190 THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
controlled command of the lake; without her the enemy has near a 
fourth more guns than I have, as many men and as good, and his 
officers ‘are experienced and brave. With such a disparity of force I 
trust you will approye of my determination of putting nothing at 
hazard until the new ship is fitted, I have the satisfaction of knowing 
that every commissioned officer on this station coincides with me in 
the opinion as to the propriety of remaining in port until we can fit 
the new ship.””! 
He added that the loss of stores by fire during the attack would 
cause a delay of three weeks in the equipment of this ship which was 
launched on the 12th and named the General Pike. On the 14th a 
flag of truce came over from Kingston, ostensibly to release some 
wounded prisoners but inquiries made by the officer in charge led 
Chauncey to suspect that his true mission was to ascertain whether 
all his ships were in port and thus ensure the safety of transports 
proceeding up the lake without convoy. To verify this conjecture, 
the Lady of the Lake commanded by his brother was ordered to sail 
that night to the vicinity of Presqu’ Isle and cruise close into the north 
shore to intercept any such unarmed craft that might venture out. 
On the 16th this vessel captured the schooner, Lady Murray, with a 
valuable cargo of hospital stores and clothing bound from Kingston 
to York. Prisoners taken in her said that a new brig, intended to 
carry twenty guns had been launched at Kingston and several large 
gunboats were under construction.” 
A few days later he received information which he considered 
reliable that four thousand troops had been concentrated at Kingston, 
probably with the intention of making another attack upon Sackett’s 
Harbour, and that Oswego was then being menaced by Yeo for the 
purpose of diverting his attention. His agent reported that boats 
were held in constant readiness for this expedition. The new brig 
would be ready for service by July 1 and six large gunboats and two 
galleys to carry heavy guns were being built. He instantly resolved 
to build another fast sailing schooner of 250 tons for which he had 
both materials and guns on hand. ‘This vessel will not be required,” 
he remarked, “‘if the enemy keeps the lake until I get the General Pike 
ready, for whenever the two fleets meet upon the lake, the mastery will 
be decided and the conqueror left without a rival. I am only appre- 
hensive that he may go into Kingston and wait there until all his force 
is ready in which case he would have the superiority.’ 

1 Chauncey to the Secretary of the Navy, No. 38, June 11. 
? Chauncey to the Secretary of the Navy, No. 45, June 18. 
$ Chauncey to the Secretary of the Navy, No. 49, June 21; Chauncey to the 
Secretary of the Navy, No. 52, June 24. 
