Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1812-09-07

nestle and mortars. AS far as we know his
mind, it had never taken bend thatWay: II
was consequently destitute OF these habits
which are so necessary to WELD the compllcat'
ed details Of modern war. He had not, Ike
Othello, seen some service" He was OF
course without that facility, promptltude and
address which suggest the best expedients at
the best time.
We know too little of the circumstances
that have transpired to award to each man the
censure which he deserves ; but the Secretary
at War will have his full share OF Ii Why
did the British forts receive the news OF the
declaration Of the war before our OWN lhe
Secretary, weeks before, had been pretend
ing to make preparations at Detroit. Yet
when the army had reached this post and
crossed into Canada, you see them sending
to Ohio for provisions to be transported on
pack -horses-You see their artillery un-
prepared for service. What is the effect :!
Delay breeds dangers The enemy feel new
spirits -Theyreceive reinforcements. The
Indians, at first daunted by the intrepldity OF
our army in marching upon the enemy reco-
yer from their apprehension and flock to
ID. L
perhaps urrendcrs.------No straits perhaps
can Justify him in this act Our blood bolis
with indignation at the idea of an American
officer yielding without a blow. But why
were not provisions sent up the Erie aud de-
posted at Detroit in time for the war? Why
is not their artillery mounted ?--It is for these
things that the Secretary at War must answer
to his country.
Steps should have been taken to prevent the
enemy from reinforcing Maiden. A force
should have been every where displayed to
awe the savagc and to encourage the Canadian.
A dircrsion should therefore have been made
by an attack on Niagara or Erie.--We see
indeed that troops and artillery are now march
ing, as it is said, for this purpose. But why
was this evolution delayed until it is unavail-
Ing
After such oyersites, after the affair at De-
troit, who will conhde III the Secretary atWar?
What regular or what militia-man will vii
Gngly march under his auspices? What Off
Ger will risk bis reputation and his liberty un-
der his i'll fated genius?
We fear not for our country. We distrust
not the people. Give them but a man Of e.
nergy to preside over the department Of war;
give them a man 10 guide and TO lead them to
battle, whom they can trust and respect, and
our troops will march and will fight with as
tonis,>ing alaority. The native energy Of their
character would display itself They woHId
rise like Anteus, with renovated vigor from
such blow. The rage Of the people would
be reused and their patriotism would burn
brighter. Such disaster would soon be re-
paired and the torrent rolled back on the
shores of Canada. We should chastise these
x Christian dogs who, false to their religion,
disgracing the civilization which they profess,
dear 10 the voice Of humanity and insenslble
TO the rules OF all honorable war, had enlisted
he savage in their cause, and threatened to
let loose the murderous tomaIiawk upon our
women md children, to force our troops to
capitulation We should avenge the cause OF
humanity and our country.
Lemucl Taylor, Of the city Of Baltimore,
will be supported in conjunction with any