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l^flLITARY DOCUMENTS:
CONSISTING OF
A Description of the Seat of War in the Northern Section of the United
States and Canada.
A Description of the Southern Section of the United States, Florida, and
the Bahama Islands.
Official Documents relative to the Operations of the British Army in re-
ducing the Canadas, in 1759-60.
List of the Military Districts of the United States.
Register of the Army and General Staif. ;
List of the United States' Navy.
ELLUSTRATED BY MAPS
OP
THE STRAITS OF NIAGARA, EAST END OF
LAKE ONTARIO, AND MONTREAL.
BF JOHJ\r MELISH.
PHILADELPHIA,
PRINTED BY G. PALMER,
18i4,
Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive
in 2010 witii funding from
UniversTty.of. Pittsburgh [library System
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littp://www.arcliive.org/details/militarydocumentOOmeli
DESCRIPTION
OF THE
SEAT OF WAR
IN
NORTH AMERICA.
Xn the former editions of this Description, the British possessions
formed the most prominent part, in consequence of the great inte-
rest they excited, and their great importance in relation to the
United States. The interest is not lessened, while the importance
has become more prominent by the events of the war. But this be-
ing a description, with the professed design of illustrating the Maji
of the Seat of War, it has been judged expedient to alter the plan,
by giving a general view of the principal places along the lines, on
both sides, in the first ih stance, concluding with a general view of the
British possessions. In preparing the materials, recourse has been
had to the best authorities ; and several points having excited a
great degree of interest, octavo maps, on an enlarged scale, have
been inserted, of the Straits of JViagara, East End of Lake Ontario,
and Montreal. These, with a general Ma^i of the Scat of War,
render the view very complete. There are, however, two points
unco?nmonly interesting, which seemed to demand more than ordina-
ry attention, and the author is happy that he has it in his power, at a
small expense, to gratify public curiosity, almost to a wish. The
straits of Detroit is that point from which, of all others, the British
could most annoy the United States. Accordingly, both govem-
A
ments bent great attention to it at the commencement of the war.
The capitulation of general Hull, the fall of Detroit, and the circum-
stances arising out of it, are well known. The moment the British
obtained possession of the country, they made an accurate map of De-
troit river, on a scale of a mile to the inch. That map fell into the
hands of the author, and has been published — price one dollar. The
city of Quebec is exceedingly important, being, in fact, the key to
the British power in Canada. The reduction of it under general
Wolfe, has always been considered one of the brighest jewels in the
British crown. The plan of attack, and manner of execution, reflect
the highest credit on the brave men who conducted it ; and the name
of Wolfe, the commander in chief, who fell in the arms of victory,
has been immortalized, and his renown handed down to posterity.
This event is a theme on which British military officers dwell with
peculiar pleasure ; and those of them who visit Quebec, never fail
to obtain accurate information of the operations of the British army
in reducing it. In the year 1808, captain Glegg, a very meritorious
officer of the 49th regiment, drew a splendid plan of the city, with
the basin and adjacent country, showing the principal encampments
and works of the British army during the siege. This map, with
the " official documents relative to the operations of the British
army," also fell into the hands of the author, and is published. The
map, beautifully engraved, and including a perspective view of the
city from point Levi, is sold for one dollar ; and the Official Docu-
ments, including Descriptions of Quebec and Montreal, and a plan
of the latter city is 25 cents.
Before proceeding with the description, it may be proper to state,
that, in consequence of the rapid sale of the Mafi of the Seat of War^
the author was induced for a considerable time to bend his sole atten-
tion to the study of the geography of the country, as it related to the
war. The events of the war were carefully noted ; a progressive
map was kept, and every place that appeared to merit notice was
inserted on the plate. This tended to give the map rather an awk-
ward appearance, as the new and old work could not be happily ar-
ranged ; but the map, nevertheless, supported its character, and the
demand still continuing, afforded the author an opportunity to brinj^-
forward an elegant new plate, projected a degree farther north, the
rivers, &c. in the interior of Canada being filled up, and every
place of consequence, as bearing upon the war, inserted. The ex-
pense and trouble of bringing forward this second plate were great,
but the price was not raised ; and the author has the proud satisfac*
tion to know that his labour has been highly esteemed, as it has been
generously rewarded.
Commencing at the north-westeni extremity, the first object that
merits notice is Lake Su/ierior. This is esteemed the largest body
of fresh water in the world, being 400 miles long, and 1520 miles in
circumference. Situated between the 46th and 49th degrees of
north latitude, the winters are long and severe ; but from its com-
manding situation for the prosection of the fur-trade, very considera-
ble settlements have been made upon it, principally by the fur-mer-
chants of Montreal. The lake is well stored with fish, particularly
trout, white-fish, and sturgeon. The water is so transparent, that
the rocks and fishes can be seen at an almost incredible depth. From
the great magnitude of this lake, the swell upon it in a storm is si-
milar to that of the ocean, and storms being frequent, the navigation
is sometimes dangerous ; but the north shore contains a great va-
riety of harbours, which aiford shelter to the vessels in time of dan-
ger, and travellers keep near it on that account ; for it is otherwise
uriinviting, being composed of barren rocks. Lake Superior receives
the waters of near 40 rivers, some of them of considerable magni-
tude, and this vast collection it discharges into Lake Huron, through
the straits of St. Mary. In this strait, nine miles from Lake Supe-
rior, are the/alls^ or ra/iids of St. Mary^ being a violent current of
the waters, interrupted in their descent by a number of large rocks.
These rapids extend three miles, and at their foot is situated \hQ fac-
tory of tfie Montreal company, consisting of a store-house, a saw-
mill, and batteaux-yard. Here there is a good canal, with a lock at
its lower entrance, and a causeway for dragging up boats and canoes.
The vessels of Lake Superior approach close to the head of the ca-
nal, where there is a wharf, and those of Lake Huron go close to the
lower end of the cascades : the merchandize is carried between
them by the canal, and by a good road made by the Montreal conv
^lany-
• Lake Huron is, after Lake Superior, the largest in the world ; be-
ing about 250 miles long, and in circumference 1 100, The northern
part of the lake is studded with numerous islands, and the naviga-
tion through it is very good. There are a number of bays in this
lake, the most remarkable of which is Thunder Bay, so called from
the frequent storms of thunder and lightning in its vicinity. Tra-
vellers, in passing this part of the lake, hardly ever escape encoun-
tering them. A small round cloud first appears, enlarging as it ap-
proaches, and spreading a gloom over a considerable extent. From
this cloud the lightnings flash in all directions, while the thunder
roai's with more tremendous peals than in any other part of Ame-
rica.
Mtchilimackinac is a small island situated in the entrance of the
strait between Lakes Huron and Michigan. The strait is here
about seven miles wide, and the island is seven miles in circumfe-
rence. Fort Michilimackinac is the most northern military post in
the United States. The ground on which it stands is about 150
feet above the level of the lake, and 100 yards from the shore. The
fort is neatly built, and exhibits a beautiful appearance from the wa-
ter. The village is on the shore, on the right side of the fort, and
consists of about 30 houses. Tiie harbour is deep and safe. This
important fort was reduced about the time of Hull's capitulation ;
but the glorious victories of Perry on Lake Erie, and Harrison over
general Proctor, paves the way for the re-occupation of this post,
and the reduction of all the British military posts above it,
Michilimackinac has been for several years the emporium of
trade for the waters of Lake Michigan and the Illinois river,
Kaskaskias, and the Mississippi ; which, until within a few year?,
was carried on altogether by merchants of Montreal, in Lower Ca-
nada, who conducted this trade by means of factors, who here met
the miost considerable Indian traders from the westward and south-
M'ard, in the spring of every year ; and heue they bartered their se-
\ eral commodities, the manufactures of Europe for the peltries of
the uncivilized regions. The fair lasted about two months, and the
parties separated usually about July, returning, the traders to the
Indian tribes, and the factors with their cargoes to Montreal.
Lake Michigan extends from the straits of Michilimackinac to
41** 45' north latitude, being nearly 300 miles, and at the broadest'
part about 75 miles wide; its circumference is nearly 1000 miles/
On the north-west there is a large bay, called Green Bay^ in which
is the outlet of the Fox river, through which there is a passage to
within three miles of the Ouisconsin, and the navigation is thence
continued to the Mississippi. Near the foot of the lake is Chicago^
or Fort Dearborn^ lately the scene of an Indian massacre. The ri-
ver Pleine, a head branch of the Illinois, approaches to within a few
miles of this fort ; and Tippecanoe river, a branch of the Wabash,
heads south of it 70 or 80 miles. Through both there is navigation
to the Mississippi.
Michigan Territory is situated between Lakes Michigan, Hu-
ron, and St. Clair (see the Map). It is a fine country, containing
about 34,000 square miles of territory, and capable of supporting a
vast population. By the last census, the population amounted to
4,762, of whom nearly one half were in Detroit district, 770 being
in the town of Detroit. The probability is, that they have since de-
creased. A considerable part of the land of this territory still be-
longs to the Indians.
In 1807, they ceded to the United States the district contiguous
to Detroit within the following boundaries : — from Fort Defiance
along the dividing ridge between the waters falling into Lakes Hu-
ron and Erie, and those into Lake Michigan^ to the straits of Michi-
limackinac ; thence along Lake Huron, St. Clair river. Lake St.
Clair, Detroit river, Lake Erie, and the Miami of the Lakes, to Fort
Defiance.
The outlet of Luke Huron is called Huron Biver, a channel
about 25 miles long, with fertile pleasant banks on each side. Pass-
ing the 43d degree of north latitude, it widens out into an elegant
sheet of water, called Lake St. Clair. The ship channel is near
the north-west side, passing between three small islands and the
main land. The navigation is very good, except in the passage be-
tween the westernmost island and the main, where vessels have fre-
quently to unload ; but it can be conveniently done. The Thames,
or la Tre/ich river, which discharges its waters into this lake, is ?.
I
fine navigable stfeam, its banks varied by natural meadoXvs, and
tracts of wood land ; and along which there are many rich settle-
ments. London is situated on this river about 60 or 70 miles from
the lake ; half way between it and the lake are the Moravian Vil-
iag-es, rendered memorable by the victory of Harrison's army over
the combined British and savages under general Proctor. The British
projected a town called Chatham^ on a branch of this river, 15 miles
from its outlet, as a depot for ship-building ; but the chance is, that
all British projections in that quarter are now for ever at an end.
Detroit river is the strait between Lake St. Clair and Lake Eric.
It is about 24 miles long, and generally from half a mile to thre9
quarters wide, except at the lower extremity, where it stretches out
to the breadth of three miles, having a pretty important island called
Grosf towards the west side. The ship channel is between it and
the Canada side, and is commanded by Fort Maiden. There is a
considerable number of other islands, the chief of which are Peach,
Hog, Turkey, and Isle Bois Blanc ; the last situated exactly oppo-
site Maiden, distant only about 500 yards. The navigation through
this river is excellent, and the banks are very fertile.
On the west side of the river, six miles from Lake St. Clair, stands
Detroit, the capital of Michigan Territory. Before the disaster
occasioned by Hull's capitulation, Detroit was in a flourishing situa-
tion. It was nearly destroyed by fire in 1805 ; but this, like fires
in most other cities, had ultimately a beneficial effect. The streets
were widened and improved, and the houses were built in a more
substantial manner. The chief trade of Detroit consisted in the
barter of coarse European goods with the Indians for furs, deer-
skins, tallow, &c. The fortifications are situated on the west side of
the town, and were put into a state of repair by general Hull, and
spacious barracks were erected. By the surrender of this post, a
frontier of great extent was exposed to the brutality of the Indians;
but the late brilliant victories of Perry on Lake Erie, and Harrison
on the Thames, has changed the scene ; and we may now look for
comfort and civilization, where brutality and every species of cruelty
heretofore had their dwelling. In the third edition of this small
tract:, published in June last, these victories were glanced at as
D
probable events in these words : « Indeed if the American arms bt
successful in obtaining possession of the parts contiguous to the
straits of Niagara (Fort George, &c.) ; and the army under general
Harrison be successful in the north-west, the probability is, that the
British forces, and their Indian allies on the upper lakes will be ob-
liged to capitulate." Five months have brought about this event in a
manner much more complete than the most sanguine imagination
could have anticipated, and wrought a revolution in favour of the
peace and internal tranquillity of the western portion of the unioti,
that will be attended by consequences of the most beneficial tenden-
cy to the human race.
Sandnvich is situated a little below Detroit, on the east side of De-
troit river, and consists of a considerable number of dwelling houses,
a jail, and court-house. The land in the vicinity is excellent ; and
lots having been distributed gratis to the first settlers, it soon be-
came a flourishing place. The improvements are now extensive,
and executed with considerable taste ; and the whole district pro-
mises to become very important.
Maiden, or Amherstburg is situated on the east branch of Detroit
river, 13 miles below Sandwich, and contains about 100 houses. It
carried on a considerable trade, principally in furs, with the Indian
tribes ; and was the great theatre for the transaction of Indian affairs
generally. Now that it is abandoned by the British forces, we may
expect that it will become the seat of civilization and honest indus-
try. The situation is elegant, and the country fertile. There is ex-
cellent anchorage opposite the town, and the shore is convenient for
the erection of wharves, and for other naval and commercial pur-
poses.
Brownsto'wn is a small settlement nearly opposite to Maiden, and
1 8 miles from Detroit.
Frenchtown is a thriving village on Raisin river, 24 miles south-
west of Brownstown.
Miami river and fort are situated 38 miles south-west of French-
town. There are fine prairies on the river, with veiy high grass,
extending a mile on each side. The country is uncommonly fer-
tile, and the water is pure and beautiful. The Indian claim to the
iands on the east side is not yet extinguished : when it is, it is pre*
10
sumed this will become one of the most extensive settlements in the
United States.
Fort Meigs is situated at the foot of the rapids of the Miami river,
where the United States have five reservations of six square miles
each. The spot was heretofore called Miami Old Fort, but a new
and substantial fort has been recently erected, and it is named Fort
Meigs, in honour of the present governor of the state of Ohio. The
fort contains about nine acres of ground, laid off nearly in the form
of an octagon. At each corner is a strong well-constructed block-
house, with cannon planted in a way to rake each line, and command
every elevated point near the fort. Between each of these houses
strong picketings, of 1 5 feet in height, are placed at proper depth
in the ground. Against these picketings a breast-work of clay is
thrown up on the outside, several feet in height ; and they are also
well fortified in the inside, in the same way. Several long batteries
have been erected, and an ample supply of cannon has been pro-
vided for the defence of the place ; military stores and provisions
has been provided in sufficient quantity for a siege, and every thing
promises fair in behalf of the army at present stationed in that
quarter.
Such was its situation in June last. It was besieged ; the be-
siegers were repulsed, and have since been expelled from that
part of the country.
About half way between Fort Meigs and Sandusky bay, is the
Carrying or Portage River, near which is Put-in Bay, rendered
memorable by the glorious victory of Perry's squadron over the Bri-
tish ; an event which not only reflects the highest lustre on the
brave men engaged, and on the arms of the United States ; but
which paved the way for the victory of Harrison's army ; and it is
hoped for a long term of peace and prosperity to the western world.
Sandusky Bay, 30 miles from Fort Meigs, is the best harbour on
Lake Erie, but tlie entrance is soniewhat difficult. Sandusky river
is navigable only a few miles into the interior of the country. The
land on both river and bay is excellent, and the country is settling
up rapidly. Lower Sandusky is rendered memorable by the gallant
achievement of the little band commanded by major Croghan.
nf/FAXToffhr COl/NTHY
round th*''
FA1.LS of NIAGARA
11
Lake Erie is about 260 miles long, and at the broadest part
about 70 miles wide, its circumference being upwards of 700 miles.
It is the shallowest of all the great lakes, and the navigation is often
dangerous, particularly about the middle, where there arc no good
harbours to run into, and the bottom being generally limestone
rock, does not afford good anchorage. The best navigation i»
towards the west end, where there are a number of islands, which
afford shelter for the vessels. The most important islands are
Baas Islands^ Three Sisters^ An Plait^ Cedar Island, and Cun-
ningham's Island. The greatest depth of the lake is about 50 fathoms.
Cleveland is situated on the south side of the lake, at the outlet
of Cayahoga River, 76 miles from Sandusky Bay. It is a small
place, consisting of a few houses only, but it derives considerable
importance at present, as a point from whence intelligence is re-
ceived concerning the operations of the armies ; and in future it
will no doubt be important, being contiguous to one of the best
portages between the great lakes and the Ohio.
Erie is situated on the south bank of the lake, 100 miles cast
from Cleveland, and 115 north from Pittsburg. A small peninsula
runs into the lake opposite the town, and forms a natural harbour,
which is somewhat difficult of entrance by reason of a sand bar.
Great improvements have, however, been lately made upon it, and
it is celebrated as being the place where the flotilla was fitted out
that first conquered a British fleet. The town is regularly laid out,
in a beautiful and healthy situation. By the last census it contained
395 inhabitants ; but the place having derived much importance
from the war, it has no doubt encreased very much since that time.
.\ turnpike road, 14 miles long, has lately been made to Water-
lord, from whence there is water communication to Pittsburg.
Buffalo is handsomely situated at the east end of Lake Erie,
where it commands a beautiful view of the lake, of Upper Canada^
and Fort Erie, and a great distance to the southward, which is ter-
minated by an elevated, lofty country. The scitc of the town ex-
tends quite to the lake shore, but it is principally built on an
'uninence of about 30 feet, at a little distance ; and to the south,
â– \\o\vx Buffalo rrfck, are handsome bottom lots, which are at present
•*^ - -v
12
ti little marshy, but will, when drained, be most valuable appen-
dages to this very beautiful place.
Buffalo was laid out for a town about six years ago, and is regu-
larly disposed in streets and lots. The lots are from 60 to 100 feet
deep, and sell for from 25 to 50 dollars ; and there are out-lots of 5
and 10 acres, worth at present from 10 to 25 dollars per acre. The
population was by last census 365 ; it is now computed at 500, and
is rapidly increasing.
The buildings are mostly of wood, painted white ; but there is a
good number of brick houses, and some few of stone. There are 4
taverns, 8 stores, 2 schools ; and a weekly newspaper has been
recently published. The town is as yet too new for the introduc-
tion of any manufactures, except those of the domestic kind. The
greater part of the people are farmers and mechanics.
The settlers here are mostly from the New England states, but
the town being in the great thoroughfare to the western country,
there is a general mixture. A considerable trade is constantly kept
up by the influx and reflux of strangers, and such articles as are
necessary for their accommodation are dear. House-rent is from 2
to 20 dollars per week, wood is I dollar per cord, flour 7 dollars
per barrel, pork 6 dollars per cwt. Fish are very plenty and cheap.
Boarding is about 3 dollars per week.
The situation is quite healthy, and the seasons are much more
mild than might be expected in that northern latitude.
Black Rock is situated on the right bank of the Niagara river,
two miles and a half from Buffalo. It is a considerable settlement,
and many good stone houses have recently been built. The river is
here about a mile broad, and is seen issuing from the lake as clear
as crystal. Before the war a ferry-boat plyed across the river, and
there was a great intercourse with the British settlements on the
opposite side. There is a small island a little above Black Rock,
below which is pretty good anchorage for shipping, but it is rather
an inconvenient station, on account of the rapidity of the current.
It is proposed to build a pier in the lake, at the outlet of Buff"alo
creekj which, if arromplished, will form a good harbour at tha^
•place.
13
Fort Erie is beautifully situated on the north bank of Lake Erie,
at the east end, nearly opposite to Buffalo, and 2 miles above Black
Rock. It is a strong stockade fort, containing a block-house and
barracks for the troops that are stationed here.
There is a good harbour immediately below the fort, where,
\ csscls of any burthen may lie ; and below it the channel narrows
into a strait called JVia^ara River. (See Map round the Falls of
Niagara.) The water of this river flows out of Lake Erie, with a
fine majestic current, as clear as crystal, the breadth being about
a mile. About 4 miles below Black Rock it is divided into two
streams by Grand Island, a fine piece of ground containing about
16,000 acres. Immediately below it is Navy Island; at the bottom
of which the river forms a spaaious bay, about 2 miles broad,
Chipfiaway being upon the one side, and Grand JViagara^ sometimes
called Manchester, on the other. About a mile below Chippaway
the bank recedes as it were from under the river, and the current
is encreased to an awful velocity, rendered more tremendous by the
vast piles of broken rocks which every where interrupt its progress.
This continues for about half a mile, in which it falls upwards of 52
feet, when, arrived at the awful crisis, called the Table Rock, it sinks