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ordinary calculations of military operations, 

 and the circumstance of such a force being not 

 only stopped in its progress, but obliged to re- 

 tire by the exertions of a body of men not 

 amounting in numerical strength to a twentieth 

 part of the assailants, must be a matter of ad- 

 miration whenever it becomes the subject of 

 professional reflection. This exploit, for it well 

 deserves such a name, was achieved by one 

 company of Canadian fencibles, two companies 

 of voltigeurs, some militia forces of different 

 descriptions, with a few Indian auxiliaries, the 

 whole numbering only 300 men, that formed 

 the advanced picquetsofMajor-General de Wat- 

 teville's chain of positions established towards 

 the frontiers, and under the command of Lieut.- 

 Colonel de Salaberry of the Canadian voltigeurs. 

 About 10 o clock A. M. of the 26th October, 

 1813, this active and spirited officer discovered 

 the enemy's cavalry and light troops advancing 

 in force on both sides of the river Chateauguay, 

 when he immediately formed the resolution to 

 oppose him by every obstacle that invincible 

 courage, and the means at his disposal, cotild 

 throw in the way. His handful of men were 

 posted on the north bank of the river in the 

 division of South Georgetown, covered in front 

 by a small blockhouse and an abbatis hastily 

 constructed ; the right flank supported by a 



