perty found in them, consisting principally of a considerable quantity of corn. I judged it expedient to return for encampment the ensuing night beyond the surrounding hills, and we accordingly marched about two and a half miles from the town, within half a mile of the river bank, where we lay without fire, though a very cold night, within hearing of frequent yells, which were generally supposed to be on the opposite side of the river, and prepared for any attack that the enemy might think proper to make upon us.

During our stay in town, while procuring corn for our horses, three or four of the men went to the margin of the river, where one, under the cover of an Indian hut, and others under cover of such brush and shrubbery as the old field afforded, exchanged a few shot with the enemy, and three of them say they saw an Indian fall at the fire of their guns.

The adjutant, Thomas M. Berrien, who was at the moment considerably advanced towards the margin of the river, and had a spy glass in his hand, endeavouring to ascertain the strength of the enemy, states positively that he saw an Indian fall at the fire of Zachariah Simms' musket and John M. Patrick's rifle; that they were dragged up the hill and fires raised near them. Those few men were in a situation very much exposed in proportion to that of the enemy, and one of them, John M. Patrick of Jasper county, while stooping to take aim at a crowd of Indians, received a ball in his left shoulder, which it was found impossible to extract he is however on the mend, and will probably re

cover.

It is proper to add, that they went to the margin of the river not only without, but in direct violation of positive orders.

The other towns which we contemplated burning, Tookaubatchie, Tallahasse and Immookfau, were on the opposite side of the river, and it was impossible to get at them, owing to the high water-hence, nothing was left for us but to pursue our march home, which was done with proper precautionary measures to prevent a surprise until we crossed Chatahouchie, when the whole were permitted to proceed in the order they chose, which very much facilitated our march, and all have arrived safe.

Since my return, I learn from captain Hamilton of general Floyd's army, who is now in this neighbourhood, that his company of cavalry, and some friendly Indians with M'Intosh at their head, were ordered to join us at Chatahouchie;

this they failed to accomplish, and the friendly Indians were deterred from pursuing us by information which they received, that a force of 2000 hostile Indians were assembled at Oakfuskee, and if we should fall in with them, would inevitably cut us off. Captain Hamilton would have followed us, but was apprehensive that we were so far advanced, that he would be unable to overtake us.

Before I conclude this communication, it is proper to state, that the officers and privates (with such exceptions only as are noted within the remarks of the muster roll) evinced, during the whole expedition, and particularly at every alarm, a degree of firm and deliberate courage, which would have done honour to Spartan valour.

I have the honour to be, with high consideration, your excellency's most obedient and humble servant,

DAVID ADAMS.

His Excellency Peter Early, Governor of Georgia.

AMERICAN AND BRITISH ACCOUNTS OF THE CAPTURE OF FORT NIAGARA, AND THE DESOLATION OF THAT FRONTIER.

Copy of a Letter from General McClure, of the New-York State Troops, to the Secretary of War.

Sir,

Head-Quarters, Buffalo, December 22d, 1813. I regret to be under the necessity of announcing to you the mortifying intelligence of the loss of Fort Niagara. On the morning of the 19th instant, about 4 o'clock, the enemy crossed the river at the Five-Mile Meadows in great force, consisting of regulars and Indians, who made their way undiscovered to the garrison, which, from the most correct information I can collect, was completely surprised. Our men were nearly all asleep in their tents; the enemy rushed in and commenced a most horrid slaughter. Such as escaped the fury of the first onset retired to the old mess-house, where they kept up a destructive fire on the enemy, until a want of ammunition compelled them to surrender. Although our force was very inferior, and comparatively small indeed, I am induced to think that the disaster is not attributable to any want of troops, but to gross neglect in the commanding officer of the fort, captain Leonard, in not preparing, being ready, and looking out for the expected attack.

I have not been able to ascertain correctly the number of killed and wounded. About twenty regulars have escaped

out of the fort, some badly wounded. Lieutenant Peck, 24th regiment, is killed, and it is said three others.

You will perceive, sir, by the enclosed general orders, that I apprehended an attack, and made the necessary arrangements to meet it; but have reason to believe, from information received by those who have made their escape, that the commandant did not in any respect comply with those orders.

On the same morning a detachment of militia, under major Bennet, stationed at Lewistown heights, was attacked by a party of savages; but the major and his little corps, by making a desperate charge, effected their retreat, after being surrounded by several hundred, with the loss of six or eight, who doubtless were killed, among whom were two sons of captain Jones, Indian interpreter. The villages of Youngstown, Lewistown, Manchester, and the Indian Tuscarora village, were reduced to ashes, and the inoffensive inhabitants who could not escape were, without regard to age or sex, inhumanly butchered by savages, headed by British officers painted. A British officer who is taken prisoner, avows that many small children were murdered by their Indians. Major Mallory, who was stationed at Schlosser with about forty Canadian volunteers, advanced to Lewistown heights, and compelled the advanced guard of the enemy to fall back to the foot of the mountain. The major is a meritorious officer. He fought the enemy two days, and contended every inch of ground to the Tauntawanty Creek. In these actions lieutenant Lowe, 23d regiment United States' army, and eight of the Canadian volunteers were killed. I had myself, three days previous to the attack on Niagara, left it with a view of providing for the defence of this place, Black-Rock, and the other villages on this frontier. I came here without troops, and have called out the militia of Gennessee, Niagara, and Chataugue counties en masse.

This place was then thought to be in most imminent danger, as well as the shipping; but I have no doubt is now perfectly secure. Volunteers are coming in in great numbers; they are, however, a species of troops that cannot be expected to continue in service for a long time. In a few days one thousand detached militia, lately drafted, will be on.

I have the honour to be, &c.

GEO. M'CLURE, Brigadier-General commanding.

Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary of War.

Extract of a second Letter from General McClure to the Secre tary 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; 3 S

VOL. II.

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, Der. 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.