The corps of artillery, commanded by Major Hindman, which has been so eminently distinguished throughout this campaign, had no opportunity of taking a part in the sortie. The 25th infantry, under Colonel Jessup, was stationed in Fort Erie to hold the key of our position.
Colonel Brady, on whose firmness and good conduct every reliance could be placed, was in command at Buffalo with the remains of the 22d infantry. Lieutenant-Colonel McRee and Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, of the corps of engineers, having rendered to this army services the most important, I must seize the opportunity of again mentioning them particularly. On every trying occasion, I have reaped much benefit from their sound and excellent advice. No two officers of their grade could have contributed more to the safety and honour of this army. Wood, brave, generous and enterprising, died as he had lived, without a feeling but for the honour of his country and glory of her arms. His name and example will live to guide the soldiers in the path of duty so long as true heroism is held in estimation. McRee lives to enjoy the approbation of every virtuous and generous mind, and to receive the reward due to his services and high military talents.
It is proper here to notice, that although but one-third of the enemy's force was on duty when his works were carried, the whole were brought into action while we were employed in destroying his cannon. We secured prisoners from seven of his regiments, and know that the 6th and 87th suffered severely in killed and wounded, yet these regiments were not upon duty.
Lieutenant-General Drummond broke up his camp during the night of the 21st, and retired to his entrenchments behind the Chippewa. A part of our men came up with the rear of his army at Frenchman's creek; the enemy destroyed part of their stores by setting fire to the building from which they were employed in conveying them. We found in and about the camp a considerable quantity of cannon ball, and upwards of one hundred stand of arms.
I send you enclosed herein a return of our loss. The return of prisoners enclosed does not include the stragglers that came in after the action.
I have the honour to be, &c.,
Jacob Brown.
General Brown to the Secretary of War.
Head Quarters, Fort Camp Erie,
October 1st, 1814.
To the Honourable
John Armstrong,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.
Sir: Looking over my official account of the action of the 17th ultimo, I find that the names of the regiments which composed General Miller's command have not been given. As I believe it even more important to distinguish corps than individuals, I am anxious to correct this mistake. General Miller on that day commanded the remains of the 9th and 11th infantry, and a detachment of the 19th. Of three field officers who were attached to them, two were severely wounded, Lieutenant-Colonel Aspinwall, of the 9th, gallantly leading his men to the attack upon the enemy's entrenchments; and Major Trimble, of the 19th, who was shot within their works, conducting with great skill and bravery. A detachment of the 17th regiment was attached to the 21st.