Virginia Argus

CINCINNATI, (Ohio,) July 25.

A number of letters of late date have just been received from the army. We hasten to publish the following extracts:

Extract of a letter from Robert Wallace, Jun. aid-de-camp to Gen. Hull, dated Sandwich, Upper Canada, July 12, 1812.

"The most of our army landed on the British shore this morning, without opposition. The General has issued a proclamation to all the inhabitants who will peaceably submit to his authority, and several have already taken advantage of the offer.

This has been a most interesting day. From the preparations of the British, we did not expect to land without a skirmish. But when the American standard was raised, both shores re-echoed with huzzas!

I believe we shall soon move down to Malden, where all the British ships and forces are concentrated; we shall then have a trial of our strength and spirit."

From the same, dated Sandwich, Upper Canada, July 14, 1812.

"I have the pleasure of writing to you from the British shore, we have come this far without losing a man in battle: we are now prepared to attack Fort Malden, which we shall certainly carry. The British cause is very low in this province, and their militia and Indians are deserting by hundreds. Our flag looks extremely well in his majesty's dominions. Several hundred men and Indians had been stationed here to prevent our landing, but they fled without firing a gun."

From the same, dated Sandwich, U. C. July 17.

"I have the pleasure of writing to you from his majesty's dominion. We arrived here without a battle. The terrible reports which had been circulated of our ferocious army, had scattered the Indians and cleared the way before us. The inhabitants here expected to be butchered without distinction and eaten afterwards. They are quite astonished to find us no worse than Indians. We are busily preparing for a descent on Malden. A scouting party was sent down yesterday to reconnoitre. They discovered a guard of regulars at the bridge of a small river, within four miles of the fort. An attack immediately ensued—the enemy was rapidly reinforced by regulars and Indians; but the boys bore so hard upon them, they were obliged to scamper, leaving some poor fellows on the ground. Not one of our men was hurt—the enemy fired entirely over their heads. The 4th regiment has gone down to reinforce our party, and they are ordered to return. It is expected they will be attacked by a body of Indians on their way. The British have armed our red brothers with guns, tomahawks, spears, knives and every kind of destructive weapon, suitable for savages.

We have another detachment up the river in search of some hidden provisions. A report is just arrived, that they also had a skirmish. We are just commencing business, and there never was a collection of more spirited fellows to carry it on. I hope the government will reinforce us sufficiently to hold the ground we conquer."

WASHINGTON CITY, August 6.

By letters from the Northwestern army under Gen. Hull, it appears his head-quarters were at Sandwich on the 19th of July and preparation was making for the siege of Malden.

The British force was superior in numbers at that time, although fifty or sixty militia had deserted from Malden every day since the American standard had been erected on the Canada side. A detachment had ascended the river Le French, and taken a considerable quantity of provisions, which had been collected for the British army. The enemy's advanced posts had been forced by a detachment under Col. Cass.

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COL. CASS TO GEN. HULL.

Sandwich, Upper Canada, July 17, 1812.

SIR—In conformity with your instructions, I proceeded with a detachment of 280 men, to reconnoitre the enemy's advanced posts. We found them in possession of a bridge over the river Canard, at the distance of four miles from Malden. After examining their position, I left one Company of riflemen, to conceal themselves near the bridge, and upon our appearance on the opposite side of the river, to commence firing, in order to divert their attention, and to throw them into confusion. I then proceeded with the remainder of the force about five miles, to a ford over the Canard, and down on the Southern bank of the river.

About sun-set we arrived within sight of the enemy. Being entirely destitute of guides, we marched too near the bank of the river, and found our progress checked by a creek, which was then impassable. We were then compelled to march up a mile, in order to effect a passage over the creek. This gave the enemy time to make their arrangements, and prepare for their defence. On coming down the creek we found them formed; they commenced a distant fire of musketry. The riflemen of the detachment were formed upon the wings, and the two companies of Infantry in the centre. The men moved on with great spirit and alacrity. After the first discharge, the British retreated—we continued advancing. Three times they formed, and as often retreated. We drove them about half a mile, when it became so dark that we were obliged to relinquish the pursuit. Two privates in the 4th regiment were wounded and taken prisoners. We learn, from deserters, that nine or ten were wounded, and some killed. We could gain no precise information of the number opposed to us. It consisted of a considerable detachment from the 41st regiment, some militia and a body of Indians. The guard, at the bridge, consisted of fifty men. Our riflemen, stationed on this side the Canard, discovered the enemy reinforcing them during the whole afternoon. There is no doubt but their number considerably exceeded ours. Lieut. Col. Miller conducted, in the most spirited and able manner. I have every reason to be satisfied with the conduct of the whole detachment.

Very respectfully,

Sir,

I have the honor to be,

Your obedient servant,

(Signed,) LEWIS CASS.

Col. 3d Reg't. O. Vol.

His Excellency Brig. Gen. HULL.