_Lieutenant Elliott to Commodore Chauncey, dated_
BLACK ROCK, _October 10, 1812_.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, on the morning of the
6th instant, two vessels, under British colors, came down Lake
Erie, and anchored under the protection of Fort Erie; that,
on the same day, a detachment of men arrived from New York,
accompanied by Sailing-masters Watts and Chisson, with some
masters' mates and midshipmen; that, on the morning following,
I, with two boats previously prepared for the purpose, boarded
and took possession of them, with the loss of two men killed,
Samuel Fortune and Daniel Martin, and four wounded--Acting
Midshipman John C. Cummings, John Garling, Nathan Armstrong,
Jerome Sardie, and John Yosen. As there is not a probability
of your receiving this shortly, I have made a communication to
the Department upon the subject, a copy of which I enclose for
your perusal. I beg you will not have conceived me hasty in
making this attack. I acted as if the action came directly from
yourself.
Let me recommend to your particular attention the officers
and men who performed this service--each and all did their
duty. The ensign of the Adams I will send you at an early
opportunity; it is at your disposal. The particulars, as it
regards the vessels, I will forward you in a day or two; at
present I am much engaged. With sentiments, &c.
P. S. I have neglected mentioning to you the names of the
vessels captured. One, His Britannic Majesty's brig, "the
Detroit," formerly the United States' brig Adams; the other,
a brig belonging to the Northwest Company, loaded with skins,
called the Caledonia.
_Commodore Chauncey to Paul Hamilton, Esq., Secretary of the Navy._
SACKETT'S HARBOR, _October 16, 1812_.
SIR: I have great pleasure in informing you that, by a
gentleman who arrived here yesterday afternoon, from Buffalo,
I learn that Lieutenant Elliott, with about sixty sailors, and
a number of volunteer militia, cut out from under the guns of
Fort Erie, on the night of the 8th instant, the brig Adams
(lately surrendered at Detroit) and the schooner Caledonia,
laden with peltry, said to be very valuable; but, in running
these vessels for Black Rock, they both grounded, in such a
situation that the British fort was firing on them, when my
informant left there on Friday morning last. It was, however,
believed that, if they could not be got off, they could be
destroyed. I, however, hope that Lieutenant Elliott will
be able to save both vessels; for, such an addition to our
little force on Lake Erie, at this time, would be invaluable.
Lieutenant Elliott deserves much praise for the promptness with
which he executed this service; as the sailors had only arrived
at Black Rock on the 8th, and he had no particular orders from
me, except to have boats built and prepared for cutting out the
British vessels, which I knew rendezvoused near Fort Erie. If
Lieutenant Elliott succeeds in saving the Adams and Caledonia,
I think that we shall obtain the command of Lake Erie before
December; but, as to this lake, I hardly know what to say, as
there has not a single pound of powder, nor a gun, arrived yet,
and I can make no calculation when any will arrive. I feel
quite discouraged, and shall be tempted to seek the enemy, with
the Oneida alone, if the guns do not arrive soon.
The sailors have all arrived at their places of destination;
but the marines have not arrived. I, however, hope to see them
to-day or to-morrow.