"Dans le bois en haut de la rivière
Chateauguay, Oct. 29, 1813
My dear Father,
The 26th has been a glorious day for me and those of my troops engaged. The American
army Comd by Gen'l.(General) Hampton & another General has been
repulsed by a little band - all Canadians - & yesterday that army
commenced its retreat, or will endeavour to get into this country through some
other road. The Ennemy's force consisted of all his troops, about 7 000
men and 5 pieces of Cannon, 300 Cavalry. The battle 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 & wounded behind and a great
number of his men scattered in the woods, also many drums, 150 Firelocks & Baggage.
The number of my men engaged did not exceed three hundred. The rest were in
reserve in the lines I has constructed. Our killed & wounded are
only 24 including officers. There were none but Canadians amongst us. I was
in the first line during the whole of the action and afterward, with a small
reserve, beat off a large body of Americans and saved Capt. (Capitaine) Daly
and his Company. I chose my own ground & after the action pushed
on 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 [Juchereau] & all officers in this action conducted
themselves with great Bravery. The prisoners have been about 25. We are all
very much harassed & I am not well.
I remain in haste, my Dr Father, Yours faithfully
Ch. De Salaberry"