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copyright by Cornell University Library
1994.Documents Relating to the War of 1812
THE LETTER-BOOK OF
Gen. Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe
NOW FIRST PUBLISHEDNOTE ON THE SHEAFFE PAPERS
The Buffalo Historical Society publishes this collection of docu-
ments of the eWar of 1812 through the courtesy of their owner, Hon.
James Hilton Manning of Albany.
As a whole, the letters, orders, etc., relate chiefly to military
operations on the Niagara, under the officer who succeeded in com-
mand of the British forces when Gen. Brock fell at Queenston. A
brief sketch of that officer, drawn largely from the (British) Dic-
tionary of National Biography, is in place here:
“Gen. Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe was born in Boston, Mass., July
15, 1763, the third son of William Sheaffe, deputy collector of his
Majesty’s customs at Boston. His mother was Susannah, eldest
daughter of Thomas Child of Boston. Fit is stated in Appleton’s
“Cyclopaedia of American Biography” that after the death of
Sheaffe’s father, “Earl Percy, whose quarters were at his mother’s
house, took charge of his education.”] On May 1, 1778, through
the influence of Earl Percy, he received an ensigncy, and on Dec. 27,
1780, a lieutenancy in the 5th Foot. He served in Ireland from
January, 1781, to May, 1787, and in- Canada from July, 1787, to
September, 1797. Under the orders of Sir Guy Carleton, first Baron
Dorchester, instructed by Lt. Gov. John Graves Simcoe, he was
employed on a public mission in 1794 to protest against certain
settlements made by the Americans on the south shore of Lake
Ontario. On May 5, 1795, he obtained his company in the 5th Foot,
and on March 22, 1798, a lieutenant colonelcy in the 49th. He served
in Holland from August to November, 1799, in the expedition to
the Baltic from March to July, 1S01, and in Canada from Septem-
ber, 1802, to October, i8it. The rank of brevet colonel was con-
ferred on him1 April 25, 1808, and that of major-general, June 4,
1811. He again served in Canada from July 29, 1812, to November,
1813. On October 13, 1812, the troops of the United States took
Queenston on the Niagara, but on the same day Sheaffe, on the
death of General Sir Isaac Brock, assumed the command of the
British forces, recaptured the town, the Americans losing heavily
in killed, wounded and prisoners. In the following year, on
April 27, he defended the town of York, now Toronto, when the
losses of the Americans in taking the place exceeded the total num-
bers of those opposed to them. Sheaffe continued to command in
the Upper Province and to administer its government until June,
1813, and on his retirement received flattering testimonials from
the Executive Council. For his services he was, on Jan. 16, 1813,
created a baronet of Great Britain, and further rewarded by the
colonelcy of the 36th Foot on Dec. 20, 1829, and his nomination as
273274
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
a general on June 28, 1838. He had a residence at Edswale, County
Clare, but died in Edinburgh, July 17, 1851, when his title became
extinct. He married, in 1810, Margaret, daughter of John Coffin
of Quebec; she died at Bath, May 1, 1855.”
The English biographer above quoted omits to show that Sheaffe
met a serious reverse at York, April 27, 1813. The American attack
was followed by the explosion of a powder magazine, with con-
siderable loss of life. The town was surrendered to the Americans,
but during the capitulation Sheaffe and a portion of his regulars fled
towards Kingston. Sheaffe was severely censured for the loss of
York, and was soon after superceded in command in Upper Canada
by Major General De Rottenburg. He retired to Montreal, and was
given command of troops there, later retiring to Europe as above
stated.
The reader will please bear in mind that the letters, orders and
other documents that follow are here published, not as narrative
history, but as source material likely to prove of value to the student
of the period. A few of the letters, in part or in substance, have
had publication; these are indicated in foot-notes. Most of them
are not known to have been printed. They are here copied from
the original manuscript, which presents a various handwriting, prob-
ably the work of successive aids or secretaries to the general, and
the peculiarities of the original, in spelling, etc., have been followed.
In most cases, of persons mentioned only by their surname, the
given name or initials will be found supplied', in the Index.
It is plain that General Sheaffe kept this letter-book by him,
1 from the time of the battle of Queenston, at least until the date of
the last entry, made in Edinburgh, June 8, 1849, only two years
before his death.Documents Relating to the War of 1812
THE LETTER BOOK OF
GEN. SIR ROGER HALE SHEAFFE
MAJ. GEN. SHEAFFF/S ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF
QUEENSTON.1
. Fort George, 13th October, 1812.
Sir : I have the honor of informing Your Excellency
that the Enemy made an attack with a considerable force
this morning before day light on the position of Queenston;
on receiving information of it, Major General Brock im-
mediately proceeded to that post, and I cannot express my
grief 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 re-
tain it long. Reinforcements having been sent up from this
Post, composed of Regular Troops, Militia & Indians, a
movement was made to turn his left—while some field ar-
tillery under the able direction of Capt’n Holcroft,2 sup-
ported by a body of Infantry, engaged his attention in
front. This operation was soon effected, & its success is
chiefly to be ascribed to the judicious position taken by
Norton and the Indians with him, on the woody brow of
the high ground above Queenston. A communication being
thus opened with Chippawa, a junction was formed with
further succours that had been ordered from that Post.
The Enemy was then attacked, and after a short but spirited
1.	This letter, with some variations, is printed in Cruikshank’s “Docu-
mentary History/’ etc., from a copy in the Canadian) Archives.
2.	Capt. William Holcroft of the Royal Artillery.
275276
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
conflict, he was completely defeated. I had the satisfaction
of receiving the sword of their Commander, Major General
Wadsworth, on the field of battle ; and many Officers, with
six or seven hundred men were made Prisoners1—a stand
of Colours & a six pounder were taken— their loss in
killed and wounded was considerable. On our side, except
the loss of one of the most zealous and gallant Officers in
His Majesty's service, we have little as yet to deplore—but
I fear that his Provincial Aid de Camp, Lieutenant Colonel
Macdonell, whose gallantry and merit rendered him worthy
of his chief, is very dangerously wounded.
I am particularly indebted to Capt'n Holcroft, command-
ing the Detachment of the Royal Artillery, for his judicious
and skilful cooperation with the Guns and Howitzer under
his immediate Superintendence, the well directed fire from
which contributed materially to the fortunate result of the
action. Lieutenant Crowther, 41st Regiment, had the charge
of two Three pounders that accompanied the movements of
our little Corps, and they were employed with very good
effect. Capt’s Dennis and Williams, Commanding the Flank
Companies of the 49th Reg't which were stationed at
Queenstown were wounded whilst bravely contending at
the head of their men, against superior numbers; the for-
mer fortunately for the service, was not obliged to quit the
field. Captain Williams was wounded in the head, but not
severely.
Captain Derenzy of the 41st Reg’t brought up the Re-
inforcement of that Corps from Fort George, & Captain
Bullock led that of the same Reg’t from Chippawa— and
under their command those detachments acquitted them-
selves in such a manner as to sustain the reputation which
this Regiment had already acquired in the vicinity of De-
troit.
Captain Glegg Aid de Camp to our lamented friend and
General, afforded me most essential assistance; and I found
the services of Lt. Fowler 41st Reg’t, Ass’t Dep’y Qr. Ms.
General and of my Aid de Camp Ensign Coffin, very useful.
I derived much aid too from the activity and. intelligence of
1. Official reports, and estimates on the losses at Queenston, vary greatly.
Lossing, drawing from official reports, gives the American loss at 90 killed,
“about 100 wounded and between 800 and 900 made prisoners.” The British
loss in killed, wounded and prisoners was about 130. The Indian loss appears
to be nowhere clearly reported, but was probably light. .GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
277
Lt. Kerr of the Glengary Fencibles, whom I employed in
conveying Orders to the Indians and other flanking parties.
Major General Brock, soon after his arrival at Queens-
ton, had sent orders for battering the American Fort Ni-
agara. The operations against it were directed by Brigade
Major Evans, who had been left in charge of Fort George—
this was executed with so much effect as to silence its fire
and to force the Troops to abandon it. In these services he
was most effectually aided by Colonel Claus who remained
at Fort George by my desire: and by Captain Vigoureaux,
of the Royal Engineers. Brigade Major Evans also com-
mends highly the conduct of Captains Powell & Cameron
of the Militia Artillery who assisted at the Batteries.
Lieu’t Colonels Butter & Clark, and Captains Hatt,
Durand, Applegate,1 Crooks, Rowe, Cameron, Cooper, R.
Hamilton & McEwen, & Lts. Richardson & T. Butler, of
the Lincoln and York Militia, led their men with great spirit.
Norton was wounded but not badly— he and the Indians
distinguished themselves.
I shall do myself the honor of transmitting to Your Ex-
cellency further details, when I shall have received the sev-
eral Reports of the occurrences of the day that did not pass
under my observation, with the Returns of casualties, of
arms and ordnance stores, taken &c ; but I cannot now
deny myself the satisfaction of assuring Your Excellency
that the spirit and good conduct of His Majesty’s Troops,
of the Militia, and of the other Provincial Corps, were emi-
nently conspicuous on this occasion.
To His Ex’y Lt. Gen’l Sir Geo. Prevost, Bart.
ARMISTICE AFTER QUEENSTON.
Fort George, 13 Oct. 1812.
Sir : I have the honour of acknowledging the receipt of
Your Communication of this date,2 and was pleased to learn
at the same time, that the Officer Command’g at Queenstown
1.	“Applegarth” in Cruikshank.
2.	Several letters Which passed between Sheaffe and Van Rensselaer are
printed iii Mrs. Bonney’s “Legacy of Historical Gleanings,” vol. i, pp. 264-5.
This letter is there given, with the communication referred to.278
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
had acceded to Your proposal of sending Surgeons to that
•Post for the aid of wounded prisoners, without incurring
the delay which would have been occasioned by a reference
to me; but as our means of affording assistance to these as
well as to our own wounded may be inadequate, I beg leave
to propose that the wounded prisoners whose cases may ad-
mit of removal, should be sent over to You, on condition of
not serving again until regularly exchanged.
Though the proposition which I had the honor of making
to you to-day, did riot go to the extent that, by some mis-
take, you were led to suppose, Yet I readily concur with
you in agreeing to a cessation of firing for three days, and
I transmit orders to that effect to the officers commanding
at the several Posts on this line.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe,
Major Gen’l Com’g.
Major Gen’l V. Rensselaer.
OPERATIONS, CIVIL AND MILITARY.
Fort George, 13th Oct’r 1812.
Sir: There is so urgent a necessity for my remaining
here at present, that it becomes highly expedient that a
Council should be summoned to assemble at this place to
administer the necessary oaths to me, prior to my assuming
the exercise of the Civil Government: if you, Sir, and the
honourable Members of the Council at York concur with
me in this opinion, I beg that you will be pleased to direct
such steps to be taken therein as may be deemed necessary
for accelerating the execution of the measure.
The wind opposes the departure of the Moira and
Simcoe, which I had intended to send over to York, but be-
ing thus detained I have decided that they shall go direct
for Kingston as soon as the wind will permit;—indeed if it
continues tomorrow as it is, it will be necessary to tow them
out of the River, as the Armistice concluded between M.
General Van Rensselaer and myself will expire at four
O’Clock tomorrow afternoon and I have reason to believe
that his successor in the command B. Gen’l Smyth will com-GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
279
mence active operations not long after that Period. I ex-
pect the Prince Regent and intend to send her over to York
to receive you and the other Members whose presence may
be necessary here with the Clerk of the Council &c, but
should an unlooked for change in the state of public affairs
permit My absence from hence when that vessel may ar-
rive I shall embark in her and proceed to York with all
possible despatch.
I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your very devoted servant
R. H. Sheaffe,
M. GenT &c
[Not addressed.]
SHEAFFE TO PREVOST.
Fort George, 14 Oct’r, 1812.
Sir: I have the honor of enclosing herewith some fur-
ther details which will furnish additional information on
the operations of yesterday. I now learn that the number
of prisoners exceed1 eight hundred, and more may yet be
expected. I propose sending 150 of the Line over to York
for the present in the schooner Simcoe. the only vessel here:
and I have reason to expect the arrival of some vessels
from York and Kingston, by which I shall send down the
prisoners (of the line) without loss of time.
I beg leave to add to my despatch of yesterday, that
Volunteers Shaw, Thompson and Jarvis, attached to the
Flank Companies of the 49th Reg’t conducted themselves
with great spirit; the first was wounded, and the last taken
prisoner. I beg leave to recommend these young men to
Your Ex’y’s notice. The copies of my letters to Major
General Van Rensselaer will sufficiently explain the nature
of his communications to me. I hope that Your Excellency
will approve of what I have done and proposed. I have not
been able to ascertain yet the number of our Troops or of
those of the Enemy engaged. Our[s] I believe did not ex-
ceed the number of the Prisoners we have taken, and theirs
probably amounted to thirteen or fourteen hundred. \
I shall be anxious to receive Your Excellency’s instruc-
1.
‘They exceeded 900; my number was 740.”—Note in original MS.280
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
tions. I am sensible that I am placed in an arduous situa-
tion which will require both your aid and indulgence.
I have the honor, &c.,
P. S. Lt. Colonel Macdonell, a young man of distin-
guished merit, died this morning.
SHEAFFE TO VAN RENSSELAER.
Fort George, 14th October, 1812.
Sir: Having delayed sending my accompanying Letter,
to give General Wadsworth and the other officers who are
prisoners, an opportunity of writing for some necessary
Articles, I have the honor at the same time to propose an
Exchange of prisoners, including those who were taken
some days ago in the two vessels cut out from Fort Erie
harbour:	I have further to propose, Sir, that the Militia
taken prisoners exceeding the number that may be ex-
changed, shall be restored to their homes and families under
an engagement not to serve against Great Britain or her
allies during the War, or until regularly exchanged.
I am &c
R. H. Sheaffe,
Maj’r Gen’l Comm’g
Major General V. Rensselaer.
FROM VAN RENSSELAER, AFTER THE BATTLE.
Head Quarters, Lewiston, 14 Oct. 1812.
Sir: Agreeably to your proposition, verbally communi-
cated last night to Captain Dox, I send Surgeons for the
purpose proposed.
And I have now to request that an officer and detach-GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
281
ment of Men sufficient for the purpose may be permitted to
bring the dead over the River in Boats.
I am, Sir,
With Great Respect, Your most Obt Servt
S. V. Rensselaer,
Major Genl &c.
P. S. I have to request also, permission to send the Of-
ficers their Baggage & Cash.
Major General Isaac Brock, or Officer Comg, Queenstown.
EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS.
Head Quarters, Lewistown, 15th Oct. 1812.
Sir : Captn Dox, whom I yesterday sent to Fort George
to make the necessary arrangement for an Exchange of
Prisoners, being assigned for other duty this day, I now
send Col. Winder to complete the business, and I flatter
myself there will be no objection to this distribution.
Col. Winder is further instructed to communicate to you
my wishes upon several subjects; and by any stipulation
which he may enter into respecting them I shall be governed.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedt servt,
V. Rensselaer,
Major Gen. Com.
M. Gen. Sheaffe, or Officer Commg, Fort George.
THE ARMISTICE PROLONGED.
Fort George, 16th Octr, 1812.
Sir: I feel too strongly the generous tribute you propose
to pay my departed friend and chief, to be able to express
the sense I entertain of it; noble-minded as he was, so
would he have done himself.
I have directed the prolongation of the armistice until282
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
four o’clock in the afternoon of the nineteenth Inst, to be
communicated along this line.
I feel a perfect confidence, Sir, that nothing will be
omitted on your part to assure a strict execution of the
agreement respecting the Militia Officers and Men as well
as any others, not yet exchanged who are released from
their captivity.
Allow me, Sir, to express a hope that the time is not far
distant when the restoration of peace and amity between
our respective countries may afford me an opportunity of
assuring you personally of the respect and esteem with
which I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your Most Obedient and very devoted Servant
R. H. Sheaffe,
M. Genl &c. &c.
‘M. General V. Rensselaer.
Note: M. Genl Van R. (a Gentlernan by birth, and in
manners as well as sentiments) & Sir R had previously be-
come acquainted in the United States. [Note in original]
VAN RENSSELAER TO SHEAFFE.
Head Quarters, Lewiston, 16th Oct. 1812.
Sir: I have this moment had the honor to receive your
two Letters of this date.
I most cheerfully agree to continue the cessation of hos-
tilities for a time amply sufficient to discharge all duties of
Humanity to the brave who are wounded, or prisoners; and
the just tribute of respect to the gallant dead.
For these purposes I agree to the further cessation of
hostilities until four o’clock in the afternoon of the nine-
teenth instant.
I shall order a Salute, for the Funeral of Major General
Brock, to be fired this afternoon, both here, and at Niagara.
You will please accept, Sir, of the grateful acknowledg-
ments of Colonel Van Rensselaer and myself for your kind
offer of any thing in your power which may contribute to
his comfort. I do not know that he is at present destitute
of any thing essential for him.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
283
As this, Sir, will probably be the last communication I
shall have the honor of transmitting you from this station,
1 avail myself of the opportunity to tender you the assur-
ance of my Very great esteem and Respect,
S. V Rensselaer,
Major Genl &c.
Major Gen’l Sheaffe.
(The Col. their adgt Gen’l was wounded.)
THE ARMISTICE PROLONGED.1
Head Quarters, Fort George, 16 Oct. 1812.
Sir : As the period assigned to the cessation of hostility
is drawing to a termination, and the intended exchange of
Prisoners, and sending over of the wounded and the Militia,
will require much more time than now remains of it;
And as moreover part of this day is to be devoted to
paying the last offices of humanity to the remains of my
late brave and lamented friend, Major General Brock, I
feel it to be my duty to propose a prolongation of the Ar-
mistice to such a period as may be necessary for the com-
plete execution of those humane purposes. Lists are pre-
pared of all the prisoners here, distinguishing those of the
Line, from the Militia: and Major Evans who has been
appointed by me to arrange the business with Captain Dox,
will be ready to proceed on it as soon as that officer comes
over.	I have the honor &c
R. H. Sheaffe,
Major Gen’l &c &c
Major General Van Rensselaer
TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Fort George, 17th Oct’r, 1812.
Sir:	Since I did myself the Honor of addressing to
Your Excellency my reports of the 13th and 14th of this
1. Printed in the Appendix of S. Van Rensselaer’s “Narrative of the Af-
fair of Queenstown,” etc.284
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
month, which I sent by land to Kingston, a cessation of hos-
tilities until the 19th Instant at four o’clock in the afternoon,
has been agreed on between M. General Van Rensselaer
and myself, for the purpose of affording sufficient time for
carrying into effect the proposed exchange of Prisoners, the
removal of those wounded, and for the passing over the
Militia Prisoners; some portion of time, too, was necessary
for preparing and performing the ceremony of paying the
last tribute of respect to our lamented Chief; in that, M.
Gen’l Van Rensselaer, with a generosity highly honorable
to his character, joined, by ordering a Salute to be fired
both at Niagara and Lewiston, at the time of the funeral.
The proposition for the prolongation of the armistice was
mutual. Colonel Winder intimated to me that it was one of
the points on which he had received instructions, and my
letter on the subject had been sent off just before his ar-
rival.
The Simcoe has returned from York after lodging one
hundred and fifty Prisoners there, and the Earl of Moira
having arrived from thence, the remainder of the Prisoners
will be embarked in her tomorrow morning at daylight, the
two vessels are then to go back to York to reembark them
at that place in the Simcoe and will then proceed together
to Kingston.
All the Militia Prisoners have been sent across today,
who are not too severely wounded to be removed. I have
permitted B. Gen’l Wadsworth to go on his parole,' though
as commander of the whole, he could hardly be considered
as merely a Militia Officer; but from the insight which I
have obtained into his sentiments and character I believe
his going with the Militia will not only tend to ensure a
strict execution of the agreement in what regards them, but
will in other respects, produce some benefit in the actual
state of things.
B. General Wadsworth having requested of me as a par-
ticular favor to permit Major I. R. Mullaney and Capt’n
P. Ogilvie to go back on their parole, there being particular
circumstances in the state of their families to render it of
the most essential importance to them, I have assented. I
trust that Your Excellency will not find anything in the
measures I have adopted with regard to the Prisoners but
what both humanity and policy' would dictate. The Pris-
oners that we are to get in exchange are those who wereGEN. SHEAFFES LETTER BOOK.
285
taken in the Detroit and Caledonia, and a few taken early
on the thirteenth in Queenstown. Your Excellency will see
by the returns of killed and wounded and Prisoners, that
the Flank companies of the 49th Reg’t have suffered most,
this was owing to their having borne the brunt of the action
from its commencement, at times contending with the most
courageous obstinacy against far superior numbers:—After
Cap’t Williams commanding the Light Company was
wounded, which was rather early in the Day, the charge of
the company devolved on Ensign E’d Danford, who led it
in a manner highly creditable to him. Mr. Wilkinson a
volunteer in the 41st Reg’t was in the action and is reported
to me to have behaved with great spirit.
I have requested Captain Glegg of the 49th Reg’t to act
with me as an Extra Aide de Camp, until your pleasure
respecting him should be known: as there is no officer here
of the Adjutant General department, may I be permitted
to suggest that he might be employed with much benefit to
the service as Acting Deputy Adj’t General.
Conformably with your Excellency commands I have
issued an order for a Court to assemble at Kingston to en-
quire into Major Heathcote’s conduct in the command of
an escort of batteaux when attacked on the 16th of Sept’r
below Prescott. I have named Col. Vincent as Presi’d’t and
directed one Major and one Capt’n to be these members.
Lieut. King of the Royal Artillery arrived here in the
Moira, and knowing that it was M. Gen’l Brock’s intention
to employ him under the direction of Capt’n Holcroft and
that his services as an officer of Artillery are at this time
indispensably necessary I have for the present placed him
under Capt’n Holcroft’s orders.
I received a communication yesterday by which I learn
that M. Gen’l Van Rensselaer has given up the command
of the Enemy’s force on the other side to B. Gen’l Smyth.
I learn from several sources that the American Militia
Men belonging to the Corps that attacked Queenstown came
over with reluctance, and in many instances were forced
by violence into the boats. I have also heard since writing
my first despatch, that .many of the Enemy were drowned,
and that a considerable number of killed and wounded were
conveyed over to their side:—but notwithstanding their loss
on that day, I have received an intimation that they intend
repeating the attack in a very few days, though at some286
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
other point, and it is, signified that our left Flank will be
their object. They received some reinforcements on the
day of the action, and other troops have since joined them.
I have called in more of the Militia, and have sent to Grand
River for an addition to our number of Indians.
I have the honor of transmitting the Returns of Killed,
Wounded, and Missing, and of Arms, ordnance, Stores &c
taken from the Enemy.
I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most obed’t
hum’le Ser’t
R. H. Sheaffe,
M. Geril Comm’g.
P. S. I have the honor of transmitting Captain Dennis’s
interesting report of the early transactions of the 13th in-
stant at Queenstown, he is silent about his wound:	he
mentions volunteers Shaw and Thompson, only, they being
attached to his company. Mr. Jarvis was with Captain Wil-
liams company.
R. H. Sheaffe, M. G.
AN EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS.
Fort George, Oct. 17th, 1812.
B. Genl Wadsworth being desirous of having Lieut. S.
M. Smith exchanged for the Indian Chief in your posses-
sion I assent to it, and I further agree to Mr. John Smith
the brother of Major G. Smith being included with him in
the exchange.
M. Genl Van Rensselaer.
Fort George, 17 Oct. 1812.
Sir: I have the honor of forwarding a note addressed
to you, which Brigadier General Wadsworth has delivered
to me. I avail myself of the opportunity to request that I
may be informed at what time I may expect the prisoners
in your power at Lewistown and Buffalo to be sent over,GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
287
and if anything remains to be done on my part to accelerate
the execution of the agreement for their exchange.
I have the honor to be &c
Brigadier GenT Smyth.
R. H. Sheaffe,
Major General &c.
Note of B[rig.] G[en.] Wadsworth.
Newark, Oct. 17th, 1812.
Sir: Major I. R. Mullany & Cap’t Peter Ogilvie Jun’r
have familys, and are not in the most pleasant situation to
leave. I shall receive it as a real favor if you will permit
them to return on Parole.
I have the honor to be
Your very humble serv’t
(signed) Wm. Wadsworth,
Brig. General.
Major GenT Sheaffe,
TO GEN. SMYTH, REGARDING EXCHANGES.
Fort George, 17 Oct. 1812.
Sir : I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of
Your note of this date, and regret that I have made a
proposition to you that you find it necessary to reject—
especially as it was made at the particular request of
Brigadier General Wadsworth: As that has failed I pre-
sume that the prior agreement respecting the Indian* in
Question, which was entered into by Colonel Winder still
retains its force, and that the Indian will be sent back
tomorrow. Not having yet heard of the return of the
prisoners who were to be sent over from Buffalo or Black
Rock early this morning, according to the assurance given
by Colonel Winder, and for whom Prisoners have already
been sent as an exchange, I request if they have been inten-288
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
tionally detained, that you will be pleased to inform me of
the cause.
Mr. Hamilton, who has been some time detained at
Buffalo, has Brothers and other near relations in this
vicinity who have heard some accounts of the state of his
health by which they are much alarmed. I therefore
permit one of his brothers to go over with a Flag to Buffalo,
to obtain some information of him; and I beg leave to
propose that Mr. Hamilton shall be allowed to return to his
friends—an officer of a Rank that may be deemed equiva-
lent being released from his parole and given in exchange
for him.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe
Major Gen'l Comm’g.
Brigadier General Smyth
AN INDIAN PRISONER.
Head Quarters, Lewistown, 17 Oct. 1812.
Sir:	A letter addressed by you to Major Gen’l Van
Rensselaer has been put into my hands, wherein you pro-
pose to Exchange a Lieu’t of Militia and a private, for an
Indian Savage taken a prisoner by our troops.
I regret receiving from you a proposition to which I
cannot accede.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,
Your most obt
Alexander Smyth
Brig'r GenT Comm'g.
GenT R. H. Sheaffe.
RELATIVE VALUE OF PRISONERS.
Fort George 18 Oct. 1812.
Sir: I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of
Your communication by Captain King, Assistant Inspector
General.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
289
That there was nothing said of the Indian Chief in the
agreement respecting an Exchange of prisoners, signed by
Colonel Winder and Major Evans, was owing to a supposi-
tion on the part of the latter, that the case was already
provided for by a special agreement between Colonel
Winder and myself: that an Indian was taken prisoner,
having been mentioned in conversation, before those two
Officers began the discussion of the subject on which they
were to treat. With regard to your proposition to exchange
the Indian Chief for the men, women, and children taken at
Chicago, or such of them as may survive:	I infinitely
regret, .Sir, that it is not in my power to restore them all
without any conditions. In the operations against that
place, neither the British Government, nor the influence of
its officers, nor a British Force was concerned, or probably
your present proposition would be needless. I must there-
fore disclaim any authority to make stipulations regarding
them; but whatsoever may be in my power towards obtain-
ing the restoration of the survivors to their friends, I shall
most joyfully do, unconnected with the present subject of
discussion.
There are circumstances, perhaps, in Mr. Hamilton’s
case, that I am not qualified to discuss, and as I am anxious
for his returning into the bosom of a family that has suf-
fered so much on his account, I am willing to grant more
than what perhaps ought to be deemed an equivalent for
him.
The late Commander of the Detroit, belonging to the
Provincial Marine, ranks with us only as a Lieu’t of
Regular Troops. Mr. Molloy’s rank is inferior to that of a
Lieu’t; but, Sir, I am desirous that the opening of a cor-
respondence between us should be marked by a spirit of
liberality, comformably with which I propose that for
Mr. Hamilton
Lt. Rolette Comm’t
Lt. Kerr
Mr. Molloy
and the Indian Chief1—these should be returned to you:
i. That these prisoners were regarded as of exceptional importance, is
shown by the terms of the exchange. The present editor has not identified Mr.
Hamilton or the Indian chief. The former may have been George Hamilton,
who was living at Newark (now Niagara, Ont.) in 1812; because he deemed290
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
Two Captains of Regular Troops, the two Lieu’ts you
have named, and Lieut. Smith who took the Indian Chief,
and the Mr. Smith, already offered with him—or a Major
of Militia as originally proposed—or if you have any sub-
stitute to name, I beg, Sir, you will make it known to me.
As my sentiments perfectly accord with those you
express in the opening of your proposal for continuing the
armistice, I assent to its being prolonged indefinitely, each
party having a right to terminate it, giving thirty hours
previous notice.
I am extremely sorry to learn that a British Prisoner
has been so indiscreet as to render himself liable to punish-
ment. I hope that he has erred from ignorance, and that
an inquiry into the case will satisfy you that it was so.
I have the honor &c
R. H. Sheaffe M. G. Comm’g.
Bricfr Gen’l Smyth.
GEN. SHEAFFE TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Fort George, 19th Oct’r, 1812.
Sir:	After writing my despatch of yesterday, I re-
ceived a proposition from Brigadier Gen’l Smyth, com-
manding on the United States frontier, for prolonging the
this frontier town an unsafe place of residence he removed to the head of
Lake Ontario; the city of Hamilton perpetuates his name. However, no record
is found of his having been made prisoner by the Americans. “Lt. Kerr” was
Lt. Walter Kerr of the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles. James Mo.lloy,
‘‘conductor of King’s stores,” was a prisoner in the hands of the American® at
this time. The “Lt. Rolette” mentioned was Frederick Rolette, a British sailor
who had served in the battle of the Nile and at Trafalgar; in 1807 he was
appointed to the Provincial Marine, and when the war opened in 1812 he was
made a lieutenant and given command of the brig Hunter. He was in com-
mand of the brig Detroit, off Fort Erie, when she was captured by Capt. Jesse
D. Elliott, Oct. 9, 1812. Ensign Kerr (afterward® lieutenant) was with him
and both were t&ken prisoners by the Americans. (Canadian Archives, C. 728,
pp. 151-8.) Rolette is the hero of several exploits on the Lakes. He fought
under Barclay in the battle of Lake Erie, in which he was wounded and taken
prisoner, when1—as he states, in a petition for half pay, Oct. 8, 1816, he “re-
mained a prisoner of war for near twelve months, a considerable part of which
time he was held as an hostage by the American Government and kept in close
confinement.” He was afterwards presented with a sword by the citizens of
Quebec, his home city, where he died in 1831. His career calls for a more
full and satisfactory memoir of him than appears to have been written.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
291
armistice indefinitely, either party having a right to ter-
minate it, giving thirty hours notice to the other party, to
which I have acceded, as it corresponds with the system
adopted on our part, and removes the obstacle of my going
over to York—the wind has not permitted the departure
of the second (and last) division of the Prisoners—but it
seems now inclined to be favorable for it, and they are
embarking in the Moira and Simcoe to proceed for
Kingston. Lt. Colonel Myers reports on the subject to
Colonel McDonell.
I am informed that Captain Loring of the 104th Regi-
ment (late Lt. of the 49th) has arrived at Montreal:	I
shall feel much obliged to Your Excellency to permit his
joining me, as he came out with the expectation of being
appointed my Aide de Camp. If my request cannot be
granted, I beg leave to recommend him to Your Excellency
as well qualified for the staff appointment suitable to his
rank, should there be a vacancy.
I this moment learn that the Prince Regent is coming in
—I shall embark in her without delay and proceed to York,
and as I intend sending this despatch from thence by land,
I shall close it there.
[Unsigned.]
SMYTH AGREES TO THE EXCHANGE.
Head Quarters,
Camp near Lewistown, Oct. 19th, 1812.
Sir:	I have received your Letter of yesterday, and
close with all your propositions.
You will be pleased to give liberty to Captain Gibson,
Capt. Machesney, Lieu’t Totten, Lieutenant Randolph,
Lieutenant Smith, and Mr. Smith.
The prisoners at this place you will receive today and
orders have gone by express, for the release of those at
Buffalo.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Your most obt.
Alexander Smyth
Brig'r General Comm'g.
Major General Sheaffe.292
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
PRESIDENT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
York, 20th Oct’r.
I arrived here last night and found the Moira and
Simcoe here, the wind having forced them to put in.
The Executive Council assembled today and I was sworn
in as a Member of it and afterwards as President, which I
have communicated to Earl Bathurst in a despatch that
accompanies.
The Vessel that was supposed to be the P. R.1 proved to
be the Royal George, in which I came over. That ship has
taken on board the Prisoners that had been sent to this
place and, with the Moira and Simcoe, has just sailed for
Kingston. The P. R. arrived here this evening and I shall
return to Fort George in that vessel tomorrow.
I have the honor to be
Y[our] Efxcellency’s] &c
[no signature]
H[is] E[xcellency]
Sir G. Prevost2
A COMPLAINT FROM FORT NIAGARA.
Fort Niagara, Oct. 20th, 1812.
Sir : It is with great regret I find it necessary that my
first communication to you since I am in command at this
place should be that of complaint.
A Boat was passing down the river under this shore
from Lewistown to this place for the humane purpose of
removing by water some wounded Militia Officers who
had crossed the River on parole. In passing Fort George
she is pursued by a Boat from that Fort with. a British
Officer on Board, who finally compels the Boat to cross the
River to that Fort, and after some detention has permitted
her to proceed.
I learn from the Officer in charge of our Boat that the
1.	Prince Regent.
2.	The message to Earl Bathurst referred to in this note is not contained
in Gen. Sheaffe’s letter-book, but it is preserved in the Canadian Archives.
(Q. 3i5, P- 205.)GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
293
alledged cause of detention was, that it was contrary to the
stipulations of the armistice to pass up or down the River
in Boats for either party. I have no knowledge that any
such stipulation exists, nor can I well conceive either party
should propose or agree to it.
I beg you would immediately afford me the necessary
explanations on this subject. I view it as an infraction of
the Armistice, and consider it the more serious as it was
committed at the spot where you reside.
I have the honor to be with due Respect Your obt.
Servant
Wm. H. Winder
Col. Com’g.
Major General Sheaffe
COL. MYERS EXPLAINS.
Fort George, 20 October, 1812.
Sir: Major General Sheaffe being just now on another
part of the line, I have opened your letter addressed to
him; without waiting a reference to him. I lose not an
instant to assure you, that the detention of the Boat which
was passing down the River to your Fort, for the wounded
officers of the Militia of the U. S., as has been agreed on
by the American Medical Gentleman sent over here to
ascertain the state of your wounded, and myself, was the
unauthorized act of an individual, whom I have already
made sensible of his error: he however states to me that
the Boat was passing down, much nearer to our shore than
appeared necessary.
I have &c
C. Myers,
Lt. Col., D’y Q’r MW General.
Col. Winder
Comm’g Fort Niagara.
Fort George, 25th October, 1812.
Sir : I transmit herewith a letter which I have received
from Edward Couche, Esq., Deputy Commissary General,294
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
in consequence of which I have made the appointments
recommended by. him, with the rates of pay noted in the
margin of his letter.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe,
M. Gen’L
Noah Freer, Esq.
Military Secretary, Montreal.
Fort George, 25th October, 1812.
Sir:	I transmit herewith some intelligence recently
obtained, that from Lieutenant Rolette is interesting as it
relates to the designs of the Enemy on our vessels on the
Lakes, and the means for executing them.
Lieutenant Colonel Myers sends to Colonel Macdonell,
Lieutenant Rolette’s Report of the Capture of the Detroit,
and other information relative to the Marine Department.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe,
M. GenT, &c.
Noah Freer, Esq., Montreal.
TO STRENGTHEN THE BRITISH FORCE.
Fort George, 26 Oct’r, 1812.
Sir: I have been honored with your Excellency’s des-
patch of the 19th of this month, with its several enclosures,
apprising me of the addition of two Companies of the
Glengary levy and of two Gun Boats, which you have been
pleased to make to the force employed for the protection
of the communication of the River, and, also, of the ap-
pointment of Lieutenant Colonel Pearson to the command
of the Lower District of this Province.
As I conceive that Colonel Procter has a claim to re-
muneration on account of the increase of duty and of
expense brought upon him by the administration of the
Government of the Michigan territory, I shall do myself
the honor of addressing a particular representation on the
subject to your Excellency.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
295
The ascendency of our Marine on the Lakes cannot, in
my opinion, be maintained, but by the adoption of the
measure which your Excellency has recommended to His
Majesty’s Ministers. It will be seen from Lieutenant
Rolette’s information that the Enemy is acting on that
principle.
An augmentation of the Artillery on this Line is par-
ticularly desirable, it being necessary to employ too great a
proportion of Militia men with that description of our
force: the original selection of them was in many instances
injudicious, and I am endeavoring to make some beneficial
changes.
I am still without intelligence from Colonel Procter.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe, Major GenT.
His Excellency
Sir George Prevost, Bar’t
INDIAN DEPARTMENT APPOINTMENTS.
Fort George, 25th Oct., 1812.
Sir: I have laid your letter of the 24th of this month
before the President, and I am commanded by His Honor
to inform you, that he is pleased to approve of your recom-
mendation of the following persons to fill the situations in
the Indian Department at this Post, annexed to their several
names.
J. B. Rousseau, Resident and Captain at...
Benjamin Fairchild, Lieu’t & Interpreter..
Peter Fairchild, Assistant Storekeeper.....
William I. Chew, Lieutenant...............
George Martin, Assistant Interpreter.......
10/— pr day
7/6	“
2/6
5/-	“
5/- “
Pay to commence from this date inclusive.
The President has been further pleased to approve of
the appointment of James Cooper, to succeed Barnabas
Cain, as Indian Black-smith, the latter of whom from his
long services and great age, His Honor permits to retire296	GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
from that situation on a pension of two shillings and six
pence a day.
I have the honor to be &c
N. Coffin,
A. D. C.
The Hon’ble Colonel Claus
REMUNERATION FOR COL. PROCTER.
Fort George, 27 October, 1812.
Sir:	I have the honor of representing to your Excel-
lency that a great increase of duty and of expense has been
brought upon Colonel Procter by his administering the
Government of the conquered Territory of Michigan: I
therefore beg leave to offer the case to your Excellency’s
consideration and to recommend that Colonel Procter shall
be allowed a remuneration of twenty shillings a day, or
such other sum as may be deemed adequate for the whole
period of his administering that Government.
I have the honor to be,
R. H. Sheaffe
Major Gen'l
Sir George Prevost
WATCHING THE AMERICANS.
Fort George, 31 Oct’r, 1812.
Sir : I have the honor to inform you that I was ordered
to this place from Detroit by Colonel Procter on the 24th
inst. to ascertain whether the Enemy had cut off the com-
munication between the two places, as from Colonel
Procter’s not having received any official account of an
action which he heard had been fought at Queenston on the
13th inst., he had reasons to believe it was the case: and as
I rec’d my information relating to it, on which I could
depend, I was ordered to transmit it to him. Colonel
Procter ordered me to inform you that Colonel Elliott was
going out to the foot of the Miami’s Rapids with aboutGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.	297
three or four hundred Indians, and on their arrival there,
they were to be joined by more. Their object in going was
to watch the movements' of the Americans (who were
fortifying themselves about two miles above Fort Defiance
on the Glaize River) and, if they could do it with advantage,
to attack them. From their having been so long in their
present position, Colonel Procter does not imagine that it is
their intention to advance any further into the country
this year. Colonel Procter also ordered me to say that he
was at a large Indian Council at Amherstburg, a few days
before I left Detroit, and the Indians all seemed unani-
mously inclined to support us.
I have the honor to be &c
J. Barnard, Lt. 41st Reg’t.
Major General Sheaffe
RETURNS CALLED FOR.
Copy to each
Fort George, 31st October, 1812.
Sir : I have it in command from Major General Sheaffe,
to request you will make a return of the number of Artillery
men that have been obtained since the last Return, and what
addition to that Number may be expected.
I have the honor to be &c
N. Coffin,
Ens’n A. D. C.
Major Geril Shaw
Lt. Colonel Clark
CANADIAN MILITIAMAN REFUSES DUTY.
Fort George, 1st Nov’r, 1812.
Sir: I have it in command from M. Gen’l Sheaffe to
request you will Report, whether Philip Wills ever took the
Oath of Allegiance, and of what country he is—what cause
Joseph Badgely assigns for refusing to take the oath of298
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
allegiance and do duty as a Militia man, and whether Wills
& Badgely have land in this Province.
The Major General also desires to be informed if P.
Wills and G. Fallow were tried by a Regimental Court
Martial for the crime of desertion, and if so, under what
clause of the Militia Act they were so tried and sentenced
to pay a fine.
I have &c
N. Coffin,
Ens. A. D. C.
Lieut. Col. Clark
EXCHANGE VALUE OF AN INDIAN CHIEF.
Head Quarters of the Army of the Centre
Camp near Lewistown [? i Nov. 1812].
Sir: Your Letter dated yesterday I have this Moment
had the Honor to receive.
In the agreement respecting an Exchange of Prisoners
signed by Col. Winder & Major Evans, there is nothing
said of the Indian Chief, but any verbal agreement entered
into by Colonel Winder will be fullfiled.
Colonel Winder addressed a Note to Gen’l Vanrensselaer
stating that you estimated the Indian Chief as equal to a
Militia Major, and requesting instructions.
I propose to Exchange the Indian Chief for the 26 Men,
7 women, & 6 children taken at Chicago, or such of them as
were not butchered.
The Prisoners at Buffalo have not been intentionally
detained, the transfer of command has prevented the order
being given.
The conduct of Mr. Hamilton, particularly in attempt-
ing to cross to Canada by Night and alone, would justify
us in treating him as a spy, but willing to proceed in a
liberal manner I accept your proposals for his Exchange,
the delicacy of his situation, & the importance of his con-
nexion, will justify me in estimating him as a Captain of
Regular Troops.
For the Master Commandant of the Detroit, alias
Adams, I expect a Captain of Regulars in Exchange, IGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
299
think he ranks so by your Regulations, for Mr. Carr [sic:
Kerr] Lt. of Marines & Mr. Mulroy [sic: Molloy] you will
please to release Lt. Totten & Randolph.
I am very sorry that the Moment I am writing this
Despatch, a British Prisoner is found exploring the camp.
I have placed him in close confinement.
As I am averse to taking a single life or occasioning a
single calamity, without an object, I propose a further con-
tinuance of the armistice indefinitely, each party having a
right to terminate it, giving thirty Hours notice to the other
party, the armistice to extend along the frontier from the
Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.
I have &c
(GenT) Alex Smyth
B. GenT, Commdg
Major GenT Sheaffe.
SHEAFFE TO PREVOST—ATTACK EXPECTED.1
Fort George, 3d Nov’r 1812.
Sir : I have at last the satisfaction of reporting to your
Excellency the arrival of intelligence from Detroit, and
likewise from Michillimackinac. His Majesty’s schooner
Lady Prevost, arrived some days since bringing Mr. Robert
Dickson and Mr. Crawford. When they left Detroit, no
other information had been received of the occurrences of
the 13th of October, than that Major General Brock had
fallen, and Queenstown was in the possession of the
Enemy. Colonel Procter fearing that the communication
was cut off, would not send a written communication, either
by them or by Colonel Caldwell or Lieut. Barnard, who
have since arrived by land: the substance of what the last
was directed to say to me is contained in a written state-
ment herewith enclosed to which I have added Mr. Dick-
son’s intelligence.
Whilst engaged in writing this despatch, Lieut. Colonel
Bishop [sic] has arrived by the way of York and has
brought me your Excellency’s despatch of the 21st of
October. I beg that your Excellency will accept my very
1. Printed in Cruikshank, Doc. Hist., iv, 175-6, from the Canadian-Archives.300
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
grateful thanks for the kind and gracious manner in which
you have noticed my humble services: fortune and the
comparative composition of the Corps which I commanded
were quite adequate to the accomplishment of all that was
effected on the 13th of October. I am much mortified to
find that I omitted the names of Captain Chisholm, com-
manding a flank company of the York Militia and of Lieut.
Ball, commanding the Militia Artillery attached to the post
of Queenstown. Captain Dennis’s Report since transmit-
ted, has partly supplied that omission:	he commends
highly both those officers, and in Justice to them, I have
issued an Order acknowledging my omission and their
merit.
I send to the Military Secretary some Documents rela-
tive to appointments which appear to me to he beneficial
to His Majesty’s service—those in the Barrack department
were authorized by Major General Brock. I transmit also
Major Heathcote’s report of the attack made on the Escort
under his command, not being certain that a copy of it has
been before sent down.
The Enemy appears to be busily employed in preparing
for another attack, and, I believe, has received reinforce-
ments and supplies of various kinds. A number of large
Boats has been conveyed up by land above the Falls, and
are on the communication between Schlosser and Black
Rock, where the greater part of their force seems to be
collected. I have strengthened the Right of our line, and
I intend detaching to it a portion of the Indians, of whom
there are about four hundred here; but I shall be cautious
of making any further diminution of the number ori this
flank.
I suspect that after their demonstration on the frontier
of the Lower Province, a large portion of their Troops was
withdrawn to act against the Upper Province.
We are yet employed in raising works for the protection
of the interior of Fort George—the Magazine is considered
secure from the effect of hot shot.
The Armistice still continues, and I hope will not be
terminated before the arrival of the vessels with the sup-
plies for the Militia, many of whom are in a very destitute
state with respect to clothing and all in what regards bed-
ding and Barrack Comforts in General—these wants causeGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
301
discontent and desertion, but the conduct of a great ma-
jority of them is highly honorable to them, and I have not
failed to encourage it, by noticing it in Public Orders.
Their number in this District has been so much increased
since the nomination of a Paymaster for it, and his busi-
ness is so much in arrear, that I have been compelled to
appoint two other Paymasters for the Corps along this
frontier.
I have the honor to be
R. H. Sheaffe
Major GenT
His Excellency Sir George Prevost Bar’t
EXTRACTS OF A LETTER TO COLONEL VINCENT, DATED FORT
GEORGE, 4TH NOVEMBER, l8l2 (FROM g'l SHEAFFE).
“You will cause to be embarked and forwarded as soon
as practicable, two Companies of the 49th Regiment, to
consist of at least one hundred and ten effective Rank &
file, with Officers & non-c’d Officers in proportion—if the
average strength of the Companies be greater, the full
number belonging to them is to be sent up—but sick, dis-
abled &c are to be retained at Kingston. Also three com-
panies of the Glengary levy, one of which is at present
intended to be stationed at York. If the Commanding
Officer and Staff of that Corps be at Kingston, their Head
Quarters may for the present be established there: but
their Major is to be with the Companies destined for this
place. I hope that Major Clark will be in time at Kingston
to come up with the Companies of the 49th Reg’t, and also,
some other Officers of that Corps, as well as the reinforce-
ment of Artillery of a second Captain and fourteen men,
which I learn is on its way to me:—-Many more will yet be
wanted, for we are deficient nearly one hundred of the
number required to complete the Batteries and field Train.
I take it for granted, that you have a portion of Your
Militia trained for both.
“I approve of your causing an additional number of the
Militia to be called out—Your means of defence may be
required to their utmost extent. I approve, also, of your302
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
fitting up as a Barrack, the Building you mention, if it
should be wanted, and no less expensive plan- can be
adopted.
“Mr. Green, who is appointed to act as the Chief of the
Commissariat in the lower District, will take the Estimates
for Dundas, &c., to the 24th of August for correction.
“If you are satisfied that the Field Guns cannot perform
the service which may be required of them without the
addition of four more Horses, they may be employed: but
in that as well as every other expense, it should be well
ascertained that at least a corresponding benefit is obtained
for His Majesty’s service.
“I mean to send down 25 Rifles for Capt’n Sherwood,
as provided by our Lamented friend and a 24 p’r for
Prescott or elsewhere.”
ASKS PROMOTION FOR CAPTAIN GLEGG.
Fort George, 5 November, 1812.
Sir:	In justice to the memory of my deceased friend
and predecessor, as well as to the merit of Captain Glegg,
his surviving Aide-de-Camp, I cannot refrain from taking
the liberty of recommending that Officer to Your Excel-
lency’s special protection, and of praying that you will be
pleased to submit his claim to promotion to the Gracious
consideration of His Royal Highness the Commander in
chief.
I presume to ask this in the name of the gallant and able
Chief under whom Captain Glegg contributed to the extra-
ordinary success which was achieved at Detroit, and my
testimony is already recorded, that he also afforded essen-
tial aid in the execution of the humble exploit which ter-
minated the day on which his friend and General so
gloriously fell in the cause of his King and Country.
I have the honor to be, &c
R. H. Sheaffe
M. GenT
His Excellency Sir George PrevostGEN. SHEAFFE}S LETTER BOOK.
303
SHEAFFE TO CAPTAIN ROBERTS.
Fort George, 6 Nov’r, 1812.
Sir:	I have received Your letter of the 12th October,
and from Colonel Procter a Copy of that to him of the 18th
with which I had one from him, apprising me of his inten-
tion to send a further supply of provisions to you, though
not so much as you had required, not being able to spare
the whole quantity. I hope however, that you will receive
enough to supply your wants till the next season—if there
are any resources within your reach, and there be any risk
of your being in need of the aid they might supply, lose no
time in securing the benefit of them. I hope that Your
Boat has returned long ere this—its long detention in con-
sequence of being obliged to wait for aid from York, will,
I trust, prove the only foundation for alarm.
The deserter Kelly is here—on his way down. The
case of Parkes, and Magrath is reported to Head Quarters,
from whence the decision on it must come—but I cannot
refrain from observing that I do not think it probable that
your detaining them for the purpose of doing duty will be
approved of, especially after having received an Order to
send them down.
I am glad to find that your neighbours of L’Arbre
acroche1 have changed their tone—the intelligence which
you will receive with this of our Successes in Spain, and of
the recent operations in this vicinity will tend to confirm
them in their sentiments of good will towards us. For the
rest I refer you to your friend Capt’n Glegg—and to the
Brigade Major.
I was sworn in as President on the 20th Oct.
I am, Sir, your very humble Servant
R. H. Sheaffe
M. Gen’l Comtn’g &c
Captain Roberts
(comm, at the Post at the head of Lake Huron)
1. Early French settlement and Ottawa mission on Little Traverse bay,
Lake Michigan, now Harbor Springs, Mich. Early records speak of two vil-
lages of Arbre Croche, but they were probably near each other. The name
appears in many forms, in British officers’ letters and reports—Arbtecroche,
Arbicrook, etc.304
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
APPOINTMENTS SUGGESTED.
Fort George, 6 Nov’r, 1812.
Sir: I beg that you will lay before His Excellency the
Commander of the Forces my Request that he will be
pleased to appoint Brigade Major Evans, Acting Dep’y
Adjutant General in this Province, and Captain Loring of
the 104th Regiment, Brigade Major to the Forces in his
stead.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe
M. Geril
Colonel Baynes
EXTRACTS FROM a LETTER TO COLONEL PROCTER DATED FORT
GEORGE, 6TH NOVEMBER, l8l2.
“Your precautions with regard to provisions are highly
prudent and commendable. I hope that the quantity you
have sent to Capt’n Roberts (which you do not state) will
prove sufficient with good management and an early atten-
tion to securing any supplies in his reach, which I have
recommended to him in a letter going by York and Matcha-
dosh. The Dep’y Commissary General will write to Mr.
Gilmore on the subject of further supplies to Your Dis-
trict.,,
“Two Companies of the Glengary Corps are at Prescott,
and six more I suppose by this time at Kingston, from
whence I mean to draw three of them, and two Companies
of the 49th. One of the Glengary is destined for York, the
other two with those of the 49th are to be distributed on
this frontier:— I am informed that some transports were
in the River with Officers and men for the Reg’ts in the
two Provinces— I may yet be able to send you a rein-
forcement : but the Enemy seems to be making formidable
preparations for another attack.”
“Colonel Nichol and his supplies are not yet arrived here.
Lt. Col. Bisshopp, I. F. O. M. came up to Kingston with
him, and, about eight days ago, left him to travel by land—
the wind is now fair. I detain Lt. Barnard to carry any
further intelligence that our next arrival may bring.”GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.	305-
“I have represented your case, and propose 20/ a day
for you, or such other sum as may be deemed a sufficient
remuneration.”
“If your wish about your Staff can be accomplished
without detriment or risk to the service, I shall attend to it.”
“The Armistice still continues here. I confide in your
vigilance and Activity to obtain intelligence.”
gen. wadsworth's parole.
York, 8th November 1812.
Sir:	I arrived here last night, having come over to
execute some Provincial business, and I propose returning
tonight to Fort George. I found Doctor Ridmound1 here
and was honored by him with Your Excellency's Dispatch
of the 27th of October: It mortifies me extremely that my
conduct with regard to the Prisoners, and in allowing B.
General Wadsworth to go on his Parole with the rest of the
Militia is not approved of by Your Excellency, in adopting
it I was encouraged by motives of Duty, conceiving that it
would be productive of Public benefit: a similar considera-
tion influenced me in acceding to the Armistice, which I
shall terminate as soon as it shall appear to me to cease to
operate in our favour to such an extent as to justify it.
The Moira with Colonel Nichol on Board, and the
Simcoe arrived yesterday at Fort George with stores of
various kinds; every exertion was making for landing
them speedily, and I gave directions for the immediate dis-
tribution of those Articles which the Militia particularly
require.
The moment that an officer of the Artillery arrives at
Fort George, Lieut. King shall be ordered to this Post, that
his services may be devoted to the Marine Department.
I have directed an inquiry to be made into our Naval
resources, and reports to be made thereon, preparatory to
such exertions as Your Excellency may think proper to
authorize in order to counteract the efforts of the Enemy,
1. So in MS.; probably should read “Redmond.” This letter is in Cruik-
shank, Doc. Hist., iv, 186.306
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
and to preserve the ascendancy of our Marine. Captain
Earle reports in a Letter of Lt. Colonel Myers, that they
are building “a large Vessel and several Gun Boats” at
Sachets' Harbor.— elsewhere on this Lake, as well as on
Lake Erie, similar exertions may be expected on the part
of the Enemy.
EXTRACT OF LETTER TO COLONEL BAYNES DATED, YORK, 8TH
NOVEMBER, l8l2.
My Dear Colonel : “I came here yesterday to transact
business of some importance and shall return as speedily
as possible to Fort George;-— Some of our supplies ar-
rived there yesterday morning with Colonel Nichol.
“As I take for granted that Colonel Vincent reports to
head Quarters any thing worthy of communication that
occurs within his command, I do not repeat the intelligence
he transmits to me.
“In one of my letters to His Excellency I have recom-
mended B. Major Evans to be appointed to act as Dep'y
Adj’t General here, and Captain Loring as Brigade Major—
and as B. Major Evans is so soon to be promoted, I would
beg leave to substitute Capt'n Glegg for him in that depart-
ment—but I find that he is desirous of succeeding him in
what he holds and not in being recommended for that which
he has not.
“Sir George is so good as to say that Captain Loring
shall come up to me—when he arrives I shall try to make
some arrangement to provide both for him and for Mr.
Coffin.
“In ordering up some of the Troops from Kingston on
the arrival of the Glengary Companies, I gave Colonel
Vincent a discretionary power to detain a greater portion
if the intelligence he may have of the Enemy's movements
or designs should render it prudent to do so. There is a
very fresh gale now from the Eastward to push those
Companies on.”GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
307
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO COLONEL VINCENT DATED, YORK,
8TH NOVEMBER, l8l2.
“I am glad to learn that your Indians and party of
Militia, escaped so much better from Grand Island than
was at first reported—discreet and intelligent Officers
should always be selected for such expeditions, on which
too much caution and vigilance cannot be used—nothing
can be more disgraceful to a party employed for the pur-
pose of watching the movements of the Enemy than being
surprised.
“Your favorable report of Colonel Ferguson and Mr.
Anderson will induce me to accede to Colonel Claus’s
recommendation and authorise their being appointed Resi-
dent Captains and Interpreters at Kingston from the 25th
October, which will be announced tho’ you will find a ref-
erence to you respecting one if not both in a letter I wrote
from Fort George.
“If the movements or designs of the Enemy should be
ascertained to be such as to justify it, you may use a discre-
tionary power with regard to the number to be detached
from Kingston— I allude to my order for two Companies
of the 49th & three of the Glengary levy to be forwarded to
Fort George:— As to a force being sent from Niagara to
Sackett’s harbour in consequence of the armistice, it is not
to be credited—if there were an armistice for a fixed period
of sufficient duration to allow time for such an operation
as that you mention it might be effected—but it would be
as readily undertaken without any armistice as during one
which may be terminated in thirty hours from any given
moment: they have an advantage over us in their increas-
ing means whilst ours are diminishing, and they must be
fools indeed if they have not yet found out that our system
is defensive, which adds still more to their power of annoy-
ance.
“I take for granted that you make a direct report to
Head Quarters at Montreal of every thing worthy of com-
munication.”GEN. SFLEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
SHEAFFE TO PREVOST—MOVEMENT OF FORCES.
Fort George, 16th Nov’r, 1812.
Sir: I was honored on the 14th Instant with your Ex-
cellency’s dispatch of the 30th of Oct’r by Capt’n Loring;
he, also, brought me a report from Co’l Vincent of the
attack made on the Royal George in the port of Kingston
by the Enemy’s flotilla from Sackets harbour; though it
retired without having effected much mischief, the attempt
indicates great confidence in their strength, and, perhaps,
was made with a view to discovering ours at that point, and
the position of our batteries: the Moira sailed from York
on the afternoon of the 1 ith Inst, and on the following day
there was a fall of snow, with a fresh wind from the north
west. I have therefore hopes of her having arrived at
Kingston unmolested by the Enemy, who, probably, had
thought it prudent to return to his own port: the Moira
had on board a twenty four pounder captured at Detroit,
with some ammunition for it. It was intended for Prescot,
but if it fortunately arrive safe at Kingston, Colonel Vin-
cent will no doubt think it prudent to detain it there. The
wind has blown fresh from the North west for many Days,
and has kept the Prince Regent here: a Rifle company is
going over to York in that vessel, and I send in her the
necessary aid for preparing a furnace for heating shot.
I transmit information recently received from the other
side; the force of the Enemy is variously stated, but I
believe it to be nearer the smallest than the greatest number
assigned to it. Doct’r Redmond having completed his in-
spection of the Hospitals in this district, will proceed to
York in the Prince Regent, and go down from thence by
land. The Lady Prevost is reported to have arrived today
from Detroit, the letters she may have brought are not yet
come down; it is now late and I shall tomorrow add any
intelligence I may receive by her
I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s, Most ob’t and
Most Hum’l Servant
R. H. Sheaffe
M. GenT Comm’g.
His Excellency Sir George Prevost.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
309
RECOMMENDS COL. MYERS FOR PROMOTION.
Fort George, 17th Nov’r, 1812.
Sir : I have the honour of transmitting to your Excel-
lency an application from Lieut. Colonel Myers, Dep’y
Quarter Master General, which cannot be more strongly
supported than it deserves. During the period that he has
acted with me on this frontier, I have been indebted in an
eminent degree to his experience and exertions, and I beg
leave to recommend his pretensions to Your Excellency’s
countenance and protection, feeling assured that the ac-
tivity, zeal, talents and past services of that officer give him
the highest claim to favour and consideration.
I have the honour to be Your Excellency’s Most ob’t and
Most humble Servant
R. H. Sheaffe.
[To Sir George Prevost.]
Fort George, 18th Nov’r, 1812.
Sir : I last night received Letters from Colonel Procter
Copies of which I have the honor of forwarding to your
Excellency.	_
I also transmit some intelligence received by Colonel
Claus, in which there are Details not noticed in Colonel
Elliot’s Letter, to Lt. Colonel St. George.
I have the honor to be
R. H. Sheaffe
To His Excellency Sir George Prevost
Fort George, 18th Nov’r, 1812.
Sir: I transmit some documents, relative to the Marine
establishment on the Lakes, to be laid before His Excellency
the Commander of the Forces, for his consideration, and
also a return of losses sustained by a Detachment of the
Newfoundland Reg’t on board of His Majesty’s snow
Detroit, when captured by the Enemy, as I conceive that
conformably with the Regulation of the 1st of March 1796.310
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
His Excellency’s authority is necessary for the payment of
the sum to indemnify the sufferers on that occasion.
I have the honor to be
R. H. Sheaffe
To Noah Freer, Esq’r,
Military Secretary,
Quebec.
BRIG. GEN. SMYTH HEARD FROM.
Head Quarters of the Army of the Centre
Camp near Buffaloe 19th Nov’r 1812.
Sir:	It becomes my duty to give you notice, that the
Armistice agreed on to extend along the Frontier from
Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, will cease and determine on
the Evening of tomorrow the 20th inst. at 9 o’clock.
Very respectfully Your most obed’t
Alexander Smyth
Britfr GenT Commanding
To the Commanding officer
at Fort Erie.
Fort Erie, Nov. 19th, 1812 12-1/2 p. m.
Sir : The enclosed I have received this moment, stating
that the Armistice terminates on the Evening of tomorrow
the 20th inst. at 9 o’clock.
I have the honor to be
A. Ormsby,
Major 49th Reg3t
To Major General Sheaffe,
Fort George.
joy at cessation of armistice.1
Fort George, 19th Nov. 1812.
Sir: I have the honor of acquainting your Excellency
that about half past eight o’Clock this night, I received a
1. Printed from Canadian Archives, in Cruikshank, Doc. Hist., iv, 222.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
311
Letter from Major Ormsby, Commanding at Fort Erie,
dated at half past twelve this day,— enclosing a Letter
addressed to him from Brigadier General Smyth, Com-
manding “The Army of the Centre” as he styles it, in which
he announces that the Armistice is to terminate at “nine
o’Clock tomorrow evening the 20th instant.”
The despatch which this accompanies was intended to
go by Dr. Redmond in the Prince Regent to York, but the
arrival from Detroit having given me some intelligence to
add to it, and there being another vessel at my disposal, and
the Prince Regent having on board what might be essential
to the defence of York, the wind being fair, I allowed her
to sail. Unfortunately the wind soon after shifted and has
detained the other vessel, but if the wind should not prove
favorable early in the morning, I shall send off an Express
by Land.
Lt. Colonel Bisshopp returned this Evening from a
second inspection of the Militia. He had heard on his way
down of the approaching termination of the armistice, and
imparted the intelligence to some of the Corps stationed on
his route, who received it with strong marks of joy: but I
should wish to have had possession first of some essential
articles for them, that are yet at Kingston. Shoes particu-
larly, of which, it unfortunately happens, that but a small
portion has been brought up. I should have been glad too
to have been joined by the Party of Artillery, before the
Rupture of the Armistice. As it is, I almost dispair of
their coming here. Winter seems to have set in. A strong
North west wind has been blowing nearly a fortnight, with
the intermission only of the short period, which permitted
the sailing of the Prince Regent.
Whatever may be the event of another conflict with the
Enemy, I feel confident, that the Troops in general that I
have the honor to command, will perform their Duty.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
R. H. Sheaffe.
To His Excellency Sir George Prevost312	GEN, SHEAFFE'S LETTER BOOK.
AN EXCHANGE OF SHOT.
Fort George, 23rd Nov. 1812.
Sir : Having formed the resolution of opening a fire on
Fort Niagara after the expiration of the Armistice, with
a view to cripple it for a cooperation in any projected early
attack on this Flank, and to create a diversion in favor of
the other flank should the designs of the Enemy be directed
against it, it being reported that his main body was assem-
bled in front of it, preparations were accordingly made for
the purpose and the fire was commenced on the morning of
the 21 st instant. I had previously set out for the right
Flank, thinking that my presence might be more required
there, those able officers Lt. Col. Myers and Captain Hol-
croft being here to conduct the operations, assisted by
Brigade Major Evans, under whose direction they had been
so successful on the 13th October. The Report which I
have the honor of transmitting will inform your Excellency
of the Events of the day; the advantage tho’ not so great
as might reasonably have been expected, is however on our
side. The old building in front of Fort George, that was
burnt, intercepted the view of the beach from a commanding
position. The damage done to the buildings in the Fort
can be repaired in two or three days, none of the guns or
works have been injured, and we have only to lament the
loss of an Inhabitant, an old Half Pay Officer, Cap’t Fry
[Frey], who was killed whilst employed in collecting shot
(as he said to send back to the Enemy), and one Private of
the 49th Regiment. Some of the houses of the town were
damaged, particularly two or three of them, but not one was
burnt tho’ it was found that the Enemy’s shot were in gen-
eral heated. His expenditure in ammunition must have been
very great, his fire having been very quick, it was, of course,
ill directed. The number of his shot already collected and
added to our piles, probably exceeds that which was fired
by us. The extent of the mischief done by our fire cannot
be ascertained, but from the observations made, as noticed
in the accompanying reports, the damage and loss that the
Enemy suffered must have far exceeded ours.
In my visit to the other part of the Line, I observed two
large camps,—one at Schlosser, and the other below Black
Rock; the Troops appear to have been withdrawn fromGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
313
the former, the other is partly concealed by an Island. I
did not discover many men near it. Their greatest assembly
of Troops is said to be near Buffaloe, and is not visible from
any part of our Line: Indications have been discovered of
their preparing boats for a movement. I have directed some
Indians to be sent on Grand Island secretly to watch their
motions. Lieut. Colonel Bisshopp, whom I find an active
and intelligent officer, is at present on that Flank; Major
General Shaw, who commanded there, with the rank of
Colonel in the Militia, and the pay of Lieut. Colonel, having
relinquished the command to return to the duties of Adju-
tant General of Militia, in which his services were much
wanted. The number of the Militia in the field has consid-
erably increased since the notice was given of the termina-
tion of the Armistice, but it is partly in consequence of
measures that had been previously adopted for calling in
absentees; they are very alert at their several posts and
continue generally to evince the best disposition. Some old
loyalists, who bore arms in the American War, have come
in, tho’ exempt from service in the Militia. I retain them
for the present as they are still capable of stationary service,
and their lessons and example will have a happy influence
on the Youth in the Militia ranks.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe
To His Excellency Sir George Prevost
A FRAGMENT.
To Flis Honor, Roger Hale Sheaffe, Esq'r.
President administering the Government of Upper Canada,
and Major General commanding His Majesty's
Forces within the same, &c &c &c.
May it please your Honor : We trust that your Honor
will believe that the following observations proceed from
the purest motives, which we as a committee of the Execu-
tive council, do now submit to your consideration.
We rejoice with our Fellow subjects at the success which
has hitherto attended his Majesty's arms, but while reflect-314
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
ing with pleasure on the past, we cannot conceal our anxiety
for the future. By land our success has exceeded our hopes
—not so is our warfare on the Lakes. Whether this is to
be ascribed to inferiority of strength on our part [or] acci-
dent, which the wisest and the [brav]est can neither forsee
or prevent, or to the inexperience of our Naval
[incomplete]
AS TO MAJOR HEATHCOTE^S CONDUCT.
Fort George, 23d Nov’r, 1812.
Sir: I have received from Colonel Vincent the proceed-
ings of the Court of Enquiry, ordered to examine into the
conduct of Major Heathcote of the Royal Newfoundland
Regiment, when commanding an Escort of Batteaux with
stores, that was attacked on or about the 16th Sept’r.
The Court declares its opinion that “from the Evidence
before it, there are not any grounds for a court Martial.,,
I direct Colonel Vincent to send down to you another
copy of the report to be laid before His Excellency the
Commander of the Forces, for his decision thereon.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
R. H. Sheaffe
To Colonel Baynes
TO COL. CLAUS AND OTHERS.
Fort George [no date]
Gentlemen : I am directed by His Honor Major Gen-
eral Sheaffe to communicate to you his wish, for your
assembling on some early day for the purposes for which
you have been appointed. But as circumstances have so
much changed since the date of the Proclamation under
which you have been instructed to act, that the public
safety may be endangered by granting Passports to the
extent which was then contemplated. His Honor desires
that you will report for his consideration, the cases of allGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
315
claimants of Passports, and that you will suspend the grant-
ing any, until he shall have decided thereon.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, &c
Robert R. Loring
Capt., A. D. C.
To Colonel Claus, Tho's Dickson, Esq., Joseph Edwards,
Esq’r.
CIRCULAR.
Fort George, 23d Nov’r, 1812
His Honor Major General Sheaffe desires that you will
exert your best effort to obtain accurate information of all
those in your district, who are qualified for serving in His
Majesty’s vessels on the Lakes, and are willing to be so
employed; and he requests that you will as soon as prac-
ticable transmit to him the names and descriptions of such
persons, with remarks respecting their qualifications and
the situations to which they may have pretensions.
Christo. Myers
To Officers Commanding Districts.
“activity of the enemy.”
Fort George, 23rd Nov’r, 1812.
Sir: I have this day received a packet from York, con-
taining a Letter from Colonel Vincent, apprising me of the
return of Paymaster Brock,1 49th Reg’t, from Sackett’s
Harbour, and of the intelligence brought from thence by
him. It fully confirms that which had been previously
received thro several channels, of the activity of the Enemy
in preparing the most formidable means for establishing a
superiority on the Lakes. If the weather at this advanced
period should counteract their design of employing them
1. Capt. James Brock, who had served a© secretary to Gen-. Brock. Cruik-
shank prints a part of this letter from the Canadian Archives* (Doc. Hist., iv,
229.)316
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
against us this season, and we should be fortunate enough
to maintain our military Positions in this Province during
the Winter, it will require exertions of the most energetic
kind to enable us to contend with them in the Spring for
the ascendancy on the Lakes, to obtain which engages the
particular attention of the American Government as being
necessary to the attainment of what is evidently the main
object of the War, the possession of the Upper Province
with an ulterior view to establishing a control of the numer-
ous Indian Nations.
I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency a
copy of an address which I have received from the Com-
mittee of the Executive Council of this Province, respect-
ing the comparative state of its Marine. The subject is
indeed interesting, and has a special claim on the attention
of the Guardians of the Public Welfare.
I am informed by the Deputy Commissary General that
the sum in the Military Chest will soon be exhausted. I
therefore hope, if there be not a supply of money on the
way to us, Your Excellency will be pleased to order one to
be forwarded without delay.
I have the honor to be &c.
R. H. Sheaffe
To His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart
AN ATTACK OPPOSITE BLACK ROCK.1
Chippawa, 30th Nov’r, 1812.
Sir: I have the honour of reporting to Your Excellency
that very early in the morn’g on the 28th an attack was
made on our batteries opposite to Black rock, they were
wrested from us for a time by Superior numbers; but
Major Ormsby of the 49th Reg’t with a body of Troops
from Fort Erie having formed a junction with Lieut. Col
Bisshopp who had moved up with great celerity from Chip-
pawa with reinforcements; those of the Enemy who had
not retired to their own shore, amounting to nearly forty,
were made prisoners, with Capt’n King, who had com-
manded in the attack.
1. In Canadian Archives. Cruikshank, Doc. Hist., iv, 252.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
317
On receiving information of the attack I went up, hav-
ing previously ordered a movement of some Troops to
strengthen those posts, from which reinforcements had been
detached to the right flank; on my arrival there, I found
the Enemy in great force of which he seemed to make an
ostentatious display, some on shore, some in boats, and
perhaps with the hope of its giving effect to a summons
which Lieut. Co’l Bisshopp had received to surrender Fort
Erie.
When I approached the ground opposite to Black rock
several large bodies of the Enemy were seen moving down-
wards; I suspected their intention to be either to advance
from the bottom of Squaw Island in aid of a direct attack
above it in front of Black rock, or that a design against this
post, or some lower point was in contemplation. I there-
fore caused some detachments that I had passed on the
road, to be halted opposite to the foot of Squaw Island, and
I remained there till night approached, when I set off for
this post. I continue here as being a central situation, in
which I can quickly receive intelligence from either ex-
tremity of the line.
It appears that in the affair of the 28th the loss on our
part, if not the early success of the Enemy, was chiefly
owing to his having been mistaken for friendly succour
coming from some neighbouring quarter.
Captain FitzGerald, of the 49th Reg’t was employed to
carry to Black rock Lieut: Co’l Bisshopp’s answer to the
summons he received; he saw B: General Smyth who
desired him to survey his force— he counted fifty-six large
boats with men in them, and there was a great number of
Troops on shore, in all, he thought, about five thousand,
and he saw six scows with a field piece in each, and Horses
with every appurtenance for field movement.
I have not yet received Lieut: Co’l Bisshopp’s official
report, nor the Returns of the Killed, wounded, and Miss-
ing. I wait for them to despatch an Express.
Lieut. Col Bisshopp deserves high commendation for
the spirit and activity he displayed, and great credit is due
to the officers and men who acted under his orders. It was
unfortunate for the service that those valuable officers
Lieut. King of the Royal Artillery, and Lieut. Lamont of
the 49th Reg’t, were so early disabled, otherwise the most318	GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
beneficial effects might have been expected from their
exertions.
I have the honour to be Your Excellency’s Most Ob’t
hum’l ser’t
R. H. Sheaffe
M. Geril Comm’g
His Excellency Sir George Prevost Bart
THE OPERATIONS OF NOV. 28TH.1
Fort George, 4th Dec’r, 1812.
Sir:	Some circumstances rendering my presence here
necessary, I came down yesterday from Chippawa. *
I have the honor of transmitting Lieut. Co’l Bisshopp’s
report of the operations of the 28th of Nov’r, with a return
of the Killed, wounded and missing which I received yes-
terday evening. I also inclose sundry other documents,
among them is a Proclamation by B. General Smyth, its
character altogether is such as reflects the greatest discredit
on those who could authorize its publication: it has not yet
fully answered its purpose. From the information in some
of the accompanying papers Your Excellency will perceive
that a want of mutual confidence existed between the Gen-
eral and his Troops; this is confirmed by intelligence I
received this morning from Lieut. Co’l Bisshopp, that
Assistant Surgeon Steele, who had been taken prisoner on
the 28th, had returned bringing the information that B.
General Smyth had been forced to leave Buffaloe because
he had declined moving his Troops across the River. The
night before the last I received a dispatch from Co’l Procter,
the substance of which is herewith transmitted: it was
brought by Lieut. Merritt of the Provincial Dragoons, who
was employed to convey the supply of cash and army bills
to Dep’y Ass’t Commis’y Gen’l Gilmore who writes to the
Dep’y Commissary General that he feels confident of
being sufficiently supplied with provisions until the opening
of the navigation without further aid from him, which is
fortunate, as a considerable quantity destined for Amherst-
1. Cruiks'hank, Doc. Hist., iv, 276, from Canadian Archives.GEN. SHEAFFE'S LETTER BOOK.	319
burgh has not been forwarded, circumstances having con-
spired to prevent it.
Our military chest is so nearly exhausted, and there are
so many demands on it, that I have given my sanction to
the Dep’y Comm’y General to issue notes, a transcript of
the form of which is transmitted to the Comm’y General.
[no signature.]
[no address; but to Prevost.]
Fort George, 6th Dec’r, 1812.
Sir : I am directed by Major General Sheaffe to forward
to you the inclosed notification of Appointments in the
Indian Department.
Colonel Vincent has been ordered to send you a state-
ment of the period, at which the Gentlemen holding the
Situations, commenced acting in them, as no information
on that head has as yet been received by the General.
I have the honor to be &c
Robert R. Loring,
Capfn, A. D. C.
To Noah Freer, Esq.
Quebec.
Note. The appointments were: Capt’n Ferguson to be
Resident s Captain at 10/ pr diem. Mr. Anderson to be
Interpreter at 5/ pr diem.
THE SITUATION SURVEYED.
Fort George, 9th Dec’r, 1812.
Sir: I have to apologise to your Excellency for the
omission of intelligence from Colonel Procter, when I dis-
patched my letter of the 4th inst. in which it was referred
to. I now have the honor of transmitting it. Appearances
on the other side agree with accounts we have lately re-
ceived. There are few men to be seen. The weather is
cold for the season, but as yet there is but little snow.
The desertion of our Militia has increased since the
beginning of this month, but I expect the voluntary return320
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
of many: I hope that the rigor of the season and the state
of the River will soon permit my authorising at least for a
time the absence of a large portion of the Militia. When
a bridge of ice shall be formed between us and the Enemy,
it will require all the force we can muster to afford a chance
of maintaining our position, and indeed the whole will prob-
ably be inadequate to the task of preventing occasional
predatory incursions. Some days ago a twenty-four
pounder (from Detroit) that had been remounted on one
of the Batteries opposite to Black Rock, burst, but for-
tunately did no other mischief than wounding Capt’n Kerby
of the Militia Artillery slightly in the hand: The Gun has
been replaced by an 18 pounder. A vessel having the ap-
pearance of one of the Enemy’s gun boats was seen yester-
day morning about io or 12 miles to the Eastward, near the
American shore. A bitter north west wind was blowing last
night and still continued: She had probably run back to
Sacket’s Harbour.
The weather has not permitted a communication by water
with York since the 21st of November, and it is now deemed
prudent to lay up the Prince Regent there. Colonel Vincent
has adopted the same opinion respecting the Royal George
and Moira at Kingston, that it would be attended with too
much hazard to allow them to sail, he therefore proposes
laying them up there, in which he does not forsee any disad-
vantage. There will at least be some inconvenience in their
being separated from the naval depot, and they run more
risk of injury from the Enemy at Kingston. I shall impress
on Colonel Vincent the necessity for taking every precau-
tion for their security.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe
His Excellency, Sir George Prevost, Bart.
TO REMUNERATE LIEUT. JOHNSTON.
Fort George, 12th Dec’r, 1812.
Sir: I am directed by His Honor, M. Gen’l Sheaffe to
desire that you will signify to the Honble J. McGill Ins’er
Gen’l of Prov’l accounts his approbation of a charge beingGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
321
made in the provincial accounts of £10.5.5%—as a re~
muneration to Lieut. Johnston of the Canadian Fencibles
for his past services in drilling and instructing certain com-
panies of the Militia.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most ob’t Hum,l
Servant
NathY Coffin,
A. D. C.
Edw’d McMahon, Esq’r
Acfy Sec’y, York.
THE MARINE ESTABLISHMENT.
Fort George, 16th Dec’r, 1812.
Sir: Capt’n Gray arrived here on the 14th and delivered
to me your Excellency’s dispatch of the 15th of November.
Lt. Colonel Myers will set out as speedily as possible for the
Lower Province, and will take with him all the information
that can be collected of the means which this Province can
furnish for aiding in the execution of the plan which is
proposed for the improvement of our Marine Establish-
ment to such an Extent as shall, at least, raise it to an
equality with the force preparing by the Enemy;— but for
this important purpose it must be owned, that assistance of
the most essential kind must be drawn from sources that
are not even under your Excellency’s control—besides ship-
wrights, rigging, guns, and equipment of various sorts which
the Lower Province may be able to supply—officers and
seamen from the Royal Navy will be required: an addition
of some heavy guns will be necessary for the defense of
the ports of Kingston and York: it is desirable, too, to have
some Gun Boats carrying guns of a large calibre—but the
construction of these must probably be deferred as a
secondary consideration, as it is not to be expected that we
shall be able to engage at once in preparing every kind of
vessel which may be deemed useful:— Captain Gray will
return to York and Kingston to give the necessary direc-
tions for commencing the work, and for putting in a state of
active operation all the aids that we can command for con-322
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
tributing to its progress. The detail of the proposed plan
will be taken down by Lt. Colonel Myers:— I have the
honor of enclosing a general sketch of it. It mortifies me
extremely to have to report to your Excellency that both
sickness and desertion increased among the Militia after
the date of my last despatch—indeed the desertion was
chiefly owing, I believe, to the distress in their families from
sickness, and the want of assistance in various ways, either
for providing for their comfort or their subsistence during
the winter:— it must be confessed, too, that the Militia
were but ill prepared for such cold weather as we have
experienced. The clothing for them came up so late that
with our defective means we could not get it made for them
in time—and it unfortunately happened that but a small
part of the shoes provided for them had arrived at Kings-
ton when Lt. Colonel Nichols sailed from thence with the
supplies which he brought up; the aid that we could obtain
in shoes and leather from the neighbouring parts of the
' Province was too scanty to answer the demand, especially
as [incomplete]1
i. This letter complete is in the Canadian Archives, and continues as fol-
lows:
“a considerable number of Indians, too, were to be supplied. The consequence
was that a deficiency of shoes was rapidly increasing, and some men were disabled
from doing duty for want of them. Under all these circumstances, it became
necessary to adopt the means of giving my sanction to the absence of the battalion
companies and to one flank company of each regiment, in order to prepare the
way for an arrangement for rendering the militia force on this frontier more
numerous and efficient at a short distance of time. I hope to have it effected in
the course of two or three weeks, and that the enemy in the meantime will not be
in a state to make an attack in such force as to overpower the resistance that can
be opposed to them. I ought not, however, to conceal from Your Excellency my
opinion that we must continue to be befriended by good fortune as well as by the
defective plans and organizations of the enemy to enable us to maintain this posi-
tion through the winter, even with all the aid that the best exertions of the militia
may afford us, for it appears probable that the efforts of the enemy will be directed
to this point, where it must be known that we are weak in number, with but little
hope of reinforcement.
“B. General Smyth is reported to have returned to Buffalo.
“Captain King, who commanded the American troops in the attack on our
batteries near Fort Erie, and is now a prisoner here, has applied to be liberated
on his parole, which I have declined granting until it shall be authorized by
Your Excellency. He is a bold and enterprising spirit, and appears to be held
in high estimation on the other side. A private of the 49th pretends that' he
saw him some years since at Portsmouth under sentence of transportation, that
he is an Irishman and his true name Mafrey. The soldier is at Fort Erie. I
have sent for him that I may interrogate him myself on the subject.
“I have ordered a General Court Martial to be assembled for the trial of
three deserters, taken in arms against us:	one at Michilimakanac, one at
Queenston, and one with Captain King.”GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
323
SHEAFFE TO COL. VINCENT.
Fort George, 20th Dec’r, 1812.
Sir: I have received your letters of the 7th and 14th
Dec’r.
1.	—I shall send instructions about contingent expenses that
remain unpaid.
2.	—Lt. Col. Pearson is written to by the Adj’t General of
Militia.
3.	—It seems proper that Lt. Cobbett should be allowed
forage for one Horse, it may be charged for accord-
ingly.
4.	—Colonel Ferguson's plan is not practicable.
5.	—Colonel McLean's [?] letter communicates the success
of an enterprise, which both in the plan and execution
reflects great credit on all who had a share in it. Mr.
Plucknett's arrival affords me great satisfaction and I
hope that the shipwrights &c are also by this time with
you.
Captain Gray will send instructions to Mr. Plucknett
concerning them as well as himself. Many useful hands
can be collected to assist in the proposed work, tho’ I fear
that the Ranks of the Militia must furnish a great majority
of them, if they should be wanted.
I recommend to you to have boarding pikes always at
hand for your workmen, indeed if you can manage to have
lopger Pikes, they would be preferable, tho' the longest
Ship-Pike may answer sufficiently well. I have established
a Post with York twice a week, but I begin to think it too
often. Other opportunities are so frequent that it is per-
haps harrassing the Dragoons unnecessarily. Once a
week to and from Kingston will probably be quite enough.
Let me have your opinion thereon, and where it is proposed
that the Dragoons between Fort George and Kingston shall
meet to exchange Mails—at York or on the other side of it?
It appears to me necessary that something should be
done at Gananoqui, if not elsewhere on the route from
below to afford protection to the communication.
I cannot find the plan of Colonel Stone’s to which you
allude. It may be at York among my predecessor's Papers.
Nothing of a defensive nature can be constructed at present,
except a block House which you may authorize to be built324
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
on such a Plan as shall combine oeconomy with the attain-
ment of the end proposed.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe
Colonel Vincent
GUN BOATS FOR LAKE ERIE.1
Fort George, 22d Dec. 1812.
Sir : I have had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s
despatches of the 23d of Novem’r and 3d Dec’r. I derive
the greatest satisfaction from learning that we are to have
the aid of so many shipwrights &c immediately. With the
addition of the number of workmen that the country can
furnish, there will no doubt be sufficient to prepare the
Hulls, Masts and Iron work, quite as soon as the other
essential parts will be in readiness:
I hope that your Excellency will soon have favorable
intelligence respecting the officers and crews. I have not
yet heard of the arrival of the Lady Prevost at Amherst-*
burg: If Captain Hall has escaped the tempestuous weather
that succeeded his departure from Fort Erie, and has
reached his destined port, he will be directed to proceed to
Quebec unless it should appear that his presence at Am-
herstburg can not be dispensed with.
Besides a vessel similar to the Lady Prevost, it is pro-
posed to add two Gun boats on Lake Erie, Colonel Procter
have represented that they would be of great utility. The
general sketch of the plan proposed for the increase of the
provincial navy, to which I alluded in my letter of the 16th
was not enclosed in it, Capt’n Gray having told me that he
was sending down a full report on it.
Mr. Deputy Commissary General Couche’s representa-
tion may prove just, the’ I think it improbable that there
will be, to such an extent, a failure of supplies, as to make
us dependent on the Lower Province. The peculiar situa-
tion in which this has been placed for many months, will no
doubt have the effect of diminishing its resources.
A restriction on exports will become necessary if the
War continues, but whether it will provide sufficiently for
1. In Canadian Archives. Cruikshank, Doc. Hist., iv, 334.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
325
the probable increased consumption must be uncertain, as
it will depend on a variety of contingencies, that may
baffle the most plausible calculations
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe
To Sir George Prevost, Bar't.
FROM COMMODORE CHAUNCEY.
Black Rock, 25th Dec. 1812.
Sir: Upon my arrival at this place I was mortified to
learn that a party of three sailors had crossed the River on
the 28th ulto and burnt two houses the property of indi-
viduals. This act I assure you Sir was done without the
knowledge of the Naval Officers then commanding on this
Station, and the men have been made sensible of the im-
propriety of their conduct.
I will also assure you that as far as in my power to pre-
vent, no similar act shall be repeated by the men under my
Command.
I understand that these Seamen were taken on the
morning of the 28th ulto in company with some Soldiers,
and are now Prisoners at Fort George. I trust, Sir, that
you will not hesitate to let those men return, when I assure
you that I hold Colonel Vincent’s receipt for Captain Brock,
and the officers and crews of the Mary Hatt and Elizabeth
taken by the squadron under my command upon Lake
Ontario in Nov. last, and who were sent to Kingston im-
mediately after, upon their Parole. Lieut. King is in a way
of recovery. I will send him over upon his parole the
moment that he can be removed with convenience to him-
self.
I have the honor to be very respectfully your obed &
humble ser’t
Isaac Chauncey,
Commodore & comm'g Naval Forces U. S. on the Lakes
To Major General Sheaffe326
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
A DESERTER EXECUTED.1
Fort George, 29th Dec’r [1812]
Sir: I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of
Your Excellency’s Letters of 17th & 19th by Mr. Mc-
Gillivray with a copy of the Treaty for the release of
Prisoners of War on their Parole, and for their eventual
exchange.
Captain Gray has reported his having commenced the
preparations for building the vessel intended to be con-
structed at York, and has proceeded to Kingston to give the
necessary directions for the work to be executed there. He
will send a Report down from thence, if further assistance
of artificers should be deemed necessary from the Lower
Province. An express has been sent to Amherstburg with
instructions for building a vessel there of the size of the
Queen Charlotte and it is intended to construct two Gun
Boats for Lake Erie, or to purchase or hire vessels for the
purpose, as may be found most advantageous for the
service.
I regret exceedingly that I have to communicate the Death
of D. A. Q. M. G’l Dewar. Colonel Procter in a Letter to
a Lt. Colonel Myers, recently brought down by a private
opportunity, reports his having died suddenly in conse-
quence of the bursting of a blood vessel. Col. Procter has
appointed Lt. Troughton, R. A. to act in the Q’r M’s Gen’l’s
Department, of which I have approved until your Excel-
lency’s pleasure be known. I hope that Lt. King’s services
will soon be restored. The last report I received of Him
was favorable. In case of his return a new appointment
might be unnecessary if that of B’t Major Clerk’s should
be confirmed, of which however a doubt has occurred to
me, founded on there being two Captains of the 49th already
on the Staff. Lt. Troughton’s appoint’t I consider merely
temporary, as his active services as an Artillery officer may
be required after a short interval. Copies of the proceed-
ings of the General Court Martial, on the trial of three
Deserters, are transmitted, with my orders thereon, which
I hope will meet with your Excellency’s approbation.
Murphy, a Deserter from the 49th Reg’t, who was found
1. With slight variations this letter is in the Canadian Archives. Cruik-
shank, Doc. Hist., iv, 336.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
327
in the Enemy’s Ranks, on the'28th Nov. last was executed
yesterday. He confessed his guilt, acknowledging that he
had given to the Enemy all the aid in his power, and had
probably caused the Death of one or more of his old com-
rades. For all which he declared his penitence and
sorrow.
Lt. Col. Myers has had a violent indisposition from
which he is not yet sufficiently recovered to go out, and
there is reason to apprehend that he would be exposed to
great danger in going down at this rigorous season to such
a climate as that of the Lower Province. I hope that Your
Excellency will be pleased to permit his remaining in the
Upper Province during the Winter, or at least until its
severity be passed.
R. H. Sheaffe,
Major General.
To Sir George Prevost, Bart.
TO COL. VINCENT.
Fort George, 1st Jan’r, 1812 [sic: 1813]
Sir : L. Colonel Myers having made an application to
me in favour of Capt Chambers of the 41st Reg’t to act in
the Q’r M’s Gen’l dep’t—and it being strongly supported
by the active and useful services in which that officer has
been employed, I request that you will lay before H. E. The
Commander of the Forces my recommendation that he
should be attached to the Dep’t either as a substitute for
B. Major C. if his appointment should not be confirmed, or
otherwise, as an additional aid to it, if His Exc’y should
deem one to be necessary, in consequence of the death of
Lieut. Dewar, and the uncertainty of the period at which
the services of Lieut. King may be restored to the depart-
ment.
I have the &c
P. S. Transmit to Head Quarters, and to me a dupli-
cate, the best information you can obtain of the force and
defenses of Sackett’s Harbour, and of the approaches to it
in the winter. The relative position of Gravelly Point, and328
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
force and defences there also, and of the means and prac-
ticability of' an attempt to destroy the vessels etc., in
Sackett’s Harbour.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe
Col. Vincent
AS TO EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS.
Fort George, ist Jany, 1813.
Sir: Having received from His Excellency the Com-
mander of the British Forces a copy of the Treaty entered
into with Major General Dearborn commanding the Forces
of the United States, for the release of Prisoners of War
on this parole, and for their eventual exchange; I have
therefore to request, that conformably with the fourth
article thereof, you will be pleased to send to me, the names
of American Prisoners of War now on their Parole, whom
you wish to have exchanged for the British Prisoners of
War who have been liberated, and whose names are in
your possession.
I have the honor to be &c	*
R. H. Sheaffe.
Brig. General Smyth
SHEAFFE TO CHAUNCEY.
Fort George, 4th Jany, 1813.
Sir: I have the honor of acknowledging the Receipt of
your Letter of 25th Dec’r. Brigadier General Smyth, soon
after the burning of the two houses to which you allude,
thought proper to explain, in a Letter addressed to the
Commanding Officer at Fort Erie, by what means that act
had been committed, and to declare his disapprobation of it.
I receive with great satisfaction the assurance of your par-
ticipating in his sentiments on the occasion.
I regret that it is not in my power to accede to your
Proposal for the release of the American seamen taken onGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
329
the 28th November. The Treaty for releasing on their
Parole, and for the eventual exchange of Prisoners, entered
into between General Dearborn and Sir George Prevost,
not providing for such a case, I must wait for authority to
liberate those men. It is not however to be expected that
more Prisoners will be sent over from hence on their
Parole, until the Officer Commanding the United States
Forces on the Niagara Frontier, shall have performed on
his part, what remains to be done for the completion of the
exchange of those who have been returned to us, on their
Parole: For Captain Brock, I have no doubt that a Captain
of the United States Army has been released. If the officers
and crews of the Mary Hatt and Elisabeth have not been
exchanged, it will be necessary that I shall be furnished
with their names and with authority from His Excellency
Sir George Prevost, to enter into a negotiation for their
exchange on which I shall without delay apply for in-
structions.
R. H. S.
To Commodore Chauncey.
P. S. I beg you will accept of my thanks for your pleas-
ing account of Lieut. King, and for your assurance of send-
ing him over on his Parole when he can be removed with
convenience. The name of the officer of similar rank of
the U. S. Army, now on Parole, may be sent with him, for
their mutual exchange.
MEMORANDA.
Fort George, 4th Jan’y 1813.
A Letter to Colonel Baynes:
Communicating the receipt of one from Commodore
Chauncey U. S. Navy, respecting three Seamen whom he
wished to be exchanged, with my answer thereto.
Stating that a question had arisen, who was to receive
the Command money at York, during the time Major Fuller
was deranged and that Major Allan (Militia) commanded.330
GEN. SHEAFFE'S LETTER BOOK.
The improvement in the Corps of Artillery Drivers,
suggested by Capt’n Holcroft.
(signed)	R. H. Sheaffe
Also, a Second:
Cont’g proposed occupation of Newcastle as a Mil’y
post—directions sending by Express to Capt Roberts—
corps of Colour if authorised.
DETAILS OF THE SERVICE.
Fort George, 5th Jan’y, 1813.
Sir : I have the honor of enclosing herewith to be laid
before His Excellency the commander of the Forces a
Memorial which I have received through Colonel Vincent
from officers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who
served on board His Majesty’s vessels on Lake Ontario
last year.
I request to be instructed at what rate k charge will be
admitted for the travelling expenses of officers who are
ordered to go by land from one post to another in this
Province: a provincial act directs that a Cart or Carriage
with two Horses or Oxen shall be furnished on a warrant
from a Justice of the Peace at the rate of seven Shillings
and six pence a Day, and two and six pence for the Driver,
and not to be compelled to go more than thirty Miles a Day.
Col. Claus Dep’ty Superintendent General of Indian
affairs has represented to me the necessity of a supply of
stationary for his Department, none having been received
by it since the Year 1809, and that the storekeeper and
clerks have supplied their offices for two years at very
extravagant prices, for which even it can no longer be
procured.
I beg to be informed what allowance is to be granted to
the Acting Fort Major.
The duties of the Fort or Garrison sergeant have been
and continue to be so harrassing, and are attended with so
much expence for stationary, that I have added six pence
a day from the 25th last month, to the shilling beforeGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOCK.
331
granted to the Sergeant who acts in that capacity, whose
conduct in it has been highly meritorious.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your ob’t Hum’l Servant
R. H. Sheaffe
M. GenT Comm’g
Noah Freer, Esq’r,
MiTy Sec’y.
MEMO.
6th Jan’y
Wrote to Gen’l Glasgow, Mil’y Sec’y; I. Irvine recom-
mended ist L’t in P. M. from 25th Oct’r. Wrote to Bishop
of Q.
PROVISIONS, PAY FOR MILITIA, ETC.
Fort George, 6th Jan’y, 1813.
Sir: I have received this day a communication from
D’y Com’ssry Gen’l Couche of which I have the honor of
transmitting a Copy. The issues of Provisions have con-
siderably diminished in this District and will remain some
time much below their late amount. At York and Kingston
they will continue to be at least as great as they have for
some time been, owing to the increase of the Marine estab-
lishment at those Posts. At Amherstburgh it appears prob-
able that the consumption will be increased during the
Winter as many sources of supply that the milder season
furnished to the Indians will no longer exist. The several
Corps and Departments in this Province have been com-
pelled to apply to the Commissariat for pecuniary aid, it
not being found practicable to obtain money from any
other source.
As the pay of the Militia, and other Provincial expenses
have been furnished by the Commissariat, and it probably
not being regular that such monies should be finally ac-
counted for through it, it may be necessary to establish
some mode, whereby the Province should be made account-
able for them, through its proper officer1, the Receiver Gen-
eral. I request your Excellency’s advice and instructions332
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
on this Head, as it appears to be of importance that a plan
to regulate such matters, should be speedily adopted, for
the simplifying and facilitating the settlement of the public
accounts.
I propose going to York in the course of a few days, the
passage of the River being impracticable, and likely to
remain so for some time.
It has been suggested to me that two or three Battalions
might be formed in this Province, if encouragement were
given by a promise of land &c. A proposition has been
made to me by a Major of the Militia, to raise a Corps of
2 or 300 Men in York and its vicinity, and to increase it by
inlistments elsewhere to 5, or 600, not to serve out of the
Province but in such cases as it may legally be required of
the Militia. I beg leave to submit this subject to your Ex-
cellency’s consideration, with the hopes of being honoured
with an early intimation of your opinion thereon, and of
the principles on which you would recommend and approve
of the formation of such Corps. It is thought by some that
the inlistment of a Militia man is prohibited by the 23d
Article of the Militia Act, passed the 5th of last August,
but such a construction appears to me to be controvertible.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe
To His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart.
OBVIOUS need of reinforcements.
Fort George, 7th Jan’y, 1813
[Extract]
I shall not urge the necessity of a considerable reinforce-
ment for this Province, convinced of its being obvious to
your Excellency, that it will be required to resist the aug-
mented force, which the Enemy will probably direct against
it, and to aid in protecting our Dock Yards from the early
attempt which will no doubt be made to defeat our efforts,
for reestablishing a naval ascendancy.
R. H. Sheaffe
Maj’r General
To Sir George Prevost, Bart.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
333
DETAILS OF THE SERVICE.
Fort George, ioth Jan’y, 1813.
Sir: I have received your Letters of the 29th Dec’r 1st
& 4th Jan’y. Mr. Couche has written so urgently on the
subject of money, that I hope your complaint is ere this
removed.
I have referred Colonel Stone’s proposition to the Adju-
tant GenTs consideration and Reports thereon—Lt. Bradish
will [be] attended to. I hope that the Block House is
finished—well planned—and wisely placed. Insist on the
necessity of guarding vigilantly against surprise. I send
some observations on the Proceedings of the Court of
Enquiry—if it were so intended the order should have
directed the Court to declare its opinion, but in this case
perhaps it would have been better to have merely stated the
information, when its need and in what manner should have
appeared in the complaint. You may either insert the
Remarks I enclose, in your Orderly Book, or adopt any
other mode of making them known, that you may have
reason to prefer.
Mr. O’Brien was not forgot. Mr. Wm. Ross is not on
Mr. Couche’s list. He was sent by Commissary General
Robinson to assist Mr. Ross in making up his accounts. A
Recommendation from you to the Commissary General
might be of use to the young man. I hope that you have
sent with the company of 49th on its way up, arms &
accoutrements to replace those lost—with articles of cloth-
ing, &c &c. I take it for granted the losses and wants have
been reported to you by Major Ormsby.
The shoes are much wanted. If there should be any-
thing required for the public service, which it may be
necessary to send for to the Lower Province, and to have
supplied without delay, with a report to Head Quarters,
send a duplicate to Major Gen’l De Rottenburg at Montreal.
The Lake has [illegible] at Point Abinot.1
R. H. S'heaffe
Colonel Vincent
1. One of many early spellings of what is now written; “Abino.”334
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
VALUE OF THE INDIAN FORCE.
Military Secretary's office,
Quebec, 14th Jan’y, 1813.
Sir: The Commander of the Forces desires I will im-
press upon yotir mind the great advantage which may
result, in the Defense of Upper Canada, from the timely
cooperation of an Indian Force;— Therefore trust your
arrangements with Mr. Dickson will be principally directed
to that most desirable object.
Noah Freer
M. S.
To Major General Sheaffe
CLAIMS OF THE INDIANS.
Fort George, 17th January, 1813.
Sir: I am directed by Major General Sheaffe to transmit
to you the accompanying Letter from Colonel Claus, D’y
Sup’t Gen’l of Indian affairs, and to request that it may be
laid before His Excellency the Governor in Chief.
It is impracticable to obtain the money in this Province
to satisfy the claims of the Indians. It has been due to
them several months and even if cash could be got for Col.
Claus’ bills as Trustee, a loss would be sustained owing to
the rate of exchange, that Government, it is conceived, would
not allow to fall on the Indians. Major General Sheaffe
therefore begs to propose for His Excellency’s considera-
tion that the sum of [blank] be remitted to the D’y Com-
missary Gen’l about five hundred of which to be in silver,
and the remainder in the smaller army notes, to be paid in
to the hands of Colonel Claus, for his Bill for that amount,
as Trustee for the six Indian Nations.
I have the honor to be
R. H. Sheaffe
Maj’r GenT Comm’g.
To Noah Freer, Esq’rGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
335
SUPPLIES FOR THE TROOPS.
Fort George, Jan’y 25th, 1813.
Sir: Major General Sheaffe has directed me, in ref-
erence to an order for the officers to procure supplies of
necessaries for their men from the Lower Province, to
request that you will lay before His Excellency the Com-
mander of the Forces his suggestion, that supplies of
clothing and necessaries for the Troops here, may be pro-
vided and sent up by the Commissariat to be issued. Major
General Sheaffe is induced to propose this measure from a
conviction, that the procuring the articles necessary for the
soldiers comfort from so great a distance, particularly at
this crisis, would be attended with much more difficulty
and even risk, than the Individuals commanding companies
could be enabled to surmount, or bear the heavy responsi-
bility of.
Major General Sheaffe requests you will procure from
His Excellency the Commander of the Forces information
on the following heads, Viz: Rates of Pay and allowances
for Q’r M's General, Adjutant General of Militia and
Assistants, of D’y Paymaster General, and Clerks. Some
regulations and instructions for the payment of Militia.
For the D’y P. M. Gen’l and Paymasters. Forms of Esti-
mates and Pay lists:
I have the honor to be, &c
Robert R. Loring,
Capt. adc.
To Noah Freer, Esq’r M. S.
TO COL. PROCTER.
Fort George, Jan’y 30th, 1813.
My Dear Colonel : Lieutenant Maclean arrived yester-
day about the middle of the day with your highly gratifying
account of the brilliant victory obtained by the Troops
under your Command aided by those faithful and gallant
allies the Indians, over those of the Enemy, under Briga-
dier General Winchester, on the morning of the 226. instant.
On this Event of such essential importance to the Coun-
try, I beg you will accept my warmest congratulations to-336
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
gether with my strongest approbation of the judgment and
vigour you displayed in the atchievement of this Exploit
and of the noble support you received from the brave
officers and men under your Command.
I am, my Dear Colonel, with the greatest regard
Your most obedient humble servant
R. H. Sheaffe,
Maj’r Gen’l
To Colonel Procter
SERVICE OF ROBERT DICKSON.
Fort George, 3d Febr’y, 1813.
Confidential
Sir: The Commander of the Forces having been pleased
to appoint Robert Dickson Esq’r Agent and Superintendent
for the Indians of the nations to the Westward of Lake
Huron, I have the honor to acquaint you thereof and to
[send] you an extract of a Letter received by me from the
Military Secretary, which will further point out to you the
wishes of His Excellency upon this subject.
Mr. Dickson proceeds to Amherstburg, and he will lay
before you the instructions he has received from Sir George
Prevost—it therefore only remains for me to call your
particular attention to affording all possible aid and facility
in your power, towards promoting the important object in
view.
Mr. Dickson will make known to you from time to time
his progress in calling together the Indian Warriors of the
Nations alluded to. The application of their services will
be guided by circumstances, and upon which future instruc-
tions will be issued.
As it is essential that a certain and quick mode for the
conveyance of the Dispatches which Mr. Dickson may have
occasion to transmit to me, or that I may wish to forward
to him, should be established, he will point out to you the
Routes by which it is proposed to make such communica-
tions.
Capt’n Norton accompanies Mr. Dickson to Amherst-
burg, and as soon as he has finished the business on whichGEN. SHEAFFE'S LETTER BOOK.	337
he is sent, It is the wish of the Major General that he
returns to this place.
I have the honor to be
R. H. Sheaffe
Colonel Procter	MW G’l
Confidential
Fort George, 3d Feb’y, 1813
Sir : The Commander of the Forces having been pleased
to appoint Robert Dickson, Esq’r, Agent and Superin-
tendent for the Indians to the Westward of Lake Huron, I
have the honor to acquaint you thereof and to desire that
by every possible means in your power, you give your aid
to him in promoting the important service with which he is
charged. He will acquaint you generally of the instructions
he has received from His Excellency the Commander of
the Forces, and of the Posts where it is proposed to
assemble the Indian Warriors of the Nations alluded to.
It is essential that a certain and quick mode for the con-
veyance of the Dispatches, which Mr. Dickson may have
occasion to transmit to me or that I may wish to forward
to him, should be established, he will point out to you the
modes by which it is proposed to make such Communi-
cations.
R. H. Sheaffe,
Capt’n Roberts	M. G.
10th Vet. Batt’n
Fort George, 3d Febr’y, 1813.
Sir : The Commander of the Forces having been pleased
to appoint Robert Dickson Esq’r Agent and Superin-
tendent, for the Indians of the Nations to the westward of
Lake Huron, I have the honor to acquaint you thereof, and
to desire that you will be pleased to give such orders as may
be requisite for forwarding the important object in view
by this appointment, to the several officers of the Indian
Department under your Superintendence
R. H. Sheaffe
MW G’l
Hon’bl Wm Claus338
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
PROPOSES A CORPS LIKE BUTLER’S RANGERS.
Fort George, 4th Febr’y, 1813.
Sir: I have the honor to address your Excellency on the
subject of Colonel Caldwell, who is the bearer of this
Letter. He is brave, zealous and loyal, and is held in high
estimation by the Indians. He is connected by marriage
with the family of Mr. Baby at Quebec, from whom any
further information which your Excellency might think
necessary could be obtained.
The object of his visit below is to make a proposition for
forming a Corps similar to that in which he served as
Captain during the last American War, called Butler’s
Rangers. By a letter from Colonel Procter of 13th Jan’y
to a copy of which forwarded by me to the Military Sec-
retary, I beg leave to refer your Excellency, it appears that
the Indians in council have formally, as Colonel Procter
says, “requested the aid of such a Corps (Butler’s Rangers)
as were attached to and acted with them during the last
War, and that Captain Caldwell, whom they well know,
and think highly of may be employed.”
I cannot but approve of Colonel Procter’s suggestion in
the Letter referred to, that it would be beneficial to com-
mence with the formation of one Company.
I have the honor to be
R. H. Sheaffe,
Mafr GenT
To His Excellency,
Sir George Prevost, Bart
THE COST OF WAR.
Fort George, Febry 8th, 1813.
Sir : I have the honor to acquaint you that the D’y Com-
missary General has handed me a statement for the sev-
eral sums advanced by him to this date, for Provincial
Services in Upper Canada, amounting to £25,000 Army
Pay. I am therefore to request that you will be pleased to
grant your Warrant to that amount, in favor of the Re-
ceiver General of the Province. And as a farther sum willGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
339
be required immediately in aid of the civil chest, I beg you
will be pleased also to grant another Warrant for £12,000
Army Pay, and that the Commissary General may be
directed to forward the amount to the Receiver General.
The average Provincial expenses arising out of the War
with the United States, may be stated in round sums, as
follows:
Amherstburg and Detroit _____
Long Point...................
Fort George and Dependancies
York ........................
Kingston ....................
Prescott & Eastern District...
£ 2,000 per month
Soo ----------------
5.000	-----------
800 ------------
2.000	-----------
2.000	-----------
Total
£12,300
Exclusive of Rations of Provisions
To Sir George Prevost
R. H. S.
TO COL. BAYNES.1
Fort George, 9th Feby. 1813.
My dear Colonel : I send you extracts from a Letter I
received last night from Colonel Procter. You will see
that he was very anxious for a reinforcement, which I hope
arrived very few days after he wrote. From the informa-
tion of those who met it on the Route, I have reason to
believe that it reached its destination on the 6th or at the
latest on the 7th. I sent him all his light Company, and the
addition of Artillery men will no doubt be highly accept-
able to him. I feel no doubt of Sir George’s approbation
of the movement. Some Barrack Bedding accompanies
them with some supplies for the Militia. The Provincial
Legislature is summoned to assemble on the 25th instant,
before which time I hope to be quite restored to health,
tho’ my recovery does not keep pace either with my wishes
or expectations. I am advised to abstain as much as pos-
1. In Canadian Archives. Cruikshank, Doc. Hist., v, 64.340
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
sible from business, but business, especially at such a time,
must be done. You may discover my weakness in my
writing. I cannot yet enter on the task of a long Dispatch
to Sir George. I am establishing the systems recommended
for the payment of the Militia. I hope to learn soon how
these things are done below.
I propose issuing to the General Staff of the Militia, and
to officers of the Flank Companies, that were out during
the last Campaign, 200 days Bat and Forage if Sir George
approves of it. I understand from a Letter of yours, that
a similar issue was made below. I have also to request His
Excellency’s authority for forming a corps of Artillery
drivers, on terms like those on which there is now one
raising in the Lower Province, and also for the purchase of
an additional number of Horses. Captain Glegg has already
written by my directions, on these subjects, and has trans-
mitted a Return to serve for further explanation. It would
be highly useful, too, that it should be placed in my power,
to give some additional encouragement to serving in the
provincial Artillery. Neither my Head nor my Hand is in
a State to enter more largely into these subjects. I have
ordered clothing from Montreal for those two Corps, some
of which, at least, I hope to get up this winter. Our
Session will probably be short, but I think it will not be
unproductive of benefit to our Militia System.
R. H. Sheaffe,
Mafr General
To Colonel Baynes
Ad ft GenT, N. A.
N. B. Some of the Prisoners have arrived and have
been passed over. General Winchester, a Colonel and a
Major remain here for orders from Head Quarters.
Colonel Elliott writes to Colonel Claus, that there are
about a hundred Indians detained by the Americans, whom
our Allies wish to get exchanged.
R. H. S.
Major Plenderleath and Captain Brider, arrived today.
R. H. S.GEN. SHEAFFE'S LETTER BOOK.
341
SUNDRY MEMORANDA.
Fort George, 12th Feby, 1813.
Sir: I am directed by Major General Sheaffe to forward
to you the two accompanying Letters from Colonel Procter1
together with a copy of the Resolutions of a Party of the
Inhabitants of the Territory of Michigan, referred to by
him. The Papers were brought express by Mr. Mackintosh
who met Mr. Dickson and Capt’n Norton on their route to
Amherstburg, and was informed by them that about a hun-
dred of the grand River Indians were assembled and ready
to march. He afterwards stopped at the house of Mr.
Tew [?] of the Indian Depart’t by whom an express was
sent for those Indians to proceed immediately to Amherst-
burg and directions have been sent up for as many more to
follow them as qan be assembled. Orders have been like-
wise forwarded by Lt. Col. Bostwick of the Oxford Militia,
who happened to be here for the Middlesex, the Oxford
and Norfolk Reg’ts of Militia, to march immediately under
Colonel Talbot to reinforce Colonel Procter.
Major General Sheaffe desires me to say, that he does
not deem it prudent to detach any farther portion of the
Regular force from this line, the Enemy being in great
force and there being a bridge of ice between us. The
Militia of this District are called in.
I have the honor to be &c
Robert R. Loring
Capt’n adc
To Colonel Baynes,
Adj General N. A.
Fort George, 16th Feby, 1813.
Sir: Major General Sheaffe has directed me to acquaint
you that some documents relative to disbursements by the
Receiver General, for military purposes, have been received
to day from that officer and that Copies have been directed
to be sent to you, to be laid before His Excellency the Com-
mander of the Forces, in order that Major General Sheaffe
may receive His Excellency’s directions thereon. The
1. These letters are not in the present collection.342
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
Major General likewise requests to be Informed whether
the officers of the Militia pay the Income Tax.
I have the honor to be
Robert R. Loring,
Capfn A. D. C.
To Noah Freer, Esq’r M. S.
Note, i5810: The amount of a warrant granted to D’y
Paymaster General of Militia on the D'y Commissary Gen-
eral. Fort George, Feb’ry 16th, 1813.
Fort George, 16th Feby, 1813.
Sir: I am directed by Major General Sheaffe to transmit
to you the three enclosed Papers.
No. 1—Being a paper containing information from Am-
herstburg.
No. 2—A Report from Lieut. Colonel Myers D’y Q’r M's
General, respecting the Marine, and
No. 3—Being Information respecting the Corps of Colour.
I have also received Major General Sheaffe’s commands
to request that you will make him acquainted with the
terms on which Troops of Dragoons have been formed in
the Lower Province.
I have the honor to be
Robert R. Loring,
Capfn, A. D. C.
To Colonel Baynes,
Adj’s General, N. A.
Fort George, 18th Feby, 1813.
Sir: Major General Sheaffe has directed me to ac-
knowledge the receipt of your two Letters 6th and 8th
Feby together with a copy of the Resolutions of a Party
of the Inhabitants of the Territory of Michigan. This
latter was without any signature, and it therefore did not
appear clear, who was the author of the Letter, of which
an extract was subjoined. Major General Sheaffe however
supposes it must have been an extract of a letter from Mr.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
343
Woodward accompanying the presentation of the Resolu-
tions to you. Paper No. 2, which you state to have con-
tained Conditions insolently proposed to you by Chief
Justice Woodward, dated Feb’y 2d was not enclosed. The
Major General desires me to say that he hopes precise
information will accompany the Prisoners you are sending
down, of the circumstances which have induced you to
adopt such measures towards them. Gen’l Sheaffe intends
confirming Mr. F. Baby in the Q’r M. Gen’l Depa’t of
Militia: the office he is to hold in it, and the pay & allow-
ances will shortly be transmitted to you. Capt’n Caldwell
will be allowed at the same rate for the time he acted.
Col. Procter.
Robert R. Loring,
A. D. C. Capfn
PROMINENT AMERICAN PRISONERS.
Government House,
York, 4th March, 1813.
Sir : I am directed by Major General Sheaffe to inform
you, that on the arrival of Colonel Brush, American
Prisoner of War, and Mr. Woodward, the late Chief Justice
of the Territory of Michigan, at Kingston (who proceed
from hence escorted by Lieutenant Johnston of the Cana-
dian Regiment, the bearer of this Letter), they are to be
crossed over to the American shore, together with their
Horses should they require to take them, this however I do
not imagine will be the case, as they are now endeavoring
to dispose of them.
I have the honor to be &c
Robert R: Loring,
Capfn A. D. C.
NEWS FROM CAPT. ROBERTS, MICHILIMACKINAC.
York March 4th (or 5th), 1813
Sir: I am directed by Major General Sheaffe to inform
you that an express arrived here from Michilimackinac on
the 6th inst, containing Returns and Requisitions from344
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
Captain Roberts, copies of which I forward by the Major
General’s desire for your information, and that of the
several Departments concerned at Amherstburg, in order
that it may be ascertained, what of the Articles required
can be furnished from that post. The Major General
desires that you will furnish him as soon as possible with a
statement of the Articles you propose sending up to Captain
Roberts early in the Spring.
I subjoin an extract from Captain Roberts’ Letter. “Of
the Provisions, Pork, Corn and Grease will be the first
wanting, and the guns will be early in demand. The ord-
nance and other stores and repairs that are wanting are but
few and many of them, such as platforms, the repair of the
roof of the magazine, the making wheelbarrows and hand-
barrows, I shall be able to effect with the means within my
reach.”
I have the honor to be &c
Robert R. Loring
A. D. C. Cap’t
To Brig’r General Procter
8 Papers sent being copies of those from Capt’n Roberts.
IN BEHALF OF LIEUT. FOWLER.
York, 7th March, 1813.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit a Memorial from
Lieut. Fowler of the 41st Reg’t accompanied by a Letter in
support of it from Colonel Myers, Acting Quarter Master
General and Commanding (at the date of it) the Niagara
District: the opportunities which I have had of witnessing
the conduct of Lieut. Fowler confirm to its fullest extent
the testimony of Colonel Myers to his merit and preten-
sions. Therefore beg leave to intreat for them Your
Excellency’s favor and protection, and that you will be
pleased to recommend them to the gracious consideration
of His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief.
R. H. Sheaffe
To His Excellency
Lt. General Sir George Prevost, BartGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
345
THE SPECIAL CORPS SERVICE.
York, 7th March, 1813.
My Dear General: Colonel Caldwell set off yesterday
with a sketch of a plan for forming a Corps to act with
the Indians &c:— it appears to me that a Corps for that
purpose should have superior pay to one of any other
description, and I am of opinion that you will hardly be
able to procure proper subjects for such service on the
terms proposed. The moment you have ascertained it to be
so, lose no time in apprising me of it, and of stating to me
the plan that, in your opinion, would most effectually accom-
plish the purpose, without exceeding the terms which were
granted to Butlers Rangers— Sir George seemed to think
them objectionable—pay from'2/6 to 4/—N. Y. C.1 a day,
according to the degree of merit and ability, I conceived,
would be but reasonable, in the present time, for service of
such a nature: A sum for an out-fit would be assented to—
and (as you may think best) you may either recommend
clothing to be provided for them (describing the kind) or
that a sum be granted in lieu of it, to be paid quarterly,
halfyearly, or otherwise—the annual amount to be specified.
I send you some information respecting the terms on which
some corps are about being raised—being the substance of
three General Orders issued here by Sir George Prevost.
I have directed printed Copies to be prepared, some of
which I shall send up with Speeches, Addresses, Answers,
&c &c. I expect hourly to hear of a movement from be-
low— when it is announced, I shall order some troops from
hence to replace your Gren’r Company, and as many 'more
of the 41st as will make your number equal to five comp’s:
those attached to Head Quarters will probably not go up
until the opening of the navigation.
\ unsigned A
To Brig’r Gen’l Procter.
1. New York currency.346
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
NEEDS OF WESTERN POSTS.
Gov't House, York, 13th March, ’13.
Sir: I transmit to you by Major General Sheaffe’s
desire, the copy of a Letter from Capt’n Roberts command-
ing at Michilimackinac, together with Returns and Requisi-
tions received from that officer, numbered from 1 to 8.
Similar copies have been sent to Brig’r General Procter
who has been directed to transmit without loss of time a
statement of such of the Articles required as can be fur-
nished from the Post of Amherstburg, and which he pro-
poses sending up to Captain Roberts early in the Spring.
Robert R. Lorinq
A. D. C. Capfn
T0 Noah Freer Esq’r, M. S.
AN INCORPORATED MILITIA.
York, 13th March, 1813.
Sir: I have the honour of informing Your Excellency
that the Session of the Legislature of this Province will
close this day: there are some amendments to the Militia
act which promise some benefit, and others of rather a
doubtful character, the test of experience may however
decide in their favor.
I have directed a copy of the titles of the Bills which
have been framed to be prepared for Your Excellency to
accompany this letter, and I shall as early as possible
transmit a copy of the Acts themselves. An Incorporated
Militia is to be formed of volunteers to serve during the
War with the United States with a “Bounty” of Eight
Dollars—this bounty is granted in compliance with my
suggestion of an “Outfit”: the House was restrained, I
believe from granting a larger sum by the consciousness of
its limited means—the Speaker told me that he wished they
could have raised the sum for each man to twenty dollars—
all the unappropriated funds of the Province are, however,
placed at my disposal, but there will be so many other
demands on them that I shall not be enabled to add to the
bounty, which I think too small for the purpose—may IGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
347
therefore hope for Your Excellency’s aid and authority for
making an addition to it of io or 12 Dollars or of such
other sum as you may deem sufficient.
R. H. Sheaffe
Major General.
To His Exc’y Sir George Prevost, B’t.
VARIOUS MEMORANDA.
Sent
To Lieut. Col.
Peters
Northumberland
Militia
York, 13th March, 1813
Invoice of Musket ammunition,
orders for the Repair of the Fire-
locks of the Reg’t under his Com-
mand and to transmit the account
to Ass’t Q. M. Gen’l District of
York to be laid before the Board
of Accounts.
R. R. L.
Letter sent to
B’r General
Vincent
13th March
To send back the 300 stand of
Arms &c 96 sets of accoutrements
excepted
R. R. L.
Letter sent to
J. McGill, Esq'r
Ass’t D’y Comm’y
Gen’l
14th March
To repair to Kingston as soon
as possible.
R. R. L.
14th March
To Mr. Freer, M. S. A letter informing him that the
money for the Indians had not
been received.
R. R. L.348
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
York, 15th March, ’13
Letter to Brig’r Gen. Vincent. Purport—Lamenting
that time had been lost, thro’ Major Glegg’s being employed
in issuing orders for the Militia & directing them to be
issued thro’ M. Adj’t Gen’ls Department.	T
15th March York
Letter to Major Glegg. Purport—Acknowledging re-
ceipt of his letter with sketches of orders and informing
him that it was not the intention of Major Gen’l Sheaffe
that he should be employed in issuing Militia orders.
R. R. L.
York, 15th March, ’13.
Letter to Col. Baynes Adj’t General. Transmitting a
Report from Lt. Col. Bisshopp’s & saying that Major Gen’l
Sheaffe had addressed his Excellency, Sir. G. Prevost
praying an increase of ten dollars, to the sum granted by
the Legislature to the volunteers for incorporated Militia
but that since the receipt of Colonel Bisshopp’s Letter, this
morning, Gen’! Sheaffe deeming an immediate force neces-
sary, had taken upon himself to say that each Militia man
about to be incorporated, should receive the additional ten
dollars.
K.. JtC. Ls.
Gov't House, York, 17th March T3.
Sir : I am directed by the Major General commanding
to inform you that he has received the strongest injunctions
from H. E. the Commander of the Forces, to impress on
you the necessity for using every possible exertion for sup-
plying the forces under the command of B’r Gen’l Procter
and the Major General accordingly orders that you shall
employ all the means which you can command for that
important purpose.
I have the honor &c
Robert R. Loring
A. D. C. Capfn
Edward Couche, Esq.
D’y Comm’y GeneralGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
349
SIR GEO. PREVOST TO GEN. SHEAFFE.
York, 17th March, 1813.
Extract of a Letter from Sir George Prevost to Major
General Sheaffe.
Montreal, nth March, 1813.
“You will adopt every measure within your power for
securing during the continuance of hostilities the cordial
cooperation of the Indian Tribes, and you will instruct the
Officers in that Department acting with them that His
Majesty’s Government entirely concur in the expediency
of my suggestions of the necessity of securing their Terri-
tory from encroachments and that in consequence wherever
negotiations for peace may be entered into, the security of
the Indian possessions shall not be either compromised or
forgotten.”
MEMORANDA.
York, 17th March
Letter to Gen31 Vincent, with 4 enclosures: 1. Incor-
porated Militia. 2. Copy of Letter from N. Freer, Esq.,
nth March— 3. Extracts from Private Letter from Sir
George Prevost. 4. Papers relative to Mr. Ross (Kings-
ton)
York, 18th March.
Letter to Noah Freer, Esq. Respecting Clothing for
the Militia Artillery and Drivers, not being provided by
Messrs. Parker Gerard & Co. His Ex.’cy Com’g Forces
therefore it is hoped will be pleased to order clothing, in
lieu of that ordered by Col. Nicholl Q’r M’s Gen’l Mil’a, to
be made and sent up as early as possible.
R. R. Loring
18th March, York.
Letter to Messrs Parker Gerard and Co. Directing
them to transmit to Noah Freer Esq’r the order of the Q’r
Master Gen’l Colonel Nichols, for clothing for the Militia
Artillery & Drivers or a copy of it.
R. R. Loring350
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
PAY FOR VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
York, 18th March, 1813.
Sir: After dispatching the Letter which I did myself
the honor of addressing to Your Excellency on the 13th
instant, the importance of forming without delay an efficient
force from the Militia, and of giving effect, at its first pub-
lication to the new plan adopted for that purpose, struck
me so forcibly, that I determined to offer in the instructions
I had prepared, an additional sum of ten dollars to each
volunteer for the Incorporated Militia. I hope that the
critical situation in which the Province is placed will justify
me for having adopted the measure, without waiting for
an answer from Your Excellency to my application on the
subject.
I have the honor to be Your most obedient humble
servant
R. H. Sheaffe
Maj’r Gen’l
To Lieut. Gen. Sir George Prevost, Bart
memoranda.
York, 18th March, 1813.
To Colonel Pearson.
Extract of a Letter from Sir George Prevost, nth
March. Purport, the importance of affording protection to
the naval force at Kingston. Colonel Pearson directed to
report to Major General Commanding the arrangement he
proposes making for that purpose.
R. R. Loring
18th March, York.
To Colonel Pearson, Kingston.
Copy of a Letter from Col. Myers 17th March Fort
George, respecting Dr. McKeehan1 sent down Prisoner by
B’r General Procter, supposed to be a spy, with a Letter
from Capt Loring directing by Maj’r Gen’l Sheaffe’s order
1. This name was first written “McLaughlin/’ then rewritten as above.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
351
every precaution to be taken to prevent Prisoner from
having any communication on the Road.
18th March, York.
Letter to Colonel Baynes, enclosing copies of two Letters
(purport) cannonading at Fort Erie, from BY Gen’l
Vincent.
R. R. L.
GEN. SHEAFFE TO NOAH FREER.
York, 20 March, 1813.
Extracts of a letter to the Military Secretary.
“Thinking that it would be proper to transmit to Earl
Bathurst, the Documents received from B. General Procter
as explanatory of his motives for establishing Martial law
in the territory of Michigan, I have looked for them but in
vain. I therefore take it for granted that they accompanied
you from hence, and that His Excellency will send them
home if he thinks it necessary.,,
“I believe that the sum to be transferred [by] Sir
George’s Warrant to the Receiver General cannot be ascer-
tained until I go to Fort George, where I hope to be in a
very few days: the sum first asked is, perhaps, not sufficient
at present.”
SHEAFFE TO PROCTER.
York, 21st March, 1813.
Sir: I send to you an extract of a Letter from Sir
George Prevost, for your guidance and information, and
you will please to take all such steps as may be necessary for
carrying into execution His Excellency’s Commands.
I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient Humble
Servant
R. H. Sheaffe,
Mafr GenT
To Brig'r General Procter.352
GEN. SHEAFFES LETTER BOOK.
GUN DRILL ON SHIPS.
York, 21st March, 1813.
Sir: I have received yours of the 15th instant with
Colonel Cartwright’s recommendation of Ensign Markland
as Ass’t Quarter Master General for the Midland District,
but circumstances have come to my knowledge since I
desired to have a Report on a fit person to fill that office,
which induce me to decline nominating any other person
than Donald McDonell until I shall have heard from him,
that he is unwilling to accept it.
I recommend to you to establish as frequent a practice
as circumstances will permit in the exercise of the Guns
on board Ship, and occasionally to fire them in the course
of the practice, loaded with small charges. It must be
ascertained that every Man is acquainted with the manner
in which the Gun or Carronade is to be secured and that
they are all instructed generally in what may be required in
loading, firing &c &c, and not confined to the practice of
one part only. A few experiments may be made with shot
charges to discover the range &c the force of the recoil,
and whether the Gun or Carronade is properly secured. It
is of particular importance that every man should be ac-
quainted with the Post and part assigned to him, and that
previously to real action, he shall be so well instructed as
to be able to acquit himself well in it.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe
Major Gerih
To Colonel Pearson
MEM. OF ACTION AT FORT ERIE.
York, 21st March 1813
A Letter sent from Sir Roger H. Sheaffe to His Ex’cy
Sir George Prevost, together with those from Col. Bisshopp
& General Vincent with List of killed and wounded in the
Cannonade on 17th inst. at Fort Erie.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
353
SUNDRY MATTERS.
York, 25th March, 1813.
Sir: I have the honor of transmitting extracts of a
Letter from Brig’r General Procter to Colonel Myers, to
be submitted to the consideration and decision of His Ex-
cellency the Commander of the Forces on the several points
to which they refer. I recommend the adoption of the plan
proposed by Brig’r General Procter for the improvement
of the Barrack Department in His District, another con-
firmation of Mr. Evisto [?] as acting Hospital Mate with
the usual pay and allowances. It appears desirable that a
medical officer should be attached to the Indian Department
there. I beg leave to acquaint you that I have not received
a supply of stationary since I succeeded to the command in
this Province and that the Deputy Adjutant General is
destitute of that essential article.
R. H. Sheaffe
Noah Freer,
M. S.
Supplement to Noah Freer, Esq’r, 25th March.
Be so good as to let me have early intimation of the
measures adopted for furnishing the necessary articles of
Clothing and Equipment for the Corps of Dragoons Ar-
tificers and Artillery Drivers to be raised.
R. H. S.
If some Saddles & Bridles fit for the Dragoons can be
obtained here at a reasonable rate, I propose securing them
—on which you shall have early information.
R. H. S.
VARIOUS MEMORANDA.
York, 25th March, 1813.
A Letter from Major General Sheaffe to Colonel Baynes.
Purport—Lt. Stewart and 1 comp’y Glengarys passed for
Fort George. Return transmitted of 2 deserters from 49th
Grenadiers. Gen. Sheaffe finds it necessary to remain at354
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
York a little longer, on account of the present weak state
of defence York is in. Militia ordered in—and the Dock
Yard men supplied with Arms &c as also a select body of
the Towns folk. The Legislative Council Room to be con-
verted into a Barrack, and the Government House do for
officers, when some of their present quarters will be turned
over to the men. Some men have entered here for the
Incorporated Militia.
R. H. Sheaffe.
ON THE TRIAL OF WALSH AND SHANAHAN.
York, 25th March, 1813.
Sir : I have received the proceedings of the General
Court Martial on the trial of Privates Walsh and Shanahan
of the 49th Reg’t. Before I decide thereon I wish to have
an explanation of some circumstances stated in them. The
release of the Prisoners after the conduct for which it has
been thought necessary to apply for a General Court Martial
on them, and their being marched about fully equipped at
Fort Erie for many days.
In Walsh’s trial the word Creek is omitted 4th Line 9th
Page.
In Shanahan’s trial 13th Line 3d Page, restrained is
inserted for restored of which you will please to apprise
the acting Judge Advocate.
I have the honor to be Sir, your most obed’t humble
Servant
R. H. Sheaffe,
Maj’r GenT &c
To Brig’r General Vincent
FOR INDIAN CO-OPERATION.
York, 25th March, 1813.
Letter from Cap’t Loring to Capt’n Roberts, with extract
of a Letter from Sir George Prevost to Sir Roger H.
Sheaffe, respecting securing during hostilities the cordial
cooperation of the Indian Warriors. His Majestys Gover’tGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
855
concurring in the suggestions of Sir George Prevost, of
the necessity of securing the Indians possessions from in-
croachment, whenever Negotiations for Peace may be en-
tered into, the security of the Indian possessions shall not
either be compromised or forgotten. Gen’l Orders Montreal
ioth March 1813. Sir Roger Sheaffe B’r &c Promotions
&c Reinlistment of Men for limited Service York Gazette.
Vote of thanks from Upper House Lower Province to the
Indian Warriors at Detroit, Queenston, & French Town.
York, 26th March, 1813.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter
of the 19th instant, which I have laid before the Major
General Commanding, who desires me to say, that he hopes
steps have been taken (in consequence of his desertation
to you on the Subject some time back) to provide Indian
Corn, Peas &c, such articles as will be requisite for the use
of the Indians. In addition to the neighboring warriors
who have been employed on our Frontier Line, a consider-
able body is expected down from the Westward and Sir
Roger expects that a sufficient quantity of the above named
Articles will be procured for the supply of their wants, as
well as to send up to Amherstburg. D’y Ass’t Comm’ry
General Crookshanks can procure both Indian Corn and
Peas here, but in what quantity he cannot as yet ascertain.
I have the honor to be &c
Robert R. Loring
A. D. C. Capfn.
To D’y Commissary General
Edward Couche, Esq’r.
MEMORANDA.
York, 26th March.
Sir: The Major General Comm’g has desired me to
inform you, that the two Letters addressed to you (which
I now enclose) Were opened by him; and an answer to that
respecting the payment of Bounties &c (of which the Sub-
stance accompanies this was sent to Colonel Pearson, with356
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
directions to forward it to Lt. Col. McDonell. I forwarded
also to Colonel Pearson the General Orders (4 sheets)
lately received from you, and they are to be passed by him
to Prescott. Sir Roger wishes that you should address a
similar letter to that sent Col. Pearson, to Brig’r General
Vincent for his information.
I have the honor to be &c
Robert R. Loring,
A. D. C. Capt’n
To Lt. Col. PI AWES
D'y Ad ft General
No Stationary has yet been received— As soon as the
demand made for it is complied with, a supply will be sent
10 5,0“'	R. R. L.
York, 27th March, 1813.
Sir: I have the honor of transmitting a Representation
which I have this day received from Brig’r General Procter
explanatory of his opinion on the Subject of raising a
Corps, to act with the Auxiliary Indians. His suggestions
appear to me to be worthy of the consideration of His
Excellency the Commander of the Forces, to whose decision
I request that they may be submitted.
R. H. Sheaffe
Mafr GenT &c
To Colonel Baynes.
York, 29th March, 1813.
Letter to Lt. Col. Harvey—App’t of Donald Ames [?]
McDonell Esq. to be a Volunteer in the 49th Reg’t from
25th March. Notifying Mr. Ingonville [?] as Act’y En-
gineer & sent Gen’l Orders (4 sheets) 10th March Montreal
to Capt. Roberts.	^ ^ T
iv. JK. L.
York, 29th March, ’13
Letter to General Vincent to investigate respecting the
non acceptance of Colonel Shortts draft on [illegible] Ft
George for the pay of men of the 41st Reg’t left at York
R. R. L.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
357
PREFERMENT FOR COL. MYERS.
York, 29th March, 1813
Sir: I have received your Letter of the 26th instant
with its several enclosures. You may announce to Lt. Col.
Claus, & to Lt. Col. Clark that I approve of the officers
recommended. I hope they will succeed in forming Ten
companies each. This place and the communication from
it up and down have increased so much in importance, that
I think it proper to appoint as Commander of this District
and that of New Castle an officer of Rank who is qualified
for such a situation, and as Colonel Myers appears to me
on all accounts the most eligible for it, I enclose an order
nominating him to it, which you will communicate to him
before it is given to the Deputy Adjutant General for pub-
lication. It is my wish to see him here, as soon as he has
finished any business which it may be indispensably neces-
sary that he should complete before he leaves Fort George.
I send a Warrant for the transfer of a Sum of money from
Mr. Couche to the D’y Pay Master General of Militia to
whom I mean to send also a sum to pay the Provincial
Bounty for Volunteers. As I have not received any report
from Mr. McDonell of the amount of his estimate, I have
left a blank in the Warrant which you will have filled up
with such sum as may appear to you to be required. The
leading sleighs of Captain Liddell’s party have arrived I
mean to send it by Water with the supplies of neces-
saries &c.
You will please to give the necessary directions for the
constructing of huts, and the fitting up of houses which may
be required as quarters for any of the Troops—the Esti-
mates of which are to be prepared by the Engineer pro-
visionally approved by you.
The disbursements for these services are to be made by
the Commissariat.
I am very anxious to be at Fort George, but I must
remain here till the arrival of Colonel Myers.
The Boats that take the Glengary Company can bring
the Deserters with an escort, which may return in one
Boat, if we have not a vessel in Motion by that time.
There are not any Saddles here. Perhaps there are some
in the Indian Store. Colonel Claus may be able to lend Lt.358
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
Col. Harvey some stationary. What is the state of the
shore on the other side? If there be recorded in the
Brigade Major’s office the names of the Militia Men killed
or disabled by wounds, let me have a copy of it.
If the John Clark proposed as a Captain in Lt. Col.
Clark’s Corps be the Ass’t Adj’t General he cannot be per-
mitted to relinquish the duties of that office until another
be appointed to replace him.
R. H. Sheaffe
To Brig General Vincent &c
Fort George
N. B. I am desirous of having something done for an
old Lieut: Davis in Capt. Durands Company 5th Lincoln.
If he should come forward, room must be made for him if
possible among the Captains.
R. H. S.
York, 29th March, 1813.
Sir Roger Sheaffe’s Letter to Col. Myers appointing him
to Command the Home and New Castle Districts. If it be
found that the Kings or other Troops be coming up, Capt.
Liddell Glengary’s will be kept here. If he goes on it will
be in Boats & the supplies of necessaries at the same time
R. H. S.
*
York, 29th March, 1813.
Sir: I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of
your Letter of the 14th inst. conveying the commands of
His Excellency respecting the recruiting Party of- the
Newf’dLand Corps which shall be immediately attended
to. I have also received your Letter of the 13th inst.,
enclosing a Statement of Mr. McNab on the subject of
which enquiry shall be made.
R. H. S.
Noah Freer, Esq.
M. S.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
359
COL. MYERS* NEW COMMAND.
York, 29th March, 1813.
Sir: The increased importance of this place and of the
communication on this side of the Lake, rendering it neces-
sary in my opinion to add to the force employed here, as
far as the means at my disposal may make it practicable,
and also to appoint an officer of suitable rank, and of ex-
perience and ability, to the Command of these Districts, I
have directed Colonel Myers to repair to this Post to assume
the Command in the Home and Newcastle Districts. This
nomination is moreover recommended by the benefit that
the Marine Department is likely to derive from his having
the Dock Yard here immediately under his Eye, and the
communication with that of Kingston .so much shortened.
I trust that this appointment will meet the approbation of
His Excellency the Commander of the Forces; to whose
consideration I beg you will submit whether an allowance
shall be granted for this command, and a Staff Adjutant,
with the usual Pay & Allowances.	-d tt c
K. ri. o.
To Col. Baynes
Adjt Gen’l, N. A.
York, 30th March, 1813.
A Letter to B’r Gen’l Vincent from Capt’n Loring with
orders from Sir Roger H. Sheaffe, to send 4 Artillery men
from Fort George to York.	R. R. L.
A CALL FOR FUNDS.
York, 30th March, 1813.
Sir: The Receiver General having represented to me
that £5,000 will be immediately required in aid of the civil
expenditure for this Province, I request that you will be
pleased to order that sum to be remitted to him accord-
R. H. Sheaffe &c
To His Ex’cy
Sir George Prevost, Bt.
A Letter from Sir Roger H. Sheaffe to Noah Freer
Esq., M. S. saying that the £5,000 required is Sterling and360
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
that if sent in army Bills, the Receiver General wishes
£150 in 4 Dollar Bills and the rest in Bills of from 25, to
50 Dollars, Sir Roger intimates to Mr. Freer that he
expects to hear from Mr. Couche what money yrill be want-
ing by him, and has no doubt that care will be taken to
supply the Troops sufficiently with that necessary article.
R. H. S.
N. B. A Warrant to Mr. Couche to pay £1486: si d6
to Dep’y Paymaster General of Militia, being a sum lodged
with him, by order of the Major General Commanding, last
Fall, by Colonel Nicholl.
R. H. S.
A Letter from Sir Roger Sheaffe to D’y Pay Master
General, advising him of the Warrant in his favor, and
desiring him to issue such sum to the Q’r Master General,
as he may want for services in his Department before the
Return of Sir Roger to Fort George.
R. H. S.
FORCES FOR THE HEAD OF THE LAKE.
Fort George, 31st March, 1813
Sir: I am directed by the Major General Commanding
to inform you that the party proposed to be stationed at
the head of the Lake, to be (Sir Roger desires) under the
Command of a Captain, can be conveyed thither by the two
Boats, which take Mr. Smyth a[nd] the detachment of
Glengarys to Fort George. From the Head of the Lake to
this place the Boats are to be brought back, by a small party,
either of Regulars, or of Regulars & militia as you shall
judge best, and this Party will have a speedy opportunity
of rejoining their Post at the Head of the Lake, as the
communication by Water from hence to Fort George will
now be very frequent.
I have the honor to be &c
Robert R. Loring A. D. C.
To Brig’r General Vincent, &c
Fort GeorgeGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
361
REINFORCING MICHILIMACKINAC.
York, 5th April, 1813
Sir: I have the honor of transmitting herewith extracts
of Letters received from Captain Roberts Commanding at
Michilimackinac; Copies of the several documents alluded
to therein are sent to the Military Secretary to be laid before
your Excellency. It appears to be of importance that
Captain Roberts should have a reinforcement as early as
possible, and be furnished with certain articles for the
supply of the Indians, that he may be enabled to answer
the demand of Mr. Dickson, and have besides what may be
essentially necessary for the Indians in general in his neigh-
borhood. I beg leave to submit to your Excellency’s con-
sideration the proposal that such articles shall be sent up the
Grand River in some of the North West Canoes chiefly
manned with armed Men of the Corps of Voyageurs, with
officers of their own in proportion to their number, to
serve as a reinforcement.	_ __ 0
R. H. Sheaffe
His Excellency
Sir George Prevost, B’t &c
PLANS TO ATTACK FORT NIAGARA.
Sir: I transmit herewith copies of sentences of General
Courts Martial assembled at Kingston on some Militia
Men, and I request that you will be so good as to aid me
with your advice on their cases: I have thought it proper
to accompany the notice of them in public orders with the
implied intention of sending them to Quebec, because it may
operate beneficially: two others were tried for offenses of
a similar nature.
A Document is sent to Mr. Freer which shews the prob-
able amount of the advances made by the Commissariat on
account of this Province to 24th March inclusive: The
Estimate for the Month ending at that period amounted to
nearly £7,000 and that to 24th April will probably exceed it.
The last information of the Enemy at Niagara states
their number much lower than it has been supposed to be.
Two hundred are said to form the Garrison of Fort
Niagara: This intelligence has encouraged Brig’r General362
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
Vincent to propose a plan for an attack on it with four
hundred Men: for which purpose it seems that more boats
are required, than we can at present command—besides it
was thought a necessary part of the plan to employ the aid
of Indians in its execution: It appears to me that such an
operation, if we possessed the means of effecting it, would
not accord with the principle adopted by y’r Excellency
with regard to Sackett’s Harbour, as communicated in y’r
private Letter of the 18th March, which has arrived since
I began this Letter.
I enclose a Letter to me from- Norton as it seems to
explain more favorably the cause of his retiring from Am-
herstburg. Mr. Reifenstein, Lt. Col. Warburton’s Staff
Adjutant, is here. I propose sending him on tomorrow or
next day by the Land Route. I transmit for y’r Ex’cy’s
information some instructions that I have issued for the
formation of the incorporated Militia: that plan has already
been acted on to such an extent that I conceive it would be
impolitic to publish the “Conditions for Local Fencibles,”
which I have just received from Col. Baynes.
R. H. Sheaffe
To Sir George Prevost, B’t.
AGAIN, THE MILITARY CHEST.
York, 5th April, ’13
Sir: By direction of Sir Roger H. Sheaffe I send you
an Extract of a Letter from D’y Comm’ry Gen’l Couche of
19th March and also a letter from same Gentleman 31st
March. In addition to the information contained in the
Extract, I am desired to acquaint you that the £5,810 was
the amount of the estimate to 24th Febry, and that over and
above the £41,170 s6	the amount of that to 24th
March is £6,907 S4 d8 making total of £45,077 s5dy}£.
R. R. Loring
Noah Freer, Esq. M. S.
Estimate of clothing for Marine Dep’t Lake Erie Ac-
count of expenses incurred by Capt’n Hall. From 12 to 20
Saddles & Can only be procured here.	R. R. L.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
363
MEMORANDA.
York, 5th April.
The Gen’l orders about Gen’l Coffin’s Corps addressed
by mistake to Col. Harvey, sent down to Col. Baynes.
R. R. L.
York, 5th April.
Copy of a Letter from Lt. Col. Armstrong requiring
assistants in B’k Depart, with Sir Roger Sheaffes appt of
Mr. John Gray to be Clerk at 1/6 a ration: and 1/4 rooms
fuel. Corporal Morgan Newf’d to be issuer of Fuel at 6d
pr day.
R. R. Loring
Noah Freer, Esq’r, M. S.
'	York, 5th April.
Sir: I forward accompanying Papers numbered from 1
to 6. The 5 first being copies of Infirmation rec’d from
Capt Roberts & the 6th a muster Role & Pay List of
Canadian Volunteers at Mackinac.
R. R. Loring
Noah Freer, Esq’r, M. S.
AN OFFICE FOR ENSIGN FROBISHER.
York, 5th April, T3
Sir : I have received your letter of the 26th March: Lt.
Col. Sherwood should confine his recruiting to his own
District, until the Corps to be raised in a neighbouring one
is completed, when it may be extended to it.
I expect a Lt. Col. to form a Corps of Eight companies:
With a smaller number of Men a Major only will be
allowed. There is some Mistake about “an officer of the
Adj’t General’s Department.” I wished to know if there
was a fit person to name to me as an assistant for that
Dep’t in the Militia. I shall be very happy to nominate
Ensign Frobisher if it be assented to at Head Quarters.
You may appoint Mr. Frobisher to act in the meantime. He364
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
will be allowed (if confirmed 5/ a day from the time he
commences duty as Ass’t Adj’t Gen’l of Militia, and forage
for a Horse and 1/6 a day for a Clerk, Also the Rank (in
the Militia only) of Captain and allowances.
I have written to Mr. Couche respecting any vouchers
for Militia expenses in your District which he may have
in his possession and to send those down that may not have
been favorably decided on.
I wish to have a Report from you on the app’t of Pay-
masters in your Districts. A Letter from the D’y Pay M
Gen’l says: “Mr. McLean informs me that he is no longer
Pay Master, a Lieut. John Kerr having been appointed
from 25th Febry.” This requires explanation, as I am
ignorant of any authority having been given for such an
appointment. I some time ago asked for information on
the competency of one Paymaster, in your two Districts: I
will thank you to furnish me with it.
R. H. Sheaffe.
Lt. Col. McDonell, &c., Prescott.
York, 6th April, 1813.
Copy of a Letter from Military] Secretary] sent to
Colonel Elliott—appointments in Indian Dep’t approved,
viz.:
Jan. 15th Richerville, Chief of the Miamies, to be Capt.
in Indian Dep’t, to head his own nation.
Louis Campeau, a Canadian, in the Michigan Territory,
to be an Interpreter.
Alexander Ironside to be an Interpreter.
R. R. Loring
6th April
A copy of the foregoing sent to Colonel Claus, as also
an extract from Capt Robert’s Letter respecting Mr. Liv-
ingston’s being struck off the list of Interpreters—praying
his restoration.
R. R. Loring,GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
365
NEWS FROM THE WEST—SHEAFFE TO PROCTER.
York, 6th April
My Dear General : I have this day received a Despatch
from Head Quarters informing me that half a company of
Artillery—The Kings Regt. 6 comp’ys of 104th four comp’s
Glengarys, and four companies of Voltigeurs were ordered
to reinforce me. On the arrival of the Kings & Glengarys
at Fort George all the 41st are to be sent up to you and
part at least with all possible expedition. By the first op-
portunity you will forward to Captain Roberts the detach’t
of Veterans destined for him last year. There are about
forty more to be selected from those at Kingston and sent
up as early as possible. I have lately rec’d Letters from
him to 19th March. Gen’l Clark with 4000 men was
ascending the Mississippi, with the intention of gaining
Lake Michigan by the Quisconsin,1 from which there is but
a short distance to Waters that run into that Lake.
The Sioux and Neighbouring Indian Tribes had declared
a determination to oppose the Americans, who are encour-
aged by a belief that they are without ammunition but
Capt’n Roberts had sent Ten Barrels of Powder to the
principal War Chief of the Sioux, & directed all that could
be found in the Traders stores to be taken for their use.
It has been signified to me in a Letter from the M. S. that
it is His Excellency’s wish that Capt Roberts’ demands may
be complied with as early as the Season will admit and that
directions would also be given to that end to the Depart-
ments concerned, at Quebec. Provisions, Ammunition &
sundry Articles for the Indians are what he will most want,
supplies of which, or such as you can possibly spare, you
wiH cause to be forwarded agreeably to His Excellency’s
Commands. There are Provisions destined for Amherst-
burg at Long Point (at Charlotteville I understand) for
which it will be prudent to send as early as possible. There
is something in the retiring of Norton that seems to dis-
please Sir George Prevost. Be so good as to explain the
matter to me. You will not neglect to convey to all the
Indian Nations our auxiliaries, with the customary cere-
monies, the assurance rec’d from His Majesty, that in the
1. One of the early forms of “Wisconsin,” more properly “Ouisconsin.3366	GEN. SHEAF FES LETTER BOOK.
event of a negotiation the security of the Indian Territory
will not be forgotten. The answer to the Memorial from
the Western District is transmitted to Mr. Pattinson.1 I
am informed by His Excellency that he has appointed Mr.
R. Dickson D’y Superintendent of Indians in Michigan and
the conquered Territory and he recommends to me “to vest
in B’r Gen’l Procter sufficient authority to enable him to
support Mr. Dickson in his organization of the Indians
from the Westward, and in his endeavors to check the
prodigal expenditure of Provisions and to establish strict
impartiality in the treatment they experience from us; so
that His Majesty’s gracious bounty may flow thro’ the chan-
nel in which it was intended.”
You will therefore act conformably thereto, and it is
farther required that all practicable means be adopted to
soften the ferocity of the usual mode of warfare of the
Indians, and to restrain them in it.
I send a packet for Capt. Roberts open that you may see
the plan of Local Fencibles, which was prepared before they
had learnt below, what had been adopted by this Legisla-
ture. I of course do not mean to act on these '‘Conditions”
tho’ Captain Roberts is instructed to do so. They are better
calculated for him than the Incorporated system: indeed it
can not be extended to Mackinac, nor can the eight dollars
be given to Local Fencibles. I hope soon to hear about
your proposed Corps.
R. H. Sheaffe
To Brig’r GenT Procter,
Detroit.
SIR ROGER SHEAFFE TO b'r GEN'l VINCENT.
York 7th April 1813
To prepare for an add’l force. Col. Young at York.
Batteaux to be sent here to convey the Troops. The Plan
not to be undertaken. Q’r M’s Gen’l Depart’t to be em-
ployed in regulating the carrying Dispatches. The Demand
made by the people on the Detroit side to be laid before
Board of accounts, or a Board for the purpose, for its
1. Name doubtful, but so in original MS.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
367
opinion on it. Major Simons Corps to be considered in the
arrangement for Provisions from the H’d of the Lake
Party. Extract from the [illegible] table supposed to be
wrong. Dr. Thorn to write to Dr. Redmond about it.
Authorities, circular letter, & improved form of enrolment—
Printed one incorrect. 8 Saddles & Bridles in Pro’l Store.
Form of Certificate returned. If something can not be done
for Sparkman. The order of 19th Jan’y sh’d have been
acted on at Fort George. A Board to assemble and decide
on the value of the Deserters Arms &c. Nails, Glass & Putty
are ordered for Fort George for preparing Quarters. On
the arrival of the Kings & four companies of the Glengary
at Fort George the whole of the 41st are to move to Am-
herstburg and part at least to be sent with the utmost expe-
dition, for the prompt execution of which you will make
every preparation in your power, prior to the arrival of
these corps.
R. H. Sheaffe
To B’r GenT Vincent.
MORE TROOPS FOR THE NIAGARA.
York, 7th April, 1813.
Dear Sir : I have caused a statement to be transmitted to
H’d Quarters of the probable amount of the sum for which
a warrant will be required to relieve you from the charge of
the Militia Vouchers.
I do not think it fair to trouble the D’y P. M’s Gen’l of
Militia about disbursements prior to his app’t. I therefore
mean to have those vouchers to which you allude put into
the hands of the Inspector Gen’l of Provincial accounts.
I trust that every exertion is making to add to our num-
ber of Batteaux. We shall feel the want of more of them
in the movement of the Troops now on their way to Niagara
from below. Lt. Col. McDonell Comm’g at Prescott &
Lower District informs me that Boards of acct’s are ordered
to assemble at Prescott and Cornwall, but that some
vouchers which have been sent up are wanted to assist the
Boards in certain cases. If you have any such will you be
so good as to transmit them to Lt, Col. McDonell. I have
written to B. Gen’l Procter & recommended him to send as368
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
early as possible to Long Point (Charlotteville) for the
Provisions collected there for his district. He is also
directed to forward some to M Mackinack.
G. Couche, Esq’r.
R. H. Sheaffe
various notations.
7th April, 1813, York.
Capt’n Loring to Capt Roberts. Conditions of enlist-
ment as rec’d from Colonel Baynes:
Sir: I have been directed by Sir Roger H. Sheaffe to
send you the following extract from a Letter addressed to
him by Colonel Baynes.
His Ex’cy would also approve of Captain Roberts
having power to enlist thirty men as Fencibles, to serve
during the War and to grant them a bounty the same as is
proposed for other Corps of that description in Upper
Province.
Edward Baynes
Adjt Gen.
I send the conditions of enlistment with this and Sir
Roger desires me to remark to you that the “Eight dollars
mentioned in them as outfit granted by the Province” can-
not be given to Local Fencibles having been granted for
Incorporated Militia, which cannot be formed at Michili-
mackinac. You are however authorized to give 18 dollars,
agreeably to the spirit of the conditions & directions re-
ceived from Colonel Baynes.
R. R. Loring
Capt. Roberts, &c
7th April.
Capt. Loring to Col. Harvey with General Orders rec’d
from Quebec. Two Monthly Returns from Mackinac &
St Josephs Garrisons, & of Canadian Volunteers there also
D. G. O Appts in 15th [?] Dept and NewfLand Recruiting
Postes.
R. R. LoringGEN. SHEAFFRS LETTER BOOK.
369
GEN. SHEAFFE TO COL. PEARSON.
York, 7th April.
Sir: I have received your two letters of the 2d April
and lament you have so unfavorable a report to make of
the Inc’d Militia. If you have the clothing for it you have
authority to issue it. 40 of the veterans at Kingston to be
in readiness for M Mackinac. I would embark them in
boats & send them up the bay. I think it prudent to have a
party at the head of the Bay. A few Regulars and Militia
with a discreet, vigilant officer. I have not noticed Ensign
Hawley’s call in General Orders. You will please to
admonish him in the presence of his comm’g officer and of
Colonel Cartwright, after which he may be released from
his arrest.
R. H. Sheaffe
Colonel Pearson
N. B. Extract of a Letter from the Commander of the
Forces sent.
I send down directions to Lt. Col. Peters to post a Cap-
tain with 50 men at Newcastle of which you will apprise
the Officer who may be appointed to command at the
carrying place; and instruct him to concert with Lt. Col.
Peters or the Capt Comm’g that party some mode of com-
munication and of mutual support in case of necessity.
R. H. S.
THE INCORPORATED MILITIA A SUCCESS.
York, 7th April.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
your Letter of the 25th March accompanying “Conditions
proposed for raising Corps of local Fencibles” & which
cannot now be acted on, as the plan of Incorporated Militia
adopted by the Legislature of this Province is in operation
and with some success. Every facility will be afforded for
completing the establishment of the Glengary Light Infantry
comp’y order’d to Niagara.	R H Sheaffe
Colonel Baynes.370
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
OPERATIONS AT YORK.
York, 7th April, ’13
Sir: Acknowledgment of your Letter of 29th March
with Gen’l orders for movement of Troops &c. Boats sent
for to Fort George and Head of the Lake, and orders go
down by Major Bouchette for all that can be found about
the Lake shore & head of Bay of Quinte, to be assembled
at carrying place. I some days ago sent down an officer to
press a Boat or two to bring up some naval stores that have
been left on the route. We have but few Batteaux at
present at Fort George & this Post, but some are building
at both places. B’r Gen’l Vincent is instructed to have the
companies of 41st in readiness to move to Amherstburg.
25 picked Veterans were sent to Amherstburg last year
with intention of being forwarded to St. Josephs’. Gen’l
Procter is directed to embark them in the first vessel for
M Mackinac, and I shall instruct Colonel Pearson to have
40 selected Men of same corps ready when they can move
in Boats.
A copy of the “Conditions” has been forwarded to
Captain Roberts, with instruction to offer 18 dollars bounty
according to the spirit of them, as there cannot be any
Incorporated Militia at Mackinac. I transmit copy of
Letter from Lt. Col. McLean applying for Capt’n Mc-
Pherson as Major. I have appointed Capt’n Herlihy [?]
to act as Ass’t D’y B’r Mr [?] Gen’l until the pleasure of
his Exc’y be known. Having rec’d a representation from
Colonel Myers that the Service would be inconvenienced
by his being appointed to the Command on this side the
Lake and thereby separated from me, I now propose placing
Colonel Young in the Command with a portion of his Regi-
ment & moving N. F. L’d to Niagara Line. 2 I2prs
mounted—6 i8prs and hope to have more ready in a few
days, furnaces for hot shot &c Artillery men from Incor-
porated Militia instructed. I am retiring Provisions, am-
munition &c from their present exposed situation. About
150 Indians near us here & more expected. More Militia
called in and the Inhabitants of the Town & Dock Yard
men armed &c If you can obtain a copy of Regulations
last published I should be glad to have them. A Return of
Deserters is sent herewith. They are here. I shall en-GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
371
deavor to make them useful. A Board at Fort George to
value the Arms &c they brought with them.
Colonel Baynes.
R. H. Sheaffe
ENSIGN FROBISHER*S SERVICE.
York, 7th April, 1813.
My Dear Colonel: Lt. Col. McDonell has recom-
mended Ensign Frobisher of Glengarys as an ass't in the
Adjutant General's Depart, in the Districts under his com-
mand which I hope will favor with your support & apply
to the Commander of the Forces for his permission, & as
in the case of Capt'n McPherson, apprise Lt. Col. Mc-
Donell of the decision of Sir George upon it. I have
authorized his being so employed in the meantime. I pro-
pose giving him 5/ pr day—forage for a horse—1/6 a day
for a Clerk, Rank of Captain in the Militia only (& allow-
ances of that Rank). The Assistant Adjutants General
in the other command who have no other appointments
have Captain's Rank, pay & allowances, forage for one
horse, 1/6 day for a clerk. The ass't Q'r M'r serjeant of
49th Reg't (a highly deserving man with a large family)
to act as Q'r M'r to the Incorporated Militia, which I shall
permit till the Commander of the Forces shall declare his
pleasure thereon.
R. H. Sheaffe.
To Colonel Baynes.
York, 7 April 1813.
Sir: I transmit a petition addressed to Sir George
Prevost, by Ensign P. C. Empy, & request that you will
cause a Court of Enquiry to be assembled to examine into
and Report on the allegations it contains, unless, on enquiry
into them yourself you find the circumstances to be such as,
in your opinion do render a Report from you sufficient.
I am Sir, Your very humble serv't
R. H. Sheaffe
Lieut. Col. McDonell.372
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
SHEAFFE TO PREVOST.
York, 8th April, 1813.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
your Excellency's confidential letter of the 27th of March:
I shall pay a due observance to all the points to which my
attention is directed in that as well as in your private letter
of the 18th of March received at the same time. Lt.
Colonel Armstrong and Major Clerk set out for Fort
George yesterday and Staff Adjutant Reiffenstein for
Amherstburg—by them all necessary instructions were
transmitted to Brigadier Generals Vincent & Procter. In
my communication to Colonel Baynes, are details of matters
to be laid before your Excellency, either for your informa-
tion or decision.
I have the honor to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe,
M. Geril
His Exc’y
Sir George Prevost
GEN. SHEAFFE TO BRIG. GEN. VINCENT.
York, 10th April, 1813.
My dear General: There is an error about the War-
rant, it was sent to be filled up with the sum that the D’y
Pay M'r Gen. would require for the Month. As for his
Estimate of £9546: sy: diy2: it does not agree with the
one sent to me which was under £7000. Colonel Pearson
has been written to about Mr. Shaw and Macauley. Lt.
Colonel Shortt if he decline the leave he asked for, must of
course go up with his Regt. The Proposition between the
officers and Men of the Militia is monstrous. Supernumer-
aries must be employed in collecting their men. My inten-
tion respecting the head of the Lake, was, to send 60 men
from the 2d York & 4th and 5th Lincoln, with Major Hatt,
Capt’n Wm Crooks to join the Detach’t of Regular Troops.
When that takes place the other Militia Party may return
to Fort George. I mean to leave the Grenadiers and aGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
373
Batt’n Comp’y of the Kings with Colonel Young here, &
perhaps a Comp’y of the Glengarys also (to recruit)
To B’r Gen’l Vincent, &c.
R. H. Sheaffe
York, xoth April, 1813.
Sir: I have the honor of transmitting a representation
from the Acting Q’r M’r Gen’l which I beg leave to recom-
mend to the favorable consideration of His Excy the Com-
mander of the Forces	'
R. H. Sheaffe
To Noah Freer, Esq. &c
GEN. SHEAFFE TO COL. BAYNES.
York, 14th Ap’l, 1813.
My Dear Colonel: The companies of Captains Mc-
Pherson and Roxburgh1 are here with the exception of part
of that of the former—the boat in which it embarked not
having been able to keep out on the Lake for two or Three
Days past, the weather having been too boisterous. It has
also prevented other boats coming from the head of the
Lake—but it being moderate today I have sent five boats
down, and I expect some from the westward, which will
probably enable me to despatch further aid to the Troops
below: I do not mean to give them the assistance of boats
further than the head of the lake, as from thence the road
is much better both for Marching and for waggons. The
wind & weather have retarded the fitting out a sloop which
I have caused to be purchased, but I hope to have her ready
in a day or two to go to Newcastle to bring up some troops,
baggage & Stores. I propose leaving Capt’n McPherson’s
company here at least for the present, and to place Colonel
Young here with the command in the Home and Newcastle
district giving him Two Companies of the Kings. I have
not yet heard from Fort George since the date of my last
Letter. I suppose the Ice is in motion there and prevents
any communication between the two sides. Lt. Col. Hughes
arrived three days ago, and is employed in establishing
1. Elsewhere spelled “Roxborough.”374
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
some arrangements for his Department here; when com-
pleated he will proceed to Fort George. The Militia
Clothing is not arrived, but we have supplies of Shoes,
Mogosins, Stockings & Flannel made and unmade.
Old Commissary Warren is reported very ill. Mr.
Stanton goes to Fort Erie to act in his place. We have Ice
yet in the harbour & I have not learnt that Kingston is in
such a state as to authorize the sailing of the Prince Regent;
I wish to give that vessel the benefit of the first strong west
or Northwest wind.
R. H. Sheaffe
Colonel Baynes &c
MEMORANDA.
York, 15th April, 1813.
Capt’n Richardson is hereby authorized to purchase a
new boat said to be at or near the Carrying Place at
Presque Isle, and built or belonging to a Man by the name
of Gibson. To be paid for by the Commissariat at York
or Kingston as may be agreed upon. By order.
Robert R. Loring, A. D. C.
York, 15th April, 1813.
Sir: I have the honor of representing to Your Excel-
lency that the sum of £20,000 is required for the civil ex-
penditure of this Province: I therefore request that you
will be pleased to grant your Warrant for that sum in
favor of the Receiver Gen’l.
R. H. Sheaffe
To His Exc’y Sir George Prevost, B’t, &c
A Letter to the Military Secretary (the above was
enclosed in it) to say that the copies of the Warrants for
£25,000 and £12,000 are received, and that besides the
£5,000 already asked for a warrant as above Stated is re-
quired.
R. H. S.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
375
A "mitigated" flogging.
York, 16th April, ’13.
Sir : I this day rec’d your Letter of the 2d of this
month with its several enclosures. It was sent down to
Kingston having been put with others into the packet for
that place. Care must be taken to prevent a recurrence of
that mistake. Directions go to the Dep’y Adj't Gen’l to
publish an order, approving the Sentence of the Gen’l
Court Martial mitigating that of Private Walsh to 250
Lashes, and Shanahan to 300 and dissolving the Court. A
Regt’l Court Martial to be assembled in the 41 Regt, to try
Private Michael La Madlin for absenting himself without
leave. Lt. Col. Hughes will proceed to Fort George as soon
as possible. I have today seen the Instructions sent by the
D’y P. Mas. Gen’l of Militia, they appear to be literally
copied from those sent up from below instead of being
modified to make them more applicable to this province.
R. H. Sheaffe
Brig’r Gen’l Vincent.
FUNDS FOR THE MILITIA.
York, 17th April, 1813.
Dear Sir : The set of Vouchers which you mentioned in
your Letter of the 10th inst. as being sent to Mr. Crook-
shank, not having arrived, a final arrangement cannot be
made with the Receiver General as proposed, but as the D’y
Pay M’r Gen’l of Militia must be in need of funds to enable
the several Paymasters to pay the Militia in their Districts,
I wish you to pay to him the ballance according to your
Statement (^£9774: S12: d^/4) which sum may be inserted
in the warrant enclosed to Brig’r Gen. Vincent, to serve as a
temporary voucher, or you may take Mr. McDonnell's
receipt as may be thought best.
R. H. Sheaffe
Edward Couche, Esq’r.376
GEN. SHEAFFE'S LETTER BOOK.
DETAILS OF SERVICE—CAPT. NORTON IN DEMAND.1
York, 19th April, 1813.
Sir: I have the honor of transmitting to your Excel-
lency the copy of a Letter which I have received from Mr.
Dickson, with extracts of Letters from Brigadiers Generals
Vincent and Procter, and the Copy of one from Capt’n
Johnston 49th Regt, respecting Lieut. Dudley, U. S. Navy
lately taken Prisoner. He and his companions have not
yet arrived here ; they must be detained here, a short time
as all the Boats I can procure will be employed in bringing
up Troops Stores & Baggage. One Company of the Kings
has proceeded to Fort George, a half company arrived last
night, and goes on to day, and I expect a comp’y (Capt’n
Goldrick) at noon which will also proceed to day, and 5
boats go down the Lake to bring up the Militia Clothing
(which I have just learnt has been left about 70 miles from
hence.) and also to furnish aid to the Troops on their
march. I have for some time daily expected the arrival of
Col. Young, having been informed by Lt. Kerr Glengary's
that he was to come on without delay, for Fort George but
I have the mortification of being told today that he is to
remain at Kingston until his Regt has passed that post. I
have however consolation for having been so long detained
here, in the belief that it has proved in some degree bene-
ficial to the service. I have written to Col. Young to hasten
his progress towards me.
Capt’n Norton is here and is so urgent for my assent to
his going back to Detroit, pleading that he had engaged his
word to the Indians there for his speedy return that I can-
not withhold it; he promises not to stay long away from
me, but I part with him, even for a short time, with great
reluctance.	R H S
To Sir George Prevost, B’t.
TO GENERAL PROCTER.
20th April, T3.
My Dear General : I have received your Letters of the
3d, 5th and 9th April. I have not yet heard from head
1. In Canadian Archives. Cruikshank, Doc. Hist., v, 156.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
377
Quarters respecting the new Corps. I ordered your 6th
comp’y to be sent on. No report has been made to me of
the cause of its detention. I have given positive orders that
the Companies of the 41st shall be pushed on in succession
as those of the Kings arrive. The remainder of the 3d
Comp’y goes on tomorrow and a number of Boats have gone
and are going to assist the others. The suggestion of the
Dorchester Mills [ ?] will be attended to. There is no
other “Warrant” necessary for the Gen’l Court Martial
than my order for its assembling &c I have no objection
to establishing Capt’n Woods as Acting Judge Advocate,
and Appointing Col. J. Baby President. Indeed it would
have been more regular that the Complaint should have
come thro’ him. I believe it was made direct to the Adj’t
General by his Brother. Colonel Claus will be consulted on
the proposed appointments in his Department. I enclose a
copy of the new mode of paying the Indian Department at
Amherstburg, which I have proposed in a Letter to Head
Quarters. I have sent to Sir George a copy of Mr. Dick-
sons Letter. Norton leaves me at the time that his aid is,
likely to be most essential to me. He is the only leader of
Indians that I can repose confidence in or expect much
assistance from, and that I thought more peculiarly my own
as being attached to the Indians near the Niagara Frontier.
He promises to stay but a short time but that will be a criti-
cal one. You will not neglect sending Captain Roberts as
early as possible all the aid he needs which you can spare
he complains of ill health.
R. H. S.
BJr Gen’l Procter.
\
SHEAFFE TO PROCTER.
York, 20th April.
With your other letters acknowledged in mine of this
date arrived yours of 12th March to Major Glegg which he
had delayed forwarding expecting my arrival at1 Fort
George. I approve of your appointing a board to estimate
the value of the Detroit, Mary, and Satina, appointing as far
as may be practicable persons qualified for the office and at
the same time disinterested. You will also adopt any other378
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
measures which can tend to accelerating the settlement of
the claims on acc’t of the Capture made on 16th last August.
I shall proceed in a few days for Fort George when I shall
decide on your application for Lt. Col. Nicholls going up.
I some time ago sent down to Quebec for information to
aid the proposed board in framing regulations for the dis-
tribution of Prize Money &c
R. H. S.
B’r'Geril Procter
York, 21st April, ’13.
(Sent to Amherstburg by Capfn Norton to Gen’l Procter)
Extract of a Letter addressed to Major Glegg by Capfn
Roberts 7th March Michilimackinac (this ought to have
been sent before but was forgot.)
To Capfn Chambers: I approve Estimate (1) for fitting
out Queen Charlotte (2) for Do Lady Prevost, to navigate
Lake Erie for the year 1813.
GEN. SHEAFFE ASKS FOR MEDALS FOR OFFICERS WHO SERVED
AT QUEENSTON.
Penzance, June 7th, 1815.
Sir : I having been informed that it is in contemplation
to grant Medals to Officers of certain ranks and descriptions
who were present in the affairs which took place at Detroit,
Chateauguay, & Krystler’s Farm,1 I think it my duty in
behalf of the Officers of corresponding ranks & descriptions
who were present in the action with the Enemy at Queens-
ton in Upper Canada, on the 13th of October 1812 to recall
to Y. Ex’y notice their pretensions, entertaining the hope
that they will be deemed worthy of your support, and that
you will be pleased to recommend them for a similar dis-
tinction.
I have the honour of enclosing herewith the names of
1. An erroneous spelling. John Chrysler’s farm, where the battle ot
Nov. it, 1813, was fought, was on the Canadian shore of the St. Lawrence,
between present Morrisburg and Cornwall. It is usually called the battle of
Chrysler’s Field, and sometimes the battle of Williamsburg, from a near-by
village.GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
379
Officers of certain ranks &c who were engaged with the
Enemy on that occasion.
I have the honour to be
R. H. Sheaffe &c
L. GenT Sir G. Prevost
Late Gov. GenT & Comm’g the Forces
in the Province of B. N. America
Names of Officers of certain ranks etc. engaged with the
Enemy at Queenston Upper Canada on the 13th of Oct’r
1812.'
Captains,
Derenzy, Comm’g 41st Reg’t.
Holcroft, Comm’g the Roy’l Artillery in Upper
Canada.
Lt. Colonels,
Butler, Comm’g a Corps of Militia.
Clark, Comm’g a Corps of Militia.
Captain Norton, Comm’g a Body of Indians.
Penzance, 7th June, 1815.
R. H. Sheaffe
Note:—The above referred to in Letter N :i—of this
date.
AN AFTERTHOUGHT FOR PROCTER AND VINCENT.
Penzance, 7th June, 1815.
Sir : In addition to my letter of this date I beg leave also
to propose to Your Excellency’s consideration the preten-
sions of M. Gen’l Procter & of the officers who acted with
him in the defeat and capture of the American General
Winchester and his corps, and those of M. Gen’l Vincent
and of the Officers who shared in the gallant surprise and
driving back of a very superior force of the Enemy at
Stoney Creek near the head of Lake Ontario.
I have the honour to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe.380
GEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
TO EARL BATHURST.
Penzance, 7th June, 1815.
My Lord: I have the honour of transmitting to Your
Lordship copies of letters &c which I have addressed to H.
E. Sir G. Prevost, the purpose of which not being, I trust,
such as will expose it to Your Lordship’s disapprobation, I
venture to hope that it will be honoured by your fav’ble
consideration and support.
I have the honour to be &c
R. H. Sheaffe
The R. Horible Earl Bathurst.
Edinburgh, 23rd June, 1819.
My Lord : I hope that I shall not be deemed intrusive &
troublesome in requesting that I may be favoured with a
copy of the letter which Y[our] L[ordship] so courteously
promised to address in my behalf to H. R. H. the Comm’r
in Chief; but, if the pressure of public business have as yet
prevented Y. L’s attention to a subject comparatively so
trivial, may I be allowed to entreat that in addition to the
favour which I already owe to Y. L’s goodness, you will be
pleased to transmit the letter through me, as I have a docu-
ment to lay before H. R. H. which I am particularly desir-
ous should have the support which a testimonial from Y. L.
is so well calculated to afford.
I have the honour to be &c
R. H. S.
The R’t HorTble The Earl Bathurst.
AFTER MANY YEARS.
Edinburgh, 9th Dec’r, ’48
Sir : I have the honour of forward’g herewith a Memo-
rial in Duplicate addressed to you by Captain Carmichael
the Paymaster of my Reg’t (the 36th) the state of whose
health is such as to render him desirous of retiring from the
service, and should he be permitted to do so I beg leave to
recommend as his successor in the Office of Paymaster Q’rGEN. SHEAFFE’S LETTER BOOK.
381
M’r Stuart of my Regiment who is in all respects well
qualified to perform the duties of the Office
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
R. H. Sheaffe
Gen’l & Col. 36th Reg’t
IN BEHALF OF QUARTERMASTER STUART.
Edinb: 8th June, 1849
Sir : I had the honour of receiving yours of the 4th late
yesterday, in which you request me to submit for your
approval the name of an officer not under the rank of Lieut,
duly qualified to succeed to the Paymastership of the 36th
Regiment, but not knowing of the claims or pretensions of
any other person but those of Q’r M’r Stuart, I again
venture to plead for them: on the score of finance his
appointment would be a saving to the Public, as he is
entitled to a much higher rate of half pay than 4/— per
diem. Dr. Russell, the surgeon of my Reg’t being in London
perhaps you may deem it proper to call upon him for a
Medical Certificate unless the inclosed opinion from him be
deemed sufficient. Every officer in my Reg’t is so inter-
ested in Mr. Stuart’s welfare on account of his high char-
acter that I feel justified in stating that the result of my
exertions in his behalf will be anxiously looked for by the
whole Regiment.
I have the honour to be Sir, Your most ob’t hble Servant,
R. H. S.