War of 1812 Bicentennial

United States.

Letter from Col. Boerstler, to his father, Dr. Boerstler.

Head of Lake Ontario, (U.C.) June 25, 1813.

Dear Father—It becomes my unfortunate lot to inform you, that yesterday I was taken prisoner with a detachment under my command, amounting to near 500 men, after an engagement of about three hours. I lost not many killed, about forty wounded, and five or six officers, myself a flesh wound of no consequence. I am on my way to Kingston.—I shall write to you every opportunity.—The officers under my command must say whether your son did his duty. I need not state to you that I was 17 miles from Fort George, and surrounded on all sides by more than my numbers, and the enemy's force increasing, while mine was constantly diminishing, ammunition nearly exhausted, men wearied with a march of ten miles, without a mouthful of refreshment;—then the engagement; then to fight our way back the whole distance, surrounded with woods, and filled with Indians.—On the score of humanity I determined to capitulate, as it was extremely doubtful whether a man to us would reach Fort George. What I say will be sufficient for you—My country must apply to those under my command.          Your son,

Charles.  

Derr Sir—I pray you to believe that your son is not condemned for being unfortunate.—Respectfully, Sir your most obed't serv't,       W. Scott.

Dr. C. Boerstler.