Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-12-03


made on the Adams aud Caledonia. On
the 9ih in the morning, gen. SmytA's br
gade marched to Black Rock npon an alarm ;
and two of the regiments were up all that
night. On the 11th at day light, the br
gade, three companies excepted, marched
f1r Lewistown; & having proceeded twelve
mics through The worst road and weather.
everseen, returned, the order being counter
manded.
There was no time between the 5th and
the 18th of October, at which gen. Smyth,
with the commanding officers of regiments,
could have left the brigade, consistent
with the business Of the court martial and
other indispensable duties nor would
gen Smyth have deemed it proper, without
an order, to have left his brigade within
three miles CT an enemy. and gone, with all
the officers commanding regiments, days
journey TO repeat an opinion which he had
already cXpresScd--Sec A.
In another part OF his letter, General V.
Rensselaer, says, that on the morning ofthe
18th. shaving now determined TO attack
Qeenstowr, i sent new orders to General
Snyth 10 march not with the view of his
aid in the attack; | considered the fierce de-
tached sufficient; but to support the detach-
ment, should the Conflict be obstinate and
long continued"
General V. Rensselaer, did NOT on the 10Th,
send orders to General Smyth to march
see 3.
On the 18Th, about ten O'Clock, A. NJ. gen.
V. Rensselaer, did send an order to General
Smyth to march, which was received about
2 o'clock, p. M. and obeyed instantly-see
{.
-Ertracf ofa Letter from Brig. Gen. Smyth,
70 WJ. Gen. Y. Rensselaer,, dated Bufa-
Toe. 2sM SEPT. 1912.
From the description have had of the
river below the falls, the view of the shore
below Fort Erie, and information received
as TO the preparations of the enemy, am of
opinion our crossing should be effected be-
tween Fort Erie and Chippcway. II has
therefore seemed to me proper to encamp
the United States troops near Butfaloe, there
to prepare for offensive operations. Your
Instructions, or better information, may de-
eide you TO give me different orders, which /
will await"
Head Quarters, LezviStozon,
18th Oct. 1912.
SIR,
have this moment received your let
ter of Yesterday.
To night shall again attempt to cross
VIC IlHST, ana atttCA the enemy. y OalteTiSe
On the heights of Queenstown. Should Cir
cumstances reader it necessary to march
your brigade, | will advise you to-morro7u.
With great respect, am, sir, your obe-
dent servant,
SV. RENSSELAER,.
Major Gen. Commanding.
p. S. Lieutenant colonel Christie has ar
rived with boats, &c.
Brig. GEN. Smyfh ofthe u. s. forces.
G.
Head Quarters, Lezyistown,
18th Oct. 1912.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Brigadier general Smyth will please to
give orders to his brigade to strike their
tents and march to Lewistown, with every
possible dispatch.
BY order Of major general V. Rensselaer,
SOL. V.RENSSEL AER.
Aid de Camp.
N B. A postscript of the above says.
"The Heights of Queenstown are carried :;
and the enemy's FIRE is nearly silenced in E.
very quarter"
The orders given on the 10th and 18th for
general Smyth TO march, were SO timed,
that he should not arrive to share in the
honor of the expedition but might arrive
in time to bear the responsibility of it's uti-
mate failure.