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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichA, 11 est film* A partir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. i errata id to It ie pelure, pon A 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 D( r JOURNAL OF EVENTS r PEINCU'ALLY ON THE Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, DURING THE A^A.11 OIT 181S # BY CAPT. W. H. MERRITT, OB^ THE PROV. LIGHT DRAGOONS. ST. CATHARINES, C. W. PUBLISHED BY THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, B. N. A. 1863. ii I %^ \r PREFACE. \: I The committee of the Historical Society of B. N. A. decided at their meeting of November 6, to again publish some of the documents in their possession. From among a variety of papers of great historical interest, they have selected the following Military Journal of events in the war of 1812-13 and 14, which was kept by the late Hon. W. H. Merritt, M. L. C.-one of the original founders of this society. In performing this duty the committee are aware that they have under- taken a grave responsibility, but at the same time they have endeavored to discharge it with fidelity It may be remarked that, the journal, subsequent to the battle of Lim- dy's Lane, was written at a distance from the seat of action, and while Mr. Merritt was a prisoner of war, he had not the advantage of personal obser- vation. The subject, however, was one which never lost its interest; and the incidents described by Mr. Merritt are given in accordance with the statenjents of persons direct from the scene of the several occurrences. I '! ' • ' t • t I . 1 , , ■ • '.!* i« 'i- lUilffi •■ :;, !'i !!• » 1 1 • . '■• 'I '.' ■•»< t [:.■• ,' I' M ' I ', »!:- r . ■ , f -!■ .'/ .:, • (• ■ . , I'.. • ... 'irn,ii ,■ -' ' V •'. IN^TRODTJOTIOI^. NEWS OF WAR — CONCENTRATION ON FRONTIEB, ETC. We received intelligence of the declaration of war by the United States on Saturday, the 2Tth. of June, 1812, from a mes- senger sent by the late John Jacob Astor to Thomas Clark, Esq., of Niagara Falls. An express was immediately sent to the Pres- ident, General Brock, who was at York, (now Toronto) the seat of Government. The news spread over the country like lightning, and produced an instantaneous alarm. We expected an imme- diate attack from the United States forces, who, we believed, had long been prepared for war. . . ;•...; The President, Brigadier General Brock, who is justly descri- bed as the saviour of Canada, was, of all men, the best adapted for command at this juncture. He perfectly understood human nature, and the peculiar disposition of the Militia. He was active, brave, vigilant, and determined. He had a peculiar faculty of attaching all parties and people to his person: in short, he infused the most unbounded confidence in all ranks and descriptions of men under his command. General Brock arrived at Fort George on the 28th. The Flank Volunteer companies and corps*were assembled and marched to the line in the inf ^^-^'m, with the greatest despatch. The 1st. 4th. and 5th. local Mili' : and 2d. York, were at Queenston and Niagara, with the Artilki-y — the 2d. and 3d. local Militia at Chippewa and Fort Erie — the Dragoons detatch- ed to the different Posts. General Brock communicated with the U. States people (by a flag of truce,) who had not yet been officially informed of the declaration of war. Our batteries, which had been prepared with the greatest diligence, he intended, at two differ- ent times, to open against Fort Niagara; which would have been a most valuable and easy conquest, as it was totally defenceless, and a small garrison in it. He was advised, at present, to desist; shortly after received an order which confirmed it, from Sir George Provost, the Commander in Chief, to act solely on the defensive, though much against his will and better iudgment. This was conceived, by the Commander in Chief, to be a party war. He was fearful offensive operations would unite the enemy, without which they would bo uiiiible to carry on Ihe war. has fully proved the fallacy of those ideas. Experience NCMBEE ANU POSITION OF FORCES ON THE NIAGARA AND DETROIT It will be necessary here to take a summary view of the situation of this country, number of troops, and means of defence. Here- tofore, we had merely the name of being taxed, consequently, there was very little money in the treasury; to remedy which, a few moneyed men formed themselves into a committee under the sanction of Government, called the British Niagara Association, and issued piper money for prompt payment of the troops, and for other purposes. The number of regular troops in the upper country consisted of part of the 49th. and 'Ust. regiments, and a few artil- lerists, in all, less than one thousiind men, which garrisoned York, Ft. George, Chippewa, Fort Erie, Amherstburgh, Sandwich, and St, Josephs, covering an extent of nearly fifteen hundred miles. The Militia of the country were intolerable order, one-third of each regiment was formed into two flank companies, who volunteered their services; of course, they were composed of the most active and zealous young men in the country. There were likewise a company of Militia Artillery, R. A. Drivers, and a troop of Cav- alry, in the Niagara District, in all, something short of a thousand men; which, with the Indians, were all the hopes of the country at this alarming crisis. The most sanguine friends expected to see us overwhelmed by the enemy in a very short time, and this idea was industriously infused by every lukewarm individual, and it was our misfortune to have a few of them, although perhaps not more than any other country. The loyalists exerted them- selves with a vigor and zeal that will ever be gratefully remems bered; the happy effects of which, together with the wise admin- istration of our Commander, were soon perceived. There appeared a perfect unity of all parties: the only feeling was a fixed deter- mination of defending the country to the last extremity. Brigadier General Brock made a most judicious choice of his staff. Capt. Glegg, of the 4:9 th. regiment, was his military, and Lieut. Col. Nichol and McDonald were his Provincial Aid-de Camps; "William Clausd, Esq. was appointed Colonel of Militia; Major Thomas Merritt of Militia Dragoons, of which there were to have been a squadron in the Niagara District, a part of Capt. Button's troop at York was to act under his command— only one troop, however, was allowed, owing to the jealousy of the Com- manders of Militia regiments, who were losing their best men, ence and other causes. Cr^)t. Swazey raised a troop of Drivers, and procured a hundred horses for Government at fifteen pence per diem. Me deserves the greatest credit for his indefatigable exer- tions. Mr. Wilcox, overawed by the vigilance of tlie President, made him a tender of his press and services — Marakle and many of his adherents followed his example, which was declined, at the same time they were given to understand that silence was the only means of saving them a journey to Quebec. From this period to the2l8t. of July nothing material occurred on the Frontier. The flank companies and all corps took a pride in doing their duty, which was very severe, asi we were in mo- mentary expectation of an attack. Patrols were kept up with little intermission along the whole line from Fort George to Fort Erie. Those off duty, were on fatigue, notwithstanding which they improved rapidly in their discipline. Batteries were erected on every eligible position on the lines. The greatest possible exer- tions were making for a vigorous resistance, under the eye of our Commander, who was continually on the move, 'visiting every post. ' > ♦» ■ - '■.'-V- !;i' A;?';fi| CHAPTER I ■.i. Li, 3 ''hi ' HOSTILITIES COSOIENCED AT AMIIERSTIJUEOH — INDIANS MUSTEEED. I ' An express was despatched to Col. St. George, Inspecting Pield Officer of Militia, who commanded at Amhei*8tburgh, (this was af- terwards styled the right division,) and to Capt. Roberts, command- ing at St. Josephs, with orders to commence offensive operatious. Shortly after the declaration of war, Capt. Rochelle boarded and took possession of a United States schooner, with thirty soldiers and a quantity of baggage on board, near Amherstburgh, with only five men in his boat. The States people were completely driven into a surrender, thinking themselves within range of the Fort. This event, by giving information of the enemy's design, was of the greatest importance. Capt. Muir of the 41st. was pre- paring cross the river and endeavor by every means in his power to retard the progress of the enemy, who were within ten day's march, with an army, magnified by report to eight thou- sand men. This is a most clear and unquestionable proof of the designs of the United States Government. The army above men- tioned, raised three months before war was declared, was un- der the eye and command of Major General Hull, Governor of 8 the Michigan Territory. These were to have been at Detroit by the time their plans were matured, and on the first intima- tion of war, to march over and take possession of Amherstburgh, and that before we possibly could have been prepared to receive them, pushed through the country to Burlington Heiffhts or Fort George, and thus accomplish their own measures. Happily their tardy movements frustrated these designs, and turned their mighty preparations to their greater discomfiture; as counter orders arrived to act only on the defensive, and protect our own frontier, before the St. George detachment left. The order was, fortunately, not extended to Capt. Roberts; who, shortly after, or about the time Gen. Hull invaded Canada, look possession of Michillimackinac, without the loss of a man. This acquisition, with the noble mo- tives by which Tecumseh was actuated, secured us the friendship of all the western Indians. About the beginning of July, the celebrated and magnanimous Chief Tecumseh, arrived at Amherstburgh, with about one hundred and fifty Indians of the Shawnee Tribe; and by his singular tact and address, soon gained over the Wyandotts^ which, with some others arriving, made a force of between five and six hundred. Self preservation is alone a suflicient plea for our having recourse to the assistance of those warriors. The weaker and invaded party is perfectly justifiable in resorting to every means in their power for defence. The natives had commenced hostilities against the whites some time since, and certainly every candid and unbi- assed person must say they had sufficient reasons for so doing, by the settlers unwarrantable encroachments on their lands and property. Every friend of humanity must deprecate the sav- age mode of warfare: to alleviate and restrain which, as much as possible, a grand council of war was held at Amherstburgh, where their Chiefs solemnly promised to abolish the shocking practice of scalping, likewise to save all prisoners that should fall into their possession. Part of the Grenadier and battalion companies being sent up, the regular ibrces of the right division numbered three hundred men. Nearly all the Militia were out, many of whom were deficient in arms, not more than three hundred were in the Fort, the re- mainder had retired to their homes. Capt. Muir, a most active and enterprising officer, was stationed at Sandwich, with a com- pany of the 41st., and a detachment of Militia, with which force he wished to make a defence, and if beaten, retire to Amherstburgh. He received an order from Col. St. George to retire on the first approach of the enemy, by which means General Hull and his army of twenty-five hundred men were allowed to land on our soil, without a solitary shot to celebrate the event. The first act fy la- e Mr k1 of tins General was to issue a proclaination, calliiiir upon the peo- ple to throw ofF their allegiance, threatenirinr all those found lighting by tlio side of a native with extermination. To carry his threats into execution, he said ho had four thousand men, which wero only the vanguard of a much greater force. AVith the cowardly and disaffected it had some weight, but only stimulated the brave and loyal inhabitants to a more determined resistance. On the enemies landing, on the 11th. of •Tuly, our advance posts wero withdrawn to the river Canard, within three miles ot Andierst- burgh, by which means the enemy had a communication open with tlie whole western district. The Fort could only communi- cate by water, or through a wilderness, to Long Point or Fort George. Col. St. George was severely censured by the country for retiring without a shot before the enemy. He likewise lost the confidence of his detachment by his irresolute conduct. Many skirmishes took place at the Canard, in which we were always successful. In one, thirty Indians drove one hundred and fifty of the invaders several miles — during the contest an Indian was killed and scalped by a United States Captain, who showed it in camp as a matter of exultation — the same officer was killed and scalped at Erownstown shortly after, for the Indians brought in the body, called a Grand Council, and produced it, retracting all former promises, and denouncing vengeance against those en- emies to whom the continuation of this horrid practice should be ascribed, as they certainly commenced it. Two sentinels of the 4rl8t. in one of those skirmishes stood to their posts till one was killed, having received four wounds; the other taken, after re- ceiving three. A plundering party of the enemy were sent to Beldoon, a settlement of Lord Selkii-k's, l)rought away several hundred Merino sheep, and every article they could get hold of: they were likewise sent up the river Thames to Dolson's, and McGregor's mill, and carried away a 'n;j ■ifff .i; LIGHT DRAG0t)NS SENT TO DETROIT IN ADVANCE OF THE (rOVERNOK, ':;j»' "s at GENERAL IJROCK. nl) .,"jV.' '; ifU, '■'> l^lsf . „'Tm , ; nt- ,t.> ■; );;.(' •i. (4 -^;.»,u;.. Hearing of Watson's conduct, on tlie 2^h. of July, I was sent up with a small detachment of Dragoons to take him if possible, and establish a communication witli Col. Proctor, who had a short time sinc^ superseded Col. St. George. We got intelligence of the party, but he made off half an hour before we arrived. Made 10 Allen and two nioi'cof his clan prisoners; had the mortification to find some people disaffected; returned with my prisoners to Fort George; met Capt. Chambers at Burford, with fifty of the 4:1st. on his way to Oxford, where our advance was to be kept. The enemy were expected on this route daily. General Brock was on his way to York at the time, I overtook him with a boat on the lake. Hearing of the very critical situation of the right, and knowing the importance of checking the enemy in time, he formed the resolution of attacking them in person, and driving them out of the country. I was sent back with twenty-eight men to join Chambers; I distributed proclamations to counteract the effects of Hull's, and ordered the Long Point Militia, under Col. Talbot, to join Capt. Chambers: the most of whom on thdr march refused to serve under him, from personal dislike, as they alleged, to the individual, and returned to Dover, the same place General Brock hvA ordered the boats and men from the frontier to rendezvous at. The York flank companies and Capt. Robertson's rifle corps marched from thence by land; likewise fifteen of Capt. Button's Dragoons to join me. I was purposing to go to Delaware with Major Chambers, on a scout, when he received intelligence of the Long Point Militia. We were immediately marched back to chastise those refractory gentlemen, and bring them to a sense of their duty. Most of the Oxford Militia volunteered on the occa- sion; on our arrival at Burtbrd a report was industriouslv spread of a party of United States Dragoons being in the neighborhood. After a ride of nearly sixty miles, found there had not been a man in the District, although a fellow made an affidavit he had seen them. On the 8th. of August, Gen. Brock and Staff arrived at Do- ver, the different detachments arriving the same night from Fort Erie with the boats for the expedition. His firet step was to send for the ringleader of thelast meeting, and send him. Squire Beamer, to York; on the 9th. he reviewed the Militia, and addressed them in a very pathetic and encouraging manner, commenting on the evil of having any disaffected characters among us, on whom he threw the reproach of the late disturbance; praised them for their alac- rity in coming forward so nobly at this crisis, said he placed the most unlimited confidence in tlieir loyalty and courage, expressed his determinatiou of proceeding to Amherstburgh and not returning till the enemy were driven from the country, and desired all those willing to follow him to volunteer their services. This short har- raiigue had the desired effect, every man volunteered. Unfortu- nately the l)oat8 could not carry more than four iiundred men; on hearing which, he told the otficers to select three hundred and fifty of the best men, which, with the fifty regulars, would be more than he wanted. That force was inarched down, embarked 11 the very same night, and arrived at Amherstburgh the 14th, Friday evening. This small force, with the General, gave new life to the worn out troops, who had shortly before been teaten at Maguagua; which, added to their excessive fatigue, served to de- press their spirits. In the beginning, of the mouthy the Indians surprised and defeated a body of the enemy at Brown's Town, opposite Amherstburgh, and took an Express giving an account of their destination, saying they would be in Detroit the ensuing we0k. A detachment ot regulars and Indians under Col. Muir, was defeated shortly after, by a superior force, with but little loss — ^the Indians behind bravely covering the retreat, and maintaining the unequal action for a length of time. Capt. Muir and Tecumseh were both wounded — our defeat was owing to Ool. Muir changing his position on the eve of action — from being cov- ered, our men were exposed in an open ground. The United States forces derived no advantage whatever from their victory. li. THB GOVBRNOB ABBIVBS OPPOSrEE DETBOIT, MAKES HIS PBBPABATIOKS, AND TAKES THB PLACE. On the arrival of General Brock the enemy evacuated Sand- wich; on hearing it he assembled the Militia, and told them that the pusillanimous conduct of the enemy, who abandoned their posts at the name of a reinforcement, made him desirous of removing the miseries of war to their own shores, and take them before they had time to reflect. They were all eager to follow when and where he liked. The enemy retired with a great quantity of plunder. Private property was very little respected; even one or two houses were burned, which they said was necessary for the defence of their works. On Saturday he marched up to Sandwich ; erected two batteries opposite Detroit; sent over a flag of truce demanding the surrender of the fort, magnifying our force; saying that motives of humanity, and to save the unnecessary effusion of blood alone induced us to make the demand, fearing the savages could not be restrained after taking forcible possession, &c. As was ex- pected. Gen. Hull sent for answer that he would defend while an officer was left to draw a sword; on receiving which, to let him know our threats were not idle, the batteries, which were just fin- ished, were opened on the fort and town. A warm and well di- rected fire was returned during the day, but little effect on either side was made. The boats and men arriving in the evening, orders were issued for embarking on the following morning at 5 o'clock. In council of war that was called, only Nichol and McDonald 12' Provincial aid-de camps, approved of tlie attack. At 5 o'clock on Sunday, the 16th of August, the batteries were again opened ;at the same time, the Indians, to the number of seven or eight hun- dred, under Col. Elliott and Tecumseh, landed at Spring Wells, two miles below Detroit, in a commanding position, entered the wood, and went in rear of the fort. Tecumseh extended his men, and marched them three times through an opening, in full view of the garrison, which induced them to believe there were at least two or three thousand Indians. The regulars and militia cross- ing shortly after, formed in open sections, and marched direct for the fort with the intention of gaining a ravine within two hundred yards of it, which would completely shelter them tiljl prepared tor the attack. ;:^-':r-tMfih^\< 'hi— Mi^rnoy/ iHinI ti^j^vr 'tmP":uii'yii^ bm: Although the enemy had two twenty-four pounders, double- charged, in a position that would rake the road every shot, our troops were allowed to march up, file off to the left, and cov- er themselves. A communication was immediately opened on our left with the Indians, by means of Capt. Robertson's Rifle Com- pany, (and two or three p^-isoners taken,) by which means the place was completely invested on all sides, the men were waiting to recover breath for the assault which was to have been on all parts at the same instant, when a white flag was unexpectedly hoisted in the fork Gen. Brock sent an aid-de camp to inquire the meaning of it; if to surrender, it must be done unconditionally a,nd instantaneously, or the assault would be made in five min- utes. The message having been so bold and decisive, the terms were agreed to, signed, and garrison taken possession of by our troops in thirty minutes. .-a i!'-! e-jov/- yyiii. .i'xiJtos oj otnj} Many causes combined to induce him to surrender so pre- cipitately. First, he could not | lace the least confidence in his troops from their former conduct. His own officers sent to reconnoitre magnified our force to very great numbers, thinking them all regulars; although we had but three hun- dred and fifty regulars and four hundred and tliirty militia, the vigorous measures of Gen. Brock led to a surrender. The garrison was crowded with troops, which after our gaining the ravine, were of no manner of use in repelling the as- sault; would only be in each other's way and increase the car- nage. To heighten the confusion, the women of the town, for satety, were allowed to enter the garrison. The savages were another powerful motive; had they succeeded, it would liave been impossible to restrain tliem. Our general liad got the range of the fort. Every shot, from their, being so nuich crowd- ed, had eflect. Where Ilull showed unpardonable neglect, was allowing our troops to land and choose their position, when one- i mm 13 half of his troops. ought to have annihilated them. Three hun- dred men would have been sufficient to defend the garrison; the remaining two thousand and two hundred men were diposable. As my detachment could not embark from Dover, it was sent by land to Delaware again to keep up the communication with the Westesn District. After an unnecessary delay at this place, were allowed to proceed on by Col. Tolbot, (under whose com- mand I then was,) to Sandwich, where we arrived the day after the fall of Detroit, much chagrined at not being up in time. It is easy to ima^ne the joyful and happy effects this unex- pected conquest had on the minds of the people. To see this ar- my that had so recently been the terror of the country, march- ing down, prisoners to so unequal a force. On the arrival of the vessels, the State's people at [Buffalo ran down to the shores to welcome their arrival. They imagined it was Gen. Hull with the garrison of Amherstburgh. Nothing could exceed their despond- ency at seeing them landed on our shores, and being informed of the event. Their only consolation was, in reviling meir unfor- tunate general, whom they accused of Brihery and Cowa/rdioe. They had reason to censure him for the latter, but more for mis- management. Thus fell the whole territory of Michigan, twenty-five hundred men, and an immense quantity of stores, by the prompt and vigor- ous measures of Gen. Brock. His presence being no longer req^uir- ed, next day removed to Amherstburgh, and returned in a birch canoe immediately for the Niagara Frontier, which was threaten- ed by Gen. Yan Kensselaer. He embarked for Kingston and re- turried to Fort George without a moment's delay. The manage- ment of everything at Detroit was left to Col. Proctor. Gen. Hull and the regulars were sent to Qubbec; the militia and volunteers were paroUed and sent home, which measure at the time was considered politic. "Were those men sent to Que- bec and detained till regularly exchanged, it would have been the means of deterring others from turning out. Many of those fel- lows were base enough to return before exchanged, in the en- suing campaign. ■\'r. ■■■' -•J f 1 > ( ■it.- - . I , , ; •( > ■ ' ' ' . ■ 14 h OHi^PTER II. I •• IK.i *:; *: MILITIA RETURN TO NIAGARA, FOLLOWED BY LIGHT DRAGOONS. . -J ''iM 1. .. .M •rlV. .f - ! .,•., ^. ;«■ On the 20th. the militia returned to the Niagara Frontier, es- corting the prisoners. My men were detained tSl the 7th of Sep- tember, collecting stores, flour, &c., about the country. Arriving at Fort George on the 15th, we found the enemy had collected a large force at Lewiston, N. Y., and Black Eock. It was obvious from their movements they meditated an attack. It was impos- sible to ascertain the point, consequently we were obliged to ex- tend our force along the whole line, which made the duty exces- »ively severe; patrols moving continually from Niagara to Queenston, and from Chippewa, with little intermission, to Fort Erie. York Flank Companies wero stationed at Field's Point. Two Flank companies 49th, and three companies of the 5th Lin- coln and 2d York, at and near Queenston; the remainder at Fort George and above Chippewa. Batteries were thrown up at every mile or tw6 from Fort George to Queenston, where a formidable one was erected half way up the mountain; at Scotts', left of Queenston and at Durham's. 'nt^^nLii;^ ■ii^.v.vwzuw u^ i>\iyi a■; * 'Hi. .tvrrj On the night of the 9th of October, the United States people succeeded in cutting out two of our schooners, the "Caledonia" and " Detroit," which had conveyed some prisoners from Detroit the preceeding day. A Capt. C, paymaster 4th regiment, and who was sent over on his parole, gave information of their defenceless state. u Col. McCoomb and Chapin, with three or four hundred men, surprised, and after a short resistance, took possession of them. The " Detroit" grounded on Squaw Island. The enemy aban- doned her, but we could not possibly get her off. After Lieut. Dantford 49th having made an unsuccessful attempt. Cornet Pelj^'Major^of Niagara Light Dragoons, made an attempt with seven or eight men; he gained the vessel, but the rapidity of the stream drove the boat to her stern, which exposed him to the fire of several hundred muskets within one hundred yards of 1« Squaw Island: he in the act of jumping in the cabin window was shot in the forehead. The boat moved off; nearly every man was wounded before they reached our shore. The Major received three wounds; the first proved fatal. This rash and fruitless at- tempt deprived the country of a gallant and promising young officer. • (ien. Brock arrived just as the enemy had fired the schooner, gave the oiSicers a severe reprimand for not keeping a better lookout, and returned.JCapt. Kolett and Lieut. Kerr, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, were taken in the schooners. .' r , . This petty afllair highly elated the enemy; and being the first advantage gained during the war, in a measure hastened and was the means of their discomfiture at Queenston; as Gen. Yan Rens- selaer says in his dispatch there was no restraining the men. Prom this till the 13th. small parties Of the enemy were continu- ally firing over the river at any person seen moving. A militia sentry was killed by this means on Queenston Heights a few days before. Capt. Dennis, 49th Grenadiers, commanded at Queenston; from the numbers on the opposite shore, he was confi- dent of an attack. Beacons were raised on the line to communi- cate with Fort George in a few minutes. At 3 o'clock, A. M., on the 13th of October, the enemy launched a number of boats, and embarked at the old Ferry House. The sentinels gave the alarm without challenging, the guard opened a spir- ited fire, and was shortly supported by the grenadier com- pany 49th, and part of two companies of militia, and Lieut. Ball, Militia Artillery, with two six pounder^, who disputed their landing with the greatest obstinacy. The United States forces at this period deserve credit for their persoveranc.e; although many of their men were slaughtered and one boat destroyed, they ef- fected a landing on their left under cover of the bank, as- cended a point of the mountain, and gained the summit unob- served, to the immber of five hundred men. This post was guarded by Capt. Williams, 49th light company, and one of the militia, who seeing their comrades so warmly engaged below, ran down to their assistance without leaving a guard at this invalua- able position. Owing to the confusion, the beacons were not lighted. A dragoon gave the alarm at Fort George. Gen. Brock galloped up to the scene of action followed by his aid-de camps; on his arrival the day began to break. Observing our sliells fall- ing short of the opposite shore, he rode up to the battery and ordered longer fuses. By this time Capt. Dennis had repulsed the enemy at all points below, killed a great number and made one hundred and fifty prisoners. All imagined the action was over, when the enemy were observed on the mountain within fifty yards of the battery. An order was given to retreat, our men 16 sibandoiied the battery, and escaped down tho mountain. Gen. Brock was assembling the grenadiers with an intention of charg- ing the enemy and retaking the battery, when a fatal shot pierced his breast; he articulated, '•''Piish on my hoysT and immediately expired. Lieut. Col. McDonald, his prorincial aid-de camp, and Capt. Williams, being joined by a few of the York Militia, gained the heights, although exj^osed to a galling cross-fire. At the same time a tew militia men under Lieut. Kobmson, attacked them on the Chippewa Road. The enemy thinking that Gen. Brock had rallied his forces, and was making a joint attack upon them, re- tired to tlie brow of the hill; and was on the point of leaving it, when observing some confusion among our men, occasioned by the loss of Lieut. Col. McDonald and Capt. "Williams; (the former, alter having his horse shot und^r him, was moi'tally wounded,) returned to the attack, and drove our small party back with loss. After the enemy gained the mountain, Capt. Dennis was under the necessity of leaving his post under the hill, which enabled the enemy to land without opposition. Our detachment withdrew after bringing the woimded to Durhams, where they collected the 8tragglei*s and awaited the reinforcements from Fort George and Niagara. They were soon joined by the detachment 41st and Flank companies of militia, who came double-quick march all the wav. For young soldiers, we had the tnost dismal prospects before us. The enemy were magnified to five thousand men, on a excellent position, and continually crossing the river without our being able to annoy them, the wounded meeting us from the field. Col. McDonald's stragglers coming in all mud and wet, very much fatigued; and lastly, the logs of Gen. Brock; he was said to be only wounded; too many were sensible of his death, which served to reduce them almost lo despair. In him we lost a host. Such implicit confidence was placed in his skill, bravery, and good judgment by all under his command, that led by him they were certain of success. To revenge his death, and make a de- termined efibrt to dislodge the enemy was the general wish and voice, although many thought it hopeless. . , ,, , , ., , ^, ENGAGEMENT ANJ) FINAL EXPULSION OF THE ENEMY. : ;; Gen. Sheafie arriving aosumed the command. Capt. llolcroft, of the Artillery, with a six pounder, advanced to Scott's battery with a company of militia to cover him. Morton, with about seventy Indians advanced to the mountain, drove in their .y«*EetoBj*»iS*~*w«(»i2:v: 17 flanking parties wiiicb were three times his number, and at- tacked their main body, which obliged him to retire a short distance with some loss. His advancing in this spirited man- ner was the means of preventing the enemy's sending out scouting parties, and enabled the main body of our troops to ascend the mountain unmolested. Gen. Sheafle made an oblique movement to the right, gained the mountain in rear of the Indians, marched past Ohisholms, and formed in Elijah Phelps' fields on Chippewa Road, where we awaited the arrival ot Col. Clark with militia, and^Capt. Bullock, with 4l8t, who had been order- ed down from that post on the arrival of the former. The line was formed; Indians on lert by side of the mountain; 41 st Lt. Com- pany left of the line; militia next; 49th in centre; militia again on the right; 49th Grenadiers led left Companies, the whole forming a regular line from the brow of the mountain to the Chippewa Road. Capt. Hall^ company composed the reserve. Capt. Bullock being rather tardy in his operations, the line was order- ed to advance a few minutes before he arrived. The States troops had possession of the wood, were likewise drawn up be- hind a fence, in all nearly a thousand men, greater part militia, with one field piece; to oppose which, we had nearly seven hun- dred men, mostly militia ; likewise a bad position, having to march up and dislodge them from the wood and fence, witnout any cover, and suspecting them to have four times our force. To counterbalance those evils, our men were under better disci- pline; were fighting in defence of their lives and property: and to stimulate their courage, knew the issue of this action, though tri- fling, would decide the fate of the Upper Country. Our first volley threw the enemy into confusion; we pressed on vidthout further giving them time to recover, and dislodged them from the fence, where they made a vigorous but short resistance. At this moment Capt. Bullock arrived on our right, and opened a sharp fire on their left. The enemy broke in every direction, and ran down the mountain in the greatest possible confusion. Many in their panic threw themselves into the river in the hopes of reach- ing the opposite shore. Numbers in the attempt found a watery grave. The loss in this action to the United States forces was, ac- cording to Gen. V^an Rensselaer's account, fifteen hundred men. Nine hundred and odd prisoners fell into our hands. The mili- tia, as usual, were paroled and sent back to their families; the regulars to Quebec. A cannonading was continued during the greater part of the day, between the two forts and batteries at Niagara with lit- tle effect. They burned the Court House early in the day. The activity of the inhabitants prevented the destruction of the town 18 Capt. Holcroft's conduct wa8 conspicuous during the action; be advanced to Capt. Hanailtoii's stone fence with his company, and kept up a constant fire on their boats during the action, altbough exposed to the fire of the enemies' long guns from Fort Grey or Grey's Battery. Every person did bis duty, and is equally enti- tled to credit, but I cannot forbear mentioning the exemplary conduct of Oapt. Samuel Hatt. On the first assembling of the militia, he came forward in the subordinate situation ot a Cap- tain, although one of the first and richest men in the country, and showed a most laudable example to his countrymen by par- ticipating with them in the dangers, and sharing the fatigues of the campaign. It would be impossible to describe the enthusiastic joy of our young soldiers at the moment of victory; to enter the action under an impression, if successful, of being killed or wounded, and in fifteen minutes to have all the enemy in our possession that were not killed, with the loss of only fifteen or sixteen of our comrades, was a most happy and agreeable disappointment. In a few moments after this excess of joy was turned to the deepest and most sincere sorrow, in reflecting on the irreparable loss we had sustained in the person of our much lamented gene- ral. The victory was acknowledged to be far too dearly won; his remains were taken to Niagara, and on the 5th were interred in the Cavalier Bastion at Fort George, together with liis aid-de carap Lieut. Col. McDonald, who expired the day after the action; the two coffins were taken from the Government House, at 11 o'clock A. M., and exhibited one of the most grand and solemn proces- sions ever witnessed in Canada. The States troops, to their hon- or be it said, fired a salute on the occasion. ^I wish here to pause and take a cursory view of the country oa the demise of Gen. Brock. Through his indefatigable perseve- verance and judicious management our small means were exert- ed to their utmost The militia of the country were harrassed as little as circumstances would permit. A deputy Commissary General arrived. Paper money was issued through a proper channel. By means of the lake, of which we had the entire com- mand, we were enabled to transport our troops from the different posts with little expense and the greatest facility; and had not the insidious policy of acting on the defensive been adopted by the Commander-in-Chief, every military post on botli lakes would have been destroyed long ere this. The Michigan Territory was in our hands. A great number of the Western Indians had re-inforced Col. Proctor, who was secure from any attack at that time. The enemy had a very small force at Sackett's Harbor, and below Kingston. The only part he nd or liti- ar- of 1^ we were seriously niennaced on was the Niagara Frontier, which the late action removed for some time. The Six Nations of In- dians at the Grand Kiver were very backward ; in short, would not take a part until after the capture of Detroit A few mareh- ed down after the place was taken with an intention of co-opera- ting with the army, and some with Capt. Norton before the at- tack. They all appeared at the time very zealous, and we had hopes from their late conduct of their affording every assistance in future. 1, , The U. States' people mpUed and obtained an unlimited armi- stice the day after the action. Gen. Sheaffe did not take posses- sion of Fort Niagara, although the enemy had nearly abandoned it on the 13th; each offer to give the other thirty hours notice before hostilities wero to commence; this only to extend to the Fron- tiers, by which means the enefciy were allowed to repair their works unmolested ; collect their forces at any point they chose and attack us in any other quarter; to guard against which, the whole militia of the country were called out en masse. They (^beyed cheerfully, but it was of short duration. Knowing their proper tv was going to destruction from their absence at this season of the year, aud not obtaining passes for any short time to see to it, most of them retired of their own accord. In short, this was the most ruinous policy that ever was or could be adopted for the country. The men seeing no prospect of an invasion, and not knowing how long the armistice would continue, [try, very naturally for them, to judge for themselves. The United States forces, profiting by our blunder, repaired their works, and made their arrangements for another attack in per- fect security, while we were undergoing the same routine of du- ty as formerly, and dreading the hour the armistice was to end. As nearly all the militia^ excepting the flank companies were ab- sent. >;■'— ..;^ . ,-, := -i..^..,,^,,-.-. y.i ,:..:,...,., ^^ ...y,..' In the latter end of November we were notified at Fort Erie that hostilities would recommence at the appointed time. As an attack was immediately expected, all was bustle and confusion. The militia were again ordered out en masse, and the usual activity again prevailing for a vigorous defence. Not to appear as unprepared as we were, a general cannonading was to take place along the line. It was continued without intermis- sion during the day between Fort George and Niagara with very little effect on either side. The United States forces endeavored again to fire the town with hot shot, but were disappointed by the activity of the inhabitants. Many houses were Injured. A tannery and brewery were burned near the river. Lieut. Col. Bish- op, Inspecting Field Oflficer Militia, arrived the preceediiig month; was appointed to command of the right of the line from Chippewa. l!!l 20 Ou the evening of the 28tli of November, the enemy lauded at Fort Erie, on Frenchman's Creek, with about three hundred and fifty men, infantry and sailors, under Oapt. King; surprised and made most of our guard prisonere, and after a short but spirited skirmish, succeeded in cai)turing our batteries; spiked the guns, &c. Owing to the unavoidable confusion in repelling a night attack from our scattered forces, the militia retired from Frenchman's Creek, leaving a few boats there unguarded. On the morning of the 29th, Major Armaud marched out of Fort Erie, made Capt. King and thirty-nine men prisoners; the re- mainder had marched down to Frenchman's Creek, and recrossed in the boats we left unguarded. We had two or three oiiicers badly wounded, and lost a few men in this nocturnal visit. Lieut. King, Royal Artillery, remained at his gun till mortally wound- ed and made prisoner; fired her once or twice after every man had left her. The plan of the attack was well arranged by the enemy, and as far ^s Capt. King, aid de camp, to Gen. Smith was concerned, most ably and nobly executed. He volunteered to land, capture the batteries and keep his posstion till the rest of the army fol- lowed. After accomplishing it, and sending back the boats, by some mismanagement, they were detained, and he left to his fate. On hearing of the attack. Col. Bishopp repaired to the scene with the militia from Chippewa; a part arriving at Frenchman's Creek at the break of day in time to repel a few boats under Col. Winder, who were coming to support their small party. They retired on the first volley. Gen. Smith in imitation of Gen, Hull, had sent over proclamations offering large rewards for hor- ses and Indian accoutrements, (not saying at once scalps,) and publicly giving out his intentions of conquering the country; the greatest activity prevailed in remounting and getting the guns in order for a better reception than the last. ,,,'» • On the morning of the 30th, the United States Army was col- lected on the opposite shore, and embarked in their boats to the number of four thousand men. A flag was sent over to demand the surrender of Fort Erie, stating their force, and saying resist- ance would ba useless. By this time we had four guns ready and six or seven hundred men prepared and willing to dispute their landing. Col. Bishopp returned a very polite message, saying he should have the honor of taking it by force of arms, not by ne- gotiating. Before the flag reached their own shore, the boats re- tired under Squaw Island. A too scrupulous respect for the flag prevented our firing on them. At 2 A. M. on the 2d of December, Gen. Smith again embark- ed his force with an intention of making an attempt befpre clo- )l 21 ied red sed but ked ling rom On 'Ort Biug the campaign, fortunately for us, Col. NichoU happened to >)e going the rounds, mistaking the hour, ordered the revielle to be sounded, on hearing which, Gen, Smith imagined we were on the alert and ready to receive him, quietly disembarked, and gave up the idea of taking Canada this year. Gen. SheaiFe would have abandoned Fort Erie, and made a stand at Chippewa had not Col. Bishopp and all his officers remonstrated warmly against it. Had the enemy gained possession of Fort Erie at this period it would have been impossible, with our small force to have dis- lodged them. Our duty was excessively severe, cold weather, and lying on our arms every night, being in constant expectation of attack till Christmas. Seeing no disposition of an attack, the militia were mostly all sent home. The Hank companies term of service expiring were dismissed with the greater part of Capt. Hamilton's Dragoons; a short respite were allowed them to indulge the pleasing satisfac- tion of naving cheerfully done their duty in defence of their country. Gen. Proctor hearing of the approach of the enemy, sent Capt. Muir with a few regulars and a body of Indians to attack Fort "Wayne, on the Miami River. On their arrival near the place his scouts fell in with Gen. Winchester's camp. His force being too small to make an attack, he made a precipitate retreat, destroy- ing all his amunition, &c., &c. Gen. Winchester taking courage ai his -retiring, moved on to the Rapids; and after Gen. Harrison arriving proceeded on to the River Raisin, after repelling a few militia and Indians, who defended themselves in the most gal- lant manner, and stockaded himself in a very advantageous po- sition. Gen. Proctor left Amherstburgh ; advanced quietly and attacked them at 3 A. M. on the 22d of February. They de- fended themselves with great gallantry until their general was taken, and five hundred killed and wounded; when the remam- ingsix hundred surrendered under Col. Lewis, and were sent t<> Fort George, and paroUed to their own country, excepting Gen. Winchester, Col. Lewis, Major Madison, and a few others. I regret to say that some unavoidable cruelty occurred after this action. Our army fearing the approach .of Gen. Harrison, retreated immediately to Amherstburgh . Some of the wounded were left in the house near the action. The Indians getting drunk, most inhumanly and brutally massacred them in cold blood; although the officers of the department exerted them- selves in an extraordinary manner to prevent it. This circum- stance has been very much exaggerated by the enemy; but a very few suffered, and those from being unable to proceed. This is the first instance, and I am shocked to relate it of deliberate murder by our Indians. The only thing that will in the least ex- tenuate it, is the conduct of some of the Kentucky riflemen, who were nearly as savage as the natives. In this action an office ren- deavored to murder Capt. Caldwell, after he had preserved him from the Indians. This was the last effort of the enemy on our right. Gen. Harrison retired up the Miami, and built Fort Mei^. Hitherto we had the undisputed possession of the lakes and re- mained in the most supine security not dreaming of a rival on that element; but we may observe as a e:eneral maxim, the great- er the power, the less vigor and energy displayed, Onr navy was placed under the command of Capt. Earl on Lake Ontario, and very much neglected. The enemy observing the advantages we derived from it, under the command of a most vigilant officer Commodore Chancey; built a new vessel, and refittea the small craft with the greater assiduity. In the latter end of .November they appeared off, and attacked the Royal George in the harbor of Kingston; owing to the lateness of the season they dreamed of no adversary from their superiority. Thus ends the campaign of 1812, most fortunate and glorious for our arms, and most destructive to those of the enemy; our own mismanagement or blunders turned out to our ultimate ad- vantage. Col. St. George's ill behavior at Sandwich was the cause of Gen. Brock going up in person, consequently the means of taking the army which otherwise would certainly have the up- per country. Sir George Provost was on the point of withdraw- ing the troops to Kingston, thinking it impossible to defend so large a frontier. At Queenston, had we repelled them in the morning their army would not have been captured later in the day; and they probably would have succeeded in the last attack, as our force was so very weak. We had two regular artillery offi- cers and part of a company to oppose three or four regiments of the enemy. Our inferiority ot force was sensibly felt. The greatest misfortune we experienced was in deaths. A very great number of the militia owing to the ^hard service, change of diet, &c., &c., were carried off very suddenly. We had long to regret the loss of Col. Butler, 4:th regiment, Lincoln Militia, and his brother, who diedNoveraber. During this quiet interval, every preparation was makingj for the next campaign, our small means would admit of. The Com- mander-inCiiief visited the frontier, and authorized the raising of one or two regiments of militia, to be incorporated to serve during the war, under martial law. The former was given to me; the latter to Capt. Swazy, who for his zeal and long services justly deserved it. A few captains / % 23 got tlie/r complement; the forces of militia, drivers, mn\ diugoous were c ompleted by the 25tb of Marcb. Capt. 0. artillery some time after; my quota was completed in a fortnight after receiving my recruiting orders, although I bad to encounter many jealous- ies and difficulties. Were all excellent men, but badly mounted and appointed. The President, n. Sheafte, removed liis head- quarter to York. Oen. Vincent eoiiunanded the centre on Niag ara Frontier : we wer*^ reinforced with the whole of the 49ni greiment at the latter end of last campaign. Part of the Glen Lt. infantry, two companies Royal Newfoundland, and part of the Kings* ariived in the beginning of April. No larger force could be spared from below. >ti ■' .i' » * , ' OHA^PTER III, APPOINTED TO RAIiE A TBOOP. On the 26th of February, 1813, 1 retired from the service with a strong desire never to re-enter it. I had some thoughts of ma- king proposals to raise a troop of Provincial Dragoons to serve during the war, as many of the men wished to join me. Major Glegg, Gen. Brock's aid de camp, appeared to be particularly anx- ious, promising to get me recruiting orders immediately; however as soon as he found my father and Capt. Hamilton had offered, he cut me, he wishing me to serve as a Lieutenant which I posi- tively refused. My father was the best courtier of the three; got the troop, at least w^s to have it, after he raised it which was un- der very disadvantageous terms. Neither Capt. Hamilton nor myself were anxious to get it, when we found the other had an idea of it. 1 went quietly home; entered into a contract for tim- ber, &c. Made more money in a week than 1 had during the war; was preparing to go down early to Montreal and bring up goods. After receiving the letter in September last had more con- fidence; was quite in high spirits, in fact; I had made a peace, the ensuing spring in my own warm imagination; however, the pleasing dream was of short duration. My father having undertaken it, and not getting on in the re- cruiting way as fast as he was led to believe, finding the fatigue and trouble more than he could well bear, got completely tired of it. Gen. Vincent, then commanding, selected me to raise a troop, as a corps of that description was very much wanted. Ac- 24 ■ 4 I ••, S:- corcliugly, on the 11th of March I was sent foi*, and iinding it impossible to remain at home and attend to any business whatev- er when the country was in danger of an invasion, I accepted of the appointment. My father whicli was more proper going home in my place. I was, as usual, promised every encouragement and assistance from every officer in command. The arrangement was previously agreed to by my Iktlier much against my will. The men had to iind their own liorses; very small bounty and pay, only fifteen pence for man and horse. The men to be regu- larly enlisted to serve during the war and subject to corporal pun- ishment. At the same time shere was a corps of lioyal Artillery Drivers raising. A company of incorporated artillery, and three regiments of incorporated militia, all on nnich more favorable terms than the (h*agoons. I was determined, liowever, to perse- vere if possible, since 1 had undertaken it. Mr. Ingersoll had been promised a Lieutenancy by my father; of course, he contin- ed. i promised ray friend, Mr. McKenney a coronetcy; he was a private in the militia dragoons at the commencement of the war; he was with me during the last campaign, scarcely a day off duty. By his merit ha was appointed gradually to the rank]|^of Quartermaster. I sent him to Fort Erie. Lieutf. Ingersoll to York, and Sergeants in different parts of the country, and I re- mained in Niagara and its vicinity. The first week to my great astonishment, passed twenty-five men; I was under the necessity of purchasing horses, &c. Was put to a very great expense. When ray General and others found I was thus getting on so well they threw every obstacle in my way. I iuid 4 or 5 men taken away and placed into other corps, the officers of which all con- spired against me; they were jealous of so young aman getting the command of a separate corps, by which means I doubled my ex- ertions; likewise my friend, Lieut. Barnard, Staff Adjutant to Col. Bishopp, enlisted two or three men for me himself and did everything in his power to assist me; likewise Capt. Hamilton and many others. My men came in so fast the General thought it was very easy getting them, and made many objections in pas- sing them, particularly the horses, which certainly were not of the best. It was very difficult getting young men to enlist as private soldiers .vho were able to keej) a horse. I conceived myself so ill used by certain officers, I was on the point of giving it up, af- ter nearly completing my complement. The men hearing it came tome, represented the situation they were in so foicibly, it was impossible to leave them. On the 21st, my different part- ners came in. On the 25th I completed the complement ol* two subalterns, Serg. Major, three Sergeans, two Corporals, Trumpeter and forty men, all tine, stout, able-bodied fellows. Was very i M )un- mach indebted to the exertions of Comet McKenney in raising them* Most oi' the otli^r • corps fell through, Gordon and my sister remained in Niagara. I stopped with them. The appoint- ments promised for the troop not arriving, they were in a sad condition.'^' My attention was entirely taken up in drilling and getting them in orden I was flattered with an idea of keeping them together and having an opportunity of their distinguishing themselves. They were no sooner mounted than they were dis- persed over the country in different directions. I meant to do ray duty, but gave up all hopes of doing anything with them. They were made post boys and orderlies, and to the very Gene- ral who hindered their formation. ■ »■ I JirjJju^Jii PREPARATIONS ITQB OPENING THE CAMPAIGN. :.... \< The enemy showed every demonstration of an attack on the Niagara Frontier. . They were building a large vessel at Kings- ton, another was laid down, at York, by which proceeding, York being taken ^ we iost her. ;. Sir flames L. Yeo arrived early in the season, with a chosen body of seamen to take command of the Lake; during this time the enemy were not idle. They built and got the decided superi- ority on Lake Ontario. To open the campaign a large force had collected at Fort Niagara and Buflfalo. Another at Sackett's Harbor, under Major Gen. Dearborn, which obliged ua to keep a large force at. Kingston for its protection as. that, we imagined would b^ the first point of .attack. i!-:: r '^ ' , . Seeing such vigor, in the enemy wo were obliged to redouble our eftbrt^. The ice went .off early in April. Part of the militia were^called out.;. Posts^ivere established along the Lake to Bur- lington. A respectable force kept at Fort Erie under Col. Bissell. A partial cannonading took place there on 3t. Patrick's Day 17th March ; very little damage done on either . sidCf ^:;(0n the ^ 7th e^-f April, the State's troops opened the campaign in earnest by attacking and capturing York. Our force was very smaU a^ 'hat post; fortifications not, wor|;h mentioning. Theen- ,emy, landed ,on the .riglijt.qf the garrison in a. wood. Were op- posed, by a few. militia- and . a , gren^diei: company, Kings, who ield the, groii^d till their fcaptAin and .every man was , kflled or woundpji,. except; fifteen .or ..t\\:enty m.en . out . of one hundred, and twelvf. ,. Jhey wer0 thefiratcotiiipany ia Qanftda. , G,^. Sh^vo^ iPailjtia^was ^eptwith. ft.^fewvof N^wfoyndliind, a^d, Glejjgaries. ,Di4^ not.ffet.,int«[,jljhftl.actioft».. After,. blQwiiig i?^ th«, nt^agazi^e, (w;hi0h,kin0d fruwpjjer /of tho.^pcipsiy,) Ge^V SUftw retired towards Ki^gf top^'iwvipg • tif ^w^, ^ J^^o tbei b^t teri»s ttey ,er proved my best friend; he was really and truly a good man. I was made a volunteer aid to Col. Harvey. The boats from Burlington were all brought to Fort George, mili- tia called out and a most vigilant lookout kept in all quarters. On the 2d or 3d, we were surprised to see the enemy's fleet ap- pearing off Niagara. Alarm guns were fired; all the troops and militia lying on their arms all night. After burning the r*arlia- ment, and every house or building in the shape of government or public they had evacuated the capital. I had the pleasure of riding every night up and down the riv- er with Col. Harvey. //W-eibund the dragoons now of service. There was a patrol every night up to Queenstown and back. Our horses were getting better, and the men received every encour- agement they needed, as it was impossible for the duty to be more severe. Some men were actually on picquet twelve to four- teen hours following. I had the cropped ear mare on trial for the sake of the former owner and had the greater regard for her. Many false alarms took place. '-'t i'*'*'- run ,.r r n.. .' On the morning of the 25th, they commenced cannonadinsr; burnt the barracks, &c., in Fort George, evidently their next point of attack. Every precaution was taken to prevent a surprise and repel an attack. Arrangements were made judiciously; unhap> pily our force was not equal to it. The right from Fort George to Brown's Point, just below Vroman's, was under the command of Ool. Harvey; left from Fort George to Four Mile Creek, now Laurensville, which is on the right, or Swamjp Road, under Col. Myers. The centre or reserve, under Gen, Vincent In rear of Fort George In different ravines, two companies, 41st and one of 49th and two of Newfoundland, were stationed on the righW- King's and militia on left. Either to be supported as oeoation might require by 49th Glengaries and* militia on nBferve. It was ir .\:- I impawibie for the duty to have been more severe than at this p^ iy.: '-ilf ^> 'rj'\.i'\\) ," !••''] fii >-n "j/jH/'^ 'iI;:M .■; r>(f': '•'!<.'(1 orr'> viiru ^'ff.v ' ■ •^' TAXIKO NIAOABA, the VOBlCltB CAPITOL. ' » f ^ • ' ^ /. . ..:..-■ . ... : ; '•: )7 1 'irnf .¥ ' '-r • On the 37tb, at 4 A. M., they were discovered approaching iis' Under a thick heavy fog, off the Four Mile Creek, outside in a number of boats, and leave in three brigades, covered by their shipping and Fort Niagara. Our left division was ordered back in a ravine, as the enemy completely infiladaded the plain and shore with shot and shells from the fleet and fort. 1 was sent up to rendezvous as the greater part of A. D. C. Harvey's Division was on the right. The log was so very heavy, we could not dis cover their movements on the opposite side. The General was apprehensive thev meditated an attack likewise on our right, by which means only the grenadier company, Newfoundland, was brought into action. Ot the right division, three companies Glon- garies, two militia companies, 6th Newfoundland were posted in advance to oppose the landing of the United States forces. At 9 o'clock^ they commenced landing at Crookston. The Ma- jor of our advance was killed. They were supported by the King's who suffered nearly as much, as the enemy had gained the bank on their approach. They were compelled to fall back on the reserve, which were posted in Gordon's Eavine. I was ' sent for the 49th, which was formed in the centre, our whole force not exceeding eight hundred men; we remained marching! and counter-marching, retreatinaand advancing, till the eneuiy had advanced nearly within musket shot, when a retreat was or- dered. The 24tli Provincial Battery was left by its oflicer after; firing one shot, by which means we were totally unable to annoy, them. We formea again at the barracks, near the Council House when I was sent to order down the light company of the King's^ > who, we understood, were, at the Eight Mile Creek. ^!f» i>. r : // On my way, I passed by old Mr. Butler's, Ball's and Servia'; r at all those places, the ladies and non-combatants of the town t had retired, likewise all the wounded that could get. away; it was ; really painful to see, and hear the distress of the women. 1 was stopped every few moments to aatisfy their inquiries as lo^ the satety of some husband, father, brother or son; the womeiK had collected in groups, in every public place through the coun-i In passing Shlpman*s at 1^ Mile Creek, I quieted tlie fears utH those for whom I had the greatest regard. I did not meet th&r 2& I '' \ i> s boats till I arriiredat the 20 Mile Greek|:althdttgii I baid to^Qinr' Bwer many questions to the diflferent people who stopped me.i A' was only one hour and a half goipg from Fort George to the 20 Mile Creek. After finding where the, boats were, J refurned to Shipman's, where I received a message to go to De Cews, to which place our ar- my had retHraed; directly after my leaving, the enemy advanced; Gen. Vincent, knowing Fort George not to be tenable, arid > -his force too small to risk an action, retired by -the way of Queenstonv Gordon was in the Fort, and had barely time to get out, when the State's troops entered. Cornet McKenney set fire to the stores, though he did not succeed in burning them* i « . mvjj ;. ft hi'.il'iWll ')ilT n^t.iT pII-mIh i.iif; Unh i\hW *iKio!ij> J '■'■iV RBTBKAT CONTINITKD UP TO BUSLINGTON— ^DRAGOONS NEXT TO B3N^- V-- t EMY. 1 ■ I ' i!,'.,.r.?.t.,,,. . fi;'i.wt/,iii' i'K.,. ; lJ^,,JKrli'■^ni VntH «Vi«:i*>iii<-Ujtiii \-.i\-: i.. .Jt •■f!<-f(, 'lU: U'HdV/ Col. Bishopp from Fort Erie was ordered to join us at De Cews with the men on the frontier, after destroying the stores. Next morning. May 28th, we were joined by all the nailitia of the country, who expected, now that our force was concentrated, that we would give them battle, and prevent their penetrating into the country; to our great surprise and annoyance an order was' issued for all the wagons to be impressed, and the army to re- treat to the 40 Mile Creek. As many of the militia as chos^ to follow might, the rest were at liberty to return to their families. I strongly suspected from the indifferent manner in which the- militia were treated that part of the Upper Province was to be abandoned, which opinion was entertained by most people. A great many went home, but the greater part went on to the 40 Mile Creek, trusting a stand would be made there. - . ^ I felt in a sad dilemma. The thought of abandoning t^e country, and leaving everything that was near and dear to me, was most distressing, still more so, the unhappy situation of my family, whom we left totally unprotected. My father knowing the insults he would be subject to if he remained, determined to' follow the army. ^ For me there was no alternative, or I would certainly have re- - mained behind to protect my mother and sisters. In the after- noon I went home to get the remainder of my kit, as most of my things had been taken by the enemy at Fort George. A sad and • distressing scene, I witnessed on my arrival. Mrs, Adams and family had heard of Mr. Adams being killed and were in des- pair; every other family, in parting with their relatives, gave> I * them oviep as lo^t. This neighborhood, i^eta^ted < witiv ik'6 ktihy almost to a man; in the evening I took leave and^ fbUo^d OQ, and overtook Gen. Vincent at the 40 Mile Greek, where I learn- ed we were to retreat on to Burlington Heights. The militia had no encouragement to follow, as thej were giv- en to understand the army would not stop until thej arrived at Kingston. Early in the morning of the 29ih; I was sent out to recotinoitre and find out how far the enemy ^ad advanced. Sending my horses to the i-flar 1 pressed others to 'go on^, having a party ot ten men. On my arrival at 12 Mile Creek, 1 found some of the ene- my had proceeded to De Cows^ with 40 to 60 horsemen. - At Shipman's I found that the enemy had not advanced with any large force; I returned to the 20 Mile Greek and sent a f«w men on in advance; I went home by the Lake road, where I had the satisfaction to find that Mr. Adams was not killed but wound- ed, and was in a fair way of recovery: I persuaded my father to return home and take care of the family. I remained till mid^ night, and then took leave, returning to the 40 Mile Greek; I re- ceived' an order to remain there with a few militia m«n and my dragoons, until we were driveii away by the enemy Who had pushed forward precipitately. A flag of truce came np; Major Pickney, Gaptains Armstrong and Furguson detained them for a time; as soon as they left, I received intelligence of the enemy's approach. '-■■■ '•■ -■-' -.•-:;!...■ '■■:■■'■' ""■' My videttes were driven in from tbe 20 Mile Greek' early in the morning; in the afternoon, the enemy advanced within three miles of me. A party of twenty or thirty horsOmOn came on to the 40 Mile Greek, which obliged me to retire on our advance' to Stoliey Greek; by this time I was completely knocked up; so were both men and horses, having been deprived of sleep and rest for six or eight days; . ^i, . ... On my joining the main body at Burlington, a relief was sent in my place, taking up my quarters at Barton to recruit; my sis- ter Mrs. Gordon came up and joined the army with her husband. It was a seasonable reinforcement lor me, as x was generally pro- vided with good quarters when she was present; i'' ' >»'v>'»'^ *"i i ^ The enemy kept pressing on; on the 5th and 6th of Ji/ne, tbfey drove in our piequets as far as Aikman'S; on the 6th I dined with Gordon, who was stationed at Dundas. After returning to my quarters, I was ordered to fall in with themaiu'body atBamards; here' the troops were formed in order of battle^ expecting the ene- my every moment Col. Harvey abd Comet McKetmey went on in advance as far as Davis'; made one Or two prisoners aiiilT Jf; ItovJiTi' Y'iilJ Iff'Mr qi.iUj JO'' Mno7/ vnrir. '>il> h«5/:t>;'fjiMUJ <'t iio MV' George, an Ensign in the militia, suggested an attack on them in the camp. Ensign McKinney suggested the same and claims the priority. Goi. Harvey approved (^ the plan, and on his return from reeonnoitering, proposed it to Gen. Tincent, who after a little deliberation carried it into efieot; most of the officers were lying on the grass, some of whom were fast asleep, nayself among the number. „ / . The order came to move forward; we had to mardi six miles beibre we came up to their picquets; our force consisted of 500 men wi.^h one field pie^O. in t^e rear, which ^as of po^maoner, oC AH, my hopes depended upon this bold enterprise^ for had we not attacked them, they would have advanced the next mornings and in all probability, we should have retired without risking ao action, as our force was not one-third of theirs; Proctor and the whole Upper Country would have fallen. On our arrival at Davis', we heard a report of a gun from: their picquet: the detachment halted, formed into sections, and: the loading drawn from each gun. The light companies of the 49thKings were in advance. Gen. Vincent and stafij at the head of the column In their rear. u;: I was attached to him for the night. The enemy were encamp^ ed on Gage's fields in a very advantageous position; 2,000 men- on the hiU to the right of the road;. 500 in a lane oi^ the left, in advance of their artillery, which was situated on a hill directly in front of the road that our troops must come; their picquets nearly half a mile in advance in the woods. These we made prisoners, without giving alarm. Onourentmng the clearing, we were fired on by the second picquet,. who were more alert.: The 500 on our left, were the first that were discovered. Gen- Vincent ordered a charge immediately; our men set vj^ a tremendous shout, which continued along the whole line, aptlvfas the cause of throwing the enemy into the gveatest disorder and' confusion imaginable* Our two ligib^ companies of the 4$!th. routed the 500 before the main body had time to come up. GoT': net George, v^a^j^y my side, aiid told me the fight was over and the yictpnr ours; I happened to cast my eye around aud discovr. ered the fires of the main body which I shewed him. Col. Har- ( . SI ■ l> r ▼ey and the officers were using every exertion, to get the men formed, when the enemy opened a most tremendous fire on us from the hill; likewise opened from their guns-. ' »irtJ. *'* ?*» i'lr; m Our men were dispersed in every direction, and had not Col. Penderleth charged and captured their guns, with thirty men, w6 should have been completely defeated; I never heard so rapid a discharge of musketry; the hill was a continual sheet ot fire; however, after capturing their artillery, and both their Generals, they thought proper to retire off the field. »« »^» bii>ofi''f>fi^ '»7i!ii At the appearance of day light, we followed their example, fearing when they discovered our tbrce, they would renew the at- tack. After we left the field, Col. Harvey desired me to return and if possible find Major General Vincent, supposed to be ei- ther dead or wounded; whilst I was looking over the dend and wounded, not thinking of the enemy, 1 was challenged by a sen- try under old Gage's house. I was on the point of surrendering, as my pistols were both in my holsters, when I adopted the strat- agem of enquiring " who placed him there?" and rode up to him; he, by my blue military coat, took me for one of hi« own party and answered his Oaptain who had just go le into tlie house with a party of men. I then en(juired, if he had found the British General, and pull- ed out my pistol, which made him drop his gun. At that mo- ment a man without any gun ran down the hill; I called him; he came — when I had the good fortune to secure both and bring them off; by my dress, they took me for one of their own officers; that stratagem had succeeded once before, or I should not have thought of it. i-iiuiSi;;>^ ij.i.i v^liv!: '5w; •i>'iir*i)Jbi-'fi'ii ;li-:7;It \;hU n^ilv/' ('^Viu[ mw»> M Hit ht.' AEMY BEtUBN— -DRAGOONS IN ADVANCE.i' " * ■ i-6i*v*c% um m una ihm^a i -^ liie enemy kept yery dose in tbdr entrenclimenb uittil ti^e 32 •% lOlJi. Hearing of my beifig in the neighbbrbood with only ten men, they sent a party to make us prisoners. On that evening I heard by a man who came out of their camp, that one hnndred riflemen and a party of horse, were under orders for the 12 Mile Creek. X remamed the night betbre at Butler's, rode up to Ship- man's; &U iu with Captains I^orton and Kerr with about thirty Indians. '-.^ iii^iii!).-. . hva lu.l ••tii ;•/•);-,■■• lo f>!:,i!{i!'>''*if» We laid in ambush for them in the Pine Woods, and would have succeeded in routing them, had it not been for bad man- agement. I took the precaution to send the dragoons ahead in different roads to prevent tbe enemy coming upon us by surprise. They were to decoy them on until they led them to the ambush where the Indians lay; as they were not expected until the eve- ning, Capt Kerr and myself went to old Dittrick's to take some refreshment. Capt. Korton followed with all the Indians ;Ilike- wise had recalled the dragoon from the middle road, and sent him to 10 Mile Creek where there was one already placed. On lieai^in^ which I returned immediately, and was galloping up the hill, when I heard the State's bugle sound a halt; in another min- ute wonld have been among them; I had merely time to wheel my horse and ride over the creek, when a party advajiced to the bridge. ■,....•.•..■.,. .. . . ,. • ...• : , The eneriiy had unfortunately come up the road where there was no lookout,, and made the dragoon prisoner stationed at Ship- man's, likewise one on the Lake Koad, and one on the 10 Mile Creek. The ttvo latter were riding back to the very ambush, where they: had le& the Indians, which the State's troops had ta- ken possession of. ,.. .1,1-nnfi' They hailed; one answered a dragoon, thinking they were his own party, when they fired; he returned two shots and surrender- ed; his companion took to the woods and escaped. On my re- turn to Dittrick's, Captain Norton was to go round and attack them in the rear. I was to keep a sharp lookout in front; after hearing a dis- charge, I was to advance and meet them; I went, on to Hainer's Hill, and sent an old woman over to reconnoitre and ascertain their number. She was detained; but by. an excellent stratagem she got released; she told me their, situation, and. there I wm Anxiously waiting at my post until 3. o'clock in \the morning wil;h- out bearing the signal shot. I .returned to.> Ditferi^^'s and, tbuod part of, the Indians, whom I had lett there. . Qapt. Norton was 'ccffj nobody knew where^, with the . remainder, ,. I .returned to the 20 Mile. Greek, to give Major Dennis . th« necesaa^-y. inf()irn?fttia(L I found him in full retreat from H0m;yf«, AtQ*p$ain,Sf>rt)»ii>,hAd ^a;ii|>iindirepearta^ Ijje ^e?»y.wew<^d^8^©(np^ M^i^ It-. 38 ;!('' ■>/■• f _ ' ♦' J ^ ' < .' ; I I ■ , t , « i ' » , *. " ' ■ . I ■ < I . Tbey cikme to Shipmau-s — made my three men prisoners — but' could gain no information of me, or anything material. They • searched Chisholm's, went round to my father's — searched there — » and after frightening the women returned to Fort George. ♦ Mr. Tolman was their guide. I sent a man to my father's the < same night, who told him they behaved very well wherever they > stopped to search. On the 11th of June, I returned to my old 1 station, shifting about every few hours. On the 12th, early in ^ the morning, 1 had been out on the diiferent roads, but could ' gain no information of importance; returned to Shipman's at 12 ^ Mile Creek, and went on over to Dittrick's with four or five men to get a sleep, as we were all up the night before. J I left a man on Hainer's Hill, who was to ride down across the • meadow by the barn, if anything transpired so as to give us ' timely warning..,;}; -h) Misur iw ^ni ot ^j'irn-i". ;j-'>ti3V'iv^ I sent another man to DeCoos, being apprehensive, they would ■[ come round about that way and surprise us. We were joined by ^ ECainer, Clendenning, and a few of the inhabitants who were very active. Our horses were in the bam feeding and we sleeping by ^ their sides. One man on the lookout. About 3 o'clock he dis- ■'' covered about thirty of the enemy's cavalry at the heels of my ' dragoon, who saved us by his prudent management. ;u^j>i i*^- ''J^'* On his discovering them, he rode down the hill, found the bam fence up; returned to the place he left, by which time they were'^ in gunshot. On their rising the hill, they gave him the start — '^ halted — hallooed, and faced about, which was the means of their ^^ bringing up — thinking there was a party in the rear; this gave '^ ns time to mount and be off*, i bun i»ui! yinjaonf \o 'yri^^it^nrnm^n He then took up the mill road, which drew their attention -^ from Dittrick's. I crossed the creek by Gamble's, and went up *^ to Brown's, where we were within five minutes of falling in with *» the party from DeCoos. As I suspected — they had sent two ^' parties, who were to meet at Shipman's, thinking all within that >'' compass was their own, taking the road by Beamer's and Dow's, '^ They had already poesewion of the other road, as far as the 16''* Mile Creek. We fell in with one of their scouts, who took us for ^^ United State's troops, and gave us every information of our own^^ array. He was rather surprised, at my making him a prisoner,''^! and sending him to our main body at Burlington. On the 16th,'* Fitzgibbon came down with his party. Our advance pnsbed on ^ to the 10 Mile Creek, which gave my men very great relief, as it '^ was too confined, tor the troop between the two armies, no field to act on, the mountain, where Fitzgibbon remained ii^ith his par- 7? ty, was the only desirable grot^nd. Comet McKehn^y was at-'>^' tached to him with a few Dragoons. It lii 1 '? 84 The service had been so very severe prior to this, that our horses were completely used up. Captain Hall arrived with a party of 19tb Dragoons, which were likewise a very great relief. Colonel " Bishopp commanded the advance — head quarters at the 20 Mile Creek. Major DeHearn was at the 10 Mile Creek with 200 of the 104th, and 300 Indians, principally Coughnewagas, who had arrived from their settlement near La Chine, in Lower Canada. He ■' left a strong picquet on the lake shore road, his right being at Tur- ney's Cross Koad, near the Gorman meeting house. Fitzgibbon*s ' head quarters were at DeCoos, on the mountain, although he was always on the move, and never sleeping twice in the same place.;- The Dragoons kept patrolling from the German meeting house " to the lake. Circumstances that had ever been fresh in my ^* memory were the means of giving me a perfect knowledge of ev- ery by-road in that part of the country, which proved of the greatest service to me on many occasions. On the 19th, Fitzgib- bon heard of Chapin's party being on the way to Chippewa from Fort George. ;7 On the 2l8t in the afternoon, young Barnard, Staff Adjutant to'^ Col. Bishopp, Fitzgibbon, McKenney, Cummings, and myself, \^^ with one Dragoon, were Bent to the Sugar Loaf, or rather r*oint Abino,for Mr.Tice Horn, as information had been lodged against him for giving information to the enemy. The enemy were then in possession of Fort Erie and all the country about Chippewa. We arrived at the mouth of Lundy's Lane at 9 o'clock m the evening, and were near being fired on by a party of the In-''^ habitants, who were skulking away from the enemy. Chapin*'* had passed down that way an hour before. We were therefore' apprehensive of meeting him and his party on our return. It commenced raining, and continued so all night. At 2 in the morning we arrived at Horn's, surrounded the house, made him and one of Chapin's party prisoners. We could with difficulty mount or dismount our horses, the night was so cold, with the rain, we were all completely chilled through. We returned to - i the 12 Mile Creek by 9 o'clock the next morning, having execrtte<^' /^ our mission. I went to the 40 Mile Creek that same evening to^' make out our muster roll against the 24th. I always remained-' at Mrs. Lewis's at the 40 Mile Creek, as the Nellis family were crowded with every officer that could find accommodation. Capt.'^^ Hall was sent on with a part of his own any ray men to DeCoos. /'; I had a good rest for two days, which was very desirable, as I not; two nights regular sleep since Ihe 6th inst. - On the 24th Col. Boastlar came out to endeavor to take Fitz- ' gibbon. I^ehad about 600 men, including Chapin's party; suf- iicf^^l^ ^^re, ^ say, that he got caught in the trap he. intended for I 'Ib ^rsea y of onel ' ^ile Oof • had He Tur- ^ )on*8 was ace. ;' ouse ' my ' f ev- ' the zgib- ircm nt to ' yself, ^ . oint ' ainst then ' >ewa. n the ; le in- '^ lapin ; •efoi'e' ' Q the > him ^ culty h the }d to Jilted tig to lined were Dapt. Dooa. , as I I 'viii fa Fitz- ^ ; auf. '^ ! the other; but 6 men escaped, Totman was one. At 11 clock we heard of the enemy advancing. I was ordei^^d on w.ch my party to reinforce the advance; on onr arrival at the 20 Mih Greek, I had the satisfaction of hearing that the detachment wer all made prisoners. I got down in time to form an escort to take them on to the 20 Mile Creek. Early next morning we were all sent to DeCoos, and patroled from thence to the lake. Nothing material occurred for a few d^ys, but slight skirmishing on the Swamp Road. ''" """ "" '"^'^ '""'- ' ■ * * '"'" ' .', Capt. Karton, who commanded the Indians, humorously obser- ved on the battle of Beaver Dam, **the Cognauaga Indians fought the battle, the Mohawks got the plunder, and Fitzgibbon got the credit." There evidently was some jealousy between the Cognauogas and the Six Nations Indians, for the greater part of the former returned home to the Lower Province a few days after the suc- cessful battle, which was a great loss to our cause. Gen. Vincent moved on the army to the 12 Mile Greek, (now St. Catharines,) taking up his head quarters at Squire Adams's homestead. On the 29th we were badly alarmed at DeCoos by a report from the Doctor that the whole States' army was advancing by Queenston and Chippewa Roads. "We were all drawn up nnder the com- mand of Col. Dennis of the 49th, in order of battle, expecting them on momentarily. I was sent ahead to reconnoitre, with a few men; the report had spread to every house; the people were all at their doors looking for them, each saying they were at their neighbor's house. After feeling my way as far as Kilnian's along by-roads, a fellow told me they were at McCartey's, for he had seen them. After cautiously appronching the the house through the woods, I found they bad not been there; 1 kept on to Knojc's, when I heard they were at the village of Saint Davids, crossed over to Smith's — found they had not left their entrenchments. On Ist July our advance was pushed on to St. Davids. On the same day, or rather evening, I was sent to Fort Erie to bring down Mr, Hardison, who was accused of adhering to the enemy. I arrived at Winterraute's at dark, and found a party of the enemy were at the Ferry. As I had but three men, I was under the necessity of avoiding them. I got round by the woods, made Hardison prisoner, and returned by the same route. I got lost and had a deal of trouble in.gettingback, as my guide, whom 1 had placed as sentry, had ruiri away on discovering a man or two, and hearing a shot. I rode all night, and returned to De- Coos at nine in the morning. I took a nap, and in the afternoon went over to the 12 Mile Creek, where Mr, Hardison, whom I had brought prisoner, was Uberatod. Here I was presented to Major- 86 General DeRottoo burgh, who had aiTi^^d to take the command of tlie army, as well as being President of the Province. He brought with him a very great name, so that we ex|)ected he ^ would do wonders — in fact, he did nothing. . . |^ . ' i\ r »S . On the 3d was my birth day, of ray twentieth year. My kind mother liad provided an excellent dinner for me and a few friends. , I was sent with a flag of truce, in company with Major Fulton. 'Our advance pickets on the lake road were at the Ei^t Mile Creek. Near the Two Mile Creek weM'ere met by Major jForsyth and his Riflemen. He abused us in a most scurrilous manner, ,made us prisoners, and marched us into their pickets at Secord's, .where we remained for two or three hours on hoi-seback, although the family wished to pay us every attention in their power. Major Fulton insisted upon giving up his sword, and remain- ing a prisoner, but they would not receive it. He called an officer, ^ud begged him to notice what had passed. . We were liberated, and returned and dined with the Rev. Mr. , Addison, at his house on the Lake Shore. We sat with him till ' near night, when we galloped back to the Twelve Mile Creek and , made our report to General de Rottenburg, wlio forwarded it to General Dearborn, at the same time saying, unless Major Forsyth's conduct was taken notice ot^ there would be an end to all com- , innnication between the two armies. 2 .The flag was sent in by one of my corporals ; an answer was , sent back in a few days, saying he had been dismissed the service .for some time. Major Forsyth was shot at Odell Town, in , Lower Canada, by a skirmishing party. On the 5th, one hundred and forty Indians from the west came , down, under the command of Captain Elliott Blachbird's party of Ottawas. The Indian^ vvith us saluted them on their arrival .muign State. ^ ,,^1^,^ -.^^ B%fi[\r/ inU U; -rwir o;>,if hnj^,.! J f! ufv? A* [.,.. V V J f » '-* -• » -•• S^BMISU WITH INDIANS ON EXPEDITION FOB EECOVERY OF MEDICINE. Y On the 6th I was sent down to discover whether the medicine that was deposited at Cassel Chorus', near Niagara, remained safe. I went by the way of St. David's ; Captain Hamilton, Jarvis, ' McKenny and Ball joined me. We converted it into a party of pleasure, instead of danger, taking it by turns to reconnoitre and 'find out the coast was clear. A small party of States troops had just returned from Mrs. Fray's, 'it the cross roads; we took bur dinner there a^d went on to Choruses— found all safe. The ' States picket was at the end of the lane; we made a dash up jQit,a8if with Aeinteptioftof charging t\m\ they rft» before .37 land He lie Ikind inds. ilton. I Mile iner, )rd'8, kough .f. v» we came witL - n gunshot. They had detained two women, Mm. Cain and her daughter, who came off in a verv great iright, fear- ing they might be re-taken. Ilumiltou and McKenny took thorn up behind tl' ni and galloped off. A few minutes after, out came two or three uundred dragoons and infantry, when we make off. They plundered the far^ns within their reach, and then went back. We went n ind the Lake Eoad, and spent the afternoon with the ladies »t ^ . McNabb's, Miss Symington, Crooks, and most of the ladies uud rendezvoued tliere — returned to the 12 Mile Creek in the evening. Next day the Indians were sent to the 10 Mile Creek, with directions to move under Captain Norton's orders. At 2 o'clock next morning, 8th of July, they were to place themselves inthe woods fronting Ball's, in order to cover me in getting off the medicine, having received orders that night to accomplish it, if possible, as it was of the utmost importance to tbc army at this time. At the dawn of day, I went down to the 10 Mile Creek. No pei*8on knew of Indians advancing ; no waggon provided ; every thing in the greatest confusion. I got a detachment of King's Regiment, went on the Swamp Koad, and sent the waggon by Saint David's. We did not reach the spot till near 8 o'clock. Had the medicine chest dug up, loaded and sent off, before I learnt Norton was in the advance — sent the soldiers back with the waggon. .,,, u4 ...,,, , Lieutenant Collis, of the King's, the subaltein and myself went 'over to Squire P. Ball's, and partook of an excellent breakfast with the ladies, and then went out to the main road to find Mr. Norton. The instant we arrived, the scouting party had com- menced skirmishing. Collis returned to his men. Mr. John Ball and myself were the only whites present, except John Law, a boy 13 years of age, whose father was made prisoner dangerously wounded on the 27th of May at Fort George. His elder brother was killed in the same action ; seven balls passed through him. This little fellow was determined to revenge the loss his family had sustained, and would not be persuaded to leave the field, till his mother, after the fight was nearly over, came out and took him away in her arms by Ibrce. '• '^'^^^ >■ '-r^w^y mi ^Timi^^ t;:: "-jn^ « nutJi" . We were anxious to get awiiy, as we were both mounted and had no guns. Whenever we attempted it, the Indians followed. As we had come to where we had no business, we were under the necessity of remaining and sharing their fate. We were provided with a couple of red coats which had been left with Mrs. Laws — a necessary precaution to prevent being shot by our own Indians. W§ roip QB » ^vftftoe, 4»4 tl^en jretr9St9<}, eBdeavonog to briog -11 'i^ the States' troops oat, as the Indians were very anxious to meet them, -v'^ -■■■}^ \y^ ■'■' '- ''v/-'-'';7 ^'" " ;-;-'^-->''V'' }!^ .-i^-v^-iu.../ _ At length, abbnt 500 infantry, with a few dragobhsj caine otit. As soon as they made their appearance, the greater part of otir Indians returned to the woods by Choruses, which Was far the best position. Aocordingly we followed them, and lined the front of the woods and edge of the road. The enemy came on within 300 yards of the wood, when a party of dragoons mavie a charge. We were readj' to receive them t)ut, at a few yards distance they wheeled about and went back. A few of bur foremost men gave them a shot, which the States troops returned at 300 yards dis- tance, which gave our men courage to advance. We had but 60 men near us ; the rest were half a mile in the rear. Ball and myself dismounted and urged them on. As the States men perceived we were advancing in earnest, they retired very pre- cipitately. As soon as the Indians saw this, they all ran on, shouting in the most hideous manner. A party of the enemy, consisting of two officers and 60 m^n, were sent out from Mrs. Butler's, on Ball's Road, with an intention of flanking us. I pointed them out to the Indians, who ran to the right, and completely cut them oft' from the main body. Only seven of them made their escape. SirJi> 5»?vrio ©un>jf.}»sni m\i \>nU 1 gained my horse, left oft" the pursuit, and turned mj whole attention to the prisoners. The first one or two were brought out from the wood, at the end of the Lane, by Blackbird, the Indian Chief, who threatened them with instant death, accompanied with gestures not of the most agreeable or pleasing description. I rode i up between them, and was very shortly threatened myself for interference. The poor devils were crying and imploring me to save their lives, as I was the only white man they saw. After getting an interpreter, they promised the lives of the prisoners should be saved, and would only frighten them a good deal, to prevent their coming again. I made a solemn vow, if a prisoner was killed, never to go out with an Indian again. Fortunately, all that were taken were mercifnlly treated, except Adjutant Eldridge. the officer who forfeited his life by firing at an Indian while a prisoner. During the whole of the affair, the ladies were eye witnesses from J" and P. Ball's windows. We had two Indians, wounded. The United States loss was 60 killed and taken prisoners. Our Indiana followed them to But- ler's Meadows. Directly after, the States men marched out nearly their whole army. We quietly retired within our pickets. For this rencontre, I was mentioned in general orders, and got much more credit than I deserved, as I was most completely drawn into it, against my will. Mr. Ball was taken no notice of, , Sd leet lotit. oTir jbest it of 3C0 We they ;ave dis- it60 and men pre- on. because he was a volunteer. I was rather flattered by this mark of distinction, conscious the service had been well performed. Although I had many zealous friends, yet jealousy and envy will ever follow a young man if he obtains notice. 1 was then only 20 years of age. I most cordially and honestly confess that my frst and only design in entering the situation I now hold was a desire of serving ana defending my country, and not from any motive of military ambition. j. General de Kottenburg lived at my father's ; the house was ■ open for every body during the remainder of the campaign ; there never were less than 10 or 12 people constantly in it. .,h|r r>ft/. The Indians about this time were particularly troublesome iii,, 5 the neighborhood where they were encamped at the 10 Mile Creek. I removed to that station with the greatest part of the troop, which kept them in check. HBADQUABTKES REMOVED TO ST. DAVIDS. T ' V"4"»^ /^^ -'^ ;iiiiti«iji:'!ni: r ili Shortly after, the head quarters of the army were removed to St. Davids, our army occupying the Four Mile Creek road ; the left at Servos on the Lake ; picket near a mile in advance ; centre on j the Swamp Koad. Those positions were entrenched. Thepickotjj. in Ball's fields, with the American sentry within sight; our left,!i were at St. Davids— a very strong picket at Queenston Heights, 'j. My troop was ordered on to St. Davids. ^l 1 remained at Mr. Smith's, an excellent quarter, with but very, little to do, as the skirmishing was altogether at the cross road. I ■ frequently visited Mr. G. Turneys, as I used to the Colonels while I was at DeCoos. Miss Nancy was the only young lady who., J, seemed happy to see us to tea ; she was a constant attendant a>ilt,H Mr. Eastman's lectures. Whilst at Mr. Smith's I was takeiv^^ sick, which, however, only lasted a few days. /j . On the 20th, a troop of the 19th Light Dragoons arrived, and I f, "| obtained permission to go down to Montreal to fetch up the ap pointments that had so long been promissed my troop. The mea,, -i were nearly naked — many deficient in saddles and bridles — andj / were made complete post-boys of. They did their duty in the ; most patient manner, although thev were sadly abused. On the, [[ 26th they were inspected by Captain Hall, Inspector of Cavalry. I obtained the most flattering letters from Colonel Harvey and others to Colonel Baynes, Adjutant-General. On the 28th I made my arrangements, and left the 12 Mile Creek, for Montreal, with a servant, on horseback. 1 arrived at.,> I Kingston on the 2d of August. Here I met Colonel O'Keil an .,(,^ 40 1 M: 1 ■)■■ ill ftiiotiier troop of the l^h oh their way up. I prcsfeht^d my lettei^ to Colonel Bayne, who received me with the most polite f^ttention. I was presented to Sir George Provost and other distinguished indiviauals. The next day 1 applied for the appointments for the men, at the same time stating the situation they had been in since their formation, when I Was given to understand, though not in plain language, that the removal of the 19th Regulars had done away, or lessened the necessity of their services ; had it not been for my personal exertions the troop wotild have befen disbanded ; further, that the war could not possibly last more than six months. ' After this broad hint, I offered to resign ; he recommended me not for the present. Major Fulton proved really friendly in this instance. .. ^ I went on to Montreal, with not (juite so favorable an opinion ^ of the Commander-in-Chief as formerly, I found I was a piarticu- lar favorite when of particular service, and that once over I was soon forgotten. In short, there was a sort of prejudice against the inhaoitants by military men, which was getting to a great length. . ;^^ On my arrival at Montreal I waited on Sir Roger Hale Sbeaffe, i who was very attentive, likewise Captain Lormg, his Aid-cie^ Camp. Tkey both did everything in their power for me. I spent three weeks in this place with the greatest satisfaction, and found that the inhabitants of Upper Canada had full credit for every thing they had done in defence of the country. I was flattered in // finding that the regulars had not obtained all the glory. •.,,,... , [ On my return, I was accompanied as far as La Chine by ten or twelve gentlemen of the town, with whom I had formed an acquaintance, together with a Mr. Broomhead, an English gentle- man, who accompanied me to Upper, Canada for the purpose of seeing the Niagara Falls. I arrived at Kingston on tne 28tK of ; August, with a large brigade of boats, 85 in number, and Ave gunboats to guard them. I could only procure the men's clolhing, as the appointments had hot arrived at Quebec. .,,j, After an infinite deal of trouble, I obtained a boat atKihgstonV and left there on the 1st September, in company with twootherboats. After passing the carrying place, I had much difldculty in recovr ering my horses, which I had left at Keeler's, an innkeeper at Hamilton's. In passing Presquisle, I heard a cannonading between the two fleets. It Was a running fight from Quebec to Kingston. On the 10th, early in the morning, I left Smith's Creek with a ^, fair wind — discovered two sails ahead. Fearing they might be the enemy, I very prudently^ put back to the Greek. I tpok a , ]| boat and reconnoitred, and tdund them to be enemies, bo returned -^ and landed everything fi^om the boats, one of which had a quantity 41i ''2 li llA !ff) ua fsfJ iJo of specie for the commissariat. We drew up our forces at the mouth of the Creek (consisting of 20 men, with. 12 muskets only)., 1 sent expresses in all directions for the militia. The vessels came opposite us and laid off for some time, but did not think proper to land. Nothing particular occurred during the remainder of the passage to the 12 Mile Creek, at the bead of navigation, adjoining my father's farm, where we arrived on 20th September. All the troops landed and marched to the lines ; all stores landed, which made it extremely troublesome. I found that the family had been very ill, but on the recovery. ' All the sick belonging to the army, which comprised one-third, were sent to the 12 Mile Creek at this time. The operations of the army, since my departure, were trifling in the extreme. The States fleet made its appearance the day after I left ; they landed at Burlington, or rather at the Beech, on the 30th July, with an intention of attacking Burlington, but found we were too well prepared to receive them. They re-imbarked, and landed at York the next day. plundering and burning it, and then returned to Niagara. iilliiti. Tp AwsAnTTfivn nTTPTwn. TVfV. STT\r\ni'.T? — \rnsTr.v kxvut.. iU'*'>lr TKANSACTIONS DUEING THE SUMMER —MOSTLY NAViV« L^.L„. ' 'About the 1st of August, Sir James Yeo made his appearance. The enemy came out, but returned, appearing well inclined to avoid an action. Ou the 3d and 4th, both fleets were off to the 40 Mile Creek, A fresh breeze springing up in our favour. Sir James Yeo bore down upon them, and fell in with them opposite the 12 Mile Creek. At 10 o'clock he captured two schoonere, and another upset — all lost ; the rest of the convoy got into harbor. It is thought, if he had pursued them at that time, he would have secured the whole fleet. Sir George Piovost had come up with his suite about the middle of August. Every body suspected that he would attack the Forts, but he merely made a reconnoisance, took a few prisoners, and returned to Kingston. Colonel Murray had arrived with ^^^'irt of the 100th Regiment. General de Rottenburgh was still at my father's. On his return from Burlington, where he had been inspecting the different posts, he went down to the lines. The prospect was truly discouraging: our army was sickly and dispirited — many deserting — -nearly all the Indians had left us. There we were blockading a force three times our numbers, with no hopes of regaining the command of the Lake. I foimd my troop, as I expected, in a most wretched state; 42 |i;>1 lu. and had it not been for the very critical state of the army, t would have immediately resigned, but feared I would have been misinterpreted as to my motive. I turned my whole attention to my troop, which improved, horses and every thing else ; in short, my determination, at this time, to obtain justice or leave the ser- vice proved of the greatest advantage, as I insisted on obtaining for the men every allowance and indulgence that was extended to the 19th Regulars; new energy was infused — we obtained good horses from the enemy, and discarded bad ones, our knowledge of the country giving us the advantage of intercepting them. Their success on Lake Erie on 10th Sept. emboldened them here, and we discovered the United States fleet again. Our fleet had brought up a supply of provisions and stores, which were landed at Burlington ; our vessels fell in with the United States fleet off the 40 Mile Creek, consisting of thirteen sail — ours only the Wolf had her fore and mizen-topmast shot away, by BIX which means the whole fleet were obliged to bear away from the bead of the Lake. Had the States fleet followed, we must have been taken. About the same time, General Wilkinson embarked the greater Sart of his army in boats, for Sackett's Harbour, or rather for lontreal, as he felt certain of taking it before the campaign ended. General de Rottenburg suspected their design, and sent me up to Sir James Yeo, who had repaired his damages, and laid at the head of Lake Ontario. I took an order for him to come down and destroy their boats, if possible. He found it could not be effected without the almost certain destruction of his whole fleet, therefore did not attempt it, but ran into Kingston, where they remained during the campaign, which ended most fortu- nately for us ; for had Sir James "i eo brought them to an action, we must have lost the whole of our little fleet, from the enemy's great superiority of numbers. 1 V 1 '' EVENTS DTTRING THE ABSENCE OF THE FORCES DOWN THE ST. LAWBBNCE, AND RETREAT OF THE ASMY. Immediately after the States force .went down. General de Rot- tenburg and suite, with Colonel Harvey, went to Kingston, fol- lowed by the 49th and 104th Yoltigeurs and Glengary Light Infantry Regiments, who fortunately had a very quick passage. General Vincent was left in command with a part of the 100th Regiment — King's Royals — one company 89th, and one or two companies of Glengaries. I >i^ >m--3 r^n i>i»?< 1 >eeii n to lort, ser- ning ded ood 3dge 43 General Scott, then Colonel, had the command of the enemy's force at Fort George, with about 1,000 regulars and eorat militia. On the 7th, they attacked our out picket on the Swamp Road ; we followed them, and drove them to the garrison. On our return they pursued us, and had a lengthy skirmish, with but little loss. Colonel Murray, who commanded the rear guard, behaved in a most gallant manner. From that time forward, I always courted his friendship more than any other officer in the army. The action continued with little intermission, until the evening, when each party withdrew to his lines, f :, . About the beginning of October, my brother-in.law, Mr. Gor- don, and his wife, being confident, from appearances ^he army would retire, left the 12 Mile Creek in a boat for Burlington, with his family; the two children were unwell, and himself by no means recovered from a long fit of illness. They were accompanied by my youngest sister, who had likewise been ill. On making the 40 Mile Creek, they encountered a violent gale of wind, with a heavy sea; on making the shore, they had nearly been all drowned. They got very wet themselves, and all the baggage they brought with theni ; the invalid was there taken very ill. On my return from the head of the Lake, after being on board our fleet, I met Mr. and Mrs. Gordon on their way up. They desired me to call and see our sister, at A. Nellis, Esq., where she lay. On my arrival her life was despaired of. All th'e doctors were sent tor within reach. I could not possibly remain with her, so returned. My tender mother went up and remained until she recovered; she was as ill as possible without dying — her burial robes were even made. On the 7th or 8th of October, I obtained two days leave, and went to see her, with Maria (Mrs. Ingersoll), expecting to find her a J corpse, but to my great surprise and pleasure, found her much better. On the morning of the 9th, I heard, by Captain Hertchy, that the whole army was on the retreat; he was finding the means of conveyance. On the 9th, General Vincent heard of Proctor's defeat, and fearing General Harrison would follow up his victory on the Thames, and get possession of Burlington Heights, made a preci- pitate retreat, by forced marches, to that place. He destroyed many stores, leaving a quantity of flour, part of which fell mto the hands of the enemy. The other retreat was bad enough, but nothing compared with this. I was really astonished, as X.had not the least conception of it on my leaving. I rode back as fast as 1 could, having left the men scattered in all directions, and everytliing in the greatest confusion imaginable. My father had determined to retreat with u vm r the aiin^. Met our advance guard at the 16 Mile Creek ; had merely time to get home and throw my kit in the baggage wag- gon, and returned to collect my men. My father was very ill, and after much persuasion he consented to remain at home. There was no help there to be had, for every thing remained exposed in the house for the first marauding party to plunder, which I was confident would be done. Maria returned and staid with him ; mother and sister at the 40 Mile Creek, more dead than alive ; Caroline, her husband, and two children at Burlington, all sick ; and myself, on the way wherever fortune chose to Dear me; such another scene 1 hope never to witness again; there was not a dry cheek to be seen in parting with the good people, as they were confiilent we must be off, this being the second time. ^.-'ku t?5.iff uu-ii^M. ; ;v.ii/M.; ci:" 1 left Shipman's at 10 o'clock at'night, and inarched as fur m Cowces' in a heavy rain; breakfasted at Nellis's with my mother, who was nearly out of her senses; the invalid Susan, however, was fast recovering; after making me promise to take care of my- self, she gave me Eer adieus, not expecting to see me again until after the peace. On my arrival at Burlington I was sent to Dundas to take up quarters for the troop, whicli were the best in that vicinity. I hired a house for Goidon, who came down, and by this means I had a comfortable berth: since the last retreat I had become an old soldier, had no inclination to volunteer on the out pickets, as formerly, as you got no more credit by it, than remaining quiet and making youreelf comfortable. After my stay in Dundas, I heard from my father. The States tcoops came out the next day under Col Chapiii, and behaved very well to him, and all the inhabitants. Otlier parties, however, were plundering on the mountain in every di- rection. Col. Scott had embarked for Sacketts Harbor with his men, leaving the command with General McClure, a Militiaman, who, as usual, issued his proclamation to the inhabitants, promising them protection, by which means many remained in false security. Very shortly after, Wilcox, the traitor, made his appearance. He was made Police Officer, and had the whole management of civil and, I may say, military affairs. General Hanison came down with the army at the latter end of the month. "We were now rather more cautious, fearing, after his late success, he would be inclined to attack us at Burlnington, which was in a bad state of defence. Wilcox came out occasionally as far as the 40 mile creek, always in the night. AVe had many a long ride after him to no purpose. We would occasionally take a ride as far as the 40 Mile Creek, to see the ladies, at which attempt we were nearly taken one evening. had va?;.>. > We expected to meet them at Birch's or Rancliey's, as those were the places where they usually stopped. On our approaching the latter place, we discovered two dragoons, mounted, before the door. Of course we took them for part of tne four — ^galloped up — halted in front of them — saluted each other with " how d'ye do ?" One of them hailed us, and we replied as preconcerted — asking him whether they were British dragoons. He replied in the affirmative. I thought he was deceiving me, as I was him. I gave the signal for firing. My opponent perceiving it, presented his pistol at my breast. 1 returned the motion, waiting for Elliot to fire, feaiing, if I fired first, tlie other would kill him. The gen- tleman opposite me, whom I took to be a major, as he was well equipped and mounted, thinking we were too many for him, wheeled to the left and made off. Thinking it was for the inten- tion of joining the others, I made after liim, and gave him a shot at about lour yards distance. He returned the fire and fell from his horse. I threw my pistol at him. Hearing the horse ahead, I fired again before I found the horse had no rider. . I rode up, caught and mounted him, letting my jaded animal loose. I loaded my remaining pistol, and took my p(3st at the skirt of the wood, awaiting the coming of the other two dragoons, who 1 imagined were ahead. Captain Elliot fired directly after me, which was returned. He again fired, and shot the horse through the neck, cut off the bridle rein, and then brought the man to the ground, who surrendered. Elliot rode off and left him, being perfectly content at getting off safe. The dragoon disappeared after the first fire. Elliot and I joined, and prepared for meeting the other two, who we still imagined to be ahead. At the deep hollow, hearing my horse going over the bridge, I thought it was them. "We rode by the side of the road, intending to give them a shot when they came up. Finding they did not approach, wo rode down and galloped up the hill, trusting to their missing us. We were in continual expectation of the party in our rear, as we had met with so many delays. On our arriving at Doctor Sumner's, we learned that Cornet McKenney and the Sergeant Major had gone down after a prisoner. On examining the bridle of the horse I was on, I found it to be McKenney's. 1 sent Doctor Bell down immediately, as I was sure he must be either killed or wounded. We rode on as far Lewis's, took an hour's sleep on the floor, and proceeded on to the Stoney Creek, very much dejected in spirits, fearing I had been the death of a particular friend and brave officer. is MM 4 I* McKenney and the Sergeant Major bad been sent after a man called Force, at Phillip binith's, who was in the habit of convey- ing information to the enemy, so we were informed. He heard, betbre he reached liuncheys, of the approach of the enemy, and was determined to see them before he returned, or get his prison- er. He expected to find them at Kiincheys, and was in the act of opening the window when we came up. He had merely time to mount and get to the gate, when we came up and were abreast of him; he very naturally thought that a largo party were in the rear, and was endeavoring to make off. My first sliot knocked off iiis cup; on his returning it, his liorse made a jump over a stump, and brought him to the ground, quite stunned with the fall. On Ids getting up he made for the woods. The Sergeant Major made for the same place. After being dismounted, they remain- ed there all night, each running from the other, thinking the ene- my were in search. On reaching the 40 Mile Creek the next day, 1 found out the mistake, which was near having a tragical end. It was really astonishing that neither of us fired when within a yard of each other, our pistols cocked and pointed at each other's hearts; Elliott and the other fired three or lour shots without efiect. We expected our army from Burlington to move down and meet General McClure; however, it did not. I returned, and re- mained quietly at Dundas, thinking our great men had given up the Id.eA of. regaining the. country, . W^ 't'l I AEMY RETURNS AFTER ONE AND A HALF MONTHS. f*iii liii There was a large party at Miss Cooley's on the evening of the Ist of December; all the ladies in the place were there. At 12 o'clock we broke up by an order to move without delay to the 40 Mile^Creek and join Colonel Murray, who had advanced on hear- ing of "Wilcox's being up. We arrived at the 40 Mile Creek at daybreak; Colonel Murray had been below the 30 Mile Creek. King Joe, with about 250 men had gone a by-road back in the country to \lr. Lyons; I made him and Mr. Cordell prisoners. There was; a long debate whether to pursue him or nQt;,if;yv^e had, we most certainly should have fallen in with him. • . „{v !*•,! General McClure, who commanded the enemy, advanced to the 20 Mile Craek, stole as many horses as they could, and returned from whence they came. The Commissary being hard run for provisions, the General thought proper to push on the advance and get in as much flour and beef as possible. On the Tth Colonel Murray advanced, with orders not to proceed with the main body forther than the 40 Mile Creek, npi: his out;- an rd, ,nd posts or Bcoutiug parties further than the 12 Mile Creek. That night 1 remained at Lewis's with Captain Hamilton and a few others. I went to the 40 Mile Creek on the morning of the 8th; in the evening I was to proceed to Ball's Mills with a party of nieii. I was up all night procuring sleighs; it was snowing all the time; I could not get off till the morning ot the 9th. 1 im- way. I heard that my father had been taken prisoner by Wilcox, and obtained leave to go homo, being very unwell. I prevailed on Captain Martin, who commanded the party, to go on as far as the 12 Mile Creek that night, by which means we could take up every suspicious character, as no person dreamt of the army's re turning; my great object w^as to bring away my father. 1 always conceived, in persuading him to stay, that I was instrumental in his being carried away a prisoner, from In's family, and detained. ■tilt Ui fT'> -tii IXCIDKNTS DICFORE NIAGARA BUU^N'T. .bi.'.'O'. ! V p* 1.^*. The horses and sleighs were all in readiness for our expedition, the oxen were sent off with flour —at 9 o'clock we proceeded on, Captain Kirby, McKinney, Ball, and myself, were in advance. George Ball had left home to give us tlje information of General McClure's retreat, likewise thuir threatening to burn every house in their power on the approach of our army, which, to our cost, F roved not to be an idle tlueat. At the cross roads, 15 Mile Creek, awaited the arrival of Captain Martin; here I fell in with one of my dragoons, w^ho had remained behind; and overtook a sleigh that would have frustrated all our plans by giving information, tum- bled out the passengers, and made better use of it. 1 took up a scoundrel of the name of Ferguson, who would not surrender till we brought a party, and were in the act of firing in at the door. Captain Martin coming up, proceeded on to Smith's, surrounded the house, ran in at the front, as Force was opening the back door to make liis escape; tlie poor fellow was frightened out of his senses; he begged of me for old acquaintance to let him go, as he intended leaving the country next morning: I gave him in charge of a sergeant, and rode on. I had not proceeded far when hearing the report of a gun, I sent back, and learned he had been shot. After being placed in the sleigh, he made a leap over the fence, they called on him to stop, without effect; the Sergeant fired, the ball took him in the back of the head, and passed out of his left eye; he was 200 yards distant, and it was a dark niglit , j^.^ 60 ■ i: "■ Hi' .1 '■ m Ekpecting a pafty of the enemy were at Sblpman^fl Oftpt. fiall and myself went forward to reconnoitre; after peeping in at tlie windows, we ventured into the house, but found no person there. We sent to Martin, who came and took up the position, also sent a a party along the middle road ; another went on to DeCew's,Bacon'8, &c.; 1 went with a third party to my father's, and brought him off, as well as Chisholm; I left my mother and sister bj themselves; however, they did not mind it; they had become quite old soldiers as to alarms and disturbances. Captain MarUn retumed by Hol- ley's; I took my father to Ball's, and proceeded to the 4(3 Mile Creek, where I informed Colonel Murray of our excursion. I was severely reprimanded — Captain Martin threatened to be broken of his commission for disobedience of orders, the very thing he was guilty of himself the next moment. For I begged of him to advance or the enemy w^ould destroy every house near the 12 Mile Creek. He refused to go beyond the 20 Mile Creek, and sent an order for Martin to remain there until he came down. I returned, very much chagrined, and made an attempt to save what little proper- ty I could. I hired three or four sleighs, and went on by the McGregor Road with D. Servos, seven Dragoons, and three Militia lads; I sent three Dragoons to Shipman's to prevent a surprise from that quarter, ana young Honsineer over to see all clear; on his giving the signal, 1 drove over with the sleighs, loaded them, and had them off in a few minutes. They were just out of sight, when the Dragoons from Shipman's came down and informed me that three or four U. States officers had that instant left Ship- man's. I imagined a party must be in the rear, or would have cut them off by the lake road. I recrossed the hill, with tbe in- tention of assembling as many Militia men as possible, and guard- ing against all marauding parties at least. The moment we got back, a flag of truce made its appearance, over the way we had come. I fired a musket to bring it to — I rode over and met it; both the gentlemen were acquainted witii my father, a Captain Bennett and Lieut. Frazer, of the States Mi- litia. They had a letter for General Vincent, which I forwarded to Colonel Murray. I detained them until I received his answer. Their object was to ascertain where we lay. They thought of faU ling in with our advance at the 40 Mile Creek, instead of the 12 Mile Creek. I sent word for the Militia to assemble at Haynes and Clendenning'S) and form themselves into a picket. In the in- terim we dined at my fatheis, and made ourselves as pleasant as the times allowed. In the evening, we removed to Clendenning's, where they understood the advance of the army was. On receiv- ing Colonel Murray's answer, I dismissed them, and accompani- ed them as far as my father's, back. ' They returned uuder the impression that the whole unuy was advancing, and the greater part of it around the 12 Mile Creek; 'vdiereas, only a few of tlie Militia were there, who had hastily assembled. The advance was only at the 20 Mile Creek, which was not to proceed further; nor would it, had the enemy shown the least intention of remaining. I returned to Clendcn- ning's, and took a comfortable bed, with the hopes of having a food sleep for the remainder of th e night. This was about 2 o'clock ; was greatly fatigued, having been up three nights; I had just got into a doze, when I received an order to proceed to the fiea- ver Dams, and get oflf all the flour in that part of the country, I had twenty men of the 19th,and some of my own, altogether, ma- king quite a formidable party. Meanwhile I had discovered the town of Niagara to be in a blaze of fire; I was rejoiced at the sight, as it was an omen of the sud- den departure of the enemy. I expected to have met a party near Bacon's. 1 got together a number of sleighs, and sent off all the flour to Ball's Mills. I found a quantity in New Holland that was on its way to the States people. On my return to the Beaver Dams, I took up young Force, who had escaped from a party of ours the night before, and had joined the States people: finding they were leaving the country he was making back; from him I learned that they were leaving the town. . ;,. ,, On reaching Shipman's I was very much surprised to meet Col- onel Murray, with the advance. On hearing of their burning tlie town, he was determined to attack their Fort Niagara that night. After refreshing ourselves at my father's, and resting the men, we moved on, it being near 9 o'clock in the evening. The Provincial Dragoons were one mile in advance. We procured all the axes on the difierent roads, to cut down the pickets of the Fort if neces- sary. We called at Thompson's and McNab's, and found the enemy had abandoned the town, and the inhabitants in the utmost dis- tress. At the Rev. Eobert Addison's we awaited the arrival of Col- onel Murray, who came on with part of the 19th Light Dragconp. With those he advanced to near the environs, and thence proceed- ed on to see that all was clear. Nothing but heaps of coals, and the streets full of furniture that the inhabitants were fortunate enough to get out of their houses, met the eye in all directions. Mr. Gordon's house, my old quarters, was the only one standing. Having made a few prisoners, we proceeded very cautiously on to the Garrison, which waj abandoned — many tents were left standing — the barrack and wood work nearly consumed. We were very apprehensive that a mine was left for our destruction; a musket cartridge burst upon our ascending the cavalier bastion: each took it for a match to a concealed mine, and gave our- >iu PEEPAKATI0N8 FOK TAKIJSG FOKT NIAGARA. selves up for arise in the air. Fortunately, our fears happened to be cjroundless. On our return to town we separated, Col. Murray went up the Swamp Road to quarter the troops at the 4 Mile Creek; the 19th went to Queenston; I returned with two or three to the Rev. Mr. Addison's, almost famished with cold and hunger. Not wishing to disturb the family, I went to Mr^ Whitmore's, got a very good supper, and for the remainder of the night, a very good sleep. In the morning I went to Queenston, the 100th grenadiers guarding the Fort. On the 12th the whole army were on the move from Burlington Heights. The General, Staff, and a Captain proceeded on to Fort Erie, and made some prisoners; they very nearly took the two Mclntoshes, who had deserted from me, and now wished to return. 1 was busily occupied in impressing teams* to get down *tw«>' ck- three boats, as Colonel Murray was determined to attack Fort Niagara, as soon as boats for liis men could be procured. Tues- day and Wednesday employed about the same business. I was sent over with a flag to Lewiston, in a common punt the States men had made ; and I was, with Mrs. Nellis, near being swamped in a whirlpool. Captain Bennett, whom I had before seen at the 12 Mile Creek, commanded that post; here I met with Adams, Lyons, Nellie, and Cord ell, who were detained as prisoners. I gave tliem a caution, to look out and ascertain the strength and position of the enemy, with their means of defence. On my return^ gave in my report; I got two boats to the bank; Generals Drummond and Riall, and Colonel Harvey, &c. arriving from Kingston, very pruc!ently postponed the attack until boats arrived from Burlington .. Captain Kirby was despatched for them, and brought them down to tlie 4 Mile Creek. At 12 o'clock on Thursday, tenms were j^rocured and the boats brought to AVilson's, the place of eniburkation. Some unforseen difficulty prevented our crossing, although the troops were on the spot every night, deprived of their rest. This evening I was ta- ken verv ill from over exertion; I was to have crossed with Colo- nel Murray; I came down, but I could with great difficulty keep my legs; the next day I was taken home by ray father in a sleigh; I had. taken a severe cold from fatigue and want of rest; I was so much interested in forwarding the attack, that I was eight nights quite deprived of sleep, in getting down boats, and other neces saries that would be required. '»^->hju .Mjj.jti {^i *'*>/.' On Saturday night they crossed over, and were crowned with success. This was another of \i\^ most unfortunate military events, Il to [ray Tile hree it, a )Otb as I had been employed in all the other movements, and honora- bly mentioned, and now deprived of sharing in the most glorious affair that happened in the Upper Province. Captain Kirby was particularly and deservedly mentioned in the public despatches. Colonel Murray, however, entitled me and my troop to a share in the prize money of f.a place, for our services. A few days after, Captain Leonard's i* -lily came to my father's, where they re- mained for two or three weeks. I recovered enough to walk out occasionally. During my confinement Buffalo was taken and burned, in retaliation for the destruction of Niagara. General Riall commanded the expedition over the river. They crossed in the evening and took possession of Conejohacty Bridge — made a few prisoners, and kept possession until the morning, although they were attacked two or three times during the night. In the morning General Drumraond ordered the Koyals to cross above the batteries at Black Rock, in boats manned by the mili- tia; owing to the rapid current, the boats were drifted down in front of the batteries; a great proportion were killed or wounded, and had not General Riall advanced to their support, they would have been all destroyed. After a short contest, he routed the en- emy, who made a short but spirited resistance; he took possession of Buffalo and burnt it. ''>< ^ ) As usual, the failure of the boats to land above the batteries, which was impossible, was laid to the militia by General Drum- mond, to throw oft* the blame from his own shoulders, or rather. Colonel Harvey, who advised the attack. It was a cruel accusa- tion, as no men could have behaved better than the lew in action that day. The error lay in not marching up by land, after the- capture of Niagara, when all the stores and village would have fal- len into our hands with little or no loss. A small party went as i'ar as Sijhlosser, and returned after burning a few houses. In ray iumible opinion, it would have been far more honorable and mag- nanimous had we gone and returned, without doing the least in- jury to the inhabitants. Shortly after, General Drummond came down to St. Davids. General Vincent had left Burlington for Kingston shortly after the capture of Fort Niagara, with tne satisfaction of seeing tho coun- try rid of all its enemies, and in a much better state of defence than when he assumed the command. Cornet McKonny was sent down to Quebec with his prisoner, Col. Chapin. Capt. Leonard had a few days leave to remain at my father s, theh with his fam- ily, and was sent down under charge of Lieut. Ingersoll, on the 1st of January, lie had commanded the Garrison of Fort Niag- ara previous to our capture of it. During the late occurrences, I was confined to my room. Thus encjed the campaign of 1813. ''K ■ ■■ f •' V; •• ?;^^><'i,:^;.' u.'/ -io). - CA.M£>j^iaiSr OE^ 1814, cfec^ I'l '• ' ''"■"■y\^'i' ,. : — ■♦-■ ♦ ■ ■♦ ^— — - ''•■j^i" fii i'-aT''''<''fi4;' > ARMY IN WINTER QUAETEES. .>.•-"■'■/ After my recovery, I went to Queenston, and found the hoi-ees and men in sad disorder; they had been totally neglected of late. As there was no immediate occasion for their services, I obtained leave to put them in winter quarters at Shipman's, at the 12 Mile Creek. I returned to my father's and stayed until the middle of January, and spent my time very pleasantly with Miss Leonard and a few other ladies. On the 15th, I obtained leave to accom- pany them and Mrs. W. Smith across the river; we went up in wag2;ons, and had a pleasant excursion ; on going over the river, not a soul was to be seen for a length of time. I took an affect- ing leave of my aunt and my cousin, and returned home. I exchanged my quarters to Chisholm's, to be near the men; I rode to headquarters at Roreback's once a week; otherwise, I had nothing to do but to attend to the men. In the interim, we re- mained at the 12 Mile Greek until the middle of May. I spent the winter as pleasantly as possible, often having a dance at Shipman's, and at my father's, card parti s, &c. I soon got the horses in excellent condition. Ingersoll and McKenny returned from Quebec at the end of February. I recruited sever- al more men, and found horses, which was the means of my hav- ing twelve or fourteen of my own in the troop, exclusive of my three chargers. The oflScers of the 41st, who had been confined at Chilicothi, came into Fort George or Niagara on parole. Intelligence was received of the States people assembling a large force at Buffalo, for an attack, meditated in a few days — we thought they would make the attack in Lower Canada. General Wilkinson, with 4000 men, atPlattsburgh, had attacked Col. "Williams on the La Colle, in the Lower Province, and was repulsed most gallantly, with great loss. This was on the 30th of March. And when the renewal of military operations commen- ced, the greatest activity prevailed during the spring, in repairing Forts George and Niagara, and building Fort Missaeaqua or Fort Kiall, BO named after the gallant General. This fort completely 1 {, ^5 Commands the entrance of the Niagara river. So long as we keep the lake, the enemy conld only have a temporary possession of some part of the frontier. Every person now turned ont with more zeal and confidence than at any former period. Hitherto, they fought under tlie impression of ieventually losing the country; although we had now but few regular troops, wo were certain they would shortly be sent us, as Napoleon had ab- dicated, and our forces in Europe were at liberty. Our gallant fleet had taken and destroyed Oswego, and many stores there had furnished us with a seasonable supply of provisions. A general movement of the trOops took place, and the militia were in read- iness to march at a moment's notice. i- tv ,y,!ci .' Our forces altogether consisted of about 1500 regulars, exclu- sive of artillery, dragoons, &c. to garrison the forts, and take the field. Colonel Pearson commanded the Light Brigade at and above Chippewa. I was ordered to Fort George; and got stables up and the men comfortably quartered; as usual, my quarters were at Gordon's. On the 1st of June I sent McKenny up to Long Point and Burlington, to relieve Lient. IngersoU, who had boen sent up some weeks before with a party of sixteen men, as it was expected the enemy would make an attack at that place, and penetrate if possible, to Burlington, as they had the entire com- mand of the upper lake, and pipping to transport what troops they pleased. -it.: BATTLB OF CHIPPEWA AND ANTECEDENT EVENTS. _,.., J On the 3d of July I attained my 21st year; I had invited a number of my friends at the 12 Mile Creek to celebrate it; went home and had a good dinner prepared, and had waited until the hour of four — and no guests arriving, we were just sitting down to dinner, to eat it ourselves, when a dragoon arrived with the news of the enemy having landed at Fort Erie the night before. I returned to Fort George as soon as possible. All the troops that could be spared were marched up to Chippewa, with General Riall. His intention was to defend that post as long as possible. The enemy landed under the command of Generals Brown and Scott, and surrounded Fort Erie. It was defended or garrisoned by 140 men, under the command of Major Buck, of the 8th regi- ment. On the 4th, they pushed on to Chippewa, skirmishing with our light troops, without much effect on either side. We re- turned within our mtrenchments on the left bank of the Chippewa Creeek, where part of two regiments of militia had hastily assem- bled. I went up in the afternoon, with the intention of remain- 56 - 1'; I ing, and was sent on to Colonel Stewart, who coinmanded at Kort George. I'l^'i i. u//;n .•am i>uu)f 7n!t>n'i oii.' . '. ail ti^mA The General expected a joint attack to be made by their fleet on the lake shore. On the morning of the 5th we sent the 1st re- giment of militia back to Queenston. The enemy had been very (j[uiet in the forenoon, in their camp — parties of ours had been all round them. General Riall thought their main force had not come up, or their numbers not so great as was reported, as their scoutinff parties diminished their immbers greatly. Three hundred of the King's arriving, he was induced to march out and give them battle at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The Indians under Captain Norton were to commence the attack on our right, in the wood, supported by the militia and the light companies of the 100th King's and Royals; the 100th were to attack the main body in front, on the plain. King's in reserve, artillery on our left. Ma- jor Leslie's troop of 19th light dragoons covering them. The In- dians, under Norton, took too long a circuit and got nearly in the rear of the United States camp, consequently did not get into ac- tion until it was over. About seventy of the Western Indians, under Captain Colvin, led the advance in the wood. The enemy were all covered, ready to receive them — ^let them advance till they were very nearly sur- rounded, when they opened a disastrous fire. The Indiana lost one Sachem the first volley. They immediately gave wa}?, and could not be rallied during the engagement. The militia came np and sustained a fire from at least 800 men for fifteen minutes, when they retreated, suffering a very serious loss. The men went into the field under Colonel Dixon, Captains Grant, Rowe, Tur- ney, and Lieut. McDonald, commanding a company each. The Colonel was womided, and his horse shot in two places ; the three latter were killed — the action had commenced on the left, and was disputed with the greatest obstinacy for sometime. Our right being uriven in, the enemy were nearaly getting in our rear; however, the light company coming up to the assistance of the militia, they rallied, and in their turn drove back the States troops, which gave our left an opportunity of returning unmolest- ed. More than half our men were killed or wounded. Out of fourteen officers, the 100th had only three unhurt. Had they pur- sued us, our small army must have been annihilated. Our loss was very great, as was that of the States people; allowing for the very great disparity of numbers engaged, their loss was greater than our own, although we candidly confessed we wei-e beaten, without prevarication; which was not usually the case with the States people in the like situation, n (.//j lo ri<| 'I'tviiiTi "• u'.i ti'i'nr 'iuy UTI'^ ^":/ a {'i'h' ■-•ffiiii >??/ ^iVVfl I h'lftf It certainly is a very delicate thing to censure a commanding officer, particularly, one so popular and brave as General Biall; still, in this case, he acted hastily, neither did he employ all the means in his power. He sent awny the 1st regiment of militia in the morning, who were the best flankers in the country. The 103rd regiment were laying at Burlington, 800 strong, which could have been down in two days. There were, likewise, all the militia oftlie country, which, when assembled, would have ensured success. Had they attacked us in the intrenchments, they would have fought to ,a very great disadvantage. I came up in the eve- ning after the action, with a party of the troop; the men were obliged to lie out all night — every house being filled with the wounded. I stopped at Street's, and spent a very unpleasant night; many officers were lying wounded, groaning with pain. Such was the result of the battle of Chippewa. In the morning, sent in a flag for the bodies of the officers kill- ed, particularly for the militia; as it would be a great satisfaction for the relatives of the deceased to have them properly interred. They were refused. On the 7th every preparation was made for a retreat to Fort George; ort seeing which the Indians made off". This, with the return home of some of the militia, diminished our force so much, that our position could not be maintained with- out the risk of another action, which would ruin us. Early in the morning I rode over to my father's, and had the most valuable things removed to Burlington, as I was confident our army would retire to the forts, which would leave the country completely exposed to the enemy. On my return, met the Indi- ans, who were robbing the farm yards In passing Mr. Crook's, two of them had broken into and plundered his store; got Wilkinson's assistance, and retook the goods after a hard struggle with the thieves. On my return found Mr. Ingensoll had come up; at 3 o'clock the enemy opened a battery near the mouth of Lyon's Creek, and launched a few boats; had they succeeded, our retreat would have been cut off'. The incorporated militia just arriv- ed and formed in the road till the army passed on their way to the Falls, bringing everything away from Chippewa. Captain Hamilton and myself remained at Mrs. Wilson's till they had all come over. ' ■ - - • A party of dragoons were sent on to Colonel Clark's, which re- tired on our approaching towards them. In the evening we followed the army on to Fort George, Niagara. Our rear guard was left on the mountain for the night. The next morning I was sent to the 12 Mile Creek with twelve or fifteen dragoons, with directions to remain in the rear of the enemy and watch their movements. It was not certain at this time whether their object t ' B8 llf:- k i Was fiurlmffk)ti, di' to besiege the forts; in either case, 1 wai to retire to Biinington, after making a communication with FLGeorge. On the morning of the 9th I assembled my small party at the 12 Mile Creek. My father had been sometime at Burlington, having sent away all the stock of the farm; my sister went with him, leaving my mother and Susan at home; my mother could not be prevailed upon to leave the house. .. J, AH the militia, excepting a few on the Chippewa road, retired to Burlington, drawing away their effects and stock, and leaving their famdies totally unprotected. The country never was more destitute than at this time. The States array advanced to Queens- ton, occasionally sending parties down the swamp road, and back into the country as far as Wilkinson's, Hall's and Collards. I kept up a communication with the forts, and a party at the Bea- ver Dams, occasionally advancing near Saint Davids, sometimes sleeping at one place, then at another, keeping a good lookout for fear of a surprise. On the 11th I went into Fort George to ap- ply for a larger party. I was detained there two days, then sent to Burlington to order down Colonel Scott, who had assembled all the mditia of the country, Indians, &c. I returned the next morning — was four and a lialf hours going, and five hours return- ing, the same day. ; ;_. General Riall marched up to the 20 Mile Creek, with a party of the King's and Royals, and was there met by Colonel Scott, with 500 of the 103d, 600 militia, and 500 Indians. After a good night's sleep ,1 followed him next morning. Cornet McKenny came down with the greater part of the men. We were stationed in advance at Joseph Smith's— a party of militia under Adjutant Foster kept a lookout at Goring's. The first militia advanced to the 12 Mde Creek; after that 1 remained the greater part of my time at the 12; my principal object was attained, getting a party in advance of the 12 Mile Creek. The enemies marauding parties had not ventured that far yet, for hearing a party was there, they probably imagined it would be of some force, so far in advance of Burlington. Part of the Glengarrys arrived under Capt. Fitzgibbon, formerly of the 49th, who had so gallantly distinguished himself heretoibre. On the 15th, the first regiment of militia were stationed at the 10 Mile Creek; Brown's the 4th at Hutt's; other two at the Beaver Dams. The militia was daily skirmishing and driving in States' parties, who were plundering ©very house they could get at: they even plundered women of everything they had. The two last wag- gons were taken by young Ball, with a party who were carrying ofi'soft soap, after clearing the house of everything. The bewil- dered families were obliged to leave their homes, and place them- selves under the protection of the army. II d t I c r c c t t I I V t 59 afttd lorge. It the jgton, with jould jtlred iving more ^q: ■U ^rn A FABTY OF 30 YOLUATEEB TO UXiOJUVOlTBE THE ENEieT, ^tfi' ■It On the 15th our advance was stationed nt Page's. On the 16th in the murning we had a smart skirmisi), made a Cornet of their dragoons prisoner. In the evening our party was ambushed on the hill next Saint Davids. We received two rounds trom near 200 of the enemy, within pistol shot; only one wounded, a..d one ta- ken, young Woodruff and Thompson. On the 17th a large party came out and burned the village ol Saint Davids, where the \Vood- rufrs and Secords lived. Tliey plundered it of everything they could carry away. On the 19th about 30 of the most robust and determined men in the militia, nine of whom were othcers, volun- teered under Captain Fitzgibbon, as a corps of observation, to hang on the skirts of the enemy and annoy them by every possi- ble means. -^ -^li.n i On the morning ef thhe 20th we left the 12 Mile Creek for St. Davids; the day before the enemy had moved the army on to Wilson's and McFarland's, near Fort George, as we suspected, with the intention of attacking it. We took possession of Queen- ton; the militia had been in and made a few prisoners early in the morning. The Ist and 2d regiments came down and sent word to General Riall acquainting him of the movements, think- ing he would proceed to the mountain, the best position in the country. The swamp on our left, the river on our right, the fort in our front, the army in the rear. However, instead of its being occupied, the militia were recalled. Our party remained in Queenston during the night. Capt. Hamilton firigham and myself went down to reconnoitre as far as Camp's; we fell in with their advance picket, and returned, keeping a good lookout during the night: on the morning of the 22d nine of us breakfasted at Smith's. A party of dragoons advanced while we were at breakfast, which ^ut us to the route, and we made for the mountain as quickly as possible. Our sentries stopped too long to fire at the dragoons, and were all taken prisoners. Captain Hamilton was suqirised on the hill by a party of the dragoons, and was nearly overtaken, when we ran down and gave them a volley, which checked the pursuit. Povvere, McGregor, and McCracken were in the advance, near Durham's; the dragoons had come upon them unawares; McCrack- en jumped down the bank, and lay concealed until the States army liad passed within a few feet of him. The others made for the woods, half a mile off, the dragoons after them; McGregor first gained the fence, but instead of leaping it, tamed round and fired 60 at the enemy, who stopped, by which means they all escaped. The States army made for Qneenston, with an intention of driving ns from our position. "We gave them a few rounds, and they re- tired behind the stone buildings until the whole army came up, when they sent a party of riflemen round by Saint Davids for the purpose of cutting us off. On perceiving this we retired to the brow of the mountain to gain Samt Davids before them if poesi- ' sible. I rode to Rosens, and sent an express for H^or Secord to join us at that place. I gave my horse to Captain Hamilton, who had just recovered from a very severe fit of illness. Oniinr approaching Saint Davids, we heard irregular firing; Lieut. Montgomery of the 103d and myself rode on to give our men intelligence of our approach, and to maintain the ground if possible. We rode across the field on the right of the creek, and mistook the States troops, who had made a rapid march, for our own militia; we galloped up to within fifty yards of them, before I discovered the mistake. A few militia in our rear gave a shout and ran up to our support in a most gallant aftd handsome style; we wheeled to the left and right, and took opposite directions, which diverted their fire, and by good fortune we escaped, al- though we received the fire of at least 200 men. At the first dis- charge my horse fell in a hollow; I was about leaving him, think- ing he was shot; he fortunately jumped up and bore me off with not a little speed; on gaining the rums of the village of Saint Da- vids Captain Fitzgibbon joined us. We kept the village about two hours, and finding they were not disposed to advance, we re- tired to the woods and formed an ambush, thinking they would follow us. Captain Thompson with about 12 men was on our right flank. '^^ J '«» ^ »ft ; Colonel Davis came round the mountain with 150 men, chiefly mounted, with a design of getting in our rear; we gave them a few shots, and killed a few horses, and routed them from their posi- tion; altering tiieir course, they went down to the village, where, had we remained, we should have been surrounded. Directly afj^ ter we received an order from Colonel Perry to return to the 10 Mile Creek. Captain Thompson joined us, and came on as far fis CoUard's, where he remained to dine, in company with his brother. Ensign of the 8th, Lieuts. Ryley, Simonds, Warren, and McCa6ley,.of the militia: not dreaming of any danger, they were surprised by a party of 200 or 300 hundred men under the command of Colonel Wilcox. They came round by the moun- tain, got up and surrounded the house before theywere perceived. Thompson, Simonds. and McCasley ran up staira with their mus- kets and fired out of the window, killing a dragoon, and wound- ing several horses. They rpfuged tQ sprrender, uwti} Cant. HarH* )ed. ring re- up, the the 10681- |d to who r our efore ihont tyle; ions, d, al- t dis- hink- ■ with tDa- about re re- mould n our liiefly lem a • pofii- ^here, :ly af> be 10 as far h his irren, thev >r the Qoun- jived. mus- 3und- larH' son of the enemy's dragoons came and offered them quarter; they were abused and insulted in a most barbarous manner after being made prisoners. "Wilcox and his party then made a hasty retreat after destroying the good man's house in the most wanton manner. We assembled our party at John Bessey's in the evening, which was reduced in numbers in one day to 11; the best of our men were prisonere. We were all disposed t > give up the adventure, and return to our respective corps, but I'earing they would laugh and ridicule our adventure, we determined on another excursion the following day. On the morning of the 23d McKenny joined aie. We took the road by Mrs. Tice's on reaching Robinson's: sent back our horses and went over to McMickin's — sent a scout by the road to inform the women wo were near, and give us in- formation of the approach of the enemy. Shortly after, a boy came and informed us that several riflemen were plundering Al- exander's house. We ran over to the road, observing a few more of the enemy advancing by the same route; ran round the wheat field, and got opporfite the church, whei another boy came to tell us of the arrival of thirty drajjoons. We took him with us fo fear of suspicion, and came round opposite Birch's, abreast of them, giving a whoop and volley at the same time; they broke, some running up and others down the road, dropping two or three fine sheep they had just stolen. The women sallied out, begging us to return, which we shortly did, as our numbers were too small to remain. We got a feed at Corwen's, went a new road back to Ball's, fell in with a few boys, and had some sport on the way. Next morn- ing we returned to headquarters with my father, who had sent for me to suppress a row with the men. I made out the muster rolls for the month, and wa? about returning, when Col. Drummond of the 104th regiment arrived from Kingston, and requested me to joiil hihi in a similar excursion, which I did, and promised my- self it should be the last I would ever volunteer. In the afternoon we received intelligence of the enemy having prepared to leave Quedilston. \^tr* ^M'" ;Ui. Jig piL' •-.'•.i- :>'■> BATTLE OF LUNDYS LANE. ,> r'i>iw<.> ♦v. The army was put in motion at 8 o'clock, and I arrived with pailfof my troop at Lundy's lane at 3 o'clock on the morning of July 25, 1814. Colonel rierson with the light brigade arriving shortly after, we proceeded on as far as Bridgewater. A few dra- goons were sent on as far as the Falls, to reconnoitre the camp at Chippewa. At $ o'^IqcIj we fell l^ack oo Limdy'^ lane, leaving 62 f an advanced picket at Mrs. Wilson's; but at 5 o'clock the enemy was observed advancing: shortly after they diove in onr advance pickets. The militia and light brigade were ordered to retreat, as the main army were several miles in the lear of Queenston and Saint Davids. General Drummond arriving, or- dered them back and made^disposition for giving battle; the Glengarrjs and incorporated militia, 700 strong received the first fire in the woods, two hundred yards in advance; two six pound- ers were placed near the church on an eminence. The 8th regi- ment, 500 strong, with a detutchment of the 1st Koyal Scots that moment arrived'and were placed in the rear of the guns. My men on the right, with orders to join the 19th on the left, in the Queenston road. The enemy, on approaching the field, filed off to the right and lott, exposed to the fire pf the two field pieies, which did but little execution Amidst a galling tire from the Glengarrys and militia, the enemy advanced up to the guns al- most unperceived, when a most gallant resistance was made by our men. The artillerymen were exposed to both our fire and that of the enemy; at length they were under the necessity of leaving their guns, which for a moment were in possession of the enemy. The dragoons on the left, under Major Lisle, retreated as far as Muddy Kun, one and a half miles. The enemy's right outflanked us; and a company, shortly followed by a regiment, got possession of the road between the dragoons and the line in trout. Major General Kiall, receiving a severe wound in the shoulder, was taken returning by the road with Captain Loring, aid de camp to General Drummond, and many other otficers. At this time it was getting dark, so that it was impossible to dis- cover friends froni enemies at twenty yards distance. The first regiment of militia, under Major Robinson coming up at this moment, made a disposition of charging, in hopes of reta- king Major General Riall; the militia flanking him on the left^I was sent to communicate his intention to the troops on the hill to our right. On my return to join my troop, I went rather too much to the right, falling in with the enemy's 28th regiment. It was impossible to make an escape, as I was completely surround- ed; a few moments after firing commenced from our men on the hill. Captain Clarke was taken prisoner nearly at the same time. I was taken prisoner by six fellows who were skulking from the fire, which then raged with great fury. This put an end to my expeditions and observations of \^hat was proceeding in our military arrangement. My favorite horse, Hyder Ally, was also taken; on passing Forsyth's on ray way to captivity, 1 heard the fire renewed, as the lOith had just arrived, who drove the enemy completely off the field, leaving us victors. Troop never could have behaved with greater coolness and br^- ihe )Tir to of jor- Ithe irst Ind- [hat tiqn the off ' i-i very thati oura. They fought against £ve times their numbers; The greater part of the army was six miles in the rear when the action commenced. We were sent that night over to Schlosser, 14 in number, pi-is- oners. Major General Kial, wounded, Captains Loring, McLean, Nollis, Gore, Washbounie, Lieuts. Youle, Frazer, Robins, Warffe, Quartermasters Linn and Cairns, Ensign Kilborne, and Capt. W. IL Merritt, of the dragoons. Here we were joined in the morning by, Captain Brown, Lieut. Cline and Lamont, Ensigns Lever and Montgomery, who were taken in the last part of the action; making in all, 19 officers, and 116 privates, taken prisoners. The greater part of the offi- cers were taken by mistaking the enemy for friends, in conse- quence of the darkness of the night. We were kept out all night around a fire; tents could not be provided until the morning. We were all very much fatigued; many had been for several nights without sleep. We were marched under a strong escort to Buffalo, twenty-four miles, so that on our arrival, we were com- pletely worn out. The officer who had charge of us I cannot speak much in favor of. We were sent to Pomeroy's Lan, where we procured a good supper for the first time, and took a very comfortable nap on the tables. : ; ;; if^^^" "i^^' ' ": - .■- - iiM :\ T £iq"'fif»SC ,-'-.^l]ffiD ban ,v nut , m^ntwii' t'^nmU mih-iv,-.') i}:^\n m mif ' fH /M ,m ^A'fhid Pv ''ij'W iuTUrd 'Ht:j f-. z^--^^:.-?' >^- ys^^t ciVJlm'd In )k:> hods i; oh-iS rjjiri; ^9^ x-kf". rt.'. I f'lr? From my Memorandum liook \vhile a I^risoner in the States. •At tJt 1 i ..< i .'< >• ^hCI \.4, ^ . )>...' ;ii: '!o/ln^,. .U July 27th, After breakfast we were marched to Major Miller's tavern, two miles distant from Buffalo, where we had good fare; I saw my uncle William this morning, who was then residing here. Colonel Chapin was very attentive; I wrote from hence for my baggage to be sent over. We were here paroled for Green- bush; our guard was consequently dismissed. , 28th. We left at 10 o'clock with three waggons, for our place of destination; I saw Fuller. At 2 P. M. passed 4 Mile Creek, where we purchased some necessaries. Our company consisted of myself. Captains McLean, Nellis and Washbourne, and Lieut. Warfte, with one servant; passed the prisoners under guard; a few slept at the inn; left this place at 6 o'clock in the morning; arrived at Batavia at 9 where we spent the day, in order to procure some essentials, and get our linen wash- ed, which was in a dirty atate, we having had no change for a week — marching and sleeping in the dust and dirt. Here we fell in with Captains Grant, Thomson, Birch, and Bowman, Lieuts. Brooks, Riley, and Carley, Ensign Thomson of the 8th, and War- ren of the militia; five of them were taken a few days before us, by Wilcox, the traitor; the others were taken from their houses, contrary to a proclamation issued by Major General Brown, of United States Army. Batavia is a small village, with an arsenal and court house, fronting each other. 30th. Having breakfasted, we moved on to Ganson's — made a short stay, saw Postel, one ot my deserters, and many others from different regiments. J. also met with Belden atthis place; made a short call at Smith's tavern, then passed the Genesee River — remained a short time at the Inn, where we fell in with a brother of General Wadsworth's, who had the appearance of a complete gentleman. At our next stopping place we had an excellent supper, and vory good accommodations. Slst. Passed Lyman's — saw Mrs Leonard, (who had been at my father's after the capture of Niagara, her husband being a prisoner) at Belden's, where I remained a few minutes to chat — walked two miles, and then breakfasted, when the landlady en- 65 m tertaincd us with politics during our meal; she was a perfect — niazon. At 12 o'clock wc reached Canandaigua; this is a beau- tiful piacG, surpassing anything wo had seen on the road — a fine lake on the right; here we hailed for a short time. I was over- taken on the route, ufeout ten miles further on, by .L hn Hind, my old school fellow, wlio had heard of my passing, and follow- ed on after me; he is a clerk in the bank, and alien to the States. On our route to (Icneva we stopped at the half-way house, then juished on, arriving at (Geneva about 8 o'clock in the evening; we put up at Church's Inn on the side of the lake. This is a i^rowiniir and handsome villain'. August 1st. I tot)k the stage with McLean and AVashbourue; we passed through a rough country; crossed Cayuga Bridge at 10 o'clock, where we changed horses, and not before they were wanted, ("aptain Rennet not at home; he afterwards wrote to me Pu'ised Auburn at 1 o'clock, a vast numbor of people assembled to see us. Arrived at Skeneatlas; fell in with Dr. Calvin, who was very attentive, remained with him tlie whole of the day, and spent a very pleasant evening. 2d. The waggon came up at 10 o'clock, we resumed our seats, moved to Onondaga Hollow; dined, and part of us proceed- ed to Manlius. "" .. ,« ^^-. , 3d. Took the stage, thirteen' In number, by the Cherry Val- ley Turnpike; passed Cazonovia at 9 o'clock, changed hoise.i. Dined at Xjitchheld, changed horses; at Martin's Inn met with Dr. John Prendergast; remained with him till the 5th, received every attention from him and family; visited Litchfield Spring. 5th. Took the stage at 5 o'clock in the evening; took up my servant at Dr. Nash's, where he had been remaining, sick, and proceeded to Ilichardson's Stage House in Litchfield, in compa- ny with young Kimble. Breakfasted at Cherry Valley, met with an old man who used to live near Dr. Muirhead, Niagara; heard of old GIsso; passed from thence ever a beautiful country; made a short halt at Schoharrie — fine covered bridge — fresh horses, and proceeded to Albany, where we arrived at 5 o'clock, B. M. Last stage drove too fast, carriage came near breaking down. ' 7th. Visited the museum, reading room, public gardens, and every public place; went to church. 8th, Drew a bill on Goorge Piatt, Esq. of Montreal, In favor Dudley Welch & Co., of Albany, for £50. Met with Dr. Pren- dergast by accident, supped with him, (afterwards my father-in- law;) called on General Burbeck. 9th. Met with Martin; called on Mr. Church; got some clothes and to^geiyv:.!;:;^;^'! bo^M-rr,; . .'v'^aJ rWlinmlMi .f>r.^ 'v.V. lOtb. Mot with soiiic friends; put up at Candy's Connecticut CoflFee House: very bad accommodations; part of our company went to Cbesbirc, our place of destination, forty miles east of Al- bany, and situated between liills. lith. Captain Loring arriv^ed — got some money and a note from my father. Dr. Prendergast left Albany for Lansingburg in the afternoon; met with Dr. Douglas in the evening, whom I had seen before in Niagara; had twenty dollars stolen from me hy some miscreant; paid all wiy bills, and arranged for a move in the morning to Chesliire. 12th. Left A.lbany at 4 o'clock in the morning with four offi- cers and five other ])assengers ; crossed the ferry, proceeded through Green Bush, breakfasted and changed horses; passed Lebanon at 11 o'clock; visited the springs, walked up the hill, a most charming prospect. There is a curious sect here called the Shaking Quakers, who never marry. Arrived at Pittsfield at 2 o'clock in the afternoon; called on Major Mellville, agent for prisoners; gave in our paroles, signed new ones for Cheshire, dined, and were conveyed to our jjlace of destination in light waggons. On our arrival reported ourselves to Captain Brown; met our old friends; put up at Wallcot's Inn. ,,*r, .i# , > : . . 13th. Removed to Mr. Greene's, where I slept, but had my meals at the Inn; my servant, whom I had left at the doctor's in Albany, arrived in the evening. 14tli. Part of our company went to church, heard a Bap- tist minister preach; his discourse was on everything; could not comprehend his meaning; an abundance of fine girls there. ' 15th. Spent the day reading and playing cricket, which is the principal diversion we have: had half and hour's chat with Miss Brown; the remainder of the officers arrived to-day. 16th. Mr. Campbell moving his quarters, thus leaving an empty bed, which I occupied, in the same room withfj Major Burke; nothing new. 18th. Hired a horse and took a ride witli Dr. Roper round the country, which is very rough and hilly; it is, nevertheless, fertile; they make a great quantity of cheese here. Captain Thompson arrived from Schenectady, where he was taken ill, on a visit; he brought a Montreal paj:)er containing an account of the action of the 25th at Lundy's Lane. 19th. Received news by a Buffalo handbill, of our having made an unsuccessful attempt on Fort Erie, with the loss of 500 killed and wounded, and 300 taken prisoners. V ' :, 10th. lieceived the British official statement of the action on the 25th at Lundy's Lane, extracted from the Montreal Gazette 67 my on reported ourselves to Captain Brown as usual. Captain James of the United States army is agent for the prisoners; he arrived from Pittsfield, took an account of our travelling expenses, and dined with us; heavy rains, which we have had the greater part ef the time; wrote to' my father (via) Buifalo, enclosing'the letter to Major Camp; wrote Drs. Colvin, Strange, and IVIahan, all enclosed to Maj. Melville, to forward to "Wm.'Merrtit. No church this Sunday; visited our friends; in the evenins: a number of la- dies assembled at tlie house to hear Mr. Warren play the iiute: their Sunday commences on Saturday evening, and closes Sun- day evening. We were distributed at the different houses as follows: At Walcot's, Clieshire village -Major Buck of the Sth, Capt. Thompson, Capt. Kerr, Indian Department, Capt. Grant, Dr. Roper, Ensign Mills, Quartermaster Kerr, 8th, Captain W. H. Merritt, dragoons, Lieut. Vinecourt, marine artillery, [at Green's] dines with us; each paying five dollars a week for board and washing, and two dollars eacli servant. At Hall's — they have excellent accommodations — Capt. Daw- son, Lieut. Humphreys, Lieut. Maxwell of the 100th, Capt. Nel- lis, Lieut. Rowe, R. N., Lieut. BroWn, and Midshipman Pad- more, R. N. ' ' ;lr?^; iv - i>»M,' At Brown's— Captain Brown, 103(1, Capt. Gore, 89th, Lieut. Lamont, Ist Royal, and Lieut Jewell. At Barclay's— Capt. Lander, Provincial Navy, Capt. McLean, militia, Capt. Washbourne, Ensign AVaiffe. Ensign Kemble, Lieut. Robins, Lieut. Simmons, jyid Quartermaster Frazer, 41st. Lieut. Frazer, Royal Scotts, and Lieut. Cline live at a house over the meadow, half a mile off". , '' '* * ''"'^''' '' Mr. Rowe, Capt. Spilsberry, and Lieut Majoribanks, R. N., at Brown's, two miles off*. At Brown's— Lieut. Carnoll, lOOth, Lieut. Montgomery, 103d, and Lieut. Liner. Captains Birch, Brooks, Alexander, Rose, Bownum, Hardison, Thompson, Lieuts. McCarty and Riley, and young Bowman, Captain Pophain, R. N. and Captain Lorin, aid-de-camp to Gen. Drummond. Total 46, in and about the village of Cheshire. The village consists of eight or ten houses, on the left of the road; the church stands opposite on the right, where we haven green plain for playing cricket; we are occasionally joined in this amusement of the afternoon by the gentlemen in the country. 22d. Rose at 6 o'clock; took a long walk with Captains Brown and Landon to the new glass house, mills, &c.; got a new pair of Q^uoits, fts the greater part amuse tbemselvQS with this game; 68 It 4 some fishing in a beautiful clear brook that runs by the place; finished reading the life of Nelson; " campaign in Russia" next road; taking an occasional peep into Ossian's roems, "the Wild Irish Girl^" and many more raiscellanoons books. "Wrote Mahan another note for books, &c. by Mr Brown; Capt. Spilsberry walked to Pittsfield and back; no hopes of an exchange of pris- oners until the middle of October weather cold. 23d. A charming day; same return as formerly; playing quoits, reading, &c.; finished Porter's narrative of the campaign in Russia, which is certainly worth the perusal, the account of tlie action of Borodino in particular, exceeds anything I ever read. 24th. Wrote to uncle William; heard a funeral sermon by Elder Miles, on the death of a child; fine weather; received the Albany papers; nothing new; extracts from private letters men- tion our unsuccessful attack on Fort Erie, with the loss of 1000 men altogether, and Colonel Drummond of the 104:th regiment; received boots, leggins, &c. from Mr. Mahan, of Albany; rain in the afternoon; Navy officers spent the evening with us. ;jj »,' 25th. Pleasant weather; one month since I was made a pris- ' oner; a long time it appears to me; read the newspapers, strolled, returned and enjoyed a good dinner. 26th. Took a long walk on the mountain; Capt. Loring arri- ved from Albany; cricket in the afternoon; received Albany pa- pers containing General Gaines' report of the assault on Fort Erie; sad news for us; called upon Captain Brown as usual; Ma- jor Melville's clerk came up on business; wrote to Major Neil; sent to Albany for a pair of boots, received them by Wm. Grace; enclosed a ten dollar bill for payment of them; a suspicious fel- low by the name of Hollafiti came here to-day, saying he was a British Spy, and applied to us for some money, particularly to Captain Loring, whom he had seen in Pittsfield; no attention was paid to him by us. .,.,,,:.] J .^uj Imi . 27. In the morning Major Melvillo's clerk came up to see us?, and informed us of this fellow; Major Melville came and took him to Pittsfield; Captain Thomas, U. 8. A., arrived from Fort Erie, he told us more stories than we wished to hear; commenced rain- ing at 4 o'clock, and rained all night; read "I savs, savs I.'' '^ Exiles of Siberia," '' Effects of Passion," &c. " - ■ .'t -'^f^. • 28th. Heavy rain all day; spent the afteanoon with Captain Dawson; party in the evening; heard many anecdotes, particu- larly of Mrs. Norton's aifairs; creek rose vorv high; carried ofi' the cotton manufactory at Adamstown. 29th. Took a long ride in the morning with Mr. Rowe, of the Navy; visited Mr, Mills, waggon maker; cricket in the afternoon; ace; ntof ead. by H the m. 60 received an answer to the letter I wrote to Major Melville on tlic 27th; Mr. Foster brought a report {from Pittsiield of Lord 11 ill havinf^ taken possession of Washington; to celebrate the event, we had a dinner party which, lasted till 12 o'clock, .'f «t ".ua 30th. This day we commenced whist playing, to kill time; walked out with Mr. Vinecomb to Liner's and Montgomery's quarters to breakfast; Captain Gore, who has been ill for soiiie time, is recovering; received the handbills from the Pittsfield Sun, and extracts from the Nqw York Commercial Advertiser, saying the British army under Lord Hill, 13000 strong, had pos- session of Washington City; the States people had one General killed; and a regiment annihilated; the editor says, no quarter should be given to an invading army; he does not appear to re- collect their invasion ofOanada, that unfortunate province, which they have never ceased to annoy since the declaration of war, al- though the population does not exceed half a million, whereas our army is invading a nation of ten millions, who declared war at a time when we were fighting for the liberties of the world. 31st. People all in commotion about their capital; conjectures, doubts, fears and hopes in the minds of all. I took a ride to JVTr. AVells', had a long discussion on politics with the daughter, who is a real democrat and a little demon; I sympathized with her on the loss of the capital; our old routine — eating, drinking, ram- bling, with the addition of'a horse-race, which ended the day. Sept. 1st. The billiard table arrived this morning from Alba- ny; yesterday I saw^ Mr. Baker, of Colonel Wilcox' corps, from Fort Erie; he came out m visit the place of his nativity; wrote General Berbeck respecting our baggage; cricket, and a dance \n the evening among ourselves. 2d. Pleasant weather; Capt, Dawson sent a man to Pittsiield; a ride to the limits before breakfast; up late last night; Captain Elliot and Lieut. Gardner 4:1st regiment arrived here, they were taken prisoners on the 15th at Fort Erie, the most unfortunate I)usiness that happened ns during the war. ta .j ;:•; ..W,. ..it ii.. od. Called upon Capt Brown and reported ouriiehes as usu- al; nothing new or interesting took place this day. 4th. A serious quarrel between Kerr and Roper; Cajjt. Daw- son removed from Hall's to Brown's; I took his room and renioN - ed to Hall's, where we had a far better table; no chmTli. 5th, Took a long ride with Capt. Loring round the eoiuitry; I'eceived an extra Gazette I'rom the Arajus, mentioniiiff our hav- ing received 60,000 barrels of Hour from Alexandria, and carry- ing on operations against Fort Erie with vigor. Mr. Kacy arriv- ed to pay us ji visit, and slept at our quarters; Major Melville ^I1 70 sent Captain James fur Mr. Racey at four in the afternoon; would not allow him to remain with us; he still remains an alien in the States; running horses in the afternoon, dancing and cards in the evening. a-i .-«f# :m m^*x^. " Mi.j -^ny/ri- 6th. Rain again; iine weather: lierr removed to our quarters; received the Albany Gazette with General Gaines' despatch of our repulse at Fort ferie; a report is likewise in circulation of the Plattsburg army having removed to the Niagara frontier; Gen. Gaines most shamefully accuses Colonel Drummond of refusing to sjive quarter; I have made considerable progress in billiards. 7th. We have each subscribed two dollars, which makes our playing very cheap; we have established a small fund for amuse- ments In different ways; Lieut Robbins continues very ill; sent to Pittsfield for Dr. Childs, who pronounced him dangerously ill. 8th. One month since I wrote from Albany; have heard noth- ing of my baggage or horse; waiting to see Major Melville, to make a regular application through him to General Brown. Capt. James gave us every encouragement on the rAh of a speedy ex- change of prisoners; now he knows, I am not a judge; fair weath- er; dull times. 9tli. Took a long ride, played billiards, and strolled about, read., and at last drowned my cares in the arms of Morpheus; a party kept up drinking until 2 o'clock, to the great annoyance of all the community. 10th. Attended the levee as usual, entered our names, went out fishing with Captain Elliot; had but a poor days sport; Rob- bins continues to be in danger; Dr. R^^er not recovered from his black eye. 10th. We were all in an unusual flow of spirits in the morn- ing; it was sadly and most efteciually curbed at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, by the death of poor Robbins; proj^er medical aid could not be obtained for him in time; he fell, almost a victim to his own imprudence; spent the day reading. * . 12th. A thick foggy morning; sent my servants to bring in all the officers to attend the funeral of our friend; had a man dispatched to Major Melville, thinking he would send out a par- ty and have him interred with the honors of war; he was not at home, tlierefore our request was not attended to; the minister ar- i Ived at 2 o'clock, and we buried him at 8. I was one of the pall bearers; prayers were read, and everything done for him in our power. The militia were called out for the purpose of sending a draft to Boston; an attack apprehended there; the party carous- ing all night. J3th. Rainy day; nothing new; quite unwell. 'T r » 4 7=r l4tL. Kcport of the capture of our fleet uu Luke Cliampluin; our taking Castine, Belfast, and blowing up the John Adams frigate; repulsing them at Michillimackinac, and getting off from Alexandria without any loss; likewise an order for destroying all the seaport towns assailable, in retaliation for their wanton des- truction of our villages and private property in T^'pper (^'anada; (Tcneral Brisbain invading Vermont State. 15th. Received a letter from my father by Lieutenant Hall, of the United States Artillery, who had been at his house; 1 like- wise heard of the death of Mr. Thompson; rode out to the Mint House; Capt. Popham arrived from the springs, making eight of us in the house; playing whist and cluitting till 4 o'clock in the morning; rainy night. ^ . ,vi 16th. Very dull weather; \vrote to my father by Lieut. Hall, who is going to Fort Erie, also to General Gaines, concerning my horse; attended the levee; a company of artillery men met at this place tolerably well ajjpointed; Capt James came up; Major Melville has not yet made his appearance. ^ ^i: 17th. Church on Sunday; weather cold. • .' 18th. Three or four companies of the militia met a^jain to-day; they made an awkward appearance; horse racing in tlie evening; weather cold; received a confirmation of the loss of our fleet on Lake Champlain, our retreat from Baltimore and Plattsburgh; the latter force said to consist of 14000 men under General Pre- vost; Major Melville came out; received my valise of clothes and twenty-live dollars from him; most of the ofiicers drew up a pe- tition, sent it to Colonel Barclay, British agent, for leave to return on parole; Major Melville promised to write about the applica- tion made to him; I wrote to Strange; rain again; Major Mel- ville returned to Pittsfield; very anxious, expecting a letter from Albany; weather fine. "Wrote to Strange and Dudley Welch & Irish Boy," "Camille," "Youn^ Mother," and " I says, says 1;" it is well I have committed their titles t© paper, as I will thus re- member having read them, although I cannot mention a sentence in either, except the story of Cordelia, in the " Discarded Son," which particularly struck my fancy; spent the afternoon with Captains Popham and Dawson; this is the sixth week I have passed in Cheshire; fair weather, cool; attended the levee as usual, being the sixth time. 23d. Wet, cold, rainy weather; went to church; Eldere Len- lan and Roach held forth to a very large congregation; a number 72 of beautiful girls thcre;)this day two months 1 had the misfortune to be made prisoner; received a letter from Albany; very much disappcinted at not liaving heard from R — , two months, nearly, expiring since I first wrote; the navy officers arrived, who were taken on Lake Chani])lain; they attribute their failure to the ill conduct of the men in the shij), wlio deserted the guns and would not fight; it is the first instance I ever heard of British sailors failing in courage; Mars of late luis deserted our arms, we ap- ])ear to bo unsuccessful both by sea and land; cold, raw, and unpleasant weather, it has been very changeable since our arrival, one day we have to keep fires, the next is very warm, most of the time rain. The number of officers of all descriptions who have arrived here since 1 came is twenty-two; Gonend Riall and Cap- tain AVilson h.ave arrived at Pittslield. 27t\u Kode out and examined the glass works of Messrs. Hall & Co.; a Scotchman bv the name of Kichmond has the numajje- nient; the maintenance of tlie establishment is attended with a very great expense; the clay for building and the tubs to melt the composition in are brought i'rom the Delaware River, it be- ing the only place in the country where it can be procured: the fire stones come from New York, the blowers were all from Scot- land, brought out bv Richmond; thev are now workinoj at the stone cutting; they consumes fifteen cords of wood pei* day- ex- pense of building seventy thousand dollars. * ''■**^'' 2Sth. This day two months I wrote from Buftalo; commenced on a new source? of amusement, running, jumping, &c.; weather fine; won a bet of McClean, who was to take up a hundred stones at one yard apart one by one, in fifty minutes. I took a long ride; Captain Loring went to Pittsfield; this is the seventh week I have passed in Cheshire; lost a bet on myself running against Lamont; all manner of exercise, leaping,football,&c. at Brown's, father of Mrs. Rowe; attended the levee as usual; received a letter from Major Melville enclosing three other, which gave in- finite satisfaction, although I have no hopes of our exchange; Major Melville's conduct is gentlemanly in the extreme. October 1st. General Riall and Captain Wilson paid us a visit; no hopes of an exchange of prisoners; General Riall was of opinion we should be sent to England, as we were sending their otficers there from the seaboard; no answer to our application for leave to return on parole. '^■" ' ' n "^ ^7 v^" r V';^*'' ,":' '/l 2d. Employed part of this day in wilting; did not attend di-' vine service as usual, rather a dull day; rode out in the afternoon; Capt. Popham left me his horse to ride whenever I thought i)roper. up- aiid ival, the fi]) i 1 3d. Spent the day in reading, wnting. and riding; foot-ball was introduced this evening for the first time, very severe exer- cise; sent my letter to Major Melville to forward. Spent the day as usual; violent heat at faot-ball in the evening, Yesterday Nellis drew a bill on Montreal; borrowed seventy-five dollars oi" him, less twenty, which I had given -him in a gold eagle; in the evening we played at speculation, 1 was very fortunate; en- tertained by the militia firing muskets till 2 oclock, as tiiey were passing to a general review at Windsor, we, in retaliation, sang **God save the King," " Rule Britannia," and all the patriotic- songs we could think of; disturbed our comrads at Walco'.'«?, foi- which they were about petitioning for our removal, a measure earnestly desired by all of us. Remarkably fine weather which we have enjoyed for some days past, i''-''^ 'u >ilL ir.i.?]. r ». Took a long ride; the post brought the pleasant information oi' General Drum'mond's remaininsj at Chippewa. We had before heard that he had retreated to Fort George; in that case the whole of the frontier would have been exposed to an invading army, and every house within their reach would doubtless have been plundered. 1 was under apprehension for my dear mother and sisters, as they, in common with the rest, would have been totally unprotected, lor every man would have followed with tjhe army. I trust and pray that the troubles in our unfor tunate country will soon be at an end. We hear that Sir George Frevost is at Kingston with the major part of the army; our new ship is completed and. out, which gives us the command of the lake; we may shortly look out for a decisive blow on some part of the frontier. • -Ij ... v;/vi-M imII m .;ii ; ^ -.if, j 6th. Rain last night, cold during the day ; tiie greater part ol' the inhabitants going to Pittsfield Fair, which is to last three days; nothing new from the Pittsfield papers; received one we subscribed for, we also sent for the Albany Gazette, Georgetown Federal Republican, New York Examiner, and Boston Gazette; many other papers were taken by the other officers, so that we have a complete reading room on post days, which are Wednes- day, Thursday, and Saturday. '.JWiiujj .'i i;q- » <»! • 7th. Cold disagreeable weather, reports in circulation of Sir George Provost making a descent near Sacketts Harbor; a coup- le of gentlemen were sent to see the prisoners, from Albany; at- tended the levee as usual, the eighth time since my arrival at Cheshire; in the evening the greater part of our gentlemen were whole seas-over, it being the end of the quarter established by Mr. Hall. *5rti'iiiv/,'»iw ;^:sj ^r-jt'^m-i; i*i'^«Hti; 8th. Church in the morning, the Elder's sermon not very ed- ifying; a large concourse of people, many beautiful girls. 74 \ dUi, Long walk in tliu evening; cold; thib day a year ago ^\ e retreated from the Cross Roads. Fair weather; Lieut. HoDingon and another naval officer arrived from Montreal; had been pa- roled to return in time from Plattsburg; they brought out very disastrous tidings, mentioned that Sir George Prevost had sent his army into winter quarters, instead of being at Sacketts Har- bor as reported. The prisoners weo were taken in the last sortie at Fort Erie, were paroled at Stockbridge, (a very line village on the opposine side of Pittsfield) except Major Valette, who was allowed to remain at Lansingburgh. Major Burke, Thompson, and Keane, King's Begiment, had permission to go back to Stock- bridge, as some of their officers were there, they left at 10 o'clock; I accompanied Major Burke to the limits, parted from him with regret, as he was a very gentlemanly and .good man — he lodged in the same room with me , so I became much attacked to him; wrote Mathewson of the King's, desiring him to ^nform me if he knew or had heard anything about my family since my leaving the lines; nothing new; received the New York Examiner and Albany Gazette; dined with Lander, Gardner, and Thrower. u\ This is the second month I have passed in the village, during whicli period I have not exceeded the limits prescribed in my parole in the minutest article. Humphreys, the shoemaker, ar- rived from Albany; very happy to find there is a strong pros- j)ect of peace. Lord Hill's expedition to America detained in consequence of the dispatches sent tg the British Government by the Plenipotentiaries. ar^^nu i&ixt O'h './Mim '^lu Fine weather; Humphrey's, the bootmaker made his appear- ance again; nothing new or interesting; moping over Blaclcstone's commentaries two-thirds of my time; finished Homer's Iliad. 14th. The ninth levee over; a continuation of good weather; kite flying all the rage at present; most of our other games near- ly fallen through; sent some time ago for Paul Clement, heard nothing yet; gave John Gould ten dollars when in Buffalo, .w. 15th. Cold unpleasant day; let Warren have twelve dollars, which he is to repay in Canada Visited Spilsberry and Hum- phreys; wrote Mahon, enclosed four dollars for cigars; no news; cold and raw weather. Rode out with Loring; passed the re- mainder of the day writing and reading; getting quite tired of Cheshire and its beautiful scenery. Received the paper, which confuted all the idle rumors whe had heard of peace; am sorry to find there is not the most distant prospect of it; neither side appear inclined to make overtures; the war will be carried on with increased vigor. Heard there was a letter in the post office for me, at Ghent; cold, and nothing new. Wrote Major Melville JO \\e IQSOII n pa- very 3 sent Har- sortie ige oil was ipsoii, Stock- clock; with edged him; if he mv ar- % asking hiin to be kind enough to forward my letter; attended the tenth levee. "' i"'" »iii»>»4 «'-«» *j inu*. ^; in the evening, which, after many confabs with the fair, was ef fectftd. It began with a concert, dancing was kept up till 12 o'clock, we then set oft' the fireworks in commemoration of th(» ^'" fiH'«.". ; Dull wet day. A town meeting was held at this place for the purpose of electing a Representative for the county of Berkshire, of which this is a part. 0th. Wet rainy weather. Wrote Major Melville, enclosing a letter for M. Walton and Mrs. P., of Litchfield. Fine weather; no news; Major Valette arrived from Albany and Lansingburgh. The next action after the 25th, was the sortie from Fort Erie, which had a most tragical termination. Our loss was very severe. Captains Elliot and Cokeley, 103d, formerly of the Q. M. Gener- als department, (the latter badly wounded) were taken prisoners that day; Lieut. Murray, 100th, wounded; Lieut. Gardner, 45th, wounded; Midshipman Hyde, leg broken. Elliott is a most dar- ing, enterprising, and active officer. Cokeley I have not seen; 81 Lass, larn, jovi- I mo- tile pom- re- lign as fine d to this : pot bfeiiig dangerously wounded, he remained with his friend Butleu at Lansingburg. Murray is an active young man. Lieut. Cam^) was badly wounded in the assault. Gardner, a tall young nia'ii."^ Hyde, a very good lad, rather hasty. " *• . Mr. Butler, an alien, arrived from Lansingburg with Major Valette, who had permission to remain there some time — went to [Stockbridge. Young Thompson arrived. Eemarkably fijie weather; dined with Lorin^; horse racing in the morning. Our wine arrived from New York. My letter to Douo;las was re- turned, he could not be found. Mrs. Dawson arrived from Mon- treaL The fourth of a year passed in Cheshire, and no prospect of an exchange. The 13th rejDort to Capt, Brown. In the evening at the race. "Gipsey" was beaten by Richmond's horse, which was a very great annoyance to the party. Sunday; Elder Salan delivered a very good sermon; wet day. The Upper House passed a resolution some time ago to wear moustaches or pay a fine, which waa done this day, each person cutting his off and paying the forfeit. I applied to Major Mel- ville some time since to allow the militia prisoners to work out; part came last week, the remainder^, making twenty, yesterday, all being penniless, and almost naked, not having received either money or clothing since their capture. Fine healthy weather — rather wet. No news from any part of the globe. Received an answer to the letter 1 Avrote Mr. vValton, giving me leave to draw on him for money, in a way 1 tliought rather indifferent — there- fore declined accepting it — wrote an answer. General Riall came out and gave the officers a last adieu; he is paroled, with Captain Wilson, to England; his stay n-as so short, I had not an opportunity of seeing him; wrote him a line enclosing some certificates for his signature; he signed them, and sent me a very polite answer. In the evening had a famous or infamous carronsal till 2 or throe o'clock. No nt;\.-s by tlie post. In the evening we had a grand ball, sixteen or eighteen ladies being present; it passed off very agreeably. They are now to bo established every fortnight. TJie Pitt^field ladies wore prevent- ed from coming, owing to the bad weatlior. 18th. A very wet, "disagreeable day. In the evening the if\- habitants of Cheshire had a ball in opposition to ours, and invi- ted one of our officers, and rec^uested him not to dance, whioh gave offence to 2)art of the ladies, m'Iio with him left the room. A. determined opposition has arisen l)ctwcen the inhabitants iinil ourselves. Fortunatnly, wo have socmutmI a f^trong yiu-ty nmoiiii' mi I 1 9^s ;'jV •«'. i' -*.\t1ie ladies, which enables us to put them at defiance. The great- V ' est exertions are beinff made for our next ball on St. Andrew's day. Every one has his part in decorating the ball room, which is to be fitted out in the most splendid manner. 19th. Made the 14th report; disagreeable weather, heavy s^now; spent the evening at Lower House, Rode out to Captain Popham's; spent a most agreeable eve- ning with the ladies at Captain Brown's — among whom was a Miss Allen, a very fine girl, from Pittsford. She remained some time at this place. Captain Brown returned irom Lansingburgh well pleased with the route. Spent the evening at Richmond's. The inhabitants in a fair way of being reconciled to the officers. Had a bout in the evening — broke up at 2 in the morning. December 12. The Journal ends here, but letters from Chesh- ire continue the subject. The application I mentioned has not been attended to, consequently, the hopes of seeing you in Cha- taque have vanished. When w^e return the route will be by ^ Montreal, that is decided, I fear it will not be this winter. The prisoners all got their freedom by the closing of the wai*. ' Mr. Merritt reached home about the end of March, 1S15. ;/S:'l\t i>\ '■ .'!■/ I .;.;: • •• ■]■■ 'i')/! ■'';f ■../ ■■{/;•> M:v:h r}-;rr;,^ -^^UiUn'-.'m v^i-'>i[- ^i!''\ V?;;! ,:;..■;] .,-:v/iJr( .'/ . r,/ "i-jiif,;-: ii;;V/ •i'-V/ (ir; ■''■■: til ion J;! ' ' V' ' i '.'.''Ml • : W i; I ;»^'r!!;-> •fJ^ f » V , /*i'. i'l h'i'j ■'. I>,'r;; .t •>,! ' '■ .') i:! •.= /'A I 'i::i:'h' ;;. t,"- le great- .ndrew's I, whicli ible eye- I was a led some ngburgli imonct's, ! officers, n Cliesh- has not in Cha- II be by ir. ' the war. }'. . . . ! '\f'i '/III ib S't*^ ^,tt' .^ -"i'^ hnj; \\ ill I . w ^» * > • f )a'» Ir*;. -