The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-12-22
BUFFALoE. December 1.
OFFICIAL REPORT.
TO BR1GADIER- GENERAL SMYTH,
Commanding the army offhe Centre.

Six,
/ BEG leave to inform you that on the
morning OF the 21st inst. at o'clock hea-
Wy cannonaGiDg opened upon this garrison
trom all the batteries at and in the neigh
6orhood OF Fort George, which lasted with
out Intermlssion until after sun down. They
had five detached batteries, two mounting
"a Founders, one mounting 9, and two
mortar batteries, one 10 1-2 the other 1-2
inch. The batteries firing hot shot which
set some OF our buildings on fire, but from
the extraordinary vigilance of the officers
and men, particularly Maj. Armstead of the
U. D. corps of engineers, whose indefatiga-
BILE exertions were extended to all parts of
the garrison, the fires were got under with
out being observed by the enemy.
Our garrison was not as well provided with
artillery and ammunition as l could have
wished however, the batteries opened a
tremendous fire upon them, in return, with
hot shot, admirably we'll directed. =
Several times during the cannonading, the
town OF Newark was in flames, but was ex-
| uhguished by their engines-as also the CEN
tire building in Fort George. Their Mess
House and all the building near it were con-
| sumed. Captain M'Keen commanded a IL
FOUNDER in the s. E. Block House, and dis
tinguished himself by his usual galIantry and
skill. Capt. Jacks of the 9Th regiment mi
ltia artillery, commanded 6 FOUNDER on
! the N. Block House. and together with
part OF his own company tho placed in a ST.
tuatioh most exposed to the fire of the enc
my maintained their position like veterans
Lit. Rees of the Sd regiment artillery had
the command of an 18 pr. on the s. T.. bat
terry which was pointed at a battery on bar
bette mounting ID pr. and also at Fort
George several we'll directed shot were
made from this gun, which proved the skill
OF its commander. About 10 o'clock Lit.
Kees had his left shoulder bruised by a part
OF the Parapet falling on him which, tho it
ana not materially injure him, Obliged him To
retire, and Capt. Leonard of the Ist regt. II j.,
). artillery at that moment arriving he took
the command of this battery for the re-
mainder OF the Gay. Lit, Wendell of the Sd
regt. artillery had the command of an, 18
anu Peuhoer on the West battery-and
VI: hooper OF capt. Jacks company militia
q 'hieIy, had the command of a 6 pr on the
Mess T.ouse. Of these gentlemen and their
oo'' nards, cannot speak with too much
r aise, they distinguished themselves high
~, and from their shot all Of which was hot,
I the town OF Newark was repeatedly fired,
and one of the enemy's batteries slenced for
time.
An instance of extraordinary bravery in
female (the wife of one Doyle, private of
the y. ;. artillery made prisoner at Queens
town. L cannot pass over. During the most
tremendous cannonading have ever seen.
she attended the FOUNDER on the old mess
house with red hot shot, and showed forti-
tide equalling the Maid Of Orleans. Lieuts.
Gansevoort and Harris of the 1st regt. II. s.
artillery had the command Of the Salt bat
terry at Youngstown, mounting IS * n DR.
these two guns played upon the garrison of
Fort George and the buildings near it: from
every observation could make during their
fire, | am happy to say they merited nv
warmcst thanks for their skill in the service
OF these guns. Lit Harris from his pound =
er sunk a schooner which lay at their
wharf she was one of those taken by the
enemy ut the mouth of the Gcnessce river
short time since. He also assisted in burn
ing and destroying the buildings near the
wharf. These two officers and their men
lnthe warmest part Of the cannonaAine hav-
ing bred away all their cartridges, cut I'M
their flannel waistcoats and shirts, and the
soldiers their trousers to supply their guns.
] Cannot say to muc.i in praise of ali the
officers G soldiers ofthe artillery immediately
undermy observation in this garrison, they me.
rlt the thanks x esteem of their country for
tue defence Of it, aud believe it never sus.
tanned SO sharp and continued a lombard
meRt.