Virginia Argus

Copy of a letter from Brigadier General Winchester, now a prisoner of war, to the Secretary of war.

Malden, January 23.

SIR—A detachment from the left wing of the North Western Army, under my command, at French Town, on the River Raisin, was attacked on the 22d inst. by a force greatly superior in number; aided by several pieces of artillery. The action commenced at the dawn of day, the piquet guards were driven in; and a heavy fire opened on the whole line, by which a part thereof was thrown into disorder; and, being ordered to retire a small distance, in order to form on more advantageous ground, I found the enemy doubling our left flank with force and rapidity.

A destructive fire was sustained for some time; at length borne down by numbers, the few of us that remained with the party that returned from the lines submitted. The remainder of our force, in number about 400, continued to defend themselves with great gallantry, in an unequal contest against small arms and artillery, until I was brought in as a prisoner to that part of the field occupied by the enemy.

At this latter place, I understood that our troops were defending themselves in a state of desperation, and was informed by the commanding officer of the enemy, that he would afford them an opportunity of surrendering themselves prisoners of war; to which I acceded. I was the more ready to make the surrender from being assured, that unless done quickly, the buildings adjacent would be immediately set on fire, and that no responsibility would be taken for the conduct of the savages, who were then assembled in great numbers.

In this critical situation, being desirous to preserve the lives of a number of our brave fellows, who still held out, I sent a flag to them, and agreed with the commanding officer of the enemy, that they should be surrendered prisoners of war, on condition of being protected from the savages, allowed to retain their private property, and having their side arms returned to them. It is impossible for me to ascertain with certainty the loss we have sustained in this action, from the impracticability of knowing the number who have made their escape.

Thirty-five officers and about four hundred and eighty-seven non-commissioned officers & privates are prisoners of war. A list of the names of the officers is herewith enclosed to you. Our loss in killed is considerable.

However unfortunate may seem the affair of yesterday, I am flattered by a belief, that no material error is chargeable upon myself, and that still less censure is deserved by the troops I had the honor of commanding.

With the exception of that portion of our force which was thrown into disorder, no troops have ever behaved with more determined intrepidity.

I have the honor to be, with high respect,

your obedient servant.

JAMES WINCHESTER,
Brig. Gen. U. S. Army.

Hon. Secretary at War.

A list of officers taken at French Town, January 22d, 1813.

James Winchester, Brigadier General
William Lewis, Lieut. Colonel.
James Overton, junr, Aid-De-Camp.
George Madison, Major.
James Garrard, jun. B. Inspector.
John McCalla, Adjutant.
Polland Keen, Quarter Master.
John Todd, Surgeon.

CAPTAINS.
Richard Hightower,
John Hamilton,
Bland W. Ballard,
Samuel L. Williams
Coleman Choisser,
Uriah Sabrie,
Henry James,
Richard Bledsoe,
Joseph Kelly.

LIEUTENANTS.
Caleb Holder,
Ashton Garrard,
Bryan Rule,
Wm. Moore,
Wm. M. M'Guire, John Higgins,

ENSIGNS
Lynden Correck,
Wm. O. Butt
James
Thomas Chin,
Jos. Harlow,
John W. Nash
John Botts,

Total 35 prisoners at Malden.

The Indians have still a few prisoners in their possession, which I have reason to hope will be given up to Col. Proctor at Sandwich:

JAMES WINCHESTER,
Brig. Gen. U. States Army.