Extract of a second Letter from General M'Clure to the Secretary at war.

Batavia, December 25, 1813.

It is a notorious fact, that the night on which Fort Niagara was captured, captain Leonard left the fort about 11 o'clock, P. M. I am assured that he has since given himself up to the enemy, and that he and his family are now on the Canadian side of the streight.

Extract of a Letter from Major-General Hall, commanding on the Niagara Frontier, to his Excellency Governor Tompkins, dated Buffalo, December 25, 1813.

On my receiving information of the enemy's crossing the Niagara river, and taking the fort, I immediately set off for that frontier. On my arrival at Batavia, I found a number of volunteers assembled. I tarried there one day to forward them on to the frontier, and make arrangements for those who should follow.

I this day arrived at Buffalo and assumed the command of the troops, being all volunteers, now on this station. The whole number here, at Lewistown, &c. may amount to 2000 of all descriptions. The enemy have made their appearance off Black Rock, and an invasion is to be expected. The troops now out can be kept out but a few days. Those called out on your excellency's last requisition, cannot all arrive at this place till the middle or last of this week. The order did not reach me till the evening of the 16th instant.

Our loss in the capture of Niagara has been immense. What number of brave men have been sacrificed, we have not been able to learn.-It must have been great.

Several inhabitants have been killed at Lewistown, &c. among whom it is not ascertained there are any women or children. I have the honour, &c.

Sir,

AMOS HALL.

From the same to the same, dated Head-Quarters,
Niagara Frontier, Dec. 30, 1813, 7 o'clock P. M.
Received by Express.

I have only time to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th instant, and to add that this frontier is wholly desolate. The British crossed over, supported by a strong party of Indians, at a little before day this morning, near Black Rock-they were met with the militia under my command with spirit; but, overpowered by numbers and discipline of the enemy, the militia gave way and fled on every side;

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every attempt to rally them was ineffectual. The enemy's purpose was obtained, and the flourishing village of Buffalo is laid in ruins. The Niagara frontier now lies open and naked to our enemies. Your judgment will direct you what is most proper in this emergency. I am exhausted with fatigue, and must defer particulars till to-morrow. Many valuable lives are lost.

I have the honour, &c.

A. HALL, Major-Gen.

Head-Quarters, Upper Canada, Dec. 19, 1813. Lieutenant-general Drummond congratulates the troops under his command, on the brilliant success which has crowned the attack made this morning on Fort Niagara. It was assaulted an hour before day-light, and after a short but severe contest, it was carried with a very slight loss on our part; that of the enemy was 65 killed and 15 wounded-all by the bayonet-the remainder of the garrison, to the number of about 350 regular troops and artillery, were made prisoners; 27 pieces of ordnance were found in the fort. Our loss does not exceed 5 killed and 3 wounded. Lieutenant Nowlan of the 100th regiment, a very promising young officer, is the only officer killed. The lieutenant-general has to regret that a severe wound which colonel Murray has received, is likely to deprive the army of the services of that gallant officer for some time. The troops employed on this occasion were the 100th regiment, the grenadier company of the royals, and the flank companies of the 41st regiment. Their instructions were not to fire, but to carry the place at the point of the bayonet. These orders were punctually obeyed; a circumstance that not only proves their intrepidity, but reflects great credit on their discipline. Colonel Murray expresses his admiration of the valour and good conduct of the whole of the troops, particularly of the 100th regiment, which led the attack. He also bestows his particular thanks on lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, &c. (Here follow the names of several regular and militia officers who distinguished themselves). Of the brilliant service of lieutenant Dawson of the 100th who led the forlorn hope, and captain Fawcett, of the 100th, grenadiers, in entirely cutting off two of the enemy's pickets and surprising the sentries on the glacis and at the gate, by which means the watch-word was obtained, and the entrance into the fort greatly facilitated, the colonel speaks in terms of the highest and most deserved praise.

Lieutenant-general Drummond will perform a most grateful duty in bringing under the notice of his royal highness the prince regent, through his excellency the commander of the forces, the admirable execution of this brilliant achievement on the part of every individual concerned. The useful services of the militia volunteers in launching the boats, and rowing the troops across the river, were not unnoticed by the lieutenant-general.

⚫ The lieutenant-general has received from major-general Riall a very favourable report of the zeal and alacrity of the detachment of the Royal Scots, under lieutenant-colonel Gordon, and the 41st battalion companies under major Friend, who advanced under the major-general's command to dislodge the enemy from the heights of Lewistown. Their steadiness and regularity, under circumstances of great temptation, were highly creditable to them. Nothing could more strongly indicate their anxious wish to meet the enemy; and the lieutenant-general has only to regret that his rapid retreat from Lewistown heights, did not afford to major-general Riall an opportunity of leading them to victory.

Lieutenant-general Drummond begs that major-generals Riall and Vincent will accept his acknowledgment for the assistance he has received from them in making arrangements for the late operations.

Lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, 100th regiment, is appointed to command Fort Niagara, and the lieutenant-general will recommend that the same command-money be annexed to it as was granted at Fort George.

A board of survey, composed of lieutenant-colonel Hamilton, commandant, president, major Holcroft, commanding royal artillery, and a captain of the 100th regiment, members, will assemble as soon as possible in Fort Niagara, for the purpose of taking an exact account and inventory of the immense quantity of ordnance stores, arms, provisions, clothing, &c. captured in that place.

J. HARVEY, Lieutenant-Colonel, Dept. Adj. Gen.

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