May 1813 Stories

First Edition Published November 24, 2015

Second Edition Published November 17, 2016

Third Edition Published February 1, 2019

Copyright by Fred Blair

 

Additions and Changes to the Third Edition are in Blue text.

 

Last Revised Dec. 30, 2020:  Fort Meigs Corrections

May 1, 1813

 

The Battle at Fort Meigs, in Ohio

 

            There was a concern in the west that the Americans were gathering forces for another invasion from Detroit.  To prevent this, General Procter decided to take a British force into Ohio.  At the end of April, General Procter arrived with a British detachment of about 200 men from the 41^st Regiment, the 1^st and 2^nd Essex Militias, the 1^st Kent Militia, the Western Rangers, and the Provincial Marine, about 1500 indigenous warriors, an artillery battery, and two gun-boats.  Two of their 24-pounders had been captured at Fort Detroit in 1812.  They had encamped on the Miami River below Fort Miami on the west side of the river which flowed north to Lake Erie.

            On this date, they began a four-day bombardment of Fort Meigs which was located close by, above the rapids, and on the east side of the river.  The gun boats fired from just below the rapids.  All of the American guns within range were silenced.  The 24-pounders fired upon the fort’s magazine.  Some of the 41^st and warriors crossed the Miami River and set up a battery closer to the fort and began to cross-fire upon the fort until May 4^th when American reinforcements arrived on that side of the river.[1]

            Chief Metoss, of the Sacs, travelled over the river daily with his warriors to pick off Americans when they showed themselves from behind their defenses or when they went down to the river for water.  He captured one of the Americans and had him tied up in his wigwam.  On Metoss’ last crossing he took his teenage son with him.  By this time the Americans were watching for the warriors and spotted their hiding place.  They fired grape shot at them and killed the young boy.  It was traditional for the warriors to kill an enemy in return for any of their own that were killed.  Metoss returned to his wigwam to dispatch his prisoner.  Robert Dickson intercepted him and pleaded for the prisoner’s release to the British.  Metoss cut the prisoner’s bindings and took him to Dickson.  Metoss then removed his colourful war paint and applied black paint to his body.  Out of respect for the chief, the boy was buried with military honours and three rounds were discharged at the burial site.[2]

 

In Kingston

 

            Lieutenant John Le Couteur of the British 104^th Regiment of Foot reported that a militia man had requested leave of Colonel Pearson, the Inspector of the Militia.  The colonel told him to go hell and the militia man asked if the colonel had any orders for the devil.  This amused the colonel and he granted the man 12 days leave and one pound in currency.[3]

 

            Lieutenant Le Couteur was stationed in Kingston.  At nine o’clock in the evening he received news that the Americans had landed, possibly near Nine Mile Point, and was ordered to get ready for action.  At ten, he marched five miles to the Centre Bridge with 30 of his men and a detachment of militia.  In order to defend the crossing, they proceeded to remove the planks from a section of the bridge to prevent the Americans from crossing.  A conflicting report of the event declared that they had only loosened the planks so that they could be quickly removed if required.  In the early morning, they heard a noisy group approaching the bridge.  It was the carts of the local farmers headed for the market in Kingston.  The irate marketers had to wait until a report arrived that it was a false alarm and then for Le Couteurs detachment to repair the bridge.[4]

 

            There was a second report of this event.  Captain Vigers of the Voltigeurs found himself in bed again in Kingston when the alarm was signalled.  Within three minutes he had dressed and arrived at the barracks to find the men already formed in a square.  He was ordered to proceed to the Centre Bridge at Cataraqui Creek with thirty of his men, a subaltern, and ten men from the 104th British Regiment.  He feared that the Americans may have landed to cut off General Sheaffe’s retreat from the Town of York.  The men took up positions in the defensive works at the bridge.

            Vigers had been authorized to destroy the bridge with axes if necessary.  On this occasion he ordered the men to loosen the planks.  If the Americans attacked he intended to pile the planks as an additional defence.  About two minutes after the work began the men had completed their task.

            Within a few hours forty militia men and twenty indigenous warriors arrived under the command of Chevalier de Lorimier.  Six pairs of sentries were posted on the road about five hundred paces in advance of each other.  A dragoon was posted in advance of these men and a few warriors were sent out as scouts.  Lieutenant LeCouteur was stationed on the bridge ready to order the removal of the planks.

            The men were soon drenched with rain and a few fires were lighted for their comfort.  When daylight arrived, they discovered that no attack was pending and returned to Kingston.[5]

 

May 2, 1813

 

In York Township

 

            Lieutenant Ely Playter, of York Township, wrote that the Americans were all back aboard their vessels and that a large number of people had gathered at Fort York to see the ruins.  The Americans had buried the dead but he noted that it had been done poorly.

He had fled towards Kingston with the British on April 29^th, had returned, but was afraid to return to his home on May 1^st as he might be captured by the Americans.  He found Sophia, his wife, and children staying in the little schoolhouse.[6]

 

May 5, 1813

 

At Fort Meigs, Ohio

 

            About 1500 Americans arrived after a descent of the Miami River to Fort Meigs which was being bombarded by the British detachment.  They proceeded directly to the British battery on the east side of the river but found it abandoned.  They spiked the guns there.  They were immediately attacked from the left and right by 3 companies of the 41^st Regiment, a few militiamen, and a body of indigenous warriors under the command of Tecumseth.  Though they were outnumbered by the Americans, the British force on their right charged the battery.  John Richardson, a volunteer with the 41^st, was among this group.  Pressed from both sides, the Americans retreated to the woods.  They found no relief there as the warriors drove them back upon the 41^st Regiment.  No more than 150 Americans escaped the British ambush.

            A number of American prisoners under escort back to the British camp were attacked by a party of warriors who had not taken part in the engagement.  At least one British officer and about forty prisoners were killed before Tecumseth arrived and ordered the warriors to desist.  The surviving prisoners were confined in the gun-boats.[7]

 

            It was discovered that guns in the left bank of the British battery had been poorly spiked by the Americans.  They were quickly restored to working order and began firing upon the fort again.  The Americans in the fort called for a cease fire in order to exchange prisoners.  Two lieutenants and 39 privates from the 41^st Regiment were released under the condition that they could only perform garrison duty for a period of one month.

            While the British were occupied with exchanging prisoners, the Americans turned their attention to the boats that had brought their reinforcements down the river.  Ammunition was “dropped under the works” and stores were quickly unloaded.  Tecumseth’s warriors captured the boats containing baggage and private stores and plundered them.

            After the exchange, the Americans withdrew back into the fort and the British renewed their bombardment.[8]

 

            Captain Laurente Bondy of the 1^st Essex was killed.  His widow was Marie Madelaine Bondy.  Private William Roberts was also killed and left Sarah Roberts a widow.[9]

 

            Private Jean Baptiste De… of the 1^st Essex was wounded and he received a pension after the war for the resulting disability.[10]

 

May 6, 1813

 

            John Richardson visited the indigenous camp and saw the plundered trunks and boxes scattered about.  Several warriors were wearing items from officer’s uniforms while others wore white shirts and other pieces of apparel.  Tents were decorated with “saddles, bridles, rifles, daggers, swords, and pistols.”  Scalps were drying in the sun and portions of skin were stretched on hoops.

            The Americans remained in their fort and the British bombardment had apparently not improved their chances of capturing the fort.  Their shells failed to explode due to the incessant rain.

            The rain also created additional hardships for the men in camp.  Few men had access to tents.  Dysentery, ague, and other illnesses were common.  Militia began to desert in small groups.  The warriors, enriched by plunder, and tired of waiting for an opportunity to engage the Americans also began to withdraw.  Tecumseth’s Shawnees and a few other tribes still remained but their fighting force was reduced to about four hundred.

            A statement from the militia officers to Lieutenant Colonel Warburton, Inspecting Field Officer of Militia, highlighted their concerns.  The men had not been able to plant all of their grain in the fall of 1812 and the winter had not been favourable for them.  They needed to be home for the spring planting or face food shortages when winter arrived.  The officers were:

 

Captain James Askin, 2^nd Essex

Captain William Buchanan, 1^st Essex

Captain William Caldwell, 1^st Essex

Captain John Dolson, Kent Riflemen

Captain William Elliott, Essex

Captain George Jacob, 1^st Kent

Captain William Shaw, 1^st Kent

Captain William Sterling, 1^st Kent

 

May 8, 1813

 

On the Niagara Frontier

 

            The American fleet arrived at Fort Niagara.[11]

 

May 9, 1813

 

At Fort Meigs, Ohio

 

            The British abandoned their attack on Fort Meigs.  They were forced to withdraw back to Amherstburg.  The efforts of a number of officers were commended by General Procter, including his 4 volunteers in the 41st Regiment, Laing, Procter, Richardson, and Wilkinson.  “Procter” was the general’s son.

            The militia force had included 1 major, 12 captains, 11 lieutenants, 8 ensigns, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 22 sergeants, and 406 rank and file.  The militia suffered 1 captain and 4 rank and file wounded and 1 rank and file taken prisoner.  The Royal Newfoundland Regiment suffered a drummer and 2 rank and file killed, 1 rank and file wounded, and 1 rank and file taken prisoner.

 

            Another British invasion into Michigan was initiated at the end of July and the Americans were engaged there again in August.

 

May 10, 1813

 

On the Niagara Frontier

 

            Gilbert Field of Niagara Township earned 10 pounds hauling boats at the Town of Niagara with 2 yoke of oxen and a wagon from May 1^st to 10^th.[12]

 

The American Attack on the King’s Head Inn on Burlington Beach

 

            Some sources have this attack on the 10^th while others have the 11^th and also differ as to where Captain Hatt’s Company was stationed.

 

            American schooners bombarded the King’s Head Inn in an attempt to destroy it.  The inn was garrisoned by Captain Samuel Hatt of the 5^th Lincoln Regiment with about fifty men from that regiment and the 2^nd York.  They retreated as the Americans tried to land men on the beach but militia men were soon reinforced and repelled the invasion.  The inn was owned by Captain William Bates of the 2^nd York and was used as a British headquarters.[13]

 

            Captain Samuel Hatt of the 5^th Lincoln wrote that he had been stationed with 30 men at Durand’s during the attack.  They proceeded to the beach when they heard the American ships firing at the King’s Head Inn and about 2 miles from the beach, they found Major Fitzgerald with 14 regulars and 25 militia men retreating from the Americans.[14]

 

May 12, 1813

 

In York Township

 

            Lieutenant Ely Playter and his family travelled most of the day to return to their home.[15]

 

May 13, 1813

 

On the Niagara Frontier

 

The British Abandoned Fort Erie

 

            Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Clark of the 2^nd Lincoln Militia led a small party of men to Queenston Heights to destroy stores abandoned there during Brigadier General Vincent’s retreat from Fort Erie.[16]

 

            American and British agents signed an agreement called the Washington Cartel which set the rules for exchanging prisoners of war.

 

May 14, 1813

 

            Vallentin Kratz of Louth Township was employed at $4.00 per day by Major James Crooks, of the Incorporated Militia, to supply a wagon and horses to transport militia from the 20 Mile Creek to the 40 Mile Creek on the Niagara Peninsula.  His son drove the militia men for two and a half days.[17]

 

In “Cananocoui”

 

            Nine Voltigeurs were stationed at “Cananocoui” under Corporal Chretien in a garrison of local militia.  Lieutenant Majoribanks R.N. arrived with a gun vessel and landed an additional 30 militiamen.  He reported that he had discovered an American gun boat on the river which he intended to attack.  Colonel Stone, who commanded the militia in the garrison, allowed a number of men to accompany the lieutenant on his attack.  These included the Voltigeurs.

            They were unable to overtake the American vessel.  But decided to attack the American port at Gravelly Point, also known as Cape Vincent, and would arrive there on May 25^th.[18]

 

May 17, 1813

 

Fort Henry Established near Kingston

 

            In Kingston, Captain Jacques Vigers and his Voltigeurs Canadiens began constructing Fort Henry on Point Henry.  The Frontenac Militia had previously cleared the trees and brush.  The Voltigeurs first leveled their camp ground and set-up their tents before beginning a blockhouse and digging entrenchments.[19]

            After 35 days in the Kingston area, Captain Vigers’ Voltigeurs were ordered to leave Kingston and cross over to Point Henry where they camped for a fortnight.  They set up their tents amongst “stumps, fallen trees, boulders, and rocks of all sizes and shapes” where they were “phlebotomized by mosquitos, cut and dissected by gnats, blistered by sand flies, and on the point of being eaten alive by the hungry wood rats.”  Further hardships included, his clothing being “besmirched” with bird lime, a toad in his lap when he sat down, a snake found sharing his bedding, a spider inhabiting the frying pan, the biscuits being “flinty” and requiring pounding to break up, and the June bugs that swarmed the candle light at night while they and other bugs struck his face and fell upon his writing table.

            During their time on Point Henry, the men leveled their camp ground and organized it into “two rows of Marquises, facing one broad central avenue” with the major’s quarters at the head and a “small entrenchment” at the foot.  The high ground of the point gave a view of the lake, the town and harbour, Point Frederick’s fortifications and shipyards, and the new settlements on Wolfe Island.

            The Voltigeurs were commanded by Major G.F. Herriot who had earlier served in Brock’s 49th Regiment.  He also served at Chrysler’s Farm and Chateauguay.[20]

 

May 18, 1813

 

On the Niagara Frontier

 

            The British general John Vincent had ordered about 1700 militia men to gather on the Niagara Frontier soon after the capture of York in April.  Unfortunately, this was the farmer’s planting time and many were reluctant to leave their farms.

            On this day, Captain William Nelles reported that of his 108 men, 52 were either on leave or absent without leave and another 12 were sick.[21]

 

May 25, 1813

 

In York

 

            Lieutenant Ely Playter noted in his diary that cannon fire at Fort George was heard across the lake in the Town of York.[22]

 

At Gravelly Point

 

            Lieutenant Majoribanks’ gun boat with the Voltigeurs arrived at Gravelly Point about one o’clock in the morning.  Two Americans were captured on the lake and were forced to guide the “marauders” to the village.  When they arrived in the village they discovered that there were no American vessels in the port.  Corporal Chretien then proceeded to the American barracks with a number of men under his command.  They broke down the doors with axes but found them deserted.  They captured a sentry near the officer’s quarters but he soon managed to get away.  As there was a light in the officer’s quarters, Chretien knocked on the door.  A major confronted him and attempted to discharge a pistol at him.  Fortunately for Chretien it misfired and Chretien was able to discharge his musket and kill the officer.  Chretien’s men gathered up three other pistols, some cartridges, and two sabres and then retreated back to their vessel.  As they left the shore, a number of Americans appeared along the shore and opened fire upon them.

            Sir George Prevost later commanded Chretien to report to him.  He promoted Chretien to the rank of sergeant and gave him the American loot captured in the raid.

            There was an American report of the event that stated that the British were repulsed and suffered a “considerable loss in dead and prisoners.”[23]

 

May 26, 1813

 

At Fort George

 

            The Americans bombarded the British positions at Fort George prior to their invasion on the 27^th.  Captain Powell’s 1^st Lincoln Artillery Company came under fire at the battery near the lighthouse and their guns were badly damaged.[24]

            Privates William Cameron and Charles Wright were killed.[25]

            Charles Wright had served in the 1^st Lincoln Militia.  After the war his child was orphaned and passed into the care of Phoebe Goodson who received a pension to support the child.  Charles’ death was recorded on the 27^th in the pension poster.[26]

 

            Mary Henry was still living in the lighthouse in the Town of Niagara.  During the fighting she supplied food and coffee to the troops along the shore of the river and helped tend the wounded.[27] 

Elizabeth Henry, Mary’s daughter, recalled seeing a man pick up a cannon ball that had been fired across the river from Fort Niagara and then being struck and killed by a second ball.  She also recalled that children playing with a wheel barrow had had a cannon ball strike the ground near them and had fled behind the lighthouse just before a second ball destroyed the wheel barrow.

On the following day, as the Americans approached, the Henrys took refuge in the lighthouse rather than fleeing with other families.  Mrs. Henry and her daughters provided refreshments to the American soldiers as they arrived and later agreed to do their laundry for them.  Many of the local men had fled with the British during their retreat and left their women and children in the town.[28]

 

May 27, 1813

 

The American Capture of Fort George

 

In the 1^st Lincoln Militia, Captain Martin McClellan was killed near Fort George during the American landing.  Captain George Law was wounded and taken prisoner.            Private George Grass was wounded and died two days later.  On February 2, 1814, his wife was listed among the destitute.[29]  Mary Grass applied for a widow’s pension after the war.  His death was recorded on May 30, 1813.[30]

Capt. McClellan died at 44 years of age and left a widow and five children.[31] 

His house and stable in Niagara were later burned.[32]

After the war, his children were orphaned and passed into the care of Elizabeth Thomson who received a pension for their support.[33]

 

William Woodruff’s 1860 obituary reported that he was born in Middleton, Connecticut in 1793.  His family arrived in Newark in 1795, moved to Queenston, and were living in Stamford Township during the war.  William volunteered for service in a flank company and was accepted.  He was present at the Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812.  On May 27, 1813, he was serving under Captain Matthew McClellan and Lieutenant George Adams who were both killed during the battle.  William and fifteen-year old Matthew borrowed ammunition, hid behind some bushes, and fired upon the American force as it landed until the two men were forced to retreat.  William then hid behind a stump and continued firing.  As he retreated from the stump, it was struck by a cannon ball and shattered.[34]

 

Payroll documents indicated that William had actually served under Captain Martin McClelland of the 1^st Lincoln Militia.  Lieutenant George Adams’ wife had been informed that he had been killed but he later returned home wounded and survived his injury.[35]

 

William Woodruff (1793-1860) was the son of Ezekiel Woodruff and Sarah Hall.  William served as a private in Captain James Crook’s Company of the 1^st Lincoln Militia at the beginning of the war and was promoted to ensign in 1815.  On June 19, 1813, he was recorded as an American prisoner at Fort Niagara.  Like his brother, Richard, he also had his home in St. David’s burnt by the Americans in July of 1814.[36]

 

The Coloured Corps had been among the companies defending the lake shore at Captain James Crooks’ farm[37]

Private Anthony Hults of the Coloured Corps was taken prisoner and died the same day.[38]

 

Lieutenant Ely Playter, in the Town of York, had heard cannon fire at Fort George the day before but now heard heavy and constant firing.  In the afternoon, he heard the explosion of a magazine at the fort and soon after firing ceased.  The following day they heard that the fort had been taken and British army was in retreat.[39]

 

The British retreated from their positions in Niagara to St. David’s and Decew Falls.  General Vincent disbanded all but sixty militia men who were determined to retreat with the British.  The disbanded men were advised to return to their homes.[40]

 

Captain William H. Merritt noted that many people had fled the town.  He was stopped frequently in the country side, during the retreat, by people who wanted news about their family members and friends.[41]

 

John Powell owned two houses and other buildings in the Town of Niagara.  One house was leased to the British.  Powder from the King’s Magazine was stored in the root cellar and ordnance was stored in the barns.  The Register Office and other offices were also on his property.  They were all destroyed with his household goods by the Americans and he was taken prisoner. 

 

The garrisons from Fort Erie and Chippawa were to join General Vincent’s army near Beaverdams.  Supplies were to be deposited at Captain John Decou’s stone house.  Captain Decou served in the 2^nd Lincoln.  As the Americans advanced they stopped at every house and demanded paroles from militia service from the men.  Those who refused, like Captain DeCou, were arrested and imprisoned in the United States.[42]

John Decou built his first mill about 1800 at the top of DeCew’s Falls on escarpment on Lot 22, Concession 10, Grantham Township.[43]

The 2-storey house in Thorold Township had limestone walls 66 centimetres thick.[44]

 

The number of militia men captured and paroled numbered 507.  Like the militia men at the Capture of York in April, local men arrived at Fort George to surrender and receive paroles as well.  Almost 2700 paroles were granted.

Days later, when the Americans arrived at Fort Erie, residents from Chippawa to Port Albino requested paroles.  They were soon joined by men from the Grand River Tract who were still living in British occupied territory.[45]

 

Jacob Brackbill reported that Samuel Glasgow, of Stamford Township in the Niagara Peninsula, had been one of these men.  Elizabeth Glasgow had managed the family farm about a mile from the mouth of the Chippawa River while Samuel was serving in the militia.  She complained to Mr. Brackbill that she had lost a number of sheep to the British troops.  He suggested that she herd the sheep across the Chippawa Bridge to his farm in Crowland Township, where he could keep them safe.  Together they herded the sheep to the bridge where a number of troopers stationed there took off their caps and chased the sheep.  The sheep scattered and after they had been herded back into a flock, Mrs. Glasgow discovered that one was missing.  After the war, she presented a war loss claim for 32 of her sheep that were taken by the British troops during the war.[46]

 

Four men named Frederick Anger were captured and paroled that day, prisoners number 392, 395, 396, and 398.[47]

 

The August 13, 1860, Globe and Mail reported that fifteen bodies were exhumed during an excavation for a bridge near Fort York.  The men had been buried in a trench near where they had fallen during the battle.  Articles found revealed that the men were British and American soldiers.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Beasley of the 2^nd York Militia captured James Mills who had served in his regiment as a lieutenant until May, 1812 when James had left the province, crossed into the United States, and joined the American forces.  General Vincent released James at Burlington Heights to serve in the 2^nd York again but the militia men in the regiment refused to serve under his command.[48]

            What became of James Mills?

 

British Defenders

 

8^th Regiment

41^st Regiment

49^th Regiment

First Nation Allies

Glengarry Light Infantry

Lincoln Militias

Merritt’s Troop of Provincial Cavalry

Provincial Artillery

Royal Artillery

Royal Newfoundland

Royal Scots

Runchey’s Coloured Corps

 

Upper Canadian Casualties

 

Private George Grass, 1^st Lincoln, May 30, 1813

Captain Martin McClellan, 1^st Lincoln

Private Charles Wright, 1^st Lincoln, May 27, 1813

Widow Elizabeth Wright [49]

 

Upper Canadian Wounded

 

Lieutenant George Adams, 1st Lincoln

Private George Campbell, 1^st Lincoln

Private Samuel Hodkinson, 1st Lincoln

Private Peter Lampman Jr., 1st Lincoln

Captain George Law, 1^st Lincoln

Sergeant Adam Stull, 1^st Lincoln [50]

 

May 28, 1813

 

On the Niagara Frontier

 

            The magistrates, civil officers, and most of the inhabitants of the Town of Niagara had fled.  American camp followers stripped goods from homes.  Residents who returned found their homes in use as barracks for the soldiers.  Stores and warehouses were stripped of goods needed by the invading force.  Religious services were suspended and St. Mark’s Church was taken over by the American Commissariat who used the building as a storehouse and headquarters.  Traitors returned to the area and formed a cavalry troop to plunder farms in the area and to act as scouts for the Americans.

            The bodies of the fallen militia men were collected by their relatives and were buried on farms or other burial places in the country side.  Some men were buried at St. Mark’s Church or on the shore of the lake where they had fallen.[51]

 

            James Gordon of the Town of Niagara was one of a number of people that suffered losses to the Americans on this day.  His list of items suggested that they might have been taken for the officer’s quarters:

 

1 dining table

2 round tables

1 square table

1 pair of card tables

3 common tables

12 Windsor chairs

12 common chairs

3 bedsteads

1 chest of drawers

2 brass kettles

4 pots and kettles

1 roasting oven

4 “bake” ovens

2 pair of “and” irons

2 frying pans

2 sets of shovels and tongs

1 sauce pan

Smoothing irons

Knives, forks, and spoons

Beds, bedding, and “window furniture”

a portable desk

Dishes, plates, tea cups, saucers, and crockery

a harness, saddle, and bridle

Wine, brandy, and spirits[52]

 

            Mr. Gordon’s house was one of the few in the town that was not burned on December 10, 1813.

 

            Captain William H. Merritt wrote that the British forces in the Niagara area were combined at DeCou’s and the militia had turned out in the expectation that the Americans would be attacked.  However, orders were issued to impress wagons and retreat to the Forty Mile Creek.  The militia were given the option of following or returning home.  Many people suspected that the British were abandoning the area.  Most of the militia returned to their homes.

            Captain Merritt expressed his distress at abandoning the area and leaving his mother and sisters unprotected.  His father was determined to join him in the retreat.  During the afternoon, he returned home to replenish his kit as most of his things had been taken by the enemy at Fort George.  Most of the men in his neighbourhood joined the British retreat.  When he rejoined the army at 40 Mile Creek, he learned that they were to continue retreating to Burlington Heights.  The militia men were not encouraged to follow as the British could continue their retreat all the way to Kingston.[53]

 

            Obadiah Dennis, a Quaker of Bertie Township, had his barn burnt by the retreating British because it held 300 barrels of their pork that they did not want to fall into the hands of the Americans.  The barn was 47 feet long and 26 feet wide with a cattle-shed and small out stable.  At the time the buildings were valued at $250.[54]

            Obadiah was a native of Sussex County, New Jersey who arrived in Upper Canada in 1787 with his wife and three children.[55]

 

            Lieutenant Daniel O’Reilly of the 2^nd York Militia had his horse impressed at Beaver Dams for the Provincial Artillery to use during the retreat.  After the war, he made a war loss claim for the value of the horse but had difficulty proving his loss.  He had purchased the horse from Mr. Huff, but had not received a receipt from him, and was unable to get a receipt from Mr. Huff as he was deceased at the time Daniel made his claim.  Daniel also had not been able to obtain a receipt for the horse from the Provincial Artillery on the day of the retreat.  The following day he had asked for a receipt but had been told that the horse had been stolen from the sergeant delivering the horse to the Artillery and as they had not received the horse, they could not provide a receipt for it.[56]

            Mr. Huff had taken back his impressed horse.  In retaliation, a few days later, he and some Indians stole two of O’Reilly’s horses.[57]

 

            While the British army was stationed at Burlington Heights, the men and women of the Dundas Valley aided them by performing chores, guarding prisoners in Hatt’s log jail, nursing the wounded, transporting supplies, and occasionally entertaining the officers.[58]

            Major Richard Hatt, of the 5^th Lincoln, had built and owned a number of buildings in the valley.

 

May 29, 1813

 

The British Raided Sackets Harbor, New York

 

            Captain William H. Merritt was sent out to discover the American’s position.  At 12 Mile Creek, he discovered that about 40 to 50 American horsemen were at DeCou’s.  The American army had not yet advanced to Shipman’s.  He returned to 20 Mile Creek and sent a few of his men on ahead.  He returned home and persuaded his father to remain there to look after the family.  He heard that Private George Adams, of the 1^st Lincoln, who had been presumed killed, had only been wounded.  At midnight, Captain Merritt returned to 40 Mile Creek where he received orders to remain, with a few militia men and his dragoons, until the Americans forced them to retreat.[59]

 

May 31, 1813

 

On the Niagara Frontier

 

            Understanding that the American General Dearborn had forbidden plundering, Alexander Burns, of Niagara Township, left his baggage at Crookston while he left the area because of his poor health.  His baggage was plundered by Americans.  It had contained his silver dinnerware which included a teapot with an old-fashioned stand, a cream pot, twelve soup spoons, twelve dessert spoons initialed AB, two large soup spoons (one initialed AB), two small spoons initialed AB, a punch spoon with an ebony handle, twelve small tea spoons, seven salt cellars, seven salt spoons in a small black case with clasps, two pepper cellars, a pair of sugar tongues, and two plated candle sticks.  Also in the baggage were two green regimental coats, one long and embroidered and the other a jacket, both with the late Queen’s Rangers buttons on them, two silver Queen’s Rangers epaulettes, a Queen’s Rangers silver breast plate, and several black velvet socks with buckles on them, brushes, his brother’s old watch with a second hand, seven shirts initialed AB, stockings, two family rings, and other items.  His goods were contained in two trunks and a chest box.  The largest trunk had his brother’s name, D. Burns, engraved upon a brass plate.  The other was a double portmanteau with straps and buckles with his name on a brass plate

Alexander was a regimental paymaster on half pay, had not taken part in the war, and was acquainted with three of the American officers serving under the general and wrote a letter in June requesting help in recovering his baggage and in contacting and requesting aid from those officers.  He reported that he was suffering from a troublesome flux and he had to rinse his eye with water.  Alexander later made a war loss claim for his lost baggage.[60]

 

            Captain William H. Merritt complained that he and his men and horses were exhausted because they had been deprived of sleep and rest for several days.  They had been relieved of their post at the 40 Mile Creek and Captain Merritt recuperated under the care of his sister, Mrs. Gordon.[61]

 

In Ancaster Township

 

            Benjamin Smith of Ancaster Township wrote in his diary that they were still cleaning and thrashing wheat with the horses, staked a fence, cut logs, took up buckwheat, took wheat to the still house and got another barrel of whiskey, fixed the plough and plowed the garden and fields with horses and oxen, cleaned up the oats, harried the fields, hauled logs, sowed flax and oats, and sheared his sheep.

            At the beginning of the month Nancy was ill for three days.  Mr. Neal preached at two Sunday meetings.  On the 25^th, Benjamin heard the cannons firing at Fort George.  He mustered at Durand’s the following day.  On the 27^th, they heard the cannons again, as Fort George was taken.  On the 28^th they marched to Jacob Hess’ and stayed the night at John Smith’s.  The following day they stayed at Durand’s stone house.  On the 30^th Benjamin went home.  The following afternoon he went to Durand’s and saw the British troops arrive there.

            Benjamin’s name did not appear on any surviving 5^th Lincoln Militia payrolls for the month of May.[62]

 

Upper Canadian Service Deaths

 

Private Pierre Arquette, Incorporated Militia, illness, May 31, 1813

Widow Maria Arquette

Captain William Fraser, 1^st Grenville, illness, May 17, 1813

Widow Catharine Fraser

Captain Donald McKay, 2^nd Glengarry, illness, May 4, 1813

Widow Anne McKay

Private Louis Meloche, 1^st Essex, illness, May 18, 1813

Widow Archange Meloche

Private John Vaughan, 1^st Leeds, illness, May 10, 1813

Widow Hulda Vaughan [63]

 

Sources:

---

[1] Major John Richardson, Richardson’s War of 1812, edited by Alexander Casselman, Coles Publishing Company, Toronto, 1974, pages 148-149.

[2] Major John Richardson, Richardson’s War of 1812, edited by Alexander Casselman, Coles Publishing Company, Toronto, 1974, pages 155-158.

[3] Donald E. Graves, Merry Hearts Make Light Days, The War of 1812 Journal of Lieutenant John Le Couteur, 104^th Foot, Carleton University Press, Ottawa, 1994, page 113.

[4] Donald E. Graves, Merry Hearts Make Light Days, The War of 1812 Journal of Lieutenant John Le Couteur, 104^th Foot, Carleton University Press, Ottawa, 1994, page 112-113.

[5] Jacques Viger, Reminiscences of the War of 1812-14, translated by F.L. Hubert Neilson, M.D., News Printing Company, Kingston, 1895, pages 11-13.

[6] Ely Playter’s Diary, May 1 and 2, 1813, https://twitter.com/ElyPlayter1812, accessed June 5, 2015.

[7] Major John Richardson, Richardson’s War of 1812, edited by Alexander Casselman, Coles Publishing Company, Toronto, 1974, pages 149-155.

[8] Major John Richardson, Richardson’s War of 1812, edited by Alexander Casselman, Coles Publishing Company, Toronto, 1974, pages 149-155.

[9] Militia Pensions Agents Office, York, 1^st October, 1817, List of Widows, poster at the Ontario Archives, Toronto.

[10] Pension Poster – Casualties, January 1, 1817, Nelles Family Fonds, Ref. Code F 542,

box MU 2192, Ontario Archives, Toronto.

[11] George Sheppard, Plunder, Profit, and Paroles:  A Social History of the War of 1812 in Upper Canada, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994, pages 81-82.

[12] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1134, page 884.

[13] H.H. Robertson, Wentworth Historical Society, Volume 4, Hamilton, 1905, pages 9 to 26, online at www.ourroots.ca.

[14] Jerry Prager, Laying the Bed, Elora, Ontario, 2014, page 106.

[15] Ely Playter’s Diary, May 12, 1813, https://twitter.com/ElyPlayter1812, accessed June 7, 2015.

[16] James E. Elliott, Strange Fatality, The Battle of Stoney Creek, 1813, Robin Brass Studio Inc., 2009, page 35.

[17] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1138, page 361.

[18] Jacques Viger, Reminiscences of the War of 1812-14, translated by F.L. Hubert Neilson, M.D., News Printing Company, Kingston, 1895, pages 15-16.

[19] Hubert Neilson, Reminiscences of the War of 1812-14: Being Portions of the Diary of a Captain of the "Voltigeurs Canadiens" While in Garrison at Kingston, Etc. translated from French and published in 1895.

[20] Jacques Viger, Reminiscences of the War of 1812-14, translated by F.L. Hubert Neilson, M.D., News Printing Company, Kingston, 1895, pages 13-15.

[21] George Sheppard, Plunder, Profit, and Paroles:  A Social History of the War of 1812 in Upper Canada, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994, page 82.

[22] Ely Playter’s Diary, May 25, 1813, https://twitter.com/ElyPlayter1812, accessed June 5, 2015.

[23] Jacques Viger, Reminiscences of the War of 1812-14, translated by F.L. Hubert Neilson, M.D., News Printing Company, Kingston, 1895, pages 16-17.

[24] Glen Smith, The Niagara Advance Historical Issue, First Lincoln Artillery Met Challenge of 1812, 1985.

[25] Earnest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, In 1812-14, Vol. IX, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1908, pages 159-161, online at www.ourroots.ca.

[26] List of Orphan Children whose Fathers have been killed in Action, or have died from Wounds received or Disease contracted on Service, poster at the Ontario Archives.

[27] Mary Henry, http://1812.gc.ca/eng/1317828221939/1317828660198#a1, accessed September 12, 2015.

[28] Fred Habermehl, More Than a Mere Matter of Marching, Ontario Genealogical Society, Niagara Peninsula Branch, pages 113-115.

[29] Earnest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, In 1812-14, Vol. IX, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1908, pages 159-161, online at www.ourroots.ca.

[30] Militia Pensions Agents Office, York, 1^st October, 1817, List of Widows, poster at the Ontario Archives, Toronto.

[31] Niagara Historical Society and Museum document, page 5, accessed February 28, 2012 at http://images.ourontario.ca/1812/70175/data?n=371

[32] Earnest Alexander Cruikshank, Documentary History of the Campaign Upon the Niagara Frontier, Part 1 and 2, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Printed at the Tribune Office, Welland, 1896 and 1897, page 324, online at www.ourroots.ca.

[33] List of Orphan Children whose Fathers have been killed in Action, or have died from Wounds received or Disease contracted on Service, poster at the Ontario Archives.

[34] The Late Wm. Woodruff, Esq., The Globe and Mail, July 6, 1860, page 1.

[35] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, page 29.

[36] Woodruff Family Fonds, accessed Jan. 27, 2017 at https://dr.library.brocku.ca/bitstream/handle/10464/6060/Woodruff%20Family%20fonds%20-%20RG%20519.pdf, page 4.

[37] James E. Elliott,Strange Fatality, The Battle of Stoney Creek, 1813, Robin Brass Studio Inc., 2009, page 19.

[38] Gary E. French, Men of Colour, Kaste Books, Stroud, Ontario, 1978, page 59.

[39] Ely Playter’s Diary, May 27-28, 1813, https://twitter.com/ElyPlayter1812, accessed June 7, 2015.

[40] Annals of the Forty, Vol. 1, Grimsby Historical Society, 1950.

[41] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, page 27.

[42] Betti Michael, Township of Thorold, 1793-1967, Armath Assoc. Ltd., 1967, pages 40-42.

[43] Terry Whelan, email on September 3, 2015.

[44] Decou House, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeCou_House, accessed September 3, 2015.

[45] George Sheppard, Plunder, Profit, and Paroles:  A Social History of the War of 1812 in Upper Canada, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994, pages 83-84.

[46] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1132, pages 219-220.

[47] William Blagrove, ADM 103/466, Office of the Commissary General of Prisoners, transcriptions from files in Washington on May 9, 1819.

[48] David Richard Beasley, From Bloody Beginnings, Richard Beasley’s Upper Canada, Davus Publishing, Simcoe, Ontario, 2008, pages 246, 280, & 289.

[49] Militia Pensions Agents Office, York, 1^st October, 1817, List of Widows, poster at the Ontario Archives, Toronto.

[50] Pension Poster – Casualties, January 1, 1817, Nelles Family Fonds, Ref. Code F 542,

box MU 2192, Ontario Archives, Toronto.

[51] William Kirby and Lorne Pierce, Annals of Niagara, Macmillan Co. of Canada, Toronto, 1927, page 207.

[52] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1137, pages 58-61.

[53] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, pages 28-29.

[54] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1138, page 331.

[55] Richard MacMaster, Friends in the Niagara Peninsula, 1786-1802, accessed Mar. 22, 2016 at http://quaker.ca/archives/article/friends-in-the-niagara-peninsula-1786-1802/

[56] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1128, pages 807-816.

[57] George Sheppard, Plunder, Profit, and Paroles:  A Social History of the War of 1812 in Upper Canada, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994, page 161.

[58] T. Roy Woodhouse, The History of the Town of Dundas, Part 1, Dundas Historical Society, Dundas, Ontario, 1965, page 24, accessed at www.ourroots.ca.

[59] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, page 29.

[60] Collections Canada, War of 1812, Board of Claims and Losses, Microfilm t-1137, pages 646-654.

[61] Capt. Wm. H. Merritt, of the Provincial Light Dragoons, Journal of Events, Principally on the Detroit and Niagara Frontiers, during the War of 1812, The Historical Society, B.N.A., St. Catharines, C.W., 1863, page 29.

[62] Benjamin Smith’s Diary, Benjamin Smith Fonds F582, Ontario Archives, Toronto, Ontario.

[63] Militia Pensions Agents Office, York, 1^st October, 1817, List of Widows, poster at the Ontario Archives, Toronto.