Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-12-28

Crossing over.
ihe second question was NJ. deci led.
Colonei Parker. Col. Sch rier i.:es. Col.
NnieS, ana Major Camptell were dec,,lcdiv
OF opinion that the force was ;ny,fT;.,.n,
Col. Winder, Col. Swift, Lieut. Col. Roerss-
Ter, and Captain Gilman, deemed thu. force
sufficient.
determined to postpone CROSSING over
until more complete preparation would en-
aole me to embark the whole force at once.
according to your instructions. The
next day was spent in such preparation.
ana the troops were ordered to be again at
the place OF embarkation at o'clock ON the
morning of the SOth November. On their
arrival they were sent into the adjacent
woods there to build fires and remain until
O'Clock IN the morning of the LIST Decem-
per when 1t was intended to put off tive
hours before day light, so as to avoid the
FIRE of the enemy's cannon in passing the,
position which it was believed they occ1pied
below, to land above Chippeway, ASSAULT
that place, and If successful, march through
queenstown tor Fort George. For this e?s-
Peuition the contractor was called ON to fi,rs
nis'l rations for $500 men for four DAYS.
"henit was found ne could furnish the pork.
Out not the Hour. Sixty barrels were re-
CURED and only thirty five we're FURNISH
ed.
lhe embarkation commenced, but was
delayed by circumstances, SO az not to be-
Completed until after daylight, when ie
was found the regular infantry, 6s8 men.
t''c artiiery, ~ men, Swift's volunteers,
|sIima1ed at $50, six companies of federal
volunteers, under capts Collins, Phillips, AL
ihon' Monre, Maner and Marshall, amount
| ing 20 ST5 men, commanded by Lieut.. Cox
M lure, 100 men Of Col. Dobbn's militia.
snd few men IN a boat, with Mr.. p. b.
Iorlers contractors agent, who was TO pilot
tue enterprise, had embarked ; the whole on
ooaro amounting, exclusive of officers. tn
100 men, or thcreabouts ;and il was now
TWO boars later than had been contem-
plated.
here weSe some gronps OF men not vet
embarked; tliey we're applied to, rsauessed
eno orss7ed hy Slc brigade major to yet into
Tue op3t' ;--teeY die not The number of
,'.[Se Lne nrl5ade major estimated at about
ISG. II was probably greater
IL then became question whether IL was
esTpsd' NJ to invade Canada in open day
, light, win 1900 men, at point where NJ,
relnIorccments could be exnected for some
Gays. saw that tie numger of the regular
Ho',S was declining rapidly. knew that
on tAenl chic!iy was ta depend.
calisl together fhe officers commanding
cosps OF tne regular army. Col Parker
oS'nS SICK, these pressas we're, Col. Porter.
oil the artillery, Col. Schuyler, Col. Windcr'
and Lieut.. Col. Coles
put to them this Question; Shall ne hyo--
ceeG hey '1'rGnimously decided thas we
| ought not
L foreeaw that the volunteers, vino had
IONIC our Tor few days, woald disperse--
o a OF t'lc,n had on the evening Of the,
@oth broke their Enus.Sets foresav that
the number of the regular troops wonId dc
crease; the nleasels, and other Diseases be-
iaS anonS them; snd they were now in
tent: IN thc monyh of Decembe.. Uniforms
c" me oihcers that the attempt 10 invade
Ssnaaa would not be made, until the army
was reinforced; directed them to wjthdrAIy
fhrir troops, and cover them with huts i'm
| medistely,
ne volunteers and heiehhorinc neor1.
werc dissatisfied, aud it has been in the now
erof the contractors agent to excite some
ciamor sgains.the course pursued. He find.
the contract losing one as this slime, and
YOU'D VISA to see the army in Canada, thae
lie might not be bound tn supply il.
am sorry the situation Of the force I'M
der my command had not been such as Ia
make the propriety of forward movement
obvious to All. Circumstanced az W, were
have thought it my duty "a. foil " .hecan-
t!ons cnnnseis OF experience, and not by pre-
cip.tat'on, to add another to the list Of our
You WI rerceive my motives by my let
Ter OF the 3Oth October, wherein i said. CT
would cross in three days if had the means
Without them, it would be injustice to the
nation and myself to attempt it. must
not be def~afed.''
AiloW me to recommend to your attention
W ana inat Of the Secretary oyyar captain
hser OF the first class. His Jaun,less hra-
very, refined mind, high sense Of honor, and
ambition to distinguish himself, render him
a ht subject for promotion and he is. per.
maps, the best disciplinarian in the army.
have the honor to be,
With perfect respect, sir,
Your most obedient,
ALEXANDER SMYTH.
D.