[ Autographs ] (WAR OF 1812) AUSTIN LORING (1789 - 1826) American military officer, son of son of patriot Jonathan Austin who served asdiplomatic courier for Benjamin Franklin. Exceptional content War of 1812 letter, an A.L.S. 3pp. Legal folio, "Head Quarters Left Division,Queenston Heights", Ontario, July 23, 1814. In part: "...we reoccupiedthese Heights which had been seized on by a party of the Enemy's force..without a loss on our side...we are now laying in old positions on these Heights...commanding on every side an extensive prospect. The British had built a fortress upon the summit which we blew up...our whole force being made a light corps by the orders of General Brown...we have heard of their different reinforcements at Quebec...All we wish now, is to find their force & bring them to a general action, butthis they carefully avoid. We put them into great terror at Forts George & Niagara by encamping so near...they throw their 24 lb. Shot and their Congreve Rockets very briskly into our camp...our pickets kept constantly skirmishing..." An especially good letter, with an additional scenic watercolor occupying half of the first page depicting the Niagara River, Forts George and Niagara, Queenston, LakeOntario, and so on. Very good condition.