Yale University Library

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

A
FULL AND CORRECT ACCOUNT
OP THE
MILITARY OCCURRENCES OF
THE LATE WAR
BETWEEN
GREAT BRITAIN
AND
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA;
WITH
AN APPENDIX, AND
PLATES.
By WILLIAM JAMES,
AUTHOR OF " A FULL AND CORRECT ACCOUNT OP THE CHIEF
NAVAL OCCURRENCES, &C."

Alterum alterius auxilio eget,
Sallust.

IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. IL

Honlian :
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR:
AND SOLD BT BLACK, KINGSBURY, PARBURY, AND ALLEN, LEADENHALL-STREET ;
JA-HES M. RICHARDSON, CORNHILL ; JOHN BOOTp, DUKE-STREET,
PORTLAND PLACE; ANDALLpTHEU Bo'oKSELLERS,
1818.

tritUtd bUiJoi/ce Gold, 103, Slive-lane, London,

MILITARY OCCURRENCES,
CHAPTER XL
British force on the Niagara in October, 1813 —
Attack upon the piquets — Effects ofthe surrender
of the right division — Major-general Vincent's^
retreat to Burlington - — His orders from ihe
cominander-in-chief to retire upon Kingstoji-—
Fortunate contravention of those orders — General
Harrison's arrival at, and departure from Fort-
George — 'Association of some Upper Canada
militia after being disembodied — Their gallant
attack upon, and capture of , a band of plunder
ing traitors— General McClure's shameful con-
d'uct towards the Canadian inhabitants — Colonel
Murray's gallant behaviour — Its effect upon
general M'- Clure— 'A Canadian winter — Night-
conflagration of Newark by the A'mericani —
M'-C lure's abandonment of Fort-George, and
flight across the river — Arrival of lieutenant-
general Drummond — Assault upon, and capture
&f Fort-Niagara— Canadiak prisoners fourid
there — Retaliatory destriietion of Lewistown,
VOL. II. B

¦2 MlfelTARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Youngstown,Manchester, and Tuscarora — Attadc
upon Buffaloe and Black Rock, and destruction
of those villages — American resentment against
general M'Clure — Remarks upon the campaign;
also upon the burning of Newark, and the
measures pursued in retaliation.
Having brought the campaign of 1813 to a
close upon the northern, and north-western,
Canadian frontiers, the operations along both
shores of the Niagara come, next, to be detailed.
Major-general Vincent, who again commanded,
in the absence of general De Rottenburg, the
centre-division, had received, since the middle
of September, a reinforcement of the 100th
regiment; in order to counter-balance the
reduction his force would sustain in the
departure of the 49th and 104th regiments,
already noticed.* The general's head-quarters
were at the Cross Roads; and the piquets of his
advanced corps, which was commanded by colonel
Murray, occasionally showed themselves in the
town of Newark. From the American accounts
only we learn, that, on the 6th of October, "about
500 militia- vol unteers and about 150 Indians
commanded by colonel Chapin," attacked the
piquet-guard of the British ; and, " after an
hour and a half s hard-fighting," drove it upon
the main-hody ; when " the whole British army
* Sec Vol. I. p. 261.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 3
con.sisting of 1100 men, with the great general
Vincent, at their head, fled into the woods.'*
The British are declared to have sustained a
loss of 32 in killed only, and the Americans of
four killed and wounded. * This is the way the
*' literary gentlemen" of the United States
contrive to fill their " histories." Colonel, or
doctor Chapin (for he professes, and is equally
mischievous in, both characters) had lately
escaped from the British, f and, for that exploit,
been promoted ; probably by the secretary at wav
himself, as he was known to have been in the
neighbourhood of the Niagara, while the Mont
real expedition was preparing.
On the Qth of October intelligence of the
disaster that had befallen the right division,
reached the head^quarters of the centre-division ;
and caused general Vincent, after destroying
considerable quantities of stores, provisions,
and Indian goods, to retreat, with his troops,
towards Burlington Heights : where colonel
Proctor joined him with the small remnant of
his division. As soon as general Vincent and
his troops had got well on their way to
Burlington, major-general M'Clure, with the
whole of his force, numbering 2700 men, be-^
sides Indians, marched a few miles along the
road, and back. This was not without an
object ; for we were afterwards told, that
* Hist, of IhQ War, p. 168. + See Vol. I. p. 2V8.
B 2

4 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
" general M'Clure, with the New York militia^
voliinteers, and Indians, succeeded in driving
the British army from the vicinity of Fort-
George, and pursued them as far as the Twelve-
mile Creek."*
Major-general Proctor's discomfiture reached
the head quarters ofthe commander in chief
about the middle of October ; and orders were
instantly forwarded to major-general Vincent,
directing him to commence upon his retreat
without delay, and to evacuate all the British
posts beyond Kingston. Some delay did for
tunately take place, owing chiefly to counter-
orders, not from head-quarters; and a council
of war, summoned at Burlington Heights, came
to the noble resolution of not moving a step
to "the rear, in the present conjuncture of aflfairs
on the peninsula. Fatal, indeed, would have
been the retreat. There was still a consider
able number of sick, both at Burlington
Heights and at York ; and, considering the
season of the year, and the state of the roads,
the whole of them must have been left to the
protection of the enemy. Nor, for the same
reason, could the ordnance, ordnance-stores,
baggage, and provisions, have followed the
army; andyet the garrison of Kingston, upon
which place the troops were directed to retire
bad, at this time, scarcely a week's provision in
. - * History of the-War, p. 1S8. ,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. *
store. This abandonment of territory so soon
following up the affair at the Moravian village,
what would the Indians have thought of us?^—
In short, it will not bear reflection.
Towards the end of October, among other
sacrifices caused by the dread of general
Harrison's zeal and promptitude, two companies
of the 100th regiment, which had been stationed
at Charlotteville, in the London district of
Upper Canada, were ordered to evacuate that
post, and join the main body of tke centre-^
division of the army at Burlington, distant 60
miles. Orders were at the same time issued, to
disembody and disarm the militia. The ofiicer
who had this duty to perform, having ascertained
that a large body of traitors and Americans had
been plundering the houses of the inhabitants,
while the latter were away in the service of their
country, left a supply of arms and ammunition
with some of the militia oflScers and privates.
These, in number 45, immediately formed them
selves into an association; and marched,with lieu
tenant-colonel Bostwick, of the Oxford militia,
at their head, against the marauders; whom
they fortunately fell in with on the Lake Erie
shore, about nine miles from Dover. An engage
ment ensued; in which several of the gang were
killed and wounded, and 18 taken prisoners.
These 18 were afterwards tried at Ancaster for
high treason; and all, exc6pt three, convicted.

6 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Eight of the 15, so convicted, underwent the
penalty of the law. The remaining seven were
respited, to await the prince regent's final deci
sion ; and have since been transported. How
highly, and yet how justly, this well-planned
and well-executed enterprise was appreciated by
the president of Upper Canada, will be seen in
the general orders which he caused to be issued
upon the occasion.*
About the 1st of November general Harrison
arrived at Fort-George, with about 1700 of
his troops ; who, agreeably to Mr. Secretary
Armstrong's orders, were immediately quar
tered upon the inhabitants of Newark. In the
course of November, both general Harrison
and colonel Scott, with their respective corps,
embarked on board commodore Chauncey's
fleet for Sackett's Harbor ; leaving general
M'Clure, with his 2700 militia, and a few
regular troops, in charge of Fort-George.
General M'Clure, now having the entire com
mand to himself, and being disappointed,
notwithstanding all the intrigues of his friend
Wilcocks, in his endeavours " to secure the
friendship and co-operation of the inhabitants "
began sending the most obstinate of the latter
across to the American side, and then set about
pillaging and destroying the farm-houses and
barns in the neighbourhood of Fort-George
* App. No. 1.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 7
These atrocities were represented to major-
general Vincent, and he was strongly urged to
allow a small regular and Indian force to be
marched against general M'Clure. Colonel
Murray finally gained his point ; and, taking
with him 379 rank and file of the 100th regi
ment, about 20 volunteers, and 70 ofthe western
Indians, led by colonel Elliot, moved forward on
the road towards the Forty-mile Creek ; beyond
which point he had been ordered not to proceed.
The advance of this small detachment soon
reached the ears of general M'Clure, who had
taken post at the Twenty-mile Creek, and who
now retreated, in haste, to a position somewhat
nearer to Fort-George. Colonel Murray obtained -
fresh permission to extend his mairch to the
Twenty-mile Creek, and subsequently to the
Twelve-mile Creek. These movements had
driven the American general and his men to
Fort-George ; and then commenced a scene of
devastation and horror, of which no adequate
idea can be forraed, except by such as had the
misery to be spectators. How, then, shall we
hope to succeed in describing it ?
The winter of 1813, according to general
Wilkinson, set in earlier than usual. Lambert,
in his account of the climate of Lower Canada,
says that Fahrenheit's thermometer is sometimes
36 degrees below 0, and that the mean of the

8 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
cold in winter is about 6.* The climate of
Upper, is certainly not quite so rigorous as that
of Lower Canada ; but yet the mildest winter of
the former, bears no comparison whatever to the
severest winter of this country. For several days
previous to the 10th of December, the weather
in Upper Canada had been unusually severe,
and a deep snow lay on the ground. Towards
night-fall on that day, general M'Clure gave
about half an hour's notice to the inhabitants of
Newark, that he should burn down their village.
Few of the poor people believed that the wretch
wos in earnest. Soon, however, came round the
tnerciless firemen. Out of the 150 houses of
which Neviavk had consisted, 149 were levelled
to the dust,! Such articles of furniture and other
valuables as the incendiaries could not, and the
iababitants had neglected or been unable to,
carry away, shared the general fate. Of counsellor
Dickson's library, which had cost him between
6 and 600^. sterling, scarcely a book escaped the
ravages of the devouring element. Mr. Dickson
was, at this time, a prisoner in the enemy's
territory ; aud his wife lay on a siqk bed. The
villains — rhow shall we proceed ?-— took up the
poor lad}', bed and all, and placed her upon
the snow before her own door ; where, shivering'
with cold, she beheld, if she could see at all
? Lambert's Travels, Vol. I. p. io7.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 9
her house and all that was in it consumed to
ashes. Upwards of 400 helpless women and
children, without provisions, and in some
instances with scarcely cloaths upon their backs,.
were thus compelled, after being the mournful
spectators ofthe destruction of their habitations,
to seek shelter at a distance ; and that in such
a night, too ! — The reader's imagination must
supply the rest.
In what way will the American historian, or
will he at all, describe the conflagration of
Newark? Not one word about it appears in
doctor Smith's book. Mr. Thomson says briefly :.
" General M'Clure determined on destroying
the town of Newark."* It is Mr. O'Connor
whom we have to thank, for being explicit upon
this point. " As a measure deemed necessary
to the safety of the troops, the town of Newark
was burned. ' Thijs act,' said general M'Clure,
(proceeds Mr. O'Connor) ' however distressing
to the inhabitants and my feelings, was by order
(f the secretary of war, and I believe, at the
same time, proper.' The inhabitants, (continues
Mr. O'Connor,) had 12 hours' notice to remove
their eff'ects, and such as chose to cross the river
were provided with all the necessaries of life."t
With the knowledge that Mr. Secretary Arm
strong had recently been in the neighbourhood
of, if not. at Fort-George, we can readily sup-
* Sketches of the War, p. 188. t Hist of the War, p. 1 58.

10 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
pose general M'Clure acted, as he says, by the
former's orders. This confers additional atro
city upon the oflfence ; but, on that head, we
shall forbear comments. *' Distressing to my
feelings :" — was not some such language used
by captain David Porter, of the American navy,
after he and his crew had been massacring the
natives ofthe small island of Nooaheevah, which
he had unfortunately visited during his cela-
brated cruize to the Pacific?* As to the
*' twelve hours' notice," the liberty to " cross
the river," and the promise that the poor people
should be " provided with all the necessaries of
life," we give Mr. O'Connor himself credit for
the whole ; and can only attribute his not
having come forward with a better excuse, to a
sudden qualm of conscience, or perhaps to a
momentary torpor in those inventive faculties,
on most other occasions so .serviceable to him.
The nearer colonel Murraj^ approached to the
neigbourhood of Fort-George, the louder were
the complaints of the people against the " law
less banditti" by whom they had been oppressed.
That active oflicer immediately wrote to general
Vincent ; and, anticipating the answer he should
receive, dashed forward to Fort-George. Gene
ral M'Clure's scouts gave him timely intelli- '
gence of the approach of the British ; and the
cowardly wretch, with the whole ofhis minions
* Quart. RcTiew, Vol. XIIL p. 364.T-9.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 11
abandoned Fort George, and fled across the
river. Not the slightest opposition did he make ;
although the fortifications had been so much
strengthened, since the capture of the fort in the
preceding May, that the American commander,
with only half the force he possessed, might
have maintained a regular siege. He was in too
much haste to destroy the whole of his magazines,
or even to remove his tents; of which a sufficiency
forlSOO men were left standing. Colonel Murray,
in his first letter, states that general M'Clure had
passed over his cannon, as well as stores.* But,
in a second letter, he mentions that one 18,' four
12, and several 9-pounders, together with alarge
supply of shot, were found in the ditch. Even
the destruction of the new barracks, which we
had recently erected on the Niagara, was not
deemed, by Mr. Armstrong and general M'Clure,
so " necessary in the military operations there,"
as Mr. Munro has since declared the burning
of Newark to have been : consequently, the
former were allowed to remain untouched. The
indignant feelings of the soldiers, as they beheld
the smoking ruins of what was once, as acknow
ledged by all, a beautiful and flourishing village,
would have burst with a heavy vengeance upon
the heads ofthe American general and his troops,
had they not followed up their atrocious conduct
by a precipitate flight. ? App. No. II.

12 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Mr. O'Connor informs us that " a council of
war," that fatal damper of American military
ardor, decided that Fort-George " was not
tenable." Of the guns, or the fortifications, he
says nothing. Mr. Thomson concurs in opinion
that the post was " untenable;" and gives as a
reason, that the British force outside consisted
of 1500 regulars, and at least 700 Indians ;"
calls general M'Clure's troops " the remnant of
an army ;" and then informs us, that the Ameri
can general '' determined on destroying the
batteries ;"* leaving to doctor Smith to advance
the next step ; who, as if to confirm his pre
decessor's discernment, saj's roundly : " Fort-
George was soon afterwards abandoned, and
blown up, by general M 'Clure." f
Early in November lieutenant-general Drum
mond and major-general Rial had arrived from
England ; the former to relieve major-general
JDe Rottenburg, in the military command and
presidency of the upper province. The.se offi
cers had been detained below, to see the end of
general Wilkinson's expedition. That business
concluded, they moved on to Kingston and
York ; at which latter place general Drummond
was sworn into office ; and then, along with
major-general Rial, hastened to join the centre
division of the army. Both generals arrived at
St. David's, major-general Vincent's present
* Sketches of the War, p. 188. + History of the War, p. 265,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 13
head-quarters, soon after the capture bf Fort-
George; and at a time when colonel Murray's
prompt and decisive measures had given a new
aspect to aflPairs,
This oflicer contemplated a retaliatory attack
upon the opposite lines; to which plan general
Drummond yielded, not only his approbation,
but, rightly judging that the delay of waiting
for permission from the commander-in-chief,
then at Quebec,* might recover the enemy from
his panic, and thus defeat the object, — his imme
diate sanction. No more than two batteaux
were on the Niagara shore, the remainder were
in Burlington Bay. Captain Kerby, an active
militia-officer, under the orders of captain
Elliott, the deputy assistant-quarter-master-ge
neral, contrived, notwithstanding the incle
mency of the weather, and the badness of the
roads, to eflfect the carriage, by land, of a suffi
ciency of batteaux for the enterprise.
Every thing being prepared by the evening
ofthe 18th, the troops destined for the assault,
consisting of a small detachment of royal artil
lery, the grenadiers of the royal Scots, the flank
companies ofthe 41st:f', andthe eflfective men of
the IQOth regiment, amounting, altdgether, to
fewer than 550 rank and file, and commanded by
colonel Murray, crossed the river on that night,
and landed at the Five-mile Meadow,s, about
* Distant 530 miles. ¦ ' •'•
+ 2d Battalioa which had recently arrived frem Europe.

14 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
three miles above Fort-Niagara. At about four
o'clock the troops commenced their march ; and
the advance, consisting of the grenadiers of the
100th regiment, and a small party of the royal
artillery, succeeded in cutting oflf two of the
enemy's piquets ; as well as in surprising the sen
tries on the glacis, and at the gatcj by which
means the watch -word was obtained, and the
entrance into the fort greatly facilitated. While
three companies of the 100th, under captain
Martin, stormed the eastern demi-bastion, five
companies of the same regiment, under colonel
Murray in person, assisted by lieutenant-colonel
Hamilton of the 100th, entered the fort by the
main gate, which had been left open for the
return of the guard from relieving sentries. The
American main guard now rushed out of the
south-east block-house, and fired a volley or
two; and some musketry was fired from another
stone building within the fort ; but the bayonet
overpowered all resistance, and the British union
in a few seconds more, waived triumphantly
upon the stone-tower of Fort-Niagara.
The number of pri.soners taken, including
two oflicers and 12 rank and file wounded
amounted to one captain, nine lieutenants, two
ensigns, one surgeon, one commissary, 12 Ser
jeants, and 318 rank and file. Add to this
number 65 in killed, * and " about 20 that
eff'ected their escape," and we have 429 for the
* Appendix, No. 3.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 15
garrison of Fort-Niagara. Upon the diflferent
defences were mounted no fewer than 27 pieces
of ordnance; and, amongthem, some 32-pound
carronades. The arsenal contained upwards of
3000 stands of arms, and many rifles. The
ordnance and commissariat stores were im
mense ; and so was the quantity of army-
clothing and camp^equipage. A portion ofthe
articles consisted, no doubt, of such as general
M'Clure, in his flight, had brought across from
Fort-George. Had the garrison aflforded an oppor
tunity for a greater display of gallantry on the
part of the assailants, the capture of Fort-Niagara,
a post by far the strongest of any on the inland
frontiers, would have been a still more bril
liant achievement : it Was no slight consolation,
however, that we managed the business with the
trifling loss of six men killed, and five wounded ;
including the gallant projector and commander
of the enterprize, colonel Murray, severely in
the wrist. Nor is it without feelings of exulta
tion, that we compare the number of British sent
against Fort-Niagara, with the number of Ame
ricans, — covered too by the fire from a fleet of
ships, and from that same fort,— ^sent against
Fort-George,* so much its inferior in point of
strength and armament.
The deputy incendiary M'Clure, with well-
grounded apprehension of British vengealice,
had, since the very day of his crossing from Fort-
» Sec Vol. I. p. 153.

16 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
George, ordered the commandant of Fort-Niagara
to prepare to defend the post, and be ready with
" a proportion of hand-grenades in the diflferent
block-houses."* Hedid not consider the dis
aster as "attributable to any want of troops,
but to gross neglect in the commanding oflicer
of the fort, captain Leonard, in not preparing,
being ready, and looking out for, the expected
attack." t General M'Clure describes the
British that captured Fort-Niagara, as of" great
force," and as consisting of regulars and " In
dians ;" although not an Indian was at the attack ;
for even the " Indian chief," Norton, who
was present, is a Scotchman. The oflicial letter
then states that, on entering the fort, we
" commenced a most horrid slaughter," This
is utterly false, as respects the implication
intended. The piquets and sentries, as in all
cases of assavilt or surprise, were bayonetted ;
and so were those within the fort who made any
resistance. The fort was entered in darknessj
and a formidable opposition expected ; particu
larly as general M'Clure had himself been
boasting, that the block-houses and defences
within^side, aided by the 32-pounder and other
carronades, which were so mounted as, if neces
sary, to be fired inwards, would enable a small
garrison to drive out or destroy 1500 British. No
muAket whatever was discharged by the latter ;
aor, from the inomtnt that the soldiers could he
* App. No. S. + Ibid, No. 4.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 17
certain of all resistance having ceased, was a
single bayonet employed.
Mr. O'Connor describes the as.saulting party
as " regulars, militia, and Indians^ to the num
ber, by the mostprobable account, of 1.500 men,"
who,. he says, entered the fort while the mert
were nearly all asleep " killing, witbout mercy
or discrimination, those who came in their way."*
Doctor Smith considers the capture of Fort-
Niagara to be a sore subject ; therefore merely
states that, in the month of January, it " was-
surprised and captured." Mr. Thomson begins*
his , account by stating, that the fort was
" garrisoned by 324 sick and eflfective men";
although we took, as prisoners, 20 more than
that number, exclusive of those that had escaped
and been killed. He proceeds ¦: " At 4 o'clock
on the morning of the 19th, the enemy, 400 in
number, crossed the Niagara, under colonel
Murray, and approached the principal gate
which was then open." — We find no " Errata"
referred to in Mr. Thomson's book, but must
consider that the printer has made " 400" of
what was intended for " 1400." — This editor,
caught by the word " Indians" in the officia]
letter, then says : " Accompanied by his Indian
warriors, he rushed furiously in upon the
garrLson," " On entering the garrison,"
continues Mr. Thomson, " colonel Murray
¦^ * History of the W.ir, p. 159,
VOL. II. C

18 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
received a wound in the arm ; after which he
yielded the command to colonel Hamilton, —
under whose superintendance, the women of the
garrison were stripped of their clothing, and
many of them killed, and the persons of the
dead ofiicers treated with shocking indignity."*
— Never was so base a falsehood ! But who, out
of the United States, will believe this petti
fogging scribbler's storj' ? and as to those in
the United States who may do so, they are too
insignificant, we are sure, to give the gallant
colonel the slightest uneasiness.
Among the valuables found in Fort-Niagara,
were eight respectable Canadian inhabitants;
who, in direct violation of civilized warfare, had
been taken from their peaceful dwellings to be
immured within the walls of a prison. That no
doubt may remain of the fact, we here present
the reader with the names of six out ofthe eight
individuals, who were thus so happily released
from bondage. The names are : Thomas Dickon,
Samuel Street, and J. M. Cawdle, esquires ;
Messrs. John Tompson, John Macfarlane, and
Peter M'Micking ; the latter 80 years of age.
On the same morning on which Fort-Niagara
was carried, major-general Rial, taking with
him detachments from the royal Scots and 41st
regiments, amounting to about 500 rank and
file, crossed over to Lewistown. About 500
* Sketches of the War, p. 180; and third edition!

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 19
Indian warriors had preceded this force, and
had a skirmish with, and completely routed, a
detachment of American militia, under a major
Bennett; in which aflfair the latter lost eight
men killed. No sooner had the Americans aban
doned Lewistown, than the Indians commenced
setting fire to it. Major-general Rial, who
found no enemy to contend with, took possession
of a 12 and 6-pounder gun, with travelling
carriages, and every thing complete ; also a
considerable quantity of small arms, some ammu
nition, nine barrels of powder, and about 200
barrels of flour. The small viUages of Youngs*
town, Manchester, and the Indian Tuscarora,
as soon as the inhabitants had deserted them,
shared the fate of Lewistown.
There is no doubt that the Indians committed
many enormities ; but who could have told Mr.
M'Clure, — himself the origin of all that hap
pened, — that the savages were " headed by
British officers painted." ? Mr. O'Connor is the
oply one of our three editors who has repeated
this story. Major-general Rial and his troops
passed on to Fort-Schlosser;* which place they
destroyed : they then proceeded as far as Tone-
wanto Creek,* which is within 10 miles of
Buflfaloe ; but, finding the bridge broken, re-
turnedi and cro,ssed over to Queenstown.
The exposed state of the American Niagara-
* See Plate I.
c 2

20 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
frontier began to excite serious alarm ; and
general M'Clure, too dastardly to meet in the
field the avengers of the conflagration of Newark,
had requested major-general Hall to take the
command of the regulars and militia, then
assembling from all parts, to repel any further
encroachments. On the morning of the 23d
tbe major-general fixed his head-quarters at
Batavia, a village about 40 miles from Buflfaloe.
On the morning of the 29th we find him at
Buflfaloe, reviewing his troops ; which then
amounted to 2011 men, but were afterwards, it
appears, considerably reduced by desertion,*
On the 28th lieutenant-general Drummond
took up his head-quarters at Chippeway ; and,
on the ne.xt day, within two miles of Fort-
Erie, Having reconnoitred the enemy's po
sition at Black Rock^ the lieutenant-general
determined to attack him. Accordingly, on
the night of the SOth, major-general Rial,
having under his command four companies of
the Sth, 2.50 men of the 41st, the light company
of the 89th, and the grenadiers of the 100th,
regiments, numbering, vvith 50 volunteer-miiitia,.
about 590 rank and file, also a body of Indian
warriors, not exceeding I'JO, crossed the Niagara,
aud landed, without opposition, about two miles
below Black Rock. The light-company of the
89th advanced along the road, and secured an
* Hist, of the War, p. 3 61.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 21
American piquet, as well as the bridge over the
Conjuichity,* or Schojeoquady,f the boards
of which had already been loosened, preparatory
to their removal. The 250 men of the 41st, and
the grenadiers of the 100th, were joined to the
light-company of the 89th ; and the whole,
amounting to about 400 rank and file, in order
to secure the passage of the bridge, took up a
position, a short distance beyond it, at a place
called the Sailor's battery. In the course ofthe
night several attempts were made by general
Hall's militia to dislodge the British from their
position ; but, " owing to the darkness of the
night, and the confusion into which the militia
were thrown by the enemy's fire,"* every
attempt failed.
At day-dawn on the 31st, the royal Scots,
about 800 strong, along with a detachment of
the 19th dragoons, the whole commanded by
lieutenant-colonel Gordon, ofthe royals, crossed
over to land above Black Rock, for the purpose
of turning the enemy's position, while major-
general Rial's force should attack him from
below. Unfortunately, owing to some error in
the pilots, several of the boats grounded ; and
became, in consequence, exposed to a heavy and
destructive fire from one 6, one 24, and two
12-pounders, at the Black Rock battery, and
from about 600 menj dravvn up on the beach,
*App. No. 6. + See Plate I. + Ilist. of theWar, p. 161.

22 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
flanked by a number of Indians. The gallant
royals, thus sitting in their grounded boats, to
be shot at like targets, lost 13 rank and file,
killed, and three serjeants, and 29 rank and file
wounded. Fortunately, a few well-directed
shots from five field-pieces stationed on the
opposite shore, and the near approach of major-
general Rial's force upon the enemy's right,
caused a favorable diversion.
By this time a considerable force of militia,
certainly not fewer than 1500, had assembled in
the town ; but, after a short resistance, the
Americans abandoned Black Rock and its bat
teries, and fled towards Buffaloe, about 2|^ miles
distant. To this town they vvere followed, in
close pursuit ; and, although protected by a
field-piece posted on a height that commanded
the road, made but a slight resistance, ere they
fled in all directions to the neighbouring woods.
The British captured at these two posts eight
pieces of ordnance, including a 21 and 18-poan-
der. For want of adequate means of conveyance
the public stores, consistingofconsiderablequan-
tities of clothing, spirits, and flour, were obliged
to be destroyed. All the inhabitants having left
Black Rock and Buffaloe, the two villages .shared
the fate of Newark. The United States' vessels
Chippeway, Little Belt, and Trippe, were found
aground near Buffaloe Creek ; and, along with
their stores, were also committed to tbe flames.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 23
This fact is scarcely noticed by the American
editors ; although the smallest of these three
vessels, when captured from us a short time
previous,* was, with the utmost gravity, styled,
— " His Britannic majesty's schooner Chippe-
waj."-\ The British loss on this occasion,
including that of the royal Scots already given,
amounted to 31 killed, 72 wounded, and nine
missing. The American loss does not appear ;
except where general Hall states, that " many
valuables were lost. ^ Owing to the nimbleness
of the American militia, and the contiguity of
the woods, only 130 prisoners were made;
among whom was the notorious colonel, or doctor
Chapin. Major-general Hall himself, with
nearly 300 of the most pursy of his soldiers,
brought up at the Eleven-mile Creek, about
three miles from Buflfaloe.
The nine missing of our troops were some
careless fellows who had strayed to the margin
of the village, and were captured on the 1st of
January, by an American scouting party, headed
by a captain Stone. Two officers of this de
tachment were surprised, while on horseback,
by a patrole of the 19th light dragoons, and one,
" lieutenant Totman, of the Canadian volun
teers," was shot. Mr. Thomson declars, that
* James's Naval Occurrences, p. 286.
+ Nav. Hist, of the United States, Vol. II. p. 242.
i App. No. 7.

24 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
lieutenants Riddle and Totman " would have
given themselves up, but for the treatment
which other piisoners on the Niagara had re
cently received."* These American editors are
never at a loss. The fact is, Mr. Totman was
like his friend Mr. Wilcocks, an Irishman, and
an inhabitant of Upper Canada, where he had
resided many years. With a halter thus before
his eyes, he had a much more powerful induce
ment than is alleged by Mr. Thomson, for not
delivering himself up to the British.
Mr. Thomson is very loud in his complaints
against the " timid militia," asseimbled at Buf
faloe and Black Rock. Nor is he so without
reason ; for, in proof of the numerous popula-
tion in and around those villages, we find it
stated by a writer from Batavia, under date of
December the 23d, that 5000 men could be
assembled in 24 hours: nay, Mr. O'Connor him
self fixes the number of sufferers, by the confla
gration, alone, at -' 12000 persons."-|" Nor does
this number include such as resided even a short
distance beyond the narrow slip of land, which
was the scene of the British incursion. It was
not a week after the pusillanimous behaviour
ofthe American militia upon this frontier, that
Mr. Wright, member of congress for Maryland^
in a speech which was to prove, that the army of
* Sketches of the War, p. 192.
t Hi->t. of the War, p. 104.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 25
the United States had " been marvellously suc
cessful," said thus : " There was no evidence
against the courage or conduct of our army ;
which had displayed, not Roman but American
valor: so conspicuous, indeed, had been the
courage displayed, by both our army and navy,
that he hoped whoever should hereafter speak of
Roman valor, on this floor, would be considered
as speaking of the second degree, and not of the
first."* As far as any thing appears on the
minutes of this day's debates, Mr, Wright's
language caused no unusual sensation in the
house. After the American Niagara frontier had thus
suflfered a just retribution for the conduct of
the American government along the shores of
Upper Canada, t'he British troops, under major-
general Rial, evacuated the whole of the terri
tory of the United States, except Fort-Niagara^
at which a small garrison was stationed ; and
the centre-division ofthe army of Upper Canada,
consisting now of about 2500 rank and file,
retired into peaceable winter-quarters at Fort-
Niagara, St. David's, Burlington Heights, and
York, Mr. O'Connor, after declaring that our
proceedings had been marked " with the fero
city of the tiger, and the all-desolating ruin of
the locust," adds: " On the 4th of January the
robbers retired into their own woods ; not daring
* Proceedings of Congress, January 6, 1814.

26 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
to wait the chastisement that was preparing for
them." He next furnishes us with a piece of
useful information. " The enemy," says he,
" having declared their conduct on the Niagara
frontier to have been committed in retaliation
for excesses said to have been committed by the
American armies in Canada, the censure, or
rather indignation, of the suflfering inhabitants
was turned against general M'Clure, who had
the command. The general, previous to retiring
from command, published an address to the
public, in justification of his own conduct, in
which he seems to have been pretty succes.sful."*
His success did not, at all events, reach to the
security of his person ; for he was compelled,
for a long while, to have a strong guard of
regular troops stationed before his door, in order
to restrain the justly enraged population from
treating him as he deserved.
In the harbor at Erie,-]- distant 91 miles from
BnfTaloe, were lying the ships, brigs, and larger
schooners ofthe American fleet ; nor could they
seek safety upon the lake, on account of the ice
that surrounded them. The Americans, bavins:
good reason to fear an attack upon, had, by
collecting troops and cutting away the ice from
the sides of the vessels, made every arrangement
for the security of, this important depot. After
the incompetency of the American militia to
* History of the War, p. 164. -i- Sec p. 49.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 27
defend the post, had, however, been so well
proved, we presume it was the known unbear
able state of the ice, and not any special orders
from Quebec, that restrained major-general
Rial from attempting to carry into eflfect so
desirable an object.
Having now brought to a clo.se the campaign
of 1813, against the British provinces ; we will
borrow an American editor's remarks upon the
subject. " Though," says Mr, Thomson, " the
American arms had attained a high degree of
reputation, no one advantage was obtained, to
atone for the blood and treasure which had
already been exhausted. The capital of Upper
Canada had been taken. It was scarcely cap
tured, before it was abandoned. The bulwark
of the province, Fort-George, had been gal
lantly carried ; but an inferior force was suffered
to escape, after being beaten ; and the conque
rors were soon after confined to the works of the
garrison, and closely invested upwards of six
months. The long contemplated attack upon
Montreal was frustrated : Kingston still remained
a safe and advantageous harbor, in the hands of
the enemy ; and a fortress,* which might have
been long, and obstinately, and eflfectually
defended, was yielded, with scarcely a struggle,
and under circumstances mj^sterious in the
extreme, to the retaliating invaders of the
* Fort-Niagara.

28 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
American Niagara frontier. In the course of
the summer of 1813, the American army
possessed every position between Lake Ontario
and Lake Erie, on both sides of the Niagara.
In the winter of the same year, after having
gradually lost their possessions on the British
side of that stream, they were deprived of their
possessions on their own,"* If we may be
allowed to leave out " gallantly" ; to substitute
" without any" for " with scarcely a"; and
t© bestow a smile upon the " high degree of
reputation which the American arms had
attained," we see no objection to Mr. Thomson's
recapitulatory observations.
The circumstances that caused the surprising
changes which he so naturally deplores, seera to
have escaped his notice. " Had " the long
contemplated attack upon Montreal" not been
attempted, a comparatively large regular army
of the United States could still have occupied
the peninsula of Upper Canada ; and a M'Clure
not, been wanted, to prove himself the willing
tool of Mr. Secretary Armstrong's atrocious
purposes. Had not Newark been set on fire,
remorse would not have made cowards of M'Clure
and his myrmidons; nor would a just indigna
tion have stimulated a small band of British to
pursue and punish those guilty wretches ; many
of whose dwellings happily shared the fate ofthe
* Sketches ofthe War, p. 193.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA,; 29
town which they had destroyed. Yet — mark the
difference. The destruction along the American
frontier was the work of an assaulting foe,
glowing with wrath at the commission of injuries,
unauthorized by the laws of war. It was an
event which the inhabitants themselves had, for
the last eight days, been expecting ; an event,
therefore, which they, by removing their pro
perty, and, in many instances, themselves, from
the spot, did but partially feel. The burning
of Newark, on the other hand, was the delibe
rate act of an enemy, who had been six months
in quiet possession of the country ; and who had
received no provocation whatever from the inha
bitants, — " the innocent, unfortunate, and dis
tressed inhabitants," as M'Clure himself had
styled them ; and that too in the very procla
mation, wherein he pledged himself to protect
them. Warning the poor people had none ;
unless half an hour or so rnay be called by that
name : nor even day-light, to enable them to see
to collect their little cloaths and property, and
to seek another habitation, in the room of that
they had for ever lost. Poor Mrs. Dickson, too ! —
Who, then, will deny that the wanton confla
gration of Newark still remains unatoned for ?

30 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN

CHAPTER XII.
Operations in Chesapeak Bay — Arrival qf rear-
admiral Cockburn— Preparations for attacking
the United States' frigate Constellation in James's
River — Her retreat to a safer position — Wanton
flring from the shore upon the British boats —
Death of two men in consequence — Arrival of
admiral Warren — Gallant affair at the mouth of
the Rappahannock — Rear-admiral Cockburn's
detached command to the head of the bay — Ad
vance upon French-town— Heavy flre upon the
boats from a battery — Landing of the British —
Flight of the American militia — Destruction of
cannon, public stores, and vessels — Admiral Cock
burn'' s system of operations — American misrepre
sentations corrected — Purchase of stock at Ttirkey
Point and Specucie Island — Display of colours
andflring of cannon, at Havre de Grace — Attack
¦upon this place — Its short but spirited resistance
— Disrespect shown to a flag of truce — Conse
quent proceedings by the British—Destruction
ofa valuable cannon-foundry — Gross mis-state
ment of the American editors — Ridiculous beha
viour of a prisoner named O'Neil, and ludicrous
threat in case of his detention — Advance upon
George-town and Frederick-town — Previous
naming to the inhabitants — Their violent pro-

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 31
ceedings, and destructive flre upon the British
—•Destruction of houses in consequence — Visit
of the British to another town— Civil deportment
of the inhabitants, and its salutary effects —
Remarks on the American militia-system — Im
positions of the American farmers — Capture of
the United States' schooner Surveyor — Noble
conduct of lieutenant Cririe of the Narcissus —
Arrival of troops in the Chesapeake — Affair
between Il.M.S. Junon and 15 American gun
boats — Open preparations for attacking Craney
Island — Correspondent preparations on the part
of the Americans — Landing of a division of
British at Pig-Point — Advance of another divi
sion towards Craney Island — Unexpected ground
ing of the boats close under ihe American
battery — Impossibility io reach the shore—
Destructive flre upon the boats, as well as upon
the struggling crews in the water- — Remarks
upon ihe attempt io capture Craney Island —
Attack upon, and capture qf Hampton — Ex
cesses committed there by a part of the British
force — American strictures on the occasion —
Departure from ihe coast of ihe corps that
committed the excesses — Landing of the British
at Ocracoke and Portsmouth, and capture of
two flne letters of marque — American mis-state
ments corrected.
A THREATENING atritude upon the Atlanric
frontier ofthe United States, in the neighbour.

32 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
hood of the capital especially, being considered
likely to weaken the eflforts of the American
government, now so openly and earnestly
directed against our Canadian possessions, rear-
admiral Cockburn, in the Marlborough 74,
with some frigates and smaller vessels, entered
the Chesapeake bay on the 4th of March,' 1813,
The United State.s' frigate Constellation, lying
in James's river, near Norfolk, became the first
object of attack ; but the preparatory movements
of the British squadron drove her to a safe
position, higher up the river. The rear-admiral
afterwards advanced up the bay, sounding and
reconnoitring. During the passage of the boats
along the shore, in the execution of this service,
the Americans frequently fired at them, and, in
one instance, killed two raen, besides wounding
several others ; although not a musket had been,
on any occasion, discharged from the boats.
About the end of March, admiral Warren,
from Bermuda, bringing with him the San
Domingo 74, and some other ships, arrived in
the Chesapeake. In his way up the bay, the
admiral detached a force to attack four armed
schooners, lying at the mouth of the Rappa
hannock river. The breeze failing, the capture
of the whole four was effected by five British
boats, under the orders of lieutenant (now cap
tain) James Polkinghorne, ofthe St. Domino-o *
' ® ''
«t For the full particulars of this gallant exploit, see James's
Narsl Occurrences, p. 367. *

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 33
Ina week or two after a junction had heen
formed between admiral Warren and rear-
admiral Cockburn, the latter was directed, with
a squadron of small vessels, including two of
the captured schooners, to penetrate the rivers
at the head ofthe bav, and endeavour to cut off"
the enemy's supplies ; as well as to destroy his
foundries, stores, and public works ; particu
larly a depdt of flour, military and other stores,
ascertained, by the information of some Ameri
cans, to be at a place called French-toWn, situate
at a considerable distance up the river Elk.
Accordingly, the rear-admiral, with H.M. brigs
Fantome and Mohawk, and the Dolphin, Racer,
and Highflyer, tenders, on the evening of the
28th of April, moved towards the river. Having
moored the brigs and schooners as far within
the entrance as could be effected after dark,
the rear-admiral took with him, in the boats
of his little squadron, 150 marines, under
captains Wy bourn and Carter, and five ar
tillery-men, under lieutenant Robertson, of
that corps, and proceeded to execute hia
orders.* The boats, owing to ignorance of the way,
having entered the Bohemia instep of keeping
in the Elk river, did not re&ch the destined
place till late on the following morning. This
delay enabled the inhabitants of French -town to
• App. No. 8.
YOL. II. D

34 MILITARY, OCCURRENCES BETVYEEN
make arrangements for the defence of the stores
and town ; for. the security of which a six-gun
battery had lately been directed.: As:sK)onas
the boats approached within gun-shot of it, i)
heavy fire was opened upon them. Disregarding
this, however, the marines quickly landed ; and
the American militia fled from the battery to
the adjoining woods.
The inhabitants of the town, situate at aboiit
a mile distant, having, as far as could be ascer:
tained, taken no part in the contest, were not
in the slightest degree molested ; but a consi
derable quantity of flour, of army-clothing,
saddles, bridles, and other equipments for
cavalry ; also various articles of merchandj^^e^
and the two stores in which they had been
contained ; together with five vessels, lying
near the place, were entirely consumed. The
guns of the battery, being too heavy to. be
carried away, were disabled ; and the boatS;
departed, with no other loss than one seaman
wounded in the arm by a grape-shot. The
Americans lost one man killed by a rocket, but
none wounded. „
The rear-adipiral's system, and which hehad
taken care to , impart to all the Americans
captured by, or voluntarily coming on boardji
the squadron, was — to land without oflferiogj
molestation to the unopposing ir^habitaofS)
either in their persons or properties ; to capture

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 35
or destroy all articles of merchandize and
munitions of war ; to be allowed to take oflf,
upon paying the full market price, all such
cattle and supplies as the British squadron might
require : but, should resistance be offered, or
menaces held out, to consider the town as a
fortified post, and the male inhabitants as
soldiers ; the one to be destroyed, the other,
with their cattle and stock, to be captured.
Both the editor of the " Sketches of the War"
and of the " History of the War" confine the
conflagration at French-town, to thei two store
houses and their contents ; and so does a writer
in a respectable American periodical publication,
of very recent date, subjoining to his account
of the burning of the warehouses,— x" but no
private dwellings, as has erroneously b^en
stated."* Yet is the editor of the " History of
the United States" so totally disregardful of
truth, as to accuse the British of having plun
dered and destroyed the whole village.^ Mr.
Thomson finds it convenient to describe the
contents of the store-houses as goods belonging
to merchants of Baltimore and Philadelphia,-
and to be totally silent about any military
stores; but general Wilkinson expressly says :
— "By the defective arrangements of the
war^department, he (rear-admiral Cockburn)
• North American Review, Vol. V. p. 158.
t Hist, of the United States, Vol. III. p. 283.
V 2

36 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
succeeded in destroying the military equipments
and munitions found there ; of which, I appre-
hend, the public never received any correct
account,"* As the boats, in their way down the Elk,
were rounding Turkey Point, they came in
sight of a large estate, surrounded by cattle.
The rear-admiral landed ; and directing the
bailiff, or overseer, to pick out as many oxen,
sheep, and other stock, as were deemed sufficient
for the present use of the squadron, paid for
them to the full amount of what the bailiff
alleged was the market price. Not the slightest
injury was done ; or, doubtless, one of our
industrious historians would have recorded the
fact. Having learnt that cattle and provisions, in
considerable quantity, were at Specucie Island,
the rear-admiral, with the brigs and tenderU,
proceeded to that place. In his way thither it
became necessary to pass in sight of Havre de
Grace, a village of about 60 houses, situate on
the west-side of the Susquehanna, a short
distance above the confluence of that river with
the Chesapeake. Although the British were
a long way out of gun-shot, the Americans at
Havre de Grace must needs fire at them frora 8
six-gun battery, and display to their view, as
a further mark of defiance, a large American
» Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 732.

GREAT BUITAIN AND AMERICA. 37
ensign. This determined the rear-admiral to
raake that battery and town the next object of
attack. In the meanwhile, he anchored his
squadron off Specucie Island. Here a part of
the boats landed, and obtained cattle upon the
same terms as before. A complaint having been
made, that some of the subordinate officers had
destroyed a number of turkies, the rear-admiral
paid the value ofthem out of his own pocket.
The Americans, as they were driving the cattle
to the boats, jeered the men, saying, — " Why
do you come here ? Why don't you go to Havre
de Grace ? There you'll have something to do."
About this time a deserter gave the people at
Havre de Grace, who had already been in
preparation, notice ofthe intended attack.
After quitting Specucie Island, the rear-
admiral bent his course towards Havre de Grace;
but the shallowness of the water admitting the
passage of boats only, the 150 marines and the
five artillery men embarked at midnight on the
2d of May, and proceeded up the river.* The
Dolphin and Highflyer tenders attempted to
follow in support of the boats, but shoal water
compelled them to anchor at the distance of
six miles from the point of attack. By day
light, the boats succeeded in getting opposite
to the battery ; which mounted six guns, 12
and 6-pounders, and opened a smart fire upon
» App. No. 9.

38 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the British, The marines instantly landed to
the left ; which was a signal to the Americans to
withdraw from their battery. Lieutenant G, A.
Westphall, having, in the mean time, stationed
his rocket-boat close to the battery, now landed
with his boat's crew, turned the guns upon
the American militia, and drove them to the
extremity of the town.
The inhabitants still keeping up a fire from
behind the houses, walls, and trees, lieutenant
We.stphall, by the admiral's orders, "held out a
flag of truce, and called upon them to desist.
Itistead of so doing, these " unoffending citizens"
fired at the British lieutenant, and actually shot
him through the very hand that was bearing the
flag of truce. After this, who could wonder if
the British seamen and marines turned to the
right and left, and demolished every thing in
their :way ? — The townspeople themselves had
constructed the battery ; and yet not a house
in which an inhabitant remained was injured.
Several of the inhabitants, principally wonito,
who had fled at first, came again into the town,
and got back such articles as had been taken.
Some of the women actually proceeded to the
boats ; and, upon identifying their property,
had it restored to them. Many of ;, the
inhabitants; who had remained peaceably in
their houses, as a proof that they were iiell
informed ofthe principle upon which Sir George

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 39
Cockburn acted, frequently exclaimed to him :
— " Ah, sir, I told them what Would be the
consequence of their conduct. It is a great pity
so many should suflfer for a head-strong few.
Those who were the most determined to fire
upon you the other day, saying it was impossible
you could take the place, were now the first to
run atvay." Several of the houses that were not
burnt did, in truth, belong to the chief agents
in those violent measures that caused such
severity on our part ; and the very towns-people
themselves pointed out the houses. Lieutenant
Westphall, with his remaining hand, pursued and
took prisoner an American captain of militia ;
and others of the party brought in an ensign
and several privates, including an old Irishman,
named O'Neill. After embarking the six guns
from the battery, and taking or destroying
about 130 standi of small-arms, the British
departed from Havre de Grace.
One division of boats, headed by the rear-
admiral, then proceeded to the northward, in
search of a cannon-foundry, of vvhich some of
the inhabitants of Havre de Grace had given
information. This was found, and instantly
destroyed ; together with five long 24-pounders,
stationed in a battery for its protection ;
28 long 32-pounders, ready for sending away ;
and eight long guns, and four carronades, in the
boring-bouse and foundry. Another division

40 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
of boats was sent up the Susquehanna; and
returned, after destroying five vessels and a large
store of flour.
No event of the war has been more grossly
exaggerated than the proceedings of the British
at Havre de Grace, Happily, so much incon.
sistency and contradiction prevail in the
American accounts, that we shall have no great
difficulty in exposing the authors to the merited
indignation of the disinterested reader. One
editor says : — " From Frenchtown they (the
British) proceeded down the Elk, ascended the
river Susquehanna, and attacked, plundered,
and burnt the neat and flourishing, but unpro
tected village of Havre de Grace ; for which
outrage no provocation had been given, nor
could excuse be assigned."* Another says: —
'^ In expectation of an attack from the enemy,
the.; people of Havre de Grace had made
preparations for the defence of the place ; and
a battery had been erected, of two 6-pounders,
ajid one iiine."f Six long 13 and 6Tpouriders,
the reader will recollect, were taken hy us from
that very battery. The same editor admits,
that a fire was kept up from the battery till the
British commenced their debarkation ; " when
all," says he, " except O'Neill, an old citizen
of Havre de Grace, abandoned their posts ; and,
* Hist, of the U. S. Vol. Ill, p. 283,
t Sketches of the War, p. 209.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 41
following the militia, who had fled with shame
ful precipitation, left the women and children
of the place to the mercy of the invaders."*
A third editor says : — " A small party of militia
were stationed at Havre de Grace ; who, on the
approach ofthe enemy, made a slight resistance,
and then retreated. An Irishman," (this is more
intelligible than Mr. Thompson's designation,)
named O'Neill, with a courage amounting to
rashness, and an enthusiasm not confined by
cold loyalty, opposed his .single arm to the
British host, and was taken prisoner and carried
on board the fleet, but afterwards released."t
Another American account says: — "Tbe
inhabitants of Havre de Grace had, for three
weeks previous to this period, been making-
preparations for defence ; and several companies
of militia were called in to their aid." — " The
militia, amounting to about 250, were kept to
their arms all night ; patroles were stationed in
every place where they could possibly be of any
service ; the volunteers at the battery were at
their guns, and a general determination seemed
to prevail of giving the enemy a warm recep
tion. "J What, then, becomes of doctor
Smith's assertion, that Havre de Grace was
" unprotected ;" or that " no excuse could be
* Sketches of the War, p. 209,
+ Hist, of the War, p. 170,
i North American Reyiew, Vol. V. p. 160.

42 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
assigned" for attacking it? — Perhaps this
gentleiiian grounded his statement upon
Mr. Munro's official communication to sir
Alexander Cochrane ; wherein, as a matter of
state-convenience, and in the very teeth ofthe
British official account, announcing the capture
of six pieces of cannon, and 130 stands of arms,
the American secretary chose to describe the
inhabitants of Havre de Grace as " unarmed."
In the same spirit of rancor, doctor Smith
declares, that " the whole of this little town,
house after house, was consigned to the flames."*
Mr, Thomson is not explicit upon this point ;
but Mr, O'Connor expressly says : — " Twenty-
four of the best houses in the town were
burned ;"f and the Boston reviewer says: — " It
has been said, in a respectable history of the
times," (can this mean doctor Smith's M^orki*)
'' that one house only escaped the flames; but
this is a mistake. Havre de Grace consisted of
about 60 houses, and of these not more than 40
were burnt."J As, according to the same
account, several of the houses were, when the
British landed, " already in flames," from the
" tremendous discharge of balls, rockets, and
shells," we may consider Mr. O'Connor's estimate
as alluding exclusively to those destroyed bythe
British while on shore. It is not a little extra-
* Hist, of the United States, Vol. III. p. 283.
+ Hist, of the War, p. 170. + N. Amer. Rev. Vol. V, p. 160;

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 43
ordinary, that the same writer who dwells so
upon; the state of " preparation" in which the
inhabitants were, should say: " It is not easj'
to assign any cause, other than the caprice of
its projector, for this violent attack on a defence
less and unoffending village. No reasons of a
public nature could have induced it. No public
property was deposited there, nor were any of
its inhabitants engaged in aiding the prosecution
of the war."*
Although it would be idle to question the
zeal and industry of any one of our three histo
rians, Mr. Thomson alone has declared that the
British " cut open the bedding of the citizens
to augment the flames ; destroyed the public
stages ; maimed the horses ; cut to pieces the
private baggage of the passengers ; tore the
cloathing of some of the inhabitants from their
backs; and left to others those only which they
wore; in short, robbing private travellers on the
highway of their money and apparel." Mr,
Thomson next affirms that, " when several
ladies of the first distinction" had taken refuge
*' in a spacious and elegant private mansion,"
a British officer " was entreated to suffer this
house, at least, to escape the general conflagra
tion ; but, as he was obeying the orders of
admiral Cockburn, the most he could do was to
suspend his purpose, until those unprotected
* North American Review, Vol. V. p. 162.

44 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
women could prevail upon the admiral to coun
termand them."* Tbat the latter part of this
statement is utterly false, appears by the testi
mony ofone of the suflferers ; one who dates his
letter frora the spot ; who complains that the
destruction of Havre de Grace has " ruined"
him ; and who, therefore, must write with
highly irritated feelings against the British. He
says : " The inhabitants fled at the approach
of the sailors, and the women took shelter in
the house of Mr. Mark Pringle ; which a party
was proceeding to destroy, when Mr. Pringle,
with a flag, met them, and they very readily
desisted."! One would suppose that the destruction, by
an enemy, of 45 pieces of cannon, chiefly long
32 and 24-pounders, would have appeared
of sufficient national importance, to engage the
attention of such as profess to detail the events
of a war. But it was necessary to cast every
possible odiura upon the British, and therefore
highly irapolitic to admit that they performed a
single act of legitimate warfare. Mr. Thomson
is the only editor who deplores the loss " of 50
pieces of elegant cannon;" but he makes
amends for bis unguarded acknowledgment, by
declaring, that the furnace which was battered
down, was " private property," and that the
* Sketches of the War, p. 210,
+ Philadelphia Gazette, May 4, 1813.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA, 45
British, *' as the last act of atrocity with which
this expedition was destined to be marked, tore
up a small bridge, constructed over a deep,
though narrow creek, and over which travellers
of every description were obliged to pass, or
venture through a wider channel, at the immi
nent hazard of their lives."* So that a small
party, on shore in an enemy's country, atid ex
pecting to be attacked by an enraged popula
tion, coUecring from all points, are to leave
standing a bridge, by which alone, probably,
their position can be assailed ; because, forsooth,
the destruction of that bridge would compel the
inhabitants to " venture through a wider chan
nel, at the imminent hazard of their lives."
This is such a refinement in warfare, as we did
not expect to hear broached by an American.
Doctor Smith and Mr. O'Connor, although they
have added to the list of enorraities committed
bythe British, that of burning " Mr. Hughes's
foundery," have rejected the story of the bridge,
as too ridiculous even for them to publish.
Mr. O'Connor, with a fellow-feeling, perhaps,
extols highly the courage and enthusiasm of his
friend O'Neill. This conteraptible old wretch,
when taken on board the rear-admiral's ship,
cried bitterly ; exclaiming every now and then,
"God bless kingGeorge — 1 detest the Americans,
— will do all 1 can to save the British," &c. &c.'
* Sketches of the War, p. 211.

46 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Next day his daughter, an interesting young
woman, came on board, and begged hard for his
discharge ; urging that he had a large family
dependant on him for support. Her tears pre
vailed, and she carried her father on shore. In
a week or ten days afterwards, rear-admiral
Cockburn had occasion to go on board the San
Domingo, when, to his great surprise, admiral
Warren showed him a letter he had just received
from the American secretary of state, declaring,
if a hair of O'Neil's head was hurt, what his
government would do, &c. This ludicrous
application was replied to in a proper inanner,
and the affair ended.
On the night of the Sth of May, the same
party of British marines and artillery-men again
embarked in the boats, and proceeded up the
river Sassafras, separating the counties of Kent
and Cecil, towards the villages of George-town
and Frederick-town, situate on opposite sides
of the river, nearly facing each other. Having-
intercepted a small boat with two of the inha
bitants, rear-admiral Cockburn halted the de
tachment, about two miles from the town ; and
then sent forward the two Americans in their
boat, to warn their countrymen against acting
in the same rash manner as the people of Havre
de Grace had done ; assuring them that, if they
did, their towns would inevitably meet with a
similar fate ; but that, on the contrary, if they

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 47
did not attempt, resistance, no injury should be
done to them. or their towns; that vessels and
public property only, would be seized ; that
the strictest discipline would be maintained;
andthat whatever provision or other property
of individuals the rear-admiral might require
for the use of the squadron, would be instantly
paid for in its fullest value.* The two Amerir
cans agreed in the propriety of this ; said there
was no battery at either of the towns ; thatthey
would willingly deliver the message, and; had
no doubt the inhabitants would be peaceably
disposed. After waiting a considerable time, the rear-
admiral advanced higher up ; and, when within
about a mile from the towns, and between two
projecting points of land which compelled the
boats to proceed in close order, a heavy fire
was opened upon them from one field^piece,
and, as conjectured, 3 or 400 militia, divided and
entrenched on the opposite sides of the river.
The fire was promptly returned, and the rear-
admiral pushed on shore with the marines;
but, the instant the American militia observed
them fix their bayonets, they fled to the woods,
and were neither seen nor heard of afterwards.
All thehouses, excepting those m hose owners had
continued peaceably in them, and taken no part
in the attack, were forthwith destroyed; as were
* App. No. 10.

48 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
four vessels lying in the river, together with
some stores of sugar, of lumber, of leather, and
other merchandize. On this occasion, five of
the British were wounded. One of the Ameri
cans who entreated to have his property saved,
wore military gaiters ; and had, no doubt, as
sisted at the firing upon the British. Agreeably
to his request, however, his property was left
untouched. Mr. Thomson says : " The invaders were gal
lantly ressisted more than half an hour, when
they eflfected a landing ; and, marching towards
the town, compelled the militia to retire. Co
lonel Veazy effected his retreat in excellent
order."* To prove that this was a gallant
affair, Mr. Thomson has made the American
force "about 80 militia, and one small cannon,"
and the British force " 18 barges, each carrying
one great gun, and manned altogether by 600
men."* Mr, O'Connor contents himself with
accusing us of burning the unprotected villages
of Frederick and George-town,
On his way down the river, the rear-admiral
visited a town situated on a branch ofit. Here
a part of the inhabitants actually pulled off to
him ; and, requesting to shake hands, declared
he should experience no opposition whatever.
The rear-admiral accordingly landed, with the
^officers, and, chiefly out of respect to his rank a
* Sketches of the War, p. 212,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 49.
small personal guard. Among those that came
to greet him, on his landing, were observed two
inhabitants of George-town. These meUj as
well as an inhabitant of the place who had been
to George-town to see what was going on,
had succeeded in persuading the people to adopt,
as their best security, a peaceable demeanor.
Having ascertained that there were no public
property nor warlike stores, and obtained, upon
payment of the full value, such articles as were
wanted, the rear-admiral and his party re-em
barked. Soon afterwards, a deputation was sent
from Charlestown, on the north-east river, to
assure the rear-admiral, that the place was con
sidered as at his mercy ; and, similar assurances
coming from other places in the upper part of
the Chesapeake, the rear-admiral and his light
squadron retired from that quarter.
None of the American historians notice the
lenient conduct observed towards the inhabit
tants of the two last-mentioned towns ; unless
we are to consider Mr. Thomson as glancing at
the subject, when he complains of " the
treachery of some citizens of the republic."
These editors find relief for their rancorous spirit
either way. If the inhabitants preserve their
towns by not opposing us, they are " traitors,
tories, or British agents :" if they mkke resistr
ance; and their towns, sharing the fate of other
VOL. 11. £•

50 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
atormed places, are burnt, we are " vile incen
diaries, unprincipled marauders."
Much is said by American editors, about
robbing the inhabitants of their cattle and live
stock ; but the truth is, the farmers themselves,
considered the British, squadron in the Chesa
peake as their best market. Not contented,
however, with getting the highest prices for
their stock,^ small as well as large ; their eggs,,
butter, milk, cheese, garden-stuflf, &c, they fre
quently practised upon their liberal purchasers
the grossest impositions.
One writer, doctor Smith, alluding to the
proceedings in the Chesapeake, expresses him
self thus: " History blushes to recapitulate the
depredations and conflagrations which were
here perpetrated. The pen of the historian
cannot record one solitary exploit of honorable
warfare, worthy the arms of an heroic nation.
The outrages of their sailors and marines
were to, the last degree shocking and indefeiu
sible. They committed indiscriminate havoc upon
every species of private property along the shores;
of the bay, and on the margin of its inlets."*
This is tbe very language that was used
by the " National Intelligencer," " National
Advocate," " Democratic Press," and other
Araerican newspapers, " known to be friendlv
* History of the United States, Vol. MI. p, 282;

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 51'
to the war," for tbe double purpose of preju
dicing the British character in the eyes of
the other narions of Europe, and of filUng
the ranks of the American array from among,
the western, or Kentucky patriots. Ame
rican citijjens of the first con^quence, in Bal
timore, Annapolis, and Washington, wh»jn they
have gone on board the British Chesiapeake
^uadron, as they frequently did, with flags, to
obtain passports, or a&k other favors, and theste
inflammatory paragraphs were shown to theWj
never failed to declare, with apparent $hame,
that they had been penned without the slightest
regard to truth, but merely to instigate their
ferocious countrymen in the western states
to r^ly round the American standard- Yet
doesthe sober historian ofthe United States not
'' blush" to record as truth these party-serving
lies. Such statements soil the historic page ;
and, by their influence op the passions, may
tendj at some future day, to rekindle the flanjes
of w ar between the two nations.
Fortunately, we have American testinoony to
aid us in repelling the principal charge advaijeed
against the British by this nest of calumniators,
« They (the British) were always," ^ays the
writer in the Jieview, " desirous of making a
fair purchase, and of paying the full value of
what they received ; and, it is no more than
E 2

52 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
justice to the eneiny to state that, in some
instances, monej^ was left behind, in a conspi
cuous place, to the full amount of what had been
taken away."*
We in England may find it difficult to consi
der, as soldiers, men neither embodied nor drest
in regimentals. That circumstance has not es
caped the keen discernraent of the American
governraent : hence we are so often charged, in
proclaraatlons and other state-papers, with
attacking the "inoffensive citizens ofthe repub
lic." The fact is, every man in the United States,
under 45 years of age, is a militia-man ; and,
during the war, attended in his turn, to be
drilled, or " trained." He had always in his pos
session either a musket or a rifled-barrel piece;
knew its use from his infancy ; and with it,
therefore, could do as much execution in a
smock frock or plain coat, as ifhe wore the most
splendid uniform. These soldiers in citizens'
dresses were the men whom rear-admiral Cock
burn so frequently attacked and routed ; and
who, when they had really acted up to the
character of " non-combatants," were invariably
spared, both in their persons and properties.
The rear-admiral wished them, for their own
sak,es only, to remain neutral; but general
Hull, in his famous proclamation, prepared
* North American RctIcw, Vol. V. p. 158, '

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 53
with SO much care at Washington, invited the
Canadian people to become open traitors to their
country ; and visited upon them that refused,
all " the horrors and calamities of war,"*
On the 12th of June the boats ofthe Narcissus
42, containing about 40 raen, under the com
mand of lieutenant Cririe, first of that ship, and
of lieutenant P. Savage, of the marines, were
despatched up York river, in the Chesapeake,
to cut out the United States' .schooner Surveyor,
mounting six 12-pound carronades. , Captain S,
Travis, her commander, had furnished eacli of
his men with tvvo muskets. They held, their
fire until the British were within pistol-shot ;
but the latter pushed on, and finally carried the
vessel by boarding, with the loss of three men
killed, and six wounded. Captain Travis had
five men wounded. His crew amounted to 16;'}"
and so gallant was their Conduct, as v^ell as
that of their commander, in the opinion of
lieutenant Cririe, that that officer returned
captain Travers his sword, accompanied by a
letter, not less complimentary to him than
creditable, to the writer.^ Mr. Thomson has
added, " a tender" to the boats of the frigate;
and declares that the force of the British was
" nine times superior"§ to that on board the
purveyor, Lieutenant Cririe's letter would
* Vol. I. App. No. 4. + American Nav, Mon. p. 219
J App. No. 10. ^ Sketches of the War, p. 213.

54 MlLtTARY OCCCRRENCtlS BETWEEN
have set this matter vight, and confefl*d am
htrtior upon the British coimntanding officer:
•either of which reasons would suffice to preV'C'Bt
its appearance in the pages ofthe " Siketches of
the War." None of the other historians have
noticed the a'Ct'ioi*^.
Admiral V\'arren, who had left tbe Chesapeake.
for Bermuda, retumted to his command early
-in June ; bringing with him, according to
newspaper-account, a detachment of battalion
inarines, 1800 strong; SOOof the 102d regiment;
250 of the Independent Foreigners, or Canadian
chasseurs ; and 300 of fche royal marine-artillery :
total 2650 men.
On the 18th of June H.M.S. Junon, of 46
guns, anchored in Hampton roads; and captain
Sanders despatdbed his boats to capture or
destroy any Vessels that might be found at the
entrance of James's river, Coramodore John
>Gassin,tbe naval command ing-offioer at Norfolk,
-eibserving this, directed the 15 gun-boats at that
station to be manned with an additional nunj-
iber of seamen and marines from the Constella
tion frigate, then moored at the navy -yard, also
with 50 infantry from Craney Island ; and, under
the command of captain Tarbin, to attempt the
capture or destruction of the Junon.
-It was not till about 4P.M. on the 20th, that
this formidable flotilla, armed with upwards of
gp guns, half of which were long 32 aftd 24-

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 53
jsounders, and manned with, at least, 500 men,
commenced its attack upon the Junon, then
lying ibecalmed. Captain Sanders warraly
returned th^ir fire with his long eighteens ;
hoping that they would soon venture to approach
within reach of hi* carronades. This the gun
boats carefully avoided ; and, between thera and
the frigate, a distant cannonade, very slightly
injurious to eitber party, was maintained for about
three quarteris of an hour, A breeze now sprang
up; which enabled the Barrosa, of 42, and tte
Laurestinus, of 28 guns, lying about five miks
oflf, to get under weigh, in the hope to have a
share in the amusement. The Junon, also, was
at this time under sail, using her best efforts to
give a more serious complexion to the contest ;
but commodore Cassin, wbo, as he assures us,
was in his boat during the whole ofthe action,
considering that the flotilla had done enough to
entitle him to display both his fighting, and his
literary qualifications, in an official letter, very
prudently ordered the 15 gun-boats to make the
best of their way back to Norfolk.
Commodore Cassin's letter* will afford a
richer treat, when it is known, that the Junon,
so " severely bandied" as to be placed " upon
a deep careen, with a number of boats and
stages round her,"receivedonly one or two sllot^
in her hull, and sustained no other loss than one
* App. No. 12.

56 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
man killed. Three of the gun-boats are stated
to have received damage; one man is also
acknowledged to have been killed, and two
men wounded. The Barrosa, a 42-gun frigate,
is under 950, >' a razee" from 1640 to 1700 tons ;*
yet the American commodore could discover
no diflference between those two classes of ships.
Mr. Thomson is the only editor vvho has recorded
this gun-boat exploit. He declares the Junon
was "much shattered;" that " the Americans
had 15 guns, the British, 150 and upwards;"
that " captain Tarbell's conduct, as well as
that of lieutenants Gardner, Henly, and others,
received the fullest approbation of the sur
rounding garrisons, and of the citizens of Nor*
foik."t The appearance of the two frigates and sloop
in Hampton roads soon brougbt to Norfolk and
its vicinity as many as 10000 militia ; and the
v^orks, recently constructed there, were all
manned, ready for defending that important
post. At Hampton, also, a militia force had
assembled ; and batteries were erecting, in case
that town should prove the object of attack.
On the 20th of June, 13 sail of British
ships, consisting of three 74s, a 64 armee en
flute, four frigates, and five sloops, transports,
and tenders, lay at anchor ; the nearest within
seven, the furthest ofT within thirteen, miles
* James's Nat. Occurr. p. 3t. Sketches of the War, p. 214.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 57
of Craney Island, An assemblage of boats
at the sterns of several of the ships, on the
afternoon of that day, gave no very unequivocal
notice to the people on shore, that sorae expe
dition was on foot. Accordingly, " Craney
Island being rather weakly manned,"* the com
manding officer at Norfolk sent 150 of the
Constellation's seamen and marines, to a bat
tery of 18-pounders on the north-west, and
about 480 Virginia militia,']' exclusive of officers,
to reinforce a detachment of artillery, stationed
with two '24 and four 6-pounders on the west,
side of the island. Captain Tarbell's 15 gun
boats were also moored in the best position for
contributing to the defence o,f the post.
After two days' parade of boats and bustle
among the British ships, a division of 17 or 18
boats, at day-light on the morning ofthe 22d,
departed with about 800 men, under major-
general Beckwith, round the point of Nan
semond river, and landed them at a place
called Pig's point, near to the narrow inlet
separating the main from Craney Island. Owing
to some error in the arrangements, unexpected
obstacles presented themselves. An attack from
that quarter being therefore considered hopeless,
and the position itself not tenable, the troops,
in the course of the day, re-embarked, and
returned to the squadron.
* App. No. 12. t Sketches of the War, p. 213.

58 MILITARY OtJCUKREA'CES BETWEEN
A second division of boats, 15 in number,
containing a detachment of 500 men, from the
102d regiment, Canadian chasseurs, and batta
lion-marines, and about 200 seamen, the whole
under the command of captain Pechell, of the
St. Domingo, arrived, at about 11 o'clock in the
forenoon, oflf the north-west side of the island,
directly in front ofthe battery manned by the
Constellation's men. Great diflerence of opinion
prevailed among the officers engaged in the
expedition, about the propriety of making the
attack at that time of tide, it being then the ebb.
Captains Hanchett, Maude, and Romilly of the
engineers, were decidedly against it; captain
Pechell was fbr it ; and he, being the senior
officer, of course carried his point. Captain
Hanchett then volunteered to lead the boats to
the attack ; which he was permitted to do.
Captain Hanchett's boat was the Diadem's
launch, carrying a 24-pound carronade, the
only boat so armed in the division. He had
taken his station about 60 yards a-head of the
other boats ; and was pulling, under a very
heavy and long-continued fire from the batteries,
directly in front ofthem, when his boat unfor
tunately took the ground, at the distance of
about 100 yards frora the muzzles of the enemy's
guns. Captain Hanchett, who had been pre
viously standing up in his boat, animating his
men to hasten forward, now wrapped round his

<SREAT BRITAt* XJlt) AMERICA. 59
'bodyauflionjack,ahd^M<«paTed'to wade on shore
to storm the American battery. At that i>nst»n>t
¦©¦ne of lie seamen, having plunged his boat-
hook over the side, found three or ifbwr foet of
*14my mod at the bottom. A check thus 'ofFec-
tnally given to a daring ent'Crprise, in whicli all
were so ready to join, captain Hanchett waved
his hat for the boats a-stern to keep a-float. In
the hurry >of poaiLling and ardor of the men,
this warning was disregaaided ; and one or two
of th« boats grounded. Two others, owing to
their baving received soane diot tbat had passed
¦through the sailsof the Diadejn's launch, sank.
In the meanwhiile, the Americans atthe battery,
wdW aware of the shoal, had anftioipated what
happened; and, feeling their own security,
poured in their grape and canister with <iestruo-
tiv^etfFect. A d-pound shot, which had passed
through a launch on tihe Ktarboard side of
•captain Hanchett's boat, and killed and wounded
several itten, struck that officer on the hip, and
he instantly fell ; but was quickly on his legs
again, While lbe was assisting to save the
"n>en tbat wei'e struggiiing in the water, in
consequence ©f tbeir boat haviug been sunk, a
Jaogridge shot entered his left rthdgh^ This gal
lant offfi<cer stood as long as he conld, and
then feinted. A little w-ater, however, restored
him; and, after seeing the boats withdrawn
ifroin tbe fire, captain Hanchett went to the rear
atid reported himself to captain Pechell : that

60 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
done, the wounded captain ordered himselfto
be shifted into a lighter boat, which conveyed
him to his own ship, the Diadem, then lying at
anchor twelve miles oflf.
While the men from the sunken boats, and
who consisted chiefly ofthe Canadian chasseurs,
or Independent Foreigners, were struggling for
their lives in the water and mud, the Constella
tion's marines, and the Araerican infantry,
waded a short distance into the water, and
deliberately fired at them. When informed of
the circumstance, the American authorities, very
naturally, declared it untrue : as had been fre
quently done before, too, " an investigation was
ordered;" and which, of course, " resulted in
a complete refutation of the allegations."* But,
the fact having passed in full view, not only of
the officers and men iu the otber boats, but of
sir T, Sidney Beckwith and his party, from
their position on the main-land, any attempts at
denial could only add to the enormity of the
oflfence. Huddled together, as the boats were, when they
struck the ground ; and that within canister-
range of a battery, which kept upon them an
incessant fire of raore than two hours' duration,
it required no very expert artillerists to sink
three of the boats, and to kill three rnen and
wound sixteen ; especially when aided by the
muskets of those humane individuals w ho v^ aded
* History of tho United States, Vol. III. p. 285.'

CREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 61
into the water to fire at the drowning crews.
Including 10 searaen, 62 are reported , as
missing,* Of these, it appears, 40 gained the
shore, and " deserted" to the Americans, As
more than that number of missing appear to
have belonged to the two foreign companies, this
creates no surprise ; especially as the only alter
native left to the raen was to becpme prisoners
of war. Admitting the American statement to
be correct, 22 must have perished in the water;
the majorfty of whora, owing to the proximity
ofthe sinking boats to the Diadera's launch,
and the strenuous exertions of captain Hanchett
and his men to save the drowning crews, must
have dropped beneath the merciless bullets
of the American troops. The whole loss on
our side, which, as we have seen, amounted to
81, has been magnified by the American editors,
to 200 ; and they add, with a degree of
exultation, rendered ridiculous by the powerless
condition to which accident had reduced the
invading party, that " on the side of the
invaded, not a man was either killed or
wounded." One American editor makes the British force
that arrived in front of the island-battery
" about 4000 men," many of whom were
Frenchjf ?ind those that landed on the main
^^ upwards of 800 soldiers ;" yet, in the very
f App* No. 13. f Sketches ofthe War, p. 215..

62'' MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Mext page,, he declares that " 3000 British
soldiers, saitors., and marines, were opposed to
480 Virginia miliria, and 150 sailarsi and
marines."* The batteries were notiiMig in the
account, although Mr. Thomson hiid just don* '.
telling OS what destruction they had caused.
Another editor, Mr. O'Comaor, declares that
" 1500; men attempted to land in front of the
island ;•]¦ and that the force that landed on the
main was " reported, by deserters and others,
to exceed 3000 men.";}: The postcript to com
modore Cassin's letter states that " the number
of the enemy engaged in tbe attack was nearly
3000;"$ implying, of course, that those not
engaged were excluded from the estimate.
Another writer, whose zeal it would be criminal
to question, says,: — "An attempt was made
against Craney Island, by a force exceeding
1200 men ; who were repulsed with <lisgrace by
700 raw troops, sailors and marines, without
the loss of a man."|| We have, in addition to
Mr. Thomson's, general Wilkinson's high autho
rity for stating, that a part ofthe invading force
consisted of " a corps designated ' chasseurs Bri^
tanniques,' composed of foreign renegadoes under
British officers." II
It is surprising with what facility the American
* Sketches ofthe War, p. 216. + App. No. t?.
+ Ilist. of the War, p. 171.
II Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 733.

GREAT BRlTAITf AND AMERICA. 63/
historian can, by his powers of distortioiv caii*s
vert every event h'e records to the naetionalf
advantage. The check wbich the expeditions
experienced, wh«n the Diadem's )auneh and
two or three of th« foremost boats struck thei
ground, is represented as " a momentary pause"
caused by the " galling fire from the battery ;"*
and to prove, decidedly, the existence of ro-
other obstacle to the landing of theBritish, than
" this galMnt resistance by the naval division
on the island," Mr, Thomson follows up his
" momentary pause" with, — " Every attempt to
approach the shore havii^g heretofore failed, the
enemy deteruiined on returning to his shipping
with as little delay as possible."* Not one of
the other historians mentions a word about the
British boats having grounded : all was eflfected
by the " invincible American searaen and
marines." We have seen already, and shall see*
again, as we proceed, that the American editors,
in their histories, and the American commanders',
in their official letters, can, when the occasion
serves^ magnify a difficulty, be it ever so slight,
into one which no bravery can surmount.
The policy of attacking Craney Island, as a
means of getting at Norfolk, has been much
questioned ; but there can be only one opinion,
surely, about the wisdom of sending boats, in
broad day-light, to feel their way to th^shore,
* Sketches of the War, p. 215. + App. No. 12.

64 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
over shoals and mud-banks ; and that in the
very teeth of a formidable battery. Unlike
most other nations^ the Araericans in particular,
the British when engaged in expeditions of this.
nature, always rest their hopes of success upon
valor rather than numbers. But still, had the
veil of darkness been allowed to screen the
boats from view, and an hour of the night
chosen, when the tide had covered the shoals
with deep water, the same little party might
have carried the batteries ; and a defeat, as
disgraceful to those that cau.sed, as honorable
to those that suflfered in it, been converted into
a victory. As it was, the affair of Craney Island,
dressed up to advantage in the American official
account, and properly commented upon by tbe
government-editors, was hailed throughout the
union as a glorious triumph, fit for Ameri
cans to achieve.
On the night ofthe 25th of June, the effective
men ofthe 102d regiment, Canadian chasseurs,
and battaKon-marines ; also, three companies
of ship's marinesj, the whole amounting to about
2000 men, commanded by major-general Beck
with, embarked in a division of boats, placed
under the orders of rear-admiral Cockburn,
and covered by tlie Mohawk sloop, and the
launches of the squadron. About half an
hour before day-light on the 26th, the ad
vance, corisisting of about 650 meu, aloug

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 65
with two 6-pounders, under lieutenant-colonel
Napier, landed two miles to the westward
of Hampton, a town about 18 miles from
Norfolk, and separated frora it by Hampton-
roads. Shortly afterwards, the main body,
consisting of the royal marine-battalions under
lieutenant-colonel Williams, landed ; and the
whole raoved forward.
A full detail of the little skirmishes that
ensued. with, certainly, a very inferior body of
militia, will be found in Admiral Warren's and
sir Sydney Beckwith's despatches.* As might
be expected, the town,, and its seven pieces of
cannon, fell into our hands, after a trifling lo.ss
of five killed, 33 wounded, and 10 missing;*
or, according to Mr. Thomson, of " 90 killed
and 120 wounded."f The Americans adrait a
less of seven killed, 12 wounded, 11 missing,
and one prisoner ; total 31. f
Our force, on this occasion, has been, by the
American editors, more fairly stated than
usual; but they have contrived to make it
up, by proportionably dittiipishing their own.
Mr. Thomson tells us that, early in June, from
'.' the suspicious raovements and menacing atti--
tudes" of the British squadron lying in Hanap-
ton-roads, " the citizens of all the surrounding
towns became apprehensive of an attack ;" that
* App. Nos. 14 and 15.
+ Sketches of the War, p. 240.
TOL. II. i'

66 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
" at Norfolk the militia force very soon con!-
sisted of 10000 raen ;" but that " at Hampton,
a force of not more than 450 had yet been
organized." After the British squadron had
practised, during three weeks, " suspicious
movements and menacing attitudes," in the
very front of Hampton, within 18 miles of which,
" 10000 men" had already been collected,
Mr. Thomson gravely enumerates the force that
resisted the British, when they attacked and
carried the town of Hampton, at " 438 men ;"*
a smaller number even, than, at the very com
mencement of these " suspicious movements and
menacing attitudes," he admits, had then been
organized. Upon thewhole, therefore, we shall
incur no risk of over-rating the American force
at Hampton, by fixing it at 1000 men.
A subject next presents itself for investigation,
upon which it is painful to proceed. As soon
as the Americans were defeated, and driven
from Hampton, the British troops, or rather,
"the foreign renegadoes," (for they were the
principals), forming part ofthe advanced force,
commenced perpetrating upon the defenceless
inhabitants acts of rapine and violence, which
unpitying custom has, in some degree, rendered
inseparable from places that have been carried
by storm ; but which are as revolting to human
nature, as they are disgraceful to the fla"y
* Sketches of the War, p. 218.

-GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 67
that would sanction them. The instant these
circumstances of atrocity reached the ears of the
British commanding officer, orders were giveti
to search for, and bring in, all the Canadian
chasseurs distributed through the town ; and,
when so brought in, a guard was set over them.
The officers could do no more : they could not
be at every man's elbow, as he roamed through
the country in search of plunder ; — and plunder
the Soldier claims as a right, and will have, wheh
the enemy has compelled him to force his way
at the point of the bayonet.
No event of the war was so greeted by the
government-editors, as the affair at Hampton.
All the hireling pens in the United States were
put in requisition, till tale followed tale, each
out-doing the last in horror. The language of
the brothel was exhausted, and that of Billings
gate surpassed, to invent sufferings for the
American women, and terms of reproach for
their British ravishers. Instances were not only
njagnified, but multiplied, tenfold; till the
wholfe republic rang with peals of execration
against the British character and natioiii A few
of the boldest of the anti-government party
stood up to undeceive the public, but the voice
of reason was drowned in the general clamour ;
and it became as dangerous, as it was useless, to
attempt to gain a hearing. The *' George-town
Federal Republican," of July 7-> a newspaper
F 2

68 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
published just at the verge of Washington-city,
and whose editor has the happy priviledge of
remaining untainted amid.st a corrupted atmo
sphere, contains the following account : — ^" The
statement of the women of Hampton being
violated by the British, turns out to be false.
A correspondence upon that subject and the
pillage said to have been committed there, has
¦taken place between general Taylor and admiral
Warren. Some plunder appears to have been
committed, but it was confined to the French
troops emploj^ed. Admiral Warren complains,
on his part, of the Americans, having continued
to fire upon the struggling crews of the barges,
after they were sunk."*
It will be scarcely necessary to mention, that,
so far from the above statement, or any thing
-at all resembling it, appearing in the American
¦histories from which, we occasionally extract, —
¦the most violent paragraphs out of the. most
violent journals, have alone thg,t high honor
assigned to them. One author, the reverend
doctor Smith, has, unfortunately, — heedless how
he prostituted his superior talents, — dressed up
these calumnies in far more elegant language
than either of his contemporaries.
Alraost immediately after the affair at Hamp
ton, captain Smith; who commanded the two
companies of Canadian chasseurs, waited upou
* See p. 60.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 69
the commander-in-chief, and informed him that,
having remonstrated with his men for their
behaviour at Hamjptoh, they, one and all,
declared, that they would show no quarter to
any Arnerican whatever, in consequence of their
comrades having been so basely fired at, when
without arms, in the water, before the batteries
at Craney Island. Upon captain Smith's ex
pressing himself convinced that these foreigners
would act up to their deterraination, sir John
Warren ordered the two companies away from'
the American coast; and, although troops were
subsequently much wanted in that quarter, the
Canadian chasseurs, or Independent foreigners,
were never again employed in the British
service. On the llth of July, sir John Warren detached
rear-admiral Cockburn, with the Sceptre 74,
(into which ship he had now shifted his flag,)
the Romulus, Fox, and Nemesis, all arm^e en
flute, the Conflict gun-brig, and Highflyer and
Cockchafer tenders ; having on' board the 103d
regiment, of about 500 rank and file,* and a
small detachment of artillery, to Ocracoke
harbor, situate on the North-Carolina coast; for
the purpose of putting an end to the commerce
carried on from that port, by means of inland
riavigatioh, and of destroying any vessels that
might be found there. During the night of the
* Afterwards sent to the Canadas.

70 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
12th, the squadron arrived oflf Ocracoke bar;
and, at two o'clock on the following morning,
the troops were embarked in their boats ; which,
accompanied by the Conflict and tenders, pulled
in three divisions, towards the shore. Owing
to the great distance and heavy swell, the
advanced division, commanded by lieutenant
Westphall, first of the Sceptre, did not reach
the shoal-point of the harbor, behind which two
large armed vessels were seen at anchor, till
considerably after day-light : consequently, the
enerny was fully prepared for resistance. The
instant the boats doubled the point, they were
fired upon by the two vessels ; but lieutenant
Westphall, under cover of some rockets, pulled
directly for them ; and, had just got to the brig's
hows, when her crew cut the cables and aban
doned her. The schooner's colours were hauled
down hj the enemy ?ibout the same time. The
latter vessel proved to be the Atlas, letter of
marque, of Philadelphia, mounting 10 guns, and
ineasuring 240 tons : the former, the Anaconda,
letter of marque, of New York, mounting 18 long
9-pQunders, and measuring 387 tons,
In the course of the morning the troops were
landed, and took po.ssession of Ocracoke and
the town of Portsmouth, without the slightest
opposition. The inhabitants behaved with
civility, J^nd their property was, in consequence,
not molested ; although both ]Mr. Thompson

GREAT BRITA,IN AND AMERICA. 71
and Mr. O'Connor have stated diflferently. One
says : — " About 3000 men were landed at
Portsmouth ; where they destroyed the private
property of the inhabitants, and treated the
place with no more forbearance than they had
shewn at Georgetown and Fredericktown."*
Mr, O'Connor makes the attacking party amount
to no more than " between 7 and 800 ;" de
clares that " the country was pillaged and laid
waste by the enemy for several miles ;"'j" and,
having found out that some women died, and
•others were taken ill, in the neighbourhood,
ithout the time of the attack, supposes that it
all arose from " apprehensions of being treated
like the unfortunate females at Hampton-^'-jr —
After remaining on shore for two days, rear-
admiral Cockburn, with his troops and seamen,
re-embarked ; not, it would appear, because he
^had performed the service entrusted to him,
but — on account of his " not feeling himself
competent to the attack on Newborn, now that
its citizens were preparing to receive him."*
No sooner had the British departed, than the
American militia flocked to the post ; thus
presenting us with a new system of military
defence. •
« Sketches of the W^r, p. 224. + History of the War, p. 178.

72 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN

CHAPTER XIII.
Commencement of the campaign o/*1814 — Spirited
capture, by militia, of a superior detachment of
American regulars, on the Thames, U. C. — - Unsuc
cessful assault upon an American log-redoubt-^
Contemplated re-capture of Fort-Niagara, and
attack upon Kingston' — Major-general Brown's
mistake — His arrival at Buffaloe — General
Wilkinson's plan of obstructing the Richelieu —
American incursion into Lower Canada — Assem
blage of general Wilkinson's army at Champlain
-^ His advance to, and attack upon. La CoUe
mill — Intrepid behaviour of the garrison-
Repulse of the Americans, and their departure
from the province — American defensive prepara
tions at Vergennes-^British flotilla on Lake
Champlain — 'Ineffectual attack upon an Ameri
can battery at Otter Creek — Assault upou, and
capture qf Fort^Oswego —Public property found
there — American incursion into the village qf
Dover, at Long Paint ; and destruction of all
the dwelling-houses and other buildings there-r—'
Remarks on ihat proceeding,
Jb ROM the languid climate of the Chesapeake,
we are agaiii suddenly called to the bracing
regions of the Canadas, against whose towns and

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 73
inhabitants the United States' troops were still
marching, with augmented numbers and reno
vated hopes. General Harrison's victory had
placed the western district of Upper Canada, at
the mercy of every pettydetachmentwbich major-
general ; Cass might send from the garrison of
Detroit. Early in Deceraber the proceedings of
a foraging party of 44 of general Cass's regulars,
under lieutenant Larwell, reached the ears of
Mr. Henry Medcalf, a young man residing near
Long Point. Although the depredators were
traversing the banks of the river Tharaes, full
1'20 miles off, and the Canadian militia at this
time disembodied,* lieutenant Medcalf as
sembled three serjeants and seven rank and file
pf his own, the Norfolk militia; and, on the
16th of the month, commenced his inarch,
hoping to gain an accession of volun teerji on his
route. At Eort-Talbot, distant 65 miles, he was
joined by one lieutenant, one ensign, one ser
jeant, and seven rank and file of the Middlesex
U)ilitia ; also, bya serjeant and six rank and
file of captain Coleman's provincial dragoons;
Thus reinforced, lieutenant Medcalf advanced
to Chatham, about 50 miles further; where he
was joined by alieutenant and eight rank and
file of the Kent militia ; making his total num-^
ber, including officers, 37. While at Chatham,
the commanding officer of this little expedition'
* See p.' 5.

74 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
ascertained, that the objects of his search were
at a house belonging to one Macrae, situate
on the river-side. Owing to the length and^
rapidity of the march, eight of the men were
quite worn out with fatigue. Leaving these,
therefore, as a guard over the dragoon horses,
lieutenant Medcalf hastened to Macrae's, with
the remaining 28 of his party.
On arriving near the house, the door was found
closed, and the 45 American regulars had posted
themselves inside ; as if intending to make a
desperate resistance. Serjeant James M'Queen,
of the 2d Norfolk militia, took a very ready
method of gaining admittance : he burst open
the door with the but-end of his musket. The
29 Canadian militia-men immediately entered ;
and, after a short scuffle, in which two of the
Americans were killed, and three made their es
cape, took as prisoners lieutenants Larwell, Fisk,
and Davies, two serjeants, two corporals and 33
rank and file, of the United States' regular army,
total 40; with their arms in their hands. As
soon as this affair was made known at the head
quarters of the right division, lieutenant-ge
neral Drummond promoted lieutenant Med
calf; and otherwise testified his approbation of
the judgment and gallantry which that officer
had so successfully displayed. One of the pri
vates, Reuben Alwood, present at the attack,
was still in a weak state of health, owing to a

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. T5
severe wound he had received in resisting the
attack upon the Red House, in November, 1812.*
A sailor's boarding-pike was then thrust into his
left eye, and actually passed out at the back of
his ear ! If 50 American regulars, headed by a
captain, succeed in capturing seven or eight
Canadian militia, headed by a corporal, the event
finds a place in the pages of an Americaii " his
tory." Yet we have searched in vain for any
American account of the capture of lieutenant
Larwell, and 39 Araerican regulars, by lieutenant
Medcalf and 28 Canadian militia.
The re-possession of the Niagara frontier had
enabled lieutenant-general Drummond, early
in February, to detach a sraall force of regulars,
to check the further inroads of the Americans,
along the-Detroit and Lake-Erie shores. Apart
of this force, consisting ofthe two flank compa
nies of the Royal Scots, the light company of
the 89th, and a detachment of rangers and Kent
militia, under captain Caldwell, in all 196 rank
and file,f was stationed at Delaware-town, an
Indian village on the banks of the Thames
about 34 miles above the Moravian village,
Late on the night ofthe 3d of Miirch informa
tion arrived, that an American foraging party
was at Longwood, about 15 miles along the
Moravian-town road. Accordingly at daylight
the next morning, Captain Basden, ofthe SQth)
* See Vol. I. p. 111. -f App. No. 16,

76 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
moved forward, with the three flank companies
and the militia ; also about 50 Indians, under
colonel Elliot, ofthe Indian departraent.
The Araerican party consisted of a detach
ment of rangers and mounted infantry, of the
24th and 28th regiments, amounting to 160
rank and file, under captain A. H. Holraes, of
the 24th ;* which detachment had been sent
from Detroit, since the 21st of February, by
lieutenant-colonel Butler, who, in tbe absence
of major-general Cass, was now the command
ing officer. Captain Holmes, having gained in
telligence of the approach of the British, fell
back five miles, to the Twenty-mile Creek;
where there was a wide and deep ravine, bounded
on each side by a lofty height. On the western
height captain Holmes established an encamp
ment, in the form of a hollow square ; covering
it on three sides with a redoubt, or breastwork,
of felled trees. Here, confiding in the strength
of his position, the American commander
awaited the attack of the British.
On the morning of the 4th of March, captain
Basden, with his detachment, appeared on the
height facing that on which the enemy was
posted. The snow was, at this time, abont 15
inches deep, with a strong crust on the . top ;
thus rendering the approach' to the enemy's
enti'enchment still more difficult. Those, pre-
* App. No. 16.'

, GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 77
sent, who were well acquainted with the country,
oflfered to lead the troops, by a circuitous route,
to the rear of the enemy ; but captain Basden
preferred a direct attack, not only, as more con
sonant to his own gallant spirit, but, in order
to shew a good example to the militia, and
make, as he thought, a lasting impression upon
the American troops. Captain Basden, having
directed the militia to make a flank movement
to the right, and the Indians to do the same to
the left, dashed,, with his regulars, down one
height, across the ravine, and up the other
height, to within about three yards of the log-
entrenchment. Here they were received by, a
quick succession of heavy and destructive volleys
from the sheltered Americans; and, after several
vain but gallant eflforts to carry the work, were
compelled to retire, with the loss ofone captain,
one lieutenant, and 12 rank and file, killed; and
one captain, (captain Basden,) one lieutenant,
five serjeants, and 42 rank and file, wounded;
also, one volunteer wounded and taken prisoner,
and one bugleman missing ; total, 65. The loss
of the Americans, as a proof how completely
they were sheltered,, amounted to no more than
four killed, and four wounded. The British,
however, were allowed to retire without any
pursuit ; and captain Holmes soon afterwards
abandoned his position. Colonel Butler, in his
letter, does credit to the gallantry of the British ;

78 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
but Mr. Thomson, the only editor who appears
to have noticed the afifair, claims, as usual,
the whole for his countrymen.
The Upper Canada peninsula was intended
to be the first point of serious attack^ in the
campaign of 1814. The object, as explained in
Mr. Secretary Armstrong's letter, of date the
20th of January, was to compel us to abandon
our frontier posts on that line, including Fort-
Niagara; and to prevent our sending detach
ments westward, against Amberstburg and De
troit, or against the American shipping at Erie
and Put-in bay.* For this service, 2400 regulars,
militia, and Indians, were to be placed under the
command of colonel Scott. -j" The recapture of
Fort-Niagara, which was the principal objects
was considered to be no difficult task, with
2400 men ; because it was known to be " gar^
risoned with only from 250 to 300 men," and
that the British " kept no guards outside the
fort. "J But general Wilkinson, a portion of
whose troops was to assist in making up this
force, desirous to monopolize all the glory of
invading the Canadas, threw obstacles in the
way, and defeated the plan.
The Canadian snows were allowed to reraaitt
untrodden by hostile steps, except now and then
a predatory incursion, for one month longer ;
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 614. + See p. 236.
1 Ibid. J. 618.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 79
when the American secretary at war, under date
of February 21st, says to major-general Brown,
at Sackett's harbor :— " You will imrtiediately
consult with commodore Chauncey, about the
readiness of the fleet for a descent on Kingston,
the moment the ice leaves the lake. Ifhe deems
it practicable, and you think you have trodps
enough to carry it, you will attempt the expe
dition. In such an event, you will use the
enclosed as a ruse de guerre," The " enclosed"
was as follows: — " Public sentiment will no
longer tolerate the possession of Fort-Niagara by
the enemy. You will, therefore, move the divi
sion which you brought from French Mills, and
invest that post. Governor Tompkins will
co-operate with you with 5000 militia ; and
colonel Scott, who is to be made a brigadier,
will join you. You will receive your instruc
tions at Onondaga Hollow."*— Having to wait
two months, at least, ere commodore Chauncey's
fleet could move on the lake, general Brown was
the more easily led to mistake the fictitious,
for the real, point of attack ; and accordingly^
marched, through snow and wafer, to Onondaga
Hollow ; a village so named, distant about 70
miles from Sackett's harbor. Immediately on
his arrival, a brother-officer pointed out to him
his error ; and back to Sackett's harbor waded
the general and his 2000 men : where we vvill
* Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol, I. p. 642.

80 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
leaive them to recover from their fatigue ; whUe
we take a view of operations going on in general
Wilkinson's neighbourhood.
Captain Pring's two sloops and gun-boats, or,
as Mr. Thorason prefers calling them, " the
British fleet destined to operate . upon Lake
Champlain," had been laid up for the winter at
St. John's, situate about 40 miles down the
Richelieu. To prevent this " fleet" from prac
tising the same annoyance which it had done in
the preceding summer,* general Wilkinson,
who, with his array, was still at Plattsburg,
sent an officer of engineers, on the 4th of March,
to reconnoitre, with the view , of fortifying.
Rouse's point, on the Richelieu, distant about
26 miles from St. John's ; and close to which
point is the ship-channel into the lake. Sorae
delay occurred in commencing upon, and the
early breaking up of the ice defeated altogether,
this most eligible plan.
The uncommon forwardness of the season
kept no pace with general Wilkinson's warlike
spirit. He longed to be at the Canadians ;. if
only to punish them for treating him so scurvily,
on his way down the St. Lawrence. Thus bent
on revenge, the general, on the 19th, of March,
advanced, with his army, from Plattsburg to
Chazee, on the road to Champlain, a village,
distant about three miles from the boundary-line ;
* See Vol. I. p. 242.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 81
and then detached brigadier-general Macomb,
with a corps of riflemen, and a brigade of in
fantry, in sleighs, across the ice, to Isle la Motte ;
and thence to Swanton, Vermont, near to Mis-
sisqui bay, on Lake Champlain. On the 22d
this corps cro.ssed the line of separation between
the United States and Lower Canada, and took
possession of Phillipsburg, a village of 60 or 70
houses, situate on the edge of the bay, about
one mile within the lines. On the next day some
cannon followed the detachment ; but, on the
26th, to the great joy ofthe suflfering inhabitants,
the American troops,with their artilleiy, suddenly
re-crossed the lake to Champlain ; whither the
general had since advanced, with the main body
of the army. Onthe 29th of March, we find
the general at the head of " 3999," or as, for the
reader's ease, we shall .say, 4000, " combatants,
including 100 cavalry, and 304 artillerists, with
11 pieces of artillery,"* Against 1800 British
regulars, and 500 militia, which the general
assures a council summoned on the occasion,
are stationed at LaColle mill, distant eight miles
from Champlain, and seven, in an opposite direc
tion, from Isle aux Noix, it is deterrained that the
army shall iraraediately proceed. The prepar^^-
tory " general order"f is very full and explicit.
It is there fixed, that the troops shall " return
victorious;" nor are they to "give ground"
* App. No. 17. + Ibid, No, 18.
VOL. II. G

82 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
against " double the force of the enemy," To
provide, also, against any accidental defection ;
and, by way of operating as an additional sti
mulus to glory, on the part of the troop.s, " a tried
serjeant will form a supernumerary rank, and
instantly put to death any man who goes back."*
The Araerican array coraraenced its short
march at 10 o'clock on the morning of the 30th ;
and, while the troops are trudging, ancle-deep
in snow and water, to eflfect the fourth invasion
of Canada, we will exhibit our account of the
Brirish force in the vicinity of the lines. At
St. John's, distant about 14 miles from Isle aux
Noix, and 21 from the mouth of La Colle river,
were stationed, under the command of lieuten
ant-colonel Sir William Williams, of the 13th
regiment, six battalion-companies of that regi-.
ment, and a battalion of Canadian militia ; num
bering, altogether, about 750 rank and file. At
Isle aux Noix, where lieutenant-colonel Richard
Williams, of the royal marines, commanded,
were stationed the chief part of a battalion of
that corps, and the two flank companies of the
13th regiraent ; in all about 550 rank and file.
The garrison of La Colle mill, at which major
Handcock, of the 13th regiraent coramanded,
consisted of about 70 of the marine-corps, one
corporal, and three marine-artillerymen, captain
Brake's company of the 13th regiment, and a
* App. No. 18.

GREAT ERiTAlN AND AMERICA. 83
small detachment of frontier light infantry, under
captain Ritter ; the whole not exceeding 180 rank
and file. At Whitman's, on the left bank of the
Richelieu, distant about two miles from the mill,
and communicating with Isle aux Noix, was the
remaining battalion-company of the 13th. The
grenadier-company of the Canadian fencibles,
under captain Cartwright, and a battalion-com
pany of voltigeurs, were stationed at Biirtonville,
distant two miles up La Colle river, and where
there had been a bridge, by which the direct
road into the province passed. Thus the whole
British force stationed within 22 miles of La
Colle mill, and 30 of general Wilkinson's head
quarters, amounted, in regulars, to about 1000,
and, in militia, to about 430, rank and file.
Yet the general's detailed estimate, upon which
that presented to the councilVas founded, places,
at Isle aux Noix and La Colle mill, exclusively,
2550 men, and designates the whole, excepting
two companies, as regular troops ; including,
among the " regiments," the voltigeurs, 49th,
and De Meuron's,* although not one of these
corps, except a company of the first, was sta
tioned to the southward of St. John's.
The mill at La Colle was built of stone, with
walls about 18 inches thick, having a wooden,
or shingled roof, and consisting of two stories.
It was in size about 36 feet by 50, and situate on
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. III. p. 226.
G 2

82 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
against " double the force of the enemy." To
provide, also, against any accidental defection ;
and, by way of operating as an additional sti
mulus to glory, on the part of the troop.s, " a tried
serjeant will form a supernumerary rank, and
instantly put to death any raan who goes back."*
The Araerican array coraraenced its short
march at 10 o'clock on the morning of the 30th ;
and, while the troops are trudging, ancle-deep
in snow and water, to eflfect the fourth invasion
of Canada, we will exhibit our account of the
Brirish force in the vicinity of the lines. At
St. John's, distant about 14 miles from Isle aux
Noix, and 21 from the mouth of La Colle river,
were stationed, under the command of lieuten-
ant-.colonel Sir William Williams, of the 13th
regiment, six battalion-companies of that regi
ment, and a battalion of Canadian militia ; num
bering, altogether, about 750 rank and file. At
isle aux Noix, where lieutenant-colonel Richard
Williams, of the royal marines, commanded,
were stationed the chief part of a battalion of
that corps, and the two flank companies of the
13th regiment ; in all about 550 rank and file.
The garrison of La Colle mill, at which major
Handcock, of the 13th regiment coramanded,
consisted of about 70 of the marine-corps, one
corporal, and three marine-artillerymen, captain
Brake's company of the 13th regiment, and a
* App. No. 18.

GRfiAt amtAlN AND AMERICA. 83
small detachraent of frontier light infantry, under
captain Ritter ; the whole not exceeding 180 rank
and file. At Whitman's, on the left bank df the
Richelieu, distant about two miles from the mill,
and communicating with Isle aux Noix, was the
remaining battalion-company of the 13th. The
grenadier-company of the Canadian fencibles,
under captain Cartwright, and a battalion-com
pany of voltigeurs, were stationed at Burtonville,
distant two miles up La Colle river, and wbere
there had been a bridge, by which the direct
road into the province passed. Thus the whole
British force stationed within 22 miles of La
Colle mill, and 30 of general Wilkinson's head
quarters, amounted, in regulars, to about 1000,
and, in militia, to about 430, rank and file.
Yet the general's detailed estimate, upon which
that presented to the council^vas founded, places,
at Isle aux Noix and La Colle mill, exclusively,
2550 men, and designates the whole, excepting
two companies, as regular troops ; including,
among the " regiments," the voltigeurs, 49th,
ahd De Meuron's,* although not one of these
corps, except a company of the first, was sta
tioned to the southward of St, John's.
The raill at La Colle was built of stone, with
walls about 18 inches thick, having a wooden,
or shingled roof, and consisting of two stories.
It was in size about 36 feet by 50, and situate on
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. III. p. 226.
G 2

S4 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the south bank of La Colle river ; which was
frozen over nearly to its raouth, or junction with
the Richelieu, from which the mill was about
three-quarters of a mile distant. The raill had
been placed in a state of defence, by filling up
the windows with logs, leaving horizontal inter
vals to fire through. On the north-bank of th«
river, a little to the right of the mill, and with
which it communicated by a wooden bridge,
was a small house, not originally intended for,
but, on this occasion, converted into, a block-
bouse, by being surrounded with a breastwork
of logs. In the rear of this teraporary block
house was a large barn, to which nothing had
been done, and which was not even musket-
proof. The breadth of the cleared ground, to
the southward of the mill, was about 200, and
that to the northward, about 100 yards ; but,,
on the flanks^ the >voods were much nearer.
There was, at this time, about a foot of snow on
the ground, and that rapidly dissolving.
The American troops, owing to the blunder of
their guide, took the road to Burtonville, and
did not discover their mistake till they had fired
upon, and driven in, a small piquet of captain
Cartwright's. They then counter-marched;
and, after a second mistake ofthe road entered
the main road near Odell-town, distant about
three railes from the mill. This road had been
purposely obstructed by felled trees; whicb,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 85
before the army could proceed, the Araerican
axemen were obliged to cut up or remove. In
the course ofthe march, colonel Bissell's brigade,
consisting of the 14th, 20th, and 23d infantry
regiments, encountered a piquet, composed of a
subaltern and 20 men, sent forward by major
Handcock. This piquet was reinforced, and
opened a smart fire upon the Americans ; in
which they killed and wounded one officer and
12 men of colonel Bissell's brigade,* Tbe first
intelligence of the enemy's advance reached the
garrison at about half-past 10 in the forenoon ;
but, owing to the delay they had experienced,
the Araerican troops did not arrive before the
mill, till half-past one o'clock in the afternoon.
The general, in a very masterly manner, now
drew up his 4000 Americans, so as completely to
invest this great mill-fortress, garrisoned by 180
British, As it was naturally expected, that the
latter would soon try to eflfect their escape, 600
men, under colonel Miller, were detached across
the river, to the rear of the mill, in order to cut
them oflf. The firing commenced on the part of
the little garrison ; and was directed against that
part of the enemy's column, which was stationed
at the verge of the wood in front of the mill.
This continued for about half an hour, when
the Americans, after breaking the carriage of
an 18, and being compelled to leave on the
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol, III. p. 244.

86 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
road a 12-pounder, succeeded in bringing to
a good position, within about 250 yards of
the front of the mill, a 12 and 6-pounder, also
a 5^ inch howitzer. An incessant cannonade
was now kept up from the artillery, and rer
turned by the musketry of the besieged. The
firing from the howitzer, was, however, pre
sently discontinued, chiefly on account of the
thickness of the wood,* Soon after the attack
had coraraenced, a message from major Handcock,
brought to the block-house, from Isle aux Noix,
the two flank companies ofthe 13th, comraanded
b}^ captains EUard and Holgate, The suddeu
rise of water, occasioned by the melting of the
snow, had compelled the men to wade nearly,
up to their waists in mud and water. Major
Handcock, not being apprized of the whole
amount of the force opposed to hira, ordered:
these two companies to charge the eneuiy's guns.
This was instantly done, in the most resolute'
manner ; but the overpowering numbers of the
enemy, and the destruction caused by the flank
ing fire of his infantry and rifleraen stationed in
the woods, rendered the eflforts of the gallant
fellows unavailing, and they retired across the.
river to their block-house. About this time
captain Cartwright's company of the Canadian
fencibles, and the company of voltigeurs, eluded
the enemy, and came down from Burtonville
* Wilkinson's Mem, Vol, III. p, 322,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 8?
through the woods bordering on the river. The
grenadiers of the Canadian fencibles were novv
joined to the remnant of the two 13th flank-
companies, and a second charge was ordered to
be made upon the guns. Captain EUard, of the
13th, having been severely wounded in the first,
captain Blake volunteered to head the grenadiers
in the second charge. This charge was made and
persisted in, with even more gallantry and reso
lution than the first. The men advanced within
a very few yards of the guns ; which, in conse
quence of the vigorous assaults made upon them,
were abandoned by the artillerymen, and only
fiescued from capture by the repeated volleys of
the American infantry.
The Americans were, in a manner, astounded
at the valor of their opponents on this occasion.
Lieutenant-colonel M'Pherson, who commanded
the American artillery before the mill, deposed,
at general Wilkinson's court-martial, as follows :
"The ground was disputed inch by inch, in
our advance to the mill; and the conduct ofthe
enemy, that day, was distinguished by desperate
bravery. As an instance, one company made
a charge on our artillery, and, at the same
instaht, received its fire, and that of two bri
gades of infantry."* Lieutenant-colonel Totten,
of the American engineers, present in the same
action, also deposes thus : — " Judging from the
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. III. p. 328.

88 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
force of the enemy's charges, it was certainly
prudent that a large force should be in the
neighbourhood of the arrillery, and nothing else
saved them."* Brigadier-general Bissell, on
the same occasion, says : " There were two
desperate sorties made, in which the artillery
was left without a man ; the piece was regained
by the infantry, and the enemy repulsed : men
were supplied from my brigade to work the
gun."t Any further attempt at the guns would have
been a waste of lives ; and therefore major
Handcock and his men now acted solely on the
defensive. The American artillery still conti
nued the cannonade. Several shots struck the
mill, and a l2Tpounder passed through the wall
near tbe chimney, where it v^as weakest. One
man of the 13th was killed by a grape-shot, that
entered the aperture between the logs in the
windows. During the action, captain Pring's
sloops, and two or three gun-boats, arrived at
the mouth of the creek ; which was as near as the
ice, had the river been otherwise navigable,
would have permitted them to approach. Yet
general Wilkinson, by way of augmenting the;
force he had to contend with, has, in hisdiagram
of the action, actually placed two gun-boats on
the river La Colle, directly at the back of the
mill ; when he ought to have known that, were.
* Wilkinson's Mrm. Vol- III. p. 238. + Ibid. p. 245.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 89
there no ice at all, the river was not navigable
evSn for canoes.* Lieutenant-colonel Williams
was quite misinformed, as to any destruction
caused to the enemy by the fire of tlie gun-boats.-j"
Not an American officer present in the ac
tion, who was examined at general Wilkinson's
court-martial, states anything ofthe kind. On
the contrary, lieutenant-colonel Totten swears
positively, that " the enemy fired no artillery,
except from their gun-boats, which- opened a
useless fire, 50 or 100 feet above our heads ;":j;
the natural consequence, not only of the dis
tance, but ofthe thick intervening woods.
The spirited and long-continued fire kept up
by theBritish had exhausted their ammunition;
and two privates, who had been despatched to
Isle aux Noix for a fresh supply, were captured
by an American piquet. A third private, belong
ing to the marines, succeeded in reaching the
island. By this time the Araerican artillery had
been cannonading the raill, without the slightest
apparent effect, for about two hours and a half;
and now ceased altogether. The cessation of
firing on the part of the besieged occasioned the
American troops to advance nearer to the mill ;
but no attempt was made to carry even the
block-house. Just at dusk the Araerican troops
* Bonchette's Top. Dese. of Lower Canada, p. 179.
+ Appendix, No. 17.
+ Wilkinson's-Memoirs, Vol. III. p. 235.

90 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
retired from the field ; and retraced their steps
out of the province, to the great joy of the inha
bitants of Odell-town, whom they had pillaged
unmercifully. ' They had been slightly annoyed
at the first of their retreat, by a small party of
Indians, It was natural for major Handcock to
consider this retreat of so numerous a force as
inerely a feint, to draw him away from the mill.
He therefore remained at his post during the
night; in the course of which two 18-pound
carronades had been brought up from the gun
boats, and posted at the block-house ; but, as
there was now no enemy to be seen, they were
not used.
The British loss, in this brilliant affair, could
not be otherwise than severe. It amounted,
altogether, to 11 rank and file killed ; one cap
tain, one subaltern, one serjeant, 43 rank and
file, wounded ; and four rank and file missing ;
exclusive of onelndian killed, and one wounded,*
in the skirmishing, on the enemy's retreat ; total
64. The American loss before La Colle mill,
amounted to 13 killed, 128 wounded, and 13
missing :t total 154. Among the wounded were
lieutenant-colonel M'Pherson, lieutenants Lar
rabee, Green, and Parker, of the artillery. So
destructive, indeed, was the fire from the mill
upon the men at the guns, that out of 18 men
* App. No. 18.
-}¦ Burdick's Hist, and Pol. Register, p. 266.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 91
stationed at the 12-pounder, only two remained
to work it.
The reader is, no doubt, anxious to see how
the American editors have handled a subject
which, undoubtedly, gives the finest scope tp
their well-known talents. Mr. Thomson, after
stating that the enemy " was condensing a force
of 2500 men at La Colle mill ;" that general
Wilkinson determined on attacking, and " forced
back a paa-t of the enemy" in his approach to it,
says : " He then resumed his march to La Colle
mill, a large and lofty fortified stone-house,
measuring 60 feet by 40, and, at that time, in
comraand of major Hancock, and a strong corps
pf British regulars, — "* or 180 rank and file.
After having nearly committed himself, by
enumerating nine regiments as composing the
American infantry, Mr. Thomson recovers him
self thus : " All these regiments were mere ske
letons consolidated."* Nor does he any where
divulge the actual force of general Wilkinson's
array; although, in the published proceedings
of that officer's trial, lieutenant-colonel Totten
refers to " the statement made to the council of
war,"! forthe " effective force at La Colle." J
Consequently, the whole force present must have
exceeded '^ 39S9 combatants.' f Doctor Smith
gives no numbers on either side ; and raakes his
* Sketches of the War, p. 257. + App, No. 1.
+ Wilkinson's Mera. Vol. III. p. 234.

92 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
account as brief, as if he were writing a chro
nological table instead of a " History," Mr.
O'Connor it is, to whom general Wilkinson
owes such obligations. We must give his account
nearly at length :
'* The issue of this expedition," says Mr.
O'Connor, " was unfortunate, although in its
progress, it did honor to the Americans engaged.
The enemy claimed a victory, only because he
was not vanquished ; and pretended to gather
laurels, while circumstances concurred to render
it nearly impossible to attack or drive him from
his cowardly strong holds. General Wilkinson,
at the head of his division, marched from Cham
plain, with the intention of reducing the enemy's
fortress at the river La Colle. About 11 o'clock
he fell in with the eneray at Odell-town, three
miles from La Colle, and six* from St. John's.
An attack was coraraenced by the enemy on the
advance of the array under colonel Clerk and
major Forsyth. Colonel Bissel came up with
spirit, and the enemy was forced to retire with
loss. General Wilkinson took part in this
action, and bravely advanced into the most
dangerous position, declining frequently the
advice of his officers, to retire from imminent
danger. The enemy having used his Congreve
rockets, without producing any eflfect, retired
to La CoUe, whither he was pursued. At this
* It ought to be 26

OREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 93;
place an action was expected ; but the enemy,
whose force when increased by a reinforcement
from the Isle aux Noix, amounted to at least
2500 men, mostly regulars, declined meeting th^
American force, although much inferior in
numbers and raeans of warfare," — " Several
sorties were made by the eneray, but they were
resisted with bravery and success." — " The
conduct of every individual attached to the
American comraand, was marked by that pa
triotism and prowess, which has so often con
quered the boasted discipline, long experience,
and military tactics of an enemy, who dared not
to exppse his ' invincibles' to the disgrace of being
defeated by a less numerous force of Yankee
woodsmen." *
That general Wilkinson himself does not con
sider that Mr. O'Connor has, by.his remarks,
conferred any additional ridicule upon the busi
ness of La Colle mill, we gather, not only from
the general's official account,^ but from his
eflforts, long subsequently, though vainly made,
to save his character from reproach. The
glaring impracticability of crararaing " 2500
men" in a building " 60 feet by 40," as well
as the positive testimony of one of his own
officers, that " 400 raen" only" could act with
* History of the War. p. 219.
+ Not published in this -work, but the substance fully gir ea
in the last qtiotation.

96 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
a strong British force asserabled at Isle aux Noix
and St. John's. This very naturally alarmed
commodore Macdonough, at Vergennes, Ver
mont ; where he was superintending the con
struction of a large ship and brig, destined for
Lake Champlain. Vergennes stands upon Otter
creek ; about eight miles from its mouth, or
junction with the lake; and, considering the
importance of the object, it required no extra
ordinary penetration to conclude that a com
petent British force would, the instant the
Richelieu was free from ice, embark on board
captain Pring's flotilla, now augmented by a
new 16-gun brig and sorae gallies, and proceed
to Otter creek ; there disembark, and march up
to destroy the naval depot and the ships at
Vergennes. To defeat this conjectural plan, a
battery of seven guns was erected on a com
manding position at the mouth of the creek ;
a suitable detachment of regular artillery, sent
from general Izard's division at Burlington; a
reserve of 500 inlantry, ordered up from Platts
burg; and arrangements made with the governor
of Vermont, for assembling the militia, the
instant the first cannon should be fired. ^
About the middle of April commodore Mac
donough succet^ded in launching his vessels; but
being unprovided vvitit a sufficiency of guns and
stores, was too prudent to vtnture on the lake.
On the 9ih of May the Lreakiitg up of the ice

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 97
enabled captain Pring, with his flotilla, on board
of which was a detachment of marines, to com
mence ascending the Richelieu, Contrary winds
prevented the vessels from reaching the lake till
the 13th, No sooner, however, did the British
shew themselves off Burlington, than the inha-
tants, fearing an immediate descent, began
leaving the town, with their property. On the
same evening, a bomb-vessel and eight gallies
of the flotilla arrived, and took a station, off
Otter creek; and, on the next morning, the
bomb-vessel commenced a cannonade upon the
battery ; and continued it for about two hours,
without doing any other injury, it appears, than
dismounting one of the guns, and wounding two
men. The state of preparation in which the
enemy was, and the want of troops wherewith
to attack him on shore, compelled the vessels to
withdraw, and finally, to return to Isle aux
Noix. A most important object was here overlooked
by the commander-in-chief. A corps of 8 or 900
men, so easily to have been spared, would have
saved the lives of Downie, and his brave comrades,
iu the September following ; and have averted
all those attendant circumstances, still so pain
ful to reflect upon.* When we had scarcely a
vessel on the lake, an Everard sailed triumphant
* James's Naval Occarrences, p. 404 — 25.
VOL, II. H

98 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
over it, and a Murray landed at all the towns
upon its shores, undismayed, and unopposed, by
the fourfold American force assembled in the
neighbourhood.* Here was a reverse ! — And yet
no blame rested with captain Pring, nor with
the officers commanding posts at which the
British troops were stationed ; and from whieh
they ought to have been supplied.
The active operations going on upon Lake
Ontario now claim our attention. Although,
about the middle of January, not above 800
troops were at Sackett's Harbor, the reasonable
supposition that, with the hourly increasing force
of the British, the latter would make some
attempt to destroy in the bud the immense
naval armament there fitting out, to main
tain, during the ensuing sumraer, the ascen
dancy on the lake, had, by the end of March,
brought to the post 5500 troops, including
1500 to be employed as marines on board
commodore Chauncey's squadron. The oppor
tunity of destroying' this important depot a
.second time lost, sir George Prevost, early in
May, was induced to consent to a proposition
made by sir Gordon Drummond and sir James
Lucas Yeo, to employ the new ships that had
been so rapidly equipped, in a combined attack
upon the fort and town of Oswego ; at which
* See Vol, I. p. 242.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 99
place it was supposed, that a large quantity of
naval stores for the new ships at Sackett's Har
bor had been deposited,
Oswego is situate on the river of the same
name, near its confluence with Lake Ontario ;
and is distant from Sackett's Harbor about 60
miles. At the mouth of the river there i« a safe
harbor, with tw^o fathoms water ; the channel
to which is completely commanded by a well-
bniltfort, although not in the best repair, stand
ing, along with the state-warehoUses, barracks,
and a few houses, upon the eastern shore of the
river; having its front towards the lake. The
fort is a three-sided figure, with bastions and
ramparts ; and contains, within its ditches, up
wards of three acres of ground. The site is ele
vated about 50 feet above the level of the lake ;
thus rendering the position a very formidable
one. On the western bank of the river stands
the town, consisting of about 30 houses. This
river affords the only water-communication be
tween New York and Sacketfs • Harbor. The
course is up the Hudson and Mohawk rivers ;
then across a short portage, to a small stream
leading into Lake-Oneida ; thence down the
Oswego into (subject to a slight interruption by
the Onondaga falls, distant about 13 miles from)
Lake-Ontario. This readily accounts for the
accumulation of naval stores in the warehouses
H 2

100 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
of Oswego ; and gives to that post an importance
which it would not otherwise possess.
On the evening of the 3d of May, a detach
ment of troops, consisting of six. corapanies of
De Watteville's regiment, including two newly-
raised flank-companies, * the light corapany of
the Glengarry's, the whole of the second batta
lion of marines, a detachment of artillery, with
two field-pieces ; also small detachments of
rocketeers, and sappers and miners: numbering,
altogether, 1080 rank and file, embarked in the
vessels of sir James Yeo's fleet, lying- at Kingston.
Early on the following morning lieutenant-
general Drummond went on board the Prince
Regent, as commander of the troops. The fleet
immediately stood out of the harbor ; but, on
account of light and variable winds, did not
arrive oflf Oswego till noon on the following
day.f Either suspicion, ov direct information, ofthe
attack had led to preparations on the part of
the Americans. Since the 30th of April lieu
tenant-colonel Mitchell had arrived from Sack
ett's Harbor, with 300 heavy and light artillery,
and several engineer and artillery officers. The
batteries were repaired and fresh picketed, and
new platforms laid for the guns; which were
four in number, 24, 12, and 6-pounders ; besides
* See Vol. I. p. 281. + App. No. 20, 21, and 23,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 101
a 12-pounder, planted en barbette close to the
lake-shore. The United States' schooner Grow
ler, of three guns, lieutenant Pierce, was lying
in the harbor, preparing, under the superin
tendance of captain Woolsey, to conduct to
Sackett's Harbor a division of batteaux, laden
with stores. Arrangements had, also, been
made for assembling the militia of the dis
trict, and no sooner did the fleet shew itself,
at six o'clock on the morning of the Sth, than
alarm-guns were fired ; which soon brought to
the post upwards of 200 militia : thus making
a total force of, at least, 540 men. By way,
also, of making this force appear treble what
it was, in the hope, thereby, to daunt the
British, and prevent them from attempting to
land, the Americans pitched all their tents upon
the opposite, or town-side of the river, while
they themselves remained in their barracks.
The exact force in guns, men, and size, of
eyery ship in the rival fleets upon this lake,
not only at the attack on Oswego, but at several
other important periods, during the continuance
of hostilities, will be found clearly exhibited in
our naval volume.* At three o'clock in the
afternoon, the ships lay-to, within long range
of the shore; and the gun-boats, 11 in number,
were sent in, under the orders of captain Collier,
to induce the enemy to shew the number and
position of his guns. At four, by which time
* James's Naval Occurrences, p. 3S4— 401.

10? MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the gun-boats had got within point-blank range,
the Americans opened their fire ; and a mutual
cannonade was kept up till about half- past five,
when captain Collier, having eflfected his object,
stood back to the fleet. Preparations were now
made for disembarking the troops on that even
ing ; but, about sunset, a heavy gale from the
north-vvest compelled the ships to gain an offing ;
in which eflfort, four of the boats, their crews
being first taken out, were obliged to be cut
adrift. As soon as the weather moderated, the
fleet cast anchor, about 10 miles to the north
ward of the fort.
The direction and violence ofthe wind occa
sioned one ofthe four boats ta drift on shore.
This circumstance, added to the afternoon's
cannonade, and the retiring of the British gun
boats, became a fruitful subject in the hands of
American historians. They all concur in de
claring, that the British, on the afternoon of the
5th, were most gallantly repulsed ; and one
(Mr, O'Connor says, " some") of their boats
captured. Nor did the gun-boats only can
nonade the fort : the " enemy's principal ship,
and the other frig ates and smaller vessels," opened
a heavy fire upon it; and " 15 large boats
crowded with troops," approached the shore.*
It is fortunate, that we have to oppose to all
this the stfitements contained in an " extract
from a letter of a United States' officer, " (who
Sketches of the War, p. 262, and Hist, of the War, p. 220.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 103
was in the action,) •« dated Oswego-falls,May 7;"
which was published in all the principal Ame
rican newspapers of the day. This officer wit*-
nessed the cutting adrift of the boats, and
assigned for it the true cause.
On the morning of the 6th, the ships having
returned, and every thing being ready, the two
flank-companies of De Watteville's regiment,
under captain De Bersey, the light company of
the Glengarry's, under captain M'Millan, the
battalion of inarines, under lieutenant-colonel
Malcolm, and 200 seamen, armed with pikes,
under captain Mulcaster ; the whole under the
immediate comraand of lieutenant-colonel
Fischer, of De Watteville's ; and araounting to
about 770 rank and file, embarked in the boats :
leaving the four reraaining companies of De
Watteville's, and the detachments of artillery,
rocketeers, and sappers and miners, as a corps
of reserve.
Owing to the shoal ness of the water oflf the
harbor, the two largest ships could not approach
near enough, to cannonade the battery with any
effect. This service was most gallantly per
formed by the Montreal and Niagara, under a
heavy discharge of red-hot shot, which set the
former on fire three times. The Magnet took
her station in front of the town, on the opposite
side of the river ; while the Star and Charwell
towed in, and covered, the boats, containing the
troops. The wind was atthis time nearly a-head .

104 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
and the cpnsequent tardiness in the approach
of the boats exposed the men to a heavy and
destructive fire from the enemy's batteries, and
from upwards of 500 regulars and militia, drawn
up on the brow of the hill. The British, never
theless, eflfected their landing, and instantly
formed on the beach. Having to ascend a steep
and long hill, the troops suffered extremely from
the enemy's fire ; no sooner, however, had they
reached the summit, than the 300 American regu
lars retired to the rear of the fort, and the 200
American militia fled, helter-skelter, into the
wpods. In ten minutes from the time that the
British had gained the height, the fort was in our
possession. Lieutenant James Laurie, of the ma
rines, was the first man who entered it ; and lieu
tenant Hewett,of the samecorps,climbed the flag
staff, under a heavy fire, and struck the American
colours, which had been nailed to the mast;
more, as it would seem, to give trouble to the
British, than to evince a determination, on the
part of. the Araericans, of defending the post
with any unusual obstinacy.
The British loss in the affair of Oswego was
rather severe. It araounted to one captain,
(captain Holtoway,) and 14 non-commissioned
officers and privates, of the royal marines and
De Watteville's regiment, and three seamen,
killed ; one captain, and one subaltern, (since
dead,) of De Watteville's ; two captains, one
lieutenant, and one master of the navy, 51 non-

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 105
commissioned officers and privates, of the royal
marines and De Watteville's, and seven seamen,
wounded; total, 18 killed, and 64 wounded. All
three of our American editors, one copying from
the other, haVe declared the British loss to have
been, " in killed, 70 ; in wounded, drowned,
and missing, 165 ; in all, 235."* Their own loss
the Americans state, at a lieutenant and five
men killed, 38 wounded, and 25 missing. We
captured 60 prisoners. Adraitting this number
to include the wounded, it is no proof that
the American commander retired quite so
leizureh^, or in so "good order," as the American
writers would have us believe.
The Araericans have pursued their usual
exaggerating system, as respects the relative
numbers in the attack upon Fort-Oswdgo.
General Brown declares that the British force,
" by land and water, exceeded 3000 ;"f but he is
not explicit enough to tell us, what portion of this
force came on shore and captured the fort. This
we gain from other sources. Mr. Thorason says
we landed 1700 ;* Mr, O'Connor, '2000, + and
doctor Smith, " between 2 and 3000"§ men ;
but the American officer, who writes from
Oswego, states the nuraber that landed, at 1200 ;
which is but a moderate increase upon 770. In
estimating their own force at Oswego, the
* Sketches of the War, p. 263. + App. No. 24,
i History of the War, p. 220.
% History of the United States, Vol, III. p. 308.

106 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
American writers, not excepting general Brown
himself, pursue quite an opposite course. With
us, every man within sight or hearing of the
place is to be estimated : with them, it is only
such as were bold enough to fight. Therefore,
l>ecause the American militia thought best to
run, without firing a shot, they are not to be
reckoned as part of the numerical force, whose
duty it was to oppose the landing ofthe British.
The behaviour ofthe militia is well explained in
the Araerican officer's letter: — "The militia, at
this time," says he, " thought best to leave us :
I do not think they fired a gun." Considering
the commanding position of the batteries, the
length of time during which, owing to the shoal-
iiess of the water ahd state of the wind, the
troops a-float were exposed to hot and cold
shot and rausket-bullets, and, after they did
effect a landing, the difficulty of ascending
the hill, under the fire from the cannon, and
from a body of troops, well-posted upon its
summit, it would not have been extraordi
nary, if 500 men had succeeded in keeping oflf
an enemy " for nearly two days,"* instead of
scarcely as many hours; nor would general
Brown's " General Order," in which he thought
fit to boast, that the Araericans at Oswego had
" established for themselves a name in arms,
worthy of the gallant nation in whose cause
* App. No. 24'

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 107
they fight," have had quite so much the air of
a lampoon. Although the chief part of the /stores, for the
capture of which the expedition had been under
taken, was removed to Onondago falls, about
13 railes from Oswego, a considerable quantity
still remained. Among the captured ordnance
and ordnance stores, were three long 32, and
four long 24-pounders, besides guns of smaller
caliber ; and several 42 and 32-pounder round,
grape, and canister shots. We also captured,
and carried away, upwards of 1000 (one official
account says 2400*) barrels of provisions,-^ 70
coils of rope and cordage, a quantity of blocks,
two or three schooners, and several boats. Among
the property destroyed by us were, eight barrels
of gun-powder, all the shot of small caliber, the
platform and works at the fort ; also the barracks,
both there and in the town. We have no very
accurate account of what the Americans them
selves destroyed. They mention having scut
tled and sunk the Growler, United States'
schooner, with three long 32-pounders, and a
quantity of ordnance-stores, on board. The
federal, or opposition papers of the day, com
plained much against the government, for con
cealing the amount of the loss sustained at
Oswego. How trifling that loss was made, ir.
clearly shewn, by the statements of our three
* App. No. 22. t App. No. 23.

108 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
historians upon the subject. Mr, Thomson
says : " The enemy took possession of the fort
and barracks, but for the little booty which he
obtained, consisting of a few barrels of provi
sions and whiskey, he paid much more than an
equivalent."* Doctor Smith declares, that we
captured nothing but " a naked fort."j" Mr,
O'Connor, however, is candid enough to admit,
that " eight pieces of cannon, and some stores,
worth about 100 dollars, fell into the enemy's
hands." J On the other hand, an American
writer from Onondago, values the public pro
perty, destroyed or taken away by the British,
at " about 40000 dollars." It was highly cre
ditable to the troops, raarines, and seamen, that,
although the loading ofthe prizes wilh the ord
nance and other captured property, necessarily
detained them in the town for one whole night,
not a murraur of coraplaint, that we can find,
has been uttered against them. Every thing
being accomplished by four o'clock on the mom
ing of the 7th, the ships and other vessels got
under weigh, and departed from Oswego.
A serious business, in which a party of British
officers and seamen, on the 30th of May,
impelled by their usual gallantry, pursued a
flotilla of American boats, up a narrow creek,
* Sketches ofthe War, p. 263,
+ History of the United States, Vol. III. p. 3D8.
J History of the War, p. 221.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 109
till they got ambushed and outnumbered, and
yitere, at last, compelled, after sustaining a heavy
loss in killed and wounded, to surrender, will
be found detailed in our naval volume.*
An occurrence on the shores of Lake-Erie now
requires our notice. Long- Point in the district of
London is notoriously one ofthe most fertile spots
in Upper Canada. The ample supply of wheat
and other bread-corn which it aflforded during
the war, rendered the preservation of its re
sources by one party, and their destruction by
the other, a matter of equal importance. On
another account, also, was Long-Point a post
that ought to be guarded. It was only a day's
march thence to Burlington, the grand dep6t of
the British army upon the Niagara line ; and the
enemy's entire coramand of Lake-Erie gave him
the facility of bringing troops towards, and land
ing them upon, the Canadian shore, unseen and
unopposed. Lieutenant-general Drummond,
therefore, did right in detaching to the village of
Dover on Long-Point, early in March, a troop
of the 19th light dragoons, under major Lisle.
There being no barracks or public buildings at
the place, major Lisle and his men took posses
sion of some private buildings, and, among
them, of the dwelling-house, saw-mill, and dis
tillery, of Robert Nichol, esquire, a lieutenant-
colonel and quarter-master-general of the Cana-
* James's Nav. Occur, p. 398,

110 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
dian militia, and then absent from home on
service,**^ The British capture of Buflfaloe and Black
Rock, and the dreaded attack upon Erie, where
the fleet lay, had occasioned, since early in the
year, the assemblage of a force of regulars at the
latter place. Aware of the small detachment
stationed at Long-Point, colonel Campbell, of
thel9th United States' infantry,with 500 troops,^
landed there from Erie, on the 15th of May,
The dragoons and the few militia that happened
to be at Dover, retired; and the Araericans in
stantly " destroyed the flour-mills, distilleries,
and all the houses occupied by the soldiers, as
well as raany others belonging to the peaceable
inhabitants of the village." •{• Mr. Thomson
proceeds in his account thus : " A squadron of
British dragoons, stationed at that place, fled
at the approach of colonel Campbell's detach
ment ; and abandoned the women and children,
who experienced humane treatment from the
Americans. Colonel Campbell undertook the
expedition without orders ; and, as his conduct
was generally reprobated, a court of inquiry
was instituted, to examine into his proceedings,
of which general Scott was president. This
court declared, that the destruction of the raills
* And who proved himself, during the 'whole of the war, an
acfiTe, intelligent, and highly useful officer.
+ Sketches of the War, p. 268.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. Ill
and distilleries was according to the usages of
war, but that, in burning the houses ofthe inha
bitants, colonel Campbell had greatly erred.
This error they attributed to the recollection of
the scenes of the Raisin and the Miami, in the
western territories, to the army of which colonel
Carapbell was at that tirae attached, and of
the recent devastation ofthe Niagara frontier."*
Adraitting the destruction of the buildings
which had been occupied by the dragoons, to
have been a sanctioned military raeasure, was it
only an " error" in the American comraander, to
have burnt the houses " belonging to the peace
able inhabitants ofthe village" ? The court did
not lessen its dignity in allowing itself to be
swayed by the fabricated stuflf in every news
paper " known to be friendly to the war ;"
nor in forgetting what it was that had caused
" the recent devastation on the Niagara fron
tier," so painful to the sensitive " recollection"
of the American colonel ? The date of this in
dulgent court of inquiry does not appear ; but,
referring to the public letter, in which Mr.
Munroe, at a day long subsequent, rerainds us,
that colonel Carapbell's " conduct was subjected
to a military tribunal," we can readily conceive,
that the court sat for no other purpose than to
excuse him, and to exculpate the American go
vernment, for the commission of an act, which,
? Sketches of the War, p. 268.

112 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
as Mr. Thomson says, was so " generally repro
bated." This editor is not satisfied with having,
as he supposes, freed colonel Campbell from
blame : in order to enable him to expatiate upon
that sickening subject, American huraanity, he
must reproach us. To high-minded Americans
it could not fail to appear as a very dastardly act,
for 70 or 80 dragoons to retreat before 500 infan
try. The British having, however, " abandoned
the women and children," we shall now present
a specimen of the " humane treatment," which
the latter " experienced from the Americans."
Not only did colonel Campbell, and his 500 re
gulars, lay waste as much of the surrounding
country as carae within their reach, and pilfer^
and carry oflf as much private property as was
easilj'^ portable, but they set fire to the whole
of the little village of Dover, comprizing the
following 46 buildings : one saw-mill, one tan-
house^ three distilleries, six stores, 13 barns,
three grist-mills, and 19 dwelling-houses ; thus
utterly ruining 25 *' peaceable" families. Yet
was all this no more than an " error" on the
part of the American comraander by whose
orders it had been perpetrated.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 113

CHAPTER XIV.
Serious preparations for the flfth invasion of the
Canadas — American force on the Niagara fron
tier — British force in ihe same neighbourhood —
Disembarkation of major-general Brown's army
— Capture of Fort-Erie, together with its
small garrison— British force at Chippeway
' — Aflvance of the American, army — Battle of
Chippeway, or Street's creejc— Retreat qf major*
general Riall— 'Return of the Americans to their
Camp — Fresh movement against the British at
Chippeway— Further, retreat of the latier to
Fort-George— -Adijance qf the^ Americans, to
Queenstown-r-Spirited behctviour of a Br^ti^tf,
patrolling parly — General Brown's plans deve-?
loped — General Riall- s departure from Fort-
George io the Twenty, .and Fifteen-mile, creeks —
American reconnoissance before Fort-George
— Wanton conflagration ., ,of the village of
St. David — Investment of porirGeorge — Re
treat of' the Americans to .Queenstown — De
struction of their baggage, andfwther retreat to
Chippeway — Corresponding advance of major-
general Riall's light troops — Re-advance of the
Americans towards Queenstown — Skirmishing
between the adverse piquets— Arrival of lieute
nant-general Drummond with a reinforcement —
Detachment sent across to Lewistown — General
VOL, II. I

114 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Drummond's junction with general Rtall —
Battle of Niagara, or Lundy's lane — Retreat of
the Americans to Chippeway and Street's creek
-^Their destruction of Street's mills, and of their
own baggage, camp-equipage and stores — Their
further retreat to Fort-Erie — Various American
accounts of ihese operations — -Their gross mis
statements corrected.
JDjARLY in April major-general Brown, with a
strong force in regulars, inarched, a second time,
from Sackett's Harbor to Batavia ; and thence
to Buflfaloe, where he fixed his head-quarters.
Here he remained drilling his troops, and re
ceiving occasional reinforcements, till the raiddle
of June ; when he received orders, " to carry
Fort-Erie, and beat up the enemy's quarters at
Chippeway ; but/' adds the American secretary
at war, " in case his fleet gets the control of
Lake Ontario, you are immediately to re-cross
the strait."* This late commencement of the
campaign arose, no doubt, from the back
wardness of commodore Chauncey to decide the
ascendancy upon Lake Ontario ; without which
the objects of the American government could
be only partially fulfilled.
It took major-general Brown from the 15th of
June to the 2d of July, lo prepare hiraself for
crossing the Niagara ; which, according to the
"General Order" f issued upon the occasion, he
« WilkiQson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 641. f App. Noi 25.

GHteAT SniTAiN ANn America. 115
Was then about to do, with two brigades of infan-^
try, a corps of artillery ^ and a body of volunteers.
As far as we can gather from the American ac-
counts, one brigade consisted of the Oth, llth,
22d, and 25th regiments, under brigadier-gene
ral Scott;, the other, of the 17th, 19th, 21st,
and 23d regiraentSj under brigadier-general
Ripley ; the two united brigades numbering
2580 rank and file^ The corps of artillery con
sisted of upwards of 400 men, having in charge
eight field-pieces, and one or two howitzers ;
including, among the former, several 18 and 12'-
pounders. There was, also, a squadron of
dragoons, under captain Harris ; which we may
estimate at 70 tnen. To this regular force of
3050 rank and file, were added from 8 to 1 100
(say 900) New York, Pennsylvania, and" Cana*
dian" (or traitor) volunteers ; and about 150
Indians : tnaking a total force of 4100 rank and
file. Besides this force, there were, at diflferent
posts between Erie and Lewistown, the 1st
regiment of infantry, a regular rifle corps, and
from 2 to 300 volunteers, under a colonel
Swift ; making an aggregate of, at least, 5000
men. But even this nuraber does not include the
militia of the district, who, in case of invasion,
could assemble to the amount of '2 or 3000 ; nor
3 or 4000 regulars, whora commodore Chauncey,
if disposed to be bold, might bring down from
Sackett'sharbor. So that the command pf Lake
i2

116 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Ontario could very speedily augraent the Ameri
can force upon the Niagara to 10000 raen.
The British force upon the sarae frontier was,
at this tirae, under the coraraand of raajor-gene
ral Riall, and consisted of the royal Scots, (1st
bat.) lOOth, and 103d regiraents, a ti;oop of the
19th light dragoons, and a detachment of artil
lery; numbering, altogether, about 1780 rank
and file. But out of this force were garri
soned the forts Erie, George, Mississaga, and
Niagara; (the latter on the American side of
the strait;) also the post upon Burlington
Heights ; comprehending an extent of frontier
of full 70 iniles.
On the morning of the 3d of July, general
Brown's army crossed the strait, in two divisions;
one division landing about a mile and a half
below, the other about the same distance above,
Fort-Erie ; against which the American troops
iramediately marched. Having planted a bat
tery of 18-pounders in a good position in front
of the fort, and fired, and received in return, a
few shots; by which a loss was sustained, on our
part, ofone man killed, and, on the part of the
Americans, of four men of the 25th regiment
wounded, raajor-general Brown summoned the
fort to surrender. Fort-Erie was, at this tirae,
garrisoned by two companies of the Sth and
100th regiments, and a small detachment, of
artillery, under major Buck, pf the 8th j and.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 11?
in respect to armament or means of resistance,
was, as an American general says, " in a defence
less condition."* The fort, consequently, sur
rendered. The prisoners, 170, including officers
of all ranks, were taken across the river, tobe
marched into the interior of New York ; and a
small detachment of American artillery, under
lieutenant Macdonough, placed as a garrison
within the captured fort : in front of which, on
the lake, vvere stationed, as a further security,
three armed schooners, under the orders of lieu
tenant-commandant Kennedy, of the United
States' navy.
The British force at Chippeway was under the
immediate cmnmand of lieutenant-colonel Pear
son; and consisted of 230 of the royal Scots, 450
of the 100th regiment, a troop»of light dragoons,
and a small detachment of artillery, amounting,
in all, to 760 rank and file; exclusive of 300 seden
tary militia, just assembled at the rendezvous,
and about the same number of Indians, The
first intelligence of the landing of the invading
army reached major-gCneral Riall at Chippe
way, at about eight o'clock on the same morn
ing ; and he immediately ordered that post
to be reinforced by five companies of the
rOyal: Scots; but even then, his inferiority of
force forbad any other movement, than for the
pui*pose of 'reconnoitring the enemy's position
* Wilkinson's Mem, Vol. I, p. 647,

118 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
and numbers, This service was gallantly
performed by lieutenantrcolpnel Pearson, at the
head of the flank companies of the 100th regi).
inent, and a few militia and Indians ; and the
Americans were seen })Osted on an eminence,
near the ferry at Bertie.* Major-general Hiall
would have commenced the attack on that eveur
ing, had he been joined by the 8th regiment,
then hourly expected from York.
On the morning of the 4th, general SePtt's
brigade, with a company of artillery, advanced,
by the main rpad alpqg the margin of the river,
towards Chippeway ; and was soon afterwards
followed by general Ripley's brigade, and the
field and park artillery, under major Hindman ;
also by general Porter and his volunteers. •j'
On its approach to. Street's creek, the first bri
gade encountered the Bvitish advance, now con-i
sistiqg of the light companies of the royal Scots
an4 ippih regiments, and a subaltern's detach,
raent ofthe 19th light dragoons. General Scott
immedic^tely detached in front captain Towson's
corapany pf artillery, (100 strong,) with three
18-pounders ; and, at the s^me time, directed a
fl^pk compapy of the 9th regiraient Pf infantry
to mardi out to the left of the brigade,
and cross the creek above the bridge ; so as to
Ussail the right of the British advance. The
heavy firing of the enemy's 18-pouhders, and
* See Vol. I. p. 50. + Sketches of the War, p. 274.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 119
the close approach ofhis main body, corapelled
colonel Pearson and his small party, to retreat;
but " not until they had intrepidly destroyed
the bridge over which the advancing column
would be obliged to pass."* Captain Crooker's
company of the 9th regiment came suddenly
upon the detachment of drttgoons, under lieu
tenant Horton, while the latter was covering
colonel Pearson's retreat. A skirmish ensued,
and the American detachment, which had re-,
treated to a house, would have certainly been
captured, but for the arrival of a strong rein^
forcement, under captains Hull and Harrison,
and lieutenant Randolph. Out of this skirraish,
in which four of the dragoons, andeight of their
horses, were wounded, Mr. Thorason has woven
a fine story ; concluding it with the declaration
ofone ofthe American generals, that, " in pai>
tizan war, he had witnessed nothing more gal
lant than the conduct of captain Crooker and
his company"* The Araerican pioneers having
repaired the bridge, the array crossed; and, at
about 11 o'clock on that night, encamped on
the right bank of Street's creek ; the first brigade
facing the creek and the bridge; the second
brigade forming the second linje ; and the volun
teers, the third. The pa.rk of artillery was^ sta
tioned on the right of the encampment, re^sting
QU some buildings and an orchard, close to tl^ei
* Sketches of the War, p. 274.

12Q MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
river Niagara; and tbe light ti^oops, or riflemen,
together with the Indians, were posted within
the sarae space, on the left, resting on the
woods. The American army, thus encamped, will
only differ in numbers from that which crossed
the strait,* in the absence of the small garrison,
say 50 raen, left at Fort-Erie, under lieutenant
Macdonough. Consequently, raajor-general
Brown had, under his immediate command at
Street's creek, 3000 regulars, (including 70 dra
goons,) 900 New York, Pennsylvania, and Cana
dian volunteers, and 150 Indians; total, 4050
men ; along with nine field-pieces and howitzers,
including some 12, and three 18-pounders.
Major-general Riall had stationed himself on
the left bank of the Chippeway, distant about
l-l miles from the American encampment; and,
having been joined, on the morning of the -Sth,
by 480 rank and file of the 8th regiment,
determined to attack the Americans on that
afternoon. His force now consisted of 1530
regulars, (including about 70 dragoons,) 300
sedentary militia,j" and about the same number
pf Indians ; total, 2130 men ; along with two
24-pounders, and a 6^ inch howitzer.
At the appointed hour the British crossed tbe
Chippeway, and marched to ' the attack ; the
Indians, and a part of the militia, advancing
* Seep. 116. f Only partially armed.

CREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 121
through the woods on the right, which were
skirted by the remainder of the militia^ and by
tlie light companies ofthe royalScotsand 100th
regiments, under lieutenant-colonel Pearson.
The approach of the Indians being discovered
by the Americans, general Porter, with the
whole of his volunteers and Indians, supported
by a detachment of 80 men from the second
brigade, under captain W. Macdonald, was
ordered to advance from the rear, and drive
them back.^ About 220 of our Indians, led by
Norton, had kept too rauch to the right, and were
wholly out of the action. The reraaining 80,
consisting chiefly of Wyandots, led by captain
Kerr, on being encountered by general Porter's
brigade, fell back, first, upon the militia, ahd then,
along with the latter, upon colonel Pearson's!
detachment of regulars. A spirited action now
ensued; but a few well-directed volleys from the
British presently reversed the order of things ;
and general Porter's .brigade of volunteers and
Indians gave way, and " fled in every direction."
So said general Brown.* But general Porter
hiinself says : — " The action of Chippeway, in
which the volunteers took so conspicuous a part,
will ever be remembered, to the honor of the
'^American arms. It was commenced by 800
Pennsylvania volunteers and Indian warriors,
who met about the same number of British
* WilJiinson's Mem. Vol, I. p. 65^.

122 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
militia a'tid Indians, overthrew and drove them
behind the main line of the British army ;
destroying, at least, 1.50, and annihilating, it
is believed, this description of the enemy's
force."* The reader may well conceive, what a para
graph can be made out of this modest eulo
gium, by an American editor ; and who so
able as Mr. Thomson ? — Thus, then, says the
latter:-—" General Porter met, attacked, and,
after a short but severe contest, drove, the ene
my's right before him. His route to Chippeway
was intercepted by the whole British column,
arrayed in order of battle; and against this
powerful force the volunteers desperately main^
tained their ground; until they were over
powered by the superiority of discipline and
numbers."! Not Pnly does major-general Riall's
despatch shew, clearly, that Mr, Thomson's
" whole British column" consisted of " thelisht
troops,"J under colonel Pearson ; but general
Wilkinson hipiself is compelled to admit, that
his friend, general Porter, " surprised a body of
Indians,^who. appeared to be in consultation, and
immediately gave way ; but, keeping up a brisk
skirmish, retreated to where they were strongly
reinforced by the enemy's troops,'' (called " irre
gulars" in the very next paragraph,) " who, in,
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 658.
+ Sketches of the War, p. 277. + App. No. 26,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 123
turn, forced Porter to retreat."* In this way do
we expose a " general Porter," as corapletely as,
we trust, we forraerly did a " commodore" or
captain, of the same name,! and, it seems likely,
of the same fiimily too.
Colonel Pearson, with his light troops, mi
litia, and Indians, pursued generfil Porter's
brigade of volunteers and Indians, and captain
Macdonald's 80 regulars ; till the arrival of a
strong reinforcement from general Ripley's
brigade, including tbe whole of the 25th regi
ment, obliged the British advance to fall back,
in its turn. W hile this skirmishing vvas going
on upon the right of the British line, major-f
general Riall had drawn up his troops before the
enemy's position ; placing the 8th regiraent, and
the two light 24-pounders and howitzer, upon
the left, and the royal Scots and 100th regiments,
directly in front. The enemy had posted his
artillery upontherightof hisline; which consisted
of theist, or general Scott's brigade, andaportion
of the 2d, or general Ripley's brigade: another
portion had been detached in- support; of the
3d, or general Porter's brigade of volunteers.
The royal ScPts and 100th regiments were
ordered to charge the enemy's column. The
ground over which they had to pass was uneven,
and covered with long grass, ; which greatly
impeded their progress. It was npt, however^,
» Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 651,
T James's Nav. Occur, p. 305—20,

124 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
till the enemy's musketry, and a flanking fire
from four pieces of his artillery, had caused a
serious loss of killed and wounded in the ranks
of these brave regiments, that the attempt was
given up. Any further contest with a force
so superior in numbers being considered as
unavailing, the British troops were directed td
retire upon Chippeway. This they did in the
most perfect order; bringing away, among their
guns, a piece that had been disabled, and
losing in prisoners none but the wounded. So
gallantly was the retreat covered by the 8th regi-
ttlent and colonel Pearson's light detachment,
that the Americans were deterred from advancing
with sufficient promptitude, to hinder the British
from destroying the bridge across the Chippe
way ; on the left bank of which, major-general
Riall again encaraped. This the Araerican gene
ral calls being "closely pressed."*
The British loss in the battle of Street's
creek was very severe. The killed amounted
to three captains, three subalterns, seven ser
jeants, and 133 rank and file; the wounded, to
three field-officers, (including the coraraanding
officers of the royal Scots and 100th regiments,)
five captains, 18 subalterns, 18 serjeants, and
277 rank and file; and the missing, to one
subaltern, one serjeant, and 44 rank and file ;
total, 148 killed; 321 wounded; and 46 miss
ing : grand total, (including 433 of the two
* App. No. 28.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. l25
before-mentioned regiments,) 515.* The royal
Scots were now reduced, in effective strength,
to 275, the 100th, to 245, and general Riall's
whole force, of regulars, militia, and Indians,
to under 1520, rank and file. The loss of the
Americans, in the same battle, amounted to twd
serjeants, and 58 rank and file, killed ; one
colonel, three captains, seven subalterns, 14 ser
jeants, and 210 rank and file, wounded ; and
one lieutenant-colonel, one raajor^ one captain,
(all of militia,) two serjeants, and '22 rank file,
missing ; total, 60 killed ; 235 wounded ; and
27 missing; grand total, 322:* thus leaving
general Brown a force of full 3730 raen.
Considering that the firing, between the main
bodies of the two armies did not continue be
yond an hoiir and a half, and that the 8th regi
ment, frora the nature of its position, partici
pated very slightly in the engagement, the loss
on both sides is a proof of the spirit with
which it was contested. It is rather extraor
dinary, that not one of our three historians
should have thought fit to state numbers on
either side; yet do they all concur in declaring,,
that the numerical superiority was in our
favor. Mr. O'Connor's account not less for its
conciseness than its gross extravagance, is worthy
of insertion. " The American troops," says this
writer, " on no occasion behaved .with more
gallantry than on the present. The British
* App. No. 27. i App, No. 20.

126 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
regulars suffered defeat from a number of men,
principally volunteers and militia, — inferior
in every thing but courage to the vanquished
enemy."* — This is the raan whose title-page has
the words : " Carefully corapiled from official
documents ;" and yet, who pretends to be igno
rant, that the "official" returns on his own side,
particularize five regiments of regular infantry
and a corps of artillery, as having suffered a loss
in the action. Even general Wilkinson, so
cautious in these matters, states the effective
strength of general Scott's brigade, alone, at 1100
regular infantry, •]• and the force that crossed the
strait under general Brown, at about 3500 raen, J
including about 2700 regulars. §
We vvill readily admit that, in this battle,
the Americans fought with more bravery and
determination, than they had done since the
war Commenced. No opportunity, however,
occurred, of employing the bayonet to any
advantage; and our troops had to resort to mus
ketry ; "in which," says general Wilkinson,
" the American soldier, from habits of early life,
will always excel," || The general adds r " Com
paring small with great things, here, as at
Minden, the fate of the day was settled by the
artillery; and the American Towson may de
servedly be ranked with the British Philips,
* Hist, ofthe War, p. 254.'
+ Wilkinson's Mem. Vol.1, p. 651.
. J Ibid. p. 646, fibid. 668. || Ibid, 632

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 12T
Drummond, arid Foy." * Poor general Wil
kinson's comparisons are the most amusing part
of his book. Without elevating " the American
Towson" to quite so lofty a station, we may
observe, that the Araericans deserve great credit
for the attention they pay to their artillery;
which is, in general, fully as well served as our
own, and, excepting the accidental circum
stance of our having two 24-pounders in this
action, of much heavier caliber.
The readiness of the Americans to engage, at
the battle of Street's creek, appears to have ori
ginated in mis-information. From the prisoners
taken at Fort-Erie general Brown learned, that
major-general Riall's regular force at Chippeway
consisted solely of th© first battalion of the royal
Scots, and the 100th regiment ; and consequently,
of not more than 11 or 1200 men. The Araerican
coramander, therefore, with his 3000 " accom
plished troops,"f advanced boldly to the attack.
This is confirmed by Mr. Thorason ; who, not
only mentions no other than the above two regi
ments as present, but states, that lieutenant-
general Drummond ordered up " the Sth or
king's regiraent from York,'^ in consequence of
*' the defeat of major-general Riall. ":|;
On the other hand, intelligence reached
the British, — probably through emissaries^ or
* Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol. I. p; 652.
+ App. No. 28. + Sketches of the War, p. 280.-

128 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Spies, purposely sent from the American camp,
— that general Brown's force exceeded 5000 men ;
and major-general Riall himself, from the report
of the American militia-officers, taken prisoners
at the commencement of the action, considered
the eneray's force to araount to " 6000 men,
with a very numerous train of artillery.''^ We
here see a striking difference in the impression
respecting his adversary's strength, under
which each of the generals led his troops into
battle. During the 6th and 7th of July, general
Brown remained quiet at his encampment on
the bank of Street's creek ; but, on the raorning
of the 8th, he determined upon an attempt to
dislodge major-general Riall, who was still
stationed at Chippeway. To eflfect this object,
general Ripley proceeded, with bis brigade and
the artillery, to a. point on the right bank of
the Chippeway, three miles above the British
camp, in order to open a road of communication,
and to construct a bridge across the river, or
creek, for the passage of the troops. After the
Americans had planted their artillery on the
bank, a detachment of general Riall's artillery
arrived in front ; but the latter, having now in
charge two pieces only, was obliged, after a slight
cannonade, to withdraw. The bridge was soon
afterwards completed ; and the whole of the
* App. No. 26.

GREAT BBltAiN AND AMERICAi ISO
Avrterican force crossed over; In the mean while^
major-general Riall had broken up his encamp
ment, and retired towards Queenstown and FortJ
George ; at which latter place he arrived on that
evening. During the same night, general Browrt
occupied Chippeway ; and, on the following
morning, advanced to Queenstown ; where he
again encaraped;
On the 12th, while the Auiericans were at
QueenstowUj brigadier-general Swift was de-i
tached, with 120 (one American account says
200) of general Porter's volunteers,** to recon*
noitre general Riall's position at FPrt-Georges
On arriving near the fort^ general Swift, with
his detachment, carae suddenly upon a corporal
arid flve inen, belonging to a patrolling party
of 32 rank and file from the light corapany of
the 8thj under major Evans of that regiriient.
One of the flve privates levelled his piece at the
Araerican general ,' andj after mortally wound
ing him, was bimself shot dead. His five cPm~
rades nPW fell back upon the remaining 26
men of their detachment ; wliP, on the report
of the first musket^ had, with major Evans at
their head, marched forward to the spot* The
81 British were instantly surrounded by their
ISSO opponents } but the former,- by their skill and
promptitude,' extricated themselves^ without
further loss, from their perilous situation. Mr,
* Sketches ofthe War, p. 2S1.
VOL. Hi K

130 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Thomson, who is the only editor that notices
the affair, magnifies our force to 60 men ; and
then pretends that the man, after he had sur
rendered, shot general Swift. The truth is, from
the hour that the Araericans landed near Fort-
Erie, those inhabitants who ^' behaved peace
ably, and followed their private ocupations,"*
instead of being, as was promised by general
Brown, in his proclaraation to the Canadians,
" treated as friends," were plundered of their
property, and, in many instances, sent as pri
soners to the American side. By way, therefore,
of palliating the enormities known to have
been committed by the American army in its
progress through the country, Mr. Thomson
prepares this account of general Swift's death ;
adding: — "The whole volunteer brigade to
which the general was attached, solicited an op
portunity to avenge the fallof their brave officer ;
and an opportunity was not long wanted."*^
While at his encampment at Queenstown ^
general Brown writes commodore Chauncey,
under date of the 13th July, to the following
effect : — " All accounts agree that the force of
the enemy in Kingston is very lighlv Meet me
on the lake- shore, north of Fort -George, witb
your fleet ; and we will be able, I have no doubt,
to settle a plan of operation that will break the
power of the enemy in Upper Canada, and that
in the course^f a short time. At all events, let
* App. No. 25. f Skftches of the War, p. 282.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 131
me hear from you; I have looked for your fleet
with the greatest anxiety, since the 10th. 1 do
not doubt my ability to meet the enemy in
the field, and to march in any direction over
his country ; your fleet carrying for me the
necessary supplies. We can threaten forts
George and Niagara, and carry Burlington-
Heights and York ; and proceed direct to Ring-
-ston, and carry that place. For God's sake let
me see you. Sir James will not flght. Two of
his vessels are now in Niagara river. If you
conclude to meet me at the head of the lake, and
that immediately, have the goodness to bring
the guns and troops that I have ordered from
Sackett's Harbor.*
Commodore Chauncey, knowing better than
that sir James would not- fight, was lying^
at Sackett's Harbor, awaiting the equipment
of his second frigate, the Mohawk ; " to main
tain," says an American editor, " the existing
equality ;" but, in reality, to acquire that one-
rtiVe? superiority, wiihout which it would not be
prudent to appear on the lake.f
On the morning of the 9th, major-general
Riall, leaving at the forts George and Mississaga,
in lieu ofthe 330 rank and file of the Glerigarry
regiment, andof the 300 militia, J by w'hom hehad
* Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol. I, p. 666.
•I- James's Naval Occurrences, p. 399.
j- Both recently arrived from York,
K 2

132 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
there been joined, detachments ofthe royal Scbts^
and Sth, and the remaining 245 ofthe 100th, regi-
mentsj proceeded, with a fot-ce in regulars and
militiaj amounting to about 1360 rank and filej
towards Burlington heights ; where he expected
to meet the 103d regiment, and the flank corapa
nies ofthe 104th, the latter of which had recently
arrived there. This junction was fortunately
effected at the Twenty-mile creek ; whence the
major-generalj with his force, now augmented to
about 2000 regulars and militia, marched back
to, and took post at, the Fifteen-mile creek,
distant about 13 miles frora the American campii
Intelligence of this movement on the part of
major-general Riall, unaccompanied, however,
by any account of his having been joined by
the 103d regiment, reached general Brown on
the 14th, the day after he had called for commo
dore Chauncey's co-operation. The British
force, thus assembled, was stated to consist of
one wing of the royal Scots, the 100th regi
ment, and the Glengarry light infantry ; amount
ing, in all, to 1250 raen, besides 800 incorporated
militia and Indians ; making a total of 2050
inen.* We have here the total, though not the
details, of the British force, as aiccurately stated
as need be. Had the junction of the 103d
regiment been known, we may well suppose
that major-general Riall's force would have been
* Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol. I. p. 669.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 138
swelled out to 3000 men ; but, although consi
dered to be a third below that amount, np
attack was to be made, vvithout the sanction ofa
council of war. General Brown's force, on this
occasion, -'was estimated at 2700 regulars, and
1000 volunteers, militia, and Indians ;"* which
amounts, within 30 men, to what we stated to
have been that officer's force, after the battle of
Street's creek. At this council the minority
was for attacking major-generfil Riall ; the
majority, for investing Fort-George. Accordr
ingly, on the 15th, genferal Ripley's brigade of
regulars, and general Porter's brigade of volun
teers, accorapanied by a detachraent of regular
artillery, with a 6-pounder and a 5~ inch how
itzer, the wholfj purabering about 2200 rank and
file, advanced to the neighbourhood of the
British fort. While this §tro^g body pf Ameri
can troops was reconnoitring the fortifications,
lieutenant-colonel Tucker, with the detachment
of the Sth regiment, and two 6-pounder field-
pieces, moved out from Fort-Mississaga ; and,
being joined by the few royals from FOrt-George,
and aided by the guns of that fort, corapelled
the Araericans, in spite of their great superiority
of numbers, to retire to a more respectable dis
tance. Not a casualty occurred on our part.
Several slight skirmishes afterwards tookplace
between the adverse piquets, in which the Ame
ricans were alraost the only sufferers. The fur-^
* Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol. I. p. 66<!.

134 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
ther proceedings of the American troops before
Fort-George, are tolerably well deflned in major
M'Farland's letter :— " The miliria and Indians,
says he, " plundered and burnt every tbing.
The whole population is against us: not a
foraging party, but is fired on, and not unfre
quently return vvith raissing numbers. This
state was to be anticipated. The Indians were
sent off some days since," (letter dated 25th of
July,) " as they were found useless, except to
plunder. The militia have burnt several pri
vate dwelling-houses ; and, on the 19th instant,
burnt the village of St. David, consisting of
about 30 or 40 houses. This was done within
three miles of camp; and my battalion was sent
to cover the retreat, as they (the militia) had
been sent to scour the country of some Indians
and rangers, and it was presuraed they niight
be pursued. My God ! what a service. I never
witnessed such a scene ; and, had not the com
manding officer of the party, lieutenant-colonel
Stone, been disgraced, and sent oot ofthe army,
I should have handed in ray sheep-skin.*" —
The raajor declares, in the very sarae letter, — as
a proof of his being a staunch American, — that
he desires no better fun than to fight the
British troops, (whom he politely calls, " Euro
pean cut-throats,") giving to them one-foUrth
more than his own number. What, then,
must have been the '* scenes" and suflTerings,
* Cammissiou.

GREAT BRITAIN ANP AMERICA. 135
that could excite compassion in such a breast
as this ?
Although none of the Airierican historians
bestow a word upon the burning of St. David's,
and the pillage of the surrounding country, we
now perceive to what Mr. Thomson more parti
cularly alluded, when he told us, that the whole
volunteer brigade had solicited leave to avenge
general Swift's death, and that " an opportunity
was not long wanted." It is true, lieutenant-cplo-
nel Stone was declared, by a " General Order,"
to have " directed" the burning of St. David's,
"contrary to the orders of government;" and
the same document concluded thus: — " Lieu
tenant-colonel Stone will retire from the army."
But this summary method of discharging officers
was, in the American camp, as custoraary as it
proved ineffectual. Araong raany instances,
general Brown, soon after the battle of Street's
creek, ordered captain Treat, of tbe 21st infan
try, " on the spot, to retire from the array,"
for having been guilty of cowardice ; and yet a
court-martial, presently afterwards, re-instated
that officer in his command. Why was not
lieutenant-colonel Stone tried for his offence,
and thereby allowed an opportunity of shewing
whether or not he had exceeded his orders ? Ifhe
set fire to St. David's without orders, was^there
not a "General Order," issued by general Brown
himself, in which it was expressly declared,
that—.'* Any plunderer shall be punished with

136 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
death"?* But that the Canadians had expe
rienced, both in their persons and properties,
so mapy flagrant violations of that " General
Order," as to entitle it to be considered, unless,
in its intende4 operation upon the public mind,
as mere blank paper, we might suppose that
the gallant colonel had saved himself, by the
quibbling excuse, that he was not a ^' plun
derer,'' but an incendiary. The most extra
ordinary thing is, however, that the American
government, within seven weeks after the burn
ing of St, David's, and when some apology
for that, among other atrocities, was thought due
to the representations made on our part, should
say: — '^ For the burning of St. David's, com
mitted by stragglers, the officer who commanded
in that quarter was dismissed, without a trial, for
not preventing it."| Lieutenant-colonelStone,
then, was not '^ dismissed without a trial,"
because he 'f directed," but " for not prevent-
ipg," the burning of the village ; nor was the
act committed by the militia sent, under the
orders of this very colonel, " to scour the
eountry," but by " stragglers," underthe orders
of no one ; and this, although the American
(;amp was enly three railes off.
On the day succeeding the conflagratipn of
St, IJavid's, general Brown abandoned his
* App. No. 25.
+ Mr. Munro's letter to sir Alexander Cochrane, dated
Sept. 6, X814.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 137
encampraent at Queenstown, and concentrated
his whole force in the neighbourhood of Fort-
George ; stationing a part of it on the shore of
Lake Ontario, to keep a sharp look-out for tbe
arrival of commodore Chauncey's fleet, with the
anxiously expected " guns Pnd troops from
Sackett's Harbor." After waiting in suspense
from the 20th to the 23d, general Brown pre--
pared to retrace his steps to Queenstown and
Chippeway ; in order, as he says, to draw a sup
ply of provisions from Schlosser, and then raarch
directly to Burlington Heights.* American
caution was never more conspicuous than iu
this retrograde movement of general Brown's.
The fortifications of Fort-George were not in
a better state than when general M'Clure,
with a garrison of upwards of 2000, abandoned
them to colonel Murray, with fewer than 500
men ;f and now that fort was garrisoned by a
smaller number than then besieged it, and was
beseiged by double tbe number that then
composed its garrison. Yet major M'Farland,
in his before-mentioned letter, assigns, as a
reason for general Brown's retreat, that it vvould
require" 6000 raen, with a large train of bat
tering artillery," to raake any irapression upon
Fort-George. The Araericans seem determined
to remind us, as well of general M'Clure's
bloodless surrender of this same fort, as of
* App. No. 32. + Seep. IU

138 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
colonel Murray's gallant assault upon, and
capture of, their own Fort-Niagara.
General Brown, with his army, entered
Queenstown on the evening ofthe 23d ; and, on
the next day, this American general, vvho had
scarcely done boasting that he did not doubt
his ability " to meet the eneray in the field, and
to inarch in any direction over his country,"
flnding, by accounts from Sackett's Harbor, that
the commodore was unable, or, rather, un
willing, to leave port, became so " apprehensive
of an attack upon the rear of his arm^'," * that
he not only continued his retreat to Chippeway,
but, to quicken his moveraents, disencurabered
the army of its baggage. •{• Having re-crossed
the Chippeway, general Brown encamped on
the right bank of that river, with the whole of
his army, except the 9th regiment, which was
posted on the left, or north bank, protected in
front by a block-house. It ought not to be
omitted, that the Araericans, during their re
treat to this place, plundered, and made prisoners
of, several of the inhabitants.
Intelligence of general Brown's arrival at Chip
peway reached general Riall, on the same after
noon ; and, at eleven o'clock that night, the
British advance, consisting of the Glengarry
regiment, under lieutenant-colonel Battersby;
40 men of the 104th, under lieutenant-colonel
* Sketches of the War, p. 283. f App. No, 32,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 139
Drummond; the incorporated militia, under lieu
tenant-colonel Robinson, and the sedentary mili
tia, under lieutenant-colonel Parry, ofthe 103d ;
major Lisle's troop of the 19th light dragoons,
and a detachraent of artillery, having in charge
the two 24-pounders and howitzer employed at
Street's creek, and three 6-pounders ; the whole
numbering about 950 rank and file, andplaCed
under the immediate command of lieutenant-
colonel Pearson, moved from the Twelve-mile
creek ; and, at seven o'clock the next morning,
took up a position near Lundy's lane, leading
into the main Queenstown, or Niagara road,
and distant from the American encampment
about 2^, miles.
The American general, having received intel
ligence thjat the British had crossed over, in
considerable nurabers, from Queenstown to
Lewistown; and that the force near Lundy's
lane was a mere patrolling party, deterrained,
by way of causing a diversion, to re-occUpy
the forraer village. Accordingly, at about a
quarter past five on tbe afternoon of the 25th,
general Scott, at the head of his own brigade
of regular infantry, Towson's. artillery, with
his two 18-pounders, " and all the dragoons and
mounted men,"* numbering, as we gather
from the American accounts, fully 1150 rank
and file, marched towards Queenstown ; with
* App. No. 32.

140 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
special orders " to report if the enemy appeared,
and to call for assistance, if that was necessary."*
On arriving at the falls, just two miles from
camp, the advanced piquets commenced firing;
and general Scott immediately despatched two
or tbree officers in succession, to acquaint gene
ral Brown, that the enemy was in force, directly
in his front; although he confessed that a narrow
wood intercepted that force from his view. As
the enemy '.'¦ was in force," it becarae " neces
sary" to send " assistance ;" therefore general
Brown, who had been reinforced by 250 raen
of the 1st, and 100 raen of the 22d regiments,
just arrived in three schooners from Erie,
taking with him generals Ripley's and Porter's
brigades, and major Hindman's corps of artil
lery, having in charge seven field-pieces, instant
ly " pressed forward with ardor," * In the mean
while, some of the Araerican officers, having
heard at Mrs. Wilson's house, near the falls,
and reported to general Seott, " that thp enemy
could not be in force," f that officer, with
the first brigade, the artillery, and dragoons,
" pressed forward with ardor," to attack the
British advance. General Riall, who happened
to be with the latter, considering general Scott's
detachment as merely the van ofa force nearly
four times superior to his own, ordered colonel
* App. No. 32.
+ Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. his App. No. 9.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 141
Pearson tP retire upon Queenstown ; and sent
similar orders to colonel Scott, who, with the
main body, was ttdvancing from the Twelve-
mile creek. We must now relate what caused
a sudden change in the destination of the re*
treating British force.
As soon as intelligence of major-general
Riall's discomfiture at Street's creek reached
lieutenant-general Drummond at Kingston, the
latter, leaving orders for De Watteville's regi
ment to follow, in two columns^ raarched to
York, with the remnant of the 2d battalion of
the 89th regiment, about 400 strong, under
lieutenant-colonel Morrison. On the evening
of the 24th, the lieutenant-general and suite,
with the 89th, embarked at York, on board
sir Janies Yeo's vessels, the Netley, Charwell,
Star, and Magnet ; and arrived at Fort-Niagara at
day-light on the morning of the 25th. Having
despatched to Queenstown the 89th regiraent,
and the detachments of the royal Scots and
Sth which had been left by general Riall in the
forts George and Mississaga, lieutenant-ge
neral Drummond ordered lieutenant-colonel
Tucker to proceed up the right bank of the
Niagara, with 300 of the 41st, about 200 of the
royal Scots, and abody of Indians, supported
on the river by a party of armed seamen, under
captain Dobbs, of the Charwell brig, in order
to disperse or capture an Aihericto force en-

142 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Camped at Lewistown. Some unavoidable delay
occurred in the march of the troops up the right
bank ; and colonel Swift, with his 200 volun
teers, and whatever other troops belonged to
the post, had effected their escape towards
Schlosser, and crossed over to the American
camp at Chippeway. The British arrived in
time only to take possession of about 100 tents,
a quantity of baggage and provisions ; with
which, at about four o'clock on the sarae after
noon, they crossed over to Queenstown, and
there met the detachment under lieutenant-
colonel Morrison. After the troops had dined,
lieutenant-general Drummond sent back, as
garrisons to the three forts in the rear, 220of the
41st, and the whole remaining strength of the
lOOth regiments, under the orders of lieutenant-
colonel Tucker ; and hastened forward to the
falls, with the 89th regiment, detachments of
the royal Scots, and Sth, and the light com
pany of the 41st regiments, numbering, alto^
gether, 815- rank and file.
No sooner had this seasonable reinforcement,
after a rapid march of seven miles from Queens
town, and of 14 altogether, arrived within
halfa raile of Lundy's lane, than inforraation
was^ brought of the retreat of raajor-general
Riall's advanced division; and the troops had
scarcely halted, ere they were joined by the
militia which had formed part ofit, and whose

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 143
retreat had been ably covered by the Glengarry
regiment. General Drummond, first despatch
ing an officer to recall colonel Scott, pushed
forward to Lundy's lane; where he arrived a few
minutes before six o'clock, and just as the enemy
had approached within 600 yards ofthe top ofthe
hill. The British force was quickly formed ;-'—
the 89th regiment, the 320 men ofthe royal Scots,
and the 41st light company,in the rear ofthe hill,
with their left resting on the Queenstown, or
Niagara road; the two 24-pounders a little in
advance of the centre, on tbe sumrait of the hill ;
the Glengarry regiraent, in the woods on the
right of the line ; and the militia, and the 120
men of the Sth, on the left of the Niagara road,
with the light dragoons, on the sarae road, a
little in the rear : constituting a total of 1770
rank and file, supported by two 24-pounders, two
6-pounders, and a 5^-inch howitzer. Scarcely
had the different corps taken their stations, than
the American troops, under the comraand of
general Scott, coraraenced the attack. With
the exception, however, of partially forcing back
the left, the Araericans could make no impression
upon the British troops ; and, after nearly an
hour's combat, retired behind a new line, formed
by generals Ripley's and Porter's brigades ; to
the forraer of which the 1st regiment, undey
colonel Nicholas,* and to the latter, a fresh
* App. No. 32.

144 MltlTARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
party of volunteers, had been attached : thuS
making the total force, under general Brown^
Upwards of 4000 men;
Finding the British guns upon the hill very
destructive j the Americans made several des^
perate efforts to carry thera. After being raost
gallantly resisted by the 89thj the detachraents
of the royal Scots and Sth regiraents, and
the sedentary railitia under colonel Parry, the
great numerical superiorityj and, certainly, well-
directed fire, of the American infantrj^ and artil
lery, enabled them to gain their point. Tbey
had no leizure, however, to remove, or, at this
tirae, to employ the captured pieces. Thebattle
had now raged for three hours ; " the thickest
and raost impenetrable darkness prevailed;"*
and both armies had suspended their fire ; one
to collect and re-organize its " faultering" regi*
ments ; the other to awdit the reinforcement
n^omentarily expected from the Twelve-niile
creek. Just at the hour of nine, colonel Scott^
with the 103d regiment, detachments of the
royal Scots, Sth, and 104th regiraents, and
about 300 sedentary railitia, few of vvhom had
musketSj accompanied by two 6-pounders, and
numbering, altogether, 1230 rank and file, now
carae upon the ground. It had been intended
that colonel Scott's division should march
from theTweWe-mile creek, and the men were
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. his App. No. 9,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 145
actually under arms, at lihree o'clock in the
morning. Unfortnnately, however, the order
was countermanded, and the troops did not raove
till past raid-day. At about a quarter before six,
and just as they had arrived within three miles
of the field of battle, came general Riall's order
for thera to retire upon Queenstown ; and they
had actually made a retrogade raovement of
nearly four miles, before they received general
Drummond's order to re-advPnce. Having thus
been nine hours on the march, the men were a
good deal blown and fatigued, when they joined
the contending division.
Owing to the extreme darkness of the night, the
103d regiment, and the sedentary militia, under
colonel Hamilton, with the two field-pieces,
passed, by mistake, into the centre ofthe Araeri
can army, now posted upon the hill ; and, after
sustaining a very heavy and destructive fire, fell
back in confusion. The 103d, however, by the
exertions of its officers, afterwards rallied; and
formed inlineto the right of general Drumraond's
front column. Another disaster ensued from
the darkness. The detachments of the royal
Scots and Sth, forming part of the reinforcement,
unfortunately mistook, for the enemy, the Glen
garry regiment, stationed in the woods to the
right ; and kept upon it a severe and destructive
fire. Under all these circumstances, general Drum
mond derived but a partial benefit from colonel
VOL. II. L

146 MILltARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Scott's reinforceraent. In the raeanwhile, the
conflict, which had been renewed on the part of
the Americans, owing to the supposed advantage
gained over the British, in the repulse of the
103d regiment and militia, so peculiarly cir
curastanced, was assuming a more serious aspect
than ever. They were now in possession of the
crest of the hill, and of seven pieces of captured
artillery ; which, in conj unction with their own,
they turned against the British coluran. * On
the other hand, the British, besides their infe
riority of nurabers, were without artillery, and
had to raarch up a steep hill, to regain the guns
they had lost ; or even, as the Americans were too
prudent to descend frora their po,sition, to give
a decisive character to the contest. After a
smart struggle, the British, not only regained
their seven pieces of cannon, but captured a
6-pounder and a 5^ inch howitzer, which major
Hindman, ofthe American artillery, had brought
up against thera. Several determined, but vain
efforts, were now made by the Americans, to repos
sess the hill ; and, at about half-past 11, they gave
up the contest, and retreated to their camp ;
leaving, upon the field, the whole of their dead,
and raany of their wounded.
Mqjor-general Riall, having been severely
wounded at the early part of the action, was,
with some other wounded officers and atten
dants, retiring to the rear to have his wounds
* Sketches of the W^, p. 292,

Great fiRl,TAiN and America. 147
dressed, when he and his party were captured
by the American 25th regiment, under colonel
Jessup, and a detachraent of cavalry ; vvhich, in
driving back the British left, had gained a
momentary possession of the Niagara-rPad. At
this time, also, captain Loring, one of general
Drummond's aides de camp^ and who was pro
ceeding to the rear with orders, was also made
prisoner. The British loss in this action Was, pne captain ^
three subalterns, one deputy -assistant -adju
tant-general, four serjeants, and 75 rank and
file, killed ; one lieutenant-general} one major Ji
general, one inspecting field-officer, one deputy-
assistant-quarter-master-general, two lieutenant-^
colonels, eight captains, 25 subalterns^ 31 ser
jeants, five drummers, and 482 rank and file,
wounded; one captain, three subalterns, two
quarter-masters, 11 serjeants^ fiye drummers,
and 171 rank and file, missing and prisoners;
one aide de camp, four captains, four subalterns^
one quarter-master, four serjeants, and 28 rank
and file, prisoners. Total, 84 killed ; 559
wounded ; 193 missing ; and 42 prisoners :
grand total 878* The great use made bythe
Americans of buck-shot, while it swelled out
the return.s, occasioned most ofthe wounds to be
very slight. That musket-cartridges, in the
American service, are invariably made up with
buck-shot,( is acknowledged by general Wilkin-
* App. No. 31.
L 2

148 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BET\VEEN
son ; who, referring to the use of rifles in the dark,
says : — " The musket and bayonet, with buck
shot, is preferable ; because, in nocturnal affairs,
nothing decisive can take place, buf at close
quarters."* — The British returns of loss show,
as clearly, that the militia brought up with
colonel Scott's division, and who, as already
stated, were, for the most part, without arms,
did not rally, after their surprise by the enemy,
as that those, forming part of the advance,
behaved in a distinguished manner. The few
Indians present were of no use whatever.
According to the official returns at the foot
of general Brown's letter, the American loss
amounted to, one major, five captains, one adju
tant, four subalterns, 10 serjeants, and 150 rank
and file, killed ; one raajor-general, one bri
gadier-general, two aides de camp, one brigade-
major, one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, four
majors, seven captains, one adjutant, one pay
master, three quarter--masters, 32 subalterns,
36 Serjeants, three musicians, and 478 rank and
file, wounded ; and one brigade-major, one
captain, six subalterns, nine serjeants, and 93
rank and file, missing. -f Total, 171 killed ; 572
wounded; and 110 missing: grand total 854.
The loss, thus admitted by the Araericans, was
highly creditable to the skill and gallantry of
the inferior nurabers opposed to them. But
• Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 538.
+ App. No. 33.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 149
general Brown's loss has certainly been under
rated ; for 210 dead, besides a great many
wounded, Americans were counted upon the field
of battle, on the following raorning ; and, upon
the subsequent advance of the British to Chip
peway, they found a number of fresh graves, in
which the bodies had been so slightly covered,
that the arms and legs were, in raany instances,
exposed to view.
As first in order araong the American accounts
of this action, we will take general Brown's
letter. In American official correspondence,
this letter forms, in one respect, an anoraaly :
it no where raentions, that the Araericans had
superior numbers to contend with. What are
we to infer from this, but that the reverse fact
was too glaring to be questioned ? The letter
is certainly well written ; and the writer, we
should suppose, gave the number of his own
troops, at least, in this " memorable battle."
Perhaps the paragraph, containing that infor
mation, was suppressed, by the order of the
gpvernment. Such things, we know, have been
frequently done ; and, did the nuraber agree
with what a writer frora Buffaloe stated general
Brown's force, in the Lundy's lane battle, to have
araounted to, namely, " about 4000 raen," the
probability is encreased. The American com
mander begins his letter, with telling us of the
" gallant men" he had the " good ifiortune to
lead;" and yet freely confesses, that one regiment

150 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
*' faltered," and another " gave way and re-
trea:ted." Upon the whole, however, the Ameri
can troops fought bravely ; and the conduct of
many of the officers, of the artillery corps especi
ally, would have done honor to any service.
Had general Brown's wounds allowed him to
r^rijaiin long enough on the fiehl, he would have
fdund that it was ijot the last British, but the last
American " effort," that had been " repulsed ;"
and that it was after that last effort, " that the
victory'was complete." How are we to reconcile
thiscon fidence of 'Victory ," with the order which
colonel Hindman, of the artillery, received from
general Brown, as the latter was retiring from
tfie field, on his way to Buff'aloe ;— " Collect
your artillery, as well as you can, and retire
iirimediately ; we shall all march to camp" * ?
This vyas deposed tp at general Ripley's
court-martial. If the American troops, who
had marched two niiles to the field of hattie,
needed " some refreshmept," what raust have
beeil the state of the British troops, all of whora,
e'xcept the advance, had marched 14 miles to
the field of battle?
Some parts of Mr. O'Connor's account are
worth extracting : — " Wellington's invincibles,"
says he, " had just arrived from Europe, and
Drummond resolved that they should not only
maintain their character, but maintain it in a
ji^anner that would make the most despondino-
* Wilkinson's IVIera. Vql. I. his App. No,. 14.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 151
impres.sion on the brave, but raw recruits of the
republic." " A flne moon-light night favored,
equally, the operations of both armies." — This is
excellent ; when all the American officers exa
mined at general Ripley's court-martial, concur
in the fact, that the night was unusually dark.
"The Araericans," proceeds this accurate gentle
man, "could not be driven, nor withstood : deter
rained not to be overthrown, even by superior
nurabers, they seeraed resolved to crush what
ever foe opposed them. Had they been con
quered, they would yet deserve honor ; as victors,
they covered themselves with glory."* He
attributes the loss ofthe " howitzer," to the high-
spirited horses having run with it " into the
ranks ofthe enemy." On the other hand, it was
the " want of horses" that corapelled the Arae
ricans to leave to us " m,ost of the cannon
which were taken," Here we discover, that Mis.
O'Connor alludes to the British unlimbered
6-pounder, for which an American one had, by
mistake, been placed upon a British limber. -f-
The British loss is made to araount to " between
1200 and 1300 raen ;" and their " force engaged,
by their ovvn confession, 4500 men, raostly, or
wholly regulars, besides a host of Indians : the
American force," proceeds Mr. O'Connor, " did
not exceed 2800; consisting, in a great propor
tion, of the railitia of Pennsylvania and New
York."* Yet, this writer, in the very next line^
* Hist, of iY- " r, p. 257. + App. No,. 30.

152 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
refers to " general Brown's official letter ;" in
which the militia-volunteers are stated at less
than a third part of the American force in the
field. And how carae Mr. O'Connor to orait
the honorable corps, styled, in the American
returns, — " Canadian volunteers," -f and com
manded by the "gallant colonel Wilcocks;" whose
traitorous acts, as the assistant of M'Clure, fell
so heavy upon the inhabitants of Newark? J
Mr. Thomson devotes 19 pages ofhis book to
the battle of Lundy's lane. He describes the
hour's action previous to the arrival of thewhole
of Ripley's and Porter's brigades, as fought be
tween generals i2ia// and Scott; although general
Drummond, with his reinforcement, had been
present from the commencement. He evidently
mistakes colonel Scott's, for general Drummond's
arrival. This misnomer is of some use to lis. Mr.
Thomson, after stating that general Riall had
" despatched inessengers to lieutenant-general
Drummond at Fort-George, to inform him of
the desperate nature of the conflict," saj's : — •
" Until this period of the engagement," that is,
until, in reality, colonel Scott's arrival, " his
force, including the incorporated militia and
some Indians, amounted to 1637 men."§ Mr,
Thomson has here^ by jiure accident, stated
nearly the amount of general Drumraond's force,
* Ilist. of the Unilcd States, p. 257.
t App. No. 33. J See p. 7,
§ Sketchcsof the War, p. 288.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 153
during the flr.st three hours of the battle. He
attends every regiment in its marches and
counter-marches ; and makes a flne thing of the
charges upon the artillery. Not trusting to
language alone, he has given us a copper-plate
representation. So far from the American line
here resembling the " pot-hook" line, formed
by " captain Clodpole's corapany" of Carolina
militia, in Lambert's Travels,* Mr. Thomson's
artist has eraployed his rule for the purpose;
and the line he has forraed for Mr. O'Connor's
" raw recruits," in this night of" impenetrable
darkness," close in front of " a host of Wellington's
invincibles," reminds us rather, of what we
sometimes witness upon the parade in St. Jaraes's-
park, than of the advance of the American
troops, to seize the British cannon at Lundy's
lane. Turning over Mr, Thomson's confused pages,
we come at last to his numbers. He makes the
American force less, and the British force more,
than Mr, O'Connor does. One he states at
" 2417 men ;" the other,— to prove how he can
make up for a bad beginning, — at " 3450
regulars, 1200 incorporated militia, and 480
Indians, making in all 5130 men."t This
moderate increase upon the 1637 arose, it
appears, out of four several reinforcements ;
* Lambert's Travels, Vol. II. p. igg.
+ Sketches of the War, p. 300,

154 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
along with the last of which came up " four of
the British fleet." *— Poor Mr. Thorason ! Into
what a dilemma he has here fallen. The river,
from the falls, close to which the battle was
fought, to Queenstown, a distance of eight miles,
is, owing to its turbulence and rapidity, not na
vigable even for boats; and the four vessels to
which this learned historian alludes, and which
were the same that brought general Drummond
and his troops from York, were lying peaceably
at anchor opposite to Fort-George, 14 miles frora
the scene of action.
Our third historian, doctor Smith, has, in his
usual brief way, extracted none but the most
violent and extravagant parts of the accounts
before him ; excepting that, while he makes our
" force engaged, including the Canadian railitia,
4500," some one has persuaded him to advance
a step nearer to truth, and state " that of the
Araericans at less than 3000."'1" ., An Araerican
writer from Buffaloe, speaking of this action,
says : " We had in our whole army 4000 men ;"J
and, in the " Buffaloe Gazette Extraordinary,"
of July 28, we read : " The enemy's forces en
gaged rpust have been nearly 5000 ; ours," — here
\s a frank adraission,^ — " short of that number."
,^fter this, will it be pretended, that the Amevi-
* Sketches of the War, p- 296.
X Hist, of the United States, p. 313,
§ Albany Paper, Aug. 2, 1814.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 155
cans had not 4000 raen in the field at the battle
of Niagara ?
W^e had almost forgotten, that we have a
fourth historian to glean from. General Wil
kinson, flnding it easier, and, as we infer from
his complaints of ill-usage, more profitable, to
fight on paper than in the field, drags us through
,54 tolerably close octavo pages, (exclusive of
19 much closer pages of Appendix,) till he ha.s
done descanting upon '* true valor," ip the per
formances of the " heroes of Bridgewater,"
and,— forgetful of his own behaviour in the Mon
treal expedition, and before La Colle grist-mill, — •
upon military imbecility, in the proceedings of
generals Brown and Scott, on the " raeraorable
25th of July." As, for almost every important
fact, two opposite statements can be found, it
would be only misleading the reader to make
extracts. We may suppose, however, that the^'te
large diagrams, which the general gives of the
action, are tolerably correct. On the contrary,
our faith in them is destroyed, thus : — " Ofcpurse,
the diagram," says the general, "founded on
colonel Leavenworth's repprt, iserroneous."* AL
though not explicit as to numbers, betakes care
to adopt a similar stratagem to that which he
practised about the gun-boats at La Colle, •]• and
representstheBritish columns upon his diagrams,
to be five times as large as the American. Even
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 689, + Sec p. 8^.

156 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
here he is doomed to contradict the inference he ,
would have us draw. " I have no authority,"
says general Wilkinson, " to question general
Drummond's report ofhis own order of battle, or
his force, except from the inficftrmation of colonel
Leavenworth and other officers."* And yet, .
alluding to the materials frora which he pro
fesses to draw up his history of this battle, he
asksi : •" But how shall we reconcile the very
opposite accounts, which have been rendered
on oath before a tribunal of justice ?"•]• And
why the accounts may well be opposite, he
immediately afterwards explains, very satisfac
torily, thus : " I will answer, frora what 1 have
witnessed, that, in warm military combats, an
officer at the head of a platoon or battalion, who
does his duty, can see very little beyond his
iraraediate command, and that different men see
thesame object with different optics ;"f — more
especially, when " it was so dark at the tirae,
that objects could not be distinguished raany
paces." J The capture of general Riall, and of
the other prisoners taken with him, the general
very properly attributes to " the confusion inci
dent to a night-attack, and the shifting of the
action."* JNor does he, like Mr. O'Connor,
and mpst of the other historians, unwittingly,
lessen the merit of the victors, by styling the
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 722. + Ibid. 686.
+ Ibid. 701.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 157
vanquished — " cowards." The general, very
considerately, ranks British, next to American
valor ; thus : " The enemy, whose persevering
courage could not be excelled, but by men who
.sprang from the same stock," &c.* Ouv last
extract shall be from the general's " Prelimi
nary Observations." " 1 speak not," says he,
" of achievements by which cities have been
saved, and states protected ; of great and san
guinary battles, wherein the life of the .soldier
has been bartered for the safety of the empire ;
of Thermopylae, or — New Orleans ;——"'f Can
we proceed ?
After the *' victorious" Araerican troops had
retired to their carap, and obtained the "neces
sary refreshraent," they were again ordered; with
general Ripley, upon whom the command had
now devolved, at their head, to inarch to the
" battle ground," there to meet and beat the
eneray, ifhe again appeared." J General Brown
siraply and truly says : — "It was not executed;"
leaving his commentators to find excuses. Doc
tor Smith, either not in the vein of fiction, or
become suddenly conscientipus, prefers leaving
a hiatus in his " History," to separating the battle
of Bridgewater from the next " brilliant exploit"
he has to record. Neither Mr. Thomson nor
Mr. O'Connor is so easily staggered. The
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p, 706. f Ibid. 676.
f App. No. 32.

158 MILITARY OCCURRENCES IJEtWEilN
latter, without the slightest hesitation, says: —
"On the morning after thebattle, the Americans,
under generals Ripley and Porter, reconnoitred
the enemy, who did not shew any disposition to
renew the contest ; and then burned the enemy's
barracks, and a bridge at Chippeway : after
which they returned to Fort-Erie,"* Mr. Thom
son attempts to qualify and alter the meaning
of general Brown's orders; and to prove that
the enemy was ^flfth time " reinforced," " Under
such circumstances," he adds, " it would have
b^en highly injudicious to have attacked him."
"General Ripley," proceeds Mr, Thorason, "see*
ing the irapossibility of regainuig the field of
battle, and the probability of his own flanks
being compelled to fall back, by the imraense
superiority ofthe eneray^s nurabers, turned his
army towards the Chippeway ; whence, having
first destroyed the bridge over that stream, as
Well as the platforms which he had previously
constructed at the enemy's old works there, he
pursued his retreat towards Fort-Erie ; and
reached it, in good order, on the following day."*
General Wilkinson says — " General Ripley,
flnding the eneray strongly posted, in superior
force, judiciously retired; and then a scene
ensued, which has been carefully concealed from
the public. By the improvidence of general
Brown, the deficiency of transport provided for
* Hist, of the War, p. 257.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 159
his baggage, stores, and provisions, had not
been remedied ; and a great portion of it was
now found necessary to the accommodation of
his wounded and sick. The necessity of a
retreat could be no longer concealed or delayed;
' and the consequences were, that a considerable
quantity of provisions, stores, and camp-equi
page, with a number of tents, were thrown into
the river, or burnt. I have this fact from an
officer left with the command which performed
this duty."*
This is what Mr. Thomson calls, retreating
" in good order." But for the strong pique
which general Wilkinson bears to general
Brown, the above fact would not have reached us
through an American channel. Mr. O'Connor,
by way of giving a daring" feature to this
orderly retreat, declares that the Artiericans
" burnt the enemy's barracks :" why did he not
ieW us, that they valiantly set fire to Street's
mills, the property of a private individual ?
* Sketches of theWar^p. 302.
+ Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 722.

160 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN

CHAPTER XV.
Newly erected works at Fort-Erie, and vigorous
preparations of defence on the part of the Amt-
rican garrison — Discharge of ihe sedentary
militia — Arrival of the righi and left wings of
De Watteville's regimeni, and investment of Fort-
Erie by general Drummond, — Relative force of
fhe besiegers, and besieged — Unsuccessful atlack
upon Black Rock — State of the defences at Fort-
Erie — Affairs of piquets — Carriage of boats
over-land to Lake-Erie, and gallant rapture of
two out of three American armed schooners sta
tioned off the fort — Cannonade between theBri
tish and Americans at Fort-Erie — Advance of
ihe British to the assault of that fort — Unpre
pared state, and consequent repulse j of the right
column of attack — Proceedings of ihe left and
centre columns — Intrepid behaviour of the Bri
tish at one of the bastions — /Accidental destruc
tion of thai bastion, and heavy loss and repulse
of the British — American Accounts — Remarks
on sir George Prevost's intercepted letters — Real
cause of the failure — American atrocities at
Fori-Talbot on Lake Erie — Proposal of an ar
mistice by the British commander-in-chief in ihe
Canadas — Assent of the American governmeni,
if extended to the water — Prompt refusal of ihe
British admiral in ihe Chesapeake — Agreement
for exchange of prisoners of war — Immediate

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 161
discharge of American prisoners — Shameful
delay in discharging ihe British prisoners —
Their suffering state in conset^uence.
IS O sooner had the American army got safe to
Fort-Erie, than general Ripley, now the com
manding officer, directed the lines of defence to
be extended, the fort enlarged, and new batteries
erected.* \^ ith the aid of his engineers, defences
of abattis, traverses, intrenchments, and re
doubts, were instantly commenced ; and, from
the 27th of July until the 2d or 3d of August,
the troops vvere employed, night and day, in
placing the works in a state to sustain the ex
pected, and almost certain attack.*
After discharging the whole of the sedentary
militia, general Drumraond, as soon as the engi
neer had constructed a temporary bridge across
the Chippeway, for the carriage of the troops
and cannon, pushed forward to invest Fort-Erie;
within two miles of w hich he arrived on the 3d
of August. Having been joined by the right
and left wings of De \Vatteville's, under lieute
nant-colonel Fischer, from Kingston, and the
41st regiment, under lieutenant colonel Tucker,
from the forts George and Mississaga, now gar
risoned by the remains (except the light com
pany) ofthe 89th, the general's force amounted
to, — not as Mr. Thomson, with an artful
* Sketches of the War, p. 303.
VOL. II. M

162 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
attempt at exactness, says, "¦ 5352," but 3150
men ; partly embodied railitia.
The British general, having approached to
within about 700 yards of the eneray's fort ; and,
having got frora Fort-George sorae battering
pieces, and a Serjeant's party with rockets, com
menced digging intrench ments, and erecting bat
teries, to overcorae the powerful defences con
structing on the part of the besieged ; while the
latter, with unceasing alacrity, were rendering
their position hourly raore formidable. As to
the number of troops within the fort, the most
studied concealment runs through all the Ame
rican accounts. Adraitting as many as 1000 to
have been placed hors du combat, in their deai*-
bought " victory" of the 25th, general Ripley
would still have under his coraraand 3000 men ;
protected by the fort within which they were
intrenched ; by the batteries at Black Rock ; and
by the three armed schooners. Porcupine, Tigre.ss,
and Ohio.
In order to facilitate the attack upon Fort-
Erie, it becarae necessary to capture or destroy
the Black Rock batteries and armed vessels ;
to whose heavy flanking fire the British troops,
in their advance to the assault, vvould necessarily
be exposed. To effect the first of these objects,
lieutenant-colonel Tucker, at the head of six
corapanies of the 41st, the light company of
the 89th, and two flank corapanies {very weak)

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 163
of the 104th, regiments, amounting, in all, to
460 rank and file, crossed the strait, eariy on
the morning of the 3d, and landed a short dis
tance below Conejockeda, or Schojeoquady,
creek.* The American force at Black Rock,
consisted of 240 men of the 1st rifle regiment,
and a small body of volunteers, under the com
mand of major Morgan; vvho, having, by deser
ters, or some other means, gained information
of the intended attack, had taken a position on
the upper, or south side of the creek, cut away
the bridge crossing it, and thrown up a breast
work of logs. Colonel Tucker, with his men,
advanced to the creek side, with the view of
repairing the bridge, under cover of his fire.
" Major Morgan," says Mr, Thomson, " did not
attempt to retard the eneray's advances, until
he was within rifle-distance, when he opened a
flre, which proved so destructive, that lieutenant-
colonel Tucker fell back to the skirt ofa neigh
bouring wood, and kept up the contest at long
shot. In the mean time, general Drummond
threw over reinforcements, and the British de
tachment novv amounted to nearly 120O men."-|-
We have already had several specimens of Mr.
Thompson's powers at bringing up " reinforce
ments," In this instance, not a man crossed
over, except the original party ; in which state
ment we are supported by Mr. Thomson's con-
* See Plate I. + Sketches of the Vyar, p. 304.
M 2

164 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BLTWEEN
temporary ; and who, much to his credit, has
not made the British force amount to more than
" about 500 regulars."* The plan being de
feated, colonel Tucker re-crossed the strait with
the loss of 25 men killed, wounded, and raissing.
The Araericans adrait a loss of two privates
killed; one captain, two lieutenants, and five
privates, wounded.']'
On the 4th of August, brigadier-general
Gaines arrived, and took the command of the
American army, at Fort-Erie. By the 7th, raost
of the traverses about the fort were completed.
Upon a battery, 25 feet high, situate at Snake
hill, the southern extremity of the works, five
guns were raounted. Between that and the
main-works, there were two other batteries, one
mounting three, and the oiher, two guns. The
northern point ofthe fort had been extended to
the water ; and the Douglass battery, of tvvo
guns, erected on the bank. The American
dragoons, infantry, riflemen, and volunteers,
were encamped between the western ramparts
and the water, and the artillery, under major
Hindman, stationed within the main-Works.
After Mr. Thomson has given this description of
the new Fort-Erie, and of the garrison within
it, he tell us, very gravely, that the British were
" strongly posted behind their vvorks." " Ge
neral Gaines deterrained," proceeds this writer,
« Sketches of the War, p. 304. + Hist, of the War, p. 259.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 165
" to ascertain their strength, and endeavour,
if possible, to draw them out. On the 6th, he
sent majoi' Morgan, w ho had previously been
transferred from the American shore, to pass
through the woods intervening between the
British lines and the fort, and with orders to
amuse the enemy's light trpops, until his co
lumns should indicate an intention to mov^e : in
that event, major Morgan was to retire gra
dually, until his corps should have fallen back,
upon a strong line posted in the plane below
the fort, to receive the pursuing British troops.
The object of this movement failed ; major
Morgan having encountered and forced the
enemy's light troops into the lines, with the
loss of 11 killed, and three wounded and raade
prisoners ; but, notwithstanding he maintained
his position upwards oftwo hours, he could not
succeed in drawing forth the main body ofthe
British troops. He, therefore, returned to the
fort, after losing five raen killed, and four
wounded."* Scarcely a shot could have been fired by a
patrolling party, but, apparently, reached the
ears of Mr, Thomson. He details several little
affairs ofthe .sort ; and, by duly arranging the
words : — " A large body of the enemy ;" — " rein
forcements ;" — " spirited conflict ;" — "precipitate
retreat" of the British ; and " victory," or, if
unfortunate, simply " retiring," of the Ameri-
* Sketches of the War, p. 305.

166 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
cans ; has compiled abundance of entertainment
for his American readers. In the only raaterial
fact which he advances, he has been misinformed.
" The enemy's line," says he, " was protected by
several block-houses."* On the contrary, at this
time, there was not, among the British works, even
an apology for one. Why did he not find room
for stating, that commodore Chauncey, having
equipped his second frigate, 'f and ascertained
that the British fleet was divided, had been out
upon the lake, since the first of the month ; or, in
the words of an article from " Batavia, August
13th," say : — " A considerable reinforcement of
troops frora up the lake joined our army at Fort-
Erie, a few days since ; and eight or ten hundred
more are daily expected from that quarter'? —
His reasons will be raore obvious, as we proceed.
Captain Dobbs, of the Charwell, which vessel,
along with the Netley and others, was lying
at Fort-George, had come up with a party of
searaen and raarines, for the purpose of attack
ing the three American armed schooners, lying
at anchor close to Fort-Erie. The strength of
the current, and the danger of attempting to
pass between the batteries at that fort and
Black Rock, were no slight difficulties in the
plan of operations. The Charwell's seamen
having brought captain Dobbs's gig, upon their
shoulders, fromQueenstown to Frenchman'screek,
a distance of 20 miles ; the next point was, to get
* Sketches ofthe AVar, p. 306. + James's Nav. Occ. p. 398.

(illEAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 167
that gig, as well as five batteaux which had been
procured for the purpose, into Lake Erie. Lieute
nant-colonel Nichol, quarter-raaster-general of
the militia, pointed out, and offered to transport
the boats by, an eight miles' route through the
woods.* The proposal was acceded to ; and,
at half past seven on the evening of the llth of
August, the boats were launched into the lake,
eight railes above Fort-Erie. In half an hour
afterwards, captain Dobbs, with his gig and five
batteaux, containing 75 officers, searaen, and
marines, — a greater complement of British, by
one-third, than manned captain Barclay's fleet
of ships, brigs, and schooners, upon this same
lake,'f — hastened to attack three A merican armed
schooners; whose united complements were
known to exceed 100 men, and those of no ordi
nary class. The gig and two batteaux formed
one division, under captain Dobbs ; the remain
ing three batteaux, the other, under lieutenant
Radcliffe, of the Netley. The manner in which
the schooners Ohio and Somers were boarded,
and carried, by captain Dobbs and his gallant
ship-mates, is fully expressed in the American
official account. J Had Mr. Thomson, instead
of inventing a story of his own, paid due respect
to lieutenant Conkling's letter, he would not
have stated, that " the British general furnished
captain Dobbs, of the royal navy, with a suffi-
* See Plate I. + James's Naval Occurr. p. 289,
+ App. No. 34.

168 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
cient nuraber of troops, to man nine large boats,
which were completely fitted to attack the three
schooners, the Somers, Porcupine, and Ohio,
then lying at anchor off the fort.'' * Nor would
he have told the still more glaring falsehood,
that " the Porcupine," against whose comman
der the American lieutenant so justly complains,
"succeeded in beating them off."* Had not
the rapidity of the current, driven the two
schooners, after their cables had been cut, past,
and a considerable distance beyond, the Porcu
pine, that ves&el would have shared the fate
of her two companions. The force of the
American schooners, in guns, men, and size,
and the trifling loss on both sides, wili be found
in our naval volume. ¦j' These two valuable
prizes were taken to Frenchman's creek; and
as many of the brave fellows surviving, as were
not required lo remain on board, hastened, with
their leader, to generai Drummond's cauip.
The success of captain Dobbs's daring exploit
induced general Drummond, on the moraing of
the 13th, preparatory to the grand assault upon
the works at Fort-Erie, to open his batteries ;
which consisted of one long iron, and tvvo short
brass 24-pounders, one long 18-pounder, one
24-pound carronade, and a 10-inch mortar.
Although this cannonade was continued for two
days, the American editors acknowledge no
other casualties than 45 men killed or wounded.
* Sketches of the War, p. 315. t James's Nav. Occur, p. 391.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 169
Every arrangement having been made, tlie
Sth, and De Watteville's regiraents, with
the light companies of the 89th and lOOtli
regiments, and a detachment of artillery, the
whole column somewhat under 1300 men,*
and commanded by lieutenant-colonel Fischer,
of De M atteville's, marched, at two o'clock on
the morning of the 15th of August, from a
position which they had previously occupied,
towards the enemy's intrenchments at Snake
hill. As soon as the head of the column had
approached the abattis, a heavy fire was opened
upon it by the Araerican 21st and 23d regi
ments, and by one 18 and two 6-pounders, and
a 5^-inch howitzer, posted in a strong redoubt.
The letter of an American gentleman at Buffaloe
describes the onset, thus; "The enemy ap
proached, with bayonets charged, and guns
wiihout flints, nearly surrounded the piquet,
and pursued them so closely, as to enter the
abattis with thera, and got in the rear of the
redoubt." " The scaling-ladders v/ere too short,
and destruction w'as dealt on every side among
them." t Mr. Thomson says : " With scaling
ladders^ of no more than 16 feet in length, he
could not possibly throw his troops upon a
battery of about 25 feet high, and his second
attempt, equally furious as the first, met with
* Sketches of the War, p. 309.
f Washington. city Gazette, Extra. Aug. 18.

170 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
no better success. Convinced of his inability
to get possession of the battery, and feeling the
deadly effects of the incessant showers of grape,
which were thrown uppn hira, he determined,
in his next effort, to pass the point of the abattis,
by wading breast-deep into the lake, to which
the works were open. In this attempt, also, he
was unsuccessful, nearly 200 of his men being
either killed or drowned, and the remainder
precipitately falling back."* According to
colonel Fischer's report,-]' it was not intention
ally, but in marching too near the lake, that the
troops got into the water. The darkness of the
morning, added to the is^norance of the wav'^,
might well entangle the men among the rocks;
and the incessant showers of grape and mus
ketry, which they had no means of returning,
threw thera into confusion. This alone, without
the insufficiency ofthe scaling-ladders, — a piece
of important information, which we gain only
from the Araerican accounts,— sufficiently ac
counts for the erttire failure of the attack, made
by the right British coluran upon the southern
extremity of the American works.
The centre British coluran, at the head of
whichwas Ueutenant-colonel Drummond, of the
104th, consisted of the flank companies of the
41st, and 104th (the latter reduced to about 80
men) regiraents, and a party of seamen and
* Sketches of the War, p. 309. + App. No. 36.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 171
marines, in all,— not as Mr, Thomson says,
" 700,"* but 190 rank and file. The left column,
under, the command of lieutenant-colonel Scott,
of the 103'd regiment, was composed of that
regiment, 500 strong, supported by the flank
companies of the royal Scots, raustering, altoge
ther, not " 800,"* but 650 rank and file. As
the proceedings of these two colurans are rauch
raore fully detailed in the Araerican, than in
the Britisli account, we shall transcribe nearly
the whole of the former, deferring fo the conclu
sion, our own reraarks upon such inaccuracies as
it may coiiiain.
" The attack from the centre and left co
lumns," says Mr. Thorason, " was reserved until
the contest became very aniraated between
colonel Fischer's coluran, and the troops upon
the left. From the line of defences, between
the Douglass battery and the fort, and from
those in front of the garrison, lieutenant-general
Drummond supposed reinforcements would b^
dratwn to the aid of the southern extremity of
the works ; and, with this view, had given greater
strength to his right, than to his other columns,
and intended to avail hiraself of the consequent
weakened state, of the north and south-east
angles ofthe American post. The piquet being
driven in, the approach of lieutenant-colonel
* Sketches of fhe War, p. 310.

172 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Drummond was heard from the ravine, and
colonel Scott's column at the sarae time ad
vanced along the raargin of the water. From
the salient bastion of the fort, captain V\ illiams
iniraediately opened his fire upon the centre
coluran, whilst the approach of colonel Scott
was attempted to be checked by the Douglass
battery, and captains Boughton and Harding's
New York and Pennsylvania volunteers, on its
right; the Oth infantry, under captain Foster,
on its left ; and a 6-pounder, planted at that
point, under the management of colonel M'Ree.
At .50 yards distance from the line, the enemy's
left column made a momentary pause, and in
stantly recoiled from the fire of the canncm and
musketry. But the centre column, having ad
vanced upou every assailable point of the fort,
in defiance ofthe rapid and heavy discharges of
the artillery, and having ascended the parapet,
by means of a large number of scaling-ladders,
its officers called out to the line, extending to
the lake, to desist firing ; — an artifice which suc
ceeded so well, that the Douglass battery, and
the infantry, supposing the order to proceed
from the garrison, suspended their fire, until the
deception was discovered. The lelt column, in
the mean time, recovered from its confusion,
and was led up to a second charge, from which
it was again repulsed, before it had an opportu-

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 173
nity of planting the scaling-ladders, and witlu
the loss of its commander, and upwards of one-
third of its raen.
" Whilst the second attempt was in operation,
the centre column was, with great difficulty,
thrown back from the salient bastion ; and the
troops within the fort were quickly reinforced
from general Ripley's brigade, and general
Porter's volunteers. But, lieutenant-colonel
Druraraond, actuated by a determination (not
to be overcome by a single repulse) to force an
entrance into the garrison, and raomentarily ex
pecting the reserve to be ordered up by the lieu
tenant-general, returned to the assault a second
and a third time. By the gallant efforts, how
ever, of major Hindman and his artillery, and
the infantry detachment of major Trimble, he
was, each time, raore signally repulsed than
before; and colonel Scott's column having
withdrawn from the action, upon the fall of its
leader, lieutenant Douglass was busily enga2:e.d
in giving such a direction to the guns of his
battery, as to cut off the communication be
tween Drummond's column, and the reserve of
lieutenant-colonel Tucker. The new bastions
which had been commenced for the enlargement
of the old Fort Erie, not being yet completed,
the only opposition which could be given to the
enemy's approaches upon those points, wa& by
means of small arms. The batteries of captain

174 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Biddle and captain Fanning (forraeriy Fon
taine's) in the works intervening between Tow-
.son's battery and the fort, were therefore opened
upon the enemy with great vivacity, and his
advances frora the plane frequently checked by
those gallant and meritorious officers.
" After this third repulse, lieutenant-colonel
Drumraond, taking advantage of the darkness
of the morning, and ef the heav^y columns of
smoke, which concealed all objects frora the
view of the garrison, raoved his troops silently
round the ditch, repeated his charge, and re-
ascended his ladders with such velocity, as to
gain footing on the parapet, before any effectual
opposition could be made. Being in the very
midst of his men, he directed thera to charge
vigorousljr with their pikes and bayonets, and
to show no quarter to any yielding soldier ofthe
garrison. This order was executed with the
utmost rapidit}^ and the most ob.stinate previous
parts of the engagement, formed no kind of
parallel to the violence and desperation of the
present conflict. Not all the efforts of major
Hindman and his command, nor major Trim
ble's infantry, nor a detachment of riflemen
under captain Birdsall, who had posted himself
in the ravelin, opposite the gateway of the fort,
could dislodge the deterrained and intrepid
eneiny from the bastion ; though the deadly
effects pf their fire prevented his -approaches

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 175
beyond it. It was now in his entire possession.
The loss of their leader, colonel Drummond, did
not check the impetuosity of the enemy's
troops, and they continued the use of their pikes
and small arms until the day broke, and repulsed
several furious charges raade upon them by
detachments of the garrison. The approach of
day-light enabled both parties to give a more
certain direction to their fire. The artillerists
bad already severely suffered; but, with those
that remained, and a reinforcing detachment of
infantry, major Hindman renewed his attempts
to drive the Britsih 41st and 104th from the
bastion. Captain Birdsall, at the same moraent,
drawing out his rifleraen from the ravelin,
rushed through the gateway into the fort, and
joining in the charge, received an accidental
wound from one of his own men, just .as the
attack failed. Detachments from the 1st bri
gade, under captain Forster, were then intro
duced over the interior bastion, to the assistance
of major Hindman; these detachments were to
charge at a different point of the salient, or
exterior bastion, and were handsomely led on
by captain Forster, and the assistant inspector-
general, major Hall. This charge also failed;
the passage up the bastion not being wide
enough to admit more than three men abreast. It
was frequently, however, repeated^ and, though
it sometimes occasioned much slaughter amon"-

176 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the enemy's infantry, was invariably repulsed.
By the operations of the artillery, from a demi-
bastion in the fort, and the continual blaze of
fire from the small-arms, added to the effects of
the repeated charges, the enemy's column, being
considerably cut up, and many of its principal
officers wounded, began to recoil; which, being
observed by the besieged party, and the contest
having entirely subsided on the left flank of the
works, reinforceraents were brought up from
that point, and many of the enemy's troops, in
a few moments, thrown from the bastion.
" The British reserve was now expected to
Come up : the guns at the Douglass battery had
b}' this time been turned so as to enfilade that
column in its approach ; captain Fanning was
already playing upon the enemy with great
effect ; and captain Biddle was ordered to post
a piece of artillery, so as to enfilade the salient
glacis. This piece was served with uncommon
vivacity, notwithstanding captain Biddle had
been severely wounded in the shoulder. All
these preparations being made for an.effecluat
operation upon the enemy's remaining column,
and from the dreadful carnage which had already
taken place, it vv as scarcely supposed that he
vvould continue the assault much longer. But
3 or 400 men of the reserve, were about to rush
upon the parapet to the assistance of tho.se
recoiling, when a tremendous and dreadful

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 177
explosion took place, under the platform, which
carried away the bastion, and all who happened
to be upon it. The enemy's reserve iraraediately
fell back, and in a short time the contest termi
nated in the entire defeat of the assailants, who
returned with the shattered columns to their
encampment. On retiring frora the assault,
according to the report of general Gaines, the
British array left upon the field 222 killed,
among whom were 14 officers of distinction ;
174 wounded ; and 186 prisoners, making a
total of 582. Others, who were slightly wounded,
had been carried to their works. The official
account of lieutenant-general Drummond does
not acknowledge so large a number in killed,
but makes the aggregate loss much greater.
His adjutant-general reported, 57 killed ; 309
wounded ; and 539 missing — in all 905, -j- The
American loss amounted to 17 killed ; 56 wound
ed ; and one lieutenant, who was thrown over
the parapet, while defending the bastion, and
10 privates, prisoners ; — in all 84 men."*
We are certainly much indebted to the writer
who furnished Mr, Thomson with this very
full account. " The treraendous and dreadful
explosion, which carried away the bastion, and
all who happened to be upon it," and which, it
is believed, was raerely accidental, as satisfac
torily explains, why the attack failed upon the
right and centre, as the want of flints, and the
* Sketches of the War, p. 312. + App. No. 37.
VOL. II. N

178 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
shortness of the scaling-ladders, upon the left»
of the American works at Fort'-Erie. If the
" British 41st and 104th," as whole regiments,
could extort a compliraent for what/ they were
supposed to have done, what would the Araeri
cans have said, had they known, that " the
determined and intrepid eneray," who could
not be dislodged from the bastion, were the
flank-companies ow^y of those regiraents, assisted
by a party of seamen and marines,* the whole
nurabering but 190 rank and file ?
By an unaccountable inadvertency, Mr. Thom
son has overlooked the stateraent he gave of
the British force, just previous to the attack.
W^e then had, he says, " 5352 men." Let
us see how he disposes of this force at the
time of the assault. Colonel Fischer's Column.
he states at 1300, colonel Drumraond's, at 700,
and colonel Scott's, at 800, in all, 2800 ; leaving
2.532 men, for the reserve, which consisted,
he says, of " the royals, another part of De
Watteville's regiment, the Glengarians, and
the incorporated militia, under lieutenant-
colonel Tucker." f Taking the outside of all
the American estimates of the detailed parts of
this reserve, we cannot make it araount to more
than 1200 men ; — what then become of the
remaining 13.'52 ? The fact is, the reserve
amounted to 1000 men only; and consisted of
the battalion-companies of the royal Scots, six
* All wounded, App. No. 35. + Sketches of the War, p. SOS.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 179
companies of the 41st, the Glengarry regiment,
and the incorporated miUtia. So that the Bri
tish force engaged in the assault upon Fort-Erie,
did not exceed 2140 men.
In general Gaines's first letter, not a word
appears about the " tremendous and dreadful
explosion." The bastion, says the American
general, " was regained at the point of the
bayonet." * We wish, for his .sake, that we hftd
his second letter to refer to. At all events, Mr.
O'Connor, who professes to compile " carefully
from official documents," is equally silent about
tbe explosion ; declaring, to the same effect as
the general, that " the bastion was re-taken by
the greatest display of courage and exertion." f
May not such a catastrophe, as the blowing
into the air of, according to an American letter-
writer, " 200 British," have inerited the no
tice, if not have awakened the syrapathy, ofthe
reverend Dr. Smith ? Here follows his whole
account : — " General Drummond, on the 15th
of Augu.st, attempted to storm the fort, but was
repulsed with the loss of 600 men, one-half of
whom were slain. The assault, and defence
were of the same desperate character with the
battles of Chippeway and Niagara ; and could
not fail to inspire the British officers and sol
diers, vvith high ideas of the discipline and
courage of the American army.":{: Yet, when
* App. No. 38. + History of the War, p, 260.
. X History of the United States, Vol. III. p. 313.
N 2

180 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
200 Americans, along with general Pike, were
blown up at the capture of York, doctor Smith
could find room to tell us, that they were " terri
bly mangled;"* and Mr. O'Connor himself
there gave a very circumstantial account of the
" tremendous explosion."-)" Two short extracts
frora Mr. O'Connor's book will shew, that he wa&
almost as rauch " gladdened" as general Gaines,
at our discorafiture before Fort-Erie. " The
assault," says he, " vvas of that desperate naturCj
that was calculated to rub away the stains of
former defeats, to resuscitate the sinking charms
of an assumed invincibility, and save theBritish
general from contempt, and perhaps disgrace."
— " The invincibles vvere, however, destined to
experience another defeat ; and the Americans
added another wreath to the laurels, with which
they were already so plentifully blessed." J
According to some letters from sir George
Prevost to lieutenant-general Drummond, which
were intercepted by the Americans, and after
wards published in all the journals, both Ame
rican and British, the lieutenant-general was
blaraed for making the attack ; sir George adding :
"It is not in reproach of its failure that 1 observe
to you, that night-attacks made with heavy
troops, are, in my opinion, very objectionable."
How far this may be the case, we will not pretend
to decide ; but we think there appears, in both of
* History of the United States, Vol. Ill, p. 230.
+ History of the War, p. 83. J Ibid. p. 260>

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 181
sir George's letters, though somewhat obscurely
expressed, sufficient to account for the " hesita
tion" and " consternation" of the right column.
In one letter, he says, alluding to De Watteville's
regiment : " I am told they were deprived of their
flints." In the other, he says : " It is to be inferred,
from lieutenant-colonel Fischer's report, and
your stateinent, that the right column was not
sufficiently prepared for the obstacles it had to
surmount, in attaining the point of attack." —
What can this mean, but that the scaling-ladders
were too short ? And yet neither general Drum
mond's, nor colonel Fischer's, official report
contains a word about scaling-ladders ; nor,
indeed, in the present slmpe of those letters, any
thing from which an inference can be drawn,
" that the right coluran was not sufficiently pre
pared for the obstacles it had to surmount."
Had the British right possessed the means of
scaling the works, the eneray's right would not
have been so strongly reinforced, nor colonel
Drummond's column been delayed at the fatal
bastion ; and, consequently, the assault upon
Fort-Erie, although " performed in the dark,"
would have been crowned with success.
The Americans will not allow us to give an
uninterrupted detail of open and honorable
warfare. Among several petty outrages upon
private property, one that occurred on Lake
Erie is too heinous to pass unnoticed. On the
16th of August, a party of about 100 Americans

182 MitlTARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
and Indians landed at Port-Talbot on that lake ;
and robbed 50 heads of families of all their
horses, and of every article of household furni
ture, and wearing apparel, belonging to
thera. The nuraber of individuals who were
thus thrown naked and destitute upon the world,
amounted to 49 raen, 37 women, — three of the
latter, and two of the forraer, nearly 70 years
of age, — and 148 children. A great raany of
the raore respectable inhabitants were not only
robbed, but carried off as prisoners : among
them, a member of the house of assembly, Mr.
Barnwell, though ill ofthe fever and ague. An
authenticated account of this most atrocious
proceeding, delivered in by colonel Talbot, the
owner of the settlement, stands upon the records
of the " Loyal and Patriotic Society of Upper
Canada;" yet not a whisper on the subject
has escaped any one Araerican historian.
Early in the spring of 1814, when general
Winder left Quebec for the United States, on
his parole, he was understood to be the bearer,
from sir George Prevost, of another propPsition
for an armistice. The Araerican governraent
very gladly published the fact ; if only to show
to the world, who was the flrst to cry out. At the
sarae tirae, the annoyance felt frora the British
fleet in the Chesapeake, which was not, like the
river St. Lawrence, shut up during the winter
months, rendered desirable, a cessation of
hostilities by water, as well as land. A flag of

OREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 183
truce was, therefore, despatched to the British
admiral, to know if he had authority to extend
the armistice in the manner required. Sir
Alexander Cochrane very readily answered,- —
that he had been sent out to fight, not to nego
tiate ; and thus the afKiir ended.
Previous to general Winder's departure from
Quebec, a convention was entered into between
him and colonel Baynes, the adjutant-general
ofthe Canadas, and, on the 15th of April, con
firmed by sir George Prevost ; stipulating^ that
all prisoners of war, except the hostages then in
detention, should be mutually exchanged and
delivered up, with all convenient expedition, so
as to be ableto serve, and carry arras, on the 15th
of the ensuing May. In immediate fulfllment of
our part ofthe agreement, all American prisoners
in Canada and Nova Scotia were released from
conflnement; and many of the officers were actu
ally engaged in the battles of July and August,
upon the Niagara-frontier. This agreement for
a mutual <p:change was hailed with joy by the
British officers and privates, taken on Lake Erie,
and at the battle of the Moravian-town ; and
who were still eking out their days in Frankfort
penitentiary, * and other prisons in the western
country. So shamefully, however, did the
American government behave on the occa
sion, that these poor fellows, who had been
so long aud so rigorously confined, were not
* See VoL I. p. 298.

184 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
allowed to march from their respecrive pri
sons, till long after the period when they
Ought to have been again under arras in the
service of their country. And even when they
did get away, they were not taken to the most
contiguous British port, but marched through
the state of Ohio, during the sickly season, to
Sandusky, by far the most unhealthy spot of
any upon the North-American lakes. When
there, no vessel was ready to receive them ;
although the American journalists were still
boasting, that thej^ had our fleet, and their own
too, upon this very lake. While waiting at San
dusky for a conveyance, nearly all the officers and
men became ill of, and many fell victims to,
the prevailing disease, or lake-fever. At last,
towards the end of August, carae a sraall trans
port ; which took on board a portion of the
sufferers, and landed them at Long-Point. We
are often told how active the Americans are upon
the water, and what quick trips they can make
betwixt ports on the ocean. Unfortunately,
none of this activity was displayed in trans
porting the British prisoners across Lake Erie ;
for the last division did not arrive at Long-Point,
till the middle of October, The few survivors
were but the shadows of what they had been :
all had contracted disease ; many died after their
arrival in Canada; and scarcely a man of the
remainder was again flt for active service.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. IS.**

CHAPTER XVI.
Determination of ihe Uniied States to repossess
Fori-Michilimacinac — British reinforcement sent
io the garrison — Perils ofthe voyage across Lake
Huron — Arrival of the reinforcement in safety
— Expedition from Michilimacinac to Prairie
du Chien, on ihe Mississippi — lis arrival oppo
site the fort — Repulse of a heavy Arnerican gun
boat — Surrender of ihe post to the British—^
American expedition to Lake Huron — Shameful
proceedings of ihe Americans at St. Mary's falls
— Reduced state of the garrison at Michilimaci
nac — Attack upon that posi by the American
fleet and troops — Their repulse and retreat —
Desiruction by ihe Americans of a small block
house and vessel at Natiawassaga — Departure
of jhe American commodore to Lake Erie —
Boat-expedition against the Uniied States' schoo
ners Scorpion and Tigress, lefi to blockade Michi
limacinac— Capture of both schooners, and obiain-
mentof the command of Lake Huron.
The recovery of Fort-Michilimacinac* had
long been seriously contemplated by the Aine-
* See Vol. I. p. 56.

186 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
rican government ; and, but for the lateness of
the season when the conimand of Lake Erie, and
the expulsion of the British frora the shores of
the Detroit, had opened the way for an expedi
tion to Lake Huron, the second north-western
campaign would not have been allowed to close,
till that object had been accomplished. On the
other hand, the necessity of retaining a post, so
favorably situated, in the hands of an enemy, for
annoying the north-western trade, seems early to
havepressed itself upon sir George Prevost's mind;
and, in the beginning of April, a small rein
forcement, plaqed under the orders of that active
and zealous officer, lieutenant-colonel M'Douall,
was forwarded, by a back route, to the little
garrison at Michilimacinac.
On the 22d of April, this reinforceraent, con
sisting of a company of the royal Newfoundland
regiment, with two or three 6 and 3-pounders ;
a few Canadian volunteers ; and a lieutenant,
and 22 subordinate officers and searaen, of the
Lake Ontario squadron, altogether under 90
men, departed, in 24 batteaux, deeply laden
with provisions and militarj' stores, from Nafta •
wassaga creek, on Lake Huron. Not the most
experienced navigator of the ocean can form
an idea of the storms that rage, and the perils
that are to be encountered, upon the larger
North-American lakes ; especially, in the winter
season, when immense fields of ice overspread

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 187
the surface ; and when the intensity of the
cold can scarcely be endured by the hardiest
frame. On the 18th of May, after a boister
ous passage of 25 days, 19 of them a con
tinued struggle with the elements, the little
expedition, vyith the loss of one batteaux only,
but not of her crew or lading, arrived in safety
at Michilimacinac. The conduct of both offi
cers and men, in this hazardous enterprise, of
which the difficulties and dangers were of the
most discouraging kind, cannot be sufficiently
praised. Their arrival was greeted by the
garrison with the liveliest joy ; and colonel
M'Douall instantly set about strengthening his
post, in order to meet the expected attack from
the formidable fleet of Lake Erie.
Soon after colonel M'Douall's arrival, a
body of western Indians, under Mr. Dixon,
joined the garrison ; and others kept flocking to
the fort, in sufficient nurabers by the end of
June, to warrant an expedition against the late
Indian post of Prairie du Chien, on the Missis
sippi, distant about 1400 miles from its mouth,
and 450 from Michilimacinac ; and which bad,
since the 2d ofthe raonth, been taken possession
of by an American force, under general Clark,
from St. Louis, on the Missouri. A St. Louis
newspaper-editor, after declaring the seizure of
this defenceless post to have been a " hazardous

188 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
enterprise," proceeds thus: " Every attention
was directed to the erection of a temporary place
calculated for defence : 60 rank and file of major
Taylor's company of the 7th regiment, under
command of lieutenant Perkins, took possession
of the house formerly occupied by the old Mac
kinaw company, and a new fort was progressing,
on a most commanding spot, when the governor
left the Prairie. The farms of Prairie du Chien
are in high cultivation, 2 or 300 barrels of flour
may be made this season, besides a quantity of
corn. Horses and cattle are in abundance. Two
of the largest boats were left under the coraraand
of aide de camp Kennely, and captains Sullivan
and Vieser, whose force araounts to 135 dauntless
young fellows frora this country. The regulars,
under lieutenant Perkins, are stationed on shore;
and are assisted by the volunteers, in the erec
tion of the new fort." All this preparation
proves the post of Prairie du Chien to have been
of sorae consequence, and gives proportionate
importance to the expedition sent to attempt
its reduction. The detachment for that service
consisted of Michigan fencibles, Canadian volun
teers, and officers of the Indian detachment,
nurabering, altogether, 150; one serjeant of
artillery with a 3-pounder field-piece, and 500
Indians, the whole coraraanded by lieutenant-
colonel M'Kay, of the Michigan fencibles.

GREAT BRITAIN AND ATMERICA. 189
The route was down Green bay 'and Fox river ;
near to the confluence of which with the Missis
sippi, the post of Prairie du Chien was situate.
On the 17th of July the barges arrived- in
front of the village, behind which, on a com
manding erainence, was the fort, containing two
block-houses, and raounting, besides swivels^
one 3 and one 6-pounder, Inthe middle ofthe
river was stationed a very large gun-boat, of 70
feet keel, named the Governor Clark, mounting
14 pieces of cannon, some 6 and 3-pounders, the
remainder cohorns ; and manned with 70 or
80 men, fully arraed. This floating block
house is described to have been so constructed,
as to be rowed in any direction, and to enable
the crew to use their own small-arms, while they
reniain perfectly sheltered from tbose of an
eneray.* Against this formidable gun-boat,
colonel M'Kay, on the afternoon of his arrival,
having in vain suraraoned the fort to surrender,
directed his 3-pounder ; which was so ably
served, that, in three hours, the " dauntless
fellows" on board the Governor Clark cut her
cable, and dropped down the current, out of
reach of further annoyance. Colonel M'Kay
had now to reduce tbe fort, with his remaining
six round shot, (including thrpe ofthe enemy's^
vvhich had been picked up,) and with such leaden
bullets as his party could raake. Having prp-
* App- No. 39.

190 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
pared every thing, and being about to put the
first ball into the 3-pounder, a flag was hung
out from the fort ; and the American garrison,
nnmbering 61 combatants, each possessed of a
stand of arms, surrendered as prisoners of war.*
Great credit is due to colonel M'Kay, and the
whole of the white persons with hira, as well
for their proceedings against the eneray, as for
their active and successful exertions, in pre
venting the Indians, although so numerous,
from plundering the prisoners, or the inhabi
tants of the place. Neither the dislodgeraent
ofthe Araericans from Prairie du Chien, nor the
aftair between the Indians and the American
armed barges, ascending the Mississipi, de
tailed in colonel M'Kay 's letter,* is noticed in
any American history that we have seen.
Unexpected difficulties in ascending the straits
of St. Clair, with large vessels, had delayed,
until the 12th of July, the arrival, at Fort
Gatroit, near the foot of Lake Huron, of the
American expedition against Michilimacinac,
The vessels were the Niagara, St, Lawrence, and
Caledonia brigs, and the Scorpion and Tigress,
schooners, raeasuring, altogether, 1170 tons ;
and whose united strength, when eraployed as
part of the force against captain Barclay's fleet,
amounted to 46 heavy guns, and 420 men.-f
The troops that were at present on board, con-
* App, No, 39.
+ James's Nav. Occur, p. 286—95,

OREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 191
listed, as far as we can gather from the American
accounts, of 740 rank and file, under the com
mand of lieutenant-colonel Croghan,
On the 20th of July, the Araerican fleet cast
anchor off the old, and then abandoned, railitary
post at the island of St. Joseph ; the few houses
upon which, a party was sent on shore to destroy.
That service performed, a detachment of infantry
and artillery, numbering about 280 rank and
file, and commanded by major Holmes, of the
32d regiraent, embarked in the barges of the
fleet, under the directions of lieutenant Turner,
of the United States' navy ; and proceeded up
the St. Mary's strait, to the north-west com
pany's settlement at the falls ; w here, as neither
troops nor Indians were present, the Americans
landed, on the 23d, without the slightest oppo
sition. The few inhabitants of the place were, at this
time, eraployed in flshing, or in haymaking,
and other husbandry concerns ; but their peace
able demeanor and innocent avocations only
exposed them the more to the brutal rage of
major Holmes and his party, Sorae ofthe acts
of the Americans at St. Mary's will not beai;
recital : suffice it, that they not only destroyed
the whole of the property belonging to the
north-west company vvhich had not been pre
viously removed, including their houses, stores,
and vessels : but killed their cattle, carried off.

192 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
as prisoners, several of the engagees, tore down
the defences, destroyed the gardens, pilfered the
furniture, and, in sorae instances, the cloaths
front even the childrens' backs.
Mr, Thorason is very brief, and doctor Smith
quite silent, upon the business at St. Mary's :
not so Mr. O'Connor. He adraits the seizure of
the north-west company's property, but agrees
with major Holmes, in considering, that "it was
good prize, by the maritime law of nations, as
recognized in the English courts ;" as well as
because the company's agent, " Johnson, acted
the infamous part of a traitor ; having been a
citizen and magistrate of the Michigan territory,
before the war, and at its commencement,
and novv discharging the functions of magistrate
under the British government."* The proprie
tors of the tobacco, captured by the British in
the Chesapeake, will not thank Mr. O'Connor,
for thus admitting, that merchandize, on shore
as well as a-float, is " good prize ;" nor will the
American government be well pleased with his
unqualified avowal, that the " part ofa traitor"
can be at all " infamous." Lieutenant Turner,
in a letter to captain Sinclair, follows up his
account of the destruction of the north-west
corapany's goods, " amounting in value to frora
50 to 100000 dollars," with: — "All private
property was, according to your orders,
respected." He thus, cieverly enough, marks
* History of the War. p. 264.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 193
the distinction between the company's, or
" Indian goo#l," and " private property ;" and,
at the sarae tirae, hopes to free the naval part
of the expedition to St, Mary's, from any con*-
cern in the enormities that were comraitted
there. The absence of the detachment of miliria and
Indians under colonel M'Kay, and of lieutenant-
Worseley and his seamen, who had proceeded to
Nattawassaga in the north-west company's
schooner Nancy, for a fresh supply of provi
sions for the garrison, reduced colonel M'Douall's
force to 190 regulars, militia, and Indians, with
a 3 and 6-pounder, but no artillery-officer to
direct the use of them. On the 26th of July,
comraodore Sinclair's fleet appeared off the
island to reconnoitre ; but no attempt was made
to disembark tbe troops till the morning of the
4th of August. The vessels then anchored
close to the beach, at Dowsman's farm, situate
at the back of the island ; a spot that had been
pointed out by one of the old residents of the
place. The ground was cleared in front, and
formed a gentle slope, which enabled the vessels,
by their grape and canister, to cover the landing
of the troops, in the most effectual manner.
Colonel M'Douall posted his little force in a
very masterly manner, and repulsed every effort
of the Americans to approach the fort.* Cap-
* App. No. 40.
TOL. II. O

194 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
tain Sinclair gives the following account of his
reception: — " Michilimacinac is, ^y nature, a
perfect Gibraltar, being a bigh inaccessible rock
on every side, except the west ; from which, to
the heights, you have nearly tvvo miles to pass
through a wood, so thick, that our men werfe
shot in every direction, and within a few yards^
ofthem, without being able to see the Indians
who did it ; and a height was scarcely gained,
before there was another within 50 or 100 yards
commanding it, where breastworks were erected
and cannon opened on them. Several of these
were charged, and the eneiny driven frora thera;
but it was soon found, the further our troops
advanced, the stronger the eneray becarae, and
the weaker and more bewildered our force were.
Several ofthe commanding officers were picked
out, and killed or wounded by the savages,
without seeing any of them. The men were
getting lost, and falling into confusion, natural
under such circurastances ; vvhich deraanded an
immediate retreat, or a total defeat and general
massacre must have ensued. This was conducted
in a masterly manner by colonel Croghan, who
had lost the aid of that valuable, and ever-to-
be lamented officer, major Holmes, vv ho, with
captain Van Horn, was killed by the Indians."
Mr. O'Connor informs us, that it was the death
of major Holmes and captain Desha, that " threw
that part of the line into confusion, from which

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 195
it was found impossible to recover it;" and
that lieutenant Morgan brought up a light
piece, to relieve the left, which was suffering
from a galling fire. The Americans retreated
to their shipping, on the same evening, in
the utmost haste and confusion ;* which, as
all that were alive and well got clear off,
was certainly " in a masterly manner." Seven
teen of their dead were left on the ground ; and
the loss, on our part, was only one Indian
killed. As there were but 50 Indians upon the
island; and, as few, if any, could approach from
the main, while the American shipping lay off,
captain Sinclair paid no very high compliment
to the " hero of Sandusky," and his 5 or 600
troops, in ascribing the retreat to the dread of
" a general massacre." Mr. Thompson, how
ever, declares that the Indians alone '' exceeded
the strength of colonel Croghan's detachment ;''
and that tlris " intrepid young officer" was
compelled to withdraw his forces, after having
sustained a loss of 66 killed, wounded, and
missing. -^
: Having obtained intelligence that lieutenant
Worseley, with the Nancy schooner, was at Nat
tawassaga, captain Sinclair, first despatching
the St. Lawrence and Caledonia brigs, with a
portion of the troops, to co-operate with the
* App. No. 40.
i- Sketches of the Warj p. 530.
o 2

196 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
American army at Fort-Erie, proceeded with
the reraainder, amounting, including the crew
of the Niagara, to " 450 souls,"* to attack a
post deeraed far less difficult of reduction, than
the " Gibraltar," from which he and colonel
Croghan had just been repulsed. The Nancy
was lying about two miles up this Nattawassaga,
under the protection of a block-house, situate
on the south-east side of the river, which here
runs parallel to, and forms a narrow peninsula
with, the shore of Gloucester bay. This enabled
captain Sinclair to anchor his vessels within good
battering distance ofthe block-house. A spirited
cannonade vvas kept up between the latter, where
a 6-pounder was raounted, (besides two 24-pound
carronades on the ground,) and the three Ame
rican vessels outside, coraposed of the Niagara,
mounting eighteen 32-pound carronades, and tvvo
long 12-pounders, and the Tigress and Scorpion,
mounting, between them, one long 12, and two
long 24-pounders. In addition to this force, a
5^ inch howitzer, with a suitable detachment of
artillery, had been landed on the peninsula.
Against these 24 pieces of cannon, and upwards
of 500 men, were opposed, one piece of cannon,
and 23 officers and seamen. Further resistance
was in vain ; and, just as lieutenant Worseley
had prepared a train, leading to the Nancy from
the block-house, oneof the enemy's shells burst
* Captain Sinclair's letter, of date, September 3.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMEBICA. 19^
in thelatter, and both the block-house and the
vessel were presently blown up. Lieutenant
Worseley and his raen escaped in their boat
up the river ; and, fortunately, the whole of
the north-west company's richly laden canoes,
bound across the lake, escaped, also, into French
river. After having thus led to the destruction
of a vessel, which the American commander had
the modesty to describe as — " his Britannic
majesty's schooner Nancy," — captain Sinclair
departed for Lake Erie ; leaving the Tigress and
Scorpion to blockade the Nattawassaga, and,
as that was the only route by which supplies
could be readily forwarded, starve the garrison
of Michilimacinac into a surrender.
After remaining at their station for a few days,
the two Araerican schooners took a trip to the
neighbourhood of St. Joseph's. Here they were
discovered, on the 25th of August, by some
Indians on their way to Michilimacinac. On
the 31st, lieutenant Worseley and his raen arrived
at the garrison ; bringing intelligence that the
tvvo schooners were five leagues apart. An im
mediate attempt to effect their capture was,
therefore, resolved upon ; and, on the evening
of the Ist of September, lieutenant Worseley,
and his party, composed of midshipman Dob
son, one gunner's mate, and 17 seamen, re-
embarked in their boat ; and lieutenant Bulger,
of the royal Newfoundland regiment, along with

198 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
two lieutenants, two serjeants, six corporals, and
50 rank and file, of his own corps, one hospital-
mate, one bombardier and one gunner of the
royal artillery, with a 3 and 6-pounder ; major
Dickson, superintendent of Indian affairs, four
others of the Indian department, and three
Indian chiefs, making a total of 92 persons,
embarked on board three other boats. It was
sun-down on the 2d, before the boats arrived at
the Detour, or entrance of St, Mary's strait; and
Jiot till the next day, that the exact situation
of the enemy's vessels became known. At six
o'clock that evening, the boats pulled for the
nea,rest vessel, ascertained to be at anchor about
six miles off, A body of Indians, which had
accorapanied the expedition from Michilimaci
nac, remaiped three railes in the rear ; and, at
nine o'clock, the schooner appeared in sight.
The latter, as soon as she discovered the boats,
which was npt till they had approached vyithin
100 yards of her, opened a smart fire from her
long 24-pounder and musketry. The boats,
however, advanced rapidly ; and, two boarding
her on each side, carried, in five minutes, the
Urtited States' , schooner Tigress, of pne long
24-pounder, on a pivotrcarriage, and 28 officers
and men.* The British loss was, two seamen
killed ; lieutenant Bulger, and four or five sol
diers and seamen, wounded. The American
* National Intelligencer, July 29, 1815.

GREAT BRITAIN AND A.MERlOA. 199
loss, three men, including one or two officers,
wounded. On the morning of the 4th, the prisoners were
sent in one of the boats, under a guard, to
Michiliraacinac ; and preparations were made
to attack the other schooner, which was under
stood to be at anchor 15 miles further down.
Lieutenant Bulger, in his letter,* describes the
arrangement that was made ; and which resulted
in the capture of the United States' schooner
Scorpion, manned with 30 officers and men;*
and carrying one long 24, and, in her hold,
one long 12-pounder. Her loss araounted to
two killed, and two wounded ; ours to one or
two soldiers wounded ; making the total British
loss, in capturing the two vessels, amount to
three killed, and eight wounded. It is a singu
lar, and somewhat ludicrous fact, tbat the ac
coant of the loss of these vessels had reached
Washington, a week, at least, before Mr. Madisou
said : " A part of the squadron of Lake Erie
has been extended to Lake Huron, and has pro
duced the advantage of display ing our command
of that lake also."t
The Scorpion measured 68^ feet upon deck,
and 18§ feet extreme breadth ; the Tigress 60|
feet upon deck, and 17t feet extreme breadth :
so that these two American " gun-boats "
* App. No- 41.
+ President's Speech, Sept. 20, 1814.

200 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
averaged, according to British measurement,
100 tons. They had on board abundance of
shot, including some 32-pounders ; and in
small-arms, between them, 64 muskets, and 104
Cutlasses and boarding-pikes. As a proof of
the value of the.se two schooners, now that they
were a-float upon Lake Huron, their hulls and
stores were appraised, by the proper officers, at
upwards of 16000/. sterling. In another point of
view, they were still more valuable. Commodore
Perry's victory left the Americans without an
enemy to fear upon the lakes Erie and Huron ;
and yet do we find, still on board of the four |
sraallest of his nine vessels, three tiraes as many
seamen, as were on board all the " very superior
British fleet,"^ which'that ^'illustrious" American
comniodore, after an obstinate struggle, had
succeeded in capturing.
The loss ofthe schooners Tigress and Scorpion
necessarily underwent, as soon as the officers
were discharged frorn imprisonment, the inves
tigation of a court of inquiry. The British force
is there raade,- — ": about 300 sailors, soldiers,
and Indians ;" which, had the latter been pre
sent, was no great exaggeration. Mr. Thomson,
not vvishing to shock his readers with an accoilnt
so near akin to truth, says : '' Lieutenant-colo
nel M'Dowall supplied lieutenant Worsley, of
+ Including the Somers and Ohio; see p. 168.
+ James's Naval Occurrences, p. 294

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 201
the navy, with 250 Indians, and a detachment
of the Newfoundland regiment, with whom, and
150 sailors, he attacked the schooners. On the
9th of Septeraber. After a severe struggle, in
which he lost a very disproportionate number
of killed and wounded, he carried the vessels,
and proceeded with them to Michilimacinac."*
Mr. O'Connor, having a story at hand, which,
he thinks, will afford ten times as much gratifi
cation as Mr. Thomson's, omits the force on
either side, in order to insert the following :-r-
" Captain Arthur Sinclair, commanding the
United States' naval force onthe upper lakes,
states, in a letter to the secretary of the navy,
on the authority of sailing-master Champlin,
that ' the conduct of the enemy to our prisoners,
(the crew of the Tigress,) thus captured, and
the inhuraan butchery of those who fell into
their hands, at the attack of Mackinack, has
been barbarous beyond a parallel. The former
have been plundered of almost every article of
clothing they possessed ; the latter had their
hearts and livers taken out, which were actually
cooked and feasted on by the savages ; and that
too, in the quarters of the British officers, sanc
tioned by colonel M'Dougall.'"* Not to keep
the reader a moment in suspense, let him be
assured, that this " heart and liver" story is not
* Sketches of the War, p. 331.
f History of the War, p, 266.

,202 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
even hinted at in the proceedings of the court of
inquiry, (filling as they do the column of a news
paper,*) that tried the officers and crew of the
Tigress; and which court would, most gladly,
have published the fact. And would doctor Smith
and Mr. Thomson, so ready at catching tales of
the sort, have let pass such an opportunity of
{Stigmatizing the British ? The most surprising
thing is, that it should be a " fourth edition,
revised and corrected," wherein we find so dis
gusting, and so flagitious a paragraph.
* Natioaallntelligencer, July 29, 1815.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 203

CHAPTER XVII.
Assemblage of troops in Lower Canada — Contem
plated attack upon Sackett's Harbor — Arrival
there of general Izarrl — British camp at Chambly
— March of the left division towards Plattsburg
— Origin of the expedition — Arrival af the left
division near the lines, and correspondent retreat
of major-general Macomb — Slow advance of ihe
left division — Behaviour qf ihe American militia
—Description of Plattsburg — Required co-ope
ration of the Champlain fleet — Comparative
force of the two squadrons — Important parti-
tulars from the letters of " Veritas" — Re
marks on the American oflicial account — Pri
soners and deserters^ — Loss on both sides — Ame
rican accounts-— Painted representation of the
action — Subsequent death of sir George Prevost —
Remarks upon plans of conquest matured at a dis
tance — Re-encampment ofthe left division of the
British army in Lower Canada — Proceedings of
the right division — Improved stc^ie of the de
fences, and augmented force of the garrison, at
Fort-Erie — Effect of sickness and loss on ihe
British — Preparations for a sortie — State of the
British Works — Distance between them and the

204 MILITARY OCCURREN'CES BETWEEN
British encampment — Advance of the American
sallying party — State of ihe weather — Surprise
qfthe British piquets — Skirmish with ihe guard,
and capture of part of ihe batteries — Advance
of ihe American reserve — Arrival of ihe support-
brigade from the British camp — Repulse of the
American troops, and recovery of the captured
batieries-^Muiual loss — American accounts —
Continued exposure and sickness of the right
division — Its removal to a healthier contiguous
spot, and subsequent retreat to Chippeway —
General Izard's departure from Sackett's Har
bor — His cautious proceeding, and junction
with general Brown — Amount of ihe united
American forces — Further retreat of general
Drummond — Skirmish ai Lyon's creek — Bri
tish command of Lake Ontario — A small rein
forcement to the right division — Retreat of ihe
American army io Fort-Erie — A second rein
forcement to ihe British-^Abandonment and
desiruction of Fort-Erie, and departure of
generals Izard and Brown from Upper Canada
— Distribution of both armies, on ihe Niagara,
into winter quarters- — State of alarm at Sackett's
Harbor — Two successive predatory incursions
into the western parts of Upper Canada.
Leaving Mr. Madison to profit by the
" advantage" he has gained upon Lake Huron,
we hasten to Lower Canada ; w here a force of

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 205
British regulars was now assembled, sufficient,
for the first time during the war, to give serious
alarm to the American government. During
the inonths of June and July, the Quebec papers
were continually announcing the arrival of
transports with troops, and those troops, too,
such as, under Wellington, had hitherto carried
all before thera. When the people of the Ca
nadas began to reflect, how sparingly they had
been supplied with troops, in the first two years
of the war, a very farailiar proverb could not
fail to press upon their thoughts. When, again,
they saw nothing but petty reinforceraents sent
to general Druraraond on the Niagara, and that
the iraportant post of Sackett's Harbor was still a
flourishing depot in the hands of the enemy, what
rational man amongthem could come to any other
conclusion, than that the comraander-in-chief
was deterrained to wipe away the disgrace he had
incurred in the May of the preceding year?*
Sir George, did certainly say something, in his
intercepted letters to lieutenant-general Drum
mond, about ordering a brigade of troops,
under major-general Kempt, to Kingston, for
the purpose of attacking Sackett's Harbor;
although, at the same time, he must have
known, that our fleet was not in a situation to
appear on the lake ; nor likely to be so, till the
uew 100-gun-ship was launched. So satisfied
* See Vol. I. p. 172.

206 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
were the Americans, that Sackett's Harbor
would be the first point of attack, even if sir
George had to cross the St. Lawrence, and march
overland, that general Izard, on the 1st of Sep
tember, broke up his encampment at Platts
burg, and marched there with between 3 and
4000 regulars.
If any any thing could raise British courage
beyond its accustomed height, it was, surely, the
emulation which existed between the troops that
had recently arrived from the Peninsula, and
those that had been originally allotted for the
defence of the Canadas : the one, highly jealous
of the reputation they had already gained ; the
other, equally so, of their local experience,
and of the dressing they had several tiraes given
to superior nurabers of the very sarae eneray,
against whom the two united bodies were now
about to act. Under these circumstances, will
any one, except an American, say, that 11000
of such troops would not have beaten, upon any
ground where evolutions could be practised,
17000 of the best troops which the United States
could have brought into the field ? A British
army, then, of 11000 men, with a proportionate
and raost excellent train of artillery, comraanded
in chief by sir George Prevost, and, under hira,
by officers of the first distinction in the service,
left their carap at Chambly, " with a view,"^
says the American .official account, " of con-

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 207
quering the country, as far as Crown Point and
Ticonderoga."* Weare here bound to acquit
sir George Prevost of being the framer of this
expedition. It originated in England, 'f
The approach of sir George's army, by
Odell-town, to the line of demarcation, was the
signal for major-general Macomb, with the few
regulars of general Izard's army left under his
command, to retire from the neighbourhood of
the lines, to Plattsburg, His abandoned camp
was entered by sir George Prevost on the 3d of
September, Trom this position the left division,
of about 7000 men, composed of all but the
reserve and heavy artillery, moved forward on the
4th, and halted on the 5th, within eight miles of
Plattsburg ; having advanced 25 miles within the
enemy's territory in the course of four days. On
the morning of the 6th, the left division pro
ceeded on its march, major-general Power's, or
the right coluran advancing by the Beckman-
town road ; and major-general Brisbane's co
lumn, — except one wing of De Meuron's regi
ment, left to keep Up the communication with
the main body, — taking the road that runs pa
rallel to Lake Champlain, At a bridge crossing
a creek that intersects this road, the Araerican
general had stationed a sraall force, with two
field-pieces, to abattis and obstruct the way. In
the meanwhile the right column, meeting vvith
» App. No. 45. + App. No. 42.

208 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
no impediments to its progress, passed rapidly
on, 700 American militia,* upon whom " the
British troops did not deign to fire, except by
their flankers and advanced patroles," "I" retreat
ing before it. General Macomb, out of com
pliraent to the regulars, perhaps, states that 250
of them, under raajor Wool, " disputed the road
with great obstinacy ;"' yet, in almost the next
paragraph, admits that, after the detachment
of 3-10 regulars, with two field pieces, had re
tired from Dead creek, and joined major Wool,
and while the riflemen " at rest," were pouring
in a destructive fire," and the field-pieces doing
" considerable execution," " so undaunted was
the enemy, that he never deployed in his whole
march, always pressing on in column." The
rapid advance of major-general Power secured
m^jor-general Brisbane frora any further oppo
sition, than what he might experience from the
American gun-boats and gallies. Notwithstand
ing a heavy fire from their long 24 and 12-
pounders, the bridge across the creek vvas pre
sently re-constructed, and the left column moved
forward upon Plattsburg.
The village of Plattsburg contains about 70
houses and stores, and is situate on both sides
of the riyer Saranac, close to its confluence wilh
Lake Champlain. The statement in the British
official account, that "the column entered Platts-
* Sketches of the War, p. 318. + App. No. 45.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 209
hurg,"* raust, therefore, be understood to raean,
either the township of that nahie, or the small
portion of the village which was situate on the
north-side of the stream. It was to the south-side
that general Macomb, after taking up the planks
of the bridge, had retreated ; and it was " onthe
elevated ridge of land" forraing its bank, that
the Americans erected . their works. General
Macomb mentions three forts, and " two block
houses strongly fortified," One of the latter,
according to a grand panoramic view of the
action, mounted three guns. We believe there
were from 15 to 20 guns in' all; most ofthem
of heavy caliber. There vvas, also, a large new
stone-mill, four stories high, that formed an
excellent position for the American rifleraen.
It was on the evening of the 61 h, that the left
division arrived on the north->hank .'of the Sa
ranac. " But," says Mr. Thompson, " riot all
the gallies, aided by the armament of the whole
flotilla, which then lay opposite Plattsburg,
under commodore Macdonough, could have pre
vented the capture of Macomb's army, after its
passage of the Saranac, had sir George Prevost
pushed his whole force upon the margin of that
stream. Like general Drummond, at Erie, he
made a pause, in full view of the unfiniished
works of the Americans, and consumed five days
in erecting batteries, and throwing up. breast-
* App. No. 42.
VOL. II. P

210 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Works, for the protection of his approaches. Of
this interval the American general did not fail
to avail himself; and kept his troops constantly
employed in flnishing his line of redoubts."* The
reader need scarcely to be reminded, that this is
the sarae Plattsburg, at which colonel Murray,
with 1000 troops, landed ; the river on which it
stands, the same Saranac, up which the colonel
ascended, three railes, to burn the enemy's hart-
racks; andthat those barracks were burnt, while
an American regular army, more than twice as
strong as general Macomb's, lay encamped in
the neighbourhood. 'f
tfnfortunately, a service which one brigade of
the left division, had it been allowed to raake the
attempt, would have most promptly and com
pletely executed, was to be deferred, till a ship,
which had been launched only 11 days, was
armed, manned, and equipped ; and, with her
puny companions, ready to fight a much supe
rior fleet of the eneray. There is no doubt that
orders were sent from home, for this ship to be
laid on the stocks, so that she might be ready
to co-operate in the Plattsburg expedition. Six
days only after the Conflance had been launched,
and nine days before a crew arrived to man her,
vvas sir George's array already in the eneray's
territory. If sir George's orders were so impe-
* Sketches of tbe War, p. 319. + See Vol. I. p. 242—5.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 211
rative as to a naval co-operation, why did he
not wait quietly at his camp at Chambly, till
the new ship was fltted ; and then commence
his three days' march to Plattsburg?
A gentleman, residing near the scene of action,
has, under the signature of " Veritas," so ably
descanted upon the merits of the Plattsburg
failure, that we cannot do better, than make an
extract from his interesting pamphlet ; * first,
however, calling the reader's attention to our
statement of the action fought between the
rival fleets ; wherein will be seen defailed some
of the many difficulties under which poor cap
tain Downie laboured, -f So much of that state
ment as respects the relative force ofthe British
and Araerican squadrons, cannot well be dis
pensed with ; and is therefore here transcribed :
" Comparative force of the tzoo squadrons.
British. American.
Broadside-metal f Long guns, 507
in pounds (. Carronades, 258
 765
Complements of men and boys, 537
Size in tons, 1426
" In order," says the writer of ' Veritas,* " to
convey an accurate idea upon the subject of
the e]^pedition to Plattsburg, by reasoning upon
sir Geprge's official letter, I extract from it,
that, on the 3d of September, our army seized
* Published at Montreal, Upper Canada.
+ James's Nav. Occur, p. 405—35.
P 2

588
606  1134 950
2510:

212 military occurrences between
the enemy's entrenched camp at Champlain-
town (vvhat a feat !) after it was abandoned by
them ; that, on the 5th, the army halted within
8 miles of Plattsburg; and, on the 6th, entered
Plattsburg, after reversing the position of the
eneray at Dead creek, which they abandoned
and left to be defended by the gun-boats. Sir
George then describes the position ofthe enemy
as upon an elevated ridge south of the Saranac,
with redoubts, &c. armed with heavy ordnance,
with their flotilla, the Saratoga, Surprise, Thun
derer, Preble, and 10 gun-boats, (which gun-
hoats, please to remark, reader, were, a moment
before, said to be at Dead creek,) ' at anchor out
of gun-shot from the shore.' He adds, that he
immediately coraraunicated this circurastance
to captain Downie, who had the ' Conflance,
Linnet, Broke, and Shannon,' (captain Pring
calls the latter the Chub and Finch,) ' and 12
gun-boats,' and requested his co-operation ;
(mark that ;) and, in the mean lime, batteries
were constructed. On the morning of the 1 Ith
qur flotilla was seen over the i.sthmus of land ;
(it seeins he would not trust to his ears, in respect
to the scaling of the guns for a signal as agreed
upon ;) when, immediately, certain brigades
were ordered to advance to force the ford of the
Saranac, and escalade the enemy's works upon
the heights ; but, sarcely had the troops forced
a passage and ascended those heights, vvhen he
heard the shout of victory (hei'e his ears appear

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 213
to have been pretty, sharp) from the eneray's
works, in consequence of the flags of the Con-
fiance and Linnet being struck, (they did not
strike within 15 rainutes of each other,) and the
gun-boats flying. Finally, he adds, ' this uu-
looked for event, depriving me of the co-opera
tion of the fleet,' (but, in the name of honor and
good faith, why did you not co-operate before ?)
' without which, the further prosecution of the
service was becorae impracticable, I did not
hesitate to arrest the course of the troops advanc
ing to the attack, because the most coraplete
success would have been unavailing, and the
possession of the enemy's works offered no ad
vantage to compensate for the loss we must have
sustained in acquiring possession of them.'
" Now, would it not be supposed, that all this
was done in the time that sir George was turning
himself round from looking at the fleet, to look
at his troops, and vice versa I but, what must
the astonishraent be, when it is found, that the
Conflance resisted two hours and a half, and
the Linnet 15 minutes longer ! Surely the
troops, whose comraander was so irapatient to
see the fleet come up, ought to have been ready
to enter the enemy's works the moment they
did appear. Had they so entered, it is unques
tionable that our fleet would have been victori
ous ; or, had they been perraitted to enter, even
when recalled, it is alraost demonstrable that
the enemy's fleet must have surrendered, or ours

314 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
at lea.st, have been retaken. There may be some
truth in sir George's official narrative, but much
is concealed. A letter was sent to captain
Downie, strongly urging him to corae on, as the
army hadbeen long waiting for his co-operation,
(stating, as a proof of it, that it had been under
arms frora day-light the day before, in expecta-
tion of the fleet,) and closing with a hope, that
nothing but the state of the wind, prevented the
fleet frora coraing up. This last insinuation con
veyed more meaning than raeets the ear, as if hint
ing that artiflcial delays were made. The brave
Downie replied, that he required no urging to
do his duty ; that he should be up the flrst shift
of wind, and make the signal of his approach by
scaling his guns. He was as good as his word :
the guns were scaled when he got under weigh ;
upon hearing which, sir George issued an order
for the troops to cook, instead of that of in.stant
co-operation. At length, when he saw the fleet,
a raovement was ordered, but ofcourse too late,
as so little previous arrangeraent bad been made
for being ready to come into imraediate contact
with the enemy, that the troops put in motion,
had a circuit of iniles to raake ; and then, when
at length close in with their object, were re
called the moment that the fleet fell. As to
captain Downie's being urged by sir Georg* to
go into action, the whole chain of circurastances
corroborate the fact, and the indiscretion of
major Coore in furnishing living evidence of

GREAT BlilTAIN AND AMERICA. 215
what the hero, now no more, -said, is not more
fortunate for the cause of truth than conclusive
thereon. Besides this, every professional man
knows, that no naval officer, in his senses, would,
from choice, (if left to the guidance of his own
judgment,) have gone into action with a new
ship and raw crew, immediately after her equip
ment, without a week or ten days to discipline
that crew, and accustom them to their stations
•and quarters. Much stress is laid by sir George
and his friends upon the allegation that the
enemy's fleet was out of gun-shot from the shore ;
which is not true. But why not have entered
the enemy's works, and given practical proof of
the range of shot against their fleet, instead of
making conjectural assertions ? Had that beeu
done, widely different would have been the issue.
So thoroughly did captain Downie depend upon
co-operation by land, that he harangued his
men when going into action, to this effect: —
' My lads, we shall be iraraediately assisted by
the army a-shore — Let us show thera, that our
part ofthe duty is well done.' Poor fellow, how
he was mistaken ! In 10 minutes afterwards he
fell ; and left sir George to tell his own story.
This speech proved to have a pernicious effect
upon the crew, when the promises it conveyed,
were seen not to be fulfilled on shore.
" It is a fact, that the American commodore
was so impressed with the idea that their works
on shore would still be carried, that he did not

216 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
take possession of our vessels for a long time
after the action terminated ; he being employed
in getting his own out of reach from the shore,
apprehending that their own batteries would be
turned against them. In the evening he ex-
pres.sed an expectation that, next morning, the,
British colours would be seen ffying upon the
Araerican works ; and, when genenal Macomb
came off at day -light, to say that our army had
retreated in the night of the llth, leaving their
sick and wounded behiud, and destroying quan
tities of stores and provisions, coramodore Mac
donough would not credit the fact ; but, when
it was persisted in, cautioned Macomb to beware
of a ruse de guerre, as the British army would
either return next night, or was then proceeding
by forced raarches to Sackett's Harbor. It is
known that Macomb, notwithstanding all his
puffs about our defeat, was actually sitting in
glooray despair upon a gun, whilst our troops
were advancing on the llth ; and was ready to sur
render, the moraent that the first British soldier
appeared upon the parapet. And when he was
notified, that they had suddenly halted, and were
then on the retreat, he started up, alraost frantic
with joy, and could hardly believe the evidence
of his senses. He had only with him about 1500
of the refuse of the American troops on the
Plattsburg duty, the effectives having previously
marched off for Sackett's Harbor, under general
Izard. To this may be added, perhaps, 3000

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 217
militia, chiefly collected after sir George halted
on the 6th, at Plattsburg, and on which da he
might have entered their works, almost without
opposition, had our troops not been kept back
for a grand coup, and behold its finale !
" As to saving of men by the retreat, after the
loss of our fleet, it is well known that twice the
number were lost by desertion, vvhich an assault
would have cost us ; and this sir George knew
at the time he wrote, ' that the possession of
the enemy's works offered no advantage to com
pensate for the loss we must have sustained in
acquiiing possession of thera.' Did sir George
really believe, that we had lost the use of our
reasoning faculties ? Was the ground upon
vvhich the raen, artillery, and stores at Saranac
stood, the. object of capture? or was it not
(assuredly it was) ihe men, artillery, and stores,
standing upon that ground ; and if so, why
were they suffered to escape ? Surely the raili
tary character of the gallant army committed to
his charge, and the manes ofthe gallant Downie,
who perished under such circunistances, re
quired some sacrifices. 1 wonder in what school
sir George learnt the humiliating doctrine, that
a British soldier's life is raore valuable to him
than his military honor ; and yet to justify such
a retreat, that principle must be assuraed. Did
not the loss of our fleet require a railitary set
off? and did not that loss absolutely irapose it

218 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
upon sir George, as an imperious duty, to furni$)h
that set-off, by capturing the enemy s army, to
prevent the effect which a retreat, under such
circuinstances, must produce, ornamented, as he
well knew it would be, by Araerican gasconade?
The mischievous moral eftect of the Plattsburg
business, has been, and will be, incalculable, both
in America and in Europe ; for that will be
heard of in many countries and places, where it-
will not be known, that the coramander alone
was to blame, and the army, under hira indig
nant on the occasion. Were the events of sir
George's coramand, and especially the expedi
tions to Sackett's Harbor and Plattsburg to
become examples for the British army to follow ;
from possessing the hearts of lions, they would
soon be reduced to the timidity of lambs; and
the future inquiries of military men would be,
not who had nobly done his duty, but who had
avoided a battle, or who had contrived to escape
unhurt, " It bas been said, that his General Orders
and official letters were often composed with a
view to deceive at a distance ; and his Platts
burg letter furnishes direct proof of this accusa
tion's being correct. It is dated there, the llth
of September, 1814, as if written on the spot, im
mediately after the naval battle, and before the
degrading retreat commenced ; whereas, it is well
known, that the letter did not go from Canada

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 219
until it was carried by Mr. Secretary Brenton,
who sailed from Brandy Pots on the 9th of Octo
ber ; consequently, it was written in Montreal
long after the date it bears. In proof of this,
read the following paragraph of that letter, ' As
the troops concentrated and approached the line
of separation between this province,' (is Platts
burgh then in Canada?) 'and the United
States, the American armv, &c.' W hat a sad
slip of the pen, or memory, is here ! But if for
' Plattsburg, llth September,' be substituted
' Montreal, 21st September,' or any subsequent
day, then the blunder will be explained. It is
true, such was the celerity of his person'dl re
treat, that on the 13th, he issued an order, dated
at Odell-town ; but I strongly suspect that, on
the llth, after the action, he was not in a state
to write letters any where. Another proof of
the official letter's having been written at Mon
treal, and not at Plattsburg, is, that in the first
General Order issued afterwards, the gun-boats
were, in a manner, coraraended for effecting
their retreat in safety ; (probably from a sym
pathetic feeling pf the moment ;) whereas, in the
revision of that order, they are left out, although
they had been mentioned in this false dated letter
as flying; because, upon reflection, their not
having done their duty, might lead people
aside from the consideration, that he had not
done his own. But why was the letter dated at

220 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Plattsburg ? Truly, just to deceive John Bull,
and prevent the necessity of then letting hira
know, how many raen were lost by desertion in
that memorable retreat, and what quantity of
provisions and stores were destroyed in it, or
during the expedition."
In addition to sir George's, we have copied
into the Appendix sir James Yeo's letter.*
Captain Pring's, which details the naval battle,
will be found in its proper place.-f Sorae parts
of the American official account require an ex
planation. It is by that intended to be under
stood, that the whole British army vvas, on the
morning ofthe llth, drawn up on the banks of
the Saranac: whereas, but four battalions were
there stationed ; the remainder of the troops
being at some distance in the rear, W here did
general Macomb learn, that our troops were
three tiraes " repulsed," in their efforts to cross
the river ? The fact is, major-general Brisbane,
with a portion of his brigade, not only crossed
the Saranac, but brought away sorae prisoners.
This was accomplished to shew the practica
bility of the thing, and not as anj' part of the
general attack about to be com menced. Had
general Brisbane been permitted to advance,
he vvould soon have raade the "brave volunteers
and militia" skip along as nirably as, according
*App. No. 43.
+ James's Naval Occurrences, his Appendix, No. 90.

GREAT. BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 221
to general Macomb himself, they had already
done upon the Beckman-town road. " The
gallant conduct of captain M'Glassin," who, on
the night ofthe Oth, " with 50 men, drove offa
working-party, consisting of 150, and defeated
a covering-party of the same number, killing
one officer and six men in the charge, and
wounding many,"* vvas a feat worthy to be per
formed by Americans. Let us take a view of
it., in its unadorned state. The battery mounted
two guns, and had suffered so rauch from the
enemy's fire, as to need considerable repairs.
These were best performed -at night ; and the
men had actually their coats and accoutrements
off, when this " gallant" party surprised them.
Such as were not instantly disabled or raade
prisoners soon picked up their muskets, and
drove the Americans back to their works, with
the utmo.st precipitancy. General Macomb,
vvell knowing that captain M'Glassin had not
time even to spike the two guns, leaves that to
be inferred. Mr. Thomson, while, in stating
the routed fpe as only one " guard of 1.50 men,"
he appears to consider general Macomb's " co
vering party" as the same raen covered whh their
cloaths, understands what is expected froih him,
as to the other part of the account ; and there
fore unblushingly says: " Being now in posses
sion ofa work, which would have incalculably
* App. No. 44.

' 222 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
annoyed the batteries at Fort-Brown, captain
M'Glassin destroyed it with all possible haste,
and returned to the American works with the
loss of three raen missing."*
The only prisoners taken by the Americans,
near the river, were sorae of the light infantry
company of the 76th regiment, and a few
stragglers from other corps, who, having, when
the order came for a general retreat, lost their way
in the woods, got cut off from general Brisbane's
brigade. General Macomb assigns a better rea
son for the discontinuance of the bombardment
by the British, thus : " Every battery of the
enemy being silenced by the superiority of our
fire."'!' So wide is this from the truth, that
general Brisbane silenced, and drove away the
men from, every one of the American guns on the
banks of the river, preparatory to the lodgment
which he had intended to have made with his bri
gade, had not the attack been countermanded.
The rear-guard was coramanded by this offi
cer, who waited till the bridge at Dead creek
was completely destroyed, and left nothing
behind, except what the badness of the roads
prevented being reraoved. One of these articles
was the broken carriage ofa 24-pounder, which
a Burlington journalist immediately magnified
into " 90 pieces of cannon." General Macomb,
in his first letter, says : " The light troops and
* Sketches of the War, p. 321. + App. No. 44.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 223
militia are in full pursuit of the enemy, and
making prisoners in all directions." In his
second letter, he baulks the expectations he had
raised in the minds of his countrymen, by enu
merating only " five dragoons of the 19th regi
ment, and several others of the rear-guard."
This " pursuing" enemy, however, knew better
than even to shew himself to *' the rear-guard."
The "prisoners" consisted chiefly of deserters ; of
whom there were, from first to last, — such an
effect had the retreat upon the minds of the
men, — more than 800.
In killed and wounded our loss was corapa
ratively small ; amounting to two captains, one
ensign, four serjeants, 30 rank and file, of the
former ; and of the latter, one general staff, one
captain, six lieutenants, seven serjeants, and
135 rank and file. The missing amounted to
four lieutenants, two serjeants, one drummer,
and 48 rank and file ; making a total of 37
killed ; 150 wounded ; and 55 raissing : grand
total, 235.* As this trifling loss would show,
at once,what a sraall portion of theBritish troops
came into action ; and that it could not have
been the prowess of their opponents that com
pelled them to retire, general Macomb, to whose
numerical accuracy we are no strangers, -)¦ says :
" The loss of the enemy, in killed, wounded,
prisoners, and deserters, since his first appear
ance, cannot fall short of 2500."$ This nuraber
» App. No, 42. i See Vol. 1. p. 318. + App. No. 44,

224 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
satisfies Mr. O'Connor, but not doctor Smith ;
the latter, therefore, with his ready pen, makes
it " 3050."* Mr. Thomson pretends to more
accuracy. He states the number of deserters
that surrendered on the first day, at 400 ; add
ing : — "Besides these, sir George lost 75 pri
soners; and, as nearly as could be ascertained,
about 1500 killed and wounded ; among them
several officers of rank."'j' The Americans state
their own loss, in regulars, at one subaltern, pne
serjeant, one musician, and 34 privates, killed ;
two subalternSjOne serjeant-major,foiir serjeants,
two corporals, four musicians, and 49 privates
wounded; total, 37 killed, and 62 wounded:
grand tot-al 119. -(- The nuraber of raissing
among the regulars, or the general return of
loss among the volunteers and militia, no where
appears. None of the American editors have magnified
the British force beyond 14000 raen ; and Mr.
O'Connor states general Macomb's force at
1500 regulars, and 2500 militia and volunteers;
total 4000 men. J This is exclusive of 3000
railitia that joined during the night pf the llth ;
and there were, besides, according to an Araerican
editor, " many thousands more on the road in
full and willing march." The reacler is, no
doubt, prepared for a budget of boasting, on the
* History of the United States, Vol. III. p. 319.
+ Sketches of the War, p. 324.
J History of the War, p. 273.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 2'25
part of the Americans; and, without charac
terizing it as a " splendid engagePient,"* had
they not reason ? We shall only notice alarge
*' Painting;" of whichwe have the "Key," now
before us. Among the British officers repre
sented as close to the bank, are major-generals
De Rottenburg, Robinson, Brisbane, and Baynes ;
and a horseman, in full speed from one of the
contiguous houses, is styled, — " Aide de camp
from general Prevost." The British encamp
ment is, by the painter's magic, brought full
into view. We are not a little surprised to see —
" Colonel Wellington, (Willington,) of the
Buffs, encouraging and giving an example to
his men;" when Mr. Thomson had, with raore
accuracy than usual, " killed" that officer, at
the head of these same " Buffs," while raarching
to Plattsburg, on the 6th.-)" By vvay of shewing
that the " State-dragoons of New York," with
their " red coats," had ceased to " give alarm to
the militia,"J some of the foriuer appear among
the fierce groupe on the south-side of the Sara
nac. As the picture, by all accounts, gave, at
" 25 cents § each," every satisfaction to the
citizens, two important objects were attained:
the proprietor filled his pockets, and the national
vanity became raised to the highest pitch.
In all cases where the troops of the United
¦» Sketches of the War, p. 324. + Ibid, p, 318.
+ App. No. 44. § About Is. Ijd,
VOL. II. Q

226 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
States have ti-aversed the Canadian territory,
their progress has, to borrow an American phrase,
been " marked with the all-desolating ruin of
the locust." Quite opposite, in its effects, was the
retreat of the British along the shores of Cham
plain ; they may be said to have ' shed manna'
as they went. Not an inhabitant of the place
but was fed and enriched by the Plattsburg
expedition ; which is all that remains to console
us for its unsuccessful result. In the reraarks
which it has been our duty to make, in order
to illustrate tliis memorable historical event,
we hope the reader will understand, that the
two services were as willing to co-operate, as,
for the glory of their country, they ought
always to be. That the fleet did all that could
rationally be expected from its means, our naval
volurae will shew : that the array, had it been
allowed to act, would have done the sarae, with
less trouble, and not many raore casualties, than
usually attend one of its field-days, has, we
trust, already appeared in these pages. The
individual, who, undoubtedly, caused all this,
has since paid the debt of nature.* While,
against him and his raeraory, we disclaim all
feelings of a .personal nature, we as firmly
deny, that the principle — ' De mortuis nil nisi
bonum' can be extended to a public character.
The indiscreet impatience of the Quebec
* James's Nav, Occur, p. 425.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 227
journalists led them to announce, in a pompous
and boastful manner, every movement of thp
left division, after its departure from Odell-town.
Unfortunately, just as they had done favoring
the public with " the highly gratifying intelli
gence, that our brave troops entered Plattsburg,
with little opposition," the mail closed for
England. So that, in one month after pur
discomfiture, the whole United Kingdom rang
with the "¦ Invasion of New York, and taking
OF Pl.attsburg." The same wind that con
veyed home, so quickly, this cheering piece of
news, brougbt accounts, also, of the capture of
Penobscot. The editor of a London evening
journal, ofter announcing, first, that the " dis
trict of Maine" had been captured, and then,
that " Plattsburg had been victoriously entered
by our troops," says : — " By a glance at the
map, it will be seen that, by this invasion, our
army had already advanced in the interior to
about 50 miles further south than the Penobscot,
where the coast-operations were carrying on ;
leaving, pf course, the whole interraediate coun
try between Lake Champlain and the sea, as it
were cut off from the United States." Much
ofthe ridicule incurred from hundreds of para
graphs like these, would have been saved, had
the troops from Europe been accompanie4 by a
commander-in-chief, competent to lead thera;
and he directed to govern hjs movements by
Q2

228 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
circumstances as they might exist at the timeof
his arrival, and not peremptorily to obey orders,
issued at 4000 miles distance ; orders, which
could not be put in execution, till a six month's
fluctuation of events had, in all probability,
destroyed their expediency.
After the British army, on its return from
Platt.sburg, had re-encamped at Champlain,
the road to Sackett's Harbor lay open to sir
George. Instead of directing his views that
way, he marched, with the array, across the lines,
to Odell-town ; and then set off for Montreal.
After his departure, the principal part of the
troops were distributed between Isle aux Noix,
St. John's, Charably, and La Prarie ; where we
will leave thera, and attend to the operations of
the right division.
No sooner had the British retired to their en
carapment, after, their unsuccessful assault upon
Fort- Erie,* than the Americans set about to
repair the bastion which had been injured by
the explosion ; as well as to coraplete the new
works that were constructing, when the attack
commenced. In a Httle while, the defences
were all entire, and " garnished with heavy
cannon ;" nurabering, according to Mr. Thora
son's plan of the fort, 27 pieces.
On the 2d of September, general Brown,
having recovered from his wounds, resumed the
* Sec p. 178.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 229
command of the garrison ; which had, in the
mean time, been reinforced by new levies of
militia.* On the 3d, came about 320 regulars,
in the St. Lawrence brig, from Lake Huron,
and a corapany of rifleraen, 80 strong, from
Sandusky. Sraall detachments of regulars,
whose numbers cannot be ascertained, also
crossed the strait, from Batavia and Sackett's
Harbor. Notwithstanding, therefore, the loss
sustained on the 15th of August, and by re
peated desertions since, the Araerican army still
mustered about 3400 men, who, instead of the
two captured schooners to protect their flanks,
had now, the St, Lawrence, Niagara, Lady
Prevost, and Caledonia brigs, and Porcupine
schooner; mounting, between thera, 58 guns.
Well might Mr. Thorason boast that Fort-Erie
was rendered " impregnable to the attacks of
any other than a vastly superior force."']'
The British right division, although it had
been reinforced by the 6th and 82d regiraents,
of, united, about 1040 rank and file, was, on
account of its recent loss, and the departure of
six companies of the 41st for Fort-George, and
of the small reranant of the 103d for Burlington,
no stronger in numbers than previously to the
assault; but, in effective strength, it was much
weaker ; for the heavy and constant rains,
operating upon the swampy nature of the ground
* Sketches of the War, p, 328. + Ibid, p. 325.

230 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
upon which the troops were obliged to be en
caraped, and the severe privations, for want of
provisions and other necessaries, under which
they laboured, spread sickness among them. A
supply, either of provisions or of men, could not
well be forwarded, while the American squadron
retained the comraand of the lake.
Several iraraaterial affairs of piquets occurred,
till general Brown, enspirited by the business
at Plattsburg, and encouraged by information
of general Drumraond's intention to retreat to a
healthier position, resolved, by a sortie, to gain
the credit of having compelled this raoveraent.
To render the enterprise less hazardous, he
invited across a reinforcement of ' seven-day
men,' or men hired to act for thPt term only.
Of this fact there is no doubt ; but we are willing
to concede every advantage, in point of num
bers, that was derived from it, and to estimate
general Brown's force at no raore than 3400
men, of whom upwards of two-thirds were regu
lars. The British had commenced upon a new
battery, intended to enfilade the western ram
parts of the American works ; but, being on the
eve of retreating, and having as yet got up no
additional guns,* the work had not been per
severed in. Two small wooden buildings, de
nominated, though not worthy the name of,
block-houses, one upon the right flank, the
* Seep. 168..

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 231
other near the centre, of the British lines, had
recently been constructed. The British en
campment was distant a mile and a half from
the works, which were situate in the jnidst of
a thick wood.
Until it is adraitted that the mere throwing
of a red coat upon a man's back can endow him
with all the well-known qualities ofthe British
soldier, no one can be surprised that general
Brown should have deferred his sortie till he
had ascertained, that De Watteville's regi
ment, (which, without disparagement to the
brave officers in it, was composed of foreigners
of all nations and principles,) joined by the few
numbers ofthe 8th, was doing duty at the .bat
teries. It vvas at about two o'clock on the
afternoon of the 17th of Septeniber, when the
rain was pouring in torrents, that the Americans
sallied from the fort. " Lieutenants Riddle and
Frazer, of the 15th infantry," sayS Mr. Thom
son, " had already opened a road from the
southern angle of the. garrison, to a point within
pistol-shot ofthe enemy's right wing, and with
such secrecy, that it was not discovered till the
actual assault commenced." * We here gain
a piece of important information ; and, it is
our duty to add, that part of De Watteville's
regiment coraposed that " right wing." The
Americans, at about three o'clock in the after-
* Sketches of the War, p. 325.

232 MILITARY 0CCI;rRENCES BETWEEN
noon, advanced, in two columns, under a heavy
iire from their batteries; one column passing
through the woods, so as to flank the outer British
battery, or No. 8 ; the piquets belonging to
vvhich were completely surprised. The other,
emerging from a deep ravine, in which it had
been concealed, penetrated the British lines, in
front, a little to the right of No. 2, or the centre
battery; then, turning short to the left, sur
rounded the British right, and got almost irarae
diate possession of No. 3 battery, ils magazine,
and, but not without a struggle, the block
house upon its right, garrisoned by a few men
of the Sth regiment.
While a party was securing the prisoners, de
stroying the three 24-pounders at No. 3 batteiy,
and blowing up the magazine, a strong coluran
turned to the right; and, after meeting with a
gallant resistance from the piquets, composed
of a part of the Sth, and De Watteville's regi
ments, succeeded in gaining possession of the
remaining block-house and of No. 2 battery.
General Miller, at the head of the Oth, llth, and
19th infantry regiments, joined by the 21st
regiment, forraing the reserve under general
Ripley, inclined towards the river, in order to
assail the British battery. No. 1. By this time,
the remnants of the first battalion of the royal
Scots, of the second battalion of the 89th, and

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 283
the Glengarry light infantry; also three com
panies ofthe 6th, and seven companies ofthe 82d
regiment, had arrived from the British carap. The
royal Scots, and 89th, under lieutenant-colonel
Gordon, of the former regiment, advanced by the
road leading to the block-house, upon the right ;
and soon drove general Porter and his volun
teers, in number 1000,* along with the regu
lars supporting them, from the block-house,
and the battery. No. 3. The recovery of No. 2,
and the defence of No. 1 batteries, were entrusted
to the three companies of the 6th, under major
Taylor, and theseven companies of the 82d, under
major Proctor ; amounting, together, to about
560 rank and file. These detachments, after a
free use of the bayonet, drove the Oth, llth,
21st, and part of the 19th, United States' regi
ments, numbering, at the very lowest estimate,
1000 rank and file, from the battery No. 2,
before they had effected its entire destruction,
or that of the two guns in it, and then across
the British entrenchments, nearly to the glacis
of Fort-Erie ; making several prisoners in the
pursuit. In the raean while, the Glengarry
light infantry, under the immediate command
eflieo tenant-colonel Battersby, and accompanied
by lieutenant-colonel Pearson, had recovered
the possession of the nevv intrenchment, or
* Hist, of the War, p. 263.

234 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
*' unfinished battery No. 4."* By five o'clock
the works were all re-occupied, and the line of
piquets re-established. 'f '
The British loss was very severe. It amounted
to 115 killed, 178 wounded, and 316 missing;
total, 609 : | a very large proportion, when we
reflect, that the reserve, composed of raajor
Lisle's troop of the 19th light dragoons, the
seven reinaining companies of the 6th, and the
two flank companies of the 41st regiments, along
with a sraall body of incorporated militia, was
not at all in the action. What a contrast, in
reference to the numbers of the respective
armies, between the returns of casualties at the
foot of major-general De Watteville's, and sir
George Prevost's, official letters ! § The Ame
ricans acknowledge a loss of 10 officers and 70
men, killed ; 24 officers and 190 men, wounded ;
and lOofficers and 206 men, missing ; total, 510 :*
nor does this return appear to include the militia
or volunteers.
We are only favored with the sight of a short
extract from general Brown's official report. It
is, however, quite enough to satisfy us of the
spirit of the whole. "Within 30 rainutes after
the flrst gun was flred," says the general, " bat
teries, Nos. 3 and 2, the enemy's line of entrench-
* Sketches of the War, p. 326. + App. No. 46.
+ App, No. 47, § Ibid, No. 43.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 235
ments, and his two block-houses, were in our
possession. Soon after, battery No. 1, was aban
doned by the British. The guns in each were
spiked by us, or otherwise destroyed."* With
this falsehood set abroad, one cannot be sur
prised that general Brown's sortie should have
been proclaimed throughout the republic a
" splendid achievement," as he himself, in a
private letter to general Gaines, has the raodesty
to call it; nor at all the bombast to be found in
the different Araerican histories. The reader
has had enough of this already ; we will, there
fore, endeavour to be brief. General Brown we
disraiss, with a very short extract frora aletter
written by the American " general Varnum," and
dated " Buffaloe, September 18." " Our gal
lant little array," says this general " has again
signalized itself, by gaining a splendid victory
over a part of the eneray's forces, near Fort-Erie.
Tvvo ofthe enemy's batteries were carried, the
guns spiked, trunnions broken off, and their
magazines blown up." Mr. Thomson, after he
has done stating, that the Americans had cap
tured the two British block-houses, and all four
of the batteries, and had succeeded in spiking
the guns, (represented, upon his diagram as 12
in number,) and demolishing the captured
works, very naturally tells us, that " the opera
tions ceased, with the accomplishment of all
* History of the War, p. 262.

236 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the objects of the sortie."* There is one pa:rf
of Mr. Thorason's account, however, that we do
not rightly understand. He declares that the
impediments, — describing them fully, — which
the American regulars, under general Miller, ex
perienced in their approaches to No. 1 battery,
" produced sorae confusion in the coluran, and
made constant appeals to the bayonet neces
sary." -I- An eneray's " bayonet," in such a
case, would, one might suppose, produce still
greater " confusion in the column." To what
else, then, can Mr. Thorason allude, as so "ne
cessary," but the " constant appeals to the
bayonet," made by one of general Wilkinson's
'• tried serjeants," J
" Just in the place where honor's lodg'd" ?
And, no sooner had the troops, thus doubly
beset, faced about, than a still more forcible
" appeal" au derriSre, acting by sympathy upon
their heels, continued its potent stimulus, till
the Americans reached the very walls of their
" impregnable" fortress.
The still unfavorable state of the weather,
the increasing sickness of the troops, the loss
of three out of six of the battering cannon,
and the now very much reduced numbers
of general Drumraond's array, caused him, at
eight o'clock on the evening of the 21st, to
* Sketches of the War, p. 327. t Ibid, 326.
i See p. 82.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 237
remove his remaining guns and stores ; and retire
to the neighbourhood of Black creek, about
a mile and a half distant. Here the men bi
vouacked for the night, under torrents of rain.
On the morning of the 22d, the Americans dis
covered this movement, but offered no molesta
tion ; although general Drummond waited till
two o'clock on that day, ere he proceeded
further downwards. On the 24th, after destroy
ing the bridge across Frenchman's creek, and
placing there a small cavalry piquet, the right
division arrived, and encamped, in compara
tively comfortable quarters, at Chippeway.
As the naval ascendancy of the Americans upon
Lake Ontario dismissed any present fears of an
attack upon Sackett's Harbor, general Izard's
army would, it was considered, be raore profitr
ably eraployed in strengthening the left division,
at the head of the lake. Instead, however, of
being carried to the British Twelve-piile creek,
where a landing would have effectually cut off
general Druraraond's rauch inferior force, or to
the neighbPurhood of Fort-Niagara, so as to
have assaulted and tried to recover that fortress,
general Izard suffered himself and his army to
bp disembarked on the south side of the lake ;
and then stole, by a back route, to Lewistown ;
where he arrived about the Sth of October, with,
according to Araerican accounts, 2400 infantry,
artillery, and dragoons, of the regular ariny.

238 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Why did he not, then, cross instantly to Queens
town, and place general Druraraond between
two fires ? — No ; — he preferred keeping on the
safe side of the river till, arriving at Black Rock,
on the 10th, he crossed over to Fort-Erie, and
superseded general Brown ; vvdio, on the 6th,
had received a reinforceraent of 700 regulars
frora Detroit and Erie. As a proof that we have
such authority as an American cannot dispute,
for stating the American force upon this frontier
at a much higher amount than we have hitherto
fixed it, we here subjoin an article taken from
the " Ontario Repository, of October 11," an
American newspaper published on the spot. —
" From Buffaloe, October llth, we learn, that
general Izard's array crossed at Black Rock only
on that morning, and was to move down the Ca
nada shore on the following day, with 8000
regular troops,'' May we, then, be allowed to
say, that general Izard's army at Fort-Erie con
sisted of 6000 regular troops?
Against such a force the British right division,
reduced as it now was in numbers, had no chance
of success. General Drummond, therefore, broke
up his cantonments at Chippeway, and retired
upon Fort-George and Burlington, On the
morning of the 19th, a skirmish took place near
Cook's mills, at Lyon's creek, between a brigade
of American regulars, under general Bissell and
detachments from the 82d, 100th, and Glen-

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 239
garry regiments, amounting to about 650 rank
and file, under colonel Murray. The thickness
of the woods gave great advantage to the Ameri
can riflemen ; and, although, with the addition
of the reserve, we flnd the 5th, 14th, 15th, and
16th regiraents naraed, besides a company of
riflemen, under captain Irvine, making a total
force of at least 1500 rank and file, the American
" corps d' elite," as Mr. Thomson boastfully calls
it, would not risk an encounter, with evidently
inferior numbers, upon the open ground. After
what may be terraed, a drawn battle, each party
retired ; the British, with the loss of 19 killed
and wounded ; the Araericans, according to
Mr. Thomson, of 67 killed, wounded, and
missing.* This editor has magnifled our force
to 1200 men ; and made the " marquis of Twee-
dale," in spite of the severe wound he was still
labouring under at Kingston, the commander of
the British party.
The British ship St. Lawrence having been
launched on the 2d of October, commodore
Chauncey, on the llth, when he had ascertained
that sir James would be on the lake in a few
days, retired to Sackett's Harbor, and began
raooring his ships head and stern, to prepare for
an attack. Sir Jaraes sailed on the 17thj and,
on the 19th, landed at the head of the lake, flve
companies of the 90th regiment, and a quantity
* Sketches of the War, p. 329,

340 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
of provisions ; of which the right division was
in great need. The fleet returned to Kingston
on the ¦23d; and, on the 1st of November, sailed
again to the head of the lake, with the 37th, and
recruits for the 6th, and 82d regiraents, and a
brigade of artillery ; all of which, on the even
ing of the 2d, disembarked near Fort-George.
The arrival of the flrst reinforcement, trifling as
it was, and although it would not have aug
mented general Druraraond's force rauch beyond
half the amount of general Izard's, was made an
excuse for the retreat of the latter to Fort-Erie.
On tbe22d of October the American volunteers
crossed the strait, to be discharged ; and general
Brown, with 2000 regulars, pushed forward to
the relief of Sackett's Harbor, The arrival of
the second Britith reinforcement produced a
correspondent effect upon the remnant of the
American force. Having, by the aid of their
fleet, removed the guns, and cornpletely des
troyed the fortifications, the invaders, on the
5th of Noveipber, crossed frora FortrErie to their
own shore ; " after," says Mr. Thorason, —
forgetting in whose possession Fort-Niagara
was,—" a vigorous and brilliant campaign."*
The greater part of the American trpops were
distributed into quarters at Black Rock, Buffa
loe and Batavia; the remainder, marched to
Sackett's Harbor, to assist in repelling an attack
* Sketches of tbe War, p. 330.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 241
which no one could doubt would be made.
The fighting being over upon the Niagara, lieu
tenant-general Drummond and suite, alPng with
the 41st regiment, and a nuraber of convales
cents, departed from the head of the lake, .on
board the St. Lawrence, and arrived at Kingston
on the loth of Noveraber ; having left the right
division, distributed along the Niagara-frontier',
in corafortable winter quarters.
The still defenceless state of the western dis
trict of Upper Canada, had exposed the inhabi
tants to all the horrors of a second Araerican
visitation* On the 20th of September a bartd
of depredators issued from the garrison of De
troit ; and, crossing the stream, spread fire and
pillage through a whole settlement ; thereby
reducing to misery no fewer than 27 Canadian
families. The plunder obtained in this excur-
tion, and the impunity with which the actors in
it had got back to their homes, stimulated a
more numerous, and better organized body of
Americans, having, as their chief, " brigadier-
general M'Arthur, of the United States' army,"
The proceedings of this military officer and his
detachment having been thought worthy of a
place in one of the Araerican histories, we cannot
do better than transcribe ihe account. " On
the 22d of the following raonth, (October,)
brigadier-general M'Arthur, having collected
* See p. 73. '
VOL. II. R

242 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
720 effective regulars and militia, proceeded on
a secret expedition, along the western shore of
Lake St. Clair, and passed into the Canadian
territory, at the mouth of that water. He pene
trated 200 miles in the enemy's country ; des
troyed more than that number of muskets ;
attacked a large body of militia and Indians,
encamped on favorable ground ; made about
150 prisoners ; and dispersed all the detachments
to be found at the Thames, Oxford, or Grand
River. During the march, he principally sub
sisted on the enemy, and fired several of the
mills, from which the British troops in Upper
Canada were supplied with food. Having gained
intelligence of the evacuation of Fort-Erie, he
abandoned his intention of proceeding to Bur
lington Heights, and returned to Detroit on the
17th of November. By this rapid expedition,
the enemy's hostile intentions were diverted from
another quarter, and his means of attacking
Detroit entirely crippled ; the destruction of his
supplies rendering such an attempt altogether
i mpracticable . " *
Mr. Thomson has here, by the usual arts of
bis trade, attempted to convert into a mili
tary exploit, what much more reserabled the
inroad of banditti. That general M'Arthur
got possession of some rauskets, is yery probable;
because, as the reader recollects, a few had
* Sketchesof the War, p. 331.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA, 243
been left in the hands of some of the inha
bitants, by the coramanding officer of the
district. * No militia were, at this time,
embodied ; therefore, none could have been
" encamped." The " 150 prisoners" consisted
of peaceable inhabitants, both old and young,
and drunken Indians and their squaws. Had
there been any " detachments" within even a
day's march of the scene of general M'Arthur's
exploits, he would not bave been so bold. The
instant it was ascertained that a detachment of
the 103d regiraent, numbering less than half
*' 720eftective regulars and militia," had moved
from Burlington Heights, the general and his
gang " dispersed ;" and so " rapid" was their
flight, that the British regulars did not get
withiu eight miles of them. If Mr. Thomson
can acknowledge, that the American troops
" subsisted on the enemy, and fired several of
the mills," we may well conceive, what must
have been the devastation and ruin that marked
the track of general M'Arthur and his mounted
Kentuckians.
* See p. 5,

r2

244 MILITARY OCCURRENCES "BETWEEN

CHAPTER XVIII.
Capture of Moose Island, in Passamaquoddy Bay
— Expedition against Penobscot and Castine—
Its success — Destruction of ihe United States ship
A dains — Capture and Destruction of several
other vessels, also of a great quantity of ordnance
— American militia — Chesapeake Bay — Com
modore Barney's flotilla — Its progress against a
part ofthe British force, commanded by captain
Barrie, [of ihe Dragon — Landing of ihe Bri
tish at Benedict, on the Patuxent — Loss of flve
straggling marines from ihe St. Lawrence
schooner-^ American account of ihe behaviour
and death of the serjeant, commanding the
. party — Barbarous circumstances under which
: his life was taken— Landing of ihe British at
Lower Marlborough — Intention ofthe American
government to destroy commodore Barney's
flotilla, in St. Leonard's Creek — Its prevention
by a military enterprise — Repulse of the force
blockading the flotilla — Letters of commodore
Barney and one of his officers — Arrival in ihe
Potomac of rear-admiral Cockburn — His ope
rations upon the shores of that, and other rivers

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 245
in the Chesapeake — Reception on board ihe
British ships of American refugee-slaves-^— Ame
rican ¦misrepresentation on the subject-~Bounty
to British deserters.
X HE first military event we have to notice,
after quitting the Canadas, is the occupation,' on
the llth of July, 1814, by lieutenant-colonel
Pilkington and captain sir Thoraas Hardy, with
a detachment of troops from Nova Scotia, of
Moo.se island, near the mouth of Kobbeskook
river, opposite to thp province of New Bruns
wick, and on the western side of Passamaquoddy
bay. The whole of this bay, as well as the
island of Grand Manan in the bay of Fundy,
wasadjudged to be within the boundary of the
British North- A merican provinces. The cere
mony of taking possession of the town of East-
port, and of Fort-Sullivan, on Moose island;
and every other particular connected with the
expedition, will be found amply detailed in
the British official accounts.* The American
accounts offer nothing worthy notice ; except
that they raake the British force 2000, instead
of about 600 troops.
As connected with the capture of Passama<
quoddy, we pass, at once, to an expedition fitted
out at Halifax, Nova Scotia, against that part
of the district of Maine, in the United States,
* App. Nos. 48. 49. 50. 51. and 52.

246 5IILITARV OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
lying to the eastward of the Penobscot river ;
and which contains about 40 villages, and up
wards of 30000 inhabitants. As to the probable
object of taking possession of this tract of
country, we cannot better instruct tbe reader,
than by referring him to a work published by
Mr. Nathaniel Atcheson, in 1808, entitled : —
" American Encroachments on British Rights."
Our business is merely with the conduct of the
expedition; which, consisting of a 74, bearing
the flag of rear-admiral Griffith, two frigates, a
sloop of war, aud 10 transports, having on board
a company of royal artillery, two rifle-compa
nies of the 60th, and the 29th, 62d, and 98th
regiraents, in all, about 1750 rank and file, under
thiP command of lieutenant-general sir Jobn
Coape Sherbrooke, governor pf Nova Scotia,
sailed from Halifax on the 26th of August. The
arrival of the expedition off the point of des
tination, its junction with other ships of war,
and itis further proceedings, resulting in the
capture of Castine, Belfast, and Machias, the
capture or destruction of 22 ships, brigs, and
schooners, including the United States' frigate
Adaras ; also of (including those at Machias)
52 pieces of ordnance, will be found most fully
detailed in the several official documents sent
home upon the occasion.*
The Adams had been a 32-gun frigdte, but
* App. Nos. 53. 54. 55. 56. 67. 58. 59. 60. and 61.

CREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 247
was afterwards lengthened, so as to rate a 36 ;
and then, on account of some defect in her cori
struction, cut down to a corvette: in which
latter state she measured 725 tons Aittericaii, or
783 English. She sailed upon her last cruize,
with an armament of four long 18-pounders,
20 Columbiad, or short long-guns, * of the same
Caliber, and two long- 12-pounders ; total 26
guns ; and ^ith a complement, according- td a
prisoner who was some weeks on board of her,
of 248 picked searaen ; chiefly raasters and mates
of merchantmen. The Adams was, therefore,
one of the most forraidable corvettes that cruized
on the ocean. While in the Irish channel, to
wards the end of July, she was chased by the
Tigris, of 42 guns, captain Henderson ; and
would probably have been caught, had nPt
captain Morris thrown overboard his " quarter-
guns." As the Adams was not to fight a frigate,
and was an over-match for the heaviest sloop of
warin the British havy, we cannot cdncCive what
" glory" the Airierican gpvernment expected to
derive, from sending such a ship to sea ? Al
though the enfire destruction of this flne ship^
and.the capture pf 23 pf her guns, were effected
by the combined forces detached up the river
fbr that purpose, yet Mr. Thomson concludes
his account of our " blowing her up," with
stating, that the British were " disappointed in
* James's N^v. Qcciir. p. 5,

248 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the object of their expedition,"* He does not,
however, attempt to conceal the behaviour of
the American militia ; who, he says, notwith
standing captain Morris's judicious arrange
ments, could not be brought to oppose an " in
ferior number of British regulars," and fled
precipitately.* Captain Barrie's accountof the
very people who had stood up, though for a few*
ininutes only, as militia, at Hamden, appearing
(Fith, it may be supposed, scarcely breath to
speak, after their well-run race) " as magistrates,
select men, &c,"'|" at Bangor, affords a tolerable
specimen of the real character of Mr. Munro's
" unarmed inhabitants." J
The operations in the Chesapeake, during the
sumraer of 1814, now claim our attention. The
Araerican editors have, as usual, by their happy
talent for ampliflcation, given importance to
many events that occurred in the rivere and
creeks of that capacious bay, which we shpuld
otherwise, have deemed too insignificant to
notice. The chief of these consist of the daring
exploits and hair-breadth escapes of commodore
Barney, (an Irishman), and his flotilla of gun
boats. The commodore himself, we must dp
hira the justice to say, isa truly brave raan ; and,
no doubt, feels highly indignant at the nuraer
ous ridiculous tales that have been told of him,
* Sketches of the War, p. 235.
+ App. No. 59, + App. No, 69,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 249
by even the most moderate of the American
editors. Previous to our entering upon any of
the operations of the flotilla, it becomes us to
apprize the reader of what its force consisted.
The first account we have of the flotilla is,
that " a number of boats, carrying heavy metal,
were constructed in March, 1814, on the eastern
shore of Maryland, for the protection of the bay ;
and the command of them was given to that
intrepid officer, commodore Barney." * Doctor
Smith tells us that " a flotilla of small schoo
ners and barges, was fitted out at Baltimore, to
scour the bay, and protect its shores^j numerous
creeks and inlets, from the eneray." 'f Mn
Thomson says : — " At that period," (end of May,
1814,) " a flotilla, consisting of a cutter, two
gun-boats, a galley, and nine large barges, sailed
from Baltimore." J Another American account
numbers the barges,, when subsequently blown
up, at 13 ; and a Boston newspaper augments
cominodore Barney's flptilla, when it left Balti
more, to "36 gun-boats, and 10 or 15 barges."
The commodore's cutter or sloop was the Scor
pion, mounting eight carronades, and a heavy
long-gun upon a traversing carriage ; and two of
the gun-boats, we find, were Nos. 137 and 13,8.*
Whether commodore Barney's flotilla con-
* Hist, of the War, p. 224.
+ Hist, of the United States, Vol. III. p. 285.
J Sketches of the War, p. 332i

250 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
sisted of gun-boats, gallies, "small schooners," or
" large barges," it indisputably carried "heavy
metal ;" as, indeed, it well might, considering
that it was expressly fitted out " to scour the bay
and protect its shores from the enemy." Rear-
admiral Cockburn says, each Vessel had a long-
gun in the bow, and a carronade in the stern ;
the calibers of the guns, and the number of the
crew, in each, varying, in proportion to the size
ofthe boat, from 32-pounders and 60 men, to
18-pounders and 40 men.* It appears, also, from
the American accounts, that most, if not all, of
the vessels had on board furnaces for heating shot.
In his estimate of the crews the rear-adrairal
cannot be much out of the w.ay ; for, although
he raentions having taken sorae of the flotilla-
men as prisoners, an American work states the
number of seamen and marines that accom
panied commodore Bai-ney to the fleld at
Bladensburg, after the loss of his flotilla, at
600. ¦\ Upon adding to this] number, such as
may not have chosen to follow the commodore)
and such as were taken prisoners by lieutenant
Scott,* the Americans surely will not charge us
ytith over-rating, if we estimate cominodore
Barney's original command at 700 raen. A
floti^a, so armed, manned, and equipped, cruiz
ing in waters known only to itself, and able,
* James's Nav. Odcurr. his App. No. 81.
+ Hist, of the United States, Vol. III. p. 297.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 251
almost at any time, to seek protection under
batteries and formidable positions on shore,
within gun-shot of which nothing larger thari a
boat could approach, was able to cope with
any force that two 74-gun ships, or four 46-gun
frigates, could send against it.
The first sight gained of this flotilla, by the
British, was on the 1st of June, when it was pro
ceeding from Baltimore, past the moutli of the
river Patuxent, " to scour the bay." The
British vessels consisted of the St. Lawrence
schoonerj of 13 guns, and 55 men, and the boats,
in number seven, of the Albion and Dragon 74s,
under the coraraand of captain Barrie of the
latter ship. The Americans had the honor of
seeing this trifling force retreat before them to
the Dragon, then at anchor off Smith's-point.
1 hat ship got under weigh, and, along with the
schooner and the boats, proceeded in chase ;
but the shallowness of the water shortly com
pelled her again to anchor. In the meantime,
the flotilla had run for shelter into the Patuxent,
Captain Barrie, by way of inducing commodore
Barney to separate his force, detached two boats
to cut offa schooner under Cove-poirit ; but the
commodore, not considering that his ordters to
give " protection" warranted such a risk, allowed
her to be burnt in his sight.
One American account of this affair says : " The
cominodore discovered two schooners, one of

252 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
which carried 18 guns, and he immediately gave
chase."* Here, evidently, Mr. Thomson has,
by mistake, included the American schooner
burnt uuder Cove-point. Mr. O'Connor has
fallen into the same error ; or rather, he declares
there were " three schooners." Not a word
appears any where about the schooner that
was burnt. One editor says : — " Barney was
obliged to take refuge in the mouth of the
Patuxent."! Another says : — " This bold ex
ploit did great honor to Barney and his crews :" j;
and all agree, that he fired " hot shot at the
pnemy." On the 6th the flotilla retreated higher up the
Patuxent; and captain Barrie, being joined on
the day following by the Loire 46, and Jasseur
brig, proceeded up the river with those two
ves.sels, the St. Lawrence, and the boats of the
Albion and Dragon. The flotilla retreated about
two railes up St. Leonard's creek, where it could
be reached by boats only ; but the force of the
latter was not equal to the attack. Captain
Barrie endeavoured, however, by a discharge of
rockets and carronades from the boats, to pro
voke the, American vessels, which were moored
in a line a-breast, across the channel, to come
down within reach ofthe guns of the ship, brig,
* Sketches of the War, p. 332.
t Hist, of the United States, Vol. III. p. 287.
J Hist, of the War, p. 225.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA;' ^SS
and schoonei'j at anchor near the mouth of the
creek. At one tirae the flotilla, or, as Mr.
O'Connor Sfiys, " the 13 barges" got under
weigh, and chased the boats to a short distance,
and then returned to their moorings. With a
view to force the flotilla to quit its station, de
tachments of searaen 'and raarines were landed
on both sides of the river, and the Araerican
militia, estimated at 3 or 400, retreated before
them to the woods. The marines destroyed two
tobacco-stores, and several houses that formed
military posts ; but still the flotilla remained at
its moorings.
Fear is certainly a great magnifler of objects.
To that may we ascribe the frequent appearance'
of razees, in nearly all the rivers of the Chesa
peake. The name, once received as applicable
to a ship of extraordinary size and force, is in the
mouth of every terrified inhabitant of the coast,
the moraent he descries an enemy's vessel with'
three masts. The reader may perhaps knovv,
that a razee is a cut-down 74. Three British
ships only were fitted in this way ; and, although
all were sent upon the North Araerican station,
only one of the three entered the Chesapeake,?
and that not till the 25th of August, 1814, The
very editors who have just done telling us thaf
the British cannot send their 74s up'the rivers,-
because of their heavy draught of water, raake'
no scruple in placing a :cut-down ^74 at the

254 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
mouth of every creek near to which a British
frigate had cast anchor. These are the gentle
men, too, who boast that their " authentic"
accounts have passed through so many editions.
As another proof of Mr. Thomson's love of
the " authentic," he concludes his account of
the affair in St. Leonard's creek thus : " The
comraodore iramediately moved upon them,"
(the British boats,) " and after a smart fire,
drove the barges down to the 18-gun vessel,
which, in atterapting to beat out, was so severely
handled, that her crew ran her a-ground, and
abandoned her."* This is the very vessel, the
St. Lawrence, whose capture by the Chasseur,
the Araericans so joyfully announced, seven
months after she was thus " run a-ground and
abandoned." In justice to Mr. Thomson's con
temporaries, we must say, that he is the only
editor who has favored the public with this
*' authenlic" piece ofinformation.
On the loth of June, the Narcissus, of 42 guns,
joined the little squadron; and captain Barrie,
taking with him 12 boats, containing 180
marines, and 30 of the black colonial corps,
proceeded up the river to Benedict. 'f Here the
men disembarked, and drove into the woods,
without a struggle, a number of militia, who
left behind a part of their muskets and carap-
equipage, as well as a 6-pounder field-piece.
* Sketches of the War, p. 333. + See Plate V.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 255
After spiking the latfer, and destroying a store
containing tobacco, the Brirish again took to
their boats, except five or six men who had pro
bably strayed too far into the woods.
The circumstances attending the capture of
these men have been fully detailed in an Alex
andria newspaper, ofthe 25th of June, and are
too interesting in their nature not to be given
entire to the reader. The party, it appears,
consisted of a portion of the St. Lawrence's
marines, commanded by serjeant Mayeaux, a
Frenchman,, who had been seventeen years in
the British service, and who bore a most excel
lent character. The Alexandria paper, first
assigning as a reason for giving so particular an
account of the " late affair at Benedict," that
some of the citizens " bore a distinguished part
in it," proceeds as follows: — '* The cavalry of
the district arrived on Tuesday evening, about
five o'clock, and at the moment general Stewart
vvas preparing to attack the enemy, who were in
possession of Benedict. At this moment a small
detachment of the eneray presented themselves
at the foot of the hill, not far distant from the
place where the cavalry were posted. The order
was iramediately given to charge, and intercept
their retreat, which was done with so much
haste and impetuosity, as to break the ranks,
which, considering the nature of the ground,
was not injudicious. Five of the enemy vvere

S56 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
taken prisoners. The serjeant of the guard,
having been separated frora his raen, and endea
vouring to make his escape, was pursued. —
Araong the first who overtook him, was Mr.
Alexander Wise, of the Alexandria dragoons,
who made a bold but unsuccessful assault upon
him, and being unable to check his horse, passed
ten or fifteen paces beyond him. On turning his
horse, he received the fire of the serjeant, and
fell dead. At this inoment Mr. Alexander
Hunter, a young gentleman of this town, (who
had volunteered his services for the occasion
with the cavalry, and whose conduct has already
been the subject of much and well-merited
commendation,) came up, when the seijeant
faced upon him and received the fire of his
pistol, which seeraed to take effect. Mr< Hun
ter's horse being alarmed at the report, ran some
distance from the spot. When Mr. Hunter re
turned, he found general Stewart engaged vvith
this intrepid soldier. He immediately advanced
to the general's relief; upon which the serjeant
having had his bayonet unshipped, dropped his
musket, and, mounting an adjoining fence, fell
upon the other side, upon his back. Mr, Hun
ter dismounted, and, unarmed, irainediateH'
followed and engaged hira, demanding of several
horsemen who advanced, to aid in securing hira'.
Two of whora presented their pistols, and, after
caUing upon Mr. Hunter to disengage himself

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 257
from his antagonist, disch-arged their pistols
without effect. This brave marine then retreated,
unpursued, to an adjoining swamp. His escape
appearing certain, unless immediately pursued,
Mr. Hunter begged the loan of a sword, which
was presented to him by the general ; and with
which he alone pursued, and soon overtook him,
when a conflict ensued between thera, the brave
enemy endeavouring by many and vigorous
efforts to get possession of the sword, and refus
ing, though repeatedly urged, to surrender,
except with his life, which a fortunate stroke
soon after terminated."
As the writer of this article, — which, be it
remembered, is extracted from an American
newspaper, — alludes to some " erroneous irapres
sions" caused by " the variety of verbal accounts
received," we have a right to conclude, that the
account he has published is as ranch raoUifled
as circumstances would admit ; particularly, as
the gallant Frenchman had not been permitted to
live to tell his own story. When we reflect, too,
upon the notorious partiality of the southern
Americans towards the French, and their equally
notorious hatred towards the British, the very
fact (the knowledge of which the same account
admits) that the poor sufferer was a Fenchman,
may have contributed to alter the features of this,
even in its present shape, heart- rending stoiy.
After this wounded marine had " dropped his
VOL. II. S

358 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
musket," and, in climbing the fence, fallen
(from weakness, no doubt) " upon his back,"
was it manly in the two American horsemen to
" discharge their pistols" at him ? or did Mr.
Hunter's conduct in stepping aside to allow them
to do so, entitle him to " much and well-merited
commendation"? Was it not a cowardly act
in Mr. Hunter to borrow, and in general Stewart
to lend, a sword to attack an unarmed, already
wounded man ? — And then, " a fortunate stroke"
terminated the poor wretch's existence ! — We
envy not the feelings ofthe " young gentleraan"
who coraraitted, or of the general and his party
of cavalry and volunteers who abetted, this foul
murder : — for, what else can we call it ? No
truly brave man but M'ould have set a higher
value upon the gallant Serjeant's life, for the
deterraination he evinced not to surrender. Why
not have permitted him to remain in the swamp to
which he had fled : what dire raischief could have
happened to the republic by the presence of this
unarmed individual ? A day or two's residence
in the woods might have lowered his lofty spirit ;
and he would then, perhaps, have freely surren
dered to a tenth part of those whom he so long
kept at bay ; and frora whom he would, no doubt,
bave ultiraately escaped, had he possessed another
musket, or perhaps another load, even, for that
which he had. Acquitting the American com
manding officer of those accordant feelings which

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 259
would have prompted him to grant so brave a
man his liberty, no alternative remains to ac
count for the general's hot pursuit of him, but
that he must have felt piqued, because May-
eaux's conduct was so opposite to that of the
American captain of militia, who, in the same
neighbourhood, and about a twelvemonth pre
vious, suffered himself to be taken prisoner by
a one-handed British lieutenant of the navy.'*
In vain do we search through the different
American works for any account of the capture
of serjeant Mayeaux and his party ; although
the capture of a single individual has, on other
occasions, been exultingly recorded by the whole
of our three obsequious historians. It must be
the wish of every staunch Araerican, that the
editor of the Alexandria newspaper had not
been so officious : be it our task to give a yet
more permanent form to the account of the
intrepid behaviour, and the dastardly murder,
of Serjeant Mayeaux.
After quitting Benedict, captain Barri« as
cended the river to Lower Marlborough, a town
about 28 railes frora the capital of the United
States. f The party landed, and took possession
of the place ; the railitia, as well as the inha
bitants, flying into the woods. A schooner,
belonging to a captain David, was captured, and
loaded with tobacco : after which, having burnt,
* Sec p. 39. + See Plate V.
s 2

260 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BBTWEfiN"
at Lower Marlborough, and at Magruders,* on
the opposite side of the river, tobacco-stores,
containing 2800 hogsheads, and loaded the boats
with stock, the detachment re-embarked. The
Americans collected a force, estimated at about
350 regulars, besides militia, on Holland's clifts;*
but some marines, being landed, traversed the
skirts of the heights, and re-embarked without
molestation; the American troops not again
shewing themselves, till the boats were out of
gun-shot. The blockade of comraodore Barney's flotilla,
and the depredations on the coasts of the Pa«
tuxent, by captain Barrie's squadron, caused
great inquietude at Washington. At length, an
order reached the American commodore, directing
him to destroy the flotilla ; in the hopes that the
British, having no longer such a temptation in
their way, would retire from a position so con
tiguous to the capital. The order was suspended,
owing to a proposal of colonel Wadsworth, of
the engineers; who, with two 18-pounders, upon
travelling-carriages, protected by a detachment
of marines and regular troops, engaged to driye
away the two frigates frora the raouth of the
creek. The colonel established his battery
behind an elevated ridge, which sheltered hini
and his men ; and, on the morning of the 26th
of June, a simidtaneous attack of the gun-boat^
* See Plate 5.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 261
and battery was made upon the two frigates,
Loire and Narcissus.* What with hot shot, the
position chosen by the colonel not being com
manded by the fire frora either frigate, and
captain Brown, the commanding officer's, having
no force which he could land to carry the bat-
tery,f the Loire and Narcissus retired to a station
near Point Patience ; and the American flotilla,
with the exception of one barge, which put
back, apparently disabled by the shot from the
frigates, moved out of the creek, and ascended
the Patuxent, The frigates sustained no loss
on this occasion ; but commodore Barney adraits
a loss of a midshipman and three men killed,
and seven men wounded.
We have here a fine opportunity of contrast
ing the difference in style, between a letter
written by an adopted, and one written by a
native American, upon the same subject. Com
modore Barney writes : " This morning, at 4
A.M. a corabined attack of the artillery, marine
corps, and flotilla, was made upon the enemy's
tvvo frigates, at the mouth of the creek. After
tvvo hours' engagement, they got under weigh,
and made sail down the river. They are now
warping round Point Patience, and I am raov
ing up the Patuxent with my flotilla." ^
An officer on board the flotilla, writes thus :
? Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 739. + Ibid, p. 740.
i Ilist. of the War, p. 2261

262 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
"We moved down with the florilla, and joined
in the chorus with the artillery. Our flre was
terrible. At six o'clock tbey began to move,
and made sail down the river, leaving us
masters ofthe fleld. Thus we have again beat
thera and their rockets, which they did not
spare. First, we beat off a few boats ; then, they
increased the number; then, they added schoo
ners ; and now, behold the two frigates : all
have shared the same fate. We next expect
ships of the line. No matter, we will do our
duty." *
On the 4th of July, the Severn, of 50 guns,
having joined the Loire and Narcissus, captain
Nourse, of the first-named ship, despatched
captain Brown, with the marines ofthe three
ships, (150 in number,) up St. Leonard's creek.
Here two of commodore Barney's barges were
found scuttled, owing to the damage they had
received in the action with the frigates. The
barges, and several other vessels, were burnt,
and a large tobacco-stpre destroyed, Soon after
this, the British quitted the Patuxent.
On the 19th of July, rear-admiral Cockburn,
in the Marlborough 74, having been joined by
a battalion of inarines, and a detachment of ma
rine artillery, proceeded up the river Potomac,
for the purpose of attacking Leonard's-town, the
capital of St. Mary's county, where the ¦36th
* Naval Monument, p. 240.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 263
Upited States' regiment was stationed. The
marines, under major Lewis, were landed, whilst
the boats pulled up in front of the town ; but, on
discovering the marines, the enemy's armed
force quitted the place, and suffered the British
to take quiet possession. A quantity of stores,
belonging to the 36th regiment, and a number
of arms of different descriptions, were found
there, and destroyed ; a quantity of tobacco,
flour, provisions, and other articles, were brought
away in the boats, and in a schooner, which was
lying off the town. Not a musket being flred,
nor an armed enemy seen, the town was spared.
The Araericans having collected sorae Virginia
militia, at a place called Nominy-ferry, in Vir
ginia, a considerable ,way up Nominy-river,
rear-admiral Cockburn, on the 21st, proceeded
'Miither, with the boats and marines ; the latter
commanded by captain Robyns, during the
illness of major Lewis. The eneray's position
was on a very commanding eminence, prpjecting
into the water ; but sorae raarines having been
landed on its flank, and they being seen getting
up the craggy side of the raountain, while the
main body landed at the ferry, the enemy fell
back, and, though pursued several miles, till
the approach of night, escaped with the loss of
a few prisoners. They had withdrawn their
fleld-artillery, and hid it in the woods ; fearing
that, if they kept it to use against theBritish,

264 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
they would not be able to retreat with it quyck
enough to save it from capture. After taking
on board all the tobacco, and other stores found
in the place, with a quantity of cattle, and
destroying all the storehouses and buildings,
the rear-admiral re-embarked ; and, dropping
down to another point of the Nominy river,
observed some raovements on shore, upon
which he again landed with the marines. The
Americans flred a volley, but, on the advance of
the marines, fled into the woods. Every thing
in the neighbourhood was therefore destroyed
or brought off; and, after visiting the country
in several other directions, covering the escape
ofthe negroes who were anxious to join him,
the rear-admiral quitted. the river, and returned
to the ships with 135 refugee negroes, two cap
tured schooners, a large quantity of tobacco,
dry goods, and cattle, and a few prisoners.
Far from considering tobacco, packed up in
hogsheads, ready for shipping, as " good prize,
by the maritirae law of nations," as he did the
north-west company's goods,* Mr, O'Conner
calls it ^' plundered property," and the seizure
or destruction ofit the " petty and wanton act
of an unprincipled and mean enemy." ']•
On the 24th of July, the rear-admiral went
up St. Clement's creek, in St. Mary's county,
with the boats and marines, to examine the
^ Sec p. 193. + Hist, of the War, p. 237,

GREAT BRITAIN AND A3IERICA. 265
country. The militia shewed themselves occa
sionally, but always retreated when pursued ;
and the boats returned to the ships without any
casualty, having captured four schooners, and
destroyed one. The inhabitants remaining
peaceably in their houses, the rear-admiral
did not suffer any injury to be done to them,
excepting at one farm, from which two musket-
sbots had been fired at the admiral's gig, and
where the property was, therefore, destroyed.
bn the 26th of July, the rear-admiral pro
ceeded to the head of the Machodic river, in
Virginia, where he burnt six schooners, whilst
the marines inarched, without opposition, over
the country on the banks of that river ; and, there
not remaining any other place pn the Virginia
or St. Mary's side of his last anchorage, that the
rear-admiral had not visited, he, on the 28th,
caused the ships to move above Blackstone's
Island ; and, on the 29th, proceeded, with the
boats and marines, up the Wicoraoco river. He
landed at Hamburgh and Chaptico ; from which
latter place he shipped a considerable quantity
of tobacco, and visited several houses in differ
ent parts of the country ; the owners of which
living quietly with their families, and seeming
to consider themselves and the neighbourhood
to be at his disposal, he caused no farther incon
venience to them, than obliging them to furnish

266 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
supplies of cattle and stock for the use of his
forces ; for which they were liberally paid.
On the 2d of August, the squadron dropped
down the Potomac, near to the entrance of the
Yocoraoco river, which the rear-adrairal en
tered on the following day, with the boats and
marines, and landed with the latter. The
eneray had here collected in great force, and
made more resistance than usual, but the ardor
and determination ofthe rear-admiral's gallant
little band, carried all before it ; and, after
forcing the enemy to give way, the marines fol
lowed him 10 miles up the country, captured a
field-piece, and burnt several houses, which had
been converted into dep6ts for militia-arms,
&c. Learning, afterwards, that general Hun
gerford had rallied his men at Kinsale, the rear-
adrairal proceeded thither ; and, though the
eneray's position was extremely strong, he had
only tirae to give the British an ineffectual volley
before the latter gained the height, when he
again retired with precipitation ; and did not
re-appear. The stores found at Kinsale were
then shipped without raPlestation ; and, hav
ing burnt the store-houses and other places,
with two old schoonerSj and destroyed two bat
teries, the rear-admiral re-embarked, bringing
away five prize-schooners, a large quantity of
tpbacce, flour, &c. a fleld-piece, and a few pri-

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 267
soners. The American general Taylor was
wounded and unhorsed, and escaped only
through the thickness of the wpod and bushes,
into which he ran. The British had three men
killed, and as many wounded. Thus 500 Bri
tish marines penetrated 10 miles into the enemy's
country, and skirmished, on their way back,
surrounded by woods, in the face of the whole
collected militia of Virginia, under generals
Hungerford and Taylor ; and yet, after this
long raarch, carried the heights of Kinsale in
the most gallant manner,
Coan river, a few miles below Yocomoco,
being the only inlet on the Virginia side of the
Potoraac, that the rear-adrairal had not visited,
he proceeded on the 7th to attack it, with the
boats and marines. After a tolerably quick fire
on the boats, the enemy went off precipitately,
with the guns : the battery was destroyed, and
the river ascended, in which three schooners
were captured, and some tobacco brought off.
On the 12th, the rear-admiral proceeded up
St. Mary's creek, and landed in various parts of
the country about that extensive inlet ; but
without seeing a single armed person, though
militia had formerly been stationed at St, Mary's
factory for its defence ; the inhabitants of the
state appearing to consider it wiser to submit,
than to atterapt opposition. On the 15th of
August, the rear^iadmiial again landed within

268 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
St. Mary's creek; but found, in the different
parts of the country, the same quiet and sub
missive conduct on the part of the inhabitants,
as in the places visited on the 12th. The ac
count of the preceding operations on the coasts
of the Chesapeake, with a battalion of marines,
a detachment of marine-artillery andof seamen,
in all, under 700 men, is extracted exclusively,
from rear-admiral Cockburn's official report of
his proceedings : the truth of which is tacitly
adraitted by the silence of the Araerican his
torians on the subject ; although the British
accounts had long previously come to their
hands. While the British men-of-war were lying in
the rivers of the Chesapeake, the negroes from
the neighbouring plantations were continually
flocking to the banks ; entreating, by the most
piteous signs, to be rescued from a life of slavery.
Could such appeals be made in vain ? — They
were taken off, by hundreds; and obtained from
an enemy that liberty, which their own free
country denied to them. It was in vain that
the Araerican government, by asserting, through
the medium of the prints " known to be friendly
to the war," that the British, after receiving the
negroes, "shipped the wretches to the West
Indies, vvhere they were sold as slaves, for the
benefit of British officers,"* attempted to check
* History of the War. p. 183.

OREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 269
the flow of slave-emigration. This plan failing,
the editor of the " Norfolk Herald" was in
structed or induced to say: — " To take cattlp
or other stock, would be consistent with the
usage of civilized warfare ; but to take negroes,
who are human beings ; to tear them for ever
from their kindred and connexions, is what we
should never expect from a Christian nation,
especially 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
have tbeir interests and affections as strongly
engrafted in their hearts, as the whites, and who
feel the sacred ties of fllial, parental, and con
jugal affection, equally strong, and who are
warmly attached to their owners, and the scenes
of their nativity. • To those, no inducement
which the enemy could offer, would be sufficient
to tempt them away. To drag thera away, then,
by force, would be the greatest cruelty. Yet, it
is reserved for England, who boats of her reli
gipn and love of huraanity, to practice this
piece of cruelty, so repugnant to the dictates of
Christianity and civilization."*
Whether this article was penned at Washing
ton, or on board of one of the British ships in
the bay, it is the happiest piece of satire, that
has appeared in an American newspaper. It
commences with an unqualified admission, that,
» History of the War, p. 185,

270 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
" to take cattle or other stock" is '' consistent
with the usage of civilized warfare ;" whereas, in
all the American histories, not excepting that even
from which the extract is made, the British are
accused of "plundering large quantities of cattle."
As, however, theBritish comraanders, whenever
the owners could be found, invariably paid for
what they did take, the admission is of little
use. But are not thost^ " human beings, who
have their interests and affections as strongly
engrafted in their hearts as the whites," part,
and a valuable part too, of the " stock" «f an
Araerican planter ? — The reader has only to take
up a Charlestown, a Washington, a Richmond,
or even a " Norfolk" newspaper, and a whole
side of advertisements, will presently assure him
of the degrading fact. Let it not be concealed
either, that the treatment of the slaves in, and
who form so great a portion of the southern
population of, the United States, is ten-times
more horrid and disgusting than any thing that
occurs araong a similar class of " human beings"
in the British West Indies. In addition to tbe
accounts published in the Araerican newspapers,
and the description given, and marks shown by,
the refugee-slaves themselves, it is only neces
sary, in order to substantiate the fact, to refer
to the code of laws by which the American, in
comparison with that by which the British,
negroes are governed. We freely -ddmit that,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 271
" to drag away, by force," those slaves who
(if any such are to be found in the United States)
are " warraly attached to their owners and to the
place of their nativity," would be " the greatest
cruelty." But who has done so ? The British
in the Chesapeake, as the Americans themselves
inform us, were frequently straitened for pro
visions ; how ridiculous, then, is the charge, that
the captains of ships, by way of encreasing the
consumption on board, and without any corres
ponding benefit, should send parties on shore,
first to catch, — in which they raust have been
tolerably active, — and then to " drag away,"
the slaves of the Araerican planters. If, for
receiving on board such as voluntarily offered
theraselves, the British officers required any other
sanction than " the dictates of Christianity and
civilization," they might find it in the following
resolution, submitted to the consideration of the
house of representatives of the United States, by
Mr, Fisk, of Vermont : — " Resolved, that the
committee on public lands be instructed to
enquire into the expediency of giving to each
deserter from the British army, during the pre
sent war, 100 acres of the public lands, such
deserter actually settling the same,"* We have
here a fine specimen ofthe " national honor" of
the United States, about vvhich so much has been
said and written !
* National Intelligencer, Sept. 28th, 1814.

272 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN

CHAPTER XIX.
Early intimation of the attack upon Washington —
Defensive preparations in consequence — Arrival
at Bermuda of troops from France — Departure
of general Ross in the Tonnant for the Chesa
peake — Reconnoissance on shore by the latier and
rear-admiral Cockburn — Meditated attack upon
Washington — Arrival of ihe troops from, Ber
muda — Different routes io Washington — Captain
Gordon's affair in ihe Potomac — Disembarca-
iion of the troops at Benedict in the Patuxent — -
Pursuit, by the combined forces, of commodore
Barney's flotilla — Its destruction — March of the
British troops — Tlieir arrival at Upper Marl
borough — Rear-admiral Cockburn's junction
wilh ihem — Advance of the British towards
Washington — Correct American account of their
number — Retreat of ihe American army by Bla
densburg to Washington — Further advance of
the British — American account of general Win
der's force — Re-advance io Bladensburg — Ap
pearance on the fleld of the president of ihe
United Slates-^ American account of ihe battle
¦qf Bladensburg — Flight of the Americans —
Mutual loss — Behaviour of Mr. Madison — Hi^
narrow escape from capture — American plans <f

GREAT BRITAIN AND A.MERICA. 273
their towns and cities; of New York in particular
— Brief description of Washington — Advance of
pari of ihe British force from Bladensburg—
— Its encampment near Washington — Reconnois
sance of general Ross and other oncers — Fire
opened upon them — advance of ihe light com
panies — Destruction of the capital and iwo houses
whence ihe flre proceeded — Explosion ai ihe navy-
yard — Arrival at the encampment of remainder
of British forces — Entry into Washington of
200 British — Destruction of the president's house;
also of the treasury and war oflices — Ancedote of
a British centinel — Amount of American force
in the vicinity — Accident ai Greenleaf s-point —
Destruction ofthe secretary's of state's qffice, rope
walks, ordnance, bridge, navy-yard, ^c. —
Amount of public property destroyed — Acknow
ledged respect paid, to private property— Depar
ture of the British from Washington — Their
unmolested arrival, and disembarkation, at Bene
dict — American accounts — Erroneous impression
respecting rear-admiral Cockburn's conduct at
Washington — Sir Alexander Cochrane's letier io
Mr. Munro, and its reply — Mr. Madison's pro-
clam,ation — British accounts — Annual Register
— Parliamentary speech.
Some hints thrown out by the British com
missioners at the conference at Ghent, coupled
with the rumoured destination of British troops
VOL, II. T

274 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
shipping in the ports of France, induced the
Araerican coramissioners to intimate to their
government, that an attack upon the federal
city would probably be made in the course of
the sumraer of 1814. This notice reached Mr,
Madison on the 26th of June; and, on the 1st of
July, he subraitted to his council a plan for im
mediately calling 2 or 3000 men into the field,
and holding 10 or 12000 militia and volunteers,
of the neighbouring states, in readiness to rein
force that corps. On the next day, he created
into a military district, the whole state of Mary
land, the district of Columbia, and that part of
Virginia north of the Rappahannock river, em
bracing an exposed coast of nearly 1000 miles ;
vulnerable at every point, and intersected by
many large rivers, and by Chesapeake bay. On
the 4th of July, as a further defensive prepara
tion, the president made a requisition to the
several states of the union, for 93500 militia, as
authorized by law ; designating their respective
tjuota, and requesting the executive raagistrates
of each state, to detach and hold them in readi
ness for imraediate service. Of these 93500
iriilitia, 15000 were to be dravvn frora the tenth
railitary district, or that surrounding the metro
polis ; for whose defence they were intended.
" On the 2d of June sailed from Verdun roads,
the Royal Oak, rear-admiral Malcolm, accom
panied by three frigates, three sloops, two bomb-

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 275
vessels, five ships armSes en fli'ite, and three
transports, having on board the 4th, 21st, 44tb,
and 85th, regiments, with a proportion of royal
artillery, and sappers and miners, under the
comraand of major-general Ross. On the 24th
of July the squadron arrived at Bermuda, and
there joined vice-admiral Cochrane, in the
Tonnant. On the 2d of August, vice-admiral
Cochrane, having received on board the Tonnant
major-general Ross and his staff, sailed, in com
pany with the Euryalus, for Chesapeake hay;
and, on the Mth of August, arrived, and joined
the Albion, vice-admiral Cockburn, off the mouth
of the Potomac. On the next day, major-
general Ross, accompanied by rear-admiral
Cockburn, went on shore to reconnoitre. The
rear-admiral's knowledge of the country, as well
as the excellent plan he adopted to prevent sur
prise, enabled the two officers to penetrate
further, than would otherwise have been pru
dent. The thick woods that skirt, and the
numerous ravines that intersect, the different
roads around Washington, offer important advan
tages to an ambushing eneray. Rear-admiral
Cockburn, therefore, in his frequent walks
through the country, invariably moved forward
between two parties of marines, occupying, in
open order, the woods by the road-side. Each
marine carried a bugle, to be used as a signal,
incase of casual separation, or the appearance
T 2

276 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
of an enemy. It was during the excursion with
general Ross, that rear-admiral Cockburn sug
gested the facility of an attack upon the city of
Washington ; and general Ross deterrained, as
soon as the troops should arrive from Bermuda,
to raake the atterapt.
On the 17th of August, rear-admiral Malcolm,
with the trPops, arrived, and joined vice-admiral
Cochrane, off the mouth of the Potoraac ; and
the wbole proceeded to the Patuxent, about 20
miles further up the bay. In the meantirae,
captain Gordon, with sorae vessels of the squad
ron, had been detached up the Potomac, to
bombard Fort- Warburton, situate on the left
bank of that river, about 14 railes below the
federal city; and captain Parker, with the Mene
laus frigate, up the Chesapeake, above Baltimore,
to create a diversion in that quarter. The
successful proceedings of captain Gordon, in
the destruction of the fort ; and, — a measure
entirely his own, — the capture of the populous
town of Alexandria, will be found fully
detailed in our naval volume.* The direct
route to Washington, from the mouth of the
Potomac, was up that river, about 50 miles, to
Fort-Tobacco ; thence, over land, by the village
of Piscataway, 32 railes, to the lower bridge across
the eastern branch of the Potoraac ; but, as no
doubt could be entertained that this brtd^,
* James's Nav. Occur, p. 381—6.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 277
¦vyhich was half a raile long, and had a dravy at
the west-end, would be defended, as well by a
body of troops, as by a heavy sloop of war and
a armed schooner, known to be in the river,
the route up the Patuxent, and by Bladensburg^
where the eastern branch, in case of the bridge
at that spot being destroyed,, could be easily
forded, was preferred.
Commodore Barney's gun-boats were still lying
in the Patuxent, up which they had been driven,^
An immediate attempt against this " much-
vaunted flotilla" offered two advantages; one,
in its capture or destruction, the other, as a pre
text for ascending the Patuxent, with the troops,
destined for the attack ofthe city. Part ofthe
ships, having advanced as high up the river as
the deptli of water would allow, diserabarked the
troops, on the 19th and 20th of August, at Bene
dict, 'f a sraall town, about 50 railes south-east
of Washington. On the evening of the 20th,
rear-admiral Cockburn, taking with him the
armed boats and tenders of the fleet, proceeded
up the river, to attack commodore Barney's
flotilla ; and to supply with provisions, and, if
necessary, afford protection to, the army, as it
ascended the right bank. For the full details of
the successful enterprise against the American
flotilla, we must refer to our naval vol ume, J In
» See252p, f See Plate V,
J James's Nav. Occur, p. 375.

278 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
justice to comraodore Barney, we shall here
introduce general Wilkinson's stateraent upon
the subject. " Cockburn," says the general,
" with his barges, pursued Barney's flotilla,
which had, by order of president Madison, been
unfortunately abandoned, and was, without re
sistance, blown up ; When it will be apparent to
every competent judge, that, from the narrowness
of the channel, the commpdore could have
defended himself, and repulsed any floating force
the eneiriy could have brought against hira ; and
his flanks were well secured, by the extent of the
marches on both sides of the river." *
Mr, Thoriison has found out, that general
Ross, while on his raarch, avoided an engage
Pient with an inferior number of Araerican troops.
Having previously stated the British force at
" about 6000 regulars, searaen, and marines,"
being 1000 more than Mr. O'Connor, and 2000
more than doctPr Smith makes them, Mr, Thom
son says : — " The enemy approached the wood-
yard, a pPsition 12 miles only from the city, and
at which general Winder's forces were drawn up.
These cPnsisted of about 5000 men, and offered
battle to the British troops. But general Ross,
upon reaching the neighbourhood of Notting
ham, turned to his right, and took the road to
Marlborough, upon which general Winderfell
back to Battalion Old Fields, about eight railes
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 766.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA, 279
from the city," '* To make it appear, also, that
the British were actually pursued, he, in the very
next paragraph, declares, that " several pri
soners" were taken. As general " Ross, after
stating the landing of the array, says merely : — ¦
" On the 21st it reached Nottingham," we should
have only the improbability of the thing to
oppose to Mr. Thomson's gasconade, had not
general Wilkinson touched upon the subject.
" On the morning of the 22d," says the general,
*' the cavalry of Laval and Tilghman, say 200
men, with the regular troops, under lieutenant-
colonel Scott, about 400 strong, were ordered
to advance towards Nottingham, and reached
Oden's house, where they were soon followed by
m^jor Peter, with six 6-pounders, flying artil
lery, and a detachment of about 250 select men.
General Ross raarched from Nottingham, the
same morning, by the chapel road leading to
Marlborough ; and, on discovering the Ameri
can troops, made a detachraent to his left to
meet them, which advanced to the foot of the
hill near Oden's house, when the Araerican
troops fell backj and the enemy resumed their
march." 'j*
On the afternoon of the 22d, general Ross,
with the troops, arrived, and encamped, at the
town of Upper Marlborough, situate about four
* Sketches of the War, p. 334.
+ Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 765.

280 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
miles up the western branch of the Patuxent.
The men, therefore, after having been nearly
three months on board ship, had, in less than
three days, marched 40 miles ; and that in the
month of August, when the sultriness of the cli
mate could scarcely be tolerated. We may form
&ome idea of the military obstacles that might
have presented themselves during the march, hy
the observations of general Wilkinson. " Not a
single bridge," says he, " was broken, not a cause
way destroyed, not an inundation attempted,
not a tree fallen, not a rood of the road ob
structed, nor a gun fired at the eneray, in a
march of near 40 miles, from Benedict to Upper
Marlborough, by a route on vvhich there are 10
or a dozen difficult defiles; which, with a few-
hour's labour, six pieces of light artillery, 300
infantry, 200 riflemen, and 60 dragoons, raight
have been defended against any force that could
approach them : such is the narrow ness of the
road, the profundity of the ravines, the steep
ness of the acclivities, and the sharpness of the
ridges,"* While general Ross and his men were
resting themselves at Upper Marlborough, gene
rel Winder and his army, now joined by cora
modore Barney and the raen ofhis flotilla, were
lying at their encarapment at the long Old
Fields, only eight miles distant. With the full
knowledge of what a fatiguing march the British
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 759.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA, 281
had made, the hero of La Colle raill declares,
that general Ross, with his " 4 or 5000 veteran
troops, ought to have marched upon and routed "
general Winder,* The latter, however, " rashly
kept his position during the night;" and, on
the next morning, the American troops were
reviewed by Mr. Madison, " their commander-
in-chief, whose martial appearance gladdened
every countenance and encouraged every heart,"*
Soon after the review, a detachment from the
American army advanced along the road to
Upper Marlborough ; and, after exchanging a
few shots with the British skirraishers, fell back
to the main body.
On the morning ofthe 23d, rear-adrairal Cock
burn, having left at Pig-point, directly opposite
to the western branch,-]- the raarines of the ships,
under captain Robyns, and two divisions of the
boats, crossed over, with the third division, to
Mount Calvert ; and proceeded, by land, to the
British encampment at Upper Marlborough.
^The little opposition experienced by the army
in its march from. Benedict, apd the coraplete
success that had attended the expedition against
comrpodore Barney's flotilla, determined major-
general Ross to make ap iramediate attempt
upon the city of Washington, distant from
Upper Marlborough not more than 16 miles.
At the desire ofthe major-general, the marine
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 766. t See Plate V,

282 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
and naval forces at Pig-point were moved over
to Mount Calvert; and the ship-marines, marine-
artillery, and a proportion of seamen, joined the
army at Upper Marlborough, It is now -time
to give the numbers ofthe British, so fearlessly
approaching the raetropolis ofthe United States.
Fortunately, the only American account which
pretends to any accuracy upon that point,
supplies us with the necessary information,
" Those," says Dr. Smith, " who had the best
opportunities of counting them, (the British,)
calculated that their whole number was about
4O0O; and this calculation is warranted by the
incidents in the field."* He then states, that
the British anny, under raajor-general Ross, was
distributed into three brigades ; the first bri
gade, commanded by colonel Brooke, of the
44th, and coraposed of the 4tli and 44th regi
ments ; the second brigade, commanded by
colonel Patterson, of the 21st regiment, and
composed of that regiment, the second battalion
of raarines, and the ship-marines under captain
Robyns ; the third brigade, commanded by
colonel Thornton, of the 85th light infantry,
and coraposed of that regiment, the light com
panies ofthe 4th, 21st, and 44th regiments, one
corapany of marine skirmishers, a detachment
of colonial marines, also of royal artillery, with
two 3-pounders and a howitzer, and a party of
* History of the United States, Vol. III. p. 298.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 283
seamen and engineers, with rockets.* Leaving
captain Robyns, with the marines of the ships,
in possession of Upper Marlborough, major-
general Ross and rear-admiral Cockburn, with
the troops, marines, and searaen, whose riumber,
notwithstanding the absence of captain Robyns
and his party, we will still state at 4000, moved
forward, on the evening of the 23d ; and, before
dark, arrived, and bivouacked for the night, at
a spot five miles nearer to Washington. f
As if by concert, the American army retired
from the long Old Fields, about the same time
that the British army advanced from Upper
Marlborough ; the patroles pf the latter actu
ally occupying, before midnight, the ground
which the former had abandoned. The Araeri
can army did not stop till it reached Washing
ton ; where it encamped, for the night, near the
navy-3^ard."^J Onthe sairie evening, upwards of
2000 troops arrived at Bladensburg from Bal
tiraore. At day-light on the morning of the
24th, general Ross put his troops in motion for
Bladensburg, _ 12 miles frorii his camp; and,
having halted by the way, arrived at the heights
facing the village about half-past 11 o'clock. §
While the British troops are resting themselves,
and preparing for the attRck, we will endeavour
* Hist, of the United States, Vol. III. p. 298.
+ See Plate V. + Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 767.
^ See Plate VI. d d.

284

MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN

to place before the reader, the force which they
had to overcorae, before they could enter the
metropolis of the United States.
" The army under general Winder," says
doctor Sraith, " consisted of: —

" United States' dragoons - - -
Maryland ditto - - - .
District of Columbia ditto
Virginia ditto . . . -
Regular infantry ....
Seamen and marines - . .
Stansbury's brigade of militia
Sterrett's regiment, ditto
Baltimore artillery, ditto
Pinkney's battalion, ditto
Smith's brigade, ditto - - -
Cramer's battaliou, ditto
Waring's detachment, ditto - •
Maynard's ditto ditto - - -
Beall's and Hood's regiment of ditto
Volunteer corps . - - -
Total at Bladensburg

140
240 50
100

530

500 600
 1
1353 500 150
130

-1100

-2153

1070 240 150 150
 1
800 350

-1610

-1150

6543

At hand,
Young's brigade of militia
Minor's Virginia corps - - - ,
Grand Total
* Hist, of the U. S. Vol. Ill, p. 297.

450 600

-1050

7593*

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 285
According to general Arrastrong's letter to
the editor of the " Baltimore Patriot," of Sep
tember 3, general Winder had, under his com
mand, exclusive of the 15000 militia he was
directed to call out, as many regular troops
and seamen, as would make his total force,
when assembled, " 16300 men." " General
Winder," proceeds doctor Smith, " after the
battle, reported his forces at about 5O0O
raen ; * nearly 2600 less than appears from
the preceding detail."']" Nor has the; general
given any account ofhis artillery ; although we
find that " the Araerican army had, on the field,
not fewer than 23 pieces, varying from 6 to
18 pounders." ']' This army was drawn up, in
two lines, upon very commanding heights, on
the north of the turnpike-road leading from
Bladensburg to Washington ; and, as an addi
tional incitement to glory on the part of the
American troops, their president was on the
field. " Every eye," says general Wilkinson,
" was immediately turned upon the chief; every
bosom throbbed with confidence; and every
nerve was strung with v^alor. No doubts
remained with the troops that, in their chief
magistrate they beheld their commander-in-
chief, who, like another Maurice, having, by his
irresolution in council, exposed the country to
the chances and accidents of a general engage-
* App. No. 66. + Hist, of the U. S. Vol. Ill, p. 297.

S86 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
raent, had now come forward to repair the
error, by his activity in the field ; determined to
throw himself into the gap of danger, and not
to survive the honor of his country, especially
entrusted to his guardianship."*
The affair, — for it hardly deserves the name
of battle, — of Bladensburg, may be given in the
words of general Wilkinson ; assisted by a refer
ence to his own diagram.']' " The enemy," says
the general, " made the attack with their light
brigade ; the right wing, led by colonel Brooke,
of the 44th regiment, and the left by colonel
Thornton, of the 85th. They crossed the bridge
in disorder, and the skirmishers advanced iu
loose order, and forced the battery and rifleraen
in h, i. The right wing formed in u, u, and
followed the skirmishers through the corn-field,
p, p, and the orchard, q, q, and over the field,
forward of the tobacco-house, k. Captain
Doughty," (vvith a corps of rifleraen,) " formed
in /, gave a few fires, and retired with the rest
of the troops; and the enemy pursued to the
fence 14, 14 ; while our troops generally re
treated," proceeds the general, " by r, r, r."
Before we proceed to detail the operations of
colonel Thornton's wing, a little explanation,
as to numbers, raay be necessary. The Ameri
can force, thus routed by about 750 rank and
file ofthe 4th and 44th regiments, including a
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 781. t See Plate VI.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. QSf
rocket-party, consisted of, regular and militia
dragoons, 530; raajor Pinkney's battalion of
militia-riflemeuy 150; Doughty's riflemen, num
ber not stated ; Stansbury's militia-brigade,
1353 ; Sterret's militia-regiment, 500 ; Balti
more artillery, with six pieces,* 150 ; major
Peters, with six pieces of artillery, and lieutenant-
colonel Scott, with the 36th United States'
regiraent, together, 500 ;f Burch's artillery,
with four pieces.J nuraber of men not given ;
Smith's railitia brigade, 1070: total 4000 men,
and 16 pieces of artillery. It is fortunate that
we have American testimony for the extraor
dinary account here given.
Requesting the reader again to turn to the
diagram, we will, with general Wilkinson's
assistance, narrate the proceedings of the re
mainder of the British and Araerican forces,
" Colonel Thornton," says he, " with the left
wing, pushed up the turnpike-road, and was'
about to attack the 5th regiment, in flank, wheri
it gave way. There were a great many com
manders this day, and, among thera, not the
least discerning, colonel W adsworth ; who, to
avoid interference with others, and render what
service he could, had prepared, and, with a few
hands, brought forward, two field-pieces to t, t,
on the turnpike, with intention to open and
* See Plate VI. A. + Ibid. 9 and 10.
+ Ibid. O.

288 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
maintain a retreating flre upon the column of
the enemy as it advanced; which, while his
flanks were secure, would undoubtedly bave
retarded, galled, and cut them sensibly ; but,
after the first shot, which will be found in the
under-work of the bridge, his men introduced
the wrong end of the cartridge, and, instead of
drawing it to get it out, depressed the rauzzle of
the piece until the trail and wheels overturned,
and, by this tirae, the eneray was so near as to
oblige thera to flee for safety. Seeing the troops
on his right give way, colonel Thornton advanced,
crossed the conduit, and ascended the opposite
side of the ravine; but was so warraly received
by commodore Barney's battery of three
18 pounders at 4, * that, after sorae pause and
fluctuation, he turned to his left, and displayed
in a field in 2, 2, where he, for a few rounds,
combated a valorous little band of the marine
corps, coramanded by captain Miller, with
three 12-pounders, in 3, and the flotilla-men of
commodore Barney, in 5, 5 ; which forced him
to incline to his left, and endeavour to turn the
American right, by a wood, in 2, 2, 2, 2, where
he was met by colonel Beall, who was formed
under the sumrait of a conical hill, in 6, 6,"
General Wilkinson then introduces a long letter
from colonel Beall ; from which vve gather, that,
after firing a few rounds, the latter and his
* Sec Plate VI.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 289
regiment, took to their heels. After a resistance,
which, compared to the behaviour of the Ame
rican troops in general, may be terraed gallant,
the flotilla-men and inarines retreated ; leaving
upon the field, their commanders, commodore
Barney and captain Miller, severely wounded ;
and who, along with their guns, fell into the
hands of the British. Without considering that
the American right Was reinforced by its re
treating left, or the British left by its advancing
right, we may state the relative numbers, at this
end of the field, as 750 Brirish and 2500 Arae
ricans. Ten pieces of carinon were taken ; but
not above 120 prisoners;* "owing," says rear-
admiral Cockburn, " to the swiftness with
which the enemy went off, and the fatigue our
army had previously undergone." •]• The re
treating Araerican troops proceeded, with all
haste, towards Washington ; and the British
troops, including the rear-division, which had,
just at the close of the short scuffle, arrived upon
the ground, halted, to take sorae refreshment.
Had it not been for the Araerican artillery,
the loss of the Briti.sh would have been very
trifling. We find 24 pieces marked upon gene
ral Wilkinson's diagram. J Those at h com
pletely enfiladed the bridge, and were very
destructive to the advancing column. Under
* App. No. 66. + App. No. 62.
+ See Plate VI. h, o, 10, 4, 3, 1 1,
TOL. II. U

290 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
these circurastances, the British loss amounted
to, one captain, two lieutenants, five serjeants,
and 56 rank and file, killed ; two lieutenant-
colonels, one raajor, one captain, 14 lieutenants,
two ensigns, 10 serjeants, and 155 rauk and
file, wounded ; total, 64 killed, 185 wounded :
grand total, 249. Of the American loss we
have no very accurate account. Mr. Thomson,
in the single instance ofthe Bladensburg battle,
does not say a word on the subject. Doctor
Smith says : — " General Winder supposed that
the loss of his army was from 30 to 40 killed,
and from 50 to 60 wounded.* It is believed,
however, that this is a large computation ; for
doctor Catlet, the attending surgeon, stated the
killed at 10 or 12; and the wounded, some of
whom died, at 30." f As the British two
3-pounders and howitzer, being stationed near
to e, in Bladensburg village, were of little
service ; and, as the Americans did not stay to
receive many rounds of musketry, nor one thrust
of the bayonet, their trifling loss is by no raeans
extraordinary. Without wishing to exult over
a fallen foe, we raay express our surprise, that
the classical ground, ;{: in the neighbourhood of
which " the meritorious conquerors of Tecum
seh," § among other American troops, were
drawn up, should have failed to inspire them
*App. No. 66. + Hist, of the U. States, Vol. III. p. 298.
J Thermopylaj, Tiber, &c.
^ Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 770 j and our Vol. I. p. 294.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 291
with a portion of that " Roraan," or, in reference
to '* American," " second, degree valor," spoken
of by an Araerican congress-man.*
What becarae of Mr, Madison ? is a question
the reader is, no doubt, anxious to have solved.
We shall here quote, and let it be understood
that we are quoting, the words of an Araerican
writer : — " Not all the allurements of farae, not
all the obligations of duty, nor the solemn invo
cations of honor, could excite a spark of courage:
the love of a life which had become useless to
mankind, and served but to embarrass the public
councils, and prejudice. the public cause, stifled
the voice of patriotisra, and prevailed over the
love of glory ; and, at the very first shot, the
trerabling coward, with a faltering voice, ex
clairaed: — 'Corae, general Arrastrong; come,
colonel Munro ; let us go, and leave it to the
comraanding general,'"']- . According to the
testimony of Mr. Williara Simmons, one of the
witnesses examined by the Araerican. comraittee
of invesrigation, asserabled in consequence of
the capture of Washington, the American pre
sident, the attorney-general, and secretaries of
war and state, were indebted to his inforraa
tion, for not having fallen into the hands of
major-general Ross, rear-admiral Cockburn,
colonel Thornton, and a number of staff-officers,
who, in their undress coats, had entered Bla-
* See p. 25. + Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol. I. p, 783.
u 2

292 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
densburg, by a circuitous route, unobserved by
any but Mr. Simraons. A delay of five minutes
would, it appears, have placed the commander-
in-chief of the arraies of the United States, and
the whole executive corps, in the hands of the
British. Europeans, often to their cost, read accounts
ofthe fine rich land to be met with, in almost
all parts of the LTnited States. It is a matter of
equal policy, to show the existence of markets
capable of carrying off the abundant produce of
so fruitful a soil : therefore, most plans of towns
or cities sent to Europe from the United States,
have their sites ready covered with all the
streets, which even a century may not see built.
We have now before us a large folding map of
the city of New York, with all its squares
fllled up in black, reserabling a map of
London, rather than of Liverpool, which it
scarcely reaches in population. It will not,
then, surprise the reader, that the city of
Washington, or, as the bard of Lalla Rookh once
sang,— " This famed metropolis, where Fancy sees
Squares in morasses, obelisks in trees ;
Which travelling fools and gazetteers adom,
With shrines unbuilt, and heroes yet unborn ;"
covering, as it does, about eight square miles or
ground, should contain no more than 400 houses ;

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 293
less, than is to be found in a single street
of London.*
As soon as the troops were refreshed, general
Ross and rear-admiral Cockburn, " with 1000
men,"']- moved forward from Bladensburg; and,
at about eight o'clock in the evening, arrived
at an open piece of ground, two miles J from the
federal city. The troops were here drawn up,
while major-general Ross, rear-admiral Cock
burn, and several other officers, accorapanied by a
small guard, rode forward to reconnoitre. On
arri ving opposi te to some ho uses, the party halted ;
and, just as the officers had closed each other, in
order to consult whether or not it would be
prudent to enter the heart of the city that night,
a volley was fired from the windows ofone of two
adjoining houses, and from the capitol ; § which
volley killed one soldier, and general Ross's
horse from under him, and wounded three
soldiers. || Rear-adrairal Cockburn instantly
rode back to the detachraent, stationed in
advance; and soon returned with the light
corapanies. The house was then surrounded ;
and, after sorae prisoners had been taken from
it,||. set on fire; the adjoining house fell with it.
The capitol, which was contiguous to these
* Strand, + History of the United States, Vol. III. p. 294,
J Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol, I. p. 791. § App. No. 62,
11 Poulson's Philadelphia paper, of August 29, 1814.

294 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
houses, and which was '' capable of being made
an impregnable citadel against an enemy, with
little artillery, and that of the lighter class,"*
was also set on fire. The " capitol containing
the senate-chamber, representative-hall, supreme
court-room, congressional library, and legisla
tive archives;" -^ these rooras, " or public build
ings," as raany of our London journalists have
called thera, could not otherwise than share
the fate of the building of which they formed
part. Scarcely had the flames burst out from the
capitol and the tvvo contiguous houses, than an
awful explosion announced, that the Araericans
were eraployed upon the same business in the
lower part of the city. By this time the re
mainder of the British forces from Bladensburg
had arrived at the encarapraent. At about half-
past 10, after a party had been sent to destroy
the fort and public works at Greenleafs point,
major-general Ross, and rear-adrairal Cockburn,
each at the head of a sraall detachment ofmen,
numbering, together, not more than 200, J pro
ceeded down the hill towards the president's
palace. Finding it utterly abandoned, and
hearing, probably, that a guard of soldiers, with
" two pieces of cannon, well-mounted on travel-
* History of the United States, Vol. III. p. 296. + Ibid. 294,
J Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 791,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 295
ling carriages;"* had been stationed at, and but
recently fled from, this the Araerican " cora-
mander-in-chief's" head-quarters, the British
caused it to be set on flre, A log-hut, under
sirailar circumstances, would have shared the
same fate, and the justice of the measure not
been disputed, Wh}^ then, in a country where
" equality of rights" is daily preached up,
should the palace be held raore sacred than the
cottage ? The loss of the one falls, where it
ought, upon the nation at large ; the loss of the
other, — a laraentable case, at all tiraes, — solely
upon the individual proprietor. Had generals
Arrastrong and M'Clure consulted this principle,
the village of Newark would have remained
undestroyed; and the feelings of huinanity not
have been so outraged as they still are, at the
bare recital of that atrocious proceeding.
To the building, containing the treasury and
war offices, the torches of the conquerors were
next applied. On arriving opposite to the office
of the " National Intelligencer," the Araerican
government-paper, — whose editor, Mr. Gales, a
British subject, had been giving currency to the
grossest falsehoods against the British comman
ders in the Chesapeake, and against the British
character in general, — rear-admiral Cockburn
observed to the inhabitants near him, that he
* Testimony of Mr. Wra. Simmons, before the American
committee of investigation.

296 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
must destroy it. On being told, however, that the
adjoining buildings would be likely to take fire,
he desisted. The rear-admiral, then, wishing the
inhabitants ' good night', and assuring them
that private property and persons should be
respected, departed to his quarters on the capi-
tol-hill. Early on the next morning the rear-
'ddmiral was seen walking about the city, accom
panied by three soldiers only. Indeed, general
Wilkinson says : — " A single centinel, who had
been accidentally left on post near the office of
the National Intelligencer, kept undisturbed
possession of the central part of the metropolis,
until the next morning ; of which there are
several living witnesses."* At this time, too, it
appears, an American " force of more than 4000
combatants" was posted upon the heights of
Georgetown,* which is a continuation of the
city to the westward.
During the morning of the 25th, the secretary
of state's office was burnt, and the types and
printing materials ofthe government-paper were
destroyed. A serious accident had happened to
the party sent to Greenleaf 's-point. Some
powder, concealed in a well, accidentally took
fii'e, killing 12, and wounding 30, officers and
men. Three extensive rope-walks, at some dis.,
tance from the city, were, by the British, entirely
consumed ; and so was an imraense quantity of
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 791.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 297
small-arms and heavy ordnance ;* as well as the
great bridge across the Potomac : f a very
prudent military measure, especially as the Ame
ricans had themselves destroyed the two bridges
crossing the eastern branch. •]¦ A party, under
captain Wainwright, of the Tonnant, destroyed
the few stores and buildings in the navy-yard,
which had escaped the flames of the preceding
night. As the British were in haste to be gone,
and as the vessels, even could they have been
floated in safety down the Potomac, were not
wanted by us, it was very considerate in the
American government to order the destruction
of the frigate, of 1600 tons, that was nearly
ready to be launched, and of the fine sloop
of war, Argus, ready for sea ; and whose 20
32-pounders would have assisted so powerfully
in defending the entrance to the city by the
lower bridge. According to the official estimate of
" the public property destroyed," J the value has
been much over-rated. It appears not to have
exceeded 1624280 dollars, or J365463 sterling.
With respect to private property, we have only
to quote passages from American prints, to show
how that was treated. One newspaper says : — -
" The British officers pay inviolable respect to
private property, and no peaceable citizen is
molested." § A writer from Baltiraore, under
* App. No. 65. + See Plate V. + App. No. 67,
^ Columbian Centinel, August 31st.

298 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the date of " August 27th," says : — " The enemy,
I learn, treated the inhabitants of Washington
well." * But what says Mr. Gales, the raouth-
piece of the governraent, he whose presses had
been destroyed and whose " types had been so
sharaefully dispersed,"? — " When we remarked,"
says he, " in our paper of yesterday, thatprivate
property had, in general, been scrupulously
respected by the enemy during his late incur
sion, we spoke what we believed, frora a hasty
survey, and perhaps without sufficient inquir3^
Greater respect was certainly paid to private
property than has usually been exhibited by the
eneray in his marauding parties. No houses
were half as rauch plundered by the enemy, as
by the knavish wretches about the town, who
profited by the general distress. There were,
however, several private buildings wantonly des
troyed, and some of those persons vvho remained
in the city were scandalously maltreated. "¦]• We
are to consider that this charge contains the
utmost that has been alleged against the British
during their 20 hours' occupation of the metro
polis ofthe United States. The " several private
buildings," besides " the dwelliuj^-house owned
and occupied by Mr. liobert Sewall, from be
hind which a "i^un was fired at general Ross,"
consisted of " a commodious dwelling, belong-
* Boston paper, September 1st.
+ National Intelligencer, August 31st. , *

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 299
ing to the estate of general Washington, and
Carroll's hotel :" * the forraer suffered, from its
contiguity to, or absolute junction with, the
house frora which the firing had been directed ;
the latter, not unlikely, from the act of sorae of
" the knavish wretches about the town, who
profited by the general distress." That the
British officers did all they could to secure the
inhabitants frora injurj', both in their persons
and properties, raay be gathered frora Mr. Thom
son's acknowledgment, that, — " the plunder of
individual property was prohibited, and sol
diers, transgressing the order, were severely
punished." f
We shall disraiss this subject with an American
statement, which, we trust, will set at rest all
remaining doubts. " The list of plunder and
destruction, copied from a vile and libellous
print of that city, into several federal papers,
is a gross and abominable fabrication, known to
be such by every inhabitant. Most of the plun
der was committed by rabble ofthe place, fos
tered among the citizens ; and from whose vil
lainy no place is free, in tiraes of peril, and
relaxation of the law. The British array, it is
no more than justice to say, preserved a raode
ration and discipline, with respect to private
» History ofthe United States, Vol. III. p. 295.
t Sketches of the War, p. 336.

300 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
persons and property, unexampled in the annals
of war."*
At eight o'clock on the evening of the 25th,
the British left Washington, by the way of
Bladensburg. Here such of the wounded as
could ride, or be transported in carriages, were
provided with 30 or 40 horses, 12 carts and
waggons, one coachee, apd several gigs. With
these, preceded by a drove of 60 or 70 cattle,
the army moved leisurely along. On the even
ing of the 29th it reached Benedict, ¦\ 50 miles
from Washington, without a single musket
having been fired ; J and, on the following day,
re-embarked in the vessels ofthe fleet. No com
plaints, that we can discover, have been made
against the British, during their retreat across
the country ; although, as an American writer
bas been pleased to say, " general Ross scarcely
kept up his order, sufficiently to identify thebody
of his army."§ The Americans are very diffi
cult to please. If the British decline fighting
double the nuraber of Americans, shiness is al
leged against them ; if, on the other hand, they
not only fight, but conquer, as at Bladensburg,
more than double their number of Araericans,
they are denied all credit. In this spirit doctor
Smith says :— " The success of general Ross, in
* Georgetown paper, September Sth.
f See Plate V. t App. No. 62,
§ Hist, of the United States, Vol. III. p. 299,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 301
this expedition, cannot be ascribed to the display
of superior military skill. It was not due to his
force, or the deportment of his troops in the
field. The resolution to march an array, 50
miles into the interior of a country thickly
inhabited, and inthe face of another, Pf superior
numbers, affords stiong proof of his temerity,
but none ofhis prudence. He succeeded against
every rational calculation."* — How could this
writer touch upon " deportment of troops" ?—
We rather think, that major-general Ross and
rear-admiral Cockburn made their " calcula*
tion," upon what they conjectured would be the
"deportment" ofthe American troops; although
they certainly did not expect quite so great a
contrast to " temerity," as they found upon the
field at Bladensburg.
All the American writers who have had occa
sion to deplore the fate of Washington-city, have
levelled their abuse against rear-adrairal Cock
burn ; " on whora," says one of them, " if the
safety of the citizens' dwellings had alone de
pended, they would have rested on a slender
guarantee," f How will this writer ; how will
all the other American writers ; how will the
British public in general, receive the assertion,
that rear-admiral Cockburn got blamed by his
commanding officer, for not having acted more
« Hist, of the United States, Vol. IIL p. Z99.
i Sketches of the War, p. 336.

302 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
in the spirit of " retaliation" than he did ? This
brings us to sir Alexander Cochrane's letter,*
in which that harsh word appears. It was an
ill-advised letter; serving. only to convict us of
a seeming intention to do what we never did do.
What " towns and districts" upon the American
coast, did the British " destroy and lay waste" ?
Was Washington destroyed and laid waste ? —
Was Alexandria destroyed and laid waste? — We
deny that there was any thing done at either of
those places, unless it was the behaviour of an
American naval coraraander at Alexandria,']-
that was at all " contrary to the usages of civi
lized warfare." This letter was just what Mr,
Munro J wanted. It enabled hira to declaim,
at length, about " the established and known
huinanity of the American nation." § The
chief of Mr. Munro's unsupported assertions
have already been replied to, in different parts
of this work : vve have, at present, only to do
with the paragraph in which he tells us, that
" in the course of ten years past, the capitals
of the principal powers of the continent of
Europe have been conquered and occupied,
alternately, by the victorious armies of each
other ; and no instance of such wanton and un
justifiable destruction has been seen ;" and
refers us to distant ages fpr a " parallel" to our
* App. No. 68. + James's Naval Occurrences, p. 383.
+ Now president of the United States, § App, No. 69.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 303
behaviour. We will dismiss Mr. Munro with
this question, — Did any one of the " sovereigns"
to whom he alludes, fly " in panic terror" *
from one end of his city, while an enemy en
tered the other ? In his search for a " parallel,"
too, where will he find, even if he goes back to
" distant and barbarous ages," that a sovereign
behaved, as w"e have American testimony for
asserting, that Mr. Madison, " the commander-
in-chief of the armies of the United States,''
did behave, at, or rather before, the battle of
Bladensburg ?
But Mr, Madison himself raust issue his " Pro
clamation •''¦\ dated from " Washington," too, the
"seat of empire," which he, only six days before,
had abandoned, to seek " an asylum araong
the hills, west of the great falls,"* The flve
day's march of our troops, including the battle
in which he set so bright an example, he calls a
" sudden incursion," He then ventures to state
the American troops at Bladensburg, as " less
nuraerous" than their British opponents. This
is excellent. Admitting that the British were
in possession of Washington " for a single day
(and night) only," were the 4000 American
troops, drawn up in full view of the destruction
of " the costly monuments of state," led forth
by Mr. Madison, or led forth at all, to drive the
British away ? " We destroyed," he says, " the
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 789. + App. No. 70.

304 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
public edifices, having no relation in tbeir-
structure to operations of war, nor used at the
time for military annoyance," Was it no " mi
litary annoyance," to kill one soldier and wound
three, and, by mere accident, not to kill tbe
British comraanding general ? Where was the
war declared-, but in the " senate-chamber and
representative-hall," contained within the ca
pitol ? What enforced " military annoyance,''
or gave life to the " operations of war," but the
dollars in the *' treasury-office" ? On the other
hand, " the patent-office," in which were col
lected the rarest specimens of the arts of the
country, having no relation to the " operations of
war,'^ was not, in the slightest degree, injured.*
Who, when colonel Carapbell, of the United
States' army, destroyed the dwelling-house and
other buildings of a Canadian inhabitant, de
clared the act to have been " according to the
usages of war,"']' because a troop of British
dragoons had just fled from them? Why then
was not the destruction of the president's palace,
from which a coinpany of Araerican artillery,
with two fleld- pieces, had just fled, equally
" according to the usages of war"? The only
surprise is, that the American government should
have so well succeeded in hood-winking the
people of Europe, One British editor rates his
* Sketches of the War, p. 336.
t See p. Ul.

. GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 305
ferocious countrymen, for " having levelled
¦ with the dust the splendid palaces arid sump
tuous edifices, by which the city of Washington
was so liberally embellished." This can but
raise a smile ; especially upon a reference to the
estimated value of these " splendid palaces."*
We shall forbear to notice the iPng! account of
" the extent of devastation practised' by the
victors" at Washington, which has found its
way into that faithful record of frays, murders,
births, raarriages, and deaths, but certainly not
of historical events, the " Annual Register for
1814;" and thence, of course, into raost of the
prints of the United States. But vvhat was
.there done by the British at Washington, that
, could provoke an erriinent parliainentary 'orator
.'to describe their proceedings as " so abhorrent,
so inconsistent with the habits of a free and ge-
, nerous people ; — so to be hated and detested,
conderaned and abjured"?']' ',' In burning
Washington," says this same. speaker, " we had
acted worse than the Goths, when thty were
before the walls of Rome." In another place
he talks of " the pillage of private property," ']'
What a pity this gentleman did not read even
the whole of the American accounts, before he
ventured to sanction, with his respectable name
* App, No. 67.
+ Parliamentary Proceedings, November 8, 1814,
VOL. II. X

S06 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
statements SO palpably untrue. Ifhe were alive
we could show him an American publication, that
has devoted 13 of its pages to an account of onr
proceedings at Washington, and yet contains
not one word of comment upon our destruction
ofthe public buildings. When we raention the
work as the " History of the United States,"
and the author as the reverend doctor Sraith ;
the same vvho said, *' No one need question the
conduct ofthe British troops at Hampton ;" the
same who, in every page of his book, evinces the
strongest antipathy against theBritish ; and Who,
as the reader knows, is not over scrupulous as to
the truth ofthe charges he prefers against therii,
" no one need question" that doctor Smith was
thus lenient, because, in the extraordinary fact,
that the British, with only 200 troops, entered
and fully possessed, the " seat of erapire" of
the United States of Araerica, he could find,
on their part, at least, nothing but '* temerity/'
to find fault with.

CREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA, 307

CHAPTER XX.
Skirmish at Moor's flelds — Death of sir Peter
Pai-ker — Brief description ofBa llimore — Alarm
of the inhabitants — Exertions of ihe military —
Defensive preparations — Strong inducement for
an attack by the British — Accidental caiiie of
its being made — Advance of tlie fleet to the Pa'
tapsco — Landing of ihe troops— -Amount ofthe
British force — Advance of inajor-gen,eral Ross
and rear-admiral Cockburn, witha small guard —
Skirmish and retreat ofthe A mericans-^ Death of
general Ross — American accounts — Advance of
the British main body- — Amount ofthe American
forces— Details of the battle — Retreat of ihe
Americans — American accounts— rBriiish find
American loss — Further, advance of the Biilish
— Reinforcement to ,the Americans at theirX en
trenched camp — Arrival of British ships nealr
the forts in the Patapsco — Mutual cannonade
between ihe latter and ike bomb-vessels and rocket-
ship — Boat-expedition up the Ferry branch— r
American accounts — Reasons given for retiring
from Baltimore — Unmolested retreat of the
British — American accounts — Remarks upon
the Baltimore expedition — Character of general
Ross — Departure, on separate destinations, of
admirals Cochrane and, Cockburn — Boat-e,rpe-
X 2

308 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
dition up Coan river — Departure of rear-admiral
Malcolm — Boat-expedition up the Rappa
hannock — Return vf rear-admiral Cockburn —
His departure for ihe Georgia coast — Capture
of St. Mary's — Boat-expedition up the river —
Intended attack upon Savannah — Impolitic mea
sures that lead to its frustration.
JtREVIOUSLY to our entering upon the
proceedings of the combined British forces,
after their departure from Washington, we
have to notice the untimely fate of sir Peter
Parker, baronet, coraraanding the Menelaus
frigate ; which, as the reader knows, had been
detached on service up the bay.* Having but
recently arrived upon the North American sta
tion, sir Peter was not aware of the ambush
ing tricks to which a small invading force
would be exposed, in a country so fllled with
woods, ravines, and defiles ; and where local
knowledge, and skill with the rifle, were an over
match for all the valor, much as it was, that he
could bring against thera. Inforraation having
reached the ship, then at anchor off Moor's
fields, that 200 Araerican railitia were encamped
behind a wood, distant about a mile from the
beach, captain Parker, at 11 o'clock on the niglit
of the 30th of August, was induced to land
with,— not, as the American editors say, " 230
* Sec p. 276.

GRBAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 309
men,"* bat, — 104 marines and 20 seamen. It
appears that colonel Read, the coraraander of
the American force, stated at 170 Maryland
volunteers,* having been apprized of the in
tended attack, had retired to a small open space,
surrounded by woods, distant four or five miles
from his flrst encarapment. Thither, having
captured a small cavalry piquetj. the heedless
.seamen and marines, headed by their undaunted
chief, proceeded. The enemy, with sdrae pieces
of artillery, was found drawn up in line in front
of his camp. The British commenced the flre;
and, charging, drove the Americans, through
their camp, into the woods. It vyas about
this time that sir Peter received a, mortal
wound. Secure behind the tree^, the Araericans
levelled their pieces with unerring aim ; while
the British, deceived by the apparent flight of
their wary foe, rushed on through the woods,
till, bewildered and embarrassed, the survivors
of this adventurous band were corapelled to
retreat to their ship ; bringing away the body
of their lamented commander, and all their
wounded but three. The British sustained a
loss of 14 killed and 27 wounded : the Ameri
cans, as a proof how little they exposed them
selves, of npt more than three raen slightly^
wounded.* At the head of a narrow bay or inlet of the
* Sketches of the War, p. 339.

310 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Patapsco river, and distant from its confluence
with the Chesapeake about 16 miles, stands the
city of Baltimore, containing about 20000 inha
bitants. It is nearly surrounded by detached
hills ; one of which, Clinkapin hill, situated on
its eastern side, commands the city itself, as well
as the. approach to it by land, frora the Chesa
peake. Its water-approach is defended by a
strong fortification, naraed Fort-Henry, .situ
ated at the distance of about two miles from
the city, upon the point of the peninsula that
forms the south-side of the bay or harbor;
ivhich, at its entrance, is scarcely half a mile in
width. As an additional security, the Patapsco
is not navigable for vessels drawing more than
18 feet water; and, just within the harbor, is
a 14 or 15 feet bar.
The arrival of troops in the Chesajieake, and
the subsequent operations of the British in the
Patuxent and Potomac rivers, could not dp
otherwise than cause serious alarm at Baltimore,
distant from Wa^shington but 35 miles. The
panic-struck inhabitants believed, that the
British troops vvould raarch across the country,
ahd attack thera in the rear, while the squadron
was bombarding thera, in front. Our number^^
on shore were too small to warrapt such ^n
enteiprise; but, had it been risked, and had
the fleet raade a simultaneous Pioveraent up the
bay, there is little douht that Baltimore would
have capitulated. Fortunately for the city, the

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 311
military and naval forces within it were becoming
hourly more powerful ; and, far from desponding,
the generals and commodores used their utmost
exertions in strengthening the defences, and-
improving the natural advantages, of the posi
tion. Upon the hills to the eastward and north
ward of the city, a chain of pallisadoed re
doubts, connected by breast-works, with ditches
in front, and well supplied with artillery, was
constructed ; and works were thrown up, and
guns mounted at every spot from which an in-
vsuiing force, either by land or water, could-
"meet with annoyance. The Java frigate, of 60
guns, and two nevv sloops of war, of 22 guns
each, were equipping at Baltimore. There were
also, in the harbor, several guri-boats, each
armed with a long French 36-poUnder, besides
a carronade ; as well as several private-armed
vessels : so that the Americans had, including
their field and regular battery-guns, an imraenso
train of artillery to put in operation against an -
?nemy. As to troops, exclusive of the 16,300
militia, regulars, and flotilla-men, which general .
Winder had been authorized to call out, for the
de'fence of the 10th railitary district, volunteers
were flocking in from Pennsylvania ; and the
seamen and marines of commodores Rodgers,
Perry, and Porter, had ju.st arrived from the
banks of the Potomac, where they had been
" distinguishing" themselves so greatly.

312 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
If any "southern town or city of the United
States was an object of iraraediate attack, it
certainly was Baltiraore. The destruction of
the new frigate and sloops, and of the iraraense
quantities of naval stores, at that ¦ depot, would
have been seriously felt by the Araerican govern
ment'. Yet were the British ships, having on
board the troops, waiting in the Patuxent, tilL
the pa.ssing of the ''^ approaching equinoctial
new moon" should enable them to proceed, with>
safety, upon the unfortunate " plans which had
been concerted previous to the departure of tho
Iphigenia,"* On the 6th of September Came a
flag of truce from Baltimore ; and instantly all •
was bustle and alacrity on board' the British
squadron. The Royal Oak and troop-ships
stood out ofthe Patuxent; and vice-admiral
Cochrane quitting his anchorage off Tangier
island, proceeded with the remainder of the fleet,-
up the bay to North-point, near the entrance" of
the Patapsco river. On the 10th and llth, the
fleet anchored ; and, by 12 o'clock at noon on
the 12th, the whole of the troops and seamen
had disembarked at North-point, in order to
proceed to the iraraediate attack upon Baltiraore,
by land ; while sorae frigates and sloops, the
Erebus, rocket-ship, and flve bombs, ascended •
the Patapsco, to threaten and bombard Fort-
M'Henry, and the other contiguous batteries,
* App. No. 73. ' '

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 313
The amount of the British force that landed
has been variously, and, in every instance,
erroneously, stated by the American historians.
None of these gentlemen estimated the British
loss at Bladensburg and Washington, below
400 men ; Mr. Thomson, indeed, declared it
amounted to "^1000 :"* nor is it pretended, that
any reinforceraent of British troops subsequently
arrived in the Chesapeake. Yet every oneof
our three historians, instead of deducting his own
estim-ate of our loss, adds 2 or 3000 men to hiis
own estiraate of our force, at Bladensburg and
Washington. For instance, doctor Smith, who
stated our force at Bladensburg at " 4000,":]:
states, without assigning any reason for thp,
augmentation, that we brought to Baltiraore
"5000 land troops." || Mr. Thomson, in like
manner, makes his " 6000 regulars, sailors,
and marines," II 8000 soldiers, sailors and
marines;"! and Mr. O'Connor, his " 5000,"||
" between 8 and 9000 men."^ The British
troops that landed, under the coramand of
major-general Koss, at North-point, consisted
of detachments of royal, and marine-artillery,
the remnants of the 1st battalions of the
4th, 21st, and 44th regiments, and the
* Sketches ofthe War, p. 388. " f Ibid. p. 339.
+ See p. 282.
§ Hist, ofthe United States, Vol. III. p. 302.
jj See p. 278. f Hist, of the War, p. 232.

314 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
85th regiment, the 1st and 2d (or Colonial)
battalions of marines, detachments of marines
from the ships, and a body of 600 seamen, under
captain Edward Crofton ; the whole numbering
about 3270 rank and file.
Immediately after landing, the British moved
forward to the city. On arriving at a line of
intrenchraents and abattis, thrown up between
Black river and Humphries's creek on tb©
Patapsco, and distant about three miles frora the
point of landing, sOme opposition was expected ;
but the American dragoons and riflemen, sta
rioned there, fled without flring a shot. At this
time major-general Ross and rear-admiral Cock
burn, along with a guard of 50 or 60 men, were
walking together, considerably a-head of the
advanced or light corapanies ; in order to recon
noitre the enemy. At about 10 o'clock, after
having proceeded about two miles from the
intrenchment, and some distance along a road
flanked by thick woods, they encountered a
division of the enemy, consisting, as we may
gather from Mr. Thorason, of " two corapanies
from the 5th infantry, 150 in number, under
captains Levering and Howard, about 70 rifle
men, under captain Ai.squith, the cavalry,"
under colonel Biays, the amount of which not
being stated, we shall fix at 140, " and 10
artillerists, vvith a 4-pounder coramanded by

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 31.5
lieutenant Stiles;"* in all 370 men, A short
skirmish ensued, and the Americans fell back ;
most of thera taking to the woods. Major-
general Ross, after saying to rear-admiral Cock
burn, — " I'll return and order up the light-
companies," — proceeded to execute his purpPise,
In his way back, alone, by the same road along
which he and his party had just passed, the
major-general received a musket-bullet through
his right arm into his breast, and fell, mortally
wounded. The firing had, at this time, wholly
ceased ; and the expiring general lay on the road,
unheeded, because unseen, either by friend or
foe, till the arrival at the spot of the light-com
panies, who had hastened forward upon hearing'
the musketry. Leaving sorae attendants in
charge Of" the lamented chief, the officer com
manding rushed on ; and it was then that adrai
ral Cockburn learned the loss which the array
and the country had sustained. In a few minutes
he was by the side of his friend : what passed
on that trying occasion, is best given in the
words of the rear-admiral hiraself. f
The death of major-general Ross Was a fatal
blow to the expedition against Baltimore.
Previously to our relating the succeeding events
of that day, we are called aside to correct Ame
rican misrepresentation. Doctor Smith says : —
» Sketches of the War, p. 311. f App. No. 74.

316 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
" General Ross put himself at the head of his
troops to force general Strieker out of the road
to the city," In attempting which he states him
to have been shot,* Mr. Thomson, after having
given the details of the American advanced force,
as already extracted, says: — " This detachment,
having proceeded half a mile, was met by, and
instantly engaged, the enemy's"^— not "advanced
guard," but — " main body. The situation of
the ground would not admit of the co-operation
of the artillery and cavalry; and the infantry
and riflemen sustained the whole action, with
great gallantry; pouring in a rapid and effec
tive flre upon the British column, killing major-
geperal Ross, aud several other officers, and
impeding the advance of the British army.
Having performed the duty required of them by.
geueral Strieker, the whole detachraent with a
trifling loss, fell back, in excellent order, upon
the American line."']' This false and highly
bombastical account is best answered by a short
extract from the American official account, as
quoted in another American work ; and that
work the scrupulous Mr, O'Connors. After
stating that general Strieker had sent forward,
" an advanced corps, under the command of
major Heath, of the 5th regiment;"* Mr.
* Hist, of the United States, Vol. III. p. 302.
+ Sketches of the War, p. 341 i + Hist, of the War, p. 233.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 317
O'Connor, taking the words of general Smyth's
official letter, says : — " ' This advance met the
enemy, and, after some skirmishing, returned to
the line ; the main body of the enemy being at
a short distance in the rear of their advance.' " *
¦This, as we have seen, was the fact ; except that
the nearest British force was not the " raain
body," but. the advance or light-companies,
Mr. O'Connor does not state, when or how gene
ral Ross met his death, raerely, when he comes
to tbe enumeration of our loss, saying :— " Ge
neral Ross, the destroyer of Washington, was
killed," The truth is, the citizens of Baltimore
were not aware, till our accounts reached thera,
vvhat a benefit they had derived from the
chance-shot ofone of their skirmishers.
« As soon as the British main body, now under
the command of colonel Brooke, of the 44th
regiment, closed upon the advance, the whole
moved forward ; and, at about two miles further,
and about five from the city, came in sight of
the American army, drawn up, with .six pieces
of artillery, and a body of cavalry. The exact
amount of this force we have" no raeans of ascer
taining. Mr. Thomson, referring to the " detach
ment" sent forward, on the night of. the llth,
under general Strieker, designates it as composed
>of ." part of his brigade; a light corps of rifle
men, and artillery, from general Stansbury's
* App. No, 77.

318 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
brigade, under major Randal, and several com
panies ofthe Pennsylvania volunteers; amount
ing to 3185 effective men."* This is exclusive
of " 1000 raen stationed at the forts and batte
ries;" and " along the breast-works, about four
times that number ;" * or, upwards of 8000 men,
in the whole. The prisoners estimated their
own force dravvn up, under general Strieker, at
6000 men ¦,-f and Vir. Thomson, by his extracts
frora the British official accounts, has evidently
.seen, although he has not contradicted, these
statements. We may, therefore, safely estimate
the American force, now close in front of a
British force Of 3270 infantry, with two light
fleld-pieces and a howitzer, at 4500 infantry and
cavalry, with six pieces of artillery ; backed as
they were, in case of a retreat, by at least 8000
troops, and those hourly augraenting ; and by
heavy batteries in all directions.
The details of the short battle that ensued
are fully given in colonel Brooke's and rear-
admiral Cockburn's letters. A few extracts from
Mr. Thomson's, will tend to corroborate the
British account. '' The 51st," says he, " which
was ordered to open upon the enemy in his
atterapt to turn the rest of the line, delivered
a loose flre, immediately broke, fled precipitately
froin its ground, and in such confusion, that
* Sketches of the War, p. 340.
f App. Nos. 71. 73. 74. and 75.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 319
every effort to rally it proved ineffectual. The
2d battalion of the 39th, was thrown into dis
order, by the flight of the 51st, and some of its
companies also gave way. The remainder and
the 1st battalion stood firm. Thus 'abandoried
by the retreat of the 51st, general Strieker made
new arrangements for the reception of the
enemy, and opened a general fire upon him,
from the right, left, and centre. The artillery
sent fortb a destructive torrent of canister against
the British left coluran, then atterapting to gain
the cover ofa sraall log-house, in front of the 5th
regiment. Captain Sadtler, with his yagers
from that regiment, who were posted in the
house when the British 4th regiment was
advancing, had, however, taken the precaution
to set fire to it, and the intention of the enemy
was, therefore, defeated. The 6th regiraent
then opened its fire, and the whole line entered
irito an aniraated contest, which continued, with
a severe loss to the enemy, until 15 minutes
before 4 o'clock. ' At that hour, general Strieker,
having inflicted as rauch injury upon the in
vaders as could possibly be expected, frora a line
now about 1400 strong, against a force amount
ing, notwithstanding its losses, to at least 7000
men, ordered his brigade to retire upon the
reserve regiraent ; an order which was well
executed by the whole line, which in a few
minutes rallied upon lieutenant-colonel M'Do-

320 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
nald.. From the point occupied by this regi
ment, general Strieker, in order to refresh his
troops, and prepare them for a second raove
ment of the eneray, retired to a position half a
mile in advance of the left of major-general
Smith's entrenchments. Here he was joined by
general Winder, who, with general Douglass's
Virginia brigade, and theUpited States' dragoons,
under captain Bird, took post upon his left."*
This editor is famous for spinning out a
battle ; nor, is he ever staggered by improba
bilities, how gross soever they may be. After
stating that his gallant countrymen ran away
by whole regiraents, he has the impudence to
contrast the remaining number, or the " line,
now but 1400 strong," with " at least 7000"
British. By his owu account, the Araerican
troops retired four miles and a half, or, "to a
position half a mile in advance," — and, conse
quently, within full range, — "ofthe left of major-
general Smith's intrenchments," before they
could be bronght to a stand, or had any stomach
to "refresh" themselves, against "a second
moveraent ofthe enemy." Not a word is there
of any charge bythe bayonet, which settled the
business so quickly ; nor of the loss of any pieces
of artillery or prisoners.
The British occupied the ground of which the
Americans had been dispossessed ; but were too
* Sketches of the War, p, 342.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 321
much fatigued to follovv up their victory on that
evening. The British loss amounted lo one
general-staff, one subaltern, two serjeants, and
35 rank and file, killed ; seven captains, four
subalterns, 11 serjeants, and 229 rank and file,
wounded ; of the army.* The navy lost one
petty-officer, three searaen, and three marines,
killed ; one officer, six petty-officers, 22 seameri,
and 15 marines, wounded, f Thus, the total
British loss on shore, was 46 killed, and 273
wounded. The great disproportion of wourided
arose from the eraployraent, by the eneiny, of
buck-shot ; J and the magnitude of the loss,
altogether, to the enemy's sheltered position.
The loss of the Americans upon the field, Mr.
Thoriison estimates at 150 ; which is particu
larized, by Mr. O'Connor, as " 20 killed, 90
wounded, and 47 missing." § The last item is
evidently erroneous ; as colonel Brooke carried
away with hira " about 200 prisoners, being
piersons of the best families in the city ;" || and
which number might have been considerably
augmented, did not the immense inferiority of
numbers render the effectiveness of the men for
action a paramount consideration.
Early on the morning of the 13th, colonel
Brooke, leaving a small guard at a meeting
house, from which the enemy had been driven,
* App. No. 72. + Ibid. p. 76. t See p. 147.
§ History of the War, p. 237. 1| App. No. 71 .
VOL, II. Y

322 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
to protect the wounded, moved forward with the
army ; and, at 10 o'clock, occupied a favorable
position, to the eastward of, and distant about
two miles frora, Baltiraore. Frora this point,
the strong defences in and around the city were
plainly to be seen ; and arrangements were made
for storming, during the ensuing night, with the
co-operation ofthe fleet, the American entrenched
camp; at which lay general Strieker and his army,
novv reinforced by Douglas's brigade of Virginia
militia, under general Winder, and the Uniied
States' dragoons, under captain Bird,*
In their way up the Patapsco, several of fhe
frigates and other vessels grounded ; and one
or two of the former did riot get off till the next
day. At about nine o'clock on the morning of
the 13th, the Meteor, ,^tna. Terror, Volcano,
and Devastation, bombs, and the Erebus, rocketf
ship, came to anchor in a position, from which
they could act upon the enemy's fort and bat
teries ; the frigates having already taken their
stations, outside of all. At day-light on the
morning of the 13th, the bombardment com
menced upon, and was returned by, Fort-
M'llenry, theStar-Fort, and the water- batteries
on both sides of the entrance. At about three
o'clock in the afternoon, the four bomb-vesseh
and rocket-ship weighed, and stood further in ;
the latter, to give effect to her rockets, much
* App. No. 77,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 323
nearer than the others. The forts, which had
discontinued their fire on account of the vessels
being out of range, now re-commenced a brisk
cannonade ; but which, although persevered in
for some hours, did not injure a man on board
any of the vessels: two of the bombs only were
slightly strack. The close position of the
Erebus led the comraander-in-chief, whose ship,
the Surprise, was, with the other frigates, at
anchor in the river, to imagine that captain
Bartholomew could nPt maintain his position.
He therefore sent a division of boats to tow out
the Erebus. On seeing the rocket -ship and
bombs withdraw to a greater distance, the
Americans in the batteries were perfectly jus
tified in supposing, that they had " compelled"
the British to retire. " This noisy play," as
Mr. O'Connor calls it, continued, with short
intervals, fill day-light the next morning.
The Araerican official account states, that
two or three rocket-vessels, and barges, suc
ceeded in getting up the Ferry branch, but that
they were soon corapelled to retire, by the forts
in that quarter ; commanded by lieutenant
Newcornb,of the navy, and lieutenant Webster,
of the flotilla. " These forts also destroyed," says
the general, " one of the barges, with all on
board," * Mr, Thorason says : — " Under cover of
the night, the British coramanders despatched a
* App. No. 77,
Y 2

324 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
a fleet of barges to attack and storra Fort-
Covington. The atterapt was repulsed, how
ever, and the assailants refi red, with an immense
loss to their bomb-vessels." * Mr, O'Connor
tells the story thus:' — "Favored by a dark
night, one or two of the enemy'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 proceeded up the
Patapsco, to attack the town in the rear, and,
probably, with a view to efiect a landing,
Frora their new station they commenced a very
warra throwing of bombs and rockets, but were
repaid with such vigor and effect, that the
screams of their wounded could be heard in the
midst of a roar of arras, that made the houses
in the city shake for nearly an hoUr and a
half."t Let us novv see how this story will read in our
way of relating it. In the raiddle of the niglit
of the 13th, a division of 20 boats was detached
up the Ferry branch, to cause a diversion
favorable to the intended assault upon the
enemy's entrenched carap, at the opposite side
of the city. The rain poured in torrents, and
the night was so extremely dark, that 11 ofthe
boats pulled, by mistake, directly for the har
bor. Fortunately, the lights of the city disco-
* Sketches of the War, p. 344.
+ Hist, of the War, p. 236.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 325
vered to the crews their perilous situation, time
enough for them to get back in safety to their
ships. The remaining nine boats, consisting
ofone rocket-boat, five launches, two pinnaces,
and one gig, containing, not " 1200," but — 128
officers, seamen, and marines, under the com
mand of captain Napier, passed up the Ferry
branch, to a considerable distance above Fort-
M'Henry, and opened a heavy fire of rockets and
shotupon the shore; at seve ral parts of which they
could have landed, with ease, had the whole of
their force been together. After having, by
drawing down a considerable nuraber of troops
to the beach, effected their object, the British
stood back with their boats. When just oppo
site to Fort-M'Henry, one of the officers caused
a rocket to be fired : the consequence was, an
immediate discharge of round, grape, and
canister, from the fort and water- batteries
below ; by which one of the boats was slightly
struck, and a raan raortally wounded. Not
another casualty occurred.
It appears that, on the evening of the 13th,
after the boats had been ordered upon this
service, vice-admiral Cochrane sent a messenger
to acquaint colonel Brooke, that, as the entrance
to Baltiraore by sea was entirely obstructed
by a barrier of vessels, sunk at the mouth of
the harbor, defended inside by gun-boats,* a
* App. No. 73,

326 MlJLITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
naval co-operation against the city and en
trenched camp, was found impracticable. The
heavy rain at this tirae falling greatly increased
the difflculty of ascending the .steep hill, upon
which the camp was situated ; and both com
manders concurred in the propriety of imme
diately withdrawing the troops and ships. Af
about half- past one on the raorning of the 14th,
the British troops coraraenced retiring, and
halted at three miles distance. In the course
pf the evening they retired three miles further,
and encaraped for the night. Late on the
morning of the 15th, they moved down to
North-point; and, in the course of that day,
rfe-embarked, without having experienced, during
their slow and deliberate retreat, the slightest
molestation from the enemy. At seven o'clock
on the raorning ofthe 14th, the rocket-ship and
bomb-vessels were called off from the American
batteries ; which are stated to have lost, by the
long continued bombardment, only four raen
killed and 24 wounded. In the course of the
day, the ships stood down the river, and joined
the remainder of the squadron at anchor off
North-point. The American official account is moderate
enough; except in the stateinent respecting the
barges, and which statement general Smith coul4
only have obtained from the commanding office^
of the forts ou the Patapsco. Not a word is said

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 327
about any pursuit of the British. That would
be encroaching upon the duties, and, seemingly,
pleasing ones, too, of the American historian.
'* The excessivefatigueof the troops, all ofwhorn
had been three days and nights under arms, in
the most inclement weather, prevented their
annoyivig the eneray's rear with much effect,
and they made prisoners of none but stragglers
from his army." * If, as sir George Cockburn
says, the Americans " did not venture to look
at " the British upon their retreat, f the former
did not certainly annoy their rear " with much,
effect." Colonel Brooke declares, that not a
man was left behind. J So much, theii, for the
" stragglers" taken. Mr. Thomson's account
has vastiy improved, by passing through the
hands of the ' inventor and sole patentee' of thp-
screaming story. For instance: — "It was im
possible for veterans, or the most, experienced
troops, to act with more firm discipline or cool
courage, than the citizens of Baltiraore, and the
troops engaged, did, on this occasion, with the
exception already raentioned, A pursuit of the
enemy was attempted, without, however, doing
him much injury. Thetroops were so exhausted,
with three days and nights' fatigue, that they
could do little more than pick up a few strag
glers, A l^ne of defences thrown up bj^ the
* Sketches of the War, p. 343. + App. No. 74.
+ :App. No, 71.

328 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
Americans from Black river to Humphries's
creek, on the Patapsco, were used by the enemy
to protect their embarkation."* These are the
stories that carrj;^ off so many editions among the
people of the United States.
Having done with the American accounts ofthe
celebrated Baltimore " demonstration," we have
vet to offer upon it a few remarksofour own. No
Briton but must regret, that any plan of " ulte
rior operations" should have obtruded itself, to
check the progress ofthe attack. With respect to
naval co-operation, it is well knovvn, that the
gallant commanders of the Severn, Euryalus,
Havannah, and Hebrus, frigates, volunteered to
lighten their ships, and lay them close along
side Fort-M'Henry. The possession of this fort
would have enabled us to silence the batteries
on the opposite side of the bay ; and, indeed,
have placed the city completely at our mercy.
The very advance of the British frigates to their
stations would, probably, have led to the des
truction of the Java frigate, and the Erie and
Ontario sloops ; and then we might have retired,
"holding in view the ulterior operations of the
troops," with something more to boast of than,
not merely an empty, but, considering what we
lost by it, a highly disastrous " demonstration."
The troops on shore might, and, no doubt,
would, have succeeded in carrying the enemy's
* Hist, of the War, p. 235.

GRBAT BRIT.UN AND AMERICA. 329i
intrenched carap ; but they could not expect to
succeed further, without a simultaneous attack
by the fleet. Even the nine boats, and their 128
men, caused a considerable diversion of the
enemy's forces : we raay well conceive, then,
what might have been effected, had no " ulte
rior" plan been allowed to interfere.
We cannot dismiss the business at Baltimore,
without bestowing a few words upon an officer,
whose untimely fate has been so universally
deplored. His public services are thus briefly
enuraerated, by the mover, in the house of
commons, for a monuraent to his raeraory.
" General Ross, when raajor Ross, served in the
expedition to Holland, in 1799. He was then
in the 28th regiment, and signalized himself in
repulsing the attacks raade on the lines of sir
Ralph Abercrpmby. Here, displaying the
greatest gallantry, he received a severe wound,
which deprived his country of his services for a
time. In the autumn of 1800, having recovered
from the effects of his wound, he accompanied
his regiment to the Mediterranean, and, shortly
afterwards, served in the expedition to Calabria:
here, in the raeraorable battle of Maida, which
so greatly raised the fame of the British arras,
and particularly by the use raade of the bayonet,
major Ross made himself conspicuous ; and, by
wheeling on the enemy's line, contributed,
perhaps, more than any other circumstance, to

330 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the route of the eneray on that day. Nothing
more occurred to bring him into notice, till he
served in the array*- led by general sir John
Moore, in 1807; and, under that gallant and
laraented commander at the battle of Corunna,
he again shone with no common lustre. In
1812, sailing from Ireland, he joined the army
in the peninsula, and, under the command of
lord Wellington, so distinguished hirnselfin the
battle of Vittoria, that his lordship gave hira the
command of a separate brigade. Now that a
more extended fleld of service lav before him, in
the flrst great battle of the Pyrennees, where the
firmness of the English was most conspicuously
displayed, where the French fought with the
most determined obstinacy, his valor contributed
so much to the glory of that day, that lord
Wellington, in his despatch, stated his brigade
' to have distinguished themselyes beyond all
former precedent; they made four separate
charges with the bayonet, and general Ross had
three horses killed under him.' At the passage
ofthe Nieve, and the battle of Orthes, he dis
played the same undaunted bravery." Another
meraber, who had been intimate with him, said:
— " He possessed the happy skill of conciliating
by his disposition, apd instructing by his
exaraple : he possessed, indeed, all those private
and distinguished qujalifications, by which alone
a commander could acquire the full confidence

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 331
of his men. His military knowledge was great
and complete : for it had been the result of
practice and constant experience; while his
foresight and example in the fleld were such as
to excite the enthusiasm and reverence of those
whom he led to victory." General Ross, it
appears, was but 40 when he fell. Comparing
fhe advantages we derived from the " yictory" at
Baltiraore, with the loss of such a general, we
cannot but regret, that the attack was undertaken
at all ; if not raeant to be persevered in, till either
the ostensible object was gained, or the British
troops had been fairly beaten out of it.
On the 19th of Septeraber, sir Alexander
Cochrane, with the Tonnant and Surprise,
sailed for Halifax, to hasten the construction of
the flat-bottomed boats, intended to be eraployed
in the great expedition on foot ; and on the sarae
day, the Albion, rear-adrairal Cockburn, sailed
for Bermuda, leaving the Royal Oak, rear-admi
ral Malcolm, with sorae frigates and smaller
vessels, and the ships containing the troops, at
anchor in the river Patuxent. On the 27th the
rear-admiral removed to the Potomac ; where,
on the 3d of October, the troops were placed
into boats, and sent up Coan river. In their
way up, tvvo soldiers were wounded, and captain
Kenah, of the Jitna bomb, killed, by musketry
from the shore. Against so powerful a force,
when' once landed, the few militia coiUd not be

332 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
expected to stand : they fired a volley and fled ;
and the troops advanced, past Northumberland
court-house, five railes into the interior. After
taking and scuttling two or three worthless
schooners ; and, according to the American edi
tors, plundering the inhabitants, the troops re-
embarked, and stood down the river to their
ships. The latter, soon afterwards, descended
the Potoraac ; and, on the 14th, rear-admiral
Malcolm, taking with him, the Royal Oak,
Asia, and Ramillies 74s, one or two frigates,
and all the troop-ships and bombs, quitted the
Chesapeake, for the rendezvous at Negril bay,
Jamaica. The officer now left in command at the Che
sapeake, was captaiii Barrie, of the Dragon 74,
recently from Penobscot. He had with him the
Hebrus and Havannah frigates, two armies en
fliite, and the Dauntless and Dotterel sloops.
The land-troops, if worthy the name, at his dis
posal, consisted of about 200 colonial marines,
or refugee-slaves, in barracks, upon the sinall
island of Tangier, lying off the mouth of the
Potoraac; and which had, since early in the
suraraer, been taken possession of by sir George
Cockburn, as a depot for receiving and organ
izing the refugees. The unhealthiness of Tan
gier, and the badness of its harbor, induced
captain Barrie to seize Tilghman's island, a
rauch more eligible spot, and distant onlv 60

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 333
miles from Baltimore. On the 30th of Novem
ber, a boat-expedition, with about 500 seamen
and marines, ascended the river Rappahannock,
as high as the town of Tappahannock, which
they entered without rauch opposition, although
three tiines their number of militia were in the
neighbourhood. The editor of the American
" National Intelligencer," of Deceraber 9, after
having magnified captain Barrie's force to
" 2500 troops," says : " The purpose of the eneiny
seems to be, as heretofore, to steal negroes,
stock, tobacco, &c. plunder the houses within
their reach, and burn what they cannot carry
off." Charges of this description we have
already fully answered. We need only repeat
here, that the " negroes" come off voluntarily ;
the " stock" is amply paid for ; and the '' tobacco"
" good prize, by the maritime law of nations."!
As much of the latter, as the British could not
" carry off," it was right for thera to " burn:"
the charge of " plunder" we can only hope is
groundless. Had that active and enterprising
officer, captain Barrie, really had "2500 troops,"
he would have corapelled Mr. Gales to fill his
colurans with raatter fifty tiraes more important
than the capture of Tappahannock.
. Early in December, rear-admiral Cockburn,
in the Albion, from Bermuda, bringing with
him the Orlando frigate, and some smaller ves-
* Seo p. 192.

3.?4 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
isels, arrived in the Chesapeake, but raerely to
carry away the colonial marines ; with whom,
op the 14th, he proceeded towards Amelia
Island, in East Florida : having left orders for
captain Barrie to follow, with fhe Dragon,
Hebrus, and Regulusi Accordingly, captain
Barrie departed soon afterwards, leaving a few
frigates and sloops in the Chesapeake; and, on
the 10th of January, arrived off Cumberland
Island, the southern-most of the chain along the
coast of Georgia, and separated by Cumberland
Sound from Amelia Island. Rear-admiral
Cockburn not having yet arrived, captain
SomerviUe of the Rota, as the senior officer,
deterrained upon eraploying the two companies
ofthe 2d West India regiment, and the detach
ments of royal marines which had recently
arrived on that coast, in a combined attack
upon the frontier-town of the state of Georgia,
St. Mary's, situated a few miles up the river of
that name, dividing the United States and East
Florida, On the 13fh an attack, with about
700 troops, marines, and seamen, under the
command of captain Barrie, was made on the
fbtt, or key to the entrance of the riv. r, at Point
Petre. This fort mounted two 24, tvvo 18, one
0, and two brass 6-pounders ; trOin which, how-
fever, scarcely a single discharge was made, ere
the garrison abandoned the post, and fled to the
woods in the rear. On the 14th, the combined

.. GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA'. 335
forces, accompanied by the Terror and Devasta
tion bombs, ascended the river to St. Mary'.s.
Contrary to expectation, here, also, no resist
ance was made ; and the town, the shipping in
the harbor, and the merchandize in the stores,
were taken quiet possession of. Soon afterwards
an expedition of boats, went a considerable dis
tance further up the river, and brought down
the Countess of Harcourt East Indiaman, which
had been captured and carried in there by a
Charlestown privateer ; also a beautiful gun
boat, named the Scorpion, a present from the
town of St. Mary's to the United States,
On the 15th of January, rear-admiral Cock
burn, who had been blown off the coast by strong
north-west gales, arrived and took the coraraand ;
and Oil the 22d, the British, after reraoving the
guns, and destroying the fort and barracks, at
Point Petre, descended the river to Cumberland
Island ; of vvhich imraediate possession was
taken. The troops and marines were encamped ;
and the rear-admiral established his head-quar
ters at a very large house, built of tabby;* sur
rounding it with the ordnance brought from
Point Petre. On the 22d of February, eight
launches, two pinnaces, and one gig, containing
186 officers, seamen, and marines, under the
comraand of captain Phillott, of the Primrose
brig, ascended the St. Mary's river, without
* Oyslcr-shuilsj and their cement.

336 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
opposition, 120 miles ; when a heavy fire of
musketry, opening upon them frora each .side,
compelled a retreat. While day-light lasted,
a spirited fire was kept up by the boats ; but,
unfortunately, after dark, the men could not be
restrained from firing, by which they exposed
themselves to the view of their enemy. The
river was, in some parts, so narrow, that a couple
of stout trees, many of which were on the banks,
felled and thrown across, would have corapletely
cut off the retreat ofthe boats. That not having
been done, the boats got back to the island,
with four killed, and 25 wounded.
One of the objects in assembling troops upon
this part of the coast was, to as.sist in a corabined
attack upon the town of Savannah, in Georgia ;
a naval station of no raean importance. The
town stands upon a flat sandy cliff, elevated
about 50 feet above the level of the Savannah
river; is distant frora the sea about 17 railes;
and from St. Mary's, 95 miles. The number
of its inhabitants is about 7000 ; and the quota
of railitia which, by the secretary of war's order
of July the 4th, * the state of Georgia was
required to hold in readiness, amounted to 350
artillery, and 3150 infantry ; total, 3500 men.
The British, since their flrst arrival at Cum
berland island, had been waiting for a rein
forcement, under general Power; but whose
* Seep. 274.

-GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 337
destination, unknown to thera, had been altered.
Without this additional force, it would have
been iraprudent to make the attack. Some other
operations, in which a body of Indians and
Negroes frora the interior of West Florida, was
to co-operate, had also been in agitation. But
the intended junction had been prevented by the
machinations of some o£ those crafty Americans,
who, as " British subjects," living under our own
governraentjWere .so actively eraployed against us,
during the whole of the late war. Consequently
7 or 800 British troops, and 12 ships of war,
including two 74s and three or four frigates,
were allowed to reraain, for several weeks, in a
state of perfect inactivity ; at a tirae, too, when
an iraportant, well-struck blow would have pro
duced so healing an effect. Had it not been
for a coramunication, opened, through the Spa
niards on Amelia Island, with East Florida,
both array and navy would have had their idle
hours still further embittered by a want of sub
sistence.

VOL. II.

338 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
CHAPTER XXI.
Expedition io New Orleans^Briiish at Pensacola,
and Barataria — Trick played by the Baratarian
commandant — Secret act of the American con
gress to take possession of West Florida — Posses
sion taken of Mobile — Erection of Fort-Bowyer
— Attack upon it by four British sloops of war
— Loss of the Hermes — -Brief description of
Louisiana and New Orleans — Arrival of ihe
British fleet off Chandeleur island — Capture of
flve American gun-boats near Lake Bor gne—
Proclamation of martial law by general Jackson
—Scheming flag of truce— Its ohject defeated —
Disembarkation of the flrst division of British
troops-'— Description of the ground qf operations
—Arrival of British advance at VillerS's — Ge
neral Wilkinson's strictures upon the route chosen
by the British — Deception as to ihe strength of
Petite Coquille fort— Accidental low estimate of
the British force at Villeri's — Prompt advance
of major-general Jackson — U. S, schooner Car O"
lina — Battle of ihe 23d of December — Destruc
tion of ihe Carolina by hot shot — Escape of the
U. S. ship Louisiana — Arrival of sir Edward Pa
kenham — Strength of ihe British forces — Pro
posed attack in the rear of New Orleans — lis
non-adoption — Description of general Jackson's
lines of defence — Demonstration of the 2Sth of De
cember— Destructive flre of the Louisiana — Ame
rican batteries on the opposite side of ihe river —
Arrival of ship-guns, and et eclion of battery by ihe
British — Continued cannonade — Mutual rein-

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 339
forcements^ General Morgan's lines on the oppo
site bank— British and American forcesr— Battle
of the Sih of January — Fatal neglect to bring up
the fascines and ladders — Death of major-gene
rals Pakenham and Gibbs — Misbehaviour of two
regiments — Gallant behaviour of a division of th§
left brigade — Repulse of the British — Strictures
upon the attack, by American officers — Launch
ing of the boats into the Mississippi — Successful
attack upon ihe American intrenchments on the
right bank — Fatal dfference of opinion respect
ing the possibility of holding that position-r-^Its
immediate evacuation — Short suspension of hosti
lities — Bombardment of Fort St. Philip- — Retreat
qfthe British from before New Orleans-— The total
loss on both sides— -American bombast-r-rPrench
general Humbert — Some particulars relative to
general Jackson — His honorable conduct — De
parture of the British fleet — Surrender of Fort-
Bowyer without a shot's being flred ai ii — Treaty
of peace — Canadian preparations for ihe ensuing
campaign — Brief remarks on the treaty, and on
the advantages which the Americans have gained
by the war.
Jb ROM the paragraphs that appeared in several
ofthe London prints of May and June, 1814,
there is no doubt that the conquest of Louisiana
had been submitted to the British government,
as a measure of no difficult attainment. It
was thought, perhaps, that the Louisianians,
consisting chiefly of French and Spaniards,
were disaffected towards the government of the
z 2

340 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
United States, and would rather aid, than oppose
the landing of a British array. This hazardous,
and, as it proved, fallacious conjecture, was
suffered to over-balance all apprehension of
danger from the thousands of armed inhabitants
of the west and north-western territories, that
could descend the Mississippi, and prevent any
thing like a permanent occupation of the ca
pital of Louisiana. There were not, it is true,
any American 74s, or 60-gun frigates, building or
lying blockaded at New Orleans ; but those
who suggested the expedition well knew that,
as the cotton crops of Louisiana, and of the
Missis.sippi territory, had been for some years in
accumulation, the city-warehouses contained
merchandize to an immense amount. Indeed,
considering that New Orleans vvas the emporium
of the annually increasing productions of a great
portion of the western states, the enormous sura
of 3000000/. was, perhaps, not an over-estiraate
of what, in the event of even a temporary pos
session of that city, would have been shared by
the captors.
Scarcely had the people of New Orleans read,
in the pages of their newspapers, admiral Coch
rane's threatening letter and its reply, and been
assured by their governor, that the British had
expressed a determination " of wresting Loui
siana from the hands of the United States, and
restoring it to Spain," than accounts arrived,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 341
that the British were exciting the Indians, and,
by proclamations dated from Pensacola, in West
Florida, endeavouring to persuade the inhabi
tants of Louisiana and Kentucky, to shake off
their allegiance, and join the Britis.h standard.
Alraost at the same instant they received accounts
that sorae British officers had been trying to gain
over the Baratarian freebooters, upwards of 200 in
nuraber ; not only as pilots for that intricate coast,
but as active allies in the contemplated invasion.
Mr. Laffite, the commandant, played a deep
garae with the British officers. He received,
with seeming acquiescence, all their communi
cations on the subject, and then forwarded them
to the govemor of Louisiana. He had, at that
tirae, in the gaol of New Orleans, loaded with
irons, a brother ; whose liberation he, no doubt,
hoped to effect. In short, Mr. Laffite not only
betrayed the British, but offered the services of
bimself and his hardy band, in defending the
important point of the state of which they had
taken possession. These men fulfilled the pledge
given by their commandant lo governor Clai
borne ; and, along with Mr. Laffite's brother,
received, in the end, a full pardon from the
president of the United States,
It is necessary now to mention, that a secret
law passed the congress of the United States, as
eariy asthe 12th of February, 18J3, authorizing
t.je president "to occupy and hold all that

342 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
tract of couritrj^i called West Florida, which
lies v^'est of the Perdido, not now in the posses-
siPn of the United States." * On the 14th of
March, the order to take possession reached
major-general Wilkinson, then the commanding
officer of the United States' troops within th6
territories of NeW Orleans and the Mississippi;
and, on the 15th of April, taking with him a
strong naval and military force, the general
possessed himself^ without opposition, but not
without remonstrance, of Fort-Charlotte, near
the town of Mobile. General Wilkinsoori, soon
afterwards, constructed a fort upPn Mobile-
point, forming the extremity of a peninsula,
whieh is joined to the continent by an isthmus,
four miles wide, dividing the river and bay of
BonSecours frora the bay of Perdido.
This fort, named Fort-Bowyer, raountedj ill
September^ 1814, says an American editor, two
24, six 12, eight 9, and four 4-pounders ; and
contained a garrison of only 130 men ;f yet,
lyhen we took possession of Fort-Bowyer, in
Febi'liary, 1815, up to which date no reinforce-
irient of guns appeal's to have been sent to it,
the fort raounted, exclusive of one long 24,
and two 9-pound'ers outside, three 32, eight
^4, si.\ 12, five 9, "hnd one 4-pounder; also one
8-inch mortar, and one 5|-inch howitiPr ; total
« Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. Ill, p. 340,
t Jjatour's War in Louisiana, p. 34.

-GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 343
28 guns. Its garrison, under the same comman
der too, consisted, at this time, of 375 officers
and soldiers,*
On the morning of thel2tb, M.M.S. Hermes,
of 22, Carron, of 20, and Sophie and Childers,
of 18 guns each, under the orders of captain W,
H. Percy, of the first-named ship, anchored on
the coast, about six miles to the eastward of
Fort-Bowyer; which this officer had unadvisedly
determined to attack. The ships, with great
difficulty, owing to the narrowness ofthe chan
nel, and the numerous shoals, arrived, on the
afternoon of the 15th, in the neighbourhood of
the fort. The Hermes, at last, gained a station
within musket-shot distance ; the Sophie, Carron,
and Childers, anchoring in a line a-Stern of her.
Previously to this, a detachment of, not " 120"']"
but 60 marines, and not " 600"t but 120 In
dians, with a 5|-inch howitzer, but no " 12-
pounder," under the orders of major Nicolls, of
the marines, had disembarked on the peninsula.
Sixty of the Indians, under lieutenant Castle,
had been detached to secure the pass of Bonse-
cours, 27 railes to the eastward of the fort ; so
that major Nicolls had, under his comraand, not
730, -f but 120 marines and Indians.
The great distance at which the Carron and
Childers had unavoidably anchored, confined tbe
effective cannonade, on the part of the British, to
* Appendix, No, 112,
^ Latour's War in Lonisiaiiii, p. 40.

344 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the Hermes and Sophie ; nor was the latter's fire
of much use, as, owing to the rottenness of her
timbers, and her defective equipment, her car
ronades drew or turned over at every fire. The
Hermes, before she had fired many broadsides,
'•' having her cable cut, was carried away by
the current, and presented her head to the fort.
In that position she remained from 15 to 20
minutes, whilst the raking fire from the fort
swept, fore and aft, alraost every thing on deck."*
Soon afterwards the Hermes grounded, directly
in front of the fort. Every means to get her off
having failed, captain Percy, taking out of her
the whole of his wounded, set her on fire. He
had but one boat left, and that with only three
oars. As a proof of the American ca})t.ain
Lawrence's " characteristic humanity," the
fort, on this " memorable day for the garri
son," fired round and. grape at the boat,
till she got out of gun-shot. The Hermes and
Sophie were the only vessels that sustained
any injury. The loss of the one vvas 25 men
killed, and 24 wounded ; of the other, six
killed, and 16 wounded ; total, with one ma
rine killed on shore, 32 killed, and 40 wounded :
while the American editors, major Latour inclu
sive, have made fftie British loss before Fort-
Bowyer, 162 killed, and 70 wounded. f The
Americans acknowledge a loss of four killed, and
fonr wounded, -f No event of the war has been
* I^atour's War in Loi^isiana, p., 38 + ^id. p. 40.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 345
made more of than the indiscreet attack upon
Fort-Bovv.yer.. Major Latour, raisnaraing one
vessel, and converting into frigate-built ships the
corvettes Hermes and Carron, gives each of the
latter " twenty eight 32-pound carronades,"*
and crews in proportion. He, then, states the
whole " effective British force at 92 guns, and
1330 men ;"* which he modestly opposes to eight
guns, (all that he says would bear,) and 130 raen.
Where did this writer learn, that both broad
sides of a ship can act together, upon a single
object? Major Latour, palpably ridiculous as
his statements are, has, however, no criticisra to
dread in the United States of Araerica.
The attack upon- EortTBowyer unmasking, at
once, the designs of the British upon Louisiana,
major-general Jackson, of the United States?
army, who, having superseded general Wilkin
son, was at this time at Mobile, began raaking
defensive arrangeraents ; and, araong thera,
adopted the extraordinary resolution of taking
possession, " vvithout waiting for the authority
of his government," ¦]• of the Spanish post of
Pensacola, and the contiguous forts. Having
assembled 4000 troops, he was enabled, through
the treachery of the Spanish governor, to effect
his object, on the 7th and Sth of November,
without bloodshed. Leaving garrisons in the
captured forts, the major-general, with the
* Latour'sWar in Louis, p. 40. + Sketches of theWar, p. 346.

346 MILITARY OCCtTRRENCES BETWEEN
remainder of his troops, departed for New Or
leans ; where he arrived on the 2d of Decem
ber. Since the lOtli of the preceding month,
the governor of Louisiana had inforraed the le
gislature, that the British were about to attack
the state, with from 12 to 15000 men ; and that
he was in daily expectation of considerable re
inforceraents frora Kentucky and Tennessee.
Without a brief description of Louisiana, and
particularly of the line of raaritime invasion to
which New Orleans is exposed, the important
Operations about to be detailed, will not be so
readily understood. The boundaries of Loui
siana may be seen upon any map of the North
American continent : it is only necessary here
to state, that this great expanse of territory has
a frontier, with the Spanish internal provinces
of 1900 miles; a line of sea-coast, on the Pacific
Ocean, of 500 miles ; a frontier with the British
dominions of 1700 miles ; thence, following the
Mississippi, by comparative course, 1400 miles;
and along the gulf of Mexico 700 miles : from
the mouth ofthe Perdido to the 31'' N. latitude,
40 miles ; along the latter parallel, 240 miles ;
having an outline of 6480 miles, and 1352860
square miles of surface.* The parish of New
Orleans is bounded north by Lake Pontchartrain
and the Rigolets, east by lake Borgne and the
parish of Plaquemines, south-east by the gulf
* JDarby's Louisian?, p. 12.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AM£HICA> 347
of Mexico, and west by the parishes of St. Ber
nard and the intiirior of Lefourche ; possessing
an area of 1300 square miles. The city of New Or
leans, the capital of the parish, and of the state
of Louisiana, stands upon the left bank of the
Mississippi, 105 railes, following the streara, and
90 railes, in a direct line, from its raouth. The
present population of the city is estimated at
23242 persons. * The line pf maritime invasion
extends from Lake Pontchartrain, on the east,
to the river Tesche, on the west, intersected by
several bays, inlets, and rivers, which furnish
avenues of approach to thfe metropolis. But the
flatness of the coast is every where unfavorable
for the debarkation Pf trPopS; and the bays and
inlets being all obstructed by shoals or bars, no
landing can be effected, but by boats, except
up the Mississippi; and that has a bar at its
mouth, which shoals to 13 or 14 feet water.
On the 7th of December, commodore Patter
son, the naval commander at New Orleans, re
ceived a letter from Pensacola, dated on the 5th,
stating that a British fleet of 60 sail, having on
board a large body of troops, had arrived off the
bar, and were destined fbr New Orleans. The
commodore immediately ordered the gun-boats
at the station to proceed to the paSsCs Mariana
and Christiana, leading into lake Borgne ; by
which, and lake PPntchartrain, it wks thought
* Darby's Lauisiana, p, lg).

348 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the British would make their approaches. As
an additional protection, the Rigolets, forming
the communication between lakes Borgne and
Pontchartrain, were defended by a small work,
naraed Petite Coquille fort. Detachraents of
troops had also been sent out, to fell tiraber
across every small bayou or creek, leading from
the lakes ; and through which a pa.ssage for
boats could be afforded. The precaution vvas
even taken, in some of the bayous, to sink large
frames, and then fill thera w ith earth. To prevent
any approach by the Mississippi, general Jack
son went hiraself to superintend the direction of
the defences at Fort St. Philip, situated on the
left bank of the river, about 40 miles from the
Balize. Besides increasing the strength of this
fort, the general ordered the immediate construc
tion of two batteries on the opposite side of the
river. It is now time to attend to the progress
ofthe expedition.
On the Sth of December, vice-admiral Coch
rane, in the Tonnant, along with several other
ships, arrived and anchored off the Chandeleur
islands. On the same day, two of the Araerican
gun-boats fired at the Armide as she, along
with the Seahorse and Sophie, w as passing down,
within the chain of small islands that runs
parallel to the shore, from Mobile towards Lake
Borgne. Three other gun-boats vvere presently
discovered cruizing in the lake. On the 10th,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 349
llth, and 12th, the reinainder of the men-of-war
and troop-ships arrived ; the 74s anchoring off
Chandeleur island; the frigates and sraaller ves
sels between Cat island and the main, not far from
the entrance to Lake Borgne. The commander bf
the American gun-boats, fearing an attack, had,
since the llth, put his boats in the best possible
condition.* The bayou Catalan, or Bienvenu,
at the head of Lake Borgne being the con
templated point of disembarkation, the distance
from the anchorage at Cat island to the bayou
6-2 miles, and the principal means of transport
open boats, it became impossible that any move
ment of the troops could take place, until these
gun-boats were destroyed. It was also an
object to get possession of them in a service
able state, that they might assist, as well in
transporting the troops, as in the attack of any
of the enemy's forts in the route; therefore,
42 launches, armed with 24, 18, and 12-pound
carronades, and three unarmed gigs, carrying,
altogether, about 980 seamen and marines,
placed under the orders of captain Lockyer, of
the Sophie, left the ships op the night of the 12th.
For the details of the short battle, ending in
the capture of five gun-boats, and an arraed sloop,
the reader is referred to the British and American
official accounts ; -^ upon the latter of vvhich we
shall proceed to raake a few observations.
*¦ Latour's War in Louisiana, p 69.
+ App. Nos. 78. 79. 80. 81. and 82.

330 MILITARY OCPURRENCBS BETWEEN
It does not appear, by ^ptain Lockyer^s
letter, than any attack was made upon the Sea*-
hpi'se. Her destruction, therefore, by her com
mander, could only have been from a dread that
she would be attacked ; or, if she was attacked, no
difficulty, and no casualties beyond her destruc
tion, occurred on either side. This is confirmed,
as well by the Araerican return of loss, as by
the proceedings ofthe court of inquiry, held upon
captain Jones and his officers ; in which neither
the Seahorse nor Mr. Johnson, her comraander,
js at all named, Capta;in Jones seems to have
mistaken the hour at which captain Roberts
was detached to take the Alligator, for the time
of her capture ; from which service the division
of boats did not return, till the capture of gun
boat No, 1^6 had been effected. The " delibe
rate fire" from one long 32, and four long 24s,
did, owing to the tardy approach of the boats
against " the force of the current," produce
" much effect ;" and, till the latter came within
range of their carronades, could not be re
turned. It is singular that a viriter, who gives
captain Jones's letter in his Appendix, should
describe the latter's " objects of so sraall a size,''
as " barges alraost as large as the gup-boats
theraselves."* Captain Jones says, " two boats
sank." We can assure him, that no other
boat sank than the Tonuant's launch ; and
* Latour's War in Lonisiaaa, p. 61.

GREAT BB1TA4N AND AMERICA. 831
every man in her was saved. The court of
inquiry has preferred " several barges"* to " twp
boats," Major Latour himself thinks " a great
number of barges and launches" f better thau
either. Captain Jones's account of the duration
ofthe action must include the time during which,
for the reasons already given, he had the firing
all to himself. In less than 20 ininutes after
the British got alongside of the flag gun-boat,
the whole five vessels were in their possession.
The defence of the coraraodore's gun-boat did
credit to all on board ; nor could the others, wheu
she was captured, have possibly withstood the
force operating against thera. It is captain Jones'^
commentators with whom we have more parti
cularly to do. This officer raust excuse us for
remarking, that his " correct statement" would
better have deserved the name, had he contrasted
the nature and caliber, as well as the number,
of his own, with the number and caliber of his
enemy's guns. Why omit to notice the 13
swivels, or half-pounders, or the two 5§ inch
howitzers, which were captured among his guns?
We will not dispute the numbers of his "eflfective^'
crews; yet, according to major Latour^ tlte
effective crew of gun-boat No. 65, which bad
been left to assist in guarding the Mississippi,
amounted to 40 raen. J This gentleman's zeaJ
* Latour'sWar in Lonisiana, p. cxxsiit. t Ihid. 61.
J Ibid. p. 191.

352 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
has carried him rather too far. Out ofthe state
ment in captain Jones's letter, that his vessels;
at 2 P.M. on the 13th, " were in 12 or 1 8 inches
less water than their draught," the major has
made out that, in the action on the 14th, " it
was impossible forthe gun-boats to manoeuvre,"
because " several of thera were sunk 18 inches
in the mud;"* and this, in spite of captain
Jones's statement :" At 3, 30, (on the 13th,) the
flood-tide had commenced ; got under weigh,
making the best of my way towards the Petite
Coquille." § Captain Jones, in his estiraate of
our loss, rather over-rated the prowess of his
men, as will be seen by the British returns. J
Major Latour, as a proof how much he is influ
enced by " the duty of impartiality" and a " due
regard to truth," scruples not to account for
nearly two-thirds of this loss, by, what he calls, the
"plain fact," — that "180 raen went down in one
of the barges which were sunk." ¦]• After having
already stated that no barge was sunk, nor men
drowned, we have only to add, that the largest
number of raen in any one of the barges was 31.
If we seera to pass over our old friends Messieurs
Thomson, O'Connor, and Sraith, it is not be
cause their statements are less extravagant than
those of our two new acquaintances, but because
the latter enter more largely into the events of
* Latour's Warin Louisiana, p. 61. + Ibid p. 235.
X App. No. 79, § App. No, 80.

Men,

Gnns.

1200

43

182

23

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 353
the Louisiana war. Mr, John Henry Eaton, the
biographist of general JacksonJ taking the hint
from major Latour, about the Araerican gun
boats and. British barges being nearly of the
same size, presents his readers with the follow-.
ing statement : — Boats,
" The British had 43
The Americans, 5
38 1018 '20"* ¦
Nothing could happen better ; because it gives
us an opportunity of exhibiting a statement also.
Supposing Mr, Eaton not to have knovvn, that
the sraallest of his " boats" was 75 tons burthen,
the History of the Tripolitan W^ar would have
informed hira, that two or three of thera hdd
crossed the Atlantic and back in safety. Now
for our stateraent : —
United States' " boat" " His Britannic Majesty's
No. 23. brig Hunter." +
Broadside-metal f long guns, 50 16
in pounds, \ carronades, 9 12
 59  28
Complement, 41 39
Size in tons, 112 74
And did not the American comraodore Mac
donough, in an official letter, designate two
British vessels, the largest of which was two
tons sraaller than Mr, Eaton's " boat," as " two
sloops of war"?:]; We need only add to what
has already appeared respecting the state of
* Eaton's Life of Jackson, p. 261.
+ Nav. Hist, of the United States, Vol. I. p. 24fl
+ James'sNav. Occur, p; 420.
VOL. II. A A

354 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
equipment of American gun-boats, * that thosP
taken by captain Lockyer had polished mahogany
traversing gun-carriages, and were lavishly sup
plied with ordnance-stores of every descrip
tion. The capture of the gun-boats having thus left
open the entrance by the lakes, great consterna
tion prevailed at New Orleans. General Jack
son, with a promptitude highly fo his credit,
redoubled his exertions ; and, with what, in
our despotic country, would be considered a
stretch of power, proclaimed martial law. By
way of sounding the British as to the route they
meant to take, coramodore Patterson, on the
15th of December, sent a purser and doctor of
the navy, with a flag, under pretence " of
obtaining correct inforraation as to the situatioQ
of the officers and crews made prisoners ou board
the gun-boats, and of endeavouring to obtain
their being suffered to return to town on parole."f
Adrairal Cochrane very properly told them,
" that their visit was unseasonable, and that he
could not permit thera to return, until the
intended attack was made, and the fate of New
Orleans decided.''^ This was construed into a
" wanton outrage OP propriety," and all sorts of
abuse lavished upon the British character.
On the 16th the first division of troops, con
sisting of the 85th regiment, landed at Isle aux
Poix, a small swampy spot, at the raouth of
• See p. 200. + Latour's War in Louisiana, p. 75.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 355
the Pearl river ; about 30 miles frora the anchor
age, and nearly the same distance from the
bayou Catalan, or Bienvenu, intended as the
point of disembarkation. Various causes, as
detailed in admiral Cochrane's letter,* delayed
the arrival ofthe boats at the fishermen's village,
near the entrance ofthe bayou, till midnight on
the 22d ; when, immediately, the advance, con
sisting of 760 rank and file of the 4th, 402 rank
and file of the 85th, and 396 rank and file ofthe
95th regiments, also 100 sapperSj miners, and
artillery men, with two 3-pounders, and 30
rocketeers, in all 1688 raen, under the coramand
of colonel Thornton of the 85th, coraraenced
ascending the bayou Mazant, or principal
branch of the Bienvenu ; and, at four o'clock
on the following morning, landed at the extre
mity of Villere's canal, running from the bayou
Mazant, towards the Mississippi.
As the country around New Orleans possesses
very peculiar features, a slight digression may
be necessary. The bayou Bienvenu is the creek
through which all the waters of a large basin,
or swarap, about 80 miles in extent, bounded on
the north by the Mississippi, on the west by
New Orieans, on the north-west, by bayou Sau
vage, or Chef-raenteur, and on the east by Lake
Borgne, into which it empties. It receives the
streams of several other bayous, forined by the
* App. No. 99,
A A 2

356 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
waters of the surrounding cypress swaraps and
prairies, as well as of innumerable little streams
fromthe low grounds along the river. It is naviga
ble for vessels of 100 tons, 12 miles from its mouth.
Its breadth is from 110 to 150 yards, and it has
six feet Water on the bar, at common tides, and
nine feet at spring tides. Its principal branch
is that which is called bayou Mazant, which
runs towards the south-west, and receives the
waters ofthe canals ofthe plantations of Viller6,
Lacoste, and Laronde, upon which the British
afterwards established their principal encarap
ment. The level ofthe great basin, on the bank
ofthe principal bayou, is usually 12 feet below
the banks of the Mississippi, The overflowing
of the waters of all those bayous and canals,
occasioned by the tide of the sea, or by the winds
raising the waters inthe lake, forras, on all their
banks, deposits of slirae, w hich are continually
raising thera above the rest of the .soil ; so that
the interval between two bayous is below the
level of their banks, and the soil is generally
covered with water and mud, in which aquatic
plants, or large reeds, of the height of frora six
to eight feet, grow in abundance. It sometiraes
happens that the rains, or the filtrated waters,
collected in these intervals, or basins, not finding
a vent, forra vvhat are called trembling prairi^;
which are at all times irapassable to raen and
doraestic aniraals. The land in Lower Louisiana
slopes in the inverse direction of the soil of other

r.REAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 357
countries, being most elevated on the sides of
the rivers, and sinking as it recedes from them.
The Mississippi, at New Orleans, periodically
swells 14 or 1.5 feet ; and is then from three to
four feet above the level of its banks. To con
fine its waters within its bed, dikes or ramparts,
called in Louisiana levies, have been raised on
its banks, frora the highlands towards its moiith,
a little above the level of the highest swPlls ;
without which precaution, the lands would be
entirely overflovyed, from four to five months ih
the year. The reader will novv be better able
to appreciate the difficulties our troops and
seamen had to encounter, in transporting them
selves, their baggage, provisions, and ai-tillery,
to the scene of operations on the left bank
ofthe Mississippi.
The spot at which the British, advance had
landed, was about a mile frora a cypress wood,
or swarap, of nearly a raile and a half in depth,
running parallel to the Mississippi; between
which and the border of the wood, is a slip
of land, frora 15 to 1700 yards wide, inter
sected by strong horizontal railings, and seve
ral wet ditches, or canals, and principally
planted with sugar canes. Several large
houses, with their out-offices and negro-huts,
are scattered, at irregular distances, over this
tract ; along which passes, near to the lev^e, or
bank of the river, the high road to New Orleans,

858 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
At about noon on the 23d, the piquets of the
British advanced division arrived at M. Villere's
house, .standing upon the road-side, at the dis
tance of about six miles from the city. Here a
company of the 3d regiraent of militia was
surprised and captured. Soon afterwards,
colonel Thornton, with the remainder of his
division, arrived, and bivouacked upon the
higher ground of the plantation, or that nearest to
the river. This point had been reconnoitered,
eince the night of the 18th, by the honorable
captain Spencer, ofthe Carron, and lieutenant
Peddie, of the quarter-master-general's depart
ment. These officers, with a smuggler as their
guide, had pulled up the bayou in a canoe, and
advanced to the high road, without seeing any
persons, or preparations.
After general Wilkinson, whose local know
ledge in this quarter no one will dispute, has
stated, that lieutenant Jones, ofthe late Araeri
can flotilla, in answer to the particular enquiries
put to hira respecting the strength of Foft-
Coquille, defending the entrance to Lake Pont-
chartraine, reported it to raount, instead of eight,
 "40 pieces of artilley," and to be garrisoned
by, not 50, — but " 500 raen," and that, in con
sequence of the supposed strength of that posi
tion, the British deterrained to advance by the
bayou Bienvenu, he says : — '? To this direcUon
of the invaders, and their halt after they had

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 359
reached the bank ofthe Mi.s^issippi, may, under
God, be ascribed the salvation of New Orleans,
and general Jackson's merited farae. By this
approach, the eneray placed the American army
in their front, leaving its rear open to every
species of resource, and its flanks perfectly
secured by the river and the cypress swamps ; a
situation the most desirable to a military dhief,
because it enables him to condense his force,
and disembarrass his mind of every care and
every concern, but that of marshalling his men
and preparing for battle. Yet, as the enemy
had, unperceived, got within two hours' march
of the city, if they had proceeded directly for.-
ward, the advantages of general Jackson's posi>>
tion, which aftervvards becarae all impprtant,
could not have availed him ; because the enemy
would have carried surprise with them, would
have found the American corps dispersed, *
without concert, and unprepared for combat ;
and, making the attack with a superior nume
rical force of disciplined troops, against a body
composed chiefly of irregulars : under such cir
cumstances, no soldier of experience will pause
for a conclusion. The most heroic bravery
would have proved unavailing, and the capital
ef Louisiana, with its millions of property.
Would have been lost. But, blinded by con
fidence, beguiled by calculations injurious to
? App. No. 85.

360 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
the honor of the high-mettled patriot-sons of
Louisiana, and considering the game safe, they
gave themselves up to security, took repose, and
waited for reinforcements." *
Why the British did not approach by tbe'way
of Lake Pontchartrain, and take the city of New
Orleans in the rear, the general has himself,
partly explained, in the ruse de guerre of lieuten
ant Jones, or, rather, of Mr. Shields, cPrampdore
Patterson's purser. We say, partly explained,
because we know this route was suggested by
several experienced British officers. Had general
Wilkinson been aware that, instead of " 4980,"
major-general Keane, even when his reinforce
ment came up at 10 o'clock on the night of the
23d, had only 2050 men ; and had the generpi
reflected, what labour and fatigue these men
had undergone since their departure from Isle
aux Poix, on the morning of the preceding day,
he would not have conderaned the British for
taking repose on their arrival at Viller6's ; raore
especially, when, instead of *' 3000," or, as
major Letour says, " 5000," the British had
been informed by Mr. Ducros, and several other
prisoners-, (who, the night previous, had, settled
their plans,) that there were from " 13 to 14000"
troops in the city, and from" 3 to 4000" at, a
fort at the "English turn," | a bend of the
* Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 537. ¦ '
t Latour's War in Louisiana, p. 104. % Ibid. p. 86,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 361
river, pbout 10 railes below the British
encarapment. . . '
General Jackson received intelligence ofthe ar
rival ofthe British at Viller6's farm,, at abput two
o'clock P.M- on the 23d ; and raajor Letour, who
was the reconnoitring officer, "judged that their
number must araount to 16 or 1800." * Not
satisfled with this account, raajor-general Jackr
son sent forward " colonel Haynes, inspector
general of the division ;" but, says majpr Latour,
" he had noppportunity to form a correct estiraate
of their nuraber, whichhe raade to araount tp
no raore than 200 men." Here we have an imr
portant^fact ; accounting for general Jack.son's
ready advance to the attack ; and affording
an answer to the loads of bombastical
stuff, so characteristic of American accounts.
Major Latour gives a detailed estimate of
general Jackson's force, on this occasion,
making it amount to " 2131 men." 'f The Ca^
rolina^ schooner, vvhich combined in the attack,
mounted tw.elve 12-pound carrpnades, and
two long gunspf the same ca,liber, vvith a crew
of about 90 men. When she opened her , fire,
several British soldierSj taking her to be an
unarmed vessel, were actually standing upon
the lev^e, looking at her. The Caroline had not,
,at this time, any other vessel in company ,t
The reinforcement that reached colonel Thorn,-
;fJiatour'sWarinLou|s.p. 88. fib. p. 105. t App. No. 83,

S6'2 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
ton on the night of the attack araounted, not to
" 2900 raen," but to only 230 rank and file of
the 21st, and 140 rank and file of the 9Sd regi
ments; total 370 raen: making the aggregate
British force, just at the close of the attack,
2050 men. With these explanatory particulars
before him, the reader can take the details of
the battle from the official accounts on both
sides.* The American commentators, particu
larly our two new historians, have indulged
themselves in such a rhapsody of falsehoods and
contradictions, that we shall leave their "faithful
histories" to work their own effect. On the
morning of the 24th, the United States' ship
Louisiana, of sixteen long 12-pounders, and
a crew of upwards of 130 men, joined the Caro
lina. The loss of the British, on the 23d and
24th, the details of which are given in the official
return,"]" amounted to 46 killed, 167 wounded,
and 6'2 missing : total 275. The Americans,
who, as the British 3-pounders were not brought
into use, had only musketry to contend with,
sustained a loss, on the 23d, as particularized
^h their return,;}: of 24 killed, 115 wounded,
and 74 missing ; total 213.
The enemy's ship and schooner continuing a
heavy pnd destructive cannonade upon the
British trpops, a battery of, not as major Latour
says, " several 12 and 18-pounders," but of five
*App. No. 83, 85, and 87. +App. No.8l. | App. No. 86.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 363
9 and 6-pounders, the heaviest artillery which
had then been got up, was, by day-light on the
morning ofthe 27th, in readiness to act. The
second hot shot lodged in the schooner's main-
hold, under her cables, and presently set her on
fire. Soon afterwards, her crew, with the
loss of one killed and six wounded, took to their
boats, and reached the shore. By some gross
mismanagement on our part, the artillery,
instead of being, immediately that the Carolina
was seen to be on fire, directed against the
powerful ship Louisiana, whose *' powder-
magazine was above water,"* continued to
play upon the flaming wreck. When the latter
exploded, which was not till an hour after
the commencement of the flring, the British
guns were directed against the ship ; but her
commander, aware of the danger to which the
situation of his magazine exposed him, had
wisely employed " 100 men of his crew," * in
towing the Louisiana out of gun-shot.
Since the evening of the 25th, major-general
sir Edward Pakenham, and major-general Gibbs,
had arrived at head-quarters ; the former to
take command of the array, now augraeuted, by
fresh arrivals frora the anchorage, to about,— r^not,
as major Latour says, " 9 or 10000,"t but — 504Q
rank and flie. The prevailing frosts had greatly
improved the road from the landing place ; and
* Latour's War jn Louisiana, p. 118. + |bi4. p. l?l.

364 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
rendered a passage across the swaraps, in most
directions, less difficult than usual. At this
time the real strength of Fort-Coquille was gene
rally known in camp; and sorae one proposed
forthe army to be moved back, by a route
pointed out, to Lake Poptchartrain ; and thence,
after taking the forts Coquille and St. John, (in
which there would be no difficulty,) to proceed
down bayou St. John, to the rear of New Orleans.
The attack in front, with such an army, was,
however, thought to be the readiest, as it cer
tainly was the boldest mode.
There is no means of judging ofthe strength of
the Araerican position, but by a full description.
Fortunately, we are enabled to give that in the
very words of the engineer who superintended
the construction ofthe lines. By way of still
further elucidation, we have made use of major
Latour's plan or sketch;* which, although it has
reference to the operations ofa subsequent day,
represents, except as to some of the guns, the
same lines which were now about to be attacked.
— " Jackson's lines, within flve miles ofthe city
of New Orleans, and running along the liraits of
RPdriguez's and Chalraette's plantations, were
but one of those antient raill- races so coraraon
in Louisiana, extending frora the bank of the
river to the cypress swamp. It has already been
seen, frora my description of the form of the soil
• See P,lato y II.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 365
in Lower Louisiana, and from its shelving froni
the river towards the swamps, that, when the
Mississippi is swelled to its greatest height, the
'level of the surface of its waters is sPrae feet
above that of the contiguous soil, and frora 12
to 15 feet above that of the praries and bayous,
which, at those periods, receive the waters flovv-
ing from the Mississippi. To add to the mass
and the force of the water, the planters dig
canals a few feet deep, throwing the earth o:
both sides, so as to afford a raass of water from
eight to eleven feet deep ; and, at the head of
these canalsj vvhich are commonly 25 feet wide,
are constructed saw-mills. The canal on which
Jackson's lines were formed, had long been
abandoned, having no longer any raill to turn;
so that its banks had fallen in, and raised its
bottora, which was covered with grass, present
ing, rather, the appearance of an old draining
ditch, than ofa canal. On the 2ith of Decem
ber, general Jackson had taken this position;
and, that it was well chosen, will sufficiently
appear, on an inspection of the map. 1 will
only observe, that those lines leave the least
possible space between the river and the wood,
and that from the lines to Viller6's canal, the
depth ofthe high land continually increases, and
is at Laronde's plantation nearly three times as
great as at the lines. As soon as this position
was chosen, the troopa begari to raise a parapet,

366 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
leaving the ditch as it was, except that, by cutting
the road, it was laid under water, as there was
then a temporary rise of the river. Earth was
fetched from the rear of the line, and thrown
carelessly ou the left (or inner) bank ; where the
earth had been thrown when the bank was ori
ginally dug. The bank on the right (or outer)
side, being but little elevated above the soil,
forraed a kind of glacis. All the pales of the
fences in the vicinity were taken to line the
parapet, and prevent the earth frora falling into
the canal. All this was done at various inter
vals, and by difterent corps, owing to the fre
quent mutations in the disposition ofthe troops.
This circumstance, added to the cold, and to
incessant rain, rendered it impossible to observe
any regularity as to the thickness and height
of the parapet ; which, in some places, was as
much as 20 feet thick at the top, though hardly
five feet high ; whilst, in otherplaces, the eneray's
balls went through it at the base. On the 1st
of January, there was but a very sraall proportion
of the line able to withstand the balls ; but, on
the Sth of January, the whole extent, as far as
the wood, was proof against the enemy's cannon.
The length of the line vvas about a mile, some
what more than half of which ran from the
river to the wood, the remainder extending into
the wood, tf'here the line took a direction to
wards the left, which rested on a cypress swamp

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMEKICA. 367
almost impassable. Enormous holes in the sPil,
made impassable by their being full of water
from the canal, rendered a bend in the line*
unavoidable."']- The manner in which the artillery was after
wards distributed, and the nuraber and caliber
of the pieces, appear on theplan. It is only neces
sary to state here, that they consisted of one 32,
three .24, one 18, three 12, and two 6-pounder
long-guns, and one 9j and one 6-inch howitzer ;
total 12 guns: but not above half of thera were
mounted on the 28th of Deceraber. In case of
being d riven from thisstrong line, general Jackson
had caused to be constructed tvvo other lines in
his rear ; the nearest, or Dupr^'s line, at the dis
tance ofa mile and a half, and the third, or Mon-
treuil line, at the distance oftwo miles and a quar
ter, from his outer, or main line. Nor had the
opposite, or right bank of the river, which even
exceeded the left in capability of defence, been
neglected. Boisgervais' canal, at the distance
of three miles frora the city, had been selected ;
and the labour of 150 negroes, for six days, com
pleted the parapet along the whole length ofthe
canal, and levelled the earth to form a glacis on
theopposite side. There was, also, opposite to the
city, on the bank of the river, a strong redoubt,
formed by a brick-kiln ; surrounded by a ditch,
35 feet wide, with a glacis and parapet. A
palisade extended along its whole length on the
* See Plate VII. t Latour's War in Louisiana, p. 149.

31^8 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
inside. The redoubt was furnished with a
powder-magazine, and mounted with two 24-
pounders ; which commanded both the road and
the river. *
The British commander deterrained to make
a demonstation upon the enemy's fortified line
on the left bank. Accordingly, at day-light on
the morning of the 28th, the troops raoved for
ward in two columns; driving in the whole of
the enemy's line of out-posts. During the
advance of the British, the ship which had been
so unfortunately spared, opened a heavy enfilad
ing fire upon them ; and continued it during
the whole ofthe forenoon.']' Her fire, and that
from the enemy's heavy pieces at his works, did
considerable execution. On the SOth commodore
Patterson planted behind the lev^e on the right
banka 24-pounder, and on the next day, tvvo 12-
pounders ; with which he threw shot quite into
the British camp. Our loss between the 25th
and 31st, as detailed in the return, amounted to
16 killed, 38 wounded, and two rais.sing ; total
56. J The Americans acknowledge a loss of nine
killed ; and eight wounded, § on shore, ahd of
one wounded on board the ship ; total 18.
By. the evening of the 31st, after considerable
difficulty, ten ship 18-pounders, and four 24-
pound carronades were brought up the canal,
in boats, and four of the forraer were placed in
* Latour's Warin Louisiana, p. 125.
+ "App. Nos. 89 and 90. + App. No. 94. . % App. No. 91.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 369
a battery, formed with hogsheads of sugar, on
the main road, to fire upon the ship, if she
dropped down the river. Some other batteries
were, in the mean time, constructed. The fir.st
of January was ushered in with a very thick fog,
which did not begin to disperse till towards
eight o'clock. As soon as the horizon cleared
up, the British opened their batteries upon the
American line. " Our batteries," says major
Latour, " were the principal objects against
which the eneray's fire vvas directed ; but we
were not less intent in demolishing his ; for,
in about an hour's tirae, our balls dismounted
several of his guns ; and, when the firing ceased,
the greater part of his artillery was unfit for
service. Justice obliges us to acknowledge, that
the fire of the British was, for a long time, vigoi-
rously kept up, and well-directed."* All this
while, commodore Patterson's guns, on the oppo
site bank, shared in the engagement.']' A sud
den change now took place in the weather ; and,
so deep was the soil, that it required the greatest
exertions of the whole army, aided by the sea
men, at this time serving with it, to retire the
remaining guns a short distance, before day
light the next raorning.
Failing to make any impression upon the
enemy's parapet, and unable to approach his
flanks; on his right, owing to-the river, and on
* Latour's War in Louisiana, p. 133. + App. No. 92.
VOL. II. B B

370 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
his ;left, owing to the impassable swamp hy
which it was so well secured, the British com
mander-in-chief determined to wait for the ex
pected reinforcements, under major-general
Lambei't. W^e raay observe, in this place, what
great advantage vvould have been derived from
the 2 or 3000 Choctaw Indians and Negroes,
who were ready, and might have been brought
from West Florida. During the 2d and 3d of
January commodore Patterson, having landed
four more 12-pounders, and erected a furnace
fbr heating shot, caused, till the evening of the
5th, considerable destruction in the British
camp. Our loss, as detailed in the returns,*
amounted to 32 killed, 44 wounded, and two
missing ; total 78 : that of the Americans, on the
1st of January, 11 killed, and 23 wounded;
total 34.']- On the four succeeding day.s, the
cannonade, owing to the ruinous state of the
British batteries, was wholly on the side of
the Americans. " Our artiUery," says major
Latour, " continued to flre on the enemy ; and,
whenever a group of four or five raen shewed
themselves, they were instantly dispersed by our
balls or shells. The advantage we derived from
that alraost incessant cannonading, on both
banks of the Missis.sippi, was, that we exercised
our gunners, annoyed the enemy to such a
degree, that he could npt work at any fortifica-
« App. No;*&5. + App. No. 93.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 371
tion ; nor, indeed, come within the reach of our
cannon by day, and was deprived of all repose
during the night."*
On the 4th of January general Jackson re
ceived the long-expected reinforcement of 2250
Kentuckians ;•]• and, on the 6th, the British re
ceived their expected reinforcement of the 7th
and 43d regiments. On that very day a. deser
ter informed general Jackson of the intended
attack ; as well as that the British were digging
out Villere's canal, and extending it, in order to
get their boats into the river, ready for a simul
taneous attack on the opposite side. In the
meanwhile major-general Morgan had thrown
up two fresh lines, in advance of his vvorks at
Boisgervais' canal. Upon, these, and comrao
dore Patterson's battery on the river-side, J were
raounted 16 guns. The last-named officer ac
tually sdw, and reported, contrary to the belief
of sir Alexander Cochrane, § the operations on
Viller^'S canal ^|| in short, the Americans were
fully apprized, that their works on both sides
ofthe river would be attacked on the raorning
of the Sth. "In our carap," says raajor La
tour, " all was coraposure ; the pfficers were
ordered to direct their subalterns to be ready
on the first signal. Half the troops passed the
* Latour's War in Louisiana, p. 143.
+ Eaton's Life- of Jaeksori, p. 332. + See Plate VII.
§ App. No. 99. II App. No. 102.
B B 2

372 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN"
night behind the breastwork; relieving each
other occasionally. Eyery one waited for day
with anxiety and impatience, but with calm
intrepidity ; expecting to be vigorously attacked,
and knowing thaf the enemy had then from 12
to 15,000 bayonets to bring into action, besides
2000 sailors, and some marines."* This preli
minary puff might pass, but for the statement
about the strength of the British forces. We
will first point out where the major contradicts
himself. His " list of the several corps com
posing the British army, at the time of its land
ing on the shores of the Mississippi, with an
estiraate of theirrespective force," — wherein wp
iind the " 40th regiment," and a '* detachment
of the 62d regiment," that did not land till the
llth of January, stated, together, at " 1360
men," the " rocket-brigade, artillery, drivers,
engineers, sappers and miners," at " 1500,"
and the " royal marines, and sailors taken from
the fleet," as high as "^3500,"— makes a total of
only " 14450 ;"t less, by 2000 and upwards,
than the araount which he had previously
told us was " ready for action." Again ; the
numbers upon the major's diagram, or plap
of the battle of the 8th, run thus: " Main
attack of the British, supposed tp be between 8
and 9000 strong ;" — " Left column of the Brirish,
* Latour's War in Louisiana, p. 154,
+ Ibid, his Appendix, No. 44.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 373
supposed 1200 strong." Add lo this nuraber
the 800 stated as the British force upon the
right bank ; and we have, as the total upon both
sides of the river, 12500, instead of " from 12 to
15000, besides 2000 sailors, and some marines."
This is the enemy's, now for the British,
accountof our force. Previously to the attack
on the morning of the 8th, we had, includ
ing fatigue-parties and piquets, and every
description of force on shore, the following
rank and flie : 14th light dragoons, "295 ; royal
artillery, 570 ; sappers and miners, 98 ; staff
corps, 57 ; 4th foot, 747 ; Tth, 750 ; 21st, 800 ;
43d, 820; 44th, 427; 85th, 298; 93d, 775;
95th, 276 ; and 1st and Sth West India regi
ments, (blacks,) 1040; total, 6953 men; just
2643 less than major Latour's estimated .strength
of those 14 corps. By adding 1200^ for the
seamen and raarines from the fleet, we have
8153 for the total amount of the British oh
shore. Deducting 853 [men for the fatigue-
parties, piquets, guards at the hospitals, &c.
leaves 7300 raen for the British force, " ready
for action," on both sides of the river, at or
before day-light, on the morning of the 8th of
January. To this force was added a battery,
hastily throwh up, of six 18-pounders ; besid^^s
a brigade of 9, 6, and 3-poundei's, and one
howitzer. With the details of the force at
general Jackson's lines, we have nothing to do.
The following extract from Mr. O'Connor's

374 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
book will suffice. " From an official account,"
says he, " it appeared, that the numberPf men
under command of general Jackson, and actu
ally engaged against the enemy, on the 8th of
January, amounted to 4698."* This was on
the left bank : on the right bank, we have 400
raen, sent across, on the morning of the 8th,
under the celebrated French general, Humbert,
and 1500, f already on that side, under major-
general Morgan and commodore Patterson ;
raaking a total force, on both sides of the river,
of 6198 raen. The Araerican artillery, including
the batteries on the opposite bank, and only
half, the guns of the Louisiana, consisted of
upwards of 30 ,^pieces.
For the order of attack, and the disposition
of the different corps, we must refer the reader
to major-general Lambert's letter. :|: An unavoid
able delay had occurred in getting the boats into
the Mississippi; where they were required to
carry across troops, in order to attack general
Morgan's lines : and then a circumstance, vvhich
happened at the very onset, gave a fatal turn
to the flrst misfortune. The 44th regiment,
owing chiefly to the negligence of its coraman
der, failed to be in readiness with the fascines
and ladders. These had been placed in a redoubt,
1200 yards frora the enemy's lines ; by which
* Hist, of theWar, p. 291.
+ Eaton's Life of Jackson, p. 330j vide Erratum.
X App. No. 96.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 375
redoubt the 44th, in its way frora camp to its
station, passed, till it arrived -at the advanced
battery, about 500 yards nearer to the enemy's
line. The misunderstanding, for such it was, being
now, for the first tirae, cleared up, the cora
manding officer of the 44th, lieutenant-colonel
Mullins, (only a captain in the regiraent,) sent
back 300 men , under lieutentant-colonel Debbeig,
to bring up the fascines and ladders. Before the
44th retiu'ned, the firing had coraraenced ; and
raany ofthe men threw down their " heavy" loads,
and took to their muskets. There was not one
ladder placed;* althongh some were thrown
in the ditch. What followed we capnot describe
better, than in the sworn depositions of two dis
tinguished officers, examined at colonel Mullins's
court-martial. Major sir John Tylden, of the
43d regiment, says: — " On the morning ofthe
Sth of January, I was in the field, as senior officer
on the adj utant-general's department. I accom
panied sir E. Pakenhara, shortly after four
o'clock, to the house of raajor-general Gibbs.
Iraraediately on bis arrival, general Gibbs re
ported to sir E. Pakenhara, in ray presence, that
colonel Mullins had neglected to obey the order
given him the evening before, in not having his
regiment at the head of the column, with the
fascines and ladders, but that he had iramedi
ately, on finding it out, sent an officer to the
regiment to hurry them on ; that the mistake
, '^ Court-martial on lieutenant-cplonel Mullins, p. 26.

376 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
might be rectified, and that he -was in momen
tary expectation of a report from that regiment.
Sir E, Pakenham then ordered me to find out
the 44th regiment, and to know if they had got
the fascines and ladders, ahd to ascertain (the
probability) of their getting up in their situation
in column. I did so, and found the 44th
regiraept moving off at the redoubt, just before
day, in a raost irregular and unsoldierlike man
ner, with the fascines and ladders. 1 then re
turned, after sonde time, to sir E, Pakenham,
and repp^-ted the circumstance to hira ; stating
that, by the time which had elapsed since 1 left
thera, they must have arrived in their situation
in coluran, Shortly after the signal of attack
was given, I rode with sir E. Pakenhara toward
the column, lp passing towards the head of
the column, we saw several parties of the 44th
yegiment straggling about the ground with their
fascines and ladders ; and some ofthem had, even
then, comiuenced firing. On arriving at the
cblumn, a check and confusion had tak^en place,
and the fifipg was becoming general throughout
the whole of the column. General Gibbs came
Up to sir Edward Pakenhara, and said, in my
hearing, ' I am sorry to have to report to you,
the trpops will not obey rae ; they vvill not follow
me.' At this moraent there certainly Was great
confusion prevailing in the column. Sir E,
Pakenham pulled off his hat,jand rode to the
head pf tlie cplnmn, and cheered the men op,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 377
and in that act fell. At this time, I had just
returned from the other flank of the column,
and having been at both flanks, and at the head
ofthe column, I can positively assert, there was
not a single raan of the 44th regiraent in front.
I then rode to the rear, to report the death of
sir Edward Pakenhara. In going to the rear,
I saw several parties of the 21.st and 44th regi
ments running to the rear, and flring in all
directions, in the most disorderly manner 1 ever
witnessed. I also saw,scattered in several parts
of the fleld, several of the fascines and ladders.
1 reported the substance of ray testiraony to
major-general sir John Larabert." *—. Major
M'Dougal, of the 85th regiment, says thus : —
" I was aide de carap to major-general Paken
ham, and, on the signal of attack being given
on the morning of the Sth January, I accom
panied hira to the front. He expressed^himself
in the strongest terms, relative to the 44th
regiment. The column of attack appeared to
be moving in a regular manner; and he expressed
his confidence on the event ofthe attack : how
ever, a firing coraraenced ; and, presently after-
vyards, I saw raany individuals ofthe 44th regi
ment, as vvell as a group of three or four, scattered
over the field, some of them running to the rear
with the fascines on their shoulders. Sir Edwar4
Pakenhara said, — ' For shame, recollect you are
* Cpnrtrm^rtial qn Ueutenant-colonel Mullins, p. 10.

378 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
British soldiers ; this is the road you ought to
take ; ' but with little avail. On getting up to
the columns the firing had extended to the
rear, and the whole column was a raass of firing
and confusion, and the head of the column
had checked. Sir Edward Pakenham placed
himself in front; and,, by his exertions, got
the firing very nearly to cea.se, although not
altogether; and the column which he led in
person began to move forward. When he had
conducted them about 30 or 40 yards, he re
ceived a woitnd, and his horse at the same
moment was shot under him ; and, almost
immediately aftervvards, when he had mounted
the second horse, he received another shot, which
deprived him of life, and, by the fall of their
leader, deprived the column of its best chance
of recovering success. On his fall, the firing
recommenced with all its fury; and, beyond the
spot where the general led them, the head ofthe
column did not advance. The ground presented
no obstacle to the advance of the column, or any
thing that should have occasioned .straggling in
a corps regularly formed and duly attended to,
had the regiment originally been properly
formed. At no period in the field did 1 see any
part of the 44th regiment in a body; there were
some at the head of the column, many at the
flanks and rear of the column: I particularly
remarked several of the soldiers of that regiment

GREAt BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 379
throwing down the fascines and ladders to com
mence firing. It is my opinion, that the whole
confusion of the column proceeded frora the
original defective formation of the 44th ; the
fall of sir Edward Pakenham deprived the
ColuUin of its best chance of success ; and, had
the column moved forward according to order,
the enemy's lines would have been carried with
little loss. When the fire from our coluran
commenced, the fire from the eneray's was but
mere spit of fire, nothing to check a raoving
column." * We may here notice a slight error
in major-general Lambert's despatch. It was
brigade-major Wilkinson, and not majorrgeneral
sir Edward Pakenham, who fell on the glacis
of the enemy's line. The latter fell near the
spot marked on the diagram. -}" i
Had it not been forthe raisbebaviour of the
44th regiment, sir Edward Pakenham's life
might have been spared; and, with such an
officer to comraand in chief, the day must have
been ours. The two officers, the best able to
succeed hira, fell also ; one raortally, the other
severely wounded. It is idle to accuse the
44th and 21st, (part of which regiraent equally
misbehaved,) of cowardice. To refute suoh a
charge, it is sufficient to state, that the men of
those regiments were chiefly Irishmen. The 21st
* Court-martial on lieutenant-colonel Mullins, p. 8.
T See Plate VII.

380 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
and 44th were not, however, as major Latour
jeeringly calls thera, " Wellington's heroes :"
they carae from the Mediterranean, — from Tar
ragona ; and were, certainly, the two worst dis
ciplined corps upon the field at New Orleans.
The second battalion of the 44th had gained
repute under the duke of Wellington, and been
always in a high state of discipline : it was
at this time in Europe. Where was the proper
coraraanding officer of the first battalion of the
44th ? We are sorry to be corapelled to say, that
colonel Brooke was present, but not at the head
ofhis regiment; owing, it would seem, to some
pique or misunderstanding. Comparing his
competency with the notorious incompetency of
lieutenant-colonel Mullins, colonel Brooke has
much to answer for. Major Latour having
heard, as he could not fail to do, ihat the check
in the advance ofthe right British column arose
from the want of the fascines and ladders,
describes the men as " shouldering their muskets,
and all carrying fascines, and some with lad
ders."* Here he is outdone by Mr. O'Connor ;
who, in bis representation of the action, has
actually placed a ladder, and a long one tdif,
directly against the parapet.
Colonel Rennie, of the engineers, at the hea^
of a division of the British left brigade, under
major-general Keane, was directed, as we gather
* Latour's War in Louisiana, p. 154.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 381
from the American accounts, (for the British
official letter contains no details,) to storm an
unfinishedredoubt upon the enemy 'sright. "The
detachment ordered against this place," says
general Jackson's biographist, " formed the left
of general Keane's command. Rennie executed
his orders with great bravery ; and, urging for
ward, arrived at the ditch. His advance was
greatly annoyed by commodore Patterson's bat
tery on the left bank, and the cannon mounted
on the redoubt ; but, reaching our works, and
passing the ditch, Rennie, sword in hand,
leaped on the wall, and, calling to his troops,
bade them to follow : he had scarcely spoken,
when he fell, by the fatal aim of our rifleraen^i
Pressed by the irapetuosity of superior numbers
who were mounting the wall, and entering at
the embrasures, our troops had retired to the
line, in rear of the redoubt. A momentary
pause ensued, but only to be interrupted with
increased horrors. Captain Beal, with the city
riflemen, cool and self possessed, perceiving the
enemy in his front, opened upon them, and, at
every discharge, brought the object to the
ground. To advance, or maintain the point
gained, was equally irapracticable for the
enemy : to retreat or surrender was the only
alternative ; for they already perceived the divi
sion on the right thrown into confusion, and
hastily leaving the field."* The situation of

382 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
these brave fellows, thus abandoned, may be
easily conceived : they were, nearly all, killed
or taken prisoners. The fire from the musketry
ceased at about half-past eight ; that from the
artillery, not till half-past two in the afternoon.
The British loss, on both banks, amounted to
290 killed; 1262 wounded ; and 484 missing ;•[
total, not, as the Americaii accounts say, " about
2600," but 2036. As a proof what little op
portunity there was, on the part of general Jack
son's troops, for displaying any other qualities
than skill in the use of the rifle and' great guns,
theAtnerican loss, on the left bank, amounted
to no more than seven killed and six wounded ;
and, on both banks, to only 13 killed, 39
wounded, and 19 missing : total 71. J
We shall conclude our account of the battle on
the left bank ofthe Mississippi, with the opinions
of two American, or rather ofone French and one
American military officer, upon the quality and
behaviourof the British troops; as well as upon the
merits of the plan of attack, in which they so
unfortunately failed. " It is well known," says
major Latour, " that agility is not the distinc
tive quality of British trooj)s. Their movement
is, in general, sluggish and difficult ; steady,
but too precise ; or, at least, more suitable for
a pitched battle, or behind intrenchments, than
* Eaton's Life of Jackson, p. 342. • + App. No. 100.
-+ App. No. 103,'

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 323
for an assault. The British soldiers showed, on
this occasion, that it is not without reason that
they are said to be deficient in agility. The
enorraous load they had to carry contributed,
indeed, not a little to the difficulty of their
raovement: besides their knapsacks, usually
weighing nearly 30 pounds, and their muskets,
too heavy by, at least, one-third; alraost all of
thera had to carry a fascine, frora nine. to 10
inches in diaraeter, and four feet long, made of
sugar-canes, perfectly ripe, and consequently
very heavy, or a ladder frora 10 to 12 feet long,"*
" Instead of " almost all," only 300 of the
British troops had to carry fasci nes and ladders ;
and these were, in truth, so heavy, especially
when to be carried, in haste, nearly three quarters
of a mile, that raost of the men threw down
their loads long before they reached the ditch.
As there was an abundance of dry cane on the
spot, it is rather surprising that the ripe or green
.should have been selected; particularly for the
fascines. Owing to the rain that had been
falling, as well as to general Jackson's having,
by cutting down the levees, flooded the countrj',
the ground over which the troops had to march,
vvas not the best calculated for displaying their
" agility." Major Latour proceeds : — " The
duty of impartiality, incumbent on him whp
relates military events, obliges rae to observe;
* Latour's War in Louisiana, p. 161.

384 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
that the attack raade on Jackson's lines, by the
British, on the Sth of January, must have been
determined on by their generals, without any
consideration of the ground, the weather, or the
difficulties to be surraounted, before they could
storra lines, defended by militia indeed, but hy
militia whose valor they had already witnessed,
with soldiers bending under the weight of their
loads ; when a man, unincumbered, would, that
day, have found it difficult to mount our breast
works, at leizure, and with circuraspection, so
extreraely slippery vvas the soil. Yet those
officers had had tirae, and abundant opportunity,
to observe the ground, on which the troops were
to act. Since their arrival on the banks of the
Mississippi, they had sufficiently seen the effects
of rainy weather, to forra a just idea ofthe diffi
culty their troops must have experienced, iu
clirabing up our intrenchraents, even had the
coluran been allowed to advance, without oppo
sition, as far as the ditch. But they were blinded
by their pride,"* Major-general Wilkinson, on
the same subject, says : — " On this memorable
day, sir Edward Pakenham, disdaining to
avail himself of local circumstances, or to profit
by professional skill, determined to carry New
Orleans at the point of the bayonet, in the face
of day, exposing himself to showers of canister,
and triple ranks of infantry and riflemen. Hk
* Latour's War in Louisiana, p, 161,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA.

385

was slaughtered, and repulsed; and, as the
whole Operations vvere confined to the perpen
dicular raarch of colurans against a straight line,
defended by stationary batteries and battalions,'
the subject requires no further elucidation, thaa
that the passive resolution of the. American
citizen vanquished the active courage of the
British veteran."* In justice to sir Edward
Pakenham's memory, it is right to state, :that
the attack was intended to be made before day
light, could the difficult and arduous service pf
tracking the boats to the Mississippi have beep
executed in time. ')" '
i At last, 50 barges, launches, and pinnaces
were launched ; and 298 of the 85th regiment,
along with about 200 seamen and marine^, under
the command of colonel Thornton, were crossed
Pver. Three of the boats, armed with carronades,
called by that officer "gun-boats":]: co-ppe-
rated in the attack. The American force on this
side was, as already stated, 1500 men. The
progress and successful result of the expedition
will be .found, fully detailed, in the Brirish and[
American official accounts. § By the returns of
loss on the Sth, only tvvo of the 85th were killed ;
41 wounded ; and one missing. The seamen
and marines (supposing none tp have fallen^pa
the left bank) lost four killed and 35 wounded ;
' * Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 541. + App. N6. 96.
i App. No. 97. § App. Nos. 97, 98, 101, and J02.
\OL. II. C C

386 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
total six killed, 76 wounded, (an unusual pro
portion,) and one missing; grand total 83.
Coraraodore Patterson's guns, and not the rifles
of the flying Kentuckians, " the raeritorious
conquerors of Tecumseh," occasioned the chief
of colonel Thornton's loss. The American loss
is not distinctly specified in the returns, but
was very trifling. The behaviour of the Ameri
can troops on the 'right, shews what we should
have had to fear from the '* valor" of those on
the left. bank, had only half of sir Edward's
army got behind their works. Colonel Thorn
ton, at the end of his letter, is very positive,
that lieutenant -colonel Gubbins, whom, on
crossing over to have his wound dressed, he
had left, with a force that, including the rein
forcement of seamen and marines, did not exceed
700 men, would retain possession ofthe captured
Hues, But colonel Dickson, of the artillery,
«' did not think it could be held vrith security
by a smaller corps than 2000 men." * The con
sequence of this unfortunate report was, that
major-general Lambert, now the commanding
officer, ordered the right bauk of the river to be
instantly evacuated. " I need not tell you,"
says general Jackson, " with how much eager
ness, 1 immediately regained possession of the
position he-had thus happily quitted,"-|- Major-
general Lambert had previously applied to
* App.No. 9S. + App. No. 101.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 387
general Jackson for a suspension of hostilities ; in
granting which the latter considers, and, appa^
rently, with reason, that he completely out
witted the British general.
Of the six vessels ordered up the Mississippi
to bombard Fort-St. Philip, the Herald, two
bombs, and Thistle and Pigmy only, could ascend
the river. The fort mounted twenty-nine 24-
pounders, one 6-pounder, a 13-inch mortar, an
8 anda 5^-inch howitzer; and, in the covert-way,
two long 32-pounders, mounted on a level with
the water; and was garrisoned by 366 men.*
The particulars of the bombardment are given
in the American official account : •\ we have no
British account to compare it with, or from
which to state our loss on the occasion. It
appears that the garrison lost only two men
killed, and seven wounded. On the llth the
40th regiment arrived ; but no movement took
place in consequence. On the morning of the
I5th, a British deserter informed general Jack
son that major-general Lambert would retreat
in a few days,+ On the night of the 18th the
retreat took place ; and the army remained in
bivouac, near its first point of disembarkation,
unmolested, till the 27th; when the whole re-
einbarked. Our loss between the 9th and 26th
of January, owing to the enemy's cannonade,
* Latour's War in^Louis. p. 191. + App. Nos. 107andJlQ8.
+ Ihid. p. 179.
c c 2

388 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
amounted to one killed, and five wounded,
including lieutenant D'Arcy, of the 43d ;* who,
according to the Araerican accounts, had both
his legs carried off by a shell, at the moraent
when, after having been on guard for several
days in succession, he was taking sOme repose,'
stretched on the ground, at the entrance of his
bivouac. This niakes the lo.ss sustained by the
British, from first lo last, in this ill-fated expe
dition, 385 killed ; 1516 w ounded ; and, includ
ing the two officers and 37 dragoons taken on
the night ofthe 25th, 591 missing; total, not as
general Jackson supposed " 4000,"']' but 2492:
while the American loss, in the sarae expedition,
araounted to 55 killed; 185^ wounded; and 93
missing; total 333. J Major Latour says: —
" The number pf sick and wounded in the fleet
is estiraated at 2000." § Where could he have
obtained this fact? Both the army and navy
employed on the expedition were, from first to
last, healthy beyond exaraple. Supposing all
the British wounded to have been disabled, there
would still be 5400 troops remaining; enough,
surely, if properly employed, to have taken New
Orleans : an object of ten-fold more importance
now, than when the expedition was first thought
of. As at Baltimore, so at New Orleans the
premature fall of a British general saved an
American city.
* App. No. 106. + App. No. 104. + App, No, IO3.
h Latour's War in Louisiana, p, 226.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 889
Instead of attributing their good fortune, in
this their " Waterloo"* battie, to a succession
of blunders and accidents on our part, the Ame
ricans boasted, that it was their " superior valor"
that had driven away the invaders. If valor
did any thing, it was the valor of Frenchmen,
Spaniards, natives of New Orleans, " people of
colour frora St. Doraingo," arid Irish emigrants,
but not,-^as the affair on the right bank proved,
— of " brave but indiscreet Kentuckians."
Among the several names of French generals,
we find " Humbert," the" hero of Castlebar,"
the general ** to whora the French government
had formerly confided the command of that ex
pedition to Ireland, which will ever be recorded
in the glorious pages of hisfory ;" •\ and the same
who was authorized by general Jackson, after
the battle at New Orleans, to " form a legion,
and to enrol in it all the English deserters
who were willing to enter tbe service." J The
" Mexican field-marshal, Don Juan De Anaya,"
also fought against us at New Orleans, Generals
Coffee and Carroll were both Irishmen, or of
Irish extraction. As to general Jackson ; hewas
not quite an Irishman. Both his parents, it ap
pears, emigrated in 1765 ; and he was born on the
15th of March, 1767, at a place called the Waxsaw
settleraent, near Caraden, in South-Carolina.
* Marengo, AnsterVifz, he'ipsiz. New Orleans, andAVaterloo«
Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p, 654,
+ Latour's War in Louisiana, p ,176. J Ibid. 227,

390 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
His mother was " an exemplary woman ;" and,
says Mr, Eaton, " to the lessons she inculcated
on the youthful minds of her sons, was, no
doubt, owing, in a great measure, that fixed
opposition to British tyranny and oppression,
which afterwards so much distinguished them,"*
We can now account for general Jackson's
calling England " the common enemy of man
kind, the highway robber of the world." f
However, he proved hiraself at New Orleans,
not only an able general, for the description of
country in which he had fo operate, but, i^
all bis transactions with the British officers,
both an honorable, and a courteous enemy.
In his official despatches, too, he has left an
exaraple of modesty, worthy of imitation by the
generality of Araerican commanders, naval as
well as military.
Every American history that we have seen,
and, probably, every one that has been published
since the war, charges the British commander
at New Orleans, with having given out, on the
morning ofthe Sth of January, for the parole and
countersign, the words — ' IJooty and Beauty.'
The excellent moral character of the late sir
Edward Pakenham renders this improbable; and
we aver,without fear of contradiction, that, agree
ably to the custom of our armies on the peninsula,
no parole and countersign was given out at Nevy
Orleans, The same sentiment, but expresssed in
» Eaton's Life of Jackson, p. 9, f Ibjd. p, 282,

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 391
less refined language, may, however, have been
uttered by, or in the hearing of, some soldier of
sailor, who afterwards deserted to the enemy.
The bad state of the weather delayed thfe
departure of the fleet and troops till the Sth of
February ; on which day they sailed, audi
on the 7th, arrived off Dauphine island. Th«
troops here disembarked, and encamped ; except
the skelettras of the 4th, 21st, and 44th regi
ments, which, under the orders of lieutenant-
colonel Debbeig, of the 44th, were despatched
in boats, to attack Fort-Bowyer. These 600,
or, as major Latour will have it, *' 5000,'* *
troops landed, early on the morning of the Sth,
about three miles in the rear of the fort. Th6
full details of the surrender of Fort-Bowyer, on
the " memorable " 12th of February, without a
shot having been flred at it, are given in the
British and American official accounts, f By
the flre opened upon the working parties at thP
intrenchnients, the British lost 13 killed and 18
wounded. Mr, O'Connor cunningly says:— ^
"There were but few lives lost on either side.";|:
Major Latour has given a plan of the attack t
upon which we count 60 ships and other vessels;
and between Dauphine island and the Mobile
peninsula, no fewer than 8050 British troppbi
* Latour's War in Louisiana, p. 209,
+ App. Nos, 109, 110. IU. 112. 113. 114. and 115.
J History of ths War, p. 296.

392 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
For the major's puffing remarks we have no room.
They will be read with interest by those to whom
the.y are more iraraediately addressed. But it
is doctor Smith, that is entitled to the thanks of
llis brother-citizens. " The array of 60 sail,''
says he, "and the parade of 16000 Britons before
;Fort-Bowyer was a most extraprdinary military
spectacle."* Extraordinary', indeed ! He flnds
fault with theBritish, too, for particularizing,
among the articles surrendered, " one triangle
gin coraplete," and " 500 flints." ^ How hap
pened doctor Smith not to know, that generpl
Wilkinson, when he obtained possession of this
same fort from the Spaniards, inserted in his
''inventory of ordnance and munitions of war,"
' — "one wooden spetula," " two tarpaulips,"
and " one pair of washer-hooks" ? J Had the
American generals that took the forts George
and Erie been so precise, particularly as tP the
" women and children," doctor Smith and his
brother historians woUld have been content vvith
shorter paragraphs in announcing thpse " bril
liant achievements" to . the world. About the
middle of March, along with major-general
Power, § and ope or two reinforcements of
troops, arrived the official notification of the
treaty of peace; and, agreeably to the first
article in it, || Fort-Bowyer was restored.
* Hist of the United States, Vol. III. p. 355.
+" App. No. no. + Wilkinson's Mem. Vol. I. p. 515.
§ See p. 336. |1 App, No. U6.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 393
Leaving the British troops at Mobile and
Cumberland island to find their way home, we
shall pass at once to the Canadas. Here addi
tional reinforcements had been arriving, and,
along with thera, what had been so long vainly
hoped for, a competent commander-in-chief.
Sir George Murray, however, had scarcely ar
rived, ere the peace sent him home again. The
captured American schooners on Lake Huron
had conveyed reinforceraents to Michiliraacinac ;
and aBritish fleet, for the service of that lake,
was in rapid progress. A 74 and a new frigate
had been launched at Kingston ; and two or
three frigates and sloops were building for
Lake Champlain. The Americans still re
tained Sackett's Harbor ; and we, the forts
Niagara and Michilimacinac. The peace de
prived us pf the two latter ; and, considering
how the campaign of 1815, as soon as it could
,be oppnedj was likely to be conducted on our
part, we may say, of the forraer also.
A full discussion upon the raerits of the treaty
would, of itself, fill a yolume. We cannot, how
ever, read over the ninth article, without point
ing to the recent proceedings of the Araerican
general Gaipes with the Seminole Indians. It
is the interest of the LTnited States to destroy,
.and they will in time destroy, either by the
sword or debauchery, every Indian upon the
American continent. The United States declared

394 MILITARY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN
war ; invaded Canada ; could not take it ; and
got a peace, — by which they lost their former
privileges. How ludicrous now appears the fol
lowing rhapsody of an American government-
editor : — ""Canada must be conquered, or we
shall stand disgraced in the eyes of the world.
It is ' a rod held over our heads ;' a fortress
which haughtily frowns upon our country,
and from which are disserainated throughout
the land, the seed of disaffection, sedition, and
treason. The national safety and honor and
glory are lost, if we do not win this splendid
prize." There are some Americans, however, who
will find consolation in the concluding words of
Mr. Thomson's book. " The operations of
the American armies," says he, " were, at the
commencement of the war, not quite so suc
cessful. Defeat, disgrace, and disaster, in many
instances, followed their movements ; but the
struggle was eventually closed by a succession
of achievements, which reflected the highest
degree of lustre upon the American name,
and ranked the United States among the first
and most independent nations of the earth."
As the reader has already had detailed to him
the " succession of achieveraents," by which
the United States have acquired so high renown,
it is unnecessary for us to comment upon this
climax of American gasconade.

GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 39A

APPENDIX.

No. 1.

District general order.
District head.quarters,
Kingston, 25th November, 1813.
J. IIE major-general commanding, and president, having
received from major-general Vincent a report of the very
gallant and patriotic conduct of lieutenant-colonel Bostwick,
and an association of 45 officers and men of the militia of the
county of Norfolk, in capturing and destroying a band of
traitors, who, in violation of their allegiance, and of every
principle of honor and honesty, had leagued themselves
with the enemies of their country, to plunder and make pri
soners the peaceable and well disposed inhabitants of tha
province, major-general De Rottenburg requests that colonel
Bostwick, and every individual of the association, will accept
his best thanks for their zeal and loyalty in planning, and
gallantry in carrying into execution, this most useful and
public spirited enterprise.
The major-general and president hopes, that so striking an
instance of the beneficial effects of unanimity and exertion in
the cause of their country, will not fail of producing a due
effect on the militia of this province. He calls upon them to
observe how quickly the energetic conduct of 45 individuals
has succeeded in freeing theinhabitants of an extensive district
from a numerous and well armed banditti, who would soon have
left them neither liberty nor property. He rerainds them that,
if so much can bc effected by so small a number, what may
pot be expected from the unanimeus exertions of the wholei
population, guided and assisted by a spirit of subordination
and aided by his majesty's troops, against an enemy who comes
for no other purpose than to enslave, plunder, and destroy.
By order,
H. N, MOORSOM,
lieutenant A, D. A. G.

38C APPENDIX, No, 2.
From colonel Murray to major-general Vincent.
Sir, > Fort-George, Dec. 12, 181.1.
Having obtained inforraation that the enemy had determined
on driving the country between Fort-George and the advance,
and was carrying off the loyal part of the inhabitants, not
withstanding the inclemency of the season, I deemed it my
duty to make a rapid and forced march towards him with the
light troops under my command, which not only frustrated his
designs, but compelled hira to evacuate Fort-George, by
precipitately crossing the river, and abandoning the whole of
the Niagara frontier. On learning our approach, he laid the
town of Newark in ashes, passed over his cannon and stores,
but failed in an attempt to destroy the fortifications, which are
evidently so much -strengthened whilst in his possession, as
might have enabled general M'Clure (the coramanding officer)
to have maintained a regular siege ; but such was the apparent
panic, that he left the whole of his tents standing.
I trust the indefatigable exertions of this handful of men
have rendered an essential service to the country, by rescuing
from a merciless enemy the inhabitants of an extensive and
highly cultivated tract of land, stored with cattle, grain, and
provisions, of every description ; and it must be an exultation
to thefti to find themselves delivered from the oppression of a
lawless' banditti, composed of the disaffected of the couniry,
organised undef the direct influence of the American govern..
ment, who carried terror and dismay into every family.
' I have tlie honor to be, &c.
J. MURJRAY, colonel,
To major-general Vincent, &c.

No. 3.
From the same to lieuten,at-general Drummond.
Sir, Fort-Niagara, Dec. 19, 1813,
In obedience to yonr honor's commands, directing me to
attack Fort-Niagara, with the advance of the army of the
right, I resolved upon attemptinga surprise. The embarkation
commenced on the 18th, at night, and the whole .of the troops
were landed three miles from tht fort early, on the followine
morning, in the following order of attack : — Advanced guard
one subaltern and 20 rank and file ; grenadiers 100th regiment •

APPENDIX, 397
royal artillery, wilh grenadiers ; five companies 100th regi
ment, under lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, to assault the main
gate, and escalade the works adjacent ; three companies of the
100th regiment, under captain Martin, to storm the eastern
demi-bastion : captain Bailey, with the grenadiers royal Scots,
¦was directed to attack the salient angle of the fortification ; and,
the flank companies of the 41st regiment were ordered to
support the principal attack. — Each party was provided with
scaling ladders and axes. I have gjeat satisfaction in acquaint
ing your honor, that the fortress was carried by assault in the
most resolute and gallant manner, after a short but sp.rited
resistance. The highly gratifying but difiicult duty remains, of endea
vouring to do justice to fhe bravery, intrepidity, and devotion
of the 100th regiment to the service of their country, under
that gallant officer lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, to vvhom I feel
highly indebted for his cordial assistance. Captain Martin,
lOOth regiment, who executed the task allotted to him in the
must intrepid inanner, merits the greatest praise; I have to
express my admiraticm of the valour of the royals, grenadiers,
under captain Bailey, whose zeal and gallantry were vCry
conspicuous. The just tribute of my applause is equally due to
the flank companies of the 41st regiment, under lieutenant
Bullock, who advanced to the attack with great spirit. The
royal artillery, under lieutenant Charlton, deserve my particular
notice. To captain Elliot, deputy-assistant-quarter-master-
general, who conducted one of the columns of attack, and
superintended the embarkation, I feel highly obliged, I cannot
pass over the brilliant services of lieutenant Dawson and
captain Fawcett, lOOth, in command of the advance and
grenadiers, who gallantly executed the orders entrusted to them,
by entirely cutting off two of the enemy's piquets, and surpris
ing the sentries on the glacis and at the gate, by which means
the watch-word was obtained, and the entrance into the fort
greatly facilitated, to which may be attributed in a great degree
our trifling loss. I beg leaye to recommend these meritorious
officers to your honor's protection. The scientiflc knowledge
of lieutenant Gengruben,- royal engineers, in suggesting
arrangements previous to the attack, and for securing the fort
afterwards, I cannot too highly appreciate. The unwearied
exertions of acting quarter-master Pilkington, 100th regiment,
in bringing forward the materials requisite for the attack,
demand my acknowledgements. Captain Kirby, lieutenants
Ball, Scroos, and Hamilton, of the different provincial corps,
deserve my thanks. My staff-adjutant, Mr. Brampton, will
have the honor of presenting this despatch, and the standard of
the American garrison ; tohis intelligenoe, valor, and friendly

398 APPENDIX.
assistance, not only on this trying occasion, but on many
former, I feel most grateful. Our force consisted of about
500 rank and file. Annexed is a return of our casualties, and
the enemy's loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The
ordnance and commissariat stores are so immense, that it is
totally out of my power to forward to you a correct statement
for some days, but 27 pieces of cannon, of different calibres,
are on the works, and upwards of 3000 stand of arms and
many rifles in the arsenal. The store-houses are full of
eloathing and camp equipage of every description.
J, MUttkAY, colonel.
His honor lieutenant-gen. Drummond, &c. &c. &c.
Return of killed and wounded in an assault of Fort-Niagara, at day
break, on the morning of ihe 19th of December, ]813.
General staff; — 1 officer, wounded.
Royul artiUery ; — 1 staff, wounded.
^ist foot; — 1 rank and file, wounded.
100th foot ; — 1 lieutenant, 5 rank and file, killed ; 2 rank and file,
wounded. Naraes of officers killed and wounded.
Killed — 1 ooth foot ; —Lieutenant Nowlan.
Wounded; — Col. Murray, commanding, severely (not dangerously).
Royal artilleTy ; — Assistant-surgeon OgiUie, slightly.
J. HARVEY,
lieut,-col,, and deputy-assistant-gen.
Return of the enemy's loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners, who
fell into our hands, in an assault on Fort-Niagara, on the morning
of the 19th of December, 1813.
Killed;— 65.
Wounded; — liieutenant, I assistant-surgeon, 12 rank and file.
PriMners ; — 1 captain, 9 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 surgeon, 1 com
missary, 12 Serjeants, 318 rank and file.
J. HARVEY, lieut.-col., and dep.-adjt.-gen.
E. BARNES, adj.-gen. North America.

No, 4.
From brigadier-general M'-Clure to the American secretary
ut war. Head-quarters, Buffaloe,
Sir, Dec, 22, 1813.
I regret to be under the necessity of announcing to you the
mortif) ing 4ntelligencti of the loss of Fort-Niagara. Onthe
morning of the 19th instant, about four o'clock, the enemy
crossed the river at the Five mile Meadows in great forcfei

APPENDIX. 399
consisting of regulars and Indians, who made their way undis.
covered to the garrison, which, from the most correct informa
tion I can collect, was completely surprised. Our men were
nearly all asleep in their tents; the enemy rushed in, and com
menced a most horrid slaughter. Such as escaped the fury of tha
first contest, retired to the old mess-house, where they kept
up a destructive fire on the enemy until a want of ammunition
compelled them to surrender. Although our force was very
inferior, and comparatively small indeed, I am induced to think
that the disaster is not attributable to any want of troops, but
to gross neglect in the commanding officer of the fort, captaia
Leonard, in not preparing, being ready, and looking out for,
the expected attack.
I have not been able to ascertain correctly the number of
killed and wounded. About 20 regulars have escaped out of
the fort, some badly wounded. Lieutenant Beck, 24th regi.
ment, is killed, and it is said three others.
You will perceive. Sir, by the enclosed general orders, that
I apprehended an attack, and made the necessary arrano-ement
to meet it; but have reason to believe, from information
received by those who have made their escape, that the com.
mandant did not in any respect comply with those orders.
On the same morning a detachment of militia, under major
Bennett, stationed at Lewistown Heights, was attacked I)y a
party of savages; but the major and his little corps, by making
a desperate charge, eflfected their retreat, after being surrounded
by several hundreds, with the loss of six or eight, who doubtless
were killed ; among whom were two sons of captain Jones,
Indian interpreter. The villages of Youngstown, Lewistown,
Manchester, and the Indian Tuscarora village, were reduced to
ashes, and the inoffensive inhabitants who could not escape
were, without regard to age or sex, inhumanly butchered, by
savages headed by British oflficers painted. A British officer
who is taken prisoner, avows that many small children were
murdered by their Indians.
Major Mallory, who was stationed at Schlosser, with about
40 Canadian volunteers, advanced to Lewistown Heights, and
compelled the advanced guard of the enemy to fall back to tbe
foot of the mountain. The major is a meritorious officer • he
fought the enemy two days, and contested every inch of ground
to the Tantawanty Creek. In these actions lieutenant Lowe
23d regiment of the United States army, and eight of the
Canadian volunteers, were killed. I had myself, three days
previous to the attack on the Niagara, left it with a view of
providing for the defence of this place, Black Rock, and the
ather villages on this frontier.

400 APPENDIX.
I came here with the troops, and have called out the militiit
of Gennessee, Niagara, and Chatauqua counties, en masse.
This place was then thought to be in imminent danger, as
well as the shipping, but 1 have no doubt is now perfectly
secure. Volunteers are coming in great numbers; they are,
however, a species of troops that cannot be expected to
continue in the service for a long time. In a few days 1000
detached militia, lately drafted, will be on.
I have the honor to be, &c.
G. M'CLURE, brig.-gen. com.
Hon. J. Armstrong, secretary at war.

No. 5.

First American general order.
Head.quarters, Fort-Niagara, December 12, 1813,
Captain Leonard will, as soon as possible, have a proportion
of hand-grenades in the different block. houses, and give
directions to the officers of the infantry where they should be
posted with their men, in case of an attack ; and should Ihcy
not be able to maintain the out-works, to repair to the block
and mess-honses, and have every thing arranged in such a
manner as though he expected an immediate attack.
Much is expected from captain Leonard, from his long
experience and knowledge of duty ; and the general feels
confident he will be well supported by captain Lomas, of the
artillery, as well as the officers of the infantry.
By order of brig.-gen. M'Clure,
DONALD FRASER,
lieutenant 15 U. S. inf., and vol. aid de camp.

No. 6.
From major-general Riall to lieutenant-general Drummond,
Niagara frontier, near Fort-Erie,
Sin, Jan. 1, 1814.
1 have the honor to report to you, that, agreeably to the
instructions contained in yonr letter of the 29th uit., and your
general order of that day, to pass the river Niagara, for the
purpose of attacking the enemy's force, collected at Black
Rock and Buffalo; and earring into execution the other objects
therein mentioned, 1 crossed the liver in the following nio-ht

APPENDIX. 401
wifh four companies of the king's regiment, and the light
corapany of the 89th, under lieutenant-colonel Ogilvie ; 250 men
of the 41st regiment, and the grenadiers of the 100th, under
major. Friend ; together' with about HO militia volunteers and a
body of Indian warriors. The troops completed their landing
about 12 o'clock, nearly two miles below Black Rock ; the
light infantry of the 89th being in advance, Surprised and cap.
tured the greater part of a piquet of the enemy, and secured
the bridge over the Conguichity Creek, the boards of which
had been loosened, and were ready to be carried oflf had there
been time given .for it. I immediately established fhe 41st and
100th grenadiers in position beyond the bridge, for the pnrpose
of perfectly securing ils passage : the enemy made some attempts
during the night upon this advanced position, but were repulsed
with loss.
At day-break I moved forward, the king's regiment and light
company of the 89th leading, the 41st and grenadiers of the
100th being in reserve. The enemy had by this time opened a
very heavy fire of cannon and musketry on the Royal Scots,
under lieutenant-colonel Gordon, who were destined to land
above Black Rock, for the purpose of turning his positiort,
while he should be attacked in front by the troops who landed
below ; several of the boats having grounded, I am sorry to
say this regiment suflfered some loss, and was not able to effect
its landing in sufficient time to fully accomplish the object in'-
tended, though covered by the whole of our field-guns, undeV
captain Bridge, which were placed on the opposite bank of the
river. The king's and 89th, having in fhe meantimegained the town,
commenced a very spirited attack upon the enemy, who were in
-great force, and very strongly posted. The reserve being
arrived on the ground, the whole were shortly engaged. Th;e
«nemy maintained his position with very considerable obstinacy
for some time ; bnt such was the spirited and determined ad-
vance of our troops, that he lyas at length compelled to give
way, was driven through his batteries, in vvhich were a 24^
pounder, three 12-pounders, and one 9-pounder, and pursued
to the town of Buffalo, about two miles distant; he here shewed
a large body of infantry and cavalry, and attempted to oppose
our advance by the fire of a field piece, posted on the height,
which comraanded the road ; but finding this ineffectual, he
flied in all directions, and betaking himselfto the woods, further
pursuit was useless. He left behind him one 6-poundcr brass
•field. piece, and one iron 18 and one iron 6-ponndcr, which fell
into our hands. I then proceeded to execute the ulterior object
of thccxpedifion, and detached captain Robinson, of the king's,
with two companies, to destroy the two schooners and sloop,
VOL. II. U D

402 APPENDIX,
(part of the enemy's late squadron,) that were on shore a little
below the town, with the stores they had on board, which he
effectually corapleted. The town itself, (the inhabitants having
previously left it,) and the whole of the public stores, contain.
ing considerable quantities of cloathing, spirits, and flour, which
I had not the means of conveying away, were then set" on fire,
and totally consumed ; as was also the village of Black Rock,
on the evening it was evacuated. In obedience to your further
instructions, I have directed lieutenant-colonel Gordon fomove
down the riverto Fort-Niagara, with a party of the 19th light
dragoons, under major Lisle, a detachment of the royal Scots,
and the 89th light company, and destroy the remaining cover
of the enemy upon his frontier, which he has reported to have
been effectually done. From every account I have been able
fo collect, the enemy's force opposed to us was not less than
from 2000 to 2500 men ; their loss in killed and wounded, I
should iraagine from 3 to 400; but from thenature of the
country, being mostly covered with wood, it is difficult to ascer-
tain it precisely ; the same reason will account for our not
having been able to make a greater number of prisoners
than 130.
I have great satisfaction in stating to you the good conduct
of the whole of the regular troops and volunteer militia ; but I
must particularly mention the steadiness and bravery ofthe king's
regiment, and 89th light infantry. They were most gallantly
led to the attack by lieutenant.colonel Ogilvie, of the king's,
¦who, Iam sorry tosay, received a severe wound, which will for
a time deprive the service of a very brave and intelligent officer.
After lieutenant.colonel Ogilvie was woniided, the command of
the regiment devolved on captain Robinson, who, by a very
judicious movement to his right, with the three battalion com.
panics, madea considerable impression on the left of the enemy's-
position. I have every reason to be satisfied with lieutenant.
colonel Gordon, in the command of the royal Scots, and have
much to regret, that the accidental grounding of his boats
deprived me of the full benefit of his services ; and I have also
to mention try approbation of the conduct of major Frend,
"commanding the 41st, as well as thatof captain Fawcett, of the
100th grenadiers, who was unfortunately wounded. Captain
Barden, of the RQth, and captain Brunter, of the king's light
infantry compimics, conducted themselves in the most exem.
plary manner. Lieutenant.colonel Elliott, in this, as well as
on other occasions, is entitled to my highest commendations, for
his steal and activity as superintendant of the Indian depart
ment ; and I am happy to add, that, through his exertions, and
that of his officers, no act of cruelty, as far as I could learn,
was committed by the Indians towards any of their prisoners.

APPENDIX. 403
I cannot close this report without mentioning, in terms of the
warmest praise, the good conduct of my aide.de.camp, captain
Holland, from whom I received the most able assistance through.
out the whole of these operations. Nor can I omit mentioning
my obligations to you for acceding to the request of your aide.
de.camp, captain Jervoise, to accompany me. He was extremely
active and zealous, and rendered me very essential service. I
enclose a return of the killed, wounded, and missing, and of the
ordnance captured at Black Rock and Buffalo.
P. RIALL, major.general.
Lieutenant-general Drummond, commanding
the forces. Upper Canada.
Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, of the troops of the
right division, under the command of major-general Rial, inthe
attack on Black Rock and Buffalo, on the 30th of December, 1813.
Killed — royal Scots; — 13 rank and file.
King's regiment ; — 7 rank and file.
4:1st foot ;^— 2 rank and file.
89th light infantry ; — 3 rank and file.
Volunteer militia; — 3 rank and file.
Indiarl warriors ; — 3 rank and file.
Wounded— royal Scots ; — 3 seijeants, 29 rank and file.
King's regiment ; — 2 officers, 14 rank and tile.
4,1st foot ;— 5 rank and file.
89th foot ; {light infantry ;)-— 5 rank and file.
100th. foot; (grenadiers ;) — 1 ofEcer, 4 rank and file.
Volunteer militia; — 1 officer, 5 rank and file.
Indian warriors ; — 3 rank and fiie.
Missing — royal Scots ; — 6 rank nnd file.
4lstfoot ;— 3 rank and file.
Names of officers wounded.
King's regiment; — Lieutenent-colonel Ogilvie, severely; (not danger
ously;) iieutenant Young, slightly.
lOOthfoot; (grenadiers;) — Capt. Fawcett, severely; not dangerously.
Volunteer militia ; — Captain Scroos, slightly.
J. HARVEY,
Lieut.-colonel, and deputy-adjutant.general.
Return of ordnance captured at Black Rock and Buffalo, on the SOth
of December, J813.
One brass 6-pounder field-piece, with carriage, complete ; one iroii 24-
pounder, one iron 18-pounder, one iron 12-pounder, one 9-pounder,
one iron 6-pounder. C. BRIDGE, captain, R. A.

D s 2

404 APPENDIX. No. 7.
Extract of a letter from major-general Hall ta governor
Tompkins ; dated head-quarters, Niagara frontier, Dee.
soth, 1812, 7 o'clock, P,M.
I have only fime to acknowledge the receipt of yonr letter
of the 25th inst., and to add, that this frontier is wholly deso
late. The British crossed over, supported by a strong party
of Indians, a little before day this morning, near Black Rock j
they were met by the militia under my command with spirit ;
but, overpowered by the numbers and discipline of the enemy,
the militia gave way, and fled on every side ; every attempt to
rally them was ineffectual.
The enemy's purpose was obtained, and the flourishing vil.
lage of Buffalo is laid in ruins. The Niagara frontier now lira
open and naked to our enemies. Yonr judgment will direct
you what is most proper in this emergency. I am exhausted
with fatigue, and must defer particulars till to.morrow. Many
valuable lives are lost.

^^.r***,»*****r**

No, 8.
From rear-admiral Cockburn to admiral Warren.
His majesty's sloop Fantome, in the Elk River,
Sir, 20th April, 1813,
I have the honor to acquaint you, that, having yesterday
gained information of the depot of flour (alluded to in your
note to me of the 23d inst.) being, with some military and
other stores, situated at a place called French.Town, a conside
rable distance up the river Elk, I caused his majesty's brigs,
Fantome, and Mohawk, and the Dolphin, Racer, and Highftygr
tenders, to be moored, yesterday evening, as far within the en
trance of this river as could be prudently effected after dark ;
and at 11 o'clock last night, the detachment of marines now in
the advanced squadron, consisting of about 150 raen, under
captains Wybourn and Carter, of that corps, with five artillery.
men, under first-lieutenant Robertson of the artillery, (who
eagerly volunteered his valuable assistance on this occasion,)
proceeded in the boats of the squadron, the whole being under
the immediate direction of lieutenant G. A. Westph.ill, first-of
the Marlborough, to take and destroy the aforesaid stores : the
Highflyer tender, under the comraand of lieutenant T. Lewis
being directed to follow, for the support and protection of the
boats, as far and as closely as he niight find it practicable.

APPENDIX, 405
Bietng ignorant of the way, the boats were unfortunately
led up the Bohemia Rirer, instead of keeping in the Elk;
and, it being daylight before this error was rectified, they
did not reach the dfcstined place till between 8 and 9 o'clock
this morning, which occasioned the enemy to have fnll warning
¦of their approach, and gave him time to collect his force, and
make his arrangements for the defence of his stores and
town ; for the security of which, a 6^gun battery had la,tely
been erected, and from whence a heavy fire was opened upon
our boats the moment they approached within its reach ; but
the launches, with their carronades, underthe orders of lientc-
Nicholas Alexander, first of the Dragon, pulling resolutely up
to the work, keeping up at the same time a constant and well-
directed fire on it; and the marines being in the act of disem
barking on the right, the Americans judged it ])rudent to quit
their battery, and to retreat precipitately into the country,
abandoning to their fate French-Town and its depots of stores ;
the whole of the latter, therefore, consisting of much flour, a
large quantity of army-cloaf hing, of saddles, bridles, and other
equipments for cavalry, &c. &c., together with various articles
-of merchandise, were immediately set fire to, and entirely con
sumed, as were five vessels lying near the place ; and the guns
of the battery being too heavy fo bring away,, were disabled as
jeffecfually as possible by lieutenant Robertson and his artillery
men ; after which, my orders being completely fulfilled, the
¦boats returned down the river without molestation ; and I am
happy to add, that one seamen^ of the Maidstone, ivounded in
the arm by a grape-shot, is the oniy casualty we have sus-
tained. To lieutenant G. A. Westphall, who has so gallantly con.
ducted, and so ably executed, this service, my highest encomiums
and best acknowledgements are due ; and 1 trust, sir, you will
deem him to have also thereby merited your favor.iblc conside-
:rationand notice. It is likewise my pleasing duty to acquaint
you, that he speaks in the highest terms of tha y.cal and good
conduct of every officer and man employed with him on this
occasion ; but particularly of the very great assistance he de
rived from lieutenant Robertson, of the artillery; lieutenant
Alexander, of the Dragon ; lieutenant Lewis, of the Highflyer ;
and captains Wybourn and Carter of the royal marines.
I have now anchored the above-mentioned brigs and tenders
rear a farm, ou the right bank of this river, where there appears
to be a considerable quantity of cattle, which I intend embark
ing for fhe use of the fleet under your command ; and if I meet
with no resistance or impediment in so doing, I shall give the
.owner bills on the victualling.office for the fair value of whatsq.
«Viec is so taken; but should resistance be made, I shall consider

406 APPENDIX/
them as prize of war, which I trust will meet yonr approbation ;
and 1 purpose taking on boa^-d a further supply for the fleet to.
morrow, on similar terms, from Specucie Island, which lies a
little below Havre-de.Grace, and which I have been informed
is also well stocked. I have the honor to be, &c.
G. COCKBURN, rear-admiral.
To the right hon. admiral Sir J. B. Warren, bart. K. B. &c.

No, 9,
From same to same.
His majesty's ship Maidstone,
Tuesday. night, 3d of May, 1813, at anchor oflf
Sin, Turkey Point.
I have the honor to inform you, that, whilst anchoring the
brigs and tenders off Specucie Island, agreeably to my intentions
notified to you in my official reportof the 29th ultimo. No. 10,
I ohserved guns fired, and American colours hoisted, ata battery
lately erected at Havre-de-grace, at the entrance of Susque-
hanna River. This, ofcourse, immediately gave to the place an
imporfance which I had not before attached to it, and I there.
fore determined on attacking it after fhe completion of our
operations at the island; consequently, having sounded in the
direction towards if, and found that the shallowness of the
•water wonld only admit of its being approached by boats, I
directed their assembling under Iieutenant Westphall, (first of
the Marlborough,) last night at 12 o'clock, alongside the Fan.
tome: when our detachments of marines, consisting of about
150 men, (as before,) under captains Wybourn and Carter, with
a small party of artillerymen, under lieutenant Robinson, of
the artillery, embarked in them ; and the whole being under
the immediate direction of captain Lawrence, of the Fan
tome, (who, with much zeal and readiness, took upon himself,
at my request, the conducting of this service,) proceeded to.
ward Havre.de-Grace, to take up, nnder cover of the night,
the necessary position for commencing the attack at the dawn
of day. Ihe Do phm and Highflyer tenders, commanded by
lrlT;:\"."l':'"'V^° V"'^ ^f ^y-' followed for the support o^f
cater prevented their g
. . ^ , . - 1  r >^aptain Lawrence, however
having got un w th thp hn,.*., „„.i u„..:  .T' '"^yevtr,

a

the boats but the shoalness of the water prevented their gettine
within s.x miles of the place. Captain Lawrence,Tov.eve7
having got up w.th the boats, and having very ablv and tudi
PIOUS y placed them duringthe dark, a wafra firLas opened on*
the placea day.light from our launches and rocket-boaU which
lyas smartly returned frpm the battery for a short time but

APPENDIX. 407:
the launches constantly closing with it, and their fire rather
increasing than decreasing, that from the battery soon began to
slacken ; and captain Lawrence observing this, very judiciously
directed the landing of the marines on the left ; which move-
ment, added to the hot fire they were nnder, induced the Ame.
ricans to commence withdrawing from the battery, to take
shelter in the town.
Lieutenant G. A. Westphall, who had taken his station
in the rocket-boat close to the batteiy, therefore now judg
ing the moment to be favourable, pulled directly up under
the work, and landing with his boat's crew, got imme.
diate possession of it, turned their own guns on them, and
thereby soon obliged tbem to retreat, with their whole force,
to the farthest extremity of the town, whither, (the marines
having by this time landed,) they were pursued closely ;
and no longer feeling themselves equal to an open and manly
resistance, they commenced a teazing and irritating fire from >
behind the houses, walls, trees, &c. : from which, I am sorry
to say, my gallant first-lieutenant received a shot through his
hand whilst leading the pursuing party ; he, however, conti
nued to head the advance, with which he soon succeeded in
dislodging the whole of the enemy from their lurking-places, and
driving them for shelter to the neighbouring woods ; and whilst
performing which service, he had the satisfaction to overtake,
and with his remaining hand to make prisoner and bring in a
captain of their militia. We also took an ensign and somo
armed individuals ; but the rest of the force, wbich had been
opposed to us, having penetrated into the woods, I did not
judge it prudent to allow of their being further followed with
our small numbers ; therefore, after setting fire to some of the
houses, to cause the proprietors, (who had deserted them, and
formed part of the militia who had fled to the woods,) to
understand, and feel, what they were liable to bring upon
themselves, by building batteries, and acling towards us wilh
so much useless rancour, I embarked in the boats the guns
from the battery, and having also taken and destroyed
about 130 stand of small arms, I detached a smull division of
boats up the Susquehanna, to take and destroy whatever they
might raeet with in it, and proceeded myself with the remaining
boats under captain Lawrence, in search of a cannon foundry,
which I had gained intelligence of, whilst on shore at Havre.
de.Grace, as being situated about ihree or four miles to the
northward, where we found it accordingly ; and getting pos- ,
session of it without difficulty, commenced instantly its destruc.
tion, and that of the guns and other materials we found there,
to complete which, occupied us during the remainder of the day,
an there were several buildings, and much complicated heavy

403 APPENDIX.
machinery, attached to it; it was known by the name of
Cecil, or Principio foundry, and was one of the most valu
able works of the kind in America; the destruction of it,
therefore, at this moment, will, 1 frust, prove of much nati.
onal importance.
In the margin* I have stated the ordnance taken and dis
abled by onr small division this daj, during the whole of which
we have been on shore in the cenfre ofthe enemy's country, and
on his high road between Baltimore and Philadelphia. Theboats
which I sent up the Susquehanna, returned after destroying five
vessels on it, and a large store of flour ; when every thing bping
completed to my utmost wishes, the whole division re-embarked
and returned to the ships, where we arrived at 10 o'clock,
after having been 22 hours in constant exertion, without
nourishment of any kind ; and, I have much pleasure in being
able to add, that, excepting lieutenant Westphall's wound, we
have not suffered any casualty whatever.
The judicious dispositions made by captain Lawrence, of the
Fantome, during the preceding nighf, and the able manner in
which he conducted the attack of Havre in the morniiig, added
to the gallantry, zeal, and attention, shewn by him during this
whole day, most justly eniitle him to my highest er.cominms
and acknowledgements, and will, I trust, ensure to him yonr
approbation ; and I have the (ileasure to add, that he speaks in
the roost favorable nianner of the good conduct of all the officers
and men employed in the boats nnder his immediate orders,
particularly of lieutenants Alexander and Reed, of the Dragon
and Fantome, who each commanded a division; of lieutenant
G.A. Westphall, whose exemplary and gallant conduct it has
been necessary for me already to notice in detailing to you the
operations of the day. I shall only now add that, from a
thorough knowledge of his merits, (he having served many
years with meas first lieutenant,) I always, on similar occa.
sions, expected much from him, but this day he even out
stripped those expectations; and though in considerable pain
from his wound, he insisted on continuirg to assist me to the last
moment with his able exertions. ] therefore, sir, cannot but
entertain a confiden-' hope that his services of to-day, an,d the
wound he has rtceived, added to what he so successfully exe
cuted at Frenchtown, (as detailed in my letter to yon of the
29th ultimo,) wil! obtain for him your favorable consideration
» Trikcnfrom the battery al Havre-de-Grace-6 guns, 12 and 6-noHn-
dcis. *^
Disabled, inb,iUery for protection of foundry— 5 gmis. Sipounders
Disabled, rejidy for sending away frnm foundry-2S guns, 32-poundei-=
Disabled, in boring-hoiise and foundry-S guus and 4 carronades 'of
dinerent calibres.
Total— 61 guns, and ISO stand of Email arms.

ATPENDIX. 400
and notice, and fhat of my lords commissioners of the admiralty,
I should be wanting in justice did I not also mention to you,
particularly, the able assistance again afforded meby lieutenant
Robertson, of the artillery, who is ever a volunteer where ser.
vice is to be performed, and always foremost in performing such
service, being equally conspicuous for his gallantry antl ability ;
and he also obliged me by superintending the destruction of the
ordnance taken af the foundry. To captains Wyborn .and
Carter, who commanded the marines, and shewed much skill in
the management of them, every praise is likewise due, as are
my acknowledgraents to lieutenant Lewis, of the Highflyer,
who, not being able to bring his vessel near enough to render
assistance, came himself with his usual aciive zeal to offer his
personal services. And it is ray pleasing duty to have to report
to you, in addition, that all the other officers and raen seemed
to vie with each other in the cheerful and zealous discharge of
their duty, and I have, therefore, the satisfaction of recom.
mending their general good conduct, on this occasion, to your
notice accordingly. I have the honor to be, &c.
G. COCKBURN, rear-adm.
To, the right hon. admiral sir J. B. Warren, bart.
and K.B. &c.

No. 10,
From same to same.
H.M.S. Maidstone, off the Sassafras river,
Stu, May 6th, 1813.
I have the honor to acquaint you, that understanding
Georgetown and Frederickstown, situated up the Sassafras river,
were places of some trade and importance, and the Sassafras
being the only river or place of shelter for vessels at this upper
extremity of the Chesapeake, which I had not examined and
cleared, I directed, last night, theassembling ofthe boats along.
side the Mohawk, from whence with the marines, as before,
under captains Wybourn and Carter, with my friend lieutenant
Robertson, of the artillery, and his small party, they proceeded
up this river, being placed by me for this operation, under the
immediate directions of captain Byng of the .\Iohawk.
I intended that fhey should arrive before the above-mentioned
towns by dawn of day, but in this I was frustrated by the intri-
cacy of the river, our total want of local knowledge in it, the
darkness of the night, and fhe great distance the towns lay up
it ; it, therefore, unavoidably became late in the morning before

410 APPENDIX.
we approached them, when, having intercepted a small boat with
two of the inhabitants, I directed captain Byng to halt our
boats about two miles below the town, and I sent forward the
two Americans in their boat to warn their countrymen against
acting in the same rash manner the people of Havre.de-Grace
had done ; assuring them, if they did, fhat their towns would
enevitably meet with a similar fate ; but, on the contrary, if they
did not attempt resistance, no injury should be done to them or
their towns; that vessels and public property only would be'
seized ; fhat the strictest discipline would be maintained ; and
that, whatever provisions or other property of individuals I
might require for the use of the squadron, should be instantly
paid for in its fullest value. After having allowed sufficient
time for this message to be digested, and their resolution taken
thereon, 1 directed the boats to advance, and I am sorry to say,
I soon found fhe more unwise alternative was adopted; for on
our reaching within about a mile of the town, between two
projecting elevated points of the river, a most heavy fire of
musketry was opened on us from about 400 men, divided
iind entrenched on the two opposite banks, aided by one long
gun. The launches and rocket-boats smartly returned this fire
with good effect, and with the other boats and the marines I
pushed a-shore immediately above the enemy's position, thereby
ensuring the capture of the towns or the bringing him to a de
cided action. He determined, however, not to risk the latter ;
for the moment he discerned we had gained the shore, and that
the marines had fixed their bayonets, he fled with his whole
force to the woods, and was neither seen nor heard of after
wards, though sevcralpartics were sent out to ascertain whether
he had taken up any new position, or what had becorae of him.
I gave hiin, however, the mortification of seeing, frora where-
ever hehad hid himself, that 1 was keeping my word With respect
to the towns, which (excepting the houses of those who had con-
tinned peaceably in them, and had taken no part in the attack
made on us) were forthwith destroyed, as were four vessels
laying in the river, and some stores of sugar, of lumber, of
leather, and of other merchandize. I then directed the re.
embarkation of our small force, and we proceeded down the
river again, to a town 1 had observed, situated in a branch of
it, about half way up, and here I had the satisfaction to find,
that what had passed at Havre, Georgetown, and Fredericks.
town, had its eflect, and led these people to understand, that
they had moro to hope for from our generosify, than frora
erecting batteries, and opposing us by raeans within their
power ; the inhabitants of this place having met me at landing,
to say that they had not permitted either guns or militia to be
statined there, and that whilst there I should not meet with any

APPENDIX. 411
opposition whatever. I therefore landed with the ofiicers and
a small guard only, and having ascertained that fhere was nd
public property of any kind, or warlike stores, and having
allowed of such articles as we stood in need of being embarked
in the boats on payment to the owner of their full value, I
again re-embarked, leaving the people of this place well pleased
with fhe wisdom of their determination on their mode of receiv.
ing us. I also had a deputation from Charlestown, in the
north-east river, to assure me that that place is considered by
them at your mercy, and that neither guns nor militia-men shall
be suffered there ; and us I am assured that all the places in the
upper part of the Chesapeake have adopted similar resolutions,
and that there is now neither public property, vessels, nor war.
like stores remaining in this neighbourhood, I propose return.
4ng to you with the light squadron to.morrow morning.
I am sorry to say the hot fire we were under this morning
cost us five meo wounded, one only, however, severely ; and I
have much satisfaction in being able to bear testimony to you
of the zeal, gallantry, and good conduct of the different officers
and men serving in this division. To captain Byng, of the
Mohawk, who conducted the various arrangements, on this
occasion, with equal skill and bravery, every possible praise is
most justly due, as well as to captains Wybourn and Carter,
lieutenant Robertson, of fhe artillery, and lieutenant Lewis, of
the Hipflyer ; lieutenant Alexander, ofthe Dragon, the senior
officer under captain Byng, in command of the boats, deserves
also that 1 should particularly notice him to you for his sfeadi.
ness, correctness, and the great ability with which he q,lways
executes whatever service is entrusted to him ; and Imusfbegper^
mission of seizing this opportunity of stating f o you how much I
have been indebted, since on this service, to captain Burdett, of
this ship, who was good enough to receive me on board thp
Maidstone when I found it impracticable to advance higher in
the Marlborough, and has invariably accompanied me on every
occasion whilst directing these various operations, and rendered
me always the most able, prompt, and efficacious assistance.
1 have the honor fo be, &c.
G. COCKBURN, rear-adm,
Tp the right hon. adpiiral sir J. B. Witrren, Bart. K.B. &c.

No. 11,
From lieutenant Crerie to captain Travis,
Sir, His raajesty's ship Narcissus, June 13, 1813.
Your gallant and desperate attempt to defend your vessel
against more thap double your number, on the night of the

412 APPENDIX.
12th instant, excited such admiration on the part of your
opponents, as I have seldom witnessed, and induced me fo
return you the sword you had so nobly used, in testimony of
mine. Our poor fellows have severely suffered, occasioned
chiefly, if not solely, by the precaution you had taken to pre.
vent surprise; in short, I am at a loss which to admire most,
the previous engagement on board the Surveyor, or the deter-
mined mauner by which her deck was disputed, inch by inch.
I am, sir, with much respect, &c.
JOHN CRERIE.
Capt. S. Travis, U. S. cutter, Surveyor,

.»¦* »:M:^»^r.^** *¦

No. 12.

From commodore Cassin to the American secretary of the
navy.
(Letter I.)
Sir, Navy yard, Gosport, June 21, 1813.
On Saturday, at 1 1 P. M. captain Tarbell moved with the
flotilla under his command, consisting of 15 gun-boats, in two
divisions, lieutenant John M. Gardner 1st division, and lieute
nant Robert Henley the 2d, manned from Iho frigate, and 50
musketeers, ordered from Craney island by general Taylor,
and proceeded down the riifer; but adverse winds and squalls
prevented his approaching the eneiny until Sunday morning at
four, when the flotilla commenced a heavy galling fire on a
frigate, at about three quarters of a mile distance, lying well
up the roads, two other frigates lying in sight. At half past
fonr, a breeze sprung up from E.N.E. which enabled the two
frigates to get under way — one a razee or very heavy ship, and
the other a frigate — and to come nearer into action. The boats,
JU consequence of their approach, hauled off, though keeping
np a well directed fire on the razee and the other ship, which
gave us several broadsides. The frigate first engaged, supposevl
to be the Junon, was certainly severely handled — had fhe calm
continued one half hour, that frigate must have fallen into our
hands, or been desfroyed. She must have alipped her mooring
so as to drop nearer the razee, who had all sail set, coming up
to her with the other frigate. The action continued one hour
and a half with three ships. Shortly affer the action, the razee
got alongside of the ship, and had her upon a deep careen in a
little time, wilh a number of boats and stages round her. I am
satisfied considerable damage was done to her, for she was
silenced some time, unfil the razee opened her fire, wheo she

APPENDIX. 414
commenced again. Our loss is very trifling. Mr. Allison,
master's mate, on board 139, was killed earlyanthe action, by
an IS-pound ball, which passed through him and lodged in the
mast. No. 154 had a shot between wind and water. No. 67
had her franklin shot away, and several of them had some of
their sweeps and their stancheons shot away — but two men
slightly injured from the sweeps. On the flood tide several
ships of the line and frigates came into the roads, and we did
expect an attack last night. There are now in the roads .13
ships of the line and frigates, one brig and several tenders,
I cannot say too much for the officers and crews on this occa.
sion ; for every man appeared to go into action with so much
cheerfulness, apparently to do their duty, resolved to conquer.
J had a better opportunity of discovering their actions than any
one else, being in my boat the whole of the action.
I have the honor to be, &c.
Hon. W. Jones, &c, JOHN CASSIN.
(Letter II.)
Sir, Navy yard, Gosport, June 23, 1813,
I have the honor to inform you, that on the 20th the enemy
got nnder way, in all 13 sail, and dropped up to the mouth ot
James' river, one ship bearing a flag at the mizen. At 5 P.M.
they were discovered raaking great preparation with troops for
landing, having a number of boats for the pnrpose. Finding
Craney island rather weakly manned, captain Tarbell directed
lieutenants Neal, Shubrick, and Sanders, with 100 seamen, on
shore, at 11 P.M. to a small battery on the N. W. side of the
island. Tuesday 22d, at dawn, the enemy were discovered landing
round the point of Nansemond river ; at 8 A.M. the barges
attempted to land in front of the island, out of reach ofthe shot
from the gun-boats, when lieutenants Neal, Shnbrick, and
Sanders with the sailors, and lieutenant Breckenbridge with the
marines ofthe Constellation, 150 in nnmber, opened the fire,
which was so well directed, that the enemy were glad to get
off, after sinking three of their largest boats. One of them,
called the Centepede, admiral Warren's boat, 50 feet in length,
carried 76 men, the greater part of whom wore lost by her
sinking. Twenty soldiers and sailors were saved, and the boat
hauled np.
The officers of the Constellation fired their 18-pounder more
like riflemen than artillerists, 1 never saw such shooting, and
seriously believe they saved the island,
I have the honor io be, &c.
Hon. W. Jones, &c, JOHN CASSIN,
The number of the enemy engaged in the attack .was nearly
3000.

414 APPENDIX. No. 13,
From admiral Warren to Mr. Croker.
San Domingo, Hampton-road*,
Sir, Chesapeake, June 24, 1813.
I request you will inform their lordships, that, from the in.
formation received of the enemy's fortifying Craney Island, and
it being'necessary to obtain possession of fhat place, to enable
the light ships and vessels to proceed up the narrow channel
towards Norfolk, to transport the troops over on that side for
them to attack fhe new fort and lines, in the rear of which the
Constellation frigate was anchored, I directed the troops under
sir Sydney Beckwith to be landed upon the continent within the
nearest point to that place, and a reinforcement of seamen and
marines from the ships ; but upon approaching the island, from
the extreme shoalness of fhe water on the sea side, and the
difficulty of getting across from the land, as well as the Island
itself being fortified with a nnmber of guns and men from the
frigate and militia, and flanked by 15gun.boats, I considered,
in consequence of the representation of the officer commanding
the troops, of the difficulty of their passing over from the land,
that the persevering in the attempt would cost more men than
the number with us would permit, as the other forts must have
been stormed before the frigate and dock.yard could have been
destroyed ; I therefore ordered the troops to be re-embarked.
I am happy to say, the loss in the above affair (returns of
which are enclosed) has not been considerable, and only two
boats sunk.
I have to regret, that captain Hanshett, of his majesty's ship
Diadem, who volunteered his services, and led the division of
boats with great gallantry, was severely wounded by a ball in
the thigh.
The officers and men behaved with much bravery, and if it
had been possible to have got at the enemy, 1 ara persuaded
would have soon gained the place.
I have the honor to be, &c.
J. W, Croker, esq. J, B, WARREN,
A return of o^Jicers, seamen, and marines, belonging to his majesty's
ships, killed, wounded, and missing, in the attack on Craney island,
June 22d.
Killed; — None.
Wounded ;— I officer and 7 seamen.
Missing! — 10 seamen. Name of the officer wounded.
Captain Hanchett, of his majesty's ship Diadem, severely, but not
dangerously.
J. B. WARREN.

APPENDIX, 413
A return of the killed, wounded, and missing, of the officers, non
commissioned officers, drummers, aud rank and file, in the affair
with the enemy near Craney island, June aSd.
1st battalion royal mariiies and rocket artillery; — 1 rank and file
wounded. Sd battalion royal marines ;^S rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 4
rank file, wounded ; 7 rank and file, missing.
102</ regiment ; — 1 serjeant, killed ; 1 serjeant, wounded.
Island Sd company Canadian chasseurs ;—l lieutenant, wounded; 2
Serjeants, 2 drummers, 41 rank and file, inissini;.
Total — 3 killed ; 8 wounded; 62 missing.
SYDNEY BECKWITH, quarter-master-gen.

No. 14.
From same to same,
San Domingo, Hampton.roads, Chesapeake,
Sill, June 27th, 1813.
I request you will inform their lordships, that the enemy
having a post at Hampton, defended by a considerable corps,
commanding the communication between fhe upper part of the
country and Norfolk ; I considered it advisable, and with a view
to cut off their resources, to direct it to be attacked by the
troops composing the fiying corps attached to fhis squadron ;
and having instructed rear.admiral Cockburn to conduct the
naval part of the expedition, and placed captain Pechell with
the Mohawk sloop and launches, as a covering force, under his
orders, the troops were disembarked with the greatest zeal and
alacrity. Sir Sydney Beckwith commanding the troops, having most
ably attacked and defeated the enemy's force, and took their
guns, colours, and camp, I refer their lordships to theqnarter-
master.general's report, (which is enclosed,) and that will
explain the gallantry and behavior of the several officers and
men employed upon this occasion, and I trust will entitle them
fo the favor of his royal highness the prince regent, and the
lord's comraissioners of the Admiralty.
Sir Sydney Beckwith, having reported to me that the defences
of the town were entirely dr stroyed, and the enemy completely
dispersed in the neighbourhood, I ordered the troops to bo
re.embarked, vhich was performed wifh the utmost good order
by the several officers of the squadron under the orders of
rear-admiral Cockburn. I have fhe honor to be,
JOHN BORLASE WARliExV.
John Wilson Croker, esq.

416 APPENDIX.

No. 15.
From quarter-master-general sir Sydney Beckwith to admiral
Warren.
His majesty's ship San Domingo, Hampton-roads,
Sir, June 28, 1813.
I have the honor to report to jon, that in compliance vvith
yonr orders to attack the enemy in town and camp at Hampton,
the troops under my command were put into light sailing
vessels and boats, during the night of the 25th instant, and by
the excellent arrangements of rear-admiral Cockburn, who was
pleased in person to superintend the advance under lieutenant.
colonel Napier, consisting of the 102d regiment, two companies
of Canadian Chasseurs, three companies of marines from fhe
squadron, with two 6. pounders from the marine artillery, were
landed half an hour betore day.light the next raorning, about
two miles to the westward of the town, and the royal marine
battalions, under lieutenant-colonel Williams, were brought on
shore so expeditiously that the column was speedily enabled to
move forward.
With a view to turn the enemy's position, our march was
directed towards the great road, leading from the country into
the rear of the town. Whilst the troops moved off in this
direction, rear.admiral Cockburn, to engage the enemy's
attention, ordered the armed launches and rocket-boats to
commence a fire upon their batteries; this succeeded so com.
pletely, that the head of our advanced guard had cleared a
¦wood, and were already on the enemy's fl.jnk before our
approach was perceived. They then moved from their camp
to their position in rear of the town, and here they were
vigorously attacked by lieutenant-colonel Napier, and the
advance ; unable to stand which, they continued their march to
the rear of the town, when a defachuient, under lieutenant.
colonel Williams, conducted by captain Powell, assistant.
quarUfr-master-general, pushed through the town, and forced
their way across a bridge of planks into fhe enemy's encamp.
ment, of which, and the batteries, immediate possession was
gained. In the raean time some artillerymen stormed and took
the enemy's remaining field. pieces.
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit a return of ordnance
taken. Lieutenant-colonel Williams will have the honor of
delivering to you a stand of colours of the 68th regiment,
Jaines city light infantry, and one of fhe 1st battalion 85th
regiment. The exact numbers of fhe enemy it is difficult to
ascertain.

APPENDIX. 417
From the woody country, and the strength of their posi
tions, our troops have sustained some loss ; that of the enemy
was very considerable. Every exertion was made to collect
the wounded Americans, who were attended by a surgeon of
their own, and by the British surgeons, who performed ampu*
tations on such as required it, and afforded every assistance in..
their power. The dead bodies of such as could be collected
were also carefully buried.
I beg leave on fhis occasion to express the obligations I owe
to lieutenant-colonel Napier, and lieutenant-colonel Williams,
for their kind and able assistance; fo major Malcolm and
captain Smith, and all the officers and men, whose zeal aud
spirited conduct entitle them to my best acknowledgements.
1 have the honor fo be, &c.
SIDNEY BECKWITH, Q.M.G.
Seturn of ordnance stores taken in Hampton, on the 25th of June, 1813.
Four l2-pouniler guns on travelling carriages, three 6-pounder guns
on travelling carriages, with timbers and a proportion of ammunition,
for each of ihe above calibres.
Three covered waggons and their horses.
T. A. PARKE, captain,
and senior officer R. M. artillery.
A return of the killed, wounded, and missing, at Hampton, the 26th of
June, 1813.
Royal marine artillery ; — 1 rank and file, killed; 4 rank and file,
wounded. '
Ships' 3 companies of royal marines f— I rank and file, wounded; 1
rank and file, missing,
1st and Sd Canadian chasseurs ; —3 rank and file, killed ; 13 rank and
file, wounded; 6 rank and file, missing.
1st battalion royal marines ; — 1 rank and file, killed; liieutenant, 1
rank and file, wounded.
Sd battalion royal marines ; — f lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 6 rank and
file, wounded; 3 rank and file, missing.
Total — 5 killed; 33 wounded ; 10 missing.
SYDNEY BECKWITH, Q. M. G,
Admiral Sir J. B- Warren,
&c. &c. &c.

f*.f^***f*r^^*^

No, 16,

From colonel Butler to general Harrison.
Dear sir,
By lieutenant Shannon, of the 27th regiinent United-States?
infantry, I have the honor of informing you, that a detach.
jnent of the troops under my command, led by captain Holmegj
VOL. II. E E

•418 APPENDIX.
Xit the 24th United States' infantry, have obtained a signal
?ictory over the enemy.
The affair took place ou the 4fh instant, about 100 miles
from this place, on the river de French. Our force consisted
of no more than 160 rangers and mounted infantry. The
enemy, from their own acknowledgement, had about 240.
The fine light company of the royal Scots is totally destroyed;
they led the attack most gallantly, and their commander fell
r'within ten paces of our front line. The light company of the
89th has also suffered severely ; one officer of that company
fell, one is a prisoner, and another is said to be badly
."wounded. In killed, wounded, and prisoners, the enemy lost about
80, whilst on our part there were but four killed, and four
wounded. This great disparity iu the loss on each side, is to be
attributed to the very judicious position occupied by captain
Holmes, who compelled the enemy to attack him at great
disadvantage. This even more gallantly merits the laurel.
Captain Holmes has just returned, and will furnish a
detailed account of the expedition, which shall immediately be
transmitted to you. Very respectfully,
your most obedient servant,
H. BUTLER,
Major.general Harrison, lient.. col. commandant Detroit.
Enemy's forces, as stated by the prisoners.
Royal Scots, 101
89th regiment, 45
Militia, 50
Indians, 40 to 60^

2.36

*:# ^•r.^.f^.r^.f^,^^,^^

No. 17.

Minutes of a council of war held at Champlain the 29th of
March, 1814.
Present — Brigadier.general Macomb, brigadier.general Bis.
sell, brigadier.general Smith, colonel Atkinson, colonel Miller,
colonel Cummings, major Pitfs, major Totten.
Major.general Wilkinson states to the council, that, from the
best information he can collect, the eneray has assembled at the
Isle aux Noix and La Colle Mill 2500 men, composed of about
,2000 regular troops and 500 militia, of whom, after leaving
a garrison of 200 men at Isle aux Noix, 1800 regulars and
500 militia may be brought into action. The corps of the
Uuited States, now at this place, consists of 3999 combatants,

APPENDIX. 419
including 100 cavalry, and 304 artillerists, with 11 pieces of
artillery. The objects of fhe enemy are unknown, and the
two corps are separated nine miles. Under these circumstances
the major-general submits the following questions for the
consideration and opinion of the council.
First — Shall we attack the enemy? and in such case do the
council approve the order of march and battle hereunto annexed,
¦with the general order of the day ?
Second — When and by what route shall the atfack be made,
on the plan of fhe intermediate country hereunto annexed?
Third — Shall a single atfack be made with our force com
bined ; or shall two attacks be made ; or shall we feint on the
right by the shore of the Sorel, or to the left by Odell's
mill, to favor the main attack ?
The general will be happy f o adopt any advantageous change
<which may be proposed by the council, or be governed by their
opinions. The council is of opinion, that the light troops should cover
a reconnoissance towards La Colle Mill ; and, if it is found
practicable, the position should be attacked, and the enemy's
works destroyed ; that the whole army move to support the
light troops; that the order of battle is approved, and the
manner and mode of attack must be left entirely with the
^pmraanding general, ALEX. MACOMB,
TH. A. SMITH,
D. BISSELL,
R. PURDY,
JAMES MILLER,
T. H. PITTS,
H. ATKINSON,
JOSEPH Gi TOTTEN.
Under existing circumstances my opinion ¦• is, that we go as
far as La Colle Mill, designated in the map, to meet the enemy
there, and destroy their block.house and the mill in which they
^re quartered. M. SMITH, col. 29th inf.

No. 18.
American general order of the 29th of March.
Head-quarters, Champlain, 29th March, 1814.
The army will enter Canada to.morrow to meet the enemy,
¦who has approached in force to the vicinity of the national line of
.demarkation ; the arms and ammunition are therefore to be cri.
tically examined, and the men completed to 60 rounds. The
commauding officers of corps and companies will be held .re.
sptfDsible for the exact fulfilment of this essential order. The
£ E 2

4-20 APPENDIX.
troops to be corapleted to four days' cooked provisions, exclu
sive of the present; and it is recommended to the gentlemen in
commission to make sarae provision. No baggage will be
•taken forward, excepting the bedding of the officers. Let every
officer, and every man, take the resolution to return victo.
rious, or not at all : for, with double the force of the enemy,
this army must not give gronnd.
Brigadier-general Macomb having joined with his command,
the formation of the troops must necessarily be modified. They
are therefore to be formed into three brigades; the first, under
general Macomb, consisting of his present command, with the
addition of colonel M. Smith's consolidated regiment; second
and third, under the command of brigadier.general Smith and
Bissell, consisting of the troops already consigned to them.
The order of raarch and battle will be furnished the brigadier.
generals, and commanding officers of regiments, by the adju-
tant.general. The transport permit will be immediately returned for, and
distributed by, regiraents.
On the march, when approaching the enemy, or during an
action, the men are to be profoundly silent, and will reso
lutely execute the comraands fhey may receive from the officers.
In every movement which may be made, the ranks are fo be
unbroken, and there must be no running forward or shouting*
An officer will be posted on the right of each platoon, and a
tried serjeant will form a supernuraerary rank, and will instantly
put to death any man who goes back. This forraation isto take
place by regiments and brigades, in the course of the day,
when fhe officers are to be posted.
Let every one perfectly understand his place ; and let all
bear in mind what they owe to their own honor and to a be.
loved country, contending for its rights, and its very inde.
pendence as a nation.
The officers must be careful that the raen do not throw away
their ammunition : one deliberate shot being worth half a dozen
hurried ones ; and fhey are to give to the troops the example
of courage in every exigency which may happen.
In battle, fhere must be no contest for rank or station, but
every corps must march promptly and directly fo the spot,
which it may be directed to occupy. The troops will be uuder
arms at rcveillee to-morrow morning, and will be ready to
march at a moment's warning. All orders from the adjutant
and inspector-general's department; from captain Rees, as
sistant-deputy. quarter-mastcr-general ; and major Lush and
captain Nourse, extra aides de camp to general Wilkinson, will
be respected as coming from fhe commanding general himself.
Signed, by order, W. CUMMINGS, adjutant-gen.

APPENDIX. 421

No. 19.
From lieutenant.colonel Williams io sir G. Prevost.
Sir, La Cole, March 13, 1814.
I beg leave to acquaint you, that I have just received from
major Handcock, of the 13th regiment, commanding at the
block-house on La Colle river, a report, stating that the
out- posts on fhe roads from Burtonville and La Colle mill,
leading from Odell. town, were atfacki'd at an early hour
yesterday morning by the enemy in great force, collected
from Plattsburg anti Burlington, under the command of major-
general Wilkinson. The attack on the Burtonville road was
soon over, when the enemy shewed themsulves on the road
from the mill that leads direct to Odell. town, where they drove
in a piquet stationed in advance of La Colle, about a mile and
a half distant ; and Foon after the enemy established a battery
of three guns (12 pounders) in the wood. With this artillery
they began to fire on the raill, when major Handcock, hearing
of the arrival of the flank companies of the 13th regiment at
the block-house, ordered an attack on the guns; which, how.
ever, was not successful, from the wood being so thick and so
filled with men. Soon after, another opportunity presented
itself, when the Canadian grenadier company, and a company
of the voltigeurs, attempted the gnns; but the very great supe.
riorityof the enemy's numbers, hid in the woods, prevented
their taking them.
I have to regret the loss of many brave and good soldiers in
these two attacks, and am particularly sorry fo lose fhe service,
for a short timt, of captain EUard, of the 13th regiment,
from being wounded, while gallantly leading his company.
The enemy withdrew their artillery towards night-fall, and
retired, towards morning, from the mill, taking the road to
Odell. town.
Major Handcock speaks in high terms of obligation to
captain Ritter, of the frontier light infantry, who, from his
knowledge of the country, was of great benefit. The marine
detachment, under lieutenants Caldwell and Barton, the
Canadian grenadier corapany, and the company of voltigeurs,
as well as all tfie troops employed: the major expresses himself
in high terms of praise for their conduct, so honorable to
the service.
Major Handcock feels exceedingly indebb-d to captain
Pring, R, N. for his ready and prompt assistance, in mooring
up the sloop and ?un-boats from Isle au Noix, to the entrance
of the La Colle river, the fire from which was so destructive.

4^2 APPENDIX.
Lieutenants Caswick and Hicks, of the royal navy, were most
actively zealous in forwarding two guns from the boats, and
getting them upto the mill.
To major Handcock the greatest praise is due, for his most
gallant defence of the mill against such superior numberi ; and
1 earnestly trust it will meet the approbation of his excellency
the commander in chief of the forces. I have the honor to
transmit a list of the killed and wounded of the British: that
of the enemy, from all accounts I can collect from the
inhabitants, must have been far greater.
I have the honor to be, &c.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS,
lieuf..col. 13th regiment,
commanding at St. John's,-
List of killed, wounded, and missing, in action at La Colle mill, on the
soth of March, 181-4.
ISth grenadiers;— 8 rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 1
seijeant, 31 rank and fiie, wounded ; 1 rank and file, raissing.
13(A light infantry; — 1 rank and file, killed; 1 serjeant, 8 rank and
file, wounded ; 1 rank and file, missing.
13ih, captain Blake's company ;—\ rank and file, killed.
- Canadian grenadiers; — 1 rank and file, killed; 3 rank and file,
wounded ; 2 rank and file, missing.
Canadian voltigeurs;—! rank and file, wounded.
Total— 11 rank and file, killed; l' captain, 1 subaltern, 1 serjeant, 43
rank and file, wounded ; 4 rank and file, missing.
Officers wounded.
ISth regiment ;—Capla.\n EUard; ensign Whitford, slightly.
Note — 1 Indian warrior killed, 1 wounded.
R. B. HANDCOCK, major.

^*^¦^<^r*^*¦*¦#¦***¦r

No, 20.
From lieutenanUgeneral Drummond to Sir George Prevost.
H. M. S. Prince Regentj Lake Ontario,
Sir, off Oswego, May 7, 1814.
I am hapHy to have to announce to your excellency the
complete success of the expedition against Oswego. The
troops mentioned in my despatch of the 3d instant ; viz. six
companies of De Watteville's regiment, under lieutenant.
colonel Fischer, the light company of the Glengarry light
infantry, under captain M'Millan, and the whole of the second
battalion royal marines, under lieutenant.colonel Malcolm,
having been embarked with a detachment of the royal artillery,-

APPENDIX. ns
tinder captain Cruttenden, with two field.preces, a detachment
of the rocket company under lieutenant Stevens, and a def.
tachment of sappers and miners under lieutenant Gosset, of
the royal engineers, on the evening of the 3d instant, I pro~.
ceeded on board the Prince Regent at day.light on the 4th, and
the squadron immediately sailed ; the wind being variable, we
did not arrive off Oswego until noon the followii:g day. The
ships lay-to wilhin long gun.shot of the battery, and the gun;.
boats under captain Collier were sent close in, for the purpose
of inducing the enemy to shew his fire, and particularly the
number and position of his guns. This service was performed
in the most gallant manner, the boats taking a position within
point.blank shot of the fort, which returned the fire from four
gnns, one of them heavy. The enemy did not appear to have
any guns mounted on the town-side of the river,
liaving sufficiently reconnoitred the place, arrangements
were made for its attack, whichit was designed should take place
at eight o'clock fhat evening; but at sun-set a very heavy
squall blowing directly on the shore, obliged the squadron to
get under weigh, and prevented our return until next morning;
Afhen the following disposition was made of the troops and
squadron by commodore sir J. Yeo and myself. The Princess
Charlotte, Wolfe,* and Royal George, + to engage the batte
ries, as close as the depth of water would admit of their ap^
proaching the shore; the Sir Sidney Smith J schooner, to scout
the town, and keep in check a large body of militia, who might
attempt to pass over into the fort ; the Moira% and MelvilleU
brigs, to tow tbe boats with the troops, and then cover their
landing, by scouring the woods on the low point towards the
foot of the hill, by which it was intended to advance to the
assault of the fort.
Captain O'Connor had the direction of the boats and gun.
boats destined to land the troops, which consisted of the flank
companies of De Watteville's regiment, the company of the
Glengarry light infantry, and the second battalion of the royal
marines, being all that could be landed at one embarkation.
The four battalion companies of the regiment of De Watteville,
and the detachment of artillery remaining in reserve on board
the Princess Charlotte and Sir Sidney Smith schooner.
As soon as every thing was ready, the ships opened their fire,
and the boats pnshed for the point of disembarkation, in the
most regular order. The landing was effected nnder a heavy
lire from the fort, as well as from a considerable body of the
eneray, drawn up on the brow of the hill and in the woods.
The immediate command of the troops was entrusted to liente-
* Montreal. t Niagara. :^ Magnet, ^ Cbarwell. i Star.

424 APPENDIX.
nant.colonel Fischer, of the regiment of De Watteville, of
whose gallant, cool, and judicious condnct, as well as of the
distinguished bravery, steadiness, and discipline of every officer
and soldier composing this small force, 1 was a witness, having,
with comraodore sir Jaraes Yeo, the depu ty.adj utan t-generalj
and the officers of ray staff, landed with the troops.
I refer your excellency to lieutenant.colonel Fischer's letter
enclosed, for an account of the operations. The place was
gained in ten minutes from the moment the troops advanced.
The fort being every where almost open, the whole of the gar
rison, consisting of thethird battalion of artillery, about 400
strong, and some hundred militia, effected their escape, with
the exception of about 60 men, half of them severely wounded.
I enclose a return of our loss, amongst which I have to
regret that of captain Haifa way, of the royal marines. Your
excellency will lament to observe in the list the name of that
gallant, judicious, and excellent officer, captain Mulcaster, of
the roval navy, who landed at the head of 200 volunteer
seamen from the fleet, and received a severe and dangerous
wound, when within a few yards of the guns, which he was.
advancing to storm, which I fear will deprive the squadron of
bis valuable assistance for some fime at least.
In noticing the co-operation of the naval branch of the ser
vice, I have the highest satisfaction in assuring your excellency,
that I have throughout this, as well as on every other occasion,
experienced the most zealous, cordialj and able support from
sin Jaines Yeo. It will be for him to do justice to the merits
of those under his coramand ; but I may nevertheless be per
mitted to observe, that nothing could exceed the coolness and
gallantry in action, or the unwearied exertions on shore, of the
captains, officers, and crews of tho whole squadron.
I enclose a memorandum of the captured articles that have
been brought away, in which your excellency will perceive with
satisfaction seven heavy guns, that were intended for the enemy's
new ship. Three 32 pounders were sunk by the enemy in the
jiver, as well as a large quantity of cordage, aud other naval
stores. The loss to them, therefore, has been very great ; and
I am sanguine in believing that by fhis blow, they have been
deprived of fhe means of completing the armaraent, and par
ticularly the equipment, of the large man of war, an object of the
greatest importance.
Every object of the expedition having been effected, and the
captured stores embarked, the troops returned in the most
perfect order on board their respective ships, at four o'clock
this morning, when the squadron immediately sailed, the bar
racks in the town, as well as those in the fort, having been
previously burnt, together with the platforms, bfidgo, &c.

APPENDIX. 425
and the works in every other respect dismantled and destroyed,
as far as was practicable.
I cannot close this despatch without offering to your excel
lency's notice the admirable and judicious manner in which
lieutenant-colonel Fischer formed the troops, and led them to
the attack ; the cool and gallant conduct of lieutenant-colonel
Malcolm, at the head of the second battalion royal marines ;
the intrepidity of captain De Bersey, of the regiment De
Watteville, who commanded the advance; the zeal and energy
of lieutenant.colonel Pearson, inspecting field-officer, who,
with major Smelt, of the 103d regiment, had obtained a passage
on board the squadron to Niagara, and volunteered their ser
vices on the occasion ; the gallantry of captain M'Millan, of
the Glengarry light infantry, who covered the left flank of the
troops in the advance; and the activity and judgment of captain
Cruttenden, royal artillery ; brevet-major De Courten, of the
regiment De Watteville; lieutenant Stevens, of the rocket com.
pany; lieutenant Gosset, royal engineers ; each in their respec.
tive situations.
Lieutenant-colonel Malcolm has reported in high terms the
conduct of lieutenant Lawrie, of the royal marines, who was
at fhe head of the first men who entered the fort ; and 1 had an
opportunity of witnessing the bravery of lieutenant Hewett, of
that corps, who climbed the flag-staff, and pulled down the
American ensign which was nailed to it. To lieutenant-colonel
Harvey, deputy-adjutant.general, my warmest approbation is
most justly due, for his unremitting zeal and useful assistance.
The services of this intelligent and experienced officer have been
so frequently brought under your excellency's observation
before, that it would be superfluous my making any comment
on the high estiraation in which I hold his valuable exertions.
Captain Jervois, my aide de camp, and lieutenant.colonel
Hagermane, my provincial aide de camp, the only officers of
my personal staff who accompanied me, rendered me every
assistance. Captain Jervois, who will deliver to your excellency, with
this despatch, the American flag taken at Oswego, is fully able
to afford every further information you may require; and I
avail myself of the present opportunity strongly to recommend
this officer to the favorable consideration of his royal highness
the commander in chief. I have the honor to be, &c.
GORDON DRUMMOND.

426 APPENDIX. No, 21,
From lieutenant-colonel Fischer to lieutenant-colonel Harvey,
H. M. S. Prince Regent, off Oswego,
Sir, Lake Ontario, May 7.
It is with heartfelt satifaction that I have the honor to report
to you, for the information of lieutenant-general Drummond,
commanding, that the troops placed under my orders for the
purpose of storming the fort at Oswego, have completely
succeeded in this service.
It will be superfluous for me to enter into any details of the
operations, as the lieutenant-general has personally witnessed
the conduct of the whole party; and the grateful task only
remains to point out for his approbation, the distinguished
bravery and discipline of the troops.
The second battalion of royal marines formed their column
in the most regular manner, and, by their steady and rapid
advance, carried the fort in a very short time. In fact, nothing
could surpass the gallantry of that battalion, commanded by
lieutenant-colonel Malcolm ; to whose cool and deliberate
conduct our success is greatly to be attributed.
The lieutenant-colonel reported to me, in high terms, the
conduct of lieutenant James Laurie, who was at the head of
the first men who entered the fort. The two flank companies
of De Watfeville's, under captain De Bersey, behaved with
spirit, though labouring with more difficulties during their
formation, on account of ihe badness of the landing place, and
the more direct opposition of the enemy. The company of
Glengarry light infantry, under captain M'Millan, behaved in
an equally distinquished manner, by clearing the wood, and
driving the eneray into the fort. 1 beg leave to make my
personal acknowledgements to staff-adjutant Greig, and lieu.
tenant and adjutant Mermet, of De Watteville's, for their zeal
pnd attention to me during the day's service. Nor can I
forbear to mention the regular behavior of the whole of the
troops during their stay on shore, and the most perfect order
in which the re-embarkation of the troops has been executed,
and every service performed.
I enclose herewith fhe return of killed and wounded, as sent
to me by the different corps.
I have the honor to be, &c,
V. FISCHER,
licut.-col. De Watteville's regiment.
Lieut.-col. Harvey,
deputy. adj uant.general,

APPENDIX. 4V
Return of killed and wounded of the troops in action with the enemy
at Oswego, on the 6th of May, 1814.
2rf bait, royalmarines; — 1 captain, 2 serjeants, 4 rank and file, killed.
He fV alt eville's regiment; — 1 drummer, 7 rank and file, killed.
Ud battalion royal marines; — 1 serjeant, 32 rank and file, wounded.
De Watteville's regiment ; — 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 1 serjeant, 17
rank and file, wounded.
Glengarry fencibles ; — 9 rank and file, wounded.
Total— 1 captain, 2 serjeants, 1 drummer, 15 rank and file, killed; 1
captain, 1 subaltern, 2 serjeants, 58 rank and file, wounded.
Officers killed.
Sd battalion royal marines; — Captain William Holtaway.
Officers wounded.
lie Wattevill^s regimeni ; — Captain Lendergrew, severely ; lieute-
nant Victor May, dangerously (since dead).
J. HARVEY,
lieut.col. dep..adj..gen.
Return of the killed and wounded of the royal navy at Oswego, May 6.
3 seamen, killed ; S captains, 1 lieutenant, 1 master, 7 seamen,
wounded. Total— 3 killed; 11 wounded. Officers wounded.
Captain Mulcaster, dangerously; captain Popham, lieutenant Giitfin
severely; Mr. Richardson, master, arm amputated.
J. LAWRIE, sec.

¦^i

No. 22.

His majesty's brig Magnet, (late Sir Sidney Smith.)
Off Oswego, U. S. May 7.
Return of ordnance and ordnance-stored, taken and destroyed
at Oswego, Lake-Ontario, the 6th May, 1814, by hia ina,
jesty's troops under the command of lieut..gen, Drummond.
Taken; — 3 32-pounder iron guns, 4 24-pounder iron guns, l 12.
pounder iron gun, 1 6-pounder iron gun.— Total 9.
Destroyed; — ! heavy 12-pounder, 1 heavy 6-pounder. — ^Tot.il 2.
Shot ; — 81 42-pounder, round ; 32 32-pounder, round ; 36 42-pounder,
canister; 42 32- pounder, canister ; 30 24-pounder, canister ; 12 42-
pounder, grape ; 48 32-pounder, grape; 18 24-pounder, grape.
Fight barrels of gunpowder, and all the shot of sinall caliber in the
fort, and stores, thrown inro the river,
EDWARD CRUTTENDEN, captain,
commanding royal artillery.
E, BAYNES, adjutant.general.
Memorandum of provisions stores, &c. captured.
One thousand and forty-five barrels of flour, pork, potatoes, salt,"
(allow, &c. &c. 70 coils of rope and cordage ; tar, blocks, (large and
imall,) 3 small schooners, with several boats, and other smaller craft.
NOAH FREER, mil. Sec.

428 APPENDIX. No. 23.
From sir James L. Yeo to BIr. Croker.
Sir,
My letter of the 16th April last will have informed their
lordships, that his majestj''s ships. Prince Regent and Princess
Charlotte, were launched on the preceding day. I now have
the satisfaction to acquaint you, for their lordships' informa.
tion, that the squadron, by the unremitting exertions of the
officers and men under my comraand, were ready on fhe 3d
instant, when it was determined by lieutenant.general Drum.
mond and inyself, fhat an immediate attack should be made on
the forts and town of Oswego : which, in point of position,
is themost formidable I have seen in Ujiper Canada; and where
the enemy had, by river navigation, collected from the interior
several heavy guns, and naval stores for the ships, and large
depots of provisions for their array.
At noon, on the 5th, we got off the port, and v, ere on the
point of landing, when a heavy gale frora the N. W. obliged me
to gain an offing. On the morning of the 6th, eyery thing
being ready, 140 troops, 200 seamen, armed with pikes, under
captain Mulcaster, and 400 raarines, were put into the boats.
The Montreal and Niagara took fheir stations a-brcast, and
within a quarter of a mile of the fort'; the Magnet, opposite
the town; and the Star and Charwell, to cover the landing,
11 hich was effected under a most heavy fire of round, grape, and
musketry, kept up with great spirit. Our men having to
ascend a very steep and long hill, were consequently exposed to
a destructive fire. Their gallantry overcoming every difficulty,
they soon gained the sumrait of fhe hill ; and, throwing them.
selves into the fosse, mounted the ramparts on all sides, v^ing
with each other who should tie foremost. Lieutenant Laurie,
my secretary, was the first who gained the ramparts; and
lieutenant Hewitt climbed the flag-staff under a heavy fire, and
iu the most gallant style struck the American colours, which had
been nailed to fhe mast. Mygallantand mnch-esteemed friend,
captain Mulcaster, led the seamen to the assault with his
accustomed bravery ; but, I lament to say, he received a danger.
ous wound in the act of entering the fort,_which I apprehend
will, for a considerable time, deprive me of his valuable services.
Mr. Scott, my first-lieutenant, who was next in command,
nobly led them on, and soon gained the ramparts. Captaia
O'Connor, of the Prince Regent, to whom 1 entrusted the,
landing of the troops, displayed great ability and cool judg-
ment : the boats being under a heavy fire from all points.

APPENDIX. 429
Captain Popham, of (he Montreal, anchored his ship in a
most gallant style, sustaining the whole fire until we gained the
shore. She was set on fire three times by red hot shot, and
much cut up in her hull, masts, and rigging; captain Popham
received a severe wound in his right hand, and speaks in high
terms of Mr. Richardson, the master, who, from a severe
wound in fhe left arm, was obliged to undergo amputation at
the shoulder-joint.
Captain Spilsbury, of the Niagara ; captain Dobbs, of the
Charwell ; captain Anthony, of the Star ; and captain Collier,
in the Magnet, behaved much to ray satisfaction. The secontl
battalion of royal marines excited the admiration of all ; they
were led by the gallant colonel Malcolm, and suffered severely.
Captain HoUaway, doing duty in the Princess Charlotte, gal.
lantly fell at the head of his company. Having landed with the
seamen and raarines, Ihad great pleasure in witnessing, not only
the zeal and prompt attention of the officers to my orders, but
also the intrepid bravery of the raen, whose good and temperate
conduct under circurastances of great temptation, (being a whole
night in the town, employed loading the captured vessels, with
ordnance, naval stores, and provisions,) most justly claim my
high approbatiou and acknowledgment. And I here beg leave
to recommend to their lordships' notire the service of all ; of
my first-lieutenant, Mr. Scott ; andof my aide de carap, acting
lieutenant Yeo, to whora I beg leave to refer their lordships
for inforraation ; nor should the meritorious exertions of act
ing lieutenant Griffin, severely wonnded in the arm, or Mr.
Brown, both of whom were attached to the storming party, be
omitted. It is a great source of satisfaction to me to acquaint
their lordships, that I have on this, and in all other occasions,
received from lieutenant Druraraond that support and attention,
which never fail in securing perfect cordiality between the two
services. I herewith transmit a list of the killed and wounded, and
of the ordnance, naval stores, and provisions, captured and
destroyed, by the combined attack on the 6th instant.
I have the honor to be, &c.
JAMES LUCAS YEO,
Commodore and commander ia chief,
J. W. Croker, esq. &c.
A list of officers and seamen, of his majesty's fleet on Lake-Ontario,
killed and wounded at Oswego on the 6tb May, 1814.
Three seamen, killed ; 2 captains, 1 lieutenant,,! master, 7 seamen,
wounded. Total— 3 killed, 11 wounded.

430 APPENDIX.
A statement of ordnance, and naval stores and provisions, brought
off and destroyed, ina combined attack ofthe sea and land forces
on the town and fort of Oswego, on the 6th may, 1814.
Ordnance stores brought off ;—Thvee long 32-pounder guns; four long
24-pounders.
A quantity of various kinds of Ordnance stores.
Naral stores and provisions; 3 schooners; 800 barrels of flour, 500
barrels of pork, 600 barrels of salt, 300 barrels of bread.
A quantity of l.irge rope.
Dei(roj/erf;— Three long 24-pouiider guns, one long 12-pounder gun,
two long 6-pounder guns.
One schooner, and all barracks and other public buildings,
J, L. YEO,
Commodore and commander in chief.

No, 24.
American general order.
Head quarters, Sackett's Harbor,
May 12, 1814.
Major-general Brown, has the satisfaction to announce to the
forces under his coramand, that the detachments stationed at
Oswego, under the immediate orders of lieutenant.colonel
Mitchell, of the third artillery, by their gallant and highly mili-
tary conduct, in sustaining the fire of the whole British fleet of
this lake for nearly two d<ays, and contending with the vastly
superior numbers of the enemy on the land, as long as tho in.
terest of fhe country, or the honor of fheir profession, rcqijiired ;
and then, effecting their retreat in good order, in the face of this
superior force of the enterprising and accomplished foe, to the
depot of naval stores, which it became their duty to defend,
have established for themselves a name in arms, worthy of the
gallant nation in whose cause they fight, and highly honorable
to the army. Lieutenant.colonel Mitchell had, in all, less than
300 men ; and the force of the enemy, by land and crater, ex
ceeded 3000. R. JONES, assist..adjt..gen.

No. 25.
American general order.
Adjutant.general's office, left division,
July 2, 1814,
Major-general Brown has tho satisfaction to announce to the
troops of his division on this frontier, that he is authorized by

APPENDIX. 4'31
the orders of his government to put them In motion against the
enemy. The first and second brigades, with the corps of artil
lery, will cross the strait before them this nighf, or as early
to.morrow as possible. The necessary instructions have been
given to the brigadiers, and by them to the commanding officers
of regiments and corps.
Upon entering Canada, the laws of war will govern ; men
found in arms, or otherwise engaged in the service of the enemy,
will be treated as enemies ; those behaving peaceably, and fol.
lowing their private occupations, will be treated as friends.
Private property, in all cases, will be held sacred ; public pro.
perty, whenever found, will be seized and disposed of by the
comraanding geueral. Our utmost protection will be given to
all who actually join, or who evince a desire, to join us.
Plundering is prohibited. The major-general does not appre
hend any difficulty on this account, with the regular army and
volunteers, who press to the standard of their country to
avenge her wrongs, and to gain a name in arms. Profligate men,
who follow the army for plunder, must not expect that they
¦will escape the vengeance of the gallant spirits who are strug.
gling to exalt the national character. Any plunderer shall be
punished with death who may be found violating this order.
By order of the major-general.
C. K. GARDNER, adjt..gen.

No. 26.
From major.general Riall to lieutenant-gen, sir G. Drummond.
Sill, Chippeway, July6.
I have the honor to inform you, that tbe enemy effected a
landing on the morning of the 3d instant at the ferry, opposite.
Black Rock, having driven in the piquet of the garrison of Fort.
Erie. I was made acquainted with the circumstance about eight
in the morning, and gave orders for the immediate advance
to Chippeway of five companies of the royal Scots, under
lieutenant.colonel Gordon, to reinforce the garrison of that
place. Lieutenant.colonel Pearson had moved forward from
thence with the light companies of the 100th, some militia, and
a few Indians, to reconnoitre their position and numbers ;
he found them posted on the ridge parallel with the river, near
the ferry, and in strong force. I received instructions from
major Buck, that they had also landed a considerable force
above Fort.Erie. In consequence of the king's regiment,
'Whi(:h I had every reason to expect the day before from Yorky

432 APPENDIX.
not having arrived, I was prevented from making an attack that
night. The following morning, the 4fh, a body of fheir troops ¦were
reported to be advancing by the river ; I moved to reconnoi-
tre, and found them to be in considerable force, with cavalry
and artillery, and a large body of riflemen. Lietenant-colonel
Pearson was in advance during this reconnoisance with the light
company of the royal Scots, and the flank company of the
100th, and a few of the 19th light dragoons, four of whora,
and eight horses, were wounded in a skirmish with the enemy's
riflemen. Having been joined by the king's regiment on the raorning
of the Sth, I made my dispositions for attack at four oclock in
the afternoon. The light companies of the royal Scots, and
100th regiment, with the second Lincoln militia, formed the
advance under lieutenant-colonel Pearson. The Indian warriors
wero, throughout, on our right flank in the woods. The troops
moved in three columns, the third (the king's regiment) being
in advance. The eneray had taken up a position with his right
resting on some buildings and orchards, close on the river Nia.
gara, and strongly supported by artillery ; his left towards the
wood, having a considerable body of riflemen and Indians in
front of it.
Our Indians and militia were shortly engaged with the ene.
my's riflemen and Indians, who at first checked their advance ;
but the light troops being bronght to their support, they sue.
ceeded, after a sharp contest, in dislodging them, in a very
handsome style. I placed two light 24-ponnders, and 5^-inch
howitzer, against the right of the eneray's position, and formed
fhe royal Scots and 100th regiraent, with the intention of mak-
ing a movement upon his left, which deployed with the greatest
regularity, and opencda very heavy fire, limmcdiately moved up
the king's regiment to the right, while the royal Scots and 100th
regiment were directed to charge the enemy in front, forwhich
they advanced with the greatest gallantry, nnder a most destruc.
tive fire. I am sorry to saj', however, in this attempt they
suffered so severely, that 1 was obliged to withdraw them, find.
ing their further efforts against the superior numbers of fhe
enemy would be unavailing. — LiLutcnant-colonel Gordon, and
lieutenant.colonel the marquis of Twecdale, commanding these
regiments, being wounded, as were most of the officers belong.
ing fo each. I directed a retreat to bc made upon Cippeway,
which Wiis conducted with good order and regularity, covered
by the king's regiment, nnder major Evans, and the light troops
under lieutenant-colonel Pearson ; and I have pleasure in say.
ing, that not a single prisoner fell into the enemy's hands,
except those who were disabled from wounds. From the report

APPENDIX. 433
of some prisoners, we have made the enemy's force to amount
to about 6000 men, with a very numerous train of artillery,
having been augmented by a very large body of troops, which
moved down from Fort-Erie immediately bcfoce the commence
ment of the action. Our own force, in regular troops, amounted
fo about 1500,* exclusive of the militia and Indians, of which
last descriptioii there was not above 300. P'ort.Erie, I under
stand, surrendered upon capitulation on the 3d instant. Al
though this affair was not attended wifh the success which I had
hoped for, it will be highly gratifying to you to learn, that the
officers and men behaved with the greatest gallantry. I am
particularly indebted to lieutenant-colonel Pearson for the very
great assistance 1 have received from him, and for the manner in
which he led his light troops into the action. Lieutenant-colonel
Gordon, and lieutenant-colonel the marquis of Tweedale, and
major Evans, commanding the king's regiment, merit my
warmest praise for the good example they shewed at the head of
their respective regiments.
The artillery, under the command of captain Mackonochie,
was ably served, and directed with good effect ; and I am parti
cularly obliged to major Lisle, of the 19th light dragoons, for
the manner in which he covered and protected one of the 24-
pounders which had been disabled. I have reason to be highly
satisfied with the zeal, activity, and intelligence, of captain
Holland, my aide de camp, captain Eliot, deputy-assistant-
quarter-master-general ; staff-adjutant Greig, and lieutenant
Fox, of the royal Scots, who acted as major of brigade during
fhe absence of major Glegg, at Fort-George. The conduct of
lieutenant-colonel Dixon, of the 2d Lincoln militia, has been
most exemplary; and I am very much indebted to hira for it on
this, as well as on other occasions, in which he has evinced the
greatest zeal for his raajesty's service. The conduct of fhe
officers and men of this regiment has also been highly prabe.
worthy. Lieutenant colonel Pearson has reported tome, in
the most favourable terms, the excellent manner 4n which
lieutenant Horton, with a parf of the 19th light dragoons,
observed the motions of the enemy, while he occupied fhe posi
tion he took on his first-landing, and during his advance to this
place. I have, &c.
P. RIALL, major.gen.

• 1st ro
will) one
artillery.

•oyal Scots, 500; 1st batt. king's, 480; 100th regiment, 460 i
troop of the I9th Jlight dragoons, aad a proportion of royal

VOL. II. F F

434 APPENDIX. No. 27.
Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, of the right
division,, in action with the enemy, in advance of Chippe~
way, July 5, 1814.
Killed.— Royfil artillery ; — 1 rank and file.
1st, or rnyal Scots ; — 1 captain, 4 serjeants, 58 rank and file.
Sth, or king's regiment ; — 3 rank and file,
lOOth regiment ;— 3 subalterns, 3 serjeants, 64 rank and file.
Militia ; — 2 captains, 1 subaltern, 9 rank and file.
Total killed — 3 captains, 3 subalterns, 7 serjeants, 135 rank and file.
Wounded — General staff; — 1 captain.
Royal artillery ; — 4 rank and file.
Royal artillery drivers; — 1 subaltern.
I9/A light dragoons ; — 1 serjeant, 5 rank and file.
1st, or royal Scots; — 1 field-officer, 2 captains, 7 subalterns, 4 Ser
jeants, 121 rank and file,
Sth, or king's regiment ; — 1 subaltern, 1 serjeant, 22 rank and file.
lOOlh regiment ; — 1 field-officer, 2 captains, 6 subalterns, 11 ser-
jeants, 114 rank and file.
Militia; — 1 field-officer, 3 subalterns, 1 serjeant, 11 rank and file.
Total wounded — 3 field-officers, 5 captains, 18 subalterns, 18 ser
jeants, 277 rank and file.
Missing — 1 st, or royal Scots ; — 30 rank and file.
iOOth regiment ; — 1 subaltern.
Militia;^l serjeant, 14 rank and file.
Total missing — 1 subaltern, 1 serjeant, 44 rank and file.
Horses — 2 killed, 1 missing. — Total, 3.
N. B. The men returned missing, are supposed to be killed or wounded.
One 24-pounder limber blown up ; 2 tumbrils damaged.
EDWARD BAYNES.
Adjutant.general North America,
Names of officers killed and wounded.
Killed — 1st battalion, royal Scots ; — Captain B.iiley.
100th regiment ; — Lieutenant Gibbon, ensign Ilea.
iWi7i(«a;— Captains Rowe and Tomey, lieutenant M'Donnel.
Wounded — General staff; — Captain Holland, aide de camp to major-
general Riall, severely (not dangerously).
Royal artillery drivers ; — Lieutenant Jack, slightly.
lit battalion, royal Scots; — Lieutenant-colonel Gordon, slightly ;
captains Bird and Wilson, severely, and prisoners; lieutenant W.
Campbell, severely ; lieutenants Fox, Jackson, and Hendrick, se-
verely; (not dangerously;) Lieutenant M'Donald, slightly; lieute
nant A. Campbell, severely ; lieutenant Connel, severely.
8lh regiment; — Lieutenant Boyd.
100th regiment; — Lieutenant-colonel the marquis of Tweedale, se
verely; (not dangerously ;) captain Sherrard, teverely; (not danger
ously;) captain Sleigh, severely; lieutenants Williams, Lyon, and
Valentine; lieutenant Fortune, wounded and missing, supposed
prisoner; ensigns Clarke and Johnson ; adjutant Kingston.

APPENDIX. 435
No. 28.
From Major-general Brown to the American secretary af war.
Sir, Chippeway Plains, July 6, 1814.
Excuse my silence ; I have been much engaged : Fort.Erie
did not, as I assured you it should not, detain me a single day.
At 11 o'clock on the night of the 4th, I arrived at this place
with the reserve, general Scott having taken the position about
noon with the van. My arrangements for turning and taking
in the rear the enemy's position east of Chippeway was made ;
when major-jeneral Riall, suspecting our intention, and adher.
ing to the rule, that it is better to give than to receive an attack^
came from behind his works about 5 o'clock in the afternoon
of the Sth in order of battle. We did not baulk him. Before
6 o'clock his line was broken and his forces defeated, leaving
on the field 400 killed and wounded. He was closely pressed,
and would have been utterly ruined, but for the proximity of
his works, whither he fled for shelter.
The wounded of the enemy, and those of our own army,
must be attended to. They willbe removed to Buffaloe. This,
with my limited means of transportation, will take a day or
two, after which I shall advance, not doubting but that the gal
lant and accomplished troops I lead, will break down all oppo.
sition between me and Lake Ontario, when, if met by the fleet,
all is well — if not, under the favour of heaven, we shall behave
in a way to avoid disgrace. My detailed report shall be made
in a day or two. I am, with the highest respect, &c.
Hon. secretary of War. JACOB BROWN.

« ^^^^^•^^,^^^^^*^

No. 29.

American retumof killed, wounded, and missing, in the offair
of Chippeway, July bth, 1815
Artillery; — 4 rank and file, killed ; 8 ditto, wounded ; and 8 rank and
file, missing.
9.;A regiment ; — 13 rank and file, killed ; 1 captain, 2 subalterns, 2
Serjeants, 39 rank and file, wounded.
IMhditto; — 1 serjeant, 14 rank and file, killed ; 1 colonel, 1 subaltern,
6 Serjeants, 62 rank and file, wounded.
19th ditto; — 3 rank and file, killed ; 2 ditto, wounded.
SSil ditto; — 8 rank and file, killed ; 1 captain, 2 subalterns, 2 Serjeants,
41 rank and file, wounded.
Sbth ditto ; — 1 serjeant, 4 rank and file, killed ; 1 captain, 2 subalterns,,
4 Serjeants, 62 rank and file, wounded. r F 2

426 APPENDIX.
MHiHii;—?. rank md file, killed ; 2 dirto, wounded ; 1 lieutenant-colo.
npl, ] maior, 1 cantain, 2 serjeants, 2 rank aud file, missing. _
lndia'n;--9 r.uik and file, killed ; 4 diitci, wounded ; 10 ditto, missing.
Total ;— 2 sorjeants, 58 rank and file, killed ; 1 colonel, 3 cap
tains, 7 suljalierns, 14 serjeants, 210 rank and file, wounded ;
1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 1 captain, 2 serjeants, 14 rank
nnd file, missing.

**^**^*r**^**^

No. 30.
From Ueutenant-general Drummond to sir G, Prevost,
Head.quarters, near Niagara Falls,
Sir, July 27, 1814.
I embarked on board his majesty's schooner Netley, at York,
on Sunday evening, the 24th infant, and reached Niagara at
day-break the following morning. Finding, from lieutenant-
colonel Tucker, that major-general Riall was understood to
be moving towards the Falls of Niagara, to support the ad
vance of his division, which he had pushed on to that place on
the preceding evening, I ordered lieutenant.colonel Morrison,
with the 89th regiment and a detachment of the royals and
king's, drawn from Fort George and Mississaga, to proceed to
the same point in order that, wifh the united force, 1 might act
against the enemy (posted at Street'.' Creek, with his advance
at Chippeway) on my arrival, if it should be found expedient,
I ordered lieutenant.colonel Tucker, at the same time, to pro
ceed np the right bank of the river, with 300 of the 41st,
about 200 of the royal Scots, and a body of Indian warriors,
supported (on the river) by a parfy of armed seamen, under
captain Dobbs, royal navy. The object of fhis movement was
to disperse, or capture, a body of the enemy, encamped at
Lewistown. Some nnavoidable delay having occurred in the
march of the troops up the right bank, the enemy had moved
off previous to lieutenant.colonel Tucker's arrival. 1 have fo
express myself satisfied with the exertions of that officer.
liaving relreshtd the troops at Queenstown, and having
brought across the 41st, royals, and Indians, I sent back the41st
and 100th regiments, to form the garrisons of forts George,
Mis-iissaga, and Niagara, under lieutenant-colonel Turker, and
mijvcd with the 89th, and detachments of the royals and king's,
and light company of the 41st, in all about 800 meu, to join
major-general Kiall's division af the Falls.
When arrived wilhin a few miles of that posiiion, I met a
report from major-general Kiall, tbat the enemy was advancing
in great force. I immediately pushed on, and joined the head
of lieutenant.colonel Morrison's columns just as it reached

APPENDIX. 43T
the road leading lo the Beaver Dam, over fhe summit of the
hill at Lunilv's Lane. Instead of the whole of major-scneral
Hiall's division, which I expected to have found occnjiying this
position, I found it almost in fhe occupation of the enemy,
i< hose columns were within 600 yards of the top of the hill,
and the surrounding woods filled with, his light troops. The
advance of major-general Riall's division, consisting of the
Glengany light infantry and incorporated militia, having com
menced a retreat upon Fort George, I countermanded these
corps, and formed the SSth regiment, the royal Scots detach.
menf, and the 41st light company, in the rear of the hill, their
leh resting on the great road ; my two 24 pounder brass field
guns a little advanced, in front of the centre, on the summit of
the hill ; the Glengarry light infantry on the right ; the bat
talion of incorporated militia, and the detachment of the king's
regiment on tho lift of the great road ; the squadron of the 19th
light dragooi.s in the rear of the left, on the road. I had
scarcely completed this formation when the whole front was
warraly and closely engaged. The enemy's principal efforts
were directed against our left and centre. After repeated at.
tacks, t.he troops on the Kft were partiidly forced back, and
the enemy gained a momentary possession of the road. This
gave htm, however, no material advantage, as the troops which
had been forced back formed in fhe rear of the 89th regiment,
fronting the road, and securing fhe flank. It was during this
short interval that najcr-general Riall, having received a severe
wound, was intercepted as he was passing to the rear, by a
party of the enemy's cavalry, and taken prisoner. In the cen.
tre, the repeated and determined attacks of the enemy w«re
met by the 89th rcgin out, the detachments of the royals and
king's, and the light company of the 4lst regiment, with the
most perfect steadiness and intrepid gallantry, and the enemy
was constantly repulsed with very heavy loss. In so determined
a manner were their attacks directed against our guns, that our
artillerymen wtre bayonetted by the enemy while in the act of
loading, and the muzzles of the enemy's guns were advanced
within a few yards of our's. The darkness of the night, during,
this extraordinary conflict, occasioned several uncommon inci.
dents: our troops having fora moment beon pushed back, some
of our guns remained for a few minutes in the eneray's hands ;
they, however, were not only quickly recovered, but the two
pieces (a 6-pounder anda 5|incb howitzer) which the enemy had
brought up, were cap^ ured by us, together wiih several tumbrils,
andin limbering up our guns at one period, one ofthe enemy's
fi-pounders was put by mistake on a limber of ours, and one
of our €-pounders limbered on one of his : by which means

438 APPENDIX.
the pieces were exchanged; and thus, though we capfured two
of his guns, yet, as he obtained one of ours, we have gained
only one gun.
About 9 o'clock, (the action having coraraenced at 6,) there
was ashort intermission of firing, during which it appears the
enemy was einployed in bringing up thewhole of his reraaining
force ; and he shortly afterwards renewed his attack with fresh
troops, but was every where repulsed with equal gallantry and
success. About this period the reraainder of major-general
Riall's division, which had been ordered to retire on fhe advance
of the eneray, consisting of the 103d regiment, under colonel
Scott ; the head.quarter division of the royal Scots ; the head.
quarter division of the 8th, or king's ; flank companies of the
104th ; and some detachments of militia, under lieutenant-
colonel Hamilton, inspecting field officer, joined the troops en.
gaged ; and 1 placed thera in a second line, with the exception of
the royal Scots and flank companies of the 104th, with which I
prolonged my line in front to the right, where I was apprehen.
»ive of the enemy outflanking me.
The enemy's efforts to carry the hill were continued till about
midnight, when he had suffered so severely from the superior
steadiness and discipline of his majesty's troops, that he gave up
the contest, and retreated with great precipitation to his camp
beyond the Chippeway. On fhe following day he abandoned
his camp, threw the greater part of his baggage, camp equipage,
and provisions, into the Rapids, and having set fire to Street's
mills, and destroyed the bridge at Chippeway, continued his
retreat in great disorder towards Fort.Erie. My light troops,
cavalry, and Indians, are detached in pursuit, and to harass his
retreat, which I doubt not he will continue until he reaches his
own shore.
The loss sustained by the enemy in this severe action cannot
be estimated at less than 1500 men, including several hundred of
prisoners left in our hands ; his t-wo comraanding generals.
Brown and Scott, are said to be wounded, his whole force,
which has never been rated at less than 6000, having been
engaged. Enclosed I have the honor to transmit a return of our loss,
¦which has been very considerable. The number of troops under
piy commanddidnot, for the first three hours, exceed 1600 raen;
and the addition of the troops under colonel Scott, did not
encrease it to more than 2800 of every description.
A very difficult, but at the same time a mosf gratifying duty
remains, that of endeavouring to do justice to the merits of the
officers and soldiers by whpse valor and discipline this impor.
tant success has been obtained, I was, yery early in the action.

APPENDIX. 439
deprived of the service of major.general Riall, who, I regret to
learn, has suffered the amputation of his arm* in the enemy's
possession: his bravery, zeal, and activity, have always been
conspicuous. To lieutenant.colonel Harvey, deputy. adjutant.general, I
am so deeply indebted for his valuable assistance previous to,
as well as his able and energetic exertions during, this severe
contest, that I feel myself called upon to point your excellency's
attention to the distinguished merits of this highly deserving
officer, whose services have been particularly conspicuous in
every affair that has taken place since his arrival in this pro
vince. The zeal and intelligence displayed by major Glegg,
assistant-adjutant-general, deserve my warmest approbation.
I much regret the loss of a very intelligent and promising young
officer, lieutenant Moorsom, 104th regiment, deputy-assistant-
adjutant-general, who was killed towards the close of the
action. The active exertions of captain Eliot, deputy-
assistant-quartcr-master-general, of whose gallantry and conduct
I had occasion on two former instances to remark, were con
spicuous. Major Maule and lieutenant Le Breton, of the
quarter-master.gcneral's deparfment, were extremely useful to
me ; the latter was severely wounded.
Amongst the officers from whose active exertions I derived
the greatest assistance, I cannot omit to mention my aides de
camp, captains Jervoise and Loring, and captain Holland, aide
de camp to major.general Riall. Captain Loring was unfortu
nately taken prisoner by some of the enemy's dragoons, whilst
in the execution of an order.
In reviewing the action from its commencement, the first
object which presents itself, as deserving of notice, is the stea
diness and good countenance of the squadron of the 19lh light
dragoons, under major Lisle, and the very creditable and
excellent defence made by the incorporated militia-battalion,
under lieutenant.colonel Robinson, who was dangerously
wounded, and a detachment of the 8th (king's) regiraent, under
colonel Campbell. Major Kirby succeeded lieutenant-colonel
Robinson in the command of the incorporated militia-battalion,
and continued very gallantly to direct its efforts. This battalion
has only been organized a few months, and, much to the credit
of captain Robinson, of the king's regiment, (provincial lieute.
nant.colonel,) has attained a highly respectable degree of
discipline. In the reiterated and determined attacks which the enemy
made on our centre, for the purpose of gaining, at once, the
* It was afterwards ascertained, that major-goneral Riall, tbough se
verely wounded, did not lose bis arm.

440 APPENDIX,
crest of the position, and our guns, the steadiness and intrep'.
dity displayed by the troops allotted for the defence of that post,
were never surpassed; they consisted of the 2d battalion of the
89th regiment, commanded by lieutenant-colonel Morrison,
and after the lieutenant-colonel had been obliged fo retire from
the field by a severe wound, by major Clifford ; a detachment of
the royal Scotts, under lieutenant Hemphill, and after he was
killed, lieutenant Fraser; a detachment of the Sth, (or King's,)
nnder captain Campbell; light company 41st regiment, under
captain Glow; with some detachments of militia under lieufe.
nant-colonel Parry, 103d regiment. These troops repeatedly,
when hard pressed, formed round the colours of the 89th regi
ment, and invariably repulsed the desperate efforts made against
them. On the right, fhe steadiness and good countenance of
the 1st battalion royal Scots, under lieutenant Gordon, on
some very trying occasions, excited my admiration. The king's
regiment, 1st battalion, under major Evans, behaved with equal
gallantry and firmness, as did the light company of the royals,
detached under captain Stewart: the grenadiers of the 103d,
detached under captain Browne; and the flank companies of
the fOlth, under captain Leonard; the Glengarry light infan.
try, under lieutenant-colonel Battersby, displayed mostvalnable
qnalities as light troops ; colonel Scott, major Smelt, and the
officers of fhe 103d, deserve credit for their exertions in rally
ing that regiment, after it had been thrown info momentary
disorder. Lieutenant-colonel Pearson, inspecting field-officer, directed
ihe advance with great intelligence; and lieutenant.colonel
Drummond, cf the 104fh, heving gone forward with my per.
mission, early in fhe day, made himself actively useful in differ.
ent parts of the field, under my direction. These officers are
entitled to my best thanks, as is lieutenant.colonel Hamilton,
inspecting field-officer, for bis exertions after his arrival with
the troops under colonel Scott. The field-artillery, so long as
there was light, was well served.
The credit of its efficient state is due to captain Mackonachie,
who has had charge of it since his arrival with this division.
Captain M'Lanchlan, who has charge of the batteries at Fort.
Mississaga, volunteered his services in the field on this occa.
sion. He was severely wonnded. Lieutenant Tomkins de.
serves much credit for the way in which the two brass 24.poun.
ders, of which he had charge, were served; as does serjeant
Austin, of the rocket company, who directed the Congreve
rockets, which did much execution. The zeal, loyalty, and
bravery with which fhe militia of this part of the province had
come forward to co-operate with his majesty's troops in the ex.

APPENDIX. 441
pulsion of the enemy, and their conspicuous gallantry in this,
and in the action of the 5th instant, claim my warmest thanks,
1 cannot conclude fhis despatch without recommending, in
the strongest terms, the following officers, whose conduct dur.
ing the late operations has called for marked approbation ; and
J am induced to hope that your excellency will be pleased to
submit their names for promotion to the most favorable consi.
deration of his royal highness the prince regent ; viz. captain
Jervoise, my aide decamp; captain Robinson, Sth (king's)
regiment, (provincial lieutenant.colonel,) commanding the
incorporated militia ; captain Eliot, deputy assistant-quarter.
master.general ; captain Holland, aide-de-camp to major.gene.
ral Riall ; and captain Glew, 41st regiinent.
This despatch will be delivered to you by captain Jervoise,
my aide dc camp, who is fully competent to give your excel.
lency every further information you may require.
1 have the honor to be, &c.
GORDON DRUMMOND,
His excellency sir G. Prevost, lieutenant.general,
&c. &c. &c.

No. 31.

Return of the killed, wounded, missing, and taken prisoners,
of the right division of ihe army in Upper Canada, under
the command of lieuteuant-ge^neral Drummond, in action
with the enemy near the Falls of Niagara, Ibth of July
1814.
General Staff; — 1 deputy assistant-adjutant-general, killed ; 1 lieu
tenant-general, 1 major-general, 1 inspecting field-officer, 1 deputy
assistant quarter-niaster-general, wounded ; 1 aide de carnp, prisoner.
I9th tight dragoons; — 3 horses killed; 2 rank and file, 10 horses
wounded ; 1 rank and file, 1 horse, missing.
Provincial light dragoons; — 2 rank and file, 3 horses, missing ; 1 cap»
tain, prisoner.
Royal engineers ;—l sub.iltern, missing.
Royul artillery ; — 1 captain, 12 rank and file, wounded; 7 rauk and
file, missing.
Royal marine-artillery; — 1 serjeant, 1 rank and file, prisoners.
Royal artillery drivers; — 11 horses killed ; 3 rank and file, 4 horses
wounded ; 1 rank and file, 8 horses, missing.
N.B.— Two privates, 41st regiment, and 2 privates of the 89th regi-
ment, attached to royal artillery drivers, missing, not included.
1st, or rnyal Scots ;~ I subaltern, 15 rank and file, killed; 1 captain,
2 .(ubalterns; 6 serjeants, 1 diummer, 106 rank and file, wounded; t
iubalterns, 3 serjeants,! drummer, 35 rank and file, missing.

442 APPENDIX,
8lh (or king's) regiment; — 12 rank and file, killed; 3 subalterns, 3
Serjeants, 54 rank and file, wounded; 1 quaiter-master, 12 rank aud
file, missing.
4\st regiment;— 3 rank and file, killed; 2 serjeants, 1 drummer, 31
rank and file, wounded.
89th regiment; — 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 1 serjeant, 26 rank and file,
killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel, 10 subalterns, 9 serjeants, 2 drimiiiiers,
166 rank and fiie, wounded ; 3 serjeants, 4 drummers, 2 rank and file,
missing ; 1 captain, prisoner,
lO'id regiment; — 6 rank and file, killed ; 1 subaltern, 3 serjeants, 1
drummer, 42 rank and file, wounded; 1 rank and file, missing; leap-
tain, 2 subalterns, 1 serjeant, 2 rank and file, prisoners.
104th regiment; — 1 rank and file, killed; 5 rank ancl file, wounded.
Glengarry light infantry; — 1 serjeant, 3 rank and file, killed; 1 sub
altern, 3 seijeants, 27 rank and file, wounded ; 2 serjeants, 6 rank and
file, missing; } subaltern, 2 serjeants, 11 rank and file, prisoners.
Incorporated militia; — 1 subaltern, 2 seijeants, 4 rank and file,
killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel, 3 captains, 4 subalterns, 3 seijeants, 32
rank and file, wounded; 3 serjeants, 72 rank and file, missing ; 1 cap
tain, 1 subaltern, 1 quarter-master, 14 rank and file, prisoners.
1st Lincoln militia; — 1 rank and file, killed.
Sd Lincoln militia ; — 1 subaltern, wounded,
'ith Lincoln militia; — 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 2 serjeants, 1 rank and
file, wounded; 1 captain, 1 quarter-master, missing.
bth Lincoln militia; — 1 major, 1 serjeant, 2 rank aud file, wounded.
Sd York miUtia; — 1 major, 2 captains, 2 subalterns, 4 rank and file,
wounded. General total — 1 captain, 3 subalterns, 1 deputy assistant-adjutant-
general, 4 seijeants, 75 rank and file, killed; 1 lieutenant-general, 1
major-general, 1 inspecting field-officer, 1 deputy assistantquanei-
master-general, 2 lieutenant-colonels, 8 captains, 25 subalterns, 31 ser
jeants, 5 drummers, 482 rank and file, wounded; 1 captain, 3 subal-
terns, 2 quarter-masters, 11 serjeants, 5 drupimers, 17J rank and file,
missing; 1 aide de camp, 4 captains, 4 subalterns, I quarter-master, 4
seijeants, 28 rank and file, prisoners; 14 horses, kdled; 14 horses,
wounded; 12 horses, missing.
Total killed, 84
Total wounded, 559
Total missing, 193
Total prisoners, 42
Total,  878
Names of officers killed, wounded, and prisoners.
Officers killed— General Staff; — Lieutenant Moorsom, deputy as-
sistant-adjutant-geneial. Royal Scots; — Lieutenant Hemphill.
89/ A regiment; — Captain Spunner, heutenant Latham.
Jncorporated militia ; — Ensign Campbell.
Officers wounded — General staff; — Lieutenant-general Drumraond,
severely; (not dangerously ;) major-general Riall, severely, and prisoner ;
lieufenant-colonel Pearson, slightly ; lieutenant Le Breton, severely.
Rfiyal artillery ; — Captain Maclachlan, dangerously.
^pyal 5co(s;— Captain Brereton, slightly; lieutenant Haswell, se-

APPENDIX, 443
verely; (not dangerously;) lieutenant Fraser, severely, (not dange
rously,) and missing,
8th, (or king's) regiment; — Lieutenant Noell, ensign Swayne,
ilightly; ensign M'Donald, severely.
89th regiment ; — Lieutenant-colonel Morrison, lieutenants Sander
son, Steele, Pearce, Taylor, Lloyd, and Miles, severely ; (not dange
rously;) lieutenant Redmond, adjutant Hopper, slightly; heutenant
Grey, ensign Saunders, dangerously.
1036f regimeni ;— Litutenant Langhorn, slightly.
Glengarry light iiifantry; — Lieutenant R, Kerr, slightly.
Incorporated wi/iJia ;— Lieutenant-colonel Robinson, dangerously;
captain Fraser, severely; captain Washburn, slightly; captain M'Do
nald, severely ; (left arm amputated ;) lieutenant M'Dougall, mortally;
lieutenant Ratan, severely; lieutenant Hamilton, slightly; ensign
M'Donald, severely.
2d Lincoln militia ;— Adjutant, Thompson, slightly.
4(/i Lincoln militia ; — Captain W. Nellis, ensign Kennedy, slightly.
bth Lincoln militia; — Major Hath, severely.
2d Tork miliiiu; — Major Simons, severely; captain Mackay,
slightly; captain Rockman, severely.
Officers missing — Royal engineers; — Lieutenant Yall.
Royal Scots; — Lieutenant Clyne; lieutenant Lamont, supposed to be
prisoner. 8/A (or King's) regiment; — Quarter-master G. Kirnan.
4th Lincoln militia ; — Captain H. Nellis, quarter-master Bell.
Officers prisoners — General stoff;— Captain Loring, aide de camp
to lieutenant-general Drummond.
103d regiment; — Captain Brown; lieutenant Montgomery, and
wounded ; ensign Lyon.
Glengarry light infantry ; — Ensign Robins.
Incorporated militia ; — Captain M'Lean, ensign Whort ; and quarter
master Thompson.
Provincial light dragoons; — Capt. Merritt.
S9lh regiment ;— Captain Gore. EDWARD BAYNES, adj.-gen.
J. HARVEY, lieut.-col.
dep..adj. gen.

No. 33.

From major.gen. Brown to the American secretary at war.
Sir, (No date.)
Confined as I was, and have been, since the last engagement
wifh the eneray, 1 fear that the account I am about to give
may be less full and satisfactory than under other circumstances
it might have been made. 1 particularly fear that the conduct
of the gallant men it was my good fortune to lead will not be
noticed in a way due to their fame, and the honor of our
country. You are already apprised, that the army had, on the 25th

444 APPENDIX.
uit. taken a position at Chippeway. About noon of fhat day,
colonel Swift, who was posted at Lewistown, advised me, by
express, that the enemy appeared in considerable force in
Queenstown, and on its heights; fhat four of the enemy's fleet
bad arrived on the preceding night, and were then lying near
Fort Niagara; and that a nnmber of boats were in view,
moving up the streight. Within a few rainutes affer this Intel.
ligence had been received, I was further informed by captain
Denmon, of the qnarter.master's department, that the em my
were landing at Lewistown, and that our baggage and stores at
Schlosser, and on their way thither, were iu dauger of immedi.
ate capture.
Itis proper here to mention, that having received advices as
late as the 20th, from general Gaines, that our fleet was then in
port, and the commodore sick, we ceased to look for co.ope.
ration from fhat quarter, and determined to disencumber our.
selves of baggage, and march directly to Burlington Heights.
To mask this intention, and fo draw from Schlosser a stnall
supply of provisions, 1 fell back upon Chippeway. As this
arrangement, under the encreased force of the enemy, left mnch
at hazard on our side of the iNiagara, and as it appeared by fhe
before stated information, that the enemy was about to avail
himself of it, I cone, ived that the most effectu.il method of
recalling him from this object was to put myself in motion
towards Queenstown. General Scott, with the 1st brigade,
Towson's artillery, and all fhe dragoons and monnted men,
were accordingly put in ni.Trch on the road loading thither,
with orders fo report if the cnomy appeared, and to call for
assistance, if that was necessary.
On the general's arrival at ihe falls, he learned fhat the
enemy was in force directly in his front, a narrow piece of
wood alone intercepting his view of thein. Waiting only to
give this information, he advanced upon them. By the time
assistant.adjutant-general Jones had delivered this message, the
action began, and before the remaining part of the division had
crossed the Chippeway, it had become close and general
between the advanced corps. Though general Ripley with
the 2d brig ide, major Hindman with the corps of artillery, and
general Porter, at the head of his command, had respectively
pressed forward with ardor, it was not less than an hour
before they were bronght to sustain general Scott, during which
time his command most skilfully and gallantly maintained the
conflict. Upon my arrival 1 found that the general had passed
the wood, and engaged the enemy on the Queenstown road,
and on the ground to the left of it, with the 9th, Uth, aud
22d regiments, and Towson's artillery.
The 25th had been thrown to the right, to be governed by
circumstances. .\pprehending that these corps were much

APPENDIX. 445
exhausted, and knowing that they had suffered severely, I
determined to interpose a new line with the advancing troops,
and thus disengage general Scott, and hold his brigade in
reserve. Orders were accordingly given to general Ripley,
The enemy's artillery at this moment occupied a hill which gave
him great advautages, and was the key of the whole position.
It was supported by a line of infantry. To secure the victory,
it was necessary to carry this artillery, and seize the height.
This duty was assigned to colonel Miller, while, to favor its
execution, the 1st regiment, under the command of colonel
Nicholas, was directed to menace and amuse the infantry. To
my great mortification, this regiment, after a discharge or tvvo,
gave way, and retreated some distance before it could be rallied,
though it is believed the officers of the regiment exerted them.
selves to shoiten the distance.-
In the mean time, colonel Miller, without regard to this
occurrence, advanced steadily and gallantly to his object, and
carried the height and the cannon. General Ripley brought
up the 23d (which had also faultered) to his support, and the
enemy disappeared from before them. The 1st regiment was
now brought into a line on the left of the 2 1st, and tho
detachments of the 17th and f9th, general Porter occupying,
with his command, the extreme left. About this time colonel
Miller carried the enemy's cannon.
The 25th regiment, under major Jessup, was engaged in a
most obstinate conflict with all that remained to dispute with us
the field of battle. The major, as has been already stated, had
been ordered by geueral Scott, at the commencement of the
action, to take ground to his right. He had succeeded in
turning the enemy's left flank,— had captured (by a detachment
under captain Ketchum) general Riall, and sundry other
officers, and shewed himsalf again fo his own army, in a blaze
of fire, which defeated or destroyed a very superior force of
the enemy. He was ordered to form on the right of the 2d
regiment. The enemy rallying his forces, and, as is believed,
having received reinforcements, now attempted to drive us from
our position, and regain his artillery. Our line was unshaken,
and the enemy repulsed. Two other attempts, having the same
object, had the same issue. General Scott was again engaged
in repelling the former of these; and the last 1 saw of him on
the field of battle, he was near the head of his column, and
giving to its march a direction that would have placed him on
the enemy's right. It was with great pleasure I saw the good
order and intrepidity of general Porter's volunteers from the
moment of their arrival, but during the last charge of the
enemy those qualities were conspicuous.

446 APPENDIX.
Stimulated by fhe examples set them by their gallant leader,
by major Wood, of the Pennsylvania corps, by colonel Dobbin,
of New York, and by their officers generally, they precipitated
themselves upon the enemy's line, and made all the prisoners
which were taken at this point of fhe action.
Having been for some tirae wounded, and being a good deal
exhausted by loss of blood, it became my wish to devolve the
command on general Scott, and retire from the field ; buf on
inquiry I had the misfortune to learn, that he was disabled by
wounds; I therefore kept my post, and had the satisfaction to
see the enemy's last effort repulsed, I 'now consigned the
coramand to general Ripley.
While retiring from the field, I saw and felt that the victory
was complete on our part, if proper measures were promptly
adopted to secure it. The exhaustion of the men was, how
ever, such as made some refreshment necessary. They particu.
larly required water. I was myself extremely sensible of the
want of this necessary article. I therefore believed it proper
that general Ripley and the troops should return to camp, after
bringing off the dead, the wounded, and the artillery ; and in
this I saw no difficulty, as the enemy had entirely ceased to act.
Within an hour after my arrival in camp, I was inforraed that
general Ripley had returned without annoyance, and in good
order. I now sont for hira, and, after giving hira my reasons
for the measure I was about to adopt, ordered him to put the
troops into the best possible condition ; to give them the neces.
sary refreshment; to take with hira the piquets and camp guards,
and every other description of force, to put hiraself on the field
of battle as the day dawned, and there to meet and beat the
enemy if he again appeared. To this order he made no objec
tion, and I relied upon its execution.. It was not executed. I
feel most sensibly how inadequate are my powers in speaking of
the troops, to do justice either to their merits or to my own
sense of them. Under abler direction, they might have done
more and better.
From the preceding detail, you have now evidence of the
distinguished gallantry of generals Scott and Porter, of colonel
Miller and major Jcssop.
Of the 1st brigade, the chief, wilh his aide de camp, Worth,
his major of brigade, Smith, and every commander of battalion
were wounded.
The 2d brigade suffered less ; bnt, as a brigade, their conduct
entitled thera to the applause of their country. , Affer the
eneray's strong position had been carried by fhe 21st and
fhe detachraents of the I7th and 19th, the 1st and 23d assumed
a new character. Thoy could not again be shaken or dismayed.

APPENDIX. 447
Major M'Farland, of the latter, fell nobly at the head of his
battalion. ,
Under the command of general Porter, the militia volunteers
of Pennsylvania and New York stood undismayed amidst the
hottest fire, and repulsed the veterans opposed to them. The
Canadian volunteers, commanded by colonel Wilcox, are re.
ported by general Porter as having merited and received his
approbation. The corps of artillery, commanded by major Hindman^
behaved with its usual gallantry. Captain Towson's company,
attached to the 1st brigade, was the first and last engaged, and
during the whole conflict maintained that high character which
they had previously won by their skill and valor. Captains
Biddle and Ritchie were both wounded early in the action, but
refused to quit the field. The latter declared that he never
would leave his piece ; and, true to his engagement, fell by its
side, covered with wounds.
The staff of the army had its peculiar merit and distinction ;
colonel Gardner, adjutant-general, though ill, was on horse
back, and did all in his power; his assistant, major Jones, was
very active and useful. My gallant aides de camp, Austin and
Spencer, had many and critical duties to perform, in the dis
charge of which the latter fell, I shall ever think of this young
man with pride and regret; regret that his career has been so
short, — pride that it has been so noble and distinguished.
The engineers, majors Macrae and Wood, were greatly dis
tinguished on this day, and their high military talents exerted
with great effect ; they were much under my eye, and near my
person, and to their assistance a great deal is fairly to be
ascribed ; I must earnestly recommend them, as worthy of the
highest trust and confidence. The staff of generals Ripley and
Porter discovered great zeal and attention to dufy. Lieutenant
E. B. Randolph, of the 20th regiment, is entitled to notice; his
courage was conspicuous.
I enclose a return of our loss; those noted as missing may
generally be nurabered with the dead. The enemy had but little
opportunity of making prisoners,
1 have the honor to be, sir, &c.
JACOB BROWN.
Hon. John Armstrong, secretary at war.

448 APPENDIX, No. 33.
Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, of the division
of the army under the command of major-general Brown,
at the battle of Bridgewater, July 2,5th, 1814.
General staff; — 1 major-general, 1 brigadier-general, 9 aides de
camp, 1 brigade-major, wounded; 1 brigade-m.njor, missing.
Light dragoons;- — 1 rank and file, killed : 2 rank and file, wounded.
Artillery; — 1 captain, 9 rank and file, killed ; 1 captain, 2 subalterns,
1 Serjeant, 1 niusician, 30 rank and file, wounded; 1 rank and file,
missing. Isi regiment infantry i — W rank and file, killed; 2 subalterns, 18
rank and file, wounded ; and 2 rank and file, missing.
91 h ditto; — 1 captain, 2 subalterns, 1 serjeant, 12 rank and file,
killed; 1 mnj.ir, 1 captain, 1 |>ayinaster, 1 quarter-master, 5 subalterns,
7 Serjeants, 74 rank and file, wounded; one subaltern, 3 Serjeants, 11
rank and file, missing.
\lth regiment ; — ;1 captain, 2 Serjeants, 25 rank and file, killed ; 1
major, 1 captain, 5 subalterns, 9 serjeants, 1 musician, 85 rank and file,
wounded ; 1 subaltern, 2 rank and file, missing.
Sist regiment \ — 1 subaltern, 2 serjeants, 12 rank and file, killed; 1
captain, 5 tnhiilterns, 1 Serjeant, 63 rank and file, wounded; 19 rank
and file, inis-iing.
SSd regiment; — 2 Serjeants, 34 rank and file, killed; 1 colonel, 2
captains, 4 subalterns, 9 seijeants, 1 musician, 73 lank and file,
wiiuiided ; 3 subalterns, 2 serjeants, 12 rank and file, missing.
23d regiment ; — f major, 2 serjeants, 7 rank and file, killed ; f cap
tain, 6 subiilterns, 1 seijeant, 44 rank and file, wounded; 3 serjeants,
24 rank and file, mi^'in^;.
25'A regiment; — 1 captain, t subaltern, 26 rank and file, killed ; 1
major, 1 adjutatit, 1 quarter-master, 1 subaltern, 6 serjeants, 56 rank
and file, wounded ; 1 serjeant, 14 rank and file, missing.
Canadian voluntceis; — 1 rank and file, killed; 2 rank and file,
wounded ; 8 rank and file, missing.
Pennsylvania regimint; — 1 adjutant, 1 serjeant, 9 rank and file,..
killed; 1 ln^jor, 1 quarter-master, 1 subaltern, 21 rank and file,
wounded ; 1 captain, missing.
New York mitili'i; — 1 captain, 3 rank and file, killed; 1 llentenant-
colonel, 1 subaltern, S serjeants, 10 rank and file, wounded; 1 subal
tern, missini;.
Tolal — Killed, 1 major, 5 captain*, 1 adjutant, 4 subalterns, 10
serjeants, 150 rank and file. Wounded, 1 major-general, 1
brigadier-general, U aides de camp, 1 brigade-major, 1 coloJiel,
I lieutenant-colonel, 4 majors, 7 captains, 1 adjutant, I pay
master, 3 quarter-iii:isters, 32 subalterns, 36 Serjeants, S musi
cians, 478 rank ar.d file. Missing, 1 brigade-major, 1 captaiu,
.6 subalterns, 9 serjeants, 93 rank and file.

APPENDIX. 449

No. J54.
From lieutenant Conkling to captain Kennedy.
Fort-George, Upper Canada,
Sik, Aug. 16, 1814.
With extreme regret I have to make known to you the cir
cumstances attending the capture of the Ohio and Somers. On
the night of fhe 12th, between the hours of 11 and 12, the
boats were seen a short distance a-head of the Somers, and
were hailed from that vessel: fhey answered "provision-
boats," which deceived the officer of the deck, as our army.
boats had been in the habit of passing and repassing throughout
the night, and enabled them to drift athwart his hawse, and cut
his cables J at the same time pouring in a heavy fire, before he
discovered who they were. Instantaneously they were along.
side of me, and notwithstanding my exertions, aided by Mr.
M'Cally, acting sailing-master, (who was soOn disabled,) I was
unable to repulse them, but for a moment. I maintained the
quarter-deck until my sword fell, in consequence of a shot in
the shoulder, , and nearly all on deck either wounded or sur.
rounded with bayonets. As their force was an overwhelming
one, I thought farther resistance vain, apd gave up the vessel,
with the satisfaction of having performed my duty, antl
defended my vessel to the last.
List of killed and wounded.
Olao; — Killed, 1 ; wounded, 6.
Somers; — Wounded, 2.
The enemy's loss in killed and wounded is much more consi.
derable ; among the killed is the commanding officer of the
Netley, (lying here,) captain Ratcliffe ; he fell in attempting to
come over my quarter. Notwithstanding the number of muskets
and pistols which were fired, and the bustle inseparable from
enterprises of the kind, neither the fort nor the Porcupine
attempted to fire, as we drifted past them ; nor did we receive
a shot until past Black Rock, though they might have destroyed
us with ease. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. M. CONKLING,
We expect to be sent to Montreal, and perhaps to Quebec
directly, Edward P. Kennedy, esq. coramanding the
United States naval force on Lake Erie,

VOL, II. G G

450 APPENDIXi No. 35.
Frotn lieutenant general Drummond to sir George Prevost.
Sir, Camp before Fort.Erie, August 15, 1814,
Having reason to believe that a sufficient impression had been
produced on the works of the eneray's fort, by the fire of the
battery which I had opened on it on the morning of the 13th,
and by which the stone building was much injured, and the
general outline of the parapet and embrazures very much altered,
I was determined on assaulting the place; and accordingly raade
fhe necessary arrangeraents for attacking it, by a heavy column
directed to the entrenchments on the side of Snak-hill, and
by two columns to advance frora the battery, and assault the
fort and entrenchments on this side.
The troops destined to attack by Snake-hill, (which con
sisted of the king's regiment and that of De Watteville's, with
the flank companies of the 89th and 100th regiments, under
lieutenant.colonel Fischer, of the regiment of De Watteville,)
marched at four o'clock yesterday afternoon, in order to gain
the vicinity of the point of attack in sufficient time.
It is with the deepest regret I have to report fhe failure of
both attacks, which were raade two hours before day.light this
morning. A copy of lieutenant.colonel Fischer's report, here.
with enclosed, will enable your excellency to form a tolerable
correct judgment of the cause of the failure of that attack;
had the head of the column, which had entered the place with.
out difficulty or opposition, been supported, the enemy must
have fled from his works, (which were all taken, as was con.
templated in the instructions, in reverse,) or have surrendered.
The attack on the fort and entrenchments leading from it to
fhe lake, was made at thesame moment by two columns, one
under lieutenant.colonel Druraraond, 104th regiraent, consisting
of the flank companies 41st and 104th regiments, and a body
of seamen and marines, under captain Dobbs, of the royal
navy, on the fort ; the other under colonel Scott, 103d, con.
sisting of the lG3d regiment, supported by two companies of
the royals,' was destined to attack fhe entrenchments. These
columns advanced to the attack as soon as the firing upon
colonel Fischer's column was hoard, and succeeded after a
di'sperate resistanci?, in making a lodgement in the fort through
the embrazures of the demi-bastion, the guns of which tbey
had actually turned against iho enemy, who still maintained the
stone building, wlien, most iinfortuiiafely, some ammunition,
which had been i)laeed under the platform, caught fire from the
firing of the guns in the rear, and a most freitieiidous explosion
followed, hy which almost all fhe troops which had entered

APPENDIX. 451
the place were dreadfully mangled. Panic was instantly com.
igunicated to the troops, who could not bc persuaded that the
explosion was accidental, and the eneiny, at the same time,
pressing forward, and commencing a heavy fire of musketry,
the fort was abandoned, and our troops retreated towards the
battery, I immediately pushed out the 1st battalion royals, to
support and cover fhe retreat, a service which that valuable corps
executed with great steadiness.
Our loss has beeu severe in killed and wounded: and I .am
sorry to add that almost all thoso returned "missing," may
be considered as wounded or killed by the explosion, and left iri
the hands of the enemy.
The failure of these most important attacks has been occa
sioned by circumstances which may be considered as almost
justifying the momentary panic which they produced, and
which introduced a degree of confusion into the columns which,
in the darkness of the night, the utmost exertions of the
officers were ineffectual in reraoving.
The officers appear invariably to have behaved with the raost
perfect coolness and bravery; nor could any thing exceed the
steadiness and order with which the advance of lieutenant-
colonel Fischer's brigade was raade, until emerging from a
thick wood, it found itself suddenly stopped by an abattis, and
within a heavy fire of musketry and guns from behind a for-,
midable entrenchment. With regard to the cenfre and left
columns, under colonel Scoft and lieutenant-colonel Drummond,
the persevering gallantry of buth officers and men, unfil the
unfortunate explosion, could notba surpassed. Colonel Scott,
103d, and lieutenant-colonel Druraraond, 104th regiments^
who commanded the centre and left attacks, were unfortu.
nately killed, and your excellency vvill perceive that almost
every officer of those columns waS cither killed or wounded by
the enemy's fire, or by the explosion.
My'thanks are due to the under mentioned officers ; viz. to
lieutenant-colouol Fischer, who commanded the right attack ;'
to major Coore, aide de camp to your excellency, who accom.
panied that column ; raajor Evans, of the king's, commanding
the advance; major Villatic, Do Watteville's; captain Basden,
light company 89th ; lieutenant Murray, light company 100th;
1 also beg to add tho name of captaiii Powell, of the Glengarry
light infantry, employed on the staff as deputy-assistant in the
quarter-mastcr-geiurai's department, wlio conducted lieutonant-
colonel Fischer's column, and first entered the enemj's entrench.
ments, and by his coolness and gallantry particularly distin
guished himself; major Villattc, of De Watteville's regiment;
who led the column of attack and en'ered the entrenchments i
as did lit'iitenaiit Yuiing oi tbe king's, regiment, ivith about 5t>

452 APPENDIX,
men of the light companies of the king's and Dc Watteville's
regiments : captain Powell reports that serjeant Powell, of the
19th dragoons, who was perfectly acquainted with the ground,
volunteered to act as a guide, and precceded the leading sub
division in fhe most intrepid style. In fhe cenfre and left
columns, the exertions of major Smelt, 103d regiment, who
succeeded to the command of the left column, on the death of
colonel Scott; captains Leonard and Shore, of the 104fh flank
companies ; captains Glew, Bullock, and O'Keefe, 41st flank
companies ; captain Dobbs, royal navy, commanding a party
of volunteer seamen and marines, are entitled to my acknow
ledgments (they are all wounded). Nor can I omit mentioning,
in the strongest terms of approbation, the active, zealous,
and useful exertions of captain Eliot, of fhe 103d regiment, de
puty assisfant-quarter-masfer-general, who was unfortunately
wounded and taken prisoner ; and captain Barney, of the 89th
regiment, who had volunteered his services as a temporary assist.
ant in the engineer department, and conducted the centre column
to the attack, in which he received two dangerous wounds.
To major Phillot, commanding the royal artillery, and cap
tain Sabine, who commanded the battery as well as fhe field.
guns, and to the officers and raen of that valuable branch of
the service, serving under them, I have to express my entire
approbation of their skill and exertions. Lieutenant Charlton,
royal artillery, entered the fort wifh the centre column, fired
several rounds upon fhe enemy from his own guns, and was
wounded by the explosion. The ability and exertions of lieu.
tenant Philpot, royal engineers, and the officers and men of
that department, claim my best acknowledgments.
To lieutenant-colonel Tucker, who commanded the reserve,
and to lieufcnauf.colonel Pearson, inspecting field. officer, and
lieutenant-colonel Battersby, Glengarry light infantry, and
captain Walker, incorporated militia, I am greatly indebted
for their active and unremitted attention to the security of the
out.posts. To the deputy adjutant.general, and deputy quarfer.master.
general, lieutenant-colonel Harvey, and lieutenant-colonel
Myers, and to the officers of their departments, respectively,
as well as to captain Foster, my military secretary, and the
officers of my personal staff, I am under the greatest obliga.
tions for the assistance tbey have afforded me. My acknow.
ledgraents are due to captain D'Alson, of, the 90th regiment,
brigade-major to the right division, and to lieutenant-colonel
Nichol, quarter-master.general of militia, the exertions of
deputy commissioner.general Turquand, and the officers of
that department, for the supply of the troops; and the care
and attention of staff.surgeon O'Maly, and the medical officers

APPENDIX. 463
of the division, to the sick and wounded, also claim my
thanks. I have the honor to be, &c.
GORDON DRUMMOND,
lieutenant.general.
His excellency sir George Prevost, bart. &c.

No, 36,
From lieutenant-Colonel Fischer to lieutenant-general
sir Gordon Drummond.
Siu, Camp, August 15, 1814,
I have the honour to report to you, for the imformation of
lieutenant-general Drummond, that, in compliance with the
instructions I received, the brigade under my command, con.
sisting of the Sth and De Watteville's regiment, the light
companies of the 89th and 100th, with a detachment of
artillery, attacked this morning, at 2 o'clock, the position of
the enemy on Snake.hill, and, to my great concern, ' failed in
its attempt.
The flank companies of the brigade, who were formed under
the orders of major Evans, of the king's regiment, for the
purpose of turning the position between Snake.hill and the
lake, met with a, check at the abattis, which was found im
penetrable, and was prevented by it to support major De
Villatte, of De Watteville's, and captain Powell of the quar.
ter-master.general's department, who, actually with a few men,
had turned the enemy's battery.
The column of support, consisting of the remainder of De
Watteville's and the king's regiment, forming the reserve, in
msrching too near the lake, found themselves entangled be
tween the rocks and the water, and, by the retreat of the flank
companies, were thrown into such confusion, as to render it
impossible to give them any kind of formation during the dark
ness of the night, at which time they were exposed to a most
galling fire of the enemy's battery, and the numerous parties in
the abattis ; and I am perfectly convinced that the great num
ber of missing, are men killed or severely wounded, at that
time, when it was impossible to give them any assistance.
After day.break' the troops forraed, and retired to the camp.
J enclose a return of casualties. J. FISCHER,
Lieutenant.colonel De Watteville's regt.

454 APPENDIX,
No. 37.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing, of the right division,
in ihe assault of Fort-Erie, the Ibih of AuguU, 1814.
Killed — Royal arlillcry ; — 1 rank and file.
Royal marine artilleiy ; — 1 rank and file.
ist, cr royal Scots ; 1 captain.
8//i, or king's o-wn; — 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 15 rank and file.
&9th light compiiny ; — 1 rank and (ilo.
\03d regiment ; — 1 lieuteniint-cnlonel.
104(/! regiment ; — 1 lieutenantrolonol.
Watteville's regimeni ; — 1 drummer, 33 rank and file.
Wounded — Geneml staff; — 1 deputy-assistant-quarter-master- general,
Royal artdkry ; — 1 rank and file.
Royal nary; — 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 inaster, IS seamen.
Royal marines ; — 10 rank and file.
\st, or royal Scots; — 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 16 rank
and file.
Sth, or kins^'s ozcn ; — I lieutenant, 14 rank nr.d file.
4ilst flank companies; — 2 captains, 1 lieutenant, 1 eii.sign, 2 seijeants,
33 rank and file.
89iA Ught company; — 1 captain, 1 rank and file.
lOli/A Ught company ; — 2 rank and file.
lOSd re<.iment; — 1 m.ijor, 2 captains, 6 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 10
serjeant'^, 1 drummer, 120 r.iiik and file.
104//( regiment; — 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 seijeants, 2 drummers,
23 rank and file.
Watteville's regiment; — 1 seijeant, 26 rank and file.
Glengarry light infantry ; — 1 rank and file.
Missing — Oen end staff; — 1 deputy-assistant- qutirter-master-gencral.
Royal artillery; — 2~ruiik and file.
Rot/nl navy ; — 1 midshipman, 7 seamen.
, Royal murines ; — H Serjeants, 11 rank and file.
1st, or royul S< ots; — 49 rar:k and file.
Sth, or king's oan; — 1 serjeant, 15 rank and file.
4 ist flank companies ; — 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 3 Serjeants, SI rank
and file.
S9th Ui^ht compony : — .9 rank and file.
\00th light coi;.puny — 1 licuiennnt, 2 Serjeants, 6 rank and file.
l(.:3;l regiment; I captain, 1 lic-ntcnant, 1 ensign, 1 adjutant, 30
seijeants, 3 drumnicis, 240 rani, and file.
The number returned mis^ini', the greater part supposed killed
by the explosion of a magazine.
i04lh regiment; 1 serjeant, 23 rank and file.
Watteville's regiaient -. — X serjeant, 82 rank and file.
Incorporated milit iu; — 1 rank and file.
Tcttil — Killed; — 2 lieutenant-colonels, 1 captain, 1 lieutenant 1 ser
jeant, I Drumiuer, 51 rank and file,

APPENDIX. 455
Wounded; — 1 deputy-assistant-quarter-master-gcneral, 1 major, 8
captains, 11 lieutenants, 2ensigns, 1 master, ISseamen, 20 ser.
jeants, 3 drummers, 250 rank and file.
Missing; — 1 deputy-assistantquarter-master-general, 1 captain, 3
lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 midshipman, 1 adjutant, 7 seamen, 41
Serjeants, 3 drummers, 4T9 rank and file.
Naraes of officers, killed, wounded, and raissing.
Killed — Is/, or royal Scots; — Captain Torrens.
Sth regiment; — Lieutenant Noel.
103d regiment ; — Colonel Scott.
lOith regiment; — Lieutenant-colonel Drummond.
.Wounded— General staff"; — Captain Powell, deputy-assistant-quartcr-
master-general, slight contusion.
Royal navy ; — Captain Dobbs, lieutenant Stevenson, slightly; Mr.
Harris, master, severelv.
Isf, 0/' rqyaZ ScoiJ;— Captain Rowan severely ; lieutenant Vaughan,
slightly.
Sth regiment ; — Lieutenant Young, slightly.
4\st flank companies; — Captains Glew and Bullock, severely ; lieute
nant Hailes, slightly ; ensign Townshend, severely.
89th regiment ; — Captain Barney, severely.
100(/j regiment; — Volunteer Fraser, severely.
103d regiment; — Major Smolt, severely; captain Gardiner, severely ;
captain Coleclough, severely, and prisoner ; lieutenant Fallon, be-
verely ; lieutenant Charlton, severely, and prisoner; lieutenant
Coppage, jun. dangerously; lieutenant Meagher, slightly; lieute
nants Burrows and Hazin, severely; ensign Nash, severely.
104th flank companies ; — Captain Leonard, iieutenant M'Laugblan,
severely ,
Missing — General staff; — Captain Elliot, deputy-assistaiit-quarter-
master-gcneral.
Royal Navy; — Mr. Hyde, midshipman.
4\ st flunk companies ; — Lieutenant Garner, ensign Hall.
100</j light company ;— Ueutenant Murray, wounded and prisoner.
\03d regiment ; — Captain Irwin, lieutenant Kaye, ensign fluey,
lieutenant and adjutant Pettit, J. HARVEY, lieut-col,
Deputy.adjutant-general.

No. 38.

From brigadier-general Gaines to the American secretary at
war,
DEAR SIR,
My heart is gladdened with gratitude to heaven and joy to
my country, to have it in my power to inform you, that the
gallant army, under my comraand, has fhis morning beaten the
enemy, commanded -by lieutenant-general Drummond, after a

466 APPENDIX.
severe conflict of near three hours, commencing at 2 o'clock,
A.M. They attacked us on each flank, got possession of the
salient bastion of Old Fort Erie, which was regained at the
point of the bayonet with a dreadful slaughter. The enemy's
Joss, in killed and prisoners, is about 600— near 300 killed.
Our loss is considerable, but I think not one-tenth part as
great as that of the enemy. I will not detain the express to
give you the particulars. I ara preparing my force to follow
up the biow. With great respect and esteem,
Your obedient servant,
EDMUND P. GAINES,
Hon. J. Armstrong, Brigadier.general, commanding.
Secretary at war.

No. 39.
From lieutenant-colonel M'Kay to lieutenant-colonel
M'Douall. Prairie du Chien, Fort M'Kay,
Sik, July 27, 1814.
I have the honor to communicate to you, that I arrived here
on the 17th instant at 12 o'clock ; my force amounting to 660
men: of which, 150 were Michigan fencibles, Canadian volun.
toers, and officers of the Indian department, the remainder
Indians. 1 found that the enemy had a small fort, situated on a height
immediately behind the village, with two blockhouses, per.
fecfly safe from Indians, and that they had six pieces of can.
non, and 60 or 70 effective men, officers included. That, lying
at anchor in the middle of the Mississippi, directfy in front of
the fort, there was a very large gun.boat, called governor
Clark, gun.boat No. 1, mounting 14 pieces of cannon, some
6 and 3 pounders, and a number of cohorns, manned with 70
or 80 men with muskets, and measuring 70 feet keel. This
floating blockhouse is so constructed, that she can be rowed in
any direction, the men on board being perfectly safe from small
arms, while thoy can use their own to the greatest advantage.
At half.pastl2 o'clock, I sent captain Anderson with a flag
of truce, to invite them to surrender, which they refused. My
intention was not to have made an attack till next raorning at
day.light; but, it being impossible to controul the Indians, I
ordered our gun to play upon the gun-boat, which shedid with
a surprizing good effect ; for, in the course of three hours the
time fhe action lasted, she fired 86 rounds, two.thirds of which
went into the governor Clark. They kept up a constant ^re

APPENDIX. 457
upon us, both from the boat and fort. We were an hour be
tween two fires, having run our gun up within musket-shot of
the fort, from whence we beat the boat out of her station. She
cut her cable and ran down the current, and was sheltered under
the island. We were obliged to desist, it being impossible,
with our little barges, to attempt to board her, and our only
gun in pursuit of her would have exposed our whole camp to
the enemy ; she therefore made her escape.
On the 19th, finding there were only six rounds of round-
shot remaining, including three of the enemy's we had picked
up, the day was employed in making lead bullets for the gun,
and throwing up two breast- works : one within 700 yards, and
the other within 450 yards of the fort. At six in the evening,
every thing being prepared, I marched to the first breastwork,
from whence I intended to throw in the remaining six rounds.
At the moment, the first ball was about being put into the can-
non, a whife flag was put out at the fort, and immediately an
officer came down with a note and surrendered. It being too
late, I deferred making them deliver up their arras in form till
morning, but immediately placed a strong guard in the fort,
and took possession of the artillery. From the time of our
landing fill they surrendered, the Indians kept up a constant,
bnt perfectly useless fire, upon the fort; the distance from
whence they fired was too great to do execution, even had the
enemy been exposed to view,
I am happy to inform you, that every man in the Michigan
fencibles, Canadian volunteers, and officers in the Indian de.
partment, behaved as well as I could possibly wish ; and,
though in the midst of a hot fire, not a man was even wounded,
except three Indians ; that is, one Puant, one Fallsovine, and
one Scoux, all severely, but not dangerously.
One lieutenant, 24th U, S, regiment; one militia captain, one
militia lieu'^enant, three serjeants, three corporals, two musi
cians, 53 privates, one commissary, and one interpreter, have
been made prisoners. One iron 6-ponnder, mounted on a gar.
risen carriage ; one iron S.poundcr, on a field-carriage; three
swivels, 61 stand of arms, four swords, one field-carriage for
6-pounder, and a good deal of ammunition ; 28 barrels of
pork, and 46 barrels of flour : these are the principal articles
found in the fort when surrendered.
I will now take the liberty to request your particular atten-
tion to captains RoUette and Anderson ; the former for his ac.
tivity in many instances, but particulaily during fhe action.
The action having commenced unexpectedly, he ran down from
the upper end of the village, with his company, through the
heat of the fire, to receive orders ; and before and since, in
being instrumental in preserving the citizens from being quite

458 APPENDIX. ,
ruined by pillaging Indians ; and the latter, for his unwearied
attention in keeping every thing in order during the route, and
his activity in following up the cannon during the action, and
asssisting in transporting the ammunition. Lieutenant Portier,
of captain Anderson's company ; lieutenants Graham and
Brisbois, of the Indian department ; captain Dean, of the
Prairie du Chien militia ; and lieutenant Powell, of the Green
Bay, all acted with courage and activity, so becoming Cana.
dian militia or volunteers. The interpreters also behaved well,
but particularly M. St. Germain, from the Saulte St. Marie,
and M. Rouville, Scoux interpeter : they absolutely pre
vented fheir Indians coraraitting any outrage in the plundering
way. Commissary Honore, who acted as lietenant in captain
RoUette's company, whose singular activity in saving and k.ep.
ing an exact account of pro^i.^ions, surprised me, and without
which we must unavoidably have lost much ©f that essential
article. The Michigan fencibles, who marined the gun, behaved
with great courage, coolness, and regularity. As to the ser.
jcant of artillery, too much cannot be said of hira ; for the
fate of the day, and our success, were to be attributed, in a
great measure, to his courage, and well-managed firing.
Since writing the foregoing, a few Sanks have arrived from
the rapids, at the Rock river, with two Canadians, and
bring the following information : On the 21st instant, six
American barges, three of which were arraed, were coming up
and encamped in the rapids ; that, in the course of the night,
the party of Indians having the four bags of gunpowder I sent
from this on the 17th, reached them. The barges being en-
camped at short distances from each other, they, on the 22d,
early in the morning, attacked the lowest, and killed about 100
persons, toek five pieces of cannon, and burnt the barge;
the other barges seeing this disaster, and knowing there were
British troops here, ran off. This is, perhaps, one of the
most brilliant actions, fought by Indians only, since the com.
mencement of the war, 1 have, &c.
W. M'KAY, lieutenant.colonel,
Lieut.-col. M'Douall, cemmanding at Michilimac'inac.

No. 40.
¦ From lieutenant-colonel M'Douall to sir George Prevost,
Sin, Michilimacinac, August 14, 1814.
I have reported to lieutenant-general Drummond the parti.
culars of the attack made by the enemy on this post on the 4th

APPENDIX. 459
instant. My situation was embarrassing. I knew that they
could land upwards of 1000 men ; and, after manning the
gun> at the fort, I had only a disposable force of 140 to meet
thera, which I determined to do, in order as much as possible
to encourage the Indians, and having the fullest confidence in
the little detachment of the Newfoundland regiment. The
position I took up was excellent, but at an unavoidable and
too great a distance from the forts, in each of which I was
only able to leave 25 militiamen. There were likewise roads
upon my flanks, every inch of which was known to the enemy,
by means of the people formerly residents of this island, which
were with them. 1 could not afford to detach a man to guard
thein. My position was rather too extensive for such a handful of
men. The ground was commanding, and, in front, clear as I
could wish it. On both our flanks and rear, a thick wood.
My utmost wi>ih was, that the Indians would only prevent t'ue
enemy from gaining the woods upon <iur flanks, which would
have forced them upon the open ground in our front. A na.
tural bteast^work protected my men from every shot; andt
had t.ild them fhat, on a close approach of the enemy, ther
were to pour in a volley, and immediately charge; numerous
as they were, all were fully confident of the result.
On the advance of the enemy, my 6-pounder and S-pounder
opened a heavy fire upon them, but not vvith the effect they
should have had: being not well manned, and for wantof an
artillery-officer, which would have been invaluable to us. They
moved slowly and cautiously, declining to meet me in the open
ground, but gradually gaining my left flank ; which the In.
dians permitted, even in the woods, without firing a shot. I
was even obliged to weaken my small front, by detaching the Mi
chigan fencibles to ojjpose a party of the enemy, which were
advancing to the woods on my right. I now received accounts
from major Cra-.vford, of the militia, that the enemy's two
large ships had anchored in the rear of my left, and that troops
were moving by a road in that direction towards the forts. I,
therefore, immediately .moved, to place myself between them
and the cr.emy, and took up a position effectually covering
them; from whence, collecting (he greater pa.rt of the Indians
who had retired, and taking with mc major Crawford and
about 50 militia, I again advanced to support a party of the
Fallsovine Indians ; who, witb their gallant chief, Thomas,
had commenced a spirited attack upon the enemy ; who, in a
short time, lost their second in command and several other
officers; seventeen of which we counted dead upon the field,
besides what they carried off, and a considerable number
wounded. The enemy retired in the utmost haste and confu.

460 APPENDIX.
sion, followed by the troops, till they found shelter under the
very powerful broadside of their ships, anchored within a few
yards of the shore. They re-e nbarked that evening, ajid the
vessels immediately hauled off.
I have the honour, &c.
R, M'DOUALL, lieutenant colonel.
His excellency sir George Prevost, &c.

^ ^ ^ ^-w,* *^^^^***^

No. 41,

From lieutenant Bulger to lieutenant-colonel M'Douall.
Sir, Michilimacinac, September 7, 1814,
I have the honor to report to you the particulars of the cap
ture of the UnitedStates' schooners, Scorpion and Tigress, by
a detachment from this garrison, under the command of lieute.
nant Worsley, of the royal navy, and myself.
In obedience to your orders, we left Michilimacinac on the
evening of the 1st instant, in four boats, one of which was
manned by seamen under lieutenant Worsley, the others by a
detachment of the royal Newfoundland regiment, under myself,
lieutenants Armstrong, and Radenherst. We arrived near the
Detour about sun.set on the following day ; but nothing was
atterapted that night, as the enemy's position had not been cor
rectly ascertained. The troops remained the whole of the 3d
instant concealed amongst the roads, and about 6 o'clock that
evening began to move towards the enemy. We had to row
about six railes, during which the raost perfect order and silence
reigned. The Indians which accorapanied us from Machinac,
were left about three miles in the rear. About 9 o'clock at
night we discerned the enemy, and had approached to within
100 yards of them before they hailed us. On receiving no
answer, they opened a smart fire upon us, both of musketry
and of the 24.pounder. All opposition, however, was in vain ;
and in the course of five minutes, the enemy's vessel was
boarded and carried, by lieutenant Worsley and lieutenant
Armstrong on the starboard- side, and my boat and lieutenant
Radenhurst's on the larboard. She proved to be the Tigress,
commanded by sailing-master Champlin, mounting one long 24-
pounder, and with a complement of 30 men. The defence of
this vessel did credit to her officers, who were all severely
¦wounded. She had three men wounded and three missing,
supposed to have been killed and thrown immediately over.
board. Our loss is two seamen killed, and several soldiers and
seamen slightly wounded.
On the morning of the 4th instant the prispners were sent ia

APPENDIX, 461
a boat to Machinac, under a guard, and we prepared to atfack
the other schooner, which we understood was anchored 16
miles further down. The position of the Tigress was not
altered ; and, the better to carry on the deception, the Ame
rican pendant was kept flying. On the 5th instant, we dis*
cerned the enemy's schooner beating up to us ; the soldiers I
directed to keep below, or to lie down on the deck, to avoid
bdng seen. Every thing succeeded to our wish ; the enemy
came to anchor about two miles frora us in the night ; and, as
day dawned on the 6th instant, we slipt our cable, and ran
down under our jib and foresail. Every thing was so well
managed by lieutenant Worsley, that we were within ten yards
of the enemy before they discovered us. It was then too lafe;
for, in the course of five minutes, her deck was covered with
our men, and the British flag hoisted over the American. She
proved to be the Scorpion, comraanded by lieutenant Turner,
of the United States' navy; carrying one long 24.pounder in
her hold, with a complement of 32 men. She had two men
killed, and two wounded. I enclose a return of our killed
and wounded, and am happy to say that the latter are but
slight. To the admirable gooil conduct and management of lieutenant
Worsley, of the royal navy, the success is to bc in a great
measure attributed ; but I must assure you, that every officer
and man did his dufy.
1 have the honor to be, &c.
A. II. BULGER,
lieutenant royal Newfoundland regiment.
To lieutenant.colonel M'Douall, &c, &c.
Return of killed and wounded of the troops, employed in the cap.
lure of the United States' schooners, Scorpion and Tigress, on the
3d and 6th of September, 1814.
Royal artillery; — 1 rank and file, wounded.
Royal Nezofoundland regiment; — 1 lieutenant, 6 rank and file, wounded.
Officer wounded.
Lieutenant Bulger, slightly.
N. B. Three seamen killed.

*^.^r^r*r*^*^f*^

No. 42,
From Sir George Prevost to Earl Bathursf.
Head-quarters, Plattsburg, Stateof New York,
My Lord, Sept. 11, 1814.
Upon the arrival of the reinforcements from the Garonne, f
lost no time in assembling three brigades on the frontier of

462 APPENDIX.
Lower Canada, extending from the river Richelieu to the St.
Lawrence, and in forming them into a division under fhe com
mand of major-general De Rottenburg, for the purpose of
carrying into effect his royal highness the prince regent's com
mands, which had been conveyed to me by your lordship in
your despatch of the 3d of June last.
As the troops concentrated and approached the line of sepa.
ration between this province and the United States, the Araeri.
can array abandoned its entrenched camp on the river Chazy,
at Champlain ; a position I immediately seized, and occupied
in force on the 3d instant. The following d.iy, the whole of
the left division advanced' to the village of Chazy, without
meeting the least opposition from the enemy.
On the 5th, it halted within eight miles of fhis place, having
snrniounfed the difficulties created by the obstructions in the
road from the felling of trees and the removal of bridges. The
next day the divisioii moved upon Plattsburg, in two columns,
on parallel roads ; the right column led by major-general
Power's brigade, supported by four companies of light in.
fantry and a demi. brigade, under major-general Robinson ; the
loft by major-general Brisbane's brigade.
The enemy's militia, supported by his regulars, attempted to
impede the advance of the right coluran, but they were driven
before it from all their positions, and the column entered Platts
burg. This rapid movement having reversed the strong position
taken up by the enemy at Dead creek, it was precipitately
abandoned by him, and his gun-boats alone left to defend the
ford, and to prevent our rostorinsi; the bridges, which had been
imperfectly destroyed — an inconvenience soon surraounted.
Here I found the enemy in the occnpation of au elevated
ridge of land on the south branch (bank) of the Saranac,
crowned with throe strong redoubts and other field w orks, and
block-houses armed with heavy ordnance, with Iheir flotilla*
at anchor out of gun-shot from the shore, consisting of a ship,
a brig, a schooner, a sloop, and (eu gun-boats.
I immediately communicated this circumstance to captain
Downie, who had been recently appointed to command fh^
vessels •)¦ on Lake Champlain, consisting of a ship, a brig, two
sloops, and 12 gun. boats, and requested his co-operation, and
in the mean time batteries wero constructed for the guns
brought from the rear. ,
On the morning of tho lltli, our flotilla was soon over the
isthmus which joins Cumbeilaiid.head wilh the main-land,
* The Saratoga, 26 cuns ; Surprise, SO giUK; Thunderer, 16 guns;
PrpliU', 7 fiur'. : 10 ami tmais, ! i ^uns.
f riic Ccuiti.iMcc, 36 aii;i> : I'lUKi, 18 guns: Broke, 10 gnns; Shannon,
iOginis; 12 i;un- boats, lo^uiis.

APPENDIX, 46,
steering for Plattsburg Bay. I immediately ordered that part
of the brigade under major-general Robinson, which had been
brought forward, consisting of our light infantry companies,
third battalion 27th and 76th regiments, and major.general
Power's brigade, consisting of the third, fifth, and the first bat
talion of the 27fh and 58th regiments, to force the fords of the
Saranac, and advance, provided with scaling-ladders, to escalade
the enemy's works upon theheights; this force was placed under
the command of major-general Robinson. The batteries opened
their fire the instant the ships engaged.
It is now with deep concern I inform your lordship, that not.
withstanding the intrepid valor with which captain Downie
led his flotilla into action, roy raost sanguinary hopes of com.
plete success were, not long afterwards, blasted, by a com.
bination, as appeared to us, of unfortunate events, to which
naval warfare is peculiarly exposed Scarcely had his majesty's
troops forced a passage across the Saranac, and ascended the
height on which stand the eneray's works, when I had the
extrerae raortiflcation to hear the shout of victory from the
enemy's works, in consetjuence of the British flag being lowered
on board the Conflance and Linnet, and to see our gun. boats
seeking their safety in flight. This unlooked.for event de
prived me of the co.operation of the fleet, without which the
further prosecution of tho service was become impracticable, I
did not hesitate .to arrest the course of the troops advancing to.
the atfack, because the raost complete success would havebeen
unavailing, and the possession of the eneray's works offered no
advantage to corapensate for the loss we must have sustained in
acquiring possession of them.
I have ordered the batteries to be dismantled, the guns with.
drawn, and the baggage, with tho wounded men who can be
removed, to be sont to the rear, in order fhat the troops may
return to Chazy to-morrow, and on the following day to
Champlain, where I propose to halt until I have ascertained
the use the enemy propose making of the naval ascendancy
they have acquired on Lake Champlain.
I have the honor to transmit herewith returns of the loss ,
sustained by the left division of this army in its advance tj
Plattsburg, and in forcing a passage across the river Saranac.
* I have the the honor, &c.
GEORGE PilEVOST.
Earl Bathurst, &c.

464 APPENDIX.

No. 43.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing, of the left division,
under the command of major-general De Rottenburg, in
action with the enemy from the 6th to ihe 14th of September,
inclusive.
General staff ; — 1 general staff, wounded.
19th light dragoons ; 1 rank and file, 2 horses, wounded ; 5 rank and
file, 6 horses, missing.
Royal artillery; 1 serjeant, 1 rank and file, 1 horse, killed ; 3 rank
and .file, wounded.
3d foot; — 1 captain, I ensign, killed; 4 lieutenants,! serjeant, 34
rank and file, wounded ; 2 rank and file missing.
bth foot ; — 1 rank and file, killed ; 1 rank and file, wounded.
8th foot. Sd battalion ; — 1 rank and file, wounded.
13th fool ;— 2 rank and file, wounded.
Sith foot, Isl battalion ; — 3 rank and file, killed ; 1 serjeant, 13 rank
and file, wounded ; 1 rank and file, missing.
Slih foot, 3d battalion; — 1 serjeant, 2 rank and file, killed; 3 ser
jeants, 1 1 rank and file, wounded ; 4 rank and file, missing.
49th foot ; — 3 rank and file, wounded,
bSthfout ; 4 rank and file, killed ; 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 serjeant,
29 rank and file, wounded.
76th foot ; — 1 captain, 1 Serjeant, 10 rank and file, killed : 3 rank
and file, wounded; 3 lieutenants, 2 serjeants, 1 drummer, 20 rank
and file, missing.
88th foot ; — 9 rank and file, wounded.
De Meuron's regiment; — I serjeant, 5 rank and file, killed ; I serjeant,
14 rank and file, wounded ; 9 rank and file, missing.
Canadian chasseurs ;— 4 rank and file, killed; 10 rank and file, wound
ed ; 1 lieutenant, 7 rank and file, missing.
¦39th foot ; — 1 rank and file, wounded.
Total;— 2 captains, 1 ensign, 4 serjeants, 30 rank and file, 1
horse, killed ; 1 general staff, 1 captain, 6 lieutenants, T ser
jeants, 135 rank and file, 2 horses, wounded; 4 lieutenants, 2
serjeants, 1 drummer, 48 rank and file, 6 horses, missing.
Names of officers, killed, wounded, and missing.
Killed— Sdfoot ; — Captain (brevet lieutenant-colonel) I. Willington,
ensign J. Chapman.
76th foot ; — Captain J. Purchase.
Wounded— General staff ;— Captain T. Crosse, aide de camp to ma-
jor-general De Rottenburg, slightly.
3d foot ;— Lieutenant R. Kingsbury, severely; (since dead ;) lifeute-
iiaiit J. West, severely ; lieutenants G. Benson, and J. Ilorne, slightly,
58(A /ooi ;— Captain L. Westropp, severely; lieutenant C. Brokier,
slightly; lieutenant and adjutant ¦  Lewis, slightly.
Missing— 76th foot;— L\euten;\nts G. Hutch, G. Ogilvie, aod E.
Mnrcbington. Canadian chasseurs; — Lieutenant E. Vigneau.
EDWARD B.\YNES,
Adjutant-scncral North America.

APPENDIX. 46&
No. 44.
From sir James l/ucas Yeo to Mr. Croker,
H. M. S. St. Lawrence, Kingston,
Sir, September 24, 1814.
I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the
lords commissioners of the admiralty, a copy of a letter from
captain Pring, late commander of his majesty's brig Linnet.
It appears to me, and I have good reason to believe, that
captain Downie was urged, and his ship hurried into action,
before she was in a fit state to meet the enemy.
I am also of opinion, that there was not the least necessity
for our squadron giving the eneray such decided advantages,
by going into their bay to engage them. Even had. they been
successful, it would not in the least have assisted the troops in
storming the batteries ; whereas, had our troops taken their
batteries first, it would have obliged the enemy's squadron to
quit the bay, and give ours a fair chance.
I have the honor, to be, &c.
JAMES LUCAS YEO,
Commmodore ^nd commander in chief.
J, W, Croker, esq. &c. &c, &c.
No. 45.
From major-general Macombe to ihe American secretary at
war.
Sir, Plattsburg, Sept, 15, 1814,
The governor.general of the Canadas, sir George Prevost,
having collected all the disposable force in Lower Canada, with
a view of conquering the country as far as Crown Point, and
Ticonderago, entered the territories of the United States on
the 1st ofthe month, and occupied the village of Champlain:
there he avowed his intentions, and issued orders and proclama.
tioiis, tending to dissuade the people from their allegiance, and
inviting thera to furnish his army with provisions. He immedi
ately began to impress the waggons and .earns in the vicinity^
and loatied them with his heavy baggage and stores. From thi^
1 was persuaded he intended to attack this place. 1 had but
just returned from the lines, whore I had commanded a fine
brigade, which was broken up to form the division under
major.general Izard, and ordered to the westvvard, fteiug
Vol,. II H H

46B APPENDIX,
senior officer, he left me in command ; .ind, except the four
companies of the 6th regiment. I had not an organized batta.
lion among those remaining. The garrison was composed of
convalescents and recruits of the new regiments, all in the
greatest confusion, as well as the ordnance and stores, and the
works in no state of defence. To create an emulation and zeal
among the officers and men in completing theworks, I divided
them into detachments, and placed them near the several forts ;
declaring in orders, that each detachment was the garrison of
Its own work, and bound to defend it to the last extremity.
The enemy advanced cautiously and by short marches, and our
soldiers worked day and night, so that by the time he raade his
appearance before the place we were prepared to receive him.
General Izard ni-imed the principal work Fort-Moreau ; and,
to reraind flie troops of the actions of their brave countrymen,
I called the redoubt on the right Fort-Brown, and fhat on the
left Fort.Scott. Besides these three works, we had two block.
houses strongly fortified. Finding, on examining the returns
of the garrison, that our force did not exceed 1600 effective
men for duty, and well informed that the enemy had as many
thousands, I called on general Mooers, of the New York
militia, and arranged with him plans for bringing forth the
militia en masse. The inhabitants of the village fled with their
families and effects, except a few worthy citizens and some boys,
who formed themselves info a party, received rifles, and were
exceedingly useful. By the 4th of the month, general Mooers
collected about 700 militia, and advanced seven railes on the
Beckman.town road, to watch the raotions of the enemy, and
to skirmish with him as he advanced; also to obstruct the roads
with fallen trees, and to break up the bridges. On the lake.
road, at Dead creek bridge, I posted 200 men, under captain
Sproul, of the 13th regiment, with orders to abattis the woods,
to place obstructions in the road, and to fortify hiraself : to
this party I added two field. pieces. In advance of that posi.
tion was lieutenant-colonel Appling, with 1 10 riflemen, watch
ing the movements of the enemy, and procuring intelligence.
It was ascertained, that before day-light on the 6th, the enemy
¦would advance in two columns, on the two roads before men
tioned, dividing at Sampson's a little below Chazy village. The
column on the Beckman-town road proceeded most rapidly ;
the militia skirmished with his advanced parties, and except a
iDw brave men, fell back most precipitately in the greatest
disorder, notwithstanding the British troops did not deign fo
fire on them, except by their flankers and advanced patroles.
The night previous, 1 ordered major Wool to advance with a
detachlnent of 250 men to support the militia, and set them an
example of firmness ; also captain Leouard, of fhe ligUt-artiU

APPENDIX, 467
lery, was directed to proceed with two pieces fo be on the
ground before day; yet he did not make his appearance until
eight o'clock, when the enemy had approached within two
miles of the village. With his conduct, therefore, I am not
well pleased. Major Wool, with his party, disputed the road
with great obstinacy, but the militia could not be prevailed on
to stand, notwithstanding the exertions of their general and
staff-officers; although tlie fields were divided by strong stone
walls, and they were told that the enemy could not possibly
cut them off. The state dragoons of New York wear red
coats ; and they being on the heights to watch the enemy, gave
constant alarm to the militia, who mistook them for the euemy,
and feared his getting in their rear
Finding the enemy's columns had penetrated within a mile of
Plattsburg, I despatched my aidede camp, lieutenant Root, to
bring off the detachment at Dead creek, and to inform lieute.
naHt-colonel Appling that I wished him to fall on the enemy's
right flank. The colonel fortunately arrived just in time to
save his retreat, and to fall in with the head of a column de.
bouching from the woods. Here he poured in a destructive
fire from his riflemen at rest, and continued to annoy the
enemy until he formed a junction with major Wool. The
field. pieces did considerable execution among the enemy's
columns. So undaunted, however, was the enemy, that he
never deployed in his whole march, always pressing on in
column. Finding that every road was full of troops, crowdin"-
on us on all sides, I prderetl the field- pieces to retire across the
bridge, and form a battery for its protection, and to cover the
retreat of the infantry, which was accordingly done, and the
parties of Appling and Wool, as well as that of Sproul,
retired, alternately keeping up a brisk fire unfil they got under
cover of the works. The enemy's light troops occupied the
houses near the bridge, and kept up a constant firing from the
windows and balconies, and annoyed us much. I oidered them
to be driven ont with hotshot, which soon put the houses in
flames, and obliged those sharp-shooters to retire. The whole
day, unfil it was too late to see, the eiaeiny's light troops endeai.
voured to drive our guards from the bridge, but they suffered
dearly for their perseverance. An attempt was also made tp
cross the upper bridge, where the railitia handsomely drove
them back. The column which raarched by the lake-road was
much impeded by the obstructions, and the removal of the
bridge at Dead creek; and, as it passed the creek and beach,
the gallies kept up a lively and galling fire. Our troops being
now all on the south side of the Saranac, I directed the planks
to be taken off the bridges and piled up in the form of breast.
works, to cover our parties intended for disputing the passage,
ii II 2

468 APPENDIX.
which afterwards enabled ns to hold the bridges against very
superior nurabers. From the 7th to the 14th, the enemy was
employed in getting on his battering-train, and erecting his
batteries and approaches, and constantly skirmishing at the
bridges and fords. By this time the militia of New York and
the volunteers of Vermont were pouring in from all quarters,
I advised general Mooers to keep his force along the Saranac to
prevent the enemy's crossing the river, and to send a strong
body in his rear to harass him day and night, and keep him in
continual alarm. The militia behaved with great spirit after
the first day, and the volunteers of Vermont were exceedingly
serviceable. Our regular troops, notwithstanding the constant
skirmishing, and repeated endeavours of the enemy to cross
the river, kept at their work day and night, strengthening the
defences, and evinced a determination to hold out to the last
extremity. It was reported that the enemy only waited the
arrival of his flotilla to make a general attack. About eight in
the morning of the llth, as was expected, the flotilla appeared
in sight round Cumberland Head, and at nine bore down and
engaged at anchor in the bay off fhe fown. At the same instant
the batteries were opened on ns, and continued throwing bomb-
shells, shrapnells, balls, and Congreve rockets, until sun.set,
when the bombardment ceased, every battery of thCj enemy
being silenced by the superiority of onr fire. The naval en.
gageraent lasted but two hours, in full view of both armies.
Three efforts were made by fhe enemy to pass fhe river at the
commencement of the cannonade and bombardment, with a
view of assaulting the works, and they had prepared for fhat
purpose an immense number of scaling.ladders. One attempt
to cross was made at the village bridge, another at the upper
bridge, and a third at a ford about three miles from the
works. At th& two first he was repulsed by the regulars — at
the ford by the brave volunteers and militia, where he suffered
severely in killed, wounded, and prisoners : a considerable
body crossed the stream, but were either killed, taken, or
driven back. The woods at this jilace were very favorable to
the operations of the militia. A whole company of the 76th
regiment was here destroyed, t' e three lieutenants and 27 men
prisoners, the captain and the rest killed. I cannot forego the
pleasure of here stating the gallant conduct of captain M'Glassin,
of the 15th regiment, who was ordered to ford the river, and
attack a party constFuctinga battery on the right of the enemy's
line, within 500 yards of Fort-Brown, which he handsomely
executed at midnight, with 50 men ; drove off the working
party, consisting of 150, and defeated a covering parfy ofthe
sarae number, killing one officer and six raen in the charge, and
wounding many. At dusk the enemy withdrew his artillery

APPENDIX. 469
from the batteries, and raised the siege ; and at nine, under
cover of the night, sent off, in a great hurry, all the baggage
he could find transport for, and also his artillery. At two the
next morning the whole army precipitately retreated, leaving
the sick and wounded to our generosity ; and the governor left
a note with a surgeon, requesting the humane attention of the
commanding-general. Vast quantities of provision were left behind and destroyed;
also an immense quantity of bomb-shells, cannon-balls, grape-
shot, aramunition, flints, &c. entrenching tools of all sorts,
also tents and marquees, A great deal has been found con
cealed in ponds and creeks, and buried in the ground, and a vast
quantity carried off by the inhabitants. Such was the precipi
tance of his retreat, that he arrived at Chazy, a distance of
eight miles, before we discovered he had gone. The light
troops, volunteers, and militia, pursued immediately ou learn
ing of his flight, and some of the mounted men made prisoners
tive dragoons of the 19th regiment, and several others of the
rear.guard. A continual fall of rain and a violent storm pre.
vented further pursuit. Upwards of 300 deserters have come
in, and many are hourly arriving. We have buried the British
officers of the army and navy with the honors of war, and
shewn every attention and kindness to those who have fallen
into our hands. The conduct of the officers, non.commissioned
officers, and soldiers of my comraand, duriug the trying occa.
sion, cannot be represented iu too high terms.
ALEX. MACOMB.
The loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, prisoners, and
deserters, since his first appearance, cannot fall short of 2500,
Hon. I. Armstrong,

No. 46.

From major-general De Watteville, to lieutenant-general
Drummond. Camp before Fort.Erie,
Sir, Sept. 19, 1814.
I have the honor to report io yon, that the enemy attacked,
on the 17th in the afternoon at three o'clock, our position
before Fort-Erie, the 2d brigade, under colonel Fischer, com.
posed of the Sth and de Watteville's regiments, being on duty.
Under cover of a heavy fire of his artillery from Fort.Erie,
and much favored by the nature of the ground, and also by the
State of the weather, the rain falling in torrents at the moment
ofhis approach, the enemy succeeded in turning the right of

470 APPENDIX.
our line of piquets, without being perceived, and with a very
considerable force, attacked both tbe piquets and support, in
their flank and rear ; at the same time, another of the enemy's
columns attacked, in front, the piquets between No. 2 and No,
3 batteries, and, having succeeded in penetrating by No. 4
piquet, part of his force turned to his left, and thereby sur.
rounded our right, and got alraost immediate possession of
No. 3 battery. The enemy then directed his attacks, with a
very superior force, towards No. 2 battery ; but the obstinate
resistance made by the piquets, under every possible disadvan.
tage, delayed considerably his getting possession of No. 2 bat
tery ; in which, however, he at last succeeded.
As soon as the alarm was given, the 1st brigade, being next
for support, composed of the royal Scots, the 82d and 89th
regiments, under lieutenant-colonel Gordon, received orders to
march forward; and also the light demi.brigade under lieute.
nant-colonel Pearson : the 6th regiment remaining in reserve,
under lieutenant.colonel Campbell. From the Concession.
road, the royal Scots, with the 89th as support, moved by the
new road, and met the enemy near the block.house, on the
right of No. 3 battery ; whom they engaged, and, by their
steady and intrepid conduct, checked his further progress.
The 82d regiment, and three corapanies of the 6th regiment.
Were detached to the left, in order to support Nos. 1 aod 2
batteries. The enemy having, at fhat tipie, possession of No. 2
battery, and still pushing forward, seven companies of the 82d,
under major Proctor, and the three companies of the 6th, under
major Taylor, received directions to oppose the eneray's forces,
and immediatrly charged them with tha most intredid bravery,
driving them back across our entrenchments ; and also from
No. 2 battery, thereby preventing their destroying it, or da.
maging its guns in a considerable degree. Lieutenant-colonel
Pearson, with the Glengarry light infantry, under lieutenant.
colonel Battersby, pushed forward by the cenfie-road, and
attacked, and carried, with great gallantry, the new entrench.
ment, then in fnll possession of the enemy.
The enemy, being thus repulsed at every point, was forced to
retire with precipitation to their works, leaving several prisoners,
and a number pf their wounded in our hands. By five o'clock
the entrenchments were again occupied, and the line of piquets
established, ai it had been previous to the enemy's attack.
I have the honor to enclose a return of casualties, and the
1-eport of the officer commanding the royal artillery, respecting
the damage done to the ordnance and the batteries, during the
time they were in the enemy's possession.
I have the honor to be, &c.
L. DE WATTEVILLE, major.gen,
peut-rgeneral Drummond, ^c,

APPENDIX. 471

No. 47.
Return of casualties ofthe right division ofthe army, in actio.n
with the enemy ; camp before Forf-.Erie, Sept. 17, 1814.
Royal artillery ; — 9 rank and file, missing.
Additional gunners, De Watteville's regiment; — 1 rank and file,
wounded ; 10 rank and file, missing,
1st, or royal Scots; — 8 rank and file, killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1
lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 30 rank and file, wounded; 2 serjeants, 15 rank
and file, missing.
6th foot; — 1 captain, 1 serjeant, 13 rank and filei, killed; 1 lieute.
nant, 1 serjeant, 25 rank and file, wounded ; 1 serjeant, 10 rank and
file, missing.
8lhfoot ; — 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 12 rank and file, killed; 1 lieute.
nant, 12 rank and file, wounded ; 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 8
Serjeants, 63 rank and file, missing.
82dfoot ; — 2 Serjeants, 10 rank and file, killed ; 5 captains, 4 lieu
tenants, 1 ensign, 5 serjeants, 33 rank and file, wounded; 8 rank and
file, missing.
89th foot ; — 1 rank and file, killed ; 1 serjeant, 2 rank and file,
wounded ; 1 serjeant, 19 rank and file, missing.
De Watteville's regiment ; — 1 lieutenant, 3 serjeants, 58 rank and
file, killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 3 lieutenants, 4 serjeants,
1 drummer, 26 rank and file, wounded ; 2 majors, 3 captains, 2 lieute.
nants, 1 adjutant, 1 assistant-surgeon, 9 serjeants, 2 drummers, 146
rank and file, missing.
Glengarry light infantry; — 3 rank and file, killed; 1 serjeant, 18
rank and file, wounded.
. Grand total — 1 captain, 9 lieutenants, 7 seijeants, 105 rauk and file,
killed; 3 lieutenant-colonels, 3 captains, 10 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 13
Serjeants, 1 drummer, 147 rank and file, wounded ; 2 majors, 4 cap.
tains, 3 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 assistant-surgeon, 21 ser.
jeants, 2 drummers, 280 rank and file, missing.
Names of officers.
Killed.
6th fo9t ;— Captain R. D. Patterson.
8th foot ; — Lieutenant Barston.
De Watteville's regiment ; — Lieutenant Pelliehody.
Wounded.
Royal Scois;— Lieutenant-colonel J. Gordon, severely; lieutenant G,
Ratledge-, since dead.
6th foot; — Lieutenant Andrews, severely.
8th foot; — Lieutenant Lowry, severely.
82dfoot; — Captain I. M. Wright, since dead; captain E.^Marshall,
slightly ; lieutenant H. Pigott, W. Mason, and Robert LiTtbam, se.
verely; lieutenant G. Harman, shghtly; ensign C. Langford, since
dead.
¦ • De Watteville'i regimen* ;— Lieutenant-colonel Fischer, severely;

472 APPENDIX.
captain Mittelholzer, severely ; lieutenant Gingins, severely; lieutenant
Steiger, sliohtlv ; lieutenant La Pierre, severely.
S^a^^-Lieiitenant-colonel Thomas Pearson, inspecting field-officer,
severely. Missing— Sthfoot ;— Captain Bradbridge, lieutenant M'Nair, ensign
Matthewson. De WattevilU^s regiment ;— Major De' Villatte, major Winter,
wounded; captain Zehender, Hecken, and Steiger; lieutenant De
Berry, lieutenant Hecken, wounded; adjutant Tbermet; assistant-sur
geon Gorbea. ****** f********
No, 48.
From lieutenant-colonel Pilkington to lieutenant-general
sir John C, Sherbrooke.
Moose Island, Passamaquaddy Bay,
Sih, July 12, 1814.
Having sailed from Halifax on the 5th instant, accorapanied
by lieutenant-colonel Nicolls, of the royal engineers, and a de
tachment of the royal artillery, under the command of captain
Dunn, I have the honour to acquaint your excellency, that
we arrived at Shelburne, the place of rendezvous, on the even.
ing of the 7th instant, where 1 found captain SirThomas Hardy,
in his majesty's ship Ramillies, with two transports, having on
board the 102d regiment, under the comraand of lieutenant.
colonel Herries, which had arrived the day before. 1 did not
fail to lay before Sir Thomas Hardy my instructions, and to
consult with him the best means of carrying them into exe
cution. As we concurred in opinion that the success of the enterprise,
¦with which we were entrusted, would very materially depend
upon our reaching the point of attack previous to the enemy
being apprised of our intentions, that officer, with his asccus-
tomed alacrity and decision, directed the ships of war and
transports to get under weigh early on the following morning ;
and we yesterday, about 3 o'clock P.M., anchored near to
the town of Eastport.
On our approach to this island, lieutenant Oats (your excel.
lency's aide de ca' p, whom you had permitted to accompany
me on this service) was detached in a boat, bearing a, flag of
truce, with a summons, (copy of which is transmitted,) ad.
dressed to the officer commanding, requiring that Moose Island
should be surrendered to his Britannic majesty. This proposal
was not accepted; in consequence of which, the troops, which
were already in the boats, pulled off under the superintendance
of captain Senhouse, of theroyalnavy, whose arrangeraents were
so judicious, as to insure a successful issue. But, previous to

APPENDIX. 473
reaching the shore, the colours of the enemy on Fort-Sullivan
were hauled down : and on our landing, the capitulation was
agreed to, of which the copy is inclosed.
We found in fhe fort a detachment of the 40th regiment of
American infantry, consisting of six officers and about 80 men,
under the command of major Putman, who surrendered them.
selves prisoners of war.
This fort is situated on an eminence commanding the enfrance
to the anchorage, and within it is a block.house, and also four
long 18-pounders, one 18-pQund carronade, and four field.
pieces. The extent of the island is about four miles in length
and two in breadth, and in a great state of cultivation. The
militia amount to about 250, and the population is calculated
at 1500.
We have also occupied Allen's and Frederick Island, so that
the whole of the islands in this bay. are now subject to the
British flag.
It is very satisfactory to me to add, that this service has been
effected, without any loss or casually among the troops em
ployed in it.
To captain sir Thomas Hardy, I consider myself underthe
greatest obligations ; haviug experienced every possible co-ope.
ration, with an offer to disembark, from his squadrom, any
proportion of seamen or marines which I considered necessary.
I beg to acknowledge my thanks to you in allowing your aide
de camp, lieutenant Oats, to accompany me upon this service.
He has been agreat assistant to me, and will have the honor of
delivering this despatch. He has also in his possession the colours
and standard found in Fort.Snllivan,
I have the honor to be, &c,
A, PILKINGTON, lieut.-col,
Lieut.-general deputy.adjutant-general.
Sir J, C. Sherbrook, K. B,

No. 49.

From captain Hardy, R. N., and lieutenant-colonel Pilkington,
to the American commander at Moose Island.
On board of his majesty's ship Ramillies, off
Sie, Moose Islatid, July 11, 1814,
As we are perfectly apprised of the weakness of the fort and
garrison under your command, and your inability to defend Moose
Island against the ships and troops of his Britannic majesty
placed under our directions, we arc induced, from the huraane
consideration of avoiding the effusion of blood, and from a re-

474 APPENDIX.
gard to you and the inhabitants of the island, to prevent, if in
our power, the distresses and calamities which will befall them
io case of resistance. We, therefore, allow yon five minutes,
from the time this suraraons is delivered, to decide upon an
^inswer. In the event of your not agreeing to capitulate on liberal
terms, we shall deeply lament being corapelled to resort to
those coercive measures, which may cause destruction to the
town of Eastport, but which will ultimately assure us possession
of the island. T. M. HARDY, captain of H.M.S Ramillies,
A. PILKINGTON, lieut..col. coramanding.
To the officers commanding the United States' troops
on Moose Island.

No. 50.

From major Putman to captain Hardy, and lieutenant-
colonel Pilkington.
Gentlemen, Fort Sullivan, Jnlyll, 1814.
Conformably to your demand, I have surrendered Fort-Sul.
livan wifh all the public properfy.
This I have done to stop the effusion of blood and in
consideration of your superior forces. I am, gentlemen, i^c,
P. PUTMAN, major, comraanding,
P. S. I hope, gentlemen, every respect will be paid to the
defenceless inhabitants of this island, and the private property
of tho officers. P. P.

¦00 0000000^ 00000

No. 51,
Articles of capitulation.
Article I, The officers and troops of the United States, at
present on Moose island, are to surrender themselves prisoners
of war, and are to deliver up the forts, buildings, arms, ammu-
nifion, stores, and effects, with exact inventories thereof,
belonging to the American government; and they are thereby
trunsferred to his Britannic majesty, in the same manner and
possession, as has been held heretofore by the American
government. Art. II. The garrison of the island shall be prisoners of
war, until regularly exchanged ; they will march out of the

APPENDIX. 475
fort with the honors of war, and pile their arms at such place
as will be appointed for that purpose ; the officers will be per
mitted to proceed to the United States on their parole.

No, 52.
Return of ordnance and stores found in Fort-Sullivan,
surrendered to his majesty's forces under the command of
lieutenant.colonel Pilkington,
. Iron guns ; — four 18-pounders, with standing carriages, side arms ;
two unserviceable 9-pounders, two 12-pounder carronades without
carriages. Brass guns; — two serviceable and two unserviceable light S-pounders,
witb travelling carriages, side arms, &c.
Forty-two paper cartridges, filled with six pounds of powder, 5 flannel
ditto, ditto; 3176 unserviceable musket-ball cartridges.
Four hundred and fifty-two loose round 18-pounder shot; fifty-five
18-pounder grape shot, three hundred and eighty-nine loose round
6-poundcr, ninety-five 6-pounder case shot.
Six barrels of horned powder, containing one hundred pounds each ;
100 muskets, with bayonets, belts, slings, and complete swords, with
belts, scabbards, &c.
Seventy-two incomplete tents, one United States' ensign.
W. DUNN, capt. royal artillery company.

No. 53.
From lieutenant-general sir I, C. Sherbrooke to e,arl Bathurst.
Castine at the entrance of the Penobscot,
My Lord, Sept. 18, 1814.
I have now the honor to inform your lordship, • that affer
closing my despatch of the 25th uit. in which I mentioned my
intention of proceeding to the Penobscot, rear-admiral Grif.
fiths and myself lost no time in sailing from Halifax, with such a
naval force as he deemed necessary, and the troops as per
margin, (viz. 1st company of royal artillery, two rifle compa
nies of the 7th battalion 60th regiraent, 29th, 62d, and 98th
regiments,) to accompany the object we had in view.
Very eariy in the morning of the SOth wo fell in with the
Rifleman sloop of war, when captain Pearse informed us, that
the United States' frigate, the Adams, had got into the Penob.
scot, but from the apprehension of being attacked by our
cruizers, if she remained at the entrance of the river, she bad

476 APPENDIX.
run up as high as Hampden^ where she had landed her guns,
and mounted them on shore for her protection.
On leaving Halifax it was my original intention to have taken
possession of Machias, on our way hither, but on receiving
this intelligence, the admiral and myself were of opinion that no
time should be lost in proceeding to our destination, and we
arrived here very early on the morning of the 1st instant.
The fort of Castine, which is situated upon a peninsula of
the eastern side of the Penobscot, near the entrance of that
river, was summoned a little after sun-rise, but the American
officer refused to surrender it, and immediately opened a fire
frora four 24. pounders upon a sraall schooner that had been
sent with lieutenant-colonel Nichols (coramanding royal engi.
neers) to reconnoitre the work.
Arrangements were immediately made for disembarking the
troops, but before a landing could be effected, the enemy blew
up the magazine, and escaped up the Majetaquadous river, car
rying offin the boats with them two field.picces.
As we had no means of ascertaining what force the Ameri.
cans had on this peninsula, I landed a detachraent of the royal
artillery, with two rifle.companics of the 60th and 98th regi.
ments, under colonel Douglas, in the rear of it, with orders to
secure the isthmus, and to take possession of the heights which
command the town ; but 1 soon learned there were no regulars
at Castine, except the party which had blown up the magazine
and escaped, and that the militia, which were assembled there,
had dispersed imniediately upon our landing.
Rear-adrairal Griffith and myself next turned our attention
fo obtaining possession of the Adams, or if fhat could not be
done, destroying her. The arrangement for this service having
been made, the rear.admiral entrusted the execution of it to
captain Barrie, royal navy, and as the co.operation of a land
force was necessary, I directed lieutenant.colonel John, with a
detachment of artillery, the flank companies of the 29th, 62d,
and 98th regiments, and one rifle company of the 60th, to ac
company and co.o perate with captain Barrie on this occasion;
but as Hampden is 27 miles above Castine, it appeared to me a
necessary measure of precaution first to occupy a post on the
western bank, which might afford support, if necessary, to the
force going up the river, and at the same time prevent the
armed population, which is very nuraerous to the southward
and to the westward, from annoying the British in their opera.
tions against fhg Adams.
Upon inquiry, I found that Belfast, which is upon the high
road leading from Hampden to Boston, and which perfectly
commands the bridge, was likely to answer both these pur
poses, and I consequently directed major-general Gosselin to

APPENDIX, 477
occupy that place with the 29th regiment, and maintain it till
further orders.
As soon as this was accomplished, and the tide served, rear-
admiral Griffith directed captain Barrie to proceed to his desti.
nation, and the remainder of the troops were landed that
evening at Castine.
Understanding that a strong parly of militia from the neigh.
bouring township had assembled at about four miles from Cas
tine, on the road leading to Blue-hill, I sent out a strong
patrole on the morning of the 2d, before day-break; on arriv.
ing at the place, I was informed that the militia of the county
was assembled there on the alarn»*guiis being fired at the fort at
Castincj upon our first appearance; but that the main body
had since dispersed, and went to their respective homes. Some
stragglers were however left, who fired upon our advanced
guard, and then took to the woods ; a few of them were made
prisoners. No intelligence having reached us from captain
Barrie, on Saturday night, I marched with about 700 men and
two light field.picces, upon Buckstown, at three o'clock, on
Sunday morning, the 4th instant, for the pnrpose of learning
what progress he had made, and of affording him assistance if
required. This place is about 18 miles higher up the Ponob.
scot than Castine, and on the eastern bank of the river. Rear-
admiral Griffith accorapanied me on this occasion, and we had
reason to believe that the light guns which had been taken from
Castine were secreted in the neighbourhood of Buckstown.
We threatened to destroy the town unless they were given up,
and the two brass 3-pounders on travelling-carriages were in
consequence brought to us in the course of the day, and are
now in our possession.
At Buckstown, we received very satisfactory accounts of
the success which had attended the force employed up the river.
We learned that captain Barrie had proceeded from Ifarapton
up to Bangor ; and the admiral sent an officer in a boat from
Buckstown to communicate with him : when, finding there was
no necessity for the troops remaining longer at Buckstown,
they marched back to Castine the next day.
Having ascertained that the object of the expedition up the
Penobseot had been obtained, it was no longer necessary for
me to occupy Belfast. I, therefore, on the evening of the 6th,
directed major.general Gosselin to embark the troops, and to
join me here.
Machias being the only place now remaining where the
enemy had a post between the Penobscot and Passamaquaddy
bay, I ordered lieutenant-colonel Pilkington to proceed with a
detachment of royal artillery and the 29th regiment to occupy
it; aud as naval assistance was required, rear.admiral Griffith

478 AtPENDI^t.
directed captaia Parker, of the Tenedos, to Co.operate ¦Witi
lieutenant.colonel Pilkington upon this occasion.
On the morning of the 9th, captain Barrie, with lieutenant.
colonel John, and the troops which had been employed with
him up the Penobscot, returned to Castine. It seeras, the
eneray blew up the Adams, on his strong position at Hampden
being attacked ; but all his artillery, two stands of colours,
and a standard, with several merchant vessels, fell into our
hands. This, I am happy to say, was accomplished with very
little loss on our part; and your lordship will perceivej by the
return sent herewith, that the only officer wounded in this
affair, is captain Gall, of th%29th grenadiers.
Herewith I have the honor to transmit a copy of the report,
made to me by lieutenant.colonel John on this occasion, in
which yonr lordship will be pleased to observe, that the lieute.
nant-colonel speaks very highly of the gallantry and good con.
duct displayed by the troops upon this expedition, under very
trying circumstances. And I beg to call your lordship's atten.
tion to the names of those officers upon whom lieutenant.colo
nel John particularly bestows praise. The enterprise and in.
trepidity manifested by lieutenant.colonel John, and the disci.
pline and gallantry displayed by the troops under him, reflect
great honor upon thera, and demand my warmest acknowledg.
ments ; and I have fo request your lordship will take a
favourable opportunity of bringing the meritorious and suc
cessful services, performed by the troops employed on this occa.
sion, under the view of his royal highness the prince regent.
As roar-adrairal Griffith will, no doubt, raake a detailed
report of the naval operations on this occasion, I forbear
touching upon this subject, further than to solicit your lord.
ship's attention to that part of colonel John's report, in which
he "attributes tbe success of this enterprise to the masterly-
arrangements of captain Barrie, royal navy, who conducted it."
J have mnch pleasure in reporting to your lordship, that the
most perfect unanimity and good understanding has prevailed
between the naval and military branches of the service, during
tho whole progress of this expedition.
I feel it my dufy to express, in the strongest terms, the great
obligations I am undor to rear-admiral Griffith, for his judi-
cions advice, and ready co-operation, on every occasion. And
roy thanks are likewise due to all the captains of the ships em.
ployed, for the assistance they have so willingly afforded the
troops, and from which the happiest results have been expe.
rienced. I have reason to be well satisfied with the gallantry and good
conduct of the troops, and have to offer my thanks to major-
general Gosselin, colonel Douglas, and the commanding officers

APPENDIX. 479
of corps, for the alacrity shown by them, and stri»t discipline
Vhich has been maintained.
To the heads of departments, and to the officers of the ge.
neral and of my personal staff, I ara much indebted for the
zealous manner in which they have discharged their respective
dnties. Major Addison, my military secretary, will have the honor of
delivering this despatch. He has been with me during the whole
of these operations, and is well enabled to afford your lordship
any information you may require.
I have entrusted the colours and standard taken from the
enemy to major Addison, who will receive your lordship's c»m.
mands respecting the further disposal of them ; and I take the
liberty of recommending him as a deserving officer to your
lordship's protection. I have, &c.
J. C. SHERBROOKE.
N. B. The returns of killed, wounded, and missing, and of
artillery, and of ordnance stores taken, are inclosed,
***************
No, 54,
From lieutenant-colonel John to lieutenanf-general
sir J, C. Sherbrooke.
Bangor, on the Penobscot river,
Sir, Sept; 3, 1814.
In compliance with your excellency's orders of the 1st in.
stant, I sailed frora Castine with the detachraent of royal artil.
lery, the flank companies of the 29th, 62d, and 98fh regiments,
and one rifle company of the 7th battalion 60th regiraent,
which composed the force your excellency did me the honor to
place undermy command, for the purpose of co-operating with
captain Barrie, of the royal navy, 'in an expedition up this
river. On fhe morning of the 2d, having proceeded above the town
of Frankfort, we discovered some of the enemy on their
march towards Hamden, by the eastern shore, which induced
me to ordei- brevet-major Crosdaile, wifh a detachment of the
08th, and some riflemen of the 60th regiment, under lieutenant
W^lace, to land and intercept them, which was accomplished ;
and that detachraent of the enemy (as I have since learned)
were prevented from joining the main body assembled at Hara.
den. On this ocgasion the cnomy had one man killed, and
some wounded. Major Crosdaile re.embarked without any
loss. We arrived off Bald Head co^vc, three miles disfatit

480 APPENDIX.
from Hamden, about five o'clock that evening, whert Captain
Barrio agreed with mein determining to land the troops imme.
diately. Having discbvered that the eneray's piquets were ad.
vantageously posted on the north side of the cove, 1 directed
brevet-major Kiddle, wifh the grenadiers of the 62d, and cap
tain Ward, with the rifle company of the 60th, to dislodge
them, and take np that ground, which duty was performed
under major Riddle's directions, in a most complete and satis-
factory raanner, by about seven o'clock; and before ten at
night, the whole of the troops, including 80 marines under
captain Carter, (whora captain Barrie had done me the honor
to attach to my command,) were landed and bivouacked forthe
night, during which it rained incessantly. We got under arms
at five o'clock this morning, the rifle-company forming the
advance under captain Ward; brevet-major Keith, with the
light company of the 62d, bringing up the rear, and the detach.
ment of marines, under captain Carter, moving upon my
flanks, while captain Barrie, with the ships and gun.boats
under his command, advanced at the same time up the river, on
my right, towards Hamden. In addition to the detachment of
royal artillery under lieutenant Garston, captain Barrie had
landed one 6. pounder, a 5j-inch-howitzer, and a rocket appa.
rates, with a detachment of sailors under lieutenants Symonds,
Botely, and Slade, and Mr. Sparling, master of his majesty's
ship Bulwark.
The fog was so thick", it was impossible fo form a correct idea
of the features of the country, or to reconnoitre the enemy, whose
number were reported to be 1400, under the command of briga.
dier. general Blake. Between seven and eight o'clock, our
skirmishers in advance were so sharply engaged with the enemy,
as to induce me to send forward one-half of the light company
ofthe 29th regiment, under captain Coaker, to their support.
The column had not advanced much further, before I disco-
vered the enemy drawn out in line, occupying a very strong and
advantageous position in front of the town of Hamden, his left
flanked by a high hill commanding the road and river, on which
were mounted several heavy pieces of cannon ; his right extend.
ing considerably beyond our left, resting upon a strong point
d'appui, wifh an IS.poiindcr and some light field-pieces in
advance of his centre, so pointed as coinpletely to rake the
road, and a narrow bridge at the foot of a hill, by which we
were obliged to advance upon his position. As soon as he per-
ceived our column approaching, he opened a very heavy and
continued fire of grape and rausquetry upon us; we however
soon crossed the bridge, deployed, and charged up the hill to
get possession of his guns, one of which we found had already
fallen into the hands of captain Ward's riflemen in advance.

APPENDIX. 481
The enemy's fire now began to slacken, and we pushed on
rapidly, and succeeded in driving hitn at all points from his
position ; while captain Coaker, with the light company of the
29th, had gained possession of the hill on the left, from whenca
it was discovered that the Adaras frigate was on fire, and that
the enemy had deserted the battery which defended her.
We were now in complete possession of the eneray's position
above, and captain Barrie with the gun.boats had secured that
below the hill. Upon this occasion 20 pieces of cannon fell
into our hands, of the naval and military force, the return of
¦which I enclose; after which captain Barrie and rayself deter
mined on pursuing fhe enemy towards Bangor, which place we
reached without opposition ; and here two brass 3.pounders,
and three stands of colours, fell into our possession. Briga
dier.general Blake, also in this town, surrendered himself pri.
soner ; and, wifh other prisoners to the amount of 121 , weje
admitted to their paroles. Eighty prisoners taken at Hamden
are in our custody. The loss sustained by the enemy I have
not had it in my power correctly to ascertain , report states it
to be from 30 to 40 in killed, wonnded, and missing.
Our own loss, I am happy to add, is but small ; viz. 1 rank
and file, killed; 1 captain, 7 rank and file, wounded; 1 rank
and file, missing. Captain Gell, of the 29th, was wounded
when leading the column, which deprived me of his active and
useful assistance ; but, I am happy to add, he is recovering,
I cannot close this despatch ¦without mentioning, in the
highest terms, all the troops placed under my coramand. They
have merited my highest praise for their zeal and gallantry,
which were conspicuous in the extreme. I feel most particu
larly indebted to brevet.major Riddall, of the 62d regiment,
second in command ; to brevet.major Keith, of the same regi
ment; brevet-major Croasdaile and captain M'Pherson, of the
98th ; captains Gell and Coaker, of the 29th ; and captaia
Ward, of the 7th battalion 60th regiment. The royal artillery-
was directed ih the most judicious manner by lieutenant Gars.
ton, from whom I derived fhe ablest support. I cannot speak
too highly of captain Carter and the officers and marines under
his directions. He moved them in the ablest manner to the
annoyance of the enemy, and so as to meet my fullest approval.
Nothing conld exceed the zeal and perseverance of lieute.
nants Symonds, Botely, and Slade, and Mr. Sparling, of theroyal
navy, with the detachment of seamen under their command.
From captain Barrie I have received the ablest assistance and
support ; and it is to his masterly arrangement of the plan fhat
I feel indebted for its success. Nothing could be more cordial
than the Co-operation of the naval and military forces on this
service in every instance*
VOL. IJ. I I

482 APPENDIX.
Captain Carnagie, of the royal navy, who most handsomely
volunteered his services with this expedition, was in action with
the troops at Haraden ; and I feel most particularly indebted to
him for his exertions and the assistance he afforded me on thii
occasion. I am also greatly indebted to lieutenant Du Chate-
let, of the 7th battalion, 60th regiment, who acted as major of
brigade to the troops, in which capacity he rendered me very
•ssential service. I have the honor, &c.
HENRY JOHN, lieut..col.

0-00000000000000

No. .55.
Return of ordnance and stores taken.
Castine, Sept. 10, 1814.
Guns; — 4 iron 24-pounders, 27 iron (ship) 18-puunders, 4 12-poun.
>ders, 4 brass 3-pounders.
Carriages; — 4 traversing 24-pounders, 8 standing 18-pounders, S
travelling 12-pounder3 with limbers, 4 travelhng S-pounders with
limbers. Sponges ; — 8 24-pounder9, 20 IS-pounders, 2 12-pounders, 4 S-poua-
ders. Ladles; — 2 24-pounder9, 3 12-pounders, 1 3-pounder.
Wadhooks: — '2 S4-pnvinders, 3 12-pounder9, 1 8-pounder.
Shot; — 236 round 24-pounders, 500 round 18-pounders. 1 ammu
nition-waggon, 1 ammunition-cart. 12 common handspikes. 40 bar
rels of powder.
Wads: — 20 24-pounders, 70 18-pounders.
N. B. — The magazine in fort Castine was blown up by the enemy..
The vessel on board of which tbe powder was, ran on shore, and th«
whole destroyed.
Eleven of the IS-pounders were destroyed by order of lieutenant*
colonel John, not having time to bring tbem off.
GEORGE CRAWFORD, major,
Lieut..gen. Sir J. C. Sherbrooke. commanding royal artiL

No. 56.

Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, in the aff'air
at Hamden, on the 3d of September, 1814, with the force
under the command of lieutenant.colonel John, 60th regi
ment.Killed, — S9th regiment ; — 1 ranW and file.
Wounded — S9th regiment ; — 1 captain, 2 rank and file.
CSd regiment ; — 1 rank and file.
98th regiment; — 4 rank and file.
Missing — 6Sd regiment; — 1 rank and file.
Name qf officer wounded— S9lh regimeraf;— Captain Gell, severely
(not dangerously], A. PILKINGTON, Dep,.adj..gen,

APPENDIX. 485
No. 57.
From lieutenant.colonel Pilkington to lieutenant-general sir
J, C. Sherbrooke.
Sir, Machias, Sept. 14, 1814.
I have the honor to acquaint your excellency, that I sailed
from Penobscot bay, with the brigade you was pleased to place
under my command, consisting of a detachment of royal artil
lery, with a howitzer, the battalion companies of ihe 29th regi
ment, and a parfy of the 7th battalion cf the 60th foot, onthe
morning of the 9th instant; and arrived at Buck's harbor,
about 10 miles from this place, on the following evening.
As the enemy fired several alarm guns on our approaching
the shore, it was evident he was apprehensive of au attack: I
therefore deemed it expedient to disembark the troops with as
little delay as possible ; and captain Hyde Parker, command.
ing the naval force, appointed captain Stanfell to superintend
this duty,' and it was executed by that officer with the utmost
promptitude and decision.
Upon reaching the shore, I ascertained that there was only a
pathway through the woods by which we could advance and
take Fort O'Brien and the battery in reverse; and as the guns
of these woiks commanded the p.assage of the river, upon
which the town is situated, I decided upon possessing ourselves
of them, if practicable, during fhe night.
We moved forward at ten o'clock P. M. and, affer a most
tedious and harassing march, only arrived near to the fort at
break of day, although the distance does not exceed five miles.
The advanced guard, which consisted of two companies of the
29th regiment, and a detachment of riflemen of the 60th regi
ment, under major Tod, of the former corps, immediately
drove in the enemy's piquets, and upon pursuing him closely,
found the fort had been evacuated, leaving their colours, about
five minutes before we entered it. Within it, and the battery,
there are two 24-pounders, three 18-pounders, several dis
mounted guns, and a block.house. The party which escaped
amounted to about 70 men of the 40fh regiment of American
infantry, and 30 of the erabodied militia ; the retreat was so
rapid that I was not enabled to take any prisoners, I unde.
» stand thero were a few wounded, but they secreted themselves
in the wood.
Having secured the fort, we lost no time in advancing upotf
Machias, which was taken without any resistance; and also two
field.picces. The boats of the sqftadron, under the coramand of lieutenant
Bouchier, of the. royal navy, and the royal marines, under
I I 2

484 APPENDIX.
lieutenant Welchman, were detached to the eastern side of the
river, and were of essential service in taking t^wo field.pieces in
that quarter.
Notwithstanding that the militia were not assembled to any
extent in the vicinity of the town, I was making the necessary
arrangements to advance into the interior of the country, when
1 received a letter from brigadier.general Brewer, commanding
the district, wherein he engages that the militia forces within
the county of Washington shall not bear arms, or in any way
serve against his Britannic majesty during the present war. A
sirailar offer having been made by the civil officers and princi.
pal citizens of the county, a cessation of arras was agreed upon,.
and the county of Washington has passed under the dominion
of his Britannic majesty.
I beg leave to congratulate you upon the importance of thi«
accession of territory which has been wrested from the enemy;
it embraces about 100 miles of sea.coast, and inclndes that
intermediate tract of country which separates the province of
New Brunswick from Lower Canada.
We have taken 26 pieces of ordnance, (serviceable and un*
serviceable,) with a proportion of arms and ammunition, returns
of which are enclosed ; and I have the pleasing satisfaction to
«dd, that this service has been effected without the loss of a,
man on our part.
I cannot refrain from expressing, in the strongest manner,
the admirable steadiness and good conduct of the 29th regiment,
under major Hodge, The advance, ufeder major Tod, are also
entitled to my warmest thanks,
A detachment of 30 seamen from his majesty's ship Bacchante,
under Mr. Bruce, master's mate, were attached to the royal
artillery, under the coraraand of lieutenant Daniel, of that
corps, for the purpose of dragging the howitzer, as no other
means could be procured , to bring it forward ; and to their
unwearied exertions, and the judicious arrangement of lieute
nant Daniel, I am indebted for having a 5^ inch howitzer
conveyed through a country the most difficult of access I ever
witnessed. To captain Parker, of his majesty's ship Tenedos, who
commanded the squadron, I feel every obligation ; and I can
assure you the most cordial understanding has subsisted betweea
tbe two branches of the service.
1 have the honor to be, &c.
A, PILKINGTON,
lieut.-col, dep, adj, .gen.
To lieut..gen. Sir J. C. Sherbrooke, K. B. Ste.

APPENDIX. 481
Return of ordnance, arms, aramunition, &c. taken at Machias by tha
troops underthe command of lieutenant-colonel Pilkington, 11 tb
September, 1814.
Ordnance — Fort O'Brien; — 2 18-pounder5, mounted on garrispn car
riages, complete; 1 18-pounder carronade, mounted on garrison car
riage, complete; 1 serviceable dismounted 24-pounder ; 1 dismounted
serviceable 18-pounder carronade.
Point Battery; — 2 94-pounders, mounted on garrison carriages,
complete. Mast Machias ; — 2 brass 4-pounders, mounted, and harness, complete.
Machias s — 2 iron 4-pounders, on travelling carriages, complete; i
S4-pounders, 10 18-pounders, rendered partly unserviceable by th«
enemy, and completely destroyed by us.
Total— 26.
Arms; — 164 muskets, 99 bayonets, 100 pouches, 41 belt, 2 drums.
Ammunition ; — 20 barrels of serviceable gunpowder.
75 paper cartridges filled for 18 and 24-pounders.
2938 musket-ball cartridges.
3 barrels of grape and case-shot.
653 round shot for 18 and 34-pounders.
6 kegs of gunpowder, 25lbs each.
23 paper cartridges filled for 4-pounders. J. DANIEL, lieut. royal artiL

No. 58.
From rear.admiral Griffith to vice-admiral Cochrane.
H.M.S.' Endymion, off Castine, entrance of the
SiK, Penobscot river, September 9, 1814.
My letter of the 23d of August from Halifax, by the Rover,
will have made you acquainted with my intention of accora.
panying the expedition, then about to proceed under the
command of his excellency sir John Coape Sherbrooke, K.B.
for this place.
I have now the honor to inform you, that I put to sea on
the 26th ultimo, with the ships and sloop naraed in the margin,*
and ten sail of transports, having the troops on board, and ar.
rived off the Metinicus Islands on the morning of the 31st, where
I was joined by the Bulwark, Tenedos, Rifleman, Peruvian,
.and Picton, From captain Pearce, of the Rifleman, 1 learned
that the United States' frigate Adams had, a few days before,
got into Penobscot; but not considering herself in safety there,
Jiad gone on to Hamden, a place 27 railes higher up the riyer,
where ber guns had been landed, and the position was fortify.
ing for her protection.
Towards evening, the wind being fair and the w eafhei"
* Dragon, Endymion, Bacchante, and Sylph,

486 APPENDIX.
favorable, the fleet made sail up the Penobscot Bay, captain
Parker in the Tenedos leading. We passed between the Meti.
nicus and Green islands about midnight; and steering through
the channel formed by the Fox's islands and Owl's head, ran
up to fhe eastward of Long island, and found ourselves at day
light in the morning in sight of the fort and town of Castine..
As we approached, somo shew of resistance was made, and a
few shots were fired; but the fort was soon after abandoned and'
blown up. At about 8 A.M. the raen of war and transports were
anchored a litfle to the northward of the peninsula of Castine,
and the sraaller vessels taking a station nearer in for covering
the landing, the troops were put on shore, and- took possession
of the town and works without opposition.
The general wishing to occupy a post at Belfast, on the
¦western side of the bay, (through which the high road from Boston
runs,) for the purpose of cutting off all communication with
that side of the country, the Bacchante and, Rifleman were de.
tached with the troops destined for this service, and quiet
possession was taken, and held, of that town, as long as was
thought necessary.
Arrangements were immediately made for attacking the fri.
gate at Hamden, and the general having, proffered every military
assistance, 600 picked men, under fhe command of lieutenant.
colonel John, of fhe 60th regiment, were embarked the same
afternoon, on board his majesty's sloops Peruvian and Sylph,
and a small transport. To this force were added fhe marines of
the Dragon, and as many armed boats frora the squadron as was
thought necessary for diserabarking the troops and covering their
landing, and the whole placed under the coraraand of captain
Barrie, of the Dragon ; and the lieutenant-colonel made sail up
the river at 6 o'clock that evening,
I have the honour to enclose captain Barrie's account of his
proceedings; and, taking into consideration the enemy's force,
and the formidable strength of his position, too much praise
cannot be given him, and the officers and men under his com.
mand, for the judgment, decision, and gallantry, with which
this little enterprise has been achieved.
So soon as accounts were received from captain Barrie, that
the Adams was destroyed, and the force assembled for her pro
tection dispersed, the troops stationed at Belfast were embarked,
and arrangements made for sending them to take possession of
Machias, the only place occupied by the enemy's troops,
between this and Passamaquaddy bay. I directed captain Par
ker, of H.M.S. Tenedos, to receive on board lieutenant-colonel
Pilkington, depnty-adjutant-general, who is appointed to com.
mand, and a small detachment of artillery and riflemen, andto
take under his command the Bacchante, Rifleman, and Picfou

APPENDIX. 487
schooner, and proceed to the attack of that place. He sailed
on the 6th instant, and most likely, by this time, the troops are
in possession of it. After destroying the defences, they are
directed to return here.
The inhabitants of several townships east of this, have sent de
putations here to tender their submission to the British autho.
rity : and such of them as could give reasonable security, that
their arms would be used only for the protection of their per
sons and property, have been allowed to retain thera. This
indulgence was absolntely necessary, in order to secure the
quiet and unoffending against violence and outrage from their
less peaceable neighbours, and for the maintenance of the peace
and tranquillity of the country. All property on shore, bona
Jide belonging to the inhabitants of the country in our posses.
sion, has been respected. All public property, and all property
a.float, have been confiscated.
Sir John Sherbrooke, conceiving it to be of iraportance that
the government should be informed, without delay, of our sue.
cesses here, has requested that a vessel of war may take his
despatches to England.
I havein compliance with his wishes, appropriated the Martin
for that service, and captain Senhouse will take a copy of thig
letter to the secretary of the admiralty.
I have honor to be, &c,
EDWARD GRIFFITH.
To vice.admiral the hon.
(ir Alexander Cochrane, K.B., &c.

***************

No. 59.

From captain Barrie to rear-admiral Griffith,
H.M, sloop Sylph, off Bangor, in the Penobscot,
Sir, September 3, 1814.
Having received on board the ships named, in the margin,*
a detachment of 20 men of the royal artillery, with one 5i-inch
howitzer, comraanded by lieutenant Garsten ; a party of 80
marines commanded by captain Carter, of the dragon; the
flank companies of fhe 29th, 62d, and 98th regiments, under
the command of captains Gell and Caker ; majors Riddall,
Keith, and Croasdaile, and captain Macpherson ; also, a rifle
company of the 7th battalion of the 60th regiment, commanded
by captain Ward ; and the whole under the orders of lieHtenant-
• H. M, S. Peruvian and Sylph, Dragon tender, and the Harmony
transport.

488 APPENDIX.
scolonel John, of the 60th regiment ; I proceeded, agreeably la
your order, with the utmost despath, np the Penobscot, Light
variable winds, a most intricate channel, of which we were
perfectly ignorant, and thick foggy weather, prevented my ar^
riving off Frankfort before 2 P^M. of the 2d instant. Here
colonel John and myself thought it advisable to send a message
to the inhabitants ; and, having received their answer, we
pushed on towards Haraden, where we received intelligence that
the enemy had strongly fortified himself. On our way up, se.
¦veral troops were observed on the east side ofthe river, making
for Brewer : these were driven into the woods, without any loss
on our side, by a party under the orders of major Croasdaile,
and the guns from the boats. The enemy had one killed, and
several wounded.
At 5 P.M. of the 2d instant, we arrived off Ball's.head cove,
distant three miles from Haraden. Colonel John and myself
landed on the soulh side of the cove to reconnoitre the ground,
and obtain intelligence. Having gained the hills, we discovered
the enemy's piquets advantageously posted near the highway
leading to Hamden, on the north side of the cove.
We immediately determined to land 160 men, under major
Riddall, to drive in the piquets, and take up their ground.
This object was obtained by 7 o'clock ; and, notwithstanding
every difficulty, the whole of the troops were landed on the
north side of the cove by 10 o'clock ; but it was found impossi
ble fo land the artillery at the same place. The troops bivou.
acked on the ground taken possession of by major Ritldall. It
rained incessantly during the night. At day.break this morn.
ing, the fog cleared away for about a quarter of an hour, which
enabk-d me to reconnoitre the enemy by water ; and 1 found a
landing-place for the artillery about two-thirds of a mile from
Ball'd-head. Off this place the troops halted, till the artillery
were monnted ; and, by 6, the w hole advanced towards Haraden,
The boats under the immediate command of lieutenant Ped.
ler, the first of the Dragon, agreeably to a previous arrange.
nient with colonel John, advanced in line with the right flank
of the army. Tho Peruvian, Sylph, Dragon's tender, and
Harmony transport, were kept a little in the rear in reserve.
Our information staled the enemy's force at 1400 men, and
he had chosen a most excellent position on a high hill. About
a quarter of a mile to fhe southward of the Adams' frigate,
he had mounted eight 18-pounders. This fort was calculated
to command botb the highway, by which our troops had to ad.
vance, and fhe river. On a wharf close to the Adams, he had
mounted fifteen 18-pounders, which corapletely commanded
the river, which, at this place, is not above three cables' lengtli^
wide, and the land on each side is high and well wooded.

APPENDIX. 489
A rocket.boat, under my iramediate direction, but ma.
aceuvred by Mr. Ginton, gunner, and Mr. Small, midshipman,
of the Dragon, was advanced about a quarter of a mile a.head
of the line of boats.
So soon as the boats got within gun-shot, the enemy opened
his fire upon them from the hill and wharf, which was warmly
returned. Our rockets were generally well-directed, and evi
dently threw the enumy into confusion. Meantime, our troops
stormed the hill with the utmost gallantry. Before the boats got
within good grape-shot distance of the wharf-bittery, the enemy
set fire to the Adaras, and he run from his guns the moraent our
troops carried the hill.
I joined the army about ten minutes after this event. Colonel
John andmyself immediately determined to leave a sufficient force
in possession of the hill, and to pursue the enemy, who was then
in sight on the Bangor road, flying at full speed. The boats and
ships pushed up the river, preserving their original position with
the army. The enemy was too nimble for us, and most of them
escaped into the woods on our left.
On approaching Bingor, the inhabitants, who had opposed
us at Hamden, threw off their military character ; and, as magi.
strates, select men, &c. made an unconditional surrender of
the town. Here, the pursuit stopped. About two hours after.
wards, brigadier.general Blake came into the town to deliver
himself as a prisoner ; the general, and other prisoners, amount
ing to 191, were admitted to their parole.
Enclosed, I have the honor to forward you lists ofthe vessels
we have captured or destroyed, and other necessary reports. I
ara happy to inform you, our loss consists only of one seaman,
belonging to the Dragon, killed; captain Gell, of the 29th,
and seven privates, wounded ; one rank and file, missing.
I cannot close my report, without expressing my highest ad
miration of the very gallant conduct of colonel John, and
the officers and soldiers under his command ; for, exclusive of
the battery before-mentioned, they had difficulties to contend
wifh on their left, which did not fall undor my observation, as
the enemy's field.pieces in that direction were raasked. The
utmost cordiality existed between the two services; and I
shall ever feel obliged to colonel John for his ready co-opera.
tion in every thing that was proposed. The officer and men
bore the privations, inseperable from our confined means of
accommodation, with a cheerfulness that entitles them to my
warmest thanks.
Though "the enemy abandoned his batteries before the ships"
bebrought to act against them, yet I am not less obliged to
captains Kippen and Dickens, of the Peruvian and Sylph;
ftctingrlieutenant Pearson, who commanded the Dragon's ten-

490 APPENDIX. .
der ; lieutenant Woodin, of the Dragon ; and Mr. Barnett,
master of the Harmony ; their zeal and indefatigable exertiona
in bringing up their vessels, through the most intricate naviga.
tion, were eminently conspicuous. Colonel John speaks highly
in praise of captain Carter, and the detachment of royal ma
rines under his orders ; and also' of the seamen attached to ths
artillery, under the command of lieutenants Simraonds, Mot.
ley, L. State, and Mr. Spurling, master of the Bulwark.
I have, on other occasions of service, found it a pleasing
part of my duty to commend the services of lieutenant Pedler,
first of the Dragon ; in this instance, he commanded the boat.
part of the expedition most fully to my satisfaction ; he was
ably seconded by lieutenants Perceval, of the Tenedos, and Or.
mond, of the Endymion ; and Mr. Ansel, master's mate of the
Dragon ; this last gentleman has passed his examination nearly
five years, and is an active officer, well worthy of your patron
age ; but, in particularising him, I do not mean to detract from
the other petty.officers and seaman employed in the boats ; for
they all most zealously performed their duty, and are equally
entitled to my warmest acknowledgments, I am also most
particularly indebted to the active and zealous exertion of lieute.
nant Carnegie, who was a volunteer on this occasion.
I can form no estimate of the enemy's absolute loss. From
different stragglers I learn, that, exclusive of killed and mis.
ling, upwards of 30 lay wounded in the woods.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT BARRIE, capt of H.M.S. Dragon.

No. 60.
CAPITULATION.
To captain Hyde Parker, commanding the naval force, and
lieutenant-colonel Andrew Pilkington, commanding the land
fofce of his Britannic majesty, now at Machias.
Gentlemen,
The forces under your command having captured the forts in
the neighbourhood of Machias, and taken possession of the
territory adjacent within the county of Washington, and the
situation of the county being such between the Penobscot river
and the Passamaquaddy bay, as fo preclude the hope that an
adequate force can be furnished by the United States for its
protection, we propose a capitulation, and offer for ourselves,
and in b«half of the officers and soldiers of the brigade withix

APPENDIX. 491
the county of Washington, to give our parole of honor, that
we will not, directly, or indirectly, bear arms, or in any way
serve, against his Britannic majesty, king George the Third,
king of the united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, his
sussessors and allies, during the present war between Great
Britain and the United States, upon condition we have your
assurance, that, while we remain in this situation, and con-
sider ourselves under the British government until furlher orders,
we shall have the safe and full enjoyraent of our private pro.
perty, and be protected in the exercise of our usual occu.
pations. JOHN BREWER, brigadier.general 2d
brigade, 10th division, for the officers
and soldiers of the 3d regiment in the
said brig.ide.
JAMES CAMPBELL, lieutenant.colonel,
comraanding 1st regiment, 2d brigade,
10th division, for himself, officers, and
soldiers, in the said regiment.
These terms have been granted and approved of by us,
HYDE PARKER, capt. H.M.S. TenedOs.
A. PILKINGTON, lieutenant,.colonel,
commanding.
Machias, Sept. 13, 1814.

000000000000000

No. 61.

List of vessels captured and destroyed in the Penobscot, and
of those left on the stocks, as near as I am able to ascertain.
Captured and brought away ; — 2 ships, 1 brig, 6 schooners, 3 sloops.
Destroyed at Hamden; — The Adams frigate, of 26 guns, 18-pouuders,
and two ships, one of tbem armed ; burnt by the enemy.
Destroyed ut Bangor; — 1 ship, 1 brig, 3 schooners, and 1 sloop ;
burnt by us.
Lost since in our. possession ; — A copper-bottomed brig, pierced for 18
guns, and tbe Decatur privateer, pierced for 16 guns.
Note. — The powder aud wine captured at Hamden were put on board
those vessels.
Left on the stocks at Bangor; — 2 ships, 2 brigs, and 2 schooners.
At lireioer; — 1 ship, 1 brig, and 1 schooner.
At Arrinuton; — 1 ship, one schooner, on the stocks.
Left at Hamden; — 1 ship, 1 Hermaphrodite brig, and 2 schooners;
also, 1 brig and 1 schooner on tbe stocks.
Left at Fremford on the stocks; — 1 schoaner and some small craft.
To rear.admiral Griffith. R. BARRIE.

492 APPENDIX.
Keturn of ordnance taken from the enemy on the 3d of Sept. 1814
Taken at Hamden ; — 23 iron 18-pounders, 2 iron 12-pounders; 41
18-pounders destroyed, 14 brought away.
Taken at Bangor, and brought away ; — 2 3-pounder brass guns, I
iron 3-pounder. Total brought away — 17.
Embarked; — 1 ammunition cart, 500 18-pound shot, about 40 barreli
•f powder, and a quantity of wads, &o. &c.
ROBERT GASTEN, lieut. royal artillery.
Robert Barrie,
Return of small arms not collected, supposed about 100.
EDWARD GRIFFITH,

No, 62.
Front rear.admiral Cockburn to vice-admiral Cochrane.
H. M. sloop Manly, off Nottingham,
Sir, Patuxent, Aug. 27, 1814,
I have the honor to inform you, that, agreeably to the inten.
tions I notified to you in my letter of the 22d instant,* I pro.
ceeded by land, on the morning of the 23d, to Upper Marl
borough, to meet and confer with major.general Ross, as to
our further operations against the enemy ; and as we were not
long in agreeing on the propriety of making an immediate
attempt on the city of Washington.
In conformity, therefore, with the wishes of the general, I
instantly sent orders for our marine and naval forces, at Pig.
point, to be forthwith moved over to Mount Calvert, and for
the marine-artillery, and a proportion of the seamen, to be
there landed, and with the utmost possible expedition to join
the army, which I also most readily agreed to accorapany.
The maior-gcneral then made his dispositions, and arranged
that captain Robyns, with fhe marines of the ships, should
retain possession of Upper Marlborough, and that the marine.
artillery and seamen should follow the army to the grouud it
was to occupy for the night. The army then moved on, and
bivouacked before dark about five miles nearer Washington,
In the night, captain Palmer of the Hebrus, and captain
Money of the Traave, joined us with the seamen and with the
marine.artillery, under Captain Harrison, Captain Wain
wright of the Tonnant, had accorapanied me the day before,
as had also lieutenant James Scott, acting first lieuteuant (rf-
the Albion. • James's Nav. Occurr. App. No. 81,

APPENDIX. 493
At day.light, on the morning of the 24th, .the major.general
again put the army in motion, directing his nfarch upott
Bladensburg ; on reaching which place, with the advanced
brigade, the enemy was observed drawn up in force on a rising
ground beyond the town ; and by the fire he soon opened on us
as we entered the place, gave us to understand he was well pro
tected by artillery. General Ross, however, did not hesitate in
immsdiately advancing to attack him ; although our troops
were almost exhausted with the fatigue of the inarch they had
just made, and but a small proportion of our little army had
yet got up. This dashing measure was, however, I am happy
to add, crowned with the success it merited ; for, in spite of
the galling fire of the enemy, our troops advanced steadily oa
both his flanks, and in his front; and, as soon as they arrived
on even ground with him, he flsd in every direction, leaving
iehind him 10 pieces of cannon, and a considerable number of
killed and wounded ; amongst the latter comraodore Barney,
and several other officers. Some other prisoners were also
taken, though not many, owing to the swiftness with which
the enemy went off, and the fatigue our army had previously
Hndergone. It would, sir, be deemed presumption in me to attempt to
give you particular details respecting the nature of this battle ;
I shally therefore, only reraark generally, that the eneray, 8000
strong, on ground he had chosen as best adapted fpr him to
defend, where he had time to erect his batteries, and concert
all his measures, was dislodged, as soon as reached, and a vic
tory gained over him, bjr a division of the British army, not
amounting to more than 1500 men, headed by our gallant
general, whose brilliant achievements of this day it is beyond
my power to do jtistice to, and indeed no possible comment
could enhance.
The seamen, with the guns, were, to their great mortifica
tion, with the rear-division, during this short, but decisive
action. Those, however, attached to the rocket-brigade, were
in thebattle; and I remarked, with much pleasure, the pre
cision with which the rockets were thrown by them, under the
direction of first-lieutenant Lawrence, of the marine-artillery.
Mr. Jeremiah M'Daniel, master's mate of the Tonnant, a very
fine young raan, who was attached to this party, being severely
wounded, I beg perinission to recommend him to your favorable
consideration. The company of marines I have on so many
occasions had cause to mention to you, commanded by first.lieu-
tenant Stephens, was also in the action, as were the colonial
marines, under the temporary command of captain Reed, of
the 6th West India regiment, (these companes being attached
to the light brigade,) and they respectively behaved with their

4$4 APPENDIX.
accustomed zeal and bravery. None other of the naval depart
ment were fortunate enough to arrive up in time to take their
share in this battle, excepting captain Palmer, of the Hebrus,
with his aide de camp, Mr. Arthur Wakefield, midshipman of
that ship, and lieutenant James Scott, first of the Albion, who
acted as my aide de carap, and remained with me during the
whole time.
The contest being completely ended, and the enemy having
retired from the field, the general gave the array about two hours
rest, when he again moved forward on Washington. It was,
however, dark before we reached that city ; and, on the gene
ral, myself, and sorae officers advancing a short way past the
first houses of the town, without being accompanied by the
troops, the enemy opened upon us a heavy fire of musketry,
from the capitol and two other houses; these were therefore
alraost immediately storraed by our people, taken possession of,
and set on fire ; after which the town submitted without further
resistance. The enemy himself, on our entering the town, set fire to the
navy-yard, (filled with naval stores,) a frigate of the largest
class almost ready for launching, and a sloop of war lying off
it; as he did also the fort which protected the sea-approach to
Washington. On taking possession of the city, we also set fire to the
president's palace, the treasury, and the war.office; and, in
the morning, captain Wainwright went with a party to see
that the destruction in the navy.yard was complete; when he
destroyed whatever stores and buildings had escaped the flames
of the preceding night. A large quantity of aramunition and
ordnance stores were likewise destroyed by us in the arsenal ;
as were about 200 pieces of artillery of different calibres, as
well as a vast quantity of small-arras. Two rope.walks of a
very extensive nature, full of tar-rope, &c. situated at a consi.
derable distance from the yard, w-ere likewise set fire to and
consumed. In short, sir, 1 do not believe a vestige of public
property, or a store of any kind, which could'be converted
to the use of the government, escaped destruction : the bridges
across the Eastern Branch and the Potomac were likewise
destroyed. This general devastation being completed during the day of
the 25th, we marched again, at nine that night, on our return,
by Bladensburg, to Upper Marlborough.
We arrived yesterday evening at the latfer, without moles
tation of any sort, indeed without a single musket having been
fired; and this morning we moved on to this place, 'where I
have found his majesty's sloop Manly, the tenders, find the
boats, aud 1 have hoisted my flag, pro tempore, in the former..

APPENDIX. 49S
The troops will probably march to.morrow, or the next day
at farthest, to Benedict for re-embarkation, and this> flotilla
will of course join you at the same time.
In closing, sir, my statement to you, of the arduous and
highly important operations of this last week, I have a most
pleasing duty to perform, in assuring you of the good .conduct
of the officers and men who have been serving under me. I
have been particularly indebted, whilst on this service, to cap
tain Wainwright of the Tonnant, for the assistance he has
invariably afforded me; and to captains Palmer and Money,
for their exertions during the march to and frora Washington,
To capfain Nourse, who has commanded the flotilla during my
absence, my acknowledgments are also most justly due, as well
as to captains Sullivan, Badcock, SomerviUe, Ramsay, and
Bruce, who have acted in it under him.
Lieutenant James Scott, now first of the Albion, has, on
this occasion, rendered me essential services; and as I have had
reason so often of late to mention to you the gallant and meri-
torious conduct of this officer, I trust you will permit me to
jeize this opportunity of recommending him particularly to
your favorable notice and consideration.
Captain Robins, (the senior officer of marines with the fleet,)
who has had, during these operations, the marines of the ships
united under his orders, has executed ably and zealously the
several services with which he has been entrusted, and is entitled
to my best acknowledgments accordingly ; as is also captain
Harrison of the marine.artillery,, who, with the officers and
meu attached to him, accompanied the army to and from
Washington, Mr. Dobie, surgeon of the Melpomene, volunteered hif
professional services on this occasion, and rendered much
assistance to the wounded on the field of battle, as well as to
many of the men taken ill on the line of march.
One colonial marine killed, 1 master's mate, 2 serjeants, and
3 colonial marines wounded, are the casualties sustained by the
naval department ; a general list of the killed and wounded of
the whole army will, of course, -accompany the report bf the
major.general. I have the honor to be, &c.
G. COCKBURN, rear.admiral,
Vice.admiral the hon.
Sir A Cochrane, K. B. &c.
P.S, Two long 6-pounder guns, intended for a battery at
Nottingham, were taken off, and pnt on board the Brune, and
one taken at Upper Marlborough was destroj^ed.

496 APPENDIX. No. 63
From major.general Ross to earl Bathurst.
Tonnant, in the Patuxent,
My Lord, Aug. 30, 1814.
I have the honor to communicate to your lordship, that on
the 24th instant, after defeating the army of the United States
on that day, the troops under my coramand entered and took
possession of the city of Washington.
It was determined between sir Alexander Cochrane and
myself, to disembark the army at the village of Benedict, on the
right bank of the Patuxent, with the intention of co-operating
with rear-adrairal Cockburn, in an attack upon a flotilla of the
enemy's gun-boats, under the command of commodore Barney.
On the 20th instant, the army commenced its march, having
landed the previous day without opposition : on the 21st it
reached Nottingham, and on the 22d moved on to Upper
Marlborough, a few miles distant from Pig point, on fhe
, Patuxent, where adrairal Cockburn fell in with, and defeated
the flotilla, taking and destroying the whole. Having advanced
within 16 railes of Washington, and ascert.iined the force of the
enemy to be such as might authorize an attempt at carrying his
capital, I determined to raake it, and accordingly put the
troops in moveraent on the evening of the 23d. A corps of
about 1200 men appeared to oppose us, but retired after firing
a few shots. On the 24th, the troops resuraed fheir march, and
reached Bladensburg, a village situate on the left bank of the
eastern branch of the Potomac, about five miles from Wash.
ington. On the opposite side of that river, the enemy was discovered
strongly posted on very comraanding heights, formed in two
lines, his advance occupying a fortified house, which, with
artillery, covered the bridge over the eastern branch, which the
British had to pass. A broad and straight road leading frora
the bridge to Washington, ran through the enemy's position,
which was carefully defended by artillery and riflemen.
The disposition for the attack being n^ade, it was comraenc.d
with so much impetuosity by the light brigade, consisting of the
85th light infantry, and the light infantry companies of the
army under fhe command of colonel Thornton, that the fortified
liouse was shortly carried, the eneray retiring to the higher
grounds. In support of the light brigade, I ordered up a brigade under
the comraand of colonel Brooke, who, with the 44th regiraent,
attacked the eneray's left, the 4th regiraent pressing his right
with Kuch effect, as to cause him to abandon his guns. His

APPENDIX. 497
first line giving way, was driven onthe second, which, yield
ing to the irresistible attack of the bayonet, and the well.di-
directed discharge of rockets, got info confusion and fled,
leaving the British masters of the field. The rapid flight of the
enemy, and his knowledge of the country, precluded the po?.
sibility of mauy prisoners being taken, more particularly asthe
troops had, during the day, undergone considerable fatigue.
The enemy's army, amounting to 8 or 9000 men, with 3 or
400 cavalry, was under the comraand of general Winder, being
formed of troops drawn from Baltimore and Pennsylvania,
His artillery, 10 pieces of which foil into our hands, was com.
manded by comraodore Barney, who was wounded and taken
prisoner. The artillery I directed to be destroyed.
Having halted the army for a short time, I determined to
march upon Washington, and reached that city af eight o'clock
that night. Judging it of consequence to complete the destruc
tion of fhe public buildings with the least possible delay, so that
the army might retire without loss of time, the following build
ings were set fire to and consuraed, — the capitol, including the
Senate-house and House of Representation, the Arsenal, the
Dock-j'ard, Treasury, War-office, President's Palace, Rope.
walk, and the great bridge across the Potomac: in the dock.
yard a frigate nearly ready to be launched, and a sloop of war,
were consumed. The two bridges leading to Washington over
the eastern branch had been destroyed by the enemy, who
apprehended an attack from that quarter. The object of the
expedition being accomplished, 1 determined, before any greater
force of the enemy could be assembled, to withdraw the troops,
aud accordingly commenced retiring on the night of the 25th,
On the evening of the 29th we reached Benedict, and re-em
barked the following day. In the performance of the opera.
tion I have detailed, it is with the utmost satisfaction 1 observe
to your lordship, that cheerfulness in undergoing 'fatigue, and
anxiety for the accomplishment of the object, were conspicuous
in all ranks.
To sir A. Cochrane ray thanks are due, for his ready com.
pliance with every wish connected with the welfare of the troops
aud the success of the expedition. Tq rear-admiral Cockburn,
who suggested the attack upon Washington, and who accorapa.
nied the army, I confess the greatest obligation for his cordial
co-operation and advice.
Colonel Thornton, who led fhe attack, is entitled fo every
praise for the noble example he set, which was so well followed
by lieutenant-colonel Wood andthe 85th light infantry, and by
major Jones, of the 4th foot, with the light corapanies attached
te the light brigade; 1 have to express my approbation of the
spirited conduct of colonel Brooke, and of his brigade: the
VOL. II, K K

498 APPENDIX.
44th regiment, which he led, distinguished itself under the com
mand of lieutenant.colonel Mullens; the gallantry of the 4th
foot, uuder the command of major Faunce, being equally
conspicuous. The exertions of captain Mitchell, of the royal artillery, in
bringing the guns into action, were unremitting ; to him, and
to the detachment under his command, including captain Dea.
con's rocket brigade, and the marine rocket corps, I feel every
obligation. Captain Lempriere, of the royal artillery, mounted
a small detachment of the artillery drivers, which proved of
great utility. The assistance afforded'' by captain Blanchard, of
the royal engineers, in the duties of his department, was of great
advantage. To the zealous exertions of captains Wainwright,
Palmer, and Money, of the royal navy, and to those of the
officers and seamen who landed with them, the service is highly
indebted : the latter, captain Money, had charge of the sea-
men attached to the marine artillery. To captain M'Dougall,
of the 85th foot, who acted as my aidede camp, in consequence
of the indisposition of ray aide de carap captain Falls, and to
the officers of ray staff, I feel much indebted.
I must beg leave to call your lordship's attention to the zeal
and indefatigable exertions of lieutenant Evans, acting deputy
quarter.master-general. The intelligence displayed by that
oflicer, in circumstances of considerable difficulty, induces me
to hope he will meet with some distinguished mark of approba.
tion. I have reason to be satisfied with the arrangements of
assisfant.commissary.general Lawrence.
An attack upon an enemy so strongly posted, could not be
effected without loss. I have to lament that the wounds received
by colonel Thornton, and the other officers and soldiers left at
Bladensburg, were such as prevented th_eir removal. As many
of the wounded as could be brought off were removed, the
others being left with medical care and attendants. The
arrangements made by staff surgeon Baxter for their accommo
dation, have been as satisfactory as circumstances would admit
of. The agent for British prisoners of war very fortunately
residing at Bladensburg, I have recomraended the wounded
officers and men to his parficular attention, and trust to his
being able to effect their exchange when sufficiently recovered.
Captain Smith, assistant adjutant-general to the troops, who
will have the honor to deliver this despatch, I beg leave to
recoraraend to your lordship's protection, as an officer of rauch
merit and great promise, and capable of affording any further
information that may be requisite. Sanguine in hoping for the
approbation of his royal highness the prince regent, and of his
wajesty's governraent, as to the conduct of the troops under my
coraraand, I have, &c. R, ROSS, maj. .gen.
1 beg leave to enclose herewith a return of the killed, wounded.

APPENDIX. 499
and missing in the action of the 24th instant, together with a
statement of the ordnance, ammunition, and ordnance stores
taken from the enemy between the 19th and •25th of August,
and likewise sketches of fhe scene of action and of the line of
march.

No. 64.
Return of killed, wounded, and missing, ofthe troops underthe
command of major.general Ross, in action with the enemy
on the^4thAug. 1814, on the heights obove Bladensburg.
Washington, Aug. 25, 1814,
General staff ; — 4 horses, killed.
Royal artillery ; — 4 horses; killed ; 6 rank and file, 8 horses, wounded.
Royal marines ortillery ; — 1 rank and file, killed; 1 serjeant, wounded.
Royal sappers and miners; — 1 serjeant, 1 rank and file, killed.
ith regiment; — 1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 21 rank and file, 1 horse,
killed; i lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 6 serjeants, 50 rank and file, wounded.
Sist regiment; — 2 rank and file, killed ; 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 11
rank and file, wounded.
44th regiment ; — 1 serjeant, 13 rank and file, killed ; S5 rank and
file, wounded.
2d battalion royal marines; — 5 rank and file, killed.
S5th light irifantry; — 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 12 rank and
file, 1 horse, killed; 2 Heutenant-colonels, 1 major, 8 lieutenants, S
Serjeants, 51 rank and file, wounded.
Colonial company ; — 1 rank and file, killed ; 2 rank and file, wounded,
6th West India regiment; — 1 serjeant, wounded.
Total — 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 Serjeants, 56 rank and file, 10
horses, kifled; 2 lieutenant-colonels, 1 major, 1 captain, 14 lieutenants,
8 ensigns, JO serjeants, 155 rank and file, 8 horses, wounded.
Names of officers killed and wounded.
Killed — 8ath light infantry; — Captain D. S. Hamilton, lieutenant
G. P. R. Codd.
4th, or king's own; — Lieutenant Thomas Woodward.
Wounded — Sith light infantry; — Colonel William Thornton, se
verely; left at Bladensburg;) lieutenant-Colonel William Thornton, se-
verely; (left at Bladensburg;) lieutenant-colonel William Wood, se
verely; (left at Bladensburg;) major George Brown, severely (left at
Bladensburj:). 21. !</as(7eers;— Captain R. Ilennie, severely, not dangerously.
ith regimeni; — Lieutenant E. P. Hopkins, severely; lieutenant I. K.
Mackenzie, slightly; lieutenant John Stavely, severely; (left at Bladens-
burg;) lientenant Peter Bt.nlby, lieutenant Frederick Field, slightly.
Sistfusileers ; — Lieutenant James Grace, slightly.
SSth regiment ;— Lieutenant William Villiers, lieutenant John Bur
rell, severely; lientenant F. Mansell, slightly ; lieutenant G. F. S.
O'Connor, lieutenant Frederick Gascoyne, severely; lieutenant William
Hickson, lieutenant G. R. Gleig, slightly; heutenant Croveby, seveiely.
4thregiment; — Ensign James Buchannaii, severely; (left at Bla-
densburi:;) Ensign WiUiam Reddock, severely.
^ H. G. SMITH, D. A, A, G,
K K 2

590 APPENDIX.

No, 65,
Return of ordnance, ammunition, and ordnance-stores, taken
from the enemy by the army under the command of major-
general Robert Ross, between the I9th and 25th of August,
1814.
August 19. — 1 24-pound carronade.
August SS. — 1 6-pound field-gun, with carriage complete; 156 stand
of arms, with cartouches, &c. &c.
August Si, at Bladensburg, — 2 18-poBnders, 5 12-pounders, 3
6-poiinders, with field-carriages; a quantity of ammunition for the
above; 220 stand of arms.
August SS, at Washington. — Brass: 6 18-pounders, mounted on tra
versing platforms ; 5 12-pounders, 4 4-pounders, 1 5J inch howitzer, 1
5^ inch mortar. Iron: 26 32-pounders, 36 24-pouiiders, 34 IS-poun-
ders, 27 12-pounders, 2 18-pounder3, mounted on traversing platforms;
19 12-pounders, on ship-carriages; 3 13-inch mortars, 2 8-inch how
itzers, 142-pouud gun, 5 32-pound carronades, 5 13-pound carrouades,
13 12-pound guns, 2 9-pound guns, 2 6-pound guns.
Total amount of cannon taken — 206 ; 500 barrels of powder ; 100000
rounds of musket-ball cartridges ; 40 barrels of fine-grained powder; a
large quantity of ammunition of different natures made up.
The navy-yard and arsenal having been set on fire by the eneray be
fore they retired, an immense quantity of stores of every description was
destroyed; of which no account could be taken. Seven or eight very
heavy explosions during the night denoted that there had been large
magaziaes of powder.
F. G. J. WILLIAMS,
lieutenant royal artillery, A. Q. M.
J. MICHELL,
captain comraanding artillery.
N. B. The remains of near 2000 stand of arms were dis.
covered, which had been destroyed by the enemy.

No. 66.
From brigadier-general Winder to the secretary at war.
Sir, Baltimore. Aug, 27, 1814.
When the enemy arrived at the mouth of the Potomac, of
all the militia which I had been authorized to assemble, there
were but about 1700 in the field, from 13 to 1400 under general
Stransbury near this place, and 250 at Bladensburg, under lieu.
tenant-colonel Kramer; the slow progress of draft, and the
imperfect organization, with the ineffectiveness of the laws to

APPENDIX, 601
compel them to turn out, rendered it impossible to have pro.
cured more.
The militia of this state and of the contiguous parts of
Virginia and Pennsylvania were called on en masse, but the
former militia law of Pennsylvania had expired the 1st of June,
or July, and the one adopted in its place is not to take effect
in organizing the militia before October. No aid, therefore,
has been received from that state.
After all the force that could be put at my disposal in that
short time, and making such dispositions as 1 deemed best cal
culated to present the most respectable force at whatever point
the eneray might strike, I was enabled (by the most active and
harassing movements of the troops) to interpose before the
enemy at Bladensburg, about 5000 men, including 350 regu.
lars and commodore Barney's command. Much the largest
portion of this force arrived on the ground when the enemy
were in sight, and weredisposedof to support, in the best manner,
the position which general Sansbury had taken. They had
barely reached the ground before the action commenced, which
was about one o'clock P. M, of the 24th instant, and conti.
nued about an hour. The contest was not as obstinately main.
tained as could have been desired, but was, by parts of the
troops, sustained with great spirit and with prodigious effect ;
and had the whole of our force been equally firra, I am induced
to believe that the enemy would have been repulsed, notwith
standing all the disadvantages under which we fought. The artil.
lery from Baltimore, supported by raajor Pinkney's rifle bat.
talion, and a part of captain Doughty's from the navy-yard,
were in advance to command the pass of the bridge at Bladens.
burg, and played upon the enemy, as I have since learned, with
very destructive effect. But the rifle troops were obliged, after
some time, to retire, and of course the artillery. Superior num
bers, however, rushed upon them, and made their retreat
necessary, not, however, without great loss on the part of the
enemy. Major Pinkney received a severe wound in his right
arm after he had retired to the left flank of Stansbury's brigade.
The right and centre of Stansbury's brigade, consisting of
lieutenant-colonel Ragan's and Shuler's regiments, generally
gave way very soon afterwards, with the exception of about 40
rallied by colonel Ragan, after having lost his horse, and the
whole or a part of captain Shower's company, both of whom
general Stausbury represents to have made, even thiis deserted,
a gallant stand. The fall which lieutenant-colonel Ragan re
ceived from his horse, together with his great efforts to maintain
his position, rendered him unable to follow the retreat ; we have
therefore to lament that this gallant and excellent officer bas been
taken prisoner; he has, however, been paroled, and I met

502 APPENDIX.
him here, recovering from the bruises occasioned by his fall.
The loss of his services at this moment is serious.
The 5th Baltimore regiment, under lieutenant-colonel Stenet,
being the left of brigadier-general Stansbury's brigade, still, how
ever, stood their ground, and except for a moraent, when part
of them recoiled -a few steps, remained firm, and stood until
ordered to retreat, with a view to prevent their being out
flanked. The reserve, under brigadier-general Smith, of the district of
Columbia, with the militia of the city and George town, with
the regulars and some detachments of Maryland militia, flanked
on their right by commodore Barney and his brave fellows, and
lieutenant-colonel Beal, still were to the right on the hill, and
maintained the contest for some time with great effect.
It is not with me to report the conduct of commodore Bar
ney and his command, nor can I speak from observation, being
too remote; but the concurrent testimony of all who did
observe them, does them the highest justice for their brave
resistance, and the destructive effect they produced on the
enemy. Commodore Barney, after having lost his horse, took
post near one of his guns, and there unfortunately received a
severe wound in the thigh, and he also fell into the hands of the
enemy. Captain Miller, of the marines, was wounded in the
arm fighting bravely. From the best intelligence, there remains
but littlo doubt that the enemy lost at least 400 killed and
wounded, and of these a very unusual portion killed.
Our loss cannot, I think, be estimated at more than from 30
to 40 killed, and 50 to 60 wounded. They took altogether
about 120 prisoners.
You will readily understand that it is impossible for me to
speak minutely ofthe merit or demerit of particular troops so
little known to me from their recent and hasty assemblage. My
subsequent movements for the purposes of preserving as njuch
of my force as possible, gaining reinforcements, and protecting
this place, you already know.
I am, with very great respect, sir, your obedient servant,
W. H. WINDER,
Hon. J. Armstron, sec. of war. brig..gen. lOfh mil. dist.
N. B. We have to lament that captain Sterett, of the 5th
Baltimore regiment, has also been wounded, but is doing well.
Other officers, no doubt, deserve notice, but I am as yet unable
to particularize,

APPENDIX, 503
No, ©7.
American estimate of public properfy destroyed at Washington.
The committee appointed by the American congress to inquire
into the circumstances attending the. capture of Washington,
and the destruction consequent on that event, after giving a
statement of the operations in the navy-yard, report the fol.
lowing estimate of the public property destroyed : —
Dollars,
The capitol, including all costs, 787163
President's house, 234334
Public offices, 93613

1115110
But the committee remark, as the walls of the capitol and
president's house are good, they suppose that the sum of
460000 dollars will be sufficient 'to place the buildings in the
situation they were in previous to their destruction.
The losses sustained in the navy.yard are thus estiitated :—
Dollars,
In moveable properfy, 417745
In buildings and fixtures 91425

509170
The committee then proceed to the recapitulation of fhe
losses in the navy.yard, with an estiraate of the real losses.
After deducting the value recovered from the original value of
the articles, the total amount is 417745 dollars, 51 cents.
The original value of the articles destroyed was 678219
dollars, 71 cents, of which 260465 dollars and 20 cents value
were recovered, in anchors, musket.barrels, locks, copper,
timber, &c.

No. 68.
From vice-atimiral Cochrane to Mr, Monroe.
His majesty's ship the Tonnant, in the
Sir, Patuxent river, Aug. 18, 1814,
Having been called on by the governor.general of fhe Cana.
lias to aid him in carrying into effect raeasures of retali.ation
against the inhabitants of the United States, for the wauton
destruction committed by their army in Upper Canada, it has
become imperiously roy duty, conformably with the nature of

604 APPENDIX,
the governor-general's application, to issue to the naval force
under my command, an order to destroy and lay waste such
towns and districts upon the coast as may be found assailable.
I had hoped that this contest would have terminated, without
my being obliged to resort to severities which are contrary to
the usages of civilized warfare ; and as it has been with extreme
reluctance and concern that I have found myself compelled to
adopt this system of devastation, I shall be equally gratified if
the conduct of fhe executive of the United States will authorize
my staying such proceedings, by making reparation to the suffer
ing inhabitants of Upper Canada; thereby manifesting that if
the destructive measures pursued by their army were ever sane-
tioned, they will no longer be permitted by the governraent.
I ha'ire the honor to be, sir, with rauch consideration, your
most obedient humble servant,
ALEXANDER COCHRANE,
vice-admiral and commander in chief of his Britannic
majesty's ships and vessels upon the North
American station.
The hon James Monroe, secretary of
state, &c. Washington.

******* ******

No, 69.
From Mr. Monroe to sir Alexander Cochrane.
Sir, Department of state, Sept. 6, 1814.
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 18th of
August, stating that having been called on by the governor.
general of the Canadas, to aid him in carrying into effect mea.
sures of retaliation against the inhabitants of the Uuited States,
for the w^anton desolation committed by their army iu tapper
Canada, it has become your duty, conformably with the nature
of the governor-general's application, to issue to the naval
force under your command, an order to destroy and lay waste
such towns and districts upon the coast as may be found
ass.tilable. It is seen with the greatest surprise, that this systera of devas-
tation which has been practised by the British forces, so mani
festly contrary to the usage of civilized warfare, is placed by
you on the ground of retaliation. No sooner were the United
States compelled to resort to war against Great Britain, than
they resolved to wage it in a manner most consonant to the
principles of humanity, and to those friendly relations which
it was desirable to preserve between the two nations, after the

APPENDIX. 505
restoration of peace. They perceived, however, with the
deepest regret, that a spirit alike just and huraane was neither
cherished nor acted on by your governraent. Such an assertion
would not be hazarded, if it were not supported by facts, the
proof of which has perhaps already carried the same convic-
tion to other nations that it has to the people of these states.
Without dwelliag on the deplorable cruelties committed by
the savages in the British ranks, and in British pay, on Ameri.
can prisoners, at the river Raisin, which to this day have never
been disavowed, or atoned, I refer, as more iramediately con.
nected with the subject of your letter, to the wanton desolation
that was committed at Havre.de.Grace, and at George town,
early in the spring of 1813. These 'villeges were burnt and
ravaged by the naval forces of Great Britain, to the ruin of
their unarraed inhabitants, who saw with astonishment they
derived no protection to their properfy frora the laws of war.
During thesame season, scenes of invasion and pillage, carried
on under tho same authority, were witnessed all along the waters
of the Chesapeake, to an extent inflicting the most serious
private distress, and under circumstances that justified the sus.
picion, that revenge and cupidity, rather than the manly
motives fhat should dictate the hostility of a high-minded foe,
led to their perpetration. The late destruction of the houses
of government in this city, is another act which coraes neces.
sarily into view. Inthe wars of modern Europe, no examples
of the kind, even among nations the most hostile to each other,
can be traced. In the course of 10 years past, the capitals of
the principal powers of the Continent of Europe have been
conquered, and occupied alternately by the victorious arraies
ef each other, and no instance of such wanton and unjusti
fiable destruction has been seen. We must go back to distant
and barbarous ages to find a parallel for the acts of which I
complain. Although these acts of desolation invited, if they
did not irapose on, tho governraent the necessity of retaliation,
yet in no instance has it been authorized. The burning of the
village of Newark, iu Upper Canada, posterior to the early
outrages above enumerated, wasnot executed on that principle.
The village of Newark adjoined Fort-George, and its destruc.
tion was justified by the officer who ordered it, on the ground
that it became necessary in the military operations there. The
act, however, was disavowed by the government. The burn.
ing which took place at Long-point was unauthorized by the
goverument, and the conduct of the officer subjected to the
investigation of a railitary tribunal. For the burning of Sf,
David's, committed by stragglers, the officer who commanded
in that quarter was dismissed withopt atrial, for not preventing
it.

506 APPENDIX,
I am commanded by the president distinctly to state, that it
as little comports with any orders issued to the military and
naval commanders of the United States, as it does with the
established and known humanity of the American nation, to
pursue a system which it appears you have adopted. The
government owes to itself, and to the principles which it has ever
held sacred, to disavow, as justly chargeable to it, any snch
wanton, cruel, and unjustifiable warfare.
Whatever unauthorized irregularity may have been committed
by any of its troops, it would have been ready, acting on tbese
principles of sacred and eternal obligation, to disavow, and as
far as might be practicable, to repair. But in the plan of deso.
lating warfare which your letter so explicitly makes known,
and which is attempted fo be excused on a plea so utterly
groundless, the president perceives a spirit of deep.rooted
hostility, which, without the evidence of such facts, he could
not have believed existed, or would have been carried to such
an extremity.
For the reparation of injuries, of whatever nature they may
be, not sanctioned by the law of nations, which the naval or
military forces of either power may have committed against the
other, this government will always be ready to enter into reci
procal arrangements. It is presumed tbat your government
will neither expect or propose any which are not reciprocal.
Should your government adhere to a system of desolation so
contrary to the views and practice of the United States, so
revolting to humanity, and repugnant to the sentiraents and
usages of the civilized world, whilst i* will be seen with the
deepest regret, it must and will be met with a determination
and constancy becoming a free people, contending in a just
cause for their essential rights, and tlieir dearest interests.
I have the honor to be, wifh great consideration, sir, your
most obedient humble servant,
JAMES MONROE,
Vice-admiral sir Alexander Cochrane, com.
mander in chief of his Britannic majesty's
ships and vessels.

No, 70.
Mr. Madison's Proclamation,
Whereas, the enemy, by .sudden incursion, have succeeded in
invading the capital of fhe nation, defended at the moment by
troops less numerous than their own, and almost entirely

APPENDIX. 507
of the miUtia ; during their possession of which, though for a
single day only, they wantonly destroyed the public edifices,
having no relation in their structure to operations of war, nor
used at the tirae for military annoyance ; some of these edifices
being also costly monuments of state, and of arts ; and the
others, depositories of the public archives, not only precious
to the nation, as the memorials of its origin and its early trans-
actions, but interesting to all nations, as contributions to the
general stock of historical instruction and political science.
And, whereas, advantage has been taken of the loss of a
fort, more iraraediately guarding the neighbouring town of
Alexandria, to place the town within a range of a naval force,
too long and too much in the habit of abusing its superiority,
wherever it can be applied, to require, as the alternative of a
general conflagration, an undisturbed plunder of private pro.
perty, which has been executed in a manner peculiarly distress.
ing to the inhabitants, who had inconsiderately cast theraselves
on the justice and generosity of the victor.
And, whereas, it now appears, by a direct communication
from the British naval commander on the American station, to
be his avowed purpose to employ the force under his direction,
in destroying and laying waste such towns and districts upon
the coast as raay be found assailable ; adding, to this declara.
tion, the insulting pretext, that it is in retaliation for a wanton
destruction committed by the army of the United States in
Upper Canada; when it is notorious, that no destruction has
been committed, which, notwithstanding the raultiplied out.
rages_ previously committed by the enemy, was not unaufho.
rized, and proraptly shewn to be so, and thatthe United States
have been as constant in their endeavours to reclaim the enemy
from such outrages, by the contrast of their own example, as
they have been ready to terminate, on reasonable conditions, the
war itself.
And, whereas, these proceedings and declared purposes, which
exhibit a deliberate disregard of the principles of humanity, and
the rules of civilized warfare, and which must give to the ex.
isting war a character of extended devastation and barbarism,
ut the very inoment of negociation for peace, invited by the
enemy himself, leave no prospect of safety to any thing withia
the reach of his predatory and incendiary operations, but in a
manly and universal determination to chastise and expel the
invader. Now, therefore, I, James Madison, president of the United
States, do issue fhis my proclamation, exhorting all- the good
people, therefore, to unite their hearts and hands in giving ef.
feet to the ample means possessed for that purpose. I enjoin
it on all officers, civil and military, to exert themselves in ex.

508 APPENDIX.
ecuting the duties with which they are respectively charged.
And, more especially, I require the officers, commanding the
respective military districts, to be vigilant and alert in providing
for the defence thereof; for the more effectual accomplishment
of which, they are authorized to call to the defence of exposed
and threatened places, proportions of the militia, most conve
nient thereto, whether they be, or be not, parts of the quotas
detached for the service of the United States, under requisitions
of the general government.
On an occasion which appeals so forcibly to the proud feel.
ings and patriotic devotion of the Araerican people, none will
forget what they owe to themselves ; what they owe to their
country; and the high destinies which await it; what to the
glory acquired now, and to be maintained by their sons, with
the augmented strength and resources with which time and Hea.
ven have blessed them. In testimony whereof, 1 have hereunto
set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be
affixed to these presents. Done at Washington, Sept. 1, 1814,
By the president, JAMES MADISON.
James Munroe, secretary of state.

********** f**

No, 71.
From colonel Brooke to earl Bathurst.
On board H.M.S. Tonnant, Chesapeake,
My Lord, September 17, 1814.
I h.ive the honor to inform your lordship, that the division of
troops under the command of raajor-general Ross effected a
disembarkation on the morning of the 12th of September, near
North Point, on the left point of the Patapsco river, distant
from Baltimore about 13 miles, with the view of pushing a re.
connoissance, in co-operation with the naval forces, to that
town, and acting thereon as the enemy's strength and positions
might be found to dictate.
The approach ou this side to Baltimore, lays through a sraall
peninsula, formed by the Patapsco and Black river, and gene.
rally from two to three miles broad, while it narrows in some
places to less than half a mile.
Three miles from A'orth point, the enemy had entrenched
himself quite across this neck of land, towards which (the
disembarkation having been completed at an early hour) the
troops advanced.
The enemy was actively employed in the completion of this
work, — deepening the ditch, and strengthening its front by a

APPENDIX. 609
low abattis ; both which, however, he precipitately abandoned
on the approach of our skirmishers, leaving in our hands some
few dragoons, being part of his rear-guard.
About two miles beyond this point our advance became en.
gaged; the country was here closely wooded, and the enemy's
riflemen were enabled to conceal themselves. At this moment,
the gallant general Ross received a wound in his breast, which
proved mortal. He only survived to recommend a young and
unprovided family to the protection if his king and country.
Thus fell, at an early age, one of the brightest ornaments oif
his profession ; one who, whether at the head of a rigiment, a
brigade, or corps, had alike displayed the talents of comraand ;
who was not less beloved in his private than enthusiastically ad.
mired in his public character; and whose only fault, if it may
be deemed so, was an excess of gallantry, enterprise, and devo
tion to the service.
If ever it were permitted to a soldier, to lament those who
fall in battle, we may indeed, in this instance, claim that melan
choly privilege.
Thus it is, that the honor of addressing your lordship, and
the command of this array, have devolved upon rae; dnties
which, under any other circurastances, might have been em
braced as the most enviable gifts of fortune ; and here I ven
ture fo solicit, through your lordship, his royal highness the
prince regent's consideration to the^ circumstances of my suc
ceeding, during operations of so much raoment, to an officer of
such high and established merit.
Our advance continuing fo press forward, the enemy's light
troops were pushed to within five miles of Baltimore, where a
corps of about 6000 men, six pieces of artillery, and sorae
hundred cavalry, were discovered posted under cover of a wood,
drawn up in a very dense order, and lining a strong paling,
which crossed the main road nearly at right angles. The creeks
and inlets of the Patapsco and Black rivers, which approach
each other at this point, will in some measure account for the
contracted nature of the enemy's position.
I immediately ordered the necessary dispositions for a general
attack. The light brigade, under fhe command of major Jones,
of the 4th, consisting of the 85th light infantry, under major
Gubbins, and the light companies of the array, under major
Pringle, of the 21st, covered the whole of the front, driv
ing the enemy's skirmishers with groat loss on his main
body. The 4th regiment, under major Faunce, by a detour
through some hollow ways, gained, unperceived, a lodgement
close upon the enemy's left. The remainder of the right bri.
gade, under the comraand of the honorable lieutenant-colonel
Mullins, consisting of the 44th regiment, under major Johnson,

510 APPENDIX.
the marines of thefleet under captain Robbins, and a detachment of
seamen under captain Money, of the Trave, formed a line along
the enemy's front ; while tho left brigade, under colonel Pater.
son, consisting of the 21st regiment, commanded by major
Whitaker, the 2d battalion of marines by lieutenant-colonel
Malcolm, and a detachment of raarines by raajor Lewis, re.
mained in colurans on the road, with orders to deploy to his
left, and pre^s the eneray's right, the raoment the ground be.
came sufficiently opon to admit of that raovement.
In this order, the signal being given, the whole of the
troops advanced rapidly to the charge. In less than 1 5 minutes,
the enemy's force being utterly broken and dispersed, fled in
every direction over the country, leaving on the field two pieces
of cannon, with a considerable nuraber of killed, wounded,
and prisoners.
The enemy lost, in this short but brilliant affair, frora 500
fo 600 in killed and wounded ; while, at the most moderate
compuation he is at least 1000 hors de combat. The Sth regi.
ment of railitia, in particular, has been represented as nearly
annihilated. The day being now far advanced, and the troops (as is
always the case on the first ma'rch after disembarkation) rauch
fatigued, v/c halted for the night on the ground of which the
eneray had been dispossessed. Here, I received a communica.
tion from vice-admiral the honorable sir A. Cochrane, inforra-
ing me that the frigates, bomb-ships, and flotilla of the fleet,
would, on the ensuing morning, fake their, stations as previ.
ously proposed.
At (lay-break, on the 13th, the army again advanced, and at
10 o'clock 1 occupied a favorable position eastward of Balti.
more, distant about a mile and a half, and from whence I
could reconnoitre, at my leisure, the defences of that town.
Baltimore is completely surrounded by sfrong but detached
hills, on which the enemy had constructed a chain of pallisaded
redoubts, connected by a small breast-work ; I have, however,
reason to think, that tho defence to the northward and west.1
ward of the place, were ina very unfinished state. Chinkapin
hill, which lay in front of our position, completely coramands
the town ; this was the strongest part of five line, and here the
enemy seemed most apprehensive of an attack. These works were
defended, according to the best information which we could ob.
tain, by about 15000 men, with alarge train of artillery.
Judging it perfectly feasible, with the description of forces
vmder my command, I made arrangements for a nighl.attack,
during which the superiority of the eneray's artillery would not
have been so rauch ffelt ; and captain M'Dougall, the bearer of
these despatches, will have the honor to point out to your lord.

APPENDIX. 511
ship those particular points of the linevffaich I had proposed to
act on. During the evening, however, I received a communi,
cation frora the commander in chief of the naval forces, by
which I was informed, that, in consequence of the entrance to
the harbor being closed up by vessels sunk for that purpose by
the enemy, a naval co-operation against the town and camp
was found irapracticable.
Under these circumstances, and keeping in view your lord.
ships instructions, it was agreed, between the vice-admiral and
myself, that the capture of the town would not have been a
sufficient equivalent to the loss which might probably be sus
tained in storming the heights.
Having formed this resolution; after compelling the eneray
to sink upwards of 20 vessels in different parts of the harbor ;
eausing the citizens to remove almost the whole of their pro.
perty to places of more security ialand ; obliging the govern.
ment to concentrate all the military force of the surrounding
states ; harassing the militia, and forcing them to collect from
any reraote districts; causing the enemy to burn a valuable
rope.walk, with other public buildings, in order to clear the
glacis in front of their redoubts, besides having beaten and
routed thera in a general action, I retired on the 14th, three
miles from the position which I had occupied, where I halted
during some hours.
This tardy raoveraent was partly caused by an expectation
fhat the enemy might possibly be induced to raove out of the
entrenchments and follow us ; but he profited by the lesson
which he had received on tho 12th ; and towards the evening I
retired the troops about three miles and a half further, where I
took up ray ground for the night.
Having ascertained, at a late hour on the raorning of the
15th, that the eneray had no disposition to quit his entrench
ments, I moved down and re-embarked the array at iS'orth
Point, not leaving, a man behind, and carrying with me about
200 prisoners, being persons of the best families in the city, and
which nuraber raight have boon very considerably increased,
was not the fatigue of the troops au object principally to be
avoided. I have now to reraark to your lordship, that nothing could
surpass the zeal, unanimity, and ardour, displayed by every
description of force, whether naval, military, orraarine, during
the whole of these operations.
I am highly indebted to vice.admiral sir A. Cochrane, com.
mander in chief of the naval forces, for the active assistance
and zealons co.operation which he was ready, upon every occa.
«ion, to afford me; a disposition conspicuous in every branch of

612 APPENDIX.
the naval service, and which cannot fail to ensure success fo
every combined operation of this arraaraent.
Captain Edward Crofton, commanding the brigade of seamen
appointed fo tho small arms, for the animated and enthusiastic
example which he held forth to his men, deserves ray approba.
tion ; as do also captains Nourse, Money, Sullivan, and Ram.
say, R.N., for the steadiness and good order which thoy raaiu.
tained in their several directions.
I feel every obligation to rear-admiral Cockburn, for the
counsel and as,sisfance which he afforded me, and frora which I
derived tho most signal benefit.
To colonel Paterson, for the steady manner in which he
brought his column into action, I give my bestthanks.
The honorable lieutenant-colonel Mullins deserved every ap.
probation for the excellent order in which he led that part of the
right brigade under his command, while charging the enemy in
line. Major Jones, comraanding the light brigade, merits my best
acknowledgments, for the active and skilful dispositions by
which he covered all the moveraents of the army.
The distinguished gallantry of captain De Bathe, ofthe 95th
light infantry, has been particularly reported to me, and 1 beg
to record my own knowledge of similar conduct on former oc
casions. To major Faunce, of the 4fh regiment, for the manner in
which he gained and turned the enemy's left, as well as for
the excellent discipline maintained in that regiment, every parti.
cular praise is due.
The exertions of raajor Gubbins, comraanding the 85th light
infantry ; and of major Kenny, commanding the light compa.
nies, were highly commendable.
¦Captain Mitchell, coramanding the royal artillery ; captain
Carmichael, a meritorious officer of that corps ; and lieutenant
Lawrence, of .the marine artillery, are entitled to my best
thanks; as is capfain Blanchard, comraanding royal engineersj
for the abilities he displayed in his parficular branch of the
service. To lieutenant Evans, of the 3d dragoons, acting depnty-qnar.
ter-raaster-general to this array, for the unremitting zeal,
activity, and perfect intelligence, which he evinced in the dis.
charge of the varions and difficult duties of his department, I
feel warraly indebted; and I beg to solicit, through your lord
ship, a proraotion suitable to the high professional nitrits of this
officer. Captain M'Dougall, aide decamp to the late general Ross,
(and who has acted as assistant.adjutant.general in the absence

APPENDIX, 513
of major Debbeig through indisposition,) is the bearer of these
despatches ; and having been iri the confidence of general Ross,
as well as in mine, will be found perfectly capable of giving
your lordship any further inforraation relative to the operations
of this army which you may require : he is an officer of great '
merit and promise, and I beg to recoraraend him to your lord.
ship'i protection, I have the honor to be, &c,
ARTHUR BROOKE, colonel commanding.

000000 000000 0 00

No. 72.

Return of the killed and wounded, in action with the enemy.
necir Baltimore, on the I'ith of September, 1814,
General staff; — 1 major-general, 2 horses, killed ; 1 horse, wounded.
Royal artillery ;—6 rank and file, wounded.
Royal marine-artillery; — 1 rank and file, killed ; 3 rank and file,
wounded. ith regiment, 1st batt ; — 1 serjeant, 1 rank and file, killed ; 3 ser.
jeants, 10 rank and file, wounded.
Sist regiMent, [st batt,; — 1 subaltern, 1 serjeant, 9 rank and file,
killed ; 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 2 serjeants, 77 rank and file, wounded. "
iUh regiment, 1st batt,; — 11 rank and file, killed; 3 captains, 2
subalterns, 5 serjeants, 78 rank rand file, wounded.
' 8bth light infantry ; — 3 rank and file, killed; 2 captains, 1 subaltern,
26 rank and file, wounded.
Roydl marines, Sd batt.; — 4 rank ,^nd file, killed; 10 rank and file,
Wf ounded. Royal marines, 3d batt, ; — 2 rank and file, killed ; 1 serjeant, 9 rank
find file; wounded.
Detachments qf royal marines, from the ships, attached to ihe Sd bat
talion; — 2 rank and file, kifled; 1 rank and file, wounded.
Detachments of royal marines, under the command qf captain Robyns ; —
2 rank and file, killed ; 1 captain, 9 rank and file, wounded.
Total;— 1 general staff, 1 subaltern, 2 serjeants, 35 rank and file,
killed; 7 captains, 4 subalterns, 11 seijeants, and 229 rank and
file, wounded. Names of officers kifled and wounded.
Killed; ^General S^oJ*;— Major-general Robert Ross.
Slstfusileers; — Lieutenant Gracie.
Wounded; — Slstfusileers; — Brigade-major Reniiy, slightly; lieute-
nant Leavocq, severely.
44th regiment ; — Brigade-major Cruice, slightly ; captain Hamilton
Greenshields, dangerously (since dead); captain George Hifl, lieutenant
Richard Cruice, ensign J. White,' severely.
85th light infantry;— Captains W. P. De Bathe and J. D. Hicks,
lieutenant G. Wellings, slightly.
Royal marines ; — Captain John Robyns, severely.
HENRY DEBBEIG, major, A.D.A gen.
TOL. II. L L

S14 APPENDIX- No. 73,
From sir Alexander Cochrane to Mr. Croker.
Sir, H.M S. Tonnant, Chesapeake, Sept. 17. 1814,
I request that you will be pleased to inform ray lords commis.
sioners of the admiralty, that the approaching equinoctial new
moon rendering it unsafe to proceed immediately out of the Chesa.
peake with the corabined expedition, to act upon the plans which
hadbeen concerted previous to thedeparture ofthe Iphigenia ; ma.
jor-general Ross and myself resolved to occupy the intermediate
tirae to advantage, by making a deraonstration upon the city of
Baltiraore which raight be converted into a real attack, should
circurastances appear to justify it ; and, as our arrangements
were soon made, I proceeded up this river, and anchored
off the mouth of the Patapsco, on the llth instant, where the
frigates and smaller vessels entered at a convenient distance for
landing the troops.
At an early hour the next morning, the disembarkation of the
army was effected without opppsition, having attached to it a
brigade of 600 seamen, under captain E. Crofton, (late of the
Leopard.) the second battalion of marines, the marines of the
squadron, and the colonial black marines. Rear-admiral Cock
burn accorapanied the general, to advise and arrange as might
be deeraed necessary for our combined efforts.
So soon as fhe array raoved forward, I hoisted my flag in the
Surprise, and with the remainder of the frigates, bombs, sloops,
and the rocket-ship, passed further up the river, to render what
co-operation could bc found practicable.
While the borab.vessels were working up, in order that we
might open our fire upon the enemy's fort at day-break next
morning, an account was brought to me, that major-general
Ross, when reconnoitring the enemy, had received a mortal
wound by a musket-ball, which closed his glorious career be.
fore he could be brought off to the ship.
It is a tribute due to the memory of this gallant and respected
officer, to pause in my relation, while I lament the loss that his
majesty's service and the array, of whieh he was one of the
brightest ornaraents, have sustained by his death. The unani.
mity and the zeal, which he manifested on every occasion, while I
had the honor of serving with hira, gave life and ease to the
most arduous undertakings. Too heedless of his personal se.
curity when in the field, his devotion to the care and honor of
his army has caused the termination of his valuable life. The
major.general has left a wife and family , for whom I ara confi.
dent his grateful country will provide.
The skirmishes whieh had deprived the army of its bravt

APPENDIX. 615
general, was a prelude to a most decisive victory over the flower
of the enemy's troops. Colonel Brooke, on whom the com.
mand devolved, having pushed forward our force to within five
miles of Baltimore, where the enemy, about 6000 or 7000, had
taken up an advanced position, strengthened by field-pieces, and
where he had disposed himself, apparently with the intention of
making a determined resistance, fell upon the enemy with such
impetuosity, that he was obliged soon to give way, and fly in
every direction, leaving on the field of battle a considerable
number of killed and wounded, and two pieces of cannon.
For the particulars of this brilliant affair, 1 beg leave to refer
their lordships to rear-admiral Cockburn's despatch, transmitted
herewith. At day-break the next morning, the bombs having taken
their stations within shell-range, supported by the Surprise,
with the other frigates and sloops, opened their fire upon the
fort that protected the entrance of the harbor, and I had now
an opportunity of observing the strength and preparations of
the enemy.
The approach to the town on the land-side was defended by
commanding heights, upon which was constructed a chain of
redoubts, connected by a breast-work, with a ditch in front,
an extensive train of artillery, and a shew of force that was re
ported to bc from 15 to 20,000men.
The entrance by sea, within which the town is retired nearly
three railes, was entirely obstructed by a barrier of vessels sunk
at the mouth of the harbor, defended inside by gun.boats,
flanked on the right by a strong and regular fortification, and
on the left by a battery of several heavy guns.
These preparations rendering it irapracticable to afford any
essential co-operation by sea, I considered that an attack on
fhe eneray's strong position by the array only, with such dis.
parity of force, though confident of success, might risk a
greater loss than fhe possession of the town would compensate
for, while holding in view the ulterior operations of fhis force
in the conteraplation of his majesty's government; and there.
fore as the primary object of our moveraent had been already
fally accomplished, 1 comradnicated my observations to colonel
Brooke, who, coinciding with me in opinion, it was mutually
agreed that we should withdraw.
The following morning, (he army began leisurely to retire ;
and so salutary was the effect produced on the enemy by the
defeat hehad experienced, fhat, notwithstanding every oppor.
tunity was offered for his repeating the conflict, with an iniinite
superiority, our troops re.embarked without molestation. Ihe
ships of war dropped down as the army retired.
The result of this demonstration has been fhe defeat of the
L L 2

516 APPENDIX. -
jirmy of the enemy, the destruction, by themselves, of a quan.
tity of shipping, the burning of an extensive rope.walk, and
other public erections ; the causing of them to 'remove their pro.
perty from the cify, and, above all, the collecting and haras.
sing of tho armed inhabitants frora the surrounding country ;
producing a total stagnation of their coraraerce, and heaping upon
thera considerable expenses, at the sarae tirae effectually drawing
off their attention and support from other important quarters.
It has been a source of the greatest gratification to me, the
continuanee of that unanimity existing between the two ser
vices, which I have before noficed to their lordships ; and I
have reason to assure them, that the command of fhe army has
fallen upon a most zealous and able officer in colonel Brooke, who
has followed up the system of cordiality thathad been so bene
ficially adopted by his much-lamented chief.
Rear-admiral Cockburn, to whom I had confided that part
of the naval service which was connected with the army, evinced
his usual zeal and ability, and executed his important trust to
my entire satisfaction.
Rear.admiral Malcolm, who regulated the collection, de.-'
barkation, and re.embarkation of the troops, and the supplies
they required, has merited my best thanks for his indefatigable
exertions; and I have to express my acknowledgraents for the
counsel and assistance which, in all our operations. I have re
ceived from rear.admiral Codrington, the captain of the fleet.
The captains of the squadron, who were eraployed on the
various duties a.float, were all emulous to promote the service
in which they were engaged, and, with the officers acting under
tbem, are entitled to my fullest approbation.
I beg leave to call the attention of their lordships to the re.
port rear-admiral Cockburn has made, of tho meritorious and
gallant conduct of the naval brigade ; as well as to the accom.
panying letter from colonel Brooke, expressing his obligation
to captain Edward Crofton, who commanded, and captains T,
B. Sullivan, Rowland, Money, and Robert Rarasay, who had
charge of divisions ; and I have to recommend these ofiicers,
together with those who are particularly noticed by the reai*.
admiral, to their lordship's favorable consideration.
Captain Robyns, of the royal marines, who coramanded the
marines of the squadron on this occasion, and in the operations
against Washington,- being severely wounded, I beg leave to
bring hira to their lordship's recollection, ^s having been fre
quently noficed for his gallant conduct during the services in
the Chesapeake, and to recoramend him, with lieutenant Samp.
.son Marshall, of the Diadem, who is dangerously wounded, to
their lordships' favor and protection.
first-lieutenant John Lawrence, of the royal marine artil-

APPENDIX. 517
lery, who commanded the rocket.brigade, has again rendered
essential service, and is highly spoken of by colonel Brooke.
Captain Edward Crofton, who will have the honor of de
livering this despatch, is competent to explain any further
particulars; and I beg leave to recommend him to their lord.
ships' protection, as a most zealous and intelligent officer.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ALEXANDER COCHRANE,
Vice-admiral, and commander in chief.
To John Wilson Croker, Esq. &c.
000000000000000
No. 74.
From rear-admiral Cockburn to sir Alexander Cochrane.
H. M. S. Severn, in the Patapsco,
Sir, 15fh Sept. 1814.
In furtherance of the instructions I had the honor to receive
from you on the llth instant, I landed at day.light on the 12th
with major-general Ross, and the force under his command, at
a place the general and myself had previously fixed upon, near
to North-point, at the enfrance of fhe Patapsco ; and, in con.
formity with his wishes, I determined on remaining on shore,
and accompanying the array, to render him every assistance
within my power duringthe contemplated moveraents and ope.
rations; therefore, so soon as our landing was completed, I
directed captain Nourse, of this ship, to advance up the
Patapsco with the frigate, sloops, and bomb-ships, to bombard
the fort, and threaten the water -app roach to Baltimore, and I
moved on with the army and seamen (under captain Edward
Crofton) attached to it, on the direct road leading to the
above-mentioned town.
We had advanced about five miles, (without any other occur.
rence than taking prisoners afew light-horseraen,) when the gene.
lal and myself, being with the advanced guard, observed a division
of the enemy posted at a turning of the road, extending into a
wood on our left ; a sharp fire was almost immediately opened
uponit, and as quickly returned with Considerable effect by our
advanced guard, which pressing steadily forward, soon ohliged
the enemy to run off with the utmost precipitation, leaving be
hind him several men killed and wounded; butit is with the
most heartfelt sorrow I have to add, that in this short and de
sultory skirmish, my gallant and highly valued friend, the ma
jor-general, received a musket.ball through his arm into his
breast, which proved fatal to him on his way to the water.side
for re.embarkation.
Our country, sir, has lost in him oue of its best and bravest

518 APPENDIX,
soldiers ; and those who knew him, as I did, a friend most
honored and beloved; and 1 trust, sir, I may be forgiven for
considering ita sacred duty 1 owe to him to mention here, that
whilst his wounds were binding up, and we were placing him on
the bearer which was to carry him off the field, he assured rae
that the wonnds he had received in the performance of his duty
to his country, caused hira not a pang ; but be felt alone anxiety
for a wife and family, dearer to hini than his life ; whora, in the
event of tho fatal termination he foresaw, he recommended to
the protection and notice of his majesty's government, and the
country. Colonel Brooke, on whom the command of the army now
devolved, having come up, and the body of our troops having
closed with the advance, the whole proceeded forward about
two miles further, where we observed the enemy in force
drawn up before us ; (apparently about 6000 or 7000 strong ;)
on perceiving our army, he filed off into a large and extensive
wood on his light, from which he commenced a cannonade on us
from his field-pieces, and drew up his men behind a thick paling,
ivhere be appeared deterrained to make his stand. Our field
guns answered his with an evident advantage; and so soon as
colonel Brooke had made fhe necessary dispositions, the attack
was ordered, and executed in fhe highest style possible. The
enemy opened his musketry on us from his whole line, iraraedi.
ately we approached within reach of it, and kept up his fire till
we reached aod entered the wood, when he gave way in every
direction, and was chased by us a considerable distance wifh
greaf slaughter, abandoning his post of the Meeting-house, situ.
ated in this wood, and leaving all his wounded, and two of his
field-guns, in our possession.
An advance of this dtscription, agaiust superior nurabers of
an enemy so posted, could not be effected witheut loss. I have
the honor to enclose a return of what has been suffered by
those of fhe naval department, acting with the army on this oc
casion ; and it is, sir, with the greatest pride and pleasure I
report to you, that the brigade of searaoii with sraall arms,
commanded by captain E. Crofton, assisted by captains Sullivan,
Money, and Ramsay, (the three senior commanders with the
fleet), who commanded divisions under him, behaved with a
gallantry and steadiness which would have done honor to, the
oldest troops, and vvhich attracted the admiration of the army.
The soamen under Rir. Jackson, master's mate of the Tonnant,
attached to fhe rocket brigade, commanded by the first.lieute-
iiant Lawrence, of the marines, behaved also with equal skill
and bravery. The marines, landed from the ships under the
command of captain Robyns, the senior officer of that corps,
belonging to fhe fleet, behaved with their nsual gallantry.
Although, sir, in making to you my reportof this action, I

APPENDIX. 5i§
know it is right I should confine myself to mentioning only the
conduct of those beleuging to the naval deparfment, yet 1 may
be excused for venturing further to state to you, generally, the
high admiration with which 1 viewed the couduct of the whole
army, and the ability and gallantry with which it was managed,
and headed, by its brave colonel, which insured to it the success
it met with.
The night being fast approaching, and the troops much
fatigued, colonel Brooke deterrained on reraaining for the night
onthe field of battle ; and, on the morning <.f the 13th, leaving
a small guard at the Meeting-house to collect and protect the
wounded, we again moved forwards towards Baltimore ; on
approaching which, it was found to be defended by extremely
strong works on every side, and immediately in front of us by
an extensive hill, on which was an entrenched camp, and great
quanties of artillery ; and the information we collected, added
to what we observed, gave us to believe there were at least,
within their works, from 15 to 20.000 men. Colonel Brooke
lost no time in reconnoitring these defences ; after which, he
made his arrangement for storming, during the ensuing night,
with his gallant little array, the entrenched camp in our front,
notwithstanding all the difficulties which it presented. The
subsequent communications which we opened with you, how.
ever, induced him to relinquish again the idfa, and therefore
yesterday morning the army retired leisurely to the Meeting.
house, where it halted for some hours to make the necessary ar.
rangements respecting the wounded and the prisoners taken pn
the .12th, which being completed, it made a further short move.
ment in the evening towards the place where it had dis.em.
barked, and where it arrived this morning for re.einbarkation,
without suffering the slightest molestation frora the enemy ;
who, in spite of his superiorify of number, did not even ven.
ture to look at us during the slow and deliberate retreat.
As you, sir, were in person with the advanced frigates, sloops,
and bomb-vessels, and as, from the road the army took, 1 did not
see them after quitting the beach, it would be superfluous for me
to make any report to you respecting them. I have now, there.
fore, only to assure you of my entire satisfaction and approba.
lion of the conduct of every officer and man employed under
me, during the operations above detailed, and to express to
you how particularly I consider rayself indebted to captain Ed.
ward Crofton, (acting captain of the Royal Oak,) for the
gallantry, ability, and zeal, with which he led on tbe brigade of
seamen in the action of the 12th, and executed all the other ser.
vices with which he has been entrusted since our landing ; to
captain White, (acting captain of the Albion,) wbo attended
me as my aide de camp the whole time, and rendered me every

520 APPENDIX.
possible assistance ; to captains Sullivan, Money, and Ramsay^
who commanded divisions of the brigade of seamen ; to lientev
rant James Scott, of the Albion, whom I have had much fre.
quent cause to mention to you on former occasions, and who in
the battle of the 12th coramanded a division of seamen, and
behaved most gallantly, occasionally also acting as an extra aide
de camp to myself. Captain Robyns, who coramanded the ma.
rines ofthe fleet, and who was severely wounded during the en
gagement, I also beg to recoramend fo your favourable notice
and consideration, as well as lieutenant George C. Urmston, of
the Albion, whom I placed iu command of the smaller boats, to
endeavour to keep up a communication between the army and
navy, which he effected by great perseverance, and thereby ren
dered us most essential service. In short, sir, every individual
seemed aniraated with equal anxiety to distinguish himself by
good conduct on this occasion, and I frust, therefore, the whole
will be deemed worthy of your approbation.
Captain Nourse, of the Severn, was good enough to receive
my flag for this service ; he rendered me great assistance in get.
ting the ships to fhe different stations within the river, and when
the storming of the fortified hill was contemplated, he hastened
to my assistance with a reinforceraent of searaen and marines;
and I should consider myself wanting in candour and justice did
Inot particularly point out, sir, to you, the high opinion I en
tertain of the enterprise and ability of this valuable officer, not
only for his conduct on this occasion, but on the very many
others on which I have employed him since with me in the
Chesapeake, I have the honour to be, iSfc,
GEORGE COCKBURN, rear.admiral.
Vice.admiral the hon. sir A. Cochrane, K.B.
Commander in chief.

No. 75.
Colonel Brooke to ihe same.
On board his majesty's ship Tonnant,
Dear sir, September 15, 1814
I beg leave to be allowed to state to you, how much I feel
indebted to captain Crofton, commanding the brigade of sailors
from his majesty's ships under your command ; as also fo cap.
tains Sullivan, Money, and Ramsay, for their very great exer
tions in performing every formation made by his majesty's
troops, having seen myself those officers expose themselves to
the hottest of the enemy's fire, to keep their men ia the line of

APPENDIX. 521
inarch, with the disciplined troops. The obedient and steady
conduct of the sailors, believe me, sir, excited tbe admiration
of every individual of the army, as well as my greatest gratitude.
Believe me to be, dear sir,
ARTHUR BROOKE, coL.com,
Vice-admiral the hon, sir A, Cochrane, K.B,
coinmander.in. chief.

No. 76.
A return of killed and wounded belonging to the navy, disem
barked with the army under major-general Ross, September,
12, 1814.
Tonnant ; — 1 petty officer, 5 seaman, 3 marines, wounded.
Albion;— 3 seamen killed; 1 petty officer, 8 searaen, 6 marines,
wounded. Ramillies ; — 2 marines killed ; 4 petty officers, 6 seamen, 4 marines,
wounded. Diadem; — 1 officer, 2 seamen, wounded.
Melpomene ; — 1 petty officer killed.
Trave ;—l seaman wounded.
Madagascar ; — 1 marine killed; 1 marine wounded.
floyal Oak ; — 1 marine wounded.
Total killed — 1 petty officer, 3 seamen, 3 marines.
Total wounded — 1 officer, 6 petty officers, 22 seamen, 15 marines.
Names of officers kifled and wounded.
Killed — Melpomene; — Mr. William, (or Arthur) Edmonson, clerk.
Wounded — I'onnant ; — captain Robyns, royat marines, severely ;
Mr. Cbarles Onie, midshipman, severely.
Diadem ; — lieutenant S, Marshall, Severely.
Albion ; — Jobn Billelt, quarter-master, severely.
Ramillies .- — Robert Wafton (or Watton) boatswain's-mate, severely;
Henry Bakewell yeoman of the powder-room, badly ; John Prickett,
chip's corporal, slightly. G. COCKBURN, rear-admiral.
00000000000^0000
No. 77.
From major-general Smith, to the American secretary at war,
(Extr ast.')
About the time general Strieker had taken the ground just
mentioned, he was joined by brigadier-general Winder, who
had been stationed on the west side of the city, but was now
ordered to march with general Douglas's brigade of Virginia
miHtia, and the United States' dragoons, under captain Bird,
and takejpost on the left of general Strieker. During these

S22 APPENDIX.
moveraents, the brigades of generals Stansbury and Foremaft,"
the searaen and marines under commodore Rodgers, the- Penn.
)Sylvania volunteers under colonels Cobean and Findley, the
Baltiraore artillery under colonel Harris, and the marine
artillery under captain Stiles, manned the trenches and the
batteries — all prepared to receive the enemy. We reraained
in this situation during the night.
On Tuesday, the eneray appeared in front of my entrench
ments, at the distance oftwo miles, on the Philadelphia road,
from whence he had a. full view of our position. He manoeu.
vred during the morning towards our leff, as if with the
intention of making a circuitous march, and coming down on
the Harford or York roads. Generals Winder and Strieker
were ordered to adapt their moveraent to those of the enemy,
so as to baffle this supposed intention. They executed this
order with great skill and judgraent, by taking an advantage.
ous position, stretching frora my left across the country, when
the enemy was likely to approach the quarter he seemed to
threaten. This movement induced the eneray to concentrate
his forces (between one and two o'clock), in my front, pushing
his advance to within a mile of us, driving in our videttes, and
showing an intention of attacking us that evening. I imme
diately drew generals Winder and Striker nearer to the left of
my entrenchments, and to fhe right of the enemy, with the
intention of their falling on his right or rear, should he attack
me ; or, if he declined it, of attacking bim in the morning.
To this raovement, and to the strength of my defence, which
the enemy had the fairest opportunify of observing, I am
induced to attribute his retreat, \\hich was commenced at half-
past one o'clock on Wednesday morning. In this he was ^o
favored by the extreme darkness, and a continued rain, that
we did not discover it until day-light.
I have now the pleasure of calling your attention to the
brave commander of Fort M'Henry, major Armistead, and to
the operations confined to that quarter. The enemy made his
approach by wafer at the same time that his army was advanc.
ing on the land, and commenced a discharge of bombs and
rockets at the fort, as soon as he got within range of it. The
situation of major Armistead was peculiarly 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 moraent 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 corapelled to withdraw. During
the night, whilst the enemy on land was retreating, and whilst

APPENDIX. 523
the bombardment was most severe, two or three rocket vessels
and barges succeeded in getting up the Ferry Branch, but they
were soon compelled to retire, by the forts in that quarter,
commanded by lieutenant iVewcomb, of the navy, and lieute.
nant Webster, of the flotilla. These forts also destroyed one of
the barges, with ali on board. The barges and battery at the
Lazaretto, under fhe command of lieutenant Rutter, of the
flotilla, kept up a brisk, and it is believed, a successful fire,
during the hottest period of the bombardment.

********

No. 78,
From Captain Lockyer to vice-admiral Cochrane.
His Majesty's sloop Sophie, Cat island
SIR, Roads, Dec. 18, 1814.
I beig leave to inform you, that in pursuance of your orders,
the boats of the squadron which you did me the honour to place
under my command, were formed into three divisions, (thefirst
headed by myself, the second by captain Montressor of the
Manly, and the third by captain Roberts of the Meteor,) and
proceeded on the night of the 12th instant from the frigate's
anchorage, in quest of the enemy's flotilla.
After a very tedious row of thirty.six hours, during which
the enemy attempted to escape from us, the wind fortunately
obliged him to anchor off St. Joseph's island, and nearing him
on the raorning of the 14th, I discovered his force to consist
of five gun-vessels of the largest dimensions, which were
moored in a line a-breast, with springs on their cables, and
boarding nettings triced up, evidently prepared for our re.
ception. Observing, also, as we approached the flotilla, an armed
sloop endeavouring to join them, captain Roberts, who volun
teered to take her with part of his division, succeeded in cutting
her off and capturing her without much opposition.
About 10 o'clotk, having closed to within long gun.shot,
I directed the boats to come to a grapnel, and tlie people to
get their breakfasts; and, as soon as they had finished, we
again took to our oars, and pufling up to the eneiny against a
strong current, running at the rate of nearly three miles aa
hour exposed to a heavy and destructive tire of round and
grape, about noon 1 had the satisfaction of closing with the
commodore in the Seahorse's barge.
After several minutes' obstinate resistance, in which the
greater part of the officers and crew of this boat were either
killed or wounded, myself amongst the latter, severely, we

024 APPENDIX.
succeeded in boarding, and being seconded by the Seahorse's
first barge, commanded by Mr. White, midshipman, and
aided by the boats of the Tonnant, commanded by lieutenant
Tatnell, we soon carried her, and turned her guns with good
effect upon fhe remaining four.
During this time captain Montresor's division was making
every possible exertion to close with the enemy, and with the
assistance of the other boats, then joined by captain Roberts,
in about five minutes we had possession of the whole of the
flotilla. I have to lament the loss of many of my brave and gallant
companions, who gloriously fell in this attack ; but, consider.
ing the great strength of the enemy's vessels (whose force is
underneath described) and their state of preparation, we have
by no means suffered so severely as might have been expected.
I am under the greatest obligations to the officers, seamen,
and marines. I had the honor to comraand on fhis occasion,
to whose gallantry and exertions the service is indebted for the
capture of these vessels; any comments of mine would fall
short of the praise due to them : I am especially indebted to
captains Montresor and Roberts for their advice and assistance:
they are entitled to more than I can say of them, and have my
best thanks for fhe admirable sfyle iu which they pushed on
with their divisions to the capture of the remainder of the
eneray's flotilla.
In an expedition of this kind, where so many were concerned,
Jind so much personal exertion and bravery was displayed, I
find it impossible to particularize every individual who distin
guished himself, and deserves to be well spoken of, but I feel
it ray duty to mention those whose behaviour fell immediately
under my own eye.
Lieutenant George Pratt, second of fhe Seahorse, who com.
manded that ship's boats, and was in the same bo^t with me,
conducted himselfto that admiration which I cannot sufficiently
express ; in his attempt to board the enemy, he wa's several
fimos severely wounded, and at last so dangerously, that
I fear the service will be deprived of this gallant and promising
young officer.
I cannot omit to mention, also, the conduct of lieutenants
Tatnell and Roberts, ofthe Tonnant, particularly the former,
who, after having his boat sunk alongside, got into another,
and gallantly pushed on to the atfack of the remainder of the
flotilla. Lieutenant Roberts was wounded in closing with the
enemy. I have the honor to be, &c.
NICH. LOCKYER, captain.
Vice-admiral the Hon. Sir Alexander Cochrane;
commander-in-chief, &c. &c. &c.

APPENDIX. 525
No. 1.— Gun-vessel, 1 long 24-pounder, 4 12-pounder carronades,
and 4 swivels, with a complement of 45 men ; captain Jones, com
modore. No. 2.-^Gun-ve5seI, 1 long 32-pounder, 6 long 6-pounders, 2 5-inch
howitzers, and four swivels, with a complement of 45 men; lieutenant
MTves. No. 3. — Guii-vessel, 1 long 24-pounder, 4 long 6-pounders, and 4
swivels, with a complement of 45 men.
tio, 4 —Gun-vessel, 1 long 24 pounder, 4 12-pounder carronades,
witb a complement of 45 men.
No. 5. — Gun-vessel, 1 long 24-pounder, 4 12-pounder carronades,
with a com[ilement of 45 men.
No. 6.— Armed sloop, 1 long 6-pounder, 2 12-pounder carronades,
with a complement of 20 men. NICHOLAS LOCKYER, captain.

No. 79.
A list of the killed and wounded in the boats of his majesty's
ships at the capture of the American gun-vessels near hew
Orleans.
Tonnant ; — 1 able seaman, 2 ordinary seamen, killed; 1 lieutenant,
4 midshipmen, 4 able seamen, 4 ordinary, 2 landraen,3 private marines,
wounded. Norge; — 1 quarter-master killed : 1 master's-mate, 4 able seamen,
3 ordinary seamen, 1 private marine, wounded.
Bedford; — 1 seaman killed; 2 lieutenants, 1 master's-mate, 2 sea
men, wounded.
Royal Oak ; — 1 seaman wounded.
Ramillies; — 4 seamen killed; 9 seamen wounded.
Armide; — 1 seaman killed.
Cyrinus; — 1 midshipman, 1 seaman, 2 private raarines, wounded.
Seahorse ; — 1 midshipman, 1 volunteer of tbe 1st class, 1 able seaman,
1 ordinary seaman, 1 private marine, killed ; 1 lieutenant, 2 midship
men, 1 lieutenant of marines, 7 able seamen, 7 ordinary seamen, 1
landman, 4 private marines, wounded.
Trave ;— 1 volunteer of tbe 1st class, 1 captain of die foretop, kifled;
1 private marine wounded.
Sophie; — 1 captain wounded.
Meteor; — 3 seamen wounded.
Belle Faille ; — 2 seamen wonnded.
Gorgon — 1 master's-mate wounded.
Total— 3 midshipmen, 13 seatrcn, 1 private marine, killed ;.,1 cap
tain, 4 lieutenants, I lieutenant of marines, 3 master's-mates, 7 mid
shipmen, 50 sea.men, 11 marines, wounded.
GrandTotal—ir killed; 77 wounded.

526 APPENDIX. No. 80.
From lieutenant Jones to commodore Patterson.
Sir, New Orleans, 12fh March, 1815.
Having sufficiently recovered ray strength, I do myself the
honor of reporting to you the particulars of the capture of the
division of United States' gun.boats late under my command.
On the 12th Deceraber, 1814, the eneray's fleet off Ship island
increased to such a force as to render it no longer safe or pru.
dent for me to continue on that part of the lakes with the small
force which I coraraanded. I therefore determined to gain a
station near the Malheureux islands as soon as possible, which
situation would better enable me to oppose a further penetra
tion of the enemy up the lakes, and at the same time afford
me an opportunity of retreating to the Petite Coquilles if
necessary. At 10, A.M. on the 13th I discovered a large flotilla of barges
had left the fleet, (shaping their course towards the Pass Chris.
tian,) which 1 supposed to be a disembarkation of troops intended,
to land at that place. About 2, P.M. the eneray's flotilla
having gained the Pass Christian, and continuing their course
to the westward, convinced me that an attack on the gun-boats
was designed. At this time the water in the lakes was uncom
monly low, owing to the westerly wind which had prevailed for
a number of days previous, and which still continued from the
same quarter. Nos. 150, 162 and 163, although in fhe best
channel, were in 12 or 18 inches less water than their draught.
Every effort was made to get them a-tloat by throwing over-
board all articles of weight that could be dispensed with. At
3 30, the flood.tide had commenced ; got under weigh, making
the best of my way towards tbe Petite Coquilles. At 3 45,
the enemy despatched three boats to cut out the ,sc'!Ooner Sea.
horse, which had been sent into the bay Sf. Louis that morning
to assist in the reraoval of the publie stores, which I had pre
viously ordered. There finding a removal impracticable, I
ordered preparations to be made for their destmction, least
they should fall into the enemy's hands. A few discharges of~
grapo-shot frora the Seahorse cofnpelled tho three boats, which
had attacked her, to retire out of reach of her guns, until thoy
were joined by four others, when the altack wi-s recomiiioncod
bythe seven boats. Mr. Johnson having chosen an advantage.
ous position near the two 6-pounders raounted on the bank,
maintained a sharp action for near 30 minutes, when the enemy
hauled off, having one boat apparently rauch injured, and wilh
the loss of several men killed and wounded. At 7 30, an
explosion at the bay, and soon after a large fire, induced mc to

APPENDIX. 527
believe the Seahorse was blown up and the public store-house
set on fire, which has proved to be the fact.
About 1 A.M. on the 14th, the wind having entirely died
away, and our vessels become unmanageable, came to anchor
in the west-end of Malheureux island's passage. At dayligh*
next morning, still a perfect calm, the enemy's flotilla was
about nine miles from us at anchor, but soon got in raotion and.
rapidly advanced on us. The want of wind, and the strong
ebb-tide which was setting through the pass, left me but one
alternative, which was, to put myself in the most advantageous
position, to give the enemy as warm a reception as possible.
The commanders were all called on board and made acquainted
with my intentions, and the position which each vessel was to
take, the whole to form a close line a-breast across the channel,
anchored by the stern with springs on the cable, &c. &c. Thus
we remained anxiously awaiting an attack from the advancing
foe, whose force I now clearly distinguished to be composed of
42 heavy launches and gun.barges, with three light gigs,
manned with upwards of 1000 men and officers. About 9 30,
the Alligator (tender) which was to the southward and east.
ward, and endeavouring to join the division, was captured by
several of the enemy's barges, when the whole flotilla carae-to,
with their grapnels a little out of reach of our shot, apparently
making arrangeraents for the attack. At 10 30, the enemy
weighed, forraing a line a-breast in open order, and steering
direct for our line, which was unfortunately in sorae degree
broken by the force of the current, driving Nos. 156 and 163
about 100 yards in advance. As soon as the enemy came
within reach of our shot, a deliberate fire frora our long guns
was opened upon him, but without much effect, tho objects
being of so small a size. At 10 minutes before 11, the enemy
opened a fire from the whole of his line, when the action became
general and destructive on both sides. About 11 49, the ad.
vance boats of the enemy, three in number, attempted to board
No. 156, but were repulsed with ths loss pf nearly every officer
killed or woundtd, and two boats sunk. A second attempt
to board was then made by four other boats, which shared
alraost a similar fate. At this raoraent I received a severe
wound in my left shoulder, which compelled me to quit the
deck, leaving it in charge of Mr. George Parker, master's.
mate, who gallantly defended the vessel until he was severely
wounded, when the enemy, by his superior number, succeeded
in gaining possession of the deck about 10 minutes past 12
o'clock. The enemy iraraediately turned the guns of his prize
on the other gun-boats, and fired several shot previous to
striking the Araerican colours. The action continued with
unabating severity until 40 minutes past 12 o'clock^ when it

228 APPENDIX.
terminated with the surrender of No. 23, all the othet vessels
baving previously fallen into the hands ofthe enemy.
In this unequal contest our loss in killed and wounded has
been trifling, compared to that of the enemy.
Enclosed you will receive a list of the killed and wounded,
and a correct stateraent of the force which I had the honor to
oommand at the commencement of the action, together with an
estimate of the force I had to contend against, as acknowledged
by the eneray, which will enable you to decide how far the
honor of our country's flag has been supported in this conflict,
I have the honor to be, &c.
THOMAS AP CATESBY JONES.

0 0000000 00000 00

No. 81.

Statement of the effective forces of a division of the United
States' gun-boats under the command of lieutenant-com
manding Thomas Ap Catesby Jones, at the commencement
of the action, with a Jloiilla of English gun.boats, on the
14th December 1814.
Gun-boat No. 5, 5 guns, 36 men, sailing-master John D. Ferris : gun
boat 23, 5 guns, 39 men, lieutenant Isaac M'Keeve ; gun-boat No. 156,
5 guns, 41 men, lieutenant commandant Thomas A.C.Jones; gun.
boat 162, 5 guns, 35 men, lieutenant Robert Spedden ; gun-boat 163,
3 guns, 31 men, sailing-master George Ulrick,
Total — 23 guns, 182 men,
N.B The schooner Seahorse, had one 6-pounder, and 14
men, sailing-master William Johnson, coramander; nonekilled
or wounded.
The sloop Alligator (tender) had one 4-poundcr and eight
men, sailing-master Richard S Shepperd, commander.
THOMAS AP CATESBY JONES,

No, 82,
Statement of ihe British forces which were engaged in the
capture ofthe late United States' gun-boats, Nos.'iS, 156, 5,
162, and 163, near the Malheureux islands, lake Borgne,
14th December, 1814.
Forty launches and barges, mounting one carronade, each of 12, 13,
aud 24 cabber.
One launch, mounting one long brass 12-pounder,
One launch, mounting one long brass 9-pouoder.
Three gigs, with small-arms only.
Total number cf boats — 45.
Total number of cannon— 43.

APPENDIX. 529
The above flotilla was manned with 1200 men and officers,
commanded by captain Lockyer, who received three severe
wounds ill the action. The eneiny, as usual, will not acknow
ledge his loss on this occasion in boats or men ; bnt from the
nature of the action, and the observations made by our officers,
while prisoners in their fleet, his loss in killed and wounded may
be justly estimated to exceed 300, among whom are an unusual
proportion of officers.

***************

No. 83.

From major-general Keane io major-general the honorable sir
Edward Pakenham.
Camp on the left bank of the Missis.
sippi, nine miles from New Orleans,
Sir, December 26, 1814.
I have the honor to inform you, that between the 17th and
22d instant, the troops destined for the attack of New Orleans,
were collected at Isle aux Poix, which is the entrance of the
Pearl river.
Having learnt thatit was possible to effect a landing at the head
of the bayou Catalan, which runs into lake Borgne, I directed
major Forrest, assisstant-quarter-master.general, to have it
reconnoitred. Lieutenant Peddie, of that department, accom.
panied by the honorable captain Spencer of the navy, ascer.
tained on the night of 18th, that boats could reach the head of
the bayou, from which a communication might be made to fhe
high road, on the left bank of the Mississippi, leading to New
Orleans. On the morning of the 22d, every arrangement being made by
vice-admiral the honorable sir Alexander Cochrane, I deter
mined to attempt it. The light brigade, composed of the 85th
aud 9Sth regiments, captain Lane's rocketeers, 100 sappers and
miners, and the 4th regiraent as a support, the whole under the
command of colonel Thornton, were placed in the boats, and
the 21st, 44fh, and 93d regiments, under colonel Brooke, and
a large proportion of artillery uuder major Munro, were em.
barked in small vessels.
At 10 A.M. on the 22d, we sailed fram Pearl River and
reached the head of the bayou at day-light next morning. A
landing was immediately effected without any other opposition
than the country presented; captain Blanchard of the royal
engineers, in the course of two hours, opened a communication
through several fields of reeds, iiVtersected by deep muddy
ditches, bordered by a low swarapy wood; colonel Thornton
TOL. II. M M

530 APPENDIX.
then advanced and gained the high road, taking up a posjtion
with the right resting on the road, and the left on the Missis.
sippi. In this situation I intended to remain untill fhe boats
returned for the rest of the troops to the vessels, some of which
grounded at a great distance.
At about eight o'clock in the evening when the men, much
fatigued by the length of time they had been in the boats, were
a' leep in their bivouac, aheavy flanking fire of round and grape.
shot was opened upon them, by a large schooner and two gun.
vessels, which had dropped down the river from the town and
anchored a-breast of our fires ; immediate steps were necessary
to cover the raen, and colonel Thornton, in the most prompt
and judicious manner, placed his brigade under the inward
slope of the bank of the river, as did also lieutenant.colonel
Brooke, of the 4th regiment, behind some buildings which were
near that corps. This movement was so rajnd tbat the troops
suffered no more than a single casualty.
The 3-pounders being the only guns up, the success of a
few 1 2-pound rockets, directed by captain Lane, was tried
against these vessels ; but the ground on which it was necessary
to lay them not being even, they were found not to answer,
and their firing was ceased.
A most vigorous attack was then made on the advanced front
and right flank piquets, the forraer of the 95 th, under capfain
Hallan, the latter the 85th, under captain Schaw ; these officers,
and their respective piquets, conducted themselve with firmness,
and checked the enemy for a considerable time, but renewing
their affaCk with a large force, and pressing at these points,
colonel Thornton judged it necessary to move up the remainder
of both corps. The 85th regiment was comraanded by brevet.
major Gubbins, whose conduct cannot be too much, com.
mended. On the approach of his regiment to the point of attack,
the eneray, favored by the darkness of the night, concealed
themselves under a high fence ^ybich separated the fields, and
calling to the men as friends, under pretence of being part of
our own force, offered to assist them in getting over, which was
no sooner accomplished than the 85th found itself in the inidst
of very superior nurabers, who, discovering themselves, called
on the regiment iraraediately to surrender — the answer was an
instantaneous atfack; a more extraordinary conflict has per
haps never occurred, absolutely hand to hand both officers and
men. It terrainated in the repulse of the enemy with the
capture of 30 prisoners. A similar finesse was attempted with
the 95th regiment, which met the same treatment.
The enemy finding his reiterated attacks were repulsed by
colonel Thornton, at half'-past 10 o'clock advanced a large
column against our centre ; perceiving his intention, I directed

APPENDIX. 631
colonel Stovin to order lieutenant-colonel Dale, with 130 men
of the 93d regiment, who had just reached the camp, to move
forward and use the bayonet, holding the 4th regiraent in hand,
formed in line, as my last reserve. Colonel Dale endeavoured
to execute his orders, but the crafty eneray would not meet him,
seeing the steadiness ofhis sraall body, gave it a heavy fire, and
quickly retired. Colonel Brooke, with four corapanies of the
21st regiment, fortunately appeared at that moment on our
right fiank, and sufficiently secured it frora further attack.
The enemy now determined on making a last effort, and,
collecting the whole of his force, forraed an extensive line, and
moved directly against tlje light brigade. At first fhis line drove
in all the advanced posts, but colonel Thornton, whose noble
exertions had guaranteed all former success, was at hand ; he
rallied his brave comrades round him, and moving forward with
a firm determination of charging, appalled the enemy, who,
from the lesson he had received on the same ground in the
early part of the evening, thought it prudent to retire, and did
not again dare to advance.
It was now 12 o'clock, and the firing ceased on both sides.
From the best information I can obtain, the enemy's force
amounted to 5000 men, and was coramanded by major.general
Jackson : judging from the number left on the field, his loss
must have been severe. I now beg leave fo inclose a list of our
casualties on that night, and have only to hope it will appear to
you, that every ofiicer and soldier on shore did his duty.
To sir Alexander Cochrane I feel particularly obliged for his
very friendly counsels and ready corapliance with every wish I
expressed respecting the service or welfare of the troops.
Torear.adrairal Malcolm, and tho several captains employed in
the landing, &c. I confess the greatest-obligation. I must leave
it to the vice-admiral to do them the justice they so much
deserve, for I cannot find words to express the exertions made
by every branch of the' navy, since the period of our arrival on
tills coast.
In the attack made on the centric, lieutenant-colonel Stovin,
assistant-adjutant-genoral, received a severe wound, which
deprived me of his able services; to him and major Forrest,
assisfant-quarter-master-general, I feel greatly indebted ; they
are both officers of great merit. Colonel Brooke is entitled to
every praise for securing onr right flank,
'To colonel Thornton 1 feel particularly grateful ; his conduct
on fhe night of the 23d I shall ever admire and honor. He
headed his brigade iu the most spirited manner, and afforded it
a brilliant example of active courage and cool determination.
I have every reason to be satisfied with lieutenant-colonel
Brooke, commanding the 4th regiment; as also with major
M M 2 '

fi32 APPENDIX.
Mitchell, of the 95th, who was unfortunately taken prisoner
at the close of the affair.
The exertions of major Munroe, of the royal artillery, were
unremitting; to him, and the officers under his command, I feel
every obligation. The assistance given by captain Blanchard,
and the officers of the royal engineers, was most conspicuous,
and entitle them to my best thanks.
Brevet-major Hooper, acting deputy assistant-adjutant.
general, was attached to the light brigade. Colonel Thornton
states, that. he derived the greatest benefit from his activity,
xeal, and judgment. I regret to have to add that he was very
severely wounded, and had his leg amputated in the course of
the night.
The indefatigable zeal and intelligence displayed by lieu-
tenants Peddie and Evans, of the quarter.master-general's depart.
ment, entitle them to the most favorable consideration.
Assistant.commissary-general Werayss's arrangements were
satisfactory, and deputy-inspector Thompson claims my best
acknowledgements, for the care and attention shewn to the
wounded, the whole of whom were collected, dressed, and com.
fortably lodged, before two in the morning.
Major Mills, of the 14th light dragoons, accompanied me on
shore ; from hira, captain Persse, my aide de camp ; and the
honorable lieutenant Curzon, naval aide de camp, I received
every assistance.
Trusting that the steps I pursued while in command will
meet your approbation, I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN KBANE, maj,.gen.

00000000000 f000

No. 84.

Return of casualties in action with the enemy near Nes
Orleans, onthe 23d and 14th December, 1814.
General staffs ; — 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 1 lieutenant, wounded.
Royal artillery ; 2 rank and file, kifled ; 1 lieutenant, 7 rank aud file,
wounded. Royal engineers, sappers and miners ; 1 rank and file missing."
ith foot; — 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 1 drummer, 1 rank
and file, killed ; 1 lieutenant, 14 rank and file, wounded.
21st foot ; — 1 captain, 2 rank and file, killed : I serjeant, 2 drum
mers, 8 rank aftd file, wounded ; 2 rank and file, missing.
SSth foot ; 2 captains, 1 1 rank and file, killed ; 1 captain, 3 lieute.
nants, 4 serjeants, 2 drummers, 57 rank and file, wounded ; 1 lieute
nants, 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 16 rank and file, missing.
93d foot ;— 1 rank and file, wounded.

APPENDIX. 633
^Slhfoot; — 6 Serjeants, 17 rank and fife, killed ; 1 captain, 2 lieute-
Sants, 5 Serjeants, 54 rank and file, wounded ; 1 ni-ajor, 2 seijeants, 39
rank and file, missing.
Total ; — 4 captains, 1 heutenant, T seijeants, 1 drummer, 33 rank
and file, kifled ; 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 2 captains, 8
lieutenants, 10 serjeants, 4 drummers, 141 rank and file, wound
ed ; 1 major, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 3 serjeants, 58 rank and
file, missing.
Names of the officerskilled, wounded, and missing.
Killed— 4th foot; — Captain Francis Johnstone, lieutenant JohnSuther-
land. Sist foot ; — Captain William Conran.
S5<A/oot;— Captains Charles Grey and Charles Harris
Wounded — general staff; — Lieutenant-colonel Stovin, 28th foot, as-
sistaiit-adjutant-general, severely, but not dangerously ; raajor Hodper,
87th foot, deputy assistant-adjutant-general, severely; (leg amputated;)
lieutenant Delacy Evans, Sd dragoons, deputy assistant-quarter-iuaster-
general, severely.
Royal Artillery; — Lieutenant James Christie, severely.
ith foot ; — Lieutenant Thomas Moody, severely.
85<A /ooi;— Captain James Knox, lieutenants George Wfllings, Fre*
derick Maunsell, and William Hickson, severely.
9Stkfoot; — Captain Williatn Hallen, lieutenant Daniel Forbes, se
verely; lieutenant W. J. G. Farmer, slightly.
Missing — SStkfoot; — Lieutenant William Walker, ensign George
Ashton. 95thfoot — Major Samuel Mitchell.
FRED. STOVIN, lieut.-col. dep. adj. .gen.

¦0000000000

No. 85.
From major-general Jackson to the American secretary at war.
Head-quarters, 7th military district, camp below
Sill, New Orleans, 27th Dec, A.M.
The loss of our gun.boats near the pass of the Rigolets,
having given the enemy comraand of lake Borgne, he was ena.
bled to choose his point of attack. It became therefore an ob.
ject of iraportance to obstruct the numerous bayous and canals
leading from that lake to the highlands on the Mississippi. This
important service was committed, in the first instance, to a de.
tachment from the 7th regiraent, afterwards to colonel Delaronde
of the Louisiana militia, and lastly, to make all sure, to major.
general Villere, commanding the district between the river and
the lakes, and who, being a native of the country, was pre.
sumed to be best acquainted with all those passes. Unfortu.
nately, however, a piquet which the general had established at
the mouth of the bayou Bienvenu, and which, notwithstanding
my orders, had been left unobstructed, was completely sur.

534 APPENDIX.
prised, and the eneray penetrated through a canal leading to his
farm, about two leagues below the city, and succeeded in cut.
ting off a company of militia stationed there. The intelligence
was communicated to me about two o'clock on the 23d. My
force, at this time, consisted of parts of the 7th and 44th regi
ments, not exceeding 600 together, the city niilitia, a part of
general Coffee's brigade of raounted gun.raen, and the detached
militia from the western division of Tennessee, under the com.
mand of major.general Carroll— these two last corps were sta.
tioned four miles above the city. Apprehending a double at
tack by the way of Chef.Mcnteur, I left general Carroll's
force, and the militia of the city, posted on the Gentilly road ;
and af 5 o'clock P. M. marched to meet the enemy, whom I
was resolved to attack in his first position, with major Hind's
dragoons, general Coffee's brigade, parts of the 7th and 44th
regiments, the uniform companies of militia under the coramand
of major Plauche, 200 men of colour (chiefly from St. Domingo)
raised by colonel Savary, and acting under the command of
major Daquin, and a detachment of artillery under the direction
of colonel M'Rea, with two 6-pounders, under the comraand of
lieutenant Spots — not exceeding in all 1500. I arrived near
the enemy's encampment about seven, and immediately made
my dispositions for the attack. His forces amounting at that
time on land to about 3000, extended half a mile on the river,
and in the roar nearly to tho wood. General Coffee was ordered
to turn their right, while, with the residue of the force, I at.
tacked his strongest position on the left, near the river. Com.
modore Pattersou having dropped down the river in the schooner
Carolina, was directed to open afire upon their camp, which he
executed at about half after seven. This being the signal of
attack, general Coffee's men, with their usual irapetuosity,
rushed on the enemy's right, and entered their camp, while
our right advanced with equal ardor. There can be but
little donbt that we should have succeeded on that occasion,
wifh our inferior force, in destroying or capturing the enemy,
had not a thick fog, \Vhich arose about eight o'clock, occa.
sioned sorae confusion among the different corps. Fearing the
consequences, under this circumstance, of the further prosecu.
tion of a night attack with troops then acting tagether for the
first timo, 1 contented myself with lying on the field that night ;
and at four in the morning assumed a stronger position about
two miles nearer to the city. At this position I remain en.
caraped, waiting the arrival of the Kentucky nijlitia, and other
reinforcements. As the safety of the city will depend on the
fate of this array, it must not be incautiously exposed.
In this affair, the whole corps under my command deserve
the greatest credit. The best compliment I can pay to general

APPENDIX. 535
Coffee and his brigade, is to say they behaved as they have
always done while under my comraand. The 7th, led by major
Peire, and the 44th, commandedby colonel Ross, distinguished
themselves. The battalion of city militia, comraanded by major
Plauche, realized my anticipations, and behaved like veterans.
Savary's volunteers manifested great braVery ; and the company
of cify riflemen, having penetrated into the midst of the enemy's
camp, were surrounded, and fought their way out with the
greatest heroism, bringing with thera a number of prisoners.
The two field.pieces were well served by the officer command.
ing them.
All my officers in the line did their duty, and I have every
reason to be satisfied with the whole of my field and staff. Co.
lonels Butler and Piatt, and major Chotard, by their intrepidity,
saved the artillery. Colonel Haynes' was every where that duty
or danger called. I was deprived of the services of one of my
aides, captain Butler, whom I was obliged to station, to his
great regret, in town. Captain Reid, my other aide, and Messrs,
Livingston, Duplessis and Davezac, who had volunteered their
services, faced danger wherever it was to be met, and carried
my orders with the utmost promptitude.
We made one major, two subalterns, and 63 privates pri.
soners ; aud the enemy's loss in killed and wounded must have
been at least  . My own loss I have not as yet been able to
ascertain with exactness, but suppose it to amount to 100 in
killed, wounded, and missing. Among the former I have fo
lament the loss of colonel Lauderdale, of general Coffee's briw
gade, who fell while bravely fighting. Colonels Dyer and
Gibson, of the same corps, were wounded ; and major Kave-
naugh taken prisoner.
Colonel Delaronde, major Villere of the Louisiana militia,
major Latour of engineers, having no command, volunteered
their services, as did Drs. Kerr and Flood, and were of great
assistance to me, I have the honor to be, &c,
ANDREW JACRSON.

No. 86.

Report of the killed, wounded, and missing, ofthe army under
the command of major-general Andrew Jackson, tn the ac-
tion ofthe 23rf of December, 1814, with the enemy.
Killed ;— artillerymen, 1 ; 7tb United States' infantry, 1 lieutenant,
1 serjeant, 1 corporal, 4 privates; 44th ditto, 7 privates; general

536 APPENDIX.
Coffee's brigade volunteer mounted gun-men, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1
captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 4 privates. — ^Total, 24.
Wounded ;— generai staff, 1 colonel; Tth United States' infantry, I
captain, 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 2 corporals, 23 piivates ; 44tb ditto, 2 lieu
tenants, 3 Serjeants, 2 corporals, 19 piivates; general Coffee's brigade,
1 colonel, 2 lieutenant-colonels, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 quarter-
master-serjeant, 3 Serjeants, 2 corporals, 1 musician, 30 privates; Nevir
Orleans volunteer corps, 1 captain, 2 serjeants, 7 privates; volunteers
of colour, 1 adjutant and 6 privates. — Total, wounded, 115.
Missing ; — general Coffee's brigade, 1 major, 2 captains, 3 lieute
nants, 1 quarter-master, 3 ensigns or cornets, 4 Serjeants, 1 corporal, 2
musicians, 57 privates. — Total, missing, 74.

***************

No. 87.
From commodore Patterson to the American secretary of the
naoy.
Sir, U. S. ship Louisiana, Dec. 28, 1814.
I have the honor to inforjn you, that on the 23d instant,
while at the bayou St. John, examining the batteries erecting
there by the navy, under the superintendance of captain Hen
ley, of the Carolina, I learnt that information had been
received by general Jackson, that the enemy had penetrated
through bayou Bicnvenil- with a large force, and effected a land
ing at general Villere's plantation on the banks of the Missis
sippi, which upon application tothe general proved to be true.
The alarm was immediately given in town, and the troops put
in motion ; 1 repaired on board the United States' schooner
Carolina, wifh captain Henley, and after ordering the Louisi
ana, comraanded by lieutenant-Coramandant C. B. Thompson,
to follow me, at 4 P. M. weighed, and it being calm, dropped
down wifh the current; at about half past six I received a
request from general Jackson, through Mr. Edward Living
ston, his aide de camp, to anchor a-breast of the enemy's
carap, which he pointed out, and opened a fire upon them. It
continuing calm, got out sweeps, and a few minutes after, hav
ing been frequently hailed by the eneray's sentinels, anchored,
veered out a long scope of cable, sheered close in shore a-breast
of their camp, and commenced a heavy (and as I have since
learned most destructivej fire from our starboard battery and
small arms, which was returned raost spiritedly by the eneray
wifh Congreve rockets and musketry from their whole force,
when after about 40 minutes of most incessant fire, the enemy
was silenced; the fire from our battery was continued till nine
o'clock upon the enemy's flank while engaged in the field wifh
our army, at which hour ceased firing, supposing, from the
distance of the enemy's fire, (for it was too dark to see any

APPENDIX. S37
thing on shore,) that they had retreated beyond the range of
our guns — weighed and swept across the river, in hopes of a
breeze the next morning, to enable me to renew the attack upon
the enemy, should they be returned to their encampment; but
was disappointed on the 24th, by a light air, from north-north.
west, which, towards the evening, h.auled toward north.west,
and blew a heavy gale, compelling me to remain during the
24th, 25th, and 26th, at anchor in a position a-breast of the
enemy, although every possible exertion was made by captain
Henley to warp the schooner up, without success, from the
extreme rapidity of the current occasioned by the very uncom.
mon rise of the river. On the afternoon of the 26th, at the
requestof general Jackson, I visited him at his head.quarters,
and went from thence to fown, to equip and arm with two
32-pounders, such merchant vessels in port, as I might find
capable of supporting them. During the 24th, 25th, and 26th,
fired at the enemy whenever they could be seen. Owing to the
calmness of the night of the 23d, the Louisiana could not join
me till the morning of the 24th, when she fortunately anchored
about one mile above the Carolina. By the fire from the enemy
on the night of the 23d, one man only was wounded, and very
litfle injury done to the hull, sails, and rigging ; in her bulwarks
were a jgreat number of musket-balls, several in her masts and
top-masts, and through her main-sail. Nothing could exceed
the incessant fire frora fhe Carolina, which alone can be attri.
buted fo the high state of discipline-to which captain Henley has
brought her crew. Of hira, lieutenants Norris and Crawley,
and sailing-master Haller, I cannot speak in too high terms ;
the petiy officers and crew behaved with that cool determined
•courage and zeal which has so strongly characterized the Ameri.
can tars in the present war, I have the honor to be, &c.
D. T. PATTERSON,

0000 000000000 »0

No. 88.
From captain Henley to commodore Patterson.
Sir, " New Orleans, Doc. 28, 1814.
I have the honor to inform you, that affer ^ou left here
on the 26fh instant, in pursuance to your order, every pos.
sible exertion was made to move the schooner Carolina
higher up the river, and near general Jackson's camp, without
success; the wind being at N.N. W. and blowing fresh, and
too scant fo get under weigh, and the current too rapid to
move her by warping, which I had endeavoured to do with my
crew.

538 APPENDIX.
At daytlight on the morning of the 27th the enemy opened
upon the Carolina a battery of five guns, from which they
threw shells and hot shot ; returned their fire with the long
12.pounder, the only gun on board which could reach across
the river, the reraainder of her battery being light 12.pound
carronades. The air being light and at north, rendered it impossible to
get under way ; the second shot fired by the enemy lodged in
the schooner's raain.hold under her cables, and in such a situ.
ation as not to be come at, and fired her, which rapidly pro.
gressed. Finding that hot shot were passing through her cabin
and filling room, which contained a considerable quantity of
powder; her bulwarks all knocked down by the enemy's shot,
the vessel in a sinking situation, and the flre increasing, and
expecting every moment that she would blow up, at a little
after sun-rise I rcliictantlj' gave orders for the crew to abandon
her, which was effected, with the loss of one killed and six
wounded. A short time after I had succeeded in getting the
crew on shore, I had the extreme mortification of seeing her
blow up.
It affords me great pleasure to acknowledge the able assist.
ance I, received from lieutenants Norris and Crawley, and
sailing-master Haller. and to say that my officers and crew
behaved on this occasion, as well as on the 23d, when undisr
your own eye, in a most gallant manner.
Alraost every article of clothing belonging to the officers and
crew, frora the rapid progress of the fire, was involved in the
destruction of the vessel. I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN D. HENLEY,
P. S. I have not made out a detailed account of the action on
the night of the 23d, as you were on board during the whole
action.

No. 89.
From major-general Jackson io the American secretary at war.
Head.quarters, seventh military district.
Sir, Camp below New Orleans, Dec. 29, 1814.
The enemy succeeded on the 27th in blowing up the Caro
lina (she being becalmed) by means of hot shot from a land
battery which he had erected in the night. Emboldened by this
event, he marched his whole force the next day up the levee, in
the hope of driving ns from our position, and with this view,
opened upon us, at the distance of about half a mile, his bombs

APPENDIX. 539
and rackets. He was repulsed, however, with considerable
loss ; not less, it is believed, than 120 in killed. Our's was
inconsiderable ; not exceeding half a dozen killed, and a dozen
wounded. Since then he has not ventured to repeat his attempt, though
lying close together. There has been frequent skirmishing
between our piquets.
I lament fhat I have not the means of carrying on more
offensive operations. The Kentucky troops have not arrived,
and my effective force at this point does not exceed 300f).
Their's must be at least double ; 60 prisoners and deserters
agreeing in the statement that 7000 landed from their boats,
ANDREW JACKSON.

0000000 0 0000000

No. 90.

From commodore Patterson to the American secretary of the
navy.
U. S. ship Louisiana, four miles below New Orleans,
Sir, 29th December, 1814,
I have fhe honor to inform you, that on fhe morning of the
28th instant, at about half past seven, perceived our advanced
guard retreating towards our lines — the enemy pursuing; fired
shot, shells, and rockets, frora field artillery, with which they
advanced on the road behind the levee; sprung the ship to
bring the starboard guns to bear upon the enemy ; at 25 minutes
past eight K, M. the enemy opened their fire upon the ship with
shells, hot shot, and rockets, whichwas instantly returned with
great spirit, and much apparent effect, and continued without
intermission until one P. M. when the eneray slackened their
fite, and retreated with a part of their artillery from each of
their batteries, evidently with great loss. Two attempts were
made to screen one heavy piece of, ordnance mounted behind
the levee, with which they threw hot shot at the ship, and
which had beeu a long time abandoned before they succeeded
in recovering it, and then it must have been with very great
loss, as I distinctly saw, with the aid of my glass, several shot
strike in the midst of the men (seamen) who were employed
dragging it away. At three P. M, the enemy were silenced ;
at fonr P; M. ceased firing from the ship, the enemy having
retired beyond the range of her guns. Many of their shot
passed over the ship, and their shells burst over her decks, which
were strewed with their fragments ; yet, after an incessant can
nonading of upwards of seven hours, during which time 800
shot were fired from the ship, one raan only was wounded

340 APPENDIX.
slightly, by apiece of a shell, and one shot passed between the
bowsprit and heel of the jib-boom.
The enemy drew up his whole force, evidently with an inten.
tion of assaulting general Jackson's lines, under cover of hig
heavy cannon ; but his cannonading being so warmly returned
from the lines and ship Louisiana, caused him, I presume, to
abandon his project, as he retired without making the attempt.
You will have learned by my former letters, that the crew of
the Louisiana is composed of men of all nations, (English
excepted,) taken from the streets of New Orleans not a fort.
night before the battle; yet I never knew guns better served,
or a more animated fire, than was supported from her.
Lieutenant C. C. B. Thompson deserves great credit for the
discipline to which in so short a tirae he had brought such men,
two-thirds of whora do not understand English.
General Jackson having applied for officers and seamen to
work the heavy cannon on his lines furnished by me, lieute
nants Norris and Crawley, of the late schooner Carolina,'
instantly volunteered, and with the greater part of her crew
were sent to those cannon, which they served during the action
herein detailed. The enemy must have suffered a great loss in
that day's action, by the heavy fire from this ship and general
Jackson's lines, where the cannon was of heavy calibre, and
served with great spirit.
I have the honor to be, with great consideration and respect,
your obedient servant,
DANIEL T. PATTERSON.

No. 91.
Report of the killed, wounded, and missing, of the army
under the command of major-general Andrew Jackson, in
ihe action ofthe '2?>th of December, 1814.
Killed — General Coffee's brigade, 1 private; New Orleans volunteer
company, 1 private ; general Carroll's divisioii of Tennesse militia, 1
colonel, 1 serjeant, 5 privates.
Total— 9.
Wounded; — Marines, 1 major; New Orleans volunteer company, 3
privates; general Carroll's division, 1 lieuteuant, 3 ptiv-iles.
Total wounded — 8.
Total killed, wounded, and missing, on this day — 17.

APPENDIX. 541
No. 92.
From commodore Patterson to the American secretary of ihe
navy.
Marine batteries, five miles below New Orleans,
Sir, January 2, 1815.
Finding the advantageous effect which resulted from the
flanking fire of the enemy from the Louisiana, as detailed in
my letter of the 29th ultimo, I that night had brought down
from the navy yard, and mounted in silence, a 24.pounder on
shore, in a position where it could most annoy the enemy when
throwing up works on the levee or in the field. On the 30th
opened upon the enemy with the 24-pounder, which drove
them from their works, the ship firing at the sarae tirae npon
their advance, which retired frora the levee, and sheltered itself
behind houses, &c. The great effect produced by the gun on
shore, induced me on the 31st to land from the Louisiana two
12.pounders, which I mounted behind the levee in the most
advantageous position, to harass the flank of the enemy in his
approaches to our lines, and to aid our right. At four A. M.
the eneray opened a fire upon the left of our line with artillery
and musketry, which was returned most spiritedly with artillery
and musketry. At two P, M, the enemy having retired, the
firing ceased.
On the first instant, at 10 A.M. affer a very thick fog, the
enemy commenced a heavy cannonading upon general Jackson's
lines and my battery, from batteries they had thrown up during
the preceding night on fhe levee ; which was returned from our
lines and roy battery, and terrainated, after a most incessant
fire from both parties of nearly five hours, in the enemy being
silenced and driven from their works; many of their shells
went immediately over ray battery, and their shot passed
through my breast-work and embrazures, without injuring a
man. On this, as on the 28th, I am happy to say, that my
officers and men behaved to my entire satisfaction ; but I beg
leave particularly to name acting lieutenant Ciimpbell, acting
sailing-master John Gates, a'^ting midshipman Philip Philibert,
of the Louisiana, and sailing-master Haller, of the late schooner
Carolina. I did not drop the Louisiana down within the.range
of their shot, having learnt from deserters that a furnace of
shot was kept in constant readiness at each of their batteries, to
burn her ; and the guns being of much greater effect on shore,
her men were drawn to man them, and I was particularly
desirous' to preserve her from the hot shot, as I deemed her of
incalculable service to cover the army in the event of general
Jackson retiring from his present line to those which he had
thrown up in his rear. I have the honor to be, &c.
^ DANIEL T. PATTERSON.

542 APPENDIXi

No. 93.
Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, of the army
under the command of major-general Andrew Jackson,' in
the action of the Isi of January, 1814.
Killed; — Artillery, navy, and volunteers, at batteries, 8 privates; 44th
ditto, 1 private ; ueneral Coffee's brigade, 1 serjeant; general Carroll's
division, 1 private.
Total— 11.
Wourided ; — Artillery, navy, and volunteers at batteries, 8 ; 7th
United States' infantry, 1 private ; 44th ditto, 3; general Coffee's bri
gade, 2; New Orleans' volunteers, 3 privates; general Carroll's divi
sion, t seigeant, 2 privates; volunteers of colour, 1 heutenant, I ser
jeant, 1 private.
Total— 23.
Total of killed, wounded, and missing tbis day — 34.
***************
No.. 94.
Return of casaalties between the '25th and 31st Dee. 1814.
Royal artillery ; — 4 rank and file, killed; liieutenant, 5 rank and
file, wounded.
Roycd engineers, sappers and miners; — 1 rank and file, wounded.
4th foot ; — 4 rank and file, wounded.
21sJ fool ; — 1 rank and file, killed ; 1 rank and file, wounded.
44th foot ; — 2 rank and file, wounded ; 1 rank and file, missing.
8Slh foot ; — 1 diummer, 3 rank and file, killed; 2 ensigns, 11 rank
and file, wouiif'-ed.
93d foul ; — 2 rank and file, killed; 5 rank and file, wounded.
9Sth foot; — 3 rank and file, killed; 1 serjeant, 3 rank and file,
wounded ; 1 rank and file, missing.
1st West India regiment; — 1 captain, kifled.
5th ditto; — 1 rank and file, killed ; 2 rank and lile, wounded.
Total — 1 captain, 1 drummer, 14 rank aud file, killed ; 1 lieute-
nant, 2 ensigns, 1 serjeant, 34 rank and file, wounded ; 2 rank
and file, missing. ,
Names of officers kifled and wounded.
Killed.
1st West India regiinent ; — Captain Francis Collings.
Wounded.
Royal artillery ; — Lientenant B. L. Poynter, slightly.
851 h foot ;— Ensign sir Frederick Eden, bart. severely; (since dead;)
ensisn Thoraas Ormsby, slightly, FRED STOVIN, lieut..col.
dep. adj.. gen.

APPENDIX. 643

No. 95,
Return of casualties between ihe Island Bth January, 1815,
Reyal artillery ;—l Itemenant, 1 serjeant, 9 rank and file, killed;
18 rank and file, wounded.
Royal engineers, sappers, and miners;—! lieutenan t, killed.
Sist foot;—l rank and file, kdled; 1 lieutenant, 4 rank and file,
wounded. athfoot;—! lieutenant, 1 rank and file, killed; 3 rank and file,
wounded. Sbth foot; — 2 rank aod file, killed; 2 lieutenants, 4 rank and file,
wounded. i
93d foot; — 1 serjeant, 8 rank and file, kifled; liieutenant, 10 rank
and file, wounded. '
.95th foot; — 1 rank and file, killed; 2 rank and file, missing.
Sih West India regiment;— 4 rank and file, killed; S rank and file,
wounded. Total — 3 lieutenants, 2 serjeants, 27 rank and file, killed; j4 lieu.
tenants, 40 rank and file, wounded; 2 rank and file, missing.
Names of officers killed and wounded,
Killed.
Royal artillery ; — Lieutenant Alexander Ramsay.
Royal engineers ; — Lieutenant Peter Wright.
nth foot ; — Lieutenant John Blakeney.
Wounded.
Sist foot; — Lieutenant Jobn Leavock, slightly.
Solhfoot; — Lieutenant Robert Charlton, severely; lieutenant J.W.
Boys, slightly.
93d foot ; — Lieutenant Andrew Phaup, severely (since dead).
FRED. STOVIN, leut..col,
dep. .adj. -gen.

No. 96.
From major-general Lambert to earl Bathurst.
Camp, in front of the enemy's lines, below
My lord, New Orleans, Jan. 10, 1815.
It becomes my dutyto lay before your lordship, the proceed.
iiigs of the force lately employed on the coast of Louisiana,
under the command of major.general the honourable Sir E. M.
Pakenham, K.B. and acting in concert with vice.admiral tha
honorable sir A, Cochrane, K.B.
The report which I enclose frora major.general Keane, will
put your lordship in possession of the occurrences which
took place until the arrival of major-general the honorable £ir

544 APPENDIX.
E Parkenham to assume the command ; from that period I send
an extract of the journal of major Forrest, assistant-quarter.
master.general, up to the time of the joining of the troops,
(which sailed on the 26th of October last undefray command,)
and which was on the (5th January; and from that period, I
shall detail, as well as I am able, the subsequent events,
I found the array in position, in a flat country, wilh the
Mississippi on its left, and a thick extensive wood on its right,
and open to its front, from which the enemy's line was quite
distinguishable. It seems sir E. Pakenham had waited for the arrival of the
fusiliers and 43d regiment, in order to make a general attack
upon the enemy's line ; and on the 8th, the army was formed
for that object.
I-O order to give your lordship as clear a view as I can, I shall
state the position of the enemy. On the left bank of the river
it was simply a straight line of about a front of 1000 yards with
a parapet, the right resting on the river, and the left on a wood
which had been made impracticable for any body of troops to
pass. This line was strengthened by flank works,-^and had a
canal of about four feet deep generally, but not altogether of
an equal width ; it was supposed to narrow towards their left :
about eight heavy guns were in positiou on this line. The
Mississippi is here about 800 yards across ; and they had ou
the right bank a heavy battery of 12 guns, which enfilaiied the
whole front ofthe position on tbe left bank.
Preparations were made on our side, by very considerable
labor, to clear out and widen a canal that communicated with
a stream by which the boats had passed up to the place of dis.
embarkation, to open it info the Mississippi, by which means
troops could be got over to the right bank, and the co. opera.
tion of arraed boats could be secured.
The disposition for the attack was as follows : — a corps,
consisting of fhe 85th light infantry, 200 seamen, and 400
marines, the Sth VV^est India regiment, and four pieces of artiU
lery, under the command of colonel Thornton, of the 85th, was
fo pass over during the night, and move along the right bank
towards New Orleans, clearing its front until it reached the
flanking battery of the enemy on that side, which it had orders
to carry,
The assailing of the eneray's line in front of us, was to be
made by the brigade composed of the 4fh, 21st, and 44lh
regiments, with three companies of fhe })5fh, under raajor.
general Gibbs, and by the 3d brigade, consisting of fhe 93d,
two corapanies of the 95th, and two companies of the fusileers,
and 43d, under major.general Keane ; some black troops were
destined to skirmish in the wood on the right; the principal

APPENDIX. Hi
attack was to be made by major.general Gibbs; the 1st bri
gade, consisting of the fusileers and 43d, formed the reserve ;
the attacking columns were to be provided with fascines, scal
ing-ladders, and rafts ; the whole to be at their stations before
daylight. An advanced battery in our front, of six Ut.pounders,
was thrown up during the night, about 800 yards from the
enemy's line. The atlack was to be made at the earliest hour.
Unlooked-for difficultie,<-, increased by the falling of the river,
occasioned considerable delay in the entrance of the armed boats,
and those destined to land colonel Thiyrnton's corps, by which
four or five hours were lost, and it was not until past five in
the morning, that the 1st division, consisting of 500 men, were
over. The ensemble of the general movement was lost, and in
a point which was of the last importance to the attack on the
left bank of the river, although colonel Thornton, as your
lordship will see in bis report, which 1 enclose, ably executed
in every particular his instructions, and fully justified the con
fidence the commander of the forces placed in his abilities. The
delay attending that corps occasioned some on the left bank, and
the attack did not take place until the columns were discernible
from the enemy's lines at more than 200 yards distance; as
they advanced, a continued and most galling fire was opened
from every part of their line, and from the battery on the right
bank. The brave commander of the forces, who never in his life
could refrain from being at the post of honor, and sharing the
dangers to whiclj the troops were exposed, as soon as from his
station he had made the signal for the troops to advance, gal.
loped on to the front to animate them by his presence, and he
was seen, with his hat off, encouraging them on the crest of
the glacis ; it was there (almost at the same time) he received
two wounds, one in his knee, and another, which was almost
instantly fatal, in his body; he fell in the arms of major
M'Dougall, his aide de camp. The effect of this in the..sight of
thetroops, together with major.general Gibbs and major-gene.
ral Keane being both borne off wounded at the sarae time, with
many other commanding officers,' and further, the preparations
to aid in crossing the ditch not being so forward as they ought
to have been, from, perhaps, the men being wounded who were
carrying them, caused a wavering in the column, which in such
a situation became irreparable; and as I advanced with the
reserve, at about 250 yards from the line, I had the mortifica
tion to observe the whole falling back upon rae in the greatest
confusion. In this situation, finding that no impression had been made,
that though many men had reached the ditch, and were either
drowned or obliged to surrender, and that it was impossible t^
VOL. II. N N

546 APPENDIX.
restore order in the regiments where they were, I placed the
reserve in position, until I could obtain such information as
to determine me how to act to the best of my judgment, and
whether or not I should resume the attack, and if so, I felt it
could be done only by the reserve. The confldence I have in
the corps composing it would have encouraged me greatly,
though not without loss, which might have made the attempt
of serious consequence, as I know it was the opinion of the
late distinguished commander of the forces, that the carrying of
the first line would not be the least arduous service. After
making the best reflections I was capable of, I kept the ground
the troops then held, and went to meet vice-adrairal sir Alex.
ander Cochrane, and to tell him, that under all the circum.
stances I did not think it prndent to renew the attack that day.
At about 10 o'clock, I learnt of the success of colonel Thorn
ton's corps on the right bank. I sent the commanding officer
of the artillery, colonel Dickson, to examine the situation of
the battery, and to report if it ¦was tenable ; but informing rae
that he did not think it could be held with security by a sraaller
corps than 2000 men, I consequently ordered lieutenant-colonel
Gubbins, on whomthe command had devolved, (colonel Thorn
ton being wounded,) to retire.
The army remained in position until night, in order to gain
time to destroy the 18-pounder battery we had constructed the
preceding night in advance. I then gave orders for the troops
resuming the ground they occupied previous to the attack.
Our loss has been very severe, but I trust it will not be con
sidered, notwithstanding the failure, that this array has suffered
the railitary character to be tarnished, I am satisfied, had I
thought it right to renew the attack, that the troops would have
advanced with cheerfulness. The services of both army .and
navy, since their landing on this coast, have been arduous
beyond any thing I have ever witnessed, and difficulties have
been got over with an assiduity and perseverance beyond all
example by all ranks, and the most hearty co-operation has
existed between the two services.
It is not necessary for me to expatiate to you upon the loss
the array has sustained in major.general the honorable sir E,
Pakenham, commander-in. chief of this force, nor could I in
adequate terms. His services and raerits are so well known,
that I have only, in coramon wifh the whole army, to express
my sincere regret, and which may bo supposed at this moment to
come particularly home to me.
Major-general Gibbs, who died of his wounds the follo'.ving
day, and major-general Keane, who were both carricdioff the
field within 20 yards of the glacis, at fhe head of their brigades,
sufficiently speak at such a moment how they were conducting

APPENDIX. 547
themselves. I am happy to say major-general Keane is doing
well. Captain Wylly, of the fusileers, military secretary to the late
coraraander of theforces, will have the honor of delivering to
your lordship these despatches. Knowing how much he en.
joyed his esteem, and was in his confidence from a long expe
rience of his talents, I feel I cannot do less than pay this tribute
to what I conceive would be the wishes of his late general, and
to recommend him strongly to your lordship's protection.
I have, &c.
JOHN LAMBERT,
Major.general, commanding.

No. 97.

From colonel Thornton to major-general the honorable sir
Edward Pakenham.
Redoubt, on the right bank of tha
SIR, Mississippi, Jan. 8, 1815.
I lose no time in reporting to you the success of the troop
which you were yesterday pleased to place under my orders,
with the view of attacking the enemy's redoubt and position on
this side of the river.
It is within your own knowledge, that the difficulty had been
found so extremely great of dragging the boats through the
canal which had been lately cut with so much labor to the
Mississippi, that, notwithstanding every possible exertion for
the purpose, we were unable to proceed across the river until
eight hours after the time appointed, and even then, with only
a third part of the force which you had allotted for the service.
The current was so strong, and the difficulty, in consequence,
of keeping the boats together, so great, that we only reached
this side of the river at day-break, and, by the time the troops
were disembarked, which was effected without any molestation
frora tho eneray, 1 perceived by the flashes of the guns, that
your attack had already commenced.
This circumstance made me extremely anxious to move for
ward, to prevent the destructive enfilading fire, which would,
of course, be opened on your columns from the enemy's bat
teries on this side ; and I proceeded with the greatest possible
expedition, strengthened and secnred on my right flank by
three gun-boats, under captain Roberts of the navy, whose
zeal and exertions on this occasion were as unremitted as his
arrangements in embarking the troops, and in keeping the
boats together in crossing the river, were excellent.
N » 2

«48 APPENDIX.
The eneiny made no opposition to our advance, until we
reached a piquet, posted behind a bridge, at about 500 paces
from the house in the Orange grove, and secured by a small
work, apparently just thrown up.
This piquet was very soon forced and driven in by a division
of the 85th regiment, under captain Schaw, of that regiment,
forming the advanced guard, and whose mode of attack for tlje
purpose was prompt and judicious to a degree.
Upon my arrival at the Orange Grove, I had an oppor.
tunity of reconnoitring, at about 700 yards, the enemy's posi
tion, which I found to be a very formidable redoubt ou the
bank of the river, with the right flank secured by an entrench.
ment extending back to a thick wood, and its line protected
by an incessant fire of grape. Under such circumstances it
seemed to me to afford the best prospect of success, to endea
vour to turn his right at the wood; and I accordingly detached
two divisions of the 85th, under brevet lieutenant-colonel
Gubbins, to effect that object, which he accomplished with his
usual zeal and judgment, whilst 100 sailors, under captain
Money, of the royal navy, who, I am sorry to say, was
severely wounded, but whose conduct was particularly distin.
guished on the occasion, threatened the enemy's left, supported
by the division of the 85th regiment, under captain Schaw,
When these divisions had gained their proper position, I
deployed the column composed of two divisions of the 85th
regiment, under major Deshon, whose conduct I cannot suffi.
ciently commend, and about 100 men of the royal marines,
under major Adair, also deserving of much comraendation, and
moved forward in line, to the attack of the centre of the
intrenchment. At first, the enemy, confident in his own security, shewed a,
good countenance, and kept up a heavy fire, but the determi
nation of the troops which I had the honour to coramand, to
overcome all difficulties, compelled him to a rapid and disorderly
fiight, leaving in our possession his redoubts, batteries, and
position, with 16 pieces of ordnance, and the colors of the
New Orleans regiment of tnilitia,
Ofthe ordnance taken, I enclose the specific return of major
Mitchell, of the royal artillery, who accompanied and afforded
me much assistance, by his able directions of the firing" of some
rockets, it not having been found practicable, in the first
instance, to bring over the artillery attached to his command,
I shall have the honor of sending you a return of the casualties
that have occurred, as soon as it is possible to collect them, but
I am happy to say they are extremely inconsiderable when the
strength ofthe position and the number of the enemy are con.

APPENDIX. S49
jidered, which our prisoners, (about 30 in number) agree in
stating from 1500 to 2000 men, commanded by general
Morgan. I should he extremely wanting both in justice and in grati.
tude, were I not to request yonr particular notice of the officers
whose names I have mentioned, as well as of major Blanchard,
ofthe royal engineers, and lieutenant Peddie, of the 27th regi.
ment, deputy.assistant.quarter.master.general, whose zeal and
intelligence I found of the greatest service.
The wounded men are meeting with every degree of attention
and humanity by the medical iffrangements of staff-surgeon
Baxter. The enemy's camp is supplied with a great abandancc of
provisions, anda very large store of all sorts of ammunition.
On moving to the attack, I received a wound, which shortly
after my reaching the redoubt, occasioned me such pain and
stiffness, that I have been obliged tO' give over the command of
the troops on this side to lieutenant.colonel Gubbins, of the
85th light infantry; but, as he has obtained some reinforce.
ment, since the attack, of sailors and marines, and has taken
the best jirecautions to cover and secure his position, I will be
answerable, from my knowledge of his judgment and expe
rience, that he will retain it, until your pleasure and further
orders shall be communicated to him.
I have the honor to be, &c.
"W, THORNTON, colonel.
To major-gen, the hon, sir E. M, lieut.-col. 85th reg,
Pakenham, K.B, &c. 000000000000000

No, 98.
Return efthe ordnance taken from the enemy by a detachment
of the army acting on the Right Bank of the Mississippi,
under the command of colonel Thornton.
Redoubt, Right Bank of the Mississippi,
January 8, 1815.
I brass 10-inch howitzer, 2 brass 4-pounder field-pieces, 3 24-pound.
€rs, 3 12-poHnders, 6 9-ponnders, 1 12-pounder carronade, not
mounted. On the howitzer is inscribed, " Taken at the surrender of York
Town, 1781," J. MITCHELL, maj. capt. reyal-artil.

550 APPENDIX, No. 99.
From vice-admiral Cochrane to Mr. Croker.
Sir, Armide, off Isle au Chat, January 18, 1815.
An unsuccessful attempt to gain possession of fhe enemy's
lines near New Orleans, on the Sth instant, having left me to
deplore the fall of major-general the honorable sir Edward
Pakenham, and major-general Gibbs; and deprived the service
of the present assistance of major-general Keane, who is
severely wonnded, I send the Plantagenet to England, to convejr
a despatch from major-general Lambert, upon whom the com.
mand of the army has devolved, and to inforra ray lords coramis
sioners of the Admiralty of the operations of the combined
forces since my ardval upon this coast.
The accorapanying letters, Nos. 163 and 169, of the 7th and
16th ultirao, will acquaint their lordships of the proceedings
of the squadron to fhe 15th of December.
The great distance from the anchorage of the frigates and
troop ships to the bayou Catalan, which, frora the best infor.
mation we could gain, appeared to offer the most secure, and
was, indeed, the only unprotected spot whereat to effect a dis.
embarkation, and our raeans, even with the addition of the
captured enemy's gun-vessels, only affording us transport for
half the army, exclusive of fhe supplies that were required, it
became necessary, in order to have support for the division tha,(;
would first land, to assemble the whole at some intermediate
position, from whence the second division could be re-embarked
in vessels brought light into the lake, as near the bayou as
might be practicable, and remain there until the boats could
land the first division and return.
Upon the 16th, therefore, the advance, coramanded hy colonel
Thornton, of the 85th regimtut, was put into the gun-vessels
and boats, and captain Gordon, of the Seahorse, proceeded
with thom, and took ppst upon the Isle aux Poix, a sraall
swampy spot at the mouth of the Pearl river, about 30 miles
from the anchorage, and nearly fhe same distance from the
bayou, where major-general Keane, rear-admiral Codrington,
and rayself joined them on the following day ; raeeting the
gun-vessels and boats returning to the shipping for troops, and
supplies of stores and provisions.
The honorable captain Spencer, of the Carron, and lieute
nant Peddy, of the qnarter-master-general's department, who
were sent to reconnoitre the bayou Catalan, now returned with
a favorable report of its position for disembarking the army ;
having, with their guide, pulled up in a canoe to the head o.f

APPENDIX. 651
the bayou, a distance of eight miles, and landed within a mile
and a half of the high road to, and about six miles below New
Orleans, where they crossed the road without meeting with any
interruption, or perceiving the least preparation on the part
of the enemy.
The severe changes of the weather, from rain to fresh gales
and hard frost, retarding the boats in their repeated passages to
and from the shipping, it was not until the 21st that (leaving
on board the greater part of the two black regiments, and the
dragoons) we could assemble troops and supplies sufficient to
admit of our proceeding ; and, on that day, we commenced
the embarkation of the second division in the gun-ve-isols, such
ofthe hirt'd craft as could be brought into the lakes, and the
Anaconda, which, by the greatest exertions, had been got over
the shoal passages.
On tho ii2d, these vessels being filled with about 2400 men,
the advance, consisting of about 1600 mon, got into tho boats,
and, at eleven o'clock, the whole started, with a fair wind, to
cross Lm Borgne We had not, however, proceeded above
two miles when the Anaconda grounded, and the hired craft
and gun-vessels taking the ground in succession before they
had got within ton miles of the bayou ; the advance pushed
on, and at about midnight reached the entrance.
A piquet, which the eneiny had taken the precaution to
place thero, being surprised and cut off, major.general Keane,
with rear-ai!rairal Malcolm and the advance, moved up the
bayou, and haviug effected a landing at day-break, in the
course of the day was enabled to take up a position across fhe
main road to New Orleans, between the river Mississippi and
the bayou.
In this situation, about an hour after sun-set, and before the
boats could return with the second division, an enemy's schoo
ner of 14 guns, and an armed ship of 16-guns, having dropped
down the Mississippi, the forraer commenced a brisk cannon.
ading, wbich was followed up by an attack of tho whole of fhe
American army. Their troops were, however, beaten back,
and obliged to retire with considerable loss, and major-general
Keane advanced soraewhat beyond his forraer position. As
soon as the second division was brought up, the gun-vessels and
boats returned for the remainder of the troops, the small-armed
seamen and marines of the squadron, and such supplies as were
required. On the 25th, major-general sir E. Pakenham and raajor,
general Gibbs arrived at head-quarters, when the forraer took
command of the array.
The schooner which had continued at intervals to annoy the,
troops having been burnt, on the 27th, by hot shot from our

562 APPENDIX.
artillery, and the ship having warped farther up the river, the
following day the general moved forward to within gun.shot
of an entrenchment which the enemy had newly thrown up,
extending across the cultivated ground frora the Mississippi to
an impassable swampy wood on his left, a distance of about
1000 yards.
It being thought necessary to bring heavy artillery against this
work, and also against the ship which had cannonaded the army,
when advancing, guns were brought up from the shipping, and
on the 1st instant batteries were opened ; but our fire not
having the desired effect, the attack was defered until the
arrival of the troops under major.general Lambert, which were
daily expected.
Major.general Lambert, in the Vengeur, with a convoy of
transports, having on board the 7th and 43d regiments, reached
the outer anchorage on the 1st, and this reinforcement was all
brought up to the advance on the 6th iiistant, while prepara.
tions were making for a second attack, in the proposed plan
for which, it was decided to throw a body of men across the
river to gain possession of the enemy's guns on the right bank,
For-this purpose the canal by which we were enabled to conduct
provisions and stores towards the camp, was widened and
extended to the river, and about 60 barges, pinnaces, and
cutters, having, in the day.time of the 7th, been tracked under
cover and unperceived, close up to the bank, at night the
whole were dragged into the Mississippi, and placed under the
command of capfain Roberts of the Meteor.
The boats having grounded in the~canal, a diftance of SSO
yards frora the river, and the bank being composed of wet clay
thrown out of the canal, it was not until nearly day-light that
with the utmost possible exertions, fhis service was completed.
The 85th regiment, with a division of seamen under captain
Money, and a division of marines under major Adair, the whole
amounting to about 600 men, comraanded by colonel Thornton,
of the 85th regiraent, were embarked and landed on the right
bank of the river without opposition, just after day.light;
and the armed boats moving up the river as the troops advanced,
this part of the operations succeeded perfectly ; the enemy
having been driven from every position, leaving behind him 17
pieces of cannon.
The great loss, however, sustained by the principal attack
having Induced general Lambert to send orders to colonel
Thornton to retire, after spiking fhe guns and destroying the
carriages, the whole were re-embarked and brought back, arid
the boats by a similar process of hard labor were again dragged
jnto the canal, and from thence to the bayou, conveying at

APPENDIX. 553
the same time such of the wounded as it was thouglit requisito
to send off to the ships,
Major.general Lambert having determined to withdraw the
army, measures were taken to re.embark the whole of the
sick and wounded, thatit was possible to move, and the stores,
ammunition, ordnance, &c. with such detachments of the army,
seamen, and marines, as were not immediately wanted ; in
order that the remainder of the army may retire unincumbered,
and the last division be furnished with sufficient raeans of
transport. This arrangement being in a forward state of execution, I
quitted heacd.quarters on the 14th instant, leaving rear-admiral
Malcolm to conduct the naval part of the operations in that
quarter, and I arrived at this anchorage on the 16th, where I
am arranging for the reception of the army, and preparing the
fleet for further operations,
I must, in common with the nation, lament fhe loss which the
service has sustained by the death of major-general the honor-
able sir Edward Pakenham, and major.general Gibbs. Their
great miUtary qualities were justly estiraated while living, and
their zealous devodon to our country's welfare, will be cherished
as an example to future generations.
In justice to the officers and men of the squadron under my
command, who have been employed upon this expedition, I
cannot omit to call the attention of my lords commissioners of
the Admiralty to the laborious exertions and great privations
which have been willingly and cheerfully borne, by every class,
for a period of nearly six weeks.
From the 12th of December, when the boats proceeded to
the attack of the enemy's gun-vessels, to the present time, but
very few of tho officers or men have ever slept one night on
board their ships.
The whole of the army, with the principal part of its provi.
sions, its stores, artillery, ammunition, and the nuraerous neces.
sary appendages, havebeen all transported from the shipping to
the head of the bayon, a distance of 70 miles, chiefly in open
boats, and are now re-embarking by the same process. The
hardships, therefore, which the boats' crews have u.3dergone,
from their being kept day and night continually passing and
repassing in the most changeable and severe weather, have
rarely been equalled; and it has been highly honorable to both
services, and most gratifying to myself, to observe the emula.
tion and unanimity which has pervaded the whole.
Rear-admiral Malcolm superintended the disembarkation of
the array, and the various services performed by the boats; and
it is a duty that 1 fulfil with much pleasure, assuring their lord.
ships that his zeal and exertions upon every occasion could not

564 APPENDIX.
be surpassed by any one. I beg leave also to offer my testi.
mony to the unwearied and cheerful assistance afforded to the
rear-admiral by captains sir Thomas M. Hardy, Dashwood, and
Gordon, and the several captains and olher officers. Rear.
admiral Codrington 'accompanied rae throughout this service;
and I feel niuch indebted for his able advice and assistance.
Captain sir Thomas Troubridge, and the officers and seamen
attached undor his command to the army, have conducted
themselves much to fhe satisl'acfion of the generals coramanding.
Sir Thomas Troubridge speaks in the highest terms of the cap.
tains and other officers employed undor him, as named in his
letter, (a copy of which is enclosed,) reporting their services.
He particularly mentions captain Money, of the Trav?, who,
I am much concerned to say, had both bones of his leg broken
by a musket-shot, advancing under a heavy firo to the attack of
a battery that was afterwards carried. Tbe conduct of captain
Money at Washington, and near Baltimore, where he was
eraployed with the army, having before occasioned my noticing
him to their lordships, 1 beg leave now to recommend him most
strongly to their protection. The wound that he has received
not afi'ording him any probability of his being able to return to
his duty for a considerable time, I have given hira leave of
absence to go to England; and shall intrust to him my des.
patches. I have not yet received any official report from the captain
of the Nymphe, which ship, with the vessels nan ed in the
margin,* were sent into the Mississippi, to create a diversion in
that quarter.
The bombs have been for sorae days past throwing shells
into fort Placquemain, but 1 fear without much effect. — 1 have
sent to recall such of thera as are not required for the blockade
of fhe river. I have the honor to be, &c.
ALEXANDER COCHRANE,
vice-admiral, and comraander in chief.
J. Wilson Croker, esq. &c.
00 000000 0 000000

No. 100.
Return of casualties on the Sth of January, 1815,
General staff ; — 1 major-general, 1 capt/iin, killed; 2 major-gene.
rais, 1 captain, 1 lieuteuant, wounded. '
Royal artiUe?-y; — 5 rank and file, killed ; 10 rank and file, wounded.
Royal engineers, sappers, and miners; — 3 rank and file, wounded.
* Nymphe, Herald, jEtna, Meteor, Thistle, Pigmy, ^

APPENDIX. 555
ith foot ;—l ens\gn, 2 serjeants, 39 rank and file, killed; 1 lieute
nant-colonel, 1 major, 5 captains, 11 lieutenants, 4 ensigns, 1 staff, 9
Serjeants, 222 rank and file, wounded; 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 53 rank
and file, missing.
7thfoot;—l major, 1 captaia, 1 serjeant, 38 rank and file, killed ; 2
captains, 2 lieutenants, 2 serjeants, 47 rank and and file, woumled.
Sist foot; — 1 major, 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 Serjeants, 65 rank and
file, killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 2 lieutenants, 6 serjeants, 1
drummer, 144 rank and file, wounded ;' 2 captains, 7 lieutenants, 8 ser-
jeants, 2 drummers, 21T rank and filej missing,
43rf/oof;-— 2 Serjeants, 1 drummer, 8 rank and file, killed ; 2 lieute
nants, 3 serjeants, 3 drummers, 34 rank and file, wounded ; 1 captain,
5 rank and file, missing.
nth foot ; — 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 32 rank and file,
killed ; 1 captain, 5 lieutenants, 3 ensigns, 5 serjeants, 149 rank and
file, wounded ; 1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 1 drummer, 76 rank and file,
missing. 85th foot ; — 2 rank and file, killed; 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 lieute
nant, 3 serjeants, 2 drummers, 34 rank and file, wounded ; 1 rank and
file, missing.
93d foot ;^-l lieutenant-colonel, 2 captains, 2 serjeants, 58 rank and
file, killed; 4 captains, 5 lieutenants, 17 serjeants, 3 drummers, 348
rank and file, wounded; 3 lieutenants, 2 serjeants, 1 drummer, 99 rank
and file, missing.
9Sthfoot; — I Serjeant, 10 rank anrt file, killed; 2 captains, 5 lieute
nants, S Serjeants, 89 rank and lile, wounded.
Royalmarines; — 2 rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1
Serjeant, 12 rank and tile, wonnded.
Royal navy ^—S seamen, killed; 1 captain, 18 seamen, wounded.
Iij/ West JHA'a regime^j*;— 5 rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 2 lieti-
lenants, 2 ensigns, 2 serjeants, 16 rank and file, wounded; 1 rank and
file, missing.
Sth West India regiment ; — 1 serjeant, wounded.
Total loss— 1 major-general, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 5 cap
tains, 2 lieutenants, 2 ensigns, 11 serjeants, 1 drummer, 266
rank and rile, killed ; 2 miijor-generals, 3 lieutenant-colonels, 2
majors, I8captains,38 lieutenants, Oensigns, 1 staff, 3 4serjeants,
9 drummers, 1126 rank and file, wounded; 3 captains, 12 lieu
tenants, 13 serjeants, 4 drummers, 452 rank and file, missing.
Names of the officers killed, wounded, and missing.
Killed.
Genera/ s/ajf;— Major-general tbe honorable sir Edward Pakenham,
K. B. conimandtT of the forces; captain Tbomas Wilkinson, 85tb regir
raent, major of brigade.
ith foot ; — Ensign William Crowe.
r<A/oo/;— Major George King; captain George Henry.
aisfjoof;— Major John Anthony Whittaker; captain Robert Renny;
(lieutenant-colnnel ;) and lieutenant Donald M'Donald.
44iA./oo<;— Lieutenant Rowland Davies, ensign M. M'Loskey.
gSrfj'bo/ ;— Lieutenant-colonel Robert Dale; captain Thomas Ilick-.
ins, and captain Alexander Muirhead.

sss APPENDIX. Wounded,
General s<ajf;— Major-general Gibbs, severely ; (since dead ;) major.
general Keane, severely; captain Henry Tbomas Shaw, (4tb foot, liri.
gade-major,) slightly; lieutenant Delacy Evans, (3d dragoons, deputy
assistant-quarter-inaster-general,) severely.
ith foot ; — Lieutenant-colonel Francis Brooke, slightly ; major A. D.
Faunce, (lieutenant-colonel,) severely; captain Johu Williamson, (ma-
jor,) severely ; captain Timothy Jones, (lieutenant-colonel,) severely ;
(since dead ;) captain John Wynn Fletcher, severely ; captain Robert
Erskine, severely; captain David S.Craig, slightly; lieutenants Elhs,
Parnal Hopkins, and Jeffery Salvin, slightly; lieutenants Wifliam Henry
Brooke, Benjamin Martin, and George Richardson, severely; lieute-
Hants Peler Boulby, and G. H. Hearne, slightly; lieutenants William
Squire, Charles Henry Farrington, James Marshall, and Henry Andrews,
severely; ensign Arthur Gerrard, slightly; ensign Thomas Benwell,
severely; ensigns John S. Fernandez, and Edward Newton, slightly;
lieutenant and adjutant William Richardson, sbghtly.
7th foot; — Captain J. J. A Mullins, slightly; captain W. Edward
Page, severely; lieutenant Mathew Higgins, severely; lieutenant
Charles Lorentz, slightly. '
Sist foot ; — Lieutenant-colonel William Patterson, (colonel,) severely;
(not dangerously;) Major Alexander James Ross, severely; lieutenant
John Waters, severely ; second lieutenant Alexander Geddes, severely.
i3dfoot i — Lieutenant John Myricke, severely ; (left leg amputated;)
lieutenant Duncan CampbeU, severely.
athfoot; — Captain llenry Debbeig, (lieutenant-colonel,) slightly;
lieutenant William Maclean, slightly; heutenants Robert Smith, Henry
Brush, Richard Phelan, and William Jones, severely ; ensigns Jaraes
White, B. L. Hayden, and John Donaldson, severely.
85th foot ;— -Lieutenant-colonel William Thornton, (colonel,) se.
verely (not dangerously).
QZdfoot; — Captains Richard Ryan, P. O. K. Boulger, Alexander
M'Kenzie, and Henry Ellis, severely; lieutenants H. H. M'Lean, Ri.
chard Sparke, and David M'Pherson, slightly ; lieutenants Charles
Gordon, and John Hay, severely.
95th foot ;— Captain James Travers, severely ; captain Nicholas Tra
vers, slightly ; lieutenants John Reynolds, sir John Ribton, John Gos-
sett, W. Blackhouse, and Robert Barker, severely.
Royal marines; — Captain Gilbert Elliott, slightly; lieutenants Henry
Elliott, and Charles Morgan, shghlly.
1st West India regiment; — Captain Isles, severely; lieutenants
M'Donald and Morgan, severely; ensign Millar, slightly; ensign Pii.
kington, severely.
Royal navy ; — Captain Money, of his majesty's ship Trave, severely ;
Kiidshipman Mr. Woolcombe, Tonnant, severely.
93d foot; — Volunteer Jobn Wilson, slightly.
Missing.
'4thfoot; — Lieutenant Edmund Field, severely, wounded and taken
prisoner. Sist foot ; — Captain James M'Haffie; (major;) captain Archibald
Kidd; lieutenants James Stewart, and Alexander Armstrong, taken
prisoners; lieutenant James Brady, wounded, and taken prisoner;

APPENDIX. , 557
lieutenant John Leavock, taken prisoner; lieutenant Ralph Carr,
wounded, and taken prisoner; lieutenant J. S. M. Fonblanque, taken
prisoner ; second lieutenant Peter Quin, wounded, and taken prisoner.
43rf/oo<;— Captain Robert Simpson, severaly, wounded, and taken
prisoner. athfoot; — Lieutenant Wifliam Knight.
_93rf/oof;— Lieutenants George Munro, John M'Donald, and Benja-
min Graves, severely wounded; volunteer B. Johnston.
FRED STOVIN, lieut..col. dep..adj..gen.

No. 101.
From major-gen. Jackson to the American secretary at war.
Camp, four miles below Orleans,
Sir, January 9, 1815.
During the days of the 6th and 7th^ the enemy had been
actively employed in making preparations for an attack upon
my lines. With inflnite 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 hadeffecteii
their disembarkation. It had not been in my power to impede
these operations by a general attack — addecl to other reasons,
the natnre of the troops under my command, mostly militia,
rendered it too hazardous to attempt extensive offensive move
ments in an open country, against a numerous and welLdisci--
plined army. Although my forces, as to number, had been
increased by the arrival of the Kentucky division, my strength
had received very little addition : a sraall portion only of that
detachment being provided with arras. Compelled thus to
wait the attack of the enemy, I took every measure to repel it
when it should be made, and to defeat the object he had in
viw. "General Morgan, with the Orleans contingent, the Louisi.
ana militia, and a strong detachment of the Kentucky troops,
occupied an intrenched carap on the opposite side of the river,
protected by strong batteries on the bank, erected and superin.
tended by commodore Patterson.
In my encampraent every thing was ready for action, when
early on the morning of the Sth the eneray, after throwing a
heavy shower of borabs and Congreve rockets, advanced their
columns on my right and left, to storm ray intrenchments. I
cannot speak sufficiently in praise of the firmness and delibera.
tion 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 the sraall arms was as incessant and
severe as can be iraagined. The artillery, too, directed by

558 APPENDIX.
officers who displayed equal skill and courage, did great execU-
tion. Yet the colurans of the enemy continued to advance with
a firmness which reflects npon them the greatest credit. Twice
the column which approached me on my left was repulsed by
the troops of general Carroll, those of general Coffee and a
division of the Kentucky militia, and twice they forraed again,
and renewed the assault. At length, however, cut to pieces,
.they fled in confusion frora the field, leaving it covered with
their dead and wounded. The loss which the enemy sustained
on this occasion cannot be estimated at less than 1500 in killed,
wounded, and prisoners. Upwards of 300 have already been
delivered over for burial ; and my men are still engaged in pick.
ing thera up within my lines, and carrying them to fhe point
where the enemy are to receive thera. This is in addition to
the dead and wounded whora the enemy have been enabled to
carry from the field during and since the action, and to those
who have since died of the wounds they received. We have
taken about 500 prisoners, upwards of 300 of whom are
wounded, and a great part of them mortally. My loss has not
exceeded, and I believe has not amounted, to 10 killed, and as
many wounded. The entire destruction of the enemy's army
was now inevitable, had it not been for an unfortunate occur.
rence, which at this moment took place on the other side of
the river. Simultaneously with his advance upon my lines, he
had thrown over in his boats a considerable force to the other
side of the river. These having landed, were hardy enough to
advance against the works of general Morgan ; and, what is
strange and difficult to account for, at the very moraent when
their entire discomfiture was looked for with a confidence ap.
proaching to certainty, the Kentucky reinforcements, in whom
so much reliance had been placed, ingloriously fled, drawing
after them, by their exaraple, the remainder of the forces; and
thus yielding to the enemy that raost formidable position. The
batteries which had rendered me, for many days, the most
important service, though bravely defended, wore, of course,
now abandoned; not, however, uutil tho guns had been spiked.
This unfortunate rout had totally changed the aspect of
affairs. The eneray now occupied a position from which they
might annoy us without hazard, and by moans of which they
niight have been able to defeat, in a great measure, the effecti
of our success on this side the river. It became therefore an
object of the first consequence to dislodge him as soon as pos.
sible. For this object, all the means in ray powor, which I
could with any safety use, were immediately put in preparation.
Perhaps, however, it was owing soraewhat to another cause
that 1 succeeded even beyond my expectations. In negociating
the terms of a temporary suspension of hostilities, to enable the

APPENDIX. 659
enemy to bury their dead, and provide for their wounded, I had
required certain propositions to be acceeded to as a basis,
among which this was one— that, although hostilities should
cease on ihis side the river until 12 o'clock of this day, yet it
was not to be understood that they should cease on the other
side ; but that no reinforcements should be sent across by either
army uritil the expiration of that day. His excellency major.
general Lambert begged time to consider of those propositions
until ten o'clock of to-day, and in the raean time re-crossed
his troops. 1 need not tell you with how much eagerness I
immediately regained possession of the position he had thus
happily quitted.
The eneray having concentrated his forces, may again attempt
to drive me from my position by storm. Whenever he does, I
have no doubt my men will act with their usual firmness, and
sustain a character now become dear to thera.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ANDREW JACKSON.

No, 102.
From commodore Patterson to the American secretary of ihe
navy.
Marine battery, five miles below New Orleans,
Sir January 13, 1815.
I have the honor to inform you, that during the 2d and 3d
instant, I landed from the ship and mounted, as the former
ones, on the banks of the river, fonr more 12.pounders, and
erected a furnace for heating shot, to destroy a number of
buildings which intervened between gi-neral Jackson's lines and
the camp of the enemy, and occupied by him. On the evening
of the 4th I succeeded in firing a number of them, and some
rice stacks, by ray hot shot, which the enemy attempted to ex
tinguish, notwithstanding the heavy fire I kept up, but which at
length compelled them to desist. On the 6th and 7th 1 erected
another furnace, and mounted on the banks of the river two
more 24-pounders, which had been brought up from the English
Turn by the exertions of colonel Caldwell, of the drafted
militlL of this state, and brought within, and mounted on the
intrenchments on this side the river, ono 12-poundor ; in addi
tion to which geueral Morgan, commanding the militia on this
side planted two brass 6-pound field-pieces in his lines, which:
were incomplete, having been commenced only on <he 4th.
These three pieces were the only cannon on the linos, all the
others being mounted on the bank of the river, with a view to

660 APPENDIX.
aid the right of general Jackson's lines on the opposite shore,
and to flank the enemy, should they attempt to march up the
road leading along the levee, or erect batteries on the same, of
course could render no aid in defence of general Morgan's
lines. My battery was manned in part from the crew of the
ship, and in part by militia detailed for that service by general
Morgan, as I had not seamen enough to fully man them.
During the greater part of the 7th, reconnoitred the enemy
at Villere's plantation, whose canal, I was inforraed, they were
deepening and opening to the river, for the purpese of getting
their launches in, which, upon exaraination with ray glass, I found
to be true, and informed general Jackson of ray observations by
letters, copies of which 1 enclose herewith ; a reinforcement to
general Morgan's militia was raade in consequence, consisting
of about 400 railitia frora Kentucky, very badly armed or
equipped, the general not having arms to furnish them, who
arrived on this side on the morning of the Sth, much fatigued.
At I A. M. finding that the enemy had succeeded in launching
their barges into the river, I despatched my aide de camp, Mr.
R. D. Shepherd, to inforra general Jackson of the circumstance,
and that a very uncommon stir was observed in the enemy's
camp and batteries on the banks of the river, and stating again
the extreme weakness of this side the river, and urging a rein
forcement. I would have immediately dropped down with the
Louisiana upon their barges; but to do so I must have with
drawn all the raen from the battery on shore, which I deemed
of the greatest iraportance, and exposed the vessel to fire by
hot shot from fhe enemy's batteries, raounting six long 18-poun.
ders, which protected their barges ; and at this time she had on
board a large quantity of powder, for the supply of her own
guns, and those on shore, most of which was above the surface
of the water, consequently exposed to their hot shot.
General Morgan despatched the Kentuckians immediately on
their arrival, about 5 A.M. fo reinforce a party which had
been sent out early on the night of the 7th, to watch and
oppose the landing of the enemy, but who retreated after a few
shot from fhe enemy within the lines, where they were immedi.
ately posted in their station on the extreme right. At day.
light the eneray opened a heavy connonade upon general Jack.
son's lines and ray battery, leading their troops under cover of
their cannon fo the assault of the lines, v^'hich they attempted
on the right and left, but principally on the latter wing; they
were raet by a most tremendous and incessant fire of artillery
and musketry, which corapelled them to retreat with precipita.
tion ; leaving the ditch filled, and the field strewed with their
de.-id and wounded. My battery was opened upon them, simul.
taneously with those from our lines, flanking the enemy both

APPENDIX, 661
in his advance and retreat with round, grape, and canister,
which must have proved extremely destructive, as in their haste
and confusion to retreat they crowded the top of the levee,
affording us a most advantageous opportunity for the use of
grape and canister, which I used to the greatest advantage.
While thus engaged with the enemy on the opposite shore, I
was informed that thoy had effected their landing on this side,
and were advancing to general Morgan's breast.work, I imme.
diately ordered the officers in command of my guns to turn them
in their embrazures, and point them to protect general Morgan's
right wing, whose lines not extending to the swarap, and those
weakly raanned, I apprehended the eneray's outflanking hira on
that wing ; which order was proraptly executed by captain
Henley and the officers stationed at the battery, under a heavy
and well directed fire of shot and shells frora the enemy on the
opposite bank of the river. At this time the enemy's force had
approached general Morgan's lines, under the cover of a shower
of rockets, and charged in despite of the fire from the l-2.poun.
der and field.pieces mounted on the lines as before stated ;
when in -a few minutes I had the extreme mortification aud
chagrin to observe general Morgan's right wing, composed, as
herein mentioned, of the Kentucky militia, commanded by
major Davis, abandon their breast.work, and flying in a most
shameful and dastardly manner, almost without a shot; which
disgraceful example, affer firing a few rounds, was soon fol.
lowed by the wnole of general Morgan's coramand, notwith.
standing every exertion was made by him, his staff, and several
officers of the city militia, to keep fhera to their posts. By
the great exertions of those officers, a short stand was effected
on the field, when a discharge of rockets frora the eneray
caused thera again to retreat in such a manner that no efforts
could stop them.
Finding myself thus abandoned by the force I relied upon fo
protect my battery, 1 was raost reluctantly, and with inexpres
sible pain, alter destroying ray powder, and spiking niy cannon,
compelled fo abandon them, having only 30 officers and seamen
with me. A part of the militia were rallied at a saw-mill canal,
about two miles above the lines from which they had fled, and
there encamped. I ordered the Louisiana to be warped up for
the purpose of procuring a supply of ammunition, and mount.
ing other ra,nnon, remaining myself to aid general Morgan. A
large reinforcement of militia having been immediately despatch.
ed by general Jackson to this side, every arrangement was made
by general Morgan to dislod-e the enemy from his position,
when he precipitately retreated, carrying with him the two
field.pieces and a brass howitz, after having first set fire to the
platforms and gun-carriages on my battery, two saw-niills, and
VOL. II. O O

562 APPENDIX.
the bridges between him and general Morgan's troops, and
re.crossedthe river, and secured his boats, by hauling thera into
his canal. On the Qth we re-occupied oar forraer ground, and
recovered all the cannon in my battery, which I iraraediately
commenced drilling and re.mounting ; and on fhe evening of the
loth had two 21. pounders mounted and ready for service, on
the left flank of a new and more advantageous position. From
the lOth to the present date I have been much engaged in
mounting my 12-pounders along tha breast- work erected by
general Morgan on this new position, having three 24-poun
ders (with a furnace) to front the river, and flank general
Jackson's lines on the opposite bank, from wbich we fired upon
the enemy wherever he appeard. Our present position is now
so sfrong that there is nothing to apprehend, should the enemy
make another attempt on this side.
To' captain Henley, who has been with me since the destruc.
tion of his schooner, and wbo was wonnded on the Stb, I am
much indebted for his aid on every occasion, and to the officers
commanding the different guns in my battery, for their great
exertions at all times, but particularly on the trying event of the
Sth. The exertions of general Morgan, his stafl', and several
of the officers of the city militia, excited my highest respect,
and I deem it my duty to say, that had the drafted and city
militia been alone on that day, that I believe they would have
done much better ; but the flight of the Kentuckians paralized
their exertions, and produced a retreat, which coultl ;iot be
checked. The two brass field.pieces, raanned entirely by militia
of the city, were admirably served, nor vvere they abandoned
till deserted by their comrades, oneof which was commanded by
Mr. Hosmer, of captain Simpson's cora])any, the other by a
Frenchraan, whose name I know not. The 12-pounder, under
the direction of acting midshipman Philibert, was served till
the last moment, did great execution, and is highly extolled by
general Morgan. The force of the enemy on this side amounted
to ICOO men, and, from the best authority I can obtain, their
loss on this side, I have since learned, was 97 killed and
wounded; among the latter is colonel Thornton, who com.
manded ; of fhe former, five or six have been discovered buried,
and lying upon the field; our loss was one man killed, and
several wounded, I have the honor to be, &c,
DANIEL T. PATTERSON.

APPENDIX. £63
No. 103.
Report ofthe killed, wounded, and missing, ofthe army under
the command of major-general Anfirew Jackson, in the
action of the iiih of January, 1815. '
KiWerf;— Artillery, navy, and volunteers at batteries, 3 privates • rth
United States' infantry, 1 serjeant, I corporal; general Coffee's bri.
gade, I private ; Carroll's division, 1 seijeant, 3 privates ; Kentucky
mibtia, I private; majors Lacoste's and Dacquin's volunteers of coloui^
1 private; general Morgan's militia, 1 private. '
Tot,iI kifled— 13.
Wounded;— AriMery. &c. 1 private; 7th United States' infantry 1
private; general Carroll's division, 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 6 privates •
Kentucky militia, 1 adjutant, 1 corporal, and 10 privates; volunteers of
colour, 1 ensign, 3 serjeants, 1 corporal, 3 privates; general Morgan's
militia, 2 Serjeants, 2 privates.
Total wounded — 39.
Missing; — Kentucky mihtia, 4 privates; Mogan's militia, 15 privates!
Total— 19. "^
Total killed, wounded, and missing, tbis day — 71.
Note — Of the killed, wounded, and missing, on this day, but 6 killed,
and 7 wounded, in tbe action on the east bank of the river, tbe residue
in a sortie after the action, and in the action on the west bank.
Recapitulation.
Total killed, 55 ; wounded, 185 ; missing, 93 : grand total, 333.
Truly reported from those on file in this office.
ROBERT BUTLER,

No, 104,
From major-general Jackson to the American secretary at war.
Camp, four miles below New Orleans,
Sir, January 19, 1815.
Last night, at 12 o'clock, the enemy precipitately decamped
and returned to his boats, leaving behind him, under medical
attendance, 80 of his wounded, including two officers, 14
pieces of his heavy iirtillery, and a quantity of shot, having
•destroyed much of his powder. Such was the situation of the
ground which he abandoned, and of that through which he
retired, protected by canals, redoubts, entrenchments, and
swamps on his right, and the river on his left, that I could not,
without encountering a risk, which true policy did not seem to
o o 2

561 APPENDIX.
require or to authorize, atterapt to annoy him much on his
retreat. We took only eight prisoners.
Whether it is the purpose of the enemy to abandon the ex.
pedition altogether, or renew his efforts at sorae other point,
I do not pretend to deterraine with positiveness. In ray own
mind, however, there is but little doubt that his last exertions
have been made in this quarter, at any rate for the present sea.
son, and by the next I hope we shall bo fully prepared for hira.
In this belief I am strenglhened not only by the prodigious loss
he has sustained at the position be has just quitted, but by the
failure of his fleet to pass fort St. Philip.
His loss on this ground, since fhe debarkation of his troops,
as stated by the last prisoners and deserters, and as confirmed by
many additional circurastances, must have exceeded 4000 ; and
was greater in the action of the Sth than was estimated, from
the most correct data then in his possession, by the inspector-
general, whose report has been forwarded to you. We sue.
ceeded, on the 8th, in getting from the enemy about 1000
stand of arms of various descriptions.
Since tho action of the Sth, t'le enemy have been allowed
very little respite — my artillery from both sides of thfe river
being constantly employed till the night, and indeed nntil the
hour of their retreat, in annoying thora. No doubt fhey
thought it quite tirae to quit a position in wbich so little rest
could be found.
I am advised by major Overton, who coramands at fort St.
Philip, in a letter of the 18th, thatthe enemy having bombarded
his fort for eight or nine days, from 13-inch mortars without
effect, had on the morning of that day retired. I have little
doubt that he would have been able to have sunk their vessels,
had fhey atterapted to run by.
Giving the proper weight to all these considerations, I believe
you will not think me too sanguine in fhe belief that Louisiana
is now clear of its enemy. I hope, however, I noodnot assure
you, that wherever I coramand, such a belief shall never occa.
sion any relaxation in the measures for resistance. I am but
too sensible that the moment when the enemy is opposing us,
is not the raost proper to provide for them.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ANDREW JACKSON.
P.S. On the 10th our prisoners on shore were delivered to
us, an exchange baving been previously agreed to. Those who
are on board the fleet wili be delivered at Petit Coquille — after
whicb I shall still h.ave in my hands au excess of several
hundred. 20th — Mr. Shields, purser in the navy, has to-day taken 54
prisoners; araong thein are four officers. A. J,

APPENDIX. £65
No. 105,
From Major-general Lambert to earl Bathurst.
His majesty's ship Tonnant, off Chandeleur's
My Lonn, Island, January 28, 1815.
After maturely deliberating on the situation cf this army,
afterthe command had unfortunately devolved upon rae, onthe
Sth instant, and duly considering what probability now remained
of carrying ou with success, on the same plan,' an attack
against iVew Orleans, it appeared to me that it ought not to be
persisted in. 1 immediately communicated to vice-admiral sir
A. Cochrane that I did not think it would be prudent to make
any further attempt at present, and that 1 recomraended re.
embarking the army a> soon as possible, with a view to carry
into effect the other objects of the force employed upon this
coast; from the 9fh instant it was determined that fhe army
should retreat, and 1 have the satisfaction of informing your
lordship that it was effected on the night of the 18th instant,
and ground was taken up on t'^e morning of the 19fh, on both
sides of tbe bayou, or creek, which thetroops had entered on
their disembarkation, 14 miles from their position before the
enemy's line, covering Now Orleans, on the left bank of the
Mississippi, and one mile from the entrance into Lac Borgue:
the army remained in bivouac until the 27th instant, when the
whole were re-embarkcd.
In stating the circumstances of this retreat to your lordship,
I shall confidently trust that you will seo that good order and
discipline ever existed in this army, and that zeal for the service,
and attention was ever conspicuous in officers of all ranks.
Your lordship is already acquainted with tho position the array
occupied, its advanced post close up to tho enemy's line, and the
greater part of the array were exposed to the fire of his batte-
ries, which was unreraitting day and night since the 1st of Janu.
ary, when the position in advance was taken up ; the retreat
was effected without being harassed in any degree by the enemy ;
all the sick and wounded, (with the exception of 80 whom it
was considered dangerous to remove,) field artillery, ammuni
tion, hospital and other stores of every do-cription, which had
been landed on a very large scale, were brought away, and
nothing fell into the enemy's hands, excepting .-ix iron 18-poun.
ders, mounted on sea- carriages, and two carronades which
were in position on the left bank of the Mississippi ; to bring
them off at the raoment the army was retiring was impossible,
and to have done it previously would have exposed the whole
force to any fire the enemy might have sent down the river.

666 APPENDIX,
These batteries were of course destroyed, and the guns rendered
perfectly unserviceable ; only four men were reported absent
next morning, and these, I suppose, must have been left be.
hind, and have fallen into the hands of the enemy ; but when it
is considered the troops were in perfect ignorance of the move.
ment until a fixed hour during the night, that the battalions
were drawn off in succession, and that the piquets did not
move off till half past three o'clock in the morning, and that
the whole had to retire through the most difficult new made
road, cut in marshy ground, impassable for a horse, and
where, in many places, the men could only go in single files,
and that the absence of men might be accounted for in so many
ways, it would be rather a matter of surprise the number was
so few.
An exchange of prisoners has been effected with the enemy
upon very fair terms, and their attention to the brave prisoners
and wounded that have fallen into their hands has been kind
and humane, I have every reason to believe.
However unsuccessful the terraination of the late service
the army and navy have been employed upon, has turned ouf,
it would be injustice not to point out how much praise is due
to their exertions, ever since fhe 13th of Deceraber, when the
army began to move from the ships, the fatigue of disembarking
and bringing up artillery and supplies from such a distance has
been incessant, and I must add, that owing to the exertions of
the navy, the army has never wanted provisions. The labor
and fatigue of the searaen and soldiers were particularly con.
spicuous on the night of the 7th instant, when 50 boats were
dragged through a canal into the Mississippi, in which there
were only 18 inches of water, and I am confident that vice.
admiral sir Alexander Cochrane, who suggested the possibility
of this operation, will be equally ready to admit this, as well
as the hearty co-operation of the troops on all occasions.
From what has come under my own observation since I
joined this array, and from official reports that have been made
to mo, 1 beg to call your lordship's attention to individuals,
who frora their station have rendered themselves peculiarly
conspiruous : major Forrest, at the head of the quarter.
master-general's departraent, I cannot say too rauch of; lieu.
tenants Evans and Peddie, of fhe same, have been remarkable
for their exeitions and indefatigability : sir John Tylden, who
has acted in the field as assistant adjutant.general with me,
(lieutenant-colonel Stovin having been wounded on the 23(1
ulf. though doing well, nof as yet being permitted to take active
service,) has been very useful ; on the night of the 7th, previous
to the attack, rear-admiral Malcolm reports the great assist
ance he received from him, in forwarding the boats into the

APPENDIX. 567
Mississippi. Captain Wood, of the 4th regiment, deputy
assistant adjutant.general, has filled that situtation since the
first disembarkation of the troops with zeal and attention.
During the action of the Sth instant the command of the 2d
brigade devolved upon lieutenant.colonel Brooke, 4fh regi.
ment; that of the 3d upon colonel Hamilton. Sth West India
regiment; and the reserve upon colonel Blakeney, royal fusi.
leers; to all these officers 1 feel much indebted for their services.
Lieutenant.colonel Dickson, royal artillery, has displayed his
usual abilities and assiduity ; he reports to me his general satis.
faction of all the officers under his coraraand, especially major
Munro, senior officer of the royal artillery, previous to his
arrival, andof the officers coraraanding corapanies.
Lieutenant.colonel Burgoyne, royal engineers, afforded rae
every assistance that could be expected from his known talents
and experience; that service lost a very valuable and much
esteemed officer in lieutenant Wright, who was killed when re.
connoitring on tho evening of the 31st ultimo.
Lieutenant-colonel Mein, of the 43d, and lieutenant-colonel
Gubbins, 85th regiments, field-officers of the piquets on the
18th, have great credit for the mannor in which they withdrew
the out-posts on the morning of the 19th, under the direction
x>f colonel Blakeney, royal fusileers.
I request, in a particular manner, to express how rauch this
army is indebted to the attention and diligence of Mr. Robb,
deputy inspector of hospitals; he met the embarrassraents of
crowded hospitals, and their imraediate removal, with such
excellent arrangeraents, that the wounded was all brought off
with every favorable circurastance, except such cases as would
have rendered their removal dangerous.
• Captain sir Thomas Troubridge, royal navy, who com.
manded a battalion of searaen, and who was attached to act
with the troops, rendered the greatest service by his exertions
in whatever way they were required; colonel Dickson, royal
artillery, particularly mentions how much he was indebted to
him. The conduct of the two squadrons of the 14th light dra
goons, latterly under the comraand of lieutenant.colonelv
Baker, previously of major Mills, has been the admiration of
every one, by the cheerfulness wifh which they have performed
all descriptions of service, i must also mention the exertions
of the royal staff corps under major Todd, so reported by the
deputy quarter.master-general.
Permit me to add the obligations I am under to my personal
staff, lieutenant the honorable Edward Curzon, of the royal
navy, who was selected as naval aide do camp to the command-
ing oflicer of the troops on their first disembarkation, each of

568 APPENDIX.
whom have expressed the satisfaction they had in his appoint
ment, to which I confidently add my own.
Major Sraith, of the 95th regiraent, now as acting military
secretary, is so well known for his zeal and talents, that I can
with great truth say that I think he possesses every qualification
to render him hereafter one of the brightest ornaments of his
profession. I cannot conclude without expressing how raucb indebted the
army is to rear.admiral Malcolra, who had thi iraraediate charge
of landing and re-embarking the troops ; he remained on shore
to the last, and by his abilities and activity smoothed every
difficulty. 1 have the honor to be, &C-
JOHN LAMBERT,
Right hon. earl Bathurst, &c. major.gentral command.
P. S. I regret to have to report, that during the night of the
25th, in very bad weather, a boat containing two officers, viz.
lieutenant Brydges and cornet Hammond, with 37 of the 14th
light dragoons, unfortunately fell into the hands of the enemy,
off the raouth of the Regolets : I have not been able to ascertain
correctly the particular circumstances.

No. 106.
Return of casualties between the 9th and Wth January, 1815.
43d foot; — 1 rank and file, killed; liieutenant, 1 serjeant, 2 rank
and file, wounded.
SSthf'ot ; — 1 rank and file, wounded.
Total — 1 rank and file, killed; liieutenant, 1 seijeant, 3 rank
and file, wounded. Officer wounded.
iSdfoot; — Lieutenant D'Arcy, severelv (both legs amputated).
FRED. STOVIN,
lieut.-col. dep. adj.-gen.

000 000 00 00000 0 0

No. 107.
From major Overton to major-general Jackson.
Sir, Fort St. Philip, January 19, 1815.
On the 1st of the present month, 1 received information that
the enemy intended passing this fort, to co-operate with their
land forces, in tho sulijugation of Louisiana, and the destruc.
tion of the city of New Orleans. To effect this with raore fa.
cility, they were first with their heavy borab.vessels to borabard
this place into compliance. On the grounds of this informa-^
tion, I turned my attention to the security of my coraraand : I
erected small magazines in different parts of the garrison, that if

APPENDIX. 569
one blew up I could resort to another; built covers for my
men, to secure thera frora the explosion of the shells, and
removed the combustible matter without the work. Early in
the day of the Sth instant, I was advised of their approach, and
on the 9th, at a quarter past 10 A. M. hove in sight two
borab.vessels, one sloop, one brig, and one schooner, they
anchored two and a quarter railes below. At half past f l. and
at half past 12, they advanced two barges, apparently for the
purpose of sounding within one and a half mile of the fort ; at
this raoraent 1 ordered my water battery, under the command
of lieutenant Cunningham, of the navy, to open upon them.
Its 'well-directed shot caused a precipitate retreat. At half past
three o'clock P. M. the enemy's borab.vessels opened tbeir fire
from four sea-mortars, two of 13 inches, two of 10, and to
my great mortification I found they wero without the effective
range of my shot, as many subsequent experiments proved;
they continued their fire witb littlo interraission duringthe 10th,
llth, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th. I occasionally
opened my batteries on them with great vivacity, particularly
when they showed a disposition to change their position. On
the 17th in the evening, our heavy mortar was said to be in
readiness. I ordered that excellent officer captain Wolstone.
croft, of the artillerists, who previously had charge of it, to
open a fire, which was done with great efi'ect, as the enemy
from that moraent becarae disordered, and at day-light on the
18th coraraenced their retreat, after having thrown upwards of
1000 heavy shells, besides sraall shells, from howitzers, round
shot, and grape, which he discharged from boats under cover
of the night.
Our loss in this affair has been uncomraonly sraall, owing
entirely to the great pains that was taken by the different
officers to keep their raon under cover; as the enemy left
scarcely 10 feet of this garrison untouched.
The officers and soldiers through this whole affair, although
nine days and nights under arms in the difierent batteries, the
consequent fatigue and loss of sleep, have manifested the
greatest firmness and the most zealous warmth to bo at the
enemy. To distinguish individuals would be a delicate task, as
merit was conspicuous every where. Lieutenant Cunningham,
of the navy, who comraanded my water battery, with his brave
crew, evinced the most determined bravery and uncommon
activity throughout; and, in fact, sir, the only thing to be
regretted is, that the enemy was too tiraid to give us an oppor-
tunity of dstroying him.
I herewith enclose you a list of the killed and wounded.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
W. H. OVERTON.

570 APPENDIX.

No. 108.
A list of the killed and wounded during the bombardment of
fort St, PhiUp, commencing on the Qth, and ending on the
ISth of Janury, 1815.
Captain Woolstonecioft's artillerv — Wounded, 3.
Captain Murry's artillery — Killed, 2 ; wounded, 1.
Captain Bronten's infantry — Wounded, 1.
Captain Wade's infantry — Wounded, 2. ,
Total killed, 2; wounded, 7.

No. 109,
From major-general Lambert to earl Bathurst.
Head.quarters, Isle Dauphine, Feb. 14, 1815,
My lord,
My despatch, dated January 29th, will have informed your
lordship of there-embarkation of this force, which was com.
pleted on the SOth ; the weather came on so bad on that night,
and continued so until the 5th of February, that no communii
cation could be held with the ships at the inner anchorage, a
distance of about 17 miles.
It being agreed between vice-admiral sir Alexander Cochrane
and myself that operations should be carried towards Mobile,
it was decided that a force should be sent against Fort.Bowyer,
situated on the eastern point of the entrance of the bay, and
from every information that could be obtained, it was considered
a brigade would be enfficient for^this object, wifh a respectable
force of artillery. I ordered fhe 2d brigade, composed of the
4th, 21st, and 44th regiments, for this service, together with
such means in the engineer and artillery departments as the chief
and coramanding officer of the royal artillery might think
expedient. The remaiider of the force h'ad orders to disembark
on Isle Dauphine, and encamp ; and major.general Keane,
whom 1 am truly happy to say has returned to his duty, super.
intended their arrangement.
The weather being favorable on the 7th for fhe landing to
the eastward of Mobile point, the ships destined fo move on
that service sailed under the command of captain Ricketts, of the
Vengeur, but did not arrive in sufficient tirae that evening to do
more than determine the place of disembarkation, which was
about three railes from Fort.Bowyer.
At day-light the next morning the troops got into the boats,
and 600 men were landed under lieutenant-colonel Debbeig of
the 44th, without opposition, who immediately threw out the
light companies under lieutenant Bennett, of the 4th regiment.

APPENDIX, 671
to cover the landing of the brigade. Upon the whole being
disembarked, a disposition was made to move on towards the
fort, covered by the light companies. The enemy was not seen
nntil about 1000 yards in front of their works ; they gradually
fell back, and no firing took place until the whole had retired
into the fort, and our advance had pushed on nearly to within
300 yards. Having reconnoitred the forts with lieutenant.
colonels Burgoyne and Dickson, we were decidedly of opinion,
that the work was forraidable only against an assault; that
batteries being once established, it must speedily fall. Every
exertion "Vas made by the navy to land provisions, and the
necessary equipment of the battering train and engineer stores.
We broke ground on the night of the Sth, and advanced a firing
party to within 100 yards of the fort during, the night. The posi.
tion of the batteries being decided upon the next day, they were
ready to receive their guns on the night of the 10th, and on the
morning of the llth the fire of a battery of four 18. pounders
on the left, and two S-inch howitzers on the right, each about
100 yards distance, two 6-pounders, at about 300 yards, and
eight sraall cohorns advantageously placed on the right, wifh
intervals between of 100 and 200 yards, all furnished to keep
up an incessant fire for two days, were prepared to open.
Preparatory to commencing, I summoned the fort, allowing
the commauding officer half an hour for dcision upon such
terms as were proposed. Finding he was inclined to consider
them, I prolongdl the period, at his request, and at three
o'clock the fort was given up to a British guard, and British
colours hoisted ; the terms being signed by major Smith, mili.
tary secretary, and captain Ricketts, R. N. and finally approved
of by the vice.admiral and myself, which I have the honor to
enclose. I am happy to say our loss was not very great; and
we are indebted for this, in a great measure, to the efficient
means attached to- this' force. Had we been obliged to resort to
any other mode of attack, the fall could not have been looked
for under such favorable circumstances.
We have certain information of a force having been sent
from Mobile, and disembarked about 12 miles off, in the night
of the 10th, to attempt its relief; two schooners with provi.
sions, and an intercepted letter, fell into our bauds, taken by
captain Price, R. N. stationed in the bay.
I cannot close this despatch without naming to your lord.
ship again, lieutenant-colonel Dickson, royal artillery, and
Burgoyne, royal engineers, who displayed their usual zeal and
abilities; and lieutenant Bennett, of the 4th, who comraanded
the light companies, and pushed up close to the eneray's works.
Captain the honorable R. Spencer, R. N. ^who had been
placed with a detachraent of seamen under my orders, greatly
facilitated the service in eyery way by his exertions.

572 APPENDIX,
From captain Ricketts, of the R. N. who was charged with
the landing and the disposition of the naval force, I received
every assistance, I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN LAMBERT,
Right hon. earl Bathurst, &c. Major-general command.

No. 110.
Return of ordnance, ammunition, and stores, captured from ihe
enemy in this place, on the l%th instant.
Fort-Bowyer, Feb. 14, 1815.
Guns.
1 24-pounder, 2 9-pounders, outside tbe fort.
Iron — 3 32-pounders, 8 24-pounders, 6 12-pouiiders, 5 9-pounders.
Brass— 1 4-poundei-.
Mortar — 1 8-inch.
Howitzer — 1 SJ inch. Shot.
3S-pounder — 856 round, 64 grape, 1 1 case.
Si-poundei — 851 round, 176 bar, 286 grape, 84 case.
IS-ponndei — .^35 round, 74 urape, 439 case.
9-pounder — 781 round, 208 grape, 429 case.
6-pounder — 15 round, 75 bar, 13 case.
4-pounder — 2S1 loiiiid, 38 grape, 147 case.
SheUs— Sb 8-inch 74 5J inch.
183 hand-grenades.
5,519 pounds powder.
1 triangle gin, complete.
16,976 musket ball-cariritlges.
500 flints.
351 muskets, complete, with accoutrements.
JAS. PERCIVAL, ass. .com. royal artil.
A. DICKSON, lieut.col. com. royal artil.

No. 111.
Return of casualties in the army under the command of major-
general Lambert, employed before Fort-Bowyer, between
the Qth and llth of February, 1815.
Royal sappers, and miners; — I rank and file, wounded.
4th foot ; — 8 rank and file, killed ; 2 seijeants, 13 rank and file,
wounded. '.ilst fool; — 2 serjeants, 2 rank and file, killed; 1 rank and file,
wounded. 40th foot; — 1 rank and file, kilUd; 1 rank and file, wounded.
Total— 13 kiUcd; 18 wounded.
F. STOVEN, D. A. G,

APPENDIX. 573

No. 112.

Return of the American garrison of Fort-Buyer, ziihich sur-
rendered to the force under major-general Lambert, llth of
February, 1815.
1 field-officer, 3 captains, 10 subalterns, 2 staff, 16 serjeants, 16
drummers, 327 rank and file, 20 women, 16 children, 3 servants not
soldiers.
F. STOVEN, D. A. G.

No. 113.

Articles of capitulation agreed upon between lieutenant-colonel
Lawrence and major.general Lambert for the surrender of
Fort-Bowyer, on the Mobile point, llth February, 1815.
Art. I. That the fort sball be surrendered to the arms ofhis Bri.
tannic majesty in its existing state as to the works, ordnance, ammuni
tion, and every species of military stores.
II. That the garrison shall be considered as prisoners of war, the
troops marching out with their colours flyin? and druras beating, and
ground their arms on the glacis — the officers retaining their swords, and
the whole to be embarked in sucb ships as the British naval commander-
in-chief shall appoint.
III. All private property to he respected.
IV. That a coinmnnication shall be made immediately of the same
to the commanding officer of the 7th military district of the United
States, and every endeavour made to effect an early exchange of
prisoners. V. That the garrison of the United States remain in ihe fort until
twelve O'clock to-morrow, a British guard being put in possession ofthe
inner gate at three o'clock to-day, tbe body of the guard remaining on
tbe glacis, and that tbe British flag be hoisted at the same time — tm
officer of each service remaining at tbe bead quarters of each com
mander until the fufilment of these articles.
H. C. SMITH, maj. and mil. sec.
Agreed on the part of tbe royal navy,
T. H. RICKTiTTS,capt. H.M.S. Vengeur.
R. CHAMBERL.MN, 2d reg. U. S. infantry.
WM. LAWRENCE, It.-col. 2d inf'y com'g'.
Approved, A. COCHRANE, com.-in-chlcf II.M. shipp.
JOHN L.\MBEllT, raajor-gen. commanding.
Test, JOHN REID, aide-de-camp.

674 APPENDIX. No. 114.
Letter from lieutenant.colonel Lawrence io general Jackson^
Siu, Fort Bowyer, February 12, 1815.
Iraperious necessity has compelled me to enter into articles
of capitulation wifh major.general John Lambert, commanding
his Britannic majesty's forces in front of Fort Bowyer, a copy
of which I forward you for the purpose of effecting an imme
diate exchange of prisoners. Nothing but the want of provi.
sions, and finding myself corapletely surrounded by thousands-
batteries ereeted on the sand-mounds, which completely cora
manded the fort — and the eneray having advanced, by regular
approaches, within 30 yards of the ditches, and the utter im-
possibility of getting any assistance or supplies, would have-
induced me to adopt tbis measure. Feeling confident, and it
being the unaniraous opinion of the officers, that we could not
retain the post, and that the lives of many valuable officers
and soldiers would have been uselessly sacrificed, I thought it
most desirable to adopt this plan. A full and correct statement
will be furnished you as early as possible.
Captain Chamberlin, who bears this to E. Livingston,
Esq. will relate to him every particular, which will, I hope,
be satisfactory. I am, with respect, &c.
W. LAWRENCE, lieut.col. com.

No. 11.5.

From general Jackson io the American secretary at war,
Head-quarters, lih military district.
Sir, New Orleans, 24th February, 1815,
The flag-vessel which I sent to the enemy's fleet returned a
few days ago, with assurances from adniiral Cc'hrane, that the
American prisoners taken in the gun.boats and sent to Jaraaica,
shall be returned as soon as practicable. The Nyraphe has
been despatched for them.
Through the sarae channel I received the sad intelligence of
the surrender of Fort-Bowyer : this is an event which 1 little
expected to happen, but after the most gallant resistance ; that
it should have taken place, without even a fire from the enemy's
bafteries, is as astonishing as it is mortifying.
In consequence of this unfortunate afiair, nn addition of 366
has been made to fhe list of American prisoners ; to redeem
these and the seamen, I have, in conformity with propositions
holdout by admiral Cochrane, forwarded to the mouth ofthe
Mississippi upwards of 400 British prisoners ; others will be

APPENDIX, 57S
sent, to complete the exchange, as soon as they arrive from
Natchez, to which place I had found it expedient to order
them. Major Blue, who had been ordered by general 'Winchester
to the relief of Fort-Bowyer, succeeded in carrying one of the
enemy's piquets, con,5isting of 17, but was too late to effect the
whole purpose for which he had been detached — the fort having
capitulated twenty.four hours befere his arrival. I learn from
the bearer of ray last despatches to the eneray's fleet, who was
detained during the operations against Fort-Bowyer, that his
loss on that occasion, by the fire from the garrison was between
20 and 40. I have the honor to be, &c.
A. JACKSON,

0000 0000000 000,^

No. 116.

Treaty of Peace and Amity between his Britannic Majesty
and ihe United States of America,
H is Britannic Majesty and the United States of Araerica,
desirous of terminating the war which has unhappily subsisteti
between the two countries, and of restoring, upon principles
of perfect reciprocity, peace, friendship, and good understand
ing between them, have, for that purpose, appointed their
respective plenipotentiaries, that is to say : his Britannic
majesty, on his part, has appointed the right honorable James
lord Gambler, late admiral of the white, now admirai of the
red squadron of his majesty's fleet, Henry Gonlbourn, esq.
member of the iraperial parliament, and under .secretary of
state, and William Adams, esq. doctor of civil laws : — and
the president of the United States, by and with the advice and
consent of the senate thereof, has appointed John Quincy
Adams, James A. Bayard, Henry Clay, Jonathan RusseU, and
Albert Gallatin, citizens of the United States, who, after a
reciprocal communication of their respective full powers, have
agreed upou the following articles :
Art. I. — There shall be a firm and universal peace between
his Britannic majesty and the United States, and between their
respective countries, territories, cities, towns, and people, of
every degree, without exception of places or persons. All
hostilities, both by sea and land, shall cease as soon as this
treaty has been ratified by both parties, as hereinafter men.
tioned. All territories, places, and possessions whatsoever,
taken from either party by the other, during the war, or which
may be taken after the signing of this treaty, excepting only
the islands hereinafter mentioned, shall be restored without

376 APPENDIX.
delay, and without causing any destruction, or carrying away
any ofthe artillery or other public properfy originally captured
in the said forts or places, and which shall remain therein,
npon the exchange of the ratifications of this treaty, or any
slaves, or other private property, and all archives, records,
deeds, and papers, either of a public nature, or belonging to
private jiersons, which, in the course of the war, may have
fallen into the hands of the officers of either party, shall be, as
far as may be practicable, forthwith restored and delivered to
the proper authorities and persons to whom they respectively
belong. Such of the islands in fhe bay of Passamaquoddy as
are claimed by both parties, shall remain in tho possession of
the party in whose occupation they may be at the time of the
exchange of the ratifications of this treaty, until the decision
Tespecting the title to the said islands shall have been made, in
cont'orniity with the fourth article of this treaty. No disposi.
tion raade by this treaty, as to such possession of the islands
and territories claimed by both parties, shall, in any raanner
whatever, be construed to affect the right of either.
Art. II. — Immediately aftex the ratification of this treaty by
both parties, as hereinafter mentioned, orders shall be sent to
the armies, squadrons, officers, subjects, and citizens of the two
powers to cease from all hostilities : and to prevent all causes
of complaint which might arise on account of the prizes which
may bi: taken at sea after the ratifications of this treaty, it is
reciprocally agreed, that all vessels and effects which may be
taken after the space of tvvelve days frora tbe said ratifications,
upon all parts of tho coast of North Araerica, frora the latitude
of twenty. three degrees north, to the latitude of fifty degrees
north, as far eastward in the Atlantic Ocean as the thirty-sixth
degree of west longitude from the meridian of Greenwich,
shall be restored on each side : that the time shall be thirty days
in all other parts of the Atlantic ocean, north of the equi.
noxial lino or equator, and the same timo for fhe British and
Irish channels, for the gulf of Mexico, and all parts of the
West Indies : forty days for the North Seas, for the Baltic,
and for all parts of the Mediterranean. Sixty days for the
Atlantic ocean south of the equator as far as tho latitude of the
Cape of Good Hop?: ninety days for every part of the world
sonth of the equator : and one hundred aud twenty days for all
other parts of the world, without exception.
Aut. 111. — All prisoners of war taken on either side, as
well by land as sea, shall be restored as soon as practicable
after the ratification of this treaty, as hereinafter mentioned,
on their paying the debts which they may have contracted during
their captivity. The two contracting parties respectively
engage to discharge, in specie, the advances which may have

APPENDIX, 577
been made by the other, for the sustenance and maintenance of
such prisoners.
Art, IV. — Whereas it was stipulated by the second article
in the treaty of peace of one thousand seven hundred and eighty
three, between his Britannic majesty and the United States of
America, that the boundary of the United States should com.
prehend all islands within twenty leagues of any part of the
shores of the United States, and lying between lines to be
drawn due east from, the points where the aforesaid boundaries
between Nova-Scotia, on the one part, and East Florida on
the other, shall respectively touch the bay of Fundy, and the
Atlantic ocean, excepting such islands as now are, or heretofore
have been within the limits of Nova-Scotia : and whereas the
several islands in the bay of Passamaquoddy, which is part of the
bay of Fundy, and the island of Grand Menan, in the said
bay of Fundy, ire claimed by the United States as being com.
prehended within their aforesaid boundaries, which said islands
are claimed as belonging to his Britannic majesty, as having
been at the time of, and previous to, the aforesaid treaty of one
thousand seven hundred and eighty.three, within the limits of
the province of Nova Scotia: in order, therefore, finally to
decide upon'these claims, it is agreed that they shall be referred
to two commissioners, to be appointed in the following raanner;
viz. One commissioner shall be appointed by his Britannic
majesty, and one by the president of the United States, by
and with the advice and consent of the senate thereof, and the
said two comraissioners so appointed shall be sworn impar.
tially to examine and decide upon the said claims, according to
such evidence as shall be laid before them, on the part of his
Britannic majesty and of the United States respectively. The
said commissioners shall meet at St. Andrews, in the province
of New Brunswick, and shall have power to adjourn to such
other place or places as they shall think fit. The said com
missioners shall, by a declaration or report under their bauds
and seals, decide to which of the two contracting parties the
several islands aforesaid do respectively belong, in conformity
with the true intent of the said treaty of peace of one thousand
seven hundred and eighty.three. And if the said commis.
sioners shall agree in their decision, both parties shall consider
such decision as final and conclusive. It is further agreed,
that in the event of the two commissioners differing upon all
or any of the matters so referred to thera, or in the event of
both or cither of the said commissioners refusing or declining,
or wilfully omitting, to act as such, they shall raake, jointly
or separately, a report or reports, as well to the governraent
of his Britannic majesty, as to that of the United States, stat.
ing in detail the points on which they differ, and the grounds
VOL. II. P^P

678 APPENDIX.
upon which their respective opimons have been formed, or
the grounds upon which they, or either of them, have so
refused, declined, or omitted to act. And his Britannic ma
jesty, and the government of the United States, hereby agree
to refer the report or reports of the said commissioners, to
some friendly sovereign or state, to be then named for that
purpose, and who shall be requested to decide on the differences
which may be stated in the said report or reports, or upon the
report of one comraissioner, together with the grounds upon
which the other coramissioner shall have refused, declined, or
omitted to act, as the case may be. And if the commissioner so
refusing, declining, or omitting to act, shall also wilfully omit to
state the grounds upon which he has so done, in such manner that
the said stateraent raay be referred to such friendly sovereign or
state, together with the report of such other commissioner,
then such sovereign or state shall decide exparte upon the said
report alone. And his Britannic majesty and the government
of the United States engage to consider the decision of some
friendly sovereign or state to be final and conclusive, on all the
matters so referred.
Art. V. — Whereas neither that point of the high lands
lying due north from the source of the river St. Croix, and
designated in the former treaty of peace between the two
powers as the north.west angle of Nova Scotia, nor the
north.westernmost head of Connecticut river, has yet been
ascertained ; and whereas that part of the boundary line be
tween the dominion of the two powers which extends from
the source of the river St. Croix directly north to the above
mentioned north.west angle of Nova Scotia, thence along the
said high lands which divide those rivers that empty themselves
into the river St. Lawrence from those which fall into the
Atlantic ocean, to fhe north.westernmost head of Connecticut
river, thence down along the middle of that river to the forty-
fifth degree of north latitude : thence by a line due west on
said latitude until it strikes the river Iroquois or Cataraguy,
has not yet been surveyed : it is agreed, that for these several /
purposes, two commissioners shall be appointed, sworn, and
authorized, to act exactly in the manner directed with respect
to those mentioned in the next preceding article, unless other
wise specified in the present article. The said commissioners
shall meet at St. Andrews, in the province of New Brunswick
and shall have power to adjourn to such other place or places
as they shall think fit. The said commissioners shall have
power to ascertain and determine the points above mentioned
in conformity with the provisions of the said treaty of peace of
one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, and shall cause

APt^ENDlX. 579
the boundary aforesaid, from the source of the river St.
Croix, to the river Iroquois or Cataraguy, to be surveyed and
inarked according to the said provisions. The said commis
sioners shall make a map of the said boundary, and annex it
to a declaration under their hands and seals, certifying it to be
the true map of the said boundary, and parficulariiing the
latitude and longitude of the north-west angle of Nova Scotia,
of the north.westernmost head of Connecticut river, and of
such other points of the said boundary as they may deem
proper. And both parties agree to consider such map and
declaration as finally and conclusively fixing the said boundary.
And in the event of the said two comraissioners differing or
both, or either of them, refusing or declining, or wilfully
omitting to act, such reports, declarations, or statemients, shall
be made by them, or either of theni, and such reference to a
friendly sovereign or state, shall be made, in all respects as in
the latter part of the fourth article is contained, and in as fnll
a manner as if the same was herein repeated.
Art. VI. — Whereas by the former treaty of peace, that
portion of theboundary ofthe United States frora the point where
the fortyJifth degree of north latitude strikes the river Iroquois
or Cataraguy to the lake Superior, was declared to be " along
the middle of said river into lake Ontario, through the middle
of said lake until it strikes the communtcation by water be.
tween that lake and lake Erie, thence along the middle of said
communication into lake Erie, through the middle of said
lake until it arrives at the water communication into the lake
Huron, thence through the middle of said lake to the water
communication between that lake and lake Superior." And
whereas doubts have arisen what was the middle of said river,
lakes, and water communications, and whether certain islands
lying in the same were within the dominions of his Britannic
Inajesty or of the United States : in order, therefore, finally fo
decide these doubts, they shall be referred to two commisioners,
to be appointed, sworn, and authorized to act exactly in the
manner directed with respect to those mentioned in the next
preceding article, unless otherwise speeified in this present
article. The said commissioners shall meet, in fhe first in
stance, at Albany, in tho state of Now York, and shall hare
power to adjourn to such other place or places as fhey shall
think fit. The said commissioners shall, by a report or decla.
ration, under their hands and seals, designate fhe boundary
through the said river, lakes, or water communications, and
decide to which of the two contracting p.arties the several
islands lying within the said river, lakes, and water communi.
cations, do respectively belong, in conformity with the true'
intent of fhe said treaty of one thousand seven huudred and

580 APPENDIX.
eighty.three. And both parties agree to consider such desig.
nation and decision as final and conclusive. And in the event
of the said two coramissioners differing, or both, or either
of them, refusing, declining, or wilfully omitting to act, such
reports, declarations, or statements, shall be made by them,
or either of them ; and such reference to a friendly sovereign
or state shall be made in all respects as in the lattter part of
the fourth article is contained, and in as full a manner as if
the same was herein repeated.
Art. VII. — It is further agreed that the said two last men.
tioned commissioners, after they shall have executed the duties
assigned to them in the prececding article, shall be, and they
are hereby authorized, upon their oaths, impartially to fix and
determine, according fo the true intent of the said treaty of
peace of one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, that
part of the boundary between the dorainions of the two powers,
which extends frora the water coraraunication between lake Huron
and lake Superior, to the raost north-western point of the lake
ofthe Woods, to decide to which of the two parties the several
islands lying in the lakes, water coraraunications and rivers,
forming the said boundary, do respectively belong, in con.
formity with the true intent of the said treaty of peace of one
thousand seven hundred and eighty.three; and to cause such
parts of the said boundary, as require it, to be surveyed and
marked. The said commissioners shall, by a report or decla.
ration under their hands and seals, designate the boundary Hue
aforesaid, state their decisions on the points thus referred to
them, and particularize the latitude and longitude of the most
north-western point of the lake of the Woods, and of such
other parts of the said boundary, as they may deem proper.
And both parties agree to consider such designation and decision
as final and conclusive. And, in the event of the said two
commissioners differing, or both, or either of thera, refusing,
declining, or wilfully omitting toact, such reports, declarations,
or stateraents, shall be raade by thera, or either of thera, and
such reference to a friendly sovereign or state, shall be made in
all respects, as in the latter part of the fourth article is con.
tained, and in as full a raanner as if the same was herein
repeated. Art. VIIL — The several boards of two comraissioners men.
tioned in the four preceding articles, shall respectively have
power to appoint a secretary, and to employ such surveyors or
other persons as they shall judge necessary. Duplicates of all
their respective reports, declarations, statements, and decisions
and of their accounts, apd of the journal of their proceedino-s
shall be delivered by them to the agents of his Britannic raajesty
jnd to the agents of the United States, who may be respectively

APPENDIX. 581
Q/ppointed and authorized to manage the business on behalf of
their respective governraents. The said commissioners shall be
respectively paid in such manner as shall be agreed between the
two contracting parties, such agreement being to be settled at
the time of the exchange of the ratifications of this treaty ;
and all other expenses attending said commissioners shall be
defrayed equally by the two parties. And, in case of death,
sickness, resignation, or necessary absence, the place of every
such commissioner respectively shall be supplied in the same
manner as such commisssoner was first appointed, and the new
commissioner shall take the sarae oath or affirraatlon, and do
the same duties. It is further agreed between the two con
tracting parties, that in case any of the islands raentioned in
any of the preceding articles, which were in the possession of
one of the parties prior to the commencement of the present
war between the countries, should, by the decision of any of
the boards of commissioners aforesaid, or of the sovereign or
state so referred to, as in the four next preceding articles con
tained, fall within the dominions of the other party, all grants
of land made previous to the comraenceraent of the war, by
the party having had such possession, shall be as valid as if such
island or islands had, by such decision or decisions, been
adjudged to be within the dominions of the party having such
possession. Art. IX. — The United Slates of Araerica engage to put an
end, iramediately after the ratification of the present treaty, to
hostilities with all the tribes or nations of Indians, with whom
they may be at war at the time of such ratification ; and forth
with to restore to such tribes or nations, respectively, all the
possessions, rights, and privileges, which they may have enjoyed
or been entitled to in one thousand eight hundred and eleven,
previous to such hostilities : Provided always, that such tribes
or nations shall agree to desist from all hostilities against the
United States of America, their citizens and subjects, upon the
ratification of the present treaty being notified to such tribes or
nations, and shall so desist accordingly. And his Britannic
majesty engages, on his part, to put an end immediately after
the ratification of the present treaty, to hostilities wifh all the
tribes or nations of Indians with whom he may be at war at the
timeof such ratification, and forthwith to restore to such tribes
or nations respectively, all the possessions, rights, and privi-
leges, which they may have enjoyed, or been entitled to, in one
thousand eight hundred and eleven, previous to such hostilities :
Provided always, that such tribes or nations shall agree to
desist from all hostilities against his Britannic majesty, and
his subjects, upon the ratification of the present freaty being
notified to such tribes or nations, and shall so desist accord
ingly.

582 . APPENDIX.
Art, X. — Whereas the traffic in slaves is irrecoiicHable with
the principles of huinanity and justice, and whereas both his
Britannic majesty and' the United States are desirous of con
tinuing their efforts to' promote its entire abolition, it is hereby
agreed that both tho contracting parties shall use their best
endeavors to accoraplish so desirable an object.
Art. XI. — This treaty, when the same shall have been rafi.
fied on both sides, without alteration by either of the contract.
ing parties and the ratifications mutually exchanged, shall be
binding on both parties, and the ratifications shall be exchanged
at Washington, in the space of four months from this day, or
sooner, if practicable.
In faith whereof, we the respective plenipotentiaries, have
signed this treaty, and have thereunto affixed our seals.
Done, in triplicate, at Ghent, the twenty.fourth day of
December, one thousand dght hundred and fourteen,
GAMBIER,
HENRy GOULBOURN,
WILLIAM ADAMS,
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS,
J. A. BAYARD,
H. CLAY,
JONATHAN RUSSELL,
ALBERT GALLATIN.
Now, therefore, to the end that the said treaty of peace and
amity may be observed with good faith, on the part ofthe
United States, I, Jaraes Madison, president as aforesaid, have
caused the preraises to be made public : and I do hereby enjoin
all persons bearing office, civil or military, within the United
States, and all others, citizens or inhabitants thereof, or being
within the same, faithfully to observe and fulfil the said treaty
and every clatuse and article thereof.
In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United
States to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with
my hand.
Done at fhe city of Washington, this eighteenth day of
Febri-fary, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundced and fifteen, and of the sovereignty and inde.
pendijnce of the United Slates the thirty-ninth.
JAMES MADISON,
By the president,
JAMES MONROE.

INDEX.

A

A.
DJMS, United States* brig, her capture, Vol. I. 81. 366. Her recapture, 81— 3.

-ship, lier size, armament, and deatruciion, Vol. II. 2-16 — 3, 475.
AlesaTidrim newspaper, quotation, from. Vol. II. 2b3— 9.
.  city, capture of. Vol. II. 276.
AUsQod, Reuben, his desperate wound. Vol. II. 70.
Amherstbitrg, viUage of, its size and situation. Vol. 1. 48.
Amconda, United States* letter of marque, capture of the, Vol. II. 70.
Annual Register, its historical inaccuracy. Vol. II. 305.
Armistice proposed at the tirst of the war, refusal of the president to ratify, Vol. 1. S5. Firs!
one proposed by sir George Prevost, 73. Its ill effects, ib. and i8i. Rt-fusal nf the president
to ratify, 80. General Sheaffe's, 100. Its terminaiion, 107. Another pmpostd by sirGeorge
Pretest, 18!.
Armstrong, Mr. Secretary, his plan of operations against Upper Canada, Vol. I. 132. Changes
his plan toan attack upon Montreal, 302—3. llis orders to major-general Hampton, 305,
The like to general M'Clure, respecting the burning of Newark, Vol. II. 9. His plan forthe
1814 campaign, 78 — 79.
Army, for the defence of Washington-city, its organization. Vol. II. 274. Its strength at Bla
densburg, 284. Its defeat, 28G— 8. Ketreat through Washington, 389. Encamps at George
town heights, 296. Its strength and inactive state, ib.
— ¦ for the defence of Baltimore, its organization and strength, 311—18, Is defeated, and
retreats to the entrenchments in front ofthe city, 3ifi— 20.
Atlas, United States' letter of marque, capture of the, Vol. II. 70.
Jux CanardSf river of, skirmish at. Vol. I. 69. B.
Baltijiwref described. Vol. TI. 310, Attack upon, 31^—27. 506—93. IU effects of its not liaving
been persevered in, 328 — 9. 331.
Barclay, captain, R.N. on his way to Lake Erie, joins the centre-division of the army. Vol T.
163. Compelled to await the equipment of the ship Detroit, 269. Sails out with her in a
half-fitted state, and is captured, 270— i. Neglect shown to him, 286.
Barney, commodore, his fhDtilla described. Vol. II. 248. Its retreat up the Patuxent to St.
Leonard's creek, SS9. Skirmishes with it, 253 — 4, Is blockaded, 260. With the aid of a
land-batter>' raises the blockade, and proceeds higher up the Patuxent, 26 1. His oificial
letter, ib. Flotrlla destroyed at Pig-point, 277—8. 'Joins general Winder's army, 280. Is
wounded and taken prisoner at Bladensburg, 289.
Barratarian freebooters, invited to aid in the invasion of Louisiana, Vol. II. 341. Trick played
lipon the British by their commandant, ib. Join in defending the state, and are pardoned
by the president, ib,
Barrie, captain K.N. his official account of the capture of the United States' ship Adams,
Vol. JI. 487. Commands in the Chesapeake, 332. His proceedings tliere, ib. Departs for
St. Mary's river, 334.
Basden, captain, his repulse from i log-entrenchment, at Twenty-mile creek, VoJ. IT. 76 — 8.417,
Baubee, major, his imprisonment along with convicts, in Frankfort Penitentiary, Vol I. 299-
461.
Baynes, adjutant-general, his official letter. Vol. I. 4l3. Remarks thereon, 175. 3ifi.
Beckwith, sir Sydney, his official account of the loss in the attack upon Craney island. Vol. II.
415. Ditto of the attack upon Hampton, ib.and4l7- o
Benedict, in the Patuxent, proceedings at. Vol, II. 254—9. 277- SOO.
Bennet, captain, W. P. United States' army, his trial and acquittal. Vol. 1. 43,
Biddle, captain, United States' army, differs materially in his stateraents from colonel Macomb,
Vol. T.318-— ly.
Bienvenu creek described, Vol. II. 355.
Sisshopp, lieutenant-colonel, his arrival at Frenchman*s creek, Vol. T. 115. Reply to general
Smyth's summons to surrender Fort-Erie, 11 8. 389. His official account of the repulse of
the Americans near Fort-Erie, 386 Crnsges the Niagr.ra, and captures the batteries at Black
Rock, 228—9. Receives a mortal wound, 229. His character, 230,
Siaael, colonel, United States' army, lands on an island in the St. Lawrence,, and frightens
some females, Vol. I. 321.
Black Rock, village of, its situation. Vol. I. 50.
 -.  batteries, their fire upon Fort-Erie, Vui. T. \0b.. Capture by the Briti.sh, 238— jij^
441. Destroyed, Vol. U. 22. Unsuccessful attack upon, by <;'oIonel Tucker, I6ii— 4.
VOL. U. Q Q

INDEX.
Black-hird, the Indian Cbief, his enterprise, Vol. T. 226.
Jiladensburg, battle of. Vol. II. 284—91. 492—502-
_Boa£, an American one, compared in force wilh aBritish man-of-war bris, Vol. II. 3.W.
BcerstleT, colonel, United States' armv, supposed elTect of his ' Stentorian voice,' Vol. T. II4.
Skirmish with captain Kerr's Indians, 215. Surrenders, with his detachment, to a small
British party, 2iri— 3. 436—7.
Boxtwick, lieutenant-colonel, captures a gang of American depredators and traitors, Vol. If. b.
Opinion entertained ofthe exploit by the presideut of Upper Canada, 395-
Boundary line, where it injures the Canadians, Vol. I. 238.
Bntoyer fort, its construction by general Wilkinson, Vol. II. 342. Strength, ib. Is attacked
by four sloops of war, 313. Cuts the cable of the Hermes, and drives her nn shore, 34'1— 6.
Its capture by major general Lambert, 391 — 2. 570 — 5.
Bo7/(l, major-general, United States' arm\', succeeds to the command at Fort-fieorge, Vol. T-
219. His misrepresentation, 234. Proceeds with the army of the centre to the attack of
Montreal, 2.H9. Lands near Chry^tler's Farm, 32i, Attacks colonel Monison, 329. Is de
feated, 330 — 1, His gross misrepresentations, 333— ,'i. Retires to the boats, 338.
Breaking parole, authorized by the American government, Vol. I. 23-J — fi.
Brishaiie, major-general, crosses the Saranac with his brigade, Vol. II. 220. Silences and drives
the Americans from ther batteries, 222.
Brnck, major-general, his promptiturle on hearing of tbe war. Vol. I. ."in. Hi-^ proc lamation to
the Canadians, 353. Its salulary eifect. 64. Arrival at Amlierstbiirp and Sandwich, 68. Sum
mons to Fort- Detroit, fig. Capture of the fort, garrison, and Michigan territory, fif; — 73- 362.
Proclamation to the Michigan people, 70. 368. Intention of reducing Fort- Wayne prevented
by sir George Prevost's armistice, 181. Return to Fort-George, 78. Arrival thenrc at Queens
town, 88. Advance against a superior body of Americans, 89. Death 90. lis immediate ill
consequences, 100. Character, 103 — 4.
Brooke, colonel, succeeds to the command of theBritish troops opposite to Baltimore, Vol. II.
317. Defeats the American armv, 3IS. His official account, 508. Re-cmbarks at North-
point, 32G. In the field at New Orleans, but not at the head of his regimtnt, 380.
Brown, major-geneial, United Slates' army, his cnrious stratagem to deceive sir George Prevost
at Sackett's Harhor.Vnl. I. I7i. Lands near Chrystler's farm, 320. Skirmishes wilh, and
is delayed in his march by, a small force under brevet- major Dennis, 321 — 2. Rejoins the
expedition at Barnliart's. 33^. Proceeds io Sackett's Harbor, 351. Mistakes his orders, and
marches for Onondago hollow and back. Vol. 11, 79. His exaggerated accnunt of the busi
ness at Oswego, 105. 430. Proceeds to Batavia, 114. Is ordered to rrobs the Niagara, ib.
Is.^ues a general order, ib. 430, His forre, 1 is. Crosses the strait, and takes Fort-Erie, 1 16,
Defeats major-general Riall, 1 18—25, His force after the battle, 12.^. Advances to Chippe
way and Queenstown, 129. Detaches general Swift to reconnoitre Fort-George, ib, Wanls
commodore Chauncey to co-operate in an attack upon Kingston, 130. Calls a council, 133.
Detaches a strong force to invest Fort- George, ib. Advances upon Fort -George, 137. Re-enters
Queenstown, and recrosses the Chippeway, where he encamps, 138. Engages, and is defeated
by lieutenat-gencral Druminond. at Lundy's Lane, 139—49. His official letter, 149. 443.
1? wounded, and crosses t-o Buffaloe, 150. His force in the battle, 154 — 5. Resigns the
command to major-general Ripley, 446. Resumes the command, and i^ reinforced, 229. Re
solves upon d softie, 230. Hi=. official account, 234. Falsehood in it, 235. Is superseded by
• general Izard, 238. Repairs to Sackett's Harbor, 240.
Browmtown, village of, its situation, Vol. I. 49. Skirmish at, 61. Scalps taken by the Ameri
cans at, 66.
Buffaloe creek, its situation, \<\\. T. 50. Ill effects of not destroying the schooners fitting at,
¦ 285. Destruction of three small ones, in 1813, Vol. 11.22.

• village, its situation, Vol. I. 50- Attacked and destroyed, Vol. II. 22. 400 — 4.

BuJtrcr, lieutenant, his successful enterprise ae:ainst the United States' schooners. Tigress and
Scorpion, 197. 201. His official account, 400.
Burdick''s Political and Historical Register, extracts from. Vol. I. 43. 287. 291. 294. 296. Vol. II.
90.
Burlington, American troops at, in 1813, Vol, I. 245.
Bvtirr, colonel, United States' army, his official account of captain Basden's repulse. Vol. I.
417. c.
Cnlcdonia, N. W. company's brig, her capture, Vol. I. 81—3.
C«7?i;iai^n, Canadian, of I8t2, its commencement. Vol. I. 56. Termination, 130.
-  of ISIS, its commencement and progress. Vol. 1. 131. to Vol. II. ag,
 of 1614, its commencement and progress. Vol. TT. 72 — 243.
Campbell, colonel, U. S. army, lands at Dover, in Upper Canada, and burns the houses and
mills of the inhabitants, Vol, II. 109—11. Slight censure passed upon him by a court of
inquiry, ib.
CaTfCit/^m lakes, brieflv described, Vol. T. 4G — 54.
 militia, their deficiency of arms. Vol. T. 74. Good behaviour, 155.313.
Caimda, Upper, general Hull's invasion of. Vol. I. 58—77. General Van Rensselaer's ditto^,
83—102. General Smith's ditto, HI — 20. General Dearborn's ditto, 143—164. 202—33.
General Harrison's ditto, 274—267.
¦  1 Lower, general Hampton's invasion of, 306 — 17. See Expedition.
Capitol, at Washington-city, a shot fro-nthe, kills onesoldier and general Ross's horse. Vol. If.
293. Is destroyed, ib. Capable of being made a citadel, 294. Contamed other public
buildings, or rooms, ib.
Ca/roiiva, U. S. schooner, her force and destructive fire at New Orleans, Vol. II. 361. Is des
troyed by hot shot, 363.

INDEX.
Cai'r, lieutenant, U. S. array, his honorable conduct, Vol. I.23e,
Cassin, commodore, his bombastical letters, Vol. 11.55.411. Account of the attack on Crtuiey
island, 57. 412.
.Catalan. See Bienvenu.
Cataract, the Niagara, its height, Vol. I. 51.
Cawdle, Mr. released from American imprisonment. Vol. II. IS.
Centre-division of the British Canadian army, repulses the enemy at Queenstown, Vol. T. 87—
102. The like near Fort-Erie, uo — 18. Detachment driven from York, 142 — 9. Another de
tachment, after a gallant resistance, retires from Fort-George tow.ards Burlington Heights.
160 — Go. A third detachment attacks and retreats from Sackett's Harbor, 164—77. Critital
situation of the detachment at Buriington Heights, 203. Its gallant and successful effort,
204-13. Several partial successes, 214 — CO. 228—30. Its advance to St. David's, 252. Its
total numbers, 253. Makes a demonstration upon Fort-George, 254. Encreased sickness,
357. Effective strength, in September 1813, 258. Retreats to Burlington, Vol. II. 3. Is
ordered to, but does not, retire upon Kingston, 4. Pursues general M'Clure, 7. Enters
Fort-George, 11. Carries Fort-Niagara, 14 — IS. Enters Lewistown, Black Rock and Buf
faloe, 18 — 25. Goes into winter-quarters, 27. (Now called right-division.) Defeated at
Steets' creek, 1-20 — 8. 431. — 6. Defeats general Brown's army at Lundy's lane, 143 — 5o.
436 — 48. Encamps near Fort-Erie, 161. Fails in an assault upon the works, 169 — 77. 450.
Its strength in Septeimer, 1814, 229. Its advance attacked bythe garrison from Fort-Erie,
2,31. 'Drives the Americans to their fort, 233. Its encreased sickness, 236. Retires to
Chippeway, 237, Affair with a detachment at Lyon's creek, ^9. Is re-inforccd, 240.
-Regains possession of the Niagara-frontier, and goes into winter-quarters, 241.
 , American Canadian army of the, its organization and strength, Vol.1. 80. Repulse
near Fort-Erie. tlO- 18. Success at York, 142—9; and at Fort-George, 150—66. Advance
towards Burlington Heights, 203. Defeat at Stoney creek, 204—12. Retreat to Fort-George,
213—14. Partial losses, 214—20,230. Strengthjin July, 1813,253. In September, 869.
Loses the opportunity of capturing the British centre-division, ib. Departs to join the
northern army, in an expedition against Montreal, 259. Its subsequent proceedings, 300—52.
Isre-organizedat Batavia, Vol. II. 114. Takes Fort-Erie, lis. Defeats geueialRiall,-120-.-7.
Advances to Queenstown and Fort-George, 129. 137. Retires to Queenstown and Chippeway,
137.:.8 Is defeated at Lundy's lane, 142—7. Retreats to Fort- Erie, 168. Repels an assault
upon the works, 170— 7. Makes a sortie upon the British batteries, 231— 6. Is re-intorced
by general Izard's army, 238. Evacuates the Canadian territory. 240.
Cliambers, captain, his imprisonment along with convirts in Frankfort Penitentiary, Vol. I.
299. 461.
Champlain, lake, its situation and extent. Vol, I. 237. Belongs wholly to the Americans,
238. Proceedings upon, in 1813, 239—248.
 town entered by the British, in 1813, Vol. I. 244.
Cftajid7.er, brigadier-general, U.S. army, his Capture by the British, Vol, 1. 206.
Cda™ maior, 0. S. militia, identified as the head of a gang of depredators. Vol. 7. 218.
His inhuman treatment of some vjounded British prisoners, 227. His vaunting account of
an affair with a British piquet. Vol. It. 2.
Cttaptico, proceedings al. Vol. U. 265.
Charges, of unparalleled gallantry. Vol. 11.86— 7.
Charlestown, in the Chesapeake, proceedings at, Vol II. 49.
Chateaugay river, battle ofthe, Vol. I. 306—17. British official account of, 462.
Cluiimcey commodore, his arrival at Sackett's Harbor, Vol, I. 121. Commences equipping a
fleet lb Attackunon York, O. C. 141—9.404. Sounds the approach to Fort-George, 150.
Bombards that fort and Newark, 152. Returns to Sackett's Harbor to await the equipment
of the Pike, 212. Sails in her to the head of the lake, 931. Lands troops and seamen near
Burlington Heights, ib. Overrates the British forces and re-embaiks the troops, ib. Carries
awav as prisoners, some infirm inhabitants, ib. Proceeds to Yoik, and lands troops uuder
lieutenant-colonel Scott, 232. Empties the gaols, and plunders the inhi|bitants, 230. His
correspondence with general Wilkinson, 302.
Cheeves, Mr. his speech to congress, Vol. I. 2S7. ¦
Chesapeake bay, operations in the, Vol. 11. 30—69. 248—333.
Chicago packet, her capture, Vol. 1. 59.
 - fort, its abandonment, Vol. I. 67.
Chippeway river, its situation. Vol. 1. 5i.
 . fort, ditto, ib.
 village, ditto, ib.
 U. S. schooner, her destruction. Vol. II. 23.
Citizms, American, Mi'. Madison's charge of impressing "thousands " of them, Vol. I. 3.
Actua'l number impressed, 42.
 , native and naturalized, pretended equality of rights, ib.
Civilisation, Indian, how promoted hy the American government, 180—3.
Clark colonel Thomas, libel upon refuted. Vol. I. 162. Contributes to the capture of colonel
Bosrstler. 216. His attack upon Fort-Schlosser, 219. His account of colonel Bisshopp's suc
cessful enterprise against ElACk Rock, 441— 3. ^
Clarke Eliiali, an expatriated American citizen, case of, Vol. 1.43. His acquittal by a court-
martial, ib.
Clay, the honorable Henry, his war-speech. Vol. I. 77. Subsequent apnslacy. Vol. 11. SM.
Clark, brigade-major, his shameful treatment, while iu a wounded state, by the AincriCuis,
207.
Climate ol the Canadas, its severity. Vol. II. 7, 8.
Coan liver, ploceedings at, Vol. II, 267. <2 « "^

INDEX,
Corhrant, vice-admiral, refuses his consent to one of sir George PreTOSt*« arraintices. Vol. W.
182. Arrivesin the Chesapeake with major-general Ross, 275. His ill-advised letter to Mr.
Wunroe, S02. 50S. Proceeds to attack Baltimore, 319. Hisofficial account, 514. Departs for
Hahfax, 33 1. Effectof his threatening letter at New Orleans, 940, Arrives oif the Chandeleur
islands, 34S. Detaches a force against the American gun-boats, 349. His official account of
the New Orleans proceedings, 5bO.
Cockburn, rear-admiral, arrives in the Chesapeake, Vol. 11.32. Proceeds to the head of the
bay, 33. Approaches Frenchtown, 34. Ts fired upon from a battery,, ib. Lands the
marines, ib. Destroys some stores and vessels, ib. Hia principle of acting developed, 35.
Purchases stock at Turkey point, and Specucie island, 36. Is fired ai and menaced from
Havre de Grace, 36 — 7. Proceeds to attack the place, 37. Is fired upon by the inhabitants,
who wound the bearer of a flag of truce, 38. Lands, ib. Destroys several abandoned
houses, ib Also a^t^nnon foundry, 39. Detaches a forceup the Susquehanna, 40. Pro
ceeds to Georgetown and Fredericktown, 46. Sends two Americans to wam the inhabitant*
^ against making resistance, 47- Is fired upon, and lands, ih. Destroys the abandoned
houses, vessels, and stores, ib. Lands at a town near the Sassafras, and is well received,
43 — 9. The like at Charlestown in the neighbourhood, 49. Retires frnm the head of the bay,
rtj. Hig account of his proceedings, 404— ii. Proceeds to Ocracoke harbor, G9. Capture*
two fine letters of marque, 70. Lands at Ocracoke and Portsmouth, ib. Lands at Leonard's
town in St. Mary's, 263. AtNominy ferry, ib. At Hamburgh and Chaptico, 2e&. Up the
Yeocomico, atifi. At Kinsale, ib. Takes'a battery on the banks of the Coan river, 267-
Proceeds up St. Mary's creek. Goes on shore to reconnoitre the route to Washington,
S75. His idan to prevent surpiise, ib. Suggests an attack on Washington, 276. Proceeds
to the attack of commodore Barney's flotilla, 277. Joins major-general Robs at Upper
Marlborough, aud decides on immediately attackini? Washington, 981. Advances towards
Washington, 283. His account of the batlle of Bladensburg, 492. Is near capturing
Mr. Madison, jgi. Approaches Washington, 293. Advances with the light-compahies on
general Ross's being fired a^, ib. Enters the president's palace, 294. Its destruciion, 295.
Was blamed by his coramanding officer for not having acted more rigorously, 301. His
official accnunt of the business at Washington, 492. Reconnoitres the enemy at Baltimore,
314. His concern at general Ross's death, 3i5. Oflicial account of the Baltimore demon*
etratlon, 517. Sails for Bermuda, 33i. Returns to the Chesapeake, 333. Sails tp Amelia
island, S34. Arrives at, and takes possession of, Cumberland island, 335.
Colonial Journal, extract from. Vol. I. 353.
Columinan Centinel, extract from. Vol. II. 297.
Congress, secret law oF, to take possession of West Florida, Vol. IT. 341.
Convicts, listof, in Fankfort Penitentiary, Vol. 1.461.
Cownci/, of war, American, its despatch. Vol. I. 211.313. Fortunate decision, S3fl, Ditto,
Vol. II. 12.

British, its firmness. Vol. I. 120. Ditto, Vol. II. 4.

Court-martial upon lieutenant-colonel Mullins, extracts from. Vol. 11,375. 377.379.
Craney island, unsuccessful attack upon. Vol. II. 56—63. 414—7. Badly managed, sk.
Cririe, lieutenant, R.N. his noble behaviour. Vol. II. 53. 4U.
Cumberland island, taken possession of by the British, Vol. II. 335.
CoBrt of inquiry upon colonel Campbell, its indulgent proceedings. Vol. II. ill.
D.
JDarfij's Louisiana, extracts from, Vol. II. 346—7,
Dearborn, major-general, U. S. army, appointed to command the army of the north. Vol. 1-
128. Marches to Champlain, I29. Detaches a skirmishing party, ib. Returns to Plattsburg
and Burlington, 130. Places his army into winter-quarters, ib. Proceeds to the attack of
York, U. C. 141. Arrives there, 143. Captures the place, 146. 400. Proceeds lo Niagara,
150. His account of the capture of Fort-Ge(»rge, 157. 412. Detaches a strong force Ia
pursuit of general Vincent, and to take Fort-Erie, 163. Effects the latter, 164. Detaches
two brigadier-generals to capture or destroy the British at Burlington Heights, 203. Cap
ture of the former, and retreat of the Americans to Fort-George, 204—13. His strange
account. 209- His defensive preparations, and alarm, at Fort-George, 214—15. Detaches
a force against lieutenant-colonel Bisshopp atthe Beaver dam, 215. Its entire capture, 216
— 18. His official accountof the affair, 439. His resignation of the command, 410.
Pebaftzch, captain, his interview wilh general Hampton, Vol, 1,313,
Deceptions, military, curious divulgement respecting, Vol. I. 162.
Delateare-town, affair at. Vol, II. 75 — 7.417.
Dennis, brevet-tnajor, his skilful arrangements and gallant behaviour at Hoop-pole creek
Vol. I. 321—2. His sudden promotion by the Americans, 322,
De Rottenburg, major-general, succeeds major-general Sheaffe, as president of Upper Canada,
vol. 1.219- His departure for Kingston, 261.
De Saluberry, lieutenant-colonel, his force near Chateaugay, Vol. I. 307. Hears of the
approach of general Hampton, ib. His judicious arrangement to check his advance. 307—9.
Defeats him, 309—17. '
Deserters, partial decision respecting, Vol. 1.43. How considered by Mr. Madison, 44.
'  , British, number from colonel Scott, Vol. I. 351. Ditto, from sir Geortre Prevost
in the Plattsburg expedition. Vol. II. 293, Bounty offered to, 271,
Detroit, river, described. Vol. I. 43.
— ¦- ¦¦¦-, town, ditto, ib.
 -.fort, ditto, ib. Summoned to surrender, 69. Attack upon, ib. Tts easy surrender,
1^~'^^^'''^~'^^/. British and American force present at, 71—4. Ordnance stores fonnd at.
73. Effects of Its aurrender upon the cabinet at Washington, 76. See Michigan,.
-*  , bfig, Oatc Adams,) her recapture, >'oi. I. S)**S.

INDEX.
Dt tVatteviile, major-gencral, his official actpunt of the sortie from Tort-Erie, Vol. II. 4W.
^kkson, Mrs. inhuman treatment of her, when ill in bed at Newark, Vol, II. 8.
¦¦ ¦ '¦» counsellor, destruction of his library by the Americans, ib,
¦* Mr. Thomas, released from an American prison, Ib.
"^--  , colonel, differs with colonel Thornton as to the force required to hold geneial
Morgan's lines. Vol. II. 386. 546. 549.
Dobbs, captain, R.N., conveys five boats over lapd to Lake Erie, and captures, ina gallant
manner, the U. S. schooners Somers and Ohio, Val. II. 166—8. 449.
DonJjutnDe ^naya, the Mexican field-marshal, assisted jn defendingNew Orleans, Vol. Il.Sflfi.
Hon Quixote, quotation from, Vol. II. 95.
Dover, on Lake Erie, attack upon. Vol. II, 109. Destrayed under the orders of co)onel
Campbell, U.S. army, UO— IB.
Downnie, captain, R.N., his co-operation requested by sirGeorge Prevost, Vol. II. 212. Urged
by a letter, 214. Harrangues his men, 213. Dies, ib.
Doyle, his celebrated wife. Vol. I. 108.
Drummond, lieutenant-general, his arrival from England, Vol. II. 12, Is sworn in as president
of Upper Canada, ib. Joins the centre-division at St, David's, ib. Permits colonel Murray
to pursue his plans of annoyance, ib. Advances to Chippeway, 20, Detaches major-general
Riall to Butfaloe and Black Rock, 20 — 1. Places his army into comfortable winter-quarter:--,
25. Detaches a force towards the Detroit, 75. Arrives at the Niagara from York, 141,
Detaches a force to Lewistown, ib. Arrives at Lundy's lane, 142. Defeats general Brown,
- 143 — 39- His official account, 456. Arrives opposite to Fort-Erie, ifil. Detaches lieutenant-
colonel Tucker to attack Black Rock, 163. His failure, 163, Opens his batteries on Fort-
Erie, IC8. Fails in a storming attack, 169 — 77- His official account, 450. Blamed by sir
George Prevost for making the attack ' in the dark', lao.
.-, major, offers to put sir George Prevost in possession of Sackett's Harbor, 171,
(Lieutenant-colonel.) His heroic behaviour and death al the assault of Fort-Erie, Vol, II.
173—5.
Ducross, Mr. deceive the British commanders al New Orleans, Vol. II. 360.
Dudley, colonel, U. S, army, his defeat ajid death. Vol. I. 198.
Duke qf Gloucester, brig, her capture. Vol. 1. H8. v:.
Eagle, U. S. cutler, her capture, along with her companion, by three Canadian gun-buats,
Vol.1. •2-10.445—7. Her armament, 240—1. 447.
£arle, commodore, not an officer of the royal navy, Vol. I. I2i. His incompetency, ib.
Eaton's Hfe of Jackson, extracts from. Vol. II. 0^3^371.374.332.
Effective, its unsettled meaning. Vol. I. 71.
Eldridge, lieutenant, U, S. army, misrepresented story about. Vol. I. Q23— 6.
Elizabeth-tottm, now Brockville, incursion into, by the Americans, Vol, I. ia4.
Erie, lake, its extent and situation. Vol. I. 49,
— — , town, its situation, ib.
— — , fort, its situation, Vel. I. 50. Fires upon tiie fort at Black Rock, 105. Its garrieon, in
November, 1812, IIO. Abandoned, 158. Entered by the Americans, 164. Repossessed by
the British, Vol. II. 20. Its defenceless condition, 116. Taken by the Americans, 117.
Enlarged and strengthened, I61. Is assaulted by general Drummond, 108. Terrible ex.plo-
eion of one of the bastions, 177. Repulse of the British, ib. Repaired and fresh mounted,
228. Strength of the garrison, 229. Sortie from, upon the British batteries, 23 1 . J ts partial
success, 232 — 3, Is destroyed and evacuated by the American troops, 2-10.
Evans, major, his imprisonment along with convicts in Frankfort Penitenliarv, Vol. I. 299.
461.
^Everard, captain, leaves his brig, the Wasp, at Quebec, and volunteers his services on Lake-
Champlain, Vol. 1. 242, Takes troops under colonel Murray, and lands them at Phitrsburg,
ib. Re-embarks them, *nd proceeds to Swanton, Vermont, 243. Then to Champlain-
town and Burlington, 2i4 — 5. 449. Tries, in vain, to provoke commodore Macdonough to
come out, 246. 449. Rt-turns to Quebec, 247.
Eftstis, doctor, his war-speech, Vol. I. 77,
Exchange of prisonem, agreed upon between general Winder and colonel Baynes, Vol. II. IS3.
Its shameful violation on the part of the Americans, 183 — 4.
Expedition, the WilkHispnian, its object. Vol. I. 255. Sets out from Fort-George, 260. Is
driven back, ih. Starts asecond time, ib. After suffering by wtather, arrives at Henderson's
bay and Sacket's Harbor, 2GI, Its rendezvous at Grenadier island, 301. Its exact strength,
ib. Proceeds to French creek, 303, Is attack-ed by British gun-boats, ib. To be joined by
general Hampton, 304. Arrives at Hoag's, near AiornsviUe, 317. Alter landing the troups
and ammunition, passes Prescot, 3i8. Halts opposite to Matilda, 319- Arrives at WU
liamsburg, 320. lis strength at this time, ib. Detachments from it, ib. Affair at Hoop-
pole creek, 322. Defeat of general Boyd, 323—38, Progress of the expedition to Corn
wall. Hence to French mills, 340. Its total failure, 341,
__L  to recover Michilimacinac, its proceedings and failure, Vol. II. 190 — 301, '
Explosion, its fatal effects, at York, U, C. Vol. I. 145, At Fort-Erie, Vol. il. 177.
F.
Pield'O0eers, British 'and Canadian, their firmness, in council, Vol. T, 12'^.
^fitcher, lieutenant-colonel, his official account of the attack on Oswegi, 426. (Colonel) \t
tacks the American entrenchments at Snake-hill, with inefficient acaling-Udders ifio il
yepuUed, 170. Hib official nccount, 453, ' "

INDEX.
Fi.^k, Mr! of Vefmont, his resolut-ion about British deserters; Vol. II. 27I.
Fitzgiiibun, lieutenant, his capture of colonel Bcerstler and his detachment, Vol. I. -516— 8.
43(>~8.
Flag of truce, scheming one, sent by the American commodore, al New Orleans, Vol. II.
554.
Fleet, Bntish, on Lake-Ontario, its state in October, I8I2, Vol. I. 121.
Fors'jthe, captain, U. S. army, his incursion into Gananoque, Vol. I. 122. Olher predatory
attacks, 133—4. His boastful behaviour to a British flag of truce, 135.
Fort, v.'hat so called, in the Canadas, Vol.1. 50.
Fomdery, cannon, destroyed near Havre-de-Grace, Vol. II. 39- 44. 407.
Frankfort Penitentianj, list of convicts in, Vol. I. 401.
Fraser, serjeant, his capture of the American general Winder, Vol. I. 206.
Frederick-town, Chesapeake -bay, proceedings at. Vol. II. 46 — 8.
French-town, Michigan, battle of, ^'ol. I. ia4— 5.
— :  -, in the Chesapeake, proceeding= at. Vol. II. 33—5.
French-creek, its situation, Vol. I. 303. Cannonadeof the American encampment at, ib-
Fngate, American, destroyed at Washington, Vol. II. 29?.

Gaines, major-general, U. S, army, relieves general Ripley at Fort-Erie, Vol. II. 164. His
mis-stated account of the assaultupon theworks, 179. 455.
Gales, the editor of the National IntelUgencer, a British subject, Vol. II. 295. His atrocious
behaviour, ib.
Gananogwe, a Canadian settlement, described, Vol.1. 126. Midnight incursion into, ib.
George-town paper, extract fiom,Vol. II. 300.
George, f OTt, its situation and strength, inJune, 1812, Vol. T. 52. Cannonade between it and
Fort-Niagara, 102. 1O8. Its !:;ifengUi in May, 1813, 151. Altack upon, 13-2. Want of am
munition, jb. Possession taken ot it by ilie Americans, 159.407. 4i2. Loss in dei'ending it,
159. 410, American luss in llie attack, l6i.' 413. Is abandoned by general M'Clure, and en
tered by colonel Murray, Vol. II, 11.
 town, Chesapeake-bay, proceedings at. Vol. II. 46 — 8.
Gibbs, major-general, his arrival before New Orleans, Vol. II. 363. Complaint against lieute
nant-colonel Mullins, 375. The like of ihe disobecheiice nf the troops, 376. Is mortally
wonnded, 379.
Gibraltar point, its situation, Vol. I, 53.
Goat'island, its situation, Vol. I. 51.
Goose-a-etk/^HnW at, Vol. I. 250—2.
Government, the AmencixTi, piakes allies of (he Indian-;, yet blames us for fmploying thcm^
Vol.1, 180,220—1. Us friendly modcratiofi, 132. Orders Ub officers to break lii eir parole,
23y.
Greenleaf 's -point, serio\iss.cc\dentixX, Vol. II, 296.
Grenadier island, its situation, \'nl. 1. 30!.
Growler, U. S. cutter, her capture, along with her cninpaninn, by three Canadian gun-boats.
Vol. I. 240.445—7. Her armament, yio-— 1. 44?.
.  , U. S. schooner, her destruction, Vol. 11. 107.
Gun boat-i, American, near Lake-Borgne, their caj)lure, \o\. II. 348—53. Curious sVaiement
rcEpeciing, 3j3. Their excellent equipment, ib.
H.
Hamilton, lieutenant-colonel, gross libel upon him refuted. Vol. 11. 18.
.  ;—. village, entered by the British, Vol. 1.340 — I. -165-6.
Hampton, village of, attacked and canied by the British, Vol. 11. 6-1— S. 415—17. Shameful pro-
tcedings at, 66. Gioss exaggerations of the American editors, f.7— 3.
 , major-general, U.S, army, commands the American northern army, Vol.1. 245.
Is ordered to join general U'ilkiiisoii, 304. Advances to effect thai object, 305. 307. En-
coiintersa small force under culonel De Saluberry, and is repulsi.'d, 30S — 17. Retreats to Four-
cnruers, and thence to PlatLsburg, 317. His consolatory assurance to general Wilkinson,
339.
Hatiiburg, Chesapeake, proceedings at. Vol. II. 265.
Hanchett, captain, R. N. His severe wounds and gallant efforts at Craney island, Vol, II. 59.
Handcock, major, his gallant defence of LaColle mill, Vol. H, 83—9. 421.
Hi-inks, lieutenant, V. S. army, his official leitei. Vol. 1. 355. Remarks thereon, 57.
Harrison, ipajor-general, U, S. army, takes the command of the right wing of the American
north-western army, \ ol. I. 179. His relief of Fort-U^ayne, and cruelties against the In
dians, isi — C. Determines to winter in a Canadian garrison, 1&4. Separation bf the wings,
¦v-iih orders to re-unite a.tPresqu'isle,ib. Ill consequencesto him of the loss of the left wing, 194,
ConstructsFort-Meigs, find another fort at Upper Sandusky, 194. His ' indulgencies' against
thelndians, 195. ^ Is attacked at Fprt-Meigs, 196. Receives a strong rQinlprceme.ni, 197.
Di-taches a force to storm the British batteries, while a sortie is made in the rear, ib. Suc
ceeds at flrst> but is afterwards repulsed, 198.201. Is strongly reinfdrced, 272. Abandorvs
fulls Meigs and Stephenson, ib. -Lands at Amherstburg, S73. Amount of his force, 274.
t^Lirsucs major-general Proctor, 275. Skirmishes in the route, 277 — 8. Draws up his force,
'itio. Attaclis and defeats major-general Proctor, 231-8. Destroys the Moravian-townj 28^0

INDEX.
His official letter, 453, Gasconading accounts of his victory, 286, Detains a flag of »ruce,
u \t-^^'"^°'^"* '^"^""^"^ general Vincent, ib. Discharges his volumeers, and repairs to
the Niagara, 298. Arrives at Fort-George, and afterwards at Sackett's Harbor, Vol. II. 6.
ff°T^fy> lieutenant-colonel, reconnoitres the American entrenched camp, near Stoney creek.
Vol. 1. 204. Suggests a midnight attack upon it, ib. Leads the advance, 205, Succeeds in
the enterprise, capturing part, and driving, away the remainder, ofthe American force,
206—12. Important consequences of ihc viclory,12i5. His services at the battle of Chiyst-
lefs, 468. At Oswego, Vol. II. 425. At the battle of Lundy's lane, 439. At Fort-Erie,
452. J » »
Havre-^ Grace, village of, its situation and size. Vol. II. 36. Treatment of a flag of truce at,
38. Fires upon the British, 37—8. Is entered, and partly destroyed, 38-44. American
calumnies respecting, refuted, 40  6.
fleald, Mrs. lier wounds, and reception by captain Rqberts, Vol. I. 67.
Henley, captain, U. S. navy, his account of the loss of tli? Csroljna, Vol.11. 537.
Hermes, H.M.S. has her cable cut at Fort-Bowyer, Vol. II. 344. Drifts on shore Vvithin gun-'
shot, and is blown up by her commander, ib.
History of the War, an American publication, extracts from. Vol. I. 57, 63. 76. 97. 1^8. 145.
156—7. 162. 193. 220. 225. 231—3. 243—7. 267. 314. 316. 334. 337. 339. 344. Vol. 11. 3. 4. 9, 12.
17. 20—1. 24. S(i. 41—:. 62. 71. 93. 102—5. 108. 126. 158. 164. 179—80. 192. 201. 224. 233. 235.
249. 252. 264. 265-9. 3!3. 321. 324. 328. 374. 391.
 Vnited States, an American publication. Vol. I. 57. 81. 96—7. 102. 113. ur.
184. 186. 193. 220—1. 227.247.297.338. Vol. II. 35.40. 42. 50. 60. 105. 108. 152. 154. l?ii— 80.
224,249—50. 252. 282— 5, -jgO. 293-4. 299. 300—1. 313. 316. 392.
Historians, American, their mistatements exposed. Vol. I. 57. 62. 65—6. 74. 81. 92—3. 97. 99.-
101-6. IDS. 115—17. 123—6. 128. 130. 134. 139. 144— S. 155. 160—3. 182, 184. 187. 189. igu. 193.
, 199. 20S~I 1. 216. 2iS. 220—6. 241—4. 249. 258. 264. 267. 277- 286. 29O. 313—15, 325—8. 3.T4,
336—8. 351. VoL. II. 3. 9. 12. 16. 18.23- 35. 42—6. 49—50. 61—3. 67- 91—3. 94. 102. 105. 108.
112. 119. 122. 125. 130. 150—9. lC5. 178— 9. 200—2, 521. 224. 235. 240. 247. 252— 4.'J78 3U0, 309.'
313. 316. 320. 324, 927. 343—5. 351— ?: 360. 372. 389. 390—2. 394.
Holmes, major, U. S. army, his brutal proceedings at St. Joseph's, Vol. II. 191 — 2.
Hoop-pole creek, skirmish al. Vol, I. 321 — a.
Hopkins, a Canadian traitor, conveys information to the enemy. Vol. I. 257. Is hung, 298.
Hudibras, extracts from, Vol, I. 336. 333. Vol.II, 236.
Hull, general, U. S, army, Vol. I. 57. His arrival at Detroit, 58. Proclamation to the Cana
dians, lb. and 355. Capture of Sandwich, 58, Inactivity, 59. His behaviour to the Cana
dians, 63. His return, across the river I)etri>it, to the fort, 64. His answer to general
Brock'ssummons, 69- Retreat tothefoit, 70. His tame surrender, ib. Ollicial letters, 369.
His trial, and sentence, 75 — 6.
Humbert, the celebrated French general, assisted in defending New Orleans, Vol. Il, 389,
Hunter, Mr, of Alexandria, his cowardly and cruel behaviour. Vol. II. 258.
 , H.B.M. brig, compared in force with an American ' boat,' Vol. II. 353.
Huron, lake, ils extent and situation, Vol.i. 47. Operations upon, Vol.II, 185—202.

Jackson, major-general, U. S. army, succeeds general Wilkinson in the command at New
Orleans, Vol. II. 345. Takes possession of Pensacola, ib. Airives at New Orleans, 3-j6.
Places the city under martial law, 354. Sends to reconnoitre the British advanced division,
36t. Attacks Hand retires, 362. 533. His lines in front of New Orleans, 364 — 7. Receives
a reinforcement, 371. Is attacked by the British 374—85. His othcial accounts of their re
pulse, 538. 557, Quick re-occupation of the abandoned right bank, 3!a6. 559. Considers he
outwitted the British general, 387. Kis official account ol the departure ot the British, 363,
Some particularis ofhis family, 389. His designation of England, 39u. His honorable conduct
at New Orleans, ib. Accountof the loss of fort-Bowyer, 574.
Jenkins, captain, his dreadful wounds, and heroic behaviour. Vol. 1. 138. Some accountof hi?
family, 140.
Independent foreigners, a corps so named, fired upon, when struggling in the water. Vol. IL 60.
Enormities commiited by that corps at Hampton, 66. Placed under a guard by tlie British
officers, 67, Sent away from the Chesapeake, and not employed ag.iin, 69.

Their sallant behaviour at Fort-Meigs, i97— 20i. Called in aid by the United states on the
Niagara 220. Curious reasons given in support of the measure, 220—1. Then- dislike to at
tack fortified places, 267. Accumulated numbers at Detroit, 269. M<i^ of them abandon
maior-general Proctor, after the loss of captain Barclay's fleet, 275. Kedtinder make a gal
lant resistance at the battle of the Thames, 282. \
John, colonel, his official account of tlie capture of fhe U. S. ship Adams, VoL II. 479.
Jones, lieutenant, U. S. navy, his official account of the loss of his five gun-boats. Vol. II.
350—2. 526.
Isle aux NoiXf its situation, extent, forts, and garrison, Vol.1. 249. Expedition planned
against, 346.
Junon, H.M.S. her affair with the American gun-boats, Vol. II. 54— o. 4i2.
Izard maior-seneral, U.S. army, has served in the French army. Vol. I. 306. Commands
eeneral Hami ton's advance, ib. Moves frimi Champlam to Sackett's Harbor, with neariy the
whole of the northern army, Vol. II. 2(i6. Proceeds to the Nragaia, 237. Cro.sscs to Fort-
Erie and supersedes general Brown, 238. Advances al^ng the road, ib. Returns to Fort,:
Erie' "40 DesLroys the works, and evacuate^ the Canadidu territory, ib, ' ' ¦ '

INDEX. K.
Keane, major-general, his exact force at New Orleans, Vol. II. 362. His official aceouhL of the
attack upon him on the 23d of December, 529—33. Is wounded in front of general Jackson's
lines, 379.
Kentuckians, their proceedings against the Indians, Vol. I. 179. Dread in which they were
held by the latter, I84. 'Indulged' by major-general Harrison, 195. Their treatment of
Tecumseh, 293—6. Their dastardly flight on the right bank of the Mississppi, 386. 558. 560.
* Kentucky too-much,* an Indian phrase, illustrated. Vol. I. 184.
Kerr, captain, his skirmish wilh the Americans, Vol. 1.215.
King, colonel, U. S. army, his opinion of general Hampton's defeat. Vol, I. 315.
Kingston, harbor and town described, Vol. I - 54. Approached by commodore Chauncey, 122.
Small force at, i3^ 256- Intended expedition against, 256. 348— 9.
^in^ale, proceedings at, Vol. II. 266. L.
I.a CoUe mille, manner of its construction, Vol. II. 83. Is attacked by general Wilkinson, 85.
Gallant defence by its garrison, 86—9. Repulse of fhe assailants, 90.
Ladders. See Scaling-ladders.
Laffite, Mr, his trick upon British officers. Vol. II. 341.
2<aA:e superior, its extent and situation, Vol. I. 47.
 Huron, dittn, ib. .
— — Michigan, ditto, 48.
 St. Clair, ditlo, ib.
'  Erie, ditto, 49-
—— Ontario, ditto, 53.
¦ Champlain, ditto, 237-
Lalla Rookh, its author cited, Vol.II. 292.
Lambertus travels, quotations from, Vol. 11. B. 153.
Lambert, major-general, orders the right bank of the Mississippi to be evacuaicd, Vol.II. 386.
Applies to general Jackson fora su-pension of hostilities, 3P7. Retreats from his position.
before New Orleans, ib. His official letters, 54». 555. Detaches a force against Forl-
Bowyer, 391. His account of its surrender, 57O.
Larwell, lieutenant, U.S. aimy, his capture, along with his detaciiment, by Canadian mili
tia, Vol II. 73—4.
Latour, major, his opinion of the atlack upon general Jackson's lines at New Orleans, Vol. 2.
382.
Latour*s ' War in Louisiana,* extracts from, Vol. II, 342—5, 349 — 52. 354. 360—1. 363. 367—0,
371—2. 360. 383-4. 387. 389. 391.
Lawrence, captain, U, S. army, hisaccnunt ofthe loss of Fort-Bowyer, Vol. IL 391,
Left dii-ision of the British Canadian army, its approach towards the American noi thern army,
in I8i^i, Vol. I. 129. Detachment from It captures Ogdensburg, 1.37 — tO, Another detachment
enters i^laftsburg, Swanton and Champlain-town, 242—5. Proceeiiiiigs of its advance-near
Chateaugay, 3U6— 17. Sirongly reinlorced from Eurojpe, Vol. 11.205. Its efficient state, 206.
Marches u> Plattsburg and back, 207—27. Retires to wmter-qiiarters, 22«.
Leonard's town, Potomac, proceedings at, Vol. ll. 262,
Lewistown, village of, its situation and size, Vol. I. 51. Shares the fate of Newark, Vol. II. 1P>
Lines, general Jackson's, on the left bank ofthe Mississippi, described, Vol, II. 364— 7. First
unsuccessful attack upon, 363. 529—36. Second ditto, 37-1 — 85. 5.18-43. Major Latour's,
and major-general Wilkinson's, opinions respecting the attack, 3S2 — 5,
 , major general Morgan's, on the right bank of the same river. Vol. II. 367. 371. As.
saulted and carried, 385 — 6.^
Little Belt, U. S. schooner, her destruction, Vol. II. 22.
Lockyer, captain, R. N. der-arts in boats to altack five American gun-boats. Vol. II, 349. His
officia account of their capture, SaO. 523.
Logan, the Indian chief, hisalliance with the United States, Vol. l.'iSO.
tendon editor.'!, their premature i-ejiiicinp,s. Vol. il. 227. 1 heir erroneous statements respectins
the proceedint^sat Washington, 294. 3U-5.
Long point, American expedition against. Vol. H. i(9 — 12.
Xoss, Brilishand American, at Brown's town. Vol. I. 65. At Qneen's-town, 97. At forts Georte
and ^ewark, 108. Near to Fort-Eiie, 117.390. Ogdensburg, 139.396. At York, 146—7
398. 403. 40fi. At Frcncli-to«n, 135. At the river Raisin, i90, 420. 40S. At Fort-Meigs
200-1. 430. At Stoiiey-creek, 2U7. 4:34. At R lack Rock, 229-30. 442. In capturing the
Growler .uid Eagle on Lake Champlam, 240. 447. At Goose-creek, 25 1, At Port-Stei.hen«on
206-7. At the Thames. U. C. 28'.;-3. Al Chateaugay, 312. 464. At Honp.pole creek!
.¦^21— 2. At Chrystlers, 332— 3. 409, 475. At Fort Niagara, Vol.11. 14— 5 398 Al Black
Rock and Buffaloe, 23.403-4, At Havre de-Grace, 35. 405. At Geoige-town, 45. 4H. At
Cvaney-islarid, 61.4 14— 16. At Hamson, 65. 417. At the Twentv-miie creek, 77. -1 18. At
]a Colle mill, 90.422. At Oswego, 105.427.429. At Strtet's-t reek. W4_<i 434-fi At
Lundy's. lane, 147-8. 441-2.448. At Black Hock, 164. At Fort Erie, 177! 454-5 Incao-
turing U S schooners, Somers and Ohio, 449. Al Michihmacinac, i95. In capturinjr the
U.S, schooners, digress and Scorpion, 198. 461. At Plattsburg. ^23— 4. 464, A the sortie
from Fort.Erie. 23-1.^7]. At Lyon's-creek, 2S9. At HladenshuFg, 290, 4Q9. At Moor's-fields
^nt..r\^af 'TThf ¦ r-'* 'W ^^' ^l- ^^^^y'^ ^''^••' ^^^- a' the bombardment of For^^^
Bowyer, 344. At the captnre of the gun-boats near Uke-Borgne, 350. 525. At the several at-
ijowye?,l9. 573,"'"'' ^' "*~^* '^^' ^'^' '*®""^- ^'^'^^- -^^ the surrender of Fo?l

INDEX.
LouiaioMi state, its conquest early Bubmitted to the British governnfent, Vol.II. 339. Ex^
pected aid from its inhabitants, 240. Its rich cotton crops, ib. Address lo the inhabitantp of,
by British officers, 3il, Defensive preparations by the governor of, 346. Its frontiers described,
346—7. Its evacuation by theBritish, 387.
— — — U. S. ship, her armament and crew, Vot. II. 362. Joins the Carolina schooner, 363.
"Opens upnn the Biitibh troops, ib. Ought to have been fired upon immediately, ib. Towed
away after the Carolina's explosion, ib. Ill effectsof her escape, 366,
Lower Canada, inhabitants of, their patriotic behaviour, Vol. I, 308—13.342.345.
Lundt/*s-lave, battle of. Vol II. 142 — 59.436 — 48."
Lyon*s a-eek, skirmish at. Vol, II. 238. M.
Mucdonnetl major, his mission to Ogdensburg, as a flag of truce, Vol. T, 135. Treatment he
experienced, ib. Succeeds to the command at Prescott, ib. Is denied permission to attack
Ogdensburg, but gets leave lo make a demonstration upon the ice, iSfi, Collects bis force and
crosses the St. Lawrence, 137 Is fired upon from Ogdensburg, 138. His capture of Og
densburg, and eleven pieces of cannon, 139. His official letter to sir George Prevost, 393.
Alteration made in it, 140. (Lieutenant-colonel.) Commands a force near Chateaugay, 307.
Practises a successful itise deg-uei-re upon general Hampton, 310.
Macdonough, commodore, his cautious behaviour, Vol.1. 246 — 7. Hears of the departoreof
captain Everard from Lake-Champlain, and then sails out, 248. His boastful letier, 450.
Launches his stiips at Vergennes, Vol. II. 96. His designation of two cutters, 353.
Matfarlane, Mr John, released from American imprisonment. Vol. II. 18.
Machodic river, proceedings at. Vol. II. 265.
Macomb, colonel, U. S army, advances in the attack of Matilda, Vol. I. 318 — 19. His curious
arcouiit as contrasted with captain Biddle's, ib. [Major-general.) Retires before sir George
Prevost, Vol, ii. 207. Crosses the Saranac. and fortifies his position, 209. His state of de'i-
pair, 216. Sudden exultation, lb. His official letter, 220 — 4,405.
Macrac*s house, gallant affair at. Vol. II. 74.
Aladison, Mr. his war-manifesto. Vol. I. 2 — 15. Reply to it; 1^—40. His profitable versatility,
44. Charges the British with what he himself openly practices, 180. His ludicrous boast of
having the command of Lake-Huron, Vol. II. i99. Was on the field at Bladensburg, 285.
His narrow escape, 291. Flight, ib. Designation byan American general, ib. His procla^
mation, 303. 5;.6.
Maguaga, skirmish at, Vol. I. 64—7.
Manchester, American village of, shares the fate of Newark, Vol. II. 19.
Manifesto, Mr. Madison's, Vol. 1. 2 — 15.
.- ' -, the piince regent's, Vol. I. 16, Compared wilh Mr. Madison's, 41,
Manners, captam, exchanges parole with an American captain, while both lie wounded on the
field at h'oney cr^ek. Vol, I. 208, American misrepresentation corrected, ib,
Marlborough, Lower and Upper, proceedings at. Vol II. 259. 279.
Marque and reprisai, American letters of, Vol.1. 15.
 , British ditto. Vol. I. IG.
Mayeaux, serjeant, his heroic behaviour, and dastardly murder. Vol. II, 255 — 9.
Sil 'Arthur, general, U. S. army, his ' miraculous' escape, Vol. I. 61. His disgraceful proceed
ings in the ivesiern district of Upper Canada, Vol, 11. 241 — 3.
M'Clure, major-general, U. S. militia, marches from Fort George, as if in pursuit of general
. Vincent, Vol. II. 3. Ketreais to Fort-George before colonel Muriay, 7- Gives half an hour's
notice to Ihe inhabitants of Newark, and then sets fire to their town, 8, 9. Abandon's Fori-
George and retreats across the nver, 11. Orders ihe commandant ac Fort-Niagara to prepare
fur an attack, 16. 398. 400. Is justly charged by his countrymen as the cause of the desola
tion of 'heir villages, 26.
M'Culloch, captain, U. S, Army, his letter to his wife. Vol. I. 62.
M*Douga}, major, his evidence at colonel Mullins's court-martial. Vol. II. 377.
M'Douall, lieutenant-colonel, his boisterous passage across Lake-Huron, Vol. IT. IP6 — 7. Ar
rives at MichiHmacinacib. Detaches a force against Prairie du Cliien, ib. His gallant
defence of Michilimacinac, -193. Official account of the repulse of the Americans, 458.
Gross libel upOii him reluted, 201—2.
M'Kay, li-u'enant-colonjel, ofthe Michigan fencibles, departs for, and attacks and carries, th
fort of Prairie dw Chien, on the Mississippi, VoL 11. 187—90* His official account ofthe mj-
terprise, 4 56,
M\'Jicking, Mr. Peter, released from. American imprisonment. Vol. II- 18.
M'Pherson, lieutenant-colonel, U. S. army, his opinion of the conduct of the British at L
Colle mrll, Vol, II. 87.
M'Queen, serjeant, of the Canadian militia, his gallantry, Vol. II. 74.
^edcalf, lipiiienant, of the Canadian militia, his enterprising spirit, and gallant capture of a
body of Americaii regulars, Vol. II. 7'3 — 4.
Meigs, fort, its construction. Vol. I. 194. Strength, 196- Atlack upon, by colonel Proctor, ib.
Sortie from the garrison, 199- Repulse of the Americans, 200. Reinforcement to the garri^-
son, 197, The latter storm and carry the Britishbatteries, 198. Batteries retaken, ib. Cap
ture or destruction of nearly the whole American storming party, ib. 418.
flfcmoiVs, Wilkinson's, extracts from, Vol.1. 80. 85. K6. 87, 00. 92. 133. 153. 170. 171. 17*
233—6.252.255 257— 9- 302— 4. 315. 318— 22, 326— 9. 332. 335. 338, 3i3. 54G—7. 350. Vol II'
36.62.78.79.83.85-9.91.94.102.105,108. 114. 117.121—3.126. 127.131—3,140.144 Hs'
150. 156—7. 159.278—81. 283.266.290. 393— 5. 303. 342. 360. 385. 3S9. 392.
Mercluj/.ilize, admitted by the Americans tobe 'good prize,* Vol. IL 192.333,
MMn.iraer, its situation, Vol. I. 50. Sec Meigs.

INDEX.
Michigan, lake, ils situation andextent, Vol, 1. 48;
.  .-territory, surrender of the, to the British, Vol. I. 70,368. First American attempt at,
1 79. Is recovered by inajor-general Proctor's defeat, 285.
MichiliTnacinac, island of, its sitpatioA, Vol, I. 47.
 .,  , fort, its situation. Vol. 1. 48. Its capture, 56. 353—5. Meditated recovery.
Vol. II. 185. Its garrison reinforced, 187. Attack upon it by the Americans, 193. Their-re-
pulse, 195— fi. 458, Restored by the treaty of peace, 393.
MiUs, captain, U, S, army, ex'changes parolewith captain Manners, Vol. I. 306. Is sent to the
American lines by a fiag of truce, ib,
Mohawk Indians, their faithfulness, Vol. t. 222.
Montreal, in Lower Canada, expedition agairtst determined upon, Vol. I. 355.
—  -^strengthof the city, Vol. I. 304.
Moor's-Jtclds, skirmish at. Vol. 11.308.
Moose-isifmd, its capture. Vol. II. 245-6. 472—5.
Moravian village, its situation. Vol. 1. 284. Destriietion by general Harrison, ib. See Thames.
Morgan, maior-general his Hnes at New-Orleans, Vol. II. 367. 371. Ts driven from them, 385— 7.
547. 558—62.
Morrison, lieutenant-colonel, proceeds from Kingston down the St. Lawrence, to annoy gene-.
ral Wilkinson's rear, Vol.-l, 323. Lands ut Point-Iroquois, 324. His exact force, 326-
Draws up his small army near Chrystler's farm, 328. Is attacked by general Boyd, 329.
Defeats him, notwithstanding his great superiority of numbers, in a masterly style, 329— :39,
His official account, 467 — 70, Proceeds further down the river, 339. Arrives at Cornwall,
340. Detaches a force to Hamilton and Ogdensburg, 340—1.465.
Muir, major, his imprisonment along with convicts in Frankfort Penitentiary, Vol. I. 299. 463.
Mulcastei; captain, R. N. his passage down the St. Lawrencp from Kingston, Vol, I. 323. Ar-
rives'at Fort- Wellington, 324, Lands troops at Point-Iroqu<,>is, ib. Cannonades tue afmed
gun-boats, 325.
Mitilins, lieutenant colonel, of the 44th regiment, his fatal misunderstanding respecting the
facines and ladders. Vol. II. 375, His reported neglect, ib. Extracts from the court-martial-
, upon him, 375 — y.
Munro, Mr. approves of the, burning of Newark, Vol. II. 11. His convenient designation of
the inhabitants of Havre-de- Grace, 42. 505. Clumsy excuse for the burning of St. David's,
136. His reply to Admiral Cochrane's letter, 302 — 3. 504.
Murray, colonel, embarks al Isl'e-aux-Noix, apd lands at Plattsburg^, Vol. I. 242. Destroys the
arsenal and barracks up tlie river Sgranac, ib. Re-embarks, bringing away a quantity of naval-
stores, 943, 448. Marches against general M'Clure, VoL 11.7- Enters Fort-George, 11. 396,
Crosses to the attack of Fort-Niagara, 13. Storms and carries the fort in a few minutes,
14—18.396—8. '
. - ¦ ¦¦' ¦,-sir George, his arrival in the Canadas, Vol. II. 393. Invmediale rettim on account of
the peace, ib. N.
National Intelligencer, extracts from, Vol. II. 19S. 271. 296. 333.
Is^ative, and adopted American officer, their letters compared, Vol. 11,261,
Naval Monument, an American publication, extracts from. Vol. I. 249. Vol. II. 53. 240.
.  Occuirences, James's, refened to. Vol. I. 122. 174. 209. 231. 240—1. 247. 252. 260;
271—4. Vol.II. 23. 32. 56. 97- IOI. 4-09. 123. 131. 167. 190. 200. 211. 220, 226. 247. 250,
276—7.302.353.
 ¦— History of the United States, extracts from. Vol. I- 247—9. Vol. II. 23. 353.
Negroes, in the Chesapeake, mistatements respecting, Vol. II. 268 — 71.333.
Newark, village of, its situation and size. Vol. I. 52. Injury received by shot from Fort-*
Niagara, tC8, Entered by the Americans, 159. Burnt by the Americans, Vol. II. 8—11,
New Orleans, city of, its richness. Vol. II. 340. Menaced with an attack, ib. Its line of
maritime invasion, 346. its extent and population, 347. Defensive preparations at, 348,
Consternation of the inhabitants at the loss of the gun-boats, 354. Placed under martial
law, ib. Description of the surrounding country, 355 — 7.
New York, plan of the city described, Vol, U. 292. '
Niagara river, its situation. Vol. I. 50^53.
.:  falls, their height. Vol. I. 5i.
 . fort, its situation and strength. Vol. I. 52, Vol. 11,15. Cannonade between itand
Fort-George, Vo]. 1. 102. 1O8. Bonibaids Fort-Geof'ge, 152. Is stormed, and carried by
¦colonel Murray, Vol. II. 13-18.306.400. Its recovery contemplated, 73. Restored at the
peace, 393. '
.  frontier, British, its regular force in September, 1812, Vol. 1. 80.
— '¦  •  '. American, alarm caused by its exposed state in December, 1813, Vol, I.
19.
Nichol, lieutenant-colonel, of the U, C. militia, his dwelling-house, distillery, and othei^
buildings, destlroyed by the Americans, Vol. H. 109—12, Points out a route for the carriage
of captain Dobbs's boat to Lake Erie, I67.
Nominy ferry, proceedings at. Vol. II. 263.
Norfolk Herald, newspaper, curious extract from the. Vol. 11,269.
J^D?-tft, U. S. army of the, its stationand strength in 18)2, Vol. I. 128. Advances towartis the
boundary line, 129. Retreat into winter-quarters, 130, Re-advance in October, 1813, to join
general Wilkinson, 305, Its strength, ib. Attacks a sinall British force at Chateaugay,
and is driven bapk to Four Corners, 806—17. Retreats to PlaiiEburg, ib. Advance wn^ei;;

INDEX,
general Wilk,iijs(ni,.VpL II. «i. Is repulsed at La Colic mill, sr— 95. "Retreats to Cham-
pl&in, 95, Pi-incipal part carried to Sackett's Harbor byvgeneral. Izard,. £0S. Remainderi.
• nnder major-general Macomb, retires to Plattsburg, 207. Us extraordinary good-fortune ,
2.'9— 98. . ¦ ^ o , - '
North-west, U. S...armyof the. its first proceedings. Vol. I. 58. Surrender to the British, .
70. Renewal, 178. Us division into two wings, 179. Proceedings against the Indians, 182.'
Number of tomahawks supplied to it, 183. Its great augmentation, 363. 272. Lands at
Amherstburg,. 273. Us strength, 274. Defeats the British rigl>t-di vision, 281^8. Is' dis
membered, 298. ...
Norton, the 'Indian .chief,' ^Scotchman, Vol.II. 16.
O.
Ocracoke harbor, .proceedings of the British at, Vol. II. 69—71.
Officers, bTitish, 'fcheii- imprisonment among convicts, Vol. I. 298—9. 461.
Pgdeiisburg, an American village, its situation and size,' VoL I. 13^. Unsuccessful attack
upon by colonel Lethbridge, 138. Attaclied and carried by major Macdonnell, 137»— 40,
Enteredagain by the British, 341.
Ogilvie, major> his gallant b,ebaviour at Fort-George, Vol. I. 157, Ditto, at Stoney creek,
, 206.
Ohio, U.S. schooner, her capture, Vol.II. 167,449.
,0*Neill, M'r. taken at Havre de Grace, his contemptible behaviour. Vol. II. 45, Ludicrous
thVeat respecting his detenjEioi), 46,, ,
Ontano, la.ke, its situation and extend. Vol. I. 53. Opei-ations on in 1813, 252.
Orders in council, their revocation, Vol.1. 15.
Oswego, fort and river, their de,sicription. Vol. IT. 99. Attack upon the fort, 100—8.422—30..
0 Her creek, Lake Champlain, unsuccessful atlack upon, Vol. II. 9^7. Ill consequences of-
with-holding troops from, 97. ¦ >
, Overton, major, U. S. army, his official account qf the bombapdmejit of Fort St. Philip, Vol.
II. 568. ' ¦ '
P.
Painting^ an American, of the Plattsburg batlle. Vol. II. 22k.
Pakenham, major-general, his arrival on the left bank of llje Mississippi, Vol. IT. 363.
Amount of his force, ib. Determines to attack the American lines in front, ib. Makes an
unsuccessful demonstration, 368 — 9, Is cannonaded by commodore Patterson's guns on
Ihe right bank, Sfig. Receives a reinforcement, 371. His esf^ct force, 373. Attempts tp
carry general Jackson's lines, 374. His death, 376—8. Esjact spot where he fell, 378. The
chief causeof it, 379* His good iporal character, 39O.
'Palace, the president's, at Washington, a guard 'of soldiers stationed al. Vol, II. 394. Aban-.
doned, ib. Its destruction justified, 29."». 30i.
f^arker, captain, R.N., his gallantry and death. Vol. II, 308— i/.
Parliamentary proceedings, extracts from. Vol. II. 305. •
Parole, fonn ofone, \'ul. I.234. Duties imposed by, 235. How considered by the American
government, 234 — 5. ,
-^  and countersign, none used at New Orleans, Vol. II. 390.
Pdroling the Canadians, American method of. Vol, I. 160,
Flirty -spiri!,. its occasional use, Vpl. I, 182. Its hpight in America, Vol. II.
Patent-office, at Washington, not 4estroyed, Vol. IJ. ,304. '
Fatterson, commodore, orders out his gun-boats to defend the passes into Lake Borgne, Vol.
. II. 347. ' Sends a purser and jdoctor to pump admiral Cochrane, 354. H is official accounts of
the co-operation of his ship and' schooner, S36. 539, Sol, Constructs a battery on the
opposite barik, and fires upon the ISritish, 369-^70, His official account of colonel Thornton's
exploit on the right. bank ofthe Mississippi, 559.
¦Peace, treaty pf, Vol. II. 575. . So^ne rejnarks upon it, 393.
Pensaicola, taken possession of by the U.S. troops. Vol. H. 345.
Percy, W. H. captain, R.N, his attack upon, and repulse at Fort-Bowyer, Vol. II, 343 — 6.
'Perry, commodore, his appearance on Lake Erie, Vol. 1,269. Defeat of the British flotilla,
271. Effects of his victory on the rival armies, 271 — 2. Accompanies major-goneral
, . .Harrison^up the Thames, 376.
Petite- Coquille fort, British deceived as to its defences. Vol. II. 358, Real strength known, 364.
Philadelphia Gazette, , extract from, VoLH- 44.
Phillipsburg, -Lower Canada, incursions into by the Aipericans, Vol. II- 81 .
^ike, Ueutenant-colonel, U- S- army, is detached against a British piquet, VoL I. 129. His
men wound each other; 130. Returns unsuccessful, ib. (Major-general.) His action at
York, 143. His death by an explosion, 145.
- — , U. S. ship, seton fireby the.Atnericans at Sfipkett'? Harbbr, Vol, I. 170. Fire extin
guished, 172. Her appearance on the lake, 230.
'^Pilkington, Ueutenant-colonel, his official account of the capture of Moose island. Vol. II.
v^—^- . ' ¦ ,. ., ...
Plattsburg, village of, er^tered by colonel Murray, Vol. II. 242. Its situation and size, 209.
' Details of the unsuccessful expedition against, 207— 28. 461— 9.
Plenderleath, lieutenant-colonel, his gallant conduct at Stoney creek, .Vol. I. 206, At Chryst?
.'. lei'»s,.,4€». Did not report his woutid, 333. ¦ >
focket'handkerchi^, cpnverted into .island of colours, Vol, If 106. -

INDEX.
SiniTnoMds, Mr. Wm. his testimony respecting Wfiahfngton,V6I.IiI. 291— 5, ,,¦ . A-:r ¦ ,, . -
Sinclair, catpain, United States' navy, altacWs, and is repulsed at, Fort-Michilipiacin?ic, V^l, 11/
293—5. Captures the Nancy schooner, 197- His.bombastic designation ot his prize, ib.
« Six Nations* of Indians, their pretended declaration of war. Vol. I. 223. ^.
Sketcheso! the War, an American publication, extracts from, Vol. I. 60— i. 64. 66,71—5. fii.
89. 93—5.97—9. 101-2. 108— 9. 111—12. 115. 117—18. 123, 125. 13S. 134. 139. 143—5. 147-8.
152—3. 155 159—60. I69. 172—3. 177. 179—80. 182- 184. 188—9. 192. 195—6. 198 200. 208.
210— IU 213. 217. 220. 224. 231, 247. 253—4, 264. 267. 272. 274—5. 276, 382—4. 290. 297.
299. 308. 313. 330—1. 352. Vol. IL 9. 12. 18. 24- 40—1. 44—5. 48. 53. 57- 61. 63.^65-6. 71.
91. l'02. 105. 108. 110—11. 118— 19. 122, 127.- 129— 30. 158. 146. 152. 153. 154. 159- Ifil.
163. 165—6. 168. 171. 177—8. 195. 201. 208. 222. 224—5. 229- 231. 234. 236. 239—40. 242.
248—9. 152. 254. 279. 299. 301. 304. 309. 313. 315—16. 318. 320. 324. 327- 345.
Smith, general, United States' army, his official account of the battle of Baltimore, Vol- II.
316. 521.
Smyth, general. United States' army, his appointment to the command nf the American army
ofthe centre. Vol. 1. 107. Cunning way of giving liotice of the termination of gereral Sheaffe's
armistice, ib. Rroclamation for volunteers, log". 391. Amount of his force, 109. His pre
parations for the second invasion, ib. Crosses trver the advanced division, 1 10. Strength of
the latter, ill. Progress on the Canadian shore, .M2— 14. Fails in his expedition, ii5.
Sendsa summons to Fort-Erie, 118. 393. The answer he obtained, lis. 389. Intends a fresh
attack, 119. Trifles with his troops, ib. Abandons the invasion, ib. Hia reasons, ib, Belra-
viour o^ the troops, ib. Nick-name given to him, 120.
Solffiers in citizpns' dresses, remarks upon. Vol, Ii. 52.
Somers, United States* schooner, her capture. Vol. II. 167. 449.
Specucie island, proceedings ofthe Britiah at, Vol, IL 36. .
State paper, American, Vol. I. 132.
St. Clair, lake, its situation and exteht, Vol. I; 48,
— — , river, its situation andextent, ib.
St. David*s, village of, its situation, Vol.,.!, 55. Burnt by the Amfricans, Vol. II. n4— 5.
Stephenson, or Sandusky, fort, its construction, Vol. 1. igi. 263, Unsuccessful assault upon,
265—7.
Stewart, general. United States* militia, his shameful behaviour to a BrUish serjeant of marines.
Vol. II. 258.
St, George, colonel, h\s, capture ofthe Chicagopacket; Vol. I. 59.
St, John*s, Lower Canada, its situation. Vol. I. 239.
St. Joseph's, islandof, captured, Vol. I, 47. Shameful proceedings ofthe Americans at. Vol. II.
191—2.
St. Lawrence, river, when open for navigation, Vol. I. 133.
St. Mary^s, river of, in Upper Canada, its situation, Vol. I. 47. ¦
, in Georgia, its situation. Vol. II. 335. Expedition up, ib.

- town,  ¦  , captured, Vol. II. 335.

Stone, Mrs. her shameful treatment by the Americans, and heroic bebavinur. Vol. f. 125.
—  , lieutenant-colonel. United States' armv, how treated for burning St, David's, Vol. If.
135—6, , ' '
Stoney creek, battle of. Vol. I, 204—11.431—6, Mutual loss at, 207. 434—5.
St. Philip, fort, unsuccessful bombardment of, 387. 568.
St. Regis, village of, its situation. Vol. I. 55-
Street, Mr. Samuel, released from Aineyican 'imprisonment, Vol. IT. IR.
Street*s creek, battle of, Vol.IL 120—8. 431—6.
Superior, lake, its situation and extent. Vol. I.' 47.
Surveyor, United States' schoom^r, her capture, Vol. II. 53,
Swanton, village of, barracks destroyed at. Vol. I, 243.
Swift, brigadier-general, United States' army, hisdeath, Vol. If. 129.
T.
Tappahannock river, entered by the British, Vol. II. 333.
Tarbin, captain, United States' navy, his attack upon the Junon, 54—6.
l*ayln-r, major, his capture of the Growler and Eagle cutters. Vol. I. 240—1 . 445.
Tecumseh, the Indian Cbief, his action at Aux Canards; Vol. T. 61. Advances upon Delroi>, 69.
His fidelity at Fort-Meigs, 201. Kills-one of his warriors for massacring an American pri
soner, lb. His bravery at the battle of the Thames. a82. Is-killed by colonel Johnson, 287
His person and character, ib. Skill as a diplomatist, 2SR. Plainness in dress, ib. Tempe
rance, 289. Warlike qualities, ib. Hatred to the Americans. 2go, Their libels upon him
ib. His forbearance to ill-treat them, ib. Judgment in the field, Q91. Travels, ib'. Talents
as a draftsman, 292. Mbdesty, ib. Compared with his son. 295 ' His majestic feature's
after dedth, 294, His scalp taken, and skin 'flayed, 295. His death not mentioned bv
general Harrison, 296, Probable reason, ib.
.TViames. river, UpperCanada, it.s situation. Vol. I. 48. Battle of the, 278'^99v British official
account of the, 461. American ditto, 453,
ThermopyltB, curiously compared. Vol. II. I57.
Thompson, "^w John, released from American imprisonment. Vol. II. IS.
Thc^nton, colonel, leads the left wing at the battle of Bladensburg, Vol- IT. 286. Drivel the
enemy before him, 2^7—9, Lands wiih the advance at Villere's canal. New Orleans, 355,
EivuuacKs near the banks ofthe Mississippi, 358, Cr6sses the Mississippi, and carries gene-

rai Morgan's lihea, and conimodore Patterson's batteries, 3^5—6". 5'5a. Hi's official account,
.347, Returnato have his wound dressed, leaving lietttenant-colonel Gubbins in charge of
the captured works, 38S. His opinion about ,the possibility of retaining them, 386. 549.
Tomahawks, number furnished lo the American north-western army. Vol. I.ias-
ToMen, lieutenant-colonel,- United States' army, hisopinionof the British charges at ta' Colle
mill, VoL n.-8S. J» f B >
Tredrntry-ofUce, at Washington, its destruction justified. Vol. II. 304.
Trippe, United States* sloop, her destruction. Vol. II. 22.
Tucker, lieutenant-colonel, crosses to Lewistown, Vol. II. 1424 His unsuccessful attack upon
Black Rock, 162—4. ¦
TuTkey'point, proceedings of the British at. Vol. IT. 36.
TmcartM-a, Indian village, shares the fateofNewark, Vol. 11. 19.
Tylden, major sir John, his evidence at colonel Mullins's coHrt-martial, Vol. II. 375.
U.
Underhill, his forcible seisure as a deserter, and death, Vol. I. 43.

Volor, American, superior to Homan, Vol. 1. 25.
Van Rensselaer, general. United States' army, his commandof the American army of the centre,
VoL I. 80. Intended plan of invasion, S3. How defeate^,'S5. Crosses the strait to encamp
there, 91. Official account of the Queenstown battle, 379. Secession from the command,
107.
Vamam, general, United States' army, his letter about the sortie at Fort-Brie, Vol, II. 235.
' Veritas,* his remarks' upon the PlattisbuTg expedition, Vol. IT. 211—20.
foliage, whatso named by the American editors. Vol. I. 126. ¦ ,.,
Vircent, major-general, his defence of Fort-George, Vol. 1. 153—8. Retreats to the Beaver dam,
lag. Is joined by a small reinforcemeht, 163. Destroys part of his stores, ib. His want of
ammunition, and retreat to Burlington Heights, 164. His critical situation, 203. American
force sent against him, ib. Its near encanipment, ib. Listens to the suggestion of lieute
nant-colonel Harvey, and proceeds witha detachment, headed by that officer, to storm the
American camp, 204. Success of the enterprise, 204 — 9. His'ofTTcial Utter, 43i. Gives up
the command of the centre-division to major-general De Rottenburg, 219. Resunijes it, 261.
Retreats to Burlington Heights, Vol.-II. 3. Returns to St. David's, arid is superseded by
general Drummond, i^. ', ' '
Voyageurs, Canadian, capture ofa party of, by the Americans, Vol. ,1. 106.
W.
War, American, origin of the, Vol. I. l. Declaration of, 15. Time of its anivat at Queens-
stuwn, Montreal, and Quebec, .55, Also in England, 15. Early preparations for, bythe Ame-
can government, 57.
Warburton, major, his imprisonment along with convicts, in Frankfort Penitentiary, Vol. I.
299. 461.
Warren, admiral, arrives in the Chesapeake, Vol. II. 32, Detaches a force up the Rappahan
nock, ib. Orders rear-dmiral Cockburn to tbe head of the bay, 33. Sends a force against
Craney island and Hampton, 57 — 61, His official letters, 414 — 6.
Washingt(m vMy, an attack upon anticipated by the American government Vol. II. 974.
Army prepared for its defence, ib. Different routes tp, 276. Filled with defiles, 280. Its
size and population, 292- Is entered by a small party of British, 293 — 4. Proceedings there
fully detailed, 293— 306r492— 303. See Army.
- gazette, extract from. Vol. ]

Wayne fort, its reduction prevented by sirGeorge Prevost, Vol. I, isi. Ts relieved by major-
general Harrison, ib. '
W^esiera militia, the Americaii, how equipped for service. Vol. I. 183. Their dexterity in the
use of the tomahawk and scalping-Knife, ib.
West Florida, secret act of Congress lo take possession of, Vol. II. 342. Is taken possesfaLon
of by United States' troops, 342.
Westphall, captain, R.N. is wounded while bearing a flag of truce, Vol. II. 38. Captures, with
his remaining hand^ an American captain of militia, 38. 407.
Wilcocks,; coXoneX, his character. Vol. I. 258.
Wiikinso-a, general James, United States' army, appointed lo command the American northern
frontier. Vol. I. 255. Directed to attack Kingbton, ib. Determines, by the advice of a
council, to attack Montreal, ib. . Prepares fur the expedition, 256. Arrives at Fort-George,
ib. Depafls for Sackett's Haibor with tile chief part of the army of the centre, 260.
Corresponds with comntodore Chauncey, 302. Proceeds wilh the expedition, 303. Issues a
proclamation to the Cunadians, si?. 46'6. Detaches colonel Macomb to take Fort-Matilda,
318. Calls a council of wai', 519, Stales his own and the enemy's forces, ib. Detaches colo
nel Bissel to reconnoitre an island, 3«o. Also major-generals Boyd and Brown, lo protect the
expedition, 321./ Complains of being 'sciatched,*325. His various accounts of the Hritish
force, S-25— 6. Sends a rcinforccinciit to general Bnyd, i2d. His exaggerated account of co-
lone! Morrison's loss, 333. His inconsistencies. 334". 473—6. His designation of temerity,'
335. Summons another council,, 339- His arrival at Frencji MiUs, utid account of the expe
dition, 340. 470—6. Despati-hes the dragoons lo Utica. .-and Commences, upon defeuovve
measures, J-il; Why he'did not succeed in the expedition, J43— i. Projects an expudi-

FNDEX,
ti»n ag&inst Isl? &ix^ Noix, &c. 346^7. Also against Kingston and Prescplt, 948— 9i*
Burns his water-craft, huts, &:c. and, after detaching ^ force to Sackett's Harbor, re
treats to Plattsburg and Burlington, 351. Reconnoitres Rouse's point. Vol. II. 80. Ill-will
towards the Canadians, ib. Detaches a force to Phillipsburg, 81. Advances to Champlain,
ib. Calls a council, and states his force, ib, and 418- Determines to attacly the British at
La Colle mill, 81. 419. Marches to the attack, 82. Attacks the mill, andis repulsed, 85 — 95.'
His curious simile, 94. Retreats tn Champlain and Plattsburg, 95. (rompared'''wiih Don
Quixote, ib. Turns historian, 155. While commander at New Orleans, took possession of
West Florida, 342. Erected Fort-Bowyer, ib. Was superseded by major-general Jackson,
345. Hisopinionof the route to New Orieans selected by the British, 358. Alsooi the
attack upon general Jackson's lines, 384,
Williams, lieutenant-colonel, his official account ofthe defence of La Colle mille. Vol. IT. 421.
Winchester, major-general, United States' army, takes the command of the left wing of tht;
American north-western army, Vol. I. 179. Detaches a force-agamst a few Hritish and In
dians, at Frenchtown, 184. The latter are repulsed, 185. Joins with the main body, 186.
Is attacked at the river Raisin, and .defeated by colonel Proctor, 187 — 94. His capture by an
Indian Chief, and deUvery in safety to the British Commander^ 188.
Winder, brigadier-general. United States' army, his capture by theBritish, Vol. I. Q')6. Bears
a proposal for an armistice from sir George Prevnst, Vol. II." 1S2. Agrees with colonel Baynes
for an exchange of prisoners, 1*13. His account of the battle of Bladensburg, 500.
Winter, Canadian, of 1813, its early setting in, Vol, TI. 7 — 8.
Wool, captain. United States' army, his official letter. Vol. I. 384. Remarks thereon, 90,
Worseley, lieutenant, K.N. his escape frcim Nattawassaga, Vol. II. 197. Successful enterprise
against the United States' schooners. Tigress and Scorpion, 197 — 201. 46!.
Wright, Mr. of Maryland, his compaiieon between Roman and American valor, Vol. II. 24.
Y.
Yeo, sir James Lncas, bis arrival at Kingston, and immediate active service. Vol. I. 164. Sails
out with his fleet, having on board sir George Prevost and troops, for Sackett's Haibor, 16»,
Arrives off, and stands in trt reconnoitre the port, ib. Embarks rhe troops in the boats, ib.
Is ordered to re-embark them, and to stand back for Kingston, ib. Accidental cause of his
return off Sackett's Harbor, 166, His capture of some American dragoons, ib. Inability to
approach the shore, owing to a change ot wind, ib. Re-embarks the troops in the boats, ib.
Lands them, '68. Had taken on board ship^vrighls to launch.lhe Pike, 172. Returns to
Kingston with the troops, 173. Sails, out to cO-operate with major-general Vincent, 212.
Drives the Americans from their camp at the Forty-mile creek, capturing part nf their camp-
equipage, 213. Lands a detachment of troops at tlie Forty-mile creek, 214. Sails with troops
to Oswego, Vol. II, 100. Lands them, 104. Hisofficial account of the capture of the pl^e,
428. Ditto of the loss of the Lake Champlain fleet, 465.
Veocomico, river, proceedings at. Vol. II. 266.
York, city of, Upper Canada, its situation and size. Vol. I. 53. Strength in i^ii^s, H2. Attack
upon, 143. Explosion at, 145. Capitulation of, 146. 400. British official account of action
at, 397. 400. American ditto, 143. 402. 404- British and American loss at, i4(i— 7. Desiruc-
.tion ofthe public buildings at, 148. Evacuation of, 149. Second attack upon, 212. Defence-.
leas state, owing to the militia being still under parole, ib. Plunder ol the inhabitants, and
departure of thi! expedition, 233.
Youngstown, American village, destroyed. Vol. IT. 19.

FiiMS.

ERRATA.
Vol. 1. 1>. 54, Inst line, affer II. read HI. and IV.
 303, last Une, Jete and III.
— ^  344, lasts from bottom, for 175 rend 304,
Vol. II. 292, last Hne, for 4 riad 5.
 =  993, line 1, for less read not many morP.
*.  347,  2, for Lefourciie read Lafourche,

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