Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

BRITISH ACCOUNT
OF THE CAPTURE OF PROCTOR'S ARMY.

Office of the Plattsburgh Republican, Thursday, 7 o'clock, P. M. Oct. 21, 1813.

The following is a copy of a printed handbill, received from Montreal last evening. The same is also contained in the Canadian Courant, a paper printed in Montreal.

Montreal, October 18, 1813.

GENERAL ORDER.

The commander of the forces has the deepest regret in announcing to the army, that Lieut. Rittenstein, Staff Adjutant, arrived yesterday, and is the bearer of the following unpleasant intelligence, that Major General Proctor having sustained, by the unfortunate capture of the squadron on Lake Erie, the loss of a very considerable portion of his military force, which was serving on board that fleet, as well as the principal heavy ordnance necessary for the defence of his military positions--commenced his retreat from the Fort of Sandwich, on the 24th September; having previously dismantled the posts of Amherstburg and Detroit, and burned and destroyed every public building and stores of every description.

The retreating regular force consisting of a small detachment of royal artillery, a troop of provincial dragoons, and the remains of the 41st regiment, in all about 450 rank and file--which was accompanied by a body of Indian warriors from 1000 to 1500.

The enemy's fleet and army appeared off Amherstburg on the 26th September, and landed on the following day, but soon reimbarked their troops and proceeded by Lake St. Clair, to the mouth of the Thames river. The American army was again landed, and accompanied by gunboats, followed the route of Major Gen. Proctor's corps, which having been much retarded by the slow progress of his loaded batteaux, they were enabled to come up with the rear guard and loaded boats on the 3d instant, and succeeded in capturing the whole. Major Gen. Proctor being thus deprived of the means of supporting his little army, was under the necessity of awaiting the enemy's attack; which took place at four o'clock on the evening of the 5th inst. near the Moravian village.

A six pounder on the flank was by some unpardonable neglect left destitute of ammunition, and the enemy availing himself of this unfortunate circumstance, pressed upon that part of the line, which, wanting the support of artillery, was forced by the superior numbers of the enemy.

Major Gen. Proctor exerted himself to rally the troops, who being exhausted with fatigue, not having received any provisions the preceding day, were unable to make adequate exertions to resist the superior numbers by which they were assailed.

The safety of Major General Proctor, the officers of his personal staff, and some few others, together with about fifty men, has only as yet been ascertained. The Indian warriors retreated towards Mackedash.

The enemy's forces employed on this service is estimated from 10 to 12,000 strong, including troops of every description.

EDWARD BAYNES, Adi. Gen.