the importance of the Provinces or are indifferent to their defence, but because the demand for Reinforcements in other Quarters, where interests no less important are to be considered, renders it impossible to detach for your support so considerable a force as under other circumstances would be allotted to you.

I have to acknowledge Your letter of the 10th of Jany. stating that Fort George was again in the possession of His Majesty's Troops & that the American Fort of Niagara had been carried by assault on the 19th December last; and to assure you that the conduct of the Troops employed upon this gallant occasion, have afforded me the utmost satisfaction and it is particularly gratifying to me that the service in question has merited the utmost approbation of the Prince Regent whose sence of the gallantry of the Troops & the Judicious management which directed them, I am commanded to communicate to you.

I shall be glad to submit to His Royal Highness the names of the officers who, being eligible for Brevet promotion, have so far distinguished themselves upon this service as to merit promotion of that nature-But as in your recommendations the line is not sufficiently explicit, I have to desire that you will be pleased to submit the names of those whom you would wish to recommend for such distinction, mentioning at the same time the particulars of the good conduct upon which your recommendation is foundedI am Sir

CAPT. STEWART TO MAJ. GEN. RIALL
(War-1812)

SIR,

DELAWARE, March 6th 1814

I have to acquaint you that the enemy retreated precipitately from their position about 8 o'clock on the night of the 4th instant, down the river Thames. As the service for which the advance of the Troops was intended, has been frustrated by the Indians refusing to proceed with the ammunition and no probability of our being able to come up with the Enemy as they had gained 12 hours march of us, I have withdrawn the Troops to this place, where we will remain waiting your further Instructions. I enclose Col. Elliots' letter on the subject of the Indians refusing to proceed with the ammunition. Our wounded are to be removed tomorrow morning to Oxford as there is accommodation at that place.

As the report of our unfortunate and truly lamentable expedition has reached the general, you are no doubt acquainted with the circumstances, shall therefore forbear making any comments and only send you a sketch of the ground as nearly as I could take it on the spot, the American enclosure is only a brush wood fence, with an abittis on the outside to prevent a charge, no defence in front but almost inaccessible except by the Road.

I regret very much not being authorized to raise a company since I am bere I might have got several men McGregor's Company are dissatisfied with him and are about leaving him. Three of them have engaged in Colemans Dragoons and the remainder wish to join Caldwells Rangers. I bave seen several persons from the River Thames and Amherstburg, who all say that the inhabitants are anxiously expecting us and a great many ready to join us. The Wyndotts or Huron Indians are also at the back of the 1 This was one of the scouting expeditions of Col. Butler, from Detroit, heretofore mentioned.

Lake settlement anxiously expecting us, however, I fear our expedition to the westward is now completely frustrated. In consequence of Colonel Elliott being sick and the want of Indian Chiefs, the Indians who came up latterly are all returned back to the Head of Lake Ontario.

I beg you will be pleased to mention to his Honor Lt. General Drummond that I have endeavoured to obtain all the Information in my power respecting a company of artificers and am well convinced that a corps same terms with sappers and miners could be raised in a very short time, A man arrived from the River Thames to day says that 500 Americans had crossed from Detroit to come to the assistance of those engaged on the 4th Inst. I have learnt that the first party came out with the intention of going to Port Talbot, they had brought with them 3 Field Pieces which they were obliged to leave at the Round O. (Rondeau. Lake Erie.)

OXFORD 10th March 1814

Not having had an opportunity of sending the foregoing, I have now to acquaint you with our retreat yesterday morning. Intelligence was received that the Enemy was advancing and that their van-guard had reached the last settlements on the River Thames. In compliance with General Rialls orders we have retreated to this place, In case the Enemy should advance I think we may make a good defence here as we have an excellent Position in our Front1-we have lost 5 or 6 of our wounded men some are badly wounded it is thought that McGregor will lose his arm, several of his Company are gone off they are now reduced to about 30 men. I remain very respectfully

Capt. Foster

Dr. Sir

Your very obedt Servt

JNO. L. BRETON2

My Secty.

[C 682-p 233.]

1 Precautions against the possible return of Col. Butler's expedition.

2 Lieut. John

Le Breton; deputy assistant quartermaster general to Drummond's

military secretary, Capt. Foster. App. note, p. 436.

I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency the copy of a Report, received from Major General Riall, from Captain Stewart, of the Royal Scots Light Company, relative to an affair, which took place, in advance of Delaware Town, between the Detachment under his orders, and a body of the enemy from the westward.

I regret to state that our Loss has been considerable, in proportion to the numbers engaged; and that notwithstanding the daring gallantry displayed on the occasion, finding it impracticable to dislodge the enemy from the security of his breastworks, the troops were reluctantly withdrawn, after an action of an hour and a half.

It is reported that the Enemy has since retired from their position.
I have the honor to be

I have the honor to transmit to Your Excellency the copy of a letter from Capt. Stewart, of the Royal Scots Regiment to Maj. Genl. Riall, covering one from Col. Elliott of the Indian Department; whereby your Excellency will perceive that the enemy retreated from their position, with much precipitancy, towards the mouth of the Thames, after the affair of the 4th Instant.