s intention, and to draw from Schlosser a
small supply of provisions, I fell back upon Chippewa.

As this arrangement, under the increased force of the enemy, left
much at hazard on our side of the Niagara, and as it appeared by
the before stated information, that the enemy was about to avail
himself of it, I conceived that the most effectual method of
recalling him from this object was to put myself in motion
towards Queenstown. General Scott, with his first brigade,
Towson's artillery, and all the dragoons and mounted men were
accordingly put in march on the road leading thither, with orders
to report, if the enemy appeared, and to call for assistance, if
that was necessary. On the general's arrival at the falls, he
learned that the enemy was in force directly in his front, a
narrow piece of woods alone intercepting his view of them.
Waiting only to give this information, he advanced upon them. By
this time Assistant Adjutant General Jones had delivered his
message, the action began, and before the remaining part of the
division had crossed the Chippewa, it had become close and
general between the advanced corps. Though General Ripley with
his second brigade, Major Hindman with the corps of artillery,
and General Porter at the head of his command, had respectively
pressed forward with ardour, it was not less than an hour before
they were brought to sustain General Scott, during which time his
command most skilfully and gallantly maintained the conflict.
Upon my arrival, I found that the general had passed the wood,
and engaged the enemy on the Queenstown road, and on the ground
to the left of it, with the 9th, 11th and 22d regiments, and
Towson's artillery. The 25th had been thrown to the right, to be
governed by circumstances.

Apprehending that these corps were much exhausted, and knowing
that they had suffered severely, I determined to interpose a new
line with the advancing troops; and thus disengage General Scott,
and hold his brigade in reserve. Orders were accordingly given to
General Ripley. The enemy's artillery at this moment occupied a
hill which gave great advantage, and was the key of the whole
position. It was supported by a line of infantry. To secure
victory, it was necessary to carry this artillery and seize the
heigh