The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-10-01


and od and decrepid people Of the town and
country they were unsafe in the town, and
| il was entirely open and exposed tc The cne-
my's batteries. Back Of the forf. above or
behind il, there was DO safety for them or ac-
Count OF ll,e Indians. In the frat instanee
the encmy's fire was principally directed a.
gainst 0ur batteries towards The close, II
WAS directed against the fort alone, and hi-
most every sloi and she'll had their effect.
Ii now become necessary eitherto fight Ihe
enemy in The field collect the whole force
In the fort 4; or propose.tel ms ofcapitulai'on.
could not have carried into the field more
than six hundred men, and Jeff sny sdequate
force in The fort. There were lepded at that
time cf The enemy aregular force OF much
more than that humber, and twice tho num-
bcr OF Indirns. Considering this great ine-
quality Of force, did not think it expedient
to adopt the first meacnre. The seeoEd must
have been attended with great sacrifice OF
blood, and no possible advantage, because the
contest could not have been sustained moro
than day for the want OF powder, and but
very few days for the want Of Provisions. In
addition 10 this, Col.. M'Arihur and Cass,
would have been in most hazardous situa-
ton. feared ntlhing but the last aIterna-
tive have dared TO adopt it--I well know
the high responsibility Of the measure, end
take the whole of it ON myself. 1t was dlc-
taied by a sense of duty, and a full conviction
of its expediepcy. The bands of savages
which had then joined the British force were
numerous bryondauy former example. Their
numbers have since increased, and the hislo-
ry OF the barbaiians of The north Of Europe
does not furnish examples oil Eore greedy vi
olcnce than these savagcs have exhibited. A
large portion of the brave and gallant officers
and men corn niandetl would ohecrlully have
contested until the last cartridge had been ex-
pended, and the bayoncts worn to the sucke,s.
! could not consent TO the useless sacrifice of
such brave men, when ksew il was impos-
sible for nc 10 sustsin my situation. Ii was
impossible ID the nature CT things that an ar
my could have been furnished with the reces-
saiy supplies of provision, military stores,
clothing and comforts for the sick. no pack
horses, through wilderness of two hundred
miles, flied with hostile savages i was i'm
possible, sir, that this little army, worn down
by fatigue, by sickness, by wounds, and deaths
could have supported i,se II not only ag ainst the
collected force Of all the northern nations of
Indians but against the united strength of
more than twenty times the number contained
in tho territory of Michigan, aided by the
principal part of the regular forces of the
province, and the wealth and influence of the
North West ind other trading establishments
among the Indians, which have in their en-
ployment and under their entire control more
than two Thousand white men. Before close
this despatch it is duty owe my respec,a-
bic associates in command, Coils. M'Artbur,
Findjey, Cass, and LIT. Col. Miller, TO ex-
press my obligations 10 them for the prompt
and juditious manner they have performed
their respective duties. Ii aught has taken
place during the campaign, which is honora-
bic TO lie army, these officers are entitled to
a large share Of it. b IL the lastact should,bs
disaPproycd, no part Of the censure belongs
10 them. l have likewise TO express my OBJ.
hgationto Gen. Taylor, who has pcrfovmed
The duty OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT for his
great excrtions in procuring every thing in
his department. which il was possible to furn-
ish for the convenience Of the army like.
wise to brigade major Jessup for the correct
and punctual manner in which he Gischa, ged.
his duty and 70 the army generally for their
exerlion, and the zeal they have manifested
tor the public interest. The death Of DR..
Foster soon eker he arrived at Detroit, was
severe misfortune 10 the army /; it was IN
cressed by the capture Of the Chachaga pack.
e,, by which the medicine and hospital stores
were lost. He was commencing the best ar.
engagements in the department OF which he
was the principal, with the very small means
he possessed. was likewise deprived of she
necessary services of capt. Partridge by sick.
ness, the only officer of the corps of engi-
neers attached to the army. .'s4Gf
All the officers and men have gone 10 their
respective homes, except the 4,h u. S. rcei-
men,, and small par, Of the lst, and Cant.
Dyson's company of artillery. Cap, D's COM
pany was ieis at Amhcrslburg, and tho others
are win me prisoncrs-they amount 10 abou,
$40. have only to solirit M, ;p,.s,;~..,. r 4