Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1813-11-25
Copy Of letter from Sir George Pre-
cost to Com. Sir james Lucas Yso.
Head-Quarters, Kingston.

coSe 20 Com. oar james Lucas Yeo.
Head-Quarters, Kingston.
18th September, 1918.
SIR-The Centre Division Of the Upper
canada army is placed in situation very
critical and one novel in the system Of
war, that OF investing force vastly supe-
nor IN numbers, within strongly entrench.
cd position, 1t was adopted and has been
maintained from a confident expectation
that with the co. cooperation of the squadron
under your command, a combined attack,
ere this, could have been effected on the enc
my at Fort George, with every prospect
Of success--To the local disadvantages of
the positions occupied by our army, have
been added disease and deserton TO a de.
gree, calling for immediate remedy. You
are, therefore, required to proceed with the
fleet under your command, with the least
possible delay, to the head of the Lake,
| affording sufficient convoy to the small ves-
sells containing those stores and supplies of
which the army is in the most pressing
want Upon your arrival near the head
quarters of the Centre Division YOU will
consult with major gen. De Rottenburg,
whc will unite in his person, the civil
and military command in Upper Canada.
upon my Withdrawing from the Province,
upon the eligibility of a combined attack,
for the purpose of dislodging the enemy
from the position Of Fort George, by ra-
| pid forward movement of the army, bring
ing up in battery at the same time, the
| heavy ordnance, mortars and howitzers
now embarked This attack must be sup
ported by the countenance of your squad
| ron and the fire of such vessels as are
| armed with a description of ordnance favor
able to it--Should this attempt appear to
be attended with too great hazard to the
| squadron, under the possible circumstance
of the enemy appearing on the Lake, you
will in that case distinctly state your sen
timents to major gen. De Rottenburg, who
will immediately upon asceftaining your
! inability to assist him, take measures for
evacuating the position he now occupies
In the execution of which movement YOU
will give his army every support and as
sistance, consistent with the safety of your
vessels; and having performed this service
you will pnrsne such measures as shall sp
! pear most probable speedily to ensure tfe
acquisition of the naval ascendrncy
You are already acquainted with the de-
cided line of conduct which l wish to be
| observed on Lake Erie, by Capt Barclay,
and you will not fail to impress on that Off
Ger the absolute necessity of regaining the
naval superiority, and to preserve uninter-
| rupted the intercourse between Amherst
burgh and Long Point; in order that the
supplies and stores in depot at the latter
place and at the head of the lake, may be
transported in safety to the Right Division
| The hotilla of transports on Lake Onta
rio are to be kept employed, as long as the
season will admit, in the conveyance of the
provisions and other supplies collected at
Kingston, and destined for the Right and
Centre Divisions of the army, and they are
to receive from your force the necessary pro-
lection
have the honor to be, sir, your most
obedient humble servant,
(Signed) GEORGE PROVOST,
Commander of the Forces
Com Sir J. L. Yeo.