d, and falling back into the boat, a confusion arose,
during which the boat drifted from the vessel, leaving two of
the 41st, who had previously ascended, on board. In the mean
time the Caledonia was secured by the enemy, and a cargo of
furs, belonging to the North-West Company, landed.

The batteries on both sides were warmly engaged the whole of
the day, but I am happy to say no mischief was sustained by
the enemy's fire. I reached the spot soon after sun-set, and
intended to have renewed the attempt to recover the Detroit,
which I had _every_ prospect of accomplishing, assisted by the
crew of the Lady Prevost, which vessel had anchored a short
time before; but before the necessary arrangements could be
made, the enemy boarded her, and in a few minutes she was
seen in flames.

This event is particularly unfortunate, and may reduce us to
incalculable distress. The enemy is making every exertion to
gain a naval superiority on both lakes, which if they
accomplish I do not see how we can retain the country. More
vessels are fitting out for war on the other side of Squaw
Island, which I should have attempted to destroy but for your
excellency's repeated instructions to forbear. Now such a
force is collected for their protection as will render every
operation against them very hazardous. The manner our guns
were served yesterday, points out the necessity of an
increase, if possible, of artillerymen to our present small
number of regulars. The militia evinced a good spirit, but
fired without much effect. The enemy, however, must have lost
some men; and it is only wonderful, that in a contest of a
whole day no life was lost on our side. The fire of the enemy
was incessant, but badly directed, till the close of the day,
when it began to improve. Lieutenant Rolette, who commanded
the Detroit, had, and I believe deservedly, the character of a
brave, attentive officer. His vessel must, however, have been
surprised--an easy operation where she lay at anchor; and I
have reason to suspect that this consideration was not
sufficiently attended to by the officers commanding on board
and on shore.

We have not only sustained a heavy loss in the vessel, but
likewise in the cargo, which consisted of four 12-pounders, a
large quantity of shot, and about 200 muskets, all of which