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50

second in Command, and the very small number of Able Seamen left in the Squadron at a moment when the judgment of the Officer, and Skilful ex- ertions of the Sailor were most immediately called for.

To the British Seamen Captain Barclay bestows the highest praise that they behaved like British Seamen - From the Officers and Soldiers of the Regular Forces serving as Marines Captain Barclay experienced every support within their power and states that their conduct has excited his warmest thanks and admiration.

Deprived of the pain of Victory, when almost within his grasp, by an overwhelming Force which the Enemy possessed in reserve, aided by an accumulation of unfortunate circumstances, Captain Barclay and his bravo Crew have by their gallant daring and self devotion to their Countrys cause, preserved its honor and their own even in defeat.

Certified to be a true Extract from the General orders of the Army of Canada

Edward Baynes
Adjt Genl

PROCTOR TO BARCLAY

Quebec June 5th 1814

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letter of the lst. Inst.

I can feel no Hesitation in saying that I deemed it absolutely necessary for the Preservation of the Division of the Army under my Command that an Action should be immediately fought for the Purpose of opening a Water Communication between Amherstburg and Long Point to enable the requisite Supplies to be conveyed from thence to the right Division of the Army. It is equally certain that the Fate of the Squadron was involved in that of the Army. In the Discussions which took place between us in consequence of your Letter addressed to me at Sandwich stating to the best of my Recollection the Wants of the Squadron and Army and the consequence Necessity of risking an Engagement I expressed to you, my entire Concurrence & Approbation on of that Measure and I still feel that it was one which could not be avoided. I am happy that you have had an Opportunity of perusing my Correspondence with Head Quarters as you will have perceived from it that if the Squadron was so ill supplied with Seamen it was not owing to any Remissness on my Part, in failing to communicate the Want of then, and urging from Time to Time the great and absolute Necessity of supplying it.

I am,Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

Henry Procter Major General