A Journal of Two Campaigns of the Fourth Regiment of U.S. Infantry: In the Michigan and Indiana Territories, Under the Command of Col. John P. Boyd, and Lt. Col. James Miller During the Years 1811, & 12. — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
A Journal of Two Campaigns of the Fourth Regiment of U.S. Infantry: In the Michigan and Indiana Territories, Under the Command of Col. John P. Boyd, and Lt. Col. James Miller During the Years 1811, & 12.
John Stuart Mill · en
Aug. 23d.--We were landed, and informed that an armistice had been
concluded between the two governments.--We tarried here but a short
time--drew provisions for the day, and at ten o'clock we were formed,
and under a guard proceeded on our march for Fort George. As we passed
Black Rock, the American fort on the opposite shore, we beheld many of
our country soldiers viewing us from the ramparts. At sunset we
arrived at Chippewa and were confined in a large building where we
remained for that night. Two or three of our men escaped from the
British and crossed the river to the American side on a gate which
they had taken from the fence near the building where we were
confined.
Aug. 24.--A quantity of cooked provision was dealt out to us; and at 8
o'clock we again commenced our march; passed through Queenstown, and
arrived at Fort George, about two o'clock, P.M.--We were paraded and
a strict examination made for British deserters; but none were found
among us.
One of our men by the name of Barker, an American by birth, had been
previously claimed, and was taken from us as a British deserter--he
had been in the British service at Quebec several years before, and
from which he deserted, and enlisted at Fort Independence in Boston,
in 1809.
Aug. 27.--We embarked on board two gun brigs, the Royal George and
Prince Regent, and in two days arrived at Kingston, where we were well
treated and had plenty of provisions allowed us. One of our men was
prevailed upon to enter the British service, on board the Royal
George.
Aug. 28.--Two hundred British troops arrived from Montreal in
Batteaux; and at the same time we received orders to be in readiness
to embark the next morning and proceed on our passage.
A Corporal and Musician of Captain Brown's Company made their escape
by swimming to a small island a short distance from where we were
confined.
Sept. 1.--We drew provisions for 4 days, and embarked on board the
batteaux, and ordered to Montreal. A strong guard of soldiers, in
boats carrying a small swivel in the bow, loaded with grape shot,
escorted us on our passage;--we were compelled to row ourselves in the
boats, which much fatigued us in our weakly situation; but complaints
were of no other consequence here than an addition of abuse: he who
complained least fared best.--Each night the boats were brought
ashore, and a guard lined the beach to prevent us from leaving them.
We were not allowed to go three rods from the boats, and if in that
compass we could procure fuel sufficient to cook our provision, it was
well, otherwise our next day's fare must be on raw pork, as usual. At
dark we were all driven to the boats, where we remained till morning,
in a very uncomfortable situation, there being from twelve to fifteen
men in each it was impossible to lay in any convenient position for
resting or sleep.