posite Black Rock, having driven in the the light troops being brought to their suppicquet of the garrison of Fort Erie. I was port, they succeeded, after a sharp contest, made acquainted with the circumstance about in dislodging them, in a very handsome eight in the morning, and gave orders for the style. I placed two light twenty-four poundimmediate advance to Chippewa of five com- ers and a five-and-a-half inch howitzer against panies of the royal Scots, under Lieutenant- the right of the enemy's position, and formed Colonel Gordon, to reinforce the garrison of the royal Scots and 100th regiment, with the that place. Lieutenant-Colonel Pearson had intention of making a movement upon his moved forward from thence with the light left, which deployed with the greatest regucompanies of the 100th, some militia, and a larity, and opened a very heavy fire. I imfew Indians, to reconnoitre their position and mediately moved up the King's regiment to numbers; he found them posted on the ridge the right, while the royal Scots and 100th parallel with the river, near the ferry, and regiment were directed to charge the enemy in strong force. I received instructions from in front, for which they advanced with the Major Buck, that they had also landed a con- greatest gallantry, under a most destructive siderable force above Fort-Erie. In conse- fire. I am sorry to say, however, in this atquence of the King's regiment, which I had tempt they sufferrd so severely, that I was every reason to expect ths day before from York, not having arrived, I was prevented from making an attack that night.

obliged to withdraw them, finding their further efforts against the superior numbers of the enemy would be unavailing. Lieutenant Colonel Gordon and Lieutenant-Colonel the Marquis of Tweeddale, commanding these regiments, being wounded, as were most of the

The following morning, the 4th, a body of their troops were reported to be advancing by the river; I moved to reconnoitre, and found them to be in considerable force, with officers belonging to each. I directed a recavalry and artillery, and a large body of rifemen. Lieutenant-Colonel Pearson was in advance during this reconnoisance with the light company of the royal Scots, and the flank company of the 100th, and a few of Colonel Pearson; and I have pleasure in the 19th light dragoons, four of whom, and eight horses, were wounded in a skirmish with the enemy's riflemen.

treat to be made upon Chippewa, which was conducted with good order and regularity, covered by the King's regiment, under Major Evans, and the light troops under Lieutenant

saying, that not a single prisoner fell into the enemy's hands, except those who were disabled from wounds. From the report of Having been joined by the King's regi- some prisoners, we have made the enemy's ment on the morning of the 5th, I made my force to amount to abont six thousand men, dispositions for attack at four o'clock in the with a very numerous train of artillery, havafternoon. The light companies of the royal ing been augmented by a very large body of Scots, and 100th regiment, wtth the second troops, which moved down from Fort Erie Lincoln militia, formed the advance under immediately before the commencement of the Lieutenant-Colonel Pearson. The Indian action. Our own force, in regular troops, warriors were, throughout, on our right amounted to about fifteen hundred, exclusive flanks in the woods. The troops moved in of the militia and Indians, of which last dethree columns, the third (the King's regi- scription there were not above three hundred. ment) being in advance. The enemy had Fort Erie, I understand, surrendered upon taken up a position with his right resting capitulation, on the 3d inst. Although this on some buildings and orchards, close on affair was not attended with the success the river Niagara, and strongly supported by which I had hoped for, it will be gratifying artillery; his left towards the wood, having to you to learn that the officers and men bea considerable body of riflemen and Indians in front of it.

haved with the greatest gallantry. I am particularly indebted to Lieutenant-Colonel Our Indians and militia were shortly en- Pearson for the very great assistance I have gaged with the enemy's riflemen and Indi- received from him, and for the manner in ans, who at first checked their advance: but which he led his light troops into action.

Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, and Lieutenant- could not have been very sanguine of ultimate Colonel the Marquis of Tweeddale, and Major success. The General distinctly states that, Evans, commanding the King's regiments, with his gallant and accomplished troops, he merit my warmest praise for the good ex- will break down all opposition between him ample they showed at the head of their re- and Lake Ontario; but he is careful to qualify spective regiments. this admission by adding that "if joined by

The artillery, under the command of Capt. the fleet, all will be well," but that, if such Macconnochie, was ably served, and directed junction shonld not take place, he will endeawith good effect; and I am particularly vour to avoid disgrace.

obliged to Major Lisle, of the 19th light dra- Some of the American accounts of the goons, for the manner in which he covered battle of Chippewa are worthy of notice for and protected one of the twenty-four-pound- their outrageous extravagance. Mr. O'Coners which had been disabled. I have reason nor, for instance, states that the British reguto be highly satisfied with the zeal, activity, lars suffered defeat from an inferior force, and intelligence of Captain Holland, my principally volunteers and militia, inferior aide-de-camp, Captain Eliot, deputy-assistant in everything but courage to the vanquished quarter-master-general; staff-adjutant Greig, enemy. Yet this same writer was in possesand Lieutenant Fox, of the royal Scots, who sion of official documents which particularized acted as Major of brigade during the absence the presence of four regiments of regular inof Major Glegg at Fort George. The conduct fantry and a corps of artillery, and the fact of Lieutenant-Colonel Dixon, of the 2d Lin- of these bodies having suffered severely in coln militia, has been most exemplary; and the engagement. This statement was made, I am very much indebted to him for it, on too, in direct opposition to General Wilkinthis as well as on other occasions, in which son's account, which states the effective he has evinced the greatest zeal for his Ma- strength of General Scott's brigade alone at jesty's service. The conduct of the officers eleven hundred regular infantry, and the and men of this regiment has also been highly force that crossed the strait under General praiseworthy. Lieutenant-Colonel Pearson Brown at about three thousand five hundred has reported to me, in the most favourable men, including twenty-seven hundred reguterms, the excellent manner in whioh Lieut. lars.† Horton, with a part of the 19th light dragoons, observed the motions of the enemy, while he occupied the position he took on his first landing, and during his advance to this place. I have, &c.,

P. RIALL, Major-Gen. General Brown's despatch is short, but is remarkable for one feature, viz., that, even with the knowledge of his own strength, he

General Brown's despatch.

is better to give than to receive an attack, came from behind his works about five o'cleck in the afternoon of the 5th in order of battle. We did not baulk him. Before six o'clock his line was broken and his forces defeated, leaving on the field 400 killed and wounded. He was closely pressed, and would have been utterly ruined, but for the proximity of his works, whither he fled for shelter.

The wounded of the enemy, and those of our

own army, must be attended to. They will be removed to Buffalo. This, with my limited means of transportation, will take a day or two,

*From Major-General Brown to the American after which I shall advance, not doubting but

Secretary at War.

that the gallant and accomplished troops I lead, will break down all opposition between me and Lake Ontario, when, if met by the fleet, all is well-if not, under the favor of heaven, we shall behave in a way to avoid disgrace. My detailed report shall be made in a day or two.

I am, with the highest respect, &c.,

Chippewa Plains, July 6, 1814. SIR,-Excuse my silence; I have been much engaged; Fort Erie did not, as I assured you it should not, detain me a single day. At eleven o'clock on the night of the 4th, I arrived at this place with the reserve, General Scott having taken the position about noon with the van. My arrangements for turning and taking in the rear the enemy's position east of Chippewa was made, when Major-General Riall, suspecting! our intention, and adhering to the rule that It 652, 654, 658.

Hon. Secretary of War.

JACOB BROWN.

*Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol. I., pages 646,

Movements of the American army.

One of the strongest proofs that can be to enable him to go in pursuit of an enemy, adduced of the Ameri- not mustering more than half his number. cans not having gained The mingled promises and intreaties are a victory at Chippewa, is that General Brown very amusing; in one paragraph Chauncey romained from the 4th to the 8th before he is assured of his (General Brown's) "ability could summon up resolution to make another to meet the enemy in the field," and in the attempt against General Riall, who still very next sentence he is entreated "for God maintained his position at Chippewa. On sake" to come to assist in threatening Fort the 8th the American General resolved on a George, a fortification which was abanforward movement, and after a slight skir-doned by General MacClure, with a garrimish with some of General Riall's artillery of two thousand men, on account of its un(a small body of men with two guns), the tenability, This, too, at a time when the Chippewa creek was crossed, and the Ameri- garrison did not number five hundred men, cans advanced as far as Queenston, General and the force that could be brought against Riall retreating to Fort George.

From the 8th of July to the 23rd of the General Brown's inaction month, General Brown, with his enormous force,

and timidity.

"All accounts agree," writes Gen. Brown, "that the force of the enemy at Kingston is very light. Meet me on the Lake shore, north of Fort George, with your fleet, and

it reached four thousand. Another very ridiculous featnre in this 1stter is the promise to Chauncey that, if he will only come and help, after the upper peninsula is cleared, was content to remain without striking a the army will proceed to Kingston and carry blow, unless an occasional demonstration the place, this, too, from a man who remainbefore Forts George and Missisaga, or the ed with a force quadruple the strength of wanton conflagration of the village of St. that opposing him. for thirteen days, withDavid's, be considered as such. During this out mustering up sufficient courage to attime, the American General wrote the most tempt more brilliant enterprises than the moving letters to Commodore Chauncey, burning of an unprotected village, and the almost imploring his co-operation. plundering of a few scattered farm houses. We have, however, occupied too much space already with the proceedings of such a commander as General Brown, and we very willingly accompany him back to Chippewa, to which place he retreated on the 24th, we will be able, I have no doubt, to settle a while under a violent fit of apprehension of plan of operations that will break the power his four thousand men being surrounded or of the enemy in Upper Canada, and that in the course of a short time. At all events, intercepted. We gladly turn from such an exhibition of American generalship to let me hear from you. I have looked for General Riall, who, after throwing re-inyour fleet with the greatest anxiety since the forcements into Forts George and Mississaga 10th. I do not doubt my ability to meet the retired towards Burlington heights, where enemy in the field, and to march in any direction over his country, your fleet carryhe expected to be joined by the 103rd regiing for me the necessary supplies. We can ment, and the flank companies of the 104th. threaten Forts George and Niagara, and carry This meeting taking place, however, at the Burlington Heights and York; and proceed twenty mile creek, General Riall, instantly retraced his steps, and took up a position about thirteen miles from the American army.

direct to Kingston, and carry that place. For God's sake, let me see you."* This letter is remarkable for many reasons, not the least curious of We will leave the two armies thus posted, Brown's letter to Chancery. which is the pathetic while we notice the atrocities perpetrated and almost touching appeal of a general, with by the Americans during their three weeks four thousand men at his back, to a naval campaign in the Niagara district. In doing commander to bring him four thousand more, this we will take no one sided British account, but a letter from an American officer, a major McFarland; we may also refer to

*Wilkinson's Memoirs, Vol. I., page 666.

the fact, that an American officer, Colonel against the enemy, with special orders to Stone, was dismissed the service by the "report if the enemy appeared," and to apply sentence of a Court Martial. for the wanton for assistance if necessary. General Scott, destruction of St. David's. Major McFar- having learned that the force occupying land writes:Lundy's Lane was more than a mere patrol"The militia and Indians plundered and ling party, reported it to General Brown, burnt everything. The whole population is who immediately pressed forward to support against us, not a foraging party, but is him. General Riall, on the advance of this fired on, and not unfrequently returns with superior force, very prudentially gave orders missing numbers. This state was to be to retire on Queenston. Assistance was, anticipated. The militia have burnt several however, nearer at hand than General Riall private dwelling houses, and, on the 19th could have hoped or anticipated. instant, burnt the village of St. David, con- No sooner had General Drummond heard of sisting of about thirty or forty houses. This the landing of a large American force, and was done within three miles of camp; and the result of the battle at Chippewa, than he my battalion was sent to cover the retreat, hastened from Kingston to York, which place as they (the militia) had been sent to scour he left on the evening of the 24th, arriving the country, and it was presumed they at Fort Niagara on the next morning. The might be pursued. My G-d! what a service. greatest energy seems to have characterized I never witnessed such a scene; and had General Drummond's motions, and we find not the commanding officer of the party, him first dispersing Colonel Swift and his lieutenant colonel Stone, been disgraced, party of volunteers, and then rapidly advancand sent out of the army, I should have ing with about eight hundred rank and file resigned my commission." to the support of General Riall.

Lest our readers should imagine that When within a short distance of Lundy's Major McFarland was one of the parties Lane, General Drummond learned that the disaffected to the war, and whose report force under General Riall was in retreat, would consequently not be trustworthy, we and his first act was to change the retreat give a few more extracts from his letter :- into an advance upon the position so lately "He declares that he desires no better fun abandoned, and the position was again occuthan to fight the British troops whom, ac- pied when the American troops were within cording to James, this same Major politely half a mile of it. For the particulars of this calls cut-throats."-he also glories in being action we will, however, refer our readers to a "staunch American" What then" General Drummond's despatch :asks James, "must have been the scenes From Lieutenant-general Drummond to Sir G. and sufferings that could excite compassiou in such a breast."

66

Provost.

Head Quarters, near Niagara Falls,
July 27, 1814.
on board his majesty's

I embarked

To return, however, to the two generals. SIR, Ou learning that General Brown had retreated, General Riall advanced with his aug- schooner Netley, at York, on Sunday evenmented force, now nearly one thousand ing the 24th inst., and reached Niagara at strong, and took up a position near Lundy's day-break the following morning. Finding, Lane (about a mile from the Falls), and from lieutenant-colonel Tucker, that majorabout two and a half miles from the Ameri- general Riall was understood to be moving can position. The American commander, towards the Falls of Niagara to support the having been instructed that General Riall advance of his division, which he had pushed had crossed over from Queenston to Lewis-on to that place on the preceding evening, ton, to effect a diversion, and that a small I ordered lieutenant-colonel Morrison, with party occupied Lundy's Lane, determined the 89th regiment and a detachment of the by a counter diversion to advance on that royals and king's, drawn from Fort George post. He accordingly despatched General and Mississaga to proceed to the same point Scott with eleven hundred rank and file in order that, with the united force I might

act against the enemy (posted at Street's the right; the battalion of incorporated miliCreek, with his advance at Chippewa) on tia, and the detachment of the king's regimy arrival if it should be found expedient.-ment on the left of the great road; the squadI ordered lieutenant-colonel Tucker, at the ron of the 19th light dragoons in the rear of same time to proceed up the right bank of the left, on the road. I had scarcely comthe river, with 300 of the 31st, about 200 of pleted this formation when the whole front the royal Scots, and a body of Indian war-was warmly and closely engaged. The eneriors, supported (on the river) by a party of my's principal efforts were directed against armed seamen, under captain Dobbs, royal our left and centre. After repeated attacks, navy. The object of this movement was to the troops on the left were partially forced disperse or capture, a body of the enemy en-back, and the enemy gained a momentary camped at Lewiston. Some unavoidable possesion of the road. This gave him, howdelay having occurred in the march of the ever, no material advantage, as the troops troops up the right bank, the enemy had which had been forced back formed in the moved off previous to lieutenant-colonel rear of the 89th regiment, fronting the road, Tucker's arrival. I have to express myself and securing the flank. It was during this short interval that major-general Riall, havHaving refreshed the troops at Queenstown, ing received a severe wound, was intercepted as he was passing to the rear, by a party of and having brought across the 41st, royals, and Indians, I sent back the 41st and 100th the enemy's cavalry, and taken prisoner.— regiments, to form the garrisons of forts In the centre, the repeated and determined George, Mississaga, and Niagara, under attacks of the enemy were met by the 89th lieutenant-colonel Tucker, and moved with regiment, the detachments of the royals and the 89th, and detachments of the royals and king's, and light company of the 41st, in all about 800 men, to join major-general Riall's

satisfied with the exertions of that officer.

division at the Falls.

When arrived within a few miles of that

position, I met a report from major-general Riall that the enemy was advancing in great force. I immediately pushed on, and joined

king's, and the light company of the 41st regiment, with the most perfect steadiness and intrepid gallantry, and the enemy was constantly repulsed with very heavy loss.In so determined a manner were their attacks directed against our guns, that our artillerymen were bayonetted by the enemy while in the act of loading, and the muzzles of the enemy's guns were advanced within a few yards of ours. The darkness of the night during this extraordinary conflict, occasioned several uncommon incidents: our

troops having for a moment been pushed back, some of our guns remained for a few minutes in the enemy's hands; they, however, were not only quickly recovered, but the two pieces (a 6-pounder and a 54 inch howitzer) which the enemy had brought up, were captured by us, together with several tumbrils, and in limbering up our guns at one period, one of the enemy's 6-pounders was put by mistake on a limber of ours, and one of our 6-pounders limbered on one of his : by which means the pieces were exchanged; and thus, though we captured two of his guns, yet, as he obtained one of ours, we have gained only

the head of lieutenant-colonel Morrison's columns just as it reached the road leading to the Beaver Dam, over the summit of the hill at Lundy's Lane. Instead of the whole of major-general Riall's division, which I expected to have found occupying this position, I found it almost in the occupation of the enemy, whose columns were within 600 yards of the top of the hill, and the surrounding woods filled with his light troops. The advance of major-general Riall's division, consisting of the Glengarry light infantry and incorporated militia, having commenced a retreat upon Fort George, I countermanded these corps, and formed the 89th regiment, the royal Scots detachment, and the 41st light company, in the rear of the hill, their left resting on the great road; my two 24 pounder brass field guns a little advanced, in front of the centre, on the summit About 9 o'clock, (the action having comof the hill; the Glengarry light infantry on menced at 6,) there was a short intermission

one gun.