Washington 22 September 1813
Dr. French.
I have this moment had a letter from your brother
who is an acting Lieutenant under Commodore
Perry.- They
have captured the whole of the British fleet consisting of two
ships, 2 Brigs, 1 Schooner & Sloop-. The action was
severe and
lasted 4 hours within pistol shot distance. your Brother was
wounded twice, but slightly.- Lt. Brooks of the Marine Corps
&
young Laub Midshipman were among the killed.
Midshp.
Swartout &
young Claxton dangerously wounded.-
Mr
Hamilton, Purser wounded but not dangerously - about 50 men
killed & wounded. The Captains of the Queen
Charlotte &
Detroit both killed &
Commodore Barclay wounded.-
There was an account of this victory a most brilliant
ilumination last night with firing of cannon
&c &c
I have not recd the Letter you mentioned
having written me about afortnight ago- Did you
send it by private conveyance? or by Post?.
Your mother knows nothing yet about the
battle on the Lakes. I shall inform her, by the
next mail- Take care of yourself my son,
I have great hopes from you & your brother.
Midsn. French Forrest
Sloop of War Hornet
New London Ct
[This note is affixed to the sheet and is written in a different hand
than French Forrest's.] Found in the
Forest Mansion
Alexandria, Va.
Nov. 1861.
Adj. Wm. H.H.
Johnson, 40th N.Y.
Vol.