Hon. Paul Hamilton,
Secretary of the Navy.
Lieutenant Elliott to the Secretary of the Navy.
Black Rock, October 10, 1812.
Sir: In my letter of yesterday's date, I stated my intention to enclose to you a list of the officers and men engaged with me in capturing His Britannic Majesty's brig, the Detroit, and brig Caledonia. The incessant fire of the enemy, and my own constant engagements for the protection of the vessels, compel me to postpone sending that list until another opportunity. Last evening, having observed an intention, on the part of the enemy, to remove the ordnance and military stores with which the Detroit was charged, I determined at once to set her on fire; thereby to prevent her having the aid of masts and yards in getting her guns into boats, she having five twelve-pound guns in her hold, and six six-pounders upon her deck, that I could prepare them, and, with my sailors, remove the ordnance during the night, when unobserved by the enemy. These preparations I am now making, and shall, with as much expedition as possible, continue to get the ordnance, and place it in our battery, as we are much in want—- not one piece at Black Rock. The Caledonia I have perfectly recovered from the enemy.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, &c.,
JESSE D. ELLIOTT.
Lieutenant Elliott to Commodore Chauncey, dated
Black Rock, October 10, 1812.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that, on the morning of the 6th instant, two vessels, under British colors, came down Lake Erie, and anchored under the protection of Fort Erie; that, on the same day, a detachment of men arrived from New York, accompanied by Sailing-masters Watts and Chisson, with some masters' mates and midshipmen; that, on the morning following, I, with two boats previously prepared for the purpose, boarded and took possession of them, with the loss of two men killed, Samuel Fortune and Daniel Martin, and four wounded—Acting Midshipman John C. Cummings, John Garling, Nathan Armstrong, Jerome Sardie, and John Yosen. As there is not a probability of your receiving this shortly, I have made a communication to the Department upon the subject, a copy of which I enclose for your perusal. I beg you will not have conceived me hasty in making this attack. I acted as if the action came directly from yourself.
Let me recommend to your particular attention the officers and men who performed this service—each and all did their duty. The ensign of the Adams I will send you at an early opportunity; it is at your disposal. The particulars, as it regards the vessels, I will forward you in a day or two; at present I am much engaged. With sentiments, &c.