The above is a true copy with the exception of three pieces of Ordnance which were omitted by mistake in the original, vizt one 23 In. Brass Howr. one Iron 9 Pr. & one Iron 6 Pounder.

LANATT SMITH,

[Q 123, p 121 ]

63

Commissary & Paymr.

[No. 76.]

MY LORD,

SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.

HEAD QUARTERS, KINGSTON, 18th July 1813.

Since I had the honor of addressing Your Lordship on the 3d inst. the Enemy has withdrawn into Fort George & its immediate vicinity such of his advanced Detachments as had escaped being captured, and in concentrating the whole of his Force in that position where I have caused him to be circumscribed within a very small circle by the Indian Warriors supported by our Light Troops. I have not considered it expedient to carry on decisive Military operations against Fort Niagara & the American Poste situate on the frontier of that River & on the South Shore of Lake Ontario whilst the Enemy are in possession of a preponderating Naval Force, because in my estimation the first object to be attained is to secure the Naval ascendanoy for without it to undertake a distant operation would lay open my rear & the whole of my Line of communication with Lower Canada to disastrous consequences, & moreover expose our Fleet to be met to disadvantage by being encumbered with Troops and Stores.

The Information I have received of the State of preparation of the Enemy's Squadron admits of my concluding that the equipment of both Fleets is nearly accomplished to the extent to which either can be prepared for some time to come;- The numerical superiority in Vessels being with the Enemy he may perhaps feel encouraged to attack some of our positions; - should such be his intention it might afford an excellent opportunity of bringing on a general action, particularly if Kingston is the object he has in view.

The Naval and Military Force here at present hold out a reasonable expectation that an attempt upon this point would be repulsed with so severe a loss, as would remove all restraint respecting the embarkation of Troops on board the Squadron, and proceeding with them against Forts George and Niagara.

My last letters from Colonel Procter are dated at Sandwich the 5th instant, the reinforcement of the remainder of the 41st Regt which I had directed to be sent to him had not arrived, but was on its way, & he entertained hopes that when it reached him something might be attempted in co-operation with the Squadron under Captain Barclay against the Enemy's flotilla preparing at Presque Isle & which was in great state of forwardness - Mr. Dickson with