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JOHN MILLER TO WORTHINGTON

Camp Meigs June 24th 1813.

Respected Sir

I do myself the pleasure of writing you a few lines, but I have no news to give you worth relating since the siege -- And it would now be superfluous and indeed improper in me to say anything concerning it, or the engagements on both sides of the river on the 5th Ult. as you have no doubt, long before this time, had an opportunity of seeing Genl Harrisons official communications on those subjects, to the secretary of war

Four men from Detroyt arrived at this place about the first of this Month and says that the British expect large reenforcements of Indians at Malden about the first of July -- they say to the amt. of 8000 -- And two persons arrived here on Sunday last from the same place, one of which was a prisoner taken from this place by the Indians on the 5th Ulto. and says that previous to their leaving Detroit upwards of two thousand Indians had arrived at Malden which would make their Indian force at that place about four thousand strong; but I am of the opinion the statement, as to the number of Indians, is some what questionable - that there is no doubt but they have recd very considerable reenforcements since the siege at this place our informents also state that the British had about 50 regulars, 60 militia and near 100 Indians killed at this place during the siege --

Our forces are now consentrating at this place but when we shall start for Malden a point of destination -- I cannot say -- Genl Harrison left this place a few days after the siege, and has not as yet returned; but is expected in a day or two -

The officers belonging to this department of the army complain very much of the numerous appointments of Citizens and even private soldiers over them, and of those appointments are confirmed by the Senate, I fear it will be the cause of many very tolerable young men leaving the service-- I must confess I cannot blame them -- if they do, for it is calculated to destroy every thing like ardour, or enterprise in young men of fortune and of talents and after having served a considerable time, perhaps fought two or three battles and distinguished themselves (putting danger out of the question) to have a citizen or a common soldier placed over them -- which has been the case in several instances -- Sergeants Leville [?] & Anderson have been appointed 3d Leuts. over Ensigns Litchell, Stocktori & Harrison -- who have been in service for some time, and have done themselves honor & their country service in battle, and on very for[?] indeed, supperior, in point of talents and respectability; but I feel confident from the liberal and independent course of conduct you have hitherto pursued, that it is only necessary to mention this subject to you, and you will make use of your best endeavours to have a stop put to a practices which if pursued is so much calculated in my opinion to injure the service and destroy the peace and harmony of officers --

Be so good as to write ne by the first opportunity -- We have recd the pleasant intelligence of the taking of York, Fort George, Erie, Queenstown & Kingston by the troops under Genl. Dearborn - I trust the Feds or British party will cease to abuse the old Genls Coat

I am with great regard your obt servt

John Miller

Genl Thos. Worthington

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