These guns were to be captured by the British army and turned against him, according to the plans of General Prevost, who was urging Captain Downie to hasten with his fleet and undertake a joint action, for, as he said, "it is of the highest importance that the ships, vessels, and gunboats of your command should combine a cooperation with the division of the army under my command.

I only wait for your arrival to proceed against General Macomb's last position on the south bank of the Saranac." These demands became more and more insistent, although the largest British ship, the _Confiance_, had been launched only a few days before and the mechanics were still toiling night and day to fit her for action.

She was a formidable frigate, of the size of the American _Chesapeake_, and was expected to be more than a match for Macdonough's entire fleet.

Captain Downie certainly expected the support of the army, which he failed to receive, for he clearly stated his position before the naval battle.

"When the batteries are stormed and taken possession of by the British land forces, which the commander of the land forces has promised to do at the moment the naval action commences, the enemy will be obliged to quit their position, whereby we shall obtain decided advantage over them during the confusion.