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29

Captn. Hall R.N.

BARCLAY TO YEO

No. 15. H. M. Ship Queen Charlotte

Augt. 5th. 1813 off Presque Isle.

Sir

The time is now come which I have so long feared that of being obliged to withdraw from this without supplies.

In reconnoitreing the Enemy's Squadron this Morning I found them all over the Bar; Viz. two large Brigs - 1 Trawler and 7 Schooners.

I before did myself the honor to state to you our Comparative force and I hope that taking into consideration the great disparity and also the certainty of Speedy reinforcement by having the Detroit - You will approve of what I have done for what in my opinion is best for the pre- servation of His Majesty'f Squadron and also for ultimately having the Superiority on this Lake

But the greatest misfortune attending their being on the Lake is that no farther Supplies can be sent from Long Point & that the Seamen will now have to be sent by Land; there are no boats at Long Point that could convoy many, even if you choose to risk their coming by Water, when it is probable the Enemy will be doing all he can to prevent any thing coming up that way there are only one large Boat and a common Battoe.

And as to the Guns I should recommend their being kept at Burlington and I will run the Detroit with such Guns as I can procure at Amherstburg then come down and have them immediately sent over.

They have not as yet made any show of following us, but if they were not ready for Service they would hardly venture over the bar; although under the protection of their Batteries and I think it more probable from the great addition to their Military Strength at Presque Isle that their first attempt will be to reinforce Harrison and cut off Genl Proctors retreat but it is to be hoped from the length of time that he has been there that he may have effected his purpose.

I have sent Lieut. O'Keefe of the 41st. Regt. to ensure your receiving this letter, and I have directed him to join me again without delay at Amherstburg in the event of meeting any body of Seamen that he may assist them in every way to cause their speedy arrival at Amherstburg as certain as is in my power

I have the honor to be Sir Your Obedt. Servant

(Signed) R. H. B.