158 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
to a crisis at Niagara. Since the beginning of the troubles (for so I 
must call them) the Genl. never was so strong—-we expect a few, & 
but a few, Regular Troops to this place—under it is sd. Col. Short— 
Majr. Fuller has been perfectly deranged— Allen your old acquaint- 
ance, as Major in the Militia, has in effect the command of the Gar- 
rison and has acted with much judgt & discretion. There is an ugly 
report of a Frigat of our La Gueriere having been taken by the Consti- 
tution an American Ship— Our vessel it is said was so much battered, 
that she sunk the moment she was taken—but this is American News 
it may be a lie—but [ am somewhat apprehensive 

conveyed to Niagara 
of its truth. 
They, the Americans, have taken off the roof from their fort at 
Niagara and have erected a Battery on the Stone-work which remains— 
Numbers are leaving the American Camp but whether from a faint 
or by Desertion we do not know—it is said they are sickely &c. &c. 
but we ought not to be too credulous. An American vessel was taken 
on the Lake near us, but alas our men of war were not good calculators, 
for upon examination it was found that at the time of the capture, 
Hostilities had ceased, & were not to be renewed till two days after. 
It is strongly reported that part of the Militia at Albany have refused 
to march out of their state— & that blood has been spilt on the occa- 
sion. The repeal of the orders in Council by G. Bn. ought to satisfy 
the American Government but the leaders will not be satisfied—but it 
is said that the Federalists exclaim much against their Government for, 
under such circumstances continuing the war— that this was the cry 
at Albany—but enough and more than enough. Should a defeat on 
the part of our Enemies take place at Niagara we have much to hope 
if otherwise—much to Fear— Farewell. 
Yours most truly 
THos Scort. 
Col. Talbot. 
Lieut. Col. Macdonell P.A.D.C. to Talbot. 
Fort George 12th September 1812. 
My Dear Colonel 
In obedience to the commands of His Honor the President I have 
to announce to you his desire that you will be pleased to recal the 
Companies of Militia, which you may have detached in consequence of 
his recent orders to that effect, and it is further his intention to send 
back the Flank Companies of Oxford, lately arrived in this vicinity, 
