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 i NA 
 
 ATIVE 
 
 *i^-^t', 
 
 OP 
 
 A LIGHT COMPANY SOLDIER'S SERVICE, 
 
 IN 
 
 THE 4 1st regiment of FOOT, 
 
 DURING THE LATE 
 
 AMERICAN WAR; 
 
 TOGETHKR 
 
 WITH SOME ADVBNTURES 
 
 AMONGST 
 
 THE INDIAN TRIBES, 
 
 FROM 1812 TO 1814. 
 
 BRADFORD : 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY JCHN-BUBB; 
 
 AND SOLD BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
 Price One Shillingr- 
 
 1840. 
 
«. 
 
 
 \ 7 
 
 The following little work is introduced by the author to a generous 
 Pubhc, in the hope that it may meet its countenance and patronage. 
 It is a plain and simple narrative of his personal adventures and ex- 
 perience in cur last war with America. 
 
 ■^-^nfistb 
 
« » 
 
 A NARRATIVE, 
 
 r to a generous 
 and patronage. 
 2ntures and ex- 
 
 I was bom at Woolley, near Bradford, in the county 
 of Wilts, on the 16th day of September, in the year 
 1789, the day on which His Majesty King George the 
 Third, came from Longleat to Trowbridge. I entered 
 the Mihtia service in the year 1807. My mother on 
 hearing I was enhsted (and having two sons before in 
 the army) was so affected, that on the evening of the 
 same day she fell in a fit and never spoke after, and I 
 was obliged to march off the next morning ; she expired 
 on the third day after. Our route was for Newcastle 
 upon Tyne, where I joined the, Wiltshire regiment of 
 
 Mihtia. 
 
 After I had learned my discipline, the regiment 
 marched to Norman Cross, to do duty over French 
 prisoners. Those of us who were not perfect in our 
 duty, were detached to Petersburgh for improvement ; 
 myself with others were soon returned to the prison, 
 being considered fit for duty. Our next route was 
 
 B 
 
 r.. 
 
! , 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 for Ipswich, (Suffolk) ; I then got a furlough to go 
 home to see my friends. After returning to my regi- 
 ment, an order was given for volunteering to the line ; 
 a considerable number volunteered to the 41st foot, 
 and having a brother in that corps, I was one of the 
 number : the volunteers soon marched for Portsmouth, 
 and from thence to the Isle of Wight, in May 1809, 
 embarked on board the Robert transport, and sailed 
 for Quebec ; we had a good passage, and arrived in 
 about nine or ten weeks. While at anchor off Quebec, 
 we received orders to take boats, and go up the river 
 St. Lawrence ; a few miles up the river, an aidecamp 
 from the beach communicated counter orders, and we 
 returned to Quebec, and occupied Jesuit's barracks. 
 After having been there some time, a sergeant came 
 into the barrack room, and asked if there was a lad 
 who wished to be a groom to the quartermaster- 
 general, I replied that I would go. Having dressed 
 myself, the sergeant took me to the quartermaster- 
 general, who asked me if I understood looking after 
 horses, I said I did not, but that I was willing to learn, 
 he replied, " You are the lad, I do not want one that 
 knows too much," he appeared to take an interest in 
 me, as he used to come himself and instruct me in 
 cleaning the horses, &c., and ordered me to Lower 
 
 If 
 
 
rlough to go 
 : to my regi- 
 ^ to the line ; 
 he 41st foot, 
 LS one of tlie 
 [• Portsmouth, 
 in May 1809, 
 t, and sailed 
 id arrived in 
 »r off Quebec, 
 3 up the river 
 an aidecamp 
 •ders, and we 
 it's barracks, 
 ergeant came 
 re was a lad 
 [uartermaster- 
 aving dressed 
 quartermaster- 
 looking after 
 illing to learn, 
 want one that 
 an interest in 
 nstruct me in 
 me to Lower 
 
 Town, to be measured for two suits of clothes ; hi the 
 winter he went to Montreal, and took me with him, 
 and understanding that I had a brother in the 4 1st, 
 asked me if I should like to see him, as the regi- 
 ment was expected at Montreal ; he gave me leave to 
 wait his arrival, after which I was to return to Quebec 
 without him, as he was going into the Statci for a 
 short time. While in company with my brother. 
 Colonel Procter enquired who I was, I being dressed 
 in coloured clothes, he was told that I was one of the 
 volunteers, come out to join the regiment ; he ordered 
 me into the barracks, where I received a suit of regi- 
 mentals, and was ordered into the ranks. I felt very 
 much hurt, being taken away from my master without 
 his knowledge. When he returned from the States to 
 Montreal, and finding that I was not gone to Quebec, 
 he sent to the baiTacks for me. I waited on him, and 
 he asked me why I had not returned to Quebec ; I told 
 him the reason, and asked him if he would wait on the 
 colonel to get me leave to go with him, he said he 
 should not humble to the colonel, but the clothes and 
 the money he gave me I was to keep. I was then put 
 into the same company my brother was in, (Captain 
 Crowder's). I had not joined the company long, when 
 my captain asked me if I was a scholar, and when I 
 
 H 
 
 I !* 
 
 i.ti\ 
 
 / 
 
I 
 
 
 c# 
 
 8 
 told him I was not, he wished me to go to school, and said 
 that he would make a non-commissioned officer of me ; 
 which offer I refused, being young and foolish. Some 
 time after this I was picked out for tlie light infantry 
 company, (Captain Muir s). Soon after, the flank com- 
 panies received orders to go to Gluebee, to form light 
 and heavy brigades, where I had the pleasure of seeing 
 my old master, who treated me very kindly ; the bri- 
 gade was broken up and we rctiirnod to Montreal. 
 After lying there about a year and a half, we received 
 a route for Fort George ; while here, several incidents 
 happened in which my life was wonderfully preserved. 
 One day, while standing on the quay, a sergeant who 
 was ordered to York, on command, when going on 
 board, his sword fell from its scabbard into the water. 
 I heard him lamenting about it very much, and being 
 a good swimmer I undressed, went into the water and 
 dived for it, found it and brought it up ; the sergeant 
 was very thankful, and offered me any thing I would 
 accept ; but this act produced a fit of illness, (I being 
 under water a considerable time) it affected my head. 
 Soon after my recovery, as we were on a fishing party, 
 I was employed in holding one end of the net, and 
 with the violence of the wind and the waves I was 
 pulled into the water, from the ice on which I was 
 
 "XiNik-'UMkNilMil 
 
^liool, and said 
 officer of me ; 
 )olisli. Some 
 lig-lit infantry 
 ;lic flank com- 
 , to form light 
 sure of seeing 
 dly ; the l)ri- 
 
 to Montreal. 
 P, we received 
 reral incidents 
 illy preserved, 
 sergeant who 
 hen going on 
 nto the water. 
 Lch, and being 
 the water and 
 ; the sergeant 
 thing I would 
 ness, (I being 
 ted my head, 
 fishing party, 
 F the net, and 
 
 waves I was 
 which I was 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 standing, and came in contact with the boat, and was 
 almost squeezed to death between the boat and the ice. 
 I was pulled into the boat and carried to the barracks, 
 very much bruised, but no bones were broken. Soon 
 after this, we heard that war was proclaimed between 
 England and America. 
 
 One Sunday morning, being on sentry on the bank 
 of the river St. Lawrence, I saw a boat drifting down 
 the river, without any person in it ; a party of men was 
 warned to go and bring in the boat. While the men 
 were out, the Americans fired on them, whicli was the 
 first shot I saw fired in anger. On their return. 
 General Brock being' informed of the transaction, 
 ordered them out immediately, to bring in the boat, 
 and said if they fired again he would open the batteries 
 upon them ; they went out and brought her in without 
 any further firing. The general immediately gave 
 orders for a large bank to be thrown up, in front of the 
 American fort, to preserve the town ; every man went 
 to work immediately, the general staying with us all 
 night. As the flank companies did the duty at 
 the government house, I was amongst them. Our 
 general was very much beloved ; he used to come 
 out and talk very familiarly with us. After fortifying 
 the town, we understood that the Americans had crossed 
 
; \ 
 
 f M 
 
 10 
 
 the river from Detroit to Sandwich ; to which place we 
 were ordered to march. Wc i)rocecded to Oxford, and 
 collected as many volunteers as we could^ and from 
 thence to Long Point, where General Brock met us with 
 reinforcements. We then went on to Maldon. The 
 general there gave orders for every man that was fit 
 for duty to march for Sandwich, and we left Maldon 
 under his command. The Americans had erected 
 works, at Sandwich, hut hearing that we were advancing, 
 they burnt and destroyed them, and returned over to 
 Detroit. When wc arrived at Sandwich, the general 
 gave orders to build batteries, opposite the town and 
 fort of Detroit. When the works were completed, 
 which was on Sunday morning, August 10th, 1812, 
 orders were given for the batteries to be opened, and 
 about five hundred of the troops, besides a few Indians 
 and volunteers, were ordered to cross the river, in 
 boats, below Sandwich : our general was with us. 
 The Americans opened their batteries upon us ; we 
 made our landing good, and marched towards the town. 
 When we entered the field in front of the American 
 fort, we were marched rank and file, and halted ; the 
 enemy at the same time marched out of the fort, and 
 formed in three columns ; after a short time they 
 returned into the fort again. Our general gave orders 
 
 '*^M»tei.__ 
 
Inch place we 
 ;() Oxford, and 
 ildj and from 
 'k met us with 
 ^laldon. The 
 
 that was fit 
 ) left Maiden 
 
 had erected 
 ;re advancing, 
 irned over to 
 , the general 
 the town and 
 re com})leted, 
 
 10th, 1812, 
 
 opened, and 
 a few Indians 
 
 the river, in 
 kvas with us. 
 jpon us ; we 
 irds the town, 
 the American 
 1 halted ; the 
 the fort, and 
 irt time they 
 il gave orders 
 
 U 
 
 that all the spare jackets were to be given to the volun- 
 teers, and extended the lines as far as possible. After 
 awhile an officer came from the fort with a flag of truce : 
 General Brock came up to meet the flag of truce, 
 with his attendants to the advance. I was on the 
 advance witli the general tt the time, and from 
 what we could hear, the officer wantc' three 
 days' cessation ; to wliich our general replied, that if 
 they did not yield in three hours, he would blow up 
 every one of them. The officer went back with this 
 message, and returned very soon, with authority to 
 surrender the fort ; tlu^ enemy, shortly after, marched 
 out of the fort, and laid down their arms, and we 
 marched in. There was a party warned (of which I 
 was one) to go through the fort, to see if any of the 
 enemy were remaining in it ; when I saw three American 
 officers lying dead. One of the men told me that one of 
 these officers said, before night he would wash his 
 hands in British blood. We found two or three of the 
 enemy remaining in the officers' apartments, they were 
 about to destroy the colours of the 4th American 
 regiment, but we took the colours from them ; entering 
 another room, I saw several men, and ordered them 
 out. Whilst walking along, I slipped, and nearly fell, 
 one of the men said, " My dear man, that is the brains 
 
 M 
 
12 
 
 of a man killed with one of your shots." After we had got 
 possession, and the prisoners were sent off, our general 
 who was about to leave us, assembled the troops, and 
 thanked them for their gallantry, saying that it would be 
 a feather in our caps as long as we lived. Orders 
 were then given to tire off the American's arms. After 
 discha^-gin"^ muxn of them, we were obliged to leave 
 off, and draw the charges, as they were so heavily 
 loaded, some with a musket ball and nine buck shots. 
 But notwithstanding I thus shared in the dangers of 
 this capture, I have received no share of the prize 
 money; two different payments have been made for 
 Detroit, amounting to several pounds each man, but I 
 have received neither: owing *^ the neglect of the 
 clerk, or some other cause, my name was omitted from 
 being inserted in the prize list. 
 
 After this, news was received that the InJians had 
 surrounded an American fort. About 200 of us, under 
 the command of Captain Muir, were ordei3d to 
 march towards the Mawme Rapids. We encamped 
 for several days; we then received orders to march 
 to Fort Defiance. Part of us marched through 
 the woods, the others, with the ammunition and pro- 
 visions, went up the Maw^ie river in boats. We 
 halted one night, the next morning crossed the river ; 
 
 I 
 
 <W«^ i 
 
 .^v^ *.... 
 
After we liad got 
 
 off, our general 
 
 [ the troops, and 
 
 that it would be 
 
 lived. Orders 
 
 n's arms. After 
 
 bliged to leave 
 
 were so heavily 
 
 nine buck shots. 
 
 1 the dangers of 
 
 xro of the prize 
 
 been made for 
 
 each man, but I 
 
 i neglect of the 
 
 vas omitted from 
 
 the InJians had 
 200 of us, under 
 ere order 3d to 
 We encamped 
 orders to march 
 larched through 
 lunition and pro- 
 • in boats. We 
 rossed the river ; 
 
 13 
 
 and marched on through the woods, until we came to 
 a large open space ; where we encamped. In the evening, 
 Lieutenant Barnett came to us, and asked us for 
 some provisions, as he had tasted none all the day. 
 We being scarce, my comrads asked me what he was 
 to do. I told him to give him some, as he was a 
 gentleman and a soldier. 
 
 In the night we were alarmed by an Indian whoop ; 
 every man was instantly ordered to stand to his arms. 
 In a short time, six Indians and an interpreter entered 
 the camp, who informed the captain that they had been 
 cut as spies, and in the evening, whilst passing through 
 the woods, they saw a light, and made towards it. On 
 arriving near, they discovered five Americans surround- 
 ing a fire ; they drew near, and when the Americans 
 saw them, they ran to their arms. They (the Indians) 
 ordered them to give up immediately. One of the 
 Americans, who was an officer, asked them if they had 
 any British soldiers in cam.p. They replied, "No.'* 
 He then said, " We will not go with you, but you 
 shall come wdtli us." The Indians immediately sur- 
 rounded them, and took them prisoners. While march- 
 ing them, the officer was heard by the interpreter, to 
 say to the men, " Kill four of the Indians, and make 
 
 your escape ;" upon which the interpreter ordered the 
 
 c 
 
Ill 
 
 p 
 
 14 
 
 Indians to kill four of the Americans, which they did ; 
 the officer endeavouring to escape, the interpreter shot 
 him, whilst running. To convince our captain that 
 what they related was true, they pulled from their 
 o-irdle the five scalps, the officer's ears, and a silver- 
 mounted dagger. We were then ordered to lie upon 
 our arms, and in the morning we rr turned to Fort 
 Defiance ; crossed the river, and encamped. 
 
 The next morning we heard an Indian whoop. Soon 
 after, the Indians brought in an American prisoner. 
 The captain asked the prisoner, who he was, and how 
 he was taken. He said he was a quartermaster-sergeant, 
 of an American regiment, and was out hunting for 
 honey. The captain then asked him, how many men 
 they had in camp, and how far they were off. He 
 repUed, about 9000, and th;\t they intended to encamp 
 there to-night, but that it was doubtful, as they had to 
 cut the road, through the wood, for the cannon. 
 Captain Muir then said to Captain Elliott, (commanding 
 the Indians) we had better retreat, as quickly as 
 possible. Captain Elliott replied, he would rather an 
 attempt might be made, to cut off their advance. Our 
 captain answered, "If we are exposed to one volley, I 
 shall lose all my men, therefore, I think it l ^.viseable to 
 retreat," to which. Captain Elliott agreed. We then 
 
 aiiMgl 
 
hich they did ; 
 nterpreter shot 
 r captain that 
 led from their 
 s, and a silver- 
 red to He upon 
 luraed to Fort 
 )ed. 
 
 . whoop. Soon 
 irican prisoner. 
 
 was, and how 
 naster-sergeant, 
 »ut hunting for 
 10 w many men 
 
 were off. He 
 ided to encamp 
 , as they had to 
 )r the cannon, 
 tt, (commanding 
 as quickly as 
 vould rather an 
 ' advance. Our 
 to one volley, I 
 c it i 'viseable to 
 ^eed. We then 
 
 15 
 
 lightened the boats, by throwing the shot overboard, 
 and retreated to Maldon. 
 
 After this, we were again sent to the Mawme Rapids, 
 with two gun-boats and 11 or 12 pieces of ordnance, 
 and landed about one mile and a half before we came 
 to Fort Maggs, on the opposite shore.* We then moved 
 to nearly opposite the American fort, and began to erect 
 batteries. Our preparations were soon discovered by 
 the enemy, and they endeavoured to annoy us, by 
 opening tlicir batteries upon us, but we persevered, 
 until we had completed the works, with little or no loss, 
 and then we returned the fire. We had a proof that 
 our uuns were doins- execution, for one of our officers, 
 with his glass, saw a man employed upon a building in 
 the fort, he supposed he was covering their magazine 
 with turf ; this officer pointed out the man to one of our 
 gunners, w^lio took an elevation, and discharged the 
 gun : the officer saw the man fall from the building. 
 
 Sergeant Smith and six of the light company, (I being 
 one of the number) were ordered to dig a place, for to 
 lay a mortar, in front of the American fort. The 
 work being nearly completed. Sergeant Smith ordered 
 me to go to the other battery, and let the artillery officer 
 know, that the work was ready for the platform ; and 
 as I came up from the work, I looked towards the fort 
 
 • Fort Maggs is a strong fortification, on the American side o< the river. 
 
5 I: 
 
 16 
 
 and saw a smoke ascend, and then fell to the ground ; 
 when a ball passed over mc, and struck into the earth : 
 I then went and gave the officer the orders, that 
 Sergeant Smith sent me with. 
 
 A few days after this, the grenadiers and light 
 infantry were ordered back to the camp, and from 
 thence crossed the river with a six pounder and an 
 howitzer, landed, and in the evening marched to within 
 three or four hundred yards of the fort, and occupied a 
 ravine, where the enemy's guns could not bear upon us, 
 and by the morning we made platforms for the gun and 
 howitzer, and commenced a fire upon the fort. Here 
 we remained some days, and at night, sentries were 
 posted in the woods, about 30 or 40 yards from the fort. 
 While lying in the ravine, one day, I went up to 
 look round, when a ball came near my head, and struck 
 a tree ; I then looked round and saw an artillery-man 
 shaving his comrade, the ball rebounded from the tree 
 and struck the man that was shaved, in his head. He 
 died in the evening of the same day, and left a wife 
 and three children to mourn his melancholy fate. 
 
 One night, as I was on sentry, I heard a person 
 coming through the wood. He accosted me, and 
 gave me to understand that the Americans were 
 coming down, on the other side of the river. 
 
 I 
 
•« 
 
 i 
 
 o the ground ; 
 into the earth : 
 3 orders, that 
 
 tiers and hght 
 \m\), and from 
 lounder and an 
 irched to within 
 , and occupied a 
 ot hear upon us, 
 5 for the gun and 
 the fort. Here 
 t, sentries were 
 rds from the fort. 
 ', I went up to 
 head, and struck 
 
 an artillery-man 
 ,ed from the tree 
 n his head. He 
 and left a wife 
 icholy fate. 
 [ heard a person 
 :costed me, and 
 
 Americans were 
 the river. 
 
 17 
 
 When I went off sentry, I acquainted the captain 
 with what the Indian had said, who treated it very 
 lightly; but about ten o'clock, the next morning, 
 we heard a great noise and firing, from the other 
 side of the river; on looking towards our batteries, 
 we were surprised to see our colours down : 1300 of 
 the enemy's troops had come down and got possession 
 of the batteries, with all the ordnance, &c. We then 
 received orders to recross the river, and I and one of 
 my comrades had orders to take a box of ammunition 
 and throw it into a creek, to prevent its coming into 
 the hands of the enemy. By the time we had done 
 this, the enemy had marched out of the fort, w4ien my 
 comrade said to me, "We can stop here, we have no 
 need to go back to the fight", but I replied, "What ! see 
 your comrades fighting, and not go back to help them ; 
 if yoa don't go back, I will shoot you." I hastened 
 back, but cannot tell how he acted. When I joined 
 them, they were rallying for the charge. We charged 
 them close under the fort, but were obliged to retreat 
 because of thf i" great guns, and were ordered to make 
 the best of our wny to the boats, to cross the river. 
 Several of the officers and men ^Nere taken prisoners. 
 After crossing the river, we had orders to march towards 
 the batteries as quickly as possible. When advanced 
 
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 [jr., 
 
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 f 
 
 II 
 
 r 
 
 I 
 
 II 
 
 18 
 about half a mile, we met a party of our men, with a con- 
 siderable number of the Americans, (prisoners), and were 
 informed, that, on news being received at the camp, 
 that the enemy had taken possession of the batteries, 
 the whole force were ordered under arms and marched 
 for the batteries. Sergeant-major Keynes with 1 2 men, 
 advanced in front, and when they came in sight of the 
 enemy, they commenced firing. The sergcant-miijor 
 was soon wounded in one of his arms, and lost several 
 of his men, but that did not stop them, they were bold 
 and courageous. The main force was not far behind, 
 and very soon the fight became general, and continued 
 for about twenty minutes, when the Americans surren- 
 dered, but some of them escaped to the woods. 
 
 We passed our men and the prisoners, and came to 
 the batteries. The light infrintry, and a party of 
 Indians, received orders to go through the woods, in 
 search of those who had escaped. I witnessed several 
 affecting scenes in this pursuit. I saw one of our men, 
 and one of the enemy, lying dead near together. I saw 
 another of the enemv, that the Indians had met with 
 and scalped, lying in a miserable plight, and begging 
 for water; and while covering over his head with 
 boughs, to screen it from the heat of the sun, a party 
 of the Indians came up, and found fault with us, for 
 
 ' ^^™**BMBbitth( 
 
 ■MM 
 
 _«,^...«. . 
 
len, with a con- 
 ncrs), and were 
 ^d at the camp, 
 
 the batteries, 
 s and marched 
 Es with 1 2 men, 
 in sight of the 
 sergeant-major 
 nd lost several 
 they were bold 
 lot far behind, 
 , and continued 
 ericans surren- 
 woods. 
 
 s, and came to 
 nd a party of 
 
 the woods, in 
 itnessed several 
 one of our men, 
 agether. I saw 
 
 had met with 
 ht, and begging 
 
 his head with 
 16 sun, a party 
 dt with us, for 
 
 19 
 
 shewing any lenity to the dying man : and one of them 
 instantly dispatched him with his tomahawk. We took 
 several prisoners in the woods, and marched them to 
 the camp. In this affair, a considerable number, on 
 both sides, were killed and wounded. The prisoners 
 being secured, and the detached men being come in, the 
 Indians who had lost many of their companions, began 
 to manifest a disposition to be revenged on the prisoners, 
 and actually fired amongst them, and killed one of our 
 men, who opposed them in their cruel intentions. Our 
 officers interfered, and prevailed upon Captain ElUott,, 
 and some of their chiefs, to put a stop to their cruel 
 proceedings. 
 
 The prisoners were then put on board the boats, for 
 safety, and put out into the stream. The flank com- 
 panies were then ordered back to the batteries, where- 
 we encamped. The same evening, we heard that the- 
 American general had agreed to surrender Fort Maggs ;- 
 and the next morning we were ordered back to the camp ; 
 and from thence we crossed the river, with a flag of 
 truce, under the command of General Procter. General 
 Harris came from the fort, with his attendants, and 
 met our gencM^al, on the beach, who told him he was 
 come to receive the fort, according to his proposal. The 
 American o-eneral said he should not surrender ; General 
 
 J: 
 
i [ 
 
 I 
 
 ' » 
 
 1i 
 
 H 
 
 20 
 
 Procter replied, " What ! not fulfil your own agreement, 
 that would he a violation of the honours of war," or 
 words to that effect. He said he should not give up, 
 for he knew his (General Procter's) strength, was far 
 less than his own; and further, that he knew his 
 strength, as well as he himself did. He was willing 
 to exchange prisoners, and when that was effected, if 
 they were not away in two hours, he would open his 
 batteries upon them. It wns thought that the American 
 general gained his hiformation, respecting our strength, 
 from four men (volunteers) who deserted from us, the 
 preceeding night. We exchanged prisoners, and re- 
 crossed the river. We then embarked the ordnance, &c., 
 went on board the boats, with the remaining prisoners, 
 and sailed for Maldon. The enemy opened tlieir guns 
 upon us, from the fort, but we were nearly clear of 
 them, and sustained no loss. Wlien we arrived at 
 Maldon, we were employed, when off duty, under the 
 direction of engineers, in strengthening and throwing 
 up works. Wliile here, one day, when on duty, a 
 sentinel was wanted on board a vessel, and I was sent. 
 (I relate this circumstance, to shew something of the 
 cruelty of the native Indians, when they have it in their 
 power). When I got on board the vessel, a person 
 came from below, and was put in my charge ; as we 
 
ir owTi agreement, 
 Durs of war," or 
 oiild not give up, 
 strength, was far 
 lat he knew his 
 He was willing 
 it was effected, if 
 ! would open his 
 that the American 
 ting oiu" strength, 
 rtcd from us, the 
 )risoncrs, and re- 
 tlie ordnance, &c., 
 maining prisoners, 
 opened their guns 
 •e nearly clear of 
 en we arrived at 
 ff duty, under the 
 ling and throwing 
 when on duty, a 
 [^1, and I was sent. 
 V sometliing of the 
 liev have it in their 
 ) vessel, a person 
 ny charge ; as we 
 
 21 
 
 were walking on the deck, I entered uito conversation with 
 him ; and as near as I can recollect, he related the fol- 
 lowing sad tale to me. 1 thought it deserved credit, 
 for his feelings were much excited, and the tears flowed 
 freely and plentifully. He said lie had a small fortified 
 place, wlierc he and others defended their property ; if 
 I remember right, he said they were traders. — 
 
 " A party of Indians surrounded our place, and 
 told us that the British troops were near, and would 
 undoubtedly destroy us, and take away our property ; 
 but if we would admit them, they would protect us, 
 and our property. Thuiking that this reinforcement 
 would be the means of preserving myself, my family, 
 and my property, I consented, and gave them posses- 
 sion ; when they began the work of destruction. They 
 first killed my associates, and tli«n cruelly murdered 
 my children. Not satisfied with this, they took my 
 wife, who was in a forward state of pregnancy, and 
 murdered her before my face ; they then ripped her up, 
 and exposed the unborn infant, after which they took 
 me off, a prisoner." 
 :^% This was a very affecting relation ; for hard and un- 
 feeling as I then was, I could not help shedding tears, 
 f on hearing it, anu seeing the distressed state of him 
 that related it. 
 
 D 
 
iii 
 
 IM 
 
 ii 
 
 M 
 
 
 22 
 Some time after this, we were informed timt the 
 enemy were at the river Rcasin. Orders were given 
 to cross the river St. Lawrence. We landed at a place 
 called Brown's To\^'n, and then proceeded for the river 
 Reasin, with about .jOO of our troops, and a few Indians. 
 We had to contend witli about 1400 of the enemy, 
 under the command of General Winchester. When 
 within about two miles of the enemy, we encamped 
 for part of the night; early in the morning, we 
 proceeded to meet them, and under cover of a wood, 
 we approached near to them, unperceived ; we formed 
 the Une, and had a view of them, as they surrounded 
 their fires. While we were forming, the Indians 
 marched so as to get round their right flank. We had 
 six field pieces, which led on in front of the line. 
 We were then discovered, l)y one of their sentries, who 
 challenged, and discharged his piece, which killed one 
 of our grenadiers ; we then gave three cheers, and the 
 Indians followed, with a war whoop : the fight tlieu 
 commenced very warmly. It was on the 22nd day of 
 January, 1813. Before day-light, we had charged 
 them several times, thinking that we were close upon 
 their line ; but our men were so cut up, that after every 
 Attempt, we were obliged to retreat to the covert of a 
 rising piece of ground, with considerable loss* The 
 
 f • ^^'SRWSarw^wfflM 
 
•23 
 
 jrincd tlmt tfie 
 crs were given 
 Liidcd at a place 
 ed for the river 
 1 a few Indians, 
 of tlic enemy, 
 jliester. When 
 we eneanipcd 
 morning, we 
 'er af a wood, 
 ed ; we formed 
 ley surrounded 
 , the Indians 
 lank. We had 
 it of the Hne. 
 ir sentries, who 
 -'hieh killed one 
 cheers, and the 
 the fight tlien 
 he 22nd day of 
 ; had charged 
 ^ere close upon 
 that after every 
 the covert of a 
 ble loss* The 
 
 men at the three guns, in our front of the line, were all 
 killed or wounded, with the exception of one man. 
 One of our lieutenants (Clemon) received three or four 
 wounds by musket balls ; and a field officer, I think, a 
 lieutcnant-(;olonel, fell, having received several shots, 
 but was not killed, four of our men advanced to defend 
 him, one of whom took him up, and carried him into 
 the rear. As the day approached, we discovered that 
 what had been supposed to have been the enemy's line, 
 was a made fence, behind which they were sheltered, 
 with holes in it, through which they fired at us. About 
 this time, my comrade on my left hand was killed. It 
 being now light, I saw a man come from the fence, 
 when I said to my comrade, " Tliere is a man, I'll have 
 a shot at him. " Just as I had said these words, and 
 pulled my trigger, I received a ball under my left ear, 
 and fell immediately ; in falling I cut my comrade's leg, 
 with my bayonet. He exclaimed, " Byfield is dead." 
 To which I replied, " I believe I be," and I thought to 
 myself, is this death, or how men do die ? As soon as 
 I had recovered, so as to raise my head from the 
 ground, I crept away upon my hands and knees, and 
 saw a sergeant in the rear, who said, " Byfield, shall I 
 take you to the doctor." I said, " Never mind me, go 
 and help the men." I got to the place where the 
 
24 
 
 doctor was, wlio, whni it came to my turn to be 
 
 dressed, put a plaistcr to my neck, and ordered me to 
 
 go to a barn, which was appointed for tlie reception of 
 
 the wounded. As I was going', the blood flow (;d so 
 
 ft'eely, as to force oflf the plaistcr. I now savv- a man 
 
 between the woods, and asked him what he did there. 
 
 He told me he was wounded in his Ici^. I observed to 
 
 him, that if I had not been wound(;d worse than he was, 
 
 I should be back, helping the men. I then asked him 
 
 to give me a pocket-handkerchief, to tie round my neck, 
 
 to stop the blood. He replied, " I have not got one." 
 
 I said, " If I do not get something, I shall bleed to 
 
 death." He immediately tore off the tiiil of his shirt, 
 
 and wound it round my neck. I then got to the bam, 
 
 and laid down, with my fellow sufferers. I had not 
 
 been there long before the doctor came, and said, " My 
 
 dear fellows, you that can, had b(^tter get av ;,), for our 
 
 men are terribly cut up, and I fear we shall be all taken." 
 
 He rode away, but soon returned, saying, " My dear 
 
 fellows, we have taken all of them [irisoners." At 
 
 vhich news, I exclaimed, (being (piite overjoyed), " I 
 
 don't mind about my wound, since that is the case." 
 
 While in the barn, I was much affected, by seeing 
 
 and hearing a lad, about 11 or 12 years of age, who 
 
 was wounded in one of his knees. The little fellow's 
 
my turn to be 
 d ordered mc to 
 
 the recention of 
 blood flowed so 
 ow saw a man 
 lat he did tliere. 
 I observed to 
 rse than he was, 
 tlien asked him 
 
 round my neck, 
 vc not got one." 
 
 shall bleed to 
 
 tail of his shirt, 
 got to the bam, 
 Ts. I had not 
 
 and said, " My 
 et awn) , for our 
 all be all taken." 
 ng, " My dear 
 prisoners." At 
 overjoyed), " I 
 it is the case." 
 .'ted, by seeing 
 's of age, who 
 e little fellow's 
 
 26 
 
 cries, from the pain of his wound ; his crying after \m 
 dear mother ; and saying he should die, were so affecting, 
 that it was not soon forgotten by me. He was a mid- 
 shipman, belonging to one of the gun-boats ; 1 think 
 his name was Dickenson. 
 
 I understood, that while we were engaged with the 
 enemy, the Indians pressed them on their right, and a 
 part of the American force were sent to oppose them. 
 The Indians overpowered them, and killed a considerable 
 number. Some of the Indians produced eight or nine 
 scalps, each. This, no doubt, was one of the principal 
 causes of the enemy surrendering. There was a heavy 
 loss of killed and wounded, on each side. When we 
 arrived at Maldon, there was a general muster of our 
 men s wives, anxious to learn whose husbands were 
 amongst the killed and wounded. The hospital would 
 not contain the wounded, in consequence of which, 
 some of them were put into the barracks. I was among 
 the latter. The next morning, I got my conn'ade to 
 wash my neck, and shoulder, and I told him there 
 must be something the nuittcr with my shoulder, as I 
 could scarcely lift my hand to my head. On examining 
 my shoulder, he thought he could feel a ball, near the 
 bladebone. I attended the doctor, and told him I had 
 a job for him. On his examination, he found that the 
 
fii 
 
 i 
 
 if 'I 
 f 
 
 ■ I 
 
 . 
 
 ball which had entered my neck, was lodged in niv 
 «houlder ; he went to work and extracted it, and in 
 about three weeks, the wounds were nearl}^ well ; and I 
 was able to attend to my duty. 
 
 The prisoners and wounded were brought to Maldon, 
 and, after a short stay, were sent down the country. 
 Our light company received orders to march to Sand- 
 wich, where some of the company that had been detached, 
 joined us. We soon returned to Maldon again, and 
 from thence, with a large party of Indians, went for 
 MK'vme Rapids, and landed about two miles from Fort 
 Maggs. A plan was then formed, to draw General 
 Harris and his force from the fort. A body of the 
 Indians was placed in the woods, and directed to keep 
 firing, as though two parties were engaged ; in order to 
 make the American general believe that we had fallen 
 in with a reinforcement, which he was expecting ; and 
 endeavouring to }irevent their joining him. We were 
 in readiness to advance, and cut off his retreat to the 
 fort, if he came out. He came out from the fort, but 
 the weathc was tremendous, with thunder, lightening, 
 and hail. We supposed that they suspected, or discovered 
 the cheat, and returned innnediately to the fort ; as this 
 project failed. We i-eturned down the river, to Lake 
 Hui-on, under orders for Fort 8t. Di-esky. We stopped 
 
 '-m^Smf^^s,', 
 
 't^i^oim^itM^ 
 
 ■p . "» t;ginr;w'!."x." "' -- 
 
is lodged in my 
 acted it, and in 
 early well ; and I 
 
 ought to Maldon, 
 wn the country, 
 march to Sand- 
 id been detached, 
 Idon again, and 
 idians, went for 
 miles from Fort 
 o draw General 
 A body of the 
 directed to keep 
 ged ; in order to 
 at we had fallen 
 expecting ; and 
 liini. We were 
 is retreat to the 
 mi the fort, but 
 der, lightening, 
 id, or discovered 
 the fort ; as this 
 ? river, to Lake 
 '. Wr stopped 
 
 27 
 
 at dilfer(;ut places, and went on shore, to see if we 
 could obtain any information respecting the enemy. At 
 one place, we discovered houses and plantations, but no 
 inhabitants, but in one of the dweUings, we found a dead 
 body, partly consumed : we supposed this place had 
 been depopulated by the Indians. At another place, I, 
 and some of my comrades went some way into the 
 woods, where T had a narrow escape from a rattle-snake, 
 I did not see it, at first. It was of great length, and 
 size. When I saw it, I drew back. It appeared to be 
 about to spring upon me ; when one of my comrades 
 shot it. We took it with us, and the Indians begged 
 it of us, saying, that it was between mne and ten years, 
 old ; and that some part of it would cure the bite of 
 another. 
 
 We proccK^ded, and went up the river St. Dresky ; 
 and disembarked on the beach. The following morn- 
 ing we marched for the fort. The Indians met with a 
 man, and the officers tried him very much, to give 
 some information respecting the enemy. He acted as 
 1 though he was deaf and dumb, so that no information 
 could be gained from him, neither by words nor signs. 
 The gun-boats went up the river, near to the fort, and 
 we formed on a piece of ground no great distance from 
 it. The enemv commenced a fire upon the boats, and 
 
(i 
 
 28 
 us. Tlie fire was returned from the boats. General 
 Procter sent Major Chambers with a flag of truce, and 
 demanded the surrender of the fort ; or he wouUl blow 
 them up. He was led into the fort blindfolded, and 
 received an answer from the American general, for the 
 commandant, that he would not surrender, and that he 
 was ready to be blown to hell, at any moment. 
 
 We then took up a position near the fort, where 
 we were sheltered from their fire ; and in the night, 
 made platforms for our guns. 
 
 The following morning, it was determined to storm. 
 
 Our force was divided, and each i)arty received orders?, 
 
 ^vhich part of the fort to attack. It was thought at the 
 
 distance w^e were at, that it would be i)ossible to scale 
 
 the fence. We advanced in file, and formed near the 
 
 ditch, and found it much deeper than we had expected ; 
 
 and the fence much higher. The light company, and 
 
 part of a battalion company, were all that reached the 
 
 works ; the others were beaten back. When the enemy 
 
 found that the others had retreated; their main force 
 
 was directed against us ; and a dreadful scene ensued. 
 
 Our men, generally, were determined. I saw one of 
 
 them turn round, his comrade observed it, and said, if 
 
 he did not face the fire, he would run his bayonet 
 
 through him. We were exposed to the enemy's fire. 
 
 i 
 
ts, General 
 •f truce, and 
 would blow 
 Jfolded, and 
 loral, for tlie 
 and that he 
 :)nt. 
 
 fort, where 
 I the night, 
 
 :l to storm, 
 ivcd order.^, 
 ought at the 
 )le to scale 
 d near the 
 J expected ; 
 npany, and 
 cached the 
 1 the enemy 
 main force 
 ne ensued, 
 saw one of 
 nd said, if 
 lis bayonet 
 emy's fire. 
 
 29 
 
 My front rank man, the sergeant on my right. Major 
 Short, and Lieutenant Gordon, were killed. My left 
 hand man received six balls, but recovered from his 
 wounds. We that remained alive, laid under the bank 
 of the outer intrenchment. The officers and men in 
 the inner ditch, were exposed to a swivel gun, and 
 most of them wTre killed or wounded. I saw one of 
 them come from thence into the ditch, where I was, 
 wounded in his mouth, and the piece of lead lodged 
 in it. We remained in the ditch until night, when we 
 received orders to retreat. Before this, I went down 
 the ditch, amongst my dead and wounded comrades, 
 to try to get some ammunition, as mine was expended. 
 I said to one of my comrades, " Bill, how bee'st? " He 
 said to me, " There is one of the Americans keeps firing 
 upon us, out of one of those loop-holes." I asked him 
 to tell me out of which of the holes he was firing, and 
 I would have a shot at him. He told me, and I fired. 
 I had scarcely fired, when I saw my comrade fall back, 
 wounded. I stepped to him, and said, " Bill, what's 
 the matter ? " He replied, " They have shot me again." 
 By this time, the enemy had nearly ceased firing, and 
 tliose of the men who could, were getting out of the 
 ditch, as quickly as possible ; I do not believe there 
 was either a commissioned, or non-commissioned officer 
 
 E 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
30 
 left in it ; and our poor wounded men groaning and 
 crying, saying, " Now we have done the best we could, 
 you are all going to leave us." This the American 
 officer heard from the fort, and said, " I know your men 
 are going away, but never mind, my brave fellows, 
 when they are gone, I will come out and take you in, 
 and use you well." I said to him, " Why don't you 
 come out now, and we will fight you five to one." He 
 answ^ered, " No, I shall not, but when you are gone, I 
 shall come out and clear the ditch." I then said to 
 one of my comrades, " Now I shall start," and ascended 
 the v^orks. Just as I had got to the top, the flash of 
 the guns caught my eye ; I immediately fell on my 
 face, when a shower of shot fell near me. I arose, and 
 hastened to one of our batteries, when jumping into it. 
 General Procter said to me, '' Where are the rest of the 
 men." I said to him, " I don't think there are any 
 more to come, they are all killed or wounded." He 
 added, weeping, " Good God ! What shall I do about 
 the men!" This was in September, 1813. We were 
 then ordered to march to the boats. We went on board, 
 and proceeded down the river, for Maldon. Before 
 we came to the lake, we stopped and went ashore. Here, 
 one of my comrades, who was badly wounded, wanted 
 to comply with nature's necessity, and asked me to 
 
 
 m 
 
31 
 
 •oaning and 
 st we could, 
 e American 
 )w your men 
 ave fellows, 
 take you in, 
 y don't you 
 ) one." He 
 are gone, I 
 lien said to 
 nd ascended 
 tlie flash of 
 fell on my 
 I arose, and 
 iping into it, 
 le rest of the 
 ere arc any 
 nded." He 
 1 I do about 
 . We were 
 nt on board, 
 Ion. Before 
 horc. Here, 
 dcd, wanted 
 Lsked me to 
 
 i 
 
 carry him into the wood, for that purpose. My feelings 
 were so excited, on account of the distressed state he 
 was . ., that I could not find courage enough, at the 
 moment, to comply with his request ; but one of my 
 comrades took him up to carry him to the wood, and 
 he died in his arms. We dug a hole in the beach, and 
 buried him. After w^hicli we arrived at Maldon. 
 
 The flank companies w ere then ordered to Sandwich. 
 This is opposite Detroit. When w^e took that place, 
 in 1812, a circumstance occurred, which I here refer to. 
 
 An inhabitant of Detroit, a farmer, who, with his 
 family, were in comfortable circumstances, having a 
 loom, for weaving, in their possession, sent to enquire 
 if there were any weavers amongst us. I and one of 
 my comrades, being weavers, went to their house, and 
 lent them some assistance in putting the loom to work. 
 They behaved very kindly to us. I visited them often 
 afterwards ; and Jiey continued their kindness to me 
 during ovr stay there. The mistress suggested to me, 
 that if I deserted, and went into the states, I should do 
 well. I told her, I could not desert my colours ; and, 
 that I hoped to see old England again. 
 
 Soon after we came to Sandwich, I was one of a 
 party, that was sent across the river to Detroit, for 
 fuel. While they were getting it on board the boat, I 
 
 •■( 
 
 
32 
 
 asked the sergeant to give me a few minutes leave, to 
 go and see my old acquaintance. I went to their 
 former residence, but they were not there ; the scene 
 was changed. I found them in a cottage, reduced to 
 a state of extreme poverty. The Indians had deprived 
 them of all their property. The master was from 
 home. The mistress said she was glad to sec me, but 
 had nothing to give me, but a piece of bread. I decli- 
 ned receiving it, and felt extremely sorry, to see them 
 in such a state of poverty. Having five shillings in 
 my pocket, I gave it to her ; and have never repented 
 it since. I then took an aflPectionate leave of her, and 
 returned to the party. On recrossing the river, with 
 the fuel, we were in danger of being sunk, by getting 
 enclosed in a shoal of ice, but we were preserved, we 
 got clear, and landed, about half a mile down the river. 
 The flank companies were again ordered to Maldon. A 
 party from each company were now sent on board, to 
 do duty as marines ; and the fleet sailed for Lake Huron, 
 to attack the American fleet. The action commenced, 
 and we could hear the report of the guns, and were 
 expecting every hour, to hear that our people were 
 victorious ; but contrary to our expectation, news was 
 brought, that they were overpowered by numbers, and 
 every vessel taken. 
 
 ;5 
 
 ''W^WfSi&'^.'vWWf-^'^'^' 
 
 ._<;-*»■ *.. , 
 
es leave, to 
 
 nt to their 
 
 ; the scene 
 
 reduced to 
 
 lad deprived 
 
 was from 
 
 see me, but 
 
 id. I dech- 
 
 :o see them 
 
 shilhngs in 
 
 ^er repented 
 
 of her, and 
 
 river, with 
 
 by getting 
 
 eserved, we 
 
 ^vn the river. 
 
 Maldon. A 
 
 )n board, to 
 
 Lake Huron, 
 
 commenced, 
 
 s, and were 
 
 people were 
 
 I, news was 
 
 umbers, and 
 
 I 
 
 33 
 
 Orders were then given to prepare to leave Maldon, 
 and to take the ordnance, and all that we could, with 
 us, but first to destroy the works, &c. In a few days' 
 march, we came to 24-milc Bush, (or Moravian Town), 
 and were informed, that the American general was 
 pursuing us, with three times our numljcr, or more ; 
 and instead of using every effort to keep ahead of the 
 enemy, until we were reinforced, we were detained in 
 taking forward the general's baggage, &c. It was said, 
 that the Indians were inclined to make a stand, and 
 endeavour to defeat the enemy, in order to keep posses- 
 sion of the upper country. The Americans gained 
 upon us, and the Indians brought in some of their ad- 
 vance, (prisoners). A party was sent back to destroy 
 a bridge, in order to check the enemy ; while in the 
 act, they were surroinided, and taken prisoners. Thus 
 situated, we prepared to meet them, in the best manner 
 that we could. The light company and the Indians 
 were placed on the right, to face the Kentucky rifle- 
 men. \Vc were thus formed, in a wood, when the 
 enemy came within 20 or 30 yards of us, and 
 sounded the bugle, to advance and attack. 
 
 The attack commenced on the right, with the Indians, 
 and very soon became general, through the line. After 
 exchanging a few shots, our men gave way. I was in 
 
<> 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 ' 
 
 III 
 
 34 
 
 the act of retreating, when one of our sergeants ex- 
 claimed, " For God's sake, men, stand and fight." I 
 stood by him, and fired one shot, but the Hne was 
 broken, and the men were retreating. I then made 
 my escape forther into the wood, where I met with 
 some of the Indians, who said that they had beaten 
 back the enemy, on the right, but that their prophet 
 was killed, and they then retreated. Moravian Town 
 was not far from us, and the Indians wanted to know 
 whether it was in the possession of the enemy, or not. 
 They made for this place, placing me in front, and their 
 interpreter asked me, if in case I should hear the voice 
 of any one there, whether 1 should know it to be an 
 Enghshman's or an American's. I said I should. 
 When near the outside of the wood, I heard a voice, 
 saying, " Come on my boys," in a dialect, which I 
 knew to be American. I communicated the same to 
 the inter})reter, and finding that we w^ere discovered by 
 the enemy, the Indians turned round, and made their 
 way through the woods, as fast as possible ; I followed 
 after, as quickly as I could. After awhile, they slackened 
 their pace, and I overtook them ; we w^nt forward until 
 night came on, when the Indians halted and formed round 
 me, they seemed to be holding a consultation ; I supposed 
 it was to decide how I should be disposed of. In this 
 
 I 
 
35 
 
 solitary i)lace, and surrounded by savages, whose cruelties 
 I was somewhat accjuainted with, I had but little hope, 
 at tlie moment, of ever getting? out of the woods. My 
 feelings on this occasion, may be more readily conceived 
 than expressed. After a sliort time, they went on, in 
 Indian file, and I followed, until we discovered a light ; 
 I was til en ordered to go on in front, to ascertain what 
 lio-ht it was. I found an old Indian and a little boy, 
 the old man being- too far advanced in age, to go to 
 war. They then came on, had some conversation, and 
 stopped for the night. I wanted to gain their friend- 
 ship, if I could, and having some tobacco in my haver- 
 sack, I distributed it amongst them, and then laid down. 
 After passing the night, there, we proceeded through 
 the woods, ond after some time, discovered some cattle 
 feeding. As wc advanced, we came to an Indian 
 Ccjnp, and after some conversation, between my com- 
 panions and them, one of the females gave me some 
 victuals, and spoke to me in broken English. I under- 
 stood that she invited me to go with them, that is, with 
 their tribe. I accepted the invitation. The interpreter 
 hearing it, called me aside, and asked me what I had 
 been saying. I told him. He then told me, that if I 
 went with them, I should go into the back settlements, 
 and perhaps never come out of the woods again. This 
 
 ^ 
 
<i 
 
 1 1 • 
 
 k • • I 
 
 36 
 caused me to change my mind. I told the interpreter, 
 that I wanted to find out somo road or river, thinking that 
 I should then find my way to some house or place. He 
 then told me, that I had hetter go with him, as he 
 should be in Quebec, some time in the following month. 
 The interpreter and three of the Indians then left 
 the others, and I went on with them. We had not 
 travelled ftir, when I observed one of the Indians give 
 the interpreter a pair of moccasons, for the feet. I then 
 thought that the interpreter had sold me, for a pair of 
 shoes, and I shewed some reluctance to go forward. 
 He asked me why I did not go on. I said that I 
 should not, without him. He replied, " You are afraid." 
 (I really was afraid, but did not want him to know it.) 
 I answered, " I am not." We i)roccede(l through the 
 woods until the sun had nearly set. I thought we 
 were drawing near some road, I mended my pace, and 
 was getting in front of them ; when one of the Indians 
 tapped me on the head, and said that if I did not keep 
 back, he would take that off. We went a little farther, 
 and picked up a pumpion ; in a short time after, I dis- 
 covered one of my comrades. This was the best sight 
 I had seen for some time, and my fears and suspicions, 
 in a great measure, vanished ; he had been wandering 
 about, going he knew not where, and, no doubt, was 
 
M7 
 as glad to see me, as I uas to see hiiu. Soon after 
 this, we came in siglit of a i)u))lic road, and })y the road 
 side we found some flour, some potatoes, and a kettle. 
 We returned with the Indians, into the wood, and 
 cooked it ; we made a division of it, and found it very 
 refreshing, being much needed. We stopped in the 
 wood, that night ; there was a heavy fall of rain, which 
 made it very uncomfortable. The next morning, we 
 crossed the road, and went into the woods, on the other 
 side ; we forded several rivers, and in the evening, came 
 to an Indian village. We were invited to one of the 
 huts, and the head of the family was very kind, he 
 killed a pig, and dressed it ; boiled some Indian corn, 
 and made soup ; and entertained the whole of ns, in a 
 very friendly manner. We slept there that night, and, 
 in the morning, I and my comrade took our leave of the 
 old man, and our travelling companions, who directed 
 us towards Oxford. The same day, we fell in with a 
 party of our men, who bad charge of the general's 
 baggage. We stopped with them that night, in the 
 morning, I found that they were making too free, wath 
 what they had in charge. I was afraid of the conse- 
 quences, and said to my comrade, "Let us push forward," 
 but he was inclined to stav, and I went on without him. 
 I was ill prepared for marching, my shoes being entirely 
 
 F 
 
 ^ 
 

 it 
 
 j! i 
 
 Ulill 
 
 3« 
 worn out ; but before uiglit 1 fell in with n lai'ger party 
 of our men, who had escaped, under the command of 
 Captain Bullock, of the grenadier company. He 
 enquired how I had escaped. I related to him the par- 
 ticulars of what I had passed through. This party 
 proceeded to Oxford, and from thence to the Cross 
 Roads ; wlierc we remained for several months. 
 
 From thence we marched to Burlington Heights 
 barracks ; and after a few days, to Fort George ; the 
 Americans having left it. Our flank companies, witli 
 the 100th regiment, were ordered to attack Fort Niagara. 
 The 100th regiment was at Queen's Town ; wc marched 
 to that place, and joined them, and from thence crossed 
 the river St. Lawrence, and landed about four or five 
 miles above Niagara. Generals Drummond and Ryal 
 were with us. Arrangements being made, we moved 
 off for the fort ; the 1 00th regiment was in front. On 
 the way, we surprised a guard, at Young's Town ; we 
 took them prisoners, and obtained the countersign ; but 
 a man made a signal, by discharging a rocket, we sup- 
 posed to alarm the fort : it had no effect, and the man 
 was killed. We advanced quietly, and a party, under 
 the command of a sergeant, went in front. When he 
 came near the outer sentry, at the entrance to the fort, 
 he was challenged ; he advanced and gave the counter- 
 
39 
 sign, seized the sentinel, and threatened him with ini- 
 mediftte deatli, if he made any noise. Me then pro- 
 ecedcd to the ^ate, and was challrnijjed by the sentry 
 inside, he gave the eountersign, and gained admittance, 
 hut tlie sentry cried out " Tlie British— turn out the 
 guard." Our forec was fully prepared, and in a very 
 sliort time, we ha'l possession of the fort, with very 
 little loss— Dceember 19th, 1813. The 100th regiment 
 was left in the fort, and we were ordered to Lewis Town, 
 which place was occupied by a small party of the enemy ; 
 hut, before we got there, they had cpiitted the station, 
 leaving one piece of ordnance. Here we were reinforced 
 by a party of the 1st royals, from Queen's Town ; we were 
 then ordered for Slustua. We were a little alarmed, in 
 the evening, before we started ; I was on sentry, and 
 heard something like the movement of troops : it proved 
 to be a party of Indians, bringing two men, belonging 
 to the royals, who, they thought were about to desert. 
 We proceeded, the same night, for Slustua, (I was on 
 the advance, with a sergeant's party) and when within 
 about one mile and a half of it, we fell in with an 
 American guard. The sentinel challenged, and 
 attempted to fire, but his piece missed fire. We forced 
 our way into the guard room, where they were all in 
 confusion ; I seized one of them in a sailor's dress, and 
 
 i 
 
 U 
 
i 
 
 1; 
 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 ? 
 
 1 
 
 
 < 
 
 
 ilii! 
 
 t 
 
 *. 
 
 40 
 
 threatened to kill him, if he made any resistance. We 
 made eight of them prisoners, the others escaped. Our 
 main force went on, and I, with some others, followed 
 with the prisoners. We had not marched far, before 
 we came to two roads ; we took the wrong one. Soon 
 after, we heard some person coming behind. Not 
 having a non-commissioned officer with us, 1 said to 
 one of my comrades, "Go back, there is somebody 
 coming," but he refused. I then said, " Take care of 
 the prisoners, and I will go back." I had not gone 
 far, when I saw a man ; I challenged, and he answered, 
 " A friend." I asked him what he belonged to. He 
 said, " The Americans." I ordered him to stand fast, 
 or I would blow his brains out. He replied, " I am a 
 prisoner." I took hold of him. He then said, " You 
 are one of the men who came into the house just now ; 
 one of your men has got my boots ; I am the officer 
 of the guard." I told him that I had a pair of shoes 
 in my knapsack, and that he might have them, if he 
 would. He said, that if he put them on, his feet would 
 be frost-bitten — December 22nd, 1813. 1 offered him 
 some rum. He said, he did not expect to be so treated, if 
 he was taken prisoner, and wei)t, begging that I would 
 net let him fall into the hands of the Indians. I told 
 him that if he behaved himself, no one should hurt him. 
 
41 
 
 We now halted, thinking to remain until day-light, 
 in order to ascertain the riglit road ; we again heard 
 some one coming; I went back some distance, and 
 challenged. I was answered, " A friend. " I asked 
 him, what he belonged to. He said, " The British." I 
 asked him what regiment he belonged to. He replied, 
 " The militia." Not being satisfied with his answers, I 
 drew near to him, and took his arms and amnmnition 
 from him. A short time after, we saw another man, 
 with polislicd arms, by which I knew he must be one 
 of our men. I said to him, " You villain, what business 
 have you got here." He asked me, who I was, and 
 said, he was as good a soldier as I was, and challenged 
 me to fight. One of our men, (a jocular fellow), said 
 to him, " You do not know who you are talking to, he 
 is an officer, and will have you shot to-morrow." I 
 had a beaver hat on, and a silk handkerchief round my 
 neck. (I had lost my cap, in the bustle at the guard- 
 room, and found ilie hat ; and was allowed to wear a 
 handkerchief, on account of the wound in my neck.) 
 From this, the fellow thought that there was some 
 truth in what was said ; and begged that I would not 
 report him, but before; day-liglit, he thought proper to 
 decamp. He belonged to the royals. 
 
 When the morning came, we proceeded, and soon 
 
 i'i? 
 
i \ 
 
 
 ' t 
 
 •\ 
 
 m 
 
 Ij 
 
 42 
 came into the right road. Wc found that our men had 
 got possession of Slustua, which was a mill, and a place 
 for public stores. The guard made some resistance, 
 and the officer conmianding it, was killed. I saw him 
 lying dead, and asked the officer, (my prisoner) if he 
 knew him. He said that he was a dear friend of his, 
 wept over him, and said that he had been on parole 
 three times. I then gave up the prisoners, and was 
 put on guard, to prevent the men from making free 
 with the liquors, &c., in the stores. Orders were then 
 given to destroy the stores, and to burn the buildings ; 
 some of the provisions were thrown into the river. 
 When this work of destruction was completed, wc re- 
 turned to Lewis Town. Two circumstances happened, 
 here, of a very serious nature. One of our men, went 
 into the woods, and was murdered by an Indian. We 
 manifested much displeasure respecting it. The tribe, 
 to make an atonement for this act, caused the murderer 
 to be killed, and exposed in the public road, for some 
 days. We were ordered under arms, one night, when 
 one of our men, by his carelessness, caused his piece to 
 explode, and the contents passed through his right 
 hand man, and killed him. From Lewis Town, we 
 crossed the river, for Queen's Town — December 22nd, 
 1813 — We marched up the hues, to cross over again, 
 
 
43 
 
 s, and was 
 
 in order to attack Black Rock ; and were reinforced on 
 the way, 1)y men from the royals, and 8th regiment. 
 Our force was then divided. The royals went above 
 Fort Erie, to cross the river above Black Rock ; the 
 remainder was to cross below Fort Erie, so as to land 
 below Black Rock. Fort Erie, is nearly opposite Black 
 Rock, on the opposite side of the river. We eflfected 
 our landing, according to orders. The first that landed, 
 surprised a guard, commanded by a Major Cotton, and 
 took them prisoners. The line was then formed, and 
 had ord(Ts to remain still, imtil morning, if nothing- 
 happened ; and then to advance, on the firing of a gun. 
 We had not been there long, when a person came 
 mounted, within 20 yards of our line, and exclaimed, 
 " Damn you. Major Cotton, where are you, and the 
 British landing." General Ryal, being not far from 
 him, said, " I pray, sir, who are you ? " The other 
 replied, by asking the same question. The former 
 answered, " I am a British general," and challenged 
 him. The other said, " I am an American general." 
 General Ryal, then said, "If you are a man, and a 
 soldier, stand before me." He instantly turned his 
 horse, and rode off in great haste. Tlie royals, in 
 crossing the river, were carried by the violence of the 
 stream, so far down the river, as to be exposed to the 
 
!,." 
 
 1, 
 
 m 
 
 ■t 
 
 1 
 
 44 
 enemy's batteries, and suflPered nnicli, but they effected 
 a landing. Some time after this, the Americans came 
 out of the town, and formed. We laid close and quiet, 
 according to order, and heard the American general, 
 say, " Make ready, present, blaze." Their shot took 
 no effect upon us. We arose, returned the fire, and 
 laid down again. As they did not fire again, mc con- 
 cluded that they had retreated. 
 
 We remained m our position until the gun fired, 
 w^hen we faced to the right ; and having gained some 
 ground, to the right, turned to the ,left, by sections ; 
 and advanced, until wc came near to the entrance of 
 the town, where we formed the line, on the first section. 
 They fired upon us, as we were fonning, and we 
 returned it, as fast as the sections came into line. The 
 enemy soon began to give way. There was a heavy 
 fire kept up, from a large building. A party of our 
 men advanced, and stopped the firing, by taking pos- 
 session of the building. We now discovered, that the 
 royals were exposed to their batteries, being carried 
 farther down the river than w^as intended. We then 
 directed our fire upon the men that were working the 
 battery guns. About this time, the enemy sent a party 
 into the wood, to flank us on the left ; but they were 
 received by a party of our Indians, stationed there for 
 
?v effected 
 cans came 
 and quiet, 
 11 general, 
 shot took 
 ! fire, and 
 , Me con- 
 gun fired, 
 ined some 
 
 sections ; 
 titrance of 
 rst section. 
 ■, and we 
 line. The 
 s a heavy 
 rty of our 
 iking pos- 
 , that the 
 ng carried 
 
 We then 
 )rkirig the 
 ent a party 
 they were 
 : there for 
 
 45 
 
 that purpose, and were beaten back, with loss. They 
 made an attempt to turn one of their battery guns upon 
 us, but could not succeed. As many of the royals, as 
 survived, about this time, effected a landing. We now 
 pressed the enemy very closely, and they began to re- 
 treat, for Buffaloc. We got possession of Black. Rock, 
 and the Batteries, and pursued them to Buffaloe. I 
 saw one of the royals, with blood flowing very freely 
 from his face ; I said to him, " You are wounded, you 
 had better go back." He replied, " No, lad, I'll pay 
 some of them first." The enemy made but a short stay 
 at Buffaloe ; they ga\ e us a shot from a mounted gun, 
 and retreated. We took possession of the place, being 
 apprehensive ^hat the enemy would get reinforcements, 
 and return upon us. Orders were given to destroy 
 both places, by burning ; no dwelling was to be spared, 
 except one, where the dead body of a child laid, who 
 had been shot, in the street ; this was in compassion 
 towai'ds the sorrowful mother. We stopped until the 
 evening, refreshing ourselves, and burying the dead ; 
 and then recrossed the river, and marched down the 
 lines, to Fort George. At this place, my brother met 
 with an accident, which cost him his life. 
 
 When our company was at this place, before the 
 taking of Detroit, we were 110 strong, but now reduced 
 
 G 
 
%' 
 
 40 
 to 15 men only, fit for duly ; some of them had been 
 wounded, myself for one. The other part of the com- 
 pany, both officers, n.-r.-ommiesioned officers, and 
 privates, were either kille*. .anded, or taken prisoners. 
 
 We marched from Fort George, to York, where the 
 second battalion joined us— July 25th, 1814. 
 
 Our company, now filled up, was ordered, under the 
 command of Captain Glue, to Point Frederick, Kingston; 
 supposing that the Americans would cross from Sacket's 
 Harbour, and attack it. We remained here, until the 
 weather broke up, and then returned to York, again. 
 
 About this time, the man who messed the officers, 
 complained, that owing to the high price of provisions, 
 he could not continue to do it, without permission to 
 keep a canteen, and to be allowed a man to assist him. 
 Permission being granted, he requested to have me ; as 
 I belonged to the light company, he was at first denied, 
 but it was afterwards granted, with an order, that when 
 the company was wanted for any particular duty, I was 
 to attend. While at York, I went into the hospital, to 
 see the wounded. One of the 8th regiment, who had 
 lost a leg, said, " That's the man that saved my life," 
 and related how, saying, that when he was knocked 
 down, I had pulled him behind a tree, to shelter him 
 from the enemy's fire. I recollected the circumstance ; 
 
 I 
 
1 had been 
 if the com- 
 liccrs, and 
 I prisoners, 
 where the 
 
 , under the 
 , Kingston ; 
 )m Saeket's 
 3, until the 
 k, again, 
 tie officers, 
 provisions, 
 rmission to 
 assist him. 
 ave me ; as 
 first denied, 
 ', that when 
 duty, I was 
 hospital, to 
 , who had 
 id my life," 
 ^as knocked 
 shelter him 
 cumstance ; 
 
 47 
 he was very kind to me, during our stay together. 
 
 Our regiment now received orders for Fort Niagara, 
 to relieve the 1 00th regiment. While here, we were 
 expecting the enemy, and were often under arms, all 
 night, and the guns kept loaded, to receive them, if 
 they attempted to storm. The light company was 
 repeatedly sent across the river, to Fort George, as 
 there was a force of the enemy in that quarter. The 
 enemy made their appearance, but the forts were opened 
 upon them, and they went back. The flank companies 
 were then ordered to Lewis Town, information having 
 been received, that the enemy were in that neighbour- 
 hood. A field piece accompanied us, and the light 
 company was extended into the wood, on the side of 
 the road, to prevent us from being surprised, from 
 thence. We found much obstruction, the enemy having 
 blocked the way, with a large quantity of brush wood. 
 When we came near Lewis Town, we got a sight of 
 a party of the enemy, encamped. When they saw us, 
 they went off, in quick time, and left the camp, and 
 their provisions partly dressed. We followed them, 
 some distance, but they did not stop to face us, and we 
 returned. At this time, the British, on the other side 
 of the river, were engaged with the enemy, at Lundie's 
 Lane. We could hear the report of their great guns. 
 
■ S' 
 
 ll' 
 
 iHH 
 
 III! 
 
 1 : 
 
 1 
 
 48 
 Our captain informed us, tliat he had received orders 
 to cross the river, to assist them ; and the grenadiers, 
 with the field piece, were to return to Niagara. We 
 crossed, and landed at Queen's Town. It was at this 
 place, that the much lamented veteran. General Brock, 
 received his death wound, by a shot from an American 
 rifleman. We moved from this place, in quick time, 
 for about seven miles, and waited for orders, near 
 Lundie's Lane. A noggin of rum was given to each 
 man. We then moved on for tlie field of action. We 
 had a guide with us, and when we came near the field, 
 our captain was called upon, by name, in a loud voice, 
 to form on the left of the speaker. It being night, wc 
 could not discover what regiment it was. The guide 
 positively asserted, that it v/as one of the enemy. Our 
 bugle then sounded, for the company to drop. A 
 volley was then fired upon us, which killed two corpo- 
 rals, and wounded a sergeant, and several of the men. 
 The company then arose, fired, and charged. The 
 enemy quitted their position ; we followed, and took 
 three field pieces. In the morning, we collected the 
 wounded, and received orders to burn the dead. One 
 of the Indians persisted in throwing one of the wounded 
 Americans on the fire, while living, although prevented 
 several times ; one of our men shot him, and he was 
 
lived orders 
 grenadiers, 
 agara, We 
 was at tliis 
 neral Brock, 
 in American 
 quick time, 
 orders, near 
 ven to each 
 iction. We 
 )ar the field, 
 I loud voice, 
 \g night, we 
 The guide 
 ?nemy. Our 
 drop. A 
 two corpo- 
 of the men. 
 irged. The 
 i, and took 
 oUected the 
 dead. One 
 \ie wounded 
 h prevented 
 and he was 
 
 49 
 burned himself. At this fight, General Ryal was 
 wounded, and himself, and his orderly, (one of the 
 19th dragoons), were taken prisoners. We were now 
 ordered to join the regiment, at Niagara ; but })efore 
 we marched. General Drummond, personally, thanked 
 us, for our conduct in the fight. The whole of the 
 army, were thanked, in public orders ; namely, the 
 royals, 8th, 49th, 89th, and 103 regiments. The 
 89th suffered severely, in this engagement. 
 
 We joined our regiment, at Niagara, and, in a short 
 time, part of the regiment, including the light company, 
 was ordered to cross the river, to Fort George ; and 
 from thence, towards Fort Erie. In going up the lines, 
 we fell in with our main force. We w ere expecting to 
 storm Fort Erie, when orders were given, for the 41st, 
 and part of the 104th, with a rocket party, under the 
 command of Captain Perry, to cross the river, below 
 Black Rock. While on the water, we heard firing, in 
 the direction of Black Rock. We landed, and advanced 
 towards it. When we were here last, there was a 
 bridge between us and the town, over a small creek, 
 but the enemy had destroyed it, and on the inner bank, 
 they had thrown up lireast works. They commenced 
 firing upon us, we advanced, thinking to charge ; when 
 we discovered, that the bridge was gone. We instantly 
 
 J 
 
 ^1 
 
i 
 
 
 » 
 
 -t 
 
 I 1; 
 
 \ » 
 
 r)0 
 
 retreated, and remained until day-light ; when a j^arty 
 was ordered to erect a temporary bridge, across the 
 creek, and our company, and the rocket party, were to 
 cover them. We stood some time, and some of our 
 shot took effect. We saw one of the enemy fall, who 
 was daring enough to get upon their works. About 
 this time, I received a musket ball, through my left 
 arm, below the elbow. I went into the rear. One of 
 my comrades, seeing that I was badly wounded, cut 
 my belts from me, and let them drop. I walked to the 
 doctor, and desired him to take my arm off. He said 
 it might be cured without it ; and ordered me down to 
 a boat, saying, that the wounded men were to cross the 
 river, and they (the doctors) would soon follow. The 
 party failed in erecting the bridge ; and retreated with 
 loss. When on the other side of the river, the wounded 
 were put into a house, and the doctors soon came. 
 They examined my arm, and made preparations for 
 amputation ; but after a further consultation, they told 
 me, that although I was rendered unfit for further 
 service, yet, if the wound could be healed, it would be 
 better for my hand to remain on, if it was not much 
 use to me, and that had better be first tried. I was 
 then sent to my regiment, at Niagara. 
 
 After a few days, our doctor informed me that my 
 
 i 
 
a a party 
 icross the 
 J, were to 
 ne of our 
 fall, who 
 s. About 
 h my left 
 , One of 
 ndcd, cut 
 ked to the 
 He said 
 ! down to 
 3 cross the 
 ow. Tl;e 
 [ited with 
 ! wounded 
 »on came, 
 ations for 
 they told 
 )r further 
 would be 
 not much 
 i. I was 
 
 ' that my 
 
 51 
 
 arm must be taken off, as mortification liad taken place. 
 I consented, and asked one of my comrades, who had 
 lately gone through a like operation, "Bill, how is it to 
 have the arm taken off." He replied, "Thee woo't 
 know, when it's done." They prepared to blind me, 
 and had men to hold me ; but I told them there was 
 no need o^'that. The operation was tedious and i)ainful, 
 but I was enabled to bear it, pretty well. I had it 
 dressed, and went to bed. They brought me some 
 mulled wine, and I drank it. I was then informed that 
 the orderly had thrown my hand to the dung-heap. 
 I arose, went to him, rnd felt a disposition to strike 
 him. My hand was taken up, and a few boards nailed 
 together, for a coffin, my hand was put into it, and 
 buried on the ramparts. The stump of my arm soon 
 healed, and three days after, I was able to play a game 
 of fives, for a quart of rum ; but before I left the fort, 
 a circumstance happened, which I here relate. There 
 was a sentry posted near the wood, to prevent any of 
 the men entering it, and we had to go near the sentry, 
 for water. One of the artillery-men went en pretence 
 of fetching some water, and when the sentry's back 
 was turned towards him, he started into the wood, for 
 the purpose of deserting, and the sentry (one of the 
 4 1st) shot him. The ball entered his body, and the 
 
 1 
 
52 
 
 wouiul proved mortal ; he was l)rought into tlie bar- 
 racks. His captain came into the barracks, to sec him. 
 The dyinj^ man charged liim with being the cause of 
 what had liappencd. The cai)tain left the room, and 
 he died shortly after. My conn'ades, and the messmaii 
 whom I had been serving-, out of kindness and respect 
 to me, made a subscription, of .several pounds, arid 
 gave it to mc. As soon as the wounded men were 
 somewhat recovered, tliey were ordered, frum the 
 different regiments, to go on board the boats, used in 
 the river, to go to Kingston, and in going down the 
 river, we went on shore, by night. On board the boat 
 I was in, was a young man, a sailor, who had lost one 
 of his arms, near the shoulder. I felt a kind regard 
 towards him, and we became comrades. He was going 
 down the country, to be cook, on board a King's ship, 
 the St. Lawrence, 1 1 guns ; he shared with mc, the 
 gratuity my friends had bestowed upon me. From 
 Kingston, we proceeded to Montreal ; and from thence, 
 to Quebec. One evening, after going ashore, I took a 
 walk, alone, a little way into the country, and came 
 near a large neat looking house, and seeing a lad, I 
 asked him who lived there, he replied, "A three-handed 
 man/' 1 said, "'That's the very man that I want to 
 see, as 1 have but one hand ; if he should be disposed 
 
t\w. bar- 
 3 sec him. 
 
 cause of 
 )oin, and 
 niessmuii 
 I respect 
 uds, Hiul 
 icn were 
 rum the 
 
 used in 
 lown the 
 
 the boat 
 
 I lost one 
 d regard 
 vns going 
 ig's ship, 
 
 me, the 
 !. From 
 
 II thence, 
 I took a 
 nd came 
 I lad, I 
 3-handed 
 want to 
 disposed 
 
 53 
 
 to give me one of his, we shall have two apiece." The 
 lad said, that by a " three-handed man," they meant 
 that he was wealthy. After going a little farther, I 
 went into a farm house ; the inhabitants of which be- 
 haved very kindly to me, and the mistress made up a 
 bed for me, for the night. When I came to Quebec, I 
 met with some of my old comrades, who had l)een 
 wounded, and taken prisoners. I was extremely glad 
 to see them. They related the scenes, and hardships, 
 they had passed through ; and one of them, said he was 
 left amongst the dead, his wounds were considered 
 incurable ; but he begged them to attend to him, for he 
 thought he should recover. After remaining in that 
 state, four days, before anything was done for him, 
 they paid some attention to him. He was then, in a 
 great measure recovered, but not well. General Procter, 
 being in Quebec, I waited on him, and asked him for a 
 certificate, for the capture of Detroit, which he freely 
 gave me ; and told me, that he would give me such a 
 recommendation, that I need not fear, but that a suffi- 
 cient provision would be made for me. He asked me 
 the particulars of the battle, at Moravian Town. 1 told 
 him all the particulars I knew. He further said, that 
 he was going to Montreal, and ordered me to call on 
 him, before he went, or before we embarked for Eng- 
 
 H 
 
 f^, 
 
 
 
s: s 
 
 !l 
 
 I! 
 
 It! 
 
 ii 
 
 54 
 
 land. Some time after, a, woman told me that the 
 general wanted me. I attended to the order, imme- 
 diately, but the woman had delayed delivering the 
 message. The general was gone, and I did not see 
 him, neither have I had the satisfaction of seeing 
 either of my officers since, although I have made many 
 enquiries. 
 
 We now had orders to go on board the Phccnix 
 transport, and sailed for England. We had a tolerably 
 good passage, but was a little alarmed, one night, by 
 a sudden squall of wind. The sails backed, and we 
 were near foundering, but in a short time, the vessel 
 righted, and all was well. We landed in the Isle of 
 Wight, and marched into Newport barracks. Dec. 1814. 
 After examination, we were sent to Chatham, by 
 water. Having been passed by the inspecting officer, 
 there, I was sent to Chelsea. I appeared before the 
 board, and was ordered nine pence per day, pension. 
 M}^ feelings were much excited, that day, on 
 learning that our bugle-horn man, who was a young 
 soldier, who had been but in one action, and had lost a 
 fore arm, about the same length as mine, was rewarded 
 with one shilling per day. I must say, that I felt very 
 much dissatisfied with nine pence, and I made several 
 appHcations, at different times, to Tlie Honoura])le 
 
55 
 
 that the; 
 er, imme- 
 ering the 
 :l not sec 
 of seeing 
 ade many 
 
 i Phccnix 
 , tolerably 
 light, by 
 , and we 
 he vessel 
 e Isle of 
 lec. 1814. 
 tham, by 
 g officer, 
 efore the 
 pension, 
 day, on 
 a young 
 ad lost a 
 'ewarded 
 felt very 
 i several 
 noiirable 
 
 Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital, to augment my 
 pension, but without success. Hearing of a field officer, 
 residing in the neighbourhood of the town where I live, 
 and that he was a soldier's friend, I made bold to wait 
 on him, and requested that he would be pleased to hear 
 my case. He kindly condescended to comply with my 
 request, and after hearing my statement, he was of 
 opinion that I was not remunerated for my services, and 
 loss. He, very kindly, said he would represent my case, 
 and it was not merely a promise, he persevered, until 
 he had caused an addition to be made to my pension, 
 of three pence per day. For which, I very kindly thank 
 him, and shall be ever bound, gratefully, to acknow- 
 ledge his kindness to me. 
 
 Being deprived of my trade, in consequence of losing 
 my arm in the service, and having received several 
 very severe wounds, it was with great difficulty I could 
 support my wife and children, in a respectable manner ; 
 my pension at that time, being only nine pence per day. 
 
 One night, I dreamt that I was working at my 
 trade, and on awaking, I related my dream to my wife, 
 and told her I could weave ; she said, " Go to sleep, 
 there was never such a thing known, as a person hav- 
 ing but one arm, to weave," and on going to sleep a 
 second time, I had the form of an instrument revealed 
 
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 I 
 
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 ill 
 
 ill 
 
 5f) 
 to mc, whicli would enable me to work at my trade. I 
 awoke my wife, and told her the circumstance. I went 
 to a blacksmith, of the name of Court, and having 
 drawn a design for him, on a board, he made an instru- 
 ment for me, similar to tlie pattern, with the exception of 
 some little alteration, which I thought was for the best, 
 but which, on trial, I was obliged to alter to the shape 
 I saw in my dream ; and I am happy to say, that I have 
 been enabled to labour for my family, and keep them 
 comfortably, for nearly twenty years, in the employ of 
 Edward Cooper, esq., clothier, Staverton works, near 
 Bradford, Wilts. 
 
 The above is a true and correct account, as given by 
 Shadrach Byfield, before me 
 
 EDWARD COOPER, 
 
 January 1st, 1840. 
 
 Mi 
 
 I cannot but remark, that it is evident in the fore- 
 going relation, that a kind Providence has preserved my 
 life through the many dangers to which I have been ex- 
 posed, and brought me back to r.iy native home. And for 
 what purpose ? In order to manifest a further display 
 of His goodness and mercy towards me, in convincing 
 me that I was a sinner, and in high rebellion against 
 Him, who is my best friend and benefactor. A conviction 
 
57 
 of this, lius caused me to lay down my arms of reljellion ; 
 to sue for mercy, and to submit to his riglitcous sceptre. 
 For the last twenty years, I have been fighting under 
 the banner of a Captain, who has conquered every 
 enemy, and defeated every foe, to my immortal interest. 
 Although I have to contend with a threefold enemy, 
 namely, the world, the flesh, and the devil, and am the 
 subject of many imperfections, and rank myself among 
 the vilest of the vile ; yet I hope that my soul is founded 
 on the eternal Rock of Ages, against which the powers 
 of hell shall never prevail. And when I shall have to 
 encounter the last enemy. Death ; although he will gain 
 a victory over my mortal part, yet I hope that my im- 
 mortal soul will be enabled to shout "Victory," through 
 the blood of the Lamb : and be admitted into the 
 society of the blessed, where I shall be beyond the gun 
 shot of every enemy, and landed safely on the shores of 
 eternal rest ; where peace reigns, and where w^ar shall 
 be known no more. Where a blessed eternity will be 
 spent, in adoration, and praise to Him, who has 
 redeemed and saved me out of the hands of every 
 enemy. 
 
 .»i!." ..-$ 
 
 THE END. 
 
 M^ 
 
/// 
 
 
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 PRINTED BY J, BUBB, BRADFORD. 
 
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