Kingston Gazette (Kingston, ON), Nov. 17, 1812, page 2

(only 2 pages - shortage of paper)

p.2

Early on Tuesday morning last information was conveyed to town that seven American vessels, full of men, were approaching. At day light the troops and militia were under arms, and detachments were immediately sent to occupy the different avenues to the town in order to give the enemy a proper reception should they be disposed to land.-- The Flying Artillery were dispatched in advance of the troops. When they had passed Collin's Bay, several shots were fired by our Gun Boat at the nearest vessels, which they returned, but without effect on either side. - At Everitt's Point one of our field-pieces opened upon them, the shot from which appeared to strike several times, and they thought it prudent to sheer further off. About two o'clock they approached the town and were fired at from all our Batteries. They opened and kept up a brisk fire in their turn upon the Royal George and upon our Batteries, which was continued till after sun set, when the enemy hauled their wind and anchored under the four mile Point, having done no other mischief than killing one man on board the Royal George. It is supposed that some damage was done to their largest vessel, the Oneyda (Oneida), as some of our shot from the Battery at Mississauga Point were seen to strike her. On their way down the Bay of Kenty in the morning they burned a small Schooner belonging to Messrs. B. Fairfield & Co.

The alarm had been early communicated through the country, and persons of every age flocked into town from every quarter, eager to repulse the invaders from our peaceful shores. The veteran Loyalists who had manifested their zeal for their Sovereign during the American rebellion, shewed that age had not extinguished their ardor, and though many of them had passed that time of life when Military service could not be legally required, they scorned exemption when their inveterate foes approached. Before night the town was crowded with brave men, who insensible to fatigue, were anxious only to grapple with the enemy; who had they attempted to land would have paid dearly for their temerity. - The conduct of the inhabitants of the Midland District on this occasion will be long remembered to their honor.

On Wednesday morning the American Fleet got under way. After beating up towards the Lake for some time two of them bore away and sailed down the river, keeping at a respectful distance from our Batteries, which nevertheless gave them a shot in passing. - The other five continued their progress. Early in the afternoon another vessel appeared in sight, which proved to be the Simcoe. She was chased by the enemy, who fired upwards of fifty shots at her. But she escaped by the intrepidity and dexterity of her Master and Crew, not however, without receiving a shot between wind and water, that must have sunk her had she been much farther from port. - In the morning they were out of sight.

Early on Saturday morning the Sloop Elizabeth, Henry Murney, master and owner, which sailed from York on Wednesday night under convoy of the Earl of Moira, was taken by the Julia, one of the American squadron.