He now added a few words and at the last moment sent it out by a trusted man, who was promptly captured by Hamilton's advance guard.

The missive, evidently written in installments during the slow approach of the British, is still in the Canadian archives, and runs thus: "Dear Sir--At this time there is an army within three miles of this place; I heard of their coming several days beforehand.

I sent spies to find the certainty--the spies being taken prisoner I never got intelligence till they got within three miles of town.

As I had called the militia and had all assurances of their integrity I ordered at the firing of a cannon every man to appear, but I saw but few.

Captain Buseron behaved much to his honor and credit, but I doubt the conduct of a certain gent.