Cockburn re-embarked his men, finding that from the frontier, and which, if held, would

but few public stores were contained in the place, and that the inhabitants appeared peaceably disposed and disinclined to draw on themselves the chastisement which had attended the resistance made by some of the villages on the Chesapeake Bay.

The operations of the Southern Squadron were completed by the descent on Portsmouth and the British Admiral was satisfied that he had inflicted a blow on American commerce, which it would require years of prosperity to repair. In point of fact the great outlet by which American commerce found a passage had been hermetically sealed and the commerce of Delaware and Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, may be said to have been virtually extinguished. We will accordingly once more change the scene and again visit the Canadas.

We now transport the reader from a Southern June to a Canadian December, when we find Lieutenant Metcalf and twenty-eight militia capturing thirty-nine regulars, near Chatham. This exploit was but trifling, yet it is note worthy as it proved that General Harrison's occupation of the western peninsula had but served to infuse fresh spirit, and to render the opposition more determined. General Drummond was so satisfied with the gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Metcalfe, that he promoted him.

have been difficult to sustain, and, if des-
troyed, easily reinstated." The Americans
hearing of the approach of the British party
retreated, but were compelled to make a stand,
which they did intrenching themselves so
effectually that their assailants were compel-
led to retreat with a loss of sixty-five killed
and wounded, amongst them Lieut. Basden.
As a proof of the sheltered position of the
Americans we may mention that their loss
only amounted to four killed and four
wounded. The demonstration had, however,
the effect of compelling the Americans to
abandon any further advance and to retreat
as fast as they could. Colonel Butler, the
originator of the expedition, has written rather
an exaggerated account of it to General Har
rison, and he has not failed to reduce Ameri-
cans by twenty in number, adding at the
same time about forty to the British. His
letter will, however, speak for itself:-
DEAR SIR-

By Lieutenant Shannon. of the 27th Regt.,
United States' infantry, I have the honor of
informing you, that a detachment of the
troops under my command, led by Captain
Holmes, of the 24th United States' infantry,
has obtained a signal victory over the
enemy.

The affair took place on the 4th instant, about 100 miles from this place, on the river de French. Our force consisted of no more than 160 Rangers and mounted infantry. The enemy, from their own acknowledgement, had about 240. The fine light company of the Royal Scots is totally destroyed; they led the attack most gallantly, and their commander fell within ten paces of our front The light company of the 89th has

Another circumstance, which, however, was to be expected, must here be noticed No American has thought it necessary to mention this little expedition, although we hear numerous instances of more trifling affairs being duly chronicled. This, however, would have reflected no credit, hence the universal silence. The next affair was an attempt made by Cap-line. tain Lewis Basden, commanding the light also suffered severely; one officer of that company of the 89th, and a detachment of company fell, one is a prisoner, and another the Rangers and Kent militia, under the com- is said to be badly wounded. mand of Captain Caldwell, to check the invasion of the Americans along the Detroit and Lake Erie Shores. General Armstrong gives rather a lengthy account of this inroad of the Americans, and observes, "having a worth less object, it ought not to have been adopted. For of what importance to the United States would have been the capture or destruction of a blockhouse, in the heart of an enemy's the laurel. country more than one hundred miles distant Captain Holmes has just returned, and will

In killed, wounded, and prisoners, the enemy lost about 80, whilst on our part there were but four killed, and four wounded. This great disparity in the loss on each side is to be attributed to the very judicious posi tion occupied by Captain Holmes, who com pelled the enemy to attack him at great disadvantage. This even, more gallantly merits

furnish a detailed account of the expedition, the ice leaves the lake.
which shall immediately be transmitted to
you.

Very respectfully,

Your most obedient Servant,
H. BUTLER,

Lieut.-Col. Commandant at Detroit

Major-General Harrison.

If he deems it prac

ticable, and you think you have troops enough to carry it, you will attempt the expedition. In such an event, you will use the enclosed as a ruse de guerre."

"The instructions to be used in this manner were "public sentiments will no longer tolerate the possession of Fort Niagara by the

Enemy's forces, as stated by the prisoners. enemy. You will therefore move the division

Royal Scots,

89th Regiment, Militia, 'Indians,

101
45

50

40 to 60

236

We are rather at a loss to guess whether the information, as to force was gained from the one wounded man who fell into Captain Holmes' hands. The return made by the British, shows a loss of fifty-seven instead of eighty killed and wounded, and the only prisoner was a volunteer, who, poor fellow, had only just joined and could scarcely be expected to have had much time to learn particulars as to force.

Again we must, for a short space, leave the west and follow the movement to farther east. We must not omit, however, to chronicle a mistake into which Major General Browne was led, and which must have tended, materially, to lower American Commanders in the estimation of their men.

which you brought from French Mills, and invest that post. Governor Jenkins will cooperate with his five thousand militia; and Colonel Scott, who is to be made a brigadier, will join you. You will receive your instructions at Onondaga hollow." Poor General Browne, knowing that he would have to wait for some months ere the fleet could move, was induced to mistake the real object of attack, and accordingly marched forthwith his troops, two thousand strong from Sackett's Harbour westward, to the point where he was to receive his instructions; here he was undeceived and had to march back again through the most wretched roads to Sackett's Harbour. This marching and countermarching could not have inspired much confidence in the minds of the soldiery, when the time for action in the western peninsula really did arrive.

During all this time General Wilkinson had been at Plattsburg nursing his wrath against the Canadians and British for the reception which they had accorded to him in his expe

Wilkinson's memoirs show clearly, as ex-dition down the St. Lawrence. Finding it plained by a letter of General Armstrong, of impossible, we presume, to restrain his desire date the 20th January, that it was contem- for revenge, the General, on the 19th March, plated to open the campaign of 1814 by a advanced with his army from Plattsburg to pretended demonstration in the Upper Cana- Swanton, Vermont, near to Missisquoi Bay, dian peninsula. A twofold object was to be on Lake Champlain. On the 22d the Genaccomplished by this, as to defend the fron-eral crossed the boundary and took possession tier ports along the Niagara would require of Philipsburg, a village just within the lines. the union of all the troops in Western Canada, and it would be rendered difficult, if not impossible, to make any demonstrations against Amherstburg, Detroit, or the shipping at Erie and Put-in-bay. Again, this attack would prevent the possibility of any re-inforcements being sent to the lower Province, in case attacks should be contemplated on Kingston, Montreal, or Quebec.

The real orders to General Browne, were, “you will immediately consult with Commodore Chauncey, about the readiness of the fleet, for a descent on Kingston, the moment

On the 26th, the General re-crossed the lake
for the purpose of striking a blow in another
and more favorable direction, and we find
him on the 29th, at the head of four thousand
men holding a council of war to deliberate on
an attack to be made on a British force sta-
tioned at La Colle Mill, about eight miles from
Champlain. We here give the proceedings
of the council, and the general order, which
was the result of these deliberations.
Minutes of a council of war held at Cham-
plain the 29th of March, 1814.
Present-Brigadier-general Macomb, brig-

adier-general Bissell, brigadier-general Smith, is, that we go as far as La Colle Mill, desigcolonel Atkinson, colonel Miller, colonel Cum-nated in the map, to meet the enemy there, mings, major Pitts, major Totten. and destroy their block-house and the mill in which they are quartered.

The council is of opinion, that the light troops should cover a reconnoissance towards La Colle Mill; and if it is found practicable, the position should be attacked, and the ene-dier-generals, and commanding officers of regmy's works destroyed; that the whole army move to support the iight troops; that the order of battle is approved, and the manner and mode of attack must be left entirely with the commanding general.

take place by regiments and brigades, in the the course of the day, when the officers are to be posted.

For this purpose a passage from James will be sufficient:

"At St. John's, distant about fourteen miles from the Isle aux Noix, and twenty-one from La Colle river were stationed under the command of lieutenant colonel Sir William Wil

Let every man perfectly understand his place; and let all bear in mind what they owe to their own honor and to a beloved country, contending for its rights, and its very inde-liams, of the 13th regiment, six batalion compendence as a nation.

The officers must be careful that the men do not throw away their amunition: one deliberate shot being worth half a dozen hurried ones; and they are to give to the troops the example of courage in every exigency which may happen.

panies of that regiment, and a battalion of Canadian militia; numbering altogether, about seven hundred and fifty rank and file. At Isle aux Noix, where lieutenant colonel Richard Williams, of the Royal marines, commanded, were stationed the chief part of a battalion of that corps, and the two flank companies of the 13th regiment; in all about five hundred and fifty rank and file. The garrison of La Colle Mill, at which major Handcock, of the 13th regiment, commanded, consisted of about seventy of the marine corps, one corporal, and

In battle there must be no contest for rank or station, but every corps must march promptly and directly to the spot, which it may be directed to occupy. The troops will be under arms at reveillée to-morrow morning, and will be ready to march at a moment's warning.-three marine artillerymen, captain Blake's All orders from the adjutant and inspectorgeneral's department; from captain Rees, assistant-deputy-quarter-master-general; and major Lush and captain Nourse, extra aides de camp to general Wilkinson, will be respected as coming from the commanding general himself.

Signed, by order,

W. CUMMINGS, adj. gen. We have on several occasions been reminded of the old saying, montes parturiunt nascitur ridiculus mus, when chronicling the sayings (not doings,) of American commanders, but in no instance have we found more ridiculous results following inflated professions. The proclamation breathed the very spirit of valour, and the orders to conquer or to die were most explicit. A retreat was not to be thought of, and in case any craven spirit should exist amongst the four thousand, (save one,) breasts animated with Wilkinsonian ardour, (perhaps as James has it "as an additional stimulus to glory") a picked man was chosen to whom instructions were given to put to death "any man who goes back."What could promise more fairly for the annihilation of the twenty-three hundred British

company of the 13th regiment, and a small detachment of frontier light infantry under captain Ritter; the whole not exceeding one hundred and eighty rank and file. At Whitman's, on the left bank of the Richelieu, distanced about two miles from the Mill, and communicating with Isle aux Noix, was the remaining battalion company of the Canadian fencibles, under captain Cartwright, and a battalion company of Voltigeurs were stationed at Burtonville, distant two miles up La Colle river, and where there had been a bridge, by which the direct road into the province passed."

On a review of these numbers it will be found that there were not altogether more than seventeen hundred and fifty regulars and militia within a circle of twenty five miles in diameter, yet general Wilkinson in the estimate presented to the council numbers the troops at Isle aux Noix, and La Colle, alone, at twenty five hundred and fifty, and designates them all as regular troops with the exception of two companies. Before entering on the expedition we will give a description of this famous post against which four thousand valiant Americans were marching.

The Mill at La Colle was built of stone with walls about eighteen inches thick, haying a wooden or shingled roof, and consisting of two stories. It was in size about thirtysix feet by fifty, and situate on the south bank of La Colle river; which was then fro

was a

defence, and the
These points then

zer. By this time of the 13th had arri and a gallant charg the battery, but the up compelled them river. A second cl the Fencibles and

zen over nearly to its mouth, or junction with the Richelieu, from which the Mill was about three quarters of a mile distant. The Mill had been placed in a state of defence, by filling up the windows with logs, leaving horizontal interstices to fire through. On the north bank of the river, a little to the right of the Mill, and with which it is communicated remnant of the two by a wooden bridge, was a small house, This charge was so converted into a block house, by being surrymen were driven rounded with a breast-work of logs. In the were only saved frc rear of this temporary block house fire of the infantry. large barn, to which nothing had been done, gallantry of the Bri and which was not even musket proof. The tunately to be fou breadth of the cleared ground, to the south- General Wilkinson' ward of the Mill, was about two hundred, nant-Colonel McPl and that to the northward, about one hundred the artillery, depos yards, but in the flanks the woods were much "the ground was nearer. The reader has now before him the our advance to the position and strength of the Mill, the number the enemy, that di of troops available for its desperate bravery. number of the assailants. pany made a charg haing been settled, we will accompany General the same instant, r Wilkinson on that march which was to result two brigades of i in victory or death. Totten, of the Eng eral Bissell might ing the same testi this gallantry, it Handcock that fart in the teeth of suck in numbers, woul able lives, the m drawn to act on the correct a statemen son, in his trial, vi against not only C but also two gun-l mill. We assert and Wilkinson's ov that not one Ame of the kind, and positively "that boats was perfectl feet above their h It was by this ti the fire of the t want of powder, to carry the Mill the field. Thus sion of Canada.

The Americans commenced the expedition by setting out in a wrong direction, and instead of La Colle found themselves at Burtonville, where they attacked and drove in a small piquet. This mistake discovered, the march was resumed but again in a wrong direction. At last, however, they got on the main road near Odelltown, about three miles from La Colle. This road was found almost impassable for the troops, in consequence of the trees on either side having been feiled, and before the march could be pursued, the axe-men were compelled to cut up and remove the obstruction. While this operation was going on, a piquet sent forward by Major Handcock, opened a severe fire and killed and wounded several men. At last, however, the Mill was reached and by half-past one in the afternoon the American commander had invested the fortress with his nearly four thousand men. As the General very naturally expected that the one hundred and eighty men who composed the garrison, would attempt to escape, six hundred, under Colonel Mills, were sent across in rear of the Mille, to cut off all chance of a retreat. A heavy fire was then opened from an 18-12 and 6 pounder battery, also from a 5 inch howit

It would almos historian, howeve this affair in any