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WITH A REVIEW OF THE STRICTURES ON THAT EVENT, IN A BO(tK ENTITLED, "NOTICES OF THE WAR OF 1812." By SOLOMON VAN RENSSELAER. ,':'^" NEW-YORK: LEAVITT, LORD & CO., 180, BROADWAY. BOSTON : CROCKER Sc BREWSTER. 1836. "( Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1836, BT LEAVITT, LOKD & CO. In the Clerk's Office for the Southern District of New- York. H. LUDWIG, PHINTEB, 78, Veiity-atfUit, W. Y. th< up to le£ • Vll ^ 4 i PREFACE. iC. ^ The apology for this publication, if any is needed, may be found in that law of a soldier's nature, which prompts him to repel a base attack on the reputation of the brave and the deserving, in the same spirit with which he would meet an assault on a military post or position, which had been committed to his own special keeping. He flies irresistibly to the rescue of his com- rade, when in danger, and he is always ready to thrust himself in, to receive any blow which he sees aimed at his beloved commander. The law of resistance is all the stronger, when he finds himself worthy to be honoured with the per&onal notice of the common ene- my, and involved in a common peril with those with whom he stands in the relation of an intimate military connection. A book, entitled "Notices of the War of 1812," has lately been ushered before the public, which seems to have been specially devoted to the work of detraction and calumny. It would have received an appropriate dedi- cation, " To the spirit of all evil." It comes to us in the guise of history, but care has been taken to work up in its constitution, just truth and principle enough to disguise the poison infused into it, without, in the least degree, diluting its strength, or weakening its virulence. It is offered professedly as a medicine,* skil- ♦ See the preface to the book, consisting of an extract from Mabby. I IT PREFACE. fully honeyed over with the appearance of sweet temper, Bcnsibility, and candour, to make tlio public believe it will do them good to take it ; while it is, in truth, u deadly compound into wbich the apothecary has emp- tied his most malignant vials, expressly wilb a view to the production of as much individual suflering and distress as possible. The author of this work is the too celebrated Gen, Jno. Armstrong, a nauje entitled to the undisputed distinction of being second to only one in infamous no- toriety, out of the host of our revolutionary wortbics.* It happened that this man was called, in an evil hour, to assist in the administration of the government, daring the arduous and eventful period of our second war with Great Britain. As the head of the war department, he had it in his power to perpetrate tbc most extensive mischief, not only by his want of capacity, but in the indulgence of an unhappy, restless, and malignant tem- per; a power which he did not spare to use, at first to the oppression of all individuals whom he honoured with his enmity, and finally to the disgrace and degra- dation of his country.! That country was fated to • Arnold's treason was developcfj in tlie midst of the war ; Arm- strong reserved his for the close of it. Tlie success of the design, entertained by the author of the NewburpK Letters, would have been much more fatal to liberty, than would have been the delivering of West Point into the hands of the enemy. t Flis interference with the plans of Generf\l Wilkinson may Bcrve as a commentary on this text. General W. wished to attack Kingston, and there rest for the winter in good quarters, to organise the different departments of the army, build boats, &c. and carry Montreal early in the spring. This delay could not operate against us ; as the St. Lawrence opens between the two places before it does below, the attack could have been made before any reinforcements could ar- rive from Europe. If General W. had been suffered to take his course the British fleet at Kingston would have fallen into his hands, and the ■ KAJfli* 4 i PREFACE. ▼ purchase its release from the hand of this functionary, at no less a Hacrificc than the overthrow and sacking of the national capital, hy a feeble and insulting foe. Here justice did overtake him ; and, finding that no artifice could suffice to enable him to throw off the just res|)on- sibilities of the {)osition he had occupied, he passed into retirement.* millions of dollars afterwards expended in ship building for the two lakes would been saved the country ; but the secretary was on the spot and manocuvered to defeat his plan. It was said he had nn eye on the presidency, and if Montreal could be taken that season, it would facilitate his object, for if successful he would have assumed all the credit; as it was, he managed to avoid the responsibility by throwing all the blame on poor Wilkinson, (see General W.'s trial before the court martial at Troy.— 1st. Vol. of his Memoirs) * The affair at Biadensburgh occurred und^r General Armstrong's own immediate supervision as secretary at war. In this case, although an attack had been long apprehended, a much larger force, it is true, than absolutely required for the purpose of repelling if, was collected, but no organization or system of defence having been arranged, our army, composed of "he regular cavalry, artillery, infantry, and a large body of militia, were disgracefully routed without a show of fight, except from the grdlant Com. Barney, by comparatively a handful of British troops, who were oximustcd by the fatigue of a long forced mirch. Near three weeks before the attack was made upon Washington, I received a letter from an officer of high rank in the army, who writes, "such is the want of preparation for defence at this place, that three thousand men can destroy it." Can it be supposed for a moment that if this Author, the dispenser then of honours and promotions in the army, had identified himself with our troops, "they would have retreated on the approach of the enemy? No never! yet he was among the first to set the cowardly cxam{)lc. If a more manly course had been pur- sued, though driven from the first stand, the road passing over a rolling country skirted by woods, afforded many positions, equally as strong and as admirably calculated for the most effective disposition of the dif- ferent kinds of troops employed, and they migiit have fallen back from one position to another with equal advantage and have harassed even a larger force of the enemy, so that they never could have reached Washington. But had every effort under this course failed, a few hun- dred men thrown into the Capitol, would have saved the City. Thr ri PBEFACE; His obscurity in his retreat, and his long silence had made his countrymen half believe that, perliapg, his unhappy temper was now softened, that he was melted under the just rebuke and neglect of the world, and that he was preparing, by an honest use of his pen, an instrument which he had shown himself capable of wielding skilfully, to offer to his country a proof of the sincerity of his repentance, iti the composition of some work of high historical value. Rumours even, of his labours in this respect had reached the public ear. It was said, his thoughts were turned exclusively to the times of the Revolution and the earlier scenes of our history, and it was understood that nothing would be published, until he should be beyond the reach of any acknowledgments for the important service heshould thus render. His injured but generous fellow- citizens had be- gun, already and by anticipation, to feel that forgiveness, which they only waited the proper occasion to accord and express. These "Notices," however, have elFect- ually put this pleasant delusion to flight : it is now seen how differently his retirement has been occupied, — in brooding over thoughts of malice and revenge, — in nursing the energies of that dark spirit which can en dure nothing bright or pure above him, or around him, — in watching the favourable moment for the discharge of his poisoned arrows, and when he could sate himt-elf with victims and ^acririces. It will be seen that in this work two distinct purposes six pounders used by tlie enemy, could have made no impression upon the walls of this buildini', while a bri.sk fire from its windows and from the slone parapet sui-roiindino^ its roof, would elfectuiUy have r-.rrestcd their progress. The same defences might have been made at the Pre- sident's house, flanked as it was by the state and treasury oflicos on the rii;ht, ■ind \>y tlie v,ar and i\.;y fit the luft. 'I he navy-yard was equally susceptible of dcfciice. PREFACE. VU are sought to be effected, though by a single blow. The one is to destroy individuals ; the other is to de- grade his country. Neither, alone, would satisfy his capacious and comprehensive malice. The shaft, aimed at persons, which did not pass quite through and reach the bosom of the Republic, would not accomplish the errand whereto it was sent, and, to do him justice, it must be confessed that his selections for this effect have been made with singular skill and felicity. For the most part, and always, unless by a mere error in judg- ment, his attacks have fallen on those, with v.'hose names and reputation the honour and glory of the country were most nearly identified, while his commen- dations, sparingly applied, but designed to help forward his main purpose, have been reserved chiefly for those in whom the country has no interest, but that their names and exploits should be forgotten ; whose celebrity cannot be preserved, but at her expense. It is not the design of this publication to meet the whole mischief of Gen. Armstrong's book, or attempt the vindication a the many worthy men whom it as- sails. It is intended to answer a dcrinitc and limited purpose ; to disabuse the public in relation to a single event, one of the most hnportant of the war of 1812, and to rescue one individual at least from the desperate assaults of this hoary calumniator. It is believed that the interests of history will be subserved l)y the relation which will be made. It is time that the celebrated af- lair of Q^uccnstown should bo understood; and that the h>gh merits of the citizen general, who conducted the cam- j)aign of which this affair was the chief feature, should be placed beyond the reach and danger of detraction. The possession of all the mater'als necessary for the VUl PREFACE. I complete performance of the task, seemed to impose a corresponding and mdispensable obligation. It is not, however, intended to be intimated that the author of this narrative and review is wholly uninfluenced by personal considerations and motives. He purposely embraces the opportunity to do an act of justice to himself, while en- gaged in vindicating both his country and his com- mander; and, in so doing, he is not conscious of even the danger of drawing on the indulgence of the public, beyond what it is accustomed to accord to the honest and characteristic frankness of a soldier. NARRATIVE, (fcc. A REQUISITION having been made by the general government for a body of New York mUitia, it was the pleasure of Gov. Tompkins to appoint Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer to take command of the forces which should be raised for the defence of the northern and western frontiers of this State, in answer to that rerjuisition. That officer entered upon his command on the 1 3th of July, 1812, having done me the honour to request my services as l)is aid. I was anxious to serve my country in the contest in which she was engaged, and I did not hesitate, therefore, to take the situation thus offered me. On reaching the Niagara frontier towards the middle of August, the General found his troops scattered along the whole line of the river, and exposed to be cut up in detail. Having inspected his ground, his resolution was promptly taken to concentrate his forces at Lewiston. Orders to that effect were immediately given. His camp was formed, and the duties of discipline and instruction were entered upon without delay. From the moment of his assuming the command, his position was one of the utmost exposure and danger. He lay within sight of a powerful enemy, separated from him only by a narrow river, for the crossing of w 'lich, that enemy possessed ev- ery facility. He had a line of thirty six miles to guard, and his whole force was considerably less than one thou- 10 NARRATIVE. sand men,* many of them without shoes, and all of them clamorous for pay. Of ammunition, there were not ten rounds per man, and no lead. There was not one piece of heavy ordnance in the whole line, and there were no artillerists to man the few light pieces which we possess- ed. Add to this, that the troops could not take or keep the field, for want of tents and covering ; that the medi- cal department, if one could be said to exist at all, was utterly destitute of every thing necessary for the com- fort of the sick or the disabled ; and that there was a- mong the men that entire want of subordination, to say nothing of discipline, which always characterizes raw militia ; and some idea may be formed of the condition of our army. The condition of the forces on the opposite bank of the river, was in contrast with ours in every particular. There was a well appointed, and well found army, un- der the most exact discipline, and commanded by skilful and experienced officers. Every important post, from Fort Erie to Fort George,was in a defensible state, and the ene- my had possessed himself of a very commanding position on the heights of dueenstown, which he was rendering every day more secure and formidable. He had, moreo- ver, the mastery of the Lakes, and was at that moment indue triously employed in using that advantage to in- crease his numbers, and add to his supplies at Niagara. In this state of things, the armistice which had been concluded between Gen. Dearborn and the Governor General of Canada, was announced to Gen. Van Rens- selaer, and it became necessary to settle with the com- mander of the British forces opposite to us, terms of an arrangement for the government of the armies on the ♦ On the first of September, he had only 691 men fit for duty, NARRATIVE. 11 Niagara, during the continuance of the armistice. The performance of this duty was assigned to me, and a sug- gestion having been made by me to that effect, I had the authority of General Van Rensselaer to attempt such an arrangement, as, besides securing the objects contem- plated by Gen. Dearborn, might enable us, pending the armistice, to use the waters of the Ontario, as a common and undisturbed highway for the purposes of transpor- tation. My interview with Gen. Sheaffe, on this mis- sion, was one full of interest. As was anticipated, the terms proposed by me were met not only with objec tions, but at first by an unequivocal refusal to accede to them. The following clause, proposed and insisted on, on the part of the British General, will serve to show how wide of each other were our respective views and interests. " It is moreover to be distinctly understood, that there is not any thing in the foregoing articles, to be construed into granting facilities for the forwarding of troops, stores, &c., which did not exist before the decla- ration of the armistice, farther than they are to pass un- molested as therein provided, in the mode and by the routes assigned to them prior to the cessation of hostili- ties." The result of a protracted discussion, however, was an agreement which confined the restrictions to the movements of troops, stores. erely a matter of conjecture. It mi^iht have proceeded irom disappoiutnient in not ol)tainin;^ full connuand on this frontier, or it mii^lit have been because his fastidiousness could not be reconciled to the idea of being- under the con- trol of a militia general. Be it as it may, he was hii,ndy censured by all who were aware of liis conduct, and many, among- whom I was one, were of opinion that coercive measures should be resorted to, to bring him to a sense of his duty; and perhaps if Gen. V. R. is cen- surable for any sin of omission while on the frontier, it is for not pursuing this course. But as the season was raoidly drawing to a close, and as he was urged by his instructions to effect something decisive before he went into winter quarters, his situation was one of extreme delicacy. He did not wish to be drawn from the object he had in view, by a controversy with Gen. Smyth — par- ticularly so, as hj knew tnat the forces which by this time had collected in Iris own inniiediate vicinity, were amply sufUcient for hh, purpose. reia- * Appenuix, No. U. ' 20 NARRATIVE. The plan which Gen. V. R. intended to have sub- mitted to the council in question, and the objects he ex- pected to gain by it, if carried out, are indicated in the following" extract of a letter from him to Gen. Dearborn. " That we immediately concentrate the regular force in the neighbourhood of Niagara, and the mihtia here make the best possible disposition, and at the same time the r'^-gulars shall pass from the Four Mile Creek, to a point in the rear of the works of Fort George, and take it by storm. 1 will pass up the river here and carry the heights of Q,ueenslown. Siiould we succeed, we should elfect a great discomfiture of the enemy, by breaking' their line of commimicalion, driving tlieir shipping fr jni the month of this river ; leaving them no rallying point in this pirt of the country — appalling the m,inds of the Canadians^ and opening a wide and safe communication for our supplies. We shall save our own land, wipe away a part of the score of our past disgrace^ get excellent barracks and winter quarters, and at least be prepared for an early cam- paign another year. As soon as the result of the council shall be known, I shall advise you of it." His want of accommodations against the inclement weather became greater, in the same ratio as his strength increaseu, until the discontent in consequence, reduced his camp to a state bordering on mutiny. The calls to be led to battle, became more and more urgent and impeiious, and the general found himself at last obliged either to dis- miss the troops, or to gratify their wishes. Several days elapsed without having a time specified by General Smyth for holding the council, and the prospect of doing it being as remote as ever. Gen. Van Rensselaer could no longer withhold his orders for offensive measures. The different posts of the enemy having been previously cdl bei thj hI thd thi to -^^-^1 ^^^ NARRATIVE. 21 examined by various officers of our army, wliile on offi- cial business there,* our knowledge of his localities, of course, was accurate, and having obtained satisfactory information as to the force stationed at his defences, par^ ticularly at those about Q,ueenstcwii, the general felt himself warranted in making an immediate attack on that place. Accordingly on the 10th October, 1812, thirteen boats, capable of transporting three hundred and forty men witli their equip ;.°nts, were brought down under cover of the night, upon wagons, from Gill Creek, two miles above the falls, and launclied in tlie river at the only practicable spot at the time, at the present, Lewiston ferry. Lieut. Col. Fenwick's flying artillery were order- ed to be up in season from Fort Niagara. Gen. Smyth was also directed to send down so much of his command as could be spared from Buffalo, and the attack was to have been made at 3 o'clock, on the morning of the next day. " Experienced boatmen were procured to take tlie boats from the landing below, to the place of embarka- * On my last visit there, the very day before the action, -while return- ing to my bout, accompanied by Col. Mc Donald and some other offi- cers, attracted by the apjjcarance of a body of Indians a short distance to our left, I expressed a desire to obtain a nearer view, as I might know some of them. This gdlantand accomplished officer immediate- ly led the way. On our route we passed two beautiful brass howitzers of a small size, calculated to be carried on pack-horses, the -wheels about as large as those of a wheel-barrow. I remarked, " these, at all events, are old acquaintances of mine." They had formerly belonged to Wayne's army, and had been left at Detroit, where, as Col. Mc D. stat- ed, they were taken by Gen. Brock and brought down, with a view of being sent to England, as a curiosity. I observed in a jocular manner that I felt partial to those pieces, and wo must try to take them back. He replied in the same pleasant humou*-; that they must try to defend them. Little did he suspect that every thing was arranged to make that trial, or that the next day he and his chivalrous chief were doomed to fall and I to be grievously wounded. 22 NARRATIVE. I '^1 I 1: fl ;|.i h ,+ tion. Lieut. Sims was considered the man of the great- est skill for this service ; he went ahead, and in the ex- treme darkness passed the intended place, far up the river, and then in a most extraordinary rninner, fasten- ed his boat to the shore, and abandoned the detach- ment. In this front boat he had carried nearly all the oars, which were prepared for the boats. In this ago- nizinrr dilemma stood officers and men, whose ardour had not been cooled by exposure through the night to a most tremendous north-east storm, which continued unabated for twenty-eight hours, and deluged the whole camp. Col. Van Rensselaer was to have commanded the detachment. " After this result, I had hoped that 'he patience of the troops would have continued until I could submit tlie plan suggested in my letter of the 8th, that I might act under, and in conformity to, the opinion which might be then expressed. But my hope was idle ; the pre- viously excited ardour seemed to have gained new heat from the late miscarriage. The ' brave were too morti- fied to stop short of their object, and t ^e timid thought laurels half won by the attempt.' On the morning of the 12Lh, such was the pressure upon me from all quar- ters, that I became satisfied that my refusal to act, might involve me in suspicion, and the service in dis- grace."* Except in some minor details, the arrangements for another attempt were the same as on the last, ^'he boi^ts were brought back after daylight, and left on the shore opposite Queenstown, where they remained the two subsequent days in full sight, and within musket * See despatch from G. V. R. of Oct. 14th, to Gen. Dearborn, in Appendix No. II. {(< N( NARRATIVE. 23 shot of the enemy.* The appearance was regarded as a feint, and they became impressed with a belief, that they were intended to carry an armament down the river against Fort George. Our operations at and near Fort Niagara, before alluded to,t which they had lately seen effected opposite that post, confirmed the belief to such a degree, that their principal force was stationed there ; and when Gen. Brock was afterwards first in- formed of the firing at Queenstown, he declared that it could not possibly be an attack. " It was nothing more than the war between sentinels."!: To all this, in con- nection with their faith in the impregnable nature of the place, we may ascribe tlie reason why they were so weakly garrisoned here ; and that they were so, was divulged to us through such sources as unequivocally to justify an attack, and it was decided that it should be made under my direction on the morning of the 13th. During the two intervening days, although yet suf- fering under the effects of a fever, by which I had been confined to my bed until near the moment of being called out to lead the first intended expedition, I was constantly employed in personally attending to complete the arrangements for battle, and in ii'-'M'ucting the dif- ferent participators in the particular duties to be assign- ed them. Mr. Cook, a highly respectable citizen of Lewiston, (father of the Hon. Bates Cook, lately a member of congress, who, if I mistake not, with one or more bro- ' .11 i * The Niagara river being; but about three hundied and fifty yards ■wide at this place, a Briiish sentinel was killed at his post by a shot from our side. See Correspondence on this subject in Appendix, No.—, t See Correspondence with Col. Fenwick, Appendix, No. II. \ Sec Appendix, No. II. mmm 24 NARRATIVE. I I I 1 ' thers volunteered his services for the occasion), was this time entrusted with the duty of procuring trust- worthy boatmen, at whatever expense ; and they with tlie boats were put under his direction. To Mr. Lovett was committed the management of the fire from the eighteen-gun battery on the heights of Lewiston. This was an important duty. The balls from this battery were to pass over the heads of the assaulting party, in order to reach the enemy in the village of dueenstown. The duty in the result was satisfactorily performed, though at the expense of Mr. L.'s hearing. He never recovered from the astounding effects of his own fire. Lt. Col. Christie, who had lately arrived with a rein- forcement of near four hundred regulars, having begged the honour of a command in the expedition,* was ac- cordingly ordered up to Lewiston with three hundred of his men. The remainder were left to guard the boats and stores which he had brought with him, to the mouth of Four-Mile Creek. Three hundred militia-men, w^ho had been in camp several months, and were much superior to the newly recruited regulars in point of disci- pline, together w4th forty picked men from Capt. Leo- nard's old company of artillery from Fort Niagara, un- der Lieuts. Gansevoort and Rathbone, with all the equipments belonging to their proper line of service, composed the detachment under my own immediate command. An equal number from each of these two detachments, together with the forty artillerists, were to proceed from tlie encampment, and effect the first de- scent upon the enemy's shore. Lie ^ Col. Fenwick, and Major Mullany, were to follow with about five hun- dred and fifty regulars, and some pieces of flying artil- See Col. Fenwick's correspondence, No. II. J "^ •H NARRATlVfi. S5 Icry, and then the militia in order, as fast £is the boats could carry them. ' ' - ' . The arrangement, however, was partially deranged, when we reached the bank of the river. Here the troops were halted ; and while accompanied by my two acting aids, Lush and Gansevoort, I was inspecting the condition of the boats, which, by the way, appeared to be in perfect order, the regulars got possession of the narrow dug way leading down to the water's ei]ge. In this emergency it became necessary either to counter- march part of this force, a movement which we appre- hended might arouse the attention of the enemy, or to fill the boats with regular troops in the first place, to the partial exclusion of the militia. The latter alternative was adopted, and Major Morrison was ordered to follow with the remainder of the detachment, in the return boats. . . • .■ • I - When the troops had embarked, to the number of twenty-five in each boat, I first walked along the line to see that all were ready, and finding they were so, leaped into the one containing the picked artillerists, and gave the word to push off. The order was prompt- ly obeyed. Counterbalancing, in the favouring eddies on either side, the lee-way made in crossing the main current, within ten m^iutes all the boats, excepting three, struck the enemy's shore without difficulty, at the identical spot aimed at. Having landed, the boits were inmiediately sent back. The troops were formed, and charged up the bank, where they met the enemy. A short, but severe engagement took place, with heavy loss on both sides ; but we were victorious, and the enemy gave way, and fled towards Queenstown, on our right. The position we occupied cut off their retreat to their main battery on the heights. Finding myself very I ; its acquired under the tuition of Generals Wayne, Wilkinson, and Posey, I am not conscious of ever having neglected the perform- ance of the most iuinute detail appertaining to my du- ties as a military man. Nor do 1 recollect of a neglect on this occasion. Selected to lead an expedition on which the result of a whole campaign depended, my reputation was at stake, and my anxiety to give my counfy a glorious oflTset to the disaster of Hull, rendered me, if possible, doubly vigilant. Every preparation deemed essential was made under my own inspection, and every contingency was provided for a successful issue ; and if the result was unfortunate, it certainly was not on ac- count of any defect, either in the plan of the expedition, or in the arrangements made to carry it into execution. Had Lieut. Colonel Christie, for instance, eifected his landing in conjunction with myself, no delay need have been occasioned at the important crisis when I became disabled. The batteries would have been secured be- fore the enemy were prepared to annoy us, and our pri- mary object, an unmolested passage to the reinforce- ments, would have been secured in season. To his fail- ure may mainly be attributed all our disasters. Yet the apology which he makes for it, in his report to Gen. Armstrong, (the loss of a rowlock and an unskilful pilot,) would, in a spirit of charity be deemed sufficient, were it not known that other boats besides his own, were ordered by him to fall back at the same time,* His re- * Capt Lawrence, in one of the three unsuccessful boats, has repeat- edly declared th^X he fflll back by Christie's orders, . • ^ t J 1" NARnATlVE. 80 ; ,1 turn damped the hitherto irrepressible ardour of the mi- litia; Major Morrison, instead of leading his detach- ment across the river, suddenly found himself taken too unwell for the duty ; and though the dreaded fire on the ferry was now silenced by Mr. Lovett's battery, and the heights were captured, yet the panic had become so gene- ral, that but a small portion of our army could be pre- vailed on to cross. The remainder, to their eternal shame be it said, instead of lending their aid to sustain their gallant brethren in their victorious career, stood passively, and saw them cut up, and captured in the eVid, by a force amounting to about one-third of their united number. < ' . • •. Having finished the brief personal narrative of the affair of Queenstown, which it had been my purpose to offer, the object of this work now requires, that I should proceed to an equally brief review of those extraordinary " Remarks" applicable to this affair, which, with others of a similar kind to be found in Gen. Armstrong's book, form the distinguishing features of the work, make it characteristic, and mark it for his own. i. ' ■ • .. . .■ •. ' • '. ^ !> No. I. " The false and improbable report of a spy was made the ground-work of the expedition." The re- port of this spy was neither false nor improbable ; it was true, and was corroborated and confirmed by other in- formation already had, in relation to the British force at Queenstown. That he was not mistaken about their numbers, and that the detachment which landed with me was more than enough to overpower them, was ma- nifest in the result. Their whole force at Q,ueenstown proved to be comprised of two flank companies of the 49th, a few militia, and Indians. After the foot-hold was obtained, if General V. R.'s army had crossed the river \ i |i Li i • % •i ^ ■ * ' .1, f yf 36 i'^K t^f NARRATIVE. means necessary for the passing the river, or of covering the retreat, no longer existed." In his despatch of Oct. 14, General V. R. writes— " The partial success of Lieut. Elliot at Black Rock, (of which I have, however, received no official inforiT.ation,) began to excite in the troops a strong disposition to act. This was expressed to me through various channels, in the shape of an alternative, that they must have orders to act, or, at all hazards, they would go home." The alternative which Gen. V. R. thought his own reputa- tion and the good of the service required him to adopt, imder all the circumstances of the case, was to tatie (he troops at their word, and lead them into actioi- • tt attempt ot; the II th was the consequence. It resulted in a failure. So far from being damped by this, the Gene- ral adds, " The previously excited ardour seems to have gained new heat from the late miscarriage : the brave Wire mortified to stop short of their object, and the timid thought laurels half won by the attempt. On the morn- ing of the lith, such was the pressure upon me from all quarters, that I became satisfied that my refusal to act might involve me in suspicion, and the service in dis- grace." Now it was known to every officer on the ground, that such a state of things existed ; and as the troops were aware that they could not act against the enemy without invading them, in the name of common sense, what stronger evidence of the political sentiments on the question of invasion could be required I At the period of Gen. Brock's fall, and tlie flight of the enemy, the troops were still crossing, v/e had a pros- pect of a victorious termination of the enterprize, and do one then supposed the militia would change their minds : of course, the idea of a retreat could not be entertained. T ' . 1 * % 1 isfht of ^ NARHATrVE. 37 m ^\ Gen. V. R. crossecl over about this time, leaving direc- tions for the militia to follow : but learning subsequently that he was not obeyed, he returned, with a view of as- certaining the cause, and to expedite their movements. It was then, for the first time, he found them recreant to the promises which their late clamour for action inv plied. After trying all the means that human inge- nuity could devise, to arouse them to a sense of their duty, he was obliged to give up the effort in despair. — He then despatched a note to General Wadsworth, in- forming him of the predicament, and leaving the course to be pursued much to his own judgment ; assured him, if he thought best to retreat, every thing in his power would be done to render the measure as easy and as safe as possible. The note, however, reached its destination too late. Reinforcements of the enemy, under Gen. Slieaffe, were by this time near at hand, and very soon our little band of heroes were attacked, and after another obstinate fight, overpowered. The General closes his narrative of the events of this eventful day, thus : — "1 can only add, that the victory was reallt/ won, but lost for want of a small reinforcement ; onc-t'iird pari of the idle men would have saved all." If this presumption is a just one, and it never has been doubted, it furnishes a strik- ing commentary on the masterly judgment displayed in arranging the plan of operations ; for with the facta before us, all will admit that the General had indications enough, to justify him in his dependence upon the sup- port of these " idle men" \l has been shown, that we were successful in every important measure, up to the time of Gen. Siieafle's ar- rival. Now, as we had possession of the main road lead- ing from dueenstov^n heights through the village to Fort D lii 1'! I-' lit i 'Mi ! i, !' ti,j i. '■ ^ I ...1 i^i i I M H 38 NARRATIVE. George,cver a cleared and flat country, he, (Gen. Sheaffe,) was obliged to file off when he came near Queenstown, to his right, to the small village of St Davids, which was four and a half miles west in the rear of Q,ueenstown. From thence, ascending the heights, he had four and a half miles more to march east, in order to give battle to our troops, and recover his battery. Our force would haveout- numbered his, three toone, and if the militia had donetheir duty, his defeat would have been certain. In that case, his retreat would have been cut off ; the distance for him k • rfteen miles, forusonly six by thedirect road, to Fort Gee .* This post would have fallen without striking a blow, for there were not more than twenty men left in it, under Major Evans, to keep up the cannonade between it and Fort Niagara, and all the objects aimed at, would have been acquired.! General V. R. has always been ready to meet an in- quiry into his official conduct throughout this campaign, and has boldly sought it, but none has ever been accord- ed him. Let then the appeal now be made to any practical military man, with the circumstances all beforo him, as to the correctness of his conduct generally in this affair, and particularly on the occasion when he suggests a retreat to a corps, which he rightly supposed would otherwise be crushed. " Nothing could be more ill-judged than the attempt, " in the opinion of General Armstrong ; but the weight which should be attached to any opinion of his, in which the conduct of either General V. R. or myself is implicated, will stand a bet- ter chance of being justly estimated, when these notes shall have been read. The estimable private as well * See Map. t Our winter quarters would not have been confined to Clueenstown, but to that place and toNewaik, if expedient. i NARRATIVE. 39 as public character of Major General Van Rensselaer, is known and established throughout the United States. Devotinff as he does the renniant of a useful and lion- ourable life, to promote objects of Christian benevolence and charity, it might have been expected that even General Aruistron^'s malevolence would have found no gratification in intruding upon his retirement and interrupting hin), in his benevolent pursuits. After the battle of Q,ueenstown, General Dearborn, profesbing to be satisfied and pleased with my conduct, told my friends Generals Lewis and V. R. at Greenbush, that a separate corps would be organized for me, of which they informed me by letter while confined with my wounds at Buflalo ; * but owing to the public defence, which as a man of honour, I found myself obliged to set up against the political attacks on the conduct and character of General V. R., who then was a candidate for the governorship against Governor Tompkins, I be- came obnokious to the dominant party of the day, and the intention was never carried into effect. Dr. Eustis, before he resigned as secretary at war, entered my name upon the list for the appointment of Brigadier General. He afterward told me, when in Congress together, that he was astonished that his suc- cessor General Armstrong had not appointed me. The present venerable Mayor of Baltimore, General Samuel Smith and the Hon. D. R. Williams, chairman of Committee on Military Affairs in Congress, called to- gether of their own accord, upon the Secretary of War, to urge my appointment in the army. * I was taken to this place by a company of Major Mosely's Mili- tia Riflemen — they volunteered to carry me on their Bhoulders all the wjiy to Albany, ill il ^i I ^1 .. h >. ' i- I I T : ; J \ k n * Miff! ff ".!■ !l I f ,i. 1 s 40 NARRATIVE. When the much persecuted and unfortunate General Wilkinson was ordered by General Armstrong from New Orleans to take command of the Northern army, he too urged my appointment, but was refused. On his arrival at this place, however, he srnt for me and wished me to accompany him to the frontiers. I replied that 1 would willingly do so, if 1 thought he had the least chance to effect any thing of consequence ; but knowing that the deficiency of almost every necessary article, and the want of a proper organization in any department of the army, would prevent his descent upon Montreal that season, i declined.* Gen. Harrison, with whom I had served in General Wayne's army, also solicited my appointment, as his second in conmiand in the northwestern army. It will he recollected that I never resigned my com- mission in the regular service, but lost it when the army was curtailed ; my claim to promotion, therefore, was valid still, whenever any augmentation took place. Besides this, the validity of such claims was admitted in the case of other officers of Wayne's army, and they were promoted accordingly. Harrison, wlio was a lieutenant when I commanded a troop, was commis- sioned a major-general; Covington, a subaltern in our corps, a brigadier general ; Ball, my cornet, a lieutenant colonel, (fee. •^«w»*<*"*. Stephen Bates. —^p— ■■ ■qiy IM if i * >i i !• 1 ?.s i '1 ? » irl 'M. ; V ' 1 ' ^ i t'« 1'. 1 t * »k ■•"*, m'-'U if I I ir ?ji ': i m M r (• !*r H'i » f •t "J. '# u h .1; V» i * ! .1 ' . i:i| * Mr:* •' :'■ • r 1 ■' M' IP/ i »:■ I i| IJ i iL- i APPENDIX i I '< I ; I I" if :; "li ^ b f The annexed Letters and General Orders will show the difficulties General Van Rensselaer had to contend with ; and the measures he pursued to meet them ; his devotion to the interests of the service, the iifort of the troops, and the honour of their arms, x ne Letters which passed after the battle between him and General Sheaffe, rival chiefs as they were, in fame and in cour- tesy, will be read with interest and profit. :'i^ APPENDIX, No. I. rs will show 1 to contend ;t them; his 11 fort of the A ne Letters and General and in cour- 1 I Extract from Vv'ilkinson's Memoirs, Isl vol., from page 504 to 531. Major Gen. Dearborn had been placed in the command of the Northern frontier early hi 1812, with views to the in- vasion of Canada, but if I am rightly informed, without being furnished with any plan, general or particular, or any indica- tion of the course which might probably be pursued for the direction of liis operations. Lake Champlain presented the great military highway to the centre of the enemy's province, and the American settlements at V o foot of that lake were remote and exposed; the general therefore judiciously de- termined to take his first position with the regular recruits in that quarter; but in the progress of the campaign, the mis- fortune at Detroit put the western frontier of the State of New York in danger, and in defect of regular troops, the general called on the Governor of the State for a body of militia. This gentleman who distinguished himself as a supporter of the war did not hesftate to comply with the requisition and Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer was selected for the command, Tiie motives for this selection were equivocal, but in relation to the public service it was well judged, because of the amiable disposition, the elevated patriotism, the sound discretion, tiie solid judgment, inflexible honour and firm resolution of this officer. But Gen. Van Rensselaer was opposed in politics to Governor Tompkins, and had differed also with him in opinion as to the expediency of the war, and at the same time they were rival candidates for the government of the State. In the spirit of the times, when almost every public measure is regulated by hiterested intrigue ; thg suggestion may not be uncharitable, that this APPENDiX. hi ' t ;;i ^ h y'N » 'f ! • command was offered to Gen. Van Rensselner, in the expec- tation that ho would refuse it, anJ that his refusal would affect his popularity. But this virtuous citizen, although in possession of the first patrimonial estate in Americ., and in the enjoyment of every blessing which '^an sweeten domes- tic lifo, notwithstanding his opposition to the policy of the war, was too sensible of the obligation which he owed co his country and its govt ^ment, to pause a moment for the course he should pursue, x received the orders of Ger. Dear- born, and commenced his march for the frontier, accompa- nied by Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, adjutant general of the State of New York, of whom I must be permitted to say a few words. This high-minded citizen soldier, and honour- able man, made his noviciate in arms under my orders as a Cornet of dragoons, more than twenty years before, and at thai tender age was distinguished for his coolnesa and intre- pidity in action. His father had served as a lieutenant colo- nel in the revolutionary war, and fought and bled for his country in the affair near Fort Ann, againsi the 9th British regi- ment of Infantry, in 1777 ; he had transfused his spirit an.^ pa- triotism into his son, who in my presence during the campaign of i794, fo»'ght with sang froid and bled with complacency. Rising by regular promotion to a troop, he was particularly noticed by General Washington, and raised to the "ommand of a squadron; but he was among the disbanded at the reduction of louO; and after that period, although anxious for a military appointment to which he would have done hon- our, his politics, as a gv^od federalia,, opposed an insuperable bar to his applications. On reaching Utina, General V. n Rensselaer was called to Sacketts Harbour, by a rumour of the movements of the enemy in that quarter, and from thence after a short halt ho proceeded to Ogdensburgh, v/here Colonel Van Rensselaer projected a handsome enterprize, which failed through the want of a few regular troc "s ; an armed vessel of the enemy, ky along side a wharf adjoining the British magazines at he expec- lal would though in cf ., and in en domes- icy of the wed to his the course Jer. Dear- accompa- gcneral of Ited to say nd honour- rders as a ore, and at 5 and intre- enant colo- >led for his British regi- uritan;^ pa- 3 campaign ifiplacency. )articuldrly ommand ed at the gh anxious done hon- nsuparable was called lents of the lort halt ho Rensselaer h rough the the enemy, igazinec at AJL>P£NDIX. 6 Prescott, on the opposite shore. Colonel Van Rensselaer proposed with one hundred and twenty men, to ascend the St. Lawrence four or five miles, after night, cross the river, fall down under the Canada shore, take possession of the buildings and carry the vessel, boarding her by land and water at the same time. Volunteers fron. tiie militia, turned for ♦he enterprize at evening roll-call, but at midnight they had changed their minds, and as they believed there existed no competent authority to order them beyond the limits of the state, this feasible project was abandoned. From Ogdensburgh, General Van Rensselaer returned to the southward and established his Head Quarters at Lewiston, on the Strait of Niagara, whilst General Smyth, of the Con- tinental service, was ordered to take post in the vicinity of Black Rock at the head of the Strait. This association was unfoiiunate, as the latter gentleman's high military preten- sions, could not be reconciled to the command of a militia general, on his first tour of duty, however respectable as a citizen; and it is presumed tins temper produced a spirit of insubordination, repulsive to the harmony and concert which is essential to cordial co-operation, and that the public ser- vice, was sacrificed to personal sensibility. The campaign glided away under the tardy levy of rcgu- ular troops, and the dilatory assembly of the yeomanry; and it was October before General Van Rensselaer found himself in force to warrr*nt of offensive operations. It ap- pears that at this period, his solicitud'^ for his own reputation and more especially the interests of the service, and the lionour of the country, determined him to strike at the enemy. "Pursuant to this object, on the 5th of October, he, by letter, required a conference with Brigadier General Smyth, and the commanding officers of corps under his immediate orders. He addressed Major Gen. Hall to the same effect ; and after these preliminary steps, on the 8th, he made the tbilowing interesting communication to the commander in chiet! I* IP f ■' Kir 6 APPENDIX. ^1 Sir, — Head Cluarters, Lewiston, Oct. 3ih, 1812. It is now nearly three months since, in obedience to the call of my country, I took the field to form and discipline an army, and to shape and direct a campaign on the very extensive frontiers of this state. This service, even in pros- pect, presented innumerable difficulties and embarrassments. Thus far I have met them in that manner which my own mind justifies and I trust my country will approve. After a general review of our frontiers, my own judgment did not suffer me to doubt that the Niagara river must be the scene of our decisive operations, and I selected this neighbourhood as the place best adapted to our measures, and here en- camped. Well knowing that the duties of the station you hold were complicated and embarrassing, I have patiently endured much, that the affairs of my department might embarrass you less. The crisis through which I have passed for the last month has been trying indeed ; particulars upon this occasson are unnecessary; but the result has justified my measures and I am satisfied. Yet I am well aware that any merit which may be attached to this negative service, will not satisfy the expectations of my country : to have barely escaped disas- ter, will not be thought enough ; the object of the war re- mains unaccomplished, a new crisis is opening, and as in it, you, sir, as well as I, have a deep stake of responsibility, I shall with great freedom, state to you a number of facts, submitting my opinions connected with them, and with defer- ence leave the general conclusion to your own judgment; and as the honour and interests of the United States, your own character and mine, are most intimately connected in the subject of deliberation, I hope and trust it may receive all the attention which its importance merits. The United States declared the war. One army has sur- rendered in disgrace, and another has but little more than APPENDIX. , 3ih, 1812. bedience to nd discipline on the very j !ven in pros- arrassments. licb my own | )ve. After a incnt did not be the scene eighbourhood and here en- you hold were endured much, rrass you less, he last month occasson are ncasures and 1 ly merit which not satisfy the escaped disas- of the war re- (T, and as in it, • • T •csponsibility, 1 lumber of facts, and with defer- own judgment; ed States, your ly connected in ; it may receive e army has sur- little more than escaped the reiteration of the blow. The National charac- ter is degraded, and the disgrace will remain corroding the public feeling and spirit, until another campaign; unless it be instantly wiped away by a brilliant close of this. — A detail of particulars is needless ; you, sir, know service. Our best troops are raw ; many of them dejected by the distress their families suffer by thoir absence, and many have not necessary clothing : we are in a cold country, the season is far ad- vanced, and unusually incicment; we are half the time deluged with rain. The blow must be siruck soon, or all the toil and expense of the campaign go for nothing or worse than nothing, for the whole will be tinged with dishonour. With my present force, it would be rash to attempt offensive operations. I have only sev3nteen hundred effective men* of the militia on this whole line. The regular troops have nearly all arrived in the vicinity of Buffalo, except Schuy- ler's regiment. The batteaux have not arrived and I learn they very narrowly escaped the Royal George, at the mouth of Genesee river, where she had just cut out the schooner Lady Murray, and a Revenue "^utter. But two or three companies of the Pennsylvania tro<,i[)S had arrived at Buffalo, when I received my last advice from thence. Under these circumstances and the impressi'^ns necesssnly resulting from them, I am adopting decisive measures for closing the fall campaign; but shall wait your approbation of the plan, and the arrival of a competent force to xccute it. I have summoned Major Gen. Hall, Brig. Gen. Smyth, and the commandants of the United States Regiments, to meet me on a consultatioii ; and I am well aware that °^nie opinions entitled to great respect, will be offered for crossing the Niagara a little below Fort Erie, and pursuing the march down the river. I think this plan liable to many objections. The enemy have works at almost every point, and even an * His reinforcements had not then arrived, I( 6 APPENDIX. I 'A Ml' ■. : -r U. !M inferior force might hold us in check and render our march slow ; by taking up the bridges at Chippewa, they might greatly embarrass us ; the cleared country is but a mile or two wide ; one flank would be constantly liable to be galled by Indians from the swamps ; for a considerable distance, the rapidity of the current, and the height of the banks ren- der transportation across the river impracticable ; of course, our supplies must follow the line of march, with the trouble and hazard of them every day increasing ; and should the enemy retreat from Gen. Harrison, they would have a dou- ble object in intercepting our supplies ; and by falling on o u- rear, and cutting off our communication, we might expe- rience the fate of Hull's army. Besides these, and many other objections, there is no object on that side, until we should arrive at the commanding heights of Queenstown, which are opposite my camp. The proposal which I shall submit to the Council will be, that we immediately concentrate the regular force in the neighbourhood of Niagara and the militia here, make the best possible dispositions, and, at the same time, the regulars shall pass fro7n the Four-mile Creek to a point in the rear of the works of Fort George, and take it hy storm ; I will pass the river here, and carry the heights of Queenstotvn. Should we succeed, we shall effect a great discomfiture of the enemy bv breaking their line of communication, driving their shippin^^ from the mouth of this river, leaving them no rallying point in this part of the country, aj)palling the minds of the Canadians, and opening a wide and safe com- munication for our supplies. We shall save our own land — wipe away part of the score of our past disgrace, get excel- lent barracks and winter-quarters, and at least be prepared for an early campaign another year. As soon as the result of the Council shall be known, I shall advise you of it. I have received your letter of the 29th ultimo, and shall ac- quaint Mr. Harrison with your direction. I regret the I i APPENDIX. 9 )ur march [ley might a mile or » be galled i distance, banks ren- of course, the trouble should the ave a dou- ling on c u- light expe- and many e, until we tueenstown, icil will be, brco in the , make the he regulars in the rear win ; I will 2ucenstotvn. comfiture of tion, drivhig ing them no ipalling the id safe corn- own land — s, get excel- be prepared IS the result 'ou of it. I md shall ac- regret the slowness of the mail. I have furnished an escort for it from this to Buffalo. With great respect and consideration, &c. Stephen Van Rensselaer. Hon. Major Gen. Dearborn. From this letter, it will appear to any professional man acquainted with the country, and the circumstances of the enemy at that time, that, although Gen. Van Rensselaer was not a military man, he reasons very much like a sol- dier; his point of attack was selected with masterly judg- ment, because, from its apparent difficulty it was least sus- pected, when, in fact, the counter currents under the oppo- site shores, and the nariowness of the river,* rendered it the preferable traverse; and as to the plan of the enterprize which he had finally i*\ ermined on, it was so simple and so perfect, that an act of God alone could have prevented the success, whic^ would have reflected honour on a master of the trade. If the reader will cast his eyes over the annexed map, he will perceive General Van Rensselaer's camp at Lew- iston, (B) from whenc; a road (mm) has been cut by his order, six miles through a wood, to (N), at Four-mile Creek, where sixty batteaux lay equipped for service ; from whence it is four and a half miles by water to Fort George, under a high bank, which conceals the movement until the boats turn the point of Niagara. The ground is so much elevated at Lewiston and Queenstown, that, it may be called a mountain; it is an immense platform which overlooks the plaia below, until it is terminated by Lake Ontario. Of consequence, every movement from Fort George would have been under the General's eye, as well at that of the officer at Fort Niagara. It was General Van Rensselaer's inten- tion, to have marched General Smyth and one thousand ^ Tluce hundred and fifty yards wide. p 10 APPENDIX. »iV Ml five hundred regular troops, to the mouth of the Four-mile Creek, by the new road (mm,) cut for the purpose, there to have been held in readiness to embark at a minute's notice. Queenstown was then to be attacked ; and as it was guarded by two companies of the 49th regiment, with a party of mi- litia and Indians only, it would have been carried with the battery on the heights, as afterwards happened. These operations, within hearing of Fort George, couid not fail to draw forth the garrison to sustain the post of Queenstown, and repel the invaders ; and, as soon as the British column was dipcovered in motion, General Smyth would have em- bai ea by a signal, and when it approached Queenstown he would have been ordered by a courier, to proceed to the at- tack of Fort George, which could not have been anticipated more than twenty minutes, and bemg deprived of its garri- son, resistance would have been vain. In the spirit of these memoirs I shall forbear to condemn, except when urged by facts. That so feasible a plan, and one of such importance to the national honour and interests should have failed was to be deplored, and the occasion certainly presented a fair subject for inquiry; because it could not have happened without some fault, which, for the good of the service, should have been ascertained, especially when General Van Rensselaer defied investigation; but the crooked po- licy of a corrupt cabinet will not bear inquiry, except when it is deemed necessary to hunt down obnoxious individuals. Disappointed by causes he could not control, in the medi- tated attack on the 11th of October, to which the impatience of the militia had compelled him to assent, before his mea- sures were matured ; and not having heard from Brigadier General Smyth on the 1 1th, in answer to his note of the 5th ; General Van Rensselar hoped the temper of the troops would allow him time to repeat his summons for a consulta- tion with the most experienced of his officers who lay near Buffalo, with the intention to carry into effect his original design; but the ardour of those under his immediate orders, APPENDIX. 11 i^our-mile , there to 's notice. 5 guarded •ty of mi- l with the . These not fail to eenstown, sh column have cm- nstown ho to the at- inticipated its garri- rit of these 1 urged by mportance failed was ited a fair happened le service, General ooked po- cept when ividuals. the medi- im patience e his mea- Brigadier Df the 5th ; the troops I consulta- lay near is original ,te orders, 4 had been heated by disappointment, and numbers now pro- posed to him the alternative, of marching against the enemy ^ or marching home. In such a dilemma he could not hesi- tate, and on consulting the principal officers of his camp, and finding them earnest for an immediate attack, he deter- mined to carry the works of the enemy on the morning of the 13th, before day ; having the evening before received a reinforcement of three hundred and fifty regular recruits under Lieutenant Colonel Christie, who volunteered his services. No fault can be founi with the plan of attack, except in the deficiency of transports, which, consisting of thirteen bat- teaux, limited the assaulting party to three hundred non- commissioned officers and privates, and tiiis defect is ascribed to the deficiencies of competent means in the quarter-mas- ter's department. The embarkation was to have taken place on the morning of the 13tli, before day, in the follow- ing order, viz. Col. S. Van Rensselaer with three hundred militia, Lieut. Col. Christie, with three hundred Regulars; the whole to be commanded by Colonel Van Rensselaer ; Lieutenant Colonel Fenwick and Major Mullany, were to follow with five hundred and fifly regular troops, and some pieces of flying artillery, and then the militia, accord- ing to order. The attacking party was formed in good time, and marched off by files abreast, Lieut. Col. Christie leading the regulars, and Major Morrison the militia. When he arrived at the bank of the river, Col. Van Rensselaer halted the detachment, and descended with Major Lush and Lieut. Gansevoort, who acted as his aids, to see the boats arranged, and formed in two divisions, one for the regulars, and the other for the militia ; as it was intended their em- barkation should be simultaneous, as far as the crafl would suffice to receive them : but, in descending the bank by a narrow path, which had been dug out of it, the regular troops got possession of it, to the exclusion of the militia ; and the necessity occurred of countermarching a part of the ii If'i rw I) r {It ' I ii. f •' ■i w^ \m ' ! [| » X •! ' J '. 'I » 1 U jtPPENDIX. regulars, or embarking the whole, hi the first instance ; and to save time, the latter plan was adopted, and Major Morri- son ordered to follow with the militia in the return boats. Col. Van Rensselaer had examined the bearings of the enemy's heavy battery, on the mountain at (c,)* and that of one gun below Qucenstown, at (L), and perceived that by by crossing the river near the gorge of the mountain, he should in a great measure escape the range of their shot; he accordingly made his traverse at (o), and landed on a nar row beach, under a steep bank of forty feet elevation ; but, unfortunately, three of the boats which put off with him, bearing Lieutenant Colonel Christie.f Captain Lawrence, and a subaltern whose name is not known, returned without the orders of Col. Van Rensselaer, and carried back seventy- five of the detachment, which too sensibly impaired his force ; but the retreat of this parti/ produced a most perni- cious effect on the militia, particularly as it made no im- mediate attempt to effect a passage. The natural reflec- tion produced by this spectacle in the minds of the yeo- manry was, " If the regular troops cannot cross the river, surely it cannot be expected of us." Thousands of specta- tors were looking on, and there can be no doubt that the in- cident staggered their resolution. The narrowness of the river, without the agency of spies, would necessarily warn the enemy of the movement ; and they were prepared for Van Rensselaer's reception. Their force at Queenstown, when the attack was made, consisted of two companies of the 49th regiment, I suppose one hundred and sixty men, with a party of militia, and a few Indians, who resisted their landing. They ascertained Van Rensselaer's approach by the sound of his oars, and opened their fire from * See the Map. t Col. Christie Avhose high standing as an officer placed his courage above suspicion is no more ; but Capt. Lawrence, who lives, and is second to no officer of his grade, alleges, I understand, that he retreated by order of Col. Christie. At all events, no satisfactory reason has been given for the boats not proceeding. APPENDIX. 13 tance and a'or Morri- n boats, ings of the and that of fed that by lountain, he eir shot ; he id on a nar k'ation; but, f with him, Lawrence, •ncd without ick soventy- ntipaired his most pemi- aade no im- itural reflec- of the yeo- ;s the river, 3s of specta- ; that the in- icy of spies, ^ement; and ion. Their consisted of one hundred ndians, who lensselaer's eir fire from 3d his courage lives, and is it he retreated ry reason has I i the top of the bank, as soon as they could discern his move- ments, hy wiiicli Lit'Ut. Rathbcuiu was mortally wounded on board ofCol. Van lleiissclaer's boat. Tlic kmdinnf wascrtectcd witb t wo luuulrcd and twenty-five men, wlio formed under a very w.inn fire, clJMibcd the baidi, and routed the enemy at the point uf the bayonet, without firin^u a shot; but in this operation En- sigji Morris was killed, and Capts. Malcolm, Armstrong, and Wool were wounded ; Col. Van Rensselaer himself was pe- culiarly unfortunate, and, to the accident which bcfel him, the day's disaster may be j)artly attributed; he received one ball in his hip, which passed out at his spine, two in his thigh, one of which lodged, two in his leg, and a sixth con-' tuscd his heel ; he however kept his feet, and the enemy having fled towards the town, ho ordered Capt. Wool, the senior olficcr capable of duty, to ascend the mountain and carry the battery; giving him a direction for his movement, by which ho would avoid the enemy's artillery; placing Lieuts. Randolph and Gansevoort, who volunteered, at the head of the little column, and Major Lush, another volunteer, in the rear, with order to put to death the first man who should fall back. During this time, he had concealed his wounds under a great coat borrowed from Major Lush ; and when the party had filed off" before him, no longer able to support himself, he fell to the ground. It was just then clear day-light, and he found himself among the wounded, the dying, and the dead. A crust of bread, and some water, furnished by one of the former, prevented him from fainting. The anguish resulting from his wounds, and every selfish feeling, was silenced by the contemplation of his wounded companions; but even tlicso lost much of their interest, when put in competition with his anxiety for tlie safety anc' suc- cess of the gallant detachment he had ordered to the heights. It pleased, however the great Disposer of events, that this anxiety should be sliort-livcd ; and for the blood ho had thus spilled in his countrys cause, he was remunerated by the consoling shouts of victory. I had marked the patriot sol- r* > u 1 ' rn t4 APPENDIX. dier some eighteen years before, when " the callow down had scarce begun to shade his cheek, and call him man," giving earnest of future promise, and asserting claims to fu- ture tame; I beheld him in a gallant charge at tin; head of his troop, shot through the body and with the blood oozing from his lungs, still smiling with complacency; yet since the days of General Washington, nor the blood of the father, nor the son has found grace in the eyes of the executive; and amidsi thousands of ofUces which have been indiscrimi- nately lavished on the worthy and the worthless, this faithful citizen and honourable man has not been deemed worthy of attention. The sequel of the affair of Queenstown, about which we have heard almost as much misrepresentation and folly as about the battle of Brid^ewater, will be best described by an extract from the official letter of General Van Rensselaer;* and the following report of Capt. Wool will put to rest seve- ral controverted points. IN If i ii . m I- , Jfi Buffalo, Oct. 23, 1812. Dear Sir, — I have the honour to communicate to you the circum- stances attending the storming of Queenstown battery on the 13th instant; with those which happened previously, you are already well acquainted. In pursuance of your order we proceeded round the point, and ascended the rocks, which brought us partly in rear of the battery. We took it without much resistance. I imme- diately formed the troops in the rear of the battery, and front- ing the village, when I obsreved Gen. Brock with his troops formed, consisting of four conjpanies of the 49'h Regiment and a few Militia, marching for our left flank. I immedi- ately detached a party of one hundred and fifty men, to take possession of the heights above Queenstown battery and to ♦ See Appendix, No. 2. APPENDIX. 15 iw down n man,' ins to fu- Lh«; head )d oozing since t\ic 10 father, xccutive ; ndiscrimi- lis faithful worthy of which we nd folly as jscribcd by enssclaer;* :) rest seve- t. 23, 1812. the circum- ttcry on the isly, you are nd the point, ly in rear of 1 imme- ■y, and front- ith his troops ;h Regiment I immedi- mcn, to take attery and to hold Gen. Brock in check, but in consequence of his supe- rior force tht:y retreated. I sent a reinforcement, notwith- standin<,' whicli, the enemy drove us to the edge of the bank, when with the greatest exertion we brouglit the troops, to a stand, and ordered the officers to bring their meii to a charge as soon as the ammunition was ex|)end(;d, whieii was execu- ted with some confusion, and in a few minutes, the enemy retreated. We pursued them to the edge of the heights, when Col. Mc. Donald iiad his horse shot from under him, and himself mortally wounded. In the mean time Gen. Brock, in attempting to rally his forces, was killed, when the enemy dispersed in every direction. As soon as it was practicable, I formed tin troops in a line on the heights fronting the village, and immediately detached flanking par- ties which consisted of Captain M'Chesney of the (ith Re- giment, Lieut. Smith and Ensign Grosvcnor with a small detachment of Riflemen which had that moment arrived; at the same time I ordered Lieut. Ganscvoort and Lieut. Randolph with a detachment of artillery to drill out an eighteen pounder which had been previously spiked, and if possible to bring it to bear upon the village. The wounded and prisoners I ordered to be collected and sent to the guard house. About this time, which was between three and four o'clock in the afl;ernoon, Lieut. Col. Christie arrived and took the command. He ordered me across the river to get my wounds dressed. I remained a short time. Our flank- ing parties had been driven in by the Indians, but Gen. Wadsworth and other officers arriving, we had a short skir- misli with them and they retreated, and I crossed the river. The officers engaged in storming the Battery, were Capts. Wool and Ogilvie; Lieuts. Kearney, Hugonin, Carr, and Sammons of the I3th ; Lieuts. Gansevoort and Randolph of the Light Artillery, and Major Lush of the Militia. I re- commend to your particular notice Lieuts. Randolph, Carr, . I :m I i •ii II f^ii ! 'ill : ' M^\ \ V ■i .1 16 APPENDIX. , ,Ueir brave conduct exhibited during tbc and Kearney, for their biav whole of the action. John E. Wool, Col. Solomon Van Rens-U". Rensselaer on this h^jl'ly^/JJ^g obstacles almost insu- on the scroll of fame, for "^;^/„„e„y, under a heavy perable, in the face of a '!«"'; -.^J force, composed fi,e, and '^-'"'^'^^^"^JlZi-^^Ac^ruout. advantage. oft»oCompan>e3ofthe4Jtn ^^^ ,„j,„„,. ously posted, with a body of auxd ay ^^^^^^^^ ,„ U was indeed a ^i^P "X "f '"J;;^ ^^,, ,^„,„y consp.eu- which the conduct and the execuuon ^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^,,,„ , ou,. Here true ^ ""■ ^^ °L to the bayonet, «i^.<-U courage,' was attested by an app. _^_^^ ^^ f^,.^„„en decided the conflict wthout a sho- ^^_^ ^_^^^_^^_^.^,^ that two hundred and '"''"'y ^ .,^,,_ ^^d the reader wdl „, hundred were '"'-^^ J^^^* exception of Col. Van bear in mind, that «''V*U"tary combat inwhich e.ther Rensselaer, it was ^^^^^^^l^^^ Under nil the circnm- „en or officers had ^^f" J" J „tion the impartial sol- stances, and on *--':;'^rJ„e this brilliant affair the dier and competent judge, win chef-d'cBUvreofthe war. • , trmerity is too often t«kcn for U»vc.y, , ,„ ,!,e American =»"»«■ fJ/^'J „ij„ „s between blindness and „etthcdis,i.clion '=«'7 "''" '^^^ „„, seen to court danger m Ac Un. Marshal Sa^j''- ,rr at the siege of BeO.une ,n V^ battle of Malplaquet, and »" "» ^|„ „.,bc of eourl.ers. 1 Ins ders, for «bieb he v,as ^^ '" J^ ^ '^.h^iesomc adn.onitions: La ^- ''°^":::rXVa;ronr,;o„s ne deve. pas les confonde rreol -rnes^eprendrontpa. APPENDIX. 17 rinrr tho fnntry. Col. Van ; engraved Imost insvi- cr a heavy ., composed advantagc- nd Indians: jxhibiled, in ly conspicu- for anin I ronet, w'j-i^^' bu forgotten iplished w\mt ; reader wiU of Col. Van 'whicli either II the circum- impartial sol- liant affair the akcn for bravery, jecn blindness and ourt danger in the fBelhune in Fbn- f courtiers, xdmonilions pas les confondc This "La Yet WO heard of no mark of distinction, no honorary pro- motions on tlie occasion; th«j elHcacy of Brevets had not then Ixjcn discovered, lor had it become necessary to cover the disgrace of the cabinet, by raising up idols for the adora- tion of the people; but if tho executive could for a moment have forgotten that Gon. V^an Rensselaer was a federalist, and opposed to Gov. Tompkins as a candidate for the go- vernment of the State of New- York, his reluctance to render common justice to the principal actors in this gallant scene, would have been counteracted by the self-evident policy of exhibiting it to the country in its true light — by contrasting it with the melancholy tale of Detroit, thus dissipating the gloom that hung over tho soldiery and the country, and shewing them what deeds Americans were capable of per- forming. It is true complete success did not ultimately crown this enterprize; but two great ends were obtained for the country — It re-established the character of the Ameri- can Army, and deprived tho enemy by the death of Gen. Brock, of the best ofHcer that has headed their troops in Canada throughout the war, and with his loss put an end to their then brilliant career. I proceed to discharge a pleasing office by stating that the officers who accompanied Col. Van Rensselaer, were Major of Brigade, Lush of the militia, Lieuts. Randolph and GjiD'^evoort, volunteers from the light artillery; Lieut. Rathbono of the heavy artillery ; Capts. Malcolm, Wool, Armstrong, Ogilvie, and Lieuts. Kearney, Sarnmons, Carr, and Hugonin, and Ensign Morris of tho 13th Infantry of whom two were killed and four wounded. The conspicuous gallantry of Lieut. Randolph attracted the attention of the enemy, and excited the admiration of his brethren in arms. Things turned cut exactly as Gon. Van Rensselaer had anticipated; Gen. Sheaffe, who succeeded to the command, on finding that the force at Queenstown had been routed and Gen. Brock killed, stripped Fort George of its garrison, and leaving it in charge of the ordinary guard, marched against 18 APPENDIX. I' jfei 4 f I I H' i!}i- I I i !' .< »: I p li' !'• ' i:!i|t in 'iji I*. I 'I ! ' i !::: the invaders; and if a great part of the miUtia had not vio- lated their promise, and aiiandoncd their duty he might have been cruslicd in fifteen minutes, and the peninsula would have faiien into our hands. In this state of things an expe- rienced officer, on seeing Sheaffe advance and file off from the direct route towards St. Davj.ds by (q,qq*) in order to avoid a conflict in ascending the mountain, would have met him at that point where he could have been repulsed with half numbers; or having made the previous arrangement with his officers for the coup as soon as Sheaife had reached St. Davids, he would have precipitated himself upon Fort George by the direct road and leaving the enemy four or five miles in his rear could have taken the place before they could have succoured it, and turned their own guns upon tiicm. A single reflection would have justified the attempt — without retreat, the American detachment could not avoid an action, and by the abandonment of the militia were exposed to de- feat, from which the capture of Fort George alone could save them. If they had failed in the attempt their misfor- tunes would not have been increased ; but the chance was in their favour. — They might gain much, and could lose little. By some persons, Gen. Van Rensselaer was censured for his conduct on this occasion ; but ti.is was more the effect of party animosity, than any just ground of condemnation. In entering upon his command when a rival of the Governor of the staie for a succession to the government, he evinced his disinterested patriotism, and exposed himself to great hazard in point of reputation; for it is a fair presumption, that it was not Gov. Tompkins' intention by the selection to strengthen the interests of his opponent, as this gentleman, with a thousand amiable and generous qualities, could not be expected to commit political suicide. Advocate as I am for the yeomanry of my country, I can find no excuse for the conduct of the militia on that occasion. By imperiously de- * See Map. APPENDIX. 10 manding the attack on Qucenstown, they virtually pledged themselves to support it. The attack was made, but their pledge remained unredeemed ; it is in vain that we search for the cause. The army on the Straits of Niagara could have been as- sembled for offence only : therefore, Gen. Van Rensselaer, in making the attack, fulfilled the obligations of duty, and the views of government. The adjoining return,* taken from the official documents, will show that his force was more than sufficient for the occasion ; and if blameable at all, it was in yielding to the alternative presented to him by his fellow-citizens and fellow-soldiers, before liis preparations satisiiied his own judgment; yet under the actual circum- stances of the operation, as far as they have reached my knov/bdgo, if the militia had been fa't'ifui to their engage- ments, and true to themselves, the whole might have passed the s>tra'ts before the arrival of the British column under General Sheaffi.% whom they might have cut off from Fort George, and captured or destroyed, after which the surren- der of the Fort would have become a matter of form. * Return of tho troops under the command of Major General Ste- phen Van Rensselaer of the New-York Militia, Head-Cluarters, Lew- iston, October 12th, 1812. Brigades. Where stationed. 'I'otal piesent for duly. Remarks. Brig. Gen. Miller's, Lt. Col. Jno R. Fenwick's, Lt. Col. P. Swift's, and ) Lt. Col. S. Hopkins's, ] Brig. Gen. Wadsworth's, Brig Gen. Smyth's, Lt. Col. Christie's, Lewiston, Lewiston, Bl'k Rock & ) Buffilo, 5 Lewiston, Black R. k, l.ewist.oii, 588 550 386 1682 1650 350 Miliiia. Regulars. Militia. Militia. Regulars. Reiridars. N. B. Having omitted in its proper place, I will here particularize, that it was the grenadier and light companies of the 49th regiment, which opposed Col. Van Rensselaer's landing: they were 175 strong, commanded by Capts. Dennie and Williams, who were both wounded, and had three sergeants and thirty-nine rank and file killed and wounded. This was from an official return taken at York . .'1 'M II V' ' If APPENDIX, No. 11. U: * i •11, •) ' ''I LX From Major General Van Rensselaer to his Excellency GoTernor Tompkins. Ogdensburgh, July 23d, 1812, 8 o'clock, P. M. Sir,— On receiving information that Sackett's Harbour was menaced by the enemy, I deemed it expedient that General Brown should repair there ; and, accordingly, he departed from this place early yest'-iday morning. One reason for my remaining a day Oi tv c longer at this post was, to await, and possibly improve he success which might attend a projected attack upon a tea-gun British schooner which has for several days been lying at the dock in Prescott, op- posite to this place. The proposed attack was concerted by my aid-de-camp, Col. Van Rensselaer, and Col. Bene- dict who commands at this post. Yesterday was spent in preparations. The boarding-boats were ready at 1 o'clock, last night, and the attack was to have been made by land and water, at 3 in the morning. But when every thing was prepared in such manner as to promise complete success, it was discovered with infinite chagrin and mortification, that only sixty-six men would vokmteer for the service ! This number being by no means competent, Cols. Van Rensse- laer and Benedict, who would certainly have led the men to action with the most cool and determined bravery, were compelled to abandon an enterprize honourable in itself^ and upon the result of which might have depended the whole command of the Lake and river. This promising project having been blasted, and as no- thing further of consequence appeared to demand my longer stay here, 1 was on the eve of my departure at five o'clock APPENDIX. 21 DTcrnor :, P. M. our was General departed eason for t was, to rht attend er which scott, op- concerted )ol. Bene- 3 spent in 1 o'clock, ie by land thing was success, it jation, that ice! This an Rensse- thc men to /ery, were 1 itself, and the whole and as no- [ my longer five o'clock f tliis afternoon, when a large armed sliip was discovered coming down the river. She has anciiOrcd close on shore, on the ojiposito side of the river, near to the schooner, and appears to be a fourteen-gun ship. Considerable solicitude prevails in this place. It is generally believed that the ves- sels in the harbour are the ohject of the enemy. The own- ers of the vessels arc preparing to scuttle them, or remove them as far out of the reach of the enemy as may be. The troops are busy constructing a fort of timber north of Pa- rish's store, on the best ground for the purpose. But, sir, >. ir very great misfortune is, that we have only two six- pounders. If this harbour is to be protected, it is abso- lutely necessary that I should be immediately furnished with cannon of competent calibre, for the probably approaching emergency. I shall wait your answer by the return of the express, and govern myself accordingly. I h:.ve the honour, &c. His Excellency Gov. Tonii)kins. From Miijor General Dearborn to Major General Van Rensselaer. Hend Qvnrtcrs, Greenbnsh, July 29th, 1812. Major General Van Rensselaer, Sir, — Your situation, I presume, will enable you to ascertain what force the enemy can bring into action against ofTensivc operations on our part at Kingston and its vicinity; and what forces, in addition to those under your command, would be necessary to render offensive operations in that quarter sufficiently sure of success. Any information you can give me on this, and all other points in relation to your com- mand, and on the general state of things with you, and in Upper Canada, is requested; and it is highly desirable that you afford me the earliest information, from time to time, of any occurrences in yojr vicinity sufficiently important to be communicated. You will readily perceive the expe- diency of employing suitable characters for obtauiing and -SHHP , .' I 22 APPENDIX, rll ia ' ii 1 i ! k ! !■ coiTirnunicating to you correct information in relation to the enemy's force, and the disposition of the militia, and inhabi- tants generally in the Province. Proper encouragement should be given to such persons as you may confide in, for their services in this employment ; and I shall hold myself accountable for any necessary ex- penditures attendant on it. I have not had an opportunity of conferring with Governor Tompkins ; but as he is shortly ex- pected home, I shall soon have the pleasure of a conference in relation to your command, and the situation of the frontier generally. Not being informed of the extent of your com- mand, I have written to the commanding officers at Niagara and Plattsburgh, from the presumption that there might be three distinct commands; but if I am mistaken, I trust no material inconvenience will result from it. Be assured, sir, that your appointment to your present command, your ready acceptance of it, and promptitude in repairing to the fron- tiers, affords high satisfaction to our good citizens, and is peculiarly gratifying to your very, &c. From Major General Dearborn to Mnjor General Van Rensselaer. Head-Cluarlers, Greenbusli, Aw^. 3d, 1S12. Major Gon. Van Rensselaer, or the Comm'g Officer at, Fort Niagara. Sir.— You will please take measures for keeping up a corres- pondence with Gen. Hull, and ascertain his movements by express, or otherwise ; and as he has crossed over to Upper Canada, and taken possession of Fort Maiden, it will be ex- pedient to make every exertion in your power to co-operate with him. If your force will not admit of any strong offen- sive operations, it is highly desirable that such diversions should be made in his favour, as will prevent the enemy from detaching any force from the vicinity of Niagara to oppose the movements of Gen. Hull. I trust you will soon be called to act in a more decisive manner. I am, &c. \\i\ APPENDIX. 33 From Major General Van Rensselaer, to His Excellency Governor Tompkins. BufTdo, August nth, 1312. Sir,-- I have to advise your Excellency that I arrived here last evening, and various considerations induced me to adopt measures for obtaining the most satisfactory information respecting the situation of General Hull. Accordingly, I this morning sent my aid-de-camp to Black Rock, having heard that Judge Porter, brother of the Quarter Master General, had lately retiu'ned from Detroit. Col. Van Rens- selaer has returned, having had a conference with the Quar- ter Master General, and Judge Porter. The amount of in- formation obtained is substantially this. — That Judge Porter, left Detroit, on the 29th ult. General Hull, was entrenching himself opposite to Detroit ; — Fort Maiden was not taken as has been reported ; — General Hull's force was eight hun- dred. At Brown's Town, below Detroit are fifteen hundred hostile Indians. Quarter Master General Porter has lately •sent several boats with provisions for Geijcral Hull ; but unfortunately, one boat has been taken by the enemy, and unfavourable apprehensions are entertained for the other boats. It is here, generally believed that detachments of troops have been sent from Fort George, to relieve Fort Maiden ; the number remaining behind, I have not been able to ascertain, but shall endeavour to make this an object of early inquiry. It is said that the enemy abound on the op- posite shore, with ordnance, and every munition of war. We are, here, as indeed at all of our posts, lamentably defi- cient in ordnance. The situation of Ogdensburgh, and the necessity of supplying it with heavy ordnance, I have before stated to your Excellency in my letter by e: 'press from that place. Every consideration connected with the success of any operations in this quarter, urges me to solicit the earli- est possible supply of heavy ordnance, and seme skilful engineers, and artillerists. Without such aid and supplies, T 24 APPENDIX. in ' can hardly conceive how it will be possible for us to achieve any tWinrr of importance, or even defend our posts in case of attacks from tb-c enemy. I shall, to-morrow, proceed on to Black Rock and Lewiston, and make further communications of every incident of moment. I have spent a part of this day with Red Jacket, Corn Plant(;r, and a number of other Indians of itifluence. Tiicy very kindly consider me as the messenger of peace and friendship, specially delegated by your excellency. Their professions are unreservedly friendly, and I believe sincere. I have this day received a letter from Major General Dear- born, in which ho speaks of Fort Maiden as being taken : I have given him such information on the subject as I have here obtained. ■ I have the honour, &c. I I 111 U\" M ' Ml From Major General Dearborn to Major G encral Hall ; or Com- manding officer, &c. Head (Quarters, Green Bash, Aug. 8, 1812. Major General Hall, Sir, — Having received from Sir Geo. Provost, Governor and Commander in Chief of the forces in Canada, by Col. Bayncs, his Adjutant General, despatches from England, to our government, of a conciliatory nature ; and a proposition on the part of Sir George Provost, for a mutual cessation of hostilities on the Frontiers, I have so far complied with the pro{)Osition, as to agree to direct the respective Commanding Officers on the side of the United States, to confine their re- spective operations to defensive measures until they receive further orders. Similar orders are given to the British Com- manders. You will, tiicreforc, confine the operations of the troops under your command to defensive measures until you receive further orders. It being explicitly understood, that if General Hull should continue to act offensively, and any movement of the enemy's troops in your vicinity sliould h d^ 'M 1__ ^ APPENDIX. HB take place with a view tooflensive operations, it will be con- sidered as ati infraction of tliis agreement and you will gov- ern yourself accordingly. I am, sir, &c. From Sam. S. Conner, A. D. to Gen. Dcuborn, to the command- ing officer at Niagara. Sir,— You will please to communicate the enclosed commu- nication which is from the British Adjutant General, to the British commanding olTicer, opposite Niagara and Detroit, that he may immediately communicate it to Col. Proctor. Yours, &c. From Miijor General Van Rensselaer to Major General Dearborn. Head Cluarters, Lewiston, 18 August, 1812, 6 o'clock, A. M. Sir,— Your letter of the 8th inst., by somemismnnagoment passed this place in the mail, last evening, on to Niagara, and was sent to me by express from Capt. Leonard at a late hour in the night. I have written General Hull inclosing your letter to him. I have also written General Porter to forward the despatch to General Hull immediately, by some very trusty express. I have written the commanding officer at Fort George enclosing the letters from Adjutant General Baynes to him, and sent my aid-de-camp, Col. Van Rensse- laer, to Niagara, with orders to pass over with a Flag and deliver the letters. I have the honour, &c. Major General Dearborn. From Major Gen. Van Rensselaer to Lieut. Col. Myers, 70th Regt. Ilead-Ciuarters, Lewiston, 18th Aug., 1812. Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date, by your flag of truce. When I this morning transmitted to you the two letters 26 APPENDIX* li ,: I , m ■ I Ifr: 8!!!' 'V from the Adjutant General of the British army, I authorized Col. Van Rensselaer my Aid-de-camp, to make with you the necessary arrangements in relation to the armistice agreed on at Albany. In your absence from Fort George, the letters were left without accomplishing the object. But I am now ready to send an officer to Fort Niagara, there to meet one whom you may appoint to rnakc such arrangements for the govern- ment of the troops on the lines, as may be proper. In the moan time, it is explicitly understood that any movements of your troops in this vicinity, with a view to act offensively against Gen. Hull will be considered an infraction of the ar- mistice agreed upon between Gen. Dearborn and the British Adjutant General. I have the honour, &c. Lieut. Col. ]Myers. Col. Myers, 70th Regt. D. Q. Master Gen. commanding the Niagara District, to Mtij. Gen. Van Rensselaer. Chippewa, 18lh Aug., 1812. Sir,— I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date, transmitting one from the Adjutant General of the British army, addressed to Major Gen. Brock or officer commanding Fort George — relative to refraining from all offensive warfare between the troops of his Majesty the king of Great Britain, and the army of the United States of America, until further orders : and taking it for granted, that similar directions have been received by you from Gen. Dearborn, 1 shall strictly conform to those which have just reached me upon the subject : and should you deem any further explanation upon the terms of this armistice requi- site, I will receive such officer as you may be pleased to send to Fort George for the purpose — my duty, however, will not allow of my being there before Thursday; but from which I trust no inconvenience will arise. I have the honour, &c. Major Gen. Van Rensselaer, &c. &c., Lewiston. al I.I h. T^ I horized iih you rmistice rcre left ready to e whom govern- In the jments of Tensively of the ar- le British he Niagara ug., 1812. receipt of le Adjutant 3len. Brock ) refraining his Majesty nited States for granted, 1 from Gen. h have just I deem any istice requi- e pleased to :y, however, ly ; but from )ur, &c. I APPENDIX. «7 From Major Gen. Shcaffe, to Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. Fort George, 19th Aug., 1812. Sir,— Having arrived at this Post to assume the command of iiis Majesty's troops stationed hi the Niagara district, I have the honour to acquaint you that I shall be happy to receive, as speedily as possible, the officer suggested by Lieut. Col. Myers to be sent over, if it meet with your con- currence, or should you prefer it, Brigadier Major Evans, the bearer of this will communicate my sentiments, and ar- range with you the mode of carrying into effect, the order for a cessation of hostilities betwixt the forces of our respec- tive countries, stationed on the line along the Niagara Frontier. I have the honour, &c. {Signed) R. H. Sheaffe, Major General, &c. Major Gen. Van Rensselaer or Officer commanding United States forces, Niagara District of New-York. From Major Gen. Sheaffe to Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. Clueenstown, 20th Aug., 1812. Sir,— Brigade Major Evans is directed to repair again to your head-quarters, charged with propositions connected with the armistice, and which I hope will prove perfectly satisfactory to you. 1 have the honour, &c. {Signed) R. H. S. Maj. Gen. commanding H. B. M. Troops, Niagara Frontier. Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. From Major Gen. Van Rensselaer to his excellency Gov. Tompkins. Head-Cluartcrs, Lewiston, Aug. 19th, 1812. Sir,— Airier having visited Buffalo, Black Rock, the Camps at Niagara Falls, and this place, and having by inspection -»WN| 88 APPENDIX. I i i tt I f < nt and other means of information satisfied myself of the efti- cicnt f()rco, the state of discipline amonj::^ the t.-oops, the mu- nitions of war at conimand; the strength, number, and condi- tion of the enemy I should probably hfive to engage, and all Other circumstances connected witli my intended operations, I was perfectly satisfied that although some very imperious considerations urged an immediate descent upon Canada, yet that such descent with my present disposable force, would be rashness in the extreme. From Buffalo to Niagara, my force of militia, is less than one thousand ; without any ordnance heavier than six pounders, and but few of them : without artillerists to use the few pieces I have, and the troops in a very indifferent state of discipline ; finding my- self in this truly unpleasant situation, I saw but one course to pursue which was to concentrate the troops scattered on this line, perfect their discipH' as fast as possible, and order in such further detachmenii, , might ensure success in my pro- posed operations. Accordingly, on the 15th inst. I issued my order to Lieut. Col. Fenwick at Oswego, to detach and march to this place Major Moseley's battalion of riflemen ; on the 10th an order to Major Septimus Evans, of Lieut. Col. George D. Wickham's regiment of detached cavalry, for a troop of horse from his squadron : — to Lieut. Col. Henry Bloom of the 19th regiment of the Tth brigade of detached militia to march his whole command: with this ad- ditional force, and such other as I had reason to believe was on the march to this neighbourhood, and as might be called out at short notice, from this and Ontario county, I conclud- ed that the plan which I had adopted might be attempted, unless the enemy on the opposite shore should be strongly reinforced. With the view of these intended operations, I had, on the 15th inst. written to the Quarter-master General to put immediately in readiness all the boats at his commanfif — such was the arrangement of the troops on this line, an6 such my orders issued, when, in the night of the 17th 1 re- ceived by express from Capt, Leonard at Niagara, a letter I "Pi I prd wil let foi APPENDIX. 29 c, hn clTi- hc nui- l condi- uikI all smtioiis, iipcrious ulu, yet would Siagura, hout any of them: and the ding my- course to ed on this order in in my pro- it. 1 issued Ictach and [■ riflemen; I, of Lieut, id cavalry, Lieut. Col. brigade of /ith this ad- believe was ht be called r, I conclud- 3 attempted, be strongly operations, I ster General iiis commanc? this line, and he 1 7th 1 re- grara, a letter A-om Major Gen. Dearborn, informing nic of the agreement he had entered into with the Governor General of Canada, through his Adjutant General, for an armistice. By this arrangement, thus communicated to me, which I presume has been done with your E.xcelloncy's approbation and cons(Mit, I am instructed to confine the troops under my command to defensive measures only, until further orders ; and I have is.sued my general orders accordingly. The in- closurcs from the Adjutant General of the British army in Canada, which I received from General Dearborn, I sent, yesterday morning, by my aid-do camp Col. Van Rensselaer, with a flag to Lieut. Cul. Myers commanding at Fort George ; at the same timo.authorizing Col. Van Rensselaer to enter with Col. Myers into a definite arrangement for the governmont of the troops on both sides of the lines. Col. Myers was aksent ; but in the afternoon of ye.stcrday I received by flag, a letter from him acknowledging the receipt of the letters which had been transmitted to him, with his pledge to conform strictly to the terms of the armistice and his proposition that I should, 0.1 Thursday ne.xt, send an oflicer to Fort George, to meet one whom he will api)oint, for the purpose of settling defi- nitely the terms of an arrangement for the government of the troops: — To which 1 have replied by flag, that I am now ready to send an oflicer to meet such one as he may appoint for the above purpose, but to meet at Niagara, as I consider that place, under existing circumstances, the most proper. I have no reason to doubt but this arrangement, will in two or three days be made, in good faith. His Excellency Gov. Tompkins. From Major General Van Rensselaer, to Major General SheafTo. Head Cluartcrs, Lewiston, 20th August, 1812. Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date, covering the articles which you propose, for carrying the Armistice into effect. I have to regret that 3» '^■r i i I fti V 1 i p 'I, k 4 i4 i ■It- I' " i II M W' \i\ APPENDIX. "" ,, arc so variant from the orders wUich I the artieU^s i.topose. , arc »^ v ^^^^^^ ,.,ve reeeivod tl>at ea not a c ^^ ^^^^^^^.^ ,„ L.eut I„ t\,e letter wlnel. I had tno . (i^itw stated, that cl Myevs, on the .Sth '"2" ; tllv^ '".y -* » view to ,„y .novements of .l>e '-"^ \ , „„„« be considered an .ot offensively ogan.st Oencra .^^^^ ^^^^^ embracng infraction of ""'^"".'f "tnv fntthcr atten.pts for an adjnsl- the above is inadnnss.ble, an> Inrtu ment, will bo unavailmg. j i,^,«, &c. , . ,„„forn.ity with the instructions We, the nndersigned, m ~"» agree to a eessution „f our respective Co^r.^^'^^-^Zilof. and vessels of all of all acts of hostility between '^^ / „ ^^.^.e fmthcr descriptions under our comma^u^;._^„ ^^^^^^ ,„, ,,„ orders : and the party who '"» j^' „„,.,ee, computing renewal of l«'»'"""=^''*''ffJVefore any offensive operation twenty.four hours to each day, before ay ghall take place. jcinforccmenls of men or And we further »g'«' *f "°^„j ^y either party, h.ghev lies of a""'"""'"" ^';"" ""^i^ ,; be understood, that no up than FortErie; and >t ts a^^^ ^„™„„ition which now reinforcements of men, "» ^P ''^^f ,,Veetivo districts shall „e, or hereafter may arnve n o-J^P^^^^^^ ^,^, „„ „^ps be forwarded above that 1 os . ^^,, ^■^,,,,^ .rotobesent "P f'°- »"f ?,'7;i,. previous notice to bo above Fort Erie, -"-"' ^ to .-"c such movements: be given by the par^y mtendm.^ t ^^^^^ ^,^,^^^ 'x:rt\:"r; «- - -b-. ■»> - .- one thousand eight ''""^'-d aj Welve^^ ^^^ r,«sselaeh, Major Genera], commanJing F'onlle Yc«-YoA. ^^^^ M,or General, eon,a>aaai„.rortGeor.eananepeade„a.. f APPENDIX. 31 w\\icU I Lieut, itcd, t\\at 1 view to licUjreil an mbracing an adjust- nstructiona X cessation ssels of all cive further Icrs for the J, computing fG operation 3 of men, or )arty, hig^iC^' jtootl, that no ,n whicii now districts shall hat no troops f our districts notice to bo 1 movements: , either party movements of yper. the year one NSSELAER, AFFE, pendencies. From Major General Van Rensselaer lo Major Oencrnl Dearborn. Ilnail Clunrters, Lcwiston, August 21, 1812. Sir,— Inclosed I transmit you a copy of an agreement, this day entered into between Mujor General Sheafib, command- ing Fort George and Dependencies, &c. &c. and myself, for the goverimient of the forces on each side the line. You will readily perceive, that terms more favourable than those expected in your letter, have been obtained. The agreement speaks for itself. Major General Dearborn. From Major General V-.ui Reiissclicr to Major General SheafTc. Head Cluartcrs, Lcwislon, 25th August, 1812. Sir, — I have learnt, with regret, that last night a subaltern ofHccr with a few soldiers and citizens, contrary to my or- ders, passed over from the American shore, and on Buck- horn Island, surprized and brought ofT a sergeant and five men, with n boat. Early this morning, I ordered the ser- geant and men released, and the boat restored to them. I have the honour, &c. Major General Sheaffe, Commanding, &c. Major General Isaac Brock to Major General Van Rensselaer. Head Cluarters, Fort Geor;?e, 25th August, 1812. Sir,— Major General ShcafTe having communicated to mc your letter of this date, addressed to him, I seize upon the first moment to express my thanks for the measures you have adopted to prevent the possibility of any misunderstanding!^ which might have arisen in consequence of the unauthorized act of one of your subaltern officers. It was not until my arrival at Fort Erie, late in the even- ing of the 23d instant that I learnt that a cessation of hostili- ties had been agreed upon, between General Dearborn and 3d APPENDIX. !' i 1 1 ' "i: I m m A Sir George Provost ; and I, in consequence, despatched early yesterday morning, an express to Amherstburgh, ordering a cessation of all offensive operations against the United States, in that quarter; and likewise to exert every influence in re- straining the Indians from committing any acts of hostility. The fortune of war having put me in possession of Detroit and its dependencies, a small garrison has been ordered to occupy the Fort, the chief object of which was to afford protection to the inhabitants of the Territory. I have the honour to enclose a copy of a Proclamation which I issued upon this occasion. I have the honour, &c. Major General Van Rensselaer, commanding Lewiston. From Major General Van Rensselaer, to Mijor General Dearborn. Sir,- Hcad Cluarters, Lewiston, 26th August, 1812. I have the honour to enclose you a copy of a Pro- clamation, whicti I this day received from Major General Brock, under cover of his letter of this date to me; a copy of which letter, I also transmit to you. My letter to Major General Shcafle, of which mention is made, was to disavow an imprudent act of a subaltern officer, who, with a few sol- diers and citizens, passed over, since the Armistice, to Buck- horn Island, and there surprised a sergeant and five men, of the enemy, and brought them off, together with their boat, which men i ordered to be immediately released and the boat restored. The surrender of General Hull's army excites a great deal of alarm in this vicinity. I shall, however, as far as in my power, check and keep it under. I have, &c. Major General Dearborn. il'l'^ n? APPENDIX. 33 ng a Latcs, n re- Uty. an of been 1 was y. I which rborn. 1812. a Pro- 3lcneral a copy Major disavow few sol- ,0 Buck- men, of eir boat, and the a great IS far as MAJOR GENEHAL BROCK S PROCLAMATION. Proclamation by Isaac lirock, Esq., Major General com- manding his Majesty's forces in tlie Province of Upper Canada, &c. &c. Whereas tlie Territory of Michigan was this day by ca- pitulation ceded to the arms of his Britannic Majesty, with- out any other condition than the protection of private pro- perty ; and wishing to give an early proof of the moderation and justice of the government, I do hereby announce to all the inhabitants of the said Terriiorv, that the laws hereto- fore in existence shall continue in force until his Majesty's pleasure be known; or so long as the peace and safety of the said Territory will admit thereof; and I do hereby also declare and make known to the said inhabitants, that they shall be protected in the full exercise and enjoyment of tl eir religion : of which all pereons, both civil and military will take notice, and govern themselves accordingly. All persons having in their possession, or having know- ledge of any public property, shall forthwith deliver in the same, or give notice thereof to the officer commanding, or Lt. Col. Nichol, who are hereby authorized to receive and give proper receipts for the same. Officers of militia will be held responsible that all arms in possession of militiamen, be immediately delivered up ; and all individuals whatever, who have in their possession arms of any kind, will deliver them up without delay. Given under my hand at Detroit, this sixteenth day of August, 1812, and in the fifty -second year of his Majesty's reign. {Signed) Isaac Brock, Major General. A true copy. I i J. Mac Donell, Lt. Col. Militia, P. A. D. C. Id mmms U^ 34 APPENDIX. ill' \r ' / " ii ■ ' 1,; ' >'f, From Major General Dearborn to Major General Van Rensselaer. Head-Cluarters, Grecnbush, August 21, 1812. Major General Van Rensselaer. Sir,— Your letter of the 12th inst. has been duly received. As it is believed that a detachment has been nriade from Niagara, to reinforce the garrison at Maiden, it will be necessary to be as well prepared as possible to take advantage of the reduced forces in your front : and, as soon as there shall be orders to act offensively ; considerable reinforcements from the detached militia, and volunteers, aie ordered to Niagara, Sackett's Jh'^arbour, Ogdensburgh, and Piattsburgh. With the detachment of regular troops under Lieut. Col, Fenwick, there is some heavy ordnance, ammunition, and intrenching tools, which will be immediately, with additional ordnance and military stores, sent to Niagara, Sackett's Harbour, and Ogdensburgh. I have, also, ordered a considerable number ofbatteaux from Schenectady to Niagara and Sackett's Harbour, and the construction of suitable scows at the re- spective places, including Ogdensburgh, for the t -ansporta- tion of ordnance. I hope that Col. Porter will proceed in th'i construction of boats and scows, with all possible des- patch. It will l^ highly gratifying to me to recr.lvo jntrlli- gence from you by every mail, and, in case of emergency, by express. With much corisideration, &c. From Major General Van Rensselaer to his Excellency Goyefnor Tompkins. Sir,— IIead-Q,uartcrs, Lewiston, August 31, 1813. Presuming that the surrender of General Hull's army has hc^A officially announced to your Excellency through the proper channel, I shall not enter into any details upon' the event so disastrous to our country : its consequence must be fdt every where ; but they are peculiarly distressing upon : i III theJ Anl S0( lh(j ncfj ingi ma[ 'li' r; 1 APPENDIX. 85 aer. Jl2. i. As igara, iry to of the mil be s from iagara, With 3nwick, snchlng rdnance our, and number ^ackett's t the re- insporta- :ocf-'ed in ible des- ro intolU- le rgency, lovernor 31,1813. s army has irough the s upon the ce must be essing upon these frontiers, both to the citizens, and the httle army under my command. Alarm pervades the country, and distrust among the troops. They are incessantly pressing for furloughs, under every possibl'3 pretence. Many are without shoes; all clamorous for pay. Many are sick. Swift's regiment at Black Rock a re about one-fourth part down. I have ordered Doctor Brown to associate Doctor Chapin with him, and to examine as to the causes producing the diseases, the mode of treating them, &c. and to report to me their opinion of the best mode of restoring the sick, and preser/ing the health of those who remain wdl. This duty they are now performing. Captain Jennings has been tried by a court-martial, and found guilty of such charges as forfeited his commission; and I have approved the sentence. The proceedings, in form, will soon be forwarded to your Excellency. While we are thus growing daily weaker, our enemy is gn.wing stronger. They hold a very commanding position on the high ground above Queenstown, and they are daily strengthening themselves in it, with men and ordnance. In- deed, they are fortifying almost every prominent point, from Fort Erie, to Fort George. At present we rest upon the armistice; but should hostilities be recommencf^d, I must imniediately change my position. I receive no reinforce- ments of men, 1:70 ordnance, or munitions of war. I must hopr that I shall not long be left in this situation. Two gentlemen, Messrs Johnson and Bascom, came over in a /lag to the garrison, at Niagara, and the first I knew of them they were in my camp. Being satisfied that they were American citizens, men of intelligence, and some standing in society, I permitted them to pass on, with orders to report themselves to your Excellency. There is one fact, which though not immediately con- nected with my department, I cannot refrain from mention- ing ; — the unfortunate soldiers of General Hull's army, who marched by my camp on their way to Lower Canada, are i'l= hm \IT 5S»« I ■ '■' 36 APPENDIX. very destitute of clothing. Every consideration would urgo that some attention should be paid to their condition. I have the honour, &c. His Excellency Governor Tompkins. From Major General Dearborn to Major General Van Rensselaer. fi.ii m (, ■I Head-Q,uartcrs, Greenbush, Aug. 25, 1812. Sir,— As soon as practicable after the receipt of this, you will please to have the enclosed letter directed to the Command- ing Officer of the British forces at Fort George, at Niagara, conveyed to him by a flag; and the letter directed to Gen. Hull, you will please to have forwarded to him by express, with as great despatch as practicable; and at the expiration of four days ;ifl;er the letter is delivered to the British Com- manding Officer at Fort George, you will consider the tem- porary conditional agreement for suspending oflensivo ope- rations between the forces under your command, and the British forces in your vicinity, as no longer binchiig on either side ; and you will act accordingly ; and you will make every exertion in your power for annoying the enemy, as toell as to guard against any attack from him. Consi- derable reinforcements have been sent on from Montreal to strengthen their jiositions in Upper Canada; and I trust you will very soon receive such additional force from this State, and from Pennsylvania, as ivill enable you to pass into Canada ivith safety and effect. A largo reinforce- ment is on its march under Brig. Gen. Dodge, for Sackelt's Harbour and Ogdciisburgh, as well as for Plattsburgh. I have ordered thirty batteaux to Niagara, and an equal num- ber to Sackett's Harbour, and have directed the building of proper scows for the transportation of ordnance. 7/ the enemy should have detached from Fort George, it may af- ford you an opportunity to strike a blow. I have the honour, &c. P. S. Sir, it will be advisable to wait until the arrival of i li APPENDIX. 87 \irgo claer. 1812. ou will imand- iagara, to Gen. :;xprcss, pi ration sh Com- thc tem- live opc- and the iding on yiiu tvill he enemy, Consi- nntreal to id I trust from this ou to pass reinforce- r Sackelt's sburgli. I iqual num- building of ;e. ]J the it may nf- e arrival of I Lt. Col. Fenwick with the cannon, and stores shall be ren- dered certain, within four days, before you send the enclosed letter to Fort George. I presume he must arrive before this reaches you ; but it may be otherwise. (Signed) H, Dearborn. Major Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer. From Major General Van Rensselaer to Major General Dearborn. Head-Cluarters, Lewiston, 1st September, 1812. Sir,— I have just received your letter of the 25th ult. I shall ascertain the movements and situation of Lieut. Col. Fenwick, with the cannon and stores : and as soon as he can be considered safe, I shall terminate the armistice in the manner prescribed. Upon this occasion, I conceive it a duty I owe to my country, to the troops under my command, and to my own character, to state, that we are not, on this Frontier, in that condition which the approaching crisis will require. My force of militia, rank and file, now fit for duty, is six hundred and ninety-ono, as will appear by the inclosed return ; these have to guard a line of thirty-six miles. My sick list is more than one hundred. Many of the men are without shoes, and all clamorous for pay. Bosides, it is a fact that cannot be concealed, that the surrender of General Hull's army has spread great alarm among the inhabitants on this Fron- tier, and I every day perceive strong symptoms of distrust among the troops. They luivo Simii jlil'ir countrymen sur- rendered without a single effort, and marched, prisoners, be- fore their eyes. They cannot comprehend it. At this hour, I have received no reinforcements of men, no supplies of ordnance, tents, nor ammunition. There are not ten rounds per man, on the Niagara Frontier ; nor have we lead to make cartridges. We are extremely deficient of medicine and Hospital stores ; of lint and bandage cloth we have none, — nor any surgical instruments. Lieut. Col. |: i i'^fr* mmim 39 APPENDIX* !:i Swift's regiment, at Black Rock, and the troops irt gai'n'sorl at Niagara, have no tents to take the field ; unless Bloom's regiment, and the troops witii Lieut. Col. Fen wick have tents with them, they cannot be covered. This is a brief sketch of our condition. Our enemy are every moment on the alert ; they hold a very commanding position on the high ground above Qucenstown ; and are daily strengthening it, with men and ordnance. Indeed, almost every point of any importance from Fort Erie to Fort George, is in some state of defence. At each Fort on the Lakes, their shipping is ready to act. The troops which had been detached from this quarter to act against General Hull, have returned and may now be concentrated at this point. Before the termina- tion of the armistice, 1 must change my position, and can only act on the defensive, until 1 shall be reinforced with troops, well disciplined, and commanded by able officers. I am, with respectful consideration, &c. Major General Dearborn. i I i From Major General Van Rensselaer to His Excellency Governor Tompkins. Head-Cluarters, Lewiston, September 1st, 1812. Sir,— In tlie letter, which I yesterday had the honour to address to your Excellency, I njentioned the general alarm winch the surrender of General Hull's army had spread through the Frontiers. The inhabitants every where think themselves in danger. This is particularly the case in the County of Chautauque ; in consequence of representations made to me by the inhab- itants of that county, I had on the 27th ult. issued an or- der to Lieut. Col. John Mc Mahon, to order into service two full companies of his regiment for the protection of the in- habitants. This morning again, I have been called upon by Captains Baldwin and Muck, gentlemen of respectability, from that county, very earnestly soliciting, in behalf of the f APPENDIX. 30 i< I inhabitants, still further force for their protection, and T have issued another order to Lieut. Col. Me Mahon, to detach one captain, two sergeants, two corporals, and twenty-six pri- vates more, for the service aforesaid, until your Excellency's pleasure can be known on the subject. September 2J, 4 o'clock, P. M. Col. Fenwick has not yet arrived at Fort Niagara, and of course, I have not delivered the letter I yesterday re- ceived from Major General Dearborn, by express. Four or five vessels have just arrived at Fort George, it is supposed with reinforcements. Our enemies appear to be on the alert at every point. This morning Lieut. Branch and about forty men arrived here, with two pieces of flying artillery ; also, at the same time, Capt. Camp, with about twenty-five dragoons. The company lately under the command of Captain Jennings, in Lieut. Col Swift's Regiment, had become so clamorous for pay, and contended so strenuously that their time had ex- pired, that I have ordered them to be dismissed, in the opinion that this would meet your Excellency's approbation. I was strengthened by learning from Brigadier General Brown, that Lieut. Col. Bellinger's regiment, who were on the same standing in service, at Sackett's Harbour, have been dis- charged by your order. I have the honour &c. His Excellency Governor Tompkins, Hcad-Cluarters, Lewiston, 2d September, 1812. GENERAL ORDERS. Sir,— Major General Van Rensselaer directs that you land the troops, cannon, and stores, under your command, at the Four Mile Creek ; and make every military preparation to protect them, and to give him immediate information of your arrival by express. By order, Sol. Van Rensselaer, Aid-de-camp. Lieut, Col. Fenwick, Light Artillery. t." i I r'!'.»w mil m»Mrii nii»i 40 APPBNBIX. HI 1 ' < ii F i ^i f i' ", I-' Lieutenant Colonel Fenwick to Major General Van Rannelaer, Four Mile Creek, September 3, 1812. Sir,— Agreeable to your instructions,* lam landing the ord- nance and stores at this place. Tliey are of great impor- tance, and I do not think them safe in tl)is position. The powder I must keep on board, as it will sustain injury by be- ing taken out. I pray you, sir, to assist me so soon as pos^ sible. and receive the assurance of my consideration and respect {Signed) John R. Fenwick, Lieut. Col. Light Artillery. Colonel Sol. Van Rensselaer to Lieutenant Colonel Fenwick. Head-Q,uarters, Lewiston, September 3, 1812. Sir,— Major General Van Rensselaer has ordered the Quar- ter Master to proceed immediately to the Four Mile Creek, and furnish you with the necessary transportation foi* the cannon and military stores in your charge ; and has also detached one captain, one subaltern, and forty men to as- sist you in their removal and protection to this place. The troops and wagons will reach you this evening. I have the honour, &c. {Signed) S. V. Ren. A. D. C. Lieut. Col. Fenwick, Four Mile Creek. From Major Gen. Dearborn to Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. Head-Q.uarters, Greenbusli, Ist Sept., 1812. Major Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer. I received your letter of the 25th ult. this morning, enclosing a communication fVom Capt. Leonard. — The full * An express had been sent to Col. Fenwick, to land at Four Mile Creek. This precaution was taken lest the Armistice might have been terminated below, or some accident might throw the cargo into the hands of the enemy. No copy was kept of the note to Col, Fenwicl?. 1' APPENDIX. 41 of Gen. Hull, and the army under his command, is as morti- fying as it was unexpected. Wo must endeavour to redeem our honour by increasing our exertions. In addition to tho mihtia detachments ordered from this State, and two thou- sand ordered from the north-western part of Pennsylvania to Niagara; three regiments of new-raised troops of the ar- my have been some days on their march towards your post. I am forwarding additional supplies of musketry .md cannon, with forty batteaux to Niagara — a detacliment of troops will accompany the boats from Oswego. It will be necessary to have teams ready to take the stores and boats from a safe landing place; and it may be well to order a detachment to meet the boats at some distance from Niagara on the shore. I hope Lieut. Col. Fenwick, with the troops and stores under his command, will have arrived in season. / have no doubt hut that you will improve the earliest opportunity for re- taliating on the enemy our misfortunes at Detroit. Gen. Dodge goes to Sackett's Harbour with a fine force. I have detached Gen. Bloomficld with a brigade of regular troops, with artillery, &c. to Plattsburgh, and other troops in addi- tion to the militia of this State and Vermont will accompany or follow him. I shall endeavour to draw the reinforcements back from Upper Canada to Montreal. With great consideration and esteem. our Mile have been o inlo the FenwicH. From Major Gen. Van Rensselaer to Major Gen. Brock. Head-Cluarters, Lewiston, Sept. 4lh, 1812. Sir,— By the articles which I had the honour to conclude with Major Gen. Sheaffe on the 21st ult., for the government of the troops of the United States under my command, and his Brittannic Majesty's forces on this frontier, during the temporary armistice, it was, among other things, stipulated that " the party who shall first receive orders for the renew- al of hostilities shall give four days^ notice, computing 4* ;i ■ 42 AFPbMDIX. w ^, :l H4: ■n twentiffour hours to each day, before any offensive ope- ration shall take ])lace." Having now received orders to terminate the arnnistice, in conformity to the above recited stipulation, I liave the honour to transmit you this notice, that the armistice will bo terminated at twelve o'clock, at noon, on Tuesday, the eighth day of September, inst. I have the honour, &c. Major Gen. Isaac Brock, or officer commanding Fort Geoigc. From Mnjor Gen. Sheaffe to Mnjor Gen. Van Rensselaer. Fort George, 5ili Sept., 1812. Sir,— I have the honour of receiving your communication, signifying the intention on the part of the United States of renewing hostilities, after four days shall have elapsed froni the period at which the notice was given. Thus declaring that the armistice shall terminate at twelve o'clock at noon, on the eighth day of this September. I have the honour, &c. {Signed) R. II. Sheaffk, Maj. Gen. M. B, M. forces, commanding, &c. Major Gen. Van Rensselaer, commanding frontiers. «, ^,;i^!' From Major Gen. Dearborn to Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. Head-Cluarters, Greenbush, Sept. 2d, 1812. Major Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, Sir, — I send this by express for the purpose of putting you on your guard against an attack, that 1 have reason to ap- prehend is intended by the enemy. A considerable force has lately i)assed into Upper Canada, for the obvious pur- pose of striking not only at Detroit, but at other posts. From the number of troops which have left Montreal for Upper Canada, I am not without fear that attempts will be speedily made, to reduce you and your forces to the mortifying situation of Gen. Hull and his army. If such an APPENDIX. 43 attempt of the enemy should b(! made, previous to the arri- val of the principal part of the troops destined to Ninj^ara, it will be necessary for you to be prepared for all events; and to be prepared to make good a secure retreat as the last resort. I hope, however, you will not be reduced to tho mortifying alternative of falling back. But froni the unfor- tunate event at Detroit, we may expect great exertions on the part of the enemy ; and as far as the means in our power will admit, we, I trust, shall be at least equally vigilant and active. I am, sir, with high consideration and esteem, &c. P. S. The Frigate Guerricro has been captured and sunk by the U. S. Frigate Constitution, Capt. Hull. From Major Gen. Van Rci.sselaer to Major Gen. Dearborn. Head-Q,uarters, Lewislon, 5th Sept., 1S12.— 7, P.M. Sir,— The express has just arrived with your letter of the 2d inst. I thank you for the information which your letter contains, and for suggesting precautions against a disaster, which would deeply implicate the honour of my country, tho fate of the little trmy under my command, and my own character. Every exertioi which tho small force I command can I kake, to avoid eilht a surprise or defeat, will be attempted. So small and scattered has been my little band, and so de- pressed by th< fate of Gen. Hull, that every movement has b<^en heavy. But within forty-eight hours, the scene seems to have changed ?< little for the bettei. — Lieut. Col. Fen- wick has arrived safe, with the cannon and stores. To avoid any possible casualty I ordered them landcfl at the Four Mile Creek, a little below Fort Niagara, and from thence t^py have been brought by land : the boats have re- turnefl. A battalion of about seventy riflemen, which on the 16th i,Lt. I had ordered from Oswego, has this day arrived here. Vi * i IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. <. .5^^, !.0 I.I 11.25 1^ 12.2 S lis lllllio i.8 U IIIIII.6 V] <^ n ^/,. '^ > <9 / S sst v» Sdences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 V :<\^ K\ \ % & b^ ;V iT zs m Wi i i 1 In i[ I i ■ r *■ P ' '^' 1 '• ^M 1 1 i ^ ■ J 44 APPENDIX. I have determined, with the concurrence of Lieut. Col. Fenwick's opinion, to throw up a strong battery on this side of Fort Niagara, on the banlc of the river, and there place the four eighteen pounders. With this view I went this morning on the spot, and we have broke ground. This evening Lieut. Col. Fcnwick and Capt. Leonard are with me. I understand that our movement has produced great activity at Fort George. The enemy have immediately commenced some new works. It is my intention to support the battery near Fort Niagara, with as strong a camp as I am able, and to cut a road back of it for greater safety, in case I should be hard pressed. Agreeably to your instructions I waited for the safety of Lieut. Col. Fenwick, the cannon, and stores, before I gave the notice necessary to terminate the armistice, conformably to the stipulations between Major Gen. Sheafle and myself. The notice was delivered at Fort George yesterday before noon, and by it the armistice will be terminated at 12 o'clock at noon, on the bth inst. This day Major Gen. Sheaffe has acknowledged the receipt of my notice. My present camp being within the reach of the enemy's guns, on the high grounds in Queenstown, I have determined to quit. I had designated a spot for my new encampment about one mile from the river, on the ridge road ; but I may reconsider this subject. It might be expected, from my situation, that I could with facility obtain correct inform.ation of the enemy's force and movements in this vicinity ; but so is not the fact. Every effort for that purpose is absolutely vain. I can only obtain information too general to calculate upon. It is generally believed that the enemy are concentrating their forces to this neighbourhood ; but what their numbers are, is to me wholly unknown. — They appear to be on the alert. At Fort Niagara we have (concealed) two thirteen and a half inch brass mortars, and four eight and a half inch how- itzers. Capt. Leonard has this evening handed me a memo- randum of articles that in his opinion, which I respect, are APPENDIX. 45 very much wanted for these pieces, and some others, as follows : — 400 shells for the mortars. KiOD cannister and grape shot for the howitzers. 16 dozen port-fires — harnesa complete for the mortars and howitzers — also wanted, harness for the 6 six pounders now at Fort Niagara. With the information of which you are possessed, relative to my force and that of the enemy, I presume you cannot expect that I shall, immediately, attempt to act offensively. I shall endeavour to watch the motions of the enemy as far as possible, and so dispose my little force as to avoid a sur- prise, or risking too much with raw troops in case the ene- my should cross to attack me: — the surrender of Gen. Hull's army has put it in the power of the enemy to turn a strong force, to act either defensively or offensively against me. My situation requires arduous duty : it may be critical ; hut I shall meet events in that manner which my judgment shall dictate as most prudent and safe, and to the utmost of my power discharge my duty. The conduct of Capt. Hull in the Constitution was gallant indeed, and has justified the high expectations we have all entertained of our navy, and the brave men who com- mand it. I have the honour to be, sir, with respect and consideration, &c. Major Gen. Dearborn. Major General Van Rensselaer to Major General Dearborn. Head (Quarters, Lewiston, 8th Sept., 1812. Sir,— I have this day received your two letters of the 1 st in- stant, and have made the communication you requested to the Contractor. No occurrence of importance has taken place since I wrote you on the 5th, by your express, I have, yesterday, TTjii tmi^nnsmmmmma 46 APPENDIX. t Vk p!1 ■ '^ ,'V. removed my camp to the Ridge Road, as I proposed. The battery near Fort Niagara is fast progressing, also the cut- ting of the back road, mentioned in my last letter. The enemy appear to he very active ; but whether their prepa- rations are for offensive, or defensive operations, is impossi- ble for me to determine. The night before last two men came over from Canada, but the information they give is of very little consequence : indeed, the character of the men would not give much weight to any thing they might say. They state that Gen. Brock had returned from York to Fort George — that 1500 militia were ordered for Fort George yesterday — some troops have this day passed up through Queenstown. Not knowing what the termination of the armistice might pro- duce, I have taken every precaution in my power to meet any attempt the enemy might make. But it is now five o'clock, and I neither see nor hear of any movements. Ge- neral VVadsworth and Col. Van Rensselaer have been the whole day at Niagara. Should they return before the mail closes, and have any thing of importance to communicate, I shall add it in a postscript. I am, sir, with groat respect. Major Gen. Dearborn. 1^1 y I Memorandum. — The following note was received on the 8th of September : — Sir,- Lt. Col. Fenwick to Maj. Gen. Van Rensselaer. I am induced to believe from every observation I have vigilantly made, that the enemy is prepared and ready for an attack. They are so with shipping and boats, which to- day brought them a reinforcement of men and stores. Our patrole are very lax in their duty. The work erecting can- not be finished in time, without additional strength. When finished, it is not secure without being strongly covered in the rear; for we have nothing to prevent their landing; 11 3d on APPENDIX. 47 and they can, in tiiat case, carry the work. Tlie regular force should be concentritcd, and organized. Our stores should bo removed; they are not in safety; for, if they threw over two hundred men, they can curry the Fort. This I beg your consideration to, as your strength is six miles off, and four hour's time. I have no means of express at my command. John R. Fenavick, Lt. Col. &c. From Lt. Col. John R. Fenwick to Maj. Gen. Van Rensselaer. Foit Niagara, Sept. lOih, 1812. Sir,— Fatigued and harassed as the troops have been, I really do not think our situation a safe one. I submit to your judgment whether the troops should not be concen- trated : as they are ail young and undisciplined, they may be cut up in detail. The defence of this place is precarious, outside of the store-house. I apprehend nothing but sur- prise ! We should be then prepared to act in force, and in any given point. The Contractor is very inattentive. Our men are extremely dissatisfied. The enemy has erected another battery. I ordered the light artillery down. They called in their fatigue parties, and prepared for attack — the Indians moving in every direction. The movement puzzles them; and I am pleased at giving them so much trouble. I hope I shall have the honour of a visit from you to- morrow. I salute you, General, with consideration and respect, John R. Fenwick, Lt. Col. Lt. Art. Major General Van Rensselaer. From Maj. Gen. Van Rensselaer to Maj. Gen. Dearborn. Head-Cluarters, Lewiston, 10th Sept., 1812. Sir,— When I had the honour of receiving your communication .Mil ■■■{ \i'M ^^mmmmm^mm m i 48 APPENDIX. 1^' ^1 ' i, \ 1 ! : ^ •• ■ u ff I! V of the 1st inst., p.cquainting me of the dispositions you are making to reitiforce me upon this frontier with men, cannon, musketry, stores, etc., my attention was immediately ar- rested by the proposition of sending them from Oswego to Niagara, or, indeed, any part of that distance, by water. It will be recollected that the passage of Lt. Col. Fenwick with boats, was rendered safe, under a clause of the agreement for the observance of the armistice. But, upon the receipt of your letter, my own opinion was against risking any thing, hereafter, along that shore by water ; but I wished further information on the subject before I should advise you. The opinions of others whom I have advised with on this subject, and who are competent judges, fully accord with my own, that it would be very hazardous for the bat- teaux to attempt coming from Oswego to Niagara in the very face of our active enemy, having command of the water. The batteaux might, and probably would, have some days of head wind ; and, in such case, it would be next to impossible that they should escape the observation of the enemy : and, when once discovered, they would un- doubtedly be attacked in some place where the landing could be effected with most difficulty. My opinion is fur- ther strengthened by some late movements of the enemy. The day after the termination of the armistice, the Royal George, and another armed vessel, chased some vessels re- turning from Niagara to Oswego, into the Genesee river, and fired a few shot. This has excited an alarm among the inhabitants ; and, according to the custom prevailing on the whole frontier, they have sent a deputation to me pray- ing protection. I have ordered them some ammunition ; I can do no more. I am so entirely convinced that the car- goes of the batteaux will be in danger on the passage from Oswego to Niagara, that I shall send an express to Three River Point, to have the batteaux come up to Cayuga Bridge, and there land their cargoes, to be transported by •i': ^1 APPE?iDtX. 49 land to this place. * i shall bestow further consideration on this subject. Believing that the best use which I can make of the old stone mess-house at Niagara, is to convert it into a battery, I have ordered the roof to be taken off, tlie walls above the upper floor to be strengthened by embankments of earth on the inner side, and two twelve-pounders, and one howitzer mounted in that battery. It is high, and may, perhaps, avail us something. I expect it will be prepared in this manner, in a day or two. I was yesterday there, and the roof was nearly taken down. I have the honour to be, sir, with great consideration. Major General Dearborn. Major General Van Rensselaer to Lieutenant Colonel Fenwick, commanding Niagara. Head-Cluarters, Lcwislon, 15th Septoiiber, 1812. Sir,— I have tiiis moment received your note of this date. It is a fact too true, that many of the arms both here, and at the garrison are not fit for use. The armourers are here, busily engaged ; nevertheless I send you one of them. Please to order the line of sentries extended up the river as far as you deem expedient. It seems to be impossible to obtain grain for our horses. I have this day issued an order to the Quarter Master Gen- eral, as to forage; and shall make every effort in my power, to get a supply. General Brock will, undoubtedly, make every effort; let us employ every moment in making the best possible dispositions, to receive him, should he attempt an attack. As to the salt, the teams and men were left be- hind for the express purpose of removing it. If the service ♦ Perhaps some precautions may be adopted so as to get round the batteaux to ihe Eighteen-Mile Creek, or to some near position on the lake shore, from whence they may be drawn over land to this place. 5 ■t M. 1 I • i !■ t i'l ' 1 i •!'l ) i ■*;■ » t ik t » l1 . l^W mmm mmm ■HH ii.i 'I il ' i- |!f ; ' 60 APPENDIX. requires any more men for fatigue I will send them imme- diately. With consideration and respect. Lieut. Col. Fenwick, Light Artillery commanding Niagara. Major General Van Rensselaer to his Excellency Governor Tompkins. Head-Cluarters, Lewiston, 15th September, 1812. Sir,— Agreeably to the instructions contained in your Ex- cellency's last letter of tiie I4th ult , I have endeavoured to keep Major General Dearborn fully advised of all my move- • ments and operations, since that time, and to my letters trans- mitted to him, I beg leave to refer your Excellency for par- ticulars. If the little army under my command has not yet achieved any thing brilliant, I endeavour to console myself with the belief] that we have not yet sufiered any disgrace. My force is yet small — about sixteen hundred militia; of course the necessary service renders the duty of the troops very severe. They, however, endure it with as much pa- tience, as could be expected from men in their situation. Many of them destitute of shoes, and indeed of such clothing as is necessary for the approaching season ; and they are all extremely clamorous for their pay. Some money must be furnished for the troops in a very short time, or the con- sequences of omitting it will seriously affect the service, and at least render every movement heavy. Since my first arrival on this frontier, I have found myself much embarrassed with the situation of Fort Niagara. To attempt defending it with the ordnance I found here, I con- sidered idle : and after the return of General Brock from Detroit, I had great reason to believe that he could command a competent force to carry the garrison, should he attack it. But apprehending the very serious consequences which must inevitably result from abandoning the Fort altogether, I took the precaution of removing the most valuable stores, APPENDIX. 61 and determined to risk events, until Lieut. Col. Fenwick should arrive, when I might avail myself of his opinion, at least, and of the ordnance he had with him, should it be deemed advisable to attempt holding the garrison. By suspend- ing the notice for terminating the Armistice, Lieut. Col. Fen- wick arrived safe with the cannon and stores, under his charge, at Four Mile Creek. Fort Niagara became one of the first subjects of deliberation, and it was determined to attempt maintaining it. For this purpose it was deemed expedient to remove the roof of the old stone mess-house, and convert the upper story into a battery, to be mounted with two twelve pounders, and a howitzer. I also determined to throw up a strong battery on the bank of the river about a mile above the garrison ; nearly opposite the main battery on the Cana- da shore, and there mount three eighteen pounders. As the enemy can rake the river-road, from this to the garrison, even with musketry, I determined to cut a road for comnaunication between my camp and the garrison, back in the woods, and, cut off the reach of the enemy's fire ; these have been the main objects of our fatigue for some days past, and are all of them nearly completed. These operations have produced great activity at Fort George; no sooner were our works commenced than the enemy began opposing batteries. Their force is certainly very respectable, and constantly employed. Whether the enemy will attack Niaga- ra or not, is impossible for me to say. There are some very imperious considerations to urge them to it. Newark is a very considerable village ; the enemy have there, valua- ble barracks and accommodations for winter quarters; and whatever might be the final result of a bombardment, the enemy must inevitably suffer very considerably. My pre- sent opinion is, that I had better attempt to maintain the gar- rison, than to risk the consequences of abandoning it. Liable as I am to an attack ft-om the enemy at any hour, and my troops worn down with fatigue, I have resorted to a measure Wiiich, perhaps, exceeds the letter of my orders ; ilfT" J; 62 APPENDIX. i I ill i \i\ '• ^' ir yet considering that not only the tranquillity of this frontier, but possibly the fate of my little army may be at stake; and having been advised by Major General Dearborn to adopt every measuse of precaution, against a surprise from a strong force which he had reason to believe the enemy were directing against me; I have ordered a detachment of five hundred men from Brigadier General Ilopkin's brigade, and some companies of the detachment have actually marched. I wish to be favoured with your excellency's early instruc- tions on this subject; as at present I only consider these troops ordered into service during your pleasure. From a source not to be doubted, 1 learn that the enemy are forwarding very large supplies of arms and military stores to Upper Canada: one hundred loaded boats havo lately come up the St. Lawrence ; also two regiments are on their way to Upper Canada. Having been advised by Major General Dearborn that forty batteaux, with cargoes for the use of the army on this Frontier, were on their way from Schenectady to Niagara, by the way of Oswego, I have advised him of the danger to be apprehended in their voyage from Oswego to Niagara ; as I am clearly of opinion from the best information, ihat that passage ought not to be attempted, by the boats with their cargoes ; and fearing that my despatch miglit not reach Major General Dearborn in season for him to act, I have by express, ordered the commanding officer of the batteaux, to stop at Three River Point, come up to Cayuga Bridge — land, and store the cargoes — and then go down to Oswego, adopt every precaution to avoid capture, and proceed with all pos- sible despatch, to the Eighteen Mile Creek. I have advised the Quarter Master of this arrangement, and he has deputed a person to receive the cargoes of the batteaux, and furnish the necessary transportation to Black Rock. The alarm which lately took place in the County of Onta- rio, by the enemy's ships chasing some vessels into tho mouth of the Genesee river, has induced Judge Atwater to APPENDIX. 63 make a communication to me of a very unpleasant nature. After stating the great zeal with which the militia turned out, he says, " But, sir, 1 lament when I tell you, that neither arms, nor amnnunition are provided for those brave men: no, not one musket to six men. that would cheerfully risk their lives, in defence of their country." He says, they "are des- titute of arms and ammunition ; they are neither of them to be purchased in the country." I have the honour, &c. His Excellency Governor Tompkins. Extract of a letter from his Excellency Governor Tompkins to Major General Van Rensselaer. Albany, September 9th, 1812. Dear sir, — Your various communications have come to hand, the two last while I was in New-York. My return from that city was expedit d by the news of Hull's discomfiture. Pre- viously to my leaving this place for New- York, I had ordered out two regiments, in addition to Bloom's, to reinforce you, but their march has been retarded by circumstances, over which I had no control. They are now directed to move on with the utmost expedition. Until reinforcements arrive I am sensible of the delicacy of your situation. Your pro- ceedings hitherto, in concentrating in one place, and disci- plining a large body of your troops, changing your encamp- ments, your disposition of the despatch relative to the ter- mination of the Armistice, and every other official act has met my entire approbation, and will receive that of your fellow-citizens generally. I pray God you may be able to maintain your post, until reinforcements shall arrive. His Excellency Governor Tompkins to Major General Van Rens- selaer. Extract from. Albany, September 9th, 1812. The government has at length been awakened to its 5* 64 APPENDIX. n '•I' duty, with rcspoct to the command of the Lukes. The moat unbounded authority has been given to Cnptain ChaUncy for that purpose, and he will he with you soon. Forty ship carpenters came up with nie, in the last steam- boat, and have gone on Westward. Marines and seamen, will be on as soon as vessels and gun- boats are ready. A large supply of ordnance of every description, is now on its way from New- York. The orders embrace Erie as well as Ontario. I despatched an express for Captain Chauncy, on that subject iVom New -York, on Friday even- ing to Captain Woolsoy. The despatches have returned this morning, and have gone down by express. Should you, my dear General, be able to maintain your position a short time, these arrangements for the Lakes, and the reinforce- ments, will place you in a situation of defiance. To enable you so to do more efTectually, the militia of every descrip- tion in the counties above mentioned are placed at your dis- posal, and you may instantly call upon all, or any portion of them, under the act of 1795, (enclosed) or under the militia law of this state, and I will approve, confirm, and maintain your proceedings. The Quarter Master General of the state is ordered by me into regular service, and is now, in every respect subject to your directions. 1 have remitted him ten thousand dollars, by Major Noon. You have probably felt hurt at the unfrequency of my answers to your communications : but when I inform you that I have no private secretary here, that the adjutant gen- eral is in declining health, and that none of my staff or aids are in service, or with me, though the latter have volunteered their services without pay, and have been with me occasion- ally, at their own expense, and when I inform you further, that the drudgery of attending to a variety of details in ren- dezvousing, supplying equipage, and paying troops, &c. de- volves upon me, or must remain unattended to, I trust you will extend great charity to my apparent inattention to your mmunications. ft f n APPENDIX. 00 Receive, dear general, an assurance of my groat consider- tion and sincero esteem. Major General Van Ilcnssclner. EXTRACT. From Major General Dcar'oorn lo Major General Van Rensselaer. llead-Ciuarters, Urcenbusli, Sept. lOih, 1812. Major General Van Ilciisselatr. Sir,— Your letter of the 7th, by the returning^ express, reach- ed us at y o'clock last evening. The safe arrival of Lieut. Col. Fenwick, with the troops, cannon, and stores, has re- lieved me from some anxiety. J am satisfied thai the abandonment of the Old Fort is a prudent measure ; and I have the fullest confidence that, whatever relates to your actual command, will be performed in the manner that the good of the service, and the best interests of the i country demand. From Major General Van Rensselaer to His Excellency Governor Tompkins. EXTRACT FROM. Hcad-Cluarters, Lewiston, 2d Sept., 1812. Sir,— Since I had the honour to address your Excellency and General Dearborn, on the !7th inst.,* nothing of very great importance has taken place. The position of the army is still the same, guarding with great vigilance, as far as our force will admit, every point accessible by the enemy. On the night of the 20th, all the ships which the enemy have on Lake Ontario, were anchored in the mouth of Niagara River. What was the object of this movement, I know not, unless it was to avoid the violence of a most tremendous storm which we have lately had, in which our Troops have suffered much. By the great violence of the wind, many tents were blown over; my own marque, bed, and all, was completely deluged. My morning report of sick is 149. Colonel Van Rensselaer went, yesterday, to Fort George, to * Both inserted in the narrative. Ill'' m m ! )! f .1 ■ ' ^' .. III m^- 1 56 APPENDIX. carry my answer to a communication I had received from General Brock, relative to a firing between our sentinels, by which one man on the Canada shore was killed. There wap no General Officer at Fort George, yesterday ; and the ships were all gone. From Major General Dearborn to Major General Van Rensselaer. Head-Cluarters, Grcenbush, Sept. 17lh, 1812. Dear Sir, — Your letter of the 8th was this day received. I have ordeied two regiments from this camp, and two companies of artillery for Niagara. When they arrive with the re- gular troops and militia, from the Southward, and such additional numbers cf militia, as I reckon upon from this state, the aggregate force will, I presume, amount to up- wards of six thousand. It is intended 1o have a force sufficient to enable you to act with effect, although late. Bri- gadier General Smith will leave this place to-morrow, to take command of his Brigade of regular troops, when they arrive. I persuade myself that you will not, under your present circumstances, risk more than prudence will justify ; and that, of course, you will be prepared, in case you are pushed, to fall hack, so as not to hazard an action on very unequal f(X>ting. If the enemy should make an attempt on you, his endeavour will undoubtedly be to cut off your re- treat by light parties and Indians. You will excuse my repeated cautions ; but from the best information I have received, I am induced to fear that an attempt will be made on your pest before sufficient reinforcemnts will reach you. This will be conveyed by a safe hand, and in confidence. Yours, with respect and esteem. Major General Van Rensselaer. From Major General Van Rensselaer to Maj. General Dearborn. Head-Ctuarlers, Lewiston, Sept. 27th, 1812. Sir,— By Captain Dox, vho Arrived in camp yesterday, I APPENDIX. B7 received your le'ter of the 1 7th inst., and I can assure you, it is consoling to learn that I shall soon be partially relieved from that severe suspense and solicitude which have, for some weeks past, been inseparably connected with my si- tuation. In the view of those important interests which I considered to be at stake, it required much deliberation, to decide on the proper course to be pursued, and when tiiat course was determined, in the manner which I have before stated to you, it required new efforts, by night and day, to dispose my small force to meet events in such manner, as to justify the course adopted. But, as yet, I am satisfied of the correctness of the decision : and, although I have acquired nothing, I have surrendered nothing. From the various accounts I have received, we must, I think, in a few days be able to act, at least, on the defensive, with better prospects. Lieut. Colonel Boesler has arrived, and. by him, I learn that three regiments will soon arrive. But I am mortified to understand, by a letter from Col. Winder, that the ag- gregate of the troops will be but about 900 men, and that his regiment is entirely without cloth clothing, which is indispensable for them in the field at ihis season. The enemy continue their operations with great activity fortifying their camp, at Fort George, in every direction. Seven of the 24 pounders taken, at Detroit, and there mounted, part on travelling carriages. Notwithstanding the most positive orders on both sides, we are constantly troubled with the warfare of sentries. By their firings across the river, one man on each side has fallen, within the past week. It is next to impossible, lo keep our guards sufficiently vigilant on their posts. I pre- sume. His Excellency, Governor Tompkins, has shown you an extract of a letter which I lately forwarded him, relative to the strength of the enemy, in the rear of Fort Erie. Captain G.bson has arrived. I presume, Lieut Elliott of the navy has apprised you of his arrangements : the ves- ■1 :. ii t f "mmm M» tfl^.r ^1^ I '•' •■ ■■ '\ 1 ■ !■ \ [ 1 : ^ 1 ' . 1 P' ;^' i .1 »!■ ii'^^ti*- 58 APPENDIX. sels had escaped from Genesee River to Oswego. He is now, with fifteen of his men at Buffalo. More ordnance seems indispensable for our future operations. P. S. As the post at Sackett's Harbour is within my com- mand, I take the liberty of suggesting for your consideration the propriety of continuing so many troops — about sixteen hun- dred — there. While the enemy hold command of the Lake, Sackett's Harbour is not a point from which a descent upon Canada can be made. We are not to apprehend general invasion, at every point ; and the village, at that place, is certainly not of importance in proportion to the force which guards it. I know of no consideration which ought to claim more than a regiment of troops at that Post, to man the bat- tery, and guard the Harbour. In my opinion, every con- sideration, connected with the general interest of the service dictates, that part of the troops at Sacketts Harbour should be ordered immediately to this station. I am, sir, with respect, &c. Major General Dearborn. From Major General Van Rensselaer to Major General Dearborn. Head-Quarters, Lewiston, 28th Aug., 1812. Sir,- By the mail of this day I received your letter of the 21st inst. I had hoped that his excellency Gov. Tompkins might have detailed to you the condition of the troops under my command on this frontier; and also the ordnance, &c, at my command. The whole number of militia on this fron- tier is less than eight hundred; more than one hundred on the sick list : many without shoes, and otherwise illy pre- pared for offensive operations. 1 have only five or six pieces of ordnance : none larger than s'x pounders. After having satisfied myself of the strength and condi- tion of the enemy, I was fully convinced that however impe- rious the considerations which urged an immediate descent tn th foj API*END1X. 69 upon Canada, that the result must be unfavourable. I there* fore adopted the plan of concentrating my forces scattered on this line, and calling in such further reinforcements aa might enable me to act. But the face of th ngs is now wholly changed by the incomprehensible disaster of Gen. Hull's army. Within forty-eight houis past Gen. Hull, and a considerable portion of his regulars, have been marched through Queenstown, in fair view of my camp. The ef- fects produced by this event are such as you w'U readily imagine. I understand that Gen. Hull and his troops are now embarking at Fort George, probably for Montreal. I wait with solicitude to learn the result of our Govern- ment's deliberation on the armistice; in the mean time, adopting such measures as I must pursue, if a recommence- ment of hostilities shall take place. I shall immediately apprise Gen. Porter of your instruc- tions respecting boats. I have the honour, &c. Major Gen. Dearborn. vj. "^i. iscent From Major General Dearborn to Major General Van Rensselaer. Head-Cluarters, Greenbush, Sept. 26. h, 1812. Major General Van Rensselaer, Sir,— Your letter of the 17th inst. was not received until this morning. Although I had taken as early measures as circumstances admitted of^ for having your post strongly reinforced, I have been disappointed as to the time of the actual arrival of the different corps at their places of desti- nation ; and also in regard to the transportation of military stores to your camp. A strange fatality seems to have per- vaded the whole arrangements. Ample reinforcements of troops and supplies of stores are on their way, but I fear their arrival will be too late to enable you to maintain your position. I had hoped from your former letter, that the old fort had been abandoned, and the stores removed to a place •if •mmmmm I, I 60 APPENDIX. i!f ; i ' : ■ t'U: t Ji J k I <-. of more security. I fear it will, in case of an attack from a superior force, bo a trap for the garrison that may he placed in it. li'this should reach you previous to the ene- my's movement against you, I must take the liberty of advis- ing to such a concentration of your force, and such ar- rangements for the satety of the principal military stores, boats, &c., as will enable you, in the last resort, to risk no more than shall be absolutely necessary. I have requested the Quarter Master General to send on a deputy quarter- master with funds, and capacity for furnishing whatever may be necessary in his line. By putting on the best face that your situation admits, the enemy may be induced to delay an attack until you will be able to meet him, and carry the war into Canada. At all events, we must calcu- late on possessing Upper Canada before winter sets in. Gen. Harrison will, I am assured, enter Canada, by Detroit, with not less than from six to seven thousand men, exclu- sive of the troops necessary for guarding the frontier against Indian depredations. The force at Sackett's Harbour, and that vicinity, is over two thousand, including an old com- pany of regular artillery, and a large company of old rifle- men. I have great confidence in the exertions now in ope- ration in the navy department on Lake Ontario. In fact, we have notlung lo fear, and much to hope as to the ultimate success of measures now in operation with a view to Upper Canada ; but much may immediately depend on what may happen at your post. Your's with high respect and consideration. Lieut. Totten, cf the Engineers, to Major General Van Rensselaer. Fort Niagara, October 5th, 1812. Sir,— I beg leave to lay before you the following few ob- servations on the works of this place. The form of Fort Niagara, with the exception of its east and wil im dot trie mel det tiaj sn Co nee 7 APPENDIX. 01 I front, is irregular, being adapted to the brow of the banks ; and all its faces, with the same exception, are only musket proof Lying as it docs, under the command of the English Fort George, no defence can be expected from it against a cannonade ; and it night even be prudent for the greater security of the garrison, if such an event is to be appre- hended, to cut down the pickets on the sides exposed. Xt will certainly be unwise to attempt making ourselves equal to the enemy in batteries, for we have but few pieces of ord- nance, and I believe no means of procuring more. Such works would only cause a useless expense of time and labour. But if this post should be conceived (as I appre- hend it will) important to cover a landing on the English shore — to protect a retreat, and to command the entrance of the river, we cannot too soon make the commencement of a considerable battery. I will make the necessary plans, and a particular representation, if you consider the object of suf- ficient importance, and will honour me with a requisition. Lieut. Col. Fenwick to Maj. General Van Rensselaer. Major General Van Rensselaer. Sir,— Lieut. Col. Christie is of opinion, after the ammunition and ordnance stores are removed, that a subaltern's guard will be sufficient for the protection of the boats and the re- maining stores ; and that his officers and men, full of ar- dour, and anxious to give their country a proof of their pa- triotism, by being engaged in the first expedition, induces me to solicit, as a favour, that you will allow him and his detachment to accompany me this night. I think it essen- tial, that, if a blow is struck, it should place us upon such ground as will prevent the enemy from giving us a check. Col. Christie, after placing a strong guard, and invalids, can march with three hundred effectives. As silence will be necessary on our march to Lewiston, would you permit two 6 'IV t: \fi ) r M;' fitii II 62 APPENDIX. cavalry to attend mc, that the sentries on the road may be acquainted with our movements. I am, &c. Sic. From Major General Van Rensselaer to Lieut. Col. Fenwick. Head-Q,uartcrs, Lewiston, Oct. lOtli, 1812. Sir,— I have received your letter of this evening, acquainting tne that Lieut. Col. Christie is desirous of mnrching with his men to th;s place, to shaie in the contemplated movement. Upon Col. Christie's leaving a sufficicHt guard for the ord- nance stores, I most cheerfully grant his request. But it ■will be necessary for him to march by 1 1 o'clock this night, to be here in season. I am, dsc. dec. Lieut. Col. Fenwick. From Major General Van Rensselaer to Major General Dearborn. Head-Quarters, Lewiston, October 14lh, 1812. Sir,— As the movements of this army under my command, since I had the honour to address you on the 8th, have been of a very important character, producing consequences se- rious to many individuals, establishing facts actually con- nected with the interest of the service, and the safety of the army; and, as I stand prominently responsible for some of these consequences, I beg leave to explain to you, sir, and through you to my country, the situation and circumstances in which I have had to act, and the reasons and motives which governed me ; and if the result is not all that might have been wished, it is suc'.i, that, when the whole ground shall be viewed, I shall cheerfully submit myself to the 'udgment of my country. In my letter of the Sth instant, I apprisr ^i you that the crisis in this campaign was rapidly advancing ; and that (to repeat the same) *< the blow must be soon struck," or all APPENDIX. 63 the toil and expense of the campaif^n go for nothing, for tho whole will be tinged with dishonci':' Under such impressions, I had, on the 5th instant, written to Brig. C n. Smyth of the United States forces, requesting an interview with him, Major Gon. Hall, and the com- mandanis of regiments, for tho purpose of conferring on tho subject of future operations. I wrote Maj. Gen. Hall to tho same purport. On the ilth, I had received no answer from Gen. Smyth; but in a note to me of the lOth, Gen. Hall mentioned that Gen. Smyth had not yet then agreed upon any day for the consultation. In the mean time, the partial success of Lieut. Elliott at Black Rock, (of which, however, I have received no official information) began to excite a strong disposition in tho troops to act. This was expressed to me through various channels, in the sluipe of an alternative, that they must have orders to act, or at all hazards they would go home. I forbear here commenting upon the obvious consequences, to me personally, of longer withholding my orders under such circumstances. I had a conference with , as to the possibility of getting some j)erson to pass over to Canada, and obtain cor- rect information. On tho morning of the 4th, he wrote to me that he had procured the man who bore his letter, to go over. Instructions were given him ; he passed over — ob- tained such information as warranted an immediate attack. This was confidentially communicated to several of my firet officers, and produced great zeal to act ; more especially as it might have a controling effect upon the movement at De- troit, where it was supposed General Brock had gone with all the force he dared spare from the Niagara frontier. The best preparations in my power, were therefore made to dis- lodge the enemy from the heights of Queenstown, and pos- sess ourselves of the village, where the iroops might be shel- tered from the distressing inclemency of the weather. Lieut. Col. Fleming's flying artillery, and a detachment ill ; ill t l1 .. ■• i\ ' ':X f: '■!■ [Hi' 64 APPENDIX. f ... I of regular troops under his command, were ordered up in season from Fort Niagara. Orders were also sent to Gen, Smyth to send down from Buffalo such detachment from his brigade as existing circumstances in that vicinity might war- rant. The attack was to be made at 3 o'clock on the morn- ing of the 1 Ith, by crossing over in boats from the old ferry, opposite the heights. To avoid any embarrassment in crossing the river, (which is here a sheet of violent eddies) experienced boatmen were procured to take the boats from the landing below, to the place of embarkation. Lieut. Sim was considered the man of the greaicst skill for this service; he went ahead, and, in the extreme darkness, pass- ed the intended place far up the river, and there, in the most extraordinary manner, fastened his boat to the shore, and abandoned the detachment. Iji this front boat he had car- ried nearly all the oars which were prepared for the boats. In this agonizing dilemma stood officers and men, whose ar- dour had not been cooled by exposure through the night, to one of the most tremendous north-east storms, which conti- nued unabated for twenty-eight hours, and deluged the whole camp. Col. Van Rensselaer was to have commanded the detachment. After this result, I had hoped the patience of the troops would have continued, until I could submit the plan sug- gested in my letter of the 8th, that I might act under and in conformity to the opinion which might then be expressed. But my hope was idle ; the previously excited ardour seem- ed to have gained new heat from the late miscarriage ; the brave were mortified to stop short of their object, and the timid thought laurels half won by the attempt. On the morning of the 12th, such was the pressure upon me from all quarters, that I became satisfied that my refu- sal to act might involve me in suspicion, and the service in disgrace. Lieut. Col. Christie, who had just arrived it the Four Mile Creek, had late in th3 night of the first contem- ! mi ' ?l APPENDIX. plated attack, gallantly ofTered me his own and his men*« services; but he got my permission too late. He now again came forward, had a conference with Col. Van Rensselaer, and begged that he might have tiie honour of a command in the expedition. The arrangement was made. Col. Van Rensselaer was to command one column of three hundred militia, and Lieut. Col. Christie a column of the same nunv- ber of regular troops. Every precaution was now adopted as to boats, and the most confidential and experienced men to manage them. At an early hour in the night Lieut. Col. Christie marched his detachment by the rear road, from Niagara to camp. At 7 in the evening, Lieut. Col. Stranahan's regiment moved from Niagara Falls : at 8 o'clock. Mead's, and at 9, Lieut. Col. Bloom's regiment marched from the same place. All were in camp in good season. Agreeably to my orders is- sued upon this occasion, the two columns were to pass over together as soon as the heights should be carried. Lieut. Col. Fenwick's flying artillery was to pass over; then Major Mullany's detichmcnt of regulars, and the other troops to follow in order. Col. Van Rensselaer, with great presence of mind, ordered his officers to proceed with rapidity, and storm the fort. The service was gallantly performed, and the enemy driven down the hill in every direction. Soon after this, both par- ties were considerably reinforced, and the conflict was re- newed in various places. Many of the enemy took shelter behind a stone guard-house, where a piece of ordnance was now briskly served. I ordered the fire of our battory to be directed upon the guardhouse; and it was so eflcctually done, that, with eiglit or ten shot, the fire was silenced. The enemy then retreated behind a large store-house ; but, in a short time, the rout became general, and the enemy's fire was silenced, except from a one gun battery, so far down the river as to be out of the reach of our heavy ord- nance, and our light pieces could not silence it. A nunjbor 6* > lit '( !l 1 f b\ I tr CO APPENDIX. of boats now passed over unannoyed, except by the one un- sifenced gun. For some time, after I passed over, the vic- tory appeared complete ; but, in expectation of further at- tacks, I was taking measures for fortifying my camp imme- diately ; the direction of this service I committed to Lieut. Totten of the Engineers. But ' cry soon the enemy were reinforced by a detachment of several hundred Indians from Chippewa; they commenced a furious attack, but were promptly met and routed by the rifle and bayonet. By this time, I perceived my troops were embarking very slowly. I passed immediately over to accelerate their movements, but, to my utter astonishment, I found, that, at the very moment when complete victory was in our hands, the ardour of the unengaged troops had entirely subsided. I rode in all direc- tions; urged the men by every consideration to pass over — but in vain. Lieut. Col. Bloom, who had been wounded in the action, returned, mounted his horse, and rode through the camp, as did also Judge Peck, who happened to be here, exhorting the companies to proceed — but all in vain. At this time a large reinforcement from Fort George was discovered coming up the river. As the battery on the hill was considered an important check against tlicir ascend- ing the heights, measures were immediately taken to send them a fresh supply of ammunition, as I learned there were left only twenty shot for the eighteen-pounders. Tiie rein- j(brcements, however, obliqued to the right from the road, and formed a junction with the Indians, in the rear of the heights. Finding, to my infinite mortification, that no rcin- forcemeni would pass over, seeing tliat another severe con- flict must soon commence, and knowing that the bravo men at the heights were quite exhausted, and nearly out of am- munition, all 1 could do, was to send them a fresh supply of cartridges. At this critical moment I despatched a note to Gen. Wadsworth, acquainting him with our situation, leav- ing the course to be pursued much to his own judgment, with assurance that, if he thought best to retreat, I would ,1 ii T APPENDIX. 67 endeavour to send ns many boats as I could conimund, and cover his retreat, by every fire I could safely make; but the boats were dispersed ; many of the boatmen had fled panic struck, and but few got oflT. My note, however, could but little more than have reached Gen. W., about 4 o'clock, when a most severe and obstinate conflict commenced, and continued about half an hour, with a tremendous firo of can- non, flying artillery, and musketry. The enemy succeeded in repossessing their battery, and gaining advantage on every side. The brave men who had gained the victory, ex- hausted of strength and ammunition, and grieved at the un- pardonable neglect of their fellow-soldiers, gave up the conflict. / can only add, that the victory was really won, hut lost for the want of a small reinforcement; one-third part of the idle men might have saved all. I have the honour to be, &c, Stephen Van Rensselaer. Hon. William Eustis, Secretary of War. Brigadier General Alexander Smylli to Major General Van Rcnssclarr. Bufftlo, 29th September, 1812. Sir,— I have been ordered by Major General Dearborn to Niagara, to take command of a brigade of the U. S. troops ; and directed, on my arrival in the vicinity of your quarters, to report myself to you, which I now do. I intended to have reported myself personally ; but the conclusions I have drawn as to the interests of tiie service, have determined me to stop at this place, for the present. From the description I have had of tlie river below the falls, the view of the shore below Fort Erie, and the information received as to the preparations of the enemy, I am of o[)inion that our cross- ing should be effected between Fort Erie and Cliippcwa. It has, therefore, seemed to me proper to encamp the U. S. troops near Buffalo, there to prepare for offensive operations. FT 1 1 ■ 'i; 68 APPENDIX. Your instructions, or hotter information, may decide you to give mo different orders, which I will await. I have the honour, &c. Major General Van Rensselaer. Major General Van Rensselaer to Brigadier General Alexander Smyth. Head-Cluarters, Lcwiston, 30ih September, 1812. Sir,— On my return, this moment, from Niagara, I received your letter of yesterday, advising me of your arrival at Buffalo, and the encampment, there, of the United States troops, in consequence of the conclusions you have drawn that offensive operations against Upper Canada ought to be attempted between Fort Erie and Chippewa. Nothing could be more unpleasant to me than a difference of opinion as to the place of commencing those operations in which our own characters, the fate of the army, and the deepest interests of our country are concerned. But, however willing I may be, as a citizen soldier, to surrender my opaiion to a professional one, I can only make such surrender to an opinion deliber- ately formed upon a view of the whole ground. It would have been highly gratifying to me. could I have had a seasonable opportunity to avail myself of the opinions of the officers of the United States troops, as to the time, place, and competent force for the contemplated descent. But as the season for operations was far advanced, and cs the counsel 1 wished was not at command, it has been the task of my own judgment, guided by the best attainable informa- tion to designate the places for our operations. This I had some time ago decided : and although, on account of my small force, I have been obliged to bestow much labour on measures calculated for dofeiioe, in case of an attack, still have \ urged, as fust as possible, other local preparations, connected with that mode of descent on which I had deter- mined. My judgment may have deceived me, but I shall certainly stand acquitted of a hasty decision. For many knowledge of the banks of Ni- I Bri£ yeai generi 'r« ' Tl APPENDIX. 60 have mions time, cent. I OS task rma- lad t my ur on , still tlons, eter- sliall ngara river, and of the adjacent country on the Canada ."liore. I have, now, attentively explored the American side with the view of military operations ; comhining, at the same time, a great variety of circumstances and considerations intimate- ly connected, in my opinion, with our object. So various are the opinions, and such the influence of personal and lo- cal interests in this vicinity, that many circunistances are to be carefully balanced before any correct conclusions can bo drawn. My decision has been made with due regard to all tiicse things, and to the importtuit consequcncea ccunected with it. All my past measures have been calculated for Jiio point; and I now oidy wait for a competent force; n*? the season of the year and every consideration urges mc to act with promptness, I cannot hastily listen to a change of po- sition, necessarily connected with a new system of measures, and the very great inconvenience of the troops. I will not say that no considerations shall induce mo to change my plans of operations, but to this I cannot yield, without very weighty reasons ; conclusions drawn, at least, from an atten- tive examination of the baidis of the Niagara river, and all other circumstances connected with a successful result of the campaign, I hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing you here : and, perhaps, after conference and thorough cxaminatioii of the river and country, your opinion and mine, as to the plans of operations, may coincide. I trust we are both open to con- viction, and we have but one object — the best interest of the service. I am, sir, with consideration and respect, &c. Brigadier Gen. Alexander Smyth, of the United States forces, BufTulo. Brigxdier General SiWyth, of the U. S. Forces, to Major General Van Rensselaer. Sir,— Camp, near Buffulo, Oct. 2d, 1812. I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 30th Sept., dated at Lewiston. The detachments of Col .:t. ir If k^ !;■ f 70 APPENDIX. ii?! it :' *•» SI Winder and Col. Parker have arrived. Tiiey are recrulto without clothinff and with little instruction. Neither of thenti have mt'dicine chests. Col. Winder's dctachnnent is already encaiTfipee. on an excellent piece of ground for exercise, where Col. Parker's will join it to-day. Col. Milton's detach- ment will also arrive to day ; and within a week I expect the other detachments. 1 have taken quarters at the place, and propose to devote six hours daily to their instruction, in dis- cij 'ine and evolutions. The delay of a part until the whole arrive, cannot, possi- bly, be inju'rious, and any order I may receive will be obey- ed with alacrity. There has been a mutiny in the 5th, and a general court martial has become necessary. Should you deem it proper to order one to be held at this camp, Col. Parker might pre- side, and the other members be detached by my Brigade Major. I have the honour to be very respectfully, dec. Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. Major General Van Rensselaer to Brigadier General Smyth. Head-Gluarters, Lewiston, 5th Oct., 1812. Sir,— Believing that an early consultation of general offi- cers, commandants of regiments, and corps on this frontier will promote the interest of the service, I have to request that you will be pleased to confer witb Maj. Gen. Hall on the subject, and agree with him upon the earliest day possible, consistent with the business of the court martial, and other indispensable duties, when 1 can have the pleasure of seeing you at Fort Niagara for the purpose above proposed. Of the day agreed upon, you will please to give me early notice. 1 am, &c. P. S. I have written to Maj. Gen. Hall to the same pur- port. Brig. Gen. Smyth, of the U. S. forces. ruiW them eady I'cise, ■tach- ct the e, and in dis- possi- obey- ,1 court proper ht pre- Brigade . &c. ylh. L 1812. Iral offi- f rentier lest that on the lossible, id other [f seeing le early Inie pur- APPENDIX. 71 I Sir- Major General Van Rensselaer to 1^ 'ajor General Hall. (confidential) Head-duarters, Lcwiston, 5th Oct., 1812. This letter was the same as above. Major General Van Rensselaer to Brigadier llencnl Smyth, of the U. S. forces. Head-Cluarters, Lcwiston, 6th Oct., 1812. Sir,— Apprehending that my letter of y(^sterday, on the subject of the proposed conference at Niagara, may not have been sufficiently explicit, I deem it necessary to add, that my intention was, that Major General Hall, yourself, and the Commandants of the several regiments of tke United States /roo;?*, should attend the conference. You will please to make the necessary communications to the gentlemen in- tended. I am, &c. Brigadier General Smyth, of the U. S. forces. Major General Van Rensselaer to Major General Hall. Same date as above, and same in form and substance, except as to extending the communications. Buffalo, Oct. 10th, 1812. Major General Hall to Major General Van Rensselaer. (extract.) Sir,— I saw General Smyth yesterday : he could not tell the day when he would attend at Niagara for the consul- tation, J I am, &c. Major General Van Rensselaer to Brigadier General Smyth. Head-Cluarte "s, Lewislon, 10th October, 1812. Sir,— In consequence of dome intelligence recently receiv- i ! i 1*1 U 72 APPENDIX. ( ed, relative to the force of the enemy on the opposite shore, I shall this night attack the enemy's batteries on the heights of Queenstown. Should we succeed, I shall, to-morrow morn- ing, cross over and intrench. Immediately on the receipt of this you will please to give orders to all the United States troops under your command to strike their i,ents, and march, with every possible despatch, to this place. With respect and consideration, &c. Brigadier General Alex. Smyth, of the U. S. forces. M J, fm.,i 1 Hi! ' 1 U! 1' k- . H 1 ■, 1 j 1 I ' '''it ■ 1 ^ ^tk- Major General Van Rensselaer to Brigadier General Smyth. Head-Cluartcrs, Lewiston, 11th Oct., 1812. Sii,— The object of my order to you yesterday, to march your troops to this place, was to support the militia in an attack upon the enemy's batteries in Queenstown, warranted by information which I had received, too direct to be doubted, and too favourable to be passed by without an effort. But the expedition has failed ; and the failure is owing to some circumstames vitally connected with the highest interest of the service, but i;hc particulars arc more proper for the subject of personal conference tlian fo? :his mode of commu- nication ; I shall, therefore, reserve them until I shall have the pleasure of seeing you here. In the interim the United States troops under your command will remain at their en- campment, near Buffalo. I am, &c. Brigadier General Smyth, of the U. S. forces. Brigadier General Smyth to Major General Van Rensselaer. Camp, near Bufflilo, 12th Oct., 1812. Sir,— I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter at ten o'clock, P. M. The badness of the weather and roads harassed the 1 " 1 APPENDIX. m troops yesterday more than can well be conceived. To- moriow I expect ihur clothing, and they will wash ; next day they might march, to the number of 1*2 JO effective men, but imperfectly disciplined. It is said the enemy are in considerable force opposite to Bluck Rock : and as Lieut. Cols. Scott and Christie have arrived with you, the time for your attack is favourable — and may you conquer ! is my prayer. I have the honour to be, with great respect, Your most obedient, (Signed) Alex. Smyth, Brig. General. A' ajor Gen. Van Rensselaer. ,■;.:.•■' !''■ Major General Van Rensselaer to Brigadier General Smyth. Sir,— Head-Q.uai ters, Lewiston, 12th Oct., 1812. . J . .;i St. 'I'* ■ I have this moment received your letter of yesterday. To-night I shall, again, attack the enemy's batteries on the heights of Queenstown; should circunistances render it ne- cessary to march your brigfide, I will advise you to morrow. Lieut. Col. Christie has arrived with boats, stores, &c. I am &c. Brigadier General Smyth, of the U. S. Forces. EXTRACT. From Major General Van Rensselaer to Njuj-.' General Brock. Head-Cluarters, Lewiston, 17ih Sept., 1812. Sir,— In a communication which I had some time since the honour of receiving from Lieut Col. Myers, he assured me that it had been the constant study of the general officer, commanding the British forces on this line, to discountenance, by all means in his power, the warfare of sentinels; yet, occurrences for some days past, would warrant the pre- sumption, that such orders no longer exist. If so be the fact, I wish to be ascertained of it. I have the honour to be, with consideration, &c. 7 lit ' i 'f 74 APPENDIX. • ''f EXTRACT. Prom Major General Brock to Major General Van Renssel.ief. Head-Cluarters, Fort George, Sept. 17lh, 1812. Sir,— It has been with the utmost regret, that I have per- ceived, within these few days, a very heavy firing from both sides of the river. I am, however, given to understand, that on all occasions it has commenced on yours ; and, from the circumstance of the flag which I did myself the honour to send over yesterday having been repeatedly fired upon, while in the act of crossing the river, I am inclined to give full credit to the correctness of the information. Without, however, recurring to the past, you may rely upon my re- peating my positive orders against the continuance of a practice which can only be injurious to individuals, without promoting the object which both our nations may have in view. I have the honour to remain, with respect, &c. Major General Van Rensselaer. Major General Van Rensselaer to Major General Brock. Head-Cluartcrs, Lcwiston, 20lh Sept., 1812. Sir,— It was with extreme regret and concern that I yester- day learned through Lieut. Col. Myers, that in a repetition of the practice of firing between sentinels, which I have so peremptorily prohibited, one shot has proved fatal to a man at the Lime Kilns on the Canada shore. Immediately, on receiving information of this unfortunate event, I caused strict inquiry to be made, to the end, that the offender, if discovered, might be punished accorou.g to his demerit. But the result of this inquiry has not furnished me with the least evidence against any man. I cannot ascertain that a single gun has been fired, at, or near the place from whence the shot was supposed to have been thrown. T APPENDIX. 76 That these firings have been repeatedly commenced on both sides, is not to be questioned : the fact is established, by the testimony of officers whose rank and character, in both armies, utterly precludes all doubt. It is a circum- stance, which, in this explanation, ought not to be omitted, that there may be, on both sides the river, — there certainly is reason to believe there are on this side — persons not un- der immediate command in either army, who, occasionally, approach the river, discharge their pieces, at the sentries, and then escape unobserved in their reireats, while the fire, thus begun, is returned upon an unoffending sentinel. I have caused patrols to be sent out to take such persons, but without success. I can only repeat, sir, that I deeply regret the unfortunate occurrence which has happened ; that my orders against the practice which has occasioned it have been most peremptory : my efforts to enforce them are unremitting, and every at- tempt to convict any one of disobedience, as yet, is unavailing. With consideration and high respect, I have the honour, &c. Major General Brock, Fort George. From Major General Isaac Brock to Major General Van Rensselaer. Head-duarters, Fort George, 23d Sept., 1812. Sir,— I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the twen< 3th instant. I never doubted for a moment that the firing from your side of the river, upon in- dividuals, was contrary to your intentions, and in violation of your orders, and I beg leave to repeat, that every effort shall be made on my part to prevent a recurrence of such acts of insubordination, on this side. I have the honour ,o be, with very great respect, &o. Major General Van Rensselaer, Xi ,1 I t 1 1- r !l ! hti ! IM m J 76 APPENDTt:. I m 1 1 ' if'M ill t^h S •! ..' I!' Major General Van Rensselaer to Major General Brock. Ilead-Cluart'',rs, Lewiston, 13th Oct., 1812. Sir,— Humanity induces me to request your permission to send to Queenstown some surgeons to attend the officers and men who have had the misfortune to be wounded this day, and are prisoners at Queenstown. Agreeably to the proposition which I had this afternoon the honour to receive, as coming from you, I have agreed to a cessation of firing for three days. I have the honour, &c. Major General Isaac Erock. Major General Sheaffe to Major General Van Rensselaer. , ,,.,,, , ,., • • Fort George, 13lh Oct., 1812. Sir, — " I lose not a moment in acknowledging the receipt of your letter of this date, and am pi -ased to learn, at the same time, that the officer commanding at Queenstown, having opened it, had acceded to your proposal of sending surgeons to aid the wounded prisoners, without incurring the delay which would have been occasioned by a reference tome; but, as our means of affording assistance to them, as well as to our own wounded, may be inadequate, I beg leave to pro- pose that the wounded prisoners, whose cases may admit of removal, should be sent over to you, on condition of not serv- ing again, until regularly exchanged. Though the proposition which I had the honour of making to you to-day, did not go to the extent which, by some mis- take, you were led to suppose, yet I readily concur with you in agreeing to a cessation of firing for three days, and 1 transmit orders to that effect to the officers commanding at the several posts on this line. I have the honour, &c. '» . •*• Major General Van Rensgelaer, ccmmanding l^ewiston. uniiii.vu f nn APPENDIX. 77 Major General Sheaffe to Major General Van Rensselaer. Fort George, 16th Oct., 1812. Sir,— I have heard with great regret, that Col. Van Rensselaer is badly wounded. If there be any thing at my command, that your side of the river cannot furnish, which would be either useful or agreeable to him, 1 bog that you will be so good as to have me apprised of it. I have the honour to be, sir, with much esteem, Your very devoted servant, R. H. Sheaffe. Major General Sheaffe to Major General Van Rensselaer. Fort George, 16th Oct., 1812. Sir,— As the period assigned to the cessation of hoslilities is drawing to a termination ; and the intended exchange of prisoners and sending over the wounded and the militia will require much more time than remains of it ; and as, more- over, part of this day is to be devoted to paying the last offices of humanity to the remains of my departed friend and General, I feel it to be my duty to propose a prolongation of the armistice to such a period as may be necessary for the complete execution of those humane purposes. Lists are prepared for all the prisoners here, distinguishing those of the line from militia ; and Brigade Major Evans, who has been appointed by me to arrange the business with Capt. Dox, will be ready to proceed in it, as soon as that officer comes over. I have the honour, &c. Major General Van Rensselaer. Major General Van Rensselaer to Major General Sheaffe. Head-Ctuarters, Lewiston, OcU 16th, 1812. Sir,-- I have this moment had the honour to receive your 7* I m V ill! ■ i V "iS AMpENtJli. two letters of tho present date, I most cheerrully agree to extend the cessation of hostilities for a time amply sufficient to discliargo all duties of humanity to the brave who are wounded, or prisoners ; and the just tribute of respect to the gallant dead. For these purposes I agree to the further cessation of hostilities, until 4 o'clock of the afternoon of the 19th instant. ' " ' I shall order a sahitc for the funeral of General Brock to be fired here, and at Fort Niagara, this afternoon. You will please to accept, sir, the grateful acknowledg- ments of Col. Van Rensselaer and myself^ for your kind offer of any thing in your power which might contribute to to his comfort. 1 do not know that he is at present destitute of any thing essential. As this, sir, is probably the last communication I shall have the honour to make to you from this station, I avail myself of the opportunity to tender you the assurance of my great esteem and consideration. Major General Sheaffe to Major General Van Rensselaer. Fort George, 16lh Oct., 1812. Sir,— I feel too strongly the generous tribute which you propose to pay to my departed friend and chief to be able to express the sense 1 entertain of it. Noble-minded as he was, so would he have done himself. 1 have directed the prolongation of the armistice until four o'clock in the afternoon of the 19th instant, to be com- municated along this line. • / ,, I I feel a perfect confidence, sir, that nothing will be omitted on your part to ensure a strict execution of the agreement respecting the militia officers and men, as well as any others not yet exchanged, who are released from their captivity. Allow me, sir, to express a hope that the time is not far distant when the restoration of peace and amity between our Tin APPENDIi. respective countries, may afford me an opportunity of assur- ing you, personally, of the respect and esteem with which 1 have the honour to be, sir. Your most obedient and devoted servant, R. H. Sheaffe, Maj. General, &c. Maj. General Van Rensselaer. Sir,- Ilcad-Cluarters, Fort Washington, May 26th, 1797. You are, this day, to cross the Ohio river, with your troop, and to commence your march for Knoxville, in the state of Tennessee, without one moment's unnecessary delay. You will proceed by easy marches, on the most convenient road for Fort Blount, on the Cumberland river. Should you discover on your approach to, or arrival at this place, that the Indians are hostilely disposed, you are to fall back, either to Nashville, or take some intermediate secure position, where your cavalry can be well subsisted, and wait the ar- rival of Lieut. Col. Commandant Butler, whose orders you are to receive. But should you find the Indians in a state of tranquillity, you will proceed on to Knoxville, with due military precau- tion and on your arrival there, will report to the senior offi- cer on that station, and require quarters and subsistence for your men and horses, where you are to wait the arrival of Col. Butler, unless otherwise disposed of under the authority of the president. Wishing you an agreeable tour, I remain with much friendship, your obedient servant, , •: Ja. Wilkinson, B. G., &c. Captain Van Rensselaer. ' • • ' New- York, August 8th, 1800. Dear sir, — Major Rensselaer, who was eldest captain of dra- goons before the late augmentation of the army, was, under that augmentation promoted to a major. He has some time "1 1^ ]|it 80 APPENDIX. r' if . V ;rf!ii ^1 since devoted himself to military affairs, as a professor for life, and is unwilling to quit. For my part I have conceived there was a discretion in the president on this subject, which may be exercised in favour of the major. A field officer for the cavalry appears to me in every view proper. For the charactor of Major A^an Rensselaer, as an officer, I refer you to Gen. Wilkinson, with whom he served. The inquiry 1 know will result greatly in his favou**, and as a man, there is none moro worthy : he is a kinsman of Mrs. Hamilton. With esteem and regard, A. Hamilton, Secretary of War. Extract of a letter from General Wilkinson to the Secretary of War. City of Washington, August 9th, 1800. General Hamilton warmly recommends the retention of Major Van Rensselaer in service ; but I fear the ground he takes is not tenable, though the circumstance is undoubt- edly essential to the service, and is devoutly to be desired, as the major is a gem worthy preservation. A squadron of cavalry without a leader, is an unseemly thing ; and not un- like a body without a head, from which much good cannot be expected. Mr. Van Rensselaer's pretensions to patronage are pecu- liarly strong. On the 20th August, 1794, he received a shot through his lungs, at the head of the troop. At the reduc- tion of the then army, he continued in service, and on the levy of the late contingent force he was taken from his troop and promoted to a majority. The disbanding this force has, I fear, thrown him out of service, unless you may judge proper to retain him on the ground of expediency, until the president or legislature may be consulted. Certain it is, he is essential to the formation and discipline of the squad- ron, which, without a chief, presents an original spectacle. Sir,— Albany, 19th Nov., 1800. Whether a major for the cavalry of United States II APPENDIX. 81 should be retained in service, is a question on which it would not be proper for rnc to make any remarks. But if it should be deemed expedient, that such an officer should be retained, I take the liberty of informing you, that, from what I have heard and know of Major Solomon Van Rensselaer, who wishes to devote himself to the military pro- fession, I really think he merits the attention of government. His qualifications and conduct as an officer have probably been made known to you by Gen. Wilkinson and others. His character here as a citizen and a gentleman, attracts general esteem : and for my own part, I consider him as one of the most valuable and promising young men that I know. 1 have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir, ) our most obedient servant, John Jay. The Honourable Samuel Dexter, Esq., Secretary at War. 4:, ill W W: <'\: {' APPENDIX, No. Ill M ( % ;i I ; !. Mi 'ill I ' if k JIM.'': Head-Cluavters, Lewiston, 30ih Sept., 1812. GENERAL ORDERS. The order whereof a copy is annexed, from the Com- mander in Chief of the United States' army, was received yesterday. All those interested are to govern themselves accordingly. The Quarter Master General will purchase twenty horses^ and yoke of oxen, for the ordnance department, with yokes, chains, tfcc. complete, and furnish the necessary forage for the horses and oxen. The Quarter Master Ge- neral will make a return of the number of public hoats in his possession, and what number of private boats he can procure for the transportation of troops, cannon, horses, and Stores. The Major General regrets that he is again compelled to remind the (Quarter Master General of the want of fbr^ge A r LI I I I JPIPJI I ^ n-f APPENDIX. 93 for the light artillery and drogoon horses, and directs that it shall be furnished without delay; and, in future, regularly. Those light infantry companies which have already, or may hereafter arrive, excepting Capt. Dox's company, will take possession of tlie first cantonment below Lewiston, and ■will be subject to the orders of Major Thomas Lee, who is directed to take charge of them until further orders. The rifle company now there, will take post at the old ferry above Lewiston. Major Mosely of the rifle corps will take command of the rifle companies which are now in camp, or may hereafter arrive, until further orders. By order of Major General Van Rensselaer, Sol. Van Rensselaer, Aid de camp. i \ y 1 f. 'i r s ¥ C C k li ■ If i 11 •i > 1 1 1, "" ;'^F' i« FWB«« '»'■» If LEAVITT, LORD&CO.'S LIST qf tome of the mor» important _ ' STANDARD WORKS, On Ttrioua subjects, which may always be obtained at the lowest pneM. 1. COMMENTARIES On the whole Scriptures. SCOTT, in 6 volumes or 3. HENRY, in 6 volumes or 3. CLARKE, in 6 volumes or 3. GILL, 9 volumes 4to. FAMILY COMMENTARY, 1 volume. COMPREHENSIVE do. MANT &, D'OYLEY, 2 volumes. On the New Testament. BARNES' NOTES ON THE GOSPELS, in 2 volumes. 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COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM MODERN GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY : ,. — BEVISED AND EMLABGEO From the London edition of "Pinnock's Modern Geography," and 5,. adapted te the use of Academies and Schools in ' the United States, with an Atlas. BV EUWIN WILLIAMS Author of the New Universal Gazetteer, New-York Annual Re- gister, etc. • r WKW-TOBK : LEAVITT, LORD & CO., 180 Broadway. Extracted critical remarks from the English Reviews ofPinnock i Modern Geography and History. " Mr. Pinnock's Catechisms and other publications have made his name universally known throughout the country, as one of the most meritorious and ruccessful au- thors in this department of literature, who have ever di- rected their attention to inform the rising jrcneration. The present volume is, in all respects, worthy othis name ; it is well conceived, well ar »ged, diligently edited, and beautifully got up, at a very in' ^c" e cost. By mingling the attractions of history whhthedr) 'letr'ls of geographical science, the study is rendered pleasmg and interesting. Ample intelligence is produced, in the fir&t instance, and then the learner is judiciously exercised by questions on the subjects as they occur." — Literary Gazette. " This is truly the age of iniellectual imp. Aement, and in every form and manner exertians are multiplied to advance it. Daily the unwearied press teems with ew publications in Lid of truth and knowledge. Con ndi- iims, abriclgments, and compressments of scienti..o lore, rapidly succeed each other in their pretensions to public favor ; and it is now a point of competition amongst au- thors and publishers to give the greatest quantity of valu- ll I -i If* 'i h t! ' fible information for the least money. It was, however, it seems, reserved for the experienced author of the work before us to excel all his predecessors in this particular ; and we cannot restrain our admiration when we observe the immense collection of geographical and historical learning comprised in this little book. It is impossible, in the limits to which this notice can extend, to give a de- tailed account of the plan of J/r. Pinnock's work : suffice it, that its title is fully answered in the compilation, and that it is, in our judgment, eminently calculated to super- sede the use of those elementary geographical works in present use, which, however useful they may be, arc ut- terly poor and meagre when compared to this. The as- tronomical portion of Mr. Piunock's book is excel! nt, and the historical memoranda, which follow the account of each country, are highly interesting, and tend to en- liven the study of geography, while they furnish a fund of instruction to the learner. " On the whole, ihis multum in parvo, for such it pro- eminently is, is calculated to become a universal inslruc- ter in the knowledge of the earth. It will noi be con- fined to the use of schools, for adults will find it a valua- ble addition to their Biblical stor€:'i — Courier. " This is unquestionably the very, cheapest work of the sorttl»at has hitherto issued from the press ; and it is but doing a bare act of justice to the public-spirited pub- lishers to say, that they deserve the most unlimited pat- ronage. The literary arrangement of the whole does great credit to the well known tatents and indefatigable research of 3fr Pinnacle; and instead of the study being, as was the case some twenty years ago, dry ami almost appallii.g, it is rendered familiar and entertaining, from its being mixed up with numerous anecdotes associated with the history of the countries xiescribed." — BerksJdre Chronicle. , • • • '* A truly comprehensive compendium of geographical and historical information, judiciously blended, has been heretofore a great desi<'' ratum. Mr. Piunock's name has for many years been a standard warranty to school books ; and this, his last labor, fully sustains his estab- I! ' er, It work ular ; )servc orical ssible, a de- suffice n, and snper- rks in arc ut- ile as- :c\\ nt, ccount to en- a fund J it pr<3- instruc- he con- 1 valua- work of and it is ted pub- ted pat- )le does fatigable ly being, 1 almost ng, from ssociated Berkshire graphical has been ;'s name to school :iis estab- lished reputation. It is a very comprehensive condensa- tion\of all which is necessary in teaching the important science of geography. The statistical details of coun- tries are pleasantly relieved by a series of admirable histo- rical memoranda, which bear evidence of fidelity and a deep research. We are surprised, in looking through the book, to observe what a vast quantity of instruction is con>prised in its 446 pages." — Sundat/ Times. '* We have just now before us a handsome and com- pact little volume, * got up' with great care, taste, and judgment : * A Grammar of Modern Geography and His- tory.' The quantity of really useful information ihr.t it contains is astonishing." — La Belle Assemblee. r . "To Mr. Pinnock belongs the merit of inventing those Catechisms of Science and General Kr^owledge, whicli even a Lord Chancellor condescended to read and to praise. Nothing more is necessary to be said to recom- mend his book in ev«>'v quarter." — London Magazine. " Grammar of Geography and History. — Every per- son engaged in the education of children, will be much pleased to turn over the pagr's of one of the best, because most simplified, and at the same time compendious works on geography that has ever yet appeared. The name of Pm- nock stands at the head of modern pioneers in the march of Juvenile Intellect ; a >d the present volume is another exhi- bition of his meritorious industry. It is announced among our advertisements, and we are sure that our readers will be thankful for thus having specially directed their attention to so useful, elegant, and withal very cheap a publication." Taunton Courier. r " Pinnock' s Modem Geography. — We call the atten- tion of our readers, and more especially the heads of se- minaries, to a useful, splendid, and singularly cheap work, just published by Poole ^ Edwards, entitled ' A Com- prehensive Grammar of Modern Geography and History.' Without any exception, it is the best book of the sort hitherto published." — Windsor Herald. " This little book is of a description much superior to the ordinary class of school books. Its author needs no B.i Ilij jiTiw* u -f i : praise from ua, as his long and faithful services to the cause of education have met that general approbation which is their fittest and highest reward. We are happy to say, that the same judicious industry which distinguished his smaller works for the benefit of children, is displayed m full force in the little volume now on our table. It is well arranged, and written in a clear, simple style. But it is also much more than a mere outline of geography, for it also contains an admirable summary of the most important points in history and chronology : and its pages 11 interspersed with interesting physical facts relating ♦o the various countries under consideration. We ap- prove much the catechetical system of teaching, which is provided for by questions appended to each section. These will enable the self-instructer to ascertain with ease and certainty what real progress he has made in the acquisi- tion of knowledge. A good treatise of this comprehen- sive nature has long been wanting in our schools. To those whose time will not permit them to turn to more ponder- ous sources of information, and to those who may wish to re/r^sh their memories by looking over an accurate sum- mary of facts already known, we heartily recommend this Geography as the best elementary work we have seen." — London Weekly Review. From the New-York Evening' Post. To the publishers, the public are indebted for an ele- mentary work on Geography, which, from a more atten- tive examination than we are usually able to give to books of that description, we think will prove a very useful vol- ume in the education of young persons. The work we al- lude to is a very neat and well printed edition of Pin- nock's Modern Geography and History, wholly revised and much enlarged by Edwin Williams, of whose accuracy and research, as a statistical writer, the public have al- ready had various satisfactory evidences. The depart- ment of knowledge in which the labors of Mr. Williams have been mainly exerted, have necessarily furnished him with a copious store of materials highly useful to be em- ployed in a work like that which has now engaged his pen,, The original work of Mr. Pinnock bore a high reputation ause ich is that d lit9 Ttis But aphy, most botli in England and this country, and its value is now very greatly increased by the extensive and judicious improve- ments made by Mr. Williams. To convey some idea of the superior excellence of the present edition over any pre- vious one, it needs only to be stated that the portion rela- ting to America, has been wholly rewritten aiKl enlarged so as to extend through more than a hundred additional pages. The recent- changes in the political divisions of South America are also carefully noted, and a succinct and clear history of its varibus revolutions is given. Numer- ous other improvements of the original work have been made by Mr. Williams, but what we have stated, will serve to convey some idea of the additional value he has imparted to a production which before enjoyed a high rep- utation. The publishers deserve credit fo the exceedingly neat style in which they have published this useful ele- mentary work. i'>07/i the Commercial Advertiser. Pinnock has done very essential service to the cause of education, by his excellent editions of established school books. To go no farther, this is the best compendium of geography we have yet seen for schonlG. TKe Euro- pean States are never treated with the importance they de serve in our ordinary school books of this description. Here they receive great attention, and the American de- partment, under Mr Williams' carefiu and accurate super- intendence, is not behind them, while the history of each State is woven in its leading facts with its description. J^rom the New- York American. This is a well printed, and we dare say, a well digested compound of geography and history, adapted for young persons. The portion relating to America has been re- written here and much extended, and in that very fact we see evidence to strengthen a conviction we have long en- tertained, and occasionally expressed, that the elementary works — those of history especially — designed for Ameri- can schools, should be written at home. From the New- York Weekly Messenger. We have rarely met with a work of this size embrac- li i •f |t«th ing so large a fund of useful, we might say necessary, knowledge of a geographical and historical character. This work is formed on the basis of Pinnock's celebra- ted Manual of Geography, combining the leading facts of history. It has been revised by Edwin Williams, Esq., a gentleman well known as the author of the New- York An- nual Register, and New Universal Gazetteer, &,c. That part of the work relating to our own country has been entirely rewritten, and occupies about one hundred closely printed pages. It will command a place, as a class book, in all our respectable seminaries of learning ; but a work of this kind ought not and will not be con- fined to schools. It will be found in the library of the scholar — the cheerful and happy dwelling of the farmer — the workshop of the mechanic — the closet of the student — and the counting-room of the merchant, by all of whom it may be advantageously consulted as a book of refer- ence. . TVom the Knickerbocker. Mr. Edwin Williams, whose " Annual Register" and " Universal Gazetteer" are so favorably known to the public, has recently issued — revised and enlarged from the London edition, and adapted to the use of Academies and Schools in the United States — Pinnock's celebrated Modern Geography. The part relating to America has received numerous important additions in the revision, and the whole may be relied on us affording a faithful picture of the present state of the world, as far as known. The work presents a combination of geography and history, which renders it both useful and entertaining. The latter quality is an unusual feature in most of our modern school geographies. From the NeW'York Courier and Enquirer. Williams' Geography, — The habits and studies of Mr. "Williams render him peculiarly fitted for an undertaking of this sort, and he has performed the task well. Pinnock's original work is in some respects one of the best to be found, but the labors of Mr. Williams have rendered this edition exceedingly valuable. We have looked this book through with considerable attention, and find a mass of mm ssary, acter. cbra- cts of H, a k An- That y has jndred as a rning ; e con- of the rmer — student f whom f refer- r" and to the rom the ademies lebrated rica has lion, and licture of 1. The history, he latter ■n school r. es of Mr. lertaking 'hmock's )est to be lered this this book mass of American information there embodied fur beyond our ex- pectation. We question, indeed, whether any other book in print contains as mucli ; and we are mistaken if it is not extensively made use of henuifter in our schools and acad< emies. Few men in the country have amassed more sta- tistical material than Mr. Williams, and none have spread it before the public with more accuracy. This book alone is sufficient to entitle him to the thanks of the commu- nity. I^rotn the New- Yorker. Pinnock^s Geography. — Mr. Edwin Williams, favora- bly known as the compiler of several statistical works of acknowledged merit, has just submitted to the public an Americanized edition of Pinnock's " Comprehensive System of Geography and History" — the part relating to the Uni- ted States having been entirely rewritten and extended over one hundred pages. The high reputation of the original author as a geographer, affords a satisfactory guaranty for the character of the work, which is adapted to .the use of seminaries without forfeiting its claims on the attention of the more abstract student of geography and history. From the New-York Observer. Williams' Geography and History. — Mr, Edwin Wil- liams, the publisher and compiler of the New-York Annual Register, has prepared a new geography for tl^e use of schools, founded on Pinnock's work on modern geography, which has been revised and extended. The plan is to com- bine a summary of the history of each country with its geography, and to adapt it to tho use of schools and acade- mies, by references to the maps, and by questions. The part of the work relating to America has been entirely re- written, and copious additions have been made to other parts of the volume. We have not found time to examine the work critically, but we liave no doubt, from .hat we know of the qualifications of the author, that it .9 one of the most valuable works of tlie kind in the market. From the Albany Argus. Modern Geography and History. — Mr. Edwin Williams, the publisher and compiler of the New- York Annual Re- '■♦l.- I'ii ,iH -1 i' has added aiiotln 8 ) tiio valuable , ublications for which the public uro indebted to his industry and enter- prise, in a revision and extension of Pinnock's celebrated work on modern geography. The plan of this geography is to combine a aununary of the history and present condi* lion of each country wkh its geography, and to adapt it to the use of schools and academies, by relerences to tho maps, and by questions designed to elicit from the learner the facts stated in the historical and statisticul parts of the work. Numerous additions have been made in tho revi- sion, particularly in tliat |)art relating to America, which, it appears, has been entirely re-written and extended over one hundred pages. It gives also full descriptions of the West India Islands, not particularly noticed in any other geography ; extended notices of the modern divisions and revolutions in South America, and in Greece and Belgium, &c. «&c. The entire work appears to have been prepar- ed with the usual care and accuracy of the America edit- or : and his own additions are among, the most valuable of the many important and interesting facts with which tho book is replete. The character of both t'ne American and the English author must commend the work to the favora- ble notice of teachers and nil interested in facilitating the business of public instruction. Pinnock's Modern Geography and History, revised by Edwm Williams, is an excellent compendium of the branches on which it treats, and we cheerfully recommend it for adoption by teachera and others. Were thia work in general use by the higher classes in academies and schools, the labors of instruction would be greatly dimin- ished and the youth of our country, of both sexes, would exhibit a knowledge of Geography and History which is far from being frequent at present. John F. Jenkins, Principal of the Male Department ; Arabella Clark, Principal of the Female Department ; February 22, 1830. Mechanics' Society School, I ( Pinnocks Geography. — This is an excellent book, luitl not inferior in vnlno to any which have been put forth by this most industrious compiler and author. The work is of that terse, comprehensive character, which distinguishes his former productions. It is full of entertainment and instruction, clear and judicious in stylo anl arrangement, discriminating in the selection of topics, abundant in details, and conducted with that peculiar bre- vity which leaves not a word redundant or deficient. It is a valuable class book, and merits general adoption in the schools. — Silliman^s " American Journal of Science and Arts.'' Vol. XXVII. No. 2. July, 1835. I I \r^ 7 I. •h rfiii Works Published by Leavilt, Lord, df Co. I I. UECOiMMENDATlUNS OF DAKISEa* KuTUa. From AbtoU't HtligiouM Magazine. We have previously, in a brief notice, recommended to our rcndoru Barnes' Notes on the Gospels. Hut n more extended acouaintnnco with that work has very much increased our senao of its value. We never have opened any comiiicntary on the Gospels, which has afforded us so much satisfaction. Without intending, in the least doKree, to disparace the many valuoSle commentaries which now aid the Christian in the study of the Bible, we cannot refrain from expressing our gratitude to the Author, for the interMling and profitable instructions he has given us.— It is a devotion The volumes are characterized oy the following merits. 1. The spirit whit^h imbues them is liighly devotional, founded on knowledge. It is a zeal guided by discretion. 8. Tiie notes are eminently intellectual. Apparent difficulties are fairly met. They are either oxplaint-d, or the want of a fully satisfactory expla- nation admitted. There is none of that slipping by a knot whicli is too common in many commentaries. 3. The notes are written in language definite, pointed and forcible. Tl.< re 18 no interminable flow of laay words. Every word is active and dotb its work wen. There are no fanciful expositions. There are no tedious dis- play of learning. There may be passages in which \\c should difTe' from the writer in some of the minor shades of meaning. There may be sometimes an un- guarded expression which ha* escaped our notice. We have not scruti- nized the volumes with the eye of a critic. But we have used them m our private reading. We have used them in our family. And we have itkvariably read them with profit and delight. We have just opened the book to select some passage as an illustration «f the spirit of the work. The Parable of the rich man and Lazarwa now lies before us. The notes explanatory of the moaning of the parables, re ftiH and to the point. The following are the inferences, which Mr. J^arnes deduces. " Prom this impressive and instructive parable, we may learn, "l. That the souls of men do not die with their bodies. " 2. That the souls of men are conscious after death ; that they do not sleep, 08 some have supposed, till the morning of the resurrection. "3. That the righteous are taken to a place of hoppiness immediately at death, and the wicked consigned to misery. "4. That wealth does not secure us from death. " How vain are riches to secure Their haughty owners from the grave. " The rich, tne beautiful, the gay, as well as the poor, go down to the grave. All their pomp and apparel ; all their honors, their palaces and their gold cannot save them. Death can as easily find his way into the mansions of the rich as into the cottages of the poor, and the rich shall turn to the same corruption, and soon, like the poor, be undistinguished firom common dust, and be unknown. "5, We should not envy the condition of the rich. " On slippei V rocks I see them stand, And fiery billows roll below. "6. We should strive for a belier inheritance, than can be possessed in tins life. " ' Now I esteem llieir mirth and wine. Too ((car to iiurchuHe with my blood, Lord 'tis enough tliut thou art mine, My life, my portion, and my God.'" "7. The sufferings of the wicked in hell will be indiscnbably great. Think what is represented hy torment, by burning flame, bv insupportable thirst, by that state when a single drop of water would afford relief. Re- member that all this is but a representation of the pains of the damned, and that this will have no reliiT, day nor ni,:' I w m^iu !;/','■ I. FOREIGN CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE LIBER- TIES OF THE UNITED STATES.— 2d edition. One excellence of the publication before us, almost peculiar to this writer, when compared to others who have written upon this subject in our country, is, that it handles the matter of discussion with calmness, the writer not suffering himself to indite his letters under the influence of exacerbated feelings, but wisely avoids those harsh and blackening epithets which do more to irritate the passions than to convince and enlighten the judgment. On this account the book may be read with pront by all. — N. Y. Christian Advocate. (Methodist.) The letters of Brutus deserve an extensive circulation. — Missouri, St. Louis Observer. (Presbyterian.) "From what I have seen and know, the fears entertained by the writer in the New- York Observer, under the caption of ' Foreign Con- spiracy,' &c. are not without foundation, especially in the Vv^est." — Let- ter of a Traveller in the West. (Maryland,) Methodist Protestant. '* Brdtus. — The able pieces over this signature, relative to the de- signs of Catholicity in our highly favored land, originally published in the New-York Observer, it is now ascertained were written, not by an individual who was barely indulging in conjectures, but by one who has witnessed the Papacy in all its deformity. One who has. not long since, travelled extensively in the Romish countries, and nas spent much time in the Italian States, where the seat of the Beast is. Rome is familiar to him, and he has watched the movements there with great particularity. We may, therefore, yield a good degree of credence to what Brutus has told us. His numbers are now published in a pam- phlet, and the fact which has just come out in regard to his peculiar qualification to write on this great subject, will give them extensive cir- culation." — Utica Baptist Register. The numbers ofBrutus.-^^^ Our readers are already acquainted with their contents. The object is to awaken the attention of tne American public to a design, supposed to be entertained by the despotic govern- ments of Europe, particularly of Austria, in conjunction with his Holi- ness the Pope, to undermine gradually our free utstitutions by the pro- motion of the Catholic Religion in America. The letters are interest- ing, from the numerous facts which they disclose ; and are deserving the careful attention of the citizens of these United Slates, who should guard with vigilance the sacred trust which has been confided to us by our fathers."— iV. Y. Weekly Messenger. The work embodies a mass of facts, collected from authentic sour- ces, of the deepest interest to every friend of civil liberty and Protestant Christianity. The efforts of despotic European sovereigns, to inocu- late our country with the religion of Rome, are fully proved. Could they succeed in those efforts, and annihilate the spirit of hberty on our shores, the march of free principles in our own dominions would cease. They could then sit securely on their thrones, and rule with a rod of iron over their abject vassals.— Ohio, Cincinnati Journal. (Presbyte- rian.) it,?)' h. "• "if ->-;■ mmmm JER- Lo this iject in nness, luence icning :e and ,d wilh issouri, by the rn Con- ''—Let- lant. the de- ished in ot by an jne who not long as spent I. Rome ith great jdence to n a pam- ) peculiar nsive eir- nted with American c govern- his Holi- y the pro- g interest- deserving ho should :d to us by en tic sour- Protestant , to inocu- 3d. Could ;rty on our ould cease, ith a rod of (Presbyte-