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PhntnoranViir

Sciences
Corporation

4>^

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23 WEST MA(N STREET

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'«.!-

£•

i NA

ATIVE

*i^-^t',

A LIGHT COMPANY SOLDIER'S SERVICE,

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

r..

! ,

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

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

I !*

i.ti\

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

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

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

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

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 ;

<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 ;

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

Ill

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

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:

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.

•«

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.

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

[jr.,

'ijjrr."

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

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

i [

' »

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

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.

iii

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

•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

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

•■(

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.

''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

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 '

III

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

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

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

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

1 ?

ilii!

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.

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

•\

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,

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

!,."

■t

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

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

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 ;

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 :

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

-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

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

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

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

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-

f^,

s: s

It!

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

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

l iHilJWHMj- W w.^ VHDt <* LJ ^ ■■■> . T---

!•!

! !«

* i

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.

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.

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PRINTED BY J, BUBB, BRADFORD.

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