Major General Dearborn's Head Quarters still remain near Albany. In the inclosed paper will be found an official account of the In Nat. Intell capture of two Vessels by the Americans on the 8th Ulto near of Nov. 3d. Fort Erie, one of which was destroyed by the guns of the Fort. Some Skirmishes have occurred on the American Bank of the St Lawrence but of a very unimportant nature, 400 seamen, the crew of the "John Adams" Frigate which is found to be unserviceable, are to be employed on the Lakes under the command of Commodore Chauncey.

Brigadier Genl. Harrison arrived at Fort Wayne with about 4 thousand men of the force called the North Western Army on Sept 12th, and driving away the numerous Savages who had surrounded that place, sent out some Detachments who destroyed the Indian villages in the vicinity. He was for a short time superceded by Brig. Genl. Winchester, but on account of his popularity in the Western States, and amongst the Troops, reinstated in his command, Brigr. Genl Winchester consenting to serve under him. On the 2nd Instance he relieved Fort Defiance, which had been blockaded by a large Force composed of Indians and some British Troops sent from Detroit, who retired on the approach of the Americans. It appears that a body of Volunteers are proceeding towards Michigan from Virginia, and another from Pennsylvania, and that a Junction of the whole is to take place at the Rapids of the Miami below Fort Defiance. The march of these Troops is very much delayed by the want of the most common necessaries, and they are in so destitute a condition, that it is doubtful whether they will be able to keep the field, after the severe weather has commenced. Their immediate object is probably the securing that part of the Frontier from the attacks of the Indians and they may perhaps endeavour to retake Detroit, which is represented to have been dismantled.

The enclosed Extract of a letter from Capt Heald to the late commandant at Chicago gives an account of the evacuation of that Fort, and the subsequent attack and capture of the Garrison by the Indians, from which it appears that those who were killed, fell in the action, and were not massacred, as at first believed.

Endorsed:

Extract of a dispatch from Mr. Baker to Viscount Castlereagh, dated Washington Novr. 3d 1812.

[Q 120, p 209 ]

COL. EDWARD BAYNES TO MAJ. GEN. GEORGE GLASGOW.

Extract of a Letter from Colonel Edward Baynes, Adjutant General, to Major General George Glasgow, dated Head Quarters, Montreal the 3rd November 1812.

66

"I enclose Returns of the Prisoners of war who embarked yes

terday on board four Schooners His Excellency requests that the "Captain of the Frigate may be solicited to receive on board those "who are British Born Subjects to be disposed of in such manner "as the Admiral may direct by distributing them among the "Marines or Seamen of the Fleet or sending them to the army Depôt to be disposed of on Foreign Service. His Excellency "disapproves of any of them being permitted to join corps in this Country from the facility that would thereby be afforded them "to return to the United States.

66

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[ Q 123, p 152 ]

SMYTH'S PROCLAMATIONS TO THE MEN OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

For many years you have seen your Country oppressed with numerous wrongs. Your Government, although above all others devoted to peace, have been forced to draw the Sword and rely for redress of injuries on the valour of the American people.

The valour has been conspicuous. But the Nation has been unfortunate in the selection of some of those who have directed it. One army has been disgracefully surrendered and lost, another has been sacrificed by a precipitate attempt to pass it over at the strongest point of the enemy's lines, with most incompetent means. The cause of this miscarriage is apparent. The Commanders were popular men, destitute alike of theory and experience in the art of war.

In a few days the Troops under my command will plant the American Standard in Canada.

They are men accustomed to obedience, silence and 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 factions forgot your Country ? Must I turn from you and ask the men of of the Six Nations to support the Government of the United States? Shall I invite the officers of the British King, and suffer our ungathered laurels to be tarnished by ruinless deeds? Shame, where is thy blush? No, where I command the vanquished and peaceful man, the child, 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 future times to be named as one of those 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 the fame. Then seize the present moment. If you do not you will regret it and say "the valiant have bled in vain: The friends of my country fell - and I was not there." Advance then to our aid, I will wait for not give you the date of my departure. Companies, half companies, pairs, or singly, I will organize you for a short tour. Ride to this place, if the distance is far, and send back your horses. But remember that every man who accompanies us places himself under my command, and shall submit to the salutary restraint of discipline.

CAMP NEAR BUFFALO, November 10, 1812.

you a few days, I can But come on, come in

ALEXANDER SMYTH,

Brig. Genl.

ANSWER OF THE MEN OF NEW YORK, INHABITING THE WESTERN DISTRICT. GENERAL-We have seen your Proclamation. We have seen thisCountry, not many years ago, the sole habitation of the beasts of the forest & their prowling Enemy. Wee see it the habitation of many thousand souls, rich in all the necessaries and in many of the comforts of life. Till the day that the sound of war burst on our ear from the Capitol at Washington, we scarcely experienced one moment of anxiety for the safety of our persons and property.

The clamour of avaracious traders, and of factious office seekers, trouble not our quiet. It reached us, but at the period of the

elections, and it was then but like a blast of wind on our Lakes, varigating but for a moment the placid uniformity of the surface. Why should our Swords be drawn in redress of injuries which we have never felt, or which, if they exist, are beyond our reach ? Why appeal to our valor, for the destruction of our own happiness or of that of others.

We are the descendants of the men that fought at Bennington and at Saratoga. The labours of the field are proof, alike, against degeneracy, and the rage of contending factions. You, General, have been more exposed to their influence. The men who fought at Bennington and Saratoga fought for the liberties of their Country. Foreign Mercenaries had set foot upon the soil which their hands had redeemed from the desert and rendered fertile; they had entered the sanctuaries of their wives and children. Our Fathers fought and conquered. You, General, who are taking the place of these mercenaries, you cannot appeal to us.

It is the renown

The renown which you seek is not our renown. of Europe, not of America. The wrath of God precedes it, and desolation follows in its footsteps. It delights in blood, and in fields strewn with carnage, in the tears of the widow and the plainings of the orphan perishing of want and disease. This is your glory. Ours, has upon it the primeval blessing of the Almighty; our Victories are Victories over the unproductive face of nature; our renown, is in fertile fields, in peaceful homes and numerous and happy families.

Go, General, if you will. Should you ever reach the Walls of Quebec, the shade of Montgomery will reproach you for not having profited by his example; and when you fall, the men of New York will lament that folly has found new victims.

[Q 119, p 134 ]

ANTHONY S. BAKER TO VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.

Extract of a Dispatch from Mr. Baker to Viscount Castlereagh, dated Wasington November 11, 1812.

The latest certain accounts from the North Western Army state the failure of an attempt made by a Detachment of mounted men to proceed to the Rapids of the Miami below Fort Defiance, which is to be the place of Rendezvous for the whole of this force

The report

together with the Virginia & Pennsylvania Volunteers. of the officer who commanded, a copy of which is enclosed, to Brigr. Genl. Harrison, shews, that notwithstanding the opposition made by the Indians was very trifling, the detachment could not reach its destination, but was obliged to return in consequence of the insubordination and confusion which prevailed on its march, and of the desertion of the greater part of the troops.

Endorsed:

Extract of a Dispatch from Mr. Baker to Lord Castlereagh, dated Washington Novr. 11, 1812. Mr. Hamilton. 80 Decr. 1812.

[Q 120, p 224]

GENERAL SMYTH TO THE SOLDIERS OF THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE COMPANIES IN ARMS!

The time is at hand when you will cross the streams of Niagara, to conquer Canada, and to secure the peace of the American

frontier.

You will enter a Country that is to be one of the United States, you will arrive among a people who are to become become your fellow citizens. It is not against them that we come to make war. It is against that Government which holds them as Vassals.

You will make this war as little as possible distressful to the Canadian people. If they are peaceable they are to be secure in their persons; and in their property, as far as our imperious necessities will allow. Private plundering is absolutely forbidden. Any soldier who quits his rank to plunder on the field of battle, will be punished in the most exemplary manner.

But your just rights as soldiers will be maintained, whatever is booty by the usages of war you shall have. All horses belonging

to the Artillery and Cavalry; all waggons and teams in public service, will be sold for the benefit of the captors. Public stores will be secured for the service of the U. States. The Government will, with justice, pay you the value.

The horses drawing the Light Artillery of the Enemy are wanted for the service of the U. States. I will order Two Hundred Dollars for each to be paid to the party who may take them.

I will also order Forty Dollars to be paid for the arms and spoils of each savage warrior, who shall be killed.