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McARTHUR TO WORTHINGTON

Fruit hill Feby 6th 1813

Dear sir,

Last evening I recd a letter from Genl Harrison which gives a more favour- able account of the affair at the river Raisin than the last, to wit. "The accounts lately recd. from the river Raisin are, that there are about six hundred of our men prisoners -- that a part of them fought most desperately - and killed a great number of the enemy." A letter to the Governor states that Genl. Winchester & Col. Lewis are amonge the prisoners. Genl. H. acids that he has recd. a Packet of Blank commissions from the war office, for twelve months volunteers, and askes me to accept one of them. By the bill which you inclosed me I was induced to believe that the law on the subject of volunteers would be repealed. which is perhaps the case, but that Genl. Harrison is not yet advised of it. We have passed a law giving a credit for a tour of duty to any person who were now volunteer for three months. I cannot say yet what effect it will have but this we all knorr that unless something is speedily done all will be lost. In the common sense, why did not Government order out a sufficient force of militia to fill the ranks of those who term of service is about to expire? Ohio & Kentucl,y are doing every thing in their power but it ought not to be expected that they can carry on the war, in this quarter with success.

The fronteer is too extensive, and if no movement is made at Black rock, all the force of upper Canada, will be prepared to meet Genl. Harrison. Should the present Campaign fail when will the present war end? A little energy at first, would have conquerd upper Canada. and the militia of that country, without firing a gun, but now we must fight every man in the country.

It is true, that the militia and volunteers of our country, have so far been unsuccessful, but I cannot believe the fault was all with the men, or the manner in which they were raised. Would it not be advisable for government to give a bounty either in land, or money to any who would immediately turn out and assist in reducing Canada?

respectfully yours,

Duncan McArthur

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