eturned from our batteries, without any considerable
loss on our part. At 6 P.M. one of their shells lodged in a small
magazine in Fort Erie, which was fortunately almost empty. It
blew up with an explosion more awful in appearance than injurious
in its effects, as it did not disable a man or derange a gun. It
occasioned but a momentary cessation of the thunders of the
artillery on both sides; it was followed by a loud and joyous
shout by the British army, which was instantly returned on our
part, and Captain Williams, amidst the smoke of the explosion,
renewed the contest by an animated roar of his heavy cannon.

From the supposed loss of our ammunition, and the consequent
depression such an event was likely to produce upon the minds of
our men, I felt persuaded that this explosion would lead the
enemy to assault, and made my arrangements accordingly.

The night was dark, and the early part of it raining, but the
faithful sentinel slept not; one-third of the troops were up at
their posts. At half-past two o'clock, the right column of the
enemy approached, and though enveloped in darkness black as his
designs and principles, was distinctly heard on our left, and
promptly marked by our musketry under Major Wood, and cannon
under Captain Towson. Being mounted at the moment, I repaired to
the point of attack, where the sheet of fire rolling from
Towson's battery, and the musketry of the left wing of the 21st
infantry under Major Wood, enabled me to see the enemy's column
of about 1,500 men approaching on that point, his advance was not
checked, until it had approached within ten feet of our infantry.
A line of loose brush representing an abatis only intervened; a
column of the enemy attempted to pass round the abatis through
the water, where it was nearly breast deep. Apprehending that
this point would be carried, I ordered a detachment of riflemen
and infantry to its support, but having met with the gallant
commander, Major Wood, was assured by him that he could defend
his position without reinforcements. At this moment the enemy
were repulsed, but instantly renewed the charge and were again
repulsed. My attention was now called to the right, where our
batteries and lines were soon lighted by a most brilliant fire of
cannon and musketry; it ann