370 TRANSACTIONS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. [VoL. VI. 
very short time since, but which, I apprehend, may now be attended 
with much difficulty.”* 
In a letter of the same date to Prevost he said, “I beg to add that if I 
had received from the Niagara line the reinforcement which you directed 
should be sent, I should by this time have had it in my power by the 
destruction of the enemy’s vessels in the harbour of Presque Isle to have 
placed the dockyard and post of Amherst in a. state of security that 
under existing circumstances it cannot be said they are in at present. 
However, though certainly more difficult to be effected, it may not be 
too late if agreeable to requisition, the remainder of the 41st Regiment 
are immediately sent to Long Point. There seems to have been with 
the Provincial Marine a general error which cannot rest with me as I 
early reported to Sir R. H. Sheaffe that an entire change was as requi- 
site on this as the lower lake. Captain Barclay also arrived here in 
error. I am confident of the most cordial co-operation and aid from 
Captain Barclay whose arrival lessened considerably my anxiety. I 
have to transmit a letter from him to me for your Excellency’s consider- 
ation. I have also to mention his strong desire to have some more of 
the Royal Newfoundland Regiment as his greatest reliance is on those 
of that corps at present employed as marines.”+ 
General De Rottenburg who commanded the division engaged in 
blockading the American army at Fort George positively declined to co- 
operate in the proposed expedition against Erie and on July 11th, Proc- 
ter wrote again. 
“By my brigade major I also was informed that the Major General 
could not act with me and Captain Barclay at present; that he must 
first secure the command of the lower lake after which there will be no 
difficulty in recovering the command of the upper one? With all due 
deference I beg leave to dissent from the above. If means had been af- 
forded me which were no more than your Excellency has repeatedly di- 
rected should be sent me, I could in all probability have effected the 
destruction of the enemy’s vessels at Presque Isle and have secured the 
superiority of this lake and also in so doing have made a powerful diver- 
sion in favour of the Centre Division. I am further of opinion if we lose 
the superiority of this lake it will not be recovered without much diff- 
Captain Barclay with all-his resources goes to Long Point to bring 
Lieut. Col. Evans and in the hope of finding naval stores there, and sailors. 
*“ Canadian Archives,” C. 679, p. 17%. 
+‘ Canadian Archives,” C. 679, p. 181. 
