entire the King's Provinces. 
 
 Our numbers would not justify offensive operations being 
 undertaken unless they were solely calculated to strengthen a 
 defensive attitude, I consider it prudent and politic to avoid any 
 measure which can have a tendency to unite the people of the 
 American States. Whilst disunion prevails among them their 
 attempts on these Provinces will be feeble. It is therefore our 
 duty carefully to avoid committing any act which may even by 
 construction tend to unite the eastern and southern States, unless by 
 its perpetration we are to derive a considerable and important 
 advantage. But the Government of the United States, resting on 
 public opinion for all its measures, is liable to sudden and violent 
 changes. It becomes an essential part of our duty to watch the 
 effect of parties on its measures, and to adapt ours to the impulse 
 
given by those possesned of influence over the public mind in 
 America. 
 
 Notwithstanding^ these observations, I have to assure you of 
 my perfect confidence in your measures for the preservation of 
 Upper Canada All your wants shall be supplied as fast as possible 
 except money, of which I have so little as to be obliged to have 
 recourse to a paper currency. 
 
 The Adjutant-General has reported to you the aid we have 
 afforded in arms and ammunition to your militia at Cornwall, Glen- 
 garry, Dundas and Stormont. 
 
 To prevent an interruption to the communication between the 
 two Provinces, it is fit a system of convoy should be established 
 between Montreal and Kingston, and as Major-General De Rotten- 
 burg is to remain here in command of a cordon of troops, consisting 
 of regulars and militia (established in this neighborhood to prevent 
 an irruption for the plunder of Montreal), whilst I attend to parlia- 
 mentary duties at Quebec on that subject you may communicate 
 direct with the Major-General, as he has my instructions to co- 
 operate with you in preserving this importan"^ object. 
 (Prom Tupper'8 Life of Brock, pp. 200-1.) 
 
 Ulstrict General Order. 
 
 • • Fort George, 11 July, 1812. 
 
 D. G. 0. 
 
 The militia forces in the district will be provisioned in the 
 same manner, both as to quarters and species of provisions, as the 
 regular troops. 
 
 There being no branch of the commissariat in the London dis- 
 trict from whence supplies may be received, the proportion of 
 troops called out for the defence of that district will be allowed 
 their full pay so as to enable them to supply themselves. 
 . ,. ' By order, 
 
 ' -r Thos. Evans, B. M. 
 
 Augustus Porter to Cieneral P. B. Porter. 
 
 Erie, July 11th, 1812. 
 
 I arrived here at about ten o'clock this morning and shall leave 
 here and proceed west this afternoon. Before you receive this you 
 will have received Mr. Beard's letter, which came by express from 
 Detroit, and also Mr. Woolverton's letter by the same express. 
 These letters will be handed you by Mr. J. Stoo, who was present 
 when I received them, and I then could do no other than send them 
 by him.. I find that I have here about 700 bbls. of flour and a con- 
 siderable quantity of whiskey. I find that only 250 bbls of flour 
 
.122 
 
 has been sent to Detroit from here and 220 was sent up by the con- 
 tractor from B. Rock, that a little less than 500 have been sent on. 
 I should expect that all that must now be on hand at Detroit, 
 which would last over 30 days, Grandin has a quantity of flour, 
 say 3 or 400 bbls., at Waterford. He is at Pittsburg, but is daily 
 expected here. I find people more inclined to sell flour than when 
 I was here. I think I shall purchase at S6. I find no boats here. 
 I am told there is a scow up the lake, which I hope to obtain. I 
 have reason to believe that a vessel might go up safe to Miami, but 
 of this I can judge better when I arrive at Cleveland or Huron, and 
 will then write. I fear it will be difficult to get provisions from 
 here up fast enough in boats. I shall go on to Cayahoga with 
 Beard, and shall send him on from there to advise with Gen. Hull 
 as to the propriety of sending up a vessel, boat, &c. 
 
 By Beard's letter from Detroit you will observe that he says 
 the Cmitractor and Amelia are both taken. This must be a mis- 
 take, which has originated from their not arriving. Capt. Chapin, 
 with the Cayahoga Packet, is no doubt taken in going from San- 
 dusky to Detroit, with the officers' baggage and two or three officers 
 on board, and is the vessel that we heard of being taken before I ' 
 left you ; the other vessels, I believe, are all safe, or wjis when the 
 express left Detroit. I wish very much to hear what is going on 
 with you. Do not fail to drop me a line directed to this place by 
 the mail which comes fronj Buffalo on Wednesday next. 
 
 Since I left you I have been very uneasy respecting beef for 
 the troops at Niagara. I hope you will not fail to contract for the 
 delivery of it in the quarter as I proposed to you, even at 8^ dols 
 pr cwt. I am sure is better than I can do otherwise, as if I under- 
 take to kill myself I shall lose many of the hides, which will spoil. 
 Let the contract extend to the 15th of September or 1st of October. 
 
 I find Hale has 300 bbls. flour at Canadaway. I talked with 
 him about it. He expected to get 8 dols per bbl. for it at Buffalo. 
 I desired him to inform himself before he took it down. He agi'eed 
 he would. 
 
 (From MSS. of Hon. P. A. Porter.) 
 
 IHajor-General Brock to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 Fort George, July 12, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — With the exception of occasional firing from the opposite 
 shore (the unauthorized act of an undisciplined militia) nothing of 
 a hostile nature has occurred on this communication since I last had 
 the honor of addressing Your Excellency. 
 
 The enemy is busy constructing batteries at different points on 
 the river, but he does not appear to have yet received cannon to 
 
place in them. We are doing all we can on this side to counteract 
 his views, and the arrival of the Royal George and the vessels under 
 his convoy bringing various pieces of ordnance will give us in this 
 respect a decided superiority. 
 
 The militia which assembled here immediately on the account 
 being received of war being declared by the United States have 
 been improving daily in discipline, but the men evince a degi'ee of 
 impatience under their present restraint that is far from inspiring 
 confidence. So great was their clamor to return and attend to 
 their farms that I found myself in some measure compelled to 
 sanction the departure of a large proportion, and I am not without 
 my apprehensions that the remainder will, in the defiance of the 
 law, which can only impose a fine of £20, leave the service the 
 moment the harvest commences. There can be no doubt that a large 
 portion of the population in this neighborhood are sincere in their 
 professions to defend the country, but it appears likewise evident 
 to me that the greater part are either indifierent to what is passing 
 or so completely American as to rejoice in the ])ro8pect of a change 
 of government. Many who now consider our means inadequate 
 would readily take an active part were the regular troops increased. 
 These cool calculators are numerous in all societies. 
 
 The alacrity and good temper with which the militia in the 
 first instance marched to the frontiers have tended to infuse in the 
 mind of the enemy a very different sentiment of the disposition of 
 the inhabitants, who, he was led to believe, would, on the first sum- 
 mons, declare themselves an American State. The display for 
 several' days of a large force was made, I have every reason to 
 believe in that expectation. 
 
 Nearly the whole of the arms at my disposal have been issued. 
 They are barely sufficient to arm the militia immediately required 
 to guard the frontier. Were I furnished with the means of dis- 
 tributing arms among the people in whom confidence can be placed, 
 they would not only overawe the disaflfected but prove of essential 
 use in the event of invasion. The militia assembled in a wretched 
 state in regard to clothing ; many were without shoes, an article 
 which can scarcely be provided in the country. 
 
 After the cannon, which have arrived this morning, are 
 mounted, I shall consider my front perfectly secure. I do not 
 fancy the enemy will hazard a water excuraion with a view to turn 
 my flanks. He probably will wait until winter, when the ice will 
 enable him to cross with the utmost facility between Fort Erie and 
 as far as Long Point. My situation will then depend upon the 
 force the enemy may bring to invade the province. Should the 
 troops have to move the want of tents will be severely felt. 
 
-114 
 
 A perHon who left Sandwich yesterday week pretends that the 
 enemy was then in the act of cannonading the place. I have nut 
 heard from Lieut-Colonel St George since my last letter to Your 
 Excellency. 
 
 An officer is so absolutely necessary to command in the Extern 
 District that I have consented to Major-General Shaw proceeding 
 thither in that capacity. I have full confidence in his judgment, 
 and his couduct in the field is undoubted. He, of course, will 
 assume the command in virtue of his militia rank, and will be liable 
 to be suspended by any lieutenant-colonel Your Excellency may be 
 pleased to appoint 
 
 The expense of defending this province will unquestionably be 
 great; upon a rough calculation and supposing that 4,000 militia 
 be constantly embodied, it cannot be estimated at less than £140,- 
 000 per annum. However great the sum, it will be applied to con- 
 siderable advantage, provided Your Excellency be enabled to send 
 reinforcements, as without them it is scarcely possible that the 
 government of the United States will be so inactive or supine as to 
 permit the present limited force to remain in possession of the 
 country. Whatever can be done to preserve it or delay its fall, Your 
 Excellency may rest assured will be exerted. 
 
 Having been suddenly called away from York I had not time 
 to close my despatch giving Your Excellency an account of my pro- 
 ceedings during my stay at Amherstburg. I now have the honor 
 to forward two documents detailing the steps t>iken by the Indian 
 Department to prevail on that unfortunate people to accommodate 
 their differences with the American Government. 
 (Prom Tupper's Life of Brock, pp. 202-4.) 
 
 Dlstiict Ccneral Order. 
 
 Fort George, 12th July, 1812. 
 D. G.O. 
 
 Mr. John Symington is appointed paymaster to the militia 
 forces stationed in the Niagara District, with the pay of Is. pr 
 diem and allowances as captain, to take place from the 1st inst 
 Mr. Symington will afford every information to the officers in com- 
 mand of militia corps so as to enable them to make exact returns 
 (paying particular attention to the broken periods) and on which 
 he will take the measures for directly bringing forward his pay 
 lists to the 24th inst. 
 
 (Signed.) By order, 
 
 Thos. Evans, B. M. 
 
District €i*iieral Order. 
 
 Fort George, 12 July, 1812. 
 D. 0. 0. 
 
 At all times when vessels shall arrive at any of the posts in 
 this command a boat will be immediately despatched by the officer 
 commanding the posts with a proper person on board to aHcertain 
 the number and description of the passengers on board, and who will 
 not be permitted to land until leave is first obtained fi-om said 
 commanding officer unless such passengers should be officers in His 
 Majesty's employ. 
 
 No. 2. — It having been reported to the Major-General com- 
 manding that one or two of the centinels placed on the liank of the 
 Niagara River have fired upon persons on the opposite shore tinth- 
 out orders ; for so doing, he has been pleased to express his dis- 
 approbation of such irregular conduct and to direct that officers 
 commanding at the different posts on the communication will take 
 the necessary steps to prevent a repetition of such discreditable 
 practices. By order, 
 
 Thos. Evans, B. Major. 
 
 ■ Orders. 
 
 One lieutenant, two sergeants and thirty rank and file from 
 the four flank companies of the Lincoln Militia stationed at Niagara 
 will be furnished for engineers' fatigue at Fort George, and to be on 
 the ground to-morrow at 3 o'clock. 
 
 Niagara, 14th July, 1812. " 
 
 ■ . ; Ceiieral Order. ' 
 
 Headquarters, Albany, July 13, 1812. 
 
 Major-General Stephen Van Rensselaer having been requested 
 to repair to the command of the militia heretofore ordered into the 
 the service and to be hereafter ordered into the service of the 
 United States, for the defence of the northern and western frontiers 
 of this State between St. Regis and Pennsylvania, enters upon his 
 command this day. All the militia comprehended in the brigades 
 of detached militia organized in the first detached division by 
 General Orders of the 18th day of June last, together with the 
 corps commanded by Lieutenant-Colonels Swift, Fleming and 
 Bellinger, are hereby declared to be subject to the orders of Major- 
 General Van Rensselaer without waiting for further general orders 
 on that subject, and all officers commanding the militia from which 
 
the first d(itiiche«l division wiw taken are promptly to oWy and 
 rc'Mptict Huch division orders occoniingl}'. 
 By order of the Conimander-in-Chief, 
 
 Wm. Tauldinu, Jun'r, Adjutant-Cienera). 
 
 (ToiiipkinH I*n]MtrH, New York Sut« Libnury.) 
 
 AiigUNtni Porter to Cieneral Porter. 
 
 Cavajhmja, July l.Sth, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I am thus far on my way ; have deti^rmined to ^o to 
 Detroit. I havi* t-nj^a^ecl one boat only to go on with provisions; 
 have such news from Detroit as determines me to go on to that 
 place. Mr. Thompscn will give you the news, which is great. The 
 news I sent on relative to British cruisei's l>eing on our shore is 
 incorrect. I wish you by all means to send an the Contracts' to 
 Erie to load for iViiami. I think as she comes on she had )>est touch 
 at different places along the lake, say at Sandusky or Huron, and 
 en(|uire the newH. Do not fail to send her along. I shall go to 
 Detroit. I shall stay there as long as I shall fin<l it necessary, \Hir- 
 haps all summer. Do write to Mr. Coffin ; I have no tinie to <lo it. 
 Tell him to do as well as he can. He must abandon everything 
 like fanning ami attend to tlu^ tr<K)ps. You ought to have people 
 enough to assist, fjt^t us if {Mwsible supply the troops, if 1 should 
 lose all my property by it. Do write mo every opportunity. 
 
 (From MHS. of Hon, I*. A. I»orter.) .. 
 
 From the New York l^azette. 
 
 (laituc u/July J4^h, I^IJ.) 
 
 '■ *^ - Buffalo, July 14, IS12. 
 
 Major-(ieneral Brock is at present at Newark superintending 
 the various defences on the river. He is state<I to l)e an able and 
 experienced officer w^ith undoubted courage. He came from Little 
 York s«H)n liier hearing the declaration of war, and it was l)elieved 
 with a seri. intention of attacking Fort Niagara, but, contrary to 
 what has been reported, he made no demand oi a surren<ler. 
 
 . Expecting a descent from the American army, the Canadians 
 liave for ten days past i»een removing their families and effects 
 from the river into the interior. At Newark, QueensUm, and other 
 villages on the river there are no inhabitants except a few civilians 
 and officers and soldiers. It is even said that an immense quantity 
 of specie, plaU3, &c., from various parts of the province have been 
 boxed up and destined for Quebec. 
 
 Tiie British are understtKxI to have about six or seven hundre<l 
 regular troops stationed between the lakes from Fort George to 
 
Fort Erie. Those men are j^enerally thoHo who have " neen Hervice " 
 in variouH parU of tlie world. The militia of the province are 
 ordered out en maMHe. (ilreat diHConteiit prevailw in conHe(|Uence of 
 thifl requisition, tliere luiin^ no help to leather in the cropn; tlio 
 claniont of the people are but little Hnort of open rebellion. There 
 is no civil authority in Canada — no majjistratcH will act — the 
 martial c<xle has uHur))t>d the civil law. Many young trailoHnum in 
 C/aniula from the States will be ruined. They are recpiired to take 
 up arms or leave tlu; country. They cannot collect their dobts nor 
 bring away their property, but many have come away and left 
 their all in jeopardy. 
 
 F'ort Kri(5 luis been stntngthened considerably. A redoubt 
 many ro<lH in length was thrown up on Wednesday and Tlnu'sday 
 last on the hill Uslow the house of John Warren, Jr., and <1 inertly 
 opposite the dwelling house of Oeneral Peter H. I'orter at l^ower 
 black IWk. Ther«^ is also a battery on a point below Chippawa 
 mounted with two pieces of luiavy artillery, ealculatttd to play upon 
 the storehouses and nulls of Sehlosser. Below th<! Falls there \h a 
 small .stone battery near the bank of the river where the lower 
 ladder formerly stood. On Thursday evtjning last a rifleman de- 
 serted from the other side an«l crossed the river below the Falls on 
 a pine log. He .stated that but a little way up the river from the 
 battery a field piece was statiotied in the bushes to fire into Sehlosser 
 Village. The woolen factory of John W. St«)Ughton, consisting of 
 two carding machines and fulling an<l dressing machines, is very 
 much <j}:posed. On the hill about half a mile from the stone battiuy 
 are placed two IS-povniders. The ladders on lK)th sides of the riv«<r 
 are taken up. On the hill above Queenston there is asmalldeftmce 
 on very commanding ground. Helow QueenHton, nearly opposite 
 the residence of Henjamin Barton, Escj., there is a defence of several 
 rods in extiiiit. Opposite Youngstown th(>r<t is another redoubt 
 thrown up. Andrew Baki^r. son of Judge Baker of this village, 
 t<igether with thret; other persons, citi/ens of the United States, 
 escaped from C^anada at I^ong Point in a skiff', an<l safely arrived 
 in this village on Fri«lay night. 
 
 It is state<l by genth^nen of intelligence at l.«ewiston that the 
 Goverinnent of Canada have in their (!m|)loyment under pay about 
 250 Indians armed complete; a part of tnem are mounteu. 
 
 Briga<lier-(Jeneral Williani Wa<lsworth from (ilen(!see com- 
 mands the troops on our frontiers. His aids are Major Adam Hoops 
 and Major W. H. Spencer. His hoad(|uarters are now at I^wiston. 
 It is impossible U) state the exact numlH3r of tr(M)ps under his com- 
 mand Vxicause the militia onlered on the lines are returning and the 
 companies composing the regiments under his couniiand liave not 
 
all arrived, but from what we learn there are in regular troops, 
 volunteers, and detached militia, above 4,000 stationed at Black 
 Rock, Lewision, Youngstown, and Fort Niagara. The troops are in 
 excellent health, in good spirits and well supplied. They appear 
 quite impatient for want of employment. There has been some 
 firing from the sentries on both sides of the river. 
 
 It was reported at Fort Niagara last week that the British 
 have sent from Little York every armed ship in pursuit of the brig 
 Oneida. 
 
 The British armed ship Queen Charlotte, lying at Fort Erie, 
 soon after the declaration of war was received left her moorings and 
 
 Sroceeded up the lake, and is now understood to be at Fort 
 [alden, the great depot of Indian supplies. His Majesty's sloop of 
 war Hunter has gone up the straits of Mackina and passed into 
 Lake Michigan and captured an American merchant vessel, said to 
 be either the Mary or Salina. We understand an official account 
 of the capture has been received at Fort Erie. 
 
 Sir Cieorge Prevost to the Earl of Liverpool. 
 
 Quebec, 15th July, 1812. 
 
 (No. 57.) ^".■'■v•^•■ ^ ' ^ ■' . '■ ■: 
 
 My Lord, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
 Your Lordship's despatches of the 30fch March, 2nd and 20th April, 
 No. 8, 10 and 15, to which I now beg leave to reply and to oft'er some 
 observations for Your Lordship's consideration. 
 
 I find by a communication from Major-General Brock, com- 
 manding in Upper Canada, that the American general officer com- 
 manding the district of Niagara, having received early information 
 from his government of the declaration of war, had projected the 
 surprise of Fort George, but fortunately the reports of the approach 
 of hostilities and the preparations making for them brought Major- 
 General Brock to the fort, where the display of his vigilance and 
 activity induced them to relinquish the attempt. 
 
 Major-General Brock has received certain accounts of war 
 having been declared by the United States against Great Britain, 
 and has reported to me that in consequence it was his opinion he 
 should be justified in offensive operations, but upon the reflection 
 that at Detroit and St. Joseph's the weak state of our garrisons 
 would prevent any essential service connected with their future 
 security, and that his only means of annoyance at present was 
 limited ±o the reduction of Fort Niagara, which could be battered 
 at any future period, he had therefore relinquished his original in- 
 tention and should attend only to defensive measures. 
 
1 have repeatedly recommended to Major-General Brock and 
 to the officers in command of the other districts of British America 
 an adherence to this system, and I have expressed to them my 
 sentiments respecting the mode of conducting the war on our part 
 suited to existing circumstances, and as they change so should we 
 vary our line of conduct adapting it to our means of preserving 
 entire the King's Provinces. 
 
 Our numbers would not justify offensive operations being 
 undertaken unless they were solely calculated to strengthen a de- 
 fensive attitude. 
 
 In the present state of politics in the United States, I consider 
 it prudent to avoid every measure which can have the least 
 tendency to unite the people of America. Whilst disunion prevails 
 among them, their attempts on the British American Provinces 
 will be feeble. It is therefore my wish to avoid committing any act 
 which may even by a strained construction tend to unite the East- 
 em and Southern States, unless from its perpetration we are to 
 derive an immediate, considerable and important advantage. 
 
 Major-General Brock has called out the flank companies of militia, 
 which has produced a force on the line of the Niagara River of 
 about 800 men. They turned out very cheerfully, but already shew 
 a spirit of impatience. 
 
 The Americans are very active on the opposite side of that 
 communication in the erection of redoubts. In this respect we are 
 not idle. The Americans have 1200 regulars and militia between 
 Fort Niagara and Black Rock, but Major General Brock, who has 
 taken his station at Fort George, considers himself at present per- 
 fectly safe against any attempt they can make. 
 
 AlKJUt 100 Indians from the Grand River have attended to his 
 summons. The remainder promise to come also. 
 
 A report has been made to me by Major Macp'ierson, command- 
 ing at Kingsttm on Lake Ontario, that the Americans have taken 
 possession of Carleton Island near that post and have made 
 prisoners of t' small party of the 10th Royal Veteran Battalion 
 stationed on ii. 
 
 We continue to possess a superiority in vessels of war upon 
 Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. 
 
 I find myself seriously embarrassed by a scarcity of arms for 
 the militia of Upper Canada and Lower Canada, who have evinced 
 a desire to co-operate with the regular forces exceeding my expecta- 
 tions. 
 
 I fear for the safety of the Camho transport, which sailed from 
 Bermuda for Quebec the 21st of April with 6000 stand of arms on 
 board, and has not since been heard of. I fear that she has been 
 
130 
 
 lost in a gale, and I have directed Sir John C. Sherbrooke to send 
 to Quebec half of the arms in store at Halifax, which may exceed 
 1000 stand. 
 
 The difficulties long experienced in obtaining specie for the 
 subsistence of the troops are at an end by the declaration of war, 
 which closes the source from which it came. It has become neces- 
 sary to substitute paper money for it, as it appears none can be sent 
 from England, and I am about to seek the aid of the Provincial 
 Parliament to give it value and currency. My total inability to 
 supply Upper Canada with specie compelled Major-General Brock 
 to seek the assistance of an association of merchants, a measure 
 which has been attended with considerable success, enabling him to 
 pay his militia forces now embodied, amounting to 4000 men. 
 
 Major-General Brock is the only General Officer in the exten- 
 sive district of Upper Canada. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 118, p. 39. . . .. 
 
 The Secretary of War to Major-General Dearborn. ^ 
 
 War Department, July 15th, 1812. 
 
 (AbBtraot.) 
 Instructing him upon his arrival at Albany to direct his 
 attention to the security of the northern frontier. In addition to 
 authority to require militia for defence, and with a view to offensive 
 operations, he is authorized to accept volunteers from New England, 
 New York and Pennsylvania, and to call into service such a number 
 of volunteers as he may deem requisite. 
 
 District deneral Order. 
 
 r Niagara, 16th July, 1812. 
 
 D. G. 0. 
 
 The officers on duty this morning were exceedingly remiss in 
 allowing a boat to pass within four miles of Missassagua Point 
 without reporting it until too late for it to be intercepted. Colonel 
 Claus will adopt the measures to guard against its recurrence in 
 future. 
 
 A proper person will be stationed at the top of the light house 
 every morning at half an hour before daylight, to remain through- 
 out the day, who will be particularly instructed to wotch what 
 passes on the lake and on the enemy's side of the river. The officer 
 on duty will frequently visit him to assist in making the necessary 
 observations. 
 
 The Major-General was surprised this morning to find that the 
 
.■':-..i-.: 
 
 131 
 
 order for the apprehension of all strangers travelling on anj^ part of 
 the communication was not complied with, and that avowed Ameri- 
 cans were permitted to parade the streets and examine the works^ 
 
 Colonel Glaus will explain to every officer and militiaman^ 
 that it is expected (whether on or off duty) that they will stop all 
 suspicious charactei-s and take them before a magistrate for 
 examination. 
 
 Officers commanding posts will not only examine the arms and 
 ammunition in use, but likewise those which the men on furlough 
 have left in store, and see that the whole be in a state fit for service. 
 They will report having done so. 
 
 Notice will be taken on the back of the report of any orders 
 having reached them during the day — the date and purport of the 
 orders already received will be inserted on the morning report of 
 next Monday. 
 
 By order of the Major-General, 
 
 Th(3S. Evans, B. Major. 
 
 Daniel Koss to James CuiuminKS. 
 
 WooDHOUSE, July 16, 1812. 
 
 (Bxtraot.) — 
 We have a little rest now, but I can assure you we have been 
 in great confusion for some time past. It is supposed and hoped 
 by a great many here that there will be no war, which I hope may 
 
 be the case, but am very dubious 
 
 Col. Talbot came down yesterday. The four flank companies in 
 front was stationed at Turkey Point. He discharged half of them 
 for a week for their respective homes. Some jangling here between 
 the officers, say Major S. and Gordon, Dan. McCall, &c. No time 
 to give any particulars. 
 
 From the Federal Republican of Baltimore, Md., '/STth Jnly, 1819. 
 
 Extract from a letter dated at Buffalo, 14th July, 1812. 
 
 Joseph Willcocks, editor of a little paper which lately died a,t 
 Newark, and which uniformly opposed and calumniated the Gov- 
 ernment of Upper Canada, has tendered his services to that 
 Government during the present war. 
 
 District deneral Order. 
 
 Fort George, 18th July, 1812. 
 D. G. 0. 
 
 The District General Orders of the 12th inst.. respecting the 
 arrival of vessels and examination of passengei-s, &c., will be 
 
132 
 
 enforced at this post by Fort Major Campbell, which officer will 
 prevent any yesael of whatsoever description from sailing without 
 nis permission for that purpose. 
 
 Fort Major Campl>ell will in future issue the parole and 
 countersign to the several staff officers and others entitled to 
 receive them, who are at present or may be hereafter stationed at 
 Fort Geor{(e. 
 
 Mr. Muirhead, attached to the forces at Chippawa, will 
 immediately remove from thence to Queenston, there to take charge 
 of the sick until further orders. 
 
 Mr. Fleming will succee<l Mr. Muirhead in the superintendence 
 of the sick at Chippawa. 
 > By order of the Major-General. / ;; r' 
 
 . :- - ; ^•..-.•■•■. '. '■ - '■"-.• ,, Thos. Evans, 
 
 - ;• ! ^ Brigade-Major. 
 
 Cleiteral Win. Hull to the Six Nutionn. 
 
 Sandwich, July 18. 1812. 
 My Brethren of the Six Nations: — 
 
 The powerful army under my connnand is now in possession 
 of Canada. To you who are friendly it will ati'ord safety and pro- 
 tection. All your lands and all j'our rights of every kind will be 
 guaranteed to you if you will take no part against us. I salute 
 you in friendship, and hope you will now act such a part as will 
 prontote your interest, your safety, and happiness. May the Great 
 Spirit guide you in person. - 
 
 Wm. Hull, 
 
 Governor of the Territory of Michigan, and 
 
 Commander of the Northwestern Army 
 
 of the United States. 
 
 (Prom the New York Gazette, August 20th, 1812.) 
 
 MaJor'Cieneral Brock to Sir Cieorge Prevost. 
 
 Fort George, July 20th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — My last to Your Excellency was dated tire 12th instant, 
 since which nothing extraordinary has occurred on this communi- 
 cation. The enemy hiis evidently diminished his force, and appears 
 to have no intention of making an immediate attack. 
 
 1 have herewith the honor of enclosing the copy of two letters 
 which I have received from Lt.-Col. St. George, together with some 
 
interesting docunientn found on board a schooner which the boats 
 of the Hunter capture<l on her voyage from the Miamis to Detroit. 
 
 From the accompanying official correspondence between Gen- 
 eral Hull and the Secretary at War, it appears that the collected 
 force which has arrived at Detroit amounts to about two thousand. 
 
 I have requested Colonel Procter to proceed to Aniherstburg 
 and ascertain accurately the state of things in that quarter. I had 
 every inclination to go there myself, but the meeting of the Legis- 
 lature on the 27th renders it impossible. 
 
 I received this moment a despatch dated the 15th instant, from 
 Lt.-Col. 8t. George, giving an account of the enemy having landed 
 on the i2th, and immediately after occupying the village of San<l- 
 wich. It is strange that three days should be alloued to elapse 
 before sending to acquaint me of this important fact. I had no 
 idea until I received Lt.-Colonel St. George's letter a few days ago 
 that General Hull was advancing with such a large force. 
 
 The militia, from every account, behaved very ill. The officers 
 appear the most in fault. CoKmel Procter will probably reach 
 Amherstburg in the course of to-morrow. I have great depend- 
 ence on that officer's decision, but fear he will arrive too late to be 
 of nmch service. The enemy was not likely to delay attacking a 
 force that had allowed him to cross the river in open day without 
 firing a shot. 
 
 The position which Lt.-Colonel St. George occupied is very 
 goo<l, and infinitely more fornndable than the post itself. Should 
 he, therefore, be compelled to retire I know of no other alternative 
 than embarking in the King's vessels and proceeding to Fort Erie. 
 
 Were it possible to animate the militia to a proper sense of 
 their duty something might yet be done, but I almost despair. 
 
 Your Excellency will readily perceive the critical situation in 
 which the reduction of Amherstburg is sure to place me. I do not 
 imagine General Hull will be able to detach more than one thous- 
 and men, but, even with that trifling force, I much fear he will 
 succed in getting to my rear. The militia will not act without a 
 strong regular force to set them the example, and as I must now 
 expect to be seriously threatetjed from the opposite sliore, I cannot 
 in prudence make strong detachments, which would not only 
 weaken my line of defence, but in the event of a retreat endanger 
 their safety. 
 
 I have never, as Your Excellency has doubtless noticed, been 
 very sanguine in my hopes of assistance from the militia, and I am 
 now given to understand that General Hull's insidious proclamation 
 (herewith enclosed) has already been productive of considerable 
 effect on the minds of the people. In fact a general sentiment 
 
prevails that with the present force resistance is unavailing^. I 
 shall continue to exert myself to the utmost to overcome every 
 difficulty. Should, however, the communication between Kingston 
 and Montreal be cut off, the fate of the troops in this part of the 
 Province will be decided. I now express my apprehensions on a 
 supposition that the slender means Your Excellency possesses will 
 not admit of diminution, consequently that I cannot look for rein- 
 forcements. 
 
 The enemy evidently has no intention at present of penetrating 
 into the Province by this strait. He seems much more inclined to 
 work on the flanks ; after they are secured, little remains for him 
 to do. 
 
 The last official communication from the Lower Province is 
 dated the 25th ulto. The Adjutant-General then announced the 
 receipt of intelligence by a mercantile house, of war being declared 
 by the United States against Great Britain. I need not entreat 
 Your Excellency to honor me with your commands with as little 
 delay as possible. I consider every moment exceedingly precious. 
 (Canadian Archives, C. 676, p. 203.) 
 
 District General Order. 
 
 Fort George, 20th July, 1812. 
 
 No honors to be paid to officers by the guards or sentries on 
 the bank of the river or beach during the day. 
 
 From the BiiflTalo Gazette, Tuesday, July SI, 1813. 
 
 Since our last there has been no material change in the posture 
 of affairs on the frontier. Two or three additional companies of 
 volunteers have arrived at Lewiston. The health of the troops is, 
 we understand, rather improved since the late showers and change 
 in the weather. The troops have suffered for the want of experi- 
 enced cooks, and there is no doubt that several might find employ- 
 ment and very liberal wages by applying at Black Rock or 
 Lewiston. 
 
 On Friday last General Wads worth, accompanied by his aid, 
 Major Spencer, came from his quarters at Lewiston to Black Rock. 
 On Saturday he inspected the troops at that place and those 
 stationed in this village, consisting of Captain Wells's company of 
 light infantry and Captain Cyrenius Chapin's company of artillerj\ 
 
■ ' ■ V ■ , , " ' 135 ■ ■ /. -,-.. ■■., ^•, -.■-■•'■ 
 
 He spoke in terms of comniendation of the progressive 
 improvement in military discipline in some, particularly the com- 
 pany of artillery, and in terms of severe reprehension of the 
 neglect of duty or want of attention or information in others, par- 
 ticularly some of the officers at the Rock. ., 
 
 He returned to his quarters at Lewiston on Sunday. 
 
 Dr. Asa Coltrin, who went from this village last spring and 
 established himself at St. David's, near Queenston, is appointed a 
 surgeon in the British army, and is now at Fort George, Newark. 
 His pay is 100 dollara per month, besides rations, forage, &c. 
 
 On the 2d instant Messrs. Martin Daley, Luke Draper, and W. 
 Phillips (the two former were connected in the grocery business in 
 this village last summer) were seized within 12 miles of Long Point, 
 U. Canada, as spies. They were marched under guard to a court 
 of three justices of the peace, who, after examining them, without 
 assigning any reason, ordered them to headquarters without delay, 
 upon which they were put on board the schr. Ckipjmwa and 
 landed at Fort Erie, and were then put in a wagj,on and trans- 
 ported to Fort George, and there imprisoned in the guard house, 
 and there continued for 8 days, during which time their keeper 
 gave them only one loaf of bread. They daily offered money to 
 their keeper to buy provisions, but it was with great difficulty they 
 could obtain even the remnants of the officers' table, and these 
 remnants only a few times during the 8 days, and when obtained 
 they were charged at the most extravagant price. 
 
 On the evening of the 12th inst., some intelligence of a favor- 
 able nature to the prisoners coming from Long Point, they were 
 liberated next morning and sent across the river, and arrived in 
 this village on Tuesday. 
 
 The Royal George arrived off Niagara River on yesterday 
 week, and anchored near the American garrison over night. On 
 Tuesday she took on board 100 men and several pieces of artillery, 
 and proceeded down the lake. The Hunter arrived at Fort Erie 
 some time last week and still remains there. 
 
 PROCLAMAi'lON. 
 
 The unprovoked declaration of war by the United States of 
 America against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 
 and its dependencies, has been followed by the actual invasion of 
 
this Province in a remote frontier of the Westeni District by a 
 detachment of the armed forces of the United States. The officer 
 commanding that detachment hem thought proper to invite His 
 Majesty's subjects not only to a quiet and unresisting submission, 
 but insults them with a call to seek voluntarily the protection of 
 his Government. Without condescending to repeat the illiberal 
 epithets bestowed in this appeal of the American commander to the 
 people of Upper Canada on the administration of His Majesty, 
 every inhabitant of this province is desired to seek the refutation 
 of such indecent slander in a review of his own particular circum- 
 stances. Where is the Canadian subject who can truly affirm to 
 himself that he has been injured by the Government in his person, 
 his liberty or his property ? Where is to be found in any part of 
 the world a growth so rapid in wealth and prosperity as this colony 
 exhibits — settled not thirty years ago by a band of veterans 
 exiled from their former possessions on account of their loj'alty. 
 Not a descendant of these brave people is to be found who, under 
 the fostering liberality of their Sovereign, has not acquired a 
 property and means of enjoyment superior to what were possessed 
 by his ancestors. This unequalled prosperity could not have been 
 attained by the utmost liberality of the Governnient or the perse- 
 vering industry of the people had not the maritime power of the 
 Mother Country secured to its colonists a safe access to every 
 market where the produce of their labor was in demand. 
 
 The unavoidable and immediate consequence of a separation 
 from Great Britain must be the lo^s of this inestimable advantage. 
 And what is offered you in exchange ? To become a territory of 
 the United States, and share with them that exclusion from the 
 ocean which the policy of their present Government enforces. You 
 are not even flattered with a participation of their boasted inde- 
 pendence, and it is but too obvious that once excluded from the 
 powerful protection of the United Kingdom you must 1« re- 
 annexed to the dominion of France, from which the Provinces of 
 Canada were wrested by the arms of Great Britain at a vast 
 expense of blood and treasure, from no other motive than to relieve 
 her ungrateful children from the oppression of a cruel neighbor : 
 this restitution to the Empire of France was the stipulated reward 
 for the aid afforded to the revolted colonies, now the United States ; 
 the debt is still due, and there can be no doubt the pledge has been 
 renewed as a consideration for commercial advantages, or rather 
 for an expected relaxation in the tyranny of France over the 
 commercial world. Are you prepared, inhabitants of Upper 
 Canada, to become willing subjects, or rather slaves, to the Despot 
 who rules the nations of Europe with a rod of iron ? If not, arise 
 
137 
 
 in a body, exert your energfies, co-operate cordially with the King's 
 regular forces to repel the invader, and do not give cause to your 
 children when groaning under the oppression of a foreign master 
 to reproach you with having too easily parted with the richest 
 inheritance on earth — a participation in the name, character and 
 freedom of Britons. 
 
 The same spirit of justice which will make allowance for the 
 unsuccessful efforts of zeal and loyalty, will not fail to punish the 
 defalcation of principle. Every Canadian freeholder is by deliberate 
 choice bound by the most solemn oaths to defend the monarchy, as 
 well as his own property ; to shrink from that engagement is a 
 treason not to be forgiven. Let no man suppose that if in this 
 unexpected struggle His Majesty's arms should be compelled to 
 yield to an overwhelming force that the Province will be abandoned. 
 The endeared relation of its first settlers, the intrinsic value of its 
 commerce and the pretensions of its powerful rival to repossess the 
 Canadas are pledges that no peace will be established between the 
 United States and Great Britain of which the restoration of these 
 Provinces does not make the most prominent condition. 
 
 Be not dismayed at the unjustifiable threat of the commander 
 of the enemy's forces if an Indian appear in the ranks. The brave 
 bands of natives which inhabit this colony were, like His Majesty's 
 subjects, punished for iheir zeal and fidelity by the loss of their 
 possessions in the late colonies and rewarded by His Majesty with 
 lands of superior value in this Province. The faita of the British 
 Government has never yet been violated ; they feel tt>Ai the soil they 
 inherit is to them and their posterity protected from the base acts 
 so frequently devised to overreach their simplicity. By what new 
 principle are they to l>e prevented from defending their property ? 
 If their warfare, from being different from that of the white people, 
 is more terrific to the enemy, let him retrace his steps ; they seek 
 him not and cannot expect to find women and children in an invad- 
 ing army ; but they are men, and have equal rights with all other 
 men to defend themselves and their property when invaded, more 
 especially when they find in the enemy's camps a ferocious, and 
 mortal foe using the same kind of warfare which the American 
 Commander affects to reprobate. 
 
 This inconsistent and unjustifiable threat of refusing quarter 
 for such a cause as being found in arms with a brother sufferer in 
 defence of invaded rights must be exercised with a certain assurance 
 of retaliation, not only in the limited operations of war in this part 
 of the King's dominions, but in every quarter of the globe, for the 
 national character of Britain is not less distinguished for humanity 
 than strict retributive justice, which will consider the execution of 
 
188 
 
 this threat as deliberate murder, for which every subject of the 
 iding power must m " 
 God save the Kiug. 
 
 offending power must make expiation, 
 ^od savt 
 
 Isaac Brock, 
 
 Maj.-Gen. and President. 
 Headquarters. Fort George, 22d July, 1812. 
 
 By order of His Honor the President. 
 
 J. B. Gleoo, 
 
 Capt. A. D. C. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 315. p. 132.) 
 
 MUitU Ceneral Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Niagara, 22d July, 1812. 
 Militia General Orders. ' \ 
 
 Major-General Brock, having ascertained that a very consider- 
 able number of the enemy have actually invaded this Province, is 
 under the necessity of directing that such men of the different flank 
 companies of the several Regiments of Lincoln Militia as are now 
 absent upon furlough, or otherwise be immediately ordered to join 
 their respective companies, and that these companies be constantly 
 kept upon their full establishment. 
 
 The Major-General is further pleased to direct that the whole 
 of these different regiments be ordered to hold themselves in con- 
 stant readiness for actual service. 
 
 By order of the Major-General. 
 
 J. Macdonell, P. A. D. C. 
 
 ' MiliUa Ceneral Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort George, 22d July, 1812. 
 Militia Genl. Orders. 
 
 Major-General Brock has been pleased to direct that an addition 
 of thirty men be made to the strength of Captain Powell's company 
 of Lincoln Artillery, the men for which are to be taken from the 
 battalion companies of Colonels Warren and Clark's regiments of 
 Lincoln Militia. 
 
 By order of the Major-General. 
 
 J. Macdonell, P. A. D. C. 
 
 Militia General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort George, 22d July, 1812. 
 
 Militia Oenl. Orders. 
 
 Colonel Talbot will make detachments from the Finst and 
 Second Norfolk and the Oxford and Middlesex Regiments of 
 
139 / 
 
 Militia, to coimiHt to^rether of two hundred men, with a proportion-* 
 ate mini her of officera, the whole to he placed under the command 
 of Major Salmon of the Second Regiment of Norfolk Militia. 
 This detachment will be aHsembled ah soon an possible in as complete 
 a state as circumstances will admit, for service. Major Salmon will 
 proceed with this force to the Moravian Town on the River Thames, 
 where he will await the arrival of Major ChamberH, under whose 
 command he will place himself. 
 
 By order of the Major-Oeneral, 
 
 J. Macdonell, p. a. D. C. 
 
 Inspector'ticiierHl Nichohis Cray to Goveruor Tompkins. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewistox, July 22, 1812. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I arrived here on the 18th inst., and was received 
 with every mark of attention and respect, and yesterday visited the 
 garrison, accompanied by General Wadsworth, who.se anxiety for 
 the necessary camp equipage, artillery, arms and ammunition is very 
 great. We have some tine companies of infantry here without belte 
 or cartridge boxes, and all without uniform, except a very handsome 
 company of light infantry raised by Captain Dox of Geneva, and to 
 which evidently every attention has been paid. The enemy have 
 thrown up redoubts on the soutli and north approaches to Queen- 
 ston, which command our camp, stores, headcjuartei-s, &c., &c. 
 They appear to have in each of them an 18-pounder, and the one 
 on the south side has been levelled at the general's quarters ever 
 since I came here; the distance, about nineteen hundred yards. We 
 feel very anxious for the arrival of some, artillery equal to this, and 
 it appears to me that the present situation of the army of the 
 British has given the inhabitants of this part of the Canadas entire 
 control of the army. I have recommended to the general to throw 
 up a redoubt under the brow of the hill alKjve Lewiston, which will 
 remove the enemy's redoubt, destroy Queenston, and enfilade the 
 river and small redoubt immediately opposite the camp of Colonel 
 Dobbins. The enemy unfortunately have the commanding ground 
 everywhere, and even at the garrison commanded by Captain Leon- 
 ard, who, I believe, is an excellent officer. His situation last Sun- 
 day was alarming : three of the enemy's armed ships hove within 
 a very few rods of the garrison, and seemed to threaten an immedi- 
 ate bombardment, but after remaining for a few hours they steered 
 to the northward down the lake. He is in a v^ery defenceless state. 
 I have recommended him to throw up a new bastion in the west, 
 so as to command the British fort and the town of Newark, which 
 will contain seven guns of a large calibre (when he gets them,) the 
 
]■■ , \,_'; .-. 140 
 
 stone tower forming one of the an^leH, and will be protected on the 
 north and north-east by the mesahouse and another stone tower on 
 the east. I proposed to throw up a breastwork from the last men- 
 tioned tower to the skirt of the wood, a distance of about three 
 hundred yards, sufficiently high to protect a retreat in case such 
 were necessary. General Wadsworth has this morning ordered a 
 military school, both for officers and soldiers, which 3'ou know is 
 much wanting. He pays unwearied attention to the troops, and a 
 system is forming which has for its object the organization of the 
 staff' and camp duties. Indeed he is most deficient in hui most 
 necessary officer, who is absolutely incapable and negligent. I 
 mean his brigade-inspector, who seems to be in a dream from morn- 
 ing till night. I should strongly recommend the removal of this 
 gentleman, and some capable officer put in his place. His name is 
 Keyes. To the ineivpacity of this officer the want of due organiza- 
 tion is owing in a gteat measure. It appears to me that the objec:t 
 of the eaemy from Fort Erie to Fort George, in throwing up the 
 diffi "" it redoubts, is to cover a retreat. They have four pieces of 
 artiliei^ at Chippawa, I believe six and nine-pounders ; opposite 
 Black Rock one 24, and, I believe, a mortar; and they have within 
 these eight days thrown up a strong redoubt immediately opposite 
 the barracks built by General Peter B. Porter. I recommended 
 him to throw up a breastwork with a short barbette for a piece of 
 artillery, so as to protect the barracks and secure the soldiers on 
 parade, on which he is at work since Monda\% But the absolute 
 want of all sorts of working tools has prevented the troops taking 
 measures absolutely necessary to their protection. They have been 
 in want of everything, and have great fortitude and zeal to bear 
 their privations so well. The camps are pretty healthy. Out of 
 402 men the sick returns are 35. Over at Queenston side the high 
 ground commands everything, and it was with difficulty, after a 
 close examination, I could find any place in which to throw up a 
 redoubt which could not be commandeil by this hill. The enemy 
 have a kind of encampment on the top of this hill, and their num- 
 ber, as far as I can judge, about three hundred. They are calcu- 
 lated to number, from Fort George to Fort Erie, including militia 
 and Indians, about four thousand 500, including the two garrisons. 
 The Indians are armed and employed, we understand, on Grand 
 Island. A citizen of the States came over yesterday morning with 
 two others, and informed the General that a party of Indians had 
 passed over to Grand Island for the puroose of destroying the 
 military stores along the shore from Black Rock. Your two letters 
 I had the honor of delivering to Colonel Swift, and the promotion 
 of Major Miller was well received. He appears to be a good officer. 
 
141 "'■■ - ^'->' ■"-r /::-''-:■■:■,'■•■■'': ■'■' 
 
 There ia a party of Major Mullany's regiment which was left 
 behind at the garrison at the request, I believe, of Captain Leonard, 
 at the time he was requested by the neighborhood of Canandaigua 
 to march ©n here. They have been ordered by the major to repair 
 forthwith to Albany, as it was the request of Colonel Schuyler, but 
 he did not make any application or notification to General Wads- 
 worth, under whose command they now are. The General has 
 deemed it absolutely necessary, from the defenceless state of the 
 garrison, to order them to remain until further orders. Fort George 
 is well provided with arms, ammunition, and soldiers, but is of 
 itself not so strong as the American garrison. All the curtains of 
 it are old rotten pickets, and not even a fosse to support them. 
 They are enfiladed by batteries badly constructed, and, in my mind, 
 could be taken without great hazard. The militia of Canada, we 
 understand, have been allowed to go home to the harvest, and I 
 know not a more applicable or better chosen time can occur to over- 
 whelm them than just now, if the troops were prepared and in 
 sufficient numbers to ensure victory. General Hall has not arrived 
 here as yet, but is expected to march this day from his home. The 
 tents, &c., &c., have not as yet arrived, but are also expected, as is 
 some artillery. 
 
 I should have had the honor of addressing a letter to you 
 sooner than this, but I was not prepared to give you the informa- 
 tion you required. From Buffalo to the American garrison we 
 have 12H0 militia and 470 regulars, in all 1700 men, in pretty good 
 health and tolerable spirits. They are both, men and officers, 
 anxious to have the orders to cross over, but they see and hear 
 plainly everything going on on the British side. A few evenings 
 ago a centinel at Black Rock, on his post opposite the British 
 redoubt, in the tone of a veteran with a long monotony of sound, 
 cried, " All's well." Our centinel, who perhaps did not like his own 
 situation, as the evening was a little cold and his post rather 
 exposed, cried out immediately after the other, " All's well, too." 
 
 I should feel highly honored by having a letter from Your 
 Excellency, and beg to assure you that every assistance in my 
 knowledge and exertion I shall deem my duty to afford here. 
 
 P. S. — There are but twenty light horsemen here to do the 
 duty within an extent of 34 miles. They are chiefly employed in 
 expresses and escorts ; are quite inefficient for the duty. The 
 quarters are not the best for them, and they are beginning to feel 
 the weight of duty. 
 
 (Tompkins* Papers, Vol. VII., pp. 502-6, New York State Library.) 
 
142 
 
 IHilitia General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort George, 23 July, 1812. 
 M. 0. Orders. 
 
 Major-General Brock has been pleased to appoint Captain 
 Henry Warren of the 3rd Regiment of Lincoln Militia to be second 
 major of the same regiment, of which he will immediately assume 
 the command and use every exertion to prepare the whole of the 
 men for actual service. 
 
 By order the Major-General. 
 
 J. Macdonell. p. a. D. C. 
 
 ]llaJor*Cieiieral Vaii Keusselaer to His Excelleucy Governor 
 
 Tompkins. 
 
 Ogdensburg, July 23, 1812, 8 o'clock p. m. 
 
 Sir, — On receiving information that Sackett's Harbor was 
 menaced by the enemy, I deemed it expedient that General Brown 
 should n.^^^ir there, and accordingly he departed from this place 
 early yesterday morning. One reason for my remaining a day or 
 two longer at this post was to await and possibly improve the 
 success which might attend a projected attack upon a ten-gun 
 British schooner which has for several days been lying at the dock 
 at Prescott, opposite to this place. The proposed attack was con- 
 certed by my aid-de-camp. Col. Van Rensselaer, and Col. Benedict, 
 who commands at this post. Yesterday was spent in preparations. 
 The boarding boats were ready at 1 o'clock last night, and the 
 attack was to have been made by land and water at 3 in the morn- 
 ing. But when everything was ready in such a manner as to 
 promise complete success, it was discovered with infinite chagrin 
 and mortification that only sixty-nix men would volunteer for the 
 service. This number being by no means conjpetent. Cols. V^an 
 Rensselaer and Benedict, who would certainly have led the men to 
 action with the most cool and determined bravery, were compelled 
 to abandon an enterprise honorable in itself and upon the result of 
 which might have depended the whole connnand of the lake and 
 river. 
 
 This promising object having been blasted, and as nothing 
 further of consequence appeared to demand my longer stay here, I 
 was on the eve of my departure at five o'clock this afternoon, when 
 a large armed ship was cliscovered coming down the river. She has 
 anchored close in shore on the opposite side of the river, near to the 
 schooner, and appears to be a fourteen-gun ship. Considemble 
 solicitude prevails in this place. It is generally believed that the 
 vessels in the harbor are the object of the enemy. The owners of 
 
'' ' ' ■ - ' '■.'«'■ i 
 
 the vessels are preparing to scuttle them or remove them as far out 
 of the reach of the eneniy as may be. The troops are busy con- 
 structing a fort of timber north of Parish's store, on the best ground 
 for the purpose. But, sir, our very great misfortune is that we 
 h -i^e only ttuo six-pounders. If this harbor is to be protected it ia 
 absolutely necessary that I should be immediately furnished with 
 cannon of a competent calibre for the probably approaching 
 emergency. I shall wait your answer by the return of the express 
 and govern myself accordingly. 
 
 (From S. Van RanHselaer's Narrative of the Affair of Queenston in the War of 1812, 
 New York, l^tO, Appendix, pp. 20-1 ) 
 
 Lieot.-Colonel Myers to Captain James Cninininics. 
 
 Fort George, July 23, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Upon looking from Wilson's at the Falls last evening 
 after leaving you, 1 find that Lafferty's can be seen most distinctly, 
 therefore it will not be necessary to put up a staff at the point 
 where we were at the head of the rapids, but the Genl. wishes one 
 to be erected on the point at Chippawa, not so much as an inter- 
 mediate situation as to give the alarm when required to the garrison^ 
 &c., there. You will therefore be pleased to have the pole intended 
 for the head of the rapids put up at Chippawa. The best place at 
 Wilson's is on the cleared point near the paling of Wilson's garden, 
 and not far from the head of the path that goes down to the Table 
 Rock ; when you go there you will easily see it. You will please to 
 examine the rising ground at Lundy's Lane (the school house) and 
 find out whether a beacon from that place could be seen from any 
 part of the high lands of Pelham. I request you will have some of 
 the bark, &c., for the fires collected at each post, and the iron 
 baskets shall be sent up as soon as possible. The pole for the corner 
 of the wheat field had better not l»e put up until you can ascertain 
 how soon the grain will be cut, and when it is cut whether or not 
 we can open a communication across it to the camp ; if so the 
 dragoon that would come from Wilson's could ride on across to the 
 camp. Let me hear from you on this, as also on the subject of the 
 ground at Lundy's Lane. 
 
 Edward Coache* Deputy Commissary'deueral, to Captain Juiues 
 
 CuuiniiiiKM. 
 
 Fort George, 25th July, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Major-General Brock having been pleased to approve of 
 my appointing you to act in the Commissariat Department in this 
 Province, I am to direct that you proceed without loss of time to 
 
144 
 
 « 
 
 Oxford and make arrangements for furnishing about 400 men with 
 provisions, who are expected to arrive there in the course of a few 
 days, under the command of Col. Talbot. 
 
 There will, I expect, be little difficulty in procuring cattle for 
 this department in tne neighborhood of Oxford, and you will use 
 every exertion to find bread or flour also for their use iToci the 
 inhabitants. 
 
 Should, however, this source of supply fail, 1 have directed fifty 
 barrels of flour to be forwarded from Long Point to Oxford, and 
 forty barrels of flour, twenty barrels of pork and one cask of salt to 
 Port Talbot. You will of course consult with Colonel Talbot on the 
 best means of transporting the last mentioned provisions to Delaware, 
 or to any other part of the country where they may be required, 
 but it is expressly to be understood that these provisions are not to 
 be consumed until the country can no longer provide a sufficient 
 quantity for the use of the troops. 
 
 You will for the present give your receipts to the parties for 
 any articles of provisions, &c., you may receive from them, and I 
 will in a short time arrange their being paid for the same at the 
 current rate of the country. 
 
 Deputy Assistant Commissary-General Coffin will furnish you 
 with stationery and forms for your provision accounts, and I expect 
 from your zeal and activity that the troops employed on this 
 arduous service will be well supplied with provisions, and that your 
 accounts of the same will be made up with regularity and correct- 
 ness. 
 
 Major-General Brock has been pleased also to approve of my 
 allowing you the pay of ten shillings stg. per day and forage for 
 one horse until further orders. 
 
 You will place yourself under the orders of the officer in com- 
 mand of the detachment with which you are to serve and obey all 
 such instructions as he may find it necessary to give, taking care to 
 make me acquainted with the same as early as possible. 
 
 You will further report to me on all heads of service, and state 
 in a particular manner the resources of the country, so that I may 
 form a judgment of what provisions it may be requisite to forward 
 from this garrison. 
 
 Major-Geiieral Brock to Kir George Prevost. 
 
 Fort George, July 26, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Since my despatch to Your Excellency of the 20th 
 instant I have received information of the enemy having made 
 frequent and extensive inroads from Sandwich up the River 
 Thames. I have in consequence been induced to detach Captain 
 
145 
 
 Chambers, with about 50 of the 4l8t Regiment, to the Moravian 
 Town, where I have directed two hundred militia to join him. 
 From the loud and apparently warm professions of the Indians 
 residing on the Grand River, I made no doubt of finding at all times 
 a large majority ready to take the field and act in conjunction with 
 our troops, but accounts received this morning state that they have 
 determined to remain neutral, and had in consequence refused (with 
 the exception of about 50) to join Chambers's detachment. 
 
 I meditated, the moment I could collect a sufficient number of 
 militia, a diversion to the westward in the hope of compelling General 
 Hull to retreat across the river; but this unexpected intelligence has 
 ruined the whole of my plans. The militia which I destined for 
 this service will now be alarmed and unwilling to leave their families 
 to the mercy of 400 Indians, whose conduct affords such wide room 
 for suspicion — and, really, to expect that this fickle race would 
 remain in the midst of war in a state of neutrality is truly absurd. 
 The Indians have probably been led to this change of sentiment by 
 emissaries from General Hull, whose proclamation to the Six Nations 
 is herewith enclosed. 
 
 I have not deemed it of sufficient importance to commence 
 active operations on this line by an attack on Fort Niagara. It 
 can be demolished when found necessary in half an hour, and there 
 my means of annoyance would terminate. To enable the militia to 
 organize some degree of discipline without interruption ir of greater 
 consequence than such a conquest. 
 
 Everything shall be done in my power to overcome the diffi- 
 culties by which I am surrounded, but without strong reinforce- 
 ments I fear the country cannot be roused to make exertions eijual, 
 without support, to meet the present crisis. 
 
 I proceed immediately to York to attend the meeting of the 
 Legislature. I hope to return on Wednesda3^ The charge of this 
 frontier will in the meantime devolve on Lt.-Colonel Myers, who 
 appears worthy of every confidence. 
 
 The actual invasion of the Province has compelled me to recall 
 that portion of the militia whom I permitted to return home and 
 work at harvest. I am prepared to hear of much discontent in 
 consequence. The disaffected will take advantage of it and add 
 fuel to the flame, but it may not be without reason that I may be 
 accused of having already studied, to the injury of the service, their 
 convenience and humor. 
 
 I should have derived much consolation in the midst of my 
 present difficulties had I been honored previous to the meeting of the 
 Legislature with Your Excellency's determination in regard to this 
 Province. That it cannot be maintained with its present force is 
 
146 
 
 very obvious, and unless the enemy be driven from Sandwich it 
 will be impossible to avert much longjer the impending ruin of the 
 country. Numbers have already joined the invading army, com- 
 motions are excited, and late occurrences have spread a general 
 gloom. 
 
 I have not heard from Lt.-Colonel St. George, nor from any 
 individual at Amherstburg since I last had the honor of addressing 
 Your Excellency, which makes me apprehensive that Colonel 
 Procter has been detained on his journey too long for the good of 
 the service. 
 
 The enemy's cavalry amounts to about 50. They are led by 
 one Watson, a surveyor from Montreal, of a desperate character. 
 This fellow has been allowed to parade with about 20 men of the 
 same description as far as Westminster, vowing as they went along 
 the most bitter vengeance against the first characters of the Pro- 
 vince. Nothing can show more strongly the state of apathy in 
 that part of the country. I am perhaps too liberal in attributing 
 the conduct of the inhabitants to that cause. 
 
 Mr. Couche has represented to the head of his department the 
 total impracticability of carrying on the public service without a 
 remittance in specie, or a government paper substitute. He was 
 once in expectation of making arrangements with some individuals 
 that would have enabled him to proceed, but I much fear the whole 
 project has fallen to the ground. The militia on this communica- 
 tion was so clamorous for their pay that I directed Mr. Couche to 
 make the necessary advances. This has drained him of the little 
 specie in his possession. 
 
 My present civil office not only authorizes me to convene 
 general court mai'tial for the trial of offenders belonging to the 
 militia, but likewise the infliction of the sentence of death — whilst 
 in regard to the military my power is limited to the mere assemb- 
 ling of the court. I beg leave to submit to the consideration of 
 Your Excellency whether, in times like the present, I ought not to 
 be invested with equal authority over each service. 
 
 I herewith have the honor to transmit two letters, one from 
 Captain Roberts commanding at St. Joseph's, and the second from 
 Mr. Dickson, a gentleman every way capable of forming a correct 
 judgment of the actual state of the Indians. Nothing can be more 
 deplorable than his description. Yet the United States Government 
 accuse Great Britain of instigating that people to war. Is not the 
 true cause to be found in the state of desperation to which they are 
 reduced by the unfriendly and unjust measures of that Government 
 towards them ? 
 
 (CuKulian Archives, C. 676, p. 408.) 
 
147 
 
 Tbe Secretary of War to Major-Oeneral Dearborn. 
 
 War Department, July 26, 1812. 
 
 (Abatraot.) 
 
 A letter dated the 7th inst. has been received, announcing 
 General Hull's arrival at Detroit with 2,000 men of the 4th United 
 States Infantry, recruits of the 1st do. and Ohio volunteers, in 
 good health and fine spirits. A regiment of the new army from 
 Virginia, and recruits from Maryland and Pennsylvania, have been 
 ordered to join him (General Dearliorn) with the 5th Infantry, 
 under Colonel Beall, and a detachment of Colonel Bum's dragoons, 
 now concentrating at Trenton. By General Hull's letter of the 10th 
 inst., it appeal's that supplies by the lake are cut off, and he has 
 made arrangements for supplying his force from Ohio. General 
 Winchester has been ordered to reinforce him from Kentucky with 
 1,500 men. You should cut off the British supplies by an adequate 
 force at the rapids below Kingston. 
 
 York, July 28th, 1812. 
 
 Yestertlay at an early hour His Honor Isaac Brock, Escj., 
 President, administering the Government of Upper Canada and 
 Major-General commanding His Majesty's forces therein, arrived at 
 this place from Fort George, accompanied by a numerous suite, and 
 proceeded to the Government building at 4 p. m., when he opened 
 the present extra session of the Legislature, and delivered the fol- 
 lowing speech to VKjth houses : 
 
 Honorable Gentlemen of the LegwloAxve Council, arid Gentlemen 
 of the House of Assembly : — 
 
 The urgency of the present crisis is the only consideration 
 which could have induced me to call you together at a time when 
 public (as well as private) duties elsewhere demand your care and 
 attention. 
 
 But, gentlemen, when invaded by an enemy whose avowed 
 object is the entire conquest of this Province, the voice of loyalty 
 as well as of interest calls aloud to every person in the sphere in 
 which he is placed to defend his country. 
 
 Our militia have heard that voice and obeyed it. They have 
 evinced by the promptitude and loyalty of their conduct that they 
 are worthy of the King whom they serve and the Constitution 
 which they enjoy, and it affords me particular satisfaction that 
 while I address you as legislators 1 speak to men who in the day 
 of danger will be ready to assist not only with their counsel but 
 with their arms. We look, gentlemen, to our militia, then, aa well 
 
148 
 
 B8 to the regular forces, for our protection, but I should be wanting 
 to that important trust committed to my care if I attempted to 
 conceal (what experience, that great instructor of mankind, and 
 especially of legislators, has shewn,) that amendment is necessary 
 in our militia laws to render them efficient. 
 
 It is for you to consider what, further improvements they may 
 still require. 
 
 Honorable Oentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen of 
 the Hauae of Assembly : 
 
 From the history and experience of our Mother Country, we 
 le^rn that in times of actual invasion or internal commotion the 
 ordinary course of criminal law has been found inadequate to 
 secure His Majesty's Government from private treachery, as well as 
 from open disaffection, and that at such times its Legislature has 
 found it expedient to enact laws restraining, for a limited period, 
 the liberty of individuals in many cases where it would be danger- 
 ous to expose the particulars of the charge, and although the actual 
 invasion of the Province might justify me in the exercise of the 
 full powers reposed in me on such an emergency, 3'et it will be 
 more agreeable to me to receive the sanction of the two houses. 
 
 A few traitors have already joined the enemy, have been suf- 
 fered to come into the country with impunity, and have been 
 harbored and concealed in the interior, yet the general spirit of 
 loyalty which appears to pervade the inhabitants of this Province 
 is such as to authorize a just ex[)ectation that their efforts to mis- 
 lead and deceive will be unavailing. The disaffected, I am con- 
 vinced, are few. To protect and defend the loyal inhabitants from 
 their machinations is an object worthy of your most serious 
 deliberations. 
 
 We are engaged in an awful and eventful contest. By unan- 
 imity and despatch in our councils, and by vigor in our operations, 
 we may teach the enemy this lesson: That a country defended by 
 FREEMEN, enthusiastically devoted to the cause of their King 
 and Constitution, can never be conquered. 
 
 Major-General Brock to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 York, July 28th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I consider the enclosed letter (this instant received) from 
 the Hon'ble James Baby of sufficient importance to forward by 
 express. 
 
 I conceived the Long Point militia the most likely to show the 
 
149 
 
 best disposition of any in this part of the country, and this refusal 
 to join Captain Chambers shows the Httle dependence to be placed 
 in any of them. My situation is g'^tting each day more critical. 
 I still mean to try and send a force to the relief of Amheratburg, 
 but almost despair of succeeding. The population, although I had 
 no great confidence in the majority, is worse than I expected to find 
 it, and the magistrates, &c., &c., appear quite confounded, and 
 decline acting — the consequence is the most improper conduct is 
 tolerated. The officers of militia exert no authority. Everything 
 shows as if a certainty existed of a change taking place soon. 
 But I still hope the arrival of reinforcements may yet avert such a 
 dire calamity. Many in that case would become active in our 
 cause who are now dormant. 
 
 I have the honor herewith to transmit a copy of my speech to 
 the two houses, delivered yesterday. A more decent house has not 
 been elected since the formation of the Province, but I perceived at 
 once that I shall get no good of them. They, like the magistrates 
 and others in office, evidently mean to remain passive. The repeal 
 of the Habeas Coitus will not pa.s8, and if I have recourse to the 
 law martial I am told the whole armed force will disperse. Never 
 was an officer placed in a more awkward predicament. The militia 
 cannot possibly be governed by the present law — all admit that 
 fact, yet the fear of giving offence will prevent anything effectual 
 from being effected. I entreat the advice of Your Excellency. 
 Some letters received from individuals represent the conduct of the 
 4l8t above all praise. I cannot get a line from Colonel St. George. 
 Colonel Procter was provokingly delayed on his journey. I entreat 
 Your Excellency to excuse the haste with which I presume to 
 address you. . 
 
 (Canadian Archives, C. 676, p. 217.) 
 
 Colonel Baynes to Colonel I^ethbridgre, Inspectinsr Field Officer of 
 
 Militia at Kingston. 
 
 Headquarters, Quebec, 28th July, 1812. 
 
 Sir George would recommend the division from Kingston 
 downwards being " left to you, which will enable General Brock to 
 avail himself of General Shaw's services in the upper part of the 
 country, where officers of rank and experience are much wanted." 
 
 (From MSS. in possession of Lieut. -Colonel Oeorge A. Shaw.) 
 
160 
 
 Prom the Buffalo Oaxette, Tuesday, aStli July, i8z4. 
 GENERAL HALL AND SUITE ARRIVED. 
 
 On Friday eveninpj last General Hall arrived in this village, 
 accompanied by Major William Howe Cuyler and George Hoamer, 
 Esq., as aids-de-camp, and a body guard consisting of a detachment 
 of fifteen men of the East Bloomtield Light Horse, commanded by 
 Sergeant Boughton. 
 
 General Hall is now General-in-Chief on our frontier. 
 
 On Saturday the General, escorted by a number of the first 
 characters of this village, moved to Black Kock, and after paying 
 his respects to Colonel Swift and other officers, and reviewing and 
 inspecting the troops, he returned to Buffalo. 
 
 On Sunday morning the General left this village for Lewiston. 
 
 The British have erected another breastwork in a circular 
 form on the hill near Capt. Hardison's. opposite Black Rock. A 
 number of soldiers are stationed behind it. 
 
 When General Hall and his suite and escort appeared at the 
 Rock on Saturday it produced considerable bustle on the Canada 
 shore. Expresses were sent off in various directions, troops were 
 marched from Fort Erie to the breastw irks, and four pieces of 
 artillery were placed in front of Douglas's, opposite Lower Black 
 Rock. 
 
 We learn that a number of soldiers at Black Rock remain 
 sickly, that every attention is paid to them, and that none are 
 dangerously ill. 
 
 At Lewiston we learn that the troops are generally healthy. 
 
 It is with pleasure we learn that strict and regular discipline 
 prevails in the camp at Black Rock, and that the soldiers are 
 orderly and the non-commissioned officers prompt and attentive in 
 the discharge of their respective duties. 
 
 It is repoi-ted that a parcel of Indians have left Canada and 
 landed on Grand Island (about 12 miles long and 10 broad, lying in 
 the Niagara River, between Black Rock and Schlosser) for the 
 purpose of making an attack on our frontiers. Two companies of 
 volunteers are stationed on the river between Black Rock and 
 Lewiston. 
 
 The Grand Island belongs to our Indians, and if any Indians 
 are on the island it is very probable they are from this side for the 
 purpose of killing game. 
 
 A SPY IN CUSTODY. 
 
 On Friday, the 24th inst., it was rumored that a man by the 
 name of Elijah Clark, a subject of His Majesty in Upper Canada, 
 
151 
 
 was on this side a few miles up the lake, lurking about apparently 
 as a spy. Judge Barker, Capt. J. Wells, and some others, immedi- 
 ately went in pursuit of the fellow. They found Clark in the 
 evening, and arrested him at the house of Mr. Lay, about twenty 
 miles from this village. He appeared considerably agitated, and 
 declined giving any satisfactory information as to his crossing the 
 lake, or who or how many came with him, but by means of vigi- 
 lance and good management they succeeded in arresting two others 
 by the names of Aaron Brink and David Lee, who rowed the boat 
 from Canada with Clark. On Saturday they were taken to Black 
 Rock, and underwent an examination before Col. Swift and Major 
 Miller. The^' were committed to the prison of this county till a 
 court martial should be ordered by Major-General Hall. Brink and 
 Lee have been removed from jail, and are under keeper?. Clark is 
 well guarded. 
 
 These criminals were all born in the United States, and till 
 within a few years since have resided in this village. Clark is a 
 merchant in Canada, a young man, a noisy politician, and always 
 to be found in the majority in whatever government he resides. 
 
 Arrived in this village on Tuesday last, Mr. Asa H. Morse, a 
 saddler from York, Upper Canada. Having the day previous left 
 York for Newark on i)usiness, he was at Newark, by an officer in 
 the fort (who understood he was an American) presented with 
 three alternatives : to become a prisoner of war or take the oath 
 of allegiance, or depart the country. He begged a little time to go 
 back and settle up his business. The officer bid him " shut up his 
 head." He departed. 
 
 The property of Mr. Morse thus jeopardized was worth about 
 500 dollars, which was his all. 
 
 Mr. Morse states that there were no regular troops at York, 
 and but one company of volunteers ; that the town was in no 
 posture of defence, and that the ships of war at that place had all 
 been ordered down the lake. 
 
 Hajor-General Brock to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 York, July 29, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to transmit herewith a despatch this 
 instant received from Captain Roberts, announcing the surrender 
 by capitulation on the 17tn instant of Fort Michilimackinac. 
 
 The conduct of this officer since his appointment to the com- 
 mand of that distant post has been distinguished by much zeal and 
 judgment, and his recent eminent display of those qualities Your 
 Excellency will find has been attended with a most happy effect. 
 
152 
 
 The militia stationed here volunteered thin morning their 
 services to any part of the province without the least hesitation. I 
 have selected 100 whom I have directed to proceed without delay 
 Ut Long Point, where I propose collecting a force for the relief of 
 Amherstburg. This example, I hope, will be followed by as many 
 as may be required. By the militia law, .; man refusing to march 
 may be fined £5 or contine<l three months, and although I have 
 assembled the Legislature for the expresB purpose of amending the 
 act, I much fear nothing will be done. Your Excellency will 
 scarcely believe that this infatuated House of Assembly have refused 
 by a majority of two to suspend even for a limited time the Halieas 
 Corpus. 
 
 The capture of Michilimackinac may pro<luce great changes to 
 the westward. The actual invasion of the Province justifies every 
 act of hostility' on the American territory. 
 
 It was not till this morning that I was honored with Your 
 Excellency's despatches, dated the 7th and 10th instant. Their 
 contents, I beg to assure Your Excellency, have relieved my mind 
 considerably. I doubt whether General Hull had instructions to 
 cross to this side of the river. I rather suspect he was compelled 
 by a want of provisiona I embark immediately in the Prince 
 Regent for Fort George. I return here the day after to-morrow, 
 and shall probably dissolve the Legislature. 
 
 (Prom Tupper'8 Life of Brock, pp. 225-6. Canadian Archives, C. 676, p. 236.) 
 
 Major-General Brock to Colonel Baynes. 
 
 York, July 29th, 1812. 
 
 Dear Colonei —I was not favored with your letters of the 
 8th and 10th instant until this morning. I ha<l not before received 
 any official communication of war being declared, and I assure you 
 began to fear that I was wholly forgot. My situation is most 
 critical, not from anything the enemy can do, but from the dis- 
 position of the people — the population, believe me, is essentially bad 
 — a full belief possesses them all that this Province must inevitably 
 succumb — this prepossession is fatal to every exertion. Legislators, 
 magi stn tes, militia officers, all have imbibed the idea, and are so 
 sluggish and iudiiferent in their respective offices that the artful 
 and active scoundrel is allowed to parade the country without 
 interruption and commit all imaginable mischief. They are so 
 alarmed of offending that they rather encourage than repress 
 disorders and other improper acts. I really believe it is with some 
 cause that they dread the vengeance of the democratic party, they 
 
153 
 
 are such a set of unrelenting villainu. Rut to husinem — several of 
 my letters must have miscarried, otherwise you would have long 
 nince been aware that I requested to reinstate Lieut. Johnston in 
 the Glengarry Regiment. He may not be very efficient, but then 
 consider the claims of his family. Indeed the proposition came 
 oriifinally from you. Should Johnston be rejected, I am under 
 previous engagements to Lamont, therefore cannot give ear to Fitz- 
 Gibbon's application. 
 
 I have necessarily so many detachments along my widely 
 extended frontier that I cannot possibly spare an officer. I have 
 therefore detained Lieut. Kerr of the Glengarry. I am obliged to 
 mix regulars with the militia, otherwise could not get on at all. It 
 is a pity you did not understand his wishes in regard to the recruit* 
 ing business. 
 
 What a change an additional regiment would make in this part 
 of the Province. Most of the people have lost all confidence. I, 
 however, speak loud and look big. Altho' you may not be able to 
 cast a look this far, you nmst not omit Johnstown and Kingston. 
 Some regulars will be highly necessary. I wish very much some- 
 thing might be done for Mr. Grant Powell. He was regularly 
 brought up in England as a surgeon. I intended to have proposed 
 to Sir George to appoint him permanent surgeon to the Marine 
 Department, but I scarcely think that the situation would now 
 answer. His abilities, I should think, might be usefully employed 
 now that so many troops are called out. 
 
 Messrs. Dickson, Pothier and Crawford behaved nobly at the 
 capture of Michilimackinac. This event may give a total change 
 to the war in the west. Captain Roberts is spoken of in the 
 highest terms. 
 
 iCanadian Archives, C. 676, p. 239.) , .' . 
 
 Sir George Prevost to I<ord I/iverpool. 
 
 Quebec, 30th July, 1812. 
 
 (No. 60.) 
 
 My Lord, — The exhausted state of the military chest, and the 
 impossibility of supplementing it except from England, exposes 
 His Majesty's service to serious difficulties, which will not be 
 altogether removed by the Army Bill Law. I will have to contend 
 in enforcing it against the deep-rooted prejudices of the Canadiana 
 against paper money. I enclose a representation from the Com- 
 
164 
 
 missary General of the embarrassments in his department from the 
 difficulties experienced in obtaining the smallest supply of money. 
 
 (CuiMUan Archives, Q. 118, p. 82.) 
 
 Commissary-Oeneral William H. Robinson to Sir Oeorsre Prevoct. 
 
 Quebec, 30th July, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have this evening received a letter from Deputy- 
 Conimissary-General Couche, which occasions me the greatest 
 alarm. He informs me that Major-General Brock has ordered out 
 4,000 militia, and he begs to be informed in what manner they are 
 to be paid. The expense attending this measure will be about 
 £1,500, a sum which it will be impracticable to find in that country'', 
 nor have I the means of affording effectual assistance, and if the 
 militia are not regularly paid great evil will ensue, indeed Mr. 
 Couche represents that symptoms of discontent have already 
 appeared. Besides this, various payments are already at a stand. 
 The prospect of a paper medium being established will be a relief, 
 but without the concurrence of the Legislature of Upper Canada 
 it cannot be counted for a certain assistance, yet I submit the 
 expediency of trying the experiment by sending a packet of our 
 notes to General Brock. 
 
 Mr. Couche, in his letter of the 3rd inst., speaks of a currency 
 on a limited scale under the auspices merely of the merchants, upon 
 which he is now silent, therefore I conclude it has not produced 
 the effect we had expected. I beg to suggest that His Majesty's 
 Government be asked to send out specie before navigation closes. 
 
 (CmumUui Archives, Q. 118, p. 84.) 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock. 
 
 Quebec, July 31, 1812, 
 
 Sir, — I have received your letter of the 20th instant, accom- 
 panied by a copy of two letters from Lieut.-Colonel St. George, who 
 IS in command at Amherstburg, and some interesting documents 
 found on board a schooner which had been taken by the boats of 
 the Hunter. 
 
 In consequence of your having desired Colonel Procter to pro- 
 ceed to Amherstburg and of your presence being necessary at the 
 seat of government, I have taken upon myself to place Major- 
 
155 
 
 General Sheaffe upon the staff, to enable me to send him to assist 
 you in the arduous task you have to perform, in the able execution 
 of which I have great confidence. He has been accordingly directed 
 to proceed without delay to Upper Canada, there to place himself 
 under your command. 
 
 I believe you are authorized by the commission under which 
 you administer the Government of Upper Canada, to declare martial 
 law in tiie event of invasion or insurrection ; it is therefore for you 
 to consider whether you can obtain anything equivalent to that 
 power from your legislature. I have not succeeded in obtaining a 
 modification of it in Lower Canada, and must therefore upon the 
 occurrence of either of these calamities declare the law martial 
 unqualified, and of course shut the doors of the courts of the civil 
 law. 
 
 The report transmitted by Captain Dixon of the Royal 
 Engineer to Lieut.-Colonel Bruyeres of the state of defence in which 
 he had placed Fort Amherstburg, together with the description of 
 the troops allotted for its defence, give me a foreboding that the 
 result of General Hull's attempt upon that fort will terminate 
 honorably to our arms. 
 
 If Lieut.-Colonel St. George be possessed of the talents and 
 resources required to form a soldier, he is fortunate in the oppor- 
 tunity of displaying them. Should General Hull be compelled to 
 relinquish his operations against Amherstburg it will be proper his 
 future movements should be most carefully observed, as his late 
 march exhibits a more than ordinary character of enterprise. 
 
 Your supposition of my slender u)eans is but too correct ; not- 
 withstanding you may rely upon every exertion being made to 
 preserve uninterrupted the communication lietween Kingston and 
 Montreal, and that I will also give all possible support to your 
 endeavors to overcome every dilHculty. 
 
 The possession of Maiden, which I consider means Amherst- 
 burg, appears a favorite object with the Government of the United 
 States : I sincerely hope you M'ill disappoint them. 
 
 Should the intelligence which arrived yesterday by th*» way of 
 Newfoundland prove correct, a remarkable coincidence will exist in 
 the revocation of our orders in Council as regards America and the 
 declaration of war by Congress against England, both having taken 
 place on the same day in London and at Washington, the 17th June. 
 
 (From Tapper's Life of Brook, pp. 227-8.) 
 
156 
 
 Major-Oeneral Dearborn to Major-Oeneral VanRensselaer. 
 Headquarters, Greenbush, July 29th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Your situation, I presume, will enable you to ascertain 
 what force the enemy can bring into action against offensive opera- 
 tions on our part at Kingston and its vicinity, and what forces, in 
 addition to those under your command, would be necessary to 
 render offensive operations in that (|uarter sure of success. Any 
 information you can give me on this and all other points in relation 
 to your command, and on the general state of things with you and 
 in upper Canada, is requested, and it is highly desirable that you 
 afford me the earliest information from time to time of any occur- 
 rences in your vicinity sufficiently important to l>e communicated. 
 You will readily perceive the expediency of employing editable 
 characters for obtaining and communicating to yon correct informa- 
 tion in relation to the enemy's force, and the disposition of the 
 militia and inhabitants generally in the Province. 
 
 Proper encouragement should be given to such persons Jis you 
 may confide in for their services in this employment, and I shall 
 hold myself accountable for any neceasary expenditure attendant 
 on it. I have not had an opportunity of conferring with Governor 
 Tompkins, but as he is shortly expected home I shall soon have the 
 pleasure of a conference in relation to your command and the 
 situation of the frontier generally. Not being informed of the 
 extent of your command, I have written to the commanding officers 
 at Niagara and Plattsburg, from the presumption that there might 
 be three distinct commands, but if I am mistaken I trust no 
 material inconvenience will result from it. Be assured, sir, that 
 your appointment to your present command, your ready acceptance 
 of it, and promptitude in repairing to the frontier, affords high 
 satisfaction to our good citizens, and is peculiarly gratifying to 
 your very humble servant. 
 
 (From 8. VanRensselaer 'h Narrative, Appendix, p. 22.) 
 
 The Secretary of War to Major-General Dearborn. 
 
 War Department, .. aly 29, 1812. 
 
 (JLlMtimeC) 
 
 Enclosing a copy of a letter to Mr. Erastus Granger, authorizin 
 him to organize the warriors of the Six Nations conditionally an 
 report the corps to the commandant at Niagara. They should not 
 be allowed to act except under authority of the commanding general. 
 
157 
 
 Calvin Austin to Augustus Porter. 
 
 Warren, May 5, 1814. 
 
 Dear Sir, — In the month of Aug't, 1812, on iny way to 
 Detroit, and on uiy arrival at Miami, I found about 170 Indians in 
 the settlement. I made an inquiry why they were there. It was 
 stated by Amos Spafford, Esq'r, (then resident,) that they had left 
 the mouth of the river from their planting ground on account of 
 their being threatened by the hostile Indians, and were in a suffer- 
 ing condition for want of provisions. We then gathered them and 
 had a talk, and I recommended that 50 rations per day should be 
 issued by the agent, Capt. Daniel Reece. He supplied to the 
 amount of 400 rations, and then was stopped by nie, as I found 
 that .several of their young men had left that place and gone to 
 Brownstown. I returned from the River Raisin and a<lvi8ed the 
 Indians to proceed a few miles up the river and they would Ije 
 secure, &c., &c. 
 
 N. B. — These Indians were of the Tawaway tribe. " 
 
 (From HSS. of Hon. P. A. Porter.) 
 
 Colouvel Basmes to Major-General Brock. 
 
 Quebec, August 1, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Sir George yesterday received your letter. of the 20th 
 with its several enclosures, which are, I assure you, highly interest- 
 ing to all, and doubly so to those who feel warmly and sincerely 
 attached to you, and few, I believe, possess more friends and well- 
 wishers than yourself. 100 effectives of the Newfoundland and 
 fifty picke<l men of the Veterans left this in boats on Thurs- 
 day, and as it has blown a gale of east wind ever since, have, I trust, 
 made great progresa They were intended to reinforce the garrison 
 of Kingston and to relieve the company of the 4f)th tl> \t escorted 
 stores to that place. Sir George regrets extremely his liiability to 
 render you a more efficient aid, but under existing circumstances he 
 does not feel himself warranted to do more. I regret to find your 
 militia at Sandwich so lukewarm, to call it by no harsher name, 
 but I fear little can be expected from those recently settled or of 
 American extraction, and with our Canadians we have found a 
 very reluctant compliance. I trust we may still look for consider- 
 able reinforcements from home this year. We are led to expect the 
 1st battalion of the Royals from the West Indies immediately, 
 destined, indeed, to relieve the 4l8t. I hope we shall not be disap- 
 
 g Dinted, as our militia will feel bold if well backed, and I am sure 
 ir George will rejoice in receiving the means of rendering you 
 
168 
 
 further assistance. It appears to be credited that the Orders-in- 
 Council were rescinded in as far as regarded America on the 17th 
 June, the day the war vote was carried. This will strengthen the 
 oppositionists in the States, and the timid will feel alarmed, not 
 without reason, when they read the glorious and judicious exploit 
 of Captain Hotham in the Northumberland, 74, in destroying, under 
 circumstances of great difficulty and peril, two French 44-gun 
 frigates and a sloop, which received a superior degree of protection 
 from batteries on the shore than can be afforded to Commodore 
 Rodgers in any harbor of the States. 
 
 The Americans are forn)ing depots in the neighborhood of the 
 Montreal frontier and building bateaux on the lake, but they have 
 not brought forward any considerable show of strength. On this 
 appearance of weakness we cannot rely, as it would answer no good 
 end making a parude before they intended to attack. If they l)e 
 serious in their .views on this Province, the attempt will probably 
 be backed by predatory excursions on various points. A corps of 
 militia is kept on the Point Levi side. 
 
 Our Legislature meet this day to terminate the session. Our 
 great object has been accomplished in the House, adding the pro- 
 vincial security to the Army Note Bill. The province pays the 
 interest accruing upon the notes and the expense of the establish- 
 ment, and they are constituted a legal tender. Without this step 
 we were conipletely at a stand, for we could not obtain money to 
 pay the last month's subsistence to the troops. Great benefit is 
 expected to accrue from the opeiation of the bill. The clergy have 
 engaged to promote the circulation of the notes, all of which above 
 twenty-five dollars bear interest, and all under are payable on 
 demand. 
 
 Adieu, my dear general, may every success and good fortune 
 attend you in the arduous t«,sk l>efore you. We cannot command 
 success, but I am sure you will not fail to merit it. 
 
 (Prom Tupper's Life of Brook, pp. 228-31.) 
 
 District General Order. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort George, 1st August, 1812. 
 D. 0. Orders. 
 
 Paymasters to the militia will be appointed at York, Fort 
 George, Amherstburg and Kingston, who will regularly muster the 
 militia on the 24th of each month, or as soon after as possible. 
 
 The officers in charge of the commissariat at Fort George, 
 Amherstburg, Kingston and York will issue to the paymaster the 
 
159 
 
 amount of the monthly estimates of the militia, which are to be 
 certified by the commanding officer of the post, whether of the line 
 or militia. 
 
 The paylists will be certified on oath by the captain or officer 
 in command of companies, and the officer commanding the militia 
 will examine and certify their belief as to the correctness of the 
 account. 
 
 By command of the Major-Genl. 
 
 Thos. Evans, 
 
 Major of Brigade. 
 
 Irieut.-Colonel Bruyeres, Royal H^nsrineers, to Major-General Brock. 
 
 Quebec, August 1, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I take the favorable advantage of this being delivered 
 to you b} General Sheaffe to assure you of the sincere interest I 
 feel in the /ery arduous and important pasition you are now placed 
 in, to protect and defend a chain of posts and a country that has 
 been so long neglected. This difficult task, placed in any other 
 hands, I should consider very discouraging, but I acknowledge that 
 I look with a certain degree of confidence to your abilities and per- 
 severance in surmounting every difficulty that must unavoidably 
 occur in a service of this nature. I most fervently and earnestly 
 hope that every possible success may attend all your procee«lings. 
 I trust that you will always meet with zeal and activity in the 
 officers of my department to perform every part of the duty allotted 
 to their charge. It is very difficult at this distance to suggest any 
 ideas that might be useful, as every operation in which you are 
 engaged must depend so entirely upon local circumstances and the 
 conduct which the enemy may pursue towards attaining the object 
 he has in view. I am glad to find that the near arrival of the 
 Royals, expected at Quebec to-morrow, will give you the reinforce- 
 ment of the 49th Regiment, which, with the detachments of the 
 Newfoundland and Veterans and gun-boat No. 7, will add some- 
 thing to your present strength. 
 
 (From Tapper's Life of Brock, pp. 230-1.) 
 
 The Secretary of War to Major-General Dearborn. 
 
 War Department, August 1, 1812. 
 
 (AlMtMMt.) 
 
 He encloses a copy of a letter from General Hull, dated 19th 
 July. You will make a diversion in favor of him at Niagara and 
 Kingston as soon as practicable. 
 
Sir Oeorgc Prevosi to M ajor-6«neral Brock. 
 
 Quebec, August 2, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Last evening an officer of the 98th Regiment arrived 
 here express from Halifax, the btsarer of despatches to me, dated on 
 the 22d ultimo, from Mr. Foster, who was then in Nova Scotia. 
 
 I lose no time in making you acquainted with the substance 
 of this gentleman s communication. He informs mo that he has 
 just received despatches from England, referring to a declaration of 
 ministers in parliament relative to a proposed repeal of the Orders- 
 in-Council provided the American Government would return to 
 relations of amity with us, tl\e cot ents of which may induce the 
 American Government to agree to a suspension of hostilities as a 
 preliminary to negotiations for peace ; that he proposed sending His 
 Majesty's hired armed ketch Gleaner to New York with letters to Mr. 
 Baker, whom he had left at Washingtcm in a demi-official capacity, 
 with directions to communicate with the American minister and to 
 write to me the result of his interview. Should the President of 
 the United States think proper to signify that hostile operations 
 should cease on the American side, Mr. Foster suggests the expedi- 
 ency of my being prepared to make a similar signification on our 
 part. 
 
 As I propose sending Colonel Baynes immediately' into the 
 United States with a proposal for a cessation of hostile operations, 
 I enclose for your information the copy of my letter to General 
 Dearborn or the Commander-in-Chief of the American forces. 
 
 Mr. Foster also submits the propriety of our abstaining from 
 an invasion of the United States territory, as only in such an event 
 could the American Government l)e empowered to order the militia 
 out of the States. I am led to believe from this that General Hull 
 in possessing himself of Sandwich has exceeded his instructions, 
 particularly as Mr. Foster informs me that Mr. Monroe had told 
 him Fort Maiden (Amherstburg) would not be attacked, but that 
 General Hull had stated to a friend of his some time ago that he 
 would attempt it. 
 
 A report has been made to me that a frigate and six transports, 
 with the Koyal Scots (1st battaiivon) on board from the West Indies, 
 are just below Bic. In conMCv^uevice of this reinforcement, I have 
 ordered the company of the 49th Regiment sent to Kingston to 
 remain there, and in addition to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment 
 and a detachment of an officer and 50 Veterans most fit for 
 service, now on their route to that station, I shall order Major 
 Ormsby with three companies of the 49th Regiment to proceed 
 from Montreal to the same post to be disposed of as you may find 
 it necessary. 
 
161 
 
 Lieut.-Qeneral Sir J. C. Sherbrooke has informed me that one 
 of the transports with part of the Royals on board has been cap- 
 tured b^ the United States frigate, the Essex ; that she has been 
 ransomed, and the officers and troops allowed to proceed upon con- 
 dition that they are not to serve against the United States until 
 regularly exchanged. The vessels and troops had arrived at Halifax 
 and will shortly be sent hither. 
 (From Tupper's Life of Brock, pp. 231-2. 
 
 Major-General Dearborn to Major-General YanRensselaer, or the 
 Commanding Officer at Port Niasrara. 
 
 Headquakters, Greenbush, Aug. 3d. 1812. 
 
 Sir, — You will please take measures for keeping up a corres- 
 pondence with General Hull and ascertain his movements by 
 express or otherwise, and as he has cros-sed over to Upper Canada 
 and taken possession of Fort Maiden, it will be expedient to make 
 every exertion in your power to co-operate with him. If your force 
 will not admit of any strong offensive operations, it is highly 
 desirable that such diversions should be made in his favor as will 
 pi-event the enemy from detaching any force from the vicinity of 
 Niagara to oppose the movements of General Hull. I trust you 
 will soon be called to act in a more decisive manner. 
 (From S. VanReniwelaer'M Narrative, Appendix, p. 22. ) 
 
 District General Orders. 
 
 York, 3rd August, 1812. 
 D. General Oifiers. 
 
 1. Lieutenant-Colonel Myers will a&sume, during the absence 
 of Colonel Procter, the command of the District of Niagara. 
 
 2. Major General Shaw, having offered his services in any 
 manner in which they may be useful, Major-General Brock is 
 pleased to appoint him to command between Chippawa and the 
 Sugar Loaf, as Colonel of Militia, with the pay and allowance of 
 Lieutenant-Colonel. 
 
 3. It is to be underatood that no officer in the militia when 
 embodied will receive a higher rate of pay than Lieutenant-Colonel, 
 and that officers of every rank are subject to the same deductions 
 as the line, including the income tax. 
 
 By command of the Major-General, 
 
 J. B. Gleoo, a. D. C. 
 
ie2 
 
 Proceedlngrs of a Council held at York Respecting the Western 
 
 Frontier. 
 
 AT A COUNCIL HELD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, YORK, UPPER CANADA, 
 
 Monday, August 3d, 1812. 
 Present, — 
 
 Major-General Brock. 
 
 Honble The Chief Justice. 
 " James Baby. 
 " Alexander Grant. 
 " John McGill. 
 " Mr. Justice Powell. 
 •• Prideaux Selby. 
 
 His Honor the President represented to the Board that the 
 hopes he had entertained from the call of the Legislature were 
 likely to be disa|)pointed. 
 
 That the Lower House of Assembly, instead of prompt exer- 
 tions to strengthen his hands for the government of the militia, 
 providing for security from internal treason by partial suspension 
 of the Habeas Corpus Act, authorizing a partial exercise of Martial 
 Law concurrently with the ordinary course of justice, and placing 
 at his disposal for the <lefence of the Province the funds not actually 
 applied upon pa.st appropriations, had consumed eight days in 
 carrying a single measure of party — the repeal of the School Bill, 
 and passing an act for the public disclosure of treasonable practices 
 before the Magistrates should have power to commit without bail. 
 That under such circumstances little could be expected from a pro- 
 longed session of the Legislature. 
 
 That the enemy had invaded and taken post in the Western 
 District; was multiplying daily his preparation to invade in others; 
 that the militia, in a perfect state of insubordination, had withdrawn 
 from the ranks in actual service ; had refused to march, when 
 legally commanded, to reinforce a detachment of the regular force 
 for the relief of Amheratburg ; had insulted their officers, and some 
 not immediately embodied had manifested in many instances a 
 treasonaVtle spirit of neutrality or disaffection. 
 
 That the Indians on the Grand River, tampered with by the 
 disaffected whites, had withdrawn from their volunteer services and 
 declared for a neutrality which in respect of them was equally 
 inadmissible as with the King's other subjects. 
 
 That in the Western ana London Districts several persons had 
 negotiated with the enemy's commander, hailing his arrival and 
 pledging support. That the regular force consisted of one regi- 
 ment, the 41st, nine hundred strong, and part of the Royal New- 
 
163 
 
 foundland Regiment, two hundred, with a detachment of Royal 
 Artillery and several armed veHsels. That the extent of coast 
 exposed and the great distance of the prominent points iiad obliged 
 him to divide that foi*ce to support and countenance the militia. 
 That the conduct of the western militia had exposed to imminent 
 danger the regular force at Amherstburg, and, however inconvenient, 
 he had made a large detachment of the 4lHt and militia from the 
 Home and Niagara Districts, with the few Indians not corrupted, to 
 reinforce that garrison if time would admit. 
 
 That, on the other hand, the Commandant at St. Joseph had, 
 with the garrison and Indians, taken the Island of Michilimackinac, 
 the garrison of which capitulated without firing a shot. 
 
 That in all probability part of that force might descend to 
 Detroit, an<l in such case a co-operation with the garrison at Fort 
 Amhei'stburg, reinforced by the deiachment now on its march to 
 Long Point, might compel the inva<lers to retire or surrender, but 
 that no gcxxl result from any military expedition could be expected 
 unless more powerful restraint could be impased on the militia than 
 the actual law admits, and that he had power to restrain the 
 general population from treasonable a<lherence with the enemy or 
 neutrality by summary proceeding and punishment, nor could the 
 colony be considere«l safe fnnn the Indians in its very bo.som whilst 
 liable to Ix' tamp(»red with by disaffected persons, exposed only to 
 the slow progress of conviction by criminal law. 
 
 That with this view of the situati«)n of the Colonv, he sub- 
 mitted for the consideration of the Council how far it might be 
 expedient to prorogue the Oeneral House of Assembly and pro- 
 claim martial law under the powei-s of the King's Conniiission, in 
 case of invasion. 
 
 The Council adjourned for deliberation. 
 
 Tuesday, 4th August. 
 
 The Council met from adjournment of yestenlay. 
 Present, — 
 
 The same members. 
 
 The Council having delilierated upon His Honor's representa- 
 tion is unanimously of the opinion that under the circumstances of 
 the Colony, it is expedient upon the prorogation of the (reneral 
 Assembly to proclaim and exercise Martial Law, according to the 
 powers of His Majesty's Commission to the Governor-General. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q., 118, p. 187.) 
 
164 
 
 Major General Brock to Sir George PreToat. 
 
 York, August 4, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to enclose a statement made hy me 
 yesterday to His Majesty's Executive Council, which will fully 
 apprize Your Excellency of n»y situation. The Council adjourned 
 for deliberation, and I have no doubt will recommend the proroga- 
 tion of the Assembly and proclamation declaring martial law ; but 
 doubts occurred in contemplation of such an event, which I take the 
 liberty to submit to Your Excellency and request the aid of your 
 experience and superior judgment. 
 
 1. In the event of declaring martial law, can I, without the 
 sign manual, approve and carry into effect the sentence of a general 
 courtmartial ? 
 
 2. Can I put upon a general courtmartial after martial law is 
 proclaimed any pei-son not a commissioned officer in His Majesty's 
 regular forces ? In other words, can officere of the militia set in 
 conjunction with those of the line ? 
 
 (From Tupper's Life of Brock, pp. 232-3.) 
 
 The Secretary of War to Major-General Dearborn. 
 
 War Department, August 4, 1812. 
 
 (Abatraot.) 
 
 Informing him that the light artillery and Siniond's regiment 
 have been orderetl to proceed to Albany. 
 
 Prom the Buffalo Gazette, Tuesday, 4th August, i8ia. 
 
 The account of Hull's occupying Sandwich was known at 
 Newark four or five davs before it arrived here, the distance from 
 Detroit to Newark being much less than the route on our side of 
 the lake. It is presumed that troops were immediately sent to 
 Maiden, as for ten or twelve days past there have been several 
 movements of British troops on the Niagara River. On Saturday 
 last we are informed that one company of regulars and five flank 
 companies (militia) were sent up to the head of Lake Ontario in 
 boats, from thence (distance about 30 miles) to Detroit River, and 
 to sail down the same to Maiden. The flags of truce which so 
 fre(|Uently passed and re-passed at Black Rock and other places on 
 the Niagara River during the two first weeks of the war have, we 
 believe, been entirely discontinued. No event of importance has 
 
165 
 
 transpired on our frontier since our last The health oF the troops 
 is not materially changed. There has been one death at the Rock 
 last week, and one now lies dangerously ill. 
 
 Yesterday a British armed vessel (supposed to be the one 
 lately built at Long Point) came down and anchored at Fort Erie 
 — a merchant vessel came in company, name not known, probably 
 a prize to the arrived ship. 
 
 Tuesday morning, H o'clock. The brig Hunter, ship of war, 
 and sch'r Nancy, have left Fort Erie and gone up the lake, prob- 
 ably loaded with military stores for Maiden. 
 
 Indian L<k31c. — The rumor of the British and Indians taking 
 possession of Grand Island (8ituate<l in Niagara River and owned 
 by the Senecas) having reached the Senecas, they assembled for the 
 purpose of counselling with their agent, Mr. Granger, on the sub- 
 ject. The famous Red Jacket, after having stated the information 
 they had received, addressed the agent in the following manner : — 
 
 Brother, — You have told us that we had nothing to do with 
 the war between you and the British, but we find the war has come 
 to our own doors. Our property is taken possession of by the 
 British and their Indian friends. It is necessary for us now to 
 take up the business, defend our property, and drive the enemy 
 from it. If we sit still upon our seat-s and take no measures of 
 redi'ess the British (according to the customs of you white people) 
 will hold it by conquest, and should you conquer the Canadas, you 
 will claim it upon the same principle, as conquered from the British. 
 We therefore request permission to go with our warriors and drive 
 off those bad people and take possession of our lands. 
 
 » District General Orders. 
 
 York, 5th August, 1812. 
 D. G. Orders. 
 
 The business of the commissariat at this post having decreased, 
 Major-General Brock has appointe'd Mr. William Stanton to act as 
 paymaster to the militia for the York District until further orders. 
 Mr. Stanton is to receive no pay for performing this duty other 
 than what he derived from his situation in the Commissariat 
 Department 
 
 By order of the Major-General. 
 
 J. B. Glegg, 
 
 Captn., A. D. C. 
 
166 
 
 Prom the New York Bvenlng Post, Thursday, 13th August, x8xa. 
 
 Albany, Auj^ust 10. 
 
 We are 8orry to learn that inoHt of the young men of the St. 
 RegiH tribe of Indiana have left their settlement to Join the British 
 forces, and that Colonel Louis and several of the aged chiefH friendly 
 to the Unite<l States have from fear of their safety also fled from 
 their settlement and taken refuge within the County of Franklin, 
 where they are now supported at the expense of the United States. 
 
 (File in the New York Society Librar>-.) 
 
 Mi^or-General VaoRensselaer to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Buffalo, 11th August, 1812, p. m. 
 
 Sir, — I have to advise Your Excellencv that I arrived here last 
 evening, and various considerations induced me to adopt measures 
 for obtaining satisfactory information i*especting the situation of 
 Oent'ral Hull. Accoixlingly I this morning sent my aide de-can>p 
 to Black Rock, having heartl that Ju<lge Porter, brother of the 
 Quartermivster-Ceneml, had lately returned from Detroit. Colonel 
 Van Rensselaer has returned, having hatl a conference with the 
 Quartermaster-General an<i Judge Porter. The result of the 
 information obtained is sulistnntially this : That Judge Porter left 
 Detroit on the 29th ult. : Gen. Hull was entrenching himself oppo- 
 site Detroit, and Fort Maiden wa« not taken, as has been reported. 
 Genl. Hull's force was eight hundred. At Brownstown, below 
 Detroit, are fifteen hundred hostile Indians. The Quartermaster- 
 General has lately sent several botits with provisions for General 
 Hull, but unfortunately one boat was taken by the enemy, and 
 unfavorable apprehensions are entertained for the other boats. 
 
 It is here generally believed that detachments of trcM^ps have 
 been sent from Fort (ieorge to relieve Fort Maiden : the number 
 remaining behind \ have not been able to a.scertajn, but shall 
 endeavor to make this an object of early enc|uiry. It is sai*! that 
 the enemy abound on the opposite shore with ordnance and every 
 munition of war. We are here, as indeed at all our posts, lament- 
 ably deficient in ordnance. The situation of Ogdensburg, and the 
 necessity of supplying it with heavy ordnance, I have before stated 
 to Your Excellency in my letter by express from that place. Every 
 consideration connected with the success of any operation in this 
 quarter urges me to solicit the earliest |K»ssible supply of heavy 
 ordnance and some skilful engineer and artillerists. Without such 
 aid and supplies I can hardly conceive how it will be possible for 
 
167 
 
 U8 io achieve anything of importance or even to defend our poetH 
 in case of an attack from the enemy. 
 
 I have Mpent a part of thiH day with Red Jacket, Coniplanter 
 and a number of other IndianH of influence. They very kindly 
 consider me au the menaenger of peace and friendship, especially 
 delegated by Your Excellency. Their professions are unreservedly 
 friendly and I believe sincere. 
 
 I have this day received a letter from Major-General Dearborn, 
 in which he speaks of Fort Maiden being taken. I have given him 
 such information tin 1 poHsesH on that subject. 
 
 I shall to-moiTow proceed to Bltick Rock and I^wiston and 
 make further communications of every incident of importance. 
 
 (TompkiuH' Papers, vol. VIII., pp. 58-01, New York SUte Library.) 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Major General Brock. 
 
 Montreal, August 12, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Your letter of the 4th in.stant, enclosing the proceedings 
 of the Executive Council of the 'M, Cuptuin (Jlegjjj's letter of the 5th 
 instant, transmitting copies of letters from Colonel Procter to you 
 of the 26th and MOth July, with the correspondence between Briga- 
 dier-General Hull and Lieut.-Colonel St. George, and the intercepted 
 correspondence of the former, together with your letter to Colonel 
 Baynes of the 4th instant, were all delivere<l to me on my arrival 
 at this place yesterday. The information they contain is highly 
 interesting, and I lose no time in despatching U) you Brigade- 
 Major Shekleton as the bearer of this letter and for the purpose of 
 receiving whatever communication you may have to make in 
 return. Being fullv aware of the necessity of aflbixling you such 
 reinforcements as the exigencies of the service in other parts of the 
 two Provinces would permit, I had previous to the receipt of your 
 letter made arrangements for that purjxxse. 
 
 Major Ormsby, with three companies of the 49th Regiment, 
 protecting a considerable supplj' of ordnance and ordnance stores, 
 left Lachine on the 6th instant for Kingston and Fort George, 
 taking with him £2,500 for the payment of the regular and militia 
 forces. Major Heathcote, with one company of the 49th Regiment, 
 about 110 men of the Newfoundland Regiment and 50 picked 
 Veterans, are to leave Lachine on the 13th instant. With this 
 detachment an additional supply of ordnance stores and camp 
 equipage for 500 men will be forwarded for Up|)er Canada, and, as 
 soon as a sufliciency of bateaux can again be collected at Lachine, 
 Colonel Vincent is under orders to proceed to Kingston with the 
 
168 
 
 remainder of the 49th Regiment and a Hubaltem of the Roya] 
 Artillery and ten gunners with two 3-pounder8. 
 
 When tlieHe reinforcenientH reach you, they will, I trust, enahle 
 you BueceHHfully to resist the internal (as well as external) 
 enemies opposed to you and niaterially aid the able measures yoa 
 have adopted for the defence of Upper Canmla. With regard to the 
 queries you liave nuhmitte<l to me on the subject of martial law, I 
 have to olmerve that it has not fallen within my experience U) see 
 martial law proclaimed except in those places where it Itas been 
 declared under the authority of a provincial legislature, which of 
 course regulate<l the mode in which it was to bt; executerl. As the 
 martial law you propose declaring is founded on the King's com- 
 mission and u|K>n the extreme case of invasion alluded U> in it, I 
 am inclined to think that whatever power is necessary for carrying 
 the measure into eff.,ct must have bt?en intended to have lx?en given 
 you by the commission, and consequently that the power of assem- 
 oling courts martial and of carrying their sentences into execution 
 is included in the authority for d«H.'laring martial law. The officerH 
 of militia lM;coming themselvtw subject to martial law when it is 
 declared, I conceive they may sit upon courts martial with officers 
 of His Majesty's regular forces, but upon l)oth these |K)ints I dt*sire 
 not to be U"derst<Hxl as sfM'aking decisively — extrenie cases must 
 be met by ni asures which, on oi*dinary fxjcasions, would not perhaps 
 be justitieil. V%)ur situation is such as Ui warrant your resorting to 
 any step which in your judgment the public safety may require. - 
 I should therefore think that after taking the l)est opinions that 
 you can obtain from the first law characters you hav(> about yoa, 
 respecting the doubt>4 you entertain nu this subject, you need not 
 hesittite to determine u|)on that line of conduct which you shall 
 think will l^est {)n>mote the go<xl of the service, trusting, if you do 
 err, to the a)>solute necessity of the measure you may adopt as your 
 justification for them U) His Majesty's (lovernncnt. 
 
 Your letters of the 26th, 28th, and 29th Juiy, with the several 
 enclosures and pipe* ^ accompanying them, were receive<I by me 
 shortly previous to . leaving Quebec, the last containing Captain 
 Roberts' official account of the capture of Fort Michilimackinac. 
 Great credit is certainly due to that officer for the zeal >*^nd promp- 
 titude with which he haf performed that service — at the same time, 
 I must confess, my mind has been very much relieve<l by finding 
 that the capture took place at a perio<l subseouent to BrigmJier- 
 General Hull's invasion of the Pr:)vince, as had it lieen prior to it, 
 it would not only have been in violation of Captain Roberts's 
 orders, but have anorde<l a just ground for the subse(|uent conduct 
 of the enemy, which I now plainly perceive no forbearance on your 
 
169 
 
 p rt could have prevented. The capture of thin place will, I hope, 
 enable the Indian tribes in that quarter to co-operate with you in 
 your present movements against the enemy, by threatening his 
 flanks, a diversion which would grc-*'v alarm him and probably 
 have the effect of compelling him U. . * eat acroas the river. 
 
 I send you enclosed a copy of tiiL official repeal of the orders 
 in council, which f received last night (by expresH) from Quebec. 
 Although I much doubt whether this step on the part of our 
 Government will have any effect upon that of the United States, 
 the circulation of a paper evincing their conciliatory disponition 
 may tend to increane and strengthen the divisions which subsist 
 among the people upon the subject of the war. I therefore recom- 
 mend you ti) have a nunilier of copies struck off and clistributerl. 
 
 Colonel Baynes is still absent u|Km his mission to the enemy's 
 camp. Your letter t<^) him of the 29th ultimo was received at the 
 same time with those I have last acknowledge*!. Colonel I^th- 
 bridge I have directed to return to Montreal. 
 
 The issue of army bills has taken place at Quelxjc, and I hope 
 to Vje able shortly to send you a supply of theni. 
 
 (Prom Tiipper'8 Life of Brook, pp. 2.T:J-6.) 
 
 Hajor-Oeneral Dearborn to Major-General Amos Hall, or Com- 
 manding Officer on the Niagara Frontier. 
 
 HEADgrAUTKK.S, (iKKENHl'SH. Aug. 8, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Having received from Sir (leorge Prevost, (iovernor and 
 Commander-in-('hief of the forces in Canada by Col. Baynes, his 
 Adjutant-Ceneral, despatches from England U) our Coverinnent of a 
 conciliatory nature, and a proposition on the part of Sir Ceorge 
 Prevost, for a mutual cessation of hoMtilities on the frontiers, I have 
 so far cimiplied with the proposition as to agree to direct tlie 
 respective commanding officers on the side of the United State.s to 
 confine their resjHJCtive operations to defensive meJisures until they 
 receive further orders. Similar ordei*s are given to the British 
 connnanders. You will therefore confine tl»e operations of the 
 troorw under your command to defensive measures until they 
 receive further ordei-s. It l)eing explicitly understood that if 
 GiMieral Hull should ctjntinue to act offensively and any movement 
 of the enemy's troops in your vicinity should take place with a view 
 to offensive operations, it wi!l be considered as an infraction of the 
 agreement, and you will govern yourself accordingly. 
 
 (From 8. ViuiR«niiaelaer'H Namtlve: Appendix, p. 24.) 
 
170 
 
 The Secretaty of War to Hajor-Oeneral Dearborn. 
 
 War Department, Aug. 8, 1812. 
 
 (AbatnMt.) 
 Should the recruits and vohinteers be Inadequate for immediate 
 operations lie in iuHtructed to call out as many militia as he may 
 need. The re))eated attacks of the enemy in the vicinity of 
 Sackett's Harbor require prompt and energetic movements in the 
 vicinity of the lakes. 
 
 (From the Buffalo Gaeette, Tuesday, xith August, x8xa.) 
 
 On Friday and Saturday of last week eleven vxitive born 
 citizens of the United States deserted from the British ranks, seized 
 Vioats, and, crossing Lake Erie, landed eight of them at Canadaway, 
 in Cimutnu(|ua C'ounty, and the other three at the mouth of Buffalo 
 Creek. They were examined and suffered to depart. Their coun- 
 tenances bespoke the joy and satisfaction they felt on having thus 
 so hHi)]>ily made their escape. They inform us that the British are 
 witlulrawing almost all their forces from the Niagara lines t<.) meet 
 GentTal Hull at Fort Maiden. If this be true we are led to believe : 
 
 There is a tide in the affairs of UKir, which taken at the ebb 
 leads on to fortune. 
 
 l^ast Wednesday, b<*fore a general ctjurt martial, held at the 
 court house in this village, Colonel Philetus Swift, President, com- 
 menced the trial of Elijah Clark. The charge brought against him 
 was that cf being a British spy. The trial ctmtinued until Satur- 
 day alK)ut noon. The decision is not yet known, and probibly will 
 not Ije for several days. 
 
 At an Indian C'ouncil, held at Cattaraugus on the 2J)th July, 
 the Indian chiefs requested thfit no more whiskey should be sold to 
 the Indians. 
 
 District General Orders. 
 HEADgUARTERS, BaSKS OK LaKE ERIE, 
 
 15 Miles S. W. of Port Talhot. 
 August 11th, 1812, 6 o'clock p. m. 
 D. General Orders. 
 
 The troops will hold themselve^^ in reailinesH and will embark 
 in the boats at twelve o'clock this ni^ht precisely. 
 
 It is Major-General Brook's positive ordei-s that none of the 
 boats go ahead of that in which is the Headquarters, where a light 
 will l)e carried during the night. 
 
 The officers commanding the different boats will immediately 
 
171 * 
 
 inspect the arms and ammunition of the men and see that they are 
 'constantly kept in a state for immediate service, as the troops are 
 now to pass through a part of the country whicli is known to have 
 been visitetl by the enemy's patroles. 
 
 A captain with a subaltern and thirty men will mount as 
 piquet upon the landing of the boats, and a sentry will be furnished 
 fi*om each Ijoat, who must l»e regularly relieved, to take charge of 
 the IxNit and l>aggage, &ic. 
 
 A patrole frt)m the piquet will be sent out on landing to the 
 distance of a mile from the encampment. 
 
 By onler of the Major-Geneml, 
 
 J. B. GLEf«j, Capfn, A. D. C. 
 J. Macij(»nel. , r. A. D. C. 
 
 Satnttel 8. Connor, A. D. C. to Major-General Dearborn, to the Com- 
 manding^ Officer at Niagfara. 
 
 . (Undated.) 
 
 Sir, — You will pletisi* to communicate the encloHe«l communi- 
 cntion, which is from the British A<ljutant-(ieneral, to the British 
 commanding officer op{)osite Niagara and Detroit, that he may 
 inunetliately communicate it to Col. Procter. 
 
 (From 8. VanReUMielaer'it Xnrrative: Api^ndix, p. 23.) 
 
 District General Orders. 
 
 HEADyr.AKTKUS, PoIXT .Vl'X PiXS, 
 
 L.\KE Ekie, August ritli, 1S12. 
 D. Genertd (Jnlei'H. 
 
 It is Major-General BnK'k's intention, should the wind con- 
 tinue fair, to procee<l during the nii^ht. (Jflicers commanding Ijijuts 
 will therefore pay attention to the order of sailing as directed 
 yestenlay. The greatest care an«l attention will lie re(|uisite to 
 prevent the U>ats from scattering ov falling btfliind. 
 
 A great |>art of the liank of the lake where the Iwats will this 
 day pass is much more dangerous and diDieuIt of access than any 
 we have passefl. The hoain, will therefore not lan<l excepting in 
 the moHt extreme necessity, and the greatest care must Ije taken to 
 choose the l)est places for landing. 
 
 Tlie troops Wing now in the neighl)orhood of the enemy, every 
 precaution must be taken to guard against surprise. 
 
 By order of the Major-General. 
 
 J. B. Gleoo, 
 
 Capfn, A. D. C. 
 
172 
 Colonel Baylies to Major-Oeneral Brock. 
 
 Montreal, August 13, 1812.. 
 
 Sir, — I wrote to you from Albany on the 8th instant, but as 
 my letter was submitted to the inspection of General Dearborn I> 
 of course, confined myself to the sole subject of the armistice 
 
 entered into with that officer A clause 
 
 admitting reinforcements to pass with stores was readily agreed to 
 on my part. General Dearborn told me that a considerable rein- 
 forcement (with stores) was on its way to Niagara, and that he 
 could not delay or alter its destination. I informed him that we 
 were also forwarding reinforcements and stores, and that it would 
 he advisable to agi*ee that all movements of that nature on either 
 side should Imj suffered to proceed unmolestedly by troops under 
 instructions to preserve defensive measures. I am apprehensive 
 that General Dearliorn may not explicitly explain all these points, 
 and 1 have therefore cautioned all the officers to whom I have com- 
 municated them to act with the utmost caution, and to be prepared 
 for all events that may arise. I feel extremely prepossessed in 
 favor of General Dearlx)rn, whose nmnners appear to evince great 
 candor and sincerity. He assured me that no event of his life 
 would afford him so much happiness as resigning his command in 
 consequence of our honorable adjustment of differences. He told 
 me that General Hull was placed under his ordei's merely for 
 form's sake, bat that he acted by particular instructions from the 
 War Department, and would not consider himself bound to obey 
 any order that wjis not in conformity with them. 
 
 Under all these circumstances, which I have represented to Sir 
 George, I have strongly urged his sending you further reinforce- 
 ments, which I am sure can be spared. We are at present checked for 
 want of conveyance, but I trust that after the troops now on their 
 route are despatched that Sir George will be induced to send you 
 further aid and that of the best description. I think it of the 
 highest importance, particularly if we are likely to arrange matters 
 with the States, that the balance of military events should be 
 unequivocally in our favor. I found a very general prejudice pro- 
 vailing with Jonathan of his own resources and means of invading 
 these provinces, and of our weakness and inability to resist, both 
 exaggerated in a most absurd and extravagant degree. A little 
 practical correction of this error would l>e attended with the best 
 effects. 
 
 The 1st battalion of the Royals are upwards of 1,100 strong, 
 
- ', 173 
 
 but sickly, having suffered from their long residence in the West 
 Indies, and they are in consequence marked for the Quebec garrison. 
 
 (From Tupper's Life of Brook, pp. 398-300.) 
 
 General Amos Hall to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Manchester, August 13, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — In conformity with your directions in your letter of the 
 8th of July, I repaired without delay to the Niagara frontier. On 
 my arrival I found that considerable apprehension was entertained 
 of an invasion, but before I could form an opinion as to the fact, I 
 found that it would be necessary for me to take a general view of 
 the lines. I spent about a week in the examination and in making 
 such disposition of the troops as appeared to me best calculated to 
 protect and guard the frontier. I, however, found it difficult with 
 the force we had on the lines to distribute the men so as to form a 
 chain of centinels and patrols from lake to lake, and have men left 
 off guard duty Kufficient to erect such batteries as have by the 
 advice of Genl. Gray been erected, and to perform other necessary 
 fatigue duty. 
 
 One battery has been built on the brow of the hill above 
 Lewiston, which will completely command two batteries erected by 
 the enemy on the opposite side of the river, one lieing a little below 
 the house of Benjamin Barton, the other about one-third of the way 
 up the hill uljove Queenston. We have another battery of con- 
 siderable length erected on the rise of ground opposite lower Black 
 Rock, in front of the barracks. That, however, I consider a pro- 
 tecting rather than commanding work. Another small work has 
 been nearly completed, and has been erected under cover of a thin 
 wood, about half a mile up the river from the barracks. This is 
 thought by General Gray (who is our chief engineer) to be a very 
 connnanding piece of gi*ound. It is a small battery, calculated to 
 mount one heavy piece of li. tillery. 
 
 The situation of the batteries erected by the enemy on the 
 opposite side of the river are very correctly described in the ejistern 
 papei*s, and particularly in the papers printed in Canandaigua, 
 which you have undoubtedly seen. No new Imtteries have been 
 erected on the opposite shore within eight or ten f' ys past. 
 
 Our batteries are now nearly rearly to rec several pieces of 
 ordnance, and some should lie heavy. But w.-e misfortune is we 
 have nothing of the kind. We have only four pieces of field 
 artillery, except what are in the garrison : two four and two six- 
 pounders. Those pieces of heavy artillery mentioned in your letter 
 of the 8th of July have not arrived. 
 
174 
 
 We have hacl thoughts of supplying ourselves with oi'dnance 
 from the Vtatteries on the Canada shore. But being well assured 
 that many of the inhabitants are favorable to receiving our troops 
 and would give us aid if we should come in sufficient force to give 
 them protection, and knowing their situation to be such that tliey 
 would he obliged to take arms if any trifling invasion should l)e 
 made, it has been thought most advisable to nmke no attempt until 
 an efficient force might cross, such as to give general protection. 
 
 The Quartermaster-General has conunenced building lK)at8 at 
 Manchester (near the falls), and by the assistance of fatigue parties 
 from the lines we are in hopes to have forty boats completed 
 within two or three weeks at the farthest. 
 
 I consider it a great misfortune tliat we are not now provided 
 with boats and a sufficient numl)er of troops to cross the river. It 
 is a favorable momiMit, and I regret very much indeed that we are 
 not prepare*! to improve it. 
 
 Detachments of the regular tnK)ps and of the militia have 
 within the last ten or fifteen days Ix'^en orderetl up Ltike Erie by 
 water, and across the country to Fort Maiden, to reinforce the 
 British army in that quarter. 
 
 I am very anxious for the fate of Ueneral Hull's army, which 
 did not (I have been informed) exceed twenty-two hundred when 
 he crossed the river. Had we ha«l a suitivble force and l)een pro- 
 vided with l»oats, it wouI<i have Ix'en in our ijower to have prevented 
 reinfoi*cementH from leaving this part of Upper Canada to the 
 relief of Maiden. But l)oats we had mine, and not a sufficient 
 numUa* of troops to have warranted an attack. 
 
 We are informed, and I l)elieve tho information correct, that 
 the whole force at Fort Krie, and the batteries in its vicinity, did 
 not a few days sijiee amount to more than two or three hundred 
 men at most, and at Fc»rt George their strength, we have reiison to 
 believe, is nearly in the sanie proportion. But the eneujy, knovk^ing 
 that we had no means of crossing the river, ventured to leave their 
 forts thus thinly garrisoned. 
 
 My opinion is that three thousand men, in addition to our 
 present force, wouKl be sufficient to enable us to erect the American 
 standard on the Canadian side, and support it against any force 
 that could Ik* raised, unless (Jeneral Huil should be defeated and 
 the troops from that ouarter, with a large force of Indians that 
 would inunediately follow them, should return to oppose us. In 
 that event, flushed as they would be with victory, a much larger 
 would be necessary. Our lines are at present thinly guarded, and 
 guartl duty is hard on the men. It would be a great relief should 
 Your Excellency see fit to order on the 19th regiment detached from 
 
176 
 
 the counties of Cayuga and Seneca, the command of which has 
 l>ee!i asHijriied to Lieutenant-Colonel Bloom. In case of invasion, or 
 should it be thought adviHable to make a descent into Upper Can- 
 ada, many of the militia in the western part of the State would 
 volunteer. There has been several tenders of the services of com- 
 panies and battalions since I have been on the lines. 
 
 The troops now on the lines are stationed as follows: — Lieut.- 
 Colonel Swift's regiment at Black Rock, except one company on 
 command at Buffalo ; four companies of Lieut-Colonel Dobbin's 
 regiment and one company of Lieut.-Colonel Allen's regiment at 
 the camp near old Fort Schlosser; Captain Dox's volunteer com- 
 pany and three companies of Lieut.-Colonel Dobbin's regiment at 
 Lewiston; Lieut-Colonel Allen's regiment, excepting one company 
 at the Five Mile Meailow^, between Lewiston and Fort Niagara. 
 Part of the regular troops are at Youngstown, the remainder in the 
 garrison. 
 
 Our whole force cannot be estimated to exceed fourteen hun- 
 dred effective men. Twelve dragoons are distributed at the different 
 posts on the lines, who answer for expresses and patrols. 
 
 An express has been sent to General Hull, tvdvising him of the 
 reinforcement sent on by General Brock from the British lines and 
 vicinity of the Niagara frontier. The express went from Buffalo 
 on the 5th iuKt and reached Cuyahoga in two days. But Judge 
 Porter, who arrived last evening from Detroit, is apprehensive that 
 the communication will be cut off l)efore the express will be able to 
 get through, for he states that McKee, with sonie other Inilian 
 leaders, wi'ih about 300 Indians, were at a place calle<l Brownstown, 
 nearly op',K)site Maiden, a short time before he with about Forty 
 others en me into town, but had crossed over to Maiden. He 
 expects H II communication will be cut off by this party. 
 
 Judge Porter bHngs reports that Michilimackinac has been 
 taken, t'.iat it was given up on summons, not a gun tired. There 
 were seventy men in garrison and about one hundred of the enemy; 
 from tv.'elve to twenty only were white men, the remainder Indians. 
 
 Gonera! Hull, he states, is erecting a fort nearly opposite 
 Detroit, where he will act on the defensive until he receives a rein- 
 forcement. I hope it may arrive in season. 
 
 It appears by Judge Porter's account that the General had but 
 860 effective men on his return with him when he was at Sand- 
 wich about two weeks since. There proljably might have been 
 about two hundred on command. Admitting that calculation to be 
 corroct, one thousand would l)e all his force. This is a small army 
 in ail enemy's country, widely different from being in possession of 
 Mai ien, as'stated in our tirst accouni^ 
 
176 
 
 General Van Rensselaer and suite arrived at this place last 
 evening. Ho will proceed to the garrison to-morrow. After taking 
 a view of the lines he will take coniniand on this station. 
 
 In compliance with Your Excellency's orders, I came on to 
 these lines. I now wait your further orders respecting my services. 
 
 The troops here are generally healthy, excepting slight turns 
 of the distempers incident to camps on their tii-st formation. There 
 have been but few cases of fever taken place in the camp for the 
 nuinl>er of men and the season of the year. 
 
 N. B. — August 14. — General Van Rensselaer has taken the 
 command on this station. 1 find by General Orders by him on the 
 13th July that he is authorized to call out such parts of the detach- 
 ments as he may think necessary. He appears very anxious to 
 have it in his power to do something for his country ; he will order 
 on more troops immediately. 
 
 (Tompkinti' Pnperfl, vol. VIII., pp. 53-8, New York State Librmry.) 
 
 Prom the New York livening: Post, Thursday, a 7th AuRust, z8ia. 
 
 .^ Batavia, August 13. 
 
 Extract of a letter dated at Buffalo, August 13: 
 This afternoon the British began to build a breastwork nearlj' 
 opposite Black Rock. They were scattered in every direction bv 
 one discharge of a six-pounder from our shore. The ball struck 
 near the laborers. All was confusion for a short time. An officer 
 on horseback was immediately despatched to Fort Erie. To- 
 morrow morning the British will no doubt resume work. 
 
 (Prom file in New York Society Library.) 
 
 Prom the New York Evening Post, Wednesday, a6th August, iSza. 
 
 Canandaigua, August 13. 
 
 We are told that the gentleman who brought General Hull's 
 proclamation to the Niagara frontiers turns out to be a citizen '>f 
 Canada, sent over in the night from Fort Erie, where the proci.i- 
 mation had been received several days earlier than on our side. 
 Calculating on our miail-like way of transmitting intelligence, the 
 fellow availed himself of General Hull's paper, which served as a 
 good passport, and, appearing in the capacity of an express, found 
 
177 
 
 no difficulty in obtaining information which waH his ^xprettM view, 
 and after spending several days along the line he re-crossed in a 
 boat rowed by two men from the British fort. 
 
 (From file in New York Society Lihnrj.} 
 
 General Orders. 
 HEADgUAUTEKH, NiAUAKA, Aug. 18th, 1812. 
 
 Major-General VaiiRensselaer having been appointed to the 
 command of the troops on the northern and western fnm tiers of 
 this State, announces his arrival. Having assumed this command, 
 the General assures the officers and soldiers that as on their part 
 he will require prompt ol)edience to ordei*s and strict discipline, so 
 from him they may expect his unremitting exertions to render 
 their situation at all times as eligible as possible, and when their 
 exertions shall be called for against the enemy he trusts with C(m- 
 tidence that they will Ix; such us will redound t«) the honor of the 
 troops and the service of the country. 
 
 The tn)ops at Jjcwiston will he reviewed and inspected at 10 
 o'clock to-nion*ow : for that purpo.se blank returns will be furnished. 
 
 An accurate inspection return will lj€ made out by the com- 
 manding otficei*s of companies, who are to account for their men, 
 arms, and accoutrements. In their returns they will note the 
 deficiencies of arms or accoutrements, to the end that measures 
 may be adopted to obtain supplies from the proper departments. 
 
 By order of Major-General Van Rensselaer. 
 
 Soi^ VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Canip. 
 
 General Order. 
 
 HEADgUAHTEIlS, ALBANY, 13th Aug., 1812. 
 
 The Nineteenth detached regiment of militia of this State, com- 
 mandetl by Lt.-Col. Henry Bloom, lieing part of General William 
 Wadsworth's detached brigade, pursuant to the directions of the 
 President <jf the Unitetl States, is herebv oiflered into the service 
 of the United States, and is to repair to Lewiston or Black Rock 
 and receive and obey the orders of the commanding officer in the 
 service of the United States at that frontier. The regiment will 
 rendezvous in battalions or l)y regiment, as may Ik? dir«'cted by 
 Brigadier-Genl. John Tillotson, who is the senior brigadier-general 
 and will act as Commandant of the seventh division of the militia 
 of this State, in the absence of Major-General Hall. 
 
178 
 
 The non-commissioned officers and privates must severally 
 appear at the place uf rendezvous arine<l with a musket or rifle and 
 e(|uipinents accordingly, and with a knapsack, blanket, canteen and 
 necesHary clothing. Tents and camp equipage will he provided and 
 \te ready for the use of the regiment at the times and places of 
 rendezvous. • 
 
 By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 Anthony Lamb, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 (TompkinH' P»perfi, New York State Llbmry.) 
 
 John I<ovett to Joseph Alexander. 
 
 Niagara Fall.s. August 14, 1812. 
 
 I wrote to VanVechten by the last mail the situation of Gen- 
 eral Hull. I am inclined to think he is not in a very eligible 
 situation, (iuneral Dearborn Ixiliuves Fort Maiden is taken, hut it 
 is not true. Now, in justification of our General, who God knows 
 would serve his country if he could, I made a little sketch of the 
 country, &c., where and how Hull is situated, in my letter to Van 
 Vechten : read that and you will see what condition we are in, but 
 
 - how is that possible in our present condition ? We have eleven 
 cannon for all our extensive lines : no works of any con8e<{uence 
 except old Fort Niagara, and that, though once a masterpiece, is all 
 going to decay. From Buffalo to Niagam, both inclusive, we have 
 not 1,000 militia. Capt. I^onard of the garrison at Niagara told 
 me this afternoon that our regulars are 8(>0 and no more. Wait 
 another sentence. Although (jeneral Van Rensselaer is incessantly 
 pressing the Commander-in-Chief with that indispensable necessity 
 of a competent supply of heavy ordnance, for engineers, artillerists, 
 still a noble company of 10() artillerists at Niagara are in two or 
 three days to take up their line of inarch for Albany. This Capt. 
 Leonard told me this day. After all j'ou have heard, you will not, 
 you cannot, l>elieve me, but hear mu and wait until the next mail, 
 when we shall send the Commander-in-Chief our inspection returns 
 
 ' for all the poKts. Now, as to the enemy — although they have sent 
 off large detachments. General W^adsworth, who commanded at 
 Lewiston, told me today 1,000 from Niagara to reinforce Fort 
 Maiden, yet they appear to be alert all along the lines, yet excewl- 
 ing civil, and still with ordnance of every description and all the 
 munitions of war they abound. 
 
 Every three or four miles on every prominent point or eminence 
 there you see a snug lottery thrown up, and the Itmt saucy 
 
179 
 
 aryammt« of Kingn poking their white noseH and nmiul black 
 iiuHtrilH ri^ht upon your face, ready to Hpit tire, hall, and briniHtone 
 in your very teeth if you were offer to turn Hquatter on John 
 BuH'm laud. Niagara, on the BritiHli Hide, or as it iH Hoinetiniea 
 called Newark, I mean at Lake Ontario, looks wicked everywhere. 
 It is a charnnn}^. fertile, hroad village, but all a camp, fortified at 
 every point. Capt. I>*onard whh thin aftt^rnoon in my prenence 
 aske<I seriously for his orofessional answer as an able, gallant, and 
 experienced omcer: *• M hat number of troops would be competent 
 to promise success in an attack upon Fort George, that is, their 
 mam work." I heard the answer : " Not Uhh than 2,000 well dis- 
 ciplined troops." Those who know Leonard will believe, for they 
 must resj)ect his opinion. No sooner did we approach with our 
 cavalcade than away ran expresses on the opinmite shore at full 
 speed. Here again I saw our old friend, the Earl of Mo'ira. 
 NVliile we were reconnoitering the works the Prince Regent up 
 sails and sto<xl off north. " Now let the reasonable part of the 
 worhl judge why Gen. VanRensselaer cannot act 
 
 I Prom a Legacy of HUtoricml OlesningH, by Mra. C. V. R. Bonney. Albany, N. Y., 
 
 District General Orders. 
 
 HEADyLARTEIW, FoRT AmHEK-STIU KO, 
 
 August 14th, 1812. 
 [Circular.] 
 D. Geneiul Ordern. 
 
 Major-General Brock announces his arrival to the troops 
 <|uartered in the Western District, and directs officers in command 
 will imme<!iately transmit returns of their respective corps. 
 
 The Major-General congratulates the troops on the evacuation 
 of th6*^ountry by the ent;my. He is pei*8uade«l that nothing but 
 the spirit manifested by those who have remained doing duty, and 
 the judicious measures adopted by Colonel Procter, have compelled 
 him to so disgi*aceful a retreat. 
 
 (yolonel Elliott and Major McKee and the officers of the 
 Indian Department are entitled to his best thanks for their judi- 
 cious management of the Indians, and for the example of gallantry 
 which thev have unifonnly shown before the enemy. 
 
 The Major-General cannot avoid expressing his surprise at the 
 numerous desertions which have occurred from the ranks of the 
 militia, to which circumstance the long stay of the enemy on this 
 side of the river must in a great measure be ascribed. He is will- 
 ing to believe that their conduct proceeded from an anxiety to get 
 
■"■'-■:■ 180 ,■• „..;■,,:: ;■.■■■ ■.■v-.:...;.-.-.'^-:-,-, 
 
 in their harvests and not from any predilection for the principles 
 or Government of the United States. He requests officers com- 
 manding corps to transmit to him the names of such militiamen as 
 have remained faithful to their oath and duty, that immediate 
 measures may be taken to discharge their arrears of pay. 
 
 The enemy being still in the neighborhood, the whole physical 
 force of the country will be employed to drive him to such a dis- 
 tance as will ensure its tranquillity. 
 
 Officers commanding militia corps are responsible that every 
 individual bound to embody himself do immediately repair to this 
 station, in default of which he will be treated as a deserter and 
 subjected to all the penalties of the new Militia Act. 
 
 Captains Muir, Tallon, and Chambers, 41st Regiment ; Captain 
 Glegg, 49th Regiment ; Captain Mockler, Newfoundland Regt., and 
 Captain Dixon, Royal Engineers, are appointed to the rank of 
 Major so long as the local service on which they are employed 
 continues. 
 
 The troops in the Western District will be formed into three 
 brigades : The first, under Lieut.-Colonel St. George, to consist of 
 detachments of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, and of the 
 Kent and First and Second Regiments Essex Militia. The Second, 
 under the command of Major Chambers, consisting of fifty men of 
 4l8t Regiment, and the whole of the detachmen*^c of York, Lincoln, 
 Oxford, and Norfolk Militia. The Third Brig "j, under the com- 
 mand of Major Tallon, will consist of the re»-.ainder of the 41st 
 Regiment. •'■:V^■■•.''' ■;'"'■":!.■■. .■^-^--^v-vv; '■ 
 
 Colonel Procter will have charge of the whole line, under the 
 orders of the Major-General. 
 
 James Givins, Esquire, late Captain 5th Regiment, ia appointed 
 Provincial Aid-de-Camp, with the rank of Major in the Militia. 
 
 By order of the Major-General. 
 
 J. B. Glegg, Major, A. D. C. 
 
 District General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort Amherstburo, 
 
 August 15th, 1812. 
 B. General Orders. 
 
 The troops will be in readiness to embark at McGee's Point at 
 three o'clock to-morrow morning. Colonel Elliott will proceed 
 during the night to the eastern shore of the River Rouge, and upon 
 his communicating with the Major-General the troops will immedi- 
 ately commence crossing the river and land between River Rouge 
 and Spring Wells. 
 
.■■.':'; ■,:- •- '-.^^'^^■' : . 181 : '■ ; . "■ . . ,■ .;.■ ./^' ■:•:.,. '-. .' 
 
 Colonel Elliott will place the Indians in a position to take the 
 enemy in flank and rear, should he be disposed to oppose the 
 crossing. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel St. George will march his brigade this 
 evening aiid canton the men in the houses close to the spot at which 
 the embarkation is to take place. 
 
 The officers of the commissariat will make the necessary 
 arrangements to supply the troops employed on the opposite shore 
 with provisions and every article required by the different depart- 
 ments. During the operations of the troops in the field each nian 
 will receive one gill of spirits per day. The number for which 
 provision is to be made may be calculated at two thousand. 
 
 By order of the Major-General. 
 
 >; J. B. Glego, A. D. C. 
 
 The Secretafy of War to Major-Geueral Dearborn. 
 
 War Department, August 15, 1812. 
 
 (Abstraot.) 
 Acknowledges the receipt of his letter of the 8th, informing 
 him (the Secretary) of the conclusion of the armistice, and enclos- 
 ing a despatch for Mr. Baker, the British charge d'affaires. He is 
 instructed by the President that there does not appear to be any 
 justifiable cause to vary from the arrangements that are in opera- 
 tion. Not a moment should be lost in gaining possession of 
 Niagara and Kingston, and co-operai. ng with General Hull in 
 taking Upper Canada. It is expected that a sufficient force is 
 assembled for this, especially at Niagara. The reinforcement for 
 General Hull was to assemble at Newport, Ky., on the 12th, and 
 should reach Detroit about the 1st September, and 500 men will 
 march from Ohio and will probably arrive before. You are 
 authorized to purchase and arm such vessels on Lake Champlain 
 and other waters as may be necessary. 
 
 District General Orders. - . 
 
 Headquarters, Detroit, 
 
 16th Augt., 1812. 
 D. G. 0. 
 
 Major-General Brock has every reason to be satisfied with the 
 conduct of the troops he had the honor to lead this morning against 
 the enemy. The state of discipline which they so eminently dis- 
 played, and the determination they evinced to undertake the most 
 
182 ,' ''.-*- 
 
 hazardous enterprise, decided the enemy, infinitely more numerous 
 in men and artillery, to propose a capitulation, the terms of which 
 are herewith inserted for the information of the troops. 
 
 The Major-General requests Colonel Procter will accept his 
 best thanks for the assistance he derived from his experience and 
 intelligence. • 
 
 General Orders. 4'l''V'V:^:i;V--'^-'V5"--cV- 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 16th Aug., 1812. , 
 
 Major-General Hall will please to order the troops in the 
 vicinity of Niagara Falls to repair to Lewiston as soon as may be 
 convenient, reserving a necessary guard at that place until it shall 
 be relieved by a detachuient from Lieut.-Col. Swift's regiment. 
 The court martial, whereof Brigadier-General Wadsworth is presi- 
 dent, will adjourn to headquarters, and there finish the business 
 before them. 
 
 The troops between Lewiston and Fort Niagara will, with 
 their baggage, march to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock to Lewiston, 
 leaving guards at the places heretofore occupied for watching the 
 movements of the enemy. The quartermaster will furnish the 
 necessary transportation. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Swift will furnish small guards of observation from 
 Buffalo to the Falls of Niagara, inclusive. They are to communicate 
 to the General-in-Chief by runners any movements of the enemy 
 with all possible despatch. 
 
 By order of Major-General Van Rensselaer. • » j ■ ' ' 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 ; * ' i : John I^ovett to Joseph Alexander. 
 
 ' j ' i Sunday, August 16, 1812. 
 
 ' ■ Headquarters, Lewiston. 
 
 I had but just arrived yesterday when a firing of musketry 
 commenced on both sides the river at this place. 
 
 My General says I was the first man on my horse, and that as 
 I started he called to nje three or four times to come back, and the 
 reason he very handsomely assigned was that he expected I was 
 going to run away, and that he should never see me again. How- 
 ever, Gen. Wadsworth and Col. VanRensselaer were on their horses 
 and started with me. We run our horses up such horrid rocky 
 precipices as I never saw men ride before. The firing increased, 
 and the moment we darted out of the bushes on to the open land a 
 
- 183 ' 
 
 soldier, catching his breath, ran up to nie and sung out : " General, 
 do ride down into that hollow, for the balls fly dreaflfully here." 
 It was partly true ; they did fly a little, but I did not observe only 
 two that went near enough to make me grin. Col. V. R. says he 
 heard 6 or 8 about near enough. We pursued on a little further 
 and halted on our horses, inquiring of another soldier what began 
 the skirmish. While he was relating his story there came a ball 
 pretty near us, and had I been shot through I could not have 
 helped laughing to see the poor devil run behind a large black oak 
 tree, draw his arms close to his body, catch his breath and grin. 
 You may depend on it there is something perfectly indescribable in 
 the face of a clown who expects at every breath a ball through his 
 back. 
 
 Gen. Wadsworth was extremely cautious to keep his breast 
 towards the balls, saying he " had no notion that a Wadsworth 
 should be shot through the back." However, after six or eight 
 minutes the tiring ceased on both sides: the guards were small, and 
 I do not believe there were more than 100 muskets discharged on 
 both sides, but those were four to one by the enemy. So we 
 galloped all back again by another route amidst the plaudits of our 
 clever fellows, and no one more gratified with the little prompt zeal 
 shown than our commander. Now, this exactly nothing may by 
 some fool be conjured up as to another Sackett's Harbor battle. 
 In the afternoon over came a flag from Lieut.-Col. Myers of the 
 70th Regt., commanding Fort George, with a letter, demanding the 
 reason why his guards had been fired on, and I have just had the 
 honor of answering his letter to say that two men appeared near 
 the American shore under suspicious circumstances; they hailed 
 the opposite shore, and soon a boat appeared, presumed to be for the 
 object of transporting the two men over, and she was therefore fired 
 upon, and the tire returned. Col. VanRensselaer, decorated with all 
 the pomp of war as the best sample we could give Canada, has just 
 been over with the letter and returned. ..... 
 
 • • • • • • • • • • • ■- 
 
 9 AT NIGHT. — Huzza ! Huzza and tantivy ! We have been all 
 day making out and despatching orders to Oswego for a rifle 
 battalion, Cayuga for a troop of horse, to Ontario for Bloom's 
 regiment, &c., and now since dark comes a memorandum from 
 Captain Dox at Albany of the road full of troops, flying artillery, 
 infantry, &c., and all the uniformed conmanies in the State ! ! An 
 express from the Governor-General of Canada to Gen. Dearborn, 
 proposing an armistice. 
 
i" a; Monday, Aug. 17th, 3 p. m. 
 
 Mr, Dickson, a gentleman of respectability from Queenston 
 opposite this, is this moment over with a flag of truce. We asked 
 him the news on the Canada shore. He says that all the reinforce- 
 ments from Ohio to General Hull are cut ofl^ and destroyed by the 
 Indians from Brownstown, Since writing the above Peter B. 
 Porter tells me that from information he before possessed he has 
 no doubt of the fact stated by Mr. Dickson, - , ^ v 
 
 On the night of the the 17th, about midnight, I heard a 
 whoop : " Officer of the guard ! Officer of the guard !" Out I ran, 
 
 for to tell the candid truth I have about done with sleep 
 
 Well, this was an express with letters from Gen. Dearborn, enclos- 
 ing a sort of three-legged armistice between some sort of an 
 Adjutant-General on behalf of the Governor-General of Canada 
 and the said General Dearborn, also letters to Lt.-Col. Myers, com- 
 manding at Fort George. In the morning we sent down to 
 Niagara, seven miles, sent a flag across with the letters, &c. There 
 is nothing but flag after flag, letter after letter — Gen. Brock gone 
 somewhere, Lt.-Col. Myers not at the fort now, and Major-Gen. 
 Sheafle, formerly of Boston, (brother of Nancy Sheaffe, tell my 
 wife,) is now commanding at Fort George. , , , ' . . 
 
 The weather is unfavorable, alternate rains, and the sun 
 excessively hot. We have to pay great attention to the health of 
 the men. The duty of our troops is really severe — about 160 
 mount guard constantly, but no grumbling. The General is inde- 
 fatigable with them ; all the while among the men, and is gi'owing 
 every day more and more the favorite of the whole camp. Five 
 minutes ago we returned through the lines. A man had fallen in 
 a fit. The General looked and felt of him, called one of his mess 
 to go directly with him to his marquee, and by him sent the poor 
 soul a tumbler of wine. Encamping in the midst of the soldiers, 
 and being every hour in their view, pleaaes all. All the boats 
 which Porter has sent to Gen. Hull are undoubtedly cut off, I do 
 not see how Hull can get out, but he may. I hope so. Freemen 
 and brave soldiers are sacrifices too precious to be offered on the 
 altar to atone for folly and rashness. 
 
 (From Bonney's Historical Gleanings, pp. 207-9.) 
 
z * . ■ ' ■' ■ 
 
 .,; ^ Col. Myers to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 - ': ' ' Fort George, Upper Cadada, 
 
 ' ' August 17th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — The despatches of Major-General Brock, acquainting 
 Your Excellency of his having proceeded from here to Amhei'stburg 
 on the 1st instant, leaving me in command of this district, will have 
 no doubt reached you. Since his departure I have sent forward to 
 him sixty rank and file of the 41st Regiment and a like number of 
 militia volunteers. The former sailed froni Fort Erie on the morn- 
 ing of the 4th instant, and I have had the satisfaction to hear of 
 their timely arrival at their destination. . '■; 
 
 Major-General Brock left Long Point on the 8th with about 
 300 men, including forty rank and tile of the 4l8t Regiment, which 
 had for some tin»e been stationed in that district. The winds were 
 favorable, and he must have reached Amherstburg on the 12th. 
 The greater part of this number proceeded in bateaux. 
 
 When the Major-General left this he authorized my opening 
 all his official letters, and it may be satisfactory to Your Excellency 
 to know that under the privilege I unsealed your confidential 
 despatch (Aug. 3d,) addressed to him, and covering a copy of one 
 from Your Excellency to General Dearborn. I instantly sent it 
 forward to the Major-General, and will most strictly govern myself 
 by its contents as long as I retain the command of this line, acquaint- 
 ing Major-General Sheaffe (who I learn is on his way here) thereof 
 upon his arrival. 
 
 I have the honor to transmit to Your Excellency a letter from 
 Colonel Procter (August 11th), received yesterday, enclosing a copy 
 of an intercepted despatch from Brigadier-General Hull (August 
 4th), dated at Sandwich, addressed to the American Secretary at 
 War, the contents appearing highly interesting, and lead to the 
 certain hope of the overthrow of the enemy's force in that quarter. 
 
 Since the Major-General left this everything has remained 
 quiet here, although I hiive heard from two creditable sources of 
 information that the enemy have very lately completed forty boats, 
 equal to the transport of thirty men each, at Tonewanta Creek, near 
 the Grand Island, and that he intends in a few days to attack our 
 flanks. 
 
 The armed vessels Earl Moira and Prince Regent are on our 
 left, the schooner Lady Prevod on our right. Every possible 
 preparation that our means will admit of is made for the reception 
 of the enemy, and if he does attempt it I entertain no doubt of 
 successfully opposing him. 
 
 Many of the militia have not yet returned from an indulgence 
 
186 
 
 that was granted theni to assist in the harvest. I believe the grain 
 is principally got in by this time, and I have accord ingli^ requested 
 Major-General Shaw, the Adjutant-General of Militia, to call in all 
 the absentees of the flank companies of the five Lincoln Regiments. 
 Just now they amount to little more than 500 present. If they all 
 come forth they will be about 800, and I have directed that a draft 
 from these five regiments of 500 additional should be held in per- 
 fect readiness to join the flank companies at a moment's notice, and 
 that the total remainder of that force should be in preparation to 
 move to this line when called on. 
 
 ' ■ I am concerned to have to add that desertion to their houses is 
 rather prevalent among them. Everything on my part shall be 
 done to urge them to activity, and I have great hopes that the good 
 news from Amherstburg will very much stimulate them to exertion. 
 I find that the troops of the enemy opposite us are extremely 
 discontented, and that numbers of them have gone back into the 
 country. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, C. 677, p. 48.) . -., ■ 
 
 Major-General Brock to Major Thomas Bvans. 
 
 - ^' Detroit, 17th August, 1812. 
 
 Dear Evaxs, — Detroit is ours, and with it the whole Michigan 
 Territory, the American army prisoners of war. The force you so 
 skilfully prepared and forwarded at so much risk met me at Point 
 au Pins in high spirits and most effective state. Your thought of 
 clothing the militia in the 41st oast off clothing proved a most 
 happy one, it having more than doubled our own regular force in 
 the enemy's eye. I am not without anxiety about the Niagara, 
 with your scanty means for its defence, notwithstanding my con- 
 fidence in your vigilance and admirable address in keeping the 
 enemy so long in ignorance of my absence and niovements, &c. 
 
 (From Laura Secord and other Poems, by Mrs. S. A. Curzon : Appendix No. 3, pp. 
 209-10.) 
 
 General 'Timothy J. Hopkins to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Sir, — Agreeable to the directions contained in the 7th section 
 of an act to organize the militia of this State, passed March 29th, 
 1809, I transmit to Your Excellency information that I received 
 from John McMahon, Lieut-Colonel commandant of a regiment of 
 militia organized in the County of Chautauqua during the last 
 session of the Honorable Council of Appointment. The information 
 which follows is nearly in Colonel McMahon 's own words : 
 
Since the <leclaration of war the inhabitants of the town of 
 Chautauqua have been much alarmed with the appearance of two 
 English vessels near their harbor, one of which was observed to be 
 an armed vessel. This circum8t.ance, together with the danger 
 apprehended from the Indians in that (juarter, particularly those 
 who live on . o Alleghany River, have created so much uneasiness 
 among the inhabitants that many had determined to move btf. 
 To prevent this, Colonel McMahon thought it advisable to order 
 out one captain and fifty men to guard the landing portage »it 
 Chautauqua for the space of two weeks. Colonel McMahon also 
 informs me that he has, at his own expense, provided the company 
 with provisions. 
 
 Buffalo, August I7th, 1812. v ?^:, '^^ 
 
 (Tompkins' papers, vol. VIII., pp. 82-3, New York State Library.) ' C . • 
 
 Prom the New York Statesxaan, 25th August, i8i2. 
 
 From a correspondent at Lewiston, August 17th, 1H12 : 
 
 Canadians arrive daily. The Niagara River which in peace- 
 able times can only be crossed with safet}' in boats, fiats, &c., can 
 now be passed with apparent safety on logs, rails, slabs, and even 
 by many without any buoy w^hatever. Lakes Ontario and Erie, 
 formerly considered extremely dangerous to cross with open l)oat8, 
 no longer present any obstacle to those who are so fortunate as to 
 get possession of a boat — the perils of the sea are absorbed by the 
 rear of being taken back by their friends. A boat of 16 or 18 feet 
 in length lately brought over Lake Ont«,rio (where its width is near 
 60 miles) three young men who report that at York there are very 
 few soldiers, only two pieces of cannon, but considerable quantities 
 of ammunition and other stores after furnishing the savages with 
 large quantities lately, that the country was drained of soldiers and 
 drafted militia. General Brock having ordered all that could be 
 collected for Maiden to fight General Hull. Indeed the latter part 
 of this report is confirmed by all who come from any part of 
 Canada. Further, that a Mr. Wilmot, Surveyor General of Upper 
 Canada, who lived near York for many years, has collected a 
 respectable company of men (about 60 in number) attached to the 
 American cause, and proceeded on his march through the wilderness 
 to join General Hull. Wilmot, they say, is much exasperated 
 against the Government of Canada, and his followers not unlike 
 their leader. Other reports of this nature there are in circulation, 
 the truth of which cannot l)e ascertained. 
 
 (Prom file in New York Society Library.) 
 
■ -"■ ■■..-■. , 188 ■■" ''':■ ■ 
 
 '\:^' '-'■:/.:'-"'"'.' ":''''i,', General Ordets. "- '--[-,:■■■:'!'' J.".'/\. 
 
 ' Headquarters, Lewiston, 18th Aug., 1812. 
 
 Major-General Dearborn having communicated that, agreeably 
 to an arrangement made between him and the Governor-General of 
 Canada through his Adjutant-General, all hostilities between the 
 troops on either side should be suspended until further orders, 
 Major General VanRensselaer directs the officers and soldiers under 
 his command strictly to conform to this arrangement, and if any of 
 the troops have the hardihood to fire on the enemy they will be 
 punished accordingly. , ..■ 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Swift will order under arrest Capt. Dogherty of his 
 regiment for absenting himself from his company, and will investi- 
 gate the cause of firing of a field-piece at Black Rock on the opposite 
 shore, and by whom, and report the facts to the Major General 
 without delay. 
 
 By order of Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 , . Sol. VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 Militia General Orders. , 
 
 Headquarters, Amherstburg, 
 ;•: ; - V l«th Augt., 1812. ' 
 
 Militia General Orders, y:-.-.:''-'--..::'.--.---::-' .,■:,':■:■!■ ^-^ . - 
 
 The reports which have reached Major General Brock impeach 
 in so serious a degree the character of many officers of the 1st and 
 2nd Essex and Kent Regiments of militia that His Honor has 
 thought proper to appoint a Court of Enquiry in order to ascertain 
 by a regular process such as have by any act or neglect of duty 
 during the invasion of this district by the enemy forfeited their 
 claim to the character of officers and gentlemen. 
 
 His Honor is perfectly satisfied that there are many of the 
 officers of these Regiments to whom no share of blame can justly 
 attach, and who have throughout evinced every degree of zeal for 
 the service, and he is desirous of giving to such as may have been 
 unjustly accused an opportunit}' by a public investigation of 
 justifying their character from the imputations cast upon them. 
 
 Colonel James Baby, President. 
 Matthew Elliott, 1 lyr , 
 " William Caldwell, r^^'^^^- 
 
 The court will assemble as soon after the arrival of Colonel 
 
Baby as possibly, and will give to the different officers of these 
 Regiments notice of the time and place of meeting. 
 By order of the Major General. 
 
 J. Macdonell, Lt.-Col., P. A. D. C. 
 
 V Major General YanRensselaer to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 Headquakter.s, Lewiston, 
 r 18th August, 1812, 6 o'clock a. m. 
 
 Sir, — Your letter of the 8th inst. by some mismanagement 
 passed this place in the mail last evening on to Niagara, and was 
 sent to me by express from Capt. Leonard at a late hour in the 
 night. I have written General Hull, enclosing your letter to him. 
 I have also written General Porter to forward the despatch to 
 General Hull by some very trusty express. I have written the 
 commanding officer at Fort George, enclosing the letters from Adju- 
 tant-General Baynes to him and sent my aid-de-camp. Col. Van- 
 Rensselaer, to Niagara with orders to pass over with a flag and 
 deliver the letters. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative, Appendix, p. 25.) ' i ^ ' 
 
 Major General YanRensselaer to lyieut.-Col. Myers, 70th Regt. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 18th Aug., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter of this date by your flag of truce. 
 
 When I this morning transmitted to you the two letters from 
 the Adjutant-General of the British army, I authorized Colonel 
 VanRensselaer, my aid-de-camp, to make with you the necessary 
 arrangements agreed on at Albany. 
 
 In your absence from Fort George the letters were left without 
 accomplishing the object. But I am now ready to send an officer to 
 Fort Niagara, there to meet one whom you may appoint to make 
 such arrangements for the government of the troops on the lines as 
 may be proper. In the meantime it is explicitly understood that 
 any movements of your troops in this vicinity to act offensively 
 against Gen. Hull will be considered an infraction of the armistice 
 agreed upon between Gen. Dearborn and the British Adjutant- 
 General. 
 
 (From S. YanRensselaer's Narrative, Appendix, p. 26.) 
 
• * 190 ' 
 
 Colonel Christoplier Myers, 70th Regrt., Deputy Quartermaster- 
 General Commanding^ tlie Niagara District, to Major- 
 General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Chippawa, 18th Aug., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowleoore the receipt of your 
 letter of this date, transmitting one from tlie Adjutant-General of 
 the British army, addressed to Major General Brock or officer com- 
 manding at Fort George, relative to refraining fi-om all offensive 
 warfare between the troops of His Majesty the King of Great 
 Britain and the armv of the United States of America until further 
 orders ; and, taking it for granted that similar directions have been 
 received by you from Gen. Dearborn, I shall' strictly conform to 
 those which have just reached me upon the subject, and should you 
 deem any further explanation upon the terms of the armistice 
 requisite I will receive such officer as you may be pleased to send 
 to Fort George for the purpose. My duty, however, will not allow 
 of my being there before Thursday, but from which I trust no 
 inconvenience will arise. , 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 26.) 
 
 Prom the Buffalo Gazette, Tuesday, iStli August, 1812. 
 
 More clearing out. Last Sunday evening two native Ameri- 
 cans living in Cana<la embarked in a crazy boat several miles above 
 Fort Erie, and after tossing about all night in tempestuous Lake 
 Erie, expecting, as they say, every moment to go to the bottom, 
 they safely arrived at 4-Mile Point above this village. They state 
 that it is currently reported in Canada that General Hull has taken 
 Maiden. 
 
 We also leani that Fort Erie is weak, the cannon being removed 
 to the batteries below. 
 
 On Thursday last several soldiers at the Black Rock, being 
 somewhat impatient for want of employment, manned a field-piece 
 (6-pounder) and fired a shot at a small battery on the opposite side 
 of the river. The ball struck a few feet from the battery, and made 
 the men and boys scamper like the nation. 
 
 The fate of Clark, lately tried in this village as a British spy, 
 is not officially known. It is, however, rumored that he is sentenced 
 to die. Brink and Lee, it is understood, will be detained as prisoners 
 of war. 
 
Major-General Sheaffe to Major-Oeneral VanRenseelaer. 
 
 Fort George, 19th Aug., 1812. 
 
 Str, — Having arrived at thia post to assume the eoniinand of 
 His Majesty's troops stationed in the Niagara District, I have tho 
 honor to acquaint you that I shall be happy to receive, as speedily 
 as possible, the officer suggested by Lieut.-Col. Myers to be sent 
 over, if it meet with your concurrence, or, should you prefer it, 
 Brigade- Major Evans, the bearer of this, will communicate my 
 sentiments and arrange with you the mofle of carrying into efiect 
 the order for a cessation of hostilities betwixt the forces of our 
 respective countries stationed along the Niagara Frontier. 
 
 (From S. VanRenaselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 27.) . 
 
 General Stephen VanRenseelaer to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Headquarters, Levviston, 19th Aug., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — After having visited Buffalo, Black Rock, and the camps 
 at Niagara Falls and this place, and having by inspection and other 
 means of information satisfied myself of the efficient force and the 
 state of discipline among the troops, the nmnitione of war at com- 
 mand, the strength, number, and condition of the enemy I should 
 probably have to engage, and all other circumstances connected with 
 my intended operations, I was perfectly satisfied that although 
 some very imperious considerations urged an immediate descent 
 upon Canada, yet that such descent with my present disposable 
 force would l)e rashness in the extreme. From Buffalo to Niagara 
 my force of militia is less than one thousand, without any ordnance 
 heavier than six-pounders, and few of them ; without artillerists to 
 use the few pieces I have, and the troops in a very indifferent state 
 of discipline. Finding myself in this truly unpleasant situation, I 
 saw but one course to pursue, which was to concentrate the troops 
 scattered on the line, perfect their discipline as fast as possible, and 
 order in such further detachments as might ensure success in my 
 proposed operations. Accordingly, on the 15th inst. I isssued \\\y 
 orders to Lieut.-Colonel Fleming at Oswego to detach and march to 
 this place Major Moseley's battalion of riflemen, on the 16th to 
 Major Septimus Evans of Lieut.-Colonel George D. Wickham's 
 regiment of detached cavalry for a troop of horse from his 
 squadron, to Lieut.-Colonel Henry Bloom of the 19th Regiment of 
 the 7th Brigade of detached militia to march his whole command. 
 With this additional force and such other as I had reason to believe 
 was on the march to this neighborhood and as might be called out 
 on short notice from this and Ontario County, I calculated that the 
 plan which I had adopted might be attempted unless the enemy 
 
192 
 
 fihould be strongly reinforced. With the view of the intended 
 operations, I had on the 15th inst. written to the Quarternmster- 
 General Uj put immediately in readiness all the boats at his com- 
 mand. Such was the arrangement of the troops on this line, and 
 such my orders issued when, on the night of the 17th, I received 
 by express from Captain Leonard at Niagara a letter from Major- 
 General Dearl)orn informing me of the agreement he had entered 
 into with the Governor-General of Canada, through his Adjutant- 
 General, for an armistice. By this armn^ement comnmnicated to 
 me, which I presume has been done by Your Excellency's appro- 
 bation and consent, I am instructed to confine the troops under my 
 connnand to defensive measures only, until further orders, and I 
 have issued my general orders accordingly. 
 
 The enclosures from the Adjutant-General of the British army 
 in Canada which I received from General Dearborn I sent yester- 
 day morning by my aide-de-camp, Colonel VanRensselaer, with a 
 Hag to Lieut.-Col. Myers, commanding at Fort George, at the same 
 time authorizing Colonel VanRensselaer to enter with Colonel 
 Myers into a definite arrangement for the government of the troops 
 on both sides the line. Colonel Myers was absent, but in the after- 
 noon of yesterday I received a flag acknowledging the receipt of 
 the letters which had been transmitted, with his pledge to conform 
 strictly to the terms of the armistice and his proposition that I 
 should on Thursday next send an officer to Fort George to meet one 
 whom he will appoint, for the purpose of settling definitely th*^ 
 temporary arrangement for the government of the troops, to which 
 I have replied by flag that I am now ready to send an ofiScer to 
 meet such one as he may appoint for the alx)ve purpose, but to meet 
 at Niagara, as I consider that place, under existing circumstances, 
 the most proper. I have no reayon to doubt but that this arrange- 
 ment will in two or three days be made in good faith. SuflTering 
 all the orders which I have received to proceed and take effect, I 
 shall hold my position until I receive Your Excellency's further 
 orders. An express which has been sent to General Hull ought to 
 have returned several days ago, but has not. I am concerned for 
 his safety, and the more so as I learn that there are various re- 
 ports with the enemy that there has been an action lietween their 
 troops and General Hull's. The whole seems to render it at least 
 probable that the troops to reinforce General Hull have been 
 attacked. Some reports say that 300 of our wounded have been 
 taken in boats in their attempt tc reach Detroit. From all circum- 
 stances which have come to my knowledge, I think there is reason 
 to believe that General Hull is very severely pressed. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, vol. VIII., pp. 7&-82, New York State Library.) 
 
193 
 Inspector- General Nicholas Gray to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Black Rock, 19th Auf^., 1812. 
 
 Dear Sir, — On the 22(1 of last month I had the honor of 
 addressinji^ a letter to you from Lewiston. Ever since I have been 
 employed as engineer by Generals Hull and Wadsworth.and I have 
 erected three batteries in this neigh lK>rh{X)d : the one on the moun- 
 tain near Lewiston ; one at this place, and one opposite Fort Erie, 
 which gives the advantage of situation, and though we have not as 
 yet mounted a gun on it, it has given alarm there, as the enemy has 
 moved his shipping off from before the fort, and the river and 
 entrance of Lake Erie is now (juite open. No ship nor boat can 
 with safety lie before their fori, once this battery is mounted. The 
 distance is about three-ijuarters of a mile, and the ground so level 
 on the Canadian side that we can send shot right into the fort We 
 want but a thirty-two-pounder here to pull down the scarlet jack 
 of Fort Erie. The battery at Lewiston has a poweiful command, is 
 intended for two or three large guns, and keeps the inhabitants of 
 Queen.ston in perfect subjection. Its elevation above the one-gun 
 battery of the enemy is nearly forty-five feet and can sweep it (jfF 
 the surface of the fii^ld, distant from it about four hundred vards 
 and from Queenston about six hundred, and elevated above the 
 village alxnit sixty-eight feet, has the command of Niagara River 
 as far as the range of shot; the river lies straight before it up to 
 our garrison. Major-General VanRensselaer, his aide and secretary, 
 arrived here on Thursday morning last and went forward to I^ewis- 
 ton, where he has made his head(|uarters. There is a rumor of 
 General Hall returning home in consequence of the arrival of Major 
 General VanRensselaer. 
 
 I have been highly flattered by receiving the thanks of the 
 Generals on the lines for the exertions I have made in making 
 their situation secure. General VanRensselaer feels secure even 
 under the guns of the enemy at Queenston, and Colonel Swift, who 
 commandR here, has no terror, as he has a battery or two of his 
 own. The inhabit<ints of Buffalo wish for a one-gun battery to 
 protect their town. Some of then) have applied to me to erect one 
 for them, but as yet I have received no orders from the command- 
 itkg officer here. When I shall receive the orders I shall comply. 
 We are all knocked on the head m conae(iuence of this news of the 
 armistice. It will give you, dear sir, great confidence and pleasure 
 to see with what alacrity all were preparing to cross over to Canada 
 when this news arrived. Shall I take the liberty to ask what it 
 means an<l how S(X)n shall we l^e authorized to take out the wooden 
 snappers from our muskets ? I judge from the weakness of the 
 
•1 
 
 194 
 
 enemy on the Canadian side that was a regiment to cross they 
 would not be opposed, not a shot fired at them. There is but 
 thirty-two red coats and the like number of militia stationed here. 
 The latter were decreased to seven or eight all last week and the 
 week before. We are much alarmed here about the situation of 
 the brave General Hull, who, it is much feared, may be in want of 
 provision for his enterprising army — 'tis hard the only general who 
 has as yet distinguished himself in this war should want provisions 
 when we who are here idling on the lines should have all the loaves 
 and fishes, neither will our commanding officer here give a direct 
 order or consent that vessels laden with provisions be sent from 
 here, but when applied to by the Quartermaster-General on behalf 
 of his brother (who, poor man, has been dangerously ill since his 
 return from Sandwich and still remains in a doubtful situation,) has 
 quoted a part of General Dearborn's letter, which passage is unsatis- 
 factory. However, the vessels are preparing and will be sent off to 
 Sandwich, as surely this armistice, while it lasts, gives a right to 
 navigate the lake to either army, provided they do not infringe our 
 orders. General Porter has sent from here by the order of Major- 
 General VanRensselaer a messenger by land to inform General Hull 
 of this unpopular armistice, but it is feared by the Quartermaster- 
 General that his journey may be retarded or interrupted at San- 
 dusky, in which case he has a letter to the commanding officer at 
 Maiden making him an official messenger, and from Sandusky will 
 take his course by Water. 
 
 I should be glad to know whether this armistice includes the 
 Indians, and would it not be good policy to annihilate these savages 
 who have interrupted the intercoui-se from here to Detroit ? We 
 have frequent accounts of their barbarities. Had we a General 
 Hull here when I arrived, the United States should have been in 
 possession of Upper Canada, and we should have our quarters in 
 Montreal instead of playing ball on the banks of the Niagara River. 
 Between seventy and eighty fine young men passed through here 
 yesterday to Lewiston to join the army. They are from Ontario 
 county. , , , 
 
 I wait in hopes of having the honor of a letter from you, and 
 be assured that all my exertions shall be for the public good. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, Vol. VIII., pp. 73-6, New York State Library.^ • 
 
195 
 General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 19th Aug., 1812. 
 
 •The Major General directs that the following regulations shall 
 be observed b}'^ the troops under his command : 
 
 The reveille will be beat at daybreak, when every officer and 
 soldier will appear on parade and the companies be exercised by 
 their respective commanding officers for one hour ; and the like time 
 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and by battalions on Tuesdays and 
 Fridays of each week at the company and battalion parades. The 
 field officers will atte'id and superintend the manoeuvers of their 
 corps. The troop will beat at 9 o'clock a. m., and the retreat at 6 
 o'clock p. m., when the line will be formed for roll call ; the music 
 will take their post on the right of regiments and not on the right of 
 companies. On those occasions the dress of the officers and soldiers 
 is to be clean, and their arms and accoutrements bright and in per- 
 fect order. The Major General flattera himself that the troops will 
 vie with each other in the cleanliness of their dress, as well as their 
 soldier-like and orderly conduct when on or off duty. The corps 
 which shall distinguish itself for orderly conduct shall be reported 
 by the Major General to the Co«nmander-iu-Chief, and every re- 
 fractory officer or soldier shall be dealt with as the law and the usages 
 of armies point out, for as they are called upon by their country to 
 defend it, and paid for their services, it is expected "every man will 
 do his duty," for on that the lives of the troops, the honor and 
 success of the enterprises in which in all probability they will 
 shortly be engaged, will depend. 
 
 The tatoo will be beat at 9 o'clock, when the men will retire to 
 their tents and the sentinels begin to challenge. 
 
 Two captain's and two subaltern's guards will be mounted daily; 
 one captain's guard will take post on the front and one in the rear 
 of the camp, and the subaltern's on each flank. The guards will 
 be sufficiently strong to form a chain of sentinels rounrl the camp, 
 and they will l>e augmented or diminished as occasion may require. 
 The guards will assemble on the grand parade at half-past 9 o'clock, 
 when they will be formed by the major of brigade and marched off 
 precisely at 10 o'clock. A portion of the music of the line will 
 attend and do duty until the guards are marched off to their 
 respective pickets. The adjutants will march the men detached 
 from the respective regiments for this service to the grand parade, 
 and will be responsible for the soldier-like appearance of the men, 
 arms, and accoutrements. Each man of the guard will l>e furnished 
 with twenty-four rounds of fixed cartridges; their pieces will be 
 loaded after sunset, and when the guards are relieved they will 
 
196 ^ I 
 
 return to the grand parade, from whence they will be inarched in a 
 body by the officer of the day to some convenient spot, where their 
 pieces will be discharged at a target of the size of a dollar, at one 
 hundred yards distance. And on all other occasions firing is strictly 
 prohibited, unless it be by the sentinels at night to give the alarm. 
 
 The officer of iiie day will be taken from the regimental field 
 officers, whose duty it shall be to visit the gunrds and sentinels 
 three times in the course of the day and three times at night, to 
 regulate the guards, to see that ^hey are vigilant and in soldier-like 
 order, for on their alertness the lives of the men and the safety of 
 the army depend. 
 
 The officers are strictly enjoined to attend to the cleanliness of 
 their men ; they must fre<]uently visit their tents and examine the 
 situation of them. On the faithful performance of this duty depend 
 the lives and health of the troops. 
 
 The commanding officers of regiments and corps will cause two 
 vaults or sinks to be dug in the rear of each company, at least one 
 hundred yards in the rear of the rear tents, in a line parallel to the 
 tents, and if any soldier shall be found to leave excrement in any 
 other place within the line of sentinels he shall be punished. 
 
 The grounds in front and rear of the tents is to be levelled and 
 cleaned by the respective companies. The Brigade-Major will 
 direct the Adjutants to cause the music, when not on the march, to 
 practise the different calls and marches. 
 
 The Courtmartial, whereof Brigadier-General Wadsworth was 
 appointed President, will meet to-morrow morning at ten o'clock 
 for the trial of such prisoners as may be brought before them. 
 General Wadsworth will please to make the necessary arrangements 
 and )neet in such place as he may think convenient. 
 
 By order of Major General VajiRensselaer. 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 Protn Major General Sheaffe to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 QuEENSTON, 20th Aug., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Brigade-Major Evans is directed to repair again to your 
 headquarters charged with propositions connected with the 
 armist.ce, which I hope will prove perfectly satisfactory to you. 
 
 (From 8. VanRensselaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 27.) '' 
 
197 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Sheaffe. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 20th August, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter of this date, covering the articles which you propose for 
 carrying the armistice nito effect, I have to regret the articles pro- 
 posed are so variant from the orders which I have received that I 
 cannot accede to them. 
 
 In the letter which I had the honor to transmit to Lieut.-Col. 
 Myers on the 18th instant it was explicitly stated that any move- 
 ments of the troops in this vicinity, with a view to act offensively 
 against General Hull, would be considered an infraction of the 
 armistice. If an article fully eml)racing the above is considered 
 inadmissible, any further attempts for an adjustment will be 
 unavailing. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 29.) 
 
 The Secretary of War to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 War Department, August 20th, 1812. 
 
 (Abstract.) 
 The detachment of militia from Kentucky to reinforce General 
 Hull has been increased by the Governor to 1,600, besides 400 
 regulars. A company of militia ordered out by the Governor of 
 Ohio to secure the road is reported to have halted at the Miami in 
 consequence of Indians in front. There should be early and effective 
 co-operation at Niagara. 
 
 Articles of Agreement for an Armistice. 
 
 We, the undersigned, in conformity with the instructions of 
 our respective commanders, hereby agree to a cessation of all acts 
 of hostility between the troops and vessels of all descriptions under 
 our command until we shall receive further orders, and the party 
 who shall first receive orders for the renewal of hostilities shall give 
 four days' notice, computing twenty-four hours to each day, before 
 any offensive operation shall take place. 
 
 And we further agree that no reinforcements of men or 
 supplies of ammunition shall be sent by either party higher up than 
 Fort Erie, and it is also to be understood that no reinforcements of 
 men and no supplies of ammunition, which now are or hereafter 
 may arrive in our respective districts, shall be forwarded above that^ 
 post, and further that no troops are to be sent up from any station 
 
■_ - ■ ' ■., ■■' ■ .'■' ' '' . ' ' :. ^ : \/''. 
 
 in either of our districts above Fort Erie without four days previous 
 notice to be jriven by the party intending to make such movement. 
 Subject, however, to the above restriction, either party shall be at 
 liberty to make such changes and movements of troops, vessels and 
 boats as he may deem proper. ,; ; V; v^ :'-->'■ o^' 
 
 Agreed to this twenty-first day of August, in the year one 
 thousand eight hundred and twelve. 
 
 S. VaxRensselaer, 
 • - Major General Commanding Frontier. 
 
 . R. H. Sheaffe, 
 
 Major General Commanding Fort George 
 and Dependencies, &c., &c. 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewistox, August 2l8t, 1812. ' 
 
 Sir, — Enclosed I transmit you a copy of the agreement this 
 day entered into between Major-General Sheaffe, commanding Fort 
 George and dependencies, &c., &c., and myself for the government 
 of the forces on each side the line. You will readily perceive that 
 terms more favorable than those expected in your letter have been 
 obtained. The agreement speaks for iti elf. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 31.) 
 
 Note. — In the copy of the agreement tr.tnsmitted, the last lines 
 from either to proper are italicised. — Ed. 
 
 Major General Dearborn to Major General YanR'^nss'^laer. 
 
 Headquarters, Greenbush, August 21, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Your letter of the 12th inst. has been duly received. As 
 it is l)elieved that a detachment has been made from Niagara to 
 reinforce the garrison at Maiden, it will be necessary to be as well 
 prepared as possible to take advantage of the reduced forces in your 
 front as soon as there shall be orders to act offensively. Consider- 
 able reinforcements from the detached militia and volunteers are 
 ordered to Niagara, Sackett's Harbor, Ogdensburg and Plattsburg. 
 With the detachment of regular troops under Lieut.-Col. Fenwick 
 there is some heavy ordnance, anmiunition and intrenching tools, 
 which will be immediately, with additional ordnance and military 
 stores, sent to Niagara, Sackett's Harbor and Ogdensburg. I have 
 also ordered a considerable number of batteaux from Schenectady 
 to Niagara and Sackett's Harbor, and the construction of suitable 
 
■',::- : 199 ■-.■^ ■■■.■.-'■"';....■ * : 
 
 scows at the respective places, including Ogdenaburg, for the trans- 
 portation of ordnance, I hope that Col. Porter will proceed in the 
 construction of boats and scows with all possible despatch. It will 
 be highly gratifying to me to receive intelligence from you by every 
 mail, and in case of emergency by express. 
 From S. VanBensHelaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 34. 
 ''■ y ■■"■'■ '_"',' ' '^' ■'-■:■■■■/■- ■ !•■ '■■•;■ z'^'' ^ "■" '■-; ■■;'■■■ "■"■' ■'^["■.■■' 
 
 Colonel Solomon YanRensselaer to his Wife. 
 
 Lewiston, Niagara, Aug. 21, 1812. 
 My Dear Harriet, — 
 
 • ■••■•••••• « 
 
 Major Forinan and Jacob TenEyck reached this to-day; the 
 latter informed me he had seen you about a fortnight since and that 
 you were all well. It is unnecessary for me to say how happy it made 
 me. I had only one moment to speak to him, but I shall see him 
 when I have finished this, which goes by mail this evening. When 
 they reached camp I was mounted on my horse to go over to the 
 British side to conclude an armistice, in which I have been engaged 
 for three days in conformity to an arrangement made at Albany 
 between Gen. Dearborn and the British Adjutant-General. I have 
 succeeded, to the astonishment and admiration of all, and until we 
 hear from below we are at peace with our neighbors. In my inter- 
 course with the British officers on the subject of the armistice and 
 from other sources, we have been informed, and I have no doubt of 
 the correctness of the information, of an action fought between 
 Gen. Hull and the British at Detroit, in which our troops suffered 
 severely. From all we can learn he has either been taken or com- 
 pelled to re-cross the river; but in my negotiations with Major 
 Gen. Sheaffe, Colonel Myers and Major Evans, I kept up such a 
 bold front that, although General Dearborn's instructions were con- 
 fined to their not sending reinforcements to act against Hull, I suc- 
 ceeded in getting the use of the waters of the rivers and lakes. 
 This to the army and merchants is of incalculable value for future 
 operations, and this was effected by a proper disposition of our 
 sinall forces and holding out to them moderate but strong language. 
 The troops before we came here were scattered along the frontiers ; 
 we have concentrated them, and are now getting in fine order. 
 They did nothing before ; they are pleased in the change, but in 
 making that change I assure you I have my hands full. We have 
 now eleven hundred only above Oswego, instead of Tompkins's /i ye 
 thousand, but 1,500 more are on the march. 
 
 (Prom Bonney's Historical Gleanings, pp. 211-2.) 
 
.t 
 
 200 
 
 » ■ •■ V , ■ ■ ■ I 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, August 22d, 1812. 
 
 It is painful to the Major General to find that some part of the 
 troops are so regardless of their duty as to disobey the orders 
 issued for preventing scattering firing in and about the camp. This 
 dangerous and disgraceful piactice is once more and for the last 
 time prohibited. If any man of the line (the guards and sentinels 
 excepted) shall after this discharge his firearms without orders he 
 v.'ill be instantly confined ; and the field and company officers are 
 strictly enjoined to enforce this order. 
 
 The Major General regrets that he is compelled to remind the 
 officers of his command of the necessity of being in camp at night, 
 for if they will be regardless of their duty, what can be expected of 
 their men by such an example ? They are in future directed to be at 
 night in their tents, unless otherwise ordered, and in perfect readiness 
 at any moment to comuience or repel an attack, to which troops in 
 the face of an enemy are at all times liable. 
 
 The officers and troops meet with the perfect approbation of 
 the Major General for their alertness in parading at reveille, with 
 the exception of one or two companies, wliich were not this morn- 
 ing on parade, and the captain of one company not in canip. But 
 let him beware for the future ; if caution and remonstrance will 
 avail nothing, more decisive measures shall. 
 
 To-morrow being the Sabbath, the guards will not discharge 
 their pieces until Monday after roll-call, and this regulation will be 
 observed until further orders. 
 
 By order of Major General Van Rensselaer. 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 I/ieut.-Colonel Myers to Colonel I<ethbridge. 
 
 Fort George, August 22d, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I am directed l>y Major General Sheaff'e to acquaint yoi^. 
 that in expectation of your liaving received orders from Quebec to 
 forward to this post a portion of the reinforcements which it is 
 hoped have arrived at Kingston, and in consequence of my private 
 letter to you of the 15th instant, expressive of the anxiety of 
 Major General Brock upon that point, he has been on the lookout 
 for some of the vessels from Kingston appearing here with the 
 troops, particularly as the wind has been favorable for two days. 
 
 The circumstance of the fall of Detroit and the hourly expected 
 arrival here of a number of prisoners to be sent downward, added 
 
201 
 
 to the want of troops on this line in the event of a renewal of 
 hostilities, induces Major General Sheaffe to direct me bo desire that 
 if the three companies of the 49th Rejrt. and the detachmuut of the 
 Newfoundland Regt. have arrived at Kingston, you cause the whole 
 of the former to be immediately emV»arked on board the Royal 
 Gecyrge and Duke of Gloucester and despatched without delay to 
 this post, provided you have not received orders to the contrary 
 from His Excellency the Commander of the Forces or Major Genl. 
 Brock. 
 
 Camp equipage for 300 men is to accompany the troops to this 
 station, and upon this subject I have forwarded orders to the 
 Deputy Asst. Qr. Mast'r-Genl. at Kingston. 
 
 (Canadian Archives : C. 677, p. 53.) 
 
 Major General Sheaffe to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 Fort George, 22nd August, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor of reporting to Your Excellency that 
 on my arrival at this post on the 10th instant, I found that a letter 
 had arrived from Colonel Baynes, addressed to the officer command- 
 ing here, to apprise him that an armistice had been agreed on, and 
 that a correspondence on the subject had been opened between 
 Lieut.-Colonel Myers and M. General VanRensselaer. After my 
 arrival several conferences were held between officers appointed for 
 the purpose ; a difficulty as to the terms having arisen, founded on 
 a variation between those stated in Colonel Baynes's letter and 
 instructions which General VanRensselaer had received from Gen- 
 eral Dearborn, and which required a stipulation on our part that no 
 reinforcements, &c., should be sent up to the troops opposed to 
 B. General Hull. This obstacle was removed in an unexpected 
 manner. I went up to Queenston on the 20th inst. accompanied by 
 Lieut.-Colonel Myers and Brigade-Major Evans, and I sent the 
 latter over to Lewiston with my propositions. On his return he 
 informed me that objections were made to some of them, and that 
 Colonel VanRensselaer, A. D. C. to the General, would come over to 
 me to enter into an explanatory discussion. Before his arrival the 
 express came to me with the intelligence of M. General Brock'a 
 important success. It was not communicated to him, l)ut some 
 time was employed in discussion before I acceded to the obligation 
 not to send up reinforcements without four days previous notice, 
 thinking it prudent to avoid exciting suspicion by too ready au 
 assent. I have the honor of transmitting the articles agreed on, 
 and it is moreover understood that boats are not to be assembled at 
 
: ' ■' ^■'; 202 -;^ ■ ' '■' '^ ,; :\ 
 
 anj' point on either side under cover of the privilege granted therein. 
 I also enclose herewith a copy of a letter which Lieut.-Colonel 
 Myers has written by my direction to Colonel Lethbridge. 
 
 Since Lieut.-Colonel Myers's letter of the 17th instant consider- 
 able reinforcements are said to have joined the enemy at Black Rock, 
 and a camp capable of holding at least eight hundred men has been 
 formed at Lewiston. On the 18th there were seventy tents in 
 which it was reported there were six hundred men, but Lieut.- 
 Colonel Myers having caused a few blank cartridges to be fired in 
 quick succession to create an alarm and make them turn out, it 
 had the desired effect, and he did not discover more than . two 
 hundred men. Since that period, however, the number of tents has 
 been increased to more than a hundred. 
 
 The wind has been unfavorable to M. General Brock for several 
 days, or he would probably have arrived here by this time. 
 
 Canadian Archives: C. 677, p. 55.) ' - 
 
 I/ieut. -Colonel Philetus Swift to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Sir, — I take the libertj'^ to communicate to you my situation, 
 and the situation of my regiment. I have about four hundred and 
 seventy men, four hundred of whom are good and in high spirits ; 
 men that I am willing to risk my life for and with, and believe 
 they are with me, but that is not enough for a regiment. Your 
 knowledge of me will lead you to suppose that it would be pleasing 
 to me to have an opportunity to do my country service, and if I 
 may be allowed to enlist under the Act of the sixth of February 
 hist two or three hundred men more as good as I now have, I should 
 feel as if we could tell well in the place of danger. My regiment is 
 all under the Act of Congress except Captain Jennings' company, 
 which I should be glad to get rid of. 1 have put him under arrest 
 for detaining pay from his men, which would have volunteered had 
 he not advised them otherwise. Captain Joseph Wells, who com- 
 mands a light infantry company in Buffalo, has been in service 
 since the militia was called out in June by order of General Wads- 
 worth. He has now 26 good men enlisted under the Act of Congress, 
 and I believe coul<i fill his company immediately had he orders from 
 Your Excellency to that effect. He is now under my command and 
 wishes to remain so ; on those conditions the men have enlisted, that 
 they belong to my regiment. Captain Mahar mentioned to me this 
 evening that his company of riflemen was bailed out, and that if they 
 was sent into the lines in this part it was his wish to join my 
 regiment, which would be very agreeable to me and to my regiment. 
 
. . -/■■^■- ■: "V'.\., ' \ ' , : 203 ■■ 
 
 I have j^ood officers. One company, now commanded by Captain 
 McNair, by Captain Rowley when first ordered into service, who 
 General Wadsworth discharged, has no other officer in the company. 
 Captain Matteson's company has no lieutenant in it. 
 
 My men are sickly at present, but I hope on the mending hand. 
 There is 21 sick that are confined to bed, 12 more that are in the 
 hospital, the greater part on the recovery. The^' have good stores 
 and good attendance. The .money sent on for clothing did my men 
 but very little good except Captain Elias Hall, who has bought 
 clothing for his men, and Captain Mahar. It was out of my power 
 to get the others to do the like, and if they remain in service I fear 
 they will be destitute of clothing except they have some sent on. 
 We have been full of trouble and hard duty, without danger to keep 
 us alive. A few days since we had our expectations raised in hopes 
 of a chance to cross the river and by that relieve General Hull or 
 6top the troops that were marching against him, but the orders 
 from General Dearborn blasted all our liopes of that. 
 
 My regiment is stationed at Black Rock. We have twenty- 
 two miles of the lines to guard, which makes our duty very hard, 
 while the standing troops (490) and two regiments of six months' 
 men guarded .seven miles only ; but we do not complain. Permit 
 me to request an answer from Your Excellency as far as respects 
 Captain Wells's company, whether they can be accepted or not. 
 
 Black Rock, August 23rd, 1812. .. 
 
 P. S. — Major Frederick Miller entered service the 2l8t of June 
 by General Porter's and my request, and has been a faithful officer 
 and done great service to our troops. Ensign Chasey of my regi- 
 ment is worthy the lieutenantcy in that company, which is vacant. 
 If he could have an appointment, I think it would be well. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, Vol. VIII, pp. 87-91, New Vork State Library.) 
 
 Major General Brock to Colonel Procter. 
 
 Fort George, August 25th, 1812. 
 Sir, — I wrote to you yesterday informing you that a cessation 
 of hostilities had been agreed upon between Sir George Prevost and 
 General Dearborn, and requesting you in consequence to postpone 
 any attempt upon Fort Wayne or any other post of the enemy. I 
 consider the present forbearance may lead to such con.sequences that 
 I cannot refrain from sending a second express to urge you to 
 restrain the Indians likewise in their predatory excursions. This, 
 however, ought to be done with the greatest caution and on grounds 
 foreign from the present considerations. 
 
204 
 
 Colonel Myers tells me that he forwarded on the 11th instant 
 a despatch received from Sir George Prevost to nie, in which His 
 Excellency so clearly stated the principles of moderation upon 
 which he thought it expedient to act, that I fully expect, should you 
 have received the despatch and perused his sentiments, you will 
 forbear from any hostile aggression, in fact act completely on the 
 defensive. 
 
 Should everything remain quiet at Detroit, you will proceed 
 hither, bringing to Fort Erie the detachments which Captain Cham- 
 bers and Lieutenant Bullock took to Amheratburg. All the spare 
 ordnance is to be transported to Fort Erie. 
 
 I should also think that Lieutenant Troughton and a few of 
 his men could be spared for some time from the duties at Amhei*st- 
 burg : in that case you will liave the goodness to order them to 
 accom{)any you. 
 
 (From Tupper's Life of Brock, p. 300.) 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Sheaffe. 
 
 Heaik^uarters, Lewiston, 25th August, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have learned with regret that last night a subaltern 
 officer with a few soldiers and citizens, contrary to iny orders, 
 passed over from the American shore and on Buckhorn Island 
 surprised and brought off a sergeant and five men with a boat. 
 Early this morning I ordered the sergeant and men released and 
 the boat restored to them. 
 
 (From S. VanRenstselaer's Narrative : Appendi.x, p. 31.) 
 
 Major General Brock to Major General "VanRensselaer. 
 
 Headqi'arters, Fort George, 
 
 25th August, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Major General Sheaffe having communicated to me your 
 letter of this date, addressed to him, I seize upon the first moment 
 to express my thanks for the measures you have adopted to prevent 
 the possibility of any misunderstanding which might have arisen 
 in consequence of the unauthorized act of one of your subaltern 
 officers. 
 
 It was not until my arrival at Fort Erie late in the evening of 
 the 28d instant that I learnt that a cessation of hostilities had been 
 agreed upon between General Dearborn and Sir George Prevost, 
 and I in consequence despatched early yesterday morning an 
 express to Araherstburg, ordering a cessation of all offensive opera- 
 
205 
 
 tioiis a^uiiiHt the United States, and likewise to exert every influence 
 in restraining the Indians from committing any acts of hostility. 
 
 The fortune of war having put me in possession of Detroit and 
 its dependencies, a small garrison has been ordered to occupy the 
 fort, the chief object of which was to afford protection to the 
 inhabitants of the Territory. I have the honor to enclose a copj* of 
 a proclamation which I issued upon this (Xjcasion. 
 
 (Prom 8. VaJiBentwelaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 31.) 
 
 From tlie Buffalo Gazette, Tuesday, August 25tli, i8ia. 
 
 The troops stationed at Black Rock yet remain sickly. Those 
 at Ltnviston we understand are in excellent health. From the other 
 stations on the lines we have no particular information. 
 
 Several works of defence have been thrown up at different 
 points on our lines within the last two weeks. One hundred and 
 fifty tents have been lately pitched at Lewiston. 
 
 Deserters from the British service and disaffected inliabitants 
 of Cana<la are almost daily appearing on our lines. They are gen- 
 erally willing to be examined, and with but a few exceptions give 
 satisfactory accounts of themselves. 
 
 Major General Dearborn to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Headquarters, Greenbush, Aug. 25, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — As soon as practicable after the receipt of this, you will 
 please to have the enclosed letter, directed to the commanding officer 
 of the British forces at Fort George, at Niagara, conveyed to him 
 by a flag, and the letter to General Hull you will please to have 
 forw^arded to him by express with as great despatch as practicable, 
 and at the expiration of four days after the letter is delivered to 
 the British commanding officer at Fort George you will consider 
 the temporary conditional agreement for suspending operations 
 between the forces under your command and the British forces in 
 your vicinity as no longer binding, and you will act accordingly, 
 and you will make every exertion in your power fo-r annoying the 
 enemy, as well as to guard against any attack from him. Con- 
 siderable reinforcements fuxve been sent on from Montreal to 
 strengthen their positions in Upper Canada ; and I trust you will 
 very soon receive such additional force from this State and from 
 Pennsylvania as will enable you to pass into Canada urith safety 
 and effect. A large reinforcement is on its march under Brig. -Gen. 
 Dodge for Sackett's Harbor and Ogdensburg, as well as for Platts- 
 
206 :' ' . , - ^.;.., ■ ■;.;:.,.'•:•::■ 
 
 burg. I have ordered thirty batteaux to Niagara and an equal 
 number to Sackett's Harbor, and have directed the building of 
 proper scows for the transportation of ordnance. If the enemy 
 should have detached from Fort George, it may afford you an 
 opportunity to strike a blow. ■ 
 
 P. S. — Sir, it will be advisable to wait until the arrival of 
 Lt.-Col. Fenwick with the cannon and stores shall be rendered 
 certain within four days before you send the enclosed letter to Fort 
 George. I presume he must arrive before this reaches you, but it 
 inav be otherwise. • • , 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 36.) 
 
 General Orders. " 
 
 Harrisburg, August 25, 1812. 
 
 The President of the United States having, through the Secretary 
 at War and General Dearborn, under date, respectively, of the 13th 
 inst., required a detachment of 2,000 militia to be marched with the 
 least possible delay from the northwestern parts of Pennsylvania to 
 Bufialo, in the State of New York, duty and feeling direct a prompt 
 compliance with the requisition, giving scope for action to the 
 patriotism evinced by that portion of our citizen soldiers who have 
 vohinteered their services under general orders of 12th May last in 
 substitution of the draft required of the State. To obey this call in 
 defence of rights sacred to freemen, to avenge the injuries of the 
 nation and defend the cause of suffering humanity the volunteers 
 of PeniiSylvania will not hesitate a moment to meet the avowed 
 enemy of those rights, not only within the limits of the United 
 States, but will without those limits, with ardor seek and with 
 the determination of freemen punish the unprovoked invaders of 
 our rights and property. . . . . . . 
 
 For obvious reasons the Adjutant-General has been ordered to 
 designate for service such of the volunteers as can with the least pos- 
 sible delay be marched to the scene of action, and is charged with 
 the organization of the detachment of 2,000 men, conformably to the 
 following plan : — The detachment to constitute a brigade, to consist 
 of four regiments, and each regiment to consist of two battalions, to 
 be arranged by the Adjutant-General at the place of rendezvous. 
 
 The general rendezvous will be at Meadville, to which place 
 the volunteers composing the detachment will march with the 
 requisite expedition, so that they will be there on the 25th day of 
 September next. By the twenty-sixth section of the general militia 
 
r ■ 
 
 •-■■V- .." ". ■:■::-" ",'.,.■■■'•' ■, . ■ :' ■■■ ■ / ' ■' .' 
 
 law, among other services by them to be performed, it is made the 
 duty of the brigade inspectors to march each with his proper detach-r 
 ment to the place of rendezvous. 
 
 These officers are severally required and directed to provide 
 subsistence and other necessary accommodation for the troops on 
 their march, and detailed accounts for settlement and payment to 
 the accountant officers of the commonwealth. 
 
 Apprised of the generally prevailing desire that those appointed 
 to command may be the choice of the coumianded, the Governor, 
 agreeably to the tenth section of a supplement to the militia law, 
 passed 26th March, 1808, and the twenty-seventh section of the 
 general militia law, authorizes and directs the officers and privates 
 of the detachment on the day succeeding the 25th day of September 
 next, or those who shall have arrived, to elect, agreeably to the 
 rules prescribed by the militia law, one brigadier-general ;- each 
 regiment to elect a colonel commandant ; each battalion, one major ; 
 the brigadier-general to appoint his own brigade major; the held 
 officers of each regiment shall appoint their respective regimental 
 staffs. To expedite the expedition in discharge of his duty, the 
 Adjutant-General will attend and deliver to the officers-elect their. 
 commissions. 
 
 Simon Snyder, 
 
 Governor of the Commonwealth 
 
 of Pennsylvania. 
 
 (From Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XII., pp. 585-8.) 
 
 N. B. Boileau to Calendev* Irvine. 
 
 Harrisburg, August 25, 1812. 
 To Calender Irvine, Superintendent Military Stores : 
 
 Sir, — Your letter of the 17th instant has been received by the. 
 Governor, who has issued general orders for 2,409 volunteer militia 
 to rendezvous at Meadville on the 25th <lay of September next, 
 You will therefore please to interest the proper officers to forward 
 to that place a sufficient number of tents, kettles and other camp 
 equipage necessary for the detachment above mentioned, so as to 
 be ready at the time appointed for assembling the troops at Mead- 
 ville. There will be in the detachment 1 brigadier, 4 colonels, 8 
 majors, 46 captains. 
 
 P. S. — General Reed will uo at Meadville to receipt for the 
 articles delivered. To ensure the number of 2,000, the Governor 
 has ordered out the number of 2,409. It might be prudent to. 
 supply for the greater numV>er. 
 
 (Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XII., pp. 589-90.) 
 
-^;:,;-.-;S- ■>;-•■.,■ ..; 208 , ; ■ " ■ ' ,. [ " 
 
 Oovemor Snyder to the Brigade Inspectors. 
 
 Sir, — You will immediately on the receipt of the General 
 Orders communicate them to the captains or commanding officers 
 of the volunteer companies within the bounds of your brigade, and 
 give every aid in your power to have the companies marched as 
 expeditiousl}'^ as possible to the place of rendezvous (Meadville) 
 mentioned in General Orders. The troops will be supplied with 
 rations, tents and other camp equipage by the United States. 
 Should there be any deficiency of arms in any of the volunteer 
 companies, you will supply them out of any that may be in the 
 bounds of your brigade. If there cannot be a sufficient number 
 found in that way they will be furnished at the place of rendezvous. 
 Every man will take care to supply himself with a blanket and a 
 knapsack. It is confidently expected that the patriotism of the 
 volunteers is too sincere and ardent to permit them to make any 
 objections to crossing the boundary line of the United States; 
 otherwise they will render no service to their country. 
 
 By order of the Governor. 
 
 (Pennsylvania Archives. Second Series, Vol. XII., p. 591.) 
 
 A Return of the Detached Volunteer Corps. 
 
 A return of the detached volunteer corps who have been called 
 on to march agreeably to the within General Orders of 25th August, 
 1812:— 
 
 Divisum. Brigade Captain. No. Men. Total. 
 
 7th Division : 2d Brigade — James McDowel 78 
 
 , Jeremiah Snyder 51 
 
 ; -- , Michael Harper 32 ' * > 
 
 Andrew Oaks 60 
 
 _ 215 
 
 ; 9th Division : Ist Brigade — John Donaldson 93 
 
 John Amand 30 
 
 Ner Middleswarth 79 
 
 Jared Irwin 68 
 
 — 270 
 2d Brigade — John Gaston 79 
 
 Joseph Dean 42 
 
 Isaac Blue 42 
 
 George Eley 67 
 
 — 230 
 
209 
 
 11th Division : Ist Brigade— Joseph Kleckner. 42 
 
 John McGarry 59 
 
 «j T, . , ^ — 101 
 
 2d Bn^e— Jacob Vanderfelt 33 
 
 Moses Canan 33 
 
 f»f* 
 
 12th Division : 1st Brigade — Jasper Keller 49 
 
 . > Peter Lane 42 
 
 •" Jonathan Roads 47 
 
 / y ; >/ " Richard Maguire .30 
 
 • — ^ ' 2d Brigade — William Piper 68 
 
 ; _^ Hugh Gibson 71 
 
 J39 
 
 14th Division : 1st Brigade— William Sample 62 
 
 Thomas Miller 67 
 
 - Edward Thomas 52 
 
 ' James Warner 42 
 
 David Buchanan 63 
 
 286 
 
 2d Brigade — Henry Vance 42 
 
 William Peterson 52 
 
 ^ 94 
 
 15th Division : 1st Brigade — James Turbit 45 
 
 ^; David Alters 58 
 
 " > James Scott 45 
 
 Walter Li thgow .53 
 
 Volunteers 59 
 
 ' ■■'■ John Barrackman 78 
 
 '^'^ 33g 
 
 2d Brigade — James Alexander ......53 
 
 John Lochry 66 
 
 119 
 
 16fch Division : 1st Brigade— Thomas Foster 31 
 
 Samuel Witbrow 28 
 
 59 
 
 2d Brigade — Robert Dougherty 47 
 
 John Stewart 43 
 
 Robert Sto 67 
 
 Abraham Brickie 44 
 
 James Thompson 50 
 
 — 251 
 
 N. B.— John Fint, brigade inspector, Ninth Division and Second 
 
/ 210 
 
 Brigade, has been subsequent to General Orders directed to order a 
 company, commanded by Capt. Robert McGuigan, to march. Num- 
 ber of men in the company unknown. 
 
 William Reed, Adjutant-General. 
 
 (Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XII., pp. 592-3.) 
 
 Governor Snyder to General W. Reed. 
 General Orders. 
 
 Harrisburg, August 26, 1812. 
 
 To William Reed, Esq., Adjutant-General of Pennsylvania : 
 
 Sir, — You are ordered to attend at Meadville, the new ren- 
 dezvous for 2,000 volunteers of this State, ordered into service on 
 the northwestern frontier of this commonwealth under a requisition 
 of the proper authority. You will accordingly, with the least 
 possible delay, repair to the said rendezvous and take command of 
 the detachment. The citizen soldiers whereof, officers and privates, 
 as they shall from day to day arrive, are commanded strictly to 
 obey and execute all that you shall lawfully order and direct until 
 a brigadier-general and other officers for said detachment shall 
 have been elected and commissioned, agreeably to the general orders 
 of yesterday. The said brigadier- general having taken the com- 
 njand, is ordered and commanded with the least possible delay to 
 march the brigade under his command to Niagara, and on his 
 arrival immediately report himself to the commanding general of 
 the troops at that place. 
 
 Simon Snyder, 
 Governor of the Commonwealth 
 of Pennsylvania. 
 N. B. BoiLEAU, Aid-de-Camp. - 
 
 (Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XII., p. 594.) 
 
 Governor Snyder to Major General Dearborn. : 
 
 ' Harrisburg, 26th August, 1812. 
 
 To General Henry Dearborn, commanding the army of the United 
 States, Greenbush, near Albany, in the State of New York: — 
 
 Sir, — Your request under authority of the President, of the 
 13th instant, which I received by express from this place at Selin's 
 Grove on the 21st, that I would order out 2,000 of the northwestern 
 militia of Pennsylvania, is complied with, as you will perceive by a 
 copy of the General Orders under date of yesterday, which I have 
 
211 
 
 the honor to enclose. I take the Hberty also to enclose a copy of a 
 letter to me on the same subject from the Secretary at War, because 
 of the variance between the two requisitions. You make the 
 request under the Act of February 28th, 1795, under which the 
 militia cannot be longer retained in service than three months. The 
 Act of the 10th April, 1812, authorizes the retention of militia in 
 service six months. The Secretary at War directs that the detach- 
 ment shall consist of the propositions recognized in the order of 
 April 15. Your letter says : "There will be no use for cavalry nor 
 any artillery, unless supplied with field-pieces and apparatus com- 
 plete." On this subject I have by letter of this day said to the 
 Secretary at War that under the belief that the object of both was 
 to have detached for the service the most efficient force, the General 
 Orders are for volunteer infantry and riflemen. They are of the 
 militia of Pennsylvania the best equipped and best disciplined, 
 and in my opinion the most efficient for the service. The number 
 of riflemen is 1,380, of infantry 962, giving a surplus equal to any 
 probable deficiency. 
 
 (Pennsj'lvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XII., p. 595.) 
 
 Governor Snyder to William Eustis, Secretary at War. 
 
 Harrisburg, August 26, 1812. 
 
 To Hon. Willia7ii Eustis, Secretary at War., at the City of Wash- 
 ington: • 
 
 Sir, — Yours under date of the 13th inst. reached me at Selin's 
 Grove, the place of my residence, on the 21st, by express from 
 Harrisburg. On Sunday evening, the 23d, I arrived at this place, 
 and yesterday General Orders were issued, directing 2,000 volunteer 
 militia to march and rendezvous at Meadville, in the northwestern 
 part of this State, a copy of which order I have the honor herewith 
 to enclose. I also enclose a copy of a letter to nie from General 
 Dearborn of the same date and on the same subject. I do this 
 because of the variation between vour letter and the General's, the 
 former requiring a detachment of militia under the Act of April 10, 
 1812, in the proportion recognized in the order of April 15th, under 
 which Act the militia may be retained in service six months ; the 
 latter makes the requisition under the Act of Congress of March 28, 
 1795. Under this last Act the militia cannot be longer retained in 
 service than three months. The General further says there would 
 be no use for cavalry nor artillery unless supplied with field-piecos 
 and apparatus complete. Under the belief the object of both was 
 
, -■.'■■■-'-.":-■ 212 -;- ■ :' ■' ■■ "^ ■•.;;,-- 
 
 to have detached for the service the most efficient force, the Gen- 
 eral Orders are for volunteer infantry and riflemen. They are of 
 the militia of Pennsylvania the best equipped, the tiest disciplined, 
 and in my opinion the most efficient for the service. The number 
 of riflemen is 1,380, of infantry 962, giving a surplus equal to any 
 probable deficiency. The only artillery in a situation to be efficient 
 is at Philadelphia, a point too remote from the scene of action. If, 
 however, the President should deem it necessary to order out a 
 portion of artillery, upon intimation to me it will be promptly 
 attended to. . , 
 
 (Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XII., pp. 596-7.) 
 
 Militia General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort George, 
 
 26th August, 1812. 
 MUitiu General Orders. 
 
 Major General Brock has ever felt anxious to study the com- 
 forts and convenience of the militia, but the conduct of the detach- 
 ments which lately accompanied him to Detroit has, if possible, 
 increased his anxiety on this subject. The present cessation of 
 hostilities enables him to dispense with the services of a large pro- 
 portion of them for a short period. 
 
 Officers commanding will grant permission to any number of 
 the flank companies now doing duty, not exceeding four-fifths of 
 the whole, to return to their homes, but the men will be particularly 
 directed to hold themselves in readiness to return at a moment's 
 notice. 
 
 The Major General is pleased to direct that a general inspection 
 of the regiments in the Home, Niagara and London Districts be 
 immediately made. 
 
 Major General Sheaffij will inspect those in the Home District 
 (except Colonel Beasly's regiment,) Major General Shaw the 1st, 
 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th Lincoln regiments, and Colonel Talbot the 
 different regiments in the London District. 
 
 At these inspections every man liable to serve is expected to 
 be present, and such as are al«ent are to be accounted for under the 
 following heads : — 
 
 First — Age and infirmity. 
 
 Second — Quakers, Mennonists and Tunkers. 
 
 Third — Absentees, distinguishing from what cause. 
 
 It is expected that every individual residing within the limits 
 of a regiment shall be accounted for. 
 
;-■;-. . -;.■'_ 213 •■•; ' : ^ ' 
 
 A regular roll of each company will be prepared by the respec- 
 tive captains, and countersigned by the officer commanding the 
 regiment 
 
 The greater the improvement made by the militia in acquiring a 
 knowledge of military discipline, the less necessary will it be to call 
 them from their homes. The Major General therefore is pleased to 
 direct that officers commanding will call out the men of their 
 respective regiments or companies for drill once in every week. 
 
 Officers commanding corps are directed to call upon the militia- 
 men of their respective regiments, battalions and companies to take 
 and subscribe the oath of allegiance, as directed in the last Militia 
 Act, previous to the day of inspection, and they will furnish the 
 inspecting officer with a list of the names of such persons as may 
 have refused to take and subscribe the same, if any such there be. 
 
 By order of the Major General. 
 
 J. Macdonell, 
 ► Lt-Col., P. A. D. C. 
 
 Prom the National Intelligfencer, of Washins^ton, D. C, Sept. 3Td» 
 
 i8ia. - . ' 
 
 Extract of a letter from Colonel S. VanRensselaer, dated 
 August 26th, 6 p. m. : 
 
 "I am this moujent called upon to receive a flag of truce from 
 the British, accompanied by an officer from General Hull's army, 
 which sun-endered on the 16th inst. to the British General Brock." 
 
 A Niagara paper (the Be(?) of the 22nd inst. states that General 
 Hull had 2,500 men and 25 pieces of cannon, which, together with 
 the American vessels on the lake and Detroit, surrendered to 
 General Brock on the 16th inst. without bloodshed on the part of 
 the British. 
 
 General Hull is now on board the Queen Charlotte. 
 
 .".,, (From file in the New York Society Library. '« 
 
 John I^ovett to Joseph Alexander. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, August 26, 1812. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Yesterday I wrote you,Mr. Van Vechten,and Colonel 
 Westerlo, but what I wrote I cannot say ; it was a day of turmoil, 
 mortification and humiliation through our camp. Such a flood as 
 the consequences of Gen. Hull's surrender poured in upon us that it 
 required considerable nerve to meet everything, and unluckily Col. 
 VanRensselaer had gone to Buffalo to make some arrangements 
 
' .' 214 " ";^.. 
 
 with Swift's Regiment, which ia getting down fast with sickness, 
 and might say t<)o great a want of diHcipline. Yesterday the first 
 we saw was a guard of about 50 men passing with some wagons on 
 the opposite shore ; it was the victorious Brock returning to Fort 
 George. He sent over Col. McDonald, his aid-de-camp, and Major 
 Evans, two strapping lads in scarlet, gold and arms, to make a com- 
 munication to General VanRensselaer. I went to meet them at an 
 inn near the shore to learn their pleasure, but finding it was general 
 and verbal, it could not be received. They were, however, very 
 modest, very respectful, and altho' I constantly barred any com- 
 munication, they still kept bowing and saying that " Gen. Brock 
 only wished to accpiaint (Jen. VanRensselaer" of this and that and 
 that, &c., &c. In this way they convinced me that Brock had not 
 learned anything of the armistice until he arrived in this neigh bor- 
 hofxl, that but a very small force was left behind, that Brock, learn- 
 ing the armistice, felt a very friendly disposition, &c. I made my 
 best Ikjw and scraped as fast as I could, but a poor private secrekiry 
 alone against hvo such acarlet clad champioriH had, as you nmy 
 suppose, an indifferent chance. We parted, but I think Gen. V^an- 
 Ren.sselaer will shortly receive some written communication from 
 Gen. Brock. In the evening a number of HiiH's officeis on parole 
 visite<l (jren. V. R. They were very cautious of their words, but I 
 could discern a degree of disaflfection towards Hull. Gen. Hull will 
 probably be sent to Quebec. The militia captured, I understand, 
 are sent home, that's all. Indeed I have not either time or patience 
 to examine into this most nameless affair. I feel what you may 
 suppose. I need say no more. 
 
 I was ever proud of my country, and as an American could 
 look any man of any nation at least horizontally in the face. But 
 yesterday my eyes seemed to have accjuired a new attachment to 
 the ground. I sent V'an Vechten a pa|)er giving the detail of the 
 surrender, sent by an e.vj)ress t(j overtake the mail, hope he got it. 
 And now, my friend, what do you think of oar situation ? It is 
 true we are all tied up with the armistice, but either party may 
 throw it off by four days notice. I don't believe the enemy will 
 throw it off Nevertheless, we have to cast about a little. This 
 part of the country now think their whole salvation rests upon our 
 little raw army. / think, I know the fact that after Brock had 
 taken Hull, he expressed his determination to return and take 
 Niagara. I think his mind is altered by the armistice, but he can 
 take Niagara any hour he pleases. Yes, my friend, we can't, defend 
 Niagara one hour. And as for our present camp, I now write with 
 one eye on a single gun on yon hill in Queenston, which would rout 
 us all in three minutes, and we have only two grasshoppers to 
 
215 
 
 return the tire. The Ohio officers, prisoners, also were lawt evening 
 with us, say timt the Indians with Brock are tlie finest fellows they 
 ever saw ; a size larger than they ever saw. They are commanded 
 by the Prophet's brother Tecumsieh. He is hourly expected at 
 Fort George about seven miles from us, al>out near enough, and it is 
 said the tawny host*is to follow. Well! be it so, one thing our 
 friends may be assured of, we are not scared yet. We shall never 
 be Hulled. Our General is thoughtful but firm. We have been 
 reconnoitering this mortiing, and shall probably this afternoon fix 
 upon a spot to which we shall remove in case the armistice is broken 
 off. We have a piece; of ground in view where our little force may 
 make a tolerable stand, and then secure our retreat unless they 
 fiank us wider than I InUieve their force will admit. At any rate 
 we will not be Hulled — they may pound us or grind us. Be all of 
 you of good cheer as respects iw, and use the fate of the other army 
 tis you ought. Now don't let my good wjfe get fidgety about me in 
 this new predicament. Tell her I am well and can run like a boy 
 and will not he txiken. I confess we are very solicitous to hear from 
 Washington and know what we are to do, and take our measures 
 accordingly. The night Ijefore lust one of our nisli subalterns with 
 a dozen men went upon Buck horn Island, surprised a sergeant and 
 five men and brought them ott". We broke the armistice, but Gen. 
 V. R. restored the men and wrote General Sheatt'e, commanding 
 Fort George and dependencies, &c., &c., &c. (Kites fiy liest with 
 long tails.) 120 of Swift's little Regt. sick. I told you so, but I am 
 well. The devil seems to have got into everybody. 
 (From Bonney's Historical QleaningH, pp. 218-9.) 
 
 General Dearborn to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 Headquartehs, Gkeenbush, August 26th, 1812. 
 Sir, — It is with regret I have to inform Your Kxcellency that 
 the President of the United States has receive*! no oflRcial infor- 
 mation from your Government which will warrant a continuance of 
 the provisional measure that was temporarily agreed on between 
 Your Excellency (through the agency of Col. Baynes) and myself. 
 I have therefore to inform Your Excellency that at the expiration of 
 four days froni the time that this communication shall have reached 
 the commanding officer at Montreal, and copies to the same effect 
 shall have been received by the respective commanding officers on 
 the frontier, viz., at Niagara and Ogdensburg on the side of the 
 United States, and the British commanding officers in Upper Canada 
 at Niagara and Kingston, I shall consider the arrangement before 
 
.,'■;:'■■, 'V, /v., , , -;',,:;„;;/ 216 ■■■, , ''V'.'./':''" ■ 
 
 attended to for a mutual Huspension of active hostilities as no 
 longer obligatory on either party ; and if a suspension of offensive 
 operations shall have been mutually consented to between General 
 Hull and the commanding officer of the British force at or near 
 Detroit, as proposed, they will respectively be authorized at the 
 expiration of four days subsequent to their receiving copies of the 
 communication to consider themselves released from any agreement 
 thus entered into. 
 
 Captain Pinkney, one of my aides-de-camp, is charged with the 
 conveyance of this communication to Your Excellency or the com- 
 manding officer at Montreal. I have sent copies of this communica- 
 tion to the respective commanding officers on the side of the United 
 States, on the frontiers, with copies directed to the British command- 
 ing officers at Niagara, Kingston and Detroit, and directions to 
 have the copies intended for the British officers respectively con- 
 veyed to them without delay. 
 
 I cannot on this occasion refrain from expressing to Your 
 Excellency my ardent wish that measures may speedily be adopted 
 for effecting such an honorable and permanent peace between our 
 governments as will establish the most harmonious intercourse 
 between the two nations so deeply interested in the offices of recip- 
 rocal friendship. - ' < ' , 
 
 (Prom Canadian Archives, C. 677, p. 58.) 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 26tb August, 1812. 
 
 Sir,— I have the honor to enclose you a copy of a proclamation 
 which I have this day received from Major General Brock, under 
 cover of his letter of this date to me, a copy of which letter I also 
 transmit to you. My letter to Major General Sheaffe, of which 
 mention is made, was to disavow the imprudent act of a subaltern 
 officer who with a few soldiers and citizens passed over since the 
 armistice to Buckhorn Island and there surprised a sergeant and 
 five men of the enemy and brought them off together with their 
 boat, which men I ordered to be immediately' released and their 
 boat restored. 
 
 The surrender of General Hull's array excites a great deal of 
 alarm in this vicinity. I shall, however, as far as in my power check 
 and keep it under. 
 
 (From S. YanRensselaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 32.) 
 
--■'-^^'■-- •ill' ■•■ ■ ^ ■::■■■'■..,, v'''^ '..-.. 
 
 ■'::^'./-:' General Order. 
 
 Headquarters, Albany, Augfc. 27th, 1812. 
 
 In pursuance of a requisition made by the authority of the 
 President of the United States, the Sixth Brigade of detached 
 militia of this State commanded by Brigadier-General Daniel 
 Miller of Cortlandt County and composed of the regiments whereof 
 Farrand Stranahan and Thompson Meade are Lieutenant Colonels 
 Commandant, and the Ninth Regiment of the Third detached 
 brigade of infantry, to the command of which Peter J. Vosburgh 
 has been assigned as Lt.-Col. Commandant, are hereby ordered into 
 the service of the United States, and will rendezvous for that pur- 
 pose by battalions on Tuesday, the 8th day of September next, at 
 the hour of ten in the forenoon, at such places as the respective 
 commandants of the said detached regiments Shall assign for that 
 purpose. 
 
 The non-commissioned officers and privates must appear com- 
 pletely equipped with their own clothing and a musket or rifle, 
 cartridge box, knapsack, blanket and canteen. Tents, camp kettles 
 and the means of transporting baggage will be ready on the day 
 and at the respective places of rendezvous. 
 
 The volunteers and men drafted from the rifle battalions of 
 Rensselaer County, from Captain Waternmn's Light Infantry at 
 Hudson, and from the two light infantry companies at Troy, are 
 expected from and will not rendezvous with the detached corps 
 above mentioned, but will remain and march with their said respec- 
 tive companies as may be directed by future General Orders. 
 
 The officers, non-commissioned officers or privates who shall 
 refuse a prompt compliance with this order will he dealt with as 
 directed by the Act of Congress, passed the 26th day of February^ 
 1795, of which a copy is annexed. 
 
 The Commander-in-Chief flatters himself that no one will be so 
 unmindful of the duty of a citizen soldier as to incur the penalties 
 of the said Act, but that on the contrary a unanimous disposition 
 will prevail to manifest the promptitude and efficacy of a patriotic 
 militia when called into the service of their country. 
 
 By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 Robert Macomb, 
 * Lt.-Col. and Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, New York State Library.) 
 
218 
 
 , General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, August 28th, 1812. 
 
 The army under the command of Brigadier-General Hull has 
 surrendered at Detroit. This is a national disaster, but it is the 
 duty of Holdiera to turn even disasters to profit. To this end the 
 General calls upon the troops under his command to make every 
 effort in perfecting that discipline on which they must rely for 
 their own safety and for their country's honor in thhi crisis which 
 may be fast approaching. The General is persuaded that Ameri- 
 cans know the inestimable rights which they enjoy, and he con- 
 fidently trusts that their bravery to defend is in proportion to the 
 knowledge they possess of those rights. 
 
 The troops will be exercised at reveille, and from four o'clock 
 in the afternoon, two hours instead of one, as mentioned in General 
 Orders of the 19th instant. 
 
 Capt. Dogherty and Lieut. Hcwit of Lieut-Col. Swift's regiment 
 are released from their arrests, and will return to their duty. This 
 renewed instance of clemency of the Major General it is hoped will 
 be properly appreciated by them. It is not his wish to punish, but 
 orders must and shall be obeyed. 
 
 The unhealthy state of the troops under the command of Lieut.- 
 Col. Swift at Black Rock renders particular attention to them and 
 the causes of their maladies necessary. For this purpose Doctor 
 Brown will associate with him Doctor Daniel Chipman, and they 
 will proceed without delay to that place and make full inquiry 
 into the situation of the sick, the causes which have produced the 
 diseases and the manner in which they have been treated, of all 
 which they will make report in writing to the Major General, 
 suggesting the V»est mode in their opinion to restore those who are 
 sick and preserve the health of the well. 
 
 These and all other orders are to be read by the adjutants to 
 the troops under the command of the Major General. The com- 
 manding officers of regiments and corps will give orders accordingly. 
 
 By order of Major General VanRensselaer. , 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Dearborn. 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 28th Aug., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — By the mail of this day I received your letter of the 21st 
 inst I had hoped that His Excellency Gov. Tompkins might have 
 detailed to you the condition of the troops under my command on 
 
219 
 
 this frontier, and also the ordnance, etc., at my command. The 
 whole number of militia on this frontier is less than eight hundred, 
 more than one hundred on the sick list, lany without shoes and 
 otherwise illy prepared for offensive operations. I have only five 
 or six pieces of ordnance, none larj^er than six-pounders. 
 
 Alter having satisfied m3'self of the strength and condition of 
 the enemy, I was fully convinced that however imperious the con- 
 siderations which urged an immediate descent upon Canada that 
 the result must be unfavorable. 1 therefore adopted the plan of 
 concentrating my forces scattered on this line and calling in such 
 further reinforcements as might enable me to act. But the face of 
 things is now wholly changed by the incomprehensible disaster of 
 Oeneral Hull's army. Within forty-eight hours past General Hull 
 and a considerable porti(jn of his regulars have been marched 
 through Queenston in fair view of my canjp. The effects produced 
 by this event are such as you will readily imagine. I understand 
 that Gen. Hull and his troops are now embarking at Fort George, 
 probably for Montreal. 
 
 I wait with solicitude to learn the result of our Government's 
 deliberation on the armistice, in the meantime adopting such meas- 
 ures as I must pursue if a recommencement of hostilities shall take 
 place. 
 
 I shall immediately apprise Gen. Porter of your instruction 
 respecting boats. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 58.) 
 
 General Peter B. Porter to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 MancheTster, Aug. 28th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Mr. Beard, the person whom I employed to go express to 
 Gen. Hull, has returned with your despatches, which I herewith 
 enclose. On his arrival at Cayahoga he met several boats with the 
 militia prisoners of Gen. Hull's army, and finding it useless as well 
 as impracticable to proceed, he retui*ned. Mr. Beard informs that 
 when these boats were first discovered at and beyond Cayahoga 
 they were supposed to contain an army of British and Indians, 
 whose object it was to over- run the country, and expresses with 
 information to that effect were sent in every direction, and that the 
 inhabitants were in a state of the greatest alarm and confusion and 
 quitting their homes. 
 
 Before Mr. Beard left Cayahoga, however, about 1,000 militia 
 had collected, and in the course of the day succeeding his departure 
 it was pretty well ascertained that there would be about 3,000 men 
 
220 
 
 at that place, tolerably armed and provided with ammunition and 
 desirous of marching to Detroit ; that about 2,000 Kentuckiana 
 were on their march to reinforce Genl. Hull, and it was hoped they 
 would fall in with a party of Indians under Tecumseh who, it was 
 understood from our prisoners, had left Detroit to take Fort Wayne. 
 Mr. Beard on his return took great pains, and he thinks with etfect,^ 
 to allay the fears of the inhabitants and induce them to remain at 
 home. I send a copy of Genl. Hull's capitulation. Major Cuyler 
 has t' ken the capitulation to copy, and will send it to you. 
 
 (From Bonney's Historicftl Gleanings, pp. 222-3.) ; ■ 
 
 John I<ovett to Abraham VanVechten. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 28th August, 1812. 
 Dear Sir, — 
 
 Things are bad enough now. I do not speak of our little camp* 
 We are snug, getting in fine order, and with infinite, unceasing 
 industry, preparing for the worst, while we hope for the best. I 
 speak on the general scale of all things around us. Hull's surrender 
 is to me incon)prehensible. I had expected his destruction would 
 be certain, but it has come in such a way as I did not expect. 
 Three of his officers say he had a force of 2,200. The British all 
 round assert that he has surrendered between 2,500 and 3,000 ; his 
 provisions were ample for three more weeks; of ordnance and every 
 munition of war he had abundance, yet he surrendered to a force 
 vastly inferior, probably to 600 or 700 British troops and about 
 the same number of Indians. He fired not a gun, and but one was 
 fired at him. Then why did Hull surrender, is the questi-u ' No 
 one here can answer. From his officers and all I have ,n, it 
 appears that there was through the whole army a very great dis- 
 affection towards Hull. Cowardice is pretty generally imputed to 
 him. Many allege corruption ; his officers seem greatly distressed 
 at the character of the surrender. Now, the consequences of this 
 affair cast such a blot on the American character as the tears of 
 your children and mine and a hundred more generations can never 
 sponge away. 
 
 This event has cemented Canada beyond anything you can con- 
 ceive. It has a serious face also on our Indians on the whole 
 frontier. The affair with Gen. Harrison gave them the scent of 
 blood and you can depend on it, it has been well improved. 
 Tecumsieh, the Prophet's brother, a warrior of almost unbounded 
 influence, now openly holds the language that the Great Spirit 
 
■ - y- . .221 
 
 intended Ohio River for the boundary between his white and red 
 children, that many of the first warriors have always thought so, 
 but a cloud hung over the eyes of the tribes and they could not see 
 what the Great Spirit meant, that Gen. Brock has now torn away 
 the cloud and the Indians see clearly that all the white people must 
 go back east of the Ohio, and if any one attempts to cross that 
 river " Indians will cut their toes off." Yesterday I beheld such a 
 sight as God knows I never expected to see, and He only knows 
 the sensation it created in my heart. I saw my countrymen, free- 
 born Americans, robbed of the inheritance which their dying fathers 
 bequeathed them, stripped of the arms which achieved our inde- 
 pendence and marched into a strange land by hundreds as black 
 cattle for the market. 
 
 Before and behind, on the right and on the left, their proud 
 victors gleamed in arms and their heads erect in the pride of 
 victory. How many of our unfortunate brethren were in this 
 situation, I know not ; the road for more than a mile :'a perfectly 
 in our view. I think the line, including wagons, pleasure carriages, 
 &c., was half a mile long, scattered. The sensations this scene pro- 
 duced in our camp were inexpressible ; mortification, indignation, 
 fearful apprehension, suspicion, jealousy, dismay, rage, madness. 
 
 It was a sad day with us, but the poor fellows last evening 
 went on board the shipping and, I presume, passed over to York. 
 I saw a gentleman who was present when Gen. Hull alighted from 
 his carriage at Fort George, hale, corpulent, and apparently in high 
 spirits, and hence will he ever ^-bturn ? He goes to Quebec. Such 
 the scenes before us. All eyes seem now turned on General Van 
 Rensselaer for direction and on our little army for defence. I tell 
 you nothing, but the man who is now on the ground could prevent 
 incalculable mischief in this quarter. It is his respectability and 
 character which effects all that is effected, and I am proud to say 
 he is assiduously, vigilantly and ably supported. We have plenty 
 to do from the 4 o'clock morning gun until 9 at night. 
 
 I saw a gentleman who had this day seen one of Hull's captains, 
 who openly and roundly asserted that Hull was a coward, that as 
 soon as the first gun was tired he sat down with his back against a 
 solid protection. ,,1;::.-::.. .,^.:.i-.,,. v.. .., ,■.',. ' ....ivv-v-i^..;,, •>-- 
 
 » 'y " 
 • • • • • • • ».;;■• » ■ , ,»}, '- J ♦ 
 
 (From Bonney's Historical Oleanings, pp. 230-1.) 
 
222 
 
 , General Orders. - 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 29th Aug.. 1812. 
 
 The Major General is gratified with the attention which is paid 
 by the officers to the health of the men. Striking the tents as has 
 been this morning done will in a great measure prevent disease 
 among the troops, and the General recommends that it will be done 
 as often as occasion may require, and that cleanliness be observed in 
 every particular by individuals of the army. It is absolutely neces- 
 sary to the preservation of health. It is particularly enjoined on 
 those who have charge of the few sick in this camp and the hospital 
 to see that they are well supplied with everything necessary for 
 their accommodation, and that expert and faithful nurses are pro- 
 vided to attend them. 
 
 On this occasion the General cannot refrain from expressing 
 his satisfaction at the attention of the officers in general to their 
 duty, and the orderly conduct of the soldiers in obeying orders. 
 Such cheerful and soldier-like behavior is to him a cheerful presage 
 of what he has to expect from them in the hour "which will try 
 men's souls." 
 
 To the commanding officer of the 7th Brigade, and to the 
 colonels of the 18th and 20th Regiments, the General tendei*s his 
 acknowledgements for their strict attention to the discipline of the 
 troops and the preservation of their health. 
 
 By order of Major General Van Rensselaer. 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, 
 
 Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 General Peter B. Porter to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Black Rock, Aug. 30, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I know that you must be borne down by the weight of 
 official duty, and, not having received any answers to my former 
 lettei*s, I have for some time past forborne to trouble you. 
 
 I have now only to ask once more in short, what I have before 
 pressed on Your Excellency in detail, in the hope that you will 
 spare five minutes to answer and relieve me from the state of 
 uncertainty in which I am placed. 
 
 My request is that if you consider me in service you would 
 authorize me generally to provide such things in the Quartermaster- 
 General's department as in the opinion of the officers commanding 
 are necessary to the support and successful operations of the army, 
 and that you will forward to me the necessary funds to do it, as it 
 is extremely difficult to raise the requisite sums from bills. 
 
223 
 
 The above is all I have to write on the business of my depart- 
 ment, and to which I should be gratified by an answer. What 
 follows Your Excellency will read or not, as leisure or inclination 
 may dictate. 
 
 Three days ago we witnessed a sight which made my heart 
 sick within me, and the emotions which it excited throughout the 
 whole of our troops along the line who were eye-witnesses are not 
 to be described. The heroes of Tippecanoe, with the garrisons of 
 Detroit and Mackinac, amounting to about five hundred men, were 
 marched like cattle from Fort Erie to Fort George, guarded by 
 General Brock's regular troops with all the parade and pomp of 
 British insolence, and we were incapacitated by the armistice and 
 by our own weakness from giving them the relief which they 
 seemed anxiously to expect, and could only look on and sicken at 
 the sight. 
 
 In March last I urged on the President and to the Secretaries 
 of War and the Navy the necessity of having a naval force on the 
 lakes superior to that of the British, which might have been done 
 at an expense of less than one hundred thousand dollars (as I then 
 demonstrated), and ready to act by the first of July. I also urged 
 them, and have not ceased to do it since, the expediency of having 
 land forces ready to act immediately after the declaration of war 
 at different points along the frontier, so as to prevent the concentra- 
 tion of the British forces at any one place. With 4,000 men on 
 this river one month ago in a condition to act, the whole of Upper 
 Canada and the Indian country would now have been in our quiet 
 possession. But unfortunately the counsels of men who knew the 
 country were rejected or disregarded, and what is now the terrible 
 reverse of the picture, which some regard to their advice, frequently 
 and strenuously urged, would have prevented ? Detroit and a brave 
 army taken — the Indians let loose upon our frontiers — thr^ inhab- 
 itants flying in every direction — Brock, with his army and ^ndians 
 and thousands of inspirited Canadians and a powerful train of field 
 and garrison ordnance taken from General Hull, arrived on this 
 frontier and ready to act. Indeed, it is now reduced to a certainty 
 that the inhabitants of this river, with their property, are doomed 
 to feel the scourge and desolation of war. The hour that closes the 
 armistice will bring ruin to most of them who live on this frontier. 
 But I should riot be appalled by the prospect if I could see some 
 spirit and energy awakened in those who direct the destinies of the 
 nation. For the last two months I could have traversed the wilds 
 of Canada, fought with Indians only and subjected myself to all 
 the inconvenience of the country without suffering half what I 
 have done by the terrible state of inactivity and uncertainty in 
 
224 ' - ■^■■■■- 
 
 which we have been placed, and such are the feelings of all the 
 brave men on this river. 
 
 We have been daily amused for two months with news of the 
 approach of heavy ordnance, of flying artillery, of regular troops, 
 &c., &c., to this frontier, but none have arrived. They come to 
 Utica and then disappear. They timidly dance backward and for- 
 ward in the interior of the country, without knowing what to do 
 or being of service anywhere. The Genesee River, Sodus, Oswego, 
 and the brig at Sackett's Harbor, are all alternately to be defended, 
 as a British ship appears to pass from one end of the lake to the 
 other. This miserable and timid system of defence must be aban- 
 doned, or the nation is ruined and disgraced. Make a bold push at 
 any one point and you will find your enemy, give them as much 
 business as they can attend to at Niagara and at Ogdensburg, and 
 you will not see them groping among the marshes of Sodus to 
 pillage the miserable huts of the poor inhabitants. But it is needless 
 for me to say more ; my views have been long known. 
 
 Excuse the incoherence and abruptness of this letter. It is 
 written in a state of mind little short of distraction, occasioned by 
 the events of the West and the situation of my brother, who has 
 been at the point of death for ten days past, but who, thank God, 
 is now recovering. I trust I am addressing myself to friends, and, I 
 know, with the best motives and wishes for them and my country. 
 
 I do not feel disposed to condemn a public man on the slight 
 ground of rumor and before he has had an impartial trial, but I 
 have conversed with several gentlemen who were at Detroit at the 
 time of its surrender, and if their representations are to be credited, 
 that event will make one of the foulest blots on the page of Ameri- 
 can history. Yesterday a number of men were shot at Fort George 
 in view of our troops. They are supposed to be the unfortunate 
 fellows who joined General Hull in Canada and were surrendered 
 at Detroit, and for whose protection provision should have been 
 mode in the capitulation at the expense of the life of every man in 
 the garrison. 
 
 I have enclosed a copy of this letter so far as it is contained on 
 the first sheet to the Secretary of War, for whom, indeed, it was 
 intended with the exception of the request at the beginning. 
 
 The public mind in this quarter is wrought up alnjost to a 
 state of madness. Jealousy and distrust begin to prevail toward 
 the general officers, occasioned perhaps by the rash and imprudent 
 expressions on politics of some of the persons attached to them, but 
 principally by the surrender of Detroit, which among the common 
 people is almost universally ascribed to treachery. 
 
 I have entire confidence in the honor and patriotism as well as 
 
225 
 
 the military promptitude and judgment of General VanRensselaer 
 and shall moat cheerfully submit to his guidance. But if it is his 
 wish (and I think it is and that he will express it to you) to return, 
 it would inspire great confidence in the troops and the country to 
 have you or General D. Clinton take the command. 
 
 We shall probably be attacked when the armistice is off, but I 
 trust in God, not surrendered. 
 
 Governor Tompkins : — 
 
 I could wish, if you have no objections, that this letter may be 
 seen by Mr. Clinton, between whom and yourself I ardently hope 
 for the sake of my country in its present perilous situation that the 
 greatest cordiality may exist. 
 
 (Cop I, of a Letter to the Secretary of War.) 
 
 Black Rock, Aug. 30, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I enclose you a copy of my letter of this date to Governor 
 Tompkins, to which I must beg your serious attention. 
 
 For God's sake, my friend, arouse and put forth the energies of 
 the nation, and let us not be beaten by a petty province. War can 
 never be waged by tedious and two-penny calculations of economy 
 in the office at Washington. The poor but patriotic citizens of 
 Ohio and the frontiers of New York are suffering all the miseries 
 of poverty and war. They alone are called out because, perhaps, 
 their march to the frontiers is shorter, and therefore cheaper, while 
 the rich inhabitants of Pennsylvania are lolling in security and ease. 
 
 As one of the inhabitants of this frontier, I can submit to the 
 loss of property ; I can see with composure (what is now actually 
 presented to my view) my vessels riding under British colors in a 
 British harbor, but I cannot endure the degradation of my country. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, Vol. VIII., pp. 96-102, New York Stat« Library.) 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Major General Brock. 
 
 Headquarters, Montreal, Aug. 80, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I received on the 25th, while at St. John's, your despatch 
 by express from Detroit of the 16th instant. I do most sincerely 
 congratulate you upon the coniplete success which has attended 
 your measures for the preservation of Amherstburg. The sur- 
 render of Detroit, the capture of General Hull's army with so 
 large a proportion of ordnance, are circumstances of high importance 
 to our country, and which have evinced your talents as an officer in 
 command and reflect honor upon you and upon Lieut. -Colonel St. 
 George and Colonel Procter. 
 
■; 226 ;■ ' ''■- ■/ :^--^;" .?-^ 
 
 I propose sending an aid-de-camp to England with your short 
 despatch, together with such details as I am in possession of, 
 respecting Brigadier-General Hull's previous invasion of Upper 
 Canada and of his foiled attempts to invade Amherstburg, but I 
 shall delay his departure from hence until the Ist of September, in 
 hopes of obtaining from you before that time further particulars of 
 the operations which led to General Hull's disgrace. 
 
 Well aware of the difficulties you have surmounted for the 
 preservation of your government entire, I shall endeavor to do 
 justice to your merit in my report to His Majesty's Minister upon 
 the success which has crowned your energy and zeaL 
 
 A warrant giving you more extensive power over the sentence 
 of such general courts-martiai as you may be called on to assemble, 
 was signed by me ten days since, and has, I hope, reached you. 
 
 I am in hourly expectation of receiving from General Dearborn 
 intelligence respecting the reception of the proposed suspension of 
 hostilities in consequence of the revocation of the Orders-in-Council 
 which are a plea for war in the American Cabinet, and also whether 
 Mr. Baker has been allowed to assume pro tempore the character of 
 a charge d'affaires at Washington, where Mr. Foster left him in a demi- 
 official capacity. I consider tlie arrangement entered into by General 
 Dearborn with Colonel Baynes requiring the confirmation of the 
 President to establish its sacredness. 
 
 The King's Government having njost unequivocally expressed 
 to me their desire to preserve peace with the United States, that 
 they might, uninterrupted, pursue with the whole disposable force 
 of the country the great interest committed in Europe, I have 
 endeavored to be instrumental in the accomplishment of their views, 
 but I consider it most fortunate to have been enabled to do so with- 
 out interfering with operations on the Detroit. 
 
 I have sent you men, money and stores of every kind. 
 
 P. S. — I have addressed to you a public letter containing my 
 sentiments upon Major General Sheaffe's alterations in original con- 
 clusive and binding conditions transmitted to him by the Adjutant- 
 General. 
 
 (From Tupper's Life of Brock, pp. 274-5.1 ' ^ "» / 
 
 Major General VanReneselaer to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, August 31, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Presuming that the surrender of General Hull's army 
 has been officially announced to Your Excellency through the 
 proper channel, I shall not enter into any details upon the event so 
 
/-. 
 
 ■ 227 
 
 disastrous to our country. Its consequences must be felt every- 
 where, but they are particularly distressing upon these frontiers, 
 both to the citizens and the little army under my command. Alarm 
 p€5rvades the country and distrust among the troops. They are 
 incessantly pressing for furloughs under every possible pretence. 
 Many are without shoes; all clamorous for pay. Many are sick. 
 Swift's regiment at Black Rock are about one-fourth part down. I 
 have ordered Doctor Brown to associate Doctor Chapin with him, 
 and to examine as to the causes pro<lucing the diseases, the mode of 
 treating them, &c., and to report to me the best means of preserving 
 the health of those who remain well. This duty they are now 
 performing. 
 
 Captain Jennings has been tried by a courtmartial and found 
 guilty of such charges as forfeited his commission, and I have 
 approved the sentence. The proceedings in form will soon be 
 forwarded to Your Excellency. 
 
 While we are thus growing daily weaker, our enemy is growing 
 stronger. They hold a very commanding position on the high 
 ground above Queenston, and they are daily strengthening them- 
 selves in it with men and ordnance. Indeed they are fortifying 
 almost every prominent point from Fort Erie to Fort George. At 
 present we rest upon the armistice, but should hostilities be recom- 
 menced I must immediately change my position. I receive no 
 reinforcement of men, no ordnance or munitions of war. I must 
 hope that I shall not long be left in this situation. 
 
 Two gentlemen, Messrs. Johnson and Bascom, came over in a 
 flag to the garrison at Niagara, and the first I knew of it they were 
 in my camp. Being satisfied that they were American citizens, 
 men of intelligence and some standing in society, I permitted them 
 to pass on with orders to report themselves to Your Excellency. 
 
 There is one fact which, though not immediately connected 
 with my department, I cannot refrain from mentioning. Tlie 
 unfortunate soldiers of General Hull's army who marched by my 
 camp on their way to Lower Canada are very destitute of clothing. 
 Every consideration would urge that some attention should be paid 
 to their condition. 
 
 (Prom 8. VanRensselaer'.*! Narrative: Appendix, p. 34; Tompkins' Papers, Vol. VIII., 
 pp. 105^7, New York State Library. ) : , 
 
 ' ( 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Major General Brock. 
 
 Headquarters, Montreal, Aug. 31, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I had scarcely closed the letters I addressed to you 
 yesterday when an aide-de-camp from Major General Dearborn 
 
•- 1' 
 
 228 
 
 made his appearance and delivered to me the despatch herewith 
 transmitted. It will exposie to your view the disposition of the 
 President of the United States on the provisional measure tempo- 
 rarily agreed upon between the American commander-in-chief and 
 myself in consequence of an earnest desire not to widen the breach 
 existing between the two countries, the revocation of the Orders-in- 
 Council having removed the plea used in Congress for a declaration 
 of war against Great Britain. 
 
 I am much disappointed that the particulars of the surrender 
 of Detroit have not as yet reached me, particularly as my aide-de- 
 camp. Captain Coore, ia to leave Montreal this evening for Quebec, 
 where a ship of war is on the point of sailing for Halifax, from 
 whence I expect the admiral will give him a conveyance for England. 
 
 Being unacquainted with the conditions attached to the sur- 
 render of Brigadier-General Hull's army, and giving scope to your 
 expressions of prisoners of war, I have made arrangements for 
 increasing their security against any attempt to rescue them, by 
 ordering Captain Gray to proceed with two flank companies to 
 Prescott. 
 
 (From Tupper's Lif« of Brock, p. 276.) 
 
 Militia General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, York, 1st Septr., 1812. 
 Militia General Orders. 
 
 Major General Brock has been pleased to direct that such of 
 the militia as have lately returned from Detroit, and who received 
 leave of absence, shall receive pay and rations till the 24th instant, 
 should their furlough so long continue. 
 
 By order. 
 
 J. Macdonell, 
 Lt.-Col. Militia, P. A. D. C. 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 1st Sept., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — In the letter which I had the honor to address to Your 
 Excellency yesterday, I mentioned the general alarm which the 
 suri'ender of General Hull's army has spread through the frontier. 
 The inhabitants everywhere think themselves in danger. This is 
 particularly the case in the County of Chautauqua, and in con- 
 sequence of representations made to me by the inhabitants of that 
 county, I had on the 27th ulto. issued an order to Lieut.-Colonel 
 
229 
 
 John McMahon to order into service two full companies of his regi- 
 ment for the protection of its inhabitants, designating in my order 
 where they should be stationed. This morning again I have been 
 called upon by Captains Baldwin and Mack, gentlemen of respecta- 
 bility from that county, very earnestly soliciting in behalf of the 
 inhabitants still further force for their protection, and I have issued 
 another order to Lieut.-Colonel McMahon to detach one captain, 
 two sergeants and 26 privates more for the service aforesaid, until 
 Your Excellency's pleasure can be known on the subject. 
 
 2d Septeml)er, 4 o'clock p. m. 
 
 Colonel Fenwick has not yet arrived at Fort Niagara, and of 
 course I have not delivered the letter of yesterday received by 
 express from Major General Dearlx)rn. Four or five vessels have 
 just arrived at Fort George, it is supposed with reinforcements. 
 Our enemy appear to be on the alert at every point. 
 
 This morning Lieut. Branch with about 40 men and two pieces 
 of flying artillery arrived, also Captain Camp with about 25 
 dragoons. 
 
 P. S. — The company of Captain Jennings in Colonel Swift's 
 regiment had become so clamorous for pay and contended so strenu- 
 ously that their time had expired that I have ordered them to be 
 discharged. I was strengthened in my belief that this would meet 
 your approbation by learning from Brigadier General Brown that 
 you had ordered Colonel Bellinger's regiment to be discharged. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, vol. VIII., pp. 103-5, New York State Library.) 
 
 Major General YanRensselaer to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 Headqu,\rters, Lewiston, 
 ' 1st September, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have just received your letter of the 25th ult. I shall 
 ascertain the movements and situation of Lieut.-Col. Fenwick with 
 the cannon and stores, and as soon as he can be considered safe I 
 shall terminate the armistice in the manner prescribed. 
 
 Upon this occasion I conceive it a duty I owe to my country, 
 to the troops under my command, and to my own character, to 
 state that we are not on this frontier in that condition which the 
 approaching crisis will require. My force of militia, rank and file, 
 now fit for duty, is six hundred and ninety-one, as will appear by 
 the enclosed return. These have to guard a line of thirty-six miles. 
 My sick list is more than one hundred. Many of the men are 
 without shoes, and all are clamorous for pay. Besides, it is a fact 
 that cannot be concealed that the surrender of General Hull's army 
 
':, . " :'■ 230 
 
 has spread great alarm among the inhabitants on this frontier, and 
 I every day perceive strong symptoms of distrust among the troops. 
 They have seen their countrymen surrendered without a single 
 effort and marched prisoners before their eyes. They cannot com- 
 prehend it. 
 
 At this hour, I have received no reinforcements of men, no 
 supplies of ordnance, tents, nor ammunition. There are not ten 
 rounds per man on the Niagara frontier, nor have we lead to make 
 cartridges. We are extremely deficient of medicine and hospital 
 stores ; of lint and bandage cloth we have none, nor any surgical 
 instruments. Lieut.-Col. Swift's regiment at Black Rock and the 
 troops in garrison at Niagara have no tents to take the field ; unless 
 Bloom's reginient and the troops with Lieut.-Col. Fenwick have 
 tents with them they cannot be covered. This is a brief sketch 
 of our condition. Our enemy are every moment on the alert. They 
 hold a very commanding position on the high ground above Queen- 
 ston, and are daily strengthing it with men and ordnance. Indeed 
 almost every point of any importance from Fort Erie to Fort George 
 is in some state of defence. At each fort on the lakes their shipping 
 is ready to act. The troops wliich had been detached from this 
 quarter to act against General Hull have returned, and may now be 
 concentrated at this point. Before the termination of the armistice 
 I must change my position, and can only act on the defensive until 
 I shall be reinforced with troops well disciplined and commanded 
 by able officers. 
 
 (Prom S. VanRensselaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 37.) 
 
 Major General Dearborn to Major General YanRensselaer. 
 
 Headquarters, Greenbush, 1st Sept., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I received your letter of the 25th ult. this morning, 
 enclosing a communication from Capt. Leonard. The fall of Gen. 
 Hull and the army under his command is as mortifyng, as it was 
 unexpected. We must endeavor to redeem our honor by increasing 
 our exertions. In addition to the militia detachments ordered from 
 this State and two thousand ordered from the northwestern part of 
 Pennsylvania to Niagara, three regiments of the new-raised troops 
 of the army have been some days on their march towards your 
 post. I am forwarding additional supplies of muskets and cannon, 
 with forty batteaux, to Niagara. A detachment of troops will 
 accompany the boats from Oswego. It will be neccvssary to have 
 teams ready to take the stores and boats from a safe landing place, 
 and it may be well to order a detachment to meet the boats at some 
 
distance from Niagara on the shore. I hope Lieut-Col. Fenwick, 
 with the troops and stores under his command, will have arrived in 
 season. / have no doubt but that you will ivipi'ove Die earliest 
 opportunity for retaliating on the enemy our miafortunea at 
 Detroit. Gen. Dodge goes to Sackett's Harbor with a fine force. I 
 have detached Gen. Bloomfield with a brigade of regular troops 
 with artillery, &c., to Plattsburg, and other troops, in addition to the 
 militia of this State and Vermont, will accompany or follow him. 
 
 I shall endeavor to draw the reinforcement back from Upper 
 Canada to Montreal, . ■! 
 
 (Prom S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 40.) •' "' ., 
 
 Col. S. VanRensselaer to his Wife. 
 
 Lewiston, Ist September, 1812. 
 
 Dear Harriet, — I wrote you yesterday by mail, in which 
 letter I gave you an account of all that was passing here. This day 
 we received an express from Genl. Dearborn that the armistice was 
 at an end. But at the time he was despatched from Greenbush 
 they knew nothing of the surrender of General Hull and his army, 
 and what effect that information will have on the measures of a 
 weak and despicable General and Government, time only will 
 determine. We shall at all events go on and make all the arrange- 
 ments in our power to meet the crisis which, in all probability, is 
 approaching. If nothing is done it will not be our fault, but that 
 of Government. By express and by almost every mail the Governor 
 and Genl. Dearborn have been informed of our situation. 
 
 (From Bonney's Historical Gleanings, p. 224.) 
 
 ; From the Buffalo Gazette of Tuesday, ist September, 1812. . 
 
 [Note— Extras had been issued on Thursday, August 27th, and Saturday, August 29th, givin|f 
 details of the surrender of Detroit.] 
 
 On Tuesday evening last 4 or 5 British vessels hove in sight of 
 
 the village, and lay a few miles off Buffalo Creek during the night. 
 
 Yesterday morning they came down and anchored off Fort Erie. 
 
 About noon a flag of truce came into Buffalo Creek and lauded 
 
 , Captain Baker, late of General Hull's army. 
 
 The armed ships which brought down Hull's vanguard have 
 all returned. 
 
 On Wednesday last Major Mullany arrived here from the 
 Canandaigua rendezvous with about 140 troops for the frontier. 
 
 Arrived yesterday, 40 mounted artillerists with two pieces of 
 
232 
 
 flying artillery, on their way to Lewiston. They state two 24- 
 pounders, four IS-pounders, and four 9-pounder8 were cominff 
 through Lake Ontario for Niagara. 
 
 Prom the United States Gatette, of Philadelphia, Sept. asth, i8ia. 
 
 Extract of a letter from a gentleman of Providence, Rhode 
 Island, now on his travels, dated at Buffalo Creek the 2d inst. : 
 
 I am here surrounded by Indians, and the British Fort Erie, 3 
 miles distant. Six tribes of Indians, who are holding a council in 
 this vicinity, it is said, are offended by a report that they will not be 
 admitted into our army, but I presume they will be convinced to 
 the contrary, though the agent is desirous of their remaining 
 neutral. There are now near 3,000 men, mostly militia and volun- 
 teers, on our lines, but having to guard 20 miles of the River 
 Niagara they are much scattered, and an attack has been for the 
 two last days expected, which, if speedily made by the British, I 
 cannot see what will hinder them from possessing all the forts here. 
 There are 10 or 12 small pieces of cannon here (although niore are 
 expected) to oppose upwards of 100 pieces on the other shore, some 
 of which are of the heaviest calibre. To complete the gloomy 
 prospect here, our garrison is almost destitute of ammunition ; 
 besides our soldiers are very jealous of their officers. 
 
 (File in Philadelphia Library.) 
 
 Prom Majoi General Dearborn to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Headquarters, Greenbush, Sept. 2d, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I send this by express for the purpose of putting you on 
 your guard against an attack that I have reason to apprehend is 
 intended by the enem3\ A considerable force has lately passed 
 into Upper Canada for the obvious purpose of striking not only at 
 Detroit but at other posts. From the number of troops which have 
 left Montreal for Upper Canada, I am not without fear that 
 attempts will speedily be made to reduce you and your forces to 
 the mortifying situation of Gen. Hull and his army. If such an 
 attempt of the enemy should be made previous to the arrival of the 
 principal part of the troops destined to Niagara, it will be necessary 
 lor you to be prepared for all events, and to be prepared to make 
 good a secure retreat, as the laM resort. I hope, however, you will 
 not be reduced to the mortifying alternative of falling back. But 
 from the unfortunate event at Detroit we may expect great exer- 
 tions on the part of the enemy, and as far as the means in our 
 
233 
 
 power will admit, we, I trust, shall be at least equally vigilant and 
 active. , 
 
 P. S. — The Frigate Guerriere has been captured and sunk by 
 the U. S. Frigate Constitution, Capt. Hull. 
 
 (From S. VuiRensaeUer'a NMT»tiv«: Appendix, p. 42. 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Heai)quarter.s, Lewiston, 
 
 2d September, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Major General VanRensselaer directs that you land the 
 troops, cannon, and stores under your command at the Four- Mile 
 Creek, and make every military preparation to protect them, and to 
 give him immediate information of your arrival by express. 
 
 By order. 
 
 Sol. VanRen.sselaer, 
 
 Aid-de-Camp. 
 Lieut.-Col. Fen wick, Light Artillery. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 39.) 
 
 Major General Brock to his Brothers. 
 
 Lake Ontario, Sept. 3, 1812. 
 
 You will have heard of the complete success which attended 
 the eflTorts I directed against Detroit. I have received so many 
 letters from people whose opinion I value, expressive of their 
 admiration of the exploit, that I begin to attach to it more import- 
 ance than I was at fii*st inclined. Should the affair be viewed in 
 England in the light it is here, I cannot fail of meeting reward and 
 escaping the horror of being placed high on a shelf, never to be 
 taken down. 
 
 Some say that nothing could be more desperate than the 
 measure, but I answer that the state of the Province admitted of 
 nothing but desperate remedies. I got possession of the letters ray 
 antagonist addressed to the Secretary at War, and also of the senti- 
 ments which hundreds of his army uttered to their friends. Con- 
 fidence in the General was gone, and evident despondency prevailed 
 throughout. I have succeeded beyond expectation. I crossed the 
 river contrary to the opinion of Cols. Procter, St. George, &c.; it is 
 therefore no wonder that envy should attribute to good fortune 
 what in justice to my own discernment, I must say, proceeded from 
 a cool calculation of the pours and contrea. 
 
234 
 
 It is supposed that the value of the articles captured will 
 amount to 30 or £40,000 ; in that case roy proposition will be some- 
 thing considerable. If it enable me t»3 contribute to your comfort 
 and happiness, I shall esteem it my highest reward. When I 
 returned Heaven thanks for my amazing success, I thought of you 
 all. You appeared to me happy — your late sorrows forgotten, and 
 1 felt as if the many benefits which for a series of years I received 
 from you were not unworthily bestowed. Let me know, my dearest 
 brothers, that you are all again united. The want of union was 
 nearly losing this Province without even a struggle, and be assured 
 it operates in the same degree in regard to families. 
 
 A cessation of hostilities has taken place along this frontier. 
 Should peace follow, the measure will be well ; if hostilities recom- 
 mence, nothing could be more unfortunate than this pause. I 
 cannot give you freely an account of my situation ; it is, however, 
 of late, much improved. The militia have been 'nypired by the 
 recent success with confidence — the disaffected arc ..'.enced. The 
 49th have come to my aid, besides other troops. I shall see Vincent, 
 I hope, this evening at Kingston. He is appointed to the command 
 of that post — a most important one. I have withdrawn Plender- 
 leath from Niagara to assist him. Plenderleath is sitting opposite 
 me, and desires to \te remembered. James Brock is likewise at 
 Kingston. I believe he considers it more his interest to remain 
 with the 49th than to act as my private secretary ; indeed the 
 salary is a mere pittance. Poor Leggatt is dead, and has left his 
 family in the most distressing circumstances. His wife died last 
 year. 
 
 General SheafFe has lately been sent to me. There never was 
 an individual so miserably off for the necessary assistance. Sir 
 George Prevost has kindly hearkened to my remonstrances, and in 
 some measure supplied t\ie deficiency. The 41st is a uncommonly 
 fine regiment, but, with few exceptions, badly officered. 
 
 Kingston, September 4. 
 
 I this instant received your letters by Mr. Todd. So honest 
 John Tupper is gone. I could not have loved a son of my own 
 more ardently. Hostilities. I this instant understand, are to be 
 renewed in four days, and, though landed only two houns, I must 
 return immediately to Niagara, whence I shall write fully. 
 
 (From Tupper's Life of Brook: pp. 284-6. 
 
Irieutonaut-Colonel John R. Penwick, I^ight Artillery, to Major 
 
 General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Four-Mile Creek, September 3, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Agreeable to your instructions, I am landing the ordnance 
 and stores at this place. They are of great importance, and I do 
 not think them safe in this position. The powder I must keep on 
 board, as it will sustain injury by being taken out. I pray you, 
 sir, to assist me so sewn as possible, arid receive the assurance of my 
 consideration and respect, 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 40.) 
 
 Colonel Solomon VanRensselaer to I^ieut.-Col. Penwick. 
 
 : Headquarters, Lewiston, September 3, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Major General Van Rensselaer has ordered the Quarter- 
 master to proceed immediately to Four-Mile Creek and furnish you 
 with the necessary transportation for the cannon and military 
 stores in your charge, and has also detached one captain, one sub- 
 altern and forty men to assist you in their removal and protection 
 to this place. The troops and wagcms will reach you this evening. 
 
 (Pron S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 40.) 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 4th Sept., 1812. 
 
 The Major General announces to the troops that, agreeable to 
 an order received from Major General Dearborn, the armistice 
 entered into between him and the Governor-General of Canada will 
 be terminated at twelve o'clock at noon on the eighth day of Sep- 
 tember instant. 
 
 The troops under his command will, however, understand 
 explicitly that they are not to act offensively without previous 
 orders from him. but to be vigilant in their duty and ready to 
 execute any command they may receive when a proper occasion 
 presents itself. 
 
 The troops will strike their tents to-morrow morning at reveille; 
 the tents, tent poles and baggage will be packed up ready to move 
 in one hour from that time. The quartermaster will measure the 
 space necessary for a double row of tents and furnish the neces- 
 sary transportation. 
 
 A fatigue party of a sergeant, corporal and twelve men will 
 attend at the same time at headquarters. 
 
 By order of Major General Van Rensselaer. 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
236 
 
 Major General Brock to Sir Georgfe Prevost. 
 
 Kingston, SepternV)er 4, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Upon my arrival hore an hour ago, Captain Fulton 
 flelivered nie Your Excellency'H doHpatch, dated the Jilat ultimo, 
 encloHing a letter from General Dearborn, in which the President's 
 disapproval of the armistice is announced. I am in consequence 
 induced to return without loss of time to Fort George. Captain 
 Fulton having expressed a wish to accompany me, I have the more 
 readily consented Jis he will l»e able to give you full informati<m of 
 our actual state. The enemy was very busy upon Fort Niagara, 
 and appeare<l inclined to erect additional batteries. I may perhaps 
 think it proper to stop their career. 
 
 I enclose several documents lately received from Colonel 
 Pnx^ter at Detroit. That officer appears to have conducted himself 
 with much judgment. I likewise transmit a memoritr' which I 
 have received from some merchants in the Niagara District, but of 
 course I cannot judge of its merits. 
 
 I shall l»e obliged to Your Excellency to direct a remittance of 
 the £5,000, for which I sent a re(|uisition some time ago, on account 
 of the civil experiditure of this Province, either in (Jlovernment 
 paper or specie, as you may deem most convenient. 1 doubt not 
 the former meeting a ready (!urrency. 
 
 The v( y flattering manner in which Your Excellency is pleased 
 to view my services, and your kindness in having represented them 
 to His Majesty's ministers in such favorable light, are gratifying to 
 me, and call for my grateful acknowledgements. 
 
 . (Prom Tupp«T'H Llfo of Brock, pp. 301-2.) 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Brock. 
 
 HKADguAKTKHs, Lewi.ston, Sept. 4th, 1812. 
 
 Silt, — By the articles which I had the honor to conclude with 
 Major (ieneral SheaH'e on the 21st ult. for the government of the 
 tnx>ps of the Unite<l States under my command and His HriUinnic 
 Majesty's forces on this frontier during the temporary armistice, it 
 wa.s among other things stipulated that " the jMirty who HhalL fir%t 
 receive (trders for the renewtd of hoHtilitieM nhall give four dayn' 
 notice, comjnifinf/ ttventy-four hours to each day, before any offen- 
 (dve ojteration nhull take place." 
 
 Having now received orders to terminate the armistice, in con- 
 formity to the alxjve recited stipulation I have the honor to 
 transmit vou this notice, that the armistice will be terminated at 
 twelve o'clock at lunm on Tuestlay, the eighth day of September iust. 
 
 (From 8. VanKenwielaer'N Narrative: Appendix, p. 41.) 
 
237 
 
 The Secretary of War to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 Wak Department, Sept. 4, 1812. 
 
 (Abatraot.) 
 
 Captain Chaiincey has been directed to take immediate measures 
 to obtain command of Lakes Erie and Ontario. 
 
 Major General Sheaffe to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 P'oRT George, 5th Sept., 1«12. 
 Sir, — I have the honor of receiving your communication 
 signifyinj^ the intention on the part of the United States of renew- 
 in{( liostilities after four days shall have ehipsed from the period at 
 which the notice was given — thus dechiring that the armi.stice 
 shall terminate at twelve o'clock at noon on the eighth day of this 
 Septemlier. 
 
 (From S. VftoRenMelaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 42.) 
 
 Colonel 8. VanRensselaer to Abraham VanVechten. 
 
 Lewiston, 5th SeptemlMjr, 1812. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — This morning Mr. Swan arrived (in three <lays 
 from Albany) on express from Gen. r)earlx)rn with information that 
 a large l>ody of British trt)ops had left Montreal for the opposite 
 bank of this river, and cautioning (ion. V. H. to guard against a 
 surprise from them, and if hard pressed to make a safe retreat. 
 His caution against a surprise is unnecessary, an<l as for a retreat, we 
 «liall not think of it until we have tried sonie blustering Democrats, 
 who pretend to be full of fighting and crossing the river, but their 
 opinions Jis to crossing no attention will be paid to until it is proper. 
 We should come to action, and then they will be brought to a close 
 one. With the force which arrived yesterday under the couunand 
 of Lt.-Col. Fenwick, we have in the aggregate of regular troops and 
 militia two thovnand two hundred men detached on a frontier of 
 forty miles, from Fort Niagara to Buffalo, while the British have 
 opposed to us (besides the force Dearborn speaks of), from every 
 information we can get, and from their appearance every day in 
 our view, at least that number of regular troops, with strong 
 batteries at every crossing point to meet [us], and of these there are 
 but very few, owing to the extreme height of the banks. 
 
 In short, we are deficient in almost everything. Four 18- 
 pounders, two twelve pounders, eight sixes, and two fours are all 
 the ordnance we have for the defence of this line ; two sixes, honey 
 combed, some of them without shot and six without harness. . Fort 
 
238 
 
 Niagara not tenable. (You all suppose it impregnable. Not so, it 
 cannot be maintained fifteen minutes.) The stores are now 
 removing with a view to abandon it, and in this place Capt. Leonard 
 buried two 13-inch mortars and six 8^-inch howitzers for the want 
 of shells. 
 
 No surgical instruments, lint, bandage or hospital stores, no 
 forage and no quartermaster, Peter B. Porter has been only twice 
 in camp since we have been here, and instead of getting the force 
 ready is attending to his private affairs. He is an abominable 
 scoundrel, and I make no secret in telling his friends so. 
 
 (From Bonney's Historical Gleanings, pp. 226-7.) 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 Headquarters. Lewiston, 
 
 5th Sept., 1812, 7 p. m. 
 
 Sir, — The express has just arrived with your letter of the 2d 
 inst. I thank you for the information which your letter contains 
 and for suggesting precautions against a disaster which would 
 deeply implicate the honor of my country, the fate of the little 
 army under my command, and my own character. 
 
 Every exertion which the small force I command can make to 
 avoid either a surprise or defeat will be attempted. So small and 
 scattered has been my little band, and .so depressed by the fate of 
 Gen. Hull, that every movement has been heavy. But within forty- 
 eight hours the scene seems to have changed a little for the better. 
 Lieut.-Col. Fenwick has arrived safe with the cannon and stores. 
 To avoid any possible casualty, I ordered them landed at the Four- 
 Mile Creek, a little below Fort Niagara, and from thence they have 
 been brought by land ; the boats have returned. A battalion of 
 about seventy riflemen which, on the 16th ult. I had ordered from 
 Oswego, has this day arrived here. 
 
 I have determined, with the concurrence of Lieut. -Col. Fen- 
 wick's opinion, to throw up a strong battery on this side of Fort 
 Niagara, on the bank of the river, and there place the four eighteen- 
 pounders. With this view, I went this morning on the spot, and 
 we have broke ground. This evening Lieut.-Col. Fenwick and 
 Capt. Leonard are with me. I understand our movement has pro- 
 duced great activity at Fort George. The enemy have immediately 
 commenced some new works. It is my intention to support the 
 battery near Fort Niagara with as strong a camp as I am able and 
 to cut a road back of it for greater safety in case I should be hard 
 pressed. 
 
239 
 
 Agreeably to your instructions, I waited, for the safety of Lieut.~ 
 Col. Fenwick, the cannon and stores, before I gave notice necessary 
 to terminate the armistice conformably to the stipulations between 
 Major Gen. Sheaffe and myself. The notice was delivered at Fort 
 George yesterday before ncx)n, and by it the armistice will be 
 terminated at 12 o'clock »t noon on the 8th inst. This day Major 
 Gen. Sheahe had acknowledged the receipt of my notice. My 
 present camp being within reach of the enemy's guns on the high 
 grounds at Queenston, I have determined to quit. I had designated 
 a spot for my new encampment about one mile fi*om the river, on 
 the ridge road, but I may reconsider this subject. It might be 
 expected from my situation that I could, with facility, obtain 
 correct information of the enemy's force and movements in this 
 vicinity, but such is not the fact. Every effort for that purpose is 
 absolutely vain. I can only obtain information too general to 
 calculate upon. It is generally believed that the enemy are con- 
 centrating their forces to this neighborhood, but what their num- 
 bers are is to me wholly unknown. They appear to be on the alert. 
 
 At Fort Niagara we have (concealed) two thirteen and-a-half 
 inch brass mortars and four eight and-a-half inch howitzers. Capt. 
 Leonard has this evening handed me a memorandum of articles that 
 in his opinion, which I respect, are very much wanted for these 
 pieces and some others, as follows : — 
 
 400 shells for the mortars. 
 
 1,600 canister and grape shot for the howitzers. 
 
 16 dozen portfires — harness complete, for the mortars and 
 howitzers ; also wanted, harness for the 6 six pounders now at Fort 
 Niagara. 
 
 With the information of which j'^ou are possessed relative to 
 my force and that of the enemy, I presume you cannot expect that 
 I shall immediately attempt to act offensively. I shall enaeavor to 
 watch the motions of the enemy as far as possible, and so dispose 
 my little force as to avoid a surprise or risking too much with raw 
 troops in case the enemy should cross to attack me. The surrender 
 of Gen. Hull's army has put it in the power of the enemy to turn a 
 strong force to act either defensively or offensively against me. 
 My situation requires arduous duty ; it may be critical, but I shall 
 meet events in that manner which my judgment shall dictate aa 
 most prudent and safe, and to the utmost of my power discharge 
 my duty. 
 
 The conduct of Capt. Hull in the Constitution was gallant 
 indeed, and has justified the high expectations we have all enter- 
 tained of our navy and the brave men who command it 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 43.) 
 
240 
 
 Regimental Orders by I,t.-Colonel Chewett, Commaitdiiigr 3d Regt., 
 
 York MiUtia. 
 
 York, 5 September, 1812. 
 
 In consequence of the flank companies of said regiment, now in 
 the Garrison of York, under the command of Major Allan, having 
 been ordered by Major General Sheaffe on the 4th instant to proceed 
 with all possible speed to Fort George, the following oflBcers, non- 
 commissioned officers and privates detached by their respective 
 quotas from the battalion companies of said regiment are hereby 
 directed to compose the following companies and to do duty in the 
 said garrison until further orders : — 
 Ist — Captain Denison. 
 
 Lt. Endicott. ' 
 
 Ensign McArthur. ..; 
 
 3 sergeants. ' ' . 
 
 42 rank and file. r 
 
 2nd — Captain Ridout. . , ' 
 
 Lt. Kendrick. ,, ' ^ ' . , , 
 
 Ens'n Brooks. , V ^ 
 
 3 sergeants. , ^ . 
 
 42 rank and file. 
 3d — Captain Hamilton. _ , 
 
 Lt. Playter. 
 
 Ens'n Jarvis. 
 
 3 sergeants. . ■ >^ " 
 
 42 rank and file. . ; 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Lewiston, Sept. 6, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — General Gray yesterday apprised me of his intention to 
 visit his family for a few weeks. I avail myself of the opportunity 
 to express to Your Excellency my approbation of his conduct. He 
 has executed my orders with promptitude and ability. Thd Genl. 
 is desirous of serving the country if he could obtain a commission 
 in the army. As I have no interest at the palace, I refer him to 
 Your Excellency. 
 
 (Tompkins* Papers, VoL VIII., p. 123, New York State Library.) 
 
241 
 
 Brigadier-General Wm. Wadsworth to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Camp at Lewiston, 6th Sept., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — General Gray having determined on a visit to his family, 
 sets off to-morrow. I would refer you to him for the state of affairs 
 on this frontier. He at my request has built a battery on the 
 mountain south of this village, which has met my entire approba- 
 tion, and has expreased a desire of further serving our country if 
 he could obtain a commission, to which I beg leave to refer him to 
 Your Excellency, and would express niy satisfaction of his readiness 
 and with the promptitude which he has at all times executed my 
 commands since his arrival on this frontier, 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers. Vol. VIII., p. 124, New York State Library.) 
 
 , John I^ovett to Joseph Alexander. 
 
 Headquarteks, Lewistox, 6 Sept., 1812. 
 
 Dear Sir, — . 
 
 » . . . . . . . . . 
 
 Our situation is becoming daily more and more interesting, to 
 say the least of it. I do not know that I ought yet to call it 
 critical, though I know that .some think it so. What may be the 
 views of the enemy we know not : they are flushed with victory 
 and concentrating their forces very fast against us. The armistice 
 will be terminated by our notice at nofu on the 8th inst. To sum 
 all up in one, I should say that from present appearances we must 
 either fight or run, or both, in a few days. Thi.s camp, which is 
 within half-point blank shot of the enemy, we shall (juit to-morrow 
 morning; the order is gi\'en to strike tents at reveille. We shall 
 not quit the neighborhood, but seek a safer place. Things look 
 rather squally all around just at present, but it may clear oti" again. 
 There are some pretty strong reasons to believe that Brock is pre- 
 paring to Hull us. I don't know but he may, but Albany blood 
 runs pretty steady yet. We have removed most of our stores from 
 Fort Niagara, and are throwing up a battery on this side, in which 
 we mean to place four eighteen-pounders. 
 
 The enemy are extending their works al Fort George, and I 
 understand as the light increases that our soldiers discover some 
 new works began last night opposite to us here. 
 
 My General is well, firm, brave and prudent. Solomon [Van 
 Rensselaer] would fight all the while if he could get chances, and I 
 rather expect he will soon get enough of it. Col. fenwick with 
 
242 
 
 the cannon and stores have arrived safe. We worked John Bull 
 in the Httle armistice treaty and got more than they expected. 
 
 (From Bonney's Historical Gleanings, pp. 228-9.) 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 6th Sept., 1812. 
 
 Lieut. -Col. George Fleming, commanding Fort Oswego, having 
 assigned Walter Cotton as surgeon of Major Charles Moseley's 
 battalion of riflemen, the Major General confirms that assignment 
 and orders that Doctor Cotton do duty accordingly in that corps 
 until further ordei-s. 
 
 Major General Hall will please to take command of Lieut. Col. 
 Swift's regiment and the detachment of troops ordered out by 
 Brigadier-General Hopkins and make such disposition of this force 
 as the security of the frontiers may require, and will make weekly 
 reports to Major General VanRen-sselaer. 
 
 Lieut. -Col. Bloom will make morning reports of the regiment 
 under his command to Major General Van Rensselaer, and will cause 
 Mr. Rolph, the prisoner, to be delivered to Major General Hall at 
 Black Rock. 
 
 By order of Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 Major General Brock to Sir Geotge Prevost. 
 
 Fort George, September 7th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — On my arrival here yesterday morning, I found that 
 intimation had been received by Major General Sheatfe to renew 
 hostilities at noon to-morrow. During the cessation of hostilities, 
 vast supplies have been received by the enemy. His field artillery 
 is numerous, and I have reason to believe his heavy ordnance has 
 been considerably increased. He is now busy erecting batteries in 
 front of Fort George, and everything indicates an intention of com- 
 mencing active operations. Reinforcements of troops of every 
 description have evidently arrived. 
 
 I have written to Andierstburg for such troops as [Colonel 
 Procter] conceived the state of affairs in that quarter enabled him 
 to part with. Colonel Vincent has likewise been written to on the 
 same subject. The prodigious quantity of pork and flour which 
 have been observed landing on the opposite shore from a number of 
 
248 
 
 vessels and large boats, which have entered the river during the 
 armistice, are sufficient to supply the wants for a long period of a 
 consideraV)le force. 
 
 I expect an attack almost immediately. The enemy will either 
 turn my left flank, which he may easily accomplish during a calm 
 night, or attempt to force his way across under cover of his 
 artillery. We stand greatly in need of officers, men, and heavy 
 ordnance. Captain Holcroft has been indefatigable and has done 
 everything in the power of an individual, but on such an extended 
 line, assistance is nece8sar3^ 
 
 I look every day for the arrival of five 24-pounders from 
 Detroit, and other artillery and stores which are not required there, 
 besides two thousand muskets. 
 
 We have now three hundred Indians on the ground, and two 
 hundred more are expected to-morrow. They appear ashamed of 
 themselves and promise to wipe away the disgrace into which they 
 have fallen by their late conduct. They may serve to intimidate^ 
 otherwise I expect no essential service from this degenerate race. 
 
 Should Your Excellency be in a situation to send i*einforce- 
 ments to the Upper Country, the whole of the force at present at 
 Kingston might be directed to proceed hither. One thousand 
 additional regulars are necessary. A force of that description ought 
 to be stationed at Pelham to act as exigencies might require. At 
 present, the whole of my force l>eing necessary for the defence of 
 the banks of the river, no part can look for support. 
 
 If I can continue to maintain my position six weeks longer, 
 tlie campaign will have terminated in a manner little expected in 
 the States. But I stand in want of more artillerymen and a thou- 
 sand regulai*s. I have thus given Your Excellency a hasty sketch 
 of my situation, and this I can aver, that no exertions shall be 
 wanting to do justice to the important command with which I am 
 entrusted. Captain Fulton leaves this by the first safe conveyance. 
 
 It is said that Fort Niagara is to l»e evacuated. . 
 
 (Canatlian Archives: c. 677, p. 64.) 
 
 Major General Dearborn to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Headquarters, Greexbush, Sept. 7th. 1812. 
 
 (Abstraot.] 
 
 Suggests that he (Tompkins) should take the field in person 
 with as large a force as he could speedily assemble and march to 
 the northwestern frontier of the State and inspire fresh vigor into 
 
244 
 
 the troops in service, while he hopes the movements towards Mon- 
 treal will draw some troops from Upper Canada, or that an oppor- 
 tunity may be afforded of striking at their outposts between Lake 
 Champlain and that city. 
 
 (MSB. In Thirti Auditor's Office, Washington, D. C.) 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 Headqitarters, Lewiston, 8th Sept., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have this day received your two letters of the Ist 
 instant, and have made the communication you requested to the 
 contractor. 
 
 No occurrence of importance has taken place since I wrote you 
 on the 5th by your express. I have yesterday removed my camp 
 to the Ridge Road, as I proposed. The battery near Fort Niagara 
 is fast progressing, also the cutting of the buck road mentioned in 
 mj' last letter. The enemy appear to be very active, but whether 
 their preparations are for offensive or defensive operations is impos- 
 sible for me to determine. 
 
 The night before last two men came over from Canada, but the 
 information they give us is of very little consequence ; indeed the 
 character of the men would not give much weight to anything they 
 say. They state that Gen. Brock had returned from York to Fort 
 George — that 1,500 militia were ordered for Fort George j'esterday 
 — some troops have passed up this day through Queenston. Not 
 knowing what the termination of the armistice might produce, I 
 have taken every precaution in my power to meet any attempt the 
 enemy might make. But it is now five o'clock and I neither see 
 nor hear of any movements. General Wadsworth and Col. Van- 
 Rensselaer have been the whole day at Niagara. Should they 
 return before the mail closes and have anything of importance to 
 conmmnicate, I shall add it in postscript. 
 
 (From S. VHnRens-selaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 45.) 
 
 John l/ovett to Abraham VanVechten. 
 
 Headquarter.s, Lewiston, Sept. 8, 1812. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — Colonel VanRensselaer has been with General 
 Wadsworth the whole day, an<l I have been on the jump from dawn 
 of day to this 5 p. m. Brock has returned from York to Fort 
 George, and the enemy are certainly very active, but whether the^' 
 contemplate defensive or offensive measures it is impossible to say. 
 It would seem that in our situation we might with facility obtain 
 
246 
 
 information of the enemy's force anil movements. Not so. Not a 
 soul will riHk his neck from this side amon^ them, and those who 
 come over aro such scamps no trust can be put in them. We have 
 moved our camp from the river to the Ridge Roafl. In short, the 
 enemy, having put Hull out of the way, have it in their power to 
 turn their whole force against us. Our poor fellows are patient, 
 
 Patriotic and exceedingly attached Lo their General. They swear 
 e can't be bri^)ed, and to tell vou the real truth, this confitlence is 
 all that saves us from every sort of disgrace. We are calm, self- 
 collected, and determined to act as near right as we can. But God 
 only knows how we shall come out. A great force is coming on, 
 I unilerstand, but no pay, no shoes, no anything. 
 
 The General has gone to have a talk with the Tuscarora tribe 
 this afternoon. The armistice terminated at 12 o'clock, and no 
 movement is made. . . . ..... 
 
 (From Bonney's Historical Gleanings, p. 229. ) . 
 
 I/ieut.-Col. Penwick to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 .; '■ (Received Sept 8th, 1812.) 
 
 Sin, — 1 am induced to believe from every observation I have 
 vigilantly made that the enemy is prepared and ready for an attack. 
 They are so with shipping and with boats, which to-day brought 
 them a reinforcement of troops and stores. Our patrols are very 
 lax in their duty. The work erecting cannot be finished in time 
 without additional strength. When finished it is not secure without 
 being strongly covered in rear, for we have nothing to prevent their 
 landing, and they can in that case carry the work. The regular 
 force should be concentrated and organized. Our stores should be 
 removed. They are not in safety, for if they throw over two 
 hundred men they can carry the fc^rt. This I beg your consideration 
 to, as your strength is six miles off and four hours time. I have no 
 means of express at my command. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 46.) 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 HEADguARTERs, Lewiston, 9th Sept., 1812. 
 
 Lieut. -Col. Bloom will march immediately to the neighborhood 
 of Niagara Falls and relieve the guards of the detachment of United 
 States troops under the command of Major MuUany by his regi- 
 
246 
 
 meni The cointnanding officer of this detachment, after being 
 relieved bj' Lieut-Col. Bloom, will march with the troopH under his 
 command without delay and Join Lieut.-Col. Fenwick, and is to be 
 i object to hia orders. 
 
 By order of Major General Van Rensselaer. 
 
 fcJoL. VanRen-sselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 Prom the Buffalo Gacette, Tuesday, 8tli September, 1814. 
 
 Lieut-Colonel Bloom, from Cayuga County, arrived on the 
 frontier last week with the 19th Re^ment of detached militia, 
 about 500 strong, belonging to Brigadier-General Daniel Miller's 
 brigade. 
 
 We understand that the rifle battalion under conmiand of 
 Major Moseley, from Onondaga, is soon expected at Lewiston. 
 
 Last w^eek a full company of light horsemen passed through 
 this village, destineiJ to join the army at Lewiston. 
 
 We are happy to have it in our power to state that the report 
 of Dr. Asa Coltrin having accepted a surgeon's berth in the British 
 army is without foundation. 
 
 Governor Tompkins to Major General YanRensselaer. 
 
 Albany, September 9th, 1812. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Your various communications have come to hand, 
 the two last while I was in New York. My return from that place 
 was expetlited by the news of Hull's discomfiture. Previously to 
 my leaving this place for New York, I had ordered out two regi- 
 ments in addition to Bloom's t^ reinforce you, but their march has 
 been retarded by circumstances over which I had no control. They 
 are now directed to move on with the utmost expedition. Until 
 reinforcements arrive, I am sensible of the tlelicacy of your situation. 
 Your procee<ling8 hitherto in concentrating in one place and dis- 
 ciplining a large body of your troops, changing your encampments, 
 your disposition of the despatch relative to the termination of the 
 armistice, and every other official act has met my entire approbation 
 and will receive that of your fellow citizens generally. I pray God 
 you may be able to maintain your post until reinforcements shall 
 arrive. 
 
 (Prom 8. VanSensselaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 53. 
 
247 
 
 OoTcmor Tompkins to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Albany, September 9th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — The Government has at length awakened to it8 duty 
 with respect to the command of the lakeH. The most unbounded 
 authc.ity has been given to Captain Chauncey for that purpose, and 
 he will be with you soon. Forty ship carpenters came up with me 
 in the last steamboat and have gone westward. Marines and sea- 
 men will be on as soon as vessels and gunboats are ready. 
 
 A large supply of ordnance of every description is now on its 
 way from New York. The orders embrace Erie as well as Ontario. 
 I despatched an express for Captain Chauncey on that subject from 
 New York on Friday evening to Captain Woolsey. The despatches 
 have returned this morning and gone down by express. Should 
 you, my dear General, be able to maintain your p(»sition a short 
 time, these arrangements for the lakes and the reinforcements will 
 place you in a situation of defiance. To enable you so to do more 
 effectually the militia of every description in the counties above 
 mentioned are placed at your disposal, and you may instantly call 
 upon all or any portion of them under the Act of 1795 (enclosed), 
 or under the militia law of this State, and I will approve, confirm 
 and maintain your proceedings. The Quartermaster-General of the 
 State is ordered by me into regular service, and is now in every 
 respect subject to your directions. I have remitted him ten thou- 
 sand dollars by Major Noon. 
 
 You have probably felt hurt at the unfrequency of my answers 
 
 to your communications, but when I inform you that I have no 
 
 private secretary here, that the Adjutant-General of the State is in 
 
 declining health, and that none of my staff or aids are in service or 
 
 with me, though the latter have volunteered their services without 
 
 pay and have been with me occasionally at their own expense, and 
 
 when I inform you further that the drudgery of attending to a 
 
 variety of details in rendezvousing, supply, equipage and paying 
 
 troops, &c., devolves upon me or must remain unattended to, I trust 
 
 you will extend great charity to my apparent inattention to your 
 
 communications. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narratiye: Appendix, p. 53.) 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Albany, Sept. 9, 1812. 
 
 Several pieces of ordnance, &c., will leave this for Utica on 
 Thursday with a detachment of United States Horse Artillery. 
 They will arrive at Utica about Tuesday next. The ordnance is to 
 
248 
 
 go from thence to Sackett's Harbor, but the detachment will 
 proceed to Niagara, (ieneral Dearborn has made a requisition for 
 me to have a detachment of Artillery or Horse Artillery ready at 
 Utica to escort the oiflnance to Sackett's Harbor. Your company 
 will rendezvous for that purpose on Monday next and proceed to 
 Utica, where they will remain till the cannon shall arrive and then 
 immediately start v»itb them for Sackett's Harbor and press on 
 with the greatest diligence. There will be a travelling forge for 
 heating shot to fire at shipping from the fort at the harl)or. 
 
 The contractor at Utica will supply rations, and you will 
 consult Capt. Gibson as to the mo«le of supplying forage and other 
 articles on your journey. Captain Gil»8on is an experienced officer 
 of the United States Hoi-se Artillery. 
 
 The services of your company are required under and pursuant 
 to the Act of Congress passed 28th February, 1795, of which I sen«l 
 you a copy. 
 
 Until your arrival at Utica you will have your men supplied 
 with provisions and forage as cheap as possible, after which the 
 contractor at Utica will supply provisions and your own officer will 
 prepare forage. You may take the tield-pieces and other articles 
 attached to your company, or such part as you think proper, along 
 with you. Mr. Tracy will hand you one hundred dollars to defray 
 the incidental expenses of rendezvousing, for which you are to 
 account to me with voucheiM jus soon as possible. 
 
 The alarm and anxiety on the frontiei*s arising from the dis- 
 asters at Detroit compel me to recjuire the services of the uniformed 
 volunteer companies immediately, and I trust the protection of 
 women and children, who mav but for their jissistance be the 
 victims of savage barbarity, will stinudate t!ie patriotism and 
 awaken the fraternal feelings of every man and induce a free, eager 
 and u:ianimous compliance with this requisition. 
 
 To Capt. Asa B. Sizer. 
 
 P. S. — On your arrival at Sackett's Harbor you will report 
 yourself to Oenl. Jacob Brown or General Dodge, whichever may 
 command there, and obey the ordei*s of the one so connnanding. 
 
 iTonipkiDM' Papers, New York State Library. ) , . ■ / 
 
 Major General Dearborn to Major General VanRenaaelaer. 
 
 HEADguARTERs, Greenbush, Sept. 10th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Your letter o{ the 7th by the returning express reached 
 us at 8 o'clock last evening. The safe arrival of Lieut.-Col. Fenwick 
 with the tr(X)p8, cannon and other stores relieved me from some 
 
249 , ^ 
 
 anxiety. / am satisfied that the alMudonnunt of the old fort is a 
 priulent vieaHure, and I have the fullest confidence that whatever 
 relates to your actual coninmnd will be performed in the manner 
 that the good of the service and the best interest of the country 
 require. 
 
 (From S. VanRenwtelaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 55.) 
 
 Colonel Baynes to Major General Brock. 
 
 -, . . Montreal, September 10, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Sir George writes to you so fully upon the several sub- 
 jects to which your letters refer that I have little left to communi- 
 cate to you. Major Heathcote leaves this to-day with all the small 
 description of ordnance stores intended for Amherstburg, but we 
 have detained the 12-pounder8 and shot ; as you have helped your- 
 self so amply at Detroit it is imagined you do not now want them. 
 I enclose a letter from Captain Roberts, who was, I suppose, 
 induced to address himself direct to headquarters by an opportunity 
 of doing so ottering itself at the moment. The northwest gentle- 
 men are very urgent in recommending a reinforccnjent in that 
 quarter, but Sir George has told them that their representations 
 must be addressed to you, who will act as you deem proper. 
 
 Your friend, Mr. Isaac Todd, is arrived and looking ujuch 
 better for his trip. He was suffered to pass by Albany and the lake. 
 He tells me that Mr. Mae<lornieIl is confirmed as Attorney-General, 
 and that the governor's .sjilary is increased £1,000 a year. I 
 sincerely trust that it will soon be your own. Sir George has in 
 his official despatches, after paying that tribute of praise so jtistly 
 your due, stated as his confirmed opinion that the salvation of the 
 Upper Province has in a very great measure arisen from the civil 
 and military authority being combined in able hands. The prisone*^ 
 with their general arrived here on Sunday night. As they had not 
 halted since they left Kingston and were in a very dirtj' state, we 
 kept them here on Monday, and they yesterday proceeded to 
 William Henry, on their way to Quebec. The officers are to b<3 on 
 parole in Charlesbourg and the men confined on VKmrd two trans- 
 ports in the river. Sir George has permitted most of the officers 
 who have families with them to return on their parole ; four of 
 them are proposed to be exchanged for the officers of the Royal 
 Scots taken by «he Essex frigate. Sir George has also consented to 
 allow General Hull to return upon his parole. He is loud in his 
 complaints against the Government at Washington, and the Geneml 
 thinks that his voice in the universal cry may be attended with 
 
250 
 
 beneficial effects, and has allowed him to return and enter the lists. 
 General Hull appears to possess less feeling and sense of shame 
 than any man in his situation could be supposed to do. He seems 
 to be perfectly satisfied with himself, is lavish of censure upon his 
 jii^overnment, but appears to think that the most scrupulous cannot 
 attach the slightest blame to his own immediate conduct at Detroit. 
 The grounds upon which he rests his defence are not, I fancy, well 
 founded, for he told us that he had not gunpowder at Detroit for 
 the service of one day. Sir George has since shown him the return 
 of the large supply found in the fort ; it did not create a blush, but 
 he made no reply. He professes great surprise and admiration at 
 the zeal and military preparation he has everywhere witnessed ; 
 that it was entirely unlooked for, and that he has no doubt that his 
 frien«l, General Dearborn, will share his fate if he has the impru- 
 dence to follow his example. Hull seems cunning and unprincipled. 
 How much reliance is to be placed on his professions time will shew. 
 General Dearborn has certainly left Albany for Skeeiisborough, 
 at the head of the lake, where great preparations have been making 
 in collecting boats and sending the regulars fron> Greenbush to the 
 stations in our vicinity. Major Cottfjn, with about 300 men, half 
 of the King's Regiment, is stationed at Isle Aux Noix, and two gun- 
 boats have been carried into the river, as the enemy's preparations 
 seem to indicate that quarter as their point of attack. Colonel 
 Murray comman<ls at St. John's, and will give them a warm recep- 
 tion. I do not feel a doubt of Jonathan's complete discomfiture and 
 disgrace if he make the attempt. We could, I fancy, bring as many 
 men as he will be able to persua<le into the field and of very 
 8U|)erior stuff, for our militia have really improved beyond all 
 expectation in discipline and with it in spirit and confidence. This 
 town would turn out 2,000 volunteer militia, a great proportion of 
 whom are clothed and very tolerably drilled. We have destroyed 
 all the roads of comnmnication in our front, leaving open the water 
 route only, and these woody positions will be shortly occupied by 
 the Indians of this neighborhood and a corps of volunteer voyageur 
 Canadians. The enemy's preparations, however, may be a feint to 
 cover some plans in agitation against your Province. 
 
 • ••••••••••• 
 
 (Frodi Tapper's Life of Brock, pp. 304-6.) 
 
 Colonel Procter to Major General Brock. 
 
 Detroit, September 10, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have just received your letter from Kingston of the 
 4th instant, and sliall act accordingly. Enclosed I send a return of 
 
251 
 
 the ordnance and ordnance stores sent in the Queen Charlotte ; no 
 shot were sent, because, as 1 understand, there is already a quantity 
 of each calihre at Fort George. The remainder of the prisoners of 
 war, excepting sonje sick and wounded, were also sent on board the 
 Charlotte with a guard of two subaltern officers and forty men of 
 the 4l8t Regiment, whom I cannot afford to part with. I had 
 ordered the deserters on board, but have had the diasatisfaction to 
 find that they have not been sent. Annexed is also a list of pro- 
 visions and stores captured on the 16th ultimo. I assented in the 
 absence of Lieut-Colonel Nichol for a short time on the urgency of 
 his private affaii*H and the probability of the armistice continuing. 
 Major Givins has Iteen of <7reat assistance to me in his department. 
 I regret his going, but 1 could not detain him longer than there 
 was a probability of my returning soon to Fort George. As you 
 •directed, a sergeant of the 41st Regiment has been appointed to act 
 as deputy barrackniaster at this place. 1 shall l)e much gratified if 
 it should be confinned. I found on mv arrival here that the boats 
 and the engayeH of the South West Company had been detained 
 and employed in the service. They have been under the direction 
 of Lieutenant Bender, 41st Regiment, and have been of the greatest 
 use. They have been provisionetl, and I suppose are entitled to pay 
 as militia. I am sending a detachment of the 41st Regiment and 
 militia with 3-pounders to aid the Indians against Fort Wayne. It 
 shall be conducted with every prudence and expedition. The 
 Detimt will sail in a few days for Fort Erie. Judge Campbell 
 goes in her. I have re(juired 100 more of the militia, making them 
 400, besides the 80 mounted who are to keep up the communication 
 with the Moravian Town. 150 of the Mackina Indians are arrived. 
 They met the express sixty miles on this side of Mackina. They 
 are just in time for Fort Wayne. The Hunter shall sail without 
 delay. 
 
 (FroniTupper'sLafeof Brock, pp. 307-8.) ' 
 
 l/iettt.-Col. Penwick to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Fort Niagara, Sept. 10th, 1812. 
 
 Sir. — Fatigued and harassed as the troops have been, I really 
 do not think our situation a safe one. I submit to your judgment 
 whether the troops should not be concentrated ; as they are all 
 young and undisciplined, they may be cut up in detail. The 
 defence of this place is precarious, outside of the storehouse. I 
 apprehend nothing but surprise. We should be, then, prepared to 
 act in force and in any given point. The contractor is very inat- 
 
252 
 
 tentive. Our men are extremely dissatistied. The enemy has 
 erected another battery. I ordered the light artillery down. They 
 called in their fatijfue parties and prepared for "ttack — the Indians 
 moving in every direction. The movement puzv.ies them, and I am 
 pleafc;ed at giving them so much trouble. I hope I shall have the 
 honor of a visit from you to-morrow. 
 
 I salute you, General, with consideration and respect. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 47.) 
 
 Major General YanRensslaer to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 10th Sept., 1812. 
 
 SVd, — When I hnd the honor of receiving your communication 
 of the l.st inst., ac(|uainting me of the dispositions you are making 
 to reinforce me upon this frontier with men, cannon, musketry, 
 stores, &c., my attention was immediately arrested by the proposi- 
 tion of sending them from Oswego to Niagara or, indeed, any part 
 of that distance, by water. It will be recollected thut the passage 
 of Lieut.-Col. Fenwick with lx)ats was rendered safe under a clause 
 of the agreement for the observance of the armistice. But upon 
 the receipt of your letter my own opinion was against risking any- 
 thing hereafter along that shore by water, but I wished further 
 information on the subject before I should advise you. The opinions 
 of others whom I have advised with on this subject, and who are 
 competent judges, fully accord with my own, that it would be very 
 hazardous for the batteaux to attempt coming from Oswego to 
 Niagara in the very face of our active enemy having connnand of 
 the w.iter. The batteaux might and probably would have some 
 days of head wind, and in such a case it would be next to impossible 
 that they should escape the observation of the enemy, and when 
 once discovered they would undoubtedly he attacked in some place 
 where the landing could be effected with most difficulty. My 
 opinion is further strengthened by some late movements of the 
 enemy. The day after the tei'mination of the armistice the Royal 
 George and another armed vessel chased some vessels returning 
 from Niagara to Oswego into the Genesee River and fired a few shot. 
 This lias excited an alarm among the inhabitants, and, according to 
 the custom prevailing on the whole frontier, they have sent a 
 deputation to me praying protection. I have ordered them some 
 ammunition ; I can do no more. I am so entirely convinced that 
 the cargoes of the batteaux will be in danger on the passage from 
 Oswego to Niagara that I shall sen*' an express to Three River Point 
 to have the luitteaux come up to Cayuga Bridge and there land 
 
253 
 
 their cargoes, to be transported \ty land to this place. I shall bestow 
 further considerf.tion on this subject." 
 
 Believing that the best use I can make of the old mess-house 
 at Niagara is to convert it into a battery, I have ordered the roof 
 to be taken off, the walls above the upper floor to be strengthened 
 by embankments of earth on the inner side, and two twelve- 
 pounders and one howitzer mounted in that battery. It is high 
 and may perhaps avail us something. I expect it will be prepared 
 in this manner in a day or two. I was yesterday there and the 
 roof was nearly taken down. 
 
 (From S. VanR+^nsselaer'rt Narrative : Appendix, p. 47.) ' . 
 
 ; Captain J. Whistler to Gen. VanRenseelaer. 
 
 Presque Isle, 11th Sept., 1812. 
 Dear General, — 
 
 »■» -^.f , • • ' ' ' ' ' ■- *"» 
 
 This moment I have seen a letter from 
 Genl. Wadsworth of the State of Ohio to Genl. Keler of this post, 
 in which he mentioned the capture of Fort Dearborn at Chigkaga 
 and nearly all the garrison put to the sword, and the eneiny are 
 now erecting a garrison at the rapids of the Miamy, and a large 
 force of Indians are on their way against Fort Wayne and Vin- 
 cennes in great expectation of success. 
 
 The enemy have left four of the 24-poundei*s at Maiden ; the 
 other five of the 24-pounders they have shipped to Fort George. 
 This is all the news I have at present to connnunicate : the latter, I 
 expect, you ought to be made acquainted with. I think from the 
 large lx)dy of Indians which have gone against Fort Wayne you 
 have nothing to fear a.s to Indians. ..... 
 
 (From Bonney'H Historical Gleanings, pp. 230-L) , > 
 
 Colonel S. YanRenssclaef to Major General Morgan I^ewis. 
 
 Hea1)QUArter.s, Sept. 11, 1812. 
 
 Mv Dear Sir, — To you I am fully persuaded I can write with 
 confidence on the state of affairs in this quarter, and if you think 
 the interest of the .service will be promotetf by a disclosure of my 
 nanie, you are at liberty to make any use of it you plea.se, what- 
 
 * PerhapH nome precautions may be adopted to get round the batteauz to the Eigh teen- 
 Mil*^ Creek, or to some position on the lake snore, from whence they may be drawn over- 
 land to this plac«. 
 
251 
 
 ever inconvenience it may put me to, for I nhall state facts and 
 those only. 
 
 Since the surrender of General Hull it has been the study of 
 John C. Spencer, Col, Brooks, Qr.-Mr.-General Porter and several 
 others, to cause confusion and distrust among the troops on this 
 frontier to answer party purposes against the commander. They 
 have so far succeeded in the camp and in the country, that in the 
 former it is only whispered, but in the latter it is openly said, that 
 General Van Rensselaer is a traitor to his country, and the surrender 
 of his army when it crosses the river is the price of his infamy. 
 Honest and honorable men must regret this depravity in human 
 nature. Those scoundrels know better, and you and I know that 
 a more honest man does not exist, and one who has the interest of 
 the country more at heart. But, with all his amiable qualities, his 
 usefulness here in my opinion is destroyeil by this unjust and un- 
 warrantable jealousy. He cannot enforce that subordination which 
 is so necessary to the safety and glory of the troops he commands. 
 If Gen. Armstrong or any other man of the same politics with the 
 government did command here, this difficulty would be removed. 
 There is a field of glory in view for any man of ambition, which 
 Gen. V^ R., as well as myself, would regret to forego if necessity 
 did not CO n pel us ; it would be well if Gen. Dearborn could with pro- 
 priety remove hini to New York or some other place where his position 
 may be equal to his sacrifices in private life. We are encamped 
 at this place with two regiments of militia to guard the most im- 
 portant pass on the river ; Col. Fenwick with the regular troops in 
 and about Fort Niagara. Col. Bloom's lately come on at Niagara 
 Falls, and Col. Swift's pt Buffalo. 
 
 The whole effee^i* force of militia, including officers, you will 
 find by the within returns amounts to 1,688 fit for duty. We are 
 in want of almost everything. Our Quartermaster, Peter B. Porter^ 
 is speculating and attending to mischief and his private affairs. He 
 speaks in very disrespectful terms of Mr. Madison, and tries to 
 impress on the minds of the people the necessity of a change of 
 men. But, notwithstanding these discouraging prospects, we shall 
 do what men under these circumstances can. A strong battery has 
 been thrown up a mile above Fort Niagara and imme<iiately oppo- 
 site Fort George, in which the four heavy cannon have been placed, 
 and, contrary to the opinion of Col. Fenwick when he first came on„ 
 we will attempt to maintain the fort, which will be all important 
 to our future operations. The roof has been taken from a large 
 stone house, and on the third floor two twelve-pounders and a 
 howitzer placed. This battery commands Fort George and four 
 batteries in the vicinity, and if a parapet of earth well rammed on 
 
255 
 
 the inside of the two and-a-half feet stone wall was thrown up it 
 might bid defiance to the enemy, but unfortunately Col. Fenwick 
 and Capt. Leonard are too inuch addicted to liquor to attend to this 
 duty as they should, and if they were removed from this coutmand 
 it would give rise to much greater dissensions. Besides, we have 
 DO one as fit for this all important service as Col. Fenwick, if he 
 was at all times himself. Last Tuesday at 12 o'clock the armistice 
 c«'ased, on which we supposed the enemy would open their batteries 
 ot at least fifty pieces on our lines. Gen. VanRensaelaer continued 
 here in order to move the troops to any point that might be 
 attacked, while I went to the garrison oelow. I found on my 
 arrival all in confusitm. I immediately ordered a strong detach- 
 ment to clear a battery in the stone house, while othera were dis- 
 mounting the two twelves and a howitzer and getting them on the 
 platform, to the counnand of which Capt. Leonard's company was 
 assigned. The two block -houses, in each of which are six-pounders, 
 Capt. McKeon's company was to defend. All this was accomplished 
 by twelve. At that hour our works, as well as the British, were 
 manned, the matches burning, and I expected every moment to see 
 the rafters of the old mess-house knocked about my head, and I 
 was disappointed, and we have ever since been in peace, but pre- 
 paring with little trouble to make it as strong as any work can be 
 and ready for action. I enclose the last Buffalo paper. 
 
 (From Bonney's Historical Oleanings, pp. 231-2.) 
 
 Governor Tompkins to Captain Peter Magher. 
 
 Albany, Sept. 11, 1812. 
 
 I was absent from this place when your letter of the Blst 
 ultimo came to hand. 
 
 In contpliance with your request, I have addressed a letter to' 
 Col. Stranahan, desiring him to attach the eight men drafted from 
 the light infantry company under your command to your company 
 whenever the rest of your company shall come up with his regiment. 
 
 There is an indispensable necessity for ordering out a number 
 of independent corps under and pursuant to the Act of Congress 
 paHse«l 20th February, 1795, of which a copy is enclosed for your 
 information. You will therefore assemble the rest of your com- 
 pany and join Col. Stranahan's regiment as soon as possible. 
 Should his regiment have left Litchfield before you can join them^ 
 you will follow them with as rapid marches as possible. The bearer 
 takes out tents, camp kettles and knapsacks for your company. 
 They must find their own blankets and canteens; also musket,^ 
 
256 
 
 cartridge box, &c. Those who may l»e deficient in muskets will be 
 supplied at Canandaigua or on their arrival at Niajjara. The 
 propriety of reinforoinjj General VanRensselaer without delay com- 
 pels me to urge upon you the most vigilant and prompt attention 
 to the execution of this order. The Brigade-Quartermaster Packard 
 will pay the expense of transportation if you should be able to 
 rendezvous and march with the regiment : but if the regiment 
 should have marched before your company can rendezvous, the 
 bearer is directed to return to Cherry Valley and supply you with 
 some cash to defray the contingent expenses of your march on the 
 road. 
 
 To Captain Peter Magher. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, New York State Library.) 
 
 N. B. Boileatt to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 Hakrisburo, September 11, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Youi*s of the 2d instant has been duly received by the 
 Governor. I have the honor to inform you that yours of the 13th 
 ult. was received by hin» at Selin's Grove the 21st. He immediately 
 repaired to the seat of government at this place, and on the 25th 
 issued general orders for twenty-four hundred volunteere to ren- 
 dezvous at Meadville on the 25th day of the present month, and 
 from thence to march with all possible despatch to Buttalo. On 
 the 26th ult. a letter, enclosing general or<lers, was directed to you 
 at Greenbush and put in the mail at this place. On the 5th instant 
 the Governor i.SvSued general orders, agreeably to the refjuest of the 
 Secretary at War, for two thousand two hundred more of the militia 
 of this State to rendezvous at Pittsburg on the 2d of October, and 
 from thence to join the troops assembling in the State. A letter 
 also, enclosing the last mentioned orders, was put in the mail at this 
 place, directed to you at Greenbush. That the Governor's letter of 
 the 26th ult. has not reached you is a matter of surprise and regret. 
 The detachment assembling at Meadville will proceed on to Buffalo, 
 unless otherwise directed by you. You will therefore forwar<l to 
 the conmianding officer of that detachment such orders as you may 
 deem expedient. It will l)e commanded by a Brigadier-General, 
 but as he was to be elected by the volunteers comprising the detach- 
 ment, I cannot yet give you his name. 
 
 The A<ljutant-General, William Reed, Esq., will attend, and is 
 gone to Meadville to take command until the detachment is 
 organized. Any instructions enclosed to him will be punctually 
 attended to. You will therefore please to communicate with him 
 as early as possible. 
 
 (Pennsylvania Arcliives, Second Series, Vol. XII.. pp. 610-11.) 
 
257 
 
 Sir George Prevost to iQarl Bathnrtt. 
 
 (No. 8.) 
 
 Montreal, 12th Sept., 1812. 
 
 My Lord, — I have been honored with Your LordHhip's deHpatch 
 of the 4th of July. The de^patcheH I have had the honor of addretis- 
 ing to Your Lordship and to Lord Liverpool since the declaiation 
 of war by the Congre.ss of the United States against Great Britain 
 will have aflbrde<l suHieiont evidence to Hib Maje-sty's Government 
 that I could not, consistent with my duty to my king and country, 
 suspend the preparations for defence which I had Iteen induced to 
 make in consequence of the precarious state of the relations between 
 Great Britain and America. 
 
 The convincing proof which His Royal Highness the Prince 
 Regent has given of his desire to conciliate the government and 
 people of the United States by his declaration of the 2lM of June, is 
 not deemed sufficient by the President for the restoration of tran- 
 quillity to the Provinces, and Your Lordship will hear with 8ur|>rise 
 that every exertion is making by that Government for the subju- 
 gtition of the Canadas that they may, if succe.ssful, be enaV>led in 
 proud and haughty terms to commence their negotiations for a peace. 
 
 Notwithstanding the complete an<l disgraceful failure of the 
 enemy in their attack U|X)n the western frontiei-s of L^pper Canada, 
 which I have already had the honor of detailing to Your LonJship 
 in my former despatches, I learn by a desj)atch from M. Geul. 
 Brock, dated at Fort George the 7th inst.that they were assembling 
 in great strength in front of our i)ositions on the Niagara frontier, 
 and that he has every reason to believe from the great reinforce- 
 ments they had recently received in troops, artillery and stores that 
 they meditate an immediate inva-sion of the Province in that 
 quarter. Although I have been inauced to withdraw from Lower 
 Canada a considerable bixly of ti^oops for the pur|>ose of enabling 
 Genl. Brock to meet the threatened attacks in the Upper Province, 
 he still urges most strongly for fresh reinforcements to op|X)se the 
 great force which the enemy are preparing to bring against him. 
 but as the preparations and movements they are making towards 
 the borders of this Province in the neighborhood of Montreal are 
 strongly indicative of their intention and desire to jienetrate in 
 that direction, I have not been able in the present weak state of the 
 regular force in this Pi-ovince to spare one ntan from it« defence. 
 The necessity therefore of strengthening me by a further reinforce- 
 ment of troops, to be employed both in Upper and Lower Canada, 
 must lie obvious to Your Lordship, nor will it, I trust, be disre- 
 garded, if the greater interests of the country will admit of it. The 
 
258 
 
 dispoHition of the people in both Provinces, I am dispoHed to believe, 
 is good, and, providecl they can l)e supported, I think they can be 
 depended upon, but I fear not much reliance can be placed upon 
 them in the hour of adversity. 
 
 I am sorry to say the stores and accoutrements are not yet 
 arrived, and that the want of clothing for the Glengarry Fencibles 
 is a very serious inconvenience to His Majesty's service. I now 
 humbly hope the precautionary measures I have considered it my 
 indispensable duty to pursue, and which have hitherto enabled me 
 to check the designs of the Government of the United States, will 
 be favorably represented by Your Lordship for His Royal High- 
 nesHS gracious approbation. 
 (Canadian Archives, Q. 118, p. 247.) 
 
 Major General Brock to Sir Georgfe Frevost. 
 
 Fort George, September 13, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — The movements of the enemy just before the expiration 
 of the armistice indicated an intention of commencing active opera- 
 tions, but now everything tends to different measures. 
 
 The intelligence lately received and upon which I can safely 
 rely, represents the disposition of the tixxjps on the opposite shore 
 as very licentious and anxious for deserting a .service in which they 
 are not only badly fed but remain without pay. The government 
 paper is not received in common intercourse, consequently is inap- 
 plicable to the payment of the troops. 
 
 Great sickness prevails along the whole line. The officers of 
 the 49th Regt., cpiartered opposite Black Rock, have observed dur- 
 ing the last week one and two militiry funerals of a day. Nothing 
 can confirm the above statement more strongly than the desertion 
 of seven men from the 6th United States Regiment, six of whom, 
 however, perished in the attempt to cross the river, and of two at 
 noon this day, one of whom effected his purpose, but the other, 
 alarmed at the heavy fire of the guanl, returned and was instantly 
 seized. They, of course, complain of bad usage, bad and scanty 
 food and a total want of pay. The two companies to which these 
 men belong arrived during the cessation of hostilities from Bushy 
 Park. They were sixty rank and file each, out of which thirty^ 
 independently of those lost since yesterday, have deserted. Many 
 are sick, and almost all determined to seize the first opportunity to- 
 follow their example. Nothing can be more wretched than the 
 state of discipline existing among the troops. The militia, they 
 pretend, are better fed and otherwise lietter treated, which occasions. 
 
259 
 
 great jealousy. As both private accounts and those of deserters 
 agree as to the main facts, there can be no doubts of much diHsatis- 
 faction prevailing among the troops. A great deal could l»« effected 
 against such a body at this moment, but keeping in view Your 
 Excellency's instructions and aware of the policy of permitting such 
 a force to dwindle away by its own inefficient means, I «lo not con- 
 template any immediate attack. The enemy has taken down the 
 roof of the large stone house in Fort Niagara, upon which he has 
 placed two briiss twelve-pounders. He has likewise constructed a 
 battery precisely in front of our fort. I am daily in expectation of 
 the arrival of the Queen Charlatte from Detroit, wliich will give us 
 such a supenority in artillery as will soon silence anything that he 
 can bring against the fort. 
 
 P. 8. — The enclosed is the last communication received from 
 Amhei'stburg. 
 
 (Cantuliun Archives, C. 677.) 
 
 Militia General Orders. 
 
 Heai)QUARTER.s, Fort Georije, 
 
 13th September, 1812. 
 Militia Genend Order's. 
 
 His Honor Major General Bi-ock lias been pleased to appoint 
 Alexander Bryson, gentleman, to \)e .second lieutentint in Captain 
 Powell's company, 1st Lincoln artillery. Commission dated 13th 
 September, 1812. 
 
 By order. 
 
 J. Macdonald, 
 Lt.-Col., Militia, P. A. D. C. 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Heaihjuarters, Green Bu.sh, September 13, 1812. 
 
 Brigadier-General Alexander Smyth will proceed to Niagara 
 and take the command of the brigade composed of the fifth, twelfth, 
 thirteenth, fourteenth, and twentieth regiments as they arrive at or 
 near Niagara, and he will be respected and obeyed accordingly. On 
 his arrival at Niagara, or in the vicinity of Major General Van- 
 Rensselaer's headquarters, he will report himself to that officer. 
 
 By order of Major General Dearborn. 
 
 E. Beebe, Acting Adjutant-General. 
 
260 
 
 From Sir George Prerost to Mi^or General Brock. 
 
 Montreal, September 14, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Captain Fulton arrived on the 11th inntant with your 
 letter of the 7th. The intelligence you have conimunicate<l by it 
 convinces nie of the necessity of the evacuation of Fort Detroit, 
 unless the operations of the enemy bear a character less indicative 
 of detennine<l hustile measures against your line in their front than 
 they did when you last reported to roe. You will therefore be 
 pleased, subject to the discretion I have given you under the circum- 
 stances to which I have alluded, to take immediate steps for 
 evacuating that post together with the territory of ^lichigan. By 
 this measure you will he enabled to withdraw a greater number of 
 the troops from Amherstburg instead of taking them from Colonel 
 Vincent, whose regular force ought not on any account to be 
 diminished. 
 
 I have alread}' attbi*ded you reinforcements to the full extent 
 of my ability. You must not therefore expect a further supply of 
 men from hence until I shall receive from England a considerable 
 increase to the present regular force in this Pi*ovince; the posture 
 of atiairs, particularly on this frontier, rei|uire8 every soldier who is 
 in the country. 
 
 In my last desptitch from Ix)rd Bathurst, date<l the 4th of July, 
 he tells me, "that His Majesty's Government tnists I will be 
 enabled to suspend, with |)erfect safety, all extraordinary prepara- 
 tions for defence which I may have been induced to make in 
 consequence of the precarious state of the relations between this 
 countrj' and the United States, an<l that as every specific recjuisition 
 for warlike stores and accoutrements which had been received 
 from me had been complie<l with, with the exception of the clothing 
 of the corps pruposeil to be raised from the Glengarry Emigrants, 
 he had not thought it necessary to direct the preparation of any 
 further supplies." This will afford you a strong proof of the 
 infatuation of His Majesty's ministers upon the subject of American 
 affairs, and they shew how entirely I have been left to my own 
 resources in the event which has taken place. 
 
 Judging from what you have alrea<Iy effecte<l in Upper Canada, 
 I do not doubt but that with your present means of defence you 
 will be able to maintain your position at Fort George, and that the 
 enemy will be again foiled in any further attempts they may make 
 to invade the Province. 
 
 I leave to your discretion to decide on the nec^sity of sending 
 a reinforcement to Michilimackinac. 
 
 (From Tapper's Life of Broek, pp. 308-9.) 
 
261 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Adjutant-General's Office, 
 Headquahteks, Montreal, 14th Sept, 1812. 
 
 His Royal HighnesH the Prince Regent, in the name and on the 
 behalf of Hih Majesty. haH been ple»v8ed to make the following pro- 
 motions and appointnients in the army serving in British ^orth 
 America : — , 
 
 41ST F(M)T. 
 
 Lieutenant Charles Lane, from the Hereford militia, Ut be 
 ensign without purchase. — 16th June. 
 
 Lieutenant James Perrin, from the Limerick County militia, to 
 be ditto. — 30th June. 
 
 Lieutenant James Field, from the 1st Somerset militia, to be 
 ditto. — 2iU\ June. 
 
 ROVAL NEWFOUNDLAND FENCIBLEa 
 
 Captain Charles Blankowitz, from half-pay of the Royal Staff* 
 Corps, to be captain of a company, vice Nairne, who exchanges. — 
 13th June. 
 
 STAFF. 
 
 Major John Harvey of the 6th Garri.son Battn., to be Deputy- 
 Adjt-General in Canada, with the rank of Lt.-Col. in the army, vice 
 Ellis, appointed to the 6th Dragoons. — 30th Juna 
 
 LEAVE OF ABSENCE. 
 
 Lieutenant Sanders(Mi, 4l8t Regt., from 4th May to 30th June. 
 Ensign Biddulph, do., 12th to 1st August. 
 
 Edward Baynes. 
 
 Colonel Solomon VanRenseelaer to General Peter B. Porter. 
 
 Lewiston, 10 o'clock a. m., Sept. 14th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — In consequence of your message to me, several interviews 
 were had between our friends. It was at length agree<l between 
 them that thev should meet at the first house above the Tonawanto 
 bridge, and proceed from thence to Grand Island to select a spot 
 for our meeting. On their arrival at that place on Saturday pro- 
 positions to postpone the meeting were made on the part of your 
 friend, which could not be acceded to by mine without consulting 
 me. With that view they were to meet this morning at 8 o'clock 
 at the Falls of Niagara. At this place my friend punctually 
 attended, and now reports that neither your friend nor any apology 
 apjieared. 
 
 This very extraordinary conduct on your part, together with 
 
262 
 
 the fact of your ilisclasin^ the affair in violation of the most solemn 
 pledge of secrecy, and which has l)een most religiously adhered to 
 on my part and that of my friend, to two or three persona besides 
 your friend, and the information I have just received that General 
 VanRensaelaer was made acquainted with it and in consequence of 
 which he has kept a watchful eye on nil ni}' actions, shows con- 
 clusively that you have trifled with me, and that it never was your 
 intention to meet me, and I nt>w declare tiiat if you do not make 
 me a suitable a|)ology I shall at the proper time publish you to the 
 world as a i»dtro(m, a couxtrd and a scoundrel. 
 
 I am, &c., 
 
 Sol. VaxRexsselaek. 
 P. B. Porter. Es<|., Q. M., (J. M. S., N. Y. 
 
 (From the United States Gazette of 30t)i January, 1813. File iu rbilitdvlphia Library.) 
 
 I/etter to the Editor of the " Repository," of Canandaigua, N. Y. 
 
 Mr. Bemis, — The following interesting informa ion was 
 received from Jasper Parrish, Es(|r., interpreter to the Si.x Nations 
 and sub-agent of Indian affairs. It may be relied on as correct, 
 and you will oblige a subscriWr by publishing it in your paper: — 
 
 There wjis lately held at Buffalo a general council of Indians, 
 consisting of the Six Nations and the Stoekbridge and Delaware 
 tribes. The council was very numerous arid attended by a fuller 
 representation of chiefs than any that has been held for many 
 years. The agent for Indian affairs, Mr. Granger, and the sub- 
 agent, Mr. Parrish, were Ixith present. On the 8th inst., the 
 Senecjis, the Onondagas near Buffalo, an<l the Cayugas unanimously 
 offered to take up the hatchet in favor of the United States ii\ the 
 present war. Ihe chiefs who represented the Onondagas, livi • 
 eastward of this, the Oiieidas, the Stoekbridge and DelawK i 
 Indians, not feeling authorized to pledge their warriors in so 
 important a matter said they would go home and consult them on 
 tha' s bject, but expressed at the siune time the most thorough con- 
 viction that all their warriors w'ould also tender their services to 
 the United States. The Indians who attended the council said 
 their interests within the Unite<l States were too important to be 
 |(iven up without the strongest effort to defend them, that they 
 had been advising and laboring with the .ndians in Canada for six 
 years to induce them to remain at peace without effect, and were 
 extremely urgent that their services should \m accepted Thoss 
 who volunteered at the council agreed that they would go home so 
 soon as the council fire was extinguished, arm .and ecjuip themselves 
 
. 263 
 
 for battle, and return a^ain to Buffalo in ten days, and as there is 
 no doubt but that the other warrio!*s, whoHe chiefs were not authorized 
 to ple<ige them, will adopt the same determination with their brethren, 
 there will probably be within a fortnight at Buffalo between three 
 and four hundred Indian warrioi-s. 
 
 It has been uniformly the wish of the government that the 
 Indians should take no part in the war. The Secretary -at- War 
 wrote a letter, which was read and explained in this very council 
 instructing the agent to exert himself to persuade the Indians to 
 remain at peace, but the restless spirit of these sons of nature will 
 not permit them to do so. The chiefs, though they are willing to 
 do whatever thev can to further the views of the United States, to 
 whom they feel bound by strong ties, are unable to restrain their 
 "warrioix Their young men are clamorous to l>e employed. Under 
 these circumstances the agent has been instructed to accept their 
 services, to embody and organize them. It is Wlieved by al! who 
 are acipiainted with the IiKlian character that in this state of things 
 the inhabitants upon the Xiagaru frontier will finil greater safety 
 than they could do in any other while hostile armies remain in 
 their neighborhood. F'or if the earnest solicitations of the Indians 
 that we should accept their aid had lx»en denied, they would have 
 been ciX)I, perha))s distrustful towards us, and during this state of 
 things should the British arms obtain any jwlvantages over us, it is 
 not nnprobable they might be induced to take up arms against us. 
 
 Sept. U, 1H12. 
 
 iPruni the RffKn>itorif of (^HimixlHiKUH, liith .September, 1812. Fill' in tite Wood 
 Librar> rttnaiiilHi(fiia, N. V. | 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Heaik^UARTEKs, Lewi.stox, September 15th, 1H12. 
 
 The Quartermaster-General and the contractor will furnish on 
 the order of Doctor Brown, hospital surgeon, tlie necessary supplies 
 for the sick in camp and the hospital. To Doctor Brown the 
 surgeons of regiments and corps will ap;»ly for supplies necessary 
 for the accommodation of the sick under their care, rind they are 
 strictly enjoined to attend faithfully to the sick of the regiments 
 and corps to which they are a.ssigned, whether the sick are in camp 
 or hospital. 
 
 The Quartermaster-General will furnish a sufficient quantity of 
 straw for the accommodation of the tr<Jops in the camp and barracks. 
 He will also furnish forage for the dragoon and other public horaes, 
 and cause the horses of Captain Camj)'8 troops of volunteer cavalry 
 tc" be appraised, as the Ikw di) c-ts, without delay. 
 
264 . 
 
 Lieut.-CoI. Fenwick, the Quartermaster-General and the Com- 
 missary of military stores on this frontier, will without delay males 
 returns to Major (Jeneral Van Rensselaer of all the public property 
 of every description under their charge. 
 
 By onler of Major General Van Rensselaer. 
 
 S<»L. VanRenshelaer, 
 
 Aid-de-Canip. 
 
 Mi^or General VanRenspelaer to I^ieut.-Col. Fenwick. 
 
 Heaik^I'arters, Lewihton, 15th September, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have this moment receive<l your note of this date. It 
 is a fact too true that many of the arms both here and at the 
 ^rrison are not tit for use. The armourers are here Ijusily enpij^ed; 
 nevertheless I send you one of them. Please t<j order the line of 
 sentries extended up tlie river »is far as you deem expedient. 
 
 It seems to be im[X)ssible to obtain grain for our horses. I 
 have this day issued an order to th ' Quartermaster-General as to 
 forage, and shall make every effort in my |K)wer to get a supply. 
 General Brock will undoubtedly make every etlbrt. I^'t us employ 
 every moment in making the l)est possible dispositions to receive him 
 should he attempt an attack. As to the salt, the men and teams 
 were left behind for the express purpose of removing it. If the 
 service re(|uires any more men for fatigue, I will send them im- 
 meiliately. 
 
 (From 8. VftnReuMieliier'H Narrative: Appeudix, p. 4U.) 
 
 Mi^or General VanRensselaer to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 HEADgrvRTEHs, Lewiston, 15th Sept., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Agreeably to the instructions contained in Your Excel- 
 lency's letter of the 14th ult.. I have endeavored to keep Major 
 Gei III l)earl>orn fully ailvised of all my movements and operations 
 since .hat time, and to my letters transmitted to him I beg leave to 
 i'efer Vour Kxcellency for particulars. If the little army under my 
 command has not yet achieved anything very brilliant, I endeavor 
 to console mvself with the belief that we have not yet suffered any 
 disgrace. My force is yet small, about l(iOO militia. Of course the 
 necessary service renders the duty of the troops very severe. They, 
 however, endure it with as unich patience as could be expected from 
 men in their situation, many of them destitute of shoes, and indeed 
 such clothing as \h nece><sary for the approaching season, and they 
 are all extremely clamorous for their pay. Some money must be 
 
2«5 
 
 furnished for the troops in a very short time, or the consequence of 
 omitting it will severely affect the service, and at least render every 
 movement heavy. 
 
 Since my first arrival at this frontier, I have found myself 
 much embarrassed with the situation of Fort Niajjara. To attempt 
 defending it with the ordnance I found here I considered idle, and 
 after the return of General Brock from Detroit I had great reason 
 to lielieve that he could command a competent force to carry the 
 garrison should he attack it. But apprehending the very serious 
 consequences which must immediately result from abandoning the 
 fort altogether, I took the precaution of removing the most valuable 
 stores and determine<l to risk events until Colonel Fenwick should 
 arrive, when I might avail myself of his opinion, at least, and of the 
 ordnance he has with him should it Ym deemed ailvisable to attempt 
 holding the garrison. By suspending the notice for the termi- 
 nation of the armistice, Lieut-Colonel Fenwick arrived safe with 
 the caimon and 8t<jres under his charge at the Four-Mile Creek. 
 Fort Niagara became one of the first subjects of deliberation, and it 
 w^as determined to attempt maintaining it. For this purpasc it was 
 deemed expedient to remove the rcx)f frou) the old stone mess-house 
 and convert the upper story into a battery, to be mounted with two 
 twelve-pounders and one howitzer. I also determined to thmw up 
 a strong battery on the bank of the river about a ndle above the 
 garrison, nearly opposite the main battery on the Canadian shore, 
 and there mount three 18-pounders. As the enemy can rake the 
 river romJ from this to the garrison even witii musketry, I de- 
 termines! to cut a roail for eouuuunication from my camp to the 
 garrison in the wootls, out of the reach of the eneniy's fire. These 
 have been the objects of our fatigue for some days past, and are all 
 of them nearly completed. These operations have pro<hiced great 
 activity at F\>rt George. No S(X)ner were oiu' works commenced, 
 than the enemy began oppasing batteries. Their force is certainly 
 very respectable and constantly employed. Whether the enemy 
 will attack Fort Niagara or not, is impossible for n»e to say. There 
 are some very imperious considerations to urge them to it. Newark 
 is a very considerable village. The enemy have there some 
 good barracks and many accomiiRKlations for winter f|uarters, and 
 (whatever] might be the final result of a bombardment, the enemy 
 h<ust inevitably suffer very considerably. My pre.sent opinion is 
 th.xt I htul better attempt to maintain the garrison than to risk the 
 corisequences of abandoning it. 
 
 Liable as I am to an attempt from the enemy at any hour, and 
 my troops worn down by fatigue, I have resorted U) a measure 
 which perhaps exceeds the letter of my orders, yet considering that 
 
266 
 
 not only the tranquillity of this frontier, but possibly the safety of 
 my littlf- army may yet be at stake, and having been advised by 
 Major General Dearborn to adopt every measure of precauti(m against 
 surprise from a strong force which he had reason to believe the 
 enemy are directing against me, I have ordered a detachment of 
 500 men from Brigadier-General Hopkins's brigade, and some com- 
 panies of the detachment have actually marched. I wish to receive 
 Your Excellency's early instructions on this subject, as at present I 
 only consider these troops ordered out during your pleasure. 
 
 From a source not to be doubted I learn that the enemy are 
 forwarding very large supplies of arms and military stores to 
 Upper Canada. One hundred loaded boats have lately come up the 
 St. Lawrence, also two regiments are on the way to Lpper Canada. 
 
 When I last had the plejisure of seeing Major General Hall, he 
 expressed to me -his wish to learn Your Excellency's pleasure as to 
 his continuance in service, and 1 beg leave also to express my desire 
 that he should be satisfied a.s to his future course. 
 
 Having Ijeen advised by Major General Dearborn that fort}' 
 batteaux with cargoes for the use of this army were on their wa}^ 
 from Schenectady to Niagara by the way of Oswego, I have advised 
 him of the danger to l)e apprehended in a voyage from Oswego to 
 Niagara, as I am clearly of opinion, from the best information, 
 that tb'* nissage ought not to be attempted by the boats with their 
 cargot id fearing that my despatch might not reach General 
 Dearlx)rn in season for him to >ict, I have by express ordered the 
 commanding officer of the boats to stop at the Three River Point, 
 come up to the Ca^^uga bridge and land the cargoes aiid then to go 
 down to Oswego, adopt every precaution, and attempt to get the 
 boats around to the Eighteen-Mile Creek. The Quartermaster has 
 deputetl a person to receive the cargoes at Cayuga, and procure the 
 neceasary transport to Black Rock. 
 
 The alarm which lately took place in the County of Ontario by 
 the enemy's ships chasing some vessels into the mouth of the Genesee 
 River, has induced Judge Atwater to make a communication to me 
 of a very unpleasant nature. After stating the great zeal with 
 which the liiilitia turned out, he says, "but, sir, I lament when I tell 
 you that neither arms nor ammunition are provided for these brave 
 men ; no, not one musket to six men that would cheerfully risk 
 their lives in defence of their country." He says, "they are destitute 
 of arms and ammunition ; they are neither of thenj to be purchased 
 in the county." 
 
 (Tompkins' Paperit, Vol. VIII., pp. 149-15.1. New York State Library.) 
 
\ \ 
 
 267 
 Prom the Buffalo Oa^ette, Tuesday, xsth September, i8za. 
 
 Yestenlay afternoon the Qiieen Charlotte arrived at Fort Erie 
 in seven days from Detroit. A flaj^ of truce soon landed at Buffalo 
 Creek, Major Atwater and Lieutenant John L. Eastman, who gave 
 an account of the fall of Fort DeaH»orn. (Chicago.) 
 
 On Friday evening, the 11th inst. Major General Hall arrived 
 at this place, where, we understaml, he will n»ako hi.s headquarters. 
 He is assigned to the command of the troops at Hlack Rock, the 
 detachment from General Hopkins's brigade and such other troops 
 as may be ordered into service here. We are correctly informed 
 that 2,000 troops from Pernis3dvania are expected at this place. 
 They are to rendezvous at Mea^lville on the 25th, and will probably 
 arrive here by the last of the month. 
 
 Lieut-Colonel Fenwick of the United States Light Artillery 
 arrived at Fort Niagara on the 4th inst., with some pieces of heavy 
 ordnance by water. He was e.scorted by two companies of riflemen 
 from Oswego, under the counnand of Captains Kellogg* and Bristol. 
 We understand these companies will remain on this frontier. They 
 make a very martial appearance. 
 , (PUe In Buffalo Public Library.) 
 
 Major Wm. Howe Cuyler to Colonel S. VanRensselaer. 
 
 BUFFAL<», IGth Sept., 1812. 
 
 Mv Deau Sih, — I enclose you a return of the ordnance. &e., at 
 Buffalo, agreeable to Major Gen. Vanllensselaer's re(|ue8t, by Lieut. 
 GansevcM)rt, immediately on the receipt of which 1 waited on Genl. 
 Porter and requested a return from him of the ordnance at the 
 Rock, et|uipage, fixed and unfixed ammunition, which he promised 
 to make me last night. Failing to do so, 1 this morning addressed 
 a note to him and sent my servant, who, finding he had left the 
 RiXjk for Lewiston, rode on and overtook him and delivered my 
 note. I have not Ijeen furnished with a return from him. I beg 
 you t/O assure Genl. Vanliensselaer that, as speedily as possible after 
 I am furnished with an account of what was recjuired, I shall lo.se 
 no time in making a return to him. Lt. Gansevoort will inform 
 you of some alarms we have had. My General will comnmnicate 
 with yours. We send you three prisonei^s from the Queen Charlotte, 
 v;ho we have reason to expect have come over with improper views. 
 Lt. Gansevoort has charge of them, and will, of course, take them 
 to head(]uat«rs. In all thinffs depend upon my most prompt and 
 
 • Editor of the Manlius TY'mm. 
 
2(J8 
 
 cordial co-operation. I am not yet enablefl to make a return of the 
 force at the Rwk and this place, owing to the irrejjularity of the 
 returns made to me, which I am endeavoring U) correct as speedily 
 as possible. It shall be made as soon a» possible. 
 
 (From Bonney'fi Historicnl Qleanings, p. 232.) ' 
 
 Extract of a I^etter from to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 16th Sept., 1812. 
 
 From Tic«3 Horn's, on Lake Erie, nine miles above Fort George 
 (nic), runs a road in a northwestwanlly direction, called thi; Ridge 
 R<jad. On this road is stationed a corps of flying artillery' of six- 
 teen guns of different bores, with a troop of cavalry of 72 privates. 
 Both corps are militia, Init perfectly equipped ami in excellent 
 order. No pains have been spared to have the best horses. The 
 artillery is in constant exercise and move with gi'eat rapidity. 
 Four hundred men are stationed about a mile and a half in the rear 
 of Fort Erie, and 1,000 are held in constant readiness to march from 
 ditterent points as occasion may re<|uire. None of these troops 
 appear on the river in the daytime, (such is the positive orders of 
 General Brock,) but detachments are marched down every night 
 and return before daylight. As I umlerstand my inforuiation, these 
 tro«»p8, with those that appear on the river, are destined for the 
 defense of the shore from Fort Erie down to the point where the 
 river road is intereected by the Ridge Road. Probably similiar 
 arrangements are made all along the line, according to circumstances. 
 
 Geneial Brock has paid attention to every particular that can 
 relate to the future resources of the Province under his charge, as 
 well as to its iunnediate defence. The harvest has Ymeu got in 
 tolerably well, and greater preparation is making for sowing grain 
 than was ever made before. The militia duty is modiHed as much 
 jis possible to suit the circumstances of the people, and metisures 
 taken to prevent them from feeling the burden of the war. The 
 women work in the fields, encouragement being given for that 
 purpose. 
 
 When General Hull's proclamation appeare<l it hml its effect, 
 there being a security for private property contained in it Most 
 of the inhabitants would willingly have submitted, but when it was 
 found that private property was seized without [compensation ?] 
 the public sentiment entirely changed. The success of (Jeneral 
 Brock established the chanjre of sentiment. He has since made the 
 most of it, has become personally highly popular and, in short, has 
 
269 
 
 taken every measure that a judiciouH officer could take in his circum- 
 stances for the securing of this Province. A deteriiiinatioii now 
 prevails among the people to defend their country. 
 
 (Tompkina' Pspen, Vol. VIII., pp. 175-7, New York 8t*t« Library.) 
 
 Captain Samuel T. Dyson, U. 8. Regt. of Artillery, to Major 
 
 General Brock. 
 
 > ■' Fort Georoe, Kith Sept., 1812. 
 
 Permit me, Sir, to mention to you the situation of the nrisonera 
 under my conmiand. They have received no clothing iroin the 
 government since last Octol»er and are almost destitute of every 
 article of the kind. I understand there are six casks of clothing, 
 an invoice of which I have in my possession, and was destined for 
 Detroit for my comjmny, now lynig at Fort Niagara. If there 
 could be any arrangement between the two governments .so as to 
 get them across it would relieve the suffering prisoners much. I 
 also take the liljerty to ntentiun there are several men among theui 
 old, infirm and unfit for any kind of military service, and some with 
 large families of children. If they could obtain a parole to go to 
 the States, it would be a great relief to them. 
 
 Governor Snyder to the Secretary at War. 
 
 Hahrisiu'k<j;, 16th September, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — To make up possible deficiencies, I ordered to rendezvous 
 at Meadville 2,510 volunteers, at Pittsburg 2,214 drafted militia. 
 
 The promptitude with which the ordei-s were obeyed induce 
 the belief that the whole, or nearly the whole, number will rendez- 
 vous at both places. Permit me, through you, to suggest to the 
 President the propriety of employing the surplus number of l)oth 
 detachments in the defence of Erie. If the President .should so 
 <letermine, I would further suggest that from the volunteer and 
 drafteil men of the Sixteenth Division of Pennsylvania militia, 
 composed of the Counties of Erie, Crawford, NVarren, Mercer, 
 Venango, Beaver and Butler, might be detached the said surplus 
 for the defence of that important post. For reasons, I Ijeg leave to 
 refer to the representation made by Judge Moore and others, a 
 copy whereof was forwarded to 3'ou under date of yesterday. 
 William Reed, Adjutant-General, who connnands both detachments 
 until organized for their mai*ch, will promptly ol)ey any directions 
 given by the President. Permit me again to ask an early answer, 
 and to assure you of my perfect consideration and esteem. 
 (PenniylvanU Archives, Seoond Serlefl, Vol. XII., p. 616.) 
 
270 
 
 If ajor General YanRensselaer to Major General Dearborn. 
 Headqiarteks, Lewiston, 17th Septemlier, 1812. 
 
 Sib. — The situation of my little army ia becoming every day 
 more nnil more iyteresting, and I believe existing circumstances 
 would warrant me in saying critical. An soon as our operations at 
 and near Fort Niagara indicated a disposition to maintain the garri- 
 son, the enemy liecame exceedingly active. New works were 
 thrown up and old ones mo<litied to meet us at every point. Their 
 works appear now to l>e all complete*!, and they are ilaily receiving 
 very considerable reinforcements of ujen. I^st evening the Royal 
 George arriveil at F'ort (Jeorge with about two hundred artillerists. 
 About one hundred boats loadetl with stores for the British army in 
 Upper Canada have lately passed up the St. Lawrence. Two regi- 
 ments of troops are also on their way up, and I am induced to 
 believe that those lately arrived at Fort George are detachments 
 from those regiments. The information which you ha<l received on 
 the subject of the enemy's reinforcements and destination was 
 uniloubtoilly correct. Troops are also cou)ing down from Fort 
 MaKlcn to Fort Erie. Indee<l there can Ik; no possible doubt that 
 the enemy are very actively engaged in concentrating their forces 
 to act in this vicinity. When the scene of tiction will open, I know 
 not; it probably cannot be far distant. Such movements of the 
 enemy have been observed for three or four days piist as have 
 induce«l many to l)elieve that the hour of attack was at hand. On 
 the 13th instant boats were engaged in putting a considerable 
 detachment of ti*oop8 on board a ship, which at evening got under 
 way from Fort George and stoo<l out into I^ke Ontario. It was 
 apprehended that these troops were that night t^) I to landed on the 
 south side of the lake in the rear of our guards. The night before 
 last the enemy moved some boats from the landing at Queenston 
 down the river. This excited alarm ami late last night a rumor ran 
 through the camp that the garrison was actually summoned to 
 surrender. I only mention these things to show you what appre- 
 hensions prevail. Should the enemy attack, I have every reason to 
 believe we shall he very severely pressed, but so serious will be the 
 consequences of any retrograde movement or a total abandonment 
 of Fort Niagara that u|>on mature consideration of all circumstances 
 I have determined to hold if possible my present position and 
 dispute every inch of ground. My force bears no proportion to the 
 duties requireil, besides the discipline of the troops is not such as to 
 warrant perfect reliance, and many of our arms are not fit for 
 action. These are considerations which you, sir, and my fellow 
 citizens, will do me the justice to bear in mind whatever result may 
 
. 271 
 
 hap|)en. For the application of the means entruHtetl to me, I hope 
 I shall be al»le to justify myself to my country. My greatest fear 
 is that the troops destined to reinforce me will not join me in 
 season. In every calculation heretofore made upon my reinforce- 
 ments, both as to time and strength, I have been disappoint(^<.l. C*oi. 
 Bloom's regiment, which was reported to me before its arrival for 
 seven hundretl, is little more than four hundretl. 
 
 I am erecting a storehouse and maga/ine upon the high ground 
 in the rear of my camp, but f(jr the want of teams, tools, and nails, 
 the work proceeds but slowly. We build with logs, and rive our 
 shingles from bolts of oak. It is with extreme aitticulty we can 
 
 Srocure teams upon any emergency. The horses of the cavalry and 
 j'ing artillery are bmlly supplie<l with hay, and as for grtiin they 
 are almost entirely destitute. I have completed the road through the 
 woo<ls from my camp to the garrison. Amidst all our difficulties, 
 this is the most cheering day for the troops which I have witm^sseil. 
 Their clamor for pay has \ieeu high and incessant. I felt many of 
 its bad conscfiuences and apprehend still, but assurances now 
 received that their pay is near seem to elate them. 
 
 By the return of ordnance which I yesterday received frtMu 
 Fort Siiagara, I discover that our two mortars are 10 A inch instead 
 of 1«'U, as Capt. Leonard's memorandum to me states them. The 
 shells will be calculated accordingly. I have enclosed a copy «if a 
 letter which I lost night receiver! from General Brock, covering an 
 extract of a letter from Capt. Dyson, of the United States Regiment 
 of Artillery, to him, and I this morning sent Col. VanKensselaer to 
 Fort George, when he had an inttirview with Capt. Dyson, and such 
 arrangements have been made that Capt. Dyson's company will this 
 day receive their clothing from Fort N iagara. The otlier companies 
 in ^^uebec, I learn from General Brock's letter, are in great distress 
 for want of clothing. 
 
 P. S. — And to cheer u|» our hearts, we have picked up a birch 
 bark on which is written a notice from the soliiiers to the officers, 
 that unless they were paid they would absolutely (juit the field in 
 8 days fnjm that time. 
 
 (From Bonney'a Historical QlewiinKs, pp. 233-4.) 
 
 Major General Brock to Colonel Procter. 
 
 Fort GEomiE, September 17, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have had before me your several communications to 
 the 11th instant, addressed to myself and to Major General Sheaffe. 
 I approve of your having detached a party to aid in the reduction 
 
272 
 
 of Fort Wayne, not only because its dcHtruction will render 3'our 
 poeition more secure, but also from the proliabie result of saving 
 the garrison from sharing the fate of that of Chicago ; but it must 
 be explicitly undei-stood that you are not to resort to offensive war- 
 fare for purposes of con(|ue8t. Your operations are to be confined 
 to measures of defence and security. With this view, if you should 
 have credible information of the assembling of l»odies of troops to 
 march against you, it may become necessary to tlestroy the fort at 
 Sandusky and the road which runs through it from Cleveland to 
 the foot of the rapids. The i*oad fron> the River Raisin to Detroit 
 is perhaps in too bad a state to otter any aid to the approach of an 
 enemy except in the winter, and if a winter campaign should be 
 contemplated against you it is probable that magazines would be 
 formed in Cleveland and its vicinity, of all which you will of coui-se 
 inform yourself. In carrying on our operations in your quarter it 
 is of primary im])ortance that the confidence and good will of the 
 In<lians should Ije preserved, and that whatsoever can tend to pro- 
 duce a contrary effect should Ije carefully avoided. I therefore 
 most strongly urge and enjoin your acting on those principles on 
 every (Xicasion that may offer, inculcating them in all those under 
 your influence and enforcing them by your exaniple, whether in 
 your conduct towards the Indians or what may regard them, or in 
 your language in speaking to or of them. I am aware that they 
 commit iiTcgularities at times, which may make this a difficult task, 
 but you must endeavor to perform it, attending at the same time 
 to the means already suggested to you for preventing as much as 
 possible a repetition of disorderly conduct. 
 
 Colonel Elliott is a respectable gentlemanly man, but he by no 
 means possesses the influence over the Indians which Captain Mc- 
 Kee does. I reconnnend to you to promote as far as in you lies a 
 good underatanding with and between them and to observe a con- 
 ciliating deportment and language towards the latter, that his great 
 influence may be securetl and employed in its fullest extent for the 
 benetit of your district an<l for the general good. In conversation 
 with him you may take an opportunity of intimating that I have 
 not been unmindful of the interests of the Indians in my communi- 
 cations to minister, and I wish you to learn (as if casually the 
 subject of conversation) what stipulations they would prcjpose for 
 themselves or be willing to accede to in case either of failure or of 
 success. 
 
 I understand that salvage has been demanded from individuals 
 on several accounts for property recovered or restored, for patents, 
 &c., &c. I lament that such a course has been adopted, for it was my 
 intention, and it is now my wish, that our conduct in those matters 
 
273 
 
 should be governed by the broadest principles of lilierality. You 
 will therefore he pleased to have returned to the several individuals 
 the amount which each may have paid as salvage on any account. 
 
 With res|)ect to calling out the militia, I am particularly 
 desirous that it should not be resorted to but in cases of urgent 
 necessity, and then only in such numliers as may be indispensably 
 necessary ; if without risk or detriment to the public service any 
 or either of those corps can be spared let them be dismissed. 
 
 I wish the engineer to proceed immediately in strengthening 
 Foi*t Amherstburg, his plan for which I shall be glml to see as soon 
 as possible. 
 
 Of the ordnance stores of every description, you will reserve 
 such proportions as may be absolutely re<|uired for the public 
 service in your district, and cause the remainder to be embarked 
 and sent down to Fort Erie with the least possible delay. 
 
 I cannot at present make the change m the distribution of the 
 41st Regiment which you propose, but whenever circumstances may 
 permit I shall be happy to accede to your wishes. 
 
 (Prom Tupper's Life of Brork, pp. 310-12.) 
 
 M^jor General VanRensselaer to Major General Brock. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewistox, Sept. 17, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter of yesterday evening, and extract of a letter addressed to you 
 on the 15th instant by Captain Dyson of the United States regi- 
 ment of artillery, also a packet addressed to the Honorable All^ert 
 Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. 
 
 Colonel VanRensselaer will have the honor to deliver this 
 communication, and I have entrusted him to solicit your permission 
 for an interview with Captain Dyson for the purpose of ascertain- 
 ing particularly the condition of the prisoners of war under his 
 charge, to the end that they may be relieved from Fort Niagara if 
 practicable, and if not that I may, without delay, state their con- 
 dition to the government, that they may receive from the pro|ier 
 department the earliest possible supplies. 
 
 The women and children and such other persons as have 
 accompanied the detachment from Detroit and ought to be here 
 received, I will immediately receive at Fort Niagara or such other 
 convenient place as you may order them to be landed at. 
 
 In a communication which I some time since had the honor of 
 receiving from Lieut. -Colonel Myers, he assured me that it had l)een 
 the constant study of the general officer commanding on this line to 
 
....,',.,■■- 274 ••■'■■ ' ■■'-■^-^ -■■^■■' 
 
 discountenence by all means in his power the warfare of sentinels, 
 yet the frequent recurrence of this warfare within a few days past 
 would warrant the presumption that a different course has been 
 adopted. I wish to be assured of this fact. 
 
 (From Tapper's Life of Brock, pp. 312-3.) 
 
 Major General Brock to Major General VanRenseelaer, 
 
 Headquarters, Fort George, Sept. 17, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter of this date. Captain Dyson has obtained my permission to 
 cross on his parole to the United States ; he, however, requested to 
 remain till tomorrow to settle with the men of his detachment. 
 He shall in the meantime have an interview with Colonel Van- 
 Rensselaer. 
 
 Measures will be immediately taken to land the women and 
 children at Fort Niagara. 
 
 It has been with the utmost regret that I have perceived 
 within these few days a very heavy firing from both sides of the 
 river. I am, however, given to understand that on all occasions it 
 commenced on yours, and from the circumstances of the flag of 
 truce which I did m s»:lf the honor to ser ' over yesterday having 
 been repeatedly fire upon while in the act of crossing the river, I 
 am inclined to give lull credit to the correctness of the information. 
 Without, however, recurring to the past, you may rest assured on 
 my repeating my most positive orders against the continuance of a 
 practice which can only be injurious to individuals without pro- 
 moting the object which both nations may have in view. 
 
 (From Tapper's Life of Brock, p. 313.) 
 
 Militia General Orders. 
 Headquarters, Fort George, 17th Sept., 1812. 
 Militia General Orders. 
 
 His Honor Major General Brock finds it necessary to direct 
 that no expense shall be incurred by any militia officer without an 
 order from the officer commanding the district. 
 
 By order, 
 
 J. Macdonell, Lt.-Col., 
 
 Militia P. A. D. C. 
 
•-■>. ' : ^^ -.'■.. - 275 '■■.■■'-•'„ :■ ,:,v; :'■;-;: 
 
 General Van Rensselaer to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 17th Sept., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your packet 
 by Major Moore, who arrived in camp last evening. The duties of the 
 day are too pressing to allow me the leisure I could wish to answer 
 your letter particularly. I must therefore beg leave to refer Your 
 Excellency to my despatches to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 I cannot, however, but express the satisfaction I feel at the 
 approbation which my conduct thus far in the campaign has received. 
 To perform my duty, arduous as it is, is comparatively easy, but to 
 determine what my duty is in a wide field of action where every- 
 thing is unshaped and uncertain, is often a task of no small diffi- 
 culty. I am conscious to myself that I have studied it faithfully, 
 and performed to the best of my ability. My situation is growing 
 every hour more interesting, perhaps critical : the particulars you 
 will tind in my letter to General Dearborn. But, with my little 
 force, I shall certainly attempt to hold my position, with full 
 reliance on Your Excellency's assurances that every effort will be 
 made to support me. 
 
 A retrograde movement of this army upon the back of that 
 disaster which has befallen the one at Detroit, would stamp a 
 stigma upon the national character which time could not wipe 
 away. I shall therefore try to hold out against superior numbers 
 and every disadvantage, until I shall be reinforced. 
 
 I am happy to learn that the money to pay the troops is at 
 hand. I p inounced it in orders this morning. The information 
 cheers our camp, and I hope they will soon realize their expectations, 
 for in truth their wants are many. • 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, Vol. VIII, pp. 159-161, New York State Library.) ' 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 17th Sept., 1812. 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer revokes the sentence of death 
 pronouncf ;1 ci^minst Reuben Scliuyler and Thomas Moore by the 
 court martial, whereof Captain Leonard was president, and by 
 general orders of the ninth instant directed to be carried into 
 execution on the eighteenth instant, at Fort Niagara. 
 
 Th.s act of clemency of the Major General in declaring the 
 full and absolute pardon of those unfortunate men, it is hoped will 
 make a lasting impression on their future conduct in life, and that 
 they will still show by their good behavior that they are worthy of 
 a life which they had forfeited to their country and their God. 
 
276 
 
 But let it not be presumed that this first act of lenity in the Major 
 General will be extended to others. He is under obligations of 
 duty to his country, and with these his feelings as a man shall not 
 interpose. 
 
 The prisoners will be released and returned to their duty. 
 
 By order of Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aide-d6-Camp. 
 
 Major General Dearborn to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Headquarters, Greenbush, Sept. 17th, 1812. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Your letter of the 8th was this day received. I 
 have ordered two regiments from this camp and two companies of 
 artillery for Niagara. When they arrive with the regular troops 
 and militia from the southward, and such additional numbers of 
 militia as I reckon upon from this State, the aggregate force will, I 
 presume, amount to upwards of six thousand. It is intended to 
 have a force sufficient to enable you to act with effect, although late. 
 Brigadier-General Smith (Smyth) will leave this place to-morrow to 
 take command of his brigade of regular troops when they arrive. 
 I persuade myself that you will not, under your present circum- 
 stances, risk more than prudence will justify ; and that, of course, 
 you will be prepared in case you are pushed to fall hack, so as not 
 to hazard an action on very unequal footing. If the enemy should 
 make an attempt on you his endeavor will undoubtedly be to cut 
 off your retreat by light parties and Indians. You will excuse my 
 repeated cautions, but from the best information I have received, I 
 am induced to fear an attempt will be made on your post before 
 sufficient reinforcements will reach you. This will be conveyed by 
 a safe hand and in confidence. 
 
 (Prom S, VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appandix, p. 55.) 
 
 Major General Brock to Sir Georgre Prevost. 
 
 Fort George, September 18th, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have been honored with Your Excellency's despatch 
 dated the 7th instant. I have implicitly followed Your Excellency's 
 instructions and abstained, under great temptation and provocation, 
 from every act of hostility. The information received from a 
 deserter, and which I had the honor to detail in my last, is far 
 from correct, and where credit is to be given the facts apply solely 
 to the regular force. The militia, being selected from the most 
 violent democrats, are generally inclined to invade this province. 
 
Provisions are in tolerable plenty — the only complaint arises from 
 a want of vegetables. It is currently reported that the enemy's 
 force is to be increased to seven thousand, and that on their arrival 
 an attack is immediately to be made. I am convinced that the 
 militia would not keep together in their present situation without 
 such a prospect, nor do I think the attempt can be long deferred. 
 Sickness prevails in some degree along the line, but principally at 
 Black Rock. 
 
 The flank companies of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment 
 have joined me. A sergeant and twenty-five rank and file of the 
 Veterans arrived at the same time, whom I propose sending to 
 Michiliniackinac. The enclosed letters from Colonel Procter will 
 inform Your Excellency of a force having been detached under 
 Captain Muir for the reduction of Fort Wayne. I gave orders 
 previous to my leaving Amherstburg for it, which must have 
 induced Colonel Procter to proceed, upon receiving intelligence of 
 the recommencement of hostilities, without waiting for further 
 directions. I regret that this service should have been undertaken 
 contrary to Your Excellency's wishes or intentions, but I beg leave 
 to assure Your Excellency that the principal object in sending a 
 British force to Fort Wayne is with the hope of preserving the 
 lives of the garrison. By the last accounts the place was invested 
 by a numerous body of Indians, with very little prospect of being 
 relieved. The prisoners of war, who know perfectly the situation 
 of the garrison, rejoiced at the measure and give us full credit for 
 our intentions. 
 
 The Indians were likewise looking to us for assistance. They 
 heard of the armistice with every mark of jealousy, and had we 
 refused to joining them in the expedition it is impossible to calcu- 
 late the consequences. I have already been asked to pledge my 
 word that England would enter into no negotiation in which their 
 interests were not consulted, and could they be brought to imagine 
 that we should desert them the consequences must be fatal. 
 
 I have perused with every possible attention Your Excellency's 
 instructions, "that whenever I was informed that the enemy have 
 made an attempt to penetrate into the Lower Province, I am to 
 concentrate all my disposable force, and immediately make such a 
 diversion as shall indicate a disposition to operate upon his lines of 
 communication." My force is so scattered and so immediately 
 required for the defence of the different posts at which it was 
 stationed, that I am at a loss to know in what manner I can 
 possibly act so as to produce the effect expected. 
 
 I shall be obliged to Your Excellency to direct five thousand 
 pounds to be transmitted to the Receiver-General for the civil 
 
'■ ' " '"' ^' ' 278 ,:;./;, ■■,■;.::;:;.' '.v:, ::'.\y. ■; 
 
 expenditure of this Province. Army bills, I make no doubt, will 
 answer every purpose. 
 
 This despatch is entrusted to Lt.-Colonel Nichol, Quartermaster- 
 General of tlie Militia, whom I take the liberty to introduce to Your 
 Excellency as perfectly qualified, from his local knowledge and late 
 return, to afford every information of the state of affairs in the 
 Western District. He is instructed to make extensive purchases of 
 necessaries for the use of the militia, and I have to entreat Your 
 Excellency to indulge him with the means of a speedy conveyance 
 back to this place. a. 
 
 (CanwUan Archives, C. 677, p. 90.) ■ ■ ' 
 
 Major General Brock to Savery Brock. ' 
 
 Fort George, September 18, 1812. 
 
 Dear Brother, — You doubtless feel much anxiety on my 
 account. I am really placed in a most awkward predicament. If 
 I get through my present difficulties with tolerable success, I cannot 
 but obtain praise. But I have already surmounted difficulties of 
 infinitely greater magnitude than any within my view. Were the 
 Americans of one mind the opposition I could make would be 
 unavailing, but I am not without hope that their divisions may be 
 the saving of this province. A river of about 500 yards Itroad 
 divides the troops. M37^ instructions oblige me to adopt defensive 
 measures, and I have evidenced greater forbearance than was ever 
 practised on any former occasion. It is thought that without the 
 aid of the sword, the American people may be brought to a due 
 sense of their own interests. I firmlj^ believe I could at this moment 
 sweep everything before me from Fort Niagara to Buffalo — but my 
 success would be transient. 
 
 I have now officers in whom I can confide. When the war 
 commenced I was really obliged to seek assistance among the 
 militia. The 41st is an uncommonly fine regiment, but wretchedly 
 officered. Six companies of the 49th are with me here, and the 
 remaining four at Kingston, under Vincent. Although the regiment 
 has been ten years in this country, drinking rum without bounds, 
 it is still respectable and apparently ardent for an opportunity to 
 acquire distinction. It has five captains in England and two on the 
 staflT in this country, which leaves it bare of experienced officers. 
 The U. S. regiments of the line desert over to us frequently, as the 
 men are tired of their service ; opportunities seldom offer, otherwise 
 I have reason to think the greater part would follow the example. 
 The militia, being chiefly composed of enraged democrats, are more 
 ardent and anxious to engage, but they have neither subordination 
 
 •!',(■ 
 
nor discipline. They die very fast. You will hear of some decided 
 action in the course of a fortnight, or in all probability we shall 
 return to a state of tranquillity. I say decisive, because if I should 
 be beaten the Province is inevitably gone, and should I be victorious, 
 I do not imagine the gentry from the other side will be anxious to 
 return to the charge. 
 
 It is certainly something singular that we should be upwards 
 of two months in a state of warfare, and that along this widely 
 extended frontier not a single death, either natural or by the sword, 
 should have occurred among the troops under my command, and 
 we have not been altogetlier idle ; nor has a single desertion taken 
 place. 
 
 I am quite anxious for this state of warfare to end, as I much 
 ■wish to join Lord Wellington and to see you all. 
 
 (PromTupper'sLifeof Brock, pp. 315-17.) . . >, 
 
 I/t.-Col. John R. Fenwick to General VanRensselaer. 
 
 : . • , . .;, Fort Niagara, Sept. 18, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Yesterday afternoon was sent over in a flag eleven 
 women and nineteen children. Their situation is a distressing one. 
 There is also a tifer of the 1st U. S. Infantry. He brings from 
 Gen. Brock no pass or certificate. I know not in what light to 
 view them. I beg your instructions respecting these people. I 
 don't think it prudent to leave them here. Your order revoking 
 the sentence upon the two unfortunate criminals was carried into 
 effect. The scene was affecting, and I trust will be attended with 
 beneficial consequences. No occurrence of moment has happened 
 since I last wrote you. I beg you to order a general court martial. 
 We have four or five deserters. 
 
 (Prom Bonney's Historical Gleanings, p. 235.) '•: ■; ' ■ '^i 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Headquartep.s, Lewiston, Sept. 18, 1812. 
 
 By virtue of a power recently vested in the Major General by 
 His Excellency Governor Tompkins, the following troops are 
 ordered into innnediate service and will repair without delay to 
 headquarters. 
 
 cavalry. 
 
 Lieut.-Colonel Boughton will detach Major Evans and three 
 full troops of cavalry, completely equipped with good horses, arms, 
 accoutrements, blankets, &c. 
 
'■■',,,:','. v'.;.;;. •' ■■;;■'■,.;, 28o ■ - , 
 
 ■[r ARTILLERY. 
 
 Captain Hart, Canandaigua, Ontario County. ' ' 'v ' 
 
 Captain Pierce, Genesee, do. do. 
 
 Captain Ellicott, Batavia, Genesee do. 
 
 ' ■ Captain Jacks, Junius, Seneca do, ' ^ 
 
 Captain Corn pston, Aurelius, Cayuga do. ■ ,t- 
 
 With their cannon, small arms, equipments, and blankets 
 complete. 
 
 RIFLEMEN. 
 
 Major Gaylord's battalion, Steuben County. ;. j - 
 Major Granger's battalion, Ontario County. 
 Captain Brown's company, of Lima, Ontario County. 
 Captain A. Bloom's company, Genoa, Cayuga County. 
 Captain Allen's or Lieut. Johnson's, Genoa, Cayuga County. 
 Captain Ireland's company, Fayette, Seneca County. 
 With their rifles powder horns, blankets, and everything 
 complete. > >£ 
 
 LIGHT INFANTRY. ■ 
 
 Captain Hill's company, Bristol, Ontario County. 
 
 Captain McKinstry's company, Penfield, Ontario County. 
 
 Captain White's Company, Palmyra, Ontario County. 
 
 Captain Sutton's company, Ovid, Seneca County. -> • 
 
 Captain Terry's company, Ulysses, Seneca County. 
 
 Captain John Richardson's company, styled Cayuga Rangers, 
 Auburn, Cayuga County. 
 
 Captain Saterly's company, Sempronius, Cayuga County. 
 
 Captain Solomon Woodworth's, Cato, Cayuga County. 
 
 Captain Noble's company, Warsaw, Genesee County. 
 
 Captain Ebenezer Hillebert's company, Attica, Genesee County. 
 
 With their arms, accoutrements, and blankets complete. 
 
 These troops will be inspected by the proper officers and marched 
 the nearest route to this place with all possible despatch. 
 
 By order of Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, VoL VIII., pp. 177-8, New York State Library.) 
 
 I^iettt. Jesse D. l^lliott to Captain Chauncey. 
 
 Buffalo, Sept. 18, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have with all possible despatch repaired to the head- 
 quarters of General VanRensselaer. As regards my expedition, he 
 is entirely uninformed. He has not the most distant idea of the 
 navigation of Lake Erie, or of any of its resources. By his advice 
 
281 
 
 I have consulted with General Porter, who is perfectly acquainted 
 with every pfrt of the lake. He is employed by the public to 
 build many boats, which are intended for the troops when invadinjf 
 Canada. He has at the general expense agreed to build me four of 
 the description named in your letter, and have them ready in a few 
 days. I have contracted for a sufficient quantity of plank to deck 
 and bottom two ships of 300 tons ; have examined all the situa- 
 tions on Lake Erie ; cannot get one that will answer our purpose. 
 Those that have shelter have not a sufficient depth of water, and 
 those that have water cannot be defended from the enemy and the 
 violence of the weather. In extending my view to Niagara River, 
 I find that immediately in its mouth, receiving its water from Lake 
 Erie, we can be handsomely situated as regards building, fitting out, 
 and erecting barracks and magazines. I enclose you a sketch of 
 the River Niagara, where you will observe that about three miles 
 on our side we have an island carrying from the lake only five feet 
 of water, and on the north side twelve feet at all times ; when with 
 a strong southerly wind, 14. One difficulty attending it is the 
 getting our vessels through the rapids, where the water runs about 
 four knots, and being obliged to get by a strong battery. General 
 VanRensselaer has informed me that he would remove that diffi- 
 culty by getting possession of the battery. The roads are good 
 with the exception of about 13 miles, which are intolerable bad. 
 Provisions are plenty. The British have a force of considerable 
 moment : one ship of 20 guns, 10 feet water, badly manned ; one 
 brig of 14 guns, one brig of 10 guns, and two schooners of 10 guns; 
 some other vessels unmanned, say four in all. We have only six : 
 a brig of 90 tons, the others are schoonei-s from 40 to 80 tons, all 
 good vessels, and in the intended place for a navy yard. As those 
 vessels would not be sufficiently formidable to contend with the 
 enemy at present. General VanRensselaer has thought it advisable 
 to direct our attention to Lake Ontario, which he says is of all 
 importance at this moment, suspend the fitting out of small 
 vessels on Lake Erie, go on with the barracks and magazine, and 
 collect the timber for building. During the armistice our vessels 
 became very much dispersed — only a few of them at Sackett's 
 Harbor, three were chased into Genesee River, and one into 
 Oswego. They are not very distant from this. He has satisfied 
 me of the necessity of our attention being directed to these four 
 vessels. His letter to me I enclose a copy of for your perusal. 
 The carpenters have not arrived. I have by express ordered them 
 to Genesee Falls ; will set out in the morning myself. I shall get 
 on altering these vessels until I have your further commands. 
 Should arming these vessels meet your approbation the ordnance 
 
:/,;•-,,,., !■'■■ 282 \_ . /,'■:';:'■■'•■•''■■'• 
 
 had better immediately come on to thia place, together with the 
 officers and men. Our movements at this place will go on in the 
 meantime as if attended to myself. Our movements as regarding 
 the boats will be perfectly secret. Tlie alterations to the vessels 
 as well as building will be immediately in sight of the enemy. 
 The river is so narrow that the soldiers are shooting at each other 
 across. Ordnance for this place had better come on when the snow 
 is on the ground, and then in sleds. It will not be possible to get 
 through in wagons. Direct your letter to me at the Genesee Falls. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, Vol. VIII., pp. 189-190, New York State Library. 
 
 .;:''.■,.'..;, General Orders. !,,'.■,.' %.'. 
 
 vi is Headquarters, Lewiston, September 19ih, 1812. 
 
 The Major General calls the attention of the officers to the 41st, 
 42d, 43d, 44th, 45th, 46th and 53d articles of war, and directs that 
 they shall be read to the troops. If any officer or soldier has the 
 hardihood to violate either of them, he shall be treated as those 
 articles direct. The shameful inattention to duty in the face of a 
 powerful enemy, by many of the officers and soldiers, will render 
 this resort necessary, however unpleasant it may be to the Major 
 General. 
 
 In violation of a general order of the 19th August, several of 
 the field officers did not attend parade duty yesterday. It is hoped 
 that such conduct in them will not occur again, for if it should the 
 Major General will be compelled to resort to measures which will 
 be very unpleasant to himself and them. 
 
 The guards will be augmented this night, and if any officer or 
 soldier discloses the watchword he will be dealt with as the 53d 
 article of the rules and articles of war directs. 
 
 The officer of the day will direct every officer and soldier to be 
 taken up after the beating of retreat, whether he has the counter- 
 sign or not, if found out of camp without permission in writing 
 from the Major General. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Fenwick will order a general court martial for the 
 trial of such prisoners of the United States troops as may be brought 
 before the court, and report the proceedings without delaj'^ to the 
 Major General. 
 
 By order of Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aide-de-Camp. 
 
283 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Brock. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 20th Sept., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — It was with extreme regret and concern that I yesterday 
 learned through Lieut.-Col. Myers that in a repetition ot* the 
 practice of tiring between sentinels, which I have so often per- 
 emptorily prohibited, one shot has jn-oved fatal to a man at the 
 Lime Kilns, on the Canada shore. Innnediately on receiving infor- 
 mation of this unfortunate event, I caused strict inquiry to be made 
 to the end that the offender, if discovered, might be punished 
 according to his demerit. But the result of this inquiry has not 
 furnished me with the least evidence against any man. I cannot 
 ascertain that a single gun has been tired at or near the place from 
 whence the shot was supposed to have been thrown. 
 
 That these firings have been repeatedly commenced cm both 
 sides is not to be questioned. The fact is established by the testi- 
 mony of otficers whose rank and character in both armies utterly 
 precludes all doubt. It is a circumstance which in this explanation 
 ought not to be omitted, that there may be on both sides the river — 
 there certainly is reason to believe there are on this side — persons 
 not under immediate command in either army who occasionally 
 approach the river, discharge their pieces at the sentries and then 
 escape unobserved in their retreats, while the tire thus begun is 
 returned upon an unoffending sentinel. I have caused patrols to be 
 sent out to take such persons, but without success. 
 
 I can only repeat, sir, that I deeply regret the unfortunate 
 occurrence which has happened ; that my orders against the 
 practice which has occasioned it have Ijeen most peremptory ; my 
 efforts to enforce them are unremitting, and every atteuipt to con- 
 vict anyone of disobedience as yet is unavailing. ■ , ; 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 74.) 
 
 District General Order. 
 
 Fort George, 20th September, 1812. 
 
 The Grenadier company of the 49th Regt. will hold itself in 
 readiness to march at an hour's notice for Queenston, where it will 
 remain under the orders of Lieutenant-Colonel Plenderleath. 
 
 No. 2. — Sixty men of the 41st Regiment, under the directions 
 of Lieut. Bullock, will maich at 5 o'clock to-morrow morning for 
 Chippawa, and on their arrival at that post Capt. Bullock will be 
 pleased to strengthen the detachment stationed at the head of Navy 
 Island (under Capt. Saunders) with 20 additional men from the 4l8t 
 Regiment. 
 
284 „'■''.;,:' ''^ ■■'/.; 
 
 No. 8. — Captain Selby's company of York militia will hold 
 itself in immediate readiness to march for Brown's Point. The 
 Deputy-Quartermaster-General will be pleased to signify the route 
 and point out the quarters to be occupied by the above detachment. 
 The commissariat will provide the necessary conveyance. 
 
 No. 4. — A board of survey to assemble at 10 o'clock to-morrow 
 morning at the ban-ack master's (juarters for the purpose of ascer- 
 taining the damage done to the barrack articles. 
 
 DETAIL FOR THE ABOVE SURVEY. 
 
 41st Regiment — 1 Captain, 1 Q.-Master, R. Newf'l'd do. 1 
 
 sub. 
 
 1 1 - . - 1 
 
 By order. 
 
 Thomas Evans, 
 
 Major of Brigade. 
 
 ; t,. District General Order. 
 
 Fort George, 20th Sept., 1812. 
 
 The Major General commanding most earnestly calls the atten- 
 tion of officers in the command of divisions and that of the officers 
 in general to the state of the men's arms, ammunition, and appoint- 
 ments under their immediate superintendence, as he expects every 
 soldier, whether of the line or militia, will be at all times in the 
 most efficient state in this essential particular, and every way pre- 
 pared to meet the enemy's attack should he venture to make it. 
 
 No. 2. — The Major General trusts that the officers in charge of 
 the different divisions use their best exertions in forwarding the 
 drills of the several detachments of militia placed under their orders, 
 and that the non-commissioned officers and men selected from the 
 line for this important dut}'^ are every way qualified to give the 
 instruction required. 
 
 No. 3. — It is expected that officers in command of companies, 
 both of the line and of militia, are provided with order books, and 
 that the orders are regularly read to their men in conformity to 
 No. 3 of the D. G. O. of the 31st July. 
 
 The Major General cannot impress too strongly on the minds 
 of the commanders the necessity of their attention and punctuality 
 to this part of their duty. 
 
 No. 4. — The Major General acknowledges with thanks the 
 willing manner in which that portion of the troops stationed afe 
 Fort George have contributed by their exertions to the accomplish- 
 
:,: ■■':,:,;,■, V 285 
 
 menfc of the present works established there, and directs that in 
 future as small a number as possible may be furnished for finishing 
 them in order that the militia last joined may have the opportunity 
 of perfecting themselves in drill. . 
 
 By order. 
 
 Thomas Evans. 
 
 i^ ^ ' Militia General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort George, 21 Sept., 1812. 
 Militia General Orders. ^ 
 
 It having been mentioned to His Honor Major General Brock 
 that several militiamen belonging to the flank companies of the 
 different regiments of the Lincoln and the Second Regiment of 
 York militia are now absent from their respective companies 
 without leave, he has been pleased to direct that the captains or 
 officers commanding the said companies do immediately transmit to 
 the officers commanding the regiments or battalions to which their 
 respective companies belong a particular return of such as are so 
 absent, and His Honor has been further pleased to direct that 
 officers commanding corps do use every means in their power to 
 cause such absentees to be apprehended and sent to their respective 
 companies, to be dealt with as the law directs, unless it shall satis- 
 factorily appear that any such absentee is about voluntarily to 
 return to his duty, in which case His Honor is pleased to direct that 
 the offence may be overlooked for this time. 
 
 By order. " 
 
 J. Macdonell, Lt.-Col., 
 
 Militia P. A. D. C. 
 
 The Secretary of War to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 War Department, Sept. 21, 1812. 
 
 (Abatraot.) 
 The Pennsylvania Regiment has been ordered to march, agree- 
 ably to his request. Great hopes are entertained that General 
 Harrison will recover the ground lost by General Hull, and enter 
 Upper Canada. 
 
 District General Orders. 
 
 Fort George, 22nd Sept., 1812. 
 The Major General commanding returns his particular thanks 
 to the militia for the handsome manner in which they have on all 
 
:/,::■•■;,■ ^'"'}' ■'' 286 ;•. ^ -,;,;.:,-,■' 
 
 occasions volunteered their services for duties of fatigue, and i» 
 pleased to direct for the- present that further services for such 
 duties shall be dispensed with. 
 
 No. 2. — Colonel Claus will give the necessary directions for 
 the periods of drill for the militia, and Sergeiint Lyon of the 4l8t 
 and Sergeant Tliomas of the Royal Newfl'd will attend as instruc- 
 tors at the hours appointed by Col. Claus. Tlie 41st will also 
 furnish a secoiid non-commissioned officer capable of instructing 
 the men for this particular duty. 
 
 By order. 
 
 ^> Thomas Evans. 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewistox, 22nd Sept., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — Since I had the honor to address Your Excellency and 
 Major General Dearborn on the 17th instant, nothing of very great 
 importance has taken place. The position of the army is still the 
 same — guarding with great vigilance (as far as our force will 
 admit) every point accessible by the enemy. On the night of the 
 20th all the ships which the enemy has on Lake Ontario were 
 anchored in the mouth of Niagara River. What was the object of 
 this movement I know not, unless it was to avoid the violence of 
 the most tremendous storm which we have lately ha«l, and in which 
 our troops have suffered much. By the great violence of the wind 
 many tents were blown over, my own marquee, bed and all, was 
 completely deluged. 
 
 My morning report of sick is 149. 
 
 Colonel VanRensselaer went over with a flag to Fort George to 
 carry my answer to a communication which I had received from 
 General Brock relative to a tiring between our sentinels, by which 
 one man on the Canadian side was killed. There wjis yesterday no 
 general officer at Fort George, and the ships were all gone. As yet I 
 have not been able to get any information respecting this movement. 
 
 Last evening Lieut. [Totten ?J of the corps of engineei's reported 
 himself to me. I hear nothing of the District Paymaster, nor of a 
 single company to reinforce the troops, whose duty is very severe. 
 
 I had ordered Lieut. Elliott of the navy, with the men engaged 
 for the service under his command, to the mouth of the Genesee 
 River to arm and e(iuip such of the vessels lately blockaded there, as 
 he might think proper for the public service. He has undoubterlly 
 advised Captain Chauncey of this arrangement. But, since the 
 
..;•.-: ■'■::v:-:: 287 
 
 departure of Lieut. Elliott, I have been informed that those vessels 
 have escaped from Genesee River and ^one to Oswego. 
 
 I enclose an extract from a letter I have this morning received 
 from a gentleman who has heretofore made me several useful com- 
 munications. He assures me the information may be relied on. 
 This extract may be useful to General Dearborn. 
 
 (Tompkins' Papers, Vol. VIII., pp. 174-5, New York State Library.) 
 
 From the Buffalo Gazette, Tuesday, 22d September, i8ia. 
 
 Yesterday a flag arrived from Fort Erie, bringing over Aaron 
 Greeley, Esq., late Surveyor General of the Michigan Territory, 
 with his family and eflfects, together with several other persons. 
 They left Maiden on Friday, and arrived at Fort Erie on Saturday, 
 on lx)ard the brig Adams, after the remarkably short passage of 
 33 hours. We are authorized by Mr. Greeley to state the British 
 officers and Indian agents do everything in their power to prevent 
 the Indians from conmiitting acts of cruelty. Mr. Greeley also 
 contradicts in express terms the report that the British either gave 
 or offered six dollars, or any other sum, for SCALPS, but, on the 
 contrary, discountenanced the Indians by all possible means from 
 acts of cruelty. 
 
 A PRIZE TO THE BRITISH. 
 
 On the 6th a boat belonging to Mr. Lovejoy of thia village 
 was freighted for Erie and went out of port in the morning, but 
 the wind hauling unfavorable she made but little progress. In a 
 short time a British armed boat came out from under Point Abino 
 and gave chase. The boatmen ran ashore a few miles above 18 
 Mile Creek, abandoned the boat and tried to obtain assistance from 
 the people on shore, but obtaining only 3 or 4 old muskets in bad 
 order they could make no opposition. The British boat came up 
 and towed away the deserted boat with all the property, which 
 consisted of 45 barrels of salt shipped by General Porter for Erie, 
 the remainder of the loading chiefly belonging to Mr. Lovejoy, 
 whose loss is not less than 1000 dollars. 
 
 PLUNDERING. 
 
 On the 15th inst. a boat from the Canadian shore landed a 
 number of soldiers near Sturgeon Point, who stopped a wagon and 
 seized a quantity of leather, and afterwards entered the house of 
 Mr. N. Lay (the family having previously fled to the woods) and 
 pillaged all the wearing apparel, not excepting the small articles of 
 women's and children's wear — all the bed furniture, sheets, pillow 
 cases, &c., all the provisions they could carry cflf; all the kitchen 
 
288 
 
 furniture they could not take they destroyed, and afterwards took 
 a calf tied near the house and carried off the booty to the boat. 
 Mr. Lay's loss was not less than 300 dollars. The house of Mr. 
 Gates was then plundered of 60 or 70 doll's. Another house was 
 plundered of several articles, the amount of which we have not 
 ascertained. We understand that measures will be taken to 
 reclaim the property. 
 
 FORT NIAGARA. 
 
 We understand that Colonel Fenwick, since his arrival, has 
 strengthened some parts of Fort Niagara very considerably, and 
 put the ordnance in excellent commanding positions. 
 
 John Irovett to Joseph Alexander. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 22d Sept., 1812. 
 Dear Alexander, — 
 
 The enemy appear to be in a state of preparedness to give or 
 receive an attack. Every day or two they make some movement 
 which indicates dispositions to attack us immediately. Night 
 before last everj'^ ship they have on Lake Ontario came into the 
 mouth of Niagara. Then, to be sure, we thought it time to look- 
 out for breakers. But yesterday when Col. VanRensselaer went 
 over with a flag to Fort George there was not a ship in sight nor a 
 general officer there ; where gone we know not. Notwithstanding 
 the most positive orders on both sides, our sentinels have kept up 
 almost a constant warfare for a month past. On the bank of the 
 river musket balls are about as thick as whippowills on a summer's 
 evening. A wretch fired the other evening at Judge Barton and 
 myself as we were sitting upon our hoi-ses on the bank. The shot 
 came in a correct line, but fell 20 rods short in the river. Last 
 Saturday morning one of our lads returned the compliment, and 
 put his Dall so quick thro' a lad's head on the other side tnat he fell 
 dead without even winking. Over came Lieut.-Col. Myers, with 
 whom I had the honor of an hour's conference on the bank. Both 
 talked it largely and returned good fellows. .... 
 
 We are promised reinforcements by companies, battalions, 
 regiments, brigades, and I might almost say armies, but not a single 
 man has joined us in some weeks. Besides, our men here are 
 getting down very fast within three or four days. This morning's 
 report of sick was 149. We have lately had the most tremendous 
 
■ -^ ':^'-'-^ 289 - --;-"\ 
 
 storm of cold raina and wind that I every saw at this season of the 
 year — it was eno' to make an ox quake. The wind was terrible ; 
 nail, lightning, thunder, and the whole army of terrors seemed 
 pressed into requisition. Many tents blew up and over; the Gen- 
 eral's marquee was deluged, bed and all drenched. . . ^ 
 
 Give Mrs. Lovett the enclosed. It contains an impression of 
 General Brock's seal, with his most appropriate motto : " He who 
 guards never sleeps." The campaign will wind up with some very 
 interesting occurrences. I think I begin to see how the crisis is 
 forming. We xhall invade Canada. 
 
 (Prom Bonney's Historical Gleanings, pp. 23(5-7. 
 
 Prom the Federal Republican of Baltimore, Md., sth October, i8i2. 
 
 (Bxtraot from a latter dated 22nd September, 1812.) 
 
 There is at Niagara about 700 United States troops; at Lewis- 
 ton, 800 militia; at Black Rock, 300 militia; at Schlosser, 400 
 militia; at Lewiston Meadows, 40 horse and 60 infantry. The 
 militia generally were much dissatistied in consequence of not 
 having received any pay, and about 20 men stacked their arms on 
 parade and deterndned to return home, but were prevailed to 
 remain by the assurance that the paymaster would be out the last 
 of this month. Desertion on this side is frequent; two of the 
 United States troops swam over to Fort George on the 11th inst., 
 who were capable of giving general and correct information as to 
 the strength and situation of the troops on this side. Thej' were 
 not discovered until nearly half way over, when they were tired 
 upon, and the British sent off a boat and picked them up without 
 injury. 
 
 Sir 6eorg;e Prevost to Barl Bathurst. 
 
 (No. 9.)"" ->'-■'■: ';■".■■■■;■/■ 
 
 Headquarters, Montreal, 22d Sept., 1812. 
 
 My Lord, — In my despatch No. 7, dated the 1st inst., I had 
 the honor of transmiting to Your Lordship copies of letters from 
 Major General Brock detailing the surrender of Fort Detroit, with 
 copies of tlie capitulation, return of stores, &c., &c. 
 
290 
 
 I have now the honor of reporting to Your Lordship that 
 Brig'r-Gen'l Hull, together with the first division of prisriers, con- 
 sisting oi 9.2 officers and 343 men, part of the regular army which 
 surrendered at Detroit, arrived at this place on the 6th inst. The 
 remainder, amounting to about 140 men and their proportion of 
 officers, are still in Upper Canada, and will be forwarded hither as 
 soon as the means can be procured of sending them. The men and 
 the greater part of the officers which have arrived have been sent 
 to Quebec. 
 
 Brig.-Gcn'l Hull being desirous of returning to the United 
 States on his parole, for the purpose of justifying his own conduct 
 and exposing the imbecility of that of his government in totally 
 neglecting to support directly (or indirectly) his offensive opera- 
 tions, either by reinforcing his army or by making demonstrations 
 of attack upon other points on the frontier line simultaneously 
 with the one he was commanded to make on Amherstburg, I have 
 therefore allowed him to proceed to Boston, for which place he set 
 off on the 10th inst. with his aid -de-camp. I feel confident that 
 his presence in the United States will have the effect of adding 
 strength to the party there in opposition to the 'var, and that it 
 will also tend to embarrass the American Government. The 
 situation of several of the officers, particularly those with families, 
 has induced me to extend to them the like indulgence. As in these 
 instances I have conceived myself acting agreeably to the views 
 and conciliatory disposition of His Majesty's government, I trust 
 His Royal Highness the Prince Regent will be graciously pleased 
 to approve of what I have done, and that the liberality thus mani- 
 fested on his part will be attended with the best effects. 
 
 I am happy to be able to assure Your Lordship that the spirit 
 and zeal which are now evinced by all classes of persons in the 
 Province (but more particularly by the militia) to resist the attacks 
 with which thoy are threatened, afford me strong hopes that the 
 enemy will meet with disappointment should they think fit to 
 inv-ade the countr}'. The volunteering of a considerable portion of 
 the English militia of this populous town for permanent duty 
 enables me to withdraw from hence the regulars as circumstances 
 may require, and materially aids the public service. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, Q118, p. 251.) 
 
:■:■■::::!. '^■''■■'^'■■^■v. ■:■:■':. ^ 291 "■• ■'— -'-^ ,■■.■■.■■;-■:■:.•■■■;:>■■ 
 
 Major General Brock to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Headquarters, Fort George, 23d Sept., 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter of the twentieth instant. I never doubted for a moment 
 that the firing from your side of the river upon individuals was 
 contrary to your intentions and in violation of your orders, and I 
 beg leave to repeat that every effort shall be made on my part to 
 prevent a recurrence of such acts of insubordination on this side. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 75.) •;' i ' :.;*: •> ' ^ 
 
 The Secretary of War to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 War Department, Sept. 23, 1812. 
 
 (Abstract.) 
 
 By letters received from Erastus Granger it appears that the 
 young men of the Six Nations can no longer be restrained, and that 
 in case of the refusal on the part of the United States to accept 
 their services they would join the Indians under the British 
 standard. Although the policy of the United States has been 
 against this course, it is forced upon us by the common principle of 
 self-defence. Mr. Granger has therefore been authorized, after every 
 attempt to secure their neutrality has failed, to embody them. 
 They should be engaged as far as possible against an enemy of their 
 own description. 
 
 From the New York Evening Post, ad June, 1813. 
 
 Letter from an Offloer at BuflTalo, Dated Sept. 24th, 1819. 
 
 The Indian agent at Buffalo has been instructed by the Presi- 
 dent of the United States to accept the services of the savages of 
 the Six Nations and organize them. There will probably be within 
 a fortnight at Buffalo between two and four hundred Indian 
 warriors embodied and organized to the service of the United 
 States. 
 
 (From file in the New York Society Library.) 
 
292 ■•■'^v^^ r;v:;;'.,;;--'- 
 
 District General Orders. 
 
 Fort George, 25th September, 1812. 
 D. G. Orders. 
 
 Major Merritt will please to furnish daily an orderly dragoon 
 to be at the brigade major's office by 12 o'clock each day for the 
 transmission of orders, &c. Heads of departments, officers in com- 
 mand of corps, and others having letters on the public service to 
 forward to any part of the line betwixt this post ar d Fort Erie, and 
 to Amherstburg or Detroit, will send them to brigade major's office 
 any time before half-past eleven o'clock. Officers in command of 
 divisions and posts stationed along the line will avail themselves of 
 this orderly express to forward their communications to head- 
 quarters. 
 
 No. 2 — Until further orders, tattoo will beat at eight o'clock in 
 the evening. 
 
 , : > By order, 
 
 Thomas Evans, Brigade Major. . 
 
 V General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 25th September, 1812. 
 
 The detachiuciit of Lieut -Col Hopkins's regiment will be 
 stationed at Tonawauta and guard the passes on the river, and will 
 relieve the guards of Lieut.-C^l. Swift's regiment now there. All 
 the supernumerary officers of Lieut-Col. Hopkins's regiment will 
 be disbanded, and such only kept in service as are absolutely 
 necessary to officer this detachment agreeable to law. 
 
 General Hall will give orders av cordingly. Captain Ellicott's 
 company of artillery will be stationed at the battery opposite Fort 
 Erie, to which place one eighteen-pouuder is ordered. 
 
 Returns of the state of the troops, their arms and accoutre- 
 ments, will be made to the Major General once a week by General 
 Hall and the cotnnmnding officer of the United States troops at 
 Fort Niagara, and they are directed to have everything in readi- 
 ness for action at a moment's warning. 
 
 By order of Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aid-de~Camp. 
 
293 
 
 From the New York Statesman, agth September, i8ia. 
 
 INDIAN AUXILIARIES. 
 
 The Indian agent at Buffalo has been instructed by the Presi- 
 dent of the United States to accept the services of the warriors of 
 the Six Nations and to embody and organize them, and the writer 
 of the communication in the Canandaigua papqr says it is believed 
 by all who are acquainted with the Indian character that the 
 inhabitants of the Niagara frontier will find greater safety (in this 
 auxiliary force of the natives of the woods) than in any other while 
 the hostile armies remain in the neighborhood, and he adds that 
 there will probably be within a fortnight at Buffalo between 3 and 
 400 Indian warriors embodied and organized in the service of the 
 United States. * '\'^'';': ■ . .'"r: _'''''?'',.,' ' ;■''*' ;'''■' '''■''- ■ 
 
 (From file in the New York Society Library.) ■ ' 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to I/ieut. J. D. i^lUott, U. S. N. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, Sept. 25, 1812. 
 
 Sir,— I enclose you a copy of a letter I have this day sent to 
 Major General Hall, with my best wishes that success may crown 
 your enterprise. 
 
 (From Correspondence in relation to the capture of the British brigs Detroit and 
 Caledonia, p. 27.) • 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Hall. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, Sept. 25, 1812. 
 
 SiR,_I have this moment received your letter of yesterday, 
 stating Lieut. Elliott has proposed to make an attempt to cut out 
 one of the vessels at Erie, and has requested your assistance by 
 men, &c., for the enterprize. 
 
 You will please to furnish Lieut. Elliott immediately with men, 
 arms, ammunition, boats, and implements of every kind, to the 
 uttermost of his wishes, and the means you can possibly conmiand 
 to render the enterprize successful. 
 
 (From Correspondence in relation to the capture of the British brigs Detroit and 
 CaMonia, Philadelphia, 1843, p. 27.) 
 
294 
 From the Aurora, of Philauelphia, 13th Octoberj i8ia. 
 
 Meadville, Sept. 25th, 1812. 
 
 The volunteer levies under the guidance of their respective 
 brigade orders were gathering in from the 2l8t to the 25th inst. 
 They were ordered to encamp in a line with the first, taking their 
 position as they arrived upon the left. Every day the line grew 
 rapidly. On the 24th they were organized into regiments and 
 battalions by the Adjutant-General. The rolls of those present 
 amount to about 1900. ........ 
 
 This day the election is holding. General Tannehill has been 
 elected by four to one, brigadier-general of this detachment. The 
 colonels are Jared Irwin, William Piper, Samuel Purviance and 
 Jeremiah Snyder. The majors will be elected to-morrow. An 
 express has been sent for General Tannehill. The troops await his 
 coming. There has been grumbling and a few desertions. They 
 were sent after but not caught. 
 
 The (juestion of crossing the line is sometimes agitated but 
 not determined otherwise than from the inference arising from the 
 large majority in favor General Tannehill. One party seems to be 
 in favor of it, the other against it. The former party holds a very 
 large majority. Local relations and circumstances must finally 
 settle this point. • v : • : ■■-::/''' ^■':'" i:://'-^y. '■'■''-'-: ---\ 
 
 1st Rifle Regiment — . ^ / ■ 
 
 1st Battalion- -216 rank and file. 
 2d do. 240 da do. do. r ' 
 
 — 456 :;.r'^'^ :-• ;: ,,"-/■'" 
 
 2nd Rifle Regiment — " ; 
 
 1st Battalion — 209 rank and file. . : ^ 
 
 2d do. 
 
 209 do. do. do. 
 
 
 418 
 
 Ist Regiment of Infantry — 
 
 
 1st Battalion- 
 
 -285 rank and tile, 
 
 2d do. 
 
 231 da do. da 
 
 
 516. 
 
 2d Regiment of Infantry — 
 
 
 1st Battalion- 
 
 -240 rank and file 
 
 2d do. 
 
 213 da da da 
 
 
 453 
 
,■'::/- , ^ 295 : 
 
 Sit George Prevost to Major General Brock. t 
 
 Montreal, September 25, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — It no lonj^er appears by your letter of the 13th that you 
 consider the enemy's operations on the Niaj^ara frontier indicative 
 of active operations. If the Government of America inciines to 
 defensive measures, I can only ascribe the determination to two 
 cauvses : The first is the expectation of such overtures from us as 
 will lead to a suspension of hostilities, preparatory to negotiations 
 for peace ; the other arises from having ascertained by experience 
 our ability in the Canadas to resist the attack of a tumultuary 
 force. /'•--'■ '■■^ V- ■>'•'- -^^ ■'-■-:'; ::^/-^i ..•'■■■ 
 
 In consequence of your having weakened the line of communi- 
 cation between Cornwall and Kingston, a predatory warfare is 
 carrying on there, ver}' prejudicial to the intercourse from hence 
 with Upper Canada. I have ordered a company of the Glengarry 
 to Prescott to strengthen Colonel Lethbridge, and under present 
 circumstances you are not to expect further aid. 
 
 I agree in opinion with you that so wretched is the organization 
 and discipline of the American army, that at this moment much 
 might be effected against them, but as the Government at home 
 could derive no substantial advantage from any disgrace we might 
 inflict on them whilst the more important concerns of the country 
 are committed in Europe, I again request that you will steadily 
 pursue that policy which shall appear to you to promote the 
 dwindling away of such a force by its own inefficient means. 
 
 I shall receive with much satisfaction Colonel Procter's report 
 of having saved the garrison of Fojt Wayne from the inhuman fury 
 of the Indians. I am particularly anxious that that class of beings 
 should be restrained and controlled as much as possible whilst there 
 exists a pretence of implicating the national character in their 
 cruelties. 
 
 (From Tapper's Life of Brock, pp. 317-18.) ■ : 
 
 Major General Dearborn to Major General VanRensselaer. 
 Headquarters, Greenbush, Sept. 26th, 1812. 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer : 
 
 Sir, — Your letter of the 17th inst. was not received until this 
 morning. Although I had taken as early measures as circum- 
 stances admitted of for having your post strongly reinforced, I 
 have been disappointed as to the time of the actual arrival of the 
 different corps at their places of destination, and also in regard to 
 
^96 
 
 the transportation of military stores to your cainp. A strange 
 fatality aeeins to have pervaded the whole arrangements. Ample 
 reinforcements of troops and supplies of stores are on their way, 
 but I fear their arrival will be too late to enable you to maintain 
 your position, I had hoped from your former letter that the old 
 fort had been abandoned and the stores removed to a place of more 
 security. I fear it will, in the case of an attack fron; a superior 
 force, be a trap for the garrison that may he placed in it. If this 
 should reach you previous to the enemy's movement against you, I 
 must take the liberty of advising to such a concentration of your 
 force, and such arrangements for the safety of the principal mili- 
 tary stores, boats, &c., &c., as will enable you in the last resort to 
 risk no more than shall be absolutely necessary. 1 have requested 
 the Quartermaster-General to send on a Deputy-Quartermaster, 
 with funds and capacity for furnishing whatever may be necessary 
 in his line. By putting on the best face that your sitvxition 
 admits, the enemy may be induced to delay an attack until you 
 will be able to meet him and carry the war into Canada. At all 
 events, we must calculate on possessing Upper Canada before winter 
 sets in. Gen. Harrison will, I am assured, enter Canada by Detroit 
 with not less than from six to seven thousand men, exclusive of 
 the troops necessary for guarding the frontier against Indian depre- 
 dations. The force at Sackett's Harbor and that vicinity is over 
 two thousand, including an old company of regular artillery' and a 
 large company of old riflemen. I have great confidence in the 
 exertions now in operation in the navy department on Lake 
 Ontario. In fact we have nothing to fear and much to hope as to 
 the ultimate success of measures now in operation with a view to 
 Upper Canada, but much may immediately depend on what may 
 happen at your post. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 59.) .' i 
 
 General Orders. -> ,^^■: , -'^'..v-. ■•::■•>.,- 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, September 27th, 1812. 
 
 Complaint having been made by the troops as to the quality 
 of the provisions issued by the commissary. Major John Beach of 
 the town of Lewiston, a disinterested person, is appointed on the 
 part of Major General VanRensselaer, and he together with a person 
 to be appointed by the commissary will, without delay, inspect the 
 quality of the provisions against which complaint has been made, 
 and report their opinion thereupon to the Major General. 
 
 By order of Major General VanKensselaer. 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
District General Orders. 
 
 ,, Fort George, 27th September, 1812. 
 D.G. Orders. ' ' 
 
 The Major General having observed great deficiencies in the 
 ammunition iMSued generally to the troops and the militia, he 
 cannot too strongly impress on the minds of the officers in command 
 of divisions the necessity of explaining to the men under their 
 orders that, at a period like the present, a greater military offence 
 cannot be connnitted than a careless negligence or wilful waste of 
 any ammunition that may be delivered out to them for the use of 
 the public service. 
 
 No. 2. — Whenever cartridges may be injured by wet or other- 
 wise, the balls of such cartridges will be carefully preserved and 
 sent in, with an account of the number, to the ordnance storekeeper, 
 who will give a receipt for the same. 
 
 ,, . By order. 
 
 '^■,--;;>' ,.„':'',,■',''. ,.', , Thomas Evans, 
 
 Brigade-Major. 
 
 General Order. "'■^^■■■■■■, 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, September 27th, 1812. 
 
 A guard of one hundred men, under the command of a major, 
 
 with their tents and baggage, will be detached this day from Lieut.- 
 
 Col. Bloom's regiment to protect the boats in Gill Creek. Lieut.- 
 
 Col. Bloom will give orders accordingly, and will see that this 
 
 ^detachment is encamped at that place before sunset this evening. 
 
 By order of Major General VanRensselaer. V 
 '^:->:^.:.:r-.?-r.-.-^.:^'^--':^.'y^.:f..:^ - , . , ^ql. VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. ' 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Major General Dearborn. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, Sept. 27th, 1812. 
 
 Sm, — By Capt. Dox, who arrived in camp yesterday, I received 
 your letter of the I7th inst., and 1 can assure you it is consoling to 
 learn that I shall soon be partially relieved from that severe 
 suspense and solicitude which have for some weeks past been insepar- 
 ably connected with my situation. In the view of those important 
 interests which I considered to be at stake, it required much 
 deliberation to decide on the proper course to be pursued, and when 
 that course was determined (in the manner which I have before 
 stated to you) it required new efforts by night and day to dispose 
 
298 
 
 my 8iiiall force to nif et events in such manner as to justify the 
 course adopted. But us yet I am satisfied of the correctness of the 
 decision, and although I have accjuired nothing I have surrendered 
 nothing. 
 
 From the various accounts I have received we must, I think, 
 in a few days be able to act, at least on the defensive, with better 
 prospects. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Boerstler has arrived, and by him I learn that three 
 regiments will soon arrive. But I am mortified to understand, by a 
 letter from Col. Winder, that the aggregate of the troops will be 
 but about 900 men, and that his regiment is entirely without cloth 
 clothing, which is indispensable for them in the field at this season. 
 
 The enemy continue their operations with great activity, 
 fortifying their camp at Fort George in every direction. Seven of 
 the 24-pounder8 taken at Detroit are there mounted, part on 
 travelling carriages. 
 
 Notwithstanding the most positive orders on both sides, we 
 are constantly troubled with the warfare of sentries. By their 
 firings across the river one man on each side has fallen within the 
 past week. It is next to impossible to keep our guards sufficiently 
 vigilant on their posts. I presume His Excellency Governor 
 Tompkins has shown you an extract of a letter which I lately 
 forwarded him, relative to the strength of the enen)y in the rear of 
 Fort Erie. Captain Gibson has arrived. I presume Lieut. Elliott 
 of the navy has apprised you of his arrangements. The vessels has 
 escaped from Genesee River to Oswego. He is now with fifteen of 
 his men at Buffalo. More ordnance seems indispensable for our 
 future operations. 
 
 P. S. — As the post at Sackett's Harbor is within my connnand, 
 I take the liberty of suggesting for your consideration the pro- 
 priety of continuing so many troops — about sixteen hundred — 
 there. While the enemy hold command of the lake, Sackett's 
 Harbor is not a point from which a descent upon Canada can be 
 made. We are not to apprehend general invasion at every point, 
 and the village at that place is not of sufficient importance to the 
 force which guards it. I know of no consideration which ought to 
 claim more than a regiment of troops at that post, to man the 
 batteries and guard the harbor. In ray opinion every consideration 
 connected with the general interest of the service dictates that part 
 of the troops at Sackett's Harbor should be ordered immediately to 
 this station. 
 
 (From S. VanBensseloer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 56.) 
 
• 2})9 
 
 Major General Brock to Sir Qeotge Prevoat. 
 
 York, Uim'EU Canada, Septeinl)er 28, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have been honored with Your Excellency's despatch, 
 dated the 14th instant. I shall suspend untler the latitude left by 
 Your Excellency to my discretion, the evacuation of Fort Detroit. 
 Such a measure would most probably be followed by the total 
 extinction of the population on that side of the river, or the Indians, 
 aware of our weakness and inability to carry on active warfare, 
 would only think of entering into terms with the enemy. The 
 Indians since the Miami affair in 1793 have been extremely 
 suspicious of our conduct, but the violent wrongs committe<l by 
 the Americans on their territory have rendered it an act of policy 
 with them to disguise their sentiments. Could the}' be persuaded 
 that a peace between the belligerents would take place without 
 admitting their claim to an extensive tract of country, fraudulently 
 usurped from them, and opposing a frontier to the present unbounded 
 views of the Americans, I am satisfied in my own mind that they 
 would immediately compromise with the enemy, l cannot conceive 
 a connexion so likely to lead to more awful consequences. 
 
 If we can maintain ourselves at Niagara and keep the con)- 
 ttiunication to Montreal open, the Americans can only subdue the 
 Indians by craft, which we ought to be prepared to see exerted to 
 the utmost. The enmity of the Indians is now at its height, and 
 it will require much management and large bribes to effect a change 
 in their policy, but the moment they are convinced we eithoi- want 
 the means to prosecute the war with spirit or are negociating a 
 separate peace, they will begin to study in what manner they can 
 effectually deceive us. 
 
 Should negociations for peace be o])ened, I cannot lie too earnest 
 with Your Excellency to represent to the King's mini.sters the 
 expediency of including the Indians as allies, and not leave them 
 exposed to the unrelenting fury of their enemies.* 
 
 The enemy has evidently assumed defensive measures along 
 the Niagara. His force, I apprehend, is not equal to attempt (with 
 any probability of success) an expedition across the river. It is, 
 however, currently reported that large reinforcements are on their 
 march. Should they arrive, an attack cannot be long delayed. 
 The approach of the rainy season will increase the sickness with 
 which the troops are affected. Those under my command are in 
 perfect health and spirits. 
 
 I beg leave to represent to Your Excellency the gi*eat want of 
 bedding for the militia. I have received strong representations 
 from Colonel Vincent on the subject. He reports that several men 
 
300 
 
 have retired home in consetjueuce. He h»w been instructed to 
 apply (in order to save time) direct to headquarters, where he is 
 sure to receive such relief as circumstances will admit. 
 
 A supply for this district would likewise prove verj^ accepUible. 
 
 I have the honor to transmit the purport of a confidential 
 communication received in my absence by Briga<le-Major Evans 
 from Colonel Van Rensselaer. As Your Excellency's instructions 
 agree with the line of conduct he is anxious I should follow, noth- 
 ing of a hostile nature shall be attempted under existing circum- 
 stances. 
 
 (Canadian Archives, C. 677, p. 94.) •: 
 
 Brigadier- General Alexander Smytb to Major General Van- ! 
 
 Rensselaer. 
 
 BuFFAU), 29th September, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — I have been ordered by Major General Dearborn to take 
 command of a brigade of the U. S. troops, and directed on my arrival • 
 in the vicinity of your quarters to report m^'self to you. which I 
 now do. I intended to have reported myself personally, but the 
 conclusions I have drawn as to the interests of the service have 
 determined me to stop at this place for the present From the 
 description I have had of the river below the falls, the view of the 
 shore below Fort Erie and the information received as to the pre- 
 parations of the enemy, I am of opinion that our crossing should be 
 effected between Fort Erie and Chippawa. It has therefore seemed 
 to me proper to encamp the U. S. ti*oop8 near Buffalo, there to 
 prepare for offensive operations. Your instructions or better infor- 
 mation may decide you to give me different orders, which I will 
 await. 
 
 (Prom S. VanRensselaer's Narrative: Appendix, p. 67.) ■>'.--■: i 
 
 District General Orders. 
 
 -y<- :^- Fort George. 29th September, 1812. 
 
 ]). G. Orders. 
 
 Until further orders the Grand Rounds will go their rounds 
 betwixt the hours of ten and two o'clock, and the \ isiting Rounds 
 betwixt two and five o'clock in the morning. 
 
 By order. 
 
 Thos. Evans, 
 
 Brigade-Major. 
 
:o.^;..v.^;■:■v,^. 301 r ::■■■>■':■:■:■ -.:■-■ 
 
 From the " Buffalo 6aa;ette," Tuesday, September sgth, i8i2. 
 
 BRITISH NAVAL MOVEMENT. 
 
 On Tliursday evening last the British squadron lying at Fort 
 Erie, consisting of the Queen Charlotte, Adams, Hunter, and two 
 «niall vessels, suddenly hoisted sail and made up the lake under preas 
 of sail. The object or destination of the squadron are unknown. 
 
 Since the departure of the squadron, an armed vessel has been 
 discovered lying under Point Abino. 
 
 BRITISH FORCES ON THIS LINE. 
 
 Since the conclusion of the arnnstice, the British forces have 
 been constantly increased. It is almost impossible for us to con- 
 jecture the amount or quality of this force, but the knowing ones 
 guess that including regulars, militia, and Indians, their forces will 
 amount to nearly 4,000 men that could be marched to one point 
 within 24 hours. This includes the frontier from Point Abino on 
 Lake Erie to Little York on Lake Ontario. Though the length of 
 the coast must be more than 150 miles, yet the British, having com- 
 plete, undisturbed possessipn of the lakes, they move their armies 
 with astonishing rapidity. ' 
 
 ' ' ■ V AFFAIRS OF OUR FRONTIERS. ^ 
 
 On Wednesday evening last arrived in this village Captain 
 Gibson with half a company of flying artillery, consisting of two 
 6-pounders and two caissons (ammunition wagons). This morning 
 he took up his line of march for Fort Niagara, where he will join 
 Lieut. Branch with the other half of his company in the rear of 
 which garrison, we understand, this company is to be stationed. 
 
 On Saturday, the 14th United States Regiment of Infantry, 
 under the command of Colonel Win. H. Wynder, arrived and 
 encamped in the village. They will, we undei-stand, soon march 
 for Lewiston. This regiment is composed of fine healthy young 
 men, 337 in number. It is to be lamented that the number is so 
 few and that the men have not yet received their winter clothing, 
 as they come h'oiu the southward and are not accustomed to our 
 climate. 
 
 On Sunday General Alexander Smyth, Inspector General of 
 the army of the United States, and suite arrived at this place. We 
 understand that General Smyth will take the command of the 
 United States troops which, with the late reinforcement, will 
 amount to more than 1,000 regular troops. This force together 
 with the volunteers and detached militia will secure the country 
 from invasion, to say the least. More troops are daily expected. 
 
302 _^ .::;:v:>;:;;v;}_:i ',.■■'■■■' 
 
 We are informed that Colonel Milton with the 5th United 
 States Regiment will be in town this week. Colonel Schuyler with 
 the 13th United States Regiment will also be on here within 10 or 
 12 days. 
 
 Two thousand Pennsylvania volunteers from Meadville are 
 expected here in the course of a week. 
 
 On Thursday night last, Lewis Xyles, a centinel from Lieut.- 
 Colonel Hopkins's regiment, posted near Field's tavern on the 
 Niagara River, about 17 miles below this place, was shot dead on 
 his post by some person, who, being hailed by the centinel, replied 
 that he had not got the countersign but a written pass, which he 
 would show him. On being permitted to approach to the point of 
 the bayonet, he drew a pistol and shot the centinel and made his 
 escape. The report of the pistol and the cries of the cetitinel, gave 
 an immediate alarm, and it was thought the person made his escape 
 across the river to Grand Island, as a boat was soon after heard 
 upon the river. 
 
 We are informed that an accident occurred some time last week 
 at the camp at Five-Mile Meadow. Soine dispute arose between 
 two of Captain Gibson's men of the flying artillery, the particulars 
 we have not obtained, but are informed from a correct source that 
 it terminated in the death of one of the men from a blow from the 
 other by a piece of a broken tont pole or some similar weapon. 
 
 About 140 young warriors of the Seneca Nation from Allegany 
 River arrive.d in town last week, and are encamped near the village. 
 More are e.xpected frou) different parts. Several conferences and 
 councils have lately been held with the chiefs. They voluntarily 
 otiered to take up arms for defensive purposes. Yesterday they 
 performed a WAR DANCE in the streets of this village. 
 
 From the "Repository" of Canandaigtta, N. Y., 29th September^ 
 
 1812. 
 
 Within the last few days the following forces have passed 
 through this village for the Niagara frontier : — 
 
 Colonel Mead's regiment of militia from Chenango, Tioga, and 
 Broome Counties, about 500 men. 
 
 Colonel Stranahan's regiment from Otsego, 500 militia. 
 
 Colonel Milton (from Virginia) with a regiment of United 
 States troops, about 400. 
 
 A body of flying artillery, 140, with 4 pieces of cannon, am- 
 munition wagons, &c. 
 
 Two companies of artillery. 
 
 Captain Ireland's rifle corps from Seneca County. 
 
;t/;: 
 
 • ■'•'■■ --■ ■ 303 ^y---...- :'.:■ ---■■•--:;■.;-, 
 
 Another regiment of United States troops, the 13th, left Green- 
 bush on the 18th instant, and may be expected along here in a few- 
 days. 
 
 Besides the above, several detachments are moving from this 
 county, among them Captain Hart's artillery company of this town. 
 Major Granger's battalion of riflemen, three troops of horse. 
 
 Captain Hill's company of light infantry of Bristol mustered 
 yesterday, completely' armed and e(iuipped. 
 
 The above forces were accompanied with trains of wagona 
 loaded with tents, camp equipage, &c. From what we can learn, 
 there will in a short time be 8 or 10,000 men on the Niagara. 
 
 (File in the Wood Library, Canandaigus, N. Y. ) 
 
 Speech by the Deputies of the Indians. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH OF THE DEPUTIES OF THE ONEIDA, ONON- 
 DAGA, STOCKBRIDGE, TUSCARORA, AND SENECA INDIANS, AS FAR 
 WEST AS TONAWANDA, IN COUNCIL AT ONONDAGA, ON THE 
 ANCIENT COUNCIL GROUND OF THE SIX NATIONS, 
 f SEPTEMBER 29TH, 1812. 
 
 Having been told repeatedly by your agents to remain neutral, 
 we were very much surprised and disappointed at the council held 
 at Buffalo Creek at being invited to take up the tomahawk. We 
 are not unfriendly to the United States, but are few in number and 
 can do but little, but are willing to do what we can, and if you 
 want us say so, and we will go with your people to battle. We are 
 anxious to know your wishes as soon as possible, because we are 
 afraid some of our young men may disperse among distant tribes 
 and be hostile to you. 
 
 Signed by Canastota and fifteen other chiefs, and attested by 
 Jasper Hopper, Thaddeus Patchin, and Pulaski King. 
 
 (MSS. in Third Auditor's Office, Washington, D. C.) 
 
 Jasper Hopper, Thaddeus Patchin, Pulaski King, John C. Conkey, 
 John Adams, and Joel Phillips to Governor Tompkins. 
 
 Sept. (29?), 1812. 
 
 They recommend Ephraim Webster as a suitable man to com- 
 mand Indians, if the Government should think proper to call them 
 into service. 
 
 (MSS. in the Third Auditor's Office, Washington, D. C.) 
 
304 
 
 District General Order. 
 
 Fort George, 30th September, 1812. 
 
 D. G. Order. 
 
 A subaltern and 40 privates, with a due proportion of non- 
 commissioned officers, will march this day (immediately after the 
 men have dined) for Chippawa. On the arrival of this detach- 
 ment at Chippawa, Captain Bullock will detach one subalt-em, 2 
 sergeants, and forty rank and file of the 4l8t to Miller's, where 
 they will receive their further orders from Major General Shaw. 
 The Deputy-Quartermaster-General will be pleased to furnish the 
 necessary conveyance for the baggage of this detachment. 
 
 By order. 
 ,, _ Thos. Evans, Brigade-Major. 
 
 General Orders. 
 
 Headquarters, Lewiston, 30th Sept., 1812. 
 
 The order, whereof a copy is annexed, from the Commander-in- 
 Chief of the United States army was received yesterday. All those 
 interested are to govern themselves accordingly. 
 
 The Quartermaster-General will purchase twenty horses and 
 
 yoke of cattle for the ordnance department, with yokes, 
 
 chains, &c,, complete, and furnish the necessary forage for the 
 horses and oxen. The Quartermaster-General will make a return 
 of the number of private boats he can procure for the transportation 
 of troops, cannon, horses and stores. 
 
 The Major General regrets that he is again compelled to 
 remind the Quartermaster-General of the want of forage for the 
 light artillery and dragoon horses, and directs that it shall be fur- 
 nished without delay, and in future regularly. 
 
 Those light infantry companies which have already or may 
 hereafter arrive, excepting Capt, Dox's company, will take posses- 
 sion of the first cantonment below Lewiston, and will be subject to 
 the orders of Major Thomas Lee, who is directed to take charge of 
 them until further orders. The rifle company now there will take 
 post at the old ferry above Lewiston, Major Moseley of the rifle 
 corps will take command of the rifle companies which are now in 
 camp or may hereafter arrive, until further orders. 
 
 By order of Major General VanRensselaer. 
 
 Sol. VanRensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
305 
 
 Major General VanRensselaer to Brigadier-General Sm3rtli. 
 
 • Headquarters, Lewlston, 
 
 30th September, 1812. 
 
 Sir, — On my return this moment from Niagara, I received 
 your letter of yesterday advising me of 3'^our arrival at Buffalo, and 
 the encampment there of the United States troops, in consequence 
 of the conclusions you have drawn that offensive operations 
 against Upper Canada ought to be i»,ttempted between Fort Erie 
 and Chippawa, Nothing could be more unpleasant to me than a 
 difference of opinion as to the place of commencing those operations 
 in which our own characters, the fate of the armj', and the deepest 
 interests of our country are concerned. But however willing I ina}'^ 
 be as a citizen soldier to surrender my opinion to a professional one, 
 I can only make such surrender to an opinion deliberately formed 
 upon a view of the whole ground. 
 
 It would have been highly gratifying to me could I have had 
 a seasonable opportunity to avail myself of the opinions of the 
 officers of the United States troops as to the time, place, and com- 
 petent force for the contemplated descent. But as the season for 
 operations was far advanced, and as the counsel I wished was not 
 at command, it has been the task of my own judgment, guided by 
 the best attainable information, to designate the places for our oper- 
 ations. This I had some time ago decided, and although on account 
 of my small force I have been obliged to bestow much labor on 
 measures calculated for defence in case of an attack, still have I 
 urged as fast as possible other local preparations connected with 
 that mode of descent on which I had determined. My judgment 
 may have deceived me, but I shall certainly stand acquitted of a 
 hasty decision. For many years I have had a general knowledge 
 of the banks of Niagara River, and of the adjacent country on the 
 Canada shore. I have now attentively explored the American side 
 with the view of military operations, combining at the same time 
 a great variety of circumstances and considerations intimatel}' con- 
 nected in my opinion with our object. So various are the opinions, 
 and such the influence of pei'sonal and local interests in this vicinity, 
 that many circumstances are to be carefully balanced before any 
 correct conclusions can be drawn. My decision has been made with 
 due regard to all these things, and to the important consequences 
 connected with it. All my past measures have been calculated for 
 one point, and I now only wait for a comijetent force. As the 
 season of the year and every consideration urges me to act with 
 promptness, I cannot hastily listen to a change of position neces- 
 sarily connected with a new system of measures and the very great 
 
306 
 
 inconveuience of the troops. I will not say that no considerations 
 shall induce me to change my plans of operation, but to this I 
 cannot yield without very weighty reasons ; conclusions drawn at 
 least from an attentive examination of the Niagara River, and 
 all other circumstances connected with a successful result of the 
 campaign. 
 
 I hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing you here, and per- 
 haps, after conference and thorough examination of the river and 
 country, your opinion and mine as to the plans of operations may 
 coincide. I trust we are both open to conviction, and we have but 
 one object — the best interest of the service. 
 
 (From S. VanRensselaer's Narrative : Appendix, p. 68.) • 
 
 From tlie National Intelligencer of Washington, D. C, 15th 
 
 October, 1812. 
 
 Onondaga Valley, Sept. 30, 1812. 
 Colonel Stranahan passed through this village on Wednesday 
 week (23d September) at the head of 600 fine volunteers, and was 
 joined here with about 500 drafted militia from Cortlandt, Broome, 
 and Chenango Counties. On Thursday Colonel Milton, from 
 Virginia, passed here with 500 regulars. Friday two companies of 
 artillery passed by here with four field pieces, from Baltimore and 
 Philadelphia. On Sunday 1.000 regulars arrived here, pitched 
 their tents and tarried till Tuesday morning, when they again com- 
 menced their march in high spirits. Tuesday morning a volunteer 
 company of light infantry passed by here from Cherry Valley. 
 They made a very handsome appearance. The whole number of 
 regular troops and militia that have gone through here within a 
 week is not far from 3,000. There were 60 men in Colonel Stran- 
 ahan 's reginient from Otsego County (who volunteered themselves) 
 that were upwards of 50 years of age, and have once seen war. 
 It is reportefl here that 1,500 Indians have embodied on this side of 
 Utica and will march on the frontiers in a few days and join the 
 American army. 
 
 Lynx. 
 
 (From file in the New York Society Library.) 
 
A. Page. 
 
 Acadians 60 
 
 Adams, brig of war 287, 301 
 
 Adams, John 303 
 
 Adams, Major 95, 97 
 
 Albany . .32, 33, 42, 48, 5i, 67, 68, 60, 70, 71, 73, 80, 81, 83, 84, 87, 88, 90, 93, 119, 
 125, 130, 141, 161, 166, 172, 177. 183, 189, 199, 210, 217, 237, 241, 246, 
 247, 249, 250, 255. 
 
 Alexander, Hugh 69,178,182 
 
 Alexander, James 209 
 
 Alexander, Joseph 213, 241, 288 
 
 AllanMajor 240 
 
 Alleghany River 187, 302 
 
 AllenCaptain 280 
 
 Allen, Lieut.-Colonel Peter 75, 89, 102, 175 
 
 Alters, David 209 
 
 Araand, John 208 
 
 Amelia, merchant vessel 122 
 
 Amherst, Lord 26 
 
 Amherstburg. . . .20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 40, 41, 43, 59, 62, 65, 94, 98, 124, 133, 146, 
 149, 152, 154, 155, 158, 160, 162, 163, 174, 180, 185, 186, 188, 204, 
 225, 226, 242, 249, 250, 280, 273, 277, 290, 292. 
 Archives, Canadian. . . .20, 21, 25, 38, 44, 50, 51, 53, 54, 60, 62, 66, 67, 68, 73, 74, 
 
 95, 130, 134, 138, 146, 149, 153, 154, 163, 186, 201, 202, 216, 
 
 243, 258, 250, 278, 290, 300. 
 
 Archives, Pennsylvania 207, 208, 210, 211, 212, 256, 269 
 
 Armstrong, Major General John 29, 34, 254 
 
 Artillery, United States Light 267, 269, 271, 273 
 
 Assembly, House of 39 
 
 Attica, N. Y 280 
 
 Atwater, Judge 266 
 
 Atwater, Major 267 
 
 Auburn, N.Y 280 
 
 Aurelius, N. Y 280 
 
 Austin, Calvin 157 
 
 Baby, Hon. James. 40,148,162,188, 
 
 Badajoz .... 65 
 
 Baker, Anthony 160, 181, 226 
 
 Baker, Arthur 127 
 
 Baker, Captain 231 
 
 Baker, Judge 127, 151 
 
 Baldwin, Captain 229 
 
 Baltimore 31 
 
 Baltimore, Federal Republican 131, 280 
 
 Barclay, Consul General Thomas 60, 67, 84 
 
 Barker, Samuel A 42 
 
 Barrackman, John. 208 
 
 Barton, Benjamin 55,56,71,77,80, 127, 173,288 
 
 Barwis, Lieut 29 
 
 Bascom, Mr 227 
 
 Batavia, N. Y 48, 50, 60, 88, 89, 93, 111, 176, 280 
 
 Batavia Arsenal 71, 75 
 
 Bathurst, Earl 100,267,260,289 
 
 Battersby, Lieut.-CJol. F 61 
 
u. 
 
 B— Continued. Page. 
 
 Baynes, Colonel E., Adjutant-General. .38. 46, 60, 54, 66, 74, 90, 114, 149, 162, 
 
 157, 160, 167, 169, 172, 189, 201, 215, 
 226, 249, 261. 
 
 Beach, Major John 296 
 
 Beal, Colonel 147 
 
 Beard, Mr 121, 122, 219, 220 
 
 Beasley, Colonel R 212 
 
 Beaver Count j^, Pa 209 
 
 Bee, The, a Niagara Newspaper 213 
 
 Beebe, E 269 
 
 Bellinger, Lieut.-Colonel 126 
 
 Bemis, Mr 282 
 
 Bender, Lieut 261 
 
 Benedict, Colonel 142 
 
 Benton, N. Y 75 
 
 Bermuda 129 
 
 Biddulph, Ensign 261 
 
 Black River 47,49,59 
 
 Black Rock. 61, 62, 69, 71, 77, 79, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 94, 96, 101, 104, 117. 122, 
 127, 120, 134, 135, 140, 141, 150, 151. 164, 165, 166, 167, 173, 175, 
 176, 177, 188, 190, 192, 193, 202, 203. 205, 218, 222, 225, 227, 230, 
 242, 258, 266, 267, 277, 289, 303. 
 
 Blankowitz, Captain Charles 261 
 
 Bloodgood, Senator 42 
 
 Bloom, Captain A 280 
 
 Bloom, Lieut.-Col. Henry. .75, 175, 177, 183, 191, 230, 242, 245, 246, 254, 271, 
 
 297. 
 
 Bloomfleld, N. Y 74, 78, 79, 96 
 
 Bloouifield, Brig.-Gen 231 
 
 Blue, Isaac 208 
 
 Boerstler, Lieut.-Col. C. G 298 
 
 Bogert, Captain 104 
 
 Boileau, Adjt.-Gen. N. B 207, 210, 256 
 
 !Rn n a. tiAT*'t".A SO 64- 
 
 Bonney, Mrs. C. V. R., HistoricarGieanings. .179, i&4, 199, 215, 220, 221, m, 
 
 238, 242, 245, 253, 255, 268, 271, 
 279 289 
 
 Boston, Mass '.....' 31, 81, 184, 290 
 
 , Boston, Independent Chronicle 114 
 
 Boughton, Lieut.-Col 279 
 
 Boughton, Sergeant 150 
 
 Branch, Lieut 229, 301 
 
 Brickie, Abraham 209 
 
 Brink, Aaron 151,190 
 
 Bristol, N. Y 280 
 
 Bristol, Captain 267 
 
 Brock, Major General Isaac .21, 25, 26, 28, 36, 37, 38, 41, 43, 44, 45, 50, 51, 53, 
 
 56, 58, 50, 60, 61, 64, 65, 66, 74, 77, 84, 86, 92, 93, 
 97, 99, 100, 101, 104, 113, 114, 115, 119, 120, 122, 
 126, 128, 129, 130, 132, 138, 142, 143, 144, 147, 
 148, 149, 151, 152, 154, 167, 159, 160, 161, 162, 
 164, 166, 167, 170, 171, 172, 175, 179, 181, 184, 
 185, 186, 187, 188, 190, 200, 201, 202, 212, 213, 
 216, 221, 223, 225, 227, 228, 233, 236, 249, 250, 
 257, 258, 259, 200, 284, 266, 268, 260, 271, 273, 
 274, 276, 278, 279, 283, 285, 286, 289, 291, 296, 
 299. 
 
B — Continued. Page. 
 
 Brock, James 234 
 
 Brock, 8a very 278 
 
 Brooks, Ensign 240 
 
 Brooks, ( 'olonel 254 
 
 Broome County, N. Y 302 
 
 Brown, Captain . . 280 
 
 Brown, Doctor 218, 227, 2(}3 
 
 Brown, Brig.-Gen. Jacob 142, 229, 248 
 
 Brownstown, Mich.. 167, 166, 175, 1»4 
 
 Brown's Point 284 
 
 Bruyeres, Lieut. -Col. R. E 155, 150 
 
 Bryson, Alexander . 250 
 
 Buchanan, David 200 
 
 Buckhorn Island 204,215,216 
 
 Buffalo. 2A, 31, 55, 78, 80, 86, 93, 105, 116, 122, 126, 128, 136, 150, 166, 175, 176, 
 178, 182, 187, 191, 193, 202, 203, 204, 206, 213, 214, 215, 237, 241. ai2, 
 244, 254, 255, 256, 262, 26:^, 267, 278, 280. 291, 2<W, 298, 300. 
 
 Buffalo Creek 62, 86, 170, 231, 2:^2, 267 
 
 Buffalo Gazette. . .42, 46, M, 60, 63, 66, 68, 134, 150, 104, 170, 190, 205, 2:^1, 246, 
 2ff7 287 301 
 
 Buffalo Public Library. . ..'....". 56, 59, 60, 63, 66, 267 
 
 Bullock, Captain 77. 91, 28:^, »>t 
 
 Bullock, Lieutenant 201,283 
 
 Burk, Priest 44 
 
 Burnet, Colonel 48 
 
 Burnet, Brig.-General 75, 80 
 
 Burns, Colonel 147 
 
 Bushy Park, N. Y 258 
 
 Butler County, Pa 269 
 
 Butler, Lieut.-Col 92 
 
 Caldwell, Fraser, & Co 84 
 
 Caldwell, Colonel Wm 188 
 
 Caledonia, N. Y 76 
 
 Caledonia, merchant brig 293 
 
 Cambo, transport 129 
 
 Camp, Captain 229, 26!^ 
 
 Campbell, Fort Major 132 
 
 Campbell, Judge 251 
 
 Canada, Lower 6, 34, 39 
 
 Canada, Upper 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 34, 46, 52, 53, 60, 63, 65, 66 
 
 Canadaway 122, 170 
 
 Canadians, French 34 
 
 Canan, Moses 209 
 
 Canandaigua, N. Y..48, 70, 75, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84. 87, 88, 89, 104, 105, 106, 
 
 100, 112, 141, 173, 176, 231, 256, 280, 293. 
 
 Oanastota 303 
 
 Carleton Island 38,129 
 
 Cartwright, Colonel R 25, 38 
 
 Castlereagh, Ijord 53 
 
 Cattaraugus County, N. Y 93,170 
 
 Cato, N. Y 280 
 
 Cayahoga, Ohio 122, 126, 175, 219 
 
 Cayahoga Packet 122 
 
 Cayuga 183 
 
 Cayuga Bridge 252,288 
 
IV. 
 
 C— Continued. Page. 
 
 CayuK*a County, N. Y 76, 175, 246, 280 
 
 (;ayuga IndiaiiH ... 105, 108, 100, HI, 262 
 
 Cayuga Rangers 280 
 
 Cavalry, Provincial 76 
 
 Cazenovia, N. Y 48 
 
 Chanihers, Captain P. L 91, 130, 146, 140, 180, 204 
 
 Chaniplain, Lake 33, »4, &*. 59, 81, 110, 181, 244 
 
 Chapin, Dr. (^yrenius 122, 131, 227 
 
 (.'hariesbourg, P. Q 240 
 
 Charleston, 8. C 31 
 
 Chasey, Ensign 208 
 
 Chauncey, Captain Isaac 237, 247, 280, 286 
 
 Chaiitauipia, N. Y 187 
 
 Chautauqua County, N. Y 93, 114, 170, 186. 228 
 
 Chenango County, N. Y 302 
 
 Cherry Valley, jf . Y 256 
 
 Chewitt, Lieut.-Col. Win ^40 
 
 Chicago, 111 64,60,287,272 
 
 Chigkaga 253 
 
 Chipnian, Dr. Daniel . 218 
 
 Chippawa, Fort and Village of .19, 42, 62, 67, 77, 91, 92, 95, 127, 132, 140, 143, 
 
 161, 190. 283, 300, 304. 
 
 Chippawa River 19 
 
 Chippawa, 8( liooner 135 
 
 Clarence, N. V 75 
 
 Clark, Elijah 150,151,170,190 
 
 Clark, Lieut, and i^ djt. John 77, 85 
 
 Clark, Lieut.-Col. Thomas 76, 84, 92, 95, 138 
 
 Claus, Lieut.-Col. Wm 58, 76, 92, 130, 131, 286 
 
 Cleveland, Ohio 31,122,272 
 
 Cleveland, Lieut.-Col. Erastus 69 
 
 Clinton County, N. Y 81,83 
 
 Clinton, Mr 54 
 
 Clinton, De Witt 84 
 
 Clinton, General D 225 
 
 Coffin, Dy.-Asst.-Comy.-Gen 144 
 
 Coffin, Mr 128 
 
 Cognawago Indians 81 
 
 Colt, Peter 78,86,87,104 
 
 Coltrin, Dr. Asa 135, 246 
 
 Commencement, sloop 78, 86 
 
 Compston, Captain 280 
 
 Congress of the United States 21, 26 
 
 Conkey, John C. 303 
 
 Connor, Samuel S 171 
 
 Constitution, frigate 233,239 
 
 Contractor, schooner 90, 122, 128 
 
 Coore, Captain 34, 228 
 
 0<.rk 73 
 
 Cornwall 113,121,205 
 
 Cornplanter 167 
 
 Corp, Samuel 84 
 
 Cortlandt County, N. Y 47, 49, 217 
 
 Cotton, Major, King's Regt 250 
 
 Cotton, Surgeon Walter ^2 
 
 Couche, Dy.-Comy.-Gen. Edward 94, 143, 146, 154 
 
 Craig, Lieut.-Gen. Sir James 19, 21, 27, 41, 45, 61 
 
C— Continued. Page. 
 
 C^rawforti County, Pa 280 
 
 Crawford, Lewis 153 
 
 Cuintnings, James (TZ, 77, 181, 143 
 
 Curzon, Mrs. Sarah 188 
 
 Cuyler, Major Win. Howe 150, 220, 287 
 
 D. 
 
 Daley, Martin 185 
 
 Davis, Lieiit.-Col 103 
 
 Dearborn, Major General Henry. . .53, 81, 83, 119, 130, 147, 156, 150. 160, 161, 
 
 1(W, 167, 160, 170, 171, 172. 178, 181, 183, 1»4. 186, 188, 180, 
 100, 102, 1})8. 100, 201, 2<«, 2M, 2(k5. 206, 210, 211, 21.5, 216, 
 218, 226, 227, 220, 2:^0, '£», 232, 23.5, 236, 2:^7, 2:«, 243, 244, 
 248, 250, 252, 2.54, 256, 250, 260, 264. 26(5, 2»r7. 260, 270, 272, 
 273, 275, 270, 285, 286, 287, 280, 200, 201, 202, 205, 206, 207, 
 208, 290, :J00. 
 
 Delaware 144 
 
 Delaware Indiana 105,262 
 
 Denison, Captain 240 
 
 Derenzy, Captain 91 
 
 DeRottenburg, Major General 114, 121 
 
 Detroit, Mich .22, 23, 28, 31, 38, 40, 44, 50, 51, 54, 61, 68, 93, 121, 122, 126, 128, 
 133, 147, 157, 163. 164, 166, 171, 175, 181, 186, 102, 104, 100, 200, 
 204, 212, 213, 216, 218, 220, 223, 224, 225, 226, 228, 231, 232, 233, 
 2:36,243, 248, 240, 250, 250, 265. 
 
 Detroit, ship of war 261, 293 
 
 Dewar, Lieut 20,31 
 
 Dickson, Thomas 55,56,146,153,184,102,104 
 
 Dixon, Captain M., R. E 155, 180 
 
 Dobbin, Lieut.-Col. Hugh ..75,89,102,130,175 
 
 Dodge, Brig.-General 205, 231, 248 
 
 Dogherty, Captain 188, 218 
 
 Donaldson, Captain John 208 
 
 Dougherty, C<aptain Robert 209 
 
 Douglas's house 150 
 
 Dox, Captain Abraham 89, 104, 139, 176, 183, 297, 304 
 
 Dragoons, 6th 261 
 
 Draper, Luke 135 
 
 Duke of Gloucester, ship of war 201 
 
 Dundas Militia 113,121 
 
 Dyson, Captain Samuel T 289,271,273,274 
 
 E. 
 
 Earle, Captain 29, 37 
 
 Earl of Moira, ship of war 29, 35, 36, 37, 94, 179, 185 
 
 Eastman, Lieut. John 287 
 
 Eighteen-Mile Creek, Lake Erie 287 
 
 Eighteen-Mile Creek, Lake Ontario 253, 286 
 
 ElPice, Colonel 40 
 
 EUicott, Captain 280,292 
 
 Elliott, Lieut. Jesse D 280, 286, 287, 293, 298 
 
 Elliott, Lieut.-Colonel Matthew 38,40,179,181,188,272 
 
 Ellis, Brig.-General 47, 40, 60 
 
 Ellis, Major 281 
 
 Elmira, N. Y 75 
 
 Endicott, Lieut 240 
 
 Erie, Pa. 31,126,287,29a 
 
VI. 
 
 E — Continued. Page, 
 
 Erie County, Pa 260 
 
 Erie, Lake. 19, 27, 31, 37, 53, 87, 96, 115, 129. 170, IH, 174, 187, 190, 193, 236, 
 247, 288, 280, 281, 301. 
 
 Essex County, N. Y 81,83 
 
 Essex, U. S. Frigate 161, 249 
 
 Eustis, Hon. Win .29,54,68,80,211 
 
 Everts, Major Aranthus 75 
 
 Evans, Major Septimus 190 
 
 Evans, Major Thomas .61, 92, 115, 121. 124, 125, 131, 132, 150, 185, 191, 197, 
 
 199, 201, 214, 279, 284, 285, 286. 202, 297, 300, 301. 
 
 F. • - 
 
 Falkland, pseudonym for Col. R. Cartwrif^ht . .38 
 
 Fairbanks. Joshua . 55, 56 
 
 Fanning, John 42 
 
 Fayette, N. Y 280 
 
 Federal Republican newspaper 85 
 
 Fenwick, Lieut.-Col. John R .. 198, 206, 230. 231, 233, 2^ 237, 238, 230, 241, 
 
 245, 216, 248, ^1. ffi2, 254. 255, 2ft4, 285, 287, 
 270, 282, 288. 
 
 Field, Lieut. James. 261 
 
 Field's Tavern 302 
 
 Fint, John 209 
 
 Fish. Capt 29 
 
 FitzGibbon, Mr • 153 
 
 Five-Mile Meadows 175, :«2 
 
 Fleming, Lieut.-Col. George 49. 09, 125. 191, 229, ri42 
 
 Fleming, Mr 132 
 
 Fort Dearborn 253,287 
 
 Fort Erie. . .19, 20, 23, 24, 33, 52, 61, 80. 70, 71, 7a 86, 91, 118, 123, 127, 128, 135, 
 140, 150, 165, 174, 178, 185, 190, 193, ««, 204, 223, 227, 230, 231, 232, 
 251, 267, 288, 270, 273, 287, 292, 2B8, SIO, 301. 
 Fort George. .19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 35, 57, 82. 72, 84, 91, 93, 94, S8, 98, 103, 115, 121, 
 r22, 124, 125, 128, 128, ' ^\ 131, 132, i:«, 138, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 
 147, 152, 158, 1(J6, 107, Vi , 179, 183, 184, 18.->, 189, 190, 191, 192, 198, 
 200, '2m, 237, 238, 2:iO, . -, 242, 244. 251, 253, 254, 257, 258, 250, 260, 
 285, 288, 289, 270, 271, 2.4, 276, 278, 283, 281, 285, 286, 288, 280, 291, 
 292, 297, 2J)8, 300, 304. 
 
 Fort Schlosser 62 
 
 Fort Wayne 44, 208, 22C 250, 251. 253. 272. 277, 295 
 
 Forsyth, Richardson & Co 73, 74 
 
 Foster, Augustus J 34, 53, 50. 04. 65, 78. 84, 88, 94, 113. 180, 226 
 
 Foster, Thomas 200 
 
 Four-Mile Creek 203,235,238,285 
 
 Four-Mile Point 76,190 
 
 Franklin County. N. Y 81,83,160 
 
 Eraser, Colonel 40 
 
 Freer, Captain Noah 41,58 
 
 Fulton, Captain 236,243,280 
 
 Fuller, Major 35,36 
 
 O. 
 
 Gallatin, Albert 273 
 
 Gansevoort, General 81 
 
 Gansevoort, Lieut 70,87,104,267 
 
 Ganson, Major 49, 75 
 
 Garrison BatUlion, 6th 281 
 
Vll. 
 
 O—Continup-d. Page. 
 
 Gaston, John 208 
 
 Gates, Mr 288 
 
 Gaylord, Major 280 
 
 Genesee N. Y 101 280 
 
 Genesee' County, N.' Y. '.'.'... . .48! 49, 70,' 71, 75," 78," 'l01,"i62," m, "iW, 114,' 280 
 
 Genesee Falls 281,282 
 
 Genesee River 79, 80, 88, 224, 252, 266, 281, 286, 287, 2U8 
 
 Geneseo, N. Y 77 
 
 Genoa, N. Y 280 
 
 Geneva, N. Y 75, 87, 89, 90, 105, 139 
 
 Gibson, Captain 248, 298, ;^)1, 302 
 
 Gibson, Hugh 209 
 
 Gilkinson, Captain . . . . 29, 40 
 
 Giles, Aquila 42 
 
 Gill Creek 297 
 
 Givins, Captain James . . 180, 251 
 
 Glasgow, Major General George, R. A 20 
 
 Gleaner, Ketch 160 
 
 Glegg, Major J. B 56, 85, 138, 161, 165, 167, 171, 180, 181 
 
 Glengarry Light Infantry 61, 100, 121, 258, 2«) 
 
 Glengarry, (bounty of 24, 38, 39, 46, -JOS 
 
 Glengarry Emigrants KJO, 260 
 
 Gordon, Major 131 
 
 Gore, Lieut.-Gov 21, 27, :«, 42 
 
 Grandin, Mr 122 
 
 Grand Island 116, 140, 150, 165, 185, 2(U, a)2 
 
 Grand River 29, 61, 74, »4, 112, 129, 145, 162 
 
 Granger, Erastus 66, 105, 109, 111, 156, 165, 262, 21)1 
 
 Granger, Major 280, 3(J3 
 
 Grant, Commodore Alexander 29, 37, 162 
 
 Grant, Lieut.-Col., 41st Regt 21 
 
 Grant, Robert 55, 56 
 
 Gravelly Point 68,68,99 
 
 Grav, Captain A 35, 38, :«, 40, 228 
 
 Gray, Inspector-General Nicholas ia>, 173, 19:3, 240, 241 
 
 Greenbush, N. Y 33, im, 161, 169, 198, 205, 210, 215, 230, 231, 2:^2, 243, 250, 
 
 256, 259, 276, 295, 303. 
 
 Greeley, Aaron ....287 
 
 Grimoard's book on the General Staff 32 
 
 Guerriere, frigate 23B 
 
 H. 
 
 Hale, Mr 122 
 
 Halifax, N. S i:iO, 160, 161, 228 
 
 Hall, Major General Amos. . .47, 48, 68, 70, 78, 79, 88, 89, 90, 93, 104, 122, 141, 
 
 150, 151, 152, 169, 178, 182, 193, 242, 266, 292, 29:3 
 
 Hall, Capt. Elias 203 
 
 Hall, Lieut 29,37 
 
 Hamburg, N. Y 63 
 
 Hamilton, N. Y 99 
 
 Hamilton, Captain 240 
 
 Hni'dison, Captain Benjamin 60, 150 
 
 Harper, Michael 208 
 
 Harrisburg, Pa 206,210,211,256,269 
 
 Harrison, Major Gen. W. H 220, 2S5, 2JW 
 
 Hart, Captain 104,280,303 
 
 Hart, Mr 84 
 
I 
 
 \ 
 
 .; :', _ vm. ■ ■.'';■-; 
 
 H — Contintud. Page. 
 
 Harvey, Major John 261 
 
 Hatt, Captain 92 
 
 Heathcote, Major 98, 167, 24» 
 
 Hector, N. Y 75 
 
 Henry, John 50 
 
 Herefordshire Militia 261 
 
 Hewit, Lieut 210 
 
 Highland Settlements 60 
 
 Hill, Captain 280,303 
 
 Hillebert, Captain Ebenezer 280 
 
 Himrod, General 75 
 
 Hobart, Lord 19 
 
 Holcroft, Captain Wm 98,243 
 
 Holland Land Company 108 
 
 Honeoye, N. Y 75 
 
 Home District 212 
 
 ;; Hoops, Major Adam 127 
 
 Hopkins, Brig.-Gen 75, 87, 89, 96, 242, 206, 267 
 
 Hopkins, Colonel 186, 292, 302 
 
 Hopper, Jasper 303 
 
 Horn, Tice 287 
 
 Hornet, Sloop of War 64 
 
 Hosmer, George 76, 150 
 
 Hothani, Captain 158 
 
 Hull, Brig.-Gen. Wm . .-. 51, 132, 133, 145, 147, 155, 159, 160, 161, 164, 166, 167, 
 
 168, 169, 170, 172, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 181, 184. 185, 
 187, 189, 190, 192, 193, 194, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 213, 
 214, 215, 216, 218, 219, 220, 221, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 
 228. 229, 230, 231, 232, 238, 239, 241, 245, 246, 249, 250, 
 254, 267, 268, 285, 290. 
 
 Hull, Captain 87,233,239 
 
 Hunter, Major General Martin 19 
 
 Hunter, General Ship of War 29, 128, 133, 135, 154, 165, 251, 301 
 
 Hurd, General 49 
 
 Huron, Michigan 122,126 
 
 Huron, Lake 23 
 
 Ireland, Captain 280, 302 
 
 Irwin, Calender 207 
 
 Irwin, Jai-ed 208, 294 
 
 Isle Aux Noix 250 
 
 Jacks, Captain 280 
 
 Jamaica Fleet 90 
 
 Jarvis, Ensign 240 
 
 Jarvis, William 101 
 
 Jennings, Captain 202, 227, 229 
 
 Johnson, Captain 86 
 
 Johnson, Mr 227 
 
 Johnson, Lieut 280 
 
 Johnston, Lieut 153 
 
 Jones, Mr qq 
 
 Junius, N. Y 75,280 
 
■'4r 
 
 K. ....^ ''''.■':,■'■'•, ■>■ Page. 
 
 Keler, General ...'......., .. ... 253 
 
 Keller, Jasper ...'.'....'.'.'...... 209 
 
 Kellogg, Captain [^y.'.' '.'.".. 287 
 
 Kempt, General Sir James 65 
 
 Kenarick, Lieut 240 
 
 Kentucky .■]. i:.': "■ i.':.' i.;:. :.28; 147,197 
 
 Kerr, Lieut , jgg 
 
 Kerby, James ...... .*.,*.*.'........ ... . . 55 56 
 
 Keyes, Brigade-Major Julius 75 140 
 
 King, Cai)tain, R. A *. ' 35 
 
 King, Major General ...*...... 47 50 
 
 King, Pulaski 303 
 
 King's House ........... 26 
 
 King's Regiment 250 
 
 Kingston .3 24 25, 29. 33, 35, 36, 37, 38. 39! ^O.ie.' SSJ 54."57.e2; 65V94; 95. 
 ^^^^}i\ ^}^^B 121. 129, 134. 147, 149, 153, 156. 1^7, 158, 159 
 160 167, 181, 200, 201, 215, 216, 234, 236, 243. 249, 250, 278, 295. 
 
 Kleckner, Joseph 209 
 
 Knapp, General -^ ■ ... ...... ................. .^ 
 
 Lachine ' jgiy 
 
 Lady Prevost. Ship of War iss 
 
 Lafferty s j43 
 
 Lamb. Anthony " ..... 48 178 
 
 Lamont, Mr '.* * 153 
 
 Lane, Lieut. Charles '.'.....'...'........... 261 
 
 Lane. Peter 21)0 
 
 La Picurina gg 
 
 La Prairie ^ "■■... .."".■ ".'.VV; 99,114 
 
 Lay, N. . . 151 287, 288 
 
 Lee, David 151 lyo 
 
 Lee, Major Thomas 75 3^^ 
 
 Leggatt, Mr '234 
 
 Lenox Library, N. Y " 114. 
 
 Leonard. Captain .80. 85, J)3. 95, 97, 102, 103, ilV! 1^,141,' Ho! 179,186, 192. 
 230, 238, 239, 255, 27L , , , ^ 
 
 Lethbridge. Colonel 114, 120, 149, 169. 200, 202, 295 
 
 Lewis, Quartermaster-General Morgan 54 253 
 
 Lewiston, N. Y 55, 59. 60, 63, 73, 80, 87, 101, 113, 116, 117, 127, i28,' l.u'l35, 
 130, 150, 167. 173. '-^ 177, 182, 187, 188, 189, 191, 193. 194 195 
 197, 198, 199, 200, >4 204, 205, 213, 216, 218, 220, 222, 226, 228 
 
 292, 29.S, 296, 297, 301, 304. 
 
 Lewiston Meadows . qqq 
 
 Lichfield, N. Y .'. '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'".. ^ 
 
 Limerick County Militia 281 
 
 Lincoln Artillery ........ 138 
 
 Lincoln Militia ' \ 13g 
 
 Lincoln Militia, Ist 76,' 77,*85. 92, 2li 285 
 
 Ljnco n Ml itia, 2d 91, 92. 95, 212, 285 
 
 Lmco n Ml itia, 3d < 91.92.142.212.285 
 
 Lincoln Militia, 4th 92_ '21*> 9«R 
 
 Lincoln Militia, 5th 92,212,285 
 
 Lincoln Militia, 6th 9*^285 
 
 Lithgow, Walter *.'.* "//J/ '.' "^ 20O 
 
' L — Continued. Page. 
 
 Little York 126, 128 
 
 Liverpool, Lord 50, 52, 53, 58, 62, 66, 67, 68, 73, 100, 128, 153, 257 
 
 Livingston, Mr , . 54 
 
 Livonia, N. Y 75 
 
 Lochry, John 209 
 
 London District 212 
 
 Long Point 29, 123, 127, 135, 144, 148, 152, 163, 165, 185 
 
 Lord Nelson, merchant ship 67, 68 
 
 Louis, Colonel, Indian Chief 166 
 
 Lovejoy, Mi-. 287 
 
 Lovett, John ; 178, 182, 213, 220, 241, 244, 288 
 
 Lovett, Mrs 289 
 
 Lundv's Lane 143 
 
 Lyon, Sergt 286 
 
 M. 
 
 Mack, Captain 229 
 
 Mackinac-, see Michilimackinac 
 
 Maukina Indians ^1 
 
 Mackinac, Straits of 128 
 
 Madison County, N. Y 47, 69 
 
 Madison, James 21, 26, 54, 254 
 
 Magher, Captain Peter 255, 256 
 
 Magui re Richard 208 
 
 Mahar, Captain 202,203 
 
 Maiden 33, 34, 155, 160, 161, 164, 165, 166, 167, 170, 174, 175, 178, 187. 190, 
 
 194, 198, 253, 270, 287. 
 
 Manchester, N. Y 90, 173, 174, 219 
 
 Mann, Lieut.-General 19 
 
 Marlow, Captain 39 
 
 Mary, merchant ship 128 
 
 Maryland 147 
 
 Massena, N. Y 99 
 
 Matteson, Captain 203 
 
 Meade, Lt.-Col. Thompson 217. 302 
 
 Meadville, Pa 206, 207, 208, 210, 211, 256, 267, 269, 294, 302 
 
 Melviu, Mr 53 
 
 Mennonists 13, 14, 212 
 
 Mercantile Library, Phila 80, 104 
 
 Mercer County, Pa . 289 
 
 Merritt, Major Thomas 85, 292 
 
 Miami 122, 126, 133, 157, 197, 253, 299 
 
 Michigan, Lake 54,128 
 
 Michigan Territory 186, 280, 2»7 
 
 Michilimackinac. . .22, 29, 40, 41, 151, 152, 153, 163, 168, 175, 223, 251, 260, 277 
 
 Middleswarth, Ne 208 
 
 Militia, Essex 180 
 
 Militia, Kent 180 
 
 Militia, Lincoln 76, 77, 85, 91, 92, 95, 142, 180, 212, 285 
 
 Militia, Norfolk 51, 180 
 
 Militia, Oxford 180 
 
 Militia, York See York Militia 
 
 Miller, Brig.-Gen. Daniel 217, 246 
 
 Miller, xMajor Frederick 86, 140, 151, 203 
 
 Miller, Thomas 209 
 
 Miller's House 3M 
 
 Mills, Captain 29 
 
M— Continued. Page. 
 
 Milton, Colonel 302 
 
 Mockler, Captain 180 
 
 Mohawk Indians 72, 105, 106, 108, 109 
 
 Moira, ship of war 29, 35, 36, 37, 9i, 179, 185 
 
 Monroe, James 160 
 
 Montreal 33, 35, 37, 41, 50, ftl, 73, 113, 114, 120, 121, 134, 141, 155, 158, 160, 
 
 167, 169, 172, 194, 205, 215, 216, 219, 225, 227, 228, 231, 232, 237, 
 
 244, 249, 257, 260, 281, 280, 295, 299. 
 
 Montreal Courier 63,99 
 
 Moore, Judge 269 
 
 Moore, Major 275 
 
 Moore Thomas 275 
 
 Moravian Town 139, 145, 251 
 
 Morrison, Major John 75 
 
 Morse, Asa H 151 
 
 Moseley, Major Charles 69,191,242,246,304 
 
 Muir, Captain 180, 277 
 
 3Iuirheaa, James. 85, 92, 132 
 
 MulhoUand, Captain 60 
 
 Mullany, Major 79, 80, 87, 89, 102, 141, 231, 245 
 
 Murray, Colonel John 250 
 
 Myers, Lieut.-Col. Christopher. .143, 145, 166, 183, 184, 185, 189, 190, 191, 192, 
 
 200, 201, 202, 204, 273, 283. 
 
 • .y_ '. - Me. 
 
 McArthur, Ensign 240 
 
 McCall, Dan 131 
 
 McClure, Brig.-Gen. George 75, 76, 89 
 
 McDonald, Colonel 214 
 
 Macdonnell, Lieut. -Colonel George 39, 40, 43, 51. 56 
 
 Macdonnell, Lieut.-Col. John. .85, 86, 120, 1.38, 130, 142, 171, 180, 213, 228, 249, 
 
 259. 274, 285. 
 
 3IcDonnell, Lieut. Roland 60 
 
 McDowel, .James 208 
 
 McGarrv. John 209 
 
 McGee's* Point 180 
 
 McGill, John 59, 162 
 
 McGuigan, Captain Robert 210 
 
 3IcKee, Captain Thomas 175, 179, 272 
 
 McKeon, Captain 90, 255 
 
 McKinstry, Captain 280 
 
 McMahon, Lieut.-Col 186, 187, 220 
 
 McNair, Captain 203 
 
 Macomb, Lieut. -Col. Robert 217 
 
 McPherson, Major 62, 94, 98, 129 
 
 McTavish, Mr 84 
 
 3IcTavi8h, McGillivray & Co 73 
 
 N. 
 
 Nairn, Captain 261 
 
 Nancy, schooner 165 
 
 National Intelligencer 88, 112, 213 
 
 Navy Island 283 
 
 Nelson, Lord, merchant ship 67, 68 
 
 Newark 88, 108, 118, 126, 131, 135, 139, 151, 164, 179 
 
 New Brunswick 60 
 
 New Orleans 31 
 
• ■ : .- ' xii. ,'■.:• 
 
 N—Contirvued. Page. 
 
 Newport, R. I 31 
 
 Newport, Ky 181 
 
 New York, City of 31, 34, 54, 00, 67, 73, 74, 84, 90, IflO, 246, 217, 254 
 
 New York Evening Post 88,87,104,166,176,291 
 
 New York Gazette 126 132 
 
 New York Society Library ...'.'.'.'. '. .85,' 87, 88,' 104, 117, 166, 1761 177, 187,' 291 
 
 New York State 54, 59, 1(J8, 130, 206, 210, 225 
 
 New York State Library ... 187, 213, 241, 288, 275, 280, 282, 287 
 
 New York Statesman 187, 293 
 
 Niagara County, N. Y 48, 70, 71, 75, 78, 102, 103, 104, 114, 163, 194 
 
 Niagara District 212,236 
 
 Niagara Falls 178, 182, 191, 245, 254, 261 
 
 Niagara, Fort. . 46, 47, 48, 49, 54, 61, 62, 72, 76, 78, 79, 80, 82, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 
 
 93, 94, 95, 97, 99, 101, 104, 114, 117, 119, 122, 125, 126, 128, 129, 
 
 130, 138, 145, 156, 159, 161, 171, 172, 175, 177, 178, 181, 182, 181, 
 
 189, 192, 197, 198, 205, 206, 210, 214, 215, 216, 224, 227, 229. 230, 
 
 231, 232, 236, 237, 238, 230, 241, 213, 244, 252, 253, 251, 259, 265, 
 
 267, 289, 270, 271, 273, 274, 275, 278, 279, 288, 289, 292, 301. 
 
 Niagara Frontier. .29, 40, 59, 70, 75, 79, 89, 93, 96, 104, 115, 124, 128, 170, 173, 
 
 175, 176, 191, 230, 234, 248, 250, 257, 266, 276, 293, 298, 299, 
 
 302, 303. 
 
 Niagara Town ' .24,67,76 
 
 Niagara River .19, 22, 33, 56, 68, 79, 89, 112, 116, 125, 129. 135, 150, 164, 165, 
 186, 187, 193, 232, 281, 286, 288, 299, 302. 
 
 Nichol, Lieut.-Col. Robert 44, 51, 57, 76, 77, 251, 278 
 
 Noble, Captain 280 
 
 Noon, Major Darby 68, 99, 247 
 
 Norfolk, Va 31 
 
 Norfolk Militia 138, 139, 180 
 
 North, William 42 
 
 North Carolina 108 
 
 North-West Company 41, 74 
 
 Nova Scotia 60,160 
 
 Nyles, Lewis 302 
 
 O. 
 
 Oaks, Andrew 208 
 
 O'Connor, John M 89 
 
 Ogdensburg, N. Y 63, 99, 142, 168, 198, 199, 215, 221 
 
 Ohio, State of 22, 142, 181, 184, 197, 215, 225, 253 
 
 Ohio Militia 61,147 
 
 Ohio River 221 
 
 Olmstead, Major 75 
 
 Oneida County, N. Y 42 
 
 Oneida Indians 105, 108, 109, 111, 262, 308 
 
 Oneida, ship of war 63, 67, 95, 128, 2< 6 
 
 Onondaga Arsenal oO 
 
 Onondaga County, N. Y 47, 6G 
 
 Onondaga Hollow . . 49 
 
 Onondaga Indians 106, 108, 282, 303 
 
 Onondaga Valley 114, 303 
 
 Ontario Arsenal 71, 101, 183 
 
 Ontario County, N. Y 63, 70. 71, 75, 78, 88, 102, 121. 2HH, ISO 
 
 Ontario, Lake . . 19, 24, 29, 53, 59, 63, i()3, 116, 118, 119, 129, 164, 179, 187, 232, 
 233, 236, 237, 247, 270, 281, 286, 288, 296, 301. 
 
 Ontario Repository 76,87,282,283,302 
 
 Ontario, merchant ship 68 
 

 ,. ; ■ , xni. 
 
 O— Continued. Page. 
 
 Ormsby, Major 160, 167 
 
 Oswagatchie 25 30 
 
 Oswego, N. Y 47, 4U, (M, 69, 99, im, 191, 199, 22A, 230, 2:«, 2li2, 252,' 266, 267, 
 281, 287, 298. 
 
 Ostrom, Judge . 42 
 
 Ottawa River 33 41 74 
 
 Otsego, N. Y ' '28O 
 
 Ovid, N. Y ■ ..'.'.'. "!!.".' .■.".. 280 
 
 Oxford ^ 144 
 
 Oxford Militia 180 
 
 Packard, Brig. -Qr. -Master 256 
 
 Palmyra, N. Y 280 
 
 Parrish, Jasper 6(3, 105, ili, ii3,"l"43, 262 
 
 Patchin, Thaddens 303 
 
 Paulding, William, Jr 69, 70, 71, 93, 126 
 
 Pelham 143,213 
 
 Penfleld, N. Y 280 
 
 Pennsylvania 125, 1!^, 147, 205, 206, 207, 210, 211, 212, 225, ^, 267 
 
 Pennsylvania Militia 269,285 
 
 Perrin, James 2(51 
 
 Peterson, William 209 
 
 Phelps, Mr 77 
 
 Philadelphia 31, 212, 232 
 
 Philadelphia Library 2:^2, 262 
 
 Phillips, Joel , 303 
 
 Phillips, W 1.35 
 
 Pickering, Timothy 109, HO 
 
 Pictou Settlements 60 
 
 Pierce, Captain 280 
 
 Pierson, Captain 80, 88 
 
 Pinckney, Thomas 53 
 
 Pinkney, Captain 216 
 
 Piper, Wm 209, 294 
 
 Pittsburg 122, 25(i, 269 
 
 Plattsburg 81, 83, 156, 198, 205, 231 
 
 Play ter, Lieut 240 
 
 Plenderleath, Major 234, 283 
 
 Point Abino 287, .'JOl 
 
 Point Aux Pins. 171, 186 
 
 Point Levi 158 
 
 Port Talbot 144,170 
 
 Porter, Judge Augustus 68, 90, 92, 121, 126, 1.57, 166, 175 
 
 Porter, Hon. Peter A., MSS. of .42, 64, 68. 88, 90, 91, 9.5, 97, 99, 122, 126, 157 
 Porter, Peter B 42, 54, (J3, 71, 78, 79, 87, 88, «), 90. 95. 97, 102, 117, 121, 126, 
 
 127, 140, 184, 189, 194, 199, 203, 219, 222, 238, 254, 261, 262, 
 
 267, 281, 287. 
 
 Portsmouth, N. H 31 
 
 Pothier, Toussaint 153 
 
 Prescott 29, 67, 68, 142, 228, 295 
 
 Powell Grant 153 
 
 Powell, Captain John, 1st Lincoln Artillery 138, 250 
 
 Powell, Justice William Dummer 162 
 
 Presqu' Isle 263 
 
XIV. 
 
 P—CorUimied. Page. 
 
 Prevost, Sir GeorKe. .20, 21, 25, 20, M, 35, »), 43, U, 45, 40, 50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 
 
 5J), (JO. 01, 02, 04, 05, 00, 07, 08, 73, 74. JJ8. 100, 113, 114, 
 115, 120, 122, 127, 12S, 132, 1+4, 148, 149, 151, 153, 154, 
 157, 100, 104, 107, KJJ), 172, 1.S5, 201, 2(W, 2M, 215, 225, 
 227, -SU, 230, 242, 21U, 250, 257, 258, 200, 270, -280, 205, 
 209. 
 
 Prince Regent 45, 152, 257, 201, 290 
 
 Prince Regent, ship of war. 95, 179, 185 
 
 Procter, Colonel Henry '£i, 56, 62, 91, JI2, 98, 115, 133, 146, 149, 154, 161, 167, 
 
 171, 179, 180, 182, 185, 203, 225, 233, -236, :il2, 250, 271, 
 277, 295. 
 
 Prophet, The Indian. 38, 220 
 
 Providence, R. I 232 
 
 Provincial Cavalry 76 
 
 Pultneyville, N. Y v., 80 
 
 Purviance, Haniuel. . . 294 
 
 Q. 
 
 Quakers • 13,14,212 
 
 Quebec. . .4, 19, 20, 20, 25), '^\ 'ii, 35, 39, 44, 45, 5(J, 51, 52, 53, 59, (SO, 62, 64, (56, 
 
 m, 07, 73, 74, 95, 95), 121, 120, 128, 129, 130, 149, 154, 157, 159, 160, 
 
 108, 169, 2(K), 214, 221, 228, 249, 271, 290. 
 
 Queen Charlotte, ship of war 128, 213, 251, 259, 207, 301 
 
 Queenston ... .55, 50, (J5, 67, (J8, 72, 70, 77, 84, 91, 97, 1(W, 12(}, 127, 132, i:*5, 139, 
 
 1 M), 173, 184, 193, MS, 201, 214, 219, 227, 230, 2!*), 244, 270, 28:^ 
 Quinte, Bay of 24 
 
 Raisin, River ..... . ........ i . ..............*...... 157, 272 
 
 Reddington, Major 49 
 
 Red Hook 29 
 
 Red Jacket 105,109,165,167 
 
 Reed, General Wnj 207,210,256,26$) 
 
 Reece, Captain Daniel 157 
 
 Regiment, 8th, or Kings 99,250 
 
 Regiment, 41st.. . 21, :«, 40, 46, 62, (t5, 76, 91, 98, 99, 115, 127, 145, 150, 162, 163, 
 
 180, 185, 186. 2iU, 251, 261, 273, 278, 2Si, 284, 286, »4. 
 Regiment, 49th. 38, 40, 41, 65, 74, 99, 157, 158, 160, 167, 168, 180, 201, 234, 258, 
 
 278, 28:^. 
 
 Regiment, 95th 46 
 
 Regiment, 98th . 160 
 
 Regiment, 100th 99, 114 
 
 Regiment, 103d 99, 114 
 
 Regiment, Canadian Fencible 68, 99 
 
 Regiment, Canadian Voltigeur 99 
 
 Regiment, Glengarry Light Infantry 43, 60, (t3, 99, 153 
 
 Regiment, 18th New York 75, 89, 222 
 
 Regiment, lJ»th New York 75, 76, 174 
 
 Regiment, 20th New York 75, 89, 222 
 
 Regiment, Royal Newfoundland. .29, 46, 52, 6:^ 98, 157, 159, 160, 162, 167, 180, 
 
 201, 261, 277, 286. 
 
 Regiment, Ist United States Infantry 147 
 
 Regiment, 4th United States Infantry 147 
 
 Regiment, 5th United States Infantry 147, 302 
 
 Regiment, 6th United States Infantry ^8 
 
 Regiment, 13th United States Infantry 902 
 
XV. ;■; '■/,.;>- 
 
 R — Continued. 
 
 Regiment, 14th United States Infantry 301 
 
 Rhea, General 75,89,96 
 
 Rhode Island 2^2 
 
 Richardson, Captain John 2^fO 
 
 Richardson, Mr.. 74 
 
 Ridge Road ^14, 245, 268 
 
 Ridout, (;aptain 240 
 
 River Rouge. 180 
 
 Roads, Jonathan. ..*.., 209 
 
 Roherts, Oaptain Charles. 140, 151, 153, 168, 249 
 
 Rohertson, Captain Wni 55, 85 
 
 Rohinson, Commissary General W. H 154 
 
 Rodgers, ('ommodore , 90, 158 
 
 Rolette, Lieut. Frederick . 29 
 
 Rolph, Mr 242 
 
 Rome, N. Y 81,83 
 
 Ross, Daniel . . 131 
 
 Rous, Mr * 34 
 
 Rowley, Captain . 203 
 
 Royal Artillery 98,99,167 
 
 Royal Artillery Drivers 99 
 
 Royal Engineers 99, 155, 180 
 
 R«yal George, ship of war 29, 35, 123, 135, 201, 252, 270 
 
 Royal Veteran Battalion, 10th 02, 98, 99, 129, 159 
 
 Ryerson, Lieut.-Col 85. 86 
 
 Rylaud. H. W 73, 74 
 
 S. 
 
 Sackett's Harhor .24, 29, 33, 03, (U, 07, 80, 82, 99. 142, 170, 183, 198, 205, 206, 
 221, 231, 248, 281, 296, 298. 
 
 Salina, merchant schooner 128 
 
 Salishury, S. H. and H. A 55, 105 
 
 Salmon, Major 8.5,86,1.39 
 
 Sample, Wm 209 
 
 Sandusky 31, 68. 122, 126, 194, 272 
 
 Sandwich 44, 124, 132, 133, 144, 146, 157, 160, IW, 175, 185, 194 
 
 Saunders, Captain 283 
 
 Saunderson, Lieut 261 
 
 Saterley, Captain 280 
 
 Savannah, Ga.. . 31 
 
 Schenectady, N. Y 198, 266 
 
 Schlosser, N. Y 97,127,1.50,17.5,289 
 
 Schuyler, Col 141, 302 
 
 Schuyler, Reuhen 275 
 
 Scott, Chief Justice Thomas 57 
 
 Scott, James 209 
 
 Scotch Settlements 60 
 
 Secord, Laura 186 
 
 Secord, Lieut 85 
 
 Selhy, Captain , 284 
 
 Selby, Prideaux, Receiver-General 35, 59, 162 
 
 Selin's Grove, Pa 210,211,256 
 
 Sempronius, N. Y 280 
 
 Seneca County, N. Y 7.5,175,280,302 
 
 Seneca Indians 105,108,165,262,302,303 
 
 Shaw, Captain 46 
 
 Shaw, Major General ^neas 97, 124, 149, 161, 186, 212, 304 
 
XVI. ■; ■ , 
 
 ' ' ' ,. ti '■ ^ 
 S — Continued, 
 
 Shawanese Indians 22, 23 
 
 Sheaffe, Major General Roj?er H 155, 150, ISl, 185, lUl. UMJ, 1J)7, IIW. Iffl), 
 
 2()(), 201, 2(U, 212, 215, 210, 22(J, 2:^4, 230, 237, 
 230, 240, 212, 271. 
 
 Sheaffe, Nancy . 184 
 
 Shekelton, Brigade-Major , 167 
 
 Sherbrooke, Sir John V 50, 130, 101 
 
 Siincoe, Lieut.-Gen. John G 25 
 
 Simonds, Col 81, 1(W 
 
 Six Nations . .01, 00, 105, KMJ, 108, 100, 110, 111, 1.32, 145, 150, 202, 201, 203, »« 
 
 Sizer, Captain Asa B 248 
 
 Skeensboroujjfh 250 
 
 Smith, Major George 75 
 
 Smith, John 55 
 
 Smyth, Brig.-Gen. Alexander 250, 270, 300, 301 
 
 Snyder, (-olonel .Jeremiah 208, 204 
 
 Snyder, Governor Simon 207, 208, 210, 211, 200 
 
 Sodus, N. Y .^. . 80, 2^ 
 
 Solomons, Mr. 84 
 
 Somerset Militia 201 
 
 Sorel River 33 
 
 Southwest Fur Company 251 
 
 Spafford, Amos 157 
 
 Spalding, Rufus .')5, {50 
 
 Spencer, John (■ 254 
 
 S|wncer, Major W. H 127, 1»4 
 
 Spring Wells, Mich 180 
 
 Stanley, ('a{)tain. . . 04 
 
 Stanley, Col 40 
 
 Stanton, Wm 1(J5 
 
 Stanwix, Fort 105 
 
 Steele, Commodore 20, 30, 37 
 
 Steuben County, N. Y 114, 280 
 
 Stewart, John 200 
 
 Sto, Robert 200 
 
 Stoo, J 121 
 
 Stockbridge Indians 202, :^)3 
 
 Stormont Militia 113, ?.2i 
 
 Stonghton, .lohn W 127 
 
 Stranahan, Lieut.-Col. Farrand 217, 255, 302 
 
 Sturgeon Point 8(i, 287 
 
 Sugar Loaf Point 161 
 
 Sutherland, Major 40 
 
 Sutton, Captain 280 
 
 Swan, Mr 237 
 
 Swayze, Isaac 72 
 
 Swift, Lieut. -Col. Philetus. .48, 03, 08, 71, 77, 80, 00, 07, 101, 102, 117, 125, 140, 
 
 1.50, 151, 170, 175, 182, 188, 180, 103, 202, 214, 215, 
 218, 227, 220, 230, 242, 254, 202. 
 
 Symington, John 124 
 
 St. Clair River 41 
 
 St. Davids 135 
 
 St. George, Lieut.-Col. T. B. . . .23, 27, 40, 124, 132, 133, 140, 140, 154, 155, 107, 
 
 180, 181, 225, 233. 
 
 St. Johns, P. Q 20, 00, 114, 225, 250 
 
 St. Joseph's Island 20, 23, 37, 41, 74, 03, 128, 140, 103 
 
 St. Lawrence River »4, 53, 02, 63, 81, 118, 200, 270 
 
, (, 
 
 XVll. 
 
 S— Continued. 
 
 St. Mary's Falls 37 
 
 St. ReK»^ 12.5, KWJ 
 
 St. Regis Indians 81 
 
 T. 
 
 Table Rock 143 
 
 Talbot, Lieut.-C;ol. Thomas 181. 138, 144, 212 
 
 Tallon, CJaptain 180 
 
 Tannehill, Brig.-Oen. Adamsoii 294 
 
 Tawaway Indians 157 
 
 Taylor, Ml- 90 
 
 Tecuniseh 21.5, 220 
 
 Ten Kyck, Jacob 199 
 
 Terry, Captain 2S0 
 
 Thames River 139,144 
 
 Thomas, Edward .:. 209 
 
 Thomas, Sergeant 286 
 
 Thompson, .Tames 209 
 
 Thompson, Mr 126 
 
 Three Rivers 61 
 
 Three River Point 2.52, 2(J6 
 
 Tillotson, Brig.-Gen. John 75, 177 
 
 Tioga (bounty, N. Y 75, a)2 
 
 Ti ppecanoe 223 
 
 Tocfd, Isaac 2!^*, '^19 
 
 Tompkins, Governor Daniel D. .42, 48, 49, 59, 71, 77, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 88, 96, 
 
 110, 117, 13J), 142, 1.50, 160, 173, 180, 191, 193, 202, 218, 222, 225, 
 ^ 22(J. 228, iMO, ill, 243, 210, 247, 255, 204, 20(J, 209, 27.5, 279, 282, 
 
 280, 2S>8, :^)3. 
 Tompkins' Papers. 48, 49, 50, 09, 70, 71, 73, 77, 78, 79, 80, 8.*^, 84, 85, 89, 93, 97, 
 
 101, 104, 117, 119, 12(i, 147, 107, 175, 178. 187, 192, 194, 203, 
 225, 227, 229, 240, 241, 248, 250, 275, 280, 2S7. 
 
 Tonewan to Creek 18.5,201,292,303 
 
 Toronto, ship of war 36 
 
 TcW-n, Lieut 286 
 
 Townsend, Mr 93 
 
 Tracy, Mr 248 
 
 Trenton, N, J 147 
 
 Troughton, Lieut 204 
 
 Trout, Henry 69 
 
 Troy, N. Y 33 
 
 Tunkers . ^ .4 13, 14, 212 
 
 Tupper, Jolin . 234 
 
 Tupper's Life of Brock 26, 27, 42, 4.5, 46, 52, 58, 59, 00, 01, a5, 00, 74, 1(X), 114, 
 
 11.5, 121, 124, 1.52, 1.54, 101, 104, UJ9, 173, 204, 220, 228, 
 2:i4, 2im, 250, 251, 260, 273, 274, 279, 295. 
 
 Turbit, James 209 
 
 Turkey Point 131 
 
 Tuscarora Indians 97, 105, 108, 245, 303 
 
 Two-Mile Point 76 
 
 U. 
 
 Ulysses, N.Y 280 
 
 United States Gazette 262 
 
 Utica, N. Y 42 
 
XVUl. 
 
 V. 
 
 Vance, Henry 200 
 
 Vanderfelt, Jacob 2f)0 
 
 Vanllensselaer. Colonel Solomon 42, 142, Iflfl, 177, 1H2, IK^, 188, 180, 11>2, 
 
 IWJ, 108, lOJ), 2(K), 2IH, 218. 210, 222, 2^1, 
 '£ii, 2:i-}, 241, 242, 2U, iKJ, 21V, '^Hi, 2(n, 
 2(J2, 2(W, 2(17, 271, 27:^, 274, 270. 282, 28({, 
 288, 202, 20(J, 207, :«)(), :iai. 
 VanRensselaer's (Solomon) Narrative. .14;^, m\, 101. 1(H), 171, 182, 100, 101, 
 
 100, 1J)7, 108, 100, 204, 2(ri, 2(X{, '2Ui, 
 210, 227, 2:*), 2:U, 2iii, 2:^5, 2;«J, 2:^7, 
 2:«, 2U, 245, JM({, 240, 252, 25:i, 204, 
 28:i, 201, 2J)0, 208, I^M). 
 VanBensselaer, Major General Stephen. . .82, 125, 142, 1 W, 15(J, 101, KJO, 170, 
 
 177, 178, 170, lik, 188, 180, 100, 101, lO:^, 201, 204, 2(J5, 214, 
 215, 210, 218. 210. 221, 222, 225, 22(J, 228, 220. 2»), 21^2, 2:«, 
 235, 2:«, 2:}7, 2:«, ilO. 242, 244, 245, 24(J, 247, 248, 251, 252, 
 253, 2i>4, 25.5, 25(J, 250, 202, 2(W, 2(J7, 2<W, 270, 273, 274. 275, 
 270, 270, 280, 281, 282, 28!^ 280, 201. 202, 20:^, 205, 200, 2})7, 
 300 304. 
 
 Van Vecht«n, Abraham'. . . . *. 178, 213, 214, 220, 2:^7, 2t4 
 
 Venango County, Pa 2(M) 
 
 Vermont 33,231 
 
 Vincennes, Ind 44,253 
 
 Vincent, Colonel John 234, 242, 200, 288, 200 
 
 Vosbiirgh, Mr 84,88 
 
 Vosbnrgh, Lieut.-Col. Peter J 217 
 
 W. 
 
 Wabash River 22,23 
 
 Wadsworth, Brig.-Qen. Wm. .70, 71, 7.5, 77, 88, 80, 00, 07, 101, 110, 117, 110, 
 
 127, i:i4, 130, 140, 141, 177, 178, 182, 183, 103, 
 100, 202, 203, 241, 244, 253. 
 
 Walker, Benjamin 42 
 
 Walton, Peter & Co 67 
 
 Warren, Ohio 157 
 
 Warren County, Pa 209 
 
 Warren, Colonel 138 
 
 Warren, Henry 142 
 
 Warren, James ... 209 
 
 Warren, John, Jr 69,127 
 
 Warren, John, Sr. . . 60 
 
 Warsaw, N. Y 280 
 
 Washington, D. C 30, 45, 51, 53, 50, 67, 84, 155, 160, 211, 215, 225, 220, ^49 
 
 Washington County, N. Y 81, 83 
 
 Washington, General 110, 111 
 
 Waterford, Pa 122 
 
 Waterman, Captain 217 
 
 Watson, (a surveyor) 146 
 
 Webster, Ephraim 303 
 
 Wells. Henry, Brigade-Quartermaster . . 75 
 
 Wells, Captain Joseph 87,134,151,202,203 
 
 Wellington, Lord 279 
 
 Westerlo, Colonel 213 
 
 West Indies 157,160 
 
 Westminster 146 
 
 Whaley, Major ..63 
 
 Whistler, Captain J 253 
 
XIZ. 
 
 W— Continued. 
 
 WhitehaH. N. Y ' 33 
 
 Wickliain, Lieut.-Col. George IWl 
 
 VVidiiK, Mujor G.-neriil 47, 50 
 
 WiJittin lieiny, Fort 24» 
 
 Wiliiiot, Mr 1H7 
 
 WillcockH, Joseph 44,131 
 
 VVilstm, Dr. Nathaniel 77 
 
 Wilson's Tavern . 1-13 
 
 Winchester, Brip.-Geu. John 147 
 
 Winder. Colonel W. H 20K, :«)! 
 
 Withrow, Samuel 2(IU 
 
 Wolsy, Captain 63,00,247 
 
 Woodhouse 131 
 
 Wood Ijibrary, Canandaigua, N. Y S7, 2B3 
 
 Woodworth, ( 'aptain Solomon 280 
 
 Woolverton, Mr 121 
 
 Y. 
 
 Yates, Recorder 88 
 
 Young, Colonel W 
 
 Youngstown, N. Y 127,128.175 
 
 York . .20, 21, 2!^, 25, 2J), '.^i, '.i.\ :W, if7, 38, 41, 42, 411, 44, 4«, 51, 5:^, 50, 57, 58, 
 
 00, 72, 101, 121, 145, 148, 151, 158, 101, 162, 101, 165, 182, 221, 228, 210, 
 
 244, 290, yOl. 
 
 York Gazette 38 
 
 York Militia 180, 240, 285 
 
PUBLICATIONS 
 
 ISSUED BY 
 
 LUNDY'S LANE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
 
 BY CAPT. n. CRUIKSHANK, Port Erie, Out. 
 
 The Buttle of Luudy's Lane, 1814. pp. 50 (3nl E<liiton. 1895. grreiitly iiiipruvMl, with 
 
 niftp) $0 25 
 
 The Buttle of tiuwiiNtou Heighcs. pp. 4«. (2nd Etiitiou. 18911 25 
 
 The Fi^ht in the !{ee<;hwoo<ls, pp. :t2. (2n«i E«liiu>n. with map and phuto, 1895) 25 
 
 Tlie SU>ry of HutlerV Itanjjers, pp. 114, 1893. 40 
 
 Dnininiontr.s Winter Cunipaii;n, pp. 30. 1895 15 
 
 The Documentary Hintory of t.iu Campaign on the Niagara Frontier in 1812-14, 
 
 Part 1., pp. 2'fi. U^JHi .50 
 
 The DoininientMry Histor;, the CaniiHtiink on the Niagara Frontier in 1812-14, 
 
 Part il., pp. 300, »<i97, (with nia|»^.) Paiier 75 
 
 The Doininientary Hi-story of the Caiupaigu on the Niagara Frontier in 1812-14, 
 
 Part.s I. and II.. Cloth Bound 1 50 
 
 The Documentary History of the Cani|Kiign on the Niagara Pruntier in 1812-14, 
 
 Part III. pp. "328. (lHyj»). Cloth Buuud 1 00 
 
 BY MRS. S. A. CURZON, Toronto. 
 
 TheStory of Laura SeconK 1813). pp. 15. 18S»1 10 
 
 BY WM. KIRBY, P. R. S. C, Niagrara. 
 
 The Servos Family. (1720 to 1812) 10 
 
 Memento of the Unveiling of the Monument on Luudy's Lane. July 25th, 1895. A 
 
 Deilicatory iMv : 14 lines 5 
 
 The Annals of Niagara, or the Hi«tor>' of the Peuiuimla for utsarly :MK) years, pp. 
 
 270, 1897. Paper '. 75 
 
 Cloth 1 00 
 
 BY REV. JOHN BURNS. 
 
 A Loyal Sermon of 1814, preache<l in Stamford, nearLundy's Lane, pp. 12, 1892. .. 10 
 
 BY MISS CARNOCHAN. Niai^ara. 
 
 Niagara, 100 Years Ago, pp. 38, 1892 25 
 
 BY I,ATB REV. E. J. PESSENDEN. 
 
 A Centenary Study, pp. 26, 1892 25 
 
 — ALSO — 
 
 Brief Account of the Battlo of Lundy's Lane. 1814, by Sir R. H. Bonnycastle, Knight. 
 Accounts of R4^intermeiit of Remains of Soldiers of 1S12. found in 1891 and 1893 respec- 
 tively, with Addresses on each «Krasion. 
 Laura Secord of 1813. 
 
 For c<>p{es of any of the ab«>ve Publications apply (with remittance) to James Wilson, 
 Secretary-Treasurer L. L. H. S., Nia^^ra Falls South. Ont. 
 
 The payment of $1.00 per year entitles to UMmbership in the Society and to the pub- 
 lications as issued.