enemy, so as to compel them to make use of their own resources for the maintenance of their army. Major-general de Rottenburgh has assumed the command of the centre division of the army of Upper Canada. After the squadron under commodore sir James Yeo had shown itself off the Forty Mile Creek, which principally determined the enemy to retreat from that position, it was very successfully employ cd in interrupting and cutting off the supplies going from the Genessee river, and their other settlements upon the southern shore of the lake; five small vessels, with provisions, clothing, and other articles were taken, and several loaded boats were captured, and some destroyed. Sir, (Transmitted by Colonel Vincent.) Beaver Dam, June 24, 1813. I have the honour to inform you, that the troops you have done me the honour to place under my command, have suc ceeded this day in taking prisoners a detachment of the 'United States' army, under the command of lieutenant-colo nel Bærstler. In this affair the Indian warriors, under the command of captain Kerr, were the only force actually engaged to them great merit is due, and to them I feel par ticularly obliged for their gallant conduct on this occasion. On the appearance of the detachment of the 49th regiment, under lieutenant Fitzgibbon, and the light company of the 8th or King's regiment, the two flank companies of the 104th, under major De Haren, and the provincial cavalry under captain Hall, the whole surrendered to his majesty's forces. To the conduct of lieutenant Fitzgibbon, through whose address the capitulation was entered into, may be attributed the surrender of the American force. To major De Haren, for his speedy movement to the point of attack, and execution of the arrangements I had previously made with him, I am very much obliged. I have the honour to enclose the capitulation entered into between colonel Barstler and myself, and a return of prisoners taken, exclusive of wounded, not yet ascertained. I lost no time in forwarding my staff-adjutant, lieutenant Barnard, to communicate to you this intelligence. He has been particularly active and useful to me upon all occasions. I take this opportunity of mentioning him to you, and beg the favour of you to recommend him to his excellency sir George Prevost, as an active and promising young officer. I have the honour to be, &c. CECIL BISHOPP, Lieutenant-colonel, commanding the troops in advance. Brigadier-General Vincent, &c. (Signed) Sir, Township of Louth, June 24, 1813. At De Coris, this morning, about 7 o'clock, I received information that about 1000 of the enemy, with guns, were advancing towards me from St. David's. I soon after heard a firing of cannon and musketry, and in consequence rode in advance, 2 miles on the St. David's road. I discovered by the firing that the enemy was moving for the road on the mountain. I sent off cornet M'Kenny to order out my detachment of the 49th, consisting of a subaltern and 46 rank and file, and close upon the enemy to reconnoitre. I discovered him on the mountain road, and took a position on an eminence to the right of it. My men arrived and pushed on in his front to cut off his retreat, under a fire from his guns, which however did no execution. After examining his positions, I was informed he expected reinforcements: I therefore decided upon summoning him to surrender. After the exchange of several propositions, between lieutenant-colonel Bærstler and myself in the name of lieutenant-colonel De Haren, lieutenant-colonel Bærstler agreed to surrender on the terms stated in the articles of capitulation. On my return to my men to send out an officer to superintend the details of the surrender, you arrived. I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) J. FITZGIBBON, Lieut. 49th Foot. To Major De Haren, &c. &c. June 24, 1813. Particulars of the capitulation made between captain M'Dowell, on the part of lieutenant-colonel Barstler, of the United States' army, and major De Haren, of his Britannic majesty's Canadian regiment, on the part of lieutenant-colonel Bishop, commanding the advance of the British, respecting the force under the command of lieutenant-colonel Bærstler. 1st. That lieutenant-colonel Borstler, and the force under his command, shall surrender prisoners of war. 2d. That the officers shall retain their arms, horses, and baggage. 3d. That the non-commissioned officers and soldiers shall lay down their arms at the head of the British column, and become prisoners of war. 4th. That the militia and volunteers, with lieutenant-colo nel Bærstler, shall be permitted to return to the United States Return of American Prisoners taken near Fort George, Light dragoons-1 cornet, 1 serjeant, 19 rank and file. Light artillery-1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 31 rank and file. 6th regiment of infantry-1 captain, 1 lieutenant, S serjeants, 54 rank and file. 14th ditto-1 lieutenant-colonel, 3 captains, 11 lieutenants, 1 surgeon, 15 serjeants, 301 rank and file. 20th ditto-1 major. 23d ditto-1 captain, 4 serjeants, 2 drummers, 57 rank and file.. Total-1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 6 captains, 13 lieute nants, 1 cornet, 1 surgeon, 25 serjeants, 2 drummers, 462 rank and file. 30 militia released on parole, not included in this return. Return of Ordnance, &c. taken. One 12 pounder, one 6 pounder, 2 cars, stand of colours of the 14th United States' regiment. (Signed) EDW. BAYNES, Adj.-Gen. The loss of the enemy is supposed to be about 190 in killed and wounded. SKIRMISHES AT FORT George. Extract of a Letter from Brigadier-General Boyd to the Secretary of War, dated Fort George, July 20. I have the honour to report, that on 17th instant, the enemy attacked our pickets, in a body of about 200 British, besides Indians. Detachments were sent out to support them, but with instructions to act defensively. After a contest of one hour, occasionally severe, the enemy was dispersed. Our loss was trifling-only three or four being killed, and a few wounded; the loss of the enemy has not been ascertained, but being exposed to some well-directed fires of our light artillery, under the command of lieutenant Smith, it is probable their loss must have been comparatively great. Colonel Scott, who had the direction of our troops which were engaged, speaks highly of the ardour and steadiness of both officers and men. Being fought in detachments, many young officers had an opportunity of evincing their activity and bravery. To use the language of colonel Scott, "this affair, though small, served to test the merits of the officers and men engaged. More ardour has seldom been displayed. Captain Vandeursen fought his detachment with good effect; and captain Madison, with his picket guard, was fully engaged. They could not lose their ardour under major Cumming. Captain Birdsall's riflemen were nearest to the enemy in pursuit. Major Armstrong, who was officer of the day, was active in concentrating and arranging the troops and pickets. Captain Towson, of the artillery, was wounded in the hand while voluntarily bearing colonel Scott's orders; and an officer of the rifle corps was slightly wounded." Sir, Copies of Letters from Brigadier-General Boyd to the Secretary of War. Head-Quarters, Fort George, August 17, 1813. In the last letter which I had the honour to address to you, I had to communicate the information that commodore Chauncey had left this part of the lake; yesterday an express arrived from the Eighteen Mile Creek, stating that he was then off that place, in pursuit of the British fleet, which was likewise to be seen. A body of volunteers, militia and Indians, under command of brigadier-general Porter of the New York militia, having arrived at this place, and very impatient to engage the enemy, a plan was this morning concerted to cut off one of his pickets. About 300 volunteers and Indians, under the command of major Chapin, was to effect this object, supported by 200 regulars under the command of major Cumming, of the 16th infantry. A heavy rain, and other untoward circumstances, defeated the primary object, but in a skirmish that ensued, in which the enemy was completely routed, our Indians captured 12, of the British Indians, and four whites. Many of the enemy's dead were left on the field, among whom is supposed to be the famous chief, Norton. Our loss was only two Indians, and a few slightly wounded. Those who participated in this contest, particularly the Indians, conducted with great courage. bravery and activity. General Porter volunteered in the affair, and major Chapin evinced his accustomed zeal and The regulars under major Cumming, as far as they were engaged, conducted well. The principal chiefs who led the warriors this day, were Farmer's Brother, Red Jac ket, Little Billey, Pollard, Black Snake, Johnson, Silver Heels, captain Halftown, major Henry O. Ball (Cornplanter's son), and captain Cold, chief of Onondago, who was wounded. In a council which was held with them yesterday, they cove nanted not to scalp or murder; and I am happy to say, that they treated the prisoners with humanity, and committed no wanton cruelties upon the dead. The Canadian volunteers, under major Wilcox, were active and brave as usual. I have the honour to be, sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant, Hon. John Armstrong. JNO. P. BOYD, Brig.-Gen. com. Head-Quarters, Fort George, Upper Canada, Hon. John Armstrong. Sir, yesterday I had the honour to address to you a letter detailing the conduct of the Indians in a late skirmish. Their bravery and humanity were equally conspicuous. Already the quietness in which our pickets are suffered to remain, evinces the benefit arising from their assistance. Permit me to suggest the propriety of immediately depositing presents for them in the hands of Mr. Granger, of whose exertions, and those of Mr. Parish, I must express my entire approbation. I have the honour to be, sir, your respectful obedient servant, JOHN P. BOYD, Brig.-Gen. Copy of a Letter from Brigadier-General Boyd to the Secretary of War, dated Sir, Head-Quarters, Fort George, August 24, 1813. I have the honour to report, that at day-break this morning, the enemy attacked us at all our pickets, which retired towards the camp, pursued by his advance guards. A skirmish ensued in the village, with little effect upon us; after which he retreated, having come within reach of our cannon, but never within musket shot of our entrenchments. One captain of the 49th and a few privates have been brought in prisoners. We lost two men, and a few wounded; |