of the batteries was entrusted to Captain Hall and the marine department, and I cannot withhold my entire approbation of their conduct on this occasion.

I crossed the river, with an intention of waiting in a strong position the effect of our force upon the enemy’s camp, and in the hope of compelling him to meet us in the field; but receiving information upon landing, that Colonel M’Arthur, an officer of high reputation, had left the garrison three days before with a detachment of 500 men, and hearing, soon afterwards, that his cavalry had been seen that morning three miles in our rear, I decided on an immediate attack.  Accordingly, the troops advanced to within one mile of the fort, and having ascertained that the enemy had taken little or no precaution towards the land side, I resolved on an assault, whilst the Indians penetrated his camp.  Brigadier-General Hull, however, prevented this movement, by proposing a cessation of hostilities, for the purpose of preparing terms of capitulation.  Lieut.-Colonel J. M’cDonell and Captain Glegg were accordingly deputed by me on this mission, and returned within an hour with the conditions, which I have the honor herewith to transmit.  Certain considerations afterwards induced me to agree to the two supplementary articles.

The force thus surrendered to his majesty’s arms cannot be estimated at less than 2,500 men.  In this estimate, Colonel M’cArthur’s detachment is included, as he surrendered, agreeably to the terms of capitulation, in the course of the evening, with the exception of 200 men, whom he left escorting a valuable convoy at some little distance in his rear; but there can be no doubt the officer commanding will consider himself equally bound by the capitulation.

The enemy’s aggregate force was divided into two troops of cavalry; one company of artillery, regulars; the 4th United States’ regiment; detachments of the 1st and 3d United States’ regiments, volunteers; three regiments of the Ohio militia; one regiment of the Michigan territory.

    Thirty-three pieces of brass and iron ordnance have already
    been secured.

When this contest commenced, many of the Indian nations were engaged in active warfare with the United States, notwithstanding the constant endeavours of this government to dissuade them from it.  Some of the principal chiefs happened to be at Amherstburg, trying to procure a supply of arms and ammunition, which for years had been withheld, agreeably to the instructions received from Sir James Craig, and since repeated by your excellency.

From that moment they took a most active part, and appeared foremost on every occasion; they were led yesterday by Colonel Elliott and Captain M’Kee, and nothing could exceed their order and steadiness.  A few prisoners were taken by them during the advance, whom they treated with every humanity; and it affords me much pleasure