Note 12 — Front matter (continued 9)

Two different causes have been assigned for the non-compliance with Major Baring's requisitions for ammunition; namely, the interception of the communication between the Post and the main Line and the difficulty in procuring rifle ammunition. The first appears scarcely tenable; for, although the communication was frequently cut off by the French, as they passed by the Farm when attacking the main position, it was as frequently open and available. This is sufficiently proved by the different reinforcements that were sent into the Farm: ammunition might have been escorted thither with equal facility; and yet Baring had made three distinct applications for a supply before the Nassau Detachment was added to his force. The difficulty of procuring rifle ammunition certainly appears a more probable cause; but, even in this case, it is impossible to overlook the circumstance that the Post in question was immediately in front of the Brigade to which its defenders belonged, and of which two out of the four Battalions composing it were armed with rifles.

Since the above was written it has been communicated to me from Hanover, upon excellent authority, that the cause of Major Baring not having been supplied with ammunition arose from the circumstance, that there existed only one cart with rifle ammunition for the two Light Battalions of the King's German Legion; and that this cart was involved in the precipitate retreat of a great part of the baggage, &c., and thrown into a ditch.