The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-09-28

" situated on the s. T. eide Of Ire river, which run
nn nearly parallel with the Bay shore for that dist
ance forms narrow peninsula this and the wind
being cr shore, afforded an opportunity OF anch-
orng oppn ste 60 him and within good batering dfsf
ance, bat ining the sand-hls and trees frequently
interrpptins any shot, borrowed sn 1-2 inch how.
Hxer from Col Creghan, mounted il on one Of my
carriages. and sent il the peninsula, under COM
spand of Lieut.. Holdup; situation was chosen by
Capt Gratoit, of the engineers, from which II did
great execution. The enemy defended himself very
Handsomely until one Of those shells burst in his
Jlock.house, and in a few minutes blew up his ma
gazine-This set fire TO train which had been laid
for the destruction Of the vessel, and IN instant
she was in flames had made the necessary pre-
paration with boats for getting on board OF her; but
frequent aud heavy explosions below deck, made
the risk Of lives too great TO attempt saving her
She was, therefore, with her valuable entirely
consumed. I cannot say whether those, who de.
Tended her. were blown np in the bIockhou or
whether they retrested in the rear Of their work.
which they might have done unseen byus, as 1T af-
forded descent into thick wood. I hope the lat
ter. number OF articles were picked up at a con-
siderable distance of; among them was the conf
mandcr's desk containing copies OF letters, &c. sew
cra OF which herewith enclose you for your inior-
nation They serve To show the vessel I'd have been
commanded by 1t. Worsey Of the Royal Navy of
what intimate inportan her cargo tho garri-
son at Mackinac, and that they have nothing afoat
now on that Lake. The Nancy appeared to be we
ny fine vessel between the size OF the Queen Char
Iottc and Lady Provost. There were three guns on
the bock-house, two 24-pounders, and one 6-poun-
der. cannot say what was the vessel, as all her
ports were closed. also got a new boat called by
them gun.boat, but unworthy the name, being cal
euated 10 mount only 24-pound carronade.
The Naatouwasauga is too narrow, and overhung
with bushes, for vessel to get up, except by warp
ing, which prevented my sending gun-boats IN, or
Col. Croghan from attempting TO turn his rear as
we a number Of Indians skuking, and OCCASION
ally firing across from the banks lit in this way
the only man we had touched, was wounded.
You will see, by the enclosed letters, the short
state ihey are in for provision at Mchilimackinac
and lam assured from the best authority, that this
is the only line of communication by which they can
be supplied, that Of the Grand River being rendered
impossible for any thing heavier than carry
on his hack, by 90 poragcs l have therefore, left
the Scorpion and Tygress TO blockade il closely until
the becomes too boiserous for boat sporta
ton. Col. Croghan thought il not advisable to ortify
and garrisoc Nautauwasauga, as the enemy's COM
muncaon from York is short and convenient, that
any force he could leave there would be cut of in the
winter Twas unfortunate in getting embayed, in a
gale of wind, on rocky, ironbound shore, which
occasioped loss of all the boats had in tow my
mong which was the captured gun-boat aud my
launch; felt fortunate, however, in saving my ves-
sci, numbered rs she was with $50 souls on board,
and shipping such immense quantities of water, as
10 give me very serious alarm for some hours. l
was compelled to strike some OF my gun-boats be-
low. and nothing saved her, at least, but sudden
shi0 of wind. ~ there is nothing like anchorage on
Lake Huron, except in the mouths of rivera the
whole cosa being q steep perpendicular rock. l
have been several times in great danger OF total loss.
in this extremely dangerous navigation, entirely
known TO our pilots, except direct to Mackinac, by
falling suddenly from no sounding into 8 fa,homs,
. and twice into Ia less twain, all craggy rock
Those dangers might be avoided from the trsnspsr
sncy Of the water. but for the continued thick iogs
which prevail almost as constantly on the Grand
Bank
sy the arrival or the mail few aours after an.
hored at Detroit, learned the critcal state OF our
army the peninsula, and that the somers and o.
hio had been captured. The craft from the flats,
with part of my guns and shot, had not yet arrved;
but being certain my presence would be necessary
at the earliest possible moment, availcd myself OF
a fair wind. and sailed for this place, where am
happy 10 learn that army feel themselves perfect
ly secure whcre they are: have. however, sent
the Lawrence. Lady Prevost and Porcupue TO Buff
faoe, there TO render any assistance which may be
required, and shall follow them myself in the course
Of 25 hours. There is such All imminent risque of
the loss OF the feet, this OF the year, lay
ing to an anchor near Buffalo, where the bottom is
composed entirely Of hard rock, strong current
setting down, and exposed to the open Lake, from
whence the heaviest gales are experienced, that l
shall not unless ordered positively do from the
Department, continue there a moment longer than
can ascertain the commanding generals views, and
In what way the Acet cooperate with him Daily
and dear bough experience seaches us we ought not
20 risk our feet in situation where they liable
TO DC lost. Lieut.. Kennedy has, no doubt, informed
you of the total loss of the Ariel, after being on
hoat and ready to move from there.
am, sc. ARTHUR SINCLAIR.
rs. A company Of riaemsn from Sandusky
has just arrived here, and have been forwarded on
10 Fort Erie, without delay As.
The Hon. I'm. Jones, Seer ttdry Of tie Many.
-a~~-
Cohu of n letter from Cam Rodpevs 70 RE