I should have replied earlier to your letter of the 26th ultimo, had it not been mislaid amidst a mass of communications on the subject of the army. With respect to the distance of the American squadron from the batteries at Plattsburg, I will state that it is my decided opinion that the squadron was moored beyond the effectual range of the batteries, and this I know from a fruitless attempt made to elevate our guns so as to bear on the British squadron during the action of the 11th of September last. No guns, however, were fired, all being convinced that the vessels were beyond their reach. This opinion was strengthened by observations on the actual range of the guns of the Confiance--her heaviest metal falling several hundred yards short of the shore when closely engaged with our vessels. With a hope that this reply will be satisfactory, I subscribe myself, Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) ALEX. MACOMB." "_Cadwr. R. Colden, Esq._" * * * * * "_New York, August 1, 1815._ "Sir, In reply to your letter of the 30th ult. asking the distance of the American squadron from the batteries of Plattsburg, on the 11th day of September, 1814, while engaged with the British squadron, I will state that it is my decided opinion that the American squadron was upwards of three thousand yards distant from the batteries, being confirmed in that belief from observations made on the actual range of the heaviest guns of the British ship, Confiance, when fired towards the batteries, the balls falling short upwards of five hundred yards. With respectful consideration, I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) ALEX. MACOMB." "_To Cadwr. R. Colden, Esq._"