Icrtjikshank] from ISLE AUX NOIX TO CHATEAUGUAY 171 



Cold and stormy weather had again set in and on November 22, 

 Dearborn began his retreat with the avowed intention of placing his 

 troops in winter quarters at Plattsburg, Burlington and Greenbush. 

 This fact was definitely reported to Prévost on November 26 and he 

 immediately disbanded the sedentary militia by a highly complimentary 

 general order On the following day the greater portion of the troops 

 were again withdrawn into cantonments. Major de Salaberry was 

 deservedly praised for his capable conduct while in command of the 

 outposts and was soon after granted a step in rank.* 



Finding that the American forces had been massed on the extreme 

 right of their line, Prévost had determined some days before the attack 

 upon Odelltown, to create a diversion by a counterstroke on the post 

 at French Mills on their left, which was a standing menace to the navi- 

 gation of the St. Lawrence as well as a source of serious alarm to the 

 Indians of St. Regis. Captain Gray was accordingly instructed to 

 attempt to take it by surprise while on his way to Kingston in charge 

 of a brigade of boats. Gray was accompanied by two senior officers, 

 Major Macdonell of the Glengarry Light Infantry and Major Clerk 

 of the 49th, whose presence seems to have caused him some embarass- 

 ment. On November 22, the convoy arrived at Glengarry House and 

 orders were sent to Lieut. Colonels McMillan and McLean, commanding 

 the 1st Glengarry and 1st Stormont Militia to march to that place 

 with all the men they could collect. As the flank companies of his 

 regiment were in garrison at Prescott, McLean was obliged to call upon 

 the militia residing in the neighbourhood of Cornwall, yet in two hours 

 more than 250 had assembled. He was materially assisted by the 

 energetic exertions and great influence of Reverend Alexander Mac- 

 donell, their parish priest. At 11 p.m. the troops were embarked and 

 two hours later landed below St. Regis whence a road led to the enemy's 

 position. McLean was detached with his men to occupy St. Regis 

 village and prevent its inhabitants from giving the alarm. The re- 

 mainder of the force, numbering 150 of all ranks, preceded by Rox- 

 borough's company of the Glengarry Light Infantry, under Major 

 Macdonell, at a distance of sixty paces, as an advance guard began its 

 march through the woods towards the mouth of Salmon river where the 

 enemy had built a blockhouse, which they had named Fort Invincible, 

 in honour of a company of volunteers, who had rather boastfully assumed 

 the title of the Troy Invincibles. The main body was entirely composed 

 of Glengarry militia under Lieut. Colonel McMillan. Thirty Indians 

 commanded by Captain Anderson brought up the rear. Before reach- 

 ing the village of French Mills the column was compelled to pass two 

 bridges. After crossing the first, the advanced guard was fired upon 

 *General Orders, Nov. 26 and 27. 



