The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-12-24

vi his government, VINO was to Convince the
American people that all theic generals
were not base, cowardly and treacherous,
even Smyth must DC added to the cata-
iogue OF infamy which begun with the
name or Hull. Our minds are depressed
with shame, and our hands trcmblc with
Indignation, 1T this hnai prostration of all
our dearest and iondesi hopes. But we will
endeAror to assume some calmness, while
we state to our readers the disgracefu, e.
vents tnat have occurred OH the Niagara
river.
For three weeks past, as all our readers
know, the most vigorous preparations have
been making for descent on Canada. On
| the 10th ult. General Smyth promised
that in a few days the troops under his
command would plant the American stan
dard IN Canada" and he called upon volun-
! teers TO assist him. Our modification is
almost sufficient, without stopping here to
| notice the high tone OF his proclamation,
and the extraordinary sentiments it contain
| eel. Sufbce 1T to say, that many, very ma
NY of our worthiest citizens left their homes.
| their families and their business, at an I'M
| 'nense sacrifice, to obey what they conceiv-
| ed the call of their country. A second pro-
ciamatlon from Smyth appeared, evincing
that all was ready and announcing the gen
cral's principles and views. So far it was
well. Anxious but joyful anticipation emily
ened the contenances and exhilrated the
hearts OF all tue friends TO their country
On Saturday the 28th ult. in pursuance
ct orders the army marched to Black
| ROCK and was there embarked ready to
cross. In the morning, $50 brave men,
principally sailors, had gone over, taken
thrce batteries from the enemy, spiked their
cannon and returned with little loss leav-
ing only one battery within sight of our for
| ces, and that at such distance as to excite
| no apprehensions. Among the wounded in
| TINS noble enterprise, we regret to say that
the gallant and brave captain Myndert NJ
Do&. OF the Esd. u. States infantry was
| shot through both his thighs. There wore
thirty SIX prisoners taken. This, was a
glorious omen of the probable success of the
whole army. Three thousand men were
embarked hfteen pieces of light artillery
completely equipped i'll every respect, were
| In the scows or flats and a corhs DE re-
serge of at least 5000 men, were waiting
| Tor . chance to cross. At this auspicious
moment, when the enemy's batteries were
completely silenced, instead of crossing or
attempting to move, General Smyth sent O.
yer flag OF truce to the enemy. Our army
still lay III their boats, when not a vestige
of opposition from the other side appeared.
indeed, the whole country was so wholly
abandoned, that three of our gallant tars,
ior frohc, went over in sight of our army,
burnt two houses, store and barn. and
were occupied an hour and half in catch
ing fowls and hogs and killing them, and in
collecting other plunaer. After doing pre-
cisely what they pleased, they returned
without any molcstation. In the mean while
flag with British major arrived and
long conference ensued. Smyth sent ano-
ther nag but before it reached the oprs-
site shore, he ordered the troops to
their tents. On Sunday the SOth, orders
were read that the troops should be ready
to cross on Monday the LIST instant at 8
O'Clock. AT the time, the army was at the
river and thirteen boats only out of more
than seventy, under the command of col.
Winder, attempted to go over. They cross
cd directly IN front OF the only battery which
mad not been rendered useless; after arriv-
ing within few rods of the shore the bat
terry consisting OF an eighteen FOUNDER OPEN
Ell upon them. when they turned about and
came back Not, single boat was sent out
70 reinforce them, nor was any diversion
made or attempted at any other point The
army were again ordered to camp, and di-
rected to be ready the next morning. ines
day, to Cross, BY this time some uneasiness
became apparent the soldiers were dis
gusted and weared with being marched
PACK and forth however no person declin-
ed crossng.-Again all was ready. the
troops were either embarked or on the
point or getting into their boats, when sud-
denly orders were received for all to return
| to their tents. The volunteers who had
come out under Smyth's proclamation were
coidly informed that they might stack their
arms and so home The regulars were
ordered into winter quarters. General Por-
ter endeavored to retain the volunteers, un-
til an explanation of this extraordinary con-
duct could be obtained. Many, however.
giving up all hope of active service, obeyed
orders. 1t was understood that council
OF the principal officers of the volunteers.
was Immediately called, to consider of their,
situation They wrote a letter TO Smyth.
out TIE result was that he evaded giving an
explanation Smyth was universally de-
| nounced as coward and traitor he was
shot at several times, and was hooted thro'
the streets of Buffaloe. He was shifting
| MS tent in every direction, in order to avoid
the Indignation of the soldiery. We under
stand that he has ordered his army TO the
eleven mile creek, eleven miles this side of
bnlfAloe, where they have actually arrived
and are now encampcd. Judge Granger.
| much to his honor, refused TO afford anv
further shelter to Smyth, and every tavern
keeper IN and near Buffaloe, declined the
iniamy of his company.
| N lew incidental circumstances deserve
to be mentioned. There was force of 5000
men, according to the lowest computation.
ready to cross. The army was abundantIv
supplied with provisions this we assert
| without the rear OF contradiction, upon the
authority OF every officer and private whom
we nave yet seen. Gen. Porter, conducted
| Ia In tg -