General Wilkinson, with the evidence of thes The absurdity into which General Wilkinpassages before him, could pen the following: son's patriotism has here hurried him, is on "The names of the officers who accom- par with that of some of the veracious hispanied Colonel Van Ranselaer in this hardy ories put forth by sundry American authors. enterprise deserve to be engraved on the scroll One writer, (Thompson,) in his account of the of fame, for surmounting obstacles almost in affair in the morning, makes the Americans superable, in the face of a determined enemy. three hundred and twenty strong, "entirely under a heavy fire, and dislodging and pursu routes the British 49th regiment of six huning a superior force, consisting of two compared strong, and ursues them up the heights." nies of the 49th British Regiment, advantage- Not satisfied with quadrupling the numbers ously posted, with an auxiliary body of militia of the 49th, he adds-" part of the 41st were and Indians. It was indeed a display of intre-acting with the 49th, both of which regiments pidity rarely exhibited, in which the conduct and execution were equally conspicuous.

"Here true valour, so often mistaken for animal courage, was attested by an appeal to the bayonet, which decided the conflict without a shot. It must not be forgotten that two hundred and twenty-five men accomplished what six hundred were intended to achieve, and the reader will bear in mind, that with the single exception of Colonel Van Ranselaer, it was the first military combat in which either men or officers had been engaged. Under all the circumstances, and on the scale of the operations, the impartial soldier and competent judge will name this brilliant affair the chef d'œuvre of the war."

distinguished themselves under the same commander in Europe; and the latter had obtained the title of the Egyptian Invincibles, because they had never, ON ANY OCCASION BEFORE, been known to give ground."

One man of the 41st was present in the morning, Lieutenant Crowther-and he was the sole representative of the regiment on the

occasion.

Another writer, Dr. Smith, like his friend Mr. Thompson, also introduces the "whole 49th regiment, six hundred strong," adding, "They mutually resorted to the bayonet; and, after a bloody conflict, the famous Invincibles yielded to the superior energy of their antagonists, although so far inferior in numIf this affair, resulting in unconditional surbers." We have, however, given extracts render, is to be considered as the chef d'œuvre of the war, we are at a loss in what light the enough to show how entirely regardless of capitulation of Detroit is to be viewed. The truth and facts the greater number of the American historians are, and how they have passages following are still more remarkable. stooped, not only to distort, but actually to "Yet we heard of no mark of distinction, no invent. "These," says James, "are the dehonorary promotions on the occasion;* the lusions so industriously practised upon the efficacy of brevets had not then been discovAmerican people. No wonder then, that those ered, nor had it become necessary to cover the disgrace of the Cabinet, by raising up idols among them who have never been beaten into a contrary opinion, still fancy they are posfor the adoration of the people. It is true, sessed of the powess of demi-gods. What, by complete success did not ultimately crown this enterprise, but two great ends were obtained way of example, can show this more clearly for the country. It re-established the charac- than the letter from Lieut. Col. John Chrystie, ter of the American army, and deprived the of the 13th, to General Cushing, the Adjutant enemy, by the death of Brock, of the best General. This letter begins, "In obedience officer that has headed their troops in Canada to orders of the 8th inst., requiring from me a particular statement in relation to the affair throughout the war, and with his loss put an end to their brilliant career,"—as was immediat Queenston, I have the honor to transmit ately exemplified by the still more unfortunate, a journal of the incidents connected with that because ridiculous attempt, by Gen. Smyth.

Error! General Van Ranselaer who was only Breve! Major General was confirmed as Major General, for his distinguished gallantry and public spirit. in the a ilitary service of his country, especially during the late war on the Niagara fronter.-ED. A.A.M.

affair, which FELL UNDER MY OBSERVATION."

It is difficult to account for a man, holding high rank in the service, deliberately penning a falsehood, especially when its refutation was so easy, with so many actors on that

bloody stage, at hand, and ready to note the untruth, we must therefore ascribe the following passage in his "particular statement," to a diseased imagination. "OUR WHOLE FORCE UNDER ARMS AT THE TIME, (about two, P. M.) WAS LESS THAN THREE HUNDRED, with but one piece of artillery, and not a dozen rounds for it; yet I am well persuaded a retreat much less a surrender, was not thought of; and that the troops were in fact in as high spirits as if we had been superior." The absurdity of this is too glaring, when we remember that half an hour after the exhibition of "high spirits," these very gallant soldiers broke and fled like so many sheep before a force slightly inferior.

Fort George, Oct. 13, 112. SIR,-I have the honor of informing your Excellency, that the enemy made an attack with considerable force, this morning, before day light, on the position of Queenstown. On receiving intelligence of it, Major Gen. Brock immediately proceeded to that post, and I am excessively grieved in having to add, that he fell whilst gallantly cheering his troops to an exertion for maintaining it. With him the position was lost; but the enemy was not allowed to retain it long, reinforcements having been sent up from this post, composed of regular troops, militia, and Indians: a movement was made to turn his left, while some artillery, under the able direction of Capt. Holcroft, supported by a body of infantry, engaged his attention in front. This direction was aided, too, by the judicious position which Norton, and the Indians with him, had taken on the woody brow of the high ground above Queenston.

"A communication being thus opened with Chippewa, a junction was formed of succours

* From General Van Ranselaer, to the Ameri- excite a strong disposition in the troops to act. can Secretary of War.

Head Quarters, Lewiston, Oct. 14th, 1812. SIR,-As the movements of this Army under my command, since I had last the honor to address you on the 8th, have been of a very important character, producing consequences serious to many individuals; establishing facts actually connected with the interest of the service and the safety of the army; and as I stand prominently responsible for some of these consequences, I beg leave to explain to you, sir, and through you to my country, the situation and circumstances in which I have had to act, and the reasons and motives which governed me, and if the result is not all that might¦ have been wished, it is such that, when the whole ground shall be viewed, I shall cheerfully submit myself to the judgment of my country.

In my letter on the 8th instant, I apprised you that the crisis in this campaign was rapidly advancing; and that (to repel the same)" the low must be soon struck, or all the toil and expense of the campaign will go for nothing, for the whole will be tinged with dishonor.'

This was expressed to me through various channels, in the shape of an alternative; that they must have orders to act, or at all hazards they would go home. I forbear here commenting upon the obvious consequences, to me personally, of longer withholding my orders under such circumstances.

I had a conference with -, as to the possibility of getting some person to pass over into Canada, and obtain correct information. On the morning of the 4th, he wrote to me that he had procured the man, who bore his letter to go over. Instructions were given him he passed over, and obtained such information as warranted an immediate attack. This was confidently communicated to several of my first officers, and produced great zeal to act; more especially as it might have a controlling effect upon the movement at Detroit, where it was supposed that General Brock had gone with all the force he dared to spare from the Niagara frontier. The best preparations in my power were, therefore, made to dislodge the enemy from the heights of Queenstown, and possess ourselves of the village, where the troops might be sheltered from the distressing inclemency of the weather.

Under such impressions, I had, on the 5th instant, written to Brig. General Smyth, of the United States forces, requesting an interview with him, Major General Hall, and the commandants Lieutenant Colonel Fleming's flying artillery, of regiments, for the purpose of conferring upon and a detachment of regular troops under his comthe subject of future operations. I wrote Majormand, were ordered to be up in season from Fort General Hall to the same purport. On the 11th Niagara. Orders were also sent General Smyth I had received no answer froin Gen. Smyth; but to send down from Buffalo such detachments of in a note to me of the 10th, General Hall inention-his brigade as existing circumstances in that vicied that General Smyth had not yet then agreed nity might warrant. The attack was to be made upon any day for the consultation. at three o'clock on the morning of the 11th, by

In the mean time, the partial success of Lieu-crossing over in boats from the old ferry opposite tenant Elliot at Black Rock (of which however, the heights. To avoid any embarrassment in have received no official information) began to crossing the river, (which is here a sheet of violent

but I am glad to have it in my power to add, that Captain Dennis was fortunately able to keep the field, though it was with pain and difficulty, and Captain Williams' wound is not likely long to deprive me of his service.

that had been ordered from that post. The regiment, who were stationed at Queenston, enemy was then attacked, and, after a short, were wounded, bravely contending at the but spirited conflict, was completely defeated. | head of their men against superior numbers; I had the satisfaction of receiving the sword of their commander, Brigadier General Wadsworth, on the field of battle, and many officers, with nine hundred men, were made prisoners, and more may yet be expected. A stand of colors and one six-pounder, were also taken. The action did not terminate till nearly three o'clock in the afternoon, and their loss, in killed and wounded, must have been considerable. Ours I believe to have been comparatively small in numbers; no officers were killed besides Major-General Brock, one of the most gallant and zealous officers in his Majesty's service, whose loss cannot be too much deplored; and Lieut.-Col. M'Donell, provincial aide-de-camp, whose gallantry and merit render him worthy of his chief. Captains Dennis and Williams, commanding the flank companies of the 49th

eddies,) experienced boatinen were procured, to take the boats, from the landing below the place of embarkation. Lieutenant Sim was considered the man of the greatest skill for this service; he went ahead, and, in the extreme darkness, passed the intended place far up the river; and there, in the most extraordinary manner, fastened his boat to the shore, and abandoned the detachment. In this front boat he had carried nearly all the oars, which were prepared for the boats. In this agonizing dilemma stood officers and men, whose ardor had not cooled by exposure through the night, to one of the most tremendous north-east storins, which continued unabated for twenty-eight hours, and deluged the whole camp. Colonel Van Ranselaer was to have commanded the detachment.

After this result I had hoped that the patience of the troops would have continued, until I could submit the plan suggested in my letter of the 8th, that I might act under, and in conformity to, the opinion which might be then expressed. But my hope was idle; the previously excited ardor seemed to have gained new heat from the late miscarriage; the brave men were mortitied to stop short of their object, and the timid thought laurels half won by the attempt.

On the morning of the 12th, such was the pressure upon me from all quarters, that I became satisfied that my refusal to act might involve me in suspicion, and the service in disgrace.

Lieutenant-Colonel Christie, who had just arrived at the Four-Mile Creek, and had, late in the night of the 1st, contemplated an attack, gallantly offered me his own and his men's services: but he got my permission too late. He now again came forward, had a conference with Colonel Van Ranselaer, and begged that he might have the honor of a command in the expedition. The ar

"I am particularly indebted to Capt. Hol croft, of the royal artillery, for his judicious and skilful co-operation with the guns and howitzers under his immediate superintend ence; their well-directed fire contributed materially to the fortunate result of the day.

"Captain Derenzy, of the 41st regiment, brought up the reinforcements of that corps from Fort George, and Captain Bullock led that of the same regiment from Chippewa; and under their commands those detachments acquitted themselves in such a manner as to sustain the reputation which the 41st regiment had already acquired in the vicinity of Detroit.

rangement was made, Colonel Van Ranselaer was to command one column of 300 militia; and Lieutenant-Colonel Christie a column of the same number of regular troops.

Every precaution was now adopted as to boats, and the most confidential and experienced men to manage them. At an early hour in the night, Lieutenant-Colonel Christie marched his detachinent by the rear road from Niagara to the camp. At seven in the evening Lieut.-Colonel Stranahan's regiment moved from Niagara Falls; at eight o'clock Mead's, and at nine o'clock Lieutenant-Colonel Bland's regiment marched from the same place. All were in camp in good season. Agreeably to my orders, issued upon this occasion, the two columns were to pass over together; as soon as the heights should be carried, Lieutenant-Colonel Fenwick's flying artilery was to pass over; then Major Mullany's detachment of regulars; and the other troops to follow in order.

Colonel Van Rauselaer, with great presence of mind, ordered his officers to proceed with rapidity, an storm the fort. This service was gallantly performed, and the enemy driven down the hill in every direction. Soon after this, both parties were considerably reinforced, and the conflict was renewed in various places. Many of the enemy took shelter behind a stone guard-house, where a piece of ordnance was now briskly served. I ordered the fire of our battery to be directed upon the guard-house; and it was so effectually done, that with eight or ten shots the fire was silenced. The enemy then retreated behind a large stone house; but in a short time the route became general, and the enemy's fire was silenced, except from a one-gun battery, so far down the river as to be out of the reach of our heavy ordnance; and our light pieces could not silence it. Amber of boats now "assed over unannoyed,

Major General Brock, soon after his arrival the 41st Regiment, Assistant Deputy Quarterat Queenston, had sent down orders for batter- master-General, very useful. I have derived ing the American fort at Niagara. Brigade- much aid, too, from the activity and intelliMajor Evans, who was left in charge of Fort gence of Lieutenant Kerr, of the Glengarry George, directed the operations against it with Fencibles, whom I employed in communicating so much effect, as to silence its fire, and to with the Indians and other flanking parties. force the troops to abandon it; and, by his prudent precautions, he prevented mischief of a most serious nature, which otherwise might have been effected-the enemy having ued heated shot in firing at Fort George.

"I was unfortunately deprived of the aid of the experience and ability of LieutenantColonel Myers, Deputy Quarter-Master General, who had been sent up to Fort Erie, a few days before, on duty, which detained him there.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Butler and Clark of

"In these services he was most effectually aided by Colonel Claus, who remained in the fort at my desire, and by Captain Vigoureaux the Militia, and Captains Hatt, Durand, Rowe, of the Royal Engineers. Brigade-Major Applegarth, James, Crooks, Cooper, Robert Evans also mentions the conduct of Captains Hamilton, McEwen, and Duncan Cameron; Powell and Cameron of the Militia Artillery, in terms of commendation.

except by the one unsilenced gun. For some time after I had passed over the victory appeared complete, but in expectation of further attacks, I was taking measures for fortifying my camp immediately; the direction of this service I committed to Lieutenant Totten. of the engineers. But very soon the enemy were reinforced by a deatch ment of several hundred Indians from Chippewa; they commenced a furious attack; but were promptly met and routed by the rifle and bayonet. By this time I perceived my troops were embarking very slowly. I passed immediately over to accelerate their movements; but, to my utter astonishment, I found that, at the very moment when complete victory was in our hands, the ardor of the unengaged troops had entirely subsided. I rode in all directions; urged the men by every consideration to pass over, but in vai Lieutenant-Colonel Bloom, who had been wounded in action, returned, mounted his horse and rode through the camp; as did also Judge Peck, who happened to be here, exhorting the companies to proceed, but all in vain.

and Lieutenants Robinsont and Butler, commanding flank companies of the Lincoln and York Militia, led their men into action with great spirit. Major Merritt, commanding the Niagara dragoons, accompanied me, and gave much assistance with part of his corps. Cap

tain A. Hamilton, belonging to it, was disabled from riding, and attached himself to the guns, under Captain Holcroft, who speaks highly of his activity and usefulness. I beg leave to

mortification, toat no reinforcements would pass over; seeing that another severe conflict must soon commence; and knowing that the brave men at the heights were quite exhausted, and nearly out of ammunition; all I could do, was to send them a fresh supply of cartridges. At this critical moment I despatched a note to General Wadsworth acquainting him with our situation: leaving the course to be pursued much to his own judgment; with the assurance that if he thought best to retreat, I would endeavor to send as many boats as I could command, and cover his retreat by every fire I could safely make. But the boats were dispersed; many of the boatmen had fled, panic struck; and but few got off. My note, however, could but little more than have reached General W, about four o'clock, when a most severe and obstinate conflict commenced, and continued for about half an hour, with a tremendous fire of cannon, flying artillery and musketry. The enemy succeeded in re-possessing their battery, and gaining advantage on every side; the brave men who had gained the victory being exhausted of strength and ammunition, and grieved at the unpardonable neglect of their fellow soldiers, gave up the conflict.

At this time a large reinforcement from Fort George was discovered coming up the river. As I can only add, that the victory was really won; the battery on the hill was considered an import-but lost for the want of a small reinforcement; ant check against ascending the heights, measures one-third part of the idle men might have were immediately taken to send them a fresh sup- saved all. I have the honor to be, &c. ply of amunition, as I learnt there were only left twenty shot for the eighteen-pounders. The reinforcements, however, obliqued to the right from the road, and formed a junction with the Indians in rear of the heights. Finding to my infinite

Hon. William Eustis.
Secretary of War.

STEPHEN VAN RANSELAER.

† Now Chief Justice of Upper Canada.

add, that volunteers Shaw, Thomson, and occasion, we have not been able to make the Jarvis, attached to the flank companies of the numbers of the Indians anything approaching 49th Regiment, conducted themselves with to one hundred, at any part of the day. great spirit; the first having been wounded, Neither General Van Ransalaer, nor any of and the last having been taken prisoner.* I his officers, ever had an opportunity of knowing beg leave to recommend these young men to what the real number of the Indians were, for your Excellency's notice. they were masked by trees; the several hundreds existed only in the imagination of the General and his troops.

"Norton is wounded, but not badly; he and the Indians particularly distinguished themselves, and I have very great satisfaction in assuring your Excellency that the spirit and good conduct of His Majesty's troops, of the militia, and of the other provincial corps, were eminently conspicuous on this occasion. "I have not been able to ascertain as yet the number of our troops, or of those of the enemy engaged; ours did not, I believe, exceed the number of the prisoners we have taken; and their advance, which effected a landing, probably amounted to thirteen or fourteen hundre 1 men.

"I shall do myself the honor of transmitting to your Excellency further details, when I shal have received the several reports of the occurrences which did not pass under my own observation, with the return of the casualties, and those of the killed and wounded, and of the ordnance taken.

"I have the honor to be,
(Signed,)

Another dispatch* which we give below, is also very incorrect. Captain Wool gives the 49th regiment four flank companies, and stations General Brock at their head, thus giving the Americans credit for all the offensive operations in the early part of the day, when it is notorious that after compelling the two flank companies to retire, the Americans acted afterwards on the defensive.

I have the honor to communicate to you the circumstances attending the storming of Queenston battery on the 13th inst; with those which happened previously you are already well acquainted.

In pursuance of your order, we proceeded round the point and ascended the rocks, which brought us partly in rear of the battery. We took it without much resistance. I immediately formed behind R. H. SHEAFFE, it, and frouting the village, when I observed Gen. Brock with his troops formed, consisting of four Major-General." companies of the 49th regiment, and a few militia, By comparing these two bulletins (General marching for our left flank. I immediately detached a party of 150 men, to take possession of Sheaffe's and Van Ranse aer) with the text, the heights above Queenston battery, and to the reader will be able to form a very fair hold Gen. Brock in check; but, in consequence judgment as to the parties who were really en- of his superior force, they retreated. I sent a reinforcement; notwithstanding which, the enemy titled to the honor of the day. Two passages drove us to the edge of the bank; when, with in General Van Ranselaer's dispatch must not the greatest exertions, we brought the troops to be overlooked: what he styles "the fort" that a stand, and I ordered the officers to bring their men to a charge as soon as the ammunition was was stormed with such " of mind" presence expended, which was executed with some conby Col. Van Ranselaer, was in reality a one-fusion, and in a few moments the enemy retreated. gun battery, and was the only approach to a defence on the heights. In the afternoon there were two three pounders, but the eighteen-pounder had by that time been spiked. In another place General Van Ranselaer states," The enemy were reinforced by a detachment of several hundreds of Indians from Chippewa." Now, after the most dili-ney, of the 6th regiment, Lieut. Smith, and Ensign gent enquiry into the Indian force, from various officers who distinguished themselves on this

A Captain of Militia was given in exchange for Mr.

Jarvis a week after the battle.

We pursued them to the edge of the heights, when Col. M'Donald had his horse shot from under him, and was mortally wounded. In the interim, General Brock, in attempting to rally his forces, was killed, when the enemy dispersed in in every direction. As soon as it was practicable, I formed the troops in a line on the heights fronting the village, and immediately detached flanking parties, which consisted of Capt. Maches

Grosvenor, with a small detachment of riflemen, who had that moment arrived; at the same time, I ordered Lieut. Ganesvoort and Lieut. Randolph, with a detachment of artillery, to drill out an 18pounder which had been previously spiked, and, if possible, to bring it to bear upon the village.