76 THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



After the road to Plattsburg had been improved to his satisfac- 

 tion, Hampton was joined by a brigade of New York militia, command- 

 ed by General Hopkins, which was rather unwisely pushed forward 

 to occupy the most advanced position at the Douglas settlement 

 within three miles of the boundary, whence all but a few regular 

 troops had been withdrawn. A log field work and blockhouse had 

 been built at that place and named Fort Hampton, but was also 

 sometimes known as Fort Hickory. 1 



As two weeks had then elapsed without receiving any orders 

 or message of any kind from the Secretary of War, Hampton naturally 

 became very uneasy. 



"My solicitude to know your progress and the real state of the 

 grand army is extreme," he wrote. "It is perhaps not less necessary for 

 both that I should be constantly informed. Implicit faith, cordiality, 

 and concert ought to unite our efforts. These have formed the basis 

 of our exertions so far and promise more than our numbers the result 

 so much desired. I have no reference to individuals but to the heart 

 of every man. The point and moment of our junction is all important 

 and that and not the moment of my departure from hence ought to be 

 indicated because I ought to be the best judge of the time necessary to 

 surmount the obstacles in the way. Between this and Caughnawaga 

 much work on the road is necessary and I ought to advance upon it two 

 or three days earlier than might be judged necessary on a smooth and 

 solid road. By seizing and holding important points in front, the 

 work could progress in my rear without incurring risk until I arrived 

 within striking distance. You have said 'hold fast' and it might be 

 considered precipitate to advance before I hear at least that the Rubi- 

 con is passed above." 2 



This letter was carried by Major Parker, an officer in whom he 

 placed much reliance. While awaiting a reply all the teams and 

 waggons that could be found in the surrounding country were impressed 

 and brought into camp and an order was issued warning the troops to 

 be in readiness to move at two hours' notice and all officers were 

 required to reduce their personal baggage to the lowest limit. 



On the 18th a letter from Armstrong, dated two days earlier, 

 arrived by express, stating that Wilkinson's troops would begin their 

 advance that day from Sackett's Harbour to Grenadier Island but 

 that it was still undecided whether their next movement would be 

 against Kingston or in the direction of Montreal. 



"The manœuvre intended is lost, so far as regards Kingston," 

 Armstrong added dolefully. "What we now do against that place 



1 J. S. van Rensselaer to S. van Rensselaer, Oct. 15. 

 ? Hampton to Armstrong, Oct. 12. 



