Daily National Intelligencer

FROM THE BORDERS OF ERIE

Pittsburgh, Jan. 5.

ALARMING INTELLIGENCE!

With feelings of agony we present our readers with the following alarming intelligence, received by a gentleman who arrived here yesterday from Erie, which place he left on Friday last. It is unhappily entitled to the fullest credit.

If there is any hope left in the present case, it is, that we understand the fleet is so moored in the harbor of Erie, as to present a battery of from fifteen to twenty guns from whatever point it may be attacked—that the ice is not sufficient to bear should the enemy attempt to board, and that it is completely cut away around the shipping. We also learn that Gen. Mead had issued circulars to all the Colonels of his brigade, by express, ordering them immediately to march their respective regiments to the defence of Erie. May their patriotic efforts be successful! and the enemy be checked in his incendiary career

A number of patriotic young men of Pittsburgh, having volunteered their services, and the troops at Fort Fayette, will march this day for Erie.

Mercury.

COPY.

To the commandant at Erie, or to whom it may concern:

The British this morning landed about 3000 regulars, militia and Indians, at Black Rock; and after a severe engagement with the militia, under the command of Major General Hall, forced them to retreat to the village of Buffalo; and, about sun rise, to surrender themselves prisoners of war. The Houses in the village were immediately committed to the flames; and about three o'clock this afternoon almost entirely consumed. At the same time, two large vessels, lying above Black Rock, were set on fire and consumed. It is the avowed object of the British, as received by good authority, to proceed in a short time to Erie, for the purpose of burning the vessels in that port; and, as an inducement to the Indians to aid and assist them in this nefarious plan, full liberty is given them to plunder, for their own benefit, wherever they may go. As the communication from this place to the eastward is entirely interrupted by the said Indians, &c. and as it is important for you to have the earliest information of the above, we recommend to you every exertion, to be in readiness, in case of an attempt to burn as aforesaid; and request of you some assistance in men, arms and ammunition as we have but few arms and no ammunition. The time is alarming! Destruction is the order of the day!

On the retreat from Buffalo, 20th December, 1813.

ISAAC BARNES, Maj. Com. Militia near Buffalo.

N. B. Information is just received, that the enemy have advanced up Lake Erie eight or ten miles and destroy every thing as they pass.
From the Western Press.

TO ARMS!

Mercer, Penn. January 3.

Our country is invaded. The enemy, whose course is marked by every species of depredation calculated to distress our fellow citizens, is progressing towards Erie, laying waste every thing that comes in their way. Already has Buffalo, Fort Schlosser, Manchester, Lewistown & Fort Niagara, been swept from the earth by conflagration: the cries of infants, women, the aged and infirm, call loudly for protection and redress, and every man having a single drop of American blood flowing in his veins, will not refuse to repair to the protection of Erie, and shipping at that place.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

Meadville, Jan 1, 1813.

SIR—In pursuance of General Orders of the most alarming nature, you are hereby commanded to march your regiment with all possible expedition to the town of Erie, there to perform a thirty days tour of duty, unless sooner discharged; the men must be armed with a sufficient rifle or musket, knapsack and blanket, if in their power to furnish the same. A court of appeal will be held at the house of Nathan Patterson, in the town of Mercer, on Thursday the 7th of April next. As at present advised, it is not in my power to furnish the rations that the law contemplates; I shall on its march to the place of rendezvous—and as far as in my power, I will furnish at Meadville and Waterford. You will therefore, have this information communicated to your regiment in order that each man may, if possible, furnish himself to Erie.

WILLIAM CLARKE,

Brigade Inspector.

Lieut. Col. Thomas Hosack.