The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-09-14
BY MAIL.
WAX EN tNio, &c.
EXPEDITION TO MICHILIMAclNAc.
t2fy @a ie:ser from Lf. Col. CRoeHAx, 10
he Secretary az War, daied
United States slOOp Of Niagara

Uaitsd States slOOp Of war .NT4gara,2
p I"Enaer Bay, 9h Of .9ugus!, 1914 s
slave 'eft fort Iratiot, thead of StrcigLt St.
Clare) on the 18th ult. and imagined that We should
arrive in few days, to Malchadash BAY. AT the
ehd ot The week, however, the Commodore, ON
Tie want OF plois acquainted with that uhfrt one mt
Ell part OF the Like, despared Of being able fird
out passage through the island into that bay and
made Tor ST. J"seph's, where he anchored on the
2Olh July. Alter setting fire to the Fort of ST Jo.
seph, which seemed not 10 have been recently occu-
ped, detachment OF infantry and artillery. under
Maj Holmes, Was ordered up TO Sault St. Mary's,
Tor the purpose ot breaking up the enemy's estab.
hshment at that place. For parlic uars relative to
the execution ot this order, beg leave refer you
20 MAJ Holmes report herewith enclosed. Findin,
on my ARRIVAL at Nichilimackinac on the 96h uh
that the enemy had strongly fortified the height
overlooking the old Fort of Mackn.c y, once de-
spared OF being able, with my smsl force, 30 carry
u'e Piace by storm, and determined. (as the ony
course remanlng) on landing and establishing my.
SELF on some favorable position. whence could be
enabled TO annoy the enemy by gradual and SLOW ap-
proaches, under cover ot my artillery, III which 1
soou'd nave the superiority in point of metal. was
urged To adopt tins step by another reason, not lit
Vie cogehti could position be taken and fortified on
the island Was well that il would "a her in
auce the enemy to attack me IN my strong holds, or
force has Indians and Canadians (his NOSE efhcen;
and only dsposAble force) OF the island, as they
would be very unwilling TO remain in my neie hbor.
h'od after permanent footing had been taken. On
eHqulty, learned from indiy yiduas who had lived
many years on the island, that position as desira
BILE as nigh, wish could be found on the Yves, end,
and Therefore Immediately made arrangements for
aiSembarking. landing was effected on the 4th
INST under cover of the guns Of the shipping, and
toe hne being quickly formed, had advanced 10 the
edge Oh the held spoken of for a camp, when intel
Asence was conveyed to me, that the enem, was a.
head,and few seconds more brought us FIRE from,
ms battery OF four pieces, firing shot and shells.
iected his line reaching along the edge Of the
woods, at the further extremity of the field and COW
cred by temporary breast work | determined on
changing my position, (Which was now two lines,
the militia forming The tront) by advancing Major
Holmes battalion of regulars on the right Of the mi
Hua, thus out flank h,m and by vigorous effort
TO gain his This movement was immediately
ordered, but before it could be executed a fire was
opened by some Indians posted in thick wood near
our right, which proved fatal to Mi Holmes and
severely wounded Captain Desha, Che officer next
III rank This unucky fire. by deprivng US of The
services OF our most valuable officers threw that
Part of the line int, confusion, from which the hest
exeriions of the officers able it.
Finding inpossiiis 10 gam the enemys iest, owing
20 the impenetrabe thickness of the woodsa charge
was ordered to be made by the regulars immediate
iy gAinst the front. This charge although made in
some confusion, served to drive ths enemy back in
to the woods, from whence annoying fire
kept up by the indians.
1t. Morgan was ordered up with light piece to
assist the left, now particularly gscd the excel
lent practice of this piece brought the enemy to fire
1T longer distance. Discovering that this posi-
ton from whence the enemy had just been driven,
(snd which had been represented To me high
and commanding) was by no means tenabe, and
from being interspersed with thickets and inter
sected in every way by ravines; determined not
longer to expose my force to the fire of enemy de-
irving every advantage which could be obtained from
numbers and knowledge of the position. and there
fore ordered Immediate retreat towards the ships
This afi-ir, which has cost many valuable lives,
leave US 20 lament the fall of that gallant officer,
MAJ Holmes, whose character is So well known to
the War Department, Capt Vanhorn, of the l9tn
inft and Lit. Jackson, Of the Oath do. both brave
trepid young men, fell mortaly wounded at the head
OF their respective commands. Capt Desha, Of the
9th infantry, although severely wounded, contnu-
cd with his command until forced to retire from
fanting through loss of blood.
The militia were wanting IN 10 part Of their cuty.
The conduct OF all my officers this occasion mer.
Its my appreciation.
On the morning Of the sth sent flag to the en-.
emy, to inquire into the state of the wounded 1.-TWO
IN number) who were left the field and to re.
ques permission to bring away the body of Major
Holmes, which was also left, owing 10 The uppard-
oAabe neglect Of the soldiers in whose hands he |
was placed am happy IN assuring you that Tire I
body Major Holmes is secured, and will be bur- |
ed at Detroit with becoming honors.
l shall discharge the militia tomorrow, and will /
send them down, together with two regular compa-
nies, to Detroit. With the remaining three compa.
MES shall attempt TO destroy the enemy's establish
fnent in the head OF Nas..ars yGsaya river, and if
u De Thought proper, erect post at the mouth Of |
That river. lam, &c.
G CRoGHAN, Ii COL I'd ricsaen.
Hon. John .7rmsToag, Secretary G' Var
Cohy Of a letter from MAJ. H. H. HoLMss,f 10
Lieut. Col CRoCshg, daked