The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-11-05


IN a most extraordinary manner, fastened his
boat to the shore, and abandoned the detach-
ment. In fhis front boar he had carried near
ly every car which was prepared for all the
boats. In this agonizing dilemma, s.ood Of
fcers and men, whose ardor had not been
cooled by exposure through the night TO one
of the most tremendous northeast storms,
which continued, undated, 70. twen,y-cigh,
hours, and deluged the whole camp. The APP
proach of daylight ex,inguished every pros.
pect of success, and the detachment returned
to camp. Colonel Van Rensselaer, was 20
have commanded the detachment.
After this result, had hoped the patience
of the troops would have continued until
could submit the plan suggested in my letter
of the 9Th, that might act under and In con.
formity to the opinion which might be then
expressed. But my hope was idle the pre-
viously excited ardor seemed 10 have gained
new heat from the late interchangeable brave
were mortified to stop short of their object
and the imid thought iaurels half won by an
attempt.
On the morning of the 18th, such was the
pressure upon me from all quarters, that l
became satisfied that my refusal to act might
involve me in suspicion and the service in
disgrace.
Viewing affairs at Buffaloe as yet unsettled,
had Immediately counternandcd the march
of Gen. Smyth's brigade, upon the failure OF
the first expedition but having now determ-
ined to attack Queenstown, sent new orders
to Gen Smyth to march T; not with the view
Of his aid in the attack, for ! conaidered the
force detached sufficient, but to suppor. the
detachment should the conflict be obstinate
and long continued
Lieut.. Col. Christie, who had just arrived
at the Four Mile Creek, had late in the night
Of the frs, contemplated attack, gallantly or.
fered me his own and his mems service but
he got my permission too late. He now a.
gain came forward had conference with
Col. Van Rensselaer,, and begged that he
might have the honor Of command in the
expedition. The arrangement was made.
Colonel Van Rensselaer, was TO command one
column Of SEQ militia; and Lieutcnaht Colonel
Christie column of the same number of
regular troops.
Every prccaution was now adopted as to
boats, and the most confidential and expert
enced men to manage them. AT an early
hour in the night, Lieut.. Col. Christie march.
ed his detachment, by the rear road, from
Niagara to Camp. At in the evening, 1t.
Col. Stranahan's regiment moved frora Mia
CARA Falls--at o'clock, Mead's-.-and at 9,
1t. Col. Blan's regiment marched from the
same place. All were in camp Ia good sea-
son. Agreeably to my orders issued upon
this occasion, the two columns were to pass
over together and soon as the Heights
should be carried, Lieut.. Col. Fenwick's fly
ing artillery was to pass over then Major
Mullany's detachment Of regulars and the
other troops to follow in order.
At dawn of day the boats were in readiness
and the troops commenced embarking, under
the cover Of commanding battery mounting
eighteen Founders and skies. The move
ment was soon discovered, and brisk fire Of
musketry was poured from the whole line of
the Canada shore. Our battery then opened
TO sweep the shore but it was for some
minutes, too dark to direct much fire with
safety. A brisk cannonade was now opened
upon che boats from different batteries
our battery returned their fire, and occasion
ally threw grape upon the shore, and was it.
self served with shells from a small mortar
of the enemy's. Col Scott, Of the artillery,
by fastening his march from Niagara Falls
in the night, arrived in season to return the
the enemy's FIRE with 2 six Founders.
The boats we're somewhat embarrassed
with the eddies, as we'll as with shower of
shot but colonel Van Rensselaer,, with about
100 men, soon effected his landing amidst
tremendous fire directed apon him from eve
ry point !; but to the astonishment Of all who
Witnessed the scene, this van of the column
advanced slowly against the fire. II vas a
serious misfortune to the van, and indeed to
the whole expedition, that in few minutes
after landing, col. Van Rensselaer, received
four wounds ball passed through his right
thigh, entering Just bslow the hip-bone---an-
other shot passed through the same thigh, a
little below-the third through the calf of his
left leg--and fourth entered his heel.
This was quit crisis in the expedition.