Daily National Intelligencer

FROM THE BUFFALOE GAZETTE OF NOV. 2.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENT.

The subjoined document was found among Gen. Proctor's papers taken at the battle of the Thames; which we have obtained the permission of General Harrison to publish. It will be read with considerable interest.

Copy of a letter from Sir George Prevost to Com Sir James L. Yeo.

Head-Quarters, Kingston,
19th Sept. 1813.

Sir--The centre division of the Upper Canada army is placed in a situation very critical and one novel in the system of war, that of investing a force vastly superior in numbers, within a strongly entrenched position. It was adopted and has been maintained from a confident expectation, that, with the co-operation of the squadron under your command, a combined attack, ere this could have been effected on the enemy at Fort George with every prospect of success. To the local disadvantages of the positions occupied by our army, have unhappily been added disease and desertion to a degree, calling for immediate remedy. You are therefore required to proceed with the fleet under your command, with the least possible delay, to the head of the lake, affording a sufficient convoy to the small vessels containing those stores and supplies of which the army is in the most pressing want. Upon your arrival near the head quarters of the centre division, you will consult with Maj. Gen. De Rottenburg who will unite in his person the civil and military command in Upper Canada, upon my withdrawing from the province, upon the eligibility of a combined attack for the purpose of dislodging the enemy from the position of Fort George, by a rapid, forward movement of the army, bringing up in battery at the same time, the heavy ordnance, mortars and howitzers now embarked. This attack must be supported by the countenance of your squadron, and the fire of such vessels as are armed with a description of ordnance favorable to it. Should this attempt appear to you to be attended with too great hazard to the squadron, under the possible circumstance of the enemy appearing on the lake, you will in that case distinctly state your sentiments to Major General De Rottenburg, who will immediately, upon ascertaining your inability to assist him, take measures for evacuating, the position he now occupies. In the execution of which movement, you will give his army every support and assistance, consistent with the safety of your vessels; and having performed this service, you will pursue such measures as shall appear most probable speedily to ensure the acquisition of the naval ascendancy. You are already acquainted with the decided line of conduct which I wish to be observed on Lake Erie by Capt. Barclay, and you will not fail to impress on that officer the absolute necessity of regaining the naval superiority, and to preserve uninterrupted the intercourse between Amherstburgh and Long Point, in order that the supplies and stores in depot at the latter place and at the head of the lake may be transported in safety to the right division. The flotilla of transports on Lake Ontario are to be kept employed, as long as the season will admit, in the conveyance of the provisions and other supplies collected at Kingston, and destined for the right and centre divisions of the army, and they are to receive from your force the necessary protection.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient humble servant,
(Signed)
GEORGE PREVOST.
Commander of the Forces.
Com. Sir J. L. Yeo.