the general government, in according it, has given a further proof
of regard for the welfare of this section of the union."
The reputation of that part of this country that borders upon the
Mississippi is very high. The lands are rich, and mostly settled by
Americans. The settlement of Baton Rouge extends along the river
9 leagues, and is remarkable as being the first place where the high
land is contiguous to the river. Below this is the Ibberville river,
along which the Mississippi runs when it is high, and, passing through
lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain, communicates with the Gulph of
Mexico, near the mouth of the Pearl river.
An account of Madisonville recently appeared in the National In-
telligencer, from which I shall make a few extracts, as it throws con-
siderable light on this part of the country.
" Madiso7iville is handsomely situated on the west bank of the river
Tchefonta, 2 miles above its entrance into lake Ponchartrain. At pre-
sent this town has little more than the name attached to an elegant,
healthy, and eligible spot of ground for a sea port. About half a dozen
French built mud-walled huts, and about as many log-houses, and two
or three small frame houses, are all its present improvements.
" The land east and west of the town along the borders of the lake
is a sandy flat, extending from 5 to 20 miles from their shores, and
nearly as level as the ocean, which seems to have receded from it.
" Lake Ponchartrain is said to be about 30 miles wide, and about 60
long. It has an even sandy bottom, which seems to be a continua-
tion of the inclined plane of the coast, gradually descending till it
reaches the southern shore, which is characterized by a muddy bottom,
and a marshy, swampy margin." It is about 12 or 14 feet deep.
" Madisonville is favourably situated for the coasting and West
India trade, having about two days sail in going out, and about two
weeks sail in coming in, the advantage of New Orleans. It lies more
Convenient to the necessary supplies for repairing and building vessels ;
it is believed to be a more healthy situation, less infected with mus-
quetoes, and furnished with good spring water."
The lands back from Madisonville are represented as being rich and
fertile, capable of producing sugar^ rice, wheat, Indian corn, cot-
14
ton, peas, sweet potatoes, and pompions ; and the countiy sustains a
considerable population.
" Madisonville is understood to be chosen by the agents of the
navy department for repairing and even building of small vessels of
war for the southern station, and it seems peculiarly adapted to these
purposes. The vicinity abounds with oak, pine, and cypress; here
also tar is made in abundance ; the spun hemp, or rope yarn of Ken-
tucky, may be brought as cheap to this harbour as to any other, and
the rigging may be laid to order at the navy yard with the greatest
economy, and advantage to the public service. Provisions will also be
furnished here of as good a quality, and as cheap, as in any other sea
port. The country between the Pearl river and Mississippi is ex-
tremely favourable to the growth of hogs ; and cattle are reared to as
great perfection, and perhaps to as great extent, on the waters of the
Pearl river, and particularly in the Choctaw nation of Indians, as in
any other part of the United States.
New Orleans is the capital of Louisiana, and the great metropo-
lis of this part of the western world; and is from its situation very
much interested in the destinies of the Floridas. While under the
Spanish yoke, like all their other possessions, it was oppressed and
insulted by enormous extortion and bombastic pride. Now that it
holds a respectable rank as one of the first commercial cities in a
country enjoying the inestimable blessing of self-government, it rises
in extent and wealth in an almost unprecedented degree.
It is situated in N. lat. 29° 57' — 108 miles from the sea. It is re-
gularly laid out, the streets crossing one another at right angles ; but
they are rather narrow, and being unpaved, they are in wet weather
muddy and disagreeable. The town is however well supplied with
side pavements. There is a square in the centre, in which stands the
cathedral and town house. The houses on the principal streets are
built of brick, but the others are mostly of Avood. By the census of
1810 the city contained 17,242 inhabitants, including 5,796 slaves, and
4,950 free negroes.
Behind New Orleans a canal a mile and a half long communicates
with a creek that flows into lake Ponchartrain. Through this com-
munication small craft can pass and repass to and from West Florida,
and there is every probability that the navigation by this route will
improve.
On the east side of the Mississippi, about 15 miles below New Or-
leans, at the English Turn, there is a settlement known by the name of
Terre au BcEuf. The inhabitants are mostly Spaniards, from the Ca-
15
nary islands, whose employment is raising vegetables for the market
of New Orleans. At this place there is a creek that runs to the east-
>vard, and, dividing into two branches, falls into the sea and lake Bo-
rogne. The lands on the banks of the creek are susceptible of great
improvement, and the creek may in time admit of a communication by
small craft between the sea and Mississippi.
About 45 miles below New Orleans there are a few settlements,
but they are of little importance. From these to Fort Placquemines,
the country is overflowed in the spring freshets, and is almost a per-
fect morass.
From Fort Placquemines to the sea, the country is low and swampy,
having no settlements whatever. It will be seen by an inspection of
the map, that the whole of this tract has been formed by the alluvion
brought down by these mighty waters. About 8 miles below Placque-
mines, the river divides itself into three channels, called passes. The
east pass is divided into two branches called, a la Louvre and the
Balize. Between them is the Balize island, on which there is a small
block-house, and some huts of the pilots who reside there. The pass
a la Louvre has only eight feet water on the bar ; the east or Balize
pass has from 14 to 16. The south pass has about eight. The bars
are very narrow, and immediately after crossing them there is from 5
to 7 fathoms water in all the passes.
A SHORT VIEW OF THE RECENT TRANSACTIONS RE-
LATIVE TO TAKING POSSESSION OF THE FLORIDAS.
It has been stated in the account of West Florida, that the country
which is situated to the westward of the Perdido river was included in
the cession of Louisiana to the United States. The Spanish government
however resisted the claim, and the government of the United States,
unwilling to be involved in a quarrel, although they maintained the
claim, yet they declined to take possession of the country, hoping to
get every point arranged by amicable negociation. But the dynasty of
Spain being changed, it became necessary to take a decisive course ;
and the country in question was accordingly formally taken possession
of by the United States ; that portion of it west of the Pearl river was
annexed to the new state of Louisiana ; and, on the 14th of May last
year, the portion east of the Pearl river was constituted a part of the
Mississippi Territory.
In the mean time, that part of Florida that lies to the eastward of
Perdido river, including the peninsula of East Florida, became an ob-
16
ject of great solicitude with the government of the United States.
From its great importance to the southern section of the union, they
had been induced to open a negociation with the government of Spain,
for the acquisition of the territory by purchase ; but a stop was put to
It by the Spanish revolution; and this was further embarrassing, as
the Spanish government was indebted in a large sum for spoliations
committed on the trade of the United States. Under these circum-
stances, it was determined to watch the progress of events; to keep a
strict eye upon Florida, as the only indemnification that would probably
be obtained for these spoliations ; and, at all events, to prevent any
foreign power from obtaining possession of the country. It was after-
wards deemed expedient to endeavour to obtain the provisional occu-
pation of the country, with the consent of the existing local authorities;
and on the 26th of February, 1811, General Matthews and Colonel
M'Kee were charged with that important service, having instructions,
at the same time, to take forcible possession of the country in the
event of its being occupied by a foreign power.
In the month of March, 1812, a revolution commenced in East Flo-
rida, when General Matthews, actuated by zeal for the public service,
conceived it necessary to the safety of the United States to take mea-
sures for the occupation of Amelia Island, and other parts of the
country; but the transaction not having been contemplated by his
instructions, was disavowed on the part of the government of the
United States, his powers were revoked, and the governor of Georgia
was appointed to negociate the restoration of the country to the Spa-
nish authorities; it being understood that the troops should not be
withdrawn unless it could be done with safety to the patriots; and it was
-determined, at all events, to prevent the entrance of any foreign force.
The sentiment seems now to have become pretty general, that pos-
session of the country should be taken at all hazards. Accordingly,
in a secret session of congress, held in the month of June, 1812, on
â– motion of Mr. Troup of Georgia, it was resolved, in the house of re-
presentatives, by a majority of 58 to 51, that the president should, un-
der certain contingencies, take possession of Florida; but the resolu-
tion was rejected in the senate by a small majority.
The governor of Georgia, in pursuance of his instructions, proceed-
ed to St. Mary's, when he found that the progress of the revolution in
East Florida was stopped before St. Augustine ; the patriots being un-
able alone to attack that formidable post ; and the American troops, not
being permitted to act on the offensive, could, of course, render no as-
sistance. It was considered, however, inconsistent with the principles
17
of justice and humanity to the patriots, as well as of sound policy to-
wards the United States, to withdraw the troops from the country.
The person acting as governor of Florida attempted to dislodge them
by force, but did not succeed ; and thus terminated, for the present, all
amicable negociation.
In the course of the summer and autumn it was found that the Spa-
nish officers in St. Augustine, St. Marks, and Pensacola, were using
every effort to stimulate the Indians to acts of hostility against the in-
habitants of the United States. With those within the lines of the
United States they did not fully succeed; but the Semmoles, whose
towns are in East Florida, were guilty of such outrages as left no room
to doubt of their intentions, and of the arts that had been used to stir
thenn up.
To provide for the safety of the frontier, the governor ordered gene-
ral Floyd to cause a %)lock-house to be erected on Trader's hill, and
put a small garrison into it; with directions to pursue and punish the
Indians if they should again appear in a hostile attitude in that quarter.
About the same time colonel Newnan, at the head of 250 Georgia
volunteers, was dispatched by colonel Smith, from before St. Augus-
tine, against the hostile Indians, and after several skirmishes succeeded
in killing and wounding a considerable number, and in doing consider-
able injury to their settlements. But they were by no means reduced
to obedience, and the apprehension of danger not subsiding, the gover-
nor gave orders to have a stock of provender contracted for, and de-
posited at Trader's hill, for 500 cavalry; and intended, as soon as those
supplies were procured, to order that number to take the field; and the
state legislature having met, while these operations were going for-
Avard, the subject was submitted to their immediate attention.
A joint committee of both houses of the legislature was accordingly
appointed to take under consideration so much of the governor's mes-
sage as related to East Florida ; and on the 20th of November last they
made a report stating: That having fully considered all the circum-
stances connected with East Florida, as they relate to, and affect the
interest of the state of Georgia ; ihey were of opinion that immediate
and decisive measures must be adopted by the general or state govern-
ment, for the possession and occupancy of that proA^ce.
They express their astonishment and regret at the policy which in-
fluenced the dissenting members of the senate of the United States in
rejecting the bill of the house of representatives on that subject; as
experience had since proved that it was a line of policy subversive of
the safety and tranquillity of that sectipn of the country.
18
They urge that the safety of the people is the first consideration
which presses itself in all national councils; and conclude, that consi-
dering the state " in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay,"
they were of opinion that it was constitutionally vested with the power
immediately to organize a sufficient force to march into the province of
East Florida, and to occupy it ; the occupation to be relinquished by the
state troops as soon as the national legislature should have adopted effi-
cient measures to relieve the people from the imminent danger with
which they were menaced. *
No movement of any importance has taken place in that quarter
since this report. The troops of the United States still occupy their
station in East Florida ; and the Spanish authorities hold possession of
St. Augustine. The governor has lately issued a proclamation, in the
name of Ferdinand VII., inviting the patriots to lay down their arms,
and avail themselves of the royal amnesty ; which the patriots, in a
counter proclamation, have rejected with great disdain, and pledge
themselves " to support the glorious cause in which they are engaged,
and to persist until they secure the safety, independence, and liberty of
themselves and constituents."
The latest report on the subject of East Florida, is, that it has been
ceded to Great Britain by Spain; an event not at all improbable.
Should this be the case, the country will immediately become the thea-
ti*e of hostilities, and a bloody war will probably ensue. This, however,
though it may be a calamitous event for the United States, for the pre-
sent, will be ultimately attended with beneficial consequences, inasmuch
as it will put them in the undoubted possession of a country of compa-
ratively little importance to any other power, but which, from its rela-
tive situation, its great extent of sea-coast, and containing the outlets of
numerous navigable rivers rising in the United States, is of great im-
portance to the southern section of this country.
P. S. Since the above was put to press, an account has been received, by way of
Charleston, that the troops of the United States were to evacuate the province of
East Florida; that general Pinckney had arranged with governor Kindelan the man-
ner of evacuation ; and that the most of the patriots had gone to St. Augustine, and
taken the oath of allegiance under the new constitution The rumour of the country
being ceded to Great Britain still prevails ; and an account, by way of Savannah,
states, that general Pinckney is to concentrate his forces at St. Mary's, where he will
receive considerable reyfiforcements. In ever)' point of view, Florida may be consi-
dered as in a revolutionary state. Its continuance as a Spanish colony dei>ends alto-
gether upon the old dynasty being established in Spain, of which there is hardly any
chance ; and its becoming a British colony is altogether incompatible with the safety
and welfare of the southern states. Its fate is completely involved in the present
war ; and there i^ little doubt but the issue will secure the independence of Florida.
k
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS
RELATIVE TO THE
OPERATIONS OF THE BRITISH ARMY
EMPLOYED IN THE
REDUCTIOJV OF THE CAJSTABAS,
UNDER MAJORS-GENERAL WOLFE, AMHERST, b^c
In the Years 1759 and 1760.
WITH
DESCRIPTIONS OF QUEBEC AND MONTREAL.
VWW«iV%/VWV
Letter from Major-General Wolfe, to Secretary Pitt, dated
• Head-Qiiarters, at Montmorenci, in the river
St. Lawrence, September 2, 1759.
Sir,
A WISH I could, upon this occasion, have the honour of trans-
mitting you a more favourable account of the progress of his ma-
jesty's arms ; but the obstacles we have met with in the operations
of the campaign, are much greater than we had reason to expect,
or could foresee ; not so much from the number of the enemy,
(though superior to us,) as from the natural strength of the countiy,
which the marquis de Montcalm seems wisely to depend upon.
When I learned that succours of all kinds had been thrown into
Quebec ; that five battalions of regular troops, completed from the
best inhabitants of the country, some of the troops of the colony, and
every Canadian that was able to bear arms, besides several nations
of savages, had taken the field in a very advantageous situation ; I
could not flatter myself that I should be able to reduce the place.
I sought, however, an occasion to attack their army, knowing well
that with these troops I was able to fight, and hoping that a victory
might disperse them.
A
4
We found them encamped along the shore of Beaufort, from the
river St. Charles to the falls of Montmorenci, and intrenched in
every accessible part. The 27th of June we landed upon the island
of Orleans ; but receiving a message from the admiral that there was
reason to think that the enemy had artillery and a force upon the
point of Levi, I detached brigadier-general Moncton with four bat-
talions to drive them from thence. He passed the river the 29th
at night, and marched the next day to the point. He obliged the
enemy's irregulars to retire, and possessed himself of that post; the
advanced parties upon this occasion had two or three skirmishes with
the Canadians and Indians, with little loss on either side.
Colonel Carleton marched with a detachment to the westernmost
point of the isle of Orleans, from whence our operations were likely
to begin. It was absolutely necessary to possess these two points'
and fortify them, because, from eitiier the one or the other, the
enemy might make it impossible for any ship to lie in the bason of
Quebec, or even within two miles of it. Batteries of mortars and
cannon were erected with great despatch near the point of Levi to
bombard the town and magazines, and to injure the- works artd bat-
teries ; the enemy perceiving these works in some forwardness,
passed the river with 1600 men to attack and destroy them. Un-
luckily they fell into confusion, fired upon one another, and went
back again ; by which we lost an opportunity of defeating this large
detachment. The effect of this artillery had been so great (though
across the river) that the upper town is considerably damaged, and
the lower town entirely destroyed. The works for the security of
our hospital and stores on the isle of Orleans being finished, on the
9th July, at night, we passed the north channel, and encamped near
the enemy's left, the river Montmorenci between us. The next
morning captain Danks's company of rangers, posted in a wood to
cover some workmen, were attacked and defeated by a body of In-
dians, and had so many killed and wounded, as to be almost disabled
for the rest of the campaign ; the enemy also suffered in this affair,
and were in their turn driven off by the nearest troops. The
ground to the eastward of the falls seemed to be (as it really is) higher
ihan that on the enemy's side, and to command it in a manner, which
mie:ht be made useful to us. There is besides a ford below the falls,
which may be passed for some hours in the latter part of the ebb,
and beginning of the flood tide ; and I had hopes, that possibly
means might be found of passing the river above, so as to fight M.
Montcalm upon terms of less disadvantage than directly attacking
his intrenchments. In reconnoitring the river Montmorenci, we
found it fordable at a place about tliree miles up ; but the opposite
bank was intrenched, and so steep and woody, that it was to no pur-
pose to attempt a passage there. The escort was twice attacked by
the Indians, who were as often repulsed; but in these rencounters
â– we had 40 (officers and men) killed and wounded.
The 18th of July, two men of war, two armed sloops, and two
transports with some troops on board, passed by the town without
any loss, and got into the upper river. This enabled me to reconnoi-
tre the country above, where I found the sanae attention on the
enemy's side, and great difficulty on ours, arising from the nature of
the ground, and the obstacles to our communicatix)n with the fleet.
But what I feared most, was, that if xve should land between the
town and cape Rouge, the body first landed could not be reinforced
before they were attacked by the enemy's whole army.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, I thought once of attempting
it at St. Michael's, about three miles above the town ; but perceiving
that the enemy were jealous of the design, were preparing against
it, and had actually brought artillery and a mortar (which being so
near to Quebec they could increase as they pleased) to play upon
the shipping ; and as it must have been many hours before we could
attack them (even supposing a favourable night for the boats to pass
by the town unhurt), it seemed so hazardous that I thought it best
to desist.
However, to divide the enemy's force, and to draw their attention
as high up the river as possible, and to procure some intelligence, I
sent a detachment under the command of colonel Carleton to land at
Pointe de Trempe, to attack whatever he might find there, bring off
some prisoners, and all the useful papers he could get. I had been
informed that a number of the inhabitants of Quebec had retired to
that place, and that probably we should find there a magazine of
provisions.
The colonel was fired upon by a body of Indians the moment he
6
landed, but they were soon dispersed and driven into the woods ; lie
searched for magazines, but to no purpose ; brought off some pri-
soners, and returned with little loss.
After this business I returned to Montmorenci, when I found that
brigadier Townshend had, by a superior fire, prevented the French
from erecting a battery on the bank of the river, from whence they
intended to cannonade our camp. I now resolved to take the first
opportunity that presented itself, of attacking the enemy, though
posted to great advantage, and every where prepared to receive us.
As the men of Avar cannot (for want of sufficient depth of water)
come near enough to the enemy's intrenchments to give them the
least annoyance, the admiral had prepared two transports (drawing
but little water), which upon occasions could be run aground to fa-
vour a descent. With the help of these vessels, which I understood
would be carried by the tide close in shore, I proposed to make my-
self master of a detached redoubt near the water's edge, and whose
situation appeared to be out of musket-shot of the intrenchment on
the hill. If the enemy supported this detached piece, it would ne-
cessarily bring on an engagement, what we most wished for ; and if
not, I should have it in my power to examine their situation, so as to
be able to determine where we could best attack them.
Preparations were accordingly made for an engagement. The
31st July, in the forenoon, the boats of the fleet were filled with gre-
nadiers, and a part of brigadier Moncton's brigade from the point of
Levi. The two brigades under the command of brigadiers Towns-
hfend and Murray, were ordered to be in readiness to pass the ford,
when it might be thought necessary. To facilitate the passage of
this corps, the admiral had placed the Centurion in the channel, so
that she might check the fire of the lower batteries which com-
manded the ford. This ship was of great use, as her fire was very
judiciously directed. A great quantity of artillery was placed on the
eminence, so as to batter and enfilade the left of their intrenchments.
From the vessels which run aground nearest in, I observed that
the redoubt was too much commanded to be kept without very great
loss ; and the more so as the two armed ships could not be brought
near enough to' cover both with their artillery and musketry, which I