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o^y^iur^  ,  .:  ^  t.-'--^-^     "f-^ 


3IILITARY  OCCURRENCES, 

fc3sq    . 

.  a         CHAPTER  XL 

British  force  on  the  Niagara  in  October ^  1813— 
Attack  upon  the  piquets — Effects  of  the  surrender 
'  4>f  the  right  division^^— Major-general  Vincents 
retreat  to  Burlington  —  His  orders  from  the 
commander-in-chief  to  retire  upon  Kingston—— 
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  M.''C lure's  shameful  con- 
duct towards  the  Canadian  inhabitants — Colonel 
Murray's  gallant  behaviour — Its  effect  upon 
general  M'-Clure-^A  Canadian  winter — Night- 
conflagration  of  Newark  by  the  Americans — 
M'-C lure's  abandonment  of  Fort-George,  and 
flight  across  the  river — Arrival  of  lieutenant- 
general  Drummond — Assault  upon,  and  capture 
of  Fort-Niagara  —  Canadian  prisoners  found 
there  —  Retaliatory   destruction  of   Lewistozvnj 

VOL.    II.  B 


} 


MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 


Youngstoim,Manchester,andTuscarora — Attack 
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, 
Oinadian  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  b j  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  niilitia-volunteers  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-body  ;  when  "  the  whole  British  army, 
*  See  Vol.  I.  p.  261. 


i 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND   AMERICA. 


consisting  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  war 
himself,  as  he  was  known  to  have  been  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  Niagara,  while  the  Mont- 
real expedition  was  preparing. 

On  the  9th  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  the  War,  p.  158.  +  See  Vol.  I.  p.  218. 
B  2 


4  MILITARY   OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

*'  general  M'Clure,  with  the  New  York  militia, 
volunteers,  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  of  the  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  affairs 
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;  and  yet  the  garrison  of  Kingston,  upon 
which  place  the  troops  were  directed  to  retire, 
had,  at  this  time,  scarcely  a  week's  provision  in 
*  History  of  the  War,  p.  153. 


r.REA.T   BRITAIN    AXD    AMERICA.  O 

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  the  centre- 
division  of  the  army  at  Burlington,  distant  60 
miles.  Orders  were  at  the  same  time  issued,  to 
disembody  and  disarm  the  militia.  The  officer 
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  officers  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  v/ere  afterwards  tried  at  Ancaster  for 
high  treason;  and  ail,  except  three,  convicted. 


J 

6  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEExV 

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  of  the  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  march  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  formed,  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  M1I.ITARY   OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

cald  in  winter  is  about  0.*  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 
wh^n  earnest.  Soon,  however,  came  round  the 
merciless  firemen.  Out  of  the  150  houses  of 
which  Newark  had  consisted,  149  were  levelled 
to  the  dust !  Such  articles  of  furniture  and  other 
Talaables  as  the  incendiaries  could  not,  and  the 
inhabitants  had  neglected  or  been  unable  to, 
carry  away,  shared  the  general  fate.  Of  counsellor 
Dickson's  library,  which  had  cost  him  between 
5  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  ;  and  his  wife  lay  on  a  sick  bed.  The 
villains-^how  shall  we  proceed  .^^-took  up  the 
poor  lady,  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.  107.  • 


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  of  the  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'CIure  determined  on  destroying 
the  town  of  Newark."*  It  is  iMr.  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.  '  This  act,'  said  general  JVrClure, 
(proceeds  Mr.  O'Connor)  '  however  distressing 
to  the  inhabitants  and  my  feelings,  was  by  order 
of  the  secretary  of  war,  and  1  believe,  at  the 
same  time,  proper.'  The  inhabitants,  (continues 
Mr.  O'Connor,)  had  12  hours^  notice  to  remoic 
their  eflfects,  and  such  as  chose  to  cross  the  river 
were  provided  with  all  the  necessaries  of  life.^'f 

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.        +  Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  158. 


10  MILITARY    OCCURRET«fCES    BETWEEN 

pose  general  M'Clure  acted,  as  he  says,  by  the 
former's  orders.  This  confers  additional  atro- 
city upon  the  offence ;  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  of  the  small  island  of  Nooaheevah,  which 
he  had  unfortunately  visited  during  his  cele- 
brated cruize  to  the  Pacific?*  As  to  the 
*'  twelve  hours'  notice,''  the  liberty  to  **  cross 
the  river,"  and  the  promise  that  the  poor  peopJe 
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  officer  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  of  his  minions, 
*  Quart.  Reyiew,  Vol.  XIII.  p.  364—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 
for  1500  men  were  left  standing.  Colonel  iMurray, 
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 
1-2,  and  several  9-pounders,  together  with  a  large 
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  g^he  soldiers,  as  they  beheld 
the  smoking  raitis  of  what  was  once,  as  acknow- 
ledged by  all,  a  beautiful  and  flourishing  village, 
would  have  burst  with  a  heavy  vengeance  upon 
the  heads  of  the  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 
vsays  nothing.  Mr.  Thomson  concurs  in  opinion 
that  the  post  was  "  untenable ;"  and  gives  as  a 
reason,  that  the  British  force  outside  consisted 
of  lt500  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,  says  roundly  :  "  Fort- 
George  was  soon  afterwards  abandoned,  and 
blown  up,  by  general  M'Clure."'|" 

Early  in  November  lieutenant-general  Drum- 
mond  and  major-general  Rial  had  arrived  from 
England ;  the  former  to  relieve  major-general 
De  Rottenburg,  in  the  military  command  and 
presidency  of  the  upper  province,  'i'hese  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  oflice ;  and  then,  along  with 
rnajor-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,  j>.  188.     +  History  of  the  War,  p.  265. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  13 

head-quarters,  soon  after  the  capture  of  Fort- 
George  ;  and  at  a  time  when  colonel  Murray's 
prompt  and  decisive  measures  had  given  a  new 
aspect  to  affairs. 

This  officer  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-chiei^ 
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  effect  the  carriage,  by  land,  of  a  suffi- 
ciency of  batteaux  for  the  enterprise. 

Every  thing  being  prepared  by  the  evening 
of  the  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  of  the  41st|,  and  the  effective  men  of 
the  100th  regiment,  amounting,  altogether,  to 
fewer  than  550  rank  and  file,  and  commanded  by 
colonel  Murray,  crossed  the  river  on  that  night,, 
and  landed  at  the  Five-mile  Meadows,  about 

*  Distant  530  miles. 

+  2d  Battalion  which  had  reccnily  arrived  from  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  off  two  of  the 
enemy's  piquets  ;  as  well  as  in  surprising  the  sen- 
tries on  the  glacis,  and  at  the  gate,  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  prisoners  taken,  including 
two  officers  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 
effected  their  escape,"  and  we  have  429  for  the 
*  Appendix,   No.  3. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  15 

garrison  of  Fort-Niagara.  Upon  the  different 
defences  were  mounted  no  fewer  than  27  pieces 
of  ordnance;  and,  among  them,  some  32-pound 
earronades.  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  of  the 
articles  consisted,  no  doubt,  of  such  as  general 
M'CIure,  in  his  flight,  had  brought  across  from 
Fort-George.  Had  the  garrison  afforded  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  sliglit  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  arma^ment. 

The  deputy  incendiary  M'CIure,   with  well- 
grounded   apprehension  of  British    vengeance, 
had,  since  the  very  day  of  his  crossing  from  Fort- 
*  See  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  different 
block-houses."*  He  did  not  consider  the  dis- 
aster as  "^  attributable  to  any  want  of  troops, 
but  to  gross  neglect  in  the  commanding  officer 
of  the  fort,  captain  Leonard,  in  not  preparing, 
being  ready,  and  looking  out  for,  the  expected 
attack."  -j-  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  official  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  assault  or  surprise,  were  bayonetted ; 
and  so  were  those  within  the  fort  who  made  any 
resistance.  The  fort  was  entered  in  darkness, 
and  a  formidable  opposition  expected  ;  particu- 
larly as  general  i\i*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 
musket  whatever  was  discharged  by  the  latter; 
nor,  from  the  moment  that  the  soldiers  could  be 
*  App.  No.  5.  +  Ibid;  No.  4. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  17 

ceitain    of  all  resistance  having  ceased,  was  a 
single  bayonet  employed. 

Mr.  O'Connor  describes  the  assaulting  party 
aS  '^  regulars,  militia,  and  Indians^  to  the  num- 
ber, by  the  most  probable  account,  of  1500  men," 
who,  he  says,  entered  the  fort  while  the  men 
were  nearly  all  asleep  "  killing,  without  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  effective  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 
wbat  was  intended  for  "  1400." — This  editor, 
caught  by  the  word  "  Indians"  in  the  official 
letter,  then  says:  "  Accompanied  by  his  Indian 
warriors,  he  rushed  furiously  in  upon  the 
garrison."  ^^  On  entering  the  garrison,  ' 
continues    Mr.    Thomson,     "  colonel    Murray 

*  History  of  the  War,  p>  159. 
VOL.   U.  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  officers  treated  with  shocking  indignity."* 
— Never  was  so  base  a  falsehood  !  But  who,  out 
of  the  United  States,  will  believe  this  petti- 
fogging scribbler's  story?  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  of  the  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.  189;  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  affair  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  villages  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'CIure, — himself  the  origin  of  all  that  hap- 
pened,— that  the  savages  were  *'  headed  by 
British  officers  painted."  ?  Mr.  O'Connor  is  the 
only  one  of  our  three  editors  who  has  repeat  ^d 
this  storj^  ajor-general  Rial  and  his  troops 
passed  on  to  Fort-Sclilosser;*  which  place  they 
destroyed  :  they  then  proceeded  as  far  as  Tone- 
wanto  Creek,  *  which  is  within  10  miles  of 
BufFaloe  ;  but,  finding  the  bridge  broken,  re- 
turned, and  crossed  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 
the  major-general  fixed  his  head-quarters  at 
Batavia,  a  village  about  40  miles  from  Buffaloe. 
On  the  morning  of  the  29th  we  find  him  at 
Buffaloe,  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  next  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  30th,  major-general  Rial, 
having  under  his  command  four  companies  of 
the  8th,  250  men  of  the  41st,  the  light  company 
of  the  89th,  and  the  grenadiers  of  the  100th, 
regiments,  numbering,  with  50  volunteer-militia, 
about  590  rank  and  file,  also  a  body  of  Indian 
warriors,  not  exceeding  120,  crossed  the  Niagara, 
and  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.  ]C1. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  21 

American  piquet,  as  well  as  the  bridge  over  the 
Conjuichity,*  or  Schojeoquady,-]-  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  of  the 
night  several  attempts  were  made  by  general 
Halfs  militia  to  dislodiire  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  tiie  31st,  the  royal  Scots, 
about  800  strong,  along  with  a  detachment  of 
the  19th  dragoons,  the  whole  commanded  by 
lieutenant-colonel  Gordon,  of  the  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  men  J  drawn  up  on  the  beach, 
*App.  No.  6.       +  Sec  Plate  I.       +  Hist,  of  theWar,  p.  101. 


22  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

flanked  by  a  number  of  Indians.  The  gallant 
royals,  thus  silting  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  fev«er  than  1500,  had  assembled  in 
the  town ;  but,  after  a  short  resistance,  the 
Americans  abandoned  Black  Rock  and  its  bat- 
teries, and  fled  towards  Bufi^aloe,  about  2^  miles 
distant.  To  this  town  they  were  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  24  and  18-poun- 
der.  For  want  of  adequate  means  of  conveyance 
the  public  stores,  consisting  of  considerable  quan- 
tities of  clothing,  spirits,  and  flour,  were  obliged 
to  be  destroyed.  All  the  inhabitants  having  left 
Black  Rock  and  BuffUloe,  the  two  villages  shared 
the  fate  of  Newark.  The  United  States'  vessels 
Chippeway,  Little  Belt,  and  Trippe,  were  found 
aground  near  Buflaloe  Creek ;  and,  along  with 
their  siores,  were  also  committed  to  the  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- 
wsLj."^  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.  J  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  BufFaloe. 

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  Uuited  States,  Vol.  II.  p.  242. 

+  App.  No.  7. 


24  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

lieutenants  Riddle  and  Totman  "  would  have 
given  themselves  up,  but  for  the  treatment 
which  other  prisoners  on  the  Niagara  had  re- 
cently received/**  These  American  editors  are 
never  at  a  lo&s.  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,'^  assembled  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.*^ f  Nor  does 
this  number  include  such  as  resided  even  a  short 
distance  beyond  ihe  narrow  slip  of  land,  which 
was  the  scene  of  the  British  incursion.  !t  was 
not  a  week  after  the  pusillanimous  behaviour 
of  the  American  militia  upon  this  frontier,  that 
Mr.  Wright,  member  of  congress  for  Maryland, 
iu  a  speech  which  was  to  prove,  that  the  army  of 

*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  192. 
+  lliA.  of  the  War,  p.  Ifi4. 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  2*5 

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 
sutFered  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  of  the  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 
*  Proeeediags  of  CongresSj  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  suffering  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  successful."* 
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,-j-  distant  91  miles  from 
Bnffaloe,  were  lying  the  ships,  brigs,  and  larger 
schooners  of  the  American  fleet ;  nor  could  they 
seek  safety  upon  the  lake,  on  account  of  the  ice 
that  surrounded  them.  The  Americans,  having 
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.  +  See  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  effect  so 
desirable  an  object. 

Having  now  brought  to  a  close  the  campaign 
of  1813,  against  the  British  provinces ;  we  will 
borrow  an  American  editors  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  effectually 
defended,  was  yielded,  w  ith  scarcely  a  struggle, 
and  under  circumstances  mysterious  in  the 
extreme,  to  tlie  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  ov/n."*  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,  seem  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  of  the 
*  Sketches  of  the  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  iVom  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.  Marning  the  poor  people  had  none ; 
unless  half  an  hour  or  so  may  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  fori* 


30  MILITARY   OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Operations  in  Chesapeak  Bay — Arrival  of  rear^ 
admiral  Cockhurn — Preparations  for  attacking 
the  United  States^  frigate  Constellation  in  James's 
River — Her  retreat  to  a  safer  position —  Wanton 
firing  from  the  shore  upon  the  British  boats — 
Death  of  two  men  in  consequence  —  Arrival  of 
admiral  Warren — Gallant  affair  at  the  mouth  of 

-  the  Mappahatmock — Rear-admiral  Cockhurn' s 
detached  co?nmand  to  the  head  of  the  bay — Ad- 
vance  upon  French-town — Heavy  fire  upon  the 
boats  from  a  battery — Landing  of  the  British — 
Flight  of  the  American  militia — Destruction  of 
cannon,  jniblic stores,  and  vessels — Admiral Cock- 
bitrn^s  system  of  operations — American  misrepre- 
sentations corrected — Purchase  of  stock  at  Turkey 
Point  and  Specucie  Island — Display  of  colours 
and  firing  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 
of  a  valuable  cannon-foundry — Gross  mis-state- 
ment of  the  American  editors — Ridiculous  beha- 
viour of  a  prisoner  named  O' Neil,  and  ludicrous 
threat  in  caw  of  his  detention — Advance  upon 
George-town  and  Frederick-town  —  Previous 
naming  to  the  inhabitants — Their  vidfent  pro- 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  31 

ceedings,  and  destructive  fire  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  H.M.S.  Junon  and  15  American  gun- 
boats — Open  preparatio7is  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  the  American 
battery — Impossibility  to  reach  the  shore — 
Destructive  fire  upon  the  boats,  as  well  as  upon 
the  struggling  crews  in  the  water — Remarks 
upon  the  attempt  to  capture  Craney  Island — 
Attack  upon,  and  capture  of  Hampton — Ex- 
cesses committed  there  by  a  part  of  the  British 
force — American  strictures  on  the  occasion — 
Departure  from  the  coast  of  the  corps  that 
committed  the  excesses — Landing  of  the  British 
at  Ocracoke  and  Portsmouth,  and  capture  of 
two  fine  letters  of  marque — American  mis-state- 
ments  corrected. 

A  THREATENING  attitude  upon  the  Atlantic 
frontier  of  the  United  States,  in  the  neighbour. 


32  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

hood  of  the  capital  especialh,  being  considered 
likely  to  weaken  the  ettorts  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  States'  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  ser\ice, 
the  Americans  frequently  tired  at  them,  and,  in 
one  instance,  killed  two  men,  besides  wounding 
several  others  ;  although  not  a  musket  had  been, 
on  any  occasion,  discharged  from  the  boats. 

About  the" end  of  -March,  admiral  A\  arren, 
from  Bermuda,  bringing  with  him  the  San 
Domingo  74,  and  some  other  ships,  arrived  in 
tlie  Chesapeake.  In  his  way  up  the  bay,  the 
admiral  detached  a  force  to  attack  lour  armed 
schooners,  lying  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rappa- 
hannock river.  The  breeze  failing,  tiie  capture 
of  the  whole  four  was  efi'ected  by  live  British 
boats,  under  the  orders  of  lieutenant  (now  cap- 
tain) James  Polkinghorne,  of  the  St.  Domingo.* 

*  For  the  full  particulars  of  this  gallant  exploit,  see  Jaines^'5 
NaTal  Occurrences,  p.  367. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  33 

In  a  week  or  two  after  a  junction  had  been 
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  of  the  bay,  and  endeavour  to  cut  off 
the  enemy^s  supplies  ;  as  well  as  to  destroy  his 
foundries,  stores,  and  public  works ;  particu- 
larly a  depot  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  Wybourn  and  Carter,  and  five  ar- 
tillery-men, under  lieutenant  Robertson,  of 
that  corps,  and  proceeded  to  execute  his 
orders.* 

The  boats,  owing  to  ignorance  of  the  way, 
having  entered  the  Bohemia  instead  of  keeping 
in  the  Elk  river,  did  not  reach  the  destined 
place  till  late  on  the  following  morning,  l^his 
delay  enabled  the  inhabitants  of  French-town  to 
♦  A  pp.  No.  8. 

TOL.    II.  D 


34  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

make  arrangements  for  the  defence  of  the  stores 
and  town;  for  the  security  of  wliich  a  six-gun 
battery  had  lately  been  directed.  As  soon  as 
the  boats  approached  within  gun-shot  of  it,  a 
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  about 
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  Hour,  of  army-clothing, 
saddles,  bridles,  and  other  equipments  for 
cavalry ;  also  various  articles  of  merchandize, 
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-admiral's  system,  and  which  he  had 
taken  care  to  impart  to  all  the  Americans 
captured  by,  or  voluntarily  coming  on  boar.d, 
the  squadron,  was — to  land  without  offering 
molestation  to  the  unopposing  inhabitants, 
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  oflT, 
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  the  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,— ^ "  but  no 
private  dwellings,  as  has  erroneously  been 
stated."*  Yet  is  the  editor  of  the  "  History  of 
tiie  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 : 
-r-"  By  the  defective  arrangements  of  the 
war-department,   he    (rear-admiral    Cockburn) 

*  North  American  Review,  Vol.  V.  p.  158. 
+  Hist,  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  283. 
D    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  tl^e 
fact. 

Having  learnt  that  cattle  and  provisions,  in 
considerable  quantity,  were  at  Specucie  Island, 
the  rear-admiral,  with  the  brigs  and  tenders, 
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  from  a 
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 
make  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  of  them  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  of  the  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. 
Westphal],  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 
Westphall,  by  the  admiral's  orders,  held  out  a 
flag  of  truce,  and  called  upon  them  to  desist. 
Instead  of  so  doing,  these  "unoffending  citizens'' 
fired  at  the  British  lieutenant,  and  actually  shot 
him  through  the  very  hand  tliat  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  women, 
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  well 
informed  of  the  principle  upon  which  Sir  George 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  39 

Cockburn  acted,  frequently  exclaimed  to  him : 
— '*  Ah,  sir,  1  told  them  what  would  be  the 
consequence  of  their  conduct.  It  is  a  great  pity 
so  many  should  suffer  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  away."  Several  of  the  houses  that  w  ere  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  stands  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  w  hich  some  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Havre  de  Grace  had  given 
information.  This  was  found,  and  instantly 
destroyed  ;  together  with  five  long24-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-house  and  foundry.      Another  division 


40  MILITARY    OCCURRESrCES    BETWEEN 

of  boats  was  sent  up  the  Susquehanna;  and 
returned,  after  destroying  five  vesselsand  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  inoon- 
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, 
and  one  nine."']'     Six  long  12  and  6-pounders, 
the  reader  will  recollect,  were  taken  by  us  from 
that   very   battery.     The    same  editor   admits, 
that  a  tire  was  kept  up  from  the  battery  till  the 
British  commenced  their  debarkation ;   ''  when 
all,"  says  he,  "  except  O'iXeill,  an  old  citizen 
of  Havre  de  Grace,  abandoned  their  posts  ;  and, 

*   Hist,  of  (he  U.  S.  Vol.  III.  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  of  the  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.''^ 

Another  American  account  says:  —  '*  The 
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.":}: 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.  <2.09. 

+  Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  170. 

j  North  American  Reviewj  Vol.  V.  p.  160. 


42  if^LITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

assigned^'  for  attacking  it  ?  —  Perhaps  this 
gentleman  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  of  the 
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  ;"•!•  and  the  Boston  reviewer  says: — "  It 
has  been  said,  in  a  respectable  history  of  the 
times,"  (can  this  mean  doctor  Smith's  work?) 
'*  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'Connors  estimate 
as  alluding  exclusively  to  those  destroyed  by  the 
British  while  on  shore.     It  is  not  a  little  extra- 

*  Ilist.  of  the  Unikd  States,  Vol.  III.  p.  283. 
+  Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  170.     +  N.  Aracr.  Put.  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  ensy 
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  refue^e 
"  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.'^*  That  the  latter  part  of  this 
statement  is  utterly  false,  appears  by  the  testi- 
mony of  one  of  the  sufferers  ;  one  who  dates  his 
letter  from  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  slielter  in 
the  house  of  Mr.  Mark  Pringle  ;  which  a  party 
was  proceeding  to  destroy,  when  Mr.  Pringle, 
with  a  flag,    met  them,  and   thej'  very   readily 

desisted."! 

One  would  suppose  that  the  destruction,  by 
an  enemy,  of  45  pieces  of  cannon,  chiefly  long 
.32  and  21-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  odium  upon  the  British,  and  therefore 
highly  impolitic  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  his  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 
part^,  on  shore  in  an  enemy's  country,  and  ex- 
pecting to  be  attacked  by  an  enraged  popula- 
tion, collecting  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  i\Ir.  O'Connor,  although  they 
have  added  to  the  list  of  enormities  committed 
by  the  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  contemptible  old  wretch, 
when  taken  on  board  the  rear-admiral's  ship, 
cried  bitterly  ;  exclaiming  every  now  and  then, 
"God  bless  king  George — I  detest  the  Americans, 
— will  do  all  I  can  to  save  the  British,"  &c.  &c. 
*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  211. 


46  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

Next  day  his  daughter,  an  interesting-  y»«ii^ 
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  manner, 
and  the  affair  ended. 

On  the  night  of  the  oth  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  sliould  be 
done  to  them  or  their  towns ;  that  vessels  and 
public  property  only,  would  be  seized ;  that 
the  strictest  discipline  would  be  maintained; 
and  that  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  Ameri- 
cans agreed  in  the  propriety  of  this  ;  said  there 
was  no  battery  at  either  of  the  towns  ;  that  they 
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  fied  to  the  woods, 
and  were  neither  seen  nor  heard  of  afterwards. 
All  the  houses,  excepting  those  whose  owners  had 
continued  peaceably  in  them,  and  taken  no  part 
in  the  attack,  were  forthwith  destroyed;  as  were 
*  App.  No.  10. 


48  JVflLITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

four  vessels  lying  in  the  river,  together  vvitli 
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  effected  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  dOO 
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  of  it.  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    BRITAIX    AND    AMERICA.  49 

small  personal  guard.  Among  those  that  came 
to  greet  him,  on  his  landing,  were  observed  two 
inhabitants  of  George-town.  These  men,  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 j 
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  inhabi- 
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  make  resist- 
ance; and  their  towns,  sharing  the  fate  of  other 

VOL.    !I,  E 


50  MILITARY    OCCURRETsCES   BETWEEN 

stormed  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-stuff,  &c.  they  fre- 
quently practised  upon  theii"  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  indefen- 
sible. They  committed  indiscriminate  havoc  upon 
every  species  of  private  property  along  the  shores 
of  the  baj' ,  and  on  the  margin  of  its  inlets."* 

This  is  the  very  language  that  was  used 
by  the  "  National  Intelligencer,"  "  National 
Advocate,"  *'  Democratic  Press,"  and  other 
American  newspapers,  "  known  to  be  friendly 

*  History  of  the  United  States,  Vol,  III.  p.  282. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  f>l 

to  the  war,"  for  the  double  purpose  of  preju- 
dicing the  British  character  in  the  ejes  of 
tlie  other  nations  of  Europe,  and  of  filling 
the  ranks  of  the  American  army  from  among 
the  western,  or  Kentucky  patriots.  Ame- 
rican citizens  of  the  first  consequence,  in  Bal- 
timore, Annapolis,  and  \yashington,  when  they 
have  gone  on  board  the  British  Chesapeake 
squadron,  as  they  frequently  did,  with  flags,  to 
obtain  passports,  or  ask  other  favors,  and  these 
inflammatory  paragraphs  were  shown  to  them, 
never  failed  to  declare,  with  apparent  shame,, 
that  they  had  been  penned  without  the  slightest 
regard  to  truth,  but  merely  to  instigate  their 
ferocious  countrymen  in  the  western  states 
to  rally  round  the  American  standard.  Yet 
does  the  sober  historian  of  the  United  States  not 
*'  blush'^  to  record  as  truth  these  party-serving 
lies.  Such  statements  soil  the  historic  page; 
and,  by  their  influence  on  the  passions,  may 
tend,  at  some  future  day,  to  rekindle  the  flames 
of  war  between  the  two  nations. 

Fortunately,  we  have  American  testimony  to 
aid  us  in  repelling  the  principal  charge  advanced 
against  the  British  by  this  nest  of  calumniators. 
*'  They  (the  British)  were  always,"  says  the 
writer  in  the  Review,  "  desirous  of  making  a 
fair  purchase,  and  of  paying  the  full  value  of 
what  they  received  ;  and,  it  is  no  juore  liian 
i:  2 


52  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

justice  to  the  enemy  to  state  that,  in  some 
instances,  money  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  discernment  of  the  American 
government :  hence  we  are  so  often  charged,  in 
proclamations  and  other  state-papers,  with 
attacking  the  "  inoffensive  citizens  of  the  repub- 
lic.'* The  fact  is,  every  man  in  the  United  States, 
under  45  3  ears  of  age,  is  a  luilitia-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  if  he  wore  the  most 
splendid  uniform.  These  soldiei*s  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 
sakes  only,  to  remain  neutral;  but  general 
Hull,  in  his  famous  proclamation,  prepared 
*  North  American  Review,  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  12tli  of  June  the  boats  of  the  Narcissus 
42,  containing  about  40  men,  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  each  of 
his  men  with  two  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  well  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  vvriter.ij:  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 
Surveyor.      Lieutenant    Cririe's    letter    would 

*  Vol.  I.  App.  No.  4.  +  American  Nav.  Mon.  p.  219 

X  App.  No.  10.  §  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  213. 


54  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

have  set  this  matter  right,  and  conferred  an 
honor  upon  the  British  commanding  officer : 
either  of  which  reasons  would  suffice  to  prevent 
its  appearance  in  the  pages  of  the  '*  Sketches  of 
tlie  War."  None  of  the  other  historians  have 
noticed  the  action. 

Admiral  Warren,  who  had  left  the  Chesapeake 
for  Bermuda,  returned  to  his  command  early 
in  June;  bringing  with  him,  according  to 
newspaper-account,  a  detachment  of  battalion 
marines,  1800  strong  ;  300  of  the  102d  regiment; 
250  of  the  Independent  Foreigners,  or  Canadian 
chasseurs ;  and  300  of  the  royal  marine-artillery  : 
total  2650  men. 

On  the  18th  of  June  11. M.S.  Junon,  of  46 
guns,  anchored  in  Hampton  roads;  and  captain 
Sanders  despatched  his  boats  to  ca{)ture  or 
destroy  any  vessels  that  might  be  found  at  the 
entrance  of  James's  river.  Commodore  John 
Cassin,the  naval  commanding-officer  at  iXorfolk, 
observing  this,  directed  the  15  gun-boats  at  that 
station  to  be  manned  with  an  additional  num- 
ber of  seamen  and  marines  from  the  Constella* 
lion  frigate,  then  moored  at  the  navy -yard,  also 
with  50  infantry  from  Craney  Island  ;  and,  under 
tlie  command  of  captain  Tarbin,  to  attempt  the 
capture  or  destruction  of  the  Junon. 

it  was  not  till  about  4  P.M.  on  the  20th,  that 
this  formidable  flotilla,  armed  with  upwards  of 
00  guns,  half  of  which   were   long  32  and  24- 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA*  65 

pounders,  and  manned  with,  at  least,  500  men, 
commenced  its  attack  upon  the  Junon,  then 
lying  becalmed.  Captain  Sanders  uarmiy 
returned  their  fire  with  his  long  eightcens  ; 
hoping  that  they  would  soon  venture  to  approach 
within  reach  of  his  carronades.  This  the  gun- 
boats carefully  avoided  ;  and,  between  them  and 
the  frigate,  a  distant  cannonade,  very  slightly 
injuriousto  eitherparty,was  maintained  forabout 
three  quarters  of  an  hour.  A  breeze  now  sprang 
up;  which  enabled  the  Barrosa,  of  42,  and  t!.e 
Laurestinus,  of  28  guns,  lying  about  five  miles 
off,  to  get  under  weigh,  in  the  hope  to  have  a 
share  in  the  amusement.  The  Junon,  also,  was 
at  this  time  under  sail,  using  lier  best  efibrts  to 
give  a  more  serious  complexion  to  the  contest  ; 
but  commodore  Cassin,  who,  as  he  assures  us, 
was  in  his  boat  during  the  whole  of  the  action, 
considering  that  the  flotilla  had  done  enough  to 
entitle  him  to  display  both  his  lighting,  and  his 
literary  qualifications,  in  an  official  letter,  very 
prudentlj'  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  handled"  as  to  be  placed  "  upon 
a  deep  careen,  wilh  a  number  of  boats  and 
stages  round  her,"  received  only  one  or  two  shots 
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  slated 
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  difference  between  those  two  classes  of  ships. 
Mr.  Thomson  is  the  only  editor  who  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,  Henlj,  and  others, 
received  the  fullest  approbation  of  the  sur- 
rounding garrisons,  and  of  the  citizens  of  INor- 

folk."t 

The  appearance  of  the  two  frigates  and  sloop 
in  Hampton  roads  soon  brought  to  Norfolk  and 
its  vicinity  as  many  as  10000  militia ;  and  the 
works,  recently  constructed  there,  were  all 
manned,  ready  for  defending  that  important 
post.  At  Hampton,  also,  a  militi^^  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  Hve  sloops,  transports, 
and  tenders,  lay  at  anchor ;  the  nearest  viithin 
seven,  the  furthest  off  within  thirteen,  miles 
*  James's  Nav.  Occurr.  p.  34.      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  some  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  ihe  best  position  for 
contributing  to  the  defence  of  the  post. 

After  two  days'  parade  of  boats  and  bustle 
among  the  British  ships,  a  division  of  17  or  18 
boats,  at  day-li<iht  on  the  morning  of  the  22d, 
departed  with  about  800  men,  under  major- 
general  Beckwith,  round  the  point  of  Nan- 
aemond  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  OCCURRENCES  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,  off  the  north-west  side  of  the  island, 
directly  in  front  of  the  battery  manned  by  the 
Constellation's  men.  Great  difference  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  for  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  llanchett'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  t  he  batteries, 
directly  in  front  of  them,  vi  hen  his  boat  unfor- 
tunately took  the  ground,  at  the  distance  of 
about  100  yards  from  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 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  59 

body  a  union  jack,  and  prepared  to  wade  on  shore 
to  storm  the  American  battery.  At  that  instant 
one  of  the  seamen,  having  plunged  his  boat- 
hook  over  the  side,  found  three  or  four  feet  of 
>limy  mud  at  the  bottom.  A  check  thus  effec- 
tually given  to  a  daring  enterprise,  in  which  all 
were  so  ready  to  join,  captain  Hanchett  waved 
his  hat  for  the  boats  a-stern  to  keep  a-float.  In 
the  hurry  of  pulling  and  ardor  of  the  men, 
this  warning  was  disregarded  ;  and  one  or  two 
of  the  boats  grounded.  Two  others,  owing  to 
their  having  received  some  shot  that  had  passed 
through  the  sails  of  the  Diadem's  launch,  sank. 

In  the  meanwhile,  the  Americans  at  the  battery, 
well  aware  of  the  shoal,  had  anticipated  what 
happened;  and,  feeling  their  own  security, 
poured  in  their  grape  and  canister  with  destruc- 
ti^e  effect.  A  6-pound  shot,  which  had  passed 
through  a  launch  on  the  starboard  side  of 
captain  Hanchett's  boat,  and  killed  and  wounded 
several  men,  struck  that  othcer  on  the  hip,  and 
he  instantly  fell ;  but  was  quickly  on  his  legs 
again.  AVhile  he  was  assisting  to  save  the 
men  that  were  struggling  in  the  water,  in 
consequence  of  their  boat  having  been  sunk,  a 
langridge  shot  entered  his  left  thigh,  ^i  his  gal- 
lant officer  stood  as  long  as  he  could,  and 
then  fainted.  A  little  water,  however,  restored 
him ;  and,  after  seeing  the  boats  withdrawn 
from  the  fire,  captain  Hanchett  went  to  the  rear 
and  reported  himself  to  captain  Pechell :  that 


60  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

iloiie,  the  wounded  captain  ordered  himself  to 
be  shifted  into  a  lighter  boat,  which  conveyed 
hinti  to  his  own  ship,  the  Diadem,  then  Ijing  at 
anchor  twelve  miles  off. 

While  the  men  from  the  sunken  boats,  and 
who  consisted  chiefly  of  the  Canadian  chasseurs, 
or  Independent  Foreigners,  were  struggling  for 
their  lives  in  the  water  and  mud,  the  Constella- 
tion's marines,  and  the  American  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  j^assed  in  full  view,  not  only  of 
the  officers  and  men  in  the  other  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 
offence. 

Huddled  together,  as  the  boats  were, when  they 
struck  the  ground ;  and  that  within  canister- 
range  of  a  battery,  which  kept  upon  thetn  an 
incessant  tire  of  more  than  two  hours'  duration, 
it  required  no  very  expert  artillerists  to  sink 
three  of  the  boats,  and  to  kill  three  men  and 
wound  sixteen  ;  esjiecially  when  aided  by  the 
muskets  of  those  humane  individuals  u  ho  waded 
*  History  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  III.  p,  285, 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  61 

into  the  water  to  fire  at  the  drowning  crews. 
Including  10  seamen,  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  men  was  to  become  prisoners 
of  war.  Admitting  the  American  statement  to 
be  correct,  22  must  have  perished  in  the  water; 
the  majority  of  whom,  owing  to  the  proximity 
of  the  sinking  boats  to  the  Diadem's  launch, 
and  the  strenuous  exertions  of  captain  llanchett 
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  thft 
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  w<re 
French, f  and  those  that  landed  on  the  main 
"  upwards  of  800  soldiers  ;"  yet,  in  the  very 
*  A|ip.  No.  13.  +  Sketches  of  the  War.  p.  215. 


62  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

next  page,  lie  declares  that  "  3000  British 
soldiers,  sailors,  and  marines,  were  opposed  to 
480  Virginia  militia,  and  150  sailors  and 
marines."*  The  batteries  were  nothing  in  the 
account,  although  Mr.  Thomson  had  just  done 
telling  us  what  destruction  they  had  caused. 
Another  editor,  Mr.  O'Connor,  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  t3000  men.":|:  The  postcript  to  com- 
modore Cassin's  letter  states,  that  "  the  number 
of  the  enemy  engaged  in  the  attack  was  nearly 
.3000  ;"J  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  disgrace  by 
700  raw  troops,  sailors  and  marines,  without 
tlie  loss  of  a  man."jl  AVe  have,  in  addition  to 
Mr.  Thomson's,  general  Wilkinson's  high  autho- 
rity for  stating,  that  a  part  of  the  invading  force 
consisted  of"  a  corps  designated  *  diasscum  Bri- 
tanniqueSf  composed  of  foreign  renegadoes  under 
British  officers."  II 

It  is  surprising  with  whatfacility  the  American 

*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  216.  +  App.   No.  12. 

+   Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  171. 

11  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  1.  p.  733. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  63 

historian  can,  by  his  powers  of  distortion,  con- 
vert every  event  he  records  to  the  national 
advantage.  The  check  which  the  expedition 
experienced,  when  the  Diadem's  launch  and 
two  or  three  of  the  foremost  boats  struck  the 
ground,  is  represented  as  "  a  momentary  pause" 
caused  by  the  "  galling  fire  from  the  battery  ;"* 
and  to  prove,  decidedly,  the  existence  of  no 
other  obstacle  to  the  landing  of  the  British,  than 
"  this  gallant  resistance  by  the  naval  division 
on  the  island,"  Mr.  Thomson  follows  up  his 
"  momentary  pause"  with, — *'  Every  attempt  to 
approach  the  shore  having  heretofore  failed,  the 
enemy  determined  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  effected 
by  the  "  invincible  American  seamen  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  the  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  Americans  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  caused,  as  honorable 
to  those  that  suffered  in  it,  been  converted  into 
a  victory.  As  it  was,  the  affair  of  Craney  Island, 
dressed  up  to  advantage  in  the  yimerican  otBcial 
account,  and  properly  commented  upon  by  the 
government-editors,  was  hailed  throughout  the 
union  as  a  glorious  triumph,  fit  for  Ameri- 
cans to  achieve. 

On  the  night  of  the  25th  of  June,  the  effective 
men  of  the  lOSd  regiment,  Canadian  chasseurs, 
and  battalion-marines  ;  also,  three  companies 
of  shij)'s  marines,  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  the  iMohawk  sloop,  and  the 
launches  of  the  squadron.  About  half  an 
^iour  before  day-light  on  the  26th,  the  ad- 
vance^   co^si^ing  of    about   650    men,    along 


i 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND   AMERICA.  65 

with  two  6-pouiiders,  under  lieutenant-colonel 
Napier,  landed  two  miles  to  the  westward 
of  Hampton,  a  town  about  18  miles  from 
Norfolk,  and  separated  from  it  by  Hampton- 
roads.  Shortly  afterwards,  the  main  body, 
consisting  of  the  royal  marine-battalions  under 
lieutenant-colonel  Williams,  landed  ;  and  the 
whole  moved  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  loss 
of  five  killed,  33  wounded,  and  10  missing  ;* 
or,  according  to  Mr.  Thomson,  of  "  90  killed 
and  120  wounded. "•]•  The  Americans  admit  a 
loss  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  diminishing  their  own. 
Mr.  Thomson  tells  us  that,  early  in  June,  from 
"  the  suspicious  movements  and  menacing  atti- 
tudes" of  the  British  squadron  lying  in  Hamp- 
ton-roads, "  the  citizens  of  a]l  the  surrounding 
towns  became  apprehensive  of  an  attack  ;"  that 

*  A  pp.  Nos.  li  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  men  ;"  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  IS  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  smallej-  number  even,  than,  at  the  very  com- 
mencement of  these  "  suspicious  movements  and 
menacing  attitudes,''  he  admits,  had  then  been 
organized.  Upon  the  whole,  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  tliey  were  the 
principals),  forming  part  of  the  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  flag 
*  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  given 
to  search  for,  and  bring  in,  all  tlie  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,  when 
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 
magnified,  but  multiplied,  tenfold  ;  till  the 
whole  republic  rang  with  peals  of  execration 
against  the  British  character  and  nation.  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 
I   I 


68  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

published  just  at  the  verge  of  Washington-city, 
and  whose  editor  has  the  happy  priviledge  of 
remaining  untainted  amidst  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  employed.  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  that  high  honor 
assigned  to  them.  One  author,  the  reverend 
doctor  Smith,  has,  unfortunately, — heedless  how 
he  prostituted  his  superior  talent*, — dressed  up 
these  calumnies  in  far  more  elegant  language 
timn  either  of  his  contemporaries. 

Almost  immediately  after  the  affair  at  Hamp- 
ton, captain  Smith,  who  commanded  ihe  two 
companies  of  Canadian  chasseurs,  waited  upon 
*  See  p.  GO. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  69 

theconimander-in-cliief,  and  informed  him  that, 
having  remonstrated  with  his  men  for  their 
behaviour  at  Hampton,  they,  one  and  all, 
declared,  that  they  would  show  no  quarter  to 
any  American  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  determination,  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  11th  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  armee  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 
navigation,  and  of  destroying  any  vessels  that 
might  be  found  there.  During  the  night  of  the 
*  Afterwards  sent  to  the  Canadas^ 


70  MILITARY    6CCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

12th,  the  squadron  arrived  off  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 
enemy  was  fully  prepared  for  resistance.  The 
instant  the  boats  doubled  the  point,  they  were 
ifired  upon  by  the  two  vessels  ;  but  lieutenant 
Westphall,  under  cover  of  some  rockets,  pulled 
direcity  for  them  ;  and,  had  just  got  to  the  brig's 
bows,  when  her  crew  cut  the  cables  and  aban- 
doned her.  The  schooner's  colours  were  hauled 
down  by  the  enemy  about  the  same  time.  'J  he 
latter  vessel  proved  to  be  the  Atlas,  letter  of 
jnarque,  of  Philadelphia,  mounting  10  guns,  and 
measuring  240  tons  :  the  former,  the  Anaconda, 
letter  of  marque,  of  New  York,  mounting  18  long 
0-pounders,  and  measuring  387  tons. 

In  the  course  of  the  morning  the  troops  were 
landed,  and  took  possession  of  Ocracoke  and 
the  town  of  Portsmouth,  without  the  slightest 
opposition.  The  inhabitants  behaved  with 
civility,  and  their  property  was,  in  consequence, 
pot   molested ;  although    both    Mr.   Thompson 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  71 

and  Mr.  O'Connor  have  stated  differently.  One 
sajs  :  —  "  About  3000  nnen  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  ;"t  and, 
having  found  out  that  some  women  died,  and 
others  were  taken  ill,  in  the  neighbourhood, 
about  the  time  of  the  attack,  supposes  tliat  it 
all  arose  from  "  apprehensions  of  being  treated 
like  the  unfortunate  females  at  Hampton. ""j' — 
After  remaining  on  shore  for  two  days,  rear- 
admiral  Cockburn,  with  his  troops  and  seamen, 
re-enibarked  ;  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  Newburn,  now  that 
its  citizens  were  preparing  to  receive  him."* 
No  sooner  had  the  British  departed,  than  the 
American  miJitia  flocked  to  the  post  ;  thus 
presenting  us  with  a  new  system  of  military 
defence. 

*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  224.      +  History  of  the  War,  p.  178. 


73  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Commencement  of  the  campaign  o/'lS14 — Spirited 
capture^  by  militia.^  of  a  superior  detachment  of 
American  re^ulars^  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 
viistake  —  His  arrival  at  JBuffaloe  —  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  Colle 
mill—  Intrepid  behaviour  of  the  garrison — 
Hepulse  of  the  A^f^^^i^anSy  and  their  departure 
from  the  province— -r American  defensive  prepara- 
tions at  Vergennesrr— British  flotilla  on  Lake 
Chatiiplaijir— Ineffectual  attack  upon  an  Ameri- 
can battery  at  Otter  Creek — Assault  upon,  and 
capture  of  FortrOswego — Public  property  found 
there  —  American  incursion  into  the  village  of 
Dover,  at  Long  Point ;  and  destruction  of  all 
the  dwelling-houses  and  other  buildings  there—^ 
Reynarks  on  that  proceeding, 

1  ROM  the  languid  climate  of  the  Chesapeake, 
we  are  again  suddenly  called  to  the  bracing 
regions  of  the  Canada^,  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  petty  detachment  which  major- 
general  Cass  might  send  from  the  garrison  of 
Detroit.  Early  in  December  the  proceedings  of 
a  foraging  party  of  44  of  general  Cass's  regulars, 
under  lieutenant  Lai*well,  reached  the  ears  of 
Mr.  Henry  Medcalf,  a  young  man  residing  near 
Long  Point.  Although  the  depredators  were 
traversing  the  banks  of  the  river  Thames,  full 
120  miles  off,  and  the  Canadian  militia  at  this 
time  disembodied,*  lieutenant  Medcalf  as- 
sembled tliree  Serjeants  anil  seven  rank  and  file 
of  his  own,  the  Norfolk  militia ;  and,  on  the 
16th  of  the  month,  commenced  his  march, 
hoping  to  gain  an  accession  of  volunteers  on  his 
route.  At  Fort-Talbot,  distant  65  miles,  he  was 
joined  by  one  lieutenant,  one  ensign,  one  Ser- 
jeant, and  seven  rank  and  file  of  the  Middlesex 
militia ;  also,  by  a  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  a  lieutenant  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  lengtli  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  McQueen, 
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 
yVmericans  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- 
sTjuarters  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    BIIITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  75 

severe  wound  he  bad  received  in  resisting  the 
attack  upon  the  Red  House,  in  November,  1812.* 
A  sailor's  boarding-pike  was  then  thrust  into  his 
left  eje,  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 
iinds  a  place  in  the  pages  of  an  American  ''  his- 
tory." Yet  we  have  searched  in  vain  for  any 
American  account  of  the  capture  of  lieutenant 
Larwell,  and  39  American  regulars,  by  lieutenant 
Medcalf  and  28  Canadian  militia. 

The  re-possession  of  tlie  Niagara  frontier  had 
enabled  lieutenant-general  Drummond,  early 
in  February,  to  detach  a  small  force  of  regulars, 
to  check  the  further  inroads  of  the  Americans, 
along  the  Detroit  and  Lake-Erie  shores.  A  part 
of  this  force,  consisting  of  the  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,!  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  of  the  3d  of  March  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,  of  the  89th, 
*  See  Vol.  L  p.  111.  +  App,  No.  16. 


76  MILITARY    OCCURKENCES    BETWEEN 

moved  forward,  with  the  three  flank  companies 
and  the  militia ;  also  about  50  Indians,  under 
colonel  Elliot,  of  the  Indian  department. 

The  American  party  consisted  of  a  detach- 
ment of  rangers  and  mounted  infantry,  of  tlie 
24th  and  28th  regiments,  amounting  to  160 
rank  and  tile,  under  captain  A.  H.  Holmes,  of 
the  24th  ;*  which  detachment  had  been  sent 
from  Detroit,  since  the  21st  of  February,  by 
lieutenant-colonel  Butler,  who,  in  the  absence 
of  major-general  Cass,  was  now  the  command- 
ing officer.  Captain  Holmes,  having  gained  in- 
telligence of  the  approach  of  the  British,  fell 
bnck  five  miles,  to  the  Twenty-mile  Creek ; 
w  here  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,  about  15 
inches  deep,  with  a  strong  crust  on  the  top ; 
thus  rendering  the  approach  to  the  enemy's 
entrenchment  still  more  difficult.  Those  pre- 
*  App.  No.  Ifi. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  77 

sent,  who  were  well  acquainted  with  the  country, 
offered  to  lead  the  troops,  by  a  circuitous  route, 
to  the  rear  of  the  enemy ;  but   captain  Basdeii 
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  voUevs 
from  the  sheltered  Americans;  and, after  several 
vain  but  gallant  efforts  to  carry  the  work,  were 
compelled  to  retire,  with  the  loss  of  one  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  anr 
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  affair,  claims,  as  usual, 
the  whole  for  his  countrymen. 

The  Upper  Canada  peninsula  was  intended 
to  be  the  first  point  of  serious  atlack,  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 westtVard,  against  Amherstburg  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,  ^hich  was  the  principal  object, 
was  considered  to  be  no  difficult  task,  with 
2100  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."^  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. 

7  he  Canadian  snows  were  allowed  to  remain 
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.  G18. 


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  immediately 
consult  with  commodore  Chauncey,  about  the 
readiness  of  the  fleet  for  a  descent  on  Kingston, 
the  moment  the  ice  leaves  the  lake.  If  he  deems 
it  practicable,  and  you  think  you  have  troops 
enough  to  carry  it,  you  will  attempt  the  expe- 
dition. In  such  an  event,  you  will  use  the 
enclosed  as  a  ruse  de  guerreJ'^  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  water,  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  will 
«    Wilkiusou's  Memoirs,  Vol.  I.  p.  642. 


80  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

leave  them  to  recover  from  their  fatigue  ;  while 
we  take  a  view  of  operations  going  on  in  general 
Wilkinson's  neighbourhood. 

Captain  Pring's  two  sloops  and  gun-boats,  or, 
as  Mr.  Thomson  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  army,  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.  Some 
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  crossed  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  hay,  about 
one  mile  within  the  lines.  On  the  next  day  some 
cannon  followed  the  detachment ;  but,  on  the 
26th,  to  the  great  joy  of  the  suffering  inhabitants, 
the  American  troops,with  their  artillery,  suddenly 
re-crossed  the  lake  to  Champlain  ;  whither  the 
general  had  since  advanced,  with  the  main  body 
of  the  army.  On  the  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  LaCoUe  mill,  distant  eight  miles 
from  Champlain,  and  seven,  in  an  opposite  direc- 
tion, from  Isle  aux  INoix,  it  is  determined  that  the 
army  shall  immediately  proceed.  The  prepara- 
tory ''  general  order"|  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.  O 


S^  MILITARY   OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

against  **  double  the  force  of  the  enemy."  Tor 
provide,  also,  against  any  accidental  defection ; 
Jind,  by  way  of  operating  as  an  additional  sti- 
mulus to  glory,  on  the  part  of  the  troops, "  a  tried 
Serjeant  will  form  a  supernumerary  rank,  and 
instantly  put  to  death  any  man  who  goes  back."* 
The  American  army  commenced  its  short 
inarch  at  10  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  30th ; 
Hhdj  while  the  troops  are  trudging,  ancle-deep 
in  snow  and  water,  to  effect  the  fourth  invasion 
of  Canada,  we  will  exhibit  our  account  of  the 
British  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  commanded, 
consisted  of  about  70  of  the  marine-corps,  one 
corporal,  and  three  marine-artillerymen,  captain 
Blake's  company  of  the  13th  regiment,  and  a 
*  A  pp.  No.  18. 


GREAT   BRITAIN    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-companj  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  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 
jthat  presented  to  the  council  was  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 

*  WillviMsou's  Mem.  Vol.  ill.  p.  2^6. 

o  2 


84  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

the  south  bank  of  La  CoUe  river  ;  which  was 
frozen  over  nearly  to  its  mouth,  or  junction  with 
the  Richelieu,  from  which  the  mill  was  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant.  The  mill  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  the 
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- 
house, by  being  surrounded  with  a  breastwork 
of  logs.  In  the  rear  of  this  temporary  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  woods  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  of  the  road,  entered 
the  main  road  near  Odell-town,  distant  about 
three  miles  from  the  mill.  This  road  had  been 
purposely   obstructed    by   felled    trees;  which. 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  85 

before  the  army  could  proceed,  the  American 
axemen  were  obliged  to  cut  up  or  remove.  In 
the  course  of  the  march,  colonel  BisselVs  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.*  The  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  American  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,  tliat  the 
latter  would  soon  try  to  effect  their  escape,  600 
men,  under  colonel  Miller,  were  detached  across 
the  river,  to  the  rear  of  the  mill,  in  order  to  cut 
them  off.  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. 


S6  ]>riLITARY   OCCURRENCES   BiXWEfiPT 

toad  a  12-pouiider,  succeeded  in  bringing  i6 
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 
tras  now  kept  up  from  the  artillery,  and  re- 
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  commenced,  a  message  from  major  Handcock, 
brought  to  the  block-house,  from  Isle  aux  Noix, 
the  two  flank  companies  of  the  13th,  commanded 
hy  captains  Eilard  and  Holgate.  The  sudden 
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  him,  ordered 
these  two  companies  to  charge  the  enemy'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  riflemen  stationed  in 
the  woods,  rendeied  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  Mera.  Vol.  III.  p.  323. 


GREAT   BRITAIN   AND   AMERICA.  8? 

through  the  woods  bordering  on  the  river.  The 
grenadiers  of  the  Canadian  fencibles  were  now 
joined  to  the  remnant  of  the  two  13th  flankr 
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 
rescued  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  of  the 
enemy,  that  day,  was  distinguished  by  desperate 
bravery.  As  an  instance,  one  company  made 
a  charge  on  our  artillery,  and,  at  the  same 
instant,  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  artillery,  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  12-pounder  passed  through  the  wall 
near  the  chimney,  where  it  was  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  his  diagram 
of  the  action,  actually  placed  two  gun-boats  on 
the  river  La  Colle,  directly  at  the  back  of  the 
)[nill ;  when  he  ought  to  have  known  that,  were 
f  Wilkinson's  Mem,  Vol.  III.  p.  238.      i  Ibid.  p.  245. 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  89 

there  no  ice  at  all,  the  river  was  not  navigable 
even  for  canoes.*  Lieutenant-colonel  Williams 
was  quite  misinformed,  as  to  any  destruction 
caused  to  the  enemy  by  the  fire  of  the  gun-boats.^ 
Not  an  American  officer  present  in  the  ac- 
tion, who  was  examined  at  general  Wilkinson's 
court-martial,  states  any  thing  of  the  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  of  the  thick  intervening  woods. 

The  spirited  and  long-continued  fire  kept  up 
by  the  British  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  American  artillery  had 
been  cannonading  the  mill,  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  American  troops 

*  Bouchette's  Top.  Desc.  of  Lower  Canada,  p.  179. 

+  Appendix,  No.  17. 

+  Wilkinsoa's  Memoirs,  Vol.  III.  p.  235. 


90  MILITARY   aCCURRENCES   B£TW£|;N 

retired  from  the  field  ;  and  retraced  their  stepi 
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 
merely  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  ©nemy  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  one  Indian  killed,  and  one  wounded,* 
in  the  skirmishing,  on  the  enemy's  retreat ;  total 
64.  The  American  loss  before  La  CoUe  mill, 
amounted  to  13  killed,  128  wounded,  and  13 
missing  :•]"  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. 

+  BuriUck'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  liow 
the  American  editors  have  handled  a  subject 
which,  undoubtedly,  gives  the  finest  scope  to 
their  well-known  talents.  Mr.  Thomson,  after 
stating  that  the  enemy  "  was  condensing  a  force 
of  2500  men  at  La  CoUe  mill ;"  that  general 
Wilkinson  determined  on  attacking,  and  "  forced 
back  a  part  of  the  enemy"  in  his  approach  to  it, 
says :  *'  He  then  resumed  his  march  to  La  CoUe 
mill,  a  large  and  lofty  fortified  stone-house, 
measuring  60  feet  by  40,  and,  at  that  time,  in 
command  of  major  Hancock,  and  a  strong  corps 
of  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 
army;  although,  in  the  published  proceedings 
of  that  officer's  trial,  lieutenant-colonel  Totten 
refers  to  "  the  statement  made  to  the  council  of 
war,"t  for  the  ''  effective  force  at  La  Colie."  :|: 
Consequently,  the  wliole  force  present  must  have 
exceeded  "  3999  combatants.'f  Doctor  Smith 
gives  no  numbers  on  either  side  ;  and  makes  his 

*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  257.  +  App.  No.  1, 

+  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  III.  p.  234. 


92  MFLITARY   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  enemy  at  Odell-town,  three 
miles  from  La  Colle,  and  six*  from  St.  John's. 
An  attack  was  commenced  by  the  enemy  on  the 
advance  of  the  army  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  effect,  retired 
to  La  Colle,  whither  he  was  pursued.  At  this 
*  It  ought  to  be  26, 


GREAT  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  the 
American  force,  although  much  inferior  in 
numbers  and  means  of  warfare." — "  Several 
sorties  were  made  by  the  enemy,  but  they  were 
resisted  with  bravery  and  success."  — "  The 
conduct  of  every  individual  attached  to  the 
American  command,  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  expose  his  '  invincibies'  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  CoUe  mill,  we  gather,  not  only  from 
the  general's  official  account,^  but  from  his 
efforts,  long  subsequently,  though  vainly  made, 
to  save  his  character  from  reproach.  The 
glaring  iiiipracticability  of  cramming  "  2500 
men"  in  a  building  "  60  feet  by  40,"  as  well 
as  the  positive  testimony  of  one  of  his  own 
officers,  that  "  400  men"  only  "  could  act  with 

*   History  of  the  War.  p.  219. 
+  Not  published  in  this  work,  but  the  substance  fully  gir  ea 
in  the  last  quotation. 


94         MILITARY  OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

effect  within  the  mill,"*  induced  the  general, 
in  his  address  to  the  court-martial,  to  state  that 
the  building  was  "  defended  by  a  garrison 
of/^ — not  "  1800  regulars,  and  500  militia,— "t 
but  ''  600  veteran  troops." $  When,  however, 
lieutenant-colonel  M'Pherson,  in  answer  to  a 
question  from  the  court,  gave  it  as  his  opinion, 
*'  that  tlie  armj^  should  have  attempted  to 
force  a  passage  into  the  mill,  and  employed 
•the  bayonet  at  every  sacrifice  ;  or  have  renewed 
the,  attack  with  heavier  ordnance,  at  daylight 
the  next  morning,"§  general  Wilkinson,  in  a 
note,  adds:  '*  To  take  such  a  post,  with  small - 
arms,  has  often  been  attempted,  but  never  suc- 
ceeded, from  the  time  of  Xenophon,  who  failed 
in  such  an  attempt,  down  to  the  present  day." 
•'  Xenophon  himself,"  says  the  general  "  was 
baffled  in  an  attempt  against  a  castle,  in  the 
-plain  of  Caycus,  and  also  in  his  attack  of  the 
metropolis  of  the  Drylans,  and,  in  times  modern 
as  well  as  ancient,  we  have  abundant  examples 
of  the  failure  of  military  enterprises,  by  the 
most  distinguished  chiefs."  ||  General  James 
Wilkinson,  of  the  United  States'  army,  then  has 
the  effrontery  to  compare  his  disgraceful  discom- 
fiture before  this  Canadian  grist-mill,  with  w  hat 
occurred   to '*  lord  Wellington  at  Burgos, 

*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  III.  p.  328.  t  App.  No.  17. 

X  Ibid.  p.  454.     §  Ibid.  320.      H  Ibid.  455. 


OREAT  BRITAIN  AND    AMERICA.  95 

'Bonaparte  at  St.  Jean  d'Acre,  and  general  Gra- 
ham at  Antwerp."  ****** 

Presuming  that  the  reader  is  as  sick  of  thi« 
Bohadil  general  as  we  are  ourselves,  we  shall 
hasten  to  place  him  within  that  sphere  of  obscu- 
rity, for  which  his  talents  have  best  fitted  him. 
After  having,  with  "  4000  combatants," — men 
wlio  were  "  to  return  victorious,  or  not  at  all," 
and  who,  against  "  double  force,"  were  not  to 
«<  give  ground,*' — been  completely  repulsed  by 
340  British,  180  of  whom  had  stationed  them- 
selves in  a  strong  stone  building,  and  the  re- 
mainder in  a  wooden  block-house,  general  Wil- 
kinson counter-marched  his  troops  of  *'  hardi- 
hood and  resolution,"  not  only  to  Champlain, 
but,  for  fear  the  men  of  the  mill  should  travel 
after  him, — 30  miles  further,  to  Plattsburg;  and 
that,  while  the  roads,  owing  to  the  prevailing 
thaw,  were  in  the  worst  possible  condition. 
How  he  could  console  himself,  we  know  not; 
unless  it  was  by  saying,  with  his  brother  knight- 
errant  of  old,  after  his  equally  unsuccessful 
return  from  attacking  a  "  fortress,"  of  the  same 
use,  and  (in  part*)  denomination,  too,  as  La 
Colle  grist-mill, — 

"  Prithee,  hold  thy  peace,  friend  Sancho;  the 
affairs  of  war  are,  more  than  any  thing,  subject 
to  change." 

Soon  after  this  incursion  into  Lower  Canada, 
*  Wind  (or  jcai&r. 


96  MILITARY   OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

a  strong  British  force  assembled  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  some  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  infantry,  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  succeeded  in  launching  his  vessels;  but 
being  unprovided  with  a  sufficiency  of  guns  and 
stores,  was  too  prudent  to  venture  on  the  lake. 
On  the  9th  of  May  the  breaking  up  of  the  ice 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  97 

enabled  captain  Pring,  with  his  flotilla,  onboard 
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  livesof  Dow  nie,and  his  brave  comrades, 
in  the  September  following ;  and  have  averted 
all  those  attendant  circumstances,  still  so  pain- 
ful to  reflect  upon.*  When  we  had  scarcely  a 
tessel  on  the  lake,  an  Everard  sailed  triumphant 
*  James's  Nayal  Occarrencps,  p.  404—25. 

VOL.   II.  H 


98  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEiV 

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  witli 
the  officers  commanding  posts  at  which  the 
British  troops  were  stationed  ;  and  from  which 
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  summer,  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  Drum  mo nd  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.  212. 


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  is  a  safe 
harbor,  with  two  fathoms  water ;  the  channel 
to  which  is  completely  commanded  by  a  well- 
buiitfort,  although  not  in  the  best  repair,  stand- 
ing, along  with  the  state-warehouses,  barracks, 
and  a  iew  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  Sacketts  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   OCeURRENCES   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  companies  of 
De  Watteville's  regiment,  including  two  newly- 
raised  flank-companies,  *  the  light  company  of 
the  Glengarry's,  the  whole  of  the  second  batta- 
lion of  marines,  a  detachment  of  artillerj^  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  off  Oswego  till   noon  on  the   following 

day-t 

Either  suspicion,  or  direct  information,  of  the 
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 

*  Set  Vol.  I.  p.  261.        +  App.  No.  20,  21,  and  23. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  101 

a  1'2-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  5th,  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  tbrce  in  guns,  men,  and  size,  of 
every  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  OccurrenceSj  p.  394 — 401, 


102         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BElWEEPf 

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  eflected  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-west  compelled  the  ships  to  gain  an  offing  ; 
in  which  effort,  four  of  the  boats,  their  crews 
being  first  taken  out,  were  obliged  to  be  cut 
adrift.  As  soon  as  the  weather  moderated,  the 
f5eet  cast  anchor,  about  10  miles  to  the  north- 
ward of  the  fort. 

The  direction  and  violence  of  the  wind  occa- 
sioned one  of  the  four  boats  to  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  atesand  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  statements  contained  in  an  "  extract 
from  a  letter  of  a  United   States'  officer,"  (whp 

Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  262,  and  Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  220. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  103 

w  as  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  marines,  under  lieutenant-colonel 
Malcolm,  and  200  seamen,  armed  with  pikes, 
under  captain  Mulcaster ;  the  whole  under  the 
immediate  command  of  lieutenant-colonel 
Fischer,  of  De  Watteville's ;  and  amounting  to 
about  770  rank  and  file,  embarked  in  the  boats : 
leaving  the  four  remaining  conjpanies  of  De 
Watteville's,  and  the  detachments  of  artillery, 
racketeers,  and  sappers  and  miners,  as  a  corps 
of  reserve. 

Owing  to  the  shoal ness  of  the  water  off  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  at  this  time  nearly  a-head . 


104        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

and  the  consequent  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, effected  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 
woods.  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  same  corps, 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  Americans,  of  defending  the  post 
with  any  unusual  obstinacy. 

The  British  loss  in  the  affair  of  Oswego  was 
rather  severe.  It  amounted  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  Watte ville'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  viounded.  All 
tlireeof  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.  Admitting  this  number 
to  include  the  wounded,  it  is  no  proof  that 
the  iVmerican  commander  retired  quite  so 
leizurely,  or  in  so  ''good  order,"  as  the  American 
writers  would  haive  us  believe. 

The  Americans  have  pursued  their  usual 
exaggerating  system,  as  respects  the  relative 
numbers  in  the  attack  upon  Fort-Oswego. 
General  Brown  declares  that  the  British  force, 
"  by  land  and  water,  exceeded  3000  ;"t  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.  Thomson  says 
we  landed  1700  ;*  Mr.  O'Connor,  2000,  J  and 
doctor  Smith,  "  between  2  and  3000"§  men  ; 
but  the  American  officer,  who  writes  from 
Oswego,  states  the  number  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. 

X  History  of  the  War,  p.  220. 
§  History  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  III.  p.  308* 


106  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

American  writers,  not  excepti?ig  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, 
because  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  of  the  British. 
The  behaviour  of  the  militia  is  well  explained  in 
the  American  officer's  letter: — "The  militia,  at 
this  time,"  says  he,  '^  thought  best  to  leave  us : 
1  do  not  think  they  fired  a  gun."  Considering 
the  commanding  position  of  I  he  batteries,  the 
length  of  time  during  which,  owing  to  the  shoal- 
ness  of  the  water  and  state  of  the  wind,  the 
troops  a-float  were  exposed  to  hot  and  cold 
shot  and  musket-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  off 
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  Americans  at  Oswego  had 
"  established  for  themselves  a  name  in  arms, 
worthy  of  the  gallant  nation  in  whose  cause 
*  A  pp.  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  thp 
capture  of  which  the  expedition  had  been  under- 
taken, was  removed  to  Onondago  falls,   about 
13  miles  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  sajs  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 
Osw^ego.     How  trifling  that  loss  was  made,  is 
clearly  shewn,  by  the  statements  of  our  three 
*  App.  No.  22.  +  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.^t  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,  marines,  and  seamen,  that, 
although  the  loading  of  the  prizes  wiih  the  ord- 
nance and  other  captured  property,  necessarily 
detained  them  in  the  town  for  one  whole  night, 
not  a  murmur  of  complaint,  that  we  can  find, 
has  been  uttered  against  them.  Every  thing 
being  accomplished  by  four  o'clock  on  the  morn- 
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  of  the  War,  p.  2(53. 

+  History  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  III.  p.  308. 

+  History  of  the  War,  p.  221. 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  109 

till  they  got  ambushed  and  outnumbered,  and 
were,  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  of  the  most  fertile  spots 
in  Upper  Canada.  The  ample  supply  of  wheat 
and  other  bread-corn  which  it  afforded  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  depot  of 
the  British  army  upon  the  Niagara  line  ;  and  the 
enemy's  entire  command  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 

clian  militia,  and  then  absent   from  home  on 
service.* 

The  British  capture  of  Buffaloe  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 
lhel9th  United  States'  infantry, with  500  troops,i 
landed  there  from  Erie,  on  the  15th  of  May. 
The  dragoons  and  the  few  militia  that  happened 
to  be  at  Dover,  retired  ;  and  the  Americans  in- 
stantly "  destroyed  the  flour-mills,  distilleries, 
and  all  the  houses  occupied  by  the  soldiers,  as 
well  as  many  others  belonging  to  the  peaceable 
inhabitants  of  the  village." -j"  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  mills 

*  And  who  proved  himself,  during  the  whole  of  the  war,  an 
active,  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  of  the  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 
w  estern  territories,  to  the  army  of  which  colonel 
Campbell  was  at  that  time  attached,  and  of 
the  recent  devastation  of  the  Niagara  frontier."* 
Admitting  the  destruction  of  the  buildings 
which  had  been  occupied  by  the  dragoons,  to 
have  been  a  sanctioned  military  measure,  was  it 
only  an  "  error"  in  the  American  commander,  to 
have  burnt  the  houses  "  belonging  to  the  peace- 
able inhabitants  of  the  village"  ?  The  court  did 
not  lessen  its  dignity  in  allowing  itself  to  be 
swayed  by  the  fabricated  stuff  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. 
Miinroe,  at  a  day  long  subsequent,  reminds  us, 
that  colonel  Campbell'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  humanity,  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  came  within  their  reach,  and  pilfer 
and  carry  off  as  much  private  property  as  was 
easily  portable,  but  they  set  fire  to  the  wholr 
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  commander  by  whose 
orders  it  had  been  perpetrated. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  113 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Serious  preparations  for  the  Jifth  invasion  of  the 
Canadas — American  force  on  the  Niagara  fron- 
tier— British  force  in  the  same  neighbourhood — 
^    Disembarkation  of  major-general  Brown's  army 
— Capture     of    Fort-Erie^     together    with    its 
^mall    garrison — British   force    at    Chippeway 
—Advance   of  the  American    army — Battle   of 
Chippeway^  or  Street's  creek — Retreat  of  major- 
general  Riall — Return  of  the  Americans  to  their 
camp — Fresh  movement  against  the  British  at 
Chippeway — Further   retreat   of    the    latter   to 
Fort-George— Advance    of    the  Americans    to 
Queenslown — Spirited   behaviour    of  a    British 
patrolling  party — General  Brown^s  plans  deve- 
loped— General  Riall's    departure  from   Fort- 
George  to  the  Twenty,  and  Fifteen-mile,  creeks--^ 
American    reconnoissance     before    Fort-George 
—  Wanton    conflagration    of    the     village    of 
St,   David— Investment    of   Fort-George— Re- 
treat   of   the    Americans    to    Queenstown — De- 
struction of  their  baggage,  and  further  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  Riall — 
Battle  of  Niagara^  or  Lundy^s  lane — Betreat  of 
the  Americans  to  Chippeway  and  StreeVs  creek 
—  Their  destruction  of  Streets  mills,  and  of  their 
own  baggage,  camp-equipage  and  stores — Their 
further  retreat  to  Fort-Erie — Various  American 
accounts  of  these  operations — Their  gross  mis' 
statements  corrected. 

-CjARLY  in  April  major-general  Brown,  with  a 
strong  force  in  regulars,  marched,  a  second  time, 
from  Sackett's  Harbor  to  Batavia ;  and  thence 
to  BiifFaloe,  where  he  fixed  his  head-quarters. 
Here  he  remained  drilling  his  troops,  and  re- 
ceiving occasional  reinforcements,  till  the  middle 
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,  to  prepare  himself  for 
crossing  the  Niagara ;  which,  according  to  the 
"General  Order"!  issued  upon  the  occasion,  he 
•  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p  644.  +  A  pp.  No.  25. 


GREAT    ftUlTAIN    AND    AMERICA*  11^5 

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^  lltli, 
22d,  and  25th  regiments,  under  brigadier-gene* 
ral  Scott;  the  other,  of  the  17th,  19th,  21st) 
and  23d  regiments,  under  brigadier-general 
Ripley ;  the  two  united  brigades  numbering 
2580  rank  and  tile.  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  men.  To  this  regular  force  of 
3050  rank  and  file,  were  added  from  8  to  1100 
(say  900)  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  and"  Cana- 
dian" (or  traitor)  volunteers  ;  and  about  150 
Indians  :  making  a  total  force  of  4100  rank  and 
file.  Besides  this  force,  there  were,  at  dijfferent 
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  number  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,  whom  commodore  Chauncey, 
a  disposed  to  be  bold,  might  bjing  down  from 
Sackett's  harbor.  So  that  the  command  of  Lake 
l2 


116        MILITARY   OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

Ontario  could  very  speedily  augment  the  Ameri- 
can force  upon  the  Niagara  to  10000  men. 

The  British  force  upon  the  same  frontier  was, 
at  this  time,  under  the  command  of  major-gene- 
ral Riall,  and  consisted  of  the  royal  Scots,  (1st 
bat.)  100th,  and  10.3d  regiments,  a  troop  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  miles. 

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 
immediately  marched.  Having  planted  a  bat- 
tery of  1 8-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,  of  one  man  killed,  and,  on  the  part  of  the 
Americans,  of  four  men  of  the  25th  regiment 
wounded,  major-general  Brown  summoned  the 
fort  to  surrender.  Fort-Erie  was,  at  this  time, 
garrisoned  by  two  companies  of  the  8th  and 
100th  regiments,  and  a  small  detachment  of 
artillery,  under   major  Buck,  of  the  8th ;  and. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  117 

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,  to,  be 
marched  into  the  interior  of  New  York ;  and  a 
small  detachment  of  American  artillery,  imder 
lieutenant  JVlacdonough,  placed  as  a  garrison 
within  the  captured  fort :  in  front  of  which,  on 
the  lake,  were  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  command  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-general  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 
purpose  of  reconnoitring  the  enemy's  position 
*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  647. 


118         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

^nd  numbers.  This  service  was  gallantly 
performed  by  lieutenant-colonel  Pearson,  at  the 
head  of"  the  flank  companies  of  the  100th  regi- 
ment, and  a  few  militia  and  Indians ;  and  the 
i^mericans  were  seen  posted  on  an  eminence, 
near  the  ferry  at  Bertie.*  Major-general  Uiall 
would  have  commenced  the  attack  on  that  even- 
ing, had  he  been  joined  by  the  8th  regiment, 
then  hourly  expected  Irom  York. 

On  the  morning  of  the  4th,  general  Scott's 
brigade,  with  a  company  of  artillery,  advanced, 
by  the  main  road  along  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.-]* 
On  its  approach  to  Street's  creek,  the  first  bri- 
gade encountered  the  British  advance,  now  con- 
sisting of  the  light  companies  of  the  royal  Scots 
and  lOOlb  regiments,  and  a  subaltern's  detach- 
ment of  the  I9th  light  dragoons.  General  Scott 
inimediately  detached  in  front  captain  Towson*s 
company  of  artillery,  (100  strong,)  with  three 
18-pounders  ;  and,  at  the  same  time,  directed  a 
flank  company  of  the  9th  regiment  of  infantry 
to  march  out  to  the  left  of  the  brigade, 
and  cross  the  creek  above  the  bridge  ■  so  as  to 
assail  the  right  of  the  British  advance.  The 
heavy  firing  of  the  enemy's  18-pounders,   and 

*  See  Vol.  I.  p.  50.  +  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  274. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  119 

the  close  approach  of  his  main  body,  compelled 
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  dragoons,  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  skirmish, 
in  which  four  of  the  dragoons,  andeight  of  their 
horses,  were  wounded,  Mr.  Thomson  has  woven 
a  fine  story  ;  concluding  it  with  the  declaration 
of  one  of  the  American  generals,  that,  "  in  par- 
tiz^n  war,  he  had  witnessed  nothing  more  gal- 
lant than  the  conduct  of  captain  Crooker  and 
his  company"*     The  American  pioneers  having 
repaired  the  bridge,  the  army  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  park  of  artillery  was  sta- 
tioned on  the  right  of  the  encampment,  resting 
on  some  buildings  and  an  orchard,  close  to  the 
*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  274. 


1*20         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

river  Niagara ;  and  the  light  troops,  or  riflemen, 
together  with  the  Indians,  were  posted  within 
the  same  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  men,  left  at  Fort-Erie,  under  lieutenant 
Macdonough.  Consequently,  major-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  J8-pounders. 

Major-general  Riall  had  stationed  himself  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  Chippeway,  distant  about 
14  miles  from  the  American  encampment;  and, 
having  been  joined,  on  the  morning  of  the  5th, 
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 
of  Indians  ;  total,  2130  men  ;  along  with  two 
24-pounders,  and  a  5^  inch  howitzer. 
.  At  the  appointed  hour  the  British  crossed  the 
Chippeway,  and  marched  to  the  attack  ;  the 
Indians,  and  a  part  of  the  militia,  advancing 
*  Seep.  lift.  f  Only  partially  armed. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  121 

through  the  woods  on  the  right,  which  were 
skirted  by  the  remainder  of  the  militia,  and  by 
the  light  companies  of  the  royal  Scots  and  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  much  to  the  right,  and  were 
wholly  out  of  the  action.  The  remaining  80, 
consisting  chiefly  of  Wyandots,  led  by  captain 
Kerr,  on  being  encountered  by  general  Porter'^ 
brigade,  fell  back,  first,  upon  the  militia,  and  then, 
along  witli  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 
himself  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 
—         *  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  658. 


122  MILITARY   OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

militia  and  Indians,  overthrew  and  drove  them 
behind  the  main  line  of  the  British  army ; 
destroying,  at  least,  150,  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.^f  Not  only  does  major-general  Riall's 
despatch  shew,  clearly,  that  Mr.  Thomson's 
"  whole  British  column''  consisted  of  "  thelioht 
troops,"^  under  colonel  Pearson  ;  but  general 
Wilkinson  himself  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  completely  as, 
we  trust,  we  formerly  did  a  "  commodore"  or 
captain,  of  the  same  name,!  and,  it  seems  likely, 
of  the  same  family  too. 

Colonel  Pearson,  with  his  light  troops,  mi- 
litia, and  Indians,  pursued  general  Porters 
brigade  of  volunteers  and  Indians,  and  captain 
Macdonald's  80  regulars ;  till  the  arrival  of  a 
strong  reinforcement  from  general  Ripley's 
brigade,  including  the  whole  of  the  25th  regi- 
ment, obliged  the  British  advance  to  fall  back, 
in  its  turn.  While  this  skirmishing  was  going 
on  upon  the  right  of  the  British  line,  major- 
general  Riall  had  drawn  up  his  troops  before  the 
enemy's  position  ;  placing  the  8th  regiment,  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  upon  the  right  of  his  line ;  which  consisted 
of  the  1st,  or  general  Scott's  brigade,  and  a  portion 
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  Scots  and  100th  regiments  were 
ordered  to  charge  the  enemy's  column.  The 
ground  over  wiiich  they  had  to  pass  w  as  uneven, 
and  covered  with  long  grass,  which  greatly 
impeded  their  progress,     h  was  not,  howEver^ 

*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  651. 

i  James's  Xav.  Occur,  p.  305—30. 


124        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BEtWEEN 

till  the  enemj^s  musketry,  and  a  flanking  tire 
from  four  pieces  of  his  artillery,  had  caused  a 
serious  loss  of  killed  and  wounded  in  the  ranks 
o£  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  to 
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- 
ment 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 
Riail  again  encamped.  This  the  American  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  135  rank  and  file;  the  wounded,  to 
three  field-officers,  (including  the  commanding 
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.  125 

before-mentioned  regiments,)  515.*  The  royal 
Scots  were  now  reduced,  in  effective  strength, 
to  275,  the  100th,  to  245,  and  general  RialPs 
whole  force,  of  regulars,  militia,  and  Indians, 
to  under  1520,  rank  and  file.  The  loss  of  the 
Americans,  in  the  same  battle,  amounted  to  two 
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  major,  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  men. 

Considering  that  the  firing  between  the  main 
bodies  of  the  two  armies  did  not  continue  be- 
yond an  hour  and  a  half,  and  that  the  8th  regi- 
ment, from  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.  .         +  App.  No.  21). 


126       MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEE?f 

regulars  suffered  defeat  from  a  number  of  men, 
principally  volunteers  and  militia, —  inferiui! 
in  every  thing  but  courage  to  the  vanquished 
enemy/'* — This  is  the  man  whose  title-page  has 
the  words :  "  Carefully  compiled  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, -j"  and  the  force  that  crossed  the 
strait  under  general  Brown,  at  about  3500  men,:}; 
including  about  2700  regulars.  § 

We  will  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." |j   Thd  general  adds:  "  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,  of  the  War,  p.  254.' 

+  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  654. 

+  Ibid,  p,  G4G,        §  Ibid.  668.  [)  Ibid.  662 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND   AMERICA.  127 

Drnmmoiid,  and  Foj."  *  Poor  general  Wil- 
kinson's comparisons  are  the  most  amusing  part 
of  his  book.  Without  elevating  "  the  American 
Tovvson"  to  quite  so  lofty  a  station,  we  may 
observe,  that  the  Americans  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  the  first  battalion  of  the  royal 
Scots,  and  the  100th  regiment ;  and  consequently, 
of  not  more  than  1 1  or  1200  men.  The  A  merican 
commander,  therefore,  with  his  3000  "  accom- 
plished troops,''!  advanced  boldly  to  the  attack. 
This  is  confirmed  by  Mr.  Thomson ;  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  regiment  from  York,'^  in  consequence  of 
"  the  defeat  of  major-general  Riall."J 

On     the    other    hand,    intelligence    reached 
the  British, — probably  through   emissaries,  or 
«  Wilkinson's  Memoirs,  Vol.  I.  p.  652. 

~i  App.  No.  28.  +  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  280; 


128       MILITARY   OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

spies,  purposely  sent  from  the  American  camp, 
— rth^t  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  enemy^s  force  to  amount  to  "  6000  men^ 
with  a  very  numerous  train  of  artillery/' j*  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  morning 
of  the  8th,  he  determined  upon  an  attempt  to 
dislodge  major-general  Riall,  who  was  still 
stationed  at  Chippeway.  To  effect  this  objectj 
general  Ripley  proceeded,  with  his  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   JiRItAlX   A5ftJ    A^ERtCA.  129 

American  force  crossed  over.  In  the  mean  whiles 
major-general  Riall  had  broken  up  his  encamp- 
ment, and  retired  to  wards  Queenstown  and  Fort- 
George  ;  at  ^thich  latter  place  he  arrived  on  that 
evening.  During  the  same  night,  general  Brown 
occupied  Chippewaj  ;  and,  on  the  following 
mornings  advanced  to  Queenstownj  where  he* 
again  encamped. 

Oti  the  12th,  while  the  Americans  were  at 
Queenstown,  brigadier-general  Swift  Was  de- 
tached, with  120  (one  American  account  says^ 
200)  of  general  Porter's  volunteers,*  to  recon- 
noitre general  Riall's  position  at  Fort-George^ 
On  arriving  near  the  fort,  general  Swift)  with 
his  detachment^  came  suddenly  upon  a  corporal 
and  five  men,  belonging  to  a  patrolling  party 
of  32  rank  and  file  from  the  light  company  of 
the  8th,  under  major  Evans  of  that  regiment. 
One  of  the  five  privates  levelled  his  piece  at  the 
American  general ;  and,  after  mortally  wodnd- 
ing  him,  was  himself  shot  dead*  His  five  com- 
rades now  fell  back  upon  the  remaining  20 
men  of  their  detachment  ;  who,  on  the  report 
of  the  first  musket,  had,  with  major  Evans  at 
their  head,  marched  forward  to  the  spot.  The 
31  British  were  instantly  surrounded  by  tlieir 
120  opponents  ;  but  the  former,  by  their  skill  and 
promptitude,  extricated  themselves^  without 
further  loss^  from  their  perilous  situation.     Mr, 

f«  ,,«tn^-      ^  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  2S1.  * 

roL.  If«  K 


130         MlLITARl^  OCCURRENCES    BETWEE^f 

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  Americans  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  proclamation  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  fall  of  their  brave  officer ; 
and  an  opportunity  was  not  long  wanted.^f 

Awhile  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  light.  Meet  me 
on  the  lake- shore,  north  of  Fort-George,  with 
your  fleet ;  and  we  will  be  able,  1  have  no  doubt, 
to  settle  a  plan  of  operation  that  will  break  the 
power  of  the  enemy  in  Upper  Canada,  and  that 
in  the  coursfe  of  a  short  time.  At  all  events,  let 
*  App.  No.  25.         +  SkPtches  of  the  War,  p.  282. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  13l 

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  m 
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  King- 
ston, and  carry  that  place.  For  God's  sake  let 
me  see  you.  Sir  James  will  not  fight.  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.^  v^^vWi^i'  '  m 

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- 
third  snpenor'ity ,  without  which  it  would  not  be 
prudent  to  appear  on  the  lake.-j* 

On  the  morning  of  the  9th,  major-general 
Hiall,  leaving  at  the  forts  George  and  Mississaga, 
in  li€u  of  the  350  rank  and  file  of  the  Glengarry 
regiment,  andoftheSOO  militia,^  by  whom  he  had 

*  Wilkinson's  Memoirs,  Vol.  I.  p.  QQQ. 
+  James's  Naval  Occurrences,  p.  399. 
+    Both  recently  arrived  from  York. 
K  2 


132        MILITARY  OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

there  been  joined,  detachments  of  the  royal  Scots, 
and  8th,  andtheremaining245  of  the  100th,  regi- 
ments, proceeded,  with  a  force  in  regulars  and 
militia,  amounting-  to  about  1360  rank  and  file, 
towards  Burlington  heights  ;  where  he  expected 
to  meet  the  103d  regiment,  and  the  flank  compa-^ 
nies  of  the  104th,  the  latter  of  which  had  recently 
arrived  there.  This  junction  was  fortunately 
effected  at  the  Twenty-mile  creek  ;  whence  the 
major-general,  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  from  the  American  camp. 
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  Say  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  men,  besides  800  incorporated 
militia  and  Indians ;  making  a  total  of  2050 
men.*  We  have  here  the  total,  though  not  the 
details,  of  the  British  force,  as  accurately  stated 
as  need  be.  Had  the  junction  of  the  103d 
regiment  been  known,  we  may  well  suppose 
tliat  major-general  Riall's  force  would  have^bees 
*    Wilkinson's  Memoirs,  Yol.  I.  p.  669. 


GREAT  BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  133 

swelled  out  to  3000  men;  but,  although  consi- 
dered to  be  a  third  below  that  amount,  no 
attack  was  to  be  made,  without  the  sanction  of  a 
council  of  war.  General  Brown's  force,  on  tliis 
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-general  Riall  ;  the 
majority,  for  investing  Fort-George.  Accord- 
ingly, on  the  15th,  general  Ripley's  brigade  of 
regulars,  and  general  Porter's  brigade  of  volun- 
teers, accompanied  by  a  detachment  of  regular 
artillery,  with  a  6-pounder  and  a  5^  inch  how- 
itzer, the  whole  numbering  about  2200  rank  and 
file,  advanced  to  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
British  fort,  While  this  strong  body  of  Ameri- 
can troops  was  reconnoitring  the  fortifications, 
lieutenant-colonel  Tucker,  with  the  detachment 
of  the  8th  regiment,  and  two  6-pounder  field- 
pieces,  moved  out  from  Fort-Mississsaga  ;  and, 
being  joined  by  the  few  royals  from  Fort-George, 
and  aided  by  the  guns  of  that  fort,  compelled 
the  Americans,  in  spite  of  their  great  snperiority 
of  numbers,  to  retire  to  a  more  respectable  dis* 
^ance.  Not  a  casualty  occurred  on  our  part. 
•  Several  slight  skirmishes  afterwards  took  place 
between  the  adverse  piquets,  in  which  the  Ame- 
ricans were  almost  the  only  sufferers.  The  fur- 
*  Wilkinson's  Memoirs,  Vol.  I.  p.  669. 


134         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

ther  proceedings  of  the  American  troops  before 
Fort-George,  are  tolerably  well  defined  in  major 
M'Farland's  letter  : — "  The  militia  and  Indians, 
says  he,  '' plundered  and  burnt  every  thing. 
The  whole  population  is  against  us :  not  a 
foraging  party,  but  is  fired  on,  and  not  unfre- 
quently  return  with  missing  numbers.  This 
state  was  to  be  anticipated.  The  Indians  were 
sent  oflf  some  days  since,"  (letter  dated  2.5th  of 
July,)  *'  as  they  were  found  useless,  except  to 
plunder.  The  militia  have  burnt  several  pri- 
vate dwelling-houses  ;  and,  on  the  19lh  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  tlie  country  of  some  Indians 
and  rangers,  and  it  was  presumed  they  might 
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  out  of  the  army, 
I  should  have  handed  in  my  sheep-skin.*" — 
The  major  declares,  in  the  very  same  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  suflPerinas, 
*  Cotnmissiou. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  135 

that  could  excite  compassion   in  such  a  breast 
as  this  ? 

Although  none  of  the  American  historians 
bestow  a  word  upon  the  burning  of  St.  David's, 
and  the  pillage  of  the  surrounding  country,  we 
now  perceive  to  wli«t  Mr.  Tliorason  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-colo- 
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  customary  as  it 
proved  ineffectual.  Among  many  instances, 
general  Brown,  soon  after  the  battle  of  Street's 
creek,  ordered  captain  Treat,  of  the  21st  infan- 
try, "  on  the  spot,  to  retire  from  the  army," 
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  opportunit}^  of  shewing 
whether  or  not  he  had  exceeded  his  orders  ?  If  he 
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 


130         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    RETWEEN 

death"?*  But  that  the  Canadians  had  expe- 
rienced, both  in  theii-  persons  and  properties^ 
so  many  flagrant  violations  of  that  "  General 
Order,"  as  to  entitle  it  to  be  considered,  unless, 
in  its  intended  operation  upon  the  public  mind, 
as  mere  blank  paper,  we  might  suppose  that 
|;he  gajlant  colonel  had  saved  himself,  by  the 
quibbling  excuse,  that  he  was  not  a  ^'  pluu- 
(derer,"  but  an  incendiary.  The  most  extra- 
ordinary thing  is,  however,  that  the  American 
government,  within  aeven  weeks  ^fter  the  burn- 
ing of  St.  Davjd's,  and  when  some  ?ipology 
for  that,  among  other  atrocities,  was  thought  due 
%o  the  representations  made  on  our  part,  should 
say: — *' For  the  burning  of  St.  David's,  com- 
mitted by  stragglers,  the  ofjicer  who  commanded 
in  that  quarter  was  dismissed,  without  a  trial,  for 
not  preventing  it."t  Lieutenant-colonel  Stone, 
then,  was  not  '*  dismissed  without  a  trial,^' 
laeoause  he  ''  directed,"  but  *'  for  not  prevent- 
ing," the  burning  of  the  village ;  nor  was  the 
mt  committed  by  the  inilitia  sent,  under  the 
orders  of  this  very  colopel,  *'  to  scour  the 
pountry,'*  but  by  ■  *  stragglers,"  under  the  orders 
of  no  one ;  and  this,  although  the  American 
camp  was  only  three  miles  off.  ,, 

pn  the  day  succeeding  the  conflagration  of 
St.    pftvid'si,    general    Brown    abandoned    his 

*  4pp.  1^0.  23.  '  "i^'-'ft^ 

+  Mr.  Munro's  letter  to  sir  Alexander  Cochrane,  dated 
5ept.  6,  1§14, 


IGREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA,  137 

encampment  at  Queenstovvn,  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  the 
arrival  of  commodore  Cliauncey's  fleet,  with  the 
anxiously  expected  "  guns  and  troops  from 
Sackett's  J^larbor.'^  After  waiting  in  suspense 
from  the  20th  to  the  23d,  general  Brown  pre- 
pared to  retrace  his  steps  to  Queens  town  and 
Chippewaj ;  in  order,  as  he  sajs,  to  draw  a  sup- 
ply of  provisions  from  Schlosser,  and  then  march 
directly  to  Burlington  Heights.*  American 
caution  was  never  more  conspicuous  than  in 
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  ;-\  and  now  that  fort  was  garrisoned  by  ^ 
smaller  number  than  then  besieged  it,  ?ind  was 
beseiged  by  double  the  number  th^t  then 
composed  its  garrison.  Yet  major  M'Farland, 
in  his  before- mentioned  letter,  assigns,  as  a 
reason  for  general  Brown's  retreat,  that  it  would 
require  ''  6000  men,  with  a  large  train  of  ba^t- 
tering  artillery,"  to  make  any  impression  upon 
Fort-George.  The  Americans  seem  <ietermined 
to  remind  us,  as  well  of  general  M'Clure's 
bloodless  surrender  of  this  same  fort^  as  of 
*  App.  No.  3^.  i  Seep.  11. 


138       MIHTAllY    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  of  the  23d  ;  and,  on 
the  next  day,  this  American  general,  who  had 
scarcely  done  boasting  that  he  did  not  doubt 
his  ability  *'  to  meet  the  enemy  in  the  field,  and 
to  march  in  any  direction  over  his  country," 
finding,  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  bis  armj  ,"  *  that 
he  not  only  continued  his  retreat  to  Chippeway, 
but,  to  quicken  his  movements,  disencumbered 
the  army  of  its  baggage. •]'  Having  re-crossed 
the  Chippewaj^  general  Brown  encamped  on 
the  right  bank  of  that  river,  with  the  whole  of 
his  arm}',  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  Americans,  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,  ^t  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.  +  App.  No.  32. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  139 

Drunimond;  the  incorporated  militia,  under  lieu- 
tenant-colonel Robinson,  and  the  sedentary  mili-^ 
tia,  under  lieutenant-colonel  Parry,  of  the  103d  ; 
major  Lisle's  troop  of  the  19th  light  dragoons, 
and  a  detachment  of  artillery,  having  in  charge 
the  two  24-pounders  and  howitzer  employed  at 
Street^s  creek,  and  three  6-pounders  ;  the  whoI« 
numbering  about  950  rank  and  file,  and  placed 
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  Luiidy's  lane,  leading 
into  the  main  Queenstown,  or  Niagara  road, 
and  distant  from  the  American  encampment 
about  2^^  miles,  ;»»«»-<&  Uitrf   ri  ? 

The  American  general,  having  received  intel- 
ligence that  the  British  had  crossed  over,  in 
considerable  numbers,  from  Queenstown  to 
Levvistown;  and  that  the  force  near  Lundy's 
lane  was  a  mere  patrolling  party,  determined, 
by  way  of  causing  a  diversion,  to  re- occupy 
the  former  village.  Accordingly,  at  about  a 
quarter  past  five  on  the  afternoon  of  the  25th, 
general  Scott,  at  the  head  of  his  own  brigade 
of  regular  infantry,  To wson'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    RETWEEN 

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  three  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  became  "  neces- 
sary" to  send  "  assistance ;"  therefore  general 
Brown,  who  had  been  reinforced  by  250  men 
of  the  1st,  and  1CM>  men  of  the  32d  regiments, 
just  arrived  in  three  schoonejrs  from  Erie, 
taking  with  him  generals  Ripley's  and  Porter's 
brigades,  and  major  Hindman's  corps  of  artiU 
lery,  having  in  charge  seven  field-pieces,  instants 
ly  "  pressed  forward  witli  ardor."*  Ip  the  mean 
while,  some  of  the  American  officers,  having 
heard  at  Mrs.  Wilson's  house,  near  the  falls, 
and  reported  to  general  Scott,  "  that  the  enemy 
could  not  be  in  force,"  f  that  officer,  w^th 
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  of  a  force  nearly 
four  times  superior  to  his  own^^  ordered  colonel 

*  App.  No.  32. 

t  Wilkinson's  Mem,  Vol.  I.  his  App.  N,q.  9. 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND   AM:ERICA.  141 

Pearson  to  retire  upon  Queenstown ;  and  sent 
similar  orders  to  colonel  Scott,  who,  with  the 
main  body,  was  advancing  from  the  Twelve- 
mile  creek.  We  must  now  relate  what  caused 
a  sudden  change  in  the  tlestination  of  the  re- 
treating British  force. 

As  soon  as  intelligence  of  major-general 
Riairs  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,  marched  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  James  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  regiment j 
and  the  detachments  of  the  royal  Scots  and 
8th  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  a  body  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  American  force  ea- 


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 
tamp  at  Chippewaj.  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  same  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 
gariisons  to  the  three  forts  in  the  rear,  220of  the 
41st,  and  the  whole  remaining  strength  of  the 
100th  regiments,  under  the  orders  of  lieutenant- 
colonel  Tucker ;  and  hastened  forwai;d  to  the 
jfalls,  with  the  89th  regiment,  detachments  of 
the  roya!  Scots,  and  8th,  and  the  light  com- 
pany of  the  41st  regiments,  numbering,  alto- 
gether, 815  rank  and  file. 

-  JNo  sooner  had  this  seasonable  reinforcement, 
after  a  rapid  march  of  seven  miles  from  Queens- 
town,  and  of  14  altogether,  arrived  within 
half  a  mile  of  Lundy's  lane,  than  information 
was  brought  of  the  retreat  of  major-general 
Riall's  advanced  division ;  and  the  troops  had 
scarcely  halted,  ere  they  were  joined  by  the 
militia  which  had  formed  part  of  it,  and  whose 


tlREAt   BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  143 

Vetreat  had  been  ably  covered  by  the  Glengarry 
regiment.  General  Drummond,  first  despatch- 
ing an  officer  to  recall  colonel  Scott,  jpushed 
forward  to  Lundy'slane;  where  he  arrived  a  few 
minutes  before  six  o'clock,  and  just  as  the  enemy 
had  approached  within  600  yards  of  the  top  of  the 
hill.  The  British  force  was  quickly  formed ; — =• 
the  S9th  regiment,  the  320  men  of  the  royal  Scots^ 
and  the.41st  light  company,  in  the  rear  of  the  hill, 
with  their  left  resting  on  the  Queenstown,  or 
Niagara  road;  the  two  24-pounders  a  little  in 
advance  of  the  centre,  on  the  summit  of  the  hill ; 
the  Glengarry  regiment,  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  same  road,  a 
little  in  the  rear:  constituting  a  total  of  1770 
rank  and  file,  supported  by  two  24-pounders,  two 
0-ponnders,  and  a  5|-inch  howitzer.  Scarcely 
had  the  different  corps  taken  their  stations,  than 
the  American  troops,  under  the  command  of 
general  Scott,  commenced  the  attack.  With 
the  exception,  however,  of  partially  forcing  back 
the  left,  the  Americans  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  former  of  which  the  1st  regiment,  under 
colonel  Nicholas,*  and  to  the  latter,  a  fresh 
*  App.  No.  32. 


141      Military  occuRktiNCEs  BEx^tiE* 

party  of  volunteers^  had  been  attached :  thus 
making-  the  total  force^  undel*  general  Brown, 
upwards  of  4000  men. 

Finding  the  British  guns  upoii  the  hill  very 
destructive,  the  Americans  made  several  des* 
perate  efforts  to  carry  them.  After  being  most 
gallantly  resisted  by  the  89th,  the  detachments 
of  the  royal  Scots  and  Sth  regiments,  and 
the  sedentary  militia  under  colonel  Parry,  the 
great  numerical  superiority^  and,  certainly^  well- 
directed  tire,  of  the  American  infantr3^  and  artil- 
lery, enabled  them  to  gain  their  point.  They 
had  no  leizure,  however,  to  remove,  or,  at  this 
time,  to  employ  the  captured  pieces.  The  battle 
had  nOw  I'aged  for  three  hours ;  "  the  thickest 
and  most  impenetrable  darkness  prevailed;*** 
and  both  armies  had  suspended  their  fire  ;  one 
to  Collect  and  re^organize  its  "  faultering"  regi* 
ments;  the  other  to  await  the  reinforcement 
momentarily  expected  from  the  Twelve- mile 
creek.  Just  at  the  hour  of  nine,  colonel  Scott, 
with  the  103d  regiment,  detachments  of  the 
royal  Scots,  Sth,  and  104th  regiments,  and 
about  300  sedentary  militia,  few  of  whom  had 
muskets,  accompanied  by  two  6*pounders,  and 
numbering,  altogether,  1230  rank  and  file,  now 
came  upon  the  ground.  It  had  been  intended 
that  colonel  Scott's  division  should  march 
from  the  Twelve-mile  creek,  and  the  men  were 
*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  his  App.  No.  p. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  145 

actually  under  arms,  at  three  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  Unfortunately,  however,  the  order 
was  countermanded,  and  the  troops  did  not  move 
till  past  mid-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  them  to  retire  upon  Queenstown  ;  and  they 
had  actually  made  a  retrogade  movement  of 
nearly  four  miles,  before  tliey  received  general 
Drummond^s  order  to  re-advance.  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  theextremedarknessofthe  night,  the 
103d  regiment,  and  the  sedentary  militia,  under 
colonel  Hamilton,  with  the  two  field-pieces, 
passed,  by  mistake,  into  the  centreof  the  Ameri- 
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  in  lineto  the  right  of  general  Drummond's 
front  column.  Another  disaster  ensued  from 
the  darkness.  The  detachments  of  the  royal 
Scots  and  8th,  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        MILITARY    OCCdRRENCES    BETWEEN 

Scott*s  reinforcement.  In  the  meanwhile,  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- 
cumstanced, was  assuming  a  more  serious  aspect 
than  ever.  They  w  ere  now  in  possession  of  the 
crest  of  the  hill,  and  of  seven  pieces  of  captured 
artillery  ;  which,  in  conjunction  with  their  own, 
they  turned  against  the  British  column.*  On 
the  other  hand,  the  British,  besides  their  infe- 
riority of  numbers,  were  without  artillery,  and 
had  to  march  up  a  steep  hill,  to  regain  the  guns 
they  had  lost ;  or  even,  as  the  Americans  were  too 
prudent  to  descend  from  their  position,  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,  of  the  American  artillery,  had  brought 
up  against  them.  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  many  of  their  wounded. 

Major-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  War,  p.  292. 


GREAT    BRltAlX    AND    AMERICA.  147 

dressed,  when  he  and  his  party  were  captured 
by  the  American  25th  regiment,  under  colonel 
Jessup,  and  a  detachment  of  cavalry  ;  which,  in 
driving  back  the  British  left,  had  gained  a 
momentary  possession  of  the  Niagara-road.  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,  one  captain, 
three  subalterns,  one  deputy -assistant-adju- 
tant-general, four  Serjeants,  and  75  rank  and 
file,  killed  ;  one  lieutenant-general,  one  major- 
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,  five  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  by  the 
Americans  of  buck-shot,  while  it  swelled  out 
the  returns,  occasioned  most  of  the  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    BETWEEN 

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,  but  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  major-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,  t  Total,  171  killed  ;  572 
wounded;  and  110  missing:  grand  total  854. 
The  loss,  thus  admitted  by  the  Americans,  was 
highly  creditable  to  the  skill  and  gallantry  of 
the  inferior   numbers   opposed   to   them.     But 

•  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  538. 
+  App.  No.  33. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  149 

general  Brown's  loss  has  ceitainly  been  under- 
rated ;  for  210  dead,  besides  a  great  many 
wounded,  Americans  were  counted  upon  the  field 
of  battle,  on  the  following  morning  ;  and,  upon 
the  subsequent  advance  of  the  British  to  Chip- 
pewaj,  they  found  a  number  of  fresh  graves,  in 
which  the  bodies  had  been  so  slightly  covered, 
that  the  arms  and  legs  were,  in  many  instances, 
exposed  to  view. 

As  first  in  order  among  the  American  accounts 
of  this  action,  we  will  take  general  Brown's 
letter.  In  American  official  correspondence, 
this  letter  forms,  in  one  respect,  an  anomaly : 
it  no  where  mentions,  that  the  Americans  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  supi^ressed,  by  the  order  of  the 
government.  Such  things,  we  know,  have  been 
frequently  done ;  and,  did  the  number  agree 
with  what  a  writer  from  Buffaloe  stated  general 
Brown's  force,  in  theLundy's  lane  battle,  to  have 
amounted  to,  namely,  '*  about  4000  men,"  the 
probability  is  encreased.  The  American  com- 
mander begins  his  letter,  with  telling  us  of  the 
"  gallant  men"  he  had  the  "  good  fortune  to 
lead;"  and  yet  freely  confesses,  that  one  regiment 


150        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

^'  faltered,"  and  another  "  gave  way  and  re- 
treated." 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 
remain  long  enough  on  the  field,  he  would  have 
found  that  it  was  not  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 
thisconfidence  of '■  victory,"  with  the  order  which 
colonel  Hindman,  of  the  artillery,  received  from 
general  Brown,  as  the  latter  was  retiring  from 
the  field,  on  his  way  to  BufFaloe : — "  Collect 
your  artillery,  as  well  as  you  can,  and  retire 
immediately;  we  shall  all  march  to  camp"*? 
1  his  .was  deposed  to  at  general  Ripley's 
court-martial.  If  the  American  troops,  who 
had  marched  two  miles  to  the  field  of  battle, 
needed  "  some  refreshment,"  what  must  have 
been  the  state  of  the  British  troops,  all  of  whom, 
except  the  advance,  had  marched  14  miles  to 
the  field  of  battle  ? 

Some  parts  of  Mr,  O'Connors  account  are 
worth  extracting  :  — "  Wellington's  hivincibles" 
says  he,  *'  had  just  arrived  from  Europe,  and 
Drummond  resolved  that  they  should  not  only 
maintain  their  character,  but  maintain  it  in  a 
manner  that  would  make  the  most  desponding 
*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  his  App.  No.  14. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  151 

impression  on  the  brave,  but  raw  recruits  of  the 
republic."  ^^  A  fine  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  Americans,"  proceeds  this  accurate  gentle- 
man, *' could  not  be  driven,  nor  withstood  :  deter- 
mined not  to  be  overthrown,  even  by  superior 
numbers,  they  seemed  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  of  the  "  howitzer,"  to  the  high- 
spirited  horses  having  run  with  it  '*  into  the 
ranks  of  the  enemy."  On  the  other  hand,  it  was 
the  *'  want  of  horses''  that  compelled  the  Ame- 
ricans to  leave  to  us  '*  9nost  of  the  cannon 
which  were  taken."  Here  we  discover,  that  Mr. 
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  amount  to  "  between 
1200  and  1300  men  ;"  and  their  "  force  engaged, 
hy  their  own  confession,  4500  men,  mostly,  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  militia  of  Pennsylvania  and  New 
York."*  Yet,  this  writer,  in  the  very  next  line, 
*  Hist,  of  the  War,  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  came  Mr.  O'Connor  to  omit 
the  honorable  corps,  stjled,  in  the  American 
returns, — "  Canadian  volunteers/'  ■\  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  of  his  book  to 
the  battle  of  Lundy's  lane.  He  describes  the 
hour's  action  previous  to  the  arrival  of  the  whole 
of  Ripley's  and  Porter's  brigades,  as  fought  be- 
tween generals  Riall  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  us.  Mr. 
Thomson,  after  stating  that  general  Riall  had 
"  despatched  messengers  to  lieutenant-general 
Drummond  at  Fort-George,  to  inform  him  of 
the  desperate  nature  of  the  conflict,"  says : — 
'*  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  pure  accident,  stated 
nearly  the  amount  of  general  Drummond's  force, 

*  Hist,  of  the  United  States,  p.  257. 
+  App.  No.  33.  X  See  p.  7. 

§  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  288. 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  153 

during  the  first  three  hours  of  the  battle.  He 
attends  every  regiment  in  its  marches  and 
counter-marches  ;  and  makes  a  fine  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  company"  of  Carolina 
militia,  in  Lambert's  Travels,*  Mr.  Thomson's 
artist  has  employed  his  rule  for  the  purpose; 
and  the  line  he  has  formed  for  Mr.  O'Connors 
"  raw  recruits,'^  in  this  night  of''  impenetrable 
darkness,"  close  in  front  of '^  a  /iosiof  Wellington's 
invincibles/'  reminds  us  rather,  of  what  we 
sometime!*  witness  upon  the  parade  in  St.  James'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.  198. 
T  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.  Thomson  !  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  from 
the  scene  of  action. 

Our  third  historian,  doctor  Smith,  has,  in  his 
usual  brief  way,  extracted  none  but  tlie  most 
violent  and  extravagant  parts  of  the  accounts 
before  him  ;  excepting  that,  while  he  makes  our 
•*'  force  engaged,  including  the  Canadian  militia, 
4500,"  some  one  has  persuaded  him  to  advance 
a  step  nearer  to  truth,  and  state  "  that  of  the 
Americans  at  less  than  3000."-j"  An  American 
writer  from  Buffaloe,  speaking  of  this  action, 
jsays :  '•  We  had  in  our  whole  army  4000  men  ;":|; 
and,  in  the  ''  Butfaloe  Gazette  Extraordinary," 
of  July  28,  we  read  :  "  The  enemy^s  forces  en- 
gaged must  have  been  nearly  5000  ;  ours," — here 
is  a  frank  admission,- — "  short  of  that  number," 
After  this,  will  it  be  pretended,  that  the  Ameri-* 

*  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  men  in  the  field  at  the  battle 
of  Niagara  ? 

We  had  almost  forgotten,  that  we  have  a 
fourth  historian  to  glean  from.  General  Wil- 
kinson, finding  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  has 
done  descanting  upon  ^'  true  valor,"  in  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  "  memorable 
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  Jive 
large  diagrams,  which  the  general  gives  of  the 
action,  are  tolerably  correct.  On  the  contrary, 
our  faith  in  them  is  destroyed,  thus: — "Of  course, 
the  diagram,"  says  the  general,  "  founded  on 
colonel  Leavenworth's  report,  iserroneous."*  Al- 
though not  explicit  as  to  numbers,  he  takes  care 
to  adopt  a  similar  stratagem  to  that  which  he 
practised  about  the  gun-boats  at  La  Colle,-|-  and 
represents  the  British  columns  upon  his  diagrams, 
to  be  five  times  as  large  as  the  American.    Even 

*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  689.  +  See  p.  88. 


156        MILITAJLY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

here  he  is  doomed  to  contradict  the  inference  he 
would  have  us  draw.  '*  I  have  no  authority," 
sajs  general  Wilkinson,  "  to  question  general 
Drummond^s  report  of  his  own  order  of  battle,  or 
his  force,  except  from  the  information  of  colonel 
Leavenworth  and  other  officers."*  And  yet, 
alluding  to  the  materials  from  which  he  pro- 
fesses to  draw  up  his  history  of  tliis  battle,  he 
asks:  ^' 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,  from  what  I  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 
immediate  command,  and  that  diffierent  men  see 
the  same  object  with  diffisrent  optics;"! — more 
especially,  when  "  it  was  so  dark  at  the  time, 
that  objects  could  not  be  distinguished  many 
paces.":}:  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."*  INor  does  he,  like  Mr.  O'Connor, 
and  most  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.*  Our  last 
extract  shall  be  from  the  general's  *'  Prelimi- 
nary Observations.'^  *'  I  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"  American  troops  had 
retired  to  their  camp,  and  obtained  the  "neces- 
sary refreshment,"  they  were  again  ordered,  with 
general  Ripley,  upon  whom  the  command  had 
now  devolved,  at  their  head,  to  march  to  the 
'*  battle  ground,"  there  to  meet  and  beat  the 
enemy,  if  he  again  appeared. ":|:  General  Brown 
simply  and  truly  says  : — *'  It  was  not  executed ;" 
leaving  his  commentators  to  find  excuses.  Doc- 
tt)r  Smith,  either  not  in  the  \em  of  fiction,  or 
become  suddenly  conscientious,  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.         +  Ibid.  676. 
+  A.pp.  No.  32. 


153  MiLlTAaY    OCCUllRENCES    BETWEEN 

latter,  without  the  slightest  hesitation,  SRys:-— 
**  On  the  morning  after  the  battle,  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  ^Jifth  time  "  reinforced."  *'  Under 
such  circumstances,"  he  adds,  "  it  would  have 
been  highly  injudicious  to  have  attacked  him." 
*'  General  Ripley,"  proceeds  Mr.  Thomson,  **  see- 
ing the  impossibility  of  regaining  the  field  of 
battle,  and  the  probability  of  his  own  flanks 
being  compelled  to  fall  back,  by  the  immense 
superiority  of  the  enemy *s  numbers,  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, 
finding  the  enemy  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   ANQ    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  Americans 
*'  burnt  the  enemy's  barracks  :^'  why  did  he  not 
tell  us,  that  they  valiantly  set  fire  to  Street's 
mills,  the  property  of  a  private  individual  ? 

*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  302- 

+  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  722. 


160        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Newlif  erected  works  at  Fort-Erie^  and  vigorous 
.  pxeparations  of  defence  on  the  part  of  the  Ame- 
ricwi  Qarrison—Discharo'e  of  the  sedentary 
militia-'— Arrival  of  the  right  and  left  wings  of 
De  Waiteville's  regiment,  and  investment  of  Fori- 
Erie  by  general  Drummond — Relative  force  of 
the  besiegers,  and  besieged — Unsuccessful  attack 
upon  Black  Rock — State  of  the  defences  at  Fort- 
Erie— Affairs  of  piquets — Carriage  of  boats 
,  over-land  to  Lake-Erie,  and  gallant  capture  of 
two  out  of  three  American  armed  schooners  sta-' 
tioned  off  the  fort — Cannonade  between  the  Bri- 
tish and  Americans  at  Fort-Erie — Advance  of 
the  British  to  the  assault  of  that  fort — Unpre- 
pared state,  and  consequent  repulse,  of  the  right 
column  of  attack — Proceedings  of  the  left  and 
centre  columns — Intrepid  behaviour  of  the  Bri- 
tish at  one  of  the  bastions — Accidental  destruc- 
tion of  that  bastion,  and  heavy  loss  and  repulse 
of  the  British — American  Accounts — Remarks 
on  sir  George  PrevosCs  intercepted  letters — Real 
cause  of  the  failure — American  atrocities  at 
Fort-Talbot  on  Lake  Erie — Proposal  of  an  af-\ 
niistice  by  the  British  commander-in-chief  in  the. 
Canadas — Assent  of  the  American  government, 
if  extended  to  the  water — Prompt  refusal  of  the 
British  admiral  in  the  Chesapeake — Agreement 
for   e.vchange   of  prisoners  of  war — Immediate 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  161 

discharge     of    American    prisoners — Shameful 
delay    in    discharging    the   British   priso7iers  — 
i^-Their  suffering  state  in  consequence. 

J^  O  sooner  had  the  American  army  got  safe  to 
Fort-Erie,  than  general  Ripley,  now  the  com- 
manding officer,  directed  the  lines  of  deience  to 
be  extended,  the  i'ort  enlarged,  and  new  batteries 
erected.*  V^  ith  the  aid  of  his  engineers,  defences 
of  abattis,  traverses,  intrenchments,  and  re- 
doubts, were  instantly  commenced  ;  and,  from 
the  27tli  (if  July  until  the  2d  or  3d  of  August, 
ths  troops  were  employed,  night  and  daj,  in 
placing  the  works  in  a  state  to  sustain  the  ex- 
pected, und  almost  certain  attack.* 

After  discharging  the  whole  of  the  sedentary 
militia,  general  Drummond,  as  soon  as  the  engi- 
neer had  constructed  a  temporary  bridge  across 
ihe  Chippeway,  for  the  carriage  of  the  troops 
and  cannon,  pushed  forward  to  invest  Fort-Erie; 
within  two  ns  les  of  w  hich  he  arrived  on  the  3d 
of  August.  Having  been  joined  by  the  right 
and  left  wings  of  De  M  atteville's,  under  lieute- 
nant-colonel Fischer,  from  Kingston,  and  the 
41st  regiment,  under  lientenfint  colonel  Tucker, 
from  the  Torts  George  and  Mississaga,  now  gar- 
risoned by  the  remains  (except  the  light  com- 
pany) of  the  89th,  the  general's  force  amounted 
to,  —  not  as  Mr.  Thomson,  with  an  artful 
*  Skclchcs  of  Ihp  War,  p.  303. 

VOL.  II.  M 


163  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

attempt  at  exactness,  says,  *'  5352,"  but  3150 
men  ;  partly  embodied  militia. 
.  The  British  general,  having  approached  to 
within  about  700  yards  of  the  enem^^s  fort ;  and, 
having  got  from  Fort-George  some  battering 
pieces,  and  a  Serjeant's  party  with  rockets,  com- 
menced digging  intrench  ments,  and  erecting  bat- 
teries, to  overcome  the  powerful  defences  con- 
structing on  the  part  of  the  besieged  ;  while  the 
latter,  witii  unceasing  alacrity,  were  rendering 
their  position  hourly  more  formidable.  As  to 
the  number  of  troops  within  the  fort,  the  most 
studied  concealment  runs  through  all  the  Ame- 
rican accounts.  Admitting  as  many  as  1000  to 
have  been  placed  hors  du  combat,  in  their  dear- 
bought  "  victory"  of  the  25th,  general  Ripley 
would  still  have  under  his  command  3000  men  ; 
protected  by  the  fort  within  which  they  were 
intrenched;  by  the  batteries  at  Black  Rock;  and 
by  the  three  armed  schooners^  Porcupine,  Tigress, 
and  Ohio. 

In  order  to  facilitate  the  attack  upon  Fort- 
Erie,  it  became  necessary  to  capture  or  destro}^ 
the  Black  Rock  batteries  and  armed  vessels ; 
to  whose  heavy  flanking  fire  the  British  troops, 
in  their  advance  to  the  assault,  would  necessarily 
be  exposed.  To  etfect  the  first  of  these  objects, 
lieutenant-colonel  Tucker,  at  the  head  of  six 
companies  of  the  41st,  the  light  company  of 
the  89th,  and  two  flank  companies  (very  weak) 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  163 

of  the  104th,  regiments,  amounting,  in  all,  to 
460  rank  and  file,  crossed  the  strait,  early  on 
the  morning  of  the  3d,  and  landed  a  short  dis» 
tance  below  Conejockeda,  or  Schojeoquady, 
creek.*  Tlie  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;  who,  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  tlirown  up  a  breast- 
work of  logs.  Colonel  Tucker,  with  his  men, 
advanced  to  the  creek  side,  ^ith  the  view  of 
repairing  the  bridge,  under  cover  of  his  fire. 
"  Major  Morgan,"  sajs  Mr.  Thomson,  "  did  not 
attempt  to  retard  the  enemy's  advances,  until 
he  was  within  rifle-distance,  when  he  opened  a 
lire,  which  proved  so  destructive,  that  lieutenant- 
colonel  Tucker  fell  back  to  the  skirt  of  a  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 now  amounted  to  nearly  1200  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- 

*  Sec  Plutc  I.  +  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  30-1. 

*i  2 


164         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

temporary;  and  who,  mucli  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  missing. 
The  Americans  admit  a  loss  of  two  privates 
killed ;  one  captain,  two  lieutenants,  and  five 
privates,  wounded. -j* 

On  the  4th  of  August,  brigadier-general 
Gaines  arrived,  and  took  the  command  of  the 
American  army,  at  Fort-Erie.  Bj  the  7th,  most 
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  mounted.  Between  that  and  the 
main-works,  there  were  two  other  batteries,  one 
mounting  three,  and  the  other,  two  guns.  The 
northern  point  of  the  fort  had  been  extended  to 
the  water  ;  and  the  Douglass  battery,  of  two 
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  vvoi  k!>."  "  Ge- 
neral Gaines  determined,"  proceeds  this  writer, 
*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  304.      +  Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  259. 


GRIiAT    BEUTAIN    AND    AMERICA.  165 

'*  to  ascertain  their  strength,  and  endeavour, 
if  possible,  to  draw  them  out.  On  the  6th,  he 
sent  major  Morgan,  who  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  troops,  until  his  co- 
lumns should  indicate  an  intention  to  move:  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  faiied  ;  major 
Morgan  having  encountered  and  forced  the 
enemv's  light  troops  into  tlie  lines,  with  the 
loss  of  11  killed,  and  three  wounded  and  made 
prisoners ;  but,  notwithstanding  he  maintained 
his  position  upwards  of  two  hours,  he  could  not 
succeed  in  drawing  forth  the  main  body  of  the 
British  troops.  He,  therefore,  returned  to  the 
fort,  after  losing  five  men  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  of  the  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  material 
fact  which  he  advances,  he  has  been  misinformed. 
"  The  enemj^s  line,"  says  he,  "  was  })rotected  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, -j*  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  from  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  more  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 
seamen  and  marines,  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  difliculties  in  the 
plan  of  operations.  1  he  Charweli's  seamen 
having  brought  captain  Dobbs's  gig,  upon  their 
shoulders,  fromQueenstown  to  Frenchman's  creek, 
a  distance  of  20  miles ;  the  next  point  was,  to  get 
*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  306.       t  James's  Nay.  Occ.  p.  398. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  ]  (j? 

that  gig,  as  well  as  five  batteaux  which  had  been 
procured  for  the  purpose,  into  Lake  Erie.  Lieute- 
nant-colonel Nichol,  quarter-master-general  of 
the  militia,  pointed  out,  and  offered  to  transport 
the  boats  by,  an  eight  miles'  route  through  the 
woods.*  Tlie  proposal  was  acceded  to  ;  and, 
at  half  past  seven  on  the  evening  of  the  11th  of 
August,  the  boats  were  launched  into  the  lake, 
eight  miles  above  Fort-Erie.  In  half  an  hour 
afterwards,  captain  Dobbs,  with  his  gig  and  five 
batteaux,  containing  75  officers/  seamen,  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,-]* — hastened  to  attack  three  American  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.^  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  sufii- 

*  Sec  Plate  I.  +  James's  Naval  Occurr.  p.  289. 

+  App.  No.  34. 


168         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEJEN 

cient  number  oi  troops ,  to  man  nine  large  boats, 
which  were  comjjletelv  fitted  to  attack  the  three 
schooners,  the  Somers,  Porcupine,  and  Ohio, 
then  1>  ing  at  anchor  off  the  fort."  *  Nor  would 
he  ha^e  toid  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  vessi^el  would  have  sharetf  the  fate 
of  her  two  companions.  The  force  of  the 
American  schooners,  in  guns,  men,  and  size, 
and  the  trifling  loss  on  both  sides,  will  be  found 
in  our  naval  volume. •]•  These  two  valuable 
prizes  were  taken  to  Frenchman's  creek  ;  and 
as  many  of  the  brave  fellows  surviving,  as  were 
not  required  to  remain  on  board,  hastened,  with 
their  leader,  to   general    Drummonti's  <  ajiip. 

The  success  of  captain  Dobbs*s  daring  exploit 
induced  general  Drummond,  on  the  morning  of 
the  ISih,  preparatory  to  the  grand  assault  upon 
the  works  at  Fort-Erie,  to  open  his  batteries; 
which  consisted  of  one  long  iron,  and  tuo  short 
brass  24- pounders,  one  long  18-pounder,  one 
24-pound  carronade,  and  a  10-inch  mortar. 
iVlthough  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.     +  James's  Nav.  Occur,  p.  391. 


GREAT    BllITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  169 

Every  arrangement  having  been  made,  the 
8tli,  and  De  Watteviile's  regimenvs,  with 
the  light  companies  of  the  89th  and  100th 
regiments,  and  a  detachment  of  artillery,  the 
whole  column  somewhat  mider  1300  men,* 
and  commanded  by  iieutenant-coionel  Fischer, 
of  De  V.  atteviile's,  marched,  at  t«o  o'clock  on 
the  morning  of  the  loth  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  tire  was  ojiened 
npon  it  by  the  American  2 1st  and  ^Sd  regi- 
ments, and  bv  one  18  and  two  6-pounders,  and 
a  5|^-inch  howitzer,  posted  in  a  strong  redoubt. 
The  letter  of  an  American  gentleman  at  Butlaloe 
describes  tiie  onset,  thu<^:  ''  The  enemy  ap- 
proached, with  bayonets  charged,  and  guns 
without  flints^  nearly  surrounded  the  piquet, 
and  pursued  them  so  closely,  as  to  enter  the 
abattis  with  them,  and  got  in  the  rear  of  the 
redoubt."  "  The  scaling-ladders  were  too  short, 
and  destruction  was  dealt  on  every  side  among 
them."  t  ^^*'*  Thomson  says  :  "  VV  ith  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  rirst,  met  with 

*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  :;U9. 
t  Washington-city  Gazette,  Extra.  Aug.  18. 


170         MILITAflY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

uo  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  upon  him,  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  ignorance  of  the  waj^ 
juight  well  entangle  the  men  among  the  rocks; 
and  the  incessant  showers  of  grape  and  mus- 
ketry, which  they  had  no  means  of  returning, 
threw  them  into  confusion.  Tliis  alone,  without 
the  insufficiency  of  the  scaling-ladders, — a  piece 
of  important  information,  which  we  gain  only 
from  the  American  accounts, — sufficiently  ac- 
counts for  the  entire  failure  of  the  attack,  made 
by  the  right  British  column  upon  the  southern 
extremity  of  the  American  works. 

The  centre  British  column,  at  the  head  of 
which  was  lieutenant-colonel  Drummond,  of  the 
104th,  consisted  of  the  tlank  companies  of  the 
41st,  and  104th  (the  latter  reduced  to  about  80 
men)  regiments,  and  a  party  of  seamen  and 
*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  309.  +  App.  ISlo.  36. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AMJ    AMERICA.  171 

marines,  in  all, — ^not  as  Mr.  Thomson  say«, 
"  700,"*  but  190  rank  and  file.  The  left  column, 
under  the  command  of  lieutenant-colonel  Scott, 
of  the  103d  regiment,  was  composed  of  that 
regiment,  500  strong-,  supported  by  the  flank 
companies  of  the  royal  Scofs,  mustering,  altoge- 
ther, not  "  800,"*  but  C50  rank  and  file.  As 
the  proceedings  of  these  two  columns  are  much 
more  fully  detailed  in  the  American,  than  in 
the  British  account,  we  shall  transcribe  nearly 
the  whole  of  the  former,  deferring  to  the  conclu- 
sion, our  own  remarks  upon  such  inaccuracies  as 
it  may  contain. 

"  The  attack  from  the  centre  and  left  co- 
lumns," says  IMr.  Thomson,  "  was  reserved  until 
the  contest  became  very  animated  between 
colonel  Fischer's  column,  and  the  troops  upon 
the  left.  From  t!ie  line  of  defences,  between 
the  Douglass  battery  and  the  fort,  and  from 
those  in  front  of  the  garrison,  lieutenant-general 
Drummond  supposed  reinforcements  would  be 
drawn  to  the  aid  of  the  soutliern  extremity  of 
the  works  ;  and,  with  this  view,  had  given  greater 
strength  to  his  right,  than  to  his  other  columns, 
and  intended  to  avail  himself  of  the  consequent 
weakened  state,  of  the  north  and  south-east 
angles  of  the  American  post.  The  piquet  being- 
driven  in,  the  approach  of  lieutenant-colonel 
*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  310. 


172         MILITARY    OCCUIIREXCES    UETWEEN 

Drummond  was  heard  from  the  ravine,  and 
colonel  Scott's  column  at  the  same  time  ad- 
vanced along  the  margin  of  the  water.  From 
the  salient  bastion  of  the  ibrt,  captaiii  'i  illiams 
immediately  opened  his  fire  upon  the  centre 
column,  whilst  the  a|)proach  of  colonel  Scott 
was  attempted  to  be  checked  by  the  Douglass 
battery,  and  captains  Boughton  and  Hiirding's 
New  York  and  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  on  its 
right ;  the  9lh  infantry,  under  ca})tain  loster, 
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,  aad  in- 
stantly recoiled  from  the  fire  of  the  cann(ui  and 
musketry.  But  the  centre  column,  having  ad- 
vanced upon  every  assailable  point  of  the  fort, 
in  defiance  of  the  rapid  nad  heavy  discharges  of 
the  artillery,  and  having-  ascended  the  parapet, 
by  meuns  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  prder  to  proceed 
from  the  garrison,  suspended  their  fire,  until  the 
deception  was  discovered.  The  leit  column,  in 
the  mean  time,  recovered  from  iis  confusion, 
and  was  led  up  to  a  second  charge,  from  which 
it  was  again  repulsed,  before  it  h^id  an  opportu- 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  173 

nity  of  planting  the  scaling-ladders,  and  with 
the  loss  of  its  commander,  and  upwards  of  one^ 
third  of  its  men. 

**  Whilst  the  second  attempt  was  in  operation, 
the  centre  column  was,  with  great  ditficulty, 
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 
Drummond,  actuated  by  a  determination  (not 
to  be  overcome  by  a  single  repulse)  to  force  an 
entrance  into  the  garrison,  and  momentarily  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,  more  signally  repulsed  than 
before;  and  colonel  Scott's  column  having 
withdrawn  from  the  action,  upon  the  fall  of  its 
leader,  lieutenant  Douglass  was  busily  engaged 
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,  was  by 
means  of  small  arms.     The  batteries  of  captain 


174         MILITARY  OCCURRENCES  BETWEEN 

Biddle  and  captain  Fanning  (formerly  Fon- 
taine's) in  the  works  intervening  between  Tow- 
son's  battery  and  the  fort,  were  therefore  o})ened 
upon  the  enemy  with  great  vivacity,  and  his 
advances  from  the  plane  frequently  checked  by 
those  gallant  and  meritorious  officers. 

"■  After  this  third  repulse,  lieutenant-colonel 
Drinnmond,  taking  advantage  of  the  darkness 
of  tlie  morning,  and  of  the  heavy  columns  of 
smoke,  which  concealed  all  objects  from  the 
view  of  the  garrison,  moved  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  them  to  charge 
vigorously  with  their  j)ikes  and  bayonets,  and 
to  show  no  quarter  to  any  yielding  soldier  of  the 
garrison.  This  order  was  executed  with  the 
utmost  rapidity,  and  the  most  obstinate  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,  0})}>osite  the  gateway  of  the  fort, 
could  dislodge  the  determined  and  intrepid 
enemy  from  the  bastion  ;  though  the  deadly 
effects  cf  tbeir  fire  prevented    his  approaches 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  17.> 

beyond  it.     It  was  now  in  his  entire  possessioo. 
The  loss  of  their  leader,  colonel  Drummond,  did 
not     check    the  impetuosity     of    the    enemy's 
troops,  and  they  continued  the  use  of  tlieir  pikes 
and  small  arms  until  the  day  broke,  and  repulsed 
several    furious  cliarges    made    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 
had  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  moment^ 
drawing    out    his    riflemen    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,     Detacljiiients  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,  thougli 
it  sometimes  occasioned  much  slaughter  among 


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 
tire  from  the  small-arms,  added  to  the  efFects  of 
the  repeated  charges,  the  enemy's  column,  bein^- 
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  tire  left  flank  of  the 
works,  reinforcements  were  brought  up  from 
that  point,  and  many  of  the  enemy's  troops,  in 
a  {e\v  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  placing  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  efi:ectual 
operation  upon  the  enemy's  remaining  column, 
and  from  the  dreadful  carnage  which  had  already 
taken  place,  it  was  scarcely  supposed  that  he 
would  continue  the  assault  much  longer.  But 
3  or  400  men  of  the  reserve,  were  about  to  rush 
upon  the  parapet  to  the  assistance  of  those 
recoiiino",    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  immediately 
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  from  the  assault, 
according  to  the  report  of  general  Gaines,  the 
British  army  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.  "f*  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  ail  84  men."* 

We  are  certainly  much  indebted  to  the  writer 
who  furnished  Mr.  Thomson  with  this  very 
full  account.  "  The  tremendous  and  dreadful 
explosion,  which  carried  away  the  bastion,  and 
all  who  happened  to  be  upon  it,"  and  which,  it 
is  believed,  was  merely  accidental,  as  satisfac- 
torily explains,  why  the  attack  iailed  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  4 1st  and  104th,"  as  whole  regiments, 
could  extort  a  compliment  for  what*  they  were 
supposed  to  have  done,  what  would  the  Ameri- 
cans have  said,  had  they  known,  that  ''  the 
determined  and  intrepid  enemy,"  who  could 
not  be  dislodged  from  the  bastion,  were  the 
flank-companies  cm  1 1/ of  those  regiments,  assisted 
by  a  party  of  seamen  and  marines,*  the  whole 
numbering  but  190  rank  and  file  ? 
i  By  an  unaccountable  inadvertency,  Mr.  Thom- 
son has  overlooked  the  statement  he  gave  of 
the  British  force,  just  previous  to  the  attack. 
We  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  Drummond's,  at  700, 
and  colonel  Scott's,  at  800,  in  all,  2800  ;  leaving 
2532  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."!  Taking  the  outside  of  all 
the  American  estimates  of  the  detailed  parts  of 
this  reserve,  we  cannot  make  it  amount  to  more 
than  1200  men  ; — what  then  become  of  the 
remaining  1352  ?  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.  308. 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  179 

companies  of  the  41st,  the  Glengarry  regin\ent, 
and  the  incorporated  militia.  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  had 
his  second  letter  to  refer  to.  At  all  events,  Mr. 
O'Connor,  who  professes  to  compile  '*  carefully 
from  official  documents,"  is  equally  silent  about 
the  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  merited  the  no- 
tice, if  not  have  awakened  the  sympathy,  of  the 
reverend  Dr.  Smith  ?  Here  follows  his  whole 
account: — "General  Drummond,  on  the  15th 
of  August,  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, with  high  ideas  of  the  discipline  and 
courage  of  the  American  army.";}:     Yet,  when 

*  App.  No.  38.  +  History  of  the  War,  p.  260. 

+  History  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  111.  p.  313. 
n2 


180        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETVYfifiX 

200  Americans,  along'  witli  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  veiy  circumstantial  ilccount  of  the 
"  tremendous  explosion."  f  Two  short  extracts 
from  Mr.  O'Connor's  book  will  shew,  that  he  was 
almost  as  much  "  gladdened"  as  general  Gaines, 
at  our  discomfiture  before  Fort-Erie.  ""  The 
assault,"  says  he,  "  was  of  that  desperate  nature, 
that  was  calculated  to  rub  away  the  stains  of 
former  defeats,  to  resuscitate  the  sinking  charms 
of  an  assumed  invincibility,  and  save  the  British 
general  from  contempt,  and  perhaps  disgrace." 
— "  The  invincibles  were,  however,  destined  to 
experience  another  defeat ;  and  the  Americans 
added  another  wreath  to  the  laurels,  with  which 
they  were  already  so  plentifully  blessed."^ 

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  Briiish,  the  lieutenant-general  was 
blamed  for  making  the  attack ;  sir  George  adding : 
"It  is  not  in  reproach  of  its  failure  that  I  observe 
to  you,  tiiat  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.  III.  p.  230. 
+  History  of  the  War,  p.  83.         +  Ibid.  p.  260. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  181 

sir  George's  letters,  though  somewhat  obsciirelj 
expressed,  sutiicient  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 :  "  ft  is  to  be  inferred, 
from  lieutenant-colonel  Fischer's  report,  and 
your  statement,  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  scaiing-ladders ;  nor, 
indeed,  in  tlie  present  shape  of  those  letters,  any 
thing  from  which  an  inference  can  be  drawn, 
"  that  the  right  column  was  not  sufficiently  pre- 
pared for  the  obstacles  it  had  to  surmount." 
Had  the  British  right  possessed  the  means  of 
scaling  the  works,  tlie  enemy'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  propertj^  one  that  occurred  on  Lake 
Erie  is  too  heinous  to  pass  unnoticed.  On  the 
16th  of  August,  a  party  of  about  100  Americans 


182         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

and  Indians  landed  at  Port-Talbot  on  that  lakei 
and  robbed  50  heads  of"  families  of  all  their 
horses,  and  of  every  article  of  household  furni- 
ture, and  wearing  apparel,  belonging  to 
them.  The  number  of  individuals  who  were 
thus  thrown  naked  and  destitute  upon  the  world, 
amounted  to  49  men,  37  women, — three  of  the 
latter,  and  two  of  the  former,  nearly  70  years 
of  age, — and  148  children.  A  great  many  of 
the  more  respectable  inhabitants  viere  not  only 
robbed,  but  carried  off  as  prisoners :  among 
them,  a  member  of  the  house  of  assembly,  Mr. 
Barnwell,  though  ill  of  the  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  L  pper 
Canada;"  yet  not  a  whisper  on  the  subject 
has  escaped  any  one  American  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  proposition 
for  an  armistice.  The  American  government 
very  gladly  published  the  fact ;  if  only  to  show 
to  the  world,  who  was  the  hrst  to  cry  out.  At  the 
same  time,  the  annoyance  felt  from  the  British 
fleet  in  the  Chesapeake,  which  was  not,  like  the 
river  St.  Lawrence,  sliut  up  during  the  winter 
months,  rendered  desirable,  a  cessation  of 
hostilities  by  water,  as  well  as  land.      A  flag  of 


GREAT    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  affair  ended. 

Previous  to  general  Winder's  departure  from 
Quebec,  a  convention  was  entered  into  between 
him  and  colonel  Baynes,  the  adjutant-general 
of  the  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  able  to  serve,  and  carry  arms,  on  the  15th 
of  the  ensuing  May.  In  isnmediate  fulfilment  of 
our  part  of  the  agreement,  all  American  prisoners 
in  Canada  and  Nova  Scotia  were  released  from 
confinement;  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  exchange  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  and  so  rigorously  confined,  were  not 
*  See  Vol.  I.  p.  298. 


184        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

allowed  to  march  from  their  respective  pri- 
sons, till  long  after  the  period  when  they 
ought  to  have  been  again  under  arms  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.  ^^  hen 
there,  no  vessel  was  ready  to  receive  them  ; 
although  the  American  journalists  were  still 
boasting,  that  they  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,  came  a  small  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  o,aick  trips  they  can  make 
betwixt  ports  on  the  ocean.  Unfortunatelj^ 
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  tlie  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  scarcelj^  a  man  of  the 
remainder  was  again  fit  for  active  service. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  185 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Determinalion  of  the  United  States  to  repossess 
Fo rt-Mich ilimacinac — British  reinfo rcemen tsent 
to  the  garrison — Perils  of  the  voyage  across  Lake 
Huron — Arrival  of  the  reinforcement  in  safety 
— Expedition  from  Michilimacinac  to  Prairie 
du  Chien,  on  the  Mississippi — Its  arrival  oppo- 
site the  fort — Repulse  of  a  heavy  American  gun- 
boat— Surrender  of  the  post  to  the  British — 
American  expedition  to  Lake  Huron — Shameful 
proceedings  of  the  Americans  at  St.  Mar y''s  falls 
• — Reduced  state  of  the  garrison  at  Michilimaci- 
nac— Attack  upon  that  post  by  the  American 
fleet  and  troops — Their  repulse  and  retreat — 
Destruction  by  the  Americans  of  a  small  block- 
house and  vessel  at  Nattawassaga  —  Departure 
of  the  American  commodore  to  Lake  Erie— 
Boat-expedition  against  the  United  States*  schoo- 
ners Scorpion  and  Tigress,  left  to  blockade  Michi- 
limacinac— Capture  of  both  schooners,  andobtain- 
mentof  the  command  of  Lake  Huron. 

The  recovery   of  Fort-Michilimacinac*   had 
long  betii  seriously  contemplated  by  the  Ame- 

*  See  Vol.  I.  p.  56. 


186         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

ricaii  government ;  and,  but  for  the  lateness  of 
the  season  when  the  command  of  Lake  Erie,  and 
the  expulsion  of  the  British  from  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, placed  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  reinforcement,  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  seamen,  of  the 
Lake  Ontario  squadron,  altogether  under  90 
men,  departed,  in  24  batteaux,  deeply  laden 
with  provisions  and  military  stores,  from  Natta- 
wassaga  creek,  on  Lake  Huron.  IS'ot  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    KRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  187 

the  surface ;  and  when  the  intensity  of  the 
cold  can  scarcely  be  endured  by  the  hardiest 
frame.  On  the  18th  of  iMay,  after  a  boister- 
ous jiassage  of  25  days,  19  of  them  a  con- 
tinued struggle  with  the  elements,  the  little 
expedition,  with  the  loss  of  one  batteaux  only, 
but  not  of  her  crew  or  lading,  arrived  in  safety 
at  iMichilimacinac.  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'Douali  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  numbers  by  the  end  of 
June,  to  warrant  an  expedition  against  the  late 
Indian  post  of  Frairie  du  Chien,  on  the  Missisf 
sippi,  distant  about  1400  miles  from  its  mouth, 
and  450  from  Michilimacinac ;  and  which  had, 
since  the  2d  of  the  month,  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  niajor 
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  command 
of  aide  de  camp  Kennely,  and  captains  Sullivan 
and  Vieser,  whose  force  amounts  to  135  dauntless 
young  fellows  from  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  some  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, 
numbering,  altogether,  150;  one  serjeant  of 
artillery  with  a  3-pounder  field-piece,  and  500 
Indians,  the  whole  commanded  by  lieutenant- 
colonel    M'Kay,    of    the   Michigan    fencibles. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  18& 

The  route  vvas  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 eminence,  was  the  fort,  containing  two 
block-houses,  and  mounting,  besides  swivels, 
one  3  and  one  6-pounder.  In  the  middle  of  the 
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  armed.  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 
remain  perfc  ctly  sheltered  from  those  of  an 
enemy.*  Against  this  formidable  gun-boat, 
colonel  M'Kaj,  on  the  afternoon  of  his  arrival, 
having  in  vain  summoned  the  fort  to  surrender, 
directed  his  3-pounder ;  which  was  so  ably 
served,  that,  in  three  hours,  the  *'  dauntle.v 
fellows"  on  board  the  Governor  Clark  cut  he 
cable,  and  dropped  down  the  current,  out  o. 
reach  of  further  annoyance.  Colonel  M'Kay 
had  now  to  reduce  the  ibrt,  with  his  remaining 
six  round  shot,  (including  three  of  the  enemy's, 
wiiich  had  been  picked  up,)  and  uith  such  leaden 
bullets  as  his  party  could  make.  Having  pre- 
»  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, 
numbering  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  him,  as  well 
for  their  proceedings  against  tlie  enemy,  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  dislodgement 
of  the  Americans  from  Prairie  du  Chien,  nor  the 
attair  between  the  Indians  and  the  American 
armed  barges,  ascending  the  Mississipi,  de- 
tailed in  colonel  McKay'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. 
I  he  vessels  were  the  Niagara,  St.  Lawrence,  and 
Caledonia  brigs,  and  the  Scorpion  and  Tigress, 
schooners,  measuring,  altogether,  1170  tons; 
and  whose  united  strength,  when  employed  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- 

*  A  pp.  No.  39. 
+    James's  Nav.  Occur,  p.  286—95. 


GREAT  BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  191 

sisted,  as  f^ir  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  Julj^,  the  American  fleet  cast 
anchor  off  the  old,  and  then  abandoned,  military 
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  regiment,  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  ;  where,  as  neither 
troops  nor  Indians  were  present,  the  Americans 
landed,  on  the  23d,  witliout  the  slightest  oppo- 
sition. 

The  few  inhabitants  of  the  place  were,  at  this 
time,  employed  in  fishing,  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.  Some  of  the  acts 
of  the  Americans  at  St.  Mary's  will  not  bear 
recital :  suffice  it,  that  they  not  only  destroyed 
the  whole  of  the  property  belonging  to  the 
north-west  company  which  had  not  been  pre- 
viously removed,  including  their  houses,  stores, 
and  vessels  ;  but  killed  their  cattle,  carried  off. 


19f2         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

as  prisoners,  several  of  the  engagees,  tore  down 
the  defences,  destroyed  the  gardens,  pilfered  the 
furniture,  and,  in  some  instances,  the  cloaths 
from  even  the  childrens'  backs. 

Mr.  Thomson  is  very  brief,  and  doctor  Smith 
quite  silent,  upon  the  business  at  St.  Mark's : 
not  so  Mr.  O'Connor.  He  admits  the  seizure  of 
the  north-west  company's  property,  but  agrees 
with  major  Holmes,  in  considering,  tltat  "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  ti*aitor ;  having  been  a 
citizen  and  magistrate  of  the  Michigan  territory, 
before  the  war,  and  at  its  commencement, 
and  now  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  admittir.!^,  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  of  a  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 
company's  goods,  "  amounting  in  value  to  from 
50  to  JOOOOO  dollars,"  with:— "All  private 
property  was,  according  to  your  orders, 
respected."      He  thus,  cleverly   enough,   marks 

*  History  of  the  War.  p.  254. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  193 

the  distinction  between  the  company^s,  or 
"  Indian  ^oods,"  and  "  private  property;"  and, 
at  the  same  time,  hopes  to  free  the  naval  part 
of  the  expedition  to  St.  Mary's,  from  any  con', 
cern  in  the  enormities  that  were  committed 
there. 

The  absence  of  the  detachment  of  militia  and 
Indians  under  colonel  M'Kay,  andof  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'Douali'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, 
commodore    Sinclair's     fleet    appeared    off  the 
island  to  reconnoitre  ;  but  no  attempt  was  made 
to  disembark  the  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- 

*  A  pp.   No.   40. 
VOL.    II.  O 


194  MILITARY   OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

tain  Sinclair  gives  the  following  account  of  his 
reception  : — *'  Michilimacinac  is,  by  nature,  a 
perfect  Gibraltar,  being  a  high  inaccessible  rock 
on  every  side,  except  the  west ;  from  which,  to 
the  heights,  j^ou  have  nearly  two  miles  to  pass 
through  a  wood,  so  thick,  that  our  men  were 
shot  in  every  direction,  and  within  a  few  yards 
of  them,  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 
nnd  cannon  opened  on  them.  Several  of  these 
were  charged,  and  the  enemy  driven  from  them; 
but  it  was  soon  found,  the  further  our  troops 
advanced,  the  stronger  the  enemj'  became,  and 
the  weaker  and  more  bewildered  our  force  were. 
Several  of  the  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  circumstances  ;  which  demanded  an 
immediate  retreat,  or  a  total  defeat  and  general 
massacre  must  have  ensued.  I'his  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,  who,  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    BRITAJN    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  this  "  intrepid  young  officer"  was 
compelled  to  withdraw  his  forces,  after  having 
sustained  a  loss  of  66  killed,  wounded,  and 
missing.  1^ 

Having  obtained  intelligence  that  lieutenant 
Worseley,  with  the  Nancy  schooner,  was  at  iNat- 
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. 
t  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  330. 
o  2 


196         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

American  army  at  Fort-Erie,  proceeded  with 
the  remainder,  amounting,  including  the  crew 
of  the  Niagara,  to  "  450  souls,"*  to  attack  a 
post  deemed  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  the  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  of  the  block-house.  A  spirited 
cannonade  was  kept  up  between  the  latter,  where 
a6-pounder  was  mounted,  (besides  two  24-pound 
carronades  on  the  ground,)  and  the  three  Ame- 
rican vessels  outside,  composed  of  the  Niagara, 
mounting  eighteen  32-pound  carronades,  and  two 
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,  one  of  the  euemj's  shells  burst 
*  Captain  Sinclair's  letter,  of  date,  September  3. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  197 

iri  the  latter,  and  both  the  block-house  and  the 
vessel  were  presently  blown  up.  Lieutenant 
Worseley  and  his  men  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  tlie  Nattavvassaga,  and, 
as  that  was  the  only  route  by  which  supplies 
could  be  readily  forwarded,  starve  the  garrison 
of  MichiUmacinac  into  a  surrender. 

After  remaining  at  their  station  for  a  few  days, 
the  two  American  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  men  arrived 
at  the  garrison  ;  bringing  intelligence  that  the 
two  schooners  \^ere  five  leagues  apart.  An  im- 
mediate attempt  to  efl'ect  their  capture  was, 
therefore,  resolved  upon  ;  and,  on  the  evening 
of  the  1st  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 
not  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 
nearest  vessel,  ascertained  to  be  at  anchor  about 
six  miles  off.  A  body  of  Indians,  which  had 
accompanied  the  expedition  from  Michilimaci- 
nac,  remained  three  miles  in  the  rear ;  and,  at 
nine  o'clock,  the  schooner  appeared  in  sight. 
The  latter,  as  soon  as  she  discovered  the  boats, 
which  was  not  till  they  had  approached  within 
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 
United  States'  schooner  Tigress,  of  one  long 
24-pounder,  on  a  pivot-carriage,  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    A\D    AMERICA.  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 
Michilimacinac ;  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  amounted  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,  that  the  ac- 
count of  the  loss  of  these  vessels  had  reached 
Washington,  a  week,  at  least,  before  Mr.  Madison 
said :  "  A  part  of  the  squadron  of  Lake  Erie 
has  been  extended  to  Lake  Huron,  and  has  pro- 
duced the  advantage  of  displaying  our  command 

of  that  lake  also.^'t 

The  Scorpion  measured  68^  feet  upon  deck, 
and  18j  feet  extreme  breadth  ;  the  Tigress  eoj 
feet  upon  deck,  and  17^  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  these  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  f 
smallest  of  his  nine  vessels,  three  times  as  many 
seamen,  as  were  on  board  all  the  "  very  superior 
British  fleet, "ij:  which  that  "illustrious"  American 
commodore,  after  an  obstinate  struggle,  had 
succeeded  in  capturing. 

The  loss  of  the  schooners  Tigress  and  Scorpion 
necessarily  underwent,  as  soon  as  the  officers 
were  discharged  from  imprisonment,  the  inves- 
tigation of  a  court  of  inquiry.  The  British  force 
is  there  made,—"  about  300  sailors,  soldiers, 
and  Indians;"  which,  had  the  latter  been  pre- 
sent, was  no  great  exaggeration.  Mr.  Thomson, 
not  wishing  to  shock  his  readers  with  an  account 
so  near  akin  to  truth,  says:  "Lieutenant-colo- 
nel M' Do  wall  supplied  lieutenant  Worslej,  of 

+  Including  the  Somers  and  Ohio;   see  p.  168. 
+  James's  Naval  OccurrenceSj  p.  294 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  201 

the  navy,  with  250  Indians,  and  a  detachment 
of  the  Newfoundland  regiment,  with  whomj  and 
150  sailors,  he  attacked  the  schooners,  on  the 
9th  of  September.  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 : — 
*'  Captain  Arthur  Sinclair,  commanding  the 
United  States'  naval  force  on  the  upper  lakes, 
states,  in  a  letter  to  the  secretary  of  the  navy, 
on  the  authority  of  sailing-master  Champlin, 
that '  the  conduct  of  the  enemy  to  our  prisoners, 
(the  crew  of  the  Tigress,)  thus  captured,  and 
the  inhuman  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. 
+  History  of  the  War,  p.  26S. 


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. 

*  National  Intelligencer,  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  Izard — British  camp  at  Chambly 
— March  of  the  left  division  towards  Plattsburg 
— Origin  of  the  expedition — Arrival  of  the  left 
division  near  the  lines,  and  correspondent  retreat 
of  major-general  Macomb — Slow  advance  of  the 
left  division — Behaviour  of  the  American  militia 
— Description  of  Plattsburg — Required  co-ope- 
ration of  the  Champlain  fleet — Comparative 
force  of  the  two  squadrons — Important  parti- 
culars from  the  letters  of  "  Veritas" — Re- 
marks on  the  American  official  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  of  the  left  division  of  the 
British  army  in  Lower  Canada — Proceedings  of 
the  right  division — Improved  state  of  the  de- 
fences^ and  augmented  force  of  the  garrison,  at 
Fort-Erie — Effect  of  sickness  and  loss  on  the 
British — Preparations  for  a  sortie — State  of  the 
British  Works — Distance  between  them  and  the 


204        MILITARY   OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

British  encampment — Advance  of  the  American 
sallying  party — State  of  the  weather — Surprise 
of  the  British  piquets — Skirmish  with  the  guard, 
and  capture  of  part  of  the  batteries — Advance 
of  the  American  reserve — Arrival  of  the  support- 
brigade  from  the  British  camp — Repulse  of  the 
American  troops,  and  recovery  of  the  captured 
batteries — Mutual  loss — American  accounts — 
Continued  exposure  and  sic/mess  of  the  right 
division — Its  removal  to  a  healthier  contiguous 
spot,  and  subsequent  retreat  to  Chippeway-^ 
General  Izard's  departure  from  SacketCs  Har- 
bor —  His  cautious  proceedings  and  junction 
with  general  Brown — Amount  of  the  united 
American  forces  —  Further  retreat  of  general 
Drummond — Skirmish  at  Lyon's  creek — Bri- 
tish command  of  Lake  Ontario — A  small  rein- 
forcement to  the  right  division  —  Retreat  of  the 
American  army  to  Fort- Erie — A  second  rein" 
forcement  to  the  British — Abandonment  and 
destruction  of  Fort-Erie,  and  departure  of 
generals  Izard  and  Brown  from  Upper  Canada 
— Distribution  of  both  armies,  on  the  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  months  of  June  and  Julj,  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  them.     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  familiar  proverb  could  not 
fail  to  press  upon  their  thoughts.    When,  again, 
they  saw  nothing  but  petty  reinforcements  sent 
to  general  Drummond  on  the  Niagara,  and  that 
the  important  post  of  Sackett's  Harbor  was  still  a 
flourishing  depot  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  what 
rational  man  among  them  could  come  to  any  other 
conclusion,   than  that    the  commander-in-chief 
was  determined  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  mnjor-general   Kempt,   to  Kingston,   fof 
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 
new   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  times  given 
to  superior  numbers  of  the  very  same  enemy, 
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  most  excellent  train  of  artillery,  commanded 
in  chief  by  sir  George  Prevost,  and,  under  him, 
by  officers  of  the  first  distinction  in  the  service, 
left  their  camp  at  Chambly,  *'  with  a  view," 
says  the  American   official  account,  "  of  con- 


6RBAT    BRITAIN    AND   AMBRICA.  207 

quciing  the  country,  as  far  as  Crown  Point  and 
Ticondcroga."*  We  are  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.    From  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  column  advancing  by  the  Beckman- 
town  road ;    and  major-general   Brisbane's   co- 
lumn,— except   one  wing  of  De  Meuron's  regi- 
iTient,  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  American 
general  had  stationed  a  small  force,  with  two 
field-pieces,  to  abattis  and  obstruct  the  way.  In 
the  meanwhile  the  right  column,  meeting  with 
*  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- 
pliment to  the  regulars,  perhaps,  states  that  250 
of  them,  under  major  Wool,  "  disputed  the  road 
with  great  obstinacy ;'  yet,  in  almost  the  next 
paragraph,  admits  that,   after  the  detachment 
of  3rlO  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  wholi; 
march,  always  pressing  on  in   column."     The 
rapid  advance  of  major-general  Power  secured 
major-general  Brisbane  from  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  was  pre- 
sently re-constructed,  and  the  left  column  moved 
forward  upon  Piattsburg. 

The  village  of  FMattsburg  contains  about  70 
houses  and  stores,  and  is  situate  on  both  sides 
of  the  river  Saranac,  close  to  its  confluence  with 
Lake  Champiain.  The  statement  in  tlie  British 
oflicial  account,  that  "the  column  entered  Platts- 
*  Sketches  of  the  \Yar,  p.  318.  f  A  pp.  No.  45. 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  209 

burg',"*  must,  therefore,  be  understood  to  mean, 
either  the  township  of  that  name,  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  "'  on  the 
elevated  ridge  of  land"  forming  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  13  to  20  guns  in  all;  most  of  them 
of  heavy  caliber.  There  wa»,  also,  a  large  new 
stone-mill,  four  stories  high,  I  hat  formed  an 
excellent  position  for  the  American  riflemen. 
It  was  on  the  evening  of  the  6lh,  that  the  left 
division  arrived  on  the  north-bank  of  the  Sa- 
ranac.  *'  But,"  says  Mr.  Thompson,  "•  not  all 
the  gallies,  aided  by  the  armament  of  the  whole 
flotilla,  v\hich  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  unfinished 
works  of  the  Americans,  and  consumed  five  days 
in  erecting  batteries,  and  throwing  up  breast- 
*  App.  No.  42. 
VOL.  II.  P 


*210         MILITARY   OCCURRENCES    KETWEEN 

tii'orks,  for  the  protection  of  his  approaches.  Of 
this  interval  the  American  general  did  not  fail 
to  avail  himself;  and  kept  his  troops  constantly 
emplojed  in  finishing  his  line  of  redoubts."*  The 
reader  need  scarcely  to  be  reminded,  that  this  is 
the  same  Plattsburg,  at  which  colonel  Murray, 
with  1000  troops,  landed ;  the  river  on  which  it 
stands,  the  same  Saranac,  up  which  the  colonel 
ascended,  three  miles,  to  burn  the  enemy's  bar- 
racks ;  and  that  those  barracks  were  burnt,  while 
an  American  regular  army,  more  than  twice  as 
strong  as  general  Macomb's,  lay  encamped  in 
the  neigh bourhood.j* 

Unfortunately,  a  service  which  one  brigade  of 
the  left  division,  had  it  been  allowed  to  make  the 
attempt,  would  have  most  promptly  and  com- 
pletely executed,  w  as  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  enemy.  Inhere  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  Confiance  had  been  launched, 
and  nine  days  before  a  crew  arrived  to  man  her, 
was  sir  George's  army  already  in  the  enemy's 
territory^  If  sir  George's  orders  were  so  impe- 
*  Sketches  of  the  W«r,  p.  319,  +  See  Voi.  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  fitted ;  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  detailed  some 
of  the  many  difficulties  under  which  poor  cap- 
tain Downie  laboured,  f  So  much  of  that  state- 
ment as  respects  the  relative  force  of  the  British 
and  American  squadrons,  cannot  well  be  dis- 
pensed with  ;  and  is  therefore  here  transcribed  : 

"  Comparative  force  of  the  two  squadrons. 

British.  Americair. 

Broadside-metal  f  Long  guns,   507  588 

in  pounds       1  Carronades,  258  606 

765  1194 

Complements  of  men  and  boys,         537  950 

Size  in  tons,  1426  2540." 

*'  In  order,"  says  the  writer  of '  Veritas,'  "  to 
convey  an  accurate  idea  upon  the  subject  of 
the  expedition  to  Plattsburg,  by  reasoning  upon 
sir  George's  official  letter,  1  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 


'212         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

the  enemy's  entrenched  camp  a^t  Champlain- 
town  (what  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 
enemy  at  Dead  creek,  which  they  abandoned 
and  left  to  be  defended  by  tlie  gun-boats.  Sir 
George  then  describes  the  position  of  the  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- 
boats, 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  communicated  this  circumstance 
to  captain  Downie,  who  had  the  '  Confiance, 
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  time,  batteries 
were  constructed.  On  the  morning  of  the  1  Ith 
our  flotilla  was  seen  over  the  isthmus  of  land; 
(it  seems  he  would  not  trust  to  his  ears,  in  respect 
to  the  scaling  of  the  guns  for  a  signal  as  ig^greed 
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,  when  he 
heard  the  shout  of  victory  (here  his  ears  appear 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  213 

to  have  been  pretty  sharp)  from  the  enemy's 
works,  in  consequence  of  the  flags  of  the  Con- 
iiance  and  Linnet  being  struck,  (they  did  not 
strike  within  15  minutes  of  each  other,)  and  the 
gun-boats  flying.  Finally,  he  adds,  '  this  un- 
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  become  impracticable,  I  did  not 
hesitate  to  arrest  the  course  of  the  troops  advanc- 
ing to  the  attack,  because  the  most  complete 
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,  tliat  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  /  but,  what  must 
the  astonishment  be,  when  it  is  found,  that  the 
Confiance  resisted  two  hours  and  a  half,  and 
the  Linnet  15  minutes  longer  1  Surely  the 
troops,  whose  commander  was  so  impatient  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  permitted  to  enter,  even 
when  recalled,  it  is  almost  demonstrable  that 
the  enemy's  fleet  must  have  surrendered,  tiv  ours 


S14        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

at  least,  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  come  on,  as  the 
army  had  been  long  waiting  for  his  co-operation, 
(stating,  as  a  proof  of  it,  .that  it  had  been  under 
arms  from  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  from  coming  up.  This  last  insinuation  con- 
veyed more  meaning  than  meets  the  ear,  as  if  hint- 
ing that  artificial  delays  were  made.  The  brave 
Downie  replied,  that  he  required  no  urging  to 
do  his  duty  ;  that  he  should  be  up  the  first  shift 
of  wind,  and  make  the  signal  of  his  approach  hy 
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  instant 
co-operation.  At  length,  when  he  saw  the  Jleet^ 
a  tnovement  was  ordered,  but  of  course  too  late, 
as  so  little  previous  arrangement  had  been  made 
for  being  ready  to  come  into  immediate  contact 
w  ith  the  enemy,  that  the  troops  put  in  motion, 
had  a  circuit  of  miles  to  make  ;  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-e  to 
go  into  action,  the  whole  chain  of  circumstances 
corroborate  the  fact,  and  the  indiscretion  of 
major  Coore  in  furnishing  living  evidence  of 


eREAT    BRITAIN    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  been 
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  immediately  assisted  by 
the  army  a-shore — Let  us  show  them,  that  our 
part  of  the  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- 
pressed an  expectation  that,  next  morning,  the 
British  colours  would  be  seen  fljing  upon  the 
American  works ;  and,  when  genenal  Macomb 
came  off  at  day -light,  to  saj  that  our  army  had 
retreated  in  the  night  of  the  llth,  leaving  their 
sick  and  wounded  behind,  and  destroying  quan- 
tities of  stores  and  provisions,  commodore  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  marches  to  Sackett's  Harbor.  It  is 
known  that  Macomb,  notwithstanding  all  his 
puffs  about  our  defeat,  was  actually  sitting  in 
gloomy  despair  upon  a  gun,  whilst  our  troops 
were  advancing  on  the  llth ;  and  was  ready  to  sur- 
render, the  moment  that  the  first  British  soldier 
appeared  upon  the  parapet.  And  when  he  was 
notified,  that  they  liad  suddenly  halted,  and  were 
then  on  the  retreat,  he  started  up,  almost  frantic 
with  joy,  and  could  hardly  believe  the  evidence 
of  his  senhcs.  Via  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 

militiji,  chiefly  collected  after  sir  George  halted 
on  the  6th,  at  Piaitsburg,  and  on  which  day  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,  which  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 
acquiring  possession  of  them.'  Did  sir  George 
really  believe,  that  We  had  lost  the  use  of  our 
reasoning  faculties  ?  W  as  the  ground  upon 
which  the  men,  artillery,  and  stores  at  Saranac 
stood,  the  object  of  capture?  or  was  it  not 
(assuredly  it  was)  the  men,  artillery,  and  stores, 
standing  upon  that  ground  ;  and  if  so,  why 
were  they  suflfered  to  escape  ?  Surely  the  mili- 
tary character  of  the  gallant  army  committed  to 
his  charge,  and  the  manes  of  the  gallant  Downie, 
who  perished  under  such  circumstances,  re- 
quired some  sacrifices.  I  wonder  in  what  school 
sir  George  learnt  the  humiliating  doctrine,  that 
a  British  soldier's  life  is  more  valuable  to  him 
than  his  military  honor  ;  and  yet  to  justify  such 
a  retreat,  that  principle  must  be  assumed.  .Did 
not  the  loss  of  our  fleet  require  a  military  set- 
off? and  did  not  that  loss  absolutely  impose  it 


'218        MILITARY   OCCURRENCES  BETWEEN 

upon  sir  George,  as  an  imperious  duty,  to  furnish 
that  set-off,  by  capturing  the  enemy's  army,  to 
prevent  the  effect  which  a  retreat,  under  such 
circumstances,  must  produce,  ornamented,  as  he 
well  knew  it  would  be,  by  American  gasconade? 
The  mischievous  moral  effect  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  commander  alone 
was  to  blame,  and  the  army  under  him  indig- 
nant on  the  occasion.  Were  the  events  of  sir 
George's  command,  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  has  been  said,  that  his  General  Orders 
and  official  letters  were  often  composed  with  a 
▼iew  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  11th 
of  September,  1814,  as  if  written  on  the  spot,  im- 
mediatelj'  after  the  naval  battle,  and  before  the 
degrading  retreat  commenced ;  whereas,  it  is  well 
known,  that  the  letter  did  not  so  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  army,  &c/  What  a  sad 
slip  of  the  pen,  or  memory,  is  here  !  But  if  for 
'  Plattsburg,  11th  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  personal  re- 
treat, that  on  the  13th,  he  issued  an  order,  dated 
at  Odell-town  ;  but  I  strongly  suspect  that,  on 
the  11th,  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,  commended  for  effecting 
their  retreat  in  safety  ;  (probably  from  a  sym- 
pathetic feeling  of  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  him 
know,  how  many  men  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  Ap]>endix  sir  James  Yeo's  letter.* 
Captain  Pring's,  which  details  the  naval  battle, 
will  be  found  in  its  proper  place.-f  Some  parts 
of  the  American  otficial  account  require  an  ex- 
planation. It  is  by  that  intended  to  be  under- 
stood, that  the  whole  British  army  was,  on  the 
morning  of  the  11th,  drawn  up  on  the  banks  of 
the  Saranac:  whereas,  but  four  battalions  were 
there  stationed ;  the  remainder  of  tlie  troops 
being  at  some  distance  in  the  rear.  ^^  here  did 
general  Macomb  learn,  that  our  troops  were 
three  times  "  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  some  prisoners. 
This  was  accomplished  to  shew  the  practica- 
bility of  the  thing,  and  not  as  any  part  of  the 
general  attack  about  to  be  commenced.  Had 
general  Brisbane  been  permitted  to  advance, 
he  would  soon  have  made  the  *' brave  volunteers 
and  militia"  skip  along  as  nimbly  as,  according 

*  App.  No.  43. 
+  James's  Naval  Occurrences,  his  Appendix,  No.  90. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  2*21 

to  general  Macomb  himself,  they  had  already 
done  upon  the  Beckman-tovvn  road.  "  The 
gallant  conduct  of  captain  M'Glassin,"  who,  on 
the  night  of  the  9th,  "  with  50  men,  drove  off  a 
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,"*  was  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  much  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  made 
prisoners  soon  picked  up  their  muskets,  and 
drove  the  Americans  back  to  their  works,  with 
the  utmoht  precipitancy.  General  Macomb, 
well  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  foe  as  only  one  "  guard  of  150  men," 
he  appears  to  consider  general  Macomb's  "  co- 
vering party"  as  the  same  men  covered  w'nh  their 
cloaths,  understands  what  is  expected  from  him, 
as  to  the  other  part  of  the  account;  and  there- 
fore unblushingly  says:  "  Being  now  in  posses^ 
jsion  of  a  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 
Joss  of  three  men  missing."* 

The  only  prisoners  taken  by  the  Americans, 
near  the  river,  were  some  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  abetter  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."f  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  commanded  by  this  olfi- 
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  removed.  One  of  these  articles 
was  the  broken  carriage  of  a  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  comj)a- 
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  missing :  grand 
total,  235.*  As  this  trifling  loss  would  show, 
at  once,what  a  small  portion  of  the  British  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  sti'angers,'!"  saj^s : 
"  The  loss  of  the  enemy,  in  killed,  wounded, 
prisoners,  and  deserters,  since  his  first  appear- 
ance, cannot  fall  short  of  2500."$     This  number 

*  App.  No.  42.        i  See  Vol.  I.  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."f  The  Americans  state 
their  own  loss,  in  regulars,  at  one  subaltern,  one 
Serjeant,  one  musician,  and  34  privates,  killed  ; 
two  subalternSjOne  serjeant-major,four  Serjeants, 
two  corporals,  four  musicians,  and  49  privates 
wounded;  total,  37  killed,  and  62  wounded: 
grand  total  11 9. f  The  number  of  missing 
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  men  ;  and  Mr. 
O'Connor  states  general  Macomb^s  force  at 
1500  regulars,  and  2500  militia  and  volunteers; 
total  4000  men.+  1  his  is  exclusive  of  3000 
militia  that  joined  during  the  night  of  thelltli; 
and  there  were,  besides,  according  to  an  American 
editor,  "  many  thousands  more  on  the  road  in 
full  and  willing  march."  The  reader  is,  no 
doubt,  prepared  for  a  budget  of  boasting,  on  the 

*  History  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  III.  p.  319. 

t  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  324. 

J  History  of  the  War,  p.  273.         . 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERIGA.  15t25 

part  of  the  Americans;  and,  Mitliout  charac- 
terizing it  as  a  *'  splendid  engagement,"*  had 
they  not  reason  ?  We  shall  only  notice  a  large 
"  Painting;"  of  which  we  have  the  *'  Key,"  now 
before  us.  Among  the  British  officers  repre- 
sented as  close  to  the  bank,  are  major-generali> 
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  more 
accuracy  than  usual,  "  killed"  that  officer,  at 
the  head  of  these  same  *'  Bulls,"  while  marching 
to  Plattsburg,  on  the  eth.f  By  way  of  shewing 
that  the  ''  State-dragoons  of  New  York,"  with 
their  "  red  coats,"  had  ceased  to  "  give  alarm  to 
the  militia,"^:  some  of  the  former  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. 
.  la  all  cases  where  the  troops  of  the  United 

*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  324.  +  Ibid,  p.  318. 

X  App.  No.  44.  §  About  Is.  l^d. 

VOL.  II.  Q 


2^6        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

States  have  traversed  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  remarks 
which  it  has  been  our  duty  to  make,  in  order 
to  illustrate  this  memorable  historical  event. 
We  hope  the  reader  will  understand,  that  the 
two  services  were  as  willing  to  co-operate,  as, 
fbi*  the  glory  of  their  countr}^  they  ought 
always  to  be.  That  the  fleet  did  all  that  could, 
rationally  be  expected  from  its  means,  our  naval 
volume  will  shew :  that  the  army,  had  it  been 
allowed  to  act,  would  have  done  the  same,  with 
less  trouble,  and  not  many  more  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  memory,  we  disclaim  all 
feelings  of  a  personal  nature,  we  as  firmly 
deny,  that  the  principle — '  De  mortuis  nil  nisi 
honum'  can  be  extended  to  a  public  character. 
The  indiscreet  impatience  of  the  Quebec 
*  James's  Nav.  Occur,  p.  425. 


«REAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  2'27 

journalists  led  them  to  announce,  in  a  pompous 
and  boastful  manner,  every  movement  of  the 
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  ane  month  after  our 
discomfiture,  the  whole  United  Kingdom  rang 
with  the  "  Invasion  of  New  York,  and  taking 
OF  Plattsburg."  The  same  wind  that  con- 
Teyed  home,  so  quickly,  this  cheering  piece  of 
news,  brought  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 
9bout  50  miles  further  south  than  the  Penobscot, 
where  the  coast-operations  were  carrying  on ; 
leaving,  of  course,  the  whole  intermediate  coun- 
try between  Lake  Champlain  and  the  sea,  as  it 
were  cut  off  from  the  United  States."  Much 
of  the  ridicule  incurred  from  hundreds  of  para- 
graphs like  these,  would  have  been  saved,  had 
the  troops  from  Europe  been  accompanied  by  a 
commander-in-chief,  competent  to  lead  them; 
and  he  directed  to  govern  hjs  movements  by 
Q2 


'228        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

circumstances  as  they  migVit  exist  at  the  time  of 
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 
Plattsburg,  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  army,  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,  Chambly,  and  La  Prarie  ;  where  we 
will  leave  them,  and  attend  to  the  operations  of 
the  right  division. 

INo  sooner  had  the  British  retired  to  their  en- 
campment, 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  complete  the  new 
works  that  were  constructing,  when  the  attack 
commenced.  In  a  little  while,  the  defences 
were  all  entire,  and  '^  garnished  with  heavy 
cannon;"  numbering,  according  to  Mr.  Thom- 
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.  52:29 

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  company  of  riflemen,  80  strong,  from 
Sandusky.  Small  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  I5th  of  August,  and  by  re- 
peated desertions  since,  the  American  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  them,  58  guns. 
Well  might  Mr.  "I  homson  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  regiments, 
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  remnant  of  the  103d  for  Burlington, 
no  stronger  in  numbers  than  previously  to  the 
assault;  but,  in  effective  strength,  it. was  much 
Sveaker;  for  the  heavy  and  constant  rains, 
operating  upon  the  swampy  nature  of  the  ground 
*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  ^28.         +  Ibid,  p.  325 


230      Military  occurrences  between 

upon  which  the  troops  were  obliged  to  be  en- 
camped, and  the  severe  privations,  for  want  of 
provisions  and  other  necessaries,  under  which 
the}^  laboured,  spread  sickness  among  them.  A 
supply,  either  of  provisions  or  of  men,  could  not 
well  be  forwarded,  while  the  American  squadron 
retained  the  command  of  the  lake. 

Several  immaterial  affairs  of  piquets  occurred, 
till  general  Brown,  enspirited  by  the  business 
at  Plattsburg,  and  encouraged  by  information 
of  general  Drummond's  intention  to  retreat  to  a 
healthier  position,  resolved,  by  a  sortie,  to  gain 
the  credit  of  having  compelled  this  movement. 
To  render  the  enterprise  less  hazardous,  he 
invited  across  a  reinforcement  of  '  seven-day 
men,'  or  men  hired  to  act  for  that  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  more  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 
*  See  p.  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  ^idst  of 
a  thick  wood. 

Until  it  is  admitted  that  the  mere  throwing- 
of  a  red  coat  upon  a  man  s  back  can  endow  him 
with  all  the  well-known  qualities  of  the  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  of  the  8th,  was  doing  duty  at  the  bat- 
teries. It  was  at  about  two  o'clock  on  the 
afternoon  of  the  17th  of  September,  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  of  the  enemy's  right  wing,  and  with 
such  secrecy,  that  it  w^as  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  Watte ville's 
regiment  composed  that  "  right  wing."  The 
Americans,  at  about  three  o'clock  in  the  after- 
*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  325. 


S3^         MILITARY   OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

noon,  advanced,  in  two  columns,  under  a  heavy 
fire  from  their  batteries ;  one  column  passing- 
through  the  woods,  so  as  to  flank  the  outer  British 
battery,  or  No.  3 ;  the  piquets  belonging  to 
which  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  imme- 
diate possession  of  No.  3  battery,  its  magazine, 
and,  but  not  without  a  struggle,  the  block- 
house upon  its  right,  garrisoned  by  a  few  men 
of  the  8th  regiment. 

-  While  a  party  was  securing  the  prisoners,  de- 
stroying the  three  24-pounders  at  No.  3  battery, 
and  blowing  up  the  magazine,  a  strong  column 
turned  to  the  right;  and,  after  meeting  with  a 
gallant  resistance  from  the  piquets,  composed 
of  a  part  of  the  8th,  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  9th,  11th,  and 
19th  infantry  regiments,  joined  by  the  21st 
regiment,  forming  the  reserve  under  general 
Ripley,  inclined  towards  the  river,  in  order  to 
assail  the  British  battery.  No.  i:  -  By  ihis  time, 
the  remnants  of  the  first  battalion  of  the  royal 
Scots,  of  the  second  battalion  of  the  89th,  and 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  233 

the  Glengarry  light  infantry;  also  three  com- 
panies of  the  6th,  and  seven  companies  of  the  82d 
regiment,  liad  arrived  from  the  British  camp.  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  INo.  2, 
and  the  defence  of  No.  1  batteries,  were  entrusted 
to  the  three  companies  of  the  6th,  under  major 
Taylor,  and  the  seven  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  9th,  11th, 
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  mean  while,  the  Glengarry 
light  infantry,  under  the  immediate  command 
of  lieutenant-colonel  Battersby,  and  accompanied 
by  lieutenant-colonel  Pearson,  had  recovered 
the  possession  of  the  new  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. -j" 

The  British  loss  was  very  severe.  It  amounted 
to  115  killed,  178  wounded,  and  316  missing; 
total,  609:  J  a  very  large  proportion,  when  we 
reflect,  that  the  reserve,  composed  of  major 
Lisle's  troop  of  the  19th  light  dragoons,  the 
seven  remaining  companies  of  the  6th,  and  the 
two  flank  companies  of  the  41st  regiments,  along 
with  a  small  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- 
ricajis  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  Brov.^n's  official  report.  It 
is,  however,  quite  enough  to  satisfy  us  of  the 
spirit  of  the  whole.  ^'Within  30  minutes  after 
the  first  gun  was  fired,"  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.  A'o.  43. 


GREAT,  BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  235 

Hients,  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  modesty 
to  call  it;  nor  at  all  the  bombast  to  be  found  in 
the  different  American  histories.  The  reader 
has  had  enough  of  this  already  ;  we  will,  there- 
fore, endeavour  to  be  brief.  General  Brown  we 
dismiss,  with  a  very  short  extract  from  a  letter 
written  by  the  American  "  general  Varnum,^'  and 
dated  "  BufFaloe,  September  18."  "  Our  gal- 
lant little  army,"  says  this  general  *'  has  again 
signalized  itself,  by  gaining  a  splendid  victory 
over  a  part  of  the  enemy's  forces,  near  Fort-Erie. 
Two  of  the  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 
ill  number,)  and  demolishing  the  captured 
works,  very  naturally  tells  us,  tliat  **  the  opera- 
tions ceased,  with  the  accomplishment  of  all 
*  History  of  the  War,  p.  262. 


236         MILITARY  aCCURRiSNf ES  BETWEEN 

the  objects  of  the  sortie."*  There  is  one  part 
of  Mr.  Thomson'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  some  confusion  in  the  column,  and 
made  constant  appeals  to  the  bayonet  neces- 
sary.^'j-  An  enemy's  "  bayonet,"  in  such  a 
case,  would,  one  might  suppose,  produce  still 
greater  "  confusion  in  the  column."  To  what 
else,  then,  can  Mr.  Thomson  allude,  as  so  *' ne- 
cessary," but  the  '*  constant  appeals  to  the 
bayonet,"  made  by  one  of  general  Wilkinson's 
"  tried  Serjeants,":}: 

*'  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  derrihe,  acting  by  sympathy  upon 
their  heels,  continued  its  potent  stimulus,  till 
the  Americans  reached  the  very  walls  of  their 
."  impregnable"  lortress. 

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  Drummond's  army,  caused  him,  at 
eight   o'clock    on    the  evening   of  the  21st,  to 

■ .       ;  *  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  327.  '         +  Ibid*  326. 
+  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 
t\^o  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-f 
lively  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  more  profit- 
ably employed  in  strengthening  the  left  division, 
at  the  head  of  the  lake.  Instead,  however,  of 
being  carried  to  the  British  Twelve-mile  creek, 
where  a  landing  would  have  effectually  cut  off 
general  Druminond's  much  inferior  force,  or  to 
the  neighbourhood  of  Fort-Niagara,  so  as  to 
have  assaulted  and  tried  to  recover  that  fortress, 
general  Izard  suffered  himself  and  his  army  to 
be  disembarked  on  the  south  side  of  the  lake ; 
and  then  stole,  by  a  back  route,  to  Lewistown  ; 
where  he  arrived  about  the  8th  of  October,  with, 
according  lo  American  accounts,  2400  infantry, 
artillery,  and   dragoons,  of  the  regular  army. 


238         MILITARY   OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

Why  did  he  not,  then,  cross  instantly  to  Queens- 
town,  and  place  general  Drummond  between 
two  fires? — No; — he  preferred  keeping  on  the 
*afe  side  of  the  river  till,  arriving  at  Black  Rock, 
on  the  loth,  he  crossed  over  to  Fort-Erie,  and 
superseded  general  Brown ;  who,  on  the  6th, 
had  received  a  reinforcement  of  700  regulars 
from  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  11th,  we  learn,  that 
general  Izard's  army  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  SOd,  lOOtb,   and  Glen- 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  239 

gany  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  find  the  5th,  14th,  15th,  and 
16th  regiments  named,  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  termed,  a  drawn  battle,  each  party 
retired ;  ihe  British,  with  the  loss  of  19  killed 
and  wounded ;  the  Americans,  according  to 
Mr.  Thomson,  of  67  killed,  wounded,  and 
missing.*  This  editor  has  magnified  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  11th,  when  he  had  ascertained 
that  sir  James  would  be  on  the  lake  in  a  few 
days,  retired  to  Sackett^s  Harbor,  and  began 
mooring  his  ships  head  and  stern,  to  prepare  for 
an  attack.  Sir  James  sailed  on  the  17th,  and, 
on  the  19th,  landed  at  the  head  of  the  lake,  five 
companies  of  the  90th  regiment,  and  a  quantitr 
*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  329. 


S40  MILITARY  OCCURRENCES    BETWEEX 

of  provisions ;  of  which  the  right  division  was 
in  great  need.  The  fleet  returned  to  Kingston 
on  the  asd;  and,  on  the  1st  of  November,  sailed 
again  to  the  head  of  the  lake,  with  the  37th,  and 
recrnits  for  the  6th,  and  82d  regiments,  and  a 
brigade  of  artillery ;  all  of  which,  on  the  even- 
ing of  the  2d,  disembarked  near  Fort-George. 
The  arrival  of  the  first  reinforcement,  trifling  as 
it  was,  and  although  it  would  not  have  aug- 
mented general  Drummond's  force  much  beyond 
half  the  amount  of  general  Izard's,  was  made  an 
excuse  for  the  retreat  of  the  latter  to  Fort- Erie. 
On  the32d  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  completely  des- 
troyed the  fortifications,  the  invaders,  on  the 
5th  of  November,  crossed  from  Fort-Erie  to  their 
own  shore ;  ''  after,"  says  Mr.  Thomson,—^ 
forgetting  in  whose  possession  Fort-Niagara 
was, — "  a  vigorous  and  brilliant  campaign.'^* 
The  greater  part  of  the  American  troops  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  the  War,  p.  330. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA,  241 

which  iTO  one  could  doubt  would  be  made. 
The  fighting  being  over  upon  the  Niagara,  lieu- 
tenant-general Drummond  and  suite,  along  with 
the  41st  regiment,  and  a  number  of  convales- 
cents, departed  from  the  head  of  the  lake,  on 
board  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  arrived  at  Kingston 
on  the  10th  of  November  ;  having  left  the  right 
division,  distributed  along  the  Niagara-frontier, 
in  comfortable  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  American 
visitation*  On  the  20th  of  September  a  band 
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,  "  brigadiet- 
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  American  histories,  we  cannot 
do  better  than  transcribe  the  account.  "  On 
the  22d  of  the  following  month,  (October,) 
brigadier-general  IM'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  vi  ere  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  entirel}^  crippled  ;  the  destruction  of  his 
supplies  rendering  such  an  attempt  altogether 
impracticable."* 

Mr.  Thomson  has  here,  by  the  usual  arts  of 
his  trade,  attempted  to  convert  into  a  mili- 
tary exploit,  what  much  more  resembled  the 
inroad  of  banditti.  That  general  M'Arthur 
got  possession  of  some  muskets,,  is  very  probable; 
because,  as  the  reader  recollects,  a  few  had 
♦  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  3 IJ 1 . 


GREAT   BRITAIN   AND   AMERICA.  243 

been  left  in  the  hands  of  some  of  the  inha- 
bitants, by  the  commanding  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  have  been  so  bold.  The 
instant  it  was  ascertained  that  a  detachment  of 
the  103d  regiment,  numbering  less  than  half 
"  7^0  effective  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 
within  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. 

*  Seep.  5» 


B.Q, 


244        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 


CHAPTER  XVI II. 

Capture  of  Moose  Island^  in  Passamaqiioddy  Bay 
— Expedition  against  Penobscot  and  Castine — 
Its  success — Destruction  of  the  United  States  ship 
Adams  —  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  of  the  British  force  ^  commanded  by  captain 
Barrie,  \of  the  Dragon — Landing  of  the  Bri- 
tish at  Benedict,  on  the  Patuxent — Loss  of  five 
straggling  marines  from  the  St.  Lawrence 
schooner — American  account  of  the  behaviour 
and  death  of  the  serjeant,  commanding  the 
party — Barbarous  circumstances  under  lehich 
his  life  was  taken — Landing  of  the  British  at 
Lower  Marlborough — Intention  of  the  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  a?id  one  of  his  oncers — Arrival  in  the 
Potomac  of  rear-admiral  Cockburn — His  ope- 
rations upon  the  shores  of  that,  and  other  rivers 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  215 

hi  the  Chesapeake — Reception  on  board  the 
British  ships  of  American  refugee-slaves — Ame- 
rican misrepresentation  on  the  subject — Bounty 
to  British  deserters. 

A  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  Thomas  Hardy,  with 
a  detachment  of  troops  from  Nova  Scotia,  of 
Moose  island,  near  the  mouth  of  Kobbeskook 
river,  opposite  to  the  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  JVJanan  in  the  bay  of  Fundy, 
was  adjudged  to  be  within  the  boundary  of  the 
British  North-American  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  make  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       MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

Ijing  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  the  reader, 
than  by  referring  him  to  a  work  publi^»hed  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,  and  10  transports,  having  on  board 
a  company  of  royal  artillery,  two  rifle-compa- 
nies of  the  60th,  and  the  '29th,  62d,  and  98th 
regiments,  in  all,  about  1750  rank  and  tile,  under 
the  command  of  lieutenant-general  sir  John 
Coape  Sherbrooke,  governor  of  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  its  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 
Adams ;  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  frigate,  but 
*  App.  Nos.  53.  54.  55.  56.  67.  58.  59.  60.  and  61. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  247 

was  afterwards  lengthened,  so  as  to  rate  a  36 ; 
and  then,  on  account  of  some  defect  in  her  con- 
struction, cut  down  to  a  corvette :  in  which 
latter  state  she  measured  725  tons  American,  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  with  a  complement,  according  to  a 
prisoner  who  was  some  weeks  on  board  of  her, 
of  248  picked  seamen  ;  chiefly  masters  and  mates 
of  merchantmen.  The  Adams  was,  therefore, 
one  of  the  most  formidable  corvettes  that  cruized 
on  the  ocean.  VV  hile  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  not 
captain  Morris  thrown  overboard  his  "  quarter- 
guns.'^  As  the  Adams  w  as  not  to  fight  a  frigate, 
and  was  an  over-match  for  the  heaviest  sloop  of 
war  in  the  British  navy,  we  cannot  conceive  what 
"  glory"  the  American  government  expected  to 
derive,  from  sending  such  a  ship  to  sea?  Al- 
though the  entire  destruction  of  this  fine  ship, 
and  the  capture  of  23  of  her  guns,  were  effected 
by  the  combined  forces  detached  up  the  river 
for  that  purpose,  yet  Mr.  Thomson  concludes 
his  account  of  our  "  blowing  her  up,'^  with 
stating,  that  the  British  were  *'  disappointed  in 
*  James's  Nav.  Occur,  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- 
istanding'  captain  Morris's  judicious  arrange- 
ments, could  not  be  brought  to  oppose  an  "  in- 
ferior number  of  British  regulars,''  and  fled 
precipitately.*  Captain  Barries  account  of  the 
very  people  who  had  stood  up,  though  for  a  few 
minutes  onlj^,  as  militia,  at  Hamden,  appearing 
(with,  it  may  be  supposed,  scarcely  breath  to 
speak,  after  their  well-run  race)  "  as  magistrates, 
select  men,  &c."t  at  Bangor,  affords  a  tolerable 
specimen  of  the  real  character  of  Mr.  Munro's 
"  unarmed  inhabitants."  J 

The  operations  in  the  Chesapeake,  during  the 
summer  of  1814,  now  claim  our  attention.  The 
American  editors  have,  as  usual,  by  their  happy 
talent  for  amplification,  given  importance  to 
many  events  that  occurred  in  the  rivers  and 
creeks  of  that  capacious  bay,  which  we  should 
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  do 
him  the  justice  to  sa>%  is  a  truly  brave  man  ;  and, 
no  doubt,  feels  highly  indignant  at  the  numer- 
ous ridiculous  tales  that  have  been  told  of  hin», 

*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  235. 

+  App.  No.  59,  +  A  pp.  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  oflicer,  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,  numerous 
creeks  and  inlets,  from  the  enemy."  "j"  Mr. 
Thomson  says : — "  At  that  period,"  (end  of  Maj, 
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 
commodore  Barney's  flotilla,  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  138.* 

Whether   commodore   Barney's    flotilla  con- 

*  Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  224. 

+  Hist,  of  tlie  United  States,  Vol.  III.  p.  286. 

+  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 
of  the  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  vesselshad  on  board  furnaces  for  heating  shot. 
In  his  estimate  of  the  crews  the  rear-admiral 
cannot  be  much  out  of  the  way  ;  for,  although 
he  mentions  having  taken  some  of  the  flotilla- 
men  as  prisoners,  an  American  work  stales  the 
number  of  seamen  and  marines  that  accom- 
panied commodore  Barney  to  the  field  at 
Bladensburg,  after  the  loss  of  his  flotilla,  at 
600.  t  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 
with  over-rating,  if  we  estimate  commodore 
Barney's  original  command  at  700  men.  A 
flotilla,  so  armed,  manned,  and  equipped,  cruiz- 
ing in  waters  known  only  to  itself,  and  able, 

*  James's  Nav.  Occurr.  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  guD-shot  of  which  nothing  larger  than  a 
boat  could  approach,  was  able  to  cope  with 
any  force  that  two  74giin  ships,  or  four  46-gun 
frigates,  could  send  against  it. 

The  lirst  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 
schooner,  of  13  guns,  and  55  men,  and  the  boats, 
in  number  seven,  of  the  Albion  and  Dragon  74s, 
under  the  command  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. 
That  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,  byway  of  inducing  commodore 
Barney  to  separate  his  force,  detached  two  boatsj 
to  cut  off  a  schooner  under  Cove-point ;  but  the 
commodore,  not  considering  that  his  orders  to 
give  "  protection"  warranted  such  a  risk,  allowed 
her  to  be  burnt  in  his  sight. 

One  American  account  of  this  affair  says :  "  The 
commodore  discovered  two  schooners,    one  of 


•252        MILITARY   OCCURREN'CES    BETWEEN 

which  carried  18  guns,  and  he  immediately  gave 
chase."*  Here,  evidently,  Mr.  Thomson  has, 
by  mistake^  included  the  American  schooner 
burnt  under  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."t  Another  says  : — ^"  This  bold  ex- 
ploit did  great  honor  to  Barney  and  his  crews  :'"  J 
and  all  agree,  that  he  lired  "  hot  shot  at  the 
enemy." 

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 
vessels,  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  the  boats  of  the 
Albion  and  Dragon.  The  flotilla  retreated  about 
two  miles  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  of  the  guns  of  the  ship,  brig, 

*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  332. 

+  Hist,  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  III.  p.  287. 

i  Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  225. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  253 

and  schooner,  at  anchor  near  the  mouth  of  the 
creek.  At  one  time  the  flotilla,  or,  as  Mr, 
O'Connor  says,  "  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  seamen  and  marines  were  landed 
on  both  sides  of  the  river,  and  the  American 
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  magnifier  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  tiie  coast, 
the  moment  he  descries  an  enemy's  vessel  with 
three  masts.  The  reader  may  perhaps  know, 
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  American  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  that 
the  British  cannot  send  their  74s  up  the  rivers, 
because  of  their  heavy  draught  of  water,  make 
no  scruple  in    placing    a  cut-down  74  at  the 


254        MiLttARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

mouth  of  every  ci'eek  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 
commodore  immediately  moved  upon  them," 
(the  British  boats,)  "  and  after  a  smart  fire, 
drove  the  barges  down  to  the  18-gun  vessel, 
which,  in  attempting  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  Americans  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 
"  authentic"  piece  of  information. 

On  tlie  15th  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  camp- 
equipage,  as  well  as  a  6-pounder  field-piece. 
*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  333.  f  See  Plate  V. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  255 

After  spiking  the  latter,  and  destroying  a  store 
containing  tobacco,  the  British  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,  of  the  25  th  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  : — *' 1  lie  cavalr}' of 
the  district  arrived  on  Tuesday  evening,  about 
five  o'clock,  and  at  the  moment  general  Stewart 
was  preparing  to  attack  the  enemy,  who  were  in 
possession  of  Benedict.  At  this  moment  a  small 
detachment  of  the  enemy  presented  themselves 
at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  not  far  distant  from  the 
place  where  the  cavalry  were  posted.  The  order 
was  immediately  given  to  charge,  and  intercept 
their  retreat,  whicli.  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  enemv  were 


Q56       MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEST 

taken  prisoners.  The  serjeant  of  the  guards 
having  been  separated  from  his  men,  and  endea- 
vouring to  make  his  escape,  was  pursued.— 
Among  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  bejond  him.  On  turning  his 
horse,  he  received  the  fire  of  the  serjeant,  and 
fell  dead.  At  this  moment  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  seemed  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  with 
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,  immediately 
followed  and  engaged  him,  demanding  of  several 
horsemen  who  advanced,  to  aid  in  securing  him. 
Two  of  whom  presented  their  pistols,  and,  after 
calling  upon  Mr,  Hunter  to  disengage  himself 


GREAT   BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  Qo7 

from  liis  antagonist,  discliarged  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  them,  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  iuipres- 
sions"  caused  by  "  the  variety  of  verbal  accounts 
received,"  we  have  a  right  to  conclude,  that  the 
account  he  has  published  is  as  much  mollified 
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  wliich  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  story. 

After  this  wounded  marine  hud  "  dropped  liis 

VOL.    II.  S 


258        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 
ill  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  of  the  '*  young  gentleman" 
who  committed,  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  would  have  set  a  higher 
value  upon  the  gallant  Serjeant's  life,  for  the 
determination  he  evinced  not  to  surrender.  Why 
not  have  permitted  him  to  remain  in  the  swamp  to 
which  he  had  fled  :  what  dire  mischief  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  from  whom  he  would,  no  doubt, 
have  ultimately  escaped,  had  he  possessed  another 
musket,  or  perhaps  another  load,  even,  for  that 
which  lie  had.  Acquitting  the  American  com- 
manding officer  of  those  accordant  feelings  which 


GREAT   BRltAIN    AND    AMERICA.  *239 

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  American,  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  Barrie  as- 
cended the  river  to  Lower  Marlborotigh,  a  town 
about  28  miles  from  the  capital  of  the  United 
States.-f  The  party  landed,  and  took  possession 
of  the  place;  the  militia,  as  well  as  the  inha-^ 
bitants,  flying  into  the  woods.  A  schooner, 
belonging  to  a  captain  David,  was  captured,  and 
loaded  with  tobacco  :  after  vi'hich,  having  burnt, 
*  Sec  p.  39.  +  See  Plato  V. 

s  2 


260        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

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  commodore  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  drive 
away  the  two  frigates  from  the  mouth  of  the 
creek.  The  colonel  established  his  battery 
behind  an  elevated  ridge,  which  sheltered  him 
and  his  men  ;  and,  on  the  morning  of  the  26th 
of  June,  a  simultaneous  attack  of  the  gun-boats 
*  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  from  either  frigate,  and 
captain  Brown,  the  commanding  officer's,  having 
no  force  which  he  could  land  to  carry  the  bat- 
tery,t  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  admits 
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  combined  attack  of  the  artillery,  marine 
corps,  and  flotilla,  was  made  upon  the  enemy's 
two  frigates,  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek.  After 
two  hours'  engagement,  they  got  under  weigh, 
and  made  sail  down  the  river.  They  are  now 
warping  round  Point  Patience,  and  I  am  mov- 
ing up  the  Patuxent  with  my  flotilla."  :|: 

An  officer  on  board  the  flotilla,  writes  thus : 

#  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  730.  +  Ibid,  p.  740, 

X  Hist,  of  the  War,  p,  226. 


262        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

"  We  moved  down  with  the  flotilla,  and  joined 
in  the  chorus  with  the  artillery.  Our. fire  was 
terrible.  At  six  o'clock  they  began  to  move, 
and  made  sail  down  the  river,  leaving  us 
masters  of  the  field.  Thus  we  have  again  beat 
them  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  Seveni,  of  50  guns, 
having  joined  the  Loire  and  Narcissus,  captain 
Nourse,  of  the  first-named  ship,  despatched 
captain  Brown,  with  the  marines  of  the  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-store  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  marines,  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  Monumcntj  p.  240. 


QREAT  BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  263 

United  States'  regiment  was  stationed.  Tlie 
marines,  under  major  Lewis,  were  landed,  whilst 
the  boats  pulled  up  in  front  of  the  town ;  but,  on 
discovering-  the  marines,  t4ie  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  fired, 
nor  an  armed  enemy  seen,  the  town  was  spared. 
The  Americans  having  collected  some  Virginia 
militia,  at  a  place  called  Nominy-ferry,  in  Vir- 
ginia, a  considerable  way  up  Nominy-river, 
rear-admiral  Cockburn,  on  the  21st,  proceeded 
thither,  with  the  boats  and  marines ;  the  latter 
commanded  by  captain  Robyns,  during  the 
illness  of  major  Lewis.  The  enemy's  position 
was  on  a  very  commanding  eminence,  projecting 
into  the  water ;  but  some  marines  having  been 
landed  on  its  flank,  and  they  being  seen  getting 
up  the  craggy  side  of  the  mountain,  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 
field-artillery,  and  hid  it  in  the  woods;  fearing 
that,  if  they  kept  it  to  use  against  the  British, 


264         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

they  would  not  be  able  to  reti'eat  with  it  quick 
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  movements  on  shore,  upon 
which  he  again  landed  with  the  marines.  The 
Americans  fired  a  volle}^  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 
of  the  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  maritime  law  of  nations,"  as  he  did  the 
north-vyest  company's  goods,*  Mr.  O'Conner 
cnlls  it  "  plundered  property,"  and  the  seizure 
or  destruction  of  it  the  "  petty  and  wanton  act 
of  an  unprincipled  and  mean  enemy. "■!• 

On  the  34th  of  July,   the  rear-admiral  went 
up  St.  Clement's  creek,   in  St.  Mary's  county, 
with  the  boats  and   marines,  to   examine    the 
*  See  p.  193,  +   Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  «27. 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  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- 
shots  had  been  fired  at  the  admiral's  gig,  and 
where  the  property  was,  therefore,  destroyed. 

On  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  marched,  without  opposition,  over 
thecountry  on  the  banks  of  that  river;  and,  there 
not  remaining  any  other  place  on  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  Wicomoco  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 
^o  be  at  his  disposal,  he  caused  no  farther  incon- 
^4?nience  to  them,  than  obliging  themjo  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 
Yocomoco  river,  which  the  rear-admiral  en- 
tered on  the  following  day,  with  the  boats  and 
marines,  and  landed  with  the  latter.  The 
iiuemy  had  here  collected  in  great  force,  and 
made  more  resistance  than  usual,  but  the  ardor 
and  determination  of  the  rear-admiral's  gallant 
little  band,  carried  all  before  it ;  and,  after 
forcing  the  enemy  to  give  way,  the  marines  fol- 
lowed him  10  rniles  up  the  country,  captured  a 
field-piece,  and  burnt  several  houses,  which  had 
been  converted  into  depots  for  militia-arms, 
&c.  Learning,  afterwards,  that  general  Hun- 
gerford  had  rallied  his  men  at  Kinsale,  the  rear^ 
admiral  proceeded  thither ;  and,  though  the 
enemy's  position  was  extremely  strong,  he  had 
only  time  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  molestation  ;  and,  hav- 
ing burnt  the  store-houses  and  other  places, 
with  two  old  schooners^  and  destroyed  two  bat- 
teries, the  rear-admiral  re-embarked,  bringing 
away  five  prize-schooners,  a  large  quantity  of 
tobacco,  flour,  &c.  a  field-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  wood  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  march,  carried  the  heights  of  Kinsale  in 
the  most  gallant  manner. 

Coan  river,  a  few  miles  below  Yocomocoj 
being  the  only  inlet  on  the  Virginia  side  of  the 
Potomac,  that  the  rear-admiral  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  soii.^  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.  iMary's 
factory  for  its  defence ;  the  inhabitants  of  the 
state  appearing  to  consider  it  wiser  to  submit, 
than  to  attempt  opposition.  On  the  loth  of 
August,  the  rear-admiral  again   landed  within 


w    ■    , 

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  and  of  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 
admitted  by  the  silence  of  the  American  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  hund«ijds  ;  and  obtained  from 
an  enemy  that  liberty,  which  their  own  free 
country  denied  to  them.  It  was  in  vain  that 
the  American  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,  where  they  were  sold  as  slaves,  for  the 
benefit  of  British  officers,''*  attempted  to  check 
*  History  of  the  War.  p.  183. 


GREAT   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  cattle 
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  their  interests  and  affections  as  strongly 
engrafted  in  their  hearts,  as  the  whites,  and  who 
feel  the  sacred  ties  of  filial,  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  them  away,  then, 
by  force,  would  be  the  greatest  cruelty.  Yet,  it 
is  reserved  for  England,  who  boats  of  her  reli- 
gion and  love  of  humanity,  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"  plunderiiiglarge  quantities  of  cattle." 
As,  however,  the  British  commanders,  whenever 
the  owners  could  be  found,  invariably  paid  for 
what  they  did  take,  the  admission  is  of  little 
use.  But  are  not  those  "  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"  of  an 
American  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  among  a  similar  class  of  "  human  beings" 
in  the  British  West  Indies.  In  addition  to  the 
accounts  published  in  the  American  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  admit  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  "  warmly  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  must  have  been 
tolerably  active, — and  then  to  "  drag  away," 
the  slaves  of  the  American  planters.  If,  for 
receiving  on  board  such  as  voluntarily  offered 
themselves,  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 
Mrv  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  of  the  "  national  honor"  of 
the  United  States,  about  which  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  hy  the  latter  and 
rear-admiral  Cockburn — Meditated  attack  upon 
Washington — Arrival  of  the  troops  from  Ber- 
muda— Different  routes  to  Washington — Captain 
ixordon^s  affair  in  the  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 — Their  arrival  at  Upper  Marl- 
borough—  Rear-admiral  Cockbunis  junction 
with  them  —  Advance  of  the  British  towards 
Washington — Correct  American  account  of  their 
number — Retreat  of  the  American  army  by  Bla- 
densburg  to  Washington— Further  advance  of 
the  British — American  account  of  general  Win- 
ders force — Re-advance  to  Bladc7isburg — Ap- 
pearance on  the  field  of  the  president  of  the 
United  States — American  account  of  the  battle 
of  Bladensburg  —  Flight  of  the  Americans  — 
Mutual  loss — Behaviour  of  Mr.  Madison — His 
narrow  escape  from  capture — American  plans  of 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  273 

their  towns  and  cities;  of  New  York  in  particular 
— Brief  description  of  Washington — Advance  of 
part  of  the  British  force  from  Bladensburg — 
— Its  encampment  near  Washington — Beconnois- 
sance  of  general  Ross  and  other  oncers — Fire 
opened  upon  them — Advance  of  the  light  com- 
panics — Destruction  of  the  capital  and  two  houses 
whence  the Jire  proceeded — Explosion  at  the  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  offices — Anecdote  of 
a  British  centinel — Amount  of  American  force 
in  the  vicinity — Accident  at  Greenleaf  s- point — 
Destruction  of  the  secretary's  of  state's  office^  rope- 
walks^  ordnance^  bridge,  navy-yard.  6;c.  — 
Amount  of  pid)lic  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  letter  to 
Mr.  Munro,  and  its  reply — Mr.  Madison  s  pro- 
clamation — 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.  IT.  T 


274         MILITARY  OCCURRENCES  BETWEEN 

shipping  in  the  ports  of  France,  induced  the 
American  commissioners  to  intimate  to  their 
government,  that  an  attack  upon  the  federal 
city  would  probably  be  made  in  the  course  of 
the  summer  of  1814.  This  notice  reached  Mr. 
Madison  on  the  26th  of  June;  and,  on  the  1st  of 
July,  he  submitted  to  his  council  a  plan  for  im- 
mediately calling  2  or  3G00  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 
quota,  and  requesting  the  executive  magistrates 
of  each  state,  to  detach  and  hold  them  in  readi- 
ness for  immediate  service.  Of  these  93500 
militia,  15000  were  to  be  drawn  from  the  tenth 
military  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  armies  en  fliile^  and  three 
transports,  having  on  board  the  4th,  2Ist,  44th, 
and  8ath,  regiments,  with  a  proportion  of  royal 
artillery^  and  sappers  and  miners,  under  the 
command  of  major-general  Ross.  On  the  24tli 
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  bay  ; 
and,  on  the  14th  of  August,  arrived,  and  joined 
the  Albion,  vice-admiral  Cockburn,ofFthe  month 
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  enemy.  Rear-admiral 
Cockburn,  therefore,  in  his  frequent  walks 
through  the  country,  invariably  moved  forward 
between  two  parties  of  marines,  occupjing,  in 
open  order,  the  woods  by  the  road -side.  Each 
marine  carried  a  bugle,  to  be  used  as  a  signal, 
in  case  of  casual  separation,  or  the  appearance 
T  3 


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  determined,  as 
soon  as  the  troops  should  arrive  from  Bermuda, 
to  make  the  attempt. 

On  the  17th  of  August,  rear-admiral  Malcolm, 
with  the  troops,  arrived,  and  joined  vice-admiral 
Cochrane,  off  the  mouth  of  the  Potomac  ;  and 
the  whole  proceeded  to  the  Patuxent,  about  20 
miles  further  up  the  bay.  In  the  meantime, 
captain  Gordon,  with  some  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  miles  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,32iniIes,tothe  lower  bridge  across 
the  eastern  branch  of  the  Potomac  ;  but,  as  no 
doubt  could  be  entertained  t4iat  this  bridge, 
*  James's  Nav.  Occur,  p.  381—6. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  277 

which  was  half  a  mile  long,  and  had  a  draw  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, 
whe/e  tlie  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  of  the  city.  Part  of  the 
ships,  having  advanced  as  high  up  the  river  as 
the  depth  of  water  would  allow,  disembarked  the 
troops,  on  the  19th  and  20th  of  August,  at  Bene- 
dict, j"  a  small  town,  about  50  miles  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,  aflbrd  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  volume.:|:    I« 

*  See  252  p.  +  See  Plate  V. 

t  James's  Nay.  Occur,  p.  375. 


278        MILITARY   OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

justice  to  commodore  Barney,  we  shall  here 
introduce  general  Wilkinson's  statement  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  ;  v/hen  it  will  be  apparent  to 
every  competent  judge,  that,  from  the  narrowness 
of  the  channel,  the  commodore  could  have 
defended  himself,  and  repulsed  any  floating  force 
the  enemy  could  have  brought  against  him  ;  and 
his  flanks  were  well  secured,  by  the  extent  of  the 
marches  on  both  sides  of  the  river."  * 

Mr.  Thomson  has  found  out,  that  general 
Ross,  while  on  his  march,  avoided  an  engage- 
ment with  an  inferior  number  of  American  troops. 
Having  previously  stated  the  British  force  at 
*'  about  6000  regulars,  seamen,  and  marines,'^ 
being  1000  more  than  Mr.  O'Connor,  and  2000 
more  than  doctor  Smith  makes  them,  Mr.  Thom- 
son says  : — "  The  enemy  approached  the  wood- 
yard,  a  position  12  miles  only  from  the  city,  and 
at  which  general  Winder's  forces  were  drawn  up. 
These  consisted  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  Winder  fell 
back  to  Battalion  Old  Fields,  about  eight  miles 
*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  766. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  279 

from  tlie  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  army,  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 
major  Peter,  with  six  6-pounders,  flying  artil- 
lery, and  a  detachment  of  about  250  select  men. 
General  Ross  marched  from  Nottingham,  the 
same  morning,  by  the  chapel  road  leading  to 
Marlborough  ;  and,  on  discovering  the  Ameri- 
can troops,  made  a  detachment  to  his  left  to 
meet  them,  which  advanced  to  the  foot  of  the 
hill  near  Oden's  house,  when  the  American 
troops  fell  back,  and  the  enemy  resumed  their 
march.*'  f 

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.  33 U 
f  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  X.  p.  765. 


'280  MILITARY  OCCLRKENCES    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 
some  idea  of  the  military  obstacles  that  might 
have  presented  themselves  during  the  march,  by 
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  enemy,   in  a 
march  of  near  40  miles,  from  Benedict  to  Upper 
Marlborough,  by  a  route  on  which  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,  might 
have  been  defended  against  any  force  that  could 
approach   them :  such  is  the  narrowness  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  com- 
modore Barney  and  the  men  of  his  flotilla,  were 
lying   at  their  encampment   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  CoUe  mill  declares, 
that  general  Ross,  with  his  "  4  or  5000  veteran 
troojDs,  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  skirmishers,  fell  back 
to  the  main  body. 

On  the  morning  of  the  23d,  rear-admiral  Cock- 
burn,  having  left  at  Pig-point,  directly  opposite 
to  the  western  branch, "f  the  marines  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,  and  the  complete 
success  that  had  attended  the  expedition  against 
commodore  Barney's  flotilla,  determined  major- 
general  Ross. to  make  an  immediate  attempt 
upon  the  city  of  Washington,  distant  from 
Upper  Marlborough  not  more  than  16  miles. 
At  the  desire  of  the  major-general,  the  marine 
*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  766.     i  See  Plate  V. 


282        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN' 

and  naval  forces  at  Pig-point  were  moved  over 
to  Mount  Calvert ;  and  the  ship-marines,  marine- 
artillerj,  and  a  proportion  of  seamen,  joined  the 
army  at  Upper  Marlborough.  It  is  now  time 
to  give  the  numbers  of  the  British,  so  fearlessly 
approiaching  the  metropolis  of  the  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 
4000 ;  and  this  calculation  is  warranted  by  the 
incidents  in  the  field."*  He  then  states,  that 
the  British  army,  under  major-general  Ross,  w  as 
distributed  into  three  brigades  ;  the  first  bri- 
gade, commanded  by  colonel  Brooke,  of  the 
441  h,  and  composed  of  the  4th  and  44th  regi- 
ments ;  the  second  brigade,  commanded  by 
colonel  Patterson,  of  the  21st  regiment,  and 
composed  of  that  regiment,  the  second  battalion 
of  marines,  and  the  ship-marines  under  captain 
Robyns ;  the  third  brigade,  commanded  by 
colonel  Thornton,  of  the  85th  light  infantry, 
and  composed  of  that  regiment,  the  light  com- 
panies of  the  4th,  21st,  and  44th  Tegiments,  one 
company  of  marine  skirmishers,  a  detachment 
of  colonial  marines,  also  of  royal  artillery,  with 
:iwo  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  Uobyns,  with  the  marines  of  the  ships, 
in  possession  of  Upper  Marlborough,  major- 
general  Ross  and  rear-admiral  Cockburn,  with 
the  troops,  marines,  and  seamen,  whose  number, 
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. "j" 

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  of  the  latter  actu- 
ally occupying,  before  midnight,  the  ground 
which  the  former  had  abandoned.  The  Ameri- 
can army  did  not  stop  till  it  reached  Washing- 
ton ;  where  it  encamped,  for  the  night,  near  the 
navy-yard. "J  On  the  same  evening,  upwards  of 
2000  troops  arrived  at  Bladensburg  from  Bal- 
timore. At  day-light  on  the  morning  of  the 
24th,  general  Ross  put  his  troops  in  motion  for 
Bladensburg,  12  miles  from  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  attack,  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.  del. 


284         MILITARY  OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

to  place  before  the  reader,  the  force  which  they 
had  to  overcome,  before  they  could  enter  the 
metropolis  of  the  United  States. 

"  The   army    under    general    Winder,"   says 
doctor  Smith,   "  consisted  of: — 

"  United  States' dragoons      -         -         -         -         140 
Maryland  ditto  -----         240 

District  of  Columbia  ditto  _         -         -  50 

Virginia  ditto  -----         100 

530 

Regular  infantry       -----         500 

Seamen  and  marines  -         -         .         .         600 

1100 

Stansbury's  brigade  of  militia  -         -       1353 

Sterrett's  regiment,  ditto  -         -         -         500 

Baltimore  artillery,  ditto  -         -         -         160 

Pinkney's  battalion,  ditto  -         -         -         150 

2153 

Smith's  brigade,  ditto         -         -         -         -       1 070 
Cramer's  battalion,  ditto  ^         -         -         240 

Waring's  detachment,  ditto         -         •         -         150 
Maynard's  ditto  ditto         -         -         -         •         150 

Boall's  and  Hood's  regiment  of  ditto  -         800 

Volunteer  corps        .         -         -         -         -         350 

1150 

Total  at  Bladensburg        -        6543 

At  hand. 

Young's  brigade  of  militia  -        -        -        450 

Minor's  Virginia  corps      -         -         -         -         600 

1050 

Grand  Total         -         7593* 

*   Hist,  of  the  U.  S.  Vol.  III.  p.  297. 


1610 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  285 

According  to  general  A^m[strong^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  50C0 
men ;  *  nearly  2600  less  than  appears  from 
the  preceding  detail. "f  Nor  has  the  general 
given  any  account  of  his  artillery  ;  although  we 
find  that  '*  the  American  army  had,  on  the  field, 
not  fewer  than  23  pieces,  varying  from  6  to 
18  pounders."  j*  This  army  was  drawn  up,  in 
two  lines,  upon  very  commanding  heights,  on 
the  north  of  the  turnpike-road  leading  from 
Bladensbu rg  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  valor.  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.  t  Hist,  of  the  U.  S.  Vol.  III.  p.  297. 


use        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

ment,  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  sm-vive  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. f  *'  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  in 
loose  order,  and  forced  the  battery  and  riflemen 
in  h,  i.  The  right  wing  formed  in  w,  w,  and 
followed  the  skirmishers  through  the  corn-field, 
/>,  />,  and  the  orchard,  q,  q^  and  over  the  field, 
forward  of  the  tobacco-house,  A-.  Captain 
Doughty,"  (with  a  corps  of  riflemen,)  "  formed 
in  /,  gave  a  iew  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,  may  be  necessary.  The  Ameri- 
can force,  thus  routed  by  about  750  rank  and 
file  of  the  4th  and  44th  regiments,  including  a 

*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  781.        +  See  Plate  VI. 


GREAT    BRlTAfN    AND    AMERICA.  287 

rocket-party,  consisted  of,  regular  and  militia 
dragoons,  530;  major  Pinkney's  battalion  of 
militia-riflemen,  150;  Doughfy's  riflemen,  num- 
ber not  stated ;  Stansbury's  mililia-brigade, 
1353 ;  Sterret's  militia-regiment,  500 ;  Balti- 
more artillery,  ^yith  six  pieces,*  150 ;  major 
Peters,  with  six  pieces  of  artillery,  and  lieutenant- 
colonel  Scott,  with  the  36th  United  States' 
regiment,  together,  500  ;f  Burch's  artillery, 
with  four  pieces, :|:  number  of  men  not  given  ; 
Smith's  militia  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  American  forces. 
*'  Colonel  Thornton,"  says  he,  "  with  the  left 
wing,  pushed  up  the  turnpike-road,  and  was 
about  to  attack  the  5th  regiment,  in  flank,  when 
it  gave  way.  There  were  a  great  many  com- 
manders this  day,  and,  among  them,  not  the 
least  discerning,  colonel  \^  adsvvorth  ;  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 

*SeePlate  VI.  A.  +  Ibid.  9  and  10. 

+  Ibid.  O. 


288        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

maintain  a  retreating  fire  upon  the  column  of 
the  enemy  as  it  advanced;  which,  while  his 
flanks  were  secure,  would  undoubtedly  have 
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  muzzle  of 
the  piece  until  the  trail  and  wheels  overturned, 
and,  by  this  time,  the  enemy  was  so  near  as  to 
oblige  them  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  warmly  received 
by  commodore  Barney's  battery  of  three 
18  pounders  at  4,  *  that,  after  some  pause  and 
fluctuation,  he  turned  to  his  left,  and  displayed 
in  a  field  in  2,  2,  where  he,  for  a  i'ew  rounds, 
combated  a  valorous  little  band  of  the  marine 
corps,  commanded  by  captain  Miller,  with 
three  1-2-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  summit  of  a  conical  hill,  in  6,  6." 
General  Wilkinson  then  introduces  a  long  letter 
from  colonel  Beall ;  from  which  we  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 troo|3s  in  general,  may  be  termed  gallant, 
the  flotilla-men  and  marines  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  nmy  state  the  relative  numbers,  at  this 
end  of  the  field,  as  750  British  and  2500  Ame- 
ricans. Ten  pieces  of  cannon  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.^'  f  The  re- 
treating American  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  some  refreshment. 

Had  it  not  been  for  the  American  artillery, 
the  loss  of  the  British  would  have  been  very 
trifling.  We  find  24  pieces  marked  upon  gene- 
ral Wilkinson's  diagram. ;{:  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,  t  /. 
TOL.    II.  V 


290  ^     MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

these  circumstances,  the  British  loss  amounted 
to,  one  captain,  two  lieutenants,  five  Serjeants, 
and  56  rank  and  file,  killed ;  two  lieutenant- 
colonels,  one  major,  one  captain,  14  lieutenants, 
two  e«signs,  10  Serjeants,  and  155  rank  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  of  the  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  means 
extraordinary.  Without  wishing  to  exult  over 
a  fallen  foe,  we  may  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. 

+  ThcrmopyljE,  Tiber,  &c. 

§  Wilkinson's  Mcra.  Vol.  I.  p.  770  j  and  our  Vol.  1.  p.  294. 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  291 

with  a  portion  of  that  ''  Roman,"  or,  in  reference 
to  "  American,"  "  second  degree  vaJor,"  spoken 
of  by  an  American  congress-man.* 

What  became  of  Mr.  Madison?  is  a  question 
the  reader  is,  no  doubt,  anxious  to  have  solved. 
We  sliall  here  quote,  and  let  it  be  understood 
that  we  are  quoting,  the  words  of  an  American 
writer  : — "  Not  all  the  allurements  of  fame,  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  patriotism,  and  prevailed  over  the 
love  of  glory;  and,  at  the  very  first  shot,  the 
trembling  coward,  with  a  faltering  voice,  ex- 
claimed:—  'Come,  general  Armstrong;  come, 
colonel  Munro;  let  us  go,  and  leave  it  to  the 
commanding  general.'  ^'  -f  According  to  the 
testimony  of  Mr.  William  Simmons,  one  of  the 
witnesses  examined  by  the  American  committee 
of  investigation,  assembled  in  consequence  of 
the  capture  of  Washington,  the  American  pre- 
sident, the  attorney-general,  and  secretaries  of 
war  and  state,  were  indebted  to  his  informa- 
tion, for  not  having  fallen  into  the  hands  of 
major-general  Ross,  rear-admiral  Cockburn, 
colonel  Thornton,  and  a  number  of  staff-officer*, 
who,  in  their  undress  coats,  had  entered  Bla- 
*  See  p.  25.  +  Wilkinson's  Memoirs,  Vol.  I.  p.  783. 
u2 


292        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

densburg,  bj  a  circuitous  route,  unobserved  by 
any  but  Mr.  Simmons.  A  delay  of  five  minutes 
would,  it  appears,  have  placed  the  commander- 
in-chief  of  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  and 
the  whole  executive  corps,  in  the  hands  of  the 
British. 

Europeans,  often  to  their  cost,  read  accounts 
of  the  fine  rich  land  to  be  met  with,  in  almost 
all  parts  of  the  United  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 
filled  up  in  black,  resembling  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  j 
Which  travelling  fools  and  gazetteers  adorn, 
With  shrines  unbuilt,  and  heroes  yet  unborn  j" 

covering,  as  it  does,  about  eight  square  miles  of 
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, "I  moved  forward  fromBladensburg;  and, 
at  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  arrived 
at  an  o[)en  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,  accompanied  by  a 
small  guard,  rode  forward  to  reconnoitre.  On 
arriving  opposite  to  some  houses,  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  of  one  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,  j]  Rear-admiral  Cockburn  instantly 
rode  back  to  the  detachment,  stationed  in 
advance;  and  soon  returned  with  the  light 
companies.  The  house  was  then  surrounded  ; 
and,  after  some  prisoners  had  been  taken  from 
it, II  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. 

t   Wilkinson's  Memoirs,  Vol.  I.  p.  791.         §  App.  No.  62, 

II  Poulson's  Philadelphia  paper,  of  August  29,  1814. 


294         MILITARY   OCCUKBENCES   BETWEEN 

houses,  and  which  was  "^  capable  of  being  made 
an  impregnable  citadel  against  an  enemy,  with 
little  artiller  ,  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  rooms,  "  or  public  build- 
ijigs,"  as  many  of  our  London  journalists  have 
called  tliem,  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  two  contiguous  houses,  than  an 
awful  explosion  announced,  that  the  Americans 
were  emplojed  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  encampment.  At  about  half^ 
past  10,  after  a  party  had  been  sent  to  destroy 
the  fort  and  public  works  at  Greenleat's  point, 
major-general  Ross,  and  rear-admiral  Cockburn, 
each  at  the  head  of  a  small  detachment  of  men, 
numbering,  together,  not  more  than  200,  "^  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,  wellrmounted  on  travel- 

P  History  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  III.  p.  29C.    +  Ibid.  294, 
+  Wilkinson's  Mem,  Vol,  I.  p.  79}. 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  295 

ling  carriages;"*  had  been  stationed  at,  and  but 
recently  fled  from,  this  the  American  "  com- 
Jiiander-in-chief^s"  head-quarters,  the  British 
caused  it  to  be  set  on  fire.  A  log-hut,  under 
similar  circumstances,  would  have  shared  the 
same  fate,  and  the  justice  of  the  measure  not 
been  disputed.  Why,  then,  in  a  country  where 
"  equality  of  rights'^  is  daily  preached  up, 
should  the  palace  be  held  more  sacred  than  the 
cottage.^  The  loss  of  the  one  falls,  where  it 
ought,  upon  the  nation  at  large  ;  the  loss  of  the 
other, — a  lamentable  case,  at  all  times, — solely 
upon  the  individual  proprietor.  Had  generals 
Armstrong  and  jVPClure  consulted  this  principle, 
the  village  of  Newark  would  have  remained 
undestroyed;  and  the  feelings  of  humanity  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  American 
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.  Wm.  Simmons,  before  the  American 
committee  of  investigatioa. 


296  MILITARY  OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

must  destroy  it.  On  being  told,  however,  that  the 
adjoining  buildings  would  be  likely  to  take  fire, 
he  desisted.  1  he  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-- 
admiral  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  2oth,  tlie  secretary 
of  state's  office  was  bprnt,  and  the  types  and 
printing  materials  of  the  government-paper  v^ere 
destroyed.  A  serious  accident  had  happened  to 
the  party  sent  to  Greenleaf's-point.  Some 
powder,  concealed  in  a  well,  accidentally  took 
fire,  killing  12,  and  wounding  30,  officers  and 
men.  Three  extensive  rope-walks,  at  some  dis^ 
tance  from  the  city,  were,  by  the  British,  entirely 
ponsumed  ;  and  so  was  an  immense  quantity  of 
*  WilliiHson'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 :  ^  a  very 
prudent  military  measure,  especially  as  the  Ame- 
ricans  had  themselves  destroyed  the  two  bridges 
crossing  the  eastern  branch,  f  A  party,  under 
captain  Wainwright,  of  the  Tonnant,  destroyed 
the  few  stores  and  buildings  in  the  navj^-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  £365463  sterling,  i 
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 
})rivate  propertjs  and  no  peaceable  citizen  is 
moiested."§     A  writer  from  Baltimore,  under 

*  App.  No.  65.         +  See  Plate  V.         +  App.  No.  67. 
I  Columbian  Centincl,  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  mouth- 
piece of  the  government,  he  whose  presses  had 
been  destroyed  and  whose  "  types  had  been  so 
shamefully  dispersed."? — "  When  we  remarked," 
says  he,  "  in  our  paper  of  yesterday,  that  private 
property  had,  in  general,  been  scrupulously 
respected  by  the  enemy  during  his  late  incur- 
sion, we  spoke  what  we  believed,  from  a  hasty 
survey,  and  perhaps  without  sufficient  inquirj^ 
Greater  respect  was  certainly  paid  to  private 
property  than  has  usually  been  exhibited  by  the 
enemy  in  his  marauding  parties.  No  houses 
were  half  as  much  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  who  remained 
in  the  city  were  scandalously  maltreated. "f  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 of  the  United  States.  The  '•'  several  private 
buildings,"  besides  "  the  dwelling-house  owned 
and  occupied  by  Mr.  Robert  Sewall,  from  be- 
hind which  a  gun  was  fired  at  general  Ross," 
consisted  of  "  a  commodious  dwelling,  belong- 

*  Boston  paper,  September  1st. 

+   National  Intelligencer,  August  Stst. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  299 

ing  to  the  estate  of  general  Washington,  and 
Carroll's  hotel :"  *  the  former  suffered,  from  its 
contiguity  to,  or  absolute  junction  with,  the 
house  from  which  the  firing  had  been  directed ; 
the  latter,  not  unlikely,  from  the  act  of  some  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  from  injurj^,  both  in  their  persons 
and  properties,  may  be  gathered  from  Mr.  Thom- 
son's acknowledgment,  that, — ''  the  plunder  of 
individual  property  was  prohibited,  and  sol- 
diers, transgressing  the  order,  were  severely 
punished."  t 

We  shall  dismiss  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  of  the  place,  fos- 
tered among  the  citizens  ;  and  from  whose  vil- 
lainy no  place  is  free,  in  times  of  peril,  and 
relaxation  of  the  law.  The  British  army,  it  is 
no  more  than  justice  to  say,  preserved  a  mode- 
ration and  discipline,   with   respect  to  private 

*  History  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  III.  p.  295. 
+  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  338. 


300        ailLlTARY    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,  and  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  of  the  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 
has  been  pleased  to  say,  "  general  Ross  scarcely 
kept  up  his  order,  sufficiently  to  identify  the  body 
of  his  army."  §  The  Americans  are  very  diffi- 
cult to  please.  If  the  British  decline  lighting 
double  the  number  of  Americans,  shiness  is  al- 
leged against  them;  if,  on  the  other  hand,  they 
iiot  only  fight,  but  conquer,  as  at  Bladensburg, 
more  than  double  their  number  of  Americans, 
they  are  denied  all  credit.  In  this  spirit  doctor 
Smith  says :— "  The  success  of  general  Ross,  in 

*  Georgetown  paper,  September  8th. 

+  See  Plate  V.  J  App.  No.  62. 

§  Hist,  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  III.  p.  290. 


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  army,  50 
miles  into  the  interior  of  a  country  thickly 
inhabited,  and  in  the  face  of  another,  of  superior 
numbers,  affords  stiong  proof  of  his  temerity, 
but  none  of  his  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"  of  the  American  troops;  although 
they  certainly  did  not  expect  quite  so  great  a 
contrast  to  "  temerity,"  as  they  found  upon  the 
field  at  Biadensburg. 

All  the  American  writers  who  have  had  occa- 
sion to  deplore  the  fate  of  Washington-city,  have 
levelled  their  abuse  against  rear-admiral  Cock- 
burn  ;  "  on  whom,"  says  one  of  them,  "  if  the 
safety  of  the  citizens'  dwellings  had  alone  de- 
pended, they  would  have  rested  on  a  slender 
guarantee." t  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.  III.  p.  299.    ' 
+  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  326.  f 


302        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BBTWEEjy 

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  commander  at  Alexandria,  f 
that  was  at  all  "  contrary  to  the  usages  of  civi- 
lized warfare."  This  letter  was  just  what  Mr. 
Munro^  wanted.  It  enabled  him  to  declaim, 
at  length,  about  *'  the  established  and  known 
humanity  of  the  American  nation."  §  The 
chief  of  Mt.  Munro's  unsupported  assertions 
have  already  been  replied  to,  in  different  parts 
of  this  work  :  we  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, 
alternateh^  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  iiges  for  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.  Muiiro  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  we  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  must  issue  his  "  Pro- 
clamation ;"|  dated  from  "  Washington,"  too,  the 
' '  seat  of  empire,"  which  he,  only  six  days  before, 
had  abandoned,  to  seek  ''  an  asylum  among 
the  hills,  west  of  the  great  falls/'*  The  five 
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 
numerous"  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  tliei^ 
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  the 
Britisli  commanding  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  Campbell,  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,"j-  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  company  of  American  artillery, 
with  two  field- pieces,  had  just  fled,  equally 
"  according  to  the  usages  of  war"?  Ihe  only 
surprise  is,  thnt  the  American  government  should 
have  so  well  succeeded  in  hood-winking  the 
people  of  Europe.     One  British  editor  rates  his 

*  Sketches  of  (he  War,  p.  336. 
t  See  p.  Ill, 


CaiEAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  305 

ferocious  countrymen,  for  "  having  levelled 
with  the  dust  the  sjilendid  palaces  and  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  long  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,  marriages,  and  deaths,  but  certainly  not 
of  historical  events,  the  "  Annual  Register  for 
1814 ;"  and  thence,  of  course,  into  most  of  the 
prints  of  the  United  States.  But  what  was 
there  done  by  the  British  at  Washington,  that 
could  provoke  an  eminent  parliamentary  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, 
condemned  and  abjured"  p-j*  "In  burning 
Washington,"  says  this  same  speaker,  ''  we  had 
acted  worse  than  the  Goths,  when  they  were 
before  the  walls  of  Rome."  In  another  place 
he  talks  of  "  the  pillage  of  private  property ."  f 
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  % 


306         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

statements  SO  palpably  untrue.  If  he  were  alive 
we  could  show  him  an  American  publication,  that 
has  devoted  13  of  its  pages  to  an  account  of  our 
proceedings  at  Washington,  and  yet  contains 
not  one  word  of  comment  upon  our  destruction 
of  the  public  buildings.  When  we  mention  the 
work  as  the  "  History  of  the  United  States_," 
and  the  author  as  the  i*everend  doctor  Smith  ; 
the  same  who  said,  *'  No  one  need  question  the 
conduct  of  the  British  troops  at  Hampton  ;"  the 
same  who,  in  every  page  of  his  book,  evinces  the 
strongest  antipathy  against  the  British ;  and  who, 
as  the  reader  knows,  is  not  over  scrupulous  as  to 
the  truth  of  the  charges  he  prefers  against  them, 
"no  one  need  question"  that  doctor  Smith  was 
thus  lenient,  because,  in  the  extraordinary  fac-t, 
that  the  British,  with  only  200  troops,  entered 
and  fully  possessed,  the  *'  seat  of  empire"  of 
the  United  States  of  America,  he  could  find, 
on  their  part,  at  least,  nothing  but  '*  temerity'-' 
to  ii ad  fault  with. 


r,REAT    BllITAIV    AND    AMERICA.  ,307 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Shirf?2ish  at  Moor's  fields — Death  of  sir  Peter 
Parker — Brief  description  of  Baltimore — Alarm 
of  the  inhabitants — Exertions  of  the  military- 
Defensive  preparations — Strong  inducement  for 
an  attack  by  the  British — Accidental  cause  of 
its  being  made — Advance  of  tJie  fleet  to  the  Pa^ 
tapsco — Landing  of  the  troops — Amount  of  the 
British  force — Advance  of  major-general  Ross 
and  rear-admiral  Cockburn^  with  a  small  guard — 
Skirmish  and  retreat  of  the  Americans — Death  of 
general  Ross — American  accounts — Advance  of 
the  British  main  body — Amount  of  the  American 

'  force — Details  of  the  battle — Retreat  of  the 
Americans — American  accounts — British  and 
American  loss — Further  advance  of  the  Biitish 
— Reinforcement  to  the  Americans  at  their  en- 
trenched camp — Arrival  of  British  ships  -near 
the  forts  in  the  Patapsco — Mutual  cannonade 
between  the  latter  and  the  bomb-vessels  and  rocket- 

,  sJiip — Boat-expedition  up  the  Ferry  branch — 
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-eapc- 
X2 


308        MILITARY   OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

dilion  up  Coan  river — Departure  ofrear-admirat 
Malcolm  —  Boat-ejepedition  up  the  Rappa- 
hannock— Return  of  rear-admiral  Cockhurn—^ 
His  departure  for  the  Georgia  coast — Capture 
of  St.  Mary's — Boat-expedition  up  the  river— ^ 
Intended  attack  upon  Savannah — Impolitic  mea- 
sures that  lead  to  its  frustration. 

Previously  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,  commanding  the  iVIenelaus 
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  filled  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  them.  Information  having 
reached  the  ship,  then  at  anchor  off  Moor's 
fields,  that  200  American  militia  were  encamped 
behind  a  wood,  distant  about  a  mile  from  the 
beach,  captain  Parker,  at  11  p'clock  on  the  night 
of  the  30th  of  August,  was  induced  to  land 
-with,— not,  as  the  American  editors  say, '*  230 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  309 

men,"*  but, — 104  marines  and  20  seamen.  It 
appears  that  colonel  Read,  the  commander  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  first  encampment.  Thither,  having 
captured  a  small  cavalry  piquet,  the  heedless 
seamen  and  marines,  headed  by  their  undaunted 
chief,  proceeded.  The  enemy,  with  some  pieces 
of  artilleiy,  was  found  drawn  up  in  line  in  front 
of  his  camp.  The  British  commenced  the  fire; 
and,  charging,  drove  the  Americans,  through 
their  camp,  into  the  woods.  It  was  about 
this  time  that  sir  Peter  received  a  mortal 
tTound.  Secure  behind  the  trees,  the  Americans 
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  compelled  to 
retreat  to  their  ship;  bringing  away  the  body 
of  their  lamented  commander,  and  all  their 
wounded  but  three.  The  British  sustained  a 
Toss  of  14  killed  and  27  wounded :  the  Ameri- 
cans, as  a  proof  how  little  they  exposed  them- 
selves, of  not  more  than  three  men  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 
it^  eastern  side,  commands  ihe  city  itself,  as  well 
as  the  approach  to  it  by  land,  from  the  Chesa- 
peake. Its  water-approach  is  defended  by  a 
strong  fortification,  named  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; 
which,  at  its  entrance,  is  scarcely  half  a  mile  in 
width.  As  an  additional  security,  the  lattjpsco 
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  ot  troops  in  the  Chesapeake,  and 
the  subsequent  operations  of  the  British  in  the 
Patuxent  and  Potomac  rivers,  could  not  do 
otherwise  than  cause  serious  alarm  at  Baltimore, 
distant  from  Washington  but  35  miles.  The 
panic-struck  inhabitants  believed,  that  the 
British  troops  would  march  across  the  country, 
and  attack  them  in  the  rear,  while  the  squadron 
was  bombarding  them  in  front.  Our  numbers 
on  shore  were  too  small  to  warrant  such  ^n 
enterprise ;  but,  had  it  been  risked,  aiul  had 
the  fleet  made  a  simultaneous  movement  up  the 
bay,  there  is  little  doubt  that  Baltimore  would- 
have  capitulated.     Fortunately  for  the  city,  the 


OREAT    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  utmojit 
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  ditclies 
in  front,  and  well  supplied  with  artillery,  was 
constructed;  and  works  were  thrown  up,  and 
guns  mounted  at  every  spot  from  which  an  in- 
vading force,  either  by  land  or  water,  could 
meet  with  annoyance.  The  Java  frigate,  of  G<) 
guns,  and  two  new  sloops  of  war,  of  22  guns 
each,  were  equipping  at  Baltimore.  There  were 
also,  in  the  harbor,  several  gun-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  immense 
train  of  artillery  to  put  in  operation  against  an 
enemy.  As  to  troops,  exclusive  of  the  16,300 
militia,  regulars,  and  flotilla-men,  which  general 
Winder  had  been  authorized  to  call  out,  for  the 
defence  of  the  10th  military  district,  volunteers 
were  flocking  in  from  Pennsylvania ;  and  the 
seamen  and  marines  of  commodores  Rodgers, 
Perry,  and  Porter,  had  just  arrived  from  the 
banks  of  the  Potomac,  where  they  had  been 
"  distinguishing"    themselves  so  greatly. 


312        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEBT 

If  any  southern  town  or  city  of  the  United 
States  was   an   object  of  immediate  attack,  it 
certainly  was  Baltimore.      The  destruction  of 
the  new  frigate  and  sloops,  and  of  the  immense 
quantities  of  naval  stores,  at  that  depot,  would 
have  been  seriously  felt  by  the  American  govern- 
ment.    Yet  were  the  British  ships,  having  on 
board  the  troops,  waiting  in  the  Patuxent,  till 
the  passing  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  the 
Iphigenia."*     On  the  6th  o{  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  of  the  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  11th,  the 
fleet  anchored;  and,  by  12  o'clock  at  noon  on 
the  l"2th,  the  whole  of  the  troops  and  seamen 
had  disembarked  at  North-point,  in  order  to 
proceed  to  the  immediate  attack  upon  Baltimore, 
by  land ;  wliile  some  frigates  and  sloops,   the 
Erebus,  rocket-ship,  and  five  bombs,  ascended 
the   Patapsco,  to   threaten  and  bombard  Fort^ 
M-Henry,  and  t^ie  other  contiguous  batteries, 
*  App.  No.  73. 


-«REAT    BRITAIX    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  reinforcement  of  British  troops  subsequently 
arrived  in  the  Chesapeake.  Yet  every  one  of 
our  three  historians,  instead  of  deducting  his  own 
estimate  of  our  loss,  adds  2  or  3000  men  to  his 
own  estimate  of  our  force,  at  Biadensburg  and 
Washington.  For  instance,  doctor  Smith,  who 
stated  our  force  at  Biadensburg  at  "  4000,"$ 
states,  without  assigning  any  reason  for  the 
augmentation,  that  we  brought  to  Baltimore 
"5000  land  troops." ||  Mr.  Thomson,  in  like 
manner,  makes  his  "  6000  regulars^  sailors, 
and  marines,"  ||  8000  soldiers,  sailors  and 
marines  ;"t  and  Mr.  O'Connor,  his  "  5000," || 
"  between  8  and  9000  men."^  The  British 
troops  that  landed,  under  the  command  of 
major-general  Ross,  at  North-point,  consisted 
of  detachments  of  royal  and  marine-artillery, 
the  remnants  of  the  1st  battalions  of  the 
4th,    'ilst,     and     44th     regiments,     and     the 

*  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  388.  +  Ibid.  p.  339. 

:;-  See  p.  282. 

§  Hist,  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  III.  p.  302. 

l|  Sec  p.  278.  H  Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  232. 


514        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  3-270  rank  and  file. 

Immediately  after  landing,  the  British  moved 
forward  to  the  city.  On  arriving  at  a  line  of 
intrenchments  and  abattis,  thrown  up  betweeiv 
Black  river  and  Humphries's  creek  on  the 
Patapsco,  and  distant  about  three  miles  from  the 
point  of  landing,  some  opposition  was  ejxpected; 
but  the  American  dragoons  and  riflemen,  sta- 
tioned there,  fled  without  firing  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  companies  ;  in  order  to  recon- 
noitre the  enemy.  At  about  10  o'clock,  aft^r 
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.  Thomson,  of  *'  two  companies 
from  the  5th  infantry,  150  in  number,  under 
captains  Levering  and  Howard,  about  70  rifle- 
men, under  captain  Aisquith,  the  cavalry," 
under  colonel  Biays,  the  amount  of  which  not 
being  stated,  we  shall  fix  at  140,  "  and  10 
artillerists,  with    a   4-pounder  commanded  by 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  315 

lieutenant  Stiles;"*  in  all  370  men.  A  short 
skirmish  ensued,  and  the  Americans  fell  back  { 
most  of  them  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  purpose. 
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 
xtounded.  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  some  attendants  in 
charge  of  the  lamented  chief,  the  officer  com- 
manding ruslied  on  ;  and  it  was  then  that  admi- 
ral Cockburn  learned  the  loss  which  the  armr 
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  himself,  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  : — 

*  Skclcbc*  of  the  War^  p.  311.  +  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 fire  upon  the  British  column,  killing  major- 
general  Ross,  and  several  other  officers,  and 
impeding  the  advance  of  the  British  army. 
Having  performed  the  duty  required  of  them  by 
general  Strieker,  the  whole  detachment  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'Connor's.  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.      J  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,  v\  as  the  fact ;  except  that 
the  nearest  British  force  was  not  the  "  main 
body,"  but  the  advance  or  light-companies. 
Mr.  O'Connor  does  not  state,  when  or  how  gene- 
ral Ross  met  his  death,  merely,  when  he  comes 
to  the  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  them, 
what  a  benefit  they  had  derived  from  the 
chance-shot  of  one  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  means  of  ascer- 
taining. Mr.  Thomson,  referring  to  the  "  detach- 
ment" sent  forward,  on  the  night  of  the  11th, 
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. 


31^        MILITARY    OCCURIIENCES    BETWEEN 

brigade,  under  major  Randal,  and  several  com- 
panies of  the  Pennsylvania  volunteers;  amount-, 
ing  to  3185  effective  men."*  This  is  exclusive 
of  "  1000  men  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  drawn  up,  under  general  Strieker,  at 
6000  men  ;-f  and  Mr.  Thomson,  by  his  extracts 
from  the  British  otiicial  accounts,  lias  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 
field-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  augmenting ;  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.  Tliomson's,  will  tend  to  corroborate  the 
British  account.  •'  The  51st,"  says  he,  "  which 
was  ordered  to  open  upon  the  enemy  in  his 
attempt  to  turn  the  rest  of  the  line,  delivered 
a  loose  fire,  immediately  broke,  fled  precipitately 
from  its  ground,  and  in  such  confusion,    that 

^     .  *  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  340.  '^' 

+  A  pp.  Nos.  71.  73.  74.  and  75. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  319 

every  effort  to  rally  it  proved  ineflfectual.  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  abandoiied 
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  forth  a  destructive  torrent  of  canister  against 
the  British  left  column,  then  attempting  to  gain 
the  cover  of  a  small  log-house,  in  front  of  the  5th 
regiment.  Captain  Sadtler,  with  his  j^agers 
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 
ivas,  therefore,  defeated.  The  6th  regiment 
then  opened  its  fire,  and  the  whole  line  entered 
into  an  animated  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  much  injury  upon  the  in- 
Yaders  as  could  possibly  be  expected,  from  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 
r^eserve  regiment ;  an  order  which  was  well 
executed  by  the  whole  line,  which  in  a  few 
minutes  rallied  upon  lieutenant-colonel  M'Do- 


3'20         MILITARY    OCGUR«^ENCES   BETWEEN 

Ilald'^  From  the  point  occupied  by  this  tegi^ 
ment,  general  Strieker,  in  order  to  refresh  his 
troops,  and  prepare  them  for  a  second  move- 
ment of  the  enemy,  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  the  United  States' dragoons, 
under  captain  Bird,  took  post  upon  his  left."* 

This  editor  is  famous  for  spinning  ont  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  regiments,  he  has  the  impudence  to 
contrast  the  remaining  number,  or  the  "  line, 
now  but  1400  strong,"  with  "  at  least  7000" 
British.  By  his  own  account,  the  American 
troops  retired  four  miles  and  a  half,  or,  ''to  a 
position  half  a  mile  in  advance," — and,  conse- 
quently, within  full  range, — "of  the  left  of  major- 
general  Smith's  intrenchments,"  before  they 
could  be  brought  to  a  stand,  or  had  any  stomach 
to  *'  refresh"  themselves,  against  '^  a  second 
movement  of  the  enemy .^'  Not  a  word  is  there 
of  any  charge  by  the  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. 


GllEAT   BRITAIN    AND    A3IERICA.  321 

much  fatigued  to  follow  up  their  victory  on  that 
evening.  The  British  loss  amounted  to  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  armj.*  The  navy  lost  one 
petty-oflicer,  three  seamen,  and  three  marines, 
killed  ;  one  oflicer,  six  petty-officers,  22  seamen, 
and  15  marines,  wounded,  f  Thus,  the  total 
British  loss  on  shore,  was  46  killed,  and  273 
wounded.  The  great  disproportion  of  wounded 
arose  from  the  employment,  by  the  enemy,  of 
buck-shot ;  ^  and  the  magnitude  of  the  loss, 
altogether,  to  the  enemy's  sheltered  position. 
The  loss  of  the  Americans  upon  the  field,  Mr. 
Thomson  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  him  "  about  200  prisoners,  being 
persons  of  the  best  families  in  the  city;"l|  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.  i  See  p.  147. 

§  History  of  the  War,  p.  237.         |1  App.  No.  71. 
VOL.  II.  Y 


322         ATILITARY    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  from,  Baltimore,  From  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  of  the  fleet,  the  American  entrenched 
camp ;  at  which  lay  general  Strieker  and  his  army, 
now  reinforced  by  Douglas's  brigade  of  Virginia 
militia,  under  general  Winder,  and  the  United 
States' dragoons,  under  captain  Bird.* 

In  their  way  up  the  Patapsco,  several  of  the 
frigates  and  other  vessels  grounded  ;  and  one 
or  two  of  the  former  did  not  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,  rocket- 
ship,  came  to  anchor  in  a  position,  from  which 
they  couid  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'Kenry,  the  Star-Fort,  and  the  water- batteries 
on  both  sides  of  the  entrance.  At  about  three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  four  bonib-vessels 
and  rocket-ship  weighed,  and  stood  further  in  ; 
the  latter,  to  give  effect  to  her  rockets_,  much 
•*  A  pp.  No.  77. 


GREAT    JJRITAIX   AND    AMERICA.  ^23 

nearer  than  the  others.  The  forts,  which  liatl 
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  struck.  The  close  position  of  the 
Erebus  led  the  commander-in-chief,  whose  ship, 
the  Surprise,  was,  with  the  other  frigates,  at 
anchor  in  the  river,  to  imagine  that  captain 
Bartholomew  could  not  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,  till  day-light  the  next  morning. 

The  American  official  account  states,  that 
two  or  three  rocket-vessels,  and  barges,  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  up  the  Ferry  branch,  but  that 
they  were  soon  compelled  to  retire,  hy  the  forts 
in  that  quarter;  commanded  by  lieutenant 
Newcomb,of  the  navy,  and  lieutenant  V\  ebster, 
of  the  flotilla.  "  These  forts  also  destroyed,"  says 
the  general,  "  one  of  the  barges,  with  all  on 
board."  *  Mr.  Thomson  says : — '*  Under  cover  of 
the  night,  the  British  commanders  despatched  a 
-*  App.  No.  77. 
Y    2 


324         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

a  fleet  of  barges  to  attack  and  storm  Fort- 
Covington.  The  attempt  was  repulsed,  how- 
ever, and  the  assailants  retired,  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  effect  a  landing. 
From  their  new  station  they  commenced  a  very 
warm  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  arms,  that  made  the  houses 
in    the   city  shake  for   nearly  an   hour  and  a 

half."t 

Let  us  now  see  how  this  story  will  read  in  our 
way  of  relating  it.  In  the  middle  of  the  night 
of  the  13th,  a  division  of  20  boat^  was  detached 
up  the  Ferry  branch,  to  cause  a  diversion 
favorable  to  the  intended  assault  upon  the 
enemy's  entrenched  camp,  at  the  opposite  side 
of  the  city.  The  rain  poured  in  torrents,  and 
the  night  was  so  extremely  dark,  that  11  of  the 
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.  3*25 

vered  to  the  crews  their  perilous  situation,  time 
enough  for  them  to  get  back  in  safety  to  their 
ships.  The  remaining  nine  boats,  consisting 
of  one  rocket-boat,  five  launches,  two  pinnaces, 
and  one  gig,  containing,  not  "  1200,"  but — 128 
officers,  seamen,  and  marines,  under  the  com- 
mand of  captain  IVapier,  passed  up  the  Ferry 
branch,  to  a  considerable  distance  above  Fort- 
M'Henry,  and  opened  a  heavy  fire  of  rockets  and 
shot  upon  the  shore;  atseveral  partsof  which  they 
could  have  landed,  with  ease,  had  the  whole  of 
their  force  been  together.  After  having,  by 
drawing  down  a  considerable  number  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  man  mortally  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  Baltimore  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       MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

naval  co-operation  against  the  city  and  en- 
trenched camp,  was  found  impracticable.  The 
heavy  rain  at  this  time  falling  j^reatly  increased 
the  difficulty  of  ascending  the  steep  hill,  upon 
which  the  camp  was  situated ;  and  both  com- 
manders concurred  in  the  propriety  of  nnme- 
diately  withdrawing  the  troops  and  ships.  At 
about  half-past  one  on  the  morning  of  the  14th, 
the  British  troops  commenced  retiring,  and 
halted  at  three  miles  distance.  In  the  course 
of  the  evening  they  retired  three  miles  further, 
and  encamped  for  the  night.  Late  on  the 
morning  of  the  15th^  they  moved  down  to 
North-point;  and,  in  the  course  of  that  day, 
re-embarked,  without  having  experienced,  during 
their  slow  and  deliberate  retreat,  the  slightest 
iifiolestation  from  the  enemy.  At  seven  o'clock 
on  the  morning  of  the  14th,  the  rocket-ship  and 
bomb-vessels  were  called  off  from  the  American 
batteries;  whicli  are  stated  to  have  lost,  by  the 
long  continued  bombardment,  only  four  men 
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  statement  respecting  the 
barges,  and  which  statement  general  Smith  could 
only  have  obtained  from  the  commanding  officer 
of  the  forts  on  the  Fatapsco.     Not  a  word  is  said 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  3'27 

about  any  pursuit  of  the  British.     That  would 
be  encroaching  upon  the  duties,  and,  seemingly, 
pleasing  ones,  too,  of  the  American  historian. 
"  The  excessive  fatigue  of  the  troops,  all  of  whom 
had  been  three  days  and  nights  under  arms,  in 
the    most    inclement  weather,    prevented    their 
annoying  the  enemy^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,  then,  for  the 
"  stragglers "   taken.     Mr.  Thomson's  account 
has  vastly  improved,    by  passing    through  the 
hands  of  the  '  inventor  and  sole  patentee'  of  the 
screaming  story.     For  instance: — "It  was  im- 
possible for  veterans,  or  the  most  experienced 
troops,  to  act  with  more  firm  discipline  or  cool 
courage,  tiian  the  citizens  of  Baltimore,  and  the 
troops  engaged,  did,  on  this  occasion,  with  the 
exception  already  mentioned.     A  pursuit  of  the 
enemy  was  attempted,  without,  however,  doing 
him  much  injury.    The  troops  were  so  exhausted, 
with  three  days  and  nights'  fatigue,   that  they 
could  do  little  more  than  pick   up  a  few  strag- 
uleis.     A   line   of  defences   thrown    up  by  the 

*  Skclchcs  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  carry  off  so  many  editions  among  the 
people  of  the  United  States. 

Having  done  with  the  American  accounts  of  the 
celebrated  Baltimore  "demonstration/*  we  have 
vet  to  offer  upon  it  a  few  remarks  of  our  own.  No 
Briton  but  must  regret,  that  any  plan  of  "  ulte- 
rior operations"  should  have  obtruded  itself,  to 
check  the  progress  of  the  attack.  With  respect  to 
naval  co-operation,  it  is  well  known,  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. 


GREAT   BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  329 

intrenched  camp ;  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  may  well  conceive,  then, 
what  might  have  been  effected,  Iiad  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  uinversally 
deplored.  His  public  services  are  thus  briefly 
enumerated,  by  the  mover,  in  the  house  of 
commons,  for  a  monument  to  his  memory. 
"  General  Ross,  when  major  Ross,  served  in  the 
expedition  to  Holland,  in  1799.  He  was  then 
in  the  28th  regiment,  and  signalized  himself  in 
repulsing  the  attacks  made  on  the  lines  of  sir 
Ralph  Abercromby.  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  memorable  battle  of  Maida,  which 
so  greatly  raised  the  fame  of  the  British  arms, 
and  particularly  by  the  use  made  of  the  bayonet, 
major  Ross  made  himself  conspicuous  ;  and,  by 
wheeling  on  tiie  enemy's  line,  contributed, 
perhaps,  more  than  any  other  circumstance,  to 


(i30         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEX 

the  route  of  the  enemy  on  that  day.  Nothing 
more  occurred  lo  bring  him  into  notice,  till  he 
served  in  the  army  led  by  general  sir  John 
Moore,  in  1807  ;  and,  under  tliat  gallant  and 
lamented  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  himself  in  the 
battle  of  Vittoria,  that  his  lordship  gave  him  the 
command  of  a  separate  brigade.  Now  that  a 
more  extended  field  of  service  lay  before  him,  in 
the  first  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  themselves  beyond  all 
former  precedent ;  they  made  four  separate 
charges  with  the  bayonet,  and  general  Ross  had 
three  horses  killed  under  him.'  At  the  passage 
of  the  Nieve,  and  the  battle  of  Orthes,  he  dis- 
played the  same  undaunted  bravery."  Another 
member,  who  had  been  intimate  with  him,  said  : 
— "  He  possessed  the  happy  skill  of  conciliating 
by  his  disposition,  and  instructing  by  liis 
example  :  he  possessed,  indeed,  all  those  private 
and  distinguished  qualifications,  by  which  alont 
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  field  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 
the  advantages  we  derived  from  the  ''  victory"  at 
Baltimore,  with  the  loss  of  such  a  general,  we 
cannot  but  regret,  that  the  attack  wasundertaken 
at  all ;  if  not  meant  to  be  persevered  in,  till  either 
tlie  ostensible  object  was  gained,  or  the  British 
troops  had  been  fairly  beaten  out  of  it. 

On  the  19th  of  September,  sir  Alexander 
Cochrane,  with  the  Tonnant  and  Surprise, 
sailed  for  Halifax,  to  hasten  the  construction  of 
the  flat-bottomed  boats,  intended  to  be  employed 
in  the  great  expedition  on  foot ;  and  on  the  same 
day,  the  Albion,  rear-admiral  Cockburn,  sailed 
for  Bermuda,  leaving  the  Royal  Oak,  rear-admi- 
ral Malcolm,  with  some  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,  two  soldiers  were  wounded,  and  captain 
Kenali,  of  the  ^tna  bomb,  killed,  by  musketry 
from  tSie  shore.  Against  so  powerful  a  force, 
wlien  once  landed,  the  iew  militia  could  not  be 


034        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

sels,  an-ived  in  the  Chesapeake,  but  merely  to 
carry  away  the  colonial  marines ;  with  whom, 
on  the  14th,  he  proceeded  towards  Amelia 
Island,  in  East  Florida :  having  left  orders  for 
captain  Barrie  to  follow,  with  the  Dragon, 
Hebrus,  and  Regulus.  Accordingly,  captain 
Barrie  departed  sooii  afterwards,  leaving  a  few 
frigates  and  sloops  in  the  Chesapeake;  and,  on 
the  loth  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 
Somerville  of  the  Rota,  as  the  senior  officer, 
determined  upon  employing  the  two  companies 
of  the  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  13th  an  attack,  with  about 
700  troops,  marines,  and  seamen,  under  the 
command  of  captain  Barrie,  was  made  on  the 
fort,  or  key  to  the  entrance  of  the  river,  at  Point 
Petre.  This  fort  mounted  two  24,  two  18,  one 
9,  and  two  brass  6-pounders ;  from  which,  how- 
ever, scarcely  a  single  discharge  was  made,  ere 
the  garrison  abandoned  tlie  post,  and  fled  to  the 
woods  in  the  rear.     On  the  14th,  the  coijiibined 


CHEAT    BHITAIN    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  slripping  in 
the  harbor,  and  the  merchandize  in  lie  stores, 
were  taken  quiet  i)ossession  of.  Soon  a  terwards 
an  expedition  of  boats,  went  a  consicies  able  dis- 
tance further  up  the  river,  and  broug<lit  down 
the  Countess  of  IJarcourt  East  Indiaman,  which 
had  been  captured  and  carried  in  there  by  s^ 
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  loth  of  January,  rear-admiral  Cock- 
burn,  who  had  been  blown  oif  the  coast  by  strong* 
nortli-west  gales,  arrived  and  took  the  command ; 
and  on  the  22d,  the  British,  after  removing  the 
guns,  and  destroying  the  fort  and  barracks,  at 
Point  Petre,  descended  the  river  to  Cumberland 
Islaiid ;  of  w  hich  immediate  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  tabbi/;*  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 
command  of  captain  Phillott,  of  the  Primrose 
brig,  ascended  the  St.  Mary's  river,  without 
*  0)s(cr.ihtlls,  ami  their  cement. 


336         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

opposition,  120  niiles ;  when  a  heavy  fire  of 
musketrj^  opening  upon  them  from  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  completely 
cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  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  assist  in  a  couibined 
attack  upon  the  town  of  Savannah,  in  Georgia; 
a  naval  station  of  no  mean  importance.  The 
town  stands  upon  a  flat  sandy  cliff,  elevated 
about  50  feet  above  the  level  of  the  Savannah 
river;  is  distant  from  the  sea  about  17  miles; 
and  from  St.  Mary^s,  95  miles.  The  number 
of  its  inhabitants  is  about  7000;  and  the  quota 
of  militia  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  first  arrival  at  Cum- 
berland island,  had  been  waiting  for  a  rein- 
forcement, under  general  Power;  but  whose 
*  See  p.  274. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  337 

destinatiun,  unknown  to  them,  had  been  altered. 
Without  this  additional  force,  it  would  have 
been  imprudent  to  make  the  attack.  Some  other 
operations,  in  which  a  body  of  Indians  and 
Negroes  from  the  interior  of  West  Florida,  was 
to  co-operate,  had  also  been  in  agitation.  But 
the  intended  junction  had  been  prevented  bj  the 
machinations  of  some  of  those  crafty  Americans, 
who,  as  "  British  subjects,"  living  under  our  own 
government,were  so  actively  employed  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  remain,  for  several  weeks,  in  a 
state  of  perfect  inactivity  ;  at  a  time,  too,  when 
an  important,  well-struck  blow  would  have  pro- 
duced so  healing  an  effect.  Had  it  not  been 
for  a  communication,  opened,  through  the  Spa- 
niards on  Amelia  Island,  with  East  Florida, 
both  army  and  navy  would  have  had  their  idle 
hours  still  further  embittered  by  a  want  of  sub- 
sistence. 


TOL.  ir. 


338        MILITARY   OCCURRENCES    BETWEEJf 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

Expedition  to  New  Orleans — British  at  Pensacola 
and  Barataria — Trick  played  hy  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  the 
British  fleet  off  Chandeleur  island — Capture  of 
five  American  gun-boats  near  Lake  Borgne — 
Proclamation  of  martial  law  by  general  Jackson 
— Scheming  flag  of  truce-— -Its  object  defeated-^— 
Disembarkation  of  the  first  division  of  British 
troops — Description  of  the  ground  of  operations 
-^Arrival  of  British  advance  at  Villere^s— Ge- 
neral Wilkinson's  strictures  upon  the  route  chosen 
hy  the  British — Deception  as  to  the  strength  of 
Petite  Coquillefort — Accidental  low  estimate  of 
the  British  force  at  Villere's — Prompt  advance 
of  major-general  Jackson — U.  S.  schooner  Car o^ 
Una — Battle  of  the  23d  of  December — Destruc- 
tion of  the  Carolina  by  hot  shot — Escape  of  the 
U.  S.  ship  Louisiana — Arrival  of  sir  Edward  Pa- 
kenham- — Strength  of  the  British  forces — Pro- 
posed attack  in  the  rear  of  New  Orleans  —  Its 
non-adoption — Description  of  general  Jackson's 
lines  of  defence — Demonstration  of  the  Q,Sth  of  De- 
cember— Destructive  fire  of  the  Louisiana — Ame- 
rican batteries  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river — 
Arrival  of  ship-guns^  and  ei  ection  of  battery  by  the 

;  British^— Continued    cannonade— Mutual    rein- 


GREAT    BRITAIN    ANb    AMERICA.  339 

forcements — General  Morgan'' s  lines  on  the  oppo- 
site hank — British  and  American  forces — Battle 
of  the  Sth  ofJanuari/ — 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  the 
left  brigade — Repulse  of  the  British — Strictures 
upon  the  attack^  by  American  officers — Launch- 
ing of  the  boats  into  the  Mississippi — Successful 
attack  upon  the  American  intrenchments  on  the 
right  bofnk — Fatal  difference  of  opinion  respect- 
ing the  possibility  of  holding  that  position — Its^ 
immediate  evacuation — Short  suspension  of  hos, 
lities — Bombardment  of  Fort  St.  Philip — Retreat 
of  the  British  from  before  New  Orleans — The  total 
loss  on  both  sides — American  bombast — French 
general  Humbert — Some  particulars  relative  to 
general  Jackson — His  honorable  conduct — De- 
parture of  the  British  fleet — Surrender  of  Fort- 
Bowyer  without  a  shofs  being  fired  at  it — Treaty 
of  peace — Canadian  preparations  for  the  ensuing 
campaign — Brief  remarks  on  the  treaty^  and  on 
the  advantages  which  the  Americans  have  gained 
by  the  war, 

M^  ROM  the  paragraphs  that  appeared  in  several 
of  the  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  disa.Tected  towards  the  government  of  the 
z  2 


340        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

United  Stales,  and  would  rather  aid,  than  oppose 
the  landing  of  a  British  army.  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.  Tliere  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 
Mississippi  territory,  had  been  for  some  years  in 
accumulation,  the  city-warehouses  contained 
merchandize  to  an  immense  amount.  Indeed, 
considering  that  New  Orleans  was  the  emporium 
of  the  annually  increasing  productions  of  a  great 
portion  of  the  western  states,  the  enormous  sum 
of  3P00000/.  was,  perhaps,  not  an  over-estimate 
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, 
bj  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  British  standard. 
Almost  at  the  same  instant  thej received  accounts 
that  some  British  ofiicers  had  been  trying  to  gain 
over  theBaratarian  freebooters,  upwards  of  200  in 
number;  not  only  as  pilots  for  that  intricate  coast, 
but  as  active  allies  in  the  contemplated  invasion. 
Mr.    Laffiie,    the  commandaiit,   played   a  deep 
game  with  the  British  oiiicers.      He  received, 
with  seeming  acquiescence,  all   their  communi- 
cations on  the  subject,  and  then  forwarded  them 
to  the  governor  of  Louisiana,     lie  had,   at  that 
time,  in  the  gaol  of  New  Orleans,  loaded  with 
irons,  a  brother ;  whose  liberation  he,  no  doubt, 
hoped  to  eftect.     In  sliort,  Mr.  Lafiite   not  only 
betrayed  the  British,  but  offered  the  services  of 
himself  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  to  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 
early  as  the  12th  of  February,  1813,  authorizing 
t.ie  president    "  to  occupy  and   hold   all  that 


342  MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BBTWEBN 

tract  of  country,  called  West  Florida,  which 
lies  west  of  the  Perdido,  not  now  in  the  posses- 
sion of  the  United  States."  *  On  the  14th  of 
jVJarch,  the  order  to  take  possession  reached 
major-general  Wilkinson,  then  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  United  States'  troops  within  the 
territories  of  New  Orleans  and  the  Mississippi ; 
and,  on  the  loth  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  Wilkinsoon,  soon 
afterwards,  constructed  a  fort  upon  Mobile- 
point,  forming  the  extremity  of  a  peninsula, 
which  is  joined  to  the  continent  by  an  isthmus^ 
four  miles  wide,  dividing  the  river  and  bay  of 
Bonseeours  from  the  bay  of  Perdido. 

This  fort,  named  Fort-Bowyer,  mounted,  in 
September,  1814,  says  an  American  editor,  two 
24,  six  12,  eight  9,  and  four  4-pounders ;  and 
contained  a  garrison  of  only  130  men  ;•!•  yet, 
when  we  took  possession  of  Fort-Bowyer,  in 
February,  1815,  up  to  which  date  no  reinforce- 
ment of  guns  appears  to  have  been  sent  to  it, 
the  fort  mounted,  exclusive  of  one  long  24, 
and  two  9-pounders  outside,  three  32,  eight 
24,  six  12,  five  9,  and  one  4-pounder ;  also  one 
8-inch  mortar,  and  one  5^-inch  howitzer  ;  total 

*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  III.  p.  340. 
f  Latour's  War.  in  Lonisianaj^  p.  34. 


jOREAT   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  the  12th,  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-Bovvjer;  which  this  officer  had  unadvisedly 
determined  to  attack.  The  ships,  with  great 
difficulty,  owing  to  the  narrowness  of  the  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^' f 
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  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  fort ;  so 
that  major  Nicolls  had,  under  his  command,  not 
730,  t  but  120  marines  and  Indians. 

The  great  distance  at  which  the  Carron  and 
Childers  had  unavoidably  anchored,  confined  the 
eflfective  cannonade,  on  the  part  of  the  British,  to 

*  Appendix,  No.  112. 
^  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  40. 


344  MILITARY  OCCUURENCES    BETWEEN 

the  Hermes  and  Sophie  ;  nor  was  thelatter'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,  almost  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  tlie  American  captain 
Lavtrence's  *'  chariicteristic  humanity,"  the 
fort,  on  this"  memorable  daj'  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  was  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  the  British  loss  before  Fort- 
Bo  wyer,  162  killed,  and  70  wounded. f  The 
Americans  acknowledge  a  loss  of  four  killed,  and 
four  wounded,  -j*  jNo  event  of  the  war  has  been 
*  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  38.  +  Ibid.  p.  40. 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  345 

made  more  of  than  the  indiscreet  attack  upon 
Fort-Bow yer.  Major  Latour,  misnaming  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  hesays  would  bear,)  and  130 men. 
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  criticism  to 
dread  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

The  attack  upon  Fort-Bowyer  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  making 
defensive  arrangements ;  and,  among  them, 
adofrted  the  extraordinary  resolution  of  taking 
possession,  "  without  waiting  for  the  authority 
of  his  government," -f  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  Stli  of  November, 
without  bloodshed.  Leaving  garrisons  in  the 
captured  forts,  the  major-general,  with  the 
*  Latour'sWar  in  Louis,  p.  40.       +  Sketches  of  the  War,  p.  346. 


346        MILITARY   OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

remainder  of  his  troops,  departed  for  New  Or- 
leans ;  where  he  arrived  on  the  2d  of  Decem- 
ber. Since  the  10th  of  the  preceding  month, 
the  governor  of  Louisiana  had  informed  the  le* 
gislature,  that  the  British  were  about  to  attack 
the  state,  with  from  15  to  15000  men  ;  and  that 
he  was  in  daily  expectation  of  considerable  re- 
inforcements from  Kentucky  and  Tennessee. 

Without  a  brief  description  of  Louisiana,  and 
particularly  of  the  line  of  maritime  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  of  thePerdido  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 
*  Darby's  Louisiana,  p.  12. 


GREAT   BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  347 

of  Mexico,  and  west  by  the  parishes  of  St.  Ber- 
nard and  the  interior  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  miles,  following  the  stream,  and 
90  miles,  in  a  direct  line,  from  its  mouth.  The 
present  population  of  the  city  is  estimated  at 
23242  persons.  *  The  line  of  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  the  metropolis.  But  the 
flatness  of  the  coast  is  every  where  unfavorable 
for  the  debarkation  of  troops;  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  for  New  Orleans.  The 
commodore  immediately  ordered  the  gun-boats 
at  the  station  to  proceed  to  the  passes  Mariana 
and  Christiana,  leading  into  lake  Borgne ;  by 
which,  and  lake  Pontchartrain,  it  wrs  thought 
*  Darby's  Louisiana,  p.  18^. 


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, 
named  Petite  Coquille  fort.  Detachments  of 
troops  had  also  been  sent  out,  to  fell  timber 
across  every  small  b?you  or  creek,  leading  from 
the  lakes ;  and  through  which  a  passage  for 
boats  could  be  afforded.  The  precaution  was 
even  taken,  in  some  of  the  bayous,  to  sink  large 
frames, and  then  fill  them  \^ ilh  earth.  To  prevent 
any  approach  by  the  Mississippi,  general  Jack- 
son went  himself  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 
of  the  expedition. 

On  the  8th  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  American 
gun-boats  fired  at  the  Armide  as  she,  along 
with  the  Seahorse  and  Sophie,  was  passing  down, 
within  the  chain  of  small  islands  that  runs 
parallel  to  the  shore,  from  Mobile  towards  Lake 
Borgne.  Three  other  gun-boats  were  presently 
discovered  cruizing  in  the  lake.     On  the  10th, 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  349 

ilth,  and  12th,  the  remainder  of  the  men-of-war 
and  troop-ships  arrived ;  the  74s  anchoring  off 
Chandeleur  island;  the  frigates  and  smaller  ves- 
sels between  Cat  island  and  the  main,  not  far  from 
the  entrance  to  Lake  Borgne.  The  commander  of 
the  American  gun-boats,  fearing  an  attack,  had, 
since  the  Ilth,  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 
62  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  on  the  night  of  the  12th. 
For  the  details  of  the  short  battle,  ending  in 
the  capture  of  five  gun-boats,  and  an  armed  sloop, 
the  reader  is  referred  to  the  British  and  American 
official  accounts  ;f  upon  the  latter  of  which  we 
shall  proceed  to  make  a  few  observations. 

*  Latour's  War  in   Louisiana,   p    59. 

+  A  pp.  Nos.  78.  79.  80.  81.  and  82. 


350       MILITARY    OCCURKENCES   BETWEEN 

It  4ioes  not  appear,  by  captain  Lockye/s 
letter,  than  any  attack  was  made  upon  the  Sea- 
horse. 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  American  return  of  loss,  as  by 
the  proceedings  of  the  court  of  inquiry,  held  upon 
captain  Jones  and  his  officers  ;  in  which  neither 
the  Seahorse  nor  Mr.  Johnson,  her  commander, 
is  at  all  named.  Captain  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.  156  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  writer,  who  gives 
captain  Jones's  letter  in  his  Appendix,  should 
describe  the  latter's  "  objects  of  so  small  a  size," 
as  "  barges  almost  as  large  as  the  gun- boats 
themselves."*  Captain  Jones  says,  "  two  boats 
sank."  We  can  assure  him,  that  no  other 
boat  sank  than  the  Tonnant's  launch ;  and 
*  Latour's  War  ia  Louisiaoa,  p.  61. 


GREAT   BRITAJN   AND   AMERICA.  351 

every  man  in  her  was  saved.  The  court  o£ 
inquiry  has  preferred  "  several  barges"*  to  "two 
boats."  Major  Latour  himself  thinks  "  a  great 
number  of  barges  and  launches"!  better  than 
either.  Captain  Jones's  account  of  the  duration 
of  the  action  must  include  the  time  during  which, 
for  the  reasons  already  given,  he  had  the  firing 
all  to  himself.  In  less  than  20  minutes  after 
the  British  got  alongside  of  the  flag  gun-boat, 
the  whole  five  vessels  were  in  their  possession. 
The  defence  of  the  commodore's  gun-boat  did 
credit  to  all  on  board ;  nor  could  the  others,  when 
she  was  captured,  have  possibly  withstood  the 
force  operating  against  them.  It  is  captain  Jones's 
commentators  with  whom  we  have  more  parti- 
cularly to  do.  This  officer  must  excuse  us  for 
remarking,  that  his  "  correct  statement"  %vould 
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  12 
swivels,  or  half-pounders,  or  the  two  5^  inch 
howitzers,  which  were  captured  among  his  guns  ? 
We  will  not  dispute  the  numbers  of  his"eflrective" 
crews;  yet,  according  to  major  Latour,  the 
effective  crew  of  gun-boat  No.  65,  which  had 
been  left  to  assist  in  guarding  the  Mississippi, 
amounted  to  40  men.  ^     This  gentleman's  zeal 

♦  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  cxxxiii.         f  Ibid.  61. 
t   Ibid.  p.  191. 


352         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

has  carried  him  rather  too  far.  Out  of  the  state- 
ment in  captain  Jones's  letter,  that  his  vessels, 
at  2  P.M.  on  the  13th,  "  were  in  12  or  J  8  inches 
less  water  than  their  draught,"  the  major  has 
made  out  that,  in  the  action  on  the  14th,  "  it 
was  impossible  for  the  gun-boats  to  manoeuvre," 
because  "  several  of  them  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  estimate  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 
riegard  to  truth,"  scruples  not  to  account  for 
nearly  two-thirds  of  this  loss,  by,  what  he  calls,  the 
"plain  fact," — that  "  180  men  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  men  in  any  one  of  the  barges  was  31. 
If  we  seem  to  pass  over  our  old  friends  Messieurs 
Thomson,  O'Connor,  and  Smith,  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  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  61.         +  Ibid  p.  235. 
J  App.  No.  79.  §  App.  No.  80. 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA*  353, 

the  Louisiana  war.  Mr.  John  Henry  Eaton,  the 
biographist  of  general  Jackson;  taking  the  hint; 
from  major  Latour,  about  the  American  gun- 
boats and  British  barges  being  nearly  of  the 
same  size,  presents  his  readers  with  the  follow-, 


Boats', 

Men. 

Guns. 

««  The  British        Had       43 

1200 

43 

The  Americans,                5 

182 

23 

38  1018  20?'* 

Nothingcould  happen  better  ;  because  it  gives 

Us  an  opportunity  of  exhibiting  a  statement  also. 

Supposing  Mr.  Eaton  not  to  have  known,  that 

the  smallest  of  his  "  boats''  was  75  tons  burthen, 

the  History  of  the  Tripolitan   War  would  have 

informed  him,  that  two  or  three  of  them  had 

tirossed  the  Atlantic  and  back  in  safety.     Now 

for  our  statement : — 

United  States'  "  boat' 
No.  23. 
Broadside-metal  J  long  gnns, 
in  pounds,      \  carronades, 

Complement, 
Size  in  tons, 

And  did  not  the  American  commodore  Mac- 
donough,  in  an  official  letter,  designate  two 
British  vessels,  the  largest  of  which  was  two 
tons  smaller  than  Mr.  Eaton's  "  boat,"  as  "  two 
sloops  of  war". ^  J  We  need  only  add  to  what 
Jias.  already   appeared  respecting  the   state  of 

♦  Eaton's  Life  of  Jackson,  p.  261. 

+  Nav.  Hist,  of  the  United  States,  Vol.  I.  p.  249 

+  James's  Nav.  Occur,  p.  420. 
VOL.    il.  A  A 


"  His  Britannic  Ma 

jest 

fs 

brie:  Hunter.' 

't 

50 

16 

9 

12      . 

59 

28 

41 

39 

112 

74 

354        MILITARY  OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

equipment  of  American  gun-boats,*  that  those 
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  to  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,  commodore  Patterson,  on  the 
15th  of  December,  sent  a  purser  and  doctor  of 
the  navy,  with  a  flag,  under  pretence  *'  of 
obtaining  correct  information  as  to  the  situation 
of  the  officers  and  crews  made  prisoners  on  board 
the  gun-boats,  and  of  endeavouring  to  obtain 
their  being  sufF<6red  to  return  to  town  on  parole."')* 
Admiral  Cochrane  very  properly  told  them, 
**  that  their  visit  was  unseasonable,  and  that  he 
could  not  permit  them  to  return,  until  the 
intended  attack  was  made,  and  the  fate  of  New 
Orleans  decided. ""I"  This  was  construed  into  a 
*'  wanton  outrage  on  propriety,"  and  all  sorts  of 
abuse  lavished  upon  the  British  character. 

On  the  16th  the  iirsit  division  or  troops,  con- 
sisting of  the  85th  regiment,  landed  at  Isle  aux 
Poix,  a  small   swampy  spot,   at  the  mouth  of 

*  See  p.  200.        +  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  76. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  355 

the  Pearl  river  ;  about  30  miles  from  the  anchor- 
age, and  nearly  the  same  distance  from  the 
bajou  Catalan,  or  Bienvenu,  intended  as  the 
point  of  disembarkation.  Various  causes,  as 
detailed  in  admiral  Cochrane's  letter,*  delayed 
the  arrival  of  the  boats  at  the  fishermen's  village, 
near  the  entrance  of  the  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  of  the 
95th  regiments,  also  100  sappers,  miners,  and 
artillery  men,  with  two  3-pounders,  and  30 
rocketeers,  in  all  1688  men,  under  the  command 
of  colonel  Thornton  of  the  85th,  commenced 
ascending  the  bajou  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  swamp,  about  80  miles  in  extent,  bounded  on 
the  north  by  the  Mississippi,  on  the  west  by 
New  Orleans,  on  the  north-west,  by  bayou  Sau- 
vage,  or  Chef-menteur,  and  on  the  east  by  Lake 
Borgne,  into  which  it  empties.  It  receives  the 
streams  of  several  other  bayous,  formed  by  the 
*  App.  No.  99. 
A  A    2 


356         MILITARY  OCCURRENCES  BETWEEN 

waters  of  the  surrounding  cypress  swamps  and 
prairies,  as  well  as  of  innumerable  little  streams 
from  the  lowgrounds  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  of  the  canals  of  the  plantations  of  Villere, 
Lacoste,  and  l.aronde,  upon  which  the  British 
afterwards  established  their  principal  encamp- 
ment. The  level  of  the  great  basin,  On  the  bank 
of  the  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  in  the  lake,  forms,  on  all  their 
banks,  deposits  of  slime,  which  are  continually 
raising  them  above  the  rest  of  the  soil ;  so  that 
the  interval  between  two  bajous  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  from  six 
to  eight  feet,  grow  in  abundance.  It  sometimes 
happens  that  the  rains,  or  the  filtrated  waters, 
collected  in  these  intervals,  or  basins,  not  finding 
a  vent,  form  what  are  called  trembling  prairies; 
which  are  at  all  times  impassable  to  men  and 
domestic  animals.  The  land  in  Lower  Louisiana 
slopes  in  the  inverse  direction  of  the  soil  of  other 


GREAT    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  15  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  levees,  have  been  raised  on 
its  banks,  from  the  highlands  towards  its  mouth, 
a  little  above  the  level  of  the  highest  swells  ; 
without  which  precaution,  the  lands  would  be 
entirely  overflowed,  from  four  to  five  months  in 
the  year.  The  reader  will  now  be  better  able 
to  appreciate  the  difficulties  our  troops  and 
seamen  had  to  encounter,  in  transporting  them- 
selves, their  baggage,  provisions,  and  artillery, 
to  the  scene  of  operations  on  the  left  bank 
of  the  Mississippi. 

The  spot  at  which  the  British  advance  had 
landed,  was  about  a  mile  from  a  cypress  wood, 
or  swamp,  of  nearly  a  mi!e  and  a  half  in  depth, 
running  parallel  to  the  Mississippi;  between 
which  and  the  border  of  the  wood,  is  a  slip 
of  land,  from  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  lev6e,  or 
bank  of  the  river,  the  high  road  to  ^e\\  Orleans. 


358        MILITARY    OCOURRBNCE9   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  regiment  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, 
since  the  night  of  the  18th,  by  the  honorable 
captain  Spencer,  of  the  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,  of  the  late  Ameri- 
can flotilla,  in  answer  to  the  particular  enquiries 
put  to  him  respecting  the  strength  of  Fort- 
Coquille,  defending  the  entrance  to  Lake  Pont- 
chartraine,  reported  it  to  mount,  instead  of  eight, 
—•"40  pieces  of  artilley,"  and  to  be  garrisoned 
by,  not  50, — but  "  500  men,"  and  that,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  supposed  strength  of  that  posi- 
tion, the  British  determined  to  advance  by  the 
bayou  Bienvenu,  he  says  : — "  To  this  direction 
of  the  invaders,  and  their  halt  after  they  had 


GREAT    BUITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  359 

reached  the  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  may,  under 
God,  be  ascribed  the  salvation  of  New  Orleans, 
and  genenil  Jackson's  merited  fainCi  By  this 
approach,  the  enemy  placed  the  vVnierican  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  chief, 
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  th^  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  afterwards  became  all  important, 
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 
of  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  the  way 
of  Lake  Pontchartrain,  and  take  the  city  of  New 
Orleans  in  the  rear,  the  general  has  himselfj 
partly  explained,  in  the  ruse  de  guerre  of  lieuten- 
ant Jones,  or,  rather,  of  Mr.  Shields,  commodore 
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  general 
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  condemned  the  British  for 
taking  repose  on  their  arrival  at  Villere's  ;  more 
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  *'  8  to  4000"  at  a 
fort  at  the  '^  English   turn,"  J     a  bend  of  the 

*  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  537.  ' 

■)■  Jjatour's  W^r  in  Louismna,  p.  104.     t  Ibid.  p.  86, 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  361 

river,     about    10    miles     below     the      British 
encampment. 

General  Jackson  received  intelligence  of  the  ar- 
rival of  the  British  at  Viller6's  farm,  at  about  two 
o'clock  P.M.  on  the  23d;  and  major  Letour,  who 
was  the  reconnoitring  officer,  *' judged  that  their 
number  must  amount  to  16  or  1800."*  Not 
satisfied  with  this  account,  major-general  Jack- 
son sent  forward  "  colonel  Haynes,  inspector 
general  of  the  division;"  but,  says  major  Latour, 
"lie  had  noopportunity  to  form  a  correct  estimate 
of  their  number,  which  he  made  to  amount  to 
no  more  than  200  men."  Here  we  have  an  im- 
portant fact ;  accounting  for  general  Jackson'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  tiiis  occasion, 
making  it  amount  to  "  2131  men."  f  The  Car 
roiina  schooner,  which  combined  in  the  attack, 
mounted  twelve  12-pound  carronades,  and 
two  long  guns  of  the  same  caliber,  with  a  crew 
of  about  90  men.  A^  hen  she  opened  her  fire, 
several  British  soldiers,  taking  her  to  be  an 
unarmed  vessel,  were  actually  standing  upon 
the  levee,  looking  at  her.  The  Caroline  had  not, 
at  this  time,  any  other  vessel  in  company  .J 

The  reinforcement  that  reached  colonel  Thorn- 
*Latour'sWarinLouis.p.  88,     +  lb.  p.  105.    +App.No.83, 


36*2  MILITARY  OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

ton  on  the  night  of  the  attack  amounted,  not  to 
*' 2900  men,"  but  to  only  230  rank  and  file  of 
the  21st,  and  140  rank  and  file  of  the  93d  regi- 
ments ;  total  370  men  :  making  the  aggregate 
British  force,  just  at  the  close  of  the  attacks 
2050  men.  With  these  explanatory  particulars 
before  him,  the  reader  can  lake  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  62  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  pai:ticularized 
in  their  return, J  of  24  killed,  115  wounded, 
and  74  missing ;  total  213. 

The  enemy's  ship  and  schooner  continuing  a 
heavy  and  destructive  cannonade  upon  the 
British  troops,  a  battery  of,  not  as  major  Latour 
says,  "  several  12  and  18-pounders,"  but  of  five 
*  App.  No.  83j  85,  and  87.    f  App.  No.  84.   J  App.  No.  86. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  363 

9  and  6-pounderg,  the  heaviest  artillery  which 
had  then  been  got  up,  was,  by  day-light  on  the 
morning  of  the  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  fiaming  wreck.  When  the  latter 
exploded,  which  was  not  till  an  hour  after 
the  commencement  of  the  firing,  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-generai  Gibbs, 
had  arrived  at  head-quarters ;  the  former  to 
take  command  of  the  army,  now  augmented,  by 
fresh  arrivals  from  the  anchorage,  to  about, — not, 
as  major  Latour  says,  "  9  or  10000,"f  but — 5040 
rank  and  file.  The  prevailing  frosts  had  greatly 
improved  the  road  from  the  landing  place  ;  and 
*  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  118,        f  Ibid-  p.  125. 


364         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

rendered  a  passage  across  the  swamps,  in  most 
directions,  less  difficult  than  usual.  At  this 
time  the  real  strength  of  Fort-Coquille  was  gene- 
rally known  in  camp ;  and  some  one  proposed 
for  the  army  to  be  moved  back,  by  a  route 
pointed  out,  to  Lake  Pontchartrain  ;  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  PSew  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  of  the  strength  of 
the  American  position,  but  by  a  full  description. 
Fortunately,  we  are  enabled  to  give  that  in  the 
very  words  of  the  engineer  who  superintended 
the  construction  of  the  lines.  By  way  of  still 
further  elucidation,  we  have  made  use  of  major 
Latour's  plan  or  sketch  ;*  w  hich,  although  it  has 
reference  to  the  operations  of  ia  subsequent  day, 
represents,  except  as  to  some  of  the  guns,  the 
same  lines  which  were  now  about  to  be  attacked. 
— "  Jackson's  lines,  within  five  miles  of  the  city 
of  New  Orleans,  and  running  along  the  limits  of 
Rodriguezes  and  Chalmette's  plantations,  were 
but  one  of  those  antient  mill-races  so  common 
in  Louisiana,  extending  from  the  bank  of  the 
river  to  the  cypress  swamp.  It  has  already  been 
geen,  from  my  description  of  the  form  of  the  soil 
•  See  Plate  VII. 


.^r-???ir^3-i:^a 


364         MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

rendered  a  passage  across  the  swamps,  in  most 
directions,  less  difficult  than  usual.  At  this 
time  the  real  strength  of  Fort-Coquille  was  gene- 
rally known  in  camp ;  and  some  one  proposed 
for  the  army  to  be  moved  back,  by  a  route 
pointed  out,  to  Lake  Pontchartrain  ;  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  ISew  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  of  the  strength  of 
the  American  position,  but  by  a  full  description. 
Fortunately,  we  are  enabled  to  give  that  in  the 
very  words  of  the  engineer  who  superintended 
the  construction  of  the  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  of  ia  subsequent  day, 
represents,  except  as  to  some  of  the  guns,  the 
same  lines  which  were  now  about  to  be  attacked. 
— "  Jackson's  lines,  within  five  miles  of  the  city 
of  New  Orleans,  and  running  along  the  limits  of 
Rodriguezes  and  Chalmette's  plantations,  were 
but  one  of  those  antient  mill-races  so  common 
in  Louisiana,  extending  from  the  bank  of  the 
river  to  the  cypress  swamp.  It  has  already  been 
seen,  from  my  description  of  the  form  of  the  soil 
•  See  Plate. VII. 


r^^'.'?-^ 


/      .V      v  -    / 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  365 

in  Lower  Louisiana,  and  from  its  shelving  from 
the  ri%'er  towards  the  swamps,  that,  when  the 
iNlississippi  is  swelled  to  its  greatest  height,  the 
level  of  the  surface  of  its  waters  is  some  feet 
above  that  of  the  contiguous  soil,  and  from  12 
to  15  feet  above  that  of  the  praries  and  bayous, 
which,  at  those  periods,  receive  the  waters  flow- 
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  on 
both  sides,  so  as  to  afl^brd  a  mass  of  water  from 
eight  to  eleven  feet  deep  ;  and,  at  the  head  of 
these  canalsj  which  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  mill  to  turn  ; 
so  that  its  banks  had  fallen  in,  and  raised  its 
bottom,  which  was  covered  with  grass,  present- 
ing, rather,  the  appearance  of  an  old  draining 
ditch,  than  of  a  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.  I  will 
only  observe,  that  those  lines  leave  the  least 
possible  space  between  the  river  and  the  wood, 
and  that  from  the  lines  to  Viller^s  canal,  the 
depth  of  the  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  troops  began  to  raise  a  parapet. 


366        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEE?r 

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  on  the  left  (or  inner)  bank  ;  w  here  the 
earth  had  been  thrown  when  the  bank  was  ori- 
ginally dug.  The  i)ank  on  the  right  (or  outer) 
side,  being  but  little  elevated  above  the  soil, 
formed  a  kind  of  glacis.  All  the  pales  of  the 
fences  in  the  vicinity  were  taken  to  line  the 
parapet,  and  prevent  the  earth  from  falling  into 
the  canal.  All  this  was  done  at  various  inter- 
vals, and  by  different  corps,  owing  to  the  fre- 
quent mutations  in  the  disposition  of  the  troops. 
This  circumstance,  added  to  the  cold,  and  to 
incessant  rain,  rendered  it  impossible  to  observe 
any  regularitj^  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  other  places,  the  enemy's 
balls  went  tlirongV  it  at  the  base.  On  the  1st 
of  January,  there  was  but  a  very  small  proportion 
of  the  line  able  to  withstand  the  balls  ;  but,  on 
the  8th  of  January,  the  whole  extent,  as  far  as 
the  wood,  was  proof  against  the  enemy's  cannon. 
The  length  of  the  line  was  about  a  mile,  some- 
what more  than  half  of  which  ran  from  the 
river  to  the  wood,  the  remainder  extending  into 
the  wood,  where  the  line  took  a  direction  to- 
wards the  left,  which  rested  on  a  cypress  swamp 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  367 

atlmost  iQipassable.  Enormous  holes  in  the  soil, 
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  number  and  caliber 
of  the  pieces,  appearon  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  iialf  of  them  were 
mounted  on  the  28th  of  December.  In  case  of 
being-driven  from  this  strong  Iine,generalJackson 
had  caused  to  be  constructed  two  other  lines  in 
his  rear  ;  the  nearest,  or  Dupr^'s  line,  at  the  dis- 
tance of  a  mile  and  a  half,  and  the  third,  or  Mon- 
treuil  line,  at  the  distance  of  two  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  from  the  city,  had  been  selected; 
and  the  labour  of  150  negroes,  for  six  days,  com- 
pleted the  parapet  along  the  whole  length  of  the 
canal,  and  levelled  the  earth  to  form  a  glacis  on 
the  opposite  side.  There  was,  also,  opposite  totlie 
city,  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  a  strong  redoubt, 
formed  by  a  brick-kiln  ;  surrounded  by  a  ditch, 
25  feet  \\ide,  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. 


ol>68        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  determined  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  moved  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  of  the  forenoon. -j*  Her  fire,  and  that 
from  the  enemy's  heavy  pieces  at  his  works,  did 
considerable  execution.  On  the 30th  commodore 
Patterson  planted  behind  the  lev^e  on  the  right 
banka24-pounder,  and  on  the  next  day,  two  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  missing ;  total 
56.  X  The  Americans  acknowledge  a  loss  of  nine 
killed;  and  eight  wounded, §  on  shore,  and  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  former  Mere  placed  in 

*  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  125.  ' 

t.App.  Nos.  89and  90.       +  A  pp.  No.  94.       §.App.  No..  &i. 


GREAT    BRITAIN   AND    AMERICA.  369 

a  battery,  formed  with  hogshearls  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  first 
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  enemy's  fire  was  directed  ;  but  we 
were  not  less  intent  in  demolishing  his ;  for, 
in  about  an  hour's  time,  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,  vigo- 
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  morning. 

Failing  to  make  any  impression  upon  the 
enemy's  parapet,  and  unable  to  approach  his 
fianks;  on  his  right,  owing  to  the  river,  and  on 

*  Latour"s  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  133.        +  App.  No.  92. 

VOL.    If.  BE 


370        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

his  left,  owing  to  the  impassable  swamp  by 
which  it  was  so  well  secured,  the  British  com- 
mander-in-chief determined  to  wait  for  the  ex- 
pected reinforcements,  under  major-general 
Lambert,  We  may  observe,  in  this  place,  what 
great  advantage  would  hav«  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 
tor  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  days,  the 
cannonade,  owing  to  the  ruinous  state  of  the 
British  batteries,  was  wholly  on  the  side  of 
the  Americans.  *'  Our  artillery,"  says  major 
Latour,  "  continued  to  fire  on  the  enemy  ;  and, 
whenever  a  group  of  four  or  five  men  shewed 
themselves,  they  were  instantly  dispersed  by  our 
balls  or  shells.  The  advantage  we  derived  from 
that  almost  incessant  cannonading,  on  both 
banks  of  the  Mississippi,  was,  that  we  exercised 
our  gunners,  annojed  the  enemy  to  such  a 
degree,  that  he  could  not  work  at  any  fortifica- 
«  App.  No.  95.  +  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  V^iller^'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  bad  thrown 
up  two  fresh  lines,  in  advance  of  his  works  at 
Boisgervais'  canal.  Upon  these,  and  commo- 
dore Patterson's  battery  on  the  river-side,  J  were 
mounted  16  guns.  The  last-named  officer  ac- 
tually saw,  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 
of  the  river  would  be  attacked  on  the  morning 
of  the  8th.  "  In  our  camp,"  says  major  La- 
tour,  '*  all  was  composure  ;  the  officers  were 
ordered  to  direct  their  subalterns  to  be  ready 
on  the  first  signal.     Half  the  troops  passed  the 

*  Latour's  War  ia  Louisiana,  p.  143. 
+  Eaton's  Life  of  Jackson,  p.  332.  +  See  Plate  VII. 

§  App.  No.  .99.  II  App.  No.  102. 

B  B    2 


373        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES  BETWEEIV 

night  behind  the  breastwork;  relieving  each 
other  occasionally.  Every  one  waited  for  day 
with  anxiety  and  impatience,  but  with  calm 
intrepidity ;  expecting  to  be  vigorously  attacked, 
and  knowing  that  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 
bimself.  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 
estimate  of  their  respective  force," — wherein  we 
find  the  "  40th  regiment,"  and  a  "  detachment 
of  the  62d  regiment,"  that  did  not  land  till  the 
11th  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  "  35C0,"— makes  a  total  of 
only  "' 14450  ;"t  less,  by  2000  and  upwards, 
than  the  amount  which  he  had  previously 
told  us  was  "  ready  for  action."  Again  ;  the 
numbers  upon  the  major's  diagram,  or  plan 
of  the  battle  of  the  8th,  run  thus :  "  Main 
attackof  the  British,  supposed  to  be  between  8 
and  9000  strong  ;" — "  Left  column  of  the  British, 

*  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,   p.  164. 

+   Ibid,  his  Appendix,  No.  44»  ^'^'4. 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA,  373 

supposed  1200  strong."  Add  lo  thisi  number 
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  Sth,  we  had,  includ- 
ing fatigue-parties  and  piquets,  and  every 
description  of  force  on  shore,  the  follouing 
rank  and  lile  :  14th  light  dragoons,  295  ;  roj  al 
artillery,  570 ;  sappers  and  miners,  98  ;  staiT 
corps,  57;  4th  foot,  747;  7th,  750;  21st,  800; 
43d,  820;  44th,  427;  85th,  298;  9Sd,  775; 
95th,  276;  and  1st  and  5th  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  marines  from  the  fleet,  we  have 
8153  for  the  total  amount  of  the  British  on 
shore.  Deducting  853  |^men  for  the  fatigue- 
parties,  piquets,  guards  at  the  hospitals,  &c. 
leaves  7300  men  for  the  British  force,  "  ready 
for  action,"  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  at  or 
before  day-light,  on  the  morning  of  the  Sth  of 
January.  To  this  force  was  added  a  battery, 
hastily  thrown  up,  of  six  18'pounders;  besides 
a  brigade  of  9,  6,  and  3-pounders,  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  number  of  men 
under  command  of  general  Jackson,  and  actu- 
ally engaged  against  the  enemy,  on  tlie  8th  of 
January,  amounted  to  4698."*  This  was  on 
the  left  bank :  on  the  right  bank,  we  have  400 
men,  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 ; 
making  a  total  force,  on  both  sides  of  the  river, 
of  6198  men.  1  he  American  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,  which 
happened  at  the  very  onset,  gave  a  fatal  turn 
to  the  first  misfortune.  The  44th  regiment, 
owing  chiefly  to  the  negligence  of  its  comman- 
der, failed  to  be  in  readiness  with  the  fascines 
and  ladders.  These  had  been  placed  in  a  redoubt, 
1200  yards  from   the   enemy's  lines ;  by  which 

*  Hist,  of  the  War,  p.  291. 
'  /4»r«  ^  Eaton's  Life  of  Jackson,  p.  33(i;  Tide  Erratum.       "^'^ 
:J:  App.  No.  96.      .i*j-j..i.  .#'^".>:i'.vv>...  :i^j»A.;^^v-- 


GliEAT  BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  373 

redoubt  the  44th,  in  its  way  from  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  time,  cleared  up,  the  com- 
manding otiicer  of  the  44th,  lieutenant-colonel 
Mullins,  (only  a  captain  in  the  regiment,)  sent 
back  300  men ,  under  lieutentant-colonel  Debbeig, 
to  bring  up  the  fascines  and  ladders.  Before  the 
44th  returned,  the  firing  had  commenced ;  and 
many  of  the  men  threw  down  iheir  "  heavy"  loads, 
and  took  to  their  muskets.  There  ivas  not  one 
ladder  placed;*  although  some  were  thrown 
in  the  ditch.  What  followed  we  cannot  describe 
better,  than  in  the  sworn  depositions  of  two  dis- 
tinguished officers,  examined  at  colonel  MuUins's 
court-martial.  Major  sir  John  Tylden,  of  the 
43d  regiment,  says: — ''  On  the  morning  of  the 
8th  of  January,  1  was  in  the  field,  as  senior  officer 
on  the  adjutant-general's  department.  I  accom- 
panied sir  E.  Pakenham,  shortly  after  four 
o'clock,  to  the  house  of  major-general  Gibbs. 
Immediately  on  his  arrival,  general  Gibbs  re- 
ported to  sir  E.  Pakenham,  in  my  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  immedi- 
ately, on  finding  it  out,  sent  an  ofiicer  to  the 
regiment  to  hurry  them  on ;  that  the  mistake 
*  Court-martial  on  lieutenaat-colonel  Mull'ms,  p.  36. 


376        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

might  be  rectified,  and  that  he  was  in  inomea- 
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,  and  to  ascertain  [the 
probability)  of  their  getting  up  in  their  situation 
in  column.  1  did  so,  and  found  the  44th 
regiment  moving  off  at  the  redoubt,  just  before 
day,  in  a  most  irregular  and  unsoldierlike  man- 
ner, with  the  fascines  and  ladders.  I  then  re- 
turned, after  some  time,  to  sir  E.  Pakenham, 
and  reported  the  circumstance  to  him  ;  stating 
that,  by  the  time  which  had  elapsed  since  1  left 
them,  they  must  have  arrived  in  their  situation 
in  column.  Shortly  after  the  signal  of  attack 
was  given,  I  rode  with  sir  E.  Pakenham  toward 
the  column.  In  passing  towards  the  head  of 
the  column,  we  saw  several  parties  of  the  44th 
regiment  straggling  about  the  ground  with  their 
fascines  and  ladders  ;  and  some  of  them  had,  even 
then,  commenced  firing.  On  arriving  at  the 
column,  a  check  and  confusion  had  taken  place, 
and  the  firing  was  becoming  general  throughout 
the  whole  of  the  column.  General  Gibbs  came 
up  to  sir  Edward  Pakenham,  and  said,  in  my 
hearing,  '  I  am  sorry  to  have  to  report  to  you, 
the  troops  will  not  obey  me  ;  they  will  not  follow 
me.^  At  this  moment  there  certainly  was  great 
confusion  prevailing  in  the  column. *  Sir  E. 
Pakenham  pulled  off  his  hat,  and  rode  to  the 
hea,d  of  the  column,  and  cheered  the  men  on, 


GREAT   BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  377 

and  in  that  act  fell.  At  this  time,  1  had  just 
returned  from  the  other  flank  of  the  column, 
and  having  been  at  both  flanks,  and  at  the  head 
of  the  column,  1  can  positively  assert,  there  was 
not  a  single  man  of  the  44th  regiment  in  front. 
I  then  rode  to  the  rear,  to  report  the  death  of 
sir  Edward  Pakenham.  In  going  to  the  rear, 
I  saw  several  parties  of  the  '21st  and  44th  regi- 
ments running  to  the  rear,  and  firing  in  all 
directions,  in  the  most  disorderly  manner  I  ever 
witnessed.  I  also  saw,  scattered  in  several  parts 
of  the  field,  several  of  the  fascines  and  ladders. 
I  reported  the  substance  of  my  testimony  to 
major-general  sir  John  Lambert."  *  —  Major 
M'Dougal,  of  the  85th  regiment,  says  thus : — 
'*  1  was  aide  de  camp  to  major-general  Paken- 
ham, and,  on  the  signal  of  attack  being  given 
on  the  morning  of  the  8th  January,  I  accom- 
panied him  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  of  the  attack  :  how- 
ever, a  firing  commenced  ;  and,  presently  after- 
wards, I  saw  many  individuals  of  the  44th  regi- 
ment, as  well  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  Edward 
Pakenham  said, — '  For  shame,  recollect  you  are 
*  Court-martial  on  lieutenant-colonel  MullinS;  p.  10. 


5Tf        MititARY   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  mass  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  cease,  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  wound,  and  his  horse  at  the  same 
moment  was  shot  under  him ;  and,  almost 
immediately  afterwards,  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  of  the 
column  did  not  advance.  The  ground  presented 
no  obstacle  to  the  advance  of  the  column,  or  any 
thing  that  should  have  occasioned  straggling  in 
ia  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  coiii- 
ttience  firing.  It  is  my  opinion,  that  the  whole 
confusion  of  the  column  proceeded  from  the 
original  defective  formation  of  the  44th  ;  the 
fall  of  sir  Edward  Pakenham  deprived  the 
column  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  column 
commenced,  the  fire  from  the  enemy's  was  but 
mere  spit  of  fire,  nothing  to  check  a  moving 
column."  *  We  may  here  notice  a  slight  error 
in  major-general  Lambert's  despatch.  It  was 
brigade-major  Wilkinson,  and  not  major-general 
sir  Edward  Pakenham,  who  fell  on  the  glacis 
of  the  enemy's  line.  The  latter  fell  near  the 
spot  marked  on  the  diagram,  -f- 

Had  it  not  been  for  the  misbehaviour  of  the 
44th  regiment,  sir  Edward  Pakenham's  life 
might  have  been  spared;  and,  with  such  an 
officer  to  command  in  chief,  the  day  must  have 
been  ours.  The  two  officers,  the  best  able  to 
succeed  him,  fell  also;  one  mortally,  the  other 
severely  wounded.  It  is  idle  to  accuse  the 
44th  and  21st,  (part  of  which  regiment  equally 
misbehaved,)  of  cowardice.  To  refute  such  a 
charge,  it  is  sufficient  to  state,  that  the  men  of 
those  regiments  were  chiefly  Irishmen.     The  21st 

*  Court-martial  on  lieutenant-colonel  Mulllns,  p.  8. 
+  See  Plate  VII. 


380        MILITARY   OCCUllllENCES    BETWEEN 

and  44th  were  not,  however,  as  major  LatouV 
jeeringly  calls  them,  "Wellington's  heroes:" 
they  came  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 
commanding  officer  of  the  first  battalion  of  the 
44th  ?  We  are  sorry  to  be  compelled  to  say,  that 
colonel  Brooke  was  present,  but  not  at  the  head 
of  his  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,  that  the  check 
in  the  advance  of  the  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  lie  is  outdone  by  Mr.  O'Connor  ; 
who,  in  his  representation  of  the  action,  has 
actually  placed  a  ladder,  and  a  long  one  too,*^ 
directly  against  the  parapet.  * 

Colonel  Rennie,  of  the  engineers,  at  the  head 
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 
unfinished  redoubt  upon  the  enemy's  right.  "The 
detachment  ordered  against  this  pJace,"  says 
general  Jackson's  biographist,  "  formed  the  left 
of  general  Keane's  command.  Ren nie  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  riflemen. 
Pressed  by  the  impetuosity  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  impracticable  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."*     Tite   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. 
I'he  British  loss,  on  both  banks,  amounted  to 
290  killed;  1262  wounded  ;  and  484  missing  ;t 
total,  not,  as  the  American  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, 
theAmerican  loss,  on  the  left  bank,  amounted 
to  no  more  than  seven  killed  and  six  wounded  ; 
and,  on  both  bunks,  to  only  13  killed,  39 
wounded,  and  19  missing  :  total  71.  % 

We  shall  conclude  our  account  of  the  battle  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  with  the  opinions 
of  two  American,  or  rather  of  one  French  and  one 
American  military  oflicer,  upon  the  quality  and 
behaviourof  the  British  troops;  as  well  as  upon  the 
merits  of  the  plan  of  attack,  in  which  the}-  so 
unfortunately  failed.  '*  It  is  well  known,''  says 
major  Latour,  ''  that  agility  is  not  the  distinc- 
tive quality  of  British  troops.  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. 


tfREAT    KRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  323 

tor  an  assault.  The  British  soldiers  showed,  ont 
this  occasion,  that  it  is  not  without  reason  that 
they  are  said  to  be  deficient  in  agility.  The 
enormous  load  they  had  to  carry  contributed, 
indeed,  not  a  little  to  the  difficulty  of  their 
movement :  besides  their  knapsacks,  usually 
weighing'  nearly  30  pounds,  and  their  muskets, 
too  heavy  by,  at  least,  one-third,  almost  all  of 
them  had  to  carry  a  fascine,  from  nine  to  10 
inches  in  diameter,  and  four  feet  long,  made  of 
sugar-canes,  perfectly  ripe,  and  consequently 
very  heavy,  or  a  ladder  from  10  to  12  feet  long."* 
**  Instead  of  ''  almost  all,"  only  300  of  the 
British  troops  had  to  carry  fascines  and  ladders; 
and  these  vrere,  in  truth,  so  heavy,  especially 
when  to  be  carried,  in  haste,  nearly  three  cjuarters 
of  a  mile,  that  most  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, 
was  not  the  best  calculated  for  displaying  their 
''  agility."  Major  Latour  proceeds: — *'  The 
duty  of  impartialitj^,  incumbent  on  him  who 
relates  military  events,  obliges  me  to  observCj 
*  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  161. 


384         MILITARY   OCCURRENCES   RETWEEN 

that  the  attack  made  on  Jackson's  lines,  by  the 
British,  on  the  8th  of  January,  must  have  been 
determined  on  by  their  generals,  without  any 
consideration  of  the  ground,  the  weather,  or  the 
difficulties  to  be  surmounted,  before  they  could 
storm  lines,  defended  by  militia  indeed,  but  by 
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  witli  circumspection,  so 
extremely  slippery  was  the  soil.  Yet  those 
officers  had  had  time,  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  form  a  just  idea  of  the  diffi- 
culty their  troops  must  have  experienced,  in 
climbing  up  our  intrenchments,  even  had  the 
column  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  '^ew 
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.  He 
*  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  161. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  385^ 

was  slaughtered,  and  repulsed ;  and,  as  the 
whole  operations  were  confined  to  the  perpen- 
dicular march  of  columns  against  a  straight  line, 
defended  by  stationary  batteries  and  battalions, 
the  subject  requires  no  further  elucidation,  than 
that  the  passive  resolution  of  tfce  American 
citizen  vanquished  the  active  courage  of  the 
British  veteran."*  In  justice  to  sir  Edward 
Fakenham's  memory,  it  is  right  to  state,  that 
the  attack  was  intended  to  be  made  before  day- 
light, could  the  difficult  and  arduous  service  of 
tracking  the  boats  to  the  Mississippi  have  been 
executed  in  time,  f 

At  last,  50  barges,  launches,  and  pinnaces 
were  launched  ;  and  298  of  the  85th  regiment, 
along  with  about  200  seamen  and  marines,  under 
the  command  of  colonel  Thornton,  were  crossed 
over.  Three  of  the  boats,  armed  with  carronades, 
called  by  that  officer  "  gun-boals":|:  co-ope- 
rated in  the  attack.  The  American  force  on  this 
side  was,  as  already  stated,  1500  men.  The 
progress  and  successful  result  of  tlie  expedition 
will  be  found,  fully  detailed,  in  the  British  and 
American  official  accounts.  §  By  the  returns  of 
loss  on  the  8th,  only  two  of  the  85th  were  killed  ; 
41  wounded;  and  one  missing.  The  seamen 
and  marines  (supposing  none  to  have  fallen  on 
the  left  bank)  lost  four  killed  and  35  wounded  ; 

-  *  Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  541.  +  App.  No.  96. 
%  App,  No.  97.  §  App.  No».  97,  98,  101,  and  102. 
VOL,  II.  C  C 


386        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES    BETWEEiV 

total  six  killed,  76  wounded,  (an  unusual  pro- 
portion,) and  one  missing;  grand  total  83. 
Commodore  Patterson's  guns,  and  not  the  rifles 
of  the  fljing  Kentuckians,  ''  the  meritorious 
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  of  the  captured 
lines.  But  colonel  Dickson,  of  the  artillery, 
"  did  not  think  it  could  be  held  with  security 
by  a  smaller  corps  than  2000  men.'^  *  The  con- 
sequence of  this  unfortunate  report  was,  that 
major-general  Lambert,  now  the  commanding 
oflicer,  ordered  the  right  bank  of  the  river  to  be 
instantly  evacuated.  '^  I  need  not  tell  you,'* 
says  general  Jackson,  "  with  how  much  eager- 
ness, I  immediately  regained  possession  of  the 
position  he  had  thus  happily  quitted."  f  Major- 
general  Lambert  had  previously  applied  to 
*  App.No.  96.  i  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  and  a  5|-inch  howitzer;  and,  in  the  covert-way, 
two  long  ^2-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 :  "j*  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  11th  the 
40th  regiment  arrived  ;  but  no  movement  took 
place  in  consequence.  On  tite  morning  of  the 
loth,  a  British  deserter  informed  general  Jack- 
son that  major-general  Lambert  would  retreat 
in  a  few  days.ij:  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- 
embarked.  Our  loss  between  the  9th  and  26th 
of  January,  owing  to  the  enemy's  cannonade, 

*  Latour's  War  in  Louis,  p.  191.     +  App.  Nos.  10/ and  108. 

+  Ibid.  p.  179. 

c  c  3 


388         MILITARY   OCCUK^BENCES   BETWEEN 

amounted  to  one  killed,  and  five  wounded, 
including  lieutenant  D'Arcy,  of  the  43d  ;*  who, 
according  to  the  American  accounts,  had  both 
his  legs  carried  off  by  a  shell,  at  the  moment 
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  makes  the  loss  sustained  by  the 
British,  from  first  to  last,  in  this  ill-fated  expe- 
dition, 385  killed;  1516  wounded  ;  and,  includ- 
ing the  two  officers  and  37  dragoons  taken  oil 
the  night  of  the  25th,  591  missing;  total,  not  as 
general  Jackson  supposed  "  4000,"  ■]*  but  2492: 
while  the  American  loss,  in  the  same  expedition, 
amounted  to  55  killed;  185  wounded;  and  93 
missing;  total  333.^  Major  Latour  says: — 
'*  The  number  of  sick  and  wounded  in  the  fleet 
is  estimated  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  example.  Supposing  all 
the  British  wounded  to  have  been  disabled,  there 
would  still  be  5400  troops  remaining;  enough, 
surely,  if  properly  employed,  to  have  taken  JSew 
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.  103, 

§  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  226, 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  3S9 

Instead  of  attributing  their  good  fortune,  in 
this  their  "Waterloo"*  battle,  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  from  St.  Domingo,"  and  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  whom  the  French  government 
had  formerly  confided  the  command  of  that  ex- 
pedition to  Ireland,  which  will  ever  be  recorded 
in  the  glorious  pages  of  history  ;"  •\  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  the  service." :|:     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 ;  he  was 
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 
settlement,    near  Camden,   in    South-Carolina. 

*  Marengo,  Austcrliiz,  Leipsiz,iVet£>Or/eaM^,  and  Waterloo. 
Wilkinson's  Mem.  Vol.  I.  p.  654. 

+  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p  ,176.  %  Ibid.  227. 


390        MILITARY    OCCURRENCES   BETWEEJf 

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  himself  at  New  Orleans, 
not  only  an  able  general,  for  the  description  of 
country  in  which  he  had  to  operate,  but,  in 
all  his  transactions  with  the  British  officers, 
both  an  honorable,  and  a  courteous  enemy. 
In  his  official  despatches,  too,  he  has  left  an 
example  of  modesty,  worthy  of  imitation  by  the 
generality  of  American  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  of  the  8th  of  January,  for  the  parole  and 
countersign,  the  words — '  Booty  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  New 
Orleans.  The  same  sentiment,  but  expresssed  in 
*  Eaton's  Life  of  Jackson,  p.  9.  +  Ibid.  p.  282. 


GREAT    BRITAIN    AND    AMERICA.  391 

less  refined  language,  may,  however,  have  been 
uttered  by,  or  in  the  hearing  of,  some  soldier  or 
sailor,  who  afterwards  deserted  to  the  enemy. 

The  bad  state  of  the  weather  delayed  the 
departure  of  the  fleet  and  troops  till  the  5th  of 
February ',  on  which  day  they  sailed,  and, 
on  the  7th,  arrived  off  Dauphine  island.  The 
troops  here  disembarked,  and  encamped ;  except 
the  skeletons  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  8th, 
about  tiiree  miles  in  the  rear  of  the  fort.  The 
full  details  of  the  surrender  of  Fort-Bowyer,  on 
the  "  memorable  "  12th  of  February,  without  a 
shot  having  been  fired  at  it,  are  given  in  the 
British  and  American  official  accounts,  f  By 
the  fire  opened  upon  the  working  parties  at  the 
intrenchments,  the  British  lost  13  killed  and  18 
wounded.  Mr.  O'Connor  cunningly  says  : — . 
"There  were  but  few  lives  lost  on  either  side.^'J 
Major  Latour  has  given  a  plan  of  the  attack ; 
upon  which  we  count  60  ships  and  other  vessels; 
and  between  Dauphine  island  and  the  Mobile 
peninsula,  no  fewer  than  8050  British  troops. 

*  Latour's  War  in  Louisiana,  p.  209. 
+   App.  Nos.  109.  110.  111.  112.  113.  114.  and  115. 
X  History  of  the  War,  p.  296. 


35-2  MILITARY  OCCURRENCES    BETWEEN 

For  the  major's  puffing  remarks  we  have  no  room. 
Thej  will  be  read  with  interest  by  those  to  whom 
they  are  more  immediately  addressed.  But  it 
is  doctor  Smith,  that  is  entitled  to  the  thanks  of 
his  brother-citizens.  "  The  array  of  60  sail,? 
says  he,  "and  the  parade  of  16000 Britons  before 
Fort-Bowyer  was  a  most  extraordinarj'  military 
spectacle."  *  Extraordinary,  indeed  !  He  finds 
fault  with  the  British,  too,  for  particularizing, 
among  the  articles  surrendered,  "  one  triangle 
gin  complete,"  and  "  500  flints."  f  How  hap- 
pened doctor  Smith  not  to  know,  that  general 
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  tarpaulins," 
and  "  one  pair  of  washer-hooks"  ?  ;}:  Had  the 
American  generals  that  took  the  forts  George 
and  Erie  been  so  precise,  particularly  as  to  the 
*'  women  and  children,"  doctor  Smith  and  his 
brother  historians  would  have  been  content  with 
shorter  paragraphs  in  announcing  those  "  bril- 
liant achievements"  to  the  world.  About  the 
middle  of  March,  along  with  major-general 
Power,  §  and  one  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.  110.       +  Wilkinson's  Mem.  V^ol,  I.  p.  515. 
§  See  p.  336.  \\  App.  No.  116.      . 


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  them,  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  reinforcements  to  Michilimacinac; 
and  a  British  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 
jNiagara  and  Michilimacinac.  The  peace  de- 
prived us  of  the  two  latter ;  and,  considering 
how  the  campaign  of  1815,  as  soon  as  it  could 
be  opened,  was  likely  to  be  conducted  on  our 
part,  we  may  say,  of  the  former  also. 

A  full  discussion  upon  the  merits  of  the  treaty 
would,  of  itself,  fill  a  volume.  We  cannot,  how- 
ever, read  over  the  ninth  article,  without  point- 
ing to  the  recent  proceedings  of  the  American 
general  Gaines  with  the  Seminole  Indians.  It 
is  the  interest  of  the  United  States  to  destroy, 
and  they  will  in  time  destroy,  either  by  the 
sword  or  debauchery,  every  Indian  upon  tl^e 
American  continent.  The  United  States  declared 


894        MILITARY  OCCURRENCES   BETWEEN 

Mar;  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  haughtilj^  frowns  upon  our  countrj, 
and  from  which  are  disseminated  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  achievements, '^  by  which 
the  United  States  have  acquired  so  high  renown, 
it  is  unnecessary  for  us  to  comment  upon  this 
climax  of  American  gasconade. 


GREAT    BIliTAIN    AND   AMERICA.  395 


APPENDIX. 


No.  1. 


District  general  order. 

District  head.quarters, 
Kingston,  25th  November,   1813. 

J.  HE  major-general  commanding,  and  president,  having 
received  from  major-general  Vincent  a  report  of  the  very- 
gallant  and  patriotic  condnct  of  lieutenant-colonel  Boshvick, 
and  an  association  of  45  officers  and  men  of  the  mili(ia  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  the 
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  the  inhabitants  of  an  extensive  district 
from  a  numerous  and  well  armed  banditti,  who  would  soon  have 
left  them  neither  liberty  nor  property.  He  reminds  them  that, 
if  so  much  can  be  eflected  by  so  small  a  number,  what  may 
not  be  expected  from  the  unanimous  exertions  of  the  whole 
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. 


395  APPENDIX. 

No.  2. 

From  colonel  Murray  to  major-general  Vincent. 

Sir,  -        .      Fort-George,  Dec.  12,  1813. 

Having  obtained  information  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  tfie  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  him  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  commanding  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  exultatioit 
to  them  to  find  themselves  delivered  from  the  oppression  of  a 
lawless  banditti,  composed  of  the  disaffected  of  the  country, 
organised  under  the  direct  influence  of  the  An)erican  govern- 
ment, who  carried  terror  and  dismay  into  every  family. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

J.  MURRAY,  colonel. 

To  major-general  Vincent,  &c. 


"f  ^  <  ^  *  ./s^#^^.*s#'*.*  ^ 


No.  3. 


From  the  same  to  Ueutenat-general  Drummond. 

Sir,  Fort.Niagara,  Dec.  19,   1813. 

In  obedience  to  your  honor's  commands,  directing  me  to 
attack  Fort-Niagara,  with  the  advance  of  the  army  of  the 
.right,  I  resolved  upon  attempting  a  surprise.  The  embarkation 
commenced  on  the  18th,  at  night,  and  the  whole  of  the  troops 
were  landed  three  miles  from  the  fort  early  on  the  following 
morning,  in  the  following  order  of  attack  :-— Advanced  guard 
one  subaltern  and  20  rank  and  file;  grenadiers  100th  regiment;. 


APPENDIX.  397 

royal  artillery,  with  grenadiers;  five  companies  lOOth  regi- 
ment, under  lieiitenant-coloiiel  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.  1  have  great  satisfaction  in  acquaint, 
ing  your  honor,  that  the  fortress  was  carried  by  assault  in  the 
most  resolute  and  gallant  manner,  after  a  short  but  spirited 
resistance. 

The  highly  gratifying  but  difficult  duty  remains,  of  endea- 
vouring to  do  justice  to  the  bravery,  intrepidity,  and  devotion 
of  the  100th  regiment  to  the  service  of  their  country,  under 
that  gallant  officer  lieutenant-colonel  Hamilton,  to  whom  1  feel 
highly  indebted  for  his  cordial  assistance.  Captain  Martin, 
^OOth  regiment,  who  executed  the  task  allotted  to  him  in  the 
most  intrepid  manner,  merits  the  greatest  praise;  I  have  to 
express  my  admiration  of  the  valour  of  the  royals,  grenadiers, 
under  captain  Bailey,  whose  zeal  and  gallantry  were  very 
conspicuous.  The  just  tribute  of  my  applause  is  equally  due  to 
the  flank  companies  of  the  4lst  regiment,  under  lieutenant 
Bullock,  who  advanced  to  the  attack  with  great  spirit.  The 
foyal  artillery,  under  lieutenant  Charlton,  deserve  my  particular 
notice.  To  captain  Elliot,  deputy-assistant-quarter-masteV- 
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  leave  to  recommend  iht.se  meritorious 
officers  to  your  honor's  protection.  The  scientific  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, 
ia  bringing  forward  the  materials  requisite  for  the  attack, 
demand  my  acknowledgements.  Captain  Kirby,  lieutenants 
Ball,  Scroos,  and  Hami.ton,  of  the  different  provincial  corps, 
deserve  my  thanks.  My  staffs-adjutant,  Mr.  Brampton,  wilf 
have  the  honor  of  presenting  this  despatch,  and  the  standard  of 
the  American  garrison  ;  to  his  iatelligence;  valor,  and  friendly 


39»  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 
cloathing  and  camp  equipf'ge  of  every  description. 

J.  MURkAY,  colonel. 
His  honor  lieutenant-gen.  Drummond,  &c.  &c.  &c. 

Return  of  killed  and  wounded   in   an  assault  of  Fort-Nia«;ara,  at  day- 
break, on   the  morning  of  the  19th  of  December,  ]813. 
General  staff'; — I  officer,  wounded. 
Hoyul  artillery  ; — 1  staff,  wounded. 
'^Istfoot; — 1  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

IQOthfoot ; — 1  lieutenant,  5  rank  and  file,  killed ;  2  rank  and  file, 
wounded. 

Names  of  officers  killed  and  wounded. 
Killed — \00thfuot ;  —Lieutenant  Nowlan. 

Wounded; — Col.  Murray,  commanding,  severely  (not  dangerously). 
Royal  artillery  ; — Assistant- surgeon  Ogilvie,  sligl)tly. 

J.  HARVEY, 
licut.-col.,  and  deputy-assistant-gen. 

Return  of  the  enemy's  loss  in  killed,   wounded,  and  prisoners,  who 
fill  into  our  hands,  in  an  assault  on  Fort-Niagara,  on  the  morning 
of  the  lOUi  of  December,  1313. 
Killed  ,—65. 

Wouiuled ;  —  1  lieutenant,  1  assistant-surgeon,  12  rank  and  file. 
Pii.oners  ;  —  1  captain,  9  lieutenants,  2  ensigns,  1  surgeon,  1  com- 
missary, 12  Serjeants,  318  rank  and  file. 

J.  HARVEY,  lieut.-col.j  and  dep.-adjt.-gen. 
E.  BARiS'ES,  adj.-gen.  North  America. 


No.  4. 


From  brigadier'general  APClure  to  the  American  secretarij 
at  zear. 

Head-quarters,  Buffaloe, 

Sir,  Dec.  22,  1813.  ' 

I  regret  to  be  under  the  necessity  of  announcing  to  you  the 

mortifying  intelligence  of  the  loss  of  Fort-Niagara.     On  the 

morning  of  the   19th   instant,  about  four  o'clock,  the  enemy 

crossed  the  river  at   the   Five  mile  Meadows  in  great  force, 


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  the 
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,  captain 
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  W  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  arrangement 
to  meet  it;  but  have  reason  to  believe,  from  information 
received  by  those  who  have  made  their  e-scape,  that  the  com- 
mandant did  not  in  any  respect  com{jly  with  those  orders. 

On  the  same  morning  a  detachment  of  militia,  under  major 
Bennett,  stationed  at  Lewistown  Jielghts,  was  attacked  by  a 
party  of  savages;  but  the  major  and  his  little  corps,  by  making 
a  desperate  charge,  etfected  their  retreat,  after  being  surrounded 
by  several  hundreds,  with  the  loss  of  si.v  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  officers  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  ol  the  enemy  to  fall  back  to  the 
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 
other  villages  oa  this  frontier. 


40ei  APPENDIX. 

I  came  here  with  the  troops,  and  have  called  out  the  mllttia 
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  arc  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. 

1  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  ditfercnt  block.houscs,  and  give 
directions  to  the  officers  of  the  infantry  where  they  should  be 
posted  with  their  men,  in  case  of  an  attack  ;  and  should  they 
not  be  able  to  maintain  the  out-works,  to  repair  to  the  block 
and  mess-houses,  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. 
^y  order  of  brig.-gen.  M'Clnre, 

DONALD  I'RASER, 
lieutenant  15  U.  S.  inf.,  and  vol.  aid  de  camp. 


No.  6. 


,  From  major-general  Eiall  to  lieutenant-general  Drummond. 

Niagara  frontier,  near  Fort-Eric, 
Sill,  Jan.  1,   1814. 

I  have  the  honor  to  report  to  you,  that,  agreeably  to  the 
instructions  contained  in  yonr  letter  of  the  29th  ult.,  and  your 
general  order  of  that  day,  to  pass  the  river  Niagara,  for  the 
purpose  of  attacking  tlie  cnem^^'s  force,  collected  at  Black 
Rock  and  Buffalo;  and  earring  into  execution. the  other  objects 
therein  mentioned,  1  crossed  the  liver  in  the  following  night, 


APPENDIX.  401 

with  four  companies  of  the  king's  regiment,  and  the  light 
company  of  the89th,  under  lieutenant-colonel  Ogilvie  ;  250  men 
of  the  41st  regiment,  and  the  grenadiers  of  the  100th,  under 
major  Friend  ;  together  with  about  50  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  off  had  there 
been  time  given  for  it.  I  immediately  established  the  41st  and 
100th  grenadiers  in  position  beyond  the  bridge,  for  the  purpose 
of  perfectly  securing  its  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  gren;uliers  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  position, 
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  suffered  some  loss,  and  was  not  able  to  eflfect 
its  landing  in  sufficient  time  to  fully  accomplish  the  object  in- 
tended, though  covered  by  the  whole  of  our  field-guns,  under 
captain  Bridge,  which  were  placed  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the 
river. 

The  king's  and  89th,  having  in  the  meantime  gained  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.  The 
enemy  maintained  his  position  with  very  considerable  obstinacy 
for  some  time ;  but  such  was  the  spirited  and  determined  ad- 
vance of  our  troops,  that  he  was  at  length  compelled  to  give 
way,  was  driven  through  his  batteries,  in  which  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  commanded  the  road  ;  but  finding  this  ineffectual,  he 
fled  in  all  directions,  and  betaking  himself  to  the  woods,  further 
pursuit  was  useless.  He  left  behind  him  one  6-poundcr  brass 
field-piece,  and  one  iron  18  and  one  iron  6-pounder,  which  fell 
into  our  hands.  I  then  proceeded  to  execute  the  ulterior  object 
of  the  expedition,  and  detached  captain  Robinson,  of  the  king's, 
with  two  companies,  to  destroy  the  two  schooners  and  sloop, 
VOL.    II.  D  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  completed.  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  to  move 
down  the  river  to  Fort-Nidgara,  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 
to  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  imagine  from  3  to  400 ;  but  from  the  nature  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  of  the  king'i 
regiment,  and  89th  light  infantry.  They  were  most  gallantly 
led  to  the  attack  by  lieutenant-colonel  Ogilvie,  of  the  king's, 
■who,  lam  sorry  to  say,  received  a  severe  wound,  which  will  for 
a  time  deprive  the  service  of  a  very  brave  and  intelligent  officer. 
After  lieutenant-colonel  Ogilvie  was  wounded,  the  command  of 
the  regiment  devolved  on  captain  Robinson,  who,  by  a  very 
judicious  movement  to  his  right,  with  the  three  battalion  com. 
panics,  made  a  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  boat» 
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  that  of  captain  Fawcett,  of  the 
100th  grenadiers,  who  was  unfortunately  wounded.  Captain 
Barden,  of  the  SQth,  and  captain  Brunter,  of  the  king's  light 
infantry  companies,  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  zeal  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  '.ict  of  cruelty,  as  far  as  I  could  learn, 
was  committed  by  the  Indians  towards  any  of  their  prisoners. 


APPENOrX.  403 

I  cannot  close  this  report  without  mentioning,  in  tornis  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  A^as  extremely 
active  and  zealotis,  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. 
Lieutepant-general  Drummond,  commanding 
the  forces,   Upper  Canada. 

Return  of  the   killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  of  the  troops  of  the 
right  division,  under   the  romniand  of  major-general  Rial,  in  the 
attack  on  Black  Rock  and  Buffalo,  on  the  30ih  of  December,  1813. 
Killed — ro}/al  Scots; — 13  rank  and  file. 

King's  regiment ; — 7  rank  and  file. 

41st  foot ; — 2  rank  and  tile. 

89th  light  infantry  ; — 3  rank  and  file. 

Voluntter  militia ; — 3  rank  and  file. 

Indian  warriors ; — 3  rank  and  file. 
Wounded — royal  Scots  ; — 3  Serjeants,  29  rank  and  file. 

King's  regiment ; — 2  officers,  14  rank  and  hie. 

4:1st  foot ;  —  5  rank  and  file.  _ 

89th  foot ;   {light  infantry;) — 5  rank  and  file. 

100th  foot;  (grenadiers  ;) — 1  officer,  4  rank  and  file. 

Volunteer  militia; — 1  officer,  5  rank  and  file. 

Indian  zoarriors ; — 3  rank  and  file. 
Missing — royal  Scots ; — 6  rank  and  file. 

41st foot ; — 3  rank  and  file. 

Names  of  officers  wounded. 
King^s  regiment; — Lieutenent-colonel  Ogilvie,  severely;  (not  danger- 
ously ;)  lieutenant  Young,  slightly. 
lOOthfoot ;  (grenadiers;) — Capt.  Fawcett,  severely;  not  dangerously. 
Volunteer  militia  ; — Captain  Scroos,  alightly. 

J.  HARVEY, 
Lieut.. colonel,  and  deputy-adjutant-general. 

Return  of  ordnance  captured  at  Black  Rock  and  Buflfalo,  on  the  30th 

of  December,   1813. 
One  brass  6-pounder  field-piece,  with  carriage,  complete ;  one  iron  24- 
pounder,  one  iron  18-pounder,  one  iron  12-pounder,  one  9-pounder, 
one  iron  tJ-pouiider, 

C.  BRIDGE,  captain,  R.  A. 


D  D    2 


404  APPENDIX. 

No.  7; 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  major-general  Hall  to  governor 
Tompkins-,  dated  head-quarierSf  Niagara  frontier,  Dec» 
SOth,   1812,  7  o'clock,   P.M. 

I  have  only  time  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  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 ; 
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  lies 
open  and  naked  to  our  enemies.  Your  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. 

No.  8. 

From  rear-admiral  Cockhurn  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  tome  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  Highflyer 
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  men,  under 
captains  Wybouro  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.  Westphall,  first  of 
the  Marlborough,  to  take  and  destroy  the  aforesaid  stores  :  the 
Highflyer  tender,  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  T.  Lewis, 
being  directed  to  follow,  for  the  support  and  protection  of  th?, 
boatSj  as  far  and  as  closely  as  he  might  find  it  practicable. 


APPENDIX.  405 

Being  Ignorant  of  the  way,  the  boats  were  unfortunately 
Jed  up  the  Bohemia  Rirer,  instead  of  keeping  in  the  Elk ; 
and,  it  being  daylight  before  this  error  was  rectified,  they 
did  not  reach  the  destined  place  till  between  8  and  9  o'clock 
this  morning,  which  occasioned  the  enemy  to  have  full  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  lately 
been  erected,  and  from  whence  a  heavy  lire  was  opened  upon 
our  boats  the  moment  they  approached  within  its  reach  ;  but 
the  launches,  with  their  carronades,  under  the  orders  of  lieutc- 
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  ir;  and  the  marines  being  in  the  act  of  disem. 
barking  on  the  right,  the  Americans  judged  it  prudent  to  quit 
their  battery,  and  to  retreat  precipitately  into  the  country, 
abandoning  to  their  fate  Frenc'".-Town  and  its  depots  of  stores  ; 
the  whole  of  the  latter,  therefore,  consisting  of  much  flour,  a 
large  quantity  of  array-cloathing,  of  saddles,  bridles,  and  other 
equipments  for  cavalry,  &:c.  &c.,  together  with  various  articles 
of  merchandize,  v,  ere  icrraediately  set  fire  to,  and  entirely  con- 
sumed, as  v.'ere  five  vcs:^!3  lying  near  the  place;  and  the  guns 
of  the  battery  being  too  iieavy  to  hriug  away,  were  disabled  as 
effectually  as  possible  by  lieutenant  Ftobertson  and  bis  artillery- 
men ;  after  which,  my  orders  being  completely  fulfilled,  the 
boats  reicrned  down  tiie  river  Vtithout  molestation  ;  and  I  am 
happy  to  add,  that  one  seamen,  of  the  Mr:idstone,  wounded  in 
the  arm  by  a  grape-iihot,  is  the  only  csualty  we  have  sus- 
tained. 

To  iieutenarit  G.  A.  WeslphaH,  who  has  so  gallantly  con- 
ducted, and  so  ably  executed,  this  service,  my  highest  encoaiiunis 
and  best  acknowkcJi^er.ientsaredue  ;  aisd  1  trust,  sir,  you  will 
deem  him  to  have  also  thereby  merited  your  favorable  conside- 
ration and  notice.  It  is  likewise  my  pleating  duty  to  acquaint 
you,  that  he  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  ih:;  zeal  and  good 
conduct  of  every  oilicer  and  man  employed  with  him  on  this 
occasion;  but  particularly  of  the  very  great  assistance  he  de- 
rived from  lieutenant  Robertson,  of  the  arlillery  ;  lieutenant 
Alexander,  of  the  Dragon  ;  lieutenant  Lewis,  of  the  llighfiyer  ; 
and  captains  Wybourn  and  Carter  of  the  royal  marines. 

I  have  now  anchored  the  above-mentioned  brigs  and  tenders 
near  a  farm,  on  the  right  bank  of  this  river,  where  there  appears 
to  be  a  considerable  quantity  of  cattle,  which  1  intend  embark- 
ing for  the  use  of  the  fleet  under  your  command  ;  and  if  1  meet 
with  no  resistance  or  impediment  in  so  doing,  I  shall  give  the 
owner  bills  on  the  victualling-office  for  the  fair  value  of  whatso- 
eyer  isso  taken;  but  should  resistance  be  made,  1  shall  consider 


406  APPENDIX, 

them  as  prize  of  war,  which  I  trust  will  meet  your  approbation  ; 
HJid  I  purpose  taking  on  board  a  further  supply  for  the  fleet  to* 
morrow,  on  similar  terms,  from  Specucie  Island,  which  lies  a 
little  below  Havre-de-Graee,  and  which  I  have  been  informed 
is  also  well  stocked. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  5cc. 

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  off 
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  report  of  the  29th  ultimo,  No.  10, 
I  observed  guns  fired,  and  American  colours  hoisted,  at  a  battery 
lately  erected  at  Havre-de-grace,  at  the  entrance  of  Susquei 
hanna  River.  This,  of  course,  immediately  gave  to  the  place  an 
importance  which  I  had  not  before  attached  to  it,  and  I  there^ 
fore  determined  on  attacking  it  after  the  completion  of  our 
operations  at  the  island ;  consequently,  having  sounded  in  the 
direction  towards  it,  and  found  that  the  shallowness  of  the 
water  would  only  admit  of  its  being  approached  by  boats,  I 
directed  their  assembling  under  lieutenant  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  VVybourn  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  P^an- 
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,  under  cover  of  the  night, 
the  necessary  position  for  commencing  the  attack  at  the  dawn 
of  day.  The  Dolphin  and  Highflyer  tenders,  commanded  by 
lieutenants  Hutchinson  and  i^ewis,  followed  for  the  support  of 
the  boats,  but  the  shoalness  of  the  water  prevented  their  getting 
within  six  miles  of  the  place.  Captain  Lawrence,  however, 
having  got  up  with  the  boats,  and  having  very  ably  and  judi- 
ciously placed  them  during  the  dark,  a  warm  fire  was  opened  on 
the  place  at  day.light  from  our  launches  and  rocket- boats,  v^  hich 
was   smartly  returned   from   the  battery  for  a  short  time  j  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  under,  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  battery,  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  them  to  retreat,  with  their  whole  force, 
to  the  farthest  extremity  of  the  tovvn,  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  tcazing  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  satislaction  to  overtake, 
and  with  his  remaining  hand  to  make  prisoner  and  bring  in  a 
captain  of  their  militia.  We  also  took  an  ensign  and  some 
armed  individuals  ;  but  the  rest  of  the  force,  which  had  been 
opposed  to  us,  having  penetrated  into  tiie  woods,  I  did  not 
judge  it  prudent  to  allow  of  their  being  furtlier  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  fied  to  the  woods,)  to 
understand,  and  feel,  what  they  were  liable  to  bring  upon 
themselves,  by  building  batteries,  and  acting  towards  ns  with 
so  much  useless  rancour,  1  embarked  in  the  boats  the  guns 
from  the  battery,  and  having  also  taken  and  destroyed 
about  130  stand  of  small  arms,  I  detached  a  sm;dl  division  of 
boats  up  the  Susquehanna,  to  take  and  destroy  whatever  they 
might  meet  with  in  it,  and  proceeded  mysalf  with  the  remaining 
boats  under  captain  i-,awreiice,  in  search  of  a  cannon  foundry, 
which  I  had  gained  intelligence  of,  whilst  on  shore  at  llavre- 
de-Grace,  as  being  situated  about  three  or  four  miles  to  the 
northward,  where  we  found  it  accordinj;ly  ;  ;ind  getting  pos. 
session  of  it  without  difficulty,  camnunced  instantly  its  destruc- 
tion, and  that  of  the  guns  and  other  materials  we  found  there, 
to  complete  which,  oC(;n[>ied  as  during  the  remainder  of  the  day, 
■US  there  were  several  buildings,  and  much  complicated  heavr 


408  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,  I  trust,  prove  of  much  nati- 
onal importance. 

In  the  margin*  I  have  stated  the  ordnance  taken  and  dis- 
abled by  our  small  division  this  day,  during  the  whole  of  which 
we  have  been  on  shore  in  the  centreof  the  enemy's  country,  and 
on  his  high  road  between  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia.  The  boats 
which  I  sent  up  the  Siisqnchanna,  returned  after  destroying  five 
vessels  on  it,  and  a  large  store  of  flour;  when  every  thing  being 
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  night,  and  the  able  manner  in 
which  he  conducted  the  attack  of  Havre  in  the  morning,  added 
to  the  gallantry,  zcai,  and  attention,  shewn  by  him  during  this 
whole  day,  most  justly  entitle  him  to  my  highest  encominms 
and  acknowledgeiiients,  and  wiil,  I  trust,  ensure  to  him  your 
approbation ;  and  I  have  the  pleasure  to  add,  that  he  speaks  in 
the  most  favorable  manner  of  the  good  conduct  of  all  the  officers 
and  men  employed  in  the  boats  under  his  immediate  orders, 
particularly  of  lieutenants  Alexander  and  Reed,  of  the  Dragon 
and  Fantome,  who  each  commanded  a  division  ;  of  lieutenant 
G.  A.  VVestphall,  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  me  as  first  lieutenant,)  1  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  continuing  to  assist  me  to  the  last 
moment  vvith  his  able  exertions.  I  therefore,  sir,  cannot  but 
entertain  a  confident  hope  that  his  services  of  to-day,  and  the 
wound  he  has  received,  added  to  what  he  so  successfully  exe- 
cuted at  Frtnchtown,  (as  detailed  in  my  letter  to  you  of  the 
29th  ultimo,)  will  obtain  for  him  your  favorable  consideration 

*  Taken  from  the  battery  at  Havre-de-Grace— 6  guns,  12  and  6-poun- 
ders. 

Disabled,  in  battery  for  protection  of  foondry— 5  jcuns,  24  pounders. 

Disabled,  ready  for  sendina;  away  from  foundry — 28  guns,  32-pounders. 

Disabled,  in  boring-house  and  foundry— 8  guns  and  4  carronades  of 
difff  rent  calibres. 

Total— 51  guns,  and  130  stand  of  small  armi. 


APPENDIX.  40Q 

and  notice,  and  that  of  my  lords  coramissioners  of  the  admiralty. 
I  should  be  wanting  in  justice  did  I  not  also  mention  to  you, 
particularly,  the  able  assistance  again  afforded  me  by  lieutenant 
Robertsou,  of  the  artillery,  who  is  ever  a  volunteer  where  ser- 
rice  is  to  be  performed,  and  always  foremost  in  performing  such 
service,  being  equally  conspicuous  for  his  gallantry  and  ability  ; 
and  he  also  obliged  me  by  superintending  the  destruction  of  the 
ordnance  taken  at  the  foundry.  To  captains  Wyborn  and 
Carter,  who  commanded  the  marines,  and  shewed  much  skill  ia 
the  management  of  them,  every  praise  is  likewise  due,  as  are 
my  acknowledgments  to  lieutenant  Lewis,  of  the  Highflyer, 
■who,  not  being  able  to  bring  his  vessel  near  enough  to  render 
assistance,  came  himself  with  his  usual  active  zeal  to  offer  his 
personal  services.  And  it  is  my  pleasing  duty  to  have  to  report 
to  you,  in  addition,  that  all  the  other  officers  and  men  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  hen.  admiral  sir  J.  B.  Warren,  bart. 
andK.B.  &c. 


No.  10. 

From  same  to  same. 

H.M.S.  Maidstone,  off  the  Sassafras  river, 
Siu,  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,  1  directed,  last  night,  the  assembling  of  the  boats  along, 
side  the  Mohawk,  from  whence  with  the  marines,  as  before, 
under  captains  Wybournand  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  Mohawk. 

I  intended  that  they  should  arrive  before  the  above-mentioned 
towns  by  dawn  of  day,  but  in  this  1  was  frustrated  by  the  intri- 
cacy of  the  river,  our  total  want  of  local  knowledge  in  it,  the 
darkness  of  the  night,  and  the  great  distance  the  towns  lay  up 
it ;  it,  tlicreforc,  unavoidably  became  late  in  the  morniDg  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,  that  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  ;  that  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  the  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 
and  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  bnyonets,  he  fled  with  his  whole 
force  to  the  woods,  and  was  neither  seen  nor  heard  of  after, 
wards,  though  several  parties  were  sent  out  to  ascertain  whether 
he  had  taken  up  any  new  position,  or  what  had  become  of  him. 
I  gave  him,  however,  the  mortification  of  seeing,  from  where- 
ever  he  had  hid  himself,  that  1  was  keeping  my  word  with  respect 
to  the  towns,  which  Cexcepting  the  houses  of  those  who  had  con- 
tinued 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.  1  then  directed  the  re- 
embarkation  of  our  small  force,  and  we  proceeded  down  the 
river  again,  to  a  town  I  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  Freiiericks- 
town,  had  its  effect,  and  led  these  people  to  understand,  that 
they  had  more  to  hope  for  from  our  generosity,  than  from 
erecting  batteries,  and  opposing  us  by  means  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 
statiucd  there,  and  that  whilst  there  1  should  not  meet  with  any 


APPENDIX.  411 

Apposition  whatever.  I  therefore  landed  with  the  officers  and 
a  small  guard  only,  and  having  ascertained  that  there  was  no 
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  the  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  as  1  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- 
ing to  you  with  the  light  squadron  to-morrow  morning. 

I  am  sorry  to  say  the  hot  fire  we  were  under  this  morning 
post  us  five  men  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 
inost  justly  due,  as  well  as  to  captains  Wybourn  and  Carter, 
lieutenant  Robertson,  of  the  artillery,  and  lieutenant  Lewis,  of 
the  High  flyer  ;  lieutenant  Alexander,  of  the  Dragon,  the  senior 
officer  under  captain  Byng,  in  command  of  the  boats,  deserves 
also  that  I  should  particularly  notice  him  to  you  for  his  steadi- 
ness, correctness,  and  the  great  ability  with  which  he  always 
executes  whatever  service  is  entrusted  to  him  ;  and  1  must  beg  per- 
mission of  seizing  this  opportunity  of  stating  to  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  the 
Maidstone  when  I  found  it  impracticable  to  advance  higher  in 
the  Marlborough,  and  has  invariably  accompanied  me  ©n  every 
occasion  whilst  directing  these  various  operations,  and  rendered 
me  always  the  most  able,  prompt,  and  efficacious  assistance. 
1  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

G.  COCK  BURN,  rear-adm. 
To  the  right  hon.  admiral  sir  J.  B.  Warren,  Bart.  K.B.  &c. 

No.  11. 

Trom  lieutenant  Crerie  to  captain  Travis. 

Srn,  His  majesty's  ship  Narcissus,  June  13,  1813. 

Your  gallant  and  desperate  attempt  to  defend  your  vessel 

against  more  than  double  your  number,  oa  the  night  of  the 


4m  APPENDIX. 

12th  instant,  excited  such  admiration  on  the  part  of  your 
opponents,  as  I  have  seldom  witnessed,  and  induced  me  to 
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,  1  am  at  a  loss  which  to  admire  most, 
the  previous  engagement  on  board  the  Surveyor,  or  the  deter- 
mined manner  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. 


No.  12. 

From  commodore   Cassin  to  the  American  secretary  of  the 
navy. 

(Letter  I.) 

Sir,  Navy  yard,  Gosport,  June  21,  1813. 

On  Saturday,  at  IIP.  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  the  frigate,  and  50 
musketeers,  ordered  from  Craney  island  by  general  Taylor, 
and  proceeded  down  the  river;  but  adverse  winds  and  squalls 
prevented  his  approaching  the  enemy  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,  tM  o  other  frigates  lying  in  sight.  At  half  past 
four,  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, 
in  consequence  of  their  approach,  hauled  off,  though  keeping 
up  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  the  calm 
continued  one  half  hour,  that  frigate  must  have  fallen  into  our 
hands,  or  been  destroyed.  She  must  have  slipped  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  after  the  action,  the  razee 
got  alongside  of  the  ship,  and  had  her  upon  a  deep  careen  in  a 
little  time,  with  a  number  of  boats  and  stages  round  her.  I  am 
satisfied  considerable  damage  was  done  to  her,  for  she  was 
silenced  some  time,  until  the  razee  opened  her  fire,  when  sha 


APPENDIX.  41S 

commenced  again.  Our  loss  is  very  trifling.  Mr.  Allison, 
master's  mate,  on  board  139,  was  killed  early  in  the  action,  by 
an  18-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  mea 
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. 
I  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  under  way,  in  all  13  sail,  and  dropped  up  to  the  mouth  of 
James'  river,  one  ship  bearing  a  flag  at  the  mizen.  At  5  P.M. 
they  were  discovered  making  great  preparation  with  troops  for 
landing,  having  a  number  of  boats  for  the  purpose.  Finding 
Craney  island  rather  weakly  manned,  captain  Tarbell  directed 
lieutenants  Neal,  Shubrick,  and  Sanders,  with  100  seamen,  or* 
shore,  at  11  P.M.  to  a  small  battery  on  the  N.VV.  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  of  the  shot 
from  the  gun-boats,  when  lieutenants  Neal,  Shubrick,  and 
Sanders  with  the  sailors,  and  lieutenant  Breckenbridge  with  the 
marines  of  the  Constellation,  150  in  number,  opened  the  fire, 
which  was  so  well  directed,  that  the  enemy  were  glad  to  get 
oflF,  after  sinking  three  of  their  largest  boats.  One  of  them, 
called  the  Centepede,  admiral  Warren's  boat,  50  feet  in  length, 
carried  75  men,  the  greater  part  of  whom  were  lost  hy  her 
sinking.  Twenty  soldiers  and  sailors  were  saved,  and  the  boat 
hauled  up. 

The  officers  of  the  Constellation  fired  their  18-pounder  more 
like  riflemen  than  artillerists.  I  never  saw  such  shooting,  and 
seriously  believe  they  saved  the  island. 

I  have  the  honor  to  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-roads, 
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  that  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  the  new  fort  and  lines,  in  the  rear  of  which  the 
Constellation  frigate  was  anchored,  I  directed  the  troops  nnder 
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  the  water  on  the  sea  side,  and  the 
difl&culty  of  getting  across  from  the  land,  as  well  as  the  tsland 
itself  being  fortified  with  a  number  of  guns  and  men  from  the 
frigate  and  militia,  and  flanked  by  15  gun-boats,  I  considered, 
in  consequence  of  the  representation  of  the  officer  commanding 
the  troops,  of  the  difficulty  of  their  passing  over  from  the  lind, 
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. 

lam  happy  to  say,  the  loss  in  the  above  affair  (returns  of 
■which  are  enclosed)  lias  not  been  considerable,  and  only  two 
boats  sunk. 

I  have  to  regret,  that  captain  Hanshett,  of  his  majesty's  ship 
Diadem,  who  volBnteered  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  am  persuaded 
would  have  soon  gained  the  place. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 
J.  W.  Croker,  esq.  J.  B.  WARREN. 

A  return  of  officers,  seamen,  and  marines,  belonging  to  his  maiest3''s 
ships,  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  in  the  attack  ou  Craney  island, 
June  22d. 

Ki//ed;— None. 

Wounded; — 1  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.  415 

A  return  of  the  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  of  the  officers,  non- 
commissioned officers,  drummers,  and  rank  and  file,  in  the  affair 
witli  the  enemy  near  Craney  island,  June  5J'2d. 
Ist  battalion  roijal  marines  and  rocket  ariillery  ; — 1   rank  and  file 
wounded. 

2d  battalion  royal  marines ;— 2  rank  and  file,  killed;   1   captain,  i 
rank  file,  wounded ;   7  rank  and  file,  missing. 

102^  regiment ;— 1  Serjeant,  killed  ;    1  serjeant,  wounded. 
'i St  and  'id  company  Canadian  chasseurs; — 1  lieutenant,  wounded;  2 
Serjeants,  2  drummers,  41  rank  and  file,  missing. 
Total — 3  killed  ;  8  wounded;   52  missing. 

SYDNEY  BECKWITH,  quarter-master-gen. 


No.  14. 

From  same  to  same. 

San  Domingo,  Hampton-roads,  Chesapeake, 
Sir,  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  the  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  flying  corps  attached  to  this  squadron  ; 
and  having  instructed  rear-admiral  Cockburn  to  conduct  the 
naval  part  of  the  expedition,  and  placed  captain  Pechell  wi(h 
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  the  quarter- 
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 
to  the  favor  of  his  royal  hiohness  the  prince  regent,  and  the 
lord's  commissioners  of  the  Admiralty. 

Sir  Sydney  Beckwith,  having  reported  to  me  that  (he  defences 
of  the  town  were  entirely  destroyed,  and  the  enemy  completely- 
dispersed  in  the  neighbourhood,  I  ordered  the  troops  to  be 
re-embarked,  m  hich  was  performed  with  the  utmost  good  order 
by  the  several  officers  of  the  squadron  under  the  orders  of 
rear-admiral  Cockburn.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

JOHN  BORLASE  WARUEN. 
John  Wilson  Croker;  esq. 


416  APPENDIX. 


No.  15. 

From  quarter-master-general  sir  Sydney  Beckisith  to  admiral 
Warren. 

His  majesty's  ship   San  Domingo,  Hampton-roads, 
Sir,  June  28,   1813. 

I  hare  the  honor  to  report  to  you,  that  in  compliance  with 
your  orders  to  attack  the  enemy  in  town  and  camp  at  Hampton, 
the  troopS  under  my  command  were  put  into  light  sailing 
Tessels  and  boats,  during  the  night  of  the  23th  instant,  and  by 
the  excellent  arrangements  of  rear-admiral  Cockburn,  who  wai 
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  the 
squadron,  with  two  6-pounders  from  the  marine  artillery,  were 
landed  half  an  hour  before  day. light  the  next  morning,  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  flank  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  detachment,  under  lieutenant- 
colonel  Williams,  conducted  by  captain  Powell,  assistant- 
quarter-master-general,  pushed  through  the  town,  and  forced 
their  way  across  a  bridge  of  planks  into  the  enemy's  encamp- 
ment, of  which,  and  the  batteries,  immediate  possession  was 
gained.  In  the  mean  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  io  you  a  stand  of  colours  of  the  68th  regiment, 
James  city  light  infantry,  and  one  of  the  1st  battalion  85th 
regiment.  The  exact  numbers  of  the  enemy  it  is  difficult  to 
ascertain. 


\ 


APPENDIX.  417 

From  the  woody  country,  and  the  "&treng(li  of  their  posU 
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  this  occasion  to  express  the  obligations  I  owe 
to  lieutenant-colonel  Napier,  and  lieutenant-colonel  Williams, 
for  their  kind  and  able  assistance;  to  major  Malcolm  and 
captain  Smith,  and  all  the  officers  and  men,  whose  zeal  and 
spirited  conduct  entitle  them  to  my  best  acknowledgements. 
1  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

SIDNEY  BECK  WITH,  Q.M.G. 

Return  of  ordnance  stores  taken  in  Hampton,  on  the  25th  of  June,  1813. 
Four  12-poun(ler  _^uns  on  travellinsi  carriages,    three  6-pounder  guns 
on  travelling:  carringcs,  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. 

Hoi/ul  marine  arlUhry ; — 1  rank  and  file,  killed ;  4  rank  and  file, 
wounHtd. 

Ships'  3  companies  of  royal  marines; — i  rank  and  file,  wounded;  1 
rank  and  file,  missing. 

\st  and  'id  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;  1  lieutenant,  1 
rank  and  file,  wounded. 

•ii]  battalion  royal  marines; — 1  lieutenant,  1  Serjeant,  6  rank  and 
flie,  wounded;   3  rank  and  file,  raissmi^. 

Total — 5  killed;   33  svounded  ;    10  missing. 

SYDNEY  BECKWITH,  Q.M.G. 
Admiral  Sir  J.  B-  Warren, 
&c.  &c.  &c. 


No.  16. 

From  colonel  Butler  to  general  Harrison.  ' 

Dear  sir, 
By  lieutenant  Shannon,  of  the  27th  regiinent  United  States' 
infantry,  I    have  the  lK)nor  of  informing  you,    that  a  detach- 
ment of  the  troops  under  my  command,  led  by  captain  Hoimeg, 
VOL.    11.  E  E 


418  APPENDIX. 

-of  the  24tli  United  States'  infantry,  have  obtained  a  signal 
victory  over  the  enemy. 

The  affair  took  place  on  the  4th  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 
within  ten  paces  of  our  front  line.  The  light  company  of  the 
89th  has  also  suflFered  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  in  the  loss  on  each  side,  is  to  bt 
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.  lieut.wcol.  commandant  Detroit. 

Enemy's  forces,  as  stated  by  the  pi'isoners. 
Royal  Scots,  101 

89th  regiment,  45 

Militia,  50 

Indians,  40  to  60 

236 


No.  17. 

Minutes  bj  a  council  of  tsar  held  at  Champlain  the  29f/i  of 
March,  1814. 

Present — Brigadier-general  Macomb,  brigadier-general  Bis- 
sell,  brigadier-general  Smith,  colonel  Atkinson,  colonel  Miller, 
colonel  Curamings,  major  Pitts,  major  Totten. 

Major-general  Wilkinson  slates  to  the  council,  (bat,  from  the 
best  information  he  can  collect,  the  enemy  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 
United  State?,  now  at  this  place,  consists  of  3999  combatants, 


APPENDIX.  419 

including  100  cavalry,  and  304  artillerists,  with  11  pieces  of 
artillery.  The  objects  of  the  enemy  are  unknown,  and  the 
two  corps  are  separated  nine  miles.  Under  these  circumstances 
the  major-general  submits  the  following  questions  fcr  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  attack  be  made, 
en  the  plan  of  the  intermediate  country  hereunto  annexed? 

Third — Shall  a  single  attack  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  to  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  reconnoissante  towards  La  CoUe  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  ihe  order  of  battle  is  approved,  and  the 
manner  and  mode  of  attack  must  be  left  entirely  with  the 
commanding  general.  ALEX.  MACOMB, 

TfL  A.  SMITH, 
J).  BISSELL, 
R.  PURDY, 
JAMES  MILLER, 
T.  H.  PITTS, 
H.  ATKINSON, 
JOSEPH  G.  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 
are  quartered.  M.  SiVIITH,  col.  29th  inf. 


No.  18. 

Ame7-ican  general  order  of  ihe  29ih  of  March. 

Head-quarters,  Charaplain,  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 
commanding  officers  of  corps  and  companies  will  be  held  re- 
sponsible for  the  exact  fulfilment  of  this  essential  order.  The 
£  £  2 


420  APPENDIX. 

troops  to  be  completed  to  four  days'  coolied  provisions,  exclu- 
sive of  the  present;  and  it  is  recommended  to  tiie  gentlemen  in 
comniission  to  make  same  provision.  No  baggage  will  be 
taken  forward,  excepting  the  bedding  of  the  officers.  Let  every 
oiTicer,  and  every  man,  take  the  resolution  to  return  victo- 
•rious,  or  not  at  all :  for,  witli  double  the  force  of  the  enemy, 
this  arm}  must  not  give  ground. 

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,  Avith  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  march  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,  regiments. 

On  the  march,  when  approaching  the  enemy,  or  during  an 
action,  the  men  are  to  be  profoundly  silent,  and  will  reso- 
lutely execute  the  commands  they  may  receive  from  the  officers, 
in  every  movement  which  may  be  made,  the  ranks  are  to  be 
unbroken,  and  there  must  be  no  running  forward  pr  shouting. 
An  officer  will  be  posted  on  the  right  of  each  platoon,  and  a 
tried  Serjeant  will  form  a  supernumerary  rank,  and  will  instantly 
put  to  death  any  man  who  goes  back.  This  formation  is  to  take 
place  by  regiments  and  brigades,  in  the  course  of  the  day, 
when  the  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  men  do  not  throw  away 
tTieir  ammunition  :  one  deliberate  shot  being  worth  half  a  dozen 
hurried  ones ;  and  they  are  to  give  to  the  troops  the  example 
of  courage  in  every  exigency  which  may  happen. 

In  battle,  (here  must  be  no  contest  for  rank  or  station,  but 
every  corps  must  march  promptly  and  directly  to  the  spot, 
which  it  may  be  directed  to  occupy.  The  troops  will  l;e  under 
arms  at  reveillee  to-morrow  morning,  and  will  be  ready  to 
inarch  at  a  moment's  warning.  All  orders  from  the  adjutant 
and  inspector-general's  department;  from  captain  Rees,  as- 
sistant-dcputy-quarter-mastcr-general ;  and  major  Lush  and 
"captain  Nourse,  extra  aides  de  camp  to  general  Wilkinson,  will 
be  respected  as  coming  from  the  commanding  general  himself. 

Signed,  by  order,  W.  CUMMINGS,  adjutant-gcn. 


APPENDIX.  4^2] 


No.   19. 


Frotn  lieutenant -colonel  Williams  to  sir  G.  Prevost. 

Sjh,  La  Cole,  March  13,   1814. 

I  beg  leave  to  acquaint  yon,  that  1  have  just  received  from 
major  Handcock,  of  the  1 3th  regiment,  commanding  at  the 
block-house  on  La  Colle  river,  a  report,  stating  that  the 
out- posts  on  the  roads  from  Biirtoaviile  and  La  Colle  mill,, 
leading  from  Odeli-towu,  were  attackid  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  shevred  themselves  on  the  road, 
ftom  the  mill  that  leads  direct  to  Odtli-town,  where  they  dr<)ve" 
in  a  piquet  staiioned  in  advance  of  La  Colic,  about  a  mile  an  J. 
a  half  distant ;  and  soon  after  the  enemy  established  a  battery, 
of  three  gnns  (12  pounders)  in  the  wood.  With  this  artillery 
they  began  to  fire  on  the  mill,  when  major  Ilandcock,  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,  fron  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- 
riority of  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  to  lose  the  service, 
for  a  short  tinu ,  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 
OdelUtown. 

Major  Ilandcock  speaks  in  high  terms  of  obligation  to 
captain  Hitter,  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  company,  and  the  company  of  voltigeurs, 
as  well  as  all  the  troops  employed  :  the  major  expresses  himselfv 
in  high  terms  of  praise  for  their  conduct,  so  honorable  to= 
the  service. 

Major  Handcock  feels  exceedingly  indebted  to  captain- 
Pring,  R.  N.  for  his  ready  and  prompt  assistance,  in  mooring 
up  the  sloop  and  gun-boats  from  Isle  au  iN'oix,  to  the  entrance 
of  the  La  Colle  river,  the  fire  from  which  was  so  destructive. 


422  APPENDIX. 

Lieuienants  Caswick  and  Hicks,  of  the  royal  navy,  were  most 
actively  zealous  in  forwarding  two  guns  from  the  boats,  and 
getting  them  up  to  the  mill. 

To  major  Handcock  the  greatest  praise  is  due,  for  his  most 
gallant  defence  of  the  mill  against  such  superior  numbers ;  and 
I  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, 

lieut.-col.  13th  regiment, 
commanding  at  St.  John's. 

List  of  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  in  action  at  La  Colle  mill,  on  tlie 
30th  of  March,  1814. 

I3th grenadiers; — 8  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  captain,  1  subaltern,  1 
Serjeant,  31  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;   1  rank  and  file,  missing. 

ISth  light  i)ifuntry; — 1  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  Serjeant,  8  rank  and 
file,  wounded ;   1  rank  and  file,  missing. 

J3th,  captain  Blake's  company;  —  1  rank  and  file,  killed. 

Canadian  grenadiers; — 1  rank  and  file,  killed;  3  rank  and  file, 
wounded  ;  2  rank  and  file,  missing. 

Canadian  voltigeurs ;— I  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Total — 11  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  captain,  1  subaltern,  1  serjeaut,  4$ 
rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  4  rank  and  file,  missing. 

Officers  wounded. 
JS<A/egjwe«<;— Captain  EUard;  ensign  VVhitford,  slightly. 
Note— 1  Indian  warrior  killed,   1  wounded. 

R.  B.  HANDCOCK,  major. 


No.   20. 

From  lieutenant-general  Drummand  to  Sir  George  Prevosi. 

H.  M.  S.   Prince  Regent,  Lake  Ontario, 
Sir,  off  Oswego,  May  7,   1814. 

I  am  happy  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.  4^3 

imder  captain  Cruttenden,  with  two  field-picccs,  a  detachment 
of  the  rocket  company  under  lien  tenant  Stevens,  and  a  de- 
tachment of  ''appers  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  following  day.  The 
ships  iay-to  within  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 
guns,  one  of  them  heavy.  The  enemy  did  not  appear  to  have 
any  guns  mounted  on  the  town-side  of  the  river. 

Having  sufficiently  reconnoitred  the  place,  arrangements 
were  made  for  its  attack,  which  it  was  designed  should  take  place 
at  eight  o'clock  that  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; 
when  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  +  schooner,  to  scour 
the  town,  and  keep  in  check  a  large  body  of  militia,  who  might 
attempt  to  pass  over  into  the  fort  ;  the  Moira§  and  Melville^ 
brigs,  to  tow  the  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  pushed  for  the  point  of  disembarkation,  in  the 
most  regular  order.  The  landing;  was  eftected  under  a  heavy 
fire  from  the  fort,  as  well  as  from  a  considerable  body  of  the 
enemy,  drawn  up  on  the  brow  of  the  hill  and  in  the  woods. 
The  immediate  command  of  the  troops  was  entrusted  to  lieute- 

.  *  Montreal.        +  Niagara.        |-  Magnet.        ^  Charwell.        1  Star. 


424  APPENDIX. 

nant.colonel  Fischer,  of  the  regiment  of  De  Wattevllle,"  of 
whose  gallant,  cool,  and  judicious  conduct,  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  commodore  sir  James  Yeo,  the  deputy-adjutant-general, 
and  the  officers  of  my  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  tort  being  every  where  almost  open,  the  whole  of  the  gar- 
rison, consisting  of  the  third  battalion  of  artillery,  about  4U0 
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  Avhich  I  have  to 
regret  that  of  captain  Haltaway,  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  royal  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 
his  valuable  assistance  for  some  time  at  least. 
'  In  noticing  the  co-operation  of  the  naval  branch  of  the  ser- 
vice, 1  have  the  higiicst  satisfaction  in  assuring  your  excellency, 
that  I  have  throughout  this,  as  well  as  on  every  other  occasion, 
experienced  the  most  zealous,  cordial,  and  able  support  from 
sir  James  Yeo.  It  will  be  for  him  to  do  justice  to  the  merits 
of  those  under  his  command  ;  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  crows  of  the  whole  squadron. 
-  1  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 
hew  ship.  Three  32- pounders  were  sunk  by  the  enemy  in  the 
river,  as  well  as  a  large  quantity  of  cordage,  and  other  naval 
stores.  The  loss  to  them,  therefore,  has  been  very  great ;  and 
I  am  sanguine  in  believing  that  by  this  blow,  they  have  been 
deprived  of  the  means  of  completing  the  armament,  and  pari 
ticularly  the  equipment,  of  the  large  man  of  war,  an  object  of  the 
greatest  importance. 

Every  object  of  the  expedition  having  been  effected,  and  t|je 
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  platforlms,   bridge,    &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 
"VVatteville,  who  commanded  the  advance;  the  zeal  and  energy 
of  lieutenant-colonel  Pearson,  inspecting  field-officer,  who, 
with  major  Smelt,  of  the  lOod  regiment,  had  obtained  a  passage 
on  board  the  squadron  to  Niagara,  and  volunteered  their  ser- 
vices on  the  occasion  ;  the  gallantry  of  captain  M'Miilan,  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  DeCourten,  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  the  head  of  the  first  men  who  entered  the  fort ;  and  I  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  estimation  in  which  I  hold  his  valuable  exertions. 
,  Captain  Jervois,  my  aide  de  camp,  and  lieutenant-colonel 
Ilagermane,  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 
4hc  commander  in  chief. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

GORDON  DRUMMOND. 


420  APPENDIX. 

No.  21. 

From  lieutenant-colonel  Fischer  to  lieutenant-colonel  Ilurveij, 

H.  M.  S.  Prince  Regent,  off  Oswego, 
Sir,  Lake  Ontario,  May  7. 

It  is  with  heartfelt  satifacti on  that  I  have  the  honor  to  report 
to  you,  for  the  intormation  of  lieutenant-general  Drummond, 
commanding,  that  the  troops  placed  under  ray  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  Watteville's,  under  captain  De  Bersey,  behaved  with 
spirit,  though  labouring  with  more  difficulties  during  their 
formation,  on  account  of  (he  badness  of  the  landing  place,  and 
the  more  direct  opposition  of  the  enemy.  The  company  of 
Glengarry  light  infantry,  under  captain  JVI'Millan,  behaved  in 
an  equally  distinquished  manner,  by  clearing  the  wood,  and 
driving  the  enemy  into  the  fort,  i  beg  leave  to  make  my 
personal  acknowledgements  to  staff-adjutant  Greig,  and  lieu- 
tenant and  adjutant  Mermet,  of  De  Watteville's,  for  their  zeal 
and  attention  to  me  during  the  day's  service.  Nor  can  I 
forbear  to  mention  the  regular  behavior  of  the  whole  of  tbe 
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  the  return  of  killed  and  wounded,  as  sent 
to  me  by  the  different  corps. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

V.  FISCHER, 
licut.-col.  Do  Watteville's  regiment. 
Lieut.-col.  Harvey, 

deputy. adjuant-gencral, 


APPENDIX.  427 

Return  of  killed  and  wounded  of  the  troops  in  action  with  the  enemy 
at  Oswego,  on  the  6th  of  May,  1814. 
2(/  halt,  royal  marines;^!  captain,  2  Serjeants,  4  rank  and  file,  killed. 
Ue  ffaltevUle's  regme7it; — 1  drummer,  7  rank  and  file,  killed. 
ad  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. 

G lengarry  fencibles  ; — 9  rank  and  file,  wounded. 
Total — 1  captain,  2  serjeants,  1  drummer,  15  rank  and  file,  killed;  I 
captain,  I  subaltern,  2  Serjeants,  58  rank  and  file,  wounded. 
Officers  killed. 
2d  battalion  royal  marines; — Captain  William  Holtaway. 

Officers  wounded. 
De   Watteville's  regiment ; — Captain   Lendergrew,   severely ;  lieute- 
nant Victor  May,  dangerously  (since  dead). 

J.  HARVEY, 
lieut.-col.  dep.-adj.-gcn. 
Return  of  the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  royal  navy  at  Oswego,  May  6. 
3  seamen,   killed ;  2  captains,    1  lieutenant,   1    master,   7   seamen, 
wounded. 

Total— 3  killed ;  11  wounded. 

Officers  wounded. 
Captain  Mulcaster,  dangerously;  captain  Popham,  lieutentint  Griffin, 
severely;  Mr.  Richardson,  master,  arm  amputated. 

J.  LAWRIE,  sec. 


No.  22. 


His  majesty's  brig  Magnet,  (late  Sir  Sidney  Smith.) 
Off  Oswego,  U.  S.  May  7. 

Return  of  ordnance  and  ordnance-stores^  taken  and  des/roijed 
at  Oswego,    Lake-Ontario,  the  6ih  May,   1814,   by  his  ma- 
jesty''s  troops  under  the  command  of  lie ut.- gen.  Drummond. 
Taken  ; — 3   32-pounder  iron  t:uns,    4   24- pounder    iron  guns,    1    12- 

pounder  iron  gun,   1  6-pounder  iron  gun.— -Total  9. 
Destroyed;^!  heavy  12-pouiider,  1  heavy  6-pounder. — Total  2. 
Shot ; — 81  4'2-poundei,  round  ;  32  32-pounder,  round  ;  36  42-pounder 
canister;  42  32-pounder,  canister  ;  SO  24-pounder,  canister  ;   12  42- 
ponnder,  grape  ;  48  32-pounder,  grape;   18  24-pounder,  grape. 
Fight   barrels  of  gunpowder,  and   all  the  shot  of  small  caliber  in   the 
fort,  and  stores,  thrown  into  the  river 

EDWARD  CRUTTE.VDEN,  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, 
tallow,  &c.  &c.  70  coils  of  rope  and  cordage ;  tar,  blocks,  (large  and 
small,)  2  small  schooners,  with  several  boats,  and  other  smaller  craft 

NOAH  FREER,  mil.  Sec, 


42S'  APPENDIX. 

No.  23. 

From  sir  James  L.  Yeo  to  Mr.  Croker. 
Sir, 
My  letter  of  the  15th  April  last  •will  have  informed  (biir 
lordships,  that  his  majesty's  ships,  Prince  Regent  and  Princesi, 
Charlotte,  were  launched  on  the  preceding  day.  I  now  have, 
the  satisfaction  to  acquaint  yon,  for  their  lordships'  informa- 
tion, that  the  squadron,  by  the  unremitting  exertions  of  the 
officers  and  men  under  my  command,  were  ready  on  the  Sd 
instant,  when  it  was  determined  by  lieutenant-general  Drum- 
mond  and  myself,  that  an  immediaie  attack  should  be  made  on 
the  forts  and  town  of  Oswego  :  which,  in  point  of  position, 
is  themost  formidable  I  have  seen  in  U|)per  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  army. 

At  noon,  on  the  5th,  we  got  otF  the  port,  and  were  on  the 
point  of  landing,  when  a  heavy  gale  from  the  N.  W.  obliged  me 
to  gain    an  ofling.     On    the   morning  of  the  6th,    every  thin* 
befng  ready,  140  troops,  200  seamen,  armed  with  pikes,  under 
captain  Mulcaster,   and  400  marines, ^cre  put  into   the  boats. 
The  Montreal  and   Niagara    took  their  stations   a-breast,  and 
within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  (he  fort;  the  Magnet,   opposite 
thet.o'Jvn;  and   the   Star  and  Charv<ell,  to  cover   the  landing, 
Avhich  was  effected  under  a  most  heavy  fire  of  round,  grape,  and 
musketry,  kept   up  N\i(h    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  snmmil  of  the  hill ;  and,  throwing  them- 
selves into  the  fosse,   mounted  the  ramparts  on  all  sides,  v^ing 
with  each  other  who  should  be  foremost.     Lieutenant  Laurie, 
my   secretary,   was   the  first    who    gained  the   ramparts;  and 
lieutenant  Hewitt  climbed  the  flag-staff  under  a  heavy  fire,  and 
in  the  most  gallant  style  struck  the  American  colours,  which  had 
been  nailed  to  the  mast.    Mygallantand  much-esteemed  friend, 
captain  Mulcaster,   led    the  seamen   to  the    assault    with    his 
accustomed  bravery  ;  but,  1  lament  to  say,  he  received  a  danger- 
ous wound  in  the  act  of  entering  the  fort,  which  1  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.     Captain 
O'Connor,  of  the  Prince    Regent,    to   whom    1  entrusted    the 
landing  of  the  troops,   displayed   great  ability  and  cool  judg- 
ment:  the  boats  beiug  under  a  heavy  fire  from  ail  points. 


APPENDIX.  429 

Captain  Popham,  of  the  Montreal,  anchored  his  ship  in  a 
most  gallant  style,  sustaining  the  whole  fire  until  we  gained  the 
shore.  She  >vas  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.  Richardsoii,  the  master,  who,  from  a  severe 
■wound  in  the  left  arm,  was  obliged  to  undergo  amputation  at 
the  shoulder-joint. 

Captain  Spilsbury,  of  the  Niagara  ;  captain  Dobbs,  of  the 
Char  well  ;  captain  Anthony,  of  the  Star  ;  and  captain  Collier, 
in  the  Magnet,  behaved  much  to  my  satisfaction.  The  second 
battalion  of  royal  marines  excited  the  admiration  of  all  ;  thcj 
were  led  by  the  gallant  colonel  Malcolm,  and  suffered  severely. 
Captain  flollaway,  doing  duty  in  the  Princess  Charlotte,  gal- 
lantly fell  at  the  head  of  his  company.  Having  landed  with  the 
seamen  and  marines,  Ihad  great  pleasurein  witnessing,  not  only 
the  zeal  and  prompt  attention  of  the  officers  to  my  orders,  but 
also  the  intrepid  bravery  of  the  men,  whose  good  and  temperate 
conduct  under  circumstances  of  great  temj)tatlon,  (being  a  wh  ile 
night  in  the  town,  employed  loading  the  captured  vessels,  with 
ordnance,  naval  stores,  and  provisions,)  most  justly  claim  my 
high  approbation  and  acknowkdgment.  And  I  here  beg  leave 
to  recommend  to  their  lordships'  notire  the  service  of  all  ;  of 
my  first-lieutenant,  Mr,  Scott  ;  and  of  my  aide  de  camp,  acting 
lieutenant  Yeo,  to  whom  I  beg  leave  to  refer  their  lordships 
for  information  ;  nor  should  the  meritorions  exertions  of  act- 
ing lieutenant  Griffin,  severely  wounded  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  Drummond  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  fith.  instant. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,   kc.  ; 

JAMES  LUCAS  YEO, 
Commodore-and  commander  la  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  ontlie  6th  May,  1814. 

Three  seamen,  killed  ;  2  captains,   1  lieutenant,  1  master,  7  sgamen, 
wounded. 
Total — 3  killed,  11  wounded. 


430  APPENDIX. 

A  statertient  of  ordnance,  and  naval  stores  and  provisions,  brought 
offand  destroyed,  in  a  combined  attack  of  the  sea  and  land  forces 
on  the  town  and  fort  of  Oswego,  on  the  6th  may,  1814. 
Ordnance  stores  brought  off ; — Three  long  32-pounder  guns;  four  long 
34-pounders. 
A  quantity  of  various  kinds  of  Ordnance  stores. 
NuTdl  stores  and  prorhious;  3   schooners;  800  barrels  of  flour,  500 
barrels  of  pork,  600  barrels  of  salt,  500  barrels  of  bread. 
A  quantity  of  large  rope. 
Des<royerf;— Three  long  24-pounder  guns,  one  long  12-pounder   gun, 
two  long  6-poundcr  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  command,  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  days,  and  contending  with  the  vastly 
superior  numbers  of  the  enemy  on  the  land,  as  long  as  the  in- 
terest of  the  country,  or  the  honor  of  their  profession,  required  ; 
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  water,  ex* 
<;cedcd  3000.  R.  JONES,  assist.-adjt-gen. 


No.  25. 

American  general  order. 

Adjutant-general's  office,  left  divijioa, 
July  2,   1.814. 
Major-general  Brown  has  the  satisfaction  to  announce  to  the 
troops  of  his  division  on  this  frontier,  that  he  is  authoiizcd  by 


APPENDIX.  431 

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  night,  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 
commanding  general.  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  striig. 
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  Rlall  to  lieutenant' gen. sir  G.  Drummond. 

SiK,  Chippeway,   July  6. 

I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  the  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.  1  received  instructions  from 
major  Buck,  that  they  had  also  landed  a  considerable  force 
above  Fort-Erie.  In  consequence  of  the  king's  regiment, 
Which  I  had  every  reason  to  expect  the  day  before  from  York, 


432  APPENDIX. 

Bot  having  arrived,  I  was  prevented  from  making  an  attack  that 
night. 

The  following  morning,  the  4th,  a  body  of  their  troops  were 
reported  to  be  advancing  by  the  river;  I  moved  to  jeconnoi- 
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  whom, 
and  eight  horses,  were  wounded  in  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy's 
riflemen. 

Having  been  joined  by  the  king's  regiment  on  the  morning 
of  the  5th,  1  made  my  dispositions  for  attack  at  four  oclock  in 
the  afternoon.  The  light  companies  of  the  royal  Scots,  and 
ICOth  regiment,  with  the  second  Lincoln  militia,  formed  the 
advance  under  lieutenant-colonel  Pearson.  The  Indian  warriors 
were,  throughout,  on  our  right  flank  in  the  woods.  The  troops 
moved  in  three  columns,  the  third  (the  king's  regiment)  being 
in  advance.  The  enemy  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  ia 
front  of  it. 

Our  Indians  and  militia  were  shortly  engaged  with  the  enQ- 
my's  riflemen  and  Indians,  who  at  first  checked  their  advance  ; 
but  the  light  troops  being  brought  to  their  support,  they  suc- 
ceeded, after  a  sharp  contest,  in  dislodging  them,  in  a  very 
handsome  style.  1  placed  two  light  24-pounders,  and  5y-inch 
liowitzer,  agairist  the  right  of  the  enemy's  position,  and  formed 
the  royal  Scots  and  lOCth  regiment,  with  the  intention  of  mak- 
ing a  movement  upon  his  left,  which  deployed  with  the  greatest 
regularity,  and  openeda  very  heavy  fire.  I  immediately  moved  up 
the  king's  regiment  to  the  right,  while  the  royal  Scots  and  100th 
regiment  were  directed  to  cliarge  the  enemy  in  front,  for  which 
they  advanced  with  the  greatest  gallantry,  under  a  most  destruc- 
tive fire.  I  am  sorry  to  say,  however,  in  this  attempt  they 
suifered  so  severely,  that  I  was  obliged  to  withdraw  them,  find- 
ing their  further  efforts  against  the  superior  numbers  of  the 
enemy  would  be  unavailing. — Lieutenant-colonel  Gordon,  and 
lieutenant-colonel  the  marquis  of  Tweedale,  commanding  these 
regiments,  being  wounded,  as  were  most  of  the  officers  belong- 
ing to  each.  I  directed  a  retreat  to  be  made  upon  Cippeway, 
which  was  conducted  with  good  order  and  regularity,  covered, 
by  the  king's  regiment,  under  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  Tery  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 
to  about  1500,*  exclusive  of  the  militia  and  Indians,  of  which 
last  description  there  was  not  above  300.  Fort-Erie,  I  under- 
stand, surrendered  upon  capitulation  on  the  3d  instant.  AU 
fhoiigh  this  affair  was  not  attended  with  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  I  have  received  from  him,  and  for  the  manner  in 
which  he  led  his  light  troops  into  the  action.  Liputenant-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-mastcr-general  :  staff-adjutant  Greig,  and  lieutenant 
Fox,  of  the  royal  Scots,  who  acted  as  major  of  hri^ade  during 
the  absence  of  major  Glegg,  at  Fort-George.  The  conduct  of 
lieutenant-colonel  Dixon,  of  the  2d  J^incoln  militia,  has  been 
most  exemplary  ;  and  I  am  very  much  indebted  to  him  for  it  on 
this,  a'^  well  as  on  other  occasions,  in  which  he  has  evificed  the 
greatest  zeal  for  his  majesty's  service.  The  conduct  of  the 
officers  and  men  of  this  regiment  has  also  been  highly  praise- 
worthy. Lieutenant  colonel  Pearson  has  reported  tome,  in 
the  most  favourable  terms,  the  excellent  manner  in  M'hich 
lieutenant  Horton,  with  a  part  of  the  19th  light  dragoons, 
observed  the  motions  of  the  enemy,  while  he  occupied  the  posi- 
tion he  took  on  his  first-landing,  and  during  his  advance  to  this 
place. 

I  have,  &c. 

P.  lilALL,  major-gen. 

•  1st  royal  Scots,  500;  1st  batt.  king's,  4S0 ;  100th  regiment,  450; 
wi«h  one  troop  of  the  19th  {light  dragoons,  and  a  proportion  of  royal 
artllleryr 

^-  .' 

YOL.    11.  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- 
zcaj/,  July  5,   1814. 

Killed.'"  Royal  artillery  ; — 1  rank  and  file. 

isf,  or  rnyal  Scots ; — 1  captain,  4  Serjeants,  58  rank  and  file. 
Sih,  or  kings  regiment ; — 3  rank  and  file. 
\00th  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. 
19th  light  dragoons  ; — 1  Serjeant,  5  rank  and  file. 
1).Y,  or  royal  Scots; — 1  field-officer,  2  captains,  7  subalterns,  4  Ser- 
jeants, l^l  rank  and  file. 
sift,  or  king^s regiment; — 1  subaltern,  1  serjeant,  22  rank  and  file. 
WOlh  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,  13  subalterns,  1t8  Ser- 
jeants, 277  rank  and  file. 
Mhsing — \st,  or  royal  Scots; — 30  rai>k  and  file. 
100th  regiment  ; — 1  subaltern. 
Militia; — 1  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  €upposed  to  be  killed  or  wounded. 
One  24  poundfer  limber  blown  up  ;  2  tumbrils  damaged. 

EDWARD  BAYNES. 
Adjutant-general  North  America. 

Names  of  officers  killed    and  wounded. 
Killed — \st  battalion,  royal  Scots  ; — Captain  Bailoy. 

100th  regiment ; — Lieutenant  Gibbon,  ensign  Ilea. 

Militia; — 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. 

1st  battalion,  royal  Scots; — Lieutenant-colonel  Gordon,  slightly; 
captains  Bird  and  Wilson,  severely,  and  prisoners;  lieutenant  W. 
Campbell,  severely  ;  lieutenants  Fox,  Jackson,  and  Hfndrick,  se- 
verely;  (not  dangerously;)  Lieutenant  M'Donald,  slightly  ;  lieute- 
nant A.  Campbell,  severely  ;  lieutenant  Connel,  severely. 

Sth  regiment ; — Lieutenant  Boyd. 

100 Ih  regiment ; — Lieutenant-colonel  the  marquis  of  Tweedale,  se- 
verely ;  (not dangerously  ;)  captain Sherrard,  severely;  (not  danger- 
ously;) captain  Sleigh,  severely;  lieutenants  Williams,  Lyon,  and 
Valentine;  lieutenant  Fortune,  wounded  and  missing,  supposed 
prisoner;  ensigns  Clarke  and  Johuson;  adjutant  Kingston. 


I  APPENDIX.  435 

No.  28. 
From  Major-general  Brown  to  the  American  secretary  at  war. 

Sir,  Chippeway  Plains,    July  6,    1814. 

Excuse  my  silence  ;  T  have  bL:en  much  engaged:  Fort. Erie 
did  not,  as  I  assured  yon  it  should  not,  detain  me  a  single  day. 
At  1 1  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  5th  ill  order  of  battle.  We  did  not  baulk  him.  Before 
6  o'clock  his  line  was  broken  and  his  forces  deflated,  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  will  be  removed  to  Buffaloe.  This, 
with  my  limited  means  of  transportation,  will  take  a  day  or 
two,  after  which  1  shall  advance,  not  doubting  but  that  the  gal. 
lantand  accomplished  troops  1  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  return  of  killed,  zsounded,  and  missing^  in  the  offalr 
of  Chippeziiai/,  July  bth,   1815 

Artillery; — 4  rank  and  file,  killed;  8  ditto,  wounded  ;  and  8  rank  and 

file,   missin^f. 
9th  regiment ; — 13   rank   and   file,  killed;    1  captain,  2  subalterns,  S 

Serjeants,  39  rank  and  file,  wounded. 
1\  Ik  ditto; — 1  Serjeant,  14  rank  and  file,  killed;   1  colonel,  1  subaltern, 

6  Serjeants,  62  rank  and  file,  wounded, 
t9tk  ditto; — 3  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  2  ditto,  wounded. 
^2(1  ditto ;— 8  rank  and  file,  killed  ;   1  captain,  2  subalterns,  2  Serjeants, 

41  rank  and  file,  wounded. 
Qbth  ditto; — 1  Serjeant,  4  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  captain,  2  subalterns, 

4  Serjeants,  62  rank  and  file,  wounded. 
F  F   2 


436  APPENDIX. 

Militia;— 5  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  2  ditto,  wounded  ;   I  lieutenant-colo- 
nel, 1  major,   1  captain,  2  Serjeants,  2  rank  and  file,  missing. 
Indians; — 9  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  4  ditto,  wounded  ;   10  ditto,  missing. 
Total ; — 2  Serjeants,    58   rank   and   file,  killed  ;   1  colonel,  3  cap- 
tains, 7  subalterns,  14  Serjeants,  210  rank  and  file,  wounded;' 
1   lieutenant-colonel,  1  major,  1  captain,  2  Serjeants,  14  rank 
and  file,  missing. 


No.  30. 

From  lieutenant-general  Drummond  to  sir  G.  Prevost. 

llead-qiiarters,  near  Niagara  Falls, 
Sir,  July  27,  1814. 

1  embarked  on  board  his  majesty's  schooner  Netley,  at  York, 
oil  Sunday  evening,  the  24th  intant,  and  reached  Niagara  at 
day. break  the  following  morning.  Finding,  from  lieutenant- 
colonel  Tucker,  that  major-general  Rial!  was  understood  to 
be  moTing  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, 
r^ith  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,  with  the  united  force,  I  might  act. 
against  the  enemy  (posted  at  Street's  Creek,  with  his  advance 
at  Chippeway)  on  my  arrival,  if  it  should  be  found  expedient. 
1  ordered  lieutenant-colonel  Tucker,  at  the  same  time,  to  pro- 
ceed up  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  party  of  armed  seamen,  under, 
captain  Dobbs,  royal  navy.  'I'he  object  of  this  movement  was 
to  dis|)erse,  or  capture,  a  body  of  the  enemy,  encamped  at 
Lcwistown.  Some  unavoidable  delay  having  occurred  in  the 
inarch  of  the  troops  up  the  right  bank,  the  enemy  had  moved 
off  previous  to  lientenant-colonel  Tucker's  arrival.  I  have  to 
express  myself  satisfied  with  the  exertions  of  that  officer. 

Having  refreshed  the  troops  at  Quecnstown,  and  having 
broiight  across  the  41st,  royals,  and  Indians,  I  sent  back  the41st 
and  100th  regiments,  to  form  the  garrisons  of  forts  George, 
Mississaga,  and  Niagara,  under  lieutenant-colonel  Tucker,  and 
moved  with  the  89th,  and  detachments  of  the  royals  and  king's, 
and  light  company  of  the  41st,  iri  all  about  800  men,  to  join 
major-general  Riall's  division  at  the  Falls. 

When  arrived  within  a  few  miles  of  that  posiiion,  I  met  a 
report  from  major-general  Riall,  that  the  enemy  was  advancing 
in  great  force.  1  immediately  pushed  on,  and  joined  the  head, 
of  lieutcaant-colonel  Morrison's   columns  just  as  it  reachpiJ 


APPENDIX.  437 

llic  road  leading  <o  the  Beaver  Dam,  over  the  summit  of  the 
hill  at  Lundy's  Lane<,  Instead  of  the  whole  of  major-£;eneral 
Kiall's  division,  which  I  ex[)ected  to  have  found  occupying  this 
position,  I  found  it  almost  in  the  occupation  of  the  enemy, 
M  hose  columns  were  within  600  yards  of  the  top  of  the  hill, 
and  the  stirroundine;  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  89th  regiment,  the  royal  Scots  detach- 
ment, and  the  41st  light  company,  in  the  rear  of  the  hill,  their 
left  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  the  left  of  the  great  road  ;  the  squadron  of  the  19th 
light  dragooiis  in  the  rear  of  the  left,  on  the  road.  I  had 
scarcely  completed  this  formation  when  the  whole  front  was 
warmly  and  closely  engaged.  The  enemy's  principal  efforts 
were  directed  against  our  left  and  centre.  After  repeated  at- 
tacks, the  troops  on  the  left  were  partially  forced  back,  and 
the  enemy  gained  a  momentary  possession  of  the  road.  This 
gave  him,  however,  no  material  advantage,  as  the  troops  which 
had  been  forced  back  formed  in  the  rear  of  the  89th  regiment, 
fronting  the  road,  and  securing  the  flank.  It  was  during  this 
short  interval  that  major-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  were 
met  by  the  89th  regiment,  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  ouf 
artillerymen  were  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  for  a  moment  been  pushed  back,  soma 
of  our  guns  remained  for  a  few  minutes  in  the  enemy's  hands  j: 
they,  however,  were  not  only  quickly  recovered,  but  the  two 
pieces  (a  6-pounder  and  a  5^  inch  howitzer)  which  the  enemy  ha4 
brought  up,  were  captured  by  us,  together  with  several  tumbrils, 
and  in  limbering  up  our  guns  at  one  period,  one  of  the  enemy's 
fi.poundcrs  was  put  by  mistake  on  a  limber  of  ours,  and  ona 
oi  our.  6-pounders  limbered  on  one  of  hio :  by  which  meausf 


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  commenced  at  6,)  there 
was  a  short  intermission  of  firing,  during  which  it  appears  the 
enemy  was  employed  in  bringing  up  the  whole  of  his  remaining 
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  remainder  of  major-general 
Riall's  division,  which  had  been  ordered  to  retire  on  the  advance 
•of  the  enemy,  consisting  of  the  l('3d  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  them  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- 
sive 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  the  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 
retrtat  in  great  disorder  towards  Fort-Erie.  My  light  troops, 
cavalry,  and  Indians,  are  detached  in  pursuit,  and  to  harass  his 
retreat,  which  1  doubt  not  he  will  continue  until  he  reaches  his 
own  shore. 

The  loss  sustained  by  the  enemy  in  this  severe  action  cannot 
be  estin  atcd  at  less  than  1500  men,  including  several  hundred  of 
prisoners  left  in  our  hands ;  his  two  commanding  generals, 
Brown  and  Scott,  are  said  to  be  wounded,  his  whole  force, 
•which  has  never  beea  rated  at  less  than  6000,  having  been 
engaged. 

■  En<  losed  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  a  return  of  our  loss, 
■which  has  been  very  considerable.  The  number  of  troops  under 
my  command  did  not,  for  the  first  three  hours,  exceed  1600  men ; 
and  the  addition  of  the  troops  under  colonel  Scott,  did  not 
encr'  ase  it  to  more  than  2800  of  every  description. 

A  very  difficult,  but  at  the  same  time  a  most  gratifying  duty 
remains,  that  of  endeavouring  to  do  justice  to  the  merits  of  the 
officers  and  soldiers  by  whose  valor  and  discipline  this  impor- 
tant success  has  been  obtained.     1  was,  very  early  in  the  action, 


APPENDIX.  439 

deprived  of  the  service  of  major-general  Riall,  who,  I  regret  to 
learu,  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  1  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. 
1  much  regret  the  loss  of  a  very  intelligent  and  promising  young 
officer,  lieutenant  Moorsom,  104th  regiment,  deputy-assistant- 
adjutant-gcneral,  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  department,  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  lieut;enant-colonel  Robinson,  who  was  dangerously 
wounded,  and  a  detachment  of  the  8th  (king's)  regiment,  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  aflerwarda  ascertained,  that  major-goneral  Riall,  though  ee- 
ferely  wouaded,  did  not  lose  bis  arm. 


440  APPENDIX. 

crest  of  the  position,  and  our  guns,  the  steadiness  and  intrepi- 
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  to  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  8th,  (or  King's,) 
Tinder  captain  Campbell;  light  company  41st  regiment,  under 
captain  Glew;  with  some  detachments  of  militia  under  lieute- 
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,  the  steadiness  and  good  countenance  of 
the  1st  battalion  royal  Soots,  under  lieutenant  G^ordon,  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  lOllh,  under  captain  Leonard;  the  Glengarry  light  infan- 
try, under  lieutenant-colonel  Battersby,  displayed  mostvaluable 
qualities  as  light  troops  ;  colonel  Srott,  major  Smelt,  and  the 
officers  of  the  I03d,  deserve  credit  for  their  exertions  in  rally- 
ing that  regiment,  after  it  had  been  thrown  into  momentary 
disorder. 

Lieutenant-colonel  Pearson,  inspecting  field-officer,  directed 
the  advance  with  great  intelligence;  and  lieutenant-colonel 
Drummond,  of  the  104th,  heving  gone  forward  with  my  per- 
mission, early  in  the  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  his  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'Lauchlan,  who  has  charge  of  the  batteries  at  Fort- 
Mississaga,  volunteered  his  services  in  the  field  on  this  occa- 
sion. He  Mas  severely  wounded.  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  the  militia  of  this  part  of  the  province  had 
jiome  forward  to  co-opcratc  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  this  despatch  without  recommending,  in 
the  strongest  terms,  the  following  officers,  whose  conduct  dur- 
ing the  late  operations  has  called  for  marked  approbation  ;  and 
I  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  de  camp ;  captain  Robinson,  8th  (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  regiment. 

This  despatch  will  be  delivered  to  you  by  captain  Jervoise, 
my  aide  de  camp,  who  is  fully  competent  to  give  your  excel- 
lency every  further  information  you  may  require. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &r. 

GORDON  DRUMMOND, 
His  excellency  sir  G.  Prevost,  lieutenant-general. 

},..,       &:c.  &c.  &c.  ' 


No.  31, 

Return  of  the  killed,  wounded,  missing,  and  taken  prisoner Sy 
of  the  right  division  of  the  army  in  Upper  Canada,  under 
the  command  of  lieuteuant-general  Drummond,  in  action 
with  the  enemy  near  the  Falls  of  Niagara^  ^Z5th  of  July, 
1814. 

General  Stuff; — 1  deputy  assistant-aHjutant-general,  killed  ;  1  lieu 
tenant-general,  1  luajor-general,  1  inspecting  field-officer,  1  deputy 
assistant  quaiter- master-general,  wounded  ;   1  aide  de  camp,  prisoner/ 

191  li  Ugkt  dragoons; — 3  horses  killed;  2  rank  and  tile,  10  horses, 
wounded  ;   1  rank  and  file,  1  horse,  missing. 

Provincial  light  dragoons; — 2  rank  and  file,  3  horses,  niisiing ;  1  cap- 
tain, prisoner. 

Royal  engineers; — 1  subaltern,  missing. 

Royal  urtiUcry  ; — 1  captain,  12  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  7  rank  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  liorses,  missing. 

N.B. — Two  privates,  41st  regiment,  and  2  privates  of  the  89th  regi- 
ment, attached  to  royal  artillery  drivers,  missing,  not  included. 
■     \st,  or  royal  Scots  ;^\  suhaltern,  15  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  captain, 
2  subalterns;  6  Serjeants,  1  drummer,  106  rank  and   file,  wounded;  Z 
subulterus,  3  Serjeants,  1  drummer,  35  rank  and  file,  mibiiiig. 


442  APPENDIX. 

8th  (or  king's)  regiment', — 12  rank  and  file,  killed;  S  siiballerni,  3 
gerjeants,  54  rank  and  file,  wounded;  1  quarter-master,  Li  rank  and 
file,  ini&sing. 

41  sZ  regiment; — 3  rank  and  file,  killed;  2  Serjeants,  1  drummer,  31 
rank  and  file,  wounded. 

89ik  ?rgiment ; — 1  captain,  1  subaltern,  1  serjeant,  26  rank  and  file, 
killed;  1  lieutenant-colonel,  10  subalterns,  9  Serjeants,  2  drummers, 
166  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  3  Serjeants,  4  drummers,  2  rank  and  file, 
inissint;;  1  captain,  prisoner. 

102d  regiment; — 6  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  I  subaltern,  3  Serjeants,! 
drummer,  42  rank  and  file,  woimded;  1  rank  and  file,  missing;  1  cap- 
tain, 2  subalterns,  1  serjeant,  2  rank  and  file,  prisoners. 

IQAth  regiment; — 1  rank  and  file,  killed;  5  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Glengarry  tight  infantry ; — 1  serjeant,  3  rank  and  file,  killed ;  1  sub» 
altern,  3  Serjeants,  27  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  2  Serjeants,  6  rank  and 
file,  missing;  1  subaltern,  2  Serjeants,  11  rank  and  file,  prisoners. 

Incorporated  ihilitia  ; — 1  subaltern,  2  Serjeants,  4  rank  and  file, 
killed;  1  lieutenant-colonel,  3  captains,  4  subalterns,  3  Serjeants,  32 
rank  and  file,  wounded;  3  Serjeants,  72  rank  and  file,  missing  ;  1  cap- 
lain,  1  subaltern,  1  quarter-master,  14  rank  and  file,  prisoners. 

"ist  Lincoln  militia  \—\  rank  and  file,  killed. 

2rf  Lincoln  militia  ; — 1  subaltern,  wounded. 

4/A  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  and  file, wounded. 

Id  York  militia; — 1  major,  2  captains,  2  subalterns,  4  rank  and  file, 
wounded. 

General  total — 1  captain,  3  subalterns,  1  deputy  assistant-adjutant- 
general,  4  Serjeants,  75  rank  and  file,  killed;  i  lieutenant-general,  1 
major-general,  1  inspecting  field-officer,  1  deputy  assistantquarter- 
master-general,  2  lieutenant-colonels,  8  captains,  25  subalterns,  31  Ser- 
jeants, 5  drummers,  4n2  rank  and  file,  wounded;  1  captain,  3  subal- 
terns, 2  quarter- masters,  11  Serjeants,  5  drummers,  171  rank  and  file, 
missing;  1  aide  de  camp,  4  captains,  4  subalterns,  1  quarter-master,  4 
scijeants,  Si8  rank  and  file,  prisoners;  14  horses,  killed;  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-general. 

Royal  Scots; — Lieutenant  Hemphill. 

89/ A  regiment; — Captain  Spunner,  lieutenant  Latham. 

Incorporated  militia', — Ensign  Campbell. 

OJficers  wounded — General  staff; — Lieutenant-general  Druramond, 
severely;  (not  dangerously  ;)  major-general  Riall,  severely,  and  prisoner; 
lieutenant-colonel  Pearson,  sliglitly  ;  lieutenant  Le  Breton,  severely. 

Royal  artillery; — Captain  Maclachlan,  dangerously. 

Royal  Scots; — Captain  Biereton,  slightly;  lieutenant  Ilaewe!!,   so- 


APPENDIX.  443 

verely ;  (not  dangerously;)   lieutenant   Fraser,   severely,   (not  dange- 
roui.ly,)  and  missing. 

8th  (or  kiig's)  regiment;  —  Lieutenant  Noell,  ensign  Swayne, 
slignily;  ensign  M'Dona'd,  severely. 

89th  regiment  ; — Lieutenant-colonel  Morrison,  lieutenants  Sander- 
son, Steele,  Pearce,  Taylor,  Lloyd,  and  Miles,  severely ;  (not  dange- 
rously;) lieutenant  Redmond,  adjutant  Hopper,  slightly;  lieutenant 
Grey,  ensign  Saunders,  dangerously. 

103t^  regimen/: — Lieutenant  Langhorn,  slightly. 

Glengarry  light  infantry; — Lieuttnant  R,  Kerr,  slightly. 

Incorporated  militia; — Lieutenant-colonel  Robinson,  dangerously; 
captain  Fraser,  severely;  captain  Washburn,  slightly;  captain  M'Do- 
nald,  severely  ;  (left  arm  amputated  ;)  lieutenant  M'Dougall,  mortally; 
lieutenant  Raian,  severely;  lieutenant  Hamilton,  slightly;  ensign 
M'Donaid,  severely, 

Q.d  Lincoln  militia  ; — Adjutant,  Thompson,  slightly. 

4:th  Lincoln  ■  ilitia; — Captain  W.  Neliis,  ensign  Kennedy,  slightly. 

5th  Lincoln  militia;  —  Major  Hath,  seveiely. 

2d  York  viilitia; — Major  Simons,  severely;  captain  Mackay, 
slightly;  captain  Rockman,  severely. 

Officers  missing —Rot/al  engineers; — Lieutenant  Yall. 

Koyal  Scots; — Lieutenant  (Jlyne;  lieutenant  Lament,  supposed  to  be 
prisoner. 

8lh  {or  King'a)  regiment; — Quarter-master  G.  Kirnan. 

4th  Lincoln  militia  ;  —  Captain  H.  Neliis,  quarter-master  Bell. 

Officers  prisoners — General  s^/Jf;— Captain  Loring,  aide  do  camp 
to  lieutenant-general  Drummond. 

103^  regiment; — Captain  Brown;  lieutenant  Montgomery,  and 
wounded  ;  ensign  Lyon. 

Glengarry  light  infantry  ; — Ensign  Robins. 

Incorporated  militia; — Captain  M'Lean,  ensign  Whort ;  and  quarter- 
master Tliompson. 

Provincial  light  dragoons; — Capt.  Merritt. 

89th  regiment; — Captain  Gore. 

EDWARD  BAYNES,  adj.-gen. 
J.  HARVEV,  lieut.-coL 
dep.-adj.  gen. 


No.  32. 

From  major. gen.  Brown  to  the  jimerican  secretary  at  war. 
Sir,  (No  date.) 

Confined  as  I  was,  and  ha?e  been,  since  the  last  engagement 
with  the  enemy,  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,  oh  the  25th 


444  APPENDIX. 

ult.  taken  a  position  at  Chippeway.  About  noon  of  that  day, 
colonel  Swift,  who  was  posted  at  Lewistown,  advised  me,  by 
express,  that  the  enemy  appeared  in  considerable  force  in 
Qiieenstown,  and  on  its  heights;  that  four  of  the  enemy's  fleet 
had  arrivtd  on  the  preceding  night,  and  were  then  \yinn  near 
Fort  Niagara;  and  that  a  number  of  boats  were  in  view, 
moviniT  up  the  streight.  Within  a  few  minutes  after  this  intcl. 
ligencf"  had  been  received,  I  was  further  informed  by  ciiptairi 
Denmon,  of  the  quarter-master's  departn»ent.  that  ihe  enemy 
were  landing  at  Lewistown,  and  that  our  baggage  and  stores  at 
Schlosser,  and  on  their  way  thither,  were  in  danger  of  immedi- 
ate capture. 

It  is  proper  here  to  mention,  that  having  received  advices  as 
late  as  the  20th,  from  general  Gaines,  that  our  Hett  was  (hen  iu 
port,  and  the  commodore  sick,  we  ccaj.ed  to  look  for  co-ope. 
ration  from  that  quarter,  and  determined  to  disencumt  cr  our- 
selves of  baggage,  and  march  directly  to  Burlington  Heights. 
To  mask  this  intention,  and  to  draw  from  Schlosser  a  small 
supply  of  provisions,  I  fell  back  upon  Chippeway.  As  this 
arrangement,  under  the  encreased  force  of  the  enemy,  left  much 
at  hazard  on  our  side  of  the  iXiagara,  and  as  it  appeared  by  the 
before  stated  information,  that  the  enemy  was  about  to  avail 
himself  of  it,  I  conceived  that  the  most  effectual  mtthod  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  the  dragoons  and  mounted  men, 
\rrre  accordingly  put  in  march  on  the  road  leading  thither, 
with  orders  to  report  if  the  enemy  appeared,  and  to  call  for 
assistance,  if  that  was  necessary. 

On  the  general's  arrival  at  the  falls,  he  learned  that  the 
enemy  was  iu  force  directly  in  his  front,  a  narrow  •  piece  of 
wood  alone  intercepting  his  view  of  them.  Waiting  only  to 
give  this  information,  he  advanced  upon  them.  By  the  time 
acfeistant-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  Uipley  with 
the  2d  brigiide,  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  brought  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,  11th,  and 
22d  regiments,  and  Towson's  artillery. 

The  25th  had  been  thrown  to  the  right,  to  be  governed  by 
circumstances.      Apprehending   that   these   corps   were  much 


appendix;  445 

exhausted,  and  Icnowing  that  they  had  sufferpd  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  en'emy's  artillery  at  this  moment  occupied  a  hill  which  gave 
him  great  advantages,  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  two, 
gave  way,  and  retreated  some  distance  before  it  could  be  rallied, 
though  it  is  believed  the  officers  of  the  regiment  exerted  thetn- 
selvos  to  shorten  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  the 
detachments  of  the  17th  and  19th,  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  rfcmained  to  dispute  with  us 
the  field  of  battle.  The  major,  as  has  been  already  stated,  had 
been  ordered  by  general  Scott,  at  the  commencement  of  the 
action,  to  take  ground  to  his  right.  lie  had  succeeded  in 
turning  the  enemy's  left  flank, — had  captured  (by  a  detachment 
under  captain  Ketchum)  general  Riall,  and  sundry  other 
officers,  and  showed  himsalf  again  to  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  fromi 
our  position,  and  regain  his  artillery.  Our  line  was  unshaken, 
and  the  enemy  repulsed.  Two  other  attempts,  having  the  same 
object,  had  tiie  same  issue.  General  Scott  was  again  engaged 
in  repelling  the  former  of  these;  and  the  last  I  sa-.v  of  him  on 
the  field  of  battle,  he  was  near  the  head  of  his  column,  and 
giving  to  its  march  a  direction  that  vi'ould  have  placed  him  on 
the  enemy's  right.  It  was  with  great  pleasure  1  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  conspicuouii. 


446  APPENDTX. 

Stimulated  by  the  examples  set  them  by  their  gallant  leatferj 
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  the  action. 

Having  been  for  some  time  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  1  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 
Command  to  general  Ripley. 

While  retiring  from  the  field,  I  saw  and  felt  that  the  victory 
was  completf  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  informed  that 
general  Ripley  had  returned  without  annoyance,  and  in  good 
order.  I  now  sent  for  him,  and,  after  giving  him  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  him  the  piquets  and  camp  guards, 
and  every  other  description  of  force,  to  put  himself  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,  with  his  aide  de  camp.  Worth, 
his  major  of  brigade.  Smith,  and  every  commander  of  battalion 
were  wounded. 

The  2d  brigade  suffered  less  ;  hat,  as  a  brigade,  their  conduct 
entitled  them  to  the  applause  of  their  country.  After  the 
enemy's  strong  position  had  been  carried  by  the  21st  and 
the  detachments  of  the  17th  and  19th,  the  1st  and  *23d  assumed 
ft  aew  character.     They  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  Tolunteers 
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  hit 
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 
lide,  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  duty.  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  numbered  with  the  dead.  The  enemy  had  but  little 
opportunity  of  making  prisoners. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  Sec. 

JACOB  BROWN. 

Hon.  John  Armstrong,  secretary  at  war. 


448  APPENDIX. 

No.  33. 

Return  of  the  hilled.,  ■wounded,  and  missings  of  the  dhidot 
of  the  army  under  the  command  of  major-general  Broicn., 
at  the  battle  of  Bridgcwater,  July  25th,  1814. 

General  staff"; — 1    major-ocneial,    1    brigadier-general,   2  aides  de 
camp,  1  brigade-major,  wounded;   1  bri^^ade-major,  missino;. 
_   Light  dragiivns; — 1  rank  ai.d  file,  killed :  2  rank  and  file,  woanded. 
.    Artillery; — 1  captain,  9  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  captain,  2  subalternb, 
j  Serjeant,   1  musician,  30  rank  and   file,  wounded;  1   rank  and  file, 
missing. 

'  Isi  regiment  infantry :  — 11  rank  and  file,  killed;  2  subalterns,  18 
rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  and  2  rank  and  file,  missing. 

9lh  ditto; — 1  captain,  2  subalterns,  1  serjeant,  12  rank  pnd  file, 
killed:  1  majors  1  captain,  1  paymaster,  1  quarter-master,  5  subalterns, 
7  Serjeants,  74  rank  and  file,  wounded;  one  subaltern,  3  Serjeants,  11 
rank  and  file,  missing. 

llth  regiment ; — 1  captain,  2  Serjeants,  25  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1 
major,  J  captain,  5  subalterns,  P  Serjeants,  1  musician,  85  rank  and  file, 
wounded  ;   1  subaltern,  2  rank  and  file,  missing. 

list  regiment ; — 1  subaltern,  2  Serjeants,  12  rank  and  file,  killed;  1 
captain,  3  subalterns,  1  serjeant,  63  rank  and  file,  wounded;  19  rank 
and  file,  missing. 

22d  regiment ; — 2  Serjeants,  34  rank  and  file,  kille<i  ;  1  colonel,  2 
captains,  4  subalterns,  9  seijeants,  1  musician,  73  rank  and  file, 
wounded  ;  3  subalterns,  2  Serjeants,   12  rank  and  file,  missing 

QCyd  regiment ; — 1  major,  2  seijeants,  7  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1  cap- 
tain, 6  'subalterns,  1  serjeant,  44  rank  and  file,  wounded;  3  serjeanlS), 
24  rank  and  file,  missinjr. 

Q  51  h  regiment;— 1  ciKp\.f\\n,   I  subaltern,  26  rank  and  file,  killed;   1 
major,  1  adjutant,   1  quarter-master,   1  subaltern,  6  Serjeants,  56  rank 
and  file,  wounded  ;   1  serjeant,  14  rank  and  file,  missing. 
,    Canadian  volunteers; — 1    rank    and   file,   killed;    2   rank    and   file, 
wounded  ;  8  rank  and  file,  missing. 

Pevnatjlvaniu  regiment;  —  !  adjutant,  1  serjeant,  9  rank  and  file, 
killed;  1  major,  1  quarter-master,  1  subaltern,  21  rank  and  fde, 
ijTOimded  ;    1  captain,  missing. 

'  Nsw  York  mititia;  —  1  captain,  3  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1  lieutenant- 
Ofilonel,  1  subaltern,  2  Serjeants,  10  rank  and  file,  wounded;  1  subalr, 
tern,  missing. 

Total — Killed.  1  major,  5  captains,  1  adjutant,  4  subaltern*,  10 
Serjeants,  l.'^iO  rank  and  file.  Wounded,  1  major-general,,  1 
brigadier-general,  2  aides  de  camp,  1  brigade-major,  1  colonel, 
]  lieutenant- colonel,  4  majors,  7  captains,  I  adjutant,  1  pay- 
master, 3  quarter-masters,  32  subalterns,  ZQ  .Serjeants,  3  musi- 
cums.  478  rank  and  file.  Missing,  1  brigade-major,  1  captain, 
C  subalterns,  9  Serjeants,  93  raiik  and  file. 


APPENDIX.  449 

No.  34. 

From  lieutenant  Conkling  to  captain  Kennedy. 

Fort-George,  Upper  Canada, 
Sir,  Aug.  16,  1814. 

With  extreme  regret  I  have  to  make  known  to  you  the  cir- 
cupistances  attending  the  capture  of  the  Ohio  and  Somers.  On 
the  night  of  the  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  ressel :  they  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  ;  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  ia 
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,  and  gave  up  the  vessel, 
with  the  satisfaction  of  having  performed  my  duty,  and 
defended  my  vessel  to  the  last. 

List  of  killed  and  wounded. 
Ohio; — 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  Ratclitfe  ;  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  perhnps  to  Quebec 
directly. 

Edward  P.  Kennedy,  esq.  commanding  the 
United  States  naval  force  on  Lake  Erie, 


VOL.    II.  G  G 


450  APPENDIX. 

No.  35. 

From  lieutenant  general  Drumtnond  to  sir  George  Prevost. 

SiK,  Camp  before  Fort-Erie,  August  15,  1814. 

Havins!  reason  to  believe  that  a  sufficient  impression  had  beea 
produced  on  the  works  of  the  enemy'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  Avas  much  injured,  and  the 
general  outline  of  the  parapet  and  embrazurei  very  much  altered, 
I  was  determined  on  assaulting  the  place;  and  accordingly  made 
the  necessary  arrangements  for  attacking  it,  by  a  heavy  column 
directed  to  the  entrenchments  on  the  side  of  Snak-hill,  and 
by  two  columns  to  advance  from  the  battery,  and  assault  the 
fort  and  entrenchments  on  this  side. 

The  troops  destined  to  attack  by  Snakc-hill,  (which  con- 
sisted of  the  king's  regiment  and  that  of  De  Watteville's,  with 
the  flank  companies  of  the  89th  and  lUOth  regiments,  under 
lieutenant-colonel  Fischer,  of  the  regiment  of  De  Watteville,) 
marched  at  fonr  o'clock  yesterday  afternoon,  in  order  to  gain 
the  vicinity  of  the  point  of  attack  in  sufficient  time. 

It  is  wiih  the  deepest  regret  I  have  to  report  the  failure  of 
both  attacks,  which  were  made  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 ditTiculty  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 
the  lake,  was  made  at  the  same  moment  by  two  columns,  one 
under  lieutenant-colonel  Drummond,  104fh  regiment,  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  103d  regiment,  supported  by  two  companies  of 
the  royals,  was  destined  to  attack  the  entrenchments.  These 
columns  advanced  to  the  attack  as  soon  as  the  firing  upon 
colonel  Fischer's  column  was  heard,  and  suixeeded  after  a 
desperate  resistanci',  in  making  a  lodgement  in  the  fort  through 
the  embraziires  of  the  demi-bastion,  the  guns  of  which  they 
had  ai;tiially  turned  against  ihe  enemy,  who  still  maintained  the 
stone  building,  when,  most  unfortunately,  some  ammunition, 
Avhich  had  been  placed  under  the  platform,  caught  fire  from  the 
firing  of  the  ginis  in  tho  rear,  and  a  most  tremendous  explosion 
fwllowed^  by   which  almost  ail  the  troops  wliich  had  entered 


APPENDIX.  451 

the  place  Were  dreadfully  mangled.  Panic  was  instantly  com. 
municated  to  the  troops,  who  could  not  be  persuaded  that  the 
explosion  was  accidental,  and  the  enemy,  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  the  refreat,  a  service  which  that  valuable  corps 
executed  with  great  steadiness. 

Our  loss  has  been  severe  in  killed  and  wounded :  and  T  am 
sorry  to  add  that  almost  all  those  returned  "missing,"  may 
be  considered  as  wounded  or  killed  by  the  explosion,  and  left  ia 
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  tlie  night,  the  utmost  exertions  of  the 
officers  were  ineffectual  in  removing. 

The  officers  appear  invariably  to  have  behaved  with  the  most 
perfect  coolness  and  bravery ;  nor  could  any  thing  exceed  the 
steadiness  and  order  with  which  the  advance  of  lieutenant- 
colonel  Fischer's  brigade  was  made,  until  emerging  from  a 
thick  wood,  it  found  itself  suddenly  stopped  by  an  ahattis,  and 
within  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  and  guns  from  behind  a  for- 
midable entrenchment.  With  regard  to  the  centre  and  left 
columns,  under  colonel  Scott  and  lieutenant-colonel  Drummond, 
the  persevering  gallantry  of  both  officers  and  men,  until  the 
unfortunate  explosion,  could  not  be  surpassed.  Colonel  Scott, 
103d,  and  lieutenant-colonel  Drummond,  104th  regiments, 
who  commanded  the  centre  and  left  attacks,  were  unfortu- 
nately killed,  and  your  excellency  wiil  j)erceive  that  almost 
every  officer  of  those  columns  was  either  killed  or  wounded  by 
the  enemy's  fire,  or  by  the  explosion. 

My  thanks  are  due  to  the  under  mentioned  officers  ;  viz.  to 
lieutenant-colonel  Fischer,  who  commanded  the  right  attack  ; 
to  major  Coore,  aide  de  camp  to  your  excellency,  who  accom. 
panied  that  column  ;  major  Evans,  of  the  king's,  commanding 
the  advance;  major  Villatte,  De  VVatteville's;  captain  Basden, 
light  company  H9t!i  ;  lieutenant  Murray,  light  conipiny  100th; 
I  also  beg  to  add  the  name  of  captain  Powell,  of  the  Glengarry 
light  infantry,  employed  on  the  statf  as  deputy-assistant  in  the 
quarter-master-genirars  department,  who  conducted  lieutenant- 
colonel  Fischer's  column,  and  fust  entered  the  enemy's  entrench- 
ments, and  by  his  coolness  and  gallantry  particularly  distin. 
guished  himself;  major  Villatte,  of  De  Watteville's  regiment, 
who  led  the  c<tlumn  of  attack  and  en'ered  the  entrenchments  ; 
as  did  lieutenant  Young  of  the  king's  regiaieiit,  with  about  5» 
G  fi    "-i 


45J  APPENDIX. 

men  of  the  light  companies  of  the  king's  and  De  Wattevillc^s 
regiments:  captain  Powell  reports  that  serjeant  Powell,  of  the 
19th  dragot>ns,  who  was  perfectly  acquainted  with  the  ground, 
volunteered  to  act  as  a  guide,  and  preccedcd  the  leading  .sub. 
division  in  the  most  intrepid  style.  In  the  centre  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  104th  flank 
companies;  captains  Glew,  Bullock,  and  O'Keefc,  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  the  103d  regiment,  de- 
puty assistant-quarter-master-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  the  field- 
guns,  and  to  the  officers  and  men  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  with  the  centre  column,  fired 
several  rounds  upon  the  enemy  from  his  own  guns,  and  was 
wounded  by  the  explosion.  The  ability  and  exertions  of  lieu- 
tenant Phil  pot,  royal  engineers,  and  the  officers  and  men  of 
that  department,  claim  my  best  acknowledgments. 

To  lieutenant-colonel  Tucker,  who  commanded  the  reserire, 
and  to  lieutenant-colonel  Pearson,  inspecting  field-officer,  and 
Iicutenant>colonel  Battcrsby,  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  quarter-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  they  have  afforded  me.  My  acknow- 
ledgments are  due  to  captain  D'Alson,  of  the  90th  regiment, 
brigade-major  to  the  right  division,  and  to  lieutrnant-colonel 
Nichol,  quarter-master-general  of  militia,  the  exertions  of 
deputy  commissioner-general  Turqnand,  and  the  officers  of 
that  department,  for  the  supply  of  the  troops;  and  the  care 
and  attention  of  staff-surgcon  O'Maly,  and  the  medical  officer* 


APPENDIX.  453 

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. 

Sir,  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  8th  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 
marching  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  Are  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  formed,  and  retired  to  the  camp, 
I  enclose  a  return  of  casualties. 

J.  FISCHER, 
Lieutenant-colonel  De  Watteville's  regt. 


454  APPENDIX. 


No.  37. 

Return  of  killed,  ztounded,  mid  missing,  of  the  right  division^ 
in  the  assault  of  Fort -Erie  y  the  \bth  of  August,  1814. 

Killed — Roijul  artUleTy  ; — 1  rank  and  file. 
Royal  marine  artiller}/ ; — I  rank  and  file. 
'Ist,  or  royal  Scots  ;  1  captain. 

Sill,  or  king's  own; — I  lieutenant,  1  Serjeant,  15  rank  and  file. 
S9lh  light  compuni/ ;  — 1  rank  and  file, 
\03c!  regiment  ; — 1  lieutenant-colonel. 
IQith  regiment  ; — 1  licutennnl-colonol. 
Wat levil/e's  regiment ; — J  drummer,  33  rank  and  file. 
Wounded— General  staff; — 1  deputy-assistant-quarter-master-general. 
Royal  artillery  ; — 1  rank  and  file. 

Royal  navy; — 1  captain,  1  lieutenant,  I  master,  12  seamen. 
Royal  marines  ; — 10  rank  and  file. 
\st,  or  royal  Scots; — 1  captain,  1  lieutenant,   2  Serjeants,  16  rsink 

and  file. 
8th,  or  king's  own  ; — 1  lieutenant,  14  rank  ar.d  file. 
41st flank  companies, — 2  captains,  1  lieutenant,  1  ensign,  2  Serjeants, 

33  rank  and  file. 
89th  light  company; — 1  captain,  1  rank  and  file. 
lOOlh  light  company  ; — 2  rank  and  file. 
\03d   regiment; — 1    major.  2  captains,    6  lieutenants,  I    ensign,  10 

Serjeants,  1  drummer,   120  rank  and  file. 
104//(  regiment; — 1  captain,  1  lieutenant,  2  seijeants,  2  drummers, 

23  rank  and  file. 
Wuttevillt''s  regiment ; — 1  Serjeant,  26  rank  and  file.  y 

Glens,arry  light  infantry  •  —  1  rank  and  file. 
Missing — General  staff; — 1  deputy-assistant-quarter-master-general. 
Royal  artillery; — 2  rank  and  file. 
Royal  navy  ; — 1  rpidshipman,  7  seamen. 
Royal  marines  ; — S  Serjeants,  17  rank  and  file, 
list,  or  royal  Scots; — 49  rank  and  file. 
8th,  or  king's  oton; — 1  Serjeant,  15  rank  and  file. 
41st  flank  companies  ;— I    lieutenant,  1  ensign,  3  Serjeants,  3T  rank 

and  file. 
S9th  light  company  ;— 3  ravik  and  file. 

lOOIh  light  coiiipuny  — 1  lieutenant,  2  Serjeants,  5  rank  and  file. 
■  }03d  regiment;    I   captain,    1   lieutenant,    1  ensign,    1  adjutant,  3f> 

Serjeants,  3  drummers,  246  rank  and  file. 

The  number  returned  missing;,  the  greater  part  supposed  killed 
by  the  explosion  of  a  magazine. 
104/^  regiment;   1  Serjeant,  23  rank  and  file. 
Watteville^s  regiment;  —  I  Serjeant,  82  rank  and  file. 
Incorporated  militia ; — 1  rank  and  file. 
?l'/«/ — Killcd;~2  lieutenant-colonels,   1  captain,    1  lieutenant,   1  ser^ 
jeant,  1  Druinmer,  51  rank  and  file. 


APPENDIX.  455 

Wounded;— \  deputy-assistant-quarter-raaster-gencral,  1  major,  8 
captains,  1 1  lieutenants,  2  ensigns,  1  master,.  12  seamen,  20  Ser- 
jeants, 3  drummers,  250  rank  and  file. 

Missing; — 1  deputy-assistant  ()uarter-master-general,  1  captain,  3 
lieutenants,  2  ensigns,  1  midshipman,  I  adjutant,  7  seamen,  41 
Serjeants,  3  drummers,  479  rank  and  fde. 

Names  of  officers,  killed,  wounded,  and  missing. 
Killed— 'Xst,  or  roi/al  Slo's; — Captain  Torrens. 
Sill  regiment; — Lieutenant  Noel. 
\0^d  regiment  ; — Colonel  Scott. 
104^A  regiment; — Lit  utcnantcolonel  Drummond. 
Wounded  — Ge7ierul  staff'; — Captain  Powell,  deputy-assistant-quarter- 
master-general, slight  contusion. 
Ihyal  nuvii ; — Captain   Dobbs,  lieutenant   Stevenson,  slit!,htl_v;  Mr. 

Harris,  master,  severely. 
1st,  or  ro(/aZ  Sc«/5 ;— -Captain  Rowan  severely;  lieutenant  Vaughnn, 

slightly. 
8tk  regiment  ; — Lieutenant  Younj:,  slis^htiy. 

Wstfiank  cum^anies; — Captains  Glew  and  Bullock,  severely  ;  lieute- 
nant Ilailes,  slightly  ;  ensign  Townshcnd,  severely. 
89//*  regiment  ; — Captain  Barney,  severely. 
lOOIh  legiment; — ^^)lunteer  Fraser,  severely. 

\Q3d  regiment; — Major Smoit,  severely;  captain  Gardiner,  severely; 
captain  Coleclough,  sc\ere!y,  and  prisoner ;  lieutenant  I'lillon,  se- 
verely; lieutenant  Charlton,  severely,  and  prisoner;  lieutenant 
Coppage,  jun.  dangerously;  lieutenant  Meaglier,  slightly;  lieute- 
nants Burrows  and  Hazin,  severely;  ensign  Nash,  severely. 
'^?^\QAih  flank  companies; — Captain  Leonard,  lieutenant  M'Laughlan, 

severely. 
Missing — General   staff;  —  Captain    Elliot,    deputy-assistant-quarter- 
master-grnerai, 
Foj/ul  Nav^' ; — P»Ir.  Hyde,  miJshipman, 
Alst  Jlank  companies ; — Lieutenant  Garner,  ensign  Hall. 
lOOth  light  companij ; — Lieutenant  Murray,  wounded  and  prisoner. 
lOSd   regiment; — Captain    Irwin,  lieutenant  Kaye,   ensign    Huey, 
lieutenant  and  adjutant  Pettit, 

J.  HARVEY,  lieut-col.. 
Deputy-adjutant-general,; 


No.  38. 

From  brigadier-general  Gaines  to  the  American  secretarxj  at 
zcar. 

DEAR    SIR, 

My  heart  is  gladdened  witl)  gratitude  to  heaven  and  joy  to 
my  country,  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  inform  you,  that  the 
gallant  army,  under  my  command,  has  tljis  morning  beaten  the 
enemy,  commanded  hy  lieutcnaut-general  Drummond,  after  a 


456  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 
loss,  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  am  preparing  my  force  to  follow 
up  the  blow.  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'Kaj/  to   lieutenant-colonel 
M^DoualL 

Prairie  du  Chien,  Fort  M'Kay, 
SiK,  July  27,   1814. 

I  have  the  honor  to  communicate  to  you,  that  1  arrived  here 
on  the  17th  instant  at  12  o'clock  ;  my  force  amounting  to  660 
men:  of  which,  150  were  Michigan  fencibles,  Canadian  volun- 
teers, 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- 
fectly safe  from  Indians,  and  that  they  had  six  pieces  of  can. 
yion,  and  60  or  70  effective  nien,  officers  included.  That,  lying 
at  anchor  in  the  middle  of  the  Mississippi,  directly  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  they  can  use  their  own  io  the  greatest  advantage. 

At  half-past  12  o'clock,  1  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  morning  at 
day-light;  but,  it  being  impossible  to  controul  the  Indians,  I 
ordered  our  gun  to  play  upon  the  gun-boat,  which  she  did  with 
a  surprizing  good  effect ;  for,  in  the  course  of  three  hours  the 
time  the  action  lasted,  she  fired  86  rounds,  two-lhirds  of  which 
went  into  the  governor  Clark.     They  kept  up  a  constant  fire 


APPENDIX.  457 

upon  us,  both  from  the  boat  and  fort.  We  were  an  hour  be- 
tween  two  fires,  haying  F«n  our  gnn  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  white  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  arms  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  till  they  surrendered,  the  Indians  kept  up  a  constant, 
but  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  lieutenant,  three  Serjeants,  three  corporals,  two  musi- 
cians, 53  privates,  one  commissary,  and  one  interpreter,  have 
been  made  prisoners.  One  iron  6-pounder,  mounted  on  a  gar- 
rison carriage  ;  oneiron  3-poundcr,  on  a  fiekl-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  Rollette  and  Anderson ;  the  former  for  his  ac- 
tivity  in  many  instances,  but  particulatly  during  <he  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  unwcarieil' 
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  da  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.  RouTiiie,  Scoux  interpetcr :  they  absolutely  pre- 
vented their  Indians  committing  any  outrage  in  the  plundering 
way.  Commissary  IJonore,  who  acted  as  lietenant  in  captain 
lloUettc's  company,  whose  singular  activity  in  saving  and  keep- 
ing an  exact  account  of  provisions,  surprised  me,  and  without 
which  we  must  unavoidably  have  lost  much  of  that  essential 
article.  The  Michigan  fencibles,  who  manned  the  gun,  behaved 
with  great  courage,  coolness,  and  regularity.  As  to  the  Ser- 
jeant of  artillery,  too  much  cannot  be  said  of  him  ;  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  armed,  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  1  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,  took  five  pieces  of  cannon,  and  burnt  the  barge; 
the  other  barges  seeing  this  disaster,  and  knowing  there  were 
British  troops  here,  ran  oif.  This  is,  perhaps,  one  of  the 
most  brilliant  actions,  fought  by  Indians  only,  since  the  com. 
mcncement  of  the  war.      1  have,  &c. 

W.  M'KAY,  lieutenant-colonel, 
Lieut.. col.  M'Douall,  commanding  at  Michilimacinac. 


No.  40. 

From  lieutenant-colonel  M^Douall  to  sir  George  Prevost. 

Sir,  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 
guns  at  the  fort,  I  had  only  a  disposable  force  of  140  to  meet 
them,  Avhich  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  atford  to  detach  a  man  to  guard 
them. 

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  wish  was,  that  the  Indians  would  only  prevent  the 
enemy  from  gaining  the  woods  upon  our  flanks,  which  would 
have  forced  them  upon  the  open  ground  in  our  front.  A  na- 
tural breastwork  protected  my  men  from  every  shot;  and  I 
had  told  them  that,  on  a  close  approach  of  the  enemy,  thcF 
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  3-pounder 
opened  a  heavy  fire  upon  them,  but  not  with  the  effect  they 
should  have  had :  being  not  well  manned,  and  for  want  of  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  detachingthe  Mi- 
chigan fcncibles  to  oppose  a  party  of  the  enemy,  which  were 
advancing  to  the  woods  on  my  right.  I  now  received  accounts 
from  major  Crawford,  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  enemy,  and  took  up  a  position  effectually  covering 
them;  from  whence,  collecting  the  greater  part  of  the  Indians 
who  had  retired,  and  taking  with  me  major  Crawford  and 
about  50  militia,  I  again  advanced  to  support  a  party  of  the 
Fallsovine  Indians ;  who,  with  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       '  APPExNDlX. 

sion,  followed  hy  the  troops,  till  they  found  shelter  under  tlie 
Tcry  powerful  broadside  of  their  ships,  anchored  within  a  tew 
yards  of  the  shore.  They  re-eaabarke4  that  evening,  ajid  the 
vessels  immediately  hauled  off. 

X  have  the  honour,  &c. 

li,  M'DOUALL,  lieutenant  eoloiiel. 
His  excellency  sir  George  Prevost,  &c. 


No.  41. 

From  lieutenant  Bulger  to  lieutenant-celonel  M^DouaU. 

Sir,  Michilimacinac,  September  7,  1814. 

I  have  the  honor  to  report  to  you  the  particulars  of  the  cap- 
ture of  the  United  States'  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 
attempted  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  miles,  during  which  the  most  perfect  order  and  silence 
reigned.  The  Indians  which  accompanied  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  withia 
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. 

Ou  the  morning  of  the  4th  instant  the  prisoners  were  sentiu 


APPENDIX.  461 

a  boat  to  Machinac,  under  a  guard,  and  we  prepared  to  atfack 
the  olher  schooner,  which  we  understood  Avas  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 
being  seen.  Every  thing  succeeded  to  our  wish  ;  the  enemy 
came  to  anchor  about  two  miles  from  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  late; 
for,  in  the  course  of  five  minutes,  her  deck  was  covered  with 
our  men,  and  the  British  flag  hoisted  over  the  American.  She 
proved  io  be  the  Scorpion,  commanded  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  good  conduct  and  management  of  lieutenant 
Worsley,  of  the  royal  navy,  the  success  is  to  be  in  a  great 
measure  attributed  ;  but  I  must  assure  you,  that  every  officer 
and  man  did  his  duty. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

A.  II.  BULGER, 

lieutenant  royal  Newfoundland  regiment. 

M'Douall,  &c.  &c. 

Return  of  killed  and  wounded  of  the  troops,  employed  in  the  cap- 
ture of  the  United  States' schooners,  Scorpion  and  Tigress,  on  the 
3d  and  6ch  of  September,  1814. 

Royal  artUlerii; — I  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Rovai  Neufoundlnnd  regiment; — 1  lieutenant,  6  rank  and  file, wounded. 

Officer  wounded. 
Lieutenant  Bulger,  slightly. 
N.  B.  Three  seamen  killed. 


No.  42. 

From  Sir  George  Prevost  io  Earl  Bathunt. 

Head-quarters,  Plattsburg,  State  of  New  Y^ork, 
My  Loud,  Sept.  11,   1814. 

Upon  the  arrival  of  the  reinforcements  from  the  Garonne,  £ 
lost   no  time  in  assembling  three  brigades  on  the  frontier  of 


46^  APPENDIX. 

Lower  Canada,  extending  from  the  river  Richelieu  to  the  St« 
Lawrence,  and  in  forming  them  into  a  division  under  (he  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  Ameri- 
can army  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  day,  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  this  place,  having 
surmounted  the  difticulties  created  by  the  obstructions  in  (he 
road  from  the  felling  of  trees  and  the  removal  of  bridges.  The 
next  day  the  division  moved  upon  Plattsbiirg,  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  ademi-brigadc,  under  major-general  Robinson  ;  the 
left  by  major-general  Brisbane's  brigade. 

The  enemy's  militia,  supported  by  his  regulars,  attempted  to 
impede  the  advance  of  the  right  column,  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  restoring  the  bridges,  which  had  been 
imperfectly  destroyed — an  inconvenience  soo:i  sunnou)i(ed. 

liere  1  found  the  enemy  in  the  occupation  of  an  elevated 
ridge  of  land  on  the  south  branch  (bank)  of  the  Saranac, 
crowned  with  three  strong  redoubts  and  other  field  works,  and 
block. houses  armed  with  heavy  ordnance,  with  (heir  iloti'.'a* 
at  anchor  out  of  gun-shot  from  the  shore,  consisting  of  a  ship, 
a  brig,  a  schooner,   a  sloop,  a.ul  (en  guii-boals. 

1  immediately  communicated  this  circumstance  to  captain 
Downie,  who  had  been  recently  appointed  to  couiraand  the 
vessels  +  on  Lake  Champlain,  consisting  of  a  .ship,  a  brig,  two 
sloops,  and  12  giin-boats,  and  requested  iiis  co-operation,  and 
in  the  mean  time  batteries  were  constructed  for  the  guns 
brougiit  from  the  rear. 

On  the  morning  of  the  11th,  our  flotilla  was  seen  over  t!:e 
isthmus    which  joins    Cumberland-head   with    the    main-land, 

*  The  Saratoga,  26  »uns  ;  Surprise,  20  guns ;  Thunderer,  16  guns  ; 
Prelile,   7  guns  :    10  gun  hr.alH,    14£U(is. 

f  The  C()iifi;ipre,  3G  giiH«  :  Liivnel,  IS  guns;  Broke,  lOgr.us;  Shaiw;onv 
10  gnns;  12  gun-boats,   16  guiis^ 


APPENDIX.  4ig3 

steering  for  Plattsburg  Bay.  I  immedialely  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  27th  and  58th  regiments,  to  force  the  fords  of  the 
Saranac,  and  advance,  provided  with  scaling-ladders,  to  escalade 
the  enemy's  works  upon  the  heights;  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  1  inform  your  lordship,  that  not- 
withstanding the  intrepid  valor  with  which  captain  Downie 
led  his  flotilla  into  action,  my  most  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  enemy's  works,  when  I  had  the 
extreme  mortification  to  hear  the  shout  of  vicfory  from  the 
enemy'^s  workSjin  consG«qiience  of  the  British  flag  being  lowered 
on  board  the  Confiance  and  Linnet,  and  to  see  our  gun-boats 
seelcing  their  safety  in  flight.  This  unlooked-for  event  de- 
prived me  of  the  co-operation  of  the  fleet,  without  which  the  (/ 
further  prosecution  of  the  service  was  become  impracticable,  I 
did  not  hesitate  to  arrest  the  course  of  the  troops  advancing  to 
the  attack,  because  the  most  complete  success  would  have  been 
unavailing,  and  the  possession  oi"  the  enemy's  works  offered  no 
advantage  to  compensate  for  the  loss  we  must  have  sustained  in 
acquiring  posses>ion  of  them, 

1  have  ordered  the  batteries  to  be  dismantled,  the  guns  with- 
drawn, and  the  baggage,  with  the  wounded  u\en  who  can  he 
removed,  to  be  sent  to  the  rear,  in  order  thnt  the  troo[)s  nsay 
return  to  Chazy  to-morrow,  and  on  the  following  day  to 
Champlain,  where  I  propose  to  halt  nnlil  I  have  ascertained 
the  use  the  enemy  propose  making  of  the  naval  ascendancy 
they  have  acquired  on  Lake  Champlain. 

I  have  the  honor  to  (rdnsmit  herewith  returns  of  the  Icsii 
sustained  by  the  left  division  of  this  army  in  its  advance  tj 
Plattsburg,  and  in  forcing  a  passage  across  the  river  Saraniic. 

I  have  the  the  honor,  &c. 

GEORGE  P.iEFOST. 

Earl  Buthurst,  &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  the  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. 

Sd  foot ; — 1  captain,  1  ensign,  killed  ;  4  lieutenants,  1  serjeant,  34 

rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  2  rank  and  file  missing. 

5th  foot  ;— 1  rank  and  file,  killed ;   1  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Sthfoot,  2d  battalion  ;^\  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

ISthfoot  ; — 2  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Qlthfoot,  \sl  battalion  ;— 3  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1  Serjeant,  13  rank 
and  file,  wounded  ;  1  rank  and  file,  missing. 

filth  foot,  3d  battalion ;— I  Serjeant,  2  rank  and  file,  killed;  3  Ser- 
jeants, 1 1  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  4  rank  and  file,  missing. 

49lhfoot ; — 3  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

58th foot;  4  rank  and  file, killed;  1  captain,  2  lieutenants,  1  serjeant, 
29  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

76lhfoot  ;— I  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. 

pe  Metiron's  regitnent ; — 1  serjeant,  5  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1  serjeant, 
14  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  9  rank  and  file,  missing.  ' 

Canadian  chasseurs  ; — 4  rank  and  file,  killed;  iO  rank  and  file,  wound- 
ed ;  1  lieutenant,  7  rank  and  file,  missing. 

SOtkfoot ;— 1  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Total ;— 2  captains,  1  ensign,  4  Serjeants,  30  rank  and  file,  I 
horse,  killed  ;  1  general  staff,  1  captain,  6  lieutenants,  7  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, 
eubign  J.  Chapman. 

76th  foot  ;— Captain  J.  Purchase. 

Wounded — General  staff; — Captain  T.  Crosse,  aide  de  camp  to  ma- 
jor-general De  Rottenburg,  slightly. 

Sdfoot  ;— Lieutenant  II.  Kingsbury,  severely;  (since  dead  ;)  lieute- 
i;ant  J.  West,  severely  ;  lieutenants  G.  Benson,  and  J.  Home,  slightly. 

58th  foot; — Captain  L.  Westropp,  severely;  lieutenant  C.  Brokier, 
slightly  ;  lieutenant  and  adjutant Lewis,  slightly. 

Missing— 76th  foot ;  —  Lieutenants  G.  Hutch,  G.  Ogilvie,  and  E. 
Marchington. 

Car.adian  chasseurs ;— Lieutenant  E.  Vigneau. 

EDWARD  BAYNES, 
Adjutant-general  North  America. 


APPENDIX.  465 

No.  44. 

From  sir  James  Lucas  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  enemy  such  decided  advantages, 
by  going  into  their  bay  to  engage  them.  Even  had  they  been 
successful,  it  would  not  in  the  least  iiave  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  tlie  honor,  to  be,  Szc. 

JAMES  LUCAS  YEO, 
Commmodore  and  commander  in  chief, 
J.  W.  Croker,  esq.  &c.  &c.  &c. 


No.  45. 

From  major-general  Macombe  to  the  American  secretary/  at 


war. 


Sir,  Plattsbnrg,  Sept.  15,  1814. 

The  govemor-goneral  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  of  the  month,  and  occupied  the  village  of  Champlain: 
there  he  avowed  his  intentions,  and  issued  orders  and  proclama- 
lions,  tending  to  dissuade  the  people  from  their  allegiance,  and 
inviting  them  to  furnish  his  army  with  provisions.  Ho  immedi- 
ately began  to  impress  the  waggons  and  tarns  in  the  vicinity, 
and  loaded  them  with  his  heavy  baggage  and  stores.  From  this 
I  was  persuaded  he  intended  to  attack  this  place.  1  had  but 
just  returned  from  the  lines,  wliere  I  had  commanded  a  fine 
brigade,  which  was  broken  up  to  form  the  division  under 
major-general  Izard,  and  ordered  to  the  westward.  Beiug 
VOL.    II  H  H 


466  APPENDIX. 

senior  officer,  he  left  me  in  command ;  and,  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  the  works,  I  divided 
them  into  detachments,  and  placed  them  near  the  several  forts  J 
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  made  his 
appearance  before  the  place  we  were  prepared  to  receive  hira. 
General  Izard  named  the  principal  work  Fort-Moreau  ;  and, 
to  remind  the  troops  of  the  actions  of  their  brave  countrymen, 
I  called  the  redoubt  on  the  right  Fort- Brown,  and  that  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  1500  effective 
men  for  duty,  and  well  informed  that  the  enemy  had  as  many 
thousands,  I  called  on  general  Mooers,  of  the  New  York 
inilitia,  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  into  a  party,  received  rifles,  and  were 
exceedingly  useful.  By  the  4th  of  the  month,  general  Mooers 
collected  about  700  militia,  and  advanced  seven  miles  on  the 
Beckman-town  road,  to  watch  the  motions  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  toabattis  the  woods, 
to  place  obstructions  in  the  road,  and  to  fortify  himself :  io 
this  party  I  added  two  field-pieces.  In  advance  of  that  posi- 
tion was  lieutenant-colonel  Appling,  with  110  riflemen,  watch- 
ing the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  procuring  intelligence. 
It  was  ascertained,  that  before  day-light  on  the  Gth,  the  enemy 
would  advance  iu  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  j 
the  militia  skirmished  with  his  advan<:cd  parties,  and  except  a 
few  brave  men,  fell  back  most  precipitately  in  the  greatest 
disorder,  notwithstanding  the  British  troops  did  not  deign  to 
fire  on  them,  except  by  their  flankers  and  advanced  patroles. 
The  night  previous,  1  ordered  major  Wool  to  advance  with  a 
detachment  of  250  men  to  support  the  militia,  and  set  them  an 
example  of  firmness  j  also  captain  Leonard,  of  the  light-artil- 


APPENDIX.  467 

lery,  was  directed  to  proceed  with  two  pieces  to  be  on  the 
ground  before  day;  yet  he  did  not  make  his  appearance  until 
eight  o'cloclv,  when  the  entiny  had  approached  within  two 
miles  of  the  village.  With  his  conduct,  therefore,  I  am  not 
well  pleased.  Major  Wool,  with  his  parly,  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  the  fields  were  divided  by  strong  stone 
walls,  and  they  were  told  that  the  enemy  cuuM  not  possibly 
cut  them  off.  The  state  dragoons  of  New  Tork  vrear  red 
coats  ;  and  they  being  on  the  heights  to  watch  the  enemy,  gave 
constant  alarm  to  the  militia,  who  mistook  them  for  the  enemy, 
and  feared  his  getting  in  their  rear 

Finding  the  enemy's  columns  had  penetrated  within  a  mile  of 
Plaftsburg,  I  despatched  my  aide  de  camp,  lieutenant  Hoot,  to 
bring  off  the  detachment  at  Dead  creek,  and  to  inform  lieute- 
naHt-coIonel  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,  crowding 
on  us  on  all  sides,  I  ordered  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  until  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  tho 
windows  and  balconies,  and  annoyed  us  much.  I  ordered  them 
to  be  driven  out  with  hot  shot,  which  soon  put  the  houses  in 
flames,  and  obliged  those  sharp-shooters  to  retire.  The  whole 
day,  until  it  was  too  late  to  see,  the  enemy's  light  troops  endea- 
vourcd  to  drive  our  guards  from  the  bridge,  but  they  suffered 
dearly  for  their  perseverance.  An  attempt  was  also  made  to 
cross  the  upper  bridge,  where  the  militia  handsomely  drove 
them  back.  The  column  which  marched  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- 
worksj  to  cover  our  parties  intended  for  (lisputing  the  passage, 
u  II  2 


468  APPENDIX. 

which  afterwards  enabled  us  to  hold  the  bridges  against  Very 
superior  numbers.  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  theSaranac  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  afJer 
the  first  day,  and  the  volunteers  of  Vermont  were  exceedingly 
serviceable.  Our  regular  troops,  notwithsfanding  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  11th,  as  was  expected,  the  flotilla  appeared 
in  sight  round  Cumberland  Head,  and  at  nine  bore  down  and 
engaged  at  anchor  in  the  bay  off  the  town.  At  the  same  instant 
the  batteries  were  opened  on  us,  and  continued  (hrowitig  bomb- 
shells, shrapnells,  balls,  and  Congreve  rockets,  until  sun. set, 
when  tiie  bombardment  ceased,  every  battery  of  the  enemy 
being  silenced  by  the  superiority  of  our  fire.  The  naval  en- 
gagement lasted  but  two  hours,  in  full  view  of  both  armies. 
Three  efforts  were  made  by  the  enemy  to  pass  the  river  at  the 
commencement  of  the  cannonade  and  bombardment,  with  a 
view  of  assaulting  the  works,  and  they  had  prepared  for  that 
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  tho-  two  first  he  was  repulsed  by  ihe  regulars — at 
the  ford  by  the  brave  volunteers  and  mililia,  where  he  suffered 
severely  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners  :  a  considerable 
body  crossed  the  stream,  but  were  tither  killed,  taken,  or 
driven  back.  The  woods  at  this  place  were  very  favorable  to 
the  operations  of  the  militia.  A  whole  company  of  the  76th 
regiment  was  here  destroyed,  V  c  three  lieutenants  and  27  men 
prisoners,  tlie  captain  and  the  rest  killed.  I  cannot  forego  the 
pleasure  of  here  stating  the  gallant  conduct  of  captain  M'Glassin, 
of  the  1 3th  regiment,  who  was  ordered  to  ford  the  river,  and 
attack  a  party  constructing  a  battery  on  the  right  of  the  enemy's 
line,  within  300  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  party  of  the 
same  number,  killing  one  olhcer  and  six  men  in  (he  charge,  and 
wounding  many.     At  dusk  the  enemy  withdrew  his  artillery 


APPENDIX.  409 

from  the  batteries,  and  raised  the  siege;  and  at  nine,  under 
cover  of  the  night,  sent  olf,  in  a  great  hurry,  all  the  haggage 
he  could  find  traissport  for,  and  also  his  artillery.  At  two  the 
nest  morning  the  whole  army  precipitately  retreated,  leaving 
the  sick  and  w.uinded  lo  our  generosity;  and  the  governor  left 
a  note  with  a  surgeon,  requesting  the  humane  attention  of  the 
commanding-general. 

Vast  quantities  of  prnvisiorr  were  left  behind  and  destroyed  ; 
also  an  immense  quantity  of  bomb-shells,  cannon-balls,  grape- 
shot,  ammunition,  flints,  &c.  entreiiching  tools  of  ail  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  otf  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  mililia,  pursued  immediately  on  learn. 
ing  of  his  flight,  and  some  of  the  mounted  men  made  prisoners 
live  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  arniy  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  command,  during  the  trying  occa- 
sion, cannot  be  represented  in  too  high  terms. 

ALEX.  MACOMB. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed,  wounded,  prisoners,  and 
deserters,  since  his  flrst  appearance,  cannot  fall  short  of  2500. 

Jion.  1.  Armstrong. 


No.  46. 

From    major-general  De   JVatieville,   to   lieutenant-general 
Drummond. 

Camp  before  Fort-Erie, 
Sir,  Sept.  19,  1814. 

I  have  the  honor  to  report  to  you,  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  8th  and  de  VValteville's  regiments,  being  on  duty. 

Under  cover  of  a  heavy  fire  of  his  artillery  from  Fort-Eric, 
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 
of  his  approach,  the  enemy  succeeded  in  turning  the  right  of 


470  APPENDIX. 

our  line  of  piqaets,  without  being  perceived,  and  with  a  verj 
considerable  force,  attacked  both  the  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  almost  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  lientenant-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  tlire-e  companies  of  the  6th  regiment, 
were  detached  to  the  left,  in  order  to  support  Nos.  1  and  2 
batteries.  The  enemy  having,  at  that  time,  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  enemy's  forces, 
and  immediatrly  charged  them  with  the  most  intredid  bravery, 
driving  them  back  across  our  entrenchments ;  and  also  from 
N^.  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  centre-road,  and 
attacked,  and  carried,  with  great  gallantry,  the  new  entrench- 
ment, then  in  full  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  of  their  wounded  in  our  hands.  By  five  o'clock 
the  entrenchments  were  again  occupied,  and  the  line  of  piquets 
established,  as  it  had  been  previous  to  the  enemy's  attack. 

I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  a  return  of  casualties,  and  the 
report  of  the  officer  eommanding  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,  majpr-gen, 

Wcut.^gencral  Drumniond,  S^c, 


APPENDIX.  471 


No.  47. 

Return  of  casualties  of  the  right  division  of  the  army,  in  action 
with  the  enemy  ;  camp  before  ForJ-Erie,  Sept.  17,  181^. 

Roi/cd  artillery  ; — 9  rank  and  file,  missing. 

Additional  gunners,  De  WatteviUe's  regiment; — 1  rank  and  file, 
wounded  ;  10  rank  and  file,  missing. 

1st,  or  roi/al  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  i — 1  captain,  1  Serjeant,  13  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  lieute- 
nant, 1  Serjeant,  'is  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  1  Serjeant,  10  rank  and 
file,  missing. 

8th foot ; — 1  lieutenant,  1  Serjeant,  12  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  lieute- 
nant, 12  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  1  captain,  1  lieutenant,  1  ensign,  S 
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,  miising. 

S9th  foot; — 1  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  serjeant,  2  rank  and  file, 
wounded  ;  1  serjeant,  19  rank  and  file,  missing. 

De  Wattoville'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,  missrfig. 

Glen gurri/  light  infantry; — 3  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  serjeant,  18 
rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Grand  total — 1  captain,  2  lieutenants,  7  Serjeants,  105  rank  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  offisers. 
Killed. 
6<A^oo^;— Captain  R.  D.  Patterson. 
8th fool; — Lieutenant  Barston. 
De  WatteviUe's  regiment; — Lieutenant Pellichody. 

Wounded. 

Roi/al  iScofs;— Lieutenant-colonel  J.  Gordon,  severely;  lieutenant  G. 
Ratledge,  since  dead. 

0th 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  Latham,  se- 
verely; lieutenant  G.  Harman,  slightly;  ensign  C.  Langford,  since 
dead. 

De  Wattesille's  rfgt>?ftf«< ;— Lieutenant-colontl   Fischer,  severely; 


472  APPENDIX. 

captain  MIttelholzer,  severely  ;  lieutenant  Gingins,  severely;  lieutenant 
Steiger,  sliohtly ;  lieutenant  I,a  Pierre,  severely. 

Staff; — Lieutenant-colonel  Thomas  Pearson,  inspecting  field-officer, 
severely. 

Missirig~8thfoot; — Captain  BradbrJdge,  lieutenant  M'Nair,  ensign 
Matthewson. 

De  WatteviUt''s  regiment; — Major  De  Villatte,  major  Winter, 
wounded;  captain  Zehendcr,  Hecken,  and  Steiger;  lieutenant  De 
Berry,  lieutenant  Hecken,  wounded;  adjutant  Therraet;  asbistant-sur- 
{jeon  Gorbea. 

No.  48. 

From  lieutenant-colonel  Pilkington  to  lieutenant-general 
sir  John  C.  Sherbrooke. 

Moose  Island,  Passamaquaddy  Bay, 
Sib,  July  12,  1814. 

Having  sailed  from  Halifax  on  the  5th  instant,  accompanied 
by  lieutenant-colonel  NicoUs,  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 
■ue  arrived  at  Shelburne,  the  place  of  rendezvous,  on  the  even, 
ing  of  the  7th  instant,  where  1  found  captain  sir  Thomas  Hardy, 
in  his  majesty's  ship  Ramillies,  with  two  transports,  having  on 
board  the  i02d  regiment,  under  the  command  of  lieutenant- 
colonel  Herries,  which  had  arrived  the  day  before.  I  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  jioint  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  Ave  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 
tvas  not  accepti-d  ;  in  consequence  of  which,  the  troops,  which 
■were  already  in  tiie  bouts,  pulled  off  under  the  superintendance 
of  captain  Seuhouse,  of  the  royal  navy,  whose  arrangements  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  the  fort  a  detachment  of  the  40th  regiment  of 
American  infantry,  consisting  ot  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  entrance 
to  the  anchorage,  and  within  it  is  a  block-house,  and  also  four 
long  18-pounders,  one  IS-pQund  carronade,  and  four  fuld- 
piects.  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. 

Wc  have  also  occupied  Allen's  and  Frederick  Island,  so  that 
the  whole  of  the  islands  in  this  bay  are  now  subject  to  the 
British  Qag. 

It  is  very  satisfactory  to  me  to  add,  that  this  service  has  been 
effected,  without  any  loss  or  casualty  among  the  troops  em- 
ployed in  it. 

To  captain  sir  Thomas  Hardy,  I  consider  myself  under  the 
greatest  obligations  ;  having  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  a  great  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-Sullivan. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

A.  PJLKINGTON,  lieut.-col. 
Lieut. -general  deputy-adjutant-gencral. 

Sir  J.  C.  Sherbrook,  K.  B. 


No.  49. 


From  captain  tJardy^  R.  N..,and  lieuiencmi-colofiel  Pilklngton, 
to  the  American  commander  at  Moose  Island. 

On  board  of  his  majesty's  ship  Ramillies,  off 
Sir,  Moose  Island,  July  11,   1814. 

As  we  are  perfectly  apprised  of  the  weakness  of  the  fort  and 
garrisonunderyourcommandjand  your  inability  to  defend  Moose 
Island  against  the  ships  and  troops  of  his  Britannic  majesty 
placed  under  our  directions,  we  are  induced,  from  the  humane 
consideration  of  avoiding  the  efi'usion  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 
in  case  of  resistance.  We,  therefore,  allow  you  five  minutes, 
from  the  time  this  summons  is  delivered,  to  decide  upon  an 
answer. 

In  the  event  of  your  not  agreeing  to  capitulate  on  liberal 
terms,  we  shall  deeply  lament  being  compelled  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,  commandrng. 
To  the  officers  commanding  the  United  States'  troops 
on  Moose  Island. 


No.  50. 


From  major  Futman  to  captain  Hardy,  and  lieutenant- 
colonel  Pilkington. 

Gentlemen,  Fort  Sullivan,  July  11,  1814. 

Conformably  to  your  demand,  I  have  surrendered  Fort-Sul- 
iivan  with  all  the  public  property. 

This    I   have  done  io  stop   the   effusion   of    blood    and   in 
consideration  of  your  superior  forces.     I  am,  gentlemen,  ^fc. 
P.  PUTMAN,  major,  commanding. 

P.  S.  I  hope,  gentlemen,  every  respect  will  be  paid  io  the 
defenceless  inhabitants  of  this  island,  and  the  private  property 
of  the  officers.  P.  P. 


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- 
nition, stores,  and  effects,  with  exact  inventories  thereof, 
belonging  to  the  American  government;  and  they  are  thereby 
transferred  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  majestxfs  forces  under  the  command  of 
lieutenant. colonel  Pilkington, 

Iron  guns; — four  18-pounders,  with  standing  carriages,  side  arms  ; 
two  unserviceable  9-puunders,  two  12-pounder  carronades  without 
carriages. 

Brass  guns; — two  serviceable  and  two  unserviceable  light  6-pounders, 
with  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,  tiiree  hundred  and  eigluy-nine  loose  round 
6-poundcr,  ninety-five  C-pounder  case  shot. 

Six  barrels  of  horned  powder,  containing  one  hundred  pounds  each  ; 
100  muskets,  with  bayonets,  belts,  slings,  and  complete  swurds,  witli 
belts,  scabbards,  &c. 

Seventy-two  incomplete  tents,  one  United  States'  ensign. 

VV.  DUNN,  capt.  royal  artillery  company. 


No.  53. 

From  lieutenant-general  sir  I.  C.  Sherbrooke  to  efirl  Bathurst. 

Castine  at  the  entrance  of  the  Penobscot, 
My  Loiin,  Sept.  18,   1814. 

I  have  now  the  honor  to  inform  your  lordship,  that  after 
closing  my  despatch  of  the  25th  ult.  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  royat  artillery,  two  rifle  compa- 
nies of  the  7th  battalion  60th  regiment,  29th,  62d,  and  98th 
regiments,)  to  accompany  the  object  we  had  in  view. 

Very  early  in  the  morning  of  the  30th  we  fell  in  with  the 
Rifleman  sloop  of  war,  when  cai)tain  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 
firuizers;  if  she  reaiained  at  the  entrance  of  the  river,  she  hud 


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  onr  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  tiie  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 
from  four  24-pounders  upon  a  small  schooner  that  had  been 
sent  with  lieutenant- colonel  Nichols  (commanding  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 off  in  the  boats  with  thorn  two  field-pieces. 

As  we  had  no  means  of  ascertaining  what  force  the  Ameri- 
cans had  on  this  peninsula,  1  landed  a  detachment  of  the  royal 
artillery,  with  two  riile-companics  of  the  60th  and  98th  regi- 
ments, under  colonel  Douglas,  in  the  rear  of  it,  with  orders  to 
secure  the  isthmus,  aiid  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  immediately  upon  our  landing. 

Rear-admiral  Griffith  and  myself  next  turned  our  attention 
to  obtaining  possession  of  the  Adams,  or  if  that  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-operate  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  numerous  to  the  southward 
and  to  the  westward,  from  annoying  the  British  in  their  opera- 
tions against  (ho  Adams. 

Upon  inquiry,  1  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  1  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  party  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  alarm  guns  being  fired  at  the  fort  at 
Castrne,  upon  our  tirst  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,  J  marched  with  about  700  men  and 
two  light  field-pieces,  upon  Buckstown,  at  three  o'clock,  on 
Sunday  morning  the  4th  instant,  for  the  purpose  of  learning 
what  progress  he  had  made,  and  of  aflbrding  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  accompanied  me  on  this  occasion,  and  we  had 
reason  to  believe  that  the  light  guns  which  had  been  taken  from 
Castine  were  secreted  iii  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  bn^ught  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  Hampton 
up  to  Bangor  ;  and  the  admiral  ssr.t  an  cffici-r  in  a  boat  from 
Buckstown  to  communicate  with  him  :  when,  finding  there  was 
no  necessity  for  the  troo[)S  remaining  longer  at  Buckstown, 
they  marched  back  to  Castine  the  next  day. 

Having  ascertained  that  the  object  of  the  expedition  up  the 
Penobscot  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. 

Mdchias  being  the  only  plice  now  remaining  where  the 
enemy  had  a  post  between  the  Peu'ibscot  and  Passamaquaddy 
bay,  I  ordered  lieutenant-colonel  Pilkington  to  proceed  with  a 
detachment  of  royal  artillery  and  the  "iSth  regiment  to  occupy 
it;  and  as  naval  assistance  was  required,   rear-admiral  Griffith 


4!^  APPENDIX. 

directed  captain  Parker,  of  the  Tenedos,  to  co-operate  ivith 
lientenant-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  np  the  Penobscot,  returned  to  Castine.  It  seems,  the 
enemy  blew  up  (he  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  ouf 
hands.  This,  I  am  happy  to  say,  was  accomplished  with  very 
little  loss  on  our  part ;  and  your  lordship  will  perceive,  by  the 
return  sent  herewith,  that  the  only  officer  wounded  in  this 
affair,  is  captain  Gall,   of  the  '29th  grenadiers. 

Herewith  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  a  copy  of  the  report, 
made  to  me  by  lieutenan^t. colonel  John  on  this  occasion,  in 
which  your  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  1  beg  to  call  your  lordship's  atten- 
tion to  the  names  of  those  officers  upon  whom  lieutenant-colo- 
ne!  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,  retlect 
great  honor  upon  them,  and  demand  my  warmest  acknowledg- 
ments ;  and  I  have  to  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  rear-admiral  Griffith  will,  no  doubt,  make  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  the  success  of  this  enterprise  to  the  masterly 
arrangements  of  captain  Barrie,  royal  navy,  who  conducted  it." 

I  have  much  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 
the  whole  progress  of  this  expedition. 

I  feel  it  my  duty  to  express,  in  the  strongest  terms,  the  great 
obligations  I  am  under  to  rear-admiral  Griffith,  for  his  judi- 
cious advice,  and  ready  co-operation,  on  every  occasion.  And 
my  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  ])pen  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  Dpuglasj  and  the  commanding  officers 


APPENI)IX.  479 

of  Corps,  for  the  alacrity  shown  by  them,  and  strict  discipline 
which  has  been  maintained. 

To  the  heads  of  departments,  and  to  the  officers  of  the  ge- 
neral and  of  my  personal  stalf,  I  am  much  indebted  for  the 
zealous  manner  in  which  they  have  discharged  their  respectiye 
duties. 

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  alFord  your  lordship 
any  informatPon  you  may  require. 

I  have  entrusted  the  colours  and  standard  taken  from  the 
enemy  to  major  Addison,  who  will  receive  your  lordship's  com- 
mands respecting  the  further  disposal  of  them  ;  and  I  take  the 
liberty  of  recommending  him  as  a  deserving  officer  to  your 
lordship's  protection.  1  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. eolonel   John   to   lieutenant-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  from  Castine  with  the  defachment  of  royal  artil- 
It-ry,  the  flank  companies  of  the  29th,  62d,  and  S8(h  regiments, 
and  one  rifle  company  of  the  7th  battalion  GOth  regi-ncnt, 
which  composed  the  force  your  excellency  did  me  the  honor  to 
place  under  my  command,  for  the  purpose  of  co-oporatiiig  with 
captain  Barrie,  of  the  royal  navy,  in  an  expedition  up  this 
river.. 

On  the  morning  of  the  'id,  having  proceeded  above  the  town 
of  Frankfort,  we  discovered  some  of  the  enemy  on  their 
march  towards  Hamden,  by  the  eastern  shore,  which  indticecf 
me  to  order  brevet-major  Crosdaile,  with  a  detachment  of  the 
98th,  and  some  riflemen  of  the  60th  regiment,  under  lieutenant 
Wallace,  to  land  and  intercept  them,  which  was  accomplished  ; 
and  that  detachment  of  the  enemy  (as  I  have  since  learned) 
were  prevented  from  joining  the  main  body  assembled  at  Ham- 
den. On  this  occasion  the  enemy  had  one  man  killed,  and 
some  wounded.  Major  Crosdaile  re-embarkcd  without  any 
loss.      We  arrived  off  Bald  Head   cove,  three  miles   distant 


480  APPENDIX. 

from  Hamden,  about  five  o'clock  that  evening,  when  captain 
Barrie  agreed  with  me  in  determining  to  land  the  troops  imme- 
diately. Having  discovered  that  the  enemy's  piquets  were  ad- 
vantageously posted  on  the  north  side  of  the  cove,  I  directed 
brevet-major  Kiddle,  with  the  grenadiers  of  the  62d,  and  cap- 
tain Ward,  with  the  ritie  company  of  the  60th,  to  dislodge 
them,  and  take  up  that  ground,  which  duly  was  performed 
under  major  Riddle's  directions,  in  a  most  complete  and  satis- 
factory manner,  by  about  seven  o'clock;  and  before  ten  at 
night,  the  whole  of  the  troops,  including  80  marines  under 
captain  Carter,  (whom  captain  Barrie  had  done  me  the  honor 
to  attach  to  ray  command,)  were  landed  and  bivouacked  for  the 
nigh?,  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  Ilamdcn.  In  addition  to  the  detachment  of 
royal  artillery  under  lieutenant  Garston,  captain  Barrie  had 
landed  one  6-pounder,  a  5^-inch-howitzer,  and  a  rocket  appa- 
ratus, 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  to  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  lighfcompany 
of  the  29th  regiment,  under  captain  Coaker,  to  their  support. 
'J'hc  column  had  not  advanced  much  further,  betore  1  disco- 
vered the  enemy  drawn  out  in  line,  occupying  a  very  strong  an'd 
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 
fTappui^  with  an  18-pounder  and  some  light  field-pieces  in 
advance  of  his  centre,  so  pointed  as  conipletely  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  grnpe  and  musquetry  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  ia  advance* 


APPENDIX.  481 

*rhe  enemy's  fire  now  began  to  slacken,  and  we  puslied  on 
rapidly,  and  succeeded  in  driving  him  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  whence 
it  was  discovered  that  the  Adams  frigate  was  on  fire,  and  that 
the  enemy  had  deserted  the  battery  which  defended  her. 

We  were  now  in  complete  possession  of  the  enemy's  positioa 
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  myself  deter- 
mined on  pursuing  the  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,  with  other  prisoners  to  the  amount  of  121,  weee 
admitted  to  their  paroles.  Eighty  prisoners  taken  at  Hamdea 
are  in  our  custody.  The  loss  sustained  by  the  enemy  I  have 
not  had  it  in  my  power  correctly  to  ascertain  ;  report  states  it 
lo  be  from  30  to  40  in  killed,  wounded,  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  GeU,  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  command.  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  GeU  and  Coaker,  of  the  29th ;  and  captain 
Ward,  of  the  7th  battalion  60th  regiment.  The  royal  artillery 
was  directed  in  the  most  judicious  manner  by  lieutenant  Gars- 
ton,  from  whom  I  derived  the  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  could  exceed  the  zeal  and  perseverance  of  lieute- 
nants Symonds,  Betely ,  and  Slade,  and  Mr.  Sparling,  of  the  royal 
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  that 
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,    II.  I  I 


48i  APPENDIX. 

Captain  Carnagle,  of  the  royal  navy,  who  most  handsomely 
Tolunteered  his  services  with  this  expedition,  was  in  action  with 
the  troops  at  Hamdcn  ;  and  I  feel  most  particularly  indebted  to 
him  for  his  exertions  and  the  assistance  he  afforded  me  on  this 
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  yery 
essential  service.  '  I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

HENRY  JOHN,  lieut.-coi. 


No.  55. 

Return  of  ordnance  and  stores  taken. 

Castino,  Sept.  10,   1814. 

GMns;-^4  iron  24-pounders,  27  iron  (ship)  18-pounders,  4  12-poun- 
ders,  4  brass  3-pounders. 

Carriages; — 4  traversing  24-pounders,  8  standing  18-pounders,  t 
travelling  12-pounders  with  limbers,  4  travelling  S-pounders  with 
limbers. 

Sponges  J— 8  24-pounders,  20  IS-pounders,  2  12-pounders,  4  3-pouB- 
ders. 

Ladles;-^2  24-pounders,  3  12-pounders,  1  3-pounder. 

Wadhooks: — ;2  24-pbunders,  3  12-pounders,  1  8-pounder. 

Shot; — 236  rdund  24-pounders,  500  round  18-pounders.  1  ammu« 
nitiou-vraggon,  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  the  powder  was,  ran  on  shore,  and  tht 
whole  destroyed. 

Eleven  of  the  IS-pounders  were  destroyed  by  order  of  lieutenant- 
colonel  John,  not  having  time  to  bring  them  off. 

GEORGE  CRAWFORD,  major, 
Lieut.-gen.  Sir  J.  C.  Sherbrooke.  commanding  royal  artil. 


No.  5Q. 

Return  of  the  killed^  wounded^  and  missing,  in  the  affair 
at  Hamde?if  on  the  3d  of  September,  1814,  with  the  force 
under  the  command  of  lieutenant~colonel  John^  60th  regi" 
ment. 

Killed. — 29th  regiment ; — 1  rank  and  file. 
Wounded— 29th  regiment ; — 1  captain,  2  rank  and  file. 
end  regiment ; — 1  rank  and  file. 
9Zth  regiment ; — 4  rank  and  file. 
Missing—Q^d regiment;— 1  rank  and  file. 

Name  of  officer  wounded— 29th  regiment ;— Captain  Gell,  severely 
(not  dangerously). 

A.  PILKINGTON,  Dep.-adj.-gen. 


APPENDIX.  482 


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  exctllency,  that  I  sailed 
from  Penobscot  bay,  with  the  brigade  you  was  pleased  to  place 
under  my  comniand,  consisting  of  a  detachment  of  royal  artil- 
lery, with  a  howitzer,  the  battalion  companies  of  the  29th  regi- 
ment, and  a  party  ot'  the  7th  battalion  cf  the  60th  foot,  on  the 
morning  of  the  9th  instant;  and  arrived  at  Buck's  harbor, 
about  10  miles  from  this  place,  oo  the  following  evening. 

As  the  enemy  fired  several  alarm  guns  on  our  approaching 
the  shore,  it  was  evident  he  was  apprehensive  of  an  attack  :  I 
therefore  deemed  it  expedient  to  disembark  the  troops  with  as 
little  delay  as  possible ;  and  captain  llyde  Parker,  command- 
ing the  naval  force,  appointed  captain  Slanfell  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 
fake  Fort  O'Brien  and  the  battery  in  reverse  ;  and  as  the  guns 
of  these  works  commanded  the  passage  of  the  river,  upoa 
"which  the  town  is  situated,  I  decided  upon  possessing  ourselves 
of  them,  if  practicable,  during  the  night. 

We  moved  forward  at  ten  o'clock  P.  M.  and,  after  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  40th  regiment  of  American 
infantry,  and  30  of  the  embodied  militia;  the  retreat  was  so 
rapid  that  I  was  not  enabled  to  take  any  prisoners.  I  unde- 
stand  there  were  a  few  wounded,  but  they  secreted  themselves 
in  the  wood. 

Having  secured  the  fort,  we  lost  no  time  in  advancing  upon 
Machias,  which  was  taken  without  any  resistance;  and  also  two 
field- pieces. 

The  boats  of  the  squadron,  under  the  command  of  lieutenant 
Bouchicr,  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  two  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,  whea 
1  received  a  letter  from  brigadier-general  Brewer,  commanding 
the  district,  wherein  he  engages  that  the  militia  forces  withia 
the  county  of  Washington  shall  not  bear  arms,  or  in  any  way 
serve  against  his  Britannic  majesty  during  the  present  war.  A 
similar  offer  having  been  made  by  the  civil  ofi&cers  and  princi- 
pal citizens  of  the  county,  a  cessation  of  arms  was  agreed  upon, 
and  the  eounty  of  Washington  has  passed  under  the  dominion 
of  his  Britannic  majesty. 

I  beg  leave  to  congratulate  you  upon  the  importance  of  this 
accession  of  territory  which  has  been  wrested  from  the  enemy ; 
it  embraces  about  100  miles  of  sea-coast,  and  includes  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 
add,  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,  under  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  command  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  5f  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  between 
the  two  brajiches  of  the  service. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

A.  PILKINGTON, 

lieut.-col.  dep.  adj.-ge». 
To  lieut.-gen.  Sir  J.  C.  Sherbrooke,  K.  B.  &c. 


APPENDIX.  485 

Return  of^ordnance,  arms,  ammunition,  &c.  taken  at  Machias  by  the 
troops  under  the  command  of  lieutenant-colonel  Pilkington,  11th 
September,  1814. 

Ordnance — Fort  O'Brien; — 2  18-pounders,  mounted  on  garrison  car- 
riages, complete;  1  18-pounder  carronade,  mounted  on  garrison  car- 
riage, complete;  1  serviceable  dismouqted  24-pounder ;  1  dismounted 
serviceable  i8-pounder  carronade. 

Point  Battery f — 2  24-pounders,  mounted  on  garrison  carriages, 
complete- 

East  Mackias; — 2  brass  4-pounders,  mounted,  and  harness,  complete. 

Machias; — 2  iron  4-pounders,  on  travelling  carriaoes,  complete;  5 
24-pounders,  10  18-pounders,  rendered  partly  unserviceable  by  th» 
enemy,  and  completely  destroyed  by  us. 

Total— 26. 

-4r»2s;— 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. 

a938  musket-ball  cartridges. 

3  barrels  of  grape  and  case-shot. 

553  round  shot  for  18  and  24-pounders. 

<5  kegs  of  gunpowder,  25lbs  each. 

28  jjaper  cartridges  filled  for  4-pounders. 

J.  DANIEL,  lieut.  royal  arti!. 


No.  58. 

From  rear-admiral  Griffith  to  vice-admiral  Cochrane. 

H.M.S.  Endymlon,  off  Castine,  entrance  of  the 
Sm,  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  accom- 
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  tl»e  ships  and  sloop  named  in  the  margin,* 
and  ten  sail  of  transports,  having  the  troops  on  board,  and  ar- 
rived off  theMetinicus  Islands  on  the  morning  of  the  31st,  where 
I  was  joined  by  the  Bulwark,  Tenedos,  Rifleman,  Peruvian, 
and  Pictou.  From  captain  Pearce,  of  the  Rifleman,  I  learned 
that  the  United  States'  frigate  Adams  had,  a  few  days  before, 
got  into  Penobscot;  but  not  considering  herself  in  safety  there, 
had  gone  on  to  Hamden,  a  place  27  miles  higher  up  the  river, 
where  her  guns  had  been  lauded,  and  the  position, was  fortify- 
ing for  her  protection. 

Towards   evening,   the   wind   being   fair  and   the  wcalhcjc 

*  Dra{OD,  EndymioD,  Bacchante,  and  Sylph. 


496  APPENDIX. 

favorable,  the  fleet  made  sail  up  the  Penobscot  Bay,  captain 
Parker  in  the  Teuedos  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  the  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,  some  shew  of  re<;istance  was  made,  and  a 
iFew  shots  were  fired  ;  but  the  fort  was  soon  after  abandoned  and 
blown  up.  At  about  8  A.M.  the  men  of  war  and  transports  were 
anchored  a  little  to  the  northward  of  the  peninsula  of  Castine, 
and  the  smaller  vessels  talking  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  thebay,  (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  the  command  of  lieutenant- 
colonel  John,  of  the  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  the  marines  of 
the  Dragon,  and  as  many  armed  boats  from  the  squadron  as  was 
thought  necessary  for  disembarking  the  troops  and  covering  their 
landing,  and  the  whole  placed  under  the  command  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  liieutenant.colonel 
Pilkington,  deputy-adjutant-general,  who  is  appointed  to  com. 
mand,  and  a  small  detachment  of  artillery  and  riflemen,  and  to 
take  under  his  command  the  Bacchante,  Rifleman,  and  Pictou 


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  ar» 
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  them.  This 
indulgence  was  absolutely  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,  bond 
JiUe  belonging  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  country  in  our  posses- 
sion, has  been  respected.  All  public  property,  and  all  property 
a.floati  have  been  confiscated. 

Sir  John  Sherbrooke,  conceiving  it  to  be  of  importance  that 
the  government  should  be  informed,  without  delay,  of  our  suc- 
cesses here,  has  requested  that  a  vessel  of  war  may  take  his 
despatches  to  England.  ' 

I  have  in  compliance  with  his  wishes,  appropriated  the  Martin 
for  that  service,  and  captain  Senhouse  will  take  a  copy  of  this 
letter  to  the  secretary  of  the  admiralty. 

I  have  honor  to  be,  &c. 

EDWARD  GRIFFITH. 
To  vice-admiral  the  hon. 


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  Sf-inch 
howitzer,  commanded  by  lieutenant  Garsten  ;  a  party  of  80 
marines  commanded  by  captain  Carter,  of  the  dragon ;  the: 
flank  companies  of  the  29th,  62d,  and  98th  regiments,  under 
the  command  of  captains  Gell  and  Caker ;  majors  lliddali, 
Keith,  and  Croasdaile,  and  captain  Macpherson  ;  also,  a  ride 
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  Harmonj 
transput. 


APPENDIX. 

colonel  John,  of  the  60th  regiment ;  I  proceeded,  agreeably  to 
your  order,  with  the  utmost  despath,  up  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  Hamden,  where  we  received  intelligence  that 
the  enemy  had  strongly  fortified  himself.  On  our  way  up,  se- 
Teral  troops  were  observeu  on  the  east  side  of  the  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  Hamden.  Colonel  John  and  myself 
landed  oa  the  south  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  l.'iO  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 to  land  the  artillery  at  the  same  place.  The  troops  bivour 
acked  on  the  gr«ujid  taken  possession  of  by  major  Riddall.  It 
rained  incessantly  during  the  night.  At  day-break  this  morn- 
ing, the  fog  cleared  away  for  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  which 
enabled  me  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy  by  water  ;  and  1  found  a 
landing-place  for  the  artillery  about  two-thirds  of  a  mile  from 
Ball's-head,  Off  this  place  the  troops  halted,  till  the  artillery 
•were  mounted  ;  and,  hy  6,  the  whole  advanced  towards  Hamden. 

The  boats  under  the  immediate  command  of  lieutenant  Ped- 
ler,  the  first  of  the  Dragon,  agreeably  to  a  previous  arrange- 
ment with  colonel  John,  advanced  in  line  with  the  right  flank 
of  the  army.  The  Peruvian,  Sylph,  Dragon's  tender,  and 
Harmony  transport,  were  kept  a  little  in  the  rear  in  reserve. 

Our  information  stated  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  the  southward  of  the  Adams'  frigate, 
he  had  mounted  eight  18-pounders.  This  fort  was  calculated 
to  command  both  the  highway,  by  which  our  troops  had  to  ad- 
vance, and  the  river.  On  a  wharf  close  to  the  Adams,  he  had 
mounted  fifteen  IS-pounders,  which  completely  commanded 
the  river,  which,  at  this  place,  is  not  above  three  cables' lengths 
-wide,  and  the  land  on  each  side  is  high  and  well  wooded. 


APPENDIX.  489 

A  rocket-boat,  under  my  immediate  direction,  but  ma- 
iweuvred  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  (hem  from  the  hill  and  wharf,  which  was  warmly 
returned.  Our  rockets  were  generally  well-directed,  and  evi- 
dently threw  the  enemy  into  confusion.  Meantime,  our  troops 
stormed  the  hill  with  the  utmost  gallantry.  Before  the  boats  got 
within  good  grape-shot  distance  of  the  wharf- battery,  the  enemy 
set  fire  to  the  Adams,  and  he  run  from  his  guns  the  moment  our 
troops  carried  the  hill. 

I  joined  the  army  about  ten  minutes  after  this  event.  Colonel 
John  and  myself  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  Bangor,  the  inhabitants,  who  had  opposed 
as  at  Haraden,  threw  oflF their  military  character  ;  and,  as  magi- 
strates, select  men,  &c.  made  an  unconditional  surrender  of 
the  town.  Here,  the  pursuit  stopped.  About  two  hoars  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  of  the  vessels 
we  have  captured  or  destroyed,  and  other  necessary  reports.  I 
am  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  j  one  rank  and  file,  missing. 

I  cannot  close  my  report,  without  expressing  ray  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 
with  on  their  left,  which  did  not  fall  under  my  observation,  as 
the  enemy's  field-pieces  in  that  direction  were  masked.  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 
be  brought  to  act  against  them,  yet  I  am  not  less  obliged  to 
captains  Kippen  and  Dickens,  of  the  Peruvian  and  Sylph  ; 
acting.lieutpnant  Pearson,  who  commanded  the  Dragon's  ten- 


4m  APPENDIX. 

der ;  lientenatit  Woodin,  of  the  Dragon ;  and  Mr.  Barnett^ 
master  of  the  Harmony ;  their  zeal  and  indefatigable  exertions 
in  bringing  up  their  vessels,  through  the  most  intricate  nayiga- 
tion,  were  eminently  €onspicuous.  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  the 
artillery,  under  the  command  of  lieutenants  Simmonds,  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  ofl&cer,  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  1  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- 
ting, 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 
Ueutenant-colonel  Andrew  Filkington,  commanding  the  land 
force  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  to  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  bshalf  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  brigade  withiji 


APPENDIX.  4flJ 

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  Groat 
Britain  and  the  United  States,  upon  condition  we  have  your 
assurance,  that,  while  Wf  remain  in  this  situation,  and  con- 
sider ourselves  under  the  British  government  until  further  orders, 
we  shall  have  the  safe  and  full  enjoyment  of  our  private  pro- 
perty, and  be  protected  in  the  exercise  of  our  usual  occu- 
pations. 

JOHN  BREWER,  brigadier-general  2d 
brigade,  lOth  division,  for  the  officers 
and  soldiers  of  the  3d  regiment  in  tha 
said  brigade. 

JAMES  CAMPBELL,  lieutenant-colonel, 
commanding  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.    PILKINGION,    lleutenant.-colonel, 
commanding. 
Machias,  Sept.  13,  1814. 


No.  61. 


List  of  vessels  captured  and  dedroyed  in  the  Penobscot^  and 
of  those  left  on  the  stocks,  as  near  as  I  am  able  to  ascertain. 

Captured  and  hroufiht  away, — 2  ships,  1  brig,  6  scliooners,  3  sloops. 

De&troyed at  Huinden; — The  Adams  frigate,  of  26  guns,  18-pounders, 
and  two  ships,  one  of  them  armed  ;  burnt  by  the  enemy. 

Destroyed  at   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  the  Decatur  privateer,  pierced  for  16  guns. 

Note. — The  powder  and  wine  captured  at  Hamden  were  put  on  board 
those  vessels. 

Left  on  the  stocks  at  Bangor; — 2  ships,  2  brigs,  and  2  schooners. 
At  Brewer; — 1  ship,  1  brig,  and  1  schooner. 
At  Arrinuton; — 1  ship,  one  schooner,  on  the  stocks. 

Left  at  Uumden; — 1  ship,  1  Hermaphrodite  brig,  and   2  schooners; 
also,  I  lirig  and  1  schooner  on  the  stocks. 

Lift  at  Fremford  on  the  stocks; — 1  schoencr  and  son)e  small  craft. 
To  re«r.adrairal  Griffith.  R.  BARRIE. 


^^  APPENDIX. 

Return  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,  1 
iron  3-pounder. 

Total  brought  away — 17. 
Embarked; — 1  ammunition  cart,  500  18-pound  shot,  about  40  barrels 
«f  powder,  and  a  quantity  of  wads,  &c.  &c. 

ROBERT  GASTEN,  lieut.  royal  artillery. 
Robert  Barrie. 

Return  of  small  arms  not  collected,  supposed  about  100. 

EDWARD  GRIFFITH. 


*f-r*.r*~n 


No.  62. 

J^rom,  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  io  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  aud  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  accompany. 

The  major-general  then  made  his  dispositions,  and  arranged 
that  captain  Robyns,  with  the  marines  of  the  ships,  should 
retain  possession  of  Upper  Marlborough,  and  that  the  marine- 
artillery  and  seamen  should  follow  the  army  to  the  ground  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  th« 
marine-artillery,  under  Captain  Harrison.  Captain  Wain- 
wright  of  the  Tonnant,  had  accompanied  me  the  day  before, 
as  had  also  lieutenant  James  Scott,  acting  first  lieutenant  of 
the  Albion. 

•  Jamci'i  Na?.  Oceurr.  App.  No.  81.. 


APPENDIX.  403 

At  day-light,  on  the  moraing  of  the  24th,  the  major-general 
again  put  the  army  in  motion,  directing  his  march  upon 
Bladensburg ;  on  reaching  which  place,  with  the  advai)ced 
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 
immediately  advancing  to  attack  him ;  although  our  troops 
were  almost  exhausted  with  the  fatigue  of  the  march  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  on 
both  his  flanks,  and  in  his  front;  and,  as  soon  as  they  arrived 
on  even  ground  with  him,  he  fled  in  every  direction,  leaving 
behind  him  10  pieces  of  cannon,  and  a  considerable  number  of 
killed  and  wounded ;  amongst  the  latter  commodore  Barney, 
and  several  other  ofiicers.  Some  other  prisoners  were  also 
taken,  though  not  many,  owing  to  the  swiftness  with  which 
the  enemy  went  ofl,  and  the  fatigue  our  army  had  previously 
undergone. 

It  would,  sir,  be  deemed  presumption  in  me  to  attempt  to 
.give  you  particular  details  respecting  the  nature  of  this  battle  ; 
I  shall,  therefore,  only  remark  generally,  that  the  enemy,  8000 
strong,  on  ground  he  had  chosen  as  best  adapted  for  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,  by  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  justice  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  the  battle;  and  I  remarked,  with  much  pleasure,  the  pre- 
cision with  which  the  rockets  were  thrown  by  them,  under  th« 
direction  of  first-lieutenant  Lawrence,  of  the  marine-artillery. 
Mr.  Jeremiah  M'Daniel,  master's  mate  of  the  Tonnant,  a  very 
fine  young  man,  who  was  attached  to  this  party,  being  severely 
wounded,  I  beg  permission  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  com  panes  being  attached 
to  the  light  brigade,)  and  they  respectively  behaved  with  their 


I  ^ 

m  APPENDIX. 

Hccustomed  zeal  and  brarery.  IMone  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,  whd 
acted  as  my  aide  de  camp,  and  remained  with  me  during  th« 
whole  time. 

The  contest  being  completely  ended,  and  the  enemy  having 
retired  from  the  field,  the  general  gave  the  army  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  some  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 
almost  immediately  stormed  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  ammunition  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-arms.  Two  rope-walks  of  a 
very  extensive  nature,  full  of  tar-rope,  &c.  situated  at  a  consi- 
deraWe  distance  from  the  yard,  were  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  latter,  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,  and  the 
boatS;  and  I  have  hoisted  my  flag,  pro  tempore^  in  the  former. 


APPENDIX.  m 

The  troops  will  probably  march  to-morrow,  or  the  next  daj 
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  ha< 
invariably  afforded  me;  and  to  captains  Palmer  and  Money, 
for  their  exertions  during  the  march  to  and  from  Washington. 
To  caplain  Nourse,  who  has  commanded  the  flotilla  during  my 
absence,  my  acknowledgments  are  also  most  justly  due,  as  well 
as  to  captains  Sullivan,  Badcock,  Somerville,  Ramsay,  and 
Bruce,  who  have  acted  in  it  under  him. 

Lieutenant  James  Scott,  now  first  of  the  Albion,  has,  oa 
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 
seize  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 
men  attached  to  him,  accompanied  the  army  to  and  from 
Washington. 

Mr.  Dobie,  surgeon  of  the  Melpomene,  volunteered  his- 
professional  services  on  this  occasion,  and  rendered  much 
assistance  to  the  Avounded  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  of  th« 
major-general.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

G.  C0CK13URN,  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  oft",  and  put  on  board  the  Brune,  and 
•ue  taken  at  Upper  Marlborough  Wiis  destroyed. 


^flf  APPENDIX. 

No.  (53 

From  major 'general  Ross  to  earl  Bathurst, 

Tonnant,  in  the  Patuxeiity 
My  Lord,  Aug.  30,   1814. 

I  have  the  honor  to  communicate  to  your  lordship,  that  ort 
the  24th  instant,  after  defeating  the  army  of  the  United  States 
on  that  day,  the  troops  under  my  command  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-admiral  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  the 
Patuxent,  where  admiral  Cockburn  fell  in  with,  and  defeated 
the  flotilla,  taking  and  destroying  the  whole.  Having  advanced 
within  16  miles  of  Washington,  and  ascertained  the  force  of  the 
enemy  to  be  such  as  might  authorize  an  attempt  at  carrying  his 
capital,  I  determined  to  make  it,  and  accordingly  put  the 
troops  in  movement  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  resumed  their  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  commanding  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  from 
the  bridge  to  Washington,  ran  through  the  enemy's  position, 
which  was  carefully  defended  by  artillery  and  riflemen. 

The  disposition  for  the  attack  being  made,  it  was  commenced 
with  so  much  impetuosity  by  the  light  brigade,  consisting  of  the 
85th  light  infantry,  and  the  light  infantry  companies  of  the 
array  under  the  command  of  colonel  Thornton,  that  the  fortified 
house  was  shortly  carried,  the  enemy  retiring  to  the  higher 
grounds. 

In  support  of  the  light  brigade,  I  ordered  up  a  brigade  under 
the  command  of  coloilel  Brooke,  who,  with  the  44th  regiment, 
attacked  the  enemy's  left,  the  4th  regiment  pressing  his  right 
with  »iuch  effect,  as  to  cause  him  to  abandon  his  guns.     His 


APPENDIX.  497 

first  line  giving  way,  was  driven  on  the  second,  which,  yield- 
ing to  the  irresistible  attack  of  the  bayonet,  and  the  Avell-di- 
directed  discharge  of  rockets,  got  into  confusion  and  fled, 
leaving  the  British  masters  of  the  field.  The  rapid  flight  of  the 
enemy,  and  hi^  knowledge  of  the  country,  precluded  the  pos- 
sibility of  many  prisoners  being  taken,  more  particularly  as  the 
troops  had,  during  the  day,   underirone  considerable  fatigue. 

The  enemy's  army,  amounting  to  8  or  9000  men,  with  3  or 
400  cavalry,  was  under  the  command  of  general  Winder,  being 
formed  of  troops  drawn  from  Baltimore  and  Pennsylvania. 
His  artillery,  10  pieces  of  which  fell  into  our  hands,  was  com- 
manded by  commodore  Barney,  who  was  wounded  and  taken, 
prisoner.     The  artillery  1  directed  to  be  destroyed. 

Having  halted  the  army  for  a  short  time,  1  determined  to 
march  upon  Washington,  and  reached  that  city  at  eight  o'clock 
that  night.  Judging  it  of  consequence  to  complete  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  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  consumed, — the  capitol,  including  the 
Senate-house  and  House  of  Representation,  the  Arsenal,  the 
Dock-yard,  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,  Avho 
apprehended  an  attack  from  that  quarter.  The  object  of  the 
expedition  being  accomplished,  I  determined,  before  any  greater 
force  of  the  enemy  could  be  assembled,  to  withdraw  the  troops, 
and  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  my  thanks  are  due,  for  his  ready  com- 
pliance with  every  wish  connected  with  the  welfare  of  the  troops 
and  the  success  of  the  expedition.  To  rear-admiral  Cockburn, 
who  suggested  the  attack  upon  Washington,  and  who  accompa- 
nied the  army,  I  confess  the  greatest  obligation  for  his  cordial 
co-ojieration  and  advice. 

Colonel  Thornton,  who  led  the  attack,  is  entitled  to  every 
praise  for  the  noble  example  he  set,  which  was  so  well  followed 
by  lieutenant-colonel  Wood  and  the  85th  light  infantry,  and  by 
major  Jones,  of  the  4th  foot,  with  the  light  companies  attached 
to  the  light  brigade.  1  have  to  express  my  approbation  of  the 
spirited  conduct  of  colonel  Brooke,  antl  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,  \iuder  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  Blan chard,  of 
the  royal  engineers,  in  the  duties  of  hi?  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  consequenca 
of  the  indisposition  of  my  aide  de  camp  captain  Falls,  and  to 
the  officers  of  my  staff,  I  feel  much  indebted. 

I  must  beg  leave  to  call  your  lordship's  attention  to  the  zeul 
and  indefatigable  exertions  of  lieutenant  Evans,  acting  deputy 
quarter-master-general.  The  intelligence  displayed  by  that 
officer,  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 
assistant-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  their  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  recommended  the  wounded 
officers  and  men  to  his  particular  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 
recommend  to  your  lordship's  protection,  as  an  officer  of  much 
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  government,  as  to  the  conduct  of  the  troops  under  my 
command,   1  have,  &c.  R.ROSS,  maj.-gen. 

I  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  ordnanre  stores 
taken  from  <hc  enemy  between  the  19th  and  "iSth  of  August, 
and  likewise  sketches  of  the  scene  of  action  and  of  the  line  of 
march. 


No.  64. 


Return  of  killed^  wounded.,  and  missing.^  of  the  troops  under  the 

command  of  major-generai  Ross,    in  action  icith  the  enem^ 

onihe^Ath  Jug.  1814,  on  the  heights  above  llladensburg. 
Washington,  Aug.  25,    1814. 

General  staff ; — 4  horses,  killed. 

Roi/nl artillery  ;— 4  horses,  killed  ;  6  rank  and  file,  8  horses, wounded. 

Roi/ul  marines  arfiHery  \ — 1  rankand  file,  killed;  1  Serjeant,  wounded, 

Royit  sappers  and  miners ;~  \  serjennt,  1  rank  and  file,  killed. 

Ath  regiment; — I  lieutenant,  2  Serjeants,  21  rank  anc  tile,  1  horse^ 
killed;  5  lieutenants,  2  tnsi^ns,  6  Serjeants,  50  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

2\st  rei'iment; — 2  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1  captain,  1  lieutenant,  11 
rank  and  file,  wounded. 

44///  regiment; — 1  Serjeant,  13  rank  and  file,  killed;  35  rankand 
file,  wounded. 

2d  bmtation  royal  marines; — 5  rank  and  file,  killed. 

Sbth  light  infantrp;—\  captain,  1  lieutenant,  I  seijeant,  12  rankand 
file,  1  horse,  killed;  2  lieutenant-colonels,  1  major,  8  lieutenants,  2 
serjeanfs,  51  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Colonial  company ; — 1  rank  and  file,  killed ;  2  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

6tk  West  Ivdia  regii/ient ; — 1  serjeant,  wounded. 

Total — 1  captp.in,  2  lieutenants,  5   serjeant.<!,  56   rank   and    file,  10 
horses,  killed;  2  lieutenant-colonels,  1  major,  1  captain,  14  lieutenants, 
2  ensi£fns,  10  Serjeants,  155  rank  and  file,  8  horses,  wounded. 
Names  of  officers  killed  and  wounded. 

Killed — 85th  light  infantry; — Captain  D.  S.  Hamilton,  lieutenant 
G.  P.  R.  Codd. 

4th,  or  king's  own ; — Lieutenant  Thomas  Woodward. 

Wounded— 85lh  light  infantry; — Colonel  William  Thornton,  se- 
verely; left  at  Bladensburg;)  lieutenant-colonel  William  Thornton,  se- 
verely ;  (left  at  Bfudensbur^;)  lieutenant-colonel  William  Wood,  se- 
verely; (left  at  Bladensburg;)  m->jor  George  Brown,  severely  (left  at 
Bladensburt.'). 

Qistfusilcers; — Capt^-"  ^-  Rennie,  severely,  not  dangerously. 

4th  regiment  •  ■^-'"'."fenant  E.  P.  Hopkins,  severely;  lieutenant  I.  K. 
Mackenz'''  slightly;  lieuteniu.t  John  Stavely,  severely;  (left  at  Eladens- 
burj;;)  lieutenant  Peter  Boulby,  lieutenant  Fr&Werick  Field,  slightly. 

2\st  fusileem  ;— Lieutenant  James  Grace,  sljglitly. 

85/A  regimml  ;—Utxnf^nf\ul  William  Villiers,  lieutenant  John  Bur- 
rfU,  sevfref;  lieutenant  F.  Mansell,  sliohtiy ;  lieutenant  G.  F.  S. 
O'Connor,  leutenaiit  Frederick  Gascoyne,  severely;  lieutenant  Wiiliaiu 
Hickson,  li-'utenant  G.  R,  Gleig,  slightly;  lieutenant  Croveby,  seveiely 

4thiegiient;—Ensvjn  James  Buchannan,  severely;  (left  at  Bla^ 
denslurg  j  Lnsign  William  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  22.— 1  6-pound  field  gun^  with  carriage  complete;  156  stand 
of  arras,  wiih  cartouches,  &c.  &c. 

Aiigust  24,  ai  Bladenslurg.—<2  18-pounders,  5  12-ponnders,  3 
6-pounders,  with  field-carriages ;  a  quantity  of  ammunition  for  'the 
above;   220  stand  of  arms. 

August  25,  at  Washington.— J^vas^:  6  18-pounders,  mounted  on  tra- 
versing platforms;  5  12-pounders,  4  4-pounders,  1  5|  inch  howitzer  1 
5i  inch  mortar.  Iron:  26  32-pounders,  36  24-pouiiders,  34  13-poun- 
ders,  27  12-pounder3,  2  18-pounders,  mounted  on  traversing  platforms; 
19  12-pounders,  on  ship-carriages;  3  13-inch  mortars,  2  8-inch  how' 
itzers,  1  42-pound  gun,  5  32-pound  carronades,  5  18-pound  carronades, 
13  12-pound  guns,  2  9-pound  guns,  2  6-pound  guns. 

Total  amount  of  cannon  taken— 206;  .'iOO  barrels  of  powder-  100000 
rounds  of  musket-bail  cartridges  i  40  barrels  of  fine-grained  powder-  a 
larfje  quantity  of  ammunition  of  different  natures  made  up  ' 

The  navy-yard  and  arsenal  having  been  set  on  fire  by  the  enemy  be- 
fore they  retu-ed,  an  immense  quantity  of  storos  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  laise 
magazines  of  powder. 

F.  G.  J.  WILLIAMS, 
lieutenant  royal  artillery,  A.  Q.  M. 
J.  MICHELL, 
captain  commanding  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  „/  j^,^;,^ 

Sir,  Baltimore.  Aug.  27,  1814. 

"When  the  enemy  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Potomac  of 
all  the  militia  which  1  had  been  authorized  to  assenble  there 
were  but  about  1700  in  the  field,  from  13  to  1400  unler  general 
Stransbury  near  this  place,  and  250  at  Bladensburg,  rndt^-  lien, 
tenant-colonel  Kramer;  the  slow  progress  of  draft  ani  the 
imperfect  organizationj  with  the  ineffectiveness  of  thilaws  to 


APPENDIX.  501 

compel  Ihcm  to  turn  out,  rendered  it  impossible  to  have  pro- 
cured more. 

The  militia  of  this  state  and  of  the  contiguous  parts  of 
Virginia  and  Pcnn.sylvania  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  enemy  might  strike,  1  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  Saubbury  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  firm,  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  major  Pitikney'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  Stansbury  represents  to  have  made,  even  thus  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  has  been 
taken  prisoner  3  he  has,  however,  been   paroled,  and  1  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  moment,  when  part 
of  them  recoiled  a  tew  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  M  -ryland  militia,  flanked 
on  their  right  by  commodore  Barney  and  hi  brave  fellows,  and 
lieutenant-colonel  Beal,  still  were  to  the  right  on  the  hill,  and 
maintained  the  contest  for  some  tin.e  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  little  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  of  the  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  much 
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.  Armstrong,  sec.  of  war.  brig.-gen.  10th  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,  i)ut  1  am  as  yet  unable 
to  particularize. 


N   APPENDIX.  503 

No.  ^7. 

American  estimate  of  public  property  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  th« 
situation  they  were  in  previous  to  their  destruction. 
The  losses  sustained  in  the  navy-yard  are  thus  estimated  :— 

Dollars. 
In  moveable  property,  417745 

In  buildings  and  fixtures  91425 


509170 
The  committee   then   proceed  to  the  recapitulation  of  the 
losses  in  the  navy-yard,   with   an  estimate  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, 
l^imbrfr,  &c. 


No.  68. 

From  vice-admiral  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  the  Cana- 
das  to  aid  him  in  carrying  into  effect  measures  of  retaliation 
against  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States,  for  the  wanton 
destruction  committed  by  their  army  in  Upper  Canada,  it  has 
become  imperiously  my  duty,  confornaably  with  the  nature  of 


501  APPENDIX. 

the  governor-general's  application,  to  issue  io  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  beo  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  the  executive  of  the  United  States  will  authorize 
my  staying  such  proceedings,  by  making  reparation  to  (he  suffer- 
ing inhabitants  of  Upper  Canada;  thereby  manifesting  that  if 
the  destructive  measures  pursued  by  their  army  were  ever  sanc- 
tioned, they  will  no  longer  be  permitted  by  the  government. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  with  much  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  io  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  eflfect  mea- 
sures of  retaliation  against  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States, 
for  the  Avanton  desolation  committed  by  their  array  in  Upper 
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 
assailable. 

It  is  seen  with  the  greatest  surprise,  that  this  system  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  humane  was  neither 
cherished  nor  acted  on  by  your  goyernment.  Such  an  assertion 
would  not  be  huzarded,  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  dwelling  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  immediately  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  viileges  were  burnt  and 
ravaged  by  the  naval  forces  of  Great  Britain,  to  the  ruin  of 
their  unarmed  inhabitants,  who  saw  with  astonishment  they 
derived  no  protection  to  their  property  from  the  laws  of  war. 
During  the  same  season,  scenes  of  invasion  and  pillage,  carried 
on  under  the  same  authority,  were  witnessed  all  along  the  walcr.^ 
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  that  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  comes  necea. 
sarily  into  view.  In  the  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  ot 
the  principal  powers  of  the  Continent  of  Europe  have  bcci\ 
conquered,  and  occupied  alternately  by  the  victorious  armiti 
of  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  f 
complain.  Although  these  acts  of  desolation  invited,  if  they 
did  not  impose  on,  the  government  the  necessity  of  retaliation, 
yet  in  no  instance  has  it  been  authorized.  The  burning  of  the. 
village  of  Newark,  in  Upper  Canada,  posterior  to  the  early 
outrages  above  enumerated,  was  not  executed  on  that  principle. 
The  village  of  Newark  adjoined  P'ort-George,  audits  destruc- 
tion was  justified  by  the  ofiicer  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 
government,  and  the  conduct  of  the  officer  subjected  to  the 
investigation  of  a  military  tribunal.  For  the  burning  of  St. 
David's,  committed  by  stragglers,  the  officer  who  commanded 
in  that  quarter  was  dismissed  without  a  trial,  for  not  preventing 
it. 


5CS  APPENDIX. 

I  am  coratnanded  by  the  president  distinctly  to  state,  that  it 
as  little  comports  with  any  orders  issued  to  the  military  and 
naval  commanders  of  thfe  United  States,  as  it  does  with  the 
established  and  known',  humanity  of  the  American  nation,  to 
pursue  a  syslem  wiiich  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  such 
wanton,  cruel,  and  unjustifiable  warfare. 

Whatever  unauthorized  irregularity  may  have  been  committed 
by  any  of  its  troops,  it  would  have  been  ready,  acting  on  these 
principles  of  sacred  and  eternal  obligation,  to  disavow,  and  as 
far  as  might  be  practicable,  to  repair.  But  in  the  plan  of  desow 
lating  warfare  which  your  letter  so  explicitly  makes  known, 
and  which  is  attempted  to  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  earned  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  that  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  Stales,  so 
revolting  to  humanity,  and  repugnant  to  the  sentiments  and 
usages  of  the  civilized  world,  whilst  it  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  their  dearest  interests. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  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  i& 
invading  the  capital  of  (he  nation,  defended  at  the  moment  by 
troops  less  numerous   than   their  own,    and  almost  entirely 


APPENDIX.  507 

ef  the  militia  ;  during  their  possession  of  which,  though  for  a 
single  day  only,  they  wantonly  destroyed  the  public  edifices, 
having  no  rebision  in  their  structure  to  operations  of  war,  nor 
used  at  the  timo  for  miiitary  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  inierosting  to  ail  nations,  as  co  'tributions  to  the 
general  stock  of  historical  instruction  and  political  science. 

And,  whereas,  advantage  has  been  taken  of  the  loss  of  a 
fort,  more  immediately  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  themselves 
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  upoa 
the  coast  as  may  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  multiplied  out, 
rages  previously  committed  by  the  enemy,  was  not  unautho- 
rized, and  promptly  sh;'wn  to  be  so,  and  that  the  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  dt^vastatiun  and  barbarism, 
at  the  very  moment  of  negociation  for  peace,  invited  by  the 
enemy  himself,  leave  no  prospect  of  safety  to  any  thing  within 
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  this  my  proclamation,  exhorting  all  the  good 
people,  therefore,  to  unite  their  hearts  and  hands  in  giving  ef- 
fect to  the  ample  means  possessed  for  that  purpose.  1  enjoin 
it  on  all  officers,  civil  and   mriitary,  to  exert  themselves  in  ex- 


603  APPExNDIX. 

ecuting  the  duties  with  which  they  are  respectively  charged. 
And,  more  especially,  I  require  the  officers,  commanding  the 
respective  rjilitary  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  convc- 
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  American  people,  none  will 
forgei  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  (heir  sons,  with 
the  augmented  strength  and  resources  with  which  time  and  Hea- 
ven have  blessed  them,  in  testimony  whereof,  I  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  MADlSOxV, 

James  MunroEj  secretary  of  state. 


No.  71. 

From  colonel  Brooke  to  earl  Bathurst. 

On  board  H.M.S.  Tonnant,  Chesapeake, 
PJy  Lord,  September  17,  1814. 

I  have  the  honor  to  inform  your  lordship,  that  the  division  of 
troops  under  the  command  of  major-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  on  this  side  to  Baltimore,  lays  through  a  small 
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  North  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,  howeyer,  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  of  his  king  and  country. 

Thus  fell,  at  an  early  age,  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments  of 
his  profession  ;  one  who,  whether  at  the  head  of  a  rigiment,  a 
brigade,  or  corps,  had  alike  displayed  the  talents  of  command; 
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  fo  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  army,  have  devolved  upon  me;  duties 
which,  under  any  other  circumstances,  might  have  been  em- 
braced as  the  most  enviable  gifts  of  fortune  ;  and  here  I  ven- 
ture to  solicit,  through  your  lordship,  his  royal  highness  the 
prince  regent's  consideration  to  the  circumstances  of  my  suc- 
ceeding, during  operations  of  so  much  moment,  to  an  officer  of 
such  high  and  established  merit. 

Our  advance  continuing  to  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  some 
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  the  command  of  major  Jones, 
of  the  4th,  consisting  of  the  85th  light  infantry,  under  major 
Gubbins,  and  the  light  companies  of  the  army,  under  major 
Pringle,  of  the  21st,  covered  the  whole  of  the  front,  driv- 
ing a,o  enemy's  skirmishers  "with  great  loss  on  his  main 
body.  The  4tn  jcglment,  under  major  Fannce,  by  a  detour 
through  some  hollow  ways,  gamod,  unperceived,  a  "lodgement 
close  upon  the  enemy's  left.  The  remainder  of  the  right  bri.> 
gade,  under  the  command  of  the  honprablc  lieutenant-colonel 
Mullins,  consisting  of  the  44th  regiment,  under  major  Johnson, 


sm  APPENDIX. 

fhe  marines  of  the  fleet  under  captain  Robbins,  and  a  detachment  of 
seamen  under  captain  Money,  of  the  Trave,  formed  a  line  along 
the  enemy's  front;  while  the  left  brigade,  under  colonel  Pater- 
son,  consisting  of  the  21st  regiment,  commanded  by  major 
Whitaker,  the  2d  battalion  of  marines  by  Heutenant-colonel 
Malcolm,  and  a  detachment  of  marines  by  major  Lewis,  re- 
mained in  columns  on  the  road,  with  orders  to  deploy  to  his 
left,  and  press  the  enemy's  right,  the  moment  the  ground  be- 
came sufficiently  open  to  admit  of  that  movement. 

In  this  order,  the  signal  being  given,  the  whole  of  the 
troops  advanced  rapidly  to  the  charge.  !u  less  than  15  minutes, 
the  enemy's  force  being  utterly  broken  and  dispersed,  fled  ia 
every  direction  over  the  country,  leaving  on  the  field  two  pieces 
of  cannon,  with  a  considerable  number  of  killed,  wounded, 
and  prisoners. 

The  enemy  lost,  in  this  short  but  brilliant  affair,  from  500 
to  600  in  killed  and  wounded :  while,  at  the  most  moderate 
compuation  he  is  at  least  1000  hors  de  combat.  The  5th  regi- 
ment of  militia,  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  march  after  disembarkation)  much 
fatigued,  we  halted  for  the  night  on  the  ground  of  which  the 
enemy  had  been  dispossessed.  Here,  1  received  a  communica- 
tion from  vice-admiral  the  honorable  sir  A.  Cochrane,  inform- 
ing me  that  the  frigates,  bomb-ships,  and  flotilla  of  the  fleet, 
would,  on  the  ensuing  morning,  take  their  stations  as  previ- 
ously proposed. 

At  day-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  strong  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  the  defence  to  the  northward  and  west- 
ward of  the  place,  were  in  a  very  unfinished  state.  Chinkapin 
hill,  which  lay  in  front  of  our  position,  completely  commands 
the  town  :  this  was  the  strongest  part  of  the  line,  and  here  the 
enemy  seemed  most  apprehensive  of  an  attack.  These  works  were 
defended,  according  to  the  best  information  which  we  could  ol*- 
tain,   by  about  15000  men,  with  a  large  train  of  a^*:'very. 

Judging  it  perfectly  feasible,  with  t^'e  description  of  forces 
under  my  command,  I  made  arrangements  for  a  night-attack, 
during  which  the  superiority  of  the  en;-my's  artillery  would  not 
have  been  so  much  felt ;  and  captain  M'Dougall,  the  bearer  of 
these  despatches,  will  have  the  honor  to  point  out  to  your  lord- 


APPENDIX.  511 

^Jiip  those  particular  points  of  the  line  which  I  had  proposed  to 
act  on.  During  the  evening,  however,  I  received  a  communi- 
cation from  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 
yras  found  impracticable. 

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 
sufiBcient  equivalent  to  the  loss  which  might  probably  be  sus^ 
tained  in  storming  the  heights. 

Having  formed  this  resolution;  after  compelling  the  enemy 
to  sink  upwards  of  20  vessels  in  different  parts  of  the  harbor  ; 
causing  the  citizens  to  remove  alniosi  the  whole  of  their  pro- 
perty to  places  of  more  security  inland  ;  obliging  the  govern- 
ment to  concentrate  all  the  military  force  of  the  surrounding 
states ;  harassing  the  militia,  and  forcirig  them  to  collect  from 
any  remote  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  them  in  a  general  action,  I  retired  on  the  14th,  threa 
miles  from  the  position  which  I  had  occupied,  where  1  halted 
during  some  hours. 

This  tardy  movement  was  partly  caused  by  an  expectation 
that  the  enemy  might  possibly  be  induced  to  move  out  of  the 
entrenchments  and  follow  us  ;  but  he  profited  by  the  lesson 
which  he  had  received  on  fhe  12th  :  and  towards  the  evening  I 
retired  the  troops  about  three  miles  and  a  half  further,  where  I 
took  up  my  ground  for  the  night. 

Having  ascertained,  at  a  late  hour  on  the  morning  of  the 
15th,  that  the  enemy  had  no  disposition  to  quit  his  entrench- 
ments, I  moved  down  and  re-embarked  the  army  at  tXorth 
Point,  not  leaving  a  man  behind,  and  carrying  with  me  about 
200  prisoners,  being  persons  of  the  best  families  in  the  city,  and 
which  number  might  have  been  very  considerably  increased, 
was  not  the  fatigue  of  the  troops  an  object  principally  to  be 
avoided. 

I  have  now  to  remark  to  your  lordship,  that  nothing  could 
suruass  the  zeal,  unanimity,  and  ardour,  displayed  by  every 
description  of  force,  whether  naval,  military,  or  marine,  during 
the  whole  of  these  opcratiojis. 

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- 
sion, to  afford  me  ;  a  disposition  conspicuous  in  every  branch  of 


51i  APPENDIX. 

the  naral  service,  and  which  cannot   fail  to  ensure  success  tflf 
every  combined  operation  of  this  armament. 

Captain  Edward  Crofton,  commanding  the  brigade  of  seamen 
appointed  to  the  small  arms,  for  the  animated  and  enthusiastic 
example  which  he  held  forth  to  his  men,  deserves  m^  approba- 
tion ;  as  do  also  captains  Nourse,  Money,  Sullivan,  and  Ram- 
say, R.N.,  for  the  steadiness  and  good  order  which  they  main- 
tained in  their  several  directions. 

I  feel  every  obligation  to  rear-admiral  Cockburn,  for  the 
counsel  and  assistance  which  he  afforded  me,  and  from  which  I 
derived  the  most  signal  benefit. 

To  colonel  Paterson,  for  the  steady  manner  in  which  he 
brought  his  column  into  action,  I  give  my  best  thanks. 

The  honorable  lieutenant-colonel  Mullins  deserved  every  ap- 
probation for  the  excelleqt  order  in  which  he  led  that  part  of  the 
right  brigade  under  his  command,  while  charging  the  enemy  ia 
line. 

Major  Jones,  commanding  the  light  brigade,  merits  my  best 
acknowledgments,  for  the  active  and  skilful  dispositions  by 
which  he  covered  all  the  movements  of  the  army. 

The  distinguished  gallantry  of  captain  De  Bathe,  of  the  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  4th  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  major  Gubbins,  commanding  the  85th  light 
infantry  ;  and  of  major  Kenny,  commanding  the  light  compa- 
nies, were  highly  commendable. 

Captain  Mitchell,  commanding  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  captain  Blanchard^  commanding  royal  engineers, 
for  the  abilities  he  displayed  in  his  particular  branch  of  the 
service. 

To  lieutenant  Evans,  of  the  3d  dragoons,  acting  depnty-quar- 
ter-master-general  to  this  army,  for  the  unremitting  zeal, 
activity,  and  perfect  intelligence,  which  he  evinced  in  the  dis. 
charge  of  the  various  and  difficult  duties  of  his  department,  I 
feel  warmly  indebted;  and  1  beg  to  solicit,  through  your  lord- 
ship, a  promotion  suitable  to  the  high  professional  merits  of  this 
officer. 

Captain  M'Dougall,  aide  de  camp  to  the  late  general  Ross, 
(and  who  has  acted  as  assistant-adjutant-generulin  the  absence 


APPENDIX.  513 

of  major  Debbeig  through  indisposition,)  is  the  bearer  of  these 
jdespatches  ;  and  having  been  in  the  confidence  of  general  Ross, 
as  well  as  iu  mine,  will  be  found  perfectly  capable  of  giving 
your  lordship  any  further  information  relative  to  the  operations 
of  this  army  which  you  may  require  :  he  is  an  officer  of  great 
merit  and  promise,  and  I  beg  to  recommend  him  to  your  lord- 
ship's protection.         I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

ARTHUR  BROOKE,  colonel  commanding. 


No.  72. 

Return  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  in  action  with  the  enemy, 
near  Baltimore .^  on  the  Vlth  of  September,  1814. 

General  staff; — 1  major-general,  2  horses,  killed  ;  1  horse,  wounded. 

Royal  artil/crij  ; — 6  raok  and  file,  wounded. 

Roiial  marine-artillery; — 1  rank  and  file,  killed;  3  rank  and  file, 
wounded. 

4/A  regiment,  \st  bait  ;—l  Serjeant,  1  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  3  Ser- 
jeants, 10  lank  and  file,  wounded. 

^lut  regiihent,  \st  halt.; — 1  subaltern,  1  serjeant,  9  rank  and  file, 
killed  ;   1  CHptaii),  1  subaltern,  2  Serjeants,  77  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

4,4:1  h  regiment,  \st  batt.; — 11  rank  and  file,  killed;  3  captains,  2 
subalterns,  5  Serjeants,  78  rank  rand  file,  wounded. 

Sbth  light  infantry  ; — 3  rai^k  and  file,  killed;  2  captains,  1  subaltern, 
26  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Rot/ al  marines,  2d  batt,; — 4  rank  and  file,  killed;  10  rank  and  file, 
wounded. 

Royal  marines,  3d  batt. ; — 2  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  serjeant,  9  rank 
and  file,  wounded. 

Detachments  of  royal  marines,  from  the  ships,  attached  to  the  2d  bat- 
talion;— 2  rank  and  file, killed;   1  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Detachments  of  royal  marines,  under  the  command  of  captain  Robyns;^- 
2  rank  and  file,  killed  ;   1  captain,  9  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Total; — I  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  killed  and  wounded. 
Killed; — General  Staff; — Major-general  Robert  Ross. 
9,\st  ftisileersx — Lieutenant  Grncie. 

Wounded  ; — 2\st  fusileers ; — Brigade-major Renny,  slightly;  lieute- 
nant Leavocq,  severely. 

AAth  regiment; — Brif^ade-major  Cruice,  slightly  ;  captain  Hamilton 
Greenbhields,  dangerously  (since  dead);  captain  George  Hill,  lieutenant 
Richard  Cruice,  ensign  J.  White,  severely. 

85th  light  infantry  ;^C!\pta\ns  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. 
VOL.    II.  L  L 


514  APPENDIX. 

No.  73. 

From  sir  Alexander  Cochrane  to  Mr.  Croker, 

Sir,  H.MS.Tonnant,  Chesapeake,  Sept.  17.  1814, 

I  request  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  inform  my  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  combined  expedition,  to  act  upon  the  plans  which 
had  been  concerted  previoi.s  to  the  departure  of  the  Iphigenia ;  ma- 
jor-general Ross  and  myself  resolved  to  occupy  the  intermediate 
time  to  advantage,  by  making  a  demonstration  upon  the  city  of 
Baltimore  which  might  be  converted  into  a  real  attack,  should 
circumstances  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  11  th  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  th« 
army  was  effected  without  opposition,  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  accompanied  the  general,  to  advise  and  arrange  as  might 
be  deemed  necessary  for  our  combined  efforts. 

So  soon  as  the  army  moved  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  be  found  practicable. 

While  the  bomb-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  army,  of  whieh  he  was  one  of  the 
brightest  ornaments,  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  him,  gave  life  and  ease  to  the 
most  arcuous  undertakings.  Too  heedless  of  his  personal  se- 
curity wht-n  in  the  field,  his  devotion  to  the  care  and  honor  of 
his  army  has  caused  th.-  termination  of  his  valuable  life.  The 
major-general  has  left  a  wife  and  family,  for  whom  I  am  confi- 
den  I'is  giatfful  country  will  provide. 
The  skirmishes  which  had  deprived  the  army  of  its  brave 


APPENDIX.  515 

general,  was  a  prelude  to  a  most  decisive  victory  crer  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  be  from  15  to  20,000 men. 

The  entrance  by  sea,  within  which  the  town  is  re'tired  nearly 
three  miles,  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  impracticable  to  afford  any 
essential  co-operation  by  sea,  I  considered  that  an  attack  on 
the  enemy's  strong  position  by  the  army  only,  with  su^h  dis- 
parity of  force,  though  confident  of  success,  might  risk  a 
greater  loss  than  the  possession  of  the  town  would  compensate 
for,  while  holding  in  view  the  ulterior  operations  of  this  force 
in  the  contemplation  of  his  majesty's  government;  and  there- 
fore, as  the  primary  object  of  our  movement  had  been  already 
fully  accomplished,  I  communicated  my  observations  to  colonel 
Brooke,  who,  coinciding  with  me  in  opinion,  it  was  n^utually 
agreed  that  we  should  withdraw. 

The  following  morning,  (he  army  began  leisurely  to  retire  ; 
and  so  sah'tary  was  the  effect  produced  on  the  enemy  by  the 
defeat  he  had  (ixperienced,  that,  notwithstanding  every  oppor- 
tuniiy  was  oilered  lor  his  repeating  the  conflict,  with  an  infinite 
superiority,  our  troops  rc-embarked  without  molestation.  Die 
ships  ot   war  dropped  down  as  the  army  retired. 

The  result  of  this  demonstration  has  been  the  defeat  of  th» 

I.  L   2 


516  APPENDIX. 

army  of  the  enemy,  the  destruction,  by  themscWes,  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  city,  and,  above  all,  the  collecting  and  haras- 
sing of  the  armed  inhabitants  from  the  surrounding  country ; 
producing  a  total  stagnation  of  their  commerce,  and  heaping  upon 
them  considerable  expenses,  at  the  same  time  effectually  drawing 
off  their  attention  and  support  from  other  important  quarters. 

It  has  been  a  source  of  the  greatest  gratification  to  me,  the 
continuance  of  that  unanimity  existing  between  the  two  ser- 
vices, which  I  have  before  noticed  to  their  lordships ;  and  I 
have  reason  to  assure  them,  that  the  command  of  the  army  has 
fallen  upon  a  most  zealous  and  able  officer  in  colonel  Brooke,  who 
has  followed  up  the  system  of  cordiality  that  had  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  ray  best  thanks  for  his  indefatigabLe 
exertions;  and  I  have  to  express  my  acknowledgments  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  employed  on  the 
various  duties  a-float,  were  all  emulous  to  promote  the  service 
in  which  they  were  engaged,  and,  with  the  officers  acting  under 
them,  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  the  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  Ramsay,  who  had 
charge  of  divisions ;  and  I  have  to  recommend  these  officers, 
together  with  those  who  are  particularly  noticed  by  the  rear- 
admiral,  to  their  lordship's  favorable  consideration. 

Captain  Robyns,  of  the  royal  marines,  who  commanded  the 
marines  of  the  squadron  on  this  occasion,  and  in  the  ofieration^ 
against  Washington,  being  severely  wounded,  1  beg  leave  to 
bring  him  to  their  lordship's  recollection,  as  having  been  fre- 
quently noticed  for  his  gallant  conduct  during  the  services  in 
the  Chesapeakf.  and  to  recommend  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  artiU 


APPENDIX.  517 

Icry,  who  commanded  the  rocket-brigade,  has  again  rendered 
essential  service,  and  is  liighly  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. 


No.  74. 

From  rear-admiral  Cockburn  to  sir  Alexander  Cochrane, 

H.  M.  S.  Severn,  in  the  Patapsco, 
Sin,  15th  Sept.  1814. 

In  furtherance  of  the  instructions  I  had  the  honor  to  receive 
from  you  on  the  11th  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  pre»iously  fixed  upon,  near 
to  North-point,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Patapsco  ;  and,  in  con- 
formity with  his  wishes,  I  determined  on  remaining  on  shore, 
and  accompanying  the  army,  to  render  him  every  assistance 
within  my  power  during  the  contemplated  movements  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-approach  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  a  few  light-horsemen,)  when  the  gene- 
ral 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  immeiliately  opened 
upon  it,  and  as  quickly  returned  with  considerable  effect  by  our 
advanced  guard,  which  pressing  steadily  forward,  soon  obliged 
the  enemy  to  run  off  with  the  utmost  precipitation,  leaving  be- 
hind him  several  men  killed  and  wounded;  but  it  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  one  of  its  best  and  bravest 


618  APPENDIX. 

soldiers;  and  those  who  knew  him,  as  I  did,  a  friend  mast 
honored  and  beloved  ;  and  1  trust,  sir,  I  may  be  forgiven  for 
considering  it  a  sacred  duty  1  owe  to  him  to  mention  here,  that 
whilst  his  wounds  were  binding  up,  and  we  vrere  placing  him  on 
the  bearer  which  was  to  carry  him  off  the  field,  he  assured  me 
that  the  wonnds  he  had  received  in  the  performance  of  his  duty 
to  his  country,  caused  him  not  a  pang  ;  but  he  felt  alone  anxiety 
for  a  wife  and  family,  dearer  to  him  than  his  life  ;  whom,  in  the 
event  of  the  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  right,  from  which  he  commenced  a  cannonade  on  us 
from  his  field-pieces,  and  drew  up  his  men  behind  a  thick  paling, 
•where  be  appeared  determintd  to  make  his  stand.  Our  field 
guns  answered  his  with  an  evident  advantage;  and  so  soon  as 
colonel  Brooke  had  made  the  necessary  dispositions,  the  attack 
•was  ordered,  and  executed  in  the  highest  style  possible.  The 
enemy  opened  his  musketry  on  us  from  his  whole  line,  immedi- 
ately we  approached  within  reach  of  it,  and  kept  up  his  fire  till 
■we  reached  and  entered  the  wood,  Avhen  he  gave  way  in  every 
direction,  and  was  chased  by  us  a  considerable  distance  with 
great  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  description,  against  superior  numbers  of 
an  enemy  so  posted,  could  not  be  effected  witheut  loss.  I  hare 
the  honor  to  enclose  a  return  of  what  has  been  suffered  by 
those  of  the  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  seamen  with  small  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  which  attracted  the  admiration  of  the  army% 
The  seamen  under  Mr.  Jackson,  master's  mate  of  the  Tonnant, 
attached  to  the  rocket  brigade,  commanded  by  the  first-lieute- 
nant Lawrence,  of  the  marines,  behaved  also  with  equal  skill 
and  bravery.  The  marines,  landed  from  the  ships  under  the 
command  of  captain  Kobyns,  the  senior  officer  of  that  corps, 
belonging  to  the  fleet,  behaved  with  their  usual  gallantry. 

Although,  sir,  in  making  to  you  my  report  of  this  actionj  I 


APPENDIX.  519 

know  it  is  right  I  should  confine  myself  to  mentioning  only  the 
conduct  of  those  belonging  to  the  naval  department,  yet  1  may 
be  ex<:used  for  venturing  further  to  state  to  you,  generally,  the 
high  admiration  with  which  I  viewed  the  conduct  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  determined  on  remaining  for  the  night 
on  the  field  of  battle  ;  and,  on  the  morning  of  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  ensumg  nii^ht, 
with  his  gallant  little  army,  the  entrenched  camp  in  our  front, 
notwithstanding  all  the  difliculties  which  it  presented.  The 
subsequent  communications  which  we  opened  with  you,  how- 
ever, induced  him  to  relinquish  again  the  idea,  and  therefore 
yesterday  morning  the  army  retired  leisurely  to  the  Meeting- 
iiouse,  where  it  halted  for  some  hours  to  make  the  necessary  ar- 
rangements respecting  the  wounded  and  the  prisoners  taken  on 
the  12th,  which  being  completed,  it  made  a  further  short  aiove- 
ment  in  the  evening  towards  the  place  where  it  had  dis.em> 
barked,  and  where  it  arrived  this  morning  for  re-embarka(ion, 
without  suffering  the  slightest  molestation  from  the  enemy  ; 
who,  in  spite  of  his  superiority  of  number,  did  not  even  ven- 
ttire  to  look  at  us  during  the  slow  and  deliberate  retreat. 

As  you,  sir,  were  in  person  with  tlie  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.  1  have  now,  there- 
fore, only  to  assure  you  of  my  entire  satisfaction  and  approba- 
tion 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  myself  indebted  to  captain  Ed- 
ward Crofton,  (acting  captain  of  the  Uoyal  Oak,)  for  the 
gallantry,  ability,  and  zeal,  with  which  he  led  on  the  brigade  of 
seamen  in  the  action  of  the  12thj  and  executed  all  the  other  ser- 
vices with  which  he  has  been  entrusted  since  our  landing  ;  to 
captain  White,  (acting  captain  of  the  Albion,)  who  attended 
nie  as  my  aide  de  camp  the  whole  time,  and  rendered  me  every . 


520  APPENDIX. 

possible  assUtance  ;  to  captains  Sullivan,  Money,  and  Ramsay, 
who  commanded  divisions  of  the  brigade  of  seamen  ;  to  lieute- 
nant 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  commanded  a  division  ot  seamen,  and 
behaved  most  gallantly,  occasionally  also  acting  as  an  extra  aide 
decamp  to  myself.  Captain  Robyns,  who  commanded  the  ma- 
rines of  the  fleet,  and  who  was  severely  wounded  during  the  en- 
gagement, I  also  beg  to  recommend  to  your  favourable  notice 
and  consideration,  as  well  a^  lieutenant  George  C.  Urmston,  of 
the  Albion,  whom  I  placed  in  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  animated  with  equal  anxiety  to  distinguish  himself  by 
good  conduct  on  this  occasion,  and  I  trust,  therefore,  the  whole 
will  be  deemed  worthy  of  your  approbation. 

Capt;iin  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  the  ditlerent  stations  within  the  river,  and  when 
the  storming  of  the  fortified  hill  was  contemplated,  he  hastened 
to  my  assistance  with  a  reinforcement  of  seamen  and  marines; 
and  I  should  consider  myself  wanting  in  candour  and  justice  did 
I  not  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,  Sfc. 

GEORGE  COCKBURN,  rear-admiral. 
.  sir  A.  Co( 
Commander  in  chief. 


No.  75. 

Colonel  Brooke  to  the  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  to  cap- 
tains Sullivan,  Money,  and  Ramsay,  for  their  viiy  greit  exer- 
tions in  performing  every  formation  made  by  his  majesty's 
troops,,  having  seen  myself  those  oflicers  expose  themselves  to 
the  hottest  of  the  enemy's  fire,  to  keep  their  men  in  the  line  of 


APPENDIX.  521 

inarch,  with  the  disciplined  troops.     The  obedient  and  steady 
conduct  of  the  sailors,  believe  me,   sir,   excited  the  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. 
commander-in-chief. 


No.   76. 

A  return  of  killed  and  wounded  belonging  to  the  navi/,  discm^^ 
barked  with  the  army  under  major-general  Ross,  Sejjtemberj: 
12,  1814.  : 

Tonnant ; — 1  petty  officer,  5  seaman,  3  marines,  wounded. 

Albion; — 3  seamen  killed;  1  petty  officer,  8  seamen,  6  marines, 
wounded.   , 

Ramilliesi — 2  marines  killed  ;  4  petty  officers,  6  seamen,  4  marines, 
wounded. 

Diadem  ; — 1  officer,  2  seamen,  wounded. 

Melpomene i—l  petty  officer  killed. 

3Vat'e  ; — 1  seaman  wounded. 

Madagascar ; — 1  marine  killed;   1  marine  wounded. 

Royal  Oak; — 1  marine  wounded. 

Total  killed — 1  petty  officer,  3  seamen,  3  marines. 

Total  wounded — 1  officer,  G  petty  officers,  22  seamen,  15  marijiesi. 

Names  of  officers  killed  and  wounded. 

Killed — Melpomene; — Mr.  William,  (or  Arthur)  Edmonson,  clerk. 

Wounded— Tonnant  ;—c&Y>^di\n  Robyns,  royal  marines,  severely; 
Mr.  Charles  O^le,  midshipman,  severely. 

Diadem  ; — lieutenant  S.  Marshall,  severely. 

Albion  ; — John  Billett,  quarter-master,  severely. 

Rumitlies  /  —  Robert  Wafton  (or  Watton)  boatswain's-mate,  severely; 
Henry  Bakewell  yeoman  of  the  powder-room,  badly;  John  Prickett, 
ship's  corporal,  slightlv. 

G.  COCK  BURN,  rear-admiral. 

No.  77. 
From  major-general  Smith,  to  the  American  secretary  at  war. 
(Extract.) 

About  the  time  general  Strieker  had  taken  the  ground  just 
mentioned,  he  was  joined  by  brigadier-general  Winder,  who 
had  betn  stationed  on  the  west  side  of  the  city,  but  was  now 
ordered  to  march  with  general  Douglas's  brigade  of  Virginia 
militia,  and  the  United  States'  dragoons,  nnder  captain  Bird, 
and  take  post  on  the  left  of  general  Strieker.     During  these 


S2a  APPENDIX. 

movements,  the  brigades  of  generals  Stansbury  and  Foreman, 
the  seamen  and  marines  under  commodore  Rodgers,  the  Penn- 
sylvania volunteers  under  colonels  Cobean  and  Findley,  the 
Baltimore  artillery  under  colonel  Harris,  and  the  marine 
artillery  under  captain  Stiles,  manned  the  trenches  and  the 
batteries — all  prepared  to  receive  the  enemy.  We  remained 
in  this  situation  during  the  night. 

On  Tuesday,  the  enemy  appeared  in  front  of  my  entrench- 
ments, at  the  distance  of  two  miles,  on  the  Philadelphia  road, 
from  vphence  he  had  a  full  view  of  our  position.  He  manceu- 
vred  during  the  morning  towards  our  left,  as  if  with  the 
intention  of  making  a  circuitous  march,  and  coming  down  oa 
the  Harford  or  York  roads.  Generals  Winder  and  Strieker 
were  ordered  to  adapt  their  movement  to  those  of  the  enemy, 
so  as  to  baffle  this  supposed  intention.  They  executed  this 
order  with  great  skill  and  judgment,  by  taking  an  advantage- 
ous position,  stretching  from  my  left  across  the  country,  whea 
the  enemy  was  likely  to  approach  the  quarter  he  seemed  to 
threaten.  This  movement  induced  the  enemy  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  the  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  him  in  the  morning. 
To  this  movement,  and  to  the  strength  of  my  defence,  which 
the  enetry  had  the  fairest  opportunity  of  observing,  1  am 
induced  to  attribute  his  retreat,  which  was  commenced  at  half- 
past  one  o'clock  on  Wednesday  morning.  In  this  he  was  so 
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  water  at  the  same  time  that  his  army  was  advanc- 
ing on  the  land,  and  commenced  a  discharge  ol  bombs  anil 
rockets  at  the  fort,  as  soon  as  he  got  within  range  of  it.  The 
situation  of  major  Arniistead  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  moment  falling  in  and  abbut  it 
— the  ofiiccrs  and  men,  at  the  same  time,  entirely  exposed.' 
The  vessels,  ho\\ever,  had  the  temerity  to  approach  somewhat 
nearer — they  were  as  soon  compelled  to  withdraw.  During 
the  night,  whilst  the  enemy  on  land  was  retreating,  and  whilst 


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, 
conimanded  by  lieutenant  Newcomb,  of  the  navy,  and  lieute- 
nant Webster,  of  the  flotilla.  These  forts  also  destroyed  one  of 
the  barges,  with  all  on  board.  The  barges  and  battery  at  the 
Lazaretto,  under  the  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 
sill,  Hoads,  Dec.  18,  1814. 

I  beg  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,  (the  first 
Jieaded  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  morning  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  olf  and  capturing  her  without  much  opposition. 

About  10  o'clock,  having  closed  to  within  long  gun-shot, 
I  directed  the  boats  to  come  to  a  grapnel,  and  the  people  to 
get  their  breakfasts;  and,  as  soon  as  they  had  finished,  we 
again  took  to  our  oars,  and  pulling  up  to  the  enemy  against  a 
strong  current,  running  at  the  rate  of  nearly  three  miles  aa 
hour  exposed  to  a  heavy  and  destructive  fire  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  tiie  oihcers  and  crew  of  this  boat  were  cither 
killed  or  wounded,  myself  amongst  the  latter,  severely,    we 


524  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  the  remaining  tour. 

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  Me  had  possossion  of  the  whole  of  the- 
flotilla. 

1  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  severel)'  as  might  have  been  expected. 

I  am  under  the  greatest  obligations  to  the  officers,  seamen, 
and  marines.  I  had  the  honor  to  command  on  this  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 
beit  thanks  for  the  admirable  style  in  which  they  pushed  on 
with  their  divisions  to  the  capture  of  the  remainder  of  the 
enemy's  flotilla. 

Ju  an  expedition  of  this  kind,  where  S(»  many  were  concerned, 
and  so  much  personal  exertion  and  bravery  was  displayed,  1 
find  it  impossible  to  particularize  every  individual  who  distin- 
guished himself,  and  deserves  to  be  well  spoken  of,  but  I  feel 
it  my  duty  to  mention  those  whose  behaviour  fell  immediately 
under  my  own  eye. 

J.ieutenant  George  Pratt,  second  of  the  Seahorse,  who  com- 
manded that  ship's  boats,  and  was  in  the  same  boat  with  me, 
conducted  himself  to  that  admiration  which  I  cannot  sufficiently 
express ;  in  his  attempt  to  board  the  enemy,  he  was  several 
times  severely  wounded,  and  at  last  so  dangerously,  that 
I  fear  the  service  will  be  deprived  of  this  gallant  and  promisinff 
young  officer.  ® 

I  cannot  omit  to  mention,  also,  the  conduct  of  lieutenants 
latnell  and  Roberts,  of  the  Tonnant,  particularly  the  former, 
who,  after  having  his  boat  sunk  alongside,  got  into  another 
and  gallantly  pushed  on  to  the  attack  of  the  remainder  of  the. 
flotdla.  Lieutenant  Roberts  was  wounded  in  closing  with  the 
enemy.  1  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

,,.        ,    .    ,  ,^    „       ^         NJCH.  LOCKYER,  captain. 
Vice-admiral  the  Hon.  Sir  Alexander  Cochrane 
coramander-in.  chief,  &C.&C.&C.         ^ 


APPENDIX.  525 

No.  1, — Gun-vossel,  1  long  24-poiinder,  4  l?-poiiiiHer  carronade?, 
and  4  swivels,  with  a  complement  of  4<3  men ;  captain  Jones,  com- 
mndoie. 

No.  Q. — Gun-vessel,  1  long  32-pounder,  6  long  6-pounders,  2  Scinch 
howitzers,  and  four  swivels,  with  a  complement  of  45  men;  lieutenant 
M'lvcs. 

No.  3. — Gun-vessel,  1  lonjf  24-pounder,  4  long  6-pounders,  and  4 
swivels,  witi)  a  complement  of' 45  men. 

No.  4  — Gun-vessel,  1  long  24  pounder,  4  12-pounder  carronades, 
with  a  complement  of  45  men. 

No.  5. — Gun-vessel,  1  long  24-pounder,  4  12-pounder  carronades, 
with  a  complement  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. 

^  list  of  the  killed  and  xoounded  in  the  boats  of  his  majestii'^s 
skips  at  the  capture  of  the  American  gun-vessels  near  Aew 
;  Orleans. 

Tonnant ; — 1  able  seaman,  2  ordinary  seamen,  killed  ;  1  lieutenant, 
4  midshipmen,  4  able  seamen,  4  ordinary,  2  landmen, 3  private  marines, 
wounded. 

N<i7ge; — 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. 

Ruyal  Oak  ; — 1  seaman  wounded. 

Humi/lies;  — 4  seamen  killed;  9  seamen  wounded. 

Armide; — 1  seaman  kdled. 

Ci/dnua;—!  midshipman,  1  seaman,  2  private  marines,  wounded. 

Seahorse  ;  —  '[  midshipman,  1  volunteer  of  the  1st  class,  lable  seaman, 
]  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  the  1st  class,  1  captain  of  the  foretop,  killed; 
1  private  marine  wounded. 

Sophie; — 1  captain  wounded. 

Meteor; — 3  seamen  wounded. 

Belle  Pmile; — 2  seamen  wounded. 

Gorgon — 1  master's-mate  wounded. 

Total — 3  midshipmen,  13  sean-en,  1  private  marine,  killed  ;  1  cap- 
tain, 4  lieutenants,  1  lieutenant  of  marines,  3  taastei's-mates,  7  mid- 
shipmen, 50  seamen,  1 1  marines,  wounded. 

Grand  Total— 1 7  killed;  77  wounded. 


5^  APPENDIX. 


No.  80. 


From  lieutenant  Jones  to  commodore  Patterson. 

Sir,  New  Orleans,  12th  March,  1815. 

Having  sufficiently  recovered  my  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  December,  1814,  the  enemy's  fleet  oflF  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  commanded.  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  Coquillcs  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  I  supposed  to  be  a  disembarkation  of  troops  intended 
to  land  at  that  place.  About  2,  P.M.  the  enemy'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  uas  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  the  best 
channel,  were  in  12  or  18  incjies  less  water  than  their  draught. 
Every  effort  was  made  to  get  them  a-float  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  the  Petite  Coquilles.  At  3  45, 
the  enemy  despatched  three  boats  to  cut  out  the  schooner  Sea- 
horse, which  had  been  sent  into  the  bay  St.  Louis  that  morning 
to  assist  in  the  removal  of  the  public  stores,  which  I  had  pre- 
viously ordered.  There  finding  a  removal  impracticable,  I 
ordered  preparations  to  be  made  for  their  destniction,  least 
they  should  fall  into  the  eivemy's  hands.  A  few  discharges  oT 
grape-shot  from  the  Seahorse  compelled  the  three  boat.,  which 
had  attacked  her,  to  retire  out  of  reach  of  her  guns,  until  they 
were  joined  by  four  others,  when  the  attack  was  recommenced 
by  the  seven  boats.  Mr.  Johnson  having  chosen  an  advantage- 
ous position  near  the  two  6.pounders  mounted  on  the  bank, 
maintained  a  sharp  action  for  near  30  minutes,  when  theeritniy 
hauled  off,  having  one  boat  apparently  much  injured,  and  with 
the  loss  of  several  men  killed  and  wounded.  At  7  30,  an 
explosion  at  the  bay,  and  soon  after  a  large  fircj  induced  me  ta 


APPENDIX.  52T 

telieve  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  haying  entirely  died 
away,  and  our  vessels  become  unmanageable,  came  to  anchor 
in  the  west-end  of  Malheureux  island's  passage.     At  daylight 
next  morning,   still   a  perfect  calm,   the  enemy's   flotilla  was 
about  nine  miles  from  us  at  anchor,  but  soon  got  in  motion  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  thq  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  advan(?ing 
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  I)  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  came-to, 
with  their  grapnels  a  little  out  of  reach  of  our  shot,  apparently 
making  arrangements  for  the  attack.     At  10  30,  the  enemy 
weighed,  forming  a  line  a-breast  in   open  order,  and  steering 
direct  for  our  line,  which  was   unfortunately   in  some  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  from  our  long  guns 
was  opened  upon  him,  but  without  much  effect,   the  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  the  loss  of  nearly  every  ofhcer 
killed  or  woundtd,  and  two   boats  sunk.     A  second  attempt 
to  board  was   then  made  by  four  other  boats,  which  shared 
almost  a  similar  fate.      At   this   moment   1   received  a  severe 
wound   in   my  left  shoulder,   which  compelled  me  to  quit  the 
deck,  leaving   it  in   charge  of  Mr.  Gei)rge   Parker,   mastor's- 
mate,  who  gallantly  defended  the  \essel  until  he  was  severely 
wounded,  when  the  enemy,   by  his  superior  luimber,  succeeded 
in  gaining  possession  of  the  deck  about    10  minutes   past    12 
o'clock.     The  enemy  immediately  turned  the  guns  of  his  prize 
on  the  other  gun-boats,    ami    fired    several    shot   previous   to 
striking   the  Ameriraii  colours.       The  action  continued   with 
Muabatiug  severity  until  4U  minutes  past  12  o'clock,  when  it 


528  APPENDIX; 

terminated  with  the  surrender  of  No.  23,  all  the  Other  vessels 
having  previously  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

In  ihi-   umqiial  contest  our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  bas 
been  trifling,  compared  to  that  of  the  enemy. 

Enclosed  you  will  receive  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded, 
and  a  correct  statement  of  the  force  which  I  had  the  honor  td 
command  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  together  with  an 
estimate  of  the  force  I  had  to  contend  against,  as  acknowledged 
by  the  enemy,  which  will  enable  yt>u  to  decide  how  far  the 
honor  of  our  country's  flag  has  been  supported  in  this  conflict. 
1  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

THOMAS  AP  CATESBY  JONES. 


No.  81. 

Statement  of  the  effective  forces  of  a  division  of  the  United 
States''  gun-boals   under  the  command  of  lieutenant.com- 

■  manding  Thomas  Ap  Catesby  Jones,  at  the  commencement 
i,  of  the  action,  with  a  JlotiUa  of  English  gun^boats,  on  the 

14th  December  1814. 

Gun-boat  No.  5,  5  guns,  36  men,  sailinp-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 ;  {"un- 
boat  162,  5  nuns,  35  men,  lieutenant  Robert  Spedden ;  gun-boat  163, 
3  guns,  31  men,  sailinij-mrister  George  Ulrick. 
^    Total — 23  guns,  182  men. 

'I .  N.B  The  schooner  Seahorse,^  had  one  6.pounder,  and  14 
men,  sailing-master  William  Johnson,  commander;  nonekilled 
or  wounded. 

,.  The  sloop  Alligator  (tender)  had  one  4  pounder  and  eight 
iften,  sailing-master  Richard  S   Shepperd,  commander. 

,;  THOMAS  AP  CATESBf  JONES. 

r  No.  82. 

' ^tatemsnt  of  the  British  forces  zchich   were  engaged  in  the 
capture  of  the  late  United  States^  gun  boats,  Nos.  23,  156,  5, 

i      162,  and  163,  near  the  Malheureux  islands ^  lake  Borgne, 

"";     14^A  December,  1814. 

: '    Forty  launches  and  barges,  mounting  one  carronade,  each  of  12,  JS, 

■  «nd  24  caliber. 

_      One  launch,  mounting  one  long  brass  12-pounder. 
One  launch,  mounting  one  long  brass  9-poundcr. 

■  Tliree  gigs,  with  small-arms  only. 
-      Total  number  of  boats — 45. 

Total  number  of  cannoa— 43. 


APPENDIX.  529 

The  above  flotilla  was  manned  with  1200  men  and  officers, 
commanded  by  captain  Lockyer,  who  received  three  severe 
wounds  in  the  action.  The  enemy,  as  usual,  will  not  acknow- 
ledge his  loss  on  this  occasion  in  boats  or  men  ;  but  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  to  major-general  the  honorable  sir 
Edward  Fakenham. 

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 
^2d  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  that  it  was  possible  to  effect  a  landing  at  the  head 
of  the  bayou  Catalan,  which  runs  into  lake  Borgne,  1  directed 
major  Forrest,  assi-istant-quarter-master-general,  to  have  it 
reconnoitred.  Lieutenant  Peddie,  of  that  department,  accom- 
panied by  the  honorable  captain  Spencer  ot  the  navy,  ascer- 
tained on  the  night  of  18th,  that  boats  could  reach  the  head  of 
the  bayou,  from  which  a  commuRication  might  be  made  to  the 
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 
and  95th  regiments,  captain  Lane's  rocketeers,  100  sappers  and 
miners,  and  the  4th  regiment  as  a  support,  the  whole  under  the 
command  of  colonel  Thornton,  were  placed  in  the  boats,  and 
the  2 1st,  44th,  and  93(1  regiments,  under  colonel  Brooke,  and 
a  large  proportion  of  artillery  under  major  Munro,  were  em- 
barked in  small  vessels. 

At  10  A.M.  on  the  22d,  we  sailed  from  Pearl  River  and 
reached  the  head  of  the  bayou  at  da> -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  t.vo  i.ours,  opened  a  communication 
through  several  htlds  of  reed^,  intersected  by  deep  muddy 
ditches,  bordered  by  a  low  swampy  wood;  colonel  Thorntoa 
VOL.    II.  M   M 


530  APPENDIX. 

then  advaneed  and  gained  the  high  road,  taking  up  a  position 
with  the  right  resting  on  the  road,  and  the  left  on  the  Missis- 
sippi. In  this  situation  I  intended  to  remain  untill  the  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 
asleep  in  their  bivouac,  a  heavy  flanking  fire  of  round  and  grape- 
shot  was  opened  upon  them,  by  a  large  schooner  and  two  gun- 
▼essels,  which  had  dropped  down  the  river  from  the  town  and 
anchored  a-breastof  our  fires;  immediate  steps  were  necessary 
to  cover  the  men,  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  movemont  was  so  rapid  that  the  troops 
sutFered  no  more  than  a  single  casualty. 

The  3-pouuders  being  the  only  guns  up,  the  success  of  a 
few  12-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  former  of  the  95th,  under  captain 
Hallan,  the  latter  the  83th,  under  captain  Schaw  ;  these  officers, 
and  their  respective  piquets,  conducted  themselve  with  firmness, 
and  checked  the  enemy  for  a  considerable  time,  bat  renewing 
their  attack  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  commanded  by  brevet- 
major  Gubbins,  whose  conduct  cannot  be  too  much  com- 
mended. On  the  approach  of  his  regiment  to  the  point  of  attack, 
the  enemy,  favored  by  the  darkness  of  the  night,  concealed 
themselves  under  a  high  fence  which  separated  the  fields,  and 
calling  to  the  men  as  friends,  under  pretence  of  being  part  of 
6ur  ow^n  force,  ofiered  to  assist  them  in  getting  over,  which  was 
no  sooner  accomplished  than  the  85th  found  itself  in  the  midst 
of  very  superior  numbers,  who,  discovering  themselves,  called 
on  the  regiment  immediately  to  surrender — the  answer  was  an 
instantaneous  attack;  a  more  extraordinary  conflict  has  per- 
haps never  occurred,  absolutely  hand  to  hand  both  officers  and 
men.  It  terminated  in  the  repulse  of  the  enemy  with  the 
capture  of  30  prisoners.  A  similar  finesse  was  attempted  with 
the  93th  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.  531 

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  regiment  in  hand, 
formed  in  line,  as  my  last  reserve.  Colonel  Dale  endeavoured 
to  execute  his  orders,  but  the  crafty  enemy  would  notmeethim, 
seeing  the  steadiness  of  his  small  body,  gave  it  a  heavy  fire,  and 
quickly  retired.  Colonel  Brooke,  with  four  companies  of  the 
2lst  regiment,  fortunately  appeared  at  that  moment  on  our 
right  flank,  and  sufficiently  secured  it  from  further  attack. 

The  enemy  now  determined  on  making  a  last  eflFort,  and, 
collecting  the  whole  of  his  force,  formed  an  extensive  line,  and 
moved  directly  against  the  light  brigade.  Attirst  this  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  forwaiii  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  commanded  by  major-general 
Jackson:  judging  from  the  number  left  on  the  field,  his  loss 
must  have  been  severe.  1  now  beg  leave  to  inclose  a  list  of  our 
casualties  on  that  night,  and  have  only  to  hope  it  will  appear  to 
you,  that  every  officer  and  soldier  on  shore  did  his  duty. 

To  sir  Alexander  Cochrane  I  feel  particularly  obliged  for  his" 
very  friendly  counsels  and  ready  compliance  with  every  wish  I 
expressed  respecting  the  service  or  welfare  of  the  troops. 

To  rear-admiral  Malcolm,  and  the  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 
this  toast. 

In  the  attack  made  on  the  centre,  lieutenant-colonel  Stovin, 
assistant-adjutant-general,  received  a  severe  wound,  which 
deprived  me  of  his  able  services ;  to  him  and  major  Forrest, 
assistant-quarter-master-general,  I  feel  greatly  indebted  ;  they 
are  both  officers  of  great  merit.  Colonel  Brooke  is  entitled  to 
every  praise  for  securing  our  right  flank. 

'Jo  colonel  Thornton  I  feel  particularly  grateful  ;  his  conduct, 
on  the  night  of  the  23d  I  shall  ever  admire  and  honor.  He 
headed  his  brigade  in  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 


532  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, 
zeal,  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- 
tenant Peddieand  Evans,  of  thequarter-raaster-general's  depart- 
ment, entitle  them  to  the  most  favorable  consideration. 

Assistant-commissary-general  Wemyss'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 
s^hore ;  from  him,  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. 

No.  84.  ■ 
Return  of  casualties  in    action  with  the  enemy  near  Neu 


-    Gfneral  staff; — 1  lieutenant-GoIonel,  1  major,  1  lieutenant,  wounded. 

Tioiiul  artitlerj/ ;  2  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  lieutenant,  7  rank  and  file, 
wounded. 

Ro'iul  engitieers,  sappers  and  miners ;  t  rank  and  file  missing. 

4th foot; — 1  captain,  1  lieutenant,!  serjeant,  1  drummer,  1  rank 
and  file,  killed  ;   1  lieutenant,  14  rank  and  file,  wounded, 

21s*  foot  ;—\  captain,  2  rank  and  file,  killed  :  1  serjeant,  2  drum* 
fioers,  8  rank  and  file,  wounded ;  2  rank  and  file,  missing. 

85th  foul;  2  captains,  II  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1  captain,  3  lieute- 
nants, 4  'Serjeants,  2  drumrneis,  37  rank  and  file,  wounded;  1  hfcut«- 
nant-,  I  ensign,  1  serjeant,  16  rank  and  file,  missing. 

93(Ifoot ;— 1  rank  and  file,  nounded. 


APPENDIX.  533 

95lhfoot;'-'6  Serjeants,  IT"  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1  captain,  2  lieute- 
nants, 5  Serjeants,  54  rank  and  file,  wounded ;  1  major,  2  Serjeants,  39 
rank  and  file,  missing. 

Total ; — 4  captains,  1  lieutenant,  7  Serjeants,  1  drummer,  33  rank 
and  file,  killed  ;  1  lieutenant-colonel,  1  major,  2  captains,  8 
lieutenants,  10  serjeanis,  4  drummers,  141  rank  and  file,  wound- 
ed ;  1  major,  1  lieutenant,  1  ensign,  3  Serjeants,  58  rank  and 
file,  missing. 

Names  of  the  officers  killed,  wounded,  and  missing. 

Killed— Ath foot ; — Captain  Francis  Johnstone,  lieutenant  John  Suther- 
land. 

2\.st  foot\ — Captain  William  Conran. 

B5th  foot ; — Captains  Charles  Grey  and  Charles  Harris 

Wounded — general  .t^r/Jf;— Lieutenant-colonel  Stovin,  28th  foot,  as- 
sistant-adjutant-general, severely,  but  not  dangerously  ;  major  Hooper, 
87th  foot,  deputy  assistant-adjutant-general,  severely;  (leg  amputated;) 
lieutenant  Delacy  Evans,  3d  dragoons,  deputy  assistant-quarter-master- 
general,  severely. 

Royal  Artillery ; — Lieutenant  James  Christie,  sevwely. 

Ath  foot ; — Lieutenant  Thomas  Moody,  severely, 

85M/bo<;— Captain  James  Knnx,  lieutenants  George  Willings,  Fre- 
derick Maunsell,  and  William  Hickson,  severely. 

95th  foot; — Captain  William  Hallen,  lieutenant  Daniel  Forbes,  se- 
verely ;  lieutenant  W.  J.  G.  Farmer,  slightly. 

Missing — 85^A  ybo?;— Lieutenant  William  Walker,  ensign  George 
.Ashton. 

95 fA/ooi— Major  Samuel  Mitchell. 

FRED.  STOVIN,  lieut.-col.  dep.  adj..gen. 

No.  85. 

From  major-general  Jackson  to  the  American  secretary  at  war. 

Head-quarters,  7th  military  district,  camp  below 
Sir,  New  Orleans,  27th  Dec.  A.M. 

The  loss  of  our  gun-boats  near  the  pass  of  the  Higolets, 
having  given  the  enemy  command  of  lake  Borgne,  he  was  ena- 
bled to  choose  his  point  of  attack.  It  became  therefore  an  ob- 
ject of  importance  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  regiment,  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 
Diy  orders,  had  beea  left  unobstructed,  was  completely  sur- 


534  APPENDIX. 

prised,  and  the  enemy  penetrated  through  a  canal  leading  to  his 
farm,  about  two  leagues  below  the  city,  and  succeeded  in  cut- 
ting oflF  a  company  of  militia  stationed  there.  The  intelligence 
was  communicated  to  me  about  two  o'clock  on  the  23.d.  My 
force,  at  this  time,  consisted  of  parts  of  the  7th  and  44th  regi- 
ments, not  exceeding  600  together,  the  city  militia,  a  part  of 
general  Cofl'ee's  brigade  of  mounted  gun-men,  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-Menteur,  1  left  general  Carroll's 
force,  and  the  militia  of  the  city,  posted  on  the  Gcntilly  road  ; 
and  at  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  command 
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  command  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  rear  nearly  to  the  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 Patterson  having  dropped  down  the  river  in  the  schooner 
Carolina,  was  directed  to  open  a  fire  upon  their  camp,  which  he 
executed  at  about  half  after  seven.  This  being  the  signal  of 
attack,  general  Coffee's  men,  with  their  usual  impetuosity, 
rushed  on  the  enemy's  right,  and  entered  their  camp,  while 
our  right  advanced  with  equal  ardor.  There  can  be  but 
Jittle  doubt  that  we  should  have  succeeded  on  that  occasion, 
with  our  inferior  force,  in  destroying  or  capturing  the  enemy, 
had  not  a  thick  fog,  which  arose  about  eight  o'clock,  occa- 
sioned some  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  time,  I  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- 
camped, waiting  the  arrival  of  the  Kentucky  militia,  and  other 
reinforcements.  As  the  safety  of  the  city  will  depend  on  the 
fate  of  this  army,  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  Ms  brigade,  is  to  say  they  behaved  as  they  have 
always  done  while  under  my  command.  The  7th,  led  by  major 
Peire,  and  the  44th,  commanded  by  colonel  Ross,  distinguished 
themselves.  The  battalion  of  city  militia,  commanded  by  major 
Plauche,  realized  my  anticipations,  and  behaved  like  veterans. 
Savary's  volunteers  manifested  great  bravery;  and  the  company 
of  city  riflemen,  having  penetrated  into  the  midst  of  the  enemy's 
camp,  were  surrounded,  and  fought  their  way  out  with  the 
greatest  heroism,  bringing  with  them  a  number  of  prisoners. 
The  two  field-pieccs  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;  and  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  v=  ith  exactness,  but  suppose  it  to  amount  to  100  iti 
killed,  wounded,  and  missing.  Among  the  former  I  have  to 
lament  the  loss  of  colonel  Lauderdale,  of  general  Coffee's  bri- 
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  JACKSON. 

No.  86. 

Report  of  the  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  of  the  army  under 
the  command  of  major-general  Jndrezo  Jackson,  in  the  aC' 
tion  of  the  23rf  of  December,  1814,  with  the  enemy. 

Killed; — artillerymen,!;  7th  United  States' infantry,  1  lieutenant, 
1   Serjeant,  1   corporal,  4  privates;  44th  ditto,  7  privates;  general 


53«r  APPENDIX. 

Cofifee'e  brigade  volunteer  mounted  gun-men,  1  lieutenant-colonel,  1 
captain,  1  lieutenant,  2  Serjeants,  4  privates. — Total,  24. 

Wounded ;— general  staff,  1  colonel;  Tth  United  States'  infantry,  I 
(Captain,  1  ensign,!  Serjeant,  2  corporals,  S3  privates  ;  44th  ditto,  2  lieu- 
tenants, 3  Serjeants,  2  corporals,  19  privates;  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;  New 
Orleans  volunteer  corps,  1  captain,  3  Serjeants,  7  privates;  volunteers 
of  colour,  1  adjutant  and  6  privates.— Total,  wounded,  115. 

Missi7ig ; — general  Coffee's  brigade,  1  major,  2  captains,  3  lieute. 
nants,  1  quarter-master,  3  ensigns  or  cornets,  4  Serjeants,  1  corporal,  % 
musicians,  57  privates. — Total,  missing,  74.  -      ^ 

No.  87. 

Trom  commodore  Patterson  to  the  American  secretary  of  the 
navy. 

Sir,  U.  S.  ship  Louisiatia,  Dec.  28,  1814. 

I  have  the  honor  to  inform  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  Bienvenu  with  a  large  force,  and  effected  a  land- 
ing at  general  Villere's  plantation  on  the  banks  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, which  upon  application  to  the  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,  with  captain  Henley,  and  after  ordering  the  Louisi- 
ana, commanded  by  lieutenant-commandant  C.  B.  Thompson, 
to  follow  me,  at  4  P.  M.  weighed,  and  it  being  calm,  dropped 
down  with  the  current ;  at  about  half  past  six  1  received  a 
request  from  general  Jackson,  through  Mr.  Edward  Living- 
ston, his  aide  de  camp,  to  anchor  a-breast  of  the  enemy's 
camp,  which  he  pointed  out,  and  opened  a  fire  upon  theiA.  It 
continuing  calm,  got  out  sweeps,  and  a  few  minutes  after,  hav* 
ing  been  frequently  hailed  by  the  enemy'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  destructive^  fire  from  our  starboard  battery  an^ 
small  arms,  which  was  returned  most  spiritedly  by  the  enemy 
■with  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  with 
our  army,  at  which  hour  ceased  firing,  supposing,  from  the 
distance  of  the  enemy's  fire,  (for  it  was  too  4ark  to  see  any 


APPENDIX.  ^ 

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,  hauled  toward  north-west, 
and  blew  a  heav-  gale,  compelling  me  to  remain  during  the 
24th,  'iSth,  and  26th,  at  anchor  in  a  position  a-breast  of  the 
enemy,  although  every  possible  exertion  was  made  by  captaia 
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 
request  of  general  Jackson,  1  visited  him  at  his  head-quarters, 
and  went  from  thence  to  town,  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  26tb, 
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 
little  injury  done  to  the  hull,  sails,  and  rigging ;  in  her  bulwarks 
were  a  great  number  of  musket-balls,  several  in  her  masts  and 
top-masts,  and  through  her  main. sail.  Nothing  could  exceed 
the  incessant  fire  from  the  Carolina,  which  alone  can  be  attri- 
buted  to  the  high  state  of  discipline  to  which  captain  Henley  has 
brought  her  crew.  Of  him,  lieutenants  Norris  and  Crawley, 
and  sailing-master  Haller,  I  cannot  speak  in  too  high  terms; 
the  petty  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. 


3'- i^fosti-:'  s/t3  50  5>.i--:v 

^i'       From  captain  Henley  to  commodore  Patterson. 

*'i  Sir,  New  Orleans,  Doc.  28, 1814. 

%  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  after  you  left  here 
on  the  5i6th  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  wfcd  b>ing  at  N.N.W.  and  blowing  fresh,  and 
too  scant  to  get  under  weigh,  and  the  current  too  rapid  to 
move  her  by  warping,  whi^h  I  had  endeavoured  to  do  with  my 
crew. 


tm  APPENDIX. 

At  dayi-liglit  oa  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  remainder  of  her  battery  being  light  12.pound 
carronades. 

The  air  being  light  and  at  north,  render- J  it  impossible  to 
get  under  way;  the  second  shot  fired  by  the  enemy  lodged  in 
the  schooner's  main-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  fire  increasing,  and 
expecting  every  moment  that  she  would  blow  up,  at  a  little 
after  sun-rise  I  reluctantly  gave  orders  for  the  crew  to  abandon 
her,  which  was  effected,  with  the  loss  of  one  killed  and  six 
wounded.  A  short  time  after  1  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  under 
your  own  eye,  in  a  most  gallant  manner. 

Almost  every  article  of  clothing  belonging  to  the  officers  and 
crew,  from  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  to  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^i 
liiia  (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  rockets.  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  that  I  have  not  the  means  of  carrying  on  more 
offensive  operations.  The  Kentucky  troops  have  not  arrived, 
and  my  elective  force  at  this  point  does  not  exceed  3000. 
Their's  must  be  at  least  double  ;  GO  prisoners  and  deserters 
agreeing  in  the  statement  that  7000  landed  from  their  boats. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 


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  the  honor  io  inform  you,  that  on  the  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,  from  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  A.  M.  the  enemy  opened  their  fire  upon  the  ship  with 
shells,  hot  shot,  and  rockets,  which  was  instantly  returned  with 
great  spirit,  and  much  apparent  effect,  and  continued  without 
intermission  until  one  P.  M.  when  the  enemy  slackened  their 
fire,  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  been  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  four  P.  M.  ceased  firing  from  the  ship,  the  enemy  having 
retired  beyond  the  range  of  her  guns.  Many  of  thoir  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  man  only  was  wounded 


'Sh  APPENDIX. 

sligiitly,  by  a  piece  of  a  shell,  and  one  shot  passed  between  the 
bowsprit  and  heel  of  the  jib-boom.  ^ 

The  enemy  drew  up  his  whule  force,  evidently  with  an  inten. 
tion  of  assaulting  general  Jackson's  lines,  under  cover  of  his 
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  ail  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  time  he  had  brought  such  men, 
two-thirds  of  whom  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  armg 
under  the  command  of  major-general  Andrew  Jackion,  in 
the  action  of  the  ^2Sth  of  December,  1814.  * 

Killed — General  Coffee's  brigade,  1  private ;  New  Orleans  volunteer 
company,  1  private;  general  CiiiroU's  division  ot"  Tenuesse  militia,  % 
colonel,  1  Serjeant,  5  privates 

Total  — 9. 

Wounded; — Marines,  1  major;  New  Orleans  volunteer  company,  3 
privates;  general  Carroll's  division,  1  lieutenant,  3  privates.  '■      ' 

Total  wounded — 8.  ■   i^'i 

Total  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  on  this  day — 17.  n-"-!b! 


APPENDIX.  441 

No.  92. 

From  commodore  Patterson  to  the  American  secretary  of  the 
navy. 
Marine  batteries,  five  miles  below  New  Orleans, 
'-■'''   Sir,  January  2,   1815. 

^■^  Finding  the  advantageous  eflfect  which  resulted  from  the 
flanking  fire  of  the  enemy  from  the  Louisiana,  as  detailed  in 
my  letter  of  the  ^Qth  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  tneray  when 
throwing  up  works  on  the  levee  or  in  the  field.  On  the  30th 
opened  upon  the  enemy  with  the  24-pounder,  which  drove 
Ihem  from  their  works,  the  ship  firing  at  the  same  time  upon 
their  advance,  which  retired  from  the  levee,  and  sheltered  itself 
behind  houses,  &c.  The  great  efl'ect  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  enemy  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.  after  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  the  levee;  which  was  returned  from  our 
lines  and  my  battery,  and  terminated,  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  my  battery,  and  their  shot  passed 
through  my  breast-work  and  embrazures,  without  injiirinjz  a 
man.  On  this,  as  on  the  28th,  I  am  happy  to  say,  that  my 
ofiicers  and  men  behaved  to  my  entire  satisfaction  ;  but  I  beg 
leave  particularly  to  name  acting  lieutenant  Campbell,  acting 
sailing-master  John  Gates,  acting  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  bis  rear.  1  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

DANIEL  T.  PATTERSON. 


S>|i,  APPENDIX. 


No.  93. 

Return  of  the  killed,  leounded,  and  missings  of  the  army 
under  the  command  of  major-general  Andrew  Jackson,  in 
the  action  of  the  1st  of  January,  1814. 

Killed;— AnWXery,  navy,  and  volunteers,  at  batteries,  8  privates;  44th 
ditto,  1  private ;  ueneral  CotTee's  brigade,  1  serjeant ;  general  Carroll's 
division,  1  private. 

Total— 11. 

Wounded ; — Artillery,  navy,  and  volunteers  at  batteries,  8 ;  7tl« 
United  States' infantry,  1  private  ;  44th  ditto,  3;  y;enerai  Coffee's  bri- 
gade, 2;  New  Orleans' volunteers,  3  privates;  general  Carroll's  divi» 
sion,  1  sergeant,  2  privates;  volunteers  of  colour,  1  lieutenant,  1  Ser- 
jeant, 1  private. 

Total— 23. 

Total  of  killed,  wounded,  and  missing  this  day— 34. 


No.  94. 

Return  of  casualties  between  the  Ibth  and  ^\st  Bee.  1814. 

Royal  arlillcry ; — 4  rank  and  file,   killed ;   1  lieutenant,  5   rank  dad 
file,  wounded. 

Royal  engineers,  sappers  and  miners; — 1  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

4th  foot  ; — 4  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

21  st  foot  ; — 1  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

44<A  fnot ; — 2  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;   1  rank  and  file,  missing. 

85thfoot ; — 1  drummer,  3  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  2  ensigns,   11   rank 
and  file,  wounded. 

93d  foot,  ; — 2  rank  and  file,  killed;  5  rank  and  file,  wnuiuicd. 

95th  foot ;  — 3  rank    and    file,  killed;  1    serjeant,  3   rank   and    file, 
wounded  ;   1  rank  and  file,  missing. 

1st  West  India  reginie.tt ;—  1  captain,  killed. 

5th  ditto;  —  1  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  2  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Total — 1  captain,  1  drummer,  14  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  lieute- 
nant, 2  ensigns,  1  serjeant,  34  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  2  rank' 
and  file,  missing. 

Names  of  officers  killed  and  wounded. 
Killed. 
1st  West  India  regiment ; — Captain  Francis  ColUngs. 

Wounded. 
Royal  artillery ; — Lieutenant  B.  L.  Poynler,  slightly. 
Sbthfoot ; — Ensign  sir  Frederick  Eden,  bart.  severely;  (since  deadj) 
ensign  Thomas  Ormsby,  slightly. 

FRED  STOVIN,  lient.-col. 
dep.  adj. -gen. 


APPENDIX.  Ms 


No.  95. 

Return  of  casuaflies  between  the  I  si  and  5th  January^  1815. 

Reyul  artillery, — 1  lieutenant,  1  Serjeant,  9  rank  and  file,  killed; 
i2  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Ro^al  engineers,  sappers,  and  mivers; — 1  lieutenan  t,  killed. 

Q.\stfoot;—i  rank  and  file,  killed;  1   lieutenant,   4  rank  and  file, 
wounded. 

44M/oof;— 1  lieutenant,  1   rank  and  file,  killed;  3  rank  and  file, 
wounded. 

85th  foot ;— 2  rank  and  file,  killed ;  2  lieutenants,  4  rank  and  file, 
wounded. 

93d  foot ; — 1  Serjeant,  8  rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1  lieutenant,  10  rank 
and  file,  wounded. 

95th  foot; — 1  rank  and  file,  killed;   2  rank  and  file,  missing. 

5th  West  India  regiment; — 4  rank  and  file,  killed;  2   rank  and  file, 
wounded. 

Total— 3  lieutenants,  2  Serjeants,  27  rank  and  file,  killed;  4  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. 
44th foot ; — Lieutenant  John  Blakeney. 

Wounded. 
21s//oo<;— Lieutenant  John  Leavack,  slia;hulv. 

8d//<>o/ ;— Lieutenant  Robert  Charlton,  severely;  lieutenant  J.  W. 
Boys,  slightly. 

92d  foot ;— Lieutenant  Andrew  Phaup,  severely  (since  deadj. 

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  loud,  New  Orleans,  Jan.  10,  1815. 

It  becomes  my  duty  to  lay  before  your  lordship,  the  proceed- 
ings  of  the  force  lately  employed  on  the  coast  of  Louisiana, 
un'der  the  command  of  major-general  the  honourable  Sir  E.  M. 
Pakenham,  K.B.  and  acting  in  concert  with  vice-admiral  the 
honorable  sir  A.  Cochrane,  K.B. 

The  report  which  I  enclose  from  major-general  Keane,  will 
put  your  lordship  in  possession  of  the  occurrences  which 
took  place  until  the  arrival  of  major-general  the  honorable  sir 


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  under  my  command,) 
and  which  was  on  the  6th  January;  and  from  that  period,  I 
shall  detail,  as  well  as  I  am  able,  the  subsequent  events. 

I  found  the  army  in  position,  in  a  flat  country,  with  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.  Pakenhara  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. 

In  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  position  on  this  line.  The 
Mississippi  is  here  about  800  yards  across ;  and  they  had  on 
the  right  bank  a  heavy  battery  of  12  guns,  which  enfiladed  the 
whole  front  of  the  position  on  the  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  into  the  Mississippi,  by  which  means 
troops  could  be  got  over  to  the  right  bank,  and  the  co-opera- 
tion of  armed  boats  could  be  secured. 

The  disposition  for  the  attack  was  as  follows  : — a  corps, 
consisting  of  the  85th  light  infantry,  200  seamen,  and  400 
marines,  the  5th  West  India  regiment,  and  four  pieces  of  artil- 
lery, under  the  command  of  colonel  Thornton,  of  the  85th,  was 
to  pass  over  during  ihe  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  enemy's  line  in  front  of  us,  was  ta  be 
made  by  ihe  brigade  composed  of  thi*  4th,  21st,  and  44lh 
regiments,  with  three  companits  of  the  !>5th  under  major- 
general  Gibbs,  and  by  the  3d  brigade,  consisting  of  tht  93d, 
two  companies  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  j  the  principal 


APPENDIX.  545 

attack  was  to  be  made  by  major-general  Gibbs ;  the  1st  bri- 
gade, coasisfing  of  the  fusUeers  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  1 8- pounders, 
was  thrown  up  during  the  night,  about  800  yards  from  the 
enemy's  line.  The  atfack  was  to  be  made  at  the  earliest  hour. 
Unlooked-for  difficulties,  increased  by  the  failing  of  the  river, 
occasioned  considerable  delay  in  the  entrance  of  the  arm<'d  boats, 
and  those  destined  to  land  colonel  Thornton's  corps,  by  which 
four  or  five  hours  were  lost,  and  it  was  not  until  past  five  in 
the  morning,  thnt  the  1st  division,  consisting  of  500  smen,  were 
over.  The  ensemble  of  the  general  movement  was  lost,  and  ia 
a  point  which  was  of  the  last  importance  to  the  attack  on  the 
left  bank  o£  the  river,  although  colonel  Thornton,  as  your 
lordship  will  see  in  his  report,  which  I  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  which  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  elFect  of  this  in  the  ^ight  of 
the  troops,  together  with  major-general  Gibbs  and  major-gene- 
ral Keane  being  both  borne  otF  wounded  at  the  same  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,  w  liich  in  such 
a  situation  became  irreparable;  and  as  1  advanced  with  the 
reserve,  at  about  250  yards  from  the  line,  I  had  the  mortifica- 
tion to  observe  the  wliole  falling  back  upon  me  in  the  greatest 
confusion. 

In  this  situation,  finding  (hat  no  impression  had  been  made, 
that  though  many  men  had  rc.u-hed  the  ditch,  and  were  either 
drowned  or  obliged  to  surrender,  and  that  it  was  impossible  to 

VOL.    IJ.  N  N 


54^  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,  1  felt  it 
could  be  done  only  by  the  reserve.  The  confidence  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-admiral  sir  Alex- 
ander Cochrane,  and  to  tell  him,  that  under  all  the  circum- 
stances I  did  not  think  it  prudent  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  me 
that  he  did  not  think  it  could  be  held  with  security  by  a  smaller 
corps  than  2000  men,  I  consequently  ordered  lieutenant-colonel 
Gubbins,  on  whom  the  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  army  has  suffered 
the  military  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  army  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  merits  are  so  well  knovvn, 
that  I  have  only,  in  common  with  the  whole  army,  to  express 
my  sincere  regret,  and  which  may  be  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  carried  off  the 
field  within  20  yards  of  the  glacis,  at  the  head  of  their  brigades, 
sufficiently  speak  at  such  a  moment  how  they  were  conducting 


APPENDIX.  547 

themselves.     I  am  happy  to  say  major-general  Keans  is  doing 
well. 

Captain  Wylly,  of  the  fusileers,  military  secretary  to  the  late 
commandor  of  the  forces,  will  have  the  honor  of  delivering  to 
yoar  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  woisld  be  the  wishes  of  his  late  general,  and 
to  recommend  him  strongly  to  your  lordship's  protection. 
1  have.  &c. 

JOHN  LAMBERT, 

Major-general,  commanding. 


No.  97. 

From  colo7iel  Thornton  to  major-general  the  honorable  sir 
Edzeard  Pake/iham. 

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  oa 
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  consequ{ncc, 
of  keeping  the  boats  together,  so  great,  that  we  onSy  reached 
this  side  of  the  river  at  day-break,  and,  by  the  time  the  troops 
were  disembarked,  which  was  elTccted  without  any  molestation 
from  the  enemy,  1  perceived  by  the  flashes  of  the  guns,  that 
your  attack  had  already  commenced. 

This  circumstance  made  me  extremely  anxious  to  more  for- 
ward, to  prevent  the  destriictive  eufdading  fire,  which  would, 
of  course,  i)e  opened  on  your  columns  from  the  enemy's  bat- 
teries on  this  side  ;  and  1  proceeded  with  the  greatest  possible 
expedition,  strengthened  and  secured  on  my  tight  hank  by 
three  gun-boats,  under  captain  Roberts  of  the  navy,  whose 
zeal  and  exertions  on  this  occasion  were  as  unremitted  as  his 
arrangements  in  emb'arki;jg  the  troops,  and  in  keeping  the 
boats  together  in  crossing  the  river,  were  excellent. 

N  N  2 


548  APPENDIX. 

The  enemy  made  no  opposition  to  our  advance,  nntil  wc 
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  the 
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  on  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 
ieverely  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  commendation,  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  command,  to 
overcome  all  difficulties,  compelled  him  to  a  rapid  and  disorderly 
flight,  leaving  in  our  possession  his  redoubts,  batteries,  and 
position,  with  16  pieces  of  ordnance,  and  the  colors  of  the 
New  Orleans  regiment  of  militia. 

Of  the  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  of  the  position  and  the  number  of  the  enemy  are  con- 


APPENDIX.  549 

sldered,  which  our  prisoners,  (about  30  in  number)  agree  in 
stating  from  1500  to  2000  men,  commanded  by  general 
Morgan. 

I  should  be  extremely  wanting  both  in  justice  and  in  grati- 
tude, were  I  not  to  request  your  particular  notice  of  the  officers 
whose  names  I  have  mentioned,  as  well  as  of  major  Blanchard, 
of  the  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  arrangements  of  staff-surgeon 
Baxter. 

The  enemy's  camp  is  supplied  with  a  great  abandancc  of 
provisions,  and  a  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-cuionel  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  precautions  to  cover  and  secure  his  position,  1  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. 


No.  98. 


Return  of  the  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  "Z-t-pound-- 
ers,   3    12-pounders,    6    9-pounders,     1    12-pounder   carronade,   not 
mounted. 

On  the  howitzer  is  inscribed,  "  Taken   at   the   surrender  of  York 
Town,  1781." 

J.  MITCHELL,  raaj.  capt.  royal-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  the  enemy's 
lines  near  New  Orleans,  on  the  8th  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  wounded,  I  send  the  Plantagenet  to  England,  to  convey 
a  despatch  from  major-general  Lambert,  upon  whom  the  com- 
mand of  the  army  has  devolved,  and  to  inform  my  lords  commis- 
sioners of  the  Admiralty  of  the  operations  of  the  combined 
forces  since  my  arrival  upon  this  coast. 

The  accompanying  le'ters,  Nos.  103  and  169,  of  the  7th  and 
16th  ultimo,  will  acquaint  their  lordships  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  squadron  to  the  15(h  of  Deceinber. 

The  great  distance  from  the  aiiciiorage  of  the  frigates  and 
troop  ships  to  the  bayou  Catalan,  which,  from  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  means,  even  with  the  addition  of  the 
captured  enemy's  gun-vessels,  only  affording  us  transport  for 
halt  the  army,  exclusive  of  the  supplies  that  were  required,  it 
became  necessary,  in  order  to  have  support  for  the  division  that 
■would  first  land,  to  assemble  the  whole  at  souie  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,  commanded  by  colonel 
Thornton,  of  the  85th  regimtnt,  was  put  into  the  guu-vessels 
and  boats,  and  captain  Gordon,  of  the  Seahorse,  proceeded 
with  them-,  and  took  post  upon  the  Isle  aux  Poix,  a  small 
swampy  spot  at  the  mouth  of  (he  Pearl  river,  about  30  miles 
from  the  anchorage,  and  nearly  the  same  distance  from  the 
bayou,  where  major-generai  Keane,  rear-admiral  Codrington, 
and  myself  joined  them  on  the  following  day  ;  meeting  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  quartcr-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  ; 
Jiaving,  with  their  guide,  pulled  up  in  a  canoe  to  the  head  of 


APPENDIX.  551 

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 
onboard  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-vessels,  such 
of  the  hired  craft  as  could  be  brought  into  the  lakes,  and  the 
Anaconda,  which,  by  the  greatest  exertions,  had  been  got  over 
the  shoal  passages.  ' 

On  the  ^2d,  these  vessels  being  filled  with  about  2400  men, 
the  advance,  consisting  of  about  1600  men,  got  into  the  boats, 
and,  at  eleven  o'clock,  the  whole  started,  with  a  fair  wind,  to 
cross  Lac  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 
bad  got  within  ten  miles  of  the  bayou  ;  the  advance  pushed 
on,  and  at  about  midnigiit  reached  the  entrance. 

A  piquet,  which  the  enemy  had  taken  the  precaution  io 
place  there,  being  surprised  and  cut  off,  major-general  Keane, 
with  rear-admiral  Malcolm  and  the  advance,  moved  up  the 
bayou,  and  having  effected  a  landing  at  day-break,  in  the 
course  of  the  day  was  enabled  to  take  up  a  position  across  the 
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-guris,  having  dropped 
down  the  Mississippi,  the  former  commenced  a  brisk  cannon- 
ading, which  was  followed  up  by  an  attack  of  the  whole  of  the 
American  army.  Their  troops  were,  however,  beaten  back, 
and  obliged  to  retire  with  considerable  loss,  and  major-general 
Keane  advanced  somewhat  beyond  his  former  position.  As 
soon  as  the  second  division  was  brought  up,  the  gim-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  major- 
general  Gibbs  arrived  at  head-quarters,  when  the  former  took 
command  of  the  army. 

The  schooner  which  had  continued  at  intervals  to  annoy  the 
troops  having  been  burnt,  on  the  27th,  by  hot  shot  from  our 


552  APPENDIX. 

artiller}',  and  the  ship  having  warped  farther  up  the  river,  t1i» 
following  day  tho  general  moved  forward  to  within  gurt-shot 
of  an  entrenchment  which  the  enemy  had  newly  thrown  up, 
extending  across  the  cultivated  ground  from  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-rgeneral  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  anchor-ige  on  the  1st,  and  this  reinforcement  was  all 
brought  up  to  the  advance  on  the  6th  instant,  while  prepara- 
tions were  making  for  a  second  attack,  in  che  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  7tli,  been  tracked  under 
cover  and  unperceived,  close  up  to  the  bank,  at  night  the 
■whole  were  dragged  h^to  the  Mississippi,  and  placed  under  the 
command  of  captain  Roberts  of  the  Meteor. 

The  boats  having  grounded  in  the  canal,  a  distance  of  350 
yards  from  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,  this  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  (500  men,  commanded  by  colonel  Thornton, 
of  the  85th  regiment,  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  the  guns  and  destroying  the 
carriages,  the  whole  were  re-embarked  and  brought  back,  and 
the  boats  by  a  similar  process  of  hard  labor  were  again  dragged 
into  the  canal,  and  from  thence  to  the  bayou,  conveying  ^t 


APPENDIX.  553 

the  same  time  such  of  the  wounded  as  it  was  thought  requisite 
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,  that  it  was  possible  to  move,  and  the  stores, 
amamnition,  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  means  of 
transport. 

This  arrangement  being  in  a  forward  state  of  execution,  I 
quitted  head-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  pf  the  army,  and  preparing  the 
fleet  for  further  operations. 

1  must,  in  common  with  the  nation,  lament  the  loss  which  the 
service  has  sustained  by  the  death  of  major-general  the  honor- 
able sir  Edward  Pakenham,  and  major-general  Gibbs.  Their 
great  military  qualities  were  justly  estimated  while  living,  and 
their  zealous  devotion  to  our  country's  welfare,  will  be  cherished 
as  an  example  to  f 'ture  generations. 

In  justice  to  the  olucers  iind  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  I2th  of  December,  when  the  boats  proceeded  to 
the  attack  of  the  enemy's  gun-vessels,  to  the  present  time,  but 
very  few  of  the  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  numerous  neces- 
sary appendages,  have  been  all  transported  from  the  shipping  to 
the  head  of  the  bayou,  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  undergone, 
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  vyhich  has  pervaded  the  whole. 

Rear-admiral  Malcolm  superintended  the  disembarkation  of 
the  army,  and  the  various  services  performed  by  the  boats;  and 
it  is  a  duty  that  I  fultil  with  much  pleasure,  assuring  their  lord- 
ships  that  his  zeal  and  exertions  upon  eyery  occasion  could  not 


554  APPENDIX. 

be  surpassed  by  any  one.  I  beg  leave  also  to  offer  my  testi- 
mony to  the  unwearied  and  cheerful  assistance  aflx)rded  to  the 
rear-admiral  by  captains  sir  Thomas  M.  Hardy,  Dashwood,  and 
Gordon,  and  the  several  captains  and  other  officers.  Rear- 
admiral  Codrington  accompanied  me  throughoi;t  this  service; 
and  I  feel  much  indebted  for  his  able  advice  and  assistance. 

Captain  sir  Thomas  Troubridge,  and  the  officers  and  seamen 
attached  under  his  command  lo  the  army,  have  conducted 
themselves  much  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  generals  commanding. 
Sir  Thomas  Troubridge  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  cap- 
tains and  other  officers  employed  under  him,  as  named  in  his 
letter,  fa  copy  of  Avhich  is  enclosed,)  reporting  their  services. 
He  particniarly  mentions  captain  Money,  of  the  Trave,  who, 
I  am  much  concerned  to  say,  had  both  bones  of  his  leg  broken 
by  a  musket. !-hot,  advancing  under  a  heavy  fire  to  the  attack  of 
a  battery  (hat  was  afterwards  carried.  The  conduct  of  captain 
Money  at  Washington,  and  near  Baltimore,  where  he  was 
employed  with  the  army,  having  belore  occasioned  my  noticing 
him  to  their  lordships,  1  beg  h  ave  now  to  recommend  him  most 
strongly  to  their  protection.  The  wound  that  be  has  received 
not  afibrding  him  any  probability  of  his  being  able  to  return  to 
his  duty  for  a  considerable  time,  1  have  given  him  leave  of 
absence  to  go  to  England ;  and  shall  intrust  lo  him  my  des- 
patches. 

I  have  not  yet  received  any  official  report  from  the  captain 
of  the  Nym.phe,  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  some  days  past  throwing  shells 
into  fort  Placquemain,  but  I  fear  without  much  effect. —  I  have 
sent  to  recall  such  of  them  as  are  not  required  for  the  blockade 
of  the  river.  1  have  the  hoiior  to  be,  &c. 

ALEXANDER  COCHRANE, 
vice-admiralj  and  commander  in  chief. 

J.  Wilson  Croker,  esq.  &c. 


No.  100. 


Return  of  casuaJ'iies  on  the  Sth  of  January^  1815. 

General  sUiff; — 1    major-general,  1  capiain,  killed;  2   major-gene- 
rals, 1  captain,  1  lieuteiiiuit,  wounded. 

lioytduiLillery; — 5  rank  and  file,  killed  ;   10  rank  and  file,  wounded. 
Moj/til  engineers,  sappers,  and  miners; — 3  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

*NjiBphe,  Herald,  ^tna,  Meteor,  Thistle,  Pigmy.  ^ 


APPENDIX.  555 

Athfoo'  ; — t  ensign,  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. 

7th foot -,'-1  major,  1  captain,  I  serjeant,  38  rank  and  file,  killed;  2 
captains, '2  lieutenants,  2  serjeant",  47  rank  and  and   file,  wounded. 

21st  foot  ; — 1  major,  1  captain,  1  lieutenant,  2  Serjeants,  65  rank  and 
file,  killed  ;  1  lieutenant-colonel,  1  major,  2  lieutenant-,  6  Serjeants,  I 
drummer,  144  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  2  captains,  T  lieutenants,  8  Ser- 
jeants,  2  drummers,  217  rank  and  file,  missing. 

43d foot ;  — 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. 

4ith  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 ; — 1  lieutenant-colonel,  2  captains,  2  Serjeants,  58  rank  and 
file,  killed;  4  captains,  3  lieutenants,  17  Serjeants,  3  drummers,  318 
rank  and  file,  wounded;  3  lieutenants,  2  Serjeants,  1  drummer,  99  rank 
and  file,  missing. 

95th  foot; — I  serjeant,  10  rank  an*i  file,  killed;  2  captains,  5  lieute- 
nants, 5  Serjeants,  89  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Roi/'il  marines  ; — 2  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  captain,  2  lieutenants,  1 
serjeant,  12  rank  and  file,   woniided. 

Rot/Ill  n(ivj/;~2  seamen,  killed;    1  captain,  18  seamen,  wounded. 

\st  West  India  regiment; — 5  rank  and  file,  killed;  1  captain,  2  lieu- 
tenants, 2  ensigns,  2  Serjeants,  16  rank  and  file,  wounded  ;  1  rank  and 
file,  missing. 

5th  West  India  regiment ; — 1  serjeant,  wounded. 
Total  loss~l  major-general,  1  lieutenant-colnnel,  2  majors,  5  cap- 
tains, 2  lieutenants,  2  ensigns,  II  Serjeants,  1  drmnmer,  266 
rank  and  file,  killed;  2  major-generals,  3  lieufenant- colonels,  2 
n>ajors,  18  captains, 38 lieutenants,  9  ensigns,  1  staff,  5  4>erjeants, 
9  drummers,  1126  rank  and  file,  wounded;  3  captains,  12  lie u' 
tenants,  13  Serjeants,  4  drummers,  452  rank  and  file,  missing. 

Names  of  the  officers  killed,  wounded,  and  missing. 
Killed. 

Genera/ s/fl^;— Major-general  the  honorable  sir  Edward  Pakenham, 
K.  B,  connnaiider  of  the  forces;  captain  Thomas  Wilkinson,  85th  regi- 
ment, major  of  brigade. 

4th  foot ; — Ensign  William  Crowe. 

7th foot; — Major  George  King;  captain  George  Henry. 

2ls'tJoot ; — Major  John  Anthony  Whittaker;  captain  Hobert  Renny; 
(lieutenant-coh>nei ;)   and  lieutenant  Donald  M'Donald. 

44thfoo!; — Lieutenant  Rowland  Davies,  ensign  M.  M*Loskey. 

O^dfoot  ;— Lieutenant-colonel  ?l(jbcrt  Dale;  captain  Thomas  Hick- 
ins,  and  captain  Alexander  Muirhead. 


556  APPENDIX. 


Wounded. 


General  staff; — Major-general  Gibbs,  severely ;  (since  dead ;)  major- 
general  Keane,  severely;  captain  Henry  Thomas  Shaw,  (4th  foot,  bri- 
gade-mnjor,)  slightly;  lieutenant  Delacy  Evans,  (3d  dragoons,  deputy 
assistant-quarter-master-general,)  severely. 

4th  foot; — Lieutenant- colonel  Francis  Brooke,  slightly;  major  A.  D. 
Faunce,  (lieutenant-colonel,)  severely;  captain  John  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  Ellis, 
Parnal  Hopkins,  and  Jeflfery  Salvin,  slightly;  lieutenants  William  Henry 
Brooke,  Benjamin  Martin,  and  George  Richardson,  severely;  lieute- 
nants Peter  Boulby,  and  G.  H.  Hearne,  slightly;  lieutenants  William 
Squirt,  Charles  Henry  Farrington,  James  Marshall,  and  Htnry  Andrews, 
severely;  ensign  Arthur  Gerrard,  slightly;  ensign  Thomas  Benwell, 
severely;  ensigns  John  S  Fernandez,  and  Edward  Newton,  slightly; 
lieutenant  and  adjutant  William  Richardson,  slightly. 

7th  foot; — Captain  J.  J.  A  Mullins,  slightly;  captain  W.  Edward 
Page,  severely;  lieutenant  Mathew  Higgins,  severely;  lieutenant 
Charles  Lorentz,  slightly. 

21st foot ; — Lieutenant-colonel  William  Patterson,  (colonel,)  severely; 
(not  dangerously;)  Major  Alexander  James  Ross,  severely;  lieutenant 
John  Waters,  severely  ;  second  lieutenant  Alexander  Geddes,  severely, 

43d foot  I — Lieutenant  John  Myricke,  severely;  (left  leg  amputated;) 
lieutenant  Duncan  Campbell,  severely. 

AMhfoot; — Captain  Ilenry  Del)beig,  (lieutenant-colonel,)  slightly; 
lieutenant  William  Maclean,  slightly;  lieutenants  Robert  Smith,  Henry 
Brush,  Richard  Phelan,  and  William  Jones,  severely;  ensigns  James 
White,  B.  L.  Hayden,  and  John  Donaldson,  severely. 

85f  A  foot ; — Lieutenant-colonel  William  Thornton,  (colonel,)  se- 
verely (not  dangerously). 

9Sc? /oo^ ;— 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,  slightly. 

ist  West  India  regiment; — Captain  Isles,  severely;  lieutenants 
M'Donald  and  Morgan,  severely ;  ensign  Millar,  slightly  ;  ensign  Pil- 
kington,  severely. 

Rotjal  navi/; — Captain  Money,  of  his  majesty's  ship  Trave,  severely; 
midshipniim  Mr.  WooIcombe,Tonnant,  severely. 

93d foot ; — Volunteer  John  Wilson,  slightly. 

Missing. 

4th foot; — Lieutenant  Edmund  Field,  severely,  wounded  and  taken 
prisoner. 

21st 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  Ralpli  Carr, 
wounded,  and  taken  prisoner;  lieutenant  J.  S.  M.  Fonblanque,  taken 
prisoner  ;  second  lieutenant  Pettr  Quin,  wounded,  and  taken  utisoner. 

43d  foot; — Captain  Robert  Simpson,  severaly,  wounded,  and  takea 
prisoner. 

44th  foot ;— Lieutenant  William  Knis;ht. 

93d foot; — Lieutenants  George  Mun'-o,  John  M'Donald,  and  Benja- 
min Graves,  severely  wounded  ;  volutiteer  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  OrleanSj 
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  infinite  labour  they  had  succeeded  on  the  night 
of  the  7th  in  getting  their  boats  across  from  the  lake  to  the  river, 
by  widening  and  deepening  the  canal  on  which  they  had  effected 
their  disembarkation.  It  had  not  been  in  my  power  to  impede 
these  operations  by  a  general  attack — added  to  other  reasons, 
the  nature  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  well-disci- 
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  small  portion  only  of  that 
detachment  being  provided  with  arms.  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 
▼iw.  General  Morgan,  with  the  Orleans  contingent,  ihe  Louisi- 
ana militia,  and  a  strong  detachment  of  the  Kentucky  troops, 
occupied  an  intrenched  camp  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river, 
protected  by  strong  batteries  on  the  bank,  erected  and  superin- 
tended by  commodore  Patterson. 

In  my  encampment  every  thing  was  ready  for  action,  when 
early  on  the  morning  of  the  8th  the  enemy,  after  throwing  a 
heavy  shower  of  bombs  and  Congreve  rockets,  advanced  their 
columns  on  my  right  and  left,  to  storm  my  intrenchmcnts.  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  small  arms  was  as  incessant  and 
s«vere  as   can  be  imagined.     The  artillery,  too,  directed  by 


558  APPENDIX. 

officers  who  displayed  equal  skill  and  courage,  did  great  execu- 
tion. Yet  the  columns  of  the  enemy  continued  to  advance  with 
a  firmness  which  reflects  upon  them  the  greatest  credit.  Twice 
the  column  which  approached  me  on  my  left  was  repulsed  by 
the  troops  of  general  Carroll,  those  of  general  Coffee  and  a 
division  of  the  Kentucky  militia,  and  twice  they  formed  again, 
and  renewed  the  assault.  At  length,  however,  cut  to  pieces, 
they  fled  in  confusion  from  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  1300  in  killed, 
■wounded,  and  prisoners.  Upwards  of  300  have  already  been 
delivered  over  for  burial ;  and  my  men  arc  still  engaged  in  pick, 
ing  them  up  within  my  lines,  and  carrying  them  to  the  point 
where  (he  enemy  are  to  receive  them.  This  is  in  addition  to 
the  dead  and  wounded  whom  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  rrortally.  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  novv  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  moment  whea 
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  example,  the  remainder  of  the  Torres;  and 
thus  yielding  to  the  enemy  that  most  formidable  position.  The 
batteries  which  had  rendered  me,  for  many  days,  the  most 
important  service,  though  bravely  defended,  were,  of  course, 
now  abandoned;  not,  however,  until  the  guns  had  been  spiked. 
This  unfortunate  rout  had  totally  changed  the  aspect  of 
affairs.  The  enemy  now  occupied  a  position  from  which  they 
might  annoy  us  without  hazard,  and  by  means  of  which  they 
might  have  been  able  to  defeat,  in  a  great  measure,  the  effects 
of  our  success  on  this  side  the  river.  It  became  therefore  aa 
object  of  the  first  consequence  to  dislodge  him  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. For  this  object,  all  the  means  in  my  power,  which  I 
could  with  any  safety  use,  Avere  immediately  put  in  preparation. 
Perhaps,  however,  it  was  owing  somewhat  to  another  cause 
that  I  succeeded  even  beyond  my  expectations.  In  negociating 
the  terms  of  a  temporary  suspension  of  hostilitieSj  to  enable  the 


APPENDIX.  559 

enemy  to  bury  their  dead,  and  provide  for  their  wounded,  I  had 
required  certain  propositions  to  be  accecded  to  as  a  basis, 
among  Avhich  this  Avas  one — that,  although  hostilities  should 
cease  on  this  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  until  the  expiration  of  that  day.  liis  excellency  major- 
general  Lambert  begged  time  to  consider  of  those  propositions 
until  ten  o'clock  of  to-day,  and  in  tiie  mean  time  re-crossed. 
his  troops.  I  need  not  tell  you  vvith  how  much  eagerness  I 
immediately  regained  possession  of  the  position  he  had  thus 
happily  quitted. 

The  enemy  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  them. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSOxY. 


No.  102. 


From  commodore  Patterson  to  the  American  secretary  of  the 
navy. 

Marine  battery,  five  miles  below  New  Orleans, 
Sir,  January  13,   1815. 

I  have  the  honor  to  inform  yon,  that  during  the  2d  and  3d 
instant,  I  landed  from  the  ship  and  mounted,  as  the  former 
ones,  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  four  more  12-pounders,  and 
erected  a  furnace  for  heating  shot,  to  destroy  a  number  of 
buildings  which  intervened  between  g  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  my  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  I  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 
militia  of  this  state,  and  brought  within,  and  mounted  on  the 
Intrenchments  on  this  side  the  river,  one  r2-pounder;  in  addi- 
tion to  which  general  Morgan,  commanding  tlie  militia  on  this 
side,  planted  two  brasi  6-pound  field-pieces  in  his  lines,  which 
were  incomplete,  having  been  commenced  only  on  the  4th. 
These  three  pieces  were  tlie  only  cannon  on  th^lines,  all  the 
others  being  mounted  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  with  a  view  to 


560  APPENDIX. 

aid  the  risjlit  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  c-iuld  render  no  aid  in  defence  of  general  Morgan'* 
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  informed,  they  were 
deepening  and  opening  to  the  river,  for  the  purpose  of  getting 
their  launches  in,  which,  upon  examination  with  my  glass,  I  found 
to  be  true,  and  informed  general  Jackson  of  my  observations  by 
letters,  copies  of  which  I  enclose  herewith  ;  a  reinforcement  to 
general  Morgan's  militia  was  made  in  consequence,  consisting 
of  about  400  militia  from  Kentucky,  very  badly  armed  or 
equipped,  the  general  not  having  arms  to  furnish  them,  who 
arrived  on  this  side  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  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  inform  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  men  from  the  battery  on  shore,  which  I  deemed 
of  the  greatest  importance,  and  exposed  the  vessel  to  fire  by 
hot  shot  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  mounting  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  hotshot. 

General  Morgan  despatched  the  Ker.tueki.ins  immediately  on 
their  arrival,  about  5  A.  M.  to  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  wiio  retreated  after  a  few 
shot  from  the  enemy  within  the  lines,  where  they  were  immedi- 
ately posted  in  their  station  on  the  extreaie  right.  At  day- 
light the  enemy  opened  a  heavy  connonade  upon  general  Jack- 
son's lines  and  my  battery,  leading  their  troops ^under  cover  of 
their  cannon  to  the  assault  of  the  lines,  which  they  attempted 
on  the  right  and  left,  but  piincipaliy  on  the  latter  wing;  they 
were  met  by  a  most  tremendous  and  incessant  fire  of  artillery 
and  musketry,  which  compelled  them  to  retreat  with  precipita- 
tion ;  leaving  the  ditch  filled,  and  the  field  streived  with  their 
dead  and  wounded.  My  battery  v.  as  opened  upon  them,  simul- 
taneously with  those  from  our  lines,  iianking  the  enemy  botk 


APPENDIX.  561 

in  his  advance  and  retreat  with  round,  ^rape,  and  canister, 
which  must  have  proved  extremely  destructive,  as  in  their  haste 
and  confusion  to  retreat  they  crowded  the  top  of  the  levee, 
aifording  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  they  had  efficted  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  swamp,  and  those 
weakly  manned,  I  apprehended  the  enemy's  outflanking  him  on 
that  wing ;  which  order  was  promptly  executed  by  captain 
Henley  and  the  officers  stationed  at  the  battery,  under  a  heavy 
and  well  directed  fire  of  shot  and  shells  from  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  12-poun. 
tier  and  field-pieces  mounted  on  the  lines  as  before  stated  ; 
when  in  a  few  minutes  I  had  the  extreme  mortification  and 
chagrin  to  observe  general  Morgan's  right  wing,  composed,  as 
herein  mentioned,  of  the  Kentucky  militia,  commanded  by 
major  Davis,  abandon  their  breast-Avork,  and  flying  in  a  most 
shameful  and  dastardly  manner,  almost  without  a  shot;  which 
disgraceful  example,  after  firing  a  few  rounds,  was  soon  fol- 
lowed  by  the  whole  of  general  Morgan's  command,  notwith- 
standing every  exertion  was  made  by  him,  his  staff,  and  several 
officers  of  the  city  militia,  to  keep  them  to  their  posts.  By 
the  great  exertions  of  those  officers,  a  short  stand  was  effected 
on  the  field,  when  a  discharge  of  rockets  from  tke  enemy 
caused  them  again  to  retreat  in  such  a  manner  that  no  efforts 
could  stop  them. 

Finding  myself  thus  abandoned  by  the  force  I  relied  upon  to 
protect  my  battery,  1  was  most  reluctantly,  and  Avith  inexpres- 
sible pain,  after  destroying  my  powder,  and  spiking  my  cannon, 
compelled  to  abandon  them,  having  only  30  officers  and  seamen 
with  me.  A  part  of  the  militia  weie  rallied  at  asaw-mill  canal, 
about  two  miles  above  the  lines  from  which  they  had  tied,  and 
there  encamped.  1  ordered  the  Louisiana  to  be  warped  up  for 
the  purpose  of  procuring  a  supply  of  ammunition,  and  mount- 
ing other  cannon,  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  dislodge  the  enemy  from  his  position, 
when  he  precipitately  retreated,  carrying  with  him  the  two 
tield-pieces  and  a  brass  howitz,  after  having  first  set  fire  to  the 
platforms  and  gun-carriages  on  my  battery,  two  saw-mills,  and 

VOL.    II.  O    O 


$^  APPENDIX. 

the  bridges  between  him  and  general  Morgan's  troops,  and 
re-cro$ged  the  river,  and  secured  his  boats,  by  hauling  thera  into 
his  canal.  On  the  9th  we  re-occupied  our  former  gronnd,  and 
recovered  all  the  cannon  in  niy  battery,  which  I  immediately 
commenced  drilling  and  re-mounting  ;  and  on  the  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  10th  to  the  present  date  I  have  been  much  engaged  in 
mounting  my  l2-pounders  along  the  breast-work  erected  hy 
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  which  we  fired  upon 
the  enemy  wherever  he  appeard.  Our  present  position  is  now 
so  strong  that  there  is  nothing  to  apprehend,  should  the  enemy 
naake  another  attempt  on  this  side. 

To  captain  Henley,  who  has  been  with  me  since  the  destruc- 
tion of  his  schooner,  and  who  was  wounded  on  the  8th,  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 
8th.  The  exertions  of  general  Morgan,  his  staff",  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  could  not  be 
checked.  The  two  brass  field^pieces,  manned  entirely  by  militia 
of  the  city,  were  admirably  served,  nor  were  they  abandoned 
till  deserted  by  their  comrades,  one  of  which  was  commanded  by 
Mr.  Hosmer,  of  captain  Simpson's  company,  the  other  by  a 
Frenchman,  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  the  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.  S6S 


No.  103. 

Report  of  /he  killed,  xsounded,  and  missing,  of  the  army  under 
the  command  of  major-general  Andrew  Jackson^  in  the 
action  of  the  Qih  of  January,  1815. 

Killed; — Artillery,  navy,  and  volunteers  at  batteries,  3  privates  ;  7th 
United  States'  infantry,  1  Serjeant,  I  corporal ;  general  Coffee's  bri- 
gade, I  private  ;  Carroll's  division,  1  Serjeant,  3  privates ;  Kentucky 
militia,  I  private ;  mnjors  Lucoste's  and  Dacquin's  volunteers  of  colour, 
1  private;  tjeneral  Morgan's  militia,  1  private. 

Total  killed— 13. 

Wounded; — Artillery,  &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  wouiided— 39. 

Missing; — Kentucky  militia,  4  privates;  Mogan's  militia,  15  privates. 

Total— 19. 

Total  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  this  day — 71. 

Note — Of  the  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  on  this  day,  but  6  killed, 
and  7  wounded,  in  the  action  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river,  the  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  eight,  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  artillery,  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  1  could  not, 

without  encountering  a  risk,  which  true  policy  did  not  seem  to 

o  o  2 


564  APPENDIX; 

require  or  to  authorize,  attempt  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  some  other  point, 
I  do  not  pretend  to  determine  with  positiveness.  In  my  own 
mind,  however,  there  is  but  little  doubt  that  his  last  exertions 
have  bi^en  made  in  this  quarter,  at  any  rate  for  the  present  sea- 
son,  and  Dy  the  next  I  ho()e  we  shall  be  fully  prepared  for  him. 
In  this  belief  I  am  strengthened  not  only  by  the  prodigious  loss 
he  has  sustained  at  the  por.ition  he  has  just  quitted,  but  by  the 
failure  of  his  fleet  to  pass  fort  St.  Philip. 

His  loss  on  this  ground,  since  the  debarkation  of  his  troops, 
as  stated  hy  the  last  prisoners  and  deserters,  and  as  confirmed  by 
many  additional  circumstances,  must  have  exceeded  4000  ;  and 
was  greater  in  the  action  of  the  8th  than  was  estimated,  from 
the  most  correct  data  then  in  his  possession,  by  the  inspector- 
general,  whose  report  has  been  forwarded  to  you.  We  suc- 
ceeded, on  the  8th,  in  getting  from  the  enemy  about  1000, 
stand  of  arms  of  various  descriptions. 

Since  the  action  of  the  Sth,  tie  enemy  have  been  allowed 
YCry  little  respite— my  artillery  frjm  both  sides  of  the  river 
being  constantly  employed  till  the  night,  and  indeed  until  the 
hour  of  their  retreat,  in  annoying  them.  No  doubt  they 
thought  it  quite  time  to  quit  a  position  in  which  so  little  rest 
could  be  found. 

I  am  advised  by  major  Overton,  who  commands  at  fort  St. 
Philip,  in  a  letter  of  the  18th,  that  the  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  they  attempted  to  run  by. 

Giving  the  proper  weight  to  all  these  considerations,  I  believe 
you  will  not  think  me  too  sanguine  in  the  belief  that  Louisiana 
is  now  clear  of  its  enemy.  I  hope,  however,  I  need  not  assure 
you,  that  wherever  I  command,  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  most  proper  to  provide  for  thorn. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

P.  S.  On  the  10th  our  prisoners  on  shore  were  delivered  to 
us,  an  exchange  having  been  previously  agFeed  to.  Those  who 
are  on  board  the  fleet  will  be  delivered  at  Petit  Coquilie — after 
which  I  shall  still  have  in  my  hands  an  excess  of  several 
hundred. 

20th — Mr.  Shields,  purser  in  the  navy,  has  to-day  taken  54 
prisoners  3  among  them  arc  four ofliccrs.  A.  J.     . 


APPENDIX.  565 

No.   105. 

From  Major-general  Lambert  to  earl  Bathiirst. 

His  majesty's  ship  Tonnant,  off  Chandeleur's 
My  Loud,  Island,   January  28,    1815. 

After  maturely  deliberating  on  the  situation  of  this  army, 
after  the  command  had  unfortunately  devolved  upon  mt\  on  the 
8th  instant,  and  duly  considering  what  pr  ^hability  now  remained 
of  carrying  on  with  success,  on  the  same  plan,  an  attack 
against  New  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  pruUent  to  make 
any  further  attempt  at  present,  and  that  I  recommended  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  9th  instant  it  was  determined  that  the  army 
should  retreat,  and  I  have  the  satisfaction  of  informing  your 
lordship  that  it  was  effected  on  the  night  of  the  18th  instant, 
and  ground  was  taken  upon  the  morning  of  the  19th,  on  both 
sides  of  the  bayou,  or  creek,  which  the  troops  had  entered  on 
their  disembarkation,  14  miles  from  their  position  before  tite 
enemy's  line,  covering  New  Orleans,  on  the  left  bank  of  the 
Mississippi,  and  one  mile  from  the  entrance  into  I^ac  Borgue: 
the  arciiy  remained  in  bivouac  until  the  27th  instant,  when  the 
whole  were  re-embarked. 

In  stating  the  circumstances  of  this  retreat  to  your  lordship, 
I  shall  confidently  trust  that  you  will  see  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  the  position  the  army 
occupied,  its  advanced  post  close  up  to  the  enemy's  line,  and  the 
greater  part  of  the  army  were  exposed  to  the  fire  of  his  batte- 
ries, which  was  unremitting  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  description,  which  had 
been  landed  on  a  very  large  scale,  were  brought  away,  and 
nothing  fell  into  the  enemy's  hands,  excepting  mx  iron  18-poun- 
ders,  mounted  on  sea-carriages,  and  two  carronaJes  which 
were  in  position  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Misvisvippi;  to  bring 
them  off  at  the  moment  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. 


566  APPENDIX. 

These  batteries  were  of  course  destroyed,  and  the  guns  rendered 
perfectly  unserviceable ;  only  four  men  were  reported  absent 
next  moriiing,  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  eflFected  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  termination  of  the  late  service 
the  army  and  navy  have  been  employed  upon,  has  turned  out, 
it  would  be  injustice  not  to  point  out  how  much  praise  is  due 
to  their  exertions,  ever  since  the  13th  of  December,  when  the 
army  began  to  mo'cfrom  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  laboi* 
and  fatigue  of  the  seamen  and  soldiers  were  particularly  con- 
spicuous on  the  night  of  the  7th  insfant,  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  army,  and  from  official  reports  that  have  been  made 
to  me,  1  beg  to  call  your  lordship's  attention  to  individuals, 
who  from  tlieir  station  have  rendered  themselves  peculiarly 
conspicuous :  major  Forrest,  at  the  head  of  the  quarter- 
master-general's department,  I  cannot  say  too  much  of  ;  lieu- 
tenants Evans  and  Peddie,  of  the  same,  have  been  remarkable 
for  their  exertions  and  indefatigabilify  :  sir  John  T}lden,  who 
lias  acted  in  the  field  as  assistant  adjutant-general  with  me, 
(lieutenant-colonel  Slovin  having  been  wounded  on  the  23d 
nit.  though  doing  well,  not  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  receive(l  from  him,  in  forwarding  the  boats  into  the 


APPENDIX.  567 

Mississippi.  CaptaiQ  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  8th  instant  the  command  of  the  2d 
brigade  devolved  upon  lieutenant-colonel  Brooke,  4th  regi- 
ment; that  of  the  3d  upon  colonel  Hamilton,  5th  West  India 
regiment;  and  the  reserve  upon  colonel  Blakeney,  royal  fusi- 
leers ;  to  all  these  officers  I  feel  much  indebted  for  their  services. 
Lieutenant-coionel  Dickson,  royal  artillery,  has  displayed  his 
usual  abilities  and  assiduity  ;  he  reports  to  me  his  general  satis- 
faction of  all  the  officers  under  his  command,  especially  major 
Munro,  senior  officer  of  the  royal  artilkry,  previous  to  his 
arrival,  and  of  the  officers  commanding  companies. 

Lieutenant-colonel  Burgoyne,  royal  engineers,  afforded  me 
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  the  evening  of  the  3lst  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  manner  in  which  they  withdrew 
the  out-posts  on  the  morning  of  the  19th,  under  the  direction 
of  colonel  Blakeney,  royal  fusileers. 

1  request,  in  a  particular  manner,  to  express  how  much  this 
army  is  indebted  to  the  attention  and  diligence  of  Mr.  Robb, 
deputy  inspector  of  hospitals ;  he  met  the  embarrassments  of 
crowded  hospitals,  and  their  immediate  removal,  with  such 
excellent  arrangements,  that  the  wounded  was  all  brought  off 
Avith  every  favorable  circumstance,  except  such  cases  as  would 
have  rendered  their  removal  dangerous. 

Captain  sir  Thomas  Troubridge,  royal  navy,  who  com- 
manded a  battalion  of  seamen,  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  I4th  light  dra- 
goons, latterly  under  the  command  of  lieutenant-coionel 
Baker,  previously  of  major  Mills,  has  been  the  admiration  of 
every  one,  by  the  cheerfulness  with  which  they  have  performed 
all  descriptions  of  service.  1  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  dc  camp  to  the  command- 
ing officer  of  the  troops  on  their  first  disembarkation,  each  of 


1)68  APPENDIX. 

•whom  hare  expressed  the  satisfaction  they  had  in  his  appoints 
jnent,  to  which  1  confidently  add  my  own. 

Major  Smith,  of  the  95th  regiment,  now  as  acting  military 
secretary,  is  so  well  known  for  his  zeal  and  talents,  that  1  can 
■with  great  truth  say  that  1  think  he  possesses  every  qualification 
to  render  him  hereafter  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments  of  his 
profession. 

I  cannot  conclude  without  expressing  how  much  indebted  the 
array  is  to  rear-admiral  Malcolm,  who  had  tht-  immediate  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-general  command. 

P.  S.  I  regret  to  have  to  report,  that  during  the  night  of  th* 
25(h,  in  very  bad  weather,  a  boat  containing  two  officers,  viz. 
lieutenant  Brydg  s  and  cornet  Hammond,  with  37  of  the  14th 
light  dragoons,  unfortunately  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy, 
oflF  the  mouth  of  the  Regolets :  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertaia 
correctly  the  particular  circumstances. 


No.  106. 
Return  of  casualties  between  the  9th  and  26ih  January,  1815. 
4Sdfoot\ — 1   rank  and  file,  killed  ;  1  lieutenant,  1  serjeant,  2  rank 
and  file,  wounded. 

Q5thfoot ; — 1  rank  and  file,  wounded. 

Total— 1  rank   and    file,  killed;  1  lieutenant,   1   serjeant,  3  rank 
and  file,  wounded. 

OfiBcer  wounded. 
iSdfoot; — Lieutenant  D'Atcj,  severely  (both  lefis  amputated). 
FRED.  STOVIx\, 

lieut.-col.  dep.  adj. -gen. 


No.  107. 

From  major  Overton  to  major-general  Jackson. 
Sir,  Fort  St.  Philip,  January  19,   1815. 

On  the  1st  of  the  present  mouth,  I  received  information  that 
the  enemy  intended  passing  this  fort,  to, co-operate  with  their 
land  forces,  in  the  subjugation  of  Louisiana,  and  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  city  of  New  Orleans.  To  efi"cct  this  with  more  fa- 
cility, they  were  first  with  their  heav)  bomb-vessels  to  bombard 
this  place  into  compliance.  On  the  grounds  of  this  informa- 
tion, I  turned  my  attention  to  the  security  of  my  command  :  I 
erecttd  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  them  from  the  explosion  of  the  shells,  and 
removed  the  combustible  matter  without  the  work.  Early  in 
the  day  of  the  8th  instant,  I  was  advised  of  their  approach,  and 
on  the  9th,  at  a  quarter  past  10  A.  M.  hove  in  sight  two 
bomb-vessels,  one  sloop,  one  brig,  and  one  schooner,  they 
anchored  two  and  a  quarter  miles  below.  At  half  past  1 1.  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  moment  I  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  bomb-vessels  opened  their  fire 
from  four  sea-mortars,  two  of  13  inches,  two  of  10,  and  to 
lay  great  mortification  I  found  they  were  without  the  effective 
range  of  my  shot,  as  many  subsequent  experiments  proved; 
they  continued  their  fire  with  little  intermission  during  the  10th, 
11th,  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.  1  ordered  that  excellent  officer  captain  VVolstone- 
croft,  of  the  artillerists,  who  previously  had  charge  of  it,  to 
open  a  fire,  which  was  done  with  great  effect,  as  the  enemy 
from  that  moment  became  disordered,  and  at  day-light  on  the 
18th  commenced  their  retreat,  after  having  thrown  upwards  of 
1000  heavy  shells,  besides  small  shells,  from  howitzers,  round 
shot,  and  grape,  which  he  discharged  from  boats  uuder  cover 
of  the  night. 

Our  loss  in  this  affair  has  been  uncommonly  small,  owing 
entirely  to  the  great  pains  that  was  taken  by  the  different 
officers  to  keep  their  men  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  ditierent  batteries,  the 
consequent  fatigue  and  loss  of  sleep,  have  manifested  the 
greatest  firmness  and  tht'  most  zealous  warmth  to  be  at  the 
enemy.  To  distinguish  individuals  would  be  a  delicate  task,  as 
merit  was  conspicuous  every  where.  Lieutenant  Cunningham, 
of  the  navy,  who  commanded  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  timid  to  give  us  an  oppor- 
tunity of  dstroying  hitn. 

I  herewith  enclose  you  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

W.  H.  OVERTON. 


£70  APPENDIX. 


No.  108. 

A  list  of  the  killed  and  wowided  durvig  the  bombardment  of 
fort  St.  Philip,  commencing  on  the  9th,  and  ending  on  the 
\Qth  of  Janury,  1815. 

Captain  Woolstonecroft's  artillery — Wounded,  3. 
Captain  Murry's  artillery — Killed,  2  ;  wounded,  1. 
Captain  Bronten's  int'antry— 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  loud, 

My  despatch,  dated  January  29th,  will  have  informed  your 
lordship  of  the  re-embarkation  of  this  force,  which  was  com- 
pleted on  the  30th;  the  weather  came  on  so  bad  on  that  night, 
and  continued  so  until  the  5th  of  February,  that  no  communi- 
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  sufficient  for  this  object,  with  a  respectable 
force  of  artillery.  I  orilered  the  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  commanding  officer  of  the  royal  artillery  might  think 
expedient.  The  remainder  of  the  force  had  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  the  landing  to 
the  eastward  of  Mobile  point,  the  ships  destined  to  move  on 
tliat  service  sailed  under  the  command  of  captain  Ricketts,  of  the 
Vengeur,  but  did  not  arrive  in  sufficient  time  that  evening  to  do 
more  than  determine  the  place  of  disembarkation,  which  was 
about  three  miles  from  Fort-Bowyer. 

At  day-lighttbe  nest  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.  571 

t<s  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 
until  about  lUOO  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  formidable  only  against  an  assault;  that 
batteries  being  once  established,  it  must  speedily  fall.  Every 
exertion  was  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  8th,  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  11th  the  fire  of  a  battery  of  four  IS-pounders 
on  the  lelt,  and  two  8-inch  howitzers  on  the  right,  each  about 
100  yards  distance,  two  6-pounders,  at  about  300  yards,  and 
eight  small  cohorns  advantageously  placed  on  the  right,  with 
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  commanding  officer  half  an  hour  for  dcision  upon  such 
terms  as  were  proposed.  Finding  he  was  inclined  to  consider 
them,  I  prolonged  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  iinally  approved 
of  by  the  vice-admiral  and  myself,  which  I  have  the  honor  to 
enclose.  1  am  happy  to  say  our  loss  was  not  very  great;  and 
we  are  indebted  for  this,  in  a  great  measure,  to  the  efficient 
ineans  attached  to  (his  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  hands,  taken  by 
captain  Price,   R.  N.  stationed  in  the  bay. 

I  cannot  close  this  despatch  without  naming  io  your  lord- 
ship again,  lieutenant-colonel  Diekson,  royal  arlillery,  and 
Burgoyne,  royal  engineers,  who  displayed  their  usual  zeal  and 
abilities;  and  lieutenant  Bennett,  of  the  4th,  who  commanded 
the  light  companies,  and  pushed  up  close  to  the  enemy's  works. 

Captain  the  honorable  R.  Spencer,  R.  N.  who  had  been 
placed  with  a  detachment  of  seamen  under  my  orders,  greatly 
facilitated  the  service  in  every  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. 

Reiurn  of  ordnance,  amtnutiif  ion,  and  stores,  captured  from  the 
enemy  in  this  place,  on  the  1 1th  instant. 

Fort-Bowyer,  Feb.  14,  1813. 
Guns. 
1  24-pounder,  2  9-pounders,  outside  the  fort. 

Iron—^  32-pounders,  8  24-pouHciers,  6  12-pounders,  5  9-poiuiders. 
Brass — 1  4-pounder. 
Mortal — 1  8-iiich. 
Howitzer — 1  SJ  inch. 

Shut. 
3'2- poll nder— 856  round,  64  grape,  1  1  case. 
24-poiinder—Q5l  round,  176  bar,  286  grape,  84  case, 
l2-pounder — 535  round,  74  urape,  439  case. 
9-poinider — 781  round,  208  S'l'P* .  429  case. 
6-pounder — 15  round,  75  bar,  13  case. 
4-pounder — 23]  round,  38  grape,  147  case. 
Shells — 25  8-inch  74  5|  inch. 
183  hand-grenades. 
5,519  pounds  powder. 
1  triangle  gin,  complete. 
'     16,976  musket  bail-cariridges. 
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  8th  and  11th  of  February,  1815. 

Royal  sappers,  andminers\ — 1  rank  and  file,  wounded. 
4th  fool ; — 8  rank   and  file,  killed  ;  2    Serjeants,    13  rank   and  file, 
wounded. 

2lstfool; — 2    Serjeants,  2   rank  and  file,  killed;  1    rank  and   file, 
wounded. 

40thfoot; — 1  rank  and  file.,  killed;  1  rank  and  file,  vfounded. 
Total— 13  killed;  18  wounded, 

F.  ST  OVEN,  D.  A.  G, 


{ 


APPENDIX. 


No.  112. 

Return  of  the  Jmerican  garrison  of  Fort-Boyer,  which  sui^. 
rendered  to  the  force  under  major -general  Lambert,  llth  of 
February,  1815. 

1  field-otBcer,  3  captains,  10  subalterns,  2  staff,  16  Serjeants,  16 
drummers,  327  rank  aad  file,  20  women,  16  children,  3  servants  not 
soldiers. 

F.  STOVEN,  D.  A.  G. 


No.  113. 

Articles  of  capitulation  agreed  upon  betiseen  lieutenard-colonel 
Laicrence  and  7najor-general  Lambert  for  the  surrender  of 
Fort-BoK-yer,  on  the  Mobile  point,  llth  February,  1815. 

Art.  I.  That  the  fort  shall  be  surrendered  to  the  arms  of  his  Bri- 
tannic majesty  in  its  existi/ig  state  as  to  tiie  works,  ordnance,  ammuni- 
tion, and  every  species  of  military  stores, 

II.  That  the  garrison  shall  he  considered  as  prisoners  of  war,  the 
troops  marchinij  out  with  their  colours  flying  and  drums  beating,  and 
ground  their  arms  on  the  glacis — the  officers  retaining  their  swords,  and 
the  whole  to  be  embarked  in  such  ships  as  the  British  naval  commander- 
in-chief  sliall  appoint. 

III.  All  private  property  to  be  respected. 

1\'.  That  a  communication  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  elfcct  an  early  exchange  of 
prisoners. 

V.  That  the  garrison  of  the  United  States  remain  in  liie  fort  until 
twelve  O'clock  to-morrow,  a  British  guard  being  put  in  possession  of  the 
inner  gate  at  three  o'clock  to-day,  the  body  of  the  guard  remaining  on 
the  glacis,  and  that  the  British  flag  be  hoisted  at  the  same  time — an 
officer  of  each  service  remaining  at  the  head  quarters  of  each  com- 
mander until  the  fufilment  of  these  articles. 

H.  C.  SMITH,  maj.  and  mil.  sec. 
Agreed  on  the  part  of  tiie  royal  navy, 

T.  H.  RICKF,TTS,'capt.  U.M.S.  Vengenr. 
R.  CHAMBERLAIN,  2d  reg.  U.  S.  infanti  v. 
WM.  LAWRENCE,  It.-col.  2d  inf 'y  comV! 
Approved, 

A.  COCHRANE,  com.-in-chicf  II.M.  shipp. 
JOHN  LAMBERT,  major-gen.  conmianding. 
Tost, 

JOHN  REID,  aide-de-camp. 


$r4  APPENDIX. 

No.  114. 

Letter  from  lieutenant-colonel  Lawrence  to  general  Jackson. 
Sjr,  Fort  Bowyer,  February  12,  1815. 

Imperious  necessity  has  compelled  me  to  enter  into  articles 
of  capitulation  with  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  completely  surrounded  by  thousands- 
batteries  created  on  the  sand-mounds,  which  completely  com- 
manded the  fort — and  the  enemy  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  mc  to  adopt  this  measure.  Feeling  confident,  and  it 
being  the  unanimous  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,  licut.-col.  com. 


No.  115. 

From  general  Jackson  to  the  American  secretary  at  war, 
Head-quarters^  7th  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  as&urances  from  admiral  Cochrane,  that  the 
American  prisoners  taken  in  fhegun-boats  aud  sent  to  Jamaica, 
■hall  be  returned  as  soon  as  practicable.  The  Nymphe  has 
been  despatched  for  them. 

Through  the  same  channel  I  received  the  sad  intelligence  of 
the  surrender  of  Fort-Bowyer  :  this  is  an  event  which  I  little 
expected  to  happen,  but  after  the  most  gailant  resistance  ;  that 
it  should  have  taken  place,  without  even  a  fire  from  the  enemy's 
batteri(?s,  is  as  astonishing  as  it  is  mortifying. 

In  consequence  of  this  unfortunate  affair,  an,  addition  of  366 
has  been  made  to  the  list  of  American  prisoners  ;  to  rt'deem 
these  and  the  seamen,  I  have,  in  conformity  with  propositions 
held  out  by  admiral  Cochrane,  forwarded  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Mississippi  upwa^-ds  of  400  British  prisoners  j  others  will  be 


APPENDIX.  575 

sent,  to  complete  the  exchange,  as  soon  as  they  arrive  from 
Natchez,  to  which  place  I  had  found  4t  expedient  to  order 
them. 

Major  Blue,  who  had  been  ordered  by  general  Winchester 
to  the  relief  of  Fort-Bovvyer,  succeeded  in  carrying  one  of  the 
enemy's  piquets,  consisting  of  17,  but  was  too  late  to  eifect  tho 
whole  purpose  for  which  he  had  been  detached— the  fort  having 
capitulated  twenty-four  hours  befere  his  arrival.  I  learn  from 
the  bearer  of  my  last  despatches  to  the  enemy's  fleet,  who  was 
detained  during  the  operations  against  Fort-Bowyer,  that  his 
loss  on  that  occasion,  by  the  fire  from  the  garrison  was  betvveea 
20  and  40.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

A.  JACKSON. 


No.  116. 

Treaty  of  Peace  and  Amity  betzeeen  hi?  Britannic  Majesty 

and  the  United  States  of  America. 
His  Britannic  Majesty  and  the  United  States  of  America, 
desirous  of  terminating  the  war  which  has  unhappily  subsisted 
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  admiral  of  the 
red  squadron  of  his  majesty's  fleet,  Henry  Gouibourn,  esq. 
member  of  the  imperial  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  Russell,  and 
Albert  Gallatin,  citizens  of  the  United  States,  who.  after  a 
reciprocal  communication  of  their  respective  full  powcs,  have 
agreed  upon  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 


576  APPENDIX. 

delay,  and  -without  causing  any  destruction,  or  carrying  away 
any  of  the  artillery  or  other  public  property  originally  captured 
in  the  said  forts  or  places,  and  which  shall  remain  therein, 
upon  the  exchange  of  the  ratifications  of  this  treaty,  or  any 
slaves,  or  other  priFate  property,  and  all  archives,  records, 
deeds,  and  papers,  cither  of  a  public  nature,  or  belonging  to 
private  persons,  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  the  bay  of  Passamaquoddy  as 
are  claimed  by  both  parties,  shall  remain  in  the  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 
respecting  the  title  to  the  said  islands  shall  have  been  made,  in 
conformity  with  the  fourth  article  of  this  treaty.  No  disposi- 
tion made  by  this  treaty,  as  to  such  possession  of  the  islands 
and  territories  claimed  by  both  parties,  shall,  in  any  manner 
whatever,  be  construed  to  affect  the  right  of  either. 

Art.  II. — Immediately  after  the  ratification  of  this  treaty  by 
both  parties,  as  hereinafter  mentioned,  orders  shall  be  S'-nt  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  be  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  twelve  days  from  the  said  ratifications, 
upon  all  parts  of  the  coast  of  North  America,  from  the  latitude 
of  twenty. three  degrees  north,  to  the  latitude  of  fifty  degrees 
north,  as  tar  eastward  in  the  Atlantic  Ocean  as  the  thirty-sixth 
degree  of  west  longitude  from  the  meridian  of  Greenwich, 
shall  be  restored  on  each  side:  tliat  the  time  shall  be  thirty  days 
in  all  other  parts  of  the  Atlantic  ocean,  north  of  the  equi- 
noxial  line  or  equator,  and  the  same  time  for  the  British  and 
Irish  channels,  for  the  2;ulf  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  the  latitude  of  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope:  ninety  days  for  every  part  of  the  world 
south  of  the  equator  :  and  one  hundred  and  twenty  days  for  all 
other  parts  of  the  world,  without  exception. 

AuT.  III. — 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  oa 
the  other,  shall  respectively  touch  the  bay  of  Fundy,  and  the 
Atlantic  ocean,  excepting  such  islands  as  now  are,  or  heretofore 
have  been  witliiu  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,  are  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  manner; 
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  commissioners  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  hands 
and  seals,  decide  to  which  of  the  two  contracting  parties  the 
several  islands  aforesaid  do  respectively  belofig,  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  them,  or  in  the  event  of 
both  or  cither  of  the  said  commissioners  refusing  or  declining, 
or  wilfully  omitting,  to  act  as  such,  they  shall  make,  jointly 
or  separately,  a  report  or  reports,  as  well  to  the  government 
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.    11.  P  P 


678  APPENDIX. 

upon  which  their  respective  opinions  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  diflFerences 
which  may  be  stated  in  the  said  report  or  reports,  or  upon  the 
report  of  one  commissioner,  together  with  the  grounds  upon 
which  the  other  commissioner  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  statement  may  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  sovcrclgu  or  st^te  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  the  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 


APPENDIX.  579 

the  boundary  aforesaid,  from  the  source  of  the  river  St. 
Croix,  to  the  river  Iroquois  or  Cataraguy,  to  be  surveyed  and 
marked  according  to  the  said  provisions.  The  said  commis- 
sioaers  shall  make  a  map  of  the  said  boundary,  and  annex  it 
io  a  declaration  under  their  hands  and  seals,  certifying  it  to  be 
the  true  map  of  the  said  boundary,  and  particularizing  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  commissioners  differing,  or 
both,  or  either  of  them,  refusing  or  declining,  or  wilfully 
omitting  to  act,  such  reports,  declarations,  or  statements,  shall 
be  made  by  them,  or  cither  of  them,  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  full 
a  manner  as  if  the  same  was  herein  repeated. 

Art.  VI. — Whereas  by  the  former  treaty  of  peace,  that 
portion  of  the  boundary  of  the  United  States  from  the  point  where 
the  forty-fifth  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  (he  communication  by  water  be- 
tween  that  lake  and  lake  Eric,  thence  along  the  middle  of  said 
communication  into  lake  Eric,  through  the  middle  of  said 
lake  until  it  arrives  at  the  Avater  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 
majesty  or  of  the  United  States :  in  order,  therefore,  finally  to 
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  specified  in  this  present 
article.  The  said  commissioners  shall  meet,  in  the  first  in- 
stance, at  Albany,  in  the  state  of  New  York,  and  shall  have 
power  to  adjourn  to  such  other  place  or  places  as  they  shall 
think  fit.  The  said  commissioners  shall,  by  a  report  or  decla- 
ration, under  their  hands  and  seals,  designate  the  boundary 
through  the  said  river,  lakes,  or  water  communications,  and 
decide  to  which  of  the  two  contracting  parties  the  several 
islands  lying  within  the  said  river,  lakes,  and  water  communi- 
cations, do  respectively  belong,  in  conformity  with  the  true 
intent  of  the  said  treaty  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 


580  APPENDIX. 

eighty.threc.  And  both  parties  agree  to  consider  such  dcsig- 
nation  and  decision  as  final  and  conclusive.  And  in  the  event 
of  the  said  two  commissioners  diflPering,  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  pjcceeding  article,  shall  be,  and  they 
are  hereby  authorized,  upon  their  oaths,  impartially  to  fix  and 
determine,  according  to  the  true  intent  of  the  said  treaty  of 
peace  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty. three,  that 
part  of  the  boundary  between  the  dominions  of  the  two  powers, 
■which  extends  from  the  water  communication  between  lakeHuron 
and  lake  Superior,  to  the  most  north-western  point  of  the  lake 
of  the  Woods,  to  decide  to  which  of  the  two  parties  the  several 
islands  lying  in  the  lakes,  water  communications  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  recpiiie  it,  to  be  surveyed  and 
marked.  The  said  commissioners  shall,  by  a  report  or  decla- 
ration under  their  hands  and  seals,  designate  the  boundary  line 
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  them,  refusing, 
declining,  or  wilfully  omitting  to  act,  such  reports,  declarations, 
or  statements,  shall  be  made  by  them,  or  eithi-r  of  them,  and 
such  reference  to  a  fricJidly  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  manner  as  if  the  same  was  herein 
repeated. 

Art.  Vill. — The  several  boards  of  two  commissioners  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,  and  of  the  journal  of  their  proceedings, 
shall  be  delivered  by  them  to  the  agents  of  his  Britannic  majesty, 
and  to  the  ageuts  of  the  United  States,  who  may  be  respectively 


APPENDIX.  581 

appointed  and  authorized  to  manage  the  business  on  behalf  of 
their  respective  governments.  The  said  commissioners  shall  be 
respectively  paid  iii  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  same  oath  or  affirmation,  and  do 
the  same  duties.  It  is  further  agreed  between  the  two  con. 
tracting  parties,  that  in  case  any  of  the  islands  mentioned  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  commencement  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  States  of  America  engage  to  put  an 
end,  immediately  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  entitk-d  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 
nalioiiP,  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  with  all  the 
tribes  or  nations  of  Indians  with  whom  he  may  be  at  war  at  the 
time  of  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  treaty  being 
notified  to  such  tribes  or  nations,  and  shall  so  desist  accord- 
ingly. 


582  APPENDIX. 

Art.  X.— Whereas  the  traflBc  in  slaves  is  irreconcilable  with 
the  principles  of  humanity  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  the  contracting  parties  shall  use  their  best 
endeavors  to  accomplish  so  desirable  an  object. 

Art.  XI. — This  treaty,  when  the  same  shall  have  been  rati- 
fied on  both  sides,  without  alteration  by  either  of  the  contract, 
ing  parties  and  the  ratifications  mutually  exchanged,  shall  be 
binding  on  both  parties,  ana  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  eight  hundred  and  fourteen. 
GAMBIER, 

HENR\^  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  of  the 
United  States,  I,  James  Madison,  president  as  aforesaid,  have 
caused  the  premises  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  clause  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  the  city  of  Washington,  this  eighteenth  day  of 
February,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  fifteen,  and  of  the  sovereignty  and  inde- 
pendence of  the  United  States  the  thirty-ninth. 

JAMES  MADISON. 
By  the  president, 

JAMES  MONROE. 


INDEX. 


IDJMS,  United  States'  brig,  her  capture,  Vol.  I.  8l.  300.     Her  recapliiie,  si— 3. 

-ship,  her  size,  armament,  and  destruction.  Vol.  11.  246—8.  479. 


Alexandria,  newspaper,  quotation,  from,  Vol.  If.  255- 

city,  capture  of,  Vol.  11.  276. 

Alwood,  Seuben,  his  desperate  wound,  Vol.  11.  I'j. 

AmhcrstbuTg,  village  of,  its  size  and  situation,  Vol.  1.  48. 

Anaconda,  United  .States'  letter  of  marque,  capture  of  the,  Vol.  II.  70. 

Annual  Register,  its  historical  inaccuracy,  Vol.  II.  303. 

Armistice  proposed  at  the  first  of  the  war,  refusal  of  the  president  to  ratify,  Vol.  I.  IS.  First 
one  proposed  by  sir  George  Prevost,  78.  Us  ill  effects,  ib.  and  131.  Refusal  of  the  president 
to  ratify,  80.  General  bheaffe's,  100,  Its  termination,  107.  Another  proposed  by  sir  George 
Prevost,  181. 
Armstrong,  Mr.  Secretary,  his  plan  of  operations  a;;ainst  Upper  Canada,  Vol.  I.  132.  Changes 
his  plan  to  an  attack  upon  Montreal,  302—3.  His  orders  to  major-general  Hampton.  305. 
The  like  to  general  M'Clure,  respecting  the  burning  of  Newark,  Vol.  II.  9.  His  plan  for  the 
1814  camiiaign,  78 — 79. 
Army,  for  the  defence  of  Washington-city,  its  organization.  Vol.  II.  274.  Its  strength  at  Bla- 
densburg,  2S4.  Its  defeat,  286— 8.  Uetreat  through  Washington,  289.  Encamps  at  George- 
town heights,  299.     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  of  the  city,  Slfi — 20. 
Atlas,  United  States'  letter  of  marque,  capture  of  the.  Vol.  II.  70. 
Aux  Canards,  river  of,  skirmish  at,  Vol.  I.  59. 

B. 

Baltimore,  described,  Vol.  TI.  310.    Attack  upon,  312—27.  508—83.    Ill  effects  of  its  not  having 

been  persevered  in,  328— 9.  331. 
Barclay,  captain,  R.N.  on  his  way  to  Lake  Erie,  joins  the  centre-division  of  the  army.  Vol  I. 
163.     Compelled  to  await  the  equipment  of  the  ship  Petroit,  269.     Sails  out  with  her  in  a 
half-fitted  state,  and  is  captured,  270—1.     Neglect  shown  to  him,  286. 
Barney,  commodore,  his  flinilla  described,  Vol.  II.   248.     Its  retreat  up  the  Patuxent  to  St. 
Leonard's  creek,  2i2.     Skirmishes  with  it,  253—4.     Is  blockaded,  260.     With  the  aid  of  a 
land-batterv  raises  the  blockade,  and    proceeds  higher  up  the  Patuxent,  2Ci.     His   official 
letter,  ib.  'Flotilla  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 
upon  the  British  by  their  commandant,  ib.    Join  in  defending  tiie  state,  and  are  pardoned 
by  the  president,  ib. 
Barrie,  captain  R.N.  his  official  account  of  the  capture  of  the  United  States'    ship  Adams, 
Vol.  11.487.    Commands  in  the  Chesapeake,  332.    His  proceedings  there,  ib.    Departs  (or 
St.  IMary's  river,  334. 
Basden,  captain,  his  repulse  from  a  log-entrenchment,  at  Twenty-mile  creek.  Vol.  11.76— P.  417. 
Baubee,  major,  his  imprisonment  along  with  convicts,  in  Frankfort  Penitentiary,  Vol  I.  299. 

461. 
Baynes,  adjutant-general,  his  official  letter.  Vol.  I.  413.     Remarks  thereon,  175.  316. 
Bpckwith,  sir  Sydney,  his  official  account  of  the  loss  in  the  attack  upon  Craney  '-'~nd,  Vol.  II. 

415.     Ditto  of  the  attack  upon  Hampton,  ib.  and  417. 
Benedict,  in  the  Patuxent,  proceedings  at.  Vol.  U.  254—9.  277.  300. 
Bennet,  captain,  W.  P.  United  Stales'  army,  his  trial  and  acquittal.  Vol.  I.  43. 
Biddle,  captain.  United  States' army,  differs  materially  in  his  statements  from  colonel  Macomb, 

Vol.  I.  318— 19. 
Bienvetm  creek  described.  Vol.  II.  355. 

B'lsshopp,  lieutenant  colonel,  his  arrival  at  Frenchman's  creek,  Vol.  T.  115      Reply  to  general 

Smyth's  summons  to  surrender  Fort-Erie,   118.  38?>.     His  official  account  of  the  repulse  of 

the  Americans  near  Fort-Erie,  386      I_:rnsses  the  Niagara,  and  captures  tite  batteries  at  Black 

Rock,  228— 9.     Receives  a  mortal  wound,  229.     His  characler,  930, 

Bissel,  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.  60. 

batteries,  their  fire  upoti  Fort-Erie,  Vi.l.  1.   lOb.     Captxn-e  by  the  Brilisli,  228— SO. 

441.     Destroyed,  Vol.  11.  22,     Unsuccessful  attack  upon,  by  colonel  Tucker,  iC-2— ^. 

VOL.    11.  Q  Q 


INDEX. 

Black-bird,  the  Indian  Chief,  his  enterprise.  Vol.  I.  226. 

Blademhurg,  battle  of,  Vol.  II.  284—91.   492—502. 

Somt,  an  American  one,  compared  in  force  with  a  British  man-of-war  blig.  Vol.  II.  S5S. 

Barstler,  colonel.  United  States'  army,  supposed  effect  of  his  '  Stentorian  voice,'  Vol.  I.  114. 
Skirmish  with  captain  Kerr's  Indians,  215.  Surrenders,  with  his  detachment,  to  a  smaU 
British  party,  2i(5— S.  436—7. 

Bostwick,  Heutenant-colonel,  captuses  a  gang  of  American  depredators  and  traitors,  Vol.  II.  5. 
Opinion  entertained  of  the  exploit  by  the  president  of  Upper  Canada,  395. 

Boundary  line,  where  it  injures  the  Canadians,  Vol.  I.  238. 

Bnwyer  fort,  its  construction  bv  general  Wilkinson,  Vol.  II.  342.  Strength,  ib.  Is  attacked 
by  four  sloops  of  war,  343.  Cuts  the  cable  of  the  Hermes,  and  drives  her  on  shore,  344—6. 
Its  capture  by  major  general  Lambert,  391—2.  570 — 5. 

Boyd,  major-general.  United  States'  army,  succeeds  to  the  command  at  Fort-George,  Vol.  f. 
91'9.  His  misrepresentation,  254.  Proceeds  with  the  army  of  the  centre  to  the  attack  of 
Montreal,  259.  Lands  near  Chry-tler's  Farm,  391.  Attacks  colonel  Morrison,  329.  Is  de- 
feated, 330—1.     His  gross  misrepresentations,  333—5.     Retires  lo  the  boats,  333. 

Breaking  parole,  authorized  by  the  American  government,  Vol.  I.  234—6. 

Brisbane,  major-general,  crosses  the  Saranac  with  his  brigade.  Vol.  II.  220.  Silences  and  drives 
the  Americans  from  their  batteries,  222. 

Brock,  major-general,  his  promptitude  on  hearing  of  the  war.  Vol.  I.  56.  His  proclamation  to 
the  Canadians,  358.  Its  salutary  effect,  64.  Arrival  at  Amherstburg  and  Sandwich,  68.  Sum- 
mons to  Fort-Detroit,  69.  Capture  of  the  fort,  garrison,  and  Michigan  territory,  69 — 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  thence  at  Queens- 
town,  88.  Advance  against  a  superior  body  of  Americans,  89.  Death  90.  Its  immediate  ill 
consequences,  100.    Character,  103 — 4. 

Brooke,  colonel,  succeeds  to  the  command  of  the  British  troops  opposite  to  Baltimore,  Vol.  II. 
S17.  Defeats  the  American  army,  318.  His  official  account,  508.  Re-embarks  at  North- 
point,  326.    In  the  field  at  New  Orleans,  but  not  at  the  head  of  his  regiment,  380. 

Brown,  major-general.  United  States'  army,  his  curious  stratagem  to  deceive  sir  George  Prevost 
at  Sackett's  Harbor,  Vol.  I.  171.  Lands  near  Chrystler's  farm,  320.  Skirmishes  with,  and 
is  delajjed  in  his  march  by,  a  small  force  under  brevet- major  Dennis,  321— 2.  Rejoins  the 
expedition  at  Barnhart's,  338.  Proceeds  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  351.  Mistakes  his  orders,  and 
marches  for  Onondago  hollow  and  back.  Vol.  II.  79.  His  exaggerated  account  of  the  busi> 
iie«s  at  Oswego,  105.  430.  Proceeds  to  Batavia,  114.  Is  ordered  to  cross  the  Niagara,  ib. 
Issues  a  general  order,  ib.  430.  His  force,  115.  Crosses  the  strait,  and  fakes  Fort-Erie,  1 16. 
Defeats  major-general  Riall,  118— 25.  His  force  after  the  battle,  125.  Advances  to  Chippe- 
way  and  Queenstown,  129.  Detaches  general  Swift  to  reconnoitre  Fort-George,  ib.  Wants 
commodore  Chauncey  to  co-operate  in  an  attack  upon  Kingston,  130.  Calls  a  council,  133. 
Detaches  a  strongforcetoinvestFort-George.ib.  Advances  upon  Fort -George,  137.  Re-enters 
Queenstown,  and  recrosses  the  Chippeway,  where  he  encamps,  138.  Engages,  and  is  defeated 
by  lieutenat-general  Drumiriond,  at  Lundy's  Lane,  139—49.  His  official  Ittter,  149.  443. 
Is  wounded,  and  crosses  to  Buffaloe,  150.  His  force  in  the  battle,  154 — 5.  Resigns  the 
command  to  major-general  Ripley,  446.  Resumes  the  command,  and  is  reinforced,  S29.  Re- 
solves upon  a  sortie,  230.  His  official  account,  234.  Falsehood  in  it,  835.  Is  superseded  by 
general  Izard,  238.    Repairs  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  240. 

Browmtowv,  village  of,  its  situation,  Vol,  I.  49.  Skirmish  at,  61.  Scalps  takeH  by  the  Ameti- 
cans  at,  66. 

Buffaloe  creek,  its  situation.  Vol.  I.  50.  Ill  effects  of  not  destroying  the  schooners  fitting  at, 
285.     Destruction  of  three  small  ones,  in  1813,  Vol.  II.  92. 

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

Bulger,  lieutenant,  his  successful  enterprise  against  the  United  States'  schooners.  Tigress  and 
Scorpion,  I97.  201.    His  ofBcial  account,  460. 

Burdick's  Political  and  Historical  Register,  extracts  from.  Vol.  I.  43.  287.  291.  294.  296.  Vol.  If. 
90. 

Burlington,  American  troops  at,  in  1813,  Vol.  I.  245. 

Butler,  colonel.  United  States' armyj  his  official  account  of  captain  Basden's  repulse,  Vol.  f. 

c.  ' 

Caledonia,  N.  W.  company's  brig,  her  capture,  Vol.  I.  81—3. 

Campaign,  Canadian,  of  1812,  its  commencement.  Vol.  I.  56.    Termination,  ISO. 

I  of  1813,  it!  commencement  and  progress.    Vol.  1.  131.  to  Vol.  IT.  29. 

'  ■    ■        — '         of  I6U,  its  commencement  and  progress.  Vol.  11.72 — 943. 

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  oi 

inquiry,  ib. 
Ca'«i(/«Mi  lakes,  briefly  described.  Vol.  T.  46 — 54. 

militia,  their  deficiency  of  arms.  Vol.  I.  74.     Good  behaviour,  155.  312. 

Canada,   Upper,  general  Hull's  invasion  «f.  Vol.  I.  58—77.    General  Van  Rensselaer's  ditto, 

83—102.      General  Smith's  ditto,  111—20.      General  Dearborn's  ditto,    143— 164.  202— 33. 

General  Harrison's  ditto,  274— 2B7. 
— — — ,   Lower,  general  Hampton's  invasion  of,  306— 17.     See  Expedition. 
Capitol,  at  Washington-city,  a  shot  from  the,  kills  onesoldier  and  general  Ross's  horse,  A'^ol.  If. 

^93.    Is  destroyed,  ib.    Capable  of  being  made  a  citadel,  294.    Contained  other   public 

buildings,  or  rooms,  ib. 
Curulinn,  U.  8.  schooner,  her  force  and  destructive  fire  at  New  Orleans,  Vol.  II.  361.     Is  des- 
troyed by  hot  shot,  363. 


INDEX. 

Carr,  lieutenant,  U.  S.  army,  his  honorable  co»duct,  Vol.  I.  2lfl. 

Casein,  commodore,  his  bombastical  letters,  Vol.  II.  55.  411.  Account  ofUie  attack  on  Craoey 
island,  57.  412. 

Catalan.    See  Bienvenn. 

Cataract,  the  Niagara,  its  height,  Vol.  I.  51. 

Cawdle,  Mr.  released  from  American  imprisonment,  Vol.  II.  1?. 

Centre-diviiion  of  the  British  Canadian  army,  repulses  the  enemy  at  Queenstown,  Vol.  I.  87— 
102.  The  lil;e  near  Fort-Erie,  1 10— IS.  Uetacliment  driven  from  York,  142— 9.  Another  de- 
tachment, after  a  gallant  resistance,  retires  from  Fort-George  towards  Burlington  Heigiits, 
150—60.  A  lliird  detachment  attacks  and  retreats  from  Sackett's  Harbor,  164—77.  Critical 
situation  of  the  detachment  at  Burlington  Heights,  203.  Its  gallant  and  successful  effort, 
204—12.  Several  partial  successes,  214 — 20.  228 — 30.  Its  advance  to  St.  David's,  252.  Its 
total  numbers,  253.  Makes  a  demonstration  upon  Fort-George,  254.  Encreased  sickness, 
257.  Effective  strength,  in  September  I8i3,  258.  Retreats  to  Burlington,  Vol.  U.S.  Is 
ordered  to,  but  does  not,  retire  upon  Kingston,  4.  Pursues  general  M'CIuie,  7.  Enters 
Fort-George,  u.  Carries  Fort-Niagara,  14—18.  Enters  Lewistown,  Black  Rock  and  Buf- 
faloe.  18-25,  Goes  into  winter-quarters,  27.  (Now  called  nght-divis.on. j  Defeated  at 
Steets'  creek,  120 — 8.  431.-6.  Defeats  general  Brown's  army  at  Lundy's  lane,  143-59. 
436—48.  Encamps  near  Fort-Erie,  161.  Fails  in  an  assault  upon  the  works,  If.y— 77.  450. 
Its  strength  in  September,  1814,  229.  Its  advance  attacked  by  the  garrison  from  Fort-Erie, 
231  Drives  the  Americans  to  their  fort,  233.  Its  encreased  sicknes.-i,  2S6.  Retires  to 
Chi'ppeway,  237.  Affair  with  a  detachment  at  Lyon's  creek,  239.  Is  reinforced,  240. 
Regains  possession  of  the  Niagara-frontier,  and  goes  into  winter  quarters,  'i4l 

Ameriran  Canadian  army  of  the,  its  organization  and  strength.  Vol.  1.  80.     Repulse 

near  Fort-Erie,  no— 18.  Success  at  York,  !42—y;  and  at  Fort-George,  15"— 60  Advance 
towards  Burlington  Heights,  203.  Defeat  at  Stoney  creek,  204-12.  Ket.eatto  Fort-George, 
213-14  Partial  losses,  214—20.  230.  Strengthjm  July,  1813,  253.  In  September,  259. 
Loses  the  opportunitv  of  capturing  the  British  centre-division,  ib.  De  arts  to  join  the 
northern  army,  in  an  expedition  against  Montreal,  259.  Its  subscqu"^ '''  priiceeHings,  300-52. 
Is  re-organized  at  Batavia,  Vol.  II.  114.  Takes  Fort-Erie,  115.  Defeats  geneial  Riall,  120— 7. 
Advances  to  Oueenstown  and  Fort.George,  129.  137.  Retires  to  Queen.^town  ajid  Chippeway, 
137—8.  Is  defeated  at  Lundy's  lane,  142— 7.  Retreats  to  Fort-Erie,  1, =-8.  Repels  an  assaul* 
upon  the  works,,  170—7.  Makes  a  sortie  upon  Uie  British  batteries,  231—6.  Is  re-mforced 
by  general  Izard's  army,  2S8.     Evacuates  the  Canadian  territory,  240. 

Chambers,  captain,  hi^  imprisonment  along  with  convicts  in  Frankfort  Penitentiary,  Vol.  I. 
299.  461. 

Champlaln,  lake,  its  situation  and  extent.  Vol.  1.  237.  Belongs  wholly  to  the  Americans, 
236.     Proceedings  upon,  in  1813,  239-248. 

town  entered  by  the  British,  in  1813,  Vol.  I.  244. 

Chandler,  brigadier-general,  U.  S.  army,  his  capture  by  the  British,  Vol.  I.  206. 

Chanin  maior  U.  S.  militia,  identified  as  the  head  of  a  gang  of  depredators,  Vol.  f.  213. 
His  inhuman  treatment  of  some  wounded  British  prisoneis,  227.  His  vaunting  account  of 
aR  affair  with  a  British  piquet,  Vol.  II.  2. 

Chaptico,  proceedings  at.  Vol.  II.  265. 

Charges,  of  unparalleled  gall;intry,  Vol.  II.  86— 7. 

Charlestoum,  in  the  Chesapeake,  proceedings  at.  Vol  II.  49. 

Chateaugay  river,  battle  of  the.  Vol.  I.  306—17.     British  official  account  of,  402. 

Chauncey,  commodore,  his  arrival  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  Vol.  I.  121.  Commences  equipping  a 
fleet,  ib.  Attack  upon  York,  U.  C.  14  1—9.  404.  Sounds  the  approach  to  Fort-George,  ISO. 
Bombards  that  fort  and  Newark,  152.  Returns  to  Sackett's  Harbor  to  await  the  equipment 
of  the  Pike,  212.  Sails  in  her  to  the  liead  of  the  lake,  2)1.  Lands  troops  and  seamen  near 
Burlin"-ton  Heights,  ib.  Overrates  the  British  forces  and  re-embarks  the  troops,  ib.  Carries 
away  as  prisoners,  some  infirm  inhabitants,  ib.  Proceeds  to  York,  and  lands  troops  under 
lieutenant-colonel  Scott,  232.  Empties  the  gaols,  and  plunders  the  inhabitants,  233.  His 
correspondence  with  general  Wilkinson,  309. 

CUeeves,  Mr.  his  speech  to  congress.  Vol.  1.287. 

Chesapeake  bay,  operations  in  the,  Vol.  II.  30—69.    248—333. 

Chicago  packet,  )>er  capture.  Vol.  I.  59. 

.  fort,  its  abandonment.  Vol.  I.  67. 

Chippemay  river,  its  situation,  Vol.  1.51. 

fort,  ditto,  ib. 

village,  ditto,  ib. 

U.  S.  schooner,  her  destruction.  Vol.  II.  29. 

Citizens,   American,  Mr.  Madison's  charge  of  impressing  "thousands"  of  them.   Vol.  I.  3. 

Actual  number  impressed,  42. 

,  native  and  naturalized,  pretended  equality  of  rights,  ib. 

Civilization,  Indian,  how  promoted  by  the  American  government,  ISO— 3. 

Clark,  colonel  Thomas,  libel  upon  refuted,  Vol.  I.  162.  Contributes 4o  the  capture  of  colonel 

Boerst'.er.  216.     His  attack  upon  Fort-Schlosser,  219.    His  account  of  colonel  Bisshopp's  smc- 

cessful  enterprise  against  Black  Rod;,  441—3. 
Clarke,  Elijah,  an  expatriated  American  citizen,  case  of,  Vol.  I.  43.      Hisacquittal  by  acourt- 

martial.ib. 
Clay,  the  honorable  Henry,  his  war-speech,  Vol.  I.  77.     Sub^  -luenl  apostacy,  Vol.  II.  b^l. 
Clark,  brigade- major,  his  shameful  treatment,  while  in  a  wounded  state,  by  th4  Americans, 

207. 
C/;mo«cof  the  Canadas,  itssevcriiy.  Vol.  II.  7,  8. 
Ccani'l\er,  proceedings  at,  Vol.  II.  267. 

Q    Q   O       t 


INDEX. 

Cochrane,  vice-admiral,  refuses  his  consent  to  one  of  sir  George  Prevost's  armistices.  Vol.  II. 
182.  Arrives  in  the  Chesapeake  with  major-general  Ross,  275.  His  ill-advised  letter  to  Mr. 
Munroe,  302.  50S.  Proceeds  to  attack  Baltimore,  312.  Hisefficial  account,  514.  Departs  for 
Halifax,  33 1.  Effectof  his  ihreateningletter  at  New  Orleans,  340,  Arrives  off  the  Chandeleur 
islands,  348.  Detaches  a  force  against  the  American  gun-boats,  349.  His  official  account  of 
the  New  Orleans  proceedings,  550. 

Cockhurn,  rear-admiral,  arrives  in  the  Chesapeake.  Vol.  11.32.  Proceeds  t»  the  head  of  the 
bay,  33.  Approaches  Frenchlnwn,  34.  Is  fired  upon  from  a  battery,  ib.  Lands  th* 
marines,  ib.  Destroys  some  stores  and  vessels,  ib.  His  principle  of  acting  developed,  35. 
Purchases  stock  at  Turkey  point,  and  Specucie  island,  36.  Is  fired  at  and  menaced  from 
Havre  dc  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  cannon  foundry,  39.  Detaches  a  force  up  the  Susquehanna,  40.  Pro- 
ceeds to  Georgetown  and  Fredericktown,  46.  Sends  two  Americans  to  warn  the  inhabitants 
against  making  resistance,  47.  Is  fired  upon,  and  lands,  ib.  Destroys  the  abandoned 
houses,  vessels,  and  stores,  ib.  Lands  at  a  town  near  the'  Sassafras,  and  is  well  received, 
48 — 9.  The  like  at  Charlestownin  the  neighbourhood,  49.  Retires  from  the  head  of  the  bay, 
ib.  His  account  of  his  proceedings,  404-  !l.  Proceeds  to  Ocracoke  harbor,  69.  Captures 
two  fine  letters  of  marque,  70.  Lands  at  Ocracoke  and  Portsmouth,  ib.  Lands  at  Leonard's 
town  in  St.  Mary's,  263.  .4tNominy  ferry,  ib.  At  Hamburgh  and  Chaptico,  265.  Up  the 
Yeocomico,  266.  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, 
975.  His  plan  to  prevent  surprise,  ib.  Suggests  an  attack  on  Washington,  276.  Proceeds 
to  the  attack  of  commodore  Barney's  flotilla,  277.  Joins  major-general  Ross  at  Upper 
Marlborough,  and  decides  on  immediately  attackina;  Washington,  981.  Advances  towards 
Washington,  283.  His  account  of  the  battle  of  Bladensburg,  492.  Is  near  capturing 
Mr.  Madison,  291.  Approaches  Washington,  293.  Advances  with  the  light-companies  on 
general  Ross's  being  fired  at,  ib.  Enters  the  president's  palace,  994.  Its  destruction,  895. 
Was  blamed  by  his  commanding  officer  for  not  having  acted  more  rigorously,  301.  His 
official  account  of  the  business  at  Washington,  492.  Reconnoitres  the  enemy  at  Baltimore, 
314.  His  concern  at  general  Ross's  death,  315.  Official  account  of  the  Baltimore  demon- 
stration, 517.  Sails  for  Bermuda,  331.  Returns  to  the  Chesapeake,  33S,  Sails  to  Amelia 
island,  334.     Arrives  at,  and  takes  possession  of,  Cumberland  island,  335. 

Colonial  Journal,  extract  from.  Vol.  I.  258. 

Columbian  Centinel,  extract  from.  Vol.  II.  297. 

Congress,  secret  law  of,  to  take  possession  of  West  Florida,  Vol.  IT.  341. 

Convicts,  list  of,in  Fankfort  Penitentiary,  Vol.  I.  461. 

Co?(7!dl,  of  war,  American,  its  despatch.  Vol.  I.  211.313.  Fortunate  decision,  339.  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,  64. 

Cririe,  lieutenant,  R.N.  his  noble  behaviour.  Vol.  II.  53.  41 1. 

Cumberland  island,  taken  possession  of  by  the  British,  Vol,  II,  335. 

Cottr«  of  inquiry  upon  colonel  Campbell,  its  indulgent  proceedings,  Vol,  II.  III. 


Darhy's  Loulsiavit,  extracts  from.  Vol.  11.  346—7. 

Dearborn,  major-general,  U.  S,  army,  appointed  to  command  the  army  of  the  north.  Vol.  1. 
128.  Marches  to  Champlain.  129.  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  to  Niagara, 
150.  His  account  of  the  capture  of  Fort-George,  157.  412.  Detaches  a  strong  force  in 
pursuit  of  general  Vincent,  and  to  take  Fort-Erie,  163.  Etfects  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  at  the  Beaver  dam,  2l£.  Its  entire  capture,  216 
—  18.    His  official  account  of  the  affair,  439.     His  resignation  of  the  command,  419. 

Dchartzrh,  captain,  his  interview  with  general  Hampton,  Vol.  I.  313. 

Deceptions,  military,  curious  divulgement  respecting.  Vol.  1.  162. 

Delaware-town,  affair  at.  Vol.  II.  75—7,417. 

Dennis,  brevet-major,  his  skilful  arrangements  and  gallant  behaviour  at  Hoop-pole  creek. 
Vol.  I.  321 — 2,     His  sudden  promotion  by  the  Americans,  322. 

Dc  Rottenbiirg,  major-general,  succeeds  major  general  Sheafi"e,  as  president  of  Upper  Canada, 
Vol,  1.219.     His  departure  for  Kingston,  261,  ' 

De  Saluberru,  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.  1.351.     Ditto,  from  sir  George  Prevost 

in  the  Plattsburg  expedition,  Vol.  II.  223.    Bounty  ofi'ered  to,  271. 

Detroit,  river,  described.  Vol.  I.  43, 

~,  town,  ditto,  ib, 

■ —-.fort,    ditto,  ib.    Summoned  to  surrender,  69.     Attack  upon,  ib.    Us  easy  surrender, 

70 — 4.  362—76.  British  and  American  force.present  at,  71—1.  Ordnance  stores  found  at, 
73.    Effects  of  its  surrender  upon  the  cabinet  at  Washington,  76.    See  Michigan. 

,  brig,  (late  Adams,)  her  recapture.  Vol.  I.  81— J. 


INDEX. 

Be  JFatteville,  major-general,  his  official  account  of  the  sortie  from  Fort-Erie,  Vol.  II.  469. 

Bichson,   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  general 

Morgan's  lines.  Vol.  II.  38e.  M6.  i49. 

Dobbs,  captain,  R.N.,  conveys  five  boats  over  land  to  Lake  Erie,  and  captures,  in  a  gallant 
manner,  the  U.  S.  schooners  Somers  and  Ohio,  Vol.  II.  16fi— 8.  449. 

JOsn  Juan  De  Anaya,  the  Mexican  field-marshal,  assisted  in  defending  New  Orleans,  Vol.  II.  389. 

Dnn  Quixote,  quotation  from,  Vol.  II.  95. 

Dowr,  on  Lake  Erie,  attack  upon.  Vol.  11.  109.  Destroyed  under  the  orders  of  colonel 
Campbell,  U.  S.  army,  !I0— 12. 

Dovyrthie,  captain,  R.N,,  his  co-operation  requested  by  sir  George  Prevost,  Vol.  II.  212.  Urged 
by  a  letter,  214.    Harrangues  his  men,  213.    Dies,  ib. 

Doyle,  his  celebrated  wife,  Vol.  I.  108. 

Drumrriond,  lieutenant-general,  his  arrival  from  England,  Vol.  II.  12.  Is  sworn  in  as  president 
of  tfpper  Canada,  ib.  Joins  the  centre-division  at  St.  David's,  ib.  Permits  colonel  Murray 
to  pursue  his  plans  of  aimoyance,  ib.  Advances  to  Chippeway,  20.  Deta«hes  major-general 
Riall  to  BufTaloe  and  Black  Kock,  20—1.  Places  his  army  into  comfortable  winter-quarters, 
25.  Detaches  a  force  towards  the  Detroit,  75.  Amoves  at  the  Niagara  from  York,  141. 
Detaches  a  force  to  Lwvislown,  ib.  Arrives  at  Lundy's  lane,  I42.  Defeats  general  Brown, 
143— 5P.  His  official  .account,  43(i.  Arrives  opposite  to  Fort-Erie,  lOl.  Detaches  lieutenant- 
colonel  Tucker  to  attack  Black  Kock,  Ui2.  His  f^iilure,  163.  Opens  his  ballenes  on  Fort- 
Erie,  iCS.  Fails  in  a  storming  attack,  169-77.  His  official  account,  450.  Blamed  by  sir 
George  Prevost  for  making  the  attack  '  in  the  dark',  180. 

,  major,  offers  to  put  sir  George  Prevost  in  possession  of  Sackett's  Harbor,  171. 

(Lieutenant-colonel.)     His  heroic  behaviour  and  death  at  the  assault  of  Fort-Erie,  Vol.11. 


Uncross,  Mr.  deceives  the  British  commanders  at  New  Orleans,  Vol.  II.  300. 
Dudley,  colonel,  U.  S.  army,  his  defeat  and  death.  Vol.  I.  198. 
Duke  of  Gloucester,  biig,  her  capture.  Vol.  I.  143. 

li. 

1  her  coir.panion,  by  three  Canadian  gun-boals, 
I.  4-17. 

r.arle,  commodore,  not  an  officer  of  the  royal  navy.  Vol.  I.   121.     His  incompetency,  ib. 

Eaton's  life  of  Jackson,  extracts  from.  Vol.  II.  i33.  371.  374.  382. 

Effective,  its  unsettled  meaning,  Vol.  I.  71. 

Eldridge,  lieutenant,  U.  S.  army,  misrepresented  story  about.  Vol.  I.  223 — 6. 

Elizabeth-town,  now  Brockville,  incursion  into,  by  the  Americans,  Vol.  I.  134. 

Erie,  lake,  its  extent  and  situation.  Vol.  I.  49. 

,  town,  its  situation,  ib. 

,  fort,  its  situation.  Vol.  I.  50.    Fires  upon  the  fort  at  Black  Rock,  105.     Its  garrison,  in 

November,  1812,  110.  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,  161.  Is  assaulted  by  general  OrummoncJ,  I68.  Terrible  explo- 
sion of  one  of  the  bastions,  177.  Rtpulse  of  the  British,  ib.  Repaired  and  fresh  mounted, 
Q2S.  Strengthof  the  garrison,  229.  Sortie  from,  upon  the  British  batteries,  231.  Us  partial 
success,  232—3.     Is  destroyed  and  evacuated  by  tlie  American  troops,  240. 

Eiens,  major,  his  imprisonment  along  with  convicts  in  Frankfort  Peniteniiarv,  Vol.  I.  29Q. 
461. 

Everard,  captain,  leaves  his  brig,  the  Wasp,  at  Quebec,  and  volunteers  his  services  on  Lake- 
Champlain,  Vol.  I.  242.  Takes  troops  under  colonel  Murray,  and  lands  them  at  IMattsbure 
lb.  Re-embarks  thera,  and  proceeds  to  Swanton,  Vermont,  243.  Then  to  Cliamplain- 
town  and  Burlington,  244—5.  449.  Tries,  in  vain,  to  provoke  commodore  Macdonotigh  to 
come  out,  246.  449.    Returns  to  Quebec,  247. 

Eustls,  doctor,  his  war-speech.  Vol.  I.  77, 

Exchange  of  prisoners,  agreed  upon  between  general  Winder  and  colonel  Baynes,  Vol.  II.  183 
Its  sliameful  violation  on  the  part  of  the  Americans,  183 — 4. 

Eipe'liticn,  the  Wilkknsonian,  its  object.  Vol.  I.  255.  Sets  out  from  Fort-George,  260  Is 
driven  back,  ib.  Starts  a  second  time,  ib.  After  sutfering  by  weather,  arnv.-s  at  Henderson's 
bay  and  Sackel'S  Harbor,  261,  Its  rendezvous  at  Grenadier  island,  SOI.  Its  exact  streneth 
ib.  Proceeds  10  French  creek,  303.  Is  attacked  by  British  gun-boats,  ib.  Tobe  joiuecTuy 
general  Hampton,  304.  Arrives  at  Hoag's,  near  Morrisville,  317.  After  landing  the  troops 
and  ammunition,  passes  Prescot,  3]8.  Halts  opposite  to  Matilda,  319.  Arrives  nv  Wil- 
liamsburg, 320.  Its  strength  at  this  time,  ib.  Detachments  from  it,  ib.  Atfair  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. 

to  recover  Michilimacinac,  its  proceedings  and  failure.  Vol.  II.  190— 20U 

Exj'losion,  its  fatal  effects,  at  York,  U.  C.  Vol,  1.  145.    At  Fort-Erie,  Vol.11.   177. 

F. 

Field-officers,  British  and  Canadian,  their  firmness,  in  council,  Vol.  I.  12". 

FisclifT,  lieutenant-colonel,  his  official  account  of  the  attack  on  Osweg  ,,  426.  (ColoneP  u 
tacks  the  American  entrenchments  at  Snake-hill,  witli  inefficient  scaiing-Udders  I6u  u 
repulsed,  170.    His  official  account,  453.  .        ■    i» 


INDEX. 

Fisk,  Mr.  of  Vermont,  liis  resolution  about  British  deserters.  Vol.  II.  i7l. 

Fitzgibbon,  lieutenant,  his  capture  of  colonel  Bcerstler  and  his  detachment.  Vol.  I.  tl6— S. 

436—8. 
Flag  of  truce,  scheming  one,  sent  by  the  American  commodore,  at  New  Orleans,  Vol.  II. 

654. 
Fleet,  British,  on  Lake-Ontario,  its  state  in  October,  1812,  Vol.  I.  121. 
Forstjthe,  captain,  U.  S.  army,  his  incursion  into  Gananoque,  Vol.  I.  122.    Other  predatory 

attacks,  133—4.     His  boastful  behaviour  to  a  Briiisli  flag  of  iruce,  135. 
Fort,  what  so  called,  in  the  Canadas,  Vol.  I..  50. 

Foundery,  cannon,  destroyed  near  Havre-de-Grace,  Vol.  II.  39.  44.  407.  • 

Frankfort  Penitentiary,  list  of  convicts  in,  Vol.1.  461. 
Fraser,  serjeant,  his  capture  of  the  American  general  Winder,  Vol.  I,  206. 
Frederick-town,  Chesapeake-bay,  proceeding.s  at.  Vol.  II.  46—8, 
French-town,  Michigan,  battle  of,  Vol.  I.  1S4— 5. 

' •,  in  the  Chesapeake,  proceedings  ^t.  Vol.  II.  33 — 5. 

French-creek,  its  situation,  Vol.1.  3u3.    Cannonade  of  the  American  encampment  at,  ib. 
Frigate,  American,  destroyed  at  Washington,  Vol.  11.  297. 

G. 

Gaines,  major-general,  U.  S.  army,  relieves  general  Ripley  at  Fort-Erie,  Vol.  II.  164.  His 
mis-stated  account  oi  the  assault  upon  the  works,  179.455. 

Gales,  tlie  editor  of  the  National  Intelligencer,  a  British  subject.  Vol.  II.  295,  His  atrocious 
behaviour,  ib.  x 

Gananoque,  a  Canadian  settlement,  described,  Vol.1.  126.     Midnight  incursion  into,  ib, 
George-town  j.aper,  extract  from, Vol.  II.  300. 

Gforg-e,  tort,  its  situation  and  strength,  in  June,  1612,  Vol.1.  52.  Cannonade  between  it  and 
fort-Niagara,  10-2.108.  Its  strength  in  May,  1813,  151.  Attack  Uj'on,  15-2.  Want  of  am- 
munition, ib.  Possession  taken  (if  it  by  the  Americans,  159.407.41-2.  Loss  in  defending  it, 
Ib'J.  410.  American  loss  in  the  attack,  161.  413.  Is  abandoned  by  general  M'Cluie,  and  en- 
tered by  colonel  Murray,  Vol.  II.  1 1. 

1—-  town,  Chesapeake-bay,  proceedings  at.  Vol.  II.  46—8. 

Gibbs,  major-general.  Ills  arrival  before  New  Orleans,  Vol.  II.  363.  Complaint  against  licute. 
nantcolonel  Mullins,  375.  The  like  of  the  disobedience  of  the  troops,  376.  Is  mortally 
•wounded,  1179. 

Gibraltar  point,  its  situation.  Vol.  I.  63, 

Goat-island,  its  situation.  Vol.  I.  51. 

Gouse-a-cek,  affair  at.  Vol.  I.  250 — 2. 

Government,  the  American,  makes  allies  of  the  Indians,  yet  blames  us  for  employing  them, 
Vol.1.  (80.220 — 1.  Its  friendly  moderation,  132.  Orders  its  officers  to  break  their  parole, 
235. 

Greenlcaf'i  point,  serious  accident  at,  Vol.  U.  296, 

Grenadier  isidnd,  its  situation,  Vol.1.  301. 

GroiCter,  U.  S.  cutter,  her  capture,  along  with  her  companion,  by  three  Canadian  gun-boats, 
Vol.  1.  240.  445— 7.     Her  armament,  240— I.   447. 

,  U.  S.  schooner,  her  destruction.  Vol.  II.  107. 

Gtmboats,  American,  near  Lake-Borgne,  their  capture,  Vol.11.  348—58.  Curious  statement 
respecting,  333.    Their  excellent  equipment,  ib. 

H. 

flamiUov,  lieutenant-colonel,  gross  libel  upon  him  refuted,  Vol.11.  IS, 

village,  entered  by  the  British,  Vol.  I.  3-)0 — 1.  465—6. 

Hampton,  village  ol,  attacked  and  carried  by  the  British,  Vol.  II.  64— 8.  415— 17.  Shameful  pro- 
ceedings  at,  66.    Gross  exaggerations  of  the  American  editors,  67 — S. 

,  major-general,  U.  S.  army,  comijiands  the  American  northern  army,  Vol.1.  245. 

Is  ordered  to  j.oin  i^eneral  Wilkinson,  3i'4.  Advances  to  effect  that  object,  305.  S07.  En- 
counters a  small  force  under  colonel  De  Saluberry,  and  is  repulsed,  308—17.  Ketreatsto  Four- 
corners,  and  thence  to  flattsburg,  317.  His  consolatory  assurance  to  general  Wilkinson, 
.  339. 

Hamhiirg,  Chesapeake,  proceedings  at.  Vol.  II.  265. 

Hanchcll,  captain,  R.N.  His  severe  wounds  and  gallant  efforts  at  Craney  island,  Vol.11.  59. 

Handcock,  major,  his  gallant  defence  of  LaColle  mill.  Vol.  II.  83—9.  421. 

Hanks,  lieutenant,  L.  S.  army,  his  official  letter.  Vol.  I.  355.     Remarks  thereon,  57. 

Harrison,  major-general,  U.  S.  army,  takes  the  command  of  the  right  wing  of  the  American 
north-western  army,  Vol.1.  179.  His  lelief  of  Fort-VVayue,  and  cruelties  against  the  In- 
dians, is  1 — 2.  Determines  to  winter  in  a  Canadian  garrison,  184.  .Separation  of  the  wings, 
with  orders  to  re-unite  at  Presqu'i»le,ib.  Ill  consequences  to  him  ofthe  loss  of  the  left  wing,  194. 
ConstructsFort-Meigs,  and  another  fort  at  Upper  Sandusky,  194.  His  '  indulgeucies'  against 
thelndians,  195.  Isattavked  at  Fort-Meigs,  196.  Receives  a  strong  reinlorccment,  197. 
Detaches  a  force  to  storm  the  British  batteries,  while  a  sonic  is  made  in  the  rear,  ib.  Suc- 
ceeds at  first,  but  is  afterwards  repulsed,  198.201.  Is  strongly  reinforced,  272.  Abandons 
forts  Ueif>s  and  Stephenson,  ib.  Lands  at  Amherstburg,  273.  Amount  of  his  force,  274. 
Pursues  major-general  Proctor,  275.  Skirmishes  in  the  route,  277—8.  Draws  up  his  force, 
280.    Attacks  and  defeats  major-general  Proctor,  281—8.    pestroys  the  Moravian-tovrn,284. 


INDEX. 

Hisofficialletter,  459.  Gasconading  accounts  of  his  victory,  28G.  Detains  a  flag  of  truce. 
297.  His  insolent  letter  to  general  Vincent,  ib.  Discharges  his  volunteers,  and  repairs  to 
the  Niagara,  g98.    Arrives  at  Fort-George,  and  afterwards  atSackett's  Harbor,  Vol.  II.  6. 

Harvey,  lieutenant-colonel,  reconnoitres  the  American  entrenched  camp,  near  Stoney  creek. 
Vol.  I,  204.  Suggests  a  midnight  attack  upon  it,  ib.  Leads  the  advance,  403,  Succeeds  in 
the  enterprise,  capturing  part,  and  driving  away  the  remainder,  of  the  American  force, 
S06— 12.  Important  consequences  of  the  victory,iai5.  His  services  at  the  battle  of  Chryst- 
ler's,  468.  At  Oswego,  Vol.  II.  4-2o.  At  the  battle  of  Lundy's  lane,  439.  At  Fort-Erie, 
452. 

Havre- de  Grace,  village  of,  its  situation  andsize.  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. 

Heald,  Mrs.  her  wounds,  and  reception  by  captain  Roberts,  Vol.  I.  67. 

Henley,  captain,  U.  S.  navy,  his  account  of  the  loss  of  the  Carolina,  Vol.  II.  537. 

Hermes,  H.M.S.  has  her  cable  cut  at  Fort-Bowyer,  Vol.  II.  344.  Drifts  on  sliorewithin  gun- 
shot, and  is  blown  up  by  her  commander,  ib. 

History  of  the  War,  an  American  publication,  extracts  from.  Vol.  I.  '.7.  63.  76.  97.  lOS.  145. 
156—7.  162.  193.  220.  225.  231— 3.  243—7.  267.  314.  316.  334.  337.  339.  344.  Vol.  II.  3.  4.  9.  12. 
17.  20— 1.  24.  26.  41—2.  62.  71.  93.  102—5.  108.  126.  158.  164.  179—80.  192.  201.  224.  233.  235. 
249.  252.  264.  268-9-  313.  321.  324.  328.  374.  391. 

United  States,   an  American  publication,  Vol.  I.    57.  SI.  96—7.  102.  113.  117. 

184.  166.  190.  220—1.  227.  947.  297.  33S.    Vol.  H.  35.  40.  42.  50.  60.  105.  108.  152.  154.  179—80. 

224.  249—50.  252.  282—5.290.  293— 4.  299.  300—1.  313.  316.  392. 

Historians,  American,  their  mistatements  exposed,  Vol.  I.  57.  62.  65—6.  74.  81.  92—3.  97.  09. 
101-6.  108.  115—17.  123—6.  128.  130.  134.  139.  144—8.  155,  160—3.  182.  184.  187.  189.  190.  193. 

,  199.208 — 11.  216.  218.  220—6.241—4.  249.  258.  264.  267.  277.  286.  290. '31  3— 15.  325— 8.  334. 
336—8.  351.  Vol.  II.  3.  9.  12.  16.  18.  23.  35.  42—6.  ".9—50.  61—3.  67.  HI— 3.  94.  102.  105.  108. 
112.  119.  122.  125.  130.  150-9.  165.  178—9.  200—2.  221.  224.  235.  240.  247.  252—4.278  300.  309. 
313.  316.  320.  324.  327.  343—5.  351—4.  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  at.  Vol.  I.  321 — 2. 

Hopkins,  a  Canadian  traitor,  conveys  information  to  tlie  enemy.  Vol.  I.  257.    Is  hung,  238. 

Hudibras,  extracts  from.  Vol.  I.  336.  338.  Vol.  IT.  236. 

Hull,  general,  U.  S.  army,  Vol.  I.  57.  His  aniviil  at  Detroit,  58.  Proclamation  to  the  Cana- 
dians, ib.  and  355.  Capture  of  Sandwich,  58.  Inactivity,  59.  His  behaviour  to  the  Cana- 
dians, 63.  His  return,  across  the  river  Detroit,  to  the  fort,  64.  His  answer  to  general 
Brock's  summons,  69.  Retreat  to  the  fort,  70.  His  tame  surrender,  ib.  Oliicial  letters,  369. 
His  trial,  and  sentence,  73 — 6. 

Humbert,  the  celebrated  French  general,  assisted  in  defending  New  Orleans,  Vol.  II.  389, 

Hiaiter,  Mr.  of  Alexandria,  his  cowardly  and  cruel  behaviour.  Vol.  11.  253. 

— — ,  H.B.M.  brig,  compared  in  force  with  an  American  '  boat,'  Vol,  II.  353. 

Huron,  lake,  its  extent  and  situation.  Vol.  I.  47.    Operations  upon,  Vol.  II,  185—202. 

T. 

Jackson,  maior-general,  U.  S.  army,  succeeds  general  Wilkinson  in  the  command  at  New 
Orleans,  Vol.  II.  345.  Takes  possession  of  Pensacola,  ib.  Arrives  at  New  Orleans,  346. 
Places  the  city  under  martial  law,  354.  Sends  to  reconnoitre  the  British  advanced  division, 
361.  Attacks  It  and  retires,  362.  i33.  His  lines  in  front  of  New  Orleans,  364— 7.  Receives 
a  reinforcement,  371.  Is  attacked  by  the  British  374—85.  His  official  accounts  of  their  re- 
pulse, 538.  557.  Quick  re-occUpation  of  the  abandoned  right  bank,  38i;.  559.  Considers  he 
outwitted  the  British  general,  387.  His  otiicial  account  of  the  departure  of  the  British,  563, 
Some  particularls  of  his  family,  389.  His  designation  of  England,  390.  His  honorable  conduct 
at  New  Orleans,  ib.    Account  of  the  loss  of  f  ort-Bowyer,  574. 

Jenkins,  captain,  liis  dreadful  wounds,  and  heroic  behaviour.  Vol.  I.  138.  Some  accountof  his 
family,  140. 

Ivdependentforcigners,  a  corps  so  named,  fired  upon,  when  struggling  in  the  water,  Vol.  II.  60. 
Enormities  committed  by  that  corps  at  Hampton,  66.  Placed  under  a  guard  by  the  British 
officers,  67.    Sent  away  from  the  Chesapeake,  and  nnt  employed  ag.\iii,  69. 

Indians,  treatment  of  the,  by  the  Americans,  Vol.  1.  45.  Their  disgust  at  sir  George  Pievost's 
first  armistice,  78.  Intrepid  behaviour  at  Sackett's  harb*r,  lri5.  Its  consequences,  166.  First 
railed  in  aid  by  the  United  States,  18O.  Their  bravery  at  French-town,  184—5.  The  difficulty 
of  restraining  ihem  at  the  river  Raisin,  193.  Cause  of  their  hatred  to  the  Americans,  19). 
Their  gallant  behaviour  at  Fort-Meigs,  197—201.  Called  in  aid  by  the  United  states  on  the 
Niagara,  220.  Curious  reasons  given  in  support  of  the  measure,  220—  I .  Their  dislike  to  at- 
tack fortified  places,  267.  Accumulated  numbers  at  Detroit,  269.  Most  of  them  abandon 
major-general  Proctor,  after  the  loss  of  captain  Barclay's  fleet,  275.  Remainder  make  a  gal- 
lant resistance  at  the  battle  of  the  Thames,  282. 

John,  colonel,  his  official  account  of  the  capture  of  the  U.  S.  ship  Adams,  Vol.  II.  479. 

Junes,  lieutenant,  U.  S.  navy,  his  official  account  of  the  loss  of  his  five  gun-boats.  Vol.  II. 
350—2.  526. 

Isle  aux  Noil,  its  situation,  extent,  forts,  and  garrison.  Vol.  I,  249.  Expedition  planned 
against,  346. 

Jwaon,  H.M.S.  her  affair  with  the  American  gun-boats.  Vol.  11.54 — 6.412. 

Izard,  major-general,  U.S.  army,  has  served  in  the  French  army.  Vol.  I.  306.  Commands 
general  Hami-ton's  advance,  ib.  Moves  from  Champlain  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  with  nearly  the 
whole  of  the  northern  army.  Vol.  II.  2oa.  Proceeds  to  the  Niagara,  237.  Crosses  to  Fort- 
Erie,  and  supersedes  general  Brown,  238.  Advances  along  the  road,  ib.  Returns  to  Port. 
Erie,  240,    Destroys  the  v^orks,  and  evacuates  the  Canadian  territory,  ib. 


INDEX. 

K. 

Keane,  maior-general,  his  exact  force  at  New  Orleans,  Vol.  II.  362.     His  official  account  of  thp 
'    attack  upon  him  on  the  23d  of  December,  629—33.     Is  wounded  in  front  of  general  Jackson's 

lines,  379. 
Kentuckians,  their  proceedings  against  the  Indians,  Vol.1.   179-    -Dread  m  which  they  were 

held  hv  the  latter,  184.     'Indulged'  by  major-general  Harrison,    i95.    Their  treatment  of 

Tecumseh,  293—6.     Their  dastardly  flight  on  the  rig'.it  bank  of  the  Mississppi,  386.  a58.  860. 
'  KentMcky  too-much,'  an  Indian  phrase,  illustrated,  Vol.  I.  184. 
Kerr,  captain,  his  skirmish  with  the  Americans,  Vol.  I.  216. 
King,  colonel,  U.  S.  army,  his  opinion  of  general  Hampton's  defeat,  Vol.  I.  315. 
Kingston,  harbor  and  town  described,  Vol.  1 .  54.    Approached  by  commodore  Chauncey,  122. 

Small  force  at,  132.  256.     Intended  expedition  against,  266.  348—9. 
Kinsale,  proceedings  at.  Vol.  II.  266. 

La  Colle  viille,  manner  of  its  construction.  Vol.  II.  83.    Is  attacked  by  general  Wilkinson,  85, 

Gallant  defence  by  its  garrison.  So— y.     Repulse  of  the  assailants,  90. 
Ladders.    See  Scaling-ladders. 

Laffite,  Mr.  his  trick  upon  British  officers,  Vol.  II.  341. 
iafre  superior,  its  extent  and  situation,  Vol.  I.  47. 

Huron,  ditto,  ib. 

Michigan,  ditto,  48. 

St.  Clair,  ditto,  ib. 

— —  Erie,  ditto,  49. 

Ontario,  ditto,  53. 

Champlain,  ditto,  237. 

Lalla  Rookfi,  its  author  cited,  Vol.11.  20i.  "^ 

Lambert's  travels,  quotations  from.  Vol.  11.  3.  153. 

Lambert,  major-general,  orders  the  right  bank  of  the  Mississippi  to  be  evacuated.  Vol.11.  386, 
Applies  to  general  Jackson  for  a  suspension  of  hostilities,  3R7.  Ketreats  from  his  position 
before  New  Orleans,  ib.  His  official  letters,  543.  566.  Detaches  a  force  against  Fort- 
Bowyer,  391.  His  account  of  its  surrender,  570. 
Larwelt,  lieutenant,  U.  S.  army,  his  capture,  along  with  his  detachment,  by  Canadian  mili- 
tia. Vol  II.  73—4. 
Latour,  major,  his  opinion  of  the  attack  upon  general  Jackson's  lines  at  New  Orleans,  Vol.  2. 

382. 
Latour's  '  War  in  Louisiava,'  exUSiCts   from,  Vol.  11.342—5.349 — 52.354.360 — 1.363.367—9. 

371—2.  380.  383-4.  387.  389.  391. 
Lawrence,  captain,  U.  S.  army,  his  account  of  the  loss  of  Fort-Bowyer,  Vol.  II.  391. 
Left  divisirjn  uf  the  British  Canadian  army,  its  approach  towards  the  American  nortliern  army, 
in  1812,  Vol.  I.  129.  Detachment  from  it  captures  Ogdensburg,  137—40.    Another  detachment 
enters  I'lattsburg,  Swantoii  and  Champlain-town,  242—5.      Proceedings  of  its  advance  near 
Chaieaugay.  30C — 17.    Sumigly  reinforced  from  Europe,  Vol.  II.  205.     Its  tfficient  state, 206. 
Marches  to  Plattsbiug  and  back,  207—27.     Retires  to  winter-quarters,  228. 
Leonard's  toun,  Potomac,  proceedings  at.  Vol.  11.262. 

Lewistown,  village  of,  its  situation  and  size.  Vol.  I.  51.  Shares  the  fate  of  Newark,  Vol.  II.  19. 
Xinesi^geneial  Jackson's,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi  described.  Vol.  II.  364—7.     First 
unsuccessful   attack  upon,   368.  529 — Jii.     Second  ditto,   374—86.  538 — 43.     Major  Latour's, 
and  major-general  Wilkinson's,  opinions  respecting  the  attack,  382-5.  , 
,  major  general  Morgan's,  on  the  right  bank  of  the  same  liver.  Vol,  II.  367.  371.    As- 
saulted and  carried,  385—6. 
Little  Belt,  U.  S.  schooner,  her  destruction.  Vol.  II.  22. 
Lockycr,  captain,  R.  N.  departs  in  boats  to  attack  five  American  gun-boals.  Vol.  II.  349,    His 

oliicia.  account  of  their  capture,  3.i0.  523. 
Logan,  the  Indian  chief,  his  alliance  with  liie  United  States,  Vol.  I.  180. 
London  editors,  their  premature  rejoicings.  Vol.  U.  227.    1  heir  erroneous  statements  respecting 

the  proceedings  at  Washington,  994.  SOa. 
Long  point,  American  expedition  against,  Vol.  II.  i<9 — 12. 

Loss,  Britishand  American,  at  Brown'stown,  Vol.  I.  (55.  At  Queen's-town,  97.  At  forts  George 
and  Newarl.,  108.  Near  to  Fort-E.ie,  117.  3M.  Ogdensburg,  139.396.  At  "I'ork,  146—7. 
398.403.406.  At  French-town,  185.  At  the  river  Raisin,  i90.  420.  423.  At  Fort- Meigs, 
200—1.430.  At  Stoney-creek,  207.  434.  At  Hlack  Rock,  22iJ— 30.  -142.  In  capturing  the 
Growler  and  Eagle  on  Lake  Champlain,  240.  447.  At  Goose-creek,  251.  At  Fort-Stephenson, 
266—7.  At  the  Tlianies,  U.  C.  282—3.  At  Cliateaugay,  312.  464.  At  Hoop. pole  creek, 
32i— 2.  At  Chrystleis,  332— 3.  469.  475.  At  Fort  Niagara,  Vol.  11.  14—5.  398.  At  Black 
BockandBuffaloe,  S3.  403— 4.  At  Havre  de-Grace,  3S.  4Q5.  At  George-town,  45.  41 1.  At 
Cranev-island,  61.  414—15.  At  Hampton,  65.  417.  At  the  Twentv-mile  creek,  77.  418.  At 
La  Colle  mill,  90.  422.  At  Oswego,  106.  427.  429.  At  Strtet's-creek,  124—6.  434-6.  At 
l.uudy'slane,  147— 8.  441— 2.  448.  AtBlackRock,  164.  At  Fort-Erie,  177.  464— 5.  In  cap- 
turing U.  S  schooners,  Somers  and  Ohio,  449.  At  Micliihmacmac,  195.  In  capturing  the 
Ij.  S.  schooners.  Tigress  and  Scorpion,  198.  461.  At  Plattsburg,  ■i!23— 4.  464.  At  the  sortie 
from  Fort- Erie,  234.  471.  AtLyon's-creek,  239.  At  Bladensburg,  290.  499.  At  Moor's-tields, 
309.  At  Baltimore,  321.  326.  613.  Up  St.  Mary's  river,  ,S36.  At  the  bombardment  of  Fort.; 
Bowyer,  341.  At  the  capture  of  the  gun-boats  near  Lake-Borgne,  350.  525.  At  the  several  at- 
tacks near  New  Orleans,  388.  632—3.  534.  640.  542—3.  554—7.  At  the  surrender  of  Fort- 
ijJowyer,  391.  572. 


INDEX. 

LoKisiana  state,  its  conquest  ea.Iy  submitted  to  the  British  goveinment,  Vol.11.  339.  Kx- 
'  pected  aid  from  its  inhabitants,  240.  Its  rich  cotton  crops,  ib.  Address  to  tlie  inhabitants  of, 
by  Britisli  officers,  341.  Defensive  preparations  by  the  governor  of,  34(5.  Its  frontiers  descnbtd, 
346—7.    Its  evacuation  by  the  British,  3S7. 

U.S.  ship,  her  armament  and  crew,  Vol.  II.  362.    Joins  the  Carolina  scliooner,  363- 

Opens  upon  the  British  troops,  ib.    Ought  to  liave  been  fired  upon  immediately,  ib.    Towed 
away  after  the  Carolina's  explosion,  ib.     Ill  effects  of  her  escape,  36s. 
LoiBcr  Canada,  inhabitants  of,  their  patriotic  behaviour,  Vol.  I.  308—13.312.345. 
Lundy-'s-lane,  battle  of.   Vol,  II.   142— i9.  436— 46. 
Lyon's  creek,  skirmish  at,  Vol.  II.  238. 

M. 
Macdonnell    major,  his  mission  to  Ogdensburg,  as  a  flag  of  truce,  Vol.1.  135.    Treatment  he 
experienced,  ib.     Succeeds  to  the  command  at  Prescott,  ib.     Is  denied  permission  to  attack 
Ogdensburg,  but  gets  leave  to  make  a  demonstration  upon  the  ice,  136.     Collects  his  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  marie  in  it,   140.     (Lieutenant-colonel.')    Commands  a  foice  near  Chateaugay,  307. 
Practises  a  successful  fu&e  de  guerre  upon  general  Hampton,  310. 
Uacdonmgh,  commodore,  his  cautious  behaviour,  Vol.1.  246—7.     Hears  of  the  departure  of 
captain  Everard  from  Lake-Champlain,  and  then  sails  out,   248.      His  boastful  letter,  450. 
Launches  his  ships  at  Ver^ennes,  Vol.  II.  96.     His  designation  of  two  cutters,  353. 
Macfarlane,  Mr.  John,  released  from  Amelican  imprisonment,  Vol.  II.  18. 
Mach'idic-rivtr,  proceedings  at.  Vol.  II.  265. 

Macomb,  colonel,  U.  S.  army,  advances  to  the  attack  of  Matilda,  Vol.  I.  318—19.     His  curious 
arcount,  as  contrasted  witli  captain  biddle's,  ib.     (Major-general.)    Retires  before  sir  George 
Prevost,  Vol.  II.  207.     Crosses  tlie  Saranac.  and  fortifies  his  position,  209.    His  state  of  des- 
pair, 216.     Sudden  exultation,  ib.     His  official  letter,  220 — 4.465. 
][Jacrae's  house,  gallant  affair  at,  Vol.  II.  74. 

Madison,  Mr.  his  war-manifesto.  Vol.  i.  2—15.  Reply  to  it,  16—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.  199.  Was  on  the  field  at  Blailensburg,  285. 
His  narrow  escape,  ii91.  Flight,  ib.  Designation  by  an  American  general,  ib.  His  procla- 
mation, 303.  5J6. 
Magtiaga,  skirmish  at.  Vol.  I.  64 — 7. 

Manchester,  American  village  of,  shares  the  fate  of  Newark,  Vol.  II.  19. 
Man'J'estc,  Mr.  Madison's,  Vol.  I.  2—15. 

,  the  piince  regent's,  Vol.  I.  16.     Compared  with  Mr.  Madison's,  41. 

flj'e.fuiers,  captain,  exchanges  parole  with  an  American  captain,  while  both  lie  wounded  on  the 

htid  at  Sioney  creek.  Vol.  1.  208.     American  misrepresentation  corrected,  ib. 
Marlborough,  Lower  and  Upjier,  proceedings  at.  Vol  II.  259.  279. 
A/ar.jiit  and  cepiwa/,  American  letters  of,  Vol.1.  15. 

T—. ,  British  ditto.  Vol.  I.  16. 

Mayeavi,  serjcant,  his  heroic  behaviour,  and  dastardly  murder.  Vol.  II.  255—9. 
jli  'Arthur,  general,  U.  S.  army,  his  '  miraculoj-'  escape.  Vol.  I.  61.    His  disgraceful  proceed- 
ings in  tiie  western  district  of  Upper  Canada,  Vol.  11.  241—3. 
_  M'Ciiire,  major-gfi'.eial,  U.  S.  militia,  marches  from  Fort  George,  as  if  in  pursuit  of  general 
Vincent,  Vol.  11.  3.     Hetreats  to  Fort-George  before  colonel  Murray,  7.    Gives  half  an  hour's 
notice  to  the  inliabilants  of  Newark,  and  then  sets  tire  to  then'  town,  8,  9.     Abandon's  Fort- 
George  and  retreats  across  the  riser,  U.     Orders  ihe  commandaut  at  Fort-Niagara  to  prepare 
fur  an  attack,  16.  398.  400.    Is  justly  charged  by  his  countrymen  as  the  cause  of  the  desola- 
tion of  their  villages,  26. 
M'Culloch,  captain,  U.  S.  Army,  his  letter  to  his  wife.  Vol.  I.  62. 
■  M ' Dougal,  major,  his  evidence  at  colonel  MuUins's  court-martial,  Vol.  II.  377- 
M'Douall,  lieutenant-colonel,  his  boisterous  passage  across  Lake-Huron,  Vol.  II.  186 — 7.    Ar- 
rives at  Michilimacinac,  ib.     Detaches  a  force  agaiust   Prairie  du   Chien,  ib.     His  gallant 
defence   of  Michiliniacinac,   193.       Official   account    of  the  repulse  of  the  Americans,  458.   ' 
Gross  libel  upon  him  refuted,  201—2. 
M  'Kay,  li  uienant-tolonel,  of  the  Michigan  fencibles,  departs  for,  and  attacks  and  carries,  th 
fort  of  Prairie  du  Chien,  on  the  Mississippi,  Vol.  II.  187—90,    His  official  account  of  the  en- 
terjirise,  456. 
M'Micking,  iJr.  Peter,  released  from  American  imprisonment,  Vol.  II.  18. 
M'i'herson,   lieuteuant-colonel,  U.S.  army,  his  opinion  of  the  conduct  of  the  British  at  L 

CoUemill,  Vol.  11.87. 
M' Queen,  Serjeant,  of  the  Canadian  militia,  his  gallantry.  Vol.  II.  74. 
Medcalf,  lieutenant,  of  the  Canadian  militia,   his  enterprisnig  spirit,  and  gallant  capture  of  a 

body  of  American  regulars.  Vol.  II.  73—4. 
Meigs,  fort,  its  construction.  Vol.  I.  194.    Strength,  196.    Attack  upon,  by  colonel  Proctor,  ib. 
Sortie  from  the  garrison,  199.     Repulse  of  the  Americans,  200.     Keinlorcement  to  the  garri- 
son, 197.    The  latter  storm  and  carry  the  British  batteries,  198.    Batteries  re-takeu,  ib.    Cap- 
ture  or  destruction  of  nearly  the  whole  Ameiican  storming  party,  ib.  418. 
il/eTTioJrs,  W^ilkinson's,   extracts  from,  Vol.1.  80.  85.   86.  87.   90.   92.  133.  153.   170.   171.  172. 
933—6.  252.  255    257—9.  SOi— 4.  315.  318—22.  326—9.  332.  335.  338.  343.  -346—7.  350.    \'ol.  11. 
•      36.62.78.79.83.85-9.91.94.109.105.108.  114.   117.121—3.126.  127.131—3.140.144.   1)8. 
150.  156—7.  169.  278— SI.  283.286.  290.  293—5.  303.  342.  360.  385.  3S9.  3;'-:. 
jWercAandise,  admitted  by  the  Americans  to  be  'good  prize,'  Vol.  11.  192.333. 
^liavtiriveT,  its  situation.  Vol.  I.  50.    See  Meigs. 


INDEX. 

Michigan,  lake,  Us  situation  and  extent.  Vol.  1. 43. 

«■  territory,  Eurrenderof  the,  to  the  British,  Vol.  I,  70.  361.    First  American  attempt  at, 

179.    Is  recovered  by  major-general  Proctor's  defeat,  28S. 
MicMliTnacinac,  island  of,  its  situation,  Vol.  I.  47. 
. ,  fort,  its  situation,  Vol.1.  48.    Its  capture,  56.  353— J.      Meditated  recovery. 

Vol.  II.  185.    Its  garrison  reinforced,  187.    Attack  upon  it  by  the  Americans,  193.    Theirre- 

pulse,  195—6.  458.    Restored  by  the  treaty  of  peace,  393. 
Milh,  captain,  U.  S.  army,  exchanges  parole  with  captain  Manners,  Vol.  I.  fl08.    Is  sent  to  tht 

American  lines  by  a  flag  of  truce,  ib. 
Mohawk  Indians,  their  faithfulness.  Vol.  I.  Wi, 
Montreal,  in  Lower  Canada,  expedition  against  determined  upon.  Vol.  I.  25J, 

«,  strength  of  the  city.  Vol.  I.  304. 
Moor^s-fidds,  skirmish  at.  Vol.  II.  308. 
Moose-island,  its  capture,  Vol.  II.  245—6.  479—5. 

Moravian  village,  its  situation.  Vol.  1.284.     Destruction  by  general  Harrison,  ib.    SceThames. 
Morgan,  major-general  his  linesatNew-Orleanc,  Vol.  II.  367.  371.    Is  driven  from  them,  385— 7. 

547.  558—62. 
Monisnn,  lieutenant-colonel,  proceeds  from  Kingston  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  to  annoy  gene- 
ral Wilkinson's  rear,  Vol.1.  323.    Lands  at  Point. Iroquois,  324.     His  exact   force,  326» 

Draws  up  his  small  army  near  .Chrystler's   farm,  328.     Is  attacked  by  general  Boyd,  329. 

Peleats  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  ai  Cornwall, 

340.     Detaches  a  torce  to  Hamilton  and  Ogdeusburg,  340 — 1.465. 
Muir,  major,  his  iuiprisonment  along  with  convicts  in  Frank. 'brt  Tenitcntiary,  Vol.  I.  299.  463. 
Mulcaster,  captain,  R.  N.  his  passage  down  the  St.  Laivrence  from  Kingston,  Vol.  I.  323.    Ar- 
rives at  Fort-Welliiigton,  3^4.    Lands  troops  at  Point-lroqunis,  ib.     Cannonades  the  armed 

gun-boats,  325. 
Mulling,  lieutenant  colonel,  of  the  44t!i  regiment,  his  fatal  misunderstanding  respecting  th6 

facines  and  ladders,  Vol.  U.  375.    His  reported  neglect,  ib.    Extracts  from  the  court-martial 

upon  him,  375 — 9. 
jMttnro,  Kr.  approves  of  the  burning  of  Newark,  Vol.  II.  11.    His  convenient  designation  of 

the  inhabitants  of  Havrc-de-Grace,    12   505.    Clumsy  excuse  for  the  burning  of  St.  David's, 

136.    His  reply  to  Admiral  Cochrane's  letter,  302—3.  b04. 
Murray,  colonel,  embarks  at  Isie-aux-Noix,  and  lands  at  Plattsburg,  Vol.  I.  242.    Destroys  the 

arsenal  and  barracks  up  the  river  Saranac,  ib.    Re-embarks,  briiiijing  away  a  quantity  of  naval 

stores, 943.  448.     Marches  against  general  M'Clure,  Vol.  I(.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.    Immediate  return  on  account  of 

the  peace,  ib. 

N. 

National  Intelligencer,  extracts  from.  Vol.  II.  198.  271.  996.  333. 

Native,  and  adopted  American  officer,  their  letters  compared,  Vol.  II.  261. 

Naval  Monument,  an  American  publication,  extracts  from.  Vol.  I.  249.    Vol.  II.  53.  240. 

Occurrences,    James's,   referred  to,  Vol.  I.   122.    174.  209.  23<..  240- 1.  247.  252.  2«0. 

271—4.  Vol.11.    23.    32.  56.  97.    101.   109.   123.    131.    167.    190.  2O0.  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.  26S — 71.  333. 

Newark,  village  of,  its  situation  and  size,  yol.  I.  52.  Injury  received  by  shot  from  Fort- 
Niagara,  108.    Entered  by  the  Americans,  159.     Burnt  ijy  the  Americans,  Vol.  II.   ,« — ii. 

New  Orleans,  city  of,  its  richness.  Vol.  II.  540.  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  tlie  surrounding  country,  365 — 7. 

New  York,  plan  of  the  city  described.  Vol.  II.  292. 

Niagara  river,  its  situation.  Vol.  I.  50 — 53. 

• falls,  their  height,  Vol.  I.  51. 

fott,  its  situation  and  strength.  Vol.  I.  52.    Vol.  II.  15.    Cannonade  between  it  and 

Fort-George,  Vol.  1.  102.  188.  Bombards  Fort-George,  152.  Is  stormed,  and  carried  by 
cotenel  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  other 
buildings,  destroyed  by  the  Americans,  Vol.  11.  109—12.  Points  out  a  route  for  the  cai'riage 
of  captain  Dobbs's  boat  to  Lake  Erie,   167. 

Nominy  ferry,  proceedings  at.  Vol.  II.  263. 

Norfolk  Herald,  newspaper,  cui'ious  extract  from  the.  Vol.  il.  269. 

North,  V  S.  army  of  the.  its  station  and  strength  in  18)9,  Vol.  I.  128.  Advances  towards  the 
boundary  line,  129.  Retreat  into  winter-quarters,  130.  Re-advance  in  October,  1813,  to  join 
general  Wilkinson,  305.  Its  strength,  ib.  Attacks  a  small  British  force  at  Chateaugay, 
and  is  driven  back   to  Four  Corners,  306 — 17-    Retreats   to  Plattsburg,  ib.    Advance  under 


INDEX. 

ceneral  Wilkinson,  Vol.  II.  8).  Is  repulsed  at  La  Colic  mill,  85—95.  Retreats  to  Cham- 
plain  95  Principal  part  carried  to  Sackett's  Harbor  by  general  Izard,  20«.  Remamder, 
under  major-general  Macomb,  retires  to  Plattsburg,  207.  Its  extraordinary  good-fortune, 
2^9—28. 

JVor<A-we3t,  U.  S.  army  of  the,  its  first  proceedings,  Vol.  I.  58.  Surrender  to  the  British, 
-0  Renewal,  178.  Its  division  into  two  wings,  179.  Proceedings  agitinst  the  Indians,  182. 
Number  of  tomahawks  supplied  to  it,  183.  Its  great  augmentation,  2ti3.  27'i.  Lands  at 
Amherstburg,  273.  Us  strength,  274.  Defeats  the  British  riglit-division,  281— 3.  Is  dis- 
membered, 29S. 

Norton,  the  '  Indian  chief,'  a  Scotchman,  Vol.  II.  16. 

o. 

Ocracoke  liarbor,  proceedings  of  the  British  at,  Vol.  II.  69—71. 

Officers,  British,  their  imprisonment  among  convicts,  Vol.  I.  298— 9.  461. 

Ogdensburg,  an  American  village,    its  situation  and   size,  Vol.   I.  124.     Unsuccessful  attack 

upon  by  colonel  Lethbridge,    128.     Attacked  and   earned  by  major  Macdonnell,   137—40. 

Entered  again  by  the  British,  341. 
Ogilvie,  major,  his  gallant  behaviour  at  Fort-George,  Vol.  I.  157.    Ditto,  at  Stoney  creek, 

206. 
Oluo,  U.  S.  schooner,  her  capture.  Vol.  II.  167.  449. 
O'Neill,  Mr.  taken  at  Havre  de  Grace,  his  contemptible  behaviour,  Vol.  11.45.    Ludicrous 

threat  resi>ecting  his  detention,  4G. 
Ontario,  lake,  its  situation  and  extent.  Vol.  I.  53.    Operations  on  in  1813,  252. 
Orders  in  council,  their  revocation,  Vol.1.  15. 

Oswego,   fortand  river,  their  description.  Vol.  11.99.    Attack  upon  the  fort,  100— 8.  422— 30. 
Oitercieek,  Lake  Champlain,  unsuccessful  attack  upon.  Vol.  II.  96— 7.     lU  consequences  of 

with-holding  troops  from,  97. 
Overton,  major,  U.  S.  army,  his  official  account  of  the  bombardment  of  Fort  St.  Philip,  Vol. 

JI.  568. 

P. 

Painting,  an  American,  of  the  Plattsburg  battle.  Vol.  II.  22». 

Pakenham,  m^iior-general,  his  arrival  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  Vol.  II.  363. 
Amount  of  his  fi>rce,  ib.  Determines  to  attack  tlie  American  lines  in  front,  ib.  Makes  an 
unsuccesslul  demonstration,  36s — 9.  Is  cannonaded  by  commodore  Patterson's  guns  on 

the  right  bank,  Sfig.  Keceives  a  reinforcement,  371.  His  exact  force,  373.  Attemp^to 
carry  general  Jackson's  lines,  .374.  His  death,  376— S.  Exact  spot  where  he  fell,  378.  The 
chief  cause  of  it,  379.     His  good  moral  character,  390. 

Palace,  the  president's,  at  Washington,  a  guard  of  soldiers  stationed  at,  Vol.  II.  294.  Aban- 
'       ■      ifie ' 


doned,  ib.     its  rit^iruction  justified,  295.304. 
Parker,  captain,  U.K.,  his  gallantry  and  death,  Vol.  II.  308—9. 
Parliamentary  proceedings,  extracts  from.  Vol.  II.  305. 
Parole,  form  ot  one,  Vol.  1.234.    Duties  imposed  by,  235.     How  considered  by  the  American 

government,  234—5. 

and  countersign,  none  used  at  New  Orleans,  Vol.  II.  390. 

Paro/in^  ti/e  Canadians,  American  method  of,  Vol.  I.  160. 

Party-spirit,  its  occasional  use,  Vol.1.  182.     Its  height  in  America,  Vol.  II. 

Patent  office,  at  Washington,  not  destroyed,  Vol.  II.  3u4. 

Patterson,  commodore,  orders  cut  his  gun-boats  to  defend  the  passes  into  Lake  Borgne,  Vol. 

11.347.     Sends  a  purser  and  doctor  to /JUTTi;)  admiral  Cochrane,  3  54.     His  othcial  accounts  of 

the  co-operation  of   his   ship  and   schooner,  636.   539.    541.      Constructs  a  battery  on   the 

opposite  l.ank,  and  fires  upon  the  British,  369—70.     His  official  accountot  colonel  Thornton's 

exploit  on  tlie  right  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  559. 
Peace,  treaty  of.  Vol.  II.  575.    Some  remarks  upon  it,  393. 
Pensacola,  taken  possession  of  by  the  U.S.  troops.  Vol.  II.  345. 

Percy,  W.  H.  captain,  K.N.  his  attack  upon,  and  repwlse  at  Fort-Bowyer,  Vol.  II.  343—6. 
Perry,  commodore,  his  appearance  on  Lake  Eii,-,  Vol.  I.  2C9.     Defeat  of  the  British   flotilla, 

271.      EfiVcts  of  his  victory   on  the  rival  armies,   271—2.      Accomnanies    major-g->ner*l 

Harrison  i.p  the  Thames,  2/6. 
Petite- Coquille  fort,  "British  deceived  as  to  its  defences,  Vol.  II.  358.  Real  strength  known,  364. 
Philadelphia  Gazette,  extract  from.  Vol.  11.  44. 

Phillipsburg,  Lower  Canada,  incursions  into  by  the  Americans,  Vol.  II- 81. 
jPifee,  lieutenant  colonel,  U.  S.  armv,  is  d«ached  against  a  British  piquet,  Vol.  I.  199.    His 

men  woiiiui  each  other,  130.     Returns  unsuccesslul,  ib.      (Major-general.)     His  action  at 

York,   ii3.  His  de.,th  by  an  explosion,  145. 
I ,  U.  S.  ship,  set  on  fire  by  the  Americans  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  Vol.  I.  170.    Fire  extin- 
guished, 172.     Her  appearance  on  the  lake,  230. 
PUkington,  lieutenant-colonel,  his  official  account  of  the  Capture  of  Moose    island.  Vol.  II. 

472—3. 
Plaftiburg,  village  of,  entered  by  colonel  Murray,  Vol.  II.  242.     Its  situation  and  size,  8  «. 

Details  of  the  unsuccessful  expedition  against,  207—28.  461—9. 
piemlerleath,  lieutenant-colonel,  his  gallant  conduct  at  Stoney  creek.  Vol.  I.  206.    At  Chryst- 

lcr'3,  463.     Did  not  report  his  wound,  J33. 
PodH-hauilkerMef,  converted  into  a  stand  of  colours,  Vol,  I.  106. 


INDEX. 

roinfPfdrp  fort,  its  Jtrength,  Vol.  11.334.    Taken  possession  of  by  the  British,  ib. 
Porter,  major-general,  U.  S.  militia,  his  address  to  his  countrymen,  Vol,  I.  109. 
PerUmouth,  N.  Carolina,  British  land  there.  Vol.  II.  70.    Quiet  behaviour  of  the  inhabitants, 

71—2. 
Pvrt-Talhot,  50  heads  of  families  robbed  and  ruined  at,  by  a  detachment  of  Americans,  Vol. 

ii.  181—2. 

PouJfon's  Philadelphia  paper,  extract  from.  Vol.  II.  Q93. 

Prairie  du  Chkii,  fort,  attacked  and  carried  by  a  detachment  from  Michillraacinac,  Vol.11. 
187— SO.  4i6— 8. 

Prescott,  or  Fort- Wellington,  its  situation.  Vol.  I.  126.  State  of  defence  in  October,  1610, 
i'27.  Fruitless  cannonade  against  Ogdensburg,  ib.  lis  fortifications  described  by  an  Ame- 
vican  officer,  349.   Intended  expedition  against,  348—9. 

President's  speech,  extracts  from,  Vol.  II.  199. 

Prpsq'  isle  harbor,  its  situation,  Vol.  I.  49.  Ill  effects  of  not  destroying  the  American  fleet  at 
anchor  there,  286. 

Pmost,  sir  George,  his  omission  to  send  notice  of  the  war.  Vol.  I.  68.  His  first  impolitic 
armistice,  78.  Ill  effects  of  his  defensive  measures,  83.  Arrives  at  Ogdensburg,  133. 
Verbally  refuses  to  allow  major  Macdonnell  to  attack  Ogdensburg,  136.  Consents  to  a  demon- 
stration, ib.  Writes  an  order  against  the  attack,  140.  His  private  letter  to  major  Macdonnell 
after  the  attack  had  been  made,  141.  Embarks  at  Kingston  for  the  attack  of  Sackett's 
Harbor,  ICS.  Proceeds  off  the  port,  ib.  Is  induced  to  return,  ib.  Stands  back  for  that 
purpose,  ib.  is  invited  from  the  shore  to  save  a  party  of  American  dragoons  from  the  fury 
of  Indians,  \C.6.  Stands  in  again  for  that  purpose,  and  brings  off  70  prisoners,  ib.  Rt'solves 
to  make  the  attack,  ib.  Loses  tlie  benefit  of  the  wind,  ib.  Lands  witii  the  troops,  169. 
Experiences  little  opposition,  ib.  Compels  the  enemy  to  set  fire  to  his  ships  and  naval 
stores,  170.  Oidtrs  a  retreat,  171.  Kejects  the  otfcrs  of  major  Drummond,  ib.  Keturns 
to  Kingston,  l'."?.  Remarks  upon  liis  proceedings,  173 — 7.  'Makes  a  demonstration  upon 
Fiin-Georjje,  2J4.  His  official  account  of  major-general  Proctor's  defeat,  451.  Passes  a 
severe  censure  upon  the  right-division,  283.  His  previous  ne^jlect  of  it,  ib.  Arrives  at 
<;iiattaugay  at  the  close  of  the  battle,  3l6.  Writes  the  official  account,  316.462.  Orders 
the  evacuation  of  all  the  Briiish  ports  beyond  Kingston,  Vol.  II.  4.  His  intercepted 
letters  to  general  Drummond,  180.  Disapproves  of  night-attacks,  ib.  Hints  at  the 
insufficiency  of  the  scaling-ladders,  and  at  the  men  being  deprived  of  their  flints,  181.  Pro- 
poses anotlier  armistice,  182.  Commemes  his  march  for  F'lattsburg,  207.  Enters  an 
American  abandoned  camp,  ib.  Arrives  at  I'lattsburg,  608.  Call;  for  the  fleet  to  co-operate, 
210.  Remarks  of  'Veritas'  on  sir  George's  proceedings,  211 — 20.  Sets  off  for  Montreal, 
228.     His  official  account,  461. 

Prints,  'known  to  befriendly  tothe  war,*  their  use  in  the  United  States,  Vol.  I.  162. 191. 

Prisoners,  American,  plan  adopted  by  the  British  to  protect  them  from  Indian  fury,  226. 

— — — ,  British,  most  inhuman  treatment  of,  by  the  American  major  Ciiapin,  227-  March 
into  the  interior,  and  imprisonment  of,  among  convicts,  298 — 9.  461.  Confinement  of 
Canadian  inhabitants  as,  in  Fort-Niagara,  Vol,  II.  IS.  An  exchange  for  all  agreed  upon, 
183.     Its  shameful  violation,  183—4. 

Proclamation,  general   Hull's,  Vol.  I.  58.  356. 

Brock's,  ditto,  68.70.  358.  368. 

. Smyth's,  ditto,   109.  391. 

Wilkinson's,  ditto,  317.  466. 

Proctor,  colonel,  commanding  the  British  right-division,  is  ordered  by  sir  George  Prevost 
to  refrain  from  acting.  Vol.  I.  181.  Its  ill  effects  on  our  Indian  allies,  ib.  His  advance  to 
Brownstovvn,  and  attack  of  general  Wmchester,  187.  His  defeat  and  capture  of  the  latter 
andhisarmy,  188 — 94.  His  official  letter,  413.  His  return  to  Sandwich,  to  await  reinforce- 
ments, 194.  Pioceeds  to  attack  major-general  Harrison,  at  fort-Meigs,  195.  Erects 
batteries,  and  opens  an  ineffectual  fire  upon  the  fort,  197-  His  batteries  are  slormed,  but 
retaken,  198—201.  He  retires  to  Sandwich,  201.  His  official  letter,  424.  Is  reinforced, 
263.  Advances  to  the  attack  of  Fort- Stephenson,  264.  Fails  in  an  attempt  to  storm  tlie 
fort,  265 — 7.  lielurns  to  Sandwich,  ib.  Is  reinforced,  269.  Sends  a  detachment  on  board 
captain  Barclay's  fieet,  270.  Retreats  after  the  latter's  capture,  274.  Is  abandoned  by  the 
Indians,  275.  "Draws  up  his  force  near  the  Moravian  village,  27».  Is  defeated  by  general 
Harrison,  281.  Escapes  to  Ancaster  with  a  small  part  of  his  army,  284—5.  Sir  George 
Prevost's  account  of  his  defeat,  451. 

Proceedings o{  congress,  extractfrom.  Vol.  11.25. 

Public  buildings,  at  Washington,  misstatements  respecting  their  destruction,  corrected.  Vol. 
11.-293— 7.802— 6.     Their  value,  297.503. 

Purdij,  colonel,  U.  S.  army,  his  operations  at  Chateaugay,  Vol.  I.  308.  His  opinion  of  general 
Hampton,  314.     Want  of  promptitude,  315. 

Put-in-Baj,  its  situation.  Vol.  I.  49. 

Pulman,  major,  U.  S.  army, 'his  letter,  surrendering  Moose  island,  Vol.  II.  474. 

Q. 

Quarterly  Review,  reference  to  Vol.  II.  10. 

Quebes  journalists,  their  indiscreet  impatience,  Vol.  II.  226 — 7. 

Qiieenstown,  village  of,  its  situation,  and  size,  Vol.  I.  51.  Plan  of  attack  against,  S3.  Force 
at,  in  October,  1812,  87.  Attack  upon  by  the  Americans,  88.  I'etails  of  thebattle  at,  83  • 
—  IOC.  Force  of  the  invading  army,  S9.  Its  surrender,  95.  British  official  account,  376. 
American  ditto,  379.  384. 

R. 

Raisin,  river,  itssituation.  Vol.  I.  50.  Battle  of  the,  187—94.  British  official  accou  it,  418. 
420.    Aaierican  ditto,  422.  424.    American  calumnies  against  the  British  refuted,  i9.— t. 


INDEX. 

Rappahannock  river,  exploit  in  the,  Vol.  U.  39. 

Razeet  described,  Vol.  II,  253.    American  mistake  respecting  them,  ib. 

Reab,  lieutenant,  U.  S.  army,  his  readiness  to  break  his  parole,  Vol.  I.  eS5. 

Regular  force,  British,  in  the  Canadas,  at  the  first  of  the  war,  its  amount  and  unequal  dis» 
tribution.  Vol.  1.55.     Respect  paid  to  it,  133. 

Rennie,  colonel,  his  intrepid  behaviour  and  death.  Vol.  II.  381. 

Review,  North-American,  extracts  from,  Vol.11.  35.  41 — 3.  52. 

Reynolds,  major,  U.  C.  militia,  his  gallant  behaviour  at  Frenchtown,  Vol.  I.  185. 

Riall,  major-general,  arrives  from  England,  and  joins  the  centre-division,  at  St.  David's,  Vol. 
11.12.  Crosses  to  Lewistown,  18.  Orders  it  to  be  destroyed  in  retaliation  for  the  burning 
of  Newark,  ly.  Proceeds  to,  and  destroys  Fort-Schlosser,  ib.  Returns  to  Queenstown,  ib. 
Re-crosses  to  Black  Rock,  20.  Attacks  and  defeats  the  Americans  there  and  at  Buffaloe,  21 
— 25.  4C0 — 3.  Destroys  the  two  villages,  22.  402—4.  Evacuates  the  American  territory,  25. 
Is  attacked  and  repulsed  by  major-general  Brown,  120—8.  Retreats  to  Chippeway,  124. 
Thence  to  Fort-George,  129.  Proceeds  ts  Burlington  Heights,  in  bis  way  to  which  he  is 
reinforced,  132.  Is  superseded  in  the  command  by  general  Drummond,  142.  Is  wounded 
and  made  prisoner,  14G. 

Richelieu  river,  its  situation  and  extent.  Vol.  1.238. 

Right- division  of  the  British  Canadian  army,  its  early  proceedings  detailed.  Vol.  I.  56 — 6R. 
Captures  Detroit,  and  the  first  American  north-western  army,  68—74.  Attacks  and  captures 
the  left  wing  of  the  second,  186—194.  Attacks  the  right  wing  in  Fort-Meigs,  196 — 201. 
Retires  from  the  siege,  201.  Is  reinforced,  2G3.  Fails  in  an  attack  upon  Fort-Stephenson, 
265—7.  Is  further  reinforced,  acg.  Straitened  for  provisions,  ib.  Detachment  sent  on  board 
captain  Barclay's  fleet,  270.  Sad  effects  of  the  loss  of  that  fleet,  271.  Severe  privations 
under  wbich  the  right-division  labored,  271-r2.  Abandons  Amlierstburg,  274.  Retreats 
towards  the  Thames,  pursued  by  general  Harrison,  '27s,  Is  deserted  by  the  principal  part  of 
the  Indians,  ib.  Drawn  up  near  the  Moravian  village,  27S.  Surreiulcrs  after  a  sliglit 
resistance,  982.  451.  Is  censured  by  the  commander-in-chief,  283.  Its  name  given  to  the 
late  centre-division,  Vol.  II.  434. 

Rinlei^,  major-general,  U.S.  army,  reconnoitres  the  British  after  the  battle  of  Lundy's  lane, 
V(.!.  II.  158.  Retreats  to  Fort-Erie,  ib.  Enlarges  and  strengiliens  that  fort,  161.  Is 
relieved  by  general  Gaines,   164. 

Roberts,  captain,  his  capture  if  Fort-Michilimacinac,  Vol.  1.56.     His  official  letter,  353. 

Roman  valoi,  not  equal  to  American,  Vol.  II.  25.    Want  of  it  at  Bladcnshurg,  291. 

Ross,  major-general,  arrives  in  the  Chesapeake,  Vol.  II.  275.  Lands  to  reconnoitre,  ib. 
Determines,  upon  rear-admiral  Cockburn's  suggestion,  to  attaek  Washington,  278.  En^ 
camps  his  army  at  Upper  Marlborougl|i,  273.  Is  joined  by  rear-admiral  Cockbnrn,  981. 
Advances  towards  Washington,  288.  Arrives  at  Bladcnsburg,  ib.  His  official  account  of 
that  battle,  496.  Is  near  taking  tlie  president  of  the  U.  S.  291.  Advances  to  Washington, 
293.  Has  his  horse  shot  under  him,  ib.  Enters  tlie  city,  294.  Departs  from  it,  300.  Lands 
at  North  point,  313.  Advances  to  reconnoitre,  314.  Is  skirmislied  with,  315.  Returns  for 
a  reinforcement,  ib.  Is  shot  on  his  way,  ib.  His  affecting  end,  509.  514.  617.  Effect  of  liis 
death  upon  theexpedition,  315.     His  cliar.icter,  329—31. 

Round-head,  the  Indian  chief,  his  capture  of  the  American  general  Winchester,  Vol.  I.  188. 
Safe  delivery  of  his  prisoner  to  colonel  Proctor,  ib. 

i?0B!ie's  point,  projected  battery  at.  Vol.  I.  23S. 

Ro!/al  George,  ship,  attack  upon  the.  Vol,  I.  122. 

S. 

Sacketi's  Harbor,  village  of,  its  situation,  Vol.  I.  64.  167.  Size,  and  the  strength  of  its  dei'ences, 
167.  Attack  upon,  by  sir  Gtorge  Prevost,  168.  Its  weak  resistance,  ii^ — 74.  Extraordinary 
retreat  from,  171.  413.  British  loss  at,  !73.  417.  American  ditto,  IT'-  Importance  of  tbat 
station  to  the  British,  174.  American  remarks  upon  the  subject,  I7i.  Ill  efi'ects  of  not 
holding  the  post,  285.    Defenceless  state  in  January,  1814,  Vol.  I!.  98. 

Savannah,  in  Georgia,  described,  Vol.  II.  336.  Meditated  expedition  against,  ib.  How  defeat- 
ed, 337. 

Sandwich,  village  of,  its  situation.  Vol.  I.  4.'. 

Sandusky,  river,  ditto,  ditto,  50. 

Saranac,  river,  on  Lake  Champlain,  ascended  by  colcr.el  Murray,  and  American  arsenal  and 
barracks  there  situated,  destroyed.  Vol.  1.  242.  ProceediDgs  there  by  sir  George  Prevu=t, 
Vol.  II.  209—27. 

Scaling  ladders,  their  shortness,  one  cause  of  the  failure  in  the  assault  of  Fovt-Erio,  Vol.  11.  trig. 
178.  ISi.  Neglected  to  be  placed  at  the  attack  ol'  New  Orleans,  Vol.  11.  375.  Made  of  ripe 
canes,  383. 

Scalp,  first  that  was  taken  in  the  war.  Vol.  I.  .59.  American  reward  olftred  for  taking,  1S3. 
Mode  of  extracting  it,  293. 

Schlosser,  fort,  captured,  Vol.  I.  50.    Surprised  by  colonel  Clarke,  219. 

Scott,  lieutenant-colonel.  United  States'  army,  his  attack  upon  York,  Vol,  I.  232—3.  U 
charged  with  a  breach  of  his  jiarolc,  231.  444.'    His  e.\cuse,  236. 

Sentinel,  British,  anecdote  of  one  at  Washington,  Vol.  1 1 .  296. 

Sheaffe,  major-general,  his  arrival  atOueenstown,  Vol.1.  91.  OBicial  account  of  the  battle, 
376.  Impolitir  armistice,  !00.  LeniTy  to  the  Americans,  101.  His  acliou  at  York,  143.  Re- 
treat towards  Kingston,  I4fi.     Account  of  the  capture  of  York,  397. 

Sherbrooke,  sir  John  C.  his  olhrial  account  of  the  proceedings  up  the  Penobscot,  Vol.  II.  475. 

Shields,  Mr.  purser.  United  States' navy,  his  trick  upon  Uie  British  cummanders  .U  New  Or. 
leans,  Vol.  II.  360. 

Short,  iieuienant-colmel,  his  gallant  blUavioui,  and  death,  A'ol.  !■  '-!uu. 


INDEX. 

5t-m«o«ds,  Mr.  Wm.  his  testimony  respecting  Washington,  Vol.  n.  891-5.  _ 

Sinclair,  catpain,  United  States'  navy,  attacks,  and  is  repulsed  at,  Fort-Michilimacmac,  Vol.  II. 

agf-S.    Captures  the  Nancy  schooner,  197.     His  bombastic  designation  of  his  prize,  ib. 
'  Six  Nations'  of  Indians,  their  pretended  declaration  of  war,  Vol.  I.  222. 
Sketches  of  the  Vv'ar,  an  American  publication,  extracts  from,  Vol.  I.  60—1.  (54.  fi6-7'— 5-  »'• 

S9%-1   97-9    101-2.  108-9.   1 1  >-14.  US.  U7-18.  123.  125     128.  134.  139.   143-5    147-8. 

?52-3    155    159-60.  169-  172-3.   177.   179-80.   182.   184.  188-9.   192.   195-6.   198    20O.  9M. 

ot^l'l    213    217    220.  224    231.  247.  253-4.  264.  267.    272.  274-5.  276.    282-4.    290.  2g7. 

l^SOB    3-3    330-1.  352      Vol.  IT.  9-  12.  18.  24.  40-1.  44-5.  48.   53.   57.  61.  63.  65-6.  71. 

|f"l02    105     108.    IIO-U.    118-19.    122.    127.    129-30.    138.    146.    152,   153.    154.  159-  161. 

163     165-6     168     171.   177-8.    195.    201.  208.  222.  224-5.    229-    2:31.  234.  236.  239-40.  242. 

S48_9.  152.  254.  279.  299.  301.  304.  309.  313.  315—16.  3IS.  320.  324.  327    345. 
Smith,  general,  United  States'  army,  his  official  account  of  the  battle  of  Baltimore,  Vol.  II. 

316.'  521.  ,  . 

Smvth.  general.  United  States'  armv.his  appointment  to  the  command  of  the  American  army 

of  the  centre.  Vol.  I.  107.  Cunning  wav  of  giving  notice  of  the  termination  of  general  Sheaffe  s 

armistice    ib.      I'roclamatinn  for  voluntec.s,  109.  391.    Amount  of  Ins  force,  109.     His  pre- 

oarations  for  the  second  invasion,  ib.     Crosses  over  the  advanced  division,  110.    Strength  ot 

the  latter    111.    Progress  on  the  Canadian   shore,  112—14.      Fails  in  his  expedition,  115. 

Sends  a  summon,  to  Fort-Erie,  1 18.  393.    The  answer  he  obtained,  1 18.  389.     Intends  a  fresh 

attack,  1 19.    Trifles  with  his  troops,  ib.     Abandons  the  invasion,  ib.    His  reasons,  ib.    aeiia- 

viour  of  the  troops,  ib.    Nick-name  given  to  him,  120. 
Soldiers  in  citizens'  dresses,  remarks  upon.  Vol.  II.  52. 
Somers,  United  States'  schooner,  her  capture,  Vol.  II.  167.  449. 
Specucie  island,  proceedings  of  the  British  at,  Vol.  II.  36. 
State-paper,  American,  Vol.  I.  132. 
St.  Clair,  lake,  its  situation  and  extent,  Vol.  I.  48. 
— — — ,  river,  its  situation  and  extent,  ib. 

St.  David's,  village  of,  its  situaiion,  Vol.  I.  52.    Burnt  by  the  Americans,  Vol.  11.  134—5. 
Stephenson,  or  Sandusky,- fort,  its  construction,  Vol.1.  194.263.     Unsuccessful  assault  upon, 

265—7. 
Stewart,  general.  United  States'  militia,  his  shameful  behaviour  to  a  British  Serjeant  of  marines. 

Vol.  II.  258. 
St.  George,  colonel,  his  capture  of  the  Chicago  packet.  Vol.  I.  59. 
St.  John's,  Lower  Canada,  its  situation.  Vol.  I.  239. 
St.  Joseph's,  island  of,  captured,  A'ol.  I.  47.    Shameful  proceedings  of  the  Americans  at, Vol.  11. 

191—2. 
St.  Lawrence,  river,  when  open  for  navigation.  Vol.  I.  133. 
St.  Mary's,  river  of,  in  Upper  Canada,  its  situaiion,  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  behaviour.  Vol.  T.  125. 
,  lieutenant-colonel.  United  States'  anny,  how  treated  for  burning  St.  David's,  Vol.  U. 

135—6. 
Stoney  creek,  battle  of.  Vol.  I   204 — II.  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  American  imnrisonree-nt.  Vol,  II.  18. 
Street's  creek,  battle  of.  Vol.  II.  120—8.  431—6. 
Superior,  lake,  its  situation  and  extent.  Vol.  I.  47. 
Surveyor,  United  States'  schooner,  her  capture.  Vol.  II.  53. 
Swanton,  village  of,  barracks  destroyed  at.  Vol.  I.  243. 
Swift,  brigadier-general.  United  States'  army,  his  death.  Vol.  II.  1 29. 


Tappahannock  river,  entered  by  the  British,  Vol.  II.  333. 

Tarbin,  captain.  United  States'  navy,  his  attack  upon  thi>  .lunon,  54 — 6. 

Taylor,  major,  his  capture  of  the  Growler  and  Eagle  cutters,  Vol.  I.  240—! .  445. 

TecuTnseh,  the  Indian  Chief,  his  action  at  Aux  Canards,  Vol.  I.  61.  Advances  upon  Detroit,  69. 
His  fidelity  at  Fort-Meigs,  201.  Kills  one  of  his  warriors  for  massacring  an  American  pri- 
soner, ib.  His  bravery  at  the  battle  of  the  Thames,  2S2.  Is  killed  by  colonel  Johnson,  237. 
His  person  and  charaeter,  ib.  Skill  as  a  diplomatist,  28S.  Plainness  in  dres-;,  ib.  Tempe- 
rance. 289-  Warlike  qualities,  ib.  Hatred  to  the  Americans,  290.  ThPir  libels  upon  him^ 
ib.  His  forbearance  to  ill-treat  them,  ib.  Judgment  in  the  field,  291.  Travels,  ib.  Talents 
as  a  draftsman,  292.'  Modesty,  ib.  Compared  with  his  son.  293  His  majestic  features 
after  death.  294.  His  scalp  taken,  and  skin  flayed,  295.  His  death  not  mentioned  by 
general    Harrison,  296.     Probable  reasOn,  ib. 

Tfta^nes,  river.  Upper  Canada,  its  situation,  Vol.  I.  43.  Battle  of  the,  278-99.  British  oEScial 
account  of  the,  451.     American  ditto,  453. 

ThermopyUe,  curiously  compared.  Vol.  II.  157. 

Thompson, 'Mr.  John,  released  from  American  imprisonment.  Vol.  II.  IS. 

TkoTOton,  colonel,  leads  the  left  wing  at  the  battle  of  Bladensborg,  Vol.  II.  086.  Drives  the 
enemy  before  him,  287 — 9.  Lands  wiili  the  advance  at  Viller^'s  canal.  New  Orleans,  35S. 
Oivouacks  near  the  banks  of  the  Mississiinii,  358.    Crosses  the  Mississipni,  ;;nd  carries  gene- 


INDEX. 

ral  Morgan's  lines,  and  c&mmodore  Patterson's  batteries,  385—6.  5M.    His  official  account, 
547.    Returns  to  have  his  wound  dressffd,  leaving  lieutenant-colonel  Gubhins  in   charge  of 
the  captured  works,  33C.    His  opinion  about  the  possibility  of  retaining  them,  336.  549. 
Tomahawks,  number  furnished  to  the  American  north-western  army,  Vol.  1.183, 


Totten,  lieutenant-colonel.  United  States'  army,  his  opinion  of  the  British  charges  at  La  Colle 

mill.  Vol.  II.  88. 
3Vfas?«7-office,  at  Washington,  its  destruction  justified,  Vol.  II.  304. 
Trippe,  United  States'  sloop,  her  destruction,  Vol.  II.  2^. 
Tacfter,  lieutenant-colonel,  crosses  to  Lewistown,  Vol.  II.  142.    His  unsuccessful  attack  upon 

Black  Rock,  162—4. 
Turkey-point,  proceedings  of  the  British  at.  Vol.  II.  36. 
Tuscarora,  Indian  village,  shares  the  fate  of  Newark,  Vol.  IT.  19, 
Tylden,  major  sir  John,  his  evidence  at  colonel  MuUins's  court-martial,  Vol,  II,  375. 

u. 

U:ider!ull,  liis  forcible  seisure  as  a  deserti-r,  and  death,  Vol.  I.  43, 


yalcr,  American,  superior  to  Roman,  Vol.  1.  ij. 

Van  Rensselaer,  general,  United  States'  army,  his  command  of  the  American  army  of  the  centre. 
Vol.  I.  80.  Intended  plan  of  invasiiin,  8;i.  How  defeated,  85.  Crosses  tlie  strait  to  encami» 
there,  91.  Official  account  of  the  Queenstown  battle,  37tf.  Secession  from  the  command, 
107. 

Farnam,  general,  United  States'  army,  his  letter  about  the  sortie  at  Fort. Erie,  Vol.  11.  23S. 

'  Feritas,'  his  remarks  upon  the  Plaltsburg  expedition.  Vol.  II,  211—20. 

Village,  what  so  named  by  the  American  editors.  Vol.  I.  126. 

Vincent,  major-general,  his  defence  of  Fort-George,  Vol.  1.  153—8.  Retreats  to  the  Beaver  dam, 
159.  Is  joined  by  a  small  reinforcement,  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  encampment,  ib.  Listens  to  the  suggestion  of  lieute. 
nant-colonel  Harvey,  and  proceeds  with  a  detachment,  headed  by  that  officer,  to  storm  the 
American  camp,  204.  Success  of  tire  enterprise,  204 — 9.  His  otHcial  letter,  431.  Gives  up 
the  command  of  the  centre-division  to  major-general  l)e  Rottenburg,  219.  Resumes  it,  261. 
Retreats  to  Burlington  Heights,  Vol.  11.3.  Returns  to  St.  David's,  and  is  superseded  by 
general  Drummond,  12. 

I'oyageurs,  Canadian,  capture  of  a  party  of,  by  the  Americans,  Vol.  I.  106. 

w. 

^f-^ar,  American,  origin  of  the.  Vol.  I.  I.  Declaration  of,  15.  Time  of  its  arrival  at  Queena- 
stdwn,  Montreal,  and  Quebec,  55.  Also  in  England,  15.  Early  preparations  for,  by  the  Ame- 
can  government,  67. 

Warburton,  major,  his  imprisonment  aiong  with  convicts,  in  Frankfort  Penitentiary,  Vol.  It 
299.  461. 

IVarren,  admiral,  arrives  in  the  Chesapeake,  Vol.  II.  32.  Detaches  a  force  up  the  Rappahan- 
nock, lb.  Orders  rear-dmiral  Cockburn  to  the  head  of  the  bay,  33.  Sends  a  force  against 
Craney  island  and  Hampton,  57—61.     His  official  letters 


Washington  city,  an  attack  upon  anticipated  by  the  American    government    Vol.    II.    974. 
Army  prepared  for  its  defence,   ib.     Different  routes  to,  276.     Filled  with  defiles,  280,    Its 
size  and  population,  292.     Is  entered  by  a  small  party  of  British,  293 — 1.    Proceedings  there 
fully  detailed,  293—306.  492—303.     See  Army. 
■  gazette,  extract  from.  Vol.  II. 


fVayne  fort,  its  reduction  prevented  by  sir  George  Prevost,  Vol.  I.  181.  Is  relieved  by  major- 
general  Harrison,  ib. 

Western  militia,  the  American,  how  equipped  for  service,  Vol.  I.  183.  Their  dexterity  in  the 
use  of  the  tomahawk  and  scalpingknife,  ib. 

?fest  Florida,  secret  act  of  Congress  to  take  possession  of,  Vol.  II.  342.  Is  taken  possession 
of  by  United  States'  troops,  342. 

WestpJiall,  captain,  R.N.  is  wounded  while  bearing  a  flag  of  truce,  Vol.  II.  38.  Captures,  with 
bis  remaining  hand,  an  American  captain  of  militia,  38.  407. 

Wilcocks,  colonel,  bis  character.  Vol.  I.  258. 

Wilkinson,  general  James,  United  States'  army,  appointed  to  command  the  American  northern 
frontier.  Vol.  I.  255.  Directed  to  attack  Kingston,  ib.  Determines,  liy  the  advice  of  a 
council,  to  attack  Montreal,  ib.  Prepares  for  the  expedition,  256.  Arrives  at  Fort-George, 
ib.  Depatls  for  Sackett's  Harbor  with  the  chief  part  of  the  army  of  the  centre,  860. 
Corresponds  with  commodore  Chauncey,  302.  Proceeds  with  the  expedition,  303.  Issues  a 
proclamation  to  the  Canadians,  317.  466.  Detaches  colonel  Macomb  to  take  Fort-Matilda, 
318.  Calls  a  council  of  war,  319.  Stales  his  own  and  the  enemy's  forces,  ib.  Detaches  colo- 
nel Bissel  to  reconnoitre  an  island,  390.  Also  major-generals  Boyd  and  thrown,  to  protect  the 
expedition,  321.  Complains  of  being 'sciutclud,' 325.  His  vc.rious  nccounis  of  the  liritish 
force,  325— 6.  Sends  a  reinforcement  to  general  Boyd,  32S.  HiJ  exaggcnued  account  of  co- 
lonel Morrison's  loss,  333.  Hisinconsifttncies,  334.  473—6.  His  des)f;natinn  o( '  temerity, 
335.  Summnt.s  another  council.  S39.  His  arrival  at  French  Mills,  and  acc<iunt  of  the  expe- 
dition, 340.  470—6.  Despatchf^s  the  dragoons  V,  I'lita,  and  cornTn(MCt9  upon  defensive 
^easurii,  S41.     Wiiy   hu  did  iiol  suvcctd  in  tl»c  expodition,  J43— 4.      Projects  an  exp.di- 


INDEX, 

tien  against  Isle  aux  Noix,  &c.  346 — 7.  Also  against  Kingston  and  Prescott,  34S— 9. 
«urns  his  water-craft,  huts,  &c.  and,  after  detaching  a  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  Cliamplain, 
ib.  CallB  a  council,  and  states  his  force,  ib.  and  418.  Determines  to  attack  the  British  at 
LaCoUemill,  81.  419.  Marches  to  the  attack,  82.  Attacks  the  mill,  and  is  repulsed,  R5— 95. 
His  curious  simile,  94.  Retreats  to  Champlain  and  Plattsburg,  95.  Compaied  with  Don 
Quixote,  ib.  Turns  historian,  16b.  While  commander  at  New  Orleans,  took  possession  of 
West  Florida,  342.  Erected  Fort-Bowyer,  ib.  Was  superseded  by  major-general  Jackson, 
345.  His  opinion  of  the  route  to  New  Orleans  selected  by  the  British,  358.  Also  of  the 
attack  upon  generalJackson's  lines,  384. 

fVilliams,  lieutenant-colonel,  his  official  account  of  the  defence  of  LaColle  mille.  Vol.  II.  421. 

Wincliester,  major-general,  United  States'  army,  takes  the  command  of  the  left  wing  of  the 
American  north-western  army.  Vol.  I.  179.  Detaches  a  force  against  a  few  British  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  delivery  in  safety  to  the  British  Commander,  188. 

Winder,  brigadier-general.  United  States'  aimy,  his  capture  by  the  British,  Vol.  I.  206.  Bears 
a  proposal  for  an  armistice  from  sir  Georpe  Prevost,  Vol.  II.  isa.  Agrees  wilh  colonel  Baynes 
for  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  183.     His  account  of  the  battle  of  Bladensburg,  500. 

Winter,  Canadian,  of  1813,'its  early  setting  in.  Vol.  II.  7 — S. 

Wool,  captain,  United  States'  army,  his  official  letter.  Vol.  I.  3R4.     Remarks  thereon,  90. 

WoTselerj,  lieutenant,  R.N.  his  escape  from  Nattawassaga,  Vol.  II.  197.  Successful  enterprise 
against  the  United  States'  schooners.  Tigress  and  Scorpion,  197 — 201.  4CI. 

Wright,  Mr.  of  Maryland,  his  comparison  between  Roman  and  American  valor,  Vol.  II.  24. 

Y. 

Yen,  sir  James  Lucas,  his  arrival  at  Kingston,  and  immediate  active  service.  Vol.  T.  164.  Sails 
out  with  his  fleet,  having  on  board  sir  George  Prevost  and  troops,  for  Sackett's  Harbor,  165. 
Arrives  off,  and  stands  in  to  reconnoitre  the  port,  ib.  Embarks  the  troops  in  the  boats,  ib. 
Is  ordered  to  re-embark  ther-i,  and  to  stand  back  for  Kingston,  ib.  Accidental  cause  of  his 
return  off  Sackett's  Harbor,  IC6.  His  capture  of  some  American  dragoons,  ib.  In.nbility  to 
approach  tlie  shore,  owing  t»  a  change  ot  wind,  ib.  Re-emharks  the  troops  in  the  boatsj  ih. 
Lands  them,  168.  Had  taken  on  <>oard  shipwrights  to  launch  the  Pike,  174.  Returns  to 
KingsfOTi  with  the  troops,  173.  Sails  out  to  co-operate  with  major-general  Vincent,  '219. 
Drives  the  Americans  from  their  camp  at  the  Forty-mile  creek,  capturing  part  of  their  camp- 
equipage,  213.  Lands  a  detachment  of  troops  at  the  Knrty-mile  crpek,  21 4.  Sails  with  troops 
to  Oswego,  Vol.  II.  100.  Lands  them,  104.  His  official  account  of  the  capture  of  tlie  place, 
438.    Ditto  of  the  loss  of  the  Lake  Champlain  fleet,  465. 

yeoco7rtzco,  river,  proceedings  at,  Vol.  11.  266. 

York,  city  of.  Upper  Canada,  its  situation  and  size.  Vol.  I.  53.  Strength  in  18I  i,  I4£.  Attack 
upon,  143.  Explosion  at,  14b.  Capitulation  of,  146.  400.  British  oliicial  account  of  action 
at,  397.  400.  American  ditto,  143.  40^.  404.  British  and  American  loss  at,  146 — 7.  Destruc- 
tion of  the  public  buildings  at,  148.  Evacuation  of,  149.  Second  attack  upnn,  2 '2.  Defence- 
less state,  owing  to  the  militia  being  still  under  parole,  ib.  Plunder  of  lite  inhabitants,  and 
departure  of  the  expedition,  233. 

Youngstown,  American  village,  destroyed.  Vol.  II,  19. 


ERRATA. 
Vol.  T.  p.  54,     last  line,  after  II.  rend  III.  and  IV. 

a03,  last  line,  dele  and  III. 

■  344,  lasts  from  bottom,  for  175  read  304. 

Vol.  II.     292,  last  line,  for  4  read  5. 

293,  line  1,  for  less  read  not  many  more. 

. 347,  2,  for  Lefourche  read  Lafourche. 


Printed  by  Joyce  Gold,   103,   Shoe  Lane,  Fleet-.-.