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47

Barclay that it was absolutely necessary an attempt should be made to keep up the communication between Long point & Amherstburgh in order if possible to relieve the army from its perilous situation. I an not competent to judge whether that very great scarcity did or did not exist to authorize the measure but from every information I have been able to collect from individuals, I have reason to believe a short delay would not have been attended with any serious consequences to the Garrison.

Notwithstanding the immense disparity of Force which scarcely left a hope of success Captain Barclay did not hesitate a moment but heroic- ally devoted himself and the squadron entrusted to his charge to the safety of the army the preservation of the province and what was equally dear to him the Honor of the British Flag.

By the enemy's own confessions it appears that the Detroit of 17 Guns of different Calibre had completely defeated and compelled to surr- ender (after killing and wounded all but seven men) the Laurence of 2-32 pounder carronades unfortunately the gallant Barclay had lost his remain- ing Arm, his right having been devoted to the service some years before) his first Lieutenant Killed and thus become incapable of directing the operations of the squadron, a severer fate had unhappily befallen Captain Finnis and his first Lieutenant (the Queen Charlotte of 16 Guns, 14 of which were 24 pounder carronades) who were killed and the remaining commanding Officers, and those that were capable of taking charge were all killed or wounded, His Majestys Squadron become unmanageable from the want of Officers and the Enemy wrested our hard earned Victory out of our Hands not from superior Management tho' aided by treble the number of seamen by double the weight of Metal - but by our losing every officer fit to take Charge.

The Enemy can boast nothing in this affair in which we, had not more than 160 Seamen the rest of the crew being composed of Soldiers and I trust it will be found all the Officers and men employed on the occasion have done all that men in such a situation could possibly do.

I have the Honor to be with great respect, Sir your -most obedient Humble Servant

Signed J. L. Yeo

To
The Rt. Honblo Sir J. B. Warren Bart.
Commander in Chief of His Majestys Ships & Vessels at Halifax

GENERAL ORDERS

Head Quarters Montreal
Adjutant Gens Office 24th. November 1813

GENERAL ORDERS