eral
Hull and the secretary at war, it appears that the collected
force which has arrived at Detroit amounts to about 2,000 men.
I have requested Colonel Proctor to proceed to Amherstburg,
and ascertain accurately the state of things in that quarter.
I had every inclination to go there myself, but the meeting of
the legislature on the 27th instant renders it impossible.

I receive this moment a dispatch dated the 15th instant, from
Lieut.-Colonel St. George, giving an account of the enemy
having landed on the 12th and immediately after occupied the
village of Sandwich. It is strange that three days should be
allowed to elapse before sending to acquaint me of this
important fact. I had no idea, until I received Lieut.-Colonel
St. George's letter a few days ago that General Hull was
advancing with so large a force.

The militia, from every account, behaved very ill. The
officers appear the most in fault. Colonel Proctor will
probably reach Amherstburg in the course of to-morrow. I have
great dependence in that officer's decision, but fear he will
arrive too late to be of much service. The enemy was not
likely to delay attacking a force that had allowed him to
cross the river in open day without firing a shot.

The position which Lieut.-Colonel St. George occupied is very
good, and infinitely more formidable than the fort itself.
Should he therefore be compelled to retire, I know of no other
alternative than his embarking in the king's vessels and
proceeding to Fort Erie.

Were it possible to animate the militia to a proper sense of
their duty, something might yet be done--but I almost despair.

Your excellency will readily perceive the critical situation
in which the reduction of Amherstburg will place me.

I do not imagine General Hull will be able to detach more than
I,000 men, but even with that trifling force I much fear he
will succeed in getting to my rear. The militia will not act
without a strong regular force to set them the example; and as
I must now expect to be seriously threatened, I cannot in
prudence make strong detachments, which would not only weaken
my line of defence, but, in the event of a retreat, endanger
their safety.

I am now given to understand that General Hull's insidious
proclamation, herewith enclosed, has already been produc