Chapter VIII: Part 8

"I have the honour to report to your Excellency, that in conformity to an arranged plan of operations with Commodore Sir James Yeo, the fleet of boats assembled astern of his ship, at 10 o'clock in the night of the 28th inst., with the troops placed under my command, and led by a gun-boat under the direction of Captain Mulcaster, Royal Navy, proceeded towards Sackett's Harbour in the order prescribed to the troops, in case the detachment was obliged to march in column, viz. the Grenadier Company, 100th, with one section of the Royal Scots, two Companies of the 8th, or King's, four of the 104th, two of the Canadian Voltigeurs. Two six-pounders, with their gunners, and a Company of Glengary Light Infantry, were embarked on board a light schooner, which was proposed to be towed under the direction of Officers of the Navy, so as to insure the guns being landed in time to support the advance of the troops. Although the night was dark with rain, the boats assembled in the vicinity of Sackett's Harbour, by one o'clock, in compact and regular order; and in this position it was intended to remain until the day broke, in the hope of effecting a landing before the enemy could be prepared to line the woods with troops which surround the coast; but unfortunately, a strong current drifted the boats considerably, while the darkness of the night and ignorance of the coast, prevented them from recovering the proper station until the day dawned, when the whole pulled for the point of debarkation. It was my intention to have landed in the cove formed by Horse Island, but on approaching it, we discovered that the enemy were fully prepared by a very heavy fire of musketry, from the surrounding woods which were filled with Infantry, supported with a field-piece. I directed the boats to pull round to the other side of the Island, where a landing was effected in good order and with little loss, although executed in the face of a corps formed with a field-piece in the wood, and under the enfilade of a heavy gun of the enemy's principal battery. The advance was led by the Grenadiers of the 100th regiment, with undaunted gallantry which no obstacle could arrest; a narrow causeway, in many places under water, not more than four feet wide, and about four hundred paces in length, which connected the Island with the mainland, was occupied by the enemy in great force with a six-pounder. It was forced and carried in the most spirited manner, and the gun taken before a second discharge could be made from it: a tumbril, with a few rounds of ammunition was found; but, unfortunately, the artillerymen were still behind, the schooner not having been able to get up in time: and the troops were exposed to so heavy and galling a fire, from a numerous but almost invisible foe, as to render it impossible to halt for the artillery to come up. At this spot two paths led in opposite directions round the hill. I directed Colonel Young, of the King's regiment, with half of the detachment to penetrate by the left, and Major Drummond, of the 104th, to force the path by the right, which proved to be more open and was less occupied by the enemy. On the left the wood was very thick, and was most obstinately maintained by the enemy. The gun-boat which had covered our landing, afforded material aid by firing into the woods; but the American soldier, secure behind a tree, was only to be dislodged by the bayonet. The spirited advance of a section produced the flight of hundreds; from this observation all firing was directed to cease, and the detachment being formed in as regular order as the nature of the ground would admit, pushed forward through the wood upon the enemy, who although greatly superior in numbers, and supported by field-pieces, and a heavy fire from their fort, fled with precipitation to their block-house and fort, abandoning one of their guns. The division under Colonel Young was joined in the charge by that under Major Drummond, which was executed with such spirit and promptness, that many of the enemy fell in their inclosed barracks, which were set on fire by our troops. At this point the further energies of the troops became unavailing. Their block-house and stockaded battery could not be carried by assault, nor reduced by field-pieces, had we been provided with them--the fire of the gun-boats proved inefficient to attain that end--light and adverse winds continued, and our large vessels were still far off. The enemy turned the heavy ordnance of the battery to the interior defence of his post. He had set fire to the store-house in the vicinity of the fort. Seeing no object within our reach to attain that could compensate for the loss we were momentarily sustaining, from the heavy fire of the enemy's cannon, I directed the troops to take up the position on the crest of the hill we had charged from. From this position we were ordered to reimbark, which was performed at our leisure, and in perfect order, the enemy not presuming to show a single soldier without the limit of his fortress. Your Excellency having been a witness of the zeal and ardent courage of every soldier in the field, it is unnecessary in me to assure your Excellency that but one sentiment animated every breast--that of discharging to the utmost of their power their duty to their King and country; but one sentiment of regret and mortification prevailed, in being obliged to quit a beaten enemy, whom a small band of British soldiers had driven before them for three hours, through a country abounding in strong positions of defence, but not offering a single spot of cleared ground favourable for the operation of disciplined troops, without having fully accomplished the duty we were ordered to perform. The two divisions of the detachment were ably commanded by Colonel Young, of the King's, and Major Drummond of the 104th. The detachment of the King's and Major Evans nobly sustained the high and established character of that distinguished corps; and Captain Burke availed himself of the ample field afforded him in leading the advance to display the intrepidity of British Grenadiers. The detachment of the 104th, under Major Moodie, Captain M'Pherson's company of Glengary Light Infantry, and two companies of Canadian Voltigeurs, under Major Herriot, all of them levies of the British Provinces of North America, evinced most striking proofs of their loyalty, steadiness, and courage. The detachment of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment behaved with great gallantry. Your Excellency will lament the loss of that active and intelligent officer, Captain Gray, acting Deputy-Quarter-Master-General, who fell close to the enemy's work while reconnoitring it, in the hope to discover some opening to favour an assault. Commodore Sir James Yeo conducted the fleet of boats in the attack, and accompanying the advance of the troops directed the co-operation of the gun-boats. I feel most grateful for your Excellency's kind consideration in allowing your Aids-de-Camp, Majors Coore and Fulton, to accompany me in the field; and to these officers for the able assistance they afforded me.

"I have the honour to be, &c. &c.

(Signed) "EDWARD BAYNES.

"Colonel Glengary Light Infantry
Commanding."

"_To His Excellency Lieut.-General Sir George Prevost, Bart., &c._"

* * * * *

_Return of killed, wounded, and missing, in an attack on Sackett's Harbour, on the 29th of May._

Total.--1 General Staff, 3 Serjeants, 44 Rank and File killed. 3 Majors, 3 Captains, 5 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 7 Serjeants, 2 Drummers, 172 Rank and File, 2 Gunners wounded. 2 Captains, 1 Ensign, 13 Rank and File wounded and missing.

No. XXIII.

_Extracts of Letters from Sir George Prevost to Brigadier-General Procter, p. 92._

(Private.)

"_Castle of St. Lewis, Quebec,
9th February, 1813_.

"Sir,

"I have received your despatch of the 26th ult. addressed to Major-General Sheaffe, reporting the glorious result of an attack, you had very judiciously deemed it expedient to make on the 22d, on a division of General Harrison's army advancing from the river Raisin, upon Sandwich, commanded by Brigadier-General Winchester.

"In congratulating you upon so honourable an event, and in expressing my entire approbation of the zeal and spirit which you have evinced on the arduous command committed to you, I cannot fail to notice the intrepidity manifested by Colonel St. George, and the other officers and men, regulars and militia, serving under your immediate command.

"Your singular judgment and decisive conduct in the affair of French Town, shall be pourtrayed for the gracious consideration of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and I will not fail in repeating your warm recommendation of Lieutenant M'Lean, who is acting as your Brigade-Major.

"I earnestly recommend upon all occasions a strict adherence to the control and restraint of our allies the Indians, that we may be enabled to repel the charges which have not unfrequently, though always falsely, been brought against our Government for resorting to the employment of them.

"I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed) "GEORGE PREVOST."

"_To Brigadier-General Procter, Detroit._"

* * * * *

"_Kingston, 14th June, 1813._

"Sir,

"I have had the honour of your different letters, of the 14th of May, by Lieut.-Colonel Boucherville, containing the report of your successful resistance to the attack of the enemy, on the 5th of that month, and must heartily congratulate you upon the skill and bravery so invariably displayed by yourself and the troops under your command, and which have led to so fortunate a result; I have also to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, of the 10th inst. and beg leave to assure you that I have not been unmindful of your situation and wants. Brigadier-General Vincent has received directions, and I have reason to think he has already adopted measures for supplying them as far as lies in his power. And whenever the Indian goods, which are now on their way from Quebec, shall have reached this post, they shall be forwarded to you without delay. As you have not acknowledged the receipt of my instructions, transmitted to you by desire, by Major-General Sheaffe, to avail yourself of any favourable opportunity of retaliating upon the enemy for the attack upon York, by endeavouring to annoy their settlements upon Lake Erie, I fear his letter has not reached you. The arrival of Captain Barclay, who, I trust, with a small reinforcement of seamen, is with you long before this, will, I hope, enable you to place your Marine on such a footing as to check any attempts of the enemy, to gain a superiority on Lake Erie. I am very solicitous to receive from you a correct statement of the whole of your Marine establishment, and what is wanted to render it complete.

"I have, &c.

(Signed) "GEORGE PREVOST."

"_To Brigadier-General Procter, Detroit._"

No. XXIV.

_Sentence of the Court-martial on Captain Barclay, p. 112._

That the capture of His Majesty's late squadron was caused by the very defective means Captain Barclay possessed to equip them on Lake Erie; the want of a sufficient number of able seamen, whom he had repeatedly and earnestly requested of Sir James Yeo to be sent to him; the very great superiority of the enemy to the British squadron; and the unfortunate early fall of the superior officers in the action. That it appeared that the greatest exertions had been made by Captain Barclay, in equipping and getting into order the vessels under his command; that he was fully justified, under the existing circumstances, in bringing the enemy to action; that the judgment and gallantry of Captain Barclay in taking his squadron into action, and during the contest, were highly conspicuous, and entitled him to the highest praise; and that the whole of the other officers and men of His Majesty's late squadron conducted themselves in the most gallant manner; and did adjudge the said Captain Robert Heriot Barclay, his surviving officers and men, to be most fully and honourably acquitted.--Rear-Admiral Foote, President.

No. XXV.[106]

_Court-martial on General Procter, p. 113._

_Horse Guards, 9th September, 1815._

At a General Court-martial, held at _Montreal_, in Upper Canada, on the 21st December, 1814, and continued by adjournments to the 28th January, 1815, _Major-General Henry Procter_, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 41st Regiment, was arraigned upon the undermentioned charges, viz.

_1st, "That the said_ Major-General Procter, _being entrusted with the Command of the Right Division of the Army serving in the Canadas, and the retreat of the said Division from the Western Parts of Upper Canada having become unavoidable from the loss of the Fleet on Lake Erie, on the 10th September, 1813, did not, immediately after the loss of the Fleet was known by him, make the Military arrangements best calculated for promptly effecting such retreat, and unnecessarily delayed to commence the same until the Evening of the 27th of the said Month, on which Day the Enemy had landed in considerable force within a short distance of Sandwich, the Head-Quarters of the said Division, such Conduct on the part of the said_ Major-General Procter, _endangering the safety of the Troops under his Command, by exposing them to be attacked by a force far superior to them, being contrary to his Duty as an Officer, prejudicial to good Order and Military Discipline, and contrary to the Articles of War_."

_2d. "That the said_ Major-General Procter, _after commencing the retreat of the said Division on the said 27th September, although he had reason to believe that the Enemy would immediately follow it with very superior numbers, and endeavour to harass and impede its March, did not use due expedition, or take the proper measures for conducting the said Retreat, having encumbered the said Division with large quantities of useless Baggage, having unnecessarily halted the Troops for several whole Days, and having omitted to destroy the Bridges over which the Enemy would be obliged to pass, thereby affording them the opportunity to come up with the said Division, such conduct betraying great professional incapacity on the part of the said_ Major-General Procter, _being contrary to his Duty as an Officer, prejudicial to good Order and Military Discipline, and contrary to the Articles of War_."

_3d. "That the said_ Major-General Procter _did not take the necessary measures for affording security to the Boats, Waggons, and Carts, laden with the Ammunition, Stores, and Provisions, required for the Troops on their retreat, and allowed the said Boats, Waggons, and Carts, on the 4th and 5th October, 1813, to remain in the rear of the said Division, whereby the whole, or the greater part of the said Ammunition, Stores, and Provisions, either fell into the Enemy's hands, or were destroyed to prevent their capture, and the Troops were without Provisions for a whole day previous to their being attacked on the said 5th of October; such conduct on the part of the said_ Major-General Procter _being contrary to his duty as an Officer, prejudicial to good Order and Military Discipline, and contrary to the Articles of War_."

_4th. "That the said_ Major-General Procter _having assured the Indian Chiefs in Council at Amherstburgh, as an inducement to them and their Warriors to accompany the said Division on its retreat, that on their arrival at Chatham, they should find the Forks of the Thames fortified, did nevertheless neglect fortify the same; that he also neglected to occupy the Heights above the Moravian Village, although he had previously removed his Ordnance, with the exception of one six-pounder, to that position, where, by throwing up works he might have awaited the attack of the Enemy and engaged them to great advantage; and that after the intelligence had reached him of the approach of the Enemy on the Morning of the said 5th of October, he halted the said Division, notwithstanding it was within two miles of the said Village, and formed it in a situation highly unfavourable for receiving the Attack which afterwards took place, such conduct manifesting great professional incapacity on the part of the said_ Major-General Procter, _being contrary to his Duty as an Officer, prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline, and contrary to the Articles of War_."

_5th. "That the said_ Major-General Procter _did not on the said 5th day of October, either prior to, or subsequent to, the Attack by the Enemy on the said Division on that day make the Military dispositions best adapted to meet or to resist the said Attack, and that during the Action, and after the Troops had given way, he did not make any effectual attempt in his own person, or otherwise, to rally or encourage them, or to co-operate with and support the Indians who were engaged with the enemy on the right, the said_ Major-General Procter _having quitted the Field soon after the Action commenced, such Conduct on the part of_ Major-General Procter _betraying great professional incapacity, tending to the defeat and dishonour of His Majesty's Arms, to the sacrifice of the Division of the Army committed to his charge, being in violation of his Duty, and unbecoming and disgraceful to his Character as an Officer, prejudicial to good Order and Military Discipline, and contrary to the Articles of War_."

Upon which Charges the Court came to the following decision:--

"The Court having duly weighed and considered the evidence adduced, as well in support of the Charges, as in support of the Defence, is of Opinion."

"That the Prisoner, _Major-General Henry Procter_, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 41st Regiment, is _not Guilty_ of any part of the _First_ Charge; and the Court doth therefore _wholly acquit_ him, the said _Major-General Procter_, of the same."

"On the _Second_ Charge, the Court is of opinion, that the said _Major-General Procter_ is _Guilty_ of the following part thereof, _that he did not take the proper measures for conducting the Retreat_; but the Court is of Opinion, that the said _Major-General Procter_ is _Not Guilty_ of any other part of the said Charge, and doth therefore _acquit_ him of the same."

"On the _Third_ Charge the Court is of opinion, that the said _Major-General Procter_ is _Guilty_ of that part thereof in which it is charged, _that the said Major General Procter did not take the necessary measures for affording security to the Boats, Waggons, and Carts, laden with the Ammunition, Stores, and Provisions, required for the Troops on their retreat_; but the Court is of opinion, that the said _Major-General Procter_ is _Not Guilty_ of any part of the remainder of the said Charge, and doth therefore _acquit_ him of the remainder thereof."

"On the _Fourth_ Charge the Court is of opinion, that the said _Major-General Procter_ is _Guilty_ of that part thereof, in which it is charged _that he neglected to occupy the heights above the Moravian Village, although he had previously removed his Ordnance, with the exception of one Six Pounder, to that position, where, by throwing up Works he might have awaited the attack of the Enemy, and engaged them to great advantage;--and that after the intelligence had reached him of the approach of the Enemy on the Morning of the said 5th October, he halted the said Division, notwithstanding it was within two miles of the said Village, and formed it in a situation highly unfavourable for receiving the attack, which afterwards took place_;--but the Court is of opinion, that the said _Major-General Procter_ is _Not Guilty_ of any part of the remainder of the said charge, and doth therefore _acquit_ him of the remainder thereof."

"On the _Fifth_ Charge the Court is of opinion, that the said _Major-General Procter_ is _Guilty_ of that part thereof, in which it is charged _that he did not on the said 5th day of October, either prior to or subsequent to, the attack by the Enemy on the said Division on that day, make the Military dispositions best adapted to meet or to resist the said attack_; but the Court is of opinion, that that part thereof, in which it is charged _that during the Action, and after the Troops had given way, he did not make any effectual attempt in his own person or otherwise, to rally or encourage them, or to co-operate with and support the Indians who were engaged with the Enemy on the right_, has not been proved, and the Court doth therefore _acquit_ him, the said _Major-General Procter_ of the same;--and the Court is of opinion, that the said _Major-General Procter_ is _Not Guilty_ of any part of the remainder of the said Charge, and doth therefore _fully_ and _honourably acquit_ him of the same."

"Upon the whole, the Court is of opinion, that the prisoner, _Major-General Procter_, has in many instances during the retreat, and in the disposition of the Force under his Command, been erroneous in judgment, and in some, deficient in those energetic and active exertions, which the extraordinary difficulties of his situation so particularly required."

"The Court doth therefore adjudge him, the said _Major-General Procter, to be publicly reprimanded, and to be suspended from Rank and Pay, for the period of Six Calendar Months_."

"But as to any defect or reproach, with regard to the personal conduct of _Major-General Procter_, during the action on the 5th of October, the Court _most fully_ and _honourably acquits_ the said _Major-General Procter_."

His Royal Highness the Prince Regent has been pleased, in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty, to confirm the Finding of the Court, on the 1st, 3d, 4th, and 5th Charges.

With respect to the _Second Charge_ it appeared to His Royal Highness to be a matter of surprise that the Court should find the prisoner _Guilty_ of the offence alleged against him, while they at the same time _Acquit_ him of all the facts upon which that Charge is founded;--and yet, that in the summing up of their Finding upon the whole of the Charges, they should ascribe the offences of which the prisoner has been found Guilty, to Error in Judgment, and pass a Sentence totally inapplicable to their own finding of Guilt, which can alone be ascribed to the Court having been induced, by a reference to the general good character and conduct of _Major-General Procter_, to forget, through a humane, but mistaken lenity, what was due from them to the Service.

Under all the circumstances of the case, however, and particularly those which render it impossible to have recourse to the otherwise expedient measure of re-assembling the Court, for the revival of their proceedings, the Prince Regent has been pleased to acquiesce in, and confirm so much of the Sentence as adjudges the prisoner to be _publicly reprimanded_, and in carrying the same into execution, His Royal Highness has directed the General Officer commanding in Canada, to convey to _Major-General Procter_, His Royal Highness's high disapprobation of his conduct, together with the expression of His Royal Highness's regret, that any officer of the length of service, and of the exalted rank which he has attained, should be so extremely wanting in professional knowledge, and so deficient in those active and energetic qualities, which must be required of every officer, but especially of one in the responsible situation in which the _Major-General_ was placed.

His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief directs that the foregoing Charges preferred against _Major-General Procter_, together with the Finding and Sentence of the Court, and the Prince Regent's pleasure thereon, shall be entered in the General Order Book, and read at the Head of every Regiment in His Majesty's Service.

By Command of His Royal Highness,

The Commander-in-chief,

HARRY CALVERT,

Adjutant-General.

No. XXVI.

_p. 122._

_Adjutant-General's Office,
Head Quarters, Quebec, 26th March, 1814._

General Orders,

His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief and Commander of the Forces feels the highest gratification in obeying the Commands of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, transmitted in a letter from the Right Hon. the Earl Bathurst, one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, of which the following is a Copy, and which His Excellency directs to be published in General Orders, and read at the Head of all Corps in this Command:

"His Royal Highness has observed with the greatest satisfaction the skill and gallantry so conspicuously displayed by the officers and men who composed the detachment of troops opposed to General Hampton's army. By the resistance which they successfully made to an enemy so vastly disproportionate, the confidence of the enemy has been lowered, their plans disconcerted, and the safety of that part of the Canadian frontier ensured. It gives His Royal Highness peculiar pleasure to find, that His Majesty's Canadian subjects have at length had the opportunity (which His Royal Highness has been long anxious should be afforded them) of refuting, by their own brilliant exertions in defence of their country, that calumnious charge of disaffection and disloyalty with which the enemy prefaced his first invasion of the Province.

"To Lieut.-Colonel De Salaberry, in particular, and to all the officers and men under his command in general, you will not fail to express His Royal Highness's Most Gracious Approbation of their meritorious and distinguished services. His Royal Highness has commanded me to forward to you by the first safe opportunity, the Colours which you have solicited for the embodied Battalions of the Militia, feeling that they have evinced an ability and disposition to secure them from insult, which gives them the best title to such a mark of distinction.

"By His Excellency's Command,
EDWARD BAYNES,
Adjutant-General, N. A."

No. XXVII.

_Extract from Sir George Prevost's Despatch to Earl Bathurst, dated 18th May, 1814, p. 135._

"The principal objects in the attack upon Oswego, being to cripple the resources of the enemy, in fitting out their squadron, and particularly their new ship at Sackett's Harbour, their guns and stores of every description being drawn from the former post, and thus to delay, if not altogether to prevent, the sailing of the fleet, I determined to pursue the same policy on Lake Champlain, and therefore directed Captain Pring to proceed with his squadron, on board of which I had placed a strong detachment of the 1st battalion of the marines, towards Vergennes, for the purpose, if practicable, of destroying the new vessels lately launched there, and of intercepting and capturing the stores and supplies for their armament and equipment. Captain Pring accordingly sailed on the 9th, and with the force mentioned in the margin, having been prevented by contrary winds from reaching his destination until the 14th instant, he found, on arriving off Otter Creek, the enemy so fully prepared to receive him, their vessels so strongly defended by batteries, and a considerable body of troops, that after a cannonading with some effect from his gun-boats, he judged it most advisable to abandon his intended plan of attacking them, and return to Isle aux Noix.

"The appearance of our squadron on the Lake has been productive of great confusion and alarm at Burlington, and other places, along its shores, and the whole of the population appeared to be turned out for their defence."

No. XXVIII.

_Extract of a Letter from Major-General Sir James Kempt
to Sir George Prevost, respecting the intended Attack
upon Sackett's Harbour, dated_

"_Kingston, 18th Sept. 1814._

"Sir,

"With all due deference to your Excellency's superior judgment, it appears to me, that an operation of this magnitude, and _probable duration_, should not be undertaken without the most ample means, and at the very best season of the year; that not less than 8,000 infantry, with a strong efficient corps of artillery and engineers, should be employed on this service; that Watertown and Brownville should be occupied in force by strong corps of observation, capable of covering the operations; that there should be an intermediate rendezvous for the assembly of the troops and stores, between this and the place of debarkation; and, that above all, we should have the _decided superiority_ on the Lake, before the service is undertaken.

"I have the honour to be, with great respect,

"Your Excellency's most obedient

"And most humble servant,

"JAMES KEMPT.
Lieut.-Gen."

No. XXIX.

_Extract of a Letter from Sir J. L. Yeo to Sir George Prevost, dated 29th Aug. 1814, p. 141._

"I have this day received a correct statement of all the officers and men belonging to the establishment on Lake Champlain.

"I enclose your Excellency a scale of the complement of each vessel, agreeable to the Admiralty order, by which you will perceive that, after each complement is complete, there will remain 97 seamen over and above. Your Excellency must be aware, that when this squadron proceeds up the Lake, I shall be under the necessity of taking the seamen out of the gun-boats; neither will the number of seamen we have in this country, afford a sufficient number of men to man the gun-boats on Lake Champlain, independent of the ships."

No. XXX.

_Correspondence between Sir George Prevost and Capt. Downie, p. 145._

"_Head-Quarters, Plattsburg,
Wednesday, 7 a. m. 7th Sept. 1814._

"Sir,

"The enemy's force in the Bay consists of a ship, inferior to the Confiance, a brig, a large schooner, a sloop, and seven or eight gun-boats. When the gun-boats are manned, the remaining craft appear to have but few men left on board. If you feel that the vessels under your command are equal to a contest with those I have described, you will find the present moment offers many advantages which may not again occur.

"As my ulterior movements depend on your decision, you will have the goodness to favour me with it, with all possible promptitude.

"In the event of your coming forward immediately, you will furnish conveyance for the two 8-inch mortars, ordered from Isle aux Noix, with their stores, provided you can do so, without delaying the sailing of your squadron.

"I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed) "G. PREVOST."

"_To Captain Downie, &c._"

* * * * *

"_H. M. S. Confiance, off La Cole,
7th Sept. 4 p. m. 1814._

"Sir,

"I have the honour of your Excellency's letter of this morning.

"I am aware of the comparative force of the two squadrons, and am thus far on my way to find the enemy, conceiving that the moment I can put this ship into a state for action, I shall be able to meet them.

"The Confiance at this moment is in such a state, as to require at least a day[107] or two to make her efficient before the enemy; but with all the exertion I can use, it will probably be that time at least, before it will be possible to get her up to Chazy, where I shall be happy to receive any further communication from your Excellency.

"I have the honour to be, Sir,

"Your most obedient servant,

"GEO. DOWNIE."

"_His Excellency Lieut.-Gen. Sir G. Prevost, Bart. &c. &c._"

* * * * *

"_Head-Quarters, Plattsburg,
Thursday Morning, 8th Sept. 1814._

"Sir,

"I have just received your reply to my communication of yesterday.

"As it is of the highest importance the ship, vessels, and gun-boats, under your command, should commence a co-operation with the division of the army, now occupying Plattsburg, I have sent my Aid-de-Camp, Major Coore, with this letter, in order that you may obtain from him correct information of the disposition made by the enemy of his naval force in this bay.

"I only wait for your arrival to proceed against General Macomb's last position, on the south bank of the Saranac. Your share in the operation, in the first instance, will be to destroy or capture the enemy's squadron, if it should wait for a contest, and afterwards co-operate with this division of the army; but if it should run away, or get out of your reach, we must meet here to consult on ulterior movements.

"I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed) "G. PREVOST."

* * * * *

"_H. M. S. Confiance, off Point au Fer,
8th Sept. 1814._

"Sir,

"I have the honour of your Excellency's letter of this day; and have to state, that I am advancing with the squadron to Chazy as fast as the wind and weather will allow.

"In the letter I did myself the honour to address to you yesterday, I stated to your Excellency, that this ship was not ready--she is not ready now; and until she is ready, it is my duty not to hazard the squadron before an enemy, who will even then be considerably superior in force.

"I purpose remaining at Chazy until I find myself enabled to move, which I trust will be very shortly, it depending on my guns being ready.

"I have the honour to be, Sir,

"Your most obedient servant,

"GEO. DOWNIE."

"_His Excellency Sir Geo. Prevost, Bart. &c. &c. &c._"

* * * * *

"_Head-Quarters, Plattsburg,
Friday, 9th Sept. 1814._

"Sir,

"In consequence of your communication of yesterday's date, I have postponed moving on the enemy's position, on the south bank of the Saranac, until your squadron is in a sufficient state of preparation to co-operate with this division of the army.

"I need not dwell, with you, on the evils resulting to both services from delay, as I am well convinced you have done every thing that was in your power to accelerate the armament and equipment of your squadron, and I am also satisfied nothing will prevent its coming off Plattsburg the moment it is ready.

"I am happy to inform you, that I find from deserters, who have come over from the enemy, that the American fleet is inefficiently manned, and that a few days ago, after the arrival of the new brig, they sent on shore for the prisoners of all descriptions, in charge of the Prevost, to make up a crew for that vessel.

"I have the honor to be, &c.

(Signed) "G. PREVOST."

"P.S. Captain Watson, of the Provincial Cavalry, is desired to remain at Little Chazy until you are preparing to get under weigh, when he is instantly to return to this place with the intelligence."

* * * * *

"_H.M.S. Confiance, off Chazy,
9th Sept. 1814_.

"Sir,

"I have the honour to communicate to your Excellency, that it is my intention to weigh and proceed with the squadron, from this anchorage, about midnight, in the expectation of rounding into the bay of Plattsburg about dawn of day, and commencing an immediate attack on the enemy's squadron, if they shall be found anchored in a position that will afford any chance of success.

"I rely on any assistance it may be in your power to give.

"In manning the flotilla and ships, we are many short. I have made application to the officer commanding at Chazy, for a company of the 39th regiment to make up.

"I have the honour to be, Sir,

"Your most obedient servant,

"GEO. DOWNIE."

"_His Excellency Sir Geo. Prevost, Bart. &c. &c. &c._"

"P. S. I have just this moment received your letter of this day, to which the preceding is, I think, a sufficient answer.

"G. D."

* * * * *

"_Head-Quarters, Plattsburg,
Saturday Morning, 10th Sept. 1814._

"Sir,

"I received, at twelve last night, your letter, acquainting me with your determination to get under weigh, about that time, in the expectation of rounding Cumberland Head at dawn of day; in consequence, the troops have been held in readiness, since six o'clock this morning, to storm the enemy's works at nearly the same moment as the naval action should commence in the bay. I ascribe the disappointment I have experienced to the unfortunate change of wind, and I shall rejoice to learn from you, that my expectations have been frustrated by no other cause.

"I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed) "G. PREVOST."

"_To Capt. Downie, &c. &c. &c._"

No. XXXI.

_Extract from Vermont Paper, dated Burlington, Sept. 1814, p. 168._

"The articles in your paper of last week, republished from the Montreal papers, are interesting, as they evince the spirit of our Canada neighbours, and the high hopes they had entertained from their late expedition.

"That the result is not such as they could have wished we believe, but that its failure should be ascribed entirely to the misconduct of Gov. Prevost is wholly unaccountable. It is not our business or desire to shield Gov. Prevost from the censure of his subjects, but after the decision of the contest between the hostile fleets, we can perceive no object of national importance which could have justified the further operations of the army.

"It is possible that an army of 12,000 men might have carried the works at Plattsburg, but the positive assertions on this subject betray great ignorance of our resources, and the spirit of our people. Grant, that after much hard fighting, and the loss of many valuable lives, they had succeeded in taking the forts, do they suppose they could have retained them against all the forces we can bring against them? If they do, we can only say, that they are grossly mistaken.

"Do they suppose that an army of 12,000 men can march through a country, every county of which contains more than that number of souls; or do they suppose their progress would not be obstructed?

"A large proportion of our citizens are opposed to the present war, and from principles the most noble and virtuous. They will not, under existing circumstances, consent to aid in offensive operations against their neighbours. But let no one suppose their love of peace will destroy their love of country, and that they can make war upon us without danger. We will not willingly molest them, but they must not disturb us. He is unworthy any country who would not protect his own from invasion; and we are happy to know that this country is inhabited by men who need no additional inducement to protect their rights and privileges at every hazard.

"PEOPLE."

"_Messrs. Hinckley and Fish._"

No. XXXII.

_An Extract from the Address of the House of Assembly,
at the opening of the Session, 30th Jan. 1815, to His
Excellency Sir George Prevost, p. 176._

"The operations contemplated on the shores of Lake Champlain, we are led to believe, by our confidence in your Excellency's judgment, were planned in consequence of wise combinations, and our proximity to the scene of action has enabled us to acquire a perfect conviction, that they were frustrated by causes beyond your Excellency's control. We are equally convinced that the failure of our naval means rendered necessary at the very onset, an immediate abandonment of the enterprize.

"The protecting hand of His Majesty's government has been agreeably felt in the reinforcements received by your Excellency, for the diminution of the pressure of the war on the inhabitants of this province. The testimony which your Excellency is pleased to bear to the zeal and alacrity with which their services have been rendered, cannot but be more flattering to their feelings and demands through their representatives, their warmest acknowledgments. It is under your Excellency's wise and just administration that their character and conduct have been justly appreciated; and whatever merit their services may be entitled to, a large portion of it is unquestionably due to your Excellency, whose well founded confidence in them, has enabled them, by those services, to testify their faithful, loyal, and patriotic adherence to His Majesty: of which, under your Excellency's administration, they hope many opportunities, during a long time to come, will be afforded them to give additional proofs."

* * * * *

_Extract from an Address from the House of Assembly of Lower Canada, to Sir Geo. Prevost, 20th March, 1815._

"We take this opportunity of repeating the expression of our sentiments of gratitude to your Excellency, for having, by your prudence, by the wisdom of your measures, and by your ability, preserved to the empire these important provinces, and for the paternal solicitude with which your Excellency has watched over the welfare of His Majesty's subjects, and to pray your Excellency to rest assured, that those benefits will ever remain deeply engraven on the hearts of the Canadians."

* * * * *

_Extract from the Resolutions of the House of Assembly of Lower Canada, 21st March, 1815._

"According to order, the resolutions of the Committee of the whole House, to consider whether it would be expedient to give to his Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, some mark of gratitude for his distinguished services in this province, were reported to the House, agreed to, and ordered to be engrossed.

"The said resolutions are as follows:

"Resolved,

"That this House entertains the highest veneration and respect, for the character of his Excellency Sir George Prevost, Governor-in-Chief, whose administration, under circumstances of peculiar novelty and difficulty, stands highly distinguished for energy, wisdom, and ability.

* * * * *

"Resolved,

"That this House, representing the people of this province, anxiously desirous of expressing their gratitude to his Excellency, for having, under Providence, rescued us from the danger of subjugation to our late foe, have, and do hereby, give and grant a service of plate not exceeding five thousand pounds, sterling, to his Excellency, as a testimonial of the high sense this House entertains of his Excellency's distinguished talents, wisdom, and abilities.

* * * * *

"Resolved,

"That for the better carrying into execution the object this House has in view, for the purchase of the service of plate for his Excellency, the Speaker of this House be authorized to give directions to such persons, in England, as may be best able to execute the same, and that when so completed, the said service be presented to his Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, in the name and on the behalf of the Commons of His Majesty's province of Lower Canada.

* * * * *

"Resolved,

"That an humble address be presented to his Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, to communicate the above resolutions, humbly praying that his Excellency will be graciously pleased to advance a sum not exceeding five thousand pounds sterling, to the order of the Speaker of this House, for the object stated in the above resolutions; and that this House doth engage, and hereby pledges itself to make good the said advance the next ensuing session of this provincial parliament."

* * * * *

_Extract from the Speech of the Speaker of the House of
Assembly, on presenting the Money Bills to the
Governor-in-Chief, 23rd March, 1815._

"Superior to prejudices which had but too generally prevailed, your Excellency has derived from the devotion of that brave and loyal, yet unjustly calumniated people, resources sufficient for disconcerting the plans of conquest, devised by a foe at once numerous and elate with confidence. Reinforcements were subsequently received; and the blood of the sons of Canada has flowed mingled with that of the brave soldiers sent to its defence. Multiplied proofs of the efficacious and powerful protection of the mother country, and of the inviolable loyalty of the people of this province, strengthen their claim to the preservation and free exercise of all the benefits which are secured to them by their existing constitution and laws."

* * * * *

_Addresses to Sir Geo. Prevost, from the Inhabitants of Quebec and Montreal, 31st March._

_To His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart.
Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in and over the
Provinces of Lower Canada, &c. &c. &c._

"May it please your Excellency,

"We the inhabitants of the city of Quebec, most respectfully approach your Excellency, at the moment of your departure for England, to express the sentiments which we entertain, of a most profound regard for your Excellency's person and character, and a lively gratitude for the benefits, which, in common with our fellow subjects throughout the province, we have derived from your Excellency's administration.

"At the period of your Excellency's arrival in this country, on the eve of a war with America, you found the majority of its inhabitants irritated by the unfortunate effects of misunderstandings of a long duration. Your Excellency, consulting only the general welfare by a strict adherence to justice and a well-timed confidence, soon allayed every discontent, and rallied the whole population for the common defence. Under the happy influence of harmony thus restored, the militia was assembled and trained, and an exhausted treasury replenished. The additional means which you thereby derived from the colony committed to your particular care, enabled your Excellency to extend the handful of British troops at your disposal, to the most distant parts of the Upper Province, where the long meditated attacks of the enemy were met at the onset, and his forces repeatedly overthrown with disgrace--the happy precursor of the fate which awaited all his attempts on this province.

"If the smallness of the regular army with which your Excellency was left to withstand the whole efforts of the United States for two years, and the insufficiency of the naval force on the Lakes, have exposed His Majesty's arms to some reverses, it is nevertheless, true, that under the auspices of your Excellency, the British arms have acquired new laurels, amidst circumstances of extraordinary difficulty, unprecedented in European warfare; the name of the people of this country has been rendered illustrious, and a vast extent of territory protected from the ravages of war and preserved to the empire.

"Your Excellency's name and services will ever be held in veneration and grateful remembrance by the inhabitants of Quebec. The whole province has assured you of its gratitude; and the imperishable evidences of your Excellency's merits, though they could not appease, will easily overcome your enemies.

"May your Excellency's voyage be prosperous, and its results correspond with your wishes. The citizens of Quebec will hail the day of your Excellency's return to your government, rewarded with the full approbation of a gracious Prince, as one of the happiest in the annals of Canada.

[Signed by 1420 persons.]

"_Quebec, 31st March, 1815._"

To which his Excellency was pleased to return the following Answer:

_To the Inhabitants of the City of Quebec._

"Gentlemen,

"I thank you for those sentiments of kindness which now, as at all times, I have had the gratification to receive from the inhabitants of the city of Quebec. It is at the moment of separation that such expressions appeal most forcibly to the heart.

"If under the authority which His Majesty has deemed proper to place in my hands, you have been prosperous and happy, the objects of all my exertions, and my most earnest solicitude has been attained.

"The time I have spent in your society has taught me at once to appreciate its worth, and to regret the loss of it; and, be assured, the testimony of regard you have now given me, will be treasured up among recollections the most grateful to my feelings."

* * * * *

On Monday last, at twelve o'clock, the Address of the Citizens of Montreal was presented to his Excellency Sir George Prevost, by their Deputies, J. M. Mondelet and John M'Donald, Esquires, which Address is as follows:

_To his Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart.
Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in and over the
Province of Lower Canada, Upper Canada, Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick and their Dependencies, Vice-Admiral of
the same, Lieutenant-General and Commander of all His
Majesty's Forces in the said Provinces, and in the
Islands of Newfoundland, Prince Edward, Cape Breton,
and Bermuda, &c. &c. &c._

* * * * *

"May it please your Excellency,

"We His Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, inhabitants of the city of Montreal and the neighbouring Parishes, have learnt with extreme regret that your Excellency is unexpectedly about to leave this province.

"We hasten, before your Excellency separates yourself from us, to convey to your Excellency the expression of our sorrow for your departure, of our gratitude for the benefits conferred on us, in common with our fellow subjects, by your Excellency's administration, and our ardent wish that your Excellency's absence from this province may be of short duration.

"These sentiments are naturally produced in our minds by the recollection of the public and private virtues which have been displayed by your Excellency in your exalted station, and by the advantages we have experienced from your Excellency's wisdom and justice in peace, and your protecting care in war.

"In your Excellency's civil administration, we have seen conspicuously evinced an anxious desire to dispense equal justice to His Majesty's subjects, to obliterate unjust and impolitic distinctions between the inhabitants of this province, of different origin, and to unite them as members of one community with the same rights and interests, for the promotion of their common welfare. Influenced by this wise and just policy, your Excellency has been enabled to form a correct estimate of the character and disposition of the population of Canada: and, by reposing in the loyalty and bravery of His Majesty's Canadian subjects that confidence which they fully merited, your Excellency has afforded practical evidence of their devoted attachment to His Majesty's government, and their capacity to yield it effectual support.

"While exposed to the pressure of the late unjust and unprovoked war waged by the United States of America against His Majesty, we experienced the security derived from your Excellency's indefatigable exertions for the defence of this Province, and have reason to ascribe its preservation, as well as that of the Upper Province, to the judicious distribution and arrangement of the Public Force made by your Excellency, by which the attempts of the enemy were frustrated, and the honourable character, with the rights and advantages of British subjects has been secured to the Inhabitants of the Canadas.

"Having the greatest confidence in the skill and judgment of your Excellency, and being fully convinced of the ability and prudence with which your Excellency has discharged the military as well as civil duties of your high office, we anticipate, from the investigation for which your Excellency is preparing, a result honourable to your Excellency's character, by which your well-earned reputation will be confirmed, the voice of calumny and detraction silenced, and your Excellency's merits conclusively established. We persuade ourselves also that the important services rendered in this country by your Excellency to His Majesty's Government will be duly appreciated by His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, of whose discernment and justice we have had so many proofs, and will procure for your Excellency deserved approbation, and the high rewards reserved for distinguished merit.

"We shall not cease to take the warmest interest in the fortunes of your Excellency; and in expressing our ardent wishes for your prosperity and that of your family, we join in the general sentiment of the country, whose affection and unalterable attachment your Excellency will carry with you, and whose greatest felicity would be experienced in the speedy return of your Excellency to resume the reins of Government."

(Signed by 1510 persons.)

* * * * *

His Excellency was pleased to make the following answer:

_To the Inhabitants of the City of Montreal, and the neighbouring Parishes._

"Gentlemen,

"The alacrity with which you have hastened to prevent the distance of your residence from being an obstacle to the expression of your kind wishes on my sudden and unexpected departure, gives to them all the additional value of eager sincerity.

"Your good will is to me a most acceptable offering: and as I am now content if your good opinion of my services during my Administration is proportioned to my desire to promote your welfare, so shall I ever be ambitious that your estimate of my exertions may be found as correct as the favourable judgment which I early formed of His Majesty's subjects in Canada, which experience has now fully justified."

* * * * *

_Letter from M. de Salaberry to Sir George Prevost._

A son Excellence Sir George Prevost, &c. &c.

Qu'il plaise a votre Excellence,

Me permettre d'ecrire, puisque je ne peux sortir. J'en suis empeche par une maladie opiniatre et apparemment dangereuse, puisqu'encore hier j'ai tombe sans connaissance sur le plancher. Je suis bien peine d'etre prive par les accidens d'aller vous rendre mes respects, avant que vous vous laissiez.

Sir George, vous portez pour vous justifier--Quoi! une justification de vous! Qui pouvait s'y attendre? Mais s'il en faut une, la voici d'un mot: LE CANADA EST ENCORE A L'ANGLETERRE. Cela repond a tout. Le resultat est tout, il est frappant, il est grand. Voila _un fait_, celui-la: on ne peut le nier. Devant lui doivent disparaitre les vaines paroles, les accusations sophistiques; sous lui doivent succomber les efforts de la malveillance, l'envie, les passions haineuses; mais le merite et la vertu sont sujets a la persecution. Vous en triompherez glorieusement: j'ose vous le predire avec assurance, et je la souhaite du profond de mon coeur, comme je souhaite aussi tous les bonheurs pour vous, Sir George, et pour ce qui vous est cher. Avec ces vrais sentimens, et ceux du plus grand respect, j'ai l'honneur de me souscrire,

Mon General,
De votre Excellence,
Le tres-humble, tres-obeissant
Et tres devoue serviteur,
L. de SALABERRY, Col. M. Quebec.

_A Beauport, 28 Mars, 1815._

P. S. Oui, les Canadas sont encore a l'Angleterre, mais n'y serraient plus sans un effort perseverant de prudence, d'activite, de patience courageuse, et d'habilite consommee, dans un commandement et un genre de guerre aussi difficiles, dont la conduite exige un art tant particulier. Voila ce qu'avoueront tous ceux qui ont de vraies connaissances de la nature de ces pays de situations si extraordinaires, a des prodigieuses distances, a travers des forets immenses.