Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-11-09
o. LYON.
Samuel ale, Esq.
Head Quarters, CAMP, French Mus,

Head Quarters, Canih, French Mills,
gath Ocf. 1912.
F" On the 22d dispatched several conf
dental friends to reConnoitre about the viii
lage Of ST. Regis, they returned with the in
formation that the enemy had landed in the
village, and that we might expect visit
from them Immediately. Their number was
stated by no one at less than ITO, and from
that to 500 the most certain information
fixed on the former number. II was also
believed that the enemy was determined to
make stand at that place, and would spec
Oily increase their number. This determin-
ed me to make an Immediate attempt to
take out those already landed, before any re-
enforcement could arrive. ! ordered the
men to be furnished with two days rations
of provisions, with double rations of whiskey:
and at IL at night we marched out with the
utmost silence, that we might give as little
alarm as possible We took circuitous rout
through the woods. and arrived at Gray's
| Mills at half past 8 A M. We found here
! a boat, a small canoe, and two cribs of boards.
Captain Lyons company crossed in the beats
Captain M'Niel's in tue canoe, and the re-
maindcr, with our horses crossed on the
| cribs-We arrived within half mile of
the village at 5 o'clock, where being con-
| cealed from the enemy by a little rise of
ground, we halted to reconnoitre, refresh the
men, and make our disposition for the attack,
which was arranged in the following order.
| Capt. Lyon was detached r. ON the right
with orders to take the road running along
| the bank of the st. Regis river, with directi-
ons to gain the rear of Capt. Mountaigny's
house, in which, and Donally's the enemy
were said to be quartered. Capt Tilden was
| detached to the st. Lawrance, with view
of gaining the route of Donnally's house, and
also securing the enemy's boats Expected
to have been stationed there) to prevent
| their retreat.
| With the remainder of the force moved
| on in front and arrived within $50 yards of
Montaiguy's house, when found, by the fir-
ing that Captain Lyon was engaged; at the
same instant, discovered person passing
in the front, and ordered him to stand, but not
being obeyed, ordered Captain Higbie's first
platoon to fire, and the poor fellow soon fell.
Heproved to be the ensign named in the list of
killed. The firing was at an end in aninstant,
andwc soon found in our possession 40 prison
ers, with their arms, equipments &c.
Here follows a list of killed, in number
and one wounded Observation-Disclosures,
stand colours, 2 batteaux, 38 guns, &c.
"After searching in vain for further mill
itary stores, we re-crossed the river at the
village, and returned to camp by the nearest
route, where we arrived at IL A. NJ. The
batteaux with baggage, &c. arrived few
minutes before us. We had not man hurt
/ cannot close this letter without stating to
your excellency that the officers and soldiers
for their conduct on this occasion deserve
the highest encomiums; for so strict was
their attention to duty and orders, that we
entered the place without even being heard
. by the Indians dogs. The prisoners have
: Just sent off to Plattsburg, to await the dis
position of your excellency.
: am very respectfully, your excellency':
most obedent humble servant.
G. ID. YOUNG, Major,
Commanding the troops stationed at F
Mills.
Brig Gen. Bloomfield.
Commanding advanced n. Army.