5* .'-■•*,'*< n>. & ft"^-^^. v: . o "^Ad* * »4 0„v ®^ -«?--. ^* 4 . .^'Jfc °o .. V ■' NxN%^ Difitrict of Xew-Tnrh, ss. BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the twenty -third day of Febru- ary, in the fortieth year of the 'ndependence of the United Ij. S. Stes of America, John Low. of ^he said disti'ict, hatii depos- ited i'l this ofu-e the title of a Biiok. the right whereof he claims as Fi-oprietor, n the wo;ds follov ing, o ^ it : ** An Iwipartial and Cor ct History of the W ar hetween the United States of America, and tJreat Britain , comprising a particular df tail of the iVaval and Military operations, and a fait;:fi .eeord of the events produce ! .'uring tb^ contest From i's C-maitnceraent, June l8, lrjl2, to the Tr aty of -eace, ratified at the City of »Vasliington, ' ehiuar) 17, 181.^. Third edition, revised and corre ted. Carefully compiled from official documents." In contormity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, *' An act for the encouragement of I/earning, by securing the copies of Ma'.s, Charts, >m'l Pooks. to the anthois and proprietors of such copies during the time therein mei tioned And olso to n act, entitled "An act ■^up;! 'inentary to an act, eiititlod nn Act for ihe encouragement of learni g, by seeming the copies of M ps. Charts, -nd Book?, to the author- -lorj propii»^iorsof'such copies din-ng the times t'lerein mention- ed, and ^-xt^n.'ing the ben( Iit^ thereor to the art3 oi designing, engraving •asd etching historical and otiier prints." THEKON KUDD, Clerk of ihe Southern District o/JVew-York, PREFACE. NO era, in the moral world, has excited the public curiosity, or effected the general interest of mankind, more than the discovery of a west- ern continent, in the year ±i9Z. Attracted as the public mind was by that event, yet its resulting importance was not tlien fully anticipated by the most extravagant hopes, or the most acute prog- nostics. To convert the natural riches of the new world to the advantage of the old, was the only object which the kings of Europe wished to ac( omplish, or intended to essay. Neither king nor subject expected that the western world would become the seat of empires, independent of European rulers ; much less did they expect, that the future monarchs of the east would meet in the new world, rivals capable of opposing and defeating attempts at continuing in political sub- jection, the descendants of emigrants, led to the new continent by cupidity, driven to it by persecution, or banished as an expiation of theiv' crimes. It was not until long after the first settlement of America by Europeans, that it was sagai-ious- }y observed, that " the new world seemed destin- ed to give laws to the old." The observation drew forth but the derision or contempt of the hearers avid readers. A prophecy so improbable, and wiiich could not, it was supposed; be accom^ ii rREFAGE. plished, if at all, in a hundred centuries, was deemed too peurile to be credited, and too distant to be dreaded. The Revolutionary war gave the first substan- tial proof that materials for all the purposes of self government existed in America. In propor- tion as the g«^ni»s and resources of the inhabitants were developed, in the same degree did the^f^ find advocates in different parts of the world, who either saw with pleasure the successful prospect which opened itself to the people of the United States, (late British colonies,) secretly encour- aged and relieved them, or openly supported and assisted them. The happy termination of this contest, led to the belief, that the theories of po- litical prophets were not only probable, but their consummation less distant than had been hither- to supposed. The United States, having by the treaty of peace of 1783, become a nation by the consent of all other nations, had as if to begin the worlds without any other capital than the virtue of the cit:zeas, and without security against foreign aggression, except what could be drawn from their own courage and patriotism. As yet their population was little more than three millions of inhabitants ; the want of a well consolidated confederation, rendered the govern- ment weak; and the many incidents and difficul- ties attending the attempt to reconcile various interests with a general principle, increased this difficulty . The speculations as to the future des- PREFACE.. 6 tinies ef the people were various. England had concluded peace pro forma, but &he continued hostile in fact. Great Britain was but a small island? yet her sovereign was a king over exten- sive regions, and many islands in various parts of the globe: the example of several of her colonies rejecting her authority, and uniting in support of each other, was dangerous to the parent coun- try ; it was found impossible to subdue them by force, it was determined to do so by intrigue, corruption, and robbery. The colonies remedied one great inconvenience by forming a general constitution in 1789, which stands an unrivalled instance of patriotism, wis- dom, and justice; a rapid growth of population, and extension of commerce, a cultivation of liter- ature, arts and sciences, were fast advancing to a point that would outrival England in every respect. As this state of things advanced in America^ England proceeded to measures of increased vi- olence and injustice. Seeking for pretexts, m principles novel, unknown to other nations, and even contravening her own established practice^ she left to Ameri athe ahernative of submission to her will, or resistance by war; the latter was resorted to. The history of the Revolutionary war is al- ready before the public. It is a valuable record of what men determined to be free, can do. This \>ar brought into a phalanx that mass of mili- tary patriotism, which under the immortal War- B£B, commenced its career of glory at Buiikesr- ^ PREPACE, hill ; and terminated it, under the immortal "WAsrtiNGTojv, at York-town. The task, now undertaken, must be interest- ing to every eilizen of the United States. A re- cord of the second struggle against the same en- emy, who during seven years of revolutionary contest, carried lire and sword, the bayonet, the halter, and the tomahawk, throughout the Unit- ed States, will surely be an acceptable treat, The military talents which spiang as if into a miraculous existence during the late war: the patriotic courage which displayed itself on every occasion ; their successful triumphs in almost every battle, are proud proofs, that where genius is free to act, and that inHuenced by an amor patriae, no dangers are too difficult to overcome, 110 djfficullies too great to be su!)dued. ^j,.>» The Jip»>arent military and naval power of |g|^jy*land was, to that of America, at the com- ^ B.encement of the !aie war, as that of the lion to Ihe lamb ; but the incensed eagle stretched for- •ward his beak, and, with it tore the laurel from the Briton's brow ; and, li^^ing over the waters, lie wrested with his talons, the trident from the *« mistress of the deep.^ In giving details of tliese events, these imper« isliahle n^onun enJs of Aujericaii glory, a strict regard has been had to trulh, nninfiuenced by any unworthy cor>idcration, and it is hoped that this small voluuse w l! be fourd (o contain as co- pinus a view i>f history as could reasonably b^r txpeoted, withija so chcamscsibetl a compass^,. HISTORY OP THE WAS, ^c^ AMERICA seems to have been destined, by Providence, as the soil which should give birth, strength, and maturity to rational liberty : in this respect, its discovery must be considered of prime benefit to mankind. Columbus, a lover of justice, would have fixed the residence of lib- erty in South America, but this extraordinary adventurer became the obji^-ct of persecuting ini" vy, he was sacrificed at tlie shrine of ambition and tyranny ; and, the southern peninsula, the only part of the western continent which Co- lumbus had visited, was given up to cupidity^ plunder, and the most horrific ill-treatment a id massacre of its hospitable inhabitants. i'he fictitious ri; lies, the goUl, which it produced, invited an early and continued migration from the oid to the new continent, insomuvh. that the Ikitter has already lost, in a great degree, its original uucultivated aspect ; and, were the ge- ni'is of its new inhabitants not restrained by the policy of its rubers, would, ere now, have advanc- ed far towards all perfection, to %vhicii nan ©an aspire. For more than 300 years, has South America bowed to th»- ^vill of dtspots. and niaia has presented but tike disgusting contrast of ty» ra^Us a-'d slaves. A patriotic flame has lately diffijsed a gleam of light through the darkened atmosphere which overspread the poiitical re^ B HISTORY OP THE WAR. gion of the soulh; man begins, there to assume the character for which God and nature had destined him; and philanthropy may hope, that the present j^eneration wiil no( pass away, until liberty wi!l smile over every part of America, and all its iiihabitants be happy. The inordinate ambition of hereditary gov- ernments, and their jusj jea'ousness of each oth- er, have given an unbounded spring to the desire of extended domi?uon and foreign conquests, — This spirit, however injurious, has, in some re- spects, coniributed towards the increased know- ledge of geography, the diffusion of general in^ formation, and the facilitating of a social inter- course between the inhabitants of distant re- gions. England, famed for the adventurous spirit of its inhabitants, and the unequ'^lled ambition of its sovereigns, eouhl nut remain an indifferent spectator of an European rival taking posses- sion j of a new worUl. Exi>editions were soon formed for the more perfect discovery. of the new continent, John r'abot, having obtained a comsnission froii Henry the 7tli of England, to discover unknown lands, aitd annex them to tiie crown, discovered the eastern coast of North America; Sir Francis Drake, subsequently. Sailed ahmg it ; and England, by right of prioc discovery, claimed its sovereignty.^ Gold mines are generally confined to tropical climates ; the soil of North America, co'itiguous to the sea, a?)peared to be light, sandv, or unfit for profita- ble cultivation; the climate was variable and unhealthy; the aborigines were more savage and inhosr/itable than tho^e of the south. No ad< quate inducement presented i- self to new set- tles y audj hud tke iniiabitaats of England 120 BISTORT OF THE WAR. » necessity for quitting tLeir native country, they never would discover a wish to transfer their residence to the then iiihospitahle climate of jVorth America. A stimulus was not long wanting. The granting of immense tracts of uncultiva- ted wilds to individuals or companies, was not likely to induce any rapid settlement. Individ- uals might, for the purpose of enhancing ihe Talue of their personal fortunes, influence emigrants to settle on their new estates ; ^nd these settlers, having changed their residence, might he compelled to ahide hy a choice from which it would he difficult or impossible to re- cede. But their reports and their fate would reach their friends ; emigration would cease or be too slow for any efficient purpose : decrease of population, by insalubrity ol climate, and the inroads of Indians, would be little, if at all, over- balanced by births, and the accession of trans- ported felons. Man, in all stages, is a lover of liberty, rea- son dictates that he has rights ; but this reason obscured by arlifieial ignorance and enervated by habitual bondage, becomes incapable of ac- tion, and insensible to the true extent of his mise- ry. 'I'he slave feels pain, without knowing whence it o'iginates, or how it should be reme- died. This observation is strictly applicable only to corporeal slavery. The slavery, exer- cised over the conscience, is that, in support of which no sophistry can prevail ; and, to which, no term, no length of eiidurance, can reconcile the sufferer. No prescription can justify the practice of enslavement in any ( ase ,• a?ul mo slave, however abjeet will admit it in cases af- fecting his conscience. God bus iostilled, into 10 HISTORY OF THE \VAK. tlie heart of man, certain religious duties ; andy "whenever the fulfilment of these is forbidden by human edicts, the injured person fears not to revolt or seek an asylum against persecution. AVith God on his side, he fears no other power, and can be happy in a wilderness or in a cave. It is not now necessary to enter into a detailed view of the persecutions against Christians in Europe. Who that has not heard of them ? It is sufficient to observe, that no difficulties, real or imaginary, could deter the persecuted Chris- tians from seeking an asylum, where, free from interruption, they might adore their God, as eonseience dictated. America offered that asy- lum ; and to this circumstance it is due, that the wilderness is so fast giving way to cultiva- tion, the internal resources of the country have been explored and rendered operative, the seem- ing insurmountable objects, of the new coun- try have disappeared, and a state of comfort equal to that of any part of Europe has been produced. This comfort was wickedly marred by the British government, while it ruled the North American colonies. A fiesire to proceed to the chief object of this work, and its limits preclud- ing any particular recital of these evils, leaves only room to remark, that they were such as to create much unhappiness in the colonies, to pro- duce complaints, remonstrances, and petitions to the mother country; and finally, were car- ried to such excess, as to be no longer suft'er*' able. On the ever to be remembered 4th July, 1776, the people of these eolo ies. by their represen- lativps in congress asssembled, having published a muderitte, but firm, a grievous, but true state- HTSTOHY OT THE WAR. ll nient of the multiplied injuries, inflicted on them, hy the Britisli king and governuient, deelat ed tl;at the united colonies ** are, and ot* right ought to be, free and independent states." These United colonies consisted of (lie states of New- Hampshire, Mussa 'husetts, Rhode Island, Con- neiMicut, New York, New-Jerse\. Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, V^irgin?a, North Caroliia, South-C'aioiina, and Georgia; leaving England in possession of the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada. Now Brunswick, and \ova-S'0(ia. The contest, whij-h succeeded, was I'.mked on by the world, with astonishment. : its novelty and its in»portance excited general interest* A few people, without an ariny, without arms, without discipline^, or munitions of war. without money, without allies, opposing their unorgan- ized force against a n^tio^i rich and powerful, with numerous ships, armies, and navies, hav- ing discipline, money, credit, and all the means of warfare, and being in possession of the colo- nies, the inhal)'tants of which declared them- selves absolved from all allegiance to the crown of Great Britain, was a crisis of uncommon mo- ment. The contest was long and severe ; a blood- thirsty vengeance on one side, led the British to the most shameful excesses ; a determination to live free or die, guiiled the people of Ameri.a, under the direction of the great Washington, and the other sages a2»d pat'iots in the field and the cabinet, to a completion of all they wanted, all tliey wished. Tyranny looked down, liberty rejoiced, on the completion of the happy triumph. The wound inflicted on the pride and interest of England, by this disruption of her empire, was truly great, but still greater thaa was thea 13 HISTORY OF THE WAE» contemplated. Under the dominion of England, the increase of population would he slow, the Increase of commerce and manuiaetures still slower : tlie country would be a warehouse for British manufactures, the inhabitants, a nursery for British armies and navies. It was necessary that a people should Ue free ; that genius should be unchecked, irfdustri? unfestrained. in o'der to prove, how far fiee men were f,uperior to %vhatever theory could conceive of them. The experiment has been successfuJly tried in the United Slates. 'I'he country of a monarch would not in a cen- tury recover from injury such as had been suf- feri'd bv the United States. But the people of America lelt all their toils and losses compen- sated by the acquisition of freedom ; they stood erect, and, as if by magic, appeared in all the might of a nation. In less tlian thirty years, their country shook oif the aps>earance of a howl- ing wilderness, their pepuLititm increased three- fold, rheir manufar-tn^es increased so as to sup- ply nearly all their waists, and every sea wit- nessed their inrmensely iricveased external (rade j in short, they became the livsils of England. \ long course of wars, and the re^olurionary war of Ameiica, more than any other, increased the national debt of (Ireat Britain to a great and burthensome amount. To meet this exigency, as well as to gratify the national wish, and to provide for the further and growing charges in support of f.>reign colonies, an imreased trade was necessary. The industry of Englishmen showed itself in the successful and unparalleled exteu?»ion of her manufactures, and the policy of her rulers ain)ed at an un^livid d foreign commerce, in sup^iort of the home system. HISTORY OV THE WAH. ^ IS The naval siiect'sses of Britain, (lurin.g the Frcneli war, had nearly a^coiJiplishrd iwv vast di'sign. The shijjs ;>f HaliancL Tran'-e, l^;rta- gal, Spain, and Italy, had noarlv di>a )pf'as(-d IVojii the ocean; those of Riissiu, aful thf other naval powers of the north of l:<^uro!;e, had be*'ii gained over to the litilish inid'eyt, or d.siroyed hy the superiority of her flv^ets. rho ITnjted States, althouj^li in a state of infiney was yet the only r.ation that had virtue or coiira.i^e sinH- cient to move in a just course, uniaflueueed by intrigue, and unintiniidated by niena 'e. To- 'wards this natio i. llritain for years manifested the most un. generous, injui*i')us and covyaidiy eond;!ct ; amounting, in its effecfs, to war, while the United States pnrsuin.^ an honorable and pacific course, was debarred from nrakiuj'^ repri- sal. This one sided war, had it been permitted to continue, would have sunk the States in tJie esteem of foreij^n nations, dried up the sourees of (heir growing greatness, reduced them to a state of contemptibie imbecility, aud. not improbably, to a merited state of depe^idance — they migtit again become colonies— British colonies. Hitherto the Americans looked but little to home manufactures, the capital of the merchant was emplovcd on the ocean, and the people of the interior found sufTieiejit employment in til- ling the soil. There was a i^reat and profita- ble demand for every kind of produ-e, and the citizens were in the habit of receiving manufac- tures of al' kinds f.*om foi'cign nations, and par- ticularly from Eng'and. Had I:!^ngland bi'en satisfied to contend for commercial superiosity by fair means, she would long, ver-v long, continue to supnly the United States with almost every kind of manu- B i^ HISTGIIY OF THE WAK*, follow, and lliiis each bolrigerent ptoccetl io fc» P'/h1 their respective ediets, pari pcmsUf accord- int; to their respective dates, until all the oflen- sive d. cives shouhl be annulled. Wlien, however, the French decrees had been annulhd. the British, under the most equivoeat- in.i<, iiinisT, and false pretexts, continued to act on tlicir i orders in Council ; until after the decla- ration ch war by America, it is true tJiat the Biilinh fj;overnnient could not be acq^iainted ^vitil tfic declaration of war at the time of the repeal of the Orders in Council, it must, however, be «once{!ed, that Ihey were aequainted wilh the iVmerican embarp;o, which was generally under- stood to be preparatory to war; nop could they doubt that war wouSd be declared, urJess they believed that^ America had lost all political vir- tue. A state of war superceded all use which the British could make of the Orders. in Council, Their repeal was marked by the greatest con- tenjpt for, and insult to the United States. Ml*. Caihoun, from the committee of foreign relalions, to whom the President's message was referred, by the house of Kepresentatives, made a long and luminous report of the 3d June, ISli. "which concluded by recommending an appeal TO AKMS. The report was, after two ineffectual motions Io have the doors opened, ordered to lie on the tab!e. Mr. Calhoun, from the same committee, cm leave given, presented a bill, declaring war be- tween Great Britain and her dependencies, and the United States, and their terr'tories. '^J his hill was warmly opposed and debated for two days; when the question being taken, shall the said bill puss ? It was resolved in the aMrma- tive. mSTOllY OF THE WAR, ±7 The Yeas and Nays were as follows : YEAS. J^ent) ' Ham fi shire. Dinsmoor, Hall, and Hfirpcr — 3; Massachusetts. Seuver. Carr, Green, RichardsoDj Turner, and Widgery. — 6. Rhodt- Island. Is^one. Vermont. Fisk, Sliaw, and Strong. — 3. Connecticut. None. Ketv York. Pond, Avery, and Sage. — 3. J^s'^ew-Jerseij. Condit, and Morgan. — 2. Pennsylvania. Seybert, Anderson, Brown, Ro- berts, Fiiidley, Smilie, Lyle, VVhiLehill, Bard, Davis, Lefever, Hyneman, Piper, Lacock, Crawford, and Smith. — 16. Delaware. None. Marijland. Kent, Little, M'Kim, Ringgold, Brown j and Vrcher. — 6. Virginia. Nelson, Gliolson, Goodwyn, Newton, Taliaferro, Dawson, Basset, Smith, Hawes, Roane, M'Koy, Pleasants, Clopton, and Burwell — 14. A'orth- Carolina. Alston, Blackledge, Macon, King, Cochran, and Pickens. — 6. South-Carolina. Williams, Cheves, Lowndes, But- ler, Calhoun, Earle, Winn, and Moore. — 8. Georgia. Troup, Bibb, and Hall. — 3. Kentucky. Johnson, Desha, New, M'Kee, and Ormsby. — 5. Tennessee. Rhea, Grundy, and Sevier.— 3. Ohio. Morrow — 1. NAYS. J^env-Hamfishire. Bartlett, and Sullivan. — 2. Massachusetts. Qui-cy, Reed, Taggart, Ely; Brighum, White, Tailman, and Whi^aton. — '8. Rhode-Island. Potter and Jackson.— 2. Vermont. Chittenden. 1. Connecticut Sturges, Davenport, Mosely, Champi- ion, 1 allmadge, Pitkin, and Law — 7. MtwYoik, Bleecker, Emot, Cooke, Fitch, GolcJ^ 18 HISTORY OF THE WAK. S.»mmons Stow, Tracy, Van Cortlandt, Mitchill, and Matcalf— 11. jYeW'Jersey. Boyd, Hufty, Maxwell, and New- lboM.~4. Pennsylvania. Milnor, and Rodman, — 2. Delaware. Ridgely. — 1. Maryland. Key, Goidsborough, and Stewart. — 3? Virgiiiia. Randolph, Lewis, Buker, Bitckcnridgej and Wilson. — 5. JSTorth-Carolina. Pearson, M'Brydc, and Stan- ford — 3. South'Carolina. Kone. Georgia. None. Kentucky, None. Tennessee. None. Ohio, JN'one, Yeas 79 JN'ays 41> •Majority for War 30 <^n th«^ b\\\ of June, a conildenlial message was rece-ived by the Senate, l^oiu the House of Hepiesentatives, bv Mr. Macon and Mr. Find- le,v, two of their meiJibers — Mr. Maeon, chair- man : " Mr. President — The House of Representatives- bave passed a bill, enntled, * An act declaring war between Greai-Biiiain und her d pendencies and the United States and their territories; in which they ask the concurrence of the S- nate ; and request that the bill be considered confidentially.*^ And they withdrew. The bill, from the House of Representatives^ "was before the Senate, fiom da^v (o day, until the I7tii June. It underwent a very enlarged ili'e'ission, met wi unequal match for a nation whose armies and navies were njore rfUir.erous than they had Jn^Qii ut any foriuei' peviod. Xii« best friends ef 20 HISTORY OF THE WAR. America feared much for the fate of the little American navy. It was also supposed that our undisciplined armies must experience several defeats from the well trained regulars of Eng- land ; but those, who knew any thing of the re- volutionary war, felt no doubt as to what would be the event of the present. The wonderful exploits, and happy issue, that remains to be re- corded, will show, that even the warmest en- thusiasts did not probably anticipate renown and glory, such as was in store for Americans. The public prints, on both sides, were warm in their denunciations of their respective oppo- nents, and threats of what would and could be performed. The following are given as speci-^ mens. From the London Courier^ *< America knows not that the vigour of the Britisli empire increases with the necessity of exerting it— that our elasticity rises with the pressure upon us— - that difficulties only make us more firm and un.iaunt- ed — that dangers only give us the additionai means of overcoming, them. It is in such a state of affairs, in such a great crisis, that a nation like Great Britain becomes greater. We arc now the only bulwark of liberty m the world — placed, a little spot, a speck al- most on the ocean, between the old and the new world, we a e contending with both ; w'th one arm we are beating the armies of the master of the Con- tinent of Kurope, and ivith the other luv shall smite his Piefect on the Continent of Ain^eica." From the J^cm* York Morning Post. « With a stone and a sling only, America com- menced the war oF 1 sdependence. Without arms^ without clothing without monev, and without credit, we took the field ; relying upon stout hearts, and the assUtauce of God tor ttie success of £i n^lueou& HISTORY OT THE WAR. 21 cause. The event has proved, that with such reli- ances, a nation has nothing to fear. Our country has air-in tlu'ovvn itself upon the protection of the Lord of Hosts ; we need but prove faithful to him and to ourselves. Victory will again crown our efforts, and peace and plenty reward us for our toils. Who, that is truly an American, will despair of the success of his country ; who will dare to believe we can be otherw so than CONQUERORS ? We had imagin- ed this impossible, except with the agents of the ene- my ; yet in a crisis so important, not only to us, but to posterity, we have found that the spirit of treason has dared to stalk abroad, even at noonday, amongst us. Is tlie enemy so strong in the camp — so confi- dent of support, as to hazard a fearless defiance ? We are, it is true, proud to exist in a land of free- dom — but when men threaten us with giving the as- sistance of their pens to the cause of our adversaries, who will hesitate to say that such freedom becomes traitorous ?" The state of the regular ^rmy was, at this time, such as scarcely to deserve the name. — The militia, with the exception of a few uni- form companies in the cities, consisted of a ;^eo- inanry and others accustomed to parade for a few hours each year, some with bad arms, oth- ers without any. The preparations for war or the land, was confined to an expedition under the command of General Hull, of which notice will he taken in the proper place. The nav^ consisted of the following vessels. List of American Vessels^ and their force. President, 44 Com. Rodgers. Constitution, 44 Captain Hull. Uni:ed Stutes, 44 Decatur. Chesapeake, 36 Ordinary. New-York, 36 Do. 23 HISTORY OI- TRE WAR. Constellation, 36 Ordinary. Congress, 36 Capt. Smith: Boston, 32 Ordinary. Essex, 32 Capt. Porter. Adams, 32 Ordinary. CORVETTE. John Adams, 26 Capt. Ludlow. SHIPS OF WAR. Wasp, 16 Capt. Jones. Hornet, 16 Lawrence. BRIGS. Oneida, 16 Com. Woolsey. Siren, J 6 Lieut. Caroll. Argus, 16 Crane. SCHOONERS. Vixen, 12 Lieut. Gasden. Nautilus, 12 Sinclair.' Enterprise, 12 Blakely. ^ Viper, 12 Bainbridge 170 Gun Boats,, Capt. Slmw. BOMBS. Vengeance, ^ Spitfire, f -£tna, y Ordinary. Vesuvius, ^ ) Commodore Rodgers, being at New- York, ©n i?eeeiving the Presitlent's proclamation, announc- ing war, addressed his men on the occasion^ offering their wages and a discharge to such as Avere unwilling to risk their lives with him. A general buzza preceded the declaration of every individual to '* stand or fall vvitli the Commo- dore." TJie anchor was heaved, and, before night, the Commodore passed the light-house of Sandy Hook, and proceeded to sea. having; un- der liis command^ the frigates President^ Uaitetl HISTOHY OF THE M AH. 2S Slates, and Congress, and the sloops of Avar Hornet and Argus. TJie Commodore returned to Boston after a cruise of 72 da\s, during •wliicli he passed williin one day's sail of the Brit- ish channel, passed near the island of Madeira, and the Azores, and returned by (he banks of Newfoundland and Cape Sable, He made 7 captures and 1 re-eapture,* and ehased two Brit- ish frigates, one of them the Belvidera. This cruise was of great bi nelit, as it compelled the enemy to concentrate his force, by whieli a vast quantity of property was saved from failing into ihe eneiisy's hands. The President, while chasing the Belvidera, received a considerable number of shot in her sails and rigging, but was not materially injur- ed. One of the President's guns bursted. by "which 3 men were killed, and ninteen wounded. By this accident, the Commodore's leg was frac- tured. The chase lasted from 6, a. m. on the 23d June, until midnight. On the day after the Commodore sailed, the following appeared in the New-York Colum- bian, and accounts for the escape of his Britan- nic Majesty's vessels of war, Belvidera and Tar- tarus, w hich had been for some days off Sandy- Hook. " Tt is undoubtedly a fact, that dispatch-boats with infoi motion have been sent off to the British vessels which were cru'sing off the harbour, since the drclaration of war. By ivhom they were sent ofF, it is not necttssary at present to mention. But this much may, and ought to be said — that if it was done by an American citizen, he has commi'.ted trea' son by the laws of the United States, and deserves, and may receive a hanging for it. There is no sus- picion, however, entertained, that such an infamous 2^ HISTORY OF THE WAR. act has been done by any American- As it has there- fore been the act of the subjects of the king of Eug- laiid, whether they are in or out of office, the aci is a violation of tne hospitality -which tolerates their re- sidence in our city, and calls loudly upon the consti- tuted authorities to put the law^> immediately in force aguiiist alien enemies, and to rid the city of spies, or at least of such as disgiace their character by acting in so iiifumous a capacity." 1( is however a lamentable fact, thai the ene- sr.y had his iuihei'ents wif war. Several of them, having declined serving against their country, weie sent to prison as prisoners of war, and became entitled to be lib- erated by excliange. This mode of treating them, after their character as Americai ciii- zens, was acknowledged, was certainly unjust ; they should have been fully released, not hav- ing been taken in time of war, or in arms, they were entitled to rank as non-combatants. On the 1-tth July, Mr. Foster, the late Britihh minister, and Mr. *Barcla> late consul, departed, from the United States, at New York, on board the British flag of truce Colihri. These gen- tlemen were much esteemed for their private amiable qualifies. The first British victory over the American fleet, happened on the 20th of July. On this day the United States' schooner Nautilus, Lieutenant Crane, fell in with a ileet of t lie enemy, and was captured, al^er a cliase of eight hours. No honour was lost by the Americans on this oc 'ZS HISTORY OF THE WAR. ©asion ; i\\e vast disparity of force, I'endered pe» ^is and the applause of his countrymen. It was the wish of the Americans, as they also endeavoured in a former war, to induce the Indians to be neutral. Humanity and civiliza- tion plead in favour of a principle which would not adt! savage barbarity to the other evils of war; but unfortunately, the policy of a <• mag- nanimous" enemy was diflerent. The Ameri- •^ans soon learned that the enemy had leagued himself with the ruthless savage of the wilder- ness; the known warfare of the tomahawk and scalping- knife was to act in concert with the modern invention of rockets ; in short, all means within the power of the enemy were to be com- hined against the people of the United States. The first act in which the alUi'd Indians and British signalized themselves, was in the taking oT the fort of Michilimaekinac, on the 17th of July, 1812. The garrison consisting of b7 ef- HISTORY »F THE WAR, 2^ feetive men, including officers, was commanded hy Lieutenant Hanks, of the artillery, I'hc first notice he received of the declaration of war, was in the form of a suinnioas, to surrender the . fort and island to his Britannic majesty's forces. Tlie enemy, contemplating a state of war, had been for some time preparing an expedition for the attack of Miehilinsackinac. The place of rendezvous was St. Joseph's, a British garrison, distant from Miehiiimaekinac, about 45 miles. So prepared were the British, that they were enahled to embark the next day, after being ap- prised of the declaration of Avar. Lieutenaiit IJanks having received information on the 16th, of the hostile attitude of the Indians, sent Cap- tain Daurman, of the militia, to watch the mo- tion of the Indians; he embarked about sun-set, and met the British forces within ten or iifteen miles of the island, by whom he was made pri- soner. Evei'y possible preparation was made hy the garrison to resist an attack, if such should be attempted ; but the appearance of a powerful enemy, with artillery, scaHng-ladders, &e. induc- ed Lieutenant Hanks to submit to terms of capi- tulation, by which the fort was surrendered to the British forces, commanded by Captain Kob- erts. The American garrison was made prison- ers, and sent to the United States, not to serve until regularly exchanged. The British force consisted of regular troonsj, 46 ; Canadian militia, 260 ; Indians, 715. — To-* tal, 1021. The probability of an approaching war had determined the United States' government to a- dopt some measures necessarily preparatoi-y to^ that event. Oi3 the 19th March, i 8^ ?, Major James K.Muf- so HISTORY OF THE WAR. iany, of the infantry, was di reeled by the seere- iary of war. Dr. Eustis, to proceed to Philadel- pliia, and ascertain the slate of forwardness in T^vhie-h the clotliing for the new troops was. This was executed, and report made accordingly. On or about the t2th April, orders were received at New-York, to commence the recruiting ser- Tiee. By this time the U. S. was divided into military districts, and Major Mullany appointed to the command of the western district, (New- York.) M'ith his noted zeal and activity, he arrived at Geneva, on the 20th April, 181;^, and located there, with necessary instructions, a val- uable ollleer, (Captain Mydert M. Dox.) In a few days, the olHcers assigned to this district, ■^vere supplied with funds and instructions, and martial music gave awful warning of wliat was likely to follow. The ditficulties that ignorance and treacherous opposition excited, is no way in- teresting at present. Manly exertion, good judg- ment, and a righteous cause, surmounted every scheme of faction, and soared successfully over evci'y s])eeies of prejudice^ Citizens most noted for acrimonious sarcasms towards the measures iieeessarily adopted at that period, soon buried their mistaken apprehensions in the national good, and were amongst the most active in aiding the eiforts of the officers of the army. On the 26tli of May, a circular order was transmitted to the following officers, having for its object the coneentration of the recruits of the ^vestern district, at Canandaigua, to organiz© them for the field, viz. Captain Dox. Infantry, Geneva. Captain M'Keon, 3d Regt. Artillery, Canandaigua^. Captain David Scott, Infantry, Batavia. Captain R. H. Morris, Infantry, Cayuga. HISTORY OF THE WAH. 31 1st Lieutenant, Wm. Clarke, Infantry, Auburn. 1st Lieutenant, John M. O'Connor, 3d Regt. Ar- tillery, Buffalo. 1st Lieutenant, Samuel Chipman, Infantry, Bath. 2d Lieutenant, W. Martin, Infantry, Lima. 2d Lieutenant, Henry Whiting, Infantry, Buffalo. By Order,— J. R. MuUany, Maj. Comdg. Signed, — J. H. Rees, Lt. 3d Artillery, Adjt. The olficiul news of the declaration of war, reached Major Mullany on the 27th June, 1812, one day later than the express with it to the British, passed Canandaigua, (the head-quarters of tlie district,) The man employed on this oc- casion, hy the friends of Enj>land, was a citizen of Albany, well known by sevei^al real patriotic men, residing in the western country, on whom lie imposed. He stated that he was conveying, express, the news of the declaration of war, lo Fort JViagarcif in consequence of which strata- gem, he succeeded in obtaining every facility, that money and horses could give him ; and thus did the British receive the news one day before it was known at Canandaigua, from whence may he dated the fall of Mic^iiiimackinac, and ' a train of other disasters on the frontiers. Having delivered the despatches at Queenstown, he re- turned immediately. He met General Peter B. I*orter at Batavia, who cj^uestioned him on the re- port then general, of such an express having passed, but he very adroitly escaped, and was a- gain interrogated on his arrival at Canandaigua, by Major Mullany, v«ho was closely watching bis return. He soon discovered him, and placed him under guard, after reading to him the .^7th ar- ticle of the articles of war. His deposition was taken before a master in chancery, and forward- ed to Governor Tompkins, the same night, ^hom $2 BISTORT OF THE WAR. it reached in thirty hours, distance 208 miles. The gentlemen who emplo;yed tlie despatch were taken prisoners, and held to bail, and evidence given the governor, that, although the despatches did communicate the vole of Congress, declarirg war.stil I the eommunicat ion was shnp/?/ ?rier«mf i7f , At this time the settlers on the Niagara f ron» tier became much alarmed ; they were daily threatened with a visit from the Indians, and their houses no longer offered them safety or protection. Several settlements had been aban- doned, and nothing was heard along the frontier, in imagination at least, but the hostile yell of the relentless savage. The following letter (not hitherto published,) was, on this occasion, directed to Major Mul- lany: Black Rocki June 28, 1812. Sir, There is every reason to believe that the British meditate an attack on fort Niag^ara, and that it may be attempted within twenty-four hours from this time. If they once pass the river, it is impossible to say how far they may proceed. — Under these very urgent circumstances 1 dispatch an express, to re- quest that you will immediately march the men un- der your command to our assistance. Although you may not have received orders authorizing you to comply with this request, I am persuaded the occa- sion will justify you, as your men can be of no poss^i- ble use at Canandaigua, or any other place along the south shore of the Lake, and are undoubtedly intend- ed, ultimately, for this place. ^Bring with you all the arms and ammunition in the Canandaigua arseaal. In great haste, yours respectfully, PETER B. PORTER, Q M. G. 0/ the Slate of JVew- York^ Major Muilany, > tllSTORY OF THE WAK. S3 Majoi" Mullany, in consequence of tlie receipt of this letter, marolied witli his command for the protection of the Niagara fi-onticr. Another evidently material precaution, was the stationing a competent force in the Michigan ter- ritory, for the protection of the inhahitants, against the incursion of the enemy, as well as for the purpose of acting oifensively, if suck should be deemed prudent. General Hull had been at the seat of government in the spring previous to the declaration of war, where he made arrangements for conducting a force to Detroit. He accordingly proceeded to Dayton, on the Mad river, one of the waters of the great Miami, 60 miles by land, and about 75 miles by water, from its mouth. .Here Governor Meigs, of the state of Ohio, surrendered to the general the conirr.aiiu of 15Q0 voluJUcers, who liad been raised for this purpose, and were commanded by Colonels M'Arthur, Cass, and Findlay, by the election of the volunteers. On the 27th May, General Hull pitched his tent in camp Meigs, when, the troops being form- ed in a hollow square, the flag of the United States was unfurled, on which occasion, a short> but animated and impressive address, was de- livered by Colonel Cass. On the 1st June, the 4th United States* regi- ment, commanded by Colonel Miller, joined General Hull, when he resumed his march, and reached the rapids of the Miami about the last of June, having then urtder his command about 2500 m'en. From Dayton to Detroit, a distance of more than 150 miles, the army had to cut a road through the wilderness; the land was soft or swampy, and the labour of bringing on carriages and ij:^ 3* HISTORY OF THE WAR. tillery. excessive. The Indians showed little dis^, position to obstruct the passage of the troops. Governor Meigs proceeded with the arni}' as far as the Urhanna. wliere he held a council with some Indian chiefs, when it was agreed, that prace shou-d be maintained between them and the United States. The General put on hoard a ves- sel, the baggage and hospital stores of the army, with an offi(^er and 30 men, wi(h direetions to^ sail for Detroit, 'i'he British having been ap- prized of the declaration of war, captured the vessel at Fort Maiden, n.outh of Detroit liver^ and thus the armj suff* red a serious loss. On the evening of the l^th July, General Hull €iO!ssed the river Detroit, whieh divides the United Srates' terrirory of Michi^^an from fhe British province of Upper Canada, and fixed his head f|imHcrs at (he town of Swodwieh, about two miles within the British province. From tJiis ph'vC<^ Iw* published a proclauiation, of which the following is a comity : BY WILLIAM HULL, Brigadier Ge 'eral and Comnuwder of the JVorth Western army of the Ujiited States : A PROt LAMA HON. Inhabitants of Canada, After tiiirty years of peace and prosperity, the Un.ted States have been driven to arms. The i;.ju- ries and aggressions, the insults and inclignitits of Grea'-Btitain, have once more left tNem no alterna- tive but manly resistance, or unconditional submis- sion. The army under my command has invacled your country ; the standard of the union now waves over the territory of Cafiada. To the peaceable unoffend- ino: inhabitants, it brings neither danger nor difficulty. 1 come to find enemies not to make them. X come to protect, not to injure you. HISTORY or THE WAR, 55 Separated by an immense ocean, and an extensive wilderness, from Great Britain, you have no partici- pation in her councils, no interest in her conduct. You have felt her tyranny ; you have seen her in- justice ; but I do noi ask you to aveniic the one, or to redress the other. The Un ted States are suffici- ently powerful to afford every securi y, consistent with their rights, and your expectations. 1 lender you the invaluable blessing of civil, political, and re- ligious liberty, and their necessary result, individual and gi neral prosperity; that liberty which s^.ive de- cision to our councils, and energy to our conduct, ii\ a struggle for independence, which coiidu ted us safely and triumpiiantly through the stormy period of the revolution — the liberty which has raised us to an elevated rank among the nations of 'he world ; and which afforded us a greater measure of peace and security, of wealth and improvement than ever fell to the lot of any people. In -he name of my country, and the authority of government, 1 promise you protection to your persons, propeuy, and rights ; remain at your homes ; pursue your peaceful and customary avocations ; raise not your hands against your brethren. Many of your fathers fought for the freedom and ind pendence we now enjoy. Be- ing children, therefore, of tht same family with us, and heirs of he same heiitiige, thf arrival of an army of friends must be hailed by you with a cordial wel- come. You will be emancipated f om tyra: ny and oppres ion. and restored to the dignified station of freerlora. Had I any doubt of eventual success, I might aak your as.-ristance ; but 1 do not. I come prepared for every contingency — \ have a force which will break down all opposition, and that force is but the v in-gUdi'd of a much greater. If contrary to your own in'ensts, and the just expectations of my country, you should rake part in the approaching con- test, you will be considered i.nd treated as enemies; and the horrors and calamities of war will stalk be- fore you. If the barbarous and savage policy of S6 HISTORY OF THE WAR. Great Britain be pursued, and the savages are let loose to murder our citizens, and butcher our women and children, this war will be a war of extermination. The first stroke of the tomahawk — the first attempt with the scalping-knife, will be the signal of one in- discriminate scene of desolation. No white man, found fighting by the side of an Indian, will be taken prisoner — instant death will be his lot. It tiie dic- tates of reason, duty, justice, and humanity cannot prevent the employment of a force which respects no lights, and knows no wrong, it will be prevented by a severe and relentless system of retaliation. I doubt not your courage and firmness — I will not doubt your attachment to liberty. If you tender your services voluntarily, they will be accepled rea- dily. The United States offer you peace, liberty, and security. — Your choice lies between these and war, slavery and destruction. Choose then ; but choose wisely ; and may he who knows the justice of our cause, and who holds in his hand the fate of nations, guide you lo a result the most compatible with your rights and interests, your peace and hap- piness. By the General, A. P. HULL, Ca/itain of the ISlh Untied States* regiment of In/an- try^ and Aid'de Camp. Head-quarters^ Sandnvich, July 12, 1812. WILLIAM HULL. Tills proclamation was well calculated to in- spire eonlidenee, and secure the friendship of the Canadians. The American tioops were in high spirits, anxious to be led against the enemy's post at Fort Maiden. The British force, con- sisting of regulars, militia, and Indians, was in- ferior to the .\mericans. as appeared by the offi- cial communication of the British general Brocks to his government. The moment seemed la- HISTORY OF THE WA.lBt. ST v<9ural)le to strike an important, perhaps a deci- sive blow. The Indians, except a few of whom bad joined the British, remained neutral, watch- ing Avitli their nsual sagacity, until Ihcy could discover on what side victory was likely to perch ; nearly all <\\e, Canadian militia had deserted. Colonel M« Arthur was detached with 150 men, to the river Thames, where he captured a con- siderable quantity of ammunition, arms, and blankets. Some hundreds of Merino sheep were captured by another detachment. On the 15th July, Colonel Cass, with about 300 men, reconnoitcred the enemy's posts. The Colonel ascended the river Aux Canards, to a ford, where he crossed, aad descending on the south side, attacked and repeatedly drove a par- ty of the enemy's regulars, which was stationed at a bridge, five miles above Amherstburg, the enemy having formed and returned three times t night put an end to the pursuit. The Americans returned the ibllcwing day to camp without in- terruption. Frequent skirmishing was kept up between other detachments of the American army, and the enemy, in the neighbourhood of Fort Maiden. The time of attacking Fort Maiden was determined on at a council of field officers, and pi'^parations made for advancing to the attack, when, by an unexpected order, the plan of attack was abandoned, and Canada eva- cuated on the 8th August, shamefully leaving to their fate, the Canadians who had joined the American standard. This gave time to the enemy to be reinforc- ed, and it soon was rumoured in the American camp, that the commanding officer intended to surrender his army, in the event of an attack by the enemy. This seemed so unaccountable^ D SS HISTORY or THE WAR. at a time ^vlien superiority of force was on the American side, that the otFscers hxul resolved, in the event of the rumour heing we'li-fQiuHled, to divest the general of his command. The exe- cution of this plan was prevented by the ab- sence of two commanding officers of regiments, who were ordered Oij detiicliments. I'he Firit- ish heing reinforced by about 400 men, and the Indians becoming mere decided, General lii'oek advanced, and took a posilio-; opjjosite to Detroit, where, without interruption, he established a small battery. On the i5th August, the town of Detroit was summoned to surrender, which being refused, a liring began from the British batteries, which was retsrned by the Amerivans, and continued, wiih little effect, until night. At d.*y-light. on the 16tli, the firing re-commenced on both sides, the enemy commenced the landing of tioops be- low Detroit, which being soon etTictcd. they inarched in close column of platoons, twelve in front, toward the fort of Detroit. Against this body of troops not a shot was fir- ed, although it advanced in a situation within the range of the American cannon. When the British reached within. 100 yards of the Ameri- can line, orders were given by Gen. Hull for the troops to retreat to the fort ; and soon after, the fort was surrendered, and the American army became prisoners of war. By a proclamation immediately issued by tlie Britisli commander, (Gen. Brock.) it appears that General Hull had also surrendered the ter- ritory of Michigan. This was a severe and unexpected blow against the Americans. It gave rise to a court martial on the conduct of General Hull, which will be IIISTOIIY OF THE WAR. 39 noticor] in i(s proper pliice ; it, in a i^reat degree, destroyed tlio coifldeiKM; tlio Canadians liad in thr .J^ovei'aiiieat and arnis of tlio Uniteci States ; it deU'rmt;v(l t!ic hnlian« to take part with the cnesny^ a'jd lod not only to a pi'o^o?)gafion of the Avar, hut to many, or perhaps all of tliose savage act's of murder, in whieh the Indians were suh- sequent iy engaged, against the cilizens of the Iin;(e(3 States. " (lenera! I?iill. in !iis ofTifial account, states, iVi-^t at the time the enemy advaneed against De- troit, he c :)n!d nai bring into the field more than (300 nien, that the regular force of the eaemy, then advanci]>g, was ninch more than that num- ber, and twice that nnnil)er of Indians. An UiTi^/ial letter from Colonel Cass^ who had a command under General Hull, nnt the hiislness' in quite a dif!i^rent light, concluding with the fol- lowing paragraph. " I was informed by Oen Hull, the morning after the capitulation, that the British forces consisted of 1800 regulars, and that he surrendered to prevent the effusion of human blood. — That he magnifii-d their regular force nearly five fold, there can be no doubt. Whether the philanthropic reason assigned by him is a suffieient justification for surrendering a fortified tov/n, an army, and a territory is for the go- vernment to delermine. Confident I a'n. that had the courage and conduct of the General been equal to the spirit and zeal of the troops, the event woukl have been as brilliant and successful, as it now is dis- -astrous and dishonourable." The British oHieial aeeoiint is positive as to the inferiority of the enemy's foiee. The following extract fi'om the ofileial report of Sir George Prevost, will show liow^ weak the garrison of Amherstbarg, or Maiden was, at ^ HI3T0KY OF THE TVAK. ihe time when General Hull passed into Canadijj liaving then under his command nearly 2500 jiien. missing 27 — Total, 105. The most enthusiastic joy was manifested throughout every part of the United States, on the arrival of advices of this engagement. Cap- tain Hull and his men received, wherever they appeared, the most unbounded applauses. Thanks were voted by Congress, and by several public bodies; and Congress appropriated 50,000 daU lars, to be given to the officers and crew of the Constitution, as an indemnilieation for the loss sustained by the destruction of the Guerriere. Her navy was the chief boast of England, and on it was her chief reliance; yet she was des- tined to meet her greatest wounds and disasters on the watery element. On the 17th July, the British appeared before Sachet's Harbour, with the Royal George, of 2^ guns, the I*rinee Regent, of 22. Ebnira, of 20, Seneca, of 18, and anotlier armed vessel, A message was sent ashore, demanding the sur- Teuder of the \merican vessel of war, the One*, idaj ^d ajso the hite British schooqer^ NelsoR> 46 HISTORY or THE >VAK. seized for ii breach ot the revenue laws. A compliance with this demand being peienipto- rii^' refused, the eneni^ advanced witliin gun shot, A liring bcigan from a 32 pounder asltor^, and was returned by the squadron, wiiich stood off and on. A brisk cannonading was continued for moi'e than two hours, when a sliot fiom the 32 p(>under havi.ig raked the liag sliip of the^ enemy, as she was wearing to give another broadside, the squadron fired a few guns, and bore away, for Kingston, the citizens greeting them with the good okl tune of •» Yankee Doo- dle," from all the music at the post. The Bri- tish shipping appeared to be much injured. JXot a man lost on the American side. The steadissess of the American troops, and the alacrity with which tlje neighbouring detach- ments and volunteers, to the aniouiit of nearly 3000, assembled for the protection of this im- portant post, was, at this ear^y stage of the war^ a pleasing presage of wUat might be hereafter expected, when men would become more inured to danger. Col. Bellinger comma =ded the A- meiican troops. Capt. Woolsey, who command- ed the Oneida, having sailed fiom the harbour, and reeonnoitered the enemy, returned and n.oored his vessel, with a spring on her cable, neiir the batter;^ ; and giving the command of her to his lieutenant, he went ashore and took command of the 32 pounder, \>hich, under his direction, did very considerable damage to the enemy. The Frigate Essex, Captain Porter, sailed oh a cruise, fiom New York, on the 3d Jul>, and arrived in the Delaware, the 7th Se{)t< u bcr* On the 13th August, the l^^ssex fell ir: with 'Le British, sloop of war Alert. The Alert bom uistohy op the war. 45 down, and commenced an action, Avhich lasted eight minutes ; she was mucli cut to pieces^ bad scAen feet water in her hold when she struck, and three men wounded, llie Essex received no injury. Captain Porter having thrown the guns of the Alert overheard, despatched her as a cartel to St. John's, in Newfoundland, with about 500 jjrisoners which he had taken in the Alert, and from other captured vessels. This measure was adopted in consequence of a written agreement between Captain Porter of the Essex, and Captain Laugharne of the Alert. It was calculated to convenience both parties, and to lessen the evils of warfare. A proposi- tion originating in the humanity of the American commander ought to have been met by the most prompt and faithful acquiescence by the prison- ers, and the British commanders. Lieutenant P. Wilmer was sent in command of the Alert, which was to be sailed by her own crew, so great was the confidence placed in their honour ; yet it appears that the crew took the command of the vessel from Lieutenant Wilmer, and went on shore without submitting in any manner to his controul. Admiral Sir T. Duckworth, who commanded at St. John's, countenanced this con- duct in the first instance, but afterwards submit- ted to the arrangement, which, he nevertheless, contended, was " utterly inconsistent with the laws of war." Governor Prevost, of Lower Canada, issued a proclamation on the 19th September, by which all citizens of the United States are ordered to qnit Canada by the 15th of October; till whick time they may depart with their moveable pro- perty, by permissioa of three of the council. 46 HISTORY OP TUB AVaK. After tliat time, every citizen of the United States, found in Canada, will be treated as a pri- soner of war, unless he has taken the oath of al- legiance. A considerable force havl'^g been assembled hi the neighbourhood of Niagua river, undei' the command of M.»j. Gen. Stephen Van Rer.ssehier, "with the view, as was generally undt^rstood. of effeeting a descent upon the British province of Upper Canada; a strong and inspatient di sire was discovered avnong the troops to try their strength against tha enemy. 'Vhh :i,! nduaily rose to such a height, that resistance io ii seemed scarcely, if at all possible: patriotism was pass- ing the limits of subordination. ** This (says tlic general in his official comTniinicatiaii jo Gen. Dearborn) was expressed to me through various channels, in the shape of an al'eriviiive ; ihut they must have orders to act ; or. at all hazards^ they would go home.^^ Impelled by this consideration, the general made dispositions for the intended a(ta«^^k on the British post at the heights of Queenstown. Some information gained from a person who was en- gaged to pass over to Canada, and who returned safe, seemed to warrant an attack, which, be- sides the immediate object might have a con- trolling effect upon the movements at Detrijit, where it was understood the British Genera! Bro'k had gone, with all the force he could spare from the Niagara frontier. An ifitention to transport troops across the river, on the morning of the 11th October, was frustrated through means of a boatman, selected for his skill and steadiness ; but who, g<»ing a= head in the extreme cr, General Smyth pub- lished a proclamation from his camp near Bdf- faJoe. As this document became the subject of much comment, it is given here in full. It was in the following words : TO THE MEN OF NEW-YORK* For many years you have seen your country op- pressed with numerous wrongs. Your government^ although above all others, devoted to peace, have been forced to draw the sword, and rely for redress of injuries on the valour of the American people. That valour has been conspicuous. But the na- tion has been unfortunate in the selection of some of those who directed it. One army has been dis- gracefully surrendered and lost. Another has been sacrificed by a precipitate attempt to pass it over at the strongest point of the enemy's lines, with mos| incompetent means. The cause of these miscar- riages is apparent. The commanders were popular , men, " destitute alike of theory and experience" in the art of war. In a few days, the troops under my command, will plant the American standard in Canada. They are men accustomed to obedience, silence, and steadi- ness. They will conquer, or they will die. Will you stand with your arms folded, and look on this interesting struggle ? are you not related to the men who fought at Benningtou and Saratoga I Has the race degeneraed ? Or have you, under the baneful influence of contending factions, forgot your country ? Must J turn from you, and ask men of the six- nations to support the government of the United States ? Shall I imitate the officers of the British king, and suffer our ungathered laurels to be tarnished by ruthless deeds ? Shame, where is thy blush ? No. Where I command, the vanquish- ed and the peaceful man, the child, the maid, and histohy of tue war. 53 the matron, shall be secure from wrong. If we con- quer, we will " conquer but to save.'* Men of McTJ- York ! The present is the hour of renown. Have you not a wish for fame ? Would you not choose in future times to be named as one of those^ who, imitating the heroes whom Montgomery led, have, in spite of the scRsons, visited the tomb of the chief, and conquered the country where he lies ? Yes. You desire your share of fame. Then seize the present moment. If you do not, you will regret it; and say, " the valiant: have bled in vain ; the friends of my country fell— - and I was not there.'* Advance then to our aid. I will wait for you a fev/ days. 1 cannot give you the day of my de- parture. But come on. Come in companies, half companies, pairs, or singly. I will organize you for a short tour. Ride to this place, if the distance is. far, and send back your horses. But remember, that every man who accompanies us, places himself un-- der my command, and shall submit to the salutarjf restraints of discipline. ALEX. SMYTH, Brig. GeneraL Caiyifh near Bnffaloe^ J^Tov. 10, 1812. This proclamation had the effect of bringing to the ft'oniier a very considerable number of volunteers, men who lived the hardy life of farm- ers, were accustomed (o the woods, knew well the use of the rifle, and feared Indians as little as they did Englishmen. On the 17th November, Gen. Smyth issued a public address to his soldiers, preparatory to an immediatel^> intended entrance into tlie enemy's territory. The sentiments contained in this ad- dress are noble, humane, atnl soldierly. From such a general and such an army, the public ex- pected a very successful campaign* 5'i HISTORY 0¥ THE WAR, On llie morning of the 21st November, 1812, it lieavy cannonade was opened upon the gari-isors of Fart Niagara, from ail the batteries in the neighbourhood of Fort George, consisting of five detached batteries, two mounting 24 pounders^^ one mounting a 9, and two mortar batteries. I'lie firing continued thirteen hours: some buihUngs ivere set on fire by the hot shot from the enemy? but extinguished without doing material injury. The garrison at Niagara, in return, opened a tremendous and well directed fire with hot shot. The town of Newark was several times in flames^ as also the centre building in Fort George, Capt, M'Keon commanded a 12 pounder in the S. E» block-house, and distinguished himself by his u- sual gallantry and skill. Capt. Jacks, of the 7tli regiment militia-artillery, commanded a 6 pound- er on the N. block-house, and together with a part of his own company, though placed in u s\i- xiation most exposed to the fire of the enemy, maintained their position like veterans. Lieut. Rees of the r.rtiilc;j"y, had command of an 18 pounder on the S. E. battery; until 10 o'clock, when he received a wound, which compelled him 10 resign the command to Capt. Leonard, of the artillery. Lieut. Wendell, of the Sd artillery? com- manded an IS and a 4 pounder on the W. battery. Dr.Hooper, of the militia,commanded a 6 pound- er on the mess-house; Lieuts. Ganesvoort am! ISarris had the command of the salt-battery at Youngstown, mounting ane 1 8 and a 4 pounder. These several posts were maintained Avith reso- lution, judgment, and great effect. Lieut. CoL Gray commanded the artillery, and gave the most satisfactory proof of his zeal and sciencco M jor ArOiStead of the corps of engineers, was iadefatigable in extending his exertions to all HISTORY OF THE WAR. 5& parts of the garrison. Lieut. Col. George Mc, Feely commaiuled the fort. The American loss consisted of 4 killed, and 7 \younded. The hopes which General Sm^^th had raised by his proclamation were not to be realized. Twice tlie troops embarked, and as often disembarked. Public opinion, hitherto on the side of General Sm.ytb, now began to veer. His courage as well as his patriotism was questioned; censure was followed by insult and menace. The project of invasion was finally abandoned. The volunteers were dismissed, and the army ordered into win- ter quarters. Thus ended the operations, for this season, of the army of the centre. Gen. Smyth justified himself on the grounds that he had directions not to pass over with less than 3000 men; that he could not prevail on. inorei than 1500 men to embark ; and that an at- iack on the enemy nnder such eircu m stances, was^ contrary to the opinion of a council of his officers. '< My orders (says the general, in reply to a committee from the patriotic citizens of the west- ern counties of New- York) were to pass into Ca- nada with 3000 men at once. On the first day of embarkation not more than ItOO men were embarked, of whom iOO, that ig, half of the re- gular infantry, were exhausted with fatigfte and want of rest. On the second embarkation, only 1500 men were embarked, and these were to have put off immediately, and to have descended the river to a point where reinforcements were not to be expected. On both days, many of the re- gular troops were men in bad health who could not have stood one day's march ; who, although they were on the sick report, were turned out by Iheir ardent officers." This reply was dated Sd December. Oa the ^6 HISTOHY OF THE WAK. Sth of the same month, General Peter B. Porter gave notii-e in the Huffaloe Gazette, that he would soon publish a " true account of some of the most prominent transactions of those days." In this notice General Porter ascribes the failure of the expedition to the cowardice of General Smyth. General Smyth must remain convicted, in the^ eyes of the world, of falsehood and cowardice, if he continued passive under such charges. Mo- dern chivalry pointed out tlie course which must be pursued. General Smyth sent a challenge to General Porter, which the latter accepted. The parties passed over to Grand Island, on the 13th December ; a shot was exchanged, in ao intrepid manner, but without effict, when, on the suggestion of General Smyth's second, a mutual explanation and reconciliation took' places and the parties sepai^ated. General Porter, on the following day, deliver- ed the promised statement of transactions to the editor of the Buifaloe Gazette, in which paper it accordingly appeared. The statement is plain and satisfactory; and divested of that asperity, which was probably in- tended to accompany it. In this statement, it is represented, that, on the 2fth November, there were collected in the neighbourhood of Niagara, 4500 effective men ; that the vessels collected for the purpose, were sufficient fm* tlie transportation of 3550 men ; that the number of men actuaily embarked were estimated to consist of* between 2000 and 2600 1 that about iOOO more men were paraded on shore, seemingly ready to cross; that several . boats of suffi ient capacity to carry about 1000 men were still lying unoccupied ; and that the enemy, estimated at about 500 men, were drawE up in ii line;, at about half a mile fiom the liYeFj. HISTORY OF THE WAR. 57 As a proof of what could be effeeled, had the wicn been permitted to pass over, General Por- ter states the bravery and success with which a detaclinient which crossed over by direction of General Smyth, accomplished its mission; having completely routed the enemy, spiked his eannon, and taken several prisoners. *< Out of 12 naval officers, who embarked in this enter- prize, nine of tliem, (says General Porter,) with more than half their men, were killed or wounded." General Smyth, in a letter to the editors of the National Intelligt'ncer, dated 23th January, 1813, refutes the statement of General Porter. « I affirm, (says General Smyth,) that on the 27th ;N"ovember, there were collected in the neighbour- hood of Black Rock, not more than 3500 effective imen, non-commissioned officers, and privates, of every corps under my command; not more than 1300 of those were liable to be ordered to cross the Niagara, according to opinions generally received. On the 21st, there were 1050 good troops embarked, and also as many irregular volunteers as occupied five boats, estimated at 1 50 On the morning of the 1st December, the number of men armed with mus- kets, who were at the navy-yard, embarked or not embarked, did not exceed 2000 men." In this refutation, General Smyth insinuates that General Porter, acting as contractor to the army, was not prepared to supply the necessary rations, having on the 30th November only oh barrels of flour on hand, " not two pounds of ilour to each man." — <* The hostility of General Porter to myself, (says General Smyth,) grew out of the contract. While the expeditions thus progressed froni 511-design, to its unavoidable conseqjiienee, im- 58 . HISTORY OF THE WAR» successful termination, the minor expeditions did honour to the officers who commanded, and the few men who were engaged in them. Among^ these the following must not be omitted. The Brigs Adams and Caledonia, which were surrendered to the enemy by General Hull, at Detroit, having arrived and anchored under the British Fort Erie, on the 8th October, I8I25 Captain Elliot, of the navy, who had arrived at Black Rock the same day, with a body of sailors from New-York, determined on an attempt to regain them. Having made the necessary dis- positions, he advanced at 1 o'clock in the morn- ing of the 9th October, having under his com- mand, 100 men in two boats, including 30 volun- teers from the army, with Captain Townson, and Lieutenant Roache, of the artillery; at 3 o'clock he was along side the Tassels ; in ten mi- nutes they were under way, and the prison- ers secured. An unfavourable wind obliged them to run down the river, by the forts, under a heavy fire of round, grape, and cannister shot, from a number of pieces of heavy ordnance and flying artillery ; and he was compelled to anchor about 40 yards from one of their batteries; the Caledonia being got into a safe position, a fire was returned from the guns of the Adams, as long as ammunition lasted. It being found hn- possible longer to withstand the fire of the ene- my, which would probably sink the vessel in a short time, he v*fas cotnpelled to cut the cable, and drift down the river, out of reach of the bat- teries, but remained still exposed to the flying artillery; having thus dropped astern for about 10 minutes, and being deserted by the pilots he was brought up on the shore of Squaw Island. From this place he seat the prisoners on shor© HISTORY OF THE WAR. 59 with much difficulty ; and, having himself pass- ed from the brig to the shore, he soon discovered that about forty soldiers had crossed in a boat, from the British side, and boarded the biig; but they were soon compelled to abandon her, with the loss of nearly all their men. During the whole of the morning, both sides of t lie river kept up alternately a continual fire on the brig, and so much injured her, that it was impossible to have floated her — she was of course destroy- ed. A patrole was stationed on the shore, to co- operate in case of emergency ; it was command- ed by Lieut, Col. Scott, of the artillery, having under him Major Mullauy, of the infantry, as a volunteer, Major Cuyier, Aid to General Hall, and J. Bankhead, Brigade Major to General Smyth's brigade. As Majors MuUany and Cuy- ier were riding close together, the former re- ceived an order from Col. Scott to proceed to the navy-yard, to direct two boats to be manned, and sent to the assistance of the captured vessels ; he had but just sy)rang ahead, in execution of this order, when a round shot from the enemy, which passed through the fore-sail of the Adams, struck, and instantly kisled Major Cuyier, and thus deprived the service of a brave and useful officer. Major Young, of the Troy Militia, command- ant of a detaeJiment stationed at French Mills, on the St. Regis river, having received infoi'ma- tion that a party of the enensy had arrived at the village of St. Regis, and that more were shortly expected, formed a resolution to take them out before they were reinforced. For this purpose he niar.'hed a det: chnient at 11 o'clock, ton the night of the 21st October^ ciossed the €0 HISTORY or THE WAR, river, at Gray's Mills, about 3, and at 5 in ihp morning arrived within half a mile of the village, unexpected by the enemy. Here the major made sueh a judicious disposition of his men that tlie enemy were entirely surrounded, and after a few discharges, surrendered themselves prisoners, with tlie loss of b killed. The result of this af- fair was, the capture of 40 prisoners, with their arms, equipments, &c. one stand of colours, and two batteaux, without a man of our party being hurt. They got safe back to camp at 11 o'clock in the morning. The prisoners were sent off to Plattsburgh. Major Young has had the honour of taking the first standard from the enemy in the present war. The movements of the enemy, during these times, were not to them equally honourable or important. The village of Ogdensburg, on the St. Law- rence, was bombarded on the 2d Oct. 1812, for 3 hours, from Prescott, opposite ; between 20 and 30 twelve and nine pound shot were picked up in the gardens and streets, but no damage was done« The fii'ing was brought on by the attempt of a party of Americans to take some Canadian boats, "but they did not succeed. The garrison at Og- densburg consists of 500 men, under General Brown, from Jefterson county. The Sunday following, the British prepared 40 boats, with from 10 to 16 armed men in each, and six pieces of artillery, with which they ad- vanced to storm the town. When arrived with- in a short distance, our troops opened a warm iire upon them, and the contest continued about two hours, when the British, having two of their boats so knocked to pieces, as to oblige them to he abandoned, and one taken, on boaid of which HISTOKT OF THE WAR, 6i Were 6 men, fled prei-ipitately to I'rcscott. IVo damage >vas sustained on our side. FYom the judicious arrangements made by Col. Benedict, Capt. Forsytli, Capt. Griffin, Ma- jor Dimoek, Adjt. HoteJikiss, Capt. Hubbard, Capt. Benedict, Capt. M'Nif, and others of the troops under their command, as directed by Gen. Brown, had the eneiny attempted a landing an immense slaugliter must have ensued, No person couhl have been more attentive than Gen. Brown, thi'ouj^h the vvliole action. Praise is al- so due to his lieid, stafiT, and commissioned of- fice I's. By this action the British are taught, that -iOO Yankees will not decline a combat, when at- tacked by 1000 of their troops. Cols. Leth- bridge and Breckcnridge, led the British in per- son. On the 3d October, the British brig Royal George, went into the Genessee river, a -d cut «nt the schooner Lady Murray, and a revenue cutter. There was no force then there that couhl resist tlie enemy. The national pride had been already highly gratified bv success o'l tiie ocean; the public eye was anxiously directed to that element, m expectation of further glory. The public hope was not to be disappointed. \t day light on the 18th Oct. 1812, about the lat. of 37 di'g. north, and Ion. 65 dcg. west. Cap- tain Jacob Jones, coMimanding the United States' sloop of war Wasp, of t8 guns, got sight of a British convoy of six large armed niJ^rchant shins, under protecti m of the British^ sloop of war Frolic eomnnnded by Ca')t. Whin- yates, A signal was made by the Frolic for the fleet to disperse. At 30 minutes past eleven F 6^ HISTOnT OF THE WAR. A. M. an engagement commeneed between t!i© two sloops, at a short dislunce, and continued until the vessels were so close, that the rammers of the Wasp were, while loading the last broad- eide, shoved against the side of the enemy. I'he Frolic was boarded on her forecastle, and im- mediately surrendered. The manner in which this engagement was maintained, was higlily honourable to the Americans. The Frolic mounted 22 guns ; sixteen of them 32 pound carronades. and four 12 pounders on the main deck, and two 12 pounders, carronades, on the top-gallant forecastle, making her superior in force to the Wasp, by four 12 pounders. On board the Wasp, there were five killed, and five ■wounded. The exact loss of the enemy could not be ascertained, as many of the dead lay buri- ed under the masts and spars that had fallen up- on the deck, which two hours exertion had not sufficiently removed. Lieut. Eiddle, who had chaige of the Frolic, states, from what he saw, and by ini'ormation from the officers, the number of killed must have been thirty ; that of the wounded, about forty or fifty. The Wasp suffered so much in this action, that both masts fell on the deck a few minutes after se{ arating from the Frolic ; every brace, and most of the rigging, bad been shot away durij^g the action. In this state, she nearly remained, when, in two hours after the action, the British ship Poictiers, of 74 guns, hove in sight ; and, soon after took possession of the two sloops, and or- dered them for Bermuda. The captain of the Frolic, in his official let- ter to Admiral Warren, states that every oiiieer was wounded, and the greater part of the wice HISTORY OF THE \VAR» ^S either killed or wounded ; there not being twenty persons resTiaining unhurt. Tlic followinj^ resolution of the Common Couneil of Ne^Y-Yo^k, will sliow the high light in which they held Capt. Jones and his erew. it Resolved, That an elct-ant sword be presented to Captain Jones, late of the United States' sloop of war Wasp, and also the freedom of this city, as a testimony of the high opinion this Corporation en- tertain of h=s gallant conduct, in capturmg the Brit- ish sloop of war Frolic ; and Ihat the thanks of the Common Council be presented to his brave ofiicers and crew.*' The United States' frigate United States^ / Captain Stephen Decatur, being on a eruise, fell ^ in, on the ^25th October, 1812, with his Britan- nic Majesty's frigate Macedonian, Captam J. S. Carden, in lat. 29, N. Ion. 29, 30, W. and, after an action of an hour and a half, (17 minutes of which was in close action,) the British tngate ^vas captured. The Macedonian was of ihe laraiest class of British frigates, two years old, but four months out of dock, and mounting ^9 -uns, (the odd one shifting.) This engagement Save another indisputable proof of the superi-. ority of American discipline and gunnery. ^ The loss on both sides was as follows ; On board the United States, 2 seamen, 2 ma- rines, 1 boy— Total killed, 5. Wounded, 1 lieutenant, 1 carpenter, i seameu, 1 marine— Total wounded, 7 ; of whom, Lieut. Funk, and John Archibald, died of their wounds. On board (he Macedonian, there were 36 kil- led, and 08 wounded; 36 of whom severely. By the muster roll of the IMucedonian. it ap- peared that there were seven impressed Amc- 64 illSTORY OP THE 'W'ARi licans on beard, during the aclion, two of wliom ivcre kiJied. Tbe United States and Macedonian ariived flffMoutaiig Point, on the ith Deccniber; but ivere prevented from reaebing Aew-York before ibc first day of the new }ear, 1813. On the arrival of Captain Hull at New- York, he was presen(ed by Hie corporation of the eity, with the freedom of the cify, in a gold box. As s<'on as Captain Hull entered the eoiineil cbam- ber, conducted by alderojen Fish and Mesier, and General Morton, be was addressed by his Loiiour De ^Vitt Clinton, mayor of the city, in an appropriate speech. Captain Hull, with all ibiit modesty so frequently allied to virtuous bravery, made a short, hut very becoming reply. The Captain then took the freeman's oath, and retired, amidst an immense crowd, who filled the air with reiterated huzzas. On the following day, a splendid naval dinner was given by the corporation to Captain Hull, Com. Decatur, and Captain Jones, in testimony of the high sense entertained of the nterits of these gentle- men. Nothing was omitted to render this din- ner truly descriptive of the occasion, and the feelings of tlie citizens. On the 9th of January another dinner was giv- en by the corporation, to the crew of the United States. The seamen and marines, having form- ed in procession, proceeded from the place of landing to the City Hotel, amidst the plaudits of thousands of citizens. On the arrival of the sailors, and they Ijeing seated, they were address- ed by Mr. Vanderbilt, witii bis usual energy and perspicuity. The boatswain made a short reply, expressive of the gratitude of his shipmates, and tiieir wish foi* a further opportunity to prove thejr HISTOHY OF THE WAR. 65 devotedness to theii" country. At 6 o'clock, the procession was re-lbrmed, when they proceeded to the Theatre, at the express wish and invita- tion ol* the managers, who reserved the pit ex- clusively lor their accommodation. The Iiarmo- -ny of the day >vas not interrupted by a singl© irregularity. The enemy had some consolation, (if consola- tion it can he called,) by the capture, in Novem- ber, of the United States' brig of war Vixen, of li guns, by his majesty's frigate Southampton, of 32 guns. Both vessels were wrecked shortly afterwards, on the desert Island of Conception ; at whicU time most of the crew of the Southampton, throw- ing off the controul of their officers, refused to do duty. On (his occasion, the intrepid exertions of our tars, aided by their officers, were chiefly instru- mental in saving the ujavcable property on boaid the frigate. So sensible was Sir James Yeo of the generous conduct of the American sailors, that he drew them up on the island, and publicly thanked them in the warmest terms^ Although a patriotic support of^e war was the distinguishing feature of the public senti- ment, yet there was a strange apathy too preva- lent, which tended not a littfe to render its early stage unpropitious to the country. Something was necessary to awaken the unroused loyalty of the people. Victory might have that eftect f perhaps defeat was a more powerful agent. The defeat and surrender of Gen. Hull, so much dis- appointed the expectations excited by the gene- ral's proclamation, that it is impossible to depict the fii St effect. The mortilieation of disappoint- ment; added to the serious loss of a fiae aii«)> ti6 HIS 1 Oil F OF THE WAE. threw a temporary gloom over tlie citizens.— This sooD gave way to resentment, and a deter- mlnation to wipe off the •• tbul stain." The spirit of tiro nation rose, and that of '76 seemed to re- turn. This sentiment, which pervaded a great proportion of the nation, was njost powerful in the western country. All felt the necessity of immediate action ; Kentucky and Ohio may he said to have broken loose ; an army was ready, as if hy magic, piepaied to avenge the late dis- grace. A leader was wanting — all eyes looked, with a common impulse, towards the hero cf Tippacanoe; the united voice of the people call- i-d on the governor to dispense with all formali* lies; and William Henry Harrjsojv was ap- pointed a major general, with directions to take command of the north western army. This ap- pointment was confirmed by the President of the United States. The exposed situation of the north western fiontier, after the surrender of Hull, required the utmost exertions for its protection. It was not possible entirely to avert the impending dan- ger. The Indians had already commenced their sa- vage warfare, by an attack on Fort Dearborn, and the massacre of its garrison. Fort Dearborn (Chicago) was but a weak garrisoji, consisting of about 50 men, there were also in it a few wo- men and children. A large body of Indians ha- ving menaced the fort, it was agreed in a coun- cil, which was held with the faithless tribes, that the garrison should be spared on condition of surrendering the place without resistance. I'bey inarched out on the l^th Sept. and, wken, about a mile from the fort, were fired upon, and mur- dered, with tlie exception of about iO or j^^ ivho escaped^ HISTORY OF THE VVAK. 67 Fort Bel view (Madison) on the Mississippi, was attai ked on the 4th September, by the In- dians, with all t!ie desperation that a want of real courage eonhl inspire; the attack was re- newed daily until tlie 8th, when the Indians, af- ter suff( ring vei'y severelv, withdrew, leaving the brave garrison sate. One soldier, who was out of tlie fort when tlie attack commenced, was massacred : no lives were lost in the fort ; and only one man wounded. About 11 o'cloj-k in the evening of the 4tli September, Fort Harrison, in the Indiana Terri- tory, was attacked by a vast number of Indians. The garrison was weak, and the most of them, incluciing its intrepid commander, Capt. Z.Tay- lor, either sick or convalescent. The attack, "was continued, in a most furious manner, until about sun-rise the following morning, when the savages retired, driving away or shooting all the cattle they could find. Several expeditions were formed against the Indians, for the protection of the inhabitants, and keeping open the necessary communicati.^ns. Colonel Russell, with a small detachn»ent of the United States' rangers, proceeded to the head of the Peori Lake, where he destroyed the cele- brated Pimertain's town. General Hopkins, with about 1200 troops, left Fort Harrison on the 11th December, and succeeded in destroying several villages along the Wabash ; a party of 64 that left the camp, in search of a man who was mis- sing, fell in with a large force of horse and foot Indians: this party suffered a defeat, with a loss of 16, making, with the missing man, 17. Gen. Tupper defeatvd a numerous body of British and Indians, near the Rapids of the Miami : the dif- ficulty of crossing the river; and want of prov^ &S HISTORY OF THE WAR* sions, obliged the expedition to return, having lost 4 killed; and one heing wounded. Colonel Campbell, with 600 men, attacked one of the Massissinewa towns, on the 17th and 18th Dec. and defeated the Indians, after a most desperate conflict : the American loss was 8 killed, and 23 wounded ; (he Indian town was burned. Colonel John B. Campbell, on the 17th Nov. attacked the savages at a town on the Massissinewa, wliich he burned, as well as tbree other towns further down the river, killing several, and tak- ing 37 prisoners: on the morning of the 11th Dec. his camp was attacked by about 300 In- dians, Avho were defeated, after an engagement of about three quarters of an hour. The loss of the Americans in these affairs, was 9 killed, and about 35 or 40 wounded ; about 40 of the In- dians were killed. The Indians also suifered a defeat from Col. Williams, commanding the Ten- nessee troops. These actions were well calculated to inspire the Indians with a proper respect for the Ame- ricans; and, if followed up with continued suc- cess, would tend to estrange the savage enemy from his British ally ; but a sad reverse soon oc- eurred. A detachment, nnder the command of Gen» "Winchester, being attacked on the 22d Jan. 1813, at Frenchtown, on the river Raisin, by a greatly superior force of Indians and British, aided by several pieces of artillery, suftered a defeat. The Americans lost no honour on this occasion ; they defended themselves, and fought with despera- tion, even beyond the time when prudence and honour would have sanctioned a surrender. Gen. Winchester, being himself a prisoner, agreed to a surrender of the troops under his comiuaud; ojs HISTORY OF THE WAR: (Of eondilion that they should he protected against the savages, and allowed to retain their private property and side arms. Thirty-five officers, and 490 non commissioned officers and privates were made prisoners^ the number of killed was con- siderable. The prisoners who were in health were march- ed to Maiden ; the wounded were, contrary to the terms of capitulation, left at the m^rey of the Indians. On the morning of the 23d, such of the wounded as were unable to travel, were to- mahawked and scalped. The following is a copy "of the report of a com- mittee of Congress, on this subject : " The massacre of the 23d January, after the capi- tulation, was perpetrated without any exertion on their part to prevent it ; indeed, it is apparent, from all the circumstances, that if the British officers aid not connive ^t their destruction, they were criminally indifferent ab-ut the fate of the wounded prisoners. But what marks more strongly the' dej^radation of the character of the British sohiiers, is the refusal of the IdSt offices of humanity to the bodies of the dead. The bodies of our countrymen were exposed to every indignity, and became food for brutes, in the sight of men who affect a sacred regat-d to the dictates of honour and religion — Low indeed is the character of that army, which is reduced tor the confession, that their savage auxiliaries will not permit them to perform the rites of sepulture to the slain. 'I'he committee have not been able to discover even the expmssion of detestation, which such conduct must inspire, from the military or civil authority on the Canadian frontier, unless such detestation is to be presumed from the choice of an Indian trophy, as an ornament for the Legislative Hall of Upper Canada." At a luteting of the officers who survived the fcattie of Frenchtown, held at Eric, (Pa.) the. 70 HISTORY OF THE WARr 20th Feb. 1813, the following statement and r©* soUitions were agreed to. «' Whereas it is deemed necessary, that our fellow- citizens should be informed of the late perfidious and brutal acts of the British government, performed by their officers at the battle of Frenchtown. Resolved^ That the following statement of the conduct of the British officers, be published to our countrymen : That when General Winchester was taken pri- soner, on the 22d January, 1813, and brought before Colonel Proctor, the British commander, he directed the commanding officer of the Americans (Major Madison) to surrender. Major Madison refused so to do, unless those who surrendered should be free from savage massacre ; this was agreed to ; and the British officers pledged themselves to have a suffi- cient force with the wounded, to protect them, and that they should be conveyed to Maiden the next morning. They likewise promised to return to the officers their arres at Maiden. Capt. N. G. F. Hart, inspector to the north-west- ern army, being among the wounded, it was pro- posed by his friends, that they should carry hini with them — this they were prevented from doing, by Capt Elliot, a British officer, and an old acquaintance of Captain Hart's, wtio promised Capt. H. his special protection — to convey him in his own sleigh to Mai- den that evening, and informing him that he should be welcome to remain at his house there, until he should recover. These were the promises of the British — Let our countrymen and the world see how they were fulfilled. At the break of day next morning, the savages were suffered to commit every defii edaiion upon our toouiided, ivhich they pleased. An indiscriminate slaughter took place of all who were unable to walk — many were tomahawked^ and many were burned alivS in the houses, Amo ig the unfortunate thus mur- dered, it is with regret and sorrow we have to name i^aptains Hart and Hickman. HISTORY OF THE WAR, ^1 The arms of the officers, as promised, were never returned. Kveiy species of private property re- mainintj in the tents, belonging to both officers and soldiers, were plundered by the savages. Resolved^ That in consider, tion of the high re- spect we hold to the memories of both officers and -soldiers, who were thus cruelly murdered, by per- mission of the British commander Proctor, and his subalterns, and those who gloriously fell in ihe^eid, defending- the only free government on earthy that each of us wear black crape on our hats, and left arm, for the spa-e of ninety days. Resolved^ That a similar procedure, testifying their respect for those who were murdered and fell on that day, be recommended to our brother officers and soldiers, who survived it. SAMUEL WILLIAMS, President. John Beckley, becre.ary." The little pros^ress bifherto made by land, a- gainst the eneniVf bad determined the con,i>re^s and tbe general government on adopting a more efficient plan of warfare. Several new appoint- ments of officers were made; and Commodove Cbauncey was appointed to llie command of the lake navy. Tlie commodore arrived at Sackett's harbour in October, 1812. His great exertions enabled liim to prepare a fleet in less than a month, with ^vbich he resolved to try his fortune on the lake, although tbe British fleet was superior in nuntber of vessels, guns, and men. The commodore sailed from Sackett's harbour on Lake Ontario. On the 8th Nov. fell in with and chased the Royal George, until he lost sight of her in the night : on tbe f dlowing day renew- ed the chase, and followed lier into Kingston bar- |j©ur, where he engaged her and the batteries, for 72 HISTOKY OF THE WAR. nearly two Lours — at sun down he hauled off, being obliged, by badness of the weather, to re- turn to Sackett's Harbour. if^he Constitution frigate, having undergone every necessary repair, proceeded from Boston on a second cruise, in October. On tlie U9lh December, 1812, in south lat. 13. 6. and west Ion. 38, ten leagues disthut from the coast of Brazils, fell in with, and captured his Britannic Majesty's frigate Java, 'M'tw an action of 1 hour and b5 jni iutes. 'I'lie .Java carried 49 guns. .: nd upwards of 400 men, and was commanded b^ Captain H, Lam!)ert, a brave and gallant officer. The Java 'was s?) pert>ct awr; ck, that it seemed extremely do'jb'ful Mhether she could be brought to the Uniu't' States; she was therefore burned in two days aftes* beis»g captured. The .Java I/ad been lately out of dock, having undergone a thorough repair in order to car y out Lieut. Gen. His'op. who was going as com- mander in chief to Boiifhay Besides her full complement of nsen, the Java had uiswards of 100 supernumerariVs, going to Briti^li ships of war in the East-Indies ; also several officers, pas- sengers, going out on pron o in lat. -Z9, N. 8.^30, W. by his Britannic majes- ty's frigate Narc issus, of 32 guns, after a chase of iS hiyurs. — .\o lighting. Commodore Bainbridgc left the IT. S. sloop of war flornet, (apt. James Lawrence, oft* the harljour of Hi. Salvador, where she remained from the 6th, mitil the 2ith January, blockad- ing the Bonne Citoyenne, and another armed VfsseL Being at length driven from her sta- tion by the Montague, of 74 guns, which was sent to reUcTC the Bonne Citoyenne. Captain Lawrence proceeded otF Oemarat a river, where, on the '24th February, 1813, he fell in with and engaged his liritannic njajesty's brig of Avar Peaiiick : the action lasted but 13 minutes, iii which short space of tinje, the Peacock was liteially cut to pieces ; an eiisign, union down, was hung from the fore- rigging, as a signal at once ofdistress and surrender. Lieut. Shubii(k, wh ) was sent on board her, return^^d with a re- port that she was fast sinking, having then six feet of water in her hold. The boats of the Hornet were immediately despatched, and every possible exertion made to keep her afloat until the prisoners could be remov(«d, by pumping aj^d huiling. without eflect, as she sunk in five and a half fathoais water, carrying; down nine ©f Lcr .76 HISTOST ©F THE WAR. «rew, and three of the crew of the Ilornef, iisa John Hart. Joseph Williams, and Hannibal Boyd. Several of the Hornet's crew narrowly escaped a similar faie, being saved hy jumping into a boat that was l^ing on the booms, as she^ went down. llie Peacock was one of the finest vessels or licr class in the British navy ; she mounted 16 twenty-four pound carronades, two long nines,, one twelve pound carronade on her top-gallant forecastle, as a shifting gun, and one four or sis pounder, and two swivels mounted aft; hei* trew consisted, at the time of the action, of one liiindred and thirty men. The loss on board the Peacock could not hi^ ascertained by Capt. Lawrence, but must have been considerable. Capt. Peake, her command- er, and four, men were found dead on board, and 33 wounded, most of them severely, three of which died of their wounds, after being re- moved. The total of killed, wounded and drown* ed, was certainly 42, and probably more. The Esp€^ij>le, a British brig, mounting 10 thirty-two pound carronades, and 2 long nine's lay about 6 miles in shore, and within sight of the action : she declined coming in aid of hey t'onsort, or to approach the victorious ship al- though Capt. Lawrence cleared his ship„ in ex- pectation of a second engagement. Captain Lawrence stated, that their w^ere two impressed American seamen on board the Jate British sloop of war Peacock, one a native Df the state of New-York, and the other a na- tive of Norfolk. One of them was pressed two years and a half, and the other about 1 8 months previnus, neither of them entered, ^and both were co'upr'lled to light during the engagement with the Hornet. HISTORY OF THE WAR, 77 Before (lie engai^ement commenced, the above mentioned Aniericr.n seamen left their station, went to the Captain of (he Peacock, and asked his permission to go beh)W, with the crew of the bi'i.j; Hunter, of Portland, as they eouhl not figiit agtinst their eoun(ry. This request was per- emptorily refused by Capt. Peakc, and the two Americans were forced to their station, and com- pelled to iiglit. Capt. Lawrence further stated, that another impressed American was reported to liave been on board the Peacock, and that he was killed during (iie actioa. The reader shouhl not be carried away with the belief, tliat the commander of the Espeigle was a coward. That may possibly have been the case, but it is far from beiig probable. — • Those who wish to allow to American n.val he- roes their well earned honours, will be readier to ascribe the modesty of the Englishmen to the effect of American prowess, than to British cowardice. Prudence is a virtue which often requires courage to exercise. Had the coiR- iiiduder of the Espeigle encountered the victo- rious American he would be defeated. He pro- b.ibly believed so; and, believing it, he actei! with prudence. I'he following comment on the capture of the Peacock, is extracted from the London Gibe. " The late captain of the Swallow packet, capured by the Americans, landed on Monday at Falmouth, from on board the Childei s sloop of war. He con- firms the loss of the Peacock, which struck to tlie Hornet, after a severe and suni^uinary confli-t, and went down while the enemy were taking out her crew. Sixteen English and four Americans went down in her. The force of the two vessels y^^s- 78 " HISTOKY OF THE WAlt, dearly equal. The circumstances, therefore, whidi have enabled Americans t!)us to add another laurel to ]ier brow, it is most important to know, and we trust they will be fully inquired into. In the cases of captun- by iarge American frigates, the mercenary writers for the Admiralty havo- assured their read- ers that they have, by some charm, been able to prac- tice a decefitio visus upon our navy ; that although apparently frigates, they are in fact great ships of the line ; but as no dij>parity of size is supposed ta havf", existed in this disaster, Mr. C'rr ckel^'s scribea ■will prol)ably give out, that the crew of the Hornet were not of the ordinary race of sailors, but that ev- ery one was a Hercules in strength, and an Archir medes in science." The fbl!(nvi':g appeared in a Halifax paper. " Tn our extracts from American papers, our read- ers will find an account of the capture of the Pea- cock The good foiiunc of the Americans has not forsaken them ; on the contrary, it is more conspi- cut>us in this than in their previous actions. Evert/ one cor.vf'-sanr with gunnery must knoWf that had a -aessel been moor>- -q for the sole purpose of making- an EXPFRiM! NT, it is not at all likely she ivould have been sunk in so short a time. Pr^'vioiis 10 the action with the Peacock, €apt. Li.v\i'en*'e enptiired, on the 4th Feb the t ! jS'lish brisj; ilv solution, ot 10 ,^iins, from Kio Ji neif. , ';ounc* to Maran! am, which he burned, after (akifij^ Uvm. hei about 23.0()0L ster ing, in spoeie. On musterinii^ the ir-Jirninir after the action, there ^w^ f<-iird on bmrd the Hornet %17 souls, ill.' Iii(^inj2c tht- crew of the Anieri an ^)rig Hunter, of Po* tl^icl. taken a few dijys be- fore bj the Peacoi k. T? is additional proof of t??e superiority of American tactics has no^ \^'\w exceeded by any former instance. It w\2cf Indcttd b« said t© Uaye decided the relative mer^- HISTORY or THE WAR. 7^ its of American and British seamen, tlie supe- riority claimed by the British is no longer main- tainable — the Americans rank decidedly as first in naval tactics. Capt. Lawrence, while off St. Salvador, sent a challenge to Capt. Greene, of the Bonne Cito- yenne, which the latter prudently declined ac- cepting. I'he following resolutions passed the Common Council of the city of New-York, on the i^9th March, 1813. « Resolved, That the freedom of the city be pre- sented to Captain Lawrknce, to'^ether with a piece of plate with appropriate devices and inscriptions, and that his honour the Recorder be requested to forward the same, with a copy of this resolution. <' Resolved^, That in testimony of the high sense which this Common Council entertain of the con- duct of the crew of the United States' sjoop of war Hornet, by the capture of his Britannic Majesty's sloop of war Peacock, in the unexampled short pe- riod of fifteen minutes, that the Common Council will give a public dinner to the crew of the United States* sloop of war Hornet.** I'hese nrany and splendid naval victories de- served not only the applause, but the gratitude of the nation. Congress was not insensible to this. A law passed that h(>dy in March, 1813, appropriating the sum of ^25,000, to he distri- buted among the officers and crew of the Con- stitution, for the destruction of the Guerriere; and a like sum of ^^3,000, for the destructio^i or the Java ; and the sum of ^25,000, to be distii- buted among the officers and crew of the Wasp^ for the capture of the F>oUc, The United States' fsigate Chesapeake, Capt, Evans, arrived at Boston the 10th April, isiS, 80 HISTORY OF THE WAE. from a cruise of 115 days, having sailed from the fcame porl the 17th Deceinber, 1812. From Koslon the Chesapeake ran down by t]ie Madeiras, Canaries, and Cape de Yerds 5 thence down on the equatoi*, between lonj^. 16 and 25, where she eruised 6 weeks ; thence d>wn the eoast of South America, passing with- in 15 leagues of* Surrinam, (was in the same place the (lornet suiik the Peacuck the day af- ter she h^ft.) down by Barbadoes, Antigua, and most of the windward ^Yest-lndia islands ; thence on the United States, between Bertnr»da and the Capes of Virginia, by the Capes of Dehiware, Avithin 12 leagues, by New-York, within 20 leagues, thence through the east channel to Boston. The Chesapeake captured, during her cruise, S British, and 1 American vessel, sailing under a British licence; and re-captured an Ameri- C'An schooner. The Chesapeake was chased by two ships of war, (a 74 and a frigate) off the "Western Islands. Off the Capes of Virginia, gave chase to a slooj* of war, and continued cfiasing for 2 days, when the sloop escaped in the night. Seven me5i died of a malignant fe- ver ; and 3 were lost by the cari-ying a«vay of the main-top mast, during a heavy flaw, the day before her arrival in port. General Harrison was at Fort Meigs the 20th April, 1813, and gave directions to prepare ta defend the p ace against an attack, which he ap- prefiended, from the movejnents of the eneujy* Fortifications were accordingly carried on with great diligence, and every means used to animate the men to defend the post. On the 26th and 37th, the reconnoitering parties of the enemy appeared on the opposite shorc; but soon retired DISTORT OP THE %VAR. 81 The Indians were sent across the river during the night of the 28th, and was placed so as to surround the garrison. The siege commenced ih form, on the 2'Jih» and firing was kept up dur- ing this and the following day, by the enemy, wiiose works were eonsiderahly impeded and in- jured hy the firing from the* fort. By the 1st of May, the works of the fort were so far complet- ed, as to enahle the hesieged to give the enemy a very warm reception, silencing one of their guns several times. During the 'id and 3d, the fire on both sides continued very brisk. On the Mh, General Clay reached Fort Win- chester, with upwards of 100 men, for the relief of the American garrison. On the 5th, a part of General Clay's men arrived, and instructions were sent to him by General Harrison, directing him how to act in his advance towards the fort. Great zeal, and undaunted courage, are true 4dharacteristies of the American soldiers; to these qualities the Kentuckian adds a wonderful contempt of danger. On this occasion, the ene- my received much benefit from that cool caution which enabled him to draw the uncalculating soldier into defiles, and within the reach of Iiis ambuscade. Col. Dudley, who was charged with, despatches for Gen. Clay, received the command of a detachment of Clay's men, landed on the opposite side of the river, with a view to attack the enemy's batteries ; he behaved with great courage, but pursued the enemy until he was drawn into an ambush, where tlie greater num- ber of his men were destroyed by numbers vastly superior ; many of those who surrendei'cd, were afterwards tomahawked and scalped by the sav- ages. Col. Dudley was among the killed. Gen» Clay, who oontiaued iu couimaiid of the reiiiaia- 82 HISTORY OF THE WAR. der of bis detaeliment, Laving landed near the fort, permitted the men to pursue the enem\ in- to the wo(uls, and was saved from a fate sisniiar to that (ff the heroic and unfortunate Dudley, hy the prudenee and foresight of Gen. Harrison, who sent out a party to support Clay, and defend his retreat. The Indians took advantage of the opportunity this afforded tjiem, to attaek the b ats, which Gen, Clay left unguarded ; the sick nsen in the hoats were butchered, and tiie bag- gage cars'ied off. The bravery of the American troops duiing these contlicts, were remarkabl> hrilHant Pre- CjJient chaiges were made, u^^der direction of C'ol. Miller, iVS.ijo?* Alexander. Captains Croghasi, Keving, Beiidfi rd, and Loitgham. Every bat- tery Ois the American side of the river were suc- cessfully carried. The enemy, after this, thought only of retreat- ing, wliich he effrcied in great hurry on the 9th. An exchange of ps'isoners was previously eff^^n ted. The American loss, during l^; da.^s the enemy were before the fort, amounted to SI killed, and 480 wounded, exclusive of tlie loss of Dudley's detachment, which exceeded 200 in killed and niissirig. The enemy's loss must have been nuieh great- er, as his nuuiher of men far exceeded i\iM of the Americans. Tfie enemy was frequenflv de- feated by defaohments not more than a thiid of his numhep. Col. Milh^, with .350 men, made a salli^ , in whicli he defeated the enemy, consis«ing oT ^ regulars, 1.^0 mi'itiij. and 300 Indians, (.'apj. a Sebre's coi]M>nn.\ of Kentucky miluia, mainjai i- ed its gro!]nd agjunst four times i(s un^'je'. ini- til rescued fioui unavoidable destriiclion, by tli^ HISTORY OF THE WAR. 8S t)pavery of Lieut. Gvvynne, of the 19tli regiment., and a part of CapJ. Elliot'ss c inpany. From the best aecoiint, the besieg-ers consisted of 560 regulars, 800 militia, and more than 2000 Iijdiaiis. On the 25th April, 1813, Commodore Chaun- cey sailed from Saekett's Harbour, having on board his fleet isljo-it 1700 troops, destined to conjmenee operations against Canada. They arrived opposite Lsttle Yotk, the ea[)ital of Up- per Canada, o-i the morning of tlie 27 th \pril, and immediately commenv'ed the landing of the tro^ips, under a heavy file from the enemy. — After a very severe and sharp contest of half an honr, the enemy was repul?ed by a nuukber far i ftrio!' to theirs. As soon as the remain- der of the troops had la. dec), the enemy retired to his works. One buttery being carried, the troops were adva^tcing towards tise main works, "when a tremendous eX(>losii>n took [>iaee from a magazine prev!:>ur,ly prepared, and which threw out an imnjense quantity of stones, by •whi^li the Americans lost in killed and wonnd- ed, about 200 men ; aniong the killed, the gallant Bi'igadier General Pike. The British regular tr>ing despatch from Connnod^.re Chiun- cey m- mander expected the attack, and he was pre- pared to resist it ; it was broad day ligiit before a laufling could h^ effected, which circumstaace gave to the eaemy sufficient time to Hseer?ain the point of attack, and to co'led and an*ange liis whole force ; a ravine and wood concealed u gS HISTORY OF THE WAR. liis force; his position was naturally stror.g, be- wf; the brow of a high bank, so steep that the artillery, which landed with Boyd*s brigade, with the utmost exertions ot the men, could not be brought into the action till some time after the enemy had broke and fled; the enemy's force exceeded ^000 regulars, and, inikiding militia and Indians, amounted to at least 2500 men. His regulars were veterans of tried courage, great experience, and long service ; his militia were trained and disciplined, his savages wrought into the most plirenzied animosity against the Ame- 2'icans. Against this host, the Americans could bring only 1800 men, raw recruits, almost stran- gers to discipline, not Jnnnred to danger, and few of whom liad ever seen a battle. Such was the disparity, such the danger to be encountered, and such the enemy to be vanquished. The Ameri- can boats being too few in number, were crowded with men ; on their approaching the shore a most tremendous fire was opened on them. The lake was covered wivith troops, came off from the enemy, and pro- ceeded to Garden Island, imdcr cover ot some eun-boats. The militia, stationed near where the enemy proposed to land, fired with consider- al)le effect, and then fled from their post. Ihe enemy etHcted a landing with about 1200 men at Horse Island. A detachment of milina, un- dcr command of Capt. M-Nitt, threw themselves, ^vith ccn^iderable effect, on the rear ot the ene- my's left flank, while the regulars, under Lok Backus, engaged and routed him. Gen. Prevost >vho commanded the British expedition, retreatea with creat precipitation, under protection ot the r-uns of his vessels; and thus saved himself and fiicn from being made prisoners. According to a previous arrangement, it was agreed, that, iii a certain event; the stores, &e. at the navy- point, should be destroyed. This event did not happen ; but some person, unauthorised, brought information to Lieut. Chauneey, that the battle ^as lost— the stores, accordingly, were de- stroyed, r. TVT V ..T, Gen. Jacob Brown, of the state of ^ew-\olk who commanded the land forces at Sackett s- Harbour, gave a substantial proof of those mili- tary talents, which, in all his subsequent opera- tions, were so conspicuously uselul to bis coun- try, and so uniformly honourable to himselt,that even envy never dared lisp an insinuation di^- oreditable or dishonourable to the general. Sii- James Liicus Yeo commanded the Bntisli fleetv 90 HISTORY OF THE WAS. The enemy's loss was verj eonsideraI)le, inelnd'- ing seveiiil officers of distinction. I'lie Anseii- cans lost about 1 50 in killed atid wounded ; CoU Mills was killed, and Col. Backus mortally wounded. About 400 regular troops sustained the heat of the action. At the close of the action, a British barge, with a naval lieutenant, under a flag of truce, eame to the bank of the river, and demanded of an otficer who was standing there, in the name of the general and commodore, the surrender of Sackett's Harbour. The officer replied " No/' and the flag returned, The pride and presumed authority of Britaiia on her own domain, the ocean, was materially tarnished. The laurels plucked from Fraitce, Spain, Portugal, and Holland, were withering^ and seemed to be transferred to adorn the brows of the hitherto despised commanders of the l/ii- lipuiian fleet of America. It was resolved, by the enemy, to retrieve lost honour. An expe- dient was resorted to which was successful, so far as the capturing of a ship, yet an astonished and admiring world remained unaltered in the opinion, that the superiority of American tars was not lessened by the event, nor the fading lustre of British invincibility, in any manner retrieved. For some time before the first of June, the British friga*?s Teoedos, Bellepole, and Shan- non, were off the harbour of Boston, where the Chesapeake lay. The Tenedos and Bellepoule, having put a part of their crew on bo. rd the Shannon, proceeded to sea. The Shannon (the l)**st fi igate in the British navy,) appeared alone ©ft* (he harbour, on which the Chesapeake got undci? weigh, at meridian; on 1st June| ail^ HISTORY OF THE WAR, 91 minutes before 6, an actiosi commenced, \vieujf)led sorrow which n H^k'd ev- ery countenance from the hiy;}jest to the lowest order, evinced in an unparalleled ilegree. the public symstaHfy, and that the hon^.urs paid to the •* mighty dead*' were "ot ino'e <'ons .icnous thaa deserved. On no similar occasion have we 9^ HISTORY OF THE WAK. Xvitnessed a testimonial of respect so univeui- sal and sincere. It was indeed a day of mourn- ing. The hearts of hoarv pati'iots, and ;^outh- fuJ heroes, beat in solemn unison, and the bright- eye of beauty glistened with a tributary tear* !Kot only the reflections arising from such st scene, but every transaction connected with the- proceedings of the day, were calculated to in- spire with reverence tlie coldest and most disin- terested spectator. The concourse of spectators who witnessed this interesting and impressive exhibition, was innumerable, and is supposed to amount to for- ty or fifty thousand. The streets were lined, the windows crowded, and the roofs covered with citizens, viewing the grand and solemn speetaele. The procession of boats in the har- bour, from 1(5 novelty in particular, attracted much attention, and the wharves and the rig- ging of the vess^-ls in the docks, were crowded with spectators. The corporation made a provision of 1,000 dollars for each of the two infant children of Captain Lawrence. An application to the British naval officer, Ca]>tain Oliver, for permission to convey the bodies of Lawrence and Ludlow, by water, to !New-York was shamefully refused. Tiie following extracts, translated from a Fre?>ch paper, is worthy of a place here. " The British, who had triumphed in so many na- val combats, previously to the prevailing American war, have long relinquished the practice of rejoicing for victories obtained over a single frigate. If an achievement of that s< rt took place against any of the European powers, the detail of the action wa$ jaaerely inserted in the London Gazette, the pagei^ HISTORY OF THE WAK. ^5 ^f the metropolis echoed the narrative, paid a press"- ing compliment to the officer, and the affair went off, beini^ rtcorded jiro memoria^ in the Naval Chronicle, as a tiling of course. Votes of honour from the corporation of London, a sword of a hun- dred guineas value, and parliamentary encomiums, were reserved for the hero who should destroy a f.eet. The battle of the Nile, that of Trafalgar, and the like, were alone brilliant enough to excite the applause of a people grown callous to commoa feats of renown, and who, accustomed to vanquish every thins; on the ocean, believed themselves om- nipotent on that element. In the Americans the British have found an enemy that has obstructed the agreeable train of their maritime ideas. The citizens of the United States are the best seamen in the world. Their (officers are men of nautical science, of great experience, and generally in the prime of life. The first n^val combat of the war, marked, not a simple equality of skill and courage in ihe men of the two countries, but a decided su- periority in favour of the Americans. If the Eng- lisii pride was mortified at the sudden reverse in the capture of the Gurrriere, the whole British go- vernment was thrown into cons ernation at the cap- ture of the Macedonian, the Java, the Frolic, and the Peacock. Such rapid and successive defeats made the ca' inet of St. James bristle a2;ain ; it seemed as if all the English ca>)tains were doomed to pass, one after the other, under the Yankee yoke, or to the re* gions of the dead !'* *' A triumph gainr d by something very like an artifice, has given occasion to the most extravagant demonstiations of joy in London. \ member of Parliament, whose name is Croaker^ which in the English tongue, signifies a noisy, but contemptible reptile, has pronounced on the occasion a most preposterous eulogium, and the corporation of l.on- 4ou have treated the affair as if the ileets of all the 96 HISTORY OF THE WAH. world had been anchored in the Thames, as trophies of their vuhur i Who is there that does not perceive in this vapouring of the IsUnders, a real /ear for their ultimate naval superiority ? The Apiericans •will soon recover from this extnt- 1 hey are a peo- ple that do not yield to misfortune. V\ e hdd some experience of them 30 years ago ; and they liave already evinced that they have not degenerated." & he barbarous Us -gv- vv.iic.i lijc civw oi' the Cliesapeake received fioiu the enemy, when coo- ti'asted with th«' treatment which the brave Law- rence and his crew observed, when they were vielors, is the best possible comment on the cha- racter of both nations. It is a f lit worthy of note, and in the highest degree honourable to ou' brave tars, that on the day preceding the destruction of the Peacock, the crew of I he Hornet made a subscription, and supplied tlie prisoners (who had lost almost eve- ry thing,) with two shirts, and a jacket and trow- sers each. The following is the official report of an ex- tvaordinary event which occurred June 6. Copy of letter from Major general Dearborn, to the secr<'t.i!y oT war. Head- Quarters^ Fort George^ June 6, 1813. Sir — I have received an expess from the head of the lake this evening, with intelligence, that our troops, commanded by Brig Gen. Chandler, w iv at- tacked at two o'clock this morning by the whole of the British and Indian forces, and by some stran;:e fatality, t; ough our loss was small, (not exceeding tf.irty ) and the enemy completely routed and driven from the field, both Brig. Generals Chaiidler and Winder, were taken prisoners. They had advanced to ascertain the situatim of a company of artillejy, when the attack commenced General Vincent is Said to be among the killed of the enem}^ ; Colonel HISTORY or THE WAR. ^7 Clarke was mortally wounded, and fell into our hands, with 60 prisoners of the 49th British regiment. The whole loss of the enemy is 250. They sent in a flag with a request to burv the dead. Gen. Lewis, accompanied by Brig. Gen. Boyd, goes on to take the command of the advance troops." It appears, that on this occasion, the advanc- ed i^uai'd of the American army commenced a sharp skii'mish with the advance of tlie enemy, ill the afternoon of t!ie 5th June : the latter was compelled to retreat iuto a thick wood. In the evening, the Americans took a position behind Sioney-creek ; the light infantry and part of the rifle corps, on the right of the 25th regiment, formed the right wing ; the artillery, under Capt. Townson, and Ti. Leonard, the centre ; the 5th, 16th, and 23d infantry, and some riflemen, the left; a^id the cavalry in the rear; the picket guards were strong, and so placed, as to surround the encampment with centinels. The whole force did not exceed 1000 men, but their disposi- tion was the best that could he made. Three hundred men were encamped on the border of the lake, for the protection of the boats. About 2 o'clock in the morning, the enemy forced the picket, and attacked the encampment, in the dark with his whole force of regulars and Indians. The /Vmeric.tirs withstood and resisted the enemy with such resolution and success, that wlien the day dawned, none of the enemy were to be seen, but t!»e killed and wounded, who covered the field of battle. The attack began on the right and was gal- lantly repelled by the ilre of the light troops and 25(h regiment, commanded by fMjy. Smith. In a few minutes it became general along tho whole Uiie> and was nobly returned by the ivc- 1 98 »IST011Y OF THE WAR, tillfry of the centre, commaiKied by Captains Townsend, and L. Leonard, and by the troops of the left whig, viz. the 3th under Lieut. Col. Mil- ton, the 23(1 coninuinded by Maj. Armstrong, and the 16th. Tiie fire continued with little in- termission for one hour, during which time the enemy attempted, by frequenl charges, to breali our line, but without eifect, being obliged to give way by the well directed fire of our brave troops. The 13th and 14(h regiments (which had been fletached the preceding evening) were active in making prisoners, and advanced with much ar- dor to the field, in hopes of sharing with the gallant 5th, and 22d. 23d, and light troops, the glory of another combat. Hut the unfortunate capture of Brig. Gens» Chandler and Winder, who yMYG taken in the action unknown to any part of the army, and hurried to the cnent;v's lines, prevented the future operations from be- ing carried into effect, with the promptitude which assuredly would have takea plate, liad «ither of those oiBeers been present to com- mand. As soon as it was discovered that generals ifVinder and Chandler were prisoners. Colonel James Burn, on whom the command devolved, summoned a council of war, a majority of wlom derided, that the army ought to retire to its former position, at Forty-mile creek. The army on this occasion has proved its firmness and bravery, by keeping its position in a night attack, in which the yells of the Indians, mingled with the roaring of cannon and mus- ketry were calculated to intimidate. 'Jlie ene- my charged repeatedly, a id so dark was the night, that our army could not distinguish friend from foe ; in one of these tliey succeeded ia HISTOTIY OF THE WAR. 99 carryinj^ off a 6 pounder, howitzer, and a cais- son, %ar. Capt. Chapin stated, that the enemy was considerably superior in number, »ot withstanding which, Lieut, Col. Bcerstte 12 , 102 HISTORY OP THE WAK* would have been able to maintain his posilion, oi Gilt a passaj^c through the enemy, so as to eifecj a retreat; but at this juncture a Biifisli officer rode lip ar.d demanded the surrender of the A- merican party. 'I'he demand ^vas made, lie said, to prevent the effusion of blood. Ke asserted also, upon his honour, and declared in the most solemn manner, that the British regular force was double that of the American, and that the Indians were 700 in number. Lieut. Col. Bcerst- Jer, under a belief of these facts, and thinking it impracticable to get off the wounded, whom he was unwilling to abandon to the mercy of the sa^ vages, and deeming it extremely uncertain whe^ ther a retreat could be effected, thought proper to agree to terms of capitulation, which were at length signed by himself on the one part, and by Xiieut. Col. Bishop on the other. Capt. Chapin makes the following statement: "The articles of capitulatron were no sooner sign^ ed, than they were violated. The Indians immedl* ately commencfd their depredations, and plundered the officers of their side arms. The soldiers too were stripped of t: very article of clothing to which ih© savages took a fancy, such as hats, coats, shoes, &c." By the articles of capitulation, it was stipulat- ed that the wounded should be taken good care of, the officers be permitted to retain their side- arms, private property be respected, and the mi- litia immediately paroHed. How characteristic of a savage and faithless enemy was this shame- ful violation of honour and good faith. Major Chapin and his corps were detained un*- der guard at the head of Lake Ontario, and no attention prid to the article of capitulation> ^hieh piovidcd for their being par oiled ^ Oa the HISTORY or TUE WAR. 103 12th inst. they were ordered down the lake to Kiligstoii ; for which place they were embarked in two boats, aecoinpanied by a guard of 15 men, under tlie command of a lieutenant. Thirteen of the men, with the lieutenant, were stationed in the forward boat with Major Chapin and the other officers, while the remaining two, (a ser- geant and one man,) took the direction of the other boat, which contained the soldiers. i\n agree- ment had been entered into, previous to their de- parture, of seizing the first opportunity that of- ierred to regain their liberty, which they deter- mined to effect, or die in tlie attempt. When they were within about 12 miles of York, the bout which was filled with the prisoners, was rowed by them along side the other, under pre- tence of taking sometliing to drink. 'Die signal being given, they sprang upon (he guard, who little expected such a manceiivre. and in a short time disarmed them, and gained possession of the boats. They immediately a'tered their course from Kingston to Fort Niagasa, and after row- ing hard for most of the night, and escaping with difficulty from one of the enemy's schooners, which gave them chase, arrived in safety with their prisoners, at tlie American garrison. The following extract of a private letter from Fort George, made its appearance in a publie newspaper, in the first week in August : " A large boat arrived two days since from Little York, containing one lieutenant, and 8 of his Britan- nic majesty's militia, captured by 8 of our men, (3 re^iulars, and 5 militia,) taken at Beaver Dams. The lieMtenant and his party were conducting them to Kingston — our men rose on the English, and brought them in here. Another boat, with 14 of Boerstler*a men, has just come in from York, bringing vijjf them their centineJ, and one ot^er person/^ iOi fllSTORY OF THE \V ASM It would be an unpardonable injustice to the brave Cliapiu not to give his own report of this heroic escape. Tlie following is a copy of his letter to Gen. Dearborn, dated Fort George, Juiie 13fh, 1813. *< Sir — I have just arrived from my confinement in CfiHada, with my men, without our parole. Our re- turn happened in the following manner ; 1 received orders at Burlington heights on Monday morning, to go to Kingston — We set off accordingly under the care of a guard of 16 men. I had with me 28 men: AVe all went on very quietly till 4 o'clock in the afternoon, at which time 1 gave a signal to attack the guard, which were stationed in the following order i A sergeant and one man in the boat with my men, a lieutenant and 13 men in the boat with me and two officers. At the signal, my men ran along side of the boat I was in. Lieut. Showers ordered them to fall astern. I ordered them on board — at which time the officer attempted to draw his sword. 1 seized him by the neck and threw him on his back — ^two of his men drew their bayonets upon me — I immediately seized both bayonets at the same instaiit, and thr< w them on the top of the officer, and kept all down together; at the same moment, my men seized the guard, and wrested f om them their arms — we then, having pos- session of the arms, changed our course, and arriv d here tins morning half after two o'clock, all safe. We have brouy^ht two boats with us. 1 have the honour to be, very respectfully, your obedieut servant, CYRENUS CHAPIN." On the nth July, 18 43, 260 British regulars erossed the Niagara, below Black Rock, moved up towards that place, and marched far above the navj'-yard, before any alarm was given. The^ detached militia, being surprised, retreated up the beach, and left the enem^ in quiet possessioxaj HISTORY OF THE WAR. lOo of the viltagcwlio proceeded to burn the sailors* barracks and blockhouses at the great hattery ; they then proceeded to the hatteries, disn*oun(ed and spiked three 12 pounders, and took away three field-pieces, and one 12 pounder; they took from tlie store-house a quantity of whiskey, salt, flour, pork, &c. which, with four citizens, they took across theViver. At the first niontent of the alarm, Gen. Porter left Black Kock for Buf- faloe ; at which place he assembled a body of volunteers, and a few regulars, which with 100 militia, and 25 Indians, formed a junction about a mile from the enemy. After being formed Avith the mili(ia and Indians on the Hanks, and the volunteers and regulars in the centre, they attacked, and the enemy, after a contest of 20 liiinutes, retreated in the utmost confusion, to the beach, embarked in several of our boats, and pulled for the opposite shore ; all the boats got off without injury, except the last, which suffered severely from our fire, and from appearance, nearly all the men in her were killed and wound- ed. The British lost 8 killed on the field, be- sides those killed and wounded in the boats. The Americans took 15 prisoners, who were sent to Batavia. On the American side, sergeant Hart- man, Jonathan Thompson, and Joseph Wright, were killed, and $ wounded, two of which were Indians. On the 7th July, the enemy attacked a guard about a mile and a half from Fort George, when Lieut. Eldridge, with 39 men, who volunteered under him, went to relieve them ; but, in his zeal to execute the order, he unexpectedly found himself surrounded in the wood by Indians, who opened a deadly fire upon his little corps, which cut down 18—a few flcd^and the remainder werd 106 HISTORY or TUB W^Ri taken by the Indians, and stripped, scalped, ami mangled in a horrid manner. Only 9 of the corps escaped. During the night of the 4th July, a party of the enemy, consisting, according to the British account, of ^i men, hut known to exceed that runiber, passed over in hoats from Chippawa to Fort Schiosser, which was giiarded by only 13 men, whom the enemy made prisoners, together %vith three of the citizens ; and also succeeded in carrying off some flour, salt pork, whiskey, &c. ; one hrass six pounder, a few stands of arms, some hall-cartridges, &c. with which they has- tily retired. The enemy heing reinforced, re- turned on the succeeding evening to complete the plundering, which his hurry and fears compelled him to leave unfinished during his first visit, l)ut observing a guard, he retreated without attempts ing to laud. A body of the enemy, consisting of about 200 men, besides Indians, attacked the pickets at Fort George, on the I7th July, but were brave- ly repulsed, after a contest of one hour. Al- though this affair was not otherwise of much consequence, it was in a degree so, inasmm h as it gave a full opportunity of testing the conduct of the American officers engaged; as it was fought in detachments. Col. Scott had command of the troops on this occasion. Gen. iloyd, in his ofUcial report, highly extolled the activity and bravery of those engaged, particularly Ma- jors Cummins, and Armstrong; Captains* Yan- deursen, Madison, Birdsall, and Towson. A declaration of war, of which the following is a copy, was issued by tlie Six Nations of New- York Ijidinns. immediately after the invasion csf t'he state by the British, HISTOTIT OF THE WAR, 107 DECLARATION OF WAR. BY IHE SIX NATIONS OF INDIANS. We, the Chiefb and Councillors of tiie Six Na- tions of Indians, residing m the state of New- York, do hereby proclaim to all th« War Chiefs and War- riors of the Six Nations, that WAR is declared on our p; rt, against the Provinces of Upper and Lower .Canada. Therefore, we do hereby command and advise all the War Chiefs to call f oyd, and the other oflicers servini^ at Foi^t George. As, however, the cause of the ,^eneral's dismissal was the object of various conjecture, the followin,ijj extract from the g.'nera! order, issued on the occasion, will give to the reader all the satisfaction in our pow- er to communieate. '* The major-general commanding, having receiv- ed orders from thp secretary of war, to retire from the command of this army until his health shall be re-established, and until further orders — he com- mand devolves on Brig. Gen. Boyd. Were the ma- jor-general permitted to consult his own feelings, no consideration could induce him to leave the army at this ijnportai.t crisis ; but the first duty of a soldier is to obey his superiors.'* About the l.?<^i or lf»th of July, two private iirmed boats, each carrying a 6 or 8 pounder^ 16S HISTORY ©J THE WAR. and 50 men, sailed from Sackett's Harbour, td cruise in the St, Lawrence / On Monday, the 19th, thej fell in with a gun-boat, carrying a 6 pound carronade, convoying i5 of the enemy's b'ltteaux, captured them without the loss of a man, and brought them into Cranberry Creek, about 49 miles above Ogdensburgh. 'Fhe bat* teaux had on board 230 barrels pork, 300 bags pilot bread, ammunition, &c. bound from Montre- al to Kingston. On Tuesday morning, 3 of the enemy's gun-boats, with "250 soldiers from Pres- cot, arrived off the creek, and landed their men. The privateers men had hardly time to construct a breast-woi'k of their bags of pilot bread, be- fore they were attacked hy 200 of the enemy ; and strange to tell, after an obstinate engage- luent, in which frou) 40 to 60 of the enemy were killed, his force retreated precipitately to their boats, except 1 5, who took to the woods, and were pursued. The American loss was trilling, though it is not specified. Sixty-seven British prisoners, captured in the bat teaux and gun-boat, arrived at Watertown on Tuesday evening, I'he employment of Indians by the enemy rendered it absolutely necessary to attach the friendly Indians to the ai'my of the U. States. On this occasion there was an opportunity of proving that the savage can abstain from those barbarous acts, which the enemy must have en- couraged, or certainly did not attempt to pre- Yent. A body of volunteers and Indians, under com- mand of Major Chapin, had a skirmish with the enemy, near Fort George, on the 17th August, in which the latter wasr defeated, and complete- ly routed. The American Indians captured 12 of the British Indians, and four whites. The HISTORY OF THE WAR. IT) 9 Indians, in a council held with them previous to this iiflQiir, eoveniinted not to scalj) or murder. I'heir bravery in battle was as conspicuous as their humanity to tlie vanquished^ no insult was oiTered even to the dead. At day break on the 24th Aujjjust, the enemy, with liis whole force, commanded by Sir George Pre vost, drove in all the American pickets at Fort George. A skirmish ensued in the vil- lage, with little effect, when the enemy retired, leaving 13 oF his men dead on the field, and a few prisoners, iicluding a captain of the 49th, The Ainericans lost two mea killed, and a few wounded. The pain of being compelled to relate the bar- barity of a faithless enemy, on aluiost every oo casion where he had power, is pleasingly miti- gated by the contrast which t!ie acts of Ameri- can soldiers and seamen proiuce. Among the iimny, too numerous for recollection or detail, the following will be read with satisfaction: ^< On the 2lst September, a company of volun- teers, principally of the village of Buffaloe, em- fea/ked for Sugar Loaf, (about 14 miles fronn Fort Erie,) under command of Major Chapin, with an intention to surprise and capture a Bri- tish guard, coDimanded by Col. Warren. The colonel had anticipated t4ie attack, and had withdrawn himself and guard fi'om the^ lake some miles, into the iateri^ir-Tofthe^cxmnti^y,— . The partyJt^o^Jifiv^Tal prisonersj^who were ita- Hiediately j)aroVed ; and 34 barrels of fliour, and a bate of blarilvets, all of which was the proper^ ty of govern vnent. Ther« were several hundred barrels of flour at the mills, but there being no proof of its being public property, it was not ta- ken. The conduct of Major Chapin, iu all hie 110 HISTORY OF TH£ WAR. incursions into the enemy's territory, lias been strictly honourable ; carefully distinguishing be- tween friends and enemies : justly discriminating between public and private property?^ The American ileet, under command of Com- modore Chauncey, went out of the inner har- bour of Sackett's Harbour, the 19th July, 1813, and sailed soon afterward. The fleet stretched •Yer for the enemy's shore, and from *i hence stood up the lake, and arrived off Niagara, in tlie evening of the 27th July. Com. Chauncey being informed that the enemy had a consider- able deposit of provisions and stores at Burling- ton-bay, had determined to uttempt their destruc- tion. Having taken on board 250 infantry, the fleet proceeded to the head of the lake, but ow- ing to light winds and calms, did not arrive to an anchorage before the evening of the 29(h. — Two parties were sent on shore, who took some «f the inhabitants, from whom they learned, that the enemy was lately reinforced, and that he had from COO to 800 regulars. The iroops Mere, however, landed the next morning, toge- ther with some marines and sailors; but. on re- connoitering the enemy's position, he was found posted upon a peninsula of high ground, strong- ly intrcRched, and his camp deftnded by about 8 pieces of cannon. Jt was jndged inexpedient to attack him with a force scarcely half his numbers, and without artillery. The men were re-embarked in the course of the after- noon; and the fleet weighed in the evening, and stood for York, in the harbour of which place it anchored about 3 o'clock, P. M. On the Slst, the schooners sailed into the upper harbour; the marines and soldiers, under the ctJmmand of Ct)loTicl Scott, landed without op- I IIISTOKY OF TilE WAR. ill position, (upwards of iOO men of the enemy hav- ing left Yoi'k for the head of the lake, two days previous to the disemharkation.) Several hmi- (h-ed harrels of flour and provisions were found in the public store-house ; also 5 pieces of can- non, 11 boats, and a quantity of shot, shells, and other stores; all of which were cither destroyed or taken away — a few piMsoners were taken. The troops were re-embarked on the 1st August, having previonsly burned the barracks, and pub- lic store-houses — the expedition arrived at Ni- agara on the od. On the 7th August, at day-light, Commodore Chauncey discovered tlie enemy, consisting of tZ sliips, 2 brigs, and 2 large schooners, on Lake Ontario. He immediately weighed ani^hor, and liianoeuvred to gain the wind. Both fleets con- tinued to manoeuvre for. several hours, at a dis- tance from each other of about 5 or 6 miles. Commodore Chauncey endeavouring in vain to bring the enemy to action. Toward aight it becnme quite calm, during which time the Com- modore cndGuvoured to reach the enemy by sweeps, but without success. Wind, during th« night, was \evy squally. At day-light, on the Sth, discovered that 2 of the schooners, the Hamilton and Scourge, mounting together 19 guns, had foundered, and every soul on board them, except 16^ perished. This accident gave, the enemy a decided advantage, yet the Coaimo- dore offered him battle, which was declined. — In the afternoon the wind fell away, and the Commodore again endeavoured to reach the ene- my by means of his sweeps, but was again uu- suecessful. During the afternoon, the enemy^ taking advantage of a wind which sprang up, and brought him to windward, endeavoured to A1*J HISTORY OF THE WAR* cut off tlie American schooner, but they wer«^ able to come iaio Iheir station before he could reach thein. ISight coming on, and the weatheFy as on the former night, bquallj, the Commo- dore, to guard againhl further accid^'nt, as v;ell as to alfoid some rest to ifti^,;isien, \Yho hi^d been 40 hours at quarters, ran in towards Niagara, and anchored outside the bar. Here he received en board, and distributed in diifereat vessels, 150 Bien, to aid in boarding, in case he could close ■|\ith the enemy. Soon after day-liglit on the 9th, he discovered the enemy, weighed amhor, and stood after Inni. Ihe winds were light and vaiiable, and before noon qtiite cahn ; at 5 P. M. the wind sprang up, pui'sued the probable course of the enemy during the night. In the morning of the 10th, discov- ered tiie enemy and gave him chase; before the \^ind cbaiTgrd, brought the enemy to windward, by which he was again enabled to avoid an ac- tion. Both fleets continued manoeuvring until 11, when a firing commenced between both fleets. The wind favoured the enemy, and enabled him to effect one purpose of all his long and cowardly manoeuvring, by separating two vessels froui the remainder of the squadron, and capturing the Growler and Julia. On the morning of the 41th, the Commodore got sight of the enemy, but he still refused bat- tle, notwithstanding his increased advantage, by the capture of 2 vessels, and a wind favourable to him. A gale coming on, Commodoi^e Chaun- €ey returned to Sackett's Harbour, to obtain pro- visions, oi which his ships was nearly desti- tute. On the 7th September, the enemy's squadron, under command of Captain Yco, ^vas discovered mSTORY OP THE WAB. 113 Kilosc in with the Niagara river. Commodoi^ Chauncey's ileet iininediately weighed anchor, and prepared for action. Tlie enemy sailed to the noi-thward ; The Commodore in pursuit. — The pursuit was continued all round the lake^ until the morning of the 12th, wlien the enemy succeeded in gelling into Amherst-bay. During the chase, there was a running fight, off Genes- see river, which continued three and a half hours ; the enemy suffered much ,• the Americans did not loose a man. Commodore Chauncey continued to blockade tlif enemy in Amherst-bay, until the 17th Sep- tember, when a heavy wind from the westward favoured his escape into Kingston ; and the Ame- rican ileet returned to Sackett's Harbour. Af- ter a few hours delay at Sackett's Harbour, Com- modore Chauncey sailed again for Niagara, where he arrived on the 24th. On the luth- he saw the enemy off the False Ducks, but took no notice of him, in hope that he might follow the Commodore up the lake. Oa the 26th September, Commodore Chaun- cey learned that the enemy's fleet was in York- bay ; he prepared to weigh, but was prevented fi'om getting out of the river before the evening of the 27th. On the 28th the enemy was dis- covered under way in York-bay. The Ameri- cans formed a line for battle, and run down for the enemy's centre. The enemy endeavoured to avoid an action. At 10 minutes past 12, the enemy, in order to save his two rear vessels^ was compelled to tack in succession, beginning at his van, when he hoisted his colours, and com- menced a fire on Commodore Chaunccy^s flag^ ship, the General Pike, for the purpose of co- Y^mng his rear, and attacking the Anaeri^ji!i- It. % illi HISTORY OF THE WlK, ifai' as he passed to Icewartl. Ey a happy Din- liCLuvie, Coinn.oilore Cl.auncej defeated (las pavt ef the adversar>'s phin, ^vhen the kitfer bore away. The American ships, hoT^ever, elcscd so near as to bring their ,a;i«ns to bear ; and in 20 minutes, the ii.ain and mizen top- masts, and main yard of the Wolf \Yere shot away. This ship imnudiately put before the w ind, and set all sail upon his main mast ; and, by keeping dead bifore the wind, was enabled to escape. I'he ehase was eontinued until near 3 P. M. during which time xhi^ Commodore's sliip kept within point blank shot of the enemy, and sustained the whole of his lire, durhig tlie chase. At 15 iTniinles past ,>, the Commodore was obliged to give up the ehase : his ship was m.ak-„ jngjvater m fast, thj;t il required all his pumps to keep Iter clear; and others of his vessels were much damaged. The eneniy's fieet was within six Diiles of the liead of the lake, where, owing to Ihe stiffness ef the gale, both fleets might go ashore at a place in possession of the enemy. — 1 he Commodore, therefore, thought proper to proceed to Niagara. The Genei'al Pike suffer- ed a consivit'i th« land, between Twelve and Twenty mile creeks, but made sail, O'l discovering the Arneri- caii fleet. Tlie chase continued all day : the en- emy could barely be made out iVom the m.ist- head by sun-down. At day-light, on the 4th, he coiiid not be seen. The (J0!nmodo!*e, sus- pecting that the enemy, availing hiiuself of a very dark night, had shaped his course for Kiugstoii, directed his couise for the Dueks. — At 3 P. M. the Commodore discovered 7 sail near the false Dutks, gave chase, aid at 4 o'clock, discovered tluMn to be sloops and schoon- ers. At 5 P. M. gained considerably on them, uliieh the enemy perceiving, he took the men out of a slow sailiig gnn-boat, and then burned her to prevent her capture. At sun-down, when opposite the Real Du lowing extract of a letter from him to the secre- tary of the navy, was dated 4th August, and an- nounced liis intention of meeting the enemy. " I have great pleabure in informing you, ihat I have succeeded in getting; over the bar, the U. S. vessels, the Lawrence, Niagara, Caledonia, Ariel, Scorpion, Somers, Tigress, and Porcupine. The enemy have been in sight all day, and are now about 4 leagues from us. We shall sail in pursuit of them at 3 to-morrow morning.** The following official letters from the Com- modore, are proofs of the modesty, as the result of the enga^ment was, of the undaunted hero- ism and naval skill of this great commander. Cofiy of a letter from Commodore Perry to the See* retary of the J^avy. U. S. brig Niagara, off the Western Sisters, Head of Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813, 4 P.M. Sir, — It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of the United States, a signal victory over their enemies on this lake. The British squadron, con= sisting of 2 ships, 2 brigs, 1 schooner, and I sloop, have this moment surrendered to the force under my command, after a sharp conflict. I have the honour to be, &c. O. H. PERRY. Hon. W. Jones, Secretary of the Nav}-, Cofiy of a letter from Com. Perry to the Secretary of the A'auy. U. S. schooner Ariel, Put-in-Bay, 1 3th Sept. 1813. Sir, — In my last I informed you that we had cap- tured the enemy's flei t on this lake. I have now the lionour to give you the most important particulars of tho act'on. On the morning of the 10th inst. at sun-rise t,hey were discovered from Put-in-JBay«. lis HISTORY OF THE WAK. when I lay at anchor with the squadron under irho, reckon- inj? on his own known superiority of force, and presumed superiority in tactics, calculated, with great certainty, on conqueri* g the Yankees.—- The hattle was hard foug:ht, and the loss on both sides very gr« at. Perry might have said, •^* veni vici," or as he would translate the words of the Roman general — ^* we met the enemy, and they are ours;" but the addition of <* vidi" might HISTORY OF THE WAK. 12£ favour Ike opinion that he won the battle from the timidity or inactivity of the enemy, which wouU! be depriving the brave Perry and bis crew of more than half their merit. << U. S. brig Niagara, off the Western Sister, head of Lake Erie, Sept. 10th, 1813, 4 P.M. " Dear General — We have met the enemy — and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop. Yours, with great respect and es" teem, O. H. PERRY." Hitherto we have seen the enemy beaten ship to ship, but now we were to witness them iieet to fleet; and a more decisive or splendid victo- ry was never acliieved. «• From the best infor- mation," says the heroic Perry, in a letter to General Harrison, <* we liave more prisoners than we have mesi on board our vessels." Compared with this, all former naval victo- ries lose their splendour ; even the great Nel- son, were he alive, must rank belo>v Perry. — • Nelson never captured an entire fleet ; Perry has, and that with a fleet inferior in size, weight of metal, and number of men. The British fleet was commanded by Com. Barclay, an ofllicer of great merit, and much loved by those under his command. At a public din- ner given to this officer at Teri^bone, in Canada^ he gave a toast, which, while it proves the can- dour of the Commodoi'e who gave it, is an indis- putable proof of the merit of him whose nam© was the subject of it. The toast was in the fol- lowing words : « Commodore Perry, the gallaut and generous enemy." Soon after the victory on Lake Erie, the Pre- sident of the United States appointed Oliver H» Perrv to the rank of captain in the navy. 122 HISTOr^Y OF THE WAR. Tlie C'omniodore was presented with the free- dom of the cities of New- York and Albany. '^Ihe thanks of Congress were voted to the Commodore, his officers, seamen and uiaiines; and uiedals were presented to hhn and his offi- cers. The thanks of the Senate of Pennsylvania, with medals, were also voted (o the Commodore, and those brave men wlio served under him. Among the many testimonials of the grati- tude of his fellow-citizens, too luimerous to de- tail, t!ie following particulars of a present from the citizens of Boston, deserves to be enumerat- ed, viz. « A Salver, of an ohlong square shape, 23 inches long, by 16 1-2 wide, wit- a briglit gadioon edge. Two Ice Pails, or decanter coolers, barrel shape, hooped round with a bright gadroon edge at top and bo torn. Two Pitchers, of a large size, Chinese shape, with tx)pb, and bri'j,ht gadroous at top t^nd bottom. 'i'\\o dozen Tumblers, plain barrel shape, wi.h ga- droons at bottom. Wine Glass coolers, each to hold a dozen glasses, oblong square shape, standing on feet, wi h bulls or- namented with a bright gadroon at bottom, and nar- row rim at top, impressed with an oak leaf A Coffee Pot, Tea Pot, Sugar Basin, Cream E'id- er. Tea Cady, and Slofi Bonvl — all of oblong shapes, standing on feet, with balls at the corners, ornament- ed with deep borders, iuipressed with roses and leaves, and with bright gadroons at top and bottom. The large pieces bear thr following inscription : SEPTEMBER 10, 1813, Signalized our Jirst triumjih in squadron 4 very superior British force on Lake Mrie, was entirely subdued by CQM, O. H. PERRY; HISTORY or THE WAR. 123 tiViose gallantry in action is ecjualled only by his humanity in -uictory. PiiESENTED In honour of the Victor, by the CITIZE.YS OF BosroA^:' The capture of the British fleet leir.oved tho ohief obje't to the capture of Maiden; anil General' Harrison made dispositions to avail himself of it. Uoats >vere coUeeted, and troops assenihled. Governor Sheihy arrived on the 17th September, at the mouth of Portage river, with about 4000 volunteers. Gen. M' Arthur joined the arn»Y in three days after with his brigade^ from Fort Meigs. On the 21st, the embarkation of troops commenced. Put-in-bay Island was tne place of rendezvous. Commodore Perry's ileet, including the captured vessels, were engaged m protecting and assisting the men and boats, as well as in conveying stores, baggage, iVc. 1 he army again embarked on board the ileet ana boats at'Put-in-bay,on the 25th, and arrived the same evening at the Eastern SisK r, a small is- land about sixteen miles from xMalden. Here the expedition was detained some time by bad weather, during wliich time, a reconnoisanee of the enemy's coast was made by Gen. Harrison, and Com. Perrv; a despatcli was also sent to apprize Col. Jolmson of their movements, who, with his mounted rangers, was to co-operate in the reduction of Maiden. On the 27th, the army embarked at the fc.as- tern Sister, and landed near Maiden, in excellent order. The eiicmv having previously evacuated the town, it was entered by the Americans with- out opposition. ^ t> ^^ ' It has been remarked in the early part ot this history, that, previous to the surrender oi Be- 12i HISTORY OF THE AVAR. troit to the enemy, the Indians, with the ex- ception of a few "who had joined the enemy, re- mained, inactive, Matching, with their usual sa- gacity, until they could discover on what side victory was likely to perch. True to their own insidious and cowardly policy, they went over to the victorious Britons; hut no sooner was the effect of treason wiped off by the courage of pa- triots, than the savage withdrew from his em- ployers, and sought peace from those, against whom he had so long raised the tomahaAvk. — By an official letter, written by Gen. M'Arthur to the secretary of war, and dated at Detroit, subsequent to the retreat of the British, it ap- pears that five nations of Indians, viz. the Otta- was, Chippawas, Pattewattemies, Miamies, and Kiekapoos, have sued for peace. By an agree- ment entered into between them and Gen. M'Ar- thur, on the part of the United States, - they have agreed to take hold of the same tomahawk with us, ((he people of the United States,) and to strike all who arc, or may be, enemies to the TJnited States, whether British or Indians." After the evacuation of Maiden by the enemy. Gen. Harrison pursued the British, gilthough he (Harrison,) had very few horses, " scarcely a sufficiency to mount the general officers,'* whilst the retreating enemy had upwards of 1000 horses. Notwithstanding this disadvantage, the Americans pursued their object with so much diligence, that they came up with the enemy. The force destined for this service, consisted of about 140 regulars, Johnson's mounted regiment, ^Kentuckians,) three companies of Col. Ball's legion,, and such of Governor Shelby's volunteers as were fit for a rapid march ; the Avhole a- mounting to about 3.500 men. J)uring the pur- HISTORY OF THE WAR. 126 aiuif ^vhii-li Avas attended with severe privations, (the whole army siihsistin.^* for several days upon IVesh beef, without bread or salt, and the infan- ivy being without tents;) a considerable quan- tity of iirms were taken, being deserted by the enemy, and much more destroyed; these consisted chiefly of muskets taken, or rather giv- en to them by the capituhttion of Detroit. Two 24 pounders, with their carriages, besides a hirge quantity of balls a:ul shells, and two gun-boats, and several batleaux, loaded with provisions and ammunition, also fell into the hands of Gen. Harrison. Tlie destruction of these were at- tempted by the retreating enemy, but were saved by the activity of the pursuers. Near a place called M'Gregor's Mills, on one of the branches of the river I'hames, the Indians were placed in great numbers, to dispute the passage of the riv- er. Upon the arrival of the American advanced guard, a heavy fire was commenced on it by the indians, on the opposite side of the river. Gen. Harrison, expecting the attack would be support- ed by the whale fo 'ce of the enemy, drew up his entire armv in order of battle, and brought up two 6 pounders to cover a party which was or- dered to repair a bridge, partially destroyed by the Indians. The Indians, as usual, wlien not early succ«^ssful, fled, after siiflToriig a co-isidera- ble loss, ^riie American loss was 'Z killed, and 3 or % wounded. On the 5th October, General Harrison came up with the enemy; the result cannot be given more satisfa- torily than will be found in the folfowing extract from his letter to the secretary of war. " From the place where our army *vas last halted, to the Moravicin towns, a distance of about three x;2 12(j HISTORY OF THE WAE^ and a half miles, the road passes through a beeeh forest, without any clearing, and for the first two miles, near to the bank of the river. At from two to three hundred yards from the river, a swamp ex- tends parallel to it, throughout the whole distance. The intermediate ground is dry, and although the trees are tolerably thick, it is in many places clear of underbrush. Across this strip of land, its left apfiaycd upon the river, supported by artillery plac- ed in the wood, their right in the swamp, covered by the whole of tlieir Indian force^ the British troops were drawn up. The troops at my disposal consisted of about 120 i^egulars, of the 27th regiment, 5 brigades of Ken- tucky volunteer militia infantry, under his fxcellen- ey Governor Shelby, averaging less than five hun- dred men, and Col. Johnson's regiment of mounted infantry, making in the whole an aggregate some- thing above 3000. No disposition of an arm>y op- posed to an Inflian force, can be safe, unless it is se- cured on the flanks, aud in the rear. I had, there- fore, no difficulty in arranging; the infantry conforma- bly to my general order of battle. Gen. Trotter's brigade cf 5G0 men, formed the front line, his right tipon the road, and his left upon the swamp. Gen. King's brigade, as a second line, 150 yards in the i-ear of Trotter's and Chiles's brigade, as a corps of reserve, in the rear of it. 'J'hese three brigades formed the command of Maj. Gen. Henry ; the whole of Gen. Desha's division, consisting of two brigades^ were formed en potence upon the kft of Trotter. While I was engaged in forming the infantry, I ticA directed Col. Johnson's regiment, which was still ^n front, to be formed in two lines opposite to the ene^y, and, upon the advance of the infantry^ to take giiund to the left, and forming upon that flank, to endeavour to turn the right of the Indians. A moment's i<^,flection, however, convinced me, that from the thickn*>ss of the woods, and swampiness o£ tUe ground^ they Yould be unable to do any thiog Qm HISTORY Ol! THE WAR. ±27 horseback, and there was no time to dismount them and place their horses in security ; I, therefore, de- termined to refuse my left to the Indians, and to break the British lines at once by a charge of the mounted infantry ; the measure was not sanctioned by any thing that I had seen or heard of, but I was fully convinced, that it would succeed. The Ame- rican backwoodsmen ride better in the woods than any other people. A musket or rifle is no impedi- ment to them, being accustomed to carry them on horeseback from their earliest youth. I was per- suaded, too, that the enemy would be quite unpre- pared for the shock, and that they could not resist it. Conformably to this idea, 1 directed the regi- ment to be drawn up in close column, with its right at the distance of fifty yards from the road, (that it might be, in some measure, protected by the trees from the artillery,) its left upon the swamp, and to charge at full speed as soon as the enemy delivered their fire. The few regular troops of the 27th re- giment, under their colonel, (Paul,) occupied, in co- lum of sections of four, the small space between the road and the river, for the purpose of seizing the enemy's artillery ; and some ten or twelve friend- ly Indians were directed to move under the bank^ The crotchet formed by the front line and General Desha's division was an important point. At that place, the venerable governor of Kentucky was post- ed, who, at the age of sixty-six, preserves all the vi- gor of youth, the ardent; zeal which distinguished him in the revolutionary war, and the undaunted bra- very which he manifested at King's Mountain. With my aids-de-camp, the acting assistant adj. general^ Capt. Butler, my gallant friend Com. Perry, who did me the honour to serve as my volunteer aid-de- camp, and Brig. Gen. Cass, who having no command, tendered me his assistance, I placed myself at the head of the front line of infantry, to direct the move- ments of the cavalry, and give them the necessary *iupport. The army had moved on in this order but 128 HISTORY OF THE WAR. a short distance, when the mounted men received the fire of the British line, p.nd were ordered to charge ; the horses in the front of the column recoiled from the fire ; another was given by the enemy, and our column, at length getting in motion, broke through the enemy with irresistible force. In one minute, the contest in front was over ; the British officers, seeing no hopes of reducing their disordered ranks to order, and our mounted men wheeling upon them, and pouring in a destructive fire, immediately sur- rendered. It is certain that 3 only of our troops were wounded in this charge. Upon the left however, the contest was more severe with the Indians. Colonel Johnson, who commanded on that flank of his regi- ment, received a most galling fiie from them, which ■was returned with great effect. The Indians, still further to the right, advanced, and fell in with our from line of infantry near its junction with Desha's division, and, for a moment, made an impression on it. His excellency Governor Shelby, however, brought up a regiment to its support, and the enemy, receiving a severe fire in front, and a part of John- son's n giment having gained their rear, retreated with precipitation." The active Indian Chief Teciimseli, after evinciasj great resolution, ad continuing to fight although being hadly wounded, fell, while di- recting a deadl.v aim at Col. Johnson, llie in- vincible courage of the colonel, and his great presence of mind, saved his own valuable life, and put an end to that of an irrt concileable foe. While the sanguinary IVcumseh was aiming at the colonel, the latter, although wounded in se- veral parts, and much exhausted, discharged his pistol with great coolness, and brought the fe- rocious savage to the earth, where he was fon: d d< ad. The American loss amounted U 7 killed and 23 wounded -, the British loss was 12 killed^ HISTORY or THE WAK. 429 ^2 wounded, and 601 regulars taken prisoners. The Indians, from the best inlormation, suffered severeiy, 33 of (hem were found dead on the field. Six brass pieces of artillery , and two iron 24 pounders, and a large quantity of small arms, fell into the hands of the victors. Every Ameri- can will be pleased to learn, that among the field pieces, were three, which were taken from the British during the revolutionary war, bearing the motto <• siwrenderedhy Burgoyne at Sarato- ^«," and lately surrendered to the enemy by General Hull. Major-General Proctor, who commanded the enemy's forces, escaped with difficulty, accompanied by about 50 persons, con- sisting chiefly of officers of the army. After this total defeat of the enemy, the mili- tia were discharged, and Gen. Harrison, with his disposable regular force, accompanied by Com. Perry, arrived at Presque-isle, on the 22d Octo- ber, from Detroit ; from whence he sailed for Black Rock, with a view to co-operate with the aimy there, or at Sackett's Harbour. By this excursion, he, in the short space of less than a month, recovered the territory of Michigan, pun- ished and forced into peace, the numerous hordes of savages, captured a British regular ar- my, brought security to the inhabitants of the north western frontier of the United States, and marched triumphantly through a great portion of the Upper Province of Canada. Gen. Cass was left in the provisional government of Michigan territory. The instances of successful bravery, which had hitherto been frequent, were in a manner, eclips- ed by the following : Major George Croghan, in the 22d year of fcis age, was left^ by Gen. Harrison, in command 130 HISTORY OF THE WAR, of 1 60 men, and with one six-pounder, at Fort Stephenson, (Lower Sandusky.) In the course of two weeks, there had heen no fewer than ten rencounters; in one of which, the enemy carried a block-house at Fort Madi- son on the 10th July, from which they attack- ed the fort, but without success. Four men were butchered in the block-house. It would appear, that it was Gen. Harrison's intention, not to expose the small force at Fort Stephenson, to be cut off by an enemy very su- perior in numbers ; and the major was, tor a short time, superceded in the command, in con- sequence of disobeying an order to burn and evacuate the fort ; but, on his arrival at head- quarters of the general, he gave such satisfac- tory evidence of his ability to maintain the post,- that he was immediately sent back with direc- tions to resume the command. On the evening of the 1st August, the British and Indians, who had come up the Sandusky piver, from the bay, commenced from their boats a heavy cannonading upon the fort, and threw in a great number of shells from their bomb batferies. The enemy continued his op- erations without success until the evening of the 2d, when, after throwing a great nunsber of balls from a six- pounder, at tbe north-west an- gle of the fort, for the purpose of making a breach, a coUnnn, under coniniand of Lieuten- ant Colonel Sljort, advanced to the point on which the artillery had been played, with intention of storming, but the judicious maDa.s;ement of Ma- jor Croghan, foiled the en*^jny in his attempt. The dik'h. whi?'h surrounded the works, was about eight ft^i^t wide, and of equal d< pth — this tlie enemy had to enter before they could ap^ HISTORT OF THE WAR. 131 proach the pii'kets : (through the top of each, a ba^vonet w.is driven in a horizontal direetio ,) while ia this situation, the six-pounder, which was masked in a hlock-house, and a ravine ad- jacent, poured upon the storniiuii; eoluuin a tre- mendous shower of musket balls, whieJi did ter- rible execution, and so coiifouuded the assail- a its, that Lieut. Colonel Short, who had pre- viously ordered his men to *• scale the pickets, and sliow the damned Yankee rascals no quar- ters.'* exhibired a white hiiudkerehief as a sig- nal of distress eviucin,i^ his disposition to have q'larters j^iven him, after he had pro laiuied that the ii;ariisoi siiouM be massacred. It was, however, too late — the next discharge proved fata'!- — he fell — and Lieut. Gordon of the :^9th regiment, died bv his side. This was near two hours lutbie sun set. Hie tiring from the block-house was principally directed at the en- emy who had taken refuge in the directi(ui of the ravine — tlie slaughter there was immense, and Gen. Proclor,, who commanded in persoUf oidered the al.ied enemy to retreat to tiieir boats. The gi^eater part of the night was oc- cupied in carrying off the dead and wounded — from the number of ti*ai!s disv overed in the glass, it is evident that no less than 50 of the dead were dragged away. A!)out .^0 killed, in- eluding tlie two officers mentioned above, were left in the ditch and ravine — and 30 prisoners, IS severely wounded, which (ien. l*roctor, in his hurry, left behind, were afterw 4-'ds bi"<»ught in- to the fort. It is a fact, wortliy of observati h that not one Indian was found an orsg tlie de d although it is known that from 3 to 400 were present, under the celebrated Captain i^^lliot The number of British regulars was i90, from 132 HISTORY 01 THE WAH. the 49th regiment. Major Croghan had but one man killed, and 7 slightly wounded. The British loss, by their own confession, amounted to 91, exclusive of Indians. There was, however, sufficient evidence to justify the belief, that it was considerably more. AVhen Colonel EHiot demanded the surrender of the fort, he stated, that, unless his demand was promptly acceded to, a general massacre rvoiild ensue. And when Colonel Short, who commanded the British regulars, destined to storm the fort, had formed his troops in a line parallel with the ditch, he ordered them, in the hearing of our men, to leap the ditch, cut down the pickt'ts, and give the Americans no quar- ters. This barbarous order, which none but a savage could give, was not, however, permitted to go unpunished; for the words were hardly out of the mouth of the British comniander, when the retributive justice of Providence ar- rested him; and the wretch was obliged to sue for that mercy which he had determined not to extend to others. It may be observed here, in honour of the character of the American sol- diers, that although their little band were well aware of the fate which the enemy had prepared for them, yet, they were no sooner subdued, than the Americans forgot the crimes of the en- emy in their sufferings ; and the ivounded in tli& ditch^ whose gi^oans and constant calls for waier^ were heard hy the men in the fort, were sujy})lied with that necessary article, on the nighl succeed- ing the discomjilure of the enemy, hy the genero- sity of the Americans, who, with consideraljle hazard, ventured to risk their lives in order to alleriate the sufferings of the very men ivho had jplotted their en I ire destruction. HISTORY OF THE WA.R. 153 The brevet rank of lieutenant-colonel has been conferred by the President of the United States on M.ijor CrogUan. The ladies of Chillieothe have presented him with a sword, and a flattering address. On the 3d of June, a detaehment of the ene- my, with a nunil)er of gun-boats, fioji Isle- Aux-iVoix, sueeeed'd in capturing the U. S. armed vessels. Growler and b>a,^le, on Lake Chainplain, after a well contested dcft-nee by the brave crews of these vessels, against a very superior force. The consequence was, that the enemy gained a very decided superiority on the lake. The enemy reckoned on success in his future operations in this quart' r, not only froui his own superior force, but also from the unprepared state of the Americans. Com. Maedonough had not a sufficient number of seamen to m^a his sloops, and would be highly reprehensible had he been defeated in an attempt to recover the aseende-icv on the lake. There were no troops statio led at Plattsburgh. While things were thus situited, the British floti la. consist- ing of 2 sloO;>s of war, (the Kagle and Growler,) lately captured, 3 gui- boats, and it batteaax, loaded with troops, sailors, and marines, about 1 *00 in all, under the eouimand of Col. Murray, crossed the line at Cham dain, on the 30th Ju- ly, and entered Plattsburgh on the foP.owino; day. On the first information of the apjivoach of the enemv. Gen. Mooei-s gave orders for calii 15 out the militia; and when the enemy aiVived, about 300 from Plattsburgh and the neighbour, ing towns, had collected, who retired back a few miles, where they were joined by the residue of the regiment from the county of Essex. M i34 HISTOBY OF THE WAR. Although the officers who had the comtnaiicl of the expedition, assured llie eivil aulhorii^ of the village, that private prc;pertj should he re- spected, 'and that citizens not in arms, should remain unmolested — >et these promises were no sooner miide than violated ; the enem^, not sat- isfied with destroying the piihlic huiidings, such as the hloik-house, arsenal, armory, hospital, aud military cantonments, wantonly burned two store houses, belonging to Pet* r Sailly, esq. and one belonging to Major N. Z. Piatt — took, and carried off several thousand dollars worth of hardware, belonging to Prothinham & Co. of Boston, which had been stored with Mr. Sailly. I'he destiuction of private property was not limited to such as they could eat, drink, and carry away, but furniture, which could not be of any use to the pluisdeiers, was wantonly destroyed — tables, bureaus, clocks, desks, cup- boards, and crockery, wt^re cut and broken to pieces, and thrown about the houses — books and writings were torn to pieces, and scattered about the streets. The various successes of the enemy, during their short visit to Plattsburgh, are described by several respectable authorities, to be enor- n'tous. cruel, and wanton, in a high degree. — « W^^ll was it." says one of the witnesses of the scene, *< for our wives, sisters, and daughters, that they remembered the excesses at Hampton, and trusted not their persons to the mercy of the invaders." On Sunday, the faithless ruffians, the unprin- cij^led invaders, re-emburked, and stood out of the l)ay. They took a Durham boat, loaded with flour^ and 8 sloops, one of which they burn- ed. HISTORY OF THE WAR. 135 On their return to Point-aii-Roche, the crew ot* one of the hoats landed, and part went to the house of a Mr. Williams; they found his wife out of the house ; two of them went in, to keep the husband in cheek, while the third attempted to gratify his brutal desires upon her. Her hus- band, hearing her screams, came to her assist- ance, and in the struggle, the woman discharged the villain's gun, disengaged the bayonet there- from, which she stuck twice into his own back, and wounded him pretty severely; the other two fled, and Mr. Williams and his wife fiound the rascal, and sent him in; the inhabitants on Point- au-Roehe, took the skiff in which they came, and the other soldiers. The United States' troops at Burlington, un- der command of Maj. Gen. Hampton, consisted of about 4000 men. They were under arms, wailing the approach of the enemy, and would, undoubtedly, have defended their post against any attack they could have made on it. On the 3d August, the enemy appeared before Burlington, and fired into the town for some time, but no considerable damage wa« done. In the evening of the same day, a detachment pro- ceeded to Shelburne, 4 or 5 miles south of Bur- lington, where they seized a sloop, with about 400 barrels of flour. The limited force under Gen. Hampton, would not justify his detaching any part of his troops from the protection of property and stores under his immediate care: the marauding enemy wisely retired before re- inforcements could have arrived. It was the intention of the U. S. government^ to make an attack on MontreaL before the win- ter would put an end to the campaign. The ef- fecting of this object would give to the United iS6 HISTOKY or THE WAR. States the entire command of Upper Canada, completely subdue the Indians, regain the conii- denee of the Canadians, which was suspended by the sudden retreat, and subsequent conduct of Gen. Hull, and make an impression on the ene- my, which must incline him to peace, on just and honourable terms. A large force was ordered to Sacket<'s Harbour; and Gen. Wilkinson, who had the cisief command, was ordered to use his utmost effort, and the greatest possible expedi- tion in carrying the design into effect. On the 1st Nov. 1813, Gen. Wilkinson's army began its movements from Grenadier-Island, down the St. Lawrence. They had not proceed- ed far, before the advanced corps, under General Brown, was attacked by the enemy, from the shore. On returning the fire, the enemy dis- persed, and the army advanced. The movements of the army under General Hampton, were intended to facili(ate those of Gen. Wilkinson ; and both armies were finally to Tunite, previous to the attack on Montreal. The army under Gen. Hampton, moved from Cliateaugay on the 21st October, and arrived at its positfon at Sears's, on the 22{\ — thus hav- ing, with imredible labour, surmounted 2i. miles of the most difficult part of the route, through the extensive and almost impassable forest, which bounds the Canada line. After 4 or 5 "miles of open country, another forest of 6 or 7 miles was opposed to their march, (which was on the no!th-west side of the river.) This the en- emy had made alntost an entire fortification, by crossing it with felled trees, interspersed with breast-works and ditches : through these ob- structions, the enen^y was to be assailed^-a part *f their forces, consisting of light troops and \ HISTORY OF THE AVAR. 1ST Indians, were posted in these defences, while the main body, commanded by Sir George Prcvost, in person, was lodged in (he r< ar, fortified with batteries and cannon. Tlie hardships the Ame- rican army had endured, the continual rains that were tailing, and the obstructions in front, would have damped the ardour of troops less disposed to disregard all sufterings and perils in pursuit of glory, and in the service of their country — but oa the contrary, partaking largely of the spirit which inspired their commander in chief, every individual seemed uncommonly emulous of the enterprise. It was believed that the obstructions could not be forced by tlic main body, without great loss. To avoid this, the light companies, and a regiment of infantry, were detaclied at dark, on the evening of the 2i?th, to proceed on the opposite (S E,) side of the river, to a fording place, below the enemy's advance, which they were to cross, and attack the enemy in flank and rear, while the main body should attack in front; and thus destroy the enen)y's defence at a blow. (Uving to the darkness of the night, incessant rain, and the diiiiculties of the wood, the guide who eonducted tliis detachment hav- ing lost his way, the party did not arrive at the proposed point. Tbe battalion of the lOtli re- giment, consisting of about 200 men, were, at the appointed time, (3 O'clos'k, P. M. on the -i6th) at the entrance of tlie obstructed wood, waiting the attack of the troops on the enem.>'s flank,, which was to l>e the signal for them to advance. At this moment, the enemy commeneed a fire on this hvittalion, who jiromptiy return* d it^ then chirged and drove the enemy froMi their lurking places, dispersing them entirely, an^ 138 HISTORY OF THE WAR. silencing their fire ; in tbis the Americans had only one man killed, and some 3 or 4 wounded. At this moment, the firing commenced on the opposite side of the river, with some of the liii;ht companies, and it was here, and not in either of the main divisions of the army, that any se- rious loss, or the least confusion occurred ; the enemy was, however, soon dispersed in this quarter a>so. After waiting son;e time for the renewal of the enemy's attack, the main body of the American army fell back slowly, and in good order, the enemy not daring to show themselves, or in the least to interrupt their inarch, to a position 4 miles from the place of action. Here they were shortly after joined by the detached party, who had had some further skirmishing with the enemy of m> gi-eat account. At this place they remained several days, with- out receiving the least molestation. The only failure of the expedition, is attributable to the miscarriage of the guide, which disconcerted a plan, that otherwise must have led to the cap- ture of a considerable portion of the enemy's force, and the complete destruction of his plan of defence. The American actual total loss, in killed, •wounded, and missing, did not exceed 36 men. The whole American force engaged, did not ex- ceed 225 men on the side where the greatest force of the enemy were opposed — the other re- giments did not arrive until the moment when the enemy were retiring, and were only formed, and in line, but took no part in the engage- ment. Colonel Purdy, who commanded the detach- Blent which fought this battle, in his report to Scfi. Wilkinson, is very free in his censure ot HISTORY OF THE VfXVt. 139 Gen. Hampton. «* Incredible," says the colonel, « as it may appear. Gen. Hampton entrusted nearly one half of his army, and those his best troops, to tbe guidance of men, each of whom repeatedly assured him, that they were not ac- quainted with the country, and were not compe- tent to direct such an expedition." •« Towards sun down," says the colonel, « I sent Gen. Hampton a request, that a regiment might be ordered down to cover my landing on the opposite side of the river; but, judge my surprise, on receiving intelligence that he had retreated with the second brigade, nearly three miles." « Never, to my knowledge," says the colonel, in another part of his despatch, •* during our march into Canada, and while we remained at the Four Corners, a term of 26 days, did Gen. Hampton ever send offa scouting or reeonnoitre- ing party, (except in one or two cases at Spears's, in Canada, when he detached a few dragoons for this duty,) nor did he, from the time we coin- menced our march from Cumberland Head, to our arrival at Plattsburgh, ever order a front flank, or rear guard, to be kept up, though a great part of the time we were in situations which evidently required it. True it is, these guards were occasionally sent out, not, however, by his order, but by the orders of the ofiicers eomirranding brigades." The colonel wi?Kls up his cliarges against Gen* Haiapton, by saying, *» Such has been the gene- ral's conduct, on some occasions, that I have, in common with o(her ofiicers, been induced to believe, that he was under the influence of a (oo free use of spiritous liquors." The official account of this action^ bj the 140 HISTORY OF THE WAR. British General Bajnes, is very different froiii t!»e above, but so improbable and wide from the truth, thai it may, wiJh much safety, be averred, tha( it did not meet belief from a single reader of any jasty. As soon as General Wilkinson passed Kings- ton, and that it became evident, he must have designed the taking of Montreal, the troops "whieh were stationed for the defence of Kings- ton, were employed in annoy mg and delating the progress of the American army. *< I'he corps of the enemy," says Gen. Wilkinson, in his official report to the secretary of war, *» from Kingston, which followed me, hung on my rear, and in concert with a heavy gjiUey, and a few gun-boats, seemed determined to retard my progress. I was strongly tempted to halt, turn about, and put an end to his teasing; but alas! I was confined to my hed ; Maj. Gen. Lewis "was too ill for any active exeriions ; and above all, I did not dare suffer myself to be diverted a single day f. om the prosecution of the views of government/' On the 10th, about noon. Gen. Brown, wha was with his command in fro^U, and some dis- tance below the main body of the army, was en- gaged with the enemy, at the monjent when a strong party of the enemy advanced on the rear of Gen. Wilkinson, w ith several gallies and gun- boats ; from whence they commenced a iircj. but were soon compelled to retii*c from the fire of a battery of 18 pounders, planted on the oc- casion. Wilkinson's army came to for the night, a short distance above the Longue 8aut f it was, intended to pass it that day, but the de- lays occasioned by dis-embarking, and re em- lurking Ueavy guns, prevented the arjii^ froaa& HISTORY OF THE WAR, 141 leaching the Saut as early as expected; and the pilots would not dare enter the Saut, (a ra- pid of 8 miles,) at a late hour. At 10 o'clock the following day, Gen. Milkinson received ad- vice, that Gen. iirown, having forced (he ene- my, would arrive at the foot of the Saut early in the day. Orders were immediately given for the flotilla to sail, at which moment, the en- emy's gun-hoats appeared, and began to throw shells among tlie American flolilla. General Wilkinson, calculating from reports and appear- ances, that the enemy only looked for a fa- vourable opportunity for attack, had determined to anticipate him. *' Directions," says General "Wilkinson, ** were accordingly sent, by that distinguished officer, Col. Swift of the engineers, to Brig. Gen. Boyd, to throw the detachments of his command, assigned to him in the order of the preceding day, and composed of men of his own. Covington's and Swartwout's brigades, in- to 3 columns, to march unon the enemy, out- flank him if possible, ar. I take his artillery* The action soon after coo^menced with the ad- vanced body of the enemy, and became extreme- ly sharp and galling, and, with occasional pau- ses, tiot sustained with great vivacity, in open space, and fair combat, for upwards of two and a half hours— the adverse lines alternately yielding and advancing. It is impossible to say, ^vith accuracy, what was our number on the field, because' it consisted of indefinite detach- ments taken fiom the boats, to render safe the passage of the Saut. Gens. CovisfgJon and Swartwout. voluntarily took part in the action, at the head of detuchments, froju the ir respec- tive biigades, and exhibited the same coirage that was displayed by Brig. Gen. Boyd, who hap- 142 HISTORY or THE WAR. pened to be the senior officer on the ground.— Our force engaged might have reached 16 or 1700 men, but actually did not exceed 1800; that of the enemy was estimated from 1^00 to 2,000, but did not probably amount to more than 15 or 1600 — consisting, as I am informed, of detachments from the 49th, 84th, and 104th re- giments of the line, with three companies of the Yoltigeur and Glengary corps, and the militia of the country, who are not included in the es- timate." This battle (the battle of Williamsburgh,) was ©ontested with a courage and obstinacy, that perhaps had no parallel. To witness undisci- plined troops, and inexperienced officers, substi- tuting courage and patriotism in place of mili- tary knowledge; and thus opposed, for 3 hours, to a regular army, was a sight on which the guardian angel of America, must have looked with exultiisg gratification. Amidst a shower of musketry and Shrapnel-shelUf the brave Americans, insensible to fear, dashed into the ranks of the enemy, whose position was strength- ened by ravines and thickets. The enemy re- tired for moi'e than a mile before the resolute and repeated charges. The brigade, first en- gaged, had expended its ammunition, and was compelled to retire, in order to procure a sup- ply. This movement so disconcerted the line, as to render it expedient for another bri^sjade to retire. The artillery, owing to the nature of the ground, couid not be biouglit up until after this event. The fire from the artillery was ve- ry destructive to the enemy ; but w hen direct- ed to retire, in passing a deep ravine, one pieea was lost, but not until after the fail of its gal^. HISTORY OF THE WAR. iiS lant commander, Lieutenant Smith, and most of Lis men. The whole of the line was re-rormed on the boi'ders ol' those woods IVoin wiiioh the enemy had lirst been drive;i, ^vhen night coming on, and the storm continuing and the object of .at- tack having been i'u.ly aecoinpli^hed, the troops weie directed to return to ihe g;ound fu':>r the fiotiila, which movement was execiJt: d in ^<*od Older, and without an^ intciTupiioa irom the cncm^. General Covingt');i received a mortal wound, wliile leadiTig his men to a succ'ssful ch^irge . Colonel I'reston was severely wounded, while lighting at the head of his regiment. Major Cummings ret eived a severe wound, wliile nsak- ing a charge, hut ,vet continued to tight until exhausted by the loss ot*b!inion, *' that the attack on Montreal should be abandoned foi* the pre- sent sia^^on. ami the army near Cornwall should be imujcdiately crossed to the Amei'iran shore, for taking up winter quarters, and that this place afforded an eligible position for such quar- ters.'* Thus ended the campaign, and an ex'iedition which seemed, in every respect, well calculated to effect its object. » HISTORY OF THE WAH. 145 frenpral AVilkinsoru who attrihuted the fai- lure of (his expedition to ** the extiaordinai y, unexampled, and it appears, unwarranialile eon- duet of Major-lieneral Hampton, in rel'iisin.^' to join this army, with a division of 4000 men. iia* der his command, agreeahie to ordei's," in a let- ter to the secretary of war, of 15th Novemher, writes — *•' It is a fact, for which I am authorised to pledge myself, on the most confidential author- iy, thai on the 4th of the present moatlj, the British garrison of Mo Ureal, consisted solely of iOO marines, and 200 sailors, which had heen s^nt up from Quebec. We have, with the pro- vision here, and that left at Chateaugay, about 40 day's subsistence, to which I shall add 30 more." In a letter of the 17th November, Gen. Wil- kinson writes — \^ "After what liw<- passed between us, you can perhaps, conceive my amazement and cliaygrin, at the conduct of Major-Genei*al Hampton. The game was in view, and, had he perfoi'med the junction directed, would have been ours in eight days. But he chose to recede in orom l.e t/rient, the Argus sailed, on a cruise, in the British channel, where she fell in with the Bri- tish sloop Pelican, fitted out for the purpose of taking the Argus. I'he action was well sup- ported by the Americans for 40 minutes, when the enemy succeeded in capturing the Argus, by boarding. The number of killed and wound- ed on board the American will best explain the bravery with which the ship was defended, a- gainst a vessel, which the British editors ac- knowledged to be superipr in size and arma- ment. Killed, on board the Argus, 2 midship- men, 4 seamen ; wounded, mortally, Capt. Wm. H. Allen, commander, 1 carpenter, 1 boatswain's mate, 1 seaman ; wounded, severely, Lieut. Wat- son, 1 quarter-master, 3 seamen, 1 carpenter's mate ; wounded, slightly, 8 ; total, 24. When Captain x\llen was removing out of the Argus, to be conveyed to the hospital, he ex- claimed — <* God Mess yoUf my lads, ive shall ne^ ver meet a^ain,*^ HJSTOllT OF THE WAK. ±49 Tlie Argus, previous to ]ier capture, li ad ta- ken and destroyed 21 sail of British vessels. The following statement will show the force of the two vessels. t.lrgus — 16 2'i! pound earronades, 2 long 9's — . burthen 298 tons, 9* men fit for duty, 5 sick, the rest absent in prizes. PcUcait — 22 32 pound carronades, 2 long Q's, and 2 swivels — burthen 5:>i. tons, 179 men, 11 of them volunteers for the occasion, from ships at Cork. On the 5th September, the U. S. brig Enter- prize, William Burrows, commander, fell in with H. B, M. brig Boscer, Capt. BIythe. The Bri- tish brig was discovered at anchor, in sliore, at 5 o'clock, A. M. Penmaquid bearing north. 8 miles distance. After some manoeuvring, the brigs approached at a quarter past 3 P. M. within half pistol shot of each other, when the action commenced. At 20 minutes past 3, the brave commander of the Enterprize fell, mor- tally wounded; while lying on the deck, he re- fused to be carried b low, raised his head, and requested " that the flag mi^ht never be siriick.** Thus lay the intrepid Burrows, until he learned the result of the action, when, clasping his hands, he said, *• I die conlented.^^ He was then taken below, and died in 8 liours afterwards — ■ At 4 P. M. the enemy ceased tiring, and cried out for quarters ; saying, that as their colours were nailed, they could not haul them down; — - a sufficient f)roofthat it was resolved never to yield to a Yankee crev/. Some of the crew of the Boxer have acknowledged, that she left port with a complement of 115 picked men, for the ])urposc of takins; the Eutcrp ize ; that six men; were put on board a prize, and six ashore on th«! 150 HISTORY OF THE WAE. island of Mnnhiggen, leaving on board, when the action commenced, lOi; wliicli account a- grees with the muster-book, found on board of the Boxer. The number of killed and wounded on board the Boxer, could not be ascertained with certainty, as many of the former were thrown overboard. The senior officer of the Enterprize states it, from tl»e best information he could obtain, at between 20 and 30 killed, and 1* wounded, ('apt. Blytlt^, the commander of ^hc Boxer, was among the killed. The follow- ing extract of a fetter fjom Capt. Hull to Com. Bainbridge, is too important to be oniitted. " I yesterday visited the two brigs, and was as* tonished to see the difference of injury sustained in tht action. The Enterfirize has but one 1 8 pound sliot in her bull, one in her main-mast, and one in her fore-mast; her sails are much cut with grape shot, and there are a great number of grape lotiged in her sides, but no injury doee by them. The Boxer has eighteen or twenty 18 pound shot in her hull, most of them at the water's tuge • several stands of >8 pound grape stick in her side, and such a quantity of small grape, that I did not undert:.kH to count them. Ifcr masts, sails and spars, are literally cut to pieces, several of her fi'uns disn Sterrett, in August, ;1801, captured with^ HISTORY OP TUE WAR, 15p out the Joss of a man, the Tripolitan ship of war Tripoli, of 14 guns, and 85 men, 30 ol* whom Were killed and wounded. By a resolution of Congress, the President of the United States was requested to present to the nearest male lelaiive of Lieut. ^Villiam Bur- rows, and to Lieut. R. M'Call, of the hrig En- terprize, a gold medal ; and a silver medal to each of the commissioned officers of said vessel. The President of the United States, having con- sidered the Boxer as equal in force to the En- terprize, has ordered her to be delivered up fot the benefit of the captors. Com. Rodgers arrived at Newport, the 26th September, in the frigate President, having sailed from Boston, on his third cruise, in com- pany with the Congress, the 30th of April pre- ceding. After parting company with the Con- gress, on the 8(h May, in Ion. 60 W. lat. 39, 30, N. he shaped his course to the southward of the Grand Bank, with the view to intercept the enemy's West-Indii* trade; being disap- pointed in this quarter, he pursued a route to the northward, on a parallel with the eastern edge of the Grand Bank, so as to cross the tracks of the West-India, Halifax, Quebec, and St. John's trade. Not being successful, after reaching the latitude of 48 N. he steered to- wards the Azores, off which he continued until the 6th June, without meeting an enemy's ves- sel. From hence, he crowded sail to the N. E. in search of an enemy's convoy, which he learn- ed was seen sailing from the West-Indies, to England. Although disappoiated in falling in with tiie convoy, he nevertheless made 4 cap- tures, the 9th and 13th of June. This brought him so far to the north and east, that he le- 154* HISTORY OF THE WAR. solved on going into the North Sea. He put into North Bergen on the 27th June, to procure provisions and water, not having seen any ene- my's vessels since the 13th. At Bergen he could procure only water, and departed from thence the 2d July, stretching over towards the Ork- ney-islands ; and from thence towards the North Cape, in search of a British convoy, that was to sail from Archangel, of which he ob- tained information from 2 vessels, which he cup- tured on the 13th and ISth July. In this object he was disappointed, by the appearance of 2 of the enemy's ships of war, (a line of bat- tle ship, and a frigate,) off the North Cape, on the 19th July. The President was chased by these 2 ships for SO hours, but effected her es- cape. The Commodore next proceeded to a sta- tion where he might intercept the trade passing into and out of the Irish channel. In this posi- tion he made 3 captures, between the 23th Ju- ly, and 1st August; when, fearing the great su- perior force of the enemy in that quarter, he changed his ground ; and, after taking a cir- cuit round Ireland, and getting into the latitude of Cape Clear, he steered for the Banks of New- foundland, near which he made 2 captures — From the Banks, he steered for the Unieed States; and, being short of provisions, was compelled to make the first port, into wliich he could safely enter. He brought in with him H. B. M. schr. High Fl^er, a tender to Admiral Warren, captured on the 23d July. He took 271 prisoners: 216 of whom were sent home in car-» tels, and 55 brought home in the President. The movements, on the Niagara frontier, be gan at this time to wear a very serious aspect. HISTORY OY THE WAR. ^±B5 The foMo\vinj5 address was circulated in the western di^^trict of the state of ^V'w-York. *< TO THE PATRIOTS OF THE WESTERN DiSiRlCT. « The period beini^ at hand which is to decide the fate of the province of Upper Canada, and the comnnand of the Niagara frontier having devolved on me, J think proper to invite the old and young patriots of the Western District to join my brigade in defence of their country and rights — any number not exceeding 1000, will be accepted and organized immediately on their arrival at Lewiston, and offi- cered by the choice of their men. As the move- ments of an army require secrecy, objects in view cannot be particulcirly developed ; but thosi^ who feel disposed to distinguish themselves, and render ser- vices to their country, m-y be assured that some- thing efficient and decisive will be done. The term of service will be 2 months, if not sooner discharg- ed : and every thing shall be done to render their situations as comfortable as possible. I wish none to volunteer who may have any constitutional objec- tions to cross the Niagara river: 1400 of my bri- gade have already volunteered to cro; s the river, and go wherever they may be required ; and 600 of them are now doing du'y at Fort George. 1 flattep myself that no other consi leration need be urged, than love of country, to excite the patriotism of the yeomanry of the VVestern District. Given at head-qu irters, Lewiston, October 2d, 1B13. GEORGE M'CLURE, Brig. Gen. . Commanding Niagara Frontier.'* A considerable nujuher of patriotic volunteers flocked* on this occasion, to the standard of Gen. M'Clure. 'The following is an extract of the general's letter to Governor Tompkins, of the state of 156 HISTORY OF THE WAR* New-York, dated Fort George, 6th October, 1813. t* We have commenced offensive operations a- gainst the enemy. About 50' > militiu volunteers, and about 150 Indians, commanded by Col. Chapin, attacked the picket guard of the enemy about a mile and an half from Fort George, and drove them in upon the main ban- doned in favour of a design which origin ited with the general government, and which, had it suc- ceeded, would have been moi-e important. The regular troops were principally drawn from the Niagara frontier, to cooperate witli Gen. Wil- kinson in his intended atta^kon Vlontreal. Gen. Parrison's army was also ordered to Sackett's o 158 HISTOKY dF THE WAR. Harbour. Gen. Mn, Maiuliester, the Indian Tuscarora village, smd all the intervening houses, were hurnt'd, and many of the inhubirants inhum«nly butcher- ed, wiihout respect to age or sex, by savages, headed by British Officers jjomffd. Major Mal- Icry, vho was statioi?ed at Sehlosser, with about 40 Canadian militia, boldly advanced to Lewis- ton heights, and compelled the enemy to fall back to t!ie foot of the mountain ; for two days the !iiajs, full of men. At dusk, they strewed the shore along with fires, h\ order to run away by the light. The British troops, that were previously land-^ ed, made their appearance on the main land, with a view to attack the west and north posi- tions of the island, but with no better success than attended the men in the boats. Two 24^ pounders and four 6 pounders were advantage- ously posted, under the direction of Major Faul- kener, of the artillery, whieh were so well serv- ed by Captain Emerson, Lieutenants Hall and Godwin, that they produced a serious effect on the enemy, who was soon compelled to retreat. Opposed to the large British force, there were but a few hundred militia and arlillei^ists ; there were mounted on the island not more than eight pieces of caqnon that could bo brought to bear on tlie esiemVp ** The officers of tj^e Coustella* JtT2 HISTORY OF THE WAR. lion," according; to the official report of Couu Cassin, **iircd their 18 pounders more like rifle: men than artillerists.'* — 'J'his defence did jgreat lionour vLo were engaged. ]Xorfolk \vas an important post, and the enemy determiued on its occupation; the force sent against it was laige; Admiral Cockhiirn com- manded in person, ar^d Avas in one of the barges, encouraging the men to advance. Some French deserters rej)orted, that a large bounty was to be given to the men in the event of success, and that it was ])romised to them, that JS^orfoIk tcould he ^i^iven up io he 'plundered.^' The loss of the enemy could not be less than ZOOf exclusive of several deserters; 22 prisoners were taken ; also abiass 3 pounder, with anum- i)er of small arms, pistols, cutlasses, &c. Not a man was lost on the side of the Ameri- eans ; the enemy used only Congreve rockets. On the 25th June, between 30 and 40 barges were discovered, filled with men, approaching the mouth of Hampton creek, from the direction f Ne wpoil's Noose. The A merican troops Avei-e quickly formed on Little-Kngland plantation, south w est, and divided from Hampton by a nar- row creek, over which a slight foot bridge had f)een erected. In a short time, the enemy com- menced landing troops in rear of the Americans. A little after five o'clock, A. M. several barges approached Black-beard's Point, the headmost of whicli commenced a firing of round shot, which was returned from a small battery of four long 12 pounders. The entire of the force landed by t-he enemy, consisted of at least 2500 men, sup- ported by several field-pieces, and some heavy guns, and rockets; the American troops Avere 4^omposed of 3ii9 infantry and rifie^ 62 artillerists, HlSTOItY OF THE WAIl. ±7o and 25 cavalry. This little force made the most judicious and best defence that was practicable^ nianoKiivring and disputinsi; every inch of ground- The contest was at one time very sharp, and was maintained with a rcsohition that left hope of re- pelling the invaders ; hut the enemy, being very numerous, attempted to outflank and cut olf the Americans, when part of the latter began to dls perse in various directions. It now became in- dispcnsibly neeessai'y for ail the Americans to retire, which they did under a continued J)ut ill- directed ihe, from tlie enemy, v/lio pursued thcn& for two miles. Tiie Americans occasionally stopped at a fence or ditch, and at every fire brought down one of the pursuing foe. Capt. Pryor, with his Lieutenants Lively and Jones, and Jiis brave, active matrosses, after slaughtering many of the enemy with his field pieces, remained on the ground till surrounded — = and when the enemy was within 60 or 70 yards of the fort, they spiked their guns, broke through the enemy's rear, and, by swimming a cieek> made good their retreat without losing a man» taking with them their carbines? and hiding them in tlie woods. The American loss was 7 killed, 16 wounded,, of w'aom 2 died of their v/ounds, 1 prisoner, and 11 missing. The enemy took possession of the Tillage of Hampton, after suffering a 'oss, by the most probable calculation, of at least 200 men. Major Crutchlield, who commanded the Ame- ricans, states the enemy's conduct, in the fol ow- ing extract, from his official report : " To give you, sir, an idea af the savage like dis- position of the enemy, on their getting possessien of the n ighbourhood, would be a vain attempt M" though Sir Sidney Beck with assm-ed me> that nc>\jti»^'' 3?vi IT* HISTORY or THE WARk HISTOlRY OF THE WAR. 177 i^aiige of shot from the shore ; and his move- ments weie so various, that a general alarm was excited in the neighhourhood of these waters ; the troops were necessarily kept embodied, and moving in a manner, which occasioned distres- sing and harrassing difficulties. The fate of the females at Hanjpton excited an indignation, and roused a patriotism and a love of family kindred, which stilled all complaints among the liarrasscd soldiery of Virginia and Maryland. — ** Hampton" was a watch- woid, at which every husband, father, brother, and man, took his gun and lied with willingness, to meet the ruffians, who threatened, with worse than murder, the fair daughters of America. It would scarcely be interesting to detail every petty landing, skirmish nnd adventure, that oc- curred, while the enemy remained in the Chesa- peake — the most conspicuous of them will^ how- ever, be noticed. A party of the enemy landed a little below James-Town, on the 2d July, but were repulsed by the militia. Two of the enemy A\ ere killed, two taken, and several wounded. I'he militia suffered no loss. On the 14th July, the U. S. schooner Asp, was attacked in Yocimo river, by the crews of two brigs, who put off in their boats, for that pur- pose. The boats, 3 in number, were beaten off by the well directed fire from the Asp; about an hour after, the boats returned, with two other boats, well manned. There were but 21 men on board the Asp, and they could not ef- fectually resist the great force sent against them : they, however, defended themselves ob- stinately and bravely ; nor did they retreat until after the Asp was boarded by more than bQ of 178 HISTORY OF THE WAR.. the enemy. The enemy set the vessel on fire. After their retreat, the survivors ofthehrave Ameriean crew, went on hoard and extinguished the ihimes. The American loss in killed and wounded, amounted to 10 men. Mr. Sigourney, the intrepid commander of the Asp, was among the killed. home essays, puhlished hy the late Robert Fulton, on the practicability of destroying ships by torpedoesf induced several persons to turn their thoughts to this subject. A Mr. Mix, of the navy, accompanied by Captain Bowman, of Salem, and Midshipman M*Gowan, essayed to destroy the ship of war Planiagenet, of 7* guns, lying in Lynnhaveri bay. For this pur- pose, they proceeded in a boat, in the night of the 24th July, 1813, and having reached within 100 yards of the ship, dropped the torpedo. It was swept along by the tide, but exploded a few seconds before ii would have come in contact with the vessel. It produced ^reat consternation and confusion on board the vessel, and induced seve- ral of the crew to take to their boats, I'he ship was greatly agitated, and some damage done by the violent motion of the water. 'I'he noise, occasioned by the explosion, uas loud and tremendous; and the appearance of the water, thrown up in a column of 30 or 40 feet high, awfully sublime. It has not been ascertained that any lives were lost. The fleet, under c(»mmand of Admiral Cock- burn, returned to the Chesapeake on the 16th July, after an invasion of North-Carolina, where the country was pillaged and laid waste by the enemy, for several miles. On the 12th. a part of this fleet, consisting of two 74's, 3 frigates, and 3t schoQners, appeared off Ocracock bar,. HISTORY or THE WAK. 179 in North- Carolina, and immediately despatched, in boats, between 700 and 800 men, who attack- ed the privateer Anacoada, and schooner Atlas, lying inside the bar. There Avcre hut 18 men on board the Anaconda, who resisted tiie boats as long as they could, until finding that the vessel must be tat^en, they discharged the guns into the huil ; but the enemy boarded her in time to pUig the holes. Tlie Atlas, and some small (,Tart, >vere captured. The enemy took possession of Ocracock, and the town of Portsmouth, with- out opposition. Mrs, Gaston, of Newburn, wife of the mem- ber of CoiJgress, being told that the British had lauded, and would shortly be in possession of Newburn, fell into convulsive fits, and expired in a few hours. Mrs. Curtis died in a similar manner, and a Mrs. Shepherd was at the point of death, but has I'ecovered. Apprehensions of being treated like the unfortunate females of Hampton, it is supposed, produced this extraor- dinary degree of terror. A large b;)dy of mili- tia and volunteers were assembled in the vicin- ity of Portsmouth, and on the point of attack- ing the enemy, when he thought prudent to re- tire. Lieut. Angus, commanding the Delaware flo- tilla, having discovered, on the 27th July, that the enemy had chased and taken a small vessel, near the Overfalls, got under way, and stood for the enemy. At the distance of about three quarters of a mile, he brought the enemy's sloop of war to action, having anchored for that pur- pose, 8 gun-boats, and 2 block ships, in a line aliead. A heavy Hritish frigate, liad, by this time, anchored about half a mile further out. — Aftei" a cannonade of one hour and 45 minutes. 180 HISTORY OF THE WAR. in wliicli the enemy received several shot, with- out any material damage heing done to the flotilla, he manned his boats, 10 in number, (2 launches, the rest large barges and cutters.) uit!i beiweeii 30 and 40 men in each, and despatched them af- ter gun boat No. 121, sailing-master Shead, which had fallen a mile and a halt* out of the line, and succeeded in capturing her, afler a gal- lant resistance. The enemy would have been totaUy defeated, had he not been favoured by a ealm, which enabled him to carry off the gun- hoat No. 121, the colours of which were not struck until after being boarded. The sound of cannon, on this occasion, was heard at the city of Washington, a distance of 120 mi;es. Sailing master Shead concludes his official re- port hi the following words : *< I found it necessary, for the preservation of those few valuable lives left, to surrender to seven times our number ; the enemy boarding, loaded our decks with men ; we were all driven below, and it was with the utmost difficulty that the office's could stay the revenge of the seamen, who seemed to*thirst for blood and plunder, the last of which they had. by rob- bini^ us of every thing ; we had none killed, but 7 wounded, 5 slightly. The enemy's loss by us, -was 7 killed, and 12 wounded, 4 of which have since died. They have conquered me, but they have paid dearly for it ; and I trust, Sir, when y( u corns to view the disadvantages that I laboured under, having been but 7 days on bo?)rd my boat, and scarcely time to station my men, and the misfortune of entirely dis- abling my gun, and the superiority of numbers to oppose me, you will be convinced that the flag I had the honour to wear, has not lost any of that national character which has ever been attached to it.'* It is painful to the historian, tl at while he rc- rd their crimes and treasons. Much consolation is, however, deriv- ed from the reflection, that patriotism was the prevailing sentiment of a great majority of the P'ople. The following geiieral order was pub- iished, and dated iVom liie navy department, at the city of Washington, and sent, as a circular, to the commanding officers of stations, or ves- sels of the navy of the United States. " The palpable and criminal intercourse held with the enemy's forces, blockading and invading the wa- ters and shores of the U. States, is, in a military view, an offence of so deep a die, as to call for the vigilant interposition of all the naval officers of the United States. " This intercourse is not only carried on by fo- reigners, under the specious garb of friendly flags, who convey provisions, water, and succours of all kinds, (ostensibly destined for friendly ports, in the face, too, of a declared and rigorous blockade,) di- rect to the fleets and stations of the enemy, with con- stant intelligence of our naval and military force and preparation, and the means of continuing and con- ducting the invasion to the greatest possible anioy*- ance of the country ; but the same traffic, intercourse,, and intelligence, is carried on with great subtilty and treachery, by profligate citizens, who, in vessels ostensibly navigati'g our waters, from port to port, under cover of night, or other circumstawces favour- ing their turpitude, find means to convt^y succours or intelligence to thp enemy, and elude the penalty of the law. This lawless trade and intercourse is also carried on to a great extent, in craft, whose capacity exempts thero from the regulations of *he revenue laws, and from the vigilence which vessels of greatef Capacity attract. 182 HISTOKY OF THE WAR. « T am therefore qomiPanded by the President of the United States, to tnjoin and direct all Da\al com- manding officers, to exercise the strictest vigilence, and to stop or deti-in all vessels or craft, whatsoever, proceeding, or apparently intending to proceed, to- wards the enemy's ve sels with-n the waters, or hov- ering about tlie harbours of the Un ted States ; or towards any station occr>pied by the enemy, within the juri diet on oi the United States, from which vessels or craft the enemy might derive succours or intelligence* W. JONES." The enemy, the better to carry his proj«'Cts in the Chesapeake into execution, took possession of Kent-island, and foitified tlie narrows; which station he, however, soon afterward deserted. On tlie ±'H\\ Au.j^ust, he made an attack on St. ]\1ic!;ae!, with 11 barges, whieh went up the river on the opposite side, and came down on the side of St. Michael, with so littie noise, tliat they ^vere not perceived piissing up or down tlie river ; Sintl as it was very cloudy, and the nicn in the fort, without suspicion of attack, the eneniy landed before they were discovered. I'he men fired two guns and left the fort, of which the en- emy immediately took possession, and gave three cheers, supposing they wouhl have St. Michael wifl'out muoli difficulty ; but they were very Buich mistaken, for the St. Michael's people, and Capt. Vi kers. of the Easton packet, with the artillery frotn Easton, attacked them so briskly, and pointed their guns with so much judgment, that our invaders were soon obliged to make off-— the infantry were not engaged. Not a man of the Amerii^a »s was hurt. although the grape shot jRew like hail in the would be justi- fiable ; but it is due to truth, not to conceal, that^ departing from all established rules of warfare, he not only carried off private property, when- ever he cou!d seize it, but also destroyed what- ever he could reach, and could not remove. Om the 2d November, he landed on George's island^ and burned all tlic buildings on it, he decoyed a great number of negroes, witli a promise to make them free — and afterwards shipped these wretches to the West-Indies, where (hey wercs sold as slavss^for the heiiefd of British officers. The following device was practiced with success* A party of militia, (17 in number,) stationed thciiiselves behind the Sand-hills, while two white men, with their faces and hands blacked, went down upon the beach, and waved their hand- kerchiefs to the ships, when a boat, with six men,, fern mediately came ashore, followed, at somfi 184 HISTORY 0¥ THE WAK. distance, hy two others, full of men. Just as the itjen from the first boat were preparing to land, ©ne of those disguised, in walking a few steps, showed his bare ancles, which he omitted to ^keken, when the enemy exclaimed — *• White men in disguise^ by ; let lis push off T^ — 'wiiich they did, and, at the same moment, the militia ran out and fired upon them, until they ^\erc out of gun-shot 5* they killed two out of the six.. It would be impossible, in the compass allot- ted to this work, to do justice to the enemy :— . his barbarous and plundering conduct in the Chesapeake, and adjoining rivers, can only be equalled by the conduct of the same enemy in a former war. *' The species of warfare," says the editor of a Norfolk paper, ** waged by Cap- tain Llo^d of the Plantagenet, on the inhabi- tants cf Princess Anne county, is of that pitiful and dishonourable kind, which cannot fail to at- tach a lasting stigma to his character, and cause his name to descend to oblivion, coupled with that of the infamous Bmimore, and clogged with the bitter execrations of all who shall hear the tale of his rapacity .'^^ The Norfolk Herald thus ably and humanely notices the seizing and carrying oif negroes. " To take cattle or other stock, would be consis- tent with the usage of civilized warfare ; but to take ISegroes, who are human beings ; to tear them for- ever from their kindred and connexions is what we should never expect from a Christian nation, espe- cially one that has done so much to abolish the « slave trade." There are Negroes in Virginia, and we believe in all the southern states, who huve their interests and affections as st.ongly engr?ftrd in their hearts, as the whites, and who feel the sacred HlSTOKY OF TH'E WAR, iSS des of filial, parental, and conjugal affection, equally strong, and who are warmly attached to their owners, and the scenes of their nativity. To those, no in- ducement, which the enemy could offer, would be sufficient to tempt them away. To drag them a- way, then, by force, would be the greatest cruelty. Yes, it is reserved for England, who boasts of her re- ligion, and love of humanity, to practice this piece of cruelty, so repugnant to the dictates of Christianity and civilization.** The great vigilance and activity of the eiti- zens, tended not only to disappoint, but frequent^ ly to punish the marauders. On the Itth September, about lb men volun- teered from a miii!ia company, stationed near the inlet, at Norfolk, to go and attack a party of the British, who were said to be on shore at the Cape. When they came to the Cape, and wei*e mounting one of t!ie sand bills, they found them- selves in full view, and within musket-shot of a large body of marines, who were exercising. A cluster of officers were standing some distance off, between their main body and our militia — the latter had not a moment to spare ; they took de- liberate aim at the offjcers and lired ; four of them fell ! The militia then made the best of their way back to camp, while the enemy's sliot whistled over their heads isi ail directions, but "without effect. The proceedings of the enemy along the eo^ast, east of the Delaware, were not generally impor- tant. The frigate United Slates, Com. Decatur; frigate Macedonian, Capt. Jones; and sloop of Avar Hornet, Capt. Biddle, on the 2Uh May, got under way front New York, with an intention of ^Eoieeding to sea through the Sound. Wlien 186 HISTORY OF THE WAH, off nunl's Point the mainmast of the United States was struck with lightning, Avhich tore away the Commodore's broad pendant, and brought it down on deck, passed into one of the port-holes, down the vifter hatchway, through the >vard room into the doctor's room, put out his candle, tore up his bed, and then passed be- tween the skin and ceiling of the ship, and tore up about 20 nails of her copper at water's edge, ^o further trace of it could be discovered. 1 he Macedonian was about 100 yards asteinof the Ignited States, and on observing the lightning strike her, inniiediately hove her topsails aback, fearing that the fire uiight find its way to the magazine. On the 1st of June, the vessels attempted to put to sea, but were -chased into New-London by a British fone, consisting of a 74, a razee, and a frigate. The blockade of New- London was liMmediately formed; and the inhabitants very lijghly alarmed lest tf»e town would be attacked. On the 2ist June, the British i>rivateer Buck- skin, (formerly belonging to Salem,) chased a coaster into Owl Head Narrows, (a small har- bour in IVIassachusetts,) where five others were lying, the whole of which were captured and re- moved down inio what is called the Thorough- fare, preparatoi'y to being manned out. and they Ibf'Ecai unlading one of the sl<^ops, into which they intended to put the prisoners. During this time, from 2 to 300 m'istia collected, and pro- ceeded down to Fox Lland, it being thick foggy weather, when at 1-4 past 3, on the morning of the 22d, tl;e fog clearing away, the privateer ap- pear* d at anchor about 20 rods from the shore, wherp they ivminewa] firi g upon her with Mii'Axi iHMiS, aiid i*ac field piece> which killed the HISTORY OF THE WAR. 187 ppivateersmen almost as fast as they came on deck. The 1st lieutenant cut the cable, and in attempting to hoist the jil), (lying flat on his back,) liad his under jaw shot avvaj ; the captain was killed ; and but 9 men, it is said, remained unhurt, the rest being either killed or wounded. It being ebb tide, she drifted out, and when out of the reach of the musketry, got under way, leaving all her prizes, which again fell into the hands of the rightful owners. The crews put ia to man them, in attempting to escape to the pri- vateer in boats, were either killed or wounded^ The action lasted an hour. On the 23(1 June, two barges, containing each about 15 men, from the blockading squadron off New-London, attempted to land near the light- house, but on observing a company of artillery near the shore, pulled off as fast as possible. AVhen the enemy imagined themselves out of danger, they stood in the barges and cheered. At this moment a shot was tired from the ar- tillery, which struck one of the boats, and killed or wounded eight or ten of the men in it. A Mr. Scudder formed a design of destroying the British ship JRamilies, of 7i guns, off New- London. For this purpose ten kegs of powder were put into a strong cask, with a quantity of sulphur mixed into it. At the head of the cask was fixed two gun-locks, with cords f^istened to the triggers, and to the under side of the barrels in the hatchway, so that it was impossible to hoist the barrels without spri«ging the locks each side of the powder — and on the top was placed a quantity of turpentine, and spirits of turpentine, which in all probability was sufficient to have destroyed any vessel that ever floated on tlie watei> if she could have been got along 188 HISTORY OF THE WAB. side, Avlnch was the object in \iew. These kega were put on board the smack Eagle, which sailed from New-York on the IBih June, for New-London, but which (he crew abandoned, on being pursued by (he boa(s of the enemy. It was expected that the vessel would be brought along side the Hamilies ; and, by exploding, would destroy that ship. The wind dying away, and the tide being against them, she could not be brought along side. When the Kagle ex- ploded, there were four boats along side, and a great many men on board her. After the ex- plosion, there was not a vestige of the boats to be seen ; the body of fire rose to a vast height, and then burst like a rocket. Every man near or about her were probably lost, as the boats sent from (he Ramilies were seen to return with- out picking up any thing. On (he 10th June, three barges belongmg to the blockading squadron, after capturing somo sloops at the mouth of Connecticut river, at- tempted to land at Saybrook, but were beaten off by the militia. The enemy had three men killed on this occasion. 'Jlie militia escaped unhurt. On the 2ith July, a 1st and Sd lieutenant, a sailing-master, and five men, belonging (o the Ra- milies, were surprised and taken on Gardner's Island, by a party of the crew of the United States, despatched for the purpose, by Com. De- eatur. The prisoners were parolledj and, be* ing at liberty, were joined by others of (heir erew, when they found themselves sufficiently strong to seize and carry off the American boat. There was an. attempt also made to intercept the American party, but they escaped in a whale- boat to Sag*Harho«5i% from whence they retuiJ!*- €d ixL safety, to Ne w -Loudon* HISTOKY OF THE >VAB. 189 Shortly after this transaction, Mr. Joshua Vennv, of Eusihanipton, Long-Island, was ta- ken out of his bed during the night, by a party iVotn the enemy's ship, and, being brought on board the Raulilies, was put in irons. Major Case, commanding the troops of the U. States at Saq-Harhour, demanded his release as a non- eombatant ; but the British otlieer, Capt. Hardy, declined, on the ground that he was a conibat- ant— that he conducted a party of seamen Irom New-London to Gardner's Island, there to sur- prise and take several British officers-that his name had been entered on the books o one ot the frigates, and that he had been ** ewp oi/ed in a boat' contrwcd for the j)urposc. under the com- mand of Thomas Welling, prepared with alor- pcdo, to destroy t/n'sCCapt. Hardy's) ship^ Ihis last crime was undoubtedly that >vhieh led to the capture and severe treatment of Mr. Fenny. He was treated with great severity while on board the Ramilies, from which vesse he was sent to Halifax, where he was treated like other prisoners. He was sent to Salem in a cartel shin, in Mav, 1814, and probably owed not only his liberation, but his life, to the circumstance that the President of the United States ordered two British subjects to be held as hostages tor the safety of Mr. Penny. The New-London blockading squadron came, on the 8th September, by the Sound, to a place about 20 miles from the city of New-York, cap- tured 20 coasters, took a quantity of sheep Irom the main, and had probaldy other robberies or iniuries in view. Com. Lewis, on receiving in- formation of the enemy's movement, proc^^'d^a up the Sound, with 25 ejun-boats. By 9 o'clock on the 9th, he was at Saiids's Point, wUlnn 10 190 HISTORY or THE WAR. tniles of the enemy. A British frigate and a sloop of war got under way and stood toward them. At one o'clock, P. M. the commodore brought his flotilla to anchor in Hempstead hay, ready to receive the enemy. The British ex- changed 10 or 15 shots at too great a distance to produce any effect, and then stood to the east- ward, and were soon out of sight. The flotilla returned to its former station. On the 5th July, the British tender Eagle, which had been employed by Com. Beresford, for the purpose of burning coasters, &c. was ta- ken by a coup de main, Tlie smack Yankee was borrowed for this purpose. Sailing-master Per- ceival went on board, and concealed 30 men in the hold, he tied a calf, a sheep, and a goose on dedik, and, thus prepared, he stood out of Mus- quito Cove ; three men appeared on deck. The Eagle, on perceiving the smack, immediately giive chase, and after coming up with her, and finding she had live stock on deck, ordered her to go down to the commodore, then about five miles distant. The helmsman of the smack an- swered ** aye, aye, sir," and apparently put up the helm for that purpose, which brought him along side the Eagle, not more than three yards distant. The watch- word, Lawrence, was then given, when the armed men •rushed on deck from their hiding places, and poured into her a volley of musketry, which struck her crew -with dismay, and drove them down so precipitately into the h«ld of the vessel, that the;y had not tinie to strike their colours, bleeirsg the enemy's d-ck clear. Sibling- master Pereeival, who com- manded the expedition, ord^r^ d his men to cease firing — npon which am- of the enemy came out of the h'jld and struck the colours of the EagleV UISTORT OF THE WAR. 4 91 aiie had on boaid a 32 pound brass liowitzer, loaded with cannistcp sliot ; bii( so sudden was the surprise, they had not time to discharge it. The crew of the Eagle consisted of 11. Morris, master's mate of the Poietiers. AV. Price, inid- siii])nian, and 11 seamen and nrarines. Mr. Mor- ris was killed, Mr. Price mortality wouudtd, and one marine killed and one \>ou!i(!ed. 'J'he Eagle, with the prisoners, arrived off liic Batterv in the afternoon, and landed the pris< ners ai Whitehall, amidst the shouts and plaudits of thous..? ds of spectators, assembhd o i the Battery, celebrat- ing the anniversary of our 8nde >endertce. A detachment from «he gim boat flotilla neap Sandy Hook, most gcillaatly b aJ off about 100 of the crew of the Planiagenet, whi h drove ashore and boarded the schooner Sja«row. of Baltimore, the 3d November, n< a* Lojjg Branch. The cargo, together with sails, rigging, &c. were saved ; the vessel bilged. The following copy of a letter from lieuten- ant Nicholson, commanding ihe gun-boats at Newport, announced the ou have authority to command them in their present situation, or so abandoned as to follow your insidious advice. We cannot regard your procldma- tion in any other light, than as an unwarrantable stretch of executive authority, issued from the worst of motives, to effect the bnst;st purposes It is in our opinion, a renewed instance of that spirit of dis- organizaUon and anarchy which is carried on by a fac- tion, to overwhelm our country with ruin and dis- grace. We cannot perceive what other object your HISTOKY OF THE WAR. 193 excellency could have ia view than to embarrass the operations of the armyj^to excite mutiny and sedition among the soldiers, and lo induce them to desert, that they might foifeit the wages to which they are enti- tled for their patriotic services." A iDOst positive proof of that actual treason, which lurked under the shade of an ill timed o,)- position to the measures of the general govern- ment, was, soon afterward, discovered, near New- London, as will he best explained by the following communication from Com. Decatur to the ^^ecretary of the Navy, dated at New-Lon- don, Dec^^mbir zOth, 1813 : " Some few nights since, the weather promised an opportunity for this squadron to get to sea, and it was said on shore that we intended to make the at- tempt- In the course of the evening two blue lights were burnt on both the points at the harbour's mouth as signals to the enemy, and there is not a doubi, but that they have by signals and otherwise, instantaneous information of our movements. Great but unsuc- cessful exertions have been made to detect those who communicate with the enemy by signal. The editor of the New-London Gazette, to alarm them, and in hope to prevent the repetition of these signals, sta- ted in that newspaper, that they had been observed, and ventured to denounce those who had made them in animated and indignant terms. The consequence is, that he has incurred the express censure of some of his neighbours. Notwithstanding these signals have been repeated and have been seen by 20 persons at least in this squadron, there are men in New-Lon- don who have the hardihood lo affect to disbelieve it, and the effrontery to avow their disbelief." The U, S. frigate Congress, Capt. Smith, ar- rived at Portsmouth in December, after a cruise of nearlv eight months. During her cruise, she got sight of ao enemy's line ef battle ship, with a. 194 HISTOKV OF THE WAH. frigate in company. She captured and destroy^ ed one ship and one brig ; and sent another cap- tured brig as a cartel to the West-Indies. It will be recollected that the Congress sailed from Newport in April, in company with the Presi- dent and parted company the Sih May. The hostile attidude of the Indians, and the battle with them at 'i ippacanoe, previous to the war, excited alarm, and caused an enquiry into its cause. A committee of congress, en that pai^t of tlie President's message, which related to Ifidian affairs, turned their particular attention to the following enquiries : << 1st. Whether any, ami what agency the subjects of the IJritish government may have had in exciting the Indians on the western fron« tier, to hostilities against the United States, <• 2d. The evidence of such hostility, on the part of the Indian tribes, prior to the late cam« paign on the Wabash. <* 3d. The orders by which the campaign was authorised and carried on." The committee reported, that " the evidence before them was as conclusive as the nature of the case can well be supposed to admit of, that the supply of Indian goods furnished at Fort Maiden, and distributed during the last year by the Briiish agents in Upper Canada, to the In- dian tribes, were more abundant than usual ; and it is difficult to account for this extraordinary liberality, on anj other ground fhanthatofan intention to attach the Indians to the British cause, in the event of a war with the United States." « Additional presents," continued the commit- tee, «* co^ssisting of arms and ammunition, given at a time when there is evidence that the British HISTORY OF THE WAR. ±9B V* ere apprized of the hostile disposition of the Indians, accompanied with the speeches address- ed to them, exciting disKffeetion, are of too deci- sive a character to leave doubt on the subject.'* The part which the Indians took in the war between Great Britain and the Uaited States, was an additional and strong evidencejn support of the agency, which the British government had in the early hostility of the savages. Scarcely was the Indian war >vith the north western tribes brought to a conclusion, than the tomahawk was raised on the south-western bor- der. The southern tribes were divided into parties ;. One hostile, the other friendly, to the United States. The former was the stronger party | the latter needed protection, and were so bent on hostility, that it was found impossible to enforce on them a neutral policy. A departure from the usual forbearance of the United States* govern- ment, to accept their services, was unavoidable ; and the proffered services of friendly Indians were accepted. It having been discovered that in consequence ©fan order from a British general in Canada, a large quantity of munitions of war were distri- buted by the Spanish governor of Pensacola> among the hostile tribe of Indians, Colonel Col* Her, with about 180 men, marched, with a view to intercept the Indians, on their return. On the 27th July, 1813, on the east side of Alaba- ma, and waters of Escambia, he fell in with, and gave battle to the Muscogees. The fight was, for a short time, Well maintained on both sides. At the moment when viet«4ry was about to declare in favour of Col. Collier's party, a junior officer, without authority, cried out « re- i,96 HlSTlmY Of THE WASi treat V^ It passed tin ough the whole line, and, Eotwilhstamling the exertions of Col. Collier, it ^as impossible tcb rallj the militia : the enemy was lelt master of the field. Col. Collier los* 2 nicsi killed, and 10 wounded. The Indians aeknowhidged a loss of six killed, and several bounded. A considerahle part of the presents brought hj the Indians from Pensaeola, fell into Col. Collier's hands. Fort Minjms, on Tensaw, Mas unexpectedly attacked on the 30rh August, by a large force of Indians. The front gate lay open, and the Indians were rushing through, when first per- ceived by the garrison. The men, under com- mi'.nd of Major Rcasley, were quickly formed, and a part of them contested a passage through the gate with great bravery ; the action soon became general ; the port- holes were taken and re-taken several times. A block-house was de- fended by Capt. Jack and a few riflemen, for an hour after a part of it had been possessed by 1 he enemy. A galling fire was kept up from the houses, until the enemy gave fire to the roofs. The place was no longer tenable. A retreat was attempted, under direction of Capt. Bailey, of the militia, and Ensign Chambless, of the rifle company, but few of the party were able to aifect it. Major Beasley fell while de- fending the gatei at the commencement of the iiction, which continued for about six hours. — ^^inety-two men, including officers, were killed^ and many respectable citizens, with numerous families, who had abandoned their farms for se- curity, were also killed or burned in the houses^ into which they had fled. The loss of the ene- iny could not be ascertained, but must have beeij very considerable. aiSTOKT or- THE WAK. ±9T Capt. Kennedj^, who was sent, after the re- treat of the Indians, to bury the dead, made a report to Gen. Claiborne, of which the following is an extract : " We collected and consii^ned to the earth TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY-SEVEN, including men, ivomen aod children. *• The adjacent woods were strictly searched for our countrymen, and in that pursuit we discovered at least one hundred slaughtered Indians. They were covered with rails, brush. Sec. We could not be mistaken as to their being Indians, as they were interred with their war-dress and implements — and although they have massacred a number of our help- less women and children, it is, beyond doubt, to them, a dear-bought victory." Tlie massacre at Fort Minims, Avas followed by several other cruel murders in different places. The general government, having been inform- ed of these transactions, made a requisition on the states of Tennessee and Georgia, for detach- ments of militia, to be sent against the hostile Indians of the Cre^k nation. The legislature of the state of Tennessee a- dopted a resolution, on the 27th September, in the following words : <' Resolved. That the governor of this state be, and he is hereby required, forthwith to give immediate information to the executive of the United States, of the time when, and the place at wh'ch, the 3,500. men will be prepared to obey the orders of the gene- ral government, accompanied with a request that the said troops' be immediately received into the public service.** The legislature of Georgia gave authority to the gtiveraos'. to call out such portion of the mi- litia, as he might deem necessary, for the secu- R2 198 HISTORY OF THE WAK, r'liy and proteclion of the frontier inhabitants ; and requiiin.c; that he call on the general gov- ernment for 8ubsisten<'e for the troops that might be thus ealkd out. This was, in effect, putting them at tlie disposal of the general government. I'he militia of the states of Georgia and Ten- nessee, >vith the nearest regular troops, and other corps from the Missisippi territory, were marched against tlie hostile savages. General Andrew Jackson commanded the entire. The first victory (for evesy battle, aftep this period, was a victory,) is thus detailed by Gen. Jackson : " We have retaliated for the destruction of Fort Minims. On the 2d, I detached Gen. Coffee with a part of his brigade of cavalry and mounted riflemen, to destroy Tallushatches, where a considerable force of the hostile Creeks were concentrated. The gen- eral executed this in style. A hundred and eighty- six of the etxmy were four d dead on the field, and about 80 taken prisoners, 40 of whom have been brought here. In the number left, there is a suffi- ciency but slightly wounded, to take care of those who are badly. " I have to regret, that five of my brave fellows have been killed, and about 30 wounded ; some bad-^ jy, bull none I hope mortally. " Both ofTcers and men behaved with the utmost?, bravery and deliberation. « Captains Sn;ith, Bradley, and Winston, are wounded, all slight'y. Ko officer is killed.'* It appears, by (xen. Coffee's statement, dated Camp at Ten- islands of Coosh^ November 4 b^' 900 of the enemy. It was further uader« s ^tJ HISTORY OF THE WAK. stoed, that the enemy was collecting in a beitd of the Tallapoosee, near the mouth of a creek called Emuckfau, on an island below New-Yor- can. On ihe 20tli, at night, the army encamped at a small Hillabee village, about 12 miles from Emuckfau. On the 21st, the army marched in a direct line for the bend of the Tallapoosee.— In the afternoon, the army halted, and the gen- oral determined to encamp for the night, that JHe might have time to reconnoitre, and make dispositions for attack, if he were in the neigh^ Jiourhood of a large force, which, from appear- ance, he judged to be the case. Having chosen an eligible scite, the army encamped in a hollow square. Spies and pickets were sent out, the sentinels doubled, and the necessary arrange^ ments were made to resist an attack, if it should be attempted during the night ; or to make one, if the enemy could be found at day-light the following morning. While the army was in this state of readiness, the enemy, about 6 o'clock in the morning, commenced a vigorous attack •n the left flank, which was as vigorously met. The action raged for half an hour on the left flank, and on the left of the rear of the army. The brave Gen. Coffee, with CoL Sittler, the adjutant- general, and Col. Carroll, the inspector- general, the moment the firing commenced, jtuounted their horses and repaired to the line, encouraging and animating the men to the per- formance of their dun, Gen. Coffee was con- tending against a very superior force. As sooa as possible a reinforcement was sent to his aid, which soon decided the contest in that quarter: the enemy was charged, routed, and pursued ior three miles. Nothing now remained but to de- stroy an empty camp, which did not seem of sut- itcient imoortance to delay a return to Fort Strother, which was commGnced (m the follow^ ing morning* $08 HISTORY or THE WAB> On the 2ith, as the men were crossing the Enotachopoc creek, an alarm gun announced tLe advance of (he enenij. Gen. Jackson ex- peeled an attack, and liad dispositions made to lurn it to the disadvantage of tlie enemy. The right and left columns of the army were direct- €d to turn on their pivots, recross the creek ahove and below, and fall on the enemy's flanks and rear. The manoeuvre, if executed, would probably prove as destructive to the enemy as any thing hitherto attempted ; hut, at the mo- ment when a few guns were iired, the right and }eit columns of the rear guard gave way ; the greater part of the centre column followed the disastrous example, leaving not more than 26 men, who maintained their ground as long as possible. There was then left to repulse the enemy, but the few who remained in the rear guard, the artillery company, and Capt. RusselPs company of spies. Amidst a most galling fire from the enemy, this little band, not one-tenth of the number opposed to it, advanced to the attack. The artillery and a few others gained the top of a hill, drawing up with them a six- pounder, when they poured on the enemy several discharges of grape, then charged, repulsed, and pursued him for two miles, leaving 26 of their warriors dead on the field. The loss in these several engagements, was 20 killed and 75 wounded. The loss of the enemy could not be exactly ascertained; 189 of their warriors were found dead ; this undoubtedly formed but a part of the killed,* the wounded must have been pro- portionr.bly numerous. All the ciTects intended by this excursion, £eem to Isave been produced. If an attack was iatciuled against Fort Armstrong, that was pro HISTORY 01? TUB V/AK* 20B Y^iiiQil; a diversion was made in favour of Geu. Fioyd, who was on the east side of the Talla- poosee ; tiie number of the enemy was lessened, and their confidence in their leaders broken in on 5* the enemy's country v/as explored^ and a roiid cut through an important part of it; and, on the whoh^ tended to. and hastened the termi- nation of Indian hostilities, as much, if not morcp than any previous expedition. Hitherto the enemy was engaged either in the opea field, or in situations wliere he had little advantage from works of art, and not much from nature. One situation remained to be as- sailed, where a skilful display of art rendered a position, naturally strong, so seemingly impreg- nable, that it required a great eifort of courage to approach it, a consummate skill to direct the attack, and a persevering, undaunted resolution^) to prosecute it to success. In the Ijend of the Taliapoosee, two miles be- yond v.here Gen. Jackson engaged the Indians on the S2d January, the savages had fixed on s seite for erecting a fortification. Nature fur-^ nished few places more eligible for defence, and it was improved by art, with a skill not discov^- ered before in an Indian fortification. The bend resembles, in its curvature, a horse- shoe. Across the neck of land, which Jcads into it from the Eorth, a breastwork was erected, of the greatest eompactness and strength, from 5 to 8 feet high, and prepared with double rows of port- holes, very artfully arranged ; an army could not approach it, without being exposed to a double and cross fire from the enemy, who lay in perfect security behind it. Gen. Jackson re- solved on the attack of this important and dou- l>ly strong position. The Indian force amount- s2 210 HISTORY OF THE WAR. ed to about, or upwards of 1000 warriors. The army approached this formidable position on the 27th March, near enough to prepare for the attack. General Coffee, with the mounted luen, a«id nearly the whole of the Indian force, crossed the ri\er about t>io miles below the en- campment, Avitli a view to prevent the escape of the Indians ; the infantry advanced slowly along the point of land which led to the front of the breastwork ,* a six and a three pound cannon were planted on an eminence, at a distance of 150 to iiOO yards from it. A lire from rifles was di- rected against the enemy, whenever he showed Tiiii;iself beyond his defences. When this fire v/iik kept up about two hours, a party crossed oyer in canoes, and fired a fev/ of the buildings, and then advancing boldly up to the breastwork, eoii^menced a fire on the enemy behind it. This proving insnfficient to dislodge him, Gen. Jack- son resolved to take it by storm. The troops received the order with acclamation, and ad- vaneeti with an ardent and zealous enthusiasm. *» liiiving maintained," says Gen. Jackson, in his letier to Gov. Blount, « for a few minutes a very obstinate contest, muzzle to muzzle, tlirougli the portholes, in which many of the enemy's bails were welded to the bayonets of our muskets, our trftops succeeded in gaining possession of the opposite side of the works. The event could no longer be doubtful. The enemy, although many of them fought to the last "with that kind of bravery which desperation in- spires, were at length routed and cut to pieces. The wbo'e margin of the river which surround- ed the peninsula, was strewed with the slain.'* The fighting continued with some severity about five hours. Five hun^^r^d aod fifty- seven of the. HISTORY OF THE WAR. 2il enemy were lert deiid on tbc peninsula, and a greut number were killed in attemptijig to cross the river ; it wiis supposed that not more than 20 escaped; 250 women and children were taken pTMsonei's. Gen. Jackson's loss amounted to 43 white men killed; and 173 wounded ; 23 friend- ly inillans killed, and 47 wounded. This battle broke down the spirits, as it ma- terially reduced the remaining strength of the savages. Wetherford surrendered himself to Gen. Jackson. Six or seven towns followed the example of this chief. M'({iiceih with 500 of Ifs fijllowers retired to the Escambia river. %iear Pensacola. Peace was quickly restos^ed. The militia were disbanded, and returned to their homes. Wetherford, whose unconditional surrender has been Just mentioned, had been the most ac- tive and sanguinary of all the Indian chiefs. He signalized himself in s^>veral actions: ever pre- sent where danger pressed, lie was the constant advocate of murder and exterciination. In a private interview with Gen. Jackson, he deliver- ed the following speech : « I fought at Fort Mimms — I fought the Geor- gian army — I did you all the injury I could — had I been supported as 1 was promised, I would have done you more. But my warriors are all killed — I can fight you no longer. I look back with sorrow, that I have brought destruction on my nation. L am now in your power — do with me as you please. I am a soldier." The barbarous complexion which the enemy gave to tlie war, was not confined to the em- ployment of Indians. We have already detailed barbarities in which Indians did not participate. IVIany others^ must remaia untold; our limit^^ 312 HISTORY OF TilB WAK. "Will Rot admit a full detail of this pari of the subject. The treatment to prisoners of war wa& 5iot merely unusual ; it was, in the last degree^ cruel, unprecedented, barbarous. The authen- ticated proofs, eoiigressioual records, affidavits, &c. are shockingly numerous. The exercise, by Britain, of a presumed right to command, at all times, the services of native subjects, gave rise to one of the causes of war,^ to wit, the impressment of seamen out of neutral vesticls on the high seas. This principle, it was intended, should govern the enemy in conducting the war. ^ The crew of Oie U. S. brig Nautilus, whieiif had been eaplurcd in the early part of tiie war, arrived at Jjoston in a cartel, the 11th Septem- ber, 181:i5, except six men, who were put m irons ; and were, as Lieut. Crane understood, to be tried for their lives as British subjects^ found in arms against their king. Com. Uodgers, on leariaing the circumstance, stopped a cartel which had got under way for Halifax, and took out twelve Englishmen as hostages for the six Americans. On the 11th October, six of the crew of the private armed ship Sarah Ann, which was cap- tured and sent to Nassau, were taken out of jail, and sent to Jaaiaica, to be there tried aa British subjects, found in arms against theip king. It appears, that, on this occasion, the B?itish officer fell into a mistake^ similar to those which had heen so commonly couimitted before the declaration of war ; four of the per- sons thus detained were natives of the United States; the others were Irishmen by birth, but had been naturalized citizens of the United States. On the arrival of Caj^it. Mooa (lat« HISTORY OF THE WAH. 213 commander of the Sarah- Ann,) at Charleston, 12 Englishmen, including a midshipman, were put in close continement, as Hostages for the six men taken from Capt. Moon's crew. By a letter from Geo. S. Wise, pursuer of the United States' sloop of war Wasp, to the secre-' tary of war, it appears that after the capture of that vessel, by the Bs Uish ship Poictiers, 12 of the crew of the Wasp were detained by Capt. Beresford, as British subjects. That tlie enemy intended to deny to others the exercise of rights in manner as claimed by himself, is evident, from the circumstance of the British admiral Warren having refused the liberation of Thomas Dunn, a native of the U. States, because the said Dunn, had been married in Englandf and had been eight years in his ma • jesty's service. The application for his libera- tion was made by Mr. Mitchell, U. S. agent for the exchange of prisoners at Halifax, at the particular request of the father of said Dunn, then residing at Boston. Twenty-three of the prisoners, taken by the enemy at Queenstown, were sent to England, to be tried as British subjects, for appearing in arms against their king. The United States' government ordered 23 British soldiers into close confinement, as hostages for the safety of those so taken at Queenstown. In retaliation, the British government ordered 46 United States' officers and non-commissioned officers into close and rigorous confinement. The system of retaliation, after this circum- stance, bore a very serious asj>ect, and threiten- ed to be as extensive as prisoners on either side were numerous. The secretary of state transmitted to congress ^14 HISTORY OF THE WAR» on the 16th April, 1814, a very important report on the subject matter which led to the practice of retaliation, in which it is stated, that the Bri- tish government, among other pretexts for not discharging citizens of the United States im- pressed into their service, alledged, that they were natives of Prussia, Sweeden, &e. thus evinc- ing, that the recovery of their own native sub- jects, was not the sole motive of impressment, — The secretary further reported, " That all the nations of Europe naturalize foreign- ers : " That they all employ in their service the sub- jects of each other, and frequently against their na- tive countries, even when not regularly naturalized ; *' That although examples may be found of the punishment of their native subjects taken in arms against them, the examples are few, and have either been marked by peculiar circumstances taken them out of the controverted principle, or have proceeded from the passions or policy of the occasion. Even in prosecutions and convictions havinfj the latter ori- gin the find act of punishment nas, with little excep* tion, been prevented by a sense of equity and dread of retaliation. It is confidently believed that no in- stance can be found in which the alledged purposes of the enemy against the 23 prisoneis in question, un- der all the circuiX'Stances which bel' ng to their case, even though any of theoi ma not have been regular- ly naturalized, are countenanced by the proceedings ®f any Europen nation.*' A publication, of which the following is a fopy. appeared from the navy department of the United States the 28th July 1814, and was un- derstood to be a relinquishment of the system of ?etaIiation, on the part of England and of the United Slates ; the 23 American soldiers, sen?: to England, and all otlaer AiH^riesRs held by the IlISTOBY or THE WAS. 21 & enemy as hostages, having been restored to the slate of ordinary prisoners. *' All officers, seamen and marines of the U. S. Kavy, captured by the troops or vessels, within the command of Sir George Prevost, prior to the 15th day of April last, have been duly exchanged and de- clared competent to st rve against the enemy. They will therefore immediately report themselves to the commanding naval officer of the station on which they are or may arrive.'* The time, when the armies must be in >vinter quarters, and the officers less engaged than tney would be at another season, was chosen for the trial of Gen. Hull. A genera! court martial as- sembled for that purpose at Albany, the 5th January, ISl*^ and proceeded in the trial, from time in time, until the 8ih March. Three charges were presented against him, id wit, treason against the United States ; cow- ardice; and neglect of duty and unoff^cerAikt mnduct—io all which, he pleaded not guilty. The general, having proCested against the ftompeteney of the court to try the first charge, the court declined making any formal decision on it ; but yet gave an opinion that nothing appear- ed to them which could justify the charge. The court acquitted him of that pan of the third specification which charges him with bar* ing " forbidden the American artillery to fire on 22o III this month, Col. Campbell, (19th infantry) with a detachment of 5 or 600 men, and some seamen acting as artillerists, crossed from Erie to Long-Point. About 50 British dragoons sta- tioned there as an ont-post and guard to public stores, made their escap(\ The mills employed in manufacturing flour for tlie enemy, and some houses occupied as stores, were burned. "NVhen the party returned, without losing a man. The following transaction with the enemy's fleet on Lake Champlain, will be best explained by giving the following extract of a letter from Major-General Izard commanding the flrst, or division of the right, dated at his head-quarters, May 17. " On receiving notice of the enemy's proceeding up the lake on the 13th inst. a detachment of light artillery, under the command of Capt. Thornton, of that corps, was despatched in waggons from Burling- ton to Vergennes, where they manned the battery at the mouth of Otter Creek. At day-break, (on the 14th) the enemy attacked with his whole force, and after a severe cannonade of two hours and a half, during which they suffered very considerably, they withdrew to repair damages. Yesterday they de- parted this place, having some of their vessels in tow, and are gone to their own ports. Two of their galleys are said to be missing. No damage was done on our side, excepting dismounting one gun in the battery, by which two men were slightly wound- ed." The Chesapeake Bay was likely, and proved, to continue a theatre of the enenjy's depreda- tions. A number of boats, carrying heavy me- tal, were constructed in March, 1814, on the eastern shore of Maryland, for the protection of the bay> and tke command of them given to that 224j niSTOKT OF TUB WAR. intrepid alTicer, Commodore Barney. This flo- lilla proved a threat annoyance to tlie enemy, was an object of his constant attention, and was finally destroyed, as will be hereafter particular- ly detailed. The enemy had a skirmish on the 29th May, witli the Accomack militia, which reflected the liighest honour on the latter. Between 6 and 7 o'clock in (he morning, the enemy entered the Pamgoteaque creek. They were at first most gallantly met by 2d T^ieut. Underbill, of the ar- tillery, and 6 or 7 men, who stood the fire of their 18 pounders, grape, musketry and Congreve rockets, then within 60 yards, when Lieut. Un- derbill, finding all further resistance utterly useless, and not having a sufiicient force to re- move the artillery, caused it to be spiked, and retreated. The piece fell into the hands of the enemy, who also destroyed some trifling build- ings, which had been occupied as^ barracks. — Finding no resistance from the point which Lieut. Underbill had occupied, they commenced their landing, and in a few minutes had from 450 to 500 men, 200 of whom were negroes, all well armed, formed, and advancing from the shore, the negroes in front. . From the place of their landing, they marched about three quarters of a mile into the country, where they were met by a party of militia, not more than 25 iu number. — This little band stood for two hours, the whole force of the enemy. At this time the militia be- gan to collect, which the enemy perceiving, re- treated to his ships, and thus escaped being either killed or taken prisoners. During their stay onr land, the enemy committed several petty robbe- ries and shameful excesses, carrying away bacoa>. poultry, clothes, &c» HISTORY or THE WA*. 225 Commodore Barney got under way on the 1st June, with his flotilla, in the Patuxent, with the intention to engage, or chase away the enemy. On approaching them, he discovered two schoon- ers, one a full rigged, showing nine ports on a side. When off St. Jerome's, he discovered a large ship under way, and that she had despatch- ed a number of boats to the aid of the schooners. The wind having veered so as to prove unfavour- able to the flotilla, the commodore made signal for the Patuxent, and was followed by a 74, three schooners, and seven barges. After doubling round Cedar-Point, in the mouth of the river, he found that gun-boat No. 1»S7, was so far astern, that she must be taken, or saved by an engage- ment. The commodore brought the Scorpion and gun-boat No. 138, to anchor, sent men on board the boat 137, to row and tow her in, and sijrnaled his other vessels to return and ioia hini. The Scorpion, and boat 138, opened a fire on a large schooner, and a number of barges, which had got ahead of the boat 137. The commo- dore's barges, at this time, had returned, and, rowing down on the enemy, gave them a number of shots, and then returned into port with all the ilofilla. Tiiis bold exploit did great honour to Barney and his crews. The enemy landed at Cedar-Point, in the even- ing of the -ith June, and can*ied off several ne- groes, and considerable stock from the planta- tion of Mr. Sewal. The enemy's squadron, being reinforced by a razee and sloop of war, the commodor* n>oved his flotilla up to the mouth of St. Leonard's creek. At 5, P. M. the 8th June, he perceived a ship, a brig, 2 stihooners and 15 barges, com- ing up the Patuxent; whereon the commodore 226 HISTOBT OF THE WAK. moved his flotilla about two miles up the ereck,^ and there moored them in line abreast, across the channel, and prepared for action. At S A. M. the enemy's barges came up the creek, the ship, &c. were anchored at the mouth of the creek ^ a rocket large was advanced on the flo- tilla. At this time, the commodore got his bar- ges (13 in number) under way,, leaving the Scor- pion and gun-boats at anchor, and rowed down upon the enemy, when they precipitately sailed and rowed off, with all their means. The com- modore pursued them, until near their shipping, when his barges were brought back to theic moorings. In the afternoon the enemy came up the creek again, threw some rockets, and were again pursued, and driven out of the creek, by the flotilla. The situation of Commodore Barney, and his flotilla, in St. Leonard's creek, was really iiti* pleasant and critical. He was, however, reliev- ed, by a bold and successful attack on the enemy on the morning of the 26th June. The following is a copy of Commodore Bar- ney's report, to the Secretary of the navy : " Sir — This morning, at 4, A. M. a combined at- tack of the artillery, marine corps and flotilla, was made upen the enemy's two frigates at the mouth of the creek. After two hour*s engagement, they got under way and made sail down the river. They are now warping round Point Patience, and I am moving up the Patuxent with my flotilla. My Joss is acting midshipman Asquith, killed, and ten others, killed and wounded. With respect, &c. JOSHUA. BARNEY." In June, the enemy landed about 400 men, niid burned the tobacco warehouses at Lower Marl- borough, and Magruder's ferry, and also Cole^s HISTORY OF THE WAK* 227 warehouse. It is impossible, ia oup present limits, to detail every petty and wanton act of an unprincipled and mean enemy ; where he could remove the plundered property, he removed it ; what he could not remove, he destroyed. In Calvert, near Lower Marlborough, they forced away with them some negroes ; also took some cattle and poultry. A person who repaired to the scene of deprcr dation, after the enemy had retired, wrote to his friend in Baltimore, ♦< It would have distressed you to see the tobacco at Magruder's, burning, as I did, this evening. Eleven hundi^ed hogs- heads, nearly all consumed, and ^hout four lum- dred at Lower Marlborough, where they took a schooner (Capt. David's) and loaded her." The enemy performed one exploit, which, if not tarnished by the barbarous use he made of conquest, would have left him one instance of victory not petty. The enemy appeared in gi^eat force in tlie Chesapeake, about the middle of August, 181K More than 50 of his vessels entered the Patux- ent, and landed about 5000 troops and marines, chiefly about Benedict, 40 miles southeast of the city of *Vashington. The force, at the disposi- tion of Gen. Winder, who had been appointed to^ the command of this district, was unfortunately inadequate to defend the city, and it fell into the power of the enemy. The entire force of every description which could be collected to oppose the enemy, did not exceed 5000 men; these, however, w ould have been sufficient for the pur- pose, had they all acted with equal firmness. Of these several hundreds arrived after the bat- tle commenced, and many after the retreat had been ordered. The force actually engaged, was less than 2000. ^28 HISTORY OF THE WAR. On the 20 til, Col. Munroe, who proceeded the previous day, with Col. Thornton's troop of horse, to reconnoitre the enemy, reported that the enemy had landed in force. Capts. Caldwell and Tilghman, with their commands of cavalry, were sent in the afternoon of this day to annoy the enemy in his advance, and remove such sup- plies of provisions as lay in his route. On the 22d, the British flankers approached the ivood- yard, 12 miles from the city? where Gen. Winder, with his main hody, was posted, — The line of battle was formed by the American troops, but the enemy filed ojff to the left. At 9 o'clock. Commodore Barney caused his flotilla to he de- stroyed, and he proceeded with his men to take post in front of the enemy. On the evening of the 23d, Gen. Winder's head-quarters were at Battalion Fields, within S miles of the city, and a short distance from Bladensburg. At 1 o'clock, on the 24th, the army was posted on the right of Bladensburg, about half a mile distant from the village. The artillery, from Baltimore, supported by Major Pinckney's rifle battalion, and a part of Captain Doughty 's, from the navy yard, were in advance, to command the pass of the biidge at Bladens- burg. Soon after 1 o'clock, the enemy appear* ed, advancing toward the bridge over the east- ern branch. When they reached the bridge; which they did in solid column, the artillery opened a warm fire on them, and the riflemen, and a regiment of militia, were soon engaged. Before 2 o'clock, the enemy advanced so close on the Baltimore volunteers, as to force them to retreat, bringing with them their artillery and arms, except one piece, which was lost by the unruliness of the horses. The retreat was HISTORY OE THE WAR, 2:25 not the effect of cowardice, for no men could behave with more honour to themselves. While they fought, they made a galling impression on the enemy, and when forced to yield before numbers vastly superior, they would, no doubt,, have yet sought a place from whioh to triumph in a contest so handsomely began, but they were not properly supported. The right and centre of Stansbury's brigade, consisting of Lieutenant Colonel Ragan and Shuler's regiments, gene- rally gave way, and fled in disorder, nor could they be rallied, with the exception of about 40 men, and a part of Captain Shower's company^ both of whom, even thus deserted, made a gal- lant but ineffectual stand. Col. Ragan, in his great efforts to rally his men, was wounded and taken prisoner. The .5th Baltimore regi- ment, under Lieut. Col. Sterrett, being the left of Gen. Stansbury's brigade, still stood their ground, and, except for a moment, when part of them recoiled a few steps, remained firm until ordered to retreat. The reserve, under General Smith, of the District of Columbia, with the militia, of the city and Georgetown, with the regulars, and some detachments of Maryland militia, flanked on their right by Com. Barney and his men, and Col. Beal, maintained the contest with great ef- fect, until overpowered by numbers. Barney and his gallant men had just gained the ground from a station near the navy yard, and opened from three 18 pounders, a lire, which for the time it lasted, and considering the means, was perhaps the most destructive and active that has ever been experienced. The brave Barney fell severely wounded, into the hands of the enemy. Kis men fought, under his orders, ur- u 230 HISTOEY OF THE WAR. ill tlie enemy reached nearly to the muzzles of the guns ; nor (lid they retire until ordered to do so, after every hope of victory vanished. The enemy treated the Commodore with that courte- sy and attention, which his splendid merit could not fail to inspire. The battle being novir over, after continuing more than an hour. Gen. Rosi who commanded the land force, and Admiral Cockburn, who com- manded the seamen and marines, entered the city with a part of their forces. And now be- gan a scene, which, in the opinion even of a sa- vage, would disgrace the characters while living, and, after death, consign to eternal infamy, the names of these two commanders. Never will barbarism and the fate of Washington be coupled in history, without being accompanied by the names of Ross and Cockburn. The destruction of private property wouW be in character with the conduct which disgraced the British arms in the Chesapeake and elsewhere. The triunrph- ant entry of the marauders into the capital of an infant republic, gave them an opportunity of proving the respect in which they held the arts, sciences, and literature. " They," to use the words of President Madison*s proclama- tion, <* wantonly destroyed the public edifices, having no relation in their structure to ope- rations of war, nor used at any tinte for mili- tary annoyance; some of these edifices being also costly monuments of taste and of the arts, and others, depositories of the public archieves, not only precious to the nation, as the memori- als of its origin, and its early transactions, but interesting to all nations, as contributions to the general stock of historical instruction and poli- tical science." With the public buildings, the HISTORY OF THE WAR. 231 national library was destroyed. Cockburn at- tended, in person, to the destruction of* the print- ing materials, in the office of the National Intel- ligencer. A few private buildings were burned. The navy-yard, with all its shipping and stores* including a new frigafe and sloop of war, were destroyed, previous to its occupation by the ene- my. The British army retired in the night of the 25(h, in prudent hurry, and with studied si- lence, leaving several of tiieir wounded behind, and some of their dead unbiiried. The Ameri- can loss was stated by General Winder, to be be- tween 30 and 40 killed, from 50 to 00 wounded, and about 120 taken prisoners. <•' From the best intelligence," says the general, *^ there remains but little doubt, that the enemy lost, at least, '*0O killed and wounded, and of these, a very un- usual portion killed." Fort Warburton having been deserted by the U. S. troops, commanded by Captain Dyxon, and consequently destroyed by the enemy, the latter advanced towards Alexandria, the civil authority of which, submitted to the most dis- graceful terms of capitulation, by which the city was given up to plunder. The enemy carried oif I'h vessels, laden with flour, tobacco, cotton, groceries, and a variety of goods, taken from the private stores. A series of the most daring exertions were made by Commodores Rodgers, Porter and Per- ry, with their seamen, and some of the Virginia militia, to prevent the escape of the enemy with his booty, but he got oif, with some loss, taking the plunder with him. Terms, similar to those accepted by Alexandria, were offered to George- town, which the latter indignantly rejected, and^ escaped being plundered. %^^Z lllSTOliX OF THE WAR. Tke enemy alteinpted to justify bis predatory ^varfare in the Chesapeake, and elsewhere, by professing, that he acted in retaliation of exces- ses, said by hij£), to have beeo eoinmitied by the armies of the Uiiited St.Ar s, in Canada. — Nothlog, however, eculd be farther from truth. The cciiduet of the republican aripies could, by 510 fair construction, justify the barbarities of the enemy? and it was v/ell known, that the rob- lieries and (lestruetion of private property and buildings, particularly in the vicinity of the C/hesapeake, as^d its tributary streams, had, in many instances, preceded those said to have beea eommUled by the Anierieans. The enemy, probably emboldened by his suc- cess at Washingion, projected a descent on, and of coi^rse, the phnidering and burn'r.g the "City of Baltimore. Ihe moveiuents of the epcmy having led to a suspicion of his design. General Samuel Smith, tiie revolutionary hero and de- lender of Mud-fort, made some early disposi- tions to repel an invasion, if such should be at- te^npted. Gen. Striker was detached, on the evening of the lltli September, with a portion of his bri- gade, on the North-point-road. Major Randal, of the Baltimore couaty militia, having under his command, a light corps of rillemen, and mus- ketry, taken from General Stansbury's brigade, and the Pennsylvania volunteers, was detached to the mouth of Rear- creek, with orders to co- operate with Gen. Striker, and to check any landing which the enemy might attempt in that quarter. On Monday, the 12th, the enemy landed be- tween 8000 and 9000 men, at North-point, 14b miles from Baltimore, the land force under com- HISTOflY OF THE WAR. 333^ Miand of Gen. Ross, the seamen under Admiral Cockburn. Gen. Striker had, that morning, taken a good position at the junction of the roads, leading from Baltimore to the North- point, having his right flanked by tlie Bear-creek, and his left by a marsh. Here he waited the approach of the enemy, having sent on an ad- vance corps, under the command of Maj. Heath, of the 5th regiment. «* This advance," says Gen. Smith, in his report, " met the enemy, and after some skirmishing, it returned to the line, the main body of the enemy being at a short distance in the rear of their advance. Between 2 and 3 o'clock, the enemy's whole force came up and commenced the battle, by some dischar- ges of rockets, which were succeeded by the cannon from both sfdes, and soon after the ac- tion became general along tlie line. Gen. Strik- er gallantly maintained his ground against a great superiority of numbers, during the space of an hour and twenty minutes, when the regi- ment on his left (the 51st) giving way, he was under the necessity of retiring to the ground in his rear, where he had stationed one regiment as a reserve. He here formed his brigade; but the enemy not tbinking it advisable to pursue, he, in compliance with arrangements, fell back and took post on the left of my entrenchments, and half a mile in advance of them." The following extracts, from Gen. Smith's report, will best explain the further movements of the respective armies. " About the time Gen. Striker had taken the ground just mentioned, he was joined by Brig. Gen. Winder, who had been stationed on the west side of the city, but was now ordered to march with Gen» Douglas's brigade of Virginia militia, and the U. S. dragoons, under Capt. Bird, and take post on the left 2S4^ HISTORY 01? THE ^VAE. of General Striker. During these iTfiovements, Vm brigades of Generals Stansbury and Foreman, the seamen and marines under Com. Rodgers, the Penn- sylvania volunteers, under Cols. Cobean and Find- ley, the Baltimore artillery, under Col. Harris, and the maritime artillery, under Captain Stiles, man- ced the trenches and the batteries — ail prepared to i^ceive the enemy. We remained in this situation during the aight. " On Tuesday, the enemy appeared in front of my entrenchments, at the distance of two miles, on the Philadelphia road, from whence he had a full view of our position. He mai*oeuvred during the morning towards our left, as if with the intention of making a circuitous march, and coming down on the Harford or York roads. Generals Winder and Striker were ordered to adapt their movements to those of the enemy, so as to bafile this supposed in» tention. They executed this order with great skill and judgment, by taking an advantageous position, stretching from my left across the country, when the enemy was likely to approach the quarter he seem- ed to threaten. This movem.ent induced the en- emy to concentrate his fcrces (between one and two. o'clock,) in my front, pushing his advance to within a mile of us, diiving in our videttes, and showing an intention of attacking us that evening. I imme- diately drew Gens. Winder and Striker nearer to the left of my entrenchments, and to the right of the «nemy, with the intention of their falling on his right or rear, should he attack me ; or if he declin- ed it, of attacking him in the morning. To tliis movement, and to the strength of niy defence, which the enemy had the fairest opportunity of observing, I am induced to attribute his retreat, which was commenced at half past one o'clock on Wednesday siiorning. In this he was so favoured by the extreme darkness, and a continued lain, that we did not dis- cover it until day-light. *« I have now the pleasure of calling your atten-. %wn to the braye commander of Fort M* Henrj', Maj. HISTORY OF THE WAK. 2o3 Armistead, and to the operations confined to that quarter. The enemy made his approach by water at the same time that his army was advancing on the land, and commenced a discharge of bombs and rockets at the fort, as soon he got within range of it. The situation of Major Armistead was pecu- liarly trying — the enemy, having taken his position such a distance, as to render offensive operations on the part of the fort entirely fruitless, whilst their bombs and rockets were every moment falling in and about it — the officers and men, at the same time entirely exposed. The vessels, however, had the temerity to approach somewhat nearer — they were as soon compelled to withdraw. During the night, whilst the enemy on land was retreating, and whilst the bombardment was most severe, tv/o or three rocket vegsels and barges succeeded in getting up the Ferry Branch, but they were soon compelled to retire, by the forts in that quarter, commanded by Lieut. Newcomb, of the navy, and Lieut. Webster, of the flotilla. These forts also destroyed one of the barges, with all on board. The barges and battery td the Lazaretto, under the command of Lieut. Rutter, of the flotilla, kept up a brisk, and it is believed, a successful fire, during the hottest period of the bombardment." It was impossible for veteran? or the most ex- perienced troops, to act with more firm disci- pline, or cool courage, than the citizcDs of Bal- timore, and the troops engaged, did on this oc- ciision, vihh the exception already mentioned. A pursuit ol* tlie enemy was attempted, without, however, doing liini much injury. The troops ^vere so exhausted, with three days and nights fatigue, that they could do little more than pick up a few stragglers. A line of defences thrown ap by the Americans from Back River to Hum- phries' Creek, on the Patapseo, were used by the Baemy to protect his emharkati^!?. 236 HISTOBY OF THE WAR. As a measure necessary to the takiHg of Bal- timore, Admiral Ccckbiirn sent, what he relied on as a competent force to take Fort M*Henry, situated on a point of land about two miles from the city. The enemy's vessels were ranged on the 12th, at a respedahle distance, in front of the works. At an early hour, on the 12th, six bomb, and some rocket vessels, commenced the attack, but at such a distance as to have little effect. A vast many very heavy bombs and rockets were thrown from the shipping, and an- swered pro forma from the fort, the Lazaretto, battery, and barges. This noisy play lasted un- til near 3 F. M. when the enemy dropped nearer the battery. The firing now became more fre- quent, and soon became tremendous; but the en- emy finding that the nien in the fort could hit a& well as fire, soon slipped their cables, and drew off to their former distance, from which they continued the bombardment. Favoured by a dark night, one or two of the CTiemy's bomb-vessels, and several barges, with 1200 chosen men, passed the fort at about one o'clock in the morning of the 14th, and pro- ceeded np the Patapsco. to attack the town in the rear, and probably with a view to effect a landing. From their new station, they com- menced a very warm throwing of bombs and rockets, but were repaid with such rigour and effect, that the screams of their wounded could be beared in the midst of a roar of arms, that made the houses in the city shake, for nearly an hour and a half. About three o'clock the en- emy retired, much crippled, to his former re- spectful distance, when he again commenced the bombardment, and continued it until day-light, when h€ finally withdrew. The entire duration HISTORY or THE WAR* ^^37 of the bombardment was little short of 24 hours. The loss of the enemy, on board his vessels, can- not be ascertained, but >rcis undoubtedly great ; that in Fort M^Henry was astonishingly sniaii, consisting of 4 killed, and about 20 wounded.— Maior Armistead commanded the fof t A party of Com. Rodgers' crew was posted at f ort C<)v- ington ; Barney's flotilla men were stationed at the city battery. The enemy's retreat was attended with moi - tification and disappointment, ^en. Ross, the destroyer of Washington, was killed ; and, at least 800 men, killed, wounded, and «^jssinp--- The entire American loss did not exceed 20 kill- ed, 90 wounded, and 47 missing. ^ The enemy was at Chaptieo m October. 1 he following particulars of the excesses committed at that place appeared in the Alexandria Her- ald, signed Robert Wright. « I passed through Chaptieo shortly after the ene- mv left it, and I am sorry to say, that their conduct would have disgraced Cannibals ; the houses were torn to pieces, the well which afforded water for the inhabitants, was fi"^^ 7' ^"^' 7^^.1^%^1'^^ worse, the church, and the ashes of the dead, shar- ed equally bad or worse fate. Will you believe me, when I tell you that the sunken graves were con- verted into barbacue holes 1 1 1 The remaming glass of the church windows broken, the communion ta- ble used as a dinner table, and then broken to pieces I Bad as the above may appear, it dwindles in- to insignificance, when compared with what follows : the vault was entered, and the remams of the dead disturbed. Yes, my friend, the windmg sheet was torn from the body of a lady of the first respecta- bility, and the whole contents of the vault entire- ] V deranged ! ! T* 238 HISTORY OF THE WAR. Soon after leaving Chaptico, the enemy visit- eel St. Inigoes, in St. Mary's county, Maryland, This was the habitation of a missionary, and the scife of a Roman Catholic church. Nothing could be expected but the furniture of the priest, and piate of the church. Both were taken, feather-beds, sheets, blankets, curtains, spoons, knives, forks, &c. were taken away or destroy- ed ; the sacred vestments were thrown about, the vessels, consecrated to the service of God, prophaned, the altar stript naked, the taber- nacle carried off, and the blessed sacrament borne away in the hands of those sacrilegious wretches. Some few articles were restored at the instance of the British officer, who would probably wish to see the entire restored, but he could not command them ; << they are," said he, <^ a set of ruffians.'' Some other articles, belonging to the church, were restored in a few days afterwards. The following circumstance proves how dear- ly the enemy gains a victory, when opposed by a force, however small. On the evening of the 5th November, Capt. Gordon, naval commander at Norfolk despatch- ed 2 tenders, and i boats, off Black River, for the purpose of conveying several craft, then lying ifi that river, and bound to Norfolk. The vessels were, unfortunately, separated during the night; the boats, owing to a rough sea, returned to Nor- folk. The two tenders, Fra!\klin and Despatch, were separated from each other. The commander of the Despatch, finding, in the morning, that he had drifted in a eahn, near the enemy's ships in Lynnhaven, and that they were maniiing their boats, to attack him, made signal to the Franklin, and the boats ly- HISTORY OF THE WAR. 239 ing under Old Point. The boats joined the Despatch; and the enemy's boats, after ex- chfuiging a few shots, and a breeze having sprung up, gave over the chase, and directed their attention to the Franklin, that lay nearly becalmed up the bay. The enemy came up with the Franklin, about 10, A. M. when the firing commenced. During one hour and a half, the Frasikiin's crew, consisting of Mr. Ham- mersley, master's mate, who commanded; one midshipman, (Mr. Cook;) two master's mates and pilots, and 31 men, maintained a gallant de- fence against a tender and 14 barges and boats of the enemy. The tender and two heavy launches, made several attempts to board, but were as often beaten off. At length, at half past 11, the Franklin was carried, being board- ed at the same moment by the crews of 5 heavy boats. The peace in Europe having relieved the ships and seamen of England from any other engagement, except the war against the United States, it was supposed, that an American ship would not dare longer to venture on the ocean, or sail on the lakes. Every American port was to be blockaded, every sea-port town to be burn- ed or destroyed ; the frames of frigates were to be transported from England, and suddenly put together, and launched on the lakes. The vio- lent threats were heard, the expected legions looked for, with a coolness, on the part of the Americans, which evinced courage ; but with a preparation that evinced a determination to de- fend their homes, their families, their country, and liberty. Two armed launches and four barges of the enemy carrying about 2^0 men, entered Connec- f1 240 History ov the war. liciit river, in the evening of the 7th April, and arrived at Pettipang- Point, about 4 o'clock in the morning of the Sth. It was quite a surprise on the few inhabitants, who had no means of resist- ance. They immediately landed and burned all the vessels at the wharves, and on the stocks, except a brig, a schooner, and two sloops, which they carried down the river, on their retiring, after 10 o'clock; but the wind shifting, the^^ burned all except the schooner, and not being able to proceed, they came to anchor a short distance below Pettipaug, where they lay until night, then burned the schooner, and departed, without interruption, or any attempt to annoy them, except that a few guns were fired on them after they had passed the mouth of the river, to which they returned three cheers, and passed oftV During the Sth, the militia collected to the number of about 1000, with six field pieces ; an ofBeer, with 150 sailors and soldiers, from New- Ijondon, had also arrived. Gen. Williams, under authority of the State of Connecticut, assumed the command. Nothing seemed more easy than to capture the enemy, yet no attempt was made to do 60, unless a summons te surrender can be so considered. Much ccftsure was then attribu- ted to the general for his dilatory conduct, and it seems not to have been hitherto accounted for. About 25 vessels were destroyed, many of them large and valuable. Com. Hardy, of the Kamilies 7i, addressed a letter in May, to the Bi'itish agent for prisoners of war in Boston, stating that he had arrived in the bay, with an adequate force to carry the blockade into efiect, and requesting him to make it known to the neutral cotisuIs and agents in that town and state, that the blockade would be HISTORY OF THE WAR, 241 rigorously enforced, agreeably to Ihe proclama- tion for the same. The following copy of a letter from Commo- dore T.ewJs, commanding the United States' flo- tilla at New-York, to the secretary of the navy, dated May 29, 1814, will show that the Yankees determined to have some trade, notwithstanding the mighty force of the enemy on the ocean. " Sir — I have the honour to inform you, that on the 19th I discovered the enemy in pursuit of a brig un- der American colours, standing for Sandy-Hook.— I ordered a detachment of 1 1 gun-boats to proceed to sea, and pass between the chase and the enemy, by which means to bring him to action, and give oppor- tunity to the chase to escape, all which was effected ; the enemy, after receiving my fire, bore away — and the brig in question entered the harbour, proved to be the brig Regent from France, with a very valuable cargo. And on Monday the 23d, I engaged the ene- my before New-London, and opened a passage for 40 sail of coasting vessels ; the action lasted three hours, in which the flotilla suffered very little ; No, 6 received a shot under water, and others through the sails — we have reason to believe that the enemy suffered very great injury, as he appeared unwilling to renew the action the following morning ; my ob- ject was accomplished, which was to force a passage for the convoy. There are before New-London 5 seventy-four's, 4 frigates, and several small vessels, the latter doing great injury, from their disguised character and superior sailing. I have the honour to assure you of my high respect, J. LEWIS. As soon as the engagement ceased, the flotilla came to anchor before the harbour of New -Lon- don, within gun-shot of the enemy, with a view of renewing the action in the morning, when we found that the enemy Lad collected all Lis force. 24f2 HISTORY OF THE WAU. in number seven sliips and several small vessels^ in consequence of which great accession of force, the project of renewing the action was abandon- ed, and signal was made to proceed up Sound, whither the enemy pursued as far as Faulkner's Island. Capt. Sawyer, of the smack Resolution, from Stonington, informed, tliat, in the gun-boat bat- tle, one shot passed tlirough the mainsail of the Sylph, and another cut away her ensign ; that onp shot passed through the bow of the Maid- stone, one through her foremast, and one into her hull ; and that on the day after the engage- ment, a number of men from these vessels were buried on Fisher's Island. A British squadron, consisting of a 7* gun ship, several frigates, and smaller vessels, with numerous launches, spread terror along the coast of Massachusetts, and succeeded in doing considerable injury to coasting vessels. About 200 men landed, on the 13th May, at Wareham, in Massachusetts, and burned 12 or 13 vessels, valued at about 20,000 dollars. They also set fire to a stocking factory, which was extinguish- ed by the citizens, before much injury was done. Capt. Allen, of the schooner William & John, of Sedgwick, Maine, was bound to Boston with a cargo of lumber. Capt. A. put into Dyers- creek, on the 20th May, but finding himself chased by the barge of the British schooner Bream, he hailed the barge, when she reached within about 50 yards, but received no answer, Capt, Allen then ordered the barge to « keep offy The captain, discovering the men in the barge about to fire a swivel in her bow, ordered his men to fire, and take good aim. Four shots were fired in suecessiou, and the captain had ta- HISTORY OF THE WAlt, 2i3 ken his aiaj, Avhen one of the enemy cried out, »• I- II give up to you;'^ and the barge was in- stantly surixndered to Capt. Allen. Of seven men, who were in the harge, two were killed, and two wounded. After the cap!ure of the barge, the British commodore sent a ihig of truce to Capt. Allen, with propositions, which were rejected. After, however, the exchr»nge of four flags, it was a- greed, liiatin consideration of Capt. Allen's giv- ing up tlie British prisoners on parole, the com- mander of the Bream was to give Capt. Allen S90 in cash, retiun two American prisoners be- longing to Goldsbor»ugh, give up a Chebacco boat, with the property on board of her, valued at Sroo, and Capt. Allen to retain the twelve> eared barge, with all her araiament, consisting 01 one swivel, six muskets, five cutlasses, six car- tridge-boxes, some blue Uglits, a compass, one trumpet, and a quantity of canister and grape ft>iot, all cf which Capt. Allen values at ^300. Soon after this transaction, a boat captured by the Bream schooner, was sent into Mount- Desert, with seven Englishmen on board, to cut out a vessel, the crew of which, on their ap- proach, fled to the shore, and were joined by sev- eral of the inhabitants, armed — having conceal- ed themselves among the rocks or bushes, they opened a Are on the ev-emy, killed three of them, wounded two, and compelled the others to sur» render. The enemy entered the harbour of Seituate^ (Mass.) in June, in consequence, as he stated, of haf ing been fired at from a signal piece of can- son, near the light-house, and set fire ta several tdssels. t^^ HISTOKY OF THE WAR. Two barges, from the British frigate Nymph, went into Squain, and destroyed the schooner Dijigeiice, laden with lime. The crews threat- ened, that if the captain attempted to extinguish the flames of the JDiligence, they wouhl destroy the house on the point ; which being attempted, Ihey fired a twelve pound shot through it, arid returned and effected the destruction of the schooner. On the llth July, Eastport was taken posses- sion of by the enemy, in the name of his Britan- nic majesty, and, as afterward appeared, was claimed as being part of the British territory, by the terms of the treaty of 1783. The British force consisted of 200t) men. The American garrison of 59 men, including 11 sick, Avas com- manded by Major Putnam. The inhabitants were offered the alternative to take an oath of allegiance to the king, or to depart within seven days. A great proportion, perhaps more thaa t vo-thirds, took tlie oath. This place remained in the enemy's possession to the end of the war ; and, as will appear by reference to the treaty of peace, was to continue in possession of the Bri- tish until the dispute relative to territory could be settled by commissioners, to be appointed for that purpose. Eastport is on an island, called Moose, on the west side of Passamaquoddy-bay ,* the island is about five miles long, and one mile broad, con- taining about tOOO inhabitants. On the 9th August, at 5 P. M. the Ramilies 74, Paetoliis 38, a bomb- ship, and a heavy brig, arrived off Stonington ; and a flag was sent on shore, with a note, of which the following is a ^opy J mSTOUT Olt THE WAK, 2^5 " To the Magistrates of Stonington, " Gentlemen — One hour is allowed you, from the receipt of this eommunication, for the removal of the unoffending inhabitants. THOMAS M. HARDY." Stonington was in no state of defenf^e adequate to resist tlie enenny. The few men in the place hastened to collect ammunition^ some ran te the bcUtery, which consisted of two 18 pounders and a four pounder, with a slight breast work; ex- presses were sent to New-London and other pla- ces. At eight o'clock, the attack was commenc-' ed, by a discharge of shells, from the bomb- ship, and congreve rockets from several barges. This fire was continued until midnight, without injur- ing a single building or inhabitant. During tlie night, the volunteers and militia had assembled in considerable numbers, and were disposed of in the manner best calculated to resist any attempt of the enemy to land. At (lawn of day, the eneqfiy began to throw rockets> from vessels which had taken stations on the east side of the town, out of range of the batte- ry. An 18 and a four pounded were drawn to a- point of land from which the enemy could be reached, and, in a few minutes, the barges were compelled to move off. During this time, th©^ brig worked up and came to anchor within less than half a mile of the battery. The ammuni- tion on shore, being expended^ the few men, who were at the battery, were compelled to r^tire^ having first spiked the guns* For an hour and a half, the enemy condnueC to fire on the town, without the least opposition being attempted or praeticablci A fresh supply of ammunition l>eing, by this time obtained, the ^^^nt of the 18 pounder was drilled, when. a fire V- 2. 246 HISTORY OF THE WAE. was opened on the enemy's brig, until at three o'clock, she slipped her cable, and hauldcd oflT, being evidently much injured in her hull and spars. Soon after this lime, a considerable body of militia arrived, and Gen. Isham had taken the command. A flag was sent from the inhabitants (without the concurrence of Gen. Isham) to the British officer, informing him that the <^ unoffending in- habitants" had been removed, and wishing to know, if he meant to complete the destruction of the town. The deputation received from Capt, Iliirdy a written reply, that the bombardment should cease, in ease the inhabitants would en- gage that no torpedoes should be fitted out at Sto- nington, and that the family of Mr. Stewart, late British consul at New-London, would be sent on board. Th€se terms could not be complied with.— The proposal respecting torpedoes was consider- ed degrading, nothing of the kind having ever been attempted at Stonington ; the second, re- specting Mrs. Stewart and children, was referred to the proper authority. The enemy continued to negotiate, for the pur- pose of getting Mrs. Stewart on board, until 3 o' clock on the 11th, when the bombardment again commenced, and was continued until night. On Friday morning, the attack was commenced and continued with great warmth, from nearly all the enemy^s ships and launches, until near noon, when it ceased ; and, rvbout four o'clock, P. M. the enemy, findiug that a great force were as- sembled, for the protection of the town, finally withdrew ; and, on Saturday morning, weighed 3i&£hor;, and proceeded up Fisher's Soundo HISTORY OP THE WAR. £i7 During the several attacks, not a man was killed, and but 5 ov 6 wounded. Two or three houses were destroyed, 8 or 10 much damaged, and about 40 partially injured. More than 300 shells and carcasses were thrown into the vil- lage. The additional disposable military and naval force, which the peace in Europe left at the command of (he eneujy, the use which he threat- ened to make, and did actually commence, or prepare to make of it, produced an union of ac- tion and sentiment among the people of Ameri- ca, some discontented or rather traitorous per- sons excepted, and these so comparatively few, that they excited but a sentiment of contempt, and owed their personal safety to their utter ina- bility ta do material injury. The citizens of New- York, the first commercial city in the union, gave an example of political forbearance toward each other, and of attachment to their country,, which had a salutary influence on every other part of the nation. At a general meeting held in the Park in that eity, the 10th August, 1814, the following, to- gether with several other patriotic resolutions,, were unanimously adopted : " Resolvedf that the citizens, here assembled, will^ to the last extremity, defend their city. « Resolved, that we will unite ourselves in arms with our brethren of the country, and, on the first approach of the enemy, make it a common cause. « Resolved, that it be Tecommended to the citizens generally, to meet as soon as may be practicable with convenience, in their respective wards for the purposes of electing discreet and sufficient commit^- tees to promote the execution of the following ob- jects i. 248 HISTORY 05 THE WAR. «^ 1. Tg complete the voluntary enroimeot of per- spns, exempted by law from military service. « 2. To encourage the enrolment of sea-faring cit- izens, for services, in the harbour, or as artillerists. " 3. The enrolment of citizens for voluntary la- bour on the public works. " Resolved^ that we will endeavour to promote concord and harmony, and will discountenance all attempts to weaken the patriotic efforts of good citi- zens." From this moment, party feuds were, in a great measure, suspended; newspaper editors excluded all acrimonious political discussions f the committee appointed to carry into effect the resolutions of the general meeting, was selected from the most respectable of the citizens, with- out the least respect to the political party to which the persons selected, belonged. The plan of the enemy wa* to dismember the union. A command of the North River would tend much to this end. The possession of the eiaj-master, 7 captains, 32 subaiterns, 517 non- commissioned officers and privates — total ^vound- ed, 572; missing, 117 — total, StiO. The British force engaged, amounted by their own confession, to 4500 men, mostly or wholly regulars, beside a host of Indians ; the American force did not exceed 2800 men, consisting in a great proportion of the militia of Pennsylvania and New- York. Gen. Brown, in his official re- port, particularly notices the brave and prudent conduct of Generals Ripley, Porter, and Scoit ; Colonels Miller, Dobbin, of New-York, "Wilcox, and Gardener ; Majors M*Farland, Hindman, Jessup, Wood, of the Pennsylvania militia, Jones, M*Ree, and AVood, of the engineers ; Captains Towson, Ketchum, Biddle, and Ritchie ; Lieut. E. B. Randolph ; Aids-de-Camp Worth, Smith, Austin, and Spencer. Some of these brave men fell in action, and nearly all of tliem were cover- ed with wounds. Gen. Brown received two wounds, but contin- ued to command until the action ended. The general was obliged, hy the severity of his woimds, to retire iProm the command, which de- volved on Gen. Ripley, Gen. Scott being also disabled, by wound, from continuing in com- mand. The army continued on the Canada side, seem- ingly resolved to maintain itself against an ene- my, which was receiving frefjuent reinforcements, and had, after a little time, become formidable, in numbers and equipments^. The enemy, after recovering the effects of the battle of Bridgwater, moved up toward the American army, at Fort Erie,* and frequent slvirmishes easued, in which the enciny was gen- HISTORY t»F THE WAR. 251> ei'ally worsted. On tlie 3(1 August, about 500 regulars, under Col. Tut'ker, crossed below Black Rock, but wei-e met by 200 riflemen, and a part^' ol* volunteers, under Major Morgan ; and, after a long contest, were defeated, and compel- led to re-cross the river. Brigadier General Gaines, arrived at Erie the 4th August, and as- sumed the command, during General Brown's illness. On the 15th August, the enemy, under the im- mediate command of General Drummond, at- tempted to storm Fort Erie ; the result was communicated in a letter ffom General Gaines, to the seeretarj' of war, of which the following is a copj^ : « Head-Quarters, Fort Erie, U- C. Aug. 15, 7 A. M. 1814. Dear Sir — My heart is gladdened, with grati- tude to heaven, and joy to my country, to have it in my power to inform you that, the jjallant army un- der my command, has this morning beaten the en- emy, commanded by Lieut. Gen. Drummond, after a severe conflict of three hours, commencing at two o'clock, A. M. They attacked us on each flank-^ got possession of the salient bastion, of the old Fort Erie, which was regained at the point of the bayo- net, with a dreadful slaughter. The enemy's loss, in killed and prisoners, is about 600 ; near 300 kil- led. Our loss is considerable, but I think not one- tenth as great as that of the enemy, I will not de- tain the express to give you the particulars. I am preparing my force to follow up the blow.'* The assault was of that desperate nature, that was calculated to rub away the stains of former defeats, to resuscitate the sinking charms of aa assumed invineibiiity, and save the British gene- ral from contempt, and perhaps, disgrace, Th^ 26& MISTORT OF THE WAK. projection was grand ; the means of accomplish- ing it, great, and relied oh for its efficiency | the attempt to execute, was supported with an ^- thusiasm in the officers, and a mechanical obedi- ence in the men. which promised, and almost se- cured success. The invincibles were, however, destined to experience another defeat ; and the Americans added another wreath to the laurels wi(h which they were already so plentifully blessed. The enemy was largely supplied with the means generally used on such occasions, pikes, bayonets, spears, scaling ladders, &c. Re- pulsed and repulsed, he rallied and returned to the attack ; he carried a bastion, and, by his conduct, evinced, what was to be the fate of the republicans, if vanquished. Lieut. M and 11 missing — total 128. The enemy continued in the neighbourhood of Fort Erie, strengt^ieniog and extending hh HISTORY OF THE WAR, 261 works and calling in reinforcements, with a view to the ultimate occupation of the fort, and the capture or destruction of the garrison. The en- emy's works were constructed in a field surround- ed by Avoods. Their infantry was formed into three, bridges of about 1500 men each. One of these brigades, with a detail from their artillery, was stationed at their works (these being but 500 yards distant from Old Fort Erie, and the right of General Brown's line.) The Americans had already suffered much from two of the enemy's batteries ; and a third was about to be opened. Gen. Brown, having recovered of his wounds, resumed the command, on the 2d September, The situation of the army was extremely critical. -As the only mode of relieving himself, he deter- mined to storm the batteries, destroy the can- non and roughly handle the enemy's brigade on -duty, before those in reserve would be brought into action. The enemy's works were very strong, regular, and executed with a studied intricacy, consisting of a breast-work, connecting their batteries, and of successive lines of entrenchments in the rear, covering the batteries and enfilading each other ; and the whole obstructed by abbatis, brush, and felled timber. It was calculated to resist, and throw into confusion, the most experienced as- sailants, and led to many severe contests with the bayonet. Directions were given, by General Brown, to march at noon, on the 17th September, to the intented assault. General Foi'ter commanded a detachment of volunteers, riflemen, regular in- fantry, and a few dragoons. These moved from the extreme left of tlie American position upon the enemy's right, by a passage opened through 262 HISTORY OF TH« WAR. the woods for the occasion. Gen. Miller station^ ed his command in the ravine between Fort Erie and the enemy's batteries, by passing them by detachments through the skirts of the wood.— ^ The 21st infantry, under Gen. Ripley, was post- ed as a corps of reserve, between the new bas- tions of Fort Erie. <« About 20 minutes past 3 P. M." says Gen. Brown, in his official report, " I found the left column, under the command of Gen. Porter, which were destined to turn the enemy's right, within a few rods of the British entrenchments. They were ordered to advance and commence the action. Passing down the ra- vine, I judged, from the report of musketry, that the action had commenced on our left ,• 1 now hastened to Gen. Miller, and directed him to seize the moment, and pierce the enemy's en- trenchments, between batteries No. 2 and S.— My orders were promptly and ably executed, — Within 30 minutes after the first gun was fired, batteries No, 3 and 2, the enemy's line of en- trenchments, and his two block-houses, were in our possession. Soon after, battery No. 1 was abandoned by the British. The guns in each were spiked by us, or otherwise destroyed, and the magazine of No 3, was blown up." The enemy's loss exceeded, from the most probable account, 1000 men, including 2 majors, 4 captains, 4 lieutenants, 1 ensign, one assistant- surgeon, 4 staff- sergeants, 19 sergeants, 17 cor- porals, 1 drummer, and 332 privates. The A- mericans lost in killed, wounded and missing, 511. General Davis, of the militia, was killed. The action lasted more than two hours, and was warmly contested for about one hour. In the course of the action, the entire of the enemy's^ force was brought into aotion, consisting princi HISTORY or THE WAK. 263 pally of regulars uuder command of Lieut. Geo. JOrummoml. So satisiied was the British gene- ral of his inability to contend, even aided by his veterans, against the raw soldiers that formed the American army, that he broke up his camp, during the night of the 21st, and retired to his entrenchments behind the Chippewa. ♦< Thus," says General Brown, " one thousand regulars, and an equal portion of militia, in one hour of close action, blasted the hopes of the enemy, destroyed the fruits of 50 days labour, and dimin- ished his effective force, one thousand men at least." An expedition under the command of Lieut. Col. G. Croghan, was set on foot in July, 1814; the chief object of which, was the reduction of Fort Mackinac, which had been taken by the en- emy in the early part of the war. The expedi- tion left Fort Gatroit (head of Straits St. Clair) on the 12th. Owing to a want of pilots acquaint- ed with the unfrequented part of the bay, the in- tended course of the vessels was somewhat alter- ed ; they anchored at St. Joseph's on the 20th. After setting fire to the fort of St, Joseph, which seemed not to have been recently occupied, a de- tachment of infantry and artillery, under Major Holmes, was ordered to Sault, St. Mary's, for the purpose of breaking up the enemy's esta- blishment at that place. A few hours before the arrival of Major Holmes at the Sault, St, Mary's, the northwest agent was apprized of his approach, and succeeded in escaping with a large quantity of goods. A large quantity were, however, found secreted in the woods, on the American side. — These were claimed by the agent of John John- son, an Indian trader ; but Major Holmes de- clined giving them to Mr. Johnson, " because," 264 HISTORY OF THE WA]^.* as Major Holmes observetl in his letter to Lieut. Col. Croghan, ''^ it was good prize bj the mari- time law of jmiions, as recognized in the English courts, (witness the case of Admiral Rodnej ad- judged by I^ord Mairsfield.) Further, because Joimson has acted the infamous part of a trai- tor, having been a citizen and a magistrate of the Michigan territory, before the war and at its commencement, and now discharging the functions of magistrate under the British gov- ernment. Bscause, his agents armed the In- dians from his store-house at our approach ; and lastly, because, those goods, or a considera- ble part, were designed to be taken to Michili- mackinae.'' The expedition reached Miehilimackinac on the i26th, where the enemy was found so strong- ly posted on a height, overlooking the old fort, that his reduction by stopm, with the small force under Col Croghan, seemed very doubtful. It was the coloners wish, at all hazards, to dis- embark in some tavourable position, from which he might be able to annoy the enemy by gradual and slow approaches, under cover of his artille- ry, and where, by fortifying himself, he might force the enemy to attack him in his strong po- sition ; or draw his Indians and Canadians (his most efficient and only disposable force) from the island. Being informed, by old residents of the island, where a favo;?rable position might be obtained, he effected a landing on the 4th August, and advanced to the field where an encampment was intended, when he received intelligence that the enemy \va« Jkhead, of which he was soon convin- ced, by '^ discharge of shot and shells from a battery of 4 guns. The colonel, hereon, chang- HISTORY OF THE WAR. 265 ed his positiou, (which was then two lines, the militia forming the front,) hy advancing Major Holmes's battalion on the right of the militia, thus to outflank him, and bj a rigorous effort to gain his rear. IJefore this movement could be executed, a fire from some Indians, posted in a thick wood, proved fatal to Major Holmes, and severely wounded Captain Desha, the next in rank. This misfortune threw that part of the line into confusion, from which it was found im- possible to recover it. As the only method left of annoying the enemy, Col. Croghan order- ed a charge to be made on his front by the regu- lars. The enemy was thus driven back into the woods, from which an annoying fire was kept up by the Indians. Lieut. Morgiin brought up a light piece to relieve the left which was suffer- ing from a galling fire ; the excellent practice of this piece brought the enemy to fire at a longer distance. Col. Croghan finding the position, from which tlie enemy was driven not tenable, he determin- ed not to continue to expose his men to a danger, from which no good result could be expected. — He therefore ordered a retreat to the shipping. Sailing-master Champlin, whose vessel, the Tigress, fell into the hands of the enemy, and who, with his crew, were prisoners at Michili- inackinac, arrived at Erie in November. Capt. Arthur Sinclair, commanding the United States' naval force on the upper lakes, states, in a letter to the secretary of the navy, on the authority of sailing-master Champlin, that " the coiwluct of the enemy to our prisoners (the crew of the Ti- gress) thus captured, and the inhuman butchery of those who fell into their hands, at the attack #f Mackinack, has been barbarous beyond a pa- X 26B HISTORY OF THE WAK« i-allel. The former have heen phindered of al- most every article of elothing they possessed ; the latter had their hearts and livers taken out, "which were actually cooked and feasted on hy the savages, and that too in the quarters of the British officers, sanctioned by CoL M'Dougall." The British army, under Gen. Drummond, l>eing considerably reinforced, there appeared an absolute necessity to strengthen that under Gen, Brown, and to make such a diversion or co-ope- ration, as wouM draw off the enemy from the JBeighbourhood of Fort Erie, or compel him to surrender. A vigorous attack on Kingston must, if made, produce the first of these effects ; the throwing of a large force into the rear of Gen. Drummond, might have the latter effect. Gen. Jzard marched from Plattsburgh, about the 1st September, with a large force, which formed a Junction with Gen. Brown, about the 12th Octo. ber; thus having, unfortunately, occupied more than 40 days in performing a journey of 253 miles by land, and a voyage of 90 miles by water — total distance from Plattsburgh to Black Bock, S43 miles. The slow movement of Gen. Izard's army, gave to the enemy the time necessary to equip the new ship St. Lawrence, of 90 guns, lately built at Kingston. The British fleet, with this big ship, appeared off Niagara, the 2d Novem- ber, and gave to the enemy the command of lake Ontario, by which Gen. Drummond could be reinforced or taken off, if necessary. It also enabled the enemy to threaten Sackett's Har- bour ; and Gen. Brown was ordered to the de- fence of the Harbour, leaving Gen. Izard in com- mand at Erie. BISTORT Ot THE WAR« %6T The campaign in the neighbourhood of Niaga- ra must, from the lateness of the season, he drawing to a close ; it appeared to Gen. Izard, that his army could not remain in safety at Erie, the fort \yas therefore destroyed, and the army crossed to Buffaloe, where it took up winter quar- ters. The army left at Plattshurgh, after the march of Gen. Izard, was very weak ; the command devolved on Gen. Macomb. The enemy em- braced this opportunity for making an incursion into the state of New-York, on the side of Lake Champlain, with a view to secure a strong posi- tion at Crov/n Point, or Ticonderoga, previous to going into winter-quarters ; and, ultimately, to co-operate with an army, that was to invade the state of New-York, or Connecticut, on th© sea-board ; and thus eilect the great object of the British government, the political separation ®f the eastern from the southern states. General Sir George Prevost, commanded the British land forces, destined for this scrviccv consisting of four brigades, each commanded by a major-general of experience 5 a light squadron of dragoons, and an immence train of artillery, and all the engines of war ; the entire amount^ ing to 14,000 men. While the troops advanced by land, the fleet, apparently superior to the American, advanced by water. To resist this overwhelming force, Gen. Macomb had but lijOO effectives. In aid of this small force, the militia was hastily assembled. The British governor- general entered the ter- ritory of the United States, on the 1st September^ J 814, and fixed his head-quarters at the villag©*. of Champlain ; from which* he commenced an attack, b^ promises and threats, on the eittzens ^68 HISTORY OF THE WAR. of the United States, previous to the more seri- ous attacks which were to be simultaneous by land and water, and were eftcctually to over- throw all opposition on both. On the 2d, the British army marched from Champlain; on the 5th, it appeared, in full force, before the village of Plattsburgh. No sooner was the intention of the enemy discover- ed, than the militia was called out: those of fhe county of Clinton assembled on the 2d Septem- ber, near the village of Chazy, where they took a position, under command of Lieut. Col. Miller. On the following day. Gen. Wright took a posi- tion, w 1th his brigade, seven miles in advance of Plattsburgh. On the advance of the enemy. Col. Appling, who was placed with his command oa the lake road, fell back to Dead-creek, where he posted himself, and impeded the approach of the pursuers so much by blocking up the passage, that the enemy was compelled to alter his course toward the Beekmantown road. On the morning of the 6th. the advance of the enemy attacked tlie militia, about 700, under General Meoers, and a small detachment of regulars commanded by Major Wool. Unfortunately, apart of the militia broke and fled, the remainder, together with the regulars, made a bold and masterly op- position, retiring slowly and regularly before a large force for six miles, when they were rein- forced within a mile of Plattsburgh by a Captain J^onard and a few men with two pieces of ar- tillery. This force, by taking advantage of the cover of a stone wall, made a stand and checked the progress of the enemy, until overpowered by superior numbers, it retired, as before, slowly, dealing death among the enemy, until it reach- ed the south bank of the Saranac, where the HirroKY OF THE WAIl. 269 jfUrsuU of the enemy was effectually olieckedo and he forced to retire. From this time until the morning that was to decide the fate of Platts- burgh and perhaps of Albany, continual skir- mishing was kept up, each party preparing itself for the bloody conflict. The enemy occupied an extent of about three miles, he erected seven heavy batteries and fully supplied himself with all the usual means of attack. The Americans Avere engaged in annoying the enemy and strengthening their own works. The 11th was jBxed on for the attack by land and water. At o'olock in the morning of that day, the enemy's flotilla on Lake Champlain, passed Cumberland- head. It consisted of 1 frigate of 32 guns, 1 brig of t2 guns, 2 sloops of 10 guns each, and several galleys. The American fleet lay in Cum- berland bay, opposite Plattsburgh. The enemy, superior in vessels, guns, and number of men^ advanced with that confidence, which his supe- riority of force, inspired ; and the bloody con- flict began. Cora. Thomas Macdonough com- manded the American flotilla. Undaunted, he waited the attack, trusting in the heroism of a little band, which seemed determined to conquer^, or die. For two hourg and fifteen minutes, the contest was maintained, with an obstinacy which, while it added to, or rather perfected the re- nown already acquired by the American seamen^ did not disgrace the vanquished.' M" »!?! P°"^^»J hoisting his colours, and selling his liie as clear as posfible, when the fire of «>« enemy ceased The Phffibe ^vas so cut up, that she wa.s, with 28» HlST6Hy OF THE WA2. great difficulty worked into Valparaiso, and i% seemed doubtlul, even after she cauje to anchor, whether she could be repaired so as to enable her to double Cape Horn. She had eighteen 12-pouiid shot tlirough her, below her water jiiie. Nothing but the smoothness of the water saved her from sinking. Had the Phcebe and Cherub dared to come boldly into close action^ they would have been undoubtedly defeated. — The enemy's loss in men cannot be ascertained, but must liiave been very severe. That of the Essex was — Killed, and have died since of their wounds, 58 Severely wounded - - - . 39, Slightly wounded - - . - 26 Missing -„-,-- 31 Total - - 15i It was agreed between Capt. Porter and Com. Hillyar, that the Essex-Junior shoyld be dis- armed, and employed as a cartel, to bring Capt, Porter and his men to the United Slates, to be there exchanged for an equ^l number of British prisoners of equal rank. On the 5th July, the Essex Junior arrived off New- York, ard was overhauled by the British ship Saturn. Capt, Porter, judging from the conduct of the British officer, that he would violate the terms, under which the Essex-Junior had sailed, took to his boat; and, after rowing and sailing 46 miles> reached Long-Island. The winter season, rendering it difficult and dangerous for an enemy's fleet to remain on the American coast, to the northward of Virginiaj it was conjectured that his blockading squadron would be moved to the southward, nor was thc. eonjeeturc ill founded. \i was his intention to Hl^roRY OF raE war. 281 effect something more permanently useful, than the rohhing of private proper ty.^ A general a- larm prevailed among the inhabitants, particu- larly in the cities, along the sea coast. It was also ascertained, that great preparations were making, and several thousand men collected in the West- Indies, with the avowed intention of invading some of the southern states. At 4 o'clock, P. M. on the 15th September, 1814^ Fort Bowjer, on Mobile Point, was attack- ed by a superior British naval and land force. — Tha naval force was under command of Sir H. W. Percy, and consisted of 2 ships from 2* to 28 guns, mounting 32 pound earronades ; 2 brigs fioru 16 to 18 guns, mounting 24- pound earron- ades, and 3 tenders. The land forces consisted- @f 100 marines under command of Col. Nieholls^ a body of Indians under command of Captain AVoodbine, and a battery of a 12 pounder and howitzer under direction of an officer of the ar- tillery. The American effective force was about 120 men, of whom not more than 90 were en- gaged. At 4, P. M. the enemy's leading ship, called the Hermes, having approached sufficiently near, the guns of the battery opened upon her : at 20 minutes past 4, the engagement became general. Soon after this time, the British land forces were put to flight, by discharges of grape and eannister, from a 9 pounder. At 5, P, M. the guns of the Hermes were silenced, and she drift- ed out, and grounded within 600 yards of the battery, where she continued to be fired on, un- til night. At sun-set the other vessels cut their cables, and stood off, under a tremendous fire from the battery. At a quarter past 7, the Y 2 HISTORY OF THE WAK. Hermes appeared to be on fire ; at 10, her ma- gazine blew up. It was learned, from deserters, that 150 of the crew of the Hermes were lost, that 85 were kill- ed or wounded on board the other ship, and sev- eral on board the other vessels. The American loss was 4 killed and 5 wounded. Major Wil- liam Lawrence commanded at the fort. On the 16th the enemy's fleet stood to sea. The appearance of 50 or 60 vessels of the en- emy, in the mouth of the Mississippi, rendered it almost certain, that the city of New-Orleans would be an object of attack. The advance of The enemy was announced, in general orders, on the 14th December, 1814, by Gov. Claiborne | and, on the 18th, Gen. Jackson reviewed the militia, preparatory to meeting the enemy.— Martial law was declared on the 16th. The woodsmen from Louisiana,Tennessee, Mississippi Territory, and Kentucky, hastened to the seen® of honour and glory ; and meii, of different lan- guages and manners, prepared to emulate each other in defence of a common country, and a U^ berty in which they alike participated. On the ISth December, the enemy's flotilla gained the Pass Christian, and was proceedings evidently against the U. S. gun vessels, then at anchor off bay St. Louis. The gun-boats re- treated, during the nigjit, to the Malhereaux island?, Lake Borgne, where the wind and tide forced them to remain. At day-light, on the I5tb, the enemy advanced with 42 heavy launches and gun barges, moiuiting 42 guns, of 12, 18, and S* calibre, and 3 light gigs, with 1200 men, com* manded by Captain Locker. At 10 minutes before li, A. M. he commenc- ed aB attack on the llotilla; consisting of guR? EtSTOiiy 0¥ I'Hfi VVAK. 283 boat No. 5, 5 guns, 36 men, sailing-mastei* Fer- ris ; gun-boat No. :^3, 5 guns, 39 men, Lieut. M'Keever; gun-boat No. 156, 5 guns, 41 men, Lieut. Jones ; gun-boat No. 162, 5 guns, 35 men, Lieut. Spedden; and gun-boat No. 163, 3 guns, 31 men, sailing-mastei* Ulrick — total, 25 guns, and 182 men; the eatire under command of Lieut. Thos.Ap. Catespy Jones, of boat 156. The sloop Alligator (tender) of one * pounder and 8 men, not being able to join the flotilla, was captured, before the action with the gun-boats commenced. The gun- boats were taken in succession, and each boat, when taken, added to the enemy's line of attack. The action continued until 40 min- utes past 12, when the last of the gun-boats was surrendered. Considering the immense disproportion of the parties, the action was sustained, on the part of the Americans with a skill, brayery, and perse-* verance, unexampled, even in the most spirited of the actions which distinguished the American seamen in the previous part of the war. Five small vessels, and a few men, maintaining a con- test for an hour and a half, against a swarm of heavy barges and gun-boats, which closed and Hcarly surrounded them, was a sight unparallel- led in the annals of naval heroism. The loss of the enemy, in killed ^id wounded, was estimated' by Lieut. Jones, to exceed 300, among whom were an unusual quantity of officers. The capture of this flotilla gave to the enemy- a free entrance into Lake Ponchartrain, except what resistance they might meet from a small fort commanding the passage of the Regolettes. The enemy, having gained the command of Use lakcs;, was enabled to effect a passage to the. 28* HISTORY OF THE WAR. Mississippi, at a point, about 9 miles from New- Orleans. General Jackson advanced against liim, determined to attack him in his first posi- tion. The attack was made in the night ot* the 23d December, at half past seven o'clock. It was commenced by a lire from the schooner Ca- roline, which dropped down the river, in order to open on the rear of the camp. This was the signal for Gen. Coffee to fall on the right, while Gen. Jackson attacked the left near the river. — It resulted honourably to the American arms ; but produced nothing decisive. The enemy's force amounted to about 3000 men ; that of Gen. Jackson did not exceed 1500. The eonfiict last- ed an hour, and was supported with great firm- ness. Gen. Jackson remained on the field until four o'clock in the morning, when he took a new position two miles nearer the city ; having lost in this affair, 24 killed, 115 wounded, and 74 missing — total 213. 7'he enemy succeeded, on the 27th, in blowing up the Caroline, (she being bebalmed) by means of hot shot, from a land battery, erected in the night. On the 2Sth, he advanced, with his whale force, against Gen. Jackson, in the hope of driving him from his position, and with this view opened a fire with bombs and rockets, at the distance of about half a mile. The enemy WPS repulsed, with a losso^bout 120 men. The Americans lost 7 killed and had 8 wounded. On Sunday morning, the 1st January, 1815, the enemy had advanced within 600 yards of the American breast works, under cover of night and a heavy fog, and had erected the preceding night, three different batteries, mounting in all 45 guns, from 6's to .S2's. About eight o'clock, when the fog cleared off, they commenced a most HISTOUY OF THJB WAR. 285 tremendous fire upon the Americans, but it was amply returned by them, and a heavy cannonad- ing was kept up, without the least interval on either side, except (hat occasioned by the explo- sion of a magazine in the rear of one of the American batteries, and another magazine in the night, owing to the enemy's Congreve rock- tits. By four o'clock in the afternoon, the Americans had dismounted all the enemy's guns, except two. They retreated, during the night, to their strong hold, about a mile and a quarter from the American camp. Twice did' the][ ene- my attempt to storm and carry the American batteries, but were as often deceived. On New- Year's day, the loss of the Americans was 11 killed, and 23 badly wounded. That of the en- emy, from the accounts of two prisoners taken on that day, and three deserters afterwards, must have been much greater. According as the woodsmen arrived to the aid of Gen. Jackson's army, they were disposed of to the best advantage, for the purpose of de- fence; but these forces not being of a very ef- iieient nature, especially as the men could not be all provided with the necessary arms, the general could not attempt any thing against an enemy, who was thus left to pursire, undisturb- ed, his laborious operations. During the days of the 6th and 7th, the en- emy had been actively employed in making pre- parations for an attack on Jackson^s lines. — \Vith infinite labour, they had succeeded on the night of the 7th, in getting their boats across from the lake to the river, by widening and deepening the canal, on which they had effected their disembarkation. Gen. Jackson was on the left side of the river^ 286 HISTORY OF THE WAR, patiently waiting tlie attack. Gen. Morgan? with the New-Orleans contingent ; the Louisi- ana militia, and a detachment of Kentucky troops, occupied an entrenched camp on the op- posite side of the river, protected hy strong bat- teries on the bank, superintended by Commo- dore Patterson. On Sunday, the 8th, at 6 1-2 o'clock, A. M» the enemy began a very heavy cannonade upon the American lines, from his batteries of 18 and 12 pounders, supported by the musketry of 2500 men, who marched in close columns, and ad- vanced nearer than musket shot distance to the entrenchments, armed with rockets, obuses, and facines, to storm the batteries : they directed their principal attack against the head of the line, flanked by the river, and upon the left rest- ing upon the cipress swamp, as well as against the tirailleurs and riflemen, plaeed above tho said swamp ; the roaring of the guns, and firing ©f the musketry, lasted two hours and a quar- ter ; the enemy's mortars, although directed a- gainst the centre, did no harm to the troops, the bursting of their bombs in the works was of no effect. Two British officers, and one French engineer, of the name of Hennie, who had gain- ed the summit of the American parapet, fsee frontispiece * J was killed or wounded, and made prisoners; (the engineer and one colonel was killed;) after this terrible affair, the field, in front of the works, was strewed with British W'ounded and killed. Gen. Jpckson thus briefly details the particu- lars of attack. " In my encampment every thing was ready for action ; when early on the morning of the 8th, the eticmy, after throwing a shower of bombs and Con HISTOKY OF THE WAR. 287 greve rockets, advanced their columns at my right and left, to storm my entrenchments. 1 cannot speak sufficiently in praise of the firmness and deliberation with which my whole line received their approach. More could not have been expected from veterans inured to war. For an hour, the fire of small arms was as incessant and severe as can be imagined The artillery, too, directed by officers who displayed equal skill and coui«age, did great execution Yet the columns of the enemy continued to advance with a firmness which reflects upon them the greatest credit. Twice, the column, which approached me on my left, was repulsed by the troops of General Carrol, those of Gen. Coffee, and a division of the Kentucky militia, and twice they formed again, and renewed the assault. At length, however, cut ta pieces, they fled in confusion from the field, leaving it covered with their dead and wounded." Simultaneously with the attack on Gen. Jack- son's lines, an attack was made on the works of Gen. Morgan. Had the enemy been met with resolution in this attack, it must have produced his entire destruction ; but, unfortunately, the Kentucky reinforcements ingloriously fied, draw- ing after them, by their example, the remainder of the forces, and leaving the batteries to the enemy; not, however, until after the gunswei*e spiked, While General Jackson was preparing to dislodge the enemy from the captured battery, the British troops were withdrawn, and the post re-oceupied by the Americans. The return of the killed, wounded, and prison- ers, taken at the battle of Mac Prardies plan- tation, on the left bank of the Mississippi, on the morning of the 8th .January, 1815, and five mJieS' below the city of New-Orleans, consisted of — killed, 700 ; wounded, 1400 ; prisoners, 500— total 2600. 288 HISTOBT OF THE WAR^ Among the slain, were General Sir Edward Packcnham, the chief, and Gen. Gibbs, the third in command; Gen. Keane, the second in com- mand, was severely wounded. Gen. Lambert succeeded to the command. His total loss, in the different engagements, was not probably less than 3500 : and was, by many, supposed to exeeed 4^000. The loss to the Americans, on the 8th, on both sides of the river, was IS killed, 39 wounded, and 19 missing; total killed, wounded and missing, this day, 71 ; of this number there were but 6 killed, and 7 Mouiuled, in the action of the line. The enemy intended to pass Fort Philip, in order to co-operate with the land forces in the attack on New- Orleans. On the 9th January, at half past 3, P. M. the enemy's bomb vessels opened their iire against the fort, from 4 sea- mdrtars, 2 of them 13 inches, and 2 of 10, at so great a distance, that tlie shot from the fort could not reach him. The enemy's fire contin- ued with IKtle intermission, and with little in- terruption from the fort, during the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, I4th, 15th, 16th and 17th. On the evening of the 17th, a heavy mortar was got in readiness, and opened on the enemy, with great eifect. At day light on the 18th, the enemy re- tiredj after having thrown upwards of 1000 heavy shells, besides small shells, from the howitzers, round shot and grape, which he discharged from boats, under cover of the night. Scarcely ten feet of the garrif^on remained untouched ; yet the loss of men was small, consisting of 2 killed, and 7 wounded. This saving of men was owing to the great pains taken by the officers to keep iheir men under cover. All the enemy's movements, after the actios HISTORY 01? THE WAR. 28v? ot° the 8tli of January, were calculated to secure his retreat, should such prove necessary, as ap pearances then indicated that it would. Their intention was, however, masked by a menacing attitude, as if preparing for a renewal of the at- tack on Jackson's line. They Jiad erected bat- teries to cover tlieir retreat, in advantageous positions, from their original encampment to the iJayou, through which they entered lake Bonrg- ne. The cannon placed on these batteries could liave raked a pursuing army in every direction. The situation of the ground, through wliieh they retired, was protected by canals, redoubts, en- trenchments, and swamps on the rightj and the river on the left. In this state of things, Jackson had an oppor- tunity of showing his prudence, as he before proved his courage, and, by uniting both quali- ties, perfected the general. Since the action of the 8th, the artillery, on both sides of the river, was constantly employed in annoying the enemy. An attempt to storm his batteries would have produced great slaughter among the Americans, been doubtful of success, and might possibly have induced the enemy to delay his departure. It was therefore resolved by Gen. Jackson to se- cure the advantage obtained, with the least pos- sible loss or hazard. All hope which the enemy had of reducing fort Philip, had vanished ; and on the night of the 18th they precipitately decamped, and re- turned to their shipping, leaving "behind them 80 of their wounded, 14 pieces of heavy artillery, and an immense number of Imll, having destroy- ed much of their powder. Mr. Shields, purser in the navy, wrote letters «?U the 16th and 17th of January, to Mr. Nile&c 290 HISTORY or T>HE WAR. ofBalCimope, containing much information, ft»om ivhich the following is extracted : " The day after the gun-boats were taken, I was sent down under a flag of truce, to ascertain the fate of our officers and men, with power to negotiate an exchange, especially for the wounded. But the en- emy would make no terms — they treated the flag with contempt, and myself and the surgeon, who was with me, as prisoners, until the 18th inst. He has now lowered his tone, and begs the exchange that we offered. Defeat has humbled the arrogance ©f the enemy, nvho had promised his soldiers forty* eight hours pillage and rapine of the City of J^env- Orleans ! /" On the authority of judge Poindexter, it is stated, that ♦< the watch-word and countersign of the enemy, on the morning? of the Sth, was BEAUTY and BOOTY. Comment is unneces- sary on these significant allusions held out to a licentious soldiery. Had \ictory declared on their side, the scenes of Havre de Grace, of Hampton, of xVlcxandria, and of St. Sebastians, would, without doubt, have been re-acted at N. Orleans, with all the unfeeling and brutal inhu- manity of the savage foe with whom we are con- tending." Thus ended, in disgrace and discomfiture to the enemy, an expedition which occupied seve- ral months in its preparation, and was compos- ed of at least 10,000 troops, drawn from al- most every part of the world, where the Bri- tish had garrisons or soldiers. Nothing was left undone to secure the occupation of an im* mense province, and the command of a river ex- tending thousands of miles through the most fertile countries in the world ; and on wl^ieh se- veral of the United States depended as an outlet and market for their produce. HISrORy Ot THE WAK. lal ihat a permanent oc:jiri)atioa of New- Orleans, and the state of Loiiisiaiia, was intended, can scarcely be doubted. Tfie fact that revenue and olhei* civil olRcers, to reside at New-Or- leans, were on board the fleet, is a sufficient ovidenee of this fact, as well as it is of the cer- tainty wilh which victory was counted on; nor Is this rendered doubtful, by the circumstance, that the battle was foui^ht after the treaty of peace was ratified by the British government. The expedition against New- Orleans was plan- ned long before the signing of peace, and at a tijne when the wavering and quibbling policy of England induced the American commissioners at Ghent, to write to their government, " that £10 hopes of peace, as likely to result from it» (the negotiation) could be entertained." From an official account, it appeared, that Ihe number of men under command of General .faf'kson, and actually engaged against tlie en- eiri}', on the 8th January, amounted to 4,698. — • 'i*he enemy's force, by his own account, exceed- ed 10,000.^ By an article in a Jamaica paper, of the 3d December, it was staled, that the expedition then prepared to go against the United States, under command of Sir Alexander Cochrane, and Maj. Gen. Keane, (the same that afterwards en- tered the Mississippi,) consisted of 1 ship of 80 guns, b of 74, 3 of bO, 1 of 44, 6 of 38, 2 of 36, 3 of 32, 3 of 16, 2 of 14, and a of 6 guns-^Total 5:8; carrying 1084 guns, besides a great num- ber of cutters, transports, &c. On the 21st Jan. Gen. Jackson directed an ad- dress to be publicly read at the bead of each of the corps composing the lines nearNew-Orlcins. It must have, beea a difficult and delicate task to J^2 HISTORY OF THE WAB. do justice to individuals, ^vhere all acted so wel^ proving, in the general's words, " tbat a rampart of high minded men is a better defence, thau Uie most regular fortification." This address contained the following emphati- ca) paragraph. » Reasoning always from false principles they (the enemy) expected little opposition from men whose oificers even \yere not in uniform, who were ignorant of the rules of dress, and who had never been caned into discipline — fatal mistake ! a fire in- ressantly kept up, directed with calmness, and with imerrieg aim, strewed the field with the brave ofli- cers and men of the column, which slowly advanced, according to the most approved rules of European iacdcsy and was cut down by the untutored courage of the American miUtia. Unable to sustain this gal- ling and unceasinpc fire, some hundreds nearest the entrenchments called for quarters, which was grantt ed— the rest, retreating, were rallied at some dis- tance, but only to make them a surer mark for the grape and cannister shot of our artillery, which, vvithcut exaggeration, mowed do-^-n whole ranks a i: (very discharge ; and, at length* they precipitately retreated from the field." The follawing officers ar.d volunteers are par- ticularly noticed by the genera! : Generals Cof- fee, Carroll, Adair, De Flanjac, Vilfere, Mor- gan, Humbert, (acting as a volunteer,) Mexican ; Field Marshal Don Juande Anavar, (volunteer;) Colonels Ross, Dyer, Gibson, Elliot, Bl«Rea, Ferry, De la Ronde, Haynes, Piatt, Anderson, (killed.) and Adjf. Gen. Col. Butler ; Lieut. Col. Lauderdale, (killed ;) Majors Hinds, Blan- che, Caimae, St. Geme, Nicks, Chotard, Davis, Hampton, Tatuin, Lacalliere de la Tour, and La Caste and Dagain, commandiHg two corps of coioiircd men ; Captains Baker, Humphreys^ MXSTOEr OF THE WAK. 293 Savaryj Beal, Ogden, Lewis, Livingston, Lefe- bfe, Pianchai'd, Smifh, Griffin, Malion, (killed,) Pace, (killed,) and the brothers Lafitte and Do- minique, and Bellncbe, (Barratarians ;) Lieu- tenants M*CielIan, (killed,) Dupy, Spotts, Kerr, Alexis, Crawford, (killed,) and Leach; Com- modore Patterson, Captain Henley, Lieutenants Norris and Growly, and Midshipman Erasmus Watkins, of the navy ; Aids-de-eamp Thos. D. Butler, John Heed, Livingston, Duncan, Grymes, Duplessis, and De Castera; Doctors Kerr and Flood 5* Judge Lewis, (volunteer;) and Messrs. Chauveau, Hiriart, Latrobe, Gilbert, Bosquet> and Decoin. Several desperate characters, citizens of the United States, as well as foreigners, natives of different countries, had associated themselves into a band of pirates, under the chief Lafitte, and liad taken up their residence in the island of Barritaria, near the mouth of the Mississippi, The government of the United States caused this unlawful establishment to be broken up. The expedition against the Barritarians, took posses- sion of all the piratical vessels, their prizes, and a considerable quantity of arms and property, without opposition, on the 16th September, 1814^. The vessels thus taken, consisted of six scboo- ners, and one felucca, cruisers and prizes of the pirates, one brig, a prize, and 2 armed schooners, both in line of battle with the armed vessels of the pirates. The establishment on shore, which was also taken possession of, consisted of about 40 houses. The pirates had mounted on their vessels 20 pieces of cannon, of different calibres, and their number consisted of between 800 and 1000 men, of all nations and colours. The ex- pedition agaioi^t the pirates was under command. :l9ii HlSXeilY OF XHB WAR. of Com. Patterson, of the navy, having oh board a detachment of land troops, under command ol Gol. Ross. The Barritarian pirates took part in the de- fence of New-Oileans, against the ]>ritish, and were both active and serviceable. It was, also, satisfactorily ascertained, that they had, previ- ous to their dispersion, refused an alliance with the British, rejecting the most seducing terms of invitation. Induced, by these considerations, and at the recommendation of the general as- sembly of the state of Louisiana, the President of the United States granted to such of them as aided in defence of New- Orleans, a full par- don for all oifences against the laws of the Unit^ ed States, committed previous to the 8th Janu- ary, 1S15. The enemy, after being defeated near New- Orleans, turned his attention to the state of Georgia; and, from appearances, intended a visit to Savannah. The unprepared state of Georgia, and the dreadful character of the en- emy, caused a great alarm among the inhabi- tants of the state-. On the 11th January, 1815, the enemy, t© ihe number of 1500 or 2000 men, elfectcd a landing On Cumberland island. On the loth. Point Petre was carried by storm; and, on the ibllowing day, St. Mary's capitulated, in con- sequence of a flag sent from the inhabitants of the town. The enemy evacuated Point Petre and St. Mary's, the 21st January, after burning the barracks, and blowing up the fort. Had the enemy attempted Savannah, he would have met a reception similar to that experienced at New- Orleans. No people ever turned out more gen- erally, or with more alaerify? than tie men of aiSTOilY OF THE WAR. 29 J Georgia. The militia, in every part of the state, were in motion, when the news of peace . and refreat of the enemy, reached them. While the enemy was marching against Point Petre, Capt. Massias, of the 1st U. S, rifle corps, at the head of 60 men, attempted to oppose 1000, com- mitted considerahle havoc aujong the enemy, and retreated, with the loss of 1 killed, 4 wound- ed, and 9 missing. The fortress of Mobile, within the limits of the purchase of Louisiana, had been retained by (he Spaniards, notwithstanding its purchase by the United States. The war between Great- Britain and the United States rendered it ne- cessary to occupy this place, lest it should fall into the possession of the enemy. On the 15th April, 1813, General Wilkinson appeared before it, at the head of a respectable force ; when, the garrison being summoned to surrender, the Spa- nish troops were immediately embarked for Pen- saeola ; and Mobile taken possession of by the United States' troops. Pensacola, although a Spanish post, was not properly entitled to the character of neutral. — The conduct of the Spanish governor left no doubt as to his attachment to the British, and his hostile disposition toward the United States. Pensacola was an asylum for hostile Indians; at Pensacola, they were ai med, provisioned, and paid. Pensacola was a depot of British arms, a home for traitors to the United States, and a place of rendezvous for every ally of the enemyv whether white, black, or red. As soon as the war in Europe was likely to end, and Britain at liberty to direct her whole force against the United States, the understand- ing with^ the governor of Florida, became less ^96 HISTORY Oi' THE "WAK. Biaskcd, and the British officers boldlv dated their public acts from " Head'C(uavterSf Pcnsa- cola,'' It >vas, under these circumstances, determin- ed to attack the British at their headquarters, and to storm the town, although defended by strong batteries, and supported bj seven armed British vessel in the bay. On tlie 7th Novem- ber, 1814, the attack was made, under the com- mand and direction of Gen. Jiiekson. The fol- lowing animated report of the assault, was made by General Jackson, in a letter to Governor Early : «' I entered sword in hand, with about 3000 brave followers, in the face of Spanish batteries, and a British fleet of 7 sail, anchored abreast and opposite the town. The English, by intrigue and base false- hood, induced the Spaniards to abandon the works commanding the harbour, entered them and blew them up, otherwise they would have fallen a sacri- fice to their own plans. When this took place, the fleet being at liberty to go out, did so ; and I evacu- ated the town, leaving the Spaniards favourably im- pressed with our conduct, and disgusted with their British friends." Fort Bowyer was closely besieged by land and water, on the 8th February, 1815, by a very large force of the enemy. The garrison con- sisted of 360 men, including officers, commanded by Lieut. Col. W. Lawrence. The enemy ad- yanced by regular approaches, and was within certain musket shot of the parapets of the fort, on the land side, when the garrison was surren- dered, on the 12th, by capituIation.-r-There were but few lives lost on either side. On the 24th February, 6 barges of the enemy proceeded up the river St. Mary's, with a yiew 1 IIISTOUY OF THE WAR. 297 to burn the mills belonging to Mr. A. Clark. — They ^vere opposed by a tew patriots from the Florida shore, when ihe boats taeked about to retreiit ; at this moment, about 30 men attacked them from an ambush on the opposite shore.-^ The enemy was thus placed between two fires, which continued to gall him until he reached a part of the river, where, by keeping the centre, he was beyond the reaeli of the fire from both shores. The enemy lost upwards of 100 men. I'he Aniericaus had only one man wounded. The U. S. ship President, Com. Decatur, sail- ed on a cruise from New-York, the 14th Janu- ary, 1S15. The ship, in going over the bar, grounded, and suffered so much in consequence, as evidently to affect her sailing; and was the cause of her subsequent capture, by a superior force of the enemy. At 5, A. M. on the 15th, the President fell in with the enemy's squadron, consisting of the Majestic, razee ; Endymion, Pomone, Tenedos, and Despatch brig. The injury done to the President, when she ground- ed off the Hook, prevented her outsailing the enemy's fleet. The Endymion (mounting fifty guns, 21b pounders, on the main deck) having ap- proached within gun-shot, commenced a firing at 3, P. M. more with a view to delay than t» Iry strength with the President. The latter, however, was enabled to bring her guns so far to bear, as to silence the Endymion, and to put her, by 8 o'clock, fully out of combat, so much crippled, that she could, with great difficulty, be worked, or kept afloat. The near approach of the other ships, obliged the President to aban- don a vessel, that must, if not supported by her consorts, have surrendered. The Pomone and Tenedos, came up and engaged the President at 298 HISTORY 01 THE WAU. the same time, the Majestic being also within gun-shot. It being useless and imprudent to engage so overpowering a ibree, Com. Decatur struck his flag, and went on board the Majes- tic, where he delivered his sword to Capt. Hays, the senior officer of the squadron, who politely returned it. The written parole granted to Com. Decatur, specified his having surrendered the President to a British squadron ; thus si- lencing those who wished to have it understood^ that the Commodore struck his flag to a single ship. The prize money, arising from the cap- ture of the President, was divided among the crews of the squadron, by which she was cap- tured. '^rhe loss on board the enemy could not be as- certained; that of the President consisted of 2* killed, and 50 wounded. Among the killed, were Lieutenants Babbit, Hamilton, and HowelL Commodore Decatur, in his official report, wrote that " a considerable number of his killed and wounded was from the fire of the Pomone; and that the Endymion had on board, in addition to her own crew, 1 lieutenant, 1 master's mate, and 50 seamen, belonging to the Saturn: and livhen the action ceased, was left motionless and unmanageable, until she bent new sails, rove new rigging, and fished her spars ; nor did she join the squadron until six hours after the action, am! three hours after the surrender of the Presi- dent." The U. S. frigate Constitution, Capt. Stewart, sailed from Boston, in December, 1814. When oft' Madeira, on the evening of the 20th Febru- ary, 1S15, she fell in with his Britannic majesty's ships Cyane and Levant, which she captared- after an action of iO minutes. HISTOUY OF THE WAK. 29^ The Cyane is a frigate built ship, mounting 3i carriage guns, viz. 22 32-pound carronades on the gun-deck, 8 18-pound carronades on the quarter-dc<}k, 2 18-pound carronades, and 2 long 9's, on the f\)recastle, with a complement of 180 men. The Levant mounted 21 carriage- guns, viz. 18 32-pound carronades, 2 long 9*s, and a shifting 12-pounder, on the top-gallant forecastle, with a complement of 156 men. The enemy's vessels suffered severely in spars, pigging, and sails. The Constitution received little injury, having but 4 men killed, and 10 wounded. The Cyane had 7 killed, and 17 wounded; the Levant, 9 killed, and 17 wounded. On the 12th March, the Constitution and her prizes, fell in with three British frigates. The frigates kept together, in chase of the Constitu- tion, lest, by separating they might be captured hi succession. The Constitution outsailed and escaped the enemy's squadron ; the Cyane arriv- ed at New- York ; and the Levant was attacked and taken by the British squadron, in the har- bour of Porto Praya, in the Island of St. Jago, in violation of the neutrality of the port, and contrary to the laws of nations. The Constitu-^ tion arrived safely in the United States. On the 19th July, 1813, the U. S. brig of war Syren, of 16 guns, was captured after a chase of 11 hours, by his Britannic majesty's frigate Medway. During the chase the Syren threw overboard all her guns, boats, anchors, cables> and spars. On the 25th May, 1815, the President of the United States informed Congress, that his ma« jesty the Emperor of Russia, had offered his mediation, in order to facilitate a peace between Great' Britain and th§ United Stated, that ^le S.QO HISTORY OP THE WAIU offer was accepted by the President, and that three citizens had been commissioned to treat accordingly. On the meeting of Congress in December fol- lowing, the President, in his message to both houses, informed them, that Great-Britain had declined negotiating under the mediation of Kussia. Notwithstanding this refusal of the British government, to accept the Russian mediation, the British ambassador, at the court of St. Pe- tersburg, directed a letter, in September, to the Russian government, intimating a desire to treat immediately with the American plenipo- tentiaries. Lord Castlereagh, secretary of state to his Britannic majesty, enclosed a copy of the above note in a letter of the Mb November, to the secretary of state of the United States, at the city of Washington, proposing that the two go- vernments would enter into direct negotiation, for a termination of the war, on terms that would be mutually advantageous ; and that tlie negotiations would be entered into at Gotten- burg or London. The proposition was prompt- ly acceded toby the American government, fix- ing on Gottenburg as the place of negotiation. The senate confirmed, on the 19th January, 1814, the nomination, by the President, of John Quincy Adams, James A. Bayard, Henry Clay, and Jonathan Russell, as ministers to treat for peace with British commissioners at Gotten- burg. It was afterward agreed, that the treaty should be held at Ghent. So indecisive and equivocating was the con- duct of British ministers, that n^any persons doubted whether any commissieners would be . HISTORY OJ- THE WAE. (SGI appointed on the part of Britain ; and, when appointed, it was pretty generally believed that the appointment was merely pro forma, without any intention to agree to reasonable terms of peace. The British government appointed, as their commissioners, Lord Gambier, Henry Goulburn, Esq. and William Adams, Esq. These person- ages arrived at Ghent the 6th August. At the first meeting with the American com- missioners, terms were offered on the part of England, so degrading and offensive to the Unit- ed States, that it was impossible to accept them ; and, as some of them were offered in the form of a sine qua won, there remained not a hope of a speedy negotiation of hostilities. The news, when arrived in the United States? roused at once the pride and the energy of the nation ; and produced an union of sentiment-, that presaged future glory and success. It was now evident, that the negotiations at Ghent, hung on those then pending before a con- gress of the ministers of several potentates, as- sembled at Vienna, for settling a general peace in Europe. It is easy to conceive, that the task to be per- formed by the congress at Vienna, was dilliculto "Wrapped up in state secrecy, and influenced by state intrigues, the course of negotiation at Vi- enna, was, in a ^reat degree, withheld from the public eye. The continued armaments of Eu- ropean powers, and the military parade with which the Duke of Wellington appeared in Bel- gium, even before lite Emperor of Elba ceased to be a pensioner of Louis XVIIT, led to the sus- picion, that the rights of European sovereigns must be settled by a new effusion of the blood of their subjects. Aa d02 HISTOKY 01? TUE WAR. AVhatever niolive may have influenced the British government, it is certain, that a very sudden change of tone was produced on their part. Tlie consequence was, that a treaty of peace, hetween Great Britain and the United States, was signed at Ghent, the 2Mh Decemher, 181i, hy Lord Gambier, Henry Gouiburn, and William Adams, as commissioners on the part of England ^ and by John Quincy Adams, J. A. Bayard, Henry Clay, Jonathan Russell, and Al- bert Gallatin, as commissioners on the part of the United States; ratified at London the 28(h of tlie same month, and ratified at the city of "Washington, on the 17th February, 181^. The terms of the treaty being considered honourable to the country, and satisfactory to the citizens, their ratification was followed by the most general and enthusiastic joy, accom- || panied by illuminations, &c. &c. in every part of ^ the union. Measures, early as possible, were taken to ^ bring home, and restore to their country and | friends, a great number of American prisoners, confined in the depots in England. Among these were many, who, having been impressed, and forced to serve the British government for many years before the war, had, on that occa- sion, refused to fight against their country and friends ; and were, in consequence, treated as prisoners of war, although not taken in time of war, or in arms. An unfortunate event prevented many of the unhappy prisoners from revisiting their country; or sent them to it, with marks of British bar- barity, which will remain on them for life. On the 6th April, 1815, Capt. T. G. Short- land, keeper of the prison of Dartmoor, having HISTORY OF THE WAR. SOS discovered a small hole in one of the inner walls of the prison, made it a pretext for drawing out the army against the prisoners. The alarm bell^ instead of causing the prisoners to retreat to their prisons, induced many of them to press forward to discover the cause : this was certain- ly more a proof of innocence, than of any pre- meditated attempt to escape from a pla^e, whence tliey must have been soon released, with- out the i-isk of life. The measures taken, by order of Shoriland, previous to the massacre, Avere calculated to prevent the return of the prisoners who were thus left the more exposed to the fire of the soldiery. While thus embar- rassed, they were charged by the soldiery ; and while running in great confusion to discover the few doors left open for their escape into the pri- ■ son, they were fired on by the centinels on the walls. In this manner, 7 were killed, and 6a wounded. A committee of the prisoners investi- gated this transaction, and gave in their report, all the appearance of a foul and premeditated murder. The British government in order to lessen this stigma on its officers, agreed to have an investi- gation made by two persons, one to be appoint- ed by the British minister, the other by the American. F. S. Larpent was appointed by the former, and Charles King by the latter. The re- port of these commissioners certainly softened the apparent culpability of Shorthand, but the correctness of the report has been denied by the prisoners, not by any wilful representation of the commissioners, but from a want of sufficient in- formation or inquiry. The subject of Dartmoor is referred to, for the purpose of directing the readers to the peri- 364. HISTORY OF THE WAK, 0(1 of the massacre, but without the intention of entering into a detail, which the present limits will not allow. Although a ratified treaty of peace had been exchanged, at Washington, on the 17th Febru- ary* .yet by its articles, captures made in distant seas were allowed, until certain periods after the date of i^tifieation. The events produced during this time, proved both honourable and advanta- geous to the Americans. At half past 10, A. M. the 23d March, 1815, Captain Biddle, commanding the United States* sloop Hornet, being oif the north end of the is- land of Tristan d'Acunha, discovered a sail to the southward and eastward. He immediately made sail for her. At 1, 40, P. M. an action commenced. After a well fought engagement, of 22 minutes, the enemy cried for quarters, and was taken possession of by the victorious Ameri- can. She proved to be his Britannic majesty's brig Penguin, mounting 16 32-pound carronades, 3 long twelves, a 12-pound carronade on the top- gallant forecastle, with swivels on the capstern in the tops: she had a spare port forward, so as, to iight both her long guns of a side. The enemy had a complement of 132 men, i2 of whom were supernumerary n]arines, from the Medway,. 7*. After the prisoners were removed, and some pro- visions and stores taken from the Penguin, she was, by order of Captain Biddle, scuttled and sunk, her crippled and riddled state rendering-it unadvisable to attempt sending her to the United States. " This ship, (said Captain Biddle, in his official report,) did not receive a single shot in her hull, nor any material wound in her spars ; the rigging and sails were very much cut ; but having bent a new HISTORY OF THE WAR. 305 set of sails, and knotted and secured our rigging, we are now completely ready, in all respects, for any service. We were eight men short of complement, and had nine upon the sick list, the morning of the action/' The enemy acknowledged a loss of fourteeir killed, and twenty-eight vvounded; but Mr. Mayo, who was in charge of the prize, said that the number was certainly greater. Capt. Dick- enson, the commander of the Penguin, was kil- led, and the boatswain, second lieutenaut, pur- ser, and two midshipmen, wounded. Each of the midshipmen lost a leg. The officers of the Penguin relate, that, dur- ing the action with the Hornet, a thirty-two pound shot came in at the after-port of the Pen- guin, on the larboard side — carried away six legSf killed the powder boy of the division, cap- sised the opposite gun on the starboard side, passed througli the port, and ^* sunk in sullen silence to the bottom." The war between the United States and Great Britain, left a favourable opportunity for the pi- rates of Africa, to prey on the persons and pro- perty of the Americans. The Algerines de- clared war, and fitted out a fleet accordingly. Having given in pages 21 and 522, the list of the American Navy, as it stood at the com- mencement of the war with Great-Britain, it may be considered interesting to know how the Lilliputian navy stood at the end of the war, which was to «^ blow it out of the water." The following is the naval list of shipping, in April, 1816. 7'hose vessels, whose names are marked (^) are sucli as remain of the naval force before the war. Those marked (5) are building. Those marked in Italic are such as were captured from A a 2 306 HISTORY OF THE WAK. the Britisli, during the war. The rest liave been built or purchased during the war. Those that are blank have no armament at present. Rates. Names nf Vessels. p Independence CommandeTs. Station, &(C. 74 Sh Com. Wm. Bainbridge Boston 74 Washington Capt. I. Chauncey do. 74 Franklin Philadelphia: 74 New-Orleans § Sacket's Harbor 74 Chippewa ^ do. do. 44 Guerriere, flap; ship Com. S. Decatur Boston 44 United States* J. Shaw Mediterranean! 44 Java O. H. Perry do. 44 Constitution * C. Stewart Boston 44 Plattsburgh \ Sacket's Harbor 44 Superior do, do. S6 Constellation* C. Gordon Mediterranean »36 Con2;ress * C. Morris Mediterranean :?6 Macedonian L, Warrington do. • 32 Mohawk Sacket's Harbor i Confiance Lake Champlain Cyane New-York 24 Saratoga Lake Champlain 24 John Adams E. Trencharcl Mediterranean 24 General Pike W. VV\ Crane Sacket's Harbor 20 Madison do. do. 20 Jhrt W. Stewart Mediterranean 18 Hornet* J. Biddle Wew-York 18 Wasp J. Blakely At Sea 18 Peacock L. Rodgers J. D. Elliot New-York 18 Ontario Mediterranean 13 Erie C. P. Ridgely do. 13 Louisiana* C. C. B. Thomi:«on New-Orleans 18 Briff Jefferson Sacket's Harbor 18 Jones M. T. Woolsey do. do. 18 Epervier J. Downs At sea 18 Niagara Lake Erie 18 Ijawrence Erie, Penn. 18 Detroit do. do. 18 Eagle Lake Champlaici 16 Sylph Sacket's Harbor 16 Chippewa P. C. Read New-York 16 Quern ClmrloUe Erie, Penn. J6 Saranac New-York 16 Linnet Lake Champlain 16 Boxer J. Porter New-York 16 Troup Oneida Savannah 14 T. Brown Sacket's Harbor 14 ^nterprize * L. Kearny New-York 12 Flambeau J. B. Nicholson Do. 12 Firefly G. IV.Rodger3 Do.i 12 Spark T. Gamble Do. .'.0 Hunter Erie, Penn. 9 Prometbeus A. S. Wadsworth Boston HISTOllY OF THE WAR* 307 Rat e.j. Names of Vesseh . Ghent Commanders. Station^ g(c^ 5 Erie, Penn. 3 Caledonia Do. do. Etna, bomb L. Alexis New-Orleans 17 Scbr. Ticonderoga Lake Champlain 14 Nonsuch Trant West-Indies ll Spitfire A. J. Dallas New-York ' lO Torch W. Chauncey Do. 10 Lady Prevoat Erie, Penu. Tom Bowlioe Hoffman New-York 9 Alligator New-York 7 Roanoke B. D. Conkley Wilmington, N.C. 7 Firebrand New -Orleans Surprise Do. 8 Conquest Sacket's Harbour 5 Hornet F. Forrest Washington, D. C. 5 Lynx T. Dukehart New-York 4 Pair American Sacket's Harbour 4 Helen Newcastle, Del. 8 Despatch Norfolk 3 Asp W Atkinson Baltimore 3 Porcupine Erie, Penn. 3 Lady of the Lai :e Sacket's Harbour 3 Pert Do. dp- 2 Governor Tompkins Do. do. 1 Ranger Baltimore 1 Ontario Sacket's Harbour 1 Amelia Erie, Penn. 2 Asp Sacket's Harbour ] Raven Do. do. 12 Sloop President Lake Champlain ]t Finch Do. do. Jl Chubb Do. do. 7 Preble Do. do. 6 Montgomery- Do. do. 5 Biiffaloe Philadelphia 5 Camel Do. 2 Tickler New-Orleans n Galley Allen Lake Champlaiu 2 Burrows Do. do. 2 Boxer Do. do. 2 Nettle Do. do. 2 Viper Do. do. 2 Centipede Do. do. 1 Ludlow Do. do. 1 Wiimer Do. do. I Alwyn Do. do. 1 Ballard Ketch Spitfire ^ Vesuvius* ■ Venseance Do. do. Norfolk New-York Do. Barges from No. I to 15, inclusive, on Lake Ontario, mounting eadi — - sruns. and now at Sacke '? Harbour. The old gunboats have been cliiefly sold. 308 HISTORY OF THE WAR. It would be a curious question in political arith- metic, to determine what number of American ships and their rates, would be sufficient to destroy the British navy, taking the naval events of the late war as a scale by which to calculate ; and how long it would take to provide the necessary number of ves- sels, taking the increase of the navy, during the war, as a ratio. LIST OF AMERICAN PRIZES, Which have arrived, or been " Satisfactorily ac» counted for,** with the name of the Privateers, &c. and the number captured by each vessel, during the war. (From Mies* Register,) Abaellino of Boston U. S. ship Adams Boat Alert, of Burlington, Lake Champlain Alexander of Salem Alfred of Salem Amelia of Bath Amelia of Baltimore America of Salem Anaconda of N. York Argo of Baltimore U. S. brig Argus Argus of Boston Atlass of Philadelphia Avon of Boston Baltimore of Baltimore Bellona of Philadelphia U. S. Barges Black Joke of New- YoFk Blakely of Boston Boats from Buffiiioe Brutus of Boston Buckskin of Salem Bunkerhill of N. York Cadet of Salem Caroline of Baltimore' Catharine of Boston Ciiamplain Privateer Charles Stewart of Boston Chasseur of Baltimore Chauncey's sqiiadruu on Lake Otttam U. S. frigate Chesapeake Comet of Baltimore U. S. frigate Congress v.. S, frigate CoBstitutivHi ]0 ]0 1 3 l> 21 34 3 1 24' 4 2 2 2 2 2 li 3 9 4 6 2 29 1 1 = 1 27 22 4 29 4 12.., HISTORY OF THE WAR. 309 Custom House Barge 1 Dart of Portland 6 Dash of Portland 9 David Porter of N. York 6 David Porter of Boston 8 Decatur of Newburyport 6 Decatur of Charkston 11 Delisle of Baltimore 3 Diamond of Baltimore 1 Diomede of Salem 1 Divided we fall of New-York J6 Dolphin of Baltimore 7 Dolphin of Salem 17 Dromo of Boston 1 Eagle of Charleston 3 Eliza 1 U. S. brig Enterprize !> U. S. frigate Essex 12 Essfx Junior 3 Expedition of Baltimore 4 Fair Trader of Salem 7 Fairy of Baltimore 2 Fame of Salem 10 Fame of Thomastown 1 FUrtof N.YorJc 1 Fly 2 Fox of Salem 4 Fox of Baltimore 2 Fox of Portsmouth 28 Franklin of N. York 9 U. S. sloop of war Frolic I Frolic of Salem 12 Full blooded Yankee 1 Galloway of N.York I General Armstrong of New-York IB General Stark of Salem 4 General Putnam of Salem 1 Globe of Baltimore 7 Gossamerof Boston ] Governor Tompkins of N. York iJ2 Governor M'Kean of Philadelphia 3 Gov«^rnor Plumer of Portsmouth 3 Grampus of Baltimore 7 Grand Turk of Salem 21 Grovyler 4 U. S. Gun-boats ?o Harpy of Baltimore 13 Harrison of Baltimore 8 Hawk of Washington N. C. 1 Hazard 1 Henry Guilder of N. Y. 1 Herald of N. York 3 Hero of N. York 5 HeroofNewbern 2 Hero ofStonington 1 High Flyitr of Baitimore T 310 HISTOKT OF THE WAR. Holkar of N. York 9' Boat Holkar Hope U. S. sloop of war Hornet Hunter Ida of Baltimore Ida of Boston Industry of Lynn 3 Industry of Marblehead 1 Industry ef Salem ino of Boston 3 2 Invincible of N. York 5 Invincible of Salem 4 Jack's Favourite of New- York 6 Jacob Jones of Boston 3 James Munroe 5 Jefferson of Salem 6 Joel Barlow 2 Jonquil of N. York. 5 John of Salem n John and George Kemp of Baltimore 16 Lady Madison of AVjlmingtoQ N. E. 1 On Lake Superior 2 On Lake Huron 3 On Lake Champlain 8 Lark 1 Lawrence of Baltimore 14 Leach of Salem 2 Leader of Providence R. I . Jjeander of Providence 1 Jieo of Baltimore 14 Leo of Boston 8 Liberty of Baltimore 7 Jjittle George of Boston Letter of Marque, of Wilmington, N. C 1 2 Lovely Cordelia of Charleston 20 Lovely Lass of Charleston 1 Lyon of Marblehead 4 Macedonian of Baltimore 1 Macedonian of Boston 6 Macedonian of Portsmouth 9 Madison of Salem . 7 Marengo of N. York 8 Mammoth of Baltimore - 28 M'Donough of Rhode-Island 2 M'Donoughof B oston 7 Mars of Norfolk 3 Mars of N. York 4 Mars of New London 2 Mary Ann of Charleston 5 Matilda of Philadelphia Midas of Baltimore 10 On Mobile Bay 2 Morgiana of N. York 6 Montgoraeiy of Salem 8 HISTORY OIF THE WAR, 3ll Nancy 1 Ked of Baltimore 1 Nonpariel of Charleston 1 IVonsucli of Baltimore 4 U. S. schooner Nonsuch I Orders in Council of New- York 5 Orlando of Gloucester 3 Patriot of New- York 9 Paul Jones of New- York H Perry of Baltimore ^ 24 Com. Perry's squadron on Lake Erie 9 United States' sloop of war Peacock 15 Patapsco of Baltimore 3 Pike of Baltimore 13 Pilot of Baltimore 3 Polly of Salem 7 Portsmoutli of Portsmouth N. H. 9 Poor Sailor ol Charleston 1 Pnnce of Neufchatel 35 Rambler of Bristol 2 Rambler of Boston 5 Ranger of Boston 3 Rapid of Boston 4 Rapid of Charleston 4 United States' brig Rattlesnake 4 Rattlesnake of Philadelphia 25 Regulator 1 Reindeer of Boston 6 Resolution of Boston 1 Retaliation of New -York 1 Revenge of Baltimore 9 Revenge of Norfolk 2 Revenge of Philadelphia 3 Revenge of Salem 5 Revenue Cutters 5 Roger of Norfolk 8 Roger of Baltimore 3 Rolla of Baltimore 11 Commodore Rodgers's squadrOB 19 Rosamond of New-York 3 Rossie of Baltimore J 4 Rover of N. York 1 Row boat privateer 2 Sabine of Baltimore _ 5 At Sandy Creek by rifleraea 5 Sarah Ann of Baltimore I Saranac of Baltimore 2 Saratoga of N, York 19 Scourge of N. York 29 Saucy Jack of Charlestoa 27 Shark of N. York 1 Sine-qua-non of Boston I Scorpion of Salem 2 Siro of Baltimore 1 Snap Dragon of Newbern N. C. 28 312 HISTORY OP THE WAE. Snowbird of Salem . ii Sparrow of Baltimore 2 Spark of N. Vork 3 Sp7 of New-Orleans 1 Surprise of Baltimore 36 Boat Surprise and Boat Swiftsure 2 Spencer of Philadelphia 1 Squando of Portsmouth N. H» 1 United States' brig Syren 2 Syren of Baltimore 7 On the St. Lawrence Teazer of N. York 8 13 Terrible (boat) ■^-.v Thomas of Portsmouth • S^: , Thorn of Marblehead 1 Thrasher 1 Timothy Pickering 1 Tom of Baltimore 4 True-blooded Yankee 27 Two Brothers of New-Orleans I Two r'rieuds of Massachusetts i Tuckahoe of Baltimore 2 U. S. frigate United States 1 Ultor of Baltimore 19 United We Stand of NeW-York 1 Upton (a prize ship) 1 Viper of N. York 3 Viper of Salem } Warrior of N York 9 U. S. ship of war Wasp 16 Wasp of Baltimore 2 Wasp of Philadelphia 2 Wasp of Salem 1 Washington of Portland I Waterwich of Bristol 1 Whig of Baltimore 14 Wiley Reynard of Boston 4 Whale boat 1 Yankee of Bristol R. I 38 Yankee (smack) Yorktown of N. York 2 5 York of Baltimore 10 Young Bade of N. York ► 2 Young TeSzer of N. York 6 Young Wasp of Philadelphia 11 Sundry vesselsj names not ascertained 16 Total, 1834 APPENDIX. HISTORY ALGEMNE WAE. The Dey of Algiers took advantage of (he war between England and the United States, as a convenient opportunity to attack the trade, and to capture the citizens of the latter power. On the 23d February, 1815, the following confiden- tial message from the President of the United States, was delivered to both houses of congress s To the Senate and House of Refiresentatives o/* the United States. Congress will have seen, by the communication from the consul general of the United States at Al- giers, laid before them on the ]7th November, ISIS, the hostile proceedings of the Dey against that func- tionary. These have been followed by acts of more overt and direct warfare against the citizens of the United States trading in the Mediterraneat], some of whom are still detained in captivity, notwitbstanding the attempts which have been made to ransom them, and are treated with the rigour usual on the coast of Barbary. The considerations which rendered it unnecessary and unimportant to commence hostile operations on the part of the United States, being now terminated by the peace with Great-Britain, which opens the B b 3l4^ APPENDIX. prospect of an active and valuable trade of their citizens within the rarge of the Algerine cruisers, I recommend to coHgress the expediency of an act declaring the existence of a state of war between the United States and the Dey of Algiers ; and of such provisions as may be requisite for a vigorous prose- cution of it to a successful issue.. JAMES MADISON. Washington^ Feb. 23, 1815. ' A law of congress was, after the usual forms, passed, empowering tlie President to take mea- sures for the prote' tioii of tlie eommerce and seamen of llie United States ; and also to employ the public armed vessels, and to commission pri- vate armed vessels, to act oifi nsively against the •vessels, goods, effects, and subjects of the Dey of Algiers. This measure was not adopted until after the most satisfactory assurances of the liosliiijy of the Dcyi and that he had actually put an end. hy liis unprovoked aggressions, to the treaty sub- sisting between him and the United States. In July, 1812, the Dey extorted from the American consul general, a large sum of money, in lieu of a quantity of military stores, which he refused to accept, falsely alledgingthat they were not equal in quality or quantity to those stipulated by the existing treaty ; and then compelled the consul and citizens of the United States to quit his do- minions. On the 25th August following, the American brig Edwin, of Salem, was taken hy an Algerine corsair, and carried into Algiers, as a prize. Mr. Pollard, of Norfolk, being found on board a Spanish vessel, was also detained as a citizen of the United States. Captain Smith, the master of the Kdwin, and Mr. Pollard, were not confined to hard labour ; but the rest of the APPENDIX. 315 captams, with llie exception of two of them^ w hose release has been etR^cted, under cireiim- stanees not iiidicatingany change of hostile tem- per on the part of (he De J, were subjected to the well known horrors of yVlgerine slavery. An Jc^iH^i of the United States* government, to eifect tJie release of these citizens, hy treaty, and the payment of a large sum of money, had failed. There never was a war commenced with a greater share of general approbation; and it re- mained a wonder, that one public journal, (the Connecticut Mirror) should condemn a measure which had for its o!)ject the releasement from slavery of eleven American citizens, the punish- uiont of barbarians, justly detested by the civili- zed world; and the putting into glorious prac-^ tieo, the popnlar sentiment, ^r millions for de- feneCf but not a cent for tribute,*' A private letter from Lisbon, dated 2d May, 4815, stated, on the authority of advices froui Cadiz, that the Algerine admiral had put to sea, with a fleet consisting of 4 frigates. 6 corvettes, 3 brigs, 1 zebec, 1 schooner, 1 galley, 49 gurr- boats, and 11 bombards, in all 66 vessels, mount- ing 'i6o guns, and having on board 4745 men ; the supposed object was to cruise for American ves- sels. • _ The force destined by the United States, to punish tlie enemy, was to consist of the Inde- pendence, 7Jb, Guerriere, 4i, Macedonian, 38, Congress and Constellation, 36, Erie, Ontario, anxj Kpervier, IS, Chippewa, 16, Flambeau and Spark, 12, Spitfire and Torch, 10, and Lynx^ (lender)! long 2i ; in all 44 vessels, carrying 490 guns. Some immaterial alteration was af-- terward mada in this arrangement. 316 AP-PCNJDI^. On the 18th May, 1815, the Umted States' squadron, destined i\ir the Mediterranean, sailed from New-York: It consisted of the frigates Ouerriere, (com. Decatur's flag ship) captain Lewis ; Macedonian, captain Jones ; Constella- tion, captain Gordon ; sloop of war Ontario, captain Elliot; hrigs Epervier, captain Downs; Fire Ely, Rogers; Flambeau, Nicholson ; Spark, Gamble; schooners Spitfire, Dallas, and Torch, Chauncey. This squadron was followed by that under command of Com. Bainhridge, consisting of the Independence, 7i, sloop of war Erie, 18, brig Chippewa, 16, and schooner Lynx. The United States' brigs Boxer, Saranac, and Fnterprize sailed, in August, for the Mediterra- nean. The hi ig Firc-Fly had sailed some time previous for the same destination, but was com- pelled to return to repair damages sustained in a gale. The Ontario, and some of the light ves- sels arrived at Gibraltar on the 13th June, and Commodore Decatur, with the rest of his squad- ron, on the lith ; and, on the evening of that day, all the vessels proceeded to their destina- tion. The following letters will explain some of the proceedings in the Mediterranean. Copy of a letter from the American consul at Ali» cante, t-o the s^ecretary of state, dated, Micante^ June 21sr, 1815i Sir— I have the honour to inform you, that, by a letter this moment received from my vice-consul, Nicholas Briale, at Carthagena, I learn that the first division of our squadron, under commodore Decatur, had appeared off that port, and sent in an Algerine frigate of 44 guns and 500 men, captured off C ape dc Gatt, after a sharp engagemeijt, during which the uonimandei- of the Algerme was killed. Our loss consisted of four men. The Commodore had sect in a schooner for refreshment, and other necessaries, •with which she immediately sailed for the fleet. — - The prize must perform ten days quarantine. I shall set off within two hours for that place in order to make further provision for the fleet, if necessary, and render every other service in my power — from thence I shall have the honour of addressing you, and advise what furlher may occur. With sentiments of the highest respect, I am, sir? your most obedient servant, ROBERT MONTGOMERY. To the honourable the secretary of state. C^py of a letter from the American consul at Cadiz- to the secretary of state, dated Consulate of the United States, Cadii, June 27, 1815. Sir — -I have much pleasure in referring you to the subjoined statement, for the interesting and impor- (ant information it contains, which I doubt not, in a great part may be relied on. The informant addsj that about 40O prisoners had been landed from the prize frigate, and that but few had been saved from the brig. The wind being now from the S. W. makes it probable that the particulars of this actioa from the commodore, will not come to hand for some days. With much respect, I have the honour to be, 8cc RICH'D. S.HACKLEY. Hon. James Monroe^ secretary of state* A letter, of wliieh the fol'owing is a copy, au- nouneed the arrival of the American squadron at Gibraltar, after a passage of 2.^ days. Copy of a letter from Commoqore Decatur to the secretary of the navy, (received via Norfolk^ dat«dj Rb2 318 ApriaNDix. United States* shift Gtierriere,) Off Gibraltar ^ June 15, 1815. Sir— -I have the honour to inform you of our ar- rival off this place on the I5th, after a passage of 25 days, having previously communicated with Cadiz and Tangiers. The Spitfne, Torch, and Firefly, separated from the squadron during a gale of wind on the 26th ult. and the Ontario on the 3 1st. I am happy to find they have, with the exception of the Firefly, all arrived ; the latter vessel I fear may have lost her spars, and have returned to the United States. From all the information I can collect, I feel assured, that the Algerines have returned into the Mediterranean. The vessels that had separated from iiB, are now joining, and I shall proceed in search of the enemy forthwith. I have the honour to be, very respectfully, &c. STEPHEN DECATUR. The commodore lost no time in the prosecuj. tion of his object; scarcely arrived in the Medi- terranean^ he commenced to pay tribute to the barbarians, as will be best explained bj his letter to the secretary of war, of wliicli the following is a eopy : Extract of a tetter from conumodors Stephen Deca-^ tur, to the secretary of the navy y (received vVci. J\/'orfolk,J dated^ United States' ship Guerriere, Off Carthagena, June 19, 1815. ^' i have the honour to inform you, that on the 17tb ijist. off Cape de Gatt, the squadron fell in with and captured an Algerine frigate of 46 «un, and between 4 and 50Q men, commanded by Rais Hamroida, who bore the title of admiral ; she struck her flag after a running fight of 23 minutes. "The admiral was killed at the commencement oi the action. After the Guerriere (who from her fa- vourable position was enabled to bring the enemy to clpse acUoo)-had fired two broadsidesjth^ eneipy, with the exception of a few musketeers, ran below.' The Guerrierc had four men wounded by musket shot, which is the only injury done by the enemy in this affair. " We have 406 prisoners including the wounded. The prisoners state that about thirty were killed and thrown overboard. ^ '• Their squadron is said to be cruising in our vi- cinity ; five days ago they were off this place, unless I obtain some further intelligence of them by to- morrow, I shall proceed to the port of Algiers, in the hopes to intercept their return. For the present^ 1 have determined to send the prize into Carthagena." On the 20th June, the commodore comnumi- eated a second victory, in a letter, in the follow^ ing words : Copy of a letter from Commodore Decatur to the secretary of the navy, dated United States' ship, Guerriere, off Cape Palosy June 20, 1815. Sir— —I have the honour to inform you, that ©n the i9ih inst. off cape Palos, the squadron under my com- mand, captured an Algerine brig of twenty-two guns, and one hundred and eighty men. After a chase of three hours, she ran into shoal water, where I did not think it advisable to follow with our large ships, but despatched the Epervier, Spark, Torchj and Spit- fire, to whom she surrendered after a short resistance. Twenty-three men were found dead on board. We received from her eighty prisoners, the residue of her crew having left her in boats. Many of them must have been killed by the fire of our vessels, and one of the boats was sunk. None of our vessels sustained any damage, nor was there a man killed or wounded. This brig is larger than the Epervier— = was built ia Algiers, five years ago, by a Spanish coa- structor., the same who built the frigate captured on. the 17th inst. and is perfectly sound. I kave the honour to be, very respectfully, &c.. STEPHEN DEOATUR. Commodore Bainbridge arrived at Cai'tlragena earJy in August, >vith the second American squad- ron, whence he proceeded to Algiers, Tripoii, and Tunis, in order to Dmke a display of his force, the respectable appearance of which could not fall to make a deep, useful, and it may be hoped, a lasting impression. Haying performed this service, the commodore sailed to Malaga, and thence to Gibraltar, where he stopped some time, and reciprocated compliments with the British Commander in Chief, thence the squad- ron sailed for the United States, and arrived at Newport the 15th November. . Commodore Bainbridge was joined while at Malaga by all Commodore Decatur's squadron except his own ship. It was as gratifying to the American as it was probably mortifying to the Englishnjan, to sec such a ileet, in a British port, and that so soon after the termination of a war which was to have annihilated the " Lillipu- tian navy." On the arrival of the Heei at Gibraltar, an understanding was had between Commodore Bainbridge and the British commander, that a salute of fifteen guns would be fired from the squadron, and a like number returned from the fort. By mistake seventeen guns were tired from the Independence, the commodore immedi- ately despatched an officer to acquaint the com- mander of the mistake ; but before the officer reached the commandcF, orders were given to fire two more guns, in addition to the fifteen al- ready fired. This circumstance is material only as far as it goes to prove the distinguished re- spect shown to the American flag; a respect for the proud frtiit of determined yalour and con- summate prudence. APPENDIX. 321 The situation in "Nvhieh the American charac- ter was about to be placedvVtas truly envious. — A few months after causing the greatest naval power in Europe to haul down its proud flag, the Americans were destined, by aid of the ships captured from England, to speak thunder to those piratical nionarehs of Afriea, to whom that very England was in the habit of paying tribute. It remained for America, infant America, the country of Washington and Franklin, to break up a system which was, if possible, more dis- graceful to the civilized nations who submitted to it, than to the barbarous states who imposed it» 'But America, by the use she made of victory, has gained for herself an honour, and been rais- ed to a pinnacle of glory, to which no victory^ however splendid, could have raised her. The favourite maxim of the nation was and is " mil" lions for defence^ but not a cent for tribute,'^^^ True to this policy, she made it a sine qua non of peace, and this being concluded, the humbled enemy was permitted to take back those ships, which were to remain for ever innocent, as res- pected the great western nation. Which of the haughty masters of enslaved Europe has ever given such proof of magnanimity or of modera- tion in the midst of victory so complete ? Commodore Decatur arrived before Algiers, on the 29th June, and hoisted a flag of truce on board the Guerriere, with the Swedish flag at the main. A boat came oif with Mr. Norderling, consul of Sweden, and the captain of the port, to whom the capture of the frigate and brig was communicated, and to whom Commodore Deca- tur and William Thaler, Esq. acting as commis- sioners to negociate a peace, delivered a letter for the Dev, from fhc President of the United 322 APPENDIX. Stales; and also a note from themselves? of which (he following is a copy : The American Commissioners to the Dey of Algiers, The undersigned have the honour to inform his highness the dey of Algiers, that they have been ap- pointed by the President of the United States of A-- merica : commissioners plenipotentiary to treat of peace with his highness, and that pursuant to their ' ihstruciions, they are ready to open a negociation for the restoration of peace and harmony between the two countries, on terms just and honourable to both parties ; and they feel it incumbent on them to state explicitly to his highness, that they are instructed to treat upon no other principle, than that of perfect equality, and on the terms of the most favoured na- tions ; no stipulation for paying any tribute to Al- giers, under any form whatever, will be agreed to. The undersigned have the honour to transmit here- with, a letter from the President of the U. States, and they avail themselves of this occasion to assure Jiis highness of their high consideration and profound respect. The captain of the port then requested that hostilities should cease preceding the negotiation, and that perscns might he sent ashore to treat. Both propositions were rejected, the American commissioners declaring that the negotiations must be carried on, on board the fleet, and that hostilities as respected vessels, should not cease. On the follov/ing day, the Swedish corjsul and the captain of the port came onboard wilh full powers to nigotiate. The Ameriean commis- sioners produced and the period of c c ^26 APPENDIX. ibree moiitbs shall be allowed for answers to bo returned, during wbicb time no hostility shall be permitted by either party ; and in case the grievances are not redressed, and a war should toe the event, the consuls and citizens and sub jects of both parties respectively, shall be per mitted to embark with their effects unmolested, on board of what vessel or vessels they shall think proper, reasonable time being allowed for that purpose." <vould be against a Turk in the same predicament : and if any delinquent should make his escape, the consul shall not be reepon- sible for him in any manner whatever." << The consul of the Uaiied States of Arae- yica shall not be required to pay any cusvoais or duties whatever on any thing he imports from a foreign country for the use of his house and family." " Should any of the citizens of the United States of America die within the limits of the regency of Algiers, the dey and liis subjects shall not interfere with the property of the deceased, but it shall be under the immediate direction of the con&ul, unless otherwise disposed of by will." 328 APPENDIX* The historian lias an unpleasant task, in bq.- ing compelled to close the delail of such glorious exploits, hy recounting a misfortune which, while it takes nothing from the lustre of our arms, sinks grief deep into the heart of the citizen. The United States armed in defence of their Kationai rights, and tlie liberty of the citizen. From the deck of his floating battery, Decatur demanded the release of his fellow citizens held in hondage : the African tyrant tremhied, the citizen's chains fell iiom his limbs, and he was treed — ^but, alas ! the exultation was momentary. The United States' brig of war Epervier w as despatched to the United States to announce the glad tidings, but she did net reach her destina- tion. She sailed en the 10th July, was seen on the 8th August in lat. 39, 4, N. long. 61, 18, W. under double reefed topsivils ; the next day there was a very heavy blow, and she probably foun- dered during the gale ; if not then, she must have heen lost hy some subsequent mishap, as from the length of time since she was seen, no hope remaias of her safety ; and not one sur- vived to tell the mournful event. On hoard her were Lt. com. Shuhrick ; lieut. Barnwell } lieut. Drury ; sailing master Wright ; midshipmen Coulter, and Hunter, and several others. Pas- sengers, eapt. Lewis ; lieuts. IVeal and Yarnell. The Americans released at Algiers w ere also on board. THE i:ND, 32-9- INDEX. Accomack (Va.) miliiia, bravery of, 224. Act declaring war, 19 ; vote of Congress, 17. Adams frigate, destruction of, 249. Adams and Caledonia (brigs) retaken from the en- emy, 58. Alert, British sloop of war, taken by the Essex, 46. Alexandria, plunder of, 231 ; bold attempt by com- modore Rodgers, captains Perry and Porter, to prevent the return of the enemy, ib, Algerine declaration of war, 305. Algerines, proceedings against, by the United States, see Appendix. Allen, captain, bravery of, 242. Appendix, 313. Argus, U. S. brig, capture of, 148. Armistice on the northern frontier, 41 ; terminaticn of, 42. Army, state of the, 21. Arrest of a supposed spy, 31. Asp, U. S. schooner, brave defence of, 177. Baltimore, r^pproach to, and attack on, 232. Barbarity of the enemy, 102, 184. Barney, commodore, encounters of, with the enemy., 225, 226 ; destruction of his flotilla, 328. Barratarians, capture and dispersion of, 293. Beaver dams, engagement at, 101. Belfast entered by the enemy, 250. Blackrock visited by the enemy, 104. Blue lights, 193. * Boxer, British brig, taken by the Enterprize, 149. Burrows and Blythe, captains, funeral honours to, 15i-. Bridgewater, battle of, 255. Belview fort ; see fort Belview. Boyd, general, succeeds general DearboriT, 107. cc 3 330 INDEX. British subjects, order respecting, 26. Brownstown, battle at, 40. Castine taken by the enemy, 249. Cedar-point, landing of enemy at, 225. Champlain, arrival of grand British army at, 267 ;' arrival of before Plattsburgh, 268 ; engagement •with the American army, 271 ; retreat of the ene- my, 272. Champlain lake, engagement on, 269. ChaHdler and Winder, generals, capture of, 96. Chapin, captain, escape of, 103 ; skirmish with the enemy, 108; expedition of, against the enemy, 109 ; affair near fort George, 156. Chaptico, affair at, 237. Chateaugay, battle at, 137. Chauncey, commodore, cruises and transactions of, on lake Ontario, 71, 83, 1 10 to 115. Chesapeake frigate, restoration of the seamen of, by the enemy, 26 ; arrival of, from a cruise, 79 ; cap- ture of, 90 ; extract from a French paper respect- ing, 94 J treatment of the crew of, 96. Chesapeake bay, transactions in the, 182. Chicago, attack on, and massacre at, 66. Chippewa, skirmishing near, 251 ; battle at, 252. Citizens of the U. States ordered to quit Canada, 45. Commissioners to negotiate a peace, appointment of, 300 ; by the British government, 301. Congress, proceedings of, 16, 194. Congress, frigate, arrival of, from a cruise, 193. Constitution, frigate, 28 ; engagement of, with the Java, 72. Cranberry creek, affair at, 108. Crogan, major George, defence of Lower Sandusky, by, 129. Cumberland Island, landing of the enemy at, 294>i Cuyler, major, death of, 59. Cyane and Levant, British sloops, capture of, 29^ Dart, British armed sloop, capture of, 191. Bartinoor p.rison, massacre at, 302.- INDEX. 331 Dearborn, general^ retires from the army, 107. Dearborn, fort, massacre at, see Chicago. Decatur, commodore, fleet under command of, sails from New-York, 185; chased into New-London, 186. Declaration of war by the Six Nations of Indians, 106. Detention of prisoners of war, by the enemy, under pretext that they were British subjects, reprisal's, 212, 213 ; proceedings of Congress thereon, 213. Detroit, surrender -jf, 38. Dominico, British schooner, capture of by the U. S. schooner Decatur, 147. Duel, 55. Eagle, British tender, capture of the, 190. Eastport, taken by the enemy, 244. Eidridge, lieutenant, and several of his men killed by the Indians, 1-05. Epervier, British brig, taken by the U. S. sloop of war Peacock, 273 ; loss of the, 328. Erie, British fort, taken by the iVmericans, 86, 250 ; attempt of the enemy to storm, 258 ; batteries of the enemy stormed, by order of general Brown; 261 ; evacuated, 267. Essex frigate, cruise of, 46, 276. Extracts from public prints, 20, 25. Federal Gazette, destruction of the office of the, at Baltimore, 25. Flotilla^ for the protection of the Chesapeake bay, 223. Fort Belview, desperate attack on, 67. Fort Bowyer, attack of, 281, 296. Fort Erie, see Erie. Fort George, taken by the Americans, 84, 85 ; at- tack on pickets at, 106, 109. Fort Schlosser, entered by the enemy, 106. Fort Philip, defence of, 288. Fort Warburton, evacuation and destruction of, 231, Forty-mile-creek, transactions at, 99, Foster, Mr. (British minister^ departure of, 27. 332 IJ*DE5. Franklin boat, brave defence of, 239. Frederick and Georgetown, (Md.) burned, 170, French-mills, affair at, 59. Frenchtown (Raisin) massacre o f prisoners at, 69. Frenchtovvn (Elk river) burned, 169. Frolic, British sloop, taken by the Wasp, 61 ; both sloops taken by the Poictiers, 62. Frolic, U. S. sloop, taken by the enemy, 274. Gaines, general, assumes the command at Erie, 259. Gardner*s Island, affair at, 188. Gennesee river, captures on, 61. George's Island, landing of the enemy thereon, 183. Georgia legislature, proceedings of, 197. Georgetown burned by the enemy, 170. Ghent, negociations at, 301. Growler and Eagle, U. S. sloops, taken by the enemy on Lake Champlain, 133. Growler and Julia, U, S. vessels, captured by the enemy on Lake Ontario, 1 12. Guerriere, British frigate, capture of, 42. Gun-boat No. 121, taken by the enemy, 180. Gun-boats near New-Orleans, taken by the enemy, 282. declared by proclamation, 19. Warren, admiral arrival of, at Halifax, 167 ; off N. York, ib. blockades the Chesapeake bay, and Dela- ware, 168 ; blockades Long-Island sound, 192. Washington city, approach t K^^ o '^^^♦•' .' lO* •!•*•. '^y^ :J^* ;- «.. .^^ <^ ^^ ' • • " Ay ^^^ r« '^o' .4^v^ - v^\.-^'.> 5> * .«. .-V «r-5^^a^L^» rV ^^-^K lO^. . .4-^*^ •i HECKMAN BINDERY INC. #MAY 89 N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962 ^; y^'h. » ,0' 'i' *•■'•