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

b-l 10 the expectation Gf fur.aef attacks, l
was taking measures for terrifying my camp
in q. cdiate.y--the direction Of this service
comuilted TO lieut.. To,len, of the engineers.
But very soon the enemy were reinforced by q
detachment Of several hundred Indians from
Chipawa--they commenced furious attack /;
but were promptly met and routed by the rifle
aod bayonet. BY this tinc, perceived my
rroopswcre cmbarking very slowly. passed
immediately over 10 ,acceierste their moye-
ments but TO my utter astcnishment, found
that at the very moment when complete VIC
tory was in our hands, the ardor Of the unen-
gagged troops had entirely subsidized. ro'c
in all direciions--urged men by every eoLsid-
Grafton to pass ovcr--but in vain. Lieut. col.
Bloom, VINO had been wounded in action, re-
turned, mounted his horse and rode through
the camp as did also Judge Peck, who hap
pened to be-here, exhorting the companies to
proceed--but all in vain.
Al this time large reinforcement from
Fort George were discovered coming up the
river. AS the battery on The hill was consid-
cred an important check against their ascen-
ding the heights, measures were Immediately
taken TO send them fresh supply OF ammu-
milton, as had learnt there were left only 20
ments, however, obliqued TO the right from
the road, and formed junction with tho In
dians in the rear Of the heights. Finding. TO
my Infinite modification, that no reinforce
ment would pass over seeing that another
severe conflict must soon commence and
knowing that the brave men on the Heights
were quite exhausted, and nearly out OF am
munilion, all l could do was 10 send them
fresh supply of cartridges.
AT this critical moment despatched note
to Gen. Wadsworth, acquainting him with
our misunderstanding the course 10 be pur-
sued much to his own judgmeos---wi,h assur-
ance :hat If he thought best to rctreat,I would
cndeayor TO send as many boats as could
command, and cover his retreat by every fire
! could safely make. But the boats were
dispersed-many of the boatmen had fed,
panic strickland but few got of. But my
note could bu, little more than have reached
Gen. Wadsworth, about q o'clock, when
most severe and obstinate conflict commenc-
ed and continued about half an hour, with
tremendous fire Of cannon, flying artillery *
musquctry. The enemy succeeded in re-
possessing their battery and gaining advan-
tagc on every side, the brave men who had
gained the victory, exhausted Of strength and
ammunition, and grieved at the objectionable
neglect Of their fellow ci.zens, gave mp the
conflict.
/ can only add that the victory was really
won but lost for the want Of small rein
forcemcn,' One third hart Of fhe Idle men
might hare saved aH.
l have been so pressed with the various du-
ties Of burying the dead, providing for the
wounded, collecting the public property, ne
gociating an exchange of prisoners, and all
the concerns consequent Of such a battle, THAT
have not been able to forward this despatch
at as early an hour as could have wished.
shall soon forward you another despatch in
which shall cndeavor TO point out to you the
conduct Of some most gallant and deserving
officers. But cannot in justice close this
without expressing the very great obligation
am under to Brig. Gen. Wadsworth, Col.
Van Rensselaer,, Col. Scott, 1t. Coils. Chris. |
tic and Fenwcs, and Capt. Gibson. Many
others have also behaved mos. gaIlantly. AS
l have reason to believe that many Of our
troops fed to the woods, with the hope of /
crossing the river, have not been able To |
learn the probable number Of killed,wounded |
or prisoners. The slaughter of our troops |
must have been very considerable. And the
enemy have suffered severely.
Gen. BROCK is among their slain, and his |
oid4de-eamh mortally wounded.
have the honor 10 be, SIC.
(Signed) SIN. VAN RENSSELAER,,
Major General.
Maior.C General DrApponN.