Virginia Argus

Great Battle at Chippewa!

National Intelligencer, Extra. Washington, Aug. 2. (Noon)

This moment has reached us by Express Mail, the following letter giving an account of a Bloody Engagement between the army under General Brown and the British Army under Gens. Riall and Drummond. The annals of America, perhaps of the latter ages of the whole world do not afford an example of a battle more severely fought under circumstances so very disadvantageous to the victors—for our army remained masters of the field. The following is the only letter the express brought from the seat of war:

Copy of a letter from J. B. Varnum, Esq. to Abraham Bradley, Jr. Esq.

Buffalo, July 27, 1814.

I have but just time to inform you that a most sanguinary battle was fought on the evening of the 25th inst. near Chippawa.—Major General Drummond came up with large reinforcement from Kingston, and immediately moved up against our army with a force nearly double our numbers. The battle commenced about 7 o'clock in the evening. Our army behaved most gallantly—fought to desperation—but the enemy were too numerous for them. The whole of the enemy's artillery was twice taken and retaken. The slaughter on both sides was dreadful.

Our first brigade was almost annihilated; but one field officer in the whole brigade escaped death or severe wounds. Gen. Brown and Gen. Scott were both severely wounded. One of Gen. Brown's aids was mortally wounded, and both of Gen. Scott's severely. Major M'Farland of the 1st was killed. Col. Brady, Majors M'Neill, Levenworth, Brooke, Jessup and many other worthy officers wounded. It is impossible to say what is the full extent of our loss. A small proportion of our wounded fell into the hands of the enemy; besides I fear, some prisoners. The enemy was so severely cut to pieces that they did not pursue our army. Several most brilliant charges were made by Gen. Scott's brigade. The enemy's lines completely broken, and upwards of 200 prisoners made, among whom are Major General Riall and suite, one of General Drummond's aids, and fifteen other officers. The prisoners are now here—Riall badly wounded. I cannot say for certainty, but presume the remnant of our army will immediately recross the Niagara. I will give you other particulars next mail. We shall lose the services of General Brown and General Scott the rest of the Campaign.

J. B. VARNUM.

Buffaloe, July 27.

P. S. Our army retreated two miles from the battle ground, and remained in good order for the night and yesterday. Our artillery and baggage are all safe.

CONFIRMATION.

Extract of a letter from an Officer in the Army, dated "Buffaloe, July 26."

"Yesterday evening Gen. Brown fought a hard fight. The best accounts say the reinforcement made it a fight to be regretted. Terrible indeed the slaughter! General Riall and aids, and one of Gen. Drummond's aids, are taken prisoners, and will be here to-night. Generals Brown and Scott are wounded—not dangerously; they are with the Army, on their way to Erie Fort—Many brave fellows are laid low, and will live forever in story. The army advanced a small distance to-day—looked on the battle ground—The Enemy were on the Heights—We could not advance. We burnt the bridge at Chippewa and have retired. Perverse have been the winds, so that M'Arthur's men could not get down, as all the transports are here and the wind is W.—2000 men would be invaluable—and it is feared the enemy will be here sooner than we wish:—I hope 'tis not so—They have never been harder fought, and I suspect feel too sore to move immediately upon us."

A day or two previous to the engagement, it ought to be stated, Gen. Brown had retired from Queenstown to the battle ground of the first engagement on the Chippewa.

(Nat. Int.)