g induced me to keep up
her colours but my seeing, from the united fire of all the rest of my
squadron on the _Confiance_, and her unsupported situation, that she
must ultimately surrender." Sir George Prevost had by this time
swallowed his breakfast. He had directed the guns of the batteries to
open on the American squadron, but ineffectually, as they were too far
off. Orders were at length given to attack the fort. General Robinson
advanced with the view of fording the Saranac, and attacking the works
in front, and General Brisbane had made a circuit for the purpose of
attacking the enemy in the rear. Robinson's troops, led astray by the
guides, were delayed, and had but reached the point of attack when the
shouts from the American works intimated the surrender of the fleet. To
have carried the fort would have been a work of easy accomplishment,
but the signal for retreat was given; Robinson was ordered to return
with his column; and Prevost soon afterwards commenced a retrograde
movement, which admits barely of excuse and could not be justified. So
indignant indeed was the gallant General Robinson that it is asserted
he broke his sword, declaring that he could never serve again. The army
indeed went leisurely away in mournful submission to the orders of a
superior on whom they could but look with feelings akin to shame. Four
hundred men, ashamed to be known at home, in connection with a retreat
so unlooked for and so degrading, deserted to the enemy. And it is
little to be wondered at, that murmurs in connection with the name of
Prevost and Plattsburgh, were long, loud, and deep. Sir George felt the
weight of public opinion and was crushed under it. He resigned the
government of Canada and demanded a Court Martial, but he had a judge
within himself, from whom he could not escape, and whose judgment
weighed upon "a mind diseased," in the broad noonday and at the
midnight hour, with such overpowering weight that the nervous system
became relaxed, and death at last relieved a man, who, only that he
wanted decision of purpose, was amiable, kind, well intentioned, and
honest, of a load of grief, before even the sentence of a Court Martial
could intervene to ameliorate his sorrows. It is extremely to be
regretted indeed that so excellent a Civil Governor should have been so
indifferent a military commander. But, entirely different
qualifications are required in the civilian and in the soldier. It is
indeed on record that th