perceived an outpost of the enemy on some high ground in our front, and separated from our column by a deep ravine. This party, however, soon abandoned his position, fearful of being turned, and the columu pushed on, its advance skirmishing with the enemy, until he showed himself in extended order, over some high and tolerably open ground.

"The Rifle company of the Royal West India Rangers were detached through the canes, to turn his left; the 15th Regiment to his right; and the 13th Light-Infantry moved down a road, which led direct to his position. A smart affair now took place, and the enemy was soon driven over a ravine in his rear, on the opposite bank of which he had an entrenchment, and where he again endeavoured to make a stand; but the 13th Light-Infantry, supported by the remainder of the 1st Light-Infantry battalion, forced him from it in a very spirited way; and the whole battalion took post for the night on the ground they had gained, the remainder of the division occupying strong ground in the rear.

"On the 31st, the first brigade moved to a position within twelve hundred yards of, and parallel to, Post Bellair, by which I was in hopes of penetrating to the rear of that work; but on reconnoitring the passes of the ravine between us, they were found so difficult that I was induced to take ground to my right, from whence an approach to the enemy's principal defences was alone practicable: but previous to this movement, having ascertained that artillery might be most usefully employed on that spot, I desired two six-pounders, and two five-and-a-half-inch mortars to be brought up there, which, by the uncommon exertion, I may almost say unparalleled efforts, of the Navy, was effected during the night of the 2nd, and the battery opened on the morning of the 3rd, under the direction of Captain Unett, Royal Artillery. In the evening of the second, I determined to occupy the ridge Beaupairè St. Louis, on the upper part of which the strong post of Bellair is situated; and for this purpose pushed forward the 1st Battalion Grenadiers, under Major Browne, and a detachment of the 4th West India Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Buchan, the whole to be eventually under the command of the latter officer.

"This detachment succeeded in their objects without opposition: but on the morning of the 3rd, the enemy being observed moving in force from his work, evidently intending an attempt to dislodge Lieutenant-Colonel Buchan's party, I lost not a moment in moving to his support with the first brigade. Ere I could reach him, however, a very smart action had commenced, but we arrived in time to complete the repulse, and to drive the enemy back to his post with severe loss.

"Not judging it expedient immediately to attempt the assault of the work, as well from my knowledge of your Excellency's plan, as from the extreme fatigue of the gallant troops, who were impatient to execute it, I contented myself with pushing forward the first Light-Infantry, 15th regiment, and third West India, within a few hundred yards of Bellair. The two former corps were not much annoyed during the remainder of the day, but the enemy made a movement in the afternoon against the third West India regiment, and a company of the Royals under Major Allen, which was spiritedly repulsed, but unfortunately not without loss.

"I grieve to say also the general loss is not inconsiderable, as will appear by the returns of killed and wounded.

During the night we got up two eight-inch howitzer mortars, under the fire of which I proposed to have possessed myself of Post Bellair, but at eight o'clock in the morning of the 4th instant, (being a few hours before the battery was completed,) flags of truce were shown from Bellair and the head-quarters of General Erneuf, which terminated all hostilities.

"With the exception of the Grenadier companies of the second and fourth battalions of the 60th regiment, who, notwithstanding every exertion of their gallant officers, did not conduct themselves to my satisfaction, it only remains for me to express my highest approbation of the good conduct of the division under my command, of their patient endurance of fatigue and deprivation, of their cheerful and prompt obedience to every order, and of their gallantry whenever an opportunity offered for its manifestation.

"Where all deserve so much praise it is difficult to discri minate, but the good fortune of the Grenadiers of the 46th regi

ment under Captain Ogilvie, and of the 1st light battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel David Stewart, brought their merits very conspicuously forward. They in truth behaved most admirably.

"To Brigadier-General Sir Charles Shipley, I am particularly indebted for his indefatigable exertion and friendly co-operation on every occasion from the period of his having reconnoitred the point of debarkation, to his ready assistance in the affair of the 3rd.

"To Brigadier-General Barrow, for his cordial services on all occasions, but especially during the action of the 3rd, when he brought up his brigade in a very handsome manner to my support, I owe my best thanks.

"The arrangements, zeal and activity of Lieutenant-Colonel Riall, on whom the command of my own brigade devolved, have been conspicuous.

"The detachment of the Royal Artillery, under Captain Unett, fully deserve their share of praise: and the conduct of the Royal Engineers, under Brigadier-General Sir Charles Shipley, and Colonel Johnstone, was highly meritorious.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, Deputy-Quarter-Barrack-Master-General, has conducted the duties of his department much to my satisfaction.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, Deputy-Adjutant-General, merits my warmest acknowledgments, by his zealous services, which have been unremitting, and particularly for his exertions and able assistance in the affair of the 3rd.

"Doctor Burke, and the Medical Staff, have ably and diligently performed their duties; and the same credit is due. to Mr. Deputy-Commissary-General Wethered, in his depart

ment.

"I cannot omit mentioning Captain Beatty, Assistant-Quarter-Barrack-Master-General, who having been the Staff Officer principally with me, and having much exerted himself, well deserves at my hands being named to your Excellency.

"I have purposely reserved for a separate statement, the expression of the admiration and gratitude I feel towards those

officers of the Royal Navy, whom Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane was pleased to select for the purpose of co-operating in that branch of the general service, which your Excellency entrusted to me.

"The arrangements of Commodore Ballard for our landing were not only ably made, but successfully executed; and after our landing, the continuance of his cordial and zealous support was unceasing.

"In bringing up the ordnance to our advanced positions Captains Ballard, Stanfell, Elliot, Flynn, and many other officers, rendered the most effectual service and though their exertions I really think were almost unparalleled, such was the spirit, the zeal, and the energy of these gallant officers and their brave men, they made light of difficulties, obstacles, and labors, which would have dispirited and overcome any but British Seamen. "I have the honor to be, &c.

"G. HARCOurt,

Brigadier-General, Commanding 2nd Division.

"To his Excellency Sir G. Beckwith, K. B.

"Sir,

"Commander of the Forces."

"Morne Hoüel, February 5th, 1810.

"Though your Excellency is fully acquainted with the result of yesterday's action between the reserve and the enemy, I should not do justice to the conduct of the troops under my command did I not point out to your Excellency the particulars of an action, in which the courage and coolness of British soldiers was perhaps never more conspicuously displayed.

"Soon after your Excellency had given me instructions for forcing the passage of the river de la Pere, I found an intelligent guide, who promised, at the forfeiture of his own life, to lead my brigade across the river at less than half the distance of the original intended route, but the road was so difficult it would be necessary to pass it in the day time; as therefore no time was to be lost, I decided upon an immediate attack, encouraged the more to this plan as there was a diversion

against the enemy, who at this time was engaged with another division of the army in an opposite direction.

"The brigade was in motion about four o'clock-Major Henderson at the head of the Royal York Rangers; Major Edden with the Grenadier-Battalion was directed to make a diversion to the left, and to avail himself of any opportunity that might offer to force the bridge, agreeable to your Excellency's intention; the detachment of artillery ordered to take advantage of any favorable circumstance that might occur. Myself and Staff accompanied the Royal York Rangers: we proceeded to the banks of the river without meeting any resistance from the enemy but a few random shot and shell. The pass of the river de la Pere was by nature most difficult, and was made still more so by abbatis lined with troops, and every possible obstruction thrown in our way. Here it was the enemy first opened their fire of musketry: but our brave troops, superior to all difficulties, soon forced this passage. Having passed the river, we continued our march for about 100 yards through rugged rocks and bushes, when the front companies branched off into three columns, rapidly ascending the heights, the three leading companies reserving their fire till they gained the same, the remainder firing to their flanks on the enemy, but still following the van: as we approached the summit of the height the ascent became more difficult, and about 500 of the enemy's best troops poured down on us a most destructive fire.

Major Henderson with the three companies who first ascended the heights, found the enemy posted behind abbatis and stockaded redoubts. This intrepid officer did not return the fire of the enemy till within about twenty-five yards distance, and immediately closed with them, followed by the rest of the regiment, and in a few minutes completely routed them. It was about one hour and a half from our being first engaged with the enemy, after the passage of the river, to their complete dispersion, during which time it was impossible for troops to show more cool and undaunted courage than was exhibited upon that occasion by that gallant regiment the Royal York Rangers, to every individual of which I feel highly indebted for the success