Report From Sackets Harbor About Attack on Oswego-- Part 2

Then, General Brown continued:  "A letter by him yesterday says 'the British fleet are now at this place.'  A cannonading in the afternoon for three hours, and again this morning, was distinctly heard here, hence I conclude there have been two attacks.

"Mitchell and his detachment will do their duty, but as the naval ascendancy of the enemy enables him to bring his whole force upon the place, the issue must be held doubtful.

"The commodore [Chauncey] has not ascertained that the new ships of the enemy are out."

In other words, Brown did not think Oswego had much of a chance at defeating the British.

--Brock-Perry