Appendix
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- A full and correct account of the military occurrences of the late war between Great Britain and the United States of America : with an appendix and plates / by William James.
- 10178878
- 38080003173661
- A full and correct account of the military occurrences of the late war between Great Britain and the United States of America : with an appendix and plates / by William James.
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352 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
off, not 100 sleigh-loads, but " several barrels,"
of provisions ; and that colonel Scott, on " hearing of the approach of the American troops,
retreated in great confusion."* Had the American troops travelled somewhat more slowly,
a second opportunity would have been afforded
them, of trying their boasted " hardihood and
resolution" before a small corps of British ; and
the signal for battle would have at once dispelled from the minds of the latter all thoughts
of desertion. But the American commander
reserved his men, perhaps, to carry into effect
some ulterior plan of annoyance, less subject
to " hard blows" in its progress, or to " chance"
in its result, than any of the numerous plans
he had already been projecting.
GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA.
353
i441.1144
,
-
APPENDIX.
No. 1.
From captain Roberts to the adjutant-general.
Sin,
A.
Fort-Michilimaeinac, July 17, 18124
I received letteriS, by express, from
major.general Brock, viit'h" 6theiet to adtiPt' the most prudent
measures either for offence or defence, which circumstances
might point out ; and having received intelligence from the best
information, that large reinforcements were expected to be
thrown into this garrison, with the thorough conviction that
my situation at St. Joseph's was totally indefensible, I deter mened to lose no time in mating the meditated attack on
ON the 15th itistiA
.
I
-
* Sketches of the War, p. 256.
this fort.
embarked my
On the 16th, at Id O'eltic'k in the morning,
few men, with about 180 Canadians, and two iron 6-pounders.
The boats arrived without the smallest accident at the port of
rendezvous, at three o'clock the following morning ; by the
exertions of the Canadians, one of the guns was brought up a
height commanding the garrison, "and ready to act about 10
o'clock. A summons was then sent in ; a copy of the capita'_
lation which followed I have the honorAO ericloseti At 12
.
o'clock the American colours were hauled down, and those
his majesty were hoisted. A committee has been appOinted to
examine into the state of the public stores.
Enclosed also are the returns of the ordnance and military
stores found in the fort, and the 'strength of the garrison. The
greatest prai e is duo to every individual employed in the
A
VOL. I.
,
354
355
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
expedition ; to my own officers I am indebted, in particular,
for their active assistance in carrying all my orders into effect.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Return of the garrison of Fort-Michilimacinac.
CHAS. ROBERTS, Capt. Coin.
The adjutant-gen. &c. &e. &c.
al*
No. 2.
American capitulation.
Two first-lieutenants, one surgeon's mate, three serjeants,
four corporals, five musicians, six artificers, 39 privates, one
private sick.—Total 6 1 .
Return of ordnance taken in Fort-Michilimacinac.
Two brass 51 inch howitzers, two brass 6-pounders on garrison carriages, one brass 3-pounder on a garrison carriage,
two iron 9-pounders on garrison carriages.
With a considerable proportion of ammunition and ordnance
stores.
Heights above Fort-Michilimacinac, July 17, 18124
ALEX. PILMOUR, military conductor of stores.
Capitulation agreed upon between captain Charles Roberts, commanding his Britannic majesty's forces, on the one part,
and lieutenant Hanks, commanding the forces of the United
States of America, on the other.
Article I. The fort of Michilimacinac shall immediately be
surrendered to the British forces.
Art. II. The garrison shall march out with the honors of
war, lay down their arms, and become prisoners of war, and
shall be sent to the United States of America by his Britannic
majesty, not to serve this war until regularly exchanged ; and
for the due performance of this article the officers pledge their
word and honor.
Art. III. All the merchant vessels in the harbor, with their
respective cargoes, shall be in possession of their respective
Owners.
Art. IV. Private property shall be held sacred as far as in
my power.
Art. V. All citizens of the United States, who shall not
take the oath of allegiance to his Britannic majesty, shall depart
with their property from the island, in one month from the date
hereof.
CHARLES ROBERTS, captain, commanding
his Britannic majesty's troops.
Lieut. HANKS, commanding the forces of the
United States at Fort-Miehilimacinae.
No 3.
r
From lieutenant Hanks to general Hull,
Detroit, August 14th, 1812
Sin,
I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint your excellency,
of the surrender of the garrison of Michilimacinac under my
command, to his Britannic majesty's forces under the command
of captain Charles Roberts, on the 17th ultimo. On the 16th
I was informed that several nations of Indians then at St.
Joseph's, and a British detachment, distant 45 miles, intended
to make an immediate attack on Michilimacinac; I accordingly despatched captain Daurman to St. Joseph's to watch the
Indians ; he embarked about sun-set and met the British forces
within 10 or 15 miles of the island, by whom he was made
prisoner, and put on his parole of honor. He was landed on
the island at day-break, with positive orders to give no intelligence whatever ; he was also instructed to take the inhabitants'
of the village, indiscriminately, to a place on the west side of
the island, where their persons and property would be protected
by a British guard ; but, should they go to the fort, they would
AA2
.
356
357
APPENDIX.
APPVIDIX.
be subject to a general massacre by the savages, which would
be inevitable if the garrison fired a gun. This information I
received from Dr. Day, who was passing through the village,
country ; the standard of the United States now waves over the
territory of Canada. To the peaceable unoffending inhabitants,
it brings neither danger nor difficulty. I come to find enemies,
not to make them. I come to protect, not to injure you.
Separated by an immense ocean, and an extensive wilderness,
from Great Britain, you have no participation in her councils,
when every person was flying for refuge to the enemy.
Immediately on being informed of the approach of the enemy,
I placed ammunition, &c. in the block-houses,7Jrdered every
gun to be charged, and every preparation for action. About
nine o'clock, I could discover that the enemy were in pos.
session of the heights that commanded the fort, and one Ode
of artillery directed to the most defenceless part of the garrison.
The Indians at this time were to be seen at the edge of the
woods. At half-past 11 o'clock, the enemy sent in a flag of
truce, demanding a surrender of the fort and island to his
Britannic majesty's forces:. - This, sir, was the first information
I had of the declaration of war ; I had however anticipated it,
and was as well prepared to meet such an event, as I possibly
could have been with the force under my command, amounting
to 57 effective men, including officers.
I have the honor to be, &c.
HANKS.
Gen. Hull.
;l a
NO. 4.
General Hull's proclamation.
By William Hull, brigadier-general and commander of the
North-western army of the United States;
rnocLAmaTior.
Inhabitants of Canada,
A
After 30 years of peace and prosperity, the United States
have been driven to arms; The injuries and aggressions, the
insults and indignities of Great Britain, have once more left
them no alternative but' manly resistance, or unconditional
submission. The army under my command has invaded your
noeinterest in her conduct.
You have felt her tyranny ; you have seen her injustice ;
hut
I do not ask you to avenge the one, or to redress the other.
p
The United States are sufficiently powerful to afford every
security, consistent with their rights and your expectations. I
tender you the invaluable blessing of civil, political, and reli.gious liberty, and their necessary result, individual and general
prosperity ; that liberty which gave decision to our councils,
and energy to our conduct, in a struggle for independence,
which conducted us safely and triumphantly through the stormy
period of the revolution—the liberty which has raised us to an
elevated rank among the nations of the world, and which
afforded us a greater measure of peace and security, of wealth
and improvement than ever fell to the lot of any people. In
the name of my country, and the authority of government, I
promise you protection to you persons, property, and rights :
remain at your homes ; pursue your peaceful and customary
avocations ; raise not your hands against your brethren.
Many of your fathers fought for the freedom and independence
we now enjoy.„Lieing children, therefore, of the same family
with us, and heirs of the same heritage, the arrival of an army
of friends must be hailed by you with a cordial welcome.
You will be emancipated from tyranny and oppression, and
restored to the dignified station of, freedom. Had 1 any doubt
of eventual success, I might ask your assistance ; but 1 do not.
I come prepared for every contingency—I hal e a force which
will break down all opposition, and that force is but the vanguard of a much greater. If contrary to your own interests,
and the just expectations of my country, you should take part
in the approaching contest, you will be considered and treated
358
APPENDIX.
as enemies ; and the horrors and calamities of war will stalk
before you. If the barbarous and savage policy of Great
Britain be pursued, and the savages are let loose to murder our
citizens, and butcher our women and children, this war will be
a war of extermination. The first stroke of the tomahawk—
the first attempt with the scalping-knife, will be the signal of
one indiscriminate scene of desolation. No white man found
fighting by the side of an indian, will be taken prisoner—
instant death will be his lot. If the dictates of reason, duty,
justice, and humanity, cannot prevent the employment of a
force which respects no rights, and knows no wrong, it will be
prevented by a severe and relentless system of retaliation. I
doubt not your courage and firmness—I will not doubt your
attachment to liberty. If you tender your services voluntarily,
they will be accepted readily. The United States offer you
peace, liberty, and security. Your choice lies between these
and war, slavery and destruction. Choose then ; but choose
isely ; and may he who knows the justice of our cause, and
who holds in his hand the fate of nations, guide you to a result
the most compatible with your rights and interests, your peace
and happiness.
By the general,
A. P. HULL.
Captain of the 3d United
States' regiment of infantry, and
Aide de
camp. Ifead-qnarters, Sandwich, July 12, 1812.
WILLIAM HULL,
nrw o
,
,
roworreoe,
N o.
5.
Alajor-general Broke's proclamation, in answer.
The unprovoked declaration of war by the United States of
America, against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, and its dependencies, has been followed by the actual
APPENDIX.
359
invasion of this province, in a remote frontier of the western
districts, by a detachment of the United States.
The officer commanding that detachment has thought proier
to invite his majesty's subjects, not merely to a quiet and unresisting submission, but insults them with a call to seek voluntarily the protection of his government.
Without condescending to repeat the illiberal epithets lacstowed, in this appeal of the American commander to the people
of Upper Canada, on the administration of his majesty, every
inhabitant of the province is desired to seek the confutation of
such indecent slander in the review of his own particular circumstances. Where is the Canadian subject who can truly
affirm to himself, that he has been injured by the government,
in his person, his property, or his liberty ? Where is to be
found, in any part of the world, a growth so rapid in prosperity and wealth, as this colony exhibits ? Settled, not 30
years, by a band of veterans, exiled from their former possessions on account of their loyalty, not a descendant of these
brave people is to be found, who, under the fostering liberality
of their sovereign, has not acquired a property and means of
enjoyment superior to what were possessed by their ancestors.
This unequalled prosperity would not have been attained by
the utmost liberality of the government, or the persevering
industry of the people, had not the maritime power of the
mother country secured' to its colonists a safe access to every
market, where the produce of their labour was in request.
The unavoidable and immediate consequences of a separation
from Great Britain must be the loss of this inestimable advantage ; and what is offered you in exchange ? To become a
territory of the United States, and share with them that exclusion from the ocean which the policy of their government
enforces ; you are not even flattered with a participation of
their boasted independence; and it is but too obvious that, once
estranged from the powerful protection of the United Kingdam, you must be re.annexed to the dominion of France, from
360 APPENDIX.
which the provinces of Canada were wrested by the arms of
Great Britain, at a vast expense of blood atilt treasure, from no
other motive than to relieve her ungrateful children from the
oppression of a cruel neighbour. This restitution of Canada
to the empire of France, was the stipulated reward for the aid
afforded to the revolted colonies, now the United States; the
debt is still due, and there can be no doubt but the pledge has
been renewed as a consideration for commercial advantages, or
rather for an expected relaxation in the tyranny of France
over the commercial world. Arc you prepared, inhabitants of
Canada, to become willing subjects, or rather slaves, to the
despot who rules the nations of Europe with a rod of iron ?
If not, arise in a body, exert your energies, co-operate cordi.
ally with the king's regular force to repel the invader, and do
not give cause to your children, when groaning under the
oppression of a foreign master, to reproach you with having
so easily parted with the richest inheritance of this earth—a
participation in the name, character, and freedom, of Britons ;
the same spirit of justice, which will make every reasonable
allowance for the unsuccessful efforts of zeal and loyalty, will
not fail to punish the defalcation of principle. Every Canadian
freeholder is, by deliberate choice, bound by the most solemn
oaths to defend the monarchy-, as well as his own property ; to
shrink from that engagement is a treason not to be forgiven.
Let no man suppose that if, in this unexpected struggle, his
majesty's arms should he compelled to yield to an overwhelm.
ing force, that the province will be eventually abandoned ; the
endeared relation of its first settlers, the intrinsic value of its
commerce, and the pretensions of its powerful rival to repossess
the Canadas, are pledges that no peace will be established
between the United States and Great Britain and Leland, of
which the restoration of those provinces does not make the most
prominent condition.
Be not dismayed at Hie unjustifiable threat of the commander
of the enemy's forces, to refuse quarter, should an Indian
APPENDIX.
361
appear in the ranks. The brave bands of natives which inhabit
this colony, were, like his majesty's subjects, punished for their
zeal and fidelity, by the loss of their possessions in the late colonies, and rewarded by his majesty with lands of superior
value in this province.
The faith of the British government has never yet been
violated—they feel that the sod they inherit is to them and their
posterity protected from the base arts, so frequently devised to
over-reach their sympathy. By what new principle are they
to be prohibited from defending their property ? If their warfare, from being different to that of the white people, is more
terrific to the enemy, let him retrace his steps. They seek him
not ; and cannot expect to find women and children in an invading army. But they are men, and have equal rights with
all other men to defend themselves and their property when
invaded, more especially when they find in the enemy's camp a
ferocious and mortal foe, using the same warfare which the
American commander affects to reprobate.
This inconsistent and unjustifiable threat of refusing quarter,
for such a cause as being found in arms with a brother-sufferer,
in defence of invaded rights, must be exercised with the certain
assurance of retaliation, not only in the limited operations of
war in this part of the king's dominions, but in every quarter
of the globe ; for the national character of Britain is not
less distinguished for humanity than retributive justice, which
will consider the execution of the threat as deliberate murder,
for which every subject of the offending power shall make
expiation.
ISAAC BROCK, major.gen. and president.
Bead quarters, Fort George, July 22, 1812.
-
-
By order of his honor the president,
J. A. GLEGG, captain and aide de camp.
362
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
No. 6.
From major-general Brock to sir George Prevost.
San,
H. Q. Detroit, Aug. 17.
I have had the honor of informing your excellency, that
the enemy effected his passage across the Detroit river on the
12th ult. without opposition ; and that, after establishing himself at Sandwich, he had ravaged the country as far as the
Moravian town. Some skirmishes occurred between the troops
under lieut.-col. St. George and the enemy, upon the river
Canard, which uniformly terminated in his being repulsed with
loss. I judged it proper to detach a force down the river
Thames, capable of acting in conjunction with the garrison of
Amherstburg offensively, but captain Chambers, whom I had
appointed to direct this detachment, experienced difficulties that
frustrated my intentions. The intelligence received from that
quarter admitting of no delay, colonel Proctor was directed to
assume the command, and his force was soon after increased,
with sixty rank and file of the -tist regiment.
In the mean time, the most strenuous measures were adopted
to counteract the machinations of the evil-disposed, and I soon
experienced the gratification of receiving voluntary offers of
service from that portion of the embodied militia the most easily
collected. In the attainment of this important point, gentlemen of the first character and influence sheaved an example 4111101
highly creditable to them ; and I cannot, on this occasion,
avoid mentioning the essential assistance I derived from John
M'Donell, esq. his majesty's attorney-general, who, from
the beginning of the war, has honored me with his services as
my provincial aide de camp. A sufficiency of boats being collected at Long Point for the conveyance of 300 men, the
embarkation took place on the 8th instant, and in five days we
arrived in safety at Amherstburg.
,
I found that the judicious arrangement which had been
adopted immediately upon the arrival of colonel Proctor, had
41.
'
363
compelled the enemy to retreat, and take shelter under the
guns of his fort, : that officer commenced operations, by sendthe river, with a view of cutting
ing strong detachments across
off the enemy's communication with his service.
This produced two smart skirmishes on the 5th and 9th inst.
in which the enemy's loss was considerable, whilst ours amounted
to three killed, and 13 wounded ; amongst the latter, I have
particularly to regret captain Muir and lieutenant Sutherland,
of the 41st regiment : the former an officer of great experience,
and both ardent in his majesty's service. Batteries had likewise
been commenced opposite Fort-Detroit, for one 18-pounder,
two 12, and two 51 inch mortars ; all of which opened on the
evening of the 15th, (having previously summoned brigadiergen. Hull to surrender,) and although opposed by a well-directed
fire from seven 24-pounders, such was their construction, under
the able direction of captain Dixon, of the royal engineers,
that no injury was sustained from its effect.
The force at my disposal being collected in the course of the
15th in the neighbourhood of Sandwich, the embarkation took
place a little after day-light on the following morning, and the
able arrangements of lieutenant Dewar, of the quarter-mastergeneral's department, the whole was, in a short time, landed
without the smallest confusion at Spring Well, a good position,
three miles west of Detroit. The Indians, who had in the
mean time effected their landing two miles below, moved forward and occupied the woods, about a mile and a half on our
left.
The force, which I instantly directed to march against the
enemy, consisted of 30 royal artillery, 250 41st regiment, 50
royal Newfoundland regiment, 400 militia, and about 600
Indians, to which were attached three 6-pounders and two
3-pounders. The service of lieutenant Troughton, commanding
the royal artillery, an active and intelligent officer, being required
in the field, the direction of the batteries was intrusted to captain
Hall, and the marine department, and I cannot withhold my
entire approbation of their conduct on this occasion.
3B4
365
Appgrmx.
APPENDli.
I crossed the river, with an intention of waiting in a strong
withstanding the constant endeatdurs of 'this goternmitit to
position the effect of oar force upon the enemy's camp, and in
hopes of compelling hitnlaa cmeet us in the field ; but receiving
dissuade them from it. Some of the principal chiefs happened
to be at Amherstburgh, trying to procure a supply of arms and
ammunition, which for years had been withheld, agreeably to
the instructions received from stir James Craig, and since
information upon landing, that colonel M 'Arthur, an officer of
high reputation, had jeo the garrison three days before with a
detachment of 500 men, and hearing, soon afterwards, that his
cavalry had been seen that morning three miles in our rear, I
decided on au immediate attack. Accordingly, the troops advanced to within one mile of the fort, and having ascertained
that the enemy had taken little or no precaution towards the
land-side, I resolved on an assault, whilst the Indians penetrated his camp. Brigadier-gen. Hull, however, prevented this
movement, by proposing a cessation of hostilities, for the put.
pose of preparing terms of capitulation. Lieutenant-col. John
M'Donell and captain Clegg were accordingly deputed by me
on this mission, and returned within an hour with the conditions, which I have the honor herewith to transmit. Certain
considerations afterwards induced me to agree to the two sup.
}elementary articles.
. The force thus surrendered to his majesty's arms, cannot be
estimated at less than 2500 men. In this estimate, colonel
Al 'Arthur's detachment is included, as he surrendered, agreeably to the terms of capitulation, in the course of the evening,
(with the exception of 200 Mon, whom he left escorting a valua.
ble convoy at some little distance in his rear ; but there can
be no doubt the ,_. officer. : commanding will consider himself
equally bound by the capitulation.
- The enemy's aggregate force was divided into two troops of •
(cavalry ; onu,Foinpany of artillery engineers; the 4th United
.States' regiment ; detachments of the ist and 3d United States'
,regiments, volunteers ; three regiments of the Ohio militia ;
one regiment of the Michigan territory.
Thirty-three pieces of brass and iron ordnance have already
been secured.
When this contest commenced, many ,of the Indian nations
were engaged in the active warfare with the United States, not-
repeated by your excellency.
From that moment they took a most active part, and appeared foremost on every occasion ; theY'were led yesterday
by colonel Elliot and captain M'Kie, and nothing could exceed
their order and steadiness. A few prisoners were taken ity
them, during the advance, whom they treated with every
humanity ; and it affords me much pleasure in assuring your
excellency, that such was their forbearance and attention to
what was required of them, that the enemy sustained no other
loss in men than what was occasioned by the fire Of our
01 batteries.
of
The high sense' I entertain of ibe abilitieS'tha judgment
to
the
important
hia
lieut.-col. Myers, induced me to appoint
deprived myself
command at Niagara ; *as with reltictance I
no
other
expedient
; his duties, as
of his assistance, butt had
head of the quarter-master-general's department, were per_
formed to my satisfaction by lieuf.';golonel Nichol, quartere
Master-general of the militia.
Captain Glegg, my aide-de-camp, will have the honor of
delivering this despatch to your' excellency ; he is charged with
the colours taken at the capture of Fort-Detroit, and those of
the 4th United States' regiment. •
Captain Glegg is capable of giving your eicellency every
information respecting the state of this province, and I shall
esteem myself highly indebted to your excellency to afford him •
Of service give
that protection, to which his merit and length
-
him a powerful claim.
I have the honor to be, &e.
ISAAC BROCK, maj. gen.
-
P. S. I have the honor to enclose"aPiopy of a Proclamation.
which I issued immediately on takingPO'sse'ssion of this couery.
-
366
APPENDIX.
I should have mentioned in the body of my despatch the capture of the Adams ; she is a fine vessel, and recently repaired,
but without arms.
No. 7.
Capitulation of Fort-Detroit.
Camp at Detroit, Aug. 16, 1812.
day, and the British forces will take immediate possession of the
fort.
J. MACDONELL, lieut..col. militia, P. A. D. C.
J. B. GLEGG, major, A. D. C.
JAMES MIETER, lieut.-col. 5th U. S. infantry.
E. BRUSH, col. commanding 1st regiment of
Michigan militia.
Approved—W. HULh, brig.-gen. commanding the
army.
Approved ISAAC BROCK, major general.
—
Capitulation for the surrende4 of Fort-Detroit,' entered into
between maj.-gen. Brock, commanding his Britannic
majesty's forces, on the one part, and brigadier-gen. Hull,
commanding the north-western army of the United States
on the other part.
Article I. Fort-Detroit, with all the troops, regulars as well
as militia, will be immediately surrendered to the British forces
under the command of maj.-gen. Brock, and will be considered as prisoners of war, with the exception of such of the
militia of the Michigan territory, who have not joined the
army.
Art. II. All public stores, arms, and all public documents,
including every thing else of a public nature, will be immediately
given up.
Art. III. Private persons, and property of every description
will be respected.
Art. IV. His excellency, brigadier-general Hull, having ex.
pressed a desire that a detachment from the state of Ohio, on its
way to join his army, as well as one sent from Fort-Detroit, under
.
the command of colonel M 'Arthur, should be included in the
capitulation, it is accordingly agreed to. It is, however, to be
understood, that such part of the Ohio militia as have not joined
the army, will be permitted to return to their homes, on con.
dition that they will not serve during the war ; their arms will
be delivered up, if belonging to the public.
Art. V. The garrison will march out at the hour of 12 this
367
APPENDIX.
N. W.
-
An article supplementary to the articles of capitulation,
concluded at Detroit, the 16th of August, 1812.
It is agreed that the officers and soldiers of Ohio militia and
volunteers shall be permitted to proceed to their respective
homes, on this condition, that they do not serve during the
present war, unless they are exchanged.
W. HULL, brig.-gen. commanding U.S.
►
N. W. army.
ISAAC BROCK, maj. gen.
-
An article in addition to the supplementary article of capitulation, concluded at Detroit, the 16th August, 1812.
It is further agreed that the officers and soldiers of the
Michigan militia and volunteers, under the command of major
Weatherall, shall be placed on the same principles as the Ohio
militia and volunteers are placed by the supplementary article,
of the 16th instant. W. HULL, brig.-gen. commanding the
N. W. army U. S.
ISAAC BROCK, maj.-gen.
Return of the ordnance taken in the fort and batteries at
Detroit, August 16th, 1812.
Iron Ordnance—nine 24-pounders, eight 12-pounders, five
9.pounders. Brass ordnance—three 6-pounders, two 4-poun-
368
individuals whatever who have in their possession arms of any
kind, will give them up without delay.
Given under my hand at Detroit, this 16th day of August,
1812, and in the 52d year of his majesty's reign.
ISAAC BROCK, maj. gen.
ders,.ohe 3 iioundir, one 8Linch howitzer, o't'te 3l-inch ditto.--
Total of ordnance taken-33.
tEtrx TRouGnTot iiieuf.
byal artillery.
N. B. No time to take an inventory of ordnance stores,
&c. and no return could be procured from the American
officer.
,,,,,,,
41.0,•■••••••
309
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
-
•
r,111 .
No. 9.
No. 8.
;)II
From brigadier-general Hull to the American secretary at
war.
Procittmation 4y Isaac Brock, Esq. tnajor-gueral commanding his majesty's forces in "the province of Upper
Canada, 4c.
Whereas the territory of Michigan was this day, by capitulation, ceded to the arms of his Britannic majesty, without any
other condition than the protection of private property, and
wishing to give an early proof of the moderation and justice of
his. majesty's government, I do hereby announce to all the
inhabitants of the said territory, that the taws heretofore in
existence shall continue in force until his majesty's pleasure be
known, or so long as the peace and safety of the said territory
will admit thereof; and I do hereby also declare and make
known to the said inhabitantS, that they shall be protected in
the full exercise and employment of their religion, -•of which all
persons both civil and military will take notice, and govern
'themselves accordingly.
All persons having in their possession, or having any know.
sedge of, any public property, shall forthwith deliver in the
same, or give,..notice thereof to the officer commanding, or
lieutenant'colonel Nichol, who are duly authorised to receive
and give proper -receipts for the same.
Officers of militia will be held responsible, that all arms in .
the possession of militie.men be immediately given up, and all
11
Fort-George, August 26, 1812.
Sin,
Enclosed are the articles of capitulation, by which the fort
of Detroit has been surrendered to major-general Brock,
commanding his Britannic majesty's forces in Upper Canada,
and by which the troops have become prisoners of war. My
situation at present forbids me from detailing the particular
causes which have led to this unfortunate event. I will,
however, generally observe, that after the surrender 6f
Michilimackinac, almost every tribe and nation of Indians,
excepting a part of the Miainis and Delawares, north from
beyond Lake Superior, west from beyond the Mississippi, south
from the Ohio and Wabash, and east from every part of Upper
Canada, and from all the intermediate country, joined in open
hostility, under the British standard, against the army I
commanded, contrary to the most solemn assurances of a
large portion of them to remain neutral: even the Ottawa
chiefs from Arbecrotch, who formed the delegation to Washing.
ton the last summer, in whose friends} ;p I know you had great
confidence, are among the hostile tribes, and several of them
distinguished leaders. Among the vast number of chiefs who
led the hostile bands, Tecumseh, Marpot, Logan, Walk-inthe-water, Split-log,. &c. are considered the principals. This
VOL. I.
BB
176
APPENDIX.
APPEN DI X.
titttn0fons assemblage of savages, under the entire influence and
direction of the British commander, enabled him totally to
obstruct the only communication which I had with my country.
This communication had been opened from the settlements in
the state of Ohio, 200 miles through a wilderness, by the
fatigues of the army, which I had marched to the frontier on
the river Detroit. The body of the lake being commanded by
the British armed ships, and the shores and rivers by gun.boats,
the army was totally deprived of all communication by water.
On this extensive road it depended for transportation of provi.
sions, military stores, medicine, cloathing, and every other
supply, on pack horses—all its operations were successful
until its arrival at Detroit, and in a few days it passed into the
enemy's country, and all opposition seemed to fall before it.—
One month it rkmained in possession of this country, and was
fed from its resources. In different directions, detachments
penetrated 60 miles in the settled part of the province, and the
inhabitants seemed satisfied with the change of situation which
appeared to be taking place. The militia from Amherstburg
were daily deserting, and the whole country, then under the
control of the army, asked for protection. The Indians
generally, in the first instance, appeared to be neutralized,
and determined to take no part in the contest. The fort of
Amherstburg was 18 miles below my encampment. Not a
single_cannon or mortar was on wheels suitable to carry before
that place. I consulted my officers whether it was expedient to
make an attempt on it with the bayonet alone, without cannon
to make a break in the first instance. The council I called was
of the opinion it was not. The greatest industry was exerted
in making preparation, and it was not until the 7th of August
that two 24-pounders, and three howitzers, were prepared.
It was then my intention to have proceeded on the enterprise
While the operations of the army were delayed by these
preparations, the clouds of adversity had been for some time.
and seemed still thickly to he, gathering around me. The
surrender of Michilimacinac opened the northern hive of
-
371
Indians, and they were swarming down in every direction.
Reinforcements from Niagara had arrived at Amherstburg,
under the command of colonel Proctor. The desertion of the
militia ceased. Besides the reinforcements that came by water,
I received information of a very considerable force under the
command of major Chambers, on the river Le Trench, with
four field-pieces ; and collecting the militia on his route,
evidently destined for Amherstburg. And, in addition to this
combination and increase of force, contrary to all my expectations, the Wyandotes, Chippeways, Ottawas, Pottawatamies,
Munsees, Delawares, &c. with whom I had the most friendly
intercourse, at once passed over to Amherstburg, and accepted
the tomahawk and scalping-knife. There being now a vast
number of Indians at the British post, they were sent to the
river Huron, Brownstown, and Maguago to intercept my
communication.—To open this communication, I detached
major Vanhorn, of the Ohio volunteers, with 200 men, to
proceed as far as the river Raisin, under an expectation he
would meet captain Brush, with 150 men, volunteers from
the state of Ohio, and a ,quantity of provision far the army.
An ambuscade was formed at Brownstown, and major Vanhorn's
detachment defeated, and returned to camp, without effecting
the object of the expedition.
In my letterof he 7th instant, you have the particulars of
that transaction with a return .,of the killed and wounded.
Under this sudden and unexpected change of things, and having
received an express from general Hall, commanding opposite
the British shore on the Niagara-river, by which it appered that
there was no ,prospect of any co-operation from that quarter,
and the two senior officers of the artillery having stated to me
an opinion that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to pass Turkey-river, and river Aux Canards, wits..
•24-poonders, and that they could not be transported by water,
as the Queen Charlotte, which carried 18 24-pounders, lay in
the river , Detroit,above the mouth of the river Aux Canards;
and that it appeared indispensibly necessary to open the
B2
.
.272.
APPENDIX.
communication to the river Raisin and the Miami, I found myself
compelled to suspend the operation against Amherstburg, and
concentrate the main force of the army at Detroit. Fully
intending at that time, after the communication was opened, to
re-cress the river, and pursue the object at Amherstburg, and
strongly desirous of continuing protection to a very large
number of inhabitants of Upper Canada, who had voluntarily
accepted it under my proclamation, I established a fortress on
the banks of the river, a little below Detroit, calculated for a
garrison of 300 men. On the evening of the 7th, and morning
of the 8th instant, the army, excepting the garrison of 250
infantry, and a corps of artillerists, all under the command of
major Denny of the Ohio volunteers, re-crossed the river and
encamped at Detroit. In pursuance of the object of opening
the communication, on which I considered the existence of the
army depending, a detachment of 600 men, under the command
of lieutenant-colonel Miller, was immediately ordered. For a
particular account of the proceedings of this detachment, and
the memorable battle which was fought at Magnago which
reflects the highest honor on the American arms, I refer you to
my letter of the 31st August instant, a duplicate of which is
enclosed, marked G. Nothing, however, but honor was
acquired by this victory ; and, it is a painful consideration,
that the blood of 75 gallant men, could only open the communication as far as the points of their bayonets extended. The
necessary care of the sick and wounded, and a very severe storm
of rain, rendered their return to camp indispensihly necessary
for their own comfort. Captain Brush with his small detachment, and the provisions being still at the river Raisin, a
situation to be destroyed by the savages, on the 13th instant,
in the evening, I permitted colonels McArthur and Cass to
,elect from their regiment 400 of their most effective men, and
proceed by an upper route through the woods, which I had
sent an express to captain Brush to take, and had directed the
militia of the river Raisin to accompany him as a reinforcement.
• Not published.
APPENDIX.
273
The force of the enemy continually increasing, and the netes_
sity of opening the communication, and acting on the defensive,
becoming more apparent, I had, previous to detaching colonels
McArthur and Cass on the 11th instant, evacuated and destoyed
the fort on the opposite bank. On the 13th, in the evening,
general Brock arrived at Amherstburg, about the hour colonels
McArthur and Cass marched, of which at that time I had
received no information. On the 15th 1 received a summons
from him to surrender Fort-Detroit, of which the paper marked
A is a copy. * My answer is marked 13 * At this time I
received no information from colonels McArthur and Cass.
An express was immediately sent, strongly escorted, with orders
for them to return. On the 15th, as soon as general Brock
received my letter, his batteries opened on the town and fort,
and continued until evening. In the evening, all the British
ships of war came nearly as far up the river as Sandwich, three
miles below Detroit. At day-light, on the 16th, (at which
ti me I had received no information from colonels McArthur
and Cass, my expresses, sent the evening before, and in the
night, having been prevented from passing by numerous bodies
of Indians,) the cannonade re-commenced, and in a short time
I received information, that the British army, and Indians,
were landing below the Spring wells, under the cover of their
ships of war.
At this time the whole effective force at my disposal at
Detroit did not exceed 800 men. Being new troops, and
unaccustomed to a camp life ; having performed a laborious
march ; having been engaged in a number of battles and
skirmishes, in -which many had fallen, and more had received
wounds, in addition to which a large number being sick, and
unprovided with medicine, and the comforts necessary for their
situation, are the general causes by which the strength of the
army was thus reduced. The fort at this time w as filled with
women, children, and the old and decrepit people of the town
and country; they were unsafe in the town, as it was entirely
* Not published.
374
APPENDIX.
open and exposed to the enemy's batteries. Back of the fort,
above or below it, there was no safety for them on account of
the Indians. In the first instance, the enemy's fire was prin.
cipally directed against our batteries, towards the close, it was
directed against the fort alone, and almost every shot and shell
had their effect.
It now became necessary either to fight the enemy in the
field ; Collect the whole force in the fort ; or propose terms of
capitulation. ' I could not have carried into the field more than
600 men, and left an adequate force in the fort. There were
landed at that time of the enemy a regular force of much more
than that number, and twice the number of Indians. Con.
sidering this great inequality of force, I did not think it
expedient to adopt the first measure : the second must have
been attended with a great sacrifice of blood, and no pos.
sible advantage, because the contest could not have been
sustained more than a day for want of powder, and but a very
few days for the want of provisions. In addition to this,
colonels McArthur and Cass would have been in a most
hazardous situation. I feared nothing but the last alternative
—I have dared to adopt it—I well know the high responsibility of the measure, and I take the whole of it on myself—it
was dictated by a sense of duty, and a full conviction of its
expediency. The bands of savages which had then joined the
British force, were numerous beyond any former example.
Their numbers have since increased, and the history of the
barbarians of the north of Europe does not furnish examples
of more greedy violence than these savages have exhibited. A
large portion of the brave and gallant officers and men I
command, would cheerfully have contested until the last
cartridge had been expended, and the bayonets worn to the
sockets. I could not consent to the useless sacrifice of such
brave men, when I knew it was impossible for me to sustain
my situation. It was impossible, in the nature of things, that
an army could have been furnished with the necessary supplies
of provisions, military stores, cloathing and comfort for the
APPENDIX.
375
sick, on pack.horses, through a wilderness of 200 miles, filled
with hostile savages. It was impossible, sir, that this little
army, worn down by fatigue, by sickness, by wounds, and
deaths, could have supported itself not only against the collected force of all the northern nations of Indians; but against the
united strength of Upper Canada, whose population consists of
more than 20 times the number contained in the territory of
Michigan, aided by the principal part of the regular forges of
the province, and the wealth and influence of the north-west
and other trading establishments among the Indians, which have
in their employment and under their entire control more than
2000 white men. Before I close this despatch, it is a duty I
owe my respectable associates in command, colonels McArthur,
Findley, Cass, and lieutenant-colonel Miller, to express my
obligations to them for the prompt and judicious manner they
have performed their respective duties. If aught has taken
place during the campaign, which is honorable to the army,
these officers are entitled to a large share of it. If the last act
should be disapproved, no part of the censure belongs to them.
I have likewise to express my obligation to general Taylor, who
has performed the duty of quarter-master-general, for his great
exertions in procuring every thing in his department, which it
was possible to furnish, for the convenience of the army ;
likewise to brigade-major Jessop, for the correct and punctual
manner in which he has discharged his duty ; and to the army
generally for their exertion and the zeal they have manifested
for the public interest. The death of Dr. Foster soon after he
arrived at Detroit, was a severe misfortune to the army; it was
increased by the capture of the Chichaga packet, by which the
medicine and hospital stores were lost. He was commencing
the best arrangements in the department of which he was the
principal, with the very small means he possessed. I was
likewise deprived of the necessary services of captain Partridge
by sickness, the only officer of the corps of engineers attached
to the army. All the officers and men have gone to their
respective homes, excepting the 4th United States' regiment, and
376
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
a small part of the 1st," and captain Dyson's company of
artillery. Captain Dyson's company was left at Amherstburg,
and the others are with me prisoners ; they amount to about
310. I have only to solicit an investigation of my conduct, as
early as my situation and the nature of things will admit ; and
to add the further request that the government will not be
unmindful of my associates in captivity, and of the families of
those brave men who have fallen in the contest. I have the
honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
W. HULL, Brig.-Gen.
Commanding the north-western army of the United States.
Hon. W. Eustis, secretary of
the department of war.
en, it n ary
”F-
sr-ar
No. 10.
From major-general Sheaffe to sir G. Prevost.
SIR,
,• &
Fort-George, Oct. 13, 1812.
I have the honor of informing your excellency, that the
enemy made an attack, with considerable force, this morning, before day-light, on the position of Queenstown. On
receiving intelligence of it, major-general Brock immediately
proceeded to that post ; and, I am excessively grieved in having
to add, that he fell whilst gallantly cheering his troops to an
exertion for maintaining it. With him the position was lost :
but the enemy was not allowed to retain it long, reinforcements
having been sent up from this post, composed of regular troops,
militia, and Indians, a movement m as made to turn his left,
while some artillery, under the able direction of captain Ifolcroft, supported by a body of infantry, engaged his attention
in front. This operation was aided too by the judicious posi.
tion which Norton, and the Indians with him, had taken on
the woody brow of the high ground above Queenstown. A
377
communication being thus opened with Chippeway, a junction
was formed with succours that had been ordered from that post.
The enemy was then attacked, and after a short but spirited
conflict, was completely defeated. I had the satisfaction of
receiving the sword of their commander, brigadier-general
Wadsworth, on the field of battle, and many officers, with 900
men, were made prisoners, and more may yet be expected. A
stand of colours, and one 6-pounder, were also taken. The
action did not terminate till nearly three o'clock in the afternoon, and their loss, in killed and wounded, must have been
considerable. Ours, I believe to have been comparatively
small in numbers : no officer was killed besides major-general
Brock, one of the most gallant and zealous officers in his
majesty's service, whose loss cannot be too much deplored, and
lieutenant-colonel Macdonnell, provincial aide de camp, whose
gallantry and merit render him worthy of his chief.
Captains Dennis and Williams, commanding the flank-companies of the 49th regiment, who were stationed at Queenstown,
were wounded, bravely contending at the head of their men
against superior numbers ; but I am glad to have it in my
as able to
power to add, that captain Dennis fortunately was
keep the field, though it was with pail and difficulty ; and
captain Williams's wound is not likely long to deprive me of his
services.
I am particularly indebted to captain Holcroft of the royal
artillery, for his judicious and skilful co-operation with the
guns and howitzers under his immediate superintendence; their
well-directed fire contributed materially to the fortunate result
of the day.
Captain Derenzy of the 41st regiment, brought up the reinfcrcement of that corps from Fort-George, and captain
Bullock led that of the same regiment from Chippeway; and
under their commands those detachments acquitted themselves
in such a manner, as to sustain the reputation which the 41st
regiment had already acquired in the vicinity of Detroit.
Major-general Brock, soon after his arrival at Queenstown,
378 APPENDIX.
had sent down orders for battering the American Fort-Niagara.
Brigade-major Evans, who was left in charge of Fort-George,
directed the operations against it with so much effect, as to
silence its fires, and to force the troops to abandon it ; and by
his prudent precautions, he prevented mischief of a most serious
nature, which otherwise might have been effected, the enemy
having used heated shot in firing at Fort-George. In these
services he was most effectually aided by colonel Claus, (w ho
remained in the fort at my desire,) and by captain Vigorcaux,
of the royal engineers. Brigade-major Evans also mentions
the conduct of captains Powell and Cameron, of the militiaartillery, in terms of commendation.
Lieutenant Crowther, of the 41st regiment, had charge of two
3-pounders that had accompanied the movement of our little
corps, and they were employed with good effect.
Captain Glegg, of the 49th regiment, aide-de-camp to our
lamented friend and general, afforded me most essential assistance; and I found the services of lieutenant Fowler of the
41st regiment, assistant-deputy-quarter-master-general, very
useful. I derived much aid, too, from the activity and intelli.
gence of lieutenant Kerr, of the Glengarry feucibles, whom I
employed in communicating with the Indians and other flanking.
parties.
I was unfortunately deprived of the aid of the experience and
ability of lieutenant-colonel Myers, deputy quarter-master.
general, who had been sent up to Fort-Erie a few days before
on duty, which detained him there.
Lieutenant-colonels Butler and Clark of the militia ; and
captains Hatt, Durand, Rowe, Applegarth, James, Crooks,
Cooper, Robert Hamilton, M'Ewen, and Duncan Cameron;
and lieutenants Richardson and Thomas Butler, commanding
flank-companies of the Lincoln and York militia, led their
men into action with great spirit. Major Merritt, commanding
the Niagara dragoons, accompanied me, and gave much assistance, with part of his corps. Captain A. Hamilton, belonging
to it was disabled from riding, and attached himself to the guns
APPENDIX.
379
under captain Holcroft, who speaks highly of his activity
and usefulness. I beg leave to add, that volunteers Shaw,
Thomson and Jarvis, attached to the flank companies of the
49th regiment, conducted themselves with great spirit ; the first
having been wounded, and the last having been taken prisoner.
I beg leave to recommend these young men to your excellency's
notice. Norton is wounded, but not badly ; he and the Indians
particularly distinguished themselves, and I have very great
satisfaction in assuring your excellency, that the spirit and
good conduct of his majesty's troops, of the militia, and of the
other provincial corps, were eminently conspicuous on this
occasion.
I have not been able to ascertain yet the number of troops,
or of those of the enemy engaged ; ours, I believe, did not
exceed the number of the prisoners we have taken : and their
advance, which effected a landing, probably amounted to 13 or
1400 men.
I shall do myself the honor of transmitting to your excellency further details, when I shall have received the several
reports of the occurrences which did not pass under my own
observation, with the return of the casualties, and those of
the killed and wounded, and of the ordnance taken.
I have the honor to be, &c.
R. H. SHEAFFE. maj.-gen.
(Signed)
To his excellency sir George Prevost, bart. &c.
No. 11.
From general Van Rensselaer, to the American secretary of
war.
Head-quarters, Lewistown, October 14th, 181'2.
SIR,
As the movements of this army under my command, since I
had last the honor to address you on the 8th, have been of a
380 APPENDIX.
very important character, producing consequences serious to
many individuals ; establishing facts actually connected with
the interest of the service and the safety of the army ; and as
I stand prominently responsible for some of these consequences,
I beg leave to explain to you, sir, and through you to my
country, the situation and circumstances in which 1 have had
to act, and the reasons and motives which governed me; and
if the result is not all that might have been wished, it is such
that, when the whole ground shall be viewed, 1 shall cheerfully
submit myself to the judgment of my country.
In my letter of the 8th instant, I apprised you that the
crisis in this campaign was rapidly advancing; and that (to
repeat the same) 4( the blow must be soon struck, or all the
toil and expense of the campaign will go for nothing, for the
whole will be tinged with dishonor."
Under such impressions, I had, on the 5th instant, written
to brigadier-generel Smyth, of the United States forces;
requesting an interview with him, major-general llall, and the
commandants of regiments, for the purpose of conferring upon
the subject of future operations. I wrote major-general Hall
to the same purport. On the 11 th had received no answer
from general Smyth : but in a note to me of the 10th, general
Hall mentioned that general Smyth had not yet then agreed
upon any day for the consultation.
In the mean time, the partial success of lieutenant Elliott at
Black Rock (of which, however, I have received no official
information) began to excite a strong disposition in the troops
to act. This was expressed to me through various channels, in
the shape of an alternative ; that they must have orders to act,
or at all hazards they would go home. 1 forbear here commenting upon the obvious consequences, to me personally, of
longer withholding my orders under such circumstances.
I had a conference with —, as to the possibility of getting
some person to pass over into Canada, and obtain correct
information. On the ttlorning of the 4th, he wrote to me
that he had procured the man, who bore his letter to go over.
APPENDIX.
4
381
Instructions were given him : he passed over, and obtained such
information as warranted an immediate attack. This was
confidently communicated to several of my first officers, and
produced great zeal to act ; more especially as it might have
a controlling effect upon the movement at Detroit, where it
was supposed that general Brock had gone with all the force
he dared to spare from the Niagara frontier. The best preparations in my power, were therefore made to dislodge the
enemy from the heights of Queenstown, and possess ourselves
of the village; where the troops might be sheltered from the
distressing inclemency of the weather.
Lieutenant-colonel Fleming's flying artillery, and a detachment of regular troops under his command, were ordered to be
up in season from Fort-Niagara. Orders were also sent
general Smyth, to send down from Buffaloe, such detachment
of his brigade as existing circumstances in that vicinity might
warrant. The attack was to be made at 3 o'clock, on the
morning of the 11th, by crossing over in boats from the old
ferry opposite the heights. To avoid any embarrassment in
crossing the river, (which is here a sheet of violent eddies,)
experienced boatmen were procured, to take the boats, from
the landing below to the place of embarkation. Lieutenant Sim
was considered the man of the greatest skill for this service ; he
went a-head, and, in the extreme darkness, passed the intended
place far up the river ; and there, in a most extraordinary
manner, fastened his boat to the shore, and abandoned the
detachment. In this front boat he had carried nearly all the
oars, which were prepared for the boats. In this agonizing
dilemma stood officers and men, whose ardor had not been
cooled by exposure, through the night, to one of the most
tremendous north-east storms, which continued unabated for
28 hours, and deluged the whole camp. Colonel Van Rensselaer
was to have commanded the detachment.
After this result, I had hoped that the patience of the troops
would have continued, until I could submit the plan suggested
in my letter of the 8th, that I might act under, and in-con-
38e APPENDIX.
formity to, the opinion which might be then expressed. But
my hope was idle; the previously excited ardor seemed to have
gained new heat from the late miscarriage ; the brave men were
mortified to stop short of their object, and the timid thought
laurels half won by the attempt.
On •the morning of the 12th, such was the pressure upon me
from all quarters, that I became satisfied that my refusal to act
might involve me in suspicion, and the service in disgrace. 4'
Lieutenant-colonel Christie, who had just arrived at the
Four-mile Creek, and had, late in the night of the 1st, contemplated an attack, gallantly offered ,me his own and his men's
services: but he got my permission too late. He now again
came forward, had a conference with colonel Van Rensselaer,
and begged that lie might have the honor of a command in the
expedition. The arrangement was made. Colonel Van
4ensselaer was to command one column of 300 militia ; and
lieutenant-colonel Christie a column of the same number of
!regular troops.
Every precaution was now adopted as to boats, and the most
;confidential and experienced men to manage them. At an early
Amur in the night, lieutenant-colonel Christie marched his
,detachment by the ,rear road from Niagara to the camp. At
7 in the evening, lieutenant-colonel Stranahan's regiment
moved from Niagara falls : at 8 o'clock, Mead's, and at 9,
lieutenant-colonel Bland's regiment marched from the same
place. All were in camp in good •season. Agreeably to my
,prders issued upon this occasion, the two columns were to pass
-over together ; as soon as the heights should be carried,
lieutenant-colonel Fen wick's flying artillery was to pass over ;
11
-then major Mullany's detachment of regulars ; and ,the other 41 1.I
-.troops to follow in order.
Colonel Vawitensselaer, with great presence of mind, ordered
his officers to proceed with rapidity, and storm the fort. This
service was gallantly performed, and the enemy driven down
the hill in every direction. Soon after this, both parties were
onsiderably reill.foreed, and the conflict was renewed in vari.
APPENDIX.
283
ous places. Many of the enemy took shelter behind a stone
guardhouse, where a piece of ordnance was now briskly served:
I ordered the fire of our battery to be directed upon the guard.
house ; and It was so effectually done, that with eight or ten
shot the fire was silenced. The enemy then retreated behind a
large stone house ; but in a short time the route became general,
and the enemy's fire was silenced, except from a one-gun battery, so far down the river as to be out of the reach of our
heavy ordnance ; and our light pieces could not silence it. A
number of boats now passed over unannoyed, except by the one
unsilenced gun. For sometime after I passed over, the victory
appeared complete : but in expectation of further attacks, I
was taking measures for fortifying my camp immediately ; the
direction of this service I committed to lieutenant Totten, of
the engineers. But very soon the enemy were reinforced, by a
detachment of several hundred Indians from Chippeway ; they
commenced a furious attack ; but were promptly met and routed
by the rifle and bayonet. By this time I perceived my troops
were embarking very slowly. I passed immediately over to
accelerate their movements ; but, to my utter astonishment, I
found that, at the very moment when complete victory was in
our hands, the ardor of tthe unengaged troops had entirely
subsided. I rode in all directions ; urged the men by every
consideration to pass over, but in vain. Lieutenant-col. Bloom,
who had been wounded in action, returned, mounted his horse,
and rode through the camp; as did also judge Peck, who happened to be here, exhorting the companies to proceed—but all
in vain.
At this time a large reinforcement from Fort-George was
discovered coming up the river. As the battery on the hill was
considered an important check against their ascending the
heights, measures were immediately taken to send them a fresh
supply of ammunition, as I learnt there were only left 20 shot
for the 18-pounders. The reinforcements, however, obliqued
to the right from the road, and formed a junction with the In.
411 dians, in the rear of the heights. Finding, to my infinite mor-
384 APPENDIX.
titication, that no reinforcement would pass over ; seeing that
another severe conflict must soon commence ; and knowing
that the brave men at the heights were quite exhausted, and
nearly out of ammunition ; all I could do, was to send them a
fresh supply of cartridges. At this critical moment I despatched
a note to general Wadsworth, acquainting him with our situation : leaving the course to be pursued much to his own judg.
ment ; with assurance that if he thought best to retreat, I
would endeavour to send as many boats as I could command,
and cover his retreat by every fire I could safely make. But
the boats were dispersed ; many of the boatmen had fled, panic
struck ; and but few got off. My note, however, could but
Little more than have reached general W. about 4 o'clock, when
a most severe and obstinate conflict commenced, and continued
for about half an hour, with a tremendous fire of cannon, flying
artillery, and musketry. The enemy succeeded in re-possessing
their battery, and gaining advantage on every side ; the brave
men who had gained the victory, being exhausted of strength
and ammunition, and grieved at the unpardonable neglect of
their fellow soldiers, gave up the conflict..
I can only add, that the victory was really won ; but lost
for the want of a small reinforcement; one-third part of the
idle men might have saved all.
I have Om honor to be, &c.
,t7
STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER,.
Hen. William Eustis, secretary of war.
No. 12.
From captain Wool to colonel Van Rensselaer.
DEAR SIR,
Buffaloe, Oct.'23, l 81R.
I have the honour to communicate to you the circumstances
attending the storming of Queenstown battery, on the 13th inst.;
APPENDIX.
385
with those which happened previously you are already well
acquainted.
In pursuance of your order, we proceeded round the point
and ascended the rocks, which brought us partly in rear of the
battery. We took it without much resistance. I immediately
a formed the troops in rear of the battery, and fronting the village, when I observed general Brock with his troops formed,
consisting of four companies of the 49th regiment, and a few
militia, marching for our left flank. I immediately detached a
party of 150 men, to take possession of the heights above
Queenstown battery, and to hold general Brock in check ; but
in consequence of his superior force they retreated. I sent a
reinforcement ; notwithstanding which, the enemy drove us to
the edge of the hank : when, with the greatest exertions, we
brought the troops to a stand, and ordered the officers to bring
their men to a charge as soon as the ammunition was expended,
which was executed with some confusion, and in a few moments
the enemy retreated. We pursued them to the edge of the
heights, when colonel M'Donald had his horse shot from under
him, and himself was mortally wounded. In the interim, gene.
ral Brock, in attempting to rally his forces, was killed, when
the enemy dispersed in every direction. As soon as it was
practicable, I formed the troops in a line on the heights fronting the village, and immediately detached flanking parties,
which consisted of captain 11achesney of the 6th regiment,
lieutenant Smith, and ensign Grosvenor, with a small detachment of riflemen, who had that moment arrived ; at the same
time, I ordered lieutenant Ganesvoort and lieutenant Randolph,
with a detachment of artillery, to drill out an 18-pounder which
had been previously spiked, and if possible to bring it to bear
upon the village. The wounded and prisoners I ordered to be
collected, and sent to the guard-house. About this time, which
was about three or four o'clock in the afternoon, lieutenantcol. Christie arrived, and took the command. 1-le ordered me
across the river to get my wounds dressed. I remained a short
ti me. Our flanking parties had been driven in by the Indians ;
VOL. 1.
0C
-
APPENDIX.
but general Wadsworth and other officers arriving, we had a
short skirmish with them, and they retreated, and I crossed t
river. ' 't -
,
The officers engaged in storming the battery, were captains
Wool and Ogilvie ; lieutenants Kearney, Hugonin, Carr, and a
Simmons, of the 43d regiment ; lieutenants Ganesvoort and
Randolph of the light artillery, and major Lush of the militia. •
I recommend to your particular notice lieutenants Randolph, -Carr, and Kearney, for their brave conduct exhibited
during the whole of the action:
I have the honour to be,
21 1r
Your most obedient humble servant,
JOHN E. WOOL, capt. 12t1fregt. inf.
;?
Colonel S.: Van Ransselacr.
agile ,
................................
e•••■■ welt
2; at6 •
s
No. 13.
licute nant-eol. Bis;i bppid Mayor
. Sheaffe.
7 ,;•‘;!
Frenchman's Creek, near Fort Erie,
'n•
Dec. 1, 1812.
-,have the honor to inform you, that, on the morning of
the 28th ultimo, between 4 and 5 o'clock, a firing was heard at
Chippeway, on the right of the line under my command. I pro,
ceeded instantly in that direction, having given orders for captain Kerby, of the militia artillery, with a light 6-pounder,
captain Saunders's detachment of the 41st regiment, and captain
Hamilton's company of the 2d Lincoln militia, to march, under
the command of lieutenant-col. Clark, to reinforce the right.
On my arrival within six miles of Fort-Erie, I overtook
major Hatt, of the 5th Lincoln regiment, with the militia under
his command, -intending to march to oppose the enemy : a detachment of the 49th regiment, and the light company of the
41st regiment, under the command of lieutenant ill'Intyre.
-
having retreated to this position.
APPENDIC
Vito
387
Major Ormsby informs me, that, about '2 o'clock in the
orning, the enemy, consisting of about 400 men, many of
vhom were sailors, effected a landing at the Red House;oppo.
site the quarters of lieutenant Lamont, 49th regiment, and succeeded in gaining possession of the batteries, after having been
most gallantly and warmly opposed by lieutenant King, of the
royal artillery, commanding two field-pieces, and lieutenant
Lamont, with a party, consisting of about 30 men only ; the
remainder of his detachment being stationed at the two batteries
on his right: Both these officers were severely wounded,:' the
former taken' prisoner. -" Captain Bostwick, cbmmanding the
Norfolk militia, stationed at the ferry, on hearing the report
of musketry, immediately ordered the men under his command
to form, and march to the point Of attackl'after having ex.
changed a few rounds with the enemy, and finding he was of
superior force, he retired. Lieutenant Bryson, of' the militiaartillery, finding the enemy gaining possession of the batteries,
and being unable to defend himself against such a superior
force, immediately spiked the 24-pounder in the half-moon battery, prior to its falling into the hands of the enemy. The
sentries at Fort Erie hearing a firingitrthe directidifof the bat.
teries, major Ormsby marched at 2 o'clock, with the detach.
' - en, to meet the y
meat of the 49th regiment, consisting of 80 tn
enemy, and to support the'batteries; leaving captain Whelan,
according to directions I'had before given in eas orin attack,
#
-
to defend that fortress. Major Ormsby advancertfO4ards 'the
lieutetiant'intnontV
batteries, by the back road, to support
., .
.
but having met with lieutenant 13ry'son, of the inilitia-artillery;
th e
who informed him thit the enemy were in possession &La
l
,'iiittt
batteries, and it being then dark, he changed his diredtae
moved to the right alOti4 the 'front road, 'below theliaffe'ries,
with a view of falling in with some part orlieutenant Lamont's
detachment; and likewise another party on the left, consisting
of 35 men; stationed opposite to the end of Squaw Island,
commanded by lieutenant Bartley; but who,' It appears, had
Moved from thence, early' in the morning 'toihe left, where
-
cc2•
388
APPENDIX.
the enemy had likewise landed their troops, opposite to this
place.
Lieutenant Bartley attacked the enemy, consisting of about
e50 men, and kept up a fire upon the boats for about 15 or 20
minutes, when he observed a party coming towards him, which
he took to be our militia ; but, finding them to be a party of
the enemy, and a number of his men being killed, wounded, or
missing, he retired, Grossing Frenchman's Creek at the mill ;
a little above which he joined major Ormsby, having only 16
or 17 men left. Major Ormsby, whose detachment continued
their march to Frenchman's creek, was fired on from a house
above the bridge by a party of the enemy ; and having re.
turned their fire with two or three rounds from his detach.
ment, he succeeded in passing the bridge, although partly
destroyed by the enemy. Ile here halted, to ascertain the force
opposed to him ; but as it still continued very dark, he could
neither see the enemy, nor discover his movements. He then
proceeded about a mile further on the road downward, where
he was joined by lieutenant M'Intyre, of the light infantry,
41st regiment, and remained there until day-light ; when I arrived, and immediately advanced with the whole of the force
here concentrated under major Ormsby, and major Hatt of the
5th Lincoln militia, having under his command the different
companies of militia on this line, consisting of about 300 men,
towards this place, with a light 6-pounder, where we took
captain King, of the United States' infantry, and about 30
rank and file, prisoners. The enemy, at this time, were cross.
ing the river with a considerable numer of boats, having about
30 men in each, making towards the land. I ordered the 6pounder to open upon them, which was ably directed by
bombardier Jackson, of the royal artillery, and acted with
much execution. I formed the line on the bank, major Ormsby
and the 49th being on the right. After a few rounds from our
musketry the enemy retired to the American shore, behind
Squaw Island, having sustained considerable loss. The Indian'
warriors, under major Given, having heard the report of our
APPENDIX.
396
fire, immediately joined us : I then marched with the light
company of the 41st to ascertain the number and position of
the enemy in our front, in which movement I received the
greatest assistance from major Given, and the Indians under his
command. The enemy had dismounted the guns, and left the
batteries : I ordered the line to advance, and took up a position in their rear, waiting his further operations. I had been
joined by lieutenant-col. Clark, and his detachment, from
Chippeway. Captain Whelan still continued in Fort-Erie, and
had not been attacked during the absence of major Ormsby and
his detachment. The enemy kept up a strong fire on our lines
from their batteries till one o'lock ; when a flag of truce came
over to summon Fort-Erie, and to demand the surrender of
that fort to the American army. A copy of general Smyth's
letter accompanies this despatch. I sent captain Fitzgerald of
the 49th regiment with my answer, which was---' that the troops
under my command being sufficient to repulse any attack from the
enemy ; and having received reinforcements from below, I should
not agree to his request." The 6-pounder taken by the enemy
in the morning, as likewise the 3-pounders, were found without
having sustained the least injury. Great credit is due to captain Kerby and his artillery, for their exertions in getting up the
guns on the batteries ; which, by the morning of the 30th, we
succeeded in, and have been ever since in expectation of an
attack, but which the enemy do not think proper to make. To
captain Kerby, lieutenants Bryson and Hall of the militia-artillery , and bombardier Jackson of the royal artillery, the greatest
credit is due ; as well as to lieutenant-col. Nichol, quarter.
master-general of militia, and lieutenant Bernard, acting staff.
adjutant. I have also derived the greatest assistance from
lieutenant-col. Clark, commanding the militia ; major Ormsby,
commanding a detachment of the 49th regiment ; and major
Hatt, of the 5th Lincoln militia, and all officers in command of
corps and companies under my orders. The Norfolk militia,
under captain Bostwick, gave a strong proof of the valor
-
which has uniformly distinguished the militia of this country
390
391
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
when called into action. X must likewise mention the names of
captain Whelan, of the Newfoundland regiment; captains Chan.
bers and Saunders, of the 41st ; captain Fitzgerald, 49th; and
captain Hamilton, of the 2d Lincoln militia, who first apprized
me of the enemy's movement.
•ftl
I enclose a list of the killed, wounded, and missing. I have
not been able to ascertain the loss of the enemy ; but, from the
numbers left on the field, and the boats that were sunk, it must
have been very great.
i,„ i,
I have the honor, to be,
p9nil
CZCIL AISSHOEArlieut. col. commanding.
o
'
;
Keturn 9l lulled ? 'wounded, and missing, of the following
„ corps of the division of the army serving in Upper Canada,
•
r :under : the command of major-general Sheaffe, in an affair
with the enemy on the 21st and `28th Nov.
of
1043./11
;
Officers, wounded !,
Royal artillery—Lieutenant King,- severely, and taken
prisoner.
49th foot—Lieutenant Lamont, severely.
Norfolk militia—Captain' Bostwick, slightly ; lieutenant
1st
Byerson, severely. THOMAS EVANS, major of brigade.
To major-general Sheaffe,
&c. &c. &c.
R
-
21 st NO 4nber.---Royal artillery ;-1rEtnk and file, wounded.
49th foot; 1 rank and file,
.
28th November.—Royal artillery ;-=1 rank and file, killed ; 1
-
lieutenant,"1' rank and file, wounded. "
49th foot;;-12 rank and file, killed ; lieutenant, 3 serjeants,
-
22 rank rand file, wounded ; 3 drummers, 21 rank and file,
missing.
Militia artillery ;-1 serjeant, wounded.
1st regiment, Norfolk militia ; —1 serjeant, killed; 1 captain,
1 lieutenant, 8 rank and file, wounded ; 2 rank and file, missing.
2d regiment, Norfolk militia ; 1 rank and file, killed; 7 rank
and file wounded ; 4 rank and file missing.
" Total loss ;-14 rank and file, (line,) 1 serjeant, 1 rank
and file, (militia,) killed ; 2 lieutenants, 3 serjeants, 24
rank and tile, (line,) 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 15
rank and file, (militia,) wounded ; 3 drummers, 21 rank and
file, (line,) . 11 rank and file, (militia,) missing.'
General total; 1 serjeant, 16 rank and file, killed ; 1 cap_
taro, 3 lieutenants, 4 serjeants, 39 rankand file, wounded ; 3
drummers, 32 rank and file, missing.
-
"?. o tmlif
No. 14.
cLa
..111;1.54T
otriz1
General Smyth's Proclamation. -,13 'to sue to
;Al
T9 the men of New York.
For many years you have seen your country oppressed with
numerous wrongs. Your government, although above all
others, devoted to peace, have been forced to draw the sword,
and rely for redress of injuries on the valor of the American
people.
That valor has been conspicuous. But the nation has been
unfortunate in the selection of some of those who directed it.
One army has been disgracefully surrendered and lost. Another
has been sacrificed by a precipitate attempt to pass it over at
the strongest point of the enemy's lines, with most incompetent
means. The cause of these miscarriages is apparent. The
commanders were popular men, " destitute alike of theory
and experience" in the art of war.
In a few days the troops under my command will plant the
American standard in Canada. They are men accustomed to
obedience, silence, and steadiness. They will conquer or they
will die.
Will you stand with your arms folded, and look on this
IMF
392 APPENDIX.
interesting struggle ? Are you not related to the men who
fought at Bennington and Saratoga ? Has the race degenerated ?
Or have you, under the baneful influence of contending
factions, forgotten your country? Must I turn from you,
and ask the men of the six nations to support the government
of the United States ? Shall I imitate the officers of the British
king, and suffer our ungathered laurels to be tarnished with
ruthless deeds ? Shame, where is thy blush ! No. Where I
command, the vanquished and the peaceful man, the child, the
maid, and the matron shall be secure from wrong. If we
conquer, we will " conquer but to save."
Men of New York!
The present is the hour of renown. Have you not a wish
for fame ? Would you not choose in future times to be named
as one of those, who, imitating the heroes whom Montgomery
led, have, in spite of the seasons, visited the tomb of the
chief, and conquered the country where he lies ? Yes. You
desire your share of fame. Then seize the present moment : if
you do not, you will regret it ; and say, " the valiant have
bled in vain ; the friends of my country fell—and I was not
there."
Advance, then, to our aid. I will wait for you a few days.
I cannot give you the day of my departure. But eeme on.
Come in companies, half companies, pairs, or singly. I will
organize you for a short tour. Ride to this place, if the
distance is far, and send back your horses. But remember,
that every man who accompanies us, places himself under
rcy command, and shall submit to the salutary restraints of
discipline.
ALEX. SMYTH, brig—gen.
Camp, near Buffaloe, Nov. 10, 1812.
ti
a s (64140
393
APPENDIX.
No. 15.
. 3R
ri
From brigadier-general Smyth, to lieutenant-colonel Bisshopp.
Sru,
As you have seen a part of the hourly encreasing force under
my command, I propose to you the surrender of Fort-Erie, to
spare the effusion of blood. I take the opporunity to assure you,
that the devastation you have witnessed has been committed
by sailors not under my authority, and against my will.
Very respectfully,
Your most obedient,
ALEXANDER SMYTH, brig.-gen.
I
Colonel Bisshopp, commanding the
, Fort-Erie.
British ar n1y
1 1.
November 5th, 181.
No. 16.
'''''
)4
'from major Macdonnell, to sir G. Prevost.
Prescott, February 23, 1513
I have the honor to acquaint you, for the information of his
excellency the commander of the forces, that, in consequence of
the commands of his excellency to retaliate, under favorable
circumstances, upon the enemy, for his late wanton aggressions
on this frontier, I this morning, about 7 o'clock, crossed the
river St. Lawrence upon the ice, and attacked and carried,
after a little more than an hour's action, his position in and neat
the opposite town of Ogdenburg, taking eleven pieces of
cannon, and all his ordnance, marine, commissariat, and quarter-master-general's stores, four officers and 70 prisoners, and
394
APPENDIX.
burning two armed schooners, and two large gun-boats, and
both his barracks.
My force consisted of about 480 regulars and militia, and
was divided into two columns : the right commanded by
captain Jenkins, of the Glengarry light infantry fencibles, was
composed of his own flank company, and about 70 militia;
and, from the state of the ice, and the enemy's position in the
old French fort, was .directed to check his left, and interrupt
his retreat, whilst I
moved on „with the left column, consisting
of 120 of the king's regiment, 40 of the royal Newfoundland
corps, and about 200 militia, towards his position in the town,
where he had posted his heavy field artillery. The depth of
the snow in some degree retarded the advance of both columns,
and exposed them, particularly the right, to a heavy cross fire
from the batteries of the enemy, for a longer period than I had
expected; but pushing on rapidly after the batteries began to
open upon us, the left column soon gained the right bank of
the river, under the direct fire of his artillery and line of
musketry, posted on an eminence near the shore ; moving on
rapidly, my advance, consisting of the royal Newfoundland
and some select militia, I turned his right with the detachment
of the king's regiment, and after a few discharges from his
artillery, took them with the bayonet, and drove his infantry
through the town ; some escaping across the Black river into
the
fort, but the majority fled to the woods, or sought refuge
in the houses, from whence they kept such a galling fire, that
it was necessary to dislodge them with our field-pieces, which
now came up from the bank of the river, where they had stuck,
on landing, in the deep snow.
‘
-
Having gained the high ground on the brink of the Black
river, opposite the fort, I prepared to carry it by storm ; but
the men being quite exhausted; I procured time for them to
recover breath, by sending in a summons, requiring an uncon.
ditional surrender., During these transactions, captain Jenkins
had gallantly led on his column, and had been exposed to a
heavy fire of seven guns, which he bravely attempted to take
APPENDIX.
395
with the bayonet, though covered with 200 of the enemy's.
best troops : advancing as rapidly as the deep snow, and the
exhausted state (in consequence) of his men, would admit, he
ordered a charge, and had not proceeded many paces, when
his left arm was broken to pieces by a grape-shot ; but still
ondauntedly running on with his men, he ahnost immediately
afterwards was deprived of the use of his right arm, by a
discharge of case-shot ; still heroically disregarding all personal
consideration, he nobly ran on, cheering his men, to the assault,
till, exhausted by pain and loss of blood, he became unable to
move ; his company gallantly continued the charge under lieutenautiVI'Auley ; but the reserve of the militia not being able to
keep up with them, they were compelled, by the great superiority of the enemy, to give way, leaving a few on a commanding position, and a few of the most advanced, in the enemy's
possession, nearly about the time that I gained the height above
mentioned. The enemy hesitating to surrender, I instantly
carried his eastern battery, and by it silenced another, which
now opened again ; and ordering on the advance the detachment of the king's, and the Highland company of militia, under
captain Eustace, of the ,king's regiment, he gallantly rushed
into the fort ; but the enemy retreating by the opposite
entrance, escaped into the woods, which I should have
effectually prevented, if my Indian warriors had returned
sooner from a detached service, on which they had that morning
,;
been employed.
- I cannot close this statement without expressing my admiration of the gallantry and self-devotion of captain Jenkins, who
had lost one arm, and is in danger of losing the other. I must
also report the intrepidity of captain Lefievre, of the Newfond.
land regiment, who had the immediate charge of the militia
under colonel Fraser ; of captain Eustace, and the other officers
of the king's regiment ; and particularly of lieutenant Ridge,
of that corps, who very gallantly led on the advance ; 'and of
lieutenant M'Auley, and ensign M'Donuell, of the Glengarry
regiment ; as also lieutenant Gangueben, of the royal engineers ;
396
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
and of ensign M'Kay, of the Glengarry light-infantry ; and of
ensign Kerr, of the militia, each of whom had charge of a field.
piece ; and of lieutenant Impey, of the militia, who has lost a
leg. I was also well supported by colonel Fraser and the other
officers and men of the militia, who emulated the conspicuous
bravery of all the troops of the line. I inclose a list of killed
and wounded. The enemy had 500 men under arms, and most
have sustained a considerable loss.
I have the honor to be, &c.
G. MACDONNELL, major, Glengarry light.
infantry, lieutenant-colonel, commanding
in the eastern district of Upper Canada.
Sir G. Prevost, &e.
Return of the killed and wounded in the action of the 22tI of
February, 1813.
Royal artilley i 2 rank and file, killed.
8th; (or king's regiment;) 1 scrjeant, killed ; 1 subaltern,
-
-
12 rank and file, wounded.
Glengarry light infantry ; 2 rank and file, killed ; 1 captain,
1 subaltern, 3 serjeants, 9 rank and file, wounded.
Total loss ;-1 serjeant, 7 rank and file, killed ; 1 ficld.officer,
2 captains, 5 subalterns, 4 serjeants, 40 rank and file, wounded.
-
-
Names of officers wounded.
Sth; (or king's regiment;) — Ensign Powell.
Glengarry regiment;—Lieutenant-colonel Macdonnell, cap.
tain Jenkins, and ensign
Militia ; Captain M c Donnell, and lieutenants Impey,
M‘Lcan, and INI'Dound.
—, ,
EDWARD BAYNES,
Adjutant-general, North America.
397,
No. 17.
r t.:g From major-general Sheaffe to sir G. Prevost.
.
SIR,
Kingston, May 5th, 1813.
I did myself the honor of writing to your excellency, on my
route from York, to communicate the mortifying intelligence
that the enemy had obtained possession of that place on the
27th of April. I shall now give your excellency a further
detail of that event.
In the evening of the 26th, information was received that
many vessels had been seen to the eastward. Very early the
nest morning, they were discovered lying-to, not far from the
harbor : after some time had elapsed, they made sail, and to
the number of 16, of various descriptions, anchored off the
shore, some distance to the westward. Boats full of troops
were immediately seen assembling near their commodore's ship,
under cover of whose fire, and that of other vessels, and aided
by the wind, they soon effected a landing, in spite of a spirited
opposition from major Givens, and about 40 Indians. A.
company of Glengarry light-infantry, which had been ordered
to support them, was, by some mistake, (not in the smallest
degree imputable to its commander,) led in another direction,
and came late into action. -The other troops, consisting of two
companies of the 8th, (or king's regiment,) and about a
company of the royal Newfoundland regiment, with some
militia, encountered the enemy in a thick wood. Captain
M'Neal, of the king's regiment, was killed while gallantly
leading his company, which suffered severely. The troops, at
length, fell back ; they rallied several times, but could not
maintain the contest against the greatly superior and increasing
numbers of the enemy. They retired under cover of our
batteries, which were engaged with some of the enemy's vessels
that had moved nigher to the harbor. - By some unfortunate
accident the magazine at the western battery, blew up, and
killed and wounded a considerable numbcr.of men, and crippled
398
399
APPENDIX':
APPENDIX.
the battery. It became too evident that our numbers and meant
of defence were inadequate to the task of maintaining possession
of York against the vast superiority of force brought against
it. The troops were withdrawn towards the town, and were
finally ordered to retreat on the road to Kingston ; the powder.
magazine was blown up, and the new ship and the naval-stores
destroyed. Lieutenant-colonel Chervett and major Allan, of
the militia, residents in the town, were instructed to treat with
the American commanders for terms : a statement of those
agreed on with major-general Dearborn and commodore
Chauncey, is transmitted to your excellency, with returns of
the killed and wounded, &c. The accounts of the number of
the enemy vary from 1890 to 3000. We had about 600,
including militia and dock-yardmen. The quality of these troops
was of so superior a description, and their general disposition
so good, that under less unfavorable circumstances, I should
have felt confident of success, in spite of the desparity of
numbers. As it was, the contest, which commenced between
six and seven o'clock, was maintained for nearly eight hours.
When we had proceeded some miles from York, we met the
light-company of the king's regiment, on its route for Fort.
George : it retired with us and covered the retreat, which was
effected without molestation from the enemy.
I have the honor to be; 8M.
R. H. SIIEAFFE,' major-general,
His excellency sir George Prevost, &c.
serjeants, 40 rank and file, killed; 2 serjeants, 21 rank and
file, wounded ; 1 serjeant, 25 rank and file, wounded and
prisoners ; 2 rank and file, prisoners; 1 rank and file, missing.
Newfoundland regiment ;= 1 serjeant, 1 drummer, 10 rank
-
and file, killed ; 1 drummer, 6 rank and file, wounded ; 1
lieutenant, 3 serjeants, 1 drummer, 8 rank and file, wounded
and prisoners ; e rank and file, prisoners; 2 rank and hle,
missing.
Glengarry light infantry ;
-
2 rank and file, killed; 1 en-
sign, 3 rank and file, wounded ;. 3 rank and file, missing.
49th regiment ; 3 rank and file, wounded and prisoners;
-
rank and file prisoners (these two men were in the hospital at
the time of tine action).
Total ;--1 captain, 1 serjeant-major, 4 serjeants, 1 drummer, 52 rank and file, 3 gunners, killed ; 1 ensign, 2 serjeants, 1 drummer, 30 rank and file, wounded; 1 lieutenant
4 serjeants, 1 drummer, 36 rank and file, 1 driver, wounded
and prisoners; 6 rank and file, 1 bombardier, 3 gunners, prisoners ; 6 rank and file, 1 gunner, missing.
Killed ;
Names of officers killed and wounded.
8th (or kings regiment); captain M'Neal;
1
—
Yo-
-
lunteer D. Macleane, elpFk•of the house of assembly.
Royal Newfoundland regiment Lieutenant
Wounded;
—
D. Koven, prisoner.
Glengarry light infantry ; Ensign Robins, slightly.
General staff ; Captain Loring, 104th regiment, slightly.
HartIncorporated militia; Captain Jarvis, volunteer ;
—
—
—
Return of killed, wounded, prisoners, and missing, of the
troops engaged at York, under the command of sir Roger
Hall Sheaffe, on the 27th ultimo.
—
ney, barrack-master.
r"
.
RICHARD LEONARD,
deputy-assistant-adjutant,general.
;II,
Kingston, May 10th, 1813.
Royal artillery ;
-
3 gunners, killed; 1 driver, wounded and
prisoner ; 1 bombardier, 3 gunners, prisoners ; 1 gunner,
missing.
tith; (or king's regiment ;)--z1 captain, 1 serjeant-majur, 3
EDWD. BAYNES.
Adjutant-general., North America.
400
APPENDIX.
APPEND! X.
No. 18.
Capitulation of York.
I Terms of the capitulation entered into on the 27th of Apr;1 1
1813, for the surrender of the town of York, in Upper
Canada, to the army and navy of the United States, under
the command of major-gen. Dearborn and commodore
Chauncey.
That the troops, regular and militia, at this post, and the
naval officers and seamen, shall be surrendered prisoners of
war ; the troops, regular and militia, to ground their arms
immediately on the parade, and the naval officers and seamen
be immediately surrendered on the parade.
That all public stores, naval and military, shall be immedi•
ately given up to the commanding officers of the army and
navy of the United States.
401
James Cheveet, George Kuck, Edward Thompson, Charles
Dennison, George Dennison, D'Arcy Boulton ; quarter-master
Charles Baynes ; 19 serjeants ; four corporals ; 204 rank and
file; of the field-train department, William Dunbar ; of the
provincial army, one captain, one lieutenant, two midshipmen,
one clerk ; viz.
Captain Francis Grauvreau ; lieutenant Green ; John Ridout,
John Paupre, midshipmen ; James Longsden, clerk ; one
boatswain ; 15 naval artificers ; of his majesty's regular troops,
one lieutenant ; viz. lieutenant De K.oven ; one serjeant-major ;
and of the royal artillery, one bombardier and three gunners,
shall be surrendered prisoners of war, and accounted for in the
exchange of prisoners between the United States and Great
Britain.
G. C. MITCHELL, lieut.-col. 3d artillery, U. S. A.
SAM. S. CONNER, major, and A. D. C. to
major-gen. Dearborn.
That all private property shall be guaranteed to the citizeru
of the town of York.
WM. KING-, major U. S. infantry.
That the papers belonging to the civil officers shall be re•
tained by them.
WM. CHERVET, lieutenant-col. 3d. regiment
York militia.
That such surgeons as may be procured to attend the wounded
of the British regular and Canadian militia, shall not be considered as prisoners of war.
That one lieutenant-colonel, one major, 13 captains, nine
lieutenants, 11 ensigns, one quarter-master, and one deputy
adjutant-general of the militia ; viz.
Lieutenant-col. Chervet; major Wm. Allan ; captains,
John Willson, John Button, Peter Robinson, John Arnold,
James Fenwick, James Mustard, Duncan Cameron, David
Thomson, John Robinson, Samuel Ridout, Thomas flamil.
ton, John Burn, Wm. Jarvie, Lieutenants John Shultz,
George Mustard, Barnet Vanderhurgh, Robert Stanton,
Gorge Ridout, William Jarvis, Edward M‘Mahon, J. Mahon,
J. Wilson, E. Playter ; ensigns Andrew Thompson, A. Smalley, Donald M'Arthur, William Smith, Andrew Mercer,
JESSE D. ELLIOTT, lieutenant U. S. navy.
WM. ALLAN, major 3d regiment York militia.
F. GAUVRAU, lieut. marine department.
York, April 28, 1813.
The foregoing agreement, or terms of capitulation, is approved by us,
'WILLIAM DEARBORN, major-gen,
ISAAC CHAUNCEY, commodore.
VO L.
1.
DD
402
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
NO. 19.
From
ingjor-gen. Dearborn to the American secretary of war
SIR,
Head-quarters, York, capital of Upper Canada,
April 28, 1813.
After a detention of some days by adverse winds, we arrived
at this place yesterday morning, and at 8 o'clock commenced
landing the troops about three miles westward from the town,
and one and a half from the enemy's works. The wind was
high, and in an unfavorable direction for the boats, which prevented the landing of the troops at a clear field, the site of the
ancient French fort, Toronto. It prevented, also, many of the
armed vessels from taking positions which would have most
effectually covered our landing ; but every thing that could be
done was effected.
The riflemen under major Forsythe first landed, under a
heavy fire from the Indians, and other troops. General Sheaffe
commanded in person. He had collected his whole force in the
woods, near the point were the wind compelled our troops to
land. His force consisted of 700 regulars and militia, and 100
Indians. Major Forsythe was supported as promptly as possi.
ble ; but the contest was sharp and severe for near half an hour,
and the enemy were repulsed by a number far inferior to theirs.
As soon as general Pike landed with 7 or 800 men, and the
reminder of the troops were pushing for the shore, the enemy
retreated to their works. Our troops were now formed on the
ground originally intended for their landing, marched through a
thick wood, and after carrying one battery by assault,
were
moving in columns towards the main work ; when within 60
rods of this, a tremendous explosion took place, from a magazine previously prepared, and which blew out such an immense
quantity of stone, as most seriously to injure our troops. I
have not yet been able to collect a
return of the killed and
403
and wounded ; but our loss will, I fear, exceed 100, and among
these I have to lament the loss of that brave and excellent officer, Brigadier-gen. Pike, who received a contusion from a large
stone, which terminated his valuable life in a few hours. His loss
will be severely felt.
Previously to this explosion, the enemy had retired into the
town, excepting a party of regulars, to the number of 40, who
did not escape the effects of the shock, and were destroyed.
General Sheaffe moved off with the regular troops, and left
directions with the commanding-officer of the militia to make
the best terms he could. In the mean time, all further resistance on the part of the enemy ceased, and the outlines of a
capitulation were agreed on.
As soon as I learned that general Pike had been wounded,
I went on shore. To the general I had been induced to confide
the immediate attack, from a knowledge that it was his wish,
and that he would have felt mortified had it not been given to
him.
Every movement was under my view. The troops acted
with great firmness, and deserve much applause, particularly
those first engaged, and under circumstances which would have
tried the steadiness of veterans. •
Our loss in the morning, and in carrying the first battery,
was not great, perhaps 40 or 50 killed and wounded, and of
them a full proportion of officers.
Notwithstanding the enemy's advantage% position and numbers in the commencement of the action, their loss was greater
than ours, especially in officers. It was with great exertion
that the small vessels of the fleet could work ino the harbour
against a gale of wind ; but as soon as they got a proper position, a tremendous cannonade opened upon the enemy's batteries, and was kept up against them until they were carried or
blown up, and had no doubt, a powerful effect upon the
-
enemy.
I am under the greatest obligations to oommodore Chauncey,
for his able and indefatigable exertions in every pooible manner
D I) 2
404 APPENDIX.
which could give facility and effect to the expedition. He is
equally estimable for sound judgment, bravery, and industry.
The government could not have made a more fortunate se.
lection.
Unfortunately, the enemy's armed ship prince Regent left
this place for Kingston a few days before we arrived. A large
ship on the stocks, and nearly planked up, and much naval
stores, were set fire to by the enemy soon after the explosion
of the magazine. A considerable quantity of military stores
and provisions remain, but no vessel fit for use.
We have not the means of transporting prisoners, and must
of course leave them on parole.
I hope we shall so far complete what is necessary to be done
here, as to be able to sail to-morrow for Niagara, whither
send this by a small vessel, with notice to general Lewis of our
approach.
I have the honor to be, &c.
IIENRY DEARBORN.
Hon. gen. J. Armstrong, secretary
of war, Washington.
No.
20.
From commodore Chauncey to the American secretary of the
navy.
U. S. ship Madison, at anchor off York,
April 28th, 1813.
Agreeably to your instructions and arrangements made with
major-gen. Dearborn, I took` on board the squadron under my
command, the general and suite, and about 1700 troops, and
left Sackett's Harbor on the 25th instant for this place. We
arrived here yesterday morning, and took a position about one
mile to the southward and westward of the enemy's principal mil
fort, and as near the shore as we could with safety to the vessel5.
SIR,
APPENDIX.
405
The place fixed upon by the major-general and myself, for landing
the troops, was the site of the old French fort Toronto.
The debarkation commenced about 8 o'clock A.M. and was
completed about 10. The wind blowing heavy from the eastward, the boats fell to leeward of the position fixed upon, and
were, in consequence, exposed to a galling fire from the enemy,
who had taken a position in a thick wood, near where the first
troops landed ; however, the cool intrepidity of the officers and
men overcame every obstacle. Their attack upon the enemy
was so vigorous that he tied in every direction, leaving a great
many of his killed and wounded upon the field. As soon as the
troops were landed, I directed the schooners to take a position
near the fort, in order that the attack upon the enemy by the army
and navy might be simultaneous. The schooners were obliged
to beat up to their position, which they did in a very handsome
order, under a very heavy fire from the enemy's batteries, and
took a position within about 600 yards of their principal fort,
and opened a heavy cannonade upon the enemy, which did great
execution, and very much contributed to their final destruction;
the troops, as soon as landed, were formed under the immedi..
ate orders of brigadier-general Pike, who led in a most gallant
manner the attack upon the forts, and after having carried two
redoubts on his approach to the principal work, the enemy
(having previously laid a train) blew up his magazine, which,
in its effects upon our troops, were dreadful, having killed and
wounded a great many ; and among the former, the ever to be
lamented brigadier-general Pike, who fell at the head of his
column, by a contusion received by a heavy stone from the
magazine. His death at this time is much to be regretted, as
he had the perfect confidence of the major-general ; and his
known activity, zeal, and experience, makes his loss a national
-
one.
In consequence of the fall of general Pike, the command of
the troops for a time devolved upon colonel Pierce, who soon
after took possession of the town. At about 2 P.M. the
American flag was substituted for the British, and at 4, our
406
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
troops were in quiet possession of the town. As soon as general
Dearborn learnt the situation of general Pike, he landed, and
assumed the command. I have the honor of enclosing a copy
of the capitulation that was entered into and approved of by
general Dearborn and myself.
No. 2L
The enemy set fire to some of his principal stores, containing
large quantities of naval and military stores, as well as a large
ship on the stocks, nearly finished. The only vessel found here,
was the Duke of Gloucester undergoing repairs. The Prince
Regent left here on the 24th for Kingston. We have not yet
had a return made of the naval and military stores ; consequently cannot form a correct idea of the quantity, but have
made arrangements to have all taken on board that we can
receive; the rest will be destroyed.
I have to regret the ;death of midshipmen Thompson and
Hatfield, and of several seamen killed—the exact number I do
not know, as the returns from the different vessels have not
yet been received.
From the judicious arrangements made by general Dearborn,
I presume that the public stores will be disposed of, so that the
troops will be ready to re-embark to-morrow, and proceed to
execute other objects of the expedition the first fair wind.
I cannot speak in too much praise of the cool intrepidity of
the officers and men generally, under my command ; and 1 feel
myself particularly indebted to the officers commanding vessels,
for their zeal in seconding my views. rj!
1 have the honor to be very respectfully,
Your most obedient servant,
ISAAC CHAUNCEY.
To the hon. the secretary of the navy.
(Terms of capitulation as before.)
407
From brigadier-general Vincent to sir G. Prevost.
Forty-mile Creek, May 28, 1813.
Sin,
I have the honor to inform your excellency, that yesterday
morning, about day-break, the enemy again opened his batteries
upon Fort-George : the fire not being immediately returned, it
ceased for some time. About 4 o'clock A.M. a combination
of circumstances led to a belief that an invasion was meditated.
The morning being exceedingly hazy, neither his means nor his
intention could be ascertained, until, the mist clearing away at
intervals, the enemy's fleet, consisting of 14 or 15 vessels,
was discovered under way, standing towards the light-house,
in an extended line of more than two miles, covering from 90
to 100 large boats and scow s, each containing an average of
50 or 60 men. Though at this time no doubt could be enter
tamed of the enemy's intention, his points of attack could only
be conjectured. Having again commenced a heavy fire from his
fort, line of batteries, and shipping, it became necessary to
withdraw all the guards and piquets stationed along the coast,
between the fort and light-house, and a landing was effected at
the Two-mile Creek, about half a mile below the latter-place.
The party of troops and Indians stationed at this point, after
opposing the enemy, and annoying him as long as possible,
were obliged to fall back, and the fire from the shipping so
completely enfiladed and scowcred the plains, that it became
impossible to approach the beach. As the day dawned, the
enemy's plan was clearly developed, and every effort to oppose
his landing having failed, I lost not a moment in concentrating
my force between the town of Fort-George and the enemy,
there awaiting his approach. This movement was admirably
covered by the Glengarry light infantry, joined by a detachment
of the royal Newfoundland regiment and militia, which com-
408
APPENDIX.
mcnced skirmishing with the enemy's riflemen, who were
-,advancing through the brushwood. The enemy having perfect
command of the beach, he quickly landed from 3 to 4000 men,
with several pieces of artillery, and this force was instantly
seen advancing in three solid columns, along the lake bank,
his right covered by a large body of riflemen, and his left and
front by the fire of the shipping, and batteries in their fort.
As our light troops fell back upon the main body, which was
moved forwards to their support, they were gallantly sustained
by the 8th (king's) regiment, commanded by major Ogilvie,
the whole being under the immediate direction of colonel Myers,
acting quarter-master-general, who had charge of the right
wing. In the execution of this important duty, gallantry,
zeal, and decision, were eminently conspicuous ; and I lament
to report that I was deprived of the services of colonel Myers,
who, having received three wounds, was obliged to quit the
field. Lieutenant-colonel Harvey, the deputy adjutant-gene.
ral, whose activity and gallantry had been displayed the whole
morning, succeeded colonel Myers, and brought up the right
division, consisting of the 49th regiment, and some militia.
The light artillery under major Holcroft were already in
position, awaiting the enemy's advance on the plain. At this
moment the very inferior force under my command, had experienced a severe loss in officers and men ; yet nothing could
exceed the ardor and gallantry of the troops, who shelved the
most marked devotion in the service of their king and country,
and appeared regardless of the consequence of the unequal
contest. Being on the spot, and seeing that the force under
my command was opposed with ten-fold numbers, who were
rapidly advancing under cover of their shipping and batteries,
from which our positions were immediately seen, and exposed
to a tremendous fire of shot and shells, 1 decided on retiring
my little force to a position w high I hoped might be less
assailab e by the heavy ordnance of the enemy, and from which
a retreat would be left open, in the event of that measure
,becoming necessary. Here, after awaiting the approach of the
APPENDIX.
409
enemy for about half an hour, I received authentic information, that his force, consisting of from 4 to 5000 men, had
re-formed his columns, and was making an effort to turn my
right flank. At this critical juncture not a moment was to be
lost, and sensible that every effort had been made, by the
officers and men under my command, to maintain the post of
Fort-George, I could not consider myself justified in continuing
so unequal a contest, the issue of which promised no advantage
to the interests of his majesty's service. Having given orders
for the fort to be evacuated, the guns to be spiked, and the
ammunition destroyed, the troops under my command were put
in motion, and marched across the country in a line parallel to
the Niagara river, towards the position near the Beaver Dam,
beyond Queenstown Mountain, at which place I had the honor
of reporting to your excellency that a depOt of provisions and
ammunition had been formed some time since. The rear-guard
ci f the army reached that position during the night, and we
were soon afterwards joined by lieutenant.colonel Bisshopp,
with all the detachment from Chippeway to Fort-Erie. The
light, and one battalion company of the 8th, (king's,) joined
us about the same time, as did captain Barclay, with a detachment of the royal navy.
Having assembled my whole force the following morning,
which did not exceed 1600 men, I continued my march towards
the head of the lake, where it is my intention to take up a
position, and shall endeavour to maintain it, until I may be
honored with your excellency's instructions, which I shall feel
most anxious to receive. I beg leave to suggest the great
importance that exists for a communication being opened with
me, through the medium of the fleet. The anchorage under
Mrs. Brandt's house is perfectly good and very safe. I believe
your excellency need not be informed, that in the event of it
becoming necessary that I should fall back upon York, the
assistance of shipping would be requisite for the transport of
my artillery. I cannot conclude this long communication,
without expressing a well-merited tribute of approbation to the
410
gallantry and assiduity of every officer of the staff, and indeed
of every individual composing my little army ;—every one most
zealously discharged the duties of his respective station. The
struggle on the 27th continued from three to four hours ; and,
I lament to add, it was attended with very severe loss.
I have the honor to enclose a list of the killed, wounded,
and missing, with as much accuracy as the nature of existing
circumstances will admit. Many of the missing, I hope, will
be found to be only stragglers, mid will soon rejoin their corps.
I shall reach the head of the lake to-morrow evening. Hitherto
the enemy has not attempted to interrupt my movements. Infor.
mation reached me this morning, through an authentic channel,
that he has pushed on 3000 infantry, and a considerable body
of cavalry, towards Queenstown. His whole force is stated to
amount to nearly 10000 men.
I send this despatch by Mr. Mathison, who acted as a volun.
teer on the 27th; and I am happy to inform your excellency,
that his conduct was very honorable to his character, and merits
my marked approbation. Ammunition will be wanting by the
first vessel. Captain Manes has been kind enough to remain
with me until my next despatch.
411
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
rank and file killed ; 2 rank and file
49th regiment ; 2
wounded ; 4 drummers, 28 rank and file, wonnded and
-
missing.
Left in hospitals, and wounded on former occasions, 16 rank
• .
and file, not included.
1 captain, 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 24
Glengarry regiment ;
-
rank and file, killed ; 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 3
serjeants, 20 rank and file, wounded ; 1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants,
13 rank and file, wounded and missing.
1
Royal Newfoundland regiment;
-
21 rank and file, killed ;
1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 6 rank and file, wounded ;
5 rank and file wounded and missing.
Total ; -1 captain, 1 lieutenant, .1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 48
rank and file; .killed ; 1 general-staff, 1 major, 2 captains, 5
lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 4 serjeants, 29 rank and file, wounded ;
1 lieutenant, 13 serjeants, 8 drummers, 240 .rank and file,
wounded and missing.
Names of officers killed and wounded.
Killed ;
-
8th ; (or king's regiment;)
—
Lieutenant James
Drummie ;
Liddle, ensign M°Lean.
Glengarry regiment ; Captain
Myers,
acting
quarter-master-general,
Wounded; Colonel
—
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN VINCENT, brig.-gen.
His 'excellency lieutenant-general
sir George Prevost, &c. &c. &c.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing, of his majesty's
troops in action with the enemy at Fort-George, May the
tia 27th, 1813.
General staff ; 1 wounded.
Royal artillery; 1 rank and file killed; 1 rank and file
-
-
wounded.
8th ; (or king's regiment;)
—
severely, not dangerously.
8th regiment ;--Major Edward Cotton, lieutenant I. W.
Lloyd, severely, and prisoner ; lieutenants Mortimer, M'Mahon,
and Horace Noel ; ensign Richard Nicholson, severely, and
prisoner.
Glengarry regiment ;
1 lieutenant killed ; 1 major,
3 lieutenants, 1 ensign, wounded ; 11 serjeants, 4 drummers,
181 rank and file, Allissing.
41st regiment;--3 rank and file wounded and missing.
Captain Roxburgh, lieutenant Kerr,
ensign Kerr.
.Royal Newfoundland regiment;
nant Stewart.
-
—
—
Captain Winter, lieute-
EDWARD BAYNES,
Adjutant-general, North America.
412
APPENDIX.
No.
22.
From major-general Dearborn to the American secretary
at war.
Head-quarters, Fort-George,
Upper Canada, May 27.
The light-troops under the command of colonel Scott and
major Forsythe, landed this morning, at nine o'clock. Major.
general Lewis's division, with colonel Porter's command of
light-artillery, supported them.
General Boyd's brigade
landed immediately after the light troops, and generals Chandler
and Winder followed it in quick succession. The landing was
warmly and obstinately disputed by the British forces ; but the
coolness and intrepidity of our troops soon compelled them to
give ground in every direction. General Chandler, with the
reserve, (composed of his brigade and colonel Macomb's artillery,) covered the whole. Commodore Chauncey had made the
most judicious arrangement for silencing the enemy's batteries
near the point of landing. The army is under the greatest
obligations to that able naval commander for his co-operation
in all its important movements, and especially in its operations
this day. Our batteries succeeded in rendering Fort•George
untenable; and when the enemy had been beaten from his
positions, and I found it necessary to re-enter it, after firing a
few guns, and setting fire to the magazines, which soon exploded,
he moved off rapidly by different routes. Our light troops
pursued them several miles. The troops having been under
arms from one o'clock in the morning, were too much exhausted
for any further pusuit. We are now in possession of FortGeorge and its immediate dependencies ; to-morrow we shall
proceed on. The behaviour of our troops, both officers and
men, entitles them to the highest praise; and the difference of
our loss with that of the enemy, when we consider the advantages his position afforded him, is astonishing. We had 17
SIR,
APPENDIX.
413
killed, and 45 wounded. The enemy had 90 killed, and 160
wounded, of the regular troops. We have taken 100 prisoners,
exclusive of the wounded. Colonel Myers, of the 49th, was
wounded, and taken prisoner. Of ours only one commissioned
officer was killed, lieutenant Hobart, of the light-artillery.
I have the honor to be, sir,
With great consideration and respect,
Your most obedient servant,
H. DEARBOR.N.
lion. gen. John Armstrong,
secretary at war.
No. 23.
•. j
I°
From adjutant-general Bajjnes to sir G. Prevost.
I
SIR,
Kingston, May 30th, 1813.
I have the honor to report to your excellency, that in conformity to an arranged plan of operations with commodore sir
James Yet), the fleet of boats assembled a-stern of his ship, at
10 o'clock on the night of the 28th instant, with the troops
placed under my command, and led by a gun-boat, under the
direction of captain Mulcaster, royal navy, proceeded towards
Sackett's Harbor, in the order prescribed to the troops, in case
the detachment was obliged to march in column ; viz. the
grenadier company, 100th, with one section of the royal Scots,
two companies of the 8th, (or king's,) four of the 104th, two
of the Canadian voltigeurs, two 6-pounders, with their gunners, and a company of Glengarry light-infantry, were embarked on board a light schooner, which was proposed to be
towed, under the direction of officers of the navy, so as
to insure the guns being landed in time to support the
advance of the troops. Although the night was dark, with
rain, the boats assembled in the vicinity of Sackett's Harbor,
by one o'clock, in compact and regular order ; and in this
414
APPENDIX.
position it was intended to remain until the day broke, in the
hope of effecting a landing before the enemy could be prepared
to line the woods with troops, which surround the coast; but,
unfortunately, a strong current drifted the boats considerably,
while the darkness of the night, and ignorance of the coast,
prevented them from recovering their proper station until the day
dawned, when the whole pulled for the point of debarkation.
It was my intention to have landed in the cove formed by Horse
Island, but, on approaching it, we discovered that the enemy
were fully prepared, by a very heavy fire of musketry from
the surrounding woods, which were filled with infantry supported by a field-piece. I directed the boats to pull round to
the other side of the island, where a landing was effected in good
order and with little loss, although executed in the face of a
corps, formed with a field-piece in the u ood, and under the
enfilade of a heavy gun of the enemy's principal battery.
The advance was led by the grenadiers of the 100th regiment, with undaunted gallantry, which no obstacle could
arrest. A narrow causeway, in many places under water, not
more than four feet wide, and about 400 paces in length, which
connected the island with the main land, was occupied by the
enemy, in great force, with a 6-pounder.; It was forced, and
carried in the most spirited manner, and the gun taken before
a second discharge could be made from it ; a tumbril, with a
few rounds of ammunition, was found.; .bot, unfortunately, the
artillerymen were still behind, the schooner not having been
able to get up in time, and the troops were exposed to so heavy
and galling a fire from a numerous, but almost invisible foe, as
to render it impossible to halt for the artillery to come up. At
this spot two paths led in opposite directions round the hill ; I
directed colonel Young, of the king's regiment, with:half of the
detachment, to penetrate by the left ; and major Drummond, of
the 104th, to force the path by the right, which proved to be
more open, and was less occupied by the enemy. On the
left the wood was very thick, and was most obstinately main.
Wiled by the enemy.
415
APPENDIX.
The gun-boats which had covered our landing, afforded
material aid, by firing into the woods ; but the. American
soldier, secure behind a tree, was only to he dislodged by the
bayonet. The spirited advance of a section produced the flight
of hundreds. From this observation all firing was direeted to
cease, and the detachment being formed in as regular order as
the nature of the ground would admit, pushed forward through
the wood upon the enemy, who, although greatly superior in
numbers, and supported by field-pieces, and a heavy fire from
their fort, fled with precipitation to their block-house and fort,
abandoning one of their guns. The division under colonel
Young was joined in the charge, by that under major Drummond, which was executed with such spirit and promptness, that
many of the enemy fell in their enclosed barracks, which were
set on fire by our troops ;—at this point the further energies of
the troops became unavailing. Their block-house and stockaded battery could not be carried by assault, nor reduced by
field-pieces, had we been provided with them; the fire of the
gun-boats proved inefficient to attain that. end : light and
adverse winds continued, and our larger vessels were still far off.
The enemy turned the heavy ordnance of the battery to the
interior defence of his post. He had set fire to the store-houses
in the vicinity of the fort.
Seeing no object within our reach to attain, that could compensate for the loss we were momentarily sustaining from the
heavy fire of the enemy's cannon, I directed the troops to take
up the position on the crest of the hill we had charged from.
From this position we were ordered to re-embark, which was
performed at .our leisure, and in perfect order, the enemy
not presuming to skew a single soldier without the limits
of his fortress. Youy excellency having been a witness of
the zeal and ardent courage of every soldier in the field, it is
unnecessary in me to assure your excellency, that but one sentiment animated every breast, that of discharging to the utmost
of their power their duty to their king and country.--But one
sentiment of regret and mortification prevailed, on being obliged
.
416
APPENDIX.
to quit a beaten enemy, whom a small band of British soldiers
bad driven before them for three hours, through a country
abounding in strong positions of defence, but not offering a
single spot of cleared ground favorable for the operations of
disciplined troops, without having fully accomplished the duty
we were ordered to perform.
The two divisions of the detachment were ably commanded
by colonel Young, of the king's, and major Drummond, of the
104th. The detachment of the king's under major Evans,
nobly sustained the high and established character of that dis.
tinguished corps ; and captain Burke availed himself of the
ample field afforded him in leading the advance, to display the
intrepidity of British grenadiers.
The detachment of the 104th regiment, under major Moodie.
captain M‘Pherson's company of Glengarry light-infantry, and
two companies of Canadian voltigeurs, commanded by major
Hammot, all of them levies of the British provinces of North
America, evinced most striking proofs of their loyalty, steadi.
ness, and courage. The detachment of the royal Newfoundland regiment behaved with great gallantry. Your excellency
will lament the loss of that active and intelligent officer, captain
Gray, acting deputy-quarter-master-general, who fell close to
the enemy's work, while reconnoitring it, in the hope to dis.
Cover some opening to favor an assault. Commodore sir James
Yco conducted the fleet of boats in the attack, and, accompany.
ing the advance of the troops, directed the co-operation of the
gun-boats. I feel most grateful for your excellency's kind consideration, in allowing your aides de camp majors Coote and
Fulton, to accompany me in the field, and to these officers for
the able assistance they afforded me.
I have the honor to be, &c.
EDWARD BAYNES,
Col. Glengarry light-infanty, commanding.
To his excellency lieutenant-general
sir George Prevost, Bart. &c. &c. &c.
417
APPENDIX,
I
Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, in an attack on
Sackett's Harbor, on the 29th of May, 1813:
General staff ;-1 killed.
Royal artillery ;-2 gunners, wounded;
rank and file, killed ; 1 rank and file,
Royal Scots
wounded and missing ; 4 rank and file, wounded.
8th; (or king's regiment;) 5 rank and file, killed ; 2 captains, 1 ensign, 7 rank and file, wounded and missing ; 1.
major, 2 lieutenants, 3 serjeants, 60 rank and file, wounded.
100th regiment ; t serjeant, 5 rank and file, killed ; 3 rank
and file, wounded and missing ; 1 drummer, JO rank and file,
wounded.
101th regiment ; 2 serjeant, 20 rank and file, killed ;
1 rank and file, wounded and missing ; 2 majors, 2 captains,
3 lieutenants, 3 serjeants, 1 drummer, 57 rank and file,
wounded.
Royal Newfoundland regiment ; 1 rank and file, killed ;
1 rank and file, wounded and missing ; 13 rank and file,
wounded.
Glengarry light infantry ; 6 rank and file, killed ; 1 cap.
tain, 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 17 rank and file, wounded.
Canadian voltigeurs ; 2 rank and file, killed; 2 rank and
-
—
-
-
-
-
-
file, wounded.
Total ;-1 general staff, 3 serjeants, 44 rank and file, killed;
3 majors, 3 captains, 5 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 7 serjeants, 2
drummers, 172 rank and file, 2 gunners, wounded ; 2 captains,
1 ensign, 13 rank and file, wounded and missing. „
Names of officers killed and wounded.
Killed;
—
Captain A. Gray, acting deputy.quarter-master.
general.
Wounded 8th; (or king's regiment;) Major Evans,
slightly ; captain Blackmore, dangerously ; captain Tythe,
severely ; lieutenant Nutall; (since dead ;) lieutenant Lowry;
ensign Greig, prirper.
t %
F. E
VOL. I.
—
418
APPENDIX.
A PPENDI X.
104th regiment ;—majors Drummond and Moody, slightly ;
captain Leonard, severely ; captain Shore, slightly ; lieu.
tenants Rainford, Moore, and Delancey.
Glengarry light infantty ;—Captain M'Pherson, severely ;
ensign Mathewson, slightly.
EDWARD BAYNES,
Adjt. Gen. North America.
were, I believe, all, or with very few exceptions, killed by the
Indians. Brigadier-general Winchester was taken in the
pursuit, by the Wyandot chief Roundhead, who afterwards
surrendered him to me. .
You will perceive that I have lost no time ; indeed, it was
necessary to be prompt in my movements, as the enemy would
have been joined by major-general Harrison in a few days.
The troops, the marine, and the militia, displayed great bravery,
and behaved uncommonly well. Where so much zeal and
spirit were manifested, it would be unjust to attempt to particularize any : I cannot, however, refrain from mentioning
lieutenant-colonel St. George, who received four wounds in a
gallant attempt to occupy a building which was favorably
situated for annoying the enemy ; together with ensign Keu.,
of the Newfoendland regiment,
1 fear7 is'iery dangerously
wounded. The zeal and courage •of the Indian department
were never more conspicuous than on this occasion, and the
Indian warriors fought with their usual bravery. I am much
indebted to the different departments, the troops having been
well and timely supplied with every requisite the district could
afford.
I have fortunately not been deprived of the services of lieu.
tenant Troughton, of the royal artillery, and acting in the
quarter-master-general's department, although he was wounded,
to whose zealous and unwearied exertions I am greatly indebted, as well as to the whole of the royal artillery for their
conduct in this affair.
I enclose a list of the killed and wounded, and cannot but
lament that there are so many of both ; but of the latter, I am
happy to say, a large proportion of them will return to their
duty, and most of them in a short time: I Op. enclose a return
,,t ) •
of the arms and ammunition which have been, taken, as well as
of the prisoners, whom you will perceive 0 be equal to my
utmost force, exclusive of the Indians.
It is reported that a party, consisting of 100 men, bringing
500 hogs to general Winchester's force, has been' completely
EE2
No. 24.
From colonel Proctor to major-general Shea(j'e.
Sin,
Sandwich, January 25th, 1813.
In my last despatch I acquainted you, that the enemy was in
the Michigan territory, marching upon Detroit, and that I therefore deemed it necessary that he should be attacked without
delay, with all and every description of force within my reach.
Early in the morning, on the 19th, I was informed of his being
in possession of Frenchtown, on the river Raisin, 26 miles from
Detroit, after experiencing every resistance that major Reynolds, of the Essex militia, had it in his power to make, with a
3-pounder, well served and directed by bombardier Kitson, of
the royal artillery, and the militia, three of whom he had well
trained to the use of it. The retreat of the gun was covered by
a brave band of Indians, who made the enemy pay dear for
what he obtained. This party, composed of militia and
Indians, with the gun, fell back, 18 miles to Brown's town,
the settlement of the brave Wyandots, where I directed my
force to assemble. On the 21st instant, I advanced 12 miles to
Swan Creek, from whence we marched to the enemy, and
attacked him at break of day, on the 22d instant; and after
suffering, for our numbers, a considerable loss, the enemy's
force posted in houses and enclosures, and which, from dread
of falling into the hands of the Indians, they most obstinately
defenhd, at length surrendered at discretion ; the other part
of their force, in attempting to retreat by the way they came,
)
419
420
cut off by the Indians, and the convoy taken. Lieutenant
M'Lean, my acting brigade-major, whose gallantry and exertions were conspicuous on the 22d instant, is the bearer of this
despatch, and will be able to afford you every information
respecting our situation.
I have the honor to be, &c.
HENRY PROCTOR, colonel.
To major-general Sheaffe, Ste. &c. &c.
Fort-George.
■••••■••■•
-
in 01
-
I ai
tl:kizl =r
421
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
.. Pt.,3 1 :
,
No. 25•
Return of prisoners taken after the action at Riviere au Raisin,
on the 22d day of January, 1813.
1 brigadier-general; 1 colonel; 1 major ; 9 captains; 6
lieutenants ; 10 ensigns ; 1 brigade-major ; 1 adjutant ; 1
quarter-master ; 2 surgeons ; 27 serjeants ; 435 rank and file.
Total-495.
N. B. The Indians have brought in and delivered up several
prisoners since the above return was taken ; they continue to
do so this morning, so that this return is not perfectly correct,
nor can a correct one be procured until they arrive at Sandwich.
FELIX TROUGHTON, R. A.
Act. dep. assist. quarter-master-gen.
41st foot ; —15 privates, killed; 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 3
serjeants, 1 corporal, 91 privates, wounded.
Royal Newfoundland regiment ;-1 private, killed; 1 ensign,
I serjeant, 3 corporals, 13 privates, wounded.
Marine department ;-1 seaman, killed ; 2 lieutenants, 1
midshipman, 1 gunner, 12 seamen, wounded.
1st E'sex militia ;-2 privates, killed ; 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 2 serjeants, 7 privates, wounded.
2d Essex militia;-3 privates, killed; 1 ensign, 3 privates,
wounded.
Staff ;-1 lieutenant-colonel, wounded.
Total ;-1 serjeant, 1 gunner, 21 privates, 1 seaman, killed ;
1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 captains, 6 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1
midshipman, 6 serjeants, 5 corporals, 1 bombardier, 6 gunners,
116 privates, 12 seamen, wounded.
General Total ;-24 killed; 158 wounded.
Names of the officers wounded.
Royal artillery ;—Lieutenant Troughton.
41st foot ;—Captain Tallon and lieutenant Clemow.
Royal Newfoundland regiment ;—Ensign Kerr.
Marine department ;— Lieutenants Rolette and Irvine, and
midshipman Richardson.
1st Essex militia ;—Captain Mills, and lieutenants. M'Cov.mic and Gordon.
2d ditto ;—Claude Garvin.
(,emir
Staff—Colones St. George.
FELIX TROUGHTON, Lt. R. A.
Act. dep. asst..quarter.mastcr..gen.
No. 26.
Return of the killed and wounded in the action at Riviere au
Raisin, 22d January, 1813.
Royal artillery ;-1 serjeant, 1 gunner, killed ; 1 lieutenant,
1 corporal, 1 bombardier, 5 gunners, wounded.
10th royal veteran battalion ;-2 privates, wounded.
;lira v,i
inaino-giiibrianurron 311r aljiss b....v.)1 mA IA
ti n lo az,aioaiiq I•tribmilue od bittode ‘t.•
-
At w
422,
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
No.
27.
From brigadier-general Winchester to the American secretary
,•of war.
SIR,
Malden, January 28th, 1813.
A detachment from the left wing of the north-western Army
under mycommand, at Frenchtown, on...the river Raisin, was
attacked on the 23d instant, by a force greatly superior in numbers, aided by several pieces of artillery. The action commenced at the dawn of day : the piquet-guards
were driven in,
and a heavy fire opened upon the whole line, by which part
thereof was thrown into disorder ; and being ordered to form
on more advantageous ground, I
found the enemy doubling our
left flank with force and rapidity.
A destructive fire was sustained for some time; at length,
borne down by numbers, the few of us that remained with the
party retired from the lines, submitted. " The remainder of our
force, in number about 400, continued to defend themselves
with great gallantry, in' an
unequal contest against small-arms
and 'artillery, until
in as a prisoner to that part
of,the field occupied by the enemy.
At this latter place, I 'underitood ihit our troops were
defending themselves in a state of desperation ; and I was
informed by the commancling-officer'''Of the enemy, that he
would afford thprn an opportunity
surrendering themselves
prisoners of
'tet`)Whicli T acceded. '1 was the more ready
to make the surrender, from being assured, that unless done
quickly, the buildings adjacent would be immediately set on
fire, and that no responsibility would be taken for the conduct
of the savages, who were then assembled in great numbers.
In this critical situation, being desirous to preserve the lives
Of a number of our brave fellows who still held out, I sent a
flag to them, and agreed with the commanding-officer of the 'Oil
enemy, that they should be surrendered prisoners of war, on
423
condition of their being protected from the savages, and being
allowed to retain their private property, and having their sidearms returned to t1;ei►. It is impossible for me to ascertain,
with certainty, the loss we have sustained in this action, from
the impracticability of knowing the number who have made their
escape.
Thirty-five officers, and about 487 non-commissioned officers,
and privates, are prisoners of war. A list of the names of
officers is herewith enclosed to you. Our loss in killed is considerable.
However unfortunate may seem the affair of yesterday, I am
flattered by the belief, that no material error is chargeable upon
myself, and that still less censure deserved by the troops I had
the honor of commanding.
With the exception of that portion of our force which was
thrown into disorder, no troops have ever behaved with more
determined intrepidity.
1 have the honor to be, with high respect,
Your obedient servant,
Hun. secretary at war.
JAMES WINCHESTER,
Brig.-gen. U. S. army.
Here follows a list of the officers taken :
General Winchester ; colonel Lewis; major Madison ; captains Overton, Hightower, Ballard, Cholier, James Kelly,
Hamilton, Williams, Sabrie, and Bledfoe; lieutenants Gerrard, M'Cella ; adjutant Keen ; Q. M. Holden, Rule
M'Guire, Ganard, Moore, and Higgins; ensigns Comstock,
Butler, T. Chin, Flarron, Nash, Botts, Monday, Berson,
Nash ; Mooring, Fleet, and Caldwell; surgeon Todd.—,
Total, 36.
The Indians have still a few prisoners in their possession,
to colonel Proctor,
which I have reason to hope will be given up
at Sandwich.
JAMES WINCHESTER, brig.-gen.
424
APPENDIX.
•geve.7. %It
•irvtlti boa
•Io't
No. 2E4.
APPENDIX.
•
From major-general Harrison, to governor Shelby.
MY DEAR SIR,
,Camp on Carrying Rock, 15 miles from
the Rapids, January 24, 18,13,
I send colonel Wells to you, to communicate the particulars
(as far as we are acquainted with them) of an event that will
overwhelm your mind with grief, and fill your whole state with
mourning.
The greater part of colonel Wells's regiment, United States'
infantry, and the 1st and 5th regiments Kentucky infantry, and
Allen's rifle regiment, under the immediate orders of general
Winchester have been cut to pieces by the enemy, or taken
prisoners. Great as the calamity is, I still hope that, as far as
it relates to the objects of the campaign, it is not irreparable.
As soon as I was informed of the attack upon general Winchester, about 12 o'clock on the 22d instant, I set out, to overtake
the detachment of Kentucky's troops, that I had sent that
morning to reinforce him, and I
directed the only regiment that
I had with me to follow. I overtook
major Robb's detachment
at the distance of 6 miles but before the troops in the rear
could get up, certain information was received of general
Winchester's total defeat.
••
• A council of war was tailed, and it was the unanimous
opinion of the generals Payne and Perkins, and all the field
officers, that there was no motive that could authorize an
advance but that of attacking the enemy, and that success was
not to be expected after a forced march of 40 miles against an
enemy superior in number, and welt
provided with artillery.
Strong detachments of the most active men were, however, sent
forward on all the roads, to assist and bring in such of our men
as had escaped. The whole number that reached our camp
-
42,5
does not exceed 30, amongst whom were major M'Clannahan
and captain Claves.
Raving a large train of heavy artillery, and stores coming
on this road Irom W. Sandusky, under an escort of four companies, it was thought advisable to fall back to this place, for
the purpose of securing them. A part of it arrived last evening, and the rest is within 30 miles. As soon as it arrives, and
a reinforcement of three regiments from the Virginia and
Pennsylvania brigades, I shall again advance, and give the
enemy an opportunity of measuring their strength with us once
more.
Colonel Wells will communicate some circumstances, which,
while they afflict and surprise, will convince you that Kentucky
has lost none of her reputation for valor, for which she is famed.
The detachment to the river Raisin was made without my
knowledge or consent, and in direct opposition to my plans.
Having been made, however, I did every thing in my power to
reinforce them, and a force exceeding by 300 men that which
general Winchester deemed necessary, was on its way to join
him, and a fine battalion within 14 miles of its destination.
After the success of colonel Lewis, I was in great hopes that
the post could be maintained. Colonel Wells will communicate
my future views to you, much better than I can do in writing
at this time.
I am, dear Sir, &c.
W. H. HARRISON.
is excellency governor Shelby.
OOOOO
No 29.
From brigadier-general Proctor to sir G. Prevost.
Sandwich, May 14th, 1813.
Sea,
From the circumstances of the war, I have judged it expedient to make a direct report to your excellency of the operations and present state in this district.
426 APPENDIX.
In the expectation of being able to reach the enemy,
who
had taken post near the foot of the Rapids of the Miami,
before the reinforcements and supplies could arrive, for which
only he waited to commence active operations against us, I
determined to attack him without delay, and with every means in
my power ; but from the necessary preparations, and some
untoward circumstances, it was not in my power to reach him
within three weeks of the period I had proposed, and at which
he might have been captured or destroyed. From the incessant
and heavy rains we experienced, and during which our batteries
were constructed, it was not until the morning of the 1st
instant, the fifth day after our arrival at the mouth of the river,
12 miles from the enemy, that our batteries could be opened.
The enemy, who occupied several acres of commanding
ground, strongly defended by block.bouses, and the batteries
well furnished with ordnance, bad, during our approach, so
completely entrenched and covered himself, as to render unavailing every efiert of our artillery, though well served, and in
batteries most judiciously placed and constructed, under the
able direction of captain Dixon, of the royal engineers, of
whose ability and unwearied zeal, shewn particularly on this
occasion, +I cannot speak too highly.
Though the attack has not answered fully the purpose
intended, I have the satisfaction to inform your excellency of
the fortunate result of an attack of the enemy, aided by a sally
of most of their garrison, made on the morning of the 5th
instant, by a reinforcement; which descended the river a
considerable distance in a very short time, consisting of two
corps, Dudley's and Roswell's, amounting to 1300 men, under
the command of brigadier-general Green Clay. The attack
was very sudden, and on both sides of the river. The enemy
were for a few minutes in the possession of our batteries, and
took some prisoners. After a severe contest, though not
of long continuance, the enemy gave way ; and, except the
body of those who sallied Iron] the fort, must have been mostly
killed or taken.
APPENDIX.
42,7
In this decisive affair, the officers and men of the 41st regiment, who charged and routed the enemy near the batteries,
well maintained the long established reputation of the corps.
Where all deserve praise, it is difficult to distinguish. Captain
Muir, an old officer, who had seen much service, had the good
fortune to be in the immediate command of these brave men.
Besides my obligations to captain Chambers, for his unwearied
exertions preparatory to, and on the expedition, as deputyassistaut quartermaster-general, I have to notice his gallant
conduct in attacking the enemy near the batteries, at the point
of the bayonet ; a service in which he was well supported by
lieutenants Bullock and Clements of the 41st, and lieutenant
Le Breton, of the Royal Newfoundland regiment. The
courage and activity displayed through the whole scene of
action by the Indian chiefs and warriors, contributed largely to
our success. I have not been able-to ascertain the amount of
prisoners in the possession of the Indians. 4 have sent off,
agreeable to agreement, nearly 500 prisoners to the ,river
Huron, near Sandusky.
I have proposed an exchange, which is referred to the
American government.
I could not ascertain the amount of the enemy's loss in
killed, from the extent of the scene of action, and mostly in
the woods. I conceive his loss in Idled and prisoners to have
been between 1000 and 1200 men. These unfortunate people
were not volunteers, and complete Kentucky's quota. If the
enemy had been permitted to receive his reinforcements and
supplies undisturbed, I should have had, at this critical juncture,
to contend with him for Detroit, or perhaps on this shore.
I had not the option of retaining my situation_on the Miami.
Half of the militia had left us. I received a, depotation from
the chiefs, counselling me to return, as they could not prevent
their people, as was their custom after any battle of consequence, returning to their villages with their wounded, their
prisoners and plunder, of which they had taken a considerable
!
quantity in the boats of the enemy.
428 APPENDIX.
Before the ordinance could be drawn from the batteries, I
was left with Tecumseh, and less than 20 chiefs and warriors;
a circumstance which strongly proves that, under present cir.
cumstances at least, our Indian force is not a disposable one, or
permanent, though occasionally a most powerful aid. I have,
however, brought off all the ordnance ; and, indeed, have not
left any thing behind ; part of the ordnance is embarked under
the fire of the enemy.
The service on whith we were employed has been, though
short a very severe one; and too much praise cannot be given
to both officers and men, for the cheerfulness with which, on
every occasion, they met the service. To lieutenant-col. War.
burton I feel many obligations, for the aid he zealously afforded
me on every occasion. From my brigade-major, lieutenant
McLean, I received the same zealous assistance as on former
occasions. To captain Mockler, royal Newfoundland regiment,
who acted as my aide-decamp, I am much indebted for the as.
sistance afforded me.
Lieutenant Le Breton, of the Newfoundland regiment,
assistant-engineer, by his unwearied exertions, rendered essential service ; as did lieutenant Gardiner, of the 41st regiment,
from his science in artillery. The royal artillery, in the laborious duties they performed, displayed their usual unwearied
zeal, and were well assisted by the royal Newfoundland, (under
lieutenant Garden,) as additional gunners. The laborious
duties which the marine, under commodore Hall, have per.
formed, have been most cheerfully met, and the most essential
service rendered.
I have the honor to send an embarkation return of the force
that served under my command at the Miami, exclusive of the
Indians, who may be stated at 1200.
I also enclose a return of our killed, wounded, and prisoners,
who have, however, been exchanged.
I had taken upon me to give the rank of major to the six captains of the line, as militia were employed on the same service
with them; some of them are old officers ; all of them desert.
429
APPENDIX..
lag ; any mark of your excellency's approbation of therrrwould
be extremely grateful to me.
I beg leave to mention the four volunteers of the 41st regt.
Wilkinson, Richardson,., Laing, and Proctor, as worthy of
promotion.
--I have the honor to be, &c.
HENRY PROCTOR,
1 Brigadier-general commanding.
-
I beg to acknowledge the indefatigable exertions of the
commissariat.
HENRY PROCTOR.
To his excellency, lieutenant-general
Sir G. Prevost, Bart. &c. &c.
.
•••••••
,
, „ti
1--
oti7rl
;,
s cp
,
30.
t 1 el
•
V-
411
Embarkittion-return of the western army Commanded
brigadier-gen. Proctor, on an expedition to the Miami's.
by
Amherstburg, April 23d, 1813.
general,
I lieutenant-col. 1 deputy.
General staff;--I
assistant-quarter-master-general, 1 brigade-major, 1 staffadjutant.
lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 1 surgeon, 27
Royal artillery ;—1
;
rank and file.
Royal engineers ;-1 captain.
10th veteran battalion ;-5.
captains, 7 lieutenants, 1 assistant-sur41st regiment;-3
geon, 22 serjeants, 6 drummers and bugles, 374 rank and file.
Royal Newfoundland regiment ;-1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 3
serjeants, / drummers, 55 rank and file.
deputy-assistant-commissary-general, 1
Commissariat ;-1
assistant to ditto, 1 issuer.
Field train ;-1 clerk of stores, 1 conductor.
430
431
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
Imo r
Militia; —1
major, 12 captaIns, 11 lieutenants, 8 ensigns,
1 adjutant, 22 serjeants, 406 rank and file.
PETER L. CHAMBERS, major,
captain 41st regt. D. A. Q. master-general.
e 5(145i
)('
No. 31.
Return of killed, wounded, missing, and prisoners, of the
army under the command of brigadier-general Proctor at
the battle fought at the Miami*, May 5th, 1813.
Royal artillery;.-1 serjeant, 1 rank
and file, wounded; 2
rank and file, prisoners.
41st regiment ;
—11 rank and file, killed; I lieutenant, 3
serjeants, 35 rank and file, wounded ; 2 lieutenants, I serjeant, 1 drummer, 33 rank and file, prisoners.
Royal Newfoundland regiment ;-1 drummer, 2 rank and
file, killed; 1 rank and file, wounded; 1 rank and file, pri.
:
soner.
Militia;-1 captain, 4 rank and file, wounded ; 1 rank and
file, prisoner.'
offj
No. 32.
Return of officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates,
1813,
taken prisoners from the enemy on the 5th of May,
at the battle fought at the Miamis.
captain, 21 rank and file.
United States' regulars ;—I
majors, 1
10th and 13th detached Kentucky militia;-`2
brigade-inspector, 8 captains, 9 lieutenants, 6 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 pay-master, 1 surgeon, 26 serjeants, 3 drummers,
373 rank and file.
Prisoners since delivered up by the Indians;-1
a ssistant-surgeon, 12 rank and file.—Grand total, 467.
N. B. There are a number of prisoners not yet come, in, who
are in the possession of the Indians, but they aro bringing
them in daily.
sir;
May
major,
PETER I:. CHAMBERS,
captain 41st regiment D. A. Q. M.-gen.
17 ;—Since the above return, 28 prisoners have been
given up by the Indians.
Total ;—1 drummer, 13 rank and file, killed, 1 captain, 1
lieutenant, 4 serjeants, 41 rank and file, wounded ; 2 lieutenants, 1 serjeant, 37 rank and file, prisoners.
Names of officers wounded and prisoners.
41st regiment ;—Lieutenant
Bullock, mounded on the 3d
ult.; lieutenants M'Intire and Hales, prisoners.
Militia ;.--Captain Bandy, since deceased_
PETER CHAMBERS, major,
kit % "captain 4)U regt. D. A. Q. M.-gen.
*f_ IJZZAIIG;.
.1 Flu boo-) I
-
;s
ensign % 1
A. H. M'LEAN
llN lllllllll
,
ll
No. 33.
From brigadier-gen• Vincent to
SIR,
Sir G. Prevost.
Burlington.heights, head of Lake-Ontario,
June 6th, 1813.
Having yesterday received information of the enemy having
advanced from the Forty-mile Creek, with a force consisting of
3500 men, eight or nine field-pieces, and 250 cavalry, for the
avowed purpose of attacking the division under my command in
432 APPENDIX.
this position ; and having soon afterwards received a report that
he had passed the swamp, and driven in my advanced posts from
Stony Creek and Brady's, lieutenant-col. Harvey, deputy.
adjutant-general immediately went forward with the light come
panies of the king's, and 49th regiments ; and having advanced
close to, and accurately ascertained, the enemy's position, sent
back to propose to me a night-attack on the camp.
The enemy's camp was distant about seven miles. About
half past eleven I moved forward with five companies of the
8th, (or king's), and the 49th regiments, amounting together to
only 704 firelocks ; lieutenant-colonel Harvey, who conducted it
with great regularity and judgment, gallantly led on the attack.
The enemy was completely surprised, and driven from his camp,
after having repeatedly formed in different bodies, and been as
often charged by our brave troops, whose conduct, throughout
this brilliant enterprise, was above all praise. The action terminated before day light, when three guns and one brass how.
itzer, with three tumbrils ; two brigadier-generals, Chandler
and Winder, first and second in command, and upwards of 100
officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, remained in
our hands.
-
Not conceiving it prudent to expose our small force to the
view of the enemy, who, though routed, and dispersed, was
still formidable as to numbers and position, he having fled to the
surrounding heights, and having still four or five guns, the
troops were put in motion at day-break and marched back to
their cantonments. After we had retired, and it had become
broad day, the enemy ventured to re-occupy his camp, only,
however, for the purpose of destroying his incumbrances, such
as blankets, carriages, provisions, spare arms, ammunition,
&c. ; after which, he commenced a precipitate retreat towards
the Forty-mile Creek, where he effected a junction with a body
of 2000 men, who were on their march from Niagara to rein_
force him.
I cannot conclude this despatch without calling your excelletters- attentio. to the following officers : —
APPENDIX,.
431-
To lieutenant-col. Harvey, the deputy-adjutant-general, my..
obligations arc particularly due. From the first moment the:
enemy's approach was known, he watched his movements, and
afforded me the earliest information. To him, indeed, I am indebted for the suggestion and plan of operations ; nothing_
could be more clear than his arrangements, nor more completely
successful in the result. The conduct of major Plenderleath,
who commanded the 49th regt., was very conspicuous. By his
decision and prompt efforts, the surprize of the enemy's camp
was completed, and ,alt his efforts to make a stand were
rendered ineffectual by the bayonet, which overthrew all opposition. A party of the 49th, with major Plenderleath at their
head, gallantly charged some of the enemy's field-pieces, and
brought off two 6-pounded
Major Ogilvie led on, in the most gallant manner, the five
companies of the king's regiment ; and whilst one half of that
highly disciplined and distinguished corps supported -the 49th
regiment, the other part moved to the right, and attacked the
enemy's left flank, which decided our midnight contest.
I have also received the greatest assistance from major
Glcgg, brigade-major to the forces, and bog leave to mention
the names of captains M'Dowal and Milnes, your excellency's
aides-de-camp, who accompanied me to the attack, and upon
all occasions • have volunteered their services, likewise to acknowledge the assistance of captain 'Chambers, of the
41st regiment, who had arrived some days before from Amherst.
burg ; and Mr. Brook, pay-master of the 49th, who assisted
vie as acting aide-de-camp.
To Mr. Hackett, acting-staff-surgeon to this army, I feel par,.
ticularly indebted, for his judicious arrangments,,,by which the
wounded have received every attention, and are most,of Ahem
likely to be restored to the service.
It would be an act of injustice, were I to ajamPt assuring
your-excellency, that gallantry and discipline were never niore
conspicuous than during our late short service ; and .I feel the
greatest satisfaction in assuring you, that, every ,officer .and
FF
VOL. I.
434
APPENDIX.
individual seemed anxious to rival each other in his efforts to
support the honor of his majesty's arms, and to maintain the
high character of British troops.
I beg leave to refer your excellency to the inclosed reports
for particulars respecting our loss, which, I regret, has been
very severe.
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN VINCENT,
Brigadier-general.
His excellency sir Geo. Prevost, Bart. &c.
APPENDIX.
Munday, severely, not dangerously ; captain Goldrick, and
lieutenants Weyland and Boyd, slightly.
49th regiment ;—Major Plenderleath, severely, not dangerously ; brigade-major Clark, dangerously ; brigade-major Dennis, and captain Manners, slightly ; ensign Davy, dangerously ;
adjutant Stean, slightly.
J. HARVEY, deputy-adj.-gen.
EDWARD BAYNES, adj.-gen.
No. 35.
.104 4..00 410 , ••■••■••
No. 34.
General return of killed, wounded, and missing, in action
with the enemy near tke head of Lake-Ontario, June 6th,
1813.
sr
Staff ;-1 forhmajor, wounded.
8th ; (or king's regiment;)-1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 7
rank and file, killed ; 1 major, 2 captains, 2 lieutenants,
4 serjeants, 51 rank and file, wounded ; 13 rank and file
missing.
49th regiment ;-1 serjeant, 12 rank and file, killed ; I
major, 3 captains, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 5 serjeants, 2 drummers, 62 rank and file, wounded; 3 serjeants, 39 rank and
file, missing.
Total ;-1 lieutenant, 3 serjeants, 19 rank and file, killed ;
2 majors, 5 captains, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 1
fort-major, 9 serjeants, / drummers, 113 rank and file,
wounded ; 3 serjeants, 52 rank and file, missing.
Return of American prisoners of war, captured near Stoney.
Creek, in the action of the 6th instant.
Two brigadier-generals, 1 major, 5 captains, 1 lieutenant,
116 non-commissioned officers and privates.
J. HARVEY, deputy-adj.-gen.
EDWARD BAYNES, adj.-gen.
Return of ordnance, &c. &c. captured from the Americans
by a division of the troops under the command of brigs.
dier-general Vincent, in action on the 6th of June, 1813,
at the head of Lake-Ontario.
Ordnance ;-3 iron 6-pounders, 1 brass 51 inch howitzer.
Carriages ;-1 limber 6-pounder, 1 tumbril, with 6-pounder
ammunition, complete.
Harness ;-4 sets thill, 4 sets trace.
Horses ;-9 artillery.
WILLIAM IIOLCROFT, major,
commanding royal artillery.
List of officers killed and wounded.
Killed ;-8th ; (or king's regiment ;)—Lieut. Hooper.
Wounded ;—Staff ;—Fort-major Taylor, severely.
81k; (or king's regiment ;)—Major Ogilvie and captain
435
N. B. Two of the above 6-pounders were spiked and left on
the ground, in consequence of the impossibility of removing
them.
sy1
4i3fiN
APPENDIX.'
No.
36.
Major-general Dearborn to the American secretary at war.
.
.,
SIR,
Head-quarters, Fort-George, June 6th.
I have received an express from the head of the Lake this
evening, with intelligence that our troops, commanded by
brigadier-general Chandler, were attacked at 2 o'clock this
morning, by the whole of the British and Indian forces ; and by
some strange fatality, though our loss was but small, (not exr
ceeding 30,) and the enemy completely routed and driven from
the field, both brigadier Chandler and Winder were taken
prisoners. They had advanced to ascertain the situation of a
company of artillery when the attack ,commenced. General
Vincent is reported to be among the killed of the enemy. Col.
Clark was mortally wounded, and fell into our hands, with 60
prisoners of the 49th British regiment. The whole loss' of the
enemy is 250. They sent in a flag, with a request to bury their
dead. General Lewis, accompanied by brigadier-general Boyd,
goes on to take the command of the advanced troops.
APPENDIX:
437
advance two miles on'thd St. David's road. I discovered, by
the firing, that the enemy was moving for the road on the mounlain. I sent off cornet M'Kenney, to order out my detachment
of the 49th, consisting of a subaltern and 46 rank and file,
and closed upon the enemy, to reconnoitre. I discovered him
on the mountain road, and took a position on an eminence to
the right of it. My men arrived, and pushed on in front, to
cut off his retreat, under a fire from his guns, which, however,
did no execution. After examining his position, I was informed
he expected reinforcements ; I therefore decided upon summoning him to surrender. After the exchange of several positions,
between lieutenant-colonel Bcerstler and myself, in the name
of lieutenant-colonel De Ibsen, lieutenant-colonel Bcerstler
agreed to surrender on the terms stated in the articles of capitulation. On my return to my men to send an officer to superintend the details of a surrender you returned.
I have the honor to be, &c.
J. FITZGIBBON, lieut. 49th foot.
o major De Haren, Stc. fcc.
I have the honor to be, &c.
HENRY DEARBORN.
Hon. general John Armstrong,
secretary at war.
No.
3S.
Capitulation of Colonel Bcerstler and 541 Americans. *FT
June 24th, 1813.
No. 37.
Particulars of the capitulation made between captain
M'Dowell, on the part of lieutenant-colonel Bcerstler, of
the United States' army, and major De Haren, of his
Britannic majesty's Canadian regiment, on the part of
lieutenant-colonel Bisshopp, commanding the advance of
the British, respecting the force under the command of
lieutenant-colonel Beerstler.
From lieutenant Fitzgibbon to major De Haren.
SIR,
township of Louth, June 24th, 1813.
At De Coris, this morning, about 7 o'clock, I received
information that about 1C0O of the enemy, with two guns, were
advancing towards me, from St.: David's.. I soon after heard a
firing of cannon and musketry, and in consequence rode in
Article I. That lieutenant-colonel Beerstler, and the force
under his command, shall surrender prisoners of war.
if
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
Art. II. That the of icers shall retain their arms, horses, and
baggage.
Art. III. That the non-commissioned officers and soldiers
Officers names and rank
438
f
shall lay down their arms at the head of the British column,
and shall become prisoners of war.
Art. IV. That the militia and volunteers, with lieutenant.
colonel Bcerstler, shall be permitted to return to the United
States on parole.
ANDREW M'DOWELL,
Captain United States' light artillery.
Acceeded to and signed,
P. G. BCERSTLER,
lieutenant-colonel,
commanding detachment
United States' army.
P. V. DE HAREN, major,
Canadian regiment.
439
Light dragoons;—Cornet Bud.
Light artillery ; —Captain M'Dowell ; lieutenant Morris.
6th regiment infantry;—Captain M'Kenney ; lieutenant
Shell.
Bcerstler ; Captains MtKen.
14th ditto —Lieutenant-colonel
zie, Cumings, and Flemming ; lieutenants Saunders, Amdell,
Kerney, Marshall, Waring, Mudd, Murdock, Goodwin,
Clarke, Robinson, and Bundall; surgeon Young.
20th ditto ;—Major Taylor.
23d ditto ;—Captain Roach.
;
1
Return of ordnance, &c. taken.
One 12-pounder, 1 6-pounder, 2 cars, stand of colours of
the 14th United States' regiment.
EDWARD BAYNES, adj.- gen.
The loss of the enemy supposed to be about 100 in killed
and wounded.
No. 39.
Return of prisoners taken near Fort-George, June 24th, 1813.
Light dragoons ;-1 cornet, 1 serjeant, 19 rank and file.
Light artillery
captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 31
rank and file.
6th regiment of infantry;-1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 3 ser.
jeants, 54 rank and file.
14th ditto;-1 lieutenant-colonel, 3 captains, 11 lieutenants,
surgeon, 15 serjeants, 301 rank and file.
20th ditto ;-1 major.
23d ditto;-1 captain, 4 serjeants, 2 drummers, 57 rank
and file.
Total-1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 6 captains, 13 lieutenants, 1 cornet, 1 surgeon, 25 serjeants, 2 drummers, 462
rank and file.
Thirty militia released on parole not included in this return.
No. 40.
From major-general Dearborn to the American secretary at
war.
Head-quarters, Fort-George, June 28, 1813.
SIR,
have the mortification of informing you of an unfortunate
I
unaccountable event which occurred yesterday. On the
and
23d, at evening, lieutenant-colonel Bcerstler, with 570 men,
infantry, artillery, cavalry, and riflemen, in due proportion,
was ordered to march by way of Queenstown, to a place called
the Beaver Dams, on the high ground, about eight or nine
miles from Queenstown, to attack and disperse a body of the
enemy, collected there for the purpose of procuring provisions,
440'
APPENDIL \
and harassing those inhabitants who are colisidered friendly to
the United States.
Their ferce was, from the most direct information, composed
of.o.ne company of,the 104th regiment, above 80 strong ; from
150 to 200 militia, and from 50 to 60 Indians. At eight
&cluek .yesterday morning, when within about. two miles of
Beaver Dam, our detachment was attacked from an ambuscade,
but soon drove the enemy some distance into the woods, and
then retired to a clear, field, and sent an express for a reinforce_
.
ment, saying he would maintain, his position until reinforced.
A reinforcement of 300 men marched immediately, under the
command of colonel Christie; but, on arriving at Queenstown,
colonel
Christie received authentic information that lieutenant,
ecilonel Beerstler, with his command, had surrendered to the
enemy, and the reinforcement returned to the camp.
man who belonged to-a small corps of mounted volunteer
riflemen, came in this morning, who states that the enemy
surrounded Oui " detachment in • the woods, and towards 12
o'clock commenced a general attack—that our troops fought`
more than two hours, until the, artillery had expended the
whole of its ammunition, and then surrendered ; and at the
time of the surrender, the informant made his escape.
.
Why should it have been deemed proper to remain several
hours in a• position surrounded with Foods, without either
risking a decisive action, or *Ong a retreat, remains to be
accounted for, as well.asthe project of waiting for a
reinforieineilf from a distance of 15 or'16 miles.. –
No information has been received of the killed or wounded.
he 9emy's:fleet has again arrived Mein' neighbourhOod.
-
•
etot.
'- •
:
111
4
With respect and esteem,
I am, sir, your's, &c.
HENRY DEARBORN:'
rffin: John Armstrong, sectetary at war. °
'env/.r;
rolvcrniIt;I: Jo-
A
No. 41.
-
(17'1
4
APPENDIX:,
.
From lieutenant-colonel Clark to lieutenant-colonel Harvey,
Chippeway, July 12,1813.
I have the honor to report to you, for the information' of
major-genera] de Rottenburg, that the detachment under the
command of lieutenant,colonel Bisshopp, consisting of a
detachment of royal artillery, under lieutenant Armstrong, 40
of the king's regiment, undei lieutenant Barstow, 100 of the
under captain Saunders, 40 of the 49th 'under lieutenant'.
,
41st,
y
-
Fitz-Gibbons, and about 40 of the 2.rl and 3d Lincoln militia,
embarked at two o'clock on the morning of the 11th instant, to
attack the enemy's batteries at Black Rock. The detachment landed half an hour before day-light, without
being perceived, and immediately proceeded to attack the batter
.ties, which they carried with little opposition ; the enemy heard
the firing at their advanced posts, and immediately retreated
with great precipitation to Buffaloe.
- The block-houses, barracks, and navy-yard, with one large
schooner, were burnt ; and such of the public stores as could be
got off were taken possession off, and carried across the river
by the troops. Before the whole of the stores were taken
away, die enemy advanced, having been reinforced by a consi.
derable body of Indians, whom they posted in the woods on
their flanks and in their advance; they were gallantly opposed
by the whole of the troops; but finding the Indians could net
be driven from the adjoining woods without our sustaining a
very great loss, it was deemed prudent to retreat to the boats,
and the troops re-crossed the river under a very heavy fire.
,
,
I am extremely sorry to add, lieutenant-colonel Bisshopp
fell, severely wounded, on bur retreat to the boats ; fortunately
the • detachment • did not suffer by it, every thing, having bee*
s
ro
,
arranged and completed previous to his receiving his wounds.
Inclosed are the returns of the killed, wounded, and missing,
442
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
443
with the exception of those of the 49th regiment and militia,
which have not yet been received.
6-pounder, with garrison carriage; 1 brass 6-pounder, with
travelling carriage; 1 brass 6-pounder, without travelling
I have also inclosed the returns of the ordnance, and other
stores captured.
carriage.
Total-4 ; 177 English and French muskets, 1 3-pounder
travelling carriage, 6 ammunition kegs, a small quantity of
round and case shot, (quantity not yet known).
I have the honor to be, &c.
THOMAS CLARK,
Lieut.-col. 2d Lincoln militia.
To lieutenant-col. Harvey,
deputy adjutant-gen.
4,004 ANI,NPO 040,04,04.
Taken and destroyed.
O
Two iron 12-pounders, 2 iron 9-pounders.
R. S. ARMSTRONG,
lieut.-col. royal artil.
No. 42.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing, on the morning
of the 11th instant.
No. 44.
July 13, 1813.
Staff;-1 inspecting field-officer, wounded.
8th regiment ;-3 privates, killed ; 1 captain 1 ensign,
Return of stores, 4 c. Sfc. captured at, and brought from,
1 serjeant, 10 privates, wounded ; 4 privates, missing.
49th regiment ;-4 privates, killed; 3 privates, wounded ;
2 privates, missing.
Militia ;-1 lieutenant-colonel, wounded.
Total:--13 privates killed; 1 inspecting field-officer, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 1 corporal, 19
privates, wounded ; 6 privates missing.
Names of officers wounded.
Staff;—Lieutenant-colonel Bisshopp, inspecting field-officer,
severely (not dangerously).
2d Lincoln militia ; Lieutenant-colonel
Clark, slightly.
41st regiment ;—Captain
Saunders, severely, and prisoner;
ensign Mompesson, slightly.
-
Black Rock, on the 14th July, 1813.
One hundred and twenty-three barrels of salt, 46 barrels of
whiskey, 11 barrels of flour, 1 barrel of molasses, 1 barrel of
tar, 2 large bales of blankets, (about 200,) 70 large blankets
loose, 5 large casks of clothing ; 3 cases, containing 396 soldiers' caps, 16 bars of iron, 1 bar of steel, 1 side of sole lea.
ther, 7 sides of upper leather, (some of them marked serjeant
Fitzgerald, 41st regiment, and taken from Fort Erie, to be
returned to the 41st regiment,) 7 large batteaux, 1 large scow.
THOMAS CLARK,
lieut..col. 2d Lincoln militia.
—
No. 45.
J. HARVEY, lieut.-col. D. A. gen.
From sir G. Prevost to earl Bathurst.
Head-quarters, Kingston,
Upper Canada, August 8th, 1813.
No. 43.
Return of ordnance destroyed and captured from the enemy
at Black Rock, July 12, 1813.
One iron 12-pounder, with garrison carriage; 1 iron
MY LORD,
I have the honor to acquaint your lordship, that the enemy's
fleet, of 12 sail made its appearance off York. on the 31st
)
444
Elect off that place, on the 29th ult. ordered with his detachment and light artillery to proceed for the protection of the
depots formed on Burlington Heights, where be had joined
major Maule's detachment of the 104th regiment, and concen.
trated his force on the following evening. The enemy hadf
during the course of that day, landed from the fleet 50o.
men, near Brandt's house, with an intention of storming 'the
heights ; but finding major Maule well prepared to receive
them, and being informed of lieutenant-colonel Battersby's
march, they re-embarked, and stood away for York.
My last accounts from major-general De Rottenburg are to
the 3d instant, when the enemy's fleet had anchored off Niagara..
I have received no tidings of our squadron under sir James
Yeo, since its sailing from hence on the 31st ultimo.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ultimo. The three square-rigged vessels, the Pike, Madison,
and Oneida, came to anchor in the offing ; but the schooners
passed up the harbor, and landed several boats full of troops at
the former garrison, and proceeded from thence to the town, of
which they took possession. They opened the goal, liberated the
prisoners, and took away three soldiers confined for felony : they
then went to the hospitals, and parolled the few men that could
not be removed. They next entered the store-houses of some
of the inhabitants, seized their contents, chiefly flour, and the
same being private property. Between 11 and 12 o'clock that
night they returned on board their vessels. The next morning,
Sunday, the 1st instant, the enemy again landed, and sent
three armed boats up the river Don, in search of public stores,
of which being disappointed, by sun-set both soldiers and sailors
had evacuated the town, the small barrack wood-yard, and
store-house, on Gibraltar Point, having been first set on fire
by them ; and at day-light the following morning the enemy's
fleet sailed.
The plunder obtained by the enemy upon this predatory
expedition has been indeed trifling, and the loss has altogether
fallen upon individuals ; the public stores of every description
having been removed; and the only prisoners taken by them
there being confined to felons and invalids in the hospital.
The troops which were landed were acting as marines, and
appeared to be about 250 men T; they were under the command
of commodore Chauncey and lieutenant-colonel Scott, an
unexchanged prisoner of war on his parole, both of whom
landed with the troops. The town, upon the arrival of the
enemy, was totally defenceless; the militia were still on their
parole ; and the principal gentlemen had retired, from an
apprehension of being treated with the same severity used towards
several of the inhabitants near Fort-George, u ho had been
made prisoners, and sent to the United States. Lieutenant..
colonel Battersby, of the Glengarry fencibles, with the detachment of light troops under his command, who had been
stationed at York, was, upon the appearance 'of the enemy's
445
APPENDIX.
•'A-PPENDIX.
GEORGE PREVOST.
Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
•
-
es
No. 46.
From major Taylor to major-general Storer).
.1
Isle aux Noix, June 3d, 1813.
In the absence of lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, I have the,
Sin,
honor to acquaint you, that one of the enemy's armed vessels..
was discerned from the garrison, at half-past four o'clock this
morning, when I judged it expedient to order the three gun-boats,
under weigh ; and before they reached the, point above the
garrison, another vessel appeared in sight, when the gun-boata
near enough to
commenced firing. Observing the vessels to, be
the shore for musketry, I ordered the crews of two batteaux and
row-boats ( which I took with me from the garrison to act according to circumstances) to land on each side of the river, and take
the firing was brislcly kept up on
a position to rake the vessels ;
11
both sides; the enemy with small-arms-and grape-shot occasiqn,
446
APPENDIX.
ally. Near the close of the action, an express came off to me in a
canoe, with intelligence, that more armed vessels were approachlog, and about 3000 men from the enemy's lines, by land. On
this information, I returned to put the garrison in the best
order for their reception, leaving directions with the gun-boats
and parties, not to suffer their retreat to be cut off from it ;
and before I reached the garrison, the enemy's vessels struck
their colours, after a well contested action of three hours and a
half. They proved to be the United States' armed vessels
Growler and Eagle, burthen from 90 to 100 tons, and carrying
11 guns each ; between them, 12, 18, and 16-pounder carronades ; completely equipped under the orders of the senior
officer, of the Growler, captain Sidney Smith, with a complement of 50 men each. They had one man killed and eight
wounded : we had only three men wounded, one of them
severely from the enemy's grape-shot on the parties on shore.
The alacrity of the garrison, on this occasion, calls forth my
warmest approbation. Ensigns Dawson, Gibbons, and Humphreys, and acting quarter-master Pilkington, and
crews, of
the 100th (prince regent's) regiment, and lieutenant Lowe, of
the marine department, with three gunners of the artillery to
each boat, behaved with the greatest gallantry : I am particularly indebted to captain Gordon, of the royal artillery, and
lieutenant Williams, with the parties of the 100th regiment,
on shore, who materially contributed to the surrender of the
enemy. The Growler is arrived at the garrison in good order,
and is apparently a fine vessel, and the boats are employed in
getting off the Eagle, which was run a-ground to prevent her
sinking. I have hopes she will be saved, but in the meantime
have had her dismantled, and her guns and stores brought to
the garrison. Ensign Dawson, of the 100th regiment, a most
intelligent officer, will have the honor of delivering you this.
I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE TAYLOR,
Major-general Stovin,
commanding at Chambly.
qpi
major of the 100th regt.
APPENDIX.
447
Number of men killed, wounded, and prisoners on board the
United States' armed vessels the Growler and Eagle, June
3d, 1813.
1 killed; 8 severely wounded ; 91 prisoners.—Total 100.
No. 47.
Return of ordnance, ammunition, and ordnance-stores,
taken on board the United States' armed vessels Eagle and
Growler, on the morning of the 3d of June, 1813.
Iron ordnance; —2 short 18-pounders, 10 6-pounders,
10 18-pounder carronades.
Carriages, with breeching and tackles complete ; —2 18-ponnflers, 10 6-pounders, 10 18-pounder carrinades.
Tompions ; —8 18-pounders ;-12 6-pounders.
8 beds and coins, 69 muskets, 60 bayonets, 12 pistols, 43
cutlassess, 31 boarding-axes, 23 boarding-pikes, 61 pouches
and belts, 20 side-belts.
Sponges and rammers ;-9 18-pounder, 10 6-pounder.
Wadhooks and ladles ;-7 18-pounder, and 8 6-pounder,
12 lint-stocks, 4 port-fire sticks, 3 handspikes, 166 18-pouu.
der, 72 6-pounder fixed case-shot.
Empty cartridges;-100 18-pounder, 40 6-pounder.
Cartridges;-230 musket-balls.
1 whole barrel of powder.
Shot ;-129 round 18-pounder, 180 round 6-pounder,
28 round 3-poundev, 20 case 18-pounder, 72 case 6-pounder,
83 grape 18-pounder, 3 grape 6-pounders.
Iron pintails for grape-shot ;-36 18-pounder, 41 6-pounder.
14 tin tubes, 4 port-fires, 121bs. slow-match, 9 powder..
horns, 3 copper lanthorns, 12 tin lanthorns, 10 crow-bars,
1 pair of scissars, 1 claw-hammer.
FRED. GORDON, capt. R. A.
To major Taylor, commanding Isle aux Noix.
N. B. The ammunition and stores on board the armed vessel
Eagle, being under water, no account has yet been taken of
them.
448
APPENDIX.
7 no Plers.4.1:,
,
r.4701
NO. 48.
APPENDIX.
•Jr•11 itOtz7n
.
73.617717 . .
.
you to your aide de tamp, captain Loring, the bearer of this
despatch.
From lieutenant-colonel Murray to major.general Shearg.
SIR,
419
Isle aux Noix, August 3d, 1813.
The land forces of the expedition that left the province on
the 29th July, on an enterprise on Lake Champlain, returned
this day, after having fully accomplished the objects proposed,
and having carried every order into execution.
The enemy's arsenal and block-house, commissary-buildings,
and stores at the position of Plattsburg, together with the
extensive barracks at Saranac, capable of containing 4000
troops, were destroyed ; sonic stores were brought off, par.
ticularly a quantity of naval-stores, shot, and equipments for a
large number of batteaux. The barracks and stores at the
position at Swanton, on iVlissisquei Bay, together with several
batteaux at the landing place, were destroyed.
A detachment has been sent to destroy the public buildings,
barracks, block-houses, &c. at Champlaintown. Every assistance was rendered by the co-operation of
captains Everard
and Pring, royal navy, commanding his majesty's sloops of war
Broke and Shannon.
I experienced very great benefit from the military knowledge
of lieutenant-colon e l
Williams (13th regiment, second in cam/ have to report, in the highest terms of approbation,
the discipline, regularity, and cheerful conduct of the whole of
the troops, and feel fully confident that, had an opportunity
offered, their courage would have been equally conspicuous:,
General Hampton has concentrated the whole of the regular
forces in the vicinity of Lake Champlain, at Burlington,
.front
the best information, said to be about 4500 regular troo-ps,
and
a
large body of militia. The militia force assembled for the
defence of Plattsburg, disbanded on the appearance.of•tht
armament. The naval part of the expedition is still cruising
on
the lake.1,. For any further information,
I beg leave:to
-
.
Wet
n
s
have, &c.
J. MURRAY, lieut.-col.
o major-general sir R. II. Sheaffe,
Bart. &c. &c. &c.
••••■•• 4,0
No. 49.
From captain Everard to sir George Prevost.
,
His majesty's sloop Broke, Lake
Champlain, August 3d, 1813.
Sin,
Major-general Glasgow has apprised your excellency of my
repairing, with a party of officers and seamen, to man the sloops
and gun-boats at Isle aux Noix, in consequence of your letter
of the 4th ultimo, addressed to the senior officer of his majesty's
ship at Quebec, stating it to be of great importance to the
public service, that an attempt should be made to alarm the
enemy on the Montreal-frontier, &c. ; and agreeably to your
wish that. I should communicate any thing interesting that might
occur, I have the honor to acquaint you, that the object for
which the corps under the command of lieutenant-colonel
Murray had been detached, :having been fully accomplished, by
the destruction of the enemy's block-house, arsenal, barracks,
and public store-houses remaining on the west side of the lake
beyond Plattsburg, I stood over to Burlington with the
Shannon and one gun-boat, to übseive the state of the enemy's
force there, and to afford hiM an opportunity of deciding the
naval superiority of the lake. We were close in, on the forenoon of the 2d, and found two sloops of about 100 tons burthen,
one armed with 11 guns, the other 13, ready for sea, a third
sloop, (somewhat larger,) fitting out, with guns on board, and
two gun-schooners, lying under the protectio of 10 gnus,
G
G
VOL.!.
APPENDIX.
450
mounted on a bank of 100 feet high, without a breast-work,
two scows, mounting one gun each, as floating batteries, and
several field-pieces on the shore. Having captured and des.
troyed four vessels, without any attempt on the part of the
enemy's armed vessels to prevent it, and seeing no prospect of
inducing him to quit his position, where it was impossible for
us to attack him, I am now returning to execute my original
orders.
I have the honor to be, &c.
THOMAS EVERARD,
commander of his majesty's sloop Wasp.
Lieut._gcn. sir G. Prevost, Bart.
&c. Sze, &c.
NO. 50.
From commodore Macdonough to the American secretary of
the navy.
SIR,
United States' sloop President, near
Plattsburg, Sept. 9, 1813.
I have the honor to inform you, that I arrived here yesterday
from near the lines, having sailed from Burlington on the 6th
instant, with an intention to fall in with the enemy, who were
then near this place. Having proceeded to within a short dis.
tance of the lines, I received information that they were at
anchor ; soon after, they weighed and stood to the northward
out of the lake—thus, if not acknowledging our ascendancy on
the lake, evincing an unwillingness (although they had the
advantage of situation, owing to the narrowness of the channel
in which their galleys could work, when we should want room)
to determine it.
I have the honor to be &c.
THOS. MACDONOUGH.
non. W. Jones, secretary of the navy.
451
No. 51.
From sir George Prevost to earl Bathurst.
MY LORD,
Head-quarters, Montreal,
Oct 30th, 1813.
Since I had the honor of addressing your lordship in my
despatch of the 22d of September last, I have received the
enclosed communication from major-general Proctor. I have,
however, been informed from the other quarters, that he commenced his retreat from Sandwich on the 24th of that month,
having previously dismantled the posts of Amherstburg and
Detroit, and totally destroyed the public buildings and stores of
every description. That, on the 5th of October following,
when within a few miles of a strong position, which it was his
intention to take up at the Moravian village on the river Thames,
he was attacked by so overwhelming a force, under major-gen.
Harrison, that the small numbers he had with him, consisting of
not more than 450 regular troops, were unable to withstand it,
and consequently compelled to disperse ; that he had after..
wards rallied the remains of his division, and retired upon An_
caster, on the grand river, without being pursued by the enemy,
and where he had collected the scattered remains of his force,
amounting to about 200 men, and had with it subsequently
reached Burlington-heights, the head quarters of major_general
Vincent. Tecumseh, at the head of 1200 Indian warriors,
accompanied our little army on its rear from Sandwich : and
the prophet, as well as his brother Tecumseh were of the most
essential service, in arresting the further progress of the
Americans ; but, as to the extent of our loss on this occasion,
or the particulars of this disastrous affair, I am as yet ignorant ;
major-general Proctor having signified to major-general De
Rottenburg, commanding in the upper province, that he had
sent a flag of truce to general Harrison, to ascertain the fate of
the officers and soldiers who were missing, and requesting his
cl a 2
-
452
453
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
indulgence for a few days until its return, in order to make his
official report.
follow me as soon as the men received their knapsacks and
blankets, which had been left on an island in Lake Erie.
I also understand, that the enemy, so far from attempting
to improve the advantage they had gained, by pursuing our
troops on their retreat to the Grand river, had retired to
Sandwich, followed by Tecumseh and his warriors, who had
much harassed them on their march. Five or 600 Indians,
belonging to the right division, are reported to have joined the
centre.
I regret to say, that I am still without any official account
of captain Barclay's action on Lake-Erie, the result of which
has led to our relinquishment of the Michigan territory, excepting Michilimacinac, and our abandonment of the post in
Upper Canada beyond the Grand river.
The unavoidable delay at Sandwich was attended with no disadvantage to us. General Proctor had posted himself at
Dalson's, on the right side of the Thames, (or Trench,) 56
miles from this place, which I was informed ne intended to
fortify, and wait to receive me. He must have believed, how.
ever, that I had no disposition to follow him, or that he had
secured my continuance here, by the reports that were circulated that the Indians would attack and destroy this place
upon the advance of the army, as he neglected the breaking up
the bridges until the night of the 2t1 instant. On that night
our army reached the river, which is 25 miles from Sandwich,
and is one of four streams crossing our route, over all of which
are bridges ; and they being deep and muddy, arc rendered unThe
fordable for a considerable distance into the country.
here
was
found
entire
;
and
in
the
morning
I
proceeded
bridge
with Johnson's regiment to save, if possible, the ethers. At
the second bridge, over a branch of the river Thames, we were
fortunate enough to capture a lieutenant of dragoons and 11
privates, who had been sent by general Proctor to destroy them.
From the prisoners, I learned that the third bridge was broken
up, and that the enemy had no certain information of our advance. The bridge having been imperfectly destroyed, was
soon repaired, and the army encamped at Drake's Farm, four
I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE PREVOST.
Earl Bathurst, &c. &c.
No. 52.
From major.gen. Harrison to the American secretary at war.
SIR,
Head-quarters, Detroit, Oct. 9th, 1813.
In my letter from Sandwich of the 30th ultimo t I did myself
the honor to inform you, that I was preparing to pursue the
enemy the following day. From various causes, however, I
was unable to put the troops in motion until the morning of
the 22nd inst., and then to take with me only about 140 of the
regular troops—Johnson's mounted regiment, and such of
governor Selby's volunteers as were tit for a rapid march, the
whole amounting to about 3500 men. To general M 'Arthur,
(with about 700 effectives,) the protecting of this place and
the sick was committed ; general Cass's brigade, arid the corps
of lieutenant col. Ball were left at Sandwich, with orders to
miles below Dalson's.
The liver Thames, along the banks of which our route lay, is
a fine deep stream, navigable for vessels of a considerable
burthen, after the passage of the bar at its mouth, over which
there is six and a half feet water.
The baggage of the army was brought from Detroit in boats,
protected by three gun-boats, which commodore Perry had
furnished for the purpose, as well as to cover the passage of
the army over the Thames, or the mouths of its tributary
streams ; the bank being low and the country generally open
(Friaries) as far as Dalson's, these vessels were well calculated
454 APPENDIX.
for that purpose. Above Dalson's, however, the character of
the river and adjacent country is considerably changed. The
former, though still deep, is very narrow, and its banks high
and woody. The commodore and myself, therefore, agreed
upon the propriety of leaving the boats under the guard of 150
infantry ; and I determined to trust to fortune and the bravery
of my troops to effect the passage of the river. Below a place
called Chatham, and four miles above Dalson's, is the third unfordable branch of the Thames ; the bridge over its mouth had
been taken up by the Indians, as well as that at M'Gregor's
Mills, one mile above. Several hundred of the Indians remained to dispute our passage ; and upon the arrival of the
advanced guard, commenced a heavy fire from the opposite
bank of the creek, as well as that of the river. Believing that the
whole force of the enemy was there, I halted the army, formed
in order of battle, and brought up our two 6-pounders to cover
the party that were ordered to cover the bridge. A few shot
from those pieces soon drove off the Indians, and enabled us in
two hours to repair the bridge and cross the troops. Colonel
Johnson's mounted regiment, being upon the right of the army,
had seized the remains of the bridge at the mills under a heavy
fire from the Indians. Our loss upon this occasion was two
killed, and three or four wounded ; that of the enemy was
ascertained to be consideraby greater. A house near the bridge,
containing a very considerable number of muskets had been set
on fire ; but it was extinguished by our troops, and the arms
saved. At the first farm above the bridge, we found one of the
enemy's vessels on fire, loaded with arms, ordnance, and other
valuable stores ; and learned that they were a few miles a-head of
us, still on the right bank of the river, with a great'body of Indians. At Bow les' Farm, four miles from the bridge, we
halted for the night, found two other vessels and a large dis.
tillery filled with ordnance, and other valuable stores, to an
immense amount, in flames ; it was impossible to put out the
fire ; two 24-pounders, with their carriages, were taken, and
a large quantity of ball and shells of various sizes. The army
APPENDIX.
455
was put in motion early on the morning of the 5th. I pushed
on in advance with the mounted regiment, and requested governor Shelby to follow as expeditiously as possible with the infantry ; the governor's zeal, and that of his men, enabled them
to keep up with the cavalry, and by 9 o'clock we were at
Arnold's mills, having taken, in the course of the morningy two
gun-boats and several batteaux, loaded with provisions and
ammunition.
A rapid stream of the river at Arnold's mills, affords the only
fording to be met with for a considerable distance ; but upon
examination, it was found too deep for the infantry. Having,
however, fortunately taken two or three boats, and some Indian canoes, on the spot, and obliging the horsemen to take a
footman behind each, the whole were safely crossed by 12
o'clock. Eight miles from the crossing we passed a farm,
where a part of the British troops had encamped the night be.
fore, under the command of colonel Warburton. The detachment with general Proctor was stationed near to, and fronting,
the Moravian town, four miles higher up. Being now certainly
near the enemy, I directed the advance of Johnson's regiment to
accelerate their march for the purpose of procuring intelligence.
The officer commanding it, in a short time, sent to inform me,
that his progress w as stopped by the enemy, who were formed
across our line of march. One of the enemy's waggoners being
also taken prisoner, from the information received from him,
and my own observation, assisted by some of my officers, I soon
ascertained enough of their position and order of battle, to
determine that which it was proper for me to adopt.
I have the honour herewith to enclose you my general order
of the 27th ult. prescribing the order of march and of battle,
when the whole of the army should act together. But as the
number and description of the troops had been essentially
changed, since the issuing of the order, it became necessary to
make a corresponding alteration in their disposition. From
the place where our army was last halted, to the Moravian
town, a distance of about three miles and a half, the road
456
457
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
passes through a beach forest without any clearing, and for the
first two miles near to the river. At from 2 to 300 yards from
and to break the British line, at once, by a charge of the
the river, a swamp extends parallel to it, throughout the whole
iistance. The intermediate ground is dry, and although the
trees are tolerably, thick, it is in many places clear of underbrush. Across this strip of land, their left appu,yed npon the
river, supported by artillery placed in the wood, their right in
the swamp, covered by the whole of their Indian force, the
British troops were drawn up.
The troops at my disposal consisted of about 120 regulars,
of the 27th regiment, five brigades of Kentucky volunteer
militia-infantry, under his excellency governor Shelby, averaging less than 500 men, and colonel Johnson's regiment of
mounted infantry, making, in the whole, an aggregate something above 3000. No disposition of an, army opposed to an
Indian force can be safe, unless it is secured on the flanks, and
in the rear. I had therefore no difficulty in arranging the
,
infantry conformably to my general order of battle. General
Trotter's brigade of 500 men formed the front line, his right
upon the road, and his left upon the swamp. General King's 11
brigade as a second line, 150 yards in the rear of Trotter's ;
and Child's brigade, as a corps of reserve, in the rear of it.
These three brigades formed the command of major-general
Henry ; the whole of general Desha's division, consisting
of two brigades, were formed en potence upon the left of
Trotter.
6
Whilst I was engaged in forming the infantry, I had directed
colonel Johnson's regiment, which was still in front, to form
in two lines opposite to that of the enemy ; and upon the
advance of the infantry, to take ground to, the left; and, forming upon that flank, to endeavor to turn the right of the Indians.
A moment's reflection, however, convinced me, that from the
thickness of the wood, and swampness of the ground, they
would be unable to do any thing on horseback, and that there
was no time to dismount them, and place their horses in semi..
rity ; 1 therefore determined to refuse my
left to the Indians,
mounted infantry : the measure was not sanctioned by any
thing that I had seen or heard of, but I was, fully convinced
that it would succeed. The American back-woodsmen ride
better in the woods than any other people. A musket or rifle
is no impediment, they being accustomed to carry them on horseback from their earliest youth. I was persuaded, too, that the
enemy would be quite unprepared for the shock, and that they
could not resist it. Conformably to this idea, I directed the
regiment to be drawn up in close column, with its right at the
distance of 50 yards from the road, (that it might be in some
measure protected by the trees from the artillery,) its left upon
the swamp, and to charge at full speed as soon as the enemy
delivered their fire. The few regular troops, under their
colonel, (Paul,) occupied, in column of sections of four, the
small space between the road and the river, for the purpose of
seizing the enemy's artillery ; and some 10 or 12 friendly
Indians were directed to move under the bank. The crotchet
formed by the front line and general Desha's division, was
an important point. At that place the venerable governor of
Kentucky was posted, who, at the age of 66, preserves all the
vigor of youth, the ardent zeal which distinguished him in the
revolutionary war, and the undaunted bravery w hich he maintained at King's Mountain. With my aide decamp the actingassistant adjutant-general, captain Butler,;my gallant friend
commodore Perry, who did me the honor to serve as my
volunteer aide de camp, and brigadier-general Cass, who having
no command, tendered me his assistance, I placed myself at the
head of the front line of infantry, to direct the movements of
the cavalry, and to give them the necessary support. The
army had moved un in this order but a short distance, when the
mounted men received the fire of the British line, and were
ordered to charge; the horses in the front of the column
recoiled from the fire; another was/given by the enemy, and
our column at length getting into motion, broke through the
enemy with an irresistible force. In one minute the contest in
.
458 APPENDIX.
front was over, the British officers seeing no hopes of reducing
their disordered ranks to order, and our mounted men wheeling
upon them, and pouring in a destructive fire, immediately surrendered. It is certain that three only of our troops were
wounded in the charge. Upon the left, however, the contest
was more severe with the Indians. Colonel Johnson, who
commanded on the flank of his regiment, received a most galling
fire from them, which was returned with great effect. The
Indians still further to the right advanced, and fell in with our
front line of infantry, near its junction with Desha's division,
and for a moment made some impression on it. His excel.lency governor Shelby, however, brought up a regiment to its
support, and the enemy received a severe fire in front, and 4
part of Johnson's, regiment having gained their rear, they
retreated with precipitation. Their loss was very considerable
in the action, and many were killed in their retreat.
I can give no satisfactory information of the number of
Indians that were in action ; but there must have been considerably upwards of 1000. From the documents in my possession, general Proctor's official letters, (all of which were taken,)
and from the information of respectable inhabitants of this
territory, the Indians kept in pay by the British were much
more numerous than has been generally supposed. In a letter
to general De Rottenburg, of the 27th ult. general Proctor
speaks of having prevailed upon most of the Indians to accompany him. Of these it is certain that 50 or 60 Wyandot
warriors abandoned him.*
The number of our troops was certainly greater than that of
the enemy ; but when it is recollected that they had chosen a
position, that effectually secured their flank, which it was
impossible for us to turn, and that we could not present to
them a line more extended than their own, it w ill not be con* A British officer of high rank assured one of my aides de camp, that on
the day of our landing, general Proctor had at his disposal upwards of 3000
Indian w arriors, but asserted that the greater part had left him previous to
the action.
APPENDIX.
459
sidered arrogant to claioai t;or my troops the palm of superior
bravery.
(Here follows an encomium upon the officers generally. *)
Major , Wood; of the engineers, already distinguished at
Fort,Meigs, attended the army with two 6-pounders. Having
no use for them in action, he joined in the pursuit of the enemy,
and with major Pay ne, of the mounted regiment, two of my
aides de camp, Todd and Chambers, and three privates, continued it for several miles after the rest of the troops had halted,
and made many prisoners.
I left the army before an official return of the prisoners, or
that of the killed and wounded was made out. It was, however, ascertained that the former amounted to 601 regulars,
including 25 officers. Our loss is 7 killed, and 22 wounded,
5 of whom have since died. Of the British troops, 12 were
killed, and '22 wounded. The Indians suffered most, 33 of
them having been found upon the ground, besides those killed
,
on the retreat.
On the day of the action, six pieces of brass artillery were
taken, and two iron 24-pounders the day before. Several
others were discovered in the river, and can be easily procured.
Of the brass pieces, three are the trophies of our revolutionary
war ; they were taken at Saratoga and York, and surrendered
by general Hull. The number of small arms taken by us and
destroyed by the enemy, must amount to upwards of 5000;
most of them had been ours, and had been taken by the
enemy at the surrender of Detroit, at the river Raisin, and
colonel Dudley's defeat. I believe the enemy retain no other
military trophy of their victories than the standard of the 4th
regiment. They were not magnanimous enough to bring that
of the 41st regiment into the field, or it would have been
taken.
You have been informed, sir, of the conduct of the troops under
my command in action. It gives me great pleasure to inform
* It is thus stated in the published account from which this w as copied.
4r0
APPENDIX.
APPMNDIX.
you, that they merit also the approbation of their country for
their conduct, in submitting to the greatest privation with the
utmost cheerfulness.
The infantry were entirely without tents, and for several
days the whole army subsisted upon fresh beef, without either
bread or salt.
I have the honor to be, &c.
W. H. HARRISON.
General John Armstrong,
secretary of War.
P. S. General Proctor escaped by the fleetness of his
horses, escorted by 90 dragoons, and a number of mounted
Indians.
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461
No. 53.
List of convicts confined in the same penitentiary at Frankfort, Kentucky, with the tirilish officers taken prisoners 515044. 1813, with a
statement of their crimes, and the punishment sentenced them.
SENTENCES.
Years.
17
A rape on a child, (castrated himself, )
Samuel Moops,
10
A
rape,
George Williams,
6
A rape and murder,
Daniel Caine,
7
Murder,
(called
manslaughter,)
William Coleman,
6
ditto,
Ditto
Newbury Man,
5
ditto,
Ditto
John Cox,
5
ditto,
Ditto
Preto Sharp,
4
Ditto, (shooting his wife),
Samuel Hogan,
31
Ditto,
Thomas Pegget,
31Ditto,
Samuel Danby,
4
Forgery,
James Moore,
4
Ditto and coining,
William Mitchell,
4
Ditto,
Samuel Smith,
2
William Whiteside, Ditto,
2
Ditto,
James Long,
2
House-breaking and robbery,
John Lee,
2
Ditto,
John Rower,
4i
Stealing 3 negroes and 3 horses,
David Ferguson,
2
ditto,
1
ditto
Ditto
Joseph Jones,
2i
ditto,
1 ditto
Ditto
William Taylor,
6
ditto,
1
ditto
Ditto
James Hanson,
2
1 negress,
Ditto
William Hannoy,
6
Horse-stealing,
George Fieldie,
10
Ditto,
Alexander White,
Ditto,
Thomas Lofton,
42
Ditto,
Daniel Dougherty,
4
Ditto,
James Porter,
4
Ditto,
William Harding,
4
Ditto,
Ephraim Nowling,
4
Ditto,
John Oder,
4
Ditto,
John Brown,
4
Ditto,
Burgess Irvin,
4
Ditto,
Booth Sitrons,
3
Ditto,
Levi Dunn,
2
Ditto,
John M`Vey,
2
Ditto,
John Kelly,
2
Stealing a bolt of cloth,
Wm. H. Steer,
2
Stealing clothes which were made up,
John Allwright,
2
Stealing a saddle,
Jesse Burton,
2
Stealing a beef skin,
Philip Jones,
NAMES.
CRIMES.
462
APPENDIX.
-APPENDIX.
of Chateauguay chasseurs ; captains Daly
No. 54.
From sir George Prevost to earl Bathurst.
Ilead-quarters, Montreal, Oct. 30 1813.
,
MY LORD,
On the 8th instant, 1 had the honor to report to your lordship that major-general Hampton had occupied, with a cosiderable force of regulars and militia, a position on the Chateau.
gully river, near the settlement of the Four Corners. Early
on the 21st the American army crossed the line of separation
between Lower Canada and the United States, surprised a
small party of Indian warriors, and drove in a piquet of
sedentary militia, posted at the junction of the Outard and
Chateauguay- rivers, where it encamped, and proceeded in establishing a road of communication with its last position, for the
purpose of bringing forward its artillery. Major-general
Hampton, having completed his arrangements on the 24th,
commenced, on the following day, his operations against my
advanced posts : at about 11 o'clock in the forenoon of the
26th, his cavalry and light troops were discovered advancing on
both banks of the Chateauguay, by a detachment covering a
working party of habitans employed in felling timber, for the
purpose of constructing abattis. Lieutenant-colonel De Salu.
berry who had the command of the advanced piquets, com
posed of the light infantry company of the Canadian fencibles,
and two companies of voltigeurs, on the north side of the river,
made so excellent a disposition of his little band, that he checked
the advance of the enemy's principal column, led by majorgeneral Hampton in person, and accompanied by brigadier-general lzard ; whilst the American light brigade, under colonel
M'Carty, was in like manner repulsed in its progress on the
south side of the river, by the spirited advance of the right
flank-company of the third battalion of the embodied militia,
under captain Daly, supported by captain Bruyers' company
-
463
and Bruyers' being
both wounded, and their companies having sustained some loss,
their position was immediately taken up by a flank-company of
the first battalion of embodied militia ; the enemy rallied and
repeatedly returned to the attack, which terminated only with
at
the day, in his complete disgrace and defeat ; being foiled
all points by a handful of men, who by their determined
bravery maintained their position, and screened from insult the
working parties, who continued their labours unconcerned.
Having fortunately arrived at the scene of action shortly after
its commencement, I witnessed the conduct of the troops on this
glorious occasion, and it was a great satisfaction to me to
render on the spot that praise which had become so justly their
Watteville for the wise
due. I thanked major-general Dc
measures taken by him for the defence of his position, the
advance, and lieutenant-colonel De Saluberry, for the judgment
displayed by him in the choice of his ground, and the bravery
and skill with which he maintained it ; I acknowledged the
highest praise to belong to the officers and men engaged thatmorning, for their gallantry and steadiness, and I called upon all the
troops in advance, as well for a continuance of that zeal, steadiness, and discipline, as for that patient endurance of hardships
and privations which they have hitherto evinced ; and I particularly noticed the able support lieutenant-colonel De Salt'.
berry received from captain Fergusson, in command of the
light company of the Canadian fencibles, and from captain
J. B. Duchesnay and captain J. Duchesnay, and adjutant Hebder, of the voltigeurs, and also from adjutant O'Sullivan, of
the sedentary militia, and from captain La Motto, belonging to
the Indian warriors. Almost the whole of the British troops
being pushed forward for the defence of Upper Canada, that
of the lower province must depend, in a great degree, on the
valor and continued exertions of its incorporated battalions
and its sedentary militia, until the 70th regiment and the two
battalions of marines, daily expected, arrive. It is, therefore,
highly satisfactory to state to your lordship, that there appears
464
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
a determination among all classes of his majesty's Canadian
subjects, to persevere in a loyal and honorable line of conduct.
By the report of prisoners taken from the enemy in the affair
on the Chateauguay, the American force is stated at 7000
infantry, and 200 cavalry, with 10 field-pieces. The British
advanced force, actually engaged, did not exceed 300. The
enemy suffered severely from our fire, and from their own ;
some detached corps in the woods fired upon each other.
I have the honor to transmit to your lordship, a return of the
killed and wounded on the 26th. I avail myself of this opportunity humbly to solicit from his royal highness the prince
regent, as a mark of his gracious approbation of the conduct of
the embodied battalion of the Canadian. militia, five pairs of
colours for the 1st, 2d, 11, 4th, and 5th battalions.
I have the honor to bp, 8.:c.
GEORGE PREVOST.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing, of his majesty's
forces, in the action with the enemy, in advance of Chateau,
guay, on the 26th Oct. 1813.
Canadian fencible infantry, light company ; 3
rank and
file, killed ; 1 serjeant, 3 rank and file, wounded.
3d battalion embodied militia, flank
company ; 2 rank and
file, killed; 1 captain, 6 rank and file, wounded ; 4 rank and
file, missing.
-
-
No. 55.
From lieutenant-colonel Morrison to major-general
De Rottenburg.
Williamsburg, Upper Canada, Nov. 11, 1813.
SIR,
I have the honor to inclose a copy of the agreement entered
into by captain Mulcaster, of the royal navy, and myself, with
two of the principal inhabitants of Hamilton, in the state of
New York. Having understood, when passing that place, that
public property was deposited there, and being informed by
lieutenant-colonel Pearson, that his excellency the commander
of the forces had directed a small force to act against that
village, we considered it our duty, as we possessed the means,
to fulfil the intentions of his excellency ; but not having sufficient conveyance, or time, to bring the property away, and as
it appeared that it principally belonged to merchants at Kingston, we deemed the inclosed terms best to propose. I also
inclose herewith a copy of major-general Wilkinson's proclamation.
J. W. MORRISON, lieut.-colonel,
89th, commanding corps of observation.
—
Chateauguay Chasseurs ;--1 captain, wounded.
Total ;-5 rank and file, killed ; 2 captains, 1 serjeant,
13 rank and file, wounded ; 4 rank and file, missing.
465
Major-general De Rottcnburg.
Names of officers wounded.
3d battalion embodied militia ; Captain
Daly, twice wounded, severely.
No.
561
—
Chateauguay chasseurs ; —Captain l3ruyers, slightly.
EDWARD BAYNES, adjutant-general.
Right Hon. earl Bathurst,
8te. &c. &c.
American agreement to deliver up captured property.
We do hereby promise, on our respective words and honor,
to deliver on the opposite side of the river, at the house of
Jacob Wager, if a flag should be permitted to land, all the
public property of the United States, if any should be found
VOL. 1.
H
466
APPENDIX.
here ; also all property belonging to his Britannic majesty's
government, and the individuals thereof, now deposited in the
house of Charles Richards. It being expressly understood that
the property and persons of the inhabitants of the village have
been spared in consideration of the preceeding arrangement.
And we do hereby further pledge our honors, that the boats
shall also be delivered, which belong either to the government
of the United States, or to his Britannic majesty's government.
And we do further admit, that on the non-compliance with
these conditions, the village be subject to be destroyed.
DAVID A. OGDEN.
ALEX. RICIIARDS.
W. H. MULCASTER,
Captain royal navy, commanding flotilla.
J. W. MORRISON,
Lieut.-colonel, 89th regt. commanding
corps of observation.
_ Hamilton, Nov. 10, 1813.
No. 57.
Proclamation of James Wilkinson, major-general and commander-in-chief of an expedition against the Canaclas, to
the inhabitants thereof.
The army of the United States, which I have the honor to
command, invaded this province to conquer, and not to destroy,
to subdue the forces of his Britannic majesty, not to war against
his unoffending subject's. Those, therefore, among you who
remain quiet at home, should victory incline to the American
standard, shall be protected in their persons and property ; but
those who are found in arms must necessarily be treated as
avowed enemies. To menace is unmanly—to seduce dishonorable—yet it is just and humane to place these alternatives before you.
APPENDIX
467
Done at the head-quarters of the army of the United States,
this 6th day of November, 1813, near Ogdensburg, on the
river St. Lawrence.
JAS. WILKINSON.
By the general's command, W. Pinkney,
major and aide de camp.
No. 58.
From lieutenant-colonel Morrison to major-general
De Rottenburg.
Stu,
Chrystler's, Williamsburg, Upper Canada,
Nov. 12, 1813.
I have the heartfelt gratification to report the brilliant and
gallant conduct of the detachment from the centre-division of
the army, as yesterday displayed in repulsing and defeating a
division of the enemy's force, consisting of two brigades of
infantry and a regiment of cavalry, amounting to between 3 and
4000 men, who moved forward, about two o'clock in the afternoon, from Chrystler's-point, and attacked our advance, which
gradually fell back to the position selected for the detachment
to occupy ; the right resting on the river, and the left on a
pine-wood, exhibiting a front of about 700 yards. The ground
being open, the troops were thus disposed : the flank companies of the 49th regiment, the detachment of the Canadian
fencibles, with one field-piece, under lieutenant-colonel Pearson,
on the right, a little advanced on the road ; three companies of
the 89th regiment, under captain Barnes, with a gun, formed
in echellon, with the advance on its left supporting it. The
49th and 89th, thrown more to the rear, with a gun, formed the
main body and reserve, extending to the woods on the left,
which were occupied by the voltigeurs, under major Ilecriot,
and the Indians under lieutenant Anderson. At abOut half
past two the action became general, when the enemy endea.
468
469
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
voured, by moving forward a brigade from his right, to turn
of the 49th, major Clifford, of the 89th, major Herriott, of
of the royal artillery,
the voltigeurs, and captain Jackson,
our left, but was repulsed by the 89th, forming
en potence
with the 49th, and both corps moving forward, occasionally
combined with the gallantry of the troops, our great success
firing by platoons. His efforts were next directed against our
may be attributed. Every man did his duty, and I believe I
right, and to repulse this movement the 49th took ground in
cannot more strongly speak their merits than in mentioning,
that direction in echellon, followed by the 89th ; when within
that our small force did not exceed 800 rank and file. To cap-
half-musket-shot the line was formed, under a heavy but irre-
tains Davis and Skinner, of the quarter-master-general's depart-
gular fire from the enemy. The 49th was then directed to
ment, I am under the greatest obligations for the assistance I
charge the gun posted opposite to ours ; but it became neces-
have received from them ; their zeal and activity has been
sary, when within a short distance of it, to check the forward
unremitting. Lieutenant Hagerman, of the militia, has also,
movement, in consequence of a charge from their cavalry on
his services, deserved my public acknowledgements, as has also
lieutenant Anderson, of the Indian department. As the prisoners are hourly bringing in, I am unable to furnish your
honor with a correct return of them, but upwards of 100 are
in our possession ; neither of the ordnance stores taken, as
the right, lest they should wheel about, and fall upon their
rear ; but they were received in so gallant a manner by the
companies of the 89th, under captain Barnes, alid the well.
directed fire of the artillery, that they quickly retreated, and
by an immediate charge from those companies one gun was
gained. The enemy immediately concentrated their force to
check our advance, but such was the steady countenance, and
well-directed fire of the troops and artillery, that at about half
past four they gave way at all points from an exceeding strong
position, endeavouring by their light infantry to cover
their
retreat, who were soon driven away by a judicious movement
made by lieutenant-colonel Pearson. The detachment for the
night occupied the ground from which the enemy had been
driven, and are now moving in pursuit.
I regret to find our loss in killed and wounded has been so
considerable ; but trust a most essential service has been rendered
to the country, as the whole of the enemy's infantry, after the
action, precipitately retired to their own shores. It is now my
grateful duty to point out to your honor the benefit the service
has received from the ability, judgment, and active exertions
of
lieutenant-colonel Harvey, the deputy-adjutant.general, for
sparing whom to accompany the detachment, I must again
publicly express my acknowledgments. To the cordial co-operation and exertions of lieutenant-colonel Pearson, commanding
the detachment from Prescott, lieutenant-colonel Plenderleath,
for
the whole have not yet been collected.
I have the honor to be, &c.
J. W. MORRISON,
lieut.-col. 89th, commanding
corps of observation.
To major-general de Rottenburg,
&c. &c. &c.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing.
Royal artillery; 2 rank and file, wounded.
Royal artillery drivers ; 1 rank and file, wounded.
drummer, 5 rank and file, killed;
49th foot ; 1 captain, 1
ra subalterns, 3 serjeantg, 31 rank and tile, wounded.
1 captain,
89th foot ; 1 drummer, 4 rank and file, killed;
1 subaltern, 3 serjeants, 57 rank and file, wounded.
sub49th foot, flank company ; 2 rank and file, killed ; 1
altern, 11 rank and file, wounded ; 6 rank and file, missing.
-
-
-
-
-
Canadian fencibles ;
-
4 rank and file, killed ; 2 subalterns,
14 rank and file, wounded.
Canadian voltigeurs ;
-
4 rank and file, killed ; 9 rank and
tile, wounded; 3 rank and file, missing.
Militia artillery ; 1 rank and tile, wounded.
-
470
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
Militia dragoons ; 1 rank and file, wounded.
Indians ; 1 warrior, wounded ; 3 warriors, missing.
tempted to halt, turn about, and put an end ib his teazing
-
but alas ! I was confined to my bed. Major-general Lewis
was too ill for any active exertions ; and above all, I did not
dare to suffer myself to be diverted a single day from the prosecution of the views of government. I had written major.
-
Total-1 captain, 2 drummers, 19 rank and file, killed; 1
captain, 9 subalterns, 6 serjeants, 131 rank and file, wounded;
12 rank and file, missing.
Names of officers killed and wounded.
cf
II
Killed;-49th foot;—Captain Nairne.
Wounded ;-49th foot ;—Lieutenant Jones, dangerously;
lieutenant Bartley, severely, not dangerously ; lieutenant
Claus, left leg amputated ; lieutenant Morton, severely, not
dangerously; lieutenant Richmond, slightly.
89th foot;
—
—
.
No. 59.
From major-general Wilkinson to the ,american secretary at
war,
Head-quarters, French Mills, adjoining the
province of Lower Canada, ?6 , "_
16th November, 1813.
I beg leave to refer you to the journal which accompanies
this letter, for the particulars of the movements a'of the corps
under my command, down to the St. Lawrence, and will endea,
your to exert my enfeebled mind to detail to you the more
striking and important incidents which have ensued since my
departure from Grenadier island, at the foot of Lake-Ontario,
on the 3d instant.
The corps of the enemy which folloWed me from Kingston,
being on my rear, and in concert with a heavy galley and a few
gun-boats, seemed determined to retard my progress. I was
general Hampton on the 6th instant, by adjutant-generalcolonel King, and had ordered him to form a junction with me
on the St. Lawrence, which I expected would take place on the
9th or 10th. It would have been unpardonable, had I lost sight
of this object an instant. I deemed it of vital importance to the
issue of the campaign.
The enemy deserve credit for their zeal and intelligence,
which the active universal hostility of the male inhabitants of the
country enabled them to employ to the greatest advantage.
Thus, while menaced by a respectable force in the rear, the
coast was lined with musketry in front, and at every critical
pass of the river, which obliged me to march a detachment,
Captain Browne, severely, not dangerously;
ensign Leaden, slightly.
49th foot : Flank company; Lieutenant
Holland, severely.
Canadian fencibles ;--Lieutenant Delorimiere, dangerously,
since dead ; ensign Armstrong, dangerously.
—
471
;,(7
and this impeded my progress.
On the evening of the 9th, the army halted a few miles
from the head of Longue Saut. On the morning of the 10th,
the enclosed order was issued. General Browne marched,
agreeably to order, and at noon we were apprised, by the
reports of his artillery, that he was engaged some distance
below us. At the same time the enemy were observed in our rear,
and their galley and gun-boats approached our flotilla, and
opened a fire upon us, which obliged me to order a battery of
18-pounders to be planted, and a shot from it compelled the
enemy's vessels to retire, together with their troops, after some
firing between the advanced parties. By this time, in consequence of his disembarking and re-embarking the heavy guns,
the day was so far spent, that our pilots did not dare to enter
the Sant, (eight miles a continued rapid,) and therefore we fell
down about two 'Miff, and came to anchor for the night.
Early the next morning every thing was in readiness for
motion, but having received no intelligence from general
1
Brown, I was still delayed, as sound precaution required
472
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
should learn the result of his affair, before I committed the
flotilla to the Saut.
At half past 10, A. M. an officer of dragoons arrived with a
letter, in which the general informed me he had forced the
enemy, and would reach the foot of the Saut early in the dap
Orders were immediately given for the flotilla to sail, at which
instant the enemy's gun-boats appeared, and began to throw
shot among us. Information was at the same time brought me
from brigadier-general Boyd, that the enemy's troops were
advancing in column. I i mmediately gave orders to him toattack them. This report was soon contradicted. Their gunboats, however, continued to scratch_ and
and a variety of
reports of their movements and counter-movements were
brought me in succession, which convinced me of their cletermi.t
nation to hazard an attack, when it could be done to the greatest
advantage; and I therefore resolved to anticipate them. Direc
tions were accordingly sent by that distinguished officer colonel
Swift, of the engineers, to brigadier.general Boyd, to throw
down the detachments of his command, assigned to him in the
order of the preceding day, and composed of men of his own;
Covington's, and Swartwout's brigades, into three columns, to
march upon the enemy, outflank them if possible, and take
their artillery.
The action soon after commenced with the advanced body of
the enemy, and became cxtreemely sharp and galling ; and
lasted, with occasional pauses, not sustained with great vivacity,
in open space, and fair combat, for upwards of two hours and
. a half, the adverse lines alternately yielding and advancing. It
is impossible to say with accuracy what was our nu.mber on the
field, because it consisted of indefinite detachments, taken from
the boats, to render safe the passage of the Saut.
General Covington and Swartwout voluntarily took part of
the action, at the head of the detachments from their respective
brigades, and exhibited the same courage that was displayed by
brigadier-general Boy d, who happened to be the senior officer
on the ground. Omr force engaged might have reached 16 or
473
1760 men, but actually did not exceed 1500. That of the
enemy was estimated from 1200 to 2000, but did not probably
amount to more than 150() or 1600; consisting, as I am informed, of detachments from the 49th, 84th, and 104th regi.
ments of the line, with three companies of the Voltigeur and
Glengarry corps, and the militia of the country, who are not
included in the estimate.
It would be presumptuous in me to attempt to give you a
detailed account of this affair, which certainly reflects high
honor on the valor of the American soldiers, as no example
can be produced of undisciplined men with inexperienced
officers, of braving a fire of two hours and a half, without
quitting the field; or yielding to their antagonists. But, Sir,
the information I now give you is derived from officers in my
confidence, who took active parts in the conflict ; for, although
I was enabled to order the attack, it was my hard fortune not to
be able to lead the troops I commanded.
The disease with which I was assailed on the 2d of September, on my journey to Fort-George, having, with a few short
intervals of convalescence, preyed on me ever since; and at
the moment of this action I was confined to my bed, unable to
sit on a horse, and to move ten paces without assistance. I
must, however, be pardoned for trespassing on your time a
few remarks in relation to this affair. The objects of the
British and the American commanders were precisely opposed,
the first being bound by the instructions of his government, and
the most solemn obligations of duty, to precipitate his descent
of the St. Lawrence by every practicable means, because this
being effected, one of the greatest difficulties opposed to the
American army would be surmounted ; and the former, by
duties equally imperious, to retard it, and if possible to prevent
such a descent. He is to be accounted victorious who effected
this purpose. The British commander having failed to gain
either of the objects, can lay no claims to the honors of the
day. The battle fluctuated, and the victory seemed at different
times inclined to the contending corps. The front of the
VOL. I.
1I
474
475
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
, ' enemy was at first forced back more than a mile, and though
be abandoned for the present season, and the army near Cornwall be immediately crossed to the American shore, for taking
up winter quarters, and that this place afforded an eligible position for such quarters. I acquiesced in this opinion, not from
the shortness of the stock of provisions, (which had been reduced by the acts of God), because our meat had been:increased five days, and our bread had been reduced only two
days ; and because we could, in case of extremity, have lived
on the enemy, but because the loss of the division under majorgeneral Hampton weakened my force too sensibly to justify the
they never regained the ground they lost, their stand was per.
manent, and their charges resolute. Amidst these charges, and
.near the close of the contest, we lost a fieldpiece by the fall
of the officer who WES serving it with the same coolness as if lie
had been at parade, or at a review. This was lieutenant Smith,
of the light artillery, who in point of merit stood conspicuous.
The enemy having halted, and our troops having again formed
in battalia, front to front, and the fire having ceased on both
sides, we resumed our position on the bank of the river, and
the infantry being much fatigued, the whole were re-embarked,
and proceeded down the river without further annoyance from
the enemy or their gun-boats, while the dragoons with five
pieces of light artillery marched down the Canada shore
without molestation.
-
It is due to his rank, merit, and services, that I should make
particular mention of brigadier. general Covington, who received
a mortal wound directly through his body, while animating his
men, and leading them to the charge. He fell where he fought,
at the head of his men, and survived but two days.
The next day the flotilla passed through the Saut, and joined
that excellent officer, brigadier-gen. Brown, at Barnhart's, near
Cornwall, where he had been instructed to take post and wait
ray arrival, and where I confidently expected to hear of major-general Hampton's arrival on the opposite shore.
But immediately after 1 had halted, col. Atkinson, inspectorgeneral of the division under major-general Hampton, waited
on me with a letter from that officer, in which, to my unspeakable
mortification and surprize, he declined the junction ordered,
—and informed me he was marching to Lake•Champlain,
by way of co-operation in the proposed attack upon Montreal. This letter, together with a copy of that to which it is in
answer, were immediately submitted to a council of war, composed of many general officers, and the colonel commanding the
.elite, the chief engineer, and adjutant-general, who immediately
gave it as their opinion, that the attack on the Montreal should
attempt.
In all my measures and movements of consequence I have
taken the opinion of my general officers, which have been
accordant with my own.
I remained on the Canadian shore till the next day, without
seeing or hearing from the powerful force of the enemy in our
neighbourhood, and the same day reached this position with
the artillery and infantry.
The dragoons have been ordered to Utica and its vicinity,
and I expect are 50 or 60 miles on the march, You have, under
cover, a summary abstract of the killed and wounded in the
affair of the 11th instant, which will soon be followed by a
particular return ; in which, a first regard will be paid to individual merit. The dead rest in honor, and the wounded
bleed for their country, and deserve its gratitude. With respect,
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your obedient servant,
JAS, WI LKINSON.
•+-
Here follows a statement of the killed and wounded ;—
Killed, 102.— Wounded, "237.
Hon. J. Armstrong, &c.
&c.
476
APPENDIX.
No. 60.
From general Wilkinson to the American secretary at war.
Ilead-quarters, French Mills, Nov. 18, 1813.
I beg this may be considered as an appendage to my official
communication respecting the action of the 11th instant.
I last evening received the enclosed information, the result
of the examination of sundry prisoners taken on the field of
battle, which justifies the opinion of the general officers who
were in the engagement. This goes to prove, that although the
imperious obligations of duty did not allow me sufficient time
to rout the enemy, they were beaten ; the accidental loss of
one field-piece notwithstanding, after it had been discharged 15
or 20 times. I have also learned, from what has been considered
good authority, but I will not vouch for the correctness of it,
that the enemy's loss exceeded 500 killed and wounded.
The enclosed report will correct an error in my former
communication, as it appears it was the 89th, and not the 84th,
British regiment, which was engaged on the 11th. I beg leave
to mention, in the action of the 11th, what, from my severe indisposition, I have omitted.
Having received information, late in the day, that the contest had become somewhat dubious, I ordered up a reserve of
600 men, whom fhad ordered to stand by their arms, under
lieutenant-col. Upham, who gallantly led them into action,
which terminated a few minutes after their arrival on the
ground. With great consideration and respect, I have the
JAMES WILKINSON.
honor to be, &c. •
•
Hon. John Armstrong, secretary at war.
Here follows a statement of the strength of the British
forces, engaged in action of the 11th of Nov.-1800 regulars,
300 militia, 40 Indians.-7Total, 2170 ; upwards of 1500
more than they were.
352 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
off, not 100 sleigh-loads, but " several barrels,"
of provisions ; and that colonel Scott, on " hearing of the approach of the American troops,
retreated in great confusion."* Had the American troops travelled somewhat more slowly,
a second opportunity would have been afforded
them, of trying their boasted " hardihood and
resolution" before a small corps of British ; and
the signal for battle would have at once dispelled from the minds of the latter all thoughts
of desertion. But the American commander
reserved his men, perhaps, to carry into effect
some ulterior plan of annoyance, less subject
to " hard blows" in its progress, or to " chance"
in its result, than any of the numerous plans
he had already been projecting.
GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA.
353
i441.1144
,
-
APPENDIX.
No. 1.
From captain Roberts to the adjutant-general.
Sin,
A.
Fort-Michilimaeinac, July 17, 18124
I received letteriS, by express, from
major.general Brock, viit'h" 6theiet to adtiPt' the most prudent
measures either for offence or defence, which circumstances
might point out ; and having received intelligence from the best
information, that large reinforcements were expected to be
thrown into this garrison, with the thorough conviction that
my situation at St. Joseph's was totally indefensible, I deter mened to lose no time in mating the meditated attack on
ON the 15th itistiA
.
I
-
* Sketches of the War, p. 256.
this fort.
embarked my
On the 16th, at Id O'eltic'k in the morning,
few men, with about 180 Canadians, and two iron 6-pounders.
The boats arrived without the smallest accident at the port of
rendezvous, at three o'clock the following morning ; by the
exertions of the Canadians, one of the guns was brought up a
height commanding the garrison, "and ready to act about 10
o'clock. A summons was then sent in ; a copy of the capita'_
lation which followed I have the honorAO ericloseti At 12
.
o'clock the American colours were hauled down, and those
his majesty were hoisted. A committee has been appOinted to
examine into the state of the public stores.
Enclosed also are the returns of the ordnance and military
stores found in the fort, and the 'strength of the garrison. The
greatest prai e is duo to every individual employed in the
A
VOL. I.
,
354
355
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
expedition ; to my own officers I am indebted, in particular,
for their active assistance in carrying all my orders into effect.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Return of the garrison of Fort-Michilimacinac.
CHAS. ROBERTS, Capt. Coin.
The adjutant-gen. &c. &e. &c.
al*
No. 2.
American capitulation.
Two first-lieutenants, one surgeon's mate, three serjeants,
four corporals, five musicians, six artificers, 39 privates, one
private sick.—Total 6 1 .
Return of ordnance taken in Fort-Michilimacinac.
Two brass 51 inch howitzers, two brass 6-pounders on garrison carriages, one brass 3-pounder on a garrison carriage,
two iron 9-pounders on garrison carriages.
With a considerable proportion of ammunition and ordnance
stores.
Heights above Fort-Michilimacinac, July 17, 18124
ALEX. PILMOUR, military conductor of stores.
Capitulation agreed upon between captain Charles Roberts, commanding his Britannic majesty's forces, on the one part,
and lieutenant Hanks, commanding the forces of the United
States of America, on the other.
Article I. The fort of Michilimacinac shall immediately be
surrendered to the British forces.
Art. II. The garrison shall march out with the honors of
war, lay down their arms, and become prisoners of war, and
shall be sent to the United States of America by his Britannic
majesty, not to serve this war until regularly exchanged ; and
for the due performance of this article the officers pledge their
word and honor.
Art. III. All the merchant vessels in the harbor, with their
respective cargoes, shall be in possession of their respective
Owners.
Art. IV. Private property shall be held sacred as far as in
my power.
Art. V. All citizens of the United States, who shall not
take the oath of allegiance to his Britannic majesty, shall depart
with their property from the island, in one month from the date
hereof.
CHARLES ROBERTS, captain, commanding
his Britannic majesty's troops.
Lieut. HANKS, commanding the forces of the
United States at Fort-Miehilimacinae.
No 3.
r
From lieutenant Hanks to general Hull,
Detroit, August 14th, 1812
Sin,
I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint your excellency,
of the surrender of the garrison of Michilimacinac under my
command, to his Britannic majesty's forces under the command
of captain Charles Roberts, on the 17th ultimo. On the 16th
I was informed that several nations of Indians then at St.
Joseph's, and a British detachment, distant 45 miles, intended
to make an immediate attack on Michilimacinac; I accordingly despatched captain Daurman to St. Joseph's to watch the
Indians ; he embarked about sun-set and met the British forces
within 10 or 15 miles of the island, by whom he was made
prisoner, and put on his parole of honor. He was landed on
the island at day-break, with positive orders to give no intelligence whatever ; he was also instructed to take the inhabitants'
of the village, indiscriminately, to a place on the west side of
the island, where their persons and property would be protected
by a British guard ; but, should they go to the fort, they would
AA2
.
356
357
APPENDIX.
APPVIDIX.
be subject to a general massacre by the savages, which would
be inevitable if the garrison fired a gun. This information I
received from Dr. Day, who was passing through the village,
country ; the standard of the United States now waves over the
territory of Canada. To the peaceable unoffending inhabitants,
it brings neither danger nor difficulty. I come to find enemies,
not to make them. I come to protect, not to injure you.
Separated by an immense ocean, and an extensive wilderness,
from Great Britain, you have no participation in her councils,
when every person was flying for refuge to the enemy.
Immediately on being informed of the approach of the enemy,
I placed ammunition, &c. in the block-houses,7Jrdered every
gun to be charged, and every preparation for action. About
nine o'clock, I could discover that the enemy were in pos.
session of the heights that commanded the fort, and one Ode
of artillery directed to the most defenceless part of the garrison.
The Indians at this time were to be seen at the edge of the
woods. At half-past 11 o'clock, the enemy sent in a flag of
truce, demanding a surrender of the fort and island to his
Britannic majesty's forces:. - This, sir, was the first information
I had of the declaration of war ; I had however anticipated it,
and was as well prepared to meet such an event, as I possibly
could have been with the force under my command, amounting
to 57 effective men, including officers.
I have the honor to be, &c.
HANKS.
Gen. Hull.
;l a
NO. 4.
General Hull's proclamation.
By William Hull, brigadier-general and commander of the
North-western army of the United States;
rnocLAmaTior.
Inhabitants of Canada,
A
After 30 years of peace and prosperity, the United States
have been driven to arms; The injuries and aggressions, the
insults and indignities of Great Britain, have once more left
them no alternative but' manly resistance, or unconditional
submission. The army under my command has invaded your
noeinterest in her conduct.
You have felt her tyranny ; you have seen her injustice ;
hut
I do not ask you to avenge the one, or to redress the other.
p
The United States are sufficiently powerful to afford every
security, consistent with their rights and your expectations. I
tender you the invaluable blessing of civil, political, and reli.gious liberty, and their necessary result, individual and general
prosperity ; that liberty which gave decision to our councils,
and energy to our conduct, in a struggle for independence,
which conducted us safely and triumphantly through the stormy
period of the revolution—the liberty which has raised us to an
elevated rank among the nations of the world, and which
afforded us a greater measure of peace and security, of wealth
and improvement than ever fell to the lot of any people. In
the name of my country, and the authority of government, I
promise you protection to you persons, property, and rights :
remain at your homes ; pursue your peaceful and customary
avocations ; raise not your hands against your brethren.
Many of your fathers fought for the freedom and independence
we now enjoy.„Lieing children, therefore, of the same family
with us, and heirs of the same heritage, the arrival of an army
of friends must be hailed by you with a cordial welcome.
You will be emancipated from tyranny and oppression, and
restored to the dignified station of, freedom. Had 1 any doubt
of eventual success, I might ask your assistance ; but 1 do not.
I come prepared for every contingency—I hal e a force which
will break down all opposition, and that force is but the vanguard of a much greater. If contrary to your own interests,
and the just expectations of my country, you should take part
in the approaching contest, you will be considered and treated
358
APPENDIX.
as enemies ; and the horrors and calamities of war will stalk
before you. If the barbarous and savage policy of Great
Britain be pursued, and the savages are let loose to murder our
citizens, and butcher our women and children, this war will be
a war of extermination. The first stroke of the tomahawk—
the first attempt with the scalping-knife, will be the signal of
one indiscriminate scene of desolation. No white man found
fighting by the side of an indian, will be taken prisoner—
instant death will be his lot. If the dictates of reason, duty,
justice, and humanity, cannot prevent the employment of a
force which respects no rights, and knows no wrong, it will be
prevented by a severe and relentless system of retaliation. I
doubt not your courage and firmness—I will not doubt your
attachment to liberty. If you tender your services voluntarily,
they will be accepted readily. The United States offer you
peace, liberty, and security. Your choice lies between these
and war, slavery and destruction. Choose then ; but choose
isely ; and may he who knows the justice of our cause, and
who holds in his hand the fate of nations, guide you to a result
the most compatible with your rights and interests, your peace
and happiness.
By the general,
A. P. HULL.
Captain of the 3d United
States' regiment of infantry, and
Aide de
camp. Ifead-qnarters, Sandwich, July 12, 1812.
WILLIAM HULL,
nrw o
,
,
roworreoe,
N o.
5.
Alajor-general Broke's proclamation, in answer.
The unprovoked declaration of war by the United States of
America, against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, and its dependencies, has been followed by the actual
APPENDIX.
359
invasion of this province, in a remote frontier of the western
districts, by a detachment of the United States.
The officer commanding that detachment has thought proier
to invite his majesty's subjects, not merely to a quiet and unresisting submission, but insults them with a call to seek voluntarily the protection of his government.
Without condescending to repeat the illiberal epithets lacstowed, in this appeal of the American commander to the people
of Upper Canada, on the administration of his majesty, every
inhabitant of the province is desired to seek the confutation of
such indecent slander in the review of his own particular circumstances. Where is the Canadian subject who can truly
affirm to himself, that he has been injured by the government,
in his person, his property, or his liberty ? Where is to be
found, in any part of the world, a growth so rapid in prosperity and wealth, as this colony exhibits ? Settled, not 30
years, by a band of veterans, exiled from their former possessions on account of their loyalty, not a descendant of these
brave people is to be found, who, under the fostering liberality
of their sovereign, has not acquired a property and means of
enjoyment superior to what were possessed by their ancestors.
This unequalled prosperity would not have been attained by
the utmost liberality of the government, or the persevering
industry of the people, had not the maritime power of the
mother country secured' to its colonists a safe access to every
market, where the produce of their labour was in request.
The unavoidable and immediate consequences of a separation
from Great Britain must be the loss of this inestimable advantage ; and what is offered you in exchange ? To become a
territory of the United States, and share with them that exclusion from the ocean which the policy of their government
enforces ; you are not even flattered with a participation of
their boasted independence; and it is but too obvious that, once
estranged from the powerful protection of the United Kingdam, you must be re.annexed to the dominion of France, from
360 APPENDIX.
which the provinces of Canada were wrested by the arms of
Great Britain, at a vast expense of blood atilt treasure, from no
other motive than to relieve her ungrateful children from the
oppression of a cruel neighbour. This restitution of Canada
to the empire of France, was the stipulated reward for the aid
afforded to the revolted colonies, now the United States; the
debt is still due, and there can be no doubt but the pledge has
been renewed as a consideration for commercial advantages, or
rather for an expected relaxation in the tyranny of France
over the commercial world. Arc you prepared, inhabitants of
Canada, to become willing subjects, or rather slaves, to the
despot who rules the nations of Europe with a rod of iron ?
If not, arise in a body, exert your energies, co-operate cordi.
ally with the king's regular force to repel the invader, and do
not give cause to your children, when groaning under the
oppression of a foreign master, to reproach you with having
so easily parted with the richest inheritance of this earth—a
participation in the name, character, and freedom, of Britons ;
the same spirit of justice, which will make every reasonable
allowance for the unsuccessful efforts of zeal and loyalty, will
not fail to punish the defalcation of principle. Every Canadian
freeholder is, by deliberate choice, bound by the most solemn
oaths to defend the monarchy-, as well as his own property ; to
shrink from that engagement is a treason not to be forgiven.
Let no man suppose that if, in this unexpected struggle, his
majesty's arms should he compelled to yield to an overwhelm.
ing force, that the province will be eventually abandoned ; the
endeared relation of its first settlers, the intrinsic value of its
commerce, and the pretensions of its powerful rival to repossess
the Canadas, are pledges that no peace will be established
between the United States and Great Britain and Leland, of
which the restoration of those provinces does not make the most
prominent condition.
Be not dismayed at Hie unjustifiable threat of the commander
of the enemy's forces, to refuse quarter, should an Indian
APPENDIX.
361
appear in the ranks. The brave bands of natives which inhabit
this colony, were, like his majesty's subjects, punished for their
zeal and fidelity, by the loss of their possessions in the late colonies, and rewarded by his majesty with lands of superior
value in this province.
The faith of the British government has never yet been
violated—they feel that the sod they inherit is to them and their
posterity protected from the base arts, so frequently devised to
over-reach their sympathy. By what new principle are they
to be prohibited from defending their property ? If their warfare, from being different to that of the white people, is more
terrific to the enemy, let him retrace his steps. They seek him
not ; and cannot expect to find women and children in an invading army. But they are men, and have equal rights with
all other men to defend themselves and their property when
invaded, more especially when they find in the enemy's camp a
ferocious and mortal foe, using the same warfare which the
American commander affects to reprobate.
This inconsistent and unjustifiable threat of refusing quarter,
for such a cause as being found in arms with a brother-sufferer,
in defence of invaded rights, must be exercised with the certain
assurance of retaliation, not only in the limited operations of
war in this part of the king's dominions, but in every quarter
of the globe ; for the national character of Britain is not
less distinguished for humanity than retributive justice, which
will consider the execution of the threat as deliberate murder,
for which every subject of the offending power shall make
expiation.
ISAAC BROCK, major.gen. and president.
Bead quarters, Fort George, July 22, 1812.
-
-
By order of his honor the president,
J. A. GLEGG, captain and aide de camp.
362
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
No. 6.
From major-general Brock to sir George Prevost.
San,
H. Q. Detroit, Aug. 17.
I have had the honor of informing your excellency, that
the enemy effected his passage across the Detroit river on the
12th ult. without opposition ; and that, after establishing himself at Sandwich, he had ravaged the country as far as the
Moravian town. Some skirmishes occurred between the troops
under lieut.-col. St. George and the enemy, upon the river
Canard, which uniformly terminated in his being repulsed with
loss. I judged it proper to detach a force down the river
Thames, capable of acting in conjunction with the garrison of
Amherstburg offensively, but captain Chambers, whom I had
appointed to direct this detachment, experienced difficulties that
frustrated my intentions. The intelligence received from that
quarter admitting of no delay, colonel Proctor was directed to
assume the command, and his force was soon after increased,
with sixty rank and file of the -tist regiment.
In the mean time, the most strenuous measures were adopted
to counteract the machinations of the evil-disposed, and I soon
experienced the gratification of receiving voluntary offers of
service from that portion of the embodied militia the most easily
collected. In the attainment of this important point, gentlemen of the first character and influence sheaved an example 4111101
highly creditable to them ; and I cannot, on this occasion,
avoid mentioning the essential assistance I derived from John
M'Donell, esq. his majesty's attorney-general, who, from
the beginning of the war, has honored me with his services as
my provincial aide de camp. A sufficiency of boats being collected at Long Point for the conveyance of 300 men, the
embarkation took place on the 8th instant, and in five days we
arrived in safety at Amherstburg.
,
I found that the judicious arrangement which had been
adopted immediately upon the arrival of colonel Proctor, had
41.
'
363
compelled the enemy to retreat, and take shelter under the
guns of his fort, : that officer commenced operations, by sendthe river, with a view of cutting
ing strong detachments across
off the enemy's communication with his service.
This produced two smart skirmishes on the 5th and 9th inst.
in which the enemy's loss was considerable, whilst ours amounted
to three killed, and 13 wounded ; amongst the latter, I have
particularly to regret captain Muir and lieutenant Sutherland,
of the 41st regiment : the former an officer of great experience,
and both ardent in his majesty's service. Batteries had likewise
been commenced opposite Fort-Detroit, for one 18-pounder,
two 12, and two 51 inch mortars ; all of which opened on the
evening of the 15th, (having previously summoned brigadiergen. Hull to surrender,) and although opposed by a well-directed
fire from seven 24-pounders, such was their construction, under
the able direction of captain Dixon, of the royal engineers,
that no injury was sustained from its effect.
The force at my disposal being collected in the course of the
15th in the neighbourhood of Sandwich, the embarkation took
place a little after day-light on the following morning, and the
able arrangements of lieutenant Dewar, of the quarter-mastergeneral's department, the whole was, in a short time, landed
without the smallest confusion at Spring Well, a good position,
three miles west of Detroit. The Indians, who had in the
mean time effected their landing two miles below, moved forward and occupied the woods, about a mile and a half on our
left.
The force, which I instantly directed to march against the
enemy, consisted of 30 royal artillery, 250 41st regiment, 50
royal Newfoundland regiment, 400 militia, and about 600
Indians, to which were attached three 6-pounders and two
3-pounders. The service of lieutenant Troughton, commanding
the royal artillery, an active and intelligent officer, being required
in the field, the direction of the batteries was intrusted to captain
Hall, and the marine department, and I cannot withhold my
entire approbation of their conduct on this occasion.
3B4
365
Appgrmx.
APPENDli.
I crossed the river, with an intention of waiting in a strong
withstanding the constant endeatdurs of 'this goternmitit to
position the effect of oar force upon the enemy's camp, and in
hopes of compelling hitnlaa cmeet us in the field ; but receiving
dissuade them from it. Some of the principal chiefs happened
to be at Amherstburgh, trying to procure a supply of arms and
ammunition, which for years had been withheld, agreeably to
the instructions received from stir James Craig, and since
information upon landing, that colonel M 'Arthur, an officer of
high reputation, had jeo the garrison three days before with a
detachment of 500 men, and hearing, soon afterwards, that his
cavalry had been seen that morning three miles in our rear, I
decided on au immediate attack. Accordingly, the troops advanced to within one mile of the fort, and having ascertained
that the enemy had taken little or no precaution towards the
land-side, I resolved on an assault, whilst the Indians penetrated his camp. Brigadier-gen. Hull, however, prevented this
movement, by proposing a cessation of hostilities, for the put.
pose of preparing terms of capitulation. Lieutenant-col. John
M'Donell and captain Clegg were accordingly deputed by me
on this mission, and returned within an hour with the conditions, which I have the honor herewith to transmit. Certain
considerations afterwards induced me to agree to the two sup.
}elementary articles.
. The force thus surrendered to his majesty's arms, cannot be
estimated at less than 2500 men. In this estimate, colonel
Al 'Arthur's detachment is included, as he surrendered, agreeably to the terms of capitulation, in the course of the evening,
(with the exception of 200 Mon, whom he left escorting a valua.
ble convoy at some little distance in his rear ; but there can
be no doubt the ,_. officer. : commanding will consider himself
equally bound by the capitulation.
- The enemy's aggregate force was divided into two troops of •
(cavalry ; onu,Foinpany of artillery engineers; the 4th United
.States' regiment ; detachments of the ist and 3d United States'
,regiments, volunteers ; three regiments of the Ohio militia ;
one regiment of the Michigan territory.
Thirty-three pieces of brass and iron ordnance have already
been secured.
When this contest commenced, many ,of the Indian nations
were engaged in the active warfare with the United States, not-
repeated by your excellency.
From that moment they took a most active part, and appeared foremost on every occasion ; theY'were led yesterday
by colonel Elliot and captain M'Kie, and nothing could exceed
their order and steadiness. A few prisoners were taken ity
them, during the advance, whom they treated with every
humanity ; and it affords me much pleasure in assuring your
excellency, that such was their forbearance and attention to
what was required of them, that the enemy sustained no other
loss in men than what was occasioned by the fire Of our
01 batteries.
of
The high sense' I entertain of ibe abilitieS'tha judgment
to
the
important
hia
lieut.-col. Myers, induced me to appoint
deprived myself
command at Niagara ; *as with reltictance I
no
other
expedient
; his duties, as
of his assistance, butt had
head of the quarter-master-general's department, were per_
formed to my satisfaction by lieuf.';golonel Nichol, quartere
Master-general of the militia.
Captain Glegg, my aide-de-camp, will have the honor of
delivering this despatch to your' excellency ; he is charged with
the colours taken at the capture of Fort-Detroit, and those of
the 4th United States' regiment. •
Captain Glegg is capable of giving your eicellency every
information respecting the state of this province, and I shall
esteem myself highly indebted to your excellency to afford him •
Of service give
that protection, to which his merit and length
-
him a powerful claim.
I have the honor to be, &e.
ISAAC BROCK, maj. gen.
-
P. S. I have the honor to enclose"aPiopy of a Proclamation.
which I issued immediately on takingPO'sse'ssion of this couery.
-
366
APPENDIX.
I should have mentioned in the body of my despatch the capture of the Adams ; she is a fine vessel, and recently repaired,
but without arms.
No. 7.
Capitulation of Fort-Detroit.
Camp at Detroit, Aug. 16, 1812.
day, and the British forces will take immediate possession of the
fort.
J. MACDONELL, lieut..col. militia, P. A. D. C.
J. B. GLEGG, major, A. D. C.
JAMES MIETER, lieut.-col. 5th U. S. infantry.
E. BRUSH, col. commanding 1st regiment of
Michigan militia.
Approved—W. HULh, brig.-gen. commanding the
army.
Approved ISAAC BROCK, major general.
—
Capitulation for the surrende4 of Fort-Detroit,' entered into
between maj.-gen. Brock, commanding his Britannic
majesty's forces, on the one part, and brigadier-gen. Hull,
commanding the north-western army of the United States
on the other part.
Article I. Fort-Detroit, with all the troops, regulars as well
as militia, will be immediately surrendered to the British forces
under the command of maj.-gen. Brock, and will be considered as prisoners of war, with the exception of such of the
militia of the Michigan territory, who have not joined the
army.
Art. II. All public stores, arms, and all public documents,
including every thing else of a public nature, will be immediately
given up.
Art. III. Private persons, and property of every description
will be respected.
Art. IV. His excellency, brigadier-general Hull, having ex.
pressed a desire that a detachment from the state of Ohio, on its
way to join his army, as well as one sent from Fort-Detroit, under
.
the command of colonel M 'Arthur, should be included in the
capitulation, it is accordingly agreed to. It is, however, to be
understood, that such part of the Ohio militia as have not joined
the army, will be permitted to return to their homes, on con.
dition that they will not serve during the war ; their arms will
be delivered up, if belonging to the public.
Art. V. The garrison will march out at the hour of 12 this
367
APPENDIX.
N. W.
-
An article supplementary to the articles of capitulation,
concluded at Detroit, the 16th of August, 1812.
It is agreed that the officers and soldiers of Ohio militia and
volunteers shall be permitted to proceed to their respective
homes, on this condition, that they do not serve during the
present war, unless they are exchanged.
W. HULL, brig.-gen. commanding U.S.
►
N. W. army.
ISAAC BROCK, maj. gen.
-
An article in addition to the supplementary article of capitulation, concluded at Detroit, the 16th August, 1812.
It is further agreed that the officers and soldiers of the
Michigan militia and volunteers, under the command of major
Weatherall, shall be placed on the same principles as the Ohio
militia and volunteers are placed by the supplementary article,
of the 16th instant. W. HULL, brig.-gen. commanding the
N. W. army U. S.
ISAAC BROCK, maj.-gen.
Return of the ordnance taken in the fort and batteries at
Detroit, August 16th, 1812.
Iron Ordnance—nine 24-pounders, eight 12-pounders, five
9.pounders. Brass ordnance—three 6-pounders, two 4-poun-
368
individuals whatever who have in their possession arms of any
kind, will give them up without delay.
Given under my hand at Detroit, this 16th day of August,
1812, and in the 52d year of his majesty's reign.
ISAAC BROCK, maj. gen.
ders,.ohe 3 iioundir, one 8Linch howitzer, o't'te 3l-inch ditto.--
Total of ordnance taken-33.
tEtrx TRouGnTot iiieuf.
byal artillery.
N. B. No time to take an inventory of ordnance stores,
&c. and no return could be procured from the American
officer.
,,,,,,,
41.0,•■••••••
309
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
-
•
r,111 .
No. 9.
No. 8.
;)II
From brigadier-general Hull to the American secretary at
war.
Procittmation 4y Isaac Brock, Esq. tnajor-gueral commanding his majesty's forces in "the province of Upper
Canada, 4c.
Whereas the territory of Michigan was this day, by capitulation, ceded to the arms of his Britannic majesty, without any
other condition than the protection of private property, and
wishing to give an early proof of the moderation and justice of
his. majesty's government, I do hereby announce to all the
inhabitants of the said territory, that the taws heretofore in
existence shall continue in force until his majesty's pleasure be
known, or so long as the peace and safety of the said territory
will admit thereof; and I do hereby also declare and make
known to the said inhabitantS, that they shall be protected in
the full exercise and employment of their religion, -•of which all
persons both civil and military will take notice, and govern
'themselves accordingly.
All persons having in their possession, or having any know.
sedge of, any public property, shall forthwith deliver in the
same, or give,..notice thereof to the officer commanding, or
lieutenant'colonel Nichol, who are duly authorised to receive
and give proper -receipts for the same.
Officers of militia will be held responsible, that all arms in .
the possession of militie.men be immediately given up, and all
11
Fort-George, August 26, 1812.
Sin,
Enclosed are the articles of capitulation, by which the fort
of Detroit has been surrendered to major-general Brock,
commanding his Britannic majesty's forces in Upper Canada,
and by which the troops have become prisoners of war. My
situation at present forbids me from detailing the particular
causes which have led to this unfortunate event. I will,
however, generally observe, that after the surrender 6f
Michilimackinac, almost every tribe and nation of Indians,
excepting a part of the Miainis and Delawares, north from
beyond Lake Superior, west from beyond the Mississippi, south
from the Ohio and Wabash, and east from every part of Upper
Canada, and from all the intermediate country, joined in open
hostility, under the British standard, against the army I
commanded, contrary to the most solemn assurances of a
large portion of them to remain neutral: even the Ottawa
chiefs from Arbecrotch, who formed the delegation to Washing.
ton the last summer, in whose friends} ;p I know you had great
confidence, are among the hostile tribes, and several of them
distinguished leaders. Among the vast number of chiefs who
led the hostile bands, Tecumseh, Marpot, Logan, Walk-inthe-water, Split-log,. &c. are considered the principals. This
VOL. I.
BB
176
APPENDIX.
APPEN DI X.
titttn0fons assemblage of savages, under the entire influence and
direction of the British commander, enabled him totally to
obstruct the only communication which I had with my country.
This communication had been opened from the settlements in
the state of Ohio, 200 miles through a wilderness, by the
fatigues of the army, which I had marched to the frontier on
the river Detroit. The body of the lake being commanded by
the British armed ships, and the shores and rivers by gun.boats,
the army was totally deprived of all communication by water.
On this extensive road it depended for transportation of provi.
sions, military stores, medicine, cloathing, and every other
supply, on pack horses—all its operations were successful
until its arrival at Detroit, and in a few days it passed into the
enemy's country, and all opposition seemed to fall before it.—
One month it rkmained in possession of this country, and was
fed from its resources. In different directions, detachments
penetrated 60 miles in the settled part of the province, and the
inhabitants seemed satisfied with the change of situation which
appeared to be taking place. The militia from Amherstburg
were daily deserting, and the whole country, then under the
control of the army, asked for protection. The Indians
generally, in the first instance, appeared to be neutralized,
and determined to take no part in the contest. The fort of
Amherstburg was 18 miles below my encampment. Not a
single_cannon or mortar was on wheels suitable to carry before
that place. I consulted my officers whether it was expedient to
make an attempt on it with the bayonet alone, without cannon
to make a break in the first instance. The council I called was
of the opinion it was not. The greatest industry was exerted
in making preparation, and it was not until the 7th of August
that two 24-pounders, and three howitzers, were prepared.
It was then my intention to have proceeded on the enterprise
While the operations of the army were delayed by these
preparations, the clouds of adversity had been for some time.
and seemed still thickly to he, gathering around me. The
surrender of Michilimacinac opened the northern hive of
-
371
Indians, and they were swarming down in every direction.
Reinforcements from Niagara had arrived at Amherstburg,
under the command of colonel Proctor. The desertion of the
militia ceased. Besides the reinforcements that came by water,
I received information of a very considerable force under the
command of major Chambers, on the river Le Trench, with
four field-pieces ; and collecting the militia on his route,
evidently destined for Amherstburg. And, in addition to this
combination and increase of force, contrary to all my expectations, the Wyandotes, Chippeways, Ottawas, Pottawatamies,
Munsees, Delawares, &c. with whom I had the most friendly
intercourse, at once passed over to Amherstburg, and accepted
the tomahawk and scalping-knife. There being now a vast
number of Indians at the British post, they were sent to the
river Huron, Brownstown, and Maguago to intercept my
communication.—To open this communication, I detached
major Vanhorn, of the Ohio volunteers, with 200 men, to
proceed as far as the river Raisin, under an expectation he
would meet captain Brush, with 150 men, volunteers from
the state of Ohio, and a ,quantity of provision far the army.
An ambuscade was formed at Brownstown, and major Vanhorn's
detachment defeated, and returned to camp, without effecting
the object of the expedition.
In my letterof he 7th instant, you have the particulars of
that transaction with a return .,of the killed and wounded.
Under this sudden and unexpected change of things, and having
received an express from general Hall, commanding opposite
the British shore on the Niagara-river, by which it appered that
there was no ,prospect of any co-operation from that quarter,
and the two senior officers of the artillery having stated to me
an opinion that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to pass Turkey-river, and river Aux Canards, wits..
•24-poonders, and that they could not be transported by water,
as the Queen Charlotte, which carried 18 24-pounders, lay in
the river , Detroit,above the mouth of the river Aux Canards;
and that it appeared indispensibly necessary to open the
B2
.
.272.
APPENDIX.
communication to the river Raisin and the Miami, I found myself
compelled to suspend the operation against Amherstburg, and
concentrate the main force of the army at Detroit. Fully
intending at that time, after the communication was opened, to
re-cress the river, and pursue the object at Amherstburg, and
strongly desirous of continuing protection to a very large
number of inhabitants of Upper Canada, who had voluntarily
accepted it under my proclamation, I established a fortress on
the banks of the river, a little below Detroit, calculated for a
garrison of 300 men. On the evening of the 7th, and morning
of the 8th instant, the army, excepting the garrison of 250
infantry, and a corps of artillerists, all under the command of
major Denny of the Ohio volunteers, re-crossed the river and
encamped at Detroit. In pursuance of the object of opening
the communication, on which I considered the existence of the
army depending, a detachment of 600 men, under the command
of lieutenant-colonel Miller, was immediately ordered. For a
particular account of the proceedings of this detachment, and
the memorable battle which was fought at Magnago which
reflects the highest honor on the American arms, I refer you to
my letter of the 31st August instant, a duplicate of which is
enclosed, marked G. Nothing, however, but honor was
acquired by this victory ; and, it is a painful consideration,
that the blood of 75 gallant men, could only open the communication as far as the points of their bayonets extended. The
necessary care of the sick and wounded, and a very severe storm
of rain, rendered their return to camp indispensihly necessary
for their own comfort. Captain Brush with his small detachment, and the provisions being still at the river Raisin, a
situation to be destroyed by the savages, on the 13th instant,
in the evening, I permitted colonels McArthur and Cass to
,elect from their regiment 400 of their most effective men, and
proceed by an upper route through the woods, which I had
sent an express to captain Brush to take, and had directed the
militia of the river Raisin to accompany him as a reinforcement.
• Not published.
APPENDIX.
273
The force of the enemy continually increasing, and the netes_
sity of opening the communication, and acting on the defensive,
becoming more apparent, I had, previous to detaching colonels
McArthur and Cass on the 11th instant, evacuated and destoyed
the fort on the opposite bank. On the 13th, in the evening,
general Brock arrived at Amherstburg, about the hour colonels
McArthur and Cass marched, of which at that time I had
received no information. On the 15th 1 received a summons
from him to surrender Fort-Detroit, of which the paper marked
A is a copy. * My answer is marked 13 * At this time I
received no information from colonels McArthur and Cass.
An express was immediately sent, strongly escorted, with orders
for them to return. On the 15th, as soon as general Brock
received my letter, his batteries opened on the town and fort,
and continued until evening. In the evening, all the British
ships of war came nearly as far up the river as Sandwich, three
miles below Detroit. At day-light, on the 16th, (at which
ti me I had received no information from colonels McArthur
and Cass, my expresses, sent the evening before, and in the
night, having been prevented from passing by numerous bodies
of Indians,) the cannonade re-commenced, and in a short time
I received information, that the British army, and Indians,
were landing below the Spring wells, under the cover of their
ships of war.
At this time the whole effective force at my disposal at
Detroit did not exceed 800 men. Being new troops, and
unaccustomed to a camp life ; having performed a laborious
march ; having been engaged in a number of battles and
skirmishes, in -which many had fallen, and more had received
wounds, in addition to which a large number being sick, and
unprovided with medicine, and the comforts necessary for their
situation, are the general causes by which the strength of the
army was thus reduced. The fort at this time w as filled with
women, children, and the old and decrepit people of the town
and country; they were unsafe in the town, as it was entirely
* Not published.
374
APPENDIX.
open and exposed to the enemy's batteries. Back of the fort,
above or below it, there was no safety for them on account of
the Indians. In the first instance, the enemy's fire was prin.
cipally directed against our batteries, towards the close, it was
directed against the fort alone, and almost every shot and shell
had their effect.
It now became necessary either to fight the enemy in the
field ; Collect the whole force in the fort ; or propose terms of
capitulation. ' I could not have carried into the field more than
600 men, and left an adequate force in the fort. There were
landed at that time of the enemy a regular force of much more
than that number, and twice the number of Indians. Con.
sidering this great inequality of force, I did not think it
expedient to adopt the first measure : the second must have
been attended with a great sacrifice of blood, and no pos.
sible advantage, because the contest could not have been
sustained more than a day for want of powder, and but a very
few days for the want of provisions. In addition to this,
colonels McArthur and Cass would have been in a most
hazardous situation. I feared nothing but the last alternative
—I have dared to adopt it—I well know the high responsibility of the measure, and I take the whole of it on myself—it
was dictated by a sense of duty, and a full conviction of its
expediency. The bands of savages which had then joined the
British force, were numerous beyond any former example.
Their numbers have since increased, and the history of the
barbarians of the north of Europe does not furnish examples
of more greedy violence than these savages have exhibited. A
large portion of the brave and gallant officers and men I
command, would cheerfully have contested until the last
cartridge had been expended, and the bayonets worn to the
sockets. I could not consent to the useless sacrifice of such
brave men, when I knew it was impossible for me to sustain
my situation. It was impossible, in the nature of things, that
an army could have been furnished with the necessary supplies
of provisions, military stores, cloathing and comfort for the
APPENDIX.
375
sick, on pack.horses, through a wilderness of 200 miles, filled
with hostile savages. It was impossible, sir, that this little
army, worn down by fatigue, by sickness, by wounds, and
deaths, could have supported itself not only against the collected force of all the northern nations of Indians; but against the
united strength of Upper Canada, whose population consists of
more than 20 times the number contained in the territory of
Michigan, aided by the principal part of the regular forges of
the province, and the wealth and influence of the north-west
and other trading establishments among the Indians, which have
in their employment and under their entire control more than
2000 white men. Before I close this despatch, it is a duty I
owe my respectable associates in command, colonels McArthur,
Findley, Cass, and lieutenant-colonel Miller, to express my
obligations to them for the prompt and judicious manner they
have performed their respective duties. If aught has taken
place during the campaign, which is honorable to the army,
these officers are entitled to a large share of it. If the last act
should be disapproved, no part of the censure belongs to them.
I have likewise to express my obligation to general Taylor, who
has performed the duty of quarter-master-general, for his great
exertions in procuring every thing in his department, which it
was possible to furnish, for the convenience of the army ;
likewise to brigade-major Jessop, for the correct and punctual
manner in which he has discharged his duty ; and to the army
generally for their exertion and the zeal they have manifested
for the public interest. The death of Dr. Foster soon after he
arrived at Detroit, was a severe misfortune to the army; it was
increased by the capture of the Chichaga packet, by which the
medicine and hospital stores were lost. He was commencing
the best arrangements in the department of which he was the
principal, with the very small means he possessed. I was
likewise deprived of the necessary services of captain Partridge
by sickness, the only officer of the corps of engineers attached
to the army. All the officers and men have gone to their
respective homes, excepting the 4th United States' regiment, and
376
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
a small part of the 1st," and captain Dyson's company of
artillery. Captain Dyson's company was left at Amherstburg,
and the others are with me prisoners ; they amount to about
310. I have only to solicit an investigation of my conduct, as
early as my situation and the nature of things will admit ; and
to add the further request that the government will not be
unmindful of my associates in captivity, and of the families of
those brave men who have fallen in the contest. I have the
honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
W. HULL, Brig.-Gen.
Commanding the north-western army of the United States.
Hon. W. Eustis, secretary of
the department of war.
en, it n ary
”F-
sr-ar
No. 10.
From major-general Sheaffe to sir G. Prevost.
SIR,
,• &
Fort-George, Oct. 13, 1812.
I have the honor of informing your excellency, that the
enemy made an attack, with considerable force, this morning, before day-light, on the position of Queenstown. On
receiving intelligence of it, major-general Brock immediately
proceeded to that post ; and, I am excessively grieved in having
to add, that he fell whilst gallantly cheering his troops to an
exertion for maintaining it. With him the position was lost :
but the enemy was not allowed to retain it long, reinforcements
having been sent up from this post, composed of regular troops,
militia, and Indians, a movement m as made to turn his left,
while some artillery, under the able direction of captain Ifolcroft, supported by a body of infantry, engaged his attention
in front. This operation was aided too by the judicious posi.
tion which Norton, and the Indians with him, had taken on
the woody brow of the high ground above Queenstown. A
377
communication being thus opened with Chippeway, a junction
was formed with succours that had been ordered from that post.
The enemy was then attacked, and after a short but spirited
conflict, was completely defeated. I had the satisfaction of
receiving the sword of their commander, brigadier-general
Wadsworth, on the field of battle, and many officers, with 900
men, were made prisoners, and more may yet be expected. A
stand of colours, and one 6-pounder, were also taken. The
action did not terminate till nearly three o'clock in the afternoon, and their loss, in killed and wounded, must have been
considerable. Ours, I believe to have been comparatively
small in numbers : no officer was killed besides major-general
Brock, one of the most gallant and zealous officers in his
majesty's service, whose loss cannot be too much deplored, and
lieutenant-colonel Macdonnell, provincial aide de camp, whose
gallantry and merit render him worthy of his chief.
Captains Dennis and Williams, commanding the flank-companies of the 49th regiment, who were stationed at Queenstown,
were wounded, bravely contending at the head of their men
against superior numbers ; but I am glad to have it in my
as able to
power to add, that captain Dennis fortunately was
keep the field, though it was with pail and difficulty ; and
captain Williams's wound is not likely long to deprive me of his
services.
I am particularly indebted to captain Holcroft of the royal
artillery, for his judicious and skilful co-operation with the
guns and howitzers under his immediate superintendence; their
well-directed fire contributed materially to the fortunate result
of the day.
Captain Derenzy of the 41st regiment, brought up the reinfcrcement of that corps from Fort-George, and captain
Bullock led that of the same regiment from Chippeway; and
under their commands those detachments acquitted themselves
in such a manner, as to sustain the reputation which the 41st
regiment had already acquired in the vicinity of Detroit.
Major-general Brock, soon after his arrival at Queenstown,
378 APPENDIX.
had sent down orders for battering the American Fort-Niagara.
Brigade-major Evans, who was left in charge of Fort-George,
directed the operations against it with so much effect, as to
silence its fires, and to force the troops to abandon it ; and by
his prudent precautions, he prevented mischief of a most serious
nature, which otherwise might have been effected, the enemy
having used heated shot in firing at Fort-George. In these
services he was most effectually aided by colonel Claus, (w ho
remained in the fort at my desire,) and by captain Vigorcaux,
of the royal engineers. Brigade-major Evans also mentions
the conduct of captains Powell and Cameron, of the militiaartillery, in terms of commendation.
Lieutenant Crowther, of the 41st regiment, had charge of two
3-pounders that had accompanied the movement of our little
corps, and they were employed with good effect.
Captain Glegg, of the 49th regiment, aide-de-camp to our
lamented friend and general, afforded me most essential assistance; and I found the services of lieutenant Fowler of the
41st regiment, assistant-deputy-quarter-master-general, very
useful. I derived much aid, too, from the activity and intelli.
gence of lieutenant Kerr, of the Glengarry feucibles, whom I
employed in communicating with the Indians and other flanking.
parties.
I was unfortunately deprived of the aid of the experience and
ability of lieutenant-colonel Myers, deputy quarter-master.
general, who had been sent up to Fort-Erie a few days before
on duty, which detained him there.
Lieutenant-colonels Butler and Clark of the militia ; and
captains Hatt, Durand, Rowe, Applegarth, James, Crooks,
Cooper, Robert Hamilton, M'Ewen, and Duncan Cameron;
and lieutenants Richardson and Thomas Butler, commanding
flank-companies of the Lincoln and York militia, led their
men into action with great spirit. Major Merritt, commanding
the Niagara dragoons, accompanied me, and gave much assistance, with part of his corps. Captain A. Hamilton, belonging
to it was disabled from riding, and attached himself to the guns
APPENDIX.
379
under captain Holcroft, who speaks highly of his activity
and usefulness. I beg leave to add, that volunteers Shaw,
Thomson and Jarvis, attached to the flank companies of the
49th regiment, conducted themselves with great spirit ; the first
having been wounded, and the last having been taken prisoner.
I beg leave to recommend these young men to your excellency's
notice. Norton is wounded, but not badly ; he and the Indians
particularly distinguished themselves, and I have very great
satisfaction in assuring your excellency, that the spirit and
good conduct of his majesty's troops, of the militia, and of the
other provincial corps, were eminently conspicuous on this
occasion.
I have not been able to ascertain yet the number of troops,
or of those of the enemy engaged ; ours, I believe, did not
exceed the number of the prisoners we have taken : and their
advance, which effected a landing, probably amounted to 13 or
1400 men.
I shall do myself the honor of transmitting to your excellency further details, when I shall have received the several
reports of the occurrences which did not pass under my own
observation, with the return of the casualties, and those of
the killed and wounded, and of the ordnance taken.
I have the honor to be, &c.
R. H. SHEAFFE. maj.-gen.
(Signed)
To his excellency sir George Prevost, bart. &c.
No. 11.
From general Van Rensselaer, to the American secretary of
war.
Head-quarters, Lewistown, October 14th, 181'2.
SIR,
As the movements of this army under my command, since I
had last the honor to address you on the 8th, have been of a
380 APPENDIX.
very important character, producing consequences serious to
many individuals ; establishing facts actually connected with
the interest of the service and the safety of the army ; and as
I stand prominently responsible for some of these consequences,
I beg leave to explain to you, sir, and through you to my
country, the situation and circumstances in which 1 have had
to act, and the reasons and motives which governed me; and
if the result is not all that might have been wished, it is such
that, when the whole ground shall be viewed, 1 shall cheerfully
submit myself to the judgment of my country.
In my letter of the 8th instant, I apprised you that the
crisis in this campaign was rapidly advancing; and that (to
repeat the same) 4( the blow must be soon struck, or all the
toil and expense of the campaign will go for nothing, for the
whole will be tinged with dishonor."
Under such impressions, I had, on the 5th instant, written
to brigadier-generel Smyth, of the United States forces;
requesting an interview with him, major-general llall, and the
commandants of regiments, for the purpose of conferring upon
the subject of future operations. I wrote major-general Hall
to the same purport. On the 11 th had received no answer
from general Smyth : but in a note to me of the 10th, general
Hall mentioned that general Smyth had not yet then agreed
upon any day for the consultation.
In the mean time, the partial success of lieutenant Elliott at
Black Rock (of which, however, I have received no official
information) began to excite a strong disposition in the troops
to act. This was expressed to me through various channels, in
the shape of an alternative ; that they must have orders to act,
or at all hazards they would go home. 1 forbear here commenting upon the obvious consequences, to me personally, of
longer withholding my orders under such circumstances.
I had a conference with —, as to the possibility of getting
some person to pass over into Canada, and obtain correct
information. On the ttlorning of the 4th, he wrote to me
that he had procured the man, who bore his letter to go over.
APPENDIX.
4
381
Instructions were given him : he passed over, and obtained such
information as warranted an immediate attack. This was
confidently communicated to several of my first officers, and
produced great zeal to act ; more especially as it might have
a controlling effect upon the movement at Detroit, where it
was supposed that general Brock had gone with all the force
he dared to spare from the Niagara frontier. The best preparations in my power, were therefore made to dislodge the
enemy from the heights of Queenstown, and possess ourselves
of the village; where the troops might be sheltered from the
distressing inclemency of the weather.
Lieutenant-colonel Fleming's flying artillery, and a detachment of regular troops under his command, were ordered to be
up in season from Fort-Niagara. Orders were also sent
general Smyth, to send down from Buffaloe, such detachment
of his brigade as existing circumstances in that vicinity might
warrant. The attack was to be made at 3 o'clock, on the
morning of the 11th, by crossing over in boats from the old
ferry opposite the heights. To avoid any embarrassment in
crossing the river, (which is here a sheet of violent eddies,)
experienced boatmen were procured, to take the boats, from
the landing below to the place of embarkation. Lieutenant Sim
was considered the man of the greatest skill for this service ; he
went a-head, and, in the extreme darkness, passed the intended
place far up the river ; and there, in a most extraordinary
manner, fastened his boat to the shore, and abandoned the
detachment. In this front boat he had carried nearly all the
oars, which were prepared for the boats. In this agonizing
dilemma stood officers and men, whose ardor had not been
cooled by exposure, through the night, to one of the most
tremendous north-east storms, which continued unabated for
28 hours, and deluged the whole camp. Colonel Van Rensselaer
was to have commanded the detachment.
After this result, I had hoped that the patience of the troops
would have continued, until I could submit the plan suggested
in my letter of the 8th, that I might act under, and in-con-
38e APPENDIX.
formity to, the opinion which might be then expressed. But
my hope was idle; the previously excited ardor seemed to have
gained new heat from the late miscarriage ; the brave men were
mortified to stop short of their object, and the timid thought
laurels half won by the attempt.
On •the morning of the 12th, such was the pressure upon me
from all quarters, that I became satisfied that my refusal to act
might involve me in suspicion, and the service in disgrace. 4'
Lieutenant-colonel Christie, who had just arrived at the
Four-mile Creek, and had, late in the night of the 1st, contemplated an attack, gallantly offered ,me his own and his men's
services: but he got my permission too late. He now again
came forward, had a conference with colonel Van Rensselaer,
and begged that lie might have the honor of a command in the
expedition. The arrangement was made. Colonel Van
4ensselaer was to command one column of 300 militia ; and
lieutenant-colonel Christie a column of the same number of
!regular troops.
Every precaution was now adopted as to boats, and the most
;confidential and experienced men to manage them. At an early
Amur in the night, lieutenant-colonel Christie marched his
,detachment by the ,rear road from Niagara to the camp. At
7 in the evening, lieutenant-colonel Stranahan's regiment
moved from Niagara falls : at 8 o'clock, Mead's, and at 9,
lieutenant-colonel Bland's regiment marched from the same
place. All were in camp in good •season. Agreeably to my
,prders issued upon this occasion, the two columns were to pass
-over together ; as soon as the heights should be carried,
lieutenant-colonel Fen wick's flying artillery was to pass over ;
11
-then major Mullany's detachment of regulars ; and ,the other 41 1.I
-.troops to follow in order.
Colonel Vawitensselaer, with great presence of mind, ordered
his officers to proceed with rapidity, and storm the fort. This
service was gallantly performed, and the enemy driven down
the hill in every direction. Soon after this, both parties were
onsiderably reill.foreed, and the conflict was renewed in vari.
APPENDIX.
283
ous places. Many of the enemy took shelter behind a stone
guardhouse, where a piece of ordnance was now briskly served:
I ordered the fire of our battery to be directed upon the guard.
house ; and It was so effectually done, that with eight or ten
shot the fire was silenced. The enemy then retreated behind a
large stone house ; but in a short time the route became general,
and the enemy's fire was silenced, except from a one-gun battery, so far down the river as to be out of the reach of our
heavy ordnance ; and our light pieces could not silence it. A
number of boats now passed over unannoyed, except by the one
unsilenced gun. For sometime after I passed over, the victory
appeared complete : but in expectation of further attacks, I
was taking measures for fortifying my camp immediately ; the
direction of this service I committed to lieutenant Totten, of
the engineers. But very soon the enemy were reinforced, by a
detachment of several hundred Indians from Chippeway ; they
commenced a furious attack ; but were promptly met and routed
by the rifle and bayonet. By this time I perceived my troops
were embarking very slowly. I passed immediately over to
accelerate their movements ; but, to my utter astonishment, I
found that, at the very moment when complete victory was in
our hands, the ardor of tthe unengaged troops had entirely
subsided. I rode in all directions ; urged the men by every
consideration to pass over, but in vain. Lieutenant-col. Bloom,
who had been wounded in action, returned, mounted his horse,
and rode through the camp; as did also judge Peck, who happened to be here, exhorting the companies to proceed—but all
in vain.
At this time a large reinforcement from Fort-George was
discovered coming up the river. As the battery on the hill was
considered an important check against their ascending the
heights, measures were immediately taken to send them a fresh
supply of ammunition, as I learnt there were only left 20 shot
for the 18-pounders. The reinforcements, however, obliqued
to the right from the road, and formed a junction with the In.
411 dians, in the rear of the heights. Finding, to my infinite mor-
384 APPENDIX.
titication, that no reinforcement would pass over ; seeing that
another severe conflict must soon commence ; and knowing
that the brave men at the heights were quite exhausted, and
nearly out of ammunition ; all I could do, was to send them a
fresh supply of cartridges. At this critical moment I despatched
a note to general Wadsworth, acquainting him with our situation : leaving the course to be pursued much to his own judg.
ment ; with assurance that if he thought best to retreat, I
would endeavour to send as many boats as I could command,
and cover his retreat by every fire I could safely make. But
the boats were dispersed ; many of the boatmen had fled, panic
struck ; and but few got off. My note, however, could but
Little more than have reached general W. about 4 o'clock, when
a most severe and obstinate conflict commenced, and continued
for about half an hour, with a tremendous fire of cannon, flying
artillery, and musketry. The enemy succeeded in re-possessing
their battery, and gaining advantage on every side ; the brave
men who had gained the victory, being exhausted of strength
and ammunition, and grieved at the unpardonable neglect of
their fellow soldiers, gave up the conflict..
I can only add, that the victory was really won ; but lost
for the want of a small reinforcement; one-third part of the
idle men might have saved all.
I have Om honor to be, &c.
,t7
STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER,.
Hen. William Eustis, secretary of war.
No. 12.
From captain Wool to colonel Van Rensselaer.
DEAR SIR,
Buffaloe, Oct.'23, l 81R.
I have the honour to communicate to you the circumstances
attending the storming of Queenstown battery, on the 13th inst.;
APPENDIX.
385
with those which happened previously you are already well
acquainted.
In pursuance of your order, we proceeded round the point
and ascended the rocks, which brought us partly in rear of the
battery. We took it without much resistance. I immediately
a formed the troops in rear of the battery, and fronting the village, when I observed general Brock with his troops formed,
consisting of four companies of the 49th regiment, and a few
militia, marching for our left flank. I immediately detached a
party of 150 men, to take possession of the heights above
Queenstown battery, and to hold general Brock in check ; but
in consequence of his superior force they retreated. I sent a
reinforcement ; notwithstanding which, the enemy drove us to
the edge of the hank : when, with the greatest exertions, we
brought the troops to a stand, and ordered the officers to bring
their men to a charge as soon as the ammunition was expended,
which was executed with some confusion, and in a few moments
the enemy retreated. We pursued them to the edge of the
heights, when colonel M'Donald had his horse shot from under
him, and himself was mortally wounded. In the interim, gene.
ral Brock, in attempting to rally his forces, was killed, when
the enemy dispersed in every direction. As soon as it was
practicable, I formed the troops in a line on the heights fronting the village, and immediately detached flanking parties,
which consisted of captain 11achesney of the 6th regiment,
lieutenant Smith, and ensign Grosvenor, with a small detachment of riflemen, who had that moment arrived ; at the same
time, I ordered lieutenant Ganesvoort and lieutenant Randolph,
with a detachment of artillery, to drill out an 18-pounder which
had been previously spiked, and if possible to bring it to bear
upon the village. The wounded and prisoners I ordered to be
collected, and sent to the guard-house. About this time, which
was about three or four o'clock in the afternoon, lieutenantcol. Christie arrived, and took the command. 1-le ordered me
across the river to get my wounds dressed. I remained a short
ti me. Our flanking parties had been driven in by the Indians ;
VOL. 1.
0C
-
APPENDIX.
but general Wadsworth and other officers arriving, we had a
short skirmish with them, and they retreated, and I crossed t
river. ' 't -
,
The officers engaged in storming the battery, were captains
Wool and Ogilvie ; lieutenants Kearney, Hugonin, Carr, and a
Simmons, of the 43d regiment ; lieutenants Ganesvoort and
Randolph of the light artillery, and major Lush of the militia. •
I recommend to your particular notice lieutenants Randolph, -Carr, and Kearney, for their brave conduct exhibited
during the whole of the action:
I have the honour to be,
21 1r
Your most obedient humble servant,
JOHN E. WOOL, capt. 12t1fregt. inf.
;?
Colonel S.: Van Ransselacr.
agile ,
................................
e•••■■ welt
2; at6 •
s
No. 13.
licute nant-eol. Bis;i bppid Mayor
. Sheaffe.
7 ,;•‘;!
Frenchman's Creek, near Fort Erie,
'n•
Dec. 1, 1812.
-,have the honor to inform you, that, on the morning of
the 28th ultimo, between 4 and 5 o'clock, a firing was heard at
Chippeway, on the right of the line under my command. I pro,
ceeded instantly in that direction, having given orders for captain Kerby, of the militia artillery, with a light 6-pounder,
captain Saunders's detachment of the 41st regiment, and captain
Hamilton's company of the 2d Lincoln militia, to march, under
the command of lieutenant-col. Clark, to reinforce the right.
On my arrival within six miles of Fort-Erie, I overtook
major Hatt, of the 5th Lincoln regiment, with the militia under
his command, -intending to march to oppose the enemy : a detachment of the 49th regiment, and the light company of the
41st regiment, under the command of lieutenant ill'Intyre.
-
having retreated to this position.
APPENDIC
Vito
387
Major Ormsby informs me, that, about '2 o'clock in the
orning, the enemy, consisting of about 400 men, many of
vhom were sailors, effected a landing at the Red House;oppo.
site the quarters of lieutenant Lamont, 49th regiment, and succeeded in gaining possession of the batteries, after having been
most gallantly and warmly opposed by lieutenant King, of the
royal artillery, commanding two field-pieces, and lieutenant
Lamont, with a party, consisting of about 30 men only ; the
remainder of his detachment being stationed at the two batteries
on his right: Both these officers were severely wounded,:' the
former taken' prisoner. -" Captain Bostwick, cbmmanding the
Norfolk militia, stationed at the ferry, on hearing the report
of musketry, immediately ordered the men under his command
to form, and march to the point Of attackl'after having ex.
changed a few rounds with the enemy, and finding he was of
superior force, he retired. Lieutenant Bryson, of' the militiaartillery, finding the enemy gaining possession of the batteries,
and being unable to defend himself against such a superior
force, immediately spiked the 24-pounder in the half-moon battery, prior to its falling into the hands of the enemy. The
sentries at Fort Erie hearing a firingitrthe directidifof the bat.
teries, major Ormsby marched at 2 o'clock, with the detach.
' - en, to meet the y
meat of the 49th regiment, consisting of 80 tn
enemy, and to support the'batteries; leaving captain Whelan,
according to directions I'had before given in eas orin attack,
#
-
to defend that fortress. Major Ormsby advancertfO4ards 'the
lieutetiant'intnontV
batteries, by the back road, to support
., .
.
but having met with lieutenant 13ry'son, of the inilitia-artillery;
th e
who informed him thit the enemy were in possession &La
l
,'iiittt
batteries, and it being then dark, he changed his diredtae
moved to the right alOti4 the 'front road, 'below theliaffe'ries,
with a view of falling in with some part orlieutenant Lamont's
detachment; and likewise another party on the left, consisting
of 35 men; stationed opposite to the end of Squaw Island,
commanded by lieutenant Bartley; but who,' It appears, had
Moved from thence, early' in the morning 'toihe left, where
-
cc2•
388
APPENDIX.
the enemy had likewise landed their troops, opposite to this
place.
Lieutenant Bartley attacked the enemy, consisting of about
e50 men, and kept up a fire upon the boats for about 15 or 20
minutes, when he observed a party coming towards him, which
he took to be our militia ; but, finding them to be a party of
the enemy, and a number of his men being killed, wounded, or
missing, he retired, Grossing Frenchman's Creek at the mill ;
a little above which he joined major Ormsby, having only 16
or 17 men left. Major Ormsby, whose detachment continued
their march to Frenchman's creek, was fired on from a house
above the bridge by a party of the enemy ; and having re.
turned their fire with two or three rounds from his detach.
ment, he succeeded in passing the bridge, although partly
destroyed by the enemy. Ile here halted, to ascertain the force
opposed to him ; but as it still continued very dark, he could
neither see the enemy, nor discover his movements. He then
proceeded about a mile further on the road downward, where
he was joined by lieutenant M'Intyre, of the light infantry,
41st regiment, and remained there until day-light ; when I arrived, and immediately advanced with the whole of the force
here concentrated under major Ormsby, and major Hatt of the
5th Lincoln militia, having under his command the different
companies of militia on this line, consisting of about 300 men,
towards this place, with a light 6-pounder, where we took
captain King, of the United States' infantry, and about 30
rank and file, prisoners. The enemy, at this time, were cross.
ing the river with a considerable numer of boats, having about
30 men in each, making towards the land. I ordered the 6pounder to open upon them, which was ably directed by
bombardier Jackson, of the royal artillery, and acted with
much execution. I formed the line on the bank, major Ormsby
and the 49th being on the right. After a few rounds from our
musketry the enemy retired to the American shore, behind
Squaw Island, having sustained considerable loss. The Indian'
warriors, under major Given, having heard the report of our
APPENDIX.
396
fire, immediately joined us : I then marched with the light
company of the 41st to ascertain the number and position of
the enemy in our front, in which movement I received the
greatest assistance from major Given, and the Indians under his
command. The enemy had dismounted the guns, and left the
batteries : I ordered the line to advance, and took up a position in their rear, waiting his further operations. I had been
joined by lieutenant-col. Clark, and his detachment, from
Chippeway. Captain Whelan still continued in Fort-Erie, and
had not been attacked during the absence of major Ormsby and
his detachment. The enemy kept up a strong fire on our lines
from their batteries till one o'lock ; when a flag of truce came
over to summon Fort-Erie, and to demand the surrender of
that fort to the American army. A copy of general Smyth's
letter accompanies this despatch. I sent captain Fitzgerald of
the 49th regiment with my answer, which was---' that the troops
under my command being sufficient to repulse any attack from the
enemy ; and having received reinforcements from below, I should
not agree to his request." The 6-pounder taken by the enemy
in the morning, as likewise the 3-pounders, were found without
having sustained the least injury. Great credit is due to captain Kerby and his artillery, for their exertions in getting up the
guns on the batteries ; which, by the morning of the 30th, we
succeeded in, and have been ever since in expectation of an
attack, but which the enemy do not think proper to make. To
captain Kerby, lieutenants Bryson and Hall of the militia-artillery , and bombardier Jackson of the royal artillery, the greatest
credit is due ; as well as to lieutenant-col. Nichol, quarter.
master-general of militia, and lieutenant Bernard, acting staff.
adjutant. I have also derived the greatest assistance from
lieutenant-col. Clark, commanding the militia ; major Ormsby,
commanding a detachment of the 49th regiment ; and major
Hatt, of the 5th Lincoln militia, and all officers in command of
corps and companies under my orders. The Norfolk militia,
under captain Bostwick, gave a strong proof of the valor
-
which has uniformly distinguished the militia of this country
390
391
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
when called into action. X must likewise mention the names of
captain Whelan, of the Newfoundland regiment; captains Chan.
bers and Saunders, of the 41st ; captain Fitzgerald, 49th; and
captain Hamilton, of the 2d Lincoln militia, who first apprized
me of the enemy's movement.
•ftl
I enclose a list of the killed, wounded, and missing. I have
not been able to ascertain the loss of the enemy ; but, from the
numbers left on the field, and the boats that were sunk, it must
have been very great.
i,„ i,
I have the honor, to be,
p9nil
CZCIL AISSHOEArlieut. col. commanding.
o
'
;
Keturn 9l lulled ? 'wounded, and missing, of the following
„ corps of the division of the army serving in Upper Canada,
•
r :under : the command of major-general Sheaffe, in an affair
with the enemy on the 21st and `28th Nov.
of
1043./11
;
Officers, wounded !,
Royal artillery—Lieutenant King,- severely, and taken
prisoner.
49th foot—Lieutenant Lamont, severely.
Norfolk militia—Captain' Bostwick, slightly ; lieutenant
1st
Byerson, severely. THOMAS EVANS, major of brigade.
To major-general Sheaffe,
&c. &c. &c.
R
-
21 st NO 4nber.---Royal artillery ;-1rEtnk and file, wounded.
49th foot; 1 rank and file,
.
28th November.—Royal artillery ;-=1 rank and file, killed ; 1
-
lieutenant,"1' rank and file, wounded. "
49th foot;;-12 rank and file, killed ; lieutenant, 3 serjeants,
-
22 rank rand file, wounded ; 3 drummers, 21 rank and file,
missing.
Militia artillery ;-1 serjeant, wounded.
1st regiment, Norfolk militia ; —1 serjeant, killed; 1 captain,
1 lieutenant, 8 rank and file, wounded ; 2 rank and file, missing.
2d regiment, Norfolk militia ; 1 rank and file, killed; 7 rank
and file wounded ; 4 rank and file missing.
" Total loss ;-14 rank and file, (line,) 1 serjeant, 1 rank
and file, (militia,) killed ; 2 lieutenants, 3 serjeants, 24
rank and tile, (line,) 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 15
rank and file, (militia,) wounded ; 3 drummers, 21 rank and
file, (line,) . 11 rank and file, (militia,) missing.'
General total; 1 serjeant, 16 rank and file, killed ; 1 cap_
taro, 3 lieutenants, 4 serjeants, 39 rankand file, wounded ; 3
drummers, 32 rank and file, missing.
-
"?. o tmlif
No. 14.
cLa
..111;1.54T
otriz1
General Smyth's Proclamation. -,13 'to sue to
;Al
T9 the men of New York.
For many years you have seen your country oppressed with
numerous wrongs. Your government, although above all
others, devoted to peace, have been forced to draw the sword,
and rely for redress of injuries on the valor of the American
people.
That valor has been conspicuous. But the nation has been
unfortunate in the selection of some of those who directed it.
One army has been disgracefully surrendered and lost. Another
has been sacrificed by a precipitate attempt to pass it over at
the strongest point of the enemy's lines, with most incompetent
means. The cause of these miscarriages is apparent. The
commanders were popular men, " destitute alike of theory
and experience" in the art of war.
In a few days the troops under my command will plant the
American standard in Canada. They are men accustomed to
obedience, silence, and steadiness. They will conquer or they
will die.
Will you stand with your arms folded, and look on this
IMF
392 APPENDIX.
interesting struggle ? Are you not related to the men who
fought at Bennington and Saratoga ? Has the race degenerated ?
Or have you, under the baneful influence of contending
factions, forgotten your country? Must I turn from you,
and ask the men of the six nations to support the government
of the United States ? Shall I imitate the officers of the British
king, and suffer our ungathered laurels to be tarnished with
ruthless deeds ? Shame, where is thy blush ! No. Where I
command, the vanquished and the peaceful man, the child, the
maid, and the matron shall be secure from wrong. If we
conquer, we will " conquer but to save."
Men of New York!
The present is the hour of renown. Have you not a wish
for fame ? Would you not choose in future times to be named
as one of those, who, imitating the heroes whom Montgomery
led, have, in spite of the seasons, visited the tomb of the
chief, and conquered the country where he lies ? Yes. You
desire your share of fame. Then seize the present moment : if
you do not, you will regret it ; and say, " the valiant have
bled in vain ; the friends of my country fell—and I was not
there."
Advance, then, to our aid. I will wait for you a few days.
I cannot give you the day of my departure. But eeme on.
Come in companies, half companies, pairs, or singly. I will
organize you for a short tour. Ride to this place, if the
distance is far, and send back your horses. But remember,
that every man who accompanies us, places himself under
rcy command, and shall submit to the salutary restraints of
discipline.
ALEX. SMYTH, brig—gen.
Camp, near Buffaloe, Nov. 10, 1812.
ti
a s (64140
393
APPENDIX.
No. 15.
. 3R
ri
From brigadier-general Smyth, to lieutenant-colonel Bisshopp.
Sru,
As you have seen a part of the hourly encreasing force under
my command, I propose to you the surrender of Fort-Erie, to
spare the effusion of blood. I take the opporunity to assure you,
that the devastation you have witnessed has been committed
by sailors not under my authority, and against my will.
Very respectfully,
Your most obedient,
ALEXANDER SMYTH, brig.-gen.
I
Colonel Bisshopp, commanding the
, Fort-Erie.
British ar n1y
1 1.
November 5th, 181.
No. 16.
'''''
)4
'from major Macdonnell, to sir G. Prevost.
Prescott, February 23, 1513
I have the honor to acquaint you, for the information of his
excellency the commander of the forces, that, in consequence of
the commands of his excellency to retaliate, under favorable
circumstances, upon the enemy, for his late wanton aggressions
on this frontier, I this morning, about 7 o'clock, crossed the
river St. Lawrence upon the ice, and attacked and carried,
after a little more than an hour's action, his position in and neat
the opposite town of Ogdenburg, taking eleven pieces of
cannon, and all his ordnance, marine, commissariat, and quarter-master-general's stores, four officers and 70 prisoners, and
394
APPENDIX.
burning two armed schooners, and two large gun-boats, and
both his barracks.
My force consisted of about 480 regulars and militia, and
was divided into two columns : the right commanded by
captain Jenkins, of the Glengarry light infantry fencibles, was
composed of his own flank company, and about 70 militia;
and, from the state of the ice, and the enemy's position in the
old French fort, was .directed to check his left, and interrupt
his retreat, whilst I
moved on „with the left column, consisting
of 120 of the king's regiment, 40 of the royal Newfoundland
corps, and about 200 militia, towards his position in the town,
where he had posted his heavy field artillery. The depth of
the snow in some degree retarded the advance of both columns,
and exposed them, particularly the right, to a heavy cross fire
from the batteries of the enemy, for a longer period than I had
expected; but pushing on rapidly after the batteries began to
open upon us, the left column soon gained the right bank of
the river, under the direct fire of his artillery and line of
musketry, posted on an eminence near the shore ; moving on
rapidly, my advance, consisting of the royal Newfoundland
and some select militia, I turned his right with the detachment
of the king's regiment, and after a few discharges from his
artillery, took them with the bayonet, and drove his infantry
through the town ; some escaping across the Black river into
the
fort, but the majority fled to the woods, or sought refuge
in the houses, from whence they kept such a galling fire, that
it was necessary to dislodge them with our field-pieces, which
now came up from the bank of the river, where they had stuck,
on landing, in the deep snow.
‘
-
Having gained the high ground on the brink of the Black
river, opposite the fort, I prepared to carry it by storm ; but
the men being quite exhausted; I procured time for them to
recover breath, by sending in a summons, requiring an uncon.
ditional surrender., During these transactions, captain Jenkins
had gallantly led on his column, and had been exposed to a
heavy fire of seven guns, which he bravely attempted to take
APPENDIX.
395
with the bayonet, though covered with 200 of the enemy's.
best troops : advancing as rapidly as the deep snow, and the
exhausted state (in consequence) of his men, would admit, he
ordered a charge, and had not proceeded many paces, when
his left arm was broken to pieces by a grape-shot ; but still
ondauntedly running on with his men, he ahnost immediately
afterwards was deprived of the use of his right arm, by a
discharge of case-shot ; still heroically disregarding all personal
consideration, he nobly ran on, cheering his men, to the assault,
till, exhausted by pain and loss of blood, he became unable to
move ; his company gallantly continued the charge under lieutenautiVI'Auley ; but the reserve of the militia not being able to
keep up with them, they were compelled, by the great superiority of the enemy, to give way, leaving a few on a commanding position, and a few of the most advanced, in the enemy's
possession, nearly about the time that I gained the height above
mentioned. The enemy hesitating to surrender, I instantly
carried his eastern battery, and by it silenced another, which
now opened again ; and ordering on the advance the detachment of the king's, and the Highland company of militia, under
captain Eustace, of the ,king's regiment, he gallantly rushed
into the fort ; but the enemy retreating by the opposite
entrance, escaped into the woods, which I should have
effectually prevented, if my Indian warriors had returned
sooner from a detached service, on which they had that morning
,;
been employed.
- I cannot close this statement without expressing my admiration of the gallantry and self-devotion of captain Jenkins, who
had lost one arm, and is in danger of losing the other. I must
also report the intrepidity of captain Lefievre, of the Newfond.
land regiment, who had the immediate charge of the militia
under colonel Fraser ; of captain Eustace, and the other officers
of the king's regiment ; and particularly of lieutenant Ridge,
of that corps, who very gallantly led on the advance ; 'and of
lieutenant M'Auley, and ensign M'Donuell, of the Glengarry
regiment ; as also lieutenant Gangueben, of the royal engineers ;
396
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
and of ensign M'Kay, of the Glengarry light-infantry ; and of
ensign Kerr, of the militia, each of whom had charge of a field.
piece ; and of lieutenant Impey, of the militia, who has lost a
leg. I was also well supported by colonel Fraser and the other
officers and men of the militia, who emulated the conspicuous
bravery of all the troops of the line. I inclose a list of killed
and wounded. The enemy had 500 men under arms, and most
have sustained a considerable loss.
I have the honor to be, &c.
G. MACDONNELL, major, Glengarry light.
infantry, lieutenant-colonel, commanding
in the eastern district of Upper Canada.
Sir G. Prevost, &e.
Return of the killed and wounded in the action of the 22tI of
February, 1813.
Royal artilley i 2 rank and file, killed.
8th; (or king's regiment;) 1 scrjeant, killed ; 1 subaltern,
-
-
12 rank and file, wounded.
Glengarry light infantry ; 2 rank and file, killed ; 1 captain,
1 subaltern, 3 serjeants, 9 rank and file, wounded.
Total loss ;-1 serjeant, 7 rank and file, killed ; 1 ficld.officer,
2 captains, 5 subalterns, 4 serjeants, 40 rank and file, wounded.
-
-
Names of officers wounded.
Sth; (or king's regiment;) — Ensign Powell.
Glengarry regiment;—Lieutenant-colonel Macdonnell, cap.
tain Jenkins, and ensign
Militia ; Captain M c Donnell, and lieutenants Impey,
M‘Lcan, and INI'Dound.
—, ,
EDWARD BAYNES,
Adjutant-general, North America.
397,
No. 17.
r t.:g From major-general Sheaffe to sir G. Prevost.
.
SIR,
Kingston, May 5th, 1813.
I did myself the honor of writing to your excellency, on my
route from York, to communicate the mortifying intelligence
that the enemy had obtained possession of that place on the
27th of April. I shall now give your excellency a further
detail of that event.
In the evening of the 26th, information was received that
many vessels had been seen to the eastward. Very early the
nest morning, they were discovered lying-to, not far from the
harbor : after some time had elapsed, they made sail, and to
the number of 16, of various descriptions, anchored off the
shore, some distance to the westward. Boats full of troops
were immediately seen assembling near their commodore's ship,
under cover of whose fire, and that of other vessels, and aided
by the wind, they soon effected a landing, in spite of a spirited
opposition from major Givens, and about 40 Indians. A.
company of Glengarry light-infantry, which had been ordered
to support them, was, by some mistake, (not in the smallest
degree imputable to its commander,) led in another direction,
and came late into action. -The other troops, consisting of two
companies of the 8th, (or king's regiment,) and about a
company of the royal Newfoundland regiment, with some
militia, encountered the enemy in a thick wood. Captain
M'Neal, of the king's regiment, was killed while gallantly
leading his company, which suffered severely. The troops, at
length, fell back ; they rallied several times, but could not
maintain the contest against the greatly superior and increasing
numbers of the enemy. They retired under cover of our
batteries, which were engaged with some of the enemy's vessels
that had moved nigher to the harbor. - By some unfortunate
accident the magazine at the western battery, blew up, and
killed and wounded a considerable numbcr.of men, and crippled
398
399
APPENDIX':
APPENDIX.
the battery. It became too evident that our numbers and meant
of defence were inadequate to the task of maintaining possession
of York against the vast superiority of force brought against
it. The troops were withdrawn towards the town, and were
finally ordered to retreat on the road to Kingston ; the powder.
magazine was blown up, and the new ship and the naval-stores
destroyed. Lieutenant-colonel Chervett and major Allan, of
the militia, residents in the town, were instructed to treat with
the American commanders for terms : a statement of those
agreed on with major-general Dearborn and commodore
Chauncey, is transmitted to your excellency, with returns of
the killed and wounded, &c. The accounts of the number of
the enemy vary from 1890 to 3000. We had about 600,
including militia and dock-yardmen. The quality of these troops
was of so superior a description, and their general disposition
so good, that under less unfavorable circumstances, I should
have felt confident of success, in spite of the desparity of
numbers. As it was, the contest, which commenced between
six and seven o'clock, was maintained for nearly eight hours.
When we had proceeded some miles from York, we met the
light-company of the king's regiment, on its route for Fort.
George : it retired with us and covered the retreat, which was
effected without molestation from the enemy.
I have the honor to be; 8M.
R. H. SIIEAFFE,' major-general,
His excellency sir George Prevost, &c.
serjeants, 40 rank and file, killed; 2 serjeants, 21 rank and
file, wounded ; 1 serjeant, 25 rank and file, wounded and
prisoners ; 2 rank and file, prisoners; 1 rank and file, missing.
Newfoundland regiment ;= 1 serjeant, 1 drummer, 10 rank
-
and file, killed ; 1 drummer, 6 rank and file, wounded ; 1
lieutenant, 3 serjeants, 1 drummer, 8 rank and file, wounded
and prisoners ; e rank and file, prisoners; 2 rank and hle,
missing.
Glengarry light infantry ;
-
2 rank and file, killed; 1 en-
sign, 3 rank and file, wounded ;. 3 rank and file, missing.
49th regiment ; 3 rank and file, wounded and prisoners;
-
rank and file prisoners (these two men were in the hospital at
the time of tine action).
Total ;--1 captain, 1 serjeant-major, 4 serjeants, 1 drummer, 52 rank and file, 3 gunners, killed ; 1 ensign, 2 serjeants, 1 drummer, 30 rank and file, wounded; 1 lieutenant
4 serjeants, 1 drummer, 36 rank and file, 1 driver, wounded
and prisoners; 6 rank and file, 1 bombardier, 3 gunners, prisoners ; 6 rank and file, 1 gunner, missing.
Killed ;
Names of officers killed and wounded.
8th (or kings regiment); captain M'Neal;
1
—
Yo-
-
lunteer D. Macleane, elpFk•of the house of assembly.
Royal Newfoundland regiment Lieutenant
Wounded;
—
D. Koven, prisoner.
Glengarry light infantry ; Ensign Robins, slightly.
General staff ; Captain Loring, 104th regiment, slightly.
HartIncorporated militia; Captain Jarvis, volunteer ;
—
—
—
Return of killed, wounded, prisoners, and missing, of the
troops engaged at York, under the command of sir Roger
Hall Sheaffe, on the 27th ultimo.
—
ney, barrack-master.
r"
.
RICHARD LEONARD,
deputy-assistant-adjutant,general.
;II,
Kingston, May 10th, 1813.
Royal artillery ;
-
3 gunners, killed; 1 driver, wounded and
prisoner ; 1 bombardier, 3 gunners, prisoners ; 1 gunner,
missing.
tith; (or king's regiment ;)--z1 captain, 1 serjeant-majur, 3
EDWD. BAYNES.
Adjutant-general., North America.
400
APPENDIX.
APPEND! X.
No. 18.
Capitulation of York.
I Terms of the capitulation entered into on the 27th of Apr;1 1
1813, for the surrender of the town of York, in Upper
Canada, to the army and navy of the United States, under
the command of major-gen. Dearborn and commodore
Chauncey.
That the troops, regular and militia, at this post, and the
naval officers and seamen, shall be surrendered prisoners of
war ; the troops, regular and militia, to ground their arms
immediately on the parade, and the naval officers and seamen
be immediately surrendered on the parade.
That all public stores, naval and military, shall be immedi•
ately given up to the commanding officers of the army and
navy of the United States.
401
James Cheveet, George Kuck, Edward Thompson, Charles
Dennison, George Dennison, D'Arcy Boulton ; quarter-master
Charles Baynes ; 19 serjeants ; four corporals ; 204 rank and
file; of the field-train department, William Dunbar ; of the
provincial army, one captain, one lieutenant, two midshipmen,
one clerk ; viz.
Captain Francis Grauvreau ; lieutenant Green ; John Ridout,
John Paupre, midshipmen ; James Longsden, clerk ; one
boatswain ; 15 naval artificers ; of his majesty's regular troops,
one lieutenant ; viz. lieutenant De K.oven ; one serjeant-major ;
and of the royal artillery, one bombardier and three gunners,
shall be surrendered prisoners of war, and accounted for in the
exchange of prisoners between the United States and Great
Britain.
G. C. MITCHELL, lieut.-col. 3d artillery, U. S. A.
SAM. S. CONNER, major, and A. D. C. to
major-gen. Dearborn.
That all private property shall be guaranteed to the citizeru
of the town of York.
WM. KING-, major U. S. infantry.
That the papers belonging to the civil officers shall be re•
tained by them.
WM. CHERVET, lieutenant-col. 3d. regiment
York militia.
That such surgeons as may be procured to attend the wounded
of the British regular and Canadian militia, shall not be considered as prisoners of war.
That one lieutenant-colonel, one major, 13 captains, nine
lieutenants, 11 ensigns, one quarter-master, and one deputy
adjutant-general of the militia ; viz.
Lieutenant-col. Chervet; major Wm. Allan ; captains,
John Willson, John Button, Peter Robinson, John Arnold,
James Fenwick, James Mustard, Duncan Cameron, David
Thomson, John Robinson, Samuel Ridout, Thomas flamil.
ton, John Burn, Wm. Jarvie, Lieutenants John Shultz,
George Mustard, Barnet Vanderhurgh, Robert Stanton,
Gorge Ridout, William Jarvis, Edward M‘Mahon, J. Mahon,
J. Wilson, E. Playter ; ensigns Andrew Thompson, A. Smalley, Donald M'Arthur, William Smith, Andrew Mercer,
JESSE D. ELLIOTT, lieutenant U. S. navy.
WM. ALLAN, major 3d regiment York militia.
F. GAUVRAU, lieut. marine department.
York, April 28, 1813.
The foregoing agreement, or terms of capitulation, is approved by us,
'WILLIAM DEARBORN, major-gen,
ISAAC CHAUNCEY, commodore.
VO L.
1.
DD
402
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
NO. 19.
From
ingjor-gen. Dearborn to the American secretary of war
SIR,
Head-quarters, York, capital of Upper Canada,
April 28, 1813.
After a detention of some days by adverse winds, we arrived
at this place yesterday morning, and at 8 o'clock commenced
landing the troops about three miles westward from the town,
and one and a half from the enemy's works. The wind was
high, and in an unfavorable direction for the boats, which prevented the landing of the troops at a clear field, the site of the
ancient French fort, Toronto. It prevented, also, many of the
armed vessels from taking positions which would have most
effectually covered our landing ; but every thing that could be
done was effected.
The riflemen under major Forsythe first landed, under a
heavy fire from the Indians, and other troops. General Sheaffe
commanded in person. He had collected his whole force in the
woods, near the point were the wind compelled our troops to
land. His force consisted of 700 regulars and militia, and 100
Indians. Major Forsythe was supported as promptly as possi.
ble ; but the contest was sharp and severe for near half an hour,
and the enemy were repulsed by a number far inferior to theirs.
As soon as general Pike landed with 7 or 800 men, and the
reminder of the troops were pushing for the shore, the enemy
retreated to their works. Our troops were now formed on the
ground originally intended for their landing, marched through a
thick wood, and after carrying one battery by assault,
were
moving in columns towards the main work ; when within 60
rods of this, a tremendous explosion took place, from a magazine previously prepared, and which blew out such an immense
quantity of stone, as most seriously to injure our troops. I
have not yet been able to collect a
return of the killed and
403
and wounded ; but our loss will, I fear, exceed 100, and among
these I have to lament the loss of that brave and excellent officer, Brigadier-gen. Pike, who received a contusion from a large
stone, which terminated his valuable life in a few hours. His loss
will be severely felt.
Previously to this explosion, the enemy had retired into the
town, excepting a party of regulars, to the number of 40, who
did not escape the effects of the shock, and were destroyed.
General Sheaffe moved off with the regular troops, and left
directions with the commanding-officer of the militia to make
the best terms he could. In the mean time, all further resistance on the part of the enemy ceased, and the outlines of a
capitulation were agreed on.
As soon as I learned that general Pike had been wounded,
I went on shore. To the general I had been induced to confide
the immediate attack, from a knowledge that it was his wish,
and that he would have felt mortified had it not been given to
him.
Every movement was under my view. The troops acted
with great firmness, and deserve much applause, particularly
those first engaged, and under circumstances which would have
tried the steadiness of veterans. •
Our loss in the morning, and in carrying the first battery,
was not great, perhaps 40 or 50 killed and wounded, and of
them a full proportion of officers.
Notwithstanding the enemy's advantage% position and numbers in the commencement of the action, their loss was greater
than ours, especially in officers. It was with great exertion
that the small vessels of the fleet could work ino the harbour
against a gale of wind ; but as soon as they got a proper position, a tremendous cannonade opened upon the enemy's batteries, and was kept up against them until they were carried or
blown up, and had no doubt, a powerful effect upon the
-
enemy.
I am under the greatest obligations to oommodore Chauncey,
for his able and indefatigable exertions in every pooible manner
D I) 2
404 APPENDIX.
which could give facility and effect to the expedition. He is
equally estimable for sound judgment, bravery, and industry.
The government could not have made a more fortunate se.
lection.
Unfortunately, the enemy's armed ship prince Regent left
this place for Kingston a few days before we arrived. A large
ship on the stocks, and nearly planked up, and much naval
stores, were set fire to by the enemy soon after the explosion
of the magazine. A considerable quantity of military stores
and provisions remain, but no vessel fit for use.
We have not the means of transporting prisoners, and must
of course leave them on parole.
I hope we shall so far complete what is necessary to be done
here, as to be able to sail to-morrow for Niagara, whither
send this by a small vessel, with notice to general Lewis of our
approach.
I have the honor to be, &c.
IIENRY DEARBORN.
Hon. gen. J. Armstrong, secretary
of war, Washington.
No.
20.
From commodore Chauncey to the American secretary of the
navy.
U. S. ship Madison, at anchor off York,
April 28th, 1813.
Agreeably to your instructions and arrangements made with
major-gen. Dearborn, I took` on board the squadron under my
command, the general and suite, and about 1700 troops, and
left Sackett's Harbor on the 25th instant for this place. We
arrived here yesterday morning, and took a position about one
mile to the southward and westward of the enemy's principal mil
fort, and as near the shore as we could with safety to the vessel5.
SIR,
APPENDIX.
405
The place fixed upon by the major-general and myself, for landing
the troops, was the site of the old French fort Toronto.
The debarkation commenced about 8 o'clock A.M. and was
completed about 10. The wind blowing heavy from the eastward, the boats fell to leeward of the position fixed upon, and
were, in consequence, exposed to a galling fire from the enemy,
who had taken a position in a thick wood, near where the first
troops landed ; however, the cool intrepidity of the officers and
men overcame every obstacle. Their attack upon the enemy
was so vigorous that he tied in every direction, leaving a great
many of his killed and wounded upon the field. As soon as the
troops were landed, I directed the schooners to take a position
near the fort, in order that the attack upon the enemy by the army
and navy might be simultaneous. The schooners were obliged
to beat up to their position, which they did in a very handsome
order, under a very heavy fire from the enemy's batteries, and
took a position within about 600 yards of their principal fort,
and opened a heavy cannonade upon the enemy, which did great
execution, and very much contributed to their final destruction;
the troops, as soon as landed, were formed under the immedi..
ate orders of brigadier-general Pike, who led in a most gallant
manner the attack upon the forts, and after having carried two
redoubts on his approach to the principal work, the enemy
(having previously laid a train) blew up his magazine, which,
in its effects upon our troops, were dreadful, having killed and
wounded a great many ; and among the former, the ever to be
lamented brigadier-general Pike, who fell at the head of his
column, by a contusion received by a heavy stone from the
magazine. His death at this time is much to be regretted, as
he had the perfect confidence of the major-general ; and his
known activity, zeal, and experience, makes his loss a national
-
one.
In consequence of the fall of general Pike, the command of
the troops for a time devolved upon colonel Pierce, who soon
after took possession of the town. At about 2 P.M. the
American flag was substituted for the British, and at 4, our
406
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
troops were in quiet possession of the town. As soon as general
Dearborn learnt the situation of general Pike, he landed, and
assumed the command. I have the honor of enclosing a copy
of the capitulation that was entered into and approved of by
general Dearborn and myself.
No. 2L
The enemy set fire to some of his principal stores, containing
large quantities of naval and military stores, as well as a large
ship on the stocks, nearly finished. The only vessel found here,
was the Duke of Gloucester undergoing repairs. The Prince
Regent left here on the 24th for Kingston. We have not yet
had a return made of the naval and military stores ; consequently cannot form a correct idea of the quantity, but have
made arrangements to have all taken on board that we can
receive; the rest will be destroyed.
I have to regret the ;death of midshipmen Thompson and
Hatfield, and of several seamen killed—the exact number I do
not know, as the returns from the different vessels have not
yet been received.
From the judicious arrangements made by general Dearborn,
I presume that the public stores will be disposed of, so that the
troops will be ready to re-embark to-morrow, and proceed to
execute other objects of the expedition the first fair wind.
I cannot speak in too much praise of the cool intrepidity of
the officers and men generally, under my command ; and 1 feel
myself particularly indebted to the officers commanding vessels,
for their zeal in seconding my views. rj!
1 have the honor to be very respectfully,
Your most obedient servant,
ISAAC CHAUNCEY.
To the hon. the secretary of the navy.
(Terms of capitulation as before.)
407
From brigadier-general Vincent to sir G. Prevost.
Forty-mile Creek, May 28, 1813.
Sin,
I have the honor to inform your excellency, that yesterday
morning, about day-break, the enemy again opened his batteries
upon Fort-George : the fire not being immediately returned, it
ceased for some time. About 4 o'clock A.M. a combination
of circumstances led to a belief that an invasion was meditated.
The morning being exceedingly hazy, neither his means nor his
intention could be ascertained, until, the mist clearing away at
intervals, the enemy's fleet, consisting of 14 or 15 vessels,
was discovered under way, standing towards the light-house,
in an extended line of more than two miles, covering from 90
to 100 large boats and scow s, each containing an average of
50 or 60 men. Though at this time no doubt could be enter
tamed of the enemy's intention, his points of attack could only
be conjectured. Having again commenced a heavy fire from his
fort, line of batteries, and shipping, it became necessary to
withdraw all the guards and piquets stationed along the coast,
between the fort and light-house, and a landing was effected at
the Two-mile Creek, about half a mile below the latter-place.
The party of troops and Indians stationed at this point, after
opposing the enemy, and annoying him as long as possible,
were obliged to fall back, and the fire from the shipping so
completely enfiladed and scowcred the plains, that it became
impossible to approach the beach. As the day dawned, the
enemy's plan was clearly developed, and every effort to oppose
his landing having failed, I lost not a moment in concentrating
my force between the town of Fort-George and the enemy,
there awaiting his approach. This movement was admirably
covered by the Glengarry light infantry, joined by a detachment
of the royal Newfoundland regiment and militia, which com-
408
APPENDIX.
mcnced skirmishing with the enemy's riflemen, who were
-,advancing through the brushwood. The enemy having perfect
command of the beach, he quickly landed from 3 to 4000 men,
with several pieces of artillery, and this force was instantly
seen advancing in three solid columns, along the lake bank,
his right covered by a large body of riflemen, and his left and
front by the fire of the shipping, and batteries in their fort.
As our light troops fell back upon the main body, which was
moved forwards to their support, they were gallantly sustained
by the 8th (king's) regiment, commanded by major Ogilvie,
the whole being under the immediate direction of colonel Myers,
acting quarter-master-general, who had charge of the right
wing. In the execution of this important duty, gallantry,
zeal, and decision, were eminently conspicuous ; and I lament
to report that I was deprived of the services of colonel Myers,
who, having received three wounds, was obliged to quit the
field. Lieutenant-colonel Harvey, the deputy adjutant-gene.
ral, whose activity and gallantry had been displayed the whole
morning, succeeded colonel Myers, and brought up the right
division, consisting of the 49th regiment, and some militia.
The light artillery under major Holcroft were already in
position, awaiting the enemy's advance on the plain. At this
moment the very inferior force under my command, had experienced a severe loss in officers and men ; yet nothing could
exceed the ardor and gallantry of the troops, who shelved the
most marked devotion in the service of their king and country,
and appeared regardless of the consequence of the unequal
contest. Being on the spot, and seeing that the force under
my command was opposed with ten-fold numbers, who were
rapidly advancing under cover of their shipping and batteries,
from which our positions were immediately seen, and exposed
to a tremendous fire of shot and shells, 1 decided on retiring
my little force to a position w high I hoped might be less
assailab e by the heavy ordnance of the enemy, and from which
a retreat would be left open, in the event of that measure
,becoming necessary. Here, after awaiting the approach of the
APPENDIX.
409
enemy for about half an hour, I received authentic information, that his force, consisting of from 4 to 5000 men, had
re-formed his columns, and was making an effort to turn my
right flank. At this critical juncture not a moment was to be
lost, and sensible that every effort had been made, by the
officers and men under my command, to maintain the post of
Fort-George, I could not consider myself justified in continuing
so unequal a contest, the issue of which promised no advantage
to the interests of his majesty's service. Having given orders
for the fort to be evacuated, the guns to be spiked, and the
ammunition destroyed, the troops under my command were put
in motion, and marched across the country in a line parallel to
the Niagara river, towards the position near the Beaver Dam,
beyond Queenstown Mountain, at which place I had the honor
of reporting to your excellency that a depOt of provisions and
ammunition had been formed some time since. The rear-guard
ci f the army reached that position during the night, and we
were soon afterwards joined by lieutenant.colonel Bisshopp,
with all the detachment from Chippeway to Fort-Erie. The
light, and one battalion company of the 8th, (king's,) joined
us about the same time, as did captain Barclay, with a detachment of the royal navy.
Having assembled my whole force the following morning,
which did not exceed 1600 men, I continued my march towards
the head of the lake, where it is my intention to take up a
position, and shall endeavour to maintain it, until I may be
honored with your excellency's instructions, which I shall feel
most anxious to receive. I beg leave to suggest the great
importance that exists for a communication being opened with
me, through the medium of the fleet. The anchorage under
Mrs. Brandt's house is perfectly good and very safe. I believe
your excellency need not be informed, that in the event of it
becoming necessary that I should fall back upon York, the
assistance of shipping would be requisite for the transport of
my artillery. I cannot conclude this long communication,
without expressing a well-merited tribute of approbation to the
410
gallantry and assiduity of every officer of the staff, and indeed
of every individual composing my little army ;—every one most
zealously discharged the duties of his respective station. The
struggle on the 27th continued from three to four hours ; and,
I lament to add, it was attended with very severe loss.
I have the honor to enclose a list of the killed, wounded,
and missing, with as much accuracy as the nature of existing
circumstances will admit. Many of the missing, I hope, will
be found to be only stragglers, mid will soon rejoin their corps.
I shall reach the head of the lake to-morrow evening. Hitherto
the enemy has not attempted to interrupt my movements. Infor.
mation reached me this morning, through an authentic channel,
that he has pushed on 3000 infantry, and a considerable body
of cavalry, towards Queenstown. His whole force is stated to
amount to nearly 10000 men.
I send this despatch by Mr. Mathison, who acted as a volun.
teer on the 27th; and I am happy to inform your excellency,
that his conduct was very honorable to his character, and merits
my marked approbation. Ammunition will be wanting by the
first vessel. Captain Manes has been kind enough to remain
with me until my next despatch.
411
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
rank and file killed ; 2 rank and file
49th regiment ; 2
wounded ; 4 drummers, 28 rank and file, wonnded and
-
missing.
Left in hospitals, and wounded on former occasions, 16 rank
• .
and file, not included.
1 captain, 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 24
Glengarry regiment ;
-
rank and file, killed ; 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 3
serjeants, 20 rank and file, wounded ; 1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants,
13 rank and file, wounded and missing.
1
Royal Newfoundland regiment;
-
21 rank and file, killed ;
1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 6 rank and file, wounded ;
5 rank and file wounded and missing.
Total ; -1 captain, 1 lieutenant, .1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 48
rank and file; .killed ; 1 general-staff, 1 major, 2 captains, 5
lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 4 serjeants, 29 rank and file, wounded ;
1 lieutenant, 13 serjeants, 8 drummers, 240 .rank and file,
wounded and missing.
Names of officers killed and wounded.
Killed ;
-
8th ; (or king's regiment;)
—
Lieutenant James
Drummie ;
Liddle, ensign M°Lean.
Glengarry regiment ; Captain
Myers,
acting
quarter-master-general,
Wounded; Colonel
—
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN VINCENT, brig.-gen.
His 'excellency lieutenant-general
sir George Prevost, &c. &c. &c.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing, of his majesty's
troops in action with the enemy at Fort-George, May the
tia 27th, 1813.
General staff ; 1 wounded.
Royal artillery; 1 rank and file killed; 1 rank and file
-
-
wounded.
8th ; (or king's regiment;)
—
severely, not dangerously.
8th regiment ;--Major Edward Cotton, lieutenant I. W.
Lloyd, severely, and prisoner ; lieutenants Mortimer, M'Mahon,
and Horace Noel ; ensign Richard Nicholson, severely, and
prisoner.
Glengarry regiment ;
1 lieutenant killed ; 1 major,
3 lieutenants, 1 ensign, wounded ; 11 serjeants, 4 drummers,
181 rank and file, Allissing.
41st regiment;--3 rank and file wounded and missing.
Captain Roxburgh, lieutenant Kerr,
ensign Kerr.
.Royal Newfoundland regiment;
nant Stewart.
-
—
—
Captain Winter, lieute-
EDWARD BAYNES,
Adjutant-general, North America.
412
APPENDIX.
No.
22.
From major-general Dearborn to the American secretary
at war.
Head-quarters, Fort-George,
Upper Canada, May 27.
The light-troops under the command of colonel Scott and
major Forsythe, landed this morning, at nine o'clock. Major.
general Lewis's division, with colonel Porter's command of
light-artillery, supported them.
General Boyd's brigade
landed immediately after the light troops, and generals Chandler
and Winder followed it in quick succession. The landing was
warmly and obstinately disputed by the British forces ; but the
coolness and intrepidity of our troops soon compelled them to
give ground in every direction. General Chandler, with the
reserve, (composed of his brigade and colonel Macomb's artillery,) covered the whole. Commodore Chauncey had made the
most judicious arrangement for silencing the enemy's batteries
near the point of landing. The army is under the greatest
obligations to that able naval commander for his co-operation
in all its important movements, and especially in its operations
this day. Our batteries succeeded in rendering Fort•George
untenable; and when the enemy had been beaten from his
positions, and I found it necessary to re-enter it, after firing a
few guns, and setting fire to the magazines, which soon exploded,
he moved off rapidly by different routes. Our light troops
pursued them several miles. The troops having been under
arms from one o'clock in the morning, were too much exhausted
for any further pusuit. We are now in possession of FortGeorge and its immediate dependencies ; to-morrow we shall
proceed on. The behaviour of our troops, both officers and
men, entitles them to the highest praise; and the difference of
our loss with that of the enemy, when we consider the advantages his position afforded him, is astonishing. We had 17
SIR,
APPENDIX.
413
killed, and 45 wounded. The enemy had 90 killed, and 160
wounded, of the regular troops. We have taken 100 prisoners,
exclusive of the wounded. Colonel Myers, of the 49th, was
wounded, and taken prisoner. Of ours only one commissioned
officer was killed, lieutenant Hobart, of the light-artillery.
I have the honor to be, sir,
With great consideration and respect,
Your most obedient servant,
H. DEARBOR.N.
lion. gen. John Armstrong,
secretary at war.
No. 23.
•. j
I°
From adjutant-general Bajjnes to sir G. Prevost.
I
SIR,
Kingston, May 30th, 1813.
I have the honor to report to your excellency, that in conformity to an arranged plan of operations with commodore sir
James Yet), the fleet of boats assembled a-stern of his ship, at
10 o'clock on the night of the 28th instant, with the troops
placed under my command, and led by a gun-boat, under the
direction of captain Mulcaster, royal navy, proceeded towards
Sackett's Harbor, in the order prescribed to the troops, in case
the detachment was obliged to march in column ; viz. the
grenadier company, 100th, with one section of the royal Scots,
two companies of the 8th, (or king's,) four of the 104th, two
of the Canadian voltigeurs, two 6-pounders, with their gunners, and a company of Glengarry light-infantry, were embarked on board a light schooner, which was proposed to be
towed, under the direction of officers of the navy, so as
to insure the guns being landed in time to support the
advance of the troops. Although the night was dark, with
rain, the boats assembled in the vicinity of Sackett's Harbor,
by one o'clock, in compact and regular order ; and in this
414
APPENDIX.
position it was intended to remain until the day broke, in the
hope of effecting a landing before the enemy could be prepared
to line the woods with troops, which surround the coast; but,
unfortunately, a strong current drifted the boats considerably,
while the darkness of the night, and ignorance of the coast,
prevented them from recovering their proper station until the day
dawned, when the whole pulled for the point of debarkation.
It was my intention to have landed in the cove formed by Horse
Island, but, on approaching it, we discovered that the enemy
were fully prepared, by a very heavy fire of musketry from
the surrounding woods, which were filled with infantry supported by a field-piece. I directed the boats to pull round to
the other side of the island, where a landing was effected in good
order and with little loss, although executed in the face of a
corps, formed with a field-piece in the u ood, and under the
enfilade of a heavy gun of the enemy's principal battery.
The advance was led by the grenadiers of the 100th regiment, with undaunted gallantry, which no obstacle could
arrest. A narrow causeway, in many places under water, not
more than four feet wide, and about 400 paces in length, which
connected the island with the main land, was occupied by the
enemy, in great force, with a 6-pounder.; It was forced, and
carried in the most spirited manner, and the gun taken before
a second discharge could be made from it ; a tumbril, with a
few rounds of ammunition, was found.; .bot, unfortunately, the
artillerymen were still behind, the schooner not having been
able to get up in time, and the troops were exposed to so heavy
and galling a fire from a numerous, but almost invisible foe, as
to render it impossible to halt for the artillery to come up. At
this spot two paths led in opposite directions round the hill ; I
directed colonel Young, of the king's regiment, with:half of the
detachment, to penetrate by the left ; and major Drummond, of
the 104th, to force the path by the right, which proved to be
more open, and was less occupied by the enemy. On the
left the wood was very thick, and was most obstinately main.
Wiled by the enemy.
415
APPENDIX.
The gun-boats which had covered our landing, afforded
material aid, by firing into the woods ; but the. American
soldier, secure behind a tree, was only to he dislodged by the
bayonet. The spirited advance of a section produced the flight
of hundreds. From this observation all firing was direeted to
cease, and the detachment being formed in as regular order as
the nature of the ground would admit, pushed forward through
the wood upon the enemy, who, although greatly superior in
numbers, and supported by field-pieces, and a heavy fire from
their fort, fled with precipitation to their block-house and fort,
abandoning one of their guns. The division under colonel
Young was joined in the charge, by that under major Drummond, which was executed with such spirit and promptness, that
many of the enemy fell in their enclosed barracks, which were
set on fire by our troops ;—at this point the further energies of
the troops became unavailing. Their block-house and stockaded battery could not be carried by assault, nor reduced by
field-pieces, had we been provided with them; the fire of the
gun-boats proved inefficient to attain that. end : light and
adverse winds continued, and our larger vessels were still far off.
The enemy turned the heavy ordnance of the battery to the
interior defence of his post. He had set fire to the store-houses
in the vicinity of the fort.
Seeing no object within our reach to attain, that could compensate for the loss we were momentarily sustaining from the
heavy fire of the enemy's cannon, I directed the troops to take
up the position on the crest of the hill we had charged from.
From this position we were ordered to re-embark, which was
performed at .our leisure, and in perfect order, the enemy
not presuming to skew a single soldier without the limits
of his fortress. Youy excellency having been a witness of
the zeal and ardent courage of every soldier in the field, it is
unnecessary in me to assure your excellency, that but one sentiment animated every breast, that of discharging to the utmost
of their power their duty to their king and country.--But one
sentiment of regret and mortification prevailed, on being obliged
.
416
APPENDIX.
to quit a beaten enemy, whom a small band of British soldiers
bad driven before them for three hours, through a country
abounding in strong positions of defence, but not offering a
single spot of cleared ground favorable for the operations of
disciplined troops, without having fully accomplished the duty
we were ordered to perform.
The two divisions of the detachment were ably commanded
by colonel Young, of the king's, and major Drummond, of the
104th. The detachment of the king's under major Evans,
nobly sustained the high and established character of that dis.
tinguished corps ; and captain Burke availed himself of the
ample field afforded him in leading the advance, to display the
intrepidity of British grenadiers.
The detachment of the 104th regiment, under major Moodie.
captain M‘Pherson's company of Glengarry light-infantry, and
two companies of Canadian voltigeurs, commanded by major
Hammot, all of them levies of the British provinces of North
America, evinced most striking proofs of their loyalty, steadi.
ness, and courage. The detachment of the royal Newfoundland regiment behaved with great gallantry. Your excellency
will lament the loss of that active and intelligent officer, captain
Gray, acting deputy-quarter-master-general, who fell close to
the enemy's work, while reconnoitring it, in the hope to dis.
Cover some opening to favor an assault. Commodore sir James
Yco conducted the fleet of boats in the attack, and, accompany.
ing the advance of the troops, directed the co-operation of the
gun-boats. I feel most grateful for your excellency's kind consideration, in allowing your aides de camp majors Coote and
Fulton, to accompany me in the field, and to these officers for
the able assistance they afforded me.
I have the honor to be, &c.
EDWARD BAYNES,
Col. Glengarry light-infanty, commanding.
To his excellency lieutenant-general
sir George Prevost, Bart. &c. &c. &c.
417
APPENDIX,
I
Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, in an attack on
Sackett's Harbor, on the 29th of May, 1813:
General staff ;-1 killed.
Royal artillery ;-2 gunners, wounded;
rank and file, killed ; 1 rank and file,
Royal Scots
wounded and missing ; 4 rank and file, wounded.
8th; (or king's regiment;) 5 rank and file, killed ; 2 captains, 1 ensign, 7 rank and file, wounded and missing ; 1.
major, 2 lieutenants, 3 serjeants, 60 rank and file, wounded.
100th regiment ; t serjeant, 5 rank and file, killed ; 3 rank
and file, wounded and missing ; 1 drummer, JO rank and file,
wounded.
101th regiment ; 2 serjeant, 20 rank and file, killed ;
1 rank and file, wounded and missing ; 2 majors, 2 captains,
3 lieutenants, 3 serjeants, 1 drummer, 57 rank and file,
wounded.
Royal Newfoundland regiment ; 1 rank and file, killed ;
1 rank and file, wounded and missing ; 13 rank and file,
wounded.
Glengarry light infantry ; 6 rank and file, killed ; 1 cap.
tain, 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 17 rank and file, wounded.
Canadian voltigeurs ; 2 rank and file, killed; 2 rank and
-
—
-
-
-
-
-
file, wounded.
Total ;-1 general staff, 3 serjeants, 44 rank and file, killed;
3 majors, 3 captains, 5 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 7 serjeants, 2
drummers, 172 rank and file, 2 gunners, wounded ; 2 captains,
1 ensign, 13 rank and file, wounded and missing. „
Names of officers killed and wounded.
Killed;
—
Captain A. Gray, acting deputy.quarter-master.
general.
Wounded 8th; (or king's regiment;) Major Evans,
slightly ; captain Blackmore, dangerously ; captain Tythe,
severely ; lieutenant Nutall; (since dead ;) lieutenant Lowry;
ensign Greig, prirper.
t %
F. E
VOL. I.
—
418
APPENDIX.
A PPENDI X.
104th regiment ;—majors Drummond and Moody, slightly ;
captain Leonard, severely ; captain Shore, slightly ; lieu.
tenants Rainford, Moore, and Delancey.
Glengarry light infantty ;—Captain M'Pherson, severely ;
ensign Mathewson, slightly.
EDWARD BAYNES,
Adjt. Gen. North America.
were, I believe, all, or with very few exceptions, killed by the
Indians. Brigadier-general Winchester was taken in the
pursuit, by the Wyandot chief Roundhead, who afterwards
surrendered him to me. .
You will perceive that I have lost no time ; indeed, it was
necessary to be prompt in my movements, as the enemy would
have been joined by major-general Harrison in a few days.
The troops, the marine, and the militia, displayed great bravery,
and behaved uncommonly well. Where so much zeal and
spirit were manifested, it would be unjust to attempt to particularize any : I cannot, however, refrain from mentioning
lieutenant-colonel St. George, who received four wounds in a
gallant attempt to occupy a building which was favorably
situated for annoying the enemy ; together with ensign Keu.,
of the Newfoendland regiment,
1 fear7 is'iery dangerously
wounded. The zeal and courage •of the Indian department
were never more conspicuous than on this occasion, and the
Indian warriors fought with their usual bravery. I am much
indebted to the different departments, the troops having been
well and timely supplied with every requisite the district could
afford.
I have fortunately not been deprived of the services of lieu.
tenant Troughton, of the royal artillery, and acting in the
quarter-master-general's department, although he was wounded,
to whose zealous and unwearied exertions I am greatly indebted, as well as to the whole of the royal artillery for their
conduct in this affair.
I enclose a list of the killed and wounded, and cannot but
lament that there are so many of both ; but of the latter, I am
happy to say, a large proportion of them will return to their
duty, and most of them in a short time: I Op. enclose a return
,,t ) •
of the arms and ammunition which have been, taken, as well as
of the prisoners, whom you will perceive 0 be equal to my
utmost force, exclusive of the Indians.
It is reported that a party, consisting of 100 men, bringing
500 hogs to general Winchester's force, has been' completely
EE2
No. 24.
From colonel Proctor to major-general Shea(j'e.
Sin,
Sandwich, January 25th, 1813.
In my last despatch I acquainted you, that the enemy was in
the Michigan territory, marching upon Detroit, and that I therefore deemed it necessary that he should be attacked without
delay, with all and every description of force within my reach.
Early in the morning, on the 19th, I was informed of his being
in possession of Frenchtown, on the river Raisin, 26 miles from
Detroit, after experiencing every resistance that major Reynolds, of the Essex militia, had it in his power to make, with a
3-pounder, well served and directed by bombardier Kitson, of
the royal artillery, and the militia, three of whom he had well
trained to the use of it. The retreat of the gun was covered by
a brave band of Indians, who made the enemy pay dear for
what he obtained. This party, composed of militia and
Indians, with the gun, fell back, 18 miles to Brown's town,
the settlement of the brave Wyandots, where I directed my
force to assemble. On the 21st instant, I advanced 12 miles to
Swan Creek, from whence we marched to the enemy, and
attacked him at break of day, on the 22d instant; and after
suffering, for our numbers, a considerable loss, the enemy's
force posted in houses and enclosures, and which, from dread
of falling into the hands of the Indians, they most obstinately
defenhd, at length surrendered at discretion ; the other part
of their force, in attempting to retreat by the way they came,
)
419
420
cut off by the Indians, and the convoy taken. Lieutenant
M'Lean, my acting brigade-major, whose gallantry and exertions were conspicuous on the 22d instant, is the bearer of this
despatch, and will be able to afford you every information
respecting our situation.
I have the honor to be, &c.
HENRY PROCTOR, colonel.
To major-general Sheaffe, Ste. &c. &c.
Fort-George.
■••••■••■•
-
in 01
-
I ai
tl:kizl =r
421
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
.. Pt.,3 1 :
,
No. 25•
Return of prisoners taken after the action at Riviere au Raisin,
on the 22d day of January, 1813.
1 brigadier-general; 1 colonel; 1 major ; 9 captains; 6
lieutenants ; 10 ensigns ; 1 brigade-major ; 1 adjutant ; 1
quarter-master ; 2 surgeons ; 27 serjeants ; 435 rank and file.
Total-495.
N. B. The Indians have brought in and delivered up several
prisoners since the above return was taken ; they continue to
do so this morning, so that this return is not perfectly correct,
nor can a correct one be procured until they arrive at Sandwich.
FELIX TROUGHTON, R. A.
Act. dep. assist. quarter-master-gen.
41st foot ; —15 privates, killed; 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 3
serjeants, 1 corporal, 91 privates, wounded.
Royal Newfoundland regiment ;-1 private, killed; 1 ensign,
I serjeant, 3 corporals, 13 privates, wounded.
Marine department ;-1 seaman, killed ; 2 lieutenants, 1
midshipman, 1 gunner, 12 seamen, wounded.
1st E'sex militia ;-2 privates, killed ; 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 2 serjeants, 7 privates, wounded.
2d Essex militia;-3 privates, killed; 1 ensign, 3 privates,
wounded.
Staff ;-1 lieutenant-colonel, wounded.
Total ;-1 serjeant, 1 gunner, 21 privates, 1 seaman, killed ;
1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 captains, 6 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1
midshipman, 6 serjeants, 5 corporals, 1 bombardier, 6 gunners,
116 privates, 12 seamen, wounded.
General Total ;-24 killed; 158 wounded.
Names of the officers wounded.
Royal artillery ;—Lieutenant Troughton.
41st foot ;—Captain Tallon and lieutenant Clemow.
Royal Newfoundland regiment ;—Ensign Kerr.
Marine department ;— Lieutenants Rolette and Irvine, and
midshipman Richardson.
1st Essex militia ;—Captain Mills, and lieutenants. M'Cov.mic and Gordon.
2d ditto ;—Claude Garvin.
(,emir
Staff—Colones St. George.
FELIX TROUGHTON, Lt. R. A.
Act. dep. asst..quarter.mastcr..gen.
No. 26.
Return of the killed and wounded in the action at Riviere au
Raisin, 22d January, 1813.
Royal artillery ;-1 serjeant, 1 gunner, killed ; 1 lieutenant,
1 corporal, 1 bombardier, 5 gunners, wounded.
10th royal veteran battalion ;-2 privates, wounded.
;lira v,i
inaino-giiibrianurron 311r aljiss b....v.)1 mA IA
ti n lo az,aioaiiq I•tribmilue od bittode ‘t.•
-
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422,
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
No.
27.
From brigadier-general Winchester to the American secretary
,•of war.
SIR,
Malden, January 28th, 1813.
A detachment from the left wing of the north-western Army
under mycommand, at Frenchtown, on...the river Raisin, was
attacked on the 23d instant, by a force greatly superior in numbers, aided by several pieces of artillery. The action commenced at the dawn of day : the piquet-guards
were driven in,
and a heavy fire opened upon the whole line, by which part
thereof was thrown into disorder ; and being ordered to form
on more advantageous ground, I
found the enemy doubling our
left flank with force and rapidity.
A destructive fire was sustained for some time; at length,
borne down by numbers, the few of us that remained with the
party retired from the lines, submitted. " The remainder of our
force, in number about 400, continued to defend themselves
with great gallantry, in' an
unequal contest against small-arms
and 'artillery, until
in as a prisoner to that part
of,the field occupied by the enemy.
At this latter place, I 'underitood ihit our troops were
defending themselves in a state of desperation ; and I was
informed by the commancling-officer'''Of the enemy, that he
would afford thprn an opportunity
surrendering themselves
prisoners of
'tet`)Whicli T acceded. '1 was the more ready
to make the surrender, from being assured, that unless done
quickly, the buildings adjacent would be immediately set on
fire, and that no responsibility would be taken for the conduct
of the savages, who were then assembled in great numbers.
In this critical situation, being desirous to preserve the lives
Of a number of our brave fellows who still held out, I sent a
flag to them, and agreed with the commanding-officer of the 'Oil
enemy, that they should be surrendered prisoners of war, on
423
condition of their being protected from the savages, and being
allowed to retain their private property, and having their sidearms returned to t1;ei►. It is impossible for me to ascertain,
with certainty, the loss we have sustained in this action, from
the impracticability of knowing the number who have made their
escape.
Thirty-five officers, and about 487 non-commissioned officers,
and privates, are prisoners of war. A list of the names of
officers is herewith enclosed to you. Our loss in killed is considerable.
However unfortunate may seem the affair of yesterday, I am
flattered by the belief, that no material error is chargeable upon
myself, and that still less censure deserved by the troops I had
the honor of commanding.
With the exception of that portion of our force which was
thrown into disorder, no troops have ever behaved with more
determined intrepidity.
1 have the honor to be, with high respect,
Your obedient servant,
Hun. secretary at war.
JAMES WINCHESTER,
Brig.-gen. U. S. army.
Here follows a list of the officers taken :
General Winchester ; colonel Lewis; major Madison ; captains Overton, Hightower, Ballard, Cholier, James Kelly,
Hamilton, Williams, Sabrie, and Bledfoe; lieutenants Gerrard, M'Cella ; adjutant Keen ; Q. M. Holden, Rule
M'Guire, Ganard, Moore, and Higgins; ensigns Comstock,
Butler, T. Chin, Flarron, Nash, Botts, Monday, Berson,
Nash ; Mooring, Fleet, and Caldwell; surgeon Todd.—,
Total, 36.
The Indians have still a few prisoners in their possession,
to colonel Proctor,
which I have reason to hope will be given up
at Sandwich.
JAMES WINCHESTER, brig.-gen.
424
APPENDIX.
•geve.7. %It
•irvtlti boa
•Io't
No. 2E4.
APPENDIX.
•
From major-general Harrison, to governor Shelby.
MY DEAR SIR,
,Camp on Carrying Rock, 15 miles from
the Rapids, January 24, 18,13,
I send colonel Wells to you, to communicate the particulars
(as far as we are acquainted with them) of an event that will
overwhelm your mind with grief, and fill your whole state with
mourning.
The greater part of colonel Wells's regiment, United States'
infantry, and the 1st and 5th regiments Kentucky infantry, and
Allen's rifle regiment, under the immediate orders of general
Winchester have been cut to pieces by the enemy, or taken
prisoners. Great as the calamity is, I still hope that, as far as
it relates to the objects of the campaign, it is not irreparable.
As soon as I was informed of the attack upon general Winchester, about 12 o'clock on the 22d instant, I set out, to overtake
the detachment of Kentucky's troops, that I had sent that
morning to reinforce him, and I
directed the only regiment that
I had with me to follow. I overtook
major Robb's detachment
at the distance of 6 miles but before the troops in the rear
could get up, certain information was received of general
Winchester's total defeat.
••
• A council of war was tailed, and it was the unanimous
opinion of the generals Payne and Perkins, and all the field
officers, that there was no motive that could authorize an
advance but that of attacking the enemy, and that success was
not to be expected after a forced march of 40 miles against an
enemy superior in number, and welt
provided with artillery.
Strong detachments of the most active men were, however, sent
forward on all the roads, to assist and bring in such of our men
as had escaped. The whole number that reached our camp
-
42,5
does not exceed 30, amongst whom were major M'Clannahan
and captain Claves.
Raving a large train of heavy artillery, and stores coming
on this road Irom W. Sandusky, under an escort of four companies, it was thought advisable to fall back to this place, for
the purpose of securing them. A part of it arrived last evening, and the rest is within 30 miles. As soon as it arrives, and
a reinforcement of three regiments from the Virginia and
Pennsylvania brigades, I shall again advance, and give the
enemy an opportunity of measuring their strength with us once
more.
Colonel Wells will communicate some circumstances, which,
while they afflict and surprise, will convince you that Kentucky
has lost none of her reputation for valor, for which she is famed.
The detachment to the river Raisin was made without my
knowledge or consent, and in direct opposition to my plans.
Having been made, however, I did every thing in my power to
reinforce them, and a force exceeding by 300 men that which
general Winchester deemed necessary, was on its way to join
him, and a fine battalion within 14 miles of its destination.
After the success of colonel Lewis, I was in great hopes that
the post could be maintained. Colonel Wells will communicate
my future views to you, much better than I can do in writing
at this time.
I am, dear Sir, &c.
W. H. HARRISON.
is excellency governor Shelby.
OOOOO
No 29.
From brigadier-general Proctor to sir G. Prevost.
Sandwich, May 14th, 1813.
Sea,
From the circumstances of the war, I have judged it expedient to make a direct report to your excellency of the operations and present state in this district.
426 APPENDIX.
In the expectation of being able to reach the enemy,
who
had taken post near the foot of the Rapids of the Miami,
before the reinforcements and supplies could arrive, for which
only he waited to commence active operations against us, I
determined to attack him without delay, and with every means in
my power ; but from the necessary preparations, and some
untoward circumstances, it was not in my power to reach him
within three weeks of the period I had proposed, and at which
he might have been captured or destroyed. From the incessant
and heavy rains we experienced, and during which our batteries
were constructed, it was not until the morning of the 1st
instant, the fifth day after our arrival at the mouth of the river,
12 miles from the enemy, that our batteries could be opened.
The enemy, who occupied several acres of commanding
ground, strongly defended by block.bouses, and the batteries
well furnished with ordnance, bad, during our approach, so
completely entrenched and covered himself, as to render unavailing every efiert of our artillery, though well served, and in
batteries most judiciously placed and constructed, under the
able direction of captain Dixon, of the royal engineers, of
whose ability and unwearied zeal, shewn particularly on this
occasion, +I cannot speak too highly.
Though the attack has not answered fully the purpose
intended, I have the satisfaction to inform your excellency of
the fortunate result of an attack of the enemy, aided by a sally
of most of their garrison, made on the morning of the 5th
instant, by a reinforcement; which descended the river a
considerable distance in a very short time, consisting of two
corps, Dudley's and Roswell's, amounting to 1300 men, under
the command of brigadier-general Green Clay. The attack
was very sudden, and on both sides of the river. The enemy
were for a few minutes in the possession of our batteries, and
took some prisoners. After a severe contest, though not
of long continuance, the enemy gave way ; and, except the
body of those who sallied Iron] the fort, must have been mostly
killed or taken.
APPENDIX.
42,7
In this decisive affair, the officers and men of the 41st regiment, who charged and routed the enemy near the batteries,
well maintained the long established reputation of the corps.
Where all deserve praise, it is difficult to distinguish. Captain
Muir, an old officer, who had seen much service, had the good
fortune to be in the immediate command of these brave men.
Besides my obligations to captain Chambers, for his unwearied
exertions preparatory to, and on the expedition, as deputyassistaut quartermaster-general, I have to notice his gallant
conduct in attacking the enemy near the batteries, at the point
of the bayonet ; a service in which he was well supported by
lieutenants Bullock and Clements of the 41st, and lieutenant
Le Breton, of the Royal Newfoundland regiment. The
courage and activity displayed through the whole scene of
action by the Indian chiefs and warriors, contributed largely to
our success. I have not been able-to ascertain the amount of
prisoners in the possession of the Indians. 4 have sent off,
agreeable to agreement, nearly 500 prisoners to the ,river
Huron, near Sandusky.
I have proposed an exchange, which is referred to the
American government.
I could not ascertain the amount of the enemy's loss in
killed, from the extent of the scene of action, and mostly in
the woods. I conceive his loss in Idled and prisoners to have
been between 1000 and 1200 men. These unfortunate people
were not volunteers, and complete Kentucky's quota. If the
enemy had been permitted to receive his reinforcements and
supplies undisturbed, I should have had, at this critical juncture,
to contend with him for Detroit, or perhaps on this shore.
I had not the option of retaining my situation_on the Miami.
Half of the militia had left us. I received a, depotation from
the chiefs, counselling me to return, as they could not prevent
their people, as was their custom after any battle of consequence, returning to their villages with their wounded, their
prisoners and plunder, of which they had taken a considerable
!
quantity in the boats of the enemy.
428 APPENDIX.
Before the ordinance could be drawn from the batteries, I
was left with Tecumseh, and less than 20 chiefs and warriors;
a circumstance which strongly proves that, under present cir.
cumstances at least, our Indian force is not a disposable one, or
permanent, though occasionally a most powerful aid. I have,
however, brought off all the ordnance ; and, indeed, have not
left any thing behind ; part of the ordnance is embarked under
the fire of the enemy.
The service on whith we were employed has been, though
short a very severe one; and too much praise cannot be given
to both officers and men, for the cheerfulness with which, on
every occasion, they met the service. To lieutenant-col. War.
burton I feel many obligations, for the aid he zealously afforded
me on every occasion. From my brigade-major, lieutenant
McLean, I received the same zealous assistance as on former
occasions. To captain Mockler, royal Newfoundland regiment,
who acted as my aide-decamp, I am much indebted for the as.
sistance afforded me.
Lieutenant Le Breton, of the Newfoundland regiment,
assistant-engineer, by his unwearied exertions, rendered essential service ; as did lieutenant Gardiner, of the 41st regiment,
from his science in artillery. The royal artillery, in the laborious duties they performed, displayed their usual unwearied
zeal, and were well assisted by the royal Newfoundland, (under
lieutenant Garden,) as additional gunners. The laborious
duties which the marine, under commodore Hall, have per.
formed, have been most cheerfully met, and the most essential
service rendered.
I have the honor to send an embarkation return of the force
that served under my command at the Miami, exclusive of the
Indians, who may be stated at 1200.
I also enclose a return of our killed, wounded, and prisoners,
who have, however, been exchanged.
I had taken upon me to give the rank of major to the six captains of the line, as militia were employed on the same service
with them; some of them are old officers ; all of them desert.
429
APPENDIX..
lag ; any mark of your excellency's approbation of therrrwould
be extremely grateful to me.
I beg leave to mention the four volunteers of the 41st regt.
Wilkinson, Richardson,., Laing, and Proctor, as worthy of
promotion.
--I have the honor to be, &c.
HENRY PROCTOR,
1 Brigadier-general commanding.
-
I beg to acknowledge the indefatigable exertions of the
commissariat.
HENRY PROCTOR.
To his excellency, lieutenant-general
Sir G. Prevost, Bart. &c. &c.
.
•••••••
,
, „ti
1--
oti7rl
;,
s cp
,
30.
t 1 el
•
V-
411
Embarkittion-return of the western army Commanded
brigadier-gen. Proctor, on an expedition to the Miami's.
by
Amherstburg, April 23d, 1813.
general,
I lieutenant-col. 1 deputy.
General staff;--I
assistant-quarter-master-general, 1 brigade-major, 1 staffadjutant.
lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 1 surgeon, 27
Royal artillery ;—1
;
rank and file.
Royal engineers ;-1 captain.
10th veteran battalion ;-5.
captains, 7 lieutenants, 1 assistant-sur41st regiment;-3
geon, 22 serjeants, 6 drummers and bugles, 374 rank and file.
Royal Newfoundland regiment ;-1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 3
serjeants, / drummers, 55 rank and file.
deputy-assistant-commissary-general, 1
Commissariat ;-1
assistant to ditto, 1 issuer.
Field train ;-1 clerk of stores, 1 conductor.
430
431
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
Imo r
Militia; —1
major, 12 captaIns, 11 lieutenants, 8 ensigns,
1 adjutant, 22 serjeants, 406 rank and file.
PETER L. CHAMBERS, major,
captain 41st regt. D. A. Q. master-general.
e 5(145i
)('
No. 31.
Return of killed, wounded, missing, and prisoners, of the
army under the command of brigadier-general Proctor at
the battle fought at the Miami*, May 5th, 1813.
Royal artillery;.-1 serjeant, 1 rank
and file, wounded; 2
rank and file, prisoners.
41st regiment ;
—11 rank and file, killed; I lieutenant, 3
serjeants, 35 rank and file, wounded ; 2 lieutenants, I serjeant, 1 drummer, 33 rank and file, prisoners.
Royal Newfoundland regiment ;-1 drummer, 2 rank and
file, killed; 1 rank and file, wounded; 1 rank and file, pri.
:
soner.
Militia;-1 captain, 4 rank and file, wounded ; 1 rank and
file, prisoner.'
offj
No. 32.
Return of officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates,
1813,
taken prisoners from the enemy on the 5th of May,
at the battle fought at the Miamis.
captain, 21 rank and file.
United States' regulars ;—I
majors, 1
10th and 13th detached Kentucky militia;-`2
brigade-inspector, 8 captains, 9 lieutenants, 6 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 pay-master, 1 surgeon, 26 serjeants, 3 drummers,
373 rank and file.
Prisoners since delivered up by the Indians;-1
a ssistant-surgeon, 12 rank and file.—Grand total, 467.
N. B. There are a number of prisoners not yet come, in, who
are in the possession of the Indians, but they aro bringing
them in daily.
sir;
May
major,
PETER I:. CHAMBERS,
captain 41st regiment D. A. Q. M.-gen.
17 ;—Since the above return, 28 prisoners have been
given up by the Indians.
Total ;—1 drummer, 13 rank and file, killed, 1 captain, 1
lieutenant, 4 serjeants, 41 rank and file, wounded ; 2 lieutenants, 1 serjeant, 37 rank and file, prisoners.
Names of officers wounded and prisoners.
41st regiment ;—Lieutenant
Bullock, mounded on the 3d
ult.; lieutenants M'Intire and Hales, prisoners.
Militia ;.--Captain Bandy, since deceased_
PETER CHAMBERS, major,
kit % "captain 4)U regt. D. A. Q. M.-gen.
*f_ IJZZAIIG;.
.1 Flu boo-) I
-
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ensign % 1
A. H. M'LEAN
llN lllllllll
,
ll
No. 33.
From brigadier-gen• Vincent to
SIR,
Sir G. Prevost.
Burlington.heights, head of Lake-Ontario,
June 6th, 1813.
Having yesterday received information of the enemy having
advanced from the Forty-mile Creek, with a force consisting of
3500 men, eight or nine field-pieces, and 250 cavalry, for the
avowed purpose of attacking the division under my command in
432 APPENDIX.
this position ; and having soon afterwards received a report that
he had passed the swamp, and driven in my advanced posts from
Stony Creek and Brady's, lieutenant-col. Harvey, deputy.
adjutant-general immediately went forward with the light come
panies of the king's, and 49th regiments ; and having advanced
close to, and accurately ascertained, the enemy's position, sent
back to propose to me a night-attack on the camp.
The enemy's camp was distant about seven miles. About
half past eleven I moved forward with five companies of the
8th, (or king's), and the 49th regiments, amounting together to
only 704 firelocks ; lieutenant-colonel Harvey, who conducted it
with great regularity and judgment, gallantly led on the attack.
The enemy was completely surprised, and driven from his camp,
after having repeatedly formed in different bodies, and been as
often charged by our brave troops, whose conduct, throughout
this brilliant enterprise, was above all praise. The action terminated before day light, when three guns and one brass how.
itzer, with three tumbrils ; two brigadier-generals, Chandler
and Winder, first and second in command, and upwards of 100
officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, remained in
our hands.
-
Not conceiving it prudent to expose our small force to the
view of the enemy, who, though routed, and dispersed, was
still formidable as to numbers and position, he having fled to the
surrounding heights, and having still four or five guns, the
troops were put in motion at day-break and marched back to
their cantonments. After we had retired, and it had become
broad day, the enemy ventured to re-occupy his camp, only,
however, for the purpose of destroying his incumbrances, such
as blankets, carriages, provisions, spare arms, ammunition,
&c. ; after which, he commenced a precipitate retreat towards
the Forty-mile Creek, where he effected a junction with a body
of 2000 men, who were on their march from Niagara to rein_
force him.
I cannot conclude this despatch without calling your excelletters- attentio. to the following officers : —
APPENDIX,.
431-
To lieutenant-col. Harvey, the deputy-adjutant-general, my..
obligations arc particularly due. From the first moment the:
enemy's approach was known, he watched his movements, and
afforded me the earliest information. To him, indeed, I am indebted for the suggestion and plan of operations ; nothing_
could be more clear than his arrangements, nor more completely
successful in the result. The conduct of major Plenderleath,
who commanded the 49th regt., was very conspicuous. By his
decision and prompt efforts, the surprize of the enemy's camp
was completed, and ,alt his efforts to make a stand were
rendered ineffectual by the bayonet, which overthrew all opposition. A party of the 49th, with major Plenderleath at their
head, gallantly charged some of the enemy's field-pieces, and
brought off two 6-pounded
Major Ogilvie led on, in the most gallant manner, the five
companies of the king's regiment ; and whilst one half of that
highly disciplined and distinguished corps supported -the 49th
regiment, the other part moved to the right, and attacked the
enemy's left flank, which decided our midnight contest.
I have also received the greatest assistance from major
Glcgg, brigade-major to the forces, and bog leave to mention
the names of captains M'Dowal and Milnes, your excellency's
aides-de-camp, who accompanied me to the attack, and upon
all occasions • have volunteered their services, likewise to acknowledge the assistance of captain 'Chambers, of the
41st regiment, who had arrived some days before from Amherst.
burg ; and Mr. Brook, pay-master of the 49th, who assisted
vie as acting aide-de-camp.
To Mr. Hackett, acting-staff-surgeon to this army, I feel par,.
ticularly indebted, for his judicious arrangments,,,by which the
wounded have received every attention, and are most,of Ahem
likely to be restored to the service.
It would be an act of injustice, were I to ajamPt assuring
your-excellency, that gallantry and discipline were never niore
conspicuous than during our late short service ; and .I feel the
greatest satisfaction in assuring you, that, every ,officer .and
FF
VOL. I.
434
APPENDIX.
individual seemed anxious to rival each other in his efforts to
support the honor of his majesty's arms, and to maintain the
high character of British troops.
I beg leave to refer your excellency to the inclosed reports
for particulars respecting our loss, which, I regret, has been
very severe.
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN VINCENT,
Brigadier-general.
His excellency sir Geo. Prevost, Bart. &c.
APPENDIX.
Munday, severely, not dangerously ; captain Goldrick, and
lieutenants Weyland and Boyd, slightly.
49th regiment ;—Major Plenderleath, severely, not dangerously ; brigade-major Clark, dangerously ; brigade-major Dennis, and captain Manners, slightly ; ensign Davy, dangerously ;
adjutant Stean, slightly.
J. HARVEY, deputy-adj.-gen.
EDWARD BAYNES, adj.-gen.
No. 35.
.104 4..00 410 , ••■••■••
No. 34.
General return of killed, wounded, and missing, in action
with the enemy near tke head of Lake-Ontario, June 6th,
1813.
sr
Staff ;-1 forhmajor, wounded.
8th ; (or king's regiment;)-1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 7
rank and file, killed ; 1 major, 2 captains, 2 lieutenants,
4 serjeants, 51 rank and file, wounded ; 13 rank and file
missing.
49th regiment ;-1 serjeant, 12 rank and file, killed ; I
major, 3 captains, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 5 serjeants, 2 drummers, 62 rank and file, wounded; 3 serjeants, 39 rank and
file, missing.
Total ;-1 lieutenant, 3 serjeants, 19 rank and file, killed ;
2 majors, 5 captains, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 1
fort-major, 9 serjeants, / drummers, 113 rank and file,
wounded ; 3 serjeants, 52 rank and file, missing.
Return of American prisoners of war, captured near Stoney.
Creek, in the action of the 6th instant.
Two brigadier-generals, 1 major, 5 captains, 1 lieutenant,
116 non-commissioned officers and privates.
J. HARVEY, deputy-adj.-gen.
EDWARD BAYNES, adj.-gen.
Return of ordnance, &c. &c. captured from the Americans
by a division of the troops under the command of brigs.
dier-general Vincent, in action on the 6th of June, 1813,
at the head of Lake-Ontario.
Ordnance ;-3 iron 6-pounders, 1 brass 51 inch howitzer.
Carriages ;-1 limber 6-pounder, 1 tumbril, with 6-pounder
ammunition, complete.
Harness ;-4 sets thill, 4 sets trace.
Horses ;-9 artillery.
WILLIAM IIOLCROFT, major,
commanding royal artillery.
List of officers killed and wounded.
Killed ;-8th ; (or king's regiment ;)—Lieut. Hooper.
Wounded ;—Staff ;—Fort-major Taylor, severely.
81k; (or king's regiment ;)—Major Ogilvie and captain
435
N. B. Two of the above 6-pounders were spiked and left on
the ground, in consequence of the impossibility of removing
them.
sy1
4i3fiN
APPENDIX.'
No.
36.
Major-general Dearborn to the American secretary at war.
.
.,
SIR,
Head-quarters, Fort-George, June 6th.
I have received an express from the head of the Lake this
evening, with intelligence that our troops, commanded by
brigadier-general Chandler, were attacked at 2 o'clock this
morning, by the whole of the British and Indian forces ; and by
some strange fatality, though our loss was but small, (not exr
ceeding 30,) and the enemy completely routed and driven from
the field, both brigadier Chandler and Winder were taken
prisoners. They had advanced to ascertain the situation of a
company of artillery when the attack ,commenced. General
Vincent is reported to be among the killed of the enemy. Col.
Clark was mortally wounded, and fell into our hands, with 60
prisoners of the 49th British regiment. The whole loss' of the
enemy is 250. They sent in a flag, with a request to bury their
dead. General Lewis, accompanied by brigadier-general Boyd,
goes on to take the command of the advanced troops.
APPENDIX:
437
advance two miles on'thd St. David's road. I discovered, by
the firing, that the enemy was moving for the road on the mounlain. I sent off cornet M'Kenney, to order out my detachment
of the 49th, consisting of a subaltern and 46 rank and file,
and closed upon the enemy, to reconnoitre. I discovered him
on the mountain road, and took a position on an eminence to
the right of it. My men arrived, and pushed on in front, to
cut off his retreat, under a fire from his guns, which, however,
did no execution. After examining his position, I was informed
he expected reinforcements ; I therefore decided upon summoning him to surrender. After the exchange of several positions,
between lieutenant-colonel Bcerstler and myself, in the name
of lieutenant-colonel De Ibsen, lieutenant-colonel Bcerstler
agreed to surrender on the terms stated in the articles of capitulation. On my return to my men to send an officer to superintend the details of a surrender you returned.
I have the honor to be, &c.
J. FITZGIBBON, lieut. 49th foot.
o major De Haren, Stc. fcc.
I have the honor to be, &c.
HENRY DEARBORN.
Hon. general John Armstrong,
secretary at war.
No.
3S.
Capitulation of Colonel Bcerstler and 541 Americans. *FT
June 24th, 1813.
No. 37.
Particulars of the capitulation made between captain
M'Dowell, on the part of lieutenant-colonel Bcerstler, of
the United States' army, and major De Haren, of his
Britannic majesty's Canadian regiment, on the part of
lieutenant-colonel Bisshopp, commanding the advance of
the British, respecting the force under the command of
lieutenant-colonel Beerstler.
From lieutenant Fitzgibbon to major De Haren.
SIR,
township of Louth, June 24th, 1813.
At De Coris, this morning, about 7 o'clock, I received
information that about 1C0O of the enemy, with two guns, were
advancing towards me, from St.: David's.. I soon after heard a
firing of cannon and musketry, and in consequence rode in
Article I. That lieutenant-colonel Beerstler, and the force
under his command, shall surrender prisoners of war.
if
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
Art. II. That the of icers shall retain their arms, horses, and
baggage.
Art. III. That the non-commissioned officers and soldiers
Officers names and rank
438
f
shall lay down their arms at the head of the British column,
and shall become prisoners of war.
Art. IV. That the militia and volunteers, with lieutenant.
colonel Bcerstler, shall be permitted to return to the United
States on parole.
ANDREW M'DOWELL,
Captain United States' light artillery.
Acceeded to and signed,
P. G. BCERSTLER,
lieutenant-colonel,
commanding detachment
United States' army.
P. V. DE HAREN, major,
Canadian regiment.
439
Light dragoons;—Cornet Bud.
Light artillery ; —Captain M'Dowell ; lieutenant Morris.
6th regiment infantry;—Captain M'Kenney ; lieutenant
Shell.
Bcerstler ; Captains MtKen.
14th ditto —Lieutenant-colonel
zie, Cumings, and Flemming ; lieutenants Saunders, Amdell,
Kerney, Marshall, Waring, Mudd, Murdock, Goodwin,
Clarke, Robinson, and Bundall; surgeon Young.
20th ditto ;—Major Taylor.
23d ditto ;—Captain Roach.
;
1
Return of ordnance, &c. taken.
One 12-pounder, 1 6-pounder, 2 cars, stand of colours of
the 14th United States' regiment.
EDWARD BAYNES, adj.- gen.
The loss of the enemy supposed to be about 100 in killed
and wounded.
No. 39.
Return of prisoners taken near Fort-George, June 24th, 1813.
Light dragoons ;-1 cornet, 1 serjeant, 19 rank and file.
Light artillery
captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 31
rank and file.
6th regiment of infantry;-1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 3 ser.
jeants, 54 rank and file.
14th ditto;-1 lieutenant-colonel, 3 captains, 11 lieutenants,
surgeon, 15 serjeants, 301 rank and file.
20th ditto ;-1 major.
23d ditto;-1 captain, 4 serjeants, 2 drummers, 57 rank
and file.
Total-1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 6 captains, 13 lieutenants, 1 cornet, 1 surgeon, 25 serjeants, 2 drummers, 462
rank and file.
Thirty militia released on parole not included in this return.
No. 40.
From major-general Dearborn to the American secretary at
war.
Head-quarters, Fort-George, June 28, 1813.
SIR,
have the mortification of informing you of an unfortunate
I
unaccountable event which occurred yesterday. On the
and
23d, at evening, lieutenant-colonel Bcerstler, with 570 men,
infantry, artillery, cavalry, and riflemen, in due proportion,
was ordered to march by way of Queenstown, to a place called
the Beaver Dams, on the high ground, about eight or nine
miles from Queenstown, to attack and disperse a body of the
enemy, collected there for the purpose of procuring provisions,
440'
APPENDIL \
and harassing those inhabitants who are colisidered friendly to
the United States.
Their ferce was, from the most direct information, composed
of.o.ne company of,the 104th regiment, above 80 strong ; from
150 to 200 militia, and from 50 to 60 Indians. At eight
&cluek .yesterday morning, when within about. two miles of
Beaver Dam, our detachment was attacked from an ambuscade,
but soon drove the enemy some distance into the woods, and
then retired to a clear, field, and sent an express for a reinforce_
.
ment, saying he would maintain, his position until reinforced.
A reinforcement of 300 men marched immediately, under the
command of colonel Christie; but, on arriving at Queenstown,
colonel
Christie received authentic information that lieutenant,
ecilonel Beerstler, with his command, had surrendered to the
enemy, and the reinforcement returned to the camp.
man who belonged to-a small corps of mounted volunteer
riflemen, came in this morning, who states that the enemy
surrounded Oui " detachment in • the woods, and towards 12
o'clock commenced a general attack—that our troops fought`
more than two hours, until the, artillery had expended the
whole of its ammunition, and then surrendered ; and at the
time of the surrender, the informant made his escape.
.
Why should it have been deemed proper to remain several
hours in a• position surrounded with Foods, without either
risking a decisive action, or *Ong a retreat, remains to be
accounted for, as well.asthe project of waiting for a
reinforieineilf from a distance of 15 or'16 miles.. –
No information has been received of the killed or wounded.
he 9emy's:fleet has again arrived Mein' neighbourhOod.
-
•
etot.
'- •
:
111
4
With respect and esteem,
I am, sir, your's, &c.
HENRY DEARBORN:'
rffin: John Armstrong, sectetary at war. °
'env/.r;
rolvcrniIt;I: Jo-
A
No. 41.
-
(17'1
4
APPENDIX:,
.
From lieutenant-colonel Clark to lieutenant-colonel Harvey,
Chippeway, July 12,1813.
I have the honor to report to you, for the information' of
major-genera] de Rottenburg, that the detachment under the
command of lieutenant,colonel Bisshopp, consisting of a
detachment of royal artillery, under lieutenant Armstrong, 40
of the king's regiment, undei lieutenant Barstow, 100 of the
under captain Saunders, 40 of the 49th 'under lieutenant'.
,
41st,
y
-
Fitz-Gibbons, and about 40 of the 2.rl and 3d Lincoln militia,
embarked at two o'clock on the morning of the 11th instant, to
attack the enemy's batteries at Black Rock. The detachment landed half an hour before day-light, without
being perceived, and immediately proceeded to attack the batter
.ties, which they carried with little opposition ; the enemy heard
the firing at their advanced posts, and immediately retreated
with great precipitation to Buffaloe.
- The block-houses, barracks, and navy-yard, with one large
schooner, were burnt ; and such of the public stores as could be
got off were taken possession off, and carried across the river
by the troops. Before the whole of the stores were taken
away, die enemy advanced, having been reinforced by a consi.
derable body of Indians, whom they posted in the woods on
their flanks and in their advance; they were gallantly opposed
by the whole of the troops; but finding the Indians could net
be driven from the adjoining woods without our sustaining a
very great loss, it was deemed prudent to retreat to the boats,
and the troops re-crossed the river under a very heavy fire.
,
,
I am extremely sorry to add, lieutenant-colonel Bisshopp
fell, severely wounded, on bur retreat to the boats ; fortunately
the • detachment • did not suffer by it, every thing, having bee*
s
ro
,
arranged and completed previous to his receiving his wounds.
Inclosed are the returns of the killed, wounded, and missing,
442
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
443
with the exception of those of the 49th regiment and militia,
which have not yet been received.
6-pounder, with garrison carriage; 1 brass 6-pounder, with
travelling carriage; 1 brass 6-pounder, without travelling
I have also inclosed the returns of the ordnance, and other
stores captured.
carriage.
Total-4 ; 177 English and French muskets, 1 3-pounder
travelling carriage, 6 ammunition kegs, a small quantity of
round and case shot, (quantity not yet known).
I have the honor to be, &c.
THOMAS CLARK,
Lieut.-col. 2d Lincoln militia.
To lieutenant-col. Harvey,
deputy adjutant-gen.
4,004 ANI,NPO 040,04,04.
Taken and destroyed.
O
Two iron 12-pounders, 2 iron 9-pounders.
R. S. ARMSTRONG,
lieut.-col. royal artil.
No. 42.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing, on the morning
of the 11th instant.
No. 44.
July 13, 1813.
Staff;-1 inspecting field-officer, wounded.
8th regiment ;-3 privates, killed ; 1 captain 1 ensign,
Return of stores, 4 c. Sfc. captured at, and brought from,
1 serjeant, 10 privates, wounded ; 4 privates, missing.
49th regiment ;-4 privates, killed; 3 privates, wounded ;
2 privates, missing.
Militia ;-1 lieutenant-colonel, wounded.
Total:--13 privates killed; 1 inspecting field-officer, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 1 corporal, 19
privates, wounded ; 6 privates missing.
Names of officers wounded.
Staff;—Lieutenant-colonel Bisshopp, inspecting field-officer,
severely (not dangerously).
2d Lincoln militia ; Lieutenant-colonel
Clark, slightly.
41st regiment ;—Captain
Saunders, severely, and prisoner;
ensign Mompesson, slightly.
-
Black Rock, on the 14th July, 1813.
One hundred and twenty-three barrels of salt, 46 barrels of
whiskey, 11 barrels of flour, 1 barrel of molasses, 1 barrel of
tar, 2 large bales of blankets, (about 200,) 70 large blankets
loose, 5 large casks of clothing ; 3 cases, containing 396 soldiers' caps, 16 bars of iron, 1 bar of steel, 1 side of sole lea.
ther, 7 sides of upper leather, (some of them marked serjeant
Fitzgerald, 41st regiment, and taken from Fort Erie, to be
returned to the 41st regiment,) 7 large batteaux, 1 large scow.
THOMAS CLARK,
lieut..col. 2d Lincoln militia.
—
No. 45.
J. HARVEY, lieut.-col. D. A. gen.
From sir G. Prevost to earl Bathurst.
Head-quarters, Kingston,
Upper Canada, August 8th, 1813.
No. 43.
Return of ordnance destroyed and captured from the enemy
at Black Rock, July 12, 1813.
One iron 12-pounder, with garrison carriage; 1 iron
MY LORD,
I have the honor to acquaint your lordship, that the enemy's
fleet, of 12 sail made its appearance off York. on the 31st
)
444
Elect off that place, on the 29th ult. ordered with his detachment and light artillery to proceed for the protection of the
depots formed on Burlington Heights, where be had joined
major Maule's detachment of the 104th regiment, and concen.
trated his force on the following evening. The enemy hadf
during the course of that day, landed from the fleet 50o.
men, near Brandt's house, with an intention of storming 'the
heights ; but finding major Maule well prepared to receive
them, and being informed of lieutenant-colonel Battersby's
march, they re-embarked, and stood away for York.
My last accounts from major-general De Rottenburg are to
the 3d instant, when the enemy's fleet had anchored off Niagara..
I have received no tidings of our squadron under sir James
Yeo, since its sailing from hence on the 31st ultimo.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ultimo. The three square-rigged vessels, the Pike, Madison,
and Oneida, came to anchor in the offing ; but the schooners
passed up the harbor, and landed several boats full of troops at
the former garrison, and proceeded from thence to the town, of
which they took possession. They opened the goal, liberated the
prisoners, and took away three soldiers confined for felony : they
then went to the hospitals, and parolled the few men that could
not be removed. They next entered the store-houses of some
of the inhabitants, seized their contents, chiefly flour, and the
same being private property. Between 11 and 12 o'clock that
night they returned on board their vessels. The next morning,
Sunday, the 1st instant, the enemy again landed, and sent
three armed boats up the river Don, in search of public stores,
of which being disappointed, by sun-set both soldiers and sailors
had evacuated the town, the small barrack wood-yard, and
store-house, on Gibraltar Point, having been first set on fire
by them ; and at day-light the following morning the enemy's
fleet sailed.
The plunder obtained by the enemy upon this predatory
expedition has been indeed trifling, and the loss has altogether
fallen upon individuals ; the public stores of every description
having been removed; and the only prisoners taken by them
there being confined to felons and invalids in the hospital.
The troops which were landed were acting as marines, and
appeared to be about 250 men T; they were under the command
of commodore Chauncey and lieutenant-colonel Scott, an
unexchanged prisoner of war on his parole, both of whom
landed with the troops. The town, upon the arrival of the
enemy, was totally defenceless; the militia were still on their
parole ; and the principal gentlemen had retired, from an
apprehension of being treated with the same severity used towards
several of the inhabitants near Fort-George, u ho had been
made prisoners, and sent to the United States. Lieutenant..
colonel Battersby, of the Glengarry fencibles, with the detachment of light troops under his command, who had been
stationed at York, was, upon the appearance 'of the enemy's
445
APPENDIX.
•'A-PPENDIX.
GEORGE PREVOST.
Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
•
-
es
No. 46.
From major Taylor to major-general Storer).
.1
Isle aux Noix, June 3d, 1813.
In the absence of lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, I have the,
Sin,
honor to acquaint you, that one of the enemy's armed vessels..
was discerned from the garrison, at half-past four o'clock this
morning, when I judged it expedient to order the three gun-boats,
under weigh ; and before they reached the, point above the
garrison, another vessel appeared in sight, when the gun-boata
near enough to
commenced firing. Observing the vessels to, be
the shore for musketry, I ordered the crews of two batteaux and
row-boats ( which I took with me from the garrison to act according to circumstances) to land on each side of the river, and take
the firing was brislcly kept up on
a position to rake the vessels ;
11
both sides; the enemy with small-arms-and grape-shot occasiqn,
446
APPENDIX.
ally. Near the close of the action, an express came off to me in a
canoe, with intelligence, that more armed vessels were approachlog, and about 3000 men from the enemy's lines, by land. On
this information, I returned to put the garrison in the best
order for their reception, leaving directions with the gun-boats
and parties, not to suffer their retreat to be cut off from it ;
and before I reached the garrison, the enemy's vessels struck
their colours, after a well contested action of three hours and a
half. They proved to be the United States' armed vessels
Growler and Eagle, burthen from 90 to 100 tons, and carrying
11 guns each ; between them, 12, 18, and 16-pounder carronades ; completely equipped under the orders of the senior
officer, of the Growler, captain Sidney Smith, with a complement of 50 men each. They had one man killed and eight
wounded : we had only three men wounded, one of them
severely from the enemy's grape-shot on the parties on shore.
The alacrity of the garrison, on this occasion, calls forth my
warmest approbation. Ensigns Dawson, Gibbons, and Humphreys, and acting quarter-master Pilkington, and
crews, of
the 100th (prince regent's) regiment, and lieutenant Lowe, of
the marine department, with three gunners of the artillery to
each boat, behaved with the greatest gallantry : I am particularly indebted to captain Gordon, of the royal artillery, and
lieutenant Williams, with the parties of the 100th regiment,
on shore, who materially contributed to the surrender of the
enemy. The Growler is arrived at the garrison in good order,
and is apparently a fine vessel, and the boats are employed in
getting off the Eagle, which was run a-ground to prevent her
sinking. I have hopes she will be saved, but in the meantime
have had her dismantled, and her guns and stores brought to
the garrison. Ensign Dawson, of the 100th regiment, a most
intelligent officer, will have the honor of delivering you this.
I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE TAYLOR,
Major-general Stovin,
commanding at Chambly.
qpi
major of the 100th regt.
APPENDIX.
447
Number of men killed, wounded, and prisoners on board the
United States' armed vessels the Growler and Eagle, June
3d, 1813.
1 killed; 8 severely wounded ; 91 prisoners.—Total 100.
No. 47.
Return of ordnance, ammunition, and ordnance-stores,
taken on board the United States' armed vessels Eagle and
Growler, on the morning of the 3d of June, 1813.
Iron ordnance; —2 short 18-pounders, 10 6-pounders,
10 18-pounder carronades.
Carriages, with breeching and tackles complete ; —2 18-ponnflers, 10 6-pounders, 10 18-pounder carrinades.
Tompions ; —8 18-pounders ;-12 6-pounders.
8 beds and coins, 69 muskets, 60 bayonets, 12 pistols, 43
cutlassess, 31 boarding-axes, 23 boarding-pikes, 61 pouches
and belts, 20 side-belts.
Sponges and rammers ;-9 18-pounder, 10 6-pounder.
Wadhooks and ladles ;-7 18-pounder, and 8 6-pounder,
12 lint-stocks, 4 port-fire sticks, 3 handspikes, 166 18-pouu.
der, 72 6-pounder fixed case-shot.
Empty cartridges;-100 18-pounder, 40 6-pounder.
Cartridges;-230 musket-balls.
1 whole barrel of powder.
Shot ;-129 round 18-pounder, 180 round 6-pounder,
28 round 3-poundev, 20 case 18-pounder, 72 case 6-pounder,
83 grape 18-pounder, 3 grape 6-pounders.
Iron pintails for grape-shot ;-36 18-pounder, 41 6-pounder.
14 tin tubes, 4 port-fires, 121bs. slow-match, 9 powder..
horns, 3 copper lanthorns, 12 tin lanthorns, 10 crow-bars,
1 pair of scissars, 1 claw-hammer.
FRED. GORDON, capt. R. A.
To major Taylor, commanding Isle aux Noix.
N. B. The ammunition and stores on board the armed vessel
Eagle, being under water, no account has yet been taken of
them.
448
APPENDIX.
7 no Plers.4.1:,
,
r.4701
NO. 48.
APPENDIX.
•Jr•11 itOtz7n
.
73.617717 . .
.
you to your aide de tamp, captain Loring, the bearer of this
despatch.
From lieutenant-colonel Murray to major.general Shearg.
SIR,
419
Isle aux Noix, August 3d, 1813.
The land forces of the expedition that left the province on
the 29th July, on an enterprise on Lake Champlain, returned
this day, after having fully accomplished the objects proposed,
and having carried every order into execution.
The enemy's arsenal and block-house, commissary-buildings,
and stores at the position of Plattsburg, together with the
extensive barracks at Saranac, capable of containing 4000
troops, were destroyed ; sonic stores were brought off, par.
ticularly a quantity of naval-stores, shot, and equipments for a
large number of batteaux. The barracks and stores at the
position at Swanton, on iVlissisquei Bay, together with several
batteaux at the landing place, were destroyed.
A detachment has been sent to destroy the public buildings,
barracks, block-houses, &c. at Champlaintown. Every assistance was rendered by the co-operation of
captains Everard
and Pring, royal navy, commanding his majesty's sloops of war
Broke and Shannon.
I experienced very great benefit from the military knowledge
of lieutenant-colon e l
Williams (13th regiment, second in cam/ have to report, in the highest terms of approbation,
the discipline, regularity, and cheerful conduct of the whole of
the troops, and feel fully confident that, had an opportunity
offered, their courage would have been equally conspicuous:,
General Hampton has concentrated the whole of the regular
forces in the vicinity of Lake Champlain, at Burlington,
.front
the best information, said to be about 4500 regular troo-ps,
and
a
large body of militia. The militia force assembled for the
defence of Plattsburg, disbanded on the appearance.of•tht
armament. The naval part of the expedition is still cruising
on
the lake.1,. For any further information,
I beg leave:to
-
.
Wet
n
s
have, &c.
J. MURRAY, lieut.-col.
o major-general sir R. II. Sheaffe,
Bart. &c. &c. &c.
••••■•• 4,0
No. 49.
From captain Everard to sir George Prevost.
,
His majesty's sloop Broke, Lake
Champlain, August 3d, 1813.
Sin,
Major-general Glasgow has apprised your excellency of my
repairing, with a party of officers and seamen, to man the sloops
and gun-boats at Isle aux Noix, in consequence of your letter
of the 4th ultimo, addressed to the senior officer of his majesty's
ship at Quebec, stating it to be of great importance to the
public service, that an attempt should be made to alarm the
enemy on the Montreal-frontier, &c. ; and agreeably to your
wish that. I should communicate any thing interesting that might
occur, I have the honor to acquaint you, that the object for
which the corps under the command of lieutenant-colonel
Murray had been detached, :having been fully accomplished, by
the destruction of the enemy's block-house, arsenal, barracks,
and public store-houses remaining on the west side of the lake
beyond Plattsburg, I stood over to Burlington with the
Shannon and one gun-boat, to übseive the state of the enemy's
force there, and to afford hiM an opportunity of deciding the
naval superiority of the lake. We were close in, on the forenoon of the 2d, and found two sloops of about 100 tons burthen,
one armed with 11 guns, the other 13, ready for sea, a third
sloop, (somewhat larger,) fitting out, with guns on board, and
two gun-schooners, lying under the protectio of 10 gnus,
G
G
VOL.!.
APPENDIX.
450
mounted on a bank of 100 feet high, without a breast-work,
two scows, mounting one gun each, as floating batteries, and
several field-pieces on the shore. Having captured and des.
troyed four vessels, without any attempt on the part of the
enemy's armed vessels to prevent it, and seeing no prospect of
inducing him to quit his position, where it was impossible for
us to attack him, I am now returning to execute my original
orders.
I have the honor to be, &c.
THOMAS EVERARD,
commander of his majesty's sloop Wasp.
Lieut._gcn. sir G. Prevost, Bart.
&c. Sze, &c.
NO. 50.
From commodore Macdonough to the American secretary of
the navy.
SIR,
United States' sloop President, near
Plattsburg, Sept. 9, 1813.
I have the honor to inform you, that I arrived here yesterday
from near the lines, having sailed from Burlington on the 6th
instant, with an intention to fall in with the enemy, who were
then near this place. Having proceeded to within a short dis.
tance of the lines, I received information that they were at
anchor ; soon after, they weighed and stood to the northward
out of the lake—thus, if not acknowledging our ascendancy on
the lake, evincing an unwillingness (although they had the
advantage of situation, owing to the narrowness of the channel
in which their galleys could work, when we should want room)
to determine it.
I have the honor to be &c.
THOS. MACDONOUGH.
non. W. Jones, secretary of the navy.
451
No. 51.
From sir George Prevost to earl Bathurst.
MY LORD,
Head-quarters, Montreal,
Oct 30th, 1813.
Since I had the honor of addressing your lordship in my
despatch of the 22d of September last, I have received the
enclosed communication from major-general Proctor. I have,
however, been informed from the other quarters, that he commenced his retreat from Sandwich on the 24th of that month,
having previously dismantled the posts of Amherstburg and
Detroit, and totally destroyed the public buildings and stores of
every description. That, on the 5th of October following,
when within a few miles of a strong position, which it was his
intention to take up at the Moravian village on the river Thames,
he was attacked by so overwhelming a force, under major-gen.
Harrison, that the small numbers he had with him, consisting of
not more than 450 regular troops, were unable to withstand it,
and consequently compelled to disperse ; that he had after..
wards rallied the remains of his division, and retired upon An_
caster, on the grand river, without being pursued by the enemy,
and where he had collected the scattered remains of his force,
amounting to about 200 men, and had with it subsequently
reached Burlington-heights, the head quarters of major_general
Vincent. Tecumseh, at the head of 1200 Indian warriors,
accompanied our little army on its rear from Sandwich : and
the prophet, as well as his brother Tecumseh were of the most
essential service, in arresting the further progress of the
Americans ; but, as to the extent of our loss on this occasion,
or the particulars of this disastrous affair, I am as yet ignorant ;
major-general Proctor having signified to major-general De
Rottenburg, commanding in the upper province, that he had
sent a flag of truce to general Harrison, to ascertain the fate of
the officers and soldiers who were missing, and requesting his
cl a 2
-
452
453
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
indulgence for a few days until its return, in order to make his
official report.
follow me as soon as the men received their knapsacks and
blankets, which had been left on an island in Lake Erie.
I also understand, that the enemy, so far from attempting
to improve the advantage they had gained, by pursuing our
troops on their retreat to the Grand river, had retired to
Sandwich, followed by Tecumseh and his warriors, who had
much harassed them on their march. Five or 600 Indians,
belonging to the right division, are reported to have joined the
centre.
I regret to say, that I am still without any official account
of captain Barclay's action on Lake-Erie, the result of which
has led to our relinquishment of the Michigan territory, excepting Michilimacinac, and our abandonment of the post in
Upper Canada beyond the Grand river.
The unavoidable delay at Sandwich was attended with no disadvantage to us. General Proctor had posted himself at
Dalson's, on the right side of the Thames, (or Trench,) 56
miles from this place, which I was informed ne intended to
fortify, and wait to receive me. He must have believed, how.
ever, that I had no disposition to follow him, or that he had
secured my continuance here, by the reports that were circulated that the Indians would attack and destroy this place
upon the advance of the army, as he neglected the breaking up
the bridges until the night of the 2t1 instant. On that night
our army reached the river, which is 25 miles from Sandwich,
and is one of four streams crossing our route, over all of which
are bridges ; and they being deep and muddy, arc rendered unThe
fordable for a considerable distance into the country.
here
was
found
entire
;
and
in
the
morning
I
proceeded
bridge
with Johnson's regiment to save, if possible, the ethers. At
the second bridge, over a branch of the river Thames, we were
fortunate enough to capture a lieutenant of dragoons and 11
privates, who had been sent by general Proctor to destroy them.
From the prisoners, I learned that the third bridge was broken
up, and that the enemy had no certain information of our advance. The bridge having been imperfectly destroyed, was
soon repaired, and the army encamped at Drake's Farm, four
I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE PREVOST.
Earl Bathurst, &c. &c.
No. 52.
From major.gen. Harrison to the American secretary at war.
SIR,
Head-quarters, Detroit, Oct. 9th, 1813.
In my letter from Sandwich of the 30th ultimo t I did myself
the honor to inform you, that I was preparing to pursue the
enemy the following day. From various causes, however, I
was unable to put the troops in motion until the morning of
the 22nd inst., and then to take with me only about 140 of the
regular troops—Johnson's mounted regiment, and such of
governor Selby's volunteers as were tit for a rapid march, the
whole amounting to about 3500 men. To general M 'Arthur,
(with about 700 effectives,) the protecting of this place and
the sick was committed ; general Cass's brigade, arid the corps
of lieutenant col. Ball were left at Sandwich, with orders to
miles below Dalson's.
The liver Thames, along the banks of which our route lay, is
a fine deep stream, navigable for vessels of a considerable
burthen, after the passage of the bar at its mouth, over which
there is six and a half feet water.
The baggage of the army was brought from Detroit in boats,
protected by three gun-boats, which commodore Perry had
furnished for the purpose, as well as to cover the passage of
the army over the Thames, or the mouths of its tributary
streams ; the bank being low and the country generally open
(Friaries) as far as Dalson's, these vessels were well calculated
454 APPENDIX.
for that purpose. Above Dalson's, however, the character of
the river and adjacent country is considerably changed. The
former, though still deep, is very narrow, and its banks high
and woody. The commodore and myself, therefore, agreed
upon the propriety of leaving the boats under the guard of 150
infantry ; and I determined to trust to fortune and the bravery
of my troops to effect the passage of the river. Below a place
called Chatham, and four miles above Dalson's, is the third unfordable branch of the Thames ; the bridge over its mouth had
been taken up by the Indians, as well as that at M'Gregor's
Mills, one mile above. Several hundred of the Indians remained to dispute our passage ; and upon the arrival of the
advanced guard, commenced a heavy fire from the opposite
bank of the creek, as well as that of the river. Believing that the
whole force of the enemy was there, I halted the army, formed
in order of battle, and brought up our two 6-pounders to cover
the party that were ordered to cover the bridge. A few shot
from those pieces soon drove off the Indians, and enabled us in
two hours to repair the bridge and cross the troops. Colonel
Johnson's mounted regiment, being upon the right of the army,
had seized the remains of the bridge at the mills under a heavy
fire from the Indians. Our loss upon this occasion was two
killed, and three or four wounded ; that of the enemy was
ascertained to be consideraby greater. A house near the bridge,
containing a very considerable number of muskets had been set
on fire ; but it was extinguished by our troops, and the arms
saved. At the first farm above the bridge, we found one of the
enemy's vessels on fire, loaded with arms, ordnance, and other
valuable stores ; and learned that they were a few miles a-head of
us, still on the right bank of the river, with a great'body of Indians. At Bow les' Farm, four miles from the bridge, we
halted for the night, found two other vessels and a large dis.
tillery filled with ordnance, and other valuable stores, to an
immense amount, in flames ; it was impossible to put out the
fire ; two 24-pounders, with their carriages, were taken, and
a large quantity of ball and shells of various sizes. The army
APPENDIX.
455
was put in motion early on the morning of the 5th. I pushed
on in advance with the mounted regiment, and requested governor Shelby to follow as expeditiously as possible with the infantry ; the governor's zeal, and that of his men, enabled them
to keep up with the cavalry, and by 9 o'clock we were at
Arnold's mills, having taken, in the course of the morningy two
gun-boats and several batteaux, loaded with provisions and
ammunition.
A rapid stream of the river at Arnold's mills, affords the only
fording to be met with for a considerable distance ; but upon
examination, it was found too deep for the infantry. Having,
however, fortunately taken two or three boats, and some Indian canoes, on the spot, and obliging the horsemen to take a
footman behind each, the whole were safely crossed by 12
o'clock. Eight miles from the crossing we passed a farm,
where a part of the British troops had encamped the night be.
fore, under the command of colonel Warburton. The detachment with general Proctor was stationed near to, and fronting,
the Moravian town, four miles higher up. Being now certainly
near the enemy, I directed the advance of Johnson's regiment to
accelerate their march for the purpose of procuring intelligence.
The officer commanding it, in a short time, sent to inform me,
that his progress w as stopped by the enemy, who were formed
across our line of march. One of the enemy's waggoners being
also taken prisoner, from the information received from him,
and my own observation, assisted by some of my officers, I soon
ascertained enough of their position and order of battle, to
determine that which it was proper for me to adopt.
I have the honour herewith to enclose you my general order
of the 27th ult. prescribing the order of march and of battle,
when the whole of the army should act together. But as the
number and description of the troops had been essentially
changed, since the issuing of the order, it became necessary to
make a corresponding alteration in their disposition. From
the place where our army was last halted, to the Moravian
town, a distance of about three miles and a half, the road
456
457
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
passes through a beach forest without any clearing, and for the
first two miles near to the river. At from 2 to 300 yards from
and to break the British line, at once, by a charge of the
the river, a swamp extends parallel to it, throughout the whole
iistance. The intermediate ground is dry, and although the
trees are tolerably, thick, it is in many places clear of underbrush. Across this strip of land, their left appu,yed npon the
river, supported by artillery placed in the wood, their right in
the swamp, covered by the whole of their Indian force, the
British troops were drawn up.
The troops at my disposal consisted of about 120 regulars,
of the 27th regiment, five brigades of Kentucky volunteer
militia-infantry, under his excellency governor Shelby, averaging less than 500 men, and colonel Johnson's regiment of
mounted infantry, making, in the whole, an aggregate something above 3000. No disposition of an, army opposed to an
Indian force can be safe, unless it is secured on the flanks, and
in the rear. I had therefore no difficulty in arranging the
,
infantry conformably to my general order of battle. General
Trotter's brigade of 500 men formed the front line, his right
upon the road, and his left upon the swamp. General King's 11
brigade as a second line, 150 yards in the rear of Trotter's ;
and Child's brigade, as a corps of reserve, in the rear of it.
These three brigades formed the command of major-general
Henry ; the whole of general Desha's division, consisting
of two brigades, were formed en potence upon the left of
Trotter.
6
Whilst I was engaged in forming the infantry, I had directed
colonel Johnson's regiment, which was still in front, to form
in two lines opposite to that of the enemy ; and upon the
advance of the infantry, to take ground to, the left; and, forming upon that flank, to endeavor to turn the right of the Indians.
A moment's reflection, however, convinced me, that from the
thickness of the wood, and swampness of the ground, they
would be unable to do any thing on horseback, and that there
was no time to dismount them, and place their horses in semi..
rity ; 1 therefore determined to refuse my
left to the Indians,
mounted infantry : the measure was not sanctioned by any
thing that I had seen or heard of, but I was, fully convinced
that it would succeed. The American back-woodsmen ride
better in the woods than any other people. A musket or rifle
is no impediment, they being accustomed to carry them on horseback from their earliest youth. I was persuaded, too, that the
enemy would be quite unprepared for the shock, and that they
could not resist it. Conformably to this idea, I directed the
regiment to be drawn up in close column, with its right at the
distance of 50 yards from the road, (that it might be in some
measure protected by the trees from the artillery,) its left upon
the swamp, and to charge at full speed as soon as the enemy
delivered their fire. The few regular troops, under their
colonel, (Paul,) occupied, in column of sections of four, the
small space between the road and the river, for the purpose of
seizing the enemy's artillery ; and some 10 or 12 friendly
Indians were directed to move under the bank. The crotchet
formed by the front line and general Desha's division, was
an important point. At that place the venerable governor of
Kentucky was posted, who, at the age of 66, preserves all the
vigor of youth, the ardent zeal which distinguished him in the
revolutionary war, and the undaunted bravery w hich he maintained at King's Mountain. With my aide decamp the actingassistant adjutant-general, captain Butler,;my gallant friend
commodore Perry, who did me the honor to serve as my
volunteer aide de camp, and brigadier-general Cass, who having
no command, tendered me his assistance, I placed myself at the
head of the front line of infantry, to direct the movements of
the cavalry, and to give them the necessary support. The
army had moved un in this order but a short distance, when the
mounted men received the fire of the British line, and were
ordered to charge; the horses in the front of the column
recoiled from the fire; another was/given by the enemy, and
our column at length getting into motion, broke through the
enemy with an irresistible force. In one minute the contest in
.
458 APPENDIX.
front was over, the British officers seeing no hopes of reducing
their disordered ranks to order, and our mounted men wheeling
upon them, and pouring in a destructive fire, immediately surrendered. It is certain that three only of our troops were
wounded in the charge. Upon the left, however, the contest
was more severe with the Indians. Colonel Johnson, who
commanded on the flank of his regiment, received a most galling
fire from them, which was returned with great effect. The
Indians still further to the right advanced, and fell in with our
front line of infantry, near its junction with Desha's division,
and for a moment made some impression on it. His excel.lency governor Shelby, however, brought up a regiment to its
support, and the enemy received a severe fire in front, and 4
part of Johnson's, regiment having gained their rear, they
retreated with precipitation. Their loss was very considerable
in the action, and many were killed in their retreat.
I can give no satisfactory information of the number of
Indians that were in action ; but there must have been considerably upwards of 1000. From the documents in my possession, general Proctor's official letters, (all of which were taken,)
and from the information of respectable inhabitants of this
territory, the Indians kept in pay by the British were much
more numerous than has been generally supposed. In a letter
to general De Rottenburg, of the 27th ult. general Proctor
speaks of having prevailed upon most of the Indians to accompany him. Of these it is certain that 50 or 60 Wyandot
warriors abandoned him.*
The number of our troops was certainly greater than that of
the enemy ; but when it is recollected that they had chosen a
position, that effectually secured their flank, which it was
impossible for us to turn, and that we could not present to
them a line more extended than their own, it w ill not be con* A British officer of high rank assured one of my aides de camp, that on
the day of our landing, general Proctor had at his disposal upwards of 3000
Indian w arriors, but asserted that the greater part had left him previous to
the action.
APPENDIX.
459
sidered arrogant to claioai t;or my troops the palm of superior
bravery.
(Here follows an encomium upon the officers generally. *)
Major , Wood; of the engineers, already distinguished at
Fort,Meigs, attended the army with two 6-pounders. Having
no use for them in action, he joined in the pursuit of the enemy,
and with major Pay ne, of the mounted regiment, two of my
aides de camp, Todd and Chambers, and three privates, continued it for several miles after the rest of the troops had halted,
and made many prisoners.
I left the army before an official return of the prisoners, or
that of the killed and wounded was made out. It was, however, ascertained that the former amounted to 601 regulars,
including 25 officers. Our loss is 7 killed, and 22 wounded,
5 of whom have since died. Of the British troops, 12 were
killed, and '22 wounded. The Indians suffered most, 33 of
them having been found upon the ground, besides those killed
,
on the retreat.
On the day of the action, six pieces of brass artillery were
taken, and two iron 24-pounders the day before. Several
others were discovered in the river, and can be easily procured.
Of the brass pieces, three are the trophies of our revolutionary
war ; they were taken at Saratoga and York, and surrendered
by general Hull. The number of small arms taken by us and
destroyed by the enemy, must amount to upwards of 5000;
most of them had been ours, and had been taken by the
enemy at the surrender of Detroit, at the river Raisin, and
colonel Dudley's defeat. I believe the enemy retain no other
military trophy of their victories than the standard of the 4th
regiment. They were not magnanimous enough to bring that
of the 41st regiment into the field, or it would have been
taken.
You have been informed, sir, of the conduct of the troops under
my command in action. It gives me great pleasure to inform
* It is thus stated in the published account from which this w as copied.
4r0
APPENDIX.
APPMNDIX.
you, that they merit also the approbation of their country for
their conduct, in submitting to the greatest privation with the
utmost cheerfulness.
The infantry were entirely without tents, and for several
days the whole army subsisted upon fresh beef, without either
bread or salt.
I have the honor to be, &c.
W. H. HARRISON.
General John Armstrong,
secretary of War.
P. S. General Proctor escaped by the fleetness of his
horses, escorted by 90 dragoons, and a number of mounted
Indians.
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461
No. 53.
List of convicts confined in the same penitentiary at Frankfort, Kentucky, with the tirilish officers taken prisoners 515044. 1813, with a
statement of their crimes, and the punishment sentenced them.
SENTENCES.
Years.
17
A rape on a child, (castrated himself, )
Samuel Moops,
10
A
rape,
George Williams,
6
A rape and murder,
Daniel Caine,
7
Murder,
(called
manslaughter,)
William Coleman,
6
ditto,
Ditto
Newbury Man,
5
ditto,
Ditto
John Cox,
5
ditto,
Ditto
Preto Sharp,
4
Ditto, (shooting his wife),
Samuel Hogan,
31
Ditto,
Thomas Pegget,
31Ditto,
Samuel Danby,
4
Forgery,
James Moore,
4
Ditto and coining,
William Mitchell,
4
Ditto,
Samuel Smith,
2
William Whiteside, Ditto,
2
Ditto,
James Long,
2
House-breaking and robbery,
John Lee,
2
Ditto,
John Rower,
4i
Stealing 3 negroes and 3 horses,
David Ferguson,
2
ditto,
1
ditto
Ditto
Joseph Jones,
2i
ditto,
1 ditto
Ditto
William Taylor,
6
ditto,
1
ditto
Ditto
James Hanson,
2
1 negress,
Ditto
William Hannoy,
6
Horse-stealing,
George Fieldie,
10
Ditto,
Alexander White,
Ditto,
Thomas Lofton,
42
Ditto,
Daniel Dougherty,
4
Ditto,
James Porter,
4
Ditto,
William Harding,
4
Ditto,
Ephraim Nowling,
4
Ditto,
John Oder,
4
Ditto,
John Brown,
4
Ditto,
Burgess Irvin,
4
Ditto,
Booth Sitrons,
3
Ditto,
Levi Dunn,
2
Ditto,
John M`Vey,
2
Ditto,
John Kelly,
2
Stealing a bolt of cloth,
Wm. H. Steer,
2
Stealing clothes which were made up,
John Allwright,
2
Stealing a saddle,
Jesse Burton,
2
Stealing a beef skin,
Philip Jones,
NAMES.
CRIMES.
462
APPENDIX.
-APPENDIX.
of Chateauguay chasseurs ; captains Daly
No. 54.
From sir George Prevost to earl Bathurst.
Ilead-quarters, Montreal, Oct. 30 1813.
,
MY LORD,
On the 8th instant, 1 had the honor to report to your lordship that major-general Hampton had occupied, with a cosiderable force of regulars and militia, a position on the Chateau.
gully river, near the settlement of the Four Corners. Early
on the 21st the American army crossed the line of separation
between Lower Canada and the United States, surprised a
small party of Indian warriors, and drove in a piquet of
sedentary militia, posted at the junction of the Outard and
Chateauguay- rivers, where it encamped, and proceeded in establishing a road of communication with its last position, for the
purpose of bringing forward its artillery. Major-general
Hampton, having completed his arrangements on the 24th,
commenced, on the following day, his operations against my
advanced posts : at about 11 o'clock in the forenoon of the
26th, his cavalry and light troops were discovered advancing on
both banks of the Chateauguay, by a detachment covering a
working party of habitans employed in felling timber, for the
purpose of constructing abattis. Lieutenant-colonel De Salu.
berry who had the command of the advanced piquets, com
posed of the light infantry company of the Canadian fencibles,
and two companies of voltigeurs, on the north side of the river,
made so excellent a disposition of his little band, that he checked
the advance of the enemy's principal column, led by majorgeneral Hampton in person, and accompanied by brigadier-general lzard ; whilst the American light brigade, under colonel
M'Carty, was in like manner repulsed in its progress on the
south side of the river, by the spirited advance of the right
flank-company of the third battalion of the embodied militia,
under captain Daly, supported by captain Bruyers' company
-
463
and Bruyers' being
both wounded, and their companies having sustained some loss,
their position was immediately taken up by a flank-company of
the first battalion of embodied militia ; the enemy rallied and
repeatedly returned to the attack, which terminated only with
at
the day, in his complete disgrace and defeat ; being foiled
all points by a handful of men, who by their determined
bravery maintained their position, and screened from insult the
working parties, who continued their labours unconcerned.
Having fortunately arrived at the scene of action shortly after
its commencement, I witnessed the conduct of the troops on this
glorious occasion, and it was a great satisfaction to me to
render on the spot that praise which had become so justly their
Watteville for the wise
due. I thanked major-general Dc
measures taken by him for the defence of his position, the
advance, and lieutenant-colonel De Saluberry, for the judgment
displayed by him in the choice of his ground, and the bravery
and skill with which he maintained it ; I acknowledged the
highest praise to belong to the officers and men engaged thatmorning, for their gallantry and steadiness, and I called upon all the
troops in advance, as well for a continuance of that zeal, steadiness, and discipline, as for that patient endurance of hardships
and privations which they have hitherto evinced ; and I particularly noticed the able support lieutenant-colonel De Salt'.
berry received from captain Fergusson, in command of the
light company of the Canadian fencibles, and from captain
J. B. Duchesnay and captain J. Duchesnay, and adjutant Hebder, of the voltigeurs, and also from adjutant O'Sullivan, of
the sedentary militia, and from captain La Motto, belonging to
the Indian warriors. Almost the whole of the British troops
being pushed forward for the defence of Upper Canada, that
of the lower province must depend, in a great degree, on the
valor and continued exertions of its incorporated battalions
and its sedentary militia, until the 70th regiment and the two
battalions of marines, daily expected, arrive. It is, therefore,
highly satisfactory to state to your lordship, that there appears
464
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
a determination among all classes of his majesty's Canadian
subjects, to persevere in a loyal and honorable line of conduct.
By the report of prisoners taken from the enemy in the affair
on the Chateauguay, the American force is stated at 7000
infantry, and 200 cavalry, with 10 field-pieces. The British
advanced force, actually engaged, did not exceed 300. The
enemy suffered severely from our fire, and from their own ;
some detached corps in the woods fired upon each other.
I have the honor to transmit to your lordship, a return of the
killed and wounded on the 26th. I avail myself of this opportunity humbly to solicit from his royal highness the prince
regent, as a mark of his gracious approbation of the conduct of
the embodied battalion of the Canadian. militia, five pairs of
colours for the 1st, 2d, 11, 4th, and 5th battalions.
I have the honor to bp, 8.:c.
GEORGE PREVOST.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing, of his majesty's
forces, in the action with the enemy, in advance of Chateau,
guay, on the 26th Oct. 1813.
Canadian fencible infantry, light company ; 3
rank and
file, killed ; 1 serjeant, 3 rank and file, wounded.
3d battalion embodied militia, flank
company ; 2 rank and
file, killed; 1 captain, 6 rank and file, wounded ; 4 rank and
file, missing.
-
-
No. 55.
From lieutenant-colonel Morrison to major-general
De Rottenburg.
Williamsburg, Upper Canada, Nov. 11, 1813.
SIR,
I have the honor to inclose a copy of the agreement entered
into by captain Mulcaster, of the royal navy, and myself, with
two of the principal inhabitants of Hamilton, in the state of
New York. Having understood, when passing that place, that
public property was deposited there, and being informed by
lieutenant-colonel Pearson, that his excellency the commander
of the forces had directed a small force to act against that
village, we considered it our duty, as we possessed the means,
to fulfil the intentions of his excellency ; but not having sufficient conveyance, or time, to bring the property away, and as
it appeared that it principally belonged to merchants at Kingston, we deemed the inclosed terms best to propose. I also
inclose herewith a copy of major-general Wilkinson's proclamation.
J. W. MORRISON, lieut.-colonel,
89th, commanding corps of observation.
—
Chateauguay Chasseurs ;--1 captain, wounded.
Total ;-5 rank and file, killed ; 2 captains, 1 serjeant,
13 rank and file, wounded ; 4 rank and file, missing.
465
Major-general De Rottcnburg.
Names of officers wounded.
3d battalion embodied militia ; Captain
Daly, twice wounded, severely.
No.
561
—
Chateauguay chasseurs ; —Captain l3ruyers, slightly.
EDWARD BAYNES, adjutant-general.
Right Hon. earl Bathurst,
8te. &c. &c.
American agreement to deliver up captured property.
We do hereby promise, on our respective words and honor,
to deliver on the opposite side of the river, at the house of
Jacob Wager, if a flag should be permitted to land, all the
public property of the United States, if any should be found
VOL. 1.
H
466
APPENDIX.
here ; also all property belonging to his Britannic majesty's
government, and the individuals thereof, now deposited in the
house of Charles Richards. It being expressly understood that
the property and persons of the inhabitants of the village have
been spared in consideration of the preceeding arrangement.
And we do hereby further pledge our honors, that the boats
shall also be delivered, which belong either to the government
of the United States, or to his Britannic majesty's government.
And we do further admit, that on the non-compliance with
these conditions, the village be subject to be destroyed.
DAVID A. OGDEN.
ALEX. RICIIARDS.
W. H. MULCASTER,
Captain royal navy, commanding flotilla.
J. W. MORRISON,
Lieut.-colonel, 89th regt. commanding
corps of observation.
_ Hamilton, Nov. 10, 1813.
No. 57.
Proclamation of James Wilkinson, major-general and commander-in-chief of an expedition against the Canaclas, to
the inhabitants thereof.
The army of the United States, which I have the honor to
command, invaded this province to conquer, and not to destroy,
to subdue the forces of his Britannic majesty, not to war against
his unoffending subject's. Those, therefore, among you who
remain quiet at home, should victory incline to the American
standard, shall be protected in their persons and property ; but
those who are found in arms must necessarily be treated as
avowed enemies. To menace is unmanly—to seduce dishonorable—yet it is just and humane to place these alternatives before you.
APPENDIX
467
Done at the head-quarters of the army of the United States,
this 6th day of November, 1813, near Ogdensburg, on the
river St. Lawrence.
JAS. WILKINSON.
By the general's command, W. Pinkney,
major and aide de camp.
No. 58.
From lieutenant-colonel Morrison to major-general
De Rottenburg.
Stu,
Chrystler's, Williamsburg, Upper Canada,
Nov. 12, 1813.
I have the heartfelt gratification to report the brilliant and
gallant conduct of the detachment from the centre-division of
the army, as yesterday displayed in repulsing and defeating a
division of the enemy's force, consisting of two brigades of
infantry and a regiment of cavalry, amounting to between 3 and
4000 men, who moved forward, about two o'clock in the afternoon, from Chrystler's-point, and attacked our advance, which
gradually fell back to the position selected for the detachment
to occupy ; the right resting on the river, and the left on a
pine-wood, exhibiting a front of about 700 yards. The ground
being open, the troops were thus disposed : the flank companies of the 49th regiment, the detachment of the Canadian
fencibles, with one field-piece, under lieutenant-colonel Pearson,
on the right, a little advanced on the road ; three companies of
the 89th regiment, under captain Barnes, with a gun, formed
in echellon, with the advance on its left supporting it. The
49th and 89th, thrown more to the rear, with a gun, formed the
main body and reserve, extending to the woods on the left,
which were occupied by the voltigeurs, under major Ilecriot,
and the Indians under lieutenant Anderson. At abOut half
past two the action became general, when the enemy endea.
468
469
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
voured, by moving forward a brigade from his right, to turn
of the 49th, major Clifford, of the 89th, major Herriott, of
of the royal artillery,
the voltigeurs, and captain Jackson,
our left, but was repulsed by the 89th, forming
en potence
with the 49th, and both corps moving forward, occasionally
combined with the gallantry of the troops, our great success
firing by platoons. His efforts were next directed against our
may be attributed. Every man did his duty, and I believe I
right, and to repulse this movement the 49th took ground in
cannot more strongly speak their merits than in mentioning,
that direction in echellon, followed by the 89th ; when within
that our small force did not exceed 800 rank and file. To cap-
half-musket-shot the line was formed, under a heavy but irre-
tains Davis and Skinner, of the quarter-master-general's depart-
gular fire from the enemy. The 49th was then directed to
ment, I am under the greatest obligations for the assistance I
charge the gun posted opposite to ours ; but it became neces-
have received from them ; their zeal and activity has been
sary, when within a short distance of it, to check the forward
unremitting. Lieutenant Hagerman, of the militia, has also,
movement, in consequence of a charge from their cavalry on
his services, deserved my public acknowledgements, as has also
lieutenant Anderson, of the Indian department. As the prisoners are hourly bringing in, I am unable to furnish your
honor with a correct return of them, but upwards of 100 are
in our possession ; neither of the ordnance stores taken, as
the right, lest they should wheel about, and fall upon their
rear ; but they were received in so gallant a manner by the
companies of the 89th, under captain Barnes, alid the well.
directed fire of the artillery, that they quickly retreated, and
by an immediate charge from those companies one gun was
gained. The enemy immediately concentrated their force to
check our advance, but such was the steady countenance, and
well-directed fire of the troops and artillery, that at about half
past four they gave way at all points from an exceeding strong
position, endeavouring by their light infantry to cover
their
retreat, who were soon driven away by a judicious movement
made by lieutenant-colonel Pearson. The detachment for the
night occupied the ground from which the enemy had been
driven, and are now moving in pursuit.
I regret to find our loss in killed and wounded has been so
considerable ; but trust a most essential service has been rendered
to the country, as the whole of the enemy's infantry, after the
action, precipitately retired to their own shores. It is now my
grateful duty to point out to your honor the benefit the service
has received from the ability, judgment, and active exertions
of
lieutenant-colonel Harvey, the deputy-adjutant.general, for
sparing whom to accompany the detachment, I must again
publicly express my acknowledgments. To the cordial co-operation and exertions of lieutenant-colonel Pearson, commanding
the detachment from Prescott, lieutenant-colonel Plenderleath,
for
the whole have not yet been collected.
I have the honor to be, &c.
J. W. MORRISON,
lieut.-col. 89th, commanding
corps of observation.
To major-general de Rottenburg,
&c. &c. &c.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing.
Royal artillery; 2 rank and file, wounded.
Royal artillery drivers ; 1 rank and file, wounded.
drummer, 5 rank and file, killed;
49th foot ; 1 captain, 1
ra subalterns, 3 serjeantg, 31 rank and tile, wounded.
1 captain,
89th foot ; 1 drummer, 4 rank and file, killed;
1 subaltern, 3 serjeants, 57 rank and file, wounded.
sub49th foot, flank company ; 2 rank and file, killed ; 1
altern, 11 rank and file, wounded ; 6 rank and file, missing.
-
-
-
-
-
Canadian fencibles ;
-
4 rank and file, killed ; 2 subalterns,
14 rank and file, wounded.
Canadian voltigeurs ;
-
4 rank and file, killed ; 9 rank and
tile, wounded; 3 rank and file, missing.
Militia artillery ; 1 rank and tile, wounded.
-
470
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
Militia dragoons ; 1 rank and file, wounded.
Indians ; 1 warrior, wounded ; 3 warriors, missing.
tempted to halt, turn about, and put an end ib his teazing
-
but alas ! I was confined to my bed. Major-general Lewis
was too ill for any active exertions ; and above all, I did not
dare to suffer myself to be diverted a single day from the prosecution of the views of government. I had written major.
-
Total-1 captain, 2 drummers, 19 rank and file, killed; 1
captain, 9 subalterns, 6 serjeants, 131 rank and file, wounded;
12 rank and file, missing.
Names of officers killed and wounded.
cf
II
Killed;-49th foot;—Captain Nairne.
Wounded ;-49th foot ;—Lieutenant Jones, dangerously;
lieutenant Bartley, severely, not dangerously ; lieutenant
Claus, left leg amputated ; lieutenant Morton, severely, not
dangerously; lieutenant Richmond, slightly.
89th foot;
—
—
.
No. 59.
From major-general Wilkinson to the ,american secretary at
war,
Head-quarters, French Mills, adjoining the
province of Lower Canada, ?6 , "_
16th November, 1813.
I beg leave to refer you to the journal which accompanies
this letter, for the particulars of the movements a'of the corps
under my command, down to the St. Lawrence, and will endea,
your to exert my enfeebled mind to detail to you the more
striking and important incidents which have ensued since my
departure from Grenadier island, at the foot of Lake-Ontario,
on the 3d instant.
The corps of the enemy which folloWed me from Kingston,
being on my rear, and in concert with a heavy galley and a few
gun-boats, seemed determined to retard my progress. I was
general Hampton on the 6th instant, by adjutant-generalcolonel King, and had ordered him to form a junction with me
on the St. Lawrence, which I expected would take place on the
9th or 10th. It would have been unpardonable, had I lost sight
of this object an instant. I deemed it of vital importance to the
issue of the campaign.
The enemy deserve credit for their zeal and intelligence,
which the active universal hostility of the male inhabitants of the
country enabled them to employ to the greatest advantage.
Thus, while menaced by a respectable force in the rear, the
coast was lined with musketry in front, and at every critical
pass of the river, which obliged me to march a detachment,
Captain Browne, severely, not dangerously;
ensign Leaden, slightly.
49th foot : Flank company; Lieutenant
Holland, severely.
Canadian fencibles ;--Lieutenant Delorimiere, dangerously,
since dead ; ensign Armstrong, dangerously.
—
471
;,(7
and this impeded my progress.
On the evening of the 9th, the army halted a few miles
from the head of Longue Saut. On the morning of the 10th,
the enclosed order was issued. General Browne marched,
agreeably to order, and at noon we were apprised, by the
reports of his artillery, that he was engaged some distance
below us. At the same time the enemy were observed in our rear,
and their galley and gun-boats approached our flotilla, and
opened a fire upon us, which obliged me to order a battery of
18-pounders to be planted, and a shot from it compelled the
enemy's vessels to retire, together with their troops, after some
firing between the advanced parties. By this time, in consequence of his disembarking and re-embarking the heavy guns,
the day was so far spent, that our pilots did not dare to enter
the Sant, (eight miles a continued rapid,) and therefore we fell
down about two 'Miff, and came to anchor for the night.
Early the next morning every thing was in readiness for
motion, but having received no intelligence from general
1
Brown, I was still delayed, as sound precaution required
472
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
should learn the result of his affair, before I committed the
flotilla to the Saut.
At half past 10, A. M. an officer of dragoons arrived with a
letter, in which the general informed me he had forced the
enemy, and would reach the foot of the Saut early in the dap
Orders were immediately given for the flotilla to sail, at which
instant the enemy's gun-boats appeared, and began to throw
shot among us. Information was at the same time brought me
from brigadier-general Boyd, that the enemy's troops were
advancing in column. I i mmediately gave orders to him toattack them. This report was soon contradicted. Their gunboats, however, continued to scratch_ and
and a variety of
reports of their movements and counter-movements were
brought me in succession, which convinced me of their cletermi.t
nation to hazard an attack, when it could be done to the greatest
advantage; and I therefore resolved to anticipate them. Direc
tions were accordingly sent by that distinguished officer colonel
Swift, of the engineers, to brigadier.general Boyd, to throw
down the detachments of his command, assigned to him in the
order of the preceding day, and composed of men of his own;
Covington's, and Swartwout's brigades, into three columns, to
march upon the enemy, outflank them if possible, and take
their artillery.
The action soon after commenced with the advanced body of
the enemy, and became cxtreemely sharp and galling ; and
lasted, with occasional pauses, not sustained with great vivacity,
in open space, and fair combat, for upwards of two hours and
. a half, the adverse lines alternately yielding and advancing. It
is impossible to say with accuracy what was our nu.mber on the
field, because it consisted of indefinite detachments, taken from
the boats, to render safe the passage of the Saut.
General Covington and Swartwout voluntarily took part of
the action, at the head of the detachments from their respective
brigades, and exhibited the same courage that was displayed by
brigadier-general Boy d, who happened to be the senior officer
on the ground. Omr force engaged might have reached 16 or
473
1760 men, but actually did not exceed 1500. That of the
enemy was estimated from 1200 to 2000, but did not probably
amount to more than 150() or 1600; consisting, as I am informed, of detachments from the 49th, 84th, and 104th regi.
ments of the line, with three companies of the Voltigeur and
Glengarry corps, and the militia of the country, who are not
included in the estimate.
It would be presumptuous in me to attempt to give you a
detailed account of this affair, which certainly reflects high
honor on the valor of the American soldiers, as no example
can be produced of undisciplined men with inexperienced
officers, of braving a fire of two hours and a half, without
quitting the field; or yielding to their antagonists. But, Sir,
the information I now give you is derived from officers in my
confidence, who took active parts in the conflict ; for, although
I was enabled to order the attack, it was my hard fortune not to
be able to lead the troops I commanded.
The disease with which I was assailed on the 2d of September, on my journey to Fort-George, having, with a few short
intervals of convalescence, preyed on me ever since; and at
the moment of this action I was confined to my bed, unable to
sit on a horse, and to move ten paces without assistance. I
must, however, be pardoned for trespassing on your time a
few remarks in relation to this affair. The objects of the
British and the American commanders were precisely opposed,
the first being bound by the instructions of his government, and
the most solemn obligations of duty, to precipitate his descent
of the St. Lawrence by every practicable means, because this
being effected, one of the greatest difficulties opposed to the
American army would be surmounted ; and the former, by
duties equally imperious, to retard it, and if possible to prevent
such a descent. He is to be accounted victorious who effected
this purpose. The British commander having failed to gain
either of the objects, can lay no claims to the honors of the
day. The battle fluctuated, and the victory seemed at different
times inclined to the contending corps. The front of the
VOL. I.
1I
474
475
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
, ' enemy was at first forced back more than a mile, and though
be abandoned for the present season, and the army near Cornwall be immediately crossed to the American shore, for taking
up winter quarters, and that this place afforded an eligible position for such quarters. I acquiesced in this opinion, not from
the shortness of the stock of provisions, (which had been reduced by the acts of God), because our meat had been:increased five days, and our bread had been reduced only two
days ; and because we could, in case of extremity, have lived
on the enemy, but because the loss of the division under majorgeneral Hampton weakened my force too sensibly to justify the
they never regained the ground they lost, their stand was per.
manent, and their charges resolute. Amidst these charges, and
.near the close of the contest, we lost a fieldpiece by the fall
of the officer who WES serving it with the same coolness as if lie
had been at parade, or at a review. This was lieutenant Smith,
of the light artillery, who in point of merit stood conspicuous.
The enemy having halted, and our troops having again formed
in battalia, front to front, and the fire having ceased on both
sides, we resumed our position on the bank of the river, and
the infantry being much fatigued, the whole were re-embarked,
and proceeded down the river without further annoyance from
the enemy or their gun-boats, while the dragoons with five
pieces of light artillery marched down the Canada shore
without molestation.
-
It is due to his rank, merit, and services, that I should make
particular mention of brigadier. general Covington, who received
a mortal wound directly through his body, while animating his
men, and leading them to the charge. He fell where he fought,
at the head of his men, and survived but two days.
The next day the flotilla passed through the Saut, and joined
that excellent officer, brigadier-gen. Brown, at Barnhart's, near
Cornwall, where he had been instructed to take post and wait
ray arrival, and where I confidently expected to hear of major-general Hampton's arrival on the opposite shore.
But immediately after 1 had halted, col. Atkinson, inspectorgeneral of the division under major-general Hampton, waited
on me with a letter from that officer, in which, to my unspeakable
mortification and surprize, he declined the junction ordered,
—and informed me he was marching to Lake•Champlain,
by way of co-operation in the proposed attack upon Montreal. This letter, together with a copy of that to which it is in
answer, were immediately submitted to a council of war, composed of many general officers, and the colonel commanding the
.elite, the chief engineer, and adjutant-general, who immediately
gave it as their opinion, that the attack on the Montreal should
attempt.
In all my measures and movements of consequence I have
taken the opinion of my general officers, which have been
accordant with my own.
I remained on the Canadian shore till the next day, without
seeing or hearing from the powerful force of the enemy in our
neighbourhood, and the same day reached this position with
the artillery and infantry.
The dragoons have been ordered to Utica and its vicinity,
and I expect are 50 or 60 miles on the march, You have, under
cover, a summary abstract of the killed and wounded in the
affair of the 11th instant, which will soon be followed by a
particular return ; in which, a first regard will be paid to individual merit. The dead rest in honor, and the wounded
bleed for their country, and deserve its gratitude. With respect,
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your obedient servant,
JAS, WI LKINSON.
•+-
Here follows a statement of the killed and wounded ;—
Killed, 102.— Wounded, "237.
Hon. J. Armstrong, &c.
&c.
476
APPENDIX.
No. 60.
From general Wilkinson to the American secretary at war.
Ilead-quarters, French Mills, Nov. 18, 1813.
I beg this may be considered as an appendage to my official
communication respecting the action of the 11th instant.
I last evening received the enclosed information, the result
of the examination of sundry prisoners taken on the field of
battle, which justifies the opinion of the general officers who
were in the engagement. This goes to prove, that although the
imperious obligations of duty did not allow me sufficient time
to rout the enemy, they were beaten ; the accidental loss of
one field-piece notwithstanding, after it had been discharged 15
or 20 times. I have also learned, from what has been considered
good authority, but I will not vouch for the correctness of it,
that the enemy's loss exceeded 500 killed and wounded.
The enclosed report will correct an error in my former
communication, as it appears it was the 89th, and not the 84th,
British regiment, which was engaged on the 11th. I beg leave
to mention, in the action of the 11th, what, from my severe indisposition, I have omitted.
Having received information, late in the day, that the contest had become somewhat dubious, I ordered up a reserve of
600 men, whom fhad ordered to stand by their arms, under
lieutenant-col. Upham, who gallantly led them into action,
which terminated a few minutes after their arrival on the
ground. With great consideration and respect, I have the
JAMES WILKINSON.
honor to be, &c. •
•
Hon. John Armstrong, secretary at war.
Here follows a statement of the strength of the British
forces, engaged in action of the 11th of Nov.-1800 regulars,
300 militia, 40 Indians.-7Total, 2170 ; upwards of 1500
more than they were.
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