cannon.

Third, He slept a mile and a half from his men, and the next to him in command being absent, they in fact had no commander.

Fourth, He received intelligence of the march of the attacking army in the evening, but would not credit it.

The operations of the British commander are marked with the same minute correctness of judgment in this instance, and the same boldness of conception and execution which distinguished in the former instance his illustrious predecessor, General Brock. It is a military movement of equal and in fact of greater splendor. His allies, however, will tarnish his military laurels and plant a thorn in his heart. "But that I am," etc., Hamlet, Act II. Scene 4. The American soldiers fought like lions. The enemy do justice to their intrepid bravery, and being the first instance they have felt in this quarter of American spirit, it is not without its impression. Whatever credit is, however, given to the bravery of the men, the superiority of generalship beyond all doubt or question belongs to the British commanders. If General Winchester advanced without the approbation of the commanding general, this was a still greater and more military error.

I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully your obedient servant,

SANDWICH, February 4, 1813. Major-General Sheaffe, Fort George

MY DEAR GENERAL: The advance of General Winchester's force gave an opportunity to a part of the inhabitants of the Michigan Ter. ritory to display their hostile sentiments toward our Government. A number of them were prepared, I have reason to believe, in the event of my having failed in my attack on the enemy, to rise and possess themselves of Fort Detroit, in which, at the time, I could afford a garrison of militia only; but disappointed in that expectation, and acquiring confidence from the approach of General Harrison, they held meetings which were productive of the inde

of the conditions for a convention insolently proposed in a letter to me from Chief Justice Woodward. Of the impropriety of this man's conduct, I certainly cannot entertain a doubt. He is an artful, designing and ambitious man, and his only objects have been to ingratiate himself with his own Government and to court popularity. In such a man I could not place confidence, and associated with him in the administration of the government it was impossible for that government to possess sufficient energy to control such men. To preserve the Territory, therefore, I found myself under the absolute necessity of declaring martial law therein. I have also found it necessary to order some of the more suspicious and turbulent characters to quit the Territory, among whom are some British subjects. They will proceed to Fort George under an escort and then will be at your disposal, though I shall take upon me to make some remarks respecting some of them.

After having rid the Territory of these men, as there are a considerable number of the inhabitants who are or were British subjects, who were greatly controlled in their actions by the persons sent off, it is my intention to bring over as many of the inhabitants as I can to take the oath of allegiance to his Majesty, and if I find they can be trusted, arm them in defense of the Territory. As the majority of the inhabitants are Canadians, and as it is so much for their own interest to be on good terms with the Indians, I have hopes of succeeding in procuring a considerable number to join us. And in respect to those who are confirmed citizens of the United States, and whom I have not thought proper to order away, I shall call on them to take an oath of strict neutrality during the war. The most of those sent away were, by the capitulation for the surrender of Detroit, made prisoners of war, as they had joined the army, and as such, I conceive, liable to be sent away. What I have done has been under the firm conviction that it was not only for the best but absolutely necessary. I have, therefore, reasons to hope that my conduct will be fully approved. I remain, my dear General, faithfully yours, HENRY PROCTOR, Commanding.

with all the forces I could collect, the result of which is that Brigadier General Winchester, his surviving officers and upwards of 400 men are prisoners, the remainder (I believe about the same number) being killed by the Indians in their flight. I am sorry to say that our loss has been for our number considerable. We had no time to lose, for Mr. Harrison is on the advance. A week's delay would have lost us everything. Perhaps this specimen of what they are to expect in the Territory may deter them from making another attempt soon. The troops, marine and militia, displayed great bravery, as did also the Indians. The officers did their duty well. It would be scarcely just to mention individuals. Colonel St. George received four wounds "whilst acting very gallantly." Lieutenant Kerr, N. F. L., is, I fear, mortally wounded. I have not time for further particulars. Believe me, with regard and esteem, ever yours,

HENRY PROCTOR.

Extract from a letter from General Proctor to Major-General Sheaffe:

SANDWICH, January 13, 1813. Nothing can be more gratifying to me than to find effectual measures taken to insure the superiority of the lakes, so requisite to the security of the country. Every exertion is making and shall be persevered in, as far as depends on me to attain that object. The gunboats are to be built on the Thames, by which much time and expense will be saved. I want no assistance toward building the gunboats. The labor and materials I have at hand. It is not so with respect to the ship; however, no time need be lost. An estimate of the materials is sent, and a saving of time and expense will arise in proportion to the number of shipging of the ship, a naval officer should direct wrights employed in building her. In the rigand sailors be employed. I do not believe there are either here properly qualified. I have taken it for granted that we are to receive officers and seamen from the only adequate source, the royal navy. There are two very important points which I conceive it requisite to occupy with block-houses. The expense will be very trifling, the timber being at hand, and the effect they may produce on our allies very beneficial, as calculated to preserve our

communication with them and ensure their retreat. One gun only will be requisite in each.

Mature reflection on the reading within my reach had determined me against demanding the military service of the inhabitants of the ceded Territory. I dread the consequences on their account solely of the enemy entering into the Territory. No commands or influence of mine will be of sufficient weight to preserve the property, and I doubt not the lives, of the most of the inhabitants in the event of it. With my inadequate means the game will be a difficult one; however, I will do my best and trust that the result may be as favorable as hitherto.

The Indians in council have formally requested the aid of such a corps (Butler's) as were attached to and acted with them during (as it is called) the Revolutionary War, and *Captain Caldwell, whom they well know and think highly of, may be employed. A corps of that description would be, I am convinced, of the highest utility, both in restraining and di recting the hostility of the Indians to the proper objects of it. I would propose one company at first, and if found to answer the intended purpose, a second might be added under a major. It would soon prove a good substitute for militia, whose officers here are almost all as bad as can be. An efficient corps of the description proposed, I doubt not, could soon be raised in this district. From the Indians I have had many applications for the regular troops to move and serve immediately with them, and which with some difficulty I have been able to evade, since the expedition intended for Fort Wayne, often much to their dissatisfaction. Having the corps in question, no other would be required to act immediately with them. The Indians are endeavoring to

* Captain Caldwell referred to, soon after the War of 1812, married Miss Catharine, the daughter of Jaques Lasselle, who was a wealthy Indian trader. Miss Catharine was an accomplished lady, who received her education at Montreal, making her trips

from the River Raisin to Montreal and return in open flat boats. The records in the Register's office of Monroe county show that in 1840 she was the owner of forty-four farms in Monroe county, inherited from her father. Captain Caldwell resided on the farm known by his name, five miles west of Monroe on the north side of the River Raisin. He died, leaving a large family, and many of his descendants yet reside in Monroe county. His grandson, Charles, is at this time the Clerk of Monroe county.

get those nations which are in the United States from among the Americans. Their plans are well laid. The Americans, I understand, have in considerable force ascended the Illinois in boats shot proof, intending to build or establish themselves half way up, thence proceed to Chicago and there establish themselves again. You will perceive their object to be the cutting off from us the most formidable Indian nations. Mopock, whom we knew here, has collected a body of Indians to oppose them. Tecumseh, I fear, has scarcely recovered his health. I have just learned that the enemy are at the foot of the rapids, computed at 1,000 men. Two days since a few Indians and Americans encountered each other, when the latter had two killed and some wounded, and the former one wounded. The Indians contrived to bring off three of the enemy's horses.

It may be requisite to dislodge the enemy from their present position, which is in the Territory, and therefore we have no choice nor option but to employ all and every description of force in our reach. I am under the necessity of calling out some more of the militia, but I hope it will be but for a short time. (Signed) HENRY PROCTOR, Colonel Commanding.

True extracts.

ROBERT R. LORING, Captain, A. D. C.

FORT GEORGE, February 10, 1813. Colonel Baynes, Adjutant General —

SIR: I have the honor to transmit for your information a return of the troops, regulars, militia, marine and Indian department who were engaged at Frenchtown on the River Raisin on the 22d January, 1813, with a statement of the killed and wounded.

A return of the re-enforcements that left this post on the 2d inst. to join Colonel Proctor at Amherstburg, is herewith enclosed. I avail myself of this opportunity to inform you that Brigadier General Winchester, with about twenty officers, arrived here two days since, and with the exception of the General, a few field officers and his personal staff, they have been allowed to go over to the American side on their parole; those remaining are merely detained until his Excellency's pleasure shall

be known. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient humble servant, I. B. GLEGG, Captain, Acting B. M.

HEADQUARTERS, January 31, 1813.

Dr. McKechen—

SIR: You will proceed with the two men who are to attend you, to the River Raisin, bearing a flag of truce. The object of your trip is to ascertain the situation of the wounded which were left, as it is said, at that place. If a British officer should be there you will deliver him the letter with which you are charged, and proceed to give such assistance to the sick as they may need and you be able to procure. You are furnished with $100 in gold for the purpose. Should there be no British officer on the River Raisin, you will proceed toward Malden until you meet with one, unless there should be great danger from the Indians. Indeed, it is my wish that you should go on to Malden, if you are permitted to do so, to bring dispatches from General Winchester, or the senior officer remaining with our prisoners. If your professional services are wanted with the wounded, you will remain with them and send back the two men to bring me an account of your proceedings. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

To His Excellency, Sir George Provost, Baronet, Captain General and Governor-in-Chief in and over the Province of Lower Canada, Upper Canada, etc., etc.:

The memorial of a number of the principal inhabitants residing within the western District of the Province of Upper Canada, most respectfully represents:

That the post of Amherstburg is of the utmost importance in the defense of the Province, and that if the enemy should become possessed thereof, the Province would become an easy conquest.

That the late acquisition of the Territory of Michigan, by giving us the entire possession of the strait, and removing the enemy to a greater distance, must be attended with the greatest advantage, as well toward the more

easy defense of the Province as in commercial and other benefits to his Majesty's subjects.

That the posts of Amherstburg and Detroit are the keys of the western countries, and their loss would in great measure deprive his Majesty of the aid of the Indian tribes, and also render them an easy prey to their implacable enemies.

That the aid of the Indians is of infinite importance to the success of his Majesty's arms in these parts; but your memorialists beg leave to observe that they are thinly scattered over immense tracts of land and through immense forests, and from their necessities as well as their habits, they cannot long continue together in large bodies, and that therefore an occasional aid only from them can be depended on.

That the States of Ohio, Kentucky,Tennessee and others which border on the Indian lands are large and very populous, and that the American Government and commanders are resorting to every means to conciliate, intimidate and divide the different tribes.

That the Americans have already opened several roads leading through the Indian lands towards Detroit, and have strongly fortified themselves adjacent to the newly acquired Territory of Michigan, within one day's march of the River Aux Raisins and fifty miles of Amherstburg.

That as well to unite the Indians and command their respect for us as to secure the ports of Amherstburg and Detroit, and thereby in great measure the Province at large, and occasionally to co-operate with them, your memorialists deem it essentially necessary that a considerable regular force should be immediately stationed at those ports.

Your memorialists also beg leave to observe that the late General Brock was so well convinced of the absolute necessity of a considerable regular force being stationed in this quarter, that he repeatedly declared to several of your memorialists that at least 1,600 men should be stationed at Amherstburg alone. That from the want of such a force, the militia of the district having been kept absent from their agricultural concerns, a very large proportion of the last year's crops was destroyed, and that very little wheat was sown last fall, which will produce a great scarcity during the coming season.

That this evil can alone be palliated by suf

fering the inhabitants as much as possible to remain on their farms and raise spring crops of Indian corn, oats, etc.

Wherefore your memorialists humbly pray that your Excellency will be pleased to take the premises into your consideration, and afford the country such relief as your Excellency in your wisdom shall deem expedient, and your memorialists as in duty bound shall ever pray. (Signed) THOMAS CALDWELL, Captain, and forty-six inhabitants.

SANDWICH, February 26, 1813.

SANDWICH, May 14, 1813.

Captain McDonall, Quebec

MY DEAR SIR: I shall not say anything to you respecting our visit to Mr. Harrison or of what passed between us; McLean will fully inform you of the particulars. If his Excellency approves I shall be much gratified. I am just sending off an express to Mr. Dickson, and have also to write to Niagara. You will be much surprised to hear that I have received only half of the Forty-First Regiment. Excellency does not interfere I shall be kept so weak as to tempt the enemy forward. If Sir George's intentions had been fulfilled I could venture to ensure the safety of this flank for some months at least. Should I be left to the con

If his

sideration of any person but Sir George, this district will be entered also. You will learn from McLean that I can not with safety use the militia. I should be much gratified if Colonel Elliot, from his age and long service, was permitted to retire on his full pay. He is past seventy, I have understood near eighty. I have the pleasure to acquaint you that Te. cumseh and his people are settling on the River Huron between the River Raisin and Detroit; the Pottawatomies twenty miles higher up that river, and the Ottawas on the River Rouge between the Huron and Detroit, and that I have ordered the Indian department to Detroit, which will make the Territory completely an Indian country, and render its conquest still more difficult, if not impossible, if I can have a due proportion of regulars, for I repeat it, they cannot be dispensed with. We are anxiously looking to the Lower Province. I hope the fleet is at hand. Our tars will soon set things to rights on the lower lake, when York must fall to the right owners, though I suppose the enemy are fortifying themselves there, which may cause us much trouble and lose us many lives. Excuse haste. Mrs. and Miss Proctor desire their best compliments, and Harry begs to be kindly remembered to you. I remain, etc.,

HENRY PROCTOR.