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adier general Bissell, brigadier-general Smith, is, that we go as far as La Colle Mill, desig colonel Atkinson, colonel Miller, colonel Cum-nated in the map, to meet the enemy there, mings, major Pitts, major Totten. and destroy their block-house and the mill in which they are quartered.

Major-general Wilkinson states to the council, that, from the best information he can collect, the enemy has assembled at the Isle aux Noix and La Colle Mill 2500 men, composed of about 2000 regular troops and 500 militia, of whom, after leaving a garrison of 200 men at Isle aux Noix, 1800 regulars and 500 militia may be brought into action. The corps of the United States, now at this place, consists of 3999 combatants, including 100 cavalry, and 304 artillerists, with 11 pieces of artillery. The objects of the enemy are unknown, and the two corps are separated nine miles. Under these circumstances the major general submits the following questions for the consideration and opinion of the council First-Shall we attack the enemy? and in such case do the council approve the order of march and battle hereunto annexed, with the general order of the day?

Second-When and by what route shall the attack be made, on the plan of the intermediate country hereunto annexed?

Third-Shall a single attack be made with our force combined; or shall two attacks be made; or shall we feint on the right by the shore of the Sorel, or to the left by Odell's mill, to favour the main attack?

The general will be happy to adopt any advantageous change which may be proposed by the council, or be governed by their opinions.

The council is of opinion, that the light troops should cover a reconnoissance towards La Colle Mill; and if it is found practicable, the position should be attacked, and the enemy's works destroyel; that the whole army move to support the light troops; that the order of battle is approved, and the manner and mode of attack must be left entirely with the commanding general.

ALEX. MACOMB,
Tп. A. SMITH,
D. BISSELL,
R. PURDY,
JAMES MILLER,
T. H. PITTS,

H. ATKINSON,
JOSEPH G. TOTTEN.

Under existing circumstances my opinion

M. SMITH, Col. 29th inf. No. 18.

American general order of the 29th of March. Head-quarters, Champlain, 29th March, 1814. The army will enter Canada to-morrow to meet the enemy, who has approached in force to the vicinity of the national line of demarcation; the arms and ammunition are therefore to be critically examined, and the men completed to 60 rounds. The commanding officers of corps and companies will be held responsible for the exact fulfilment of this essential order. The troops to be completed to four days' cooked provisions, exclu-ive of the present; and it is recommended to the gentlemen in commission to make the same provision. No baggage will be taken forward, excepting the bedding of the officers. Let every officer, and every man, take the resolution to return victorious, or not at all: for, with double the force of the enemy, this army must not give ground.

Brigadier-general Macomb having joined with his command, the formation of the troops must necessarily be modified. They are there fore to be formed into three brigades; the first, under general Macomb, consisting of hi❤present command, with the addition of colonel M. Smith's consolidated regiment; second and third, under the command of brigadier-general Smith and Bissell, consisting of the troops already consigned to them. The order of march and battle will be furnished the brigadier generals, and commanding officers of regiments, by the adjutant general.

The transport permit will be immediately returned for, and distributed by, regiments.

On the march, when approaching the enemy, or during an action, the men are to be profoundly silent, and will resolutely execute the commands they may receive from the officers. In every movement which may be made, the ranks are to be unbroken, and there must be no running forward or shouting. An offcer will be posted on the right of each platoon, and a tried serjeant will form a supernumer ary rank, and will instantly put to death any man who goes back. This formation is to

take place by regiments and brigades, in the the course of the day, when the officers are to be posted.

For this purpose a passage from James will be sufficient:—

"At St. John's, distant about fourteen miles from the Isle aux Noix, and twenty-one from La Colle river were stationed under the command of lieutenant colonel Sir William Wil

Let every man perfectly understand his place; and let all bear in mind what they owe to their own honor and to a beloved country, contending for its rights, and its very inde-liams, of the 13th regiment, six batalion compendence as a nation.

The officers must be careful that the men do not throw away their amunition: one deliberate shot being worth half a dozen hurried ones; and they are to give to the troops the example of courage in every exigency which may happen.

In battle there must be no contest for rank or station, but every corps must march promptly and directly to the spot, which it may be directed to occupy. The troops will be under arms at reveillée to-morrow morning, and will be ready to march at a moment's warning. All orders from the adjutant and inspectorgeneral's department; from captain Rees, assistant-deputy-quarter-master-general; and major Lush and captain Nourse, extra aides de camp to general Wilkinson, will be respected as coming from the commanding general himself.

Signed, by order,

W. CUMMINGS, adj. gen. We have on several occasions been reminded of the old saying, montes parturiunt nascitur ridiculus mus, when chronicling the sayings (not doings,) of American commanders, but in no instance have we found more ridiculous results following inflated professions. The proclamation breathed the very spirit of valour, and the orders to conquer or to die were most explicit. A retreat was not to be thought of, and in case any craven spirit should exist amongst the four thousand, (save one,) breasts animated with Wilkinsonian ardour, (perhaps as James has it "as an additional stimulus to glory") a picked man was chosen to whom instructions were given to put to death "any man who goes back.”— What could promise more fairly for the anni hilation of the twenty-three hundred British

ers.

panies of that regiment, and a battalion of Canadian militia; numbering altogether, about seven hundred and fifty rank and file. At Isle aux Noix, where lieutenant colonel Richard Williams, of the Royal marines, commanded, were stationed the chief part of a battalion of that corps, and the two flank companies of the 13th regiment; in all about five hundred and fifty rank and file. The garrison of La Colle Mill, at which major Handcock, of the 13th regiment, commanded, consisted of about seventy of the marine corps, one corporal, and three marine artillerymen, captain Blake's company of the 13th regiment, and a small detachment of frontier light infantry under captain Ritter; the whole not exceeding one hundred and eighty rank and file. At Whitman's, on the left bank of the Richelieu, distanced about two miles from the Mill, and communicating with Isle aux Noix, was the remaining battalion company of the Canadian fencibles, under captain Cartwright, and a battalion company of Voltigeurs were stationed at Burtonville, distant two miles up La Colle river, and where there had been a bridge, by which the direct road into the province passed."

On a review of these numbers it will be found that there were not altogether more than seventeen hundred and fifty regulars and militia within a circle of twenty five miles in diameter, yet general Wilkinson in the esti mate presented to the council numbers the troops at Isle aux Noix, and La Colle. alone, at twenty five hundred and fifty, and designates them all as regular troops with the exception of two companies. Before entering on the expedition we will give a description of this famous post against which four thou sand valiant Americans were marching.

One is almost forced to believe that this proclamation had been drawn up under the The Mill at La Colle was built of stone supervision of the Cabinet at Washington.- with walls about eighteen inches thick, havLet us examine, however, before following the ing a wooden or shingled roof, and consisting steps of the heroes who had just set out, of two stories. It was in size about thirtythrough snow and mud, on the fourth inva-six feet by fifty, and situate on the south sion of Canada, how the case really stood.-bank of La Colle river; which was then fro

zen over nearly to its mouth, or junction with zer. By this time the two flank companies the Richelieu, from which the Mill was about three quarters of a mile distant. The Mill had been placed in a state of defence, by filling up the windows with logs, leaving horizontal interstices to fire through. On the north bank of the river, a littic to the right of the Mill, and with which it is communicated by a wooden bridge, was a small house, converted into a block house, by being sur rounded with a breast work of logs. In the rear of this temporary block house was a large barn, to which nothing had been done, and which was not even musket proof. The breadth of the cleared ground, to the southward of the Mill, was about two hundred, and that to the northward, about one hundred yards, but in the flanks the woods were much nearer. The reader has now before him the position and strength of the Mill, the number of troops available for its defence, and the number of the assailants. These points then haing been settled, we will accompany General Wilkinson on that march which was to result in victory or death.

The Americans commenced the expedition by setting out in a wrong direction, and instead of La Colle found themselves at Bur tonville, where they attacked and drove in a small piquet. This mistake discovered, the march was resumed but again in a wrong direction. At last, however, they got on the main road near Odelltown, about three miles from La Colle. This road was found almost impassable for the troops, in consequence of the trees on either side having been fe:led, and before the march could be pursued, the axe-men were compelled to cut up and remove the obstruction. While this operation was going on, a piquet sent forward by Major Handcock, opened a severe fire and killed and wounded several men. At last, however, the Mill was reached and by half-past one in the afternoon the American commander had invested the fortress with his nearly four thousand men. As the General very naturally expected that the one hundred and eighty men who composed the garrison, would attempt to escape, six hundred, under Colonel Mills, were sent across in rear of the Mille, to cut off all chance of a retreat. A heavy fire was then opened from an 18-12 and 6 pounder battery, also from a 5 inch howit

of the 13th had arrived at the scene of action, and a galant charge was made by them on the battery, but the overpowering fire kept up compelled them to retreat and recross the river. A second charge was now made by the Fencibles and the Voltigeurs, with the remnant of the two companies of the 13th. This charge was so vigorous that the artillerymen were driven from their guns which were only saved from capture by the heavy fire of the infantry. The evidence as to the gallantry of the British and Canadians is fortunately to be found in the proceedings at General Wilkinson's court martial. Lieute nant-Colonel McPherson who commanded the artillery, deposed on that occasion that, "the ground was disputed inch by inch, in our advance to the mill; and the conduct of the enemy, that day, was distinguished by desperate bravery. As an instance one company made a charge on our artillery, and at the same instant, received its fire, and that of two brigades of infantry." Lieutenant Col. Totten, of the Engineers, and Brigadier General Bissell might both be also cited as bearing the same testimony. Despite, however, this gallantry, it became apparent to Major Handcock that farther attempts on the guns, in the teeth of such overwhelming superiority in numbers, would be but to sacrifice valu able lives, the men were accordingly with drawn to act on the defensive. Here we must correct a statement made by General Wilkinson, in his trial, viz., that he had to contend against not only Captain Pring's two sloops, but also two gun-boats at the back of the mill. We assert on the authority of James, and Wilkinson's own memoirs, (vol. 3, p 235,) that not one American officer stated anything of the kind, and that Colonel Totten swore positively "that the fire from the gun boats was perfectly useless, fifty or a hundred feet above their heads."

It was by this time about dusk, but although the fire of the besieged had slackened for want of powder, the enemy made no attempt to carry the Mill by storm, but retined from the field. Thus ended the fourth great inva sion of Canada.

It would almost seem impossible for any historian, however unprincipled to represent this affair in any other light than as a check

of a large by a small body, but nothing, it portunity presented itself, when the Canadian appears, was too difficult for true patriots, Grenadier Company, and a company of the who desired to place their country in the most Voltigeurs, attempted the guns; but the very favorable light. Accordingly we find Messrs. great superiority of the enemy's numbers, hid Thompson, O'Connor and Smith explaining in the woods, prevented their taking them. away and smoothing the failure of the attack I have to regret the loss of many brave and until in their skilful hands, the affair almost good soldiers in these two attacks, and am assumes the character of a victory. Mr. particularly sorry to loose the service, for a O'Connor contends that the enemy must not short time, of Captain Ellard, of the 13th Rebe permitted to claim a victory because cir-giment, from being wounded while gallantly cumstances "concurred to render it nearly leading his company. The enemy withdrew impossible to drive him from his cowardly their artillery towards night-fall, and retired, stronghold." Instead of one hundred and towards morning, from the mill, taking the eighty, Dr. Smith places two thousand five road to Odell-town. hundred men within the Mill, although it is difficult to imagine how so many men could be packed in a building fifty by thirty-six feet -[considering that there were two stories to the Mill, this would be somewhere about an allowance of one and a half feet to each individual.] As the account which has been just given is necessarily imperfect, a despatch from Colonel Williams to Sir George Provost, is added, which will be found to be detailed and perhaps more satisfactory.

Major Handcock speaks in high terms of obligation to Captain Ritter, of the Frontier Light Infantry, who, from his knowledge of the country, was of great benefit. The marine detachment, under Lieutenants Caldwell and Barton, the Canadian Grenadier Company, and the company of Voltigeurs, as well as all the troops employed: the Major expresses himself in high terms of praise for their conduct, so honourable to the service.

Major Handcock feels exceedingly indebted

From Lieutenant-Colonel Williams to Sir G to Captain Pring, R.N., for his ready and

Prevost.

La Colle, March 13, 1814.

prompt assistance, in mooring up the sloops and gun-boats from Isle au Noix, to the entrance of the La Colle river, the fire from which was so destructive. Lieutenants Caswick and Hicks, of the royal navy, were most actively zealous in forwarding two guns from the boats, and getting them up to the mill.

To Major Handcock the greatest praise is due, for his most gallant defence of the mill against such superior numbers; and I earnestly trust it will meet the approbation of his ex

SIR,-I beg leave to acquaint you, that I have just received from Major Handcock, of the 13th Regiment, commanding at the blockhouse on La Colle river, a report, stating that the out-posts on the road from Burtonville and La Colle mill, leading from Odell-town, were attacked at an early hour yesterday morning by the enemy in great force, collected from Plattsburgh and Burlington, under the com-cellency the Commander-in-chief of the Forces. mand of Major-General Wilkinson. The attack on the Burtonville road was soon over, when the enemy shewed themselves on the road from the mill that leads direct to Odelltown, where they drove in a piquet stationed in advance of La Colle, about a mile and a half distant; and soon after the enemy established

battery of three guns (12-pounders) in the wood. With this artillery they began to fire on the mill, when Major Handcock, hearing of the arrival of the flank companies of the 13th Regiment at the block-house, ordered an attack on the guns; whi.h, however, was not successful, from the wood being so thick and so filled with men. Soon after, another op

I have the honour to transmit a list of the
killed and wounded of the British: that of the
enemy, from all accounts I can collect from
the inhabitants, must have been far greater.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
WILLIAM WILLIAMS,

Lieut. Col. 13th Reg., commanding at St. John's. List of kiiled, wounded, and missing, in action at La Colle mill, on the 30th March, 1814.

11 rank and file, killed; 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 1 sergeant, 43 rank and file, wounded; 4 rank and file missing.

Note-1 Indian warrior killed, 1 wounded.
R. B. HANDCOCK, Major.

hundred regulars and militia stationed in the vicinity. Even General Wilkinson was com pelled to allow, on his trial, that the building was defende by a garrison of, not eighteen hundred regulars and five hundred militia, but of six hundred veteran troops.

A comparison between Col. Williams modest eighty British-wi h somewhere about twelve letter, and Mr. O'Connor's version of the same affair will not be uninteresting to he reader: "The issue of this expedition," says Mr. O'Connor, "was unfortunate, although in its progress it did honor to the Americans en gaged. The eneiny claimed a victory, and pretended to gather laurels, only because he was not vanquished. General Wilkinson, at the head of his division, marched from Cham-events, the gallantry so much vaunted by Mr. plain with the intention of reducing the enemy's FORTRESS at the river La Colle.

Col. McPherson's testimony on the same occasion showed that in his estimation, at all

O'Connor was not displayed, and he declared "that the army should have attempted to force a passage into the mill, and employed the bayonet at every sacrifice, or have renewed the attack, with heavier ordnance, at daylight the next morning."

How Messrs. O'Connor, Smith, and Thompson could, with the proceedings of General Wilkinson's trial open to the world, venture to put forth their statements would puzzle any one unaccustomed to their through thick and through thin style of laudation and apology.

"About eleven o'clock, he fell in with the enemy at Odell town, three miles from La Colle, and six* from St. John's. An attack was com nenced by the enemy on the advance of the army under Colonel Clarke and Major Forsyth. Col. Bissell came up with spirit, and the enemy was forced to retire with loss. General Wilkinson took part in this action, and bravely advanced into the most dangerous position, declining frequently the advice of his officers to retire from imminent danger. The enemy having used his congreve rockets without producing any effect, retired to La Colle, James is very severe upon the poor Gen. where he was pursued. At this place an action eral for the note which he put forward in was expecte l; but the enemy whose force, when answer to Col. McPherson's assertion that increased by a reinforcement from the Isle aux "the bayonet ought to have been employed." Noix. amounted to at least twenty-five hun. To take such a post, wrote Wilkinson, with dred men, mostly regulars, declined meeting small arms, has often been attemptel, but the American force, although much inferior never succeeded, from the time of Xenophon in numbers and means of warfare. who failed in the attempt down to the present "Several sorties were made by the enemy, day. Xenophon himself was baffled in an but they were resis ed with bravery and suc- attempt against a Castie in the plain of CaiThe conduct of every individual at-cus, and also in his attack on the metropolis tached to the American command, was marked of the Drylanes, and in times modern as well by that patriotism and prowess, which has so as ancient, we have abundant examples of often conquered the boasted discipline, long the failure of military enterprises, by the most experience, and military tactics of an enemy distinguished chiefs." who dared not expose his "invincibles"† to the disgrace of being defeated by a less rumerous force of Yankee wood-men."‡

cess.

This extract we would not venture to give without naming also the very page from which it was taken. Would any one, we ask, believe it possible that this writer was describing the repulse of four thousand Americans in an attack on a mill, garrisoned by one hundred and

*We presume Mr. O'Connor means twenty-six

miles.

These italics are Mr. O'Connor's.
History of the War, page 219.

Before giving James's comments on this note we would suggest to General Wilkinson and his three apologists that an attack on s Stone Castle with narrow slits for the double purpose of admitting light and discharging arrows, cross-bolts, or javelins, and an attack on a Mill, (where is not usually a lack of good sized windows,) with musketry and a well served battery of three heavy guns, are not quite one and the same thing. As the General has gone so far out of his way to find an excuse, we also may be excused for travelling back a few years, in order to confute his assertions. In that veracious historical

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