Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-12-06

(b) These Colonies, who became, suisse
quently, our only efficient Brigaders, were
from their later promotion, consequently
subordinate.
The honors of the achievements on the
Niagara, which have produced so much
national glory, now appear to be contested
by Ripley, with the Commanding General
---or rather, the TURNER appears to be sole
y contending for the honors of the cam-
paign. The accounts Of these battles
which re inserted in memoirs, are written
to eulogize particular cammanders.-Let
the subordinate officers, who have shared
principally in the results, share also in the
attending honors. There was but little
geperaiship attempted in any.
Brown continued to support his native
character, courage and enterprise, and re-
| lied for military skill on those he as
| sembled him. The apathy to national feel
ing, aud sIuggishness OF exertion, which
+ bad characterized our Commanders from
HuLL, to the commencement of this CAM.
tpaigD, texcept Dearborn, as far as his pow
er seconded his zeat1 still continued to
hang upon one OF the Generals, throughout
the operations of the Niagara--and his
name would have been identified with this
evil part of the history of our country,
were 1T Not for his later exposure5 and suf-
ference ola wound in the sortie from Erie.
OF these operations from the first until
the retreat from the battle ground at the
falls, the advice of SooTT, of M'REE and
of WOOD, as submitted to Brown, directed
| every predetermined movement.
In crossing the Niagara on the night of
the Cd of July, Ripley, with the best part of
his brigade had been arranged to land "a
6ove the fort, simultaneously with Scott
Ripley, during the day previous, had for
chilly expressed his apprehension of the en-
emy's numbers, and promised man = obser-
vations on the smokes he had seen rising liz
the rear of the work. Scott landed and
took up a position about two hours before
him.
| The circumstances leading to the battles
which follow, have been reported with in
tegrity and fidelity through the proper
channel. Co OF the general events let
/ the mis-statements which have been given
be corrested.
The battle of Chippeloa, on the 9Th IF
July, was fought by Scott, with his COM
| mand alone. Brown first observed the e.
nemy's approach to make the attack, be-
ing farthest adyancedsbeyondthe creek, at
tended only by one of his staff, and sent the
order to Scott to advance as soon as posi-
Bile. Gu his return to the creek he met
Scott and Ripley, made the suggestion that
the enemy must have crossed the Chippe-
wa-and Scott stated that he would 90 out
| with his brigade and drill, but was conf
dent that he should not meet three hun
dred of the enemy. He and his battalions
Il Il ,,c I'LL L., LII
merican troops have performed through
both the wars of our independence.
/ JEsUP, who as major, has discovered
the qualities of general, acted independ-
emily in this as Ia the subsequent action.
LEAvESwoRrH displayed that ardent intrepid
ty which he had shewn under adverse orders
| at .St0ney Greek.
1 McNErL proved his noble bearing in his first
heldhght. The brave CAMPBELL had fallen in
the onset
TowsoS displayed that proves which he al
| ways displays when the occasion offers.
The defect in not ordering the I'd brigade to
advance at the same time on the left is apparent.
The result to have been inferred was the capture
Of the force which had been beaten. Why
Brown should conceive it necessary to protect
the camp at the moment, from any attempt of the
enemy, is not to be accounted for.
| Three days after, to give Ripley the opport,i-
nifty of some active service, he was ordered with
his brigade, to effect passage of the Chippewa,
three miles above The road was cut, aud every
! preparation, had been given of tools and mater-
ais for the construction of the bridge when gen
eral Brown observing the dilatory movements of
| Ripley, was under the necessity of assuming the
| direction himself and in company With McRee.
Wood and Hindman, planted the artillery. led
the advance to the point of passage, and COM
menced the bridge under the enemys fire The
enemy soon abandoned his works and we crossed
| below.
The Division lay twelve days at Queenston.
On the subsequent cooperation. Of the I'd bril-
gade with general Porter and his militia in their
advance TO the lake, the backward appearance of
the bearing of Ripley will be recollected by the
officers of half the division.
The battle Of the Falls, on the 25th of july.
I was unforeseen, like that Of Chippewa, but not
with the same necessity. Brown need not
have been unapprised Of the eneny's advance
And when he sent out Scott for diversion in favor
of his post on the opposite shore, he should have
known, that without express restrictions, If Scott
met the enemy he would fight him. He might
have met the British army, six miles, instead of
three, from our camp, and what would have been
the consequence Your generals Of exceeding
| policy may condemn this disposition Scott e.
| yer fought, withoutregard TO the rule Of respon.
sbility, TO retrieve or atchieve, that military
name, Of which his country had been deprived
If he was ordered 70 advance, for special p,lr.