ground near the enemy's works, and after carrying one battery by assault, were moving on in columns towards the inain works; when the head of the columns was within about 60 rods of the enemy, a tremendous explosion occurred from a large magazine prepared for the purpose, which discharged such immense quantities of stone as to produce a most unfortunate effect on our troops. I have not yet been able to collect the returns of our killed and wounded, but our loss by the explosion must, I fear, exceed one hundred; and among them I have to lament the loss of the brave and excellent officer brigadier general Pike, who received such a contusion from a large stone as terminated his valuable life within a few hours. His loss. will be severely felt. Previous to the explosion the enemy had retired into the town, excepting a party of regular troops, which did not retire early enough to avoid the shock; it is said that upwards of forty of them were destroyed. General Sheaffe moved off with the regular troops and left directions with the commanding officer of the militia to make the best terms he could. In the mean tiine, all further resistance on the part of the enemy ceased, and the outlines of a capitulation were agreed on. As soon as I was informed of general Pike's being wounded, I went on shore. I had been induced to confide the immediate command of the troops in action to general Pike from a conviction that he fully expected it, and would be much mortified at being deprived of the honor, which he highly appre ciated. Every movement was under my view. Our troops behaved with great firmness and deserve much applause, especially those who were first engaged, uns der circumstances that would have tried the firmness

ecutive and legislative chamber, suspended near the speaker's chair, in company with the mace and other emblems of royalty. I intend sending it to you with a correct account of the facts relative to the place and situation in which it was found.

With great respect, &c.

H. DEARBORN.

Great praise is due to General Dearborn for the sccrecy and military management with which he conducted the enterprize. The enemy had been induced to believe that Kingston was the point of attack; every stratagem was resorted to, in order to create this impression.

The explosion which proved fatal to the brave Gen. Pike was tremendous; such was the shock that it deafened and amazed every one within reach of the devastating shower of stones which instantly succeeded it. Nevertheless, after he had received his mortal wound, he encouraged his men to push on. They gave three cheers, and advancing to the charge, overcome all before them at the point of the bayonet. General Pike was removed

of Lieutenant Dudley, the British standard taken at York, on the 27th of April last, accompanied by the mace, over which was hung a human scalp.

These articles were taken from the parliament house by one of my officers, and presented to me. The scalp I caused to be presented to General Dearborn, who, I believe, still has it in his possession. I also send, by the same gentleman, one of the British flags taken at Fort George on the 27th of May.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully sir, your most obediant servant,

Honorable William Jones,

ISAAC CHAUNCEY.

Secretary of the Navy, Washington.

from the battle and conveyed on board the Madison, where the British colors were sent to him; they were folded up and placed under his head, upon which he said -"I die contented :" he then laid his hand on his breast and immediately expired.

An unusual number of officers for the force engaged were killed and wounded. Fourteen American lieutenants were killed or wounded. Captain Stephen Moore, who led the Baltimore volunteers, lost a leg. Lieutenant Baptiste Irvine received a bayonet in the shoulder, when in the act of stepping out of a boat the moment it touched the shore.

In the harbor was found the British armed schooner Duke of Gloucester, of 14 guns, in ordinary, which was taken to Sackett's Harbor and repaired.

After the death of General Pike, the command (on shore) devolved on Colonel Pierce.

The following general order was issued by General Pike the morning our troops sailed from Sackett's Harbor,

BRIGADE ORDER.

Sackett's Harbor, April 25, 1813. When the debarkation shall take place on the enemy's shore, Major Forsyth's light troops formed in four platoons, shall be first landed. They will advance a small distance from the shore, and form the chain to cover the landing of the troops. They will not fire, unless they discover the approach of a body of the en

Formerly conductor of the Baltimore Whig, and at present one of the editors of the N. Y. Columbian. He is by birth an Irishman-in sentiment an American -and a political writer of the first order.

VOL. 11.

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enemy, but will make prisoners of all persons who may be passing, and send them to the general. They will be followed by the regimental platoons of the first brigade, with 2 pieces of Brooks' artillery, one on the right and one on the left flank, covered by their musketry, and the small detachments of riflemen of the 15th and 16th infantry. Then will be landed the three platoons of the reserve of the first brigade, under Major Swan. Then Major Eustis, with his train of artillery, covered by his own musketry. Then Colonel M-Clure's volunteers, in four platoons, followed by the 21st regiment, in six platoons. When the troops shall move in column, either to meet the enemy or take a position, it will be in the following order, viz: 1st, Forsyth's riflemen, with proper front and flank guards; the regiments of the first brigade, with their pieces; then three platoons of reserve; Major Eustis train of artillery; volunteer corps; 21st regiment: each corps sending out proper flank guards. When the enemy shall be discovered in front, the riflemen will formn the chain, and maintain their ground, until they have the signal (the preparative) or receive orders to retire, at which they will retreat with the greatest velocity, and form equally on the` two flanks of the regiments of the first brigade, and then renew their fire. The three reserve platoons of this line will form under the orders of Major Swan, one hundred yards in the rear of the colors, ready to sup port any part which may show an unsteady countenance. Major Eustis and his train will form in the rear of this reserve, ready to act where circumstances may dictate.

The second line will be composed of the 21st infantry in six platoons, flanked by Col. M-Clure's volun

teers, equally divided as light troops. The whole under the orders of Col. Ripley.

It is expected that every corps will be mindful of the honor of the American arms, and the disgraces which have recently tarnished our arms; and endeavour, by a cool and determined discharge of their duty, to support the one, and wipe off the other. The riflemen in front will maintain their ground at all hazards, until ordered to retire, as will every corps of the army. With an assurance of being duly supported, should the commanding General find it prudent to withdraw the front line, he will give orders to retire by the heads of platoons, covered by the riflemen; and the second line will advance by the heads of platoons, pass the intervals, and form the line; call in the light troops, and renew the action. But the General may find it proper to bring up the second line on one or both flanks, to charge in columns, or perform a variety of maneuvres which it would be impossible to foresee. But as a general rule, whatever may be the directions of line at the commencement of the action, the corps will form as before directed. If they advance in line, it may be in parallel eschelons of platoons, or otherwise, as the ground or circumstances may dictate.

No man will load until ordered, except the light troops in front, until within a small distance of the enemy, and then charge bayonets, and thus letting the en. emy see that we can meet them with their own weapons. Any man firing, or quitting his post without orders, must be put to instant death, as an example may be necessary. Platoon officers will pay the greatest

attention to the coolness and aim of their men in the fire; their regularity and dressing in the charge. The