London Gazette Extraordinary, 1812

Abstract

6 October 1812. Contains correspondence by Sir George Prevost and Isaac Brock concerning the surrender of Detroit. In a letter dated at Detroit, 16 August 1812, Brock writes that “I hasten to apprize your Excellency of the capture of this very important post. Two thousand five hundred troops have this day surrendered prisoners of war, and about twenty-five pieces of ordnance have been taken without the sacrifice of a drop of British blood. I had not more than seven hundred troops, including militia, and about six hundred Indians, to accomplish this service.” Also contains the articles of capitulation approved by Gen. Hull and Gen. Brock, and a proclamation by Brock to the inhabitants of Detroit.

27 November 1812. Contains correspondence by Sir George Prevost and Gen. Sheaffe, providing accounts of the Battle of Queenston Heights. In a letter dated at Fort George, 13 October, 1812, Sheaffe writes that “the enemy made an attack with a considerable force this morning before daylight, on the position of Queenston. On receiving intelligence of it, MajorGeneral Brock immediately proceeded to that post, and I am excessively grieved in having to add, that he fell whilst gallantly cheering his troops to an exertion for maintaining it”. Mention is made of the Mohawk Chief John Norton and the assistance he provided in the battle, writing that “Norton is wounded, but not badly: he and the Indians particularly distinguished themselves”. He writes that “no officer was killed besides Major-General Brock, one of the most gallant and zealous officers in His Majesty’s service, whose loss cannot be too much deplored, and Lieutenant-Colonel McDonell, Provincial Aide-de-Camp, whose gallantry and merit rendered him worthy of his chief”.

The London Gazette, originally called The Oxford Gazette, was first published in 1665, making it the world's oldest continuously published newspaper. This government paper, which contains official dispatches of Great Britain during peace time and war, provides a mix of State intelligence, government notices and trade/business news. Articles also discussed anything from naval operations, royal appointments, state visits, to military reports from Generals. The paper was and still is said to be published "with Authority". This issue was printed by Robert George Clarke, Cannon-Row, Parliament-Street.