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61

In the collections of the Buffalo, N.Y. Historical Society is a memoir of Isaac Roach (which he called a diary), written in 1834 and recounting his experiences during the War of 1812

Isaac Roach was a native of Philadelphia and joined the army as a second lieutenant when the war began. In early September 1812, as a part of Colonel Winfield Scott's regiment, he marched for the Canadian frontier. October 5, he reached Buffalo. The tale he tells is an interesting one, though what he calls the "Detroit" was probably the "Queen Charlotte.' That part of the memoir (or diary) dealing with Perry and the British follows:

Not wishing to be Idle I requested Col. Scott to offer my services to Lt. Elliott of our navy who was fitting out a small Vessel at Black Rock for service on Lake Erie, Col. Scott no doubt telling him I had a desire to get into business. When the Cole returned to our encampment our Battallion was ordered down to Black-Rock to protect our vessels, and I was informed my desire to smell Gun-powder was soon to be gratified. Lt. Elliott thinking his outfit too tedious fancied Two of the Enemies Vessels already equipped, and Riding at Anchor in apparent Security close under their Cannon of Fort Erie, at the outlet of Lake Erie and directly in sight of us.

Lt. Elliot informed me he intended to embark at night in Two Row- boats and cut out the Two Brigs -- both of them were armed. But we must have them as they would add to our intended force on Lake Erie. He was much pleased with my offer to go with him, and to take 50 men from our Regt. It was arranged that I was to go in the Boat with him, and to attack the Largest Vessel. She was called the Detroit and was well manned with small arms & Pikes & carrying 4 iron 6 pounders cannon the other Brig was the Caledonia not so well armed. an Incident occurred previous to embarkation very flattering to a young & untried officer but exemplifying the attachments of officers & men to an Adjutant who is zealous to do his duty. When Col. Scott paraded the Battallion and I read the order directing the detail of 50 men to be placed under the command of adjut. Roach for the purpose of attacking the Enemys vessels then in sight and moored for safety under their Battery. The Col. in- forming the Battallion no one could go without expecting a hard fight and advising that none but brave & discreet men should go as so much depended on their coolness. He was disposed to give some of our Lads an opportun- ity of tilting with our Enemy and directed that the Volunteers at the word March should step 4 paces in the front of the Line; When I ordered Volunteers to the front March; I believe every man officers & all rushed forward. This was a proud moment to me, and could not but feel that some of this burst of zeal arose as well from confidence in myself as of patriotism, turning round to Col Scott I found him delighted with this evidence of spirit and said "dress your line Sir, and select your Vol - unteers" and this was not easily done for while going down the line with my Sergt Major every face was pushed forward with "can I go Sir - take me Mr. Adjt. -- dont forget McGee - I'm a Philada Boy and a great variety of such expression making it difficult to select when all deserved to go and I was compelled to take 60 men -