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26

Isle. I judged that an immediate attack by Land & the Lake would decidedly be the best mode of anihilating their Naval Equipments at once -- Under that impression I wrote to Genl Vincent for a sufficient body of Regulars to join what Genl. Procter could bring with him from Amherstburg and a body of Indians (which he could at all times command) to enable me to attack Presque Isle at once. Genl Vincent having promised the remainder of the 41st. Regt. I called from this Bay to apprize Genl. Procter of it. He perfectly coincided in the propriety of the Measure and prepared to come down with his troops and Indians - but just when all was ready. Genl. De Rottenburg gave him to understand that no assistance could be given from that quarter he was obliged in consequence to desist from an Enterprize for which he had not sufficient numbers to make the success even probable.

I left Amherstburg with all the Vessels that I could employ as Men of War & Manned with the former Canadian Crews, strengthened by 58 of the 41st. Regiment -- but our actual force being so much inferior to that of the Enemys when they get equipments for them renders the situation of this Squadron in a most hazardous situation.

I have further received from Lt. Colo. Evans 70 of the 41st Regt.& intend proceeding early to morrow for Presque Isle and take advantage of them not being yet on the Lake & endeavour to prevent it by a Blockade until the Detroit is ready for Sea -- But that circumstance will never take place if Seamen & Ordnance together with Stores of every description are not immediately sent up. It is the more to be insisted on as if the Enemy do gain the Ascendancy on this Lake all Supplies must necessarily be cut off.

I enclose a Statement of the force of the rival Squadrons & if prompt assistance is not sent up although the Officers & Crews will do every thing that zeal & intrepidity can do the great superiority of the enemy may prove fatal.

I write this to your Excellency in the hope that you will take the Squadron on Lake Erie into consideration & that you will see the immense advantage that will accrue to the Enemy by being enabled to transport troops either to annoy the right of the Army under Genl. De Rottenburg or to cut off Genl. Procters communication with the lower province except by Land -

Indeed the whole line under Genl. Procter must lay open to the Enemy, in the Event of their being able to make His Majestys Squadron retire --

The Detroit will be ready to launch on the 20th. inst. but there is neither a sufficient quantity of Ordnance Ammunition or any other Stores - & not a Man to put in her. If that Vessel was on the Lake, I would feel confident as to the result of any action they might chuse to risk - but at present although for the good of H.M. Provinces I must attack them -- I cannot help saying that it is possible that they may have an advan- tage - though I trust not a decided one -