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October 12, 14, 15, 16 - 1814 Chippawa (creek) UC

Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 9:41 am
by pud
From the journal of Lt. John Le Couteur, D.E. Graves. Carlton University Press, Ottawa, Ontario. 1993. pp. 207-208.

12 October
On Picquet last night, Marquis [of Tweeddale] is wonderfully vigilant. He sits up with us and watches by the hour. A fine Gentlemen and Soldier - something like our dear Drummond. Have had my eyes straining since daylight at sundry Yankees on the other bank. Izard's army went up to Erie & is crossing to our side. Deserters say they menace another move upon us. They will never force the [Chippawa] Creek, in my opinion, if we protect the right well by the Glengarry, Militia and Indians.

14 October
The Alarm guns fired early and the 100th, 89th [Regiments] and us marched up to Lundy's Lane. Obliged to bivouac & sleep without blankets - a cold birth. Generals Brown and Izard and eight thousand men advanced to Streets creek. They fired a few shots and shells at the Glengarrys.

15 October
Moved on about two miles and quartered ourselves. No sooner were we snug [then] the 100th [Regiment] came up and the Marquis sent us on. We halted and occupied a tavern by Lundy's Lane, for the day we hope. Walked over the deathful and dearly disputed ground of our battle on the 25th [of July 1814]. It was very good position. If the Church had been occupied and loop-holed, the position would have been impregnable and of easy defence - propose to sketch it tomorrow! Never trust to tomorrow young Soldier.

16 October
Turned out last night at 8 and moved on, halted in rear of the entrenchments at Chippewa. Half frozen all night through from the intense cold, obliged to stand up as the ground was too wet sleep on. A few shots fired by the Americans at some [four] of their deserters coming to us. After daylight we observed a body of the enemy near a mile off over the Creek, a strong picquet probably. The main force is in the woods and probably moving up to attempt getting round our right. Do not think they will attempt the battery plan again, our tete de Pont is a stout one.