General Winchester's pistols and sword
[Letter of Procter to Major Evans at Fort George; from Select British Documents of the Canadian War of
1812, Vol. 2, p. 6 -7]
Sandwich, January 24th 1813
My dear Major,
Tho' much occupied I shall take a few minutes to acquaint you, that, on the 19th inst. at 2 p.m. I was informed that the enemy were in complete possession of the settlement at the River Raisin; and that on the 22nd inst. at break of day I attacked him with all the forces I could collect, the result of which is that Brigadier General Winchester, his surviving officers and upwards of four hundred men are prisoners, the remainder (I believe) about the same number being killed by the Indians in their flight. I am sorry to say that our loss has been, for our numbers, considerable. We had no time to lose for
Mr. Harrison is on the advance - a week's delay would have cost us every thing. Perhaps this specimen of what they are to expect in the territory may deter them from making another attempt soon. The troops, marine, & militia displayed great bravery as did also the Indians. It would be scarcely just to mention individuals. Colonel St. George received four wounds, whilst acting very gallantly. Lieut. Kerr NFL [Royal Newfoundland Regiment] is, I fear, mortally wounded. I have not time for further particulars. Believe me
With regards & esteem ever yours,
Henry Procter
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General Winchester's pistols and sword |