Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1812-10-02

liz P0AN Va viz IN oh1 ~ -
habitants seemed satisfied with the change
of situation, which appeared to be taking
place-the militia from Amherstburg were
daily deserving, and the whole country, then
under the control ofthe army, was asking for
protection. The Indians generally. in the
first instance, appeared to be neutralized,
and determined to take no part in the con
test. The fort of Amherstburg was Is miles
below my encampment. Not a single cannon
or mortar was on wheels suitable to carry be
fore that place. l consulted my officers,
whether it was expedisnt to make an attempt
on it with the bsyonet alone, without cannon,
to make a break in the FIRST instance. The
council / called was ofthe opinion it was not
The greatest industry was exerted in making
preparation, and 1t was not until the 9TH of
Aug. that two "a Founders, and three howit-
zers were prepared. 1t was then my inten-
ton to have proceeded on the enterprize.-
While the operations of the army were de-
layed by these preparations, the clouds of ad-
versity had been for seme time and seemed
still thickly to be gathering around me. The
surrender of Michilimackinac opened the nor
thern hive of Indians, and they were swarm
ing down in every direction. Reinforcements
from Niagara had arrived at Amherstburgh
under the command of colonel Proctor. The
desertion of the militia ceased. Besides the
enforcement that came by water, | receiv-
ed information of a very considerable force
under the command of maj. Chambers, on
the river lie French with four field pieces,
and collecting the militia on his route, evil
IDENTIFY destined for Amherstburgh and in
addition to this combination, and increase of
force, contrary to all my expectations, the
Wyandots, Chippewas, Ottawas, Pottawata-
mics, Munsees, Delawares, &c. with whom
| had the most friendly intercourse, at once
passed over to Amherstburgh, and accepted
the tomahawk and s~calping knife. There be-
ing now a vast number of Indians at the Bri-
fish post, they were sent to the river Huron,
Drownstown, and Maguago to intercept my
communication To open this communication
| detached major Vanhorne Of the Ohio vol
unteers with two hundred men to proceed as
far as the river Raisin, under an expectation
he would meet captain Brush with one hum
dred and fifty men, volunteers from the state
of Ohio, and a quantity of provisions for the
army. An ambnscado was formed at Browns
town. and major Vanhorne's detachment de-
fcated and returned to camp without effect
ing the object of the expedition.
In my letter of the 9TH inst. you have the
particulars of that transaction, with a return
of the killed and wounded-Under this sud
den and unexpected change of things, and
having received an express from gen. Hall,
commanding opposite the British shore on the
Niagara river, by which it appeared that
there was no prospect of any cooperation
from that quarter, and the two senior officers
of the artillery having stated to me an opinion
that it would be extremely difficult, if not i'm
possible. to pass the Turkey river and river
Aux Cannard, with the "a Founders, and that
they could not be transported by water, as
the Queen Charlotte, which carried eighteen
"a FOUNDERS, lay in the river Detroit above
the mouth of the river Aux Cannard and as
it appeared indispensabiy necessary to open
the communication to the river Raisin and the
Miami, | found myself compelled to suspend
the operation against Amherstbsrg, and con
c~entrate the main force of the army at Detroit.
Fully intending, at.that time, after the com
munication was opened, to re-cross the river,
and pursue the object at Amherstburg, and
strongly desirous of continuing protection to a
very large number of the inhabitants OF Up
per Canada, who had voluntarily accepted
it under my proclamation, ! established a for
tress on the banks of the river, a little below
Detroit, calculated for a garrison or three
hundred men. On the evening of the 9TH,
and morning OF me oth lnst. the army except
ing the garrison of $50 infantry, and a corps
of artillerists, all under the command OF ma,
ior Denny of the Ohio volunteers, re-crossed
the river, and encamped at Detroit. In pur-
suance of the object of opening the ommun
cation, on which considered the existence OF
the army depending, a detachment OF SIX
hundred men, under the OF leuten-
ant colonel Miller, was Immediately ordered
For a particular account OF the proceedings
of this detachment, and the memorable battle
which was fought at Maguago, which reflects
the highest honor on the American arms
refer YOU to my letter of the 18th Aug. inst
. duniicate of which is enclosed, marked q
-ava b,t honor WAS acquired by