nemy
was in march, and prepared for action. I immediately ordered
General Scott to advance with his brigade, and Towson's
artillery, and meet them upon the plain in front of our camp. The
general did not expect to be gratified with a field engagement.
He advanced in the most prompt and officer-like style, and in a
few minutes was in close action upon the plain, with a superior
force of British regular troops. By this time General Porter's
command had given way, and fled in every direction,
notwithstanding his personal gallantry, and great exertions to
stay their flight. The retreat of the volunteers and Indians
caused the left flank of General Scott's brigade to be greatly
exposed. Captain Harris, with his dragoons, was directed to stop
the fugitives, behind the ravine fronting our camp; and I sent
Colonel Gardner to order General Ripley to advance with the 21st
regiment which formed part of the reserve, pass to the left of
our camp, skirt the woods so as to keep out of view, and fall
upon the rear of the enemy's right flank. This order was promptly
obeyed, and the greatest exertions were made by the 21st regiment
to gain their position, and close with the enemy, but in vain;
for such was the zeal and gallantry of the line commanded by
General Scott, that its advance upon the enemy was not to be
checked. Major Jessup, commanding the left flank battalion,
finding himself pressed in front and in flank, and his men
falling fast around him, ordered his battalion to "support arms
and advance;" the order was promptly obeyed, amidst the most
deadly and destructive fire. He gained a more secure position,
and returned upon the enemy so galling a discharge, as caused
them to retire. By this time, their whole line was falling back,
and our gallant soldiers pressing upon them as fast as possible.
As soon as the enemy had gained the sloping ground, descending
towards Chippewa, and distant a quarter of a mile, he broke and
ran to gain his works. In this effort he was too successful, and
the guns from his batteries opening immediately upon our line,
checked in some degree the pursuit. At this moment I resolved to
bring up all my ordnance and force the place by a direct attack,
and gave the order accordingly. Major Wood, of the corps of
engineers, and my