TNGenWeb Project/TNGenNet, Inc., (a Tennessee nonprofit public benefit corporation). "The Howard-Smith Collection" Transcription copyright: 1998, by Mrs. F. A. Augsbury; all rights reserved. The originals are at the McClung Library in Knoxville. This file is in text format. Please use your browser's "back" button to return to the previous page. ********************************************************************************* To: The Honorable John Armstrong, Secretary of War From: Edmund P. Gaines, Brigadier General Commanding, Headquarters, Fort Erie, Upper Canada ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Head quarters Fort Erie Upper Canada August 15th 1814 7 A.M. Dear Sir My Heart is Gladened with Gratitude to Heaven, and Joy to my Country to have it in my power to inform you that the Gallant army under my command has this morning taken the enemy commanded by Lieutenant General Drummand after a severe conflict of near three Hours, commencing at 2 oclock A.M. They attacked us on each flank, got possession of the salient Bastion of the Old Fort Erie, which was regained at the point of the bayonet with a dreadfull slaughter. The enemy loss in Killed and Prisoners is about 600-near three Hundred Killed. our loss is considerable but I think not one tenth as great as that of the enemy. I will not detain the express to give the particulars I am preparing my force to follow up the blow with Great respect & Esteem Your Obedient Servant Hon. John Armstrong Edmund P. Gaines Secretary of war Brig. General commanding