No. XXX.
Correspondence between Sir George Prevost and Capt. Downie, p. 145.
"Head-Quarters, Plattsburg,
Wednesday, 7 a. m. 7th Sept. 1814.
"Sir,
"The enemy's force in the Bay consists of a ship, inferior to the Confiance, a brig, a large schooner, a sloop, and seven or eight gun-boats. When the gun-boats are manned, the remaining craft appear to have but few men left on board. If you feel that the vessels under your command are equal to a contest with those I have described, you will find the present moment offers many advantages which may not again occur.
"As my ulterior movements depend on your decision, you will have the goodness to favour me with it, with all possible promptitude.
"In the event of your coming forward immediately, you will furnish conveyance for the two 8-inch mortars, ordered from Isle aux Noix, with their stores, provided you can do so, without delaying the sailing of your squadron.
"I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) "G. Prevost."
"To Captain Downie, &c."
"H. M. S. Confiance, off La Cole,
7th Sept. 4 p. m. 1814.
"Sir,
"I have the honour of your Excellency's letter of this morning.
"I am aware of the comparative force of the two squadrons, and am thus far on my way to find the enemy, conceiving that the moment I can put this ship into a state for action, I shall be able to meet them.
"The Confiance at this moment is in such a state, as to require at least a day[107] or two to make her efficient before the enemy; but with all the exertion I can use, it will probably be that time at least, before it will be possible to get her up to Chazy, where I shall be happy to receive any further communication from your Excellency.
"I have the honour to be, Sir,
"Your most obedient servant,
"Geo. Downie."
"His Excellency Lieut.-Gen.
Sir G. Prevost, Bart. &c. &c."
"Head-Quarters, Plattsburg,
Thursday Morning, 8th Sept. 1814.
"Sir,
"I have just received your reply to my communication of yesterday.
"As it is of the highest importance the ship, vessels, and gun-boats, under your command, should commence a co-operation with the division of the army, now occupying Plattsburg, I have sent my Aid-de-Camp, Major Coore, with this letter, in order that you may obtain from him correct information of the disposition made by the enemy of his naval force in this bay.
"I only wait for your arrival to proceed against General Macomb's last position, on the south bank of the Saranac. Your share in the operation, in the first instance, will be to destroy or capture the enemy's squadron, if it should wait for a contest, and afterwards co-operate with this division of the army; but if it should run away, or get out of your reach, we must meet here to consult on ulterior movements.
"I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) "G. Prevost."
"H. M. S. Confiance, off Point au Fer,
8th Sept. 1814.
"Sir,
"I have the honour of your Excellency's letter of this day; and have to state, that I am advancing with the squadron to Chazy as fast as the wind and weather will allow.
"In the letter I did myself the honour to address to you yesterday, I stated to your Excellency, that this ship was not ready—she is not ready now; and until she is ready, it is my duty not to hazard the squadron before an enemy, who will even then be considerably superior in force.
"I purpose remaining at Chazy until I find myself enabled to move, which I trust will be very shortly, it depending on my guns being ready.
"I have the honour to be, Sir,
"Your most obedient servant,
"Geo. Downie."
"His Excellency Sir Geo. Prevost,
Bart. &c. &c. &c."
"Head-Quarters, Plattsburg,
Friday, 9th Sept. 1814.
"Sir,
"In consequence of your communication of yesterday's date, I have postponed moving on the enemy's position, on the south bank of the Saranac, until your squadron is in a sufficient state of preparation to co-operate with this division of the army.
"I need not dwell, with you, on the evils resulting to both services from delay, as I am well convinced you have done every thing that was in your power to accelerate the armament and equipment of your squadron, and I am also satisfied nothing will prevent its coming off Plattsburg the moment it is ready.
"I am happy to inform you, that I find from deserters, who have come over from the enemy, that the American fleet is inefficiently manned, and that a few days ago, after the arrival of the new brig, they sent on shore for the prisoners of all descriptions, in charge of the Prevost, to make up a crew for that vessel.
"I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed) "G. Prevost."
"P.S. Captain Watson, of the Provincial Cavalry, is desired to remain at Little Chazy until you are preparing to get under weigh, when he is instantly to return to this place with the intelligence."
"H.M.S. Confiance, off Chazy,
9th Sept. 1814.
"Sir,
"I have the honour to communicate to your Excellency, that it is my intention to weigh and proceed with the squadron, from this anchorage, about midnight, in the expectation of rounding into the bay of Plattsburg about dawn of day, and commencing an immediate attack on the enemy's squadron, if they shall be found anchored in a position that will afford any chance of success.
"I rely on any assistance it may be in your power to give.
"In manning the flotilla and ships, we are many short. I have made application to the officer commanding at Chazy, for a company of the 39th regiment to make up.
"I have the honour to be, Sir,
"Your most obedient servant,
"Geo. Downie."
"His Excellency Sir Geo. Prevost,
Bart. &c. &c. &c."
"P. S. I have just this moment received your letter of this day, to which the preceding is, I think, a sufficient answer.
"G. D."
"Head-Quarters, Plattsburg,
Saturday Morning, 10th Sept. 1814.
"Sir,
"I received, at twelve last night, your letter, acquainting me with your determination to get under weigh, about that time, in the expectation of rounding Cumberland Head at dawn of day; in consequence, the troops have been held in readiness, since six o'clock this morning, to storm the enemy's works at nearly the same moment as the naval action should commence in the bay. I ascribe the disappointment I have experienced to the unfortunate change of wind, and I shall rejoice to learn from you, that my expectations have been frustrated by no other cause.
"I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) "G. Prevost."
"To Capt. Downie, &c. &c. &c."