SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF New-York, ss. BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the twenty-ninth day of April, in the forty-first year of the Independence of the United States of America, H. A. Fay, of the said District, hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author and proprietor, in the words and figures following, to wit: "Collection of the official accounts, in detail, of all the "battles fought, by sea and land, between the navy and army of the United "States, and the navy and army of Great Britain, during the years 1812, 13, "14, and 15. By H. A. Fay, late Capt. in the corps of Ú. S. Artillerists.”– In conformity to the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled “An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein mentioned." And also to an act, entitled "an Act, supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints.” THERON RUDD, Clerk of the Southern District of New-York. PREFACE. pow WHETHER the reader approved, or disapproved of the causes, conduct, and issue of the late war, is not so material at present-as it is, that he should have it in his er, for a very moderate sum, to preserve, for his own and his children's use, the very skeleton aud soul of the history of the war, by this record of the most extraordinary actions ever fought; nor is it conceived, that any man, with American feelings, can object to a collection of this kind. It was no part of my object to write a history: this should not be attempted but by a MARSHAL, CLINTON, RAMSAY, or other eminent writer, who could, without prejudice or partiality, state the whole grounds of the war-the manner in which it was conducted-the events which happened between the actions herein recorded, with the political and other effects which the war itself produced on the people of the United States. This, therefore, is only a collection of the "Official Accounts, in detail, of all the battles fought, by sea and land," during the late war, as given by the officer who commanded in each action, or, (in case of his death,) by the next in command. Nor did I think proper to add a single comment of my own-choosing rather to leave the reader to make his own remarks, and form his own opinion, from a simple statement of facts, as given to the people by those whose duty and whose honor were deeply concerned in giving correct statements; nor is it proper (as some have done) to alter the style of these communications, not even in a single word; because, from the composition itself, much be seen of the character of the writers. may I am happy, however, in this opportunity, to state my belief, that the actions, herein detailed, are reported with less partiality than were ever a like number of actions by any other nation; but this only shews my opinion of American officers, compared with others. It would be very satisfactory to have a genuine collection, of similar events, during our revolutionary war-the general result has been stated by Ramsay and Gordon; but, I believe, there never has been collected a detailed account of the actions fought-hence the names of those (especially subalterns) who distinguished themselves, have not been made kown, except in very extraordinary cases; and it is one prime object, in publishing this collection, to do justice to all, of every grade, that their names may always remembered by the American people. be Besides, a complete history of the war will form a work, which will be beyond the means of the majority of the people to purchase. This collection was put low, with a view of obviating that objection, and placing it within the means of almost every man; and, if I may be allowed to recommend a book to be used in our schools, I know of none better calculated to keep alive the true national feelings, than the one here presented. 1 Instead of publishing in duodecimo form, as at first proposed, it was thought advisable to make it an octavo, with a larger type, and a much fairer page-the cost, to me, is more; but, if the work has a tendency (as I believe it will) to disseminate, and keep alive the national feeling, a main object is answered. The collection was made for my own use, as a soldier, without reference to, or intention of publication-I wish it may prove useful to others. H. A. FAY. INDEX. Actions fought on the Niagara, at Sacket's Harbor, and Battle of Queenstown their vicinity. Attack upon Fort Niagara 33 Winding up of Gen. Smyth's Affairs Capture of two British armed vessels, on the Niagara strait, by Capt. Elliott, and others Capture of York, U. Can da Terms of Capitulation (York) Loss of the Enemy, in the above Capture Capture of Fort George (U. C.) Proceedings, after the capture of Fort George Defence of Sacket's Harbor Capture of Generals Chandler and Winder Movements of Gen. Lewis, subsequent to the capture of Chandler and Winder Colonel Boerstler's Surrender Major Chapin's Escape PAGE. 61 67 81 85 86 95 100 101 104 105 112 114 Scott and Chauncey's Expedition to Burlington Bay (U. C.) 116 Commodore Chauncey and Sir James Yeo-skirmishing Detailed Report of the Sortie at Fort Erie 254 264 General Izard's Account of the above Affair 265 Actions on the St. Lawrence, Plattsburgh, and their Action at Williamsburgh (U. C.) Correspondence between Generals Wilkinson and Hamp ton, on the proposed junction of their armies General Hampton's Affair at Chatauguay Wilkinson, at La Colle Mill 40 142 145 146 151 155 181 |