1814.

BRITISH TAKE FORT SHELBY.

913

rangers from both these barges opened a brisk fire on the Indians. The unequal contest was kept up for more than an hour; the Indians firing from the island and the shore under cover, when the commander's barge took fire. Captain Hector cut his cable, fell to windward, and took out the survivors. Captain Biggs soon after followed with his barge, and all returned to St. Louis.

" There were three regulars, four rangers, one woman and one child, killed; and sixteen wounded, among whom were Major Campbell and Dr. Stewart, severely."

On the 6th of August, the Gazette, (the authority for these details,) states:

"Just as we had put our paper to press, Lieutenant Perkins, with the troops which composed the garrison at Prairie du Chien, arrived here. Lieutenant Perkins fought the combined force of British and Indians three days and nights, until they approached the pickets by mining; provisions, ammunition and water were expended, when he capitulated. The officers to keep their private property, and the whole not to serve until duly exchanged. Five of our troops were wounded during the siege."

In a letter from Captain Teizer, to Governor Clark, dated, St. Louis, July 28th, 1814, is found the following statement:

"Captain Y. commanded one of the gun-boats, a keel-boat fitted up in the manner heretofore described. On the 17th July, at half past one o'clock, from twelve to fifteen hundred British and Indians, marched up in full view of the fort and the town, and demanded a surrender, 'which demand was positively refused.'

" They attacked Mr. Yeizer's boat at three o'clock, at long-shot distance. He returned the compliment by firing round-shot from his six pounder, which made them change their position to a small mound nearer the boat. At the same time the Indians were firing from behind the houses and pickets. The boat then moved up the river to the head of the village; keeping up a constant discharge of fire-arms and artillery, which was answered by the enemy from the shore.

"The enemy's boats then crossed the river below, to attack the Americans from the opposite side of the river. A galling fire from opposite points was now kept up by the enemy, on this boat, until the only alternative was left for Captain Yeizer to run the boat through the enemy's lines to a point five miles below; keeping up a brisk fire.

"In the meantime, another gun-boat that lay on shore, was fired on until it took fire and was burnt. In Captain Yeizer's boat, two officers and four privates were wounded, and one private killed.