[coyNE] THE TALBOT PAPERS 193 
General Procter to Talbot. 
Sandwich September 23d. 1813 
My dear Colonel. 
I have to thank you for your Letter by Captain Blackhouse. As 
our ill fated Fleet has certainly been all taken or destroyed It would 
be the almost certain Loss of any Boats to send them to you by the 
Lake; tho’ the 150 Barrels of Flour you sent by Mr. Smith are for- 
tunately arrived safe at Amherstburg. If Boats can be sent you from 
the Thames it shall be done. I hope Sir James Yeo may be able to 
effect Something to counterbalance our Disaster on this Lake. He 
was at Anchor on the 15th inst. in the Bay of Quentee. He was to 
sail next morning to meet the Enemy. You are aware that I cannot 
remain in my present Position without the Risk of being cut off from 
all Supplies. I have with much Difficulty brought the Principal Part 
of the Indians to reason. I have much to say to you, but I am much 
pressed for time, and Captain Blackhouse is very anxious of being off. 
The State of the Roads and the Bridges are a primary Consideration 
at present, especially those thro’ the wilderness. I conceive tnat a 
couple of good Huts, two Rooms in each, should be constructed ih the 
wilderness, also Cover for a few Horses, at the 14 Mile Tree, where 
there is a Creek of tolorable good Water. If you will cause it to be 
done, I shall sanction the Expense, and the Public and I will be obliged 
to you. Many would be glad of such a Situation to keep a House of 
Accommodation. The Bridges are bad some of them on this Side of 
the wilderness, and also between Delaware and Dorchester. Our Prin- 
cipal Depot of Flour should be I conceive at Delaware. I shall direct 
accordingly, if you see no Reason to the contrary. Pray let me often 
hear from you. I shall feel obliged to you for any Suggestions you 
may favor me with, for the forwarding the Service or the public Good. 
_ My Sick are on the Thames as are my women. I have also removed 
the little heavy Ordnance T have left. It was taken on Board the 
unfortunate Detroit. Poor Barclay! I have sent Mrs. Proctor off and 
fear -she will have much to encounter. My eldest Daughter was ill, 
and but little recovered when she set off, three Days since. What a 
sudden, what a complete Reverse! If Poor Barclay & I had been 
attended to our Reverse would not have happened. 
Believe me, 
with much esteen & Regard 
faithfully yours, 
(sgd) HENRY PrROcTER. 
Sec. II., 1907. 13. 
