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MCARTHUR TO WORTHINGTON

Headquarters FortFinley June 26th 1812

Dear Sir

Your favour of the 23rd Ulto by way of Detroit I recd a few days since by Genl. Lucas on his return from that place. He was sent by Governor Meigs from Dayton by way of Sanduske the Rapids &c. He states that Detroit is in a very defencless situation.- That the British are fortifying and reinforcing Malden -- That Genl Brock arived there by water with about 100 regular troops whilst he was at Detroit -- That from what he could learn there was about three hundred regular troops at that place & more expected daily -- That they were rebuilding the fort &C -- And that there were at least 500 Indians encamped near Brownstown and more coming in daily, who were receiving regular supplies of provision &c. from the British garrison.

It appears to be the opinion of all that we can see from that quarter, that we will meet with a Brush as we pass through the neighbourhood of Brown's Town. and I think from the appearence of the army at present, that they will have no great ob- jections to an interview & the exchange of a few shots with them. The greatest unanimiity now prevales in the army both officers and men. appear to be friendly and both regulars and volunteers treat each other with the greatest attention and politeness.

Genl. Hull appears to give entire satisfaction he is both friendly and attentive.

You may think it strange that we are not further advanced on our march, especially after knowing that our Volunteers were raised and rendezvoused at Dayton on such short notice, and so early in the season but I assure you sir, that the delay of the army has not arisen from the want of diligence in the officers, or willingness in the men. The truth is that when the army assembled at Dayton it consisted of nothing but men. there was neither tents Blankets axes, arms or amunition. Neither was there stores of any kind for the use of the army. however, to make short of the matter, the chief delay arising since the arival of the 4th US Regt has been the want of amunition and waggons to convey the Flower salt and Baggage. Waggons for the safe conveyance of the ammunition were made at Cincinnati after the arival of Genl. Hull at Dayton which was the first time he discovered that none were provided. when the Powder and lead came to camp there was not a cartridge made, and the army is not yet supplyed with Cart- ridges altho every man who can make one, is constantly employed every time the army halts. Provisions of every kind is plenty in the settlements, but the contractors who are engaged to furnish us, have made such Calcualtions with respect to the conveyance of it that the army has not been able to march, much more than half its time for want of it.

This delay for want of provisions and other military stores has enabled us to build Forts or Double Block houses in several places and to open a prety good road. we are now on Blanchards fork of the Oglaze about 40 miles from the foot of the rapids. Col. James Dunlap has just arived expressed from Chillicothe with a letter from the Secretary of War to Genl Hull dated the 18th. Inst. The army will leave this morning at 5 oclock, with but very little flower. but plenty of poor Beef. we expect to make forced marches to the rapids and further if necessary. respectfully I am yours in great haste

Duncan McArthur

Genl T Worthington

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