Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1812-12-31

ldu UCBdThCus A =, ALau
- u,any of the boats had been taken
l,ack, that there were not sufi'cien!
left to bring over his own men, ~ aaa
the prisoners he had made. lie re.
solved at all events, that the last
should be brought over' ana oet'r
mined to remain, with as many "
his own party as could not get m,o
the boats, and meet the fate that
might await him +; and before a boat
could retura to his relief, he and Ills
men were taken.
1t was expected that at the dawn
of day, the main army would nave
gone over & secured the advantages
Which thus had been gained. had
that been done, Upper Canada might
possibly have now been in our pos
session at least a d;Asrace, littie
inferior to that connected with the
surrender of Hull, would not have
been entailed upon cur country
About s O'Clock, the volunteer
corps to which ] was attached, was
ordered to march to the place OF en-
barkation. On arriving, we found
the light artillery. and most OF tho
infantry Of the regular army, IN Their
boats. and the volunteer corps OF the
various denominations, preparing to
embark. The forces that could at
that time, have landed OR the Cana
dian shore were about 1000 regulars;
Col. swift's regiment, consisting Of
$50 men; Col. M'CIure's Of $40;
the proclamation volunteers as they
are called. near 800 strong, and
bout 600 Of the Pennsylvania brigade
under the command Of Gen. Tame.
hill. This brigade contained 1000
men; but no more than the above
mentioned number could be prevail.
ed upon to cross. This force Was
thought sufficient for our purpose.
Every thing wore favorable aspect.
The weather was mild and pleasant.
The troops were in excellent spirits,
and appeared to anticipate s!ori
OILS triumph. Nothing appeared to
oppose our landiny-not sihsic
cannon annoy us from the bate
ries. All expected in a few minutes
to see the American standard. wav
ing on the hostile shore. But our
movements seemed TO be Paralized
Ivy some invisible hand. The boats
lay in the river upon their oars. The
troops began to grow impatient
and confusion, or rather, want or
order. prevailed among them. b.
noon. the enemy lad mounted other
eanno in their batteries; and open
cd fire upon The boats, but without
effect. Our time was wasted in do
ing nothing; aud at length about
j. o'clock p. n. orders were given
20 retreat.
Thus a lire opportunity fer strik-
ing an eftctuai blow was !rrep;.r-
rally lost. either through the pusil-
larimi,y aud eowardice of General
SMITH, or Of some Of bis principal
officers, who are said to have adj
vised him to this extraordinary step.
At this time every Clark spot OF dis
grace might have been wiped away.
We should nave met an inferior force.
and that force apparently panic
struck which is evident from the
fact, that about 10 O'Clock, A. III.
three sailors crossed over in boat !;
remained Oh the opposite shore near
two hours pluntcred as much pro-
perry as they could bring away; SIT
fire 80 three dwelling houses. wlie!
we're entirely consumed, and then
returned without The slightest mo-
lestation. Tie effects o; this dis
graceful circumstance VIII. fear,
be vet severely felt by this country.
The enemy will derive as much be-
nett from it as from a host Of armed
men. Before il took place, no doubt
many of the inhabitants Of that pro
vince would wiIiiESl! have sworn
allegiance to Tie government Of the
L. States. But after shuth IL wap-
ton violation Of the principles Of
right ard justice, what could be ey-s
rcc,ei but that every man would fly
80 arms. and Wit. holy Indignation,
prepare for vengeance! The friends
of Gen. Smy,h endea,or to screen
him from the isnominy Of this act,
by saying that it was never authori-
srd by him. Be this as ii may. lie