Recollections & Extracts From The Journals Of Miss Anne Prevost Anne Prevost - Biography Women and War

Part 11: Summer of 1814; George Prevost arrives at Plattsburg Summer 1814: During all this summer, my Father was employed in frequently visiting the out posts, and he appeared to be greatly interested in the fitting out of a small Squadron in Lake Champlain. Captain Fisher was the senior Officer and he and my Father always appeared to be on the most cordial terms–he was several times at Montreal; but just as the Fleet was nearly ready, Sir James Yeo thought it proper to supersede Captain Fisher, whose local knowledge must have been of value, and to appoint Captain Downie to the command. About 9000 men were concentrated in the Champlain Frontier and it was generally understood that as soon as the equipment of the Squadron was completed, an expedition would be affected into the Enemy's territory. On the 30th August I made breakfast for my Father and his suite at half past 6, previous to their departure on this ill fated Expedition. I was most sanguine that something very brilliant would be achieved. I had often thought with regret that my Father had never yet been engaged in any bright affair–he had considered it necessary to conduct the defence of the Canadas with much caution–defence, not conquest was necessarily his object. But now I thought the time had arrived when all murmurs would be silenced–I was delighted to think my Father was commanding some thousands of Wellington's Soldiers! Precious as was my Father's life, still I was so true a Soldier's daughter, I valued his renown even more. O how high the pulse of Hope beat at that moment. I do not recollect that I had any sort of fear as to the result of the Expedition. I looked forward to certain Victory. On the 3rd September we heard from my Father that he should be within the Enemy's territory the next day. This day too, we heard of the capture of Washington–I was delighted, and thought still better news would soon come. The 8th September we heard that my Father had established his Head Quarters within sight of Plattsburg. The Army were waiting for the Fleet, as the attack on the Squadron and the Fort was to be simultaneous.