Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

FROM GEN. PAYNE'S ARMY.
Extract of a letter from a Volunteer, dated August 31. 1812.

"The army of Kentucky Volunteers, encamped within 7 miles of Dayton, (O) The troops appear in good health, and as usual in high spirits The high respect entertained for the Kentuckians in these parts. and the great praise bestowed on them by people of every description, on their march from Cincinnati, has given them an idea of their importance. They have, indeed, as remarked by our friend Mr. Clark, a double weight of character to support, they will surely maintain in the high reputation of Kentuckians and American citizens.

"We shall pass Dayton to-day, and probably take the road to Piqua--the field on which we are destined first to act, it is impossible for me to ascertain-- the enemy is every where to be found on the frontier. At Piqua, I am informed there are now about 12 hundred Indians--they appear to be friendly, but have come to no conclusion respecting the treaty. The account of the massacre at Chicago. is certainly true. The Ohio Centinel contains the most correct statement of this transaction, except that the Miamies are supposed to have been treacherous and in the plot. I have now very little doubt of the surrender of Detroit to the British--it is said the town has been burnt. The particulars of this affair I suppose will be received from Washington City in a short time.

"Fort Wayne is certainly threatened by a strong Indian force. I understand that 400 Shawanese now at Piqua, have offered their services to relieve the fort, provided they are properly equipped and their squaws taken under the protection of the whites

"Discipline appears to pervade our camp. Gen. Harrison is now with us.

"No one of the Lexington volunteers has yet been much sick--they stand the march well."

Another extract, dated "Dayton, O. Sept. 1.

"The army arrived at this place early to-day, and encamped on Mad River.-- We found the people here in a state of ferment and commotion. I have conversed with several of the Ohio militia, who were at the surrender of Detroit-- the disgrace of the transaction appears to be divided between the stupidity and treachery of Hull. Gen. Brock treated the volunteers with great civility and politeness--it is said they are not even bound to remain neutral during the war. Many of the officers and men assured the British general that they would again return to the field.

I have been informed that in the action at Brownstown, the Cincinnati troop of horse completely disgraced itself!-- When ordered to charge repeatedly, the captain could not bring them to it-- the gallant Snelling then solicited his horse, but could get only eight men to follow him.

"A number of men have left this place for the relief of Fort Wayne, which is certainly threatened with a siege.

"Several companies of drafted militia are at this moment starting to Greenville, to build a garrison, &c. It is situated about 16 deg. W. of N. near the frontier line.

"Gen. Harrison passed through this place to-day for Piqua, (100 miles from this place) where the Indians are said to be in great numbers, and the great council is sitting. He is highly esteemed by every officer and soldier in the army.

"The Indians at Piqua are panic struck at our coming: I am informed they will be off as soon as possible. The lesson taught them by WAYNE is not forgotten. In a short time I hope, we shall do something that will brighten the tarnished glory of our country

"Capt. Garrard's Paris troop of horse is composed of choice spirits--when they found that neither horseman's arms nor equipments were furnished, they purchased them at their own expense--they are anxious to meet the foe.
more for weapons could be obtained at the arsenal at New-Port, they willingly received muskets and bayonets. The regulars have generally encamped a few miles ahead of our brigade. Probably the officers do not wish to mix them with the militia. The illegal practice of padding these poor fellows is still continued."

August 29.

The governor of this state has determined to send a reinforcement to join the army under general Payne. The whole force will be about 3,400 strong. In consequence of which arrangements, he has also appointed governor Harrison major general, by a brevet commission, and ordered him to take command of the whole army—which, we have no doubt, will give great satisfaction to general Payne, and to the officers and soldiers under his command; as they are well acquainted with Harrison, and his merits as an officer.

It seems as if general Hull, has not (from some cause) the entire confidence of the army under his command. We do not pretend, however, to prejudge the cause, until we receive more correct information. It will be seen in this day's paper, that Richard M. Johnson has made an attempt to raise a company of mounted riflemen, to aid general Hull in his distress and peril. As we believe this the most efficient force that can be employed against the Indians, and important in many other operations, we are happy to find, that the governor has authorised the commander in chief to accept of any number of mounted riflemen not exceeding 500. We understand a company of this description will leave Georgetown to-morrow morning, and that Mr. Johnson is going with them; who is to act as one of the aids of general Harrison or Payne, until compelled to leave the army for Congress the next session.