The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-12-24

Csieo, and Maj. Campbell. Col. S,VU Of
volunteers alone gave an opinion for shrn
crossing over.
The second question was not decided. Col.
Parker, Col. Sehayier, Lieut.. Col. CGiss, and
Major CamtbeH were decidedly of opinion
that the force was insufficient. Col. Uinder,
Col. Swiff, Lieut.. Col. Boersfler, and Capt.
Gilman deemed the force sufficient.
There were some groups of men not yet
embarked they were applied to, requested
and ordered by the Brigade Major TO get into
the boats they did not. The number of
these the Brigade Major estimated at about
$50. l; was probably greater.
Ii then became question whether il was
cxpedient TO invade Canada in open daylight,
with 500 men,at point where no reinforce
ments could be expected Tor some days. /
Saw that the number OF regular troops was
declining rapidly / knew that on them
chiefly | was to depend.
called together the officers commanding
corps OF The regular army. Col. Parker be-
ing sick, those present were, Col. Porter of
the artillery, Col. Schuyler, COL Hinder and
Lieutenan: Colonel Coles.
put to them this question Shall rve fsro-
eeedy They unsninoasiy decided that WE
OUGHT NOT.
l forcsaw that the volunteers, who had
come out for few days, would disperse---
several of them had in the evening of the
2Slh broke their muskets. i foresaw that
the number of the regular troops would de-
crease the measels, and other diseases, be-
ing among them and they were now in
tents, In the month of December. / inform
ed .hc officers that the attempt 10 invade Ca
NADIA would not be made, until the army was
reinforced directed them to withdraw their
troops,and cover them with huts imme ediatcly.
You say that on Saturday every obstruction
was removed, and that a landing might have
been effected " without the loss of single
man." This proves you unacquaintcd with
the occurrences of the day. Col. Hinder, in
retiring from the cncmys shore in the morn
ing, lost tenth part Of his force i'm killed
and wounded. The enemy Showed no more
than s or 600 men, as estimated hy Col. Par
ker, and one piece of artillery, supposed g.
FOUNDER. That force we no doubt might have
overcome but not without loss ami that
from the great advantage tie enemy would
have had, might have been considerable.
TO rccapituiale. My orders were TO pass
into Canada with 5000 men al once. Ga the
first day of embarkalion not more than 1900
half of the regular infantry, were exhausted
with fatigue, and want of rest. On the 2nd
embarka,ion, Only 500 men were embarked,
and these were to have put of Immediately,
and have descended the river 10 point where
reiDforcements were not TO be expected On
both days, many Of the regular troops were
men in bad health, who could not have stood
one days march ; who although they were
m he airk =.
ardent officers.
The affair at Queenstown, is caution e
gainst relying on crowds who 20 10 the bank
OF Niagara TO look on a battle as on Il thcatri-
cal exhibition who If they are disappointed
OF the sights break their mnske,s or il they
are without ration. for day desert.
have made TO you tins frrnk disclosure,
withou: admitting your authority to require it,
under the impression that YOU are patriotic
and candid men and that you will not cea-
sure me for following the cautious councils OF
experience nor Join in the senseless clamor
excited against me by an Interested man.
have some reason to believe that the eau
tious council given by the superior officers Of
my command, was good. From deserters
we learn that 2344 rations are issued daily on
the British side. Capt King, prisoner at
Fort George, writes to an officer tbus--"7eH
your friends TO take better care Of fhemsetves
Than IL athears haze done" l am, genie
men, with great respect, SC.
ALEX. SMYTH, Brig. Gen.
To MeSsrs. George M 'Clure, Leqvis BirdsaH,
John GrDen, and Vim. r. Rochester,
Committee from the patriotic citizens Of the
Wesfern Counties Of Aew- York.
P. ). 1t will be observed that the force
ready could not be otherwise a:cer,ained than
by an actual embarkaton-it being uncertain
what portion of the volunteer force would en-
bark.
ZOO OF Gen. TaDnehills brigade deserted
in "a hours. A Court Martial of this brig
ade have fined man IL l-2 cents for the
crime Of desertion.
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