plain, that had those deluded people not been
overcome by fear, and surrendered themselves at once, they might have
enjoyed the same safety as did General Winchester and his
companions."[204]

"This spirited and vigorous measure (on the part of Colonel Proctor)
completely disconcerted the arrangements made by General Harrison for
the recovery of Michigan territory, and secured Detroit from any
immediate danger. The House of Assembly of Lower Canada [as also of
Upper Canada] passed a vote of thanks to Colonel Proctor for the skill
and intrepidity with which he planned and carried into effect this
enterprise. A vote of thanks was also passed to the officers,
non-commissioned officers, and privates who assisted in its
accomplishment; and Colonel Proctor was immediately promoted to the rank
of brigadier-general by Sir George Prevost, the commander of the forces,
until the pleasure of the Prince Regent should be known, who was pleased
to approve and confirm the appointment."[205]

PART II.

AMERICANS ATTACK AND PLUNDER IN AND ABOUT BROCKVILLE--SUCCESSFUL
RETALIATORY ATTACK ON OGDENSBURG.

The next military affairs in the order of time, illustrative of the
loyalty and courage of the Canadians, occurred on the River St.
Lawrence, in the neighbourhoods of Prescott and Brockville. Most of the
American invasions were mere raids for destruction and plunder of
property. In the winter of 1813 several of these raids were made from
Ogdensburg on the British settlements. "After winter (1813) had fairly
set in, and the St. Lawrence was frozen over, the Americans on several
occasions sent marauding parties across the ice to pillage and destroy
the Canadian settlements. [The American mode of giving liberty to
Canada.] On the night of the 6th of February, two companies of riflemen
from Ogdensburg, under command of Captain Forsyth, made a descent on the
town of Brockville, wounded a sentry, fired several houses, and carried
off a quantity of plunder, together with fifty of the inhabitants.
Several inroads from Ogdensburg were made; and the British were anxious
to retaliate." (Tuttle.) On the closing of the session of the
Legislature of Lower Canada, the 17th of February, 1813, the
Governor-General, Sir George Prevost, made a tour of inspection of the
forts of Upper Canada. On his arrival at Prescott he was importuned to
authorize an attack upon Ogdensburg, in retaliation for an attack upon
Brockville by the enemy some days previous.