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HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS

COLLECTIONS AND RESEARCHES MADE BY THE Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society

VOL. XV

REPRINTED WITH NOTES BY JOSEPH GREUSEL AND A SKETCH OF GENERAL HENRY PROCTOR BY CLARENCE M. BURTON

LC

LANSING, MICHIGAN WYNKOOP HALLENBECK CRAWFORD CO., STATE PRINTERS

1909

0002 F561 M775

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, by the MICHIGAN PIONEER AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY; In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.

D. of D. FEB 2 1915

LC

0003
PREFACE F. B. M. 1915 3 8

The collection of original documents as an aid to historical research, in which the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society is at present engaged, has in the present volume its ample justification.

The war of 1812 formed an interesting epoch in the history of the American continent; and while in a general sense the facts relative thereto are familiar to the general reader, now for the first time are brought together in print the official reports and correspondence of the British officers in command on the Canadian frontier and in Michigan; and in this volume can be found that portion of the British official story of the first two years of that war which forms a page in the annals of Michigan, together with such parts thereof relating to Upper Canada as was found inseparable therefrom.

But even to the unprofessional reader, these letters and reports cannot fail to have a lively interest, as showing the inner causes which tended to the final result; and here, too, the story of Gen. Hull's surrender of Detroit finds further illustration, and the judgment that at best Gen. Hull was a weak man unfitted to the rank he had attained. The importance of the island of Mackinac, as a strategic point, is also shown in a most vivid manner, while the methods of the British in dealing with and cajoling the Indians into their support find ample illustration.

A succeeding volume will contain papers of similar interest, bringing the story down to the final evacuation, by the British, of Michigan soil.

The committee deem themselves fortunate in having been able to secure from the Archive office at Ottawa, Ontario, those copies of the original documents which are there guarded with the most jealous care, and that they are here brought together in a form convenient for distribution, study and preservation.

MICHAEL SHOEMAKER, Chairman

HARRIET A. TENNEY, Secretary

JOHN H. FOSTER

A. D. P. VAN BUREN Committee of Historians

Lansing, Mich ., June 25, 1890 b

0004
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

The first edition having been exhausted it became necessary to reprint volume XV, and accordingly it is herewith presented. There is no change in page or text, the letters appearing here as they were faithfully transcribed from the archives of the Dominion government at Ottawa—verbatim, literatim et punctuatim. The text has been illustrated by historical, biographical and explanatory notes, by Joseph Greusel. For the most part these notes will be found in the appendix, but where it could be done without affecting the original paging of the volume they appear as footnotes. An interesting addition to the volume is a sketch of General Henry Proctor by the President of the Society—Hon. Clarence M. Burton. Material assistance in the preparation of some of the notes has been rendered by Hon. Charles W. Casgrain of Detroit, great-grandson of James Baby, 1763–1833, who kindly furnished the records of the Casgrain, Baby and Perrault families; also by the privileges accorded by the Windsor Public Library which is unusually well supplied with works relating to the history of Canada.

A new and more perfect index by Mrs. Marie B. Ferrey, increases the value of this official transcript of events of the war of 1812 as recounted by the chief actors therein in letters and reports made day by day. The volume in consequence contains the substantial frame work of the militiary history of the period it covers.

Detroit, October, 1909.

0005
CONTENTS

Preface to First Edition iii

Preface to Second Edition iv

Contents v

Biography of Gen. Henry Procter —C. M. Burton vi

Copies of papers on file in the Dominion archives at Ottawa, Canada, pertaining to the relations of the British government with the United States during the period of the war of 1812:

Relations with the United States and events preliminary to war 1

Declaration of War—Campaign of 1812 63

Campaign of 1813 210

Campaign of 1814 467

Appendix with elaborate notes to Second Edition 689

Index 721

Index to appendix 745

0006 0007
BIOGRAPHY OF GEN. HENRY PROCTER C. M. BURTON

It is somewhat singular that so little can be found in printed volumes relating to the life and family connections of Henry Procter. His name is connected with the history of the territory of Michigan, which included the present state, the northern parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois and a portion of the state of Wisconsin, by reason of his being the military and civil governor, under British rule, during a period of the war of 1812.

It is said that he was of Welsh descent. He resided, at one time, in Douglas in the Isle of Man and he may have been a native of that Island.

In one of his letters he says he entered the army in 1781 and the military records show that he was an ensign in the 43d regiment on the fifth of April in that year. The records of the War Office, in London, contain the further information that he was lieutenant, December twentieth, 1781, captain, November thirtieth, 1792; major, May thirteenth, 1795; brevet lieutenant colonel, June first, 1800. During this time he was connected with the 43d regiment. He became lieutenant colonel in the 41st regiment of foot on October ninth, 1800; brevet colonel, July twenty-fifth, 1810, and received his final promotion to major general, June fourth, 1813. 1

1 His name was gazetted as brigadier general February 8, 1813.— Doc. His. Can . part 5, page 60.

He was in command of Fort George, on the Niagara River, in 1807 with the 41st regiment, or a portion of it, and continued to reside at that place until preparations for war were made at Fort Malden (Amherstburg) when he was sent to that place. 2

2 His brother, Lieut. William Procter, married Joan Crooks, at Niagara, December 11, 1807.— Ont. His. Soc ., Vol. III, p. 58.

A short time after was declared between the United States and Great Britain in 1812, General William Hull, civil governor of Michigan Territory, arrived in Detroit with a small army of regulars and Ohio militia. He soon invaded Canada and occupied a position at Sandwich opposite the village of Detroit.

Here he issued a bombastic proclamation inviting the Canadians to desert their country and join the Americans. At this time Procter was secure in 0008 viii Fort Malden, some twenty miles down the river, but he had not troops enough to undertake to resist the invasion.

Hull feared to attack Fort Malden. His troops were largely the militia from Ohio and Michigan and they complained that they were not employed to invade foreign territory or to leave the United States, and threatened to return to Detroit. Fearing a defection in his army, Hull only remained a few days on Canadian soil and then withdrew to the Fort at Detroit. His troops other than foraging parties had at no time been more than five or six miles from that place.

General Isaac Brock (afterwards Sir Isaac Brock) was with the parliament of Upper Canada when Hull's invasion took place. The day that parliament was prorogued he hastened to Fort Malden with a few reinforcements, and assumed command. Hastily collecting his troops and the assembled Indians, he started to attack Hull and was soon at Sandwich. He erected two or three small batteries and began to bombard the city and Fort.

On the day he appeared at Sandwich, August 15, 1812, he sent to Hull a demand to surrender. Early the same day Hull had dispatched a considerable portion of his troops down the Detroit River, on the American side to escort a train of supplies coming from Ohio.

This detachment was under charge of Colonels Duncan McArthur and Lewis Cass, two of the best officers in the small army. Hull's remaining troops were, as he thought, much inferior to Brock's army. No matter whether he was right or wrong, when Brock demanded a surrender and threatened to turn his Indians loose on the inhabitants of the village if his demand was not complied with, Hull was badly frightened. His first reply was to the effect that he was prepared to meet any force that might be sent against him, but after a night of mediation, and apparently without consulting his officers, early in the morning of August sixteenth, he requested Brock to delay offensive operation in order to treat of a capitulation. 3

3 Many of these papers are printed in the Historical Register , Vol. 2, part 2. Hull's Proclamation is on page 31. Brock's demand is on page 50, and Hull's reply is on the same page, as are also the Articles of Capitulation. Hull's two letters offering to surrender are reproduced in facsimile in History and Biography of Detroit (1909) on pages 70 and 72.

At noon on August sixteenth, 1812, General Brock took possession of Detroit by capitulation, and with Detroit there was surrendered to the British Arms, the entire Michigan Territory. Brock only remained in Detroit one day to arrange matters for Henry Procter who was at once installed as military commandant. The militia were disarmed and ordered to return to their homes, while the regulars and officers were sent to Montreal as prisoners of war.

0009 ix

From August seventeenth, 1812, till September twenty-fourth in the following year Procter retained the position as military and civil governor of Michigan Territory. During that time there were several small engagements in which Procter's troops and the Indians with them were engaged, and there were three events of more importance. In the Massacre at Frenchtown, on the River Raisin, the Massacre of the garrison, women and children at Fort Dearborn (Chicago) and in the battle on the Maumee, the troops of Procter or the Indians under his control, were present.

Nearly a century has passed since these events took place and the blood of a great nation has had time to cool, but even now the maledictions of an entire people continue to fall upon the head of Procter who consented to these infamous massacres. It is useless to say that the work was carried on against his consent and without his knowledge. He employed the Indians, well knowing what they would do, if they once gained control, and he is the one on whom all the blame and all the shame should fall for the terrible massacre Chicago and at Frenchtown. Brock in his letter to Hull dated August fifteenth, 1812, says “It is far from my intention 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 control the moment the contest commences. Procter knew that he could not control the Indians if they once were turned loose and became victorious, and nothing can excuse him for employing them. This censure—worse than censure, condemnation—of Proctor's actions was proclaimed at the time and by those who were personally cognizant of the acts complained of. It has not needed a century to discover his crimes. Look at the letters written and published by Judge Woodward in 1813, and the letter of William Henry Harrison to Major General Vincent, of November 3d, 1813. 4

4 Page 436 post . Some of Judge Woodward's letters are in Niles Register , Vol. IV, page 91 et seq ., and others are in this volume, post .

Proctor undertook to establish civil law in Michigan and directed the former officers to continue until further arrangements were made. He was not successful in establishing courts or in maintaining those already established by the Territorial Government and Michigan continued during the British occupancy virtually without courts. The reader who is desirous of ascertaining how the country was managed during this time can find abundance of information in the papers already published by this society, particularly those ni volumes XV and XXXVI. Finding that the people were not contented and were likely to cause trouble, Procter suspended all civil and criminal laws in force and proclaimed Martial Law on the fourth day of February, 1813. 5

5 This proclamation is printed in Vol. VIII, page 642, and in Vol. XXXVI, page 293. Doc. Hist. of Canada (War of 1812 ) Part 5, page 427.

0010 x

A few days before the promulgation of Martial Law, Procter ordered nearly all of the American citizens who still remained at Detroit, to leave the place without unnecessary delay. The declaration of Martial Law immediately followed and many of the citizens were forced to leave. Judge Woodward, who had been the chief protection to the American citizens at Detroit until this time, left the place after asserting that he had done everything possible in his power to assist his countrymen.

Matters of serious importance were of daily occurrence during the remainder of Procter's stay in Detroit as can be readily be seen by the letters and documents above referred to, but he could not gain the confidence of the people subject to his government. He could not control the Indians and they committed all sorts of depredations, such as house burning, destruction of property and sometimes murdering the people living on farms outside of the village enclosure.

The battle of Lake Erie was fought on September tenth, 1813. The British forces in the west had counted on a sure victory and every hope they had for maintaining their western possessions was chanced upon the outcome. The entire British fleet was destroyed. The news no sooner reached Procter than he began hastily to prepare to retreat. He destroyed the public buildings and military stores in Fort Malden and withdrew his troops to Detroit and Sandwich. He burned the public buildings (those within the fort) at Detroit and evacuated the place and commenced his retreat on the twenty-fourth day of September. 6

6 The following is the official account issued at Montreal, October 13, 1813:

“Major General Procter having sustained, by the unfortunate capture of the squadron on Lake Erie, the loss of a considerable portion of his military force, which was serving on board that fleet, as well as the principal heavy ordnance necessary for the defence of his military possessions—commenced his retreat from the fort at Sandwich on the twenty-fourth of September, having previously dismantled the posts of Amherstburg and Detroit, and burned and destroyed every public building and stores of every description.” Niles Reg ., V. 173.

General William Henry Harrison followed him as promptly as circumstances would permit. The Battle of the Thames—the rout of Procter—the destruction and capture of his army—the death of his chief Indian ally, Tecumseh and his own escape are told elsewhere in many publications and need not be here repeated. 7

7 See “ The Battle of the Thames ,” one of the best works on the subject, by Col. Bennett H. Young, being Filson Club Publication No. 18. See letter in Niles Reg ., V. 174. Harrison's proclamation, same book, page 173.

Procter keenly felt the disgrace of his defeat and the cause of it soon became a matter of importance between himself and Sir George Prevost. He accused Prevost of not properly supporting him, either with men or provisions. There are many evidences to support these accusations—letters of 0011 xi Prevost on this subject, both to Procter and to his government. Procter demanded a military investigation. This was at first denied him, but was afterward conceded, and a court martial was actually ordered May twenty-first, 1814, but obstructions were placed in the way of its action so that nothing was done for some time. 8 Procter became so exasperated at the want of action that he sought to place his side of the controversy before the people by means of a series of articles in The Montreal Herald. 9

8 The Court Martial was at first denied Procter and he asked to be relieved of his command January fourteenth, 1814. See this volume, page 470. See also on the same subject pages 471, 562 and 576.

9 These articles were subsequently reprinted in a small pamphlet, a copy of which is in the British Museum. The pamphlet is entitled “The Letters of Veritas Republished.”

Charges were finally formulated against him and were printed in the Quebec Mercury. There were five charges in all, as follows:

1st. That he did not abandon Detroit and retreat as soon as he should. He began his retreat in the evening of September twenty-seventh, although he was aware of the Barclay's defeat on Lake Erie on the day of the battle, September tenth.

2nd. He did not carry on his retreat expeditiously and did not destroy the bridges he passed over; thus allowing the American to overtake him.

3d. Allowed property to fall into the hands of the enemy that he should have carried off or destroyed.

4th. That he did not fortify Chatham in order to resist the enemy at that point.

5th. That he did not properly arrange his troops at the battle at Moravian town, October fifth, but “quitted the field soon after the action commenced; such conduct on the part of the said Major General Procter betraying great professional incapacity, tending to the defeat and dishonor of His Majesty's arms, to the sacrifice of the division of the army committed to his charge, being in violation of his duty, unbecoming and disgraceful to his character as an officer, prejudical to good order and military discipline, and contrary to the articles of war.” 10

10 These charges first appear in the Quebec Mercury and are reprinted in the Niles Register of January twenty-first, 1815. See also Mich. Pion. & His. Soc ., Vol. XVI, p. 179.

The finding of the Court, the report of which is dated July twenty-sixth, 1815, was partly in favor and partly against the accused. The closing of the verdict is as follows: “Upon the whole the court is of opinion that the prisoner, Major General Procter, has in many instances during the retreat, and 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.” 11

11 Mich. Pion. & His. Soc ., Vol. XVI, p. 181.

0012 xii

The sentence of the Court was that he should be publicly reprimanded and suspended from rank and pay for six months. The Prince Regent acquiesced in the sentence so far as the public reprimand, only. 12

12 The Talbot Regime , 65. See also Ten Years in Upper Canada , p. 234. George IV was very severe upon the unfortunate Procter, and censured the court for mistaken lenity. He expressed his regret that any officer of the length of service, and the exalted rank of General Procter should be so extremely wanting in professional knowledge, and deficient in those energetic qualities which must be required of every officer.

The events of the remainder of his life are rather uncertain at the present time. He retained his position in the army and returned to England. Whether he was actively engaged in military affairs is uncertain. He never recovered from the censure of the Court Martial and spent his days in attempting to show that Prevost was the cause of his defeat.

He was taken sick and moved to Bath for treatment. Here he entered into a discussion of his old ground of complaint against Prevost and a long article on the subject was printed in the Quarterly Review of October, 1822. 13

13 Page 419. In this article reference is made to the “Letters of Veritas Republished,” which hurt the feelings of Lieut. Gen. Prevost.

“Some account of the Public Life of the late Lieut. Gen. Sir George Prevost” was published in London in 1813.

Almost at the very instant that the article in the Quarterly Review was placed upon the market for sale, the life of General Proctor went out of sickness, at his home in Bath. He died October thirty-first, 1822.

Little is known of his family or descendants. In one of his letters he refers to his wife and daughter being present with him in Detroit in 1813, and there is a paper on file in the War Office in London showing that his wife's name was Elizabeth and that they had three daughters, Susannah Anne Procter, baptised in the Parish of Leominister, November 18, 1794, Frances Sarah Procter, born July fifteenth, 1803, in Canada and Augusta Margaret Firth Procter, born November nineteenth, 1808, in Canada. None of these children were married at the time of the death of their father. 14 In every record the name is spelled Procter.

14 A son, Richard Campbell Procter, was baptized at Niagara, April 7, 1807.

0013
MICHIGAN PIONEER AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
COPIES OF PAPERS ON FILE IN THE DOMINION ARCHIVES AT OTTAWA, CANADA, PERTAINING TO THE RELATIONS OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DURING THE PERIOD OF THE WAR OF 1812

Note —Care has been taken in publishing the following papers to follow the original copies as closely as possible, including orthography, punctuation, capitalization, etc. The references in brackets at the close of each paper are to the filings in the Dominion archives at Ottawa

RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES AND EVENTS PRELIMINARY TO WAR
MAJOR LITTLEHALES TO MR. LE MAISTRE

( Relations with United States )

York , 1 October 21st 1793

1 Toronto; early name of York changed, 1834. Established as capital of Upper Canada, 1794. Taken by Americans, 1813, but was held four days only.

Sir ,

Enclosed is an account of expenses incurred by Captain Bunbury of the 5th Regiment, and Lieut. Givens of the Queens Rangers in attending the Commissioners of the United States to the Westward.

0014 2

His Excellency Colonel Simcoe, 1 long since informed General Clarke, that he had thought proper to direct the above mentioned gentlemen, to accompany the Commissioners to Sandusky, upon their application to him for some of the Kings Officers to go with them. He therefore hopes His Excellency The Major General will be pleased to sanction the payment of this account.

1 See appendix.

I am sir Your very obedient and Most humble Servant E. B. Littlehales .

F. Le Maistre Esqr &c

[C 673-p 17.]

Enclosed Account

Government Dr. to Captain Bunbury and Lieut. Givens for Sundry Expenses incurred in attending the Commissioners of the United States from Niagara to the Detroit River from the 26th of June to the 23d of August 1793.

£ s. d. To Cash paid for Provisions on board Ship for Captain Bunbury and Lieut Givens from Niagara to Detroit River and back again 12 12 0 To Cash paid for two Servants for Ditto 6 6 0 To Cash paid for Provisions on board Ship for Captain Bunbury and Lt Givens from Niagara to York and back again 3 3 0 To Cash paid an Express from Captain Elliotts to Detroit the 16th of August 1793 1 1 0 Sterling £23 2 0

Joseph Bunbury Capt 5th Regt

Jas Givens Lt Q. R.

Approved J. G. S.

[C 673-p 18.]

FROM CAPTAIN SMITH—UNADDRESSED

( Relations with United States )

James Kenny native of Ireland private in the 1st Sub Legion of the American Army commanded by Genrl Wayne deserted from Fort Defiance 4 days ago and was conducted into this Camp by the Ottawas; informs that the convoy with provisions had not arrived at the Glaize nor expected by land as was mentioned, But that a Boat with Whiskey had come from the 0015 3 Miamis Village and so soon as the water is high enough, the provisions for Fort Defiance will be furnished from thence & that Boats for that purpose of the same construction as those of Kentucky are now actually upon the Stocks at the Miamis Village—The Garrison of Fort Defiance consists of 130 Invalids most of them Wounded in the last engagement—12 men on guard,—4 centries—3 Reliefs and one night only in Bed.—A Guard of 8 men and a Serj't are sent out daily to watch the Cattle which at present are reduced to 13—No Rifle men fit for duty and only 30 days provision in the Fort.

It was expected that Wayne would this Autumn make another Sally upon the Indians but the informant rather thinks that he is gone to Winter quarters at Greenville.—That it is expected in the Course of Next Summer, Fort Miamis and Detroit will be given up to them.

Many deserters have an inclination to come in but a man being killed lately at the Glaize, together with an advertisement in the Washington Gazette that Govrs L—we gave a Guinea for every Scalp deterred them from desertion,—That peace with the Indians is much desired in order to draw the Fur trade from Detroit.

The informant did not hear of Wells coming out with a party, nor of any cannon intended for Fort Defiance more than what it had, which is 4—one pounders—one in each blockhouse.

That they were fortifying the harbours along the Coast & repairing the old Forts—that a War with Britain was not expected, but much wished for at this present time in her present troubles with the French.—Harmers 1 track is now the road from Greenville to the Miamis Towns—Fort Defiance has no Bombproofs, nor tenable against cannon—that, at the Miamis Village he does not know of what materials it is made nor its construction.

1 See appendix.

That a Frenchman, Brother to him who was taken Prisoner said that the Trade of Detroit is very dull since the Battle & many of the French moving off to Lower Canada.

Sign'd, Thos Smith Capt Mala 2

2 Meaning captain of militia.

Swan Creek 28th Octr 1794

A true Copy Sign'd, M. Elliott A. A.

Montreal 7th Decr 1794.

A true Copy Joseph Chene S. I. A.

[C 673-p 38.]

0016 4
MAJOR LITTLEHALES TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Relations with United States )

Navy Hall Niagara September 4th 1795.

Sir , I have the honor to subjoin an Extract of a letter to me from Colonel England of the 23d Ultimo, and to transmit a copy of the inclosure to which it refers.

“I also send for the information of His Excellency a copy of an Extract “of a letter which I received late last night from Major Strelle Commanding “at Fort Miamis, and from every account that reaches me General “Wayne proposes immediately to erect Forts at the Mouth of the Miamis “River, Sandusky and the River Raisins. I should wish to be instructed if I “am to take any measures to prevent him, Those places being evidently “within the precincts of the British Posts on the Miamis and here.”

I am Sir Your Most obedient humble Servant E. B. Littlehales

M. B. (Major of brigade.)

Captain Green 1 M. S. (Military Secretary.)

1 Major James Green, 26th Regiment, military secretary to the commanding general at Quebec.

[C 673-p 48.]

Enclosed Extract

Extract of a letter from Major Strelle to Colonel England dated Fort Miamis August 20th 1795—

“You will receive this from a Mr. Godfroy, who has just arrived from Greenville, which place he left seven days ago, he brings the same reports respecting the intentions of General Wayne to advance and build a Fort at Sandusky and another at the mouth of this River, that the day he left Greenville, orders were given out for the Troops to hold themselves in readiness to move at a moments notice, and that the Treaty with Great Britain had given general discontent thro' the Country, he says he heard from different officers that two English Frigates had been burnt in some of the American Harbours, but in which he does not recollect. From his account the Indians are not by any means satisfied with the Treaty, the Americans having kept from them the most valuable part of their country, the little Turtle, 2 as he says, was with difficulty prevailed upon to sign the Treaty, and

2 See appendix.

0017 5 that when General Wayne 1 told him he had better do it, as all the other Nations had done so, he answered that since he was forced to it he would, but that there was little use in putting his hand to a Treaty, which his heart could not approve of.—Great Quantities of provision and ammunition arrive daily at Greenville, some heavy pieces of Cannon have also arrived, and part of them it is said with a quantity of ammunition have been forwarded to Fort Wayne.

1 Gen. Anthony Wayne, famed in the Revolutionary war, sent by Washington to subdue the Indians in the territory northwest of the Ohio, completed that work at the battle of Fallen Timbers, Maumee Rapids not far from Toledo, 1794. Made treaty of peace, 1795, at Greenville.

All reports say that a Fort is certainly to be built immediately at Sandusky and another at the entrance of this River, whatever General Wayne may do at Sandusky, I can hardly think he will send any party below the Glaize.”

A true copy from a copy

E. B. L.

[C 673-p 45.]

FROM COL. ENGLAND—UNADDRESSED

( Relations with United States )

Copy .

The Information of Charles Tillier a Canadian lately returned from the Posts occupied by the army of the United States under the Command of General Wayne.

Detroit October 20th 1795

The Informant says, that he has been for some time at Greenville that General Wayne with Two Thousand Men, exclusive of two hundred and fifty Light Horse, marched from thence thirty three days ago, to a Carrying place on the Main Fork of the Glaize River, commonly called Lorimers Encampment, where he was, when he left him, employed in building a Fort, which when finished, promised to be about the same size as Fort Defiance, and that when the Fort was completed, he proposed to cut a road to Sandusky, where he was to build another Fort— And he heard from some of the officers, that he would build a Fort this fall at Point aux Chenes, provided Perrogues with Merchandize and Stores were prevented from passing the British post on the Miamis—

He further says that General Wayne did not move with any cannon but that there were six Brass Six Pounders sent to Fort Wayne previous to his move, and that he had a great Quantity of Provisions with him, and that there were several large Flats and Batteaux built on Rocky River, and provisions constantly sent to the Fort Building in Lorimers Encampment, where he understood there was to be a considerable Depot—He also says 0018 6 that the general conversation among the Troops was that they were to be in this Neighbourhood early in the spring.

(Signed) R. England 1 Col. Commg. E. B. L.

1 See appendix.

[C 673-p 50.]

MAJOR LITTLEHALES TO SECRETARY GREEN.

( Relations with United States )

Navy Hall October 29th 1795

Sir , His Excellency Colonel Simcoe commands me to transmit to you a copy of a letter of the 21st of this month from Colonel England with a copy of its enclosure—

And, He desires Me to remark It will be satisfactory to know if It is the Commander in Chiefs pleasure that Colonel England should be authorized to incur an expence for any Express he may think necessary, during the Winter—

I am Sir, Your most obedient and very humble servant E. B. Littlehales M. B.

Captain Green Military Secretary

[C 673-p 53.]

FROM COL. ENGLAND—UNADDRESSED

( Relations with United States )

The following intelligence was brought Mr. McKenzie by Blackbeard a Chief of the Shawanoes, who was told it by Judge Symes on the Big Miamis.

“That in December an Army of Eight thousand men, was sent to attack “a Spanish Fort on the Ohio, and two Indians a Shawanoes and a Wyandot “accompanied them.

“That an Indian acquainted the Commandant at Greenville that he was “wrong to send off so many men, for that a Warrior at his back, was ready 0019 7 “to attack him with a very strong Army meaning the Chippawas. That on “this Indians Information he sent a Courier after them to desire them to “return early in the Spring.

“That two Officers were to go on the Recruiting Service, past the Blue “Licks, and over the Mountains and to descend the Cankaway (Kanawha) “with what Troops they can raise and to remain at Kayuaga till those expected “to be enlisted by another Officer who goes to the Falls of the Ohio and “returns from thence to Fort Washington can join them there, and then to “proceed to Detroit about the end of May. That if they did not get there “before that time, and before the English could oppose them, they were a lost “people, but that if they could be there at that time they had all the “Country.

“That they were afraid the English would raise the Indians against them “and that therefore they wished to be on a good footing with them till they “got those Posts.”

Swan Creek 9th March 1796

E. B. L.

(a copy) signed R. England Col. Commg.

[C 673-p 54.]

MAJOR LITTLEHALES TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Relations with United States )

York July 4, 1796

Sir , The enclosed Correspondence between Colonel England and Brigadier General Wilkinson 1 of the United States, is transmitted to you by desire of Major General Simcoe, for the information of the Commander in Chief.

1 See appendix.

I am Sir Your most obedient and Most humble Servant E. B. Littlehales M. B.

Captain Green Military Secretary.

[C 673-p 62.]

0020 8
MR. SCHOEDDE TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Relations with United States )

Montreal 25th February 1799

Dear Sir The last Burlington brought nothing new; But a paper of the 12th from New York, and which was in Doctor Jones possession but lost by him, gives an account of a Vessel from Lisbon, of 12th December and that Malta and Minorca were both taken, the first I can easily believe, but the latter can hardly have been taken in so short a time and with such a hand full of Men, as General Stewart commanded—.

There is a french man at Albany whom you know better than I do, named Lacouturé; he is an agent of the Directorys and said lately when drunk, that he had eight people employed in Canada as emissaries—this I am certain you know, but what makes me give you this information is that he is just setting off from Albany, for Niagara, and from thence to Detroit; this perhaps you do not know, and as he may perhaps think it not unsafe to cross the limits there, the Rascal might be secured, if a description of him was to go up. Excuse this liberty & I remain Dear Major

Yours sincerely T. H. Schoedde .

†Contealx Major Green 26th Rgt

[C 673-p 75]

EXTRACT OF A STATEMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF UPPER CANADA SENT WITH THE APPROBATION OF LIEUT. GENERAL HUNTER 1 TO FIELD MARSHAL HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT 2 COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF BRITISH N. AMERICA, IN THE YEAR 1800

1 Lieut. Gen. Martin Hunter, commanding British forces in Canada under the Duke of York.

2 Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent, 1767–1820. Fourth son of George III of England; father of Queen Victoria.

The Government of the united States not having fulfilled some Articles of the treaty of Peace, which established their independance, 'twas thought proper by the british Government to retain the Military Posts of Oswego Niagara Detroit & Michillimakinac which had been injudiciously ceded by Oswald the british Commissioner, a man of little political, and less local knowledge, if Men's talents may be estimated by their Measures. The Indians who had loudly and Justly complained of a treaty in which they were sacrificed by a cession of their country contrary to repeated Promises, were with difficulty appeased, however, finding the Posts retained and some Assurances given they ceased to murmur and resolved to defend their country extending from the Ohio Northward to the Great Lakes, and westward to the Mississippi, an immense tract, in which they found the deer, 0021 9 the bear, the wild wolfe game of all sorts in profusion. They employed the Tomahawk and Scalping Knife against such deluded Settlers who on the faith of the treaty, to which they did not consent, ventured to cross the Ohio, secretly encouraged by the Agents of Government, supplied with Arms, Ammunition and provisions they maintained an obstinate & destructive War against the States, cut off two Corps sent against them, one under Sinclair 1 and the other under Colonel Butler. The American Government discouraged by these disasters were desirous of peace of any terms, their deputies were sent to Detroit, they offered to confine their Pretensions within certain limits far South of the Lakes. if this offer had been accepted the Indian Country would have been for ages an impassable Barrier between us. twas unfortunately perhaps wantonly rejected, and the war continued.

1 See appendix.

About this time the destruction of Order and the confusion resulting from Anarchy seemed to threaten France with a total dissolution. The Indians were more openly encouraged: Lord Dorchester 1 then Commander in Chief, delivered a speech in writing to some indian Chiefs, in which Assistance was promised, he was disavowed by ministry on the Changes which took place in Europe contrary to all Appearances.

Whilst the War continued between the Indians & the Long Knives, as they call the Americans, the writer was sent by Lord Dorchester, by General Simcoe's Request, to the Miamis Country, the Scene of Action, there to superintend the Christian Indians & a strong settlement of Canadians in the indian Country, twas expected at Head Quarters that Observations would be made as well on the disposition & views of the Inhabitants native Indians and others as on the Position of the several Posts, their strength or weakness, relative advantages or disadvantages. This expectation of Government was duly & faithfully complied with, the task was extremely difficult & in the existing circumstances unsafe a misunderstanding subsisting between the Commander in Chief & the Lieut Governor their Views were different. Lord Dorchester's Ideas were confined to the State of the Province as known to him by official communications. these communications were made through interested Channels, & as all such are extremely defective, General Simcoe had seen the Country with his own Eyes, his measures were founded on his local Knowledge & commensurate to it. he saw distant Ruin in the loss of a Country which Lord Dorchester seemed to disregard, tho equally attentive to the Interests of the Empire at large, and equally intent on its Pursuit with such discordant Views twas not possible to agree on the means. Applause was directed by Interest. Men not measures were the objects of praise or censure. The unsuspecting temper of the one, duped by artifice under the Garb of loyalty which masks many a traitor & the unguarded 0022 10 Candor of the other whose incautious expressions were more than once malignantly distorted, served to encrease the disunion. The Writer's Opinions were ingenuously offered, tho' well received they produced but little effect. from an Attentive View of the whole country its native & adventitious resources he thought (and time confirms his Opinion that Lord Dorchesters Plans) were laid on too small a Scale & General Simcoe's in some what impracticable. tis true the Expenditures proposed by that intelligent officer tho great in themselves, are trifling if compared to sums which flow thro' other channels less productive & he thought perhaps not rashly that they would eventually pay the Nation with Compound Interest.

The unexpected reverse in Europe induced Ministers to compromise with the Americans, Jay's 1 treaty was concluded, a cessation of the Indian War promised, the Indians themselves now unsupported & dispirited by the defeat at the Miamis concluded a treaty with Waine. The cession of one of the finest Countrys on Earth, with Public works estimated at 300,000 £ Sterling, was the immediate result, the loss of the fur trade & of the Canadas will be the ultimate consequence, if strong Measures be not adopted and in due time.

1 See appendix.

All this Simcoe fore saw, & would have prevented if his Representations had been effectual, he would have given effective aid to the Indians & the American Army would have been cut to pieces, they would of course in their treaty with the Indians have confined themselves to the limits proposed by their deputy. The indians were taught to believe by some traders hired for the purpose, that the british & americans had conspired their ruin, the evasive answers, & equivocal Conduct of the garrisons at Detroit & the Miamis countenanced the delusion, hence of 1200 Indians assembled under the Fort 900 retired without firing a Shot under the persuasion that the british fort would fire on them as soon as the Engagement commenced. the Christian Indians accompanied by a few Shawanese & Ottawas came into Action & were overpowered by Numbers. that unlucky Day brought the Americans on our Frontiers & put them in possession of a Chain of Posts commanding all the Lakes.

A friendly intercourse was established, or pretended, how long it may continue was not then nor is it yet within the reach of political calculation. the Jarring Materials of which the federal Union is composed, include more than one principle of dissolution; the Antifederalists are numerous & their Influence great; they feel their weight, and avoid it, the gallic Interest is deeply rooted and widely extended; that Horde of miscreants the united irishmen have their Partisans & Emisaries diffused all over the States, some of their most active leaders have been sent out by the british Government as 0023 11 if to give System to their Measures, the Interests of the Northern & Southern States are incompatible, their Habits are different, their modes of living, their natural dispositions unlike, their Views are opposite, Tom Paine's rights of man & age of reason are gradually superceding the Bible, the Kentucky Banditti & Vermont Brigands are avowedly inimical to order; a Spirit of insubordination the infallible effect of irreligion in the lower classes of Society, pervades the whole Mass of the people, may not some one, or all these causes, which have been noticed acting severally or in conjunction with other causes which cannot with propriety be assigned, produce some change materially affecting us? A combination of discordant Elements in the political World always threatens & frequently produces a sudden explosion.

When, after some disasters on the Continent of Europe, the Northern Confederacy was formed, the government of the United States thinking the ruin of Great Britain unavoidable & desirous of sharing the Spoils, directed Measures to be taken in the distant Posts in order to commence Operations, in consequence, General Hamilton then Governor of the N. W. district of the United States reinforced the garrison of Detroit with the troops which had been stationed at Michillimakinac & the Miamis, the garrison of Niagara was strengthened at the same time with troops drawn from Presqu Isle on Lake Erie & Oswego on Lake Ontario; he thus collected in two prominent points immediately on our frontiers, the whole of the American disposable force, he had also given orders to inspect the Narrows on the River Sinclair & to determine the most advantageous position for a fort to command the whole of that river, he intended to remove the garrison from Detroit, an ill chosen & unhealthy spot, to an eminence about two miles below it, which commands the whole of the River opposite to Sandwich. 1 these two Positions well manned & appointed with a few Gun boats on the River Huron would have made him absolute master of the whole communication between Lake Erie & Lake Huron. the writer does not know if the last Measure was in Hamilton's contemplation, but the position is so advantageous, & the necessity so obvious, that he could hardly over look it; the mouth of the river, tho not within gun shot has a full view of the Bar on Lake Sinclair; between it & the Bar there's a long & very narrow channel, thro which all vessels must of necessity pass, to stem the current a fair & strong Breeze is necessary & then as the first reach of the river is in a different direction to the channel, it seldom happens, that the wind, which wafts a vessel over the Bar, will stem the first, or fidler's reach, as tis called, from its sinuosity, of course the Vessel comes to an Anchor, or runs aground, which frequently happens. on the Bar there are but six feet of water, a vessel drawing more must take a lighter in Company.

1 See appendix.

0024 12

The communication thus secured, in the Event of a Rupture will give the United States the undisturbed possession of the Upper Lakes & the whole of our fur trade, an object to which they have hitherto looked with anxious hope, and now with almost unerring certainty.

it may be said that we have yet a post at St. Joseph 1 & a communication open through the Grand or Ottawa River, but tis manifest that troops, provisions and war like stores cannot be conveyed in bark canoes against a rapid river forming a number of Cataracts, at every one of which, not only the Packages, but the canoes must be transported, on men's shoulders a certain distance thro almost impassable woods before they can again venture on the river; other, therefore, and more effectual means must be devised & assumed the situation of St Joseph, is convenient merely as a resting place or place of shelter for the Merchants to deposit their stores their furs & Canoes occasionally; it may also be considered as a Place of Arms whence an Expedition up Lake Michigan against the adjacent Settlements, on thro the Bay & over the intermediate plain against the Settlements on the Mississippi, if well conducted may be successful; the most trifling neglect in any such Expedition must prove fatal from the nature of the Country thro which it is to pass, & treacherous disposition of the many wandering tribes which inhabit it, in whatever light the Post may be considered tis most injudiciously placed: a neighboring hill commands the fort, the Harbour if an extensive Bay deserves the name, inconvenient, if not unsafe, a Vessel coming in with a hard gale & heavy swell must come to at a distance & ride out the Gale with both Anchors at her Head; if she comes in with a light wind to get under cover of a Wharf, which stretches out in a right line & turns at right angles, she must throw out an Anchor & be warped in with a hawse or her cable, tis true the Anchorage is good, but a heavy swell beats against the Shore and when moor'd safety depends on the power of Resistance in the wharf.

1 See appendix.

the entrance of the River which joins Lake Huron to Lake Superior nine miles below St. Joseph, is commanded by an iminence on the American Side, tis impossible it should escape notice in the event of a Rupture it should be instantly seized, or such measures adopted as may prevent an Enemy from occupying it. the Falls of St Mary at the opening of Lake Superior are about 40 miles distant from St. Joseph, the ship channel leading to the falls about three miles distant from the fort it can therefore afford no protection to the Merchants Stores, Works or Shipping at and above the falls if it be not sufficiently manned to afford a Detachment to cover them.

With respect to the Navigation of the Lakes the late cession has given the united States incalculable advantages. the whole of Lake Michigan is in 0025 13 their territory, the adjacent soil is good, the country beautiful beyond description, the climate mild & and healthy; Rivers on which Vessels of any Burthen may be fitted out, the Bay of Saginaw in itself a sort of Lake has nearly the same advantages; Presquisle Middle Island, Thunder Bay Islands, the only places of shelter in a gale on Lake Huron are immediately on their Coast, the river Huron coming from the South on Lake Sinclair has four feet water on the Bar a sufficient depth for Gun boats or tow Galleys which may lie in safety at any place from the River's mouth ten or twelve miles up the Country in the midst of a strong Settlement; on the River Rouge between Detroit & Lake Erie, Vessels of any size may lie, and large Vessels are incessantly fitting out; near the extremity of pointe nouillie on Lake Erie another River Huron affords shelter to small Armed Vessels of any description. this last mentioned river opens in the Lake opposite the Bar point, nine miles below Fort Amherstburg, has a full view of all vessels going to or coming from that Post; may at any time interrupt the communication; they have besides these the River Raisin and Sandousky convenient Harbours for small craft, the Miamis Bay & Presquisle fit to receive large Vessels; on Lake Ontario they have many Rivers & Creeks the only Harbours of Nature are Oswego & Niagara; the latter they possess in common with us with the advantage of commanding the entrance to the River. here a Superiority remains at our option by erecting a strong work on Mississaga point.

to counteract these natural advantages, which have been enumerated, and others, which upon a close investigation, will be found to exist. recourse must be had to Art & some Expense on our Part. The Northern Coast of Lake Erie affords us but one indifferent Harbour the mouth of the grand River 40 miles distant from fort Erie, Lake Huron not even one as yet Known to the writer. the Earl of Selkirk 1 informed him, that one had been lately discovered, but as that nobleman was not himself on Lake Huron & took his information from public Report, he could not describe the situation. from this first view it follows that a decided Superiority in the Naval Department must be supported in the posts already established. any project to diminish that department under whatever pretence it may be conceived, or proposed is impolitic in the highest degree, & ought to be considered as the effect of ignorance or Malevolence. If abuses exist let them be reformed, if an officer be inattentive or incapable let him be dismissed, but let the establishment subsist & be rather encreased than diminished.

1 See appendix.

Effectual measures to secure the Communication between Lake Erie & Lake Huron are of indispensable Necessity. the Position of Amherstburg is ill chosen. it secures for us tis true a passage into the River for large vessels; but it cannot prevent vessels of a moderate size from passing between 0026 14 Grosse Isle and the mainland: it cannot molest the vessels, which are built & armed on the River Rouge within a few miles of Detroit, it can lay that Post under no sort of Restraint; it can afford no sort of Protection to our vessels 1 sailing against the current to Lake Huron 92 miles distant from it. the Block House & Battery on the Island of Bois. Blanc is ridiculous in the extreme: a landing may be effected on different parts of that island without molestation. an intelligent Enemy may without loss or danger turn the Battery against ourselves. this and other measures seem to have been adopted thro the representations of men, who under Colour of public Advice were invariably pursuing private Views. the Eminence at the Huron point eighteen miles above Amherstburg is decidedly the most eligible situation it commands the Ship Channel, interrupts the whole of the communication with Detroit, would have induced the inhabitants of the town amongst whom are many good subjects, to cross the River, would give protection to our merchants, who, thro some unaccountable law in Gen Prescot's Administration, being excluded the Post of Amherstburg & desirous of engrossing the trade of the Settlement built their Houses at Sandwich near this point almost within gun shot of the intended American Fort, at a future day these Merchants must change sides, or be the Victims of the Genl. Precipitation and their own folly.

1 See appendix.

the Situation of Amherstburg is injudicious the Works badly disposed; the north Blockhouse is a full mile distant from the South; they can give no mutual Assistance; the Store houses are interspersed in the intermediate space on the Bank of the River, the vessels moored under them; in the rear of the small fort a ravine winds thro the wood within 100 years of it, at a small distance to the right, an eminence, on which Lieut Colonel Caldwell's House is built overlooks it; opposite on the other side of the River and in front of the whole is the Island of Bois Blanc covered with wood, accessible in every part to an Enemy, and within range of Musquet Shot of the Stores and Shipping. to occupy that Island will multiply points of Defence and render an effective force ineffective by weakening the main Body, and exposing them to be cut off in Detail. there's a small Fort it is true, the ditch not fraized, neither deep nor wide, with a correspondent Rampart faced with sods. A letter in date the 18th of February ult. says that some militia men do duty there from that circumstance and others, the writer suspects the Regulars have been withdrawn from Upper Canada and is lead to believe that these Posts on which, in his Opinion, the Salvation of the Canadas depends, are abandoned as defenceless or useless or the defence committed solely to the Settlers and Indians a measure highly impolitic; the Indians will fight if he be certain of support, the Settlers may with, but without 0027 15 military aid, he most certainly will not; and if the Commander in Chief be taught to believe the contrary he's deceived. before the Cession of the Western territory a Regiment was always stationed at Detroit, another at Niagara, with a proportionate Corps of Artillery. why a force thought necessary when the Enemy was at a vast distance and weak should be diminished when he's in strength on our Frontiers, the writer is at a loss to conjecture.

If it be in contemplation to entrust the defence of Upper Canada to the Indians and Militia alone, the measure is impolitic to say no more, if the province be thought indefensible, and abandoned, it is a fatal error, which will terminate in the loss of Lower Canada also. the instant we lose the Upper Province Montreal that wealthy town, is ruined, or changes Sides. The writer suspects that the merchants, however loyal they may appear will follow the channel thro' which their wealth must flow.

If the defence of the province be intended, and why it should be abandoned is inconceivable, the River Trench or Thames as 'tis now called, is an object of serious attention; it opens into Lake Sinclair 1 . is well adapted for fitting out small armed vessels of any description. from the shallowness of the Waters in that Lake and the rapidity of the current in the River Sinclair the row Galley is indisputably the best. it does not 'tis true, command a view of the Bar, or of the Channel leading to it, as the River Huron 2 on the American Side does but our superiority of Strength and Skill must compensate this natural disadvantage. the necessity of an Arsenal about twenty miles up the River, at a Point marked by Gen. Simcoe,appeared so pressing that this writer proposed it to Gen. Hunter, the necessity of the measure was admitted but the General declined it lest the American Government should take offence. the writer urged, but without effect, that precautionary measures within our own territory gave no just cause of offence.

1 River St. Clair and Lake St. Clair.

2 The Clinton river formerly called the Huron. Sometimes confounded with the Huron which empties into Lake Erie.

Another object equally interesting is the River Sinclair, that is the different Reaches of the River St. Lawrence between Lake Sinclair and Lake Huron. the River is narrow, the current strong, the shores on both sides mostly flat tho' there are some commanding situations, the Climate mild and healthy, and the soil extremely fertile; the shores gradually rise advancing to Lake Huron, immediately at the opening of the Lake there is a strong Rapid; a light wind however fair will not stem it, the deep water is on the British side; that position must be occupied, 'tis inconceivable how it has hitherto been neglected; there's but one mode of accounting for it; the lands adjacent were not yet seized by certain characters thro' whom Representations 0028 16 ought to have been made to Head Quarters as were the lands adjacent to that most injudicious position Amherstberg. A Commander in Chief is not a Sorcerer, if the Official Communications from men in confidential Situations do not contain an exact statement, of a Country which he never saw, 'tis impossible that he should be correct in his Choice.

As the River Thames is navigable for Boats from Lake Sinclair to within some twenty or thirty miles of lake Ontario and the whole course of the River far within our Territory by supporting a superiority on this Lake and occupying a Post at or very the Rapids, we shall be mastors of the whole communications. this Measure is of indispensable necessity for the Security of St Joseph, 1 a Post of great trade and consequence as all the Merchants & Traders have come from Michilmakinac to settle there in order to avoid American taxes. The westerly winds are almost without intermission on the Lakes, a vessel may be a month at Amherstburg waiting for a wind, and another on her passage to St. Joseph; the average passage of the River is sixteen days, delays at the Rapids are incalculable, whereas row boats coming down the River Thames are independent of the winds; they may with ease and safety supply a Magazine at the foot of the Rapids from thence vessels of any Burthens may be washed up with the assistance of the Garrison and dispatches to St. Joseph; there are no shelves, if a vessel touches this she's got off without damage.

1 On St. Joseph island, St. Mary's river. The British garrison at Mackinac island removed to this post after evacuating Fort Mackinac, 1796.

The proposed Measure seems equally necessary for the support of Amherstburg 'tis of absolute necessity to render that Post useful in the hour of Danger. Fort Erie at the Entrance of that Lake, in its present state is not tenable, how far, by what means, and at what expence, a post, thro' which the Kings Troops, provisions and Military Stores must pass till a more certain Communication be opened, may be render'd respectable seems a matter of serious consideration, Whether a removal to the Mouth of the Grand River be practicable? What the advantages or disadvantages of such a removal, is, at least, worth an Inquiry, supposing Fort Erie in the best possible State of Defence, and its Harbor as safe as 'tis at present, unsafe, the wind will at times, and the Americans may at all times, interrupt the communication with Amherstburg, from the immense advantages which they possess on Lake Erie, the only communication, therefore, which we can support, in defiance of their efforts is therefore the River Thames. of this truth Lieut Governor Simcoe was so well convinced, that he more than once declared to the writer in confidence, that he never would permit a Settlement to be made elsewhere till the Banks of the River were fully settled. on his Return to Europe the idea was draft. the Lands were seized by Land Jobbers, and some Governm t Officers, in whose hands they yet remain unsettled, whilst a 0029 17 number of Settlers have been scattered in different directions, and distant Situations.

A Settlement on the River Sinclair is in every point of view a desirable measure, and attainable without Expence. in the year 1796 a tract of Land was purchased from the Gibawas (Ojibways) Indians beginning at the Chenal Ecarte' and running twelve miles northward along the Bank of the River, from thence to Lake Huron a distance of about twenty miles is yet unpurchased. Brandt 1 attempted to obtain it from the Gibawas for himself and his Mohawks, but was refused. he's detested by that Nation. this the writer learned from Buffaloe one of their Chiefs. opposite the purchased Lands on the American side a settlement was forming in 1800 and rapidly increasing. the Settlers have but Indian titles, which are of no force in the United States, these precarious tenures give them no little uneasiness. a Mr Harron, (Harsen) 2 formerly an officer on the Lakes, is the chief Settler, at the time of the Cession he declared himself a british Subject, and refused advantageous offers rather than relinquish his allegiance, his influence among the Settlers is great, and the writer is well assured that he wishes, and only waits; an Opportunity to cross the River, the neighbouring Settlers will to a man follow his Example if the least encouragement were given, the writer is confident that the whole River would immediately be settled by Subjects who are heartily tired of American freedom and taxes. who from the time of the Cession have remained thro' necessity, and wait with anxiety an Occasion to extricate themselves. be that as it will, if the Americans be permitted to settle the Western Bank of the River and erect a Fort at their Option or at the Narrows according to Genl. Hamiltons plan. without any measures assumed on our part to counteract them. 'tis an insult on common sense to pretend that we may support an independant communication with Lake Huron; if on the contrary a settlement be made on our Side, industrious Settlers encouraged, excluding all Land Jobbers the pest of the Province, obliging the Settlers to reside and cultivate, a small Work constructed in the most convenient and commanding position at or near the foot of the rapids, the fort and Settlement will mutually support each other, and insure us a passage into the Lakes. this Settlement will be productive of other Advantages: 'twill encrease the number of our Subjects, diminish proportionately that of the Rival Country, enlarge our market, the great end of Colonization, and give us strength at an important Point, where weakness at a future day may prove fatal; a quantity of flour, Indian Corn &c may then be transported to St. Joseph, and tho' the whole consumption may not be supplied for a few years 3

1 See appendix

2 Probably meant for Alexander Harsen, from whom Harsen's island in the St. Clair flats is named, who settled there about 1783.

0030 18 yet from the great fertility of the Soil and goodness of the climate a certain quantity most certainly would.

In 1800 the Post of St Joseph was in a very open and imperfect state, the Garrison weakly manned, more capable of inspiring contempt than of giving the cunning and observing Indian a high Sense of our Strength and respectability; it must not be forgotten that gratitude is not among the Indians Virtues, if he has any; fear restrains him and the desire of plunder allures him, if he has any other fixed principle of Action, it has escaped the writer's notice; he's of a restless disposition, unfixed in his friendships, and immoveable in his Emnity, he's a terrible and dangerous Enemy, always prowling like a wolf in pursuit of prey, must be employed, if not for us he will against us, to guard against an incursion of the Western Indians, four Companies at least ought to be stationed in that Post, the Works kept in thoro' repair and no Indian, male or female, admitted within the Pickets, this wou'd undeceive the indians who accustomed to see a considerable Body of Troops, and Military parade in our distant Posts, and now finding but a handful of men scarcely sheltered by some broken Pickets, very naturally concludes that the Englishman is dead, as he is incessantly told by french and American Emissaries.

The Post of Niagara comes next under Consideration, the Fort in possession of the United States since the Cession was built by french Engineers, the position well chosen, it stands on a small point of Land, or little Peninsula, washed to the westward by the River St Lawrence at its entrance into Lake Ontario, to the Northward and Eastward by the still waters of the Lake; the Land gradually rises from the Edge of the River to a strong Stone building distant about 150 yards; which serves as a Barrack and is capable of defence, adjoining to it is another Stone Building in the Nature of a Block House, with some Cannon mounted on a strong Platform immediately under the Roof, which is supported by Cross Beams, the ends resting on the walls, keep the Roof at a convenient distance, so that the Cannon having no separate Embrazures, may be all brought to play on the same Point, having all the Advantage of a Battery en Barbet with the additional advantage of the men, who work there being kept under Cover. the whole surrounded by a strong Picketing contrived so as to give a cross fire in different Points tho' not strictly regular on the Neck by which 'tis Joined to the main land, is a work constructed by Governor Simcoe according to rule. there's a ditch armed, counter scarp, covered way and glacis, the Rampart is of earth, as is the whole work and faced with Sods. the opposite shore of the River is Within Point Blank shot of the fort, and a small elevation will reach the town of Niagara, the main Street of which is almost parallel with the River. about a mile up the River is the british fort, 'tis erected on an horizontal 0031 19 Plain about 150 yards distant from the River from which to the fort there is an ascent but not difficult; the fort is of great extent regularly constructed, the planks and faces of the Bastions, on which Cannon are mounted, have ramparts faced with sods and ditches, the Curtains are picketed without Rampart or ditch there's a strong Battery en barbet intended to cover the shipping which lie at the Wharf. within Musquet Shot of the American Shore. the great disadvantage of the situation is that Vessels coming up from the Lake must pass under the Guns of the American Fort, and when at the Wharf are exposed to destruction from the opposite Shore, a position at the Mississagua Point would have been exempt from danger, would command the Bar and Vessels would lie at their moorings in Safety in the Event of a Rupture the American fort must be forced. there but few, if any, American Settlers, within 100 miles of the fort, there's a post-Road and other Communications from Albany thro Schenectady and thence thro the unsettled Country to Niagara, on this Road they were advancing cannon to the fort, with the utmost diligence, and secrecy, when the news arrived that Admiral Nelson had destroyed the Danish Fleet, 1 and crushed the Northern Confederacy. Some of the Cannon had arrived, the remaining were stopt on the way, all preparations suspended and unnoticed. it does not appear that the british Government were ever informed of the fact.

1 Battle of Copenhagen, April 2, 1801.

to the Eastward of Niagara on the Lake Ontario is the fort of Oswego on the mouth of that River distant about 90 Miles, a place of no force from it the americans come in open Boats to Niagara. to the Westward on the british side is York the Capitol of Upper Canada, distant 36 miles by water, 96 by land, 'tis an open town at the bottom of a deep bay, the Entrance of which may be defended by a work on the rising ground, where the barrack now stands, and another on Gibraltar Point, opposite to it; the town is capable of being strongly fortified, and make a post of great importance. A considerable Body of Men stationed there will ensure the safety of both provinces; from that post a Body of Troops may arrive at any Point in either province, in a few days, at Lake Sinclair above, down the River Thames, or at Montreal below, down the St. Lawrence: this is an advantage which York exclusively possesses. 'twill also command the Obedience of the Settlers, in distant Colonies a Measure of sound Policy the prospect of immediate advantage fires the wandering disposition of the American peasant, whilst that prospect subsists, he has no other Inducement to make his pitch as he terms it; has no real Attachment to any form of Government nor to any Country. the encrease of taxes in the united States, the Monopoly of Lands in the hands of Government Agents, and of other Speculators, reasons, perhaps, less honorable, have driven an immense 0032 20 Number of them into Upper Canada; a pretence of loyalty whether well or ill founded pleads for their Admission, in point of Numbers they greatly surpass the King's old and faithful Subjects. the disposition is rapidly encreasing and must continue to encrease. an Attempt to check it would be equally injudicious and ineffectual. tho it may not be possible to reduce this disposition, some Measures may be adopted in Silence to prevent any Evil resulting from it sound policy can hardly suggest a Measure more effectual or less liable to Suspicion than to man the frontier Posts with Troops, whose language and habits are different from that of the Settlers in order to prevent desertion. & station a considerable Body of british troops at York where desertion is almost impracticable the American impatient of Restraint must see a military force at hand ready to reduce him and confine him to order.

from Niagara to the Head of the Lake on the way to York a distance of 45 miles, the Country is well settled, there are many Creeks and Rivers of Note, nearly midway is a most dangerous defile, the Road after descending rapidly into a deep Valley rises on a sort of hill not more than twenty yards in breadth, steep on both sides, covered with an impassable wood, as is the Valley below. at the Head of the Lake is a defile about one Mile in Length between Lake Ontario and the little Lake 'tis a beautiful walk, a few large trees interspersed, no underwood, in breadth from 100 to 200 yards at the extremity is a Wooden Bridge over a seeming River, thro' which the water flows alternately from one Lake into another. this defile cannot be avoided. from the Head of the Lake to York the Country is unsettled; there are many defiles and dangerous passes; the River Credit within fourteen miles of York is wide not fordable where the wood is passable if the Inhabitants of that Country be well affected with some Military Men to direct and encourage them from their knowledge of the Country an Army would be cut to pieces in passing thro these defiles and crossing Rivers and Creeks.

Kingston at the other Extremity of Lake Ontario is 150 miles distant from Niagara and nearly the same distance from York, in Kingston there are no fortifications; the Merchants' Vessels lie in the Bay opposite the town, the King's Ships in a small Bay opposite to it, formed by the Mainland and a small peninsula called point Frederick. as the Americans have no Shipping in Lake Ontario two or three Armed Vessels may command this Lake and stop the Communication between Oswego and Niagara, the Lake below Kingston has a most romantic Appearance, 'tis filled with small Islands the number not known. a distance of about thirty miles on one Bank of the Lake is unsettled. from thence to Montreal a distance of 170 Miles are many strong Settlements on the British Side, a few cottages on 0033 21 the opposite side, the current in the river is uniformly strong at different intervals where the descent is steep and immediate the Breakers are truly frightful. they are not to be passed without an experienced Guide. at the Cedars 45 miles above Montreal is one of these Rapids, as they are called, of considerable Note and of the greatest consequence. after passing thro' some Locks the Boats are unloaded and the Packages transported by Land 4 or five Miles, the Boats are again loaded and spend a day or more in working a few miles to the Locks at the Coteau du Lac, from whence they get into lake St. Regis. this is the only pass from Lower Canada to Upper Canada. if seized on by an Enemy the Communication is instantly cut off. the Average passage for loaded boats from Montreal to Kingston is fourteen days. from Kingston to montreal down the River the passage is made in three days frequently two.

the truth of the foregoing observations was admitted by Gen. Hunter, the Necessity of the proposed Measures Acknowledged; the then Chief Justice Ellemsley in a Letter to the Writer declared the reasoning irresistable; why the measures were not adopted he is left to conjecture.

the province of Lower Canada is so well known that the writer will confine himself to a few cursory Remarks.

Montreal a large rich and populous town, in which the whole of the fur trade centers, is built on an Island, which bears that name, open on every side. its Vicinity wealth and defenceless State are an irrestible temptation to the poverty & rapacity of the Vermont Adventurer. in the Event of a War an immediate incursion in pursuit of plunder must be expected. some armed Galleys to stem the Current independent on the Winds, a flying camp composed of a strong Body of Militia, accompanied by a certain proportion of Regulars with some light field pieces under the Command of an active and intelligent Officer will be necessary for its protection. the Idea of abandoning that great town to its fate in order to concentrate our whole force within the Walls of Quebec is impolitic. if the People be willing to defend their possessions, they must be supported; if protection be refused by us, they'll seek it elsewhere. this force ought to remain within the Island and dispute the landing at whatever point it may be attempted. parties of Indians may be kept in the Woods near St. Johns to watch the Enemy's Motions and harrass him, and at the same time to give notice of his force, whether a threaten'd invasion of the Enemy's Country by advancing a Body of troops towards St. Johns, on the frontiers, be not more advisable in order to keep him at home & to encourage our own Settlers will rest with the Commander in Chief to determine. a real invasion is a bold Measure and ought not to be adopted but upon full conviction of finding 0034 22 support in the Country. the way from Montreal to Albany should be inspected by some Military Character, capable of describing it, the Nature of the Adjacent Country & the disposition of the Inhabitants can be fully investigated. there can be no dependence upon the vague reports of travellers. the distances from Montreal are thus marked to Laprairie a village on the opposite side of the River above Montreal 9 miles, thence to St. Johns, at the entrance of Lake Champlain, where we have a ruin'd Barrack and a Picket fence called a fort 18 Miles; thence thro Lake Champlain a distance of 160 miles to Whitehall or Sheemsborough; near the Bank of the Lake there's a Wagon Road rough, but passable to Burlington 80 Miles and thence to Sheemsborough 80 Miles of a more passable Road, thence to Albany a Mail Coch runs thro' a settled Country 70 Miles and thence to New York 170 Miles.

From Montreal to Quebec are 180 miles down the River St. Lawrence, which runs through a charming country well settled, and cultivated on both sides. the River Sorrel coming from the Southward falls into it 45 miles below Montreal this river is navigable for vessels of a moderate size a certain distance up the country, if an attack be intended on Quebec the cannon will descend on that River. the french government had order'd a fort to be erected near its entrance into the St. Lawrence, a wise, and politic measure, the intendant raised a mound of Sand fenced with Pickets, reported the work compleat, and put the money in his pocket. 'tis a Post which deserves Attention. the occupation of it by an Enemy will effectually interrupt the water communication between Quebec and Montreal. In this cursory view the writer can't help remarking, that the fortification of Quebec however strong it may appear, or be reported, upon a close investigation appears ill calculated for defence if the attack be conducted by an experienced officer, the work is very extensive 10000 men are not more than sufficient to man the work in all the different Points which are open to attack, there's no ditch no Covert way, no Glacis, the foundation of the wall is seen at a distance, Ramparts are strong, 'tis true, regularly built, faced with stone; but there are neither tenailles nor tenaillons nor any defence whatever to annoy the Enemy near the walls. the guns in the reentering Angles of the flank which ought to sweep the faces of the Respective Bastions, which they defend, to destroy sealing ladders, dont range within some feet of them, the fire of the Musquetry along the talers of the Parapet will pass over fifty or sixty yards before it descends within seven feet of the ground. this Remark applies to the Embrazures of the cannon, both the Embrazures and Parapet were originally intended to sweep the Glacis at the proper distance, a ditch was commenced outside the Citadel with a counter scarp, covert way, traverses and Glacis, Galleries for Mines &c. by Gen. Haldimand when Commander 0035 23 in Chief, 'tis yet unfinished. there's a defect which cannot be remedied but by the ruin of many Families; a whole street is built outside St. Johns Gate, & comes within a few yards of it. tho' the houses may be destroyed, yet the walls will cover the enemy in his approach and destroy the effect of our fire.

the writer when passing thro' their country not having proper investment to determine with precision the exact position of the different Posts and Places which are noticed in this Statement, and unwilling to take for granted, what he learned from men, who did not seem well qualified to give true information, took no Chart of the Lakes and Rivers simply making the bearings and distances of the most remarkable by computation not far from truth. 1

1 See appendix.

Information collected from Indian traders their clerks and agents, the writer has found invariably false, interest is their sole study, it occupies their thoughts, is the spring of their actions. they are extremely intelligent and active in collecting furs and in all the minutia of that art, by them positions were chosen in view of immediate gain, and on their representation were the King's Posts established.

Distances Miles

From Quebec to Montreal 180

to Kingston 210

to Niagara 150

to Gibawa 188

to Fort Erie 188

over Lake Erie to Long Point 60 W t S

to Sandusky Isles 120 W t S

to Amherstburg 40 N t E

in Detroit River to Sandwich 16 N t W

to Lake Sinclair 14 N t E

to the Bar 21 W t S

the fiddler's reach 5 S t E

to Chenal Ecarté 4 N t W

to the rapids N trending E

on Lake Huron to the Bosks on the Bay of Saguinaw 80 N t W

to point Sable cross the Bay 40 do

to Thunder Bay Islands 12 do

to Middle Islands 8 do

to Detour on the Gap 85 N t W

to St. Joseph 9 N.

to the Falls of St Mary or outlet of Lake Superior 40 Miles

0036 24

the writer hopes this Statement of a Country which his Excellency Sir George Prevost 1 has not seen will not be unacceptable. he humbly hopes and requests that Clerks in Office may have no Access to it. his Excellency will not think the request impertinent if he considers that the Writer has seen as Clerk in a military Secretarys office a man whom he knew to be disaffected, and from his personal knowledge of the Man, who recommended him for the place has reasons to believe that he was recommended expressly to report communications or counteract them.

1 See appendix.

[Freer papers, 1786–1810-p 10.]

COL. MCKEE TO MR. CLAUS

( Indians )

Sandwich 15th August 1800

Dear Sir ,

Two or three days ago Blue Jacket 1 came to me & calling me out, told me, he could conceal nothing that had the least tendency to affect me or the Country I lived in, but that I must promise secrecy & he would communicate to me something of consequence entreating me at the same time never to let the Americans know him as the person who mentioned the matter, as he was in some measure supported by them & had his son at School among them.

After having promised that nothing he could tell me should come to their ears, he told me that Major Hunt, the Commanding Officer of Detroit had a long conversation with him, wherein he told him that he could trust him with any secret, he would in confidence tell him some news.

Which were that the Great Men (Meaning no doubt the Commissioners) the United States had sent to France had adjusted all disputes between them & that they were now to act in concert against Great Britain; that the preceeding day he had received Letters by Express from a Spanish Garrison on the Mississippi in confirmation of the circumstance & requesting of him to inform them (the Spaniards) of any machinations of Great Britain hostile to the Spanish Interests; & whether Great Britain had not already employed parties of Indians to strike them, & that as it was now become a common cause any injury done to the one ought to affect the other.

Blue Jacket says Major Hunt requested of him to endeavor to find out 0037 25 from me whether we had yet any expectations of a war with the United States & whether Indians were employed against the Spaniards.

I am Dear Sir Your most obedient Humble Servant 1 T. McKee

1 Thomas McKee, superintendent of Indian affairs at Amherstburg, St. Joseph island, and British posts on the lakes.

William Claus 2 Esquire Deputy Superintendant General &c-&c. Fort George

2 In general charge of Indian affairs in Canada and the Northwest, and as such influential among Indians on the American side of the line.

P. S. Mr. Ironside having mentioned to me, that from Captain McLeans refusal to sanction the making of Bags & Flags for Indians, he is afraid he shall be obliged to pay for them himself, I wish to represent the hardship to you, not doubting you will interest yourself in the business. Captain McLean saying the Indians could make these things themselves may be true, but were Bunting given to a chief to make himself a flag of he would despise it & the Govt. that gave it

[M. G. 9-p 11.]

CAPTAIN MCLEAN TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Military Posts )

Amherstburg 26th Octr 1800

Sir —

I have to report for the information of Lieut General Hunter that His Majesty's skow Ottawa is returned from the Islands with Cedar timber to compleat our works. and is now ready to proceed immediately with Mr. Howard to Fort Erie agreeable to His Excellencys intentions; she will be laid up for the season on her return. The schooner Francis is not yet returned from the Island of St Joseph, but daily expected.

A circumstance has lately taken place here which tho' of itself I hope of no great consequence, yet lest it should be misrepresented thro' another Channel by prejudiced person I think it proper to give a fair statement of it for the information of the Lieutenant General, who tho' he may condemn the transaction as irregular, will I trust be convinced that it was not sanctioned by any authority from me. A few days ago I gave a pass to a sergt. and two men of this garrison to go to Detroit on business, while there, they were told by some officers of the American Garrison that a deserter from us lived at a small distance from the Fort, and might be easily taken and 0038 26 brought over to this side without trouble as his bad character rendered him so obnoxious to every body in the vicinity that none would protect him; The sergt. having no authority, at first declined meddling with him, but one of the American officers offering to assist and to conduct them to the House in the night where the Deserter lay, he at last was prevailed upon to go. On their approaching the House, the deserter hearing some noise and suspecting a desire to take him was prepared with an Ax, so that when the door was opened he wounded the sergeant who being irritated at this, and having no other weapon but his side arms, drew them and unfortunately retaliated the blow, the Deserter was then seized put in a canoe and carried over to this side, where he died of the wound two days ago.

However irregular this transaction I hope His Excellency will not consider any blame attached to me as it was entirely without my knowledge or concurrence that any violence of the kind took place, & I verely believe that the serjeant who is a very good man thought he was doing a meritorious act by apprehending a deserter. without adverting to the difference of doing so on foreign ground.

The Americans themselves having intended to take this man and deliver him up to us in case he had come within their garrison & having first proposed the measure stimulated the serjeant to it; and even aided and assisted in the business; it is not likely they will take any notice of it, especially as they know that it was not sanctioned by authority on our side and that the most perfect Harmony subsists between us.

I am sorry to say that there are some bad characters on both sides, who wish to encourage desertion to enable them the more easily to procure Laborers, of which there is a great scarcity in this part of the country.

His Excellency may rest assured that I shall preclude of possibility of anything of a like nature taking place in the future, by not suffering any one from this garrison to cross the river; so that His Excellency will never have any cause of displeasure on such a score, nor I hope any other in which I have the least concern.

I have the honor to be Sir Your mo: obed t & most humble Servant Hector McLean 1 Capt R. C. V. Comm g

1 See appendix.

Major Green Military Sect y

[C 512-p 109]

0039 27
CAPTAIN CLERK TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Military Posts )

St. Josephs 9th July 1805.

Sir ,

I had the honor to write you on the 6th Instant by a Merchant Vessel going to Amherstburg which sailed the 7th on which day His Majesty's new Schooner Hope arrived with Ensign Ellis, & a reinforcement to the garrison of one Lance Sergeant, one Lance Corporal and seven private soldiers.

In my last letter I said that Ensign Jones was to take his passage to Amherstburg in the Merchant vessel, but he has to avoid expence and with my permission deferred his departure until the sailing of the Hope which I expect will be to morrow.

The Copper work for the Powder Magazine having been sent, all the works ordered will be completed, & Mr. Cornwall with the four carpenters sent to Amhurstburg in the Hope.

I was yesterday applied to by the officer commanding the American Garrison of Michillimackinac who has met with a misfortune similar to that which lately happened to me, having on the 4th Instant lost nine men & a new Bateau: I assured him that no exertion on our part should be wanting to render him every assistance in apprehending deserters, but as yet his men have not been seen nor heard of at this Post.

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant Al. Clerk Capt. 49th Regt. Commanding.

Lieut Colonel Green Military Secretary.

[C 513-p 216.]

GOVERNOR GRISWOLD TO MAJOR CAMPBELL

( Military Posts )

Detroit 16th December 1805

Sir

Having perused the evidence given under oath respecting the conduct of some of your Officers and Troops, which took place on the River Rouge, 0040 28 and in this Town, on the 8th Instant, I am under the painful necessity of informing you, that I consider it, not only as an outrage upon the private rights and peace of our Citizens, but as an insult upon our Government, and an act of hostility against our nation.

I shall therefore loose no time to transmit an authenticated statement of the transaction to our Country. The Arms, which fell into the hands of our Citizens on the unhappy occasion, will be held as lawful prize, until the pleasure of the Government shall be Known.

In the meantime, Sir, you will take what measures you think proper, in relation to the offenders; and any communications you shall think fit to make to our Government through my hands, I shall with pleasure forward with as little delay as possible.

Accept the assurance of my personal respect I have the honor to be

Sir Your Most obedient and very humble servant (Signed) Stanley Griswold 1

1 Secretary of the territory, and acting governor in the absence of Gen. William Hull, governor. Griswold street, Detroit, is named from this Stanley Griswold.

Acting Governor of the Territory of Michigan.

The Commanding Officer at Malden

[C 514-p 31.]

MAJOR CAMPBELL TO GOVERNOR GRISWOLD

( Military Posts )

Amherstburg 19th Dec m 1805

Sir

I Received your letter of the 16th Inst: by Captain Dyson, the contents of which surprise me not a little.—Whatever impropriety may have taken place on the American Territory by any of the troops under my Command, be assured Sir, was entirely Unauthorized by me, and I shall ever be ready to give up a Delinquent to merited punishment, whenever he is pointed out.—I have however much reason to believe that the affair you alude to at the River, Rouge, has been greatly misrepresented, a single ignorant unarmed soldier did seize on a Deserter and thief from this Post, but gave him up to a party of American Citizens when demanded.—

As to what took place at Detroit, the officers on that occasion also acted without the least sanction or order from me, and if they have violated the laws of the United States, to their justice I leave them.—

0041 29

With respect to the Arms, I should conceive (altho: no lawyer) that when a Civil suit has commenced and the parties bound to appear, that they should be returned.

Allow me Sir, to conclude by assuring you that so far from its being my wish to commit or action the smallest breach in that good understanding which subsists between the United States and Great Britain, that on the contrary it is my earnest desire, to cultivate the most amicable and friendly intercourse with the Inhabitants, and Government of the Territory of Michigan

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Humble Servant Alex Campbell Major 41st Regt Commanding

Stanley Griswold Esquire Acting Governor of the Territory of Michigan

[C 514-p. 29.]

LIEUT. COL. FOSTER TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Military Posts )

York January 3rd 1806 Upper Canada

Sir ,

I beg Leave to represent for the consideration of Colonel Bowes commanding His Majesty's Forces in the Canadas that from the Reduction by Desertion, and death of 12 men in the Strength of the Amherstburg Detachment it is inadequate to the Duty of the Post, and supplying the working Parties required to assist the Marine Department in procuring materials for Ship Building etc. and that at St. Joseph's, where they are least exposed to Desertion, the Detachment is stronger in proportion the Duty requiring as I am informed, but a Corporal and three daily, every circumstance the Detachment at Amherstburg appears to me to be most exposed to Desertion of any in Upper Canada.

Major Campbell has experienced much delay in procuring money to pay his Detachment, and from the Commissary Mr. Reynolds 1 experiencing the

1 Robert Reynolds, commissary of the 41st regiment, became, when the war opened, deputy assistant commissary general to Proctor's command. Was at the Raisin, Jan. 22, 1813.

0042 30 same Difficulty, Mr. Stanton Assist. Deputy Paymaster General has received Directions to send him £600 in cash by the first safe opportunity. I wish to know if any arrangement can be made for the Regular Supply of Cash to the Amherstburg Detachment; or if there is any other objection to my occasionally sending an officer to Fort George for money, if requisite when the Navagation is open, Captain Fuller has applied to me to promise him Repayment for his Passage across Lake Erie in an American Vessel, there being at that time no Opportunity in any of His Majestys Vessels:—

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant Henry Foster . L t Col l 41 st Reg t

James Green Esq e Military Secretary.

[C 514-p 1.]

FROM MAJOR CAMPBELL—UNADDRESSED

( Military Posts )

Amherstburg 5th Jan y 1806

Sir—

It is with real concern that I am under the necessity of reporting to you, for the information of Colonel Bowes, a transaction which took place at Detroit on the 8th ulto; where two of the officers under my command were arrested by the Civil power for a breach of the peace, the circumstances which led to this were as follows,

On the 7th of December 1805, two men deserted from this post, after an unavailing pursuit, I had every reason to believe that they had made good their way to Detroit; I therefore resolved to seize this opportunity of ascertaining whether the American Com t could or would give us any assistance towards recovering them, consistent with propriety, and without infringing on the treaty between the two Country's, & also to request of him not to enlist any deserter; promising to do the same on my part, & likewise to give him every assistance in my power in apprehending his Deserters.—I sent Capt Muir 1 and Ensign Lundie with a message to this effect, to the American officer commanding at Detroit. who received them with much politeness, and agreed to every thing I required, at the same time telling them

1 Capt. A. C. Muir, 41st regiment; later with Gen. Proctor and made Major. An active officer, commended by Gen. Brock. In the expedition to the Miami, etc. Commandant at Detroit for a while after Hull's surrender in 1812.

0043 31 that he had himself lost about twenty men in the course of little more than a month by Desertion.—

During the evening two of the American officers came to Capt Muir and Mr Lundie and told them that they had traced one of the deserters to a certain house by the river side, where he might easily be secured, and that they had a boat ready to convey him to the other side;—On this Capt: Muir and Mr Lundie prompted by their Zeal for His Majesty's service, but without considering the danger and impropriety of such a measure immediately accompanied them to the spot, where they seized David Morrison a Deserter from the 41st Reg t & were dragging him to the Boat, when a mob rose and rescued him;—Capt: Muir was severely wounded by Morrison, with a pistol shot, in the Calf of the leg, and they were both arrested by the Civil powers, and obliged to give large security for their appearance there in the month of September next, to take their trial for an assault.—I am glad to observe that neither of our officers used any offensive weapon on the occasion, what they did was merely seizing the Deserter and forcibly dragging him to the boat and altho' nothing can excuse their conduct, yet I sincerely believe they acted as they imagined for the best, & that their extreme zeal for the good of the service caused them to forget for a moment, that their proceedings, were an outrage on the Laws of an Independent State. I received a letter on the subject from the Actg Governor of Detroit, & in reply told him that the officers had acted without any authority from me and if they had violated the laws of the States on their territory, they should be left to Justice—Captain Muir will be able to proceed to his Command on the opening of the navigation, but requests permission of Colonel Bowes, to come down here in order to stand his trial at Detroit, in September next.—There are vessels frequently going between this and St. Joseph's during the summer months, but in case an opportunity of this kind does not occur, I understand he can be here from that Post in seven or eight days, by a birch canoe.

In consequence of the melancholy loss of two men stationed at the block house on the Island of Bois Blanc, by the upsetting of their Canoe, which was the only Conveyance they had to cross the river, when duty or the receipt of their provisions Called them this side, & to prevent such an accident in future, I have directed the enclosed Estimate for the building of a skiff, for the above service to be made out—she is to be light enough for one man to row.—The whole expense is estimated at £7-19-0 but as the Carpenter of the Camden is from his age incapable of going to the woods to cut ship timber, and is consequently almost without employment at this season, I have ventured to order him immediately to begin the skiff which he will 0044 32 be able to finish before he is wanted for any other duty, by so doing the real additional cost to Government, will be only £2. 15. 0, making a saving of £5. 4. 0, by employing this man at present, who would otherwise be idle.—I likewise enclose another Estimate for a Garrison boat to row 4 or six oars, & to be furnished with adequate sails—such a boat would be of the greatest service at this Post, for by her means Deserters might often be headed on this side of the river before they were able to cross, & by her rowing swiftly, or sailing when the wind permitted she might be enabled to secure every boat or Canoe along the bank of the river as they passed—Deserters must always cross at some distance from the Post, as every precaution is taken to prevent vessels of any description from laying on the Garrison ground without being properly secured. She would also much forward the public in another point of view, for while the Navigation is open a great part of the Gen'l orders & letters on service are sent in Merchant Vessels, few or none of which stop here, and as we have no proper boat to board them, by their running past we are frequently days and sometimes a week later in receiving those papers.—Vessels also often come of the bar with a wind that will not bring them into the river, & must consequently lay there till it changes.—It is frequently impossible and generally unsafe to perform any service of this nature in Batteaux, and owing to their weight & want of swiftness they are totally useless for the first service mentioned.

There was formerly a Boat of this description at the Post tho' somewhat larger, but this I conceive is fully adequate for any purpose, not will she draw too much water for the service I have stated.—I have also enclosed the return of the offrs comdg at the Post, with the command money due for the last half year.—as no orders have been received relative to a Military express this season, I do not think myself authorized to send one, shall therefore only forward such papers by Post, as I judge absolutely necessary.

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obe dt humble Servant Alex Campbell 1 Major Comm g 1

1 Major Campbell was in command of the post at Amherstburg, 1805–6. From 1806 to 1807 he was commandant at the post of St. Joseph, on an Island in St. Mary's river.

[C 514-p 4.]

0045 33
ANTHONY MERRY TO COLONEL BOWES 1

1 Col. Bowes was in 1806 in command of the British army in Upper Canada; now called Ontario.

( Relations with United States )

Washington March 21st 1806

Sir

I have received the Honor of your Letters of the 19th and 20th of last month, and request of you to accept of my Acknowledgments for the Communications they Contain, of which I shall make proper Use as occasion may require.

Hitherto, no other Information than that stated in your letter has reached me respecting the person calling himself Lieut Colonel Bruce; and, although some unfavorable observations have appeared in the American Papers upon the occurrence at Detroit, which has made the subject of your Letter of the 20th February, no notice has been taken of it to me by the American Government.

Notwithstanding the circumstances which were stated in the message of the President to the Congress of the United states, and the measures which have been proposed in the Legislature to be adopted in consequence of it, as appearing likely to affect the friendly relations between His Majesty's and the American Governments, I think it is right to mention that no military Preparations of any kind have as yet been ordered to be made, nor will, I trust, be commenced, to give occasion for any jealousy or extraordinary Precaution on the Part of the officers in the Government of His Majisty's Provinces on this Continent.

I have the honor to be with great Truth and Regard Your most obedient humble servt Ant'Y Merry 2

2 Anthony Merry was the British minister at Washington.

Colonel Bowes &c &c &c

[C 676-p 3.]

FROM MAJOR CAMPBELL—UNADDRESSED

( Military Posts )

Amherstburg 31st May 1806

Sir

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 26th Feby, on the 25th Inst.

By reference to my Letter to you of 5th Jan y , I find that I have stated that disagreeable transaction at Detroit, exactly as it occurred. 5

0046 34

The circumstance of a Corporal of ours seizing on one of the deserters, also took place, as noticed in my reply, to the letter of the American acting Governor.

This corporal belonged to a party that was sent (not to seize a deserter on the American side ) but to head them, and to occupy an advantage on situations to intercept them on the river , they were in pursuit of a canoe which was crossing the river in order to examine her, & had left this man on the American side to see some provisions dressed for the party. While thus engaged Morrison one of the deserters having just landed from our side, came to the house where he was, the corporal immediately laid hold of him, but on some Americans interfering, gave him up, and no scuffle ensued, he was alone and unarmed.—

The Arms alluded to, in my answer to Mr Griswold's letter, was some Pistols belonging to Captain Muir & Mr Lundie,—but as I formerly stated, they were never made use of by them; Captain Muir being wounded by one of his own Pistols, which Morrison pulled from his breast, in the struggle.—

I think it necessary to observe here, that the Circumstance of the deserter being seized by the Corporal, was unknown to me, at the time I dispatched Captain Muir & Mr Lundie to Detroit.—

The names of the securities for the appearance of those Gentlemen at Detroit in September, are Captain Samuel Dyson the American Comd g Officer, Mr. Jonathan Nelson, and Mr Elisha Brush, 1 they are bound in 2000 D ls for Captain Muir & the same for Mr. Lundie, who are also bound themselves in a like sum.

1 See appendix.

I trust that however unfortunate and disagreeable this business has turned out, Col Bowes will do me the justice, to acquit me of any share of blame, as those officers acted entirely from themselves, the business on which I sent them being of a very different nature.—

The Actg. Governor of Detroit is not much respected among them, and his letter to me was received by all who were acquainted with the contents, in a very ridiculous light, as they conceive that the transaction was at most, but a simple breach of the peace. I have reason to believe that the business was never represented in any light, to their General Government. The perfect understanding that has since subsisted between the two Garrisons, has had a very great effect in preventing desertion, & none have since attempted that route.

I have the honour to be Sir Your most Obt. H. servant Alex Campbell Capt. Commg.

[C 514-p 25.]

0047 35
MAJOR CAMPBELL TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Military Posts )

Island of St. Joseph's 10 July 1806

Sir

A gentleman having called on me who is going down the Grand River; I think it a favorable opportunity of informing you that I took the Command of his Post on the 7th Inst, as it may perhaps be satisfactory for Colonol Bowes to know, that his arrangements in respect to the Quarters in Upper Canada are now complete.

I have the honer to be Sir Your most obedient Servant Alex Campbell Major Commanding

James Green Esq Military Secretary.

[C 514-p 40.]

LIEUT COL. GRANT TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Military Posts )

Amherstburg July 26th 1806

Sir

I have the honer to acknowledge the receipt of your letters dated the 2nd and 9th of last June, and all Directions contained therein shall be duly attended to.

It affords me sensible satisfaction that the explanation I have given respecting Stewart and Ruby, two deserters from the American service, has proved satisfactory. I do assure you that I did not act on that occasion with thoughtless precipitance. I was most fully aware of all the consequences likely to follow from such a business, but the circumstances of the case left me no other line of Conduct to pursue. I was extremely mortified to find that Colonel Bowes disapproved of what I had done. I arrived here the 19th of June, Major Campbell sailed the 27th Lieut: Fitzgerald applied to me for leave to accompany the Major to St. Joseph's so as to return in the Camden, Major Campbell was very desirous of it, and as I understood that Ens n Lundie had gone on leave to St. Josephs some time since, and that Colonel Bowes did not disapprove of it, I took the liberty of complying 0048 36 with Lieut. Fitzgerald's request, and the Majors desire. Lieutenant Fitzgerald returned in the Camden. She arrived here with Capt: Muir on the 20th inst:.

On my arrival here I found that much danger may arise to the Public Buildings in case of fire from a want of ladders, I ordered a return of those wanted to be made out which I enclose with an estimate of the Expense for Colonel Bowes Consideration, I also Enclose herewith a Return of the officers who Commanded at Amherstburg from the 25th Dec m 1805 to the 24th of June 1806. Mr. Elliott of this place proposed to me this day to supply the garrison with fresh Beef for the Months of September, October, November, and December 1806 at 3 d per lb Halifax Currency; As a similar contract was entered into last year, and approved of by Col n Bowes, I have accepted Mr. Elliott's proposal which I trust Colonel Bowes will approve. Mr. Elliott has been prevented sending in his Proposal sooner, in Conformity to the advertisement, by not being able to ascertain whether he could fulfill the contract or not; He assured me it was only yesterday he found he could, and that he has lost no time in making the Proposal. He tells me he could not afford to supply the Troops with Beef during the Months of Jan y and Feb y at 3 d per lb.

I have the honor to be Sir, Your Mo, Obed t humble Servant J. Grant , Lt. Col. Major 41st Regiment.

James Green Esq Mil: Sect y

[C 514-p 41.]

MAJOR CAMPBELL TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Military Posts )

St. Joseph 28 Sept 1806

Sir .

I have the honor to Acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 3rd July addressed to Capt. Muir, on the subject of ordnance stores, and the Repair of Quarters at this Post—

I have also received your letter of 8th July relative to the disagreeable affair at Detroit, and it gives me much pleasure to find that my conduct on that occasion has been approved by Colonol Bowes—

0049 37

I now beg you will represent to the Commander of the Forces, that not having expected any repairs to the Quarters here this season I had previous to Mr. Cornwalls arrival plastered the ceiling &c of the Rooms in the officers part of the Block house, at my own expense: I told Mr. Cornwall he could take the plaster down. & do it with wood agreeable to his orders from the Com'y Engineer but he was of the opinion that as the work was well done, it would be better to let it stand for the present, leaving the wood until wanted for service at the Post, in order that it may be completed at any other time if thought necessary.—

Mr. Cornwall will of course make his report on the subject to Captain Dyson, and if the work is approved of in its present state, I hope some compensation will be made for the expense I have incurred—

I beg leave farther to report, that the officers cannot be quartered here agreeable to the Barrack regulations, there being only two rooms in this part of the Block House with chimnies, which I believe constitutes a Field Officers quarters the rest are uninhabitable in Winter for want of this necessary article so that there are two Captains, and eleven subalterns quarters wanting.—

My reason for stating this circumstance now, is the probability of a number of the Merchants in whos houses the officers reside at present, coming themselves to occupy them in the Spring, in which case, the Gentlemen will neither have their allowance of quarters, or Lodging Money.—

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient humble servant Alex Campbell Major 41st Regt. Comg

James Green Esq. Military Secretary.

[C 514-p 63.]

LIEUT. COL. GRANT TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Military Posts )

Amherstburg October 19th 1806

Sir

From the Correspondence which has already taken place between you and Major Campbell relative to the affair of Captain Muir and Ensn. Lundie which happened at Detroit, I conceive it my duty to acquaint you with the 0050 38 final result of it for the information of the Officer commanding the Forces in the Canadas.

Captain Muir and Ensign Lundie took their trial at Detroit on the 15th of last Septr. Capt. Muir was indicted for one Assault—Ensn Lundie for two, Judge Woodward, 1 who was the sitting Judge paid many compliments to Great Britain in his address. The jury found both Capt. Muir and Ensign Lundie guilty, and Judge Woodward, contrary to the opinion of the Public fined Captain Muir Forty dollars and seventeen days imprisonment, and Ensign Lundie £2000 Stg. and six months imprisonment, By imprisonment was meant their not quitting the United state during that period, it was left to their option to stay where they pleased in the states during the time of confinement.

1 Judge Augustus B. Woodward, more particularly mentioned later on in this work.

After this sentence had been passed upon them, and their being given in charge to the Marshall, their Council discovered, that by the Laws of the Territory of Indiana they could not be fined more than one hundred dollars each for an assault, and could not be imprisoned. This was Substantiated by the Council, and Judge Woodward not Concurring (as I am told) that the fine was sufficient to mark the sense he had of the outrage committed on their Government, changed the former sentence on the part of Captain Muir and Ensign Lundie to a few cents. Those officers were then liberated, and they returned to their Quarters.

I conceive it right to say that Govr Hull interested himself much in behalf of Capt. Muir and Ensn Lundie, and that they received, during their trial, every mark of attention from him, Captain Dyson who commands, and the other officers composing the Garrison of Detroit. Governor Hull expressed his regret at Judge Woodwards sentence, and showed so much disapprobation of it, that he would scarcely speak to him, though very intimate with him previous to it.

The most friendly understanding subsists between this garrison and that at Detroit, and I shall cautiously guard against any conduct which may create any coolness between them and us.

I have the honor to be Sir Your obedt Humble Servt J. Grant , Lieut-Col. Comg

James Green Esq Mily Secty

[C 514-p 66.]

0051 39
LIEUT. COL. GRANT TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Provincial Marine )

Amherstburg Oct. 20 th 1806

Sir ,

The Camden has returned from St. Josephs with the artificers who have completed the work they were sent up for. The Camden will sail the 21st Inst. for Fort Erie to bring up such stores as may be still there for this Post. As the Barrel Bulk for the Garrison of St. Josephs had not arrived here previous to the Camdens leaving this for that Post, and as it could not be forwarded then this Fall if it remained at Fort Erie until the arrival of the Camden there, I was obliged to get it up from Fort Erie here in the Nancy, and it has been forwarded in an American Government vessel which has gone to Michilimakina free of any charge. I promised an exchange of freight to the Captain of the Nancy whenever he may require it and the service admit of it.

When the Camden was going to St Josephs Ensign O'Keefe of the 41st Regiment applied to me for leave to go and return in her which I granted. The other Subalterns of this Post had been indulged with leave to go there previous to his application, and I was induced to grant his request the more as Military Artificers were going in the Camden, and as Major Campbell was anxious to see him. The Service admitted of my taking the liberty, and I trust it will not be disapproved of by the Officer Commanding the Forces.

I have the honor to be Sir Your very obed t hum l Serv t J. Grant , Lieut. Col. Comg.

James Green Esq. Milty Secy &c. &c.

[C 727-p 39.]

MAJOR CAMPBELL TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Military Posts )

St. Joseph's 15th January 1807

Sir

I have the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your letters of 25th August 27th September and 13th October 1806.—

The road between this and York is scarcely passable as yet, but the express will be there if possible, by the time fixed.—

0052 40

Mr John Johnston 1 who at present resides at St Maries, has requested permission to erect a building at this Post, which I have granted, & which I hope will be confirmed by the Commander of the Forces.—

1 See appendix.

I transmit herewith the returns of stores at this Post, as found by Survey, agreeable to Colonel Brocks orders of 11th October last.

The 20 Bls of Pork lent to the American Garrison at Michillimacinac are to be returned early in the Spring.

That Garrison for want of other provisions were reduced to the necessity of feeding their men on Indian Corn, so that I did not think it advisable, to refuse them assistance.—

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient & humble Servant Alexr Campbell Major 41st Regt Comdg

James Green Esq. Military Secretary.

[C 514-p 70.]

CAPTAIN MUIR TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Military Posts )

Fort St Joseph 8th June 1807

Sir

For the Commander of the Forces information; I beg leave to acquaint you that I arrived at this Post on the first Instant, and shall assume the Command, immediately on the Departure of Major Campbell, who proposes leaving this on the eight.—

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient and very humble servant. A. Muir Capt 41st Regt

James Green Esqr Military secretary Quebec.

[C 514-p 96.]

0053 41
LIEUT. COLONEL GRANT TO SECRETARY GREEN

( Relations with United States )

Amherstburg August 17th 1807

Sir

I received your letters dated April 10th and June 1st 11th and 26th 1807.

I transmit to you herewith the Returns of Stores in charge of the Commissary and Depty Barrack Master of this Post condemned by Survey held at Amherstburg between the 18th Decm 1806, and 7th Jany, 1807 together with the usual certificates.

Mr. Davidson, Hospital Mate, arrived here with his Family before I received your letter of the 1st June.

I have taken such measure for the apprehending of the Person mentioned in your letter of the 11th June as were most prudent and necessary.

Mr. Sparkman the Depty Barrack Master at this Post, has been made acquainted with your letter of the 26th June last, and the Instructions therein contained shall be complied with as soon as possible.

I omitted mentioning to you in my former letter that in consequence of the Communication between the Garrison and Dock Yard becoming almost impassable from the extraordinary falls of Snow last winter, and constant heavy rains in the spring I was reduced to the necessity of using some scantling which lay in the Engineer yard, and which had been condemned by Survey. We have a sentry in the Dock Yard, and whenever he was relieved, the men suffered so much from the state of the road, that I thought it prudent to make a pathway of this Scantling from the Garrison to the Gate of the Dock Yard. This was the only measure I could take to prevent the men from suffering from fever and ague, as they constantly sunk in the mud to their Knees whenever the Relief went out. This scantling was of very little use, but for similar purposes for which it has been in part, applied, and as the Health of the Troops was likely to suffer extremely by not having some way of passing to the Dock Yard without injury to their health, I took the liberty of using this timber as the case was Urgent, and I trust the necessity of this measure will meet the consideration of Colonel Brock. I beg to observe that the scantling I have used suffers no more from being applied to its present use, than from lying in the Engineer Yard, & it can easily be returned there, if the measure I took is not approved of. Had I time to lay the business before Colonel Brock 1 I would not have acted from my own Authority.

1 Afterwards better known as Sir Isaac Brock. At this time he was in command of the western military district of Canada.

As the affair of the Leopard and Chesapeake 2 has occasioned much ferment

2 See appendix.

0054 42 at Detroit, and has also induced the Governor of the Territory of Michigan, who resides there, to take steps by no means indicative of friendly intentions, I conceive it my duty to acquaint you for Colonel Brock's information what is going forward there, as also to lay before him the present state of this garrison. The Militia of Detroit have been constantly assembled for the purpose of Drill, they amount to about 400, are much better disciplined than could well be supposed, are very well appointed, and two Companies are kept in constant pay. There is, besides, a company formed of Renegade Negroes who deserted from Captain Elliott and several Gentlemen at this side, This company consists of, I am informed, 36 in number, and are kept for such desperate services as may be required at this side, they being well acquainted with it. Great apprehensions are expressed at Detroit by the Governor and principal officers there of an attack from the Indians, and they industriously spread a report that the Indians are instigated by the British officers at Amherstburg. A law has been passed at Detroit, for that Colonial Privilege is allowed the Governor, requiring the Aid of all subjects to assist in erecting works &c for the Defence of the place. The inhabitants, in consequence, have been called in from the distance of 30 miles to contribute in labour. They have picketed in the whole Town of Detroit, and are erecting Block Houses at certain intervales, Every Military preparation is going forward there, and every violent declaration against this side. I have had information given me from a most respectable person at this side, that the Governor at Detroit declares, if an Indian fires a hostile shot in Detroit or in the Territory, he will treat the Canadians with the utmost severity. The apprehensions circulated at Detroit appear to me to proceed more from Policy to freighten the Inhabitants into labour without food or reward, than from any real sense of danger from Indians. The regular force at Detroit Cap. 1 Lieuts 2 Sergts 4 Corpls 4 Drumrs 4 and Privates 67 mostly Artillery. The works at Detroit are very confined, Consisting of a small square with Guns placed at Intervals in each side of the square. A Block House and Draw Bridge at the Entrance, and ditches, frieze, & picketing. Guns can not take effect at Detroit from this side. The Force at Detroit is too inconsiderable to occasion any alarm here, however weak my Garrison, and circumstanced the situation of the works, but a Militia to the amount of 4 or 5000 may be brought against us in about Six weeks from Kentucky, and those are well enured to war, particularly of the Indian kind; The Aid I should expect there from Indians and Militia is of a very precarious kind. Indians can never be brought to act within pickets.

The state of the works of this Post must be known to Colonel Brock. There are four Bastions, one at each Angle, but one is unservicable, and excluded 0055 43 from the works. The Picketing is entirely decayed and Broken down.

I have the honor to be Sir Your very Obedt Humble Servt I. Grant Lieut Coln Comg

James Green Esq Mil: Secty Quebec

[C 673-p 106.]

LIEUT. GOV. GORE TO SECRETARY THORNTON

( Aliens )

York, Upper Canada , 5th January 1808

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th of December, accompanied by a letter from Captain Muir of the 41st Regiment transmitting to the Commander of the Forces a Report from Joseph Chinegny Esq r .

I request of you to inform the Commander in Chief, that I received a similar Report from Captain Muir.

M r Chinegny was permitted to leave the Fort of Michilimackinac, almost immediately after his transmitting his letter to Captain Muir.

I have the honor to be, Sir Your most obedient Humble Servant Francis Gore , Lt. Governor.

Major Thornton Military Secretary Quebec

[C 14-p 163.]

0056 44
MR. CLAUS TO LIEUT. GOV. GORE

( Indians )

Amherstburg 27th Feby 1808

Sir ,

The Messenger sent out to the Glaize on the 10th Instant, is not yet returned, I am much at a loss to account for his delay, he was desired to proceed to that place and see Mr. Fisher, who your Excellency has appointed an Interpreter, and to desire him to come in immediately & to bring the Shawanese Chiefs with him, and also the Prophet, the message was verbal, no writing was trusted with him for fear of accidents; the only way that I can account for his delay, is that there may be some difficulty in persuading the Prophet (Lau-be-was-i-kaw) also (Els-qua-a-tawa) to come in.

On the 24th Instant I had a long conference with Guyash, a Chief of the Chippewa Nation, a tried soldier & trusty man, after a good deal of conversation he told me, that on his way here he called on the Governor at Detroit and asked him for news, the Govr told him he had received letters from Washington, and said that the English and Americans were getting nearer to each other and that he expected they were now one people, and that as soon as he heard any news he would let him know it, the conversation with Governor Hull took place last Saturday the 20th Instant. I then came to the point and asked him his opinion if there should be any disturbance between Great Britain & America, he said there were three Nations that spoke the same Language, the Ottawas Potawatamies and Chippewas that he heard that they had spoke often on that subject among themselves, and expected that they would be called on by the King if a War took place between the two countries, but that they must sit quiet; he continued & said, if the whole of the Nations were to talk together, that may not be the case, I told him that I hoped his idea of his friends would prove true if required, for that the King their Father had always shown a great regard for them & spared no expence to make them comfortable & that he would most certainly keep his eyes looking towards them.

Two days ago I had a private meeting with the little King an Ottawa Chief from L'Arbre Croche, 1 and after talking some time I asked him the same question that I did Guyash (what was his opinion of the Indians if a disturbance took place between Great Britain & America?) his reply was, the ground is smooth yet, I pressd it again & his answer was, you will know if it happens. Your Excellency knows how cautious Indians are in general in giving their opinion, particularly on so delicate a matter, but from the manner in which he spoke it is easily to be understood that he considers the

1 Little Traverse Bay region on Lake Michigan; descendants of the Ottawa tribes are resident in the vicinity. L'Arbre Croche—French words meaning the bent (or crooked) tree.

0057 45 Indians decidedly opposed to the Americans with the exception of the Hurons, who are very few, those two are the only men on the ground that I would speak to in confidence the rest are a very indifferent set. The Little King's Band, present, only 11 men, are very respectable Indians & appear to be most completely under his control.

The season for boiling Sugar is now arrived & the whole are pressing me very hard to return to their sugar Bush and to give them clothing as they have been kept here the whole winter, which has prevented them from hunting; I do not see how it is possible to keep them here without a very great expence indeed; I am obliged to give them this day, what presents remain in store, & if I was to detain them Just now, they would look for payment for the loss of the sugar season, and make a claim on Government for bread, from a pretence of losing the opportunity of preparing the ground for their corn, I shall use every endeavor in my power to detain some of the young men, those with families will go and it more than probable that they will not return before the latter end of April or May.

I cannot discover that the American Government have had any public or private meeting with the Indians, except the one of the 24th Novr last, with Governor Hull for the purpose of making a purchase of land which has caused much dissatisfaction among the several Nations between this Post & Lake Michigan, in my opinion it will not be settled without the loss of some lives.

I cannot close my letter without expressing my thanks to Your Excellency for Captain Elliotts assistance, which I have found of great use on several occasions.

with much respect I have the honor to be Your Excellencies most obedient and most humble Servant W. Claus D. S. G.

His Excellency Lieut Govr Gore &c. &c. &c.

[M. G. 11-p 8.]

MR. CLAUS TO MR. SELBY

( Indians )

Amherstburg 25th March 1808.

Sir ,

The indisposition of Captain Johnny the Shawanese chief prevented me from seeing him on business untill this day, he still continues very ill, but 0058 46 his people being anxious to return home, induced me to go to their quarter & I there spoke to him on the situation of public affairs.

I cannot find out that any communication has been made to any of the Indian Nations by the American Government respecting the difference between Great Britain and America.

The enclosed is what was said to Capt. Johnny in the presence of Black-bear and the Buffaloe, Capt. Elliot was present & I was obliged to employ James Girty 1 as my Interpreter as I had done on former occasions Firsher not having yet arrived.

1 Brother of the noted Simon Girty, and like him active in inciting the Indians to make war on the Americans; had a farm and home at Amherstburg.

I am rather disappointed at not hearing from you, particularly as you promised me that once a week at least you would send I have been here seven weeks & not one message yet, I have wrote twice officially to the Governor & twice to you, probably I have erred in writing to the Governor instead of its going through you, which enduces me now to transmit the enclosed to you, that you may lay the same before His Excellency.

No doubt but His Excellency must see some necessity for my stay here, or I should have received directions to return before now. The number Indians victualed now amounts to 259 men, women & children, & many of them go off tomorrow the Shawanese also.

I am Sir Your most obedt. Huml. Sert. W. CLAUS D. S. G.

P. Selby Esq. Asst. Secy. Ind. Affrs. York.

[M. G. 11-p 14.]

LIEUT. GOV. GORE TO SIR JAMES CRAIG

( Cavalry )

York 13th April 1808

Sir ,

I beg leave to report to Your Excellency, that Colonel Grant commanding at Amherstberg, has dispensed with the services of the Militia, which were embodied at that place, from the 24th of March last.

Colonel Grant states that the Militia of Detroit, has been allowed to return 0059 47 to their respective homes, and are only required to attend every Sunday, at Roll calling.

Colonel Grant has requested of the Lieutenant of the County, that a Body of Militia, of equal strength, with that which has been doing Duty at Amherstburg, should be kept in readiness, to march at the shortest notice.

I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant Francis Gore , Lt. Governor

His Excellency General Sir James Craig K. B.

[C 703-p 31.]

MR. CLAUS TO LIEUT. GOV. GORE

( Indians )

Amherstburg 20th April 1808

Sir

Your Excellencies Dispatches of the 30th & 31st Ulto. I had the honour to receive yesterday.

The manner in which your excellency has communicated to me the absolute necessity of my considering, Amherstburg Sandwich or its vicinity to be the place of my General residence, demands from me my warmest thanks & I am fully convinced that nothing but the extreme unsettled state of public affairs, would have caused Your Excellency to deprive me of one of my greatest happinesses, that of being with my family. I am fully aware of the consequences of a public life, and it has been my fortune from an early period of my life to have had to struggle through in the best way I could, altho' born to different expectations.

I trust the confidence which your Excellency has been pleased to place in me is not thrown away nothing whatever on my part shall be wanting to establish as strongly as possible His Majestys Indian Interests with all the Nations in this Country & of obtaining what assistance (if necessary) that can be had.

You have Sir, called upon me for my opinion “as to the prospect of obtaining their assistance if required” from the best information that I can collect the number of fighting men on the waters of the Miamis, East borders of Lake Michigan, Sagana & the interior of the Country between those 0060 48 waters do not exceed fifteen hundred & I am very confident from the present defenceless condition of this Post, without the expectation of anything to back them, that we will find them very backward, was there an adequate force at this place I think that a sufficient number might be brought in to keep our ground until the back Indians would be brought forward, I mean those on the Banks of the Mississippi; messages have been sent to the Kickapoos, Saaks, Potawatamies, & the other Nations west of Lake Michigan, so long ago as October last & from the constant report of their being on their way, I have deferred sending a second message, I shall now lose no time in dispatching a confidential person to that country, by the earliest opportunity for St Josephs. I will write to Mr. Askin 1 but I beg leave to suggest to Your Excellency that a message would reach that place much sooner from York by way of Matchidash.

1 See appendix.

I have been under the necessity of purchasing some goods since here the amount of which, with my traveling expenses from Fort George, and others, for which a regular account and vouchers shall be laid before Your Excellency, will be upwards of two hundred pounds, province curry. The necessity of my being in last, for Public Service, will I hope induce Your Excellency to order my Bills to be punctually paid, as I assure you my mind on that head is far from being easy, and I hope you are Sir convinced that I will not make an improper use of it.

Before I close my letter Your Excellency will permit me to say that I cannot sufficiently express the obligation I owe to Captain Elliott for the voluntary services he has rendered me in my intercourse with the Indians; the respect and regard they bear to him from his long and active services with them during the American war, has so endeared him to them, that his influence is not to be shaken, and I have only to lament there should be any impediment in the way of his being employed at a moment when that influence is of such consequence to the country.

I have the honour to be with the highest respect Your Excellencies most obedient and most faithful servant W. Claus , D. S. G.

His Excellency Francis Gore Esquire Lieut Governor &c. &c. &c. Upper Canada

[M. G. 11-p 16.]

0061 49
MR. CLAUS TO MR. SELBY

( Indians )

Amherstburg 3rd May 1808

Sir ,

Mr. Fisher, whose receipts to the 25th March last I now enclose, arrived here on the 22d ulto. he brings nothing new with him but what I have mentioned on a former occasion-the Language of the American Govt. to the Indians, to sit quiet in case of hostilities.

There is little doubt in my mind of the weight it has with them, owing to the very weak state of this country, it makes them extremely cautious. The Prophet 1 has moved to the Wabashe with his people, nearly eighty men, he expects a visit from thirty different nations from the Southward and Westward of the Mississippi. I recd. a message from him through Fisher assuring me of his friendship, I find the cause of his not coming in when I sent for him, with the Shawanese Chiefs, was owing to a little jealousy between him and those chiefs. I understand that Mr. McDonald has left a packet for me at Mr. Dalsons which he brought from York, I have sent over for it.

1 A Shawanee chief, brother of Tecumseh, engaged in uniting the tribes against the Americans. Confederacy crushed by Harrison at Tippecanoe, 1811. Not a warrior.

Everything appears perfectly quiet among the Indians.

Your obedt. Sert W. Claus , W. S. G.

P. Selby, Esq. Asst. Secy. Ind Affrs. York

[M. G. 11.-p 21.]

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM LIEUT. COLONEL GRANT 41st REGIMENT, COMMANDING AT AMHERSTBURG DATED 6th OF MAY 1808

( North West )

Affairs in this country continue nearly the same as when I last wrote to you. The strength of my Garrison does not exceed 60 Rank and file, and of those, being composed of old men, 30 are not fit for service, or even extraordinary duty. I have had a Company of Militia on Duty here during the Winter. Of the Militia of this Country, speaking even with moderation of them, one half can only be depended on, the rest are surely Enemys, waiting, as the People of Detroit are, the trumpet of war or Savage yell. The Indians are almost entirely gone from this post, and nothing be assured by 7 0062 50 me, but a strong military Force at this Post, which is of the first importance, will bring them back. If Detroit be reinforced before we are, and War takes place, we must fall .

[C 363-p 60.]

MR. NICHOL TO GENERAL BROCK 1

1 See appendix.

( North West )

Niagara May 21-1808

My dear Sir ,

Conceiving that in the present critical state of our Affairs with the United States—it might be desirable for His Excellency the Commander in Chief to have early and correct information of any Movements of the American Troops on our Frontiers—I have conceived it to be my duty to State to you that I have received intelligence which can be depended on that strong reinforcement of Troops of the line have been ordered from the interior of the United States to the Posts of Detroit and Michilimackinack and that a detachment of these amounting to upwards of a hundred men has already arrived at Presque Isle on Lake Erie. I have conversed with the Captain of the vessel chartered to bring them up. My reason for being so forward to report this to you is that the sudden collection of a large Force at the present time in these places might very materially affect our intercourse with the Indian Nations and dispose them to commit hostilities on our distant Settlements before we could afford them the necessary protection. While writing a most unpleasant circumstance has taken place which is I think strong evidence of the hostile intentions of the United States.

Twenty Boats belonging to the North West and South West Companies—navigating Lake Ontario under the Faith of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce—were this morning fired upon by the American Garrison and Seventeen of the Twenty Captured—the remaining three made their escape to this Side, it is unnecessary for me to say more on this subject as I presume correct Statements of the Facts will be forwarded to the proper Authorities—

I write in great haste the vessel being Just on the point of sailing.

I am with much respect My Dear Sir Your very obed. Humble Serv. Rob. Nichol . 1

Brig. General Brock &c. &c. &c. Montreal

[C 363-p 66.]

0063 51
CAPT. MCKENZIE TO SECRETARY HATTON

( Relations with United States )

Kingston , November 3d 1808

Sir ,

I have the honor to enclose for the perusal of His Excellency, The Lieutenant Governor, a letter I received from Mr Cartwright, yesterday two Depositions, have been taken before Him, of aggressions, on the part of The American Collector of Sacket's Harbour towards one of His Majesty's Subjects within the limits of The Kings Territory.

Mr. Cartwright intends writing His Excellency stating his Reasons for apprehending, That something more, than putting in force the Embargo, causes at this late Season of the year, when most of the Produce has been exported, so great a number of Regular Troops, to be assembled on the American Frontier.

The idea of the Vessel now building at Oswego, which is to carry 18 Guns, with a 24 Pounder in the Bow, instead of employing armed Boats, for The purpose of preventing Smuggling appears to me so ridiculous in itself That it requires no great foresight to see through the Object of these intentions.

May I request you to have the goodness to mention to the Lieut. Governor The very small Garrison I have at present here with The responsibility attach'd to it—I humbly conceive there ought to be one Serjeant and twelve Privates at least, stationed at Point Frederick, where His Majesty's Stores are situated, and the King's Vessels Winter, where at present there is only a Guard of one Corporal and three Privates (one Sentry) which is all I can spare from the few men I have at this Post, The Stores are some way detach'd from one another, and might be set on fire, by a few determined Incendiaries some dark night!

May I also beg leave to remark, That The Duke of Kents being moved out during the Winter, as she was last year, can in my opinion serve no end, as to The security of The Stores and Shipping, so long as there may be a probability of Point Clarence being occupied by the Americans, which it is natural they will attempt to take possession of, in The event of a War with them.

The general opinion of the better informed and respectable Settlers on The American Frontier in our Neighborhood, is I believe from good authority, That the Person at the Head of The American Government is much inclined to make or have some plea to bring on a Rupture with Great Britain—I have hitherto, not given much into this opinion, but later events wear such a complexion as almost do away my former Ideas on the subject, whether we are to have Peace or War.

0064 52

I have transmitted a copy of Mr Cartwright's letter to me of yesterday, for the perusal of His Excellency the Commander of the Forces:

(Signed) H. Mackenzie Capt 41st Regt & Major Commg.

A true Extract Wm. Hatton Secretary

[C 673-p 142.]

LIEUT. GOV. GORE TO BISHOP PLESSIS

( Indians )

York 28th January 1809.

Sir ,

It would afford me real pleasure to be enabled to comply immediately with your request to appoint the Revd. Mr. Marchand 1 of Sandwich an Indian Missionary in this Province, having on my visit last summer, to the Western District had every reason to subscribe to his merit & good conduct.

1 Father Jean Caliste Marchand, missionary; afterward vicar general of the diocese of Quebec.

I shall lose no time in applying to His Excellency Sir James Craig, to sanction the appointment of Mr. Marchand to be a missionary to the Western Indians, in the room of the Reverend Mr. Burke, who now resides in Nova Scotia.

I beg you will be assured that it will, at all times be a matter of high gratification to me to attend to your recommendations.

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant (Signed) Francis Gore Lt. Governor

Monsieur Plessis Catholic Bishop of Quebec.

[C 256-p 8.]

0065 53
LIEUT. GOV. GORE TO SIR JAMES CRAIG

( Relations with United States )

York 20th Feb 1809

Sir

I had the honor on the 16th Instant to receive your Excellency's Letter of the 24th of January, accompanied by a copy of a dispatch from Mr. Erskine of the 4th of that month, and a letter of the 26th from Lieutenant Colonel Thornton.

I had anticipated the Intelligence from Washington, from the Debates in Congress, where the Partisans of the American Administration, hold Language of the same tenor, with Mr. Maddison's 1 declaration to Mr. Erskine, and where the measures they are pursuing, have evidently a view of War.—In this event the Post of Amherstburg, will in all probability be the first object of attack—The American Regular Force at Detroit, is already more considerable, than in any other Point of their Frontier, and may be easily Augmented from the Ohio, and Tenessee Country, and the effect their success would have upon the Indians, would be a powerful inducement to them to make the attempt.

1 James Madison. 1751–1836. Fourth president of the U. S. Secretary of state, 1801–1809, date of above letter. Elected president 1808; re-elected 1812, and prosecuted the war with Great Britain.

My information from those who are well acquainted with the disposition of the Indians, leads me to believe that we Cannot rely on their Co-operation unless a very considerable additional Regular Force, be sent to that part of the Country.—Captain Elliott the superintendent, is convinced that with one Regular Regiment, the American Post of Detroit, and the Country between it, and the Ohio wou'd soon be in our possession—and the Indians become our active friends, numbers of whom would then be at liberty to give their Aid in any other part that may be threatened. These are Captain Elliotts sentiments which I conceive Your Excellency ought to be in possession of, at the same time, my private opinion is, That he is too sanguine in his hopes of Indian Assistance!

I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Most obedt & Most humble Servt Francis Gore Lt. Governor

His Excellency General Sir James Craig K B &c. &c. &c

[C 676-p. 58.]

0066 54
REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. BRUYERES 1

1 See appendix.

Quebec 24th August 1811

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE FORTIFIED MILITARY POSTS IN BOTH THE CANADAS

Fort Amherstburg. Situated on the East Bank of the River Detroit at the Head of Lake Erie. Is a square Field work consisting of four small Bastions faced with framed Timber, and Plank very much decayed, and out of repair. The Bastions are connected with a Line of Picketting similar to Fort George in bad repair, and cannot be considered as capable of any Defence. The Troops are lodged within the Fort in a large Block House that contains quarters for about three officers and 80 men. The Magazine is a Stone Building, Arched but not Bomb Proof. There are two small detached Block Houses constructed as a protection to the Marine Arsenal, they are occupied as Officers Quarters and are contiguous to the Navy Yard.

Fort St Joseph. Situated on the South point of the Island St. Joseph at the entrance to the River forming the communication between Lake Huron and Lake Superior; it is about 322 miles from Fort Amherstburg; and the most distant Military Post in Upper Canada. It is a square consisting merely of High Cedar Pickets to enclose the Block House and public Buildings the whole in bad repair and incapable of any defence.

R. H. Bruyeres , Lt. Col. Comg. Rl. Eng.

[Freer papers-1811.]

0067 55
MAJ. GEN. GLASGOW TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST
REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE MAGAZINES, STORE HOUSES, PLATFORMS, CARRIAGES, ORDNANCE AND STORES, IN CHARGE OF THE FIELD TRAIN DEPARTMENT IN CANADA, UNDER THE SUPERINTENDENCE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICERS OF ARTILLERY

Quebec 18 th Sep t . 1811.

At Amherstburg the Garrison Ordnance consist of one 18 Pounder five 9 P rs four six Pounders for Field Service with their proportion of Ammunition and Stores fit for Service.

Amherstburg being a Naval Depot, the Ordnance, Ammunition and Stores of that Department, when not on Board the Vessels, are in Charge of the Ordnance Clerk of Stores.

A Subaltern of Artillery one Corporal and eleven Gunners are stationed at Amherstburg.

At St Josephs there are four iron Iron 6 Pounders and six ½ P r swivels with a small proportion of Ammunition. The Ammunition and Stores are kept in a Stone Building, arched but not Bomb Proof.

The Magazine at Amherstburg is cracked all through and not Bomb proof; the Store houses are of wood and insufficient to contain the Stores and which from necessity are Lodged with Stores of other Departments.

In the present Situation of the Posts of Upper Canada, there is not one Situation that can be considered safe as a Depot. The works are faced and lined with wood, the Bastions connected by palisades. The Buildings are of Wood, liable at all times to accident by fire; and within the power of an Enemy to be burnt, whenever He chose to undertake it.

0068 56

A Depot at a distance from the Frontier is much wanted. Where the Powder, Ammunition, Field Pieces, Small Arms and Naval Stores, not immediately wanted, might be kept in more safety and where an establishment might be formed, for making and repairing Carriages and other Purposes essential to the Service.

York seems to present a Situation well adapted for such a Purpose.

George Glasgow Maj. Gen. Comg. R l Artillery.

His Excellency Lt. Genl. Sir George Prevost Commanding the Forces &c. &c. &c.

[Freer papers-1811.]

FROM MAJOR GENERAL BROCK—UNADDRESSED

( Relations with United States )

York Upper Canada Decr. 2d 1811

Sir ,

The information Contained in the Message of the President to Congress relative to the existing differences between England and the United States will justify, I presume to think, the adoption of such precautionary measures, as may be necessary to meet all future Exigencies. Under this impression I beg leave to submit to Your Excellency, such observations as occur to me, to enable you, to form a correct judgment of the actual state of this Province.

The Military Force which heretofore occupied the Frontier Posts being so inadequate to their defence, a general opinion obtained, that no opposition in the event of hostilities, was intended. The late increase of amunition, and every species of stores, the substitution of a strong Regiment, and the appointment of a Military Person to administer the Government, have tended to infuse other sentiments among the most reflecting part of the community, and I feel happy in being able to assure Your Excellency, that during my visit last week to Niagara, I received the most satisfactory professions of a determination on the part of the principal inhabitants to exert every means in their power, in the defence of their property and support of the Government. They look with Confidence to Your Excellency for such additional aid as may be necessary in conjunction with the Militia, to repel 0069 57 any hostile attempt against this Province. I shall beg leave to refer Your Excellency to the Communications of Lieutenant Governor Gore with Sir James Craig (as per margin) for a correct view of the temper and composition of the Militia and Indians, and althou' perfectly aware of the number of improper characters who have obtained extensive possessions, and whose 1st decbr 1807 5 Jany 1808 20th Feb. 1809, the latter enclosing an extract from correspondence with Lt. Col. Grant 41st Regt. dated Amherstburg 5th Jany 1808 principles diffuse a spirit of insubordination very adverse to all Military institutions, yet I feel confident a large majority will prove faithful.—It is however Certain that the best policy to be persued, should future circumstances call for active preparations will be to act with the utmost liberality, and as if no mistrust existed. For unless the inhabitants give an Active and efficient Aid, it will be utterly impossible for the very limited number of the Military who are likely to be employed, to preserve the Province.

The first point to which I am anxious to call Your Excellencys attention, is the District of Amherstburg. I consider it the most important, and if supplied with the means of commencing active operations, must deter the Americans from any offensive attempt from Niagara westward.

That Government will be compelled to secure their western frontier from the inroads of the Indians, and this cannot be effected without a very considerable force.—But before we can expect an active cooperation on the part of the Indians, the reduction of Detroit and Michilimackinac, must convince that People (who consider themselves to have been sacrificed to our policy in the year 1794 P that we are earnestly engaged in the war.—The Indians, I am given to understand, are eager for an opportunity to avenge the Numerous injuries of which they complain.—A few Tribes at the Instigation of a shawanese of no note, have already (altho' implicitly told not to look for assistance from us) commenced the contest;—The stand which they continue to make on the Wabash against about two thousand Regulars and Militia, is a strong proof the strong force, which a general combination of the Indians will render necessary to protect so widely extended a Frontier.—The Garrisons of Detroit and Michilimackinac do not I believe exceed seventy Rank and file each, but the former can be easily reinforced by the Militia in the neighbourhood, which tho' not numerous, would be ample for its defence, unless assailed by a force, much superior to any we can now command.— 8

P Note — Miamis affair .

0070 58 The Americans would draw their principal force either for defence or attack from the Ohio, an enterprizing hardy race and uncommonly expert on Horseback with the Rifle.—This species of force is formadable to the Indians, altho' according to reports, which have reached me by different Channels, (but none officially) they lately repelled an attack of some magnitude. Unles a diversion such as I have suggested, be made, an overwhelming force will probably be directed against this part of the Province. The measure will however be attended with a heavy expense, especially in the Article of provisions for not only the Indians who take the field, but also their families, must be maintained. The numeral force of the Militia in the Vicinity of Amherstburg exceeds by a trifle seven hundred Rank & file, Consequently very little assistance can be derived from that source in any offensive operation, should therefore the aspect of affairs hereafter give stronger indications of a rupture, I propose Augmenting the Garrison of Amherstburg with two hundred Rank & file from Fort George and York. Such a measure I consider essentially necessary were it only calculated to rouse the energy of both Militia and Indians, who are now impressed with a firm belief that in the event of a war, they are to be left to their fate.—Great pains have been taken to instil this idea into the minds of the Indians, and no stronger Argument could be employed, than the weak state of the Garrison.—The army now assembled on the Wabash, with the ostensible view of opposing the shawanese Indian, is a strong additional motive in my mind, in support of the measure, for I have no doubt but the Instant their service in the field terminates a large portion of the Regulars will be detached to strengthen the Garrison at Detroit.—I have prepared Coln Proctor for such an event and after weighing the inconvenience, to which the service would be exposed, if the district were placed under a Militia Colonel, (an event obvious Unless superseded by a regular officer of equal rank) I have directed Lieut. Col. St George 1 to be in readiness to Repair to Amherstburg and assume the Command. I entertain a high opinion of this officer, and make no doubt that his intelligence and conciliatory disposition will greatly promote the service—At any rate I am without a choice, and hope his situation of Inspector of Militia, will not be considered a bar to the arrangement.—The state of the roads will probably stop this projected movement until the latter end of this month or beginning of next, nor do I intend that the Troops should leave their present Quarters, unless urged by fresh circumstances. I therefore look to receive Your Excellency's Commands, previous to their departure.

1 See appendix.

From Amherstburg to Fort Erie my chief dependence must rest on a naval Force, for the protection of that extensive Coast. But considering the state to which it is reduced, extraordinary exertions and great expense 0071 59 will be required before it can be rendered efficient. At present it only consists of a ship and a small Schooner, the latter of a bad construction, old, and in want of many repairs, yet she is the only King's Vessel able to Navigate Lake Huron, whilst the Americans have a Sloop and a fine Brig Capable of carrying twelve Guns, and in perfect readiness for any service; If consequently the garrison of St. Joseph's is to be maintained, and an attack on Michilimackinac undertaken, it will be expedient to hire or purchase from the Merchants, as many vessels as may be necessary for the purpose. The Americans Can resort to the same means, and the Construction and number of their vessels for trade will give them great advantage—besides their small craft or boats, in which Troops Could be easily transported across the waters, exceed ours considerably, indeed we have very few of that description. I therefore leave it to Your Excellency's Superior Judgment to determine, whether a sufficient number of Gun boats for both Lakes so constructed as to draw little water, ought not to be added to our means of defence and offence.—It is worthy of remark that the only American National vessel on Lake Ontario built two Years ago, and now laying in Sackets Harbour, has remained without seamen until within the last fortnight when the Officers began to enter men as fast as possible.—A Lieutenant with a party came to Buffalo (a tolerable large Village oppose Fort Erie) and procured several hands, but not satisfied, a petty officer was sent to our side to inveigle others, The Magistrates hearing of this, sent to have him apprehended but he with difficulty escaped.—The strait between Niagara and Fort Erie is that which in all probability will be chosen for their main body to penetrate with a view to conquest.—All other attacks will be subordinate, or merely made to divert our attention.

About 3,000 Militia could upon an emergency be drawn to that line, and nearly five hundred Indians could likewise be collected, therefore what with the Regulars no trifling force could hope for success provided a determined resistance was made, but I cannot hide from Your Excellency, that unless a strong Military force be present, to Animate the Loyal, and controul the disaffected, nothing effectual can be expected.—A protracted resistance upon this Frontier will be sure to embarrass their plans materially. They will not come prepared to meet it, and their Troops, or volunteer Corps, without scarcely any discipline (as far at least as controul is in question) will soon tire under disappointment—The difficulty which they will experience in providing provisions, will involve them into expenses under which their Government will soon become impatient.—The car Brigade will be particularly useful in obstructing their passage, and I cannot be too 0072 60 urgent in soliciting the means, both as to Gunners, and Drivers, and likewise as to Horses to render the one at Fort George complete for service. A small body of Cavalry would be absolutely necessary, & I have already offers from many respectable Young men, to form themselves into a Troop,—all they seem to require are swords and pistols, which the stores below may probably be able to furnish. The situation of Kingston is so very important in every Military point of view, that I cannot be too earnest in drawing Your Excellency's attention to that Quarter.—The Militia from the Bay of Quinte down to Glengarry is the most respectable of any in the Province—Among the officers, several are on half pay who still retain a sound military spirit. Those from the Bay of Quinte would be properly stationed at Kingston, but all downwards would naturally desire to be employed to resist any predatory excursions to which their property would be so much exposed from the opposite shore. I have besides been always of opinion that a strong detachment would follow the route of Lord Amherst, and attempt to enter the Province by Oswagatchie, the Militia on the whole of that communication cannot therefore be more usefully employed than in watching such a movement, and should the Enemy direct the whole of his force by St. John's the greater part can with the utmost facility join the Army acting upon that Frontier.

The Militia Act, which I have the honour to transmit, provides for such emergency, and Your Excellency will readily observe among many wise and salutary provisions, but few means of enforceing them.

No exertions however shall be wanting in my Civil Capacity, 1 to place that body upon a respectable footing. Mr. Cartwright the senior Militia Colonel at Kingston possesses the influence to which his firm character, and superior abilities so deservedly entitle him, but as I cannot possibly give the necessary attention to so distant an object, and as a regular officer will be indispensible to direct the operations, one of high rank ought if possible to be nominated to that command.

1 Gen. Brock had been appointed lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada for the better management of public affairs, an important matter being the organization of the militia.

So much will remain to be done, and such high expenses to be incurred, in the Quarter Master General's department that I cannot be too earnest with Your Excellency in requesting that an officer equal to the Situation may be appointed.—A head to the Commissariat will likewise be indispensible.—

I have trespassed greatly on Your Excellency's time, but I beg to be permitted to entreat Your Excellency to honour me with such advice and 0073 61 Counsel as Your Experience may suggest, and be assured my utmost pride will be to meet your views, and merit your approbation

I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellency's Most obedt & very humble servant Isaac Brock M. G.

[B 673-p. 171.]

UNADDRESSED AND WITHOUT SIGNATURE OR DATE 1

( War—1812 )

1 Letter apparently of American origin; possibly among the spoils when Detroit was captured, August 16, 1812. The writer had a clear view of the situation, and expressed sound conclusions.

The prompt measures you have adopted for the protection of Detroit and the other settlements in the Territory of Michigan inspire me with confidence that such ulterior arrangements will be made as the peculiar situation of that Country, and the state of things may require.—

It is unnecessary to state, that the people of that Territory being a part of the U. S. are entitled to protection. How far the measures already adopted will affect that object is worthy of consideration—I highly approve of them as incipient measures.—

Three things have been done—

1st Officers of the Company have been appointed with orders to enlist a Company in the Territory.—

2d The Secretary acting as Governor has been authorized to make a Detachment of Four Companies of Militia and call them into actual Service.

3rd The Commanding officer of Fort Detroit has been directed to erect Batteries on the Bank of the River Detroit for the protection of the Town. While I was very much gratified with the decisive manner in which these measures were adopted it must be apparent they only organize and prepare for action the physical powers already in the Country.—By comparing that power with the power which may be opposed to it, will evince the necessity of an additional Force, if the country is worth preserving.—

In the Fort at Detroit, I understand by the last returns there are less than one hundred men—The Population of the Territory is less than 5,000.—The principal part of this Population is of the Canadian Character, who have been in the habit of changing their Allegiance, and whos attachment to our country cannot be presumed to be as strong as the native sons of the States—Wishing however to give them all the Credit to which they are entitled, 0074 62 titled, I should expect in any event of things, they would not be unfaithful to the Government to which they now belong, especially as they have received, not only Justice, but very great liberality.—It appears then, there about One hundred Regulars in the Fort of Detroit, and about 5,000 Inhabitants of the description I have given, in the Territory connected with the Post of Detroit & and 300 Miles North is the Island of Michillmackinac, where is a Post, Garrisoned by a Company of Regulars. Near the South side of Lake Michigan, on the westerly side is Fort Chicago, likewise Garrisoned by a Company of Regulars.—

This is all the force on which we can calculate for the safety of this Northern Frontier, and for the protection of the Indians, which the U. S. are bound by Treaties to afford no support can be derived from the Indian Nation, even in the event of War, because our officers are instructed to advise them to remain neutral, and not to accept their Services, if they should be offered.—

It will be understood that this Statement is made under the Idea of war with Great Britain.—

I will now consider the British Force opposed to this part of the United States.—

1st A post at Amherstburg, at the Mouth of the Detroit River, Garrisoned by about one hundred British Troops.—

2nd Another Post on the Island of St Joseph's at the Mouth of the River St Mary's Garrisoned by about 50 British Troops.—

3rd Two armed ships on Lake Erie, which command the Waters, and could prevent all communication from the States through that Channel.

4th A population of 40, or 50 thousand Inhabitants in that part of Upper Canada which is connected with the Detroit River, and could easily be brought to operate against one settlement.—

5th. About Four Thousand men employed in the Indian Trade, all under British Influence.

6th All the Indians in Upper Canada, and, probably a large portion of those who reside in the United States, Will probably join the British Standard in the event of War.

It will appear from this statement, that the British Force which can be brought to operate against in the Territory, is more than Ten to One.—

It requires no reasoning to determine what must be the consequence—That part of the United States must fall into the Hands of the British Government, with all the Inhabitants, The Forts at Chicago Michillimackinac and Detroit, and all the Public and Private Vessels on the Lake.—

This will give them the entire Command of all the Country North and North West of the Miami—of Lake Erie and the scattered Settlements on 0075 63 the West part of the State of Ohio will be subject to the Depredations of the powerful Northern Nations of Savages. There is nothing in my opinion (in the event of war) can prevent this state of things, but an adequate Force on the Detroit River, opposite to the Settlements in Upper Canada.

It may be asked how this Force is to be placed there and how is it to be Supported. If, Sir, we cannot command the Ocean, We can Command the Inland Lakes of our Country, This we ought to do—but if there is no intention of building a Naval Force on the Lakes, superior to the British, that Communication must be abandoned until we take possession of the Canadas.—

The Army which marches into the Country must open Roads thro' the Wilderness, And the Supplies of Provisions &c must pass by Land from the State of Ohio.—

If then the Conquest of Ohio is your object you will have an Army in a proper Situation to commence the operations and will have all the Indians living within the Territory of the U. S. under your Control.—

The answer probably will be—It is better to leave this Country to its fate, and march an army and take possession of Montreal. This will prevent all communications, by the St Lawrence, with Upper Canada, and it must of course surrender. In this expectation I presume there will be a disipointment—Upper Canad and the Michigan.

DECLARATION OF WAR—CAMPAIGN OF 1812
COLONEL ELLIOT 1 TO MAJOR GENERAL BROCK

1 See appendix.

( Provincial Marine )

Amherstburgh 11th January 1812

Sir

The day before yesterday I was honored with your letter of the 24th ulto and now proceed to answer some points on which you want information, deferring the other parts until I have procured further information, and procure a plan of Detroit, which I expected to do before I set off for York, which will be in the course of a few days; From a gentleman of veracity and a keen observer, who was at Detroit last October, and saw the Fort and Guns, I am informed that they have twenty 24 pounders, many of which were mounted, besides four Twelves.—one ten Inch. Two 8 inch Howetzers—Four 4½ inch Royals—six mortars of different Calibres, and two Travelling Forges for heating shot: and for the Militia, Four Field 6 pounders, with field equipage complete.

0076 64

Another very intelligent Gentleman, has given me the following list of vessels and their Tonnage.

Brig Adams 14 guns—about the size of the old Camden on the stocks 4 miles up the river Rouge, repairing

Schooner Amelia 70 Tons at Presque Isle or Black Rock

do Selina 80 “ at Detroit wharf

do Nancy 90 “ Black Rock or Presque Isle

Sloop Contractor 60 “ do do

With five or six small craft, names unknown— —British Merchant Vessels—

Nancy, about 100 Tons, owners. N. W. Comp y laying at Mackintoshs wharf opposite Detroit

Caledonia 70 Tons. owners N. W. Comp y .

Eleanor 50 “ “ R d Pattinson

Thames 80 “ in bad repair, owners Innes & McGregor

The two last are at Sandwich Wharf

The Dover, 1 about 20 Tons—in the river Thames

1 Burned by the Americans; see vol. xiii, p. 599, Mich. P. H. Coll.

I can add nothing more to my opinion respecting the attack upon Detroit, to what I submitted to Colonel Claus in my letter in your possession—That Fort once taken, we would have nothing to dread, and we could open communication with the Indians.

I find from authority I cannot doubt, that Detroit is garrisoned by 50 Infantry and the same number of Artillery.

The three essentials you call my attention to, I beg leave to assure your honor, have guided my conduct since I have had the superintendence of the Post.

As I shall be at York in the course of a short time, permit me to defer saying more at present on the different subjects which your letter embraces.

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Humble servant (Signed) M. Elliott , S. I. D 2

2 The initials stand for storekeeper, Indian department.

Major General Brock President Administering the Government & & & York

[C 728-p 61.]

0077 65

Memorandum to be submitted to His Excellency the Govr in Chief by desire of Major Genl. Brock.—

To reinforce the 41st by sending up their recruits, and to send the Regiment to Amherstburg, together with 50 Artillery.

To send ordnance suited to the Reduction of Detroit (4 to 6 eight Inch Mortars).

To explain the nature of the offensive operations proposed in that quarter

Militia on the Detroit side 300 men mostly Canadians. Kentucky Population 400,000 souls. Amherstburg population furnishes 700 Militia. Indians in the vicinity from 2 to 3000,—at the Grand River 1 2 to 300.

1 He refers to the Grand River in Ontario.

To send the 49th or some other effective Regt to the Niagara frontiers with a proportion of Artillery.

To send a Regiment to Kingston together with a Detacht of Artillery.

To send an officer of Rank to Kingston to take charge of that Frontier.

It is proposed to select from the Militia 2 Companies from each Regt as flank Companies which will produce as Volunteers about 1800 men.

It is proposed to raise Corps of Volunteers which may produce 1200 men.

To lay up the ships next winter at York and by degrees remove the Naval Yard.

To provide materials for ten more batteaux at Kingston and at Amherstburg.

To build one Gun Boat as an Experiment at Long Point.

To send Plans of the Quebec Boats to York. The Gun to unship and lie in the hold in bad weather.

To Fortify the Harbour of Amherstburg. The Cooperation of the N. West and S. West companies—To take the Post of Michilimackinac, and remove St. Josephs to it.

A small work to protect the anchorage of Vessels at Long Point, and to have 6 Gun Boats at Do if the Plan succeeds.

The cooperation of the Indians will be attended with great expense in presents provisions &c.

To send a person from Kingston to Reconnitre Sacketts Harbour, and to send from Niagara to examine the Harbours and 0078 66 Country on the south shore of Lake Ontario to see what preparation and if among the Merchant vessels,

Captain Gilkinson at Prescott.

To enquire if he will take a Naval Command.

Captain Fish to Command the new schooner to be built at York.

To superanuate Commodore Grant and appoint Lieut. Hall senior officer.

L. Barwis to command the new schooner

2d Lieut Rollette to be appointed first and to command the Hunter

To superanuate Commodore Steele, and appoint Captain Earle senior officer and to command the Royal George.

To appoint

and to command the Moira.

To mount 6. 24 pr Canonades on Field Carriages to be used as occasion may require.

To send two Companies of the Newfoundland Regiment to act as seamen and marines.

To Augment the establishment by sending an addition of 100 seamen to the Lakes.

To purchase all the Cordage from Capt. Mills at Amherstburg as this tends greatly to promote the growth of hemp.

To submit the Memo ° from Lieuts Dewar & Hall

[C 728-p 68.]

COL. ELLIOTT TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK

( Indians )

Amherstburg , 12th January 1812

Sir

I have the honor to inform you, that just as I had finished writing you yesterday, a Kikapoo Chief who was in the action on the Wabache arrived here and reports that without having sent any previous message, Governor Harrison 1 advanced from his Fort against the Indians with intention of surrounding the Village on all sides, that none might escape if they proved refractory.—

1 See appendix.

He completely surrounded it on the land side, and attempted it by the River, but the Indians boldly ordered him to desist, or it would not go well with him. He then asked where he could camp, and was told “Wherever 0079 67 he pleased except around their village”—All this time the officers and Cavalry had their swords ready drawn and the Infantry were drawn up ready to fire upon them.—

He however retreated about a quarter of a mile over a little rising ground and camped by a small rivulet; but before he retreated the Indians took a negro and threatened to put him to death if he did not inform them of the Governors intention.

The negro informed them that he intended to deceive them, and they let him go. And the Governor after he had encamped sent the same negro back to them to desire them to sleep sound and be at ease, and not approach his sentinels lest they should be shot, and that he would not allow any of his people go near them.—

The Indians however had their piquets to prevent surprise and often, during the night ordered the American spies to retire from their posts, without doing them any injury. Two young Winibiegoes no doubt out of curiosity (for it appears the Indians had no intention to attack, but to defend themselves if attacked) went near some of the American Sentinals and were shot at, and fell as wounded men, but on the Sentinals coming up to despatch them they arose and tomahawked them.—

This insult roused the indignation of the Indians and they determined to be revenged and accordingly commenced the attack at cock crowing. They had the Americans between two fires, driven by the Winibiegoes, they were received by the Kikapoos, alternately until about 9 o'clock when the Indians gave way for want of arrows and amunition. It appears that not above one hundred Indians fired a shot, the grater part being engaged in plundering and conveying of horses.

The women and children, saved themselves by crossing the River during the engagement.—

The Americans burned the Prophets village and all the corn of the Shawanaes, but the Kikpoos saved theirs by having it previously burried.— Twenty five Indians only are killed, the Kikpoo does not know the number of Americans killed, but he says their loss must have been considerable not less than one hundred. 1 —

1 See appendix.

The Prophet and his people do not appear as a vanquished enemy; they reoccupy their former ground.—

From this mans report, the Chiefs of these Tribes have determined to come here only in the Spring to make a demand of Amunition and Arms.—

The Prophets brother, who went to the Southward in Winter 1810–11 is reported by this man to be on his return and has reached the farthest Kikpoo Town, and is there in Council with the different Nations—He 0080 68 passed Vincennes on his way home, and met the Army of Governor Harrison retreating, but no insult was offered to him or his few friends who accompanied him.—

When the messenger I sent, returns, I no doubt will receive further intelligence respecting the views of the Indians—I will lose no time in transmitting it to you—or perhaps be the bearer of it myself.—

The following is an account of the numbers of the different Nations killed in the action viz:

Kikpoos 9

Winibiegoes 6

Potewatemies 4

Ottawas 3

Creeks 2

Shawanaes 1

25

from the manner in which the Kikpoo relates his story I sincerely believe his accounts to be correct.—

I have the honor to be Your Honor's most obedient & most humble Servant M. Elliott . S. I. A.

P. S. The Indian Forces consisted of from 250 to 300 and not more than 100 were ever engaged.

To His Honor Major General Brock President Administering the Government York.—

[C 728-p 62.]

MEMORANDA

( War—1812 )

Memoranda —from the Agents of the North West Company for the information of Capt Gray.—

The N. W. Co have on Lake Superior 1 Vessel of 120 Tons—could be armed with 6 @ 8 Guns—also 1 of 60 Tons which might be run down the Falls of St Marys to be made use of on the Lakes Huron and Michigan. They have also 2 Vessels at Moy Sandwich viz the Caledonia and Nancy each from 100 @ 120 Tons, and each carrying 4 Guns.—

0081 69

25 Canoes will start from La Chine the first week in May for Lake Superior—having on board 3 Agents Viz Messrs Shaw McLeod and McKenzie—9 clerks, 10 Guides and 300 Men or Engages to be at the Entrance of the French River about the 20th to 25th May—at St Marys 1st @ 4th June, and at Fort William on the N. W. part of Lake Superior about 22d @ 25th June.

To assemble at St Mary's for the purpose of taking down the Companys property to Montreal about the latter end of August, or early in September in 30 @ 40 canoes viz—3 agents—2 proprietors—8 clerks—10 Guides—250 men or Engages—also if required, as many Indians as the Company have influence over in that quarter, say from 300 @ 500—

The Agents of the N. W. Co. beg leave to observe that they will on all occasions be ready not only to protect their own property, but to exert all the influence they possess over the Canadians and Indians to induce them to follow their example—at the same time they take this opportunity of expressing their gratitude to his Excellency for having taken the means necessary for the protection of the Fur Trade with such early consideration.

Montreal 13th Jany 1812

The above was furnished by the Agents of the N. West Company at my request

A. Gray Actg Depy Qr Mr Genl.

[C 676-p 76.]

MEMORANDUM

( War—1812 )

Memorandum respecting Indians and other persons inhabiting the Post, in the Indian Country where the Michilimackinac Company trade, who in the event of a War between Great Britain and America could be depended upon to join the British at the Island of St Joseph Lake Huron at a short notice in the Spring.

One Hundred whites English and Canadians and about three Hundred Indians.

The other Indians throughout the Country where the Company trade are all dissatisfied with the American Government and would in my opinion be glad of a good opportunity to Commence Hostilities against them. 1

1 Indians being inflamed by war stories. The fur company's trade went beyond the Mississippi.

Montreal 13th January 1812

H. Lothier Agent for Michilimackinac Compy.

[C 676-p 78.]

0082 70
MR. GRAY TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( Military Defences )

Montreal 13th January 1812

Dear Sir

I have now made myself acquainted with the various objects connected with my journey, and shall state for your Excellency's information (as briefly as the nature of the subjects will admit of) all I have been enabled to Collect at this Post.

The first object I turned my attention to was the Military Stores in the possession of the Commissariat and Qu r M r Gen 1s Departments. The result of that inquiry is contained in the enclosed Returns, signed by Mr Clark. The 1 st Page is a return of Batteaux with their stores and Camp Equipage. The 2 d & 3 d pages contain Returns and Estimates required from Mr Clark for your Excellency's information, in consequence of a statement made by him on the subject of Building new Batteaux—He says that he has been in the habit of keeping in store, in time of war, Materials for Building 100 Batteaux, with the necessary stores and equipments for the same number. His reasons for recommending this measure are of considerable weight. He says that if the stores are provided in this manner he can build the Batteaux when required at the rate of one day, and that from the wood having been seasoned they may be relied upon—Another reason he assigns is the difficulty there is of procuring those Materials when wanted, particularly the Cedar knees.

If your Excellency does not judge it necessary to go to the extent Mr Clark recommends, a part of it might be recommended. If the Articles Contained in Estimate Page 2 (£110. 2. 4½) were provided, and the Cedar Knees Page 3 (£50. 19) purchased, and the Oakum sent from Quebec, I should think Mr. Clark would find no difficulty in procuring the timber at any time. It is however proper to state Mr. Clarkes opinion, so that Your Excellency may be the better enabled to decide. Major Davies has but one Batteaux in his charge. The total number of Batteaux at Montreal, LaChine, and William Henry, that can be depended upon, are 50, and these were all built in the year 1809. Those anticedent to that period are going rapidly to decay—

The next object I turned my attention to was the N. West Company. I have had several discussions with the heads of the Companies, for it appears there are two, one called the N. West, and another denominated the S. West, or the Michilimackinac Company—The result is in substance as follows—That the Heads of the Companies are exceedingly grateful to Your Excellency for taking an interest in the protection of their Trade, that they will enter with zeal into any measure of Defence, or even offence , that may 0083 71 be proposed to them. To render this statement clear I must refer Your Excellency to Smiths map of Upper Canada. In the event of War the Route by Detroit and the River Sinclair must be abandoned, and that by York adopted. From York they will proceed by Lake Simcoe to Gloucester Bay, in Lake Huron, and along the North Shore of the Lake to the straits, or falls of St. Mary's, and from thence into Lake Superior. The only part of this Route that they feel any apprehension of being interrupted, or cut off by the Enemy, is upon Lake Huron. An Armament may be fitted out at Detroit to intercept them in their return from the N. West (when their Cargoes are more valuable) It is therefore upon this line of Communication they will probably require our Support. It would appear from the information I have received that we might be enabled to afford them the requisite support from York, as the Communication from York to Lake Huron is much shorter than that from Detroit to the tract proposed by the N. West. This is a point upon which I cannot speak with any degree of certainty at present, I merely submit such ideas as have arisen out of the Conversations I have had with the Gentlemen Concerned in the Trade. On Lake Superior they feel every way superior to the Americans, having the complete command of the Lake, and the Country on its banks—On tracing the Commun from thence downwards their first apprehensions are at the straits of St. Mary's, At this point the Enemy might cut them off, if some means are not taken to prevent it. Those means could be (according to their ideas) to remove the Garrison and Post of St. Joseph's up to the falls of St. Mary's where a very eligible position may be taken up, either upon one of the Islands in the straits, or upon the British side. That the Post of St. Josephs affords no protection whatever to their Trade, as it is upon a large Island, which has no command over the channel to the Right and left of it. That this change of Position of the Garrison, would enable them to concentrate their force upon Lake Superior at St. Marys' and combine their operations with our Troops. If the Enemy established himself upon any point in Lake Huron, they would Arm one of their Vessels (one of 60 Tons) and run her down the falls, and carry with them every man they could Muster Amounting to about 300 Voyageurs and as many Indians. This force they imagine combined with the disposable part of the Post of Regulars, acting in concert with the force that it might be possible to furnish them from York, would enable them to dislodge the enemy from any position he may take up upon the Lake and in short exclude him entirely from any participation in the navigation or Commerce of Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan—To compleat this object effectually they have suggested the propriety, and practicability, of reducing Michillimackinack 0084 72 (an American Post at the entrance of Michigan) This Post they describe as very weak, being Commanded with Pistol shot &c.—It is to be observed that the Theatre of action from the S. West Company is the Country on the Banks of Lake Michigan, and that of the N. West all the rest of the Wilderness, the Hudson Bay Companys settlements excepted.—There is an object that would tend materially to forward this branch of our Military System; that is forming the two companies into two Volunteer Corps, by giving the Heads, and confidential clerks commissions, according to an order of Rank that they might settle among themselves, That is making the first person of each Compy Lieut Coln Commg and keeping a regular gradation downwards according to their influence and standing in the Compy. They express every wish to be useful in the common cause, and I am persuaded require only to be directed how to proceed, to become a formidable Body, which I will have the honor of explaining more fully when I return,—one great advantage that would result from Commissioning the officers of these Companies, would be the protection it would ensure them in the event of any of them falling into the hands of the enemy,—Without Coms they might be treated as free-booters, or plunderers. They have an impression of that kind upon their minds.—They have tendered all their vessels for the service of Govt if the Exigincies of the War should make it necessary to call for them.—In short they are full of Loyalty and Zeal, and manifest a degree of public spirit highly honorable to them. By means of these Companies, we might let loose the Indians upon them throughout the whole Extent of their Western frontier, as they have a most Commanding influence over them. 1

1 Control of the fur trade was the object of the Northwest Company. They resented the competition of John Jacob Astor and the American fur company. Their “loyalty and zeal” was naturally enhanced by their business interests.

A. Gray

His Excellency Lieut Genl Sir Geo: Prevost. Bart

[C 676-p 79.]

FROM MR. GRAY—UNADDRESSED

( Provincial Marine )

York 29 th January 1812

Dear Sir

I arrived safe at this place on the evening of the 27 th and delivered the money I was entrusted with to Mr. Selby. The weather has been extremely unfavorable, having been exceedingly cold, or thawing. All the way from 0085 7 Montreal to York. From Montreal to Kingston occupied 6 days, and from Kingston to York 5 days.

On my arrival at Kingston I inspected the state of the marine, and have the honor to communicate the following particulars for Your Excellency's information

The Royal George lays alongside the Wharf dismantled, and her rigging laid up in the sail loft, and reported to be all in good order, and in readiness to refit at the shortest notice. But it is a singular circumstance that they have as yet found no way of mounting the canonades sent up last summer to arm this, and the other vessels on the lakes. This difficulty arrised from the construction of the slide upon which the canonade is mounted. This is upon a new principal and is rather complicated, being of a nature not at all self evident as appears from the variety of opinions that prevail as to its object, and ability there ought therefore to have been a plan and description of the slide sent along with them. Major Fullor 1 says in his justification that he has written to Quebec for information on this subject, but received no answer. I shall remove this difficulty on my return to Kingston.

1 See appendix.

Little is done to the Moira, further than preparing the materials, as they say they waited orders from Quebec as to lengthening her. There has not however been much time lost, as the weather has been very severe. I found upon examining the vessel that it would not be advisable to lengthen her; as notwithstanding the process of salting many of the timbers are rotten, and must be taken out, and what is at this moment of great importance, she could not be got ready in time if lengthened. One of the chief objects in lengthening her was to increase her Battery; but this we can do to a certain extent without, as by new sparing the distance of the ports one gun may be added on each side. I have therefore ordered them to proceed immediately with the repairs, and have her ready to sail the moment the Lake is open, which they have promised shall be done.

There is every inducement to build the new Schooner at York, as exclusive of the agreement already added in favor of establishing the Naval Yard at this place, there are the following considerations which are of great importance at this moment—first they have as much to do at Kingston as they can get through with at present, in fitting out the Moira and mounting the Canonades etc it would therefore extend our resources in Ship Building. If we could at the same time carry on our work at both places. This would also have the effect of paving the way for the removal of the Marine Depot from Kingston to this place. A change greatly to be desired. The Toronto having been broken up here, furnishes an immediate supply of iron works, and a variety of other articles that may be worked up in the new Vessel, and 10 0086 74 in addition to what may be supplied by this means, There is a considerable department of Naval Stores appropriated to what is termed the Sivil Service of the Province. This Store General Brock will use as the service may require. I have gone round the Harbor with the general, and have examined, as far as the season of the year would admit of it, the different places pointed out as favorable for building a Vessel, and find there will be no difficultly on that head. The General proposes putting the Superintendence of the work into the hands of the person who commanded the Toronto, who seems to be every way qualified for the task of Building, and commanding the new Schooner.

The officers serving in this Division of the Province are in some instances extremely inefficient, and in short, totally unfit for the situations they hold. particularly the Dy Asst. Qr. Mr. General and Several Naval Officers. The former Genl. Brock has it in contemplation to remove to York, as soon as Your Excellency has fixed upon a proper person to succeed him. This arrangement will be advantageous to Major Fullor, a circumstance which is not to be regretted, as there is nothing to be urged against him but his incapacity and unfitness for the Situation he has unfortunately been placed in. The General has no officer here that he can recommend for the Situation. Nor does he know of more than one man in the Lower Province that he thinks is fit for it. The Gent n the General is Captain King of the Artillery. He speaks very favorably of this Gentleman and from what I have heard of his professional character and abilities from other sources I most readily unite—with the General in recommending him to your Excellency as a fit person to succeed Major Fullor. If this measure meets your Excellency's approbation, the sooner the appointment is made the better as there is great need of a man of energy and one who can be trusted at Kingston .

This subject I shall have the Honor of explaining more at large on my return.

Captn Steel, Senior Naval Officer, has sent in his resignation, praying to retire on full pay, which I hope may be granted him, as he has been almost half a centuary in the Service, and is now in his seventy fifth year. The next in rank to Captn Steel is Lieut Carle, commander of the Moira, who is an excellent seaman, and from all I can learn every way fit to succeed Captn Steel.

I speak from my own experience. As well as from the opinion entertained for him by General Brock and others who have sailed with him.

General Brock is likewise anxious to get rid of the old Commadore on Lake Earie. This Gentleman has likewise been above 50 years in the Service, and is 85 years of age. The next in Seniority is Lieut Hall, who is in 0087 75 every respect a proper person to succeed Captn Grant. I have had the same opportunaties of attaining a knowledge of his character, and abilities, and Talents, that I had of Lt. Eastie and consider him in all respects equally deserving promotion.

These arrangements should they meet your Excellencies approbation General Brock conceives will enable him to accomplish every object connected with the Department as far as those individuals are concerned, as he has a favorable opinion of Lieut Dewar, and thinks he will meet with support equal to his wishes on both Lakes.

I have communicated to General Brock an extract from the letter I had the honor to write your Excellency from Montreal, relative to the promotion of the protection of the Trade of the N. West and S. West Companies. The General most perfectly conceeds in the ideas submitted in that letter, and has dirrected me to communicate to you his anxious wish that the Post St Joseph might be removed to the Falls of St Mary. In short the Generals general policy, and Plan of defence agrees so exactly with the ideas I had formed previously to my communicating to him, that I can be at no loss in giving your Excellency every information on that head on my return, it may not be necessary therefore to enter more into objects at present. I propose remaining here till after the House of assembly has met, which will be about a week from this day.

I am induced to make this stay in order that I may obtain more accurate information on several points connected with our defences Etc as more of information will then be collected from all parts of the country, I shall also have an opportunity of seeing how they go on. I do not imagine my stay at Kingston need exceed 3 or 4 days, as by building the Schooner here the business of the Department at that Station is considerably diminished.

I have also the hope of meeting Lieut Dewar before my departure from here, as he has obtained leave to come to York, this will afford me the opportunity of giving him more ample instructions as to the duties of the Department, than I could by letter. There is likewise some interesting information received respecting Detroit which he and Coll Elliot (who is also expected) will be enabled to confirm.

It Seem the Americans are collecting a vast quantity of Ordinance at that Post, which with other indications, pretty clearly manifest their intentions in that Quarter.

The grant of land to the Glengary Reg is a subject upon which General Brock intends to write you as he fears this measure will create embarassment and a precedent which cannot be followed up for want of lands to grant: and if not followed, there will not be a man got for the Service in future.

The General has an idea that Corps upon the principals contained in the 0088 76 Sketch I brought him, might easily be procured for the Defence of our Frontiers, without any expectation of land being held out to them, and upon the whole he thinks it a bad precedent, and likely to produce discontent. The Genrl intends writing to your excellency, he however wishes me to mention the circumstance, which I accordingly do, without presuming to give an opinion.

I have dirrected the Kingston Paper to be regularly sent to the Castle. Mr. Cartwright of that Place is a startling character. This Gent n has, by every means in his power, promoted the prosperity of the country, and has on all occasions Stept forward in Support of the Govr. He intends publishing a series of letters in the Kingston Paper. The Signature Falkland .

We intend to let fly a drive official at them in the next York Gazette, as the Genrl thinks it may have a good effect on both sides. We have got a detailed account from the Prophet's Camp. He has gained a glorious victory. His Loss is 25 men. And his no actually engaged did not exceed 100. I have the honor to be Dear Sir

Your Excellencies most obedient and most humble Servant A. Gray 1

1 Capt. Gray was the acting deputy quartermaster general for Gen. Prevost, commander of the forces in Canada.

[C 728-p 77.]

MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( Military Defences )

York U. C. February 6 th 1812

Sir

I entered so fully in my dispatch, of the 3 d december into the state of the Province that I shall confine myself on this occasion to very few observations. The Primary object to which I am anxious to call the attention of Your Excellency is the inadequacy of the military force to the defence of the extended frontier. In making this representation, I am aware at this juncture of the necessity of limiting as low as possible the force to be employed on this service. The more information I receive the stronger I am impressed with the necessity of being formidable at Amherstburgh—were we in a condition to act offensively in that quarter the greatest good would be sure to result from it. The Indians in the vicinity would in that case willingly Co-operate with us, Their example would, if I am correctly informed, be soon followed by the numerous tribes living on the Missoury, 0089 77 who are represented as very inveterate against the Americans. The greatest efforts are making at Detroit to put the Post in a complete state of defence, and I am persuaded it is already too strong to carry by assault, 1 and without the aid of mortars anything we could do against it would probably be unavailing—They have there a large depot of ordance

1 Indicates that Brock early began figuring on the prospects at Detroit.

I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Mo: obt and humble servt Isaac Brock M. G

To His Excellency Lt General Sir George Prevost Bt Governor in chief &c &c &c

[C 676-p 86.]

MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( Relations with United States )

Fort George 2 Feby 20h 1812

2 A British post on the Niagara frontier, near Queenston.

Sir

My last to Your Excellency was dated the 12th Instant, since which nothing extraordinary has ocurred on this communication. The enemy has evidently diminished his force, and appears to have no intention of making an immediate attack.

I have herewith the honor of enclosing the copy of two letters which I have received from L Coln St George, together with some interesting documents found on board a schooner which the boats of the Hunter captured on her voyage from the Meamie to Detroit.

From the accompanying official correspondence between General Hull and the secretary at war it appears that the collected force which has arrived at Detroit amounts to about two thousand.

I have the honor &, &c Isaac Brock , M. G.

His Excellency Lt. Genl Sir George Prevost Bt &. &. &.

[C 676-p 203.]

0090 78
MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( Relations with United States )

York U. C . February 25th 1812

Sir

I cannot permit Colonel McDonell to go hence without giving Your Excellency a short account of our proceedings here. I had every reason to expect the almost unanimous support of the two branches of the Legislature to every measure Government thought necessary to recommend, but after a short trial found myself egregiously mistaken in my Calculations.

The many doubtful characters in the Militia made me very anxious to introduce the oath of aligenation, into the bill—there were twenty members in the house when this highly important measure was lost by the Casting voice of the chairman—The great influence which the bar and number of settlers from the United States possess over the decisions of the Lower House, is truly alarming and ought by every practical means to be diminished.

To give encouragement to real subjects to settle in this province can alone remove the evil. The consideration of the fees ought not to stand in the way of such a politic arrangement—

And should Your Excellency ultimately determine to promise some of the waste lands of the Crown to such Scotch emigrants as inlist in the Glengary Regiment, 1 I have no hesitation in recommending in the strongest manner the raising of a Canadian Corps upon similar offers, to be hereafter disbanded and distributed among their Countrymen in the vicinity of Amherstburg, Colonell McDonell being in full possession of my sentiments on this subject, I beg leave to refer Your Excellency to him for further information.

1 The grant of lands to soldiers was a subject much considered at this time and later, in order to encourage enlistments.

The bill for the suspension of the Habias Corpus, I regret to say, was likewise lost by a very trifling majority, a strong sentiment now prevails that war is not likely to occur with the United States, which, I believe, tended to influence the votes of the members I mean of such, who, tho' honest, are, by their ignorance easily betrayed into error.

The low Ebb of their finances appears to stagger the most desperate democrats in the states, and may possibly delay the Commencement of direct hostilities. But should France and England continue the contest much longer it appears to me absolutely impossible for the United states to avoid making this election, and the unfriendly disposition they have for some years past evinced against England leaves little doubt as to their choice—Your Excellency, I am sensible, will Excuse the freedom with which I deliver my sentiments.

0091 79

Every day hostilities are retarded, the greater the difficulties we shall have to encounter. The Americans are at this moment busily employed in raising six companies of Rangers for the Express purpose of overawing the Indians, and are besides Collecting a regular force at Vincennes, probably with the view of re-enforcing Detroit, indeed report states the arrival of a large force at Fort Wane intended for the former Garrison—Their intrigues among the different tribes are carried on openly and with the utmost activity, and as no expense is spared, it may reasonably be supposed that they do not fail of success. Divisions are thus uninterruptedly sowed among our Indian friends, and the minds of many estranged from our interests—such must inevitably be the consequence of our present inert and neutral proceedings in regard to them.

It ill becomes me to determine how long true policy requires that the restrictions now imposed upon the Indian department ought to continue, but this I will venture to assert that each day the officers are restrained from interfering in the concerns of the Indians—each time they devise peace and withhold the accustomed supply of ammunition, their influence will diminish, till at length they lose it altogether. It then will become a question whether that country can be maintained.

I find that ever since the departure of Priest Burk from Sandwich the 50£ p. annum paid from the military chest to that Gentleman has been withheld—on what account I have not been able to ascertain. The person now in office is highly spoken of, and as several Gentlemen of the Catholic persuation have applied to me to intercede with Your Excellency to renew the allowance, I presume to submit the case to your indulgent consideration.

I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellency's Most faithful and Obedient servt Isaac Brock M. G.

To His Excellency Genl. Sir George Prevost Bt &c &c &c

[C 676-p 92.]

0092 80
UNADDRESSED AND WITHOUT SIGNATURE

( Indians )

27 Feb. 1812.

Sir ,

As it is probable that war may result from the present state of affairs , it is very desirable to ascertain the degree of cooperation that you and your friends might be able to furnish, in case of such an emergency taking place.

You will be pleased to report with all practicable expedition upon the following matters.

1st The number of your friends that might be depended upon.

2nd Their disposition towards us.

3rd Would they assemble and march under your order—

4th State the succours you require and the most eligible mode, for their conveyance.

5th Can Equipments be procured in Your country —

6th An immediate direct communication with you, is very much wished for.

7th Can you point out in what manner that object may be accomplished—

8th Send without loss of time a few faithful and very confidential agents, selected from your friends .

9th Will you individually approach the Detroit frontier next spring.

If so state the time & place where we may meet.

Memo. avoid mentioning names in your written communications .

I owe you acknowledgements for two letters .

Recollect to whom you promised to procure shrubs & small trees . 1

1 A request for information, guarded in its terms to avoid compromising either party.

[C 256-p 209.]

UNADDRESSED AND WITHOUT SIGNATURE 2

( Indians )

2 Apparently a reply to the foregoing, perhaps relating to tribes west of Lake Michigan.

June 18th 1812.

Queries contained in paper No. 1 answered.

No. 1 Answer. The number of my friends would have been more, but the unparalleled scarcity of provisions of all sorts has reduced them to 250 or 300 of all sorts of different languages.

2 Answer. All of the same disposition as the accompanying note will show.

3 — All ready to march when required under a proper person commissioned for that purpose.

0093 81

4 — An express to be sent to St. Joseph's on receipt of this, with Instructions, either by Indians or a Vessel—Provisions and all sorts of proper goods required.

Flags one doz large medals with gorgets and a few small ones.

5 — Equipments if timely notice is given, can be procured in this Country.

6 — The Bearer of this will inform you of this and other matters.

7 — As the Article above. No. 6.

8 — Your wishes are complied with on this head. 79 of their friends are left where this comes from.

9 — St. Joseph's will be the General Rendezvous and all our friends shall be there about the 30th Inst.

N. B. An expedition across to the Mississippi would be of great service and could be accomplished without much risk or difficulty. In the event of hostilities more full communication will shortly take place.

[C 256-p 211.]

FROM LIEUT. COL. ST. GEORGE—UNADDRESSED

( Commissariat )

Amherstburg 9th March 1812

Sir ,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th febry and to state for the information of the Major General, that agreeably thereto, I directed the Assistant Commissary General to take immediate steps, to procure the quantity of corn required—The Asst Commissary accordingly employed two confidential persons to go to the River Raisin, and to Detroit, who have made every possible endeavor to obtain supplies, but without success—and the best informed persons are of opinion, that no Indian corn can be obtained from thence, as there is a great scarcity of that article on the American, as on the British side—The long winter, scarcity of other forage, for which Indian corn has in many instances been substituted—the great quantities consumed in Distilleries, and the small crops, from great drought, and premature frost last year, may account for this scarcity.

Mr. Innes (mentioned in your letter) has been applied to but it is found that no corn can be obtained through him—

He has contracted to supply the North West Company, with a large quantity, 11 0094 82 and had great difficulty to procure the supply—the last he purchased on that accompt cost him one dollar per bushel in cash.

The Assistant Commissary General has been able to purchase only sixty Bushels of white bread corn at one dollar pr Bushel, which is all he can procure at present, at this or any other place, and no other can be obtained.

I have the honor to be Sir &c &c &c Signed T. B. St. George Lieut. Colonel

A true Copy J. B. Glegg Captn 1 A. D. C.

1 See appendix.

[C 116-p 62.]

FROM LIEUT. COL. ST. GEORGE—UNADDRESSED

( Commissariat )

Amherstburg 10th March 1812

Sir ,

I have the honor to state for the information of the Major Genl. that the asst Commissary General having represented to me on the 23d ulto that on or before that period, purchases of Flour, Pork and Peas had usually been made for the annual supply of this Post, and St. Joseph's—and that he had not received any Instructions from the Head of his Department relative to the supply of the present year.

Taking into consideration the advanced season, the small supply of Pork to be obtained at this place, and having been informed, that proposals had been made, for the purchase of Flour, and Pork, by persons who would most likely take them elsewhere, or raise the price, I directed him to lose no time in posting the usual advertisements for the necessary supply of the above mentioned articles of provisions, and this day proposals have been received by which he will contract for 1000 P Bushels of Flour at 7½ dollars— and 625 Barrels of Pork at 19 dollars pr Barrel.

P .—Barrel meant.

I have also to state for the information of the Major General, that I have authorized the Assistant Commissary General to contract for a further supply of 50 Barrels of Pork which have been offered from the other side, and which the Commissary thinks will not be more than sufficient.

0095 83

I have been induced to do this, on referring to the 2d paragraph in your letter of the 12th ulto respecting the cows—and I hope the Major General will approve of what I have done.

I have the honor to be &c &c &c (Signed) T. B. St. George Lieut. Col.

A true copy J. B. Glegg Capn A. D. C.

[C 116-p 64.]

CAPTAIN POLLARD TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( Chaplaincies )

To his Excellency, Sir George Prevost, Baronet, Commander in Chief of His Majestys Forces, &c. &c. &c.

The Memorial of the revd Richd Pollard Curate of Sandwich, and actg Chaplain to the Garrison of Amherstburg, humbly Sheweth; That His Royal Highness the Duke of York, having been graciously pleased to appoint your Memo'st Chaplain to the Garrison of Amherstburg, with a salary of Twenty five pounds pr Annum payable on a certificate of the commandg officer, of the Post, certifying that divine Service has been performed to the Troops every Sunday, and the sick visited twice a week.—Your Memo'st being stationed at Sandwich, sixteen miles from Amherstg cannot comply with the strict letter of the Order: but engages his honor that he will perform divine service every month and visit the Troops, on all occasions of emergency. Your memst respectfully informs Your Excellency, that he has regularly performed this duty to the Garrisn from the year 1802, & that every visit to Amherstg cost your Memst six dollars, and three days Absence: Your memst therefore humbly, prays that he may be allowed to receive the Salary, so generously granted by His Royal Highness, and your Memst as in duty bound will every pray—

Rich Pollard 1 actg Chaplain to the Garrison of Amhersbg

1 Member of grand jury, Detroit, 1778. A second letter, 1814, recounts his hard luck as an army chaplain, but he asks to be retained.

Sandwich April 14th 1812

[C 63-p 186.]

0096 84
MR. ROBINSON TO SECRETARY FREER 1

1 See appendix.

( Commissariat )

Commissary Generals Office Quebec 23d April 1812

Sir

With reference to my Letters of the 26th ulto and 6th Inst submitting several alterations and Appointments in the Commissariat of which The Commander of the Forces was pleased to approve. I now beg leave to recommend to His Excellency the following Persons for the respective situations;—

Mr. William Bailey, Clerk in the Commissary Genl's Office, at 3–9 a Day, to be Store keeper in charge of the Commissariat at the Island of St. Joseph's at six Shillings a Day—vice Sentlow Rawson, removed to the Barrack Department.

I am not yet enabled to nominate proper Persons for the situations of Issuers as mentioned in my letters before alluded to, but there is no reason to hasten these appointments.

The above it is necessary should take place immediately to prevent the Public Service from Suffering.

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant D. H. Robinson . Comy. Genl.

Noah Freer Esq— Military Secretary &c. &c. &c.

[C 116-p 110.]

0097 85
FROM LIEUT. COL. ST GEORGE

( Relations with United States )

(Extract)

Amherstburg 7th May 1812

“As the Queen Charlotte will not be able to sail before the 12th I think it necessary to send a man with to inform you of a Report that we have here, which has been brought by a person in the employment of a merchant, and who has been lately in the interior—He reports that 1200 of the Ohio Militia were to rendezvous at Urbana the last week in April—and at the same time Colonel Kingsbury was to have 1000 Regulars at Cincinnati; both, he says, were destined for the Michigan territory and Detroit—What credit the man is entitled to, I know not, he came here from Detroit, where he made the same report, and also at Sandwich—

They are making preparations on the opposite side, are embodying a Troop of Cavalry (75 men) and a Company of Infantry of the same number, enlistments going on rapidly—They have erected a three Gun Battery (24 pnds in the rear of the great store, between the wood wharf and King's wharf on the rise of the hill from the river—We have various reports here, and so Contradictory I know not what to think—But the prevailing one is, their very great dread of the Indians, so much so, that the inhabitants of Detroit have repeatedly applied to their Government for Troops. Provisions by all accounts are very scarce there.

(Signed) T. B. St George I. F. O. Canadian Militia.

MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

York , U. C. May 15th 1812

Sir

I have this day been honored with Your Excellency's confidential communication dated the 30th ulto

I have long since thought that nothing but the public voice restrained the United States Government from commencing direct hostilities, and it is but reasonable to expect that they will seek every opportunity to enflame the minds of the people against England in order to bring them the more readily into their measures—It will be my study to guard against any event that 0098 86 can give them any just cause of complaint, but the proximity of the two countries will in all probability produce collisions, which however accidentally brought about, will be represented as so many acts of aggression. It would not surprise me if their first attempt to create irritation was the seizing the islands in the channel to which both countries lay claim, such was represented to Sir James Craig on a former occasion, to be their intention—

In addition to the force specified by Your Excellency I understand that six companies of the Ohio Militia are intended for Detroit—our interest with the Indians will materially suffer in consequence of these extensive preparations being allowed to proceed with impunity. I have always considered that the reduction of Detroit would be the signal of a cordial co-operation on their part, and if we are not in sufficient force to effect this object no reliance ought to be placed on the Indians. 1

1 See appendix.

About forty regulars were last week added to the garrison of Niagara, and by all accounts Barracks are to be immediately constructed at Black Rock almost opposite Fort Erie, for a large force.

I returned three days ago from an excursion to Fort Erie, the Grand river where the Indians of the Six nations are settled, and back by the head of the Lake Every gentleman with whom I had an opportunity of conversing assured me that an exceeding good disposition prevailed among the people—The Flank Companies in the Districts in which they have been established, were constantly completed with volunteers, and indeed an almost unanimous disposition to serve is daily manifested—I shall proceed to extend this system now that I have ascertained the people are so well disposed—but my means are very limited.

I propose detaching one hundred Rank & File of the 41st to Amherstburg almost immediately—

I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency's Faithful and Humble Servant Isaac Brock M. G.

His Excellency Genl. Sir George Prevost B. &c &c &c

[C 676-p 112.]

0099 87
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO THE EARL OF LIVERPOOL 1

1 See appendix.

( Military Posts )

Quebec 18th May 1812

My Lord ,

In obedience to the Command signified to me in your Lordship's dispatch No. 7 of the 13th February, I now have the honor to report upon the Military position of His Majesty's North American Provinces, and the means of defending them.

Upper Canada

Commencing with Upper Canada, as the most contiguous to the Territory of the United States and frontier to it along its whole extent, which renders it, in the event of War, more liable to imminent attack.

Fort St Joseph

Fort St. Joseph distant about 1500 miles from Quebec, consists of Lines of strong Pickets enclosing a Block House. It stands on the Island of St. Joseph within the detour communicating the head of Lake Huron with Lake Superior: It can only be considered as a Post of Assemblage for friendly Indians, and in some degree a protection for the North West Fur trade: The Garrison at St Josephs consists of a small Detachment from the Royal Artillery and one Company of Veterans.

Fort Amherstburg

Fort Amherstburg situated on the River Detroit at the head of Lake Erie, is of importance from its being the Dock Yard and Marine Arsenal for the Upper Lakes: It is also a place of reunion for the Indians inhabiting that part of the Country, who assemble there in considerable numbers to receive Presents:—The Fort has been represented to me as a temporary Field Work in a ruinous State; it is now undergoing a repair to render it tenable:—The Garrison at Amherstburg consists of a Subaltern's Detachment of Artillery, and about 120 men of the 41st Regiment, the whole commanded by Lieut Colonel St. George, an Inspecting Field Officer:—The Militia in its vicinity amounts to about 500 men.

0100 88

I have the honor to be My Lord Your Lordship's most obedient and most humble Servant (signed) George Prevost

The Right Honorable The Earl of Liverpool &c. &c. &c.

[Freer papers, 1812-13-p 3.]

MR. CLAUS TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg 16th June 1812

Sir ,

On my arrival at this Post two days ago, the enclosed speech from Teckumthie, 1 in answer to the Message sent to him by the Superintendent of Indian Affairs by your order, was put into my hands—I immediately sent to the Standing Stone for Esidore Chaine, a Huron, who was the bearer of the Message, and received from him the following information.

1 See appendix.

*Teckumthie on hearing of Chaine being on the way with a message advanced to Machekethe about sixty Miles west of Kickayuga, or Fort Mayne, (Wayne) and twelve different Nations, amounting to about six hundred men, two leading Chiefs and two War Chiefs of each Nation; they had plenty of Corn with the exception of the Shawonoes, who lost theirs after the engagement with Governor Harrison—Teckumthie left at his village three hundred men when he advanced to meet Chaine; they have been constantly employed in making Bows and arrows, not having any ammunition. Teckumthie was much dissatisfied with his Brother for engaging Governor Harrison, last fall, as their plans were not sufficiently matured. 2 he further states, that Governor Harrison held a General Council about the Full Moon, in May, and called on the different Nations to deliver up their Men who had committed murder on the Big Knives, (meaning the Americans) the Potawatamies being particularly

2 Referring to the battle of Tippecanoe.

0101 89

pointed at, replied, that before they could give an answer they must consult their Nation and that at the next full moon they would give him an answer—he replied that it was very well, and that he would wait with patience, but if he did not hear from them by that time, he would march against that Nation and cut them off—Chaine mentioned to me that the Indians know the Americans too well, to believe that their intention was to attack only the one Nation, and if they struck a blow, it would be against the whole, and that they would not be asleep—That all the Nations are aware of the desire of the Americans have of destroying the * Red people and taking their country from them.

* The English.

On examining the issues of ammunition to Indians at Amherstburg, for the last six months, I find that in Powder that they have received only 1,211. pounds, making a difference of nineteen hundred and twenty one pounds less than at former periods—of Lead, not one ounce has been issued to them since last December, which will account for the increased consumption of Provisions:

Having no Lead the Indians cannot supply themselves with food by hunting.

I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient and very humble servant (Signed) w: Claus D. S. G.

Major General Brock &c &c &c

[C 676-p 144.]

INDIAN SPEECH

Speech of the Shawanoes, Kickapoos & Winnibiegoes, delivered by Techkumthai at Machethie, on the Wabash, in answer to the Message I sent to them by the Hurons Last Winter.

Father. & Brothers Hurons! Brother Hurons.

You say you were employed by our Father and your own Chiefs to come and have some conversation with us and we are happy to see you and to hear your and our Fathers speech. We heartily thank you both for having taken 12 0102 90 the condition of our poor women and children to your considerations: We plainly see that you pity us by the concern you show for our welfare; and we should deem ourselves much to blame if we did not listen to the Counsel of our Father and our Brothers the Hurons.

Fathers and Brothers! We have not brought these misfortunes on ourselves; We have done nothing wrong, but we will now point out to you those who have occasioned all the mischief—

Our younger Brothers the Putewatemies (pointing to them) in spite of our repeated counsel to them to remain quiet and live in peace with the Big Knives would not listen to us—When I left home last year to go to the Creek Nation, I passed at Post Vincennes and was stopped by the Big Knives, and did not immediately know the reason, but I was soon informed that the Putewatemies had killed some of their people; I told the Big Knives to remain quiet until my return, when I should make peace and quietness prevail—On my return I found my village reduced to ashes by the Big Knives—You cannot blame Your Younger Brothers the Shawanoes for what has happened; the Petewatemies occasioned the misfortune. Had I been at home and heard of the advance of the American Troops towards our Village I should have gone to meet them and shaking them by the hand, have asked them the reason of their appearance in such hostile guise. Fathers & Brothers! You tell us to retreat or turn to one side should the Big Knives come against us; had I been at home in the late unfortunate affair I should have done so, but those I left at home were (I cannot call them men) a poor set of people, and their scuffle with the Big Knives I compared to a struggle between little children who only scratch each others faces—The Kikapoos and Winibagoes have since been at Post Vincennes and settled that matter amicably. Father & Brothers. The Putewatemies hearing that our Father and you were on the way here for peaceable purposes, grew very angry all at once and Killed Twenty Seven of the Big Knives.

Brothers!—We Shawanoes, Kickapoos and Winabagoes, hope you will not find fault with us for having detained you so long here; We are happy to see you and to hear your and our Fathers words; and it would surely be strange if we did not listen to our Father and our eldest Brothers.

Father and Brothers! We will now in a few words declare to you our whole hearts—If we hear of the Big Knives coming towards our Villages to speak peace, we will receive them; but if we hear of any of our people being hurt by them, or if they unprovokedly advance against us in a hostile manner, be assured we will defend ourselves like men.—And if we hear of any of our people having been killed, we will immediately send to all the Nations on or towards the Mississippi and all this Island will rise as one 0103 91 man—Then Father and Brothers it will be impossible for you or either of you to restore peace between us.

Amherstburg 8th June 1812 (Signed) M. Elliott S. I. A.

16th June 1812 true Copy W. Claus (Signed) D. I. G.

[C 676-p 147.]

ACCOUNT

Account of Sundries del'd by Robert Dickson & Co to the Sioux Follesavonies Winebagoes—Indians at the Prairie du Cheen—

1812

Mar 4 17 guns left to the Sioux 80 1360

April

4 ps Strauds 50 1200

27½ yd. scarlet 24 660

2 fine guns 120 240

1 do 300

May

975 lb Tobacco 6 5850

227 lb Powder 9 2043

600 lb Balls 1–10 900

200 lb Shot 1–10 300

1000 gun flints 36

4 ps Int Callicos 228½ yds 4 914

5 Barrels H. Wines 180 gals 20 3600

Livrs 17 403

Purchased from Jacob

900 lbs pork 15 810

3000 lbs. flour 50 1500

4 Bbls Whiskey 140 gals 9 1260

Quebec Cury Livres 20,973

Errors excepted Jos. Rolette Michillimakinac 20th July 1812

[C 256-p 216.]

0104 92

Robert Dickson & Co

For sundries furnished Mr. Dickson for the Sioux folles (Folles Avoines, Menominees) &c Winebagoes Indians at the Prairie du Chien viz 1—

To F. Bouthellier Dr.

1812

May 7 6 thousand weight flour at 8 dollars per hundred 480 0

9 barrels pork 2045 lbs 255 0

3 barrels corn meal 500 1s 4d 20 0

June 1

300 d flour 10d 30 0

June 10

1 Thousand weight flour 11d 110 0

paid Brisbois for baking 100 0

$995 0

Received payment in full Mackinac 24 July 1812 F. Bouthellier

[C 256-p 217.]

GENERAL HULL TO MR. EUSTIS 1

( War—1812 )

1 William Eustis, 1753–1825. American physician and politician; Secretary of War, 1809–13; governor of Massachusetts, 1823–25.

Camp Necessity near Blanchards Creek June 24 1812

Sir

The heavy and incessant Rains which have fallen since the army marched from Urbana have inundated the Country and rendered it impossible to make that expidition which the state of things may require, and my own wishes strongly impel.

I have opened the road about thirteen miles in advance, and established a Block-house, that station is about 40 miles from the foot of the Rapids. 500 men are at the station, the army is now preparing to March, and will arrive at the foot of the Rapids by the 1st of July unless a continuation of the Rain prevents it.

There are now established on this Road five strong Blockhouses, garrisoned principally by the Invalids of the army, I have stated to you in my former 0105 93 letters the importance of this Communication. considering the fatigues to which the army has been subjected, both officers, and soldiers are in good health and continue to be animated by a laudable spirit.

Genl Brock the Governor of Upper Canada arrived at Malden on the 14th Inst. with 100 British Troops, on the 17th he sailed for Fort Erie in the Queen Charlotte, and it is said she will return with a reenforcement immediately—large numbers of Indians from all the Northern Nations are collecting at Amherstburg, and at Browns Town opposite the British Fort, and likewise on the river Huron of Lake Erie three miles below Browns Town—they have a constant communication with the British Garrison and are supplied with Provisions and other things necessary for them—In the event of hostilities I feel a confidence the force under my command will be superior to any which can be opposed to it, It now exceeds two thousand Rank & file, I cannot by this Conveyance send an accurate Return, It is unnecessary to detail the difficulties I have to encounter in the March of the Army through this Wilderness, it is only for me to surmount them,

I am &c &c &c Wm Hull 1

1 See appendix.

(signed) Honble W Eustis War Department

[C 676-p 162.]

GENERAL HULL TO MR. EUSTIS

( War—1812 )

Camp at Fort Findlay on Blanchards Fork 35 Miles from the foot of the Rapids of the Miami June 26-1812

Sir

I have this moment received your Letter of the 18th of June Inst. Since the army marched from Urbana we have had constant & heavy rains, this has rendered the progress of the army slow—since the junction of the whole Force not a moment has been, or shall be, lost in advancing to our Post, the Road is already opened ten Miles in advance; to this place strong Blockhouses are erected within Twenty miles of each other, to preserve the communication in the event of War, I have placed in them small Garrisons, and left the few sick & Invalids with their arms, medical aid, and all necessary comforts, I suggest to you whether it would not be expedient to relieve the Troops of this Army stationed in the Blockhouses by the Militia of the 0106 94 Ohio—In the event of War it will be necessary to keep up this communication, I have with me a considerable number of friendly chiefs, and Head men of the different Nations—the Indians as we progress appear to be friendly, I hope in three days to be at the foot of the Rapids—The army is in high spirits and animated by a laudable zeal, there exists a perfect harmony. McArthurs Blockhouse stands on the sciato, and the River is Navigable for Boats to that station, from that Station to Fort Findlay the distance is about Twenty seven Miles, and there is a Boat Navigation to Detroit by the Miami.

It is my intention to build another Blockhouse on the carrying River; about half the distance between this and the foot of the Rapids. The friendly Indians are now making Canoes and will carry a part of the Baggage of the Army from this to the foot of the Rapids enclosed is † the most correct Return that can be made of the army, under present circumstances.

† The Return corresponds with the Numbers stated in Genl Hulls Letter of the 24th June No 2 sent herewith.

I am Sir &c &c &c Wm. Hull

signed To Honble Wm. Eustis War Department

[C 676-p 165.]

MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812. Declaration )

Fort George July 3d 1812

Sir

I have been anxiously expecting for some days to receive the honor of Your Excellency's Commands in regard to the measures the most proper to be pursued on the present emergency, The accounts received first through a mercantile channel, and soon after repeated from various quarters, of war having been declared by the United States against Great Britain, would have justified in my opinion offensive operations—But the reflection that at Detroit and St. Josephs the weak state of the garrisons would prevent the commanders from attempting any essential service connected in any degree with their future security, and put my only means of annoyance on this communication, was limited to the reduction of Fort Niagara, which could be battered at any future period, I relinquished my original intention, and attended only to defensive measures. My first object has been the calling out of the Flank Companies of Militia which has produced a force on 0107 95 this line of about 800 men—They turned out very cheerfully, but already show a spirit of impatience—The Kings stores are now at such a low ebb that they scarcely furnish any Article of use or comfort, Blankets, Haversacks and Kettles are all to be purchased and the Troops in watching the banks of the river stand in the utmost need of tents—Mr. Couche 1 has adopted the most efficious means to pay the Militia in paper currency—I cannot positively say the number of Militia that will be embodied, but they Cannot throughout the Province 4000. The Americans are very active on the opposite side in the erection of redoubts, we are not idle on our part, but unfortunately having supplied Amherstburg with the guns that post required from Fort George, depending upon gitting others from Kingston to supply their place, we find ourselves at this moment rather short of that essential arm—I have however every reason to think they are embarked on board the Earl Moira, which, according to major McPherson's report was to have sailed on the 20th ulto.

1 See appendix.

The Americans have, I believe, about 1200 regulars and militia, between Fort Niagara and Black Rock—and I consider myself at this moment perfectly safe against any attempt they can make About 100 Indians from the Grand River have attended to my summons, the remainder promise to come also, but I have too much reason to conclude that the Americans have been too successful in their endeavours to sow dissension and disaffection among them—It is a great object to get this fickle race interspersed among the troops—I should be unwilling in the event of a retreat, to have three or four hundred of them hanging on my flanks—I shall probably have to sacrifice some money to gain them over—The appointment of some officers with salaries will be absolutely necessary.

The Americans make a daily parade of their force, and easily impose on the people on this side in regard to their numbers—I do not think they exceed 1200 but they are represented infinitely more numerous—For the last fortnight every precaution has been taken to guard against the least Communication, and to this day I am ignorant whether the President sanctioned the war resolutions of the two houses of Congress—that is whether war be actually declared—The car Brigade has been completed for service with Horses belonging to Gentlemen who spared them free of expense. I have not been honored with a line from Mr. Foster, nor with all my endeavours have I been able to obtain information of any Consequence.

The Prince Regent made her first voyage this morning, and I propose sending her to Kingston, to bring such articles as are absolutely necessary, 0108 96 which we know have arrived from Quebec. I trust she will outsail the Oneida.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency's Most obedient Humble servant Isaac Brock . M. Genl.

To His Excellency Genl Sir George Prevost Bt &. &. &.

[C 676-p 115.]

GENERAL HULL TO LIEUT. COL. ST GEORGE

( War—1812 )

Camp, Spring Hill 1 3 Miles Below Detroit July 6, 1812

1 See appendix.

Sir

Since the arrival of my Army at this encampment (five o'clock P M. yesterday) I have been informed that a number of discharges of artillery and of small arms have been made by some of the Militia of the Territory, from this shore into Sandwich.

I regret to have received such information, the proceeding was unauthorised by me, I am not disposed to make war on Private Property, or to authorize a wanton attack upon unoffending individuals, I would be happy to learn whether you consider private property a proper object of seizure & detention, I allude to the Baggage of officers particularly.

The bearer of this Col: Cass an officer Commanding one of my Regiments (he is accompanied by Capt Hickinson) he is in possession of my ideas upon the subject of an exchange of Prisoners, and is authorized to enter into stipulations for that purpose.

I am — — — (Signed) Wm Hull . B. Genl Commanding the North Western Army of the United States

Col: St George the officer Commanding Fort Malden

[C 676-p 132.]

0109 97
FROM LIEUT. COL. ST. GEORGE—UNADDRESSED

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg 8 July 1812

Dear General

I was favored with your letter of the 4th this morning, and I send down the Hunter immediately to Fort Erie.

The Lady Prevost will not I fear (with all our exertions) be in the water sooner than a week—In consequence of your letter of the 28th June which I received late in the evening of the 1st I made every arrangement in my power to Carry into effect your orders, and between that time and about noon next day (2d) when I received Your letter of the 29th June, the schooner I mentioned to you in my last letter of that date, was captured—she will I am informed be a valuable prize, having on board the Correspondence between the Commander of the Army and the American Government—Being Constantly on the Road between this place and Sandwich, since the papers were found, I have not been able to peruse them, but have Commissioned Captain Dixon and Lieut Dewar to open and retain what is absolutely necessary for us to have here, respecting Indians, or to take notes of them—and the rest I have ordered to be made up and sent to you—no time was lost in getting the Militia of Kent and Sandwich (which was found absolutely necessary) and I thought with them and the 2d Essex (about 200 each) Sandwich would be safe—I sent up the 4th with Lieut Dewar and made every arrangement possible for that purpose,—on the 5th having heard that they were much alarmed and expected an immediate attack I went up again and ordered the two six pounders to follow with a detachment of 41st Regiment to act as I saw occasion—On my arrival about 5. P m I found the place in great alarm from the Enemy having fired several shots from a 4 poundr opposite to Sandwich, and one or two shots from a 24 poundr at Detroit which went into a house opposite. I thought I had quieted the Alarm and Convinced them that there was nothing to apprehend from the forces opposed to them (no reinforcements of any Consequence having then arrived) and that I would immediately support them in case of an attack—The next morning as I was sending up a party of the 41st and an officer to put them in some order, I was informed by Colonel Baby, 1 that he was on his march to Amherstburg—I immediately sent off Captain Muir and 50 of the 41st in Carts with two 3 pounders to stop them, which he did, near the Canard bridge and returned with them to their former position—whilst the Militia was absent a Flag of Truce arrived at Sandwich and was 13

1 For Biographies of the Baby family see note 251, appendix.

0110 98 forwarded to me, the nature of which the enclosed Copies of Letters which passed on that occasion will explain.

Nos 1 & 2 I have found it necessary at present to leave the Detachment of the 41st with a Captain, two subs, and the two 3 pounders at Sandwich, and also two heavy Guns I ordered to follow the Detachmt to encourage the Militia, and at present, as the enemy has not the means of passing in force, I think them secure from surprise—I shall keep Sandwich as long as I can, as also keep open the communication, and prevent my Detachmt from being cut off—From the want of officers and other assistance I have not been able to get a state of the people I have collected—I have been obliged to issue Indian arms to the Militia and shall arm every man I find disposed to make use of one for us—I have embodied the Canadians I detained in the eleven boats from Montreal (70 men) belonging to the North West Company—Their Cargoes I am obliged to make free with, Consisting of Arms, Ammunition and Blankets—Had I not detained them they would have fallen into the hands of the Enemy—on receiving your letter of the 28th I ordered the Nancy belonging to the North West Compy of about 70 Tons waiting for a wind to take her up from “Moy” 1 to the upper Lake, down here, where she remains—I have taken some brass three pounders from her to mount in the boats before mentioned. In short I find myself so situated, that I am obliged to make use of everything I want, that falls in my way—I am much distressed at not being able to get returns of what men I have, and I fear there will be great confusion in the accounts, but I cannot help it,—I must issue provisions to men that come forward, and am endeavoring to get all the Cattle I can, to this place, I am obliged to appoint assistants in the different departments to act in this confusion—I counted yesterday 460 Militia at Sandwich including two Companies of Colonel Elliots Militia—Many without arms, but which I have supplied from the Indians, and private stores—Captain Muir from whom I received great assistance is labouring hard at Sandwich to get them in some order—when obliged to it, I hope they may make a regular retreat on this place—We have in the Fort the two Flank Compys of Colonel Elliotts Regt in all about 140—The rest of that Battalian down the lake I am endeavoring to collect, and when I am able to get a regular return I shall send it—men we shall certainly have and several seem willing to act if they knew how and were well supported, and had officers to show them the way—I now think it fortunate that your letter of the 29th came too late to stop the messengers sent out to the distant Indians—on my return from Sandwich yesterday we had a grand Council of chiefs &c &c from the neighborhood, and the usual ceremonies of the wampum &c &c were gone through—There were present about 200 and besides those

1 See appendix.

0111 99 present I am informed 100 had gone to their Camp—Tecumtha (the Prophet's brother) acted a Conspicuous part on the occasion. We are hard at work at the Fort, and have done a great deal since you left us—The Curtains began on, are nearly finished: Two of the Bastions well fraised, the other two will be fraised in two days—from this date—The scarpe all the way round is deepened—Twenty pieces of Cannon well mounted: The Platforms all perfectly good—The North Curtain remains as it was, and with Timber we are giving it a thickness of 14 feet to that side—A log building is thrown up in the Fort about 60 men—Another will be thrown up in half a day when we have done with more material work—The small magazine is in a state of forwardness—In short every exertion possible is made by us all.—I have appointed Captain Mockler of the Newfoundland Regt my Aid-de-Camp. besides from what I have heard of his character as an officer and a gentleman (for he is quite a stranger to me) he is the only officer that Could be spared—I am much mortified at the Confused state in which I find my self with the men of the Militia, now we have Collected them together—their wants are many—I wish much for instructions respecting the pay &c. &c. of the Militia, and of those who have offered to serve and have been accepted by me,—From what I have seen of their Country, a Regular force here of even two Battalians would be quite sufficient for its security—But if it is found that we cannot support those who take up arms, I dread the Consequence, Those we get into the Fort we can Control, but not others—I shall be careful of my Detachment at Sandwich at all events. You may well suppose it requires vigilance at that distance—I should be under no uneasiness, if I had the Militia in any state of order—officers we want for them.—I hope dear General you will excuse this irregular scroll, but I have been so harrassed for these five days and nights, I can scarcely write—I am endeavouring to raise a Corps of Cavalry, and attach them to the Quarter Master General's Department and I must employ some of the Gentlemen in the Country Capable of assisting, in getting in horses Cattle &c. I have taken a great deal on myself, but found I could not get anything done if I did not—The Boats, Cargoes and vessel of the North West Company are a serious Concern—I can detain the Hunter no longer.

Believe me Dear General &c &c &c

Signed T. B. St George Lt. Col. Commanding

P. S. Col. Baby's reason for leaving Sandwich, was that the men seemed inclined to return home

[C 676-p 134.]

0112 100
FROM LIEUT. COL. ST. GEORGE—UNADDRESSED

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg 10th July 1812

Dear General

Colonel Elliot having received information relative to the Indians send it off by Express—Since writing by the Hunter which was not able to leave the Bar till yesterday evening I have been at Sandwich, I found the Kent & Essex not then in a better Condition than when I left them two days before—they are all armed—but I am not able to withdraw my Detachment—Their Colonels think if I do so they will not remain—even two Companies of the Militia of this place who were ordered up on the Two Regiments retreating and who I have particular occasion for at the Petit Cotè 1 to Keep up the Communication, I am not able to withdraw—nor the two heavy Guns (9 Pds) I sent up on that occasion—in short I believe I must move the Two Regiments and Detachments down here, but that I shall not do until I get all the Cattle possible from the Thames and Sandwich and drive them below Amherstburg. I have now sent off Lieut Dewar to make arrangements, and have found it necessary to employ Mr. Francis Baby to assist in the Qr Mr. Generals Department at Sandwich, and also Mr. Caldwell here,

1 On Detroit river, below Sandwich; mouth of River Rouge on American side is nearly opposite.

I have got some wounded men at Sandwich for Patrole, about 30, I hope we shall be able to get men here when the Militia of Colonels Elliotts come from the Lake, of that part of his Regiment not more than 20 have Yet joined—I have the greatest difficulty respecting the officers of all the Regiments as Colonel Elliott thinks his papers cannot admit of Delay—

I am obliged to Conclude And am Dear General Yours faithfully T B St George

On my arrival at Sandwich early yesterday morning I found General Hull had struck his Camp at Spring Mill 2 and Marched into Detroit—should the Kent & Essex Continue so much alarmed at their situation I must withdraw them from Sandwich, and as I have nothing to replace them, must also withdraw the Detachment, I am at present so disagreeably situated from the prevailing disposition of both officers, and men, that I have no doubt in case of an attack on Sandwich which the Enemy appear to be preparing for, The force there will be obliged to retreat on this place, and before that happens, which would throw the Militia into a state of Confusion liable to

2 Springwells.

0113 101 disorganize the whole body, before it is too late I shall most likely think it incumbent on me to bring them down to this place, and make the most of them—perhaps they will show a better spirit when they have a larger body of Regulars to set them an example.

(signed) T. B. St. George Lt Col Comg

[676-p 141.]

CAPTAIN ROBERTS TO MR. DICKSON

( War—1812 )

Fort St. Joseph's 10 July 1812

Sir

Having Volunteered your services with the Indians you have brought along with you I have to request you will comply with such orders as you may receive from me from time to time

I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient servant Charles Roberts 1 Captain Commanding

1 A spirited, active soldier; often successfully employed. He was in command of a battalion of the 10th Royal Veterans, and captured Mackinac, July 16, 1812.

Robert Dickson Esq

[C 256-p. 215.]

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERTS—UNADDRESSED

( War—1812 )

Fort St. Joseph 12 July 1812

Sir

I had the honor to receive Your orders of the 26 and 27th of June, on the 8th inst: the best disposition my resources afforded were instantly made with the view of an immediate attack upon the Fort of Michilimackinac. when the second express with Your orders of the 28 and 29 in duplicate to suspend hostilities, arrived, which also seeming to preclude the necessity of the express to Amherstburg it consequently has not been forwarded—Every exertion will be made use of to put the force I have here in such a state of preparation so as to be able to act as your orders may direct or occasion may require.

0114 102

To Mr. Pothier, Mr. Dickson, Mr. Crawford, 1 and the Gentleman at the Sault of St Mary's. I am under the greatest obligation for their ready and effectual aid and personal exertions voluntarily contributed—Mr. Pothier has thrown open his store houses to supply my requisitions in the handsomest manner.

1 Lewis Crawford of the North West Fur Company; his operations were in the country along the St. Mary's river, and at Mackinac when the British held that post.

Mr Dickson with a chosen Band of Warriors of upwards of a hundred men in whom he appears to have the greatest confidence has greatly assisted me with his advice—much may be looked for from him and his party in the event of an attack upon the American Fort.

Mr Crawford, at the head of 140 Canadian Volunteers, Contributes every thing in his power to accelerate the general Interest assurances are also held out to me of ample reinforcements in men, arms and provisions being speedily sent down from the N. W. Company Post at Fort William.

I have this morning held a council with most of the principal chiefs of the Outawas. It has been a subject of much speculation how these people would act—on this occasion it gives me pleasure to inform you that after a long and private consultation amongst themselves, in consequence of my communicating to them the state of affairs, they at last decided unanimously in our favor and are just going off for their Arms, and the remainder of their men.

I took measures for securing the Caladonia in her way down from the Sault, she is now here and may be of essential service,—I have enclosed a Memorandum of Articles received from the South West Company stores for your information.

The Express has been detained partly at the request of Mr. Pothier as well as to give you the sentiments of the Outawas.

no reinforcements had arrived at Mackinack when these people passed that place yesterday.

I have the honor to be &c (sgd) Charles Roberts Captain 10th V. B.

[C 676-p 156.]

MR. DICKSON TO MAJOR GENERAL BROCK

( Indians )

Sir

I take the liberty of addressing Your Honour on the subject of the Indian nations of the west, a number of whose chiefs and warriors have accompanied 0115 103 me to this place in order to co-operate with His Majesty's Forces wherever their services may be wanted,—The situation of these nations last winter has, from their usual supplies being withheld, been truly deplorable, there is but little hope at present of goods being this season carried into their country, and unless they receive strong support in ammunition and clothing from His Majesty, they must infallibly perish.

I had intended at this moment to have paid Your Honour a visit, in order to have had the satisfaction of representing to you the state of the country, and several other interesting subjects in the present crisis; but I have deferred this that I may be ready for the attack of Michilimackinac, so earnestly wished for, as the means of securing the communication to the Mississippi and retaining and supporting all the Indians Tribes in their present happy disposition so favourable to the interests of Britain.

From Capt. Roberts I have received every mark of attention that politeness could dictate, or that the good of the service can require. The Indians are much gratified with his comportment towards them, and in him they repose the highest confidence.

I some time since despatched from Green Bay, thirty Indians to Amherstburg, had I received earlier information, I could have with ease brought an addition of four or five hundred to those here now.

We wait anxiously for your orders, on which the fate of this country depends.

I am sir & & R. Dickson 1

1 See appendix.

St. Joseph's July 13th 1812 To Major Genl Brock

[C 256-p 187.]

LIEUT. COL. ST. GEORGE TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg 15th July 1812

Dear General

Since my letter of the 8th which I sent by the Hunter, finding that it would not be possible for me to Keep Sandwich owing to the disposition in which I found the Militia; I thought it right to prepare to withdraw the force there to Amherstburg, and on the 10th instant I sent the assistant Quarter Master General to arrange with Mr. Francis Baby (who I had 0116 104 appointed to assist in that Department) to drive whatever Cattle &c &c could be found, to this Post...on the 11th I received a letter from Colonel Baby, stating, that from the preparation made on the opposite side, & every appearance of the Enemy crossing in great force, he had determined (with the unanimous advice of his officers) to withdraw to Amherstburg immediately. On my arrival there, the same day I found that the heavy Guns and Baggage were sent off, and from the information of those I could most depend on, that the men had shown so great a disposition to get away home, I had every reason to suppose that in the course of the night they would disperse—I thought it best to get them to Amherstburg—

The next morning early (the 12th) the Enemy crossed with the greatest part of his force near Hog Island, 1 and occupied Sandwich—

1 Belle Isle—now the beautiful city park in the Detroit river.

Since that time the Militia have been going off in such numbers, that I have not more than 471 in all this morning—and in such a state as to be totally inefficient in the field—However when I find in what manner the Enemy attack, I must try them—In the meantime I am endeavoring to get them in some order—Their numerous wants I am straining every nerve to supply—yet I am stunned with Complaints chiefly respecting their families left in the greatest want—some of the oldest have been allowed to go home—Regular Returns I am unable to get from their officers—There are Certainly many well disposed, but the idea of leaving their families and farms at this season occasions their principal disatisfaction—As to the Indians I wished those here to act when I could support them, but as they are so anxious I must let them on, and sustain them as I see occasion, to the utmost of my power—It is impossible to tell their numbers in our favour, as they are Continually going and coming—But I shall know in a day or two how many I can have here to depend on—

I hope the Enemy will move forward by land—The Canard is so strong a position that I think (with the Assistance of the Indians) I can annoy them much before they can get to this by that road—

I am sorry to have to Complain of want of information of every kind—

The Lady Prevost was launched the day before yesterday

(Signed) T. B. St George Lieut Colonel

To M. Genl. Brock & & &c

[C 676-p 177.]

0117 105
COL. ELLIOT TO MR. CLAUS

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg 15th July 1812

Sir

On Saturday 11th Inst. the enemy appeared in motion from Detroit upwards towards Hog Island on their own side of the River, where they had collected a number of boats. Our Militia stationed at Sandwich to watch their motions, and to prevent if possible their crossing, placing little reliance on their own strength, and fearing they might be cut off, immediately determined on a retreat, and accordingly did so on the same night to this Post with two pieces of Cannon which had been given them for their defence—and early in the morning of the 12th the enemy crossed in a line from Hog Island to Detroit, and landed at several places at the same time from Mackintoshes to Sandwich without a shot being fired to the number of about 6 or 8 hundred. General Hull immediately occupied Mr. B. Babys 1 brick house opposite to Detroit and placed his largest force at Sandwich where they began to entrench themselves, and they have since crossed over their Cavalry and Artillery with more troops and now are entrenching themselves down the settlement toward this Post, erecting batteries at distances, and have also sent a detachment towards the river Thames—The General on Landing issued proclamations to the Inhabitants promising all those who should remain at their homes protection for their persons and property—Their Proclamations have operated very powerfully on our Militia (who had come forward with as much promptitude as could have been expected) Since their issuing our Militia have left their Posts and returned to their homes, so that since Sunday the number is reduced to about one-half, and I expect that in two or three days more we shall have very few of them at the Post.

1 Should read James Baby.

We expect to be attacked today or tomorrow. The Indians with us are between 3 & 400 who have resisted every allurement which General Hull laid before them Tech-Kum-thai has kept them faithful—he has shown himself to be a determined character and a great friend to our Government.

Delay in attacking the enemy has been very detrimental to our interests and greatly cooled the former spirit of our Militia.

We have no ball remaining in the Indian store, and if more Indians come, I really do not know how to act—We have taken all (and that was very little), in possession of the merchants here.

The bearer of this is Guendith a faithful little man, and who will proceed with despatch with this by the way of point Pile. 2

2 Point Pelee—Lake Erie.

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obdt humble servt (Signed) M. Elliott

0118 106

P. S. The people here are much dejected & have removed all their effects out of the place

The Honorable William Claus Deputy Supt General & & & Fort George

[C 676-p 180.]

BY WILLIAM HULL, BRIGADIER GENERAL AND COMMANDER OF THE NORTH WESTERN ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES, A PROCLAMATION

Inhabitants of Canada! After thirty years of Peace and Prosperity, the United States have been driven to Arms, The injuries and aggressions, the insults and indignities of Great Britain have once more left them no alternative but manly resistance or unconditional submission. The Army under my command has invaded your Country and the standard of the United states waves on the territory of Canada To the peaceable unoffending inhabitant, It brings neither danger nor difficulty. I come to find enemies not to make them. I come to protect not to injure you.

Separated by an immence ocean and an extensive Wilderness from Great Britain you have no participation in her Councils no interest in her Conduct; You have felt her Tyranny, you have seen her injustice, but I do not ask you to avenge the one or to redress the other. The United States are sufficiently powerful to afford you every security consistent with their rights & your expectations, I tender you the invaluable blessings of Civil, Political, & Religious Liberty, and their neessary results, individual, and General prosperity; That liberty which gave decision to our Councels and energy to our conduct in our struggle for Independence, and which conducted us safely and triumphantly thro' the stormy period of the Revolution.

The Liberty which has raised us to an elevated rank among the Nations of the world and which has afforded us a greater measure of Peace & security wealth and prosperity than ever fell to the Lot of any people.

In the name of my Country and by the Authority of my Government I promise you protection to your persons, property, and rights . Remain at your homes, pursue your Customary and peaseful avocations, Raise not your hands against your brethren, Many of your fathers fought for the freedom & Independence we now enjoy, Being Children therefore of the 0119 107 same family with us, and heirs to the same heritage, the arrival of an army of Friends must be hailed by you with a Cordial Welcome. You will be emancipated from Tyranny and oppression and restored to the dignified station of freemen. Had I any doubt of eventual success I might ask your assistance but I do not. I come prepared for every Contingency. I have a force which look down all opposition and that force is but the vanguard of a much greater. If contrary to your own interests & the just expectation of my country, you should take part in the approaching contest, you will be considered and treated as enemies and the horrors, and calamities of war will stalk before you.

If the barbarous and Savage policy of Great Britain be pursued, and the savages are let loose to murder our Citizens and butcher our women and children, this war will be a war of extermination.

The first stroke with the Tomahawk the first attempt with the scalping Knife will be the signal for one indiscriminate scene of desolation, No White man found fighting by the side of an Indian will be taken prisoner Instant destruction will be his lot. If the dictates of reason, duty, justice, and humanity, cannot prevail the employment of a force, which respects no rights & Knows no wrong, it will be prevented by a severe and relentless system of retaliation.

I doubt not your courage and firmness; I will not doubt your attachment to + + Liberty. If you tender your services voluntarily they will be accepted readily.

The United States offer you Peace, Liberty , and Security your choice lies between these, & War, Slavery, and destruction , Choose then, but choose wisely; and may he who knows the justice of our cause, and who holds in his hands the fate of Nations, guide you to a result the most compatible, with your rights and interests, your peace and prosperity.

(signed) Wm Hull

By the General A. Q. Null 1 Cap: 13 U S Regt of Infantry by A. D. C Head Quarters at Sandwich July 13th 1812

1 Incorrectly transcribed; name should be Abraham F. Hull. Aide-de-camp to Gen. Hull. The name appears in the list of inhabitants of Detroit for 1806.

[C 676-p. 168.]

0120 108
CAPTAIN ROBERTS TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK

( War—1812 )

Fort of Michillimackinac 17 July 1812

Sir

I had the honor to receive your letter dated the 4th of July, on the 15th inst, and foreseeing that I should soon be abandoned by the Indians whose minds had been prepared for hostilities, if I did not immediately employ them, and also that the moment so favorable for making an attack upon this place so highly important at the present crisis might soon be lost—I embarked on the morning of the 10th * with Two of the six pounders and every man I could muster, and at Ten o'clock the signal being made we were immediately under weigh.

* 16th. (?)

By the almost unparalleled exertions of the Canadians who manned the Boats, we arrived at the place of Rendezvous at 3 o'clock the following morning.

One of these unwieldy guns was brought up with much difficulty to the heights above the Fort and in readiness to open about Ten oclock at which time a summons was sent in and the capitulation, a Copy of which I have the honor to Enclose, was soon after agreed upon.—I took immediate possession of the Fort, and displayed the British Colours.—It is a Circumstance I believe without precedent, and demands the greatest praise for all those who conducted the Indians that although these peoples minds were much heated, Yet as soon as they heard the Capitulation was signed they all returned to their Canoes, and not one drop either of mans or animals Blood was spilt, till I gave an order for a certain number of Bullocks to be purchased for them—I have not yet been able to obtain returns of the stores here,—they shall be forwarded by the earliest opportunity.

I cannot conclude this letter without expressing my warmest thanks to my own officers—to the Gentlemen of St Joseph's and St. Mary's, and to every individual engaged in this service.

I trust sir, in thus acting I have not exceeded Your Instructions, for be assured that prudential measures of the first necessity demanded the step which has put me in possession of this Island.

I have the honour to be &c (Signed) Charles Roberts Captain 10th V. B.

A true Copy Isaac Brock M. General

[C 676-p-232]

0121 109
CAPTAIN ROBERTS TO COLONEL BAYNES 1

1 See appendix.

( War—1812 )

Fort Michillimackinac 17 July 1812

Sir

On the 15th Instant I received letters by Express from Major General Brock with orders to adopt the most prudent measures either of offence or defence which circumstances might point out, and having received intelligence from the best information that large reinforcements were daily expected to be thrown into this garrison, and finding that the Indians who had been collected would soon have abandoned me if I had not made the attempt, with the thorough conviction that my situation at St. Josephs was totally indefensible, I determined to lose no time in making the meditated attack on this Fort.

On the sixteenth at Ten o'clock in the morning I embarked my few men with about one hundred and fifty Canadian Engagues half of them without arms about three hundred Indians and two Iron Six pounders, the boats arrived without the smallest accident at the place of Rendezvous at three o'clock the following morning by the exertions of the Canadians one of the Guns was brought up to a height commanding the garrison and ready to act about Ten o'clock, a summons was then sent in a copy of which as well of the capitulation which followed, I have the honor to enclose at twelve the American colors were hauled down and those of His majesty's were hoisted—

A Committee has been appointed to examine into the state of the Public stores Enclosed also are Returns of the Ordnance and Military stores found in the Fort and the strength of the garrison, The greatest praize is due to every individual employed in this expedition to my own officers I am indebted in particular for their active assistance in carrying all my orders into effect.

The Indians are flocking in from all Quarters but in a few weeks I shall be left in great measure to my own resources, and I trust His Excellency the Governor General will see the necessity of adding to my force,

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient servant Charles Roberts Captain Commanding

The Adjutant General & & &c

[C 676-p 183.]

0122 110
( Capitulation ) HEIGHTS ABOVE FORT MICHILIMACKINAC

17 July 1812

Capitulation agreed upon between Captain Charles Roberts commanding His Britannic Majesty's forces on the one part and Lieutenant Hanks Commanding the Forces of the United States of America on the other.

ARTICLE

1st The Fort of Michillimackinac shall immediately be surrendered to the British force

2d The garrison shall march out with the Honours of war lay down their arms and become prisoners of War and shall be sent to the United States of America by His Britannic Majesty not to serve this war untill regularly exchanged and for the due performance of this article the officers pledge their word of honour.

3d All the merchants Vessells in the Harbour with their cargoes shall be in possession of their respective owners.

4th Private property shall be held sacred as far as in my power.

5th All Citizens of the United States Who shall not take the oath of Allegiance to his Britannic Majesty shall depart with their property from the Island in one month from the date hereof.

Signed Charles Roberts Captain Commanding His Britannic Majesty&s Forces

Signed Saml Hanks 1 Commanding The Forces of the United States at Fort Michilimackinac

1 Lieut. Porter Hanks; killed by cannon shot at bombardment of Detroit from the Windsor side, Aug. 16, 1812. As Hanks, by surrendering Mackinac, saved the place from massacre, his account of danger from Indians impressed Hull; his death had a strong effect on the mind of Gen. Hull who was about to surrender Detroit.

[C 676-p 190 and 234]

0123 111

Return of Ordnance Ammunition and Stores taken Possession of in Michilimackinac Garrison by Cap: Roberts 10th Royal Vetern Battalion Commanding the Expedition 18th July 1812

5½ Inch Howetzers 2 Brass 6 Pounders on Garrison Carriages 2 3 Pounders “ “ “ 1 Iron 9 Ditto “ “ “ 2 Shels 5½ Inch fixed 18 Do D D unfixed 374 5½ Inch Case shot 65 Fuzes 430 Shot 9 Pounders 150 Case shot fixed 50 do do unfixed 60 shot Round shot 864 6 pounders Grape do 18 Fixed to wooden Bottoms 80 Round shot fixed with powder Case shot 51 shot Round fixed to wooden bottoms 37 3 pounders Grape 23 Round 463 Spunges 4 5½ Inch Lead Aprons 2 Howitzer Tompiens 2 Tube Boxes 8 Spunges 4 Wadhooks 2 9 Pounders Ladies 2 side arms Tompiens 2 Lead aprons 2 Wadhooks 2 Spunges 2 6 pounders Ladles 2 Lead aprons 2 Tompiens 2 Spunges 7 Ladles “ 3 Pounders Wadhooks “ Lead Aprons 1 Tompiens 1 Powder large Grain lbs 1063 Mealed Powder lbs 8 0124 112 fine Grain lbs 365 Musquet & Baynets 179 Cartridge Boxes & Belts 162 Rifles 6 Pistols 6 Musquet Ball Cartridges Dozens 1295 Flints 6900 Nitre lbs 32 Lead lb 1380 Cartouches of leather 3 Powder Horns 4 Priming Wires 6 Drudging Boxes 3 Portfires sticks 7 Lintstocks 4 Dark Lantherns 2 Flannel Gards Powder Measures 16 Ball screnes 44 Musquet Ball moulds 1 Buck shot moulds 1 Sheets Copper 1 Adze & driver 1 Drums Complete 2

Alexr Pilmour Military Conductor of Stores

[C 676-p 187.]

FROM MR. ASKIN—UNADDRESSED

( War—1812 )

Michilimackinac 18th July 1812

Dear Sir

I am happy to have it in my power to announce to you that Fort Michilimackinac capitulated to us on the 17th inst at 11 o'clock A. M.—Capt. Roberts at our Head with a part of the 10th R. V Battalion.—Mr. Crawford had the command of the Canadians which consisted of about 200 men—Mr. Dixon 113 Sieoux Foollavoines & Waynebegoes—myself about 280 men.— 0125 113 Ottawas and Chippawas—part of the Ottawas of L'Arbre Croche had not arrived.—It was a fortunate circumstance that the Fort Capitulated without firing a single gun, for had they done so, I firmly believe not a soul of them would have been saved.—My son, Charles Langlade, Augustin Nolin, and Michelle Cadotte Junr have rendered me great services in keeping the Indians in order, and executing from time to time such commands as were delivered to me by the commanding officer.—I never saw so determined a set of people as the Chippewas & Ottawas were.

Since the capitulation they have not drunk a single drop of Liquor, nor even Killed a Fowl belonging to any person (a thing never Known before) for they generally destroy everything they meet with.

I have the honour &c signed Mr. Askin Junr 1 Str. Kr. I. D. (Store-keeper, Indian Department.)

1 John Askin, Jr., storekeeper Indian department, and the agent dealing with all the Indians who came to Mackinac from the western and Lake Superior country for the presents and allowances made to them by the British government. His son, mentioned above, was John B. Askin. In Vol. XXXI, Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections, there is an account of Askin.

[C 676-p 201.] 15

0126 114

Monthly Return of the Garrison of Michiliminac Commanded by Lieut Porter Hanks for the Month of June 1812 . 1

1 See appendix.

Present Absent Commised & Staff Officers for duty Non Comsd officers Musicians Artificers & privates for duty Sick Unfit for service Commd and Staff Officers Non Commsd Officers, Musicians, Artificers and privates Alterations since last return Station Regiment Company Michiliminac U.S. Artillery Captain 1 Lieutenant 2d Lieutenant Asst: Military Agent Surgions mate Sergeants Corporals Musicians Artificers Privates Privates Privates Total Noncommissd Officers Musicians Artificers and Privates present Musicians Artificers Privates Total Noncommissioned officers, Musicians Artificers and Privates Present and present Aggregate Joined Deserted Reduced Discharged Promoted Dead Transferred Total 2 1 3 4 5 6 39 1 3 61 1 62 65 1 1 1 ABSENTEERS ACCOUNTED FOR Commissioned Officers Non Commissd officers Musicians Artificers & Privates Commisd officers Privates Thos Mulen (private) transferred to Capt Reeds Company Anthony Saupilie (D) surrendered himself from Desertion at Detroit the 16th January 1812 1st Lieutenant Archd Darrach 1st Regt. Artillery S. Mate Sylvester Day Piece Establishment Signed P. Hanks Lieut of Aty Comg

[C 676-p 189]

0127 115
MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Fort George July 20th 1812

Sir

My last to Your Excellency was dated the 12th Instant, since which nothing extraordinary has occurred on this Communication—The enemy has evidently diminished his force, and appears to have no intention of making an immediate attack—

I have herewith the honor of enclosing the copy of two letters which I have received from Lt. Col. St. George, together with some interesting documents found on board a schooner which the boats of the Hunter captured on her voyage from the Meamie to Detroit.

From the accompanying official correspondence between General Hull and the Secretary at War it appears that the collected force which has arrived at Detroit amounts to about two thousand

I have requested Colonel Proctor to proceed to Amherstburg, and ascertain accurately the state of things in that quarter—I had every inclination to go there myself, but the meeting of the Legislature on the 27th renders it impossible.

I receive this moment a despatch dated the 15th Instant from Lt Col St George giving an account of the enemy having landed on the 12th and immediately after occupying the village of Sandwich—It is strange that three days should be allowed to elapse before sending to acquaint me of this important fact, I had no idea until I received Lt Colonel St. George's letter a few days ago that General Hull was advancing with such a large force.

The Militia from every account behaved very ill, The officers appear the most in fault. Colonel Proctor will probably reach Amherstburg in the course of tomorrow—I have great dependence in that officers decision, but fear he will arrive too late to be of much service—The enemy was not likely to delay attacking a force that had allowed him to cross the river in open day without firing a shot.

The position which Lt. Col. St George occupied is very good, and infinitely more formidable than the port itself—Should he therefore be compelled to retire I know of no other alternative than embarking in the Kings vessels—and proceeding to Fort Erie— 1

1 British post on the Niagara river, nearly opposite Buffalo.

Were it proper to animate the Militia to a proper sense of their duty something might yet be done, but I almost despair

Your Excellency will readily perceive the critical situation in which the 0128 116 reduction of Amherstburg is sure to place me—I do not imagine General Hull will be able to detach more than one thousand men, but even with that trifling force I much fear he will succeed in getting to my rear. The Militia will not act without a strong Regular force to set them the example, and as must now expect to be seriously threatened from the opposite shore, I cannot, in prudence, make strong detachments, which would not only weaken my line of defence, but in the event of a retreat endanger their safety.

I have never, as Your Excellency has doubtless noticed, been very sanguine in my hopes of Assistance from the Militia, and I am now given to understand that General Hulls insidious proclamation herewith enclosed has already been productive of considerable effect on the minds of the people. In fact a general sentiment prevails that with the present force resistance is unavailing, I shall continue to exert myself to the utmost to overcome every difficulty, should however, the communication between Kingston and Montreal be cut off the fate of the troops in this part of the Province will be decided—I now express my apprehensions on a supposition that the slender means Your Excellency possesses will not admit of diminution, consequently that I cannot look for reinforcements.

The enemy evidently has no intention at present of penetrating into the Province by this strait, He seems much more inclined to work on the flanks, after they are secured little remains for him to do—

The last official communication from the Lower Province is dated the 25 ulto. The Adjutant general then announced the receipt of Intelligence by a mercantile house of war being declared by the United States against Great Britain. I need not entreat Your Excellency to honor me with your commands with as little delay as possible, I consider every moment exceedingly precious.

I have the honor to be With the highest respect Your Excellency's faithful and obedt servant Isaac Brock M G

His Excellency L Gen Sir George Prevost Bt &c &c &c

[C 676-p 203.]

0129 117
MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Fort George July 26th 1812

Sir

Since my despatch to your Excellency of the 20th Instant, I have received information of the Enemy having made frequent and extensive inroads from Sandwich up the River Thames—I have in Consequence been induced to detach Captain Chambers with about 50 of the 41st Regiment to the Moraviantown where I have directed two hundred Militia to join him—From the loud and apparently warm professions of the Indians residing on the Grand River, I make no doubt of finding at all times a large majority ready to take the field, and act in conjunction with our troops but accounts received this morning state that they have determined to remain neutral, and had in consequence refused (with the exception of about 50) to join Chamber's detachment.

I meditated, the moment I could Collect a sufficient Number of Militia, a diversion to the Westward, in the hope of Compelling General Hull to retreat across the River, but this unexpected intelligence has ruined the whole of my plans—The Military which I destined for this service will now be alarmed, and unwilling to leave their families to the mercy of 400 Indians, whose Conduct affords such wide room for suspision—and really to expect that this fickle race would remain in the midst of War in a state of neutrality is truly absurd—The Indians have probably been led to this change of sentiment by emissaries from General Hull, whose proclamation to the six nations is herewith enclosed. 1

1 This report of Gen. Brock strengthens the opinion of military critics that Hull should have moved toward Burlington and made a successful campaign of it.

I have not deemed it of sufficient importance to Commence active operations on this line, by an attack on Fort Niagara. It can be demolished when found necessary in half an hour, and there my means of annoyance would terminate—To enable the Militia to organise some degree of discipline without interruption is of the greater Consequence than such a Conquest.

Everything shall be done in my power to overcome the difficulties by which I am surrounded, but without strong re-enforcements, I fear the Country Cannot be roused to make exertions equal, without support, to meet the present crisis.

I proceed immediately to York to attend the meeting of the Legislature—I hope to return on Wednesday—The charge of this frontier will in the meantime devolve on Lt Colonel Meyers, who appears worthy of every Confidence.

0130 118

The actual invasion of the Province, has compelled me to recall that portion of the Militia whom I permitted to return home and work at harvest—I am prepared to hear of much discontent in consequence The disaffected will take advantage of it and add fuel to the flame but it may not be without reason that I may be accused of having already studied to the injury of service, their Convenience & humour.

I should have derived much consolation in the Midst of my present difficulties had I been honored, previous to the meeting of the Legislature, with Your Excellency's determination in regard to this Province—That it Cannot be maintained with its present force is very obvious, and unless the enemy be driven from Sandwich it will be impossible to avert much longer the impending ruin of the Country—Numbers have already joined the invading Army, commotions are excited and late occurrences at Sandwich have spread a General Gloom.

I have not heard from Lt Colonel St. George nor from any individual at Amherstburg, since I last had the honor of addressing Your Excellency, which make me apprehensive that Colonel Proctor has been detained on his journey too long for the good of the service.

The Enemys Cavalry amounts to about 50 they are led by one Watson a surveyor from Montreal of a desperate character, this fellow has been allowed to parade with about 20 men of the same description as far as Westminster, vowing as they went along the most bitter vengence against the first Characters of the Province—Nothing Can show more strongly the state of apathy which exists in that part of the Country—I am perhaps too liberal in attributing their conduct of the inhabitants to that cause.

Mr. Couche has represented to the head of his department the total impractibility of Carrying on the public service without a remittance in specie, or a Government paper substitute—He was once in expectation of making arrangements with some individuals that would have enabled him to proceed, but I much fear the whole project has fallen to the ground—The Militia on this Communication was so clamorous for their pay that I directed Mr. Couche to make the necessary advances—This has drained him of the little specie in his possession.

My present civil office not only authorizes me to convene General Courts Martial for the trial of offenders belonging to the Militia but likewise the infliction of the Sentence of death— whilst in regard to the Military my power is limited to the mere Assembling of the Court. I beg leave to submit to the Consideration of Your Excellency whether in time like the present I ought not to be invested with equal Authority over each service.

I herewith have the honor to transmit two letters one from Captain 0131 119 Roberts Commanding at St. Joseph, and the second from Mr. Dickson a Gentleman every way Capable of forming a correct judgement of the Actual state of the Indians nothing can be more deplorable than his description Yet the United States' Government accuse Great Britain of instigating that people to War—Is not the true Cause to be found in the state of desparation to which they are reduced by the unfriendly and unjust measures of that Government towards them?—

I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellency's Most obedt and humble Servt Isaac Brock M. Genl.

His Excellency Lt Genl. Sir George Prevost Bt &c. &c. &c.

[C 676-p. 208.]

COLONEL PROCTOR TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg July 26th 1812

Dear Sir

After much vexations delay from very windy weather &c I arrived here at day break this morning. You received by the Hunter a correct statement of the Enemy's force and have since been informed that he crossed the River on the 12 Instant and took post above Sandwich—On the evening of the 16th he attacked a Picquet, and I regret to say, cut off two Sentries of the 41st Regiment, who were on the other side the Bridge on the River Canard, 1 and killed one and wounded the other, both refusing to surrender. There has been skirmishing two or three times on the Canard which is about five miles from here, in which the enemy have lost men—On the 25th they advanced to a Fork of the River, were attacked by the Indians and retreated with the loss of some killed, the Indians having one killed and another wounded. I send you a return of the strength of the Garrison of Amherstburg by which you will perceive how much the Militia have diminished—It is said, and I hope, many of them will return when they have gotten in their harvest, but neither the Militia nor the Indians who are very deficient of the number you would suppose will ever remain with us if a considerable reinforcement does not arrive here. Five hundred of the 41st would I am confident, soon decide matters. The Enemy's Arts and misrepresentations have operated strongly on both the Indians and People of this country,

1 Debouches into the Detroit river near Fighting island south of Sandwich. French name—Riviere aux Canards. It is about opposite mouth of the Ecorse on the American side.

0132 120 among whom their agents now appear. You have received Mr. Hull's infamous Proclamation, and I herewith send you a copy of what I conceive to be very interesting Letters from him, intercepted and which I regret were not sent sooner. The originals shall be sent by the Lady Prevost—

I do not apprehend that this Post is in any immediate Danger, but I am fully convinced of the necessity of a reinforcement, I conceive it only prudent to keep the Queen Charlotte here, she is a very considerable check on the Enemy, I enclose a Return of Prisoners and request to know whether they are to be sent down. You will be surprised to know that the greatest number of Indians, among are were several Boys, that the utmost exertion of the Indian Department could collect did not exceed Two hundred and thirty—this was on the 18th instant and they have rather decreased since thirty—this was on the 18th instant and they have rather decreased since

In haste I remain Dear Sir with Respect faithfully yours Henry Proctor 1 Colonel Comg

1 See appendix.

P. S. The return is enclosed to the Brigade Major

Major General Brock &c &c &c Niagara

[C 676-p 242.]

MR. BABY TO CAPTAIN GLEGG

( War—1812 )

Dundas street 30 Miles from York 27th July 9 o'Clock P. M.

Sir

I am just arrived at this place—I hasten to write as I understand it is likely General Brock will go back to Niagara immediately—should it be his pleasure to see me before he goes, I will be in York tomorrow as soon as I can. I have not been able to procure a fresh horse, mine is completely tired after a Jaunt by the way of Pointe Péti. I coasted the Lake to Colonel Talbots 1 settlement. I left Amherstburg in the afternoon of last Monday. I met Colonel Proctor on Thursday, bound by the wind six or seven Miles above Colonel Talbots—

From the weather we have had, he must be now at Amherstburg, on last saturday sen' night a party of about one hundred and fifty Americans came to the River Canard and skirmished with a party of our people, they wounded two men of the 41st one died, the other was expected also to die. The Americans were repulsed. The next day, sunday, they returned to the same place, and began the skirmish; they were again repulsed, lost four men and had several wounded, they retreated with great precipitation and were followed 0133 121 by a few Indians some considerable distance; some of our boats went as far as Turkey Creek. The Americans had already got beyond it, on their way to Sandwich—about Eleven or twelve at noon on Monday last the Queen Charlotte anchored opposite the mouth of the Canard, made signal that a large party was coming again to the Canard Bridge—a party of the 41st were on the south side of the Bridge and a good number of Indians had gone to join them—An Express came from the place where a third action had taken place, and informed that our party with two field pieces repulsed the Americans who had brought four pieces with them—I have no doubt but they were more Completely beaten than before—We were forced to come away before the issue—We had not more than about 230 Indians when I left Amherstburg—A report prevailed that about 300 were expected from the River Huron near the mouth of the River, and a like number from St Joseph's under Mr Robert Dixon (Dickson). God Grant they may be there—There were still between three and four hundred Militia when I came away—a great number had withdrawn themselves to go to the harvest—I have no letters from Colonel St George for the General, tho' he told me he would write—I called, and sent for his letter, but did not get it—He had gone to the River Canard. sorry to say that the Volunteers of Long Point whom I saw yesterday have refused to March, not one is gone to join Major Chambers 1 —I fear those of Oxford will follow their bad example—I parted with Colonel Talbot yesterday about four or five oClock P. M. he was going to Burford—I should not omit to say there is a great want of balls for the Indians—The Hurons have done all they could to dissuade the other nations from joining us—I heard that Norton 2 instead of 150 to 200 of the six nations could hardly get fifty to go up to the westward—we want immediate assistance in that quarter, I write this from Dundas street at John Clever's, and send it by a Missisage to overtake you, before you go over.

1 Major Peter L. Chambers, 41st regiment, deputy assistant quartermaster general.

2 See appendix.

In case the General would wish for more information than I can give in this paper—I have written in the dark therefore excuse this scrawl—If the General goes round the Lake I may meet him at the Credit— 2

I give you this rough detail for his information

I remain Sir (signed) &c &c &c J. Baby

27th July 1812 9 P. M.

To Cap: Glegg &c &c

[C 676-p 219.] 16

0134 122
MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

York July 28th 1812

Sir :

I consider the enclosed letter this instant received from the Honble James Baby of sufficient importance to forward by express.

I conceived the Long point Militia the most likely to show the best disposition of any in this part of the Country, and this refusal to join Captain Chambers indicates the little reliance that ought to be placed in any of them—My situation is getting each day more critical I still mean to try and send a force to the relief of Amherstburg, but almost dispair of succeeding—The population, though I had no great confidence in the majority, is worse than I expected to find it. and a majistrates &c &c appear quite confounded, and decline acting—the consequence is the most improper conduct is tolerated—The officers of Militia exert no authority, every thing shows as if a certainty existed of a change taking place soon. But I still hope the arrival of re-enforcements may yet avert such a dire calamity—many in that case would become active in our cause who are now dormant.

I have the honor herewith to transmit a copy of my speech to the two houses delivered yesterday, a more decent House has not been elected since the formation of the province, but I perceive at once that I shall get no good of them 1 —They like the Majistrates and others in office, evidently mean to remain passive The repeal of the Habeas Corpus will not pass. And if I have recourse to the law Martial I am told the whole armed force will disperse, never was an officer placed in a more awkward predicament—The Militia cannot possibly be governed by the present law—all admit that fact, Yet the fear of giving offence will prevent any thing effectual being effected—I entreat the advice of your Excellency! some letters received from individuals represent the conduct of 41st above all praise—I cannot get a line from Colonel St George. Colonel Proctor was provokingly delayed on his Journey—I entreat Your Excellency to excuse the haste with which I presume to address you—

1 Gen. Brock was also lieutenant governor of Upper Canada—now Ontario, and as such dealt with the provincial legislature.

I have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest regard and respect

Your Excellency's faithful and Obedient servant Isaac Brock M. G.

His Excellency M General Sir George Prevost B &c

[C 676-p 217.]

0135 123
MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

York July 29th 1812

Sir

I have the honor to transmit herewith a dispatch this instant received from Captain Roberts announcing the surrender by capitulation on the 17th Instant of Fort Michillimackinac.

The conduct of this officer since his appointment to the command of that distant part of the Province,has been distinguished by much zeal and judgment, and his recent eminent display of those qualities, Your Excellency will find, has been attended with the most happy effect.

The Militia stationed here volunteered this morning without the least hesitation their services to any part of the Province—I have selected one hundred whom I have directed to proceed without delay to Long point—where I propose collecting a force for the relief of Amherstburg—This example, I hope, will be followed by as many as may be required.—By the Militia law a man refusing to march may be fined five pounds, or confined three months, and although I have assembled the Legislature for the express purpose of amending the Act, I much fear nothing material will be done. Your Excellency will scarcely believe that this infortunate House of Assembly have refused by a majority of two to suspend for a limited time the Habeas Corpus— 1

1 Thereby rendering ineffective any attempts of the military power to exercise a strong hand on civilians.

Your Excellency Most obedient servant Isaac Brock M. G.

His Excellency Lt Genl Sir George Prevost Bt &c &c &c

[C 676-p 236.]

FROM MAJ. GEN. BROCK—UNADDRESSED

( War—1812 )

York July 29th 1812

Dear Colonel

I was not favored with your letters of the 8th and 10th Instant untill this morning. I had not before received any official communication of war 0136 124 being declared, and I assure you, began to fear I was wholly forgot. My situation is most critical, not from anything the enemy can do, but from the disposition of the people—the population, believe me is essentially bad—a full belief possess them all that this Province must inevitably succumb—this prepossession is fatal to every exertion—Legislators, Magistrates, Militia Officers, all, have imbibed the idea, and are so sluggish and indifferent in their respective offices that the artful and active scoundrel is allowed to parade the country without interruption, and commit all imaginable mischief—They are so alarmed of offending that they rather encourage than repress disorders or other improper acts. 1 I really believe it is with some cause they dread the vengeance of the Democratic party, they are such a set of unrelenting villains, but to business—Several of my letters must have miscarried otherwise you would long since have been aware that I requested you to reinstate Lieut. Johnston in the Glengary Regiment—He may not be very efficient but then consider the claims of his family—Indeed the proposition came originally from you. Should Johnston be rejected, I am under previous engagements to Lamont therefore cannot give ear to Fitz-Gibbons' application.

1 With habeas corpus suspended these fellows could be handled in a way agreeable to the general.

I have necessarily so many detachments along my widely extended frontier that I cannot possibly spare an officer, I have therefore detained Lt. Kerr of the Glengary I am obliged mix regulars with the Militia, otherwise could not get on at all. It is a pity you did not understand his wishes in regard to the recruiting business.

What a change an additional regiment would make in this part of the Province. Most of the people have lost all confidence. I however speak loud and look big—Altho' you may not be able to cast a look this far, you must not omit Johnson and Kingston, some regulars will be highly necessary. I wish very much something might be done for Mr. Grant Powell. He was regularly brought up in England as a Surgeon. I intended to have proposed to Sir George to appoint him permanent Surgeon to the Marine Department, but I scarcely think that the situation would now answer His abilities I should think might be usefully employed now that so many troops are called out—

Messrs Dickson, Porthier and Crawford behaved nobly at the capture of Michilimackinac—This event may give a total change to the war in the West—Captain Roberts is spoken of in the highest terms—

I must bid you adieu Yours faithfully Isaac Brock

0137 125

I propose provided the 41st agree to receive Lieut. Cartwright to allow him to return to his duty in that corps.

[C 676-p 239.]

COLONEL PROCTOR TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg July 30th 1812

Dear Sir

The morning after my arrival I sent off express to you the trusty Canddian by whom you had received Lieutenant Colonel St George's Letter of the 11th Instant, and on the evening of the 28th I had the disappointment of his return back, having narrowly escaped the Enemy near Point Aux Pins.—His Majesty's Schooner Lady Prevost sails this morning, as does also the schooner Nancy, that these may be at Fort Erie, Conveyance for an effectual Reinforcement—which from the Confidence it must inspire, would Cause the return of many who have left the Militia, and also ensure a powerful Aid from the Indians of whom the Enemy are much in dread.—It would be imprudent to send away the Queen Charlotte, especially as the Adams is I understand nearly ready.—

Mr Hull 1 I believe awaits the defection of the Militia and Indians, and which I am confident will occur if we do not soon receive a reinforcement.—The Enemy expects a Reinforcement, which, if received after we are enabled to act, may be of less importance to him.—I am sorry to observe that the Individuals of the Department are too old for actual service, nor does ability or cordiality appear in the performance of its duties.—I have been under the necessity of sanctioning the appointment of some active Interpreters.—With respect to the Militia officers, I feel myself at a loss how to act; they are in number out of all proportion to the strength of their Corps, and in general unequal to the performance of their Duties—If they should be retained in proportion to the strength only of their Corps, most of them would be driven, having no support, to seek their property where the Enemy are, and their Corps to which I still hope to see many return, would be disbanded.—I hope soon to hear of the completion of the arrangements for the payment of the Militia.—I found no sources ascertained for procuring certain information respecting the Enemy and which I might reasonably have expected,

1 See appendix.

0138 126 where it must have been so easily effected, if attended to in time, by residents in the interest of Government.

I have the honor &c (signed) Henry Proctor Colonel

P. S. I have conceived it expedient to send by this opportunity the four officers who were detained Prisoners of war, on the 2nd Instant.

Major General Brock &c &c &c Niagara

[C 676-p 245.]

MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO COLONEL BAYNES

( War—1812 )

York August 4th 1812

My Dear Colonel

I cannot hear what is going on at Amherstburg. I begin to be uneasy for Proctor, should any accident befall him I shall begin to despond for the fate of Amherstburg—I am collecting a force at Long Point with a view to afford him relief, but until I receive information of the state of affairs in that quarter, I cannot move, The last letter from Col: St George is dated the 15th written three days after Genl Hull crossed the river with his Army,—Mr. Baby Comg the Militia who has arrived here to attend his parliamentary duties, brought accounts to the 20th on which day, and at the very moment he was setting off, an attack was making on our post, the particulars of which he, of course, is unable to relate, but he heard that some one had arrived from the field who stated that the Enemy was retiring—An Indian has since reported that he counted 30 dead bodies, and that the Americans had besides many wounded, This attack must have been made in great force,

Believe, me &c Isaac Brock M. G.

Colonel Baynes

[C 677-p 1.]

0139 127
COLONEL VINCENT TO COLONEL BAYNES

( War—1812 )

Montreal 4th August 1812.

Dear Colonel

I am at a loss, whether or not I should detain the enclosed dispatches until your arrival, but a Mr N. Coffin assures me, you will not leave Quebec before Wednesday—I think it far the best to forward all the letters I have in one parcel and send them in the way bag of the courier, with instructions that he must not pass you on the road,—Major General Sheaffe 1 arrived last night and proposes setting off for the upper country tomorrow—from the correspondence I have had with the officers of Militia from Cornwall to Prescott—I can assure him every protection—

1 See appendix.

Last night a light canoe arrived from Lake Superior, with some gentlemen of the North West Company—who have brought the account of the taking of the Fort of Michilimackinac and the enclosed dispatches for you from Captain Roberts They likewise report that Governor Hull has twice been repulsed in attempting to pass the Canard bridge about six miles from Amherstburg, I hope therefore we shall soon have a good account of him.

I remain Dear Colonel Your obliged humble servant John Vincent 1

Colonel Baynes &c &c &c

[C 677-p 8.]

GENERAL DEARBORN TO COLONEL BAYNES

( War—1812 )

Head Quarters Greenbush , August 8th 1812

Colonel Baynes

Sir

Feeling the strongest disposition to accord with the propositions of His Excellency, Sir George Prevost as expressed in his dispatch, which I have had the honor of receiving by your hand this day,—I have only to regret my want of power to comply with it, in the fullest & most explicit manner;—but as far as I consider myself authorised, I will with pleasure proceed in preventing any unnecessary acts of hostility, between the troops of the United States, & those of his Britanic Majesty.—I will

1 See appendix, note to p. 136.

0140 128 give immediate orders to the Commanding officers in Vermont, & those on the frontier of New York, to confine their operations to defensive measures;—I will write to General Hull, & state to him the facts, in relation to the communication made by Sir George Prevost, & advise him to suspend all offensive operations, unless his orders from the Department of War are such as to leave him no option,—I will write to the executive of the United States, & enclose a copy of his Excellency's proposition, & state the measures I have taken, & the directions I shall transmit to the respective officers on the Frontiers.—

I am, Sir, with respect & consideration Your obedt st. H. Dearborn . 1

1 See appendix.

[C 677-p 16.]

GENERAL DEARBORN TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Head Quarters Greenbush August 8th 1812

His Excellency Sir George Prevost.

Governor, and Commander in Chief of the Forces in Canada

Sir

I have this day been honored with Your Excellency's letter, by the hand of Col. Baynes, and I have communicated to him my answer to your proposition, in relation to a suspension of hostilities. The measure I have proposed will be as promptly carried into effect, as the distance to the respective posts will admit of.—I can with confidence assure your Excellency, that my Government will with pleasure meet any overtures, for a satisfactory adjustment, of all disputes with Great Britain.—No other nations are as deeply interested in a friendly intercourse with each other as Great Britain, and the United states of America, and I most ardently hope, that the time is not far distant, when they will embrace as friends.—

With sentiments of high Consideration & respect, I am, Sir, Your most obedient H. Dearborn .

[C 677-p 14.]

0141 129
COLONEL PROCTOR TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg Augt 11th 1812

Dear Sir

Since the 25th Ulto: the Enemy has made no attempt on this side of the River; on the 2d Inst the Wyndots having at last decided on joining the other nations of Indians of whom they are the bravest and Eldest, against the Americans; a considerable Body of Indians accompanied the Chief Tecumseth to the Village of the Wyndots, (Brownstown) nearly thirty miles on the opposite Shore from Detroit, and five from hence. I sent a detachment of a hundred men under the command of Captain Muir to enable the Wyndots to bring off their families cattle & effects. This was effected much to the Disappointment of Mr. Hull who has given them a considerable sum of money in the hope of retaining them in the American Interest. Tecumseth who has generally many Indians with him remained, by which Mr. Hulls Communication with his Government was interrupted. On the 5th inst a select Detachment of two hundred Riflemen from several Corps were sent to escort the Mail from Detroit which however they lost, and about fifty killed. I had sent a detachment but they Unfortunately could not reach the scene of action until the affair was finished. The Indians only lost one man, an interpreter. I enclose a copy of Mr. Hull's Letter to Secretary at War: 1 Saturday (the 8th) being the usual day of the Posts arrival at Detroit every Road and Indian Path was occupied, on the 7th 8th & 9th Inst in the hope of intercepting the Mail for Detroit as well as expected supplies. On the 9th on finding that a considerable body of the Enemy were on the March to Brownstown, I sent a reinforcement under Captain Muir which Completed the Force there to 150 men besides Indians, whose numbers it is not possible on any occasion exactly to ascertain. In this Affair we have not entirely succeeded. The Enemy had some Artillery, which their numbers enabled them to make a Road for. The Ground on which the Americans had been so roughly treated on the 5th Inst: was not as it ought to have been, occupied, and some mistake was made, the Party retreated, the 41 has lost three, Dead, thirteen wounded, & two missing. Militia one killed, & two wounded. Indians two killed and six wounded. Captain Muir is slightly wounded, Mr. Sutherland seriously wounded. I can ill spare Captain Muir's services, for ever so short a time. He is a good brave officer. It was a Warm Action and the officers behavied well. Some Militia officers were Volunteers & acted with spirit. The Enemy's Loss has been Considerable, We are all in good spirits—I detained the Express in hopes of 17

1 See appendix.

0142 130 sending some information from the Mail—I have heard from Captain Chambers, & from Norton 1 whom I hope soon to see here

I remain Dear Sir With Respect, faithfully Yours Henry Proctor Col. comg

Major General Brock & & Fort George The Militia are coming in, and Indians also

H. P.

[C 677-p 18.]

FROM COLONEL BAYNES—UNADDRESSED

( War—1812 )

Montreal August 12th 1812

Sir

I have the honor to report that in obedience with Your Excellency's commands, I have proceeded with every dispatch, I was permitted to make to Albany, and had the honor to deliver Your Excellency's despatches to Major General Dearborn the evening of the 8th Instant.

General Dearborn received me with politeness and affability, assured me that the sentiments expressed in Your Excellency's Letter corresponded so entirely with his own that he regretted extremely that he did not think himself authorized to comply with your proposal in its fullest extent, but that having received specific instructions for his guidance in which an occurrence like the present had not been contemplated he could not take upon himself to conclude an armistice but he would have no hesitation in giving positive orders to the generals and officers commanding frontier stations to confine themselves to a line of conduct strictly defensive until further orders, that he would report the same to the Executive Government and in the event of this measure being disapproved of he would instantly communicate the information to Your Excellency, and in Countermanding the orders directing the officers to observe a defensive line of conduct, he would strictly enjoin their abstaining from any hostile operation until the expiration of four days of twenty-four hours each had elapsed after notice being received by the party not breaking the Armistice, as this arrangement would 0143 131 embrace in its operation the principal objects Your Excellency had in view I readily engaged that a similar line of conduct would be observed by the British Forces. 1 General Dearborn observed that tho' “Brigadier General Hull was nominally under his command, yet in matter of fact he had not any control over that officer, who acted under specific instructions direct from the Executive Government, that he would however write to General Hull and inform him of the engagements he had entered into and recommend his...adopting a similar line of conduct if compatible with his instructions. I have furnished General Dearborn with orders to the officers commanding at Fort George, Amherstburg and Kingston to be despatched by the same Messenger charged with the General's orders to the officers commanding at the corresponding Posts on the American frontier.......directing them to observe a line of conduct strictly defensive on receiving a similar assurance from the Enemy. I have at the same time cautioned them to observe the strictest vigilence and to be prepared for any event that may arise.

1 See appendix.

The officer commanding at Amherstburg is directed to adopt a defensive line of conduct on receiving assurance from General Hull that he will rigidly observe the same.

General Dearborn observed that considerable re-inforcements with ordnance and stores were on their route to the Western frontier, & that he could neither delay nor alter their destination—I informed the General that we also had troops escorting stores to the Upper Province, and if he pleased, that it should be agreed that all detachments with Convoys should be suffered to pass unmolested by troops under orders to observe defensive measures to which he assented.

General Dearborn deprecated in strong language the employing the Indians in our contest, and insinuated that the disposition originated with the British, and inferring that the Conduct of America was free from that reproach, I refuted this insinuation by assuring the general that we were in possession of intercepted letters of General Hull affording indubitable proof that he had not only entered into engagements with Indian Tribes but had employed emissaries to endeavor to gain over those supposed to be attached to the British Interests, that it was highly to be lamented the necessity of employing such means but as it was well known the disposition of these people would always lead them to take an active part it was a matter of necessity to prevent their decision being in favor of our Enemy.

General Dearborn objected to these mutual engagements being drawn up in writing and exchanging Copies. He observed that it would give it more the appearance of a Convention which he was not authorized to form—that 0144 132 he had in proceeding the length he had done perhaps exceeded his instructions; he did it with the best intentions for the welfare of both Nations, & in good faith he trusted, to the honor & integrity of the British Government, and that Your Excellency might rely on these engagements being faithfully observed by him.—

I wrote a minute of these engagements in General Dearborns presence, and in reading these to him he objected only to a single term, and on my substituting “Defensive Measures” for “suspended Hostility” he said he agreed to that arrangement and would observe it on his honor.

The General delivered to me a letter for Your Excellency and one stating his acceptance of the proposal in a limited degree.

I have the honor to subjoin a minute of such Military and political remarks and observations as I was enabled to make during the Six days I was employed in executing the orders which your Excellency was pleased to Commit to my charge

I have &c (signed) Edwd Baynes Col: & Adgt General

Endorsed: Copy of Col. Bayne's Report upon his Mission to Albany with dispatches for General Dearborn.

[C 677-p 22.]

MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Head Quarters Detroit August 16th 1812

Sir ,

I hasten to apprize Your Excellency of the Capture of this very important Post—2,500 troops have this day surrendered Prisoners of War, and about 25 pieces of Ordnance have been taken without the sacrifice of a drop of British blood,—I had not more than 700 troops including Militia, and about 400 Indians to accomplish this service,—When I detail my good fortune Your Excellency will be astonished. 1 I have been admirably supported by Colonel Proctor, the whole of my staff and I may justly say every individual under my Command

1 He had anticipated much difficulty, but found the task easy; just to march up to the town.

Believe me Your Excellency's faithful obedt & humble servt (Signed) Isaac Brock Mr Gl

To His Excellency Lt Genl Sir Geo Prevost Bt

[C 677-p 45]

0145 133 CONDITIONS PROPOSED AS THE BASIS OF A CONVENTION BETWEEN THE CITIZENS OF DETROIT AND COLONEL PROCTOR

First. A Force shall be stationed at Detroit for the Express Purpose of protecting the citizens from Slaughter, Conflagration and pillage.

Second. The Citizens shall be armed, and organized for the Aid of that Force, proper precautions being taken that it shall be applied to no other object.

Third.—The Force stationed at Detroit for the protection of the Citizens and British subjects found there at the Time—in case of an eventual change of Flag, not to be made or considered prisoners of war, but to be safely and honorably restored.

Fourth.—Colonel Proctor may name eighteen citizens, out of whom the citizens themselves will settle upon six, who shall be delivered as hostages.—

Fifth.—The Citizens will name eighteen persons, out of whom the Colonel will select six, to act as Commissioners, and to apprehend all who violate their neutrality, or give rise to probable suspicion thereof.

Sixth.—The Indians shall not be permitted to come within the country from the River Ecorse to Grosse Pointe, nor to carry scalps through the town.—

Seventh.—The convention may be communicated to the American General, or other Commander, by Flag, and be previously ratified by him.—

When General Montgomery took possession of Montreal he entered into a long Convention with the Citizens, differing, probably much from the preceding, but having similar objects

When the Marquis de Bouillé took possession of Tobago he stipulated that the English subjects should bear arms for the preservation of order among the Black Population of the Island :— 1

1 Capt. McLean certifies to the correctness of the copy. The phrasing of this proposal gives support to the belief that it was framed by Judge Woodward.

A. H. McLean A. D. C.

A true copy

[C 678-p 69.]

LIEUT. COL. MYERS TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Fort George Upper Canada August 17 1812.

Sir

I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency a Letter from Colonel Proctor received yesterday, enclosing the Copy of an intercepted Dispatch 0146 134 from Brigadier General Hull, dated at Sandwich, addressed to the American Secretary at War—the contents appear highly interesting, and lead to the certain hope of the overthrow of the Enemy's Force in that Quarter 1

1 Col. Proctor's letter to Gen. Brock, ante p. 129.

I have &c Christo: Myers Lt: Col—

His Excellency Lieut General Sir George Prevost Bart Commander of the Forces & & &

[C 677-p 48.]

LIEUT. COL. MYERS TO COL. LETHBRIDGE

( War—1812 )

Fort George August 22d 1812

Sir

I am directed by Major General Sheaffe to acquaint you, that in the expectation of your having received orders from Quebec to forward to this Post a portion of the reinforcements, which it is hoped have arrived at Kingston, and in consequence of my Private Letter to you of the 15th Instant—expressive of the anxiety of Major General Brock upon that point, he has been on the look out for some of the vessels from Kingston appearing here with the Troops, particularly as the wind has been favorable for two Days.

The circumstance of the fall of Detroit, and the hourly expected arrival here of a number of Prisoners to be sent downward, added to the want of Troops on this line, in the event of a renewal of hostilities, induces Major General Sheaffe to direct me to desire that if the three companies of the 49th Regt, and the Detachment of the Newfoundland Regt have arrived at Kingston, you cause the whole of the former to be immediately embarked on board the Royal George & Duke of Gloucester & dispatched without delay to this Post, provided you have not received orders to the contrary from His Excellency the Commander of the Forces, or Major Genl Brock.

Camp Equipage for 300 Men is to accompany the Troops to this Station 0147 135 and upon this subject I have forwarded orders to the Deputy Asst Qr Mastr Genl at Kingston.

I have &c &c (Signed) Christo Myers Lt Col D. Q. M. G.

Col Lethbridge &c &c &c Kingston

[C 677-p 53.]

MAJ. GEN. SHEAFFE TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Fort George 22nd August 1812

Sir ,

I have the honor of reporting to Your Excellency that on my arrival at this post on the 10th Instant, I found that a letter had arrived from Colonel Baynes, addressed to the officer commanding here, to apprise him that an armistice had been agreed on; & a correspondence on the subject had been opened between Lieut Colonel Myers and M. General Van Rensselaer; after my arrival several conferences were held between officers appointed for the purpose, a difficulty as to the terms having arisen, founded on a variation between those stated in Colonel Baynes's letter, and instructions which General Van Renssalaer 1 had received from General Dearborn, and which required a stipulation on our part that no reinforcements &c should be sent up to the troops opposed to B. General Hull;—this obstacle was removed in an unexpected manner:—I went up to Queenstown on the 20th Inst accompanied by Lt Colonel Myers and Brigade Major Evans, and I sent the latter over to Lewiston with my propositions;—on his return he informed me that objections were made to some of them, and that Colonel Van Rensselaer 1 —A. D. C. to the General, would come over to me to enter into an explanatory discussion, before his arrival the Express came to me with the intelligence of M. General Brock's important success—it was not communicated to him, but some time was employed in discussion before I acceded to the obligation not to send up reinforcements without four days previous notice, thinking it prudent to avoid exciting suspicion by too ready an assent: I have the honor of transmitting the Articles agreed on, and it is, moreover understood that boats are not to be assembled at any

1 See appendix.

0148 136 point on either side, under cover of the privilege granted therein—I also enclose herewith a copy of a letter which Lt Colonel Myers has written by my direction to Colonel Lethbridge.

Since L Colonel Myers's letter of the 17th Instant considerable reinforcements are said to have joined the Enemy at Blackrock, and a Camp capable of holding at least eight hundred men has been formed at Lewiston, on the 18th there were seventy tents in which it was reported there were six hundred men, but L. Colonel Myers having caused a few blank cartridges to be fired in quick succession to create alarm and make them turn out, it had the desired effect, and he did not discover more than two hundred men;—since that period, however, the number of tents has been increased to more than a hundred—

The wind has been unfavourable to M. General Brock for several days or he would probably have arrived here by this time.—

I have the honour to be, Your Excellency's Most obedient, and most humble Servant, R. H. Sheaffe 1 M. Genl. &c &c

1 See appendix.

His Excellency Sir George Prevost &c &c &c

[C 677-p 55.]

GENERAL DEARBORN TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

His Excellency Sir George Prevost

Head Quarters Greenbush 2 Aug 26th 1812

2 Greenbush lies 290 miles from the Niagara frontier where Dearborn's command was stationed.

Sir

It is with regret I have to inform Your Excellency, that the President of the United States has received no official information, from your Government, which will warrant a continuance of the provisional measure, that was temporarily agreed on, between Your Excellency (through the agency of Col Baynes) and myself. I have therefore to inform Your Excellency, that at the expiration of four days, from the time that this Communication shall 0149 137 have reached the Commanding officer at Montreal, and Copies to the same effect, shall have been received to the respective Commanding officers, on the frontiers: viz: at Niagara, & Ogdensburgh, on the side of the United States;—and the British Commanding officer, in Upper Canada, at Niagara & Kingston.

I shall consider the arrangement before alluded to for a Mutual suspension of active hostilities, as no longer obligatory on either party 1 —And if a suspension of offensive operations, shall have been mutually consented to between Genl Hull, and the Commanding officer of the British force at or near Detroit, as proposed they will respectively be authorised, at the expiration of four days, subsequent to their receiving copies of the communication,—to consider themselves released from any agreement, thus entered into.—

1 See appendix. 18

Captain Pinkney, one of my Aides-de-Camps—is charged with the conveyance of this Communication to Your Excellency, or to the commanding at Montreal.—I have sent Copies of this communication, to the respective commanding officers on the side of the United States, on the frontiers, with Copies directed to the British Commanding officers at Niagara, Kingston, & Detroit—and directions to have the Copies, intended for the British officers—respectively conveyed to them without delay.

I cannot on this occasion refrain from expressing to Your Excellency, my ardent wish, that measures may speedily be adopted, for effecting such an honorable & permanent peace between our Governments as will establish the most harmonious intercourse between the two nations, so deeply interested in the offices of reciprocal friendship—

With great consideration & respect I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Obedt Servnt H. Dearborn

[C 677-p 58.]

LIEUT. COL. PROCTOR TO SECRETARY FREER

( Command Money )

Detroit August 28th 1812

Sir

Permit me to request some Information respecting the command money 0150 138 for the Time I was at Fort George. I have not received any since my arrival in the Upper Province.

I remain, Sir Your Obedient humble Servant Henry Proctor Lt Colonel III Regt & Colonel

Noah Freer Esqre Military Secretary Quebec

[C 102-p 87.]

RETURN OF CAPTURED SUPPLIES

I do certify that Captain Chambers of the 41st Regiment has delivered into His Majestys Magazines at this Post, the undermentioned species and quantities of provisions and spirits (captured by him from the enemy at the Miami) to be paid for by the Commissary.

Flour Thirteen Thousand & Sixty Eight pounds

Pork Three Thousand Seven hundred and twenty four pounds

Whiskey one Hundred and fifty gallons

Signed Robert Reynolds D. A. C. General

Amherstburg 28th August 1812

N. B. the price of the above named articles as follows.

Flour Eight dollars per barrell

Pork nineteen do per do

Whiskey one dollar per gallon 1

1 Then a low priced commodity. The abundant crops of Ohio gave distillers cheap corn; and there was no internal revenue tax on liquors.

[C 695-p 59.]

FROM SIR GEORGE PREVOST—UNADDRESSED

( War—1812 )

Montreal 29th August 1812

Sir

I beg leave to enclose herewith for Your Excellency's information the copy of a letter I have just received from Major General Brock announcing 0151 139 to me the surrender of fort Detroit on the 16th Instant By Brigadier General Hull with the Army under his command; I shall have the pleasure of transmitting to you the particulars of this affair as soon as they have reached me from Upper Canada, which I am daily expecting.

I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant (signed) George Prevost Comg the Forces

[C 677-p 62.]

MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Fort George September 7th 1812

Sir ,

On my arrival here yesterday morning I found that intimation had been received by Major General Sheaffe of the intention of the enemy to renew hostilities at noon to-morrow 1 . During the cessation of hostilities vast supplies have been received by the enemy. His field Artillery is numerous, and I have reason to believe his heavy ordnance has been considerably encreased. He is now busy erecting batteries in front of Fort George, and every thing indicates an intention of commencing active operations. Reinforcements of troops of every description have evidently arrived—

1 See appendix.

I have sent to Amherstburg for such troops as conceived the state of affairs in that quarter enabled him to part with—Colonel Vincent has likewise been written to on the same subject. The prodigious quantity of Pork and Flower which have been observed landing on the opposite shore from a number of Vessels and larger boats which have entered the river during the Armistice are sufficient to supply the wants for a long period of a considerable force.

I expect an attack almost immediately. The enemy will either turn my left flank which he may easily accomplish during a calm night, or attempt to force his way across under cover of his artillery. We stand greatly in want of officers, men, and heavy ordnance. Captain Holcroft has been indefatigable, and has done every thing in the power of an individual, but on such an extended line assistance is necessary.

I look every day for the arrival of five 24 pounders from Detroit, and other 0152 140 Artillery and stores which are not required there, besides two thousand muskets.

We have now three hundred Indians on the ground, and two hundred more are expected to-morrow, they appear ashamed of themselves, and promise to whipe away the disgrace into which they have fallen by their late conduct. They may serve to intimidate, otherwise expect no essential service from this degenerate race—

Should your Excellency be in a situation to send reinforcements to the Upper Country, the whole of the force at present at Kingston might be directed to proceed hither—One thousand additional regulars, are necessary a force of that description ought to be stationed at Pelham to act as exigencies might require—At present the whole of my force being necessary for the defence of the banks of the river no part can look for support.

If I can continue to maintain my position six weeks longer the campaign will have terminated in a manner little expected in the States. But I stand in want of more artillerymen, and a thousand regulars. I have thus given Your Excellency a hasty sketch of my situation—and this I can aver that no exertions shall be wanting to do justice to the important command with which I am entrusted Captain Fulton leaves this by the first safe conveyance.

I have the honour to be with the highest respect Your Excellency's Most obedient and Humble Servant Isaac Brock M. G.

It is said that Fort Niagara is to be evacuated—

His Excellency Lt Genl Sir George Prevost Bt &c &c

[ C 677-p 64.]

GENERAL HULL TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Montreal 8th Sept 1812

Sir

In my letter of the 15th of Augt addressed to Major General Brock, I observed, “that the flag of truce, under the directions of Cap: Brown proceeded contrary to the orders, and without the knowledge of Capn Cass, 0153 141 who commanded the Troops, which attacked your picket guard, near the River Canard Bridge,”

As this is not only a subject of national honor, but of delicacy to the officers, who were concerned in the transaction, it is necessary that the whole case should be stated.

The object of the expedition under Col. Cass was to reconnoitre the country as far as the River Canard, and I had no expectation of his passing the River and making the attack.........

Cap: Brown was sent by my orders, under the sanction of a flag of truce.........As he proceeded down the River, he had an interview with Col. Cass, and the Coln informed him of his intention to pass the river and attack the picket guard, and desired Capt Brown not to proceed to Amherstburg until the event had taken place.........

Capt. Brown informed, it was his intention not to have proceeded in consequence of this information, until he knew there was no active hostility on our part.........Being however unacquainted with the shore of the Detroit River, he unexpectedly turned a point of land, which brought him with his flag of truce in full view of the Fort of Amherstburg—He then considered, situated as he unexpectedly was, that there would be more propriety in proceeding than in remaining in that situation; expecting that he should be able to return, before any active operations were commenced..........

I am very respectfully Your Excellency's most obt servt Wm Hull

Sir George Prevost Commanding His Britannic Majesty's Forces, & & &c

[C 677-p 73.]

OBSERVATIONS BY TANPOINT 1 POTHIER AT THE REQUEST OF HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE PREVOST &c &c &c ON THE CAPTURE AND STATE OF MICHILLIMACKINAC WHEN HE LEFT IT

1 Toussaint C. Pothier. “Messrs. Dickson, Pothier and Crawford behaved nobly at the capture of Mackinac.” Maj. Gen. Brock, July 29, 1812.

On the third July inst. I received at Fort S. Joseph from Montreal in the Capacity of Agent for the South West Fur Company appointed by Messrs McTavish Mc Gillivrays & Co & Forsyth Richardson & Co.

That Post was under the command of Cap Charles Roberts of the Royal 10th Veteran Battallion with a detachment Composed of three subaltern 0154 142 officers and between forty and forty-five Non Commissioned officers and privates of said Battallion.

There were also arrived at that Post from the Wintering grounds several of the Traders Equiped by said Company among whom was Mr. Robert Dickson who brought in with him from the Mississippi a Band of Indians, Scioux, Puants and Falles Avoines, Composing a body of one hundred and thirty warriors, Commanded by the principle chiefs of their tribes, who accompanied Mr Dickson in consequence as I understand of an understanding between him and General Brock and with the view of supporting the British interest in that Country.

The number of Canadians at St. Joseph at this time were but few, the Traders having Chiefly left their men and returns at the Post of Michillimackinac

on the 9th of the same month on Express arrived from General Brock Announcing the declaration of war by the Americans against Great Britain, and on the 10th a requisition was made by Capt. Roberts, that all the Boats, Arms, and Ammunition in my possession should be immediately placed at his disposal, which was accordingly done.

The situation in which I was placed representing the Trade and Interest of the Company induced Captain Roberts to Confer with me upon public measures necessary to be taken in the event of a descent on the Island of Michillimackinac, at which time he made me acquainted with the weak state of his garrison as well as other means in his power which were of themselves very insufficient for the undertaking, having but forty Guns in the Indian Store, and no Gunpowder but what was required for the great guns of the Garrison and Ball Cartridges for his own men only, not a flint, in short the Garrison was difficient of every necessary for such an undertaking without the Assistance which fortunately happened to be within my power to afford him. With this Assistance he determined upon an attack on Michillimackinac as soon as he should receive instructions to that effect and preparative measures were adopted accordingly.

In consequence of this determination an Express was sent to Mr. Shaw and the other Agents of the North West Company at Fort William, Solliciting such assistance as might be within their power to Contribute, a vessel of theirs being at that time at St. Joseph was also put in requisition, and those Gentlemen with great alacrity came down with a strong party to Co-operate bringing to St. Maries several Carryage Guns and other Arms, and altho the distance between St. Joseph's and Fort William is about 500 Miles they arrived at Michillimackinac the ninth day from the date of the Express and found us in peaceable possession. 1

1 An exceedingly prompt response to the request for assistance. The entire journey was made by canoe on Lakes Superior and Huron.

0155 143

Between the ninth and the fifteenth on which day the Express arrived authorizing the undertaking several bands of Indians came in among whom were the principle Outawas Chiefs. On the day of their arrival the Council Room was opened to them when the commanding officer acquainted them of the declaration of war and required of them that assistance which from their former professions he had every right to expect, they appeared very luke warm, and after a great deal of prevarication reluctantly agreed to join the expedition; the other Indians were very unanimous, particularly the Western Indians whose animated example had great influence upon the concurrence of the others. It may be proper to observe that Amable Chevalier 1 a Courte Oreille or Outawas Chief who has resided at the Lake of the two Mountains for several years past, returned to the upper countries last fall, and this last spring on hearing the probability of a War came to St. Joseph's; and tendered his services to the commanding officer, this man's influence had been great among them heretofore, and although he used every exertion in his power on this occasion to interest them in the British cause, which he had heartily espoused, he never could bring himself to have confidence in their fidelity.

1 See appendix.

By this time most of the Indian traders arrived at St. Joseph's with a number of their men, so that we were now enabled to form a force of about 230 Canadians and 320 Indians exclusive of the garrison—With this force we left St Joseph on the 16th at Eleven o'clock, A. M. landed at Michilim'k at three o'clock the next morning, summoned the garrison to surrender at nine o'clock and marched in at Eleven.

Among the Indians that accompanied the expedition, were about thirty Outawas, Amable Chevalier having been despatched by the commanding officer to their village, in order to bring the others (between two and three hundred warriors in number) to form a junction at a given point in which we were disappointed; two days elapsed after the capitulation when we were informed that they were all encamped at a distance of fifteen miles from Michilim'k on this information a canoe was despatched from Michillim'k with Wampum and Tobacco to tell them the news and to write them to come in and partake in concert with the other Indians of what was intended to be Destributed generally, and they accordingly came in alledging their delay arose from the badness of the weather. Soon after Amable Chevalier informed me privately their motives of delay was occasioned by indecision on their part while the conquest remained doubtfull and unknown to them and a predelection in favor of the Americans seemed to influence them.

They were in this state of indecision when advices of General Hull's landing 0156 144 at Sandwich arrived, with a force which they considerably magnified and which tended greatly to damp the ardour of the other tribes, and the very men among them who Capt Roberts appointed to a village Guard, were those who held private Counsels, to which they invited the Sautteux for the purpose not only of abandoning the British cause, but eventually to avail themselves of the first good opportunity of cutting off the Fort. this being rejected by the others, they suddenly broke up their Camp and returned to their Villages to the exception of a few young and old men of little or no importance.

A few days previous to my coming away the principle chiefs of this Tribe returned to Michillimac. at that time there were about two hundred Warriors of other tribes preparing to go to Amherstburg to join the British, when at a special Council they declared their determination to remain neutral and reproached the commanding officer with having taken them too abruptly at St Joseph, that their Eyes were then shut but now open, and that without them he could never have got up there pointing to the Fort, and from the general conversation at that time gave to understand that the Future possession of the Fort depended upon them.

When I left Michilimk 1 on the evening of the 25th July most of the Indian Traders and men were gone off to their Wintering Quarters, so that very soon after it would be left with no other protection but the Garrison, little or no Indian goods remained, not much provision, and a great Scarcity of Gun Powder. Another evil which prevails there, is the want of a good Interpreter, an object of the greatest importance to His Majesty's interest in that Country

1 Michilimackinac—a grievously long word for a penman.

Montreal 8th September 1812 T. C. Pothier

[ C 677-p 70.]

COLONEL PROCTOR TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK

( War—1812 )

Detroit September 9th 1812

Dear Sir

I beg to acquaint you that on my arrival at the Foot of the Rapids, Accompanied by the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, I found that the Post of Sandusky had been evacuated by the enemy as well as the whole of the Territory of Michigan. The Garrison of Chicago has been taken, by the Indians, partly by stratagem, more than a Fortnight since, and I am sorry to say that the Garrison consisting of fifty men, and every other person 0157 145 there, excepting an officer and his Lady who were wounded, and a Trader, Kenzie, (Kinzie) were killed, 1 we had no knowledge of any attack having been intended by the Indians on Chicago, nor can they indeed be said to be within the influence of the superintendent. I have reason to believe that Fort Wayne has been invested by the back Indians, and if Colonel Eliot had not been totally unable from a Lumbago to ride so far I should have required him to proceed for that place to restrain the Indians, he has however taken measures that I hope will have the desired effect. On my return to Amherstburg I received Colonel Baynes's Letter from Green Bush (8th of August) and which had been forwarded from Fort Erie, having been directed to the care of General Hull. I shall send off the Queen Charlotte, with the Prisoners of war, and the Deserters from our service, under a proper escort, I do not think it prudent whilst any of the Prisoners are here to weaken my Force. Besides it may be requisite to send a Force to save the Garrison of Fort Wayne. And the Militia have been reduced to three hundred. I need not mention that your Directions shall be strictly attended to, to the best of my Power and Judgment. I remain

1 See appendix. 19

Dear Sir with Respect faithfully and obediently Yours Henry Proctor Colonel Comg

Major General Brock &c &c &c

[77-pp 85]

FROM COLONEL PROCTOR—UNADDRESSED

( War—1812 )

Detroit September 10th 1812

Dear Sir

I have just received Your Letter from Kingston of the 4th Inst: And shall act accordingly. Enclosed I send a return of the Ordnance and Ordnance stores sent in the Queen Charlotte, no shot were sent because as I understand there is already a quantity of each Calibre at Fort George. The remainder of the Prisoners of War, excepting some sick and wounded, were also sent on board the Charlotte with a Guard of two subaltern officers & forty men of the 41st Regiment, whom I Cannot afford to part with. I had ordered the Deserters on board, but have had the dissatisfaction to find that 0158 146 they have not been sent. Annexed is also a list of provisions and Stores Captured on the 16th Ulto.—I assented to the absence of L. Col Nichol for a short time on the Urgency of his private affairs, and the probability of the Armistice Continuing. Major Givens has been of great assistance to me in his department. I regret his going but I could not detain him longer than there was a probability of my returning soon to Fort George. As you directed a Sergeant of the 41st Regt (Leonard Smith) has been appointed to act as Dy Barrack Master at this place. I shall be much gratified if it should be Confirmed. I found on my arrival here that the Boats, and the Engagies of the South West Company had been detained and employed in the service. They have been under the direction of Lieut Bender 41st Regt and have been of the greatest use. They have been provisioned, and I suppose are entitled to pay as Militia. I am sending off a detachment of 41st Regt and Militia with three Pounder to Aid the Indians against Fort Wayne. It shall be Conducted with every Prudence and Expedition. The Detroit will sail in a few days for Fort Erie. Judge Campbell 1 goes in her. I have required one hundred more of the Militia, making four hundred besides the thirty mounted who are to keep up the Communication with the Moravian town. One hundred and fifty of the Mackina Indians are arrived, they met the Express sixty miles on this side of Mackina. They are just in time for Fort Wayne. The Hunter shall sail without delay I remain

1 William Campbell, a justice of the superior court of Upper Canada; director of the “Loyal and Patriotic Society.”

faithfully Yours Signed Henry Proctor Colonel Commanding

[C 677- p. 88.]

FROM MAJOR GENERAL DE ROTTENBURG

Camp Blairfindy Sept 10th 1812

Sir

General Hull will be forwarded according to directions as soon as he arrives

I have the honor to be &c &c Francis de Rottenburg M Genl

The Indians have this moment arrived His Excellency the Comd of the Forces

[C 677-p 77.]

0159 147
MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Fort George September 18th 1812

Sir

I have been honored with Your Excellency's dispatch dated the 7th Instant I have implicitly followed Your Excellency's instructions, and abstained under great temptation and provocation, from every act of hostility. The information received from a deserter, and which I had the honor to detail in my last, is far from correct, and where credit is to be given, the facts apply solely to the regular force—The Militia being selected from the most violent democrats, are generally inclined to invade this Province—Provisions are in tolerable plenty—the only complaint arises from a want of vegetables. It is currently reported that the enemy's force is to be encreased to seven thousand and that on their arrival an attack is immediately to be made—I am convinced the militia would not keep together in their present situation without such a prospect nor do I think the attempt can be long deferred—Sickness prevails in some degree along the line, but principally at Black Rock.

The Flank Companies of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment have joined me—A Serjeant and twenty five rank and file of the Veterans arrived at the same time, whom I propose sending to Michilimackinac.

The enclosed letters from Colonel Proctor will inform Your Excellency of a force having been detached under Captain Muir for the reduction of West 1 Wayne—I gave orders previous to my leaving Amherstburg for it, which must have induced Colonel Proctor to proceed upon receiving intelligence of the recommencement of hostilities without waiting for further directions—I regret exceedingly that this service should have been undertaken contrary to your Excellency's wishes or intentions, but I beg leave to assure your Excellency that the principal object in sending a British force to Fort Wayne is with the hope of preserving the lives of the garrison—By the last accounts the place was invested by a numerous body of Indians with very little prospect of being relieved. The prisoners of War, who know perfectly the situation of the garrison, rejoiced at the measure, and give us full credit for our intentions.

1 Fort Wayne.

The Indians were likewise looking to us for assistance. They heard of the Armistice with every mark of jealousy, and had we refused joining them in the expedition it is impossible to calculate the consequences—I have already been asked to pledge my word that England would enter into no negociation 0160 148 in which their interests were not consulted, and could they be brought to imagine that we should desert them the consequences must be fatal.

I have perused with every possible attention your Excellency's instruction “that whenever I was informed that the enemy have made an attempt to penetrate into the Lower Province I am to concentrate all my disposal force, and immediately make such a divertion as shall indicate a disposition to operate upon his lines of communication” my force is so scattered, and so immediately required for the defence of the different posts at which it is stationed, that I am at a loss to know in what manner I possibly can act so as to produce the effect expected.

I shall be obliged to Your Excellency to direct five thousand pounds to be transmitted to the Receiver General for the civil expenditure of this Province. Army Bills I make no doubt will answer every purpose.

This dispatch is entrusted to Lt. Colonel Nicholls, quarter Master General of this militia, whom I take the liberty to introduce to your Excellency as perfectly qualified from his local knowledge, and late return, to afford every information of the State of affairs in the Western district. He is instructed to make extensive purchases of necessaries for the use of the Militia, and I have to entreat Your Excellency to indulge him with the means of a speedy conveyance back to this place

I have the honour to be With the highest respect Your Excellency's faithful and obedt Servant Isaac Brock M. Genl.

His Excellency L. Genl. Sir George Prevost Bt. &c &c &c

[C 677-p 90.]

MAJOR MUIR TO COLONEL PROCTOR

( War—1812 )

Old Delaware Town 12 miles above Fort Defiance on the Miami River 40 miles from Fort Wayne 26th September 1812

Sir

In consequence of unavoidable delays, we only arrived here last night when nine or ten Indians advanced for the first time about five or six miles ahead of the troops under my command: about sunsit they fell in with an advanced party of the enemi consisting of an officer and four men, whom 0161 149 they took prisoners and were informed by them that an army of five thousand men was about four miles in their rear, and that another army of three thousand men, was on its march down the Glaze river and that they were to join the former army at Fort Defiance. Having received this information, I despatched a messenger to Colonel Elliott who was at that time lying opposite to Fort Defiance, with the main body of the Indians, whose number, at present, is about six hundred. Colonel Elliott on receiving this information got the Indians on their march and arrived here about mid-day, since which time we have had parties out in every direction, who have brought in various reports, but none appeared to be satisfactory until a Huron chief called Split log 1 came in. He said that he had been round the whole of the American camp, which lies at the distance of about eight miles from us, and that they are about two thousand five hundred strong.

1 See appendix.

We have our guns and everything ready for action, but in this country where from the lowness of the water we have been three days bringing our guns eight miles, should we be obliged to retreat which from the great superiority of the enemy's force we have every reason to expect we shall, it will be the next thing to an impossibility for us to succeed in bringing off our cannon, and should we be obliged to leave them, we must endeavor to make them unserviceable for the time. Two hundred more Indians are expected to-morrow, and should they arrive in time it is proposed to attack the enemy on his march.

In consequence of a great number of our cattle having got away from the men who had charge of them, we have now no more than two days provisions, altho we have all been on short allowance for these four days past. Captain Elliott is gone back to the Rapids to endeavor to procure some more cattle and flour (which we are equally in want of from the impossibility of bringing it by water, and the great scarcity of pack horses and saddles). Excuse the liberty I take in observing that I conceive no time should be lost in making every precaution for the defence of Detroit and Amherstburg, as I have no doubt of this large force being intended for one or both these places—You may expect every information from me of anything that may occur, and you may rely upon being acquainted with the result of this business as soon as it is decided.

I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt and very humble servt (Signed) A. C. Muir Major Commg. & Capt. 41 Regt.

Colonel Proctor &c &c &c Detroit

0162 150

27th Sept 9 o'clock A. M. One hundred and forty nine Indians have just joined us.

[C 677-p 97.]

MAJOR GENERAL BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

York Upper Canada September 28th 1812

Sir

I have been honored with your Excellency's dispatch dated the 14th instant—I shall suspend under the latitude left by your Excellency to my discretion, the evacuation of Fort Detroit, such a measure would most probably be followed by the total extinction of the population on that side of the River, or the Indians, aware of our weakness and inability to carry on active warfare would only think of entering into terms with the Enemy 1 .

1 The inference is that Brock had been advised to withdraw his troops from Detroit to reinforce those on the Niagara frontier.

I have the honor &c Isaac Brock M. G.

His Excellency Sir George Prevost Bt &c &c

[ C 677-p 94.]

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL PROCTOR TO MAJOR GENERAL BROCK, DATED DETROIT SEPTEMBER 30 th 1812

The Indians will certainly not desert us now, but a respectable force is requisite to give them confidence, and render them effective. The Indians hesitated some time whether they should again confide in us. They have their fears that this Territory may be again ceded to the Americans, and in the event of which, they will I am Confident, look upon us as their betrayers, and worst enemies. Our retention of this Territory, is I believe, as much as they would require. I shall however better inform myself on that subject.

I have just received the enclosed letter from Captain Muir. Whatever may be the result of the expedition, there cannot be a doubt of the propriety of it. If a retreat should be requisite, it must be on this side of the streight that every stand must be made. The enemy must pay dearly for 0163 151 every inch of tenable ground we may be obliged to yield to them. The Indians were in high spirits. Flour and Cattle were on the way and not more than two days from them. I hope that you have received a reinforcement, that will leave you at liberty to send some of the 41st Regiment to our assistance, I hope we shall do our duty. The Detroit sails without delay—she has the ordnance and small Arms on Board. The Queen Charlotte I have detained until I hear further from Captain Muir, in the meantime she will show herself on the American Coast between Cleveland and St Dusky (Sandusky) to cause an alarm there

[ C 677-p 100]

MAJOR MUIR TO COLONEL PROCTOR

( War—1812 )

Miami River 2 miles above Fort Miami Septr 30th 1812

Sir ,

I beg leave to acquaint you that on the morning of the 27th instant as I mentioned to you in my former letter of the 27th it was intended to have attacked the Enemy on his march, and every thing was ready for that purpose, however in the morning it was thought necessary to send out a reconnoitring party to see if he was likely to move, and Captain Caldwell and Lieut. Askin of the Militia and a party of sixty Indians were sent out for that purpose. In the course of an hour, some shots were fired and our parties returned leaving one Indian whom they reported to be killed, and said that the enemy was on his march towards us—Still no further steps were taken by the Indians to prevent his progress, soon after another Indian came in and reported that the Enemy was within less than two miles of us, and that another Indian had been killed by them. I then requested Colonel Elliott to inform me, what the Indians intended to do; he went to Round-Head 1 (the principal chief) and returned immediately saying “I might chuse any place in the plain which I thought best adapted to the use of the guns, and that the Indians would flank them.” I told him I should occupy the road skirting the wood; where they would be ready to act in any situation as soon as this arrangement took place, and the Troops were at their stations as a guard to the guns—Colonel Elliott rode up to me, and said the Indians would not come that way, and requested I would retire through the woods, and stop at the first place where I could take up a good position, and that they would flank us as they said before. We then commenced our retreat and at the distance of about four miles in our rear, there was a small opening in the wood, where they supposed the guns might be disposed of to advantage,

1 See appendix.

0164 152 but I soon convinced them to the contrary, by showing them that the guns could not possibly throw a shot more than one hundred yards in any direction, and I told them the Guns were brought for the purpose of battering Fort Wayne, but would not answer to fight in the woods, and that as soon as we arrived at Fort Defiance I would endeavor to send them off and should then be at liberty to act according to circumstances. I then made every arrangement and had the artillery and stores embarked in boats under the direction of Lieut Thought on, 1 with orders to proceed to Amherstburg with as much expedition as possible. This Service being arranged and sent off, I went to the Indian Camp where the Indians were at Council, and was soon given to understand that they were determined to meet the Enemy at an advantageous spot in the morning—The next morning (the 28th) about an hour before day light I received a message from Colonel Elliott, saying that the Indians had been conjuring all right, and that the Mackinac and Sagina Indians were going to leave the Camp. This being the case I made no doubt but a retreat had been agreed upon, and intended by the whole, and gave directions for the Cattle and Baggage to proceed. In less than half an hour afterwards I received another message from Colonel Elliott saying that the Indians were determined to fight, and requested I would move on the Troops—I immediately ordered them to march, and was at their camp in a few minutes. Colonel Elliott then came up to me, and begged I would halt the men for a few minutes as the Indians were not yet ready—I then observed them moving off bag and baggage in bands of six and seven at a time, in every direction. I mentioned what I had seen to Colonel Elliott, who told me they were going to hide their things, and would return immediately—The Chief of the Mackina Indians then came up and took his leave, saying that the Indians were divided amongst themselves, and that he would take home his young men, adding that those who had horses might remain, as they could easily run away in case of defeat—He then marched of with the principal part of his Band, which consisted of 200 young men—I then observed to three or four of the Interpreters that were standing by me, “I thought the camp began to be very thin.”—At that instant a young Huron said that by the time we got to the fighting ground we should not have half the number that were then present—This gave me a pretty clear idea of what I might expect—I was however determined to see, and we all marched off for the ground that it was intended we should fight on, which was the East bank of the North or little Miami River, branching off from the other about three miles above Fort Defiance—Soon after our arrival at the place, Colonel Elliott and I went to look at the ground and on our return a Prisoner was

1 Lieut. Felix Troughton of the Royal Artillery. He was awarded a medal for services at the capture of Detroit.

0165 153 brought in by one of the Indians, who said, that he had strayed from the Army about four days before, and that he had not eat anything during that time—We then examined him respecting the Army and he informed us that it was commanded by General Harrison as far as Forty Wayne when he was obliged to return to the Wabash in consequence of some of their Towns having been burnt by the Indians, and that as soon as he had quieted them, he was to return to the command of the Army, and bring with him the force he took at the Wabash. That during his absence the army was commanded by General Winchester, 1 he further said that he army was three thousand strong,, consisting of the following Regiments Viz—Wells' Regulars, Lewis', Allens' and Scott's Volunteers from Kentucky Simmerole's Cavalry 250 strong, and 150 mounted Riflemen, with one six pounder and 70 waggons—that they were short of provisions, but that they expected another army of the same strength to meet them at Fort Defiance which was to bring provisions for both armies, and four pieces of cannon, and that both Armies were to have met at Fort Defiance on the 26th inst: and that it was generally thought it was intended on their meeting, they should proceed to Detroit—During this conversation I recollected what I had been told respecting the number of Indians I should have, and as nearly as I could judge there were not more than 320 to 330 present—I mentioned this to Colonel Elliott and told him I considered it would be madness with such a handful of men to think of opposing an army of such a force; besides it was running the risk of being completely locked in, without the smallest chance of success, or even escaping—He then told me that two of the Indian Conjurors had dreamt that they should be successful that day, and that they were determined to fight—I then told him to acquaint the Indians, that I could not see the smallest prospect of success, but on the contrary, should I engage, the whole of the Troops under my Command must inevitably fall. I was determined not to throw away the lives of so many men, and for no purpose. He then went to Round Head and informed him of my determination—Round Head then came to me with an Interpreter and urged the necessity of trying their success in compliance with the dream of the conjurors, and that at all events we might drive back their advanced guard—I agreed that that might be done but what would be the advantage, when while we were engaged with these few men, we run the risk of being cut off from our baggage and provisions, and at the same time allowed the Enemy to get so near that to retreat with my Troops would have been morally impossible—He repeated that as to being surrounded and cut off we could easily prevent that by retreating through the woods, I told him, that might answer for

1 See appendix. 20

0166 154 his people very well, but would not for mine, and that if he would collect the Warriors and young men of his Nation, I would wait for them at the Camp we left in the morning, and we might then retreat in a body. To this he agreed, and we commenced our Retreat accordingly. Lieutenant Troughton who will deliver this Letter, will give you every information respecting our Retreat to this place, as we overtook him the first day, and he has been with us ever since—He will also account to you for some Stores which he was obliged to destroy in order to get down our guns—Some Indians who had been sent up the Glaize 1 river on the 27th to examine into the truth of the report the Prisoner we took made respecting an army being on its way down by that river returned without having seen anything of the army, but they discovered fresh footsteps and heard bugles sounding very distinctly, and from that they imagined the Enemy were encamped not more than two miles from the Fort—Previous to this they had heard two cannon shots in the same direction but at some distance further off-Colonel Elliott this day assured me that he would send out parties with white men to reconnoitre, and watch the movements of the army from whom we should receive information according as anything material should occur—Before I conclude, permit me to assure you that every praise is due to the officers of my little army for their exertions in endeavoring to forward the expedition and for their Zeal and cheerful compliance with all orders on every occasion.

1 Au Glaize. See appendix.

The men also behaved remarkably well, and I have no doubt that could they have been brought into action with any hopes of success, their conduct would have been equally good.

(Signed) A. C. Muir Major and Captain 41st Regt. Commanding

Colonel Proctor &c &c &c Commanding Detroit.

[C 677-p 102]

COLONEL PROCTOR TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK

( Command Money )

Detroit October 1st 1812

Sir

It being agreeable to a Regulation of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and there being also a Precedent for it, in this country, I request 0167 155 you will have the goodness to recommend me for the increase of pay as Colonel Commanding a District and from whatever Period, It may appear to you that I have Pretentions to the same

I have the honor to be Sir With Respect, Your faithful and obedient servant Henry Procter Colonel Comg

Major General Brock Commdg in Upper Canada Fort George

[C 677-p 122]

COLONEL PROCTOR TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK

( War—1812 )

Detroit October 3d 1812

Sir

I have the honor to send you herewith a Copy of a letter which I received last evening from Captain Muir, who I find has arrived at Amherstburg with his detachment. Fort Wayne had been relieved about ten days previous to the detachments arrival at Fort Defiance. The delay occasioned by the Armistice prevented the attainment of our object of the expedition, which was the destruction of Fort Wayne, the other was effected by the enemy. I do not think we shall have any credit for our good intentions however. Some delays which occurred on the Expedition proved fortunate, as they could, it now appears, scarcely have returned before a very considerable body of the enemy would have intercepted them. If I had not been already perfectly convinced of the necessity of an independent regular force to insure the effectual assistance of the Indians, the history of this expedition would have confirmed me in that opinion. I fully expect that the enemy will advance as soon as they can bring Provisions &c to Fort Defiance, which they probably will move from in force. The Ohio state abounds in cattle &c. From the people that have left this place of late, whom it is an object to be rid of, the enemy knew perfectly well our state, our force &c. which they no doubt are led to believe not equal even to what it is. Their Militia cannot refuse to march into this Territory. I have been getting the Cattle as much as possible from the lower part of this Territory. 1 I shall

1 The Raisin and Maumee river districts:

0168 156 not now stand on much ceremony. I shall leave no provisions for the Enemy, and shall make every obstacle to his advance. It is with much reluctance I leave myself without a vessel of force, but the season is so advanced that I am averse to any portion of it being lost. If the Lady Prevost can be spared even until the Charlotte return, she may prove very useful.

I am Sir With respect, Your faithful & obedient servant (signed Henry Procter Colonel Commg

Major General Brock &c &c &c Fort George

[C 677-p 111.]

MAJOR HEATHCOTE TO COLONEL VINCENT

( War—1812 )

Point Frederick 3d Oct. 1812

Sir

I have the honor to report, for the information of Major General Brock that at ½ past seven oclock on the morning of the 16th ulto: as the Brigade of Boats under my command entered the narrow passage between Presquille, and an Island known by the name of Toussaint, they enemy who were concealed in the wood, in number we supposed between three and four hundred open'd a brisk fire of musketry from one extremety of the Island to the other on the Batteaux, the Detachment was immediately landed, and formed in the best manner to protect the stores and repel the attack of the enemy, by returning a well directed and spirited fire, at this moment a schooner carrying a six Pounder came round the lower point of the Island and commenced firing upon us with round shot which was continued about an hour, at the same time a large Durham boat filled with men came round the Upper Point of the Island apparently with the intention of landing at Presquille, in consequence of which I ordered a party consisting of about thirty of the Detachment and a number of the Militia to proceed to the Point opposite the Durham boat, and I have the satisfaction to state that their fire was so well directed that they enemy were driven from the Point and the boat taken possession of. The schooner shortly after this hauled round to the back of the Island, and with the assistance of several boats 0169 157 convey'd the men from the Island to the main shore, I then proceeded with the Batteaux and passed the narrows and rapids the enemy continuing to fire from their own shore but at too great a distance to do execution. The Gun Boat which Col Lethbridge had ordered from Prescott having arrived the American schooner got under weigh and from the superiority of sailing escaped down the River. I have every reason to be perfectly satisfied with the conduct of the officers and men of the Detachment under my command, I have also to acknowledge the assistance I received from the Militia who readily came forward to render every service of their power—I have to report that one private of the 49th Regt was killed by a cannon shot, and one private of the Rl Newfoundland Regt, and one or two of the Militia slightly wounded, from the information I received the enemy must have suffered considerably on the occasion.

I have the honor to be Sir Your obedt Hbl Servant R. Heathcote Major Rl Newfoundland Regt

Col. Vincent & & &

[C 677-p 147.]

THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF 1 TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

1 See appendix.

( War—1812 )

Horse Guards 3d October 1812

Sir ,

I am to acknowledge the receipt of your Dispatches of the 4th and 17th of August last, with their respective Enclosures, detailing the measures which you had thought it prudent to adopt, under the circumstances of war having been declared and commenced by the Government of the United States against Great Britain; and to express my approbation of the Resolution which you had in consequence taken, to retain in the Canadas, those Troops, that under other circumstances, were destined for a different Service.

I have learnt with much satisfaction, that, the judicious overture, which in consequence of Mr. Foster's communicating to you, you determined to propose to General Dearborn, The Commander in Chief of the American Forces, had been so ably executed by Colonel Baynes, Adjutant General to 0170 158 the Forces under your Command, and I have read with much interest that Officers very clear and important report on the occasion.

Your very favorable special Report upon the Talents and Conduct of Major General Brock, could not fail of being highly gratifying to me.

I am, Sir, Your's Frederick Commander in Chief

Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost Bt &c &c &c

[C 677-p 113.]

THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Horse Guards 7th Oct 1812

Sir

I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your Dispatch of the 26th August with its enclosed Report from Major General Brock, announcing the surrender of Fort Detroit by Brigadier General Hull with the Army under his Command; and also reporting the arrangements & operations connected with this event.

An occurrence which so gloriously terminates a Campaign, commenced under the declared confidence of success on the part of an arrogant Enemy, cannot fail of being most acceptable to the Prince Regent 1 and gratifying to the Country in general, and in communicating upon the subject with His Royal Highness, I have his commands to assure you that he highly approves the judicious and prompt arrangements which you adopted throughout the Province Generally for repelling the progress of invasion; and Major General Brock's exertions in the country which was the more immediate object of the Enemy's attack, as well as the skill and promptitude with which that officer availed himself of the Embarrassments in which the invader found himself unexpectedly involved, are highly appreciated & acknowledged by His Royal Highness.

1 See Appendix.

I have the Prince Regents commands therefore, to desire that you will be pleased to convey to Major General Brock and the officers and troops employed under His command, in the operations against Brigadier General Hull, the full thanks of His Royal Highness for the Important services He, and they have performed upon this occasion.

I have the pleasure to acquaint you that the Prince Regent has been 0171 159 graciously pleased to approve of the bearer of your Dispatches, Captain Coon of the 3rd West India Regiment, being promoted to the Rank of Major in the army, and his Royal Highness has further been pleased to approve of Major General Brock's Aid-de-Camp, Captain Glegg of the 49th Regiment, being promoted to the same Rank.

I am Sir Yours Frederick Commander in Chief

Lt General Sir George Prevost Bt & & &

[C 677-p 116.]

CHIEF JUSTICE WOODWARD 1 TO COLONEL PROCTER

1 See appendix.

( War—1812. Massacre at Fort Dearborn )

Territory of Michigan October 8th 1812

Sir

It is already known to you that on Saturday the 15th day of August last, an order having been given to evacuate Fort Dearborn, an attack was made by the savages of the vicinity, on the troops and persons appertaining to that garrison on their march, at the distance of about three miles from the River Chicago, and the greater part of the number barbarously and inhumanly massacred.

Three of the survivors of that unhappy and terrible disaster, having since reached this country, I have employed some pains to collect the number and names of those who were not immediately slain, and to ascertain whether any hopes might yet be entertained of saving the remainder.

It is on this subject that I wish to interest your feelings, and to solicit the benefit of your interposition; convinced that you estimate humanity among the brightest virtues of the soldier.

I find, sir, that the party consisted of ninety-three persons—of these the Military, including officers, non-commissioned officers and privates, amounted to fifty-four—the Citizens, not acting in a Military Capacity, consisted of Twelve—the number of women was nine, and that of the children eighteen. 0172 160 The whole of the citizens were slaughtered, two women and twelve children.

Of the Military twenty-six were killed at the time of the attack, and accounts have arrived of at least five of the surviving prisoners having been put to death in the course of the same night.

There will remain then twenty three of the Military, five women, and six children, whose fate, with the exception of the three who have come in, and of two others who are known to be in safety at St Joseph's remains to be yet ascertained.

Of these, amounting in all to thirty four persons, I will furnish you with the names of all that I have been able to identify.

First, there is one officer, a Lieutenant, of the name of Linch (Linai,) T. Helm, 1

1 See appendix.

with whom I have had the honor of a personal acquaintance—He is an officer of great merit, and of the most unblemished character. His father is a Gentleman originally of Virginia, and of the first respectability, who has since settled in the state of New York.—The lady of this Gentleman, Young and amiable victim of misfortune, was separated from her husband—She is understood to be now at St Joseph's—Mr Helm was conveyed a hundred miles into the Indian Country, and no accounts of his fate have yet reached this quarter.

Second, Of the six non commissioned officers, four survived the action; John Brozier, a Sergeant; Daniel Dougherty, a Corporal, one other Corporal by the name of Bowen, and William Griffin, 1 Sergeant now here.

Third, Of the privates it is said that five, and it is not known how many more, were put to death in the night after the action. Of those who are said to have thus suffered, I have been able to collect only the names of two, Richard Garner, and James Latta—Mr. Burns of Citizen, severely wounded, was killed by an Indian woman, in the day time, about an hour after the action.—Micajah Dennison and John Fury were so badly wounded in the action that little hope was indulged of their recovery.—

There will thus remain twenty to be accounted for, of whom I can only give the following names, Dyson Dyer, William Nelson Hunt, Duncan McCarty, Augustus Motte, John Smith, John Smith, his son a fifer, James Van Horn.

Fourth, Of the five women, whose fate remains to be ascertained, I am enabled to give the names of all—They were Mrs. Burns, 1 wife to the citizen before mentioned as killed after the attack,—Mrs. Hold Mrs Lee, 1 Mrs. Needs and Mrs. Simmons,—among these women were six children saved out of the whole number, which was eighteen; part of them belonging to the surviving mothers, and part of those who were slain.

0173 161

As to the means of preserving these unhappy survivors from the distressing calamaties which environ them, if they have preserved their lives, and which the rigours of the approaching season cannot fail to heighten, I would beg leave to suggest the following.

First to send a special messenger to that quarter, overland, and with such safe guard of Indians or others, as can be procured, charged with collecting the prisoners who may yet survive, and accounts of those who may have ultimately suffered; and supplied with the means of conveying them either to Detroit, or Michigan, to Michillimackinac. 1

1 Cf. Letter of R. Dickson, p. 259, and R. Bullock, p. 392, for reports of some of these prisoners rescued from Indians.

Second, to communicate to Captain Roberts, who now commands at Michillimackinac, the circumstances of the case in full, and to request his cooperation in effecting the humane object of their ultimate preservation.

I am not authorised by my Government to make the Assurance, but I shall not doubt their cheerfully defraying such expenses of ransom, or conveyance, as circumstances will justify; and private funds are also ready to be applied to the same purpose.—I do not less doubt your willing and zealous assistance and with a confident hope of it, permit me,

Sir to assure you of the high respect with which I have the honor to be your obedient servant (Signed) A. B. Woodward

Col: Henry Proctor

[C 677-150.]

MAJ GEN. DEARBORN TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

Head Quarters Greenbush October 8th 1812

His Excellency Sir George Prevost

Sir

The Bearer, Capt. Baker who is on parole, has been requested by me, from consideration of his personal knowledge of the officers & men captured at Detroit, & of their situation for the purpose of procuring clothing & other necessary articles for them & of advancing to them their arrearages of pay.—

His employment on this service has not been considered by me incompatible with the length of his parole, or with the usage of war.—

This measure has been directed by the President of the United States, 21 0174 162 from motives humanity & I must presume that your Excellency will have no objection to Capt. Baker proceeding to Quebec for the above purposes, & when he shall have completed the object of his mission, that your Excellency will have no objection to his returning.—

With Sentiments of high consideration & respect I have the honor to be Your Excellency Obedt. and humble Servant H. Dearborn Major. Genl. &c

[C 690-p 23.]

MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Fort George October 9th 1812

Sir

I have been honored with Your Excellency's dispatch dated the 25th Ulto: and have to thank Your Excellency for ordering a Company of the Glengary Regiment to strengthen Colonel Lethbridge at Prescott. Whole force your Excellency has been led to believe had been weakened in consequence of my interference, but which I beg leave to state was done without my knowledge, and contrary to my intention—

The enclosed Copies of letters will inform your Excellency of the state of affairs to the westward—It appears evident the Enemy meditates a second attempt on Amherstburg—The greater part of the troops which are advancing marched from Kentucky with an intention of joining General Hull. How they are to subsist, even for a short period in that already exhausted contrary, is no easy matter to conceive. This difficulty will probably decide them on some bold measure in the hope of shortening the Campaign—If successfully resisted their fate is unavoidable.

The Indians, it appears by the accompanying documents, were adverse to retreating without first making trial of their strength: Taking however every circumstances into consideration I incline to think Captain Muir acted judiciously—should the Indians Continue to afford a willing Cooperation I entertain not the smallest doubt of the event that awaits this second attempt to turn my right, But your Excellency will easily perceive that doubts and jealousies have already seized their minds. The officers of the Indian department will, I trust be able to remove all such impression—

Altho' from the daily privations of what is passing on the opposite shore a single man can ill be spread from this line, I have, notwithstanding determined 0175 163 to send the two flank companies of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment to Amherstburg—Fresh troops are daily arriving supposed to belong to the Pennsylvanian Quota of two thousand known to be intended for his frontier—after the whole arrive an attack I imagine, cannot be long delayed. The wretched state of their quarters, and the raggedness of the troops will not allow them to have the rain and cold which during the past week have been so severely felt—Between two and three hundred Indians have joined and augmented the force on the other side,—their brethren here, feel certain they will not act with any spirit against us, so I imagine, if we continue to show a bold front—but in the event of a disaster, the love of plunder will prevail, and they will then Act in a manner the most to be dreaded by the inhabitants of this Country.

I beg leave to recommended to Your Excellency's indulgent consideration Colonel Proctor's application for the increase of pay as commanding a District which I request may commence from the 15 of August last,—With the greatest respect

I have the honour to be Your Excellency's most faithfully humble servant Isaac Brock M. Gl

His Excellency Lt Genl Sir George Prevost Bt &c &c &c

[C 677-p 123.]

COLONEL PROCTOR TO CHIEF JUSTICE WOODWARD

( War—1812 )

Detroit , 10th October 1812

Sir

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Letter of the 8th instant relative to the distressing event which occurred on the 15th of last August, near the River Chicago, and requesting that the unhappy survivors of that disastrous affair, might receive the benefit of my interposition.—I beg to assure you that with pleasure, the most effectual means in my power shall be employed for the speedy release from Slavery, of the unfortunate individuals, and for their restoration to their friends— A measure, I have the satisfaction of knowing, to be perfectly consistent with the principal in 0176 164 which the service of my sovereign is conducted, and I might say, particularly in the present contest.

I have the honor to be Sir With much esteem Your humble servant Henry Proctor

Chief Justice Woodward

[C 677-p 156.]

MAJ. GEN. BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Fort George October 11th 1812

Sir ,

I had scarcely closed my dispatch to Your Excellency of the 9th when I was suddenly called away to Fort Erie in consequence of a bold, and I regret to say, successful attack by the Enemy on His Majesty's Brig Detroit, 1 and the Private Brig Caledonia, 1 which had both arrived the preceding day from Amherstburg—It appears, by every account I have been able to collect, that a little before day a number of boats full of men dropped down the current unobserved, boarded both vessels at the same moment, and cutting their cables were proceeding with them to the American shore, when Major Armstrong who witnessed the transaction, directed the Batteries to open on them and soon compelled the enemy to abandon the Detroit, which grounded about the centre of Squaw Island a little more than a mile below Black Rock. She was then boarded by a party of the 49th Regiment, but as no anchor remained, and being otherwise unprovided with every means by which she could be hauled off, the officer, after throwing the guns over board, and sustaining a smart fire of musketry, decided to quit her—A private, who is accused of getting drunk, and a prisoner of war, who was unable from his wounds to escape with about twenty brought by the Detroit from Amherstburg, remained however behind—whom it was necessary to remove before the vessel could be destroyed, and Cornet Pell Major, 1 of the Provincial cavalry offered his services. Being unfortunately wounded as he was getting on board and falling back in the boat, a confusion arose, during which the boats drifted from the vessel, leaving two of the 41st who had previously ascended, on board—In the meantime the Caledonia was secured by the enemy, and a cargo of furs belonging to the South West Company landed.

1 See appendix.

0177 165

The Batteries on both sides were warmly engaged the whole of the day but I am happy to say no mischief was sustained by the enemy's fire.

I reached the spot soon after sunset and intended to have renewed the attempt to recover the Detroit, which, assisted by the crew of the Lady Prevost which had anchored a short time before, I had every prospect of accomplishing, but before the necessary arrangements could be made, the enemy boarded her, and in a few minutes she was seen in flames.

This event is particularly unfortunate, and may reduce us to incalculable distress. The enemy is making every exertion to gain a Naval superiority on both Lakes which if they accomplish I do not see how we can retain the country. Three vessels are fitting out for war on the other side of Squaw Island which I would have attempted to destroy but for your Excellency's repeated instructions to forebear—Now such a force is collected for their protection as will render any operation against them very hazardous.

The manner our guns were served yesterday point out the necessity of an encrease, if possible, of artillery men to our present small number of regulars—The Militia evinced a good spirit, but fired without much effect—The enemy, however, must have lost some men, and it is only wonderful that in a contest of a whole day no life was lost on our side. The fire of the enemy was incessant but badly directed till the close of the day, when it began to improve—Lieut Rolett 1 who commanded the Detroit had, and I believe deservedly, the character of a brave, attentive officer—His vessel must however have been surprized, an easy operation where she lay at anchor, and I have reason to suspect that this consideration was not sufficiently attended to by the officers commanding on board and on shore.

1 See appendix.

We have not only sustained a heavy loss in the vessel, but likewise in the cargo, which consisted of four twelves, a large quantity of shot, and about two hundred muskets, all of which were intended for Kingston and Prescott—The only consolation remaining is that she escaped the enemy, whose conduct after his first assay did not entitle him to so rich a prize.

The enemy has brought some boats overland from Slusher to the Niagara River, and made an attempt last night to carry off the guard over the store at Queenston, I shall refrain as long as possible, under Your Excellency's positive injunctions from every hostile act, although sensible that each days delay gives him an advantage—

I have the honor to be, with every respect Your Excellency's Faithful and Obedient Servant Isaac Brock M G

0178 166

12th October 1912

The vast number of troops which have been added this day to the strong force previously collected on the opposite side convinces me, with other indications, that an attack is not far distant—I have in consequence directed every exertion to be made to complete the Militia to two thousand men, but fear I shall not be able to effect my object with willing well disposed characters—Were it not for the number of Americans in our ranks we might defy all their efforts against this part of the Province—

I. B.

His Excellency Sir George Prevost &c &c &c

[C 677-p 127.]

CAPTAIN ROBERTS TO MAJ. GEN. SHEAFFE

( War—1812 )

Fort Michilimackinac 12th Octr 1812

Sir

By the Hunter that arrived here on the 10th inst: I had the honor to receive your letter of the first September nothing of importance has occurred here since my last communications to Captain Glegg—The Outawas of the Le Arbre Crouche village have repented of their errors and have in the most humble implored forgiveness I enclose a copy of the minutes of the Council held on the occasion.

The Deserter Kelly is sent down on board of the Hunter it is somewhat in his favour that he gave himself up to me here for I find there was no one that could have identified him and had he been so inclined he might have got off unobserved his general conduct here has been regular and orderly.

Parks and May both are veterans unfit for active service As a Drum and Fife they are of the first necessity in case of alarm and indispensible duties, it is out of their power to desert from hence were they ever so much inclined for these reasons which will I hope be thought satisfactory I have taken upon myself the heavy responsibility of detaining them contrary to your desires.

I am sorry to inform you that a report prevails here that the Boat I sent to receive the flour at Mashadash has been lost and all the crew perished the 0179 167 length of time they have been gone increases the probability that some accident has happened to them. I have the honor to be Sir

Your most obedient & humble servt Charles Roberts Captain 10 V B

Major General Sheaffe & &c

[C 677-p 158.]

CAPTAIN ROBERTS TO COLONEL PROCTOR

( War 1812. Commissariat )

Fort Michilimackinac 18th October 1812

Sir

By the Hunter that arrived here late last night I had the honor to receive your several communications—It is much to be regretted that an idea should have prevailed that there was an ample stock of Provisions at this Post.—Twenty Barrels of Pork which had been culled for the Indians and of the worst quality, and Sixty Barrels of Flour are all that remain.—The demands for the Indians that are now coming in for their winter presents will soon reduce the quantity and we shall certainly be much embarras'd on this head if the supply of 200 Barrels of Pork and 300 of Flour cannot be got up this fall.

I am sorry to inform you that a report prevails here of the boat I sent to Mashadash for the Flour having been lost with all the Crew, the length of time she has been gone gives too much colour to this story

I have the honor to be &c &c &c (signed) Charles Roberts . Capt. 10th V. B.

Colonel Proctor.

[C 677-p 161.]

TO MAJ. GEN. BROCK—WITHOUT SIGNATURE

( Command Money )

Head Quarters Montreal 19th October 1812

Sir

I have been honored with your letters dated the 9th & 11th Octr together with their several enclosures,—Two companies of the Glengary Levy are to 0180 168 leave LaChine on Wednesday for Cornwall & Prescott taking with them two light Gun Boats, some hundred stand arms with a proportion of Ammunition—Having had repeatedly cause to mistrust the judgment in command of Colonel Lethbridge , he has been relieved by Lieut Colonel Pearson, Whose zeal & talents as a soldier I have frequently witnessed.

In the present state of affairs there exists a much greater desire than ability in the United states for the recovery of the Michigan Territory.

The precedent for an increase of Pay to which Colonel Proctor alludes in his letter to you of the 1st of October does not apply to his situation at Detroit which cannot be considered as coming within the provision of the Secty at War's letter of the 10th of Jany as it confines the allowance of 10 & 20 Shls pr diem to cases of Regimental officers without regular staff appointments succeeding to the command of His Majestys Troops abroad by the death or absence of the Comg officer.

Colonel Vincent received the allowance whilst holding the Command allotted to Major Genl Welder, absent and as you have already in Upper Canada one Genl officer more than has been Considered necessary by His Majesty's Government for that Provance, I can only Augment the Command money allowed to Colonel Proctor upon a representation from you of the increase of duty & expense brought upon him by the administration of the Government of the Michigan territory, you recommending at the same time an adequate remuneration.

I much regret the loss of H. Ms Brig Detroit & the private Brig Caledonia, I am induced to think from your statement of the Circumstance, that had proper precaution been adopted & due vigilance observed so disgraceful an event could not have occurred.

Aware of the desire of the Enemy to obtain a naval superiority on both Lakes I have not failed to represent to His Majesty's Ministers the absolute necessity of enabling me to maintainthe ascendency we now possess by sending experienced officers & able seamen for the Marine service in upper Canada, You will of course take measures to preserve the superiority you possess on those waters & authorise the execution of such services as you may deem essential for that object without further reference.

I have not prescribed limits to Your Marine operations when Calculated upon the great object of preserving a naval superiority on the Lakes. nor have I been disposed to encourage them from the want of energy evinced upon trial by the Comrs of the Vessels on Lake Ontario.

In the present state of the War I still would have you refrain from unnecessary hostility calculated to weaken our force, to widen the breach existing between the two Countries & unproductive of real advantage

0181 169

I will endeavour to reinforce the Artillery under your command before our communication closes.

I have not the least apprehension but that you will be able to repell any simultaneous attack which the Enemy may make on Detroit & Fort George

Majr Genl. Brock &c &c &c Memo: for the Agit Genl to 2d Capt. & 15 Gunners upon the arrival of the expected reinforcement

[C 681-p 323.]

EDWARD DEWAR TO COLONEL M'DOUALL 1

1 See appendix.

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg October 19th 1812

Sir ,

In the letter which I had the honor of addressing to you under date of the 4th Instant, I mentioned the report which had been made from several quarters of the approach of the enemy to the foot of the Rapids of the Miami, and of a party having even been seen at the River Raisin.

Colonel Proctor having desired me to go the latter place in order to secure Mr. Reynolds of the Commissariate from any attempt that might be made to disturb him in his employment, and having ordered 25 Militia and 20 Indians to accompany me, I crossed to Brownstown on the 7th, to which place Col. Elliott had sent Interpreters to procure the Indians. In this they had entirely failed, but in the course of the night I prevailed upon Roundhead, a Wyandot chief whom I could place every confidence in, and fourteen of his warriors to accompany me to the Rapids. On the eighth we proceeded to the River Raisin, where the militia arrived in boats the next day. During this interval I ascertained that the report which had caused Mr. Elliott to leave this settlement so precipitately, was raised by some of the settlers, probably with the view of stealing some of the cattle which he had been purchasing for government, and of which he in fact lost 28 Head out of 50.—On the 9th a Potowatomie chief arrived with his band from the Rapids, he called upon me with four of his men who left that place only the preceding afternoon, and who informed me that they had actually seen a party of Shawanoe Indians of the American party, and had even entered into conversation with them across the River, but that seeing American 22 0182 170 soldiers coming out of the wood they had thought it advisable to come away.

On the next morning I proceeded on with the Wyandots, and a few volunteers of the River Raisin Settlers all mounted and well armed. As we had to proceed with caution it was night before we reached the Rapids, without having met a single enemy's track, tho we had been to the ford and some way on both roads above it before we ventured to the only House of the Settlement that the Indians had left standing—Here we found two or three Canadians, and learned from them that no American had been heard of since Captn Muir's retreat—

After having sent a couple of trusty men across the River to proceed along Hall's road, I went myself with Roundhead and two more about twenty five miles up the river, leaving the rest of my party to drive in cattle which had been abandoned in great numbers by the American settlers. At the upper rapids we fell in during the night with an Indian scouting party, belonging to a Camp of Creeks and Mascons, from the Floridas who had followed thus far our troops and were undecided whether they would go any further as they had not been able to overtake them. They agreed however to return with me to Amherstburg. In the morning we were joined by some Kickapoos, who had on the preceding day left the vicinity of the American Camp which they described as being 3 miles above Fort Defiance, and occupied by no more than 800 men, who were building Block houses, and as they asserted were in want of Provisions. These Indians had a scalp which they had taken from a Horseman within the line of the enemy's Centinels. Having now what I considered from the character of the men who gave it, correct information, I returned to the Rapids, where my Cattle Drivers had been unsuccessful, the cattle having been so much shot at by Indians that only twenty were secured out of about 200 that were seen; even these escaped before we reached the River Raisin. I made some Canadians estimate the quantity of Indian corn that was still in the fields of the once flourishing settlement of the Miami Rapids. they did so at 8000 bushels.

On the 18th I arrived here having been detained one day by the circumstance of my horse being shot under me by accident. Mr. Reynolds remained behind to secure some more cattle, of which he had already purchased 86 at a moderate rate, on the 16th what quantity of wheat could be had in the settlement of the River Raisin and the adjacent ones of Swan Creek and Otter Creek, was not correctly ascertained, as for want of Horses ( all belonging to these settlements having been stolen by the Potawatomies and Delawares) none of the grain has yet been threshed out, but I should think about 3000 Bushels. This is a small quantity for so rich a settlement, which 0183 171 extends for 15 miles up the River furnishes a quota of near 300 men to the militia, but the destruction occasioned by the war has been very great indeed, not only in that article, but also in Cattle and Hogs which have been wantonly destroyed by the Indians.

The Inhabitants are with I believe few exceptions well disposed toward us and proved it on Capt Muir's expedition by joining him to the number of 47 under one of their principal men. If any encouragement was held out to them I have no doubt but that a number of them would take arms for us again and settle in Canada. Their farms and Houses bespeak them the most industrious Canadians that I have yet seen in either province.

The Road from Brownstown to the River Raisin is for about 10 miles swampy and almost impassable after Rains. The River Huron is Bridged and not fordable, the Swan and Sandy Creeks are always fordable with good bottom, as also Rocky Creek. From River Raisin to the Rapids 1 the Road runs chiefly thro' Savannas and open Oak plains, both of which are sandy and the Road consequently good, the Creek (Otter; Kuhns; Swan Creek of the Miami) fordable, the second sometimes is dangerous but may be easily bridged.

1 See appendix.

It is in agitation that Col. Elliott with the Indians of whom there about 800 warriors here at present, shall go to the Rapids, which will be a great relief to us as our provisions are very low indeed.

I have the honor to be Sir Your very obedt humble Servt Edwd Dewar , Dey M. G.

Colonel McDonnell &c &c &c

[ C 677-p 136.]

MAJ. GEN. SHEAFFE TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( Command Money )

Fort George 27th Oct. 1812

Sir

I have the honor of representing to your Excellency that a great increase of duty and of Expense has been brought upon Colonel Proctor by his administering the Government of the Conquered territory of Michigan; I, therefore, beg leave to offer the case to Your Excellency's Consideration, 0184 172 and to recommend that Colonel Proctor shall be allowed a remuneration of twenty shillings a day, or such other sum as may be deemed adequate, for the whole period of his administering that Government.

I have the honor to be With great respect Your Excellency's Most obedt humble servant R. H. Sheaffe M. Genl. &c.

Sir George Prevost &c &c &c

[C 677-p 143.]

COLONEL PROCTOR TO MAJOR EVANS

( War—1812 )

Detroit October 28th 1812

Sir

I have the honor to send you, the enclosed letter from Chief Justice Woodward to me, with a copy of my answer: which I request may be laid before Major General Sheaffe, as also that in conformity thereto.—Colonel Elliott, and Major McKee, have signified to the chiefs of the Tribes in Question that it is their wish and mine that the unfortunate Individuals concerned should be brought to me, and which the chiefs have promised shall be done. 1 —I hope what I have done will meet with the General's approbation, as also the accompanying Packets' being put into an American Post office—it is directed to Mr Gallatin; I know the Contents, which principally relate to the unfortunate survivors from Chicago

1 See appendix.

I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient Humble servant Henry Proctor Colonel Comg

(signed) Brigade Major Evans Fort George

[C 677-p 157.]

0185 173
COL. ELLIOTT TO MR. CLAUS

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg 28th Octobr 1812

Dear Sir

Your letter of the 22d I received yesterday afternoon, and I assure you its contents relieved us from much anxiety with respect to the event of the action of the 13th of which we had heard something from Capt Baines. How much is the death of our Gallant General to be lamented. 1 I am afraid that his bravery led him to expose himself too much.

1 Refers to the death of Gen. Brock at Queenstown, Oct. 13, 1813.

I am to leave this place tomorrow for the foot of the Rapids being obliged to take the Indians there from the scarcity of provisions at this place, so great is the scarcity that I believe I shall not leave two days provisions in the stores. The Indians will not go without me and as there is a great quantity of corn at the foot of the Rapids which was planted by the Americans I intend to pitch my Tent there and let them feed on the corn and from thence I shall constantly send out parties to annoy General Winchester who has thrown up some works about a mile above the old Fort Defiance. I delivered the Speech and Scalp to the Indians here and they were highly delighted with the news of your success. If you think that you stand in need of any assistance from our Indians you must write as I think it probable we may be able to spare some of them.

I am Dear Sir Yours sincerely (Signed) M. Elliott true copy Mr Claus D. S. G.

Col Claus Depy Supt & Inspt Genl

P. S. I will be impossible to keep the Indians together much longer unless we are immediately supplied with Provisions. The Indians have lost three crops of corn and now the sole dependence is upon us.

M. E.

A party of Indians who had been out to the River Huron some miles beyond Sandusky returned this morning with the scalp of an American & a young lad prisoner. The information I got from the Boy was. That the Americans had 500 Militia Men at the River Huron that General Perkins who commanded there had sent some scouts to Governor Harrison to require assistance in men: but the Governor having gone towards the Wabash the scouts returned without seeing him and General Perkins went himself to see 0186 174 Gov H. 2 or 3 days before the Boy was taken which happened 6 days ago, he also said that Harrison and Winchester were to attack us here in the Winter.

We have no paper.

M. E.

(true copy) W Claus D. S. G.

[C 677-p 176.]

COLONEL PROCTOR TO MAJ. GEN. SHEAFFE

( War—1812 )

Detroit October 30th 1812

My Dear General

The arrival of the Express relieved me from some anxiety, I own, and removed the fear which had been caused by the Accounts brought by the Lady Prevost.—A Mr. McKenzie Caused here great alarm, which always operates strongly here, however, the affair of the 13th inst. has raised very much the spirits of the Indians. I was induced to apprehend that Fort Erie had been evacuated, and might be for a short time in the possession of the Enemy—The Charlotte was directed to proceed Cautiously, and after I thought an Express might have reached me, I sent Lieut. Barnard 41st Regt to procure information, also a Captain Caldwell (Militia staff) and some of the Wyndotts.—Mr. Dickson and Mr. Crawford, left this in the Lady Prevost; you must have seen them long ere this—I need not observe that they can, especially the former, give you every Information respecting our situation here; and also respecting our Interest in the Indian Country.—The great defect in the Indian Department, is the want of a leader of influence in the field.—McKee's constitution is gone, indeed, I have fears for his life,—Colonel Elliott goes to the Rapids of the Miame's—The Gun Boats and vessels attend him. Besides the object of Keeping the Indians in Employ and the Enemy at a distance, it is one to lessen the consumption of provisions. I have made it a particular object to ascertain and to secure the surplus produce of this Territory. In short the Enemy shall have as little inducement as possible to advance here.

I conceive Mr. Harrison would have been ere now acting in Concert with the Enemy in Your quarter, if the Indians, (I believe those on the White River) had not employed him. It must be recollected that he is in force not far from us, and in the event of success, would be soon upon us, especially as we have not a force sufficient to inspire the Indians with Confidence. May I be permitted to offer you my fixed opinion, that the safety of the upper province depends more particularly on our Keeping our present position 0187 175 here:—If we lose it the Indians are irrecoverably lost 1 ; and whilst we secure them, we can always recover any position of the Province. A Regiment would secure this District from any attempt I can suppose the Enemy to make; our Indians might then be brought into full effect.—I am well aware that no Troops can be spared at present from Fort George, but a considerable re-inforcement must surely arrive there this season.—Permit me earnestly to entreat that when it may be in your power to reinforce this District, it may be by such a portion of the 41st as you may judge proper. If I had even the staff of the Corps, and the usual appendages to its Head Quarters with me, I could be of some use to the Corps; in its present state it must suffer in many respects.—I understand that Lieut Colonel Nicholls had been sent to Montreal, as Q. M. Gl to make some purchases for the Militia: I hope that the Militia here are to benefit by his journey—He is much wanted here,—I fear from the long sickness of Captain Muir, that the interest of the Captors of the Public property here has suffered materially by his absence. I am under the necessity of sending some Pork and Flour to Mackinac, without delay, as the enclosed Copy of a letter from Captain Roberts will show.—It is not in our power to send the quantities required.—I am sorry to say that there are great deficiencies of every requisite in the Barrack Department—I have taken measures to ascertain the military resources of this District, particularly on the Thames settlement, and in this Territory, I shall acquaint you with every circumstance and occurrence worthy of your notice.

1 A confession of the reliance placed upon Indian allies.

And remain My dear Sir Most faithfully Yours (signed) Henry Proctor Colonel Comg.

Major General Sheaffe Fort George

[C 677-p 163.]

FROM LIEUTENANT BARNARD—UNADDRESSED

( War—1812 )

Fort George 31 October 1812

Sir

I have the Honor to inform you that I was ordered to this place from Detroit by Colonel Proctor, on the 24th Inst, to ascertain whether the 0188 176 enemy had cut off the communication between the two places, as, from Colonel Proctors not having received any official account of an Action which he heard had been fought at Queenston on the 13th inst. he had reason to fear it was the case; and as I received any information relating to it, on which I could depend, I was ordered to transmit it to him.—Colonel Proctor ordered me to inform you that Colonel Elliott was going out to the foot of the Miamis Rapids with about three or four hundred Indians, and on their arrival there, they were to be joined by more. Their object in going was to watch the movements of the Americans (who were fortifying themselves about two miles above Fort Defiance, on the Glaize River) and, if they could do it with advantage, to attack them; From their having been so long in their present position, Colonel Proctor does not imagine that it is their intention to advance any further into the Country this Year—Colonel Proctor also ordered me to say that he was at a large Indian Council at Amherstburg, a few days before I left Detroit, and the Indians all seemed unanimously inclined to support us

I have the honor to be Sir Your obedt humble Servant (signed) I. Barnard Lt. 41st Regt.

[C 677-p 144.]

MAJ. GEN. SHEAFFE TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( War—1812 )

Fort George 3d November 1812.

Sir

I have at last the satisfaction of reporting to your Excellency the arrival of intelligence from Detroit and likewise from Michilimackinac. His majesty's Schooner Lady Prevost arrived some days since bringing Mr. Robert Dickson and Mr. Crawford; when they left Detroit no other information had been received of the occurrences of the 13th of October, than that M. General Brock had fallen, and Queenstown was in the possession of the Enemy—Colonel Proctor fearing that the communication was cut off would not send a written communication either by them or by Colonel Caldwell or Lieut. Barnard who have since arrived by land.—The substance of what the last was directed to say to me is contained in a written statement herewith enclosed, to which I have added Mr. Dickson's intelligence.

0189 177

Whilst engaged in writing this dispatch Lieut Colonel Bishop 1 has arrived by the way of York—and has brought me your Excellency's dispatch of the 21st of October: I beg that your Excellency will accept my very grateful thanks for the kind and gracious manner in which you have noticed my humble services; fortune and the comparative composition of the corps which I commanded were quite adequate to the accomplishment of all that was effected on the 13th of October. I am much mortified to find that I omitted the names of Captain Chisholm Commanding a Flank Company of the York Militia, and of Lieut. Ball commanding the Militia Artillery attached to the post of Queenstown; Captain Dennis's report, since transmitted, has partly supplied that omission; he commends highly both those officers, and in justice to them I have issued an order acknowledging my omission and their merit.—

1 See appendix.

I sent to the Military Secretary some documents relative to appointments which appear to me to be beneficial to His Majestys Service, those in the Barrack Department were authorized by M. General Brock: I transmit also Major Heathcote's report of the attack made on the escort under his command, not being certain that a copy of it has been before sent down.—

The Enemy appears to be busily employed in preparing for another attack, and, I believe, has received reinforcements, and supplies of various kinds; a number of large boats has been conveyed by land above the Falls, and are on the communication between Schlosser and Black rock, where the greater part of their Force seems to be collected; I have strengthened the right of our line, and I intend detaching to it a portion of the Indians, of whom there are about four hundred here, but I shall be cautious of making any further diminution of the number on this Flank.

I suspect that after their demonstration on the frontier of the Lower Province, a large portion of their troops was withdrawn to act against the Upper Province.—

We are yet employed in raising works for the protection of the interior of Fort George:—the Magazine is considered secure from the effect of hot shot.—

The Armistice still continues—and I hope will not be terminated before the arrival of the vessels with the supplies for the militia—many of whom are in a very destitute state with respect to clothing, and all in what regards bedding and Barrack comforts in general:—these wants cause discontent and desertion, but the conduct of a great majority of them is highly honorable to them, and I have not failed to encourage it, by noticing it in public orders. Their number in this district has been so much increased since the 0190 178 nomination of a Pay Master for it, and his business is so much in arrear, that I have been compelled to appoint two other Pay Masters for the corps distributed along the frontier.

I wrote to Captain Glegg who is at York, to acquaint him with your Excellencys gracious offer to him, which I have no doubt he will be proud to accept.

I hope that a favorable reception has been accorded to my request to have Captain Loring 1 sent to me.

1 See appendix.

An Express has arrived this afternoon from Colonel Proctor I transmit copies of the letters received by it.

I have the honour to be with high respect Your Excellency's Most devoted, humble Servant, R. H. Sheaffe M. Genl. &c &c

His Excellency Sir George Prevost &c &c &c.

[C 677-p 166.]

COLONEL PROCTOR TO MAJ. GEN. SHEAFFE

( War—1812 )

Extract of a letter from Colonel Proctor to Major General Sheaffe dated Detroit 9th November 1812.

Colonel Elliott is at the foot of the Rapids of the Miamis, with a considerable body of Indians, whom it is intended to feed upon cattle and corn, which there are there, and which would be an object to the enemy to find, in their advance upon us. The cattle are too wild to be driven off, and the corn it would take some time to remove, and we found could not be burned, or destroyed. I have not heard from him since his arrival there. The River Huron below Sandusky has two blockhouses on it, and the Enemy are there with a Field Piece, and about five hundred in number, under the command of a General Wadsworth. There are many more cutting a Road in that neighborhood, under the direction of a Captain Brush, the same who would not be included in General Hull's capitulation, and turned back from the River Raisin with a small convoy. Inspector General Harrison 0191 179 has employment for the present, on or near the Wabash. I have directed the Lady Prevost to cruise to the Islands, to the mouth of the Huron, and to Sandusky, then to return, that she may be ready to go to Fort Erie, should Troops or Stores arrive.

I have the honor to be &c &c &c (Signed) Henry Proctor , Colonel

Major General Sheaffe &c &c &c

[C 677-p 179.]

COLONEL ELLIOTT TO MR. IRONSIDE

( War—1812 )

Foot Of The Rapids , 1 10th Novemr 1812

1 See appendix.

Dear Sir

I arrived here safe on the evening of the 7th after a most unpleasant passage rendered particularly so through the negligence of Averson. On my arrival I was told that Clark had gone out in the morning to hunt, he did not return that evening, and the next morning a Delaware came in and stated that he had met 40 Americans very near this on their return to Sandusky, and we can see in a cornfield opposite to this place the backs of their Horses and as Clark has not come in yet, I am afraid he has fallen into their hands. Another party of the Enemy 6 in number came down from Fort Defiance on the morning of the 8th within two miles of this. So that I expect we shall have something for to do in a short time. I hope you hurry out with the Indians that are about Amherstberg as we have only 250 here including the Hurons send out if you can find a safe opportunity 300 lbs Powder as 150 lbs of that we brought with us has been damaged in the vessel through the inattention of Averson.

Yours &ca (Sig'd) M. Elliott

Mr. Ironside (True copy) W. Claus D. S. G .

[C 677-p 178.]

0192 180
CAPTAIN GLEGG TO COLONEL BAYNES

( Indians )

York 11th Nov. 1812.

My Dear Sir ,

At the request of Mr. Robert Dickson the bearer of this letter who intends proceeding immediately to Montreal on his private affairs, I take the liberty of giving him an introduction to you, in order that previous to his being presented to His Excellency some interesting particulars may be made known through your obliging communication.

Mr. Dickson is closely connected with the most respectable families in this province, who have invariably shown themselves sincere & zealous friends to His Majesty's Government.

The gentleman in question has resided for a number of years in the character of a merchantile Trader in the Western Territory, and owing to his influence & assistance with the powerful Tribes of Indians some important services have been performed for the British Cause. His influential Interest with the Western Indians has been repeatedly acknowledged by this Government, and his efforts in having decided, that much injured race of Aborigines to abstain from hostilities with the United States have been well known here & duly acknowledged—During the month of Feb. 1812, existing circumstances made it highly necessary to ascertain the sentiments & intentions of the Western Indians—Promises of their continued forbearance had been constantly made thro' the Agents of the Indian Department, but it was much apprehended by my vigilante & ever to be lamented friend, that the attack made by General Harrison's Army upon the Shawanese Indians assembled under the Prophet on the Wabash on the 7th Nov. 1811 1 might possibly produce some spirit of retaliation—It now became an object of considerable importance to open a communication without loss of time, with the neighboring Indians bordering on the Mississippi. No doubt could be then entertained of the premeditated destruction of the Indians by the Americans, and that merely because they had presumed to continue to establish themselves in the peaceful occupation of their native woods & villages. The most prompt measures were immediately adopted by the head of this Government, in conformity with the repeated Instructions of His Excellency and those of his predecessor Sir James Craig, to prevent by every possible exertion the threatening flame from reaching our Frontier—Mr. Dickson's influence with the Indians being well known, the advantage of immediately opening a communication with him became obvious, and the accompanying paper No. 1 was dispatched to him early in Feb. last by two

1 The crushing defeat administered by Harrison to the Indians whom the Prophet had confederated against the Americans at Tippecanoe.

0193 181 confidential Indians. Mr. Dickson was then at the Portage called Ouisconsin which is about one hundred and eighty miles from the Mississippi and the some distance from La Baie, about 800 miles from Amherstburg. He was then employed in administering in his merchantile capacity, to the severe distresses of their women & children who were literally languishing for want of food & clothing, owing to our supplies having been discontinued & to the severity of the season.

Mr. Dickson received the enclosed paper No. 1 early in May and immediately replied to it No. 2. Previous to this date Mr. Dickson had observed an unusual degree of activity in the American agents who were then residing amongst the Indians & having ascertained that presents were daily distributed by these people, which by the by was a novel circumstance; he made immediate inquiry, and was informed by some of the principal Chiefs that the American agents had been directed by their Government, to invite some of their leading warriors from each nation, to pay an early visit to Washington. A combination of various circumstances left no doubt in the mind of Mr. Dickson that all this was intended as a prelude to more important events. His first endeavour was to dissuade the chiefs from listening to the invitation of the American Government & to point out the imminent danger of the alliance. Mr. Dickson fully succeeded in every object, & he received the strongest assurance of friendship and support in the cause of their Father the British Monarch, whenever circumstances should render their assistance necessary. Soon after this communication passed, intelligence reached the Wabash Indians that General Hull with an army of two thousand men was on his march to Detroit. The Shawanese and other Nations voluntarily offered to attack him on his route but were induced to desist from it by the repeated entreaties of the friends and agents of the British Government. It is however a well known fact that General Hull's movements were all closely watched by Tecumpthsey's confidential scouts, who were considered and received by the American General, as friends attached to their interests. At the capture of Michillimackinac Mr. Dickson took an active part & his services on that occasion, have been honorably recorded by Captain Roberts. After the surrender of that Post, an expedition was immediately formed (at the solicitation of Major General Brock) by the gentlemen of the Northwest and Southwest Companies then assembled at Michillimackinac to cooperate with the force then contemplated to be employed against Detroit. So imperious however was the necessity for despatch, in carrying this operation into execution that the expedition under Major General Brock reached its destination and succeeded in its object before the 0194 182 Indians intended for assistance, could form a juncture with our little army. The intelligence of their approach had however reached the Enemy & I have particular reason for knowing that this circumstance produced very considerable influence in their final negotiations.

In Justice to the memory of our lamented friend Major General Brock, & in obedience to what I am confident, would have been his intentions, I have taken the liberty of troubling you with this confidential communication, which you will be pleased to make use of, as your superior Judgment & discretion may point out. I am not aware of Mr. Dickson's immediate views in soliciting an interview with His Excellency but I have a perfect knowledge that there is no gentleman in this Province more capable than himself of giving accurate information respecting the Western Nations than himself, & I am authorized in saying, that had General Brock survived the late contest, he intended pointing out Mr. Dickson to the notice of His Majesty's Government, as a gentleman who by his zealous and faithful services had proved himself deserving of their special protection

I remain My dear Sir with much esteem very faithfully yours J. B. Glegg Capt 49th Regt

Colonel Baynes Adjt General

[C 256-p 229.]

COL. ELLIOTT TO COL. ST. GEORGE

( War—1812 )

Foot Of The Rapids 11th Novr 1812 10 O'clock P. M.

Dear Sir

A trusty Indian whom I sent out on the morning of the 9th has just returned with intelligence that the Enemy have begun their March from Fort Defiance 1 for this Place and that they encamped on the 10th three or four Miles from Fort Defiance.

1 Defiance is 40 miles above the rapids and is located at the junction of the Auglaize and Maumee rivers.

As I think that it must be their object to make a halt here & erect Block Houses or a Fort, it appears to me highly Expedient that we should do all in our power to prevent their doing so and for that purpose it will require 0195 183 all the Troops that can possibly be spared & some pieces of Artillery.—I shall this moment send out for all the Indians that are near this place I shall be constantly on the look out.

It is unnecessary for me to say that I shall be extremely anxious for an answer to this.

I am Dear Sir Your Humble Servant (Signed) M. Elliott

Colonel St. George

P. S. I have not with me at present more than two hundred and fifty Indians M. E.

[C 677-p 181.]

TREATY FOR RELEASE OF PRISONERS

Treaty for the Release of Prisoners of war upon their parole, and for their eventual exchange, concluded at Whitehall U. S. 12 November 1812, between Major General Dearborn commander of the Forces of the United States in the Northern Department, and Robt McDonall Esqr Captain of the 8th or Kings Regt of Infantry and Aid de camp to the Governor in Chief of the Canadas duly authorized by his Excellency Lt General Sir George Prevost.

Article 1st .

The American Prisoners of War at present in Canada, are to be embarked for Boston with as much expedition as circumstances will admit, on their parole not to carry arms, or engage in active hostility or perform any military Service whatever, until regularly exchanged.

None of these troops are to be suffered to remain upon the frontier, or with any corps engaged on actual service.—

Article 2

Prisoners of war who may be prevented by sickness from returning to their country, will be sent when sufficiently recovered, by the post of St Johns, a receipt for the men by name, being given by the officer at the advance post who receives them.—

Article 3rd—

The Detachment of Canadian voyageurs, and all British Prisoners of war, of whatever description belonging to the British Forces in Canada, are to be immediately sent upon their parole to the nearest Advanced Post towards St. Johns, apprising the commandant of the circumstance, who will give a receipt for the same.

They will of course be subject to the same restrictions as those mentioned in the first 1st Article.

0196 184
Article 4

Should the fortunes of war hereafter place British prisoners, whether Regulars or Militia, in the Power of the American Government, they are immediately to be sent back to the nearest British Post, and an equal number of American prisoners are in consequence to be released and exonerated from their parole; as far as may be practicable, all exchanges to be kept distinct, Troops of the line for Regulars; embodied Militia for the Militia taken in Arms; and other corps according to their respective engagements, and organization.

Article 5th

In the event of the Prisoners of war of either Country who are on parole, being permitted to reside at their respective homes, the utmost precaution to be taken by both Governments, in impressing upon their minds the serious consequences which must result to them should they inconsiderately engage in any Corps or Regiment, or perform any military duty, until it is officially announced to them that they are regularly exchanged and released from their parole: and in order that no mistake may arise, involving such serious consequences; whenever any men are proposed to be exchanged, correct authenticated lists of the individuality are to be interchanged between the two Governments expressly mentioning the name and corps of each soldier thus rendered eligible again to bear arms in the service of his country.—

Article 6th

Should the British Government omitted to take Lists of the Militia released upon their parole at Detroit and Queenstown, the American Government is to furnish as correct Lists as can be procured in order to simplify and facilitate their exchange when circumstances render it practicable.—

Article 7th

Such British Prisoners, as are, or may be taken in Upper Canada, are to be sent to the nearest Military Post in that Country, instead of St. Johns.—

H. Dearborn Majr Genl Rt McDonall Captn Kings Regiment A. D. C. to Lt Govr Sir George Prevost

Head Quarter Montreal 24 Nov 1812 Ratified George Prevost Com of the Forces.

[C 690-p 32.]

0197 185
MR. IRONSIDE TO MR. CLAUS

( War—1812 )

Amherstburg 13th Novemr 1812

Sir

I have just received the enclosed from Col. Elliott and being very much indisposed cannot copy it, the Indian who brought it says the Americans are advancing in a very strong body from Fort Defiance 1 towards the Rapids, and states the number of Indians with the Colonel to be 800 and they are daily coming in.

1 The Glaize—Au Glaize.

I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedient humble Servant (Sigd) Geo: Ironside

The honble Willm Claus Esqre Deputy Supt General &c &c Fort George True Copy W. Claus D. S. G.

[C 677-p 182.]

EARL BATHRUST 2 TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

2 See appendix.

( War—1812 )

Downing Street 15 Novr 1812

Sir

The permission, which you have granted to General Hull and his Aid-de-camp to return to the United states on their Parole is perfectly in Unison with that Conciliatory Disposition which His Majesty's Government is always anxious to evince, when it Can be done with safety, towards the individuals of the Country—at the same time it is but Justice to those British subjects who may become Prisoners in America that this spirit of accommodation should only be Continued, so long as it is met by a similar spirit on the Part of the American Government.

I have the honor &c Bathurst

To Lieut General Sir George Prevost &c &c &c

[C 677-p 190.] 24

0198 186
MAJ. GEN. SHEAFFE TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( Indians )

Fort George 17th November 1812.

Sir ,

I last night received letters from Colonel Proctor, copies of which I have the honor of forwarding to your Excellency. I also transmit some intelligence received by Colonel Claus in which there are details not noticed in Colonel Elliots letter to Lt Colonel St George—

I have the honour to be Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant R. H. Sheaffe M. Genl. Commg.

His Excellency Sir George Prevost &c. &c. &c.

[C 256-p 197.]

TO MR. COFFIN—WITHOUT SIGNATURE

( War—1812 )

Fort George 17th November 1812.

Sir

I beg leave to put under cover copies of two letters from Col. Elliott dated 28th Oct and 10th Nov 1812—also one from Mr. George Ironside storekeeper dated 13 Inst all of which I received to-day and request you will lay the same before His Honour the President. Clark who is supposed to be a Prisoner is one of the Interpreters.

I have the honour to be Sir Your most obd servt

N. Coffin Esqr A. D. C.

P. S. Averson commanded the small vessel in which Col Elliott went to the Rapids.

[C 677-p 183.]

0199 187
MAJ. GEN. SHEAFFE TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST

( Provincial Marine )

Fort George 23d November 1812

Sir ,

I have this day received a packet from York containing a letter from Colonel Vincent apprising me of the return of Paymaster Brock of the 49th Regiment from Sacketts Harbor, and of the intelligence brought from thence by him; it fully confirms that which had been previously received through several channels, of the activity of the Enemy in preparing the most formidable means for establishing a superiority on the Lakes; if the weather at this advanced period should countenance their design of employing them against us this season, and we should be fortunate enough to maintain our Military positions in this Province during the winter, it will require exertions of the most energetic kind to enable us to contend with them in the spring for the ascendancy on the Lakes, to obtain which engages the particular attention of the American Government as being necessary to the attainment of what is evidently the main object of the War, the possession of the Upper Province, with an ulterior view to establishing a control over the numerous Indian Nations.

I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency a copy of an address which I have received from the Committee of the Executive council of this province respecting the comparative state of its Marine—the subject is indeed interesting and has a special claim on the attention of the Guardians of the public welfare—.

I have the honor to be, Your Excellencys, Most obedient humble Servant, R. H. Sheaffe M. Gen. &c.

His Excellency Sir George Prevost

[C 728-p 115.]

MR. MITCHELL TO MR. MONROE

( War—1812 )

Halifax . 23rd Novr. 1812

Sir

I have now the honor to inform you, that Mr. Uniache, the Attorney-General, and myself have had another meeting, and reduced the regulations 0200 188 proposed into a form that will be sent on to you as early as I can have it prepared. The tariff will conform exactly with the copy you sent me.—

The Cartels will, in the first instance be confined to four in Number, of 150 tons each; Say two forty to be Supported at the expence of each government.—

The depots proposed are Halifax, Quebec, Bridgetown in Barbadoes, and Kingston in Jamaica.

Boston, New York, Baltimore and Charleston So. Carolina; at each of which an agent is to reside.

For the reasons I mentioned in my last I still think Philadelphia would be preferable to New York. And much more so than Baltimore.

The Admiral not being able to stipulate anything respecting captures by land engages to write to Genrl Prevost, the Commander in Chief in Canada, to obtain his consent to the arrangement, and in that case exchanges by land and sea will be definitively Settled.—

With regard to each governments finding necessaries for its own people the Admiral had no power, as you'll perceive by his letter transmitted via New York per Maria.—

From the admirals want of power I could not obtain the release of Genl Hull, or any other officer of our army. But that of the officers & crews of the late Sloop of War the Nautilus and Wasp is now effected as you will perceive by the copy of