The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1813-12-06

accuracy what was our NUMBER Oh the
held, because ii consisted Of indefinite de-
tachmcnts taken from the boats TO render
safe the passage of the Saul Gems. Co.
vington and Swartwcut voluntarily took
part III the action, at the head of detach-
ments from their respective brigades, and
exhibited the same courage that was dis
played by brig. gen. Boyd, who happened
to be the senior officer on the ground
Our force engaged might have reached
sixteen or seventeen hundred men but ac-
tnally did not exceed eighteen hundred -
thai OF the enemy was estimated from
twelve hundred to two thousand, but did
not probably amount to more:than fifteen
or sixteen Misunderstanding, as am
Informed, of attachments from the 10th,
S4th and i04th regiments Of the line-with
three companies of the Volligeur & Glen
gary corps, and The militia of the country,
who are not included in the estimate.
1t would be presumptuous in me to at
tempt 10 give you detailed account Of this
affair, which certainly reflects high honor
on the valor of the American soldier, as no
examples can he produced Of undisciplined
men, with inexperienced officers, Drawing
hre OF two hours and half, without Quit
ing the field or yielding TO their antago-
nis,s. But, sir, the Information ] now give
you, is derived from officers Of my conf
dcnce, who took active parts in this con-
iict Tor though was enabled 10 order
The attack, it WAS my hard fortune not to
be able 60 lead the troops | commanded
The disease with which was assaulted on
the ID of September, on my journey 10 fort
George, having with few short intervals
Of consalescence, preycd on me ever since,
and at the moment OF this action, was con.
lined 10 my bed and emaciated almost TO a
skeleton, unable to sit on my horse or to
move ten PAGES without assistance.
must, however, be pardoned for tres
passing on your time few remarks in re.
lation to the affair. The objects of the Bri.
ush and American commanders were pre-
cisely opposed-the last being bound by
the instructions of his government and the
most solemn obligations of duty, to preci-
plate his descent Of the St. Lawrence by
every practicable means-because, this be.
ing effected, one of the greatest difficulties
opposed 10 the American arms would be
surmounted and the first by duties equal
iy imperious, to retard and if possible pre-.
vent such descent. He is to be accounted
victorious who effected his purpose. The
British commander having failed 10 gain
either of his objects, can lay no claim to The
honor Of the day. The battle fluctuated
and triumph seemed, at different times,
inclined TO the contenGing corps. The
front Of the enemy were at first forced back
more than mile, and though they never
reguinod the ground they lost, their stand
was permanent and their charges rcsolule
Amidst these charges and near the close
Of the contest, we lost field piece by the
fall OF The officer who was serving ii with
the same coulness as if he had been at pa
radc or review. This was lieut.. Smith OF
the light artillery, who, III point Of merit,
stood at the head OF his grade. The enemy
having halted and our troops being again
formed, in battalion front To front, and The
firing having ceased on both sides, we re.
sumed our position on the bank of the ri.
YER, and the Infantry being much fatigued
the whole were re-embarked and proceed
cd down the river without further annoy-
ance from the enemy or their gun boats,
while the dragooos with FIVE pieces Of lighl
artillery, marched down the Canadian shore
without moIestatioD.
IL is due to his rank, TO his worth and
his services, that should make particular
mention Of brigadier general Covington,
who received mortal wound directly
through the body, while animating his men
and leading them to the charge.--He fell,
where he fought at the head of his men,
and survived but two days.
The next morning The fotiila passed
through the Saut and joined that excellent
officer brig. gen. Brown, at Barnhart's near
Cornwall, where he had been instructed to
take post and wal, my arrival, and where
confidently expected 10 hear of major gen.