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British
Charles
de Salaberry responds to the Legislative Assembly's unanimous vote of
thanks
The Battle of Chateauguay
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Salaberry's letter to his father after the Battle of Chateauguay
My dear Father,
The 26th has been a glorious day for me and those of my troops engaged.
The American army commanded by Gen'l Hampton and another general has been
repulsed by a little band - all Canadians - and yesterday that army commenced
its retreat, or will endeavour to get into this country through some other
road. The enemy's force consisted of all his troops, about 7,000 men and
5 pieces of cannon, 300 cavalry. The action lasted four hours, and it
ended in the enemy being obliged to return to his former position five
miles back, leaving many of his dead and wounded behind and a great number
of his men scattered in the woods, also many drums, 150 firelocks and
baggage. The number of my men engaged did not exceed three hundred. The
rest were in reserve in the lines I had constructed. Our killed and wounded
were only 24 including officers, there were none but Canadians amongst
us. I was in the first line during the whole of the action and afterwards,
with a small reserve, beat off a large body of Americans and saved Capt.
Daily and his company. I chose my own ground and after the action pushed
in my piquets two miles in advance of where they were before. Without
arrogating to myself too much credit, I am proud to think that this defence,
on our part, has at least prevented the American army from penetrating
to La Prairie. We are here situated about 35 miles from Montreal. This
is certainly a most extraordinary affair. Chevalier and all officers in
this action conducted themselves with great bravery. The prisoners have
been about 25. We are all very much harassed and I am not well.
I remain in haste, my dear Father, Yours faithfully,
Ch. de Salaberry
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