I reached the spot soon after sun-set, and intended to have renewed the attempt to recover the Detroit, which I had _every_ prospect of accomplishing, assisted by the crew of the Lady Prevost, which vessel had anchored a short time before; but before the necessary arrangements could be made, the enemy boarded her, and in a few minutes she was seen in flames.
This event is particularly unfortunate, and may reduce us to incalculable distress.

The enemy is making every exertion to gain a naval superiority on both lakes, which if they accomplish I do not see how we can retain the country.

More vessels are fitting out for war on the other side of Squaw Island, which I should have attempted to destroy but for your excellency's repeated instructions to forbear.

Now such a force is collected for their protection as will render every operation against them very hazardous.

The manner our guns were served yesterday, points out the necessity of an increase, if possible, of artillerymen to our present small number of regulars.