The Enquirer

On the 1st of June, Gen. Winder marched with his brigade in pursuit of the English army, which instead of retreating so far as was originally expected, took up a strong (but to them a critical) position about 48 miles from hence, their left towards Lake Ontario, Little Lake in their rear and a swamp on their right; holding communication in front with the mountainous country between that and Grand River. Gen. Vincent cannot be outflanked, but his retreat may be easily cut off. As Gen. W. is enraged at the generalship displayed here on the 27th ult. I am confident he will repair the error as far as possible. Strong bodies marched to support him, from Byland's brigade. The principal part of Chandler's is gone also. I hope to be enabled to write cheering intelligence ere long--a cannonade was heard this morning in that direction, and by a party returned in boats we learn that a skirmish had taken place between a part of our advanced corps and a small party of the enemy.

June 6.

My anticipations of Gen. Winder's success are disappointed. He last night suffered himself to be surprised by the enemy, and, strange to relate! both he and Chandler were taken prisoners.--For Winder I am particularly grieved, as I knew his zeal. In the confused light which followed, our army gained the victory; killing or taking 250 of the enemy. Among the killed is old gen. Vincent. A party of col. Bynr's cavalry and the light troops distinguished themselves. Our army fell back a few miles. Gen. Boyd, &c. will set out to-night or to-morrow morning to take the command. He is greatly esteemed in the army and very deservedly.

Some expect that Proctor will join the other army to night or to-morrow.--I trust not; but our force is all sufficient.

June 8.

Yesterday the British squadron of two large ships and four smaller vessels, hove in sight. At one time they appeared standing towards the head of the lake, at another standing in for this place. We were of course on the alert. Towards night, the fleet bore away N. W.; but as we were suspicious of their intentions, and knew the facility with which they might return and land a force, all remained at their posts.--About 2 o'clock in the morning, several guns were fired from one of our picket guards--An alarm was fired from our forts, and all paraded and marched to the assigned spot with the utmost imaginable promptitude. It proved a false alarm, occasioned by some boats rowing down along shore from Forty mile Creek with our wounded and 52 British prisoners on board. They were fired on by our picquets in the dark, who mistook them for enemies.

From the Forty mile Creek, we learn by this arrival, that the affair at Stony Creek was very serious. The confusion was great--Some spy or deserter having procured the countersign at our encampment, went to the British camp, and in five minutes after he entered Gen. Vincent's tent, the English army was in motion.

Our camp was entered without opposition, by means of the above mentioned treachery--the light artillery near the front, was seized & turned upon our men; when Winder, &c. riding up to prevent what they thought a mistake in firing against themselves, found themselves seized & carried off by the enemy! Captain Towan (unlucky man!) Maryland soon opened a fire from her light artillery (which was more toward the rear) and threw the enemy into disorder.--The advanced corps the 5th and 27th and a squadron of colonel Bynr's light horse bore the brunt of the action. The enemy retreated, but renewed the assault, it is said, three several times--when, about day light, our horse &c. pursued and cut down immense numbers. For two miles the road and woods are strewed with dead, or British (desperately) wounded. Our loss in killed is comparatively very trifling. Gen. Vincent was missing on the part of the British, but was not taken by us. So his fate remains unascertained at present. They lost colonel Clarke, a zealous and loyal partizan, killed. Gen'l. Winder and Chandler, captain Steele (a brave officer) &c. &c. have been captured.

Next day, it was deemed proper to fall back to a strong and convenient place.--Yesterday, about 3 o'clock, it is supposed, general Boyd, arrived, and our army shouted with exultation at the news of his approach.

Very heavy cannonading was heard all this morning--it must either proceed from our army or the enemy's squadron. May the result retrieve what we lost on the 27th ult. when, we ought to have slain or taken the very troops that have since given us so much trouble.

We cannot easily conjecture the cause of Chauncey's remaining below whilst a British squadron is thundering at the head of Ontario. Perhaps he is waiting for the completion of the new ship at Sackett's Harbor. Any important occurrence however will be related to you; but I do not pretend to official exactness--I state things according to the tales arrive of respectable persons from the scene of action.

Of Proctor we have heard no recent intelligence worthy of belief. It is supposed, he will find it a hard task to retreat--his loadraus may turn upon him if he offers to fly? Harrison will capture him if he remain in the upper country. Such is the opinion of some shrewd men, whom I saw to day from the mouth of the Grand River Whig.