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30

From my information from below I have great hopes that you will soon meet your Enemy in which I am joined by Captn Finnis and also most sin- cerely that you will have a noble addition to your Squadron

(Signed) R. H. B.

To
Sir James Lucas Yeo Kt.
Commander in Chief

BARCLAY TO PROCTOR

No. 14 H. M. S. Queen Charlotte
Off the Islands August 9th. 1813

Sir

On the 3rd Inst. I wrote advising you that from the forward state in which the Enemys Squadron were at Presque Isle I doubted the propriety of remaining off that port with so inferior a force longer than the 6th. and that I should then return to Amherstburg and employ all my means in fitting out the Detroit. But the Winds were light and Westerly -- I came up with the Miami by which Vessel I sent it.

On last reconnoitreing Presque Isle I found the Enemy's Squadron over the Bar and Anchored under the protection of their Batteries.

Knowing their force and supposing that they would not venture out unless well prepared, I thought it more prudent to sail at once for Amherstburg, leaving the Erie with Orders to bring any dispatch that might have arrived during my last absence from Long Point Anchorage.

I was the more induced to do so from the total silence held relative to Seamen or Stores coming up; for surely there was time enough during the Month, I have been out for that purpose --

From the great increase of Military at Presque Isle I rather think their object must be an expedition to some point -- Whether against you, to co-operate with Harrison, or in your absence against Amherstburg I cannot determine.

Having 150 of the 41st. Regiment on board, should they attempt the latter place; such an addition to the force will be very seasonable On my leaving Presque Isle Lt. OKeefe of the 41st Volunteered his Services to carry a letter to Burlington to advise any Officer, or Men of my removal from that place, also to render them any assistance in his power to forward them by Land I accepted his Offer and he left me on the 6th.

I send this by Lt. Purvis to whom I have given directions to follow your wishes relative to the Transports and Chippewa for it would be a