as well as two of his officers. The steady and gallant conduct of the officers, seamen, and marines employed on this service, were such as to have ensured me success against a greater force, and has called forth a very handsome public order from Lieutenant-general Drummond. I beg leave particularly to mention Mr. (John) Grindred, mate of the Star, and Mr. Hyde, mate of the Charwell, not only for their gallant conduct in the attack, but for their skill in bringing the vessels into the Niagara, through shoals and rapids, and under a constant and heavy fire. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Commodore Sir J. L. Yeo, &c. &c &c.”
This exploit proved that British seamen could find expedients to capture two out of three fine American armed schooners, in a quarter where the gig and five batteaux of the conquerors were the only vessels they had afloat; and even these were so much shook by travelling, that when launched they were nearly half full of water.
On the same day that the above letter was written, Lieutenant-general Drummond commenced battering Fort Erie, preparatory to a grand assault upon the enemy’s works; and Captain Dobbs, leaving his valuable prizes off Frenchman’s creek, hastened with 120 officers and men to the British camp. On his arrival there, he immediately volunteered to lead to the attack, and offered the services of his followers to carry the scaling ladders. The result was unfortunate, as will be seen by the following extracts of the military commander’s report:
“Sir,– Having reason to believe that a sufficient impression had been produced on the works of the enemy’s fort, by the fire of the battery which I had opened on it on the morning of the 13th, and by which the stone building was much injured, and the general outline of the parapet and embrasures very much altered, I was determined on assaulting the place; and accordingly made the necessary arrangements for attacking it, by a heavy column directed to the entrenchments on the side of Snake-hill, and by two columns to advance from the battery, and assault the fort and entrenchments on this side.
“The troops destined to attack by Snake-hill, under Lieutenant-colonel Fischer, marched at four o’clock yesterday afternoon, in order to gain the vicinity of the point of attack in sufficient time.
“It is with the deepest regret I have to report the failure of both attacks, which were made two hours before day-light this morning. A copy of Lieutenant-colonel Fischer’s report, herewith enclosed, will enable your