HISTORICAL SKETCHES
OP THE
LATE WAR,
BETWEEN THE
UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRITAIN ;
BLENDED WITH ANECDOTES,
illustrative of the. Individual Bravery of the American
Bailors, Soldiers fy Citizens ; embellished with Por-
traits of the most distinguished Naval Sf Military
Officers; and accompanied by Views of
Several Sieges Sf Engagements.
BY JOHN LEWIS THOMSON
PHILADELPHIA :
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS DESILVEK.
ALSO BY
M. Carey and A. Small, Philadelphia; Robert Patterson, Pitts-
burg; A. T. Goodrich, New York; E. J. Co*le and J &
T. Vance, Baltimore; John Stewart, Alexandria;
J. MiUigan, Georgetown, (Col.) S. White, Sa-
vannah, (Geo.) P. Cottom, Richmond, (Va.)
•TOHN BIOREN, PRINTER.
'09
THE NEW YORK
FU3LIC LIBRARY
168243
A6TO*.LENOX*W
TIL DEN FOUIfOATKHH*.
1990.
District of Pennsylvania, to nil:
| Seal.
2fo it remcmbcrcb, That on the fourteenth day
of June, in the thirty-ninth year of the independence
of the United States of America, A. D. 1815,
Thomas Desxlver, of the said district, hath deposited in 'his
Office, the title of a Book, the right whereof he claims as
Proprietor, in the words following-, to wit :
et Historical Sketches of the late War between the United
'« States and Great Britain ; blended with Anecdotes il-
st lustrative of the individual bravery of the American
ss Sailors, Soldiers, and Citizens ; embellished with.
** Portraits of the most distinguished Naval and Military
44 Officers ; and accompanied by views of several Sieges
" and Engagements. By John Lewis Thomson."
in conformity to the Act of the congress of the United States
-ntituled, «« An act for the encouragement of learning by secur-
ing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the authors and
proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned.''
And also to the act, entitled, " An act supplementary to an act,
entitled, "An act for the encouragement of learning, by se-
curing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the authors
and proprietors of such copies during the times therein men-
tioned," and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of de-
igning, engraving, and etching historical and other prints."
X>. CALDWELL, Clerk
of the District of Pennsylvania*
TO THE
HON. JAMES MONROE,
Secretary of State,
OF THE
UNITED STATES,
Whose indefatigable efforts, as well on an Embasy to the
Court of St. James, as in the
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
to negotiate an honorable adjustment of those differences
which resulted in the late contest with
GREAT BRITAIN,
and
who presided with distinguished ability, in the
DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
at the period
most memorable for the achievements
of the
AMERICAN ARMS;
This work is respectfully Dedicatee!,
THE AUTHOR
Philadelphia, July 4, 1816.
PREFACE.
WHEN proposals were issued for the pub*.
lication of this work, some time after the ratifica-
tion of the treaty of peace with Great Britain, its
contemplated plan embraced nothing more than
the compilation of hasty sketches of the leading
events of the war, arranged in chronological or-
der, and with a proper regard to the preservation^
of the principal features, and the general charac-
ters of the land, and naval engagements. The
author wns not long in discovering that infinite
pains and excessive labour were necessary, to the
collection of materials, from which these sketches,,
however concise, might be made with that fide-
lity which such subjects require.
His resources at that period, though stamped
with the character of authenticity, were extremely
limited, and he found it necessary to intimate his
intentions to officers of the army and navy, who
had been, engaged in many of the events which
it w7as his design to perpetuate, and upon ,the
truth of whose statements he could implicitly
rely. These intimations were followed, by many
assurances of assistance from gentlemen of all
ranks in the service, and by promises of full, and
accurate, accounts of the operations of the fleets
and armies. From such fruitful and authentic
sources the author could not fail to elicit the best
possible information, and though he did not im-
mediately contemplate an extension of the limits
of the work, he determined to put it more in the
form of a familiar and connected narrative, than
might have been expected from its title, wit;
Assuming, however, the style of a history.
[ vi
The length and number of the journals and
statements transmitted to him, not only tended
to increase his labours, but produced much more
delay in the completion of the work, and prolong-
ed the time of its appearance beyond the day on
which it was thought it would, in all probability,
be published.
To the same cause is to be attributed the cir-
cumstance of its having attained the three hun-
dredth page, before the account of the last north-
ern campaign was fully detailed, and to that
circumstance he must refer his readers, for the
conciseness of the description of the capture of
Washington, the attack upon Baltimore, the
operations upon the whole southern coast, and of
the brilliant and unparalleled repulse of the enemy,
before New Orleans. Limited as these descrip-
tions are, it became necessary to add seventy -two
^pages to the number promised, and the expences
of the work have in consequence been so much
Increased, that without incurring an absolute
loss, its bulk could not possibly be any further
extended.
The author cannot conclude this preface with-
out assuring his readers, that no efforts have been
neglected to ascertain the principal facts connect-
ed with the events of the war. Fersevering as he
has been, however, he fears that some omissions
have been made, or that some mistatements may
have crept into the work , and to these he begs
the indulgence of those persons who were con-
cerned in these events, as the knowledge of such
facts, too frequently, elude the most industrious
research, and the contradictory accounts, with
which he has been supplied, have not unseldom
thrown him into perplexing embarrassments,
INDEX,
CHAPTER I.
Indian Hostilities, 3— Battle on the Wabash, 4— Conduct of the
British Cabinet and cruisers, 5 — Declaration of war against
Great Britain, 7 — Invasion of Canada, 8 — Fall of Fort Mi-
chilimackinack, 9 — Skirmish near Aux Cannards, 12 — M'Ar-
thur's Excursion, 13 — Skirmish at Brownstowu, 14 — Evacu-
ation of Sandwich, 15 — Battle of Maguaga, 16 — Fort Chi-
cago, 18— Surrender of Detroit, 20.
CHAPTER II.
Disposition of the Naval Forces, 27— Escape of the Consti-
tution, 27 — Letters of Marque and Reprisals, 28 — Atlas en-
gages two armed ships, 28 — Essex captures the Alert, 29 —
Engagement between the Constitution and Guerriere, 30 —
Pursuit of the Belvidere, 33 — An Engagement on the St.
Lawrence, 34— Capture of the British Brigs Detroit and
Caledonia, on Lake Erie, 35 — Wasp captures the Frolic, 37
— Both taken by the Poictiers, 39— Loss of the United States'
•Schooners Nautilus and Vixen, 40.
CHAPTER III.
Hostilities of the Creek Indians, 42— Fight near Davis' Creek,
43 — Battle of the Lotchway town, 44.
CHAPTER IV.
Organization of the North Western Army, 46— Its Disposi-
tion, 46— Command given to General Harrison, 47 — Defence
of Fort Harrison, 47— Siege of Fort Wayne, 48— Expedition
against the Indian Towns, 5G.
CHAPTER V.
British evacuate Fort Defiance, 54— Death of Logan, 54—
Battle on the Mfssissinewa, 55— Left wing of 'he Army
moves from Defiance to the Rapids, 57— Excursion of the
Kentucky Brigade into Indiana, 57,
% INDEX.
— N. W. Army reinforced from Kentucky, 163— Is frans*
ported by the American Fleet to Canada, 164 — Capture of
Maiden, 164 — The Americans enter Sandwich, 165 — Pursue
the British up La Tranche, 165 — Skirmish in Chatham, 166
— Battle of the Thames, 1G6 — Defeat and Capture of Gene-
ral Proctors Army, 169— Escape of that Officer, 168 — Death
of Tecumseh, 169 — Destruction of the Moravian Town, 171
—The Army sails for and arrives at Buffaloe, 171.
CHAPTER XII.
Plan of operations on the St. Lawrence, 172— Concentration of
the Forces on Grenadier Island, 173 — British abandon the
investment of Fort George, 174 — Descent of the St. Law-
rence, 174 — Skirmishes in its course, 175 6-7-8 — Battle of
Chrvstler's Fields, 178— The left wing of the Northern Ar-
my retires to winter quarters, 181 — The right wing marches
through the Chatauguy Woods, 183 — Is attacked by the Bri-
tish, 184 — Engages and repulses them, 184 — Goes also into
winter quarters, 185 — The Americans evacuate Fort George
and destroy Newark, 185 — Surrender of Fort Niagara, 1§5
—Destruction of Lewistown and Buffaloe, 187.
CHAPTER XIII.
The Navy,— Hornet challenges Bonne Citoyenne, 191— Is
chased from St. Salvador, 191— Engages and Captures the
Sloop of War Peacock, 192— Arrives at New York, 193—
Return of the Frigate Chesapeake, 194— Her Cruise, 194 —
Arrival and departure of rhe President and Congress, 194 —
Death of Captain Lawrence and loss of the Chesapeake, 195
—Conduct of the Privateers, 198-9, 200— Capture of the
Sloop. of War Boxer, 201— Lieutenant St. Clair in Chesa-
peake Bay. 201— Fight between the Commodore Decatur
and the Sloop of War Dominica, 201.
CHAPTER XIV.
Blockade of the Delaware River and of Chesapeake Bay, 202
— Attack upon Lewistown, on the former, 203— Affair be-
low Lewistown, 203— Repulse of the enemy near Morris
River, 203— The Gun Boats attack two Frigates, 204— En-
gac-pment on the Delaware, 204— Depredations in Chesa-
peake Bav, 205— Frequent failures of the Enemy to land,
206— Affair at Frenchtown, 206— Destruction of Havre de
Grace, 207, and of Georgetown and Fredericktown, 210—
Blockade of other ports, 211— Loss of the Revenue Cutter
Surveyor, 211— Action between the Gun-Boats and three
INDEX. x!
Frigates, 212— Defence of Craney Island, 213— Hampton
assaulted and plundered, 215.
CHAPTER XV.
British land at Ocracoke and Portsmouth, 222— Capture
two Letters of Marque, 222— Distribution of Admiral War-
ren's Fleet, 223— United States' schooner Asp, 223— A
Fishing Smack, the Yankee, captures a British tender the
Eagle, 224— The Frigates United States and Macedonian,
and sloop Hornet, blockaded at New London, 225 — Mid-
shipman Ten-Eyke, 225— British at Saybrook, 226— Engage-
ment in Connecticut Sound, 227— Wareham and Scituate, 228
—Occupation of Eastport, M<.ose Island, 229— Attack upon
Stonington, 230— British claim he territory east of the Pe-
nobscot, and occupy Castine, 232— Loss of the United States*
Frigate Adams, 232.
CHAPTER XVI.
The Navy— United States' Gun Brig Argus, captured by the
Sloop of War Pelican, 234 — Boxer and Enterprize, .r37—
Allen and Burrows, 238 — Commodore Rodgers and the
Plantagenet, 239 — Constitution chased into Marblehead,
239 — Commodore Lewis, 240 — Cruize of the Essex Fri-
gate, 240 — Her capture, 242 — United States5 Slrop of War
Peacock, vanquishes the British brig of war Epervier, 248
— Cruise of the new Sloop of War Wasp, 250 — Her con-
quest over the Reindeer, 250 — She sinks the Avon, 252.
CHAPTER XVII.
Proposed plan of operations in Lower Canada, 255— The Ar».
my quit the quarters at French Mills, 256 — Incursion of the
British to Malone, 256 — Smugglers, 256 — Movement against
La Colle, 257 — Concentration of the British Forces at Isle
aux Noix, 259— General Wilkinson's recal, 259— Establish-
ment of a Battery at Otter Creek, 259 — British appea; at
its mouth, 259 — Are repulsed, 260 — Operations on Ontario,
260— Lieutenant Dudley, 261— Defence of Fort Oswego, 261
— Second appearance of the British there, 263— Attack upon
Charlotte Town, on Genessee River, 264— British land at
Pultneyville, 264— Blockade of Sackett's Harbor, 265— An
engagement on Sandy Creek, and capture of thf* whole Bri-
tish force, 265— The" British Fleet retire to Kingston, 26?
— The Americans blockade them, 267 — An affair near Odell-
Town, 267— Death of Colonel Forsyth, 268— Expedition
against Long Point, Canada, 268— Colonel Baubee taken
prisoner, 268— Incursion to Long^Wood, Canada, and de-
feat of the British, 269,
xii INDEX.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Assemblage of the left division of the Army at Black Rock
and Buffaloe, 273— Capture of Fort Erie, 274— Americans
encamp at Street's Creek, 275— Skirmish with the Enemy's
rear guard, 275— Affairs of picquets, 276— Battle of Chippe-
wa, 276— Brirish retreat to Ten Mile Creek, 281— Ameri-
can Army encamp at Queenstown, 282— Death of General
Swift, 282 — Movement upon Fort George, 282 — General
Bmwn retires to Chippewa Creek, 284— Battle of Niagara,
285.
CHAPTER XIX.
Defences of Fort Erie extended, 304 — Invested by the Ene-
my, 304— The British land below Buffaloe, 305— And are
repulsed at Conejockeda Creek, 306 — Affairs of outposts,
307 — Death of Major Morgan, 308— Assault upon Fort Erie,
308 — The Besiegers driven back to their Works, 315 — Loss
of the Schooners Somers and Ohio, 316 — Renewal of the
cannonade and bombardment, 316.
CHAPTER XX.
invasion of the American territory by sir George Prevost, 318
— Battle of the Saranac, 318— Defeat and capture of the Bri-
tish Fleet on Lake Champlain, 322 — Plattsburg Evacuated,
324— Continuation of the siege of Fort Erie, 325— The Be-
sieged make a sortie from their Works, and storm those of
the Besiegers, 326 — The British raise the siege and retire
to Chippewa, 328— Engagement at Lyon's creek, 328 — De-
struction of Fort Erie by the Americans, and Evacuation of
Upper Canada, 330 — Operations against Michilimackinac,
330— Loss of the United States' vessels Scorpion and Ti-
gress, 331— Expedition into Canada, under General M 'Ar-
thur, 331.
CHAPTER XXI.
Repeated Engagements, between the Gun-Boat Flotilla, and
the British vessels in the Patuxent, 332-3 — Bladensb'irg,
334 — Capture of Washington, 336 — Of Alexandria, 5j7 —
Death of Sir Peter Parker, 339— Attack upon Baltimore, 340
—Death of General Ross, and repulse of his Army, 341 —
Blockade and Siege of New Orleans, 344 — Defeat of the Bri-
tish Forces there, 350 — Termination of the War, by a
Treaty of Peace and Amity, negotiated at Ghent, 352.
CHAPTER XXII.
The Navy— Loss of the United States' Frigate President, 353
— The Constitution engages, and captures, the British Fri-
gate Cyane, and the S'oop of vVar Leyant, 355— Capture of
the Sloop of War Penguin, by the Hornet, 357.
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
OF THE
, &c. .
CHAPTER L
Indian hostilities — Battle on the Wabash — Conduct of the
British Cabinet and Cruisers — Declaration of War
against Great Britain — Invasion of Canada — Fall of
fort Michilimackinac — Skirmish near Aux Canards —
M* Arthur's- excursion — Skirmish at Brownslown — Eva-
cuation of Sandwich — Battle of Maguaga — Fort Chi-
cago— Surrender of Detroit.
ABOUT the close of the year 1811, the Indian
affairs on the southern, and northwestern frontiers of the
United States, assumed an aspect, of a much more alarm-
ing nature, than that which had been marked by any of the
previous depredations of the neighbouring tribes. Inces-
sant incursions, were followed by the extinction of whole
families, and the several nations seemed emulous of ex-
celling each other in acts of the greatest horror. An un-
extinguishable hostility was manifested by the most pow-
erful chiefs and warriors ; whose enmity towards the
frontier inhabitants, was excited, and kept alive by an indus-
trious circulation of inflammatory addresses, and alluring
gift*, The conduct of the British traders, was far from
B
being consistent with the pacific disposition, which tliotr
government had been professing; and the facility with
which the Indians became possessed of every description
of offensive weapons, known to be beyond their means,
either to manufacture or to purchase, led to suspicions of
their having been supplied by its appointed agents. The
result of investigations which were made by the governors
of Ohio, and of the Michigan and Illinois territories, gave
strong confirmation to these suspicions, and it was ascer-
tained that great quantities of missiles, arms, and ammu-
nition, had been delivered to the different nations, contigu-
ous to the British posts.
The influence of a Shawanese, who styled himself " The
Prophet," and who neglected no means to excite the most
violent animosities against the people of the United States,
had produced among the Indians on the borders of the Wa-
bash, a disposition to massacre and plunder, to so enormous
an extent, that the vigorous interference of the govern-
ment was no longer to be delayed. Measures were there-
fore immediately adopted, in conjunction with governor
W. H. Harrison, to repel by force, any further outrages
which could not be prevented by amicable treaty. The
militia of Indiana, and a regiment of United States' infan-
try, commanded by colonel John P. Boyd, were accord-
ingly ordered to march under governor Harrison, to the
Prophet's town, to demand restoration of the plunder,
which the Indians had committed, and to reduce them
to terms, which should secure the future peace of that
territory . In the month of November, of ] 8 1 1 , this body of
troops were within four miles of the Prophet's town, (hav-
ing already marched thirty-four days) before the Indians
had any expectation of seeing them ; when one of ihe chiefs
came out, and proposed that governor Harrison should
encamp near them until morning, at which time, the
Prophet would willingly enter into a treaty of .peace. This
proposal was agreed to, and the army were encamped in
line of battle, with orders to keep on their accoutrements,
and to lie upon their arms, so that they might be ready
for action without one moment's delay. At four o'clock
on the morning of the seventh, the camp was attacked
with great fury by the savages at one point, where the
bayonet, however, soon dispersed them, and where three
Indians were found within the line of eentinels seeking
the commander. The morning was excessively dark, and
the men could only be distinguished by the watch-word;
or the flashes of the musquetry. By the aid of this mo-
mentary light, the Indians were seen crowding into the
camp, but they were entirely routed by several vigorous
and intrepid charges. The conduct of colonel Boyd and
♦he fourth regiment, after the action had become more
general, intimidated and put the Indians to flight ; at the
dawn of day they were closely pursued and numbers of
them killed. The cavalry were now first brought into
action, but the savages fled from them in great confusion,
abandoned their town, into which they had been driven,
and escaped across the river. Fifty-three Indians were
lying dead about the encampment, and their loss, in killed
and wounded, was estimated at one hundred and fifty. Of
the fourth regiment, seventy-seven were killed and wound'
ed. The loss of the whole force amounted, from the most
accurate account, to one hundred and eighty-seven. Most
of the militia under governor Harrison, behaved with great
courage and bravery ; but to colonel Boyd, whose expe-
rience in the Mahrattah (India) service, well qualified
him for a combat with the Prophet's warriors, is much of
the success of this battle to be attributed. Tranquility be-
ing now restored to the territory of Indiana, the troops re-
turned to fort Harrison — distance 100 miles — and the mi-
litia to their homes. Many months had not elapsed, how-
ever, before the Prophet, in connexion with Tecumseh, a
chief of great valor, and of equal ambition, threatened a
renewal of hostilities, not only against the inhabitants of
Indiana, but of the adjacent territories.*
To guard against future encroachments from the sava-
ges, and to protect such of the inhabitants as had yet
escaped their fury, it was necessary that the peace estab-
lishment should be augmented, and new regiments raised,
of a nature to cope with the Indian warfare. Indications of
hostility to the interests of the United States, were about
* Although the affair on the Wabash, which has been distin-
guished by the name of " The battle of Tippecanoe," was pre-
vious to the declaration of war, it is indispensable to the intro»
duction to its history that it should be at least briefly referred
to — The limits of this work do not admit of as full a descrip-
tion of a victory which has reflected so much lustre on the
American character, as the author is desirous to give, or the
reader perhaps to receive.
this time evinced in the conduct, as well of the British mi-
nistry, as of their public ships of war, on the American
coast, in neutral ports, and on the ocean.
In the event of a more decided character being given to
this state of relations, between the United States, Great
Britain, and the Indians, the necessity of a larger army
would become still more urgent. In providing against
these threatening evils, the second session of the twelfth
congress had been protracted to an unusual length, and on
finding remonstrances to be unavailing, the President, on
the first of June, 1812, laid before the two houses a detail
of the various enormities committed against this nation,
by the British government, and the officers representing
it. Their immediate attention was required to this subject,
as it was thought necessary, by the greatest proportion of
the people, that such encroaching injuries should at last
be resisted by the most effectual means. Documents, be-
ing in possession of the executive, which placed the in-
sulting practices of the British, against the commerce and
national honour of the United States, beyond all doubt, the
communication set forth, " that the cruisers of that nation
" had been in the continued practice of violating the Ame-
" rican flagon the great highway of nations, and of seizing
"and carrying off persons sailing under it; not in the
M exercise of a belligerent right, founded on the law of na-
" tions — against an enemy, but of a municipal prerogative
st over British subjects ;
" That they had been in the practice also of violating the
" peace and the rights of our coasts by hovering over, and
" harrassing our entering and departing commerce ; and
" that to the most insulting pretensions they had added the
" most lawless proceedings in our very harbours, and
" wantonly spilt American blood within the sanctuary of
" our territorial jurisdiction ;
" That they were aiming to sacrifice our commercial in-
" terests and were laying waste our neutral trade, not be-
" cause we supplied their enemy, but by carrying on a
" war against our friendly commerce that they might them-
" selves pursue an intercourse with their enemy;
" That they were plundering our vessels on the high
" seas under pretended blockades without the necessary
" presence of an adequate force to maintain them, and that
" to these transcendent acts of injustice the cabinet of
u Great Britain added at length, the sweeping system of
H blockade under the name of orders in council, which had
" been moulded to suit its political views, its commercial
"jealousies, or the avidity of British cruisers;
" That at the very moment when their publick minister
" was holding the language of friendship and inspiring
" confidence in the sincerity of the negociations with which
" he was charged, a secret agent of his government was
" employed in intrigues, having for their object a subver-
" sion of our government and a dismemberment of our
" union ;
"That the warfare which was just renewed by the
" savages on our frontiers, which spared neither age or sex,
" and was distinguished by features peculiarly shocking
" to humanity, could not be referred to without connecting
" their hostility with the influence of British traders and
" garrisons, nor without recollecting the authenticated ex-
" amples, of the interpositions of the officers and agents of
" that government." And,
" That in fine, on the side of Great Britain, there was
" a state of war against the United States ; and on the side
'*'• of the United States a state of peace towards Great Bri=
" tain."
The committee of foreign relations, to whom this mes-
sage was referred, reported a manifesto to the house, in
which, after recapitulating these grievances, they recom-
mended, as the only measure to prevent future aggression,
an immediate appeal to arms ; and on the 18th of June,
an act was passed, declaring war against the kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, and the dependencies thereof;
which received the executive sanction.
A small army, consisting of the 4th regiment of infant-
ry, and three regiments of Ohio volunteers^ was ordered^
under the command of brigadier general Hull, to protect
the frontiers against the incursions of the savages. After
the declaration of war, this force, being nearest to the "
most convenient point of invasion, was directed to repair
.to the town of Detroit, on the river of that name, and op-
posite Sandwich, a beautiful and extensive village in Up-
per Canada.
On the fifth of July, after a tedious and fatiguing march
of thirty-five days, during which he was obliged to fortify
Ms camp, at every position which he occupied at night, to
B2
prevent a surprise from a party of Indians, who, aided by
the British, had closely and constantly reconnoitered him,
and who had planned an attack upon Detroit, which the
approach of his army frustrated, he arrived at that post
with two thousand five hundred men. He had no sooner
garrisoned the American shore of the Detroit, than the
British began to throw up breastworks, and to erect bat-
teries, on the opposite side. The first of these, was de-
stroyed by a well directed fire from the fort, and the per-
sons employed at it, were obliged precipitately to retire ;
a second, which was situated about three miles below, was
destroyed in like manner, by a few pieces of cannon des-
patched for that purpose, and worked with so much skill,
that the enemy was compelled to abandon his design, of
fortifying at that point.
Active preparations were now making for an immediate
invasion of Canada ; boats were constructed, capable of con-
taining a regiment ; and the passage of the whole army was
to be effected at the same instant — the width of the river
being favourable to the crossing of the troops, either above
or below the point, selected to oppose their landing, the
enemy was allowed, on his third attempt, to erect without
annoyance, a battery of seven small cannon, and two
mortars. Every preparation having been completed, the
embarkation took place on the 12th. The army landed
on the Canadian shore, above the fort, and entered Sand-
wich without opposition. Those of the inhabitants, who
had not been compelled to repair to the defence of Mai-
den, were without arms, and therefore made no show of
resistance to the Americans, by whom they were honour-
ably respected in their property and persons. Possession
was had, in a few days, of the whole country from the
river Thames, or la Tranche, so called from the even-
ness and beauty of its bank, to a rivulet, within five
miles of Maiden, whither the British regulars, and Cana-
dian militia, with several hundred Indians, had retired.
Prior to the occupation of Sandwich, however, the en-
emy had removed his most valuable stores, and whilst he
was throwing up breastworks, and apparently fortifying
that place for defence, the largest division of his troops
was employed in transporting them to Amherstburg.
If general Hull's instructions, admitted of his striking
a blow immediately on his arrival at Detroit, a favourable
opportunity was culpably neglected. But, on hearing a
proposition from his officers, to cross the river below, to
£ut off the communication, between the two divisions, at
Sandwich and Amherstburg, and suddenly to rush upon,
and carry Fort Maiden by storm ; he alleged the necessity
of wailing for positive orders for the invasion of Canada,
before he could embark his troops for that purpose. Whilst
the force at Maiden, was weakened by the employment
of the men at Sandwich, this project might have been
carried into effect, and his army, besides prisoners, would
have obtained a large accession of stores and ammunition.
When he arrived at Sandwich, the British army, with
these, and other stores, and an augmented Indian force,
had collected at, and were placing Maiden in a state to
sustain a siege. To attempt the reduction ©f that garrison
by storm, after the enemy had effected this concentration
of his forces, it was necessary to proceed against it, with
a train of battering cannon, and ladders of a sufficient
height, and number, to scale the walls at various points.
The American army, had neither of these at that time in
readiness, and its operations were delayed for one month,
in preparing two 24-pounders and three howitzers. In
this interval, such advantages were gained, as result from
subsisting on the resources of the enemy's country, and
the capture of some camp articles, and a small supply of
' arms, by reconnoitring parties.
Meanwhile, the British and Indians at St. Josephs, had
been making preparations for an attack on Fort Michili-
mackinac,* (a position on an island of that name and with-
in general Hull's command) and on the 16th, four days
after the occupation of Sandwich, by the troops of the
United States, the British embarked at St. Josephs, and
reached the island early on the following morning. Their
force, consisting of three hundred and six white troops,
and seven hundred and fifteen Indians, was commanded
by captain Roberts, of the British regulars, who sent in
a prisoner to inform the commandant, that if any resist-
ance was made, the garrison and inhabitants would be in-
discriminately put to the sword. The inhabitants know-
ing that the fort had but 57 men for its defence, escaped
from the island, or fled for refuge to the enemy, in great
numbers ; but many of them had no opportunity to do
* Pronounced— Mackinaw,
10
either, and were obliged to remain, and abide the issue of the'
day. The commandant of the garrison, lieutenant Porter
Hanks, of the artillery, determined to give as gallant a re-
sistance to the assailants, as his small force would allow him.
The island of Michilimackinac is about nine miles
in circumference, of irregular form, and broken sur-
face. It is separated from the main land by a strait of
about seven miles broad, its greatest breadth is three miles,
and its elevation above the lake, on its highest ground,
about one hundred and sixty-eight feet. A proposal was
made to government, in 1797, to erect a citadel on this
elevation, which would be impregnable. Two square
stone houses, united by a stockade, stand in the rear of
the fort, which is situated on a bluff rock rising from the
water, but is entirely overlooked by the high ground at
the distance of six hundred yards. The island itself is of a
circular form, highest in the centre, and resembling a tur-
tle's back ; from which circumstance it is said to have
taken its name — (Michilimaekinacr or the Turtle.)
The enemy had landed on the back part of the island, and
urged his approach within cannon-shot of the fort, where
he gained the eminence commanding it, and from which,
he directed a piece of heavy cannon against its most de-
fenceless side. The Indians were arranged on the edge
of an adjoining wood. The British commandant now
sent a flag, with a demand for the surrender of the fort
and island, and communicated the first intelligence, which
the garrison received, of the declaration of war. The
movement of the British and Indians, had been until this
moment considered as one, among the many outrages, to
which the frontier of that neighborhood had been expos-
ed, and the American commandant had resolved to shut
himself up, and defend the fortress to the very last ex-
tremity, though it should result in the total annihilation of
his force. But, on being informed of the actual state of
hostilities, he was aware, that if he held out, the enemy,
whose present number could not be effectually opposed,
might be largely reinforced, and that the fall of the garri-
son, would be followed by the threatened indiscriminate
slaughter, as well of the soldiers composing it, as of the
non-combatant inhabitants of the island. The only meas-
ure which could save them from the brutal massacre of
the savages, was a surrender of the fort to the British, and
li
lieutenant Hanks very prudently entered into terms of
capitulation, in which he secured a promised protection
to all private property, though he put the enemy in pos-
session of a fortress, susceptible of being rendered the
strongest in America.
It will be observed that the loss of Michilimackinac,
took place on the 17th of July, and that general Hull,
already apprized of the war, arrived at Detroit on the fifth
— and the reader will judge, whether this intelligence could
not have been transmitted to Michilimackinac, a distance
of 254 miles, and whether that post ought not have been
immediately reinforced. The enemy had knowledge of
the existence of hostilities, through the activity of persons
concerned in the northwest Fur Company, nine days/?re-
ceding the arrival of the American disposables, whilst the
American garrison was suffered to remain in ignorance for
twelve days after — and to the vigilance of one side, and the
tardiness, or negligence of the other, is this disaster to be
ascribed.
Preparations were still going on at Sandwich, for an at-
tempt on Maiden, when the army were informed of the af-
fair at Michilimackinac by the capture of two vessels in
wiiich the prisoners taken there, had been embarked.
Unless the contemplated attack on Maiden, should result
in the success of the American arms, the situation of the
troops would become critical in the extreme ; the posses-
sion of Michilimackinac gave the enemy many decided
advantages, and if the capture of that post was followed up
by an assault on fort Chicago, all the fortified stations west
of Detroit, would be in his hands, and the whole of his In-
dian forces might be thrown upon that frontier. Detroit
would be an easy conquest, and the American army might
be so encompassed, that its retreat would be impossible,
The Indians from the shores of the northwestern lakes,
were already released from constraint, and the British com-
mander was collecting large bodies of them, to move down
upon Detroit, and the intermediate garrisons, Depending
on the arrival of reinforcements, however, for which, in
anticipation of these events, general Hull had despatched
numerous expresses ; and being assured of the importance
of the occupation of Amherstburg, he remained at Sand-
wich, carrying on an excursive war by small parties, and
reconnoitering the enemy's outposts with incessant vigi-
12
lance. Skirmishes were frequent. In one of them colonel
M' Arthur made capture of a quantity of arms, ammunition,
flour, and other provisions, and upwards of one thousand
blankets.
Colonel Cass, of the 3d regiment of Ohio Volunteers,
was ordered with a detachment of 280 men, to reconnoitre
an advanced post of the enemy upon along bridge, cross-
ing Riviere Aux Canards, or the River of the Ducks, about
four miles from fort Maiden, A company of riflemen,
commanded by captain Robinson, was concealed near the
bridge, with directions to fire upon, and divert the atten-
tion of the guard stationed upon it, as soon as the remain-
ing part of the detachment should be seen on the opposite
bank of the river, which was intended to be forded about
five miles below. An unlooked for difficulty at the ford,
caused so much delay in the movement of the detachment,
that it did not appear at the appointed ground until sunset,
when, having marched, without a guide, too near the bank
of the river, its progress was obstructed by a tributary
creek; to pass this, a march of another mile was neces-
sary, and time was consequently allowed for the enemy
to prepare for his defence. On coming down the creek,
colonel Cass found the British alre**Ifr formed, and receiv-
ed from them a distant fire of musquetry. The detach-
ment moved on, however, in good order and with great
spirit and alacrity. The British, who had been reinforced
at intervals, during the whole afternoon, and whose num-
ber was made up of the 41st regiment, and some Indians,
made several other attempts to fire, but were as often com-
pelled to retreat, the detachment continuing to move up,
regardless of their opposition. They were driven more
than half a mile, when the darkness of the night made fur-
ther pursuit hazardous, and colonel Cass was content to
possess the bridge, and some adjoining houses, until morn-
ing, when, after reconnoitering the neighbourhood, and not
finding the enemy, he commenced his return to the camp
at Sandwich. No accurate information could be obtained
of the force opposed to the detachment, but the loss of
the enemy, was reported by deserters, at eleven killed and
wounded. The detachment lost not a single man. The
bridge was afterwards fortified by the British, with six
pieces of artillery, but this being deemed insufficient for
its defence, they removed both bridge and battery, and
planted their cannon behind a breastwork constructed from
the timber.
Three days after (19ft July) colonel M' Arthur, with
150 men from his own regiment (Ohio volunteers) on re-
lieving a detachment which was out, proceeded to the re-
connoitering ground of colonel Cass, whence he dis-
covered the enemy— 85 regulars, 40 Indians, and 150 mi-
lifia protected by this batterv. The Queen Charlotte of
20 guns being at the same time anchored in Detroit river
at the mouth of Aux Canards, with a gun boat cruising
about her. The tiring was kept up for nearly an hour be-
tween the battery, and a few riflemen in advance of the
troops, but at too great a distance to have effect, whilst
M'Arthur was examining the Queen Charlotte.
On finding the enemy so well protected by the battery,
the riflemen were ordered to retire to the detachment, but
Mc Arthur's desire to ascertain the true situation of the
enemy, induced him to go near the broken bridge with a
glass. He discovered that, the Indians had principally
left the battery, and was almost at the same instant in-
formed by a messenger from the detachment, that a num-
ber of them were seen passing to a road in its rear. He
-was now attended by Dr. M'Anaw and captain Puthufi;
who, on turning their horses to ride with him to the detach-
ment, were fired upon by about thirty Indians, from their
concealment in a brush, at the distance of only one hun-
dred yards. They escaped, however, without being hurt,
a ball intended for M1 Arthur, having struck his horse's
head below the browband, and glancing to the ground.
His men were led to the pursuit of the Indians and drove
them across Aux Canards to the battery, between the de-
tachment and which, the fire was kept up at long shot for
three hours, without other injury to the Americans, than
the wounding of two men, though several broadsides had
been discharged from the Queen Charlotte.
The chief, Tecumseh, celebrated for his dexterity with
the torn-hawk and rifle, not iess„ than for his relentless
cruelty in the use of them, against the inhabitants of the
frontier, was at the head of the Indians. The escape,
.therefore, of M'Arthur and his companions from a troop
of savages, trained and commanded by such a warrior as
'Tecumseh, was truly miraculous.lt was no less fortunate,
ithat the detachment bravely moved up. at the report of the
14
fire of the Indians, and put them to immediate flight.
M'Arthur encamped for the night within two miles of
Aux Canards, and on the following morning returned to
the army, with colonel Cass, and one hundred men, by
whom he was then joined.
Between this time and the beginning of August, no
event took place, which could afford the American troops
an opportunity of displaying their true character. The
inclemency of the weather was very unfavourable to the
operations of an army. Sudden transitions from extreme
heat, to intense cold, followed by violent storms of rain
and hail, rendered them both sickly and discontented.
They had been all enamoured of an expedition, which
promised them so much honour and renown, and when
they landed on the Canadian shore, they were filled with
such assurances of conquest, as made their impatience
for achievement almost ungovernable. The tardiness,
which now seemed inseparable from the conduct of their
commander, dispirited them, antl destroyed whatever of
confidence they might have reposed in him before. The
result of a council of war, however, which it was found
necessary to convoke, revived all their desires, and a spir-
it, no less active than that, with which they had set out,
pervaded the whole encampment. In two days more, by
proper exertions, every arrangement would be completed
for the investment of fort Maiden. At the end of that time
the heavy cannon might be ready ; if they should not,
the council recommended an attempt with the bayonet.
The British garrison had been constantly deserted by the
embodied Canadian militia, and a vigorous attack upon it,
however gallant the defence, could not but be attended
with ultimate success. The deliberations of the council
corresponded with the opinions of the general, and the
day was appointed on which the assault was to take place.
The cannon were well mounted, and embarked on float-
ing batteries ; the ammunition was already placed in
waggons provided for its conveyance ; the troops were
animated by the prospect of a combat, and not at all
doubtful of a certain and brilliant vietory.
A company of volunteers from Ohio, under command of
captain Brush, had arrived at the river Raisin, with a quanti-
ty of provisions for the army. Although the troops were
already supplied for many days, these provisions might be
\h
necessary in tlie event of conquest. The distance from
Detroit, to the point at which they had arrived was thirty-
six miles, and their march was liable to be intercepted, by
scouting parties from the enemy. Major Vanhorne was
therefore despatched, with one hundred and fifty men, to
meet, and escort them to their destination. He had near-
ly readied Brownstown, on his second day's march, when
Jie was attacked in front, and on both flanks, by a very
superior force, regulars and Indians. A warm engage-
ment followed. To the Americans, the odds were fearful ;
but their resistance was obstinate. A retreat became in-
dispensable, but to succeed in it, the exercise of great
judgment was necessary. The volunteers had confidence
in that of their commander, and he brought them off, with
the loss of nineteen killed and missing, and nine wounded.
Among the former were captains M'Culloch, Bostler and
Gilcrease, who fought with that gallantry, which has never
failed to distinguish the citizens of the state to which they
belonged ; among the latter was captain Ulry, since dead,
whose conduct was no less noble than that of his com-
panions.
Major Vanhorne had scarcely been sent from Sand-
wich, when a change of measures was adopted by the
general, in opposition to the wishes and entreaties of all
his officers. The enterprise against Maiden was aban-
doned, and he announced his intention of evacuating
Canada, and of posting himself at fort Detroit. The pro-
mulgation of his intentions, was attended by an order to
break up the encampment, and to recross the river in
the night. Consternation and dismay were visible in the
countenance of every, the meanest soldier ; their confi-
dence was destroyed, and they considered their com-
mander as timid, and irresolute. The presence of their
own officers, on whose capabilities they implicitly relied,
.alone prevented one universal burst of indignation. Re-
Jnctantly, and with much murmuring, they obeyed the
order ; and at day break of the morning of the eighth
they found themselves garrisoned at Detroit. Here* the"
intelligence of the late skirmish was received.
The communication, which had been opened by the
army, between Raisin, and their present post, was shut up
by the savages. It was indispeasably necessary that it
should be again opened, or the provisions at that river
C
16
could never reach the garrison, which, in a few weeks,
would be in want of rations.
To lieutenant-colonel James Miller, the command of a
strong detachment, was for this purpose assigned. He
immediately took up his line of march with three hundred
regulars, and two hundred militia. The regulars were of
the fourth regiment, which had acquired imperishable re-
nown under the gallant colonel Boyd, at Tippecanoe. The
British and Indians, anticipated the return of the detach-
ment which they had driven back, and calculated that it
would be largely reinforced. Their own body was there-
fore increased to a number, competent, as they supposed, to
drive off, or perhaps to capture them. They were seven
hundred and fifty strong, and might be reinforced during
an engagement, from Maiden, opposite to which was the
village of Brownstown, which they had taken possession
of a few days before. They fortified the ground at a
place called Maguaga, nearly four miles from Browns-
town, by felling trees and erecting breastworks. Behind
these, they intended to conceal themselves, until the Amer-
icans should attain the point, at which they might deal out
to them what measure of destruction they pleased. The
Indians were commanded by their great leader, Tecum-
seh ; the united force by major Muir, of the British army.
On the ninth, the American troops, though they proceed-
ed with great caution, reached the ground on which the
enemy desired to see them, before they discovered their
ambuscade. Captain Snelling, commanding the advance,
was attacked from it, and sustained a combat until the
main body came up, when the British and Indians sprang
suddenly from behind the works, formed a line of battle with
great celerity, and commenced a brisk fire, accompanied
with all the demonstrations of savage war. Sudden and
unexpected as was the attack, the intrepid commander of
the American force was not the least dismayed ; his troops
received the shock without shrinking ; and with a coolness
and sagacity, which are commonly looked for in soldiers
of long experience, he as suddenly drew up his men, and
after a rapid fire, charged upon- the enemy with such un-
looked for firmness, as to throw them into complete dis-
order. The obstinacy of the Indians, however, would
not admit of flight ; they might not act in concert with
ih% British, and resorting to their own kind of combat, '
17
they were resolved not to abandon the contest. But the
British had now recovered from their confusion, and a
scene of indescribable horror ensued. Five hundred In-
dians, led on, and encouraged by the regulars, (many of
whom were like themselves almost naked,) frightfully
painted, and sending forth such dreadful whooping and
yelling, as might have appalled almost any other troops,
were fighting on every side of the American detachment;
but on every side they were gallantly repulsed. No such
means could induce these brave men to forsake their
standard, or to disgrace their nation. They saw dan-
ger strengthening around them, they knew what kind
of destiny awaited their defeat, and they were resolute-
ly determined to repel the foe, or to yield only with
their lives. Colonel Miller found himself contending
against a force, more than one third superior to 1>h
own, but he was animated by the same spirit, which was
exhibited by his men. Over such men, headed by such
a commander, the enemy could not hope to be victorious.
The firmness of the Americans had that effect upon the
British and Indians, v.rhich it was intended, by their sav-
age noises, should be produced on them. They found'
that they had no terrours to resort to, which could attain
their end. and they began from necessity to give ground.
The obstinacy of the detachment, was equal to the deter-
mined character of the Indians, and the latter became
first intimidated. The united forces were driven, inch by
inch, into Brownstown ; and would have been beaten in-
to submission, had not a squadron of boats been ready
to receive them, at that place. They made as rapid a re-
treat across the river, as their oarsmen knew how, and re-
turned to Maiden with an inferior force, than that with
which they had left it. Their loss, was, in regulars, seven
killed and wounded ; of Indians they left nearly one
hundred on the field. In the stout contest, which the de-
tachment kept up for more than two hours, there were
killed fifteen, and wounded between thirty and forty. The
officers who principally distinguished themselves, were
captain Baker, lieutenants Larabee and Peters, and ensign
Whistler. The first of them was shot three different times
during the battle ; the second lost his left arm ; and the
three latter were also wounded. Colonel Miller remained
at Brownstown until the meridian of the next day, when
18
fie received orders to return to Detroit. The troops were
exhausted by so vigorous an engagement, and they would
have been unable to proceed further. A fresh detachment
would probably be sent upon the same expedition ; and
colonel Miller, knowing how necessary it was, that his men
should be refreshed, was not averse from this order.
Captain Brush was still waiting at the river Raisin for
an escort, when he received a letter from general Hull,
of the eleventh of August, in the following words :
" The stale of the communication between this [Detroit]
i; and the river Raisin is such, that a sufficient detachment
" cannot be sent to bring on the provisions with safety.
" you will therefore remain at the river Raisin, and in
i; conjunction with the regiment, Le Croix's corps, and
' your own, protect the provisions and yourselves until
" further orders. The detachment sent for the purpose
& are so fatigued, after a severe and victorious battle,
a that it will return here." In a postscript to this letter, it
was left to the discretion of captain Brush, on consulting
with colonel Anderson, and the bearer of the letter, to
proceed by s route 6ii an upper road, crossing t;ie river
Huron ; on determining on which, immediate notice was
to be given at Detroit. Colonels Cass and M' Arthur
were despatched, on the evening of the 14th, with three
hundred and fifty men, to assist in the transportation of
the provisions, through that channel.
On the same day on which the victory at Maguaga was
achieved, captain Heald, the commandant at fort Chicago,
since called fort Dearborn, received orders to proceed
immediately with his command to Detroit, by land. Ac-
cordingly on the fifteenth, after delivering to the friendly
Indians, in conformity to his instructions, all the goods in
the factory, and such provisions as could not be taken
away, and destroying the surplus arms and ammunition,
he commenced his march with fifty-four regulars, and
twelve militia, the whole amount of his force, and was
escorted by captain Wells, of fort Wa}^ne, and a few
friendly Indians of the Miami tribe, sent thither for that
purpose. As the place would now be defenceless, the in-
habitants, principally women and children, were directed to
accompany the troops. The little party had not proceeded
more than one mile and an half, between a high sand-bank,
and the lake, when it was discovered that a number of hos~
19
tile Indians were preparing to attack them, from behind the
balik. Captain Heald immediately ordered his company
to ascend it ; and they had scarcely done so, when an
action commenced in which, after firing one round, and
charging with great velocity, upon the Indians, the latter
were obliged to give way in front, but joining the party
on the American flanks, they kept up their fire, and got
possession of all the horses, provisions, and baggage, of
every description. The friendly Indians standing aloof,
refusing to take part in the contest, and apparently await-
ing the issue, that they might determine on which side to
belong, made it necessary for captain Heald to draw off
his few men, and take possession of a small elevation, in
an open priarie, out of shot of the bank, or any other
cover. Here he received an offer of protection, from an
Indian chief, on condition of his surrender ; which, with-
out much reliance on its faith, he accepted, because of the
great disparity of force, the Indian warriors amounting to
nearly five hundred. Their loss was about fifteen. Of
the Americans, twenty-six regulars, and all the militia
were killed : among them, captain Wells and ensign
George Roman, both officers of great gallantry. Two
women, and twelve children were also killed. The Indians
had it now in their power, to move to any part of the
country, through which the communication had been
formed between the river Raisin and Detroit, and num-
bers of them were accordingly posted at several points
on that road, whilst a stronger party proceeded against
fort Wayne. Their absence was taken advantage of, by-
captain Heald. whom they had taken to the mouth of St.
Josephs, and who now, with his lady, procured a convey-
ance to Michilimackinac, where he was received politely
by the commandant, captain Roberts. Mrs. Heald was
wounded by six shot — the captain by two.
Any attempt to accelerate the transportation of the pro-
visions, would now be useless, for on the thirteenth, the
British had taken a position opposite Detroit. They
were occupied in throwing up breastworks, during that
^ind the two following days ; at the end of which time
they had completed a battery, of two eighteen pounders,
and an eight inch howitzer, without any interruption from
the American fort. Major Denny, of the volunteers, who
had been left in garrison at Sandwich, with two hundred
C2
20
and fifty infantry, and a corps of artillerists, was obligedf
on their approach, to make his retreat across the river.
This he effected, in good order.
On the fifteenth, a flag of truce was received from the
British, with the following summons : " Sir — The force
" at my disposal authorises me to require of you the sur-
a render of fort Detroit. It is far from my inclination
u to join in a war of extermination, but you must be
" aware, that the numerous body of Indians who have
" attached themselves to my troops, will be beyond my
* controul, the moment the contest commences. You
" will find me disposed to enter into such conditions as
" will satisfy the most scrupulous sense of honour. Lieu-
" tenant-colonel M'Donnell and major Glegg are fully au-
" thorised to conclude any arrangement that may lead to
" prevent the unnecessary effusion of blood. I have the
" honor to be, &c. ISAAC BROCK, Maj. Gen.
" His Ex. Brig. Cen. Hull, com'gatfort Detroit."
To this summons it was returned for answer, that the
il town and fort would be defended to the last extremity ."
The British then opened their batteries upon the town,
and continued to throw their shells into the fort, from four
o'clock until midnight. The fire was returned until dark
with little effect. At day light the next morning, the firing
again commenced, whilst the British, under the protection
of their ships, were landing their forces at Spring Wells.
At about ten o'clock they proceeded in a close column,
twelve in front, along the bank of the river towards the
fort.
From fort Detroit the enemy could not have been pre-
vented from landing, had he attempted it, even in its
more immediate vicinity. Its situation had been orig-
inally chosen without skill ; the town actually standing
between it and the river, and the foot of the scarp being
more than two hundred rods from it. On the evening
of the fifteenth it was therefore suggested to general
Hull, that the British should be Opposed on the margin
of the river, that there was a position at that point,
whence they could be destroyed, with the utmost certain-
ty, as fast as they could land ; and that a strong battery,
well manned there, would be a better security than the
fort of Detroit. The suggestions of general Hull's offi-
cers, were too often disregarded, The enemy had bow
21
landed, and no obstruction could prevent his apnroacji,
until he should be either in the rear of the town, or of the
fort, when all the strength of the latter might be success-
fully brought against him. The fourth regiment was sta-
tioned within the fort ; the Ohio volunteers, and part of
the Michigan militia, behind pickets, from which the ene-
my's whole flank could be annoyed ; the residue of the
militia were in the town, to resist the Indians ; and two
twenty-four pounders, loaded with grape shot, were post-
ed on an eminence, from which they could sweep the ad-
vancing column. The superiority of position was appa-
rent on the side of the Americans, and their force at least
equal to that of the enemy. They had four hundred
rounds of twenty-four pound sliot, already fixed, and
about one hundred thousand cartridges made. Their
provisions were sufficient for fifteen days, and every man
of them, awaited the approach of the enemy with a full
and eager expectation of victory. The head of the col-
umn had advanced within five hundred yards of the Amer-
ican line, when general Hull ordered the troops to retreat
to the fort, and not by any means to open the twenty-
four pounders upon the enemy. The feelings of the sol-
diers were not now to be restrained, as they had been a
few days before at Sandwich. Indignation at the conduct,
and contempt for the capacity of the commanding gene-
ral, could not longer be disguised, and they loudly uttered
their discontent. They entered the fort, however, which,
though crowded so that any movement was impractica-
ble, was scarcely capable of containing them. Here they
were directed to stack their arms, and they had the mor-
tification to see the flag of their country struck to the in-
vaders, and the fort surrendered, without the discharge of
a single gun. A white flag was suspended from its walls,
and such was the astonishment, even of the enemy's
troops, that a British officer rode up, to ascertain its mean-
ing. It was the first instance, perhaps, which they had
ever known, of the surrender of a military post, without a
previous arrangement of the terms ; and they had little
expectation of so tame a submission. Those brave
troops, who had but eight days before beaten, and put this
same enemy to flight, were now obliged to march out in
review, and lay down their arms to an inferior force, who
22
had done no other thing towards the capture of the garri-
son, than shewing themselves before it.
Not only the heroes of Brownstown, but the detach-
ments then absent from the fort, the volunteers and all the
provisions at Raisin, and those of no inconsiderable
amount, the fortified posts and garrisons, and the whole
territory and inhabitants of Michigan, were delivered over
by capitulation, to the commanding general of the British
forces. Forty barrels of powder, two thousand five
hundred stand of arms, and an armament, (consisting of
twenty-five iron, and eight brass pieces of ordnance) the
greater part of which had been captured from the British
in the revolutionary war, were surrendered with them.
The detachment which had been sent out under colonels
Cass and M' Arthur, had received orders the night before
to return ; but when they arrived within sight of Detroit,
before which the enemy was already stationed, it became
necessary to use excessive caution in their nearer ap-
proach. They were accidentally thrown into a situation,
the best for annoying and cutting off the retreat of the en-
emy, which could possibly be selected ; and if they
had heard any firing, or had seen any indication of an
engagement, they might have attacked the rear of the
column, and placed the enemy's raw troops, between
their own fire, and that of the fort. They could not ima-
gine what measures were in operation, when an uninter-
rupted silence prevailed between two hostile armies, with-
in fighting distance of each other ; the arrangement for a
surrender, was the last among their surmises, because they
knew that the garrison was superior to any force which
could then be brought against it. Their doubts were re-
lieved by a message from general Hull, to the following
effect : " I have signed articles of capitulation for the
" surrender of this garrison, in which you and your de-
" tachment are prisoners of war. Such part of the Ohio
c< militia as have not joined the army, will be permitted
<; to return to their homes, on condition that they will not
" serve during the war. Their arms, however, will be
" given up, if belonging to the publick." This despatch
was forwarded by colonel M' Arthur, to captain Brush.
The volunteers and militia returned to their respective
homes ; but general Hull, and the fourth regiment, and
part of the first, were taken to Montreal, whence they
23
Were destined for Quebec. General Brork issued his
proclamation, announcing to the inhabitants of Michigan,
the cession of that territory to the arms of his Britannick
Majesty, and establishing regulations for its civil govern-
ment. The capitulation of an immense territory, and
the surrender of the whole north-western army, which
was composed of men, feelingly alive to the honour of
their country, ambitious of distinguishing themselves in
arms, and most of whom had left their families, and their
friends, to encounter the fatigues and dangers of a long
campaign, excited a sensation among the people, from
one extremity of the country to the other, not less indig-
nant, than that which was felt by the troops themselves.
When general Brock said, that the force at his disposal au-
thosised him to require the surrender, he must have had
a very exalted opinion, of the prowess of his own soldiers,
or a very mistaken one, of the ability of those which were
commanded by the American genera'I. The force at his
disposal was inferior to the garrison of Detroit, even in
the absence of the detachments. In a letter to sir George
Provost, he states the American force at two thousand
five hundred — which however could not be correct, as it
had met with losses in the different skirmishes — and
his own at six hundred white troops, and six hundred In-
dians. By the return of his quarter- master general, it
consisted of,
British regulars, infantry and artillery .... 382
Indians, principally Chipaways, Hurons and > fi_ft
Putawatamies
Militia, in regular uniforms 362
Total, 1394
Of these, few of tfie Indians were visible, as they gene-
rally skulked in the woods, and did not advance upon the
fort with the British column. The force of general Hull's
army, by the morning report, was one thousand and six-
ty, exclusive of the detachment of three hundred and
fifty men, and three hundred Michigan militia, then out on
duty, which would have made seventeen hundred and
ten ; superior to the enemy by three hundred and sixteen.
On the arrival of captain Brush from Raisin, his total force
24
would have amounted to more than eighteen hundred and
sixty.
Had the troops remained at Sandwich until the provi<
sions were brought on, the surrender of this force to a body
of troops inferior in quality as well as number, would have
been prevented. The British did not appear at that place
until they had heard of its evacuation, they were induced to
follow up the American army, because of its abrupt depar-
ture from the Canadian shore, and it has been matter of
conjecture, whether general Hull's conduct was the result
of cowardice, mental imbecility and moral depravity, or
corrupt perfidy.' In his official despatches to the govern-
ment he accounted for it by saying, "the surrender of
" Michilimackinac opened the northern hive of Indians,
" and they were swarming down in every direction. Re-
" inforcements from Niagara had arrived at Amhertsburg
" under the command of colonel Proctor. The desertion
" of the militia ceased. Besides the reinforcements that
" came by water I received information of a very con-
*" siderable force under the command of major Chambers,
" on the river Le T;\i;iche: with four field pieces, and col-
" lecting the militia on his route, evidently destined for"
" Ami erstburg, and in addition to this combination and
" inc/case of force, contrary to all expectations the Wy-
" andots, Chippewas and other tribes with whom I had the
* most friendly intercourse at once passed over to Amherst-
" burg and accepted the tom-hawk and scalping knife.
" There being now a vast number of Indians at the British
" post, they were sent to the river Huron, Brownstown, and
" Maguaga, to intercept my communication.
" Under this sudden and unexpected change of things,
*' and having received an express from general Hall com-
" manding opposite the British shore on the Niagara river,
" by which it appeared that there was no prospect of any co-
operation from that quarter, and the two senior officers of
the artillery having stated to me an opinion that it would
be extremely difficult if not impossible to pass the Tur-
key river and the river Aux Canards with 24 pounders,
and that they would not be transported by water, as the
Queen Charlotte, which carries eighteen 24 pounders,
lay in the river Detroit above the mouth of the river Aux
Canards, and as it appeared indispensably necessary to
open the communication to the river Raisin and the
25
" Miami, I found myself compelled to suspend the opera
" tion against Amhertsburg and concentrate the main force
" of the army at Detroit, fully intending at that time after
t: the communication was opened, to re-cross the river
" and pursue the object at Amhertsburg, and strongly de-
" sirous of continuing protection to a very large number of
u the inhabitants of Upper Canada who had voluntarily
u, accepted it under my proclamation ; I established a for-
" tress on the banks of the river a little below Detroit, cal—
" culated for a garrison of 300 men. On the evening of
" the 7th and morning of the 8th instant, the army, except-
" ing the garrison of 250 infantry and a corps of artillerists,
" all under the command of major Denny of the Ohio vo-
" lunteers, re-crossed the river and encamped at Detroit."
But the greater part of the statement, contained in his
despatches, was contradicted by his officers of the highest
grades, and particularly that in which, after describing the
approach of the enemy, he continued —
" It now became necessary either to fight the enemy in
" the field ; collect the whole force in the fort ; or propose
" terms of capitulation. I could not have carried into the
" field more than 600 men, and left any adequare force in
" the fort. There were landed at that time of the enemy
11 a regular force of much more than that number, and
" twice the number of Indians. Considering this great in-
" equality of force, I did not think it expedient to adopt the
" first measure. The second must have been attended
" with a great sacrifice of blood, and no possible advan-
" tage, because the contest could not have been sustained
" more than a day for the want of powder, and but a very
" few days for the want of provisions. In addition to this
" colonels M' Arthur and Cass would have been in a most
" hazardous situation. I feared nothing but the last alter-
" native. I have dared to adopt it. I well know the high
" responsibility of the measure, and I take the whole of it
" on myself."
With this account the government were not satisfied ;
nor was the court-martial before whom, on being exchang-
ed for thirty British prisoners, he was tried.
After an investigation of all the facts, that court declined
making a decision on the charge of treason, which was al-
leged against him, but said that they did not believe, from
any thing which bad come before them, that he had been
2fc
guilty of that act. On the second charge, for cowardice—
and the third, for neglect of duty and unofficeiiike conduct,
f hey condemned him. A sentence of death was passed
upon him, but in consideration of his revolutionary ser-
vices and his advanced age, he was earnestly recommend-
ed to the mercy of the President, who remitted the sen-
tence, but directed a general order to be issued, by which
his name was struck from the rolls of the army.
Could that genius and enterprise, which distinguished
the other officers of the north western army, have been
imparted to its commander, a more glorious issue to the
American arms, must have been the necessary result. The
conduct of the several detachments, and the ample success
of each excursion, gave an almost incontestible proof, that
a vigorous prosecution of the warfare, would have obtained
complete victory. Had the effect of these successes been
followed up by a rapid movement of the army itself, and
proper advantages been taken of the desertions from the
enemy's garrison, the whole country would have been
subjugated, or laid open to future expeditions, and the ob-
iect of the present, would doubtless have been achieved.
Weakness and imbecility, however, supplied the place of
military talent, and the result was different from that, which
«^a= looked to, by the army and the nation.
CHAPTER II.
Disposition of the Naval Forces — Escape of the Constitu-
tion— Letters of Marque and Reprisals — Atlas engages
two armed ships — Essex captures the Alert — Engage-
ment between the Constitution and Guerriere — Pursuit
qftfie Belvidere — An engagement on the St. Lawrence —
Capture of the British Brigs Detroit and Caledonia, on
Lake Erie — Wasp captures the Frolick — Both taken by
the Poictiers — Loss of the U. S. Schooners Nautilus and
Vixen.
COTEMPORANEOUS with the disaster at De
troit, was a succession of brilliant achievements on the
ocean, paralleled perhaps, but never yet surpassed ; the
intelligence of which entirely dispelled the temporary
gloom, which pervaded the minds, and filled with grief,
the hearts of the American people. At the commence-
ment of hostilities, such of the United States vessels of
war, whose equipments were entire, had orders to proceed
immediately to sea. A squadron of three frigates, one
brig, and one sloop of war, sailed on the twenty-first of
June from New-York, in quest of several of the enemy's
frigates, known to be at that time cruising off the entrance
to that harbour. On the third of July, the frigate Essex,
captain Porter, went to sea from the same port ; and the
Constitution, captain Hull, sailed from the Chesapeake
bay on the twelfth. The brigs Nautilus, Viper, and Vixen,
were at the same time cruising off the coast ; and the
sloop of war Wasp was at sea, on her return from France.
On the morning of the 17th, an Englisn squadron, con-
sisting of the Africa? a ship of the line, the frigates
Shannon, Guerriere, Belvidere and Mollis, and a brig and
schooner, the nearest of the frigates being within gun-
shot, gave chase to the Constitution. A calm prevailing
during the whole day, towing and warping were unremit-
tingly resorted to ; but the enemy, by attaching all the
boats of the squadron to two of the frigates, were gaiiLng
so much upon the Constitution, as to bring their bow
guns to bear upon her, though they received several dis-
charges from her stern chasers. The cnase continued all
23
night. On the following morning, (18th) at daylight, the
Constitution, taking advantage of a fresh breeze which
just then sprang up, spread all her canvas, outsailed, and
escaped from her pursuers, and arrived at Boston on the
evening of the 26th — whence she sailed upon a cruise
on the second of August. The chase continued for sixty-
hours ; the ship's crew were all that time at their stations ;
and the escape of the frigate from seven sail, two of
which, were warped up by more than six times the num-
ber of men and boats employed by the Constitution, has
been considered as an incontestible proof, of the superior
skill and seamanship of her commander. The officers
of the pursuing ships, one of whom was afterwards cap-
tured by captain Hull, have spoken of it in terms of the
highest admiration.
Congress having authorized the president to issue let-
ters of marque and reprisals, the ocean was very soon
covered with private armed ships, from almost every port
in the United States. One of the first which sailed, was
the schooner Atlas, commanded by captain David Mof-
fet ; who, on the third of August, fell in with two armed
ships of the enemy, and at eleven A. M. engaged them
both. The action commenced by a broadside of mus-
quetry from the Atlas, and was continued without inter-
mission until noon, when one of the enemy's ships struck
her colours. The whole fire of the Atlas was then
brought against the largest ship, when that which had al-
ready struck, again opened her broadside. A few shot
from the Atlas, however, drove every man from her
decks, and compelled her a second time to yield. At
twenty minutes P. M. the largest ship struck also, and on
taking possession of them, captain Mofifet found them to
be, the ship Pursuit, of 450 tons, sixteen guns, 18's and
9's, and thirty-five men ; and the ship Planter, of twelve
guns, 12 pounders, and fifteen men. During the action,
the Atlas was very much disabled in her rigging, and had
two men killed and five wounded. Among the latter, a
seaman of the name of William Curl, who behaved with
great coolness, and refused to quit his quarters, though he
had received a wound, which afterwards proved to be mor-
tal. The three vessels were making a port, when a British
frigate hove in sight, and recaptured the Planter ; but the
Atlas, and her largest prize, arrived safely in the Delaware.
29
On the thirteenth of August the frigate Essex, which
had now been cruising forty days, fell in with the Brit-
ish sloop of war Alert, captain T. L. P. Laugharne, of
twenty guns, and one hundred and thirty men ; who im-
mediately ran down upon the frigate's weather quarter,
gave three cheers, commenced an action, and after eight
minutes' firing, struck her colours, with seven feet water
in her hold, her hull cut to pieces, and three of her men
wounded. The officers and crew of the Essex, which re-
ceived not the slightest injury, were highly amused at the
boldness of the enemy, who must have calculated on an
easy conquest over the American frigate. A few broad-
sides, however, deliberately fired into the sloop of war,
brought down her colours ; and after concluding an ar-
rangement with captain Laugharne to that effect, captain
Porter dismantled her of her armament, and putting all
his prisoners, being about five hundred, on board, sent
her, under the command of one of his officers, lieutenant
J. P. Wilmer, as a cartel to St. Johns, in Newfoundland j
whence she was instructed to sail for New- York, with
whatever American prisoners might be given in exchange.
About seventeen days after, late in the afternoon of the
30th, captain Porter discovered, and stood, under an easy
sail, for one of the enemy's frigates, which was at the
same time standing for him. The Essex was cleared,
and the crew anxious for an engagement. Being appre-
hensive that the enemy might not find him in the night,
captain Porter hoisted a light at the mast head, and at nine
o'clock discovered a signal of two flashes and a blue
light, at about four miles distance. The Essex stood on,
for the point at which this signal was given, until mid-
night ; but not getting a sight of the enemy, she hove tot
under an expectation that the hostile ship would do the
same, until morning. To the great surprise of captain
Porter, and the mortification of his crew, at daylight the
enemy was not to be seen,
On the fourth of September, in attempting to get into
^New-York, the Essex was intercepted and chased by two
large ships of war, who gained her wake and came up
with great fleetness ; but she escaped from them by ma-
noeuvreing in the night, having first hoisted American
colours, and fired a gun to windward. One of the ships
being considerably to windward of the other, and about
30
five miles astern of the Essex, it was determined to heave
about as soon as it became dark ; and in the event of not-
being able to pass, to fire a broadside into her, and lay
her on board. The wind heading the Essex off, however,
at thirty minutes after eight she bore away, and being
cut off from New- York, effected her escape into the bay
of Delaware, where she arrived on the seventh, without
the loss of a man — having made nine captures in addition
to the Alert. The Alert returned from St. Johns, and ar-
rived at New-York on the sixteenth of September, with
two hundred and seventy American prisoners.
On the 28th August, the Constitution returned to Bos-
ton, from a cruise commenced upon the second of that
month, and signalized by a brilliant and victorious con-
test with a British ship of war, the commander of which
had repeatedly threatened the capture of any one of the
American frigates, whom it might be his fortune to en-
counter. The frigate Guerriere had been sailing off the
coast, for several months previous to the declaration of
war ; and had frequently shewn herself at the entrances
to the different ports, with her name written in large
characters upon a flag at one of her mast heads, and at
another the words " not the Little Belt" — in allusion to
an affair which had taken place between a sloop of war
of that name, and the United States frigate President; in
which the latter ship retorted an assault committed on
her, in time of peace, by discharging two broadsides at,
and nearly sinking the sloop of war.* Captain Hull had
been informed of the appearance of a single ship of war,
to the eastward of the coast, and immediately stood in
that direction. Between the second and the nineteenth of
* On the 16th May, the Little Belt, commanded by captain
Bingham, and mounting 18 guns, was hailed by the President,
to know what ship she was. The captain of the Little Belt re-
peated the question, without answering it ; and commodore
Rodgers again asked, " What ship is that ?" This demand was
followed by a shot from the Little Belt. The President re-
turned it, and received a broadside from her. Commodore
Rodgers then gave a general order to fire ; and having silenced
the other, again inquired what ship she was. He now received
an answer which informed him of the character of the vessel ;
and he lay to, in order to assist her in repairing her damages.
(For a particular account of this affair, se.c Clark's Naval His-
tory of the United States.)
31
August, he made several captures of merchantmen, and
recaptured an American brig, which had been taken by
the Avenger. On that day, in lat. 41 deg. 42 min. N. and
long. 55 deg. 33 min. W.he discovered a large frigate of the
enemy, set all sail in chase, and came up with, and captured
her, after a spirited engagement of forty-five minutes.
She proved to be the frigate Guerriere, of 38 guns, but
carrying 49, and commanded by captain James R. Dacres.
She was discovered at about two P. M. and at four, the
Constitution was closing fast upon her, At ten minutes
past four, the enemy hoisted English colours, and com-
menced the action by firing several guns. The Consti-
tution's fire was reserved, until she could be put in such
a position that every shot should take effect ; and the
sailing-master, Aylwin, brought her so skilfully into action,
that captain Hull's views were completely accomplish-
ed. But the enemy not comprehending them, suspect-
ed the Americans of timidity, or of ignorance in the art
of gunnery, and discharged his broadsides with an assu-
rance of crippling his antagonist, before he might open
his battery. The crew of the Constitution anxiously
awaiting the orders of their commander to fire on the foe,
were themselves filled with surprise at his receiving so
many rounds, without yet returning them. Captain Hull,
at his station however, was with great judgment recon-
noitring the enemy with his glass ; until finding that the
ability and excellent seamanship of his sailing-master,
brought up the ship to the exact station upon the ene-
my's beam, from which he knew he could effectually an-
noy him, he issued his orders to fire broadside after
broadside, with the greatest possible rapidity. His crew
now perfectly entering into a plan, which none but an
able seaman could have conceived, executed his com-
mands with as much alacrity as was required ; and after
fifteen minutes close and constant cannonading, the ene-
my's mizen mast having gone over his starboard quarter,
the Constitution was placed upon his larboard bow, in a
raking position ; from which she swept the decks of the
Guerriere, with grape and musquetry. The enemy's
ship became now unmanageable, and the Constitution
prepared to lay her on board. Lieutenant Bush attempt-
ed to throw his marines on her dcrk. when he was killed
by a niusquet ball j and the Guerriere, at the same mo-
ftD
32
-meat, getting clear of the Constitution, shot ahead ; but
it being impossible to get her before the wind, she was
exposed to every raking fire of her opponent. Her fore
and main masts went over the side ; her hull was cut al-
most to pieces ; and at twenty minutes past five, she sur-
rendered. The execution of the Constitution's fire was
dreadfully severe ; and the management of the vessel re-
flected great credit on her officer. Her loss was but sev-
en killed, and seven wounded. The Guerriere's loss was
about 102 — in wounded 62, in killed and missing up-
wards of 40.
The Constitution had some spars, and much of her rig-
ging, shot away ; after repairing which, and getting out the
prisoners, she set fire to, and blew up the Guerriere, which
was in so sinking a condition that she could not be brought
Into port. Captain Huli spoke in high terms of the crew,
from the smallest boy in the ship to the oldest seaman.
The officers behaved with great gallantry. The brave
and amiable lieutenant William Bush, the first naval offi-
cer who fell in this war, distinguished himself by intrepidly
leading or> the boarders, when he received the ball which
deprived his country of his services. Mr. Aylwin, who
manoeuvred the ship so well throughout the battle, was
severely wounded ; and on his return to port, was pro*
moted to the rank of a lieutenant. The first officer, lieu-
tenant Morris, was dangerously wounded : his conduct
procured for him the applause of the government, and a
promotion to the rank of a post captain. Captain Hull
was received with a degree of joy bordering on enthusi-
asm, by the citizens of every town through which he
passed, on his way to the Navy Department. Many of'
the state legislatures voted him their thanks and a sword ;
the freedom of several cities was presented to him, eacflL
in a gold box ; and the people of Charlestown and Phila-
delphia subscribed for the purchase of two elegant pieces of
plate. The congress of the United States voted him, and
his officers and crew, their thanks — and the sum of fifty-
thousand dollars.
The Guerriere, was one of the finest, and largest clas3
of frigates in the British navy ; a fact which is certified in
a letter to lord Keith from a British officer, captain Thomas
Lavie, of the frigate Blanche — in which ship, on the 1 9th
of July, 1806, off the Faro Islands, after a contest of the
33
same length (45 minutes) he captured the French frigate
Le Gueniere, commanded by Monsieur Hubert of the le-
gion of honor. His letter states, " Le Guerriere is of the
largest class of frigates, mounting fifty guns, with acorn-
pletnent of 317 wra."
The squadron which had sailed on the 21st June, under
the command of commodore Rodgers, and which con-
sisted of the President, of 44 guns, (flag ship) United
States, 44, captain Decatur ; Congress, 36, captain John
Smith ; Hornet, 16, lieutenant commandant Lawrence ;
and Argus, 16, lieutenant commandant Sinclair ; return-
ed from the cruise, and arrived in Boston harbour on the
31st August, with about 120 English prisoners on board;
having been out seventy-two days. These vessels had
been off the English channel, along the coast of France,
Spain, and Portugal, within 30 miles of the Rock ©f Lis-
bon ; thence to Madeira Island ; thence offCoro and Flores ;
and thence back to the Banks, and by Nova Scotia to
Boston. They were, most of this time, in search of the
Jamaica fleet ; though on the third day out, their attention
was diverted, by the appearance of a large sail, which
was afterwards known to be the British frigate Belvidere,
captain B. Byron, and to which they gave chase. The
President being a superior sailer to the rest of the squad-
ron, was brought within gun shot of the enemy. The
breeze inclining to the westward and becoming lighter,
however, the Belvidere had the advantage ; at 1 P. M,
she hoisted English colours. At four, the wind having
changed, so that the two vessels sailed nearly alike, com-
modore Rodgers determined to fire his bow chase guns at
the rigging and spars, in the expectation of crippling the
enemy, so that her escape would be prevented, or at least
that the President might be enabled to come up. The
fire was returned from the enemy's stern guns, and was
kept up on both sides until thirty minutes past four, when
one of the President's chase guns burster, killed and
wounded sixteen men — among the latter the commodore ;
and by the explosion of the passing-box, from which the
gun was served with powder, both the main and forecas-
tle decks in its neighborhood were much shattered. The
helm was then put to starboard, and the discharge of the
President's broadside, wounded, and considerabljr injured,,,
though it did not destroy, the spars and rigging of the Be!-
34 ^
videre. The President began now to lose ground, no
hope was left of bringing the enemy to close action, except
that derived from being to windward, and the probability
that the breeze might favour the President first, and the
commodore ordered her to be steered close after him, and
the bow chase guns to be kept playing on his spars, rig-
ging and stern. At five, the enemy's stern guns annoyed
the President so much, that the commodore determined
on another broadside, which being discharged, was found
to have wounded the fore topsail yard of the Belvidere: af-
ter this, the pursuii was kept up until 1 1 P. M. The Pre-
sident gave two more broadsides, but the Belvidere having
stove and threw overboard her boats, and every thing
which could be possibly spared ; and having cut away her
anchors and started about fourteen tons of water, outsailed
the squadron and effected her escape. Six men were kil-
led and wounded by the Belvidere's fire, and sixteen by the
accident on board the President, making in all twenty two,
among whom, beside the commodore, were five midship-
men, one lieutenant of marines, and one lieutenant of the
ship.
While these events were transpiring on the ocean,
several naval affairs took place upon the lakes, more
inferior in their magnitude, than in the heroism of the
persons concerned in them. On the 30th of July, the brig
Julia of one 32 pounder, and two 6's, was fitted out at
Sacketts Harbour, with orders to proceed to Ogdensburg.
On the 31st, upon entering the St. Lawrence, within sight
of Brockviile, ten miles from her destination, she disco-
vered the Earl Moira of 18 guns, and the Duke of Glouces-
ter of 10, lying to. The Julia bore down within three
quarters of a mile of them, and came to action. At half
past 4 P. M. the enemy opened 'heir fire, and the engage-
ment continued three hours and an half, during which time,
numerous attempts were made to board the Julia, by the
boats of the Duke, but the 32 pounder being well fought,
the enemy were obliged to relinquish that plan. Both
vessels hauled up under the land battery, and kept up a
heavy fire. At 8 o'clock, the Julia proceeded to Ogdens-
burg, without the loss of a man. The enemy's loss has
never been ascertained. In all the engagement, three
shot only struck the hull; one went through the jib, and
another pierced the gun carriage of the Julia. Her crew
were all volunteers; lieutenant H, Wells having the com-
35
mand, Samuel Dixon being sailing master, and captain
Benedict being on board with a small company of rifle-
men, acting as marines.
Lieutenant Jesse D. Elliot, of the United States navy>
had been ordered to the Niagara River, to superintend the
building of the vessels at Black Rock, for the service on
Lake Erie. The British brig Detroit of six 6 pound
long guns, formerly the United States brig Adams, which;
had been taken at the surrender of Detroit, and the brig
Caledonia, of two small guns, both well appointed and sup-
plied with blunderbusses, pistols, muskets, cutlasses,
boarding pikes and battle axes, came down the lake and an-
chored under the protection of Fort Erie, on the morning
of the eighth of October. Lieutenant Elliot planned an
expedition against them, which, because there were but
few seamen at the station, was to be executed by volun-
teers from the army. This plan was communicated to
general Smyth, who immediately agreed to supply the re-
gulars, to man two boats to attack and cut out the enemy's
ressels. Several companies of artillery and infantry, who
arrived at the rock only a few days before, on hearing the
proposal for volunteers, slept forward to a man, and such
was the eagerness of all the troops, that it became neces-
sary to resort to lot. Fifty men only were wanted : lieu-
tenant Elliot having heard that the same number of sea-
men were at a short distance from him, on their route to
the naval station, and who arrived at 12 o'clock on the
morning of that day, and whom, though they came off a
march of five hundred miles, he determined should be al-
so of the expedition. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the
selection was completed, and the men stationed in two
boats, (fifty in each) commanded by lieutenant Elliot, and
sailing master Watts. In the same boat with the former,
was lieutenant Isaac Roach, and with the latter, captain
N. Towson -r both of the artillery, and officers of great me-
rit, who had been fortunate enough to draw the successful
lots. About three hours before day-light of the following
morning, the boats put off from the mouth of Buffaloe
Creek, and in two hours were alongside the vessels.
In ten minutes the crews of each were secured, the top-
sails sheeted home, and the vessels under way. The
wind not being sufficiently strong to get them up against
a rapid current into the lake, they were obliged to rua
35
down the Niagara, by the forts, under a strong fire of
round, grape, and cannister, from a number of pieces of
heavy ordnance and flying artillery. They anchored
within four hundred yards of the enemy's battery. The
officer commanding tiiese was hailed, and informed, that
if another gun was fired, the prisoners should be brought
on deck and share the fate which might attend the Ame-
rican crew. This threat was disregarded, but the huma-
nity of the American officers prevented them from execu-
ting it, though a constant and destructive fire was kept up
from the enemy. The Caledonia succeeded in getting
under the batteries of Black Rock ; but the Detroit could
not be got across. All her guns were therefore placed
upon the side next the enemy, and a fire directed against
the batteries, as long as the ammunition lasted. During
the contest, several attempts to warp her over to the
American shore, were unsuccessfully made. The fire
from the batteries was so destructive, that lieutenaut El-
Siot, expecting that she would soon be sunk if she remain-
ed in that situation, determined to drift down the river out
of their reach, and prefer making a stand against the flying
artillery. The cable was accordingly cut, and the Detroit
made sail with light airs, but the pilot having abandoned
her, she brought up on the American shore, on Squaw Is-
land. The boarding boat was immediately got ready and
sent with the prisoners to the American side of the river,
with directions to return for lieutenant Elliot, and what-
ever property could be got out of the brig; the boat how-
ever could not get back to her. Lieutenant Elliot was,
therefore, obliged, with lieutenant Roach and four prison-
ers, to make the shore in a skiff, which they discovered
under the counter. Protection was then asked for the
brig from lieutenant colonel Scott, of the second regiment
of artillery, who immediately despatched a company of
that corps, under captain J. N. Barker, with a few pieces,
to be stationed opposite the island. A boat from the Bri-
tish shore approached the brig with forty men, who suc-
ceeded in getting on board, but the fire of four pieces of
artillery, st>on compelled them to abandon her, and she
was left in such a condition that it would be impossible to
float her. Captain Chambers, and part of the fifth United
States regiment, afterwards crossed to Squaw Island and
burnt her3 with her valuable cargo of furs. The Calecto-
37
ilia's cargo was estimated at 200,000 dollars, In all these
proceedings, the American loss was three killed- three se-
verely, and four or five slightly wounded. Major Cuyler
an officer of great bravery, was killed by the first shot
from the enemies batteries, as he stood on the beach; and
midshipman John C. Cummings was wounded in the leg
by a bayonet, as he was boarding the Detroit. The regu-
lars were unused to this species of service, but they had
entered into it with zeal and alacrity, and their conduct
was such, as entitled them to the approbation which they
received from their officers. Captain Towson and lieu-
tenant Roach were actively engaged during the whole en-
terpnze, and contributed to its success—as much by their
counsel, as by their intrepidity. Captain Talbot Chambers,
(now major) it was, who destroyed the brig on the island.
Tue artillery which was stationed on the shore, when the
Detroit was abandoned by the crew, was served with *kili
and dexterity. The loss of the enemy, by the deserted
report, was about seventy.
The United States sloop of war the Wasp, havine re-
turned from France, and refitted, put to sea again from the
Delaware, on the 13th October on a cruise. On the 17th
she discovered five sail steering eastward, and as several
of them had the appearance of ships of war, she was placed
in such a situation that she might escape from, or assail
them, as circumstances might require. Keeping in the
course she had descried them, on the following morniro-
at day-light, they were seen ahead, and on being made out
to be a convoy of six sail, under convoy of a sloop of war,
the Wasp gave them immediate chase. The convoy un-
der a heavy press of sail, all made their escape and left
the sloop of war to contend with the Wasp; though four of
them were heavy ships, and mounted 16 and 18 suns
The weather was extremely boisterous, and the sea so
rough, that the Wasp's guns had been already several
times under water, she nevertheless, prepared for action
and at 32 minutes past 11, came down to windward £
handsome style, on the larboard side of the sloop of war
and hailed her within about sixty yards. She was the
British sloop the Frolic, captain Whinyeates, of 22 -uns
and at his moment shewed Spanish colours, but upon be-
ing hailed she immediately hauled them down, hoisted
Ue English ensign and commenced a fire of camion and
3S
tnusquetry. The action becoming close, the Wasp receiv-
ed a shot which took away her main topmast, threw it over
the fore and fore mainsail braces and made her head yards
unmanageable during the remainder of the action. She
was soon after wounded in her gaff and mizen top gallant-
sail, but kept up, notwithstanding, a close and galling fire
as her side was going down with the swell of the sea, and
every shot consequently struck the Frolic's hull. The En-
glish, as they almost invariably do, fired as their ship was
rising, and therefore, either missed their aim, or struck
only the rigging of the Wasp. The Wasp shot ahead,
gave a well directed broadside, took station on the lar-
board bow of the Frolic, and gradually neared her, until
she lay her on board, although while loading another, and
the last broadside, the rammers of the guns struck the
side of the enemy's vessel. The Frolic had long before
slackened her fire, and her jibboom having now entered
between the main and mizen rigging of the Wasp, two of
the latter's guns were brought through her bow ports, and
swept her whole deck. The boarders were immediately
called, and such was the anxiety of every man to be the
first upon her deck, that several of them were pulled down
upon their own ship from the bowsprit of the Frolic.
Lieutenant Biddle, who was a supernumerary officer of
the Wasp, had mounted the hammock cloth to board, but
his feet getting entangled in the rigging of the Frolic's
"bowsprit, midshipman J. C. Baker, in his enthusiastic ar-
dour, caught the lieutenant by his coat, drew him back
upon the Wasp's deck, and was himself the first officer
on that of the enemy. Lieutenant Biddle, however, im-
mediately sprung up, ascended the Frolic's bowsprit, and
upon getting on her deck found not a single man alive,
except a seaman at the wheel and three officers, who
threw down their sword? and yielded. The Frolic's
colours were still fiying, and lieutenant Biddle jumping
into the rigging, pulled down the English ensign himself,
Her birth deck, was crowded with dead and wounded, and
her main deck, slippery with blood ; her loss could not be
accurately ascertained, as many of the dead had been
swept into the sea by the falling of her rigging, and others
were buried under the spars which had fallen on the deck;
but by the declaration of her own officers it could not be
iess than 30 killed and aiaout 50 wounded. The Wasp
39
lost 5 killed and 5 wounded. Lieutenant Biddle was put
on board the Frolic with a prize crew, with orders to make
a southern port ; but the approach of a British ship of the
line, the Poictiers, sir J. P. Berresford, of 74 guns, made
it necessary for both ships to make sail for the most con-
venient. The Frolic was so much damaged, and the
Wasp so disabled in her rigging, that the enemy closed
upon them fast, fired a shot over and passed the Frolic,
pursued the Wasp, and made capture of both, and order-
ed them to Bermuda.
Thus terminated a spirited and brilliant contest, of 43
minutes, in the capture of an enemy's vessel, four guns su-
perior at least, to her antagonist. The conduct of the
American officers and seamen, shewed that they were not
to be surpassed in promptitude or courage ; to that of lieu-
tenant Biddle, and lieutenant Rodgers, first of the ship, and
every other commissioned and warrant officer on board,
captain Jones has given official testimony.
A seaman, of the name of Jack Lang, gave a very ex-
traordinary instance of bravery and eccentricity, by mount-
ing the enemy's bowsprit before any of his brother sailors
had attempted to do so, though called back by his com-
mander, and by the jocose manner in which he descended
from it to the deck of the Frolic, with many humourous
expressions, peculiar to his profession. Lieutenant Booth
and Mr. Rapp, and midshipmen Gaunt and Baker, the lat-
ter of whom died in Bermuda, behaved with great person-
al bravery. Lieutenant Claxton, who was confined by
sickness, left his bed, went upon deck, and noted the in-
cidents of the engagement with great composure.
When captain Jones returned from Bermuda, he re-
ceived from his countrymen as many flattering testimonials
of their approbation, as they had previously given to cap-
tain Hull. The legislatures of Massachusetts, New York,
and Delaware, of which latter state he was a native, present-
ed him with their thanks, and several elegant swords and
'pieces of plate. The order of Cincinnati admitted him into
the society, as an honorary member, as they had captain
Hull; and the congress of the United States voted him,
his officers, and crew, 25,000 dollars, in consideration of
the loss they met with, by not being able to bring in the
Frolic,
E
40
The next naval action took place on the 25th of Octo-
ber, and terminated. in the victory of the United States*
frigate the United States, over the British frigate the Ma-
cedonian, the command of which, upon her being brought
into port, refitted and taken into the service, was given to
lieutenant commandant Jones, who, as a. further .testimony
of the high opinion which the executive entertained of his
gallant conduct in the capture of the Frolic, was now pro-
moted to the rank of post captain. The events of that en-
gagement, in the order of succession, should have been
recorded in the present chapter. They will be found,
.however, in another naval section of this work.
Though the enemy gained no advantages over our forces
on the ocean, which could counter-balance the disasters
he sustained, by these successive triumphs of the American
arms, his superior class of ships made capture of several
oi our smaller vessels of war. The squadron which had
pursued the Constitution on the 13th of July, captured a
day or two after, the United States' schooner Nautilus, of
12 guns, commanded by lieutenant commandant Crane:
and on the 22d of November, the United States' schooner
Vixen, lieutenant commandant George Washington Reed,
of the same number of guns, was captured, after a chase of
nine hours and an half, by the British frigate Southampton,
sir James Lucas Yeo. Though the Vixen was command-
ed by a skilful and scientific seaman, and manned by as
gallant a crew as any other American vessel, every effort
to escape was found to be fruitless, and she was at length
surrendered to a ship, as much superior in sailing as in
force. She had not long been captive to the enemy, be-
fore both vessels ran ashore^ and were immediately wreck-
ed. The frigates' crew became mutinous from intoxica-
tion, and the property which was saved from both wrecks,
was retrieved by the generous and indefatigable exertions
of the American sailors. Captain Reed, himself, was as ac-
tually engaged in the direction and encouragement of the
men, as any of the British officers, and he received the pub-
lic acknowledgments of Sir James, accompanied by an of-
fer of his parole to return home. But such were the noble
sentiments by which he was ever actuated, that he would
n t leave his officers and men, and prefering to remain
■with them In an unhealthy climate, to which they were
. Len, he became a victim to an obstinate fever, brought
41
on by the anxieties and fatigue?, to which, by his unpleasant
situation, and his unremitting attention to the comforts of
his men, he was necessarily exposed. His interment was
attended by the British officers, and a detachment from the
garrison, and his funeral obsequies were accompanied by
those honors due to his rank which are seldom withheld
from a brave enemy.
A splendid triumph seldom fails to excite the general
joy, and to call forth the universal admiration of the peo-
ple. The rapid succession, in which the naval conquests
followed each other — the superiority of seamanship- ami
gunnery, winch was exhibited in each, and the fact being
now well ascertained, that the inexperienced crews of the
American navy, could not only sustain a conflict with,
but might actually capture, the veteran seamen of the ene-
my, whenever chance should bring them together, upon
equal terms ; the attention of congress was turned to the
marine establishment, and the majority of the nation
were desirous that measures should be immediately &
dopted for its enlargement,
CHAPTER in.
Hostilities of the Creek Indians — Fight near Davis' Creek
Battle of the Lotchway town.
INTELLIGENCE of the recent misfortune of the
northwestern army, of the assault upon the troops from fort
Chicago, and of the advantages which were consequently
expected to follow those events, having been communi-
cated by early despatches from the tribes on the northern,
to those of the Creek nation on the southern frontiers; fears
were entertained that the result of a council of the chiefs
of that nation, which was to be held on the 22d of Octo-
ber, would be unfavourable to the interests of that depart-
ment of the union, and that a coalition would be formed
between the Indians of the two extremities, which might
require all the energies of the government to suppress. — -
To this council of the Creeks, their neighbours, the
Choctaws, the Chickasaws, and the Cherokees, were
invited, and if the deliberations of such a convention^
should be influenced by the elation evidently produced by
the late successes of their northern Red brothers, the whole
frontier from Tennessee to the bay of Mobile, and all the
settlements between Georgia and the Mississippi, and Ten-
nessee and Florida, would be subject to their depredations.
The Siminoles, a tribe attached to the Creek nation, were
already at war with the white people on the borders of
East Florida, and had murdered several citizens on the
Georgia side of the St. Marys. The same hatchet which
is raised by one of a chain of tribes, linked together by
common or confederated interests, is generally grasped by
all. The Creeks were not dilatory in following an exam-
ple, which they at first pretended to restrain, and their out-
rages surpassed those of any of the northern nations.
The British availing themselves of one of the best har-
bors in the Gulf of Mexico, sent several of their vessels
loaded with the implements of war* to Pensacola. The
43
commandant at St. Marks, a small Spanish settlement be-
tween East and West Florida, informed the chiefs that the
English would soon be there with guns, knives, hatchets,
and ammunition, for the Red People, whom they consi-
dered to be their friends. These were put into the hands
of the Indians, and they commenced their hostilities against
all the defenceless inhabitants of Tennessee and Georgia,
The presence of an army became now necessary in the
south, and the states there, were authorized to call forth as
many of the militia, as, in conjunction with the regulars.,
might be thought competent to quell the associated tribes,
The Indians of the Creek nation, are not subject to any
kind of restraint in war, they will neither give nor receive
quarters, and pursue no other mode but that which leads
to entire extermination. The force necessary to combat
such an enemy, must therefore be extensive, and the
executives of the different states, made every exertion^
to arm, and equip the whole quota of the militia,
The Seminoles had been committing depredations of
the most daring nature, before they had any intelligence
from their northern friends ; and uniting to their forces a
number of negroes whom they had captured at Florida,
they made frequent incursions fnto the state of Georgia,
murdered many inhabitants, and carried off much valua-
ble plunder. On the night of the 11th of September,
about twenty American troops, principally marines, under
command of captain Williams, of that corps, were march-
ing with two waggons towards Davis's Creek. When
within ten miles of their destination, they were attacked
by a party of Indians and negroes, of about fifty in num-
ber, with whom they contended until every cartridge
was expended, Captain Williams, in the course of that
time, received eight wounds, and was carried off, by two
of his men, leaving captain Fort, of the volunteers, to
command the troops, and to keep up the contest ; but he
being also wounded, and finding the strength of the party
to be diminishing, retired in the best manner he could,
and left the Indians in possession of the waggons, and
teams. The night was excessively dark, and several of
the men, who were wounded, had concealed themselves
in the bushes. On the following morning a detachment
was sent from a block-house a few miles off, to< which
some of the men had escaped, to examine the gromnl,-
44
They found captain Williams, with his right leg and left
arm broken, his left leg shot through with one, and his right
arm with three balls, and a wound through the lower part
of his body. One man was killed and scalped, and the
whole number of wounded was six. The Indians de-
stroyed one waggon, but took the other to carry off their
dead and wounded — of whom the number was much
greater than that of the marines. Captain Williams lan-
guished for three or four days, and expired at Davis's
Creek. He was a brave young man, and noted for his
sedulous attention to the duties of his station.
On the 24th of the same month, colonel Newnan, of
the Georgia Volunteers, left Picollata, with about 117
men, for the Lotehway towns. On his third day's
march, when within seven miles of the first of those
towns, he was met by a body of about one hundred and
fifty Indians, all of whom were mounted. This meeting
wTas very unexpected to the Indians ; but they immedi-
ately dismounted, formed a line of battle, and marched
a few paces, in advance. This movement was intended to
intimidate the Georgians; but colonel Newnan gave orders
for the charge, and determined to put an end to the en-
counter, by entirely subduing the Indians, or putting them
4o flight. The battle ground was situated midst a num-
ber of swamps, which bounded three of its sides. The
Indians remained firm until the Georgians had advanced
within fifty paces of their line, when they fled to these
twamps for safety. The whole of the musquetry being
fired at them, with precision, made great execution, and
among others, killed their leader, King Paine. His tribe,
«n hearing of his fall, were resolved, on rescuing his
body from the enemy ; and returned to the action for
that purpose. Several charges were now made, and the
Indians were constantly driven back, until at length, they
determined on one desperate effort, and recovering all
their strength and spirits, they made a push against the
Georgians, which, though it was received with firmness,
could not be resisted with much vigor. The Indians,
obtained the body of King Paine, gave up the conflict,
which had now lasted upwards of four hours, and carried
Dff their killed and wounded, supposed to be between
twenty and thirty.
Sefore night of tlje saiQe day, tbe Xadiajus were rejai-
«5
forced from their towns, by other Indians and negroe s
and renewed and kept up the action, with the greatest ob
stiuacy, until they began to think the volunteers invinci
ble, and again fled. Their force in the second attack was
upwards of two hundred, but they were repulsed with
nearly the same loss as in the first ; whilst the volunteers'
loss, in both, was but one killed and nine wounded.
Colonel Newnan's situation was becoming extremely
hazardous ; the enemy rs numbers were hourly increas-
ing, and they began to surround him on all sides : he
therefore threw up a small breastwork, from which he was
determined to defend himself until his troops should be
reinforced also. He had already despatched expresses,
to procure additional numbers. His wounded men ren-
dered him unable to retreat, or to advance ; and he re-
pelled every assault which was made upon this little
work, until the 4th day of October. The Indians were
continually harassing him, day and night ; and finding
they could make no impression on his fortification, they
glutted their insatiable vengeance, by shooting all his
horses. On the 4th, a perfect silence prevailed within
Colonel Newnan's camp, and the Indians suspected from
that, and the circumstance of their fire not having been
returned the day preceding, that he had deserted it in the
night. Under this assurance, they approached the works,
without any thought of opposition, until they were within
forty paces of them, when the Georgian troops suddenly
showed themselves, compelled the Indians to retreat with
precipitation, and after several rapid discharges of mus-
qnetry, killed and wounded about thirty warriors more.
They then decamped, without being molested, and were
stationed about ten miles off, on the Picolatta road, where
they were obliged to await the arrival of fresh horses and
provisions. Colonel Newnan's account of this affair,
bestows a high degree of credit upon every volunteer of
his detachment ; and their intrepid conduct, as well as his
judicious arrangements, served to give a check to the
combined red and black warriors, which promised secu-
rity to the neighbourhood at least, until larger forces
should be organized. Besides the loss of King Paine,
the Indians had three of the principal chiefs and their
young governor slain ; and Bow-legs, their second m
command; severely wounded,
CHAPTER IV*
Organization of the North-Western Army— Its disposi-
tion— Command given to General Harrison — Defence
of Fort Harrison — Siege of Fort Wayne — Expedition
against the Indian towns.
IMMEDIATELY after the surrender of the garrisons
at Michilimackinae, Chicago, and Detroit, measures were
adopted for the organization and equipment of a new ar-
my. An offer had been made to receive volunteers into
the service, from the states and territories in the neigh-
bourhood of Michigan ; and they came forward with an
alacrity which made it unnecessary to hold out allure-
ments. The recovery of the surrendered territory, and
the re-establishment of its former civil government, were
the strong motives, which induced all the brave, and patri-
otic men, in its vicinity, to take up arms, and march
against the invaders. The inhabitants of that territory,
were now governed by an authority too rigorous to be
eompatible with those notions of liberty inspired by the ge-
nius of their own constitution, and they were awaiting the
expected succour from their friends, with the deepest
anxiety.
The new army was ill readiness almost instantly, the
different corps concentrated with unprecedented celerity^
and by the early part of September, their disposition was
completed. Two thousand Pennsylvania volunteers, un-
der brigadier general Crooks, left Pittsburg for the shores
of lake Erie ; general ^upper's brigade of Ohio volun-
teers, was to retrace the road which had been formed by
the first army, from Urbanna to the Rapids ; and a bri-
gade of Virginians, when they should arrive, under ge-
neral Leftwhich, was to pursue the same route. General
Payne's brigade of Kentucky volunteers, the first of the
present army which was in readiness, and the 17th Uni-
ted States regiment, unde? colonel Weils, were to pro-
47
ceed to fort Wayne, and descend to the Rapids of the
Miami of the lakes, which place was assigned for the ge-
neral rendezvous.
The command of the second north-western army was
given, by the unanimous wishes of the troops composing
it, to general W. H. Harrison ; the immediate command
of the Kentucky troops under general Payne, devolved
on him, by his being brevetted a major general by the go-
Yernor of that state.
Forts Harrison and Wayne were at this time garrisoned
only by a few regulars and volunteers ; numerous British
and Indian forces, had already marched from Maiden, to
lay waste the Ohio frontier, and the latter post would
naturally be their leading point. General Harrison there-
fore immediately marched to its relief, with Payne's
brigade and the regulars.
The former post (fort Harrison) was invested on the
third of September, by the Prophet's party from the
Wabash. On the night of the fourth, they set fire to
one of the block-houses, containing the contractor's pro-
perty, and followed up that act, by a resolute attack upon
the fort. The garrison was commanded by captain Z.
Taylor, of the 7th U. S. infantry, and consisted of only 18
effective men. The flames were raging — the Indians, about
300 in number, were howling in their usual horrid man-
ner, and the women and children of the barracks, were
crying for protection which they did not expect to re-
ceive. When the block-house should be entirely con-
sumed, a large entrance would be open to the enemy ;
no efforts had yet succeeded to extinguish the fire ; its
ascendency baffled every attempt— and the men them-
selves began to despond. Two of the stoutest jumped
over the pickets, with a hope of escaping in the dark i
but one of them was cut to pieces, and scalped, and the
other returned with his arm broken, and implored to be
re-admitted into the fort. Under these discouraging cir-
cumstances, captain Taylor never suffered his presence
of mind to forsake him ; and applying the only resource
now left him, he ordered a small party to dislodge the
roof of the house, so that it might fall in the space, whilst
a few men in another house were to keep up a continual
fire upon the Indians. His plan succeeded — the men be
came confident in their exertions, and a breast-work wa?
48
formed under a heavy shower of bullets, along the cavity
which the destruction of the block-house produced. A
desperate defence was now made, and a constant and
rapid fire kept up until Fix o'clock in the morning of the
5th. Several furious assaults had been repulsed ; and
the Indians, at the approach of day, judging the number
of the garrison to be greater than it actually was, retired
with a quantity of captured cattle, after having shot all
the horses belonging to the fort. Doctor Clarke was the
most indefatigable man in the engagement, and captain
Taylor's good conduct was so highly applauded, that the
president soon after promoted him to a majority. Two
men only were killed, with the exception of the deserter,
and one wounded. The Indians always carry off their
dead, unless their numbers are too small ; and their loss
is seldom without great difficulty ascertained. All the
provisions were consumed by the fire, and the garrison
compelled to subsist on green corn, until reinforcements
should come on with supplies. The little band, which
was now reduced to fourteen men, repaired the damages
sustained by the fort, and constructed a strong fortification
across the space. The bastions were all put in the best
state of defence, and every precaution adopted to sustain
a second assault. To the great joy of the garrison,
however, colonel William Russell arrived about the 1 6th,
from Illinois, with six hundred mounted rangers, and five
hundred infantry ; and fort Harrison became sufficiently
manned to resist the attack of a much larger body of
the Prophet's warriours.
The situation of fort Wayne was now more critical, than
that of any other fortress in the west. The Indians, who
jhad proceeded from the battle ground of Chicago, were
afterwards reinforced by those from Maiden, and they laid
siege to this fortress in very large numbers. The troops
in garrison, amounted to seventy. On the night of the 5th
of September, the Indians commenced an attack; they fired
principally upon the sentinels, but did no injury. On the
6th, several of the men went out of the south gate of the
fort, but had not proceeded more than seventy paces,
when two of them were killed, and by the exertions of their
companions, their bodies were carried into the fort, to pro-
tect them against savage indignities. During the night, .
another attack was made by the whole force of the Indians/
49
and when they approached the fort, it was confidently ex-
pected that they would scale the works, but the incessant
fire of the garrison, compelled them to abandon their de-
signs. What they could not do by force, they then at-
tempted by stratagem. Resort was had to all kinds of
artifice, and they at length brought up two wooden pieces,
which they had contrived in imitation of cannon, to per-
suade the garrison, that the British had supplied them with
battering pieces, to reduce the place. These were brought
up, and one of their chiefs threatened to batter down the
walls, unless the troops would immediately capitulate ; or
to storm them on the following day, when they would be
reinforced by seven hundred other warriors. In three
days they menaced an entire massacre, but the troops in
fort Wayne, still hoping that it would be relieved by the
arrival of the expected volunteers, resolved to hold out,
until every article of provision should be exhausted. No
other attempts were made upon the fort, until the 9th,
When a firing was commenced and continued at intervals
all day, but without doing any damage. On the succeed-
ing day, they began their war whoop, renewed their fire,
and were again unsuccessful. Not a man was killed in
any of their attacks, the only wounds which they inflicted,
being upon those who ventured without the fort. On the
evening of the 12th, general Harrison's forces reached the
garrison, and the whole Indian body precipitately fled.
The depredations which they had committed about the
fort, were as inhuman, as they were extensive. All the stock
upon the neighbouring farms was destroyed; the corn, all
the small grain and every house burned; and all the horses
and cattle killed. The Indian agent, Stephen Johnson,
was murdered, and his body treated with shocking inde-
cency: and, indeed, the commission of no act, indicative
of savage vengeance, was omitted. The approach of the
regulars and volunteers, prevented, perhaps, the destruc-
tion of the fields at a greater distance, and secured a sup-
ply of Indian corn for the garrison. But the great augmen*
tation of the troops, made it necessary to obtain supplies
of other provisions, from the towns of those tribes, which
had been so active in destroying what the farms might
have afforded. It was now high time, too, to make the
;Indians feel those effects of the war, which their repeated
cruelties had provoked ; and to convince them, that the
50
American troops were not quite so contemptible ami de«
.graded, as the Indians implied them to be, from the sur-
render of the late commander in chief, on the same station.
General Harrison, therefore, divided his forces into scout-
ing parties, under command of his most active officers.
Several expeditions were forwarded against the Indian
settlements, and some expectations entertained, that they
might be drawn into battle. But they did not betray the
same willingness to combat these corps, which they had
heretofore shewn to encounter others. The Kentuckians
were held in great dread, by most of the Indian warriors,
and the expression of" Kentucky too muchj' has not un*
frequently accompanied their orders to retreat, in the form
of justification. On the 14th, general Harrison despatched
colonel Wells, with his own and colonel Scott's regiments.,
and two hundred mounted riflemen, with instructions to
proceed up the river St. Joseph, which, with the St. Ma-
ry's, forms the Miami of the lakes, and to destroy the Po-
tawatomie towns at Elk Hart. Another detachment, con-
sisting of colonels Allen and Lewis' regiments, and captain
Garrard's troop, under command of general Payne, but
which the commander in chief accompanied, proceeded,
on the same day, to the destruction of the Miami towns,
on the forks of the Wabash. The object of each expe-
dition was accomplished without opposition, the Indians
of those tribes having abandoned their villages, and the
clifferent detachments returned to the fort on the 1 8th.
Several Indian tribes, who constantly resisted the soli-
citations of the enemy to join their standard, had before
this time expressed their desires of being taken into the
service of the United States ; arrangements having been
made between general Harrison and the executive go-
vernment, which authorised him to employ them, he had
accepted the services of Logan, a chief of reputation as
a warriour, and was accompanied by him on his march
towards fort Wayne. On the arrival of the troops at that
place, Logan went forward with about seven hundred
men, raised an Indian yell, and pursued the retreating
tribes. This signal was answered by them, at the dis-
tance of only one hundred and fifty yards ; but the inter-
vention of the river, and several other obstacles, pre-
%rented the pursuit being attended with effect.
51
General Winchester, of the United States army, arrived
at fort Wayne, immediately after the expedition against
the Indian villages, and the command of the detachments
under general Payne and colonel Wells, was resigned to
him, in obedience to the orders of the war department.
The volunteers, who had centred all their affections in the
person of the commander of their choice, were not satis-
fied with this change, until general Harrison reminded
them of the revolutionary services of his successor, and
communicated to them the instructions from the depart-
ment, confirming him in the command of all the troops,
but those which were assigned to general Winchester.
The strength of this army was continually augmenting.
Volunteer associations, to a greater number than it was
politic to receive into the service, were formed, equipped,
and ready to march against the enemy in the same day,
and a selection was made from among them, of such a
force as was at that time required, in conjunction with the
troops which had already marched, to make the army com-
plete. But such was the patriotic impetuosity of the wes-
tern people, that many of the corps who were not fortunate
enough to be received, immediately provided themselves
at their own expense, and insisted upon accompanying
their fellow citizens to the field.
The siege of fort Wayne having been raised by the In-
dians, it now entered into the views of the two generals to
march forces to the relief of the intermediate garrisons be-
tween that place and Detroit, against which an ultimate
movement was to be made; the leading object of the ex-
pedition being to regain the ground which had been lost,
and to retrieve the late disaster, not only by re-possessing
that fortress, but by the capture of Maiden and all the great
rallying points of the northern Indians. Through the ex-
ertions of the indefatigable governor of Ohio * every ne-
* His excellency, Return J. Meigs, the present post master
general of the United States, whose active zeal in the service of
his country, was manifested by his administration of the civil
affairs of the state over which he presided, before and after the
commencement of hostilities. When the invasion of Ohio was
threatened by general Brock, after he took possession of Michi-
gan, governor Meigs, with incessant diligence, highly honora-
ble to his patriotism, equipped, provided, and organized one
army after another, until the safety of the state was secured;
and the mass of the inhabitants of that devoted territory, fled
F
52
cessary supply was forwarded with the greatest possible
despatch, and general Winchester therefore advanced to
fort Defiance, whilst general Harrison fixed his head quar-
ters at St. Mary's ; distance from each other, sixty miles.
The troops destined for Defiance amounted to about two
thousand. On the 22d of September, they marched cau-
tiously in three divisions, -the baggage being in the centre,
and a company of spies, under captain Ballard, protected
by Garrard's troop of dragoons, about one or two miles in
front. As it was necessary to guard against surprise from
a watchful enemy, whose principal it is, to assault his foe
whilst sleeping, they encamped each day at three o'clock,
and threw up breastworks around the tents, at the distance
of about twenty paces. On the fourth day's march, easign
Ligett of the regulars, and four of the volunteers, pro-
posed, and were permitted to go forward and discover the
strength and situation of the enemy at Defiance, which was
then distant about twenty five miles. But their enterprise,
which was too hazardous for any but experienced men,
entirely failed. These adventurous young men were as-
sailed on the night of the 25th, and though they defended
themselves until their strength was exhausted, were over-
powered, killed, tom-hawked, and scalped in the usual
barbarous manner of the Indians.
On the 27th, captain Ballard, who was reputed in that
army for his courage and prudence, was ordered to go
out with his company of spies, supported by forty of
Garrard's dragoons, and bury the bodies of the young
men, whose death was now known of in the camp. When
within about two miles of the spot where they had been
killed, Ballard discovered an Indian ambuscade, but as he
had marched his men in two divisions, placing one on each
side of an Indian trace, through which the enemy supposed
the volunteers would advance, the ambuscade became
useless, and the Indians succeeded in gaining an eminence;
whilst they were forming, captain Ballard gave them a
galling fire, which they immediately returned, accompani-
ed by a loud and terrific yell. Ballard ordered up the horse,
and charged upon, and put them to the route. Pursuit
was given, but the enemy knew the country better than
the dragoons, and escaped into the swamps and thickets,
to him for protection. Several members of his own family were
among the volunteers, and one of his brothers, was one of the
three men killed at the siege of fort Wayne.
53
with the loss of four or five wounded. No injury of con-
sequence enough to name was sustained by the volunteers.
On the 28th, Ballard's spies were again sent forward,
and discovered a fresh trail of Indians. Oi\ communica-
ting which to the general, he ordered twenty troopers to
cross the river to ascertain whether the waggons could
pass, and on finding a tolerable ford, the whole army cros-
sed about five miles above fort Defiance, and encamped
on its bank. At one hundred yards from the edge of the
river, another trail was discovered, when captain Garrard
was despatched, with twenty of his troops, to proceed and
ascertain by whom it was made. Three miles below
general Winchester's encampment, and two miles above
Defiance, the enemy were observed to be encamped in
large numbers, with war poles erected and the bloody flag
flying. When the army commenced its march fwm fort
Wayne, the troops were provided with six days rations
only, but colonel Jenning's regiment was to meet them
with provisions at fort Defiance. At a certain point on
the Aux Glaize, the colonel was directed to halt and erect
a block house, which having done, he ascertained by hrs
spies, that the British and Indians were encamped near the
fort, and without reinforcements it would have been im-
prudent to have proceeded further. Late on the night of
the 29th, he therefore forwarded an express to general
Winchester, to make known his situation, forty miles
above fort Defiance ; and as the troops were now nearly
starving, captain Garrard proceeded with great despatch to
colonel Jenning's regiment, to escort with his dragoons,
a brigade of packhorses with provisions for their relief,
and effected a hazardous tour in thirty-six hours, though
all the time drenched with incessant rain.
General Winchester, seeing that his force was far in-
ferior to that of the newly discovered enemy, and finding
himself in their immediate vicinity, despatched expresses
to general Harrison at the St. Marys, to obtain reinforce-
ments, and to apprize him of the situation of the left wing.
Expecting the required relief in a few days, he put his en-
campment in a state of defence, by fortifying himself on
the front and sides, and kept out reconnoitering parties,
who were to communicate with him, the moment the ene-
my should come out to attack him On the other hand,
the enemy had possession of fort Defiance, and were re-
pairing and enlarging its armament.
CHAPTER V-
British evacuate fori Defiance — Death of Logan — Battle
on the Mississinewa — Left wing of the army moves from
Defiance to the Rapids — excursion of the Kentucky bri-
gade into Indiana.
GENERAL HARRISON, on receiving general Win-
chester's despatch, immediately took up his march with
general Tupper'3 mounted men, and arrived at the en-
campment near Defiance, when he moved forward with
the whole forre to attack that fort. But the British and
Indians had evacuated it, as soon as they heard of his
approach, and taking away the cannon with which they
had increased the armament, proceeded down the Miami
to the rapids. The mounted men were ordered to pursue
the retreating enemy, and to destroy their encampment at
that place; and general Harrison left fort Defiance, on the
3th, to join the right wing of the army, and to concentrate
the whole at the appointed rendezvous, at the Miami of
the Lakes. After his departure, general Winchester coun-
termanded the order to general Tupper, and the expedi-
tion against the Indians at the rapids, was consequently
frustrated.
Until the contemplated concentration could be affected,
ijo movement could be made which would promote the
ultimate object of the campaign, and the troops at fort
Defiance, which now assumed the name of fort Winches-
ter, remained in that garrison until the 14th of December.
In this interval, Logan, with about thirty friendly In-
diaus, attempted to examine the movements and situation
of the enemy on the Miami, where his party was discover-
ed and dispersed. Logan and six of them returned, the
remainder escaped in another direction.
On the 22d of November, he was again ordered by ge-
neral Winchester, to take two Indians and go forward to
make discoveries. JEarly in the day, they were met and
captured by the celebrated hostile chief, Whfnemack^ and a
party of five Indians. Logan resorted to a stratagem, by
which he persuaded JVynemack, that he had come to join
him, and he and his two men were therefore allowed to car-
ry their arms and march in front. Logan having communi-
cated to his comrades his determination to rescue himself
or perish in the effort, they suddenly turned upon their
enemy on the first opportunity, and each brought his man
to the ground; Wynemack being among them. The re-
maining three fired in return, shot Logan and one of his
Indians and retired. Logan exchanged the shot, notwith-
standing his wound was mortal, and springing with his
wounded companion upon the horses of two of those
whom they had just killed, whilst his third man protected
him in his retreat, he returned to fort Winchester. On
the 28th, he died, with the firmness of a brave warrior,
sincerely regretted by the whole garrison, who knew him
to be a distinguished, and considered him an useful leader.
At Franklinton, general Harrison was actively employed
in forwarding ammunition, pieces of ordnance, ordnance
stores, provisions, &c. and arranging depots for their re-
ception on the road, which was designated for the right
wing of the army.
On the 18th of November, he sent lieut. col. J. B. Camp-
bell with a detachment of six hundred men on an expedi-
tion against the Indians of the Miami tribes, residing in the
Mississinewa towns. On the morning of the 17th Decem-
ber the detachment charged on the first of those towns,
drove the Indians across the Mississinewa River, killed se-
ven warriors, and took 37 prisoners. During this contest
a part of the detachment was sent to the other towns,
which were immediately evacuated by the inhabitants,
and soon after destroyed by the detachment, which
then returned to the ground first occupied. On the morn-
ing of the 18th, at day light, the camp was attacked by a
number of Indians, of the Miami and Delaware tribes, a-
mounting to about three hundred. The attack commen-
ced on the right of the line, which was occupied by major
Ball's squadron of horse, who gallantly contended against
them for one hour, and sustained almost the whole con-
flict. The Indians then fell back, and were courageously
charged by captain Trotter at the head of his company of
Kentucky dragoons. In this charge, captain Trotter was
F2
56
wounded in the hand: the Indians fled with great velocity,
and were pursued as far as was thought prudent. Captain
Pierce, of the Zanesville troop, was killed, whilst he
was charging the foe. Lieutenant Waltz was shot
through the arm, but being resolved on losing no share of
honor, he remounted his horse, and in that act was killed
by a shot through the -head. He was of the Pennsyl-
vania volunteers. Captains Markle and M'Clelland of the
same corps, and captains Garrard and Hopkins were com-
plimented by the commanding general. Lieutenant colo-
nel Simmerall, major M'Dowell, and captains Hite and
Smith, are said to have distinguished themselves with per-
severing bravery ; and the whole detachment, exhibiting
throughout a great degree of patience, fortitude and cool-
ness, rendered the victory more honourable to the Ame-
rican arms, by respecting the high and inestimable princi-
ples of humanity, and rendering them, as they ever ought
to be, inseparable from bravery. The general's orders,
on their departure, were to that effect, and the most rigid
obedience was paid to them. The battle being ended,
and the object of the expedition completely accomplished,
Colonel Campbell took up his march for Greenville on
his return, having first forwarded an express for reinforce-
ments, Tecumseh being reported to be in the neighbour-
hood with five hundred warriors, and the name of Tecum-
seh had now become terrible. If the detachment should be
intercepted, an obstinate engagement must follow, and by
the morning report of the 24th, three hundred and three of
the men were rendered unfit for duty, by being frost-btiten;
an attack from a superior body of Indians could not there-
fore be sustained with any prospect of success. The de-
tachment reached Greenville, however, without being once
molested, and the citizens received the troops with marks
of admiration for their gallantry, and for the lustre which
they had thrown upon the northwestern army. In the
destruction of the first town, the American loss was one
killed and one wounded. In the action of the following
morning, eight killed and twenty five wounded; the In-
dian loss in killed was known to be forty, the number of
wounded could not be ascertained. The prisoners were
brought away by the detachment. It has been thought to
be unaccountable, that the Indians did not attack the de-
tachment in iis retrogade movement, but this circumstance
57
may be attributed to the loss of their prophet, whom it ig
supposed by many, was killed in the second engagement.
Notwithstanding the season was already so far advanced,
and the difficulties in marching against the enemy were
every day increasing, general Harrison was too steadily
determined on the recovery of Michigan, and the subju-
gation of Maiden and the country surrounding It, to be
put aside from his views by any such obstacles. Every
implement was provided which might possibly be neces-
sary, the military stores and trains of artillery were already
at the different depots, and the troops from Pennsylvania
being at Mansfield, those from Virginia at Delaware, and
those from Ohio at fort M' Arthur, the purposed concen-
tration could be almost immediately effected. General
Winchester with the left wing, moved from fort Winches-
ter to the rapids, in conformity to the previous order of
general Harrison, who was now commissioned a major
general in the army of the United States, and appointed
to the command of the northwestern army. A line of
posts was to be established, and strong fortifications erect-
ed as intermediate places of rendezvous, at equal distances
between Defiance and Detroit; and that he might with
more convenience superintend the building of these, the
commander in chief fixed his head quarters at Upper San-
dusky.
A brigade of Kentuckiaris had been sent into the
Indiana Territory, under general Samuel Hopkins, with
instructions to attack every settlement on the Wabash, and
then to fall upon the Illinois. On the 11th November they
marched from fort Harrison, with a view to the destruction
of the Prophet's town. Seven boats, with provisions, fo-
rage and military stores, commanded by colonel Barbour,
accompanied the expedition, and the troops marched on
the east side of the Wabash, to protect them, until the
19th, when they reached the town, and were engaged
three days in the destruction of it, and a large Kickapoo
village adjoining, while general Butler with three hundred
men, surrounded and destroyed the Wynebago town on
the Ponce-passu creek: each of these towns had been
abandoned by the Indian warriors, and a small party was
sent out to reconnoitre the surrounding woods, and to
seek out "their hiding places. Several Indians shewed
themselves, fired on the party, killed one man and com-
£8
pelled the others to retire. This occurrence was no soon-
er made known to the troops, than sixty horsemen offer-
ed to proceed to the ground to bury their companion, and
to encounter the enemy. When they attained the point,
near the Indian encampment, they were fired upon from
an ambuscade, and eighteen of the party were killed and
wounded, among them, several promising young officers.
The enemy had kiKen possession of a strong defensive
position, in which there was no hope of effectually assail-
ing him, having a deep rapid creek in its rear in the form of
a semicircle, and being fronted by a high and almost per-
pendicular bluff of one hundred feet which could only be
penetrated by three steep ravines. The death of these
gallant young men, excited a spirit of revenge among
the troops, and they moved forward under a heavy fall of
snow, determined to attack the enemy in his strong hold,
at every risk. But on arriving at the place, they found
that the Indians had evacuated it and crossed over Ponce-
passu on their retreat. There being now no certain point to
which the operations of the troops could be directed, ge-
neral Hopkins gave orders for their return to fort Harrison,
where they arrived, after an absence of sixteen days, ha-
ving in that time traversed one hundred miles of a coun-
try, of which, to use the words of their commander, they
had no cognizance.
CHAPTER VI.
American forces on the Niagara and St. Lawrence — An
affair upon the latter — Expedition against Gananoque —
Bombardment of Ogdensburg — Attack upon it — Dispo-
sition of the forces on the Niagara — Description of
Queenstown — Battle of Queenstown Heights — Death of
General Brock — Defeat of the American forces — Can-
nonade between fort George and fort Niagara — An af-
fair below Ogdensburg — Pike's incursion into Canada — >
Bombardment of fort Niagara — Capture of the enemy's
baggage at St. Regis — General Smyth's proclamation —
The British batteries opposite Black Rock stormed and
carried — Abandoned by the Americans, they open afire
on the battery at the Rock.
WHILST these events were transpiring in the western
department of the union, dispositions had been made, and
troops collected at the different stations along the Niagara
river, from the lake Erie to the lake Ontario; and beyond
the latter, along the shore of the St Lawrence. Excur-
sions from the American to the British shores of the rivers
had been frequently made, and on some occasions, were
followed by smart skirmishes. The chief command of
these forces was given to major general Dearborn. The
immediate command of the troops on the Niagara, to ma-
jor general Van Rensselaer, of the militia of the state of
New York. Brigadier general Smyth was stationed at
Black Rock. The troops on the St Lawrence were prin-
cipally garrisoned at Ogdensburg, and commanded by
brigadier general Brown, also of the New York militia.
On the 15th of September, twenty-five British boats
passed Madrid, up the St. Lawrence, laden with military
stores and munitions of war. About one hundred and forty
of the militia from Ogdensburg and Hamilton, with one gun
boat posted themselves on an island to obstruct their pas-
60
sage. The enemy approaching the head of the river,
brought himself immediately in front of this island, when
a rapid and well directed fire made him ply for the oppo-
site shore, where he took shelter in the woods. The mi-
litia had no small boats to pursue the flying squadron, and
the British had time to rally, to procure assistance, and to
return to a contest. This they did, with little delay, and
after an action of three hours, they were reinforced by two
gun boats and a large body of men from Prescott. The
militia being then outnumbered, their ammunition nearly
exhausted, and their loss one man killed and two wound-
ed, abandoned the enterprise, and retreated to their re-
spective quarters. The injury sustained by the enemy
has never been known.
Captain Forsyth of the rifle regiment, being at the gar-
rison of Ogdensburg, projected an expedition against a
small village in the town of Leeds, in Canada, called Ga-
nan&que. In this village was the king's store house, con-
taining immense quantities of arms and ammunition ; and
captain Forsyth was resolved on its destruction. In the
night of the 20th instant, therefore, a number of boats be-
ing provided, he embarked with seventy of his own men,
and thirty-four militia men. Before daylight of the 21st,
they reached the Canadian shore, and landed unobserved
at a little distance from the village. The enemy soon after
discovered them, and they were fired on by a party of
one hundred and twetnysave regulars and militia. Forsyth
drew up his men and returned their fire with such effect,
that the British retreated in disorder, and were pursued to
the village, where they rallied and resolved on making a
stand, and disputing the passage of a bridge. An action
took place here, which resulted in the same manner as the
former. Tiie enemy again fled, making his escape over
the bridge, and leaving ten of his number killed, eight re-
gulars and several militia men prisoners, and the village
and store house in possession of the American party.
Captain Forsyth lost one in killed and one wounded. After
releasing the militia prisoners on their parole, and taking
out a quantity of arms, fixed ammunition, powder, flints,
and other articles of public property, and setting fire to
the store house, he returned to Cape Vincent with these,
and the eight regulars prisoners.
In retaliation for this daring exploit, the enemy deter-
61
mined on attacking and destroying the town of Ogdens-
burg. Opposite to this is situated the Canadian village
of Prescott, before which the British had a strong line
of breastworks. On the 2d of October, they opened a
heavy cannonading on the town from their batteries, and
continued to bombard it with little intermission until the
night of tiie 3d: one or two buildings cflly were injured.
On Sunday, the 4th, having prepared forty boats, with
from ten to fifteen armed men in each, they advanced
with six pieces of artillery, to storm the town. General
Brown commanded at Ogdemburg in person, and when
the enemy had advanced within a short distance, he or-
dered his troops to open a warm fire upon them. The
British, nevertheless, steadily approached the shore, and
kept up their fire for two hours ; during which, they sus-
tained the galling fire of the Americans, until one of their
boats was taken, and two others so shattered, that their
crews were obliged to abandon them ; they then relin-
quished the assault and fled to Prescott. There has been
no engagement, perhaps, which exhibited more gallantry
on both sides.
The success of the detachment which had proceeded
against the brigs Detroit and Caledonia, on the 9th Octo-
ber, excited a strong spirit of enterprise among the troops
at the different stations along the Niagara. The whole
number under the command of general Van Rensselaer,
amounted, as it is said, to five thousand eight hundred,
and were disposed of in the following manner. Two
thousand and nine hundred, with which he was himself
stationed, at and near Lewistown. Thirteen hundred re-
gulars, under general Smyth, near Black Rock, distance
from Lewistown, twenty eight miles. Five hundred mi-
litia and volunteers at Black Rock and Schlosser. Six
companies of field and light artillery, (three hundred) and
about five hundred of the 6th and 13th regiments, and
three hundred of the 23d, under major Mullany, at fort
Niagara.
The general was pressed from all quarters to give the
troops an opportunity of distinguishing themselves; and his
own opinion was, that the crisis of the campaign was rapid-
ly advancing, and, as he informed the commander in chief,
" That the blow must be soon struck, or the toil and ex-
" pense of the campaign go for nothing, for the whole will
" be tinged with dishonor."
G2
Under these circumstances, and influenced by these
impressions, he ordered the regulars, under lieutenant co-
lonel Fenwick and major Mullany, to leave fort Niagara*,
and proceed to~his head quarters at Lewistown. The
same orders were issued to general Smyth's brigade. —
When the British general Brock had made arrangements
for the civil government of Michigan, and had appointed
such officers as he thought necessary to its administration,
he transferred the command of Detroit to colonel Proctor,
and moved his own quarters to fort George, that he might
facilitate the preparations on the Niagara frontier. But
general Van Rensselaer received intelligence, which was
thought to warrant a movement into Canada, and was at
the same time informed, that general Brock had returned
to Detroit, upon hearing of the preparations in the west
for the recovery of that post ; and had taken with him
such troops as could with safety be spared from fort Erie
and fort George. He therefore promised his army, that
they should cross over and act against Queenstown; and
it was for this purpose that the regulars were ordered from
fort Niagara and the rock. The possession of Queenstown
was important to the success of the American arms in
Canada, in this, or in any future campaign. It is a hand-
some town, below the falls of Niagara, at the head of the
navigable waters of that strait, and immediately oppo-
site Lewistown ; a place of depot for the merchandize
for all the country above, and for the public stores, for the
line of posts along the Niagara and Detroit rivers. It
has an excellent harbour, and good anchorage; the banks
on both sides are elevated, and the landscape is among
the most splendid and sublime.
It was intended, that the attack on Queenstown should
be made in the morning of the 11th, at 3 o'clock, and the
embarkation was to take place from the old ferry, oppo-
site the heights, to which situation, experienced boatmen
were employed to navigate the boats from the landing
below. The river here is one sheet of violent eddies, and
an officer, who was considered to be the most skilful for
such a service, was sent ahead; but in the extreme dark-
ness of the night, passed the intended point of embarka-
tion, far up the river, and very unaccountably, fastened his
boat, containing nearly all the oars of the other boats, to
the shore, and abandoned the detachment. The ardour
63
of the officers and men was not the least abated through
the night, though they were exposed to a tremendous
northeast storm, which prevailed for twenty-eight hours,
and in that lime deluged the whole camp. But they
were mortified by this distressing dilemma, and the
appearance of daylight having extinguished every pros-
pect of success, the detachments returned to camp, and
an express was sent to Black Rock to countermand the
orders to general Smyth. The miscarriage of the plan
had no other effect than to increase the ardour of the
troops, and they impatiently awaited for the arrival of
orders, which would bring them into personal opposi-
tion with their enemy. Arrangements were therefore
made to that effect, and the night of the 12th was de-
signated for the operation. Two columns, one of three
hundred militia, under colonel Van Rensselaer, and
another of three hundred regulars, under lieutenant colo-
nel Christie, were to pass over together. Thirteen boats
were provided for their conveyance, and when the heights
should be carried, lieutenant colonel Fenwick's flying ar-
tillery were to cross over, then major Mullany's detach-
ment of regulars, and the other troops to follow in order.
Early in the night, colonel Christie marched his detach-
ment by the rear road from Niagara to camp. At 7 in the
evening, lieutenant colonel Stranahan's regiment moved
from Niagara falls; at 8 o'clock, Mead's regiment; and at
9, lieutenant colonel Elan's regiment. Each corps was in
camp in proper time. At the dawn of day the boats were
in readiness, and the troops embarked early in the morn-
ing of the 13th, under cover of a commanding battery,
mounting two eighteen pounders and two sixes.
Whilst these preparations were going forward, the Bri-
tish, at Queenstown, were surreptitiously apprized of the
contemplated movement of the American troops; and
they despatched expresses to give intelligence to general
Brock, who was at that moment quartered at fort George.
The heights were lined with troops, and measures were
instantly adopted to repel the debarkation. The boats
had scarcely put off from the American, before they re-
ceived a brisk fire of musquetry from the whole line on
the Canadian shore. The American batteries were im-
mediately opened to sweep the opposite shore, and three
^British batteries played with great severity upon the boats.
64
Lieut, col. Scott, of the artillery, who had marched witto
uncommon expedition from Niagara Falls, arrived in
time to participate the enemy's fire, with two six pounders.
The eddies in the river were violent ; the shot from the
enemy fell in heavy showers on the boats, and the diffi-
culty of combatting the former, and avoiding the latter,
not only embarrassed the officers, but put many of the oars-
men into confusion. A grape shot from a battery below
Qeenstown, which enfiladed the place of crossing, struck
the boat in which was lieutenant colonel Christie, wound-
ed him in the hand, and alarmed the pilot and boatmen
so, that the boat fell below the intended place of landing
and was obliged to return. The boats in which major
Mullany followed the two columns, fell also below 4he
point, two of them into the hands of the enemy, and the
major returned. But colonel Van Rensselaer, who com-
manded the whole detachment, and whose boats formed
the van, moved to the enemy's shore, succeeded in touch-
ing it at the designated place, and effected the landing of
the van, consisting of one hundred men, under a tremen-
dous fire, directed upon him from every point. In ascend-
ing the banks, the colonel received four balls. Captain
Armstrong, captain Malcolm, and captain Wool, were
wounded, and ensign Morris was killed. Lieutenant Val-
lance was killed in crossing. A party of the British then
issued from an old fort below Queenstown, but on being
fired on by the Americans, immediately retreated. A
strong battery, which fired incessantly upon the van, o-
bliged it to retire under the banks, where lay colonel Van
Rensselaer, who, though in excruciating pain, with great
difficulty, stood up, and ordered his officers to proceed
with rapidity and storm the fort, and if possible, to ascend
and carry the heights. The men were instantly rallied.
About sixty of the most determined, commanded by cap-
tain Ogilvie, seconded by captain Wool, though wounded,
and lieutenants Karney, Carr, Hugginan and Sammons,
and ensign Reeve, of the 13th; and lieutenants Gansevoort
and Randolph, cautiously mounted the rocks on the right
of the fort, gave three cheers, assailed and reduced it after
three desperate charges, in which they were met with firm-
ness : they then carried the heights, and thus gallantly ex-
ecuted the whole order of the colonel ; driving the enemy
«Jow» tae bill la every direction. A party of thexn re-
65
treated behind a stone guard-house, where a piece of ord-
nance was briskly served, but a fire from the battery at
Lewistown, was so effectually directed upon it, that it was
in a few minutes silenced. The British then retreated
behind a large stone house. The American artillery-men
were ordered to turn the guns of the fort upon them, but
lieutenant Gansevoort had hastily spiked the cannon, and
they were therefore now useless. The enemy's fire was
silenced, however, with the exception of one gun, which
was out of reach of the American cannon; and the boats
were crossing, unannoyed, but by this battery. Re-
inforcements arrived after this brilliant success, under
captain Gibson of the light artillery, captain M'Chesney of
the 6th, and captain Lawrence of the 13th, infantry ; and
colonels Mead, Stranahan, Allen, and other militia officers.
At about 10 o'clock, the British line was re-formed, and
flanking parties sent out. Lieutenant colonel Christie
succeeded in getting across the river with five hundred
men, and took command. General Brock, having receiv-
ed the expresses which were forwarded to him, arrived
at this moment, at the head of a reinforcement of regulars
from fort George. He had led them round the heights to
the rear of the battery, when captain Wool, detached. er.S
hundred and sixty men to meet them. The detachment
Was driven back, but being immediately reinforced, pres-
sed forward again, and was again driven back to the brink
of the precipice, forming the Niagara river above Queens-
town. Seeing that nothing short of a miracle could save
the detachment from being beaten ; finding that the party
were nearly without ammunition, and supposing it useless
to sacrifice the lives of brave men, one of the officers was
in the act of hoisting a white flag on a bayonet, when cap-
tain Wool, knowing, that if the men held out a short while
longer they would be relieved by reinforcements, tore
down the flag, and ordered his officers instantly to rally the
men and bring them to a charge. At this moment, colonel
Christie arrived with such a reinforcement, as made the
detachment amount to three hundred and twenty men, to
whom he immediately repeated the orders of captain
Wocl; (whom he directed to leave the ground to get his
wound dressed,) led them o nto the charge himself, and
making a forcible appeal to the bayonet, entirely routed
the. British 49th regiment of six hundred men, and pursu-
66
ed them up the height, until he regained the ground which
the detachment had just before lost. Part of the 41st
were acting with the 49th, both of which regiments dis-
tinguished themselves under the same commander in Eu-
rope; and the latter had obtained the title of the Egyptian
Invincibles, because they had never on any occasion be-
fore, been known to give ground. General Brock, indig-
nant almost to exasperation at the flight of this regiment,
was attempting to rally them, when he received three
balls at the same instant, which immediately termi-
nated his brave career. His aid, captain M'Donald, fell
at his side, mortally wounded. At about 2 o'clock in the
afternoon, brigadier general Wadsworth of the militia,
lieutenant colonel Scott of the artillery, and major Mulla-
oy, crossed the river, and took the several commands
which had been assigned to them. — Captain Wool obeyed
the order of colonel Christie, crossed over to Lewistown,
had his wounds dressed, and returned to the scene of ac-
tion. General Van Rensselaer had crossed over to
Queenstown, and considering the victory complete after
fhe repulse of the 49th, and the death of general Brock,
lie commenced preparations for encamping in the enemy's
CO»ntry. But, in expectation of further attacks by other
reinforcements, he directed that the camp should be im-
mediately fortified, and committed this service to lieute-
nant Totten, a skilful officer of the engineers.
The enemy was reinforced at three o'clock, by seve-
ral hundred Indians from Chippewa, who, under the di-
rection of the British in the town, commenced a furious
attack upon the American troops, whose whole number
did not exceed nine hundred and twenty. As they ap-
proached through the woods and an orchard, the troops
not knowing their number, at first faultered. Lieutenant
colonel Christie1 and lieutenant colonel Scott, behaved
with great coolness, and making every possible exertion,
led the men promptly on, and in a short time the Indians
being routed, fled before the bayonet and rifle, leaving
several dead and one of their chiefs a prisoner. General
Van Rensselaer observing that the troops were embarking
very slowly, and fearing the necessity of a strong acces-
sion of numbers, crossed over to Lewistown during the
assault of the Indians, to facilitate the movements of the
militia. Twelve hundred, and upwards of them, were
standing on the American shore inactive, and apparent^,
unconcerned spectators of the battle. At the very mo-
ment when victory was perching on the banners of their
country ; the ardour of the unengaged troops entirely sub-
sided, and no effort could induce them to cross the line,
and share in the glory of the day's triumph. Thrice alrea-
dy had the battle been won ; three assaults of the enemy
had been vigorously repulsed ; and the conquest of the
town and heights must necessarily follow. One third
part of the disengaged men would secure it, but they
had witnessed at a distance the furious attack of the In-
dians, they had seen the bodies of their wounded fellow
soldiers brought back to the garrison, and they refused to
go further than the laws of their country authorized the
general to command them. They claimed the privileges
allowed them by the laws of the country, whose honour
and renown they refused to assist in promoting; they be-
held as gallant exploits as the world perhaps ever knew,
but still they were not animated by the same spirit of en-
thusiasm, nor the same degree of valor. Peremptory or-
ders were disobeyed, solicitations disregarded, and all
argument exhausted to bring them to a sense of that duty,
which the general vainly hoped, had urged them in the
firfet instance to press for an opportunity to act. Lieute-
nant colonel Bloom, who had been wounded in one of
the three engagements, mounted a horse and rode among
them with the general, but his example had no more effect
than the general's persuasions. Meanwhile, another rein-
forcement was seen coming up the river from fort George.
The battery on the hill was considered as an important
check to their ascending the heights, and measures were
immediately taken to send them a fresh supply of arms
and ammunition. The reinforcements, however, obliqued
from the road to the right, and formed a junction with the
Indians in the rear of the heights. The American troops
being scattered in pursuit of the Indians, lost an opportu-
nity of raking the reinforcing column as it approached the
heights, and were taken a little by surprize. Knowing
that the troops at the heights must be nearly exhausted,
and their ammunition as nearly expended ; overwhelmed
with mortification and disappointment at the refusal of the
militia to cross ; and seeing that another severe conflict;
which the reduced detachment could not long sustain
G2
68
without great loss, would very soon take place, genera!
Van Rensselaer despatched a note to general Wadsworth,
acquainting him with the conduct of the militia, "Leaving
the course to be pursued much to his own judgment, with
an assurance, that if he thought best to retreat, he (general
Van Rensselaer) would send over as many boats as he
could collect, and cover his retreat by every fire which
he could possibly make with safety." The last British
reinforcement amounted to eight hundred men, and when
drawn up in line with their light artillery, and flanked by
their Indians, at about 4 o'clock an obstinate contest
ensued, and was kept up for half an hour, with a tremen-
dous discharge of flying artillery, musquetry and cannon,
until the American detachment, finding that they were
not to be reinforced, their strength being nearly exhausted,
and those of the militia who had already distinguished
themselves, being unable to fight longer, received orders
to retreat, upon the reception of general Van Rensselaer's
note ; which they did in good order, down the hill to the
point at which they had landed. Many of the boats had
been destroyed, others had been taken, and there remain-
ed but four or five to take the whole of the detachment to
Lewistown. These were crossing when the last affair took
place, and the boatmen becoming panic struck, had fled
from their duty, and the boats were consequently dispers-
ed, so that few of the Americans escaped from the Canada
shore. In this distressing dilemma, they were obliged to
surrender themselves prisoners of war, to the number of
three hundred and eighty-six regulars, and three hundred
and seventy-eight militia; sixty-two of the regulars and
twenty of the militia being wounded. The estimate of
killed in the detachment was at ninety. When the last
detachment arrived from fort George, the whole Ameri-
can force was formed into line, in three divisions, and
amounted to only two hundred and forty men, the militia
refusing to act longer, and many of the regulars being then
already wounded. The victorious enemy treated their
prisoners, while on the frontier, with the most generous
tenderness, but for want of will or power, they put no re-
straint upon their Indian allies, who were stripping and
scalping not only the slain, but the dying that remained
on the field of battle. The lifeless body of ensign Morris,
who was brother to the amiable and distinguished naval
officer of thai name, was stripped to his shirt, and indigni-
ties too savage to be recorded were committed on his
person. The body of general Brock was committed to
the grave with the usual military honours, and the guns
at fort Niagara were fired during the ceremony, as a tri-
bute of respect for a gallant enemy.
There was no officer crossed the line, upon this memora-
ble day, who did not do honour to his country. Colonel
Scott was in full dress, which with his tall stature render-
ed him a conspicuous mark for the enemy — It has been
said that several Indians, told him of their having shot at
him, but he received no wound. A company of volunteer
riflemen under lieutenant Smith, who took the Indian chief
behaved with the courage of veterans. — Lieutenant Col-
onel Fenwick was wounded three different times, and each
time severely ; he nevertheless continued fighting, and
was particularly distinguished, through the whole day's en-
gagement.— Captains Gibson, Wool and M'Chcsney, have
been spoken of as having done the same.
The British forces in the different battles, with the ex-
ception of the first, was at no time less than eleven hundred;
in the last and fourth engagement, it was much greater.
Their loss is not known. With regard to close and cou-
rageous fighting, the victory on this occasion belonged to
the Americans ; but with regard to the loss which was sus-
tained, it was exclusively yielded to the British. An ar-
rangement was entered into on the 14th, by which a few
prisoners were paroled, the remainder were taken to Mon-
treal.
Whilst the troops were embarking at Lewistown in the
morning, the batteries at fort George opened a cannonade
upon fort Niagara, which was returned, and kept up with
hot shot on both sides, for several hours. From the south
block house of the American fort, the shot was principally
directed against the village of New Ark, and several
houses were set on fire, one or two of which were entire-
ly consumed. This battery was commanded by captain
M'Keon, and the guns were worked with great ability.
The enemy commenced throwing shells, and as there
were no defences against these, captain N. Leonard, the
commandant at fort Niagara, preferred ordering a retreat
from the garrison, rather than expose a handful of men to
their danger. The bursting of a twelve pounder, by which
70
two men were killed, deprived the fort of its best battery.
The retreat had scarcely been ordered, when a number
of boats loaded with troops, were observed to put off from
the enemy's shore, upon which, captain M'Keon retmrned
to the fort with a guard of twenty men, remained in it
during the night, and was joined next morning by the rest
of the garrison. Very few were wounded, and none kill-
ed except the two men by the bursting of the gun.
Early in the following week the British batteries below
fort Erie opened a very heavy fire upon the village and
fortifications of Black Rock, and kept it up at intervals
during the day. There being no larger pieces than sixes
at the breastworks, very few shot were returned. Several
cannon shot struck the battery, and two or three passed
through the upper loft of the west barracks. The east
barracks were destroyed by a bomb thrown from a 24
pounder, which blew up the magazine, and burnt a quan-
tity of the skins taken in the Caledonia. General Porter
of the New York militia, was sitting at dinner in his quar-
ters, when one 24 pound ball struck the upper loft of his
house, and another entered it through the roof.
On the 22d the enemy landed at St. Regis, a village,
without a garrison of any kind, and from which, he could
move, immediately upon the camp at French Mills.
The tribe of Indians inhabiting the village, were friendly
to the United States, and as it entered into the views of
the enemy to persuade them from the service of the Ame-
rican government, into which they might probably enter,
and to flatter them into their own, Sir George Prevost,
under the authority with which he was clothed, had for-
warded to this tribe, in the form of a present, a quantity
of baggage, consisting of blankets, guns, specie, &c. un-
der an escort of soldiers, and accompanied by despatches,
in which he solicited their alliance. The force was vari-
ously stated, from one to three hundred, and major G. P.
Young, commanding the American militia from Troy,
at the Mills, determined on immediately attacking them,
as it was understood they were halting there, for an in-
crease of numbers. He detached captain Tilden to the
St. Lawrence, with a view of gaining a circuitous route to
one, of two houses in which the British were said to be
quartered, and to secure the enemy's boats, which were
stationed there, to prevent his retreat. Captain Lyon was
71
detached with orders to take the road running along the
bank of the river St. Regis, with directions to gain the
rear of the other house ; and major Young with the re-
mainder of the forces moved on in front. When within
fifty yards of either house, he heard a firing which con-
vinced him, that captain Lyon was engaged. One round
was sufficient. The enemy surrendered, but not to the
number reported to have landed, and the Americans made
forty prisoners, and took one stand of colours, thirty-eight
muskets, the despatches, and all the baggage. Two bat-
teaux were taken by captain Tiiden, and the troops
returned to their encampment at about eleven o'clock.
The British lost four killed and one mortally wounded.
At one o'clock in the morning of the 17th Novem-
ber, four British barges approached the American shore,
about a mile above Ogdensburg, and on being hailed by a
centinel and refusing to answer, were immediately fired
upon. The report of his piece brought several riflemen
to his assistance, when the barges opened a smart fire of
grape shot, without effect, and soon after retired to Pres-
cot harbour. On their way thither they fired several shot
into the town, which were returned by a six pounder.
This affair was followed on the night of the 19th by an
incursion seven miles into the British territory, by colonel
Z. M. Pike and a part of the 15th regiment. He assaulted,
and carried a post, which was defended by a large body
of British and Indians, burned a block house, and put the
garrison to flight, and returned with the loss of five men
wounded.
At six o'clock on the morning of the 21st, the British
paving prepared mortars, and planted a long train of bat-
tering cannon, behind breastworks erected on the margin
of the river, commenced a bombardment of fort Niagara,
and opened a cannonade from the batteries at, and in the
neighbourhood of fort George, which was kept up without
a moment's cessation until sundown. They employed five
detached batteries in this affair. Two of them mounting
24 pounders, and one mounting a 9 pounder. The re-
mainder were mortar batteries, from five and an half, to
ten and an half inches, from which were thrown, great
quantities of shells. These fortresses, are situated nearly
opposite each other, at the mouth of the Niagara river,.
72
and command the entrance from Lake Ontario. The
guns of fort Niagara may be brought to bear alternately
upon fort George and the town of Newark, whilst a salt
battery being a dependency of fort Niagara, and mount-
ing one eighteen and a four pounder, is directly in a range
with, and calculated to do much damage to the enemy's
garrison. The American fort had received an augmenta-
tion of force, immediately after the cannonade of the 13th,
several corps, who had marched to Lewistown, having
been ordered, after the battle of Queenstown, to relieve
the garrison ; but it was not yet supplied with a sufficient
quantity of artillery and ammunition. It was now com-
manded by colonel George M'Feeley. In the course of
the day the enemy threw two thousand red hot balls, and
one hundred and eighty shells. The shells proved to be
harmless, but the hot shot set fire to several buildings,
which were within and about the fort, but through the m-
©essant vigilance of all the officers, and men, but particu-
larly of that gallant officer major Armistead, of the United
States corps of engineers, who has on many other occa-
sions distinguished himself, the fires were got under and
extinguished, without being discovered by the enemy.
Notwithstanding the vast shower of shells and cannon
ball, which was falling into the fort, the garrison perform-
ed their duty with unremitting alacrity, and served their
pieces with coolness and composure. Captain M'Keon
commanded a 12 pounder in the south east block house ;
captain Jacks, of the 7th militia artillery, commanded in
the north block house, a situation most exposed to the
enemy's fire. Lieutenant Rees, of the 3d artillery, had
command of an 18 pounder, on the south east battery,
from which several wrell directed shot were made, whilst
the piece was pointed at the battery en barbette, mounting
a 24 pounder. Lieutenant Wendal, of the same regiment,
had command of an 18 and 4 pounder on the west batte-
ry; Dr. Hooper, of the militia artillery, had command of
a six pounder on the mess house ; and lieutenants Ganse-
voort and Harris, of the first artillery, had command of
the salt battery. Thus disposed they returned the fire of
the enemy, with vigour and effect. They directed several
of the pieces at the town of Newark, and repeatedly fired
it with hot shot. The buildings within fort George were
73
also fired, and at one time one of the batteries was si-
lenced. A part of the parapet falling on lieutenant Rees,
his left shoulder was so severely bruised, that it became
necessary for him to quit his station, and captain Leonard,
happening at that moment to arrive at the fort, took com-
mand of lieutenant Rees's battery for the remainder of
the day. The continuation of the bombardment increas-
ed the animation of the men, and they fought with undi-
minished cheerfulness until the cannonading ceased. Col.
M'Feeley spoke of all the garrison in very strong terms,
and of lieut. colonel Gray, major Armistead and captain
Mulligan particularly. During the bombardment a twelve
pounder bursted and killed two men. Two others were
killed by the enemy's fire, and lieutenant Thomas and
four men were wounded. From the salt battery the ene-
my was very much annoyed. A few shot from the four
pounder there, sunk a schooner which lay at the opposite
wharf, and such was the spirited earnestness of both offi-
cers and men at this battery, that when in the most tre-
mendous of the bombardment, they had fired away all their
cartridges, they cut up their flannel waistcoats and shirts,
and the soldiers their trousers to supply their guns. An in-
stance of extraordinary bravery took place in the garrison,
in the hottest of the cannonade, and for deliberate cool-
ness and courageous fortitude, was surpassed neither by
Joan, maid of Orleans, nor the heroine of Sarragosa. —
Doyle, a private in the United States artillery, who had
been stationed in the fort, was made prisoner in the battle
of Queenstown. His wife remained in the garrison ; and
being there on the 21st, she determined to resent the re-
fusal of the British to parole her husband, by proffering
her services, and doing his duty against the enemy when-
ever the works should be assailed ; and she, accordingly,
on this occasion attended the six pounder on the mess
house, with hot shot, (regardless of the shells which were
falling around her,) and never quitted her station until the
last gun had been discharged.
General Van Rensselaer, having resigned his command
on the Niagara, general Smyth now contemplated a more
effectual invasion of Canada, than that which had so re-
cently failed. From a description of the river below the
falls, the view of the shore below fort Erie, and from in-
formation which he had received of the enemy's prepara-
tions; general Smyth was of opinion, that the landing
should be effected between fort Erie and Chippewa. This
opinion he had delivered to general Van Rensselaer be-
fore the battle of Queenstown, and being in command,
he was resolved that it should now be acted upon. The
troops stationed at Black Rock andBuffaloe were equally
desirous of engaging the enemy, and the general promised
them conquest and renown. In order that he might visit
the Canadian shore, with a force competent to retain the
posts which might be captured, he desired to increase his
numbers by such an accession of volunteers, as would be
willing to perform one month's service in the army, to
submit to the rigid discipline of a camp, and to encounter
the enemy on his own soil. He immediately communi-
cated his intentions by a proclamation, issued on the
10th November, circulated in the counties of Seneca,
and Ontario, and inviting persons thus disposed, to place
themselves under his authority. This proclamation pro-
duced the intended effect. It held forth great allurements,
and appealed to the patriotism of the American citizens.
Under this proclamation, numbers of volunteers came
forward with the expected alacrity ; and on the 27th of
November, the force collected at the station amounted to
four thousand and five hundred men, including the regular
troops, and the Baltimore, Pennsylvania, and New York
volunteers, the latter being placed under the command of
general Peter B. Porter, of the militia. On the following
morning, at reveille, the whole force was to embark from
the navy yard at Black Rock, and to proceed on the con-
templated expedition. No possible preparation was omit-
ted. At the Navy yard, there were laying for the purpose
of transporting the troops across the river, seventy public
boats, calculated to carry forty men each; five large pri-
vate boats, which were taken into the public service, cal-
culated to carry one hundred men each; and ten scows for
the artillery, to carry twenty five each ; which, together
with a number of small boats which were also provided,
were to transport the whole of this army. After inform-
ing the citizens, that for many years they had seen their
Country oppressed with numerous wrongs; their govern-
ment, though above all others devoted to peace, had been
forced to djraw the sword and rely for redress of injuries
75
on the valour of the American pe6ple, and that that valour
had in every instance been conspicuous: his proclamation
continued in the following words: "But the nation has
" been unfortunate in the election of some of those who
" have directed it. One army has been disgracefully sur-
" rendered and lost. Another has been sacrificed, by apre-
" cipitate attempt to pass over at the strongest point of the
" enemy's lines, with 7nost incompetent means. The cause
" of these miscarriages is apparent. The commanders
" were popular men, " destitute alike of theory and expe-
" rience" in the art of war. In a few days, the troops un-
" der my command, will plant the American standard in
" Canada. They are men, accustomed to obedience, si-
" lence, and steadiness. They will conquer, or they will
" die. Will you stand with your arms folded and look on
" this interesting struggle ? Are you not related to the men
" who fought at Bennington and Saratoga? Has the race
" degenerated? Or, have you, under the baneful influence
" of contending passions, forgot your country ? Must I turn
" from you and ask the men of the Six Nations to support
" the government of the United States? Shall I imitate the
" officers of the British King, and suffer our ungathered lau-
a rels to be tarnished by ruthless deeds ?* Shame, where
" is thy blush? No. Where I command, the vanquished
" and the peaceful man, the maid and the matron, shall be
" secure from wrong. If we conquer, "we will conquer
" but to save."
" Men of New-York,
" The present is the hour of renown. Have
" you not a wish for fame ? Would you not choose in fu-
" ture times to be named as one, who, imitating the heroes
" whom Montgomery led, have, in spite of the seasons,
" visited the tomb of the chief, and conquered the country
>; where he lies? Yes, you desire your share of fame.
u Then seize the present moment. If you do not, you
" will regret it: and say, " the valiant bled in vain — the
" friends of my country fell— and I was not there!" ad-
" vance then to our aid. I will wait for you a few days.
" I cannot give you the day of my departure. — But come
* It was about this time understood, that a number of friendly
Indians proposed to be taken into general Smyth's army, but that
he explicitly refused to let them accompany him into Canada.
H
76
'■ on. Come in companies, half companies, or singly. I
" will organize you for a short tour. Ride to this place,
" if the distance is far, and send back your horses. But
" remember, that every man who accompanies us, places
<; himself under my command, and shall submit to the
** salutary restraints of discipline."
Accompanying a second proclamation of gen. Smyth,
of the 17th November, in which was recapitulated most
of the appeal of the former, and in which he set forth,
that "disloyal and traitorous men had endeavoured to
<; persuade the people from doing their dutj^" was an
address from general Porter to the people of Ontario
and Gennesee; in which he informed them, that ge-
neral Smyth had a powerful army at Buffaloe, under
strict discipline, in high spirits and eager for the contest.
That with this army, he would in a few days occupy all
the British fortresses on the Niagara. That as humanity
suggested that this conquest should be achieved with the
least possible sacrifice, general Smyth had asked their aid
and co-operation, for the purpose of obtaining a force that
would overawe opposition, and save the effusion of blood.
That he intended himself to accompany the expedition ;
that a vigorous campaign of one month would relieve their
fellow citizens of the frontier from their sufferings ; drive
off the savage knife ; restore peace to the whole of that
section of the conn ry; and redeem the tarnished reputa
tion of the nation.
A large number of troops were nowr assembled at and
near Buffaloe, where they were drilled, equipped and
organized for the intended invasion. Ten boats were
appointed to precede the main body, to effect a landing,
and to storm and carry the enemy's batteries. A number
of sailors were engaged to navigate the boats, under com-
mand of lieutenant commandant Samuel Angus of the
navy, assisted by lieutenant Dudley, sailing master Watts,
who had distinguished himself in cutting out the Caledo-
nia, and several other naval officers. At 3 o'clock in the
morning of the 28th, these boats put off from the Ameri-
can shore, but they had not proceeded one fourth of the
way across, when the British batteries opened a galling
fire, and five of them were obliged to return. In one of
these was colonel Winder of the 14th infantry, who com-
manded the troops to whom this hazardous duty was as-
77
signed. The command of the 14th devolved therefore
upon lieutenant colonel Boerstler, who was in one of the
advance boats with several resolute infantry officers. A
severe fire of musquetiy and of grape shot from two pieces
of flying; artillery, was poured upon (his part of the squad-
ron, but they effected their landing in good order, formed
on the shore, and advanced to the accomplishment of
their object. Lieutenant commandant Angus and his
officers, assisted by Samuel Swartwout, Esq. of New-
York, an enterprizing citizen, who happened to be at the
station, acted as volunteers after the landing of the troops,
and joining their little band of sailors to the regulars, un-
der captain King of the 15th, they stormed the enemy's
principal batteries and drove him to the Red House, where
he rallied with two hundred and fifty men, and commen-
ced a rapid fire of musquetry upon the assailants. Sixty
regulars and fifty sailors composed the whole American
force. The success at the battery, the guns of which
were spiked, was followed up by a desperate assault upon
the Red House. The sailors charged with boarding pikes
and cutlasses, the regulars with the bayonet, and after a
hard and destructive engagement, they routed the enemy,
fired the house in which he quartered, and made about
fifty prisoners. Lieutenant colonel Boerstler attacked and
dispersed the enemy lower down the river, and took also
several prisoners. Every battery between Chippewa and
fort Erie, was now carried ; the cannon spiked or destroy-
ed, and sixteen miles of the Canadian frontier laid waste
and deserted. The boats returned with the wounded and
the prisoners, leaving captain King and twelve men, who
were so anxious to complete the destruction of every
breastwork and barrack of the enemy, that they resolved
on remaining in possession of the conquered ground, until
the main body of the army should cross over the strait,
and march to the assault of the British forts. Sailing
master Watts fell at the head of his division of the sailors,
while he was gallantly leading them on. Midshipman
Graham received a severe wound, which caused an am-
putation of a leg. Seven out of twelve of the navy
officers were wounded. Captain Morgan of the 12th,
captain Sprcwl and captain Dox of the 13th, and lieut.
Lisson, the two latter of whom were badly wounded, took
a very distinguished part in the engagement.
78
At day-break, the batteries on the American side were
opened ; they were ready to cover the embarkation of the
main army, and most of the troops had arrived at the de-
signated place. Three hundred and forty volunteers, who
had rallied under general Smyth's proclamation, well
armed and provided, were marched by general Porter to
the navy yard. One hundred and fifty others were draw-
ing arms at Buffaloe, and had orders to follow immediate-
ly. Colonel Winder, being under an apprehension that
lieutenant colonel Boerstler and his men were in danger,
made an unsuccessful attempt to land two hundred and
fifty men at a difficult point down the river, his own be-
ing the only boat which touched the shore. When the
squadron returned from their successful enterprize, he put
back and formed his regiment to join in the general em-
barkation. At sunrise, the troops began to embark, but
such was their tardiness, that at 12 o'clock the whole body,
with colonel Swift's volunteer regiment, were not yet in the
boats. A considerable number of barges had been thrown
upon the shores of the river and Conejockeda creek, by
the high tide of the preceding day, others were filled with
ice and water, and those which had been employed by co-
lonel Winder were laying about one mile below. To collect
and put these in order for the reception of the troops, re-
quired a delay of several hours more, and it was not until 2
o'clock that all the troops intended to be sent over at the first
crossing, were collected in a group of boats at Black Rock,
under cover of the batteries; where general Porter, having
brought up the five boats which were below, joined, and
took his station among them. The number now embark-
ed, according to the estimate of general Porter, were about
two thousand, who were anxiously awaiting the order to
proceed. General Tannehill's volunteers, colonel F.
M'Clure's regiment, and some riflemen and cavalry, in all
about two thousand more, were still paraded on the shore,
and were to constitute the second embarkation. In the
mean time, captain King and his twelve men, who were
yet in the enemy's territory dismountirg his pieces, were
made prisoners, and about five hundred British troops
had been drawn up in line, about half a mile from the ri-
ver, sounding their trumpets and bugles, and indicating
their readiness to receive the Americans. Late in the af-
ternoon, general Smyth ordered the troops to disembark,
79
and silenced their murmurs, by an assurance, that the ex-
pedition was only, postponed until the boats should be put
in a state of better preparation, and that they (the troops)
should immediately after be put in motion. The different
regiments retired to their respective quarters : general
Porter marched his volunteers to Buffaloe, but the enemy
was actively employed in re-mounting his guns upon the
batteries. On Sunday, the 29th, an order was issued from
the head quarters of the commanding general for the march
of the troops to the navy yard, to embark on the follow-
ing morning, at nine o'clock. The time and manner pro-
posed in this order, were disapproved of by all the offi-
cers ; and those of the highest rank addressed the general
and stated their objections to the plan. The repaired state
of the enemy's batteries, rendered it inexpedient to cross
at the point above the island, which covers the navy yard ;
below that point he lay much augmented, in consequence
of the gallant affair of the 28th, and occupied a line of
shore of nearly a mile, from which he would have a full
view of the American movement, if made by daylight.
To avoid the fire of the British flying artillery and infan-
try, it was proposed to general Smyth, that the troops
should be landed five miles below the navy yard, at an
hour and a half before day on the morning of Tuesday,
so that this dangerous shore might be passed in the dark;
when, if the boats were discovered, the troops would suf-
fer less from the enemy's fire. The place which was thus
recommended, was of all others, peculiarly favourable to
a safe and orderly landing, and the proposal was accord-
ingly adopted, and the army were to embark at 3 o'clock,
and to land at half past 4, in the order of battle prescribed
on the 28th.
On Monday evening, seven boats for colonel Swift's re-
giment, and eight for the new volunteers, were brought up
the river and placed at different points, so that the noise
and confusion of embarking the whole at one place, might
be avoided. At half an hour after 3, these boats were oc-
cupied and took their station opposite the navy yard.
The regulars were to proceed on the right, general Tan-
nehill's volunteers in the centre, and the New- York vo-
lunteers on the left. General Porter, with a chosen set of
men, was appointed to proceed in front to direct the land-
ing, and to join the New- York volunteers when on the op~
H2
80
posite shore. On the arrival of the boats which were to
compose the van, general Porter found that the artillery
were embarking; in the scows with as much haste as pos-
sible ; but one hour elapsed before the regular infantry
attempted to follow, when colonel Winder, at the head of
the 14th, entered the boats with great order and silence.
Every thing seemed to promise a speedy and successful is-
sue; the troops to be embarked were now nearly all in rea-
diness to proceed: general Porter dropped to the front of the
line with a flag, to designate the leading boat, and the word
only was wanted to put off. The front of the line was
one-fourth of a mile from the shore, when the rear was
observed to be retarded, and general Porter received or-
ders from general Smyth to disembark immediately. He
was at the same time informed, that the invasion of Ca-
nada was abandoned for the season, that the regulars were
ordered into winter quarters, and that, as the services of
the volunteers could now be dispensed with, they might
stack their arms and return to their homes. Previously to
this order an interview had taken place between general
Smyth and a British major, who came over with a flag.
The scene of discontent which followed, was without pa-
rallel. Four thousand men, without order or restraint,
indignantly discharged their musquets in every direction.
The; person of the commanding general was threatened.
Upwards of one thousand men, of all classes of society,
had suddenly left their homes and families, and had made
great sacrifices t*< obey the call of their country, under
general SmytlVs invitation. He possessed their strongest
confidence, and was gaining their warmest affections : he
could lead to no post of danger to which they would not
follow.. But now, the hopes of his government, the
expectations of the people, the desires of the army,
were all prostrated, and he was obliged to hear the
bitter reproaches, and the indignant epithets of the men
whom he had promised to lead to honour, to glory, to re-
nown. The inhabitants refused to give him quarters in
their houses, or to protect him from the rage of those who
considered themselves the victims of his imbecility, or
his deceit. He was obliged constantly to shift his tent to
avoid the general clamour, and to double the guard sur-
rounding it; and he was several times fired at when he
ventured without tf . An application was made to him by
81
llie volunteers, to permit (hem to invade the enemy's ter-
ritory under general Porter, and they pledged themselves
to him to take fort Erie if he would give them four pieces
of flying artillery. This solicitation was evaded, and the
volunteer troops proceeded to their homes, execrating the
man whom they had respected, and the general on whose
talents and whose promises they had placed the most ge-
nerous reliance. General Smyth, however, found those
who gave their approbation to his measures, and who
thought that he had saved his army by relinquishing the
invasion of Canada. The public mind was for a long time
agitated with doubts about the propriety of his conduct, in
not prosecuting the campaign, and breaking up the enemy's
strong posts along the Niagara. Few, however, have he-
sitated to declare his culpability in inducing men to leave
their homes for a month's incursion into the British territo-
ry, unless he intended to effect it at every hazard which
they might be willing to encounter. But he has alleged,
that his orders from the commander in chief were to cross
with "three thousand men at once," and that he could not
ascertain the number of troops which would go over, but
by seeing them actually embarked, and that when they
were embarked, they did not amount to more than fifteen
hundred and twelve men, exclusive of the staff, being but
half the number, with which only, his instructions autho-
rized him to assail the opposite shore. — That many of the
militia not only refused to go when ordered into the boats
by his brigade major, but that more than half of general
Tannehill's brigade had deserted. In his official letter to
general Dearborn, he stated, that he had called together a
council of his officers, agreeably to his instructions, in all
important cases, and that they decided against the con-
templated operations, upon the ground of the insufficiency
of force. — That he then informed the officers, that the at-
tempt to invade Canada would not be made until the army
should be reinforced, and directed them to withdraw their
troops, and cover them with huts immediately. That
the volunteers and the neighbouring people were dis-
satisfied, and that it had been in the power of the con-
tracting agent (alluding to general Porter,) to excite some
clamour against the course pursued, as he found the contract
a losing one, and would wish to see the army in Canada,
that he might not be bound to supply it. That the situa-
82
tion of the force under his (general Smyth's) command,
had not been such as to make the propriety of a forward
movement obvious to all: that circumstanced as he was,
he thought it his duty "to follow the cautious counsels of
<; experience, and not precipitation, to add to the list of
" our defeats."
Whether general Porter's anxiety to see the army in
Canada, arose from so interested a motive as general
Smyth has alleged, or whether he was actuated by a desire
to see the campaign of 1812 closed with some brilliant
achievement of the American arms, the reader will be
better able to judge, by remembering the indefatigable
exertions which that gentleman made use of to enlarge the
forces at BufFaloe, by which the supplies of the army would
be increased, and of the personal share which he was dis-
posed to take in the most dangerous part of the enterprize.
On the 2d of December, the enemy again opened his
batteries upon Black Rock, probably with a view to in-
form general Smyth that his guns were unspiked and re-
placed, and that he was again in a state to resist the inva-
sion. His fire was returned from several six pounders,
one of which, under captain J. N Barker, was so well di-
rected, that the ball entered an embrasure, dismounted a
heavy gun, and disabled the carriage.
The troops were now all quartered; barracks were
erected at Batavia for the reception of the largest propor-
tion, and no operations took place until the close of the
year. The armies were distinguished by titles, derived
from their situations. That which was commanded by ge-
neral Smyth, being the Army op the centre, and that up-
on the St. Lawrence and in its vicinity, being the North-
ern army. This latter, which consisted of an active force
of five thousand seven hundred and thirty-seven men, of
infantry, cavalry, field and horse artillery and militia, had
also gone into winter quarters; and the hopes of the nation
rested now only on the North western army, which
we left in the neighbourhood of the Rapids of the Miami;
the head quarters Of its commander at Sandusky, making
vigorous preparations for a push upon the British and In-
dians at Detroit, and resolved upon quartering for the
whiter in one of the enemy's garrisons.
CHAPTER TIT.
The navy — Third naval victory, the United States over the
British frigate, the Macedonian — Progress of the naval
establishment on lake Ontario — Chauncey's squadron
pursues the Royal George into Kingston harbour and
bombards that town — Growler captures an enemy's sloop
— Tight between the British sloop of war Charybdis, and
the privateer Blockade — The Order s-in- Council exchanges
broadsides with the British sloop of war Opossum — The,
Tom captures the Townsend — The Bona vanquishes a
22 gun ship~-The Dolphin engages and carries two arm-
ed vessels — Fourth naval victory, the Constitution over
the British frigate the Java*
THE American arms on the ocean were all this time
continuing to be triumphant. One naval victory succeed-
ed another, until the people of the United States were as-
tonished at the ceaseless prowess of their tars; and the na-
tions of Europe stood in admiration, and began to look
upon the rising naval establishment of America, as a future
rival to the formidable enemy, against whom it was already
successfully contending.
The United States frigate the United States, captain
Stephen Decatur, of 44 guns, having separated from the
squadron under commodore Rodgers, with which she left
Boston on the 1 8th October, cruised in the track of the
British frigates until the 25th, when in latitude 29 deg. N.
long. 29 deg. 30 min. W. she fell in with the British frigate
Macedonian, captain John Carden, of 38 guns, but carrying
49, the odd one being a shifting gun. The Macedonian
was to windward, and entered the engagement at her own
distance. For half an hour after the commencement of
the action, the United States had no opportunity of using
her carronades, the enemy keeping out of their reach, and
never once coming within the range of grape or musquet-
ry. The action, therefore, was of greater length than usual,
and continued under every advantage to the enemy,
until the United States neared him. The fire from her
then became so vivid, that the enemy's crew imagining
her to be on fire, gave many demonstrations of their joy,
and expected every instant to see her blown up. But
the Macedonian's mizen mast was shot away by the
board, her fore and topmasts by the caps, her lower masts
badly wounded, her main-mast destroyed, and all her rig-
ging cut up. Most of her guns were disabled, the largest
part of her crew killed and wounded, and having become
a perfect wreck, she surrendered after an action of an
hour and an half, at the moment when the United States
was about to rake her.
The enthusiasm of the American crew, on discovering
the enemy, and during the battle, was perhaps unprece-
dented ; the precision of their fire never surpassed in any
other naval engagement. Captain Garden being brought
on board, presented his sword to captain Decatur, who, in
testimony of the gallantry of his enemy, declined accept-
ing it, saying that " he could not receive the sword of a
man, who had defended his ship so bravely." — The ene-
my's loss amounted to one hundred and four ; thirty-six
in killed, and sixty-eight wounded : among the latter, her
first and third lieutenants. The loss of the United States
was five killed and seven wounded, making a total of
twelve. Among the latter was lieutenant John Musser
Funk, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who afterwards died of
his wounds, regretted for his worth, and admired for his
constant coolness and courage. The United States re-
ceived no damage whatever, and returned to port only to
see her prize safe in. The superiority of gunnery was
decidedly, in this action, on the side of the American sea-
men, who fired seventy broadsides, whilst the enemy
discharged but thirty-six.
The Macedonian was an entire new ship, and had been
out of dock but four months. She was brought into the
port of New London, and thence through the Sound to
New York, where she was fitted out as a 38 gun frigate^
and as such bought into the service of the United States,
at the value of two hundred thousand dollars.
Captain Decatur every where received the congratula-
tions of the citizens. The legislatures of Pennsylvania
85
and Virginia voted him an elegant sword : the congress
of the United States, a gold medal. The corporation of
New York voted him the freedom of the city in a gold
box, and had his portrait set up in their gallery : and the
select and common councils of Philadelphia, (in which
city he was born) voted him a superb sword ; and ap-
pointed a committee, of which captain John Muliowney,
formerly of the United States navy, was one ; who in
conjunction with major general John Barker, then mayor
of the city, were to procure it to be made of American
materials. This sword, was presented to captain Decatur
by the mayor, accompanied by a concise and appropriate
address, to which he made a pertinent and manly reply.
Lieutenant Allen, first of the ship, and lieutenant Nich-
olson, received the same honors from the legislature of
Virginia.
On Lake Ontario, the naval operations were becoming
every day of more consequence. Arrangements had
been made for the augmentation of the fleet, and a large
ship was already on the stocks, nearly completed, and to
be called the Madison. About the sixth of November,
commodore Chauncey, who commanded the fleet on this
station, had some suspicion that three of the enemy's
squadron had proceeded from Kingston, up the lake, with
troops to reinforce Fort George. The vessels supposed
to have sailed in this direction, were the Royal George of
26, the Duke of Gloucester of 10, and the Prince Regent
of 14 guns. Commodore Chauncey immediately sailed
with the brig Oneida, of 14 guns ; the Governor Tompkins,
lieutenant Brown, of 6 guns ; the Growler, lieutenant
Mix, of 5 guns ; the Conquest, lieutenant Elliot,' of 2
guns ; the General Hamilton, lieutenant M'Pherson, of
6 guns ; the Pert, Arundle, of 2 guns ; and the Julia,
Frant, of one long 32 pounder — making in all 36 guns.
As the enemy's vessels were expected to return to Kings-
ton for more troops, it was intended to intercept them at
the False Ducks, a collection of islands which they would
be obliged to pass.
On the 8th, the squadron fell in with the Royal George,
and chased her into the bay of Quinti, where she was lost
sight of in the night. On the morning of the 9th she was
discovered in Kingston Channel. Signal was immediately
made for a general chase ; but by the alternate prevalence
8*
of squalls and calms, the squadron was led in close pursuit
into the harbor of the enemy at Kingston. The commo-
dore being; determined on boarding her, though she was
anchored under the enemy's batteries, with springs on her
cables, that she might get all her guns to bear, gave his
signal to that effect. At three o'clock the batteries open-
ed their fire on the fleet, and sent forth a tremendous
shower of shot and grape. Lieutenant Elliot, of the
Conquest, pushed forward, and went in, in the handsomest
style. He was followed by the Julia, the Pert, and the
Growler, in succession ; then came up the brig, with the
commodore, then the General Hamilton, and the Governor
Tompkins. At twelve minutes after three, lieutenant El-
liot opened his fire: at fifteen minutes after three, the
Pert, Julia, and Growler, opened their's. At twenty mi-
nutes after three, the whole of the batteries fired on the
brig, and she sustained most of the fire during the remain-
der of the action. A little while after, the commodore
gave the signal, " engage closer /' which was instantly
obeyed. The Perl's gun, about this time, bursted, and
wounded her commander, who refusing to leave the deck,
was knocked overboard by the boom, and drowned. At
forty minutes past three, the brig opened her fire on the
Royal George, and the Royal George on the Hamilton.
The firing became now very hot, and was kept up with
the greatest alacrity until four o'clock, when the Royal
George cut her cables and ran away, further up the bay.
The squadron became exposed to the cross fire of
five batteries of flying artillery, in all about forty guns,
and the guns of the ship the Royal George ; which hav-
ing taken a more advantageous position, set new
springs, and recommenced her fire. Round and grape
were now falling round the squadron in heavy showers.
At half an hour after four, the whole hauled by the wind
and beat out of the bay ; two miles from which they
anchored, in full sight, until the 10th ; and after re-
maining there nearly all that day, they returned to Sack-
et's Harbor, with the loss of one man killed and three
wounded on board the Oneida. Whilst at the mouth of
Kingston Harbor, the commodore captured a schooner,
and as she could not beat out with the squadron, he or-
dered the Growler to take her under convoy, to run down
past Kingston, and anchor on the east end of Long Island,
87
under an expectation that the Royal George would be in-
duced to come out to recapture her : but her commander,
fearing that the squadron might be close at hand, would
not leave his moorings. The Royal George suffered very
severely in her hull, as a number of 32-pour.d shot pierced
her through and through. The Growler having in vain
tried to induce the enemy to come out, sailed with the
prize schooner for Sacket's Harbor. On her way she
discovered the Prince Regent and the Earl Moira of 18
guns, convoying a sloop to Kingston. She immediately
ran in and placed herself behind a point, with her prize,
until the armed vessels had passed her, when she rat, out
again, pressed down upon the sloop, captured and brought
her into Sacket's Harbor, having on board about 12,000
dollars in specie, and captain Brock, cousin and private
secretary to general Brock, together with that general's
private properly and baggage. The commodore immedi-
ately put off in a snow storm, with a hope of cutting off
the Earl Moira at the False Ducks. Captain Brock ex-
pressed great surprise on learning that the Americans had
been in the British harbor, and that they had got out
again with so little loss, the place being so strongly defended.
Commodore Chauncey not having succeeded in inter-
cepting the Earl of Moira, returned again to the harbor,
and made preparations for completing the new ship Modi-
son> which being finished on the 26th of November, was
launched into her destined element without accident.
About this time, the American privateers were floating
in every direction on the ocean. They cruized before the
entrances of most of the British colonial ports, and rely-
ing on the swiftness of their sailing, many of them had
ventured into the chops of the British Channel. The
alarm which was in consequence excited among the mer-
chants of Great Britain, and the vast number of captures
which were making by these vessels, induced the English
government to fit out several sloops of war for the pro-
tection of their coast. The brig Charybdis, of eighteen
32 pounders, and the Opossum sloop of war, were order-
ed to cruise for several privateers, which were then
known to be in the neighborhood of the coast, and which
it wa9 confidently expected would be brought in by one
or the other of these armed vessels. The Charybdis fell
in with the privateer Blockade of New York, of 8 guns ,-
SB
and after an obstinate engagement of one hour and twen-
ty minutes, in which the Charyhdis lost twenty-eight of her
officers and men killed and wounded, and the Blockade
eight men only, the latter was carried, and taken into
port. The Opossum encountered the " Orders in Coun-
cil," a small privateer, who fought her until they had ex-
changed seven broadsides, when, finding the enemy's
force to be too powerful, she abandoned the contest, and
effected her escape.
The privateer Torn, captain Wilson, of Baltimore, on
the 23d of November, descried a sail, gave chase, over-
hauled, and brought her to an action, which terminated in
the surrender of the enemy, with the loss of her captain
and four men killed, and several wounded. She proved
to be the British packet Townsend, M'Coy, from Fal-
mouth for Barbadoes. Her mail had been thrown over-
board, but was picked up by the Tom's boats ; and after
being ransomed, she was suffered to proceed.
The Bona privateer, of Baltimore, having discovered a
British ship of eight hundred tons, and 22 guns, then on
a voyage from Madeira, ran up and engaged her, when
the great gun bursted, and captain Dameron put twenty-
sine officers and men into his boats, and dispatched them
to board her. After a severe fight upon her decks, they
carried her with little loss. Two strange sail at this mo-
ment coming up in chase, the Bona left the prize in pos-
session of those on board, and bore away, to draw the
chasing vessels after her.
The privateer Dolphin, captain W. S. Stafford, of ten
guns and sixty men, also of Baltimore, being off Cape
St. Vincent, engaged a ship of sixteen guns and forty
men, and a brig of ten guns and twenty-five men, at the
same instant ; and after a long and gallant action, made
prizes of both. The Dolphin had four men wounded;
the enemy 19 killed and 40 wounded, among them the
captain of one of the vessels. Instances of the bold
and daring intrepidity of the crews of the private armed
vessels of the United States, are so numerous, that the
recital of them would swell this work very far beyond
the limits which have been assigned to it. The enemy's
commerce was every where assailed by them, and tin?
British government were obliged to protect their mer-
chant ships by large convoys of vessels of war.
€9
A plan had been matured at the navy department for a
cruise in the Sqnth Seas, and the frigate Constitution, now
commanded by commodore William Bainbridge, the Es-
sex, captain Porter, and the Hornet, captain Lawrence,
were selected to prosecute the voyage in company. On
the 27th of October the Essex sailed from the Delaware,
and on the 30th the Constitution and Hornet from Boston ;
several places of rendezvous having been assigned, at
either of which this force was to be united, to proceed
upon the cruize. On the 29th of December, the union of
these vessels had not yet been effected ; and on that day
the Constitution descried a sail at meridian, in lat. 13 deg.
6 min. SL-'iong. 38 W. ten leagues from St. Salvador,
which she soon discovered to be a British frigate > Com-
modore Bainbridge tacked sail and stood for her. At 50
minutes past 1 p. m. the enemy bore down with an intention
of raking the Constitution, which she avoided by wearing.
Much manceuvering took place on both sides, the object of
the enemy being to rake, and of the Constitution to avoid
being raked, anil to draw the enemy from the neutral
coast. At 2 P. M. the enemy was within half a mile of
the Constitution, and to windward, having hauled down
his colors, except the union jack, which was at the mizen
mast head. A gun was then fired ahead of him, to make
him show his colors ; but this gun was answered by a
whole broadside. The enemy ?s colors were then hoisted,
and the action began with round and grape ; but he kept
at so great a distance, that the grape had little effect, and
to bring him nearer, would expose the Constitution to se-
vere raking, At 30 minutes past two, both ships were
within good canister distance, when the Constitution 's
wheel was shot away. At 40 minutes past two, the fore
and main sail were set, and commodore Bainbridge being
now determined to close with him, luffed up for that
purpose, and in ten minutes after, the enemy's jib-boom
got foul of the Constitution's mizen rigging, and in anoth-
er ten minutes his bowsprit and jib-boom wrere shot away.
At five minutes past three, his main topmast was shot
away just above the cap. This was followed by the loss
of his gaff and spanker boom, and soon after, his main-
mast went nearly by the board. At five minutes past
four, the enemy was completely silenced, and his colors
at the main being dawn, it was thought he had surrender-
90
ed. The Constitution therefore shot ahead to repair da-
mages, which being done, and the enemy's flag being dis-
covered to be still flying, she wore, stood for the enemy
in handsome style, and got close athwart his bows in an
effectual position for raking, when his mainmast having
also gone by the board, and seeing that further resistance
would be useless whilst he lay so unmanageable a wreck,
he struck his colours, and was immediately taken posses-
sion of by lieutenant Parker, and found to be his majesty's
ship Java, of 38 guns but mounting 49, commanded by a
distinguished officer, captain Lambert, who was mortally
wounded and having on board, at the commencement of
the engagement upwards of four hundred men, and one hun-
dred supernumerary seamen which she was carrying out to
the East Indies, for different ships there. The Constitution
had nine men killed, and twenty-five wounded. The Java,
sixty killed and one hundred and seventy wounded. She
had on board despatches for St. Helena, Cape of Good
Hope, and the different establishments in the East Indies
and China, and copper for a 74, building at Bombay. She
had on board, also, a number of passengers, among whom
were lieutenant general Hislop, governor of Bombay, ma-
jor Walker, and one staff major, captain Marshall, a mas-
ter and commander in the royal navy, and several officers
appointed to ships in the East Indies.
The conduct of both officers and crew, in this engage-
ment, was not less conspicuous for gallantry than in that
with the Guerriere, and the same principles of humanity
influenced their deportment to the prisoners. — Among the
wounded were the commodore and lieutenant Aylwin,
the latter of whom received a ball immediately under the
collar bone, (within an inch of his former wound,) of which
he died at sea, on the 28th January. Upon the call for
boarders, he had mounted the quarter deck hammock
cloth, and was in the act of firing his pistols at the ene-
my, when the ball passed through his shoulder blade and
threw him upon the deck. Midshipman Delany, who had
been at his side in both the actions of the Constitution,
bore him to the side of the mast, and ordered two men
from his own division to carry him below, but such was
his zeal for the success of the ship, that he would not
suffer a single man to be taken from his station, nor would
he consent to leave the deck, until he saw the issue of
91
the battle. Among the officers who distinguished them-
selves, were lieutenant Parker, the first officer of the ship,
and midshipmen James Delany, of Pennsylvania, and
John Packet, of Jefferson county, Virginia; the latter of
whom was entrusted with the despatches from commo-
dore Bainbridge to the navy department, and has since
been promoted to a lieutenantcy. Many of the seamen ex-
hibited a most uncommon degree of heroism: one of them,
John Cheves, after being mortally wounded, remained on
deck, apparently dying, until the termination of the en-
gagement, when, the word being passed that the enemy
had struck, he raised himself up with one hand, gave three
cheers, and fell back and expired. His brother was also
severely wounded.
On the first of January, (nautical time) commodore
Bainbridge j upon being informed by lieutenant Parker,
that the prize was in such a condition that many repairs
would be required to render her at all manageable, and
knowing the immense distance at which he then was from
any port in the United States, and how much he would
be obliged to weaken his crew, to man the prize properly,
determined on blowing her up, which he accordingly did
at 3 P. M. with every valuable article on board of her,
except the prisoners' baggage. To these he administered
every comfort which his means could afford; and at St.
Salvador, at which place he landed the remaining crew
of the Java, he received the public acknowledgements of
lieutenant general Hislop to that effect, accompanied by
the presentation of an elegant sword. Captain Lambert
had received a mortal wound in the early part of the en-
gagement, and was in so languishing a situation, that he
could not be removed from the Java until her destruction
was resolved on; after which the commodore directed his
course to St. Salvador to land and parole him. On ar-
riving m that port, he landed the private passengers with-
out considering them prisoners of war,- and released the
public passengers, and the officers and crew, amounting to
three hundred and fifty-one mem on their parole, on con-
dition of their returning to England and remaining there,
without serving in any of their professional capacities un-
til they should be regularly exchanged.
At St. Salvador the Constitution met the sloop of war
the Hornet, with whom she had parted a few days before
12
92
the engagement, and leaving that vessel to blockade the
British sloop of war the Bonne Ciloyerme, commodore
Bainbridge broke up the intended cruise in the South Seas
and returned to the United States. Here he was greeted
with the applauses of his countrymen, and received the
freedom of the city of New York in a gold box ; a piece
of plate from the citizens of Philadelphia, the thanks of
many of the state legislatures, and a medal from congress,
with fifty thousand dollars for himself, officers and crew.
The legislature of Virginia voted a handsome'-sword to
midshipman Packet of their state, and their approbation
to the officers generally.
The comparative force of the two vessels, has been
subject of much prevarication, as well as of the number
of men in each. Captain Lambert having expired at St.
Salvador, it became the duty of lieutenant Chads, first
officer of the Java, to make an official communication of
the affair to his government. That officer, unmindful of
the generous magnanimity with which he had been treat-
ed, endeavoured to take away from the credit of the
American commodore, by underrating the number of the
British crew, and the actual force of the British ship; and
by very largely overrating the force and crew of the Con-
stitution. He reported her force to be 32 long twenty-four
pounders, 16 carronades (32 pounders,) and 1 carronade
eighteen pounder, being in all 58 guns. The actual force
of the Constitution was, 30 twenty-four pounders on her
gun deck, 16 thirty-two pounds carronades on her quarter
deck, and 8 guns on the forecastle, making in all 54 guns.
The Java carried 28 twenty-four pounders on her gun
deck, 14 thirty -two pounders, carronades, 6 guns on the
forecastle, and 1 shifting gun, making in all 49 guns, which
the lieutenant stated at forty-six.
Assurances were given to commodore Bainbridge, by
the officers of the Java, that the ship left England with a
crew which did not exceed three hundred and twenty
men; but the prisoners received onboard the Constitution
very far exceeded that number, and when the muster
book of the Java was found and examined, it called for
four hundred and nine officers, petty officers, seamen and
marines, so that their loss in kilted must have been great-
er than they reported.
CHAPTER VIII.
Contemplated movement of the British and Indians from
Maiden to Frenchtown— Battle, between the advance of
both armies, and the defeat of the British — Capture of
general Winchester's force, and massacre of the prisoners
— Siege of fort Meigs— Dudley's victory — His defeat
and death — Sortie from the garrison — Siege of fort
Meigs raised — Council of the Indian chiefs — Colonel
Ball destroys a party of the hostile Indians.
EXASPERATED at the successes of the American
volunteer troops, in their repeated assaults upon the Indian
posts along the north western frontier, the enemy resolved
upon an immediate movement of his combined forces, to
the village of Frenchtown, with a view to intercept the
American expedition, in its further approaches towards
Detroit. In the event of this movement, which was now
(January) every day looked for, the inhabitants of French-
town were apprehensive of being massacred, and they
therefore implored general Winchester to march to their
protection, though the troops at that time under his com-
mand, were far inferior in numbers to the collected force,
by which in all probability they would be assailed. With-
out any previous concert with general Harrison as to the
plan of operations, and without his knowledge or authori-
ty, general Winchester, yielding to the solicitation of the
inhabitants, determined upon marching with his small
force, then reduced to eight hundred men by the dis-
charge of those regiments whose term of service had ex-
pired, to prevent, if possible, the destruction of the village
and the threatened murder of its inhabitants. On the 17th,
lieut. col. William Lewis was ordered to proceed with a
detachment to Presqueisle, where he was to wait the arri-
val of a reinforcement of another detachment, under lieu-
tenant colonel Allen, which would soon after be followed
by the main body of the tr»; ops. On the morning of the
J 8th, the two detachments concentrated at Presquezsk j
94
wnen colonel Lewis, having been informed, that a«
advance party of the British and Indians, amounting
to about five hundred, were already encamped at French-
town, immediately determined .on attacking them. A ra-
pid march brought him within their view at about 3 o'clock.
At three miles distance, he was apprized of their being
prepared to receive him, and, lest they should sally out and
suddenly encounter him, he arranged his mej in the order
of battle, and approached with camion to the margin of
the river. The command of the right wing, composed of
the companies of captains M'Cracken, Bledsoe, and Mat-
son, was assigned to lieutenant colonel Allen. The com-
mand of the left, composed of the companies of captains
Hamilton, Williams, and Kelly, to major Graves. Major
Madison was placed in the centre, with the companies of
captain Hightower, of the 17tii U. S infantry, and captains
Collier and Sabrie. Captain Ballard, acting as major, was
sent in advance with two companies, commanded by cap-
tains Hickman and Glaves. Thus organized, the whole bo-
dy came within a quarter of a mile of the enemy. The ri-
ver only separated them. The line was then displayed, and
the passage of the river was attempted, under a fire from
a howitzer which the enemy directed against the volunteers
with little effect. The line remained firm, and marched
across the ice to the opposite shore, at the very moment
when the signal was given for a general charge. Majors
Graves and Madison were instantly ordered to assail the
houses and picketing, in, and about which, the enemy had
collected and arrayed his cannon, before this charge could
be made. The two battalions advanced with great velocity,
under an incessant shower of bullets, carried the picketing
with ease, dislodged the British and Indians, and drove
them into the woods. Lieutenant colonel Allen made a
simultaneous movement upon the enemy's left, then at a
considerable distance from the remainder of his troops, and
after one or two spirited charges, compelled him to break,
and drove him more than a mile ; after which, he took
shelter in the same wood, to which, the right had retired.
Here the two wings concentrated, and, being covered by
tbe fences of several enclosed lots and a group of houses,
with a thick and brushy wood, and a quantity of fallen
timber in the rear, they made a stand with their howitzer
and small arms. Colonel Allen was still advancing with
95
the right wing of the American detachment, and was ex-
posed to the fire of the whole body of the enemy. Majors
Graves and Madison, were then directed to move up with
the left and the centre, to make a diversion in favour of the
right. Their fire had just commenced when the right
wing advanced upon the enemy's front. A sanguinary
fight immediately followed; the houses were desperately
assailed, the British, who were stationed behind the fences,
were vigorously charged, and the enemy a third time fled.
Rapid pursuit was instantly given to him. The British
and Indians drew the Americans into the wood in their
rear, and again rallying their forces, several times intre
pidly attempted, under the direction of major Reynolds,
to break the American line. The fight became close and
extremely hot upon the right wing, but the whole line
maintained its ground, repulsed every attempt, followed
up the enemy each time as he fell back, and kept him
two miles on the retreat, under a continual charge. At
length, after having obstinately contended against the
American arms upwards of three hours, the British and
Indians were entirely dispersed, and carrying off all their
wounded and as many of their dead as they could collect,
they retired from the field, leaving fifteen of their warriors
behind. The American loss amounted to twelve killed
and fifty-five wounded. The gallantry of the officers of
the detachments left no chance of discrimination to the
commandant. Most of them have been already mention-
ed in reference to their conduct on other occasions. The
coolness of the men was such, that whilst they were as-
saulting and driving the enemy from the houses, not a
woman or child inhabiting them was hurt. Colonel Lewis
encamped upon the same ground which had been previ-
ously occupied by the enemy. He had captured some
public property, and protected the inhabitants thus far
from the apprehended cruelty of the Indians, and he now
made preparations to maintain his position until he should
be joined by general Winchester.
On the 20th, the troops under general Winchester arri-
ved, and when the whole were concentrated they did not
exceed seven hundred and fifty men. Six hundred were
posted in pickets, and one hundred and fifty composing
the right wing were encamped in an open field. On the
morning of the 22nd, at reveillie, a combined force under
96
Tecumseh. and colonel Proctor, of two thousand one
hundred men, attacked the encampment. The alarm gun
was immediately fired, and the troops ready for the recep-
tion of the assailants. The attack commenced with a
heavy fire of small arms, and the discharge of six pieces of
artillery, directed immediately at the temporary breast-
work, behind which the left wing was stationed. The
right wing was attacked with great violence, and sustained
the conflict about twenty minutes, but being outnumbered
and overpowered, was obliged to retreat across the river.
Two companies, of fifty men each, sallied out of the
breastwork to their assistance, but retreated with them.
A large body of Indians had been stationed in the rear
of the encampment before the attack commenced, who
either made prisoners of, or cut off, the retreating party.
The left wing maintained its ground within the pickets.
Three furious onsets were made upon it by the British
41st, each of which was received with distinguished cool-
ness, and each of which terminated in the repulse of the
enemy. In the desperate resistance which was made to
the charges of this regiment, thirty of its men were killed,
and between ninety and one hundred wounded. When
the right wing was discovered to be retreating, every ef-
fort was used to form them in some order of action,
either to repel the pursuers, or to regain the temporary
breastwork, from behind which, the remaining part of the
troops were still gallantly defending themselves. General
Winchester's head quarters were several hundred yards
from the encampment, he therefore was not in the first
of the engagement, but he had no sooner arrived at the
ground, than he, colonel Lewis, and some others, who
were attempting to rally the flying right wing, were taken
prisoners. The remainder of the battle was fought in confu-
sion, and was rather a proof of the invincible bravery of the
Americans, than of any regard which they had for the order
of the fight. They saw the great disparity of force, and knew
how much their own had been weakened by the destruc-
tion of the right wing. But they continued to repel every
charge of the assailants, until 11 o'clock, when an order
was received, by a flag from the enemy, by which it ap-
peared, that general Winchester was assured, that unless
the troops of his command were immediately surrender-
ed, the buildings in Frenchtown would be set on fire,,
97
and that no responsibility would be taken for the conduct
of the savages, who composed the largest part of the ene-
mys force ; that to save the lives of the remaining portion
of his brave troops, he 'had agreed to surrender them pri-
soners of war, "on condition of their being protected from
the savages, of their being allowed to retain their private
property, and of having their side arms returned to them.
Thirty-five officers, and four hundred and eighty-seven
non commissioned officers and privates were accordingly
surrendered, after having fought with small arms, against
artillery, for six hours ; and being all that time surrounded
by Indians resorting to their usual terrific yells. The loss
of the Americans was twenty -two officers, and two hun-
dred and seventy -five non commissioned officers and pri-
vates killed and missing, and three officers and twenty-two
privates wounded, who were among the prisoners surren-
dered. The enemy's loss, except that of the 41st regulars,
conld not be ascertained, every means being used to pre-
vent a discovery. It has been supposed, however, that
it was little less than that of the Americans. Colonel
Proctor afterwards stated it, in his official communication,
to be twenty four killed, and one hundred and fifty-eight
wounded.
The events which followed the surrender of the Ame-
rican arms, were of such a nature as to make the heart of
man recoil from their recital, and to deprive the historian
of a later day, of that degree of temperance which ought
ever to be inseparable from candid and impartial narra-
tion. Facts, which have been established beyond the
possibility of doubt; which have been testified by the so-
lemn affirmations of the officers of the captured army, and
admitted by those of the enemy ; which took place im-
mediately under the eye of the conquering commander,
and which were sanctioned by his presence, ought not to
be withheld from the world; the fidelity of history will
not allow them to be magnified, nor can they in justice
be extenuated.
Destitute of the common principles of sacred humanity,
and regardless of the civilized usages of honourable war-
fare, the allied British and Indian forces, no sooner re-
ceived the surrender of the vanquished, though brave de-
fenders of the invaded territory, than they assailed theitt
98
with their tomhawks and scalping knives, and stripped
them of their property and clothing. When the right wing
fell back, and about forty men, under lieutenant Isaac L.
Baker, were attempting to escape, an offer of protection
was made to them, on condition of their surrender. Lieu-
tenant Baker very gladly yielded to the proposal for the
safety of his men, but the proffered protection did not fol-
low. One half of his party were butchered and left naked
on the field, and himself and the remainder were marched
back to colonel Proctor's camp. They gave up their
arms to the Indians, and defenceless as they were, many
of them who brought up the rear as prisoners, were mas-
sacred on the march. When general Winchester was cap-
tured, in the act of pursuing and rallying the right wing,
the same solemn assurances of protection were given to
him, on condition of his ordering the whole detachment
to surrender. His humanity induced him to comply; but
when the troops were brought within the British camp,
their side arms and accoutrements were taken from them
and presented to the savages. They were then left in
custody of the Indians, who were instructed to follow the
British regulars to Maiden, to which place the prisoners
were to be conducted. The wounded prisoners were
more likely to become the objects of Indian resent-
ment, and the American general remonstrated, therefore,
with *he commanding British officer on the necessity of
their being removed by the regulars. To this remon-
strance, a pledge was given, that such prisoners should be
attended to. They were left behind, however, and on the
morning of the 23d, the Indians fired many houses of the
inhabitants, and burnt the prisoners who had been placed
within them. Being then in readiness to march, they ar-
ranged other prisoners in that order, and on finding that
many of them could not walk, in consequence of the se-
verity of their wounds, they immediately stripped them,
stood them up for targets, and after killing, tomhawked,
and scalped them. Numbers of them who attempted the
march to avoid so dreadful a fate, became exhausted on
the way, and received the same treatment in the presence
of their afflicted fellow prisoners. Among those who
were placed in this latter situation, was an officer, whose
case wa3 of the most unparalleled atrocity. Captain N.
99
G. S. Hart,* of Lexington, who had on several occasions,
but on this particularly, signalized himself by his undaunt-
ed bravery, and who received a flesh wound in the knee
in the early part of the engagement, on being surrendered
with the troops, was immediately recognized by colonel
Elliot, an American by birth, who had been a class mate
of captain Hail, at an American college, and who has long
been notorious for his activity in exciting the savages to
arm themselves against his fellow citizens. In this action
he was bearing arms against his own countrymen, and on
discovering the companion of his youth, in the hands of tbe
savages, he felt that degree of national sympathy, of which
no man, however vile, can entirely divest himself; and,
without being solicited, made a promise of his protection,
and of providing a conveyance to Maiden, which would
place captain Hart under his superintendance, until his re-
covery should be effected. But col. Elliot's promise was
forgotten, or was made only to be broken. He departed,
and a band of Indians entered the house in which captain
Hart lay, and tore him from his bed ; one of his brother
officers then conveyed him to another apartment, where
he was again assailed. He at length induced the Indians
to take him to Maiden, under the promise of a large re-
ward. They proceeded but five miles on the road before
they shot him while on his horse, and took his scalp.
The fate of colonel Allen, captains M'Cracken, Woodfolk,
Hickman, and other officers, was no less unfortunate than
that of captain Hart.
When the surviving prisoners, officers and men, arrived
at Maiden, the savages were allowed to sell them, and
many of the American citizens, who had been permitted
to remain in the town of Detroit for temporary purposes^
stept forward to ransom them, but when colonel Proctor
discovered, that by this means they obtained their release,
he issued an order forbidding any future exchanges of
prisoners for money. Most of the officers and many of
the men, among the volunteers, were of the first re-
spectability, holding offices of high trust, members
of the congress of the United States, and accustomed
to those refinements which result from wealth and
* Captain Hart was brother-in-law to Mr. Henry Clay, one of
the American commissioners at Ghent.
.242
100
education. They had left the ease and affluence with
which their homes abounded, to obey the voice of their
invaded country, and had encountered all kinds of hard-
ships ki their different inarches. These men, while pri-
soners at Maiden, were treated with that haughty super-
ciliousness, which belongs not to the noble soldier, nor to
the enlightened man. Judge Woodward, of the supreme
court of the Michigan territory, rendered every assistance
to the prisoners, within the power of an individual, and
by the influence which he had acquired over the British
commander, greatly alleviated their misfortunes. He
boldly charged the enemy with the enormities which had
been committed, and informed colonel Proctor, after hav-
ing supplied him by his own directions, with affidavits
which substantiated all the facts, that " the truth would un-
ki doubtedly eventually appear, and that, that unfortunate
li day must meet the steady and impartial eye of history"
Colonel Proctor extenuated the facts, made no denial of
their occurrence, but alleged that no capitulation was en-
tered into; that the prisoners surrendered at discretion;
and that therefore it was not necessary to controui the
Indians. The battle was officially announced to the Ca-
nadian people, from the head quarters of the commander
hi chief, the governor general. His communication in-
formed them, that another brilliant action had been at-
chieved by the division of the army under colonel Proc-
tor; and admitted that the loss of the Americans was great,
because the Indian warriors had cut off all who attempted
to escape. The Indian chief Round Head, he said, had
rendered essential services by his bravery and good con-
duct, and colonel Proctor had nobly displayed his gal-
lantry, by his humane and unwearied ex^rti^ns in res-
cuing the vanquished from the revenge of the Indians; for
which good conduct he was promoted, until the pleasure
of the Frince Regent should be known, to the rank of a
brigadier general in Upper Canada. The general orders
concluded by ordering "a salute, of twenty-one guns, to
be fired on this glorious occasion."
General Harrison having heard of the exposed situation
of general Winchester's Loops, had ordered a detachment
from general Perkin's brigade to march under major Cot-
groves to his relief; but they did not reach Frenchtown
before the battle, and immediately on their return to the
101 *
Rapids, at which place general Harrison was then station-
ed, he fell back eighteen miles to the carrying river, in or-
der to force a junction with the troops in the rear, and to
cover the convoy of artillery and stores, then coming from
Upper Sandusky. From this place he despatched a flag of
truce with a surgeon to Maiden to attend to the captured
sick and wounded; his flag was not respected, however,
and one of the surgeonrs companions was killed, and him-
self wounded and (aken prisoner. A strong desire now pre-
vailed among the troops to avenge the loss of their brave
brethren in arms, and governor Meigs having promptly
forwarded two regiments of Ohio militia to reinforce gene-
ral Harrison, he again advanced to the Rapids and com-
menced building a fort, which has since been rendered me-
morable under the name of fort Meigs. Fortifications were
at the same time constructed at Upper Sandusky, under the
direction of general Crooks. Whilst these precautionary
measures were adopted for the protection of the troops, and
the defence ef the territory, detached parties were frequent-
ly indulged in short excursions, none of which resulted in
any material advantage. In one of these, the commander
in chief, himself, marched to Presqueisle at the head of a
detachment, upon hearing that a body of Indians had col-
lected at (hat place; but the Indians fled, at his approach,
too rapidly to be overtaken, and he returned to his en-
campment, after having marched sixty miles in twenty-one
hours. A few days after, captain Langham was despatched
to destroy the Queen Charlotte, then laying near Maiden;
but the decayed state of the ice defeated the object of the
expedition. In the commencement of April a desperate
affair took place between an equal number of Frenchmen
and Indians, who fought each other in canoes, until the
greater part on both sides were either killed or wounded ;
but no event of any consequence occurred during the
remainder of the winter, the unauthorized movement of
general Winchester was entirely subversive of general
Harrison's plans, and so contrary to his arrangements,
that the whole system of^organization was again to be
gone over. General Harrison therefore left the troops
strengthening the posts of fort Meigs, Upper Sandusky,
and fort Stephenson, whilst he returned to Ohio to con-
sult with the governor, to accelerate the march of the re-
inforcements, and to expedite the transportation of addi-
J 02
tional stores. He had not been long absent from fort
Meigs, before the garrison was threatened with an attack.
New levies were hastily made from Ohio and Kentucky,
but as they did not arrive in time to resist the enemy,
now collecting in large numbers in the neighbourhood,
the Pennsylvania brigade voluntarily extended its term of
service, which had just then expired. Gen. Harrison was
apprized of this circumstance by despatch, and returned
with all possible expedition to the garrison. He arrived
on the 20th April, and made instant preparation for an ap-
proaching siege. Patroles and reconnoitering parties
were constantly kept out, and on the 26th they reported
the enemy — on that day the advance of the enemy made
its appearance on the opposite shore, and were discovered
viewing the works; after reconnoitering a short time they
retired. On the following day they appeared again; but a
tew eighteen pound shot soon obliged them to retreat. The
fort wa9 situated on a commanding eminence, and was
well supplied with every necessary munition of war, but
general Harrison being desirous of putting his men in the
best possible state of security, was every day erecting
fortifications of different descriptions. The troops in the
garrison were animated and zealous in the cause of their
country, and their exertions were without parallel. On
the 28th, captain Hamilton was sent out with a patrolling
party. About three miles down the river he discovered
the enemy in great force, approaching fort Meigs, and im-
mediately communicated his discovery to the general.
An express was then sent to general Green Clay, who
commanded a brigade of twelve hundred Kentuckians,
with an order for his immediate march to fort Meigs. Ge-
neral Harrison addressed the troops, iuformed them of the
vital importance of every man's being vigilant and indus-
trious at his post, and received assurances that none of
them would abandon their duty. A few British and a
body of Indians commenced a very brisk fire from the
opposite shore, but the distance was too great to do inju-
ry. Their fire was returned from two 18 pounders, and
they retired and concealed themselves from the view of
the fort. In the evening, the enemy crossed the river in
boats, and selected the best situations about the fort, to
throw up works for the protection of their battering can-
non. The garrison was completely surrounded, and pre?
103
parations were active upon one side to storm the fort, and
on the other to repel the most vigorous assault. Several
dragoons who had offered to reconnoitre the enemy *»
camp, had not proceeded far from the fort, when they
were fired on, and one of them was shot through the arm.
Early on the morning of the 29th, the Indians fired into
the fort with their" rifles, and mortally wounded a man
who was talking with the general — a constant firing was
kept up on both sides during the whole day. Several*
men in the garrison were slightly wounded, and a number
of the enemy were killed. His batteries had been so far
constructed during the night, that sufficient protection was
afforded to him to work by day -light. Numbers of shot
were thrown into the breastworks to impede their pro-
gress, but before night, he had three batteries erected, two
with four embrasures each, and one bomb battery. On
the morning of the 30th, the besiegers were discovered to
have extended their batteries, and to be preparing them
for the cannon. Their progress in doing this, was retarded
by a well directed" and constant fire from the besieged.
They were observed to carry away men from the batte-
ries, by which it was supposed that the fire from the fort
had either killed, or wounded many of them. General
Harrison, having a suspicion that the enemy intended to
surprise and storm the garrison in its rear, from the cir-
cumstance of a number of beats having repeatedly crossed
from the old British garrison to the side on which stood
the American fort, each loaded with men; he gave orders
for one-third of the troops to be constantly on guard, and
the remainder to sleep with their muskets in their arms,
and to be in readiness to fly to their posts at any moment.
The Indians occupied all the advantageous positions round
the fort, and to this and many other discouraging circum-
stances, was added the want of water, which was supplied
only from the river, whence a few men were each night
obliged to obtain enough for the garrison for the succeed-
ing day. This they did at an imminent risk of their lives,
the Indians being always on the alert. During this day,
there were several killed and wounded on both sides. In
the night, a gun boat which had been towed up the river
by the enemy, was placed near the fort -, and kept up a
fire at intervals upon it. No one ball entered it, however^
and on the morning of May 1st she moved off, after hav*
K2
. 204=
mg discharged thirty shot without effect. This morning
the grand traverse, at which the men had been some time
engaged, was nearly finished, and several inferior ones
were commenced in different directions. The American
garrison was now in very excellent condition, and as soon
as the well should be finished, would defy the utmost
power of the besiegers. At about 10 o'clock the enemy
had one cannon prepared. With that he kept up a brisk
fire. In the course of the day he opened several pieces
on the fort, and before night he had in operation one 24
pounder, one 12, one 6, and a howitzer, from which he
fired two hundred and fifty-six shot during the day, and
four at night, without doing any material injury to fort
Meigs; though one man was wounded mortally, two bad-
ly, and five slightly ; and a ball struck a bench upon which
general Harrison was sitting. One of their pieces was
silenced several times. On the 2d May the firing com-
menced very early, with bombs and balls, and continued,
until four hundred and fifty-seven discharges were made
in the day, and four at night. — American loss this day,
one killed and ten wounded, besides several slightly touch-
ed. Numbers of the enemy's warriors were carried away
from their batteries in blankets. On the 3d, a fierce and
vigorous fire of bombs and cannon ball* commenced with
the day. Two batteries, one of which was a bomb bat-
tery, were opened upon the rear right angle of the Ame-
rican fort, at a distance of two hundred and fifty yards.
Their fire was promptly returned, and several times si-
lenced, but they continued it at intervals during the day.
Six men were killed in the fort, and three wounded, by the
xannon and bombs, from which, during this day and at night
there were five hundred and sixty-three shot and shells dis-
charged. The Indians ascended the trees in the neigh-
bourhood of the fort, and fired into it with their rifles,
only one man, however, was killed by a bullet. On the
4th, no firing took place until 1 1 o'clock. It was at first
supposed that the enemy had exhausted himself, but at
9 o'clock it was discovered that he was erecting an addi-
tional battery, to guard against which, general Harrison
ordered a new traverse to be constructed. A heavy rain,
which fell in the early part of the day, retarded the firing
on both sides. The rifle was used oftener on this, than
on any other day. The cannon shot did not exceed two
105
hundred and twenty-two. Several men were slightly
wounded, and two killed in the course of the night. The
principal part of the British were at the old batteries on
the opposite side of the river, one of their officers of rank
crossed over within musket shot of the fort, and was shot
by lieutenant Gwynne. On the 5th, the fire from the be-
siegers was very slow, they killed three men with bombs,
and discharged their pieces one hundred and forty-three
times in all. General Clay had put his troops in motion,
as soon as he received general Harrison's orders of the
28th ultimo, and had marched with great expedition. At
2 o'clock on this day, M. Oliver, who had been sent with
the despatches, arrived at the fort, with forty-seven men
of general Clay's brigade, and informed general Harrison,
that the whole detachment was within a few hours march.
Orders were immediately sent to general Clay to land
eight hundred men on the opposite shore, to storm the
enemy's batteries, spike his cannon, and destroy his car-
riages, whilst a sortie would be circuitousry made from
the fort, for the purpose of attacking his new works at the
same instant, and compelling him to raise the siege. Co-
lonel Dudley was charged with the execution of this or-
der, and colonel Miller of the 19th U. S. infantry, was to
command the sortie. Colonel Dudley landed his men
from the boats in which they had descended the river,
and marched them resolutely up to the mouth of the
British cannon. The four batteries were instantly carri-
ed, eleven guns spiked, and the British regulars and Ca-
nadian militia put to flight. In pursuance of general
Harrison's orders, colonel Dudley, after having effected
the object of his landing, ought to have crossed the river
to fort Meigs, but his men were so much elated at the
success of their first battle, that they were desirous of
pursuing and capturing the retreating enemy. An im-
mense body of Indians were at that time marching to the
British camp, who were met by the regulars as they re-
tired. With these they formed, and putting the Indians
in ambush, they made a feint to draw colonel Dudley's
men into the woods, in which they too well succeeded.
The Indians came out from their ambuscade, and attack-
ed the brave but indiscreet Kentuckians. A severe en-
gagement took place, which terminated in the death or
capture of almost the whole detachment, and which was
108
followed by the same kind of massacre, though not to the
same extent, which succeeded the surrender at Raisin,
The British intercepted the retreat of colonel Dudley to
the river, where he would have been protected by the
guns of fort Meigs, and only one hundred and fifty men,
out of eight hundred, effected their escape. Forty-five
were tonihawked, and colonel Dudley, their gallant lead-
er, was among the killed. He is said to have shot one of
the Indians after being himself mortally wounded. The
remainder of general Clay's brigade assailed a body of
Indians in. the wood near the fort, and would have been
also drawn into an ambush, had not general Harrison or-
dered a party of dragoons to sally out, and protect their re-
treat to the fort. The contemplated sortie was intended
to have been simultaneous with the attack on the opposite
side of the river; but the impetuosity of colonel Dudley's
troops, defeated this project, and colonel Miller, with part
of the 19th and a body of militia, in all three hundred and
fifty men, sallied forth, after the Indians were apprized of
the attack upon the old batteries. He assaulted the whole
line of their works, which was defended, as has since been
ascertained, by two hundred regulars, one hundred and
fifty militia, and four or five hundred Indians, and after
several brilliant and intrepid charges, succeeded in driving
the enemy from his principal batteries, and in spiking the
cannon. He then returned to the fort with forty-two prison-
ers, among whom were two lieutenants. The first charge
was made on the Indians and Canadians, by the battalion
of major Alexander, the second on the regulars and In-
dians, by colonel Miller's regulars, the officers of which
were captains Croghan, Langham, Bradford, Nearing, and
lieut. Campbell, and a company of Kentuckians, command-
ed by capt. Sabrie, who distinguished himself in the first
affair at Frenchtown. This company maintained its ground
with more firmness than could have been expected from
a hasty levy of militia, and against four times its number.
Jt was at length, however, surrounded by Indians, and
would have been entirely cut off, had not lieutenant
G wynne, of the 19th, charged the Indians with part of cap-
tain Elliot's company, and released the Kentuckians, On
the 6th, hostilities seemed to have ceased on both sides.
The besieged sent down a flag by major Hukill to attend
to the comforts of the American wounded and prisoner&>
107
which returned with the British major Chambers, between
whom and the garrison some arrangements were made
about sending home the prisoners by Cleveland. On the
7th, there was a continuation of bad weather. Flags were
passing to and from the two armies, during the whole
day, and arrangements were entered into, by which the
American militia were to be sent to Huron, to return
home by that route, and the Indians were to relinquish
their claim to the prisoners taken on the opposite shore,
and to receive in exchange for them, a number of Wyan-
dotts, who had been captured in the sallies of the 5th.
During the 8th, the exchange and intercourse of flags con-
tinued, and a promise was made by the British, to furnish
general Harrison with a list of the killed, wounded and
prisoners, which however was not complied with. On
the 9th, the enemy was observed to be abandoning his
works, a sloop and several gun boats had been brought up
in the night and were receiving the cannon — on being dis-
covered, a few guns from fort Meigs obliged them to re-
linquish their design, and by 10 o'clock the siege was
raised, and the whole of the enemy's forces were on their
retreat.
Thus terminated a siege of thirteen days, in which the
British commander, general Proctor, promised the Indian
allies, that the American garrison should be reduced, and
its defenders delivered over to them as prisoners of war.
Eighteen hundred shells and cannon balls had been fired
into the fort, and a continual discharge of small arms had
been kept up, yet the American loss was only eighty-one
killed and one hundred and eighty-nine wounded. Seven-
teen only of the former during the siege, the remainder
in the sortie, and the different assaults of the 5th. Of the
latter, one hundred and twenty-four were wounded in the
sortie, and sixty-six during the siege. The loss of
the United States regulars was one hundred and fifty-six
in killed and wounded, that of the Kentucky and Ohio
militia and the twelve months volunteers, one hundred
and fourteen. But Kentucky, as on other occasions, suf-
fered the most severely, her loss in killed and wounded
amounting to seventy-two. The daring intrepidity of the
citizens of that state, had continually, and two often with
an indiscreet impetuosity, led them into the most dan-
gerous situations. It was to this, that their defeat
108
under colonel Dudley was to be attributed, and because
of this, that they lost in that affair two hundred and up-
wards in killed and missing. But it was to this, also, that
the gratitude of the whole nation was due, when, regard-
less of the blood, which, in the first stage of the war she
had already freely and profusely shed, her citizens came
forward with unabating alacrity, and volunteered their ser-
vices on every hazardous expedition.
The force under general Proctor, was reported by de-
serters to be five hundred and fifty regulars, and eight hun-
dred militia. The number of the Indians, was greater be-
yond comparison than had ever been brought mie> the field,
before. They were much dissatisfied at the failure of the
repeated attacks upon the fort, the spoil of which had
been promised to them — yet they several times du-
ring the sortie, prevented the capture of the whole of
their allies, the British regulars. In one of the assaults,
commanded by captain Croghan, upon a battery which
was defended by the grenadier and light infantry compa-
nies of the 41st regiment, the enemy suffered severly,
and, but for the immediate assistance of the Indians, could
not have effected a retreat, which the vigour of the assault
compelled them to make. General Harrison caused not
only the ground upon which the enemy's batteries had
been erected in the neighbourhood of the fort, but that
on which colonel Dudley's battle had been fought, to be
strictly examined ; on the latter, the body of that unfortu-
nate officer was discovered dreadfully mangled. The bo-
dies of several of his detachment were also found, and the
whole were collected and buried with the honours and
solemnities due to their rank and the occasion. Offensive
preparations were now for a time suspended. The naval
equipments on lake Erie, were in active forwardness,
and until these were completed, the troops were to remain
at fort Meigs and Sandusky. The forces at either were
adequate to its defence, and general Harrison left gene-
ral Clay in command of the former, whilst he set out for
the latter, and thence intended to repair to Franklinton
to forward new reinforcements. In the month of June, a
general council of Indian chiefs was assembled i» the
neighbourhood of Seneca town, Lower Sandusky, to which
place the head quarters of general Harrison had been
transferred. The result of their deliberations was an offer
109
(o take up arms in behalf of the United States, and they
proposed to accompany general Harrison into Canada.
But the incursions of the nostile chiefs were nov rr,-,^
frequent than before. Their depredations were extended
along the shores of the iake, and many of the inhabitants
were killed, or made prisoners. But a temporary check
was given to their inroads, by a squadron of di ..goons,
who encountered and cut to pieces a party of the most
ferocious of the savages. Colonel Ball was descending
the Sandusky with twenty-two men, when he was fired up-
on by about twenty Indians from an ambush. He charged
upon and drove them from their ambuscade, and after an
obstinate contest upon a plain, favourable to me opera-
tions of cavalry, he destroyed every chief of the party.
During the warmest of the engagement, he was dismount-
ed, and in personal fight with a warrior of great strength.
They fought with desperation, until the colonel was re-
lieved by an officer who shot down the Indian. The sa
yages then became furious, and after giving their custom-
ary signal, to receive no quarter, they made a vigorous
onset, and kept up the contest until their whole band was
destroyed. This affair produced seme terror among the
Indians, and the persons and property of the inhabitants
were secured for a while from outrage and plunder.
The conduct of this vigilant and able officer, has been
frequently spoken of in general orders. At the repulse
of the besiegers of fort Meigs, he was among the most
conspicuous of those officers, who vainly strove to surpass
each other in the acquital of their duty. To majors Ball,
Todd, Sodwick, and Ritzer, and major Johnson of the
Kentucky militia, the commander in chief gave a public
expression of his warmest approbation. Of captain Wood,
of the engineers, who has since that time s4< nobly distin-
guished himself in a sortie from another garrison, the ge-
nera' said, that in assigning to him the first palm of merit,
as far as it related to the transactions within the works,
he v is convinced that his decision would be awarded by
every individual in camp, who witnessed his indefatigable
exertion, his consummate skill in providing for the safety
of every pom;., and in foiling every attempt of the enemy;
and his undaunted bravery in the performance of his duty
in the most exposed situation. In speaking of the Ken-
f.uckians, he said, that it rarely happened that a general
110
had to complain of the excessive ardour of his men, yet,
that such always appeared to be the case whenever the
Kentucky militia were engaged, and that they appeared
to think that valour alone could accomplish any thing.
The general was led to make this remark, from the con-
duct of captain Dudley's company, of one of the militia
regiments, as he understood that that gallant officer was
obliged to turn his espontoon against his own company, to
eblige them to desist from a furthur pursuit of the enemy.
This declaration refered to the conduct of this company
in the sortie.
On the sixth or seventh day of the siege, general Har-
rison received from general Proctor a summons to sur-
render, which was delivered in the usual form, by major
Chambers, who informed the general, that the British
commander was desirous of saving the effusion of blood.
General Harrison expressed great astonishment at this
demand. As general Proctor did not send it on his arri-
val, he supposed that the British officers believed he was
determined to do his duty. Major Chambers, then in
vain attempted to persuade him of the high respect which
general Proctor entertained for him as a soldier, and in-
formed him that there was now a larger body of Indians
assembled, than had ever been known to have been at one
time organized. General Harrison dismissed him with
assurances that he had a very correct idea of general Proc-
tor's force ; that it was not such as to create the least ap-
prehension for the result of the contest; that general
Proctor should never have that post surrendered to him
upon any terms ; and, that if it should fall into his hands, it
should be in a manner calculated to do him more honour,
and to give him larger claims upon the gratitude of his
government, than he could possibly derive from any ca-
pitulation.
CHAPTER IX.
"Preparations for the campaign of 1813, by the northern
army and the army of the centre — Expedition against
Elizabethtown, Canada — Capture of Ogdensburg by the
British — Batteries at Black Rock — Concentration of
forces at SacketVs Harbour— Description of the town and
harbour of Little York, capital of Upper Canada — Em-
barkation of general Dearborn's army at SackeWs Har-
bour— American fleet under commodore Chauncey sails
thence — Arrives at the mouth of York harbour — British
force under general Sheaffe — Its disposition — Landing
of the American advance — Fight in the woods — Landing
of the main force — British retreat to their garrison —
Their works outside taken— They afjandon their fort —
Explosion of the magazine — Death of general Pike—
The Americans enter the garrison — Command devolves
on colonel Pearce — General Sheaffe withdraws his forces
from the town, and retreats across the Don — His rear
guard annoyed by lieutenant Riddle — Capitulation of
the militia and capture of York — Tlie British destroy
the military store house whilst negociating for terms, and
set fire to a vessel of war — Americans leave York and
proceed to Niagara — Fleet sails to SacketVs Harboiir
for reinforcements — An expedition to the head of lake
Ontario — Fleet returns — Its disposition before New-
ark— Attack upon, and capture of Fort George — Fleet
on lake Erie — Capture of fort Erie — Defeat of generals
Chandler and Winder — Attack on SackeWs Harbour by
Sir George Prevost — His repulse.
ARRANGEMENTS having been entered into, be-
tween the American and British commissaries to that ef-
fect, a mutual exchange of prisoners took place, which
restored to the army of the United States, all the distin-
guished officers, who had fallen into the hands of the ene-
my during the campaign of 1812. Vigorous preparations
had, in the meantime, been making, by the northern army
and the army of the centre, for opening the campaign of
1813. Reinforcements of regulars from most of the re-
L
112
eruiting districts, and the necessary supplies of provisions
and military equipments, had been forwarded with the
utmost celerity, and every thing seemed to promise a suc-
cessful issue to the contemplated operations.
Captain Forsythe and his company, consisting now of
about one hundred and eighty-five men, were still station-
ed at Ogdensburg, where he was in command. Deserters,
from the Canada side of the St. Lawrence, were continu-
ally surrendering themselves to him, at this post, until
their numbers became, at length, so extensive, that the vi-
gilance of the enemy was strongly excited. British guards
were repeatedly sent over to the American shore in search
of them, and though they succeeded in taking about
sixteen, they committed so many aggressions upon
the persons and property of the citizens, that captain
Forsythe determined on attacking them in the village of
Elizabethtown, and releasing the deserters whom they
had thus taken and imprisoned at that place. On the 6th
of February, he therefore drafted a part of his own com-
pany, and accepted the services of a sufficient number of
volunteers, to make his command amount to two hundred
men. With these, accompanied by colonel Benedict and
several private gentleman, he proceeded up the river to
Morristown, where he formed his men, and at 3 o'clock
on the morning of the seventh, he crossed over to Eliza-
bethtown, surprised the guard, took fifty-two prisoners,
among whom were one major, three captains, and two
lieutenants, and captured one hundred and twenty mus-
kets, twenty rifles, two casks of fixed ammunition, and
some other public property, without the loss of a single
man. He then released the deserters from jail, re-crossed
the river, and returned to Ogdensburg, where he negoci-
ated with two British officers, sent over for that purpose,
for the parole of the prisoners.
Soon after this, the movements of the enemy at Pres-
cot were indicative of an intention to attack Ogdensburg.
Colo! diet was therefore induced to call out his
regimen militia, and arrangements were immediately
matle foi the defence of the glace. On the 21st of Fe-
bruary tl nemy appeared before it, with a force
tl men, and succeeded in driving out
Foi his troops. The British attacked
) )iumi of six hundred men each, at 8 o'clock in
113
the morning, anil were commanded by captain M'Donnell
of the Glengary light infantry, and colonel Fraser of the
Canadian militia. The American riflemen and militia re-
ceived them with firmness, and contended for the ground
upwards of an hour ; when the superiority of numbers
compelled them to abandon it, and to retreat to Black
Lake, nearly nine miles from Ogdensburg, after losing
twenty men in killed and wounded. The loss of the
enemy, from the deliberate coolness with which the riile-
men fired, was reputed to have been thrice that number.
The British account, which claimed the capture of im-
mense stores, none of which had ever been deposited
there, admitted the loss of five distinguished officers.
In consequence of this aifair, a message was sent by the
commandant of fort George, to colonel M'Feely, the
commandant of fort Niagara, informing him that a salute
would be fired the next day in honour of the capture of
the American village. Colonel M'Feely having received
intelligence in the course of the same evening, of the cap-
tufe of his majesty's frigate the Java, returned the message
to the British commandant, by communicating to him his
intention of firing a salute, at the same hour from fort
Niagara, in celebration of this brilliant event.
On the 26th March, the batteries on Black Rock were
opened upon the enemy, and the fire continued with little
intermission until night. The sailors battery completely
silenced the lower battery of the enemy, but what damage
was done to his troops, has not been ascertained. One
man was killed, and several hurt by accidents at the Rock.
Reinforcements were now every day arriving, and the
concentration of a large force at Sackett's Harbour, was
effected about the middle of April. Many of the troops
from Champlain, and the shores of the St. Lawrence,
among whom was captain Forsythe's command, were or-
dered to that point ; and it was confidently expected that
the campaign would be commenced by the invasion of
Canada, in or before the following month of May. Orders
had been given to commodore Chauncey, by the navy
department, to receive on board the squadron, the com-
manding general Dearborn, and any force which he might
destine to proceed against the posts on the British Niagara
frontier. A plan had been conceived and organized by
general Dearborn, by which, in co-operation with the fleet.
114
he was to storm and carry the works at Little York, tfce
capital of Upper Canada, and to proceed thence to the as-
sault of fort George, the great bulwark of that country.
The capital of Upper Canada was formerly known by
the name of Toronto, and is situated at the bottom of a
harbour of the same name, which is formed by a long and
narrow peninsula, called Gibraltar Point, on the extremity
of which, stores and block houses are constructed. The
garrison stands on a bank of the main land, opposite to the
point. To the westward of the garrison formerly stood
the old French fort Toronto, of which scarcely any ves-
tiges remain, and adjoining this situation is a deep bay,,
which receives the river Humber. The town of York is
projected to extend to a mile and a half in length, from the
mouth of the harbour along its banks. But many years
must elapse before the plan is completed. Its advance
to its present condition lias been effected in the course of
fifteen. The government house, and the houses for the
distinct branches of the legislature, are said to be hand-
some, and the view from the latter highly diversified.
Agreeably to a previous arrangement with the commo-
dore, general Dearborn and his suite, with a force of se-
venteen hundred men, embarked on the 22d and 23d of
April, but the prevalence of a violent storm prevented the
sailing of the squadron, until the 25ih. On that day it moved
into lake Ontario, and having a favourable wind, arrived
safely at 7 o'clock, on the morning of the 27th, about one
mile to the westward of the ruins of fort Toronto, and two
and an half from the town of York. The execution of
that part of the plan which applied immediately to the
attack upon York, was confided to colonel Pike, of the
1 5th regiment, who had then been promoted to the rank of
a brigadier general, and the position which had been fixed
upon for landing the troops, was the scite of the old fort.
The approach of the fleet being discovered from the ene-
my's garrison, gen. Sheaffe, the British commandant, has-
tily collected his whole force, consisting of upwards of se-
ven hundred and fifty regulars and militia, and one hundred
Indians, and disposed them in the best manner to resist
the landing of the American force. A body of British
grenadiers were paraded on the shore, and the Glengary
fencibles, a corps which had been disciplined with uncom-
mon pains since the commencement of the war, were sta-
115
tionetl at another point. Bodies of Indians were observed
in groups in different directions, in and about the woods
below the scite of the fort, and numbers of horsemen were
stationed in the clear ground surrounding it. These were
seen moving into the town, where strong field works had
been thrown up to oppose the assailants. The Indians
were taking post at stations, which were pointed out to-
them by the British officers with great skill, from which
they could annoy the Americans at the point which the
water and the weather would compel them to land. Thus
posted, they were to act as tirrailhurs. The regulars
were discovered to be moving out of their works in open
columns of platoons, and marching along the bank in that
order into the woods.
At 8 o'clock the debarkation commenced ; at ten it was
completed. Maj. Forsythe and his riflemen in several large
batteaux, were in the advance. They pulled vigorously
for the designated ground at the scite, but were forced
by a strong easterly wind a considerable distance above,
The enemy being within a few feet of the water, and com-
pletely masked by the thickness of a copse, commenced
a galling fire of musquetry and rifle. To have fallen fur-
ther from the clear ground at which he was first ordered
to land, would have subjected, not only his own corps?
but the whole body of the troops, to great disadvantages -7
and by landing at a greater distance from the town, the
object of the expedition might be frustrated. Major For-
sythe therefore determined upon making that part of the
shore on which the enemy's principal strength was sta-
tioned, and desired his men to rest a moment on their
oars, until his riflemen should return the shot. - General
Pike was at this moment hastening the debarkation of the
infantry, when, as he was standing on the ship's deck, he
observed the pause of the boats in advance, and springing
into that which had been reserved for himself and his staff,
he called to them to jump into the boat with him, ordered
major King of the 15th (the same who had distinguished
himself in carrying the enemy's batteries opposite Black
Rock,) to follow him instantly with three companies of
that regiment, and pushed for the Canadian shore. Before
he reached it, Forsythe had landed and was already en-
gaged with the principal part of the British and. India©
116
force, under the immediate command of general Sheaffe.
He contended with them nearly half an hour. The in-
fantry under major King, the light artillery under major
Eustis, the volunteer corps commanded by col. M'Cksre,
and about thirty men, who had been selected from the
15th at Plattsburg, trained to the rifle, and designed to act
as a small corps of observation, under lieutenant Riddle,
then landed in rapid succession, and formed in platoons.
General Pike took command of the first, and ordering the
whole body to prepare for a charge, led them on to the
summit of the bank, from which the British grenadiers
were pouring down a volley of musquetry and rifle shot.
The advance of the American infinity was not to be with-
stood, and the grenadiers yielded their position and re-
tired in disorder. The signal of victory was at the same
instant heard from Forsythe's bugles, and the sound had
no sooner penetrated the ears of the Indians, than they
gave a customary yell and fled in every direction. The
GHengary corps then skirmished with Forsythe's, whilst a
fresh body of Grenadiers, supposed to have been the 8th
or King's regiment, made a formidable charge upon the
American column, and partially compelled it to retire.
But the officers instantly rallied the troops, who returned
to the ground, and impetuously charged upon, and routed
the grenadiers. A reinforcement of the remainder of the
15th then arrived, with captain Steel's platoon, and the
standards of the regiment, and the Americans- remained
undisputed masters of the ground. A fresh front, howev-
er, was presented by the British at a distance, which gave
way and retired to the garrison, as soon as the American
troops were again formed, by major King, for the charge.
*the whole body of the troops being now landed, orders
were given by general Pike to form in platoons, and to
march in that order to the enemy's works. The first line
was composed of Forsythe's riflemen, Hath front and flank
guards ; the regiments of the first brigade, with their pieces;
and three platoons of reserve, under the orders of major
Swan; major Eustis and his train of artillery were formed
in the rear of this reserve, to act where circumstances
might require. The second line was composed of the
21st regiment, in six platoons, flanked by col. M'Clure's
volunteers, divided equally as light troops, and all under
command of colonel Ripley, Thus formed, an injunction
117
was given to each officer, to suffer no man to load ; whea
within a short distance of the enemy, an entire reliance
would be placed upon the bayonet; and the column
moved on, with as much velocity as the streams and ra-
vines which intersected the road along the lake, would
permit. One field piece, and a howitzer^ were with diffi-
culty passed over one of these, the bridges of which had
been destroyed, and placed at the head of the co-
lumn, in charge of lieutenant Fanning, of the 3d artillery.
As the column immerged from the woods, and came im-
mediately in front of the enemy's first battery, two or
three 24 pounders were opened upon it, but without any
kind of effect. The column moved on, and the enemy
retreated to his second battery. The guns of the first
were immediately taken, and lieutenant Riddle, having at
this moment come up with his corps, to deliver the prison-
ers which he had made in the woods, was ordered to pro-
ceed to take possession of the second battery, about one
hundred yards ahead, the guns of which, lieutenant Fraser,
aid-de-camp to the general, reported to have been spiked
by the enemy, whom he discovered retreating to the
garrison. General Pike then led the column up to the
second battery, where he halted to receive the captured
ammunition, and to learn the strength of the garrison,
But as every appearance indicated the evacuation of the
barracks, he suspected the enemy of an intention to draw
him within range of the shot, and then suddenly to shew
himself in great force. Lieutenant Riddle was sent for-
ward with his corps of observation, to discover if there
were any, and what number of troops, within the garrison*
The barracks were three hundred yards distant from the
second battery, and whilst this corps was engaged in re-
connoitering, general Pike, after removing a wounded pri-
soner from a dangerous situation, had seated himself upon
a stump, and commenced an examination of a British ser-
geant, who had been taken in the woods. Riddle having
discovered that the enemy had abandoned the garrison3
was about to return with this information, when the ma-
gazine, which was situated outside the barrack yard, blew
up, with a tremendous and awful explosion, passed over
Riddle and his party, without injuring one of his men, and
killed and wounded general Pike, and two hundred and
sixty of the column. The severity of general Pike's
. , 113
wounds disabled him from further service, and the com-
mand of the troops devolved upon colonel Pearce of the
1 6th regiment, who sent a demand to the town of York
for an immediate surrender. The plan of the contemplated
operations was known only to general Pike, and, as gene-
ral Dearborn had not yet landed, the future movements
of the troops would depend upon the will of their new
commander. He ordered them immediately to form
the column, and to march forward and occupy the bar-
racks, which major Forsythe, who had been scouring the
adjoining wood, had already entered. Meanwhile the Bri-
tish regulars were retreating across the Don, and destroy-
ing the bridges in their rear. After the explosion, which
killed about fifty of the enemy who had not retired in time
from the garrison, lieutenant Riddle with his party, then
reinforced by thirty regulars under lieut. Horrell of the
16th, pursuetfthe enemy's route, and annoyed his retreat-
ing guard from the wood. This was the Only pursuit
which was made. Had a more vigorous push followed
the abandonment of the enemy's garrison, his whole re-
gular force must have been captured, and the accession
of military stores would have been extensively great.
The majority of the officers were well aware of this, and
as it was known that the stores were deposited at York,
they urged the necessity of the immediate approach of
the whole column, to prevent their removal. Colonel
Pearce then marched towards the town, which was dis-
tant three-quarters of a mile. About half way between
York and the garrison, the column was intercepted by se-
veral officers of the Canadian militia, who had come out
with terms of capitulation. Whilst these were discussing,
the enemy was engaged in destroying the military store
house, and a large vessel of war then on the stocks,
which in three days might have been launched, and added
to the American squadron on Ontario. Forsythe, who
was on the left in advance, being aware of this, despatch-
ed lieutenant Riddle to inform colonel Pearce. Colonel
Ripley was at the same time urging a rapid march, and
the troops again proceeded. Colonel Pearce enjoined the
observance of general Pike's orders, that the property of
the inhabitants of York should be held sacred, and that
any soldier who should so far neglect the honour of his
profession, as to be guilty of plundering, should, on con-
119
viction be punished with death. At 4 o'clock in the a£-
ternoon, the Americans were in possession of the town,
and terms of capitulation were agreed upon, by which,
notwithstanding the severe loss which the army and the
nation had sustained by the death of the general; the un-
warrantable manner in which that less was occasioned; and
the subtlety with which the militia colonels offered to ca-
pitulate at a distance from the town, so that the column
might be detained until general Sheaffe should escape,
and the destruction of the public property be completed,
although one of its articles stipulated fGr its delivery iuto
the hands of the Americans; the militia and inhabitants were
freed from all hardship, and not only their persons and pro-
perty, but their legislative hall and other public buildings
were protected. The terms of the capitulation were, " that
" the troops, regulars and militia, and the naval officers and
" seamen, should be surrendered prisoners of war. That
" all public stores, naval and military, should be immediate-
i: ly given up to the commanding officers of the army and
" navy of the United States, and that all private property
" should be guaranteed to the citizens of the town of York.
" That all papers belonging to the civil officers should be
M retained by them, and that such surgeons as might be
" procured to attend the wounded of the British regulars
" and Canadian militia, should not be considered prisoners
" of war." Under this capitulation, one lieutenant colo-
nel, one major, thirteen captains, nine lieutenants, elevea
ensigns, one deputy adjutant general, and four naval offi-
cers, and two hundred and fifty-one non-commissioned
officers and privates, were surrendered. The American
infantry were then ordered to return to, and quarter in
the barracks, while the riflemen were stationed in the
town.
When general Pike's wound was discovered to be mor-
tal, he was removed from the field, and carried to the ship-
ping, with his wounded aids. As they conveyed him to
the water's edge, a sudden exclamation was heard from the
troops, which informed him of the American, having sup-
planted the British standard in the garrison. He expres-
sed his satisfaction by a feeble sigh, and after being trans*
fered from the Pert schooner to the commodore's ship, he
made a sign for the British Mag, which had then been brought
to him, to be placed under his head, and expired without
120
a groan. Thus perished, in the arms of victory, by the un
generous stratagem of a vanquished foe, a soldier of tried
valour and invincible courage; — a general of illustrious
virtues and distinguished talents.
When the British general saw the American column ad-
vancing from the woods, he hastily drew up the articles of
capitulation, and directed them to be delivered to a colonel
of the York militia. This colonel was instructed to negociate
the terms, after the regulars should have retreated. General
Sheaffe, therefore, considered the garrison to be as much sur-
rendered, as if the articles had been actually agreed upon
and signed. Yet he treacherously ordered a train to be laid,
which was so calculated, that the explosion of the maga-
zine should be caused, at the time when the Americans
would arrive at the barracks. Had not general Pike halted
the troops at the enemy's second battery, the British plan
would have attained its consummation, and the destruction
of the whole column would have been the natural conse-
quence. The train had been skilfully laid, and the com-
bustibles arranged in a manner to produce the most dread-
ful effect. Five hundred barrels of powder, several cart
loads of stone, and an immense quantity of iron, shells,
and shot, were contained in the magazine. The calamity
which followed the explosion,caused no discomfiture among
the troops. A number of their officers of high rank, and of
equal worth, were either killed or wounded, and they be-
came actuated by a desire to revenge their fall. " Push
on, my brave fellows, and avenge your general" were the
last words of their expiring commander. They instantly
gave three cheers, formed the column, and marched on
rapidly. Had they been led directly to York, the issue of
the expedition would have been fruitful with advantages.
As it was, however, the enemy's means were crippled, his
resources cut off, and the military stores of the captors,
extensively multiplied. Most of the guns, munitions of
war, and provisions, necessary to carry on the campaign
by the enemy, had been deposited at York, and notwith-
standing the firing of the principal store house, an im-
mense quantity fell into the hands of the Americans.
The baggage and private papers of general Sheaffe were
left at York, in the precipitation of his flight, and proved
to be a valuable acquisition to the American commander.
These and tha public stores were the only articles of cap-
121
lure. The conduct of the troops needed no restraint
Though their indignation was highly excited, by the cir-
cumstance of a scalp having been found suspended near
the speaker's chair, in the legislative chamber, neither the
ornaments of the chamber, the building itself, nor the pub-
lic library, were molested. A large quantity of flour, de-
posited in the public stores, was distributed among the
inhabitants, on condition that it should be used for their own
consumption; and those whose circumstances were impo-
verished, were supplied with many other articles of the
captured provisions. The balance was taken on board
the fleet, with the naval stores, or destroyed upon the
shore.
Immediately after the fall of general Pike, the com-
mander in chief landed with his staff, but he did not reach
the troops until they had entered York. He there made
arrangements to expedite their departure for the other
objects of the expedition, and they were soon after re-em-
barked.
The co-operation of the squadron was of the greatest
importance in the attack upon the enemy's garrison. As
soon as the debarkation was completed, commodore
Chauncey directed the schooners to take a position near
the forts, in order that the attack of the army and navy,
might, if possible, be simultaneous. The larger vessels
could not be brought up, and in consequence of the wind,
the schooners were obliged to beat up to their intended
position. This they did, under a very heavy fire from the
enemy's batteries, and having taken their station within
six hundred yards of the principal fort, opened a galling
fire, and contributed very much to its destruction. The
loss on board the squadron, was three killed and eleven
wounded. Among the killed were midshipmen Thompson
and Hatfield, the latter of whom, in his dying moments,
had no other care than to know if he had performed his
duty to his country.
In the action the loss of the American army was trifling;
!*ut in consequence of the explosion, it was much greater
than the enemy's loss in killed and wounded. Fourteen
we 3 killed and thirty-two wounded in battle, and thirty-
eight were killed and two hundred and twenty-two wound-
ed by the explosion, so that the total American loss
122
amounted to 320 men. Among those who fell by the
explosion, besides general Pike, were seven captains,
seven subalterns, one aid de camp, one acting aid, and
one volunteer aid. The enemy's loss in killed and
wounded amounted to - 200
Militia prisoners ------ 500
Regulars, prisoners ----- 50
Total .- . - 750
His wounded were left in the houses on the road leading to
and in the neighbourhood of York, and were attended to
by the American army and navy surgeons. The prison-
ers were all paroled, and the troops withdrawn from
York immediately after its capture.
The officers of the 15th greatly distinguished themselves
throughout the day. The death of their gallant leader, who
had personally organized that regiment, and had already
successfully led detachments of it to the field, inspired
them with a more determined spirit to revenge the barbar-
ous act of a defeated enemy, than could be felt by any
other corps. Animated by this desire, with hearts panting
for its fulfilment, they anxiously pressed forward, and had
they been permitted to pursue the retreating column of
the English, under the distinguished officer (major King)
who now commanded them, general Sheaffe and his regu-
lars could not have effected their escape. Several platoon
officers of this and the 16th regiment were killed. Cap-
tains Nicholson and Lyon by the explosion — capt. Hop-
pock, as his company were landing. Lieut, col. Mitchell of
the 3d regiment of artillery, acted as a volunteer on the ex-
pedition, and by his indefatigable exertions, at every post
of danger, gave strong presages of that gallantry, by which
he has since identified himself with the bravest officers of
the army. Major Eustis, captains Scott, Young, Walworth,
and M'Glassin, and Stephen H. Moore of the Baltimore
volunteers, who lost a leg by the explosion, and lieuten-
ants Fanning and Riddle, were among the most conspicu-
ous officers of the day. The latter had been expressly
selected by general Pike, from his own regiment, to com-
mand the corps of observation, and was always appointed
to the most hazardous enterprises.
123
Lieutenant Bloomfieid of the 15th, and nephew to brig-
gen. Bloomfieid, was also killed. The army sustained
another loss in the death of this brave young officer. —
The 21st regiment, under colonel Ripley, though it formed
part of the reserve, and did not participate in the action at
the place of landing, was in a state of strict discipline, and
manoeuvred with great skill.
On the first day of May the Canadian territory in the
neighbourhood of York, was entirely evacuated. The
troops were all placed in the vessels to which they had
been respectively assigned, and a small schooner was des-
patched to Niagara to apprize general Morgan Lewis, then
in command at that place, of the result of the expedition
against York, and of the intended approach of the troops
toward fort Niagara.
But the fleet, which consisted of about, seventeen sail,
did not leave the harbour of York until the 8th, in conse-
quence of the prevalence of contrary winds. Late on that
day they arrived at Four Mile Creek, which empties into
the lake at that distance below fort Niagara, and thence
takes its name. Here the troops were landed.
On the 9th, two schooners, under command of lieuten-
ant Pettigrew of the navy, were ordered to proceed to the
head of lake Ontario, with one hundred regulars, com-
manded by captain Willoughby Morgan, of the 12th regi-
ment, to destroy or capture the public stores, which were
then known to be deposited there. On their arrival, the
enemy's guard, of about 80 men, retired, the public build-
ings were destroyed by the detachment, the stores brought
away, and the expedition returned on the 11th without
loss.
On the 10th commodore Chauncey sailed with the re-
mainder of the fleet, to convey the wounded officers and
men to Sackett's Harbour, and to obtain reinforcements
there for the army. Between the time of his arrival at the
harbour and the 22d of May, detachments of the squadron
sailed on different days for Niagara, with such reinforce-
ments as could be spared. Having directed the schooners
Fair American and Pert, commanded by lieutenants
Chauncey and Adams, to remain near the harbour, and to
watch the enemy's movements from Kingston, the com-
modore sailed on the 22d with 350 of colonel M'Comb's
M
124
regiment of artillery, and a number of additional guns, and
arrived at the Niagara on the 25th. Arrangements were
Immediately made between commodore Chauncey and
general Dearborn, for an attack upon fort George and its
dependencies. On the 26th the commodore reconnoiter-
ed the position at which the troops were to be landed, and
at night sounded the shore, and placed buoys at stations
for the small vessels. The weather, which had been for
several days extremely boisterous, now moderated, and
it was agreed that a conjoint attack, by the army and navy,
should be made on the following morning. A sufficient
quantity of boats, to land the troops in the order of attack,
had been by this time provided, and a considerable num-
ber, which had been for several days building at the Five
Mile Meadows, above the fort, were now in readiness to
be launched into the Niagara river. On the afternoon of
the 26th, the enemy, having observed the preparations for
launching the boats, opened a small battery, which had
been erected immediately opposite the Meadows, for the
purpose of annoying the workmen and of destroying the
boats. The fire from this battery produced a premature
cannonade between forts George and Niagara, which was
followed by a bombardment between all the batteries in
the neighbourhood of the two forts. The battery which
stood directly opposite fort George did great injury to that
garrison, and its guns were directed with such precision
that the halyards of the enemy's flag staff were shot away.
No blockhouse, or wooden building of any description,
in or near that fort, escaped injury ; whilst on the Ameri-
can side, not the most trifling loss was sustained. The
boats, in the meantime, succeeded in passing fort George,
and proceeded to the encampment at Four Mile creek.
On the same night all the artillery, and as many troops as
could possibly be accommodated, were put on board the
Madison, the Oneida, and the Lady of the Lake. The re-
mainder were to embark in the boats, and to follow the
fleet. At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 27th, signal was
made for the fleet to weigh anchor. In consequence of the
calmness of the weather, the schooners were obliged to
resort to sweeps to attain their positions ; which they did
in the following order — Sailing masters Trant, in the
Julia, and Mix, in the Growler, took their stations at the
mouth of the river, and silenced a battery, which, from its
125
situation, commanded the shore where the troops were
to land, about one-fourth of a mile below the town of
Newark. Mr. Steevens in the Ontario, took a position
to the north of the lighthouse, near which this bat-
tery was erected, and so close to the shore as to enfilade the
battery, and cross the fire of the Julia and Growler.
Lieutenant Brown in the Governor Tompkins, stationed
himself near the Two Mile Creek, on the enemy's side,
where a battery had been erected of one heavy gun.
Lieutenant Pettigrew in the Conquest, anchored to the
south-east of the same battery, opened on it in the rear,
and crossed the fire of the Governor Tompkins. Lieuten-
ant M'Pherson in the Hamilton, lieutenant Smith in the
Asp, and sailing master Osgood in (he Scourge, took sta-
tions near the above, to cover the landing and to scour the
woods and the plain. This disposition was skilfully effect-
ed, and each vessel was within musket shot of the shore.
At 4 o'clock generals Dearborn and Lewis, with their
suites, went on board the Madison, and by that hour the
troops were all embarked. The whole number amounted
to more than four thousand. The batteries were now playing
upon each other from the opposite sides of the river, and the
troops advanced at intervals in three brigades. The ad-
vance was led by colonel Scott. It was composed of the
artillery acting as infantry; of Forsythe's riflemen; and of
detachments from infantry regiments ; and landed near
the fort, which had been silenced by the Governor Tomp-
kins. General Boyd, to whom the late general Pike's
brigade had been assigned, commanded the first line,
which was flanked by colonel M'CIure's Baltimore and
Albany volunteers. This brigade struck the enemy's shore
immediately after the advance had landed. The second
brigade, under general Winder, followed next, and then
the third under general Chandler. While the troops were
crossing the lake in this order, the wind suddenly sprung
up very fresh from the eastward, and caused a heavy sea
directly on the shore ; the boats could not therefore be got
off to land the troops from the Madison and Oneida, before
the first and second brigades had advanced, and M'Comb's
regiment, and the marines under captain Smith, did not
reach the shore until the debarkation of these brigades had
been completed.
When the advance, which consisted of about five hundred
men, was approaching the point of landing, successive vol-
126
leys of inusquetry were poured upon it by twelve hundred
regulars, who were stationed In a ravine. A brisk exchange
of shot was kept up for fifteen minutes, the advance, never-
theless, continuing to approach the enemy without faulter-
ing. Such, indeed, was the eagerness of the troops, that offi-
cers and men jumped into the lake and waded to the shore.
Captain Hindman of the 2d artillery, was the first man
upon the enemy's territory. The troops were now formed
with celerity, and led to the charge. They drove the
enemy from their strong hold, and dispersed them in every
direction; some of their forces taking to the wood for
shelter, and others retreating to the fort. The former
were vigorously pursued by Forsythe's riflemen, and the
latter bv the advance corps, and the first brigade. Few
shot were fired from the fort, the panick being instantly
communicated to the garrison. — Fort Niagara, and, its de-
pendent batteries were still throwing in their shot, and fort
George having become untenable, the enemy hastily laid
a train to the magazines, abandoned all their works, and
moved off with the utmost precipitation in different routes.
Colonel Scott with his light troops continued the pursuit,
until he was recalled by an order from general Boyd.— -
Lieutenant Riddle had been sent by colonel Scott with
his detached party, to annoy the rear of the enemy, but
not being ordered back, at the time when the light troops
were recalled, he followed his route to Queenstown, and
took up several of his straggling parties. The dra-
goons under colonel Burn, crossed the Niagara river above
fort George, at the moment the pursuit was stopped. —
The light troops now took possession of fort George ; co-
lonel Scott, and captains Hindman and Stockton, with
their companies, entering first and extinguishing the fires.,
which were intended to explode the magazine : one had.
however, already been blown up. General Boyd and
colonel Scott mounted the parapet, and cut away the
staff, whilst captain Hindman succeeded in taking the
flag which the enemy had left flying, and which he for-
warded to general Dearborn. The American ensign was
then hoisted in the town and fort, and all the troops were
called in and quartered. At 12 o'clock, Newark, and all
its surrounding batteries, were in quiet possession of the
American army — and such was the speed with which the
enemy retreated, that very few of his troops were over
taken. General Dearborn's forces had been under arm"?
127
eleven hours, and were too much exhausted to pursue hina
with as much rapidity as he moved off.
At the time the enemy abandoned his works, the wind
had encreased so much and the sea had become so violent,
toward the shores that the situation of the fleet at the
stations which the different vessels had taken, was thought
to be dangerous in the extreme. Commodore Chauncey
therefore made signal for the whole fleet to weigh, and
to proceed into the river, where they anchored between
the forts George and Niagara. Although the action was
fought by inferior numbers on the American side, the ad-
vance, and part of Boyd's brigade only being engaged, the
loss of the enemy was excessive. — He had in killed one
hundred and eight, in wounded one hurdred and sixty
three, one hundred and fifteen 'regulars were taken prison-
ers, exclusive of his wounded, all of whom fell into the
hands of the Ameiicans. So that the loss of the enemy in
killed,wounded and prisoners, of his regular force, amount-
ed to three hundred and eighty six. The militia prison-
ers who were parolled to the number of five hundred
and seven, being added to their loss, makes a total of eight
hundred and ninety three. The American army lost thirty
nine in killed, and one hundred and eleven in wounded.
Among the former only one officer, lieutenant Hobart of
the light artillery. Among the latter were major King of
the loth, captain Arrowsmith of the 8th, captain Steele of
of the 16th, captain Roach of the 23d (who had been
wounded at the battle of Queenstown heights, and was
promoted to the rank of captain for his good conduct
there) and lieutenant Swearingen of Forsythe's riflemen.
The British 49th (Invincibles) was in this action, and co-
lonel Myers, who commanded it, was wounded and taken
prisoner.
In speaking of the conduct of the soldiers and seamen,
both general Dearborn and commodore Chauncey alleged,
that all behaved too well to suffer the election of any one
for commendation. The former, however, In a second
despatch to the war department, stated that the whole of
the officers and men, discovered that readiness and ardour
for action, which evinced a determination to do honour to
themselves and their country — that the animating exam-
ples set by general Boyd and colonel Scott, deserved par-
ticular mention, and that he, the commander in chiefs was
M2
128
greatly indebted to colonel M. Porter, of the light artille-
ry ; to major Armistead, of the 3d regiment of artillery ;
and to captain Totten of the engineers ; for their skil-
ful execution, in demolishing the enemies forts and batte-
ries. Lieutenant commandant Oliver H. Perry had joined
the squadron on the night of the 25th, volunteered his
services in the contemplated attack, and rendered great
assistance in arranging and superintending the debarkation
of the troops. On board the squadron, the loss was one
killed and two wounded. Commodore Channcey was
indefatigable in his co-operations with the army, in all its
important movements. In this affair many of the advan-
tages which were obtained, were to be attributed to his
judicious plan of silencing the enemy's batteries. — Gene-
ral Dearborn had been confined for several days by a vio-
lent indisposition, but he refused to yield the command
of the expedition, and issued his orders regularly from
his bed.
Captain Perry was despatched to Black Rock the day
after the battle, with fifty seamen to take five vessels to
Take Erie as soon as possible, and to prepare the whole
squadron for the service by the 15th of June. Two brigs
had been launched at Erie, and two or three small
schooners, had been purchased into the service. The
squadron was daily expected to be in readiness to pro-
ceed to Presqueisle, to co-operate with the north-western
army.
On the 28th, general Dearborn having received infor-
mation, that the enemy had made a stand on the moun-
tain, at a place called Beaver Dam, where he had a depo-
sit of provisions and stores ; and that he had been joined
by three hundred regulars from Kingston, landed from
small vessels, at the head of the Lake, immediately
ordered general Lewis to march to that place, with Chand-
ler's and Winder's brigades, the light artillery, dragoons,
and riflemen, to cut off his retreat. Although the ene-
my's troops from fort Erie and Chippewa, had joined his
main body at Beaver Dam, he precipitately broke up his
encampment on the approach of the Americans, and fled
along the mountains, to the head of the lake. General
Lewis's army moved on, and took possession of the differ-
ent posts between fort George and fort Erie, the latter of
which was entered by lieutenant colonel Preston, of the
129
12th, in the evening of that clay ; tiie post having been
previously abandoned, and the magazines blown up by the
enemy. Two days before, the Queen Charlotte, and three
others, of the enemy's vessels, came down to that fort,
but on hearing of the capture of fort George, they pro-
ceeded up the lake to Maiden.
The enemy, having abandoned all his positions along
the Niagara, general Lewis returned with his division to
fort George ; but as it was rumoured, that general Proc-
tor intended to march from the north-western frontier, to
join general Vincent, who had already marched from that
place, and to retrieve the misfortunes of the British arms,
it became necessary to press forward with a force com-
petent to prevent the union of the British generals, or at
least to intercept them, in their contemplated route. Ge-
neral Winder was, therefore, despatched on the first day
of June, with his own brigade and one regiment of gene-
ral Chandler's. He was followed on the third, by the re-
mainder of Chandler's brigade, the dragoons and artillery,
under the orders of that general, to whom the chief
command was assigned. They proceeded to the Forty
Mile Creek, where they gained intelligence of general
Vincent's having taken a stand at Burlington Heights,
near Stoney Creek, being about forty-eight miles distant
from the fort George. In the vicinity of Stoney Creek,
the Americans encamped ; but in so careless a manner,
that they were surprized by the enemy at midnight, and
several of their principal officers made prisoners. Gene-
ral Vincent, it has been supposed, became possessed of
the American countersign — and having discovered that
the weakest part of the camp was its centre, he made an
attack upon it, at that point, at two o'clock on the morn-
ing of the sixth. Profiting by the example of the Ameri-
cans at York, he ordered that no musket should be load-
ed, lest a precipitate fire might apprize his unsuspecting
enemy of his advance, and led up the 8th or King's regi-
ment, and the 49th , with fixed bayonets, to charge upon
the sentinels. The American advanced guard, under com-
mand of capt. Van Vechton,were first alarmed by the groan
of a dying sentinel, and were surprized and made prisoners^
Five pieces of light artillery, near the front, were captured*
and turned upon the encampment, before the alarm became
general. The two brigadiers, Chandler and Winder, who
had but an hour before, separated from a council, were ia>
130
stantly mounted, and the men formed with as much faci-
lity as the extreme darkness of the morning would per-
mit. General Chandler took post in the rear of the left
flank of the right wing — general Winder commanded the
left wing. Such was the momentary confusion which
prevailed, that the contending parties could not distin-
guish each other. When the five pieces of artillery were
fired into the encampment, generals Chandler and Winder
both rode up to the battery, to prevent another discharge,
under an impression that the American troops had mis-
taken the enemy. They were both consequently cap-
tured. The other officers were ignorant of the loss of
their generals, and each chose his own plan of resisting
the assailing party. The advanced corps, the 5th, 25th,
and part of the 23d, were engaged ; those in the rear did
not get to the assistance of the front. — The 16th, which
because of the illness of its colonel, and the absence of
its lieutenant colonel, and other field officers, was com-
manded by captain Steele, was forming on its standards,
when the cavalry, under colonel Burn, having cut their
way through the British 49th, with such impetuosity, that
they could not stop, pierced through the centre of that re-
giment. The confusion increased. The different com-
panies of the 16th, were firing on each other ; the artillery
were engaging the infantry; and the cavalry the artillery;
each corps being under an impression, that it was con-
tending with the enemy. This state of things conti-
nued, until captain Towson opened his artillery, which,
being stationed more in the rear than any of the other
pieces, he brought against the enemy with such effect, that
the confusion and disorder, which had taken place in the
American lines, prevailed also within the British. The
companies of the 2d artillery, which were then acting as
lio-ht corps, under captains Hindman, Nicholas, Biddle,
and Archer, kept up an incessant fire, until the dawn of
the day enabled the troops to distinguish each other. An
attempt was then made to form the line, colonel Burn
now commanding. The 5th regiment, which had been
annoying the enemy, from the commencement of the ac-
tion until day break, did not lose one man, and was found
at that time formed in line, and sustained on its left flank
by part of the 23d, under major Armstrong. The firing
from the encampment became brisk, and irresistible. The
enemy gave way, rallied, and broke again, The dragoons
131
charged upon, and completely routed them. They fled in
every direction, and their commanding officer was miss*
ing before day. His horse and accoutrements were found
upon the ground. He was discovered by his own people,
in the course of the same day, almost famished, at a dis-
tance of four miles from the scene of action.
Several desperate efforts had been made, before the
enemy fled, to take the artillery. Lieutenant Machesney's
gallantry recovered one piece, and prevented the capture
of others. Lieutenant M'Donough, of the 2d artillery,
pursued a retreating party, and recovered another. The
good conduct of these brave young men, as well as that
of captains Hindman, Nicholas, Archer, Steele, and Leo-
nard, of the light artillery, has been spoken of in general
orders, in terms of strong commendation. Colonel Bum
and colonel Milton, gallantly distinguished themselves,
and were said to have saved the army. The American
loss in this affair, was sixteen killed, thirty-eight wounded,
and two brigadiers general, one major, three captains, and
ninety-four men missing; making in all one hundred
and fifty-four. The whole of the missing fell into the
hands of the enemy — whose loss was excessively severe,
but particularly in officers. One hundred prisoners, most-
ly of the 49th, were captured, and transported to fort
George. Captain Manners, of that regiment, was taken
in his bed, by lieutenant Riddle, who from a principle of
humanity, put him on his parole, on condition of his not
serving the enemy, until he should be exchanged. An
engagement which that officer violated, by appearing in
arms against the American troops, immediately after the
recovery of his health.
In the course of the morning, the British sent a flag of
truce, to obtain permission to bury their dead, and to re-
move their wounded. — The latter, however, hail been
placed in the neighbouring houses, under the care of the
American surgeons, and the army having given up the
pursuit of the enemy, had fallen back to Forty Mile
Creek, being about ten miles in the rear of the field of
battle. Here it encamped, on a plain of a mile in width,
its right flank on the lake, its left on a creek, skirting the
base of a perpendicular mountain, and was joined on the
same evening, by a detachment of the 6th and 1 5th regi-
ments, and a park of artillery under colonel James Miller.
132
On the 7th, generals Lewis and Boyd arrived at the en-
campment, and the former assumed the command.
Intelligence had been immediately forwarded by gene-
ral Vincent, to Sir James L. Yeo, then commanding the
British fleet on Lake Ontario, of the affair at Stoney Creek,
and of the position at which the Americans had encamped.
In the evening of the 7th, the fleet appeared within sight
of the encampment. Its character was not known, how-
ever ; but lest an attack might be again made upon the
army in the night, the troops were ordered to lay on their
arms. At day light, on the 8th, the enemy's squadron
were stationed abreast of the encampment, and within
one mile of the shore. A large schooner was warped in,
and opened her fire on the boats, which had been em-
ployed to transport the American baggage, and which at
that time lay upon the beach. Captains Archer and Tow-
son, were ordered down, with four pieces of artillery, to
resist her attempts to destroy the boats ; and captain Tot-
ten, of the engineers, prepared a temporary furnace, for
heating shot, and had it in operation in less than half an
hour. The fire of the schooner was then returned with
such vivacity and effect, that she wras very soon obliged
to retire. At this moment, a party of Indians showed
themselves upon the brow of the mountain, and com-
menced a fire on the camp. General Lewis despatched
a party from the 18th regiment, under colonel Christie,
to dislodge them, but that service was performed by his
adjutant, lieutenant Eldridge, who seeing the necessity of
driving off the Indians, had gallantly gained the summit
of the mountain, with a few volunteers, without orders,
and repulsed the enemy before colonel Christie could
reach that point.— Sir James then demanded the surren-
der of the army, on the ground of its having a fleet in its
front, a body of savages in its rear, and a powerful army
of British regulars on its flanks. To this demand it was
deemed unnecessary to make a reply : but as general
Dearborn had sent an express to recall the troops to fort
George, upon seeing the British fleet pass that post, gene-
ral Lewis prepared to retire in obedience to this order.
The camp equipage and baggage were placed in the boats,
and were ordered to proceed to fort George, under pro-
tection of colonel Miller's command, which was compe-
tent to resist any attack which might be made — but tho
133
put from the shore before the detachment came up ; and
after proceeding about five miles, were dispersed by an
armed schooner of the enemy. Twelve of them fell into
the hands of the British squadron, and the remainder
either escaped, or ran ashore, and were deserted by their
crews. At ten o'clock the encampment was broken up,
and the troops took up their march for fort George, hav-
ing the enemy's Indians on their flank until they arrived
within a short distance of the garrison.
The British fleet continued to cruise in the neighbour-
hood of the Niagara, and intercepted the supplies for the
American army. Two vessels, having each a valuable
cargo of hospital stores, were chased into Eighteen Mile
Creek, and after making a short, but obstinate resistance,
were carried by boarding, and the stores immediately
transferred to the enemy's vessels. A party of seventy-
five men had been forwarded by general Lewis, to repel
the enemy's attack, but did not reach the place in time
to prevent the capture.
The official account given by general Vincent, of the
surprize of the encampment, claims a decisive and bril-
liant victory on the side of the British ; and announces
that the whole body of the American troops had been re-
solutely driven from the field ; but the same general was
known to have abandoned the command of the enter-
prize, as soon as the alarm was given in general Chand-
ler's encampment, and to have consigned its execution to
lieutenant colonel Harvey and majors Ogilvie and Plen-
derleath, each of whom acknowledged a numerous loss
of their most valuable officers and men. General Vin-
cent's report to his government, could not, therefore,
have been given on his own responsibility. On what-
ever side the victory may have been gained, however,
great want of knowledge in military movements, had
been previously betrayed by the officers who succeed-
ed to the command of the American forces at Little
York and fort George, in suffering a beaten enemy t«
escape from each of those places. At the former, Ge-
neral Sheaffe and his regulars effected a retreat, through
the palpable tardiness of the victorious army. At the
latter, the same troops which attacked the encampment
at Stoney Creek, were so closely pressed, that they
must inevitably have been captured, had not the light
134
troops under adjutant general Scott and colonel Miller,
been called in from the pursuit. The result of these er-
rors was fruitful with the most evil consequences. The
re-capture of all the important posts on the British Nia-
gara, which had been taken at the expense of so much
blood, and the destruction of the garrisons on the Ameri-
can side of that river, which happened not many months
after, were among the least pernicious of a long train of
disasters. A developement which can only be produced
by the gradual lapse of time, may enable a future histo-
rian to throw the censure on the proper objects. No dis-
covery has yet been made, which will allow the present
recorder of these events to form any other idea, than that
which is founded on uncertainty and conjecture ; which
do not go to the constitution of such an authentic his-
tory of the war, as it has been his utmost endeavour to
compile.
Whilst the troops were preparing to embark at York,
for the expedition against fort George, the British at King-
ston, having gained intelligence of their absence from
Sackett's Harbour, of the batteries at that place having
been principally dismantled, and of the smallness of the
force which had been left for its protection, hastily col-
lected all their disposables, and embarked on board their
Heel, under the command of Sir George Prevost. The
fleet was commanded by Sir James Yeo. On the night
of the 27th day of May, five hours after the capture of
fort George, the British appeared off the entrance to the
harbour. The American force consisted of two hundred
invalids, and two Hundred and fifty dragoons, then newly
arrived, from a long and fatiguing march. Two small
vessels, under lieutenant Chauncey, were stationed at its
mouth, and gave instant signals of alarm, at the approach
of the British squadron. Expresses were immediately
forwarded to general Brown, then at his seat, eight miles
from the harbour, and he immediately repaired thither,
to take the command.
The tour of duty of the militia of his brigade, had ex-
pired many weeks before, but he had been requested by
general Dearborn, to take command of the Harbour, at
any time when the enemy should approach it, and to pro-
vide for its defence. Immediately on his arrival, dispo-
sitions were made to that effect. The movements of the
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enemy indicated his intention to land on the peninsula,
called Horse island. General Brown therefore determin-
ed on resisting him at the water's edge, with the Albany
volunteers, under colonel Mills, and such militia as could
be instantly collected. Alarm guns were therefore fired,
and expresses sent out for that purpose. Lieutenant co-
lonel Backus, of the first regiment of United States' dra-
goons, who commanded at Sackett's Harbour in the ab-
sence of the officers who had proceeded to fort George,
was to form a second line, with the regulars. The regu-
lar artillerists were stationed in fort Tompkins, and me
defence of Navy Point was committed to lieutenant
Chauncey.
On the 28th, the Wolfe, the Royal George, the Prince
Regent, the Earl of Moira, and one brig, two schooners,
and two «;un boats, with thirty-three flat bottomed boats and
barges, containing in all twelve hundred troops, appeared
in the offing, at five miles distance. They were standing
their course for the harbour, when, having discovered a
fleet of American barges, coming round Stoney Point, with
troops from Oswego, the whole of their boats were imme-
diately despatched to cut them off. They succeeded in
taking twelve of them, after they had been run on shore
and abandoned by their crews, who arrived at the har-
bour in the night. The remainder, seven in number,
escaped from their pursuers, and got safely in. The Bri-
tish commanders, being then under an impression, that
other barges would be sailing from Oswego, stood into
South Bay, and despatched their armed boats to waylay
them. In this they were disappointed ; and during the
delay which was caused by this interruption of their in-
tende.d operations, the militia from the neighbouring
counties collected at the harbour, and betrayed great
eagerness to engage in the contest with the invading ene-
1113. They were ordered to be -stationed on the water
side, near the island on which colonel Mills was posted
with his volunteers. The strength at that point was near-
ly five hundred men. But the whole foree, including the
regulars, effectives and invalids, did not exceed one thou-
sand. The plan of defence had been conceived with great,
skill, and if the conduct of the militia had proved to be
consistent with their promises, it would have been exe-
cuted with equal ability. Disposed of as the forces
N
136
were, in the event of general Brown's being driven from
his position at Horse island, colonel Backus was to ad-
vance, with his reserve of regulars, and meet the head of
the enemy's column, whilst the general would rally his
corps, and fall upon the British flanks. If resistance to
the attack of the enemy should still fail, lieutenant Chaun-
cey was to destroy the stores at Navy Point, and to retire
with his two schooners, and the prize schooner, the Duke
of Gloucester, which had been a few weeks before cap-
tured from the enemy, to the south shore of the bay, and
east of fort Volunteer. In this fort the regulars and mi-
litia were to shut themselves up, and make a vigorous
stand, as their only remaining resort. Every thing being
thus ordered, general Brown directed his defensive army
to lay upon their arms, whilst he continued personally to
reconnoitre the shores of the harbour, during the whole
night of the 28th. At the only favourable point of land-
ing, he had caused a breast work to be thrown up, and a
battery en barbette, to be erected. Behind this most of
the militia were stationed.
At the dawn of the 29th, the enemy was discovered
with his vessels drawn up in line, between Horse island
and Stoney Point ; and in a few minutes, all his boats and
barges approached the shore, under cover of his gun boats,
those being the heaviest of his vessels, which, in conse-
quence of the lightness of the winds, could be brought
up. The troops with which the boats were filled, were
commanded by Sir George Prevost, in person. Commo-
dore Yeo directed the movements of the barges. General
Brown instantly issued his orders, that the troops should lay
close, and reserve their fire until the enemy*should have
approached so near, that every shot might take effect.
This order was executed, and the fire was so destructive,
that the enemy's advance boats were obliged to make a
temporary pause, and numbers of their officers and men
were seen to fall. Encouraged by the desired effect of
the first fire, the militia loaded their pieces with the ut-
most quickness, and the artillery was ordered to be open-
ed at the moment of their second. But, before the second
round had been completely discharged, the whole body
of the militia, none of whom had ever seen an enemy
until now, and who were entirely unaccustomed to sub-
ordination, though they were well protected by the breast
137
work, rose from behind it, and abandoning those honour-
able promises of noble daring, which they had made but a
little while before, they fled with equal precipitation and
disorder. A strange and unaccountable panic siezed the
whole line; and with the exception of a very few, terror
and dismay were depicted in every countenance. Colo-
nel Mills, vainly endeavouring to rally his men, was kill-
ed as he was reminding them of the solemn pledges which
they iiad given ; but the fall of this brave officer served
rather to increase their confusion, than to actuate them to
revenge it.
General Brown seeing that his plan was already frus-
trated, and fearing his inability to execute any other, with-
out ihe vigorous co-operation of the militia, hastened to
intercept their retreat; and, finding one company, of about
one hundred men, who had been rallied by the active and
zealous conduct of capt. M'Nitt, of that corps, he brought
them up, and ordered them to form in line with the regulars
and volunteers, who had continued to keep their ground.
In the interval, which had thus elapsed, the enemy had
effected his debarkation, with little opposition; and draw-
ing up his whole force on Horse island, he commenced
iiis march for the village ; on the road to which, he was
met by a small party of infantry, under major Aspinwall,
and a few dismounted dragoons under major Laval, who
opposed him with much gallantry. Two of the gun boats
ranged up the shore, and covered the field with grape.
This handful of troops then gradually retired in good or-
der, from an immense superiority of numbers, and occu-
pied the intervals between the barracks.
Lieutenant colonel Backus, with his reserve of regulars,
first engaged the enemy, when the militia company of capt.
M'Nitt was formed on his flank ; and in the vigorous fight
which then followed, this company behaved with as much
gallantry as the bravest of the regulars. The whole force
was compelled to fall back, however, by the superior
strength of the enemy's column, and resorting to the bar-
racks for what shelter they could afford, they posted them-
selves in the unprotected log houses, and kept up an in-
cessant and effective fire. From these, the most violent
assaults, and the repeated and varying efforts of the Bri-
tish, were incompetent to dislodge them. Colonel Gray,
the quarter master general of the enemy's forces, advan-
138
ced to the weakest part of the barracks, at the head of a
column of regulars, and after exchanging shots with an
inferior party of militia and regulars, led his men on to the
assault. A small boy, who was a drummer in major As-
pinwall's corps, seized a musket, and levelling it at the
colonel, immediately brought him to the ground. At that
moment lieutenant Fanning, of the artillery, who had been
so severely wounded by the explosion at Little York, and
was yet considered to be unable to do any kind of duty,
leaned upon his piece whilst it was drawn up, and having
given it the proper elevation, discharged three rounds of
grape into the faces of the enemy, who immediately fell
back in disorder. At this instant, lieutenant colonel Bac-
kus fell, severely wounded.
Whilst the battle was raging with its greatest violence,
information was brought to lieutenant Chauncey, of the
intention of the American forces to surrender. He there-
fore, in conformity to his previous orders, relating to such
an event, fired the navy barracks, and destroyed all the
property and public stores, which had previously belong-
ed to the harbour, as well as the provisions and equip-
ments which had been brought from York. The destruc-
tion of these buildings, and the conflagration which was
dience produced, was thought to have been caused by the
troops of the enemy, and although the undisciplined mi-
litia and volunteers, and the invalid regulars, were suspi-
cious of being placed between the fire of two divisions of
the enemy, they continued to fight on, regardless of their
inferiority, or the consequences of their capture.
General Brown was all this time actively superintend-
ing the operations of his little army. He now determined
on making a diversion in its favour, which, if it should be
successful, would be the only means of saving the place,
or of relieving his exhausted troops. Having learned that
the militia, who had fled from their stations in the early-
part of the engagement, had not yet entirely dispersed ;
and that they were still within a short distance of the
scene of action, he hastened to exhort them to imitate the
conduct of their brave brethren in arms. He reproached
them with shameful timidity, and ordered them instantly
to form and follow him, and threatened with instant death,
the first man who should refuse. His order was obeyed
with alacrity. He then attempted a stratagem, by which
139
to deceive the enemy, with regard to the forces against
which he was contending. Silently passing through a dis-
tant wood, which led toward the place at which the ene-
my had landed, general Brown persuaded the British ge-
neral of his intention to gain the rear of his forces, to take
possession of the boats, and effectually to cut off their re-
treat.
This was done with such effect, at the moment when
the fire of lieutenent Fanning's piece had caused the de-
struction in the British line, that general Sir George Pre-
vost was well convinced of the vast superiority of the
American force to his own. He gave up all thoughts
of the capture of the place, and hurrying to his boats,
put off immediately to the British squadron. He was not
pursued, because, if the real number of the American
troops had been exposed to his view, he would have re-
turned to the contest, might easily have outflanked, and
in all human probability, would still have captured the
army, and the village.
But the precipitation of his flight was such, that he left
not only the wounded bodies of his ordinary men, upon
the field, but those of the dead and wounded of the most
distinguished of his officers. Among these were quarter
master general Gray, majors Moodie and Evans, and three
captains. The return of his loss, as accurately as it has
been ascertained, amounted to three field officers, one
captain, and twenty-five rank and file, found dead on the
field ; two captains and twenty rank and file found wound-
ed ; and two captains, one ensign, and thirty-two rank and
file made prisoners. In addition to which, many were killed
in the boats, and numbers had been carried away previous-
ly to the retreat. The loss of the Americans was greater in
proportion, as the number of their men engaged were less.
One colonel of volunteers, twenty regulars, privates, and
one volunteer private, were killed ; one lieutenant colo-
nel, three lieutenants, and one ensign of the regulars, and
seventy-nine non-commissioned officers and privates, were
wounded ; and twenty-six non-commissioned officers and
privates were missing. Their aggregate loss was one hun°
dred and ten regulars, twenty-one volunteers, and twenty-
five militia; making a total of one hundred and fifty-
six. It was severe, because of the worth, more than
of the number of those who fell. , The injury in public
N2
140
stores, sustained at Sackelt's Harbour, though not by
any act of the invading enemy, was extensive ; but the
gallantry of several individuals prevented its being more
so. Lieutenant Chauncey was no sooner apprized of
the error of the report which had been brought to him,
than he made every exertion to save as much of the
public property as it was possible to rescue from the in-
creasing conflagration, and to that effect, he ran the Fair
American and the Pert up the river. The new frigate,
the General Pike, which was then on the stocks, was sa-
ved ; and lieutenant Talman, of the army, at the immi-
nent risk of his life, boarded the prize schooner the Duke
of Gloucester, which was then on fire, with a considera-
ble quantity of powder in her hold, extinguished the fire,
and brought her from under the flames of the store houses.
Notwithstanding this signal repulse, the British com-
manding officers attempted to play off the stratagem,
which Sir James Yeo afterwards adopted at the Forty
Mile Creek. They sent in a flag with a peremptory de-
mand for the formal surrender of the post, which was as
peremptorily refused. After a forced march of forty miles
in one day, lieut. colonel Tuttle had arrived with his com-
mand of about six hundred men, just as the British were
retreating to their boats, and was therefore too late to par-
ticipate in the action. Other reinforcements* were conti-
nually expected, and the harbour would be in a situation
to make a more vigorous, though not, perhaps, a more
brilliant defence. The return of the enemy, even under
the advantages of more favourable winds, was, therefore,
not looked for with any apprehension. A second flag
was received by general Brown, accompanied by a re-
quest, that the killed and wounded of the British, might
be treated with respect. In answer to which, the most
satisfactory assurances of compliance were given.
After being compelled to relinquish the further prose-
cution of an expedition, having for its primary object the
capture and destruction of a post, the permanent posses-
sion of which only, could give to the Americans any hope
of a superiority on the Lake Ontario ; after having suc-
ceeded in his enterprize, in a degree which scarcely de-
serves to be termed partial ; and after being obliged, by
the predominance of his apprehension, over his bravery
and foresight, to retire from the assault, and precipitately to
141
leave his dead and wounded to the mercy of his enemy;
gen. Sir G. Prevost issued an official account to the peo-
ple of Canada, and forwarded despatches to his govern-
ment, in each of which he laid claim to a brilliant and un-
paralleled victory ; and alleged, that he had reluctantly
ordered his troops to leave a beaten enemy, wrhom he had
driven before him for three hours, because the co-opera-
tion of the fleet and army could not be effected. — General
Brown's stratagem had so far succeeded in deceiving
him, that he reported the woods to have been filled with
infantry and field pieces, from which an incessant, heavy
and destructive fire had been kept up, by a numerous and
almost invisible foe, more than quadruple in numbers to
the detachments which had been taken from the garrison
of Kingston ; and that his loss was nevertheless, very far
inferior to that of his antagonist. Private letters, how-
ever, which were, about the same time, written from offi-
cers of these detachments, after relating that colonel G> ay
and two other officers had been killed, and that majors
Evans, Drummond,and Moodie, and several captains and
subalterns had been wounded, admitted that their total
loss amounted to upwards of one hundred and fifty.
Had tiie result of the expedition against Sackett's Har-
bour, assimilated itself to that character of unparalleled
brilliancy, which would have entitled it to the encomiums
of its commander, and to the warmest admiration of the
British nation, its effects would have been long and deplo-
rably felt by the American government. Immense quanti-
ties of naval and military stores, which had been from time
to time collected at that depot ; the frames and timbers
which had been prepared for the construction of vessels
of war, and the rigging and armaments which had been
forwarded thither for their final equipment, as well as all
the army clothing, camp equipage, provisions, ammuni-
tion, and implements of war, which had been previously
captured from the enemy, would have again fallen into
his hands. The destruction of the batteries, the ship
then on the stocks, the extensive cantonments, and the
public arsenal, would have retarded the building of an-
other naval force, and that which was already on the
lake in separate detachments, could have been intercept-
ed, in its attempt to return, and might have been captur-
ed in detail. The prize vessel which was then laying in
i42
the harbour, and which had been taken by the Americana,
and the two United States' schooners, would have been
certainly re-captured, and the whole energies of the Ame-
rican government, added to their most vigorous and un-
wearied struggles, might never again have attained any
prospect of an ascendency on the lake. As it proved,
however, all these impending evils were repelled, and the
wisdom of the commanding officer, and the invincible
firmness of those of his troops, who withstood the brunt
of the action, converted that event into a splendid vic-
tory, which would otherwise have been an irretrievable
disaster.
: CHAPTER X.
General Dearborn retires from the command of the Xorth-
hfn army — Command of fort George devolves on Gene-
ral Boyd — Capture of the Lady Murray — Destruction
ofSodus — Attempt to land at Oswego — Affair at Bea-
ver Dams — Escape of the militia prisoners from the
head of the Lake — Massacre of lieutenant Eldridge —
Affair between the British Indians and young Corn-
planter — British again attack Black Rock — Capture of
an enemy's gun boat — Fort George invested — American
outposts attacked — Second expedition to York — British
capture the Growler and Eagle — Enter Chajnplain vil-
lage, and destroy the private houses — Chase of the Bri-
tish fleet on lake Ontario — Encampment at fori George,
and re-possession of Newark by the enemy — He retires
to his entrenchments — Capture of a British officer, by
an American sentinel.
THE encreasing indisposition of general Dearborn ha-
ving rendered him unfit for active duty, he resigned the
command of the northern army, and retired to his re-
sidence. General Lewis had repaired to Sackett's Harbour,
to act in concert with commodore Chauncey, who had
returned to that place, and was making active prepara-
tions to restore the batteries and buildings to their former
condition. The command of fort George and the depen-
dencies of that place and fort Niagara, devolved on gene-
ral Boyd.
On the 14th of June, lieutenant Chauncey was ordered
to proceed in the Lady of the Lake, to cruise off Presque-
isle, and to intercept the enemy's transport vessels. —
On the 16th, he fell in with, and captured the British
schooner the Lady Murray, then bound from Kingston to
York, with an English ensign, and fifteen non-commission-
ed officers and privates. She was loaded with provisions,
powder, shot, and fixed ammunition, and was brought
into Sackett's Harbour on the 18th. Her crew consisted
of six men.
On the same day the British fleet appeared before the
town of Sodus, on a bay of that name, which is formed
144
on the American side of Lake Ontario, between Gennes-
see and Oswego rivers General Burnet, of the New-
York militia, suspecting that they intended to land their
troops, and capture a quantity of provisions, ordered out
a regiment from the county of Ontario. The militia col-
lected in great hasie, and arrived at Sodus on the follow-
ing morning. But the enemy, well knowing that his ap-
pearance would excite the alarm of the inhabitants, drew
off his forces until their apprehensions should be subsided,
and re-appeared in the evening of the 19th, a few hours
after the militia had been discharged. In coutemplation
of Ins return, the inhabitants bad removed all the public
stores from the buildings on the water's edge, to a small
distance in the woods, and on the re-appearance of the
hostile squadron, a second alarm was immediately given,
and expresses sent after the discharged militia, which
overtook and brought them back, with a large reinforce-
ment. Before their return, the enemy had landed, and
finding that the provisions had been removed, they set fire
to all the valuable buildings in the town, and destroyed
most of the private property of every description. They
then agreed to stipulate with the inhabitants, to desist
from destroying the remaining houses, on condition of
their surrendering the flour and provisions, which they
knew had been deposited at that place. These articles
were then not more than two hundred yards from the
village, yet the enemy did not choose to attempt their
capture, lest he might be drawn into an ambuscade ; but
he threatened the entire destruction of every house in the
town, if they were not immediately delivered over to
him. The appearance of the militia, prevented the ex-
ecution of this threat, and the enemy immediately return-
ed to his shipping, and moved up the lake on the fol-
lowing morning.
On the 20th of June, the whole fleet approached Os-
wego, and made several attempts to land their troops, but
they returned each time to their shipping, upon seeing
that the troops at that place were prepared to meet them.
The American force at that time, consisted of eight hun-
dred militia and a small party of regulars, under command
of lieutenant colonel Carr, by whose skilful management,
the vnvmy were persuaded that the port was garrisoned
by a numerous body of troops, and they became extreme
14d
\y cautious in their operations. Fearful of being orer
powered, they relinquished their intention of landing, and
withdrew from before the place. Lieutenant Woolsey,
of the Oneida, and other naval officers and seamen, were
at Oswego, and had previously removed the stores from
that place to Sackett's Harbour. The fleet then proceed-
ed to the neighbourhood of fort George, where it lay for
several days.
A few days previous to the departure of general Dear-
born from that post, a body of the enemy had collected
on a high ground, about eight miles from Queenstown,
for the purpose of procuring supplies, and of harrassing
those inhabitants who were considered to be friendly to
the United States. On the 28th, a party of troops, con-
sisting of five hundred infantry, a squadron of dragoons,
a company of New- York mounted volunteers, and captain
McDowell's corps of light artillery, being in all about six
hundred men, under command of colonel Bcerstler,
were detached from the American encampment at fort
George, for the purpose of cutting off the supplies of
the enemy, and of breaking up their encampment at
the Beaver Dams. The British force which was sta-
tioned there, was composed of one company of the
104th regiment, about two hundred militia, and sixty In-
dians, amounting to three hundred and forty men. At
about eight, o'clock on the morning of the 24th, nine
miles west of Queenstown, the American detachment was
attacked from an ambuscade. The action commenced
with the dragoons, who were placed in the rear. The
infantry was instantly brought into a position to return the
enemy's fire to advantage, and very soon after drove
them a considerable distance into the woods. The In-
dians then made a circuitous route, appeared in front,
and opened a fire upon the mounted riflemen who were sta~
tioned there. They were immediately repulsed, and again
retired to the woods. Every attempt was then made to
draw them into the open ground, but without effect. A
few of the boldest of them, ventured from their lurking
places, but were immediately compelled to fly to them
again for shelter. The enemy's force was now continu-
ally augmenting, and he was every instant gaining a su-
periority. A retreat was then ordered, for a short dis-
tance, which was effected with trifling loss. Colonel
Boerstler, suspecting that he was surrounded by a very
146
superior and numerous force, despatched an express to
general Dearborn for reinforcements, and informed him
of his intention to maintain his position until they should
arrive. Colonel Christie was ordered to proceed imme-
diately with the 15th regiment and a company of artille-
ry, to the support of colonel Boerstler ; but he had not
pi acceded farther than Queenstown, when he was inic lin-
ed that the latter had surrendered his detachment.
. The express had scarcely been forwarded, when lieu-
tenant Fitzgibbon, who commanded the British militia
and Indians, rode up to colonel Boarder, with a fiag, and
informed Mm, on the honour of a British soldier, mat the
regular force, commanded by lieutenant colonel Bishop,
was double that of the Ame ican, and that the Indians
were at least seven hundred in number. Colonel
Bcerstler, trusting to the veracity of the officer, fear-
ing the impracticabflity of escaping, and being unwilling
to abandon his wounded, agreed to terms of capitulation,
by which the wounded were to be treated with the utmost
tenderness, the officers to be permitted to wear their side
arms, private property to be respected, and the volun-
teers to be paroled, and permitted to return to their
homes.
Lieutenant colonel Bishop was not on the ground at
the time when this capitulation was effected, as ' the Bri-
tish lieutenant had asserted on his honour, but arrived
there in time to confirm the articles of surrender. These
were no sooner agreed upon than they were violated.
The officers being deprived of their side arms for the gra-
tification of the Indians, who robbed them also of their
coats, and whatever ornaments of dress they coveted.
No possible account of the number of kiUed or wounded,
on either side, could be obtained Coloiiel Boerstlcr was
slightly wounded, and captain Machesney, of the 6tli se-
verely, in repelling the attack of the Indians.
Colonel Christie returned to fort George, with informa-
tion of this disaster, and the Britisji forces moved down
upon Queenstown, occupied that plate and its neighbour-
hood, and in a few days afterwards invested the Ameri-
can Camp, having been previously joined by all the Bri-
tish forces from the head of the lake.
General Vincent was stationed at Burlington Heights,
with a small force, and general De Rottenburg lay en-
camped at the Ten Mile Creek.
147
The New- York mounted volunteers were detained at
the head of the lake*, in violation of the article which pro-
vided for their parole. On the 12th they were ordered to
Kingston, to be kept there as prisoners of war. They
were for this purpose embarked in two boats, under a
guard of men, and a lieutenant. When within twelve
miles of York^they rose upon the guard, and after a strug-
gle of a few minutes carried both boats, and shaped their
course for fort Niagara. After rowing nearly all night,
and escaping from an enemy's schooner, with great diffi-
culty, they arrived safely with their prisoners. In effect-
ing this daring escape, major Chapin, who commanded
the volunteers, gave the signal to his men, by knocking
down the British lieutenant, and personally encountering
two of his soldiers, whom he fortunately subdued, and kept
in restraint until the second boat lay along side of him.
Succeeding this event, several affairs of out posts took
place, which, though not quite so important in their
consequences, were equally as brilliant as any of the
occurrences, which had previously transpired on the Ni-
agara frontier. Among them was a severe skirmish, brought
on by an attack which had been made upon two of the out
posts, of the American encampment at fort George, on the
8th of July, by the combined force of the British and In-
dians. It had no sooner commenced, than adjutant
lieutenant Eldridge, of the 13th, was ordered to the
support of the out posts, with a small detachment of thirty-
nine men ; whilst a larger body was preparing to follow
him, under the command of major Malcom. The impet-
uosity of lieutenant Eldridge led him into a thick wood,
where a superior force of the Britisli and Indians lay in
ambush, and after an obstinate, but fruitless struggle, his
party were entirely defeated, five only out of the whole num-
ber, escaping. Thirteen were killed or wounded, and the
remainder taken prisoners. At the first onset, the enemy
was repulsed ; but at the second, he pressed upon and sur-
rounded the little parly, with the whole of his numerous
force. All the prisoners including the wounded were
then inhumanly murdered, and their persons treated in so
barbarous a manner, that the most temperate recital of the
enemy's conduct may, perhaps, scarcely obtain belief.
The feelings of the most obdurate reader, of a much more
distant period; cannot but be excited to the highest de-
O
148
gree of indignation, and those of the writer are not at all
to be envied, when necessity obliges him to describe the
sufferings of his countrymen, by the relation of facts which
stand too well authenticated before him. The same ene-
my who had not long ago implored the mercy of the
American officer, to be extended to his British prisoners,
now fell upon the defenceless captives of this party, and
scalped their heads whilst they were yet alive, split opeir
their skulls with their tom-hawks, tore their hearts out of
their bodies, and stabbed and otherwise mutilated them.
Lieutenant Eldridge was supposed to have experienc-
ed the same treatment. The inhabitants of the neigh-
bourhood, having informed the garrison that he had been
led, wounded, into the woods, between two Indians, a
Hag was sent out on the next day to ascertain his fate,
which soon after returned with an answer, that lieutenant
Eldridge having killed one of the Indian chieftains, the
warriors of his tribe had retaliated this supposed act of
treachery, by putting him to instant death. But this re-
ply was ascertained to have been a subterfuge of the ene-
my, to evade the necessity of accounting for a prisoner
who was known to have been taken alive.
The commission of this, and other outrages of the same
nature by the enemy, at length induced the American
commander, general Boyd, to receive a party of the Se-
neca ami Tuscorora tribes into the service of the United
States, by way of intimidating the British and Indians, and
of preventing a recurrence of their barbarities. Shortly
after they had rendezvoused at fort George, and had cove-
nanted not to scalp or murder any of the enemy's prison-
ers, who might fall into their hands, they were joined to
a party of volunteers, and sent to cut off one of the out-
posts of the enemy, whose principal encampment was up-
wards of two miles from the fort. The American Indians
were commanded by major Henry O'Ball, or Young Corn-
planter, who succeeded in capturing and bringing in twelve
of the British Indians, and four of their white troops, with
a loss of only two Indians killed.
The army at fort George was at this time in a state of
inactivity — a war of outposts only being carried on, which,
though resuming in various success, was of use to the un-
disciplined divisions of the encampment.
On the morning of the 11th July, a British regular
149
force crossed the Niagara below Black Rock, and moved
up, with great rapidity, to the attack of that post. The
militia who were stationed there, immediately tied in con-
siderable numbers, a few of them, however, stood their
ground, and immerging from a wood, at seventy yards
distance from the enemy, annoyed him very severely.
But this annoyance was not regarded by the British, who
entered the place, set fire to the barracks, the block
house, and other buildings, spiked several pieces of can-
non, and took off a quantity of provisions. Whilst car-
rying the property to their boats, they were attacked by
a force of regulars, militia, and a few Indians, who poured
upon them a very destructive fire. The enemy's force
amounted to two hundred and fifty men — nine of whom,
and a captain (Saunders) of the 41st, were left upon the
shore. The force which was brought against them, was
precisely equal to their own. They retired partially to
their boats, and in putting off from the shore, lost, upwards
of fifty, in killed and wounded. Among the latter was
lieutenant colonel Bishop, mortally.
On the 17th, a small expedition of volunteers , and about
forty soldiers, left fort George in two small row boats, pro-
ceeded to the head of the St.. Lawrence, and captured a
gun boat mounting one 24 pounder, fourteen batteaux
loaded with property, and four officers and sixty-one men.
On the same day an outwork of the American garrison,
was attacked by two hundred British and some Indians.
Colonel Scott was sent out to oppose them. He took one
field piece into an open field, and assisted by lieutenant
Smith, after a contest of one hour, succeeded in driving
off the enemy. Majors Armstrong, Cummings, captains
Towson, Madison, Vandalsem. and Birdsall, the former of
whom was wounded, were also actively engaged. The
American loss amounted to four killed, and as many
wounded.
Besides the militia, under major Chapin, who had
been captured at the Beaver Dams, several parties of
regulars, made prisoners at the same place, also effected
their escape, in consequence of the refusal of the enemy
to parole them. On the 27th, a large boat arrived at
fort George, with one lieutenant and eight Canadian mi-
litia, who had been taken by three United States' regu-
lars and five New York miiitiamen, as the former were
150
conducting them to Kingston. About the same time, a
boat with fourteen of colonel Boerstler's men, and two of
the enemy, arrived from York. They communicated in-
telligence of the severe treatment which the American
prisoners experienced there, and general Bo}^d and com-
modore Chauncey determined on an expedition to that
place.
On the 28th, commodore Chauncey sailed with colonel
Scott and about three hundred men. They landed at
York, captured, or destroyed, the public property and
stores of the enemy, and after burning the barracks, which
had been spared at the capture of that place in April, un-
der an impression that their liberality would be appreciated
by the enemy, they re-embarked, and returned unmolest-
ed to fort George, bringing with them all the sick and
wounded of colonel Boerstler's men, whom they could
find.
A few weeks preceding this affair, the United States'
armed vessels the Growler and Eagle, were captured after
a desperate engagement of three hours and an half, with a
number of British gun boats, and detachments from the
garrison at Isle mix Noix. The action took place near Ash
Island, on the river Sorelle, or Richelieu, or that part of lake
Champlain which empties into the St. Lawrence. The
schooners were commanded by lieut. Sidney Smith, and
were the only armed vessels, excepting a few gun boats,
and small barges, which constituted the American naval
force on lake Champlain. Their capture, therefore, gave
the enemy the entire ascendancy on that lake. The Bri-
tish stated their loss at three men wounded. The loss on
board the schooners was one killed and eight wounded.
Availing themselves of the advantages thus gained, the
British equipped imd refitted the captured vessels, and
cruised along the shores of lake Champlain, committing
every species of depredation upon the property of the in-
habitants. On the 30th of Ju!jr, they crossed the line at
Champlain with two sloops of war, three gun boats, and
forty batteauxj having on board a force of fourteen hun-
dred men. On the 31st, they arrived, and landed, at Platts-
fourg. The militia were immediately called out, but not
more than three hundred collected, and there is no ac-
count of their having shown any kind of resistance to the
invaders. The British troops, who were commanded by
1M
colonel Murray, assured the inhabitants of Plaltsburg (hat
their private property should be respected. But after de-
stroying the block house, the arsenal, the armory, the
public hospital, and the military cantonment, they wan-
tonly burned several private storehouses, and carried off
immense quantities of the stock of individuals. On
the first cf August they embarked, and stood out of the
bay. Thence they proceeded to the town of S wanton,
in Vermont, landed a part of their force, and committed
several outrages of the same character.
The American and British Meets, now well appoint-
ed and equipped, were both on lake Ontario. Com-
modore Chauncey being within sight of fort George,
and Sir James Yeo sailing in that direction, on the
7th of August they came within sight of each other.
The British fleet consisted of six sail, the American of
twelve, the majority of them being very small. Commo-
dore Chauncey immediately weighed anchor, and manoeu-
vred to gain the wind. Having passed the leeward of the
enemy's line, and being abreast of his van ship, the
Wolfe, he fired a few guns to ascertain whether he could
reach the hostile fleet. The shot falling short, the com-
modore wore, and hauled upon a wind on the starboard
tack; the rear of the schooners being then about six
miles astern. The British commodore wore also, and
hauled upon a wind, on the same tack, but observing that
the American fleet would be able to weather him on the
next, he tacked again and made all sail to the northward.
Commodore Chauncey pursued him. The chace con-
tinued until night; the schooners could not get up, and a
signal was given, to give up the pursuit, and to form in
close order. At midnight two of the schooners were miss-
ing, which were afterwards found to be the Hamilton and
the Scourge; both of which had overset and sunk in a
heavy squall. Sixteen men only escaped drowning. The
fleet lost by this unfortunate accident, two excellent offi-
cers, lieutenant Winter and sailing master Osgood, anum-
ber of fine seamen, and nineteen guns. The enemy then
gained a great superiority. On the morning of the 8th,
he was discovered bearing up with an intention of bring-
ing the Americans to action. Commodore Chauncev
then directed the schooners to sweep up and engage him,
When (lie van of the schooners was within one mile and
02
152
a half of the enemy, he bore up for the schooners in order-
to cut them off, but in this he did not succeed. He then
hauled his wind and hove too. A squall coming on, and
com. Chauncey, being apprehensive of separating from the
heavy sailing schooners, he ran the squadron in towards
Niagara, and anchored outside the bar. Here he received
on board from fort George, one hundred and fifty ^soldiers,
and distributed them through the fleet, to act as marines. —
Before 12 o'clock on the morning of the 9th, discovered the
enemy's fleet, and stood for him, and after manoeuvring
until 11 o'clock, at times pursuing him, and being pursued
by him, the rear of the line opened its fire on him. In !
fifteen minutes the fire became general on both sides. At
half past eleven, the weather line bore up, and passed to
the leeward, except the Growler and Julia, which soon
after tacked to the southward, and brought the British
between them and the remainder of the American fleet,
which then edged away to engage th$ enemy to more ad-
vantage, and to lead him from the Growler and Julia. Sir
J. Yeo having separated the two vessels from the squad-
ron, exchanged a few shot, in passing, with the General
Pike, (commodore Chauncey's ship) without injuring her,
and pursued the schooners. A firing commenced between
them, and was continued until one o'clock on the morning
of the 10th, when the schooners surrendered, and the
fleets lost sight of each other. Soon after day light, they
again became visible ; but no disposition being shown by
the enemy to come down on commodore Chauncey, he
shortly after ran towards Sackett's Harbour, to provision
the squadron, and arrived there on the 13th.
About this time Sir George Prevost joined the army,
which was then investing fort George, and meditated an
attack upon the American forces. Captain Fitzgerald of
the 49th, assailed an outpost on the Niagara, and after
gaining the rear of the guard, was fired on, and charged,
by captain Davenport, of the 16th United States' infantry,
who cut his way through Fitzgerald's party, rallied his^own
and made prisoners of ten men. At this moment captain
©eleno, of the 23d. came up and captured Fitzgerald,
who was then wounded. The whole liiie of outposts was
at this instant attacked and driven in. Captain Vandal-
sem, of the 15th, who commanded the outpost upon But-
ler's road, was cut off by the enemy; but hastily forming
153
his small party, he desperately forced his way through a
superior body, and brought his guard safely into the gar-
rison. The British forces gained possession of the town
of Newark, and skirted the woods opposite fort George,
within gun-shot of the American camp. Brigadier gene-
ral Williams, who had a few days before arrived at that
post, advanced from the works, with his brigade, but after
a trifling skirmish, he was ordered back by general Boyd,
and the troops were directed to act only on the defensive.
The British soon after retired to their entrenchments,
which were then about two miles distant. The loss of
the garrison, on this occasion, amounted to thirty, in kill-
ed, wounded and missing. The capture of captain Fitz-
gerald and his men, was the only loss which the enemy
is known to have sustained.
Affairs of outposts, in which the character of the Ame-
rican arms was not in the least diminished, were now oc-
curring daily. Colonel Brearly, and other officers of the
different regiments, distinguished themselves ; and a spi-
rit of emulation pervaded the whole American line. — Or-
ders had been issued to the sentinels, to permit no one to
pass within their chain, without the knowledge of the
commanding officer. But a British officer, in passing
from the left to the right of his encampment, having by
mistake approached the American line, induced a senti
nel to violate these orders. Thosnas Gray, a private of
the 15th, who at this time happened to be on guard, seeing
the error into which the enemy's officer was likely to fall,
permitted him to enter the line of sentinels before he chal-
lenged him. When the officer immediately surrendered,
proved to be captain Gordon, of the Royal Scots, and
was conducted to general Boyd, who afterwards present-
ed the sentinel with- a silver cup, engraver! with inscrip-
tions commemorative of the event by which he had won
it. — The American army sustained about this time, a se-
rious loss in the death of colonel Christie, at fort George,
and of lieutenant colonel Tuttle, at Sackett's Harbour — •
Ijoth of whom died of severe illness,
CHAPTER XI.
TJie North Western Army. — British appear again before
fort Meigs. — Defence of fort Stephenson, Lower San-
dusky.— Capture of the British feet on Lake Erie. —
North Western Army reinforced from Kentucky. — Is
transported by the American fleet to Canada. — Capture
of Maiden. — The Americans enter Sandwich — Pursue
the British up La Tranche. — Skirmish in Chatham. — -
Battle of the Thames. — Defeat and capture of Ge-
neral Proctors army. — Escape of that officer. — Death of
Tecumseh — Destruction of the town. — The army sails
Jbr, and arrives at Buffatoe.
THE combination of the British forces on the Niagara,
the augmentation which they were daily receiving by re-
inforcements from the interior of Upper Canada, and the
rumours which were thence sent forth, of an intended
coalition between these and the army of general Proctor,
from Detroit ; all contributed to persuade the American
commanders, that the enemy had become regardless of
the defences of the garrisons of Detroit and Maiden; and
that their leading object, for the accomplishment of which
they had determined to draw together every species of
troops within the province, was the expulsion of the Ame-
rican forces from the Canadian territory. But the vigi-
lance of the commander in chief of the north western ar-
my, enabled him not only to discover the enemy's real
design, but that their regulars and a great body of the In-
dians, were at that time concealed in the neighbourhood
of forts Meigs and Stephenson, and feeling confident of
ttheir expectations that the regulars of his army would be
ordered forward to the aid and co-operation of the army
of the north ; or; that the militia would be called from a
PUBLIC UBL
ASTOR, LENOX AND
B L
B apt**9*,'''*' %*~*TZ§~^'Q
^
».**&
r / a i >i
C^3
m,^B
A Plan of Fort Sandusky, at Lower Sandusky.- Line 1, Pickets. Line
Dry ditch nine feet wide by six feet deep. Line 4, Outward embankment, or
which the ditch was raked by our artillery. C. Guard block house. D. h
store house. G. Magazine. H. Fort gate. K. Wicker gates. L. Partition
inch. Length of the fort, ninety-five yards. Breadth of do. fcrty-eight yards.
Embankment from the ditch to and against the picket. Line 3j
as. A. Block house, first attacked by cannon 5. B. Bastion from
ital while attacked. E. Military store houses. F. Commissary's
•. * Well. 5 Cannon, six pounders. 2 Mortars, five and an half
. Graves of It. col. Short, and It. Gordon, who fell in the ditch.
TO] ' OBK
PUB-LI C LIB
ASTOR, LENOX AND
HON8
B L
155
tour of duty, which would thence be deemed unnecessary
to perform ; general Harrison extended his defensive ar-
rangements, and enlarged his forces by new requisitions
upon the governors of the contiguous state and territory.
He was still engaged at his head quarters, at Seneca, in
fixing >he destination of the new troops, as they arrived,
and in distributing them among the different posts. — Fort
Meigs was placed in an excellent slate for vigorous de-
fence, and active exertions were making tp fortify fort
Stephenson. To the entire equipment of the latter, many
difficulties presented themselves, and its situation was con-
sidered to be so defenceless, that general Harrison direct-
ed the commandant to destroy the public property, and
immediately to abandon the fort, if the enemy should
at any time appear before it. — During the month of
July, the assembled tribes of Indian warriors, under Te-
cumseh, (who was reported to have then received the
commission and emoluments of a brigadier general) and
a considerable force of regulars, under general Proctor,
had been well trained for an expedition, the object of
which was to reduce fort Stephenson, and thence to pro-
ceed to a second investment of fort Meigs. Tecumseh
was despatched with two thousand warriors and a few re-
gulars, to make a diversion favourable to the attack of
Proctor and Dixon, upon fort Stephenson. He approach-
ed fort Meigs, and kept up a heavy firing at a distance, in
order to persuade the garrison that an engagement had
taken place between the Indian forces and a part of gene-
ral Harrison's division. By the arrival at fort Meigs, of
an officer from the head quarters, this scheme was fortu-
nately frustrated ; and Tecumseh then approached the
garrison, and surrounded it with his whole force.
From Seneca Town, scouting parties had been sent out
in e\ery direction, along the shores of Sandusky bay, with
instructions to keep up a continual communication with the
commander in chief. On the morning of the 1st of Au-
gust, he was informed of the approach of the enemy to the
mouth of the bay ; fort Stephenson, which was situated
twenty miles above, ev Gently being their object. Early
in the evening, the combined forces, consisting of seven
hundred Indians, under Dixon, and five hundred regulars,
under general Proctor, who commanded in chief, appear-
ed before the fort. The gun boats, from which they had
156
landed, were at the same time drawn up, to bear upon one
of its angles. General Proctor immediately disposed his
troops so as to surround the garrison, and entirely to cut
off its retreat. His immense superiority of numbers, en-
abled him to invest it so perfectly, that the American
troops, whose whole effective force did not amount to one
hundred and sixty men, had no probable prospect of cut-
ting their way through, and major Croghan, who had been
promoted to the command of this post, for his gallant con
duct at the seige of fort Meigs, having already disobeyed
the orders of the commander in chief, by not destroying
and abandoning the fort, had made arrangements to repel
an assault, by cutting a deep ditch, and hastily construct-
ing a stockade work around it ; and, being ably support-
ed by his officers and men, he determined on defend-
ing the garrison, though he should sell the life of every
soldier. The British general, having completed the dis-
position of his army, attempted to obtain possession of
fort Stephenson by artifice. He sent forward a flag by
colonel Elliot, whose character is yet in the memory of
every reader, accompanied by the same major Chambers
who had before demanded the surrender of fort Meigs,
and an Indian chief, whose enmity to the Americans was
violent. This flag was met at a few paces from the
garrison, by ensign Shipp of the 17th, to whom general
Proctor's demand of an immediate and unconditional sur-
render was delivered, and from whom the enemy recei-
ved major Croghan's answer, of a determination not to
yield, but with the loss of all his men. Colonel Elliot
then attempted to seduce the ensign from his duty, by
various artifices, which were followed by a threatened
slaughter of the garrison, on further refusal to surrender.
The young American turned from his apostate country-
man, Elliot, with disgust, and was immediately seized
upon by the Indian chief, who attempted to disarm him.
The resistance of the ensign, and the interference of El-
liot and Chambers, prevented this outrage, and major
Croghan being apprehensive about the safety of his offi-
cer, instantly ordered him to be called into the garrison.
The enemy then opened his fire from the gun boats, and
a five and an half inch howitzer, and continued the can-
nonade throughout the night. On the morning of the 2d,
three six pounders were discovered to have been planted
157
at a distance of two hundred and fifty yards from the stock-
ade, and in a few minutes after, an unsuccessful fire was
opened upon the fort. The British general feeling his ina-
bility to annoy the garrrison, from the situation in which his
artillery was then placed, and being convinced, that he
could neither make an impression upon the works, nor
over hope to carry them by storm, unless a breach could
be made in the north-west angle of the fort, ordered all his
guns to be directed at that point. A rapid fire was kept
up against it for several hours ; but major Croghan being
aware of his design, detached as many men as could be
usefully employed, to strengthen that angle : by means of
bags of sand, of flour, and other articles, it was effectually
secured. Under a supposition that his fire had shattered
the stockade work, which was not at all injured, general
Proctor ordered lieutenant colonel Short to lead up a
close column of three hundred and fifty regulars, of the
41st regiment, to storm the fort at that point, whilst a se-
cond column should make a feint upon that part of the
American line, which was commanded by captain Hun-
ter, of the 17th. This attempt to draw the attention of
the garrison from the north-west angle did not succeed.
The troops posted there were ordered to remain firm ;
and when the column, which was advancing against, them
had approached within twenty paces of the lines, before
which time it was so completely enveloped in smoke as
not to be observed, they opened a heavy and galling fire,
which threw the advancing party "hi confusion, and inti-
midated that which was reserved for the attack on the
other angle of the fort. The British battery, which was
then enlarged by two other six pounders, was again open-
ed, and sustained the advance of the two columns, by an
incessant, though equally unsuccessful fire as the former.
Colonel Short rallying his men with great alacrity, again
led them up, advanced to the stockade, and springing
over the pickets into the ditch, commanded the whole
column to follow, and assault the works with the utmost
vigour, but to give no quarter to any of the American sol-
diers.
At the north-western angle stood a block house, in
which a six pounder had been heretofore judiciously con-
cealed. It was at this instant opened, and having previ-
ously been pointed so as to rake in that situation, a dou-
158
Ible charge of leaden slags, was fired into the ditch, and
sweeping the whole column, the front of which was only
thirty feet distant from the piece, killed colonel Short, and
almost every man who had ventured to obey his order.
A voiley of musquetry was fired at the same time, and
great numbers of the enemy, who had not yet entered
the ditch, were severely wounded. The officer who suc-
ceeded colonel Short in the command of the broken co-
lumn, immediately rallied and formed it anew, and led it
on to the same fatal point. A second fire from the de-
structive six pounder, was poured upon it, with as much
success as the first ; and the small arms were discharged
so briskly, that the enemy's troops were again thrown
into confusion, and not all the exertions of the British
officers could bring them up to another assault. They
fled precipitately to an adjoining wood, and were very
soon followed by the Indians. In a few minutes the firing
entirely ceased ; and an army much more than ten times
superior to a small garrison, was compelled to relinquish
an attack, the successful issue of which was not at all
doubted by any one of its officers.
A strong degree of terror prevailed among ihe collect-
ed forces. The Indians were enraged and mortified at
this unparalleled defeat; and carrying their dead and
wounded from the field, they indignantly followed the
British regulars to the shipping. General Proctor aban-
doned his wounded, and left the dead bodies of his most
distinguished officers, among whom was colonel Short, in
the ditch. — During the night of the 2d, major Croghan
received as many of the wounded enemy through the port
hole as were able to approach it, and to those who could
not, he threw out provisions and water.
On the morning of the 3d, the gun boats and transports
sailed down the bay, and guards of soldiers were imme-
diately afterwards sent out to collect and bring into the
fort all the wounded, and to bury the enemy's dead with
the honours to which, by their rank, they were entitled.
Seventy stand of arms, several braces of pistols, and a boat
containing much clothing and military stores, which had
been left in the hurry of the enemy's flight, were then
taken. The loss of the assailants was reported to have
been uot less than one hundred and fifty ; that of the gar-
rison was one killed, and seven slightly wounded.
PU&LIC
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159
The brilliancy of this affair procured for the officers and
men the thanks of the government, and the unfeigned ap-
plause of all parties in the union. Major Croghan was
soon after promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel, and
was presented with a sword by the ladies of Chillicothe.
His precaution and activity prevented a very important,
though weak post, from falling into the hands of the ene-
my; and gave a powerful check to their plan of operations,
for the remaining part of the campaign. The commander
in chief, whose positive orders he had ventured to diso-
bey, yielded him his warmest approbation, and recom-
mended to the early notice of the department of war, a
young soldier of twenty-one years, who had baffled the
most ingenious efforts of the British general, and had sus-
tained his various assaults for thirty -six hours. Besides
major Croghan, the garrison contained seven officers, all
of whom distinguished themselves. Captain Hunter was
second in command, and resisted the attacks of the second
British column, as well as of the Indians. Lieutenants
Johnson, Bayler, and xMeeks, of the 17th, and Anthony,
of the 24th, and ensigns Shipp and Duncan, of the 17th,
were stationed at different places in the garrison, and ac-
quitted themselves with great credit.
General Harrison had no sooner been apprized of the
approach of the enemy towards fort Stephenson, than he
sent orders for the immediate march of two hundred and
fifty volunteers, from Upper Sandusky, and put in readi-
ness all the infantry at Seneca, under generals M* Arthur
and Cass. Scouts were instantly forwarded to recon-
noitre the position of the enemy, but in consequence of
the strong disposition of the Indian forces, they were un-
able to approach the garrison, and were met by general
Harrison and his dragoons, between Seneca Town and
fort Stephenson. Here the retreat of the enemy, under
Proctor, and the investment of fort Meigs by Tecumseh,
were first heard of; and the general directed M'Arthur
and Cass to fall back to Seneca Town, for the protection
of the sick, and the provisions. But two days after, Te-
cumseh and his Indians, followed the steps of Proctor
and Dixon, and all apprehensions about the safety of the
military hospitals were, therefore, removed.
The American fleet on the Lake Erie, having been
completed, and with great difficulty passed over the bar,
P
160
a principal part of the crew of each vessel being made up
of the Pennsylvania militia, who had volunteered to go
on an expedition, sailed on a short cruise, for the purpose
of training the guns, and of exercising the sailors. In the
latter part of August, commodore Perry proceeded to the
mouth of Sandusky river, to co-operate with general Har-
rison. At this place about seventy volunteer marines
were received on board, and the fleet sailed in quest of
the British squadron. The latter was, at that time, near
Maiden, before which place commodore Perry appeared,
and after reconnoitring the enemy, he retired to Put-in-
bay, a distance of thirty miles, in hopes of drawing out
his antagonist.
On the morning of the 10th of September, the ene-
my was discovered, bearing down upon the American
squadron, which immediately got under way, and stood
out to meet him. The superiority of force was greatly
in favour of the British, though they had not an equal
number of vessels. Their crews were larger, and the
length and number of their guns greater, than those of the
American squadron. The latter consisted of the brig
Lawrence, (flag vessel) of 20 guns ; the Niagara, captain
Elliot, of 20 ; the Caledonia, lieutenant Turner, of 3 ;
the schooner Ariel, of 4; the Scorpion, of 2; the Somers,
of 2, and 2 swivels ; the sloop Trippe, and schooners Ti-
gress and Porcupine, of 1 gun each ; making a fleet of 9
vessels, of 54 guns, and 2 swivels. The British squadron
consisted of the ships Detroit, commodore Barclay, of 19
guns, and 2 howitzers; the Queen Charlotte, captain Fin-
iris, of 17, and 1 howitzer; the schooner Lady Prevost,
lieutenant Buchan, of 13, and 1 howitzer; the brig Hun-
ter, of 10; the sloop Little Belt, of 3 ; and the schooner
Chippewa, of 1, and 2 swivels ; making a fleet of 6 ves-
sels, and 63 guns, 4 howitzers, and 2 swivels.
When the American fleet stood out, the British fleet
had the weathergage, but at 10 o'clck, A. M. the wind
shifted, and brought the American to windward. The
line of battle was formed at 11 ; and at 15 minutes before
12, the enemy's flag ship, and the Queen Charlotte, open-
ed upon the Lawrence a heavy and effectual fire, which
she was obliged to sustain upwards of ten minutes, with-
out a possibility of returning it, in consequence of her
battery being of carronades. She nevertheless continued
161
to bear up, and having given a signal for the other ve*
sels to support her, at a few minutes before 12, opened
her fire upon the enemy. The wind being too light to
assist the remainder of the squadron in coming up, the
Lawrence was compelled to fight the enemy's heaviest
vessels upwards of two hours. The crew were not at ail
depressed ; their animation encreased, as the desperation
of the fight became greater, and the guns were worked
with as much coolness and precision, as if they had been
in the act of training only. The slaughter on board the
brig was almost unparalleled, the rigging very much in-
jured, and the braces entirely shot away; and, at length,
after every gun had been rendered useless, she became
quite unmanageable. The first lieutenant, Yarnall, was
thrice wounded; the second lieutenant, Forrest, struck in
the breast ; the gallant lieutenant Brookes, of the marines,
and midshipman Laub, were killed, and sailing master
Taylor, purser Hamilton, and midshipmen Claxton and
Swartwout, wounded. Her loss already amounted to
twenty-two killed, and sixty-one wounded ; when the
commodore, seeing that she must very soon strike, if the
other vessels were not brought up, gave up the command
of the Lawrence to lieutenant Yarnall, and jumping into
a boat, ordered it to be steered for the Niagara, to which
vessel he had determined to shift his flag. In passing
from the Lawrence to the Niagara, he stood up, waving
his sword, and gallantly cheering his men, under a shower
of balls and bullets. He gained the Niagara unhurt, at
the moment the flag of the Lawrence came down | and
the wind having at that instant increased, he brought her
into action, and at 45 minutes past two, gave signal for
the whole fleet to close. All the vessels were now en-
gaged, but as the superiority of the enemy had been en-
creased by the loss of the Lawrence, the commodore de-
termined on piercing his line with the Niagara. He
therefore resolutely bore up, and passing ahead of the
Detroit, Queen Charlotte, and Lady Prevost, poured a
galling and destructive fire into each, from his starboard
side, and into the Chippewa and Little Belt, from his lar
board. He was then within half pistol shot, and as he
cut through the line, the commander of the Lady Prevost,
a brave officer, who had distinguished himself at the bat-
tle of the Nile, received a musket ball in his face, and the
162
crew being unable to stand the fire, immediately ran be-
low. At this moment the Caledonia was struggling to
get closer into the action, and her commander, lieutenant
Turner, ordered her guns to be fired through the foresail,
which interfered between him and the enemy, rather than
lose the chance of a full share in the combat, and was
only prevented from attempting to board the Detroit,
by the prudent refusal of the officer of another small ves-
sel, to assist him.
The action was now raging with its utmost violence ;
every broadside fired with the most exact precision, and
the result of the conflict altogether uncertain. In addi-
tion to the loss of the Lawrence's guns, one of the Ariel's
had burst, and the enemy had then the superiority of
thirty -four guns. This doubtful aspect, however, soon
after changed. The Queen Charlotte had lost her captain,
and all her principal officers ; and having, by some mis-
chance, run foul of the Detroit, most of the guns of both
vessels became useless. In this situation, advantage
of which was immediately taken by commodore Perry,
they were compelled to sustain, in turn, an incessant fire
from the Niagara, and other vessels of the American
squadron. The British commodore's flag was soon after
struck, and those of the Queen Charlotte, the Lady Pre-
vost, the Hunter and the Chippewa, came down in imme-
diate succession. The whole fleet surrendered to the in-
ferior squadron, with the exception of the Little Belt,
which attempted to escape, but was pursued by two of
the gun boats, and captured at a distance of three miles
from the squadron.
Thus, after an action of three hours, in which the indi-
vidual gallantry of either fleet, had never been surpass-
ed by any naval event now to be found on the record of
history, was the entire Command of this important lake,
yielded to the American arms. To the future operations
of the north western army, every prospect of success
was thrown open, and the recovery of the lost terri-
tory became no longer doubtful. Commodore Perry in-
formed his government, that it had " pleased the Almighty
to crown their arms with success " and attributed the issue
to the gallant conduct of his officers, his men, and the vo-
lunteers on board. Among them, are to be found the
names of captain Elliot, lieutenants Turner, Edwards and
163
Forrest, and midshipmen Laub, Claxton, Swartwout,
Clark and Cummings — of the conduct of lieutenants Yar-
nall and Brookes, and purser Hamilton; the latter of whom
worked as a common sailor, at a gun, the best evidence
has been given — the admiration of the whole squadron, as
well as that of the enemy.
The nnmber of killed and wounded in both fleets, was
excessively great. Commodore Barclay was wounded
in the hip, and lost the use of his right arm. The other
had been shot off in a former action. The loss on board
his squadron exceeded two hundred. The American loss
amounted to twenty-seven killed, and ninety-six wound-
ed. The captured vessels were convoyed to the bay of
Sandusky; and the prisoners, six hundred in number,
conducted to Chillicothe. Among these, were a few com-
panies of the British 41st regiment, who had been taken
on board to act as marines.
The result of this brilliant conflict, was immediately
followed by active and extensive preparations for the ex-
pulsion of the enemy from Detroit, the entire subjugation
of Maiden, and the overthrow of general Proctor's army.
These objects achieved, the operations on the Niagara
and St. Lawrence, would be rapidly facilitated, and the
most plausible prospects held out to an expedition against
Montreal. Governor Meigs had made a call upon the mi-
litia of Ohio, as soon as he was informed of the attack
upon fort Stephenson, and upwards of fifteen thousand vo-
lunteers were very soon under arms. Many of these were
not yet discharged, and general Harrison now required
a proportion of them. At the mouth of Poitage river?
he intended that his whole army should be concentra-
ted ; and between that point and Sandusky bay, he cau-
sed fences of logs to be constructed, for the protection of
the horses and baggage. The governor of Kentucky, Isaac
Shelby, arrived at the new head quarters of the army on
the 17th of September, with four thousand well mounted
volunteers. The works at fort Meigs being reduced, and
garrisoned by a few men, general M' Arthur marched
from that post with his brigade, and joined the main body
also. Thus strengthened, general Harrison determined
on invading the enemy's shores; and, at the dawn of the
21st, he ordered his forces to embark at the mouth of the
liver, and to rendezvous at the different islands, which
P2
164
Say in clusters between Maiden, and the point of embar-
kation. To colonel Johnson, who commanded a Ken-
tucky mounted regiment at fort Meigs, he gave orders to
proceed to Detroit by land ; arrangements having been
first made, by which that officer and the commander in
chief, were to be informed of each other's progress, by
daily expresses. - -
On the 27th, the troops were received on board the
fleet, now enlarged by the captured vessels. They were
embarked at a small island, about twenty miles from Mai-
den, called the Eastern Sister, and one of two islands to
which the names of the Sisters had been given. In the
afternoon of the same day, the fleet, which was compo-
sed of sixteen vessels of war, and upwards of one hundred
boats, arrived at a point three miles below Maiden. Here
the troops were landed, in good order, and with perfect
silence, and proceeded thence to Amhertsburg by eschel-
lon movements.
The British general, well aware that the American
commander would early avail himself of the advantages
lately gained by the capture of the fleet, had made
preparations to retire into the interior of Canada, to a
place of better security than Maiden. He was apprized
by his videttes, of the approach of general Harrison, and
having first set fire to the fort, and destroyed every arti-
cle of public property, he ordered his forces, which were
still composed of British regulars, and Tecumseh's and
Dixon's Indians, to retreat toward the Thames, and thence
along its course to the Moravian towns. The fort, the
barracks, and other public buildings, were still smoking,
when the American army entered Amhertsburg, and a
number of females came out to implore protection from
its commander. They received it. — The guns of the bat-
teries had been previously sunk, one only remained on
an island opposite Maiden, and that had been left in the
confusion of the enemy's retreat to the Thames.
Amhertsburg had heretofore been the repository of In-
dian spoil, and the principal depot of Indian presents.
The tribes had been continually provided with munitions
of war, from the garrison there ; and rewarded at that
post, for the outrages committed by them, at various
times, upon the people of the adjoining American territo-
ries. The previous sufferings of the citizens of the fron-
tier, had all been derived from the activity of British tra-
165
ders, who were proprietors of the property and soil ; yett
though almost every volunteer of the American army had
been affected, either in his possessions, in his own per-
son, or in that of his relatives, by the incursions and out-
rages of the enemy, the inhabitants of Amhertsburg were
protected, from violence, and their individual property ho-
nourably respected. Highly, and frequently, as the in-
dignation of these troops had been excited, they were
still determined to contrast their conduct here, with that
of the British and Indians, at the river Raisin; and, the
house and grounds, therefore, of the most active officer
at that scene, colonel Elliott, suffered not the least moles-
tation.
On the 28th, the army crossed La Riviere aux Cannards,
the bridge over which the enemy had not stopped to de-
stroy, and arrived at Sandwich on the following day, the
fleet moving at the same lime, through the river Detroit,
to that place. Governor Shelby's command then occu-
pied the point at which the first invasion of Canada had
been attempted, whilst the remainder of the army crossed
over to the delivery of the town of Detroit, out of the pos-
session of the British Indians, who immediately abandon-
ed the garrison, and retreated in different directions. Ge-
neral Harrison, knowing that large numbers of Warriors,
under Split-Log, were collecting in the woods near Hu-
ron of Lake St. Clair, directed general 3VP Arthur to re-
main with most of the regulars, in the occupation of De-
troit, whilst he would pursue the army of general Proctor
up the Thames.
Colonel R. M. Johnson's regiment had arrived at De-
troit on the day after its occupation by the American ar-
my; and having concentrated this force, with a part of
colonel Ball's regiment of dragoons, and the whole of go-
vernor Shelby's volunteers, the commander in chief, on
the 2d of October, pursued the enemy's route. Such was
the rapidity of his movement, that he encamped in the
evening of the same day, at the river Riscum, a distance
of twenty-six miles from Sandwich. Early on the morn-
ing of the 3d, he resumed his march, and being accom-
panied by general Cass and commodore Perry, as acting
aids, he proceeded in the advance with Johnson's regi-
ment, in order to secure the bridges on the rivers tribu-
tary to Lake St, Clair. By the capture of a lieutenant of
166
dragoons and eleven privates, who had been left in gene-
ral Proctor's rear, with orders to take up every bridge by
which the approach of Harrison's army could possibly be
facilitated, one bridge was saved, and the American ge-
neral learned, that the enemy had no " certain information
of his advances up the Thames." Within eight miles of
this river, at Drake's farm, the army encamped for the
night, and its baggage followed thus far, in the transports
of the squadron.
On the morning of the 4th, the army again proceeded
on its route, and having reached Chatham, seventeen
miles from Lake St. Clair, found its progress obstruct-
ed by a deep and unfordable creek, the bridge of which
had been partially destroyed by a body of Indians, who
now made their appearance, and fired on the front
guard. They had taken position on the opposite side of
the creek, and flanked the American army on the right
bank of the river. General Harrison made immediate
arrangements to disperse or capture them. Colonel
Johnson was already stationed on the right of the line,
and had seized the ruins of another bridge, under a smart
fire from the Indians on that flank. Major Wood was
directed to bring up his artillery, and cover the pioreers
who were repairing the first bridge. This he did with un-
expected success. The Indians could not withstand the
heavy discharges of artillery, and they therefore retired
without much regard to the order of their retreat. The
bridge was quickly repaired, and the army having first ex-
tinguished the flames of a farm house, which had been fired
by the Indians, and captured from it two thousand stand
of arms and a quantity of clothing, crossed over the creek,
pursued the enemy four miles up the river, annoyed his
rearguard, and took from him several pieces of cannon.
This skirmish continued one hour, in which time two men
of the army were killed, and six wounded; whilst thirteen
were killed on the side of the enemy. Besides muskets,
cannon, and clothing, he lost three vessels, loaded with
ordnance stores and arms, which the approach of the Ame-
ricans obliged him to destroy.
On the 5th, the pursuit was eagerly renewed, and at-
tended by the capture of two gun-boats and several bar-
ges, loaded with provisions and ammunition. Having at-
tained the ground on which the enemy had encamped the
167
night before, the commander in chief directed colonel
Johnson to hasten the march of his advance guard, and to
send forward an officer to reconnoitre the situation of the
combined British and Indian forces. This officer very
soon after, returned with intelligence that the enemy were
prepared for action, in an open ground, within four miles
of the American main body. The road upon which ge-
neral Harrison was then marching, entered a thick and
extensive forest, on the beach. A short distance from the
bank of the Thames, was a miry swamp, which extended
to the Moravian Town ; and, between this swamp and the
river was a level plain, through which, because of the
thick underwood in the forest, the army would be obliged
to make it approaches. Across this plain, the British line
was drawn up, with its left resting on the river, supported
by the greatest proportion of their artillery ; its centre be-
ing protected by two heavy pieces, and its strength, in
regulars, amounting to six hundred. Twelve hundred In-
dians were formed along the margin of the swamp.
When general Harrison had come up with the main
body, and was advised of the advantageous situation of the
enemy, he ordered colonel Paul, with one hundred and
fifty regulars, to occupy a space between the road and
the river ; to advance upon, and divert the enemy, and
on an opportunity, to seize the cannon which defended
his left flank. Lieutenant colonel James Johnson was di-
rected to form major Payne's battalion of the mounted
regiment, and major Suggett's three spy companies, into
six charging columns, immediately in front of the British
line of regulars and an Indian flank ; whiJst general Ken-
ny's division of infantry, should be stationed for his sup-
port, in his rear. Colonel R. M. Johnson was charged
with the formation of another battalion, in front of the In-
dians, who were arrayed on the margin of the swamp. He
accordingly dismounted one company, under command of
captain Stucker, with which he stretched a line in the face
of the Indians, and ordered major Thompson to form the
remaining four companies, on horseback, into two charg-
ing columns of double files, immediately in the rear of the
line on foot. The left of this battalion was supported by
the infantry of general Desha.
Thus disposed, with the main army in their rear, these
divisions moved forward to the attack. The British gave
168
the first fire, upon which the charge was quickly ordered,
and in a few moments the enemy's line was pierced by
upwards of one thousand horsemen, who, dashing through
the British regulars with irresistible speed, either trampled
under foot, or cut down every soldier who opposed them }
and having killed and wounded upwards of fifty at one
charge, instantly formed in their rear, and repeated the at-
tack. Such was the panic which pervaded the whole line
of the enemy, that an order which had been issued to fix
bayonet, was not attempted te be executed ; and, in a lit-*
tie while, colonels Evans, Warburton and Baubee, and
majors Muir and Chambers, surrendered with four hundred
and seventy-two prisoners. The charge had no sooner
been made, than general Proctor, fearing the consequences
of his conduct in Michigan, if he should be taken in this
battle, abandoned his command, and made his escape in
a carriage, under a strong escort of dragoons.
Whilst this brilliant charge was making on the right, the
action was raging with great violence on the left. Be-
tween the Indians there, and the mounted men and infan-
try drawn up against them, it was longer and more obsti-
nately contended. The Indians were commanded by
Tecumseh, who fought with more than his accustomed
skill, and having posted his warriors in the best possible
situations to repulse an attack, he indicated his willing-
ness to receive the assault of the American cavalry. Co-
lonel Johnson, who saw that the Indians would dispute the
ground with more bravery than the British regulars, pla-
ced himself at the head of his battalion, and led it up to a
vigorous charge upon Tecumseh's flank. That chief at
the same moment dealt out a tremendous fire, which
though severe in its effect, did not retard the movement
of the advancing columns. But the difficulty of penetra-
ting the thicket and swamp, threw an impediment in the
way of a successful result to an onset with dragoons, and
the attempt to break the Indian line, in consequence, fail-
ed. An engagement immediately took place, however,
in which, after exchanging several rounds with Tecum-
seh's band, colonel Johnson ordered* both his columns to
dismount, and leading them up a second time, he made a
desperate, but successful effort to break through the In-
dians. Having gained the rear of their line, his next or-
der directed his men to fight them in their own mode.
I6U
The contest became now more obstinate. Notwithstand-
ing their line had been thus pierced, and their warriors
were falling in considerable numbers, the Indians did not
think themselves yet discomfited, and quickly collecting
their principal strength upon the right, they made an at-
tempt to penetrate the line of infantry under general De-
sha. In this they had partially succeeded, a part of that
line having faltered, when governor Shelby brought up
three companies of his volunteers to its support, and in
turn threw back the Indians.
Meanwhile colonel R. M. Johnson had been five times
wounded, and in that state, covered with blood, and ex-
hausted by pain and fatigue, he personally encountered
Tecumseh. The colonel was mounted on a white char-
ger, at which, being a conspicuous object, the Indians
had continually levelled their fire. A shower of bullets had
fallen round him ; his holsters, his clothes, and most of his
accoutrements, were pierced in several places ; and at the
instant when he discovered Tecumseh, his horse received
a second wound. Tecumseh, having discharged" his rifle,
sprang forward with his tom-hawk, and had it already
raised to throw, when colonel Johnson's horse staggered
back, and immediately the colonel drew forth a pistol, shot
the Indian through the head, and both fell to the ground
together.*
The wounded colonel being then removed from the
field, the command of that battalion devolved on major
Thompson, who continued to fight the whole body of the
Indians, (then upwards of one thousand) more than an
hour, and eventually put them to flight. In their attempt
to gain the village, through the level plain, they were pur-
sued, and numbers of them cut down by the cavalry.
The Americans being now masters of the field, their
gallant commander, who had been in every part of the
action, directed the wounded officers and men of both ar-
mies, to be taken care of, and the trophies of the victory
to be collected and conveyed to the squadron. Among
these, were several pieces of brass cannon, which had
been taken from Burgoyne, at Saratoga, in the struggle
* Colonel Johnson survived his wounds, and yet represents
the state of Kentucky in the national legislature.
no
for the independence of the states, and surrendered agaiu
by general Hull, thirty-five years afterwards, at Detroit.
In the battle of the Thames, the number of Americans
engaged did not exceed fourteen hundred. The nature
of the ground, rendered an operation by the whole force
impracticable, and the main body, therefore, formed a
corps of reserve. They sustained a loss of fifty men, in
killed and wounded. The number of the former, among
whom was a brave old soldier of the revolution, colonel
Whitley, who now served as a volunteer private, in a
Kentucky regiment, amounted to seventeen. The ene-
my lost in regulars alone, upwards of ninety killed, and
about the same number wounded, and surrendered in all
six hundred prisoners. Among the Indians, one hundred
and twenty were killed, including their brave, but ambi-
tious and inveterate leader.
A squadron of horse, which had been ordered in pur-
suit of Proctor, immediately after his flight, returned to
general Harrison with the baggage and private papers of
the British commander, which they had taken within one
hundred yards of his escort. By the speed of his horses,
and his knowledge of the country, he successfully eluded
his pursuers.
The result of this victory was highly advantageous, not
only to the operations of the army below, but to all the
north-western territories. Some of whose inhabitants
were released from the restraint of a conquered people,
and had now a favourable prospect of future tranquillity.
By this event, the whole British force in that part of Ca-
nada, was destroyed ; the association, with each other, of
the different tribes hostile to the United States, prevent-
ed : and their re-union with the enemy entirely cut off.
By the fall of the Shawance chief, the Americans were
disencumbered of their most powerful, inveterate and ex
perienced Indian enemy ; and a sudden cheek was given
to that spirit of barbarian enterprize, to which that fron-
tier had hitherto been subject. Tecums>eh was a bold,
intrepid and active leader, whose undeviating practice it
was never to make a prisoner. He was ever ready to
conceive a daring and inhuman design, and would exe-
cute it with unprecedented and remorseless perseverance.
His ruling passion was the plunder and annihilation of the
people, whom he believed had encroached upon, and gra
171
dually deprived his ancestry of their soil. But, when he
undertook an expedition, accompanied by his tribe, he
would relinquish to them the spoil, though he would never
yield the privilege of destroying the victim. To the In-
dians of all other tribes, as well as to that among whom
he was born, the loss of a leader like Tecumseh, on whose
capacity and conduct as a warrior, they could always rely,
and who would encourage and assist in their cruelties, was
therefore irreparable. Such, indeed, was the effect of his
death, upon the tribes generally, that many of the chiefs
of most of the nations, having no confidence in any other
leader, gave themselves up to the conquering general, and
negotiated with him terms of peace, which released his
government from the necessity of subsisting their war-
riors.
On the day following that on which the battle of the
Thames was fought, general Harrison destroyed the Mo-
ravian town, and commenced his march for Detroit
where he negotiated terms of peace with other tribes, and
received a flag from general Proctor, accompanied by a
request, that humane treatment might be extended to the
British prisoners. This request had been anticipated by
the American general, who had already given up the sim-
ple comforts of his own tent, to the wounded British co-
lonels ; and had instructed his troops before the battle,
that the person even of general Proctor should be respect-
ed, if, by the fortune of the day, it should be thrown into
their hands.
At Detroit, governor Shelby's volunteers, and the
twelve months' men, were all honourably discharged.
The fort was garrisoned by one thousand men, under ge-
neral Cass, who was appointed provisional governor of
the Michigan territory; and the civil law was restored to
the condition in which it was at the time when gen. Proc-
tor instituted other ordinances for the government of the
inhabitants.
In the event of his success against Proctor, the com-
mander in chief had been directed by the war depart-
ment, to join the northern army on the Niagara; and ac-
cordingly, having, besides these arrangements-, stationed a
respectable force at Maiden and Sandwich, on the 23d
of October he embarked in the squadron of Lake Erie,
with all his disposables, and sailed for the village of Buiia-
loe, where he arrived before the beginning of November.
Q
CHAPTER XII.
Plan of operations on the St. Lawrence — Concentration of
the forces on Grenadier Island — British abandon the in-
vestment of Fort George — Descent of the St. Lawrence —
Skirmishes in its course — Battle of Chrystler's field —
The left wing of the Northern army retires to winter
quarters — The right wing marches through the Chatau-
guy woods — Is attacked by the British — Engages and
repulses them — Goes also into winter quarters — The
Americans evacuate Fort George, and destroy Newark —
Surrender of Fort Niagara — Destruction qfLewistown
and Buffaloe.
CORRESPONDENT with these movements of the
north-western army, a plan of operations on the St. Law-
rence had been concerted by the united talents of the war
department, which had been transferred to the frontier,
and general Wilkinson, who, having succeeded to the
command of the army of the north, had established his
head quarters at fort George. By this plan, the capture
and occupation of Montreal and Kingston, the grand ren-
dezvous of the British land forces, and the only secure
harbour for their naval armaments, was contemplated ;
and the result, of its successful execution, could not fail of
being fruitful with advantages to the future movements
of the army, and the contemplated conquest of the pro-
vince of Lower Canada. The late overthrow of general
Proctor, in the upper province, increased the expecta-
tions of the department and the army, and held out to
each, the most certain prospects of eventual success.
Two obstacles, however, presented themselves to the en-
tire fulfilment of these expectations. The lateness of the
season ; which, in a country where the winter commences
with great severity, would raise up insurmountable ob-
structions to the movements of the troops : and the dif-
ference of opinion between the commanding general and
173
the secretary at war," as to which post should be the first
object of assault. Each being tenacious of his own opi-
nion, and both anxious for the consummation of the con-
certed scheme, it became necessary to hasten the im-
pending operations, by the adoption of one or the other.
The deliberation of a council of war was proposed. To
obviate the first difficulty, the removal of the second was
indispensible, and the necessity of an immediate decision,
upon a question involving the interests of the expedition,
became more obvious. A council was therefore organ-
ized, and conceiving that the success of the design, de-
pended on an early movement of the designated force,
they decided, without hesitation, on a descent upon
Montreal.
Arrangements were then adopted, to collect and con-
centre the different regiments, on Grenadier island, a
point between Kingston and Sackett's Harbour, which
had been assigned as the best rendezvous, because of its
contiguity to the head of the St. Lawrence. Orders were
forwarded to fort George, to colonel Scott of the artillery,
who had been left by general Wilkinson in command of
that post, to embark his artillery and colonel Randolph's
regiment of infantry, on board a vessel of the squadron,
and to proceed to the island. The general had left the
garrison of fort George on the 2d of October, with the
largest portion of the troops, who were now awaiting the
arrival of the remainder at the rendezvous, and had been
actively employed in providing clothing, and other equip-
ments necessary to the soldiers, in the course of their
movement down the river. Between Grenadier island
and Sackett's Harbour, he had made frequent voyages,
to see that the troops were well bestowed at the former,
and that the different detachments, which almost daily ar-
rived at the latter, were immediately despatched thence.
He had caused a sufficient number of boats to be prepa-
red to convey the artillery through the St. Lawrence ; and
having assigned the command of Sackett's Harbour to
lieutenant colonel Dennis, he thence proceeded to put
the troops in motion at the island.
By this time, the 23d, the force at that place amounted
to nearly eight thousand men, and was composed of colo-
nel Moses Porter's light artillery ; a few companies of co-
lonel Scott's (2d) regiment of artillery ; colonel M'CoimVs
174
(3d) regiment of artillery; the 5th regiment of infantry;
the 6th, commanded by captain Humphreys; the 11th; the
12th, colonel Coles; the 13th, commanded by colonel
Preston of the 23d; the 1 4th, lieutenant colonel Dix; the
15th, colonel Brearly ; the 16th, colonel Pearce; the 21st,
colonel Ripley ; the 22d, colonel Brady ; the 25th ; and
major Forsythe's rifle corps.
Having issued the necessary orders, general Wilkinson
resolved on moving on the 25th ; and although the gales
which had prevailed for several days, continued with un-
abated violence, and were now attended with heavy rains,
his anxiety to promote the issue of the expedition, indu-
ced him to order the embarkation of the troops; and, buf-
feiting with a disorder, which had rendered his health ex-
tremely precarious, he remained on the island until the
embarkation was nearly completed, directing the boats to
take advantage of the momentary pauses of the storm,
to slide into the St. Lawrence.
A few days before, intelligence had been forwarded by
colonel Scott, of the enemy's having evacuated the en-
trenchments in the neighbourhood of fort George, and of
their having burnt, and otherwise destroyed, all their camp
equipage and many stand of arms, in order to facilitate
the march of their troops to Kingston ; to which place
they had been ordered, as soon as general Wilkinson's
contemplated movement was discovered. They had been
apprized of the intentions of the American general pre-
vious to the 9th, and on that day they abandoned the
whole peninsula, on the Niagara, and directed their atten-
tion to the defence of Kingston, against which they sup-
posed the Americans would move. To keep that impres-
sion alive, and to confine their plans to the protection of
Kingston only, general Wilkinson fixed on French creek,
which lays immediately opposite the point at which the
British suspected he would land, as the general rendez-
vous of the troops, after their entrance into the St. Law-
rence. Brigadier general Brown (now of the United
States' regulars) was ordered forward to command the
advance of the army at that place ; and the rear was soon
after strengthened by the arrival at Grenadier island, of
the 20th regiment, under colonel Randolph.
On the 1st November, the enemy appeared at French
creek with a squadron of four large vessels, and a mnnr
175
ber of boats filled with infantry, and attacked the detach
ment at that place in the evening. General Brown has-
tily made arrangements to defend his position, and after
a short cannonade, the enemy's vessels were compelled
to retire, by a battery of three 1 8 pounders, which had been
erected, and managed with great spirit, by captains M'Pher*
son and Fanning, of the artillery. The enemy fell down
to a convenient harbour, and renewed his attack on the
following morning. By the same judicious arrangements
he was again repulsed, and a few hours afterwards the
American squadron entered the St. Lawrence, and took
a position near French creek, to command the north and
south channels. On the 3d and 4th the rear of the army
arrived at the general rendezvous. On the 5th the flo-
tilla of transports got under way, and arrived without ac-
cident, below Morrisville.
On the 6th the commander in chief ordered the flotilla
to descend with the whole army, to a point within three
miles of Prescott, and directed the powder and fixed am-
munition to be debarked, and transported by land, under
cover of the night, below the enemy's batteries. Before
either of these orders were put in execution, he proceed-
ed in his gig to reconnoitre the place, and having con-
cluded that the safest passage of the troops would be
effected on shore, he ordered the debarkation of every
man, except the number necessary to navigate the boats,
and the army marched by night, two miles below Pres-
cott. Arrangements were also made for the passage of
the flotilla, to the same point ; and general Brown being
the general officer of the day, was charged with the su-
perintendence. Availing himself of a heavy fog, which
came on at 8 o'clock in the evening, the commander in
chief, believing he could pass the enemy's fort unobser-
ved, put the flotilla and the marching columns in motion,
at the same instant ; and proceeded in his gig, followed
by his passage boat and staff, ahead of the former. An
unexpected change of the atmosphere, enabled the ene-
my's garrison to discover the boats, and the columns
upon land, whose movements had been simultaneous.
Nearly fifty 24 pound shot were fired at the general's pas-
sage boat, and the columns were assailed with great num-
bers of shot and shells. Neither of these attacks were
successful, nor did the Americans sustain the slightest de -
Q2
176
gree of injury. The flotilla had been halted by general
Brown, as soon as the firing was heard, and it did not
resume its course until the setting of the moon ; when, in
attempting to pass, at the same place, it was attacked
also. It nevertheless pursued its passage to the place of
destination, under a heavy, though ineffectual fire, of three
hours. During all this time, of three hundred boats, of
which the flotilla was comprized, not one was touched by
a ball ; and before 10 o'clock of the 7th, they all safely
arrived at the designated rendezvous. From this place,
the commander in chief forwarded an order to general
Hampton, commanding the left division of the northern
army, to form a junction, with the division then descend-
ing the St. Lawrence.
On the 7th the difficulties in this descent encreased.
The indisposition of the general became alarming. The
passage of the troops was delayed half a day, in extrica-
ting two schooners from the river near Ogdensburg, which
were loaded with provisions, and had been driven to that
place by the enemy's fire. In the course of the morning,
the commander in chief had been informed, that the coast
below was lined with posts of artillery and musquetry, at
every narrow pass of the river. He therefore detached
colonel M'Comb, with the elite corps of about twelve hun-
dred men, to remove these obstructions. At three in the
afternoon the army followed. Immediately after passing
the first rapid of the St. Lawrence, the passage boat of the
general was again attacked by two pieces of light artille-
ry, which colonel M'Comb had not observed in his march.
No other injury was done, however, than the cutting of
the rigging, the attention of these pieces being diverted
from that object, by lieutenant colonel Eustis and a few
light gun barges, between whom and the enemy, a can-
nonade was kept up, without effect on either side. But
major Forsythe, who was in M'Comb's rear, having land-
ed his riflemen, and advanced upon the enemy, three
pieces were precipitately carried away. About six miles
below the town of Hamilton, the flotilla came too, and
the general received intelligence of colonel M'Comb's ha-
ving routed the enemy at a block house, two miles lower.
The dragoons, which were attached to the first division
©f the army, had by this time, assembled at a place called
the White House, situated at a contraction of the river
177
On the morning of the 8th, the flotilla proceeded to this
point, and after having ordered gen. Brown to go forward
with his brigade, to reinforce colonel M'Comb, and to
take command of the advance of the army, general Wil-
kinson directed the transportation of the dragoons across
the St. Lawrence. This business was completed in the
course of the night.
Not long after the descent of this river was commenced
by the American army, the British troops who had been
concentrated in the vicinity of Kingston, having discover-
ed that that post was not the object of the expedition, im-
mediately proceeded to Prescott. The day following
that on which the Americans had passed this village, the
British commandant sent a flag over to Ogdensburg, with
a demand for the delivery of all the public property there,
under the penalty of the immediate destruction of the
town. Without waiting, however, for a compliance with
this demand, the enemy embarked about fifteen hundred
troops, and followed general Wilkinson's descent, with an
intention of annoying his rear. On the 9th, they had so
far gained upon it, as to bring on a skirmish between the
American riflemen and a party of British militia and In-
dians. After having killed one man, the enemy were
completely repulsed.
In the course of this day, the cavalry, with four pieces
of artillery, under captain M'Pherson, were attached to
the command of general Brown, who was ordered to
clear the coast below, as far as the head of the " Longue
Saw/." After being obliged to halt several hours, by the
rapidity of the current, to enable general Brown to make
good his march, in time to cover the movement of the
flotilla, general Wilkinson arrived at a point called the
Yellow House, which stands near the sant.
On the morning of the 10th, he ordered general Brown
to prosecute his march, with all the troops under his
command, except two pieces of artillery and the 2d dra-
goons. A regard for the safety of the men, induced the
commanding general to march as many of them as possi-
ble, as the passage of the Longue Saut would be long and
dangerous. This regiment, therefore, as well as all the
men of the other brigades, with the reservation of a pro-
per number to navigate the boats, were assigned to gene-
ral Boyd, who was ordered to take necessary precau-
178
lions to prevent the enemy, hanging on the rear, from
making an advantageous attack ; and if attacked, to turn
upon, and if possible, to beat them. General Brown, in
obedience to these orders, marched with the advance,
then consisting of about eighteen hundred men, and com-
posed principally of colonel M' Comb's artillery, some
companies of colonel Scott's regiment, part of the light
artillery, the riflemen, and the 6th, 15th, and 22d regi-
ments. At a block house near the saut, which had been
erected to harrass the flotilla in its descent, he was enga-
ged by a strong party of the enemy, with whom he con-
tended for a few minutes, and at length compelled them
to retire. This repulse was effected entirely by major
Forsythe, who was severely wounded in the engagement.
General Brown then took a position near the foot of the
shut. At the same time a number of British galleys and
gun boats approached the flotilla, now at the shore, and
commenced a cannonade. The galley mounted a long
24 pounder, which materially injured the American barges,
and it became necessary to run two 18 pounders on shore,
and form a battery to resist the enemy's attack. One shot
from this battery obliged the British to retire up the river;
and it being then too late to trust the flotilla to the saut,
the current in which allows no chance to land, or to pur-
sue any other than its own course, the barges lay too
until the morning of the 11th.
At 10 o'clock on that day, the flotilla was prepared to
sail ; and the division under general Boyd, consisting of
his own, and generals Covington and Swartwout'a bri-
gades, was already formed in marching order, when an
alarm was heard from the gun boats, and the command-
ing general was apprized, that the enemy were advancing
in column. The encreasing indisposition of general Wil-
kinson rendered him incapable of takir? the field; gene-
ral Lewis having declined the command, in consequence
of being ill also, general Boyd was ordered to turn
upon and attack the British force. The enemy's gun
boats were advancing at the same time, with a view to
attack the rear of the flotilla, as soon as it should move
off. The officers having it in charge, were therefore di-
rected not to leave the shore. General Boyd advanced
upon the enemy, with his detachment formed in three co-
lumns, and forwarded a body of general Swartwout's hvl-
179
gade, consisting of the 21st regiment, to meet and bring
the enemy to action. Colonel Ripley, with this regiment,
ranged through the woods, which, in a semicircle, skirted
Chrystler's field, and drove in, several parties of the skir-
mishers. Upon entering the open field, he discovered
the British advance, consisting of the 49th and Glengary
regiments. With these he immediately commenced an
action, in which he twice charged these united regiments,
either of which being more than equal to the 21st, and drove
them over the ravines and fences by which Chrystler's
field was intersected; when they fell upon their main body.
Meanwhile, general Covington had advanced upon the ene-
my's right, where his artillery had been planted ; and at
the moment when the 21st assailed the British left flank,
this brigade forced the right by a vigorous onset, and the
result of the action was now looketl to with great cer-
tainty. The gallant conduct of general Covington attract-
ed the attention of a party of sharp shooters stationed in
Chrystler's house, one of whom levelled his piece, and
shot him from his horse. The wound proved to be mor-
tal, and in two days after the general died. The fall of
their commander, threw that brigade into confusion, and
it very soon broke before the enemy's artillery ; and, to-
gether with the 16th, took shelter behind the 21st, which
was still engaged with the British left and centre. Four
pieces of artillery had been planted, to enfilade the ene-
my's right, but out of reach of support ; and when Co-
vington's brigade fell back, the British commander wheel-
ed part of his line into column, to attack and capture them.
A body of dragoons, under the adjutant general Walbach,
attempted in a very gallant manner, to charge the British
column, but the nature of the ground prevented its being
checked, and the intervention of the 21st between the
cannon and the enemy, alone retarded his advance. The
British then fell back with much precipitation. The 25th,
which had been disordered, was at this time in a ravine ;
and on all parts of the field, skirmishes and detached bat-
tles were kept up with various success. The 21st being
out of ammunition, was withdrawn from the exposed po-
sitions of the ground, and a second attempt was soon after
made upon the cannon. The death of lieutenant William
W. Smith, of the light artillery, who commanded one piece,
enabled the enemy to capture the only trophy they obtain-
i8d
ed. The coolness and bravery of capt. Armstrong Irvine,
saved the remaining pieces, which he brought off the
field. The action immediately after ceased It had been
fought with distinguished gallantry, by about seventeen
hundred undisciplined men, against the same number of
British veterans, and its duration was upwards of two
hours. The enemy's force consisted of detachments
from the 49th, 84th, 104th, the voltigeurs, and the Glen-
gary regiment. These retired to their encampment, and
the Americans to their boats.
The American loss on this occasion, amounted to three
hundred and thirty-nine. One hundred and two of whom
were killed. Among these were lieutenants Smith, Hun-
ter, and Olmstead. The loss in wounded, was swelled
by the rank and worth of the officers on that list. Gene-
ral Covington, colonel Preston, majors Chambers, Noon,
and Cummings ; captains Foster and Townsend, of the
9th ; Myers and Campbell, of the 13th; Murdock, of the
25th; and lieutenants Heaton, of the 11th; Williams, of
the 13th; Lynch, of the 14th; Pelham, of the 21st; and
Brown and Crary, of the 25th, were the officers compo-
sing it.
In this battle the victory was claimed on both sides.
An impartial examination of the result, however, will
either lead to the conclusion that it was a drawn battle ;
or, that if any advantages occurred to either party, they
were decidedly gained by the Americans. The front of
the enemy had been forced back more than a mile, in the
early part of the action, and it never regained the ground
thus lost. To use the words of the American general, his
views and those of the British commander " were pre-
cisely opposed. The first being bound by the instructions
of his government, and the most solemn obligations of
duty, to precipitate his descent of the St. Lawrence, by
every practicable means ; and the last, by equally impe-
rious duties, to retard, and if possible, to prevent such de-
scent. If then, he (the British commander) found him-
self victorious on this day, it was certainly in his power
to have effected the one or the other object, and as he
made no attempt to effect either, it follows incontestibly,
that he had no fair ground on which to claim a victory."
So far from obstructing the further descent of the river,
the enemy never again assailed the column upon land, or
181
the barges of the flotilla. Early on the morning of the
1 1th, the army proceeded on its route, and reached Barn-
hart, near Cornwall, where it re-joined the advance. At
this place, general Wilkinson received a letter from general
Hampton, in which he declined a meeting at St. Regis, the
place named in the orders which had been sent to him on
the 6th, and informed the commander in chief that he in-
tended to march to Lake Champlain,and thence to co-ope-
rate in the attack upon Montreal. Gen. Wilkinson immedi-
ately concluded, that it would be useless to prosecute his
route to Montreal any further, and that every prospect of
a desirable termination of the campaign was destroyed.
He therefore summoned together the principal officers of
that division of the army, with which he was acting, who
determined that the receipt of this despatch, rendered it
expedient that the army should quit the Canadian side of
the St. Lawrence, and go into winter quarters at French
Mills, on Salmon river, which it accordingly did on the
13th instant. After having surmounted many perilous
difficulties in the descent of a river, crowded with various
obstructions, the further prosecution of its passage was
thus entirely abandoned, by the united determination of
the commander in chief, and his council of war.
Whether the refusal on the side of general Hampton,
to form a junction with general Wilkinson, at the St. Re-
gis, instead of adopting his own plan of marching by
Champlain and Cognawago, should have prevented the
prosecution of the campaign to its original object, does
not come within the province of these sketches to dis-
cuss. It is the business of the writer of them to be stu-
diously impartial ; and he does not hesitate to acknow-
ledge his belief, that many circumstances are yet to trans-
pire, before the public opinion can be regulated. The
order of the commander in chief, and the answer to that
order, are the only papers which can, at this early day,
he procured ; and the reader has an opportunity of mak-
ing up his own judgment from them.*
* Head Quarters of the army, District No. 9, seven miles above
Ogdensiurg.
Nov 6, 1813, in the evening.
Sir,
I address you at the special instance of the secretary of
war, who, by bad roads, worse weather, and ill health, was di-
182
Whilst general Wilkinson was engaged in concentrat-
ing the left division of the army, at Grenadier Island, pre-
paratory to the descent of the St. Lawrence, general
verted from meeting me at this place, and determined to tread
back his steps to Washington from Antwerp, on the 29th ul-
timo.
I am destined to, and determined on the attack of Montreal,
if not prevented by some act of God ; and to give security to
the enterprize, the division under your command, must co-ope-
rate with the corps under my immediate orders. The point of
rendezvous is the circumstance of greatest interest to the issue
of this operation, and the distance which separates us, and my
ignorance of the practicability of the direct or devious roads or
routes, on which you must march, make it necessary that your
own judgment should determine that point. To assist you in
forming the soundest determination, and to take the most
prompt and effectual measures, I can only inform you of my in-
tentions and situation in one or two respects of first importance.
I shall pass Prescott to night, because the stage of the season
will not allow me three days to take it ; shall cross the cavalry
at Hamilton, which will not require a day, and shall then press
forward, and break down every obstruction to the confluence of
this river, with Grand river, there to cross to the isle Perrot,
and with my scows, to bridge the narrow inner channel, and
thus obtain foothold on Montreal island, at about twenty miles
from the city; after which our artillery, bayonets, and swords,
must secure our triumph, or provide us honourable graves. In-
closed you have a memorandum of my field and battering train,
prett) well found in fixed ammunition, which may enable you
to dismiss your own ; but we are deficient in loose powder, and
musket cartridges, and therefore hope you may be abundantly
found. On the subject of provisions, I wish I could give as fa-
vourable information ; our whole stock of bread may be com-
puted at about 15 days, our meat at' 20. In speaking on this
subject to the secretary of war, he informed me that ample ma-
gazines were laid up on Lake Champlain ; and therefore I must
request you to order forward two or three months supply, by the
safest route, in a direction to the proposed scene of action. I
have submitted the state of our provisions to my general offi-
cers, who unanimously agree, that it should not prevent the pro-
gress of the expedition ; and they also agree in opinion, that if
you are not in force to face the enemy, you should meet us at
St. Regis, or its vicinity.
I shall expect to hear from, if not to see you, at that place
on the 9th or 10th inst.
I am, 8cc.
JAS. WILKINSON.
Major General TV. Hampton.
P. S. I was preparing an express, which I should have des-
patched to-morrow, but for the fortunate call of colonel King.
US
Hampton had determined on moving the right division
from Champlain down the Chateaugay, for the purpose
of obtaining a situation, from which it could with more
facility, co-operate in the contemplated movements
against Montreal. On the 21st of October, he put his
troops in motion, having first arranged a line of commu-
nication as far up the St. Lawrence as Ogdensburg. An
extensive wood, filled with hewn timber, and covered
with the Indians and the enemy's light troops, threw an
Head Quarters, Four Corners,
Nov. 8, 1813.
Sin,
I had the honour to receive, at a late hour last evening, by
colonel King, your communication of the 6th, and was deeply
impressed with the sense of responsibility it imposed, of decid-
ing upon ihe means of our co-operation.
The idea, suggested as the opinion of your officers, of effect-
ing the junction at St. Regis, was most pleasing, as being the
most immediate, until I came to the disclosure of the amount
of your supplies of provisions. Colonel Atkinson will explain
the reasons that would have rendered it impossible for me to
have brought more than each man could have carried on his
back ; and when I reflected, that in throwing myself upon your
scanty means, I should be weakening you in your most vulner-
able point, I did not hesitate to adopt the opinion, after con-
sulting the general and principal officers, that by throwing my-
self back.upon my main depot, where all the means of trans-
portation had gone, and falling upon the enemy's flanks, and
straining every effort to open a communication between Platts-
burg and Cognewago, or any other point you may indicate, on
the St. Lawrence, I should more effectually contribute to your
success, than by a junction on the Si Regis.
The way is in many places blockaded and abatised, and the
road impracticable for wheels during winter ; but by the em-
ployment of pack horses, if I am not overpowered, I hope to
be able to prevent you from starving.
I have ascertained, and witnessed, the plan of the enemy is,
to burn and consume every thing in our advance. My troops,
and other means, will be described to you by colonel Atkinson.
Besides their rawness and sickness, they have endured fatigues
equal to a winter campaign, in the late snows and bad weather,
and are sadly dispirited and fallen off; but upon this subject, I
must refer \ou to colonel Atkinson.
With these means, what can be accomplished by human ex-
ertion, i will attempt, with a mind devoted to the general ob-
jects of the campaign.
\V. HAMPTON.
To Major General Wilkinson.
R
impediment in the way of the engineers, who were to
cut a road for the passage of the artillery and stores. Ge-
neral Izard had been detached with the light troops, and
one regiment from the line, to turn them in flank, and
to seize on the open country below. In this he suc-
ceeded ; and the main army advancing on a circuitous
road, reached the advanced position on the evening of the
22d. At a distance of seven miles from the ground on
which the army encamped, was a wood which had been
formed into an abatis, and was filled with a succession of
breast works, the rearmost of which were well supplied
with ordnance. Behind these, the disposable force of the
enemy was placed ; in front of them the light troops and
Indians. Sir George Prevost was supposed to be the
commander in chief of the forces and breast works thus
arranged. It was resolved to attack and dislodge him.
Colonel Purdy, who commanded the first brigade, was
ordered on the 25th to ford the river, and march down on
its opposite side, until he should reach the enemy's rear,
where he was to re-cross the river, and attack him in his
breast works; whilst the second brigade, under general
Izard, was to assail him in front. The fire from one, was
to be the signal of attack for the other. Colonel Purdy
accordingly marched down on the opposite bank, but
had not proceeded far, when he received a countermand-
ing order from general Hampton, issued in consequence
of a communication from the quarter master general's
department, which the general deemed unfavourable to
the prosecution of his plan.
/in attempting to return to the place at which he had
'previously crossed the river, colonel Purdy was attacked
by the enemy's infantry and Indians, who were repulsed
after a short contest, though they had thrown the Ameri-
can column into partial confusion. The British at the
same time came out of their works, to attack the 2d bri-
gade on the opposite side. They were repulsed at this
point also, and general Izard drove them rapidly behind
their defences. The 1st brigade attempted the construc-
tion of a bridge of logs, and though it was assailed by a
considerable force of the British regulars, and received a
sharp fire across the river, the bridge was completed, and
colonel Purdv re-crossed his men. He was again attack-
ed, and several times resisted the charges of the enemy.
185
The army commenced a retreat, after losing about fifty
men ; and as general Hampton received an account of
the enemy's being continually reinforced, he resolved, on
the advice of a council, to retreat to the Four Corners.
The army accordingly, on the 31st, returned to a position
which it held many days before. In these various skir-
mishes, majors Snelling and Wool were particularly dis-
tinguished.
A petite guerre, was kept up on the lines, by colonel
Clark, who commanded a regiment of infantry, acting as
riflemen, which had already, on several important occa-
sions, been of great annoyance to the enemy. But this
incursive warfare was stopped soon after the return of
general Hampton's division, and all the troops under his
command were put into winter quarters, in the course of
the month of November, and the command resigned to
general Izard.
Not long after the departure of general Wilkinson from
fort George, that post fell successively to the com-
mand of colonel Scott, general Harrison, and general
M'Clure, of the New York militia ; under each of whom,
frequent skirmishes took place. In one of these, colonel
Wilcocks, with the Canadian volunteer mounted regi-
ment, behaved with personal bravery, and gave an augu-
ry of the services which the American government might
expect from this new species of troops.
On the 10th December, it was ascertained that the ene-
my had collected a force of fifteen hundred regulars, and
at least seven hundred Indians, and were proceeding on
their march to fort George, to expel the Americans from
the garrison and the shores. The remnant of an army,
of which the garrison was at that time composed, render-
ed the post altogether untenable, and general M'Clure de-
termined on destroying the town of Newark, and the bat-
teries by which it was protected, and evacuating fort
George, with a view to posting himself at fort Niagara.
Accordingly, having first given the inhabitants full notice
of his intentions, he put them into execution, and crossed
his force over to the American shore. Newark was left
in flames, and the guns of fort George were rendered use-
less. The British forces arrived only in time to find them-
selves without shelter, and were obliged to fall back to*
Queenstown, From this place general M'Clure attempt-
186
ed to dislodge them, by the batteries at Lewistown, but
without effect.
The British commander became highly incensed at the
destruction of the town of Newark, and secretly resolved
on the conflagration of Buffaloe, Schlosser, and Lewis-
town, and the capture of fort Niagara ; the garrison of
which they destined to be put to the sword. A surmise
©f these intentions of the enemy, induced the American
commander to transfer his head quarters to Buffaloe ; to
which place he immediately set out, to provide for the
protection of its citizens, and called forth the neigbouring
militia en masse.
Fort Niagara was at this time garrisoned by three hun-
dred and twenty-four sick and effective men, and was
commanded by captain Leonard, of the artillery, who,
notwithstanding the notorious fact of the enemy's being
within two hour's march of the fort, neglected to provide
against an assault, by night ; and on the evening of the
18th, took up his quarters at a farm, two miles distant
from his command. At 4 o'clock on the morning of the
19th, the enemy, four hundred in number, crossed the
Niagara, under colonel Murray, and approached the prin-
cipal gate, which was then open. Accompanied by his
Indian warriors, he rushed furiously in upon the garrison,
and in a few minutes, put an end to all opposition. The only
resistance which was made, he received from the guard
in the southeast block house, and the sick who crawled
out from their beds. What officers were within the fort,
exhausted every means of defence, of which the sudden-
ness of the attack had not deprived them. On entering
the garrison, colonel Murray received a wound in the
arm ; soon after which he yielded the command to colo-
nel Hamilton — under whose superintendence, the women
of the garrison were stript of their clothing, and many of
them killed, and the persons of the dead officers treated
With shocking indignity. In the meantime captain Leo-
nard arrived, and was made prisoner; and out of the
whole number of troops in the garrison, twenty only ef-
fected their escape. The British flag was immediately
after unfurled, and the enemy had the entire command of
the entrance to the Niagara.
In the course of the same morning, about seven hun-
dred Indians made an attack upon Lewistown, which was
187
defended by a small detachment of militia, under major
Bennett, who resisted the assailants, until he was entirely
surrounded, and then desperately cut his way through,
with the loss of eight men, and effected his retreat. This
Tillage, and those of Young's town, Manchester, and the
Indian Tuscarora, were speedily reduced to ashes. —
Whilst the Indians were engaged in firing Lewistown, ma-
jor Maliory boldly advanced from Schlosser, and attacked
their outer guard at Lewistown heights, and compelled it
to fall back to the foot of the mountain, The Indians
were soon reinforced however, and the gallant Maliory
was in turn obliged to retire. He retreated gradually to
Tantawanty creek, occasionally turning upon, and fight-
ing their advance guard, for two days ; at the end of which
time the Indians gave up the pursuit. In these affairs,
major Maliory lost lieutenant Lowe, of the 23d infantry,
and eight men.
General M'CIure having collected nearly three thou-
sand militia at Buffaloe, left them under command of ge-
neral Hall, and repaired himself to the village of Batavia,
about twenty-eight miles from Buffaloe, to provide for its
protection against a sally from fort Niagara. He had pre-
viously sent lieutenant Riddle to that place, with all the
regulars in the vicinity, amounting in the whole to eighty
men, to secure the public arsenal. On his arrival at Ba-
tavia, after having organized a body of militia there, he
ordered the regulars back to Buffaloe, to encourage, by
their example, the undisciplined troops of his division.
On the 30th, the British landed six hundred and fifty
men at Black Rock, and immediately proceeded to the
village of Buffaloe. Before they reached it, however,
they were obstinately opposed by colonel Bleeksly and
two or three hundred raw and undisciplined militia. Ge-
neral Hall had fallen back about three miles from Buffa-
loe, when his force was met by lieutenant Riddle and his.
regulars. The British had already entered the village,
and the militia fled with the greatest precipitation^ Rid-
dle offered to march with his regulars in front, and thus
to excite the timid militia, to repulse the enemy, and
drive him from the village. But the general, yielding to
the unwillingness of the men, declined the proposal of the
regular officer, who, thereupon rode towards the village,
to reconnoitre. He advanced within half a mile of its
R2
1#8
suburbs, and seeing that with a handful of spirited men,
he could himself save the place from destruction, he re-
turned to general Hall, and entreated him to place two
hundred men under his command, with whom he promi-
sed at least to rescue the women and children, who would
otherwise be sacrificed by the Indians, if not to drive out
the enemy. General Hall was of opinion, that this plan
was impracticable. Lieutenant Riddle, therefore, was
prevented from attempting it. By the exertion of major
Staunton and major Norton, each of whom belonged to
the village, about two hundred men were collected, and
expressed their willingness to combat the British and In-
dians. These were advised, that it was in vain to attack
their enemy, and this advice was sanctioned by the ge-
neral. At length, having become quite indignant at the
timidity of the militia, lieut. Riddle took upon himself the
responsibility of going forward with his own men, and of
rescuing as much public property as they could bear
away. He entered the upper part of the village, where
he was informed by a citizen, that colonel Chapin, who
had, long before the flight of the militia, been ordered to
take post at Conejockeda creek, had surrendered the place
to the enemy, under the condition that they were to plun-
der, but not to burn it. The Indians were at that
moment firing the houses. Lieutenant Riddle, with thirty
men, then took from the arsenal, which had not been dis-
covered by the enemy, about three hundred stand of
arms, and some other public property, and having made
two Indian prisoners, returned to the position occupied
by general Half.
On the following day, January 1st, (1814) a small party
of dragoons were ordered in advance of the whole mili-
tia, which general Hall marched to the vicinity of the vil-
lage, in order to make a show of force. Captain Stone,
who commanded the advance, accompanied by lieutenant
Riddle, lieutenant Totman. of the Canadian volunteers, and
lieutenant Frazer, of the 15th regiment, infantry, made
several prisoners on the margin of the village, and having
delivered them to the general, the latter immediately or-
dered his whole force io retire, and called in the advance
for that purpose. Riddle and Totman, not knowing that
(he dragoons had fallen back, were left in the near neigh-
bourhood of the enemy, and upon being discovered by a
189
squadron of the British horse, they immediately put
spurs to their own, and attempted to escape toward the
rendezvous of general Hall's brigade. They very soon
outstripped their pursuers, and were congratulating them-
selves upon their supposed escape, when another squad-
ron of the enemy, were perceived coming out of the road
leading from Black Rock, and directing their course for
Buffaloe, between which and that road, Riddle and Tot-
man then were. Thus hemmed in on a narrow highway,
with a superior enemy in front and in the rear, they saw
no probable prospect of escaping, and would have given
themselves up, but for the treatment which other pri-
soners on the Niagara had recently received, and the
practice, which had about this time commenced, of mak-
ing hostages. No alternative seemed to present itself, but
that of cutting their way through the party in their front ;
and on this they mutually resolved. On their attempting
to dash through, with violent impetuosity, the whole party
discharged their pistols at them, one only of which took
effect, and the unfortunate Totman fell from his horse.
Riddle cut through with his sword, and having gained
their rear, pushed his horse through a narrow lane on the
left, and rode into a thick swamp, terminated by a forest.
Through this the enemy did not choose to follow him, and
he arrived at the head quarters of the general on the same
day, without having met with other obstacles.
In a few days after, the British evacuated all the posi-
tions they had captured, except fort Niagara. This
they put in a better state of defence, and from it they
made frequent incursions, which were ever attended by
acts of violence upon the neighbouring inhabitants.
The campaign of 18 IS, in the north, was now drawn to
its final close ; and though a high degree of fulgency was
thrown around the American arms, 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 captured, before it was
abandoned. The bulwark of the province, fort George,
had been gallantly carried ; but an inferior foe was suffer-
ed to escape, after being beaten, and the conquerors were
soon after confined to the works of the garrison, and close-
ly invested upwards of six months. The long contem-
plated attack upon Montreal, was frustrated: Kingston
190
still remained, a safe and advantageous harbour, in the
hands of the enemy ; and a fortress, which might have
been long and obstinately, and effectually defended, was
yielded, with scarcely a struggle, and under circumstan-
ces mysterious in the extreme, to the retaliating invaders
of the 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, af-
ter having gradually lost their possessions on the British
side of that stream, they were deprived of their posses-
sions on their own. Another day may bring forward a de-
velopement of the causes, which led to such unfavoura-
ble results ; and posterity will be much better enabled to
throw the censure on the proper officers, than those who
are their cotemporaries.
CHAPTER XIII.
The. Navy — Hornet challenges Bonne Citoyenne — Is chas-
ed from St. Salvador — Engages and captures the Sloop
of War Peacock — Arrives at New York — Return of the
Frigate Chesapeake — Her cruise — Arrival and departure
of the President and Congress — Death of Captain Law-
rence, and loss of the Chesapeake — Conduct of the Pri-
vateers— Capture of the British Sloop of War Boxer —
Lieutenant St. Clair, in Chesapeake Bay — Fight be-
tween the Commodore Decatur and the Sloop of War
Dominica.
THE United States* slocp of war Hornet, having chal-
lenged to a combat, the British sloop of war Bonne Ci-
loyenne, captain Green, who declined an acceptance of
the invitation, she was left before the port of St. Salva-
dor, by commodore Bainbridge, with orders to blockade
the enemy's vessel of war, containing upwards of half a
million of dollars, and two armed British merchantmen,
then lying in that harbour. This blockade was vigilantly-
kept up until the 24th January, 1313, on which day the
Montague 74 hove in sight, and chased the Hornet into
the harbour, whence, however, she escaped in the night,
Captain Lawrence, who still commanded her, then shift-
ed his cruising ground ; and after having captured a ves-
sel of ten guns, laden with specie, and having run down
the coast for Maranham, thence off Surrinam, and thence
for Demarara, outside of the bar of the river leading to
which place, and with the fort beariug S. W. about two and
an half leagues distant from him, he discovered a man of
war brig-, which he immediately attempted to near, by
beating round the Carabana bank. In making this effort,
a second sail, of equal size to the other, was also disco-
vered, at about half past three, P. M. At 20 minutes past
4, the strange sail, the British sloop of war Peacock, can-
192
tain Peake, of 18 guns, and one 12 pounder carronade, a
shifting gun, showed the English flag, and the Hornet was
immediately cleared for action, and captain Lawrence
made every attempt to get the weather gage. The
Peacock was edging down fast. All the efforts of the
Hornet to weather her, proved fruitless, and at 25 minutes
past 5, the American ensign being then up, in passing
each other, the two vessels exchanged broadsides, within
half pistol shot. The effect of this fire on board the ene-
my's vessel was extremely severe ; on board the Hornet
no loss whatever was sustained. The Peacock, being
then discovered in the act of wearing, captain Lawrence
bore up, received her starboard broadside, run her close
on board on the starboard quarter, and poured into her so
heavy, constant, and well directed a fire, that in fifteen
minutes she surrendered, with her hull and rigging totally
cut to pieces. At the moment of her surrender, she hoist-
ed a signal of distress, and in the next moment, her main-
mast went by the board.
Lieutenant Shubrick, whose gallantry on this occasion
Was not less conspicuous, than in the actions with the
Guerriere and Java, in each of which he gave unequivocal
proofs, as well of his humanity as of his bravery, was
despatched to bring her officers on board the Hornet.
He soon returned with her first officer, and a report that
the captain had been killed in the latter part of the action,
that a great number of the crew were either killed or
wounded, and that she was sinking fast, having already
six feet water in her hold. Both vessels were brought to
anchor, and all the boats immediately despatched to bring
off the wounded, and as much of their baggage as could
be found. All the shot holes which could be got at, were
then plugged, the guns thrown overboard, and every pos-
sible exertion used to keep her afloat, by pumping and
bailing, until the prisoners could be removed. All efforts
appearing to be entirely unavailing, the body of captain
Peake was enclosed in his own flag, and the ship sunk in
five and an half fathom water, carrying down thirteen of
her own, and three of the Hornet's crew, i, With the ut-
most difficulty, acting lieutenant Conner an# midshipman
Cooper, who were superintending the removal of the pri-
soners, effected their escape, by jumping into a boat
which was lying on her booms, at the moment when the
Peacock sunk.
193
The loss of the enemy amounted to thirty-three m
wounded, three of whom afterwards died. The number
of killed could not be ascertained, but four men, besides
the captain, were found dead on the Peacock's deck; and
four men, in addition to the thirteen who sunk, were
drowned. The loss on board the Hornet, was one man
killed, two slightly wounded, in the action, and two se-
verely, by the bursting of a cartridge. Her hull was
scarcely injured, though the figging and sails were cut,
her foremast pierced through, and her bowsprit slightly
wounded.
The officers and crew of the Hornet, were not behind
those of any other ship, in emulating the example of cap-
tain Hull and his brave companions ; and the course and
consequence of this engagement, bore a striking simili-
tude to that with the Guerriere. Acting lieutenants Con-
ner and Newton, and midshipmen Cooper, Mayo, Getz,
Smoot, Tippet, Boerum, and Titus, behaved with that
bravery, which had now become almost inseparable from
the American name. Lieutenant Stewart, the first officer
of the ship, was unfortunately too ill to keep the deck,
and captain Lawrence was therefore deprived of the ser-
vices of a meritorious and valuable officer.
This engagement took place, in view of the ship of war
which lay in Demarara river, the Espeigle : and captain
Lawrence, being apprehensive that she would beat out to
the assistance of her consort, the Peacock, the greatest
activity prevailed on board the Hornet, to repair damages,
as soon as they were sustained, and by nine o'clock, all
the boats were stowed, new sails bent, and the ship com-
pletely prepared for another action. The Espeigle, of
equal force with the Peacock, did not come out.
Captain Lawrence's crew had been on two-thirds allow-
ance of provisions, for several days, and the number of
souls now on board amounting to two hundred and se-
venty, including those of the merchant prize, it became
necessary, that she should return to the United States.
She shaped her course for New-York, where she arrived
about the 20th of March. On the passage, her officers
divided their clothing with the prisoners, who had lost
their baggage ; the crew of the ship, gave up each a pro-
portion of theirs, to the crew of the Peacock ; and the
private wardrobe of the captain, whose attentions to the
194
Wants of those, whom the fortune of war ha d placed in
his hands, and whose exertions to ameliorate their condi-
tion were unceasing, was given up to her officers. At
New- York, captain Lawrence was received with univer-
sal joy ; and his reception in other cities, was similar to
that which had been given to other naval commanders.
Many days had not elapsed, after the arrival of the
-Hornet at New- York, when the United States' frigate
Chesapeake, captain Evans, of 36 guns, returned to the
harbour of Boston, from a cruise of one hundred and
fifteen days. During that time, she had run down by the
Madeira's, Canaries, and Cape de Verds, and thence down
on the equator, where she cruised six weeks. Hence
she proceeded down the coast of South America, and
passed within fifteen leagues of Surrinam. On the 25th
of February, the day after the conquest of the Peacock,
she passed over the place, at which that vessel had been
sunk, and thence proceeded down by Barbadoes, Anti-
gua, and most of the windward islands, thence on the
coast of the United States, between Bermuda and the
capes of Virginia, by the capes of the Delaware within
12 leagues, by New-York within 20, and thence by the
east channel to Boston, where she terminated a cruise,
on the 10th of April, marked by the capture of four va-
luable merchantmen, the chase of a British sloop of war,
and an escape from two line of battle ships.
The command of this ship, was then given to captain
Lawrence, (her iate commander, captain Evans, having
accepted the command of the New-York station) and di-
rections were immediately given to repair, and re-equip
her for another cruise. Commodore Rodgers had return-
ed to that port also, from a cruise, in which, though he
did not capture any armed ship of the enemy, he
drew from the coast such of his public vessels as were
destined to blockade the different ports, and saved to the
mercantile interest of the country, many millions of dol-
lars. The President and Congress, were at that time the
only vessels of his squadron. To keep these in port, the
British frigates Shannon and Tenedos, each being of the
largest class, appeared off the entrance to the harbour of
Boston, and sent in frequent reports of their size, strength,
and armament. Early in the month of May, however,
commodore Rodgers, put to sea j but the British frigates
195
avoided him by sailing from the coast. In the course of
that month, the Shannon returned to the mouth of the
harbour, and her commander, commodore Brooke, sent
in a challenge, to the commander of the frigate Chesa-
peake. This challenge was not received by captain
Lawrence, but his ship being then in readiness, he under-
stood the menacing manoeuvres of the Shannon to be an
invitation, and on the first of June, with a crew almost in
a state of mutiny, and unacquainted with their new cap-
tain, and without his full complement of officers, his first
lieutenant, Page, being sick on shore, he sailed out to
meet, and give battle to the hostile ship. The Shannon
sailed from tjie bay and put to sea, the Chesapeake, fol-
lowing in chase, seven miles astern. At half past 4, the
Shannon hove to, with her head to the southward and
eastward ; and at half past 5, the Chesapeake hauled up
her courses, and was closing fast with the enemy. At
15 minutes before 6, he commenced the action by firing
his after guns on the starboard side, when the Chesa-
peake gave him a broadside ; this was succeeded by a
broadside from the Shannon, which killed the sailing
master, Mr. White, and many of the crew, and wounded
captain Lawrence ; he refused to quit the deck, however,
and ordered a second broadside, the return to which
wounded the captain a second time, and killed the fourth
lieutenant, Ballard, and lieutenant Broom of the marines.
The Chesapeake then ranged ahead of the Shannon,
when her jib sheet, the slings of the fore top sail yard,
her spanker brails, and her bow lines and braces, being
cut, she luffed into the wind and took aback, and fell with
her quarter, foul of the Shannon's starboard anchor. This
accident gave a decided advantage to the enemy, and em
abled him to rake the Chesapeake. Captain Lawrence
was all this while on deck, still persisting in his refusal
to go below, when, having called for the boarders, he re-
ceived a musket ball through the body, and in a lan-
guishing state was carried down. At this moment, the
ship was deprived of all her principal officers; the first
lieutenant, Augustus C. Ludlow, had been mortally
wounded; several of the midshipmen and petty officers,
besides the fourth lieutenant and the commanding officer
of marines, were either killed or wounded, and the com-
mand of the ship devolved on her third lieutenant, Budd>
6
196
The bravery and seamanship of this officer being already
known to the crew, some hope remained of saving the
ship, and of capturing the superior enemy. But, as lieu-
tenant Budd ascended the spar deck, an arm chest on the
quarter was blown up, by a hand grenade thrown from
the Shannon's tops. The boarders very soon followed
lieutenant Budd, but before they reached the deck, cap-
tain Brooke had determined that the Chesapeake could
only be carried by boarding, and having already so many
shot between wind and water in his own ship, that he be-
came apprehensive of her sinking, he threw his marines
on the Chesapeake's quarter deck, and headed them
himself. Lieutenant Budd immediately gave orders to
haul on board the fore tack, for the purpose of shooting
the ship clear of the Shannon, and of attempting the cap-
ture of captain Brooke, who had then two hundred of
his crew on board the Chesapeake. On this effort the
fate of the ship depended, and most of the American
crew, mindful of the dying words of their gallant com-
mander, whose injunction on them, was, " Don't give up
the ship]' several times attempted to succeed in it; but
the boatswain having mutinied, and persuaded many of
the men, who were dissatisfied at not having received
their prize money of the last cruise, to join him below ;
the few who remained firm to their duty, were soon
overpowered ; and lieutenant Budd being wounded and
thrown down to the gun deck, in attempting to gain the
quarter, the scheme entirely failed, and the enemy gained
complete possession of the upper deck. A great proportion
of the crew, who had escaped a wound, nevertheless con-
tinued fighting; and captain Brooke, as he was crossing
the ship, was shot through the neck by the Chesapeake's
chaplain. Livermore, whom he instantly cut down ; but
he, almost as soon, received a wound in the head, and
was then transferred to his own ship. The enemy's crew
were now commanded by lieutenant Watt, who stabbed
and cut down the wounded and vanquished, without re-
gard to their cries of surrender. He was killed on the
Chesapeake's deck, according to one account, by one of
the Shannon's sailors, as he was placing, by mistake, the
American over the English ensign ; according to another,
by an American sailor in the main top, when in the act
of killing a wounded marine. The enemy had now the
197
entire possession of the Chesapeake ; the English flag
was flying at the different mast heads, yet they continued
to shoot at, and otherwise to wound, her sailors. A vol-
ley of musquetry was fired by them down upon the
wounded, and one of the American midshipmen was
assailed by a British marine with great violence, after
his submission to the Shannon's commander.
In this engagement, the result of which is attributed to
many fortuitous events, the superiority of the American
gunnery was clearly evinced. The Chesapeake fired two
guns to one of the enemy, and pierced the Shannon's sides
in so many places, that she was kept afloat with very great
difficulty ; whilst on the other side, the Shannon's broad-
sides scarcely injured the hull of the Chesapeake. At
long shot, the engagement might have terminated diffe-
rently ; though the captain and crew were strangers to
each other, the ship just out of port, and not in a fighting
condition, and many of the sailors quite raw. Her rate
was 36 guns, her force 48. The rate of the Shannon
was 38, her force 49 ; and, in addition to her own crew,
she had on board, sixteen chosen men from the Bella
Poule, and part of the crew of the Tenedos. She lost in
the engagement, besides her first lieutenant, the captain's
clerk, the purser and twenty-three seamen, killed ; and,
besides her captain, one midshipman and fifty-six seamen,
wounded. On board the Chesapeake, the captain, the
first and fourth lieutenants, the lieutenant of marines, the
master, midshipmen Hopewell, Livingston, Evans, and
about seventy men, were killed ; and the second and
third lieutenants, the chaplain, midshipmen Weaver,
Abbott, Nicholls, Berry, and nearly eighty men, wound-
ed. The greater proportion of this loss was sustained,
after the enemy had gained the deck of the Chesapeake.
Soon after the termination of the action, the two ship3
were steered for Halifax, where the bodies of captain
Lawrence and his gallant officers slain in the battle, were
committed to the grave with the usual honors, attended
by all the civil, naval and military officers, of the two
nations, who happened to be in that port.
Not loiig after these honorable funeral obsequies had
been performed by the enemy, captain George Crown-
inshield, brother to the present secretary of the navy, ac-
tuated by the laudable desire of restoring the body of the
198
lamented Lawrence to his country and his friends, re
quested, and obtained permission, of the president, to
proceed in a flag vessel to Halifax, at his individual ex-
pence, for that purpose. The commanding officer of the
British squadron, at that time blockading the eastern
ports, sir Thomas Hardy, readily assented to the free
passage of captain Crowninshield's brig, and he accor-
dingly proceeded to effect his object, accompanied by
twelve masters of vessels, who volunteered to compose
the crew. The body was brought to the port of Salem,
and entombed with the remains of its ancestors in New
York, where the highest funeral honors were paid by the
citizens, as a tribute, of their respect and admiration, to
their late gallant countryman.
The private armed vessels of the United States, the
number of which had greatly encreased since the account
is given of them in a foregoing chapter of these sketches,
were still cruising over the Atlantic, continually captur-
ing, and otherwise annoying the commerce of the enemy,
and occasionally engaging some of his public ships, in
such gallant combats, as are entitled, and ought to be
registered among the accounts of the most brilliant naval
exploits.
The Comet> captain Boyle, of 14 guns, and one hundred
and twenty men, being off Pernambucco, on the 14th Ja
nuary, discovered four sail standing out of that place.
This squadron consisted of three English merchantmen,
the ship George, captain Wilson, of 14 guns, and the brigs
Gambier, captain Smith, and Bowes, captain , of
10 guns each, who were bound to Europe, under the pro-
tection of the fourth vessel, a Portuguese national ship of
32 guns and one hundred and sixty-five men. The latter
having exhibited the colours of her nation, captain Boyle
stood for her, and received a communication of her
character and object, accompanied by an injunction not
to molest the merchantmen. Considering that the Por-
tuguese had no right to afford protection to a British
vessel, in the nature of a convoy, captain Boyle informed
her commander of his determination to capture them if
he possibly could, and immediately sailed in pursuit.
As they kept close together, the Comet opened her fire
upon the three merchantmen, who returned it with ala-
crity. The man of war delivered a heavy fire of round
199
and grape, and received in turn a broadside. s jotr,^
lish occasionally separated from each other, k down
Portuguese a chance of crippling the Comet, wi fift
tain, however, kept as near as possible to the mm(]e(f,
men. Frequent broadsides were discharged, a-^Xoo»
tunities varied, at the whole squadron, whose co!QW*
force amounted to 54 guns, and in a few minutt,^
ship George struck her colours in a sinking contam
Soon after, the brig Bowes struck also ; but a broac-
from the man of war, prevented the Comet's boat f ..{
taking possession. Captain Boyle then repeated his J
tack upon the Portuguese, and obliged her to sheer c
with the loss of her first lieutenant and five men, kille*
and her captain and several men, wounded. The thin
merchantman, the Gambier, then also surrendered, ana
the brig Bowes was immediately taken possession of.
So much were the others injured, that captain Boyle
deemed it improper to board them, and determined to
lay to, until morning, it being by this time excessively
dark. Between the Portuguese and the Comet, several
broadsides were exchanged in the course of the night,
without any material effect. On the following morning,
the man of war gave signal to the other ships to make
the first port, and stood otf herself with that view. The
Comet brought her prize into the United States, making
her way through a squadron which was blockading the
southern ports. Before she arrived, however, she
captured the Alexis, and Dominica packet, each of 10
guns, and the Aberdeen of 8, in the presence of a British
sloop of war, who was at the same time in full chace of
the privateer.
On the 1st of February, the schooner Hazard, captain
Le Chartier, of 3 guns and thirty-eight men, captured the
ship Albion, of 12 guns and fifteen men, being one of a
convoy for Europe. On the 23d, she was re-captured
by the cutter Caledonia, of 8 guns and thirty-eight men,
from New Providence. Three days after, the Hazard
fell in with both, engaged, and after an action of several
minutes, compelled both to strike, but took possession
of the prize mly and « arried her into St. Marys. The
Caledonia was very much injured, and most of her crew
either killed or wounded. On board the Hazard, the
first lieutenant and sis men were slightly wounded, but
8£
200
the hull an^ rigging were severely shattered by the grape
from the two vessels.
The private armed schooner General Armstrong, cap-
tain Cha^piji], of 18 guns, being within five leagues of
the mo&th of Surrinam river, on the 11th of March, dis-
coverer a large sail to be at anchor under the land. The
crew Cf the General Armstrong supposed her to be an Eng-
lish le^er of marque, and, consequently, capt. Champlm
b°re .flown, wiith an intention of giving her a starboard and
3aib£ar(i broadside, and then to board her. The stran-
SeI1 in the mean time, had got sail on her, and was stand-
»nf out for the American. Both vessels, thus approach-
iJ5g each other, had come within gun shot, (the English-
man firing the guns on his main deck) when the General
Armstrong discharged both the contemplated broadsides,
and discovered too late that her antagonist was a heavy
frigate. She nevertheless kept up her fire, though at-
tempting to get away, but in ten minutes she was silenced
by the enemy. The last shot of the General Armstrong,
brought down the enemy's colours, by cutting away her
mizen gaff, haulyards, and hermizen and main stay ; and
captain Champlin, presuming that she had struck, made
preparations to possess her ; but the frigate opened ano-
ther heavy fire upon the schooner, killed six, and wound-
ed the captain and sixteen of her men; shot away the
fore and main shrouds, pierced the main mast and bow-
sprit, and struck her several times between wind and
water. In this condition she laid upwards of 45 minutes,
within pistol shot of the frigate; but, by the extraordinary
exertiors of the crew, and the aid of sweeps, she got out
of the enemy's reach, and arrived at Charleston on the
4th of April.
On the 3d of that month, the privateer Dolphin, of 10
guns, still commanded by captain Stafford, who had en-
gaged and captured two of the enemy's vessels, mounting
26 guns, was attacked at the mouth of the Rappahan-
nock river, by seventeen barges from a British squadron.
The barges carried upwards of forty men each ; the Dol-
phin was manned by sixty. Two letters of marque, lay-
ing there also, soon yielded, but captain Stafford resolved
on defending his vessel. The battle continued two
hour3, when the enemy succeeded in boarding. The
Dolphin's crew fought with great desperation on her deck;
20 i
and the engagement was kept up many minutes longer
before the vessel was captured. The enemy took down
her colours, and lost, in killed and wounded, nearly fifty
men. On board the Dolphin, four men were wounded.
In the course of the summer, the United States' sloop
of war, the Enterprize, lieutenant commandant Burrows,
of 16 guns, met, engaged and captured, after a severe and
obstinate fight, the British sloop of war Boxer, captain
Blythe, of 18 guns, and brought her into port. The cap.
tains of both vessels were killed in the engagement.
Lieutenant commandant Burrows, expired at the mo-
ment the enemy's vessel struck her colours, and she
was then taken possession of by lieutenant M'Call.*
At a harbour near Gwinn's Island, lieutenant St. Clair
of the navy, who had previously distinguished himself as
an able seaman, in the sloop of war Argus, anchored a
small schooner, mounting two or three guns, and filled
with armed men, to repel the depredations which the
enemy were, about that time, committing along the shores
©f the Chesapeake. He encountered a schooner, who
hailed and ordered him to come on board with his boat,
which being refused, an engagement followed, and termi-
nated in silencing the strange vessel. She, however,
renewed it, a second and a third time, and was as often
silenced. The night was excessively dark, and when
lieutenant St. Clair sent his boat to take possession, he
discovered that she had made her escape, leaving him
with one man wounded on board the schooner.
This succession of sea engagements was closed by a
brilliant attack, made by a privateer upon a large sloop
of war. The schooner Commodore Decatur, of 10
guns, commanded by captain Dominique, engaged the
sloop of war Dominica, lieutenant commandant Barret,
of 14 guns, and, after a well contested action, carried her
by boarding, and brought her into the United States.
No event, probably, in the naval annals, furnishes evi-
dence of a more brilliant and decisive victory, gained by
a vessel so inferior in size, strength and armament, to her
antagonist.
* A more particular account of this action in the next naval
chapter,
CHAPTER XIV.
Blockade of the Delaware River, and of Chesapeake Bay —
Attack upon Ltwistown, on the former— Affair belon
Lewislorvn — Repulse of the enemy near Morris River —
The gun boats attack (wo frigates — Engagement on the
Delaware — Depredations in Chesapeake Bay — Frequent
failures of the enemy to land — Affair at Frenchtonm —
Destruction of Havre de Grace — And of Georgetorvn and
Fredrricktown — Blockade of other ports — Loss of the
Revenue Cutter, Surveyor — Action between the Gun
Boats and three Frigates — Defence of Crany Island-
Hampton assaulted, and plundered,
THE declaration of war against Great Britain, was no
sooner made known at that court, than its ministers de-
termined on sending into their provinces of Canada, the
veteran regiments of their army ; and adopted effectual
measures to forward to the coast of the American states,
a naval force competent to blockade its principal bays
and rivers. Incens d at the successes of the American
naval arms, over the frigates and sloops of war of their
nation, they hastened the departure of their different
fleets ; and, in retaliation for the invasion of their provin-
ces by the American troops, instructed their commanders
to bu'-n and otherwise to destroy, not only the coasting
and river craft, but the towns and villages on the navi-
gable inlets ; and more particularly in the southern de
partment of the union. Early in the spring of 1813, de-
tachments of these fleets arrived at the mouth of the
Delaware, and at the entrance to the Chesapeake bay.
Others were to rendezvous at Bermuda, and thence to
proceed to the reinforcement of the blockading squad-
rons.
2D3
In the month of March, the Poictiers, 74, commodore
Beresford; the frigate Belvidere, and several smaller
vessels of war, entered the bay of Delaware, and des-
troyed great numbers of small trading vessels. In the
course of that month, they were repeatedly repulsed in
their attempts to capture others which lay near the shore,
by the militia of Delaware; and several instances oc-
curred of sharp fighting, which tended to improve the
discipline of the volunteers of that state.
A demand was made upon the people of Lewistown,
for a supply of provisions for the blockading squadron,
which being spiritedly refused, on the 6th of April sir
John P. Beresford directed captain Byron, to move as
near the town, with the Belvidere, as the waters would
permit him, and, having first notified its inhabitants, to
bombard it until his demands were complied with. On
the night of the 6th, the bombardment accordingly took
place; the enemy's gun boats approached near enough
to throw their 32 pound balls into the town, but their
bombs fell far short of their object. Colonel Davis, who
commanded at that time, had already removed the wo-
men and children, and returned the enemy's fire from an
18 pounder battery, with which, in a few minutes, he
effectually silenced one of the gun boats. The cannon-
ade continued nearly twenty hours ; at the end of which
time, the enemy drew off his vessels and descended the
bay, having discharged upwards of 600 shot, shells and
Congreve rockets. The shells did not reach the town ;
the rockets passed over it ; but the 32 pounders injured
several of the houses.
On the 1 0th of May, the same squadron proceeded
from their anchorage to a place seven miles distant from
Lewistown, and sent out their barges to procure water
from the shore. Colonel Davis immediately despatched
major George Hunter with one hundred and fifty men, to
oppose their landing, which the major did with much
gallantly, and compelled them to return to their shipping.
The Poictiers and the Belvidere, then sailed out of the
bay for Bermuda; and the militia took up the buoys,
which had previously been set in the river by the
enemy.
The Spartan frigate, having entered the Delaware soon
after the departure of this squadron, attempted, on ths
204
31st of the same month, to land about sixty of her men
near Morris's River, on the Jersey side, with a view to
obtain provisions. A small party of the militia of that
state, however, hastily collected and drove them oft*, be-
fore they had an opportunity of visiting the farmers'
houses.
In the month of June, the frigate Stalira and the sloop
of war Martin, reinforced the enemy, and had captured
many large merchant vessels bound up the Delaware.
The whole trade between the Capes and Philadelphia,
and many of the intermediate places, was liable to be
intercepted ,* and, unless they were protected by a con-
Toy, the 3inall vessels usually employed on the river, did
not attempt to sail. On the 23d, a squadron of nine gun
boats and two armed sloops, under lieutenant command-
ant Angus of the navy, convoyed three sloops laden with
timber for a 44, then building at Philadelphia, under the
eye of the enemy. The gun boats engaged the two fri-
gates, whilst the sloops effected their passage, and the
Statira and Spartan moved from their anchorage to a si-
tuation out of reach of annoyance.
A merchant sloop, having entered the bay on the 22d
of July, on her return from sea, was cut off by the Martin
sloop of war, which had just re-appeared in the Dela-
ware. The sloop ran aground to avoid capture ; and al-
though she was afterwards attacked by a tender and four
barges well manned and armed, a hasty collection of mi-
litia with one field piece, under lieutenant Townsend,
drove off her assailants, and saved the sloop.
A detachment of the gun boat flotilla, being at this time
but a few miles off, were apprized of the attack made by
the sloop of war, and captain Angus immediately pro-
ceeded down the bay, with eight gun boats and two block
sloops. On the 29th, he discovered the Martin, ground-
ed slightly on the outer ridge of Crow's shoals, and de-
termining to attack her in that situation, he anchored
his squadron within three quarters of a mile of the enemy,
and opened a fire from the whole line. The Junon fri-
gate came up to the assistance of the sloop of war, and
anchored within half a mile below her. Between both of
he enemy's vessels, mounting in all 69 guns, and the
gun boat squadron, a cannonade followed, and continued
about one hour and forty-five minutes; in all which
205
time, scarcely a shot struck either of the gun boats,
whilst at almost every fire, the latter told upon the hulls
of the sloop and frigate. This difference of effect in the
firing being discovered by the British, they manned their
launches, barges and cutters, ten in number, and des-
patched them to cut off the boats on the extremity of
the line. No. 121, a boat commanded by sailing master
Shead, which, by some accident, had fallen a veryvgreat
distance out of the line, and was prevented from reco-
vering its situation by a strong ebb, and the wind dying
away, became the object of attack from the enemy's
barges. Eight of them, mounting among them three 12
pound carronades, and carrying one hundred and fifty
men, asiailed the gun boat at one time. Mr. Shead con-
tinued, nevertheless, to sweep her toward the squadron,
and to discharge his 24 pounder, alternately, at one or
the other of the pursuing barges, until they gained so fast
upon him, that he resolved to anchor his boat and receive
them, as warmly as the disparity of numbers would per-
mit him. He then gave them a discharge of his great
gun, with much effect, though to the injury of the piece,
which being fired a second time, and the carriage breaking
down, it became necessary to oppose the enemy, who
were closing fast, by the boarders. With these, Mr.
Shead resisted them, until his deck was covered with
men, and the vessel entirely surrounded by the barges.
Such was the impetuous fury of the English sailors, that
the Americans were driven below, and the authority of
the enemy's officers could scarcely protect them from
violence. The flag was struck, and the boat carried off
in triumph to the men of war. In this assault, the Bri-
tish lost seven killed and twelve wounded. On boarfl
the boat, seven men were wounded, but none killed.
The squadron was all this time firing at the enemy's
ships, who retired after capturing Mr. Shead, the Martin
having been extricated from her situation on the shoal.-
On board the flotilla not a man was injured, and but one
of the boats' rigging cut; this was No. 125, commanded
by sailing master Moliere. The engagement continued
nearly two hours, and was the last affair, of any conse-
quence, which occurred in the Delaware during this year.
In, and along the shores of, the Bay of Chesapeake,
where the blockading squadron consisted of four 7Vs,
206
several frigates and large sloops of war, and a mtmber
of tenders and barges kept for the purpose of navigating
the smallest inlets, depredations of every kind, and to a
very extensive degree, were carried on with unremitted
avidity. The various farms, bounded by the different
creeks and river?, tributary to the bay, became the scenes
of indiscriminate and unjustifiable plunder. The stocks
of many of them were completely destroyed ; the slaves
of the planters allured from their service, armed against
their masters' defenceless families, and encouraged to
the commission of every kind of pillage. Along a coast
of such an extent, it was almost impossible to station
troops to resist every incursion, or to draw out, and
transfer from one point to another with sufficient celerity,
even the neighbouring militia. But many instances oc-
curred, notwithstanding, in which the invaders were op-
posed, and sometimes severely repulsed, by a handful of
militia, collected without authority, and frequently with-
out a leader. On the shores of the Rappahannock, one
of two divisions of the enemy was beaten and routed
with loss, by a small party of Virginia militia. In the
neighbourhood of Easton, (Maryland) they -ook posses-
sion of several islands. From Sharp's, Tilghman's, and
Poplar Island, they obtained provisions for the fleet, and
attempted many incursions to the opposite shores, their
success in which was prevented by bodies of cavalry
and infantry, which the spirited citizens of Maryland had
arranged, at different rendezvous, along the shores of the
bay, in anticipation of a visit from the blockading fleet.
The commanding officer of the fleet, sir John B. Warren,
was at this time in Bermuda, making preparations for its
augmentation; and the vessels then in the bay, were
commanded by rear admiral George Cockburn About
the latter part of April, this officer determined on attack-
ing and destroying the towns most contiguous to the head
of the bay ; and for this purpose, on the 29th, he led a
few hundred of his marines, in the barges of his ship, the
Marlborough, to the attack of Frenchtown, a place con-
taining about six houses, two store-houses, and several
stables ; and important, only because of being a place of
intermediate depot, between Baltimore and Philadelphia.
A party of militia, from Elkton, too inferior to the inva-
ders to justify an attempt at resistance, retired on their
207
approach, and admiral Cockburn landed his marines and
destroyed the storehouses, in which were deposited a.
quantity of goods belonging to merchants of those cities, of
Immense value, and a splendid architectural drop curtain
and other paintings, belonging to the Philadelphia and
Baltimore theatres. The marines being no professed ad-
mirers of the arts, these were destroyed without much
hesitation. The private houses were saved by the inter-
ference of some respectable citizens; and after plunder-
ing the others, and setting fire to two vessels laying in the
harbour, the British returned to their shipping.
The town of Havre de Grace, situated on the west side
of the Susquehanna, about two miles from the head of the
bay, and through which the great post road passes, was
the next object in the plan of the admiral's operations.
On the morning of the 3d of May, he proceeded to its as-
sault with nineteen barges ; and, when within a short dis-
tance of the town, commenced a tremendous bombard-
ment, accompanied by the firing of cannon and the dis-
charge of numerous rockets. In expectation of an at-
tack 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 9„
At the time of the assault, the inhabitants were in their
beds ; and there being no sentinels, the first notice they
had of the approach of the enemy, was from the discharge
of one of his pieces. The batteiy had been assigned as
a place of rendezvous, in the event of an attack ; but,
such was the surprize which the presence of the enemy
excited, and so incessant his discharges of shells and
rockets, that five or six men only, were fearless enough
to repair to their breastwork, and resist the approaches
of the British barges. This small party kept up a fire
from the battery, until the enemy's advance commenced
its debarkation ; when all, except O'Neill, an old citizen
of Havre de Grace, abandoned their posts, and following
the militia, who had fled with shameful precipitation
left the women and children of the place, to the mercy
of the invaders. O'Neill continued, with great difficulty,
to discharge one of the 6 pounders, until, in recoiling, it
ran over his thigh, and rendered him incapable of further
resistance, in that way. But, collecting all his strength
he armed iiimself with two muskets, and retreating from
T
/
20S
the battery to the rear of the town, vainly endeavoured to
retard the flight of the militia. In the mean time, the
whole body of the enemy had landed, and were actively
engaged in destroying the houses. They set fire to those
which had not been injured by their shells, broke the fur-
niture, and cut open the bedding of the citizens to aug-
ment the flames ; destroyed the public stages, maimed
the horses, cut to pieces the private baggage of the pas-
sengers, tore the clothing of some of the inhabitants from
their backs, and left to others those only which they
wore. Women and children, flying, in every direction,
to avoid a relentless foe, and to seek protection from their
own countrymen, were insulted by the morose seamen
and marines ; and the only house which yet remained
entirely uninjured, was sought by one and all, as an as-
sylum. In this, which was a spacious and elegant pri-
vate mansion, several ladies of the first distinction had
taken refuge, and among them the wife of commodore
Rodgers. An officer, who had just before made prisoner
of O'Neill, was entreated to suffer this house, at least, to
escape the general conflagration ; but, as he was obeying
the orders of admiral Cockburn, the most he could do,
was to suspend his purpose, until those unprotected wo-
men could prevail upon the admiral to countermand
them. The only act, partaking of the least degree of
humanity, which the admiral could boast of on this oc-
casion, was, his compliance with these earnest entreaties.
Having spread desolation through the whole town,
and destroyed the doors and windows of a handsome
church contiguous to it, the admiral divided his party
into three sections, one of which remained in the town
to give notice of the approach of danger ; the second
proceeded on the road leading toward Baltimore, plun-
dering the houses and farms between Havre de Grace and
Patterson's Mills, and robbing private travellers on the
high way, of their money and apparel ; and the third,
went six miles up the river, to a place called Cresswell's
Ferry, whence, after committing many acts of outrage,
they returned, to concentrate their force at the place of
landing. Here the admiral ordered them to re-embark ;
and, having crossed the Susquehanna, the whole squadron,
of his barges, made round the point which is formed at its
entrance, and shaped their course three miles further up
209
the bay, where the party re-landed, repaired to those im-
portant and valuable works, Coecil furnace, where lay
upwards of fifty pieces of elegant cannon, the only
legitimate object of destruction which the invaders
had yet met with. These they spiked, stuffed the muz-
zles with clay and broken pieces of iron, and knocked
off the trunnions. Not content, however, with demo-
lishing them, and destroying other implements of war,
they battered down the furnace, which was private pro-
perty ; set fire to the stables belonging to it, and, as the
last act of atrocity, with which this expedition was des-_
tined to be marked, they tore up a small bridge, con-
structed 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.
Having attained all the objects of this enterprize, tlie
British sailors and marines returned to their shipping in
the bay; and, on the 6th, they sailed from the neighbour
hood of Havre de Grace, to the great joy of its distressed
and ruined-inhabitants. O'Neill, who had dared to resist
them in the early stage of their proceedings, was taken
on board the blockading fleet, and detained there several
days. Such of the inhabitants, who were not left en-
tirely destitute, were deprived of those articles of pro-
perty, which could relieve others; and, it became neces-
sary to apply for assistance to the principal, and most
opulent town of Ptlaryland The citizens of Baltimore
relieved the sufferers, and preparations were soon after
made to rebuild the houses.
In the relation of such scenes, as those which occurred
at Havre de Grace, it seldom happens that an account it
to be given of the killed and wounded in an actiom In
the slight resistance which was made by O'Neill and hit
companions, however, the enemy had three men killed
and two wounded. Of the inhabitants, one man was
killed by the explosion of a rocket.
Fraught with the immense booty which he had brought
away from Havre de Grace, and finding his sailors and ma-
rines to be elatedat the facility, which the prospect of an at-
tack on other equally defenceless towns held out, of enrich-
ing themselves; the rear admiral, contemplated an early as-
sault upon such as he should discover to contain the most va-
210
luable spoil. The treachery of some citizens of the re-
public, and the easy intercourse which he kept up with
his appointed agents, such as are employed by officers on
ail stations, enabled him to discover the situation of those
towns and villages along the bay shore, with as much
readiness, as he could be wafted by his ships from one
point of assault to another. On the river Sassafras,
emptying itself into the bay, at a short sailing distance
from the admiral's anchorage, and separating the coun-
ties of Kent and Coecil, stood, nearly opposite each
other, the villages of Georgetown and Fredericktown
containing, either of them, about twenty houses. —
These had attracted the attention of admiral Cockburn,
and he determined on the possession of the property of
the inhabitants. On the 6th, he therefore entered that
river, with eighteen barges, each carrying one great gun,
and manned altogether by six hundred men. Frederick-
town, was his first object. At this place, one small cannon
had been mounted, and about eighty militia collected, un-
der colonel Veazy, on the approach of the barges. The lat-
ter commenced a heavy fire, and, having discharged an
immense number of langrage-rockets, grape shot, and
musket bails, within a very few minutes, more than one
half of the militia fled. Thirty-five only, under the colo-
nel, stood their ground, and worked the cannon with
such skill, that the boats, whose fire was principally di-
rected at the battery, suffered very severely. The in-
vaders were gallantly resisted more than half an hour,
when they effected a landing, and, marching towards the
town, compelled the militia to retire. Colonel Veazy
effected his retreat, in excellent order. Admiral Cock-
burn then marched at the head of his men, to the village ;
where, after having plundered the houses of their most
valuable moveables, he set fire to every building in the
town. The entreaties of the distressed women and chil-
dren availed not with the admiral ; and, he would not quit
the place, until he had entirely deprived them of every re-
fuge. Whilst the flames were raging in every part of
Frederick, the admiral moved over Sassafras river, to
Georgetown, and demolished all the stone, and burned the
wooden buildings. The wretched inhabitants of the op-
posite towns, were left to console each other, and the
enemy's squadron of barges, glutted with fresh spoil,
retired to their shipping.
211
Succeeding this affair, were several repulses of small
parties of the enemy from the shores of the bay. Many
attempts were made to land at the different farms, and
the barge crews frequently assailed the planters' houses,
and took off, provisions, clothing, money and plate.
About this time, too, admiral Warren issued a procla-
mation from Bermuda, declaring, besides the Chesapeake
and Delaware, the ports of New York, Charleston, Port
Royal, Savannah, and the whole of the river Mississippi,
to be in a state of rigorous blockade. From all these ports,
however, notwithstanding the efficiency of admiral War-
ren's force, the public ships of war of the United States,
the private armed vessels, and numerous merchantmen,
were daily putting to sea. Prizes to these, which had
been captured at immense distances from the coast, were
continually sent into the harbours declared to be block-
aded j and neutral vessels did not hesitate, to enter and
depart, at the pleasure of those concerned in them. Ad-
miral Warren, shortly after arrived in the Chesapeake,
with an additional fleet, and a large number of soldiers
and marines under general sir Sidney Beck with. Be-
tween these officers and admiral Cockburn, various plans
were designed for the attack of the more important assail-
able towns.
By the capture of the bay craft, they were well sup-
plied with tenders to the different vessels of the fleet;
and, the strength of their armament, enabled them to
equip the craft in a warlike manner. The Revenue Cut-
ter, Surveyor, captain Travis, was assailed by the barges
and tender of the Narcissus frigate, on the 10th of June,
near York River ; and, after a gallant resistance, was cap-
tured, by a force nine times superior to her own. This
Cutter, was transferred to the British service, and fre-
quently, employed in penetrating the narrow passes and
rivulets along the shore. The depredations of the enemy,
received, about this time, however, a salutary check, from
several private armed vessels, which had been hired into
the American service, to cruise along the bay.
The enemy's force there, consisted of seven 74's,
twelve frigates, and many smaller vessels ; and, from their
suspicious movements, and menacing attitudes, the citi-
zens of all the surrounding towns, became apprehensive
of an attack. Hampton and Norfolk, were thought to be
T2
212
their more immediate objects; and, preparations were
made, at the latter, to man all the works which had been
previously constructed. At Norfolk, the militia force
very soon consisted of ten thousand men. At Hampton,
a force of not more than four hundred and fifty, had yet
been organized.
On the 18th, three of the frigates entered Hampton
Roads, and despatched several barges to destroy the small
vessels coming down James' River. Two or three gun
boats being in the vicinity of that river, obliged the barges
to retire, and communicated to the naval commander of
the station, commodore Cassin, intelligence of the ap-
proach of the frigates. The flotilla of gun boats in Eli-
zabeth River, on which Norfolk is situated, was then com-
manded by lieutenant commandant Tarbell. The fri-
gate Constellation, was moored at the navy yard opposite
Norfolk, and it was determined by commodore Cassin, to
man fifteen of the gun boats, from the crew of the Con-
stellation, and to despatch them against that frigate of the
enemy, which was reported to be three miles ahead of
the others. On the 19th, captain Tarbell proceeded
with his boats, in two divisions ; lieutenant Gardner hav-
ing command of the first, and lieutenant R. Henly, of the
second. The prevalence of adverse winds, prevented
his coming within reach of the enemy, until 4 P. M. of
the 20th, at which hour he stationed his divisions, and
commenced a rapid fire, at the distance of three quarters
of a mile. The frigate opened on the boats, and the can-
nonade continued half an hour, to the great injury of -.he
frigate, (the Junon) when the other frigates were enabled,
by afresh breeze, to get under weigh, to the assistance
of their companion. Captain Tarbell was then obliged
to haul off to a greater distance, still, however, keeping up
a well directed and incessant fire, upon the enemy's whole
squadron. , The first frigate was, by this time, so much
injured, that her fire was only occasionally delivered ;
and, between the others and the gun boats, the cannonade
was prolonged one hour longer ; in which time, several
heavy broadsides were discharged at the flotilla. Cap-
tain Tarbell then withdrew from the engagement, with
the loss of one killed, Mr. Allison, a master's mate, and
three of the boats slightly injured. The enemy were
supposed to have suffered severely. The frigate, first
21S
engaged, was so much shattered, that the vessels which
came to her assistance, were obliged to employ all their
hands to repair her. In this affair, the Americans had 15
guns; the British, 150 and upwards. Captain Tarb ell's
conduct, as well as lieutenants Gardner, Henry, and others,
received the fullest approbation of the surrounding garri-
sons, and of the citizens of Norfolk,
The firing, during this action, being distinctly heard by
the enemy's fleet in the bay, and fears being entertained
by the admiral, about the safety of the three frigates, thir-
teen sail of the line of battle ships and frigates, were or-
dered to proceed to Hampton Roads. In the course of
the 20th, they dropped to the mouth of James* River,
where they learned the cause of the recent cannonade,
and determined on forthwith reducing the forts and garri-
sons, on which the defence of Norfolk depended. An
immense number of barges, were apparently preparing for
an attack on Crany Island, the nearest obstruction to the
enemy's advances. Captain Tarbell directed lieutenants
Neale, Shubrick, and Saunders, each of the Constellation,
to land one hundred seamen on that island, to man a bat-
tery on its N. W. side, and disposed the gun boats so as
to annoy the enemy from the other. At the dawn of
the 22d, the British approached the island, with their
barges, round the point of Nansemond River, to the
number of about four thousand men, many of whom
were French, from time to time made prisoners by
the English, and occasionally received into their ser-
vice. The place at which they had chosen to land,
was out of the reach of the gun boats, and when they
had approached within a few hundred yards of the
shore, the gallant lieutenant Neale, assisted by Shubrick
and Saunders, opened a galling fire from his battery,
and compelled the enemy to make a momentary pause.
The battery, was manned altogether by one hundred and
fifty men, including lieutenant Breckenridge and his ma-
rines. An 18 pounder which was stationed at it, was
fired with such precision, that many of the barges were
cut through the middle, and would inevitably have carried
down the crew, but for the immediate assistance rendered
by the others of the squadron. Every attempt to ap-
prpaeh the shore, having heretofore failed, and the ad-
miral's boat, the Centipede, upwards of fifty feet in
length, and fitted with men, being pierced in so many
214
places, that she sunferas soon as she was abandoned,
the enemy, whose seamen were falling in every barge,
determined on returning to his shipping with as little de-
lay as possible. But, even in his retreat, he suffered se-
verely from the small battery.
Whilst this gallant resistance was made to his ap-
proaches from the water, by the naval division on the
island, the enemy's troops, who had landed on the main
shore, and crossed a narrow inlet to the west side, were
warmly engaged with the Virginia volunteers. Previ-
ously to the movement of the barges, upwards of eight
hundred soldiers had been landed by the enemy at the
place abovementioned, and were already crossing the
inlet, which, at low water, is passable by infantry. Colo-
nel Beatty, who commanded the military division on the
island, made instant and judicious preparations to receive
the enemy. Under major Faulkner, of the artillery, two
24 pounders and four 6 pounders, had been drawn up to
resist them. One division of this battery was command-
ed by captain Emmerson ; and two others, by lieutenants
Howl and Godwin. The enemy's troops had not all
landed, when this cannon was opened upon them with
great address ; and, those which had not crossed the
gulph, were compelled to retreat, by the velocity and
precision of the fire. Those which had already gained
the island, fell back to its rear, and threw several rockets
from a house which stood there ; but they were very soon
dislodged by one of the gun boats, in which a 24 pounder
was brought to bear upon the house, and with great diffi-
culty escapedfrom the island; when, joining the troops who
had been previously repulsed, they were all conducted
back to the British fleet. When that division of the enemy,
which was composed of his seamen and marines, had
been foiled in its attempt to land, lieutenant Neale gave
directions to his intrepid sailors, to haul up the boats
which had been sunk, and to assist the British sailors and
marines, who were making, for safety, to the shore. The
Centipede was accordingly drawn up, and a small brass 3
pounder, a number of small arms, and a quantity of pistols
and cutlasses, taken out of her. Twenty -two of her men,
came on the island with her, and surrendered themselves,
as deserters. In this warm and spirited engagement, in
which three thousand British soldiers, sailors and ma-
215
rines, were opposed to four hundred and eighty Virginia
militia, and one hundred and fifty sailors and marines ;
the loss on the side of the invaders, in killed, wounded,
and drowned, was upwards of two hundred, exclusive of
forty deserters; on the side of the invaded, not a man Was
either killed or wounded.
By the gallant services of the defenders of this island,
the safety of the town of Norfolk was, for a time at least, se-
cured; and to the intrepid bravery and indefatigable exer j
tions of lieut. Neale, and his companions, Shubrick, Saun-
ders, and Breckenridge ; of lieutenant colonel Beatty,
and his officers, major Faulkner, captain Emmerson, and
lieutenants Howl and Godwin ; and two non-commis-
sioned volunteers, sergeant Young and corporal Moffit,
and the valiant men, who assisted in the defence of the
island, the gratitude of the citizens of Norfolk, and the
surroundidg towns, Portsmouth, Gosport, and others, has
been frequently manifested.
Immediately after this repulse of the British, a con-
ference was held between admirals Warren and Cock-
burn and sir Sidney Beckwith ; the result of which was,
a determination to avenge the loss they had sustained,
and to facilitate the success of their next attempt, by
cutting off the communication between the upper part of
Virginia and the borough of Norfolk. This communi-
cation, they supposed to be entirely commanded by the
small garrison at Hampton, an inconsiderable town, eigh-
teen miles distant from Norfolk, and separated from it l>y
Hampton Roads. Their troops, exasperated at the fail-
ure of the recent expedition against Crany Island, were
well disposed to retaliate the consequences of a repulse ;
and their commanders, availing themselves of the intem-
perate spirit, which was manifested throughout the fleet,
resolved on forwarding an expedition against this weak
position, with the least possible delay. All things being
ready, upon their part, they proceeded on the 25th, three
days after the late engagement, with upwards of two
thousand men, in a large squadron of their principal
barges. Of these, the 102d regiment, two companies of
Canadian chasseurs, and three companies of marines,
composed the advance, under lieutenant colonel Napier.
The remainder of the troops, consisted of royal ma-
rine battalions, under lieutenant colonel Williams: the
216
whole commanded by sir Sidney. A number of launches
and rocket boats, filled with sailors, and covered by
the sloop of war Mohawk, captain Pechell, were com-
manded by admiral Cockburn, and directed to take a
station before the town, to throw in the rockets, and
keep up a constant cannonade, whilst the troops under
sir Sidney, should land at a distance of several miles be-
low the town, and gain the rear of the undisciplined Ame-
rican militia. The pian of operations being thus ar-
ranged, the movement was commenced, at the dawn of
day ; and, with this irresistible force and equipment, the
enemy proceeded to assault a garrison, of 349 infan-
try and rifle, 62 artillerymen, with four 12's and three 6's,
and 27 cavalry ; making in all, a force of 438 men.
On the approach of that division of the enemy, which
was to attack from the water, major Crutchfield, the com-
mandant at Hampton, immediately formed his troops, on
Little England Plantation, which was divided from the
town by a narrow creek, over which a slight bridge had
been previously constructed. The enemy's barges were
approaching this creek, and keeping up a fire of round
shot, until they gained Blackbeard Point, when the four
12 pounders were opened upon them, with so much ef-
fect, that admiral Cockburn thought it advisable to draw
back and shelter himself behind the point. Thence he
continued to throw his rockets, and 12's and 18's, nearly
an hour, without doing the smallest injury to the encamp-
ment ; his shot either falling short of his object, or going
over it.
Meantime sir Sidney had landed, and was coming down
the great road, on the rear of the Americans, when major
Crutchfield being apprized of his march, had despatched
a rifle company, under captain Servant, to conceal them-
selves in a wood, near which the invaders would be
obliged to pass. Captain Servant executed his orders
with the utmost precision, and annoyed the advancing
British column, with great severity. But, his force was
too inefficient, to sustain a contest of any length of time ;
and major Crutchfield, seeing that the barges would not
approach until they knew of the arrival of sir Sidney
within the camp, drew out the infantry forces to the aid
of the riflemen, and to prevent the enemy's cutting off
his retreat, As this portion of the Americans were
217
marching in column, near a defile, which led to Celebs
Road, they were fired upon by the enemy's musketeers,
from a thick wood at 200 yards distance. Major Crutch-
field immediately wheeled his column into line, and
marched towards the thicket to return the fire, and rout
the enemy. He had not advanced fifty yards, before the
British delivered him a fire from two 6 pounders, accom-
panied by an unexpected discharge of rockets. Being
now apprized of the danger of proceeding in that direc-
tion against ordnance, with so small a force, he wheeled
again into column, and attempted to gain a passage
through the defile, in the woods at the extremity of which,
captain Servant with his riflemen, had heretofore kept
the British in continual check. His column, under the
fire from the two 6's, was not formed with as much cele-
rity as it had been displayed, but he succeeded at length
in putting it in marching order, and proceeded to the de-
file. Captain Cooper, with the cavalry, was at this mo-
ment engaged with the enemy's left flank ; and, notwith-
standing the fatigue which his troops had already expe-
rienced, in patroling, he annoyed them so successfully,
that the British general, augmenting the strength of that
flanks, issued a direction to cut him off. In this the ene-
my did not succeed ; and captain Cooper, drawing up his
troops in a charging column, effected his retreat with
great skill and intrepidity.
The column under major Crutchfield, had now gained,
and were pressing through the defile, under a constant
fire from the enemy's 6 pounders. It had just attained
the wood, on the left of the riflemen, when a third 6
pounder opened upon it, and, in conjunction with the
others, threw into confusion, the different companies of
which the column was composed. Several platoons
immediately took up their retreat ; but, those which were
nearer the head of the column, led on by major Crutch-
field and major Corbin, wheeled with great judgment into
the wood, and forming on the rifle corps, under their sepe-
rate captains, Shield and Herndon, kept up the action
with an unflaging spirit, until it was deemed necessary for
the whole body to retreat. Captain Pryor, who had been
left in the encampment with the artillery, to continue the
fire upon the enemy's barges, resisted their approaches
until the sailors had landed in front of the town, and the
218
British troops were in his rear. They had already ad-
vanced within sixty yards of his battery; his corps were
ready to yield themselves up as prisoners of war, and the
royal marines were preparing to take them. They saw
no possibility of escaping, until their gallant commander
gave an order to spike the guns, and break through the
enemy's rear. Intrepid as himself, they executed his
commands ; and, pressing furiously through the British
marines, whom they threw into a temporary derange-
ment, found their further escape obstructed, by the creek.
Captain Pryor, still determined on retiring beyond the
enemy's reach, threw himself into the creek, and com-
manding his men to follow, with their carbines, effected
the retreat of his corps in good order, and without an indi-
vidual loss. Such was the disparity of force, when the
barge crews, and the troops of the enemy, had effected
a union, that the retreat of the whole American detach-
ment, became indispensible, and major Crutchfield gave
an order to that effect. The British general pursued the
retreating column about two miles, without effecting any
purpose, though the latter frequently halted, formed be-
hind fences, and delivered a smart fire.
The American loss, in this action, amounted to seven
killed, twelve wounded, eleven missing, and one prisoner
— total, 31. The British loss, by the acknowledgement
of many of their officers, amounted to ninety killed, and
one hundred and twenty wounded — total, 2L0. Among
these, were one colonel and one captain of marines,
killed; and three lieutenants, wounded. Admiral War-
ren's official letter, however, allows but live killed, thirty-
three wounded, and ten missing — total, 48.
If the account of the affair at Hampton, could be
closed, by no further reference than to the gallantry of
captains Ashly, Cary, Miller, and Brown, of the militia;
captain Goodall, of the United States' artillery, and lieu-
tenants Anderson, Armistead, and Jones, who were all
conspicuously engaged in it; a painful recital would have
been spared, of occurrences disgraceful to the arms of
the enemy, unjustified by the principles of civilized war-
fare, and unparalleled, even by the enormities committed
on the north-western frontier. The troops under sir Sid-
ney, and the sailors under admiral Cockburn, no sooner
found themselves in possession of the town of Hampton,
219
than they indulged in a system of pillage, not less indis-
criminate than that which had attended the visit of most
of the same men, to Havre de Grace. To these acts of
cruelty and oppression upon the unresisting and innocent
inhabitants, they added others of the most atrocious and
lawless nature, the occurrence of which, has been proved
by the so'emn affirmation of the most respectable people
of that country. Age, innocence, nor sex, could protect
the inhabitants, whose inability to escape obliged them to
throw themselves upon the mercy of the conquerors.
The persons of the women were indiscriminately violated.
The brutal desires of an abandoned and profligate soldiery,
were gratified, within the view of those who alone pos-
sessed the power and authority to restrain them ; and,
many of the unfortunate females, who had extricated
themselves from one party, were pursued, overtaken, and
possessed by another. Wives were torn from the sides
of their wounded husbands ; mothers and daughters,
stripped of their clothing in the presence of each other ;
and, those who had fled to the river side, and as a last
refuge had plunged into the water, with their infant
children in their arms, were driven again, at the point of
the bayonet, upon the shore, where, neither their own en-
treaties and exertions, nor the cries of their offspring,
could restrain the remorseless cruelty of the insatiable
enemy, who paraded the victim of his lust through the
public streets of the town. An old man, whose infirmi-
ties had drawn him to the very brink of the grave, was
murdered in the arms of his wife, almost as infirm as
himself, and her remonstrance was followed by the dis-
charge of a pistol into her breast. The wounded militia,
who had crawled from the field of battle to the military
hospital, were treated with no kind of tenderness, even
by the enemy's officers, and the common wants of na-
ture were rigorously denied to them. To these tran-
.scendant enormities, were added the wanton and profli-
gate destruction not only of the medical stores, but of the
physician's drug-rooms and laboratories; from which
only, those who had been wounded in battle, and thos*>
upon whose persons these outrages had been coml5alltte<^
could obtain that assistance, without whichr lll^Y must
inevitably suffer the severest privations.
U
220
Two days and nights, were thus consumed by the Bri-
tish soldiers, sailors and marines; and, their separate
commanders, were all that time quartered in the only
llouse, the furniture and interior decorations of which
escaped destruction. On the morning of the 27th, at
sunrise, apprehensions being entertained of an attack
from the neighbouring militia, whom, it was reasonably
conjectured, the recital of these transactions would
rouse into immediate action, the British forces were
ordered to embark ; and, in the course of that morn-
ing, they departed from the devoted town, which will
ammemorially testify to the unprovoked and unrelenting
cruelty of the British troops. They had previously
carried off the ordnance which had been employed
in the defence of the town, as trophies of their vic-
tory ; but, when they determined on withdrawing from
the place, they moved away with such precipitation, that
several hundred weight of provisions, a quantity of mus -
kets and ammunition, and some of their men were left
behind, and captured on the following day by captain
Cooper's cavalry. Having abandoned their intentions of
proceeding to another attempt on the defences of Nor-
folk, the whole fleet stood down to a position at New-
Point-Comfort, where they proposed watering, previously
to their departure from the bay, on an expedition against
a town in one of the eastern states.
Such was the agitation of the public mind throughout
Virginia, which succeeded the circulation of the ac-
count of the assault on Hampton, that representations
were made to general Robert R. Taylor, the com-
mandant of the district, of the necessity of learning
from the commanders of the British fleet and anry,
whether the outrages which had been committed,
would be avowed, or the perpetrators punished. —
That able officer, immediately despatched iiis aid to ad-
admiral Warren with a cartel for the exchange of prison-
ers, and a protest against the proceedings of the Bri-
tish troops, in which he stated, that " the world would
^ft pose those acts to have been approved, if not ex-
that hewmch should De passed over with impunity ;"
nour than10Ugnt ^ no less <me *° ,jis owh Personal ho"
every excesto ^at °^ n*s co',!i,,v' *'' rePress and pi:?ish
■j ;" that "it would depend on him, (Warren)
221
whether the evils inseparable from a state of war, should,
in future operations, be tempered by the mildness of ci-
vilized life, or under the admiral's authority, be aggravated
by all the fiend-like passions which could be instilled into
them." To this protest, admiral Warren replied, that he
would refer it to sir Sidnejr Beckwith, to whose discretion
he submitted the necessity of an answer. Sir Sidney,
not only freely avowed, but justified, the commission
of the excesses complained of; and induced the Ame-
rican commander to believe the report of deserters,
that a promise had been made to the fleet of indi-
vidual bounty, of the plunder of the town, and of
permission to commit the same acts, if they succeeded in
the capture of Norfolk. Sir Sidney stated, that " the
excesses at Hampton, of which general Taylor com-
plained, were occasioned by a proceeding at Crany Island.
That at the recent attack on that place, the troops, in a
barge, which had been sunk by the fire of the American
guns, had been fired on by a party of Americans, who
waded out and shot these poor fellows, while clinging to
the wreck of the boat ; and thai with a feeling naturat
to such a proceeding, the men of that corps landed at
Hampton." The British general expressed also a wish
that such scenes should not occur again, and that the sub-
ject might be entirely at rest. The American general,
however, alive to the reputation of the arms of his coun-
try, refused to let it rest, and immediately instituted a
court of enquiry, composed of old, and unprejudiced
officers. The result of a long and careful investi-
gation, which was forwarded to sir Sidney Beckwith,
was, that none of the enemy had been fired on,
after the wreck of the barge, except a soldier, who
had attempted to escape to that division of the British
troops which had landed, that he was not killed,
and that so far from shooting either of those unfortu-
nate men, the American troops had wadetVout to their
assistance. To this report, sir Sidney never deemed it
necessary to reply, and the outrages at Hampton are still
unatoned. Many of the unhappy victims died, of wounds
and bruises inflicted on them, in their struggles to es-
cape, which baffled the medical skill of the surrounding
Country,
CHAPTER XV.
British land at Ocracoke and Portsmouth — Capture tmo
Letters of Marque — Distribution of Admiral Warren's
Fleet — United States'1 Schooner Asp — A Fishing Smack,
the Yankee, captures the British Tender, the Eagle-~
The Frigates United States and Macedonian, and Sloop
Hornet, blockaded at New London — Midshipman Ten
Fyke — Tfie British at Saybrook — Engagement in Con-
necticut Sound — Wareham and Scituale — Occupation
of Easlport, Moose Island — Attack upon St&nington —
British claim the Territory east of the Penobscot, and
occupy Castine — Loss of the United States' Frigate
Adams.
RELINQUISHING the contemplated attack upon one
of the eastern ports, and adopting a plan of operations
against the towns and harbours to the southward of those
Which had already been assailed, admiral Warren de-
tached the largest proportion of his fleet, under rear ad-
miral Cockburn, to proceed on an expedition against
Ocracoke and Portsmouth, two flourishing harbours, in
the state of North Carolina. Early in July, a force of
eleven sail appeared off the first of those places ; and, on
the 13th of that month, the rear admiral crossed the
bar with a great number of barges, attacked two letters
of marque, the Anaconda of New York, and the Atlass of
Philadelphia, and after being gallantly resisted by the small
crews of those vessels, carried them by boarding. The
Revenue Cutter, which was then in the harbour, effected
her escape, conveyed intelligence to Newbern of the ap-
proach of the enemy, and thus frustrated the remainder of
the admiral's plans. About three thousand men, were then
landed at Portsmouth, where they destroyed the private
223
property of the inhabitants, and treated the place with no
more forbearance than they had shewn "at Georgetown
and Fredericktown. The collector of the customs was
seized and taken on board the fleet, and the building de-
stroyed in which his office was contained. After remaining
two days in possession of these places, the enemy re-
turned to his shipping; and, not feeling himself competent
to the attack on Newbern, now that its citizens were pre-
paring to receive him, he departed with his squadron from
Ocracoke, and sailed again for Chesapeake Bay.
The fleet, which had been keeping up the blockade in
those waters, had been divided by admiral Warren, and
the different vessels distributed along the coast, from New
London to Cape Henry, to watch the entrances to the
harbours of Connecticut, New York, and the Delaware,
in the Chesapeake, no further assaults were made upon
the villages ; but, the farm houses, the neighbouring
country seats, and the stock upon the lands, and the
numerous islands which could be approached by the
smallest barges, were indiscriminately plundered. Such
islands were taken possession of, as afforded quarters for
the troops, and frequent excursions made from them
against the defenceless landholders, in their vicinity.
On the 14th, the United States' schooners Scorpion and
Asp, being under weigh from the mouth of Yeocomico
River, were pursued by two of the enemy's sloops of
war ; and, finding it impossible for both vessels to escape
through the bay, the Scorpion continued her course,
while the Asp, a dull sailing vessel, returned to the river,
and was run into Kinsale Creek, by her commander,
sailing master Segourney. The enemy's vessels anchor-
ed near the bar, and despatched three barges, filled with
armed men, to assault and carry her. As these were ap-
proaching, Mr. Segourney opened a well directed fire,
and compelled them, in a little time, to return. Rein-
forced, however, by two other barges, manned in like
manner, they again approached the schooner, and carried
her by boarding, though obstinately resisted by her little
crew, to whom they refused to shew quarter. Her com-
mander had been shot through the body by a musket
ball, and was sitting on the deck against the mast, when
they carried her, and brought down her colours. In this
attitude, and suffering under the severity of bis wound,
17 2
224
he was, at that moment, animating his men, to repel the
boarders, when one of the British marines, stept up and
shot him through the head. He expired instantly, and,
the next officer, Mr. M'Clintock, seeing what would be
the probable fate of the whole crew, ordered his men to
save themselves by flight. Those, who had not previ-
ously been wounded, reached the shore, in safety ; and
the enemy having set fire to the schooner, returned to the
squadron, though not before they had been fired upon by
a collection of militia, who retook the vessel, and extin-
guished the flames.
The Poictiers 74, still commanded by sir John P. Be-
resford, had been stationed for several weeks at Sandy
Hook, for the purpose of blockading the harbour of New
York. Numbers of small vessels, had been daily cap-
tured by her; and, one of them, the sloop Eagle, was
converted into a tender to the line of battle ship, manned
with two officers and eleven marines, aud equipped wiih
a 32 brass howitzer. She was constantly employed in
the pursuit and capture of the coasters, and had already
committed various depredations. Commodore Jacob
Lewis, who commanded a flotilla of thirty sail of gun
boats, determined on protecting the fishing boats and river
craft, by the capture of this tender. He, accordingly,
hired a fishing smack, called the Yankee, and placing
about thirty men on board, under one of his sailing mas-
ters, (Percival) and, supplying him with several articles
of live stock, gave him instructions to proceed from the
hook, in the direction of the banks, with his armed men
concealed in the cabin and fore peak. The sloop
Eagle, upon discovering her at the hook, immediately
gave chace ; and, on seeing the live stock, ordered the
man at the helm, Mr. Percival, who (with two men only
on deck,) was dressed in the apparel of a fisherman, to
Bteer for the 74, then laying at a distance of five miles.
The fishing smack had her helm immediately put up, for
that apparent purpose ; and, being by this means brought
along side, and within three yards, of the Eagle, her
commander gave the signal, " Lawrence" and her men
rushed up, with such rapidity, and discharged so brisk and
unexpected a fire, that the crew of the Eagle, became
panic struck, and many of them ran below. Her com-
mander, sailing master Morris, aad one marine, were
225
killed; and, midshipman Price, and another, mortally
wounded. Percival's men were prepared for a second
discharge, when a sailor on the enemy's deck, was
seen creeping to the howitzer with a lighted match, one
of the crew of the Yankee, levelled his musket and shot
him in the breast, and, in a second after, the flag of the
Eagle came down. The sloop and the prisoners were
then taken into the hook, and delivered to the commo-
dore, who proceeded with them to New York, where
Morris, and Price, (who died immediately after land-
ing,) were buried by the naval and military authorities.
Mr. Percival was promoted to the new sloop of war Pea-
cock, and the brass howitzer was transferred to the quar-
ter deck of the commodore's flag boat.
In consequence of commodore Decatur's having pro-
ceeded with the frigates United States and Macedonian,
and the sloop of war Hornet, through the sound, to get to
sea from the eastward, and of his having been driven,
with his squadron, into New London, by a superior de-
tachment of the enemy's ships, that port was rigorously
blockaded, by the Ramilies 74, two frigates, and several
smaller vessels, under commodore sir Thomas M. Hardy.
Every effort to get to sea, under the auspices of dark
nights, and favourable winds, having proved unavailing,
in consequence of the enemy's being continually ap-
prized of the designs of the American commodore ; he
was blockaded for many months, without a prospect of
escaping, either by the ordinary channel, or by the sound.
Between detached parties from each squadron, several af-
fairs of minor importance took place, during the block-
ade; and, in one of them, midshipman TenEyke, of the
United States' frigate, made prisoners of two lieutenants,
two war.rant officers, and five seamen, in a house on
Gardner's Island. Incursions into the neighbouring
states, were frequent, from the British forces; but,
though extensive numbers of shipping were destroyed,
the conduct, of the sailors and marines under sir Thomas
Hardy, was not marked by the indiscriminate com-
mission of unrestrained and wanton outrage, of which
there were too many incidents, on the coast to the
southward; and, the houses of the different villages,
as well as individual property, were, therefore, almost
invariably respected. The general deportment of
226
commodore Hardy, was that of a brave, humane, and
gallant enemy ; and had his conduct been emulated by
other commanders, the horrors, and distressed conditions
of a state of war, would have been ameliorated on both
sides ; and, the necessity of many instances of retaliatory
measures, might never have existed.
During the winter months of 1813-14, scarcely an
event of consequence took place, on any part of the
coast, or at any of the shores of the bay and rivers, in
which the enemy's vessels were anchored. The town of
Killingworth, alone, had an opportunity of repelling three
or four distinct attempts to land, and of beating off supe-
rior numbers, in British barges.
Early in the spring of 1814, however, the enemy made
several movements, indicative of his intentions to pursue
an active course of warfare. On the 7th of April, about
two hundred sailors and marines, entered Connecticut
River, in a number of barges, and landed at the town of
Saybrook, where they spiked the guns at a small bat-
tery, and destroyed many trading vessels. Thence
they ascended the river, to Brockway's Ferry, destroyed
all the shipping there, and amused themselves, without
any apprehensions of an attack, upwards of twenty-four
hours. In the mean time, a bod}7 of militia had assem-
bled, under command of a brigadier general of Connec-
ticut ; one hundred men, and several field pieces, were
stationed on the opposite shore, and two pieces and a
party of men, on the ferry side below; captain Jones,
and lieutenant commandant Biddle of the Hornet, arrived
with a detachment of sailors from the squadron ; and,
every thing was arranged for the capture of the whole
party of the enemy. The success of the plan was inevi-
table; the word only of the general commanding was
waited for ; and, as he was making other arrangements,
than those adopted by these experienced officers, the
enemy drifted down the river, with muffled oars, under
covev of a dark night, cheered loudly, when they had
passed the town of Saybrook, and escaped to the squad-
ron, after destroying 200,000 dollars worth of shipping.
Seve- a! shot were fired after them, but without effect.
About this time, the Liverpool Packet privateer was
cruising, with great success, against the American com-
merce in the sound, and bad already annoyed the coast-
227
isg trade, to an enormous extent. Unless this cruise*
was driven from the sound, no coaster could sail from
one port to another, with any assurances of safety. Com-
modore Lewis, determined on an expedition against her.
He sailed with a detachment, consisting of thirteen of his
gun boats, drove the privateer from the mouth of the
harbours in the sound, and proceeded to Black Rock,
New Haven, and Saybrook. At the latter place, he an-
chored on the 23d of May, and found upwards of forty
sail of coasting vessels, laying there, bound eastward, but
the masters of which were fearful of the privateer and the
enemy's barges. The commodore was applied to for
convoy; and, though he knew not, whether he could
yield any kind of protection, against a frigate, a corvette
and an armed sloop, at that moment in the passage before
New London, he took the coasters under convoy, and
agreed to throw himself between them and the enemy.
On the 25th, he accordingly sailed with the convoy,
bound for New London, and at 5, P. M came to action
with a frigate, a sloop of war, and a tender, and continued
the engagement, until all the coasters had safely passed
the enemy and arrived at New London. Tiiis being
done, although the whole object of his attack was achiev-
ed, commodore Lewis determined upon trying the further
effect of his hot shot. The boats were each supplied with
a furnace ; and, whilst they were pouring hot balls into
the enemy's sides, and frequently setting him on fire, they
received in turn, scarcely a shot from either of his vessels.
Gun boat No. 6, was alone injured ; and, being struck be-
tween wind and water, was immediately grounded, to
prevent her sinking. The sloop of war had, by this time,
withdrawn from the engagement ; and, the fire of the gun
boats, was principally directed against the frigate. She
was observed, several times, to be on fire ; one shot pass-
ed through her very near the magazine, seventeen of her
men were already killed, and a lieutenant and a great
number of men, wounded ; and, the captain was on the
point of" surrendering, when he discovered that the gun
boats had ceased firing. The night closed in immedi-
ately, was excessively dark, and the commodore found
himself obliged to anchor his boats, and reconnoitre the
enemy, until next morning. He intended to board the
sloop, but she was stationed between the two ships, and
228
that project was therefore useless. At day light, ob-
serving the enemy towing away their vessels, and re-
treating, he instantly made signal for pursuit ; but, the re-
port of the cannonade, had brought the whole British
force, consisting of seven large sail, to their assistance,
and the commodore abandoned his intention of renewing
the action, and proceeded up the sound to New York,
with the enemy in his rear, as far as Faulkner's Island.
The loss on board the flotilla, was one man, by the
recoiling of a gun. The frigate was supposed to be the
Maidstone, of 38, and mounting 49 guns ; but several
sailors who deserted from her, and were in this action,
reported her to be the Hotspur, of the same force. The
consequences of this engagement, and of that which took
place below Crany Island, have occasioned much specula-
tion about the utility of gun boats. In each instance, it was
undoubtedly proved, that, under such circumstances as
attended them, the gun boats are capable of great annoy-
ance to the largest ships of war. Commodore Lewis,
whose activity and enterprize, rendered him, of all other
men, capable of manoeuvring them to advantage, has
saved an immense amount of property to the mercantile
interest of his country, by his repeated cruises with
them, in and near the sound.
But, the operations of the immense naval armaments,
which were maintained by the enemy, before the ports of
New York, Boston, New London, and the entrance to the
sound, were not to be checked by a flotilla of boats, how-
ever well appointed, consisting, in all, of but thirty sail ;
and, the whole eastern coast, was therefore exposed to
the ravages of the invaders. The towns and villages-
there, were as exposed and defenceless as those to the
south ; but, a degree of forbearance was manifested by
the commander on this station, which prevented the com-
mission of such extensive depredations. Yet, an insa-
tiable thirst for plunder, induced many of the British
cruisers to seek the destruction of every species of public
property, of the most flourishing manufactoring establish-
ments, and of vessels carrying on a trade between the
eastern and other ports ; and, the cupidity of the sailors
and marines, frequently led to the sequestration of private
property. At the towns of Wareham and Scituate, they
burned all the vessels at their moorings; and, at the for-
mer, which they approached under a flag of truce, they set
229
lire to an extensive cotton manufactory. But, at a place
called Boothbay, they met with a spirited opposition;
and, in several desperate attacks, repeated on different
days, and with various numbers, they were repulsed, with
considerable loss, by the militia of the neighbourhood.
About the month of July, the blockading squadron
under sir Thomas Hardy, received instructions to assail,
and take possession, in his Britannic majesty's name, of
Moose Island, n ar the mouth of Kobbe=kook River, op-
posite to the province of New Brunswick, and on the
western side of Passamaquoddy Bay. This bay was ad-
judged, by the British ministers, to be within the boun-
dary of their possessions in North America ; and after
ihe capture of Moose Island, their forces were directed
to occupy all the towns and islands within its limits- On
the 11th of that month, sir Thomas proceeded with the
Ramilies, 74, one 60 gun ship, three sloops of war, and
three transports, containing between fifteen hundred and
two thousand troops, with an intention of surprizing the
town of Eastport, containing about one thousand inhabi-
tants, and situated upon Moose Island. Against this
force, no kind of opposition could be made, by a small
garrison containing but fifty-nine men, forty-eight of
whom only, were effectives; and, major Putnam, the
commander, did not attempt to molest the troops, who
had already landed. Formal possession was then taken
of the whole island ; the officers in the garrison paroled
the privates conveyed to the squadron, the fort, which
then mounted but six small cannon, enlarged, refitted
and the battery extended to sixty pieces ; and, a procla-
mation issued by sir Thomas Hardy and lieutenant colonel
Andrew Pilkington, in which, they declared all the islands
to have been surrendered, by the capture of Eastport ;
allowed seven days residence to such inhabitants as'
should refuse to swear allegiance to his Britannic majes-
ty ; and, appointed a day, on v/hich they were to assem-
ble for that purpose. About two-thirds of the people
submitted to these terms, under an expectation of retain-
ing their privileges ; but, in the month of August, the pro-
vince of New Brunswick, in council, ordered, ti;at the
inhabitants of Moose Island, should not be entitled to
the rights of their other subjects, notwithstanding their
oath of allegiance ; but, that they should be treated as a
230
conquered people, and placed under the controul of the
military authority. Eastport was, soon after, well forti-
fied ; and remained in possession of the British, until the
conclusion of the war; before which period, however,
their garrison was frequently weakened, by desertions of
large bodies of their troops ; the officers were often com-
pelled to perform the duties of sentinels ; and, the diffi-
culties of subsisting the army and the people, daily en-
creasing, by the extreme scarcity of provisions.
Having thus secured the possession of Moose Island,
and provided for its defence against any attempt to recover
it by the Americans, sir Thomas sailed to his old station,
before New London. On the 9th of August, he made
signal for the Paclolus frigate, 44, the Terrour bomb
ship, and the Despatch brig of 20 guns, to weigh anchor,
and sail with the Ramilies, to the attack of the town of
Stonington, which the commodore had been ordered to
reduce to ashes. The appearance of this formidable
force, before a town, which possessed but weak and in-
adequate means of defence, excited an alarm among the
inhabitants, which the message of commodore Hardy, to
move off the unoffending people of the place, was not
calculated to subdue. But, having complied with the
terms of the commodore's note, and disposed of the
women and children, they repaired to a small battery,
which had been erected a few weeks before, and in
which were mounted two 18 pounders, and one 6. —
Those, who had been drilled as artillerists, were
stationed at these pieces ; the flag was nailed to a staff,
and, a small breast work, which had been hastily thrown
up, was lined with musquetry. Thus arranged, the hand-
ful of militia belonging to Stonington, awaited the ap-
proach of the enemy, with painful anxiety. Expresses
were forwarded to gen. Cu slung, of the United States' ar-
my, commanding at New London, for a supply of men and
ammunition ; and, to the neighbouring districts, for a
hasty levy of militia. At 8, in the evening, five barges,
and a large launch, filled with men, and armed with 9
pounder carronades, approached the shore, under cover of
a heavy fire of round, cannister, and grape shot, and a
discharge of shells, carcasses, and rockets. The Ame-
ricans, reserving their fire, until the barges were within
short grape distance, opened their two 18 pounders upoD,
231
and compelled them to retire, out of reach of the battery.
The enemy then attempted to land at the east side of the
town, at a point which they supposed to be the most de-
fenceless. This being discovered by the militia artille-
rists, the 6 pounder was immediately transported to that
side of the town, and the barges were a second time com-
pelled to retire. They returned to the shipping, with a
determination to renew their attack with more vigour, at
the dawn of the following morning. The bombardment,
nevertheless, continued until midnight.
Before morning, the enemy's squadron was augmented,
by the arrival of the Nimrod, 18 gun brig; and, at the
dawn of day, the different vessels were stationed nearer to
the town ; the Despatch being within pistol shot of the
battery. The barges approached the shore, in larger
numbers, and met with as signal a repulse as on the pre-
ceding night. One of them was shattered to pieces, by
the 4 pounder on the east side of the town ; whilst a can
nonade was kept up, between the 18 pounder battery
and the gun brig, which resulted in her expulsion
from her anchorage. She had received several shot
between wind and water, and was obliged to haul off,
and repair ; the barges again returned to the shipping, and
the five vessels drifted out of reach of the battery, made
new anchorage, and continued to bombard the town, dur-
ing that and the following day. On the 12th, commo-
dore Hardy, relinquishing any further attempt to reduce
the town to ashes, and having already lost twenty -one
men killed, and upwards of fifty wounded, ordered his
squadron to weigh anchor, and proceed up Fisher's Island
sound. The inhabitants of Stonington, were released
from their apprehensions about the safety of their dwel-
lings ; and, the women and children, some time after, re-
stored to their homes. Notwithstanding the bombard-
ment had been protracted to three successive days, and,
upwards of sixty tons of metal had been thrown upon the
shore, not a man of the militia was killed ; and, the num-
ber of wounded, did not exceed six. Among them, was
lieutenant Hough, who, as well as colonel Randal, and
lieutenant Lathrop, greatly contributed, by their activity
and skill, to the repulse of the enemy. Stonington con-
tained, at the time of the attack, about one hundred
houses; forty of these were injured by the shot — but ten
only, materially — and but two or three entirety destroyed.
X
232
Not content with possessing Moose Island, and other
islands of the bay, the British claimed, as a colony, all
that part of the district of Maine, lying to the west of,
and between, Penobscot River and Passamaquoddy Bay ;
and, instructions were also forwarded to sir John C. Sher-
brooke, the governor of Nova Scotia, and rear admiral
Griffeth, commanding the naval forces within that pro-
vince, to take possession of all that territory. These
commanders entered the Penobscot River, on the 1st of
September; appeared before Castine, from which the
garrison fled, after blowing up the fort, and which the
British immediately occupied. A proclamation was then
Issued, by the governor and the admiral, in which they
claimed, as the territory of H. B. M. that part of the pro-
vince of Maine, east of the Penobscot, in which there
were more than forty villages, and upwards of thirty
thousand inhabitants. After possessing Castine, many of
these villages were gradually occupied ; and, ordinances
were established, for the civil and military government of
the people. Castine, also, remained in the hands of the
enemy, until the conclusion of hostilities.
The United States' frigate Adams, captain Morris, had
arrived in the Penobscot, from a successful cruise, a few
days before the occupation of Castine; and, having run
upon the rocks near that port, was obliged to be hove
down, at Hampden, thirty-five miles up the river, to have
her damages repaired. On the 3d of September, the
British sloop Sylph of 22, the Peruvian of 18, and one
transport and ten barges, ascended the river, manned, in
all, with about one thousand men, from Castine, under
command of commodore Barrie, with a determination to
Capture the frigate. Captain Morris erected several bat-
teries, on eminences, near his vessel; supplied the militia,
who were without arms, with the ship's muskets, and
made every preparation to repulse the enemy. Notwith-
standing these judicious arrangements, and the readiness
of the ship's crew to resist the enemy's attempts, the
militia could not be brought to oppose an inferior num-
ber of British regulars ; and, Hying precipitately from the
ground, left no other alternative to captain Morris, than to
surrender his crew, or to destroy the Adams, and retreat
to Bangor, or KennebeCk. Under the direction of lieute-
nant Wadsworth, of the ship, the sailors and marines re-
233
tired in good order, over a bridge which crossed a deep
creek ; but, captain Morris and a few men, who remaned
to set fire to the vessel, having succeeded in blowing her
up, was cut off from this retreat, and compelled to plunge
into the river, and effect his escape by swimming. Dis-
appointed in the object of their expedition, the British re-
turned to Castine, and conducted an incursive warfare
against the towns in the vicinity of that port.
CHAPTER XVI.
The Navy — United Slates1 Gun Brig Argus, captured by
the Sloop of War Pelican — Boxer and Enterprize —
Mien and Burrows — Commodore Rodger s and the Plan-
tagenet — Constitution chased into Marblehead — Com-
modore Lewis — Cruise of the Essex Frigate — Her Cap-
ture — United States' Sloop of War Peacock, vanquishes
the British Brig of War Epervier — Cruise of the new
Sloop of War Wasp — Her Conquest over the Reindeer
—She sinks the Avon,
THE government of the United States, having deemed
it expedient, in the spring of 1813, to send an ambassa-
dor to France, at which court they were not then repre-
sented ; the American gun brig Argus, lieutenant com-
mandant Wm. H. Allen, of 18 guns, was despatched to
1,'Orient, with Mr. Crawford, the minister plenipotentiary-
appointed to negotiate a treaty of commerce with that
power. After having landed the minister, she was or-
dered to cruise in the vicinity of the British channel,
where she arrived about the middle of June, and conti-
nued to cruise until the same time in August. During this
period, she captured, in St. George's channel, upwards of
twenty vessels, coasters and others : and excited a great
degree of alarm among the towns upon the English
coast. In consequence of her activity in making cap-
tures, and the danger to British vessels of passing through
the channel, the insurance upon coasters could no longer
be obtained in England, but at an amount very far ex-
235
ceeding the double premium ; and, though numerous ves~
sels of war, of all rates and descriptions, were floating at
the docks, the Argus was allowed to maintain her cruise
in this neighbourhood for two full months. The atten-
tion of the admiralty was, at length, however, awakened ;
and, on the 12th of August, the sloop of war the Pelican,
captain J. F. Maples, of 21 carriage guns, was ordered to
cruise in search of the hostile stranger. On the 14th, at 4
A. M. by the light of a schooner then on fire, the two ves-
sels were brought in sight of each other. The Argus
immediately close hauled on the starboard tack, and made
preparation to receive the enemy. Failing in every at-
tempt to obtain the weather gage, captain Allen, at half
past 5, shortened sail, and waited for the Pelican to
close. A few minutes afterwards, the Pelican displayed
her colours ; the Argus hoisted the American flag, wore
round, and, within grape distance, gave her a larboard
broadside ; which being returned, the action commenced
within the range of musquetry. At the first fire from the
Pelican, captain Allen fell. He was wounded severely in
the leg, but remained on deck until several broadsides
were exchanged ; when, being quite exhausted by the ex-
cessive loss of blood, he yielded the command of the
Argus to lieutenant Watson, and, was taken below. —
Meantime the Pelican shot away the main braces, the
spring stay, gaff and trysailmast, of the Argus. At 12
minutes past 6, her sprit sail yard, and most of the stand-
ing rigging on the larboard side of the foremast, were
lost; and lieutenant Watson received a wound in the
head, which made it necessary that he also should be
carried below. The command of the Argus now de-
volved on lieutenant William H. Allen, jun. whose unre-
mitted exertions, frequently defeated the enemy's at-
tempts to get into a raking position. At 16 minutes past
6, the Pelican edged off, with an intention of getting under
the stern of the Argus; but lieutenant Allen, by luffing
close too, with his main topsail aback, and giving her a
raking broadside, completely frustrated this attempt
But, in two minutes after, she shot away the preventer
main braces aud main top sail of the Argus, deprived
her of the use of her after sail, and thus causing her to
fall off before the wind, succeeded in passing her stern
X2
23*
and ranged up, on her starboard side. At 25 minutes past
6, the Argus having lost her wheel ropes and running rig-
ging of every description, became entirely unmanageable ;
and, the Pelican, not being materially damaged, had an
opportunity of choosing her position. She continued her
fire on the starboard quarter of the Argus, until half past
6 ; when lieutenant Watson returned to the deck, and
made preparations to board the enemy. The shattered
condition of the brig, rendered that effort impossible ; and
the Pelican took a position on her stern, and gave her a
raking fire for eight minutes, when she passed up, and,
placing herself on the starboard bow, continued a raking
fire there until 47 minutes past 6. All this while, the
commander of the Argus was endeavouring, without ef-
fect, to bring her guns to bear ; and, having nothing but
musquetry to oppose to the galling and effective fire of
the enemy, he determined on surrendering the brig. A
measure, which, in consequence of the loss of several
officers and many of the men ; of the shattered state of
the hull and rigging ; and of the impossibility, under these
disadvantages, of getting otherwise out of the combat, he
would have been warranted in adopting much sooner.
At the moment her flag came down, the Pelican was
pressing to board her ; and, being close along side, imme-
diately took possession. Her loss amounted to six killed,
and seventeen wounded.; five of the latter, died soon
after the engagement- The loss of the Pelican, was
three men killed, and five only wounded.
Captain Allen, submitted to an amputation of his leg ;
but, every means of restoration to his health, proved
ineffectual ; and, on the 13th, three days after the action,
he expired in Mill Prison hospital, whence he and mid-
shipmen Delphy (who had both his legs shot from his
body, at the same instant,) and Edwards, were buried,
with the usual honours of war.
Several United States' sloops of war were, about this
period, upon the stocks; and, it being necessary, that
their building and equipment should be superintended by
experienced naval officers, commanders were assigned to
them, previously to their being launched into their des-
tined element. To restore to the American naval list,
the name of a vessel, which had been captured by a
superior force, after the moment of victory over another
237
vessel, one of these was ordered to be called the Wasp,
and the command given to lieutenant commandant
Blakely, at that time of the gun brig the Enterprise.
By this transfer, the command of the latter vessel de-
volved on lieutenant commandant Burrows, to whom in-
structions had been given, for a cruise from Portsmouth.
On the 1st of September, he sailed from that place,
steered to the eastward, and, on the 3d, discovered and
chased a schooner into Portland, where he gained intel-
ligence of several privateers being off Manhagan, and
immediately stood for that place.*
The British gun brig the Boxer, of 14 guns and nearly
one hundred men, had been fitted up at St. Johns, (New-
Brunswick) for the purpose of a combat with the Enter-
prize, mounting the same number of guns, and very
nearly the same number of men. To the crew of the
Boxer, however, a detachment was added from the
Ratler, upon her arrival on the United States' coast. On
the morning of the 5th, the Enterprize, in the bay near
Penguin Point, discovered the Boxer getting under weigh,
and gave chace to her. The Boxer fired several guns,
stood for the Enterprize, and hoisted four ensigns. Cap-
tain Burrows, having ascertained her character, stood out
of the bay to obtain sea room ; and, followed by the
Boxer, he hauled upon a wind until 3 P. M. At that
hour, he shortened sail, and, in twenty minutes, the ac-
tion commenced, within half pistol shot. At the first
broadside, captain Blythe was killed by a cannon shot
through his body ; and, in a moment afterwards, captain
Burrows fell by a musket ball. The command of the
two vessels, during the whole engagement, was, there-
fore, maintained by the lieutenants. Captain Burrows
refused to quit the deck, and, at 4 P. M. received the
sword of captain Blythe, from the hands of lieutenant
M'Call ; expressed his satisfaction at the manner of his
death, and expired about eight hours afterwards. The
colours of the Boxer had been nailed to the mast, and
* The Enterprize is the same vessel which, in 1801, was a
schooner, in the Mediterranean, commanded by lieutenant
Sterret. Under that officer, she engaged and captured, in
August of that year, during the Tripolitan war, the ship of war
Tripoli, of 14 guns and eighty-five men. In this engagement,
she lost not a single man; whilst her antagonist, had fifty of
her crew killed and wounded.
y p^
238
her first officer was, therefore, obliged to hail lieutenant
M'Call, to inform him of her surrender, before it was
known that she was vanquished. She was immediately
taken possession of, and carried into Portland, with her
masts, sails, and spars, cut to pieces ; and, with twenty
18 pound shot in her hull. The number of her killed
and wounded, could not be ascertained, no papers being
on board, by which the strength of her crew could be
known. Her officers, admitted the loss of twenty-five
killed, and fourteen wounded. The rigging of the Enter-
prize was much cut with grape shot, but her hull was not
materially damaged. Her loss, was one killed and
thirteen wounded. Among the latter, the captain and
carpenter's mate, are since dead. Lieutenant Tilling-
hast, and midshipman Waters, the latter of whom was
severely wounded, behaved with coolness and determi-
nation ; and, lieutenant M'Call, who succeeded his gal-
lant captain, sustained the reputation of the navy, by his
conduct throughout the action.
On their arrival at Portland, the bodies of the deceased
commanders were deposited, with the usual military
ceremonies ; and, the prisoners were, soon after, re-
moved to the interior. Both vessels were repaired with
the utmost despatch ; and^ the Boxer, being considered
the superior vessel, was ordered by the president of the
Uuited States, to be delivered up, for the benefit of the
captors, and bought, from them, into the service.
By the fall of these young officers, captains Allen and
Burrows, the naval service experienced a heavy and al-
most irretrievable loss. Captain Allen had distinguished
himself in a gallant manner, in the action with the Mace-
donian, at which time he was first officer to commodore
Decatur ; and, not long after, received the approbation
of his government, by a promotion to the rank of a mas^
ter commandant, and to the command of the Argus.
He sustained the reputation of a brave and courteous man,
an accomplished seaman, and a friend of unswerving in-
tegrity. Captain Burrows, whose intrepidity and forti-
tude, instigated him to remain on the deck of his vessel,
in the agonies of death, until he knew of the surrender of
the enemy, possessed these inestimable qualities in no
less a degree. The loss of such men, will be a fruitful
source of sorrow, to those who have been their compa-
239
nions in arms, and to those who looked up to them for
examples of usefulness and heroism.
Between this period and the commencement of the
year 1814, the cruises of the ships of war of the United
States, were not attended by any of those brilliant
achievements, by which they had previously, and have,
since that time, been marked. In the month of Febru-
ary of that year, the frigate President, returned from a.
cruise of about seventy days. At the entrance to Sandy
Hook, after having passed the light-house, commodore
Rodgers, found himself in the neighbourhood of three
large men of war, the nearest being the Plantagenet 74,
captain Lloyd. Being well assured of an attack, from
one or all of the enemy's vessels, he cleared ship for ac-
tion; and, though his capture was inevitable, he deter-
mined not to lose the President, until he could no longer
fight her. In consequence of the wind and tide being
both unfavourable, he was compelled to remain in his
situation seven hours, before either of them enabled him
to cross the bar ; and, in all that time, to his great aston-
ishment, and to the surprise and mortification of the pri-
soners on board, no disposition was manifested to attack
the President, though her character was known, and she
fired a gun to windward, to signify her willingness- to
fight, since there was no apparent possibility of escaping.
The tide having ehanged, commodore Rodgers proceeded
to New York ; and, captain Lloyd, after returning to
England, accounted for his conduct, by alledging a mu-
tiny in his ship, and had several of his sailors tried and
executed upon that charge.
In the succeeding month of April, the Constitution
frigate, commanded by captain Charles Stewart, was also
returning from a cruise commenced on the 1st January.
On her arrival on the coast, she wras pursued by two Bri-
tish frigates and a brig, and chased into Marblehead.
The excellent seamanship of her commander, enabled
her, with difficulty, to escape ; and, she reached Salem,
without injury. During her cruise, she captured the Bri-
tish public schooner Pictou ; and, fell in with the frigate
La Pique, captain Maitland, who fled on the approach of
the Constitution. No effort was left untried by captain
Stewart, to overtake and bring her to action, but she
escaped in the night, after a long chace ; and, captain
240
Maitland, on his arrival in England, was complimented by
the admiralty, for his strict observance of his instructions,
in flying from an American frigate.
Repeated opportunities were, about this time, given to
the enemy's squadron off Sandy Hook, to engage the gun
boat flotilla. A schooner had been driven ashore ; and,
numbers of barges, well manned and armed, were des-
patched to take possession of her; but, commodore
Lewis, ordered a detachment of his sailors to land and
protect her. With a small field piece, and their small
arms, they beat off the enemy, launched the schooner,
and carried her to her destined port, New York. A
month afterwards, the Belvidere chased the brig Regent,
laden with an immensely valuable cargo, close into the
Hook ; when the commodore, whose station was con-
stantly at that point, immediately gave signal for a de-
tachment of his flotilla to follow him ; and, placing him-
self, with eleven sail, between the frigate and the chace,
prevented her capture ; and, fired upwards of fifty shot at
the frigate, which stood off, without returning the fire.
In a preceding chapter of this work, an account is
given of a plan of a cruise in the South Seas, by a squad-
ron, composed of the Constitution, the Essex, and the
Hornet, under commodore Bainbridge. This cruise was
broken up, by the engagements of the Constitution and
the Hornet ; and, as neither of those vessels were found
by the Essex, at either of the appointed rendezvous, cap-
tain Porter obtained such additional provisions as were
necessary for a long cruise. He had received intelli-
gence of the victory over the Java, and had been in-
formed that the Montague had captured the Hornet. He
therefore determined on prosecuting the original cruise,
with the Essex alone. Previously to his departure from
the rendezvous on the coast of Brazil, he captured the
British packet Nocton, took out of her £11,000 sterling,
in specie, and ordered her, with lieutenant Finch, to the
United States. He then shaped his course for the Paci-
fic, arrived at Valparaiso on the 14th March, 1813, provi-
sioned himself there, and, running down the coast of Chili
and Peru, fell in with a Peruvian corsair, on board of
which were twenty-four Americans, detained as prison-
ers. Captain Porter immediately threw the guns of the
corsair overboard, deprived her of all her warlike imple-
241
ments, released the Americans, and re-captured near Li-
ma, one of the vessels in which they had been taken.
From Lima, he proceeded to the Gallipagos Islands,
where he cruised from April until October ; and, in that
time, captured twelve armed British whale ships. The
Montezuma, of 2 guns and 21 men; the Policy, of 10
guns and 26 men ; the Georgiana, of 6 guns and 25
men; the Greenwich, of 10 guns and 25 men ; the Mian-
lie, of 8 guns and 24 men; the Rose, of 8 guns and 21
men ; the Hector, of 1 1 guns and 25 men ; the Catherine,
of 8 guns and 29 men; the Seringajmta?n, of 14 guns
and 31 men ; the Charlton, of 10 guns and 21 men; the
New-Zealander, of 8 guns and 23 men ; and, the Sir Jin-
drew Hammond, of 12 guns and 31 men; making, in all,
107 guns, and 302 men ; and the total amount of tonnage,
3456. Many of these vessels were pierced for 18, 20,
and 26 guns; and, captain Porter equipped several of
them, and commissioned them as United States' cruisers
and store ships. The Atlantic, he called the Essex Ju-
nior; equipped her with 20 guns, and assigned his first
officer, lieutenant Downes, as her commander. This
officer conveyed such of the prizes, as were to be laid up,
to Valparaiso. Here he learned, that a British squadron,
consisting of one frigate, two sloops of war, and a store
ship of 20 guns, had sailed for the Pacific, in quest of the
Essex, and he immediately returned to captain Porter
with this intelligence. The Essex had now been one
year at sea, and, as she required many repairs, captain
Porter proceeded to the Island of Nooaheevah, or Madi-
son's Island, lying in the Washington groupe ; where he
completely repaired the Essex ; and, having secured three
of his prizes under the guns of a battery which he had
previously erected, and manned with twenty -one marines,
under lieutenant Gamble of that corps, sailed for the
coast of Chili on the 1 2th December, and arrived there
on the 12th January, 1814. He then looked into Con-
ception and Valparaiso, where he learned, that the squad-
ron of which he had been informed by lieutenant Downey
was conjectured to have been lost in doubling Cape Horn.
He, nevertheless, continued in the neighbourhood of
Valparaiso, and, was anchored in that port, with the
Essex Junior, when commodore Hillyar, of the frigate
Phoebe of 36 guns, mounting (thirty long 18's, sixteea
i*42
32 pound carronades, and one howitzer, on her decks,
and six 3 pounders in her tops,) 53 guns, and having a
complement of three hundred and twenty men ; accom-
panied by the Cherub stoop of war, captain Tucker, of
(eighteen 32 pound carronades, eight 24's, and two long
Bfs,) 28 guns, and one hundred and eighty men, arrived
.at Valparaiso. The Essex, which mounted (forty 32
pound carronades, and six long 12's,) 46 guns, and had
her crew reduced, by prizes, to two hundred and fifty-five
men ; and, the Essex Junior, which was not competent to
resist a sloop of war, mounting twenty guns, and having
on board sixty men, were thus blockaded by a force of
eighty-one guns and five hundred men.
After cruising at the entrance to the harbour for six
weeks, the Phoebe hove too, fired a gun to windward,
and hoisted a motto flag, with the words, " God and
Country ; British sailors' best rights ; Traitors offend
both ;" in answer, as it was thought, to captain Porter's
motto of " Free Trade and Sailors' Rights." On the
mizen of the Essex, a flag was immediately hoisted,
with the words, " God, our Country, and Liberty ; Ty-
rants offend them;" and she got under weigh, and com-
menced a fire on the Phoebe. Captain Porter conceived
the movements of the Phoebe to be intended as a chal-
lenge to engage him, ship to ship : but, on discovering
that the Phoebe ran down to her consort, he felt con-
vinced that commodore Hillyar would not engage the
Essex alone. This conclusion was confirmed by the
conduct of the two vessels, in keeping constantly within
hai! of each other.
Captain Porter, having now learned that the Tagus
and two other frigates had also sailed for the Pacific, in
pursuit of him, not knowing at what time they might gain
the squadron already blockading him, and seeing no ad-
vantages which his country could obtain by his remaining
longer in port, determined on putting to sea ; and, ex-
pected, by drawing off the Phoebe and Cherub in pursuit
of him, to afford an opportunity to the Essex Junior, to
which he had appointed a rendezvous, of escaping.
On the 28th of March, the day after this determination
was formed, the wind came on to blow fresh, from the
southward, and the Essex parted her larboard cable, and
dragged her starboard anchor directly out to sea; the
243
occurrences which foUowed, are thus described in cap
tain Porter's official letter :*
" Not a moment was to be lost, in getting sail on the
ship. The enemy were close in with the point forming
the west side of the bay; but, on opening them, I saw a
prospect of passing to windward, when I took in my top-
gallant sails, which were set over single reefed top-sails,
and braced up for this purpose : but, on rounding the
point, a heavy squall struck the ship, and carried away
her main top-mast, precipitating the men, who were aloft,
into the sea, who were drowned. Both ships now gave
chace to me ; and, I endeavoured, in my disabled state,
to regain the port ; but, finding I could not recover the
common anchorage, I ran close into a small bay, about
three quarters of a mile to leeward of the battery, on the
east side of the harbour, and let go my anchor, within
pistol shot of the shore, where I intended to repair my
damages, as soon as possible. The enemy continued to
approach, and shewed an evident intention of attacking
us, regardless of the neutrality of the place where I was
anchored. The caution observed in their approach to
the attack of the crippled Essex, was truly ridiculous ;
as was their display of their motto flags, and the number
of jacks at their mast heads. I, with as much expedi-
tion as circumstances would admit of, got my ship ready
for action, and endeavoured to get a spring on my cable,
but had not succeeded, when the enemy, at 54 minutes
after 3 P. M. made his attack ; the Phoebe placing herself
under my stern, and the Cherub on my starboard bow :
but, the Cherub, soon finding her situation a hot one, bore
up and ran under my stern also, where both ships kepc
* This letter, together with an account of the entire cruise
of the Essex — of tne possession of the Island of Nooaheevah,
by captain Porter, in the name of the United States— of the in-
tercourse established with the natives in behalf of his govern-
ment— of the destruction of the enemy's commerce in those
seas— of the immense expence which it cost the British govern-
ment to pursue and capture the Essex— and, of the transaction*
which took place, between tne different tribes of natives in
the Washington groupe, and the fleet with which he appeared
there, are to be found in a «« Journal," published by captain
Porter, and accompanied by several engraved plans of those
places, of the harbour of Valparaiso, and a view of the battle
between the Phoebe and Cherub, and the Essex.
Y
244
yp a not raking fire. I had got three long 12 pounders
out at the stern ports, which were worked with so much
bravery and skill, that in half an hour, we so disabled
both, as to compel them to haul off to repair damages.
In the course of this firing, I had, by the great exertions
of Mr. Edward Barnewall, the acting sailing master, as-
sisted by Mr. Linscott, the boatswain, succeeded in get-
ting springs on our cables, three different times ; but, the
fire of the enemy was so excessive, that, before we could
get our broadside to bear, they were shot away, and thus
rendered useless to us. My ship had received many in-
juries, and several had been killed and wounded ; but, my
brave officers and men, notwithstanding the unfavourable
circumstances under which we were brought to action,
and the powerful force opposed to us, were noways dis-
couraged ; all appeared determined to defend their ship
to the last extremity, and to die, in preference to a shame-
ful surrender. Our gaff, with the ensign and motto flag
at the mizen, had been shot away ; but, free trade
and sailors' rights, continued to fly at the fore. Our
ensign was replaced by another ; and, to guard against a.
similar event, an ensign mas made fast in the mizen rig-
ging, and several jacks were hoisted in different parts of
the ship. The enemy soon repaired his damages for a
fresh attack ; he now placed himself, with both his ships,
on my starboard quarter, out of the reach of any earron-
ades, and where my stern guns could not be brought to
bear ; he there kept up a most gailing fire, which it was
out of my power to return, when I saw no prospect of
injuring him, without getting under weigh and becoming
the assailant. My top-sail sheets and haliards were all
shot away, as well as the jib and fore-top-mast-stay -sail-
haliards. The only rope not cut was the flying-jib-
haliards ; and, that being the only sail I could set, I
caused it to be hoisted, my cable to be cut, and ran down
on both ships, with an intention of laying the Phoebe on
board. The firing on both sides was now tremendous ; I
had let fall my fore-top-sail and fore-sail, but the want Of
tacks and sheets had rendered them almost useless to us ;
yet, we were enabled, for a short time, to close with the
enemy ; and, although our decks were now strewed with
dead, and our cock-pit filled with wounded ; although our
ship had been several times on fire3 and was rendered a
240
perfect wreck, we were still encouraged to hope to save
her, from the circumstance of the Cherub, from her crippled
state, being compelled to haul off. She did not return to
close action again, although she apparently had it in her
power to do so, but kept up a distant firing with her long
guns. The Phoebe, from our disabled state, was enabled,,
however, by edging off, to choose the distance which best
suited her long guns, and kept up a tremendous fire on us,
which mowed down my brave companions by the dozen.
3Iany of my guns had been rendered useless by the ene-
my's shot, and many of them had their whole cr^ws
destroyed. We manned them again, from those which
were disabled, and one gun in particular was three times
manned ; fifteen men were slain at it, in the course of
the action ! But, strange as it may appear, the captain of
it escaped with only a slight wound. Finding that the
enemy had it in his power to choose his distance, I now
gave up all hopes of closing with him ; and, as the wind,
for the moment, seemed to favour the design, I deter-
mined to endeavour to run her on shore, land my men,
and destroy her. Every thing seemed to favour my
wishes. "We had approached the shore within musket
shot, and I had no doubt of succeeding, when, in an in-
stant, the wind shifted from the land, (as is very common
in this port in the latter part of the day) and payed our
head down on the Phoebe, where we were again exposed
to a dreadful raking fire. My ship was now totally un-
manageable ; yet, as her head was toward the enemy,
and he to leeward of me, I still hoped to be able to board
him. At this moment, lieutenant commandant Downes
came on board to receive my orders, under the impres-
sion that I should soon be a prisoner. He could be of
no use to me, in the then wretched state of the Essex ;
and, finding, (from the enemy's putting ln> helm up) that
my last attempt at boarding would not succeed, I directed
him, after he had been about ten minutes on board, to
return to his own ship, to be prepared for defending and
destroying her, in case of attack. He took with him
several of my wounded, leaving three of his boat's crew
on board, to make room for them. The slaughter on
board my ship had now become horrible ; the enemy
continuing to rake us, and we unable to bring a gun to
bear, I therefore directed a hawser to be bent to the
246
sheet anchor, and the anchor to be cut from the bows to
bring her head round : this succeeded, We again got
our broadside to bear; and, as the enemy was much
crippled, and unable to hold his own, I have no doubt he
would soon have drifted out of gun shot, before he dis-
covered we had anchored, had not the hawser unfor-
tunately parted. My ship had taken fire several times
during the action, but alarmingly so forward and aft at
tills moment, the flames were bursting up each hatchway,
and no hopes were entertained of saving her ; our dis-
tance from the shore did not exceed three quarters of a
mile, and I hoped many of my brave crew would be able
to save themselves, should the ship blow up, as I was in-
formed the fire was near the magazine, and, the explosion
of a large quantity of powder below, served to increase
the horrors of our situation. Our boats were destroyed
by the enemy's shot ; I, therefore, directed those who
could swim, to jump overboard, and endeavour to gain
the shore. Some reached it ; some were taken by the
enemy, and some perished in the attempt ; but most pre-
ferred sharing with me the fate of the ship. We, who
remained, now turned our attention wholly to extinguish
the flames ; and, when we had succeeded, went again to
our guns, where the firing was kept up for some minutes ;
but the crew had, by this time, become so weakened,
that they all declared to me the impossibility of making
further resistance, and entreated me to surrender my ship,
to save the wounded, as all further attempt at opposition
must prove ineffectual, almost every gun being disabled,
by the destruction of their crews."
Captain Porter then summoned his officers of divisions
to a consultation, but, to his surprize, his summons was
attended by one only remaining officer, acting lieutenant
IVPKnight, who made the same report concerning the
condition of the guns. Lieutenant Wilmer had been
knocked overboard by a splinter, and was drowned ; act-
ing lieutenant Cowell had lost a leg, of which loss he af-
terwards died; Mr. Barnewell, the acting master, had
been twice severely wounded ; acting lieutenant Oden-
heimer, had been knocked overboard about the same
time, and did not regain the ship until she had surren-
dered ; many of the wounded were killed, while in the
hands of the surgeons ; the cockpit, the steerage, the
24-r
wardroom, and the birth-deck, could contain no more ;
and, such was the quantity of shot holes in the bottom of
the Essex, that, unless she was very soon repaired, the
carpenter reported, she must inevitably sink. The
smoothness of the water, and the impossibility of reaching
the enemy, with the carronades, enabled him to fire with
the most deliberate aim at the Essex ; and, seeing no
hope of saving his little frigate, captain Porter, at 20 mi
nutes past 6 P. M. gave orders to strike the colours.
At this moment, seventy-five men only, including offi-
cers, were all that remained of the crew, fit for duty ;
and, several of these severely wounded. The Essex had
now yielded to the superior force of the enemy, who,
nevertheless, still fired, and continued to do so, ten mi-
nutes after her surrender. Many of the crew were, in this
time, killed : an opposite gun had been fired, to show that
she intended no further resistance, yet commodore Hill-
yar still assailed her, and four men fell at the side of her
commander. — Conceiving, from this conduct, that the
enemy intended to sbew no quarter, captain Porter de-
(emnined to die with his flag, flying, and was on the point
of re-hoisting it, when the firing ceased.
In addition to the officers already mentioned, captain'
Porter speaks of Messrs. Johnson and Bostwick, acting
officers ; of midshipmen Isaacs, Farragut and Ogden ;
and of acting midshipmen, Terry, Lyman and Duzenbury,
having behaved with much bravery, enterprize and skill,
Such was the condition of both, the Phoebe and the
Essex, that it was with extreme difficulty they could be
kept afloat until they anchored in Valparaiso. All the
masts and yards of the two British vessels were crippled,
and their hulls cut up. The Phoebe had eighteen 12
pound shot below her water line, though the Essex never
reached the enemy, but with her six 12 pounders. AH
the vessels were obliged to be repaired, to double Cape
Horn ; and at Rio de Janeiro, they put in, to fit up and re-
pair, to enable them to reach England.
In an engagement, of two hours and twenty minutes'
duration, between one ship of 46 guns, six only of which
could be used, and two vessels of 81 guns, the loss on the
inferior side must necessarily have been excessively se-
vere. Onboard the Essex, fifty-eight men were killed;
Y2
248
thirty-nine severely, and twenty-six slightly, wounded,
and thirty-one missing"; making a total loss of one hun-
dred and fifty-four. On board the Phcebe and Cherub,
the loss was not small. The first lieutenant of the for-
mer was killed, and captain Tucker, of the latter, severely
wounded.
Commodore Hillyar made arrangements with captain
Porter, in consideration of his conduct to the crew of the
Alert; by which, the Essex Junior was to be dismantled
of her armament, and given up to the prisoners, wrho were
to proceed in her to the United States. Accordingly, on
the 27th of April, captain Porter and his crew left Valpa-
raiso in that ship, which, under lieutenant Downes, was
furnished with a passport, to secure her admission into
any of the blockaded ports of the United States. On the
5th July, they fell in with the Saturn razee, captain Mash,
who suffered the Essex Junior to proceed, after an ex-
amination of her papers. Two hours after, being on the
same tack with the Saturn, she was again brought too,
the papers re-examined, and the hold overhauled, by the
boat's crew and an officer. Captain Porter was informed
that commodore Hillyar had no authority to make any
arrangement, by which this ship should be given up, and
that she must therefore be detained. Captain Porter imme-
diately ordered out a boat, manned it with a sufficient crew,
and pulled off from the Essex Junior. The Saturn did not
discover him until he was out of gun shot, when she
chased the boat, without success ; and captain Porter
landed at Long Island, upwards of thirty miles from the
place at which he left the Essex, and immediately pro-
ceeded to New York, where he arrived, after an absence
from his country of nineteen months, and to which port he
was followed, a few days after, by the Essex Junior.
The United States' sloop of war Peacock, captain L,
Warrington, of 20 guns, and 160 men, was launched in
the month of October, 1813, performed a crusie duriug
that winter, escaped the pursuit of the enemy into the St.
Marys, put to sea again, and on the 29th of April disco-
vered the British brig of war Epervier, captain Wales, of
18 guns, and 128 men, having under convoy an English
brig, and a Russian, and a Spanish ship, all of whom made
sail on the approach $f the Peacock. An engagement fo!-
249
j wed soon after, between the two vessels of war, and at
the first broadside from the Epervier, the foreyard of the
Peacock was totally disabled by two round shot in the
starboard quarter. By this circumstance she was depri-
ved of the use of her fore and fore top sails, and captain
Warrington was compelled to keep his ship large through-
out the action, which continued 42 minutes. In this time
she received many shot through her sails and rigging, lost
several top-mast and top-gallant back-stays, and had two
men wounded. Her hull not at all injured, and none of
the crew killed. The Epervier struck, with five feet wa-
ter in her hold, her main top-mast over the side, her main
boom shot away, her fore mast cut nearly in two and tot-
tering, her fore rigging and stays shot away, her bowsprit
much injured, her hull pierced by 45 shot, 20 of which
were within a foot of her water line, and 1 1 of her crew
killed, and her first lieutenant and 14 men wounded. She
was immediately taken possession of by lieutenant Nichol-
son, first officer of the Peacock, who, with lieutenant Voor-
hees of the same ship, had been distinguished in another
naval combat, £118,000 in specie, were found on board
the Epervier, and transferred to the Peacock ; and captain
Warrington, having received on board the officers of the
enemy's vessel, pursued nis course to one of the southern
ports, in company with his prize, after repairing her with
the utmost diligence.
At half past 5 P. M. on the following day, being almost
off the centre of Amelia island, captain Warrington disco-
vered two large sail in chase, which he ascertained to be
frigates. At the suggestion of lieutenant Nicholson, he
took all the prisoners out of the Epervier, and leaving a
crew of only 1 6 men on board, directed her to make the
best of her way for St. Mary's, whilst he stood on a wind
along shore, to the southward. .The frigates then sepa-
rated, one being in chase of the Peacock and the other of
the Epervier. At 9 that night the Peacock lost sight of
the chaser, but continued all night to the southward. At
day light of the 1st of May, she shortened sail, and stood
to the northward, discovered the frigate again, and was a
second time chased until 2 P.M. when the frigate gave
up. In the evening she resumed her cruise, fell in with
the frigate a third time, on the morning of the 2d, and was
again chased until she lost sight, On the morning of the
250
4th, she made Tybee light house, at the entrance to Sa
vannah, and arrived at that port in the course of the day.
Here captain Warrington found his prize, the Epervier,
which had escaped with great difficulty, after heating off
a launch well manned and arm'ed, which had been des-
patched from the frigate to overtake her. Lieutenant Ni-
cholson, by his judgment and decision, which had never
been known to desert him in times of peril and difficul-
ty, prevented her recapture. The Epervier was repaired,
refitted, bought into the service at Savannah, and the
command given to captain Downes, of the Essex Junior.
The conduct of lieutenant Henly, of midshipmen
Greeves and Rodgers, of Mr. Towsend, captain's clerk,
and Mr. Myers, master's mate, is represented by captain
Warrington to have been cool, determined, and active.
The sailing master Pereival, the same who captured the
tender Eagle, off Sandy Hook, handled the ship in a very
superior style, and placed her in such situations as were
most advantageous, with much ease and professional skill.
The new sloop of war the Wasp, captain Blakely,
mounting 20 guns, having been completely equipped for
a long cruise, sailed from Portsmouth on the 1st of May,
1814, between which time and <£ie 6th of the following Ju-
ly, she captured seven merchantmen, and a brig of war, the
Reindeer, captain Manners, of 18 guns, and one shifting
gun, and 118 men. This capture was made after an ac-
tion of 19 minutes, in lat. 48, 36, N. and long. 11, 15, W.
On that day, at 15 minutes after 4, A. M. the Wrasp being-
in pursuit of two sail before the lee beam, discovered the
Reindeer on the weather beam, and immediately altered
her course, and hauled by in chase of her. The pursuit
continued until haJf past meridian, when the Reindeer, ha-
ving previously hoisted an English ensign and pendant,
shewed a blue and white flag at the fore, and fired a gun.
At 1 5 minutes past 1 , captain Blakely called all hands to
quarters, and prepared for action. At 22 minutes past 1,
he tacked ship, and stood for the Reindeer, with an ex-
pectation of being able to weather her. At 50 minutes
past 1, the Reindeer tacked and stood from the Wasp.
56 minutes past 1, the Wasp hoisted her colours, and fired
a gun to windward, which was answered. The chase was
kept up until 32 minutes past 2, when the Reindeer tack-
ed for the Wasp, and the latter took in her stay sails, and
251
furled the royals. Captain Blakely having now discover-
ed that the Reindeer would weather him, immediately
tacked ship, and at 1 5 minutes past 3, the Reindeer being
on his weather quarter, at 60 yards distance, fired her
shifting gun, a 12 pound carronade, loaded with round
and grape shot. At 17 minutes past 3, the same gun was
fired again; at 19 minutes past 3, it was fired a third time ;
at 21 minutes past 3, a fourth time; and at 24 minutes past
3, a fifth time. The Reindeer not getting sufficiently on
the beam of the Wasp, the latter was compelled to receive
these repeated discharges without being able to bring a
gun to bear. Her helm was therefore put a-lee, and at
26 minutes after 3, captain Blakely commenced the action
with his after carronade, ©n the starboard side, and fired
in succession. The mainsail was then hauled up, and at
40 minutes after 3, the Reindeer's larboard bow being in
contact with the larboard quarter of the Wasp, captain
Manners directed his crew to board her. The attempt
was gallantly repulsed by the crew of the Wasp, who se-
veral times beat off the enemy; and at 44 minutes past 3,
were ordered to board in turn. Throwing themselves with
great promptitude upon the deck of the Reindeer, they
succeeded in the execution of their orders, and her flag
came down at 45 minutes after 3. In a line with hep
ports, she wa3 cut almost to pieces; her upper works,
boats, and spare spars entirely destroyed, and on the fol-
lowing day her foremast went by the board. Twenty-five
of her crew were killed, and 42 wounded, making a loss
of 67 men. On board the Wasp, the injury sustained was
not so material. Her rigging was destroyed however in
several places, her foremast was pierced through by a 24
pound ball, and her hull struck by six round shot, and
many grape, though not with sufficient force to penetrate
far. Her loss amounted to 5 killed, and 21 wounded,
principally in boarding. Among the latter midshipmen
Langdon and Toscan, both of whom expired some days
after. Having received the prisoners and their baggage on
board the Wasp, captain Blakely blew up the Reindeer
on the evening of the 29th, and sailed for L'Orient to pro-
vide for the disabled part of each crew, whose wounds
had become offensive in consequence of the intense heat
^>f the weather. He arrived at that port on the 8th of
252
July, and found that their damage could be repaired by
the carpenters of the ship in a few days.
In this action lieutenants Bury and Reily, who had been
in the engagements with the Guerriere and Java, and of
lieutenant Tillinghast, (2d) who was instrumental to the
capture of the Boxer, maintained the high credit which
they acquired on those previous occasions. And captain
Blakely, whose reputation as a skilful seamen, and an ex-
pert navigator, is not surpassed by any naval officer, had
his crew so well drilled upon the principles of marine
discipline, that they never despaired of vanquishing an
equal force of their enemy.
In the port of L'Orient, the Wasp was detained by head
winds until the 27th August, having been anchored there
fifty-two days. During this time, every attention was
given to 'her officers and crew by the inhabitants, and
their situation in a foreign port, rendered particularly
agreeable by the assiduities of the American minister.
After leaving that p?ace, and capturing two valuable
British merchantmen, captain Blakely fell in with a con-
voy of ten sail, on the first of September, under the pro-
tection of the Armada 74, and a bomb ship. He stood
for them, and succeeded in cutting out of the squad-
ron, a brig laden with brass and iron cannon, and military
stores, from Gibraltar; and after taking out the prisoners
and setting her on fire, he endeavoured to cut out another
vessel, but was driven off* by the 74. In the evening, at
half past 6, he discovered two vessels on his starboard,
and two on the starboard baw, and hauled for that whicli
was farthest to windward. At 7, she was made out to be
a brig of war, making signals with flags, which could not
be distinguished, owing to the darkness of the night ; and
at 29 minutes past 9, she was under the lee-bow of the
Wasp. Captain Blakely ordered the 12 pound carronade
to be fired into her, and received a return from the stran-
ger. The Wasp then ran under the lee-bow of the ene-
my, to prevent her escape, and immediately commenced
an action, which continued until 10 o'clock, when captain
Blakely, supposing his antagonist to be silenced, ceased
firing, and hailed to know if she had surrendered. No
answer being given to this demand, he re-commenced
firing, and the enemy returned him broadside for broad*
253
side. At 12 minutes past 10, the enemy having made no
return to the two last broadsides, was again hailed to
know if he had surrendered. Captain Blakely was in-
formed that the vessel being iu a sinking condition, her
commander had struck his colours. The Wasp's boats
were immediately lowered, when a second brig of war
was discovered a little distance astern, standing for her.
The crew were instantly sent to their quarters, and pre-
parations made for another engagement. The Wasp was
laying too for the approach of the second stranger, when
at 36 minutes past 10, two other brigs were discovered
standing also for her. Under these circumstances, captain
Blakely was prevented from taking possession of his prize,
and keeping off the wind, with* an expectation of drawing
the brig, first discovered, after him, he ordered new braces
to be rove, to replace those which had been shot away.
His expectations were not, however, answered, the brig
of war continuing in pursuit only until she was near enough
under his stern to give him a broadside, and return to her
companions. This she did, and cut the rigging and sails,
and shot away a lower main cross tree of the Wasp.
The name and farce of the prize has since been ascer-
tained. She was the brig of war Avon, captain Arbuthnot,
of the same number of guns as the Reindeer, and sunk
immediately after the Castilion (the vessel which chased
the Wasp) had taken out her last man. According to the
enemy's account, her captain was wounded in both legs.
The first lieutenant and 8 men killed, and the second
iieutenanf, one midshipman, and 31 men, wounded.
The Wasp received In her hull, four 32 pound shot, and
in her mainmast a number of grape shot. Her sails and
rigging were much damaged, but her loss in men amount-
ed to two killed, and one only wounded. She repaired
her damages, on the succeeding day, and continued to
cruise, in conformity with her instructions from the navy
department. On the 21st of September she captured, off
the Madeiras, her thirteenth prize, the British brig Ata-
lanta, of 3 guns, and the only one which she sent into
port. This vessel arrived at Savannah in the beginning
of November, under the command of Mr. Geisingen, one
of the officers of the Wasp, with despatches from captain
Blakely.
254
The Atalanta left the Wasp, at sea, on the 23d of Sep-
tember without knowing the destination to which her
further cruise would convey her, and, since that time, no
official accounts have been received from her. Her
cruise was theretofore most brilliant and unparalleled,
her sailors all young — athletic, brave and enthusiastic, and
her officers among the most skilful in the service — The
public mind has been, therefore, greatly agitated, by ap-
prehensions about her safety; and her return to pori
looked for, with painful anxiety, by the people of the
whole country.
CHAPTER XVII.
Proposed plan of operations in Lower Canada — The army
quit the quarters at French Mills — Incursion of the
British to Malone — Smugglers — Movement against La
Colle — Concentration of the British forces at Isle Aux
Noix — General Wilkinson's recall — Establishment of a
battery at Otter creek — British appear at Us mouth —
Are repulsed — Operations on Ontario — Lieutenant Dud-
ley— Defence of Fort Oswego — Second appearance of the
British there — Attack upon Charlotletonn, on Genessee
river — British land at Poultneyville — Blockade of Sack-
etVs Harbour — An engagement at Sandy Creek, and
capture of the whole British force — The British fleet
retire to Kingston — The Americans blcckade them — An
affair near Odelltown — Death \f colonel For sy the — Ex-
pedition against Long Point, Canada — Colonel Baubee
taken prisoner — Incursion to Long Wood, Canada, and
defeat of the British.
IN the winter of 1813, we left the northern army, un-
der general Wilkinson, in quarters, the right division being
at Champlain, and the left, and largest, at French Mills.
Between that time and thejspring of 1814, several plans of
attack upon (he posts of St. Philip, L'Acadie and St
Johns, by the route of Hammerford, La Tortue and St.
Piere, and for a simultaneous movement against Cornwall,
with a view to cut off the communication between the
Upper and Lower Provinces, were submitted to the war
department, by the commander in chief. Before the pro-
positions were received at the department, orders had
beeu forwarded to Salmon river, directing the general to
withdraw his forces from French Mills ; to forward 2000
men, with a proportion of field and bartering cannon, un-
der general Brown, to Sac kett's harbour; and to fall back
with the residue of the troops, stores, and baggnge, to
Plattsburg.
Z
256
In conformity to these orders, the flotilla, in which the
army had descended the St. Lawrence, was destroyed on
the night of the 12th of February ; the barracks were fired
on the succeeding day, and the troops abandoned their
quarters and marched toward the several places of their
destination.
General Wilkinson had scarcely reached Plattsburg be-
fore he was apprized of a movement of the enemy, with a
view to the capture of a few sick men, whose extreme ill-
ness rendered it indispensible they should be left in the
hospital at Malone, a short distance from the Mills. He
therefore, determined on their expulsion from the territo-
ry, in time to prevent the achievement of their object,
and having made proper arrangements, for the conveni-
ence and comfort of the sick at their new quarters, he
marched with all possible expedition, to meet and repulse
the enemy.
Colonel Scott, of the 103d British regiment, command-
ed the expedition against French Mills and Malone, com-
posed of 2000 regulars, Glengarians, and militia, and ac-
companied by nearly 300 guides and followers. He
crossed over to the Mills on the 21st, burned the arsenal
at Malone, pillaged the property of individuals, and car-
ried off several barrels of public provisions. But hearing
of the approach of the American troops, he retreated in
great confusion, though not without destroying the bridges
in his rear. The whole party suffered severely by a tre-
mendous storm of snow and hail, which prevailed at
the close of the day, and lost upwards of 200 deserters,
who surrendered themselves to the American army.
During the following month (March) the troops were
not otherwise engaged than in breaking up a system of
smuggling, which had been carried on for several previous
months, and which, at this period, was extended to an
alarming and dangerous degr.-e.
Towards the close of March, general Wilkinson deter-
mined on establishing a battery at Rouses Point, where
he had previously discovered a position, well adapted for
a work, to keep in check, the contemplated movements
o he British fleet, destined to operate upon the Lake
C » mplain, and which had been laid up during the winter,
at St. Johns, about 21 miles below the mouth of the La
Colle, and 26 from Rouses Point. After this position
257
had been reconnoitred by his engineer, major Totten, he
made an attempt to carry this object into execution, but
the sudden and unseasonable breaking up of the ice, de-
feated the plan ; and, being informed that the enemy had
taken the alarm, and was condensing a force of 2500 nien
at La Colle Mill, four miles from Bouses Point, he deter-
mined, on the opinion of his leading officers, and a report;
that the walls could be effectually battered, with a 6
pounder, to attack it. On the 30th, he accordingly entered
Canada, and was met by a party of the enemy at Odell-
town, whom he forced back more than 3 miles, on the
route to Montreal, in the course of which much sftirmisb-
ing took place. He then resumed his march to La Colle
Mill, a large and lofty fortified stone bouse, measuring 60
fee+ by 40, and at that time in command of major Han-
cock, and a strong corps of British regulars.
To drive the enemy from this post, and to effect its
destruction, general Wilkinson ordered forward an 18
pounder, and disposed his troops so as to intercept him in
an attempt to retreat. The only road of approach being
through a deep forest, almost inundated, and cc ered with
insurmountable obstructions, to the passage of a heavy
piece of cannon, the 18 pounder could not be brought up,
and the general determined upon attempting a breach with
a twelve, and a five and an half inch howitzer. He took post
with those pieces, under command of captain M'Pherson
and his seconds, lieutenants Larrabee and Sheldon, at a dis-
tance of 250 yards* from the fortified house, and covered
them with the second brigade composed of the 33d, 34th,
4th and 10th regiments, and part of colonel Clarke's com-
mand, under brigadier general Smith, on the right ; and
the 3d brigade, composed of the 14th a»;d 20th, under
brigadier general Bissel, on the left. Colonel Miller was
detached with the 6th and 12th and part of the 13th, to cross
the La Colle, and form a line across the several roads
leading from the stone house 6n the opposite side of the
river, to cut off the retreat of the British regulars. Briga-
dier general M'Comb, with a select corps of the first bri-
* It is said major, now lieutenant colonel, Totten, has since
ascertained that the Americans were within 150 yards of the
house, and that a breach could not have been effected with an
18 pounder.
258
gade, formed the reserve. All these regiments were
mere skeletons consolidated. This disposition being
completed, the battery was immediately opened upon
the enemy, who promptly returned the fire, and threw
numbers of Congreve rockets upon the right wing
of the American line. From these manifestations of
deliberate and circumspect preparation, the commander
of the American forces was induced to believe the report,
that the number of the enemy amounted to 2500 ; his
strength was inferior to that, however, though competent
under the cover of strong walls, to repel an attack from a
much larger number of assailants.
The stone house stood upon that side of the river on
which general Wilkinson had drawn up his line ; a block-
house, of wood, stood on the other; and both were encom-
:I by an open piece of ground, on the edge of a wood
bordering upon which the Americans had taken post. ;
every officer, therefore, from the lowest subaltern up to the
commander in chief was exposed to the enemy's fire. Here
the general made proper arrangements to keep his corps
in order, to receive a combined attack, and continued to
cannonade the house, but without being able to effect a
breach, although the guns were managed with uncommon
skill, by officers accustomed to their use. Captain
M'Fherson had been already wounded under the chin ;
this wound he immediately bound up, and continued to
direct the fire from his piece until a second shot broke his
thigh, and rendered him unfit for further duty. His next
officer, lieutenant Larrabee, was shot through the lungs,
and lieutenant Sheldon kept up the fire, with great
vivacity, until the close of the engagement. The conduct
of these gentlemen was represented by their commander
to be " so conspicuously gallant as to attract the admira-
tion of their brothers in arms."
Relying on the firmness and intrepidity of his troops, and
seeing that the Americans were resolved on the longer
maintenance of the cannonade, the British commander,
major Hancock, determined on issuing a strong party from
the house, to storm the batterj^, and put the assailants to
flight. He gave orders for a sudden and immediate sor-
tie, and several desperate charges were attempted upon
the cannon. These were successively repulsed by the
covering troops, and the enemy's regulars obliged to, retire
259
to the fortified building with considerable loss. They then
shut themselves up in the house, and, convinced of their
ability to retain their position, put at defiance the utmost
efforts of the Americans ; and general Wilkinson being
now persuaded of the impracticability of making an im-
pression with such light pieces upon a solid stone wall
found upon experiment to be of unusual thickness, called
in his detachments, withdrew his battery, and having pre-
viously removed his dead and wounded, fell back to Odell-
town, at about 6 o'clock of the same day. Thence he
moved to Champlain and Plattsburg, at which latter place
he established his quarters. The American loss in this af-
fair amounted to 140 in killed and wounded, among the
latter lieutenant Green and Parker, of the infantry. The
enemy's loss was known to be considerable in the sortie,
but the amount has never been accurately ascertained.
Immediately after the incursion to La Colle, the whole
regular force of Lower Canada, and a battalion of Glen-
garian's from Coteau de Lac, were concentrated at Isle
aux Noix, and a large number of batteaux collected at St
Johns. The former awaiting the movement of the British
fleet, whose boats were employed in the daily examination
of the ice on the lake, on the breaking up of which, such
movement depended. This event took place in the begin-
ning of the month of April, and early in May the British
flotilla entered Lake Champlain.
Previously to their appearance on the lake, general
Wilkinson had been recalled from that district, by an or-
der from the department of the 24th March But, being
apprized of the equipment of the enemy's flotilla, and of
their intention to blockade the mouth of Otter Creek
leading to the town of Vergennes, where the American
fleet lay waiting for their armament, he, notwithstanding
this order, visited the capes at its entrance, conferred with
commodore M'Donough at Vergennes, and made ar-
rangements to erect a battery and fortify that point. This
precaution proved to be of incalculable service, and am-
ply provided against an attempt to obstruct the passage
of the American squadron into the lake.
On the 13th of May, not long after the battery had been
constructed on the Cape, a bomb vessel, and eight lars:e
row galiies, were stationed, by the enemy, across the en-
trance of the creek, with a \ ew to its blockade and to
Z 2
260 '
cut off supplies for a new ship just then completing, arM
intended to be added to the American squadron. Captain
Thornton, of the light artillery, was despatched to defend
the battery, and commodore M'Donough placed a number
of sailors, under lieutenant Cassin of the navy, to co-ope-
rate with the artillery. A new large gunbrig, and several
other gallies, being at the same time, about two miles in
the rear of the bomb vessel, suspicions were entertained
of the enemy's intention to land a detachment of troops,
either to capture the provisions in the neighbourhood, or
to assail the battery from the rear. General Davis, of the
Vermont militia, immediate]}' called out a detachment of
his brigade, and made dispositions to resist an invasion.
At day break on the morning of the 14th, the bomb ship
opened her battery upon the new works, and continued
fhe attack upwards of two hours, without doing any other
injury than the dismounting of one gun. Captain Thorn-
ton, with his artillerymen, and lieutenant Cassin with his
sailors, returned the fire with constant animation, com-
pelled the enemy to withdraw from his position, and cap-
tured two gallies which the British seamen were obliged
10 abandon. The bomb ship, and the remainder of the
gallies, stood- off to the other vessels, and the whole squad-
ron proceeded down the lake; passed Burlington, and had
some skirmishing with a small body of militia under ge-
neral Wright, who manoeuvred so well as to persuade the
enemy that his force was much stronger. During the
attack, commodore M'Donough attempted to bring the
American vessels down the creek, but did not succeed
>.n reaching the mouth, until the enemy had departed.
The enemy were not less active in their operations
along the shores of the Lake Ontario; and the comman-
ders of the rival armaments there, lost no time in prepar-
ing and equipping their vessels, to take the lake early in
the spring. At the close of the preceding autumn, they
bad manoeuvred with uncommon skill, though not with
■equal success, the one to draw his enemy into an engage=
ment, the other to avoid fighting, for the supremacy of the
water, until his fleet should he augmented by an additional
force. At Kingston, an immense vessel was building for
that purpose; and, at Sacketl's Harbour, a new ship was
ordered, of a sufficient size to maintain the existing equali-
ty. Whilst these vessels were constructing, various plans
2fci
were continually adopted to destroy them, and all the
caution of one party, became necessary to guai d against
the vigilance of the other. On one occasion, the 25th of
April, three of the enemy's boats succeeded in getting
close in with the harbour, when lieutenant Dudley of the
navy, being the officer of the guard, detected and fired
upon them Each boat was provided with two barrels
of powder, attached to each other by means of ropes, and
intended to be placed under the stocks of the vessels. — -
Upon being fired at, tney immediately threw the powder
into the lake, to prevent an explosion of their own boats,
and pulled off without returning a shot.
Failing in all his attempts to destroy the hull of the new
ship, the British commander determined upon intercept-
ing her rigging, naval stores, and guns. These had been
deposited at Oswego, about 60 miles from the harbour,
and thither sir James Yeo, and lieutenant general Drum-
niond resolved to sail with the whole fleet, and a compe-
tent number of troops to land, and storm the fort, and cap-
ture this valuable booty. Accordingly, on the 5th of May,
sir James appeared before the fort, with-cfour large ships,
three brigs, and a number of gun boats, barges, and trans-
ports. The transports principally containing the troops
of lieutenant genera! Drummond The successful issue
of this expedition would have given to the British forces,
for a time at least, a decided superiority on the lake, and,
without knowing that the stores had been previously re-
moved from Oswego, they commenced an attack, which
was kept up for nearly two days, the brilliant and unusual
resistance to which, did not, however, avail the American
garrison. The fort mounted but live old guns, three of
which were almost useless, and had a shore battery of
five more of smaller weight- It had been garrisoned but
a few days, by lieutenant colonel Mitchell of the artillery,
and two hundred and ninety men. The schooner Grow-
ler, having on board captain Woolsey and lieutenant
Pearce of the navy, was at that time in Oswego creek, re-,
ceiving the cannon which had not yet been removed. The
enemy were no sooner discovered, than the Growler was
sunk, to prevent the capture of the cannon, and a!! the
tents in store were immediately pitched on the village side
of the creek, to persuade the enemy that the Americans
were numerous. Under lieuteaant Pearce, the few sailors
262
m the Growler were added to the garrison; the shore bat
tery was commanded by captain Boyle, who was second-
ed by lieutenant Legate.
At about 1 o'clock, fifteen large boats, crowded with
troops, moved at a given signal to the shore, preceded by
several gun boats, which were sent toward to cover the
landing ; whilst all the larger vessels opened a heavy fire
upon the little fort. The contest was kept up with great
vigour and equal vivacity ; the fort itself returned a very
animated fire ; and captain Boyle succeeded twice in re-
pulsing the debarking boats, near the shore battery, and
at length compelled them to retire to the shipping. The
whole scpiadron then stood off, and anchored at a distance
from (he share ; one of their boats, being sixty feet in
length, and carrying thirty-six oars and three sails, was so
much shattered that her crew abandoned her, and she fell
into the hands of the American artillery.
Though the British were thus compelled to retire from
the assault of the fort, it was by no means to be supposed
that they had relinquished their intention of storming and
possessing it. The immense superiority of their force
and means, would not justify such a supposition, and co-
lonel Mitchell was therefore particularly vigilant. He
stationed picquet guards at the different points of debar-
kation, kept his men upon their arms during the night,
and neglected no measure of precaution. Mortified at so
successful a resistance, by a force known to be so much
inferior, and protected by weak batteries, the enemy de-
termined to effect a landing under cover, as well of their
large vessels, as of the gun boats, and at daybreak of
the 6th, they approached the shore again. They were
ear'y discovered coming up under easy sail, and soon
after the principal ship the Wolf, and the other frigates
resumed their position before the fort and battery, whilst
the brigs, schooners, and gun boats, proceeded higher up
to cover by their fire the landing of the troops. The
Wolf, and the frigates, kept up the cannonade for three
hours, whilst the land forces, to the number of 1700, com-
posed of one column of the De Watteville regiment, led
by lieute I colonel Fischer, on the left; a second co-
in m of a battalion of marines, under lieutenant colonel
Maico n, supported by a detachment of 200 seamen un-
der captain Mulcaster, the second officer of the fleet, on
263
the right, succeeded under a tremendous fire from the
brigs and schooners, in gaining the shore, where their ad-
vance was resisted by lieutenant Pearce of the navy, and
a small party of seamen. The landing being effected,
colonel Mitchell withdrew to the rear of the fort, united,
with the sailors, two companies of artillerymen, under
captains Romayne and Melvin, and assailed the invad
ing columns, whilst the companies of captains M'Intire
and Pierce of the heavy artillery, engaged the enemy's
flanks. Thus formed, he sustained a vigorous and des-
perate conflict upwards of thirty minutes, in which great
slaughter was made among the enemy, and a severe loss
experienced by the troops of the garrison. Against a
force, however, which amounted to ten times their own
number, it was found useless for the Americans longer to
contend, and colonel Mitchell accordingly fell back about
400 yards from the enemy, where he formed his troops,
and took up his march for the falls, 13 miles in the rear
of the fort, upon Oswego river, to which place the stores
had been previously removed. He retired in such good
order as to be able to destroy the bridges in his rear, not-
withstanding he was pressed by a numerous foe.
The enemy then took possession of the fort, and bar-
racks, but for the little booty which he obtained, consist-
ing of a few barrels of provisions, and whiskey, he paid
much more than an equivalent His loss in killed
amounted to 70, in wounded, drowned, and missing 1 85,
in all 235. Among these, were captain Haltaway killed,
and captains Muicaster, Popham, and Ledergrew, and 2
lieutenants and one master wounded. In the noble and
obstinate resistance which they made, the Americans
lost lieutenant Blaney, an officer of high promise, and
5 men killed, 38 wounded, and 25 missing, in all 69 men.
On the morning of the 7th, the enemy, finding that the
object of the expedition, though prosecuted with a force,
including the ships' crews, of 3000 men, had not been
achieved, evacuated the place after fhirig the barracks,
spiking some, and carrying offothers of the guns.
On the 9th they returned to Oswego, and sent a flag
into the village, informing the inhabitants, of their intent] n
of landing a large force, to proceed to the falls for the exe-
cution of their original plan; but on L'.'ng assured by (he
people that the stores had been removed from that place,
264
and that the communication was cut off by the destruc-
tion of the bridges, they quitted Oswego and stood for
Kingston.
On the evening of ihe 12th, 4 ships, 2 brigs, and 5 gun
boats, of this squadron, were discovered shaping their
course for Charlotte, a town near the mouth of the Gen-
nessee river. At this towci, a corps of volunteers, amount-
ing to 160 men, and .having one field piece, had been sta-
tioned for its defence ; and the commanding officer, on the
appearance of the fleet, immediately despatched expresses
to gen. P B. Porter, who arrived there early on the morn
ingof the 13th. — In answer to a flag, which had been sent
ashore with a demand for the surrender of the place,
general Porter returned a positive refusal. Two gunboats,
carrying between 2 and 300 men, then entered the river,
and opened a fire upon the town and battery, which they
continued, with little effect, for an hour and an half. The
commodore sent in a second flag, with a repetition of his
demand, accompanied by a threat to land 1200 regulars,
to destroy the town. By this time the women and chil-
dren were all removed, about 350 militia collected,
and dispositions made to cut off the gun boats, if
they should approach further up the river. Being well
assured of the determination of ids men, to resist the land-
ing of the enemy, general Porter repeated his reply to the
commodore's demand. At 8 o'clock on the morning of
the 1 5th the gun boats retired to their shipping, after hav-
ing thrown a great quantity of rockets, shells, and round
shot, without doing any material injury, and the fleet
took its departure from the vicinity of Charlotte.
In the evening of the same day, this force proceeded
to Poultneyville, a village on the border of the lake, and
demanded the peaceable surrender of the public stores.
The inhabitants were incompetent to repel the invaders,
and the British commodore landed a party of sailors and
marines, who captured a quantity of damaged flour, and
were committing depredations upon individual property,
when the arrival of brigadier general John Swift, of the
New York militia, with 130 volunteers, put them to a
precipitate flight. Their boats hastily pulled off to the
fleet, when a vigorous cannonade commenced, and seve-
ral old houses were pierced through by the 18 and 24
^[Mind shot. The enemy did mot attempt to re-land, but
der c
265
soon weighed anchor, and being joined by other vessel*
of the squadron, steered for Sackett's Harbour.
Nine miles distant from the harbour the fleet cast an-
chor, in different positions, on the 19th, to enable them
to cut off all communication, between it, and other places
on the lake. The new ship, the " Superior?' a frigate of
uncommon beauty and dimensions, had been launched
there on the 1st of the month. Her equipments, for the
capture of which the enemy had so vigorously assaulted
fort Oswego, had mostly arrived, by land conveyances,
and Sir James Yeo being ignorant of this circumstance,
and supposing the Americans dependent entirely on their
tree and ready accesi to the lake, for the possession of
fhese supplies, commenced the blockade of the harbour,
with the sole view of intercepting them. Upon learning,
as he afterwards did, that the new ship was receiving her
armament, and equipping with great expedition, he broke
up the blockade, and proceeded with his fieetto Kingston.
Some cannon and ordnance stores, intended for the
vessels of the American fleet, had, in the mean time, arri-
ved at Oswego, from the interior. Another new vessel,
intended to be called the Mohawk, was then on the stocks,
and, to prepare her for the lake in the early part of June,
these stores, as well as those which had been removed
to Oswego falls, were indispensably necessary. To trans-
port them by land would be attended with difficulties and
delays, which recent experience had taught the American
commanders to avoid, and commodore Chauncey, finding
now an unobstructed passage to the lake, directed cap-
tain Woolsey to convey them, in a flotilla of barges, (in
which he could ascend the small creeks, if pursued by
the enemy,) to their point of destination. To give secu-
rity to the passage of the barges, brigadier general Gaines,
who commanded the land forces at the harbour, de-
spatched major Appling, of the rifle regiment, with 1 20
officers and men, to co-operate with captain Woolsey,
in escorting the flotilla. The barges, 19 in number,
were then at the tails of Oswego, and previously to their
movement to the lake, captain Woolsey had caused a
report to be circulated, that the naval stores were to be
forwarded to the Oneida lake. The watchful enemy had
several gun boats, at that time hovering about the nume-
rous creeks, which discharge themselves into the lake Ob-
266
tario, anil examining every cove, by the aid of which, small
barges might elude their vigilance. On the 28th of May,
captain Woolsey, having previously reconnoitred the
mouth of the Oswego creak, and finding a clear coast,
brought his flotilla over the rapids, and reached the village
of Oswego at sunset. Availing himself of the darkness
of the night, he put into the lake, with major Appling
and his men distributed in the several batteaux. A small
party of Oneida Indians were despatched to Big Salmon
river, to meet the flotilla there, and to proceed along the
shore to Sandy Creek, in which captain Woolsey's or-
ders obliged him to make a harbour.
At the dawn of the 29th, after having rowed twelve
hours, in extreme darkness and under a heavy fall of rain,
the barges arrived at Big Salmon, and were met by the
Indians, commanded by lieutenant Hill of the rifle corps.
The flotilla then proceeded on its passage, and arrived, in
the course of the day, at a point two miles up Sandy creek.
Thence a look-out boat, under lieutenant Pearce, was
despatched on the 30th, to reconnoitre between its mouth
and Stoney Point- This boat was discovered by three
gun boats, three cutters, and a gig, under captain Pop-
ham, and chased into the creek. No doubt being enter-
tained that the enemy would pursue lieutenant Pearee
up the creek, dispositions were immediately made by
major Appling and captain Woolsey to draw him into
an ambuscade. He very soon appeared, and at 8
o'clock, A. M. commenced a cannonade at long shot.
At 10, he landed a party, and pushed his gun boats
and cutters up the creek, occasionally firing into the
woods as he ascended. Major Appling, who had posted
his men in a judicious manner along the bank, belovr
the point at which the American barges were moored —
then suddenly rose from his concealment, poured upon
the enemy a rapid and destructive fire, and in ten minutes
killed one midshipman and thirteen sailors and marines,
wounded two lieutenants and twenty-eight sailors and
marines, and took prisoners the remainder of the party,
consisting of two post captains, and four lieutenants of
the navy, two lieutenants of marines and one hundred and
thirty-three men. The whole party amounted to one
hundred and eighty-five. The* gun boats and cutters, ne-
cessarily, fell into the hands of the Americans, who lost
but one man slightly wounded*
26?
A squadron of dragoons, under captain Harris, and a
company of light artillery, under captain Melvin, with two
field pieces, arrived in the neighbourhood, at the com-
mencement of the action, but did not participate in it. —
Major Appling was soon after brevetted a lieutenant colo-
nel, and his officers, lieutenants M'Intosh, Calhoun, Mac-
farland, Armstrong, and Smith, and ensign Austin, were
publicly thanked, by the commanding general officer, at
Sackett's Harbour. Captaiu Woolsey and his officers,
lieutenant Pearce, sailing master Vaughan, and midship-
men Mackey, Hart, and Caton, who had been ordered to
Oswego to superintend the transportation of the cannon
and stores, acquitted themselves in a masterly and cou-
rageous manner.
The cannon were soon after transported to the harbour,
and the new frigate, Mohawk, was launched on the 1 1th of
June, and very speedily armed and equipped to join the
squadron, which then consisted of nine vessels, carrying
in all about 251 guns.
The result of this affair was sensibly felt throughout the
British fleet ; it deprived them of a number of experienced
seamen, and several valuable and intrepid officers, and
they were compelled to remain in Kingston harbour
until their places were supplied, and the squadron en-
larged by an immense new ship, then building there, and
intended to carry 112 guns. Commodore Chauncey
sailed round the lake in the course of the month, and
frequently stationed frimself before Kingston, to draw out
the enemy's squadron.
Until their new ship was completed, they determined,
however, to remain in port, and in that interval, no hostile
event took place upon Lake Ontario. Nor, indeed, was ,
any warlike attitude assifmed in its neighbouring Lake
Erie, or the Lake Champlain, before the commencement
of the summer. From the borders of ihe latter, lieuten-
ant colonel Forsythe, of the rille corps, on the 28lh of
June, made an incursion into Canada, as far as Odelliown,
where an affair took place with. a detachment of the
enemy, from the post of La CoSle. The colonel made
an attack, retreated, and attempted to draw the enemy
into an ambuscade, but, in his zeal, discovered himself
and his party too soon, and an engagement look place
before the British were ensnared. Seventeen of their
A a *
268
number were killed; among them the celebrated partizan
commander, captain Mahue, who was shot by lieutenant
Riley. Colonel Forsythe, who had heretofore been a
terror to the enemy, was wounded in the neck, of which
wound he died a few days after, and was buried with mi-
litary honours at Champlain. The command of this
corps was then transferred to lieutenant colonel Appling.
From Erie, colonel Campbell, of the 19th regiment,
crossed over the lake with 500 men, to Long Point,
where he landed, and proceeding to the village of Dover,
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. A squadron
of British dragoons, stationed at that place, fled at the
approach of colonel Campbell's detachment, and aban-
doned the women and children, who experienced humane
treatment from the Americans. Colonel Campbell un-
dertook this expedition without orders, and, as his con-
duct was generally reprobated, a court of enquiry was
instituted to examine into his proceedings, of which ge-
neral Scott was president. This court declared, that the
destruction of the mills and distilleries was according to
the usages of war, but that in burning the houses of the
inhabitants, colonel Campbell had greatly erred. This
error they attributed to the recollection of the scenes of
the Rabin and the Miami, in the western territories, to the
army of which, colonel Campbell was at that time attach-
ed, and of the recent devastation of the Niagara frontier.
During these events of the winter and spring of 1814,
the British had collected, in the neighbourhood of the
river Thames, and at the Delaware town, situated upon
that river, a very respectable force of regulars, militia,
and Indians ; and several expeditions were planned and
set on foot against them, by colonel Anthony Butler, who
commanded the American forces in the Michigan terri-
tory. In the month of February, captain Lee, who had
been formerly a cornet in the Michigan Dragoons, was
sent into the vicinity of the enemy, with about 14 mount-
ed men. Many miles in the rear of the British forces,
he made prisoners of several officers, and among them
the famous colonel Bauble, who commanded a party of
Indians, and assisted in the depredations committed on
the New York rontier. Captain Lee contrived, by bi=
263
udicious management, to bring them over to Detroit with*
out detection.
Upon their arrival there, colonel Butler projected an
enterprise, under captain A. H. Holmes, of the 24th re-
giment, to whom he assigned the command of 160 ran-
gers and mounted infantry, and despatched him, on the
21st of February, against several of the enemy's posts.
On the 3d of March, at the distance of 15 miles from
Delaware, captain Holmes received intelligence that the
enemy, whose force consisted of a company of 100 men,
of the Royal Scotts, under captain Johnson, 45 of the 89th
regiment, under captain Galdwell, 50 of M'Gregor's militia,
and the same number of Indians, being in all 246 men, had
left the village with an intention of descending the river.
Captain Holmes' party had already suffered and been re-
duced by hunger and fatigue, and 16 of his men, who,
were unable to march further, sent back to Detroit; with
the remainder, he did not deem it prudent to give battle
to the enemy, without the advantage of the ground, and,
therefore, fell back, five miles, to a position on Twenty
Mile Creek, leaving captain Gill, with a rear guard of
twenty rangers, to follow.
This guard was overtaken by the enemy, and after
exchanging a few shots, effected a retreat to the position
which captain Holmes then occupied. At Twenty Mile
Creek there was a deep and wide ravine, bounded, on
each side, by a lofty height. On the western height, cap-
tain Holmes had established an encampment, in the form
of a hollow square, the detachment from Detroit being on
the north front of the square, the rangers on the west,
and the militia on the south, and all. protected by logs,
hastily thrown together. The regulars of the 24th and
28th regiments were stationed on the brow of the height,
uncovered. In this situation the Americans awaited the
attack, and captain Holmes, by the skilful and judicious
manner in which he posted himself, compelled his supe-
rior enemy to commence it.
Ea.ly on the morning of the 4th, the British appearing
in few numbers, on the eastern height, immediately op-
posite to the American camp, gave a loose fire and re-
tired. Some time having elapsed without their re-ap-
pearance, capt. Holmes despatched lieut. Knox, of the
rangers, to reconnoitre them, who performed that duty
270
with alacrjty, ^nd returned with an account, that the ene-
my, whose number he judged to be not more than 70, had
retreated, with such precipitation, as to leave his baggage
scattered on the road. This retreat was made for the pur-
pose of drawing the Americans from the height, on which
the British officer saw they were so advantageously post-
ed. The attempt was attended by a partial success, for
the American commander not being well assured of the
strength of his adversary, descended from the camp, and
followed him in his retreat. Captain Lee, who command-
ed the advance in this march, which continued five miles,
was fortunate enough to discover the enemy in full force,
preparing for a resolute attack. The policy, which had
induced the British officer to draw the American from hi3
strong ground, judging of it by its result, was founded
in extreme weakness. Having succeeded in seducing him
to a distance of five miles, he supposed that captain
Holmes, with an inferior detachment, almost worn out
with the hardships of a 14 days' march, and the severity
of the weather, would pause and give battle to a body of
fresh troops, superior in numbers and in discipline. He
therefore never attempted to improve the advantage he
had gained, by detaching a strong party to cross the ra-
vine, above the road on which the Americans had march-
ed, and to occupy the position which they just abandoned.
By this act he would have cut off all communication in
the rear, and compelled captain Holmes to disperse his
party In the wilderness, or to yield at discretion. In either
of these cases the American detachment would have been
destroyed.
Captain Holmes fearing, however, that the enemy had
attempted thus to cut him off, immediately retreated to the
heights, re-established himself in his encampment, and a
second time compelled the British regulars and Indians
to attack him on his own ground.
The rangers and many of the infantry, not knowing the
wisdom nor the necessity of the measure, exhibited
great marks of discontent at the retreat, and many of
them refused to fight the enemy. But on his re-appear-
ance upon the opposite height, one impulse animated the
whole detachment, which resolved on repulsing the assail-
ants. The British commander then made a disposition
to dislodge them, and throwing his militia and Indians
271
across the ravine, above the road, he ordered them to com-
mence the attack upon the north, south, and west sides of
the encampment ; whilst he charged down the road from
the opposite height, crossed the bridge, and rushed furiously
up the height occupied by the Americans, on their east,
or exposed side, with an intention of charging the regu-
lars. This he did under a galling fire, which did not
check his advances, until within twenty paces of his ob-
ject. There his front section being shot to pieces, and
many of those who followed being wounded; his princi-
pal officers cut down, and the fire of the Americans in-
creasing in vivacity, he abandoned the assault altogether,
and took shelter in the neighbouring wood, at distances
of fifteen, twenty, and thirty paces. Having arrayed feis
forces, he commenced a rapid fire from his cover, which
was warmly returned, and encreased on both sides. Fron*
those parts of the encampment, protected by the logs, the
rangers and militia fired with great coolness and preci-
sion. The regulars, on the uncovered side, were direct-
ed to kneel, that they might be partially concealed by the
brow of the height, and, by these means, were enabled to
fire with more deliberation than their assailants.
After one hours conflict, the British gave up all hopes
of dislodging the detachment, and at twilight commenced
their retreat Captain Holmes did not pursue them, be-
cause they were still superior in numbers, and might
draw him at night into an ambuscade, in a country much
better known to them than to him; and, because he had
already gained a sufficient triumph in repulsing, and de-
feating the object of, an experienced foe. The American
loss amounted to 6 men killed and wounded. By their
own official report, the enemy lost captain Johnson, lieu-
tenant Grame, and 12 men killed, and captain Besded
(Barden,) lieutenant M'Donald, and 49 men wounded,
making a total of 67. The whole American force in ac-
tion was 150 rank and file, many of whom fought and
marched in their stocking feet, and though the weather
is extremely cold, in that climate, in the month of Feb-
ruary, they were not permitted, nor did they express a
wish, to take a shoe, even from the dead. Captain
Holmes soon after returned with his detachment to the
Michigan territory, and received the thanks of the com-
mandant, and the brevet rank of major from his govern-
Aa2
272
ment. He spoke of all his officers in very flattering
terms, but particularly of lieutenants Kouns and Henry,
and ensign Heard of the 28th, and lieutenants Jackson
and Potter of the 24th, because their good fortune placed
them in opposition to the main strength of the enemy.
After this event, detachments were frequently sent out
to reconnoitre the enemy's country, but for several weeks
returned without being able to encounter any of his
troops. Those on the American side of Detroit river,
remained therefore, in a state of perfect security ; and
the commanders of the land and naval forces, employed
the time in projecting various plans, by which to establish
fortifications on the Lake St. Clair; to cut off the commu-
nications between Michilimackinac and the Indians ; and
to secure the inhabitants of the territory from their incur-
sion?,
f
CHAPTER XVIII.
Assemblage of the left division of the army, at Black Rock
and Buffaloe — Capture of fort Erie — Americans encamp
at Streets Creek — Skirmish with the enemy's rear guard
— Affairs of picquets — Battle of Chippewa — British re-
treat to Ten Mile Creek — American army encamps at
Queenstown — Death of general Swift — Movement upon
fort George — General Brown retires to Chippewa Creek
— Battle of Niagara.
TO retrieve the disastrous consequences of the last
northern campaign ; to regain the possession of the posts
in Canada, which had been obtained by conquest, and
lost by the inefficacy of the means provided to retain
them; to drive the enemy from the occupancy of the
American garrison at the mouth of the Niagara; and to
command the frontiers on both sides of that stream ;
various plans had been projected, numerous dispositions
made, and measures were iinally adopted for their
achievement. To this end, general Brown, now elevated
to the rank of major general, was ordered to assemble,
and organize a division of the army, at, and in the neigh-
bourhood of Black Rock and Buffaloe. This division
consisted of two brigades of regulars, the first command-
ed by brigadier general Scott, formerly of the 2d artillery,
and the second by brigadier general Ripley, former-
ly of the 21st infantry. To these were added a brigade
©f New York volunteers, and a few Indians, under briga-.
diers general Porter and Swift. During the months of
274
April, May, and June, (1814) the concentration of this
force was effected, and the principal part of that time
employed in its discipline.
The first step, towards the accomplishment of the ob-
jects of the present campaign, was the assault and capture
of fort Erie, at that time in command of major Buck, and
garrisoned by 170 officers and men of the 8th and 100th
regiments. On the morning of the 3d of July, therefore,
in obedience to general Brown's orders, the two brigades
of regulars embarked for that purpose. General Scott,
with the first, and a detachment of artillery, under major
Hindman, crossed to the Canada shore, about one mile
below fort Erie, and general Ripley, with the second,
about the same distance above. The landing of the se-
cond brigade was attended with much difficulty, in con-
sequence of the impossibility of approaching the shore,
with the gun boats, in which it had embarked. The de-
barkation was, therefore, effected in two small boats, ca-
pable of containing, at one time not more than 50 men.
The first brigade was on the shore before a gun was fired
by the enemy, who had a picquet stationed near the place
of landing. From these two points, on the right and left,
the fort was rapidly approached by the regulars, whilst a
party of Indians, who had been crossed over, skirted the
wood in its rear. The garrison, entirely unapprized
of these movements, was completely surrounded, and
general Brown demanded the quiet surrender of the
post. A few guns only were fired, which wounded four
men of the 25th regiment, under major Jessup, of the first
brigade, when major Buck surrendered the fort to the
invading army. Immediate possession was taken of the
garrison, and the prisoners were marched to the interior
of New York. The passage of the troops across the
channel, and the conveyance of the prisoners, to the
American shore, was superintended by lieutenant com-
mandant Kennedy, of the navy.
Major general Riall, with a division of the British
army, constituted of the best disciplined, and more ex-
perienced European regulars, was at this time intrenched
at Chippewa, and thither it was determined the Ameri-
cans should proceed to attack and route him. Arrange-
ments were, therefore, made for the security of the fort,
and the protection of the American rear, by the esta-
275
blishment of a small garrison, under lieutenant M'D«=
nough, of the artillery, and the disposition of the marine
force, near, and in front of the fort.
On the morning of the 4th, general Scott received
orders to advance, with his brigade and Towson's com-
pany of artillery, upon Chippewa. In the course of the
same day he was followed by general Ripley, and the
field and park artillery, under major Hindman, and by
general Porter and his volunteers. On the right bank
of Street's creek, two miles distant from the British
works, the army was drawn up in three lines, the first
brigade facing Street's creek and the bridge, the second
brigade, forming the second line, and the volunteers the
third. The park of artillery was stationed on the right
«f the encampment, between the first and second line,
and the light troops were posted, within the same space,
©n the left.
In its approaches, from fort Erie, along the Niagara,
to this position, the first brigade encountered the ad-
Tanced corps of the enemy, strongly posted behind
this creek. General Scott immediately ordered cap-
tain Towson to go forward with his artillery and dislodge
them. That gallant officer, in a few minutes compelled
them to fall back, though not until they had intrepidly
destroyed the bridge, over which the advancing column
would be obliged to pass.
About the time at which captain Towson opened his
battery upon the enemy, captain Crooker, of the 9th
infantry, had been directed to flank out, to the left of
the brigade, to cross the stream above the bridge, and
to assail the right of the enemy's guard. This move-
ment was made with so much celerity, that captain
Crooker reached the enemy's position, and was in full
pursuit of him, when the brigade column arrived at the
bridge. After retreating a short distance, the British
commander, being aware of the impossibility of captain
Crooker receiving a reinforcement, of sufficient strength
to combat the impetuosity of well appointed cavaJry,
until the bridge should be replaced, ordered his dragoons
to turn upon, and cut up the detachment. Under the eye
of the general commanding the brigade, and before the
pioneers had rendered the bridge passable, captain Crook-
er was surrounded and charged upon by a numerous
276
troop of the British 19th. His brave detachment, de-
termined to cut through this superior force, fought their
way to a house, not far from the place of attack, and
having gained it, turned, at the order of their com-
mander, upon the pursuing horsemen, and having first
struck terror into their ranks, put them to a flight, pre-
cipitate, as their attack had been impetuous. At this
moment, captain Crooker, whose men might well be
exhausted after so vigorous an engagement, was relieved
from all apprehension of another assault from a fresh
body of troops, by the arrival of captains Hull and Har-
rison, and lieutenant Randolph, with a small party of
men who had been hastily thrown across the stream to
his support. " In partizan war," the general of brigade
observed, " he had witnessed nothing more gallant, than
the conduct of captain Crooker and his company."
At 1 1 o'clock, in the evening of that day, the encamp-
ment was formed in the manner already described ; and
early on the morning of the 5 th, the enemy commenced an
attack in various detached parties, upon the picquet guards
surrounding it. One of these was commanded by captain
Treat, of the 21st infantry, and on its return to the camp,
through a meadow of high grass, was assailed by a brisk
discharge of musquetry. One man fell, severely wound-
ed, and the rear of the guard broke and retreated. Cap-
tain Treat's attempts to prevent the flight of the left of
his detachment, were mistaken for an intention to avoid
the enemy ; and though he was ordered to a neighbour-
ing wood his guard being first collected in pursuit of
the party that had attacked him, he was immediately
after stripped of his command, upon the ground of cowar-
dice, in retreating before the enemy, and of misconduct,
in abandoning the wounded man to their mercy. This
man had, however, been brought in by captain Treat's
orders, previously to his march in quest of the enemy's
party. Being resolved on a participation in some way
er other in the approaching battle, the captain entered as
a volunteer, in the same company which he had just
before commanded; and the senior officer of the 21st
regiment, directed him to lead a platoon into action.
This act was considered as a manifestation of his courage
and patriotism, and the court martial before which he
was tried, dismissed him with an honourable acquital
277
The vivacity of these assaults upon the picquets
gradually diminished until mid-day, after which they
were revived with unabating vigour. General Riall, well
acquainted with the position of the American forces, and
aware of their intention to attack him, determined upon
issuing from his intrenchments, and by striking the first
blow to intimidate, and probably throw into disorder the
whole line of the invading army. With this view, he crossed
the Chippewa with every species of his force, threw
his right flank, his Indians, and a large detachment of his
light troops, into the wood, on the left of the American
encampment, and approached, gradually, with his main
body upon the left bank of Street's creek. The
movement in the wood was discovered early enough to
frustrate the design of the British commander, and ge-
neral Brown ordered general Porter to advance, with the
volunteers and Indians, from the rear of the camp ; to
conceal himself from the enemy's view, by entering the
wood; to drive back his light troops and Indians; and, if
possible, to gain the rear of his scouting parties, anckplace
them between his line, and the division of regulars. As
general Porter moved from the encampment, the Ame-
rican outposts and advanced parties fell back, under the
fire of the enemy, in order to draw him upon the centre
of the front line.
General Porter met, attacked, and, after a short but
severe contest, drove the enemy's right before him. His
route to Chippewa, was intercepted by the whole British
column, arrayed in order of battle, and against this pow-
erful force, the volunteers desperately maintained their
ground, until they were overpowered by the superiority
of discipline and numbers.
As soon as the firing became regular and heavy, be-
tween the volunteers and the enemy, general Brown
rightly conjecturing, that all the British regulars were
engaged, immediately ordered general Scott's brigade,
and Towson's artillery, to advance and draw them
into action on the plains of Chippewa. General Scott
had no sooner crossed the bridge over Street's creek,
than he encountered, and gave battle to the enemy.
Captain Towson commenced his fire before the infantry
battalions were in battle array, and upon the'r being form-
ed, took post on the river, with three pieces, in front of the
278
extreme right, and thence played upon the British batte-
ries.
The 9th regiment, and part of the 22d, forming the first
battalion, under major Leavenworth, took position on the
right; the second battalion, (llth regiment) was led to
its station by colonel Campbell, who, being soon wound-
ed, was succeeded in the command of that regiment by
major M'Neill. The third battalion, (25th regiment) was
formed by major Jessup, on the left, resting in a wood.
From this position, that officer was ordered to turn the
enemy's right wing, then steadily advancing upon the
American line. Whilst this order was in execution, and
Jessup's battalion, engaged in an animated contest, with
the British infantry, he detached captain Ketchum, with
his company, to attack a superior detachment, at that
moment coming up to the reinforcement of the body,
against which the 25th was engaged. Captain Ketchum,
flanked out, encountered the fresh detachment, and sus-
tained a vigorous and desperate engagement, until the
battalion cleared its own front and marched to the support
©f his company.
This fortunate consummation of his plan, the major
did not effect without a violent struggle. The British
gave him an animated and destructive fire; his men were
falling around him in numbers too great to leave him
any hopes of victory ; and he became, at length, close-
ly pressed, both in flank and front. His regiment, never-
theless, betrayed not the least disposition to falter, and
promptly obeyed his order to "support arms and ad-
vance" under this tremendous fire, until a position of
more security was gained. From this, he retained the
enemy's fire, with such order and rapidity , that the Bri-
tish right flank fell back, and the battalion was enabled to
come up in time to co-operate with captain Ketchum's
detachment.
The whole line of the enemy began, about this time
to recoil. On the American right, the battalion of major
Leavenworth, was not only engaged with the British in-
fancy, but frequently exposed to the fire of the batteries.
One of his officers, captara Harrison, had his leg carried
off by a cannon ball, but go doubtful, at that, moment,
di(i he consider the issu of he battle, that he would not
suffer a man to be taken from his duty, to bear him from
27 e
•the field, and supported the torture of his wound, with
extreme fortitude, until the action ceased.
Major M'Neill's battalion was also engaged, from the
commencement until the close of the action, and, togeth-
er with major Leavenworth's, received the enemy on the
open plain ; of these the 9th and 22d, were parallel to the
attack, but the 1 1th, had its left thrown forward so as to
assail in front and flank, at the same time. Thus posted,
majors Leavenworth and M'Neill resisted the attacks of
the enemy, with great gallantry and zeal. On this end
of the line, the fire was quite as incessant as on the left,
and its effect not less destructive ; but the troops display
ed an equal degree of animation.
After the lapse of an hour, from the commencement
of the battle, captain Towson, who had maintained his
position on the river, notwithstanding one of his pieces
had been thrown out of action, having completely si-
lenced the enemy's most powerful battery, turned his re-
maining pieces on the infantry, at that moment advancing
to a charge. This accumulation of fire ; the effective dis-
charges of M'Neill's musquetry, peculiarly effective from
their oblique position ; the steadiness of the two battalions ;
and the apparent issue of the engagement between Jesup's,
and the British right wing, compelled gen. Riall to retire,
until he reached a sloping ground, descending to Chip-
pewa. From the point formed by this ground, his troops
fled, in confusion, to their intrenchments behind the
creek, and having regained their works, retarded the
approaches of the conquerors, by means of their heavy
batteries, on which alone, they relied for safety in the
event of their being obliged to retire.
About the time they commenced their charge, major
Hindman had ordered forward captain Ritchie's company
of artillery, and one piece, a 12 pounder, under lieute-
nant Hall. They arrived, in time only to participate in
the close of the action, but joined captain Towson, in
pursuing the enemy, under the fire of his batteries,
until he threw himself into the intrenchments.
Whilst the first brigade was thus gallantly engaged
with this superior force, in which were included the
100th regiment, under lieutenant colonel the marquis of
Tweedale, and the Royal Scots, under lieutenant colonel
Gordon. General Ripley, whose brigade was alreadv
Bb
280
formed in line of battle, proposed to the commanding
general, to pass the left of the first brigade; to turn the
enemy's right ; and by taking a position in his rear,
prevent his retreat to the Chippewa. But as the volun-
teers were at that moment falling back from the wood,
on the left of the field, general Brown was of opinion
that an attack would be made in that quarter, and deem-
ed the presence of general Ripley's brigade necessary to
receive and repel it. At the moment of their retreat,
however, he determined to follow up the victory, by
advancing against their works with all his ordnance, and
directed general Ripley to adopt the proposition he had
made. But such was the precipitation of the retreat, that
this movement became unavailing, and on the report of
two reconnoitring officers, major Wood of the engineers,
and captain Austin,^ an aid to the general, as to the situ-
ation and security of the enemy's works, general Brown
was induced to order all his troops back to their encamp-
ment.
This sanguinary battle, resulted as may well be sup-
posed, in an immense loss on both sides. That of the
Americans, in killed, wounded, and missing, amounted
to 328 ; sixty of whom were killed. Among the wound-
ed, were colonel Campbell, captains King, of the 22d,
Read, of the 25th, and Harrison, of the 42d, but doing
duty with the 9th; lieutenants Palmer any! Brimhail, of
the 9th, Barron, of the 11th, and De Witt and Patchim,
of the 25th. The loss of the British, in killed, wounded,
and prisoners, was, according to general Brown's report,
308; but, by lieutenant general Drummond's returns, there
were 139 killed, 320 wounded, and 46 missing, making
a total of 505 ; so that the number of the wounded Bri-
tish, was nearly equal to the aggregate loss of the
Americans. Among these were the marquis of Twee-
dale, lieutenant colonel Gordon, lieutenant colonel Dick>
son, captain Holland, aid de camp, to general Riall, 7
captains, 17 lieutenants, and 4 other subalterns.
The liveliest testimonies of the applause of the people,
and the honourable approbation of the government were
given to generals Scott and Porter. The brevet rank of
lieutenant colonel was conferred upon majors Jesup,
Leavenworth, and M'Neill; and of major, upon captains
Towson, Crooker, and Harrison. But there were other
281
gallant and distinguished officers, who shared in the
perils, and the fortunes of that day. Among the most
conspicuous of these were lieutenants Worth and Watts,
aids to general Scott; lieutenant Smith, -his major of
brigade; major Wood, of the engineers, who superintend-
ed the construction of the works at fort Meigs, during
the memorable siege of that garrison ; captain Harris, of
the dragoons; and lieutenant M'Donald, of the second
brigade, who penetrated a wood and annoyed the ene-
my's Indians.
Intelligence having been communicated to lieutenant
general Urummond, of the defeat of major general Riall,
that officer, was immediately reinforced at Chippewa, by
the 8th or King's regiment, from York; on the arrival of
which, he disposed his troops m such order as to re-
pulse an assault from the Americans. General Brown
meanwhile, remained at his encampment at Street's creek,
and on the 8th of the month, determined upon an at-
tempt to dislodge general Riall. General Ripley was
for this purpose, ordered to proceed, with his brigade, to
a point, three miles above the British works, on the
Chippewa, to open a road of communication between
Street's Creek and that point; and to construct a bridge
over the Chippewa, for the passage of the troops. This
order was executed with great secrecy, and without loss
of time, and the artillery was brought up in the course of
the day, to. cover the pioneers, whilst constructing the
bridge. The enemy had no knowledge of this move-
ment, until the brigade arrived at the creek, and the
artillery was already planted near its margin. General
Riall, was then informed, by his outpost, of these opera-
tions, and hastily forwarded a detachment of the royal
artillery, to check them. A cannonade ensued ; but such
was the effect produced by general Ripley's artillery, that
the British pieces were withdrawn, the bridge was soon af-
ter completed, and general Riall, apprehending an attack,
on his right flank and in front, from the formidable arrange-
ments, which he saw in preparation, abandoned his line
-■of defences, and retreated by the road to Queenstown.
General Brown occupied the enemy's works that even-
ing, and on the following morning, (the 9th,) pursued the
route to Queenstown. Riall had, however, retired to the
Ten Mile Creek.
282
At Queenstown, the American army was then en-
camped, and the commanding general held a council of
war, for the purpose of maturing a plan, of future, and
decisive operations. On the 12th, brigadier general John
Sw;ft, second in command to general Porter, and the
same who had put the British marines to flight, at Poult-
neyvilUe, having offered to reconnoitre the enemy's posi-
tion at fort George, was detached with 120 volunteers,
to obtain a view of those works. On his arrival, within
its neighbourhood, he surprized and captured an out-postf
consisting of a corporal and five men; one of these, after
having surrendered to the detachment and requested
quarters, availed himself of an advantageous moment^
treacherously fired at, and shot the general, who, notwith-
standing the suddenness of the attack, and the severity
of his wound, instantly levelled his piece, and killed the
assassin. The alarm produced by this fire, brought up a
British patrolling party, of 60 men, against whom general
Swift, regardless of the pursuasions of his officers, to
attend to his wound, marched at the head of his detach-
ment, and commenced an attack, which resulted in the
retreat of the enemy's party. The general, however,
whose wound was mortal, fell, exhausted by the loss of
blood, before the termination of the skirmish. His uext
officer, beat the patrolling party into the fort, and returned
to the encampment at Queenstown, with the body of his
expiring commander. General Swift, whose loss was
sincerely deplored by the whole army, and who had
served with distinguished reputation, during the war of
the revolution, was interred with the usual ceremonies,
and honours of a soldier. The whole volunteer brigade,
to which the general was attached, solicited an opportu-
tunity to avenge the fall of their brave officer; and an
opportunity was not long wanted.
At the consultation which was held by gen Brown, and
his principal officers, a plan of attack upon fort George, was
proposed; and, to the prejudice of a proposition, submitted
by gen. Ripley, of following up gen. Riall; of driving him
from the peninsula ; or of striking as severe a blow, as
that which he had received at Chippewa, and thus totally
to annihilate his force; was adopted by a majority of the
council. In order to ascertain the possibility of captur-
ing that fort, by a coup de mahh the second brigade and
£33
da volunteers, were directed to reconnoitre it in the most
secret manner. Whilst general Ripley approached along
the Niagara, general Porter, to whose brigade was attach-
ed two field pieces, under captain Ritchie, of the regular
artillery, advanced by the way of St. David's and the
Cross Roads, to Lake Ontario, whence he could obtain
a full view of fort Niagara, and enable the principal en-
gineer, major Wood, to examine the works on that side
of fort George. After viewing the northern face of fort
Niagara, general Porter moved in, upon fort George,
drove in all the enemy's picquets, and formed his brigade
in the open plain, within a mile of the fort. To enable
the engineer to examine the works with more certainty,
he ordered lieutenant colonel Wilcocks to advance with
his command, under cover of a small wood, within mus-
ket shot of the garrison. The^e positions were main-
tained upwards of an hour and an half, during which
time the British batteries opened upon the troops on the
plain. Several detached parties, sent out to attack the
volunteer light troops, were successively repulsed, and
the object of the expedition being accomplished, general
Porter moved round the south side of the fort, and joined
general Ripley's brigade on the Niagara. As he retired,
the enemy sent out several pieces of field artillery, and
commenced a rapid fire upon his rear. The brigade,
however, moved off in good order, with two men wound-
ed; lieutenant Fontaine, of the artillery, and an officer of
(lie volunteers, had their horses killed under them, by
a cannon ball. In his approaches to the lake, general
Porter deemed it necessary to station vedettes Upon the
several roads leading to the fort. Five of these were
captured by a party of 20 Canadian militia, residing in
the neighbourhood, and some of whom had been in the
American encampment, professing to avail themselves
of the terms of general Brown's proclamation, issued
upon entering Canada, " that all persons demeaning
'■'- themselves peaceably, and pursuing their private busi-
ness, should be treated as friends."
To give more certainty and effect, to the assault of
forts George and Niagara, and to the occupation of
Queenstown, St. Davids, and Newark, general Brown,
previously to his passage of the Niagara strait, had adopt-
ed measures in conjunction with commodore Chauncey,
for the co-operation of the American squadron. On the
20th of July, he, therefore moved with his whole force
upon fort George, and took a position with a portion of
his koops on Lake Ontario, as well with a view to at-
tempt that garrison, as to obtain some intelligence of the
fleet. Commodore Chauncey's extreme illness prevent-
ed the sailing of the fleet from the harbour, and, general
Brown apprehensive, of an attack upon the rear of his
army, and of his communication with the encampment
being cut off, by the militia then raising en masse, fell
back to Queenstown on the 22d, to protect his baggage.
Having there received intelligence of the detention of
the fleet, he determined to disencumber the army of its
heavy baggage, and to march against Burlington Heights,
on the peninsula between which and Erie, the enemy had.
in the mean time, concentrated his principal forces. To
draw from Schlosser, a supply of provisions, neces-
sary to this expedition, he retired on the 24th, to the
junction of the Chippewa and Niagara: with the excep-
tion of the 9th regiment, the army encamped on the
right bank of the Chippewa- That regiment was posted,
on the north side of the stream, in and near a block
house, in the advance.
Lieutenant general Drammond, anxious to redeem the
tarnished reputation of the British arms, and having now
augmented his force, so as to feel capable of offering
battle, without any doubt of its successful result, foi-
warded a division, under general Riall, to Queenstown?
who occupied the heights there, immediately after their
abandonment by the Americans. From Queenstown,
general Riall threw a large detachment of his troops,
across the Niagara, to Lewistown, with a view to the cap-
ture of the American sick and wounded, at that time in
the hospital at Schlosser, and the destruction of the bag-
gage, ammunition, and provisions, deposited at that
place. By expresses from colonel Swift, commanding
at Lewistown, general Brown was informed of this move-
ment, and almost at the same moment, a picquet station-
ed beyond the 9th regiment, reported an advanced party
of the enemy on the Niagara road. To draw him from
his purposed pillage of Schlosser, general Brown, having
no immediate means of bringing off his sick and stores,
nor of transporting troops to their defence, ordered ge*
neral Scott to move with his brigade, then consisting of
about 700 men, and Towson's artillery, stiil attached to
it, in the direction of Queenstown.
At 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the 25th, (July) the first
brigade moved from the encampment, in light marching
order, the 9m regiment being in front of the column,
and captain Harris, with a troop of regular and volunteer
dragroons, and a company of infantry, under captain
Pentlami, of the 22d, constituting an advanced corps.
About two miles and a haif from the Chippewa, and
within a short distance of the falls of Niagara, the Ame-
rican and British advanced parties came within view of
each other, and general Scott halted his column to re-
connoitre the ground, and make arrangements for the
reception, or attack, of the enemy. Lieutenant colonel
v Leavenworth, with the 9th. consisting then of only 150
men, was immediately ordered to take the ieft of the
road, within supporting distance of the column, which,
on the execution of this order, again moved forward; the
enemy retiring before it. On an eminence, near Lundy's
.Lane, at a point, chosen by major general Rial!, because
of the decided advantage of the ground, the enemy was
posted iii great strength, with a formidable battery of
nine pieces of artillery, two of which were brass 24
pounders, and an extensive and heavy line of infantry.
This position was extremely favourable to the operations
of the battery, and there the British general had lon<*-
wished to engage the troops, who had compelled him to
retire from e\ai:y other, at which battle had been pre-
viously given them.
On the arrival of general Scott's column, at a narrow
strip of woods, by which only the British line was ob-
scured from his view, captains Harris and Pentland were
first fired on, and gallantly engaged the enemy's advance,
which had gradually retreated, to draw the American
column to the situation at Lundy's Lane. The brigade
column was again immediately halted, lieutenant colonel
Leavenworth ordered to his situation, and lieutenant co-
lonel Jesup, with the 25th, detached to attack the left
of the British line. The 9th, 11th, and 22d, passed the
advanced corps, and moving to the north of the wood,
entered a smooth field, in full view of the enemy, and
within cannister distance of his battery. The rear of
286
the column having cleared the wood, general Scott or'
dered the line to be instantly formed. This order w&a
not executed before the British opened a tremendous
fire from their battery, and the whole line of their infan-
try drawn up on its right, and obliquely in its front.
Towson, with his artillery, was stationed on the right of
the 9th, and though they could not be brought to bear
upon the eminence, he animated the American line, by
an incessant discharge from all his pieces.
Thus drawn up on both sides, the action continued,
with unceasing animation, upwards of an hour, against a
force then almost thrice superior to the American bri-
gade. In the course of that time, the 11th and 22d re-
giments, having expended their ammunition, colonel
Brady and lieutenant colonel M'Neill being both severely
wounded, and all the captains of the former, and most oa'
the officers of the latter, eitherlvilied or wounded, both re-
giments were withdrawn from action, and many of the of-
ficers, but principally subalterns, attached themselves to
the 9th, and fought under its gallant chief, in various ca-
pacities, and with unusual courage and perseverance.
Among these were lieutenant Crawford and lieutenant
and adjutant Sawyer. Against the chief part of the
British line, lieutenant colonel Leavenworth, with the
remains of the 9th a!one, continued the engagement.
with unshaken firmness and bravery; and was at length,
directed to advance and charge up the height, and, with
the 11th and 22d, to break the enemy's line. Reduced,
as these three regiments already were, by the excessive
loss of officers and men, they nevertheless steadily ad-
vanced, with supported arms, until general Scott, learning
the shattered condition of the 11th and 22d, counter-
manded the order.
The enemy was at this moment pressing upon the
left of the line; the right of the 9th, was therefore
thrown forward to meet, and repulse him, and the whole
regiment, commenced a fire more animating, if possible,
but certainly more destructive than the first It is scarce-
ly possible to do justice to the conduct of this gallant'
regiment, or of its intrepid commander. It had already
given such signal instances of individual valour, as were
never surpassed upon an open field. But valour alone,
is not competent to resist, the repeated assaults, of a
2-87
numerous and increasing foe; and against a prodigious
inequality of numbers, it is sometimes little less than
madness to contend. The 9th regiment was at length
reduced to nearly half the number, with which it had en-
tered the field, and being still pressed by the enemy, who
frequently charged with a fresh line, lieutenant colonel
Leavenworth despatched an officer to general Scott, to
communicate its condition. The general having beeo
just informed of the approach of reinforcements from
the Chippewa, rode immediately to the position of that
regiment and directed it to maintain its ground.
That indefatigable, and excellent reconnoitring offi-
cer, lieutenant Riddle, of the 1 5th infantry, had been
sent out, in the morning, with a party of one hundred
men, to scour the surrounding country. He had not pro-
ceeded more than 3 miles from the encampment, when,
in attempting to gain the rear of a scout of the enemy,
he was informed by several of the inhabitants, of his
being close upon a division of 3000 of the British troops.
At the time of his leaving the camp, general Brown had
not been apprized of the contiguity of the enemy, and
lieutenant Riddle, therefore, hastened back, with all pos-
sible speed, to communicate the intelligence. The
nature of the ground, over which he had to retrace his
steps, and the extreme caution with which it was neces-
sary to proceed, to avoid reconnoitring detachments of
the enemy, lengthened his distance from the head quar-
ters, upwards of five miles. lie had not arrived at the
position of the Americans at Chippewa, when he was
apprized of the meeting of the hostile armies, by the
repeated and heavy discharges of artillery. Naturally
concluding that general Brown's whole force had pro-
ceeded to the field of battle, and not hesitating a moment,
as to the course he should pursue, he wheeled his detach-
ment upon the Niagara road, and immediately marched
to a participation in the engagement. This detachment
was the first reinforcing party which arrived to the relief
of the first brigade, and general Scott stationed it on his
extreme left, with directions to lieutenant Riddle to watch
the motions of the British riflemen and Indians.
By the same circumstance, the report of the artillery,
general Brown was also first informed of the commence-
ment of the action, and of its scene, and hairing directed £e*
288
neral Ripley to follow with the second brigade, was already
on his way to the falls, when he me't the assistant adju-
tant general, major Jones, returning to the encampment,
at full speed, for reinforcements. The intelligence com-
municated by major Jones, induced the commander in
chief, to despatch him, to order up general Porter's vol-
unteers, in addition to the second brigade, and the park
of artillery. General Brown then rode hastily, with his
aids, accompanied by major M'Ree, of the engineers,
towards the field of battle, and on his further advance,
was met by a second messenger; major Wood, also of
the engineers, and who had marched with general Scott's
brigade. From this gallant and accomplished officer, he
received a report of the close and sanguinary character
of the action, and directed him to return with him to the
field.
Exhausted and reduced as the 9th, 11th, and 22d re-
giments already were, another vigourous onset from the
enemy, sufficiently numerous to interpose occasionally
a fresh line, might probably decide the fate of the day,
before the arrival of the approaching reinforcements.
The determined and obstinate manner, however, in which
they had already received, and repulsed, the gallant and
repeated charges of the British infantry, induced major
general Riall to overrate their force. But to whatever
measure of strength these intrepid regiments amounted,
he knew also, that the number of his combatants would
be augmented from the camp at Chippewa, and being as-
sured of ihe necessity, in that event, of enlarging his own
force, he despatched messengers to lieutenant general
Drummond, at fort George, to inform him of the despe-
rate nature of the conflict. Until this period of the en-
gagement, his force, including the incorporated militia
and some Indians, amounted to 1637 men, being more
than double the strength by which he was opposed.
Major general Brown arrived at the scene of this ob-
stinate struggle, about the time at which general Scott
ordered the 9th regiment to maintain its ground, and
seeing the exhausted state of the troops, and the shattered
condition of the brigade, determined on holding it in re-
serve, whilst the reinforcing troops should continue the
engagement. The 9th, 11th, and 22d regiments, were
therefore consolidated into one battalion, under colonel
£89
Brady, who, though wounded, refused to quit the field,
•until the result of the engagement should be known.
General Ripley's brigade; major Hindman's artillery, and
general Porter's volunteers, all of whom had marched
with unusual rapidity, over a difficult road, were now
within a short distance of Lundy's lane. General Ripley
being in the advance, and within half a mile of the field,
immediately despatched his aid de camp, lieutenant
M'Donald, of the 1 9th infantry, to inform general Brown
of his approach, and to receive instructions, as to the
situation of the cmemy, and orders, as to the disposition
of his brigade.
Immediately before the arrival of general Ripley, a
temporary pause prevailed between the two armies ; an
awful and (but for the groans of the wounded soldiers,)
an unbroken silence was preserved among the troops on
either side; the impetuous descent of the stupendous
cataract of the Niagara, alone interrupted the pervading
stillness, and contributed to the solemnity and grandeur
of the scene; and the leaders of both forces, having fallen
back to their original positions, seemed mutually dis-
posed, to a momentary cessation of the sanguinary and
fatiguing strife. The arrival of these reinforcement?,
under general Ripley, and of others, under lieutenant ge-
neral Drummond, put an end to this suspension of hos-
tilities, and the engagement was relfewed with augmented
vigour.
Major Hindman's artillery being brought up, the com-
panies of captains Biddle and Ritchie, in addition to
Towson's detachment, soon came into action, and gene-
ral Porter's volunteers were displayed upon the left of
general Scott's brigade. Lieutenant M'Donald, who had
been despatched for orders, having met captain Spencer,
one of the aids of the commander in chief, bearing or-
ders for the second brigade to form, on the skirts of the
wood, to the right of the first, immediately returned to
general Ripley with these directions.
Meanwhile the 25th regiment, under lieutenant colo-
nel Jesup, which had been ordered, in the early part
of the action, to take post on the right, had gallantly
contended against, and succeeded in turning the enemy's
left flank. Lieutenant colonel Jesup, availing himself of
the extreme darkness of the night, and of the incaution
290
&i the British general, in not placing a proper guard across
a road upon his left, threw his regiment in the rear of the
enemy's reserve, and surprising one detachment after
another, made prisoners of so many of their officers and
men, that the operations of his fire arms were constantly
impeded. General Drummond, who was now command-
ing, in person the front line of the enemy, having deter-
mined on concentrating his whole force, and leading it
to the attack of general Scott's brigade, in front, and on
each flank, had despatched his aid de camp, captain
Loring, to bring up general Riall with the reserve. It
was the good fortune however, of captain Ketchum, of
this regiment, whose eminent services greatly contributeu
to the Victorious issue of the battle at Chippewa, to make
prisoners of major general Riall, who was wounded in the
arm, and the aid of lieutenant general Drummond, before
the reserve was put in motion.
Had this concentration of general Riall's line, with tha,
of general Drummond been effected, the reduced brigade,
composed, now, only of the consolidated battalion, could
not at this moment, and without the support of the second
brigade, have withstood the assault of so overwhelmnmg
a force • and the movement of lieutenant colonel Jesup,
therefore, unquestionably saved that battalion. Having
hastily adopted proper arrangements for the disposal of
his prisoners, lieutenant colonel Jesup felt his way, to
the spot, where the warmest fire was kept up, upon the
brigade to which he belonged. Eastwardly of Lundy's
Lane and on the south of the Queenstown road, he drew
up his regiment behind a fence, from which he could
effectually annoy the enemy. A party of the British in-
fantry were, at that time, drawn up in front of a fence,
on the opposite side of the same road. Lieutenant colo-
nel Jesup's approach to his present position, had been
made with so much secrecy, that they did not know he
was there, until they received a deadly and destructive
fire, which compelled them to break and fly along the
Queenstown road. By the blaze of this fire, lieutenant
colonel Jesup was discovered to major general Brown,
who rode up, applauded his conduct, and directed him
to move by Lundy's Lane, and form upon the nght oJ
the second brigade.
291
The operations of that brigade, were all this time car-
ried on with the utmost brilliancy and success. When
his aid de camp communicated the order of the com-
mander in chief, general Ripley saw the impracticability
of operating upon the enemy, from the position at which
he was directed to display his column ; or of advancing
from it, in line, upon an emergency, through a close wood.
At the same moment too, general Drummond's infantry
and all his artillery, had commenced a galling fire upon
general Scott's brigade, which could only be supported
by a direct movement of the second brigade, upon the
centre of the enemy's line. The impenetrable darkness
of the night, rendered it difficult for the generals of bri
gade. at all times to find the commander in chief, or each
other, and general Ripley, therefore, determined to as-
sume a responsibility, by adopting in time, the only
movement, which could save the first brigade from in-
evitable destruction, and ultimately achieve the victory.
He therefore proposed to colonel Miller, the same who
had distinguished himself in the earliest stage of the war,
at Maguaga, and who now commanded the twenty-first
or Ripley's old regiment, to storm the enemy's battery
with that, whilst he would support him by leading up the
twenty -third, a younger and less experienced regiment,
to a charge upon the British flank. Colonel Miller, well
knowing the perilous nature of this desperate duty, re-
plied to his general, " /'// try, «>,'** and immediately put
his regiment in readiness by forming it in line, on the
left of the road, directly in front of his object. The
twenty-third was, at the same time, formed in close co-
lumn, by its commander, major M'Farland, and the first
which had arrived that day under lieutenant colonel
Nicholas, from a long and fatiguing march, was directed
to menace the enemy's infantry. Whilst these disposi-
tions were making, general Ripley despatched his aid to
app' ze general Brown of the impossibility of forming on
the skirt of the wood, and of the measures which he had,
in consequence, adopted. The commander in chief
highly commended the design of the brigadier general,
and instantly authorized its execution. With hearts pant-
ing for the accomplishment of this enterprize, these regi-
• Words afterwards worn on the buttons of the twenty-firsjt
regiment,
Cc
292
jnents moved forward, under a rapid and destructive fire,,
directed against them, at their very onset, by the ene-
my's whole line of musquetry, and every piece of his
cannon. The twenty-first nevertheless promptly pressed
forward ; the twenty-third faltered. It was however
instantly rallied by the personal exertions of general
Ripley, who led it up to the contemplated charge. At a
distance of little more than one hundred yards from the
top of the eminence, on which the British cannon were
posted, and which these regiments were necessarily
obliged to ascend, they received another, and equally as
severe a discharge from the musquetry and heavy pieces.
The twenty-first was now, however, too much enamoured
of its object, and the twenty-third too obstinately deter-
mined on retrieving its fame, to betray the smallest dis-
position, to recoil from the near consummation of their
bold and hazardous enterprize. By this fire major
M'Farland of the twenty-third was killed, and the com-
mand of that regiment devolved upon major Brooke, an
officer of no less intrepidity and valour. The descrip-
tion of a more brilliant, and decisive movement, may
never have been registered on the page of history. To
the amazement of the whole British line, colonel Miller
steadily and silently advancing up the eminence, until
within a few paces of the enemy's cannon, impetuously
charged upon the artillerists, and after a short but despe-
rate contest, carried the whole battery, and instantly
formed his line in its rear, upon the same ground on
which the British infantry had been previously posted.
In carrying the heaviest pieces, the twenty-first regiment
experienced severe losses, several officers of distinguish-
ed bravery and merit, being either killed or wounded.
Lieutenant Cilley, who commanded an advanced com-
pany of that regiment, by a resolute and unexampled
effort, carried one of the guns, and fell wounded by its
side immediately after. He had advanced upon it with
such rapidity, as to bayonet the men stationed at it be-
fore they had time to escape, and cut down, with his
own hand, an artillerist who was applying a match to the
piece. In the same charge lieutenant Bigelow was kill-
ed, and captain Burbank, and ensigns Jones and Tho-
mas, and lieutenant Fisk of the nineteenth, and ensign
Camp of the second rifle, both attached to the twenty-first,,
were wounded.
293
The advance of the twenty-third upon the British in-
fantry supporting the cannon, being as prompt as that of
the twenty-first, both regiments pierced the enemy's line
at (lie same instant. Major Brooke, in obedience to the
order of general Ripley, led his battalion, under the eye
of his commander, into the very ranks of the enemy, and
putting them to a hasty and disorderly retreat, marched
up to the relief of colonel Miller, who, though he had
formed his line in the rear of the captured battery, had
not yet driven the enemy below the eminence, and was
at this moment closely pressed, almost at its summit. By
the junction of these two regiments, however, and the
bringing into line of the first, the fate of this assault was
determined, the British infantry and artillerists retired
beyond the reach of musquetry, and their own cannon
were turned against them.
The features of the action now began to assume a new
character. The heights from which the enemy had been
thus gallantly dislodged, being a very commanding po-
sition, the maintenance of them, would alone determine
the issue of the conflict, and general Ripley immediately
formed his line for the protection of the newly acquired
battery, and prepared to receive the assaults, which he
rightly conjectured would be made for its recovery.
When the capture of general Riall was announced,
before the dislodgment of the British from the eminence,
the elation of the first brigade was manifested by three
loud huzzas, which brought a shell from the enemy, that
felL in major Hindman's corps, and exploded a casson
of ammunition belonging to the company of the brave
and lamented captain Ritchie, who, being mortally
wounded in the course of the engagement, fell into the
hands of the British. Major Hindman was now directed
to bring up his corps, including Towson's detachment,
and post himself, with his own and the captured cannon,
on the right of general Ripley's brigade, and between it,
and the twenty-fifth ; on the left of the second brigade,
general Porter's volunteers were then ranged.
The line being thus formed, at the expiration of a
short interval, lieutenant general Drummond, incensed
beyond measure at the capture of his artillery, resolved
on regaining it, and being strongly reinforced, advanced
upon general Ripley, with a heavy and extended line^
204
outflanking him on both extremes. In anticipation
of his approach, which could only be discovered by the
sound attending it, general Ripley, had directed his
troops, to reserve their fire, until they had received that
of the assailants, and, if necessary, to feel the bayonets,
before they should discharge their pieces, with the dou-
ble view of drawing the advancing line, within close strik-
ing distance, and of making his own fire more deadly
and effective, by giving it a direction by the flashes of
the enemy's rnusquetry.
On the other hand, lieutenant general DrummondY
thus resolutely determined on the recovery of his can-
non, gave a peremptory order to all his platoon officers,
to advance steadily, and without regard to the fire of the
American line ; and after attaining a given distance, to
make a prompt and vigorous charge, and, if possible, to
fall directly upon the cannon. His whole division, there-
fore, inarched at a quick step, until it came within twenty
paces of the summit of the height, when the several regi-
ments received orders to pour in a rapid fire, upon the
American line, and to follow it with an immediate ap*
peal to the bayonet. This fire was no sooner delivered,
than the second brigade, the volunteers, and lieutenant
colonel Jesup's regiment, instantaneously returned it,
and threw the enemy's line into a momentary confusion.
But, being immediately rallied, it returned to a conflict
more tremendous, than any which had been witnessed in
I hat day's battle. Upwards of twenty minutes, one
blaze of fire succeeded another, in each line; sections,
companies, and regiments, mutually fell back, and were
successively rallied, and again brought into action : but
at length the British line was forced back, and the
doubtful contest terminated in their retiring to the lower
extremity of the hill.
It was not to be supposed, however, that the enemy,
the greatest proportion of whose troops had been accus-
tomed to desperate feats of valour, and had encountered
the most experienced battalions of the European armies,
had yet consented to yield, to an army but lately made
up of the rawest materials, what in that event would be
considered the trophies of a victory. Measures were,
accordingly, instantly adopted by general Ripley, to re-
move his wounded} and restore his line to proper order =
295
Whilst this splendid repulse was given to the. assault
of the enemy, general Scott's consolidated battalion,
which had been until this time held in reserve, was
drawn up in the rear of the second brigade, under lieute-
nant colonel Leavenworth, colonel Brady's wounds hav-
ing rendered him unfit for active duty. General Scott's
brigade major, lieutenant Smith, and his aid, captain
Worth, being, at this time, both severely wounded, he
selected an aid from the 9th regiment, and forming the
battalion into column, marched it across the field, and
displayed it on a narrow lane, parallel with, and to the
south of, Lundy's lane. From this position he despatched
lieutenant colonel Leavenworth to seek the commander
In chief, and to receive his orders as to the disposition of
the battalion. General Brown being conducted to its
position by the colonel, a short conversation followed
between the two generals, the result of which was the
immediate movement of general Scott's command into
Lundy's lane, where it was to be formed, with its right
towards the Niagara road, and its left in the rear of the
captured battery.
Having given a new arrangement to his troops, gene-
ral Drummond, after a lapse of half an hour, was disco-
vered to be advancing to a second charge. He was re-
ceived with undiminished firmness, and general Ripley's
order to retain the fire being repeated, the whole British
line discharged its musquetry from the same point at
which it had previously paused. The light, which was
thence emitted, enabled the Americans to fire with the
utmost precision, and to check the enemy's nearer ad-
vance. The repeated discharges of major Hindman's ar-
tillery, which was served with uncommon skill and re-
gularity, were severely felt by the advancing line, and
Jhe officers attached to it behaved with coolness and
gallantry. The situation on the top of the eminence,
gave many and decided advantages to general Ripley's
command; scarcely a shot was fired, which failed of hit-
ting its object, whilst the fire of the British, being more
elevated, generally went over the heads of the Ameri-
cans. General Ripley being of a tall stature, and mount-
ed within eight paces of the rear of his line, was by this
circumstance constantly exposed to the enemy 's balls.
His horse was wounded under him, and his hat twice
Cc2
296
perforated in the course of the second attack. After the
first discharge, in this effort to regain his battery, the
British general determining to break the centre of the
American line, composed of the twenty-first regiment,
and detachments of the seventeenth and nineteenth, le-
velled his fire at that point. With the exception of a few
platoons, the twenty-first, however, remained unsha-
ken. These being immediately rallied by general Rip-
ley, the contest continued with great vivacity, until the
enemy finding he could not make another impression on
the American, and feeling his own line recoiling, again
fell back to the bottom of the eminence.
Immediately after the commencement of this second
contest, the remains of the first brigade were also brought
into action. At the time of the second discharge, the
two lines being nearly parallel, and enveloped in a blaze
of fire, general Scott, who had approached the top of
ihe eminence to ascertain their situation, now rode has-
tily back to his brigade, demanded, in an animated
voice, of colonel Leavenworth, " are these troops pre-
pared for the charge ?" and, without waiting for a reply,
ordered them into close column, their left in front, and to
move forward and charge. This order being executed al-
most as soon as it was given, the general led up the co-
Humn, and passing between the pieces of artillery, ad-
vanced upon the enemy's left.
The gallantry of general Scott's troops, however,
Could not prevail against a double line ol infantry, by
which the British flank was supported, and this charge
being met with unexpected firmness, the consolidated
battalion fell back, and passed to the extreme left of
general Porter's volunteers, who were all this time warm-
ly engaged with the enemy. Lieutenant colonel Leaven-
worih was then ordered to re-form the column, and to
change its front, which, being done, general Scott led it
to a second charge, and made a resolute attempt to turn
the enemy's right. This flank being also protected by a
double line, the attempt was not more successful than
the former; and the battalion again falling back, was or-
dered to form on the left of the line, whilst the general
passed to the right, and joining lieutenant colonel Jes-
up's regiment, had his shoulder fractured by a musket
ball, and almost at the same instant, received a severe
297
wound in the side, which compelled him to leave the
field ; not, however, without having first returned to
lieutenant colonel Leavenworth, whom he ordered to
move to the right of the line and consolidate his battalion
with the twenty-fifth regiment, the commander of which
was also severely wounded. General Scott had hitherto
escaped the fire of the enemy with singular good fortune :
he had been constantly, and, probably, too often, in the
most exposed situations : he led his troops in person to
the separate charges, and never shrunk from any part of
the engagement, however desperate or dangerous. He
was now conveyed to the encampment at Chippewa,
whence he was soon after removed to the American
side of the Niagara.
Having thus failed in two vigorous and determined ef-
forts for the recovery of his pieces, the British general
began to despair of any better success from a third ; but
the fortunate arrival of another reinforcing party from
Fort George, now protected by four of the British fleet,
re-animating his troops, he put them in readiness for ano-
ther charge, by forming a fresh line with the new detach-
ment. Upwards of half an hour having elapsed since his
second repulse, it was considered very doubtful by the
Americans, whether their ability to maintain their ground
would be put to another trial. Excessively fatigued
by the violence of the last struggle, their canteens be-
ing exhausted, and no water, (an article now almost as
indispensable as ammunition,) at hand to replenish them,
it would be wondered at, if they had either courted or
desired a renewal of the contest But they were deter-
mined to lose no part of the reputation, which they had
that night acquired, and if the cannon were again to be
defended, they would be defended with equal vigour
and animation. Their doubts were very soon removed,
by the approach, in a more extended line, of the whole
body of the British troops, who, independently of their
reinforcements, had the advantage of being amply re-
freshed, from the plentiful resources at Queenstown and
St. David's.
The advance of the enemy was no sooner made
known to general Ripley's line, than the ardour of all
his men instantly revived, and remembering the or-
298
der of their gallant commander, to refuse their lire, they
prepared to receive that of the approaching line.
The British delivered their fire nearly within the same
distance as before, but they did not fall back from the
fire of the Americans with the same precipitation. —
Their fresh line steadily advanced, and repeated its
discharge; the Americans remained firm, and returned
it ; and an obstinate and tremendous conflict followed.
The 21st again manifested its determined character, and
under the direction of colonel Miller, dealt out a destruc-
tive fire upon its assailants. The right and left repeat-
edly fell back, but were as often rallied, and brought
into the line, to preserve which, the exertions of the gene-
ral, and colonels Miller, Nicholas, and Jesup, and all the
other officers, were constantly required. On the other
hand, the fresh troops of the British, were as unshaken
as their antagonists the 21st ; but the regiments and sec-
tions, which jiad been before repulsed, recoiled again,
and were repeatedly urged forward by their officers.
At length, the two lines, were on the very summit of the
hill, each at the point of the bayonets of the other, and
both appealing to that weapon, with unusual force and
rapidity. Such was the obstinacy of the contending
parties, that many battalions on both sides were forced
back, by thevigour of the combat, and the British and
American lines became mingled with each other. At
that part of the height on which the cannon were sta-
tioned, the battle was most desperate. The enemy
having forced himself into the very midst of major
Hindman's artillery, two pieces of which the officers of
that corps were compelled to spike, he was warmly
engaged across the carriages and guns ; and the slaugh-
ter which took place upon the eminence, sufficiently
evinced his determination to recapture, and the resolu-
tion of the American artillerists to retain the trophies
which the gallantry of the infantry had won.
The close and personal contests now prevailing from
one end of the line to the other, produced a degree of
confusion, which the coolness and energy of the general
could scarcely suppress* The broken sections were at
length, however, restored to the line, and, having re-
gained their several positions, compelled the enemy's
right and left wings to fall back. The centre of bis lice^
s
2S#
imitating the example of the flanks, also gave way, and
the assault upon the artillery, after a dreadful conflict-,
being at this moment repulsed, the whole British line
fled precipitately a third time. The personal and most
active exertions of their principal officers, could not re-
tard the flight of the troops, and they retreated beyond
the reach, either of musquetry or cannon. General
Drummond, seeing that the repulse of this last, and most
determined effort, had wearied and depressed his line,
and feeling assured that it would be difficult to lead
them on to another attempt, which too, in all probabi-
lity, would be followed by a more disastrous discom-
fiture, consented to relinquish his cannon, and retired
beyond the borders of the field, over which were strew-
ed the dead and wounded of both armies.'
At the commencement of the last charge, major ge-
neral Brown, while attending to the formation of lieute-
nant colonel Leavenworth's battalion, was severely
wounded by a musket ball, in the right thigh. A little
while after, he received a second wound on the left
side, and being compelled to quit the field, retired also
to the Chippewa, and devolved the command on gene-
ral Ripley. Though the British had been forced to
withdraw from the action, that officer, not knowing
whether they had yet yielded ttie victory, or whether
they contemplated the adoption of measures, by which
still to retrieve the honour of their arms, re-formed his
line, and held it in readiness to receive an attack, in
whatever manner it should be made. Convinced of the
necessity of the removal of the captured cannon, and of
the immense loss which would thence be prevented, ge-
neral Ripley had frequently despatched his aid to gene-
ral Brown, for the means of transporting them from the
field. No means were, however, at hand, most of the
horses being already killed, and the remainder necessary
to draw off the American pieces. General Ripley, there-
fore, at the close of the engagement, ordered general
Porter to detach a party of his volunteers, to assist in
their removal. — But the British guns being urtlimbered,
and in a dismantled condition, it was found to be im-
practicable to draw them away, but by means of drag-
ropes; none of which were at that time on the ground,
Reluctant as were all the troops of the line to abandon
300
the trophies, which had been gained by the resistless va-
lour of the second brigade, to difficulties, now found to
be insurmountable, they were obliged to yield.
It was at this moment, while in conversation jfcjth
lieutenant colonel Leavenworth, whose battalion, was
then condensed with the 25th regiment, and commanded
by lieutenant colonel Jesup, and who had been sent, by
that officer, for directions as to the dispositions of the first
brigade, that general Ripley received an order from ge-
neral Brown to collect the dead and wounded, and to
return with the army to its encampment on the Chip-
pewa. In obedience to the wishes of the commander in
chief, this order was put into immediate execution. —
Major Hindman, with the artillery, was already on his
march, and the remnants of the regular and volunteer
brigades, having first rolled the smaller pieces of the
enemy's cannon down the precipice, returned to the
camp in good order, and without molestation, about one
o'clock on the morning of the 26th.
In this instance, as at the defence of Sacketfs Har-
bor, where it has been seen, the British troops were op-
posed and repulsed, by the same commander, the enemy
claimed another decisive and more brilliant victory. The
governor general, sir George Prevost, and the command-
ing general, Drummond, complimented the regulars and
militia engaged in it, "for their exemplary steadiness, gal-
" lanfry and discipline, in repulsing all the efforts of a
li numerous and determined enemy, to carry the position
" of Lundy's Lane,"" and announced, " that their exer-
" tions had been crowned tviih success, by the complete
" defeat of the enemy?
If, upon ground of their own selection, and with a
body of 1637 men, to assail an advanced party of
an enemy of only 750, and after an hour's obstinate
conflict, to repose on their arms, until they could
be relieved, by reinforcements ; — if, after a mutual
reinforcement, their enemy's numbers should amount
to two brigades of 1450 infantry, a detachment of
3V7 artillery, and a corps of 600 volunteers, making
in all 2417 men, and their own force should consist, ac-
cording with a report of one of their officers, of 3450 regu-
lars, 1200 incorporated militia, and 480 Indians, making,
in all, 5130 men, and, with this disparity of strength,
ihey should be driven from *hc eminence on which they
301
nad advantageously posted themselves, with the loss
too, of all their cannon;— if, after three desperate assault*'
any one of them upwards of twenty minutes in duration'
for the recovery of their battery, and with the ability to
interpose fresh lines, to be successively repulsed, with
immense losses, and, after a contest of six hours,
(from half past five in the evening, until twelve at night)
between some of the best disciplined troops of Europe,
and newly raised recruits, the former eventually to with-
draw from the field, and leave their enemy in possession,
not only of their cannon, but of one of their generals the
second in command, the first having narrowly escaped
capture;— If this be to effectthe complete defeat and over-
throw of their adversary, the British troops certainly achiev-
ed a brilliant and decisive victory; the governor general Of
the Canadas, was in the performance of his duty, when
he complimented them, for their steadiness ; "and the
prince regent of England, betrayed no precipitation,
when he announced it to the world, and permitted
" Niagara" to be worn upon the caps of one of the
regiments.
The captured artillery, it is true, was re-obfained by
its original owners ; but, its return to their possession
was neither the result of any desperate effort to regain
it, nor the evidence of a victory. They had entered in-
to the engagement, under circumstances highly advan-
tageous. Their force could be continually augmented
either by requisitions for militia, or by the concentration
of their regulars from the neighbouring posts, and was
already double the strength of the Americans. They
were surrounded by deposits of ammunition, and, being
in the vicinity of their garrisons, could, at any time, ad-
minister to the wants of their army. Not so the Ame-
ricans. They were at a distance from any resources,
whence they might derive, either supplies or reinforce-
ments. Their numbers had been lessened by repeated
skirmishes with the enemy, and by the casualties, com-
monly incident to armies. With the odds against them,
they had been drawn into this tremendous struggle, the
long duration of which so much exhausted theirlroops
and reduced their numbers, that after becoming the en-
tire masters of the field, and keeping possession of it
nearly an hour, they retired, with a force, not amount-
302
jug to the complement of two regiments. In this redu
eed state, and without the means of removing the cap*-
tured property, they left the enemy's cannon, at the foot
of the eminence, on which they had proudly and gal-
lantly wrested it from him. Had their means been less
limited, they might have embellished the conquest not
only with these, but other splendid trophies, put all dis-
putation forever at rest, and left no alternative to the
enemy, but an acknowledgment of his defeat and dis-
grace. In a battle, desperate and tremendous as this is
represented to have been, the losses on each side must
necessarily have been immense. In killed, wounded,
prisoners, and missing, the total of both armies, amount-
ed to 1729, the proportion being nearly equal, and the
killed and wounded alone 1384. On the side of the en-
emy, one assistant adjutant general, one captain, three
subalterns, and seventy-nine non-commissioned officers
and privates were killed; lieutenant general Drummond,
major general Riall, and three lieutenant colonels, two
majors, eight captains, twenty-two subalterns, and five
hundred and twenty-two non-commissioned officers and
privates were wounded ; and the prisoners and missing
amounted to, one aid de camp (captain Loring,) five
other captains, nine subalterns, and two hundred and
twenty non-commissioned officers and privates ; making
in all 878 men.
Many officers of distinction fell also on the other side,
and the total loss was little less than that of the British.
— It consisted of one major, five captains^ five subalterns,
ami one hundred and fifty-nine non-commissioned offi-
cers and privates, killed ; major general Brown, briga-
diers general Scott and Porier, two aids de camp, one
brigade major, one colonel, four lieutenant colonels, one
major, seven captains, thirty-seven subalterns, and five
hundred and fifteen non-commissioned officers and pri-
vates, wounded ; and one brigade major, one captain,
six subalterns, and one hundred and two non-commis-
sioned officers and privates, missing ; making a grand
total of 851, and a difference of 27 only, between the
contending parties.
Of the individual gallantry of the officers, from the
highest in rank, down to the youngest subaltern, the
most positive evidence is furnished, by the long list of
303
killed and wounded. Every man upon the field, being
engaged in the battle, the bravery of no one officer, was
distinguishable from another, except in those instances
when, by the change of the enemy's movements, detach-
ments were thrown into situations, from which they could
be extricated only by the most daring intrepidity.
When the American forces, returned to their encamp-
ment at the Chippewa, major general Brown directed ge-
neral Ripley to refresh the troops, and proceed with
them, early in the morning, to the battle ground — with a
view, no doubt, to reconnoitre the enemy, and if he
loitered near the field, in a position from which he
might be advantageously driven, to engage him ; but
certainly not to assail a superior force, under circum-
stances, to the last degree unfavourable, and which
would inevitably result in the total destruction of the
American army. The troops, now amounting to about
1560, being put in motion, in obedience to this order, gen
Ripley despatched reconnoitring parties, in advance of his
main body. From these he learned, that the enemy was
posted on the field in advance of his former position on
the eminence ; reinforced, as had been reported by the
prisoners ; his line drawn up between the river and a thick
wood; his flanks resting on each; and his cannon sta-
tioned so as to enfilade the road. Under such circum-
stances, it would have been highly injudicious to have
attacked him; aud, where no advantages are to be gained,
the useless effusion of human blood, is a st^jn upon the
ability and valour, as well as upon the judgment and hu-
manity of the soldier General Ripley seeing the im-
possibility of regaining the field of battle, ami the proba-
bility of his own flanks being compelled to fall back, by
the immense superiority of the enemy's numbers, turned
his army towards the Chippewa ; whence, having first de-
stroyed the bridges over that stream, as well as the
platforms, which he had previously constructed at the
enemy's old works there, he pur^:d his retreat towards
the Fort Erie, and reached it in good order on the follow-
ing day. There he determined upon making a decided
stand against the British troops, whose regular and gra-
dual approaches he anticipated.
Dd
CHAPTER XIX.
Defences of Fort Erie extended — Invested by the enemy—
The British land below Buffaloe — And are repulsed at
Conejockeda creek — Affairs of outposts ^-^ Death of Ma-
jor Morgan — Assault upon Fort Erie — The besiegers
driven back to their works — Loss of the schooners So-
mers and Ohio — Renewal of the cannonade and bom-
bardment.
THIS retrograde movement of the American army
was no sooner effected, and the situations of the different
regiments allotted in the encampment, than the command-
ing general (Ripley) immediately directed the lines of de-
fence to be extended, the fort enlarged, and new batteries
erected. With the aid of the engineers, lieutenants colo-
nel Wood and M'Ree, defences of abattis, traverses, in-
trenchments, and redoubts, were instantly commenced,
and from the 27th July, until the 2d or 3d of August, the
troops were employed night and day, in placing the
works in a state to sustain the expected and almost cer-
tain attack. Had lieutenant general Drummond fol-
lowed up, the victory which he claimed, he would
have found the shattered American brigades, scarce-
ly in any kind of condition to resist him. — But
the cautious enemy did not choose to pursue a retreat-
ing army, whose troops had given him such signal proofs
of their intrepidity, until his own numbers were again en-
larged. On the 29th of July, being reinforced by the
right and left wings of De WattevihVs troops, 1,100
"strong, he pushed forward to the investment of the fort.
This reinforcement extended his numbers to 5,352 men^
and with this formidable superiority of strength, he ap-
peared, on the 3d day of August, before a fort, which,
but a few days before, was declared by the enemy to be
a wretched stockade, altogether incapable of defence.
305
Having driven in the American picquets, and formed
his encampment two miles distant from the garrison,
he gradually approached within 400 or 600 yards of the .
fort (properly so called) commenced a double line of m-
trenchments, erected batteries in front of them at points
from which he could throw in an effectual fire, and planted
his cannon so as to enfilade the works. Seeing by these in-
dications, that the British commander was* preparing for
a regular siege, general Ripley availed himself of the
time thus lost by the enemy in opening his trenches, and
carried on his defensive arrangements with unceasing
alacrity.
The approach of the British army on the 2d of August,
being discovered by major Morgan, of the 1st riflemen,
to whom, with a detachment of 240 men, the defence of
the village of Buffalo©, which had regained its former
flourishing condition, was entrusted, he suspected the
enemy of making a feint upon fort Erie, with a view to an
actual attack upon Buffaloe. To defeat any such object,
he immediately took a position on the upper side of Cone-
jockeda creek, cut away the bridge crossing it, and
threw up a breastwork of logs in the course of the night.
Though the British general had no intention of making
a feint, major Morgan's precautions, in anticipation of an
attack, were not uselessly adopted; for, early in the
morning of the 3d, a detachment of the enemy's 41st re-
giment, under lieutenant colonel Tucker, crossed the Ni-
agara, in nine boats, and landed about half a mile below
the creek. At the approach of day, the British colonel com-
menced an attack upon the detachment, and sent for-
ward a party to repair the bridge under cover of his fire.
Major Morgan did not attempt to retard the enemy's ad-
vances, until he was within rifle distance, when he opened
a fire, which proved so destructive, that lieutenant co-
lonel Tucker fell back to the skirt of aneighbouring wood,
and kept up the contest at long shot. In the mean
time general Drummond threw over reinforcements,
and the British detachment now amounted to nearly
1 ,200 men. With this force colonel Tucker attempted
to flank his antagonist, by despatching his left wing to
ford the creek above, and press down upon the opposite
side; this movement being observed, major Morgan sent
forward lieutenants Ryan, Smith, and Armstrong! to op-
306
pose the fording party. Between these detachments, an
engagement took place a short distance above the breast-
work, and after several heavy discharges, the enemy fell
back to his main body, with considerable loss. Lieute-
nant colonel Tucker finding that the object of his expedi-
tion against Buffaloe (the recapture of general Rial!, and
the destruction of the publi* stores there) could not be
achieved without an immense loss ; and knowing the de-
sire of lieutenant general Drummond, to augment, rather
ifcan decrease, the force destined for the siege of the fort,
on the opposite shore, he determined on abandoning the
enterprize, and drawing off his troops to Squaw Island,
returned thence to the Canadian shore. With so small a
force major Morgan could not attempt to annoy him in his
retreat. He is supposed to have lost a considerable num-
ber of men, many dead bodies being found in the creek,
and upon the field, and six prisoners being taken by the
detachment. In this gallant little affair, captain Hamilton,
and lieutenants Wadsworth and M'Intosh,of the riflemen,
and five privates, were wounded, and two privates killed.
By the 7th of August, most of the batteries and tra-
verses about fort Erie were completed. Upon a battery
upwards of twenty feet high, and situated at Snake Hill,
-.he southern extremity of the works, five guns were
mounted, and the command given to major Towson, of
the artillery. Two other batteries between Towson's
and the main works, one mounting three guns, under cap-
tain Biddle, and the other two guns under lieut. Fon-
taine, were also completed. The northern point of the
fort had been extended to the water, and the Douglas
battery, of two guns, erected on the bank. The dragoons,
infantry, riflemen, and volunteers, were encamped be-
tween the western ramparts and the water, and the ar-
tillery, under major Hindman, stationed within the main
works.
Whilst these preparations were making, several partial
cannonades took place, without any known effect on ei-
ther side : before any regular firing was commenced,
brigadier general Gaines arrived at the fort, and assumed
the command of the army. General Ripley then return-
ed to the command of his brigade. The British army was
now strongly posted behind their works, and genera'
Gaines determined to ascertain their strength, and efidea-
307
vor, if possible, to draw them out. On the 6thy«he sent the
rifle corps, with major Morgan, who had been previ-
ously 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 columns should indicate an intention to
move ; in that event, major Morgan was to retire gradu-
ally, until his corps should have fallen back upon a strong
line posted in the plain before the fort, to receive the
pursuing British troops. The object of this movement
failed — major Morgan having encountered and forced
the enemy's light troops into the lines, with the loss of
1 1 killed, and 3 wounded, and made prisoners ; and not-
withstanding 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 5 men killed, and four wounded. By
the 10th, the enemy's line was protected by several
block-houses, and a long wooden breastwork. To ex-
amine these works, captain Birdsall, of the 4th rifle re-
giment, was sent out with a detachment of the 1st, and
his own company, amounting in all to 160 men. After
some skirmishing, he succeeded in beating in two of
their picquet guards, with a loss on their side of ten men
killed ; and one killed, and three wounded, of the rifle-
men. On the 12th, a working party of the enemy, sup«-
ported by a guard of his light troops, was discovered to
be opening an avenue, for the construction of an addi-
tional battery, from which, to annoy the rear of the fort.
Agreeably to the orders of general Gaines, major Morgan
detached about 100 men, under captain Birdsall, to cut
them off: that officer immediately assailed the guard, and
after a smart contest, drove in both it and the working
party. In the event of the enemy's guard being rein-
forced from their lines, major Morgan had been also or-
dered to hold his corps in readiness to support captain
Birdsall ; and as a large body of the enemy was observ-
ed to be approaching upon the detachment^ the major
promptly moved forward and engaged it — A warm and
spirited conflict followed, in which several men were
killed on both sides. — At length, however, an additional
party of the enemy coming up to the aid of that engaged,
snajor Morgan ordered bis corps to retire, and had search
Pd2 '
308
\y given a signal to that effect, when he received a musket
ball in the head, which forever deprived the garrison and
his country of his valuable services, 'J he corps was con-
ducted to the fort by captain Birdsall, and (he body of its
brave and lamented commander interred, at Buffaloe,
with the proper honours and solemnities.
During these repeated skirmishes, and in (he intervals,
between the sorties of detachments, the besiegers and
the besieged were diligently engaged in strengthening
their respective works ; and from the 7th until the 14th
of the month, an almost unceasing fire was kept up be-
i 'ween them, with various effect. On the night of the 14th,
the emotion and tumult ir> the British encampment, gave
certain indications of an intended attack upon the fort.
<TeneraIuipIey, always on the alert, was among the first
to discover these indications, and having first ordered
his brigade, stationed to the left, to be formed within the
line of defence, he despatched his aid, lieutenant Kirby, to
inform general Gaines, of his conviction of the enemy's
contemplation. General Gaines was himself already per-
suaded, that an attempt would very soon be made to
storm the garrison ; and lieutenant Kirby had no sooner
delivered his message at head quarters, than the firing of a
picquet, commanded by lieutenant Belknap, of the infan-
try, assured him that the moment had arrived. Disposi-
tions were immediately made to receive the assault, and
ne troops of the garrison anticipated its result with pride
*:<id enthusiasm.
Lieutenant genera! Drummond, having appointed the
morning of the 15th, for a vigorous and sudden assault
Upon the fort, had previously arranged the order of at-
tack in three columns, to be made at three distinct
points,' with a view to harrass and distract the garrison.
His right column, under lieutenant colonel Fischer, of the
8thrand composed of parts of the 89th and 100th regi-
ments ; De Watteville's ; detachments from the royal ar-
ullery with rocketeers ; and a picquet of cavalry ; was to
make a detour of three miles through the woods, and to
assault the southern extremity of the works. His centre
column, under lieutenant colonel Drummond, of the
104th, and composed of detachments from that, and the
41 st regiment of infantry ; of the royal artillery; seamen
anU xaariaes ; was to be conducted by captain Barney, of
the 89th, to the attack of the fort. The left column un-
der colonel Scot, of the 103d, and composed of that re-'
giment, was to be led by captain Elliot, to penetrate the
openings in the works between the fort and the lake, and
to scale the battery upon the bank. In advance of lieu-
tenant Fischer's column, the British picquets on Buck's
Road, together with the Indians of the encampment, were
to be pushed on, by lieutenant colonel Nichols, to drive in
the American outposts. The royals; another part of De
Watte ville's regiment ; the Glengarians ; and the incorpo-
rated militia, under lieutenant colonel Tucker, were to be
held in reserve : and the 19th light dragoons, stationed in
the ravine, in the rear of the fort, to receive and convey
the prisoners to the encampment ; a duty which it did
not fall to Iheir lot to perform.
General Gaines, not knowing at what points the assault
would be made, prepared to receive it at all those, which
he suspected the enemy might judge to be assailable. The
command of the fort and bastions was given to captain
Alexander Williams, of the artillery, which, with the
battery on the margin of the lake, under lieutenant Doug-
lass, of the engineers, and thence called the Douglass
Battery, formed the north-east and south-east angle of
the works. In a blockhouse, near the salient bastion, a
detachment of the 19th infantry, was stationed under
major Trimble. The batteries in front, under captains
Biddie and Fanning, were supported by general Porter's
volunteers, and the corps of riflemen. The whole body
of artillery, distributed throughout the garrison, was com-
manded by major Hindman. The first brigade of infan-
try, under lieutenant, colonel Aspinwall, was posted on
the right ; and general Ripley's brigade supported Tow-
son's battery, and the line upon the left. On the even-
ing of the 14th, a few hours before the commencement
of the assault, and whilst these dispositions were making
to repel it, one of the enemy's shells fell into a small ma*
gazine within the American works, and produced an aw-
ful explosion. From one end of the British line to the
other, a loud shout was in consequence uttered, but as no
bad effects followed the explosion, the shOut was repeat-
ed in the fort, and in the midst of the enemy's exultation,
capjain Williams immediately discharged all his heavy
pieces,
310
At Valf an hour after two, on the morning of the 1 5th,
though the darkness was excessive, the approach of lieu-
tenant colonel Fischer, with the right column, 1,300
string, was distinctly heard on the left of the garrison.
The 2d brigade, the command of the 21st regiment hav-
ing been given to lieutenant colonel Wood, of the engi-
neers, and the artillery of Towson's battery were pre-
pared to receive him. Marching promptly forward, lieu-
tenant colonel Fischer assailed the battery with scaling
ladders, and the line toward the lake with the bayonet.
He was permitted to come close up to the works, when
the 21st and 23d regiments, and the artillery upon the
battery, opened a sudden and tremendous fire, which
threw his whole column into confusion, rendered him ut-
terly unable to sustain the contest, and prevented his
making an impression upon the works. Having retired
some distance to re-organize his column, he immediate-
ly made new arrangements for, and varied the shape of
his next attack, so as to avoid those points, from which
the greatest measure of destruction had been dealt out to
him. According to the general plan, however, which it
was incumbent on him to pursue, it was necessary that
the battery should be carried ; but, with the means to ef-
fect this object he was badly provided. — With scaling
ladders of no more than sixteen feet in length, he could
not possibly throw his troops upon a Battery, of about
twenty-five feet high, and his second attempt, equally fu-
rious as the first, met with no greater success. He was
again repulsed, and with considerable loss. 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. Without waiting to know the
result of the attack, upon the right of the works, which
had been already made by the second and third column,
he ordered a retreat to the British encampment, which
he did not effect, without the loss of many of his rear
guard, taken prisoners, in a sally made from the works
by the order of general Ripley,
3M
The attack from the centre and left column, the first
of 700, and the seeond of 800 men, was reserved until the
contest became very animated between lieutenant colonel
Fischer's column and the troops upon the left. From
the line of defences, between the Douglas battery and
the fort, and from those in front of the garrison, lieu-
tenant general Drummond supposed reinforcements
would be drawn to the aid of the southern extremity of the
works, and with this view he 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
picquets being driven in, the approach of lieutenant co-
lonel Drummond was heard from the ravine, and colonel
Scott's column at the same time advanced along the
margin of the water. From the salient bastion of the fort,
captain Williams immediately opened his fire upon the
centre column, whilst the approach of colonel Scott was
attempted to be checked by the Douglas battery, and cap-
tains Boughton and Harding's New York and Pennsylva-
nia volunteers, on its right ; the 9th infantry, under cap-
tain Foster, on its left ; and a six-pounder, planted at
that point, under the management of colonel M'Ree.
At fifty yards distance from the Jine, the enemy's left
column made a momentary pause, and instantly recoil-
ed from the fire of the cannon and musquetry. But the
centre column, having advanced upon every assail able
point of the fort, in defiance of the rapid and heavy dis-
charges of the artillery, and having ascended the parapet
by means of a large number of scaling ladders, its orfi-
cers called out to the line, extending to the lake, to desist
firing — an artifice which succeeded so well, that the
Douglas battery, and the infantry, supposing the order to
proceed from the garrison, suspended their fire, until the
deception was discovered. The left column, in the mean
time, recovered from its confusion, and was led up to a
second charge, from which it was again repulsed, before
it. had an opportunity 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 difficulty, thrown back from the
salient bastion; and the troops wifhiu the fort, were
312
quickly reinforced from general Ripley's brigade, and ge-
neral Porter's volunteers. — But, lieutenant colonel Dram<-
mond, actuated by a determination (not to be overcome
by a single repulse) to force an entrance into the garri-
son, and momentarily expecting the reserve to be or-
dered up by the lieutenant general, returned to the as-
sault a second and a third time. By the gallant efforts,
however, 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 tail of its leader, lieutenant Douglass was busily en-
gaged in giving such a direction to the guns of his battery,
as to cut off the communication between 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 complet-
ed, the only opposition which could be given to the ene-
my's approaches upon those points, was by means of
small arms. The batteries of captain Biddle and captain
Fanning (formerly Fontain's) in the works intervening
between TWson's battery and the fort, were therefore
opened upon the enemy with great vivacity, and his ad-
vances from the plain, frequently checked by those
gallant and meritorious officers.
After this third repulse, Iieut. col. Drummond, taking
advantage of the darkness of the 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 reascended his
ladders with such velocity, as to gain footing on the pa-
rapet, before any effectual opposition could be made.
Being in the very midst of his men, he directed them to
charge vigorously with their pikes 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 despera-
tion of the present conflict.
* General Gaines, in his official letter, speaking- of lieutenant
colonel Drummond, observes, " The order of « Give the Tan-
lees no quarter,' wjts often reiterated by this officer, whose
bravery, if it had been seasoned with virtue, would tsave enti-
tled him to the adamratlon of everV soldier,''"
313
Captain Williams, and lieutenants M'Donough and
Watmough, of the artillery, being in the most conspi-
cuous situations, were personally engaged with the as-
sailants, and were all severely wounded — the first, cap-
tain Williams, mortally.* Not all the efforts of major
Hindman and his command, nor major Trimble's infan-
try, nor a detachment of riflemen under captain Birdsall,
who had posted himself in the ravelin, opposite the gate-
way of the fort, could dislodge the determined and intre-
pid enemy from the bastion ; though the deadly effects
of their fire prevented his approaches beyond it. He had
now complete possession of the bastion. About this
time, lieutenant M'Donough's wounds, rendered him al-
most incapable of further resistance, and he demanded
quarter from the enemy, but, lieutenant colonel Drum-
mond personally refused it, and repeated his instructions
to his troops, to deny it, in all instances. The shock-
ing inhumanity of this order roused the exhausted spirit
of the lieutenant, and seizing a handspike, he defended
himself against a numerous party of the assailants, until
he received a pistol shot discharged at him by the hand
of their commander. Lieutenant colonel Drummond sur-
vived this act but a few moments, the fall of M'Donough
being avenged by a person standing near him, who im-
mediately shot the colonel through the breast.
The loss of their leader did not check the impetuosity
of the enemy's troops, and they continued in the use of
their pikes and small arms until the day broke, and re-
pulsed several furious charges made upon them by de-
• This amiable young officer was the son of colonel Jona-
than Williams, who had long been at the head of the United
States* engineer department j to whom the nation is greatly
indebted for the construction of many of the principal fortifi-
cations; and who was a member elect of the fourteenth con-
gress, from the city of Philadelphia. The captain was also
formerly of the engineer corps, but having been transferred to.
the artillery, and being anxious to share in the honours and
the perils of the campaign of 1814, he solicited to be sent to
the Niagara frontier, and received an order to repair thither,
from fort Mifflin, a garrison which, for several months, he had
commanded with reputation. Early in the spring of that year,
though in a state of convalescence from a dangerous fever, he
proceeded to the lines, and joined the army of general Brown,,
ih which no officer was more universally esteemed..
314
tachments 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 detach-
ment of infantry, major Hindman renewed his attempts
to drive the British 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 ac-
cidental wound from one of his own men, just as the at-
tack failed. Detachments from the 1st brigade, under
captain Foster, were then introduced over the interior
bastion, to the assistance of major Hindman ; these de-
tachments were to charge at a different point of the sali-
ent or exterior bastion, and were handsomely led on by
captain Foster, aud the assistant inspector general, major
Hall. This charge also failed ; the passage up the bas-
tion not being wide enough to admit more than three
men abreast. It was frequentlv, however, repeated, and
though it sometimes occasioned much slaughter among
the enemy's infantry, was invariably repulsed. By the
operations of the artillery from a demi-bastion in the fort,
and the continual blaze of fire from the small arms, ad-
ded to the effects of the repeated charges, the enemy's
column, being considerably cut up, and many of its prin-
cipal officers wounded, began to recoil ; which, being
observed by the besieged party, and the contest having
entirely subsided on the left flank of the works, rein-
forcements were brought up from that point, and many
of the enemy's troops, in a few moments, thrown from
the bastion.
The British reserve was now expected to come
up ; the guns at the Douglas battery had by this time
been turned so as to enfilade that column in its ap-
proach ; captain Fanning was already playing upon the
enemy with great effect ; and captain Biddle was ordered
to post a piece of artillery, so as to enfilade the salient
glacis. This piece was served with uncommon vivacity,
notwithstanding captain Biddle had been severely
wounded in (he shoulder. All these preparations being
made, for an effectual operation upon the enemy's re-
maining column, and from the dreadful carnage which
bad already taken place, it was scarcely supposed that
SIB
lie would continue the assault much longer. But three
or four hundred men of the reserve, were about to
rush upon the parapet to the assistance of these re-
coiling, when a tremendous and dreadful explosion took
place, under the platform, which carried away the bas-
tion, and all who happened to be upon it.* The enemy's
reserve immediately fell back, and in a short time the
contest terminated in the entire defeat of the assailants,
who returned, with the shattered columns, to their en-
campment.
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 mis-
sing— in all 905.
The American loss amounted to 17 killed; 5S wound-
ed; and 1 lieut (Fontain) who was thrown over the para-
pet, while defending the bastion, and 10 privates, prison-
* This explosion, to which alone the enemy attributed the
failure of his arms, notwithstanding the signal repulses of his
right and left columns, has been variously accounted for. If.
was occasioned by the communication of a spark to an ammu-
nition chest, placed under the platform of the bastion, but by
what means the narrator of this event has not been able, after
an investigation of many papers written to him upon the sub-
ject, to ascertain. It is to be regretted, that a fact constitut-
ing so important a feature in this memorable defence, should
never have been satisfactorily developed. Several letters
from officers, engaged at the right flank of the American
works, state it to have been the result of entire accident ;
whilst others relate, that lieutenant M'Donough, not having
been immediately removed from the foot of the bastion, on
which he had been twice wounded, and being highly exas-
perated at the determination, which he saw in the conduct of
the enemy's troops, to show no mercy to the vanquished soldier,
resolved upon devoting himself to stop the progress of their
inhuman career, and to this end threw a lighted match into
the chest of ammunition, and by its immediate explosion, pro-
duced those, tremendous effects, which restored the bastion to
the, Americans, and terminated the conflict.
316
ers — in all 84 men : making a difference in their favour oi
821. During the cannonade and bombardment which com-
menced on the 13th, and continued until an hour before
the assault on the morning of the 15th, 45 men of the
American garrison were killed and wounded. Captain
Biddle, lieutenant Zantzinger, and adjutant lieutenant
Watmough, of the artillery, and lieutenant Patterson, of
the 19th infantry, among the latter.
A night or two before the attack upon fort Erie, the
British general furnished captain Dobbs, of the royal na-
vy, with a sufficient number of troops to man nine large
boats, which were completely fitted, to attack the three
schooners, the Somers, Porcupine, and Ohio, then lying
at anchor off the fort. The Porcupine succeeded in beat-
ing them off, but the Somers and Ohio were carried, after
a gallant resistance, in which the enemy lost two seamen
killed, and four wounded ; and the schooners, one sea-
man killed, and three officers and four seamen wounded.
The captured schooners were taken down the Niagara^
and anchored near Frenchman's creek ; the Porcupine
immediately after sailed for the town of Erie.
In consequence of his immense losses in the assault,
the enemy's force was reduced almost to the number of
the troops within the garrison ; and, until he was again
reinforced, he did not think proper to carry on his opera-
tions. A few days brought him a reinforcement of two
full regiments, and having enlarged his batteries, and
made arrangements to force the Americans to the evacu-
ation of fort Erie, he opened a fire from his whole line, and
threw in hot shot, shells, and every destructive imple-
ment within his reach, without intermission, during the re-
mainder of the month of August. On the 28th, gen. Gaines
was severely wounded in several parts of his body, by a
shell which fell through the roof of his quarters, and explod-
ed at his feet. He was fortunate enough to escape suffoca-
tion, by gaining the door of the apartment, but being en-
tirely disabled, he retired to Buffaloe, and left the Com-
mand again in the hands of gen. Ripley, who neglected no
means to facilitate the completion of the works, which,
with the assistance of the engineers, he had originally
planned.
CHAPTER XX.
Invasion of the American territory by Sir George Prevost
— Battle of the Saranac — Defeat and capture of the Bri-
tish Fleet on Lake Champlain — Plattsburg evacuated — ■
Continuation of ttte siege of Fort Erie — The besieged
make a sortie from their works, and storm those of the be-
siegers — The British raise the siege, and retire to the
Chippewa — Engagement at Lyorfs Creek — Destruction
of Fort Erie by the Americans, and evacuation of Upper
Canada — Operations against Michilimackinac — Loss of
the U. S. vessels Scorpion and Tigress — Expedition into
Canada, under General M{ Arthur.
THE operations against the enemy's positions along
the Niagara, had scarcely been entered upon, when the
governor general, sir George Prevost, matured the plan
of an expedition, having for its object the invasion of the
American territory from Lower Canada ; the defeat and
destruction of the right division of the United States' ar-
my, then lying in the neighbourhood of Plattsburg, under
major general Izard ; and the subjugation of the country
to Crown Point and Ticonderoga. No offensive mea-
sures, against any part of Lower Canada, by this army,
being at that time in contemplation, and the apprehen-
sions of the war department having been strongly excited
about the safety of the left division, after its investment
at fort Erie, general Izard received orders to march for
that post, with a reinforcement of the largest proportion
of his troops, and to assume the command of the garri-
son. Accordingly, after detaching about 1500 men, un-
der brigadier general Macomb, most of whom were ei-
ther sick or convalescent, and requiring of general Mooers,
of the New York militia, the aid of a few volunteer com-
panies, for the defence of Plattsburg, he marched for
Sackett's Harbor, with upwards of 3,000 men. Being
thus left in command of a position, open to the attacks of
the enemy's naval, as well as his land, forces, general
Macomb neglected no precaution to prevent surprize,
and to put his small army in the best state of discipline,
318
I
though on the 1st of September, in consequence of the
best brigades having been broken up, to form general
Izard's division, he had but one battalion properly organ-
ized. The works erecting were on that day unfinished,
and the troops, therefore, divided into detachments to
complete them.
Transports, with troops, had been continually arriving
at Quebec, from England, and such was the secrecy and
address with which sir George Prevost made prepara-
tions for his intended expedition, that, before the first of
September, he had organized a powerful army of 14,000
men, opposite Montreal, constituted of the most expe-
rienced generals, and distinguished officers of the British
army. This comparatively immense force consisted of
three brigades, and a corps of reserve, the brigades be-
ing divided into twenty-four divisions, and having a staff,
composed of two lieutenant* general, five majors general,
and a proportionate number of assistants and deputies.
The respective brigades were commanded by majors
general, Robertson, Powers, Brisbane, and Baynes (ad-
jutant general.) Major general Kempt commanded the re-
serve. Sir Sidney Beckwith was quarter master general
to this army, and lieut. gen. De Rottenburg, the second
in command; sir George Prevost commanding in person.
About the 1st of the month, he occupied with these
troops the village of Champlain, and issued addresses
and proclamations, inviting the citizens to his stand-
ard, and promising them the protection of his majes-
ty's government. From Champlain he continued to
make gradual approaches towards Plattsburg, until the
6th. Early on the morning of that day he made a rapid
advance, in two columns, one coming down the Beck-
mantown road, and the other along the Lake road. At
a bridge crossing Dead creek, intersecting the latter,
general Macomb had stationed a detachment of 200 men,
under captain Sproul, of the 13th, to abattis the woods,
and to place obstructions in the road; after which, he
was to fortify himself with two field pieces, sent with
him for that purpose, and to receive orders from lieute-
nant colonel Appling, who, with 100 riflemen, was re-
connoitring the enemy's movements some distance in ad-
vance of this position. The brigade of general Brisbane,
which approached through the Beckmantown road with
319
more rapidity than the other, was met by about 70ft mi-
litia, under general Mooers, who, after a slight skirmish
with the enemy's light parties, with the exception of one
or two companies, fled in the greatest disorder. Those
who were intrepid enough to remain, were immediately
formed with a corps of 250 regulars, under major Wooll,
of the 29th, and disputed the passage of the road for
some time. But their fears also getting at length the bet-
ter of their judgment, notwithstanding the enemy fired
only from his flankers and patrolling parties, they fol-
lowed the example of their comrades, and precipitately
retired to the village. Major Wooll's regulars remained
firm, however, and being joined by capt. L. Leonard's
park of flying artillery, and the 6th, and a detachment
of the 34th regiments, continued to annoy the advanced
parties of the British column, and killed lieutenant colo-
nel Wellington, of the 3d, or buffs, who was at its head.
General Macomb, at this moment, personally direct-
ing the movements in the town, soon saw that the ene-
my's object, in making so much more rapid a march on
its west, than on the north, was to cut off lieutenant co-
lonel Appling's and captain Sproul's detachments, des-
patched his aid, lieutenant Root, with orders to those of-
ficers to withdraw their forces from Dead creek, to join
the detachment of major Wooll, and to fall upon the ene-
my's right flank. Whilst lieutenant colonel Appling was
proceeding in obedience to this order, he was encoun»
tered on the north side of the town, by the light divisions of
the enemy's 1st brigade, sent for the purpose of cutting
him off, and which had that moment emerged from the
woods.Their numbers were superior, and had he been delay !
ed an instant longer on the Lake road, he must inevitably
have yielded. Here he engaged, but after a short con-
test, retired before them. In the centre of the town he
re-engaged them, and being joined by major Wooll, was*
ordered to retire to the American works on the south of
the Saranac.
The retreat was effected in good order, and covered
by a guard of 120 men, under captain M'Glassin, of the
1 5th infantry ; the detachments alternately retiring and
keeping up a brisk and effectual fire upon the British co-
lumns. Having reached the works with a trifling loss,
general Macomb ordered lieutenant Harrison, of the 13th,
E e 2
320
under the direction of major Wooll, and protected by
captain Leonard's artillery, to destroy the bridge over the
Saranac.
This order was not executed without some difficulty.
The British having occupied the houses near the bridge,
with their light troops, kept up a constant fire from the
windows, and wounded lieutenants Harrison and Tur-
ner, of the 13th, and Taylor, of the 34th. These troops
were, however, soon after dislodged by a discharge of
hot shot from the American works, and in conjunction
with the right column, were engaged the remainder of
the day in various attempts to drive the guards from the
the several bridges. — But the planks had all been taken
up, and being placed in the form of breastworks, served
to cover the American light parties stationed for the de-
fence of the passages. The obstructions which had been
thrown in the way of the column advancing by the Lake
road, and the destruction of the bridge over Dead creek,
greatly impeded its approaches, and, in attempting to
ford the creek, it received a severe and destructive fire,
from the gun-boats and gallies anchored in front of the
town. But not all the gallies, aided by the armament of
the whole flotilla, which then lay opposite Plattsburg, un-
der commodore Macdonough, could have prevented 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 Drum-
mond, at Erie, he made a pause, in full view of the un-
finished works of the Americans, and consumed five
4ays in erecting batteries, and throwing up breastworks,
for the protection of his approaches. Of this interval the
American general did not fail to avail himself, and kept
hte troops constantly employed in finishing his line of re-
doubts. Whilst both parties were thus engaged in pro-
viding for the protection of their forces, the main body of
the British army came up with the advance ; and gene-
ral Macomb was also reinforced by the militia of New
York, and the volunteers from the mountains of Ver-
mont. Skirmishes between light detachments, sallies
from the different works, and frequent attempts to restore
the bridges, served to amuse the besiegers and the be-
sieged, while the former were getting up a train of bat-
tering cannon, and the latter strengthening their line?;
321
and preparing to repel the attack. In one of these skir-
mishes, on the 7th, a British detachment making a vio-
lent effort to obtain possession of the pass of a bridge,
was handsomely repulsed by a small guard under lieute-
nant llunk of the 6th infantry, who received a musket ball
in his body, and expired on the following day. He was
the only officer killed during the siege.
The New York militia and Vermont volunteers, were
now principally stationed at the different bridges crossing
the Saranac, or in the wood opposite the fording places.
From these positions they annoyed the enemy's guards,
and poured repeated discharges of musquetry into his
masked batteries.
Two of general Macomb's new works were called fort
Brown, and fort Scott, and opposite the former it was sus-
pected, a very powerful masked battery had been con-
structed, in order suddenly to demolish it, at a time of
general attack. To discover the truth of this suspicion,
and if possible to destroy or to mutilate such a work, cap-
tain M'Glassin, on the night of the 9th, volunteered his
services, to ford the river with a competent detachment.
His enterprize was approved of by the general, who as-
signed him the command of fifty men. — With these the
captain succeeded in fording the river nearly under fort
Brown, and upon gaining the opposite shore, proceeded
with great secrecy about 300 yards. At this distance,
from the margin of the river, he encountered a guard of
150 men, whom he instantly engaged, and with such vi-
gour and address, as to deceive them, with respect to
his own force, and after a short contest to drive them behind
a work, which he discovered to be the suspected masked
battery. Having succeeded in the accomplishment of one
of the objects of his enterprize, neither captain M'Glas-
sin, nor his brave detachment, could think of returning
to the army, without having signalized the expedition by
some act, more important in its consequences, than the
putting to flight an enemy's guard, however superior in
numbers. He accordingly led up his detachment to
charge upon the work, into which the British guard had
fled, and by one or two vigorous onsets, in which he had
but one man wounded, he carried the battery, and en-
tirely routed its defenders, with the loss of their com-
manding officer and sixteen men killed, and several
322
wounded. Being now in possession of a work, which
would have incalculably annoyed the batteries at fort
Brown, captain M'Glassin destroyed it with all possible
haste, and returned to the American works, with the loss
of three men missing. For this gallant and hazardous
essay, which had a tendency not only to deceive the
British general with regard to the actual force of general
Macomb's army, and to inspire the troops, militia as
well as regulars, with a spirit of enterprize, but placed a
principal work, fort Brown, beyond the possibility of be-
ing silenced, captain M'Glassin received the public
thanks of his commanding officer, and the brevet rank of
major, from the president of the United States.
On the morning of the 1 1th, the motives of the British
general, in delaying his assault upon the American works,
became apparent. Being assured of his ability, at any
time, to destroy them by a single effort, he was regard-
less of the manner in which they might be gradually
strengthened, and awaited the arrival of the British
squadron from lake Champlain, in co-operation with
which, he contemplated a general attack, and the easy
capture of the American fleet and army. On that daj^
his fleet, consisting of a large frigate, the Confiance, of 39
guns; the brig Linnet, of 16; the sloops Chub and Finch,
(formerly the United States' sloops Growler and Eagle)
of 11 guns each; and 13 gun-boats and row-gallies,
mounting in all 95 guns, and having a complement of
1,050 men, made its appearance^ under captain Downie,
round Cumberland Head, and immediately engaged the
American squadron, under commodore Macdonough,
then moored in Plattsburg bay, and consisting of the
ship Saratoga ; the brig Eagle ; the schooner Ticonde •
roga; the sloop Preble; and 10 gun-boats, mounting
altogether 86 guns, (the largest vessel carrying 26) and
being manned with 820 men.
The first gun from the Confiance was the signal for a
general action, and sir George Prevost instantly opened
his batteries upon the works on the opposite bank of the
Saranac. A^tremendous cannonade ensued ; bomb-shells
and Congreve rockets were thrown into the American
lines during the whole day ; and frequent, but ineffectual
attempts made to ford the river. At a bridge, about a
mile up the river, an attempt to throw over a division of
323
the enemy's army, was handsomely repulsed by a de-
tachment of regulars ; and an effort to force the passage
of the bridge in the town, was effectually checked by a
party of riflemen, under captain Grosvenor. But the
principal slaughter took place at a ford three miles from
the works. — There the enemy succeeded in crossing over
three companies of the 76th regiment, before his ad-
vance was impeded. A body of volunteers and militia,
stationed in a contiguous wood, opened a heavy fire upon
them, and after a spirited contest, in which one of these
companies was entirely destroyed, its captain killed,
and 3 lieutenants, and 27 men made prisoners, those
who had attained the shore fell back in disorder, upon
an approaching column, then in the middle of the river.
The receding and advancing columns mingled with each
other, and being closely pressed by the volunteers, the
whole body was thrown into a state of confusion, from
which th * officers could not recover them ; numbers
were killed in the stream, and the dead and wounded
being swept along by the force of the current, sunk into
one common grave.
But the result of the engagement between the two na-
val armaments, which continued upwards of two hours,
in presence of the contending armies, soon determined
the action upon land. Its effects were sensibly felt by
the British general, whose plans were completely frus-
trated by its issue. After getting round Cumberland
Head, captain Downie anchored his fleet, within 300
yards of the line formed by commodore Macdonough,
and placing the Confiance frigate in opposition to the Sa-
ratoga ; the Linnet to the Eagle, captain Henley ; one of
his sloops and all his gallies, to the schooner Ticondero-
ga, lieutenant commandant Cassin, and the»s!oop Preble.
His other sloop, alternately assisting the Saratoga and
Eagle. The latter vessel was so situated, shortly after
the commencement of the action, that her guns could not
be brought to bear, and captain Henley cut her cable,
and placed her between the commodore's ship and the
Ticonderoga, from which situation, though she exposed
the Saratoga to a galling fire, she annoyed the enemy's
squadron with much effect. Some minutes after ten
o'clock, nearly all the guns on the starboard side of the
Saratoga being either dismounted or entirely unmanage-
324 i
able, commodore Macdonough was obliged to put out a
stern anchor, and to cut the bower cable, by which
means the Saratoga winded on the enemy's frigate with
a fresh broadside, which being promptly delivered, the
Confiance immediately after surrendered, with 105 round
shot in her hull, and her captain and 49 men killed, and
60 wounded. The Saratoga had 55 round shot in her
hull, and had been twice set on fire by hot shot from the
Confiance, but she sustained a loss of only 28 in killed,
and 29 wounded, notwithstanding she mounted "13 guns
less than her antagonist. The Confiance had no sooner
surreudered, than the Saratoga's broadside was sprung to
bear on the brig, whose flag struck fifteen minutes
after. Captain Henley, in the Eagle, had already cap-
tured one of the enemy's sloops ; and the Ticonderoga,
after having sustained availing fire, caused the surrender
©f the remaining vessel. The principal vessels of the
British fleet being now all captured, and thre4 of their
row gallies sunk, the remaining ten escaped from the bay
in a shattered condition.
Among the officers killed on board the Saratoga, was
the first lieutenant, Gamble ; and on board the Ticon-
deroga; lieut. John Stansbury, (son of gen- Tobias Stans-
bury, of Maryland,) who was shot upon mounting the
netting, to discover in what manner the guns of his divi
sion might be brought to bear more effectually upon one of
the enemy's vessels. Among the wounded were lieute-
nant Smith, acting lieutenant Spencer, and midshipman
Baldwin. The total loss of commodore Maedonough's
squadron, amounted to 52 men killed, and 58 wounded.
The enemy's loss was, 84 men killed, 110 wounded, and
856 prisoners, who alone amounted to a greater number
than those by, .whom they were taken.
The capture of his fleet being announced to sir George
Prevost, he immediately withdrew his forces from the
assault of the American works. From his batteries,
however, he kept up a constant fire until the dusk of the
evening, when, being silenced by the guns of fort Mo-
reau, under colonel M. Smith, and of forts Brown and
Scott, he retired within the town, and at 9 at night sent
off his artillery, and all the baggage for which he could
obtain transport. About midnight he made a disgraceful
and precipitate retreat, leaving behind him all his sick
325
and wounded, with a request that they might be gene
rously treated by general Macomb. At day-break of the
12th, this movement being discovered by that officer, he
\ immediately despatched his light troops, and the volun-
teers and militia, in pursuit. The enemy, however, had
retired with such celerity, as to reach Chazy before the
pursuit was commenced, and a violent storm prevented
its continuance. Immense quantities of provisions, bomb-
shells, cannon balls, grape-shot, ammunition, flints, in-
trenching tools, tents and marquees were taken, and up-
wards of 400 deserters surrendered themselves in the
course of the day. Besides these, sir George lost 75 pri-
soners, and as nearly as could be ascertained, about 1,500
killed and wounded; among them several officers of rank.
The loss of the American army, which, with the acces-
sion of the volunteers and militia, did not exceed 2,500
men, amounted to 37 killed, 62 wounded, and 20 missing.
For the gallantry which they displayed in this splendid
engagement, general Macomb; lieutenant colonel App-
ling; majors Wooll, of the 29th, and Totten, of the engi-
neers, whose services were eminently conspicuous in
the construction of the works, and captain Brooks, of
the artillery, received the brevet rank of the grades next
above those which they held on the day of the action.
Captain Youngs, of the 15th, had been put on board the
squadron with a detachment of infantry to act as marines ;
and for his coolness and intrepidity, in a species of ser-
vice distinct from that to which he was attached, was also
breveted. Captain Grosvenor, of the infantry, and the
brigade major, lieutenant Duncan, of the artillery, were
conspicuous for their zeal and activity throughout the en-
engagement; the latter was charged with the delivery of
the despatches to the war department. Promotions took
place also in the navy, and commodore Macdonough was
immediately elevated to the rank of post captain.
The investment of fort Erie was all this time continued;
the troops of the garrison were actively engaged in the
completion of the bastions and of the abattis on the
right flank ; and the besiegers employed in the erection
of additional batteries intended to enfilade the western
ramparts of the American works. General Brown had
returned to the post, and resumed the command of the
army, which had been in the mean time reinforced by
326
wew levies of militia. About the middle of September,
after these arrangements were completed, an attempt to
dislodge the enemy from his intrenched works, and to
deprive him of the means of annoying the garrison, was
determined on. A sortie was planned, and the morning
of the 17th appointed for its execution. Lieutenants Rid-
dle and Frazer, of the 15th infantry, 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 was not discovered until the actual
assault commenced. About noon the regulars, infantry,
and riflemen, and the volunteers and militia, were in rea-
diness to march ; and before two o'clock the sortie was
made. The division issuing from the left, was com-
manded by general Porter, and composed of 200 rifle-
men and a few Indians, under colonel Gibson, and two
columns, the right commanded by lieutenant colonel
Wood, and the left by brigadier general Davis, of the
New York militia. These columns were conducted
through the woods by lieutenants Riddle and Frazer, and
approached upon the enemy's new battery, on his right,
with such rapidity, as to surprize the brigade stationed at
his line. His batteries, Nos. 3 and 4, were gallantly
stormed, and after thirty minutes close action, both car-
ried. Colonel Gibson and lieutenant colonel Wood, fell
at the head of their columns, almost at the onset, and
the respective commands devolved upon lieutenant col.
M'Donald and major Brooks.
A block house in the rear of battery No. 3, was also
carried, and its garrison made prisoners. Three 24-
pounders and their carriages, were destroyed, and after
the prisoners were secured, and the American columns
moved beyond its influence, lieutenant Riddle descend-
ed into the magazine, and, first taking out a quantity of
fixed ammunition, set fire to a train leading to several
barrels of powder. The explosion took place much
sooner than the lieutenant expected, and not being able
to escape in time, he was covered with the combusti-
bles and fragments of the magazine, from which he was
extricated with the utmost difficulty. At the momeni of
this explosion, the right division of the troops which
had been stationed in the ravine between the fort and
the enemy's works, under general Miller, with orders
327
iiot to attack until general Porter had engaged the ene-
my's right flank, first came up to the assault, and in
co-operation with colonel Gibson's column, pierced the
British intrerchments between their batteries Nos 2 and
3, and after a severe contest, carried the former. In
this assault, brigadier general Davis, of the New York
militia, fell at the head of his corps. The enemy's
second blockhouse, his batteries 2 and 3, and his
unfinished battery No. 4, with the intervening breast-
works and intrenchments, being now all in the pos-
session of the Americans, general Miller's division
inclined towards the river with a view to assail his
battery No. 1, erected at the extremity of his left flank.
At this point the enemy made a much bolder and more
obstinate resistance. There his defences were con-
structed with the most studied intricacy ; breastworks
had been thrown up connecting his first and second bat-
tery ; successive lines of intrenchments intersected each
other for nearly a hundred yards in their rear ; and rows
of abattis and timber planted in multiplied involutions,
formed impediments to the approach of the assailants,
produced some confusion in the column, and made con-
stant appeals to the bayonet necessary. Before general
Miller attempted this movement upon the battery near
the water, general Brown had ordered up general Ripley
with the reserve, comprised of the 21st regiment, under
lieutenant colonel Upham, and desired him, as the senior
^officer in advance, to ascertain the general situation of
the troops, and to withdraw them from the enemy's
works, as soon as the object of the sortie, the destruc-
tion of his batteries, was effected. The reserve, in obe-
dience to this order, promptly advanced to the support
of Miller's column, and came into the engagement as the
enemy's force was strengthened from his encampment.
This column was composed of the 9th, the llih, and
part of the 19th infantry; the first being commanded by
lieutenant colonel Aspinwall, who los< his left arm in
the assault ; and the last, by major Trimble, who was
dangerously shot through the body. Under the immedi-
ate direction of the same gallant leader who had carried
he cannon, upon the eminence at Lundy's lane, and aided
thy lieutenant coionel Upbam, with the 21st and part of
Ff
oSo
the 17th, it made a rapid charge upon, and stormed the
remaining battery, which was instantly abandoned by the
British infantry and artillery. General Ripley then or-
dered a line to be formed in front, for the protection of
the detachments, engaged in spiking, the enemy's guns,
and demolishing the captured works. This line he de-
termined also to strengthen, in order to annoy the rear
of general Drummond's retreating forces, and was in
the act of forwarding these arrangements, when he re-
ceived a dangerous wound in the neck, and fell by the
side of major Brook, of the 23d, whose command was
at that moment engaged with a detachment on the ene-
my's right. His aid, lieutenant Kirby, caused iiim to be
removed to the garrison, and general Miller having or-
dered the right wing to fall back, the troops upon the left
were shortly after recalled, and the operations ceased
with the accomplishment of all the objects of the sortie.
The troops then returned to the garrison, with their
prisoners, and many trophies of their valour ; and, on
the third day after, lieutenant general Drummond, who
had been joined before the sortie by majors general De
Watteville and Stovin, broke up his encampment, raised
the siege, and hastily retired upon fort George * In addi-
tion to the loss of nearly all his cannon, his force was
again reduced at least 1,000 men; and, notwithstanding
the results of forty-seven days incessant labour, were de-
stroyed, and 11 of his officers, and 374 of his non-com-
missioned officers and privates made prisoners, and trans-
ferred to the American shore, he called the event a re-
pulse of an American army of 5,000 men, by an incon-
siderable number of British troops. Including the names
already mentioned, general Brown's army lost 10 officers
and 70 men killed; 24 officers and 190 wounded; and
10 officers and 206 missing — in all 510.
Not long after the enemy had been thus compelled to
raise the seige of fort Erie, the garrison was enlarged
by the arrival of the right division, under major
general Izard, who superceded general Brown in the
command of the army. The accession of this division,
and the strength of the defences, which were all by this
time entire, and .ome cfthem garnished with heavj can-
sion, rendered fort Erie impregnable to the attacks of
329
any other than a vastly superior force ; and the month,
intervening between the 17th of September and the 18th
of October, was constantly employed in drilling, and
harmonizing the discipline of the two wings of the army.
In the neighbourhood of Cook's Mills at Lyon's creek,
a branch of the Chippewa, it was understood that quan-
tities of provisions were deposited for the use of the
British troops, and general Izard directed general Bis-
sel, commanding the 2d brigade of the 1st division, to
march thither and seize them. On the 18th he proceeded
on the expedition, and after driving in a picquet guard,
and capturing its commanding officer, he threw two
light companies, under captain Dorman, of the 5th, and
lieutenant Horrell, of the 16th infantry, and a company
of riflemen under captain Irvine, across Lyon's creek,
and encamped for the night, with picquet guards stationed
at proper distances. One of these commanded by lieu-
tenant Gassaway, and stationed on the Chippewa road,
was attacked by two companies of the Glengary light in-
faritry, which were beat, off with loss. On the following
morning the brigade was attacked by a force of 1,200
men, under colonel the marquis of Tweedale. Captain
Dorman's infantry, and Irvine's riflemen, received the
first fire of the enemy, and sustained it with the greatest
gallantry, whilst general Bissel was forming and bringing
up the other troops to their support. Colonel Pinckney,
with the 5th regiment, was ordered to turn the enemy's
right flank, and to cut off a piece of artillery which he
had just then brought into action, whilst major Barnard*
with the 14th, was to charge them in front. These
movements were instantly effected. The enemy's left
flank and his centre sunk under the fire of corps tV elite,
and the riflemen, and the charge of the 14th; and his
right flank was turned immediately after by the rapid and
forcible movement of the 5th. The recoil of his line, and
the approach of the American reserve, composed of the
15th, under major Grindage, and the 16th, under colonel
Pearce, to enforce the success of the main body, was no
sooner perceived by the marquis, than he ordered his
troops to retire from the ground on which they had en-
gaged general Bissell ; and, expecting to draw that offi-
cer after him, fell back to his fortifications at the rnouflf
of the river. As his retreat was made without much. re*
8SG
gard io order, all his killed, and most of his wounded,
were left behind. He was pursued but a small distance,
when gen. Bissell, in conformity to his instructions, de-
stroyed the provisions at the Mills, and returned to his
position at Black creek, having effected the object of his
expedition, with the loss of 67 killed, wounded and
missing.
The whole army, with the exception of lieutenant co-
lonel Hindman's artillery, to whom the command of fort
Erie, and the works, was entrusted, was now operating
In the vicinity of Black creek and Chippewa. Its staff
had been reduced by the removal of general Ripley to
the American shore after being wounded, and the trans-
fer of general Brown to Sackett's Harbour, and of general
Miller to Boston. Immediately after the repulse of the
marquis ofTweedale, general Izard directed its return to
the garrison, whence, as the weather was about this time
setting in extremely cold, and the season having arrived
when hostilities usually ceased, it was determined to
transport it to the American shore, to supply the troops
with more comfortable winter quarters. The fort was
accordingly destroyed, and all the batteries demolished,
and" after a vigorous and brilliant campaign of four
months, the Canadian territory was evacuated, and the
army distributed in quarters at Buffaloe, Black Rock,
anB Batavia. The volunteers and militia were discharged
with the thanks of the government, and general Porter
received various testimonies of approbation and applause
from the state to which he belonged, for his constant dis-
play of bravery, and the high degree of discipline which
he maintained in his command.
Whilst these events were transpiring between the
northern army, and the armies of lieutenant general
Drummond and sir George Prevost, an expedition had
been fitted out in the north-western country, under the
united command of commodore Sinclair, with the fleet
upon lake Erie, and lieutenant colonel Croghan, with a
detachment of artillery and infantry, to act against the
fort and island of Michilimackinac. But the expedition
failed, notwithstanding the skill and gallantry of the offi-
cers engaged in it; and the troops retired from the island,
after having effected a landing, with the loss of the second
officer; major Holmes, of the 32d infantry. The enemy ap
SSI-
prized of the movement, appeared in large numbers to re-
sist it, and being protected by breastworks, and aided by
a body of Indians, exceeding the strength of col. Croghan's
detachment, that intrepid young officer was compelled to
withdraw his forces, and return to the shipping. On his
way to the island, however, he destroyed the fort St.
Joseph's, and the enemy's establishment at Sault St,
Mary's. The loss of the detachment in the expedition,
amounted to 66, killed, wounded and missing.
After leaving the island, commodore Sinclair stationed
two of his schooners, the Tigress and Scorpion, near St,
Joseph's, to cut off all supplies for the British garrison
at Michilimackinac. Lieutenant colonel M'Dowall, the
commandant of that garrison, supplied lieutenant Wors-
ley, of the navy, with 250 Indians, and a detachment of
the Newfoundland regiment, with whom, and 1 50 sailors,
he attacked the schooners on the 9th of September. —
After a severe struggle, in which he lost a very dispro-
portionate number of killed and wounded, he carried the
vessels, and proceeded with them to Michilimackinac.
On the 22d of the following month, brigadier general
M' Arthur, having collected 720 effective regulars and mi-
litia, proceeded on a secret expedition, along the west-
ern shore of lake St. Clair, and passed into the Canadian
territory, at the mouth of that water. He penetrated
two hundred miles in the enemy's country ; destroyed
mor^e 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 subsisted
on the enemy, and fired several of the mills, from which
the British troops in Upper Canada were supplied with
food. Having gained intelligence of the evacuation of fort
Erie, he abandoned his intention of proceeding to Bur-
lington Heights, and returned to Detroit on the 17th of
November. By this rapid expedition, the enemy's hos-
tile intentions were diverted from another quarter, and
his means of attacking Detroit entirely crippled ; the de-
struction of his supplies rendering such an attempt altoge
ther impracticable.
Fr2
CHAPTER XXI.
Repeated Engagements, between the Gun-Boat Flotilla
and the British vessels in the Patuxent — Bladensburg —
Capture of Washington— Of Alexandria— Death of Sir
Peter Parker — Attack upon Bcdtinwre — Death of Gene-
ral Ross, and repulse of his Army — Blockade and
Siege of New Orleans — Defeat of the British forces
there— Termination of the War, by a Treaty of Peace
and Amity negociaied at Ghent.
THE movements of the British blockading squad-
rons, on the eastern coast, during the summer of 1814,
have already been traced, to the occupation of Eastport
and Castine, in the beginning of September. In their
operations along the shores of the Chesapeake bay, and
the southern coast, they have not been followed beyond
their attack upon Hampton and Ocracock, in the month
of June. At that period, a flotilla, consisting of a cutter,
two gun-boats, a galley, and nine large barges, sailed from
Baltimore, under commodore Barney, for the protection of
the inlets and harbours in ihe several parts of the bay. On
the 1st June, being at the mouth of the Patuxent, the com-
modore discovered two schooners, one of which carried
18 guns, and immediately gave chase. The schooners were
joined, however, by a large ship, which despatched
numbers of barges to their assistance, and the commo-
dore, in danger of being cut off from the Potomac, sig-
naled his flotilla to sail up the Patuxent. In that river,
he engaged the schooners and the barges, and after beat-
ing them off with hot shot, he anchored within three
miles of a 74, stationed at its mouth. In the course of
a few days the enemy was reinforced by a razee and a
sloop of war, and joining the barges of these vessels, to
those with which they had already engaged commodore
Barney, they followed his flotilla into St. Leonard's
333
creek, two miles above the mouth of which his gun-
boats and barges were formed in line of battle, across the
channel. From this point the commodore engaged them,
and seeing a disposition to fall back, he immediately bore
down, put them to flight, and pursued them to within a
short distance of their shipping, which consisted of a
ship, a brig, and two schooners. In the afternoon of the
10th, the enemy made another attempt upon the flotilla,
with twenty barges, and the two schooners. The com-
modore immediately moved upon them, 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 aground and abandoned her.
These attempts upon the flotilla were constantly re-
peated, and its blockade in St. Leonard's continued until
the 26th, on the morning of which day, a combined at-
tack of a corps of artillery, which had been despatched
from Washington to its assistance, a detachment of the
marine corps, and the flotilla itself, was made upon the
whole squadron, among which were two frigates. The
action continued upwards of two hours, and terminated
in driving the enemy from his anchorage. His ships
stood down the river, and commodore Barney finding
the blockade raised, sailed out of St. Leonard's, and pro-
ceeded up the Patuxent.
The British squadron at the different stations in the
Chesapeake, were now every day augmented, by arri-
vals of transperts and ships of the line from England.
The cessation of hostilities which had taken place in Eu-
rope, enabled the British government to send out power-
ful reinforcements to their fleets and armies already on
the coast, and admiral sir Alexander Cochrane had been
despatched with upwards of thirty sail, having on board
an army of several thousand men, under major general
Ross. This force entered the Chesapeake in the course
of the summer, and between the land and naval com-
manders, a plan of attack upon Washington, Alexandria,
and Baltimore, was soon after adopted. A few weeks
before the repulse of sir George Prevost, at Plattsburg,
admiral Cochrane notified the secretary of state, of his
having been called upon by the governor general, to lay
waste and destroy, all such towns and districts upon the
coast as might be found assailable, and that he had in
334
consequence issued his orders to that effect, to all the
naval commanders upon the station.
If this despatch was forwarded with the honorable in-
tent of apprizing the American government of the con-
templated attack upon the capital, the object was either
wilfully, or through negligence, defeated. — For, previous-
ly to the receipt of this notice at the department of state,
the enemy was already ascending, in two divisions of his
fleet, the Patuxent and the Potomac. In the first of
these rivers, his force amounted to twenty-seven square-
rigged vessels, all of which proceeded to Benedict, the
head of frigate navigation, and landed about 6000 regu-
lar.-, seamen and marines. Commodore Barney, in obe-
dience to the orders which he had received to that ef-
fect, blew up and abandoned his flotilla upon the ap-
proach of so powerful a force, and retreated to Notting-
ham on the 22d of August,, where, with his seamen and
marines, he joined the United States' army, under bri-
gadier general Winder. The enemy approached the
Wood Yard, a position twelve miles only from the city,
and at which general Winder's forces were drawn up.
These consisted of about 5,000 men, 2,500 of whom
were from Baltimore, and offered battle to the British
troops. — But general Ross, upon reaching the neigh-
bourhood of Nottingham, turned to his right and took
the road to Marlborough, upon which general Winder
fell back to Battalion Old Fields, about eight miles from
the city. The positions now occupied by the two ar-
mies were distant from each other about seven miles ;
and general Winder desiring to know in what manner
they had encamped, rode witli a small escort to Marlbo-
rough, and learned, from several prisoners who were taken,
that the British general intended to remain there until
the following day - About noon of the 23d, general Ross
put his troops in motion, having been previously joined
by admiral Cockburn, and was met by the American ad-:
vanced corps, under lieut. colonel Scott and major Peter,
who, after exchanging several rounds, fell back upon the
main army. Early on the 24th, the enemy's column re-
sumed its march, and reached Bladensburg, about six
miles from Washington, without loss. At Bladensburg,
general Stansbury had taken an advantageous position,
and by the greatest exertion general Winder was enabled
S35
to interpose his whole force before the enemy, including
commodore Barney's flotilla men and marines. At one,
P. M. the action commenced : The Baltimore artillery,
under captains Myers and Macgruder, supported by
major Pinkney's riflemen, were stationed in advance
to command the pass ©f the bridge, and dealt out
a very destructive fire. But the British column advan-
ced upon them in such superior force, that they were
obliged to retire. Upon seeing this, the right and
centre of general Stansbury's brigade, immediately gave
wajr, and in a few minutes he was deserted by his whole
command, except about 40 men of colonel Ragan's regi-
ment, and captain Shower's company. The 5th Balti-
more regiment, under colonel Sterret, stationed on the
left of general Stansbury's brigade, maintained its ground,
until, lest it should be outflanked, an order was given
for its retreat. The reserve, under brigadier general
Smith, of the District of Columbia, with commodore
Barney and lieutenant colonel Beall on their right, still
remained upon the hill, and continued the contest after
the flight of the Maryland brigade. As the militia re-
tired, the British regulars advanced upon the main road,
and coming immediately in front of commodore Barney's
flotilla, he opened an 18 pounder upon them, which
cleared the road, and for a time disordered their column,
and retarded their approach. Two other attempts made
by the enemy to pass the battery were also repulsed, and
gen. Ross marched a division jof his troops into an open
field, with a determination to flank the commodore's
right. This attempt also was frustrated by captain Mil-
ler, of the marines, with three 12 pounders, and the men
of the flotilla acting as infantry. After being^hus kept in
check about half an hour, general Ross began to outflank
the right of the battery, in large numbers; and pushed
about 300 men upon general Smith's brigade, which, af-
ter exchanging a shot or two, fled as precipitately as the
brigade of general Stansbury. In the panic produced by
this disorderly retreat, the drivers of the ammunition
wagons fled also, and commodore Barney's small com-
mand was left to contend against the whole force of the
enemy, with less than one complete round of cartridge.
To add to the general misfortune, and to increase the
difficulties even of retiring with credit, he had received a,
336
severe wound in his thigh, and his horse had been killed
under him — two of his principal officers were killed, and
captain Miller and sailing master Martin wounded. The
places of these could be promptly supplied from the men
acting as infantry, but the means of repulsing the enemy
were expended, and the British infantry and marines by
this time completely in the rear of the battery. Thus
situated, the commodore gave orders for a retreat, and
after being carried a short distance from the scene of his
gallantry, he fell exhausted* by the loss of blood, and
was soon after made prisoner by general Ross and ad-
miral Cockburn, who put him on his parole, and having
first removed him to their hospital in Bladensburg, or-
dered the immediate attendance of their surgeons to dress
his wound.
Having thus obtained possession of the pass of the
bridge, over the eastern branch of the Potomac, the ene-
my marched directly upon the capital, and immediately
pro' eeded to the destruction of all the spacioua and splen-
did edifices by which it was adorned. The senate house,
the representative hall, the supreme court room, the presi-
dent's house, with all its external and interior decora-
tions, and the buildings containing the public depart-
ments, were very soon demolished, and several private
houses burned to the ground. The plunder of individual
property was prohibited, however, and soldiers trans-
gressing the order, were severely punished. The prin-
cipal vengeance of admiral Cockburn, on whom, if the
safety of the citizens' dwellings had alone depended, if
he is to be judged by his former conduct, they would
have rested on a slender guarantee, was directed against
the printing office of the editor of a newspaper, from
whose press had been issued frequent accounts of the
admiral's depredations along the coast.
The navy yard, as well as a new first rate frigate, and
a sloop of war, were destroyed by order of government,
upon the approach of the enemy, to prevent the immense
public stores, munitions and armaments deposited there,
from falling into his hands. The patent office alone, in
which were collected the rarest specimens of the arts of
the country, escaped the insatiable vengeance of a foe,
whose destroying arm was directed against the most su-
perb monuments of architectural skill, and public muni-
337
licence; The public documents and official records, tke
flags and various other trophies of the repeated triumphs
of the American arms, and the specie from all the banks
in the District, had previously been placed beyond the
reach of the cupidity of the invaders, and they returned
from an irruption which excited the indignation of all
parties in the union, and drew forth the deprecations of
the principal nations in Europe.
The president and the heads of departments, all of
whom had visited the rendezvous of the troops at Bla-
densburg the day before the battle, finding that the force
which had been hastily assembled, did not amount to
the number, called for by the requisitions upon the adja-
cent states, returned to the metropolis to make arrange-
ments for the augmentation of general Winder's army.
This duty, which, in times of less danger, required the
exercise of great energy, could not be performed, before
the enemy jiad encountered and defeated the corps al-
ready collected. The capture of these officers would
have caused at least a temporary derangement of the go-
vernment, and in order that its functions might be re-
sumed immediately after the departure of the enemy,
they retired from the metropolis upon his approach. Ge-
neral Winder had also withdrawn with the remnant of
his force to Montgomery Courthouse ; the citizens were
incapable of opposing the hostile operations of the Bri-
tish commanders ; and the capital was therefore entirely
at their mercy.
That division of the enemy's fleet which ascended the
Potomac, consisting of eight sail, upon which were
mounted 173 guns, and commanded by captain Gordon,
was directed to attack the city of Alexandria. As they
approached up the river, the commandant of fort War-
burton, captain Dyson, destroyed that garrison, and re-
tired with his artillerists, and the British squadron passed
up to the city without annoyance or impediment. The
people of Alexandria surrendered their town, and ob-
tained a stipulation on the 29th of August, from the Bri-
tish commander, that their dwellings should not be en-
tered or destroyed. The condition upon which this sti-
pulation was made, required the immediate delivery to
the enemy, of all public and private naval and ordnance
stores; of all the shipping, and the furniture necessary to
338
iheir equipment, then in port; of all the merchandize of
every description, whether in the town, or removed from
it since the 19th of the month; that such merchandize
should be put on board the shipping at the expense of the
owners ; and that all vessels which might have been sunk
upon the approach of the enemy, should be raised by
the merchants and delivered up, with all their apparatus.
These hard and ungenerous conditions were complied
with, and on the 6th of September, capt. Gordon moved
off with a fleet of prize vessels, which, as well as his fri-
gates and other vessels of war, contained cargoes of booty.
In descending the river he was warmly opposed, and re-
ceived considerable damage from two batteries, at the
White House, and at Indian Head, under the respective
commands of captains Porter and Perry, of the navy —
the former assisted by general Hungerford's brigade of
Virginia militia infantry, and captain Humphrey's com-
pany of riflemen, from Jefferson county ; and the latter
by the brigade of general Stewart, and the volunteer
companies of major Peter and captain Birch. The bat-
teries, however, not being completed, and mounting but
a few light pieces, could not prevent the departure of the
enemy with his immense booty, though they kept up an
incessant fire, from the 3d until the 6th of the month,
upon the vessels passing down on each of those days.
Commodore Rodgers, too, aided by lieutenant New-
combe and sailing master Ramage, made frequent at-
tempts to destroy the enemy's shipping, by approaching
him within the range of musket shot, with several small
fire vessels. After the communication of the fire, a
change of wind prevented these vsssels from getting in
between the British frigates, though they excited much
alarm among the fleet, whose men were actively em-
ployed in extinguishing the flames. These respective
forces were afterwards concentrated, and commodore
Rodgers took possession of Alexandria, with a determina-
tion to defend it, notwithstanding its surrender, against
another attempt of the enemy, whose fleet was not yet
out of sight from the nearest battery.
After the embarkation of the troops under general
Ross, whose loss at Bladensburg nearly amounted to
1,000 men, in killed, wounded, prisoners, deserters, and
those who died of fatigue, admiral Cochrane concen-
333
Iraied the various detachments of his fleet, and made
preparations for an attack upon the city of Baltimore.
Despatch vessels were forwarded to all parts of the
bay, to call together the frigates stationed near the dif-
ferent shores, and among others the Menelaus, com-
manded by sir Peter Parker, and then lying in the neigh-
bourhood of Moors-Fields. That officer, determined on
an expedition against a detachment of Maryland volun-
teers, encamped, under colonel Read, at those fields,
before he obeyed the call of the admiral ; and for that
purpose landed with 230 men, and made a detour to
surprize and cut it off. The detachment consisted of 170
men; and its commander being apprized of the enemy's
motions, was fully prepared to receive him. Sir Peter
advanced to a charge, and being repulsed, opened a fire
within pistol shot, which continued nearly an hour. At
the end of that time his force was driven back, with a
loss of 17 carried otf, and 13 killed and 3 wounded left
upon the ground — Among the wounded was sir Peter,
who died immediately after being put on board the Me-
nelaus. Colonel Read had 3 men slightly wounded.
The Menelaus joined the fleet upon the following day,
and sailed with it to the mouth of the Petapsco, on the
10th of September.
The fleet consisted of nearly forty sail, and the heavi-
est vessels, ships of the line, anchored across the chan-
nel, and commenced the debarkation of the troops, in-
tended for the land attack, upon North Point, twelve
miles distant from the city. By the morning of the 12th,
about 8,000 soldiers, sailors, and marines, were in readi-
ness to march upon the town, and sixteen bomb vessels
and frigates proceeded up the river, and anchored within
two miles and an half of Fort M'Henry.
This garrison, commanded by lieutenant colonel G.
Armistead, of the United States' artillery ; a battery at
the lazaretto, commanded by lieutenant Rutter, of the
flotilla ; a small work called fort Covington, by lieutenant
Newcome, of the Guerriere; a six gun battery, erected
near it, by lieutenant Webster, of the flotilla ; and lines
of intrenchments, and breastworks, hastily thrown up by
the people of Baltimore, were relied on for the defence
and protection of the city.
Gg
3<*U
At the forts and batteries, 1,000 men were stationed;
along the breastworks, about four times that number —
and all under command of major general Samuel Smith,
assisted by brigadier general Winder, of the United States'
army, and brigadier general Strieker, of the Baltimore
brigade.
In anticipation of the enemy's intention to land at North
point, and to meet and repulse his light parties, or to en-
gage his whole force at a distance from the main works,
general Strieker was despatched with part of his brigade,
and a light corps of riflemen and infantry, from general
Stansbury's brigade, under major Randal, and several
companies of the Pennsylvania volunteers. On the even-
ing of the 11 tli, this detachment, amounting to 3,185 ef-
fective men, reached the meeting house, near the head
of Bear creek, when the volunteer cavalry, under co-
lonel Biays, were sent three miles, and captain Dyer's
riflemen two miles, in advance. - Early on the following
morning, captain Montgomery, with the artillery ; lieu-
tenant colonel Sterret, with the 5th ; and lieutenant co-
lonel Long, with the 27th regiments, were sent some
distance forward. The artillery was planted in the mid-
dle of the North Point road, and supported on each flank
by the two infantry regiments. The 51st regiment, un-
der lieutenant colonel Amey, was stationed a few hun-
dred yards in the rear of the 5th; the 39th, under lieu-
tenant colonel Fowler, in the rear of the 27th ; and the
6th, under lieutenant colonel M'Donald, drawn up as a
reserve, half a mile in the rear of the whole.
The riflemen were ordered to skirt a low wood, with
a large sedge field in its front, under cover of which, as
the cavalry fell back to apprize general Strieker of the
approach of the enemy, they were to annoy the British
advance, and retire in good order upon the main body of
the troops Soon after these dispositions had been made,
the cavalry came in with the intelligence, that the ene-
my's light corps were rapidly advancing along the road,
and at the moment when it was expected they would be
engaged by the riflemen, that body was seen falling back
without having opposed them, under a presumption that
the enemy had landed at Back river, in order to cut off
their retreat. The general immediately pushed forward
two companies from the 5th infantry, 150 in number, ua-
der captains Levering and Howard, and commanded by
major Heath, of thai regiment; about 70 riflemen, under
captain Aisquith ; the cavalry, and 10 artillerists, with a
•i-pounder, commanded by lieutenant Stiles. This de-
tachment having proceeded half a mile, was met by, and
instantly engaged, the enemy's main body The situa-
tion 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 effective fire upon the British column, kill-
ing major general Ross, and several other officers, and
Impeding the advance of the British army. Having per-
formed the duty required of them by general Strieker, the
whole detachment, with a trifling loss, fell back in ex-
cellent order upon the American line. The enemy then
moved forward, under colonel Brooke, upon whom the
command had devolved, and at half past 2 began to throw
his rockets upon the left flank of the militia brigade. Cap-
lain Montgomery immediately opened his artillery upon
him, and Ihe British plaj'ed upon the left and centre with
ttflfeir ^-pounders and a howitzer. The cannonade con-
tinued with great vivacity, until general Strieker ordered
the firing to cease, so as to draw the enemy within the
range of grape and canister. Colonel Brooke then co-
vered his whole front with the British light brigade, di-
rected the 4th regiment, by a detour, to gain a lodgment
close upon the American left; and formed a line along
general Strieker's front, with the 41st regiment, the ma-
rines of the fleet, and a detachment of seamen ; and pla-
ced the 21st regiment, the 2d battalion of marines, and
another detachment of seamen, in columns on the main
road, with orders to press on the American right, on the
first opportunity. General Strieker, seeing that his left
flank would be the main object of attack, ordered up the
39th into line on the 27th, and detached two pieces of
artillery to the extreme left of lie utenant colonel Fowler's
command. Lieutenant colonel Amey was also directed
to form the 51st at right angles, with his right resting near
the left of the 39th.
The whole force of the enemy at that moment pressed
forward, his right column advancing upon the 27th and
39th, and attacked those regiments with great impetuo-
sity. The 51st, which was ordered to open upon the en-
342
emy 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 every effort to
rally it proved ineffectual. The 2d battalion of the
39ih. was thrown into disorder, by the flight of
the 51st, iind some of its companies also gave way.
The remainder and the 1st battalion stood firm.
Thus abandoned by the. retreat of the 51st, gene-
ral 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 destruc-
tive torrent of canister against the British left column, then
attempting to gain the cover of a small log house, in front
of the 51 h regiment. Captain Sadtler, with his yagers
from that regiment, who were posted in the house, when
the British 4th regiment was advancing, had, however,
taken the precaution to set fire to it, and the intention of
the enemy was therefore defeated. The 6th regiment
then opened its fire, and the whole line entered into an
animated contest, which continued, with a severe loss to
the enemy, until fifteen minutes before 4 o'clock. At
that hour, genera! Strieker, having inflicted as much injury
upon the invaders as couid possibly be expected, from a
line now but 1,400 strong, against a force amounting,
notwithstanding its losses, to at least 7,000 men, ordered
has brigade to retire upon the reserve regiment ; ail
order we'll executed by the whole line, which in a
few minutes rallied upon lieutenant colonel M'Donald.
From the point occupied by this regiment, gen. Strieker,
in order to refresh his troops, and prepare them for a se-
cond movement of the enemy, retired to a position half
a mile in advance of the left of major general Smith's in-
trenchments. 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.
Whilst all these movements were in operation, general
Smith was actively engaged in manning the trenches and
batteries with generals Stansbury's and Foreman's bri-
gades, a detachment of seamen and marines, under com-
modore Rodger?, colonels Cobean and Finly's Pennsyl-
vania volunteers, colonel Harris's Baltimore artillery,
and the marine artillery under captain Stiies. Colonel
Brooke did not advance with his columns further thai.*
the ground on which general Strieker had been previously
formed, where he remained during the night of the 12th.
Early on the following morning, he received a communi-
cation from admiral Cochrane, that the frigates, bomb
ships, and flotilla of barges, would take their stations, to
bombard the town and fort, in the course of the morning.
At daybreak of the 13th, the land forces, therefore, again
moved forward, and occupied a position two miles east-
ward of the intrenchrnents. The day was chiefly em-
ployed in manoeuvring by both parties. Colonel Brooke
frequently attempting to make a detour through the coun-
try, to the Harford and York roads ; and generals Winder
and Strieker adapting their movements to those of the
enemy, the better to frustrate his designs. At noon the
British columns were concentrated, directly in front of
the American line, and colonel Brooke advanced to with-
in a mile of the wjorks, drove in the outposts, and made
arrangements for an attack at night. Generals Winder
and Strieker were then ordered to station themselves on.
the enemy's right, and in the event of an attack upon the
breastworks, to fall upon that flank, or on his rear. The
assault was not made, however, and the enemy, proba-
bly thinking he would be outflanked, and having disco-
vered the strength of the defences, withdrew from bis
position in the course of the night, and re-embarked his
troops in the evening of the 14th. His retreat was not.
discovered until break of that day, in consequence of the
darkness of the night; and though a heavy fall of rain
continued throughout the morning, general Winder, with
his dragoons, and the Virginia militia ; major Randal,
with his light corps, and the whole militia and cavalry
were sent in pursuit. The excessive fatigue of the troops,
ail 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. At the moment when
col. Brooke advanced along the Philadelphia road, the fri-
gates and bomb ships of the fieet, approached within strik-
ing distance of the fort. Col. Armistead had already dispos-
ed his force to maintain the cannonade with vigour; a coin-
oany of regular adillery, under captain Evans.; and afto?
9
;
ther of volunteer artillery, under captain Nicholson,,
manned the bastions in the Star fort ; captains Bun burr
and Addison's sea fencibles, and captain Berry's, and
lieutenant Pennington's artillery, were stationed at the
water batteries ; and about 600 infantry, under lieute-
nant colonel Stewart, and niMJor Lane, were placed in
the outer ditch, to repulse an attempt to land. The bom-
bardment commenced. All the batteries were immedi-
ately opened upon the enemy, but the shot falling very
far short of his vessels, the thing ceased from the fort, or
was maintained only at intervals, to show that the garrison
had not sunk under the tremendous showers, of rockets
and shells, incessantly tiirown into the batteries. Thus
situated, without the power of retaliating the attack of
the enemy, colonel Armistead and his brave men en-
dured their mortification with an unyielding spirit, during
ibe whole bombardment, which continued until seven
o'clock on the morning of the 14th. Under cover of the
night, the British commanders despatched a fleet of barges
to attack and storm fort Covington. — The attempt was re-
pulsed, however, and the assailants retired, with an im-
mense loss, to their bomb vessels, and on the morning of
Wednesday, the whole stood down the river, and re-
joined admiral Cochrane's fleet. The loss in the fort
amounted to 4 killed, and 24 wounded : among the killed
were two gallant young volunteer officers, lieutenants
Claggei and Clem. The entire loss of the enemy has
not yet been ascertained. That of the Americans on the
field of battle did not fall short of 150, which, being ad-
ded to the killed and wounded in the fort, makes a total
of 178. The invaders having thus retired from what
they called a demonstration upon Baltimore, the safety
of the citizens was secured, and the different corps were
relieved from further duty.
The plan of operations, however, which had been
adopted by the British cabinet, to destroy and lay waste
the principal towns and commercial cities, assailable ei-
ther by their land or naval forces, was not to be abandon-
ed because of this repulse, gallant and effective as it
was. The cities of Charleston, Savannah, Baltimore,
and Washington, were destined to be burnt and plun-
dered ; and New Orleans, the great emporium of all the
Wealth ?,od treasure of the western states, was to be
545
seized, and held as a colony of Great Britain. The fail-
ure of her arms, in an assault upon either of these places,
was not to prevent an attack upon another, no matter
what the slaughter ; and the separate commanders were
directed to concentrate their forces, or draw from the
Bermudas such an augmentation as should be necessary,
and in the event of successive repulses upon other ob-
jects, to bend all their strength against the city of New
Orleans, and its defences on the Mississippi. At the
Bermudas, a powerful and well appointed fleet and army,
was, for this purpose, collected, and their arrival upon the
southern coast daily anticipated. Admiral Cochrane had
in the mean time directed a smaller squadron of vessels,
then fitting out at Pensacola, in the territory of a neigh-
boring nation with whom the United States were at the
same moment at peace, for an expedition against some
of the defences, by which the entrance to New Orleans
was protected, to make the earliest preparation for an
assault upon Fort Bowyer, a garrison situated at a point
called Mobile. In the early part of September, this
squadron, consisting of two sloops of war, and two gun
brigs, mounting in all ninety guns, and commanded by
captain Percy, was already on its way to the intended
attack. On the 12th of that month captain Percy came
within sight of the fort, landed upwards of 700 Indians
and marines in its rear, where, within a small distance of
the garrison they erected a land battery, and towards the
evening of the 15th, the assault commenced with a can-
nonade and bombardment. The fort was commanded
by major Lawrence, of the 2d infantry, mounted twenty
pieces of cannon, mo=t of them of small calibre, and was
garrisoned by less than 130 men. With this dispropor-
tionate strength, major Lawrence not only sustained a
conflict of several hours, but eventually drove the ene-
my's troops from their position on the shore, destroyed
his principal ship, the Hermes, which was abandoned by
her crew, and afterwards blown out of the water, and re-
pulsed his assailants, with a loss on their side, in killed and
Wounded, of 232 men. The remaining ships of the squadron
returned to Pensacola, where they were again received
by the governor, to repair their losses and obtain new
equipments. Mortified in the extreme at their unex-
pected disaster, and fully determined upon avenging if:
34G.
the British commanders forthwith commenced the en-
largement of their forces, by enlisting new tribes of Indi-
ans, provided with arms and ammunition, at the expense
of the Spaniards.
The Creek Indians, whose numerous hordes had al-
ready been repeatedly defeated, at the Alabama, the Hic-
kory Grounds, and elsewhere, by levies of militia, un-
der major general Jackson, (then of Tennessee, but now
of the United States' army; a man of great promptness,
decision and intrepidity) and who had been reduced to
the necessity of negociating a treaty of peace with the go-
vernment, were again urged to raise the tom-hawk
against the people by whom they had been conquered.
Until some decisive and effectual measures were adopted
to prevent this illegal, and, to the Americans, dangerous
intercourse, the inroads of the treacherous savages would
become no less frequent than before, and the facilities of
annoying the adjacent American coast be greatly multi-
plied. At the appearance of such imminent danger, ge-
neral Jackson, whose head quarters were then at Mobile,
did not hesitate what plan to pursue, aud without waiting
for the authority of the government, he immediately col-
lected a force of nearly 4,000 men, and determined on
the occupation of, and the expulsion of the enemy from,
the town of Peusacola. On his arrival before that place,
he required of the governor, an immediate consent to the
occupation of the forts by the Americans, until they
should be garrisoned by a sufficient number of Spanish
troops, to protect them against the violation of their neu-
trality, of which the British forces were entirely regard-
less. This proposal was unhesitatingly rejected, and af-
ter a feeble resistance to his approaches, general Jackson
carried the place by storm, and forced a compliance with
his equitable demand. By the persuasion of the British
oirkers, however, the commandant of the principal fort
was induced to destroy its armament, and blow up the
bastions, and having secured his troops on board the
EJritish squadron, to retire with them to the Havanna,
The necessity which took general Jackson to Pensacola,
being now therefore at an end, he returned to the Ame-
rican territory, and made preparations for the defence of
New Orleans,
547
From this period, the early part of November, until
the middle of December, the naval force upon the sta-
tion was gradually increasing ; it amounted at length to
60 sail, composed principally of ships of the line, heavy
frigates, and transports,, and comprised of the command
of admiral Warren, and the detachment from Bermuda,
On board this formidable fleet was an army of nearly
16,000 men, detailed from the grand army of the duke of
Wellington, and placed under the chief command of sir
Edward Packenham, the eieve of that distinguished gene-
ral. To this army was attached a general staff, selected
from the ablest officers of the army of the continent, and
including majors general Lambert, Gibbs and Kean.
To watch the approach of the enemy, and to apprize
the commander in chief at New Orleans of the advance of
the fleet, commodore Patterson, commanding the naval
station there, despatched five gun-boats, under lieute-
nant Jones, to the pass Christian. On the 15th of De-
cember, an attack was made upon the flotilla by 42
barges and 3 gigs, mounting 43 guns, and being manned
by 1,200 men, under the orders of captain Lockyer.
Though lieutenant Jones had judiciously anchored his
boats across the Malheureux Island channel, it was im-
possible to make a successful resistance to so superior a
force, and after a contest of nearly two hours, in which
the enemy suffered a severe loss, the flotilla was despe-
rately carried by boarding.
By the capture of the gun-boats the principal protection
of the coast was lost, and the enemy had it in his power
to move at pleasure, and select whatever point afforded
the greatest facility to the landing of his troops. Accord-
ingly, on the 23d of the month, about nine miles below
the city, he landed a division of his army under major
general Keane, who was immediately met by parts of
two regiments of regular infantry, the city militia, a bri-
gade of mounted men under general Coffee, and a de-
tachment of Tennessee militia, commanded by general
Carrol — the movements of the whole being directed by
major general Jackson. Commodore Patterson had been,
ordered to drop down the river in the United States' schr.
Carolina, captain Henley, and directed lieutenant C C.
B. Thompson to follow with the sloop of war Louisiana,
The crew of this vessel had been two weeks before has-
343
lily collected in the streets of Orleans, and was com-
posed of sailors of several nations, speaking different lan-
guages, and incapable of understanding the orders of
their commanders, or the words of each other. By the
uncommon exertions of lieutenant Thompson, however,
an officer whose gallantry rendered him not less conspi-
cuous, than his fortunate acquaintance with the languages
of the separate countries to which the sailors belonged,
they were by this time in a good state of discipline. Early
in the evening this vessel opened her fire upon the Bri-
tish encampment, and general Jackson immediately
moved forward his troops to the attack. A vigorous en-
gagement was the result. The heart of the enemy's
camp was pierced by general Coffee's horse ; the right
wing pressed his rlanks, and his force was considerably
reduced by the fire from the Carolina. Whilst fortune
was running full in favor of the American troops, a heavy
fog, to which that country is subject, set in, and de-
stroyed the hopes of the general, in capturing the invad-
ing division. He therefore condensed his force, remained
upon the field that night, and early in the morning as-
sumed a position, of more strength, two miles nearer the
city. In this action the British force amounted to nearly
5,000 men, and the Americans to little more than 2,000.
TV loss on the side of the former was stated to be 400
men, and on the latter 213.
The vigour, impetuosity and decision of this attack
upon their first disembarkation, alarmed the British com-
manders, and caused them, upon the increase of their num-
bers, to advance with more caution. They therefore
commenced the erection of batteries, in order to make
their approaches gradual, and between that night and the
morning of the 27th, they exchanged several fires with
the Carolina. At seven o'clock on that day the schooner
tpok fire from the hot shot thrown upon her decks, and
blew up, about an hour after her crew had abandoned
her. The Louisiana, which had then taken her station,
sustained the fire of all the British batteries, until her situ-
ation became extremely dangerous. To have iost her
Would have been to lose the whole co-operative naval force,
and her commander, lieutenant. Thompson, attempted to
get up the river, under the favour of a light breeze. His
efforts were, however, constantly baffled, until his skilful
$49
inauagement rose superior to the obstacles by which Irti
was surrounded, and he succeeded in getting her near
general Jackson's position. After the destruction of the
Carolina, the enemy moved upon this position, which
general Jackson had been incessantly strengthening with
artillery, and some reinforcing detachments. Sir Ed-
ward Packenham had landed with the reserve of his armj",
and superintended the present movement in person. At
the distance of half a mile from the line of defence, sir
Edward commenced his attack, on the morning of
the 28th, by throwing bombs and rockets, opening a
heavy and continual cannonade, gradually advancing
upon the position, and hoping to compel general Jack-
son to retire to the city. The Louisiana discharged her
broadsides obliquely upon, and caused great destruction
in the enemy's column ; the fire from general Jackson's
batteries was directed with scarcely less effect ; and after
a violent struggle of seven hours to dislodge them, the
enemy was forcibly repulsed, and withdrew beyond the
teach of immediate annoyance.
Having still further enlarged his forces by new detach-
ments of soldiers, sailors and marines, and finding that
he had not yet made any impression upon the unfinished
breastworks, sir Edward Packenham lost no time in the
construction of batteries, and the planting of heavy pieces
of cannon. On the 1st of January, 1315, he opened,
from his whole line, a cannonade of more vigour if possi-
ble than that of the 23th. It was immediately returned
by the American line, the works composing which were
now nearly completed. The British general forwarded
some of his heaviest pieces in advance of his main body,
and attempted, without success, to flank the works.
With the close of the day the cannonade ceased, and the
enemy fell back to his encampment.
Before the 3th of the month, general Jackson had eisrht
distinct batteries constructed, mounting twelve guns of
different calibre : his line extended from the left bank of
the Mississippi upwards of a mile, and was defended by
3,300 infantry and artillerists. Early on the morning of
the 8th, sir Edward Packenham having been reinforced
by his fusileers, and the 43d infantry, which augmented
his strength to 12,000 regulars, and 2,000 seamen, ap-
proached the line in two divisions, under majors genera!
35$
Gibbs and Keane, the former of whom was to make the
principal attack, and a reserve composed of the 1st bri-
gade, under major general Lambert. The columns of ge-
nerals Gibbs and Keane were supplied with scaling ladders
and fascines, and were to assault the lines immediately in
front, 600 yards from which they had thrown up a bat-
tery of six 1 8-pounders. On the right bank of the river,
colonel Thornton was ordered to attack general Morgan's?
battery with the 85th infantry, 200 sailors, 400 marines!
the 5th West India regiment, and four pieces of artillery.
At the break of day the signal for the assault was gi^en,
the British columns advanced with rapidity, until a dis-
charge of cannon and musquetry from the 6th, 7th and
8th batteries was opened upon them, and sweeping them
from right to left, compelled them to recoil in confusion.
The most active efforts were immediately made by the
officers to rally the troops, and bring them up to a second
attempt : in this act, sir Edward Packenham was killed ;
and though generals Gibbs and Keane succeeded in push-
ing their divisions forward, the second effort was no more
fortunate than the first. The attack was received with
excessive coolness by the inferior body of Americans,
and the British columns broke in the same confusion as
before, but retired with more precipitation. Generals
Gibbs and Keane were both severely wounded, the first
mortally ; and the only general officer left upon the field
was major general Lambert, who came up with the re-
serve, and vainly endeavoured to check the flight of the
attacking columns. He therefore retired to the original
position of the British army, and after a consultation
with admiral Cochrane, determined upon returning to the
shipping, with as much order and celerity as possible.
— But, before the embarkation could commence, the fate
of colonel Thornton was to be known, and his division
collected on the left bank of the river.
When the attack upon the main works was commen-
ced, that officer assailed, with great impetuosity, the twelve
gun battery of general Morgan. The American right
flank retired before him, and his whole attention being
turned towards the left, a sharp and animated contest
followed.— But, being deserted by more than half their
tine, and far outnumbered by their enemy, the troops of
, 351
that flank spiked their guns, and left the battery in pos-
session of the assailants.
The success which attended the assault of col. Thorn-
ton, who was severely wounded, did not however avail
the British arms — Their disaster on the opposite side of
the river, made it necessary for this division also to re-
tire ; and in obedience to the orders of general Lambert,
colonel Gubbins, on whom the command of Thornton's
division had devolved, recrossed the river, and fell back
upon the main body, and before the 18th of January, the
whole army evacuated the shore.
On the following day, the 9th, admiral Cochrane di-
rected two bomb vessels, one sloop of war, a brig and a
schooner, to station themselves before fort St. Philip,
with a view to its bombardment and destruction. On that
day they commenced an attack, and continued throwing
shells into the fort, until the 17th in the evening, when the
commandant, major Overton, opened a heavy mortar
(not until then in readiness.) and threw the line of ships
into such disorder, that, on the morning of the 18th, they
retired to the anchorage of the fleet.
The expedition, which had been thus extensively
planned in England, and for the fitting out of which an im-
mense treasure had been exhausted, was thus resisted, and
entirely destroyed, by the valour and perseverance of a
small army, principally made up of volunteers and mili-
tia, and commanded by a general, whose military career,
though brilliant, and almost unparalleled, was commen-
ced but two years before. The slaughter which attended
this repulse of the invading army, was, on their side ne-
ver surpassed at any other battle. Besides their generals
and other officers of high rank, the British lost, in killed,
wounded and missing, about 4,000 men. The Ameri-
can, killed, wounded and missing, did not exceed 500.
The British fleet, however, continued in the neighbor-
hood, and on the 10th of February, general Lambert
having landed near fort Bowyer, with a large body of his
troops, demanded of lieutenant colonel Lawrence the
surrender of the garrison. In its rear an extensive and
heavy battery had been planted, and the powerful force
by which it was surrounded, made it expedient that the
|brt should capitulate on honourable terms, or that the
Hh
38$
garrison should submit to the sword. Colonel Lawrence
chose that line of conduct which propriety and humanity
dictated, and the enemy took possession of the fort.
On the same day, the British sloop of war Brazen ar-
rived off the station, with intelligence that a treaty of
peace had been concluded upon between the American
and British ambassadors at Ghent, which had met the
approbation of the prince regent of England. Not long
after, general Jackson was apprized, by the secretary of
•,var, of the ratification of the treaty by the president and
senate, and all hostilities immediately ceased. A Tegn-
tar and mutual exchange of prisoners was entered upont
and the volunteers and militia were honourably dis-
charged, and sent to their homes-, with the gratitude and
applause of their country :
CHAPTKit XXII.
J'hc Xavy—Loss of the United States' Frigate President
— The Constitution engages and captures the British
Frigate Cyane, and Sloop of War Levant — Capture of
the Sloop of War Penguin} by the Hornet.
THE blockade of the frigates United States and
Macedonian, and the sloop of war Hornet, at New
London, having continued, until the only season at
which they could possibly escape, had elapsed, the Hor-
net was ordered to remain at her station as a guard ship,
Whilst the frigates were to be moved up New London ri-
ver, to the head of navigation for heavy ve6sels, and
there to be dismantled. Commodore Decatur, and the
crew of the United States, were transferred to the frigate
President, then moored at New York. In the course of
the winter, a cruise to the East Indies was determined
on, at the navy department, to be performed by a squad-
?on# consisting of that frigate, the sloop of war Peacock,
ihen also at New York, the sloop of war Hornet, and
the Tom Bowline, a merchant vessel, bought into the
service as a store ship. The Hornet was therefore di*
rected to proceed to the same harbour. On the night of
the 18th of November, capt. Biddle passed the blockad-
ing squadron without being discovered, and joined com-
modore I>ecatur, at New York. That port had been
also constantly blockaded, and several frigates, sloops of
war, and a razee, were at that time cruising off the Hook.
On the 14-th of January, commodore Decatur thinking if
more likely to get to sea with the President singly, di
rected captain Warrington to follow him with the Pea-
cock, and Hornet, as soon as the Tom Bowline was in
readiness, and having assigned the island of Tristun
d'Acunha, as the first place of rendezvous, procee^^ti'to
the bay. with a view of escaping from Sandy Hook w
354
the night. In consequence of the negligence of the pi
lot, the President struck upon the bar, and remained
there thumping, upwards of two hours. This accident
caused her ballast to shift, and, when extricated from this
situation by the rise of the tide, it was discovered that
she had entirely lost her trim. The course of the wind
forbidding her return to port, the commodore determined,
nevertheless, upon running out to sea, and did not doubt
but she would soon recover that ease in sailing, for
which she had been long celebrated. At daylight he fell
in with the British squadron, composed of the Majestic
(razee,) the frigates Endymion, Tenedos, and Pomone,
and the despatch brig, which immediately gave chase.
The President was lightened as much as possible, but
the superior sailing of the enemy's ships, enabled them to
gain rapidly upon her, and the leading frigate the Endy-
mion, of 49 guns, and mounting 24-pounders on her gun
deck, got close under her quarters and commenced fir-
ing. Commodore Decatur, finding that the Endymion
was cutting up his rigging, without his being able to
annoy her, determined to bear up and engage,
and if possible to run her on board, and in the event
of carryiny her, to sail off and abandon the President
But the enemv manoeuvred to avoid this plan, and the
conflict continued two hours, and ended in silencing and
beating off the Endymion, with her hull and rigging
much cut up, her masts and spars badly injured, and a
great proportion of her crew killed and wounded. The
President was also considerably damaged, and lost 25
men killed, and 60 wounded ; among the former, lieute-
nants Babbit and Hamilton, and acting lieutenant Howel;
among the latter, the commodore, and midshipman Dale,
who lost a leg, and died of his wounds at Bermuda. By
this time the rest of the squadron came within two miles
of the President. The Endymion had hauled off to re-
pair, and commodore Decatur made another effort to
escape. — But, in three hours, the Pomone and Tenedos
lay along side, and the Majestic and Endymion were
within a short distance of him. The gallant commodore,
not choosing to sacrifice the lives of his crew in a useless
contest, with a squadron of ships mounting not less than
21^? g-'ms, received the fire of the nearest frigate, and sur-
renderees He was taken on board the Endymion, to
35j
whose commander he refused to deliver bis sword, whefc
required, alleging, that if they had been singly engaged,
that officer would inevitably have been captured, and
that he had struck to the whole squadron. The eaemy,
however, asserted that the President had been conquered
by the Endymion alone ; that her damage was sustained
in a storm which rose up after the battle; and having re-
paired both vessels, sent the prize from Bermuda to
England, under her convoy. There she was lightened
and laid in dock along side an old 74, which was deeply
laden, to give her a smaller appearance in the water than
'he President.
The United States' frigate Constitution, which had
been some time repairing at Boston for a cruise, sailed
from that port, on the 17th of December, still under the
command of captain Stewart. After cruising in various
parts of the ocean, and in the track for outward and
homeward bound convoys, until the 20th of February,
she fell in with two strange men of war sail, at ten mi-
nutes past 1, P. M. on that day. — One of these being to
windward, was bearing up for the Constitution, and at
2h. 3Qm. displayed signals and squared away to the west-
ward to join her consort. The Constitution set every
rag in chase, and a few minutes before 3, commenced
firing from her forward guns en the gun deck. At 3h.
15m. the main royal-mast of the Constitution was carried
away, and enabled the enemy's vessels to distance her
lire. Before 5, a new royal-mast was completed, and a
IHtle while after, the breeze freshened, and the ship to
leeward tacked to the southward under all sail. At 6,
the two ships hauled to, on the larboard tack, in line, and
in ten minutes the Constitution ranged ahead of the
sternmost, brought her on the quarter, her consort on
the bow, at 200 yards distance, and opened a broadside,
which was immediately returned. An exchange of
broadsides continued, until the three ships were com-
pletely enveloped in smoke, upon the clearing away of
which, the Constitution found herself abreast of the head-
most ship, and captain Stewart ordered both sides to be
manned, backed topsails, and dropped into his first posi-
tion. The ships on the bow backed sails also. The
Constitution's broadsides were then fired from the lar-
board battery, and in a few minutes the ships on the bow
Hh2
356
perceiving her error, in getting stemboard, filled away
with an intention of tacking athwart the bows' of the Con-
stitution, and the ship on the stern fell off, perfectly un-
manageable. The Constitution then filled away, in full
pursuit of the former, came within 100 yards of her, and
gave her several raking broadsides. She made all sail
before the wind, with a view to escape, and captain
Stewart knowing her crippled situation would enable him
to overhaul her, at any time after securing her consort,
wore round, and ranged along side the latter ship, from
which a gun was fired to leeward, to signify that she had
surrendered. Possession was then taken, by lieutenant
Hoffman, of his Britannic majesty's frigate Cyane, cap-
Jain Gordon Falkon, of 34 guns, 32-pound carronades.
Her commander and officers being brought on board,
captain Stewart sailed in chase of the other vessel, and
in a short time discovered her^ standing for him on the
weather bow. In a few minutes the enemy fired a broad-
side, which being instantly returned, he tacked ship,
made all sail, and at that moment received a rake from
the starboard broadside of the Constitution. Upon gain-
ing his wake, captain Stewart opened a fire from his
gun deck chase guns, with such effect, that the enemy
hove too and surrendered, with five feet water in his
hold, his masts tottering, and nothing but the smooth-
ness of the sea preventing them from going overboard.
Lieutenant Ballard was sent on board, and took posses-
sion of his Britannic majesty's ship Levant, capt. Doug-
lass, of 18 32-pound carronades, and 2 large 12-pound-
ers. The loss on board the Cyane and Levant amounted
to 40 men killed, and nearly double that number wound-
ed ; on board the Constitution, where no other spar was
lost than the fore top gallant yard, 4 men were killed and
11 wounded. On the 10th of March, captain Stewart
entered the harbour of Port Praya, with his prizes, and
onihe 11th, a British squadron, consisting of the Lean-
der, sir George Collier; the Newcastle, lord George
Stewart, neither of them carrying less than 60 guns ;
and the frigate Acasta, captain Kerr, of 44 guns, which
had sailed from the eastern coast of the United States, in
quest of the Constitution, appeared off its entrance.
Captain Stewart immediately made sail, escaped from
4he harbour with his squadron, and was closely pursued
357
by the enemy's three ships. After a long and perilous
chase, the Constitution and Cyane escaped their pursu-
ers, and arrived safely in the United States ; but the Le-
vant, after whom all sail was made by the enemy's ships,
ran into Port Praya, with a heavy fire of broadsides from
the Leander and Newcastle, to put herself under the pro-
tection of the neutral port. The neutrality ol the Portu-
guese was not regarded by the British squadron, how-
ever, and they recaptured the Levant and carried her in-
to Barbadoes.
A few days after the departure of the President from
New York, the Peacock, Hornet, and Tom Bowline,
left that harbor, without knowing of her capture. On the
ihird after sailing from Sandy Hook, (the 23d of Janu-
ary,) the Hornet parted company with the Peacock and
Tom Bowline, and directed her course towards the
'island of Tristan d'Acunha, the first designated rendez-
vous for the squadron. On the 23d of March, she des-
cried the British brig Penguin, captain Dickenson, of 18
guns, and a 12-pound carronade, to the southward and
eastward of the island. This vessel had been fitted out,
and twelve supernumerary marines put on board, with
whom, her crew amounted to 132 men, to cruise for the
American privateer Young Wasp. Captain Biddle im-
mediately made sail, cleared the island, and hove to,
until the Penguin, at the same time coming down, should
be within striking distance. At 40 minutes past 1, P. M.
the Penguin hauled her wind on the starboard tack,
hoisted English colours, and fired a gun at musket shot
distance. The Hornet immediately luffed to, sent up
an ensign, and gave the enemy a broadside. A constant
fire was kept up for fifteen minutes, the Penguin all that
time gradually nearing upon the Hornet, when captain
Dickenson gave orders to run her on board, and was
killed by a grape-shot before he saw them executed.
Lieutenant M'Donald, upon whom the command of the
Penguin then devolved, bore her up, and running her
bowsprit in between the main and mizen rigging of the
Hornet, ordered his crew to board. His men, however,
seeing the Hornet's boarders not only ready to repel
them, but waiting for orders to jump upon the Penguin's
deck, refused to follow him. At that moment the heavy*
swell of the sea lifted the Hornet ahead, and the enemy's
'368
bowsprit carried away her mizen shrouds ami spanker
boom, and the Penguin hung upon the Hornet's quarter
deck, with the loss of her foremast and bowsprit. Her
commander then called out that he had surrendered.
Though he was not distinctly understood, captain Biddle
ordered bis marines to cease firing, and demanded of
the Penguin whether she had struck. An officer of the
Hornet discovered a man taking aim at captain Biddle,
after the surrender, and called to him to avoid the fire. —
He had scarcely done so, when a musket bail struck the
captain in the neck, severely wounded him, and passed
through his coat collar. Two marines, to whom the man
was pointed out, who had discharged his piece at their
commander, immediately fired at and killed him before
lie brought it from his shoulder. The Penguin just then
got clear of the Hornet, and the latter wore round to give
the enemy a fresh broadside, when her commander called
out a second time that he had surrendered. The sever-
est exercise of authority became necessary, to prevent
the Hornet's crew, who-' were incensed at the enemy's fir-
ing after he had struck, from discharging the broadside
Twenty-two minutes after the commencement of the ac-
tion, she was taken possession of by Mr. Mayo, of the
Hornet. The Penguin was so much injured, that cap-
tain Biddle determined upon taking out her crew and
scuttling her — after doing which-,- 'he sent his prisoners to
St. Salvador in the Tom Bowline, by which vessel and
the Peacock he was joined on the 25th of the month. In
this action, the Penguin lost 14 men killed, and 28
wounded.; the Hornet, 1 killed, and 11 wounded: among
the latter, her first lieutenant, Conner, dangerously.
Having bent a new suit of sails, and repaired his rig-
ging, captain Biddle was in a perfect condition to prose-
cute the cruise, and, together with the Peacock^ after
waiting the full time for commodore Decatur, at the island
of Tristan d'Acunha, sailed on the 12th of April for the
Cape of Good Hope. On the 27th, they discovered &
British ship of the line, with an admiral's flag. The Pea-
cock and Hornet immediately separated, and made all
sail in different directions from the stranger, who came up
in pursuit of the latter. The chase commenced at about
2 o'clock, of the 27th, and continued until 10 in the morn-
ing of the 30th, during which time the enemy's bow gun?
359
were continually fired— bis vessel frequently gained upon,
and was as often dropped by the Hornet; and captain
Biddle, after throwing overboard every heavy article at
hand, and all his guns but one, at length effected his es-
cape, and went to St. Salvador for the purpose of refit-
ting. On his arrival there, he gained intelligence of
the conclusion of hostilities between the two nations, and
soon after sailing thence, returned to the United States
about the latter end of July, and was promoted to the
rank of post captain.
The capture of the Cyane, the Levant, and the Pen-
guin, took place before the expiration of the time limited
by the 2d article of the treaty of peace, to constitute their
legality, and the only one of them which got into port,
the Cyane, was taken into the service of the United
States.
Thus terminated a war of two years and eight months,
in which the naval arms of the United States, were fif-
teen, and those of Great Britain four times, triumphant ;
and during which the former lost three frigates, seven
sloops, and five smaller vessels, of war : whilst the lat-
ter, lost five frigates, nineteen sloops of war, one of
which was blown up by a land battery, several gun-brigs
and schooners, two brigs cut out from under the gun3 of
a fort, and upwards of fifteen hundred merchantmen,
captured by private armed vessels. The operations of
the American armies, were, at the commencement of
the war, not quite so successful : — 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.
FINIS
Hired ions to the Binder, for placing the Plates, in Sketch**
of the War.
Tort Erie, to face Title page.
Captain Hull, opposite page 27, and facing Chap. II.
Commodore Decatur, opposite page 83, and facing drop"*
ter VU.
SackeWs Harbour, opposite page 134,
Fort Stephens on^ at Sandusky, opposite page 155.
Colonel Croghan, opposite page 150.
Commodore Perry, opposite page 162.
General Brown, opposite page 273. '
General Scott, opposite page 277.
Battle of Niagara, opposite page 291 .
Vuptmn Biddh, opposite page 353, and facing Chapter
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