unction with the garrison of
Amherstburg offensively, but Captain Chambers, whom I had
appointed to direct this detachment, experienced difficulties
that frustrated my intentions. The intelligence received from
that quarter admitting of no delay, Colonel Proctor was
directed to assume the command, and his force was soon after
increased with 60 rank and file of the 41st regiment.

In the mean time, the most strenuous measures were adopted to
counteract the machinations of the evil-disposed, and I soon
experienced the gratification of receiving voluntary offers of
service from that portion of the embodied militia the most
easily collected. In the attainment of this important point,
gentlemen of the first character and influence shewed an
example highly creditable to them; and I cannot, on this
occasion, avoid mentioning the essential assistance I derived
from John M'Donell, Esq., his majesty's attorney-general, who,
from the beginning of the war, has honored me with his
services as my provincial aide-de-camp. A sufficiency of boats
being collected at Long Point for the conveyance of 300 men,
the embarkation took place on the 8th instant, and in five
days we arrived in safety at Amherstburg.

I found that the judicious arrangements which had been adopted
immediately upon the arrival of Colonel Proctor, had compelled
the enemy to retreat, and take shelter under the guns of his
fort: that officer commenced operations by sending strong
detachments across the river, with a view of cutting off the
enemy's communication with his reserve. This produced two
smart skirmishes on the 5th and 9th instant, in which the
enemy's loss was considerable, whilst ours amounted to 3
killed and 13 wounded; amongst the latter, I have particularly
to regret Captain Muir and Lieutenant Sutherland, of the 41st
regiment; the former an officer of great experience, and both
ardent in his majesty's service. Batteries had likewise been
commenced opposite Fort Detroit, for one 18-pounder, two 12,
and two 5-1/2-inch mortars, all of which opened on the evening
of the 15th; (having previously summoned Brigadier-General
Hull to surrender;) and although opposed by a well-directed
fire from seven 24-pounders, such was their construction,
under the able direction of Captain Dixon, of the Royal
Engineers,