Martinsburgh Gazette

From the Correspondent of the Commercial Advertiser.

Erie, March 4.

Gentlemen—Since my last, nothing of importance has occurred in this vicinity, but, by the arrival of a gentleman on Monday last from the westward, we are informed, that a considerable British force was on the way for Detroit. My informant saw a man that left Detroit on the 16th ult. who states, that information was received the night preceding, that a British force, 1600 in number, had crossed the river St. Clair, about 50 miles above Detroit, and were marching down; and that about 400 Indians were coming down on the Canada side of the river. The inhabitants were in great confusion, endeavouring to save their lives and property. The commanding officer, (of the fort) Col. Croghan, would not permit the inhabitants to go into the fort, it being too small to protect them and make a defence. An order had been issued to burn Malden and Sandwich; the first at 10 and the next at 8 o'clock on the 15th.; but this was not done—probably countermanded.

From other sources we are informed, that a heavy cannonading was heard on the river Raisin, and at Vermillion on the 18th, in the direction of Detroit.

We were also informed, a few days since, by express from Sackett's Harbor, that a British force consisting of 1000 regulars and 500 seamen, have passed that place for the westward. To this circumstance and others, add that of the most loyal inhabitants near Detroit moving into the interior, and there is little room to doubt, that an attack has been made.

Through the interposition of Providence, we have been permitted to remain unmolested thus far. The ice on the Lake has not been strong enough to admit an army to disturb us here, and the winter is so far spent, that we apprehend no danger until the spring opens.