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■V

TIEIE s^-

-><-

^ S'XTTIDY

— IN —

Canadian History

— BY —

ERNEST CRUIKSHANK.

W E L L A N T) :

VV. T, Sawi.f,, TeI/Eorai'ii Offick.

1889.

The Battle of the Beechwoods.

lij^ANY circumstances connected with the engagement com-
monly known as the Battle of the Beechwoods, or Beaver
Dams, combine to make it one of the most interesting
episodes of recent Canadian military history. It is indis-
solubly linked with the memory of one of the most patriotic and
courageous women of any age and country. As a rule, too, it has
been merely regarded as arather notable instanceofasuccessful ambush
accomplished by a very inferior force, and its important influence
upon the subsequent conduct of the war has been overlooked.

The campaign of 1812 had resulted in the signal discomfiture of
all attempts at the invasion of Canada. During the succeeding
winter the Government of the United States devoted itself with great
energy to the task of organizmg three fresh and powerful armies, with
the intention of renewing the effort in as many different quarters as
soon as military operations became practicable m the spring. A force
of several thousand men was already established on the shores of
Lake Champlain, within fifty miles of Montreal. The principal ob-
ject to be attained for the time being, by this corps, usually termed
the Army of the Norths was simply to deter the Governor-General
from reinforcing his posts in Upper Canada by threatening an invasion
of the Lower Province, and in this, it was to a very great extent suc-
cessful. Another division, designed to number ten thousand men,
under Majcr-General Wm. Henry Harrison, grandfather of the present
President of the United States, was bemg concentrated in an en-
trenched camp near the mouth of the river Maumee on Lake Erie,
with instructions to recover Detroit and enter Canada from that
direction. This force was then held in check by Colonel Henry
Proctor with less than 500 men of the 41st regiment, a few com-
panies of militia from the counties of Essex and Kent, and an un-
certain and variable number of Indians. The third division, officially
styled the Army oj the Centre^ was composed of troops assembled
partly at Sackett's Harbor and Oswego on Lake Ontario, and partly
at various posts upon the Niagara River under the general command
of Major-General Henry Dearborn, a veteran of the Revolution.
As far as possible it was designed to act in conjunction with their
squadron which had obtained temporary control of Lake Ontario.
As soon as navigation opened, a strong brigade from Sackett's Harbor
made a descent upon York (Toronto), then almost unfortified and
ungarrisoned, in the hope of paralyzing the British naval power on

alloat had sailed a few days before.

Another month was occupied in concentrating the entire division
on the Niagara and making elaborate preparations for transportmg it
into Canada. The force thus assembled between iUiffalo and J''ort
Niagara numbered almost eight thousand men, all regulars or long
service volunteers, while that opposed to them, under ('olonel John
Vincent, was considerably less than one (luarter of that number, in-
cluding militia and Indians.

The artillery lire from Fort Niagara and the adjacent batteries
beat down the defences on the British side of the river, and on th*^'
27th May, about five thousand men vvere disembarked from a large
flotilla of boats a couple of miles west of the village of Niagaia,
while a British brigade of less than 600 men, that attempted to resist
their landing, was almost exterminated by the broadsides of eleven
ships of war, anchored within three hundred yards of the shore.
Nearly at the same time another brigade of troops began to cro-s the
river above Fort George, with the evident purpose of cutting f)ff the
retreat of the garrison. Perceiving that further resistance was useless,
Vincent retired adroitly to Queenston, and thence, after destroying the
batteries there, to the Beaver Dams on the Twelve Mile Creek, by the
mountain road. At that place he was joined during the night by
detachments from Chippawa, Fort Erie, and Point Abino, and con-
tinued his retreat next morning towards J3urlington Bay, where he
determined 10 make another stand, abandoning the entire Niagara
Peninsula to the enemy. The greater part of the militia was dis-
banded, and the Indians of the Six Nations withdrew to their villages
on the Grand River, where many of them remained quiet through
fear of losing their lands. On the 2nd of June, Vincent encamped
at Bazeley's on the high ground overli^oking Burlington Bay. He had
been joined by two companies of the 8th, and his whole division then
mustered 1,807 of all ranks and arms, of whom only one hundred
were militia. His men were in good health and spirits and so far
from being discouraged by their recent reverses, they eagerly
demanded to be led against the enemy. Three days later, two brigades
of infantry and a regiment of cavalry made their appearance in pur-
suit, and encamped for the night at Stoney Creek, seven miles
distant.^

In the course of the afternoon their position was carefully recon-
noitered by Colonel John Harvey, Vincent's chief of staff, and militia-
men in plain clothes, acting under his instructions, passed through
every part of their lines, under the pretence of selling supplies. It
was ascertained that their encampment was scattered and badly
arranged for defence, while their pickets and sentries were negligent

1. Viucent to Prevost, June 2 ; samo to same, June 4.

in the performance of their duties. The strength of the pursuers was
roughly estimated at 3,500 infantry and 250 cavahy, with at least eight
field-guns. Shortly after midnight Vincent with 700 picked men. of
the 8th and 49th regiments, rushed the camp, slaughtered the unwary
sentinels at their posts, dispersed the bewildered battalions as they
attempted to form by repeated bayonet charges, and at day-break
retired to his former position, carrying with hnn t'vo captured field-
guns, both the American Generals and upwards ot a hundred other
])risoners.

The Americans were so much demoialized by the blow, that they
abandoned their camp immediately, leaving their dead unburied, and
continued their retreat for twelve miles over wretched roads when they
encountered two regiments of infantry advancing to their support.
The appearance of the British squadron upon their flank completed
their discomfiture. The retreat became a flight. They abandoned
their boats, camp furniture, and much of their baggage. Major
Thomas Evans with four companies of infantry and a troop of Pro-
vincial dragoons, followed swiftly on their traces, and killed or cap-
tured many stragglers. The loyal inhal)itants and Indians were
roused and joined with alacrity in the pursuit, which was continued
until almost within cannon-shot of fort George. General Dearborn
at once dismantled and abandoned Fort Erie and drew in his outposts
from Chippawa and Qucenston, concentrating his entire force at
Niagara, where he began to form a large entrenched camp. On the
same aay that this was done a small party of Lincoln militia captured
a depot of arms near Queenston, and during the night took posses-
sion of the village itself ^

Ascertaining that about six thousand troops were then assembled
at Fort George, Vincent did not consider it prudent to attempt the
investment of their camp with a force still not exceeding a third of
that number, and contented himself with sending forward detach-
ments of light troops to watch their movements, and established his
headquarters at the Forty Mile Creek (Grimsby). Yet he continuc'd
to feel so confident of the superiority of his soldiers in fighting
qualities, that he assured the Governor-General that, if he would
reinforce his division with one thousand men, he would undertake to
drive the enemy out of the country.'^

While encamped there on the 12th June, Lieut. James Fitzgibbon,
the adjutant of the 49th, solicited and obtained permission to organize
an independent company of fifty men to act as rangers, or scouts, in
advance of the army. So many eligible volunteers from different
battalions immediately desired permission to serve under his
command, that he was embarassed by their numbers in making a
choice, for Fitzgibbon was already one of the best-known and most
popular ofificers in a division that inducted many adventurous and

1. Vincent to Prevost, June 5. 2. Evans to Harvoy, .Tune 10; Harvey to Baynes,
Juno 11. H Vincent to Provost, June 11.

his poverty alone prevented him froni obtaining high rank in his
profession at a lime when promotion was rarely attainable except by
purchase. The son of a poor cottager on the Irish estate of the
Knight of Glynn, he had enlisted at the age of fifteen in a troop of
yeomanry raised by that nobleman during the rebellion of lygS.
Having served for two years in this corps, he volunteered into the
ranks of the 49th. He was rapidly promoted to the rank of sergeant,
and participated in almost every engagement during the Duke of
of York's unfortunate expedition into Holland. In the first year of
the present century he was drafted as a marine on board Nelson's
squadron, and was engaged in the thickest of the fight at Copenhagen.
VVhile yet a non-commissioned officer his military knowledge gained
him the appointment of acting-adjutant to his battalion, and his
commissions were subsecjuently won by merit and good conduct
alone. For the last ten years he had been cjuartered in different parts
of Canada, and had become thoroughly familiarized with the habits
of the people and life in the woods.

In three days his company ot rangers was fully organized, and
accompanied by a few troopers of Merritt's Provincial Dragoons, he
moved forward to the Ten Mile Creek, and occupied the heights
overlooking the plain of Niagara. Stations established in the tops of
some of the tallest trees enabled him to keep a close watch upon the
movements of the main body of the Americans near Fort George,
while his position at the junction of three roads leading respectively
to the mouth of the creek, to Queenston, and to Niagara Falls
would permit hmi to move rapidly forward for the purpose of cutting
off their foraging parties.^

Although the majority, particularly of the older inhabitants of the
country, were unfaltering in their loyalty, it is certain that there were
many persons, especially among the more recent immigrants from the
United States, who were lukewarm, or even traitorously inclined.
Immediately upon taking possession of Fort Erie, Colonel Preston,
the American commandant, issued a proclamation to the inhabitants
of the surrounding country, promising protection to those who
recognized the Government of the United States, and enrolled their
names, and threatening those who still remained hostile with disastrous
consequences. During the last half-dozen years of the eighteenth
century there h been a steady stream of immigration into this part
of Canada, espc> illy from the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania,
mainly composed of Quakers, Mennonites, and adherents of other
sects, whose '•eligious tenets forbade them from bearing arms. It is
not surprising, then, that a considerable number of persons, some
travelling for the purpose, it is said, even from the banks of the Grand
River, came into the American lines and signed paroles. The

1. Fit!!eibboa, narrative of servicep; IVfrs. Jameaon, WiDter Studies, Vol. 1, p. 94;
Bcadding, Toronto of Uld. 2. Merritt, Jour lal.

number of inhabitants thus enrolled is stated by American authorities
to hr ve exceeded live hundred, among whom, doubtless, there were
many actuated chielly by a desire to evade service in the militia.i

Hut there were some who were actively and agt;ressively disloyal,
and professed their eagerness to assist the invaders in every way.
Chief among these were Joseph Willcocks. editor of the only paper
published at Niagara, and representative in the Provincial Assembly
of the fourth riding of the County of Lmcoln, and Benajah Mallory,
the member for Middlesex. Willcocks was an Irishman, and had
been once a member of ihe revolutionary society, known as the
United Irishmen, and Mallory was a native of the United States, but
had HmhI for many years in Canada. Both were active and
unscruiHilous agitators, and were men of more than average ability and
intelligence. A 'etter from an American ofticer stationed at Fort
George at this t,me may be assumed to describe truthfully the
sentiments of this small faction. After narrating the circumstances
connected with the landing of their army, the writer continues : —
"Our friends hereabouts are greatly relieved by our presence. They
have been terribly persecuted by the Scotch Myrmidons of England.
Their present joy is equal to their pa'-^ misery. This is a most
charming country, but its uncertain i ' y together with the
vexations farmers endured by being draj, out in the militia, left
the country in a great measure uncultivated." For the moment it
was confidently assumed that British rule was forever at an end, and that
the speedy con(juest of all Canada must follow. Enterprising traders
had alrea''y followed in the track of the army, and established them-
selves in business. The fertility of the soil and evidences of a com-
paratively high state of cultivation before the war excited emotions of
unconcealed surprise and delight among the invaders.'-^

Finding himself in want of a body of men intimately accjuainted
with the country, to act as guides and scouts, a number of the dis-
affected were enrolled by command of General Dearborn in a separ-
ate corps for this purpose, termed the Canadian Volunteers. Will-
cocks and Mallory were rewarded for their treason by commissions
as Lieutenant-Colonel and Major, and at their urgent solicitation it
was decided *o bring over a body of Indians from New York to act
in conjunctio.i with them. About the same time Cyrenius Chapin,
Sheriff of the County of Niagara in the State of New York, enlisted
a troop of fifty mounted volunteers "for the purpose of clearing the
frontier of persons inimical to the United States," and joined the
American army at Fort George.^

Hitherto the inhabitants of the district in possessi m of the in-
vading forces had been treated with a certain degree of lenity and
consideration. They were assured protection to their families and
property by both Generals Dearliorn and Boyd. Some of the
wounded militia who had been taken prisoners were even allowed to

1. Baltimore Whig; C. J. Ingersoll, Hist, second war. 2. Baltimpre Whig; National
Advocate; N. Y. Evening Post. 3, Buffalo Gazette; Albany Argus,

return to their homes upon signing paroles pledging themselves not
to bear arms against the United States until regularly exchanged. But
a rigid search for arms was instituted and ])aroles exacted from all
persons liable to military service, (leneral Dearborn, soon after his
landing, summoned the magistrates to appear at his hcad(iuarters, and
twelve having obeyed, he authorized them to continue the exercise of
their functions, and several minor offences weresubsecjuently punished
by them.i A few days later, however, he received a despatch from
the Secretary of War instructing him, in conseciuence of a disagree
ment with Sir George Prevost and Admiral Warren respecting an
exchange of prisoners, not only to remove all genuine prisoners of
war, whether regulars or militia, to some secure place of confinement
in the United States, but also directing that all male inhabitants of
Canada, subject to the militia laws, should be regarded as prisoners of
war and treated in the same manner.- In j)ursuance of this barbarous
edict, parties of soldiers were sent out to scour the country between
Niagara and Fort Erie in every direction. On the 19th of June and
the two following days nearly one hundred [)ersons were arrested,
chiefly at their homes, on the roads, or working in the fields, and
removed to the United States where they were closely confined.^
About a dozen of the prisoners held commissions in the militia but at
least fifty were non-combatants, many of them over sixty years of age
and some mere children. ■* Among the number were the Rev.
Robert Addison, rector of Niagara, William Dickson, a barrister, and
Messrs. Baldwin, Edwards, Grier, Heron, Muirhead and Lymington,
the principal merchants ot the ))lace. Gaptains George Lawe and
John McEwen, and the brothers Kerr, were still helpless from wounds
received in the battle at Niagara. Captain Jacob Ball was seized at
his house within half a mile ot Fitzgibbon's advanced picket at dead
of nigpt.^ The men employed in this service chiefly belonged to
Chapin's and Willcock's volunteers, with whom discipline was lax and
many outrages were committed. The inhabitants were insulted, mal-
treated, and pillaged mercilessly.''

This line of conduct naturally exasperated and alarmed the
remaining inhabitants beyond measure, and they welcomed Fitz-
gibbon's advance with the liveliest manifestations of joy. The British
troops had remained almost inactive for several days owing chiefly to
their distressed condition tor want of proper clothing and provisions.
Capt. Fulton, aide de camp to Sir George Prevost, who visited their
camp upon a confidential mission at this time, described the 49th as
"literally naked," while the 41st were "in rags and without shoes."
Both officers and men were glad to appropriate articles of clothing

1. Revd. Joliu Stracban, letter to Tbos, Jefferson; Wm Sickeou to — Can. Arch-
3. Secretary of War to Gen. Dearborn, May 20. 3. Albany Gazette ; 4. Tbe militia otfi-
cers were Alex. MoDounel, Dy .-Paymaster General of Militia, Jobu Lyniington, Oistriot
Paymastor, Wm. Ross, Commissary, Lt.-Col, lialpb Clench, Capts. Jobn Powell, Georr
Lawe, John DeCoo, Jobn McKwen, Jobn Jouos, Jacob Hall ami Baxter, Liouts, P :.
Powlis, Jonathan Williams and John Hradt. Oapts. Powell and Lawo were releaso( by
a raiding party of British at Burlington, Vt., the following February. 5. National Ad-
vocate ; 0. (juebeo Mercury, letter of Revd. John Btrachau, James Mil, Geo.

captured from the enemy or striijped from the bodies oi' tl
Meanwhile Colonel Proctor, at Detroit, who had been promi
the remaining companies of the latter regiment would be sei
assistance, was complaining bitterly m almosL daily letters
detention, and at the same time begging that suj)plies should
him to preserve his men from actual starvation in the fac(
enemy. The military chest was absolutely empty. Vincent
been compelled to borrow five hundred guineas from Colonel
Clark to enable a })arty of militia to purchase cattle and dri
overland to Amherstburti, for the temporary relief of th(
garrisons there.-

The opportune arrival of Major De Haren with the t
companies of the 104th, or New Brunswick regiment, and a
340 Indians from Lower Canada, and the evident good dispc
the inhabitants, encouraged Vincent to push forward a smal
of light troops under Lieut. -Colonel Cecil Bisshop, "to feel th(
the enemy." He described his chief objecis in thus advai
being to spare the resources of the country in his rear, and tc
much of his supplies as possible from the district in vicinit
adversary's lines, besides encouraging the inhabitants to rise a
prisoners of the enemy's loraging parties. Deserters from th
can camp estimated Ceneral Dearborn's force at 6,000, of \vh(
were sick, and their fears of an attack were stated tj be as s
ever.-* Their foraging and reconnoitering i)arties althougli
numerous and well mounted, were constantly attacked by th
and as one of their officers writing home remarked, "seldon
much in this sort of warfare, as the enemy is best accjuainted
paths, bye-roads, swamps, and the country in general."* Vincei
tive force at this time does not seem to have much excee
thousand of all ranks, including militia and Indians,

On the 20th June, Bisshop established his headquartei
Twenty Mile Creek, on the heights above the present village o
and Major DeHaren with his two companies of New Brunsw
the light conipany of the 8th, and the Caughnawaga Indians
a position in advance of the Ten Mile Creek, having his m:
posted on the lake road, near the mouth of that stream, and
of outposts extending across the country, covering a front (
seven miles, with his right resting on Turney's cross-roads,
German meeting-house, within a nule of the site of the presi
of Thorold.5

Fitzgibbon's scouts on the upland above, were kept o
in motion, never sleej)ing twice in the same i)lace. On the 2
had a sharp skirmish with some cavalry near Niagara P'alls.
day it was reported that Chapin's troop was plundering the in
between Chippawa and Fort Erie, and a farmer living ne
Abino, was accused of furnishing them with information.

I. Fulton to Pi-evnst, -Tune 18 ; De RnttenburR to Prevost, July H. 2.
PrevOBt, June 2. 3. Vincent to Provost, June U, McPouell to Proctor, Juno
Evening Post. 5. Merritt, Journal.

panied by Captain Merritt and four picked men, Fitzgibbon immed-
iately rode in search of the marauders. They surrounded the house
of the suspected man three hours before dawn, and captured him with
one of Chapin's scouts, who was sleeping there. ^ 'Vhile Merritt con-
veyed the prisoners to a place of safety, Fitzgibbou rejoined his com-
pany and advanced swiftly in the direction of Niagara P'alls, in the
hope of mtercepling Chapin during his return to Niagara. As he
entered Lundy's Lane he was informed that the latter had already been
joined by 150 riflemen from I'ort George. Ridmg forward alone to
reconnoitre, he was presently recognized by Mrs. James Kerby, the
wife of a loyal captain of militia, who ran out of her house in a state
of great agitation, and begged him to retire at once, as a large party
of the enemy had just passed up the road. But seeing a single cav-
alry horse standmg saddled in front of a small tavern a little distance
further on, and thinkmg it probable that only the rider was within, he
yielded to the temptation to attempt his capture, and dismounting,
approached the house quietly on foot. Suddenly an American
infantry soldier came out and levelling his musket, demanded his
surrender. Before he could fire, however, Fitzgibbon had closed with
him, and not wishing to raise an alarm, attempted to wrest his weapon
from him and throw him to the ground by main strength. Then a
rifleman made his appearance from behind the house and hurried to
the assistance of his companion. Fitzgibbon's great physical strength
alone preserved him from death and capture at this critical moment.
Thrusting his first assailant violently back upon the other, he suc-
ceeded in grasping his rifle «ith his disengaged hand, and held the
weapons of both in such a pobiiiun that neither of them could fire
with effect. A little knot of inhabitants had gathered near, and the
struggling and overmatched officer called upon two young men he
observed among them, to come to his assistance, but although Mrs.
Kerby implored them with tears to comply, their fears prevaile'i and
they slunk away. An instant later the rifleman snatched Fitzgibbon's
sword from his side and had raised it to strike him, when Mrs.
Defields, the innkeeper's wife, sprang forward and struck his uplifted
arm with such force that the sword fell from his grasp. Then an old
man named Johnson and a Doy only thirteen years of age, the son of
Dr. Fleming, came to tiie rescue, and with the assistance of the women
finally enabled Fitzgibbon to disarm and tie both his antagonists
securely on the back of the captured horse and ride away with them
in triumph, although a party of their comrades had already made
their appearance within a couple of hundred yards of the scene of
this desperate struggle.^

That night Fitzgibbon retired to DeCew's house near the upper
crossing of ihe Twelve Mile Creek, a substantial two-story stone
building, whicli had been selected as a place of deposit for stores by
Vincent prior to the capture of Fort George, ano was capable of a
prolonged defence against any force not provided with artillery. Th?
}, Merritt, Journal. 2, Quebec Merovwry,

owner, Captain John DeCew, was among the prisoners recently de-
ported to the United States to be held as hostages, as their captors
announced, for the good behaviour of the remaining inhabitants.
There, a few hours later, he was joined by a party of Caughnawaga
or Iroquois Indians under the command of Captain Dominique
Ducharme. This force had been organized at Montreal by Sir John
Johnson and originally consisted of i6o warriors from the Sault St.
Louis, 1 20 from the Lake of Two Mountains, and 60 from St. Regis
village under the general command of Ducharme, assisted by Lieu-
tenants J. B. deLormiier, Gideon Gaucher, Louis Langlade, Evangelisle
Saint Germain and Isaac LeClair. All of these officers were exper-
ienced woodsmen, possessing the entire confidence ot these people
with whose language and habits of life most of them had been
familiar from childhood. In some instances their families had been
associated for several generations with the Indian tribes, both in
peace and in war. As a rule they had adopted the Indian costume
even to the extent of plumes and war-paint, and as their faces were
deeply bronzed by years of exposure to the weather they could
scarcely be distinguished by an ordinary observer as belonging to a
different race from their followers.^

During the course of the next day Ducharme went with twenty-
five warriors to reconnoitre the Niagara, and advancing within sight
of Fort George he surprised a party of American soldiers in .1 tavern,
killing four and making seven prisoners. Although hotly pursued by
cavalry he easily effected his escape by plunging into the woods, with
the loss of but a single wamor who lagged behind to bring off some
horses. The same afternoon another party attacked a boat in the
river near Queenston, killing two persons and capturing six.2

Annoyed beyond endurance by the audacity of an adversary
numerically so much weaker in thus continually annoying his out-
posts, General Dearborn determined to strike a vigorous blow at
Vincent's advance-guard in return. Having been informed on the
23rd that Fitzgibbon had occupied DeCew's house with a single
company of regular troops, and between sixty and a hundred Indians,
(a very close estimate of his actual strength,) and was said to be
fortifyiqg it and collecting supplies there, he was easily persuaded to
consent to an expedition for the purpose of dislodging him, and over-
awing the inhabitants in that quarter. A column of 600 men was
deemed amply sufficient for the performance of this service, and
Colonel Charles G. Boerstler, of the 14th U. S. Infantry, or Maryland
regiment, was selected for the command. This officer had already
distinguished himself by gallant conduct in leading the night attack
on the batteries below Fort Erie in November, 181 2. During the
winter his complaints of the inactivity of his superiors had been
frequent and bitter. By common consent he was regarded as one of
the bravest and most enterprising officers in the American aimy.

1. Dacbarme, narrative in M. Bibaud'a Bibllotheque Canadienue, Vol. 4. 2. Duc-
harme ; BalTalo Oazette.

The whole of his own regiment, one company of the 6th, another of
the 23rd, a troop cf the 2nd Light Dragoons, commanded by Cornet
Burd, a company of light ariillcry, with one 6-pound and one 12-
pound fieldpiecc, under Captain Andrew McDowell, and Chapin's
corps of mounted infantry, were detailed for the purpose, the entire
force exceeding six hundred rank and file.^

The distance from the American camp at Fort George by way
of Queenston, the route selected for the advance of the expedition,
wcj estimated at rather less than eu;hteen miles. To Bishopp's head-
quarters, by way of the lake road, it was nearly as far, while De Haren's
outpost at the mouth of the ''Tei;" was not quite ten miles away.
The three principal advanced i)osts of the British were thus
established at the angles of aw equilateral triangle, each side of which
was about seven miles in length. A chain of outposts stretching
along its base maintained communication between De Haren on the
edge of the lake, and Fitzgibbon on the crest of the ht ights above.
Bishopp's position, near the junction of two roads, would enable him
to support either of these otTicers, when necessary, with etinal facility.
At the same time the American line of outposts did not extend more
than two miles in advance of Fort George in any direction.

Besides the main road to Burlington, fol'owmg the shore of the
lake, another, sometimes known as the Black Swamp road, led
almost in a direct line from Niagara to Paul Sliipman's tavern at
the crossing of the Twelve Mile Creek on the site of the present city
of St. Catharines. From Queenston, a much frequented road wound
along the base of the heights to the small village of St. Davids, where
it divided, one branch running north-westward to Shipman's, while
the other ascended the plateau, and following the summit reached
the Twelve Mile Creek near the falls. There were besides a number of
woodland paths and bye-roads, leading inland in various directions,
with which the inhabitants were familiar, but these were the only
routes at all practicable for the passage of artillery and heavy wagons.

While this column of troops advanced against F'itzgibbon, a
simultaneous movement was designed against De Haren's picket at
the mouth of the "Ten," with the object of occupying his attention
and preventing him from rendering any assistance to the former, but
for some reason it was never executed. Bcerstler's instructions
directed him to advance as rapidly as possible upon Fitzgibbon's
post ; and, if necessary, batter down the house and capture or
disperse the garrison. Chapin, vain, boastful, and never very
particular as to the accuracy of his statements, boldly asserted that he
had penetrated into the hilly region beyond DeCew's a few days
before, although it subsequently appeared that he had not approached
within several miles of the place, and was in consequence selected as
pilot for the expedition. Bat at the last moment it was discovered
that a detachment of riflemen detailed for this service had been
already placed on guard, and could not be relieved. This oversight

1. ArmBtrong, Notices ; Ingersoll ; Loising, etc.

»3

deprived Bierstler of a i)ortion ot his most efTective troops, and
obliged him to march without them.^

The departure of the column from camp was purposely delayed
until evening to avoid observation. At the outlying picket, the main-
body halted, and the mounted men rode rapidly forward to Queenston
to secure the inhabitants and prevent them from giving the alarm.
Silence was strictly enjoined during the march, and patrr>les and
pickets were at once thrown out on all ihe roads leading away from
that village.2

It was commonly said that there had not been such a ramy sea-
son for a quarter of a century. Showers of greater or less magnitude
had fallen nearly every day for several weeks. The roads were thor-
oughly saturated, and the ordinary number of horses could scarcely
drag the cannon. Accordingly it was almost midnight before the
remainder of the detachment arrived and halted for the night. No
lights or fires were allowed, and the men lay on their arms, but not-
withstanding the thoroughness of these precautions to ensure secrecy,
information of their approach was soon speeding towards the British
outposts as swiftly as a woman's feet could carry it. Among the
remaining inhabitants of Queenston, was James Secord, formerly an
officer in the Lincoln Militia, and still almost helpless from wounds
received in the battle of the 13th October. Thirty-six years before,
when a child only three years old, he had accompanied his mother in
her flight through the wilderness with four other homeless women and
many children to escape the fury of a band of ruffians, who called
themselves "Sons of Liberty." After enduring frightful hardships for
nearly a month, they finally arrived at Fort Niagara almost naked and
starving. Subsequently his father and several brothers had enlisted
in Butler's Rangers, and forfeited their lands by their loyalty. The
memory of the wrongs and sufferings of his family still rankled in his
breast and caused him to regard the people of the United "^^ites liter-
ally as personal enemies. The parents of his wife had lin.v;wise been
refugee loyalists, and she was equally warm and unfaltering in her
patriotism.

The sudden arrival of so large a body of troops by night, and the
unusual care taken to conceal their advance, at once led them to sus-
pect that the blow was aimed at Fitzgibbon, some of whose men had
been m the village during the day, and they anxiously began to medi-
tate means of warning him of the impending danger. Since it was
clearly impossible for Secord himself to accomplish tlie necessary
journey, his wife promptly determined to undertake the perilous task
herself She was a slight and delicate woman, already in her thirty-
eighth year and the mother of five children. The roads in many
places were ankle-deep in mud, the country was sparsely settled and
the woods were known to be haunted by bands of Indians and white
marauders, who hung upon the skirts of the armies, yet she never

1. Aimstroiig, Noticea ; Lossing. 'I. Armstrong.

""WW

faltered in her resolution. Leaving the house at the first flush of
dawn, with a pail upon her arm, she •succeeded in passing the nearest
sentinel under pretence of milking a :ow in the fields beyond. It was
then no difificult matter to guide the animal behind a convenient
thicket, and once fairly out of sight she threw the pail aside and began
her toilsome walk. Fearing that her purpose might be suspected
when her prolonged absence was discovered, and a pursuit begun, she
carefully avoided the main road and struck mto a bye-pa^h leading
through the fields and woods. The brilliancy of the moon favored
her flight. Occasionally the distant howl of a wolf smote upon her
ear, and more than once a rattlesnake glided from the path and disap-
peared in the rank grass. But these were not unfamiliar sights and
sounds to the dwellers in the woods, and she pushed bravely on with-
out a pause till she reached the village of St. Davids.

After resting for an instant at the house of a relative, she resumed
her journey, still avoiding the highway and selecting a circuitous and
lonely route which led her many miles out ot the way. Finally, having
walked as she imagined, some nineteen miles since leaving home, she
arrived at a branch of the Twelve Mile Creek shortly after sunrise,
and finding it much swollen by the recent rains and the bridge
removed, she was compelled to cross it upon the trunk of a fallen tree.
Toiling up the steep bank beyond she stumbled into the midst of a
group of sleeping Indians who sprang hastily to their feet with piercing
yells. It was with great diiificulty she made her object understood by
their chief, who understood but a few words of English, and some
delay ensued before she was conducted to Fitzgibbon, to whom bhe
told her story, describing the composition of the column advancing
against him, and estimating its strength at nearly a thousand men.^*

It being contrary to the custom of the Indians to act at night,
they had withdrawn to their respective encampments and Ducharme
had not more than eighty warriors with him. Scarcely had Mrs.
Secord concluded her narrative, when his scouts came in shrieking the
death-cry. They had encountered the advance-guard of the enemy
near St. Davids, and one of their number had been killed. Ducharme
immediately requested permission to advance and waylay the column
at a spot which had fixed his attention the day before, as being favor-
able for an ambush. Fitzgibbon readily gave his assent, and the entire
body of Indians set off at a run. 2

Meanwhile Boerstler had seized an inhabitant whom he forced to
act as a guide, and shortly after daybreak resumed his march. As his
advance-guard entered St. Davids two British officers were seen riding

1. Anctainleck ; Coffin ; LobbIdk ; Qaebec Mercury. % Duoharoie in Bibaud's
Bibliotheque Canailienne.

*I am aware that tbia account itiSers in some reapeota from Mra. Secord'a own
narrative as recorded in lettera printed by Auchinleok and LosBlue. It abould be
remembered tbat these letters were written more than forty >ears after, when Mrs.
Becord was more than eighty yeat a of aRe. From these the Inference would be that
she walked an entire day an<4 parts of two nights. It is certain that the expedition
was not lauthorized until late on the afternoon of the 23rd. Mra Secord tnerafore
oould not have been more than live or six Dours on the road. The diatance from
Queenston to Deoew'a Falla in a direct line, ia leaa than twelve miles.

away in the direction of the Cross roads, now Homer Village, and pre-
sently they he:.rd alarm-guns and bugles sounding in the distance.
Chapin rcmaiked that they would probably soon hear from Fitzgibbon,
and Bcerstler replied tha.1 they would doubtless have to "ight there on
their return. The column continued to move forward with great
caution, having a party of Chupin's mounted riflemen, well in front
with light infantry in extended order on either flank, followed by the
14th U. S. Infantry, the artillery and wagons, then the companies of
the 6th and 23rd, while the troop of dragoons covered che rear. In
this order they passed the point where the road diverged to Shipman's
and ascended the heights. From time to time Indians were observed
gliding stealthily through the woods, but as yet they made no attempt
to molest their march. ^

Since the date o* the earliest exploration, much of the present
township of Stamford was scantily wooded, but in its north-west
angle and stretching into the adjacent township of Thorold there
was a compact and extensive tract of well-timbered land, commonly
known as the Beechwoods. Here the road by which Bcerstler was
advancing became a mere narrow wheel-track, intersected in many
places by deep gullies, and closely bounded on either side by an
almost continuous wall of trees and underbrush."^

Choosing a spot where one of the widest and deepest of these
ravines crossed the road, Ducharme stationed his warriors. Lieutenants
De Lorimier and Le Clair, with twenty-five Caughnawagas, on the
right ; Captain William Johnson Kerr and Lieutenant John Brant,
with sixteen Mohawks, on the left, while he retained the remainder
under his own command on the further slope, to check the advance
of the enemy, and force them back into the hollow.

Already the heat of the sun had become intense, and many of
the heavily-burdened infantry soldiers had begun to lag and droop
with fatigue. Between eight and nine oclock their advance-guard,
consistmg of about twenty mounted riflemen, rode into the hollow
and began the ascent of the opposite slope. A single volley from the
thickets emptied every saddle but one, and several warriors
immediately sprang forward to strip and scalp their fallen enemies.
Ducharme sharply interposed, and ordered them back to their coverts
to await the approach of the infantry, already close at hand. The
head of the column was greeted with a shower of bullets. The
leading companies attempted to deploy, and the artillery and mounted
men were ordered to the rear. Much disorder ensued, and, at this
opportune moment, the detachments of Lorimier and Kerr began the
attack on the flanks, and presently another small party appeared in the
rear and killed several men there. The foremost sections retired
precipitately upon the centre, and finally formed in an opening in the
woods on the right of the road, whither they were followed and again
attacked. The artillery was then brought forward and directed to
}. Armstrong; Cbaptn's review of ArmstrQog. ^. Tdltjot ; Five yeara in ^ap«<\a,

clear the thir!'^ cs with grape. Tlie first discharge i^.^'^scd harmlessly
overhead, and the wary leader of the Indian • uruered them to retire
to the woods before the cannon could again be loaded. In accom-
pliohing this, however, several of their number, having ventured too
jar forward, were killed or wounded in crossing an open space, and
nost of the Mohawks became panic-stricken and left the field.^

Hastily concluding that he had to contend with superior numbers,
Bterstler despatched a mounted orderly to Fort George to announce
that he had been attacked and had fallen back to a clearing, where
he would wait lor reinforcements. But soon observing that their fire
had begun to slacken, he determined to make a vigorous effort to
brush aside his assailants and continue his march. Leaving his
artillery behind, protected by the dragoons and the two detached
companies of infantry under Major Taylor, second in command,
whose horse had been killed at the first fire, be formed the whole of
his own regiment in single rank, with i\ Cv.mpany on each wing,
thrown back to cover the flank of his line, and led it at a quickstep
into the woods on the right of the road, with the intention of driving
the Indians into the fields beyond. He had almost penetrated
through the woods, without encountering much opposition, when a
violent attack was commenced on his right flank. Wheeling in that
direction, the advance was continued for a considerable distance in
the face of an incessant fire from an almost invisible enemy. Then,
finding that his men were losing heavily and becoming fatigued, with-
out gaining any substantial advantage, Bcjerstler threw out a line of
skirmishers to hold the enemy in check, and directed a general
retreat upon the artillery. The Indians pressed their advantage with
exulting shouts, and finally the Americans fell back in considerable
confusion mto a hollow where they were partially sheltered from their
fire.2

Ducharme then promptly directed Lieutenants Gaucher, Gamelin
and Langlade with their respective detachments to make a circuit
through the woods and gain their flank and rear. This was soon
accomplished, and bullets from the overhanging thickets again began
to drop with fatal effect among Boerstler's men, now quite dazed and
dispirited. Although slightly wounded in the very beginning of the
action, Boerstler had remained on horseback constantly encouraging
his soldiers, and as he galloped along the line, affording a conspicuous
mark to the enemy. Another shot then struck him in the thigh,
inflicting a severe fleshwound. Captains Cummings and McChesney,
and Lieutenants Marechal and Randall were disabled nearly at the
same moment, and the fall of so many officers had nai "rally a
most disastrous efTect.^

While the tide of battle swayed to and fro in the woods, small
parties of Indians were constantly coming up and swelling the
numbers of the assailants. Next, Captain Hall of the Provincial

1. Duoharme ; Armstrong ; Chapin ; Boerstler, letter to bis father. 2, Armstrong, 3,
I^OBSing; Armstrong; Cbapln; Ducharme.

Cavalry, appeared upon the scene, and after survoying the conflict
for a few minutes, galloped off to make a report to De Haren. Then,
after the action had lasted almost an hour, Filzgibbon rode uj).
accompanied by his only subaltern, Lieutenant Winder. Observing
that the Americans were already thrown on tie defensive, almost
surrounded, and apparently undetermined whether to cortinue their
advance or attempt a retreat, he sent away his companion to bring
forward the remainder of his company, consisting of a single sergeant
and forty-five rank and file, and remained to watch the foitunes of the
fight. i'"inally, the three brothers Kelly, militiamen who had been
permitted to return to their home on an adjacent farm to assist in
haymaking, attracted by the sounds of otrife, seized their arms and
joined in the attack.

Order having been to some extent restored in their ranks, the
American infantry formed behind a fence and such o her cover as they
could find, and opened a brisk fire in reply. Some ci the boldest ot
their rifiemen even advanced a considerable distance up the ravine,
and dislodged a parly ot Indians posted there. In accomplishing this
three of their number were shot dead by a single indain, who was,
however, discovered as he attempted to escape from his lurking-place
and killed. The skirmish continued with great animation until the
Americans had exhausted twenty-six rounds of ammunition to very
little purpose, as they were rarely able to detect the form of any
individual assailant even for an instant, and rould merely fire at
random into the surrounding woods. A dense volume of smoke
settled down into the opening, and hung steadily over their heads.
Meanwhile they were girdled about by a circle of fire. Every tree
and rock and tuft ot tall grass seemed to emit its special jet of flame.'-^

The company of rangers having arrived, they were posted by
their commander on the high ground on the right of the road, and he
then directed the greater part of the Indians to occupy the woods on
both sides of the road in rear of the Americans, with a view of
retarding their retreat until other reinforcements could come up.

Noticing the glow of scarlet in front and harassed in flank and
rear by an indefinite and apparently ever-increasine: number of
whooping Indians and militia on, B(jerstler reluctantly determined
to begin his retreat towards Queenston. With this intention,
the wounded were collected and placed in wagons, and the
artillery, under i)rotection of a company of infantry, wfere sent to
occupy a clearing on the right ot the road in lot 45 of the township
of Tborold, upon the summit of the ridge. The remainder of the
infantry were next retired to the same position and formed in close
column. By retreating thence across a long stretch of cultivated
land, It would be possible to avoid the woods occupied by the
Indians and regain the road beyond, where it passed mainly through
an open country. The prospect of escape now appeared so fair that
Fitzgibbon determined to parley, chiefly, it is probable, with a vicAv
J. Quebec Mercury ; Coflin, 2. Armstrong ; Ohapiu,

of detaining thcni. Accordingly, he a|)proa(:hed their position with
a flag of truce, and being met by Captain McDowell, he boldly
informed him that they were surrounded by sui)erior numbers and
could not possibly escape. He added that many of the Indians
under his command had just arrived from the North-West, and were
of the most ferocious disjjosition. They had already met with severe
losses, and were much exasperated and he feared if the action was
continued much longer they would become unmanageable and begin
an indiscrinunate massacre. He desired to prevent unnecessary waste
of life, and therefore demanded their inunediate surrender. This
was merely the set form of summons, which had proved so potent at
Mackinac, Detroit, and other places, and McDowell frankly expressed
his disbelief of the assertion that their situation was hopeless, and
desired time for consideratiyn, and both officers returned to their
lines. Opportunely for the success of Fitzgibbon's strategy, Captain
Hall galloped up at that moment, accompanied by several troopers
of the Provincial Cavalry, and readily consented to personate Major
De Haren in the event of the American commandant pressing a
demand to be permitted to see the forces opposed to him.^

Approaching the American position a second time, Fitzgibbon
was admitted into Colonel Jj(erstler's presence, and found him
agitated and unnerved by loss of blood and the pain of his wounds.
The narratives of the slaughter at the River Raisin and Fort Meigs,
purposely exaggerated and invested with innumerable blood-curdling
details by the newspapers of the administration, were fresh in his
mind, and a judicious allusion tu the difficulty experienced in
•restraining the Indians caused him to exclaim, "For God's sake, keep
the Indians from us !" Fitzgibbon promptly replied that he must
decide at once, for this was not a matter to be dallied with, and expressed
his willingness to |)ermit an officer to view his forces. A subaltern
was detailed for the purpose, but when they reached a bend in the
road, where some of the rangers were staaoned, they were met by
Captain Hall, in the character ot De Haren, who feigned to be much
enraged at the delay, and declaring that this request on the part of
enemy was too humiliating to be endured, he ordered the American
officer to return at once to his own lines. ^

A section of Fitzgibbon's company was next directed to run
across the open ground and join the Indians in rear of the enemy
to impress them still further with a belief in the superiority of the
British torces. This movement was rapidly executed without loss
under fire of their artillery, and firing on both sides was briskly re-
commenced. 3

I'he confident attitude of his assailants had convinced Colonel
Boerstler that his situation was extremely critical, and he summoned a
meeting of his officers to obtain their views. His men had marched
almost ten miles that morning. They had been under arms for six
hours and had been fighting for the last three. The strength of the
1. ArmBtroug ; Cbapin, 2. Armstrong ; Quebec Mercury. 3, Ibid.

column Iiad be^n considerably diminished by killed, wounded, and
skulkers, and ihosc still in the ranks were much exhausted by heat
and fatigue. Their supply of ammunition was greatly reduced, only
three charges of grape remaining for each of the guns. Under these
circumstances it is not surprising that most of his subordinates were
inclined to take a gloomy view of their position. Having still
fifteen miles to retreat along a road bordered in many places by
woods, they candidly expressed their doubts whether a ([uarter of
their number would be able to escape. When the remainder of their
cartridges were expended, the Indians, they said, would be able to
shoot them down at pleasure. Hcerstler ac([uiesced in the main with
these opinions, and stating that he would assume all responsibility
for the surrender, des])atched Captain McDowell with instructions to
obtain the best terms possible.i

It was with great difficulty that the Indians could be induced to
cease firing, when it was announced that the Americans were finally
prepared to surrender. Ducharme could speak but little English, and
readi'v consented that Fitzgibbon should frame the articles of
capitulation, stipulating only that hi;^ followers should be allowed to
divide the ])lunder. A brief document, consisting of but tour short
clauses, was then signed by Captain McDowell, by which it was
agreed that Colonel 13(erstler's entire command should become
prisoners of war, the officers being allowed to retain their arms, horses
and private baggage, and the militia and volunteers to return to their
homes on parole. While the negotiations were m progress, Chapin
made a resolute and perfidious attempt to escape with his command.
Placing his wounded men, about fifteen in number, in the centre of
his troop, he began to ride rapidly down the road. But this move-
ment was frustrated by the alertness of the Indians, who immediately
barred the way in great numbers, and eventually not a single man
escaped but the orderly, who had been despatched for assistance
when the attack began. Twenty-three officers and 487 non-com-
missioned officers and men of the regular army and thirty militia laid
down their arms.'-^ About thirty of all ranks were supposed to have
been killed and sixty or seventy wounded. The colors of the 14th
United States Infantry, two field pieces, two baggage-wagons and five
hundred stand of arms were the principal trophies of the victory.

Fortunately for all parties Major De Haren, who, for some time
had obstinately refused to believe that any formidable movement was
directed against the right flank of his position, came up with 200 men
of the 8th and [04th in time to take charge of the prisoners, for,
when it became known that their personal baggage was protected by
the terms of capitulation, the Indians grew very indignant at what
they considered a deliberate plot to deprive them of bcoty to which

1 . Armatrong ; LoBsing. 2. Beturtt of prisooers takeu in action of 24th June, 1813 ;
Light Dragoons, 1 Cornet, 1 Sergeant, 19 rank and file ; Light Aitillery, 1 Captain, 1
Lieutenant, 1 Sergeant, 31 rank and file; 6th Infantry, 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 3
Sergeants, 54 rank and file ; 14tb Infantry, 1 Colonel, 3 Captains, 11 Lieutenants, 1 Sur-
geon, 15 Sergeants, 300 rank and file ; 20th Infantiy, 1 Major; 23rd Infantry, 1 Captain, 4
Sergeants, 2 Drummers, 57 rank and file.

they were justly entitled, and then disrontent subsetiuently increased
to such a height that many of thcni abruptly returned to their villages
a few weeks later.'

This signal success was obtained at the expense of very trifling
loss. I*'itzgibbon's company was but slightly engaged, and did not
have a single man injured. At the time, seven Indians were reported
to have been killed and sixteen wounded, but Durharme subsetiuently
estimated their entire loss at fifteen killed and twenty-five wounded.u

The conse(|uences of the victory proved f.ir more important than
could have [)een reasonably anticipated at the lim". The 15th
United States Infantry and a detachment of riflemen had been
dispatched to Bterstler's support, and hau already advanced as far as
Queenston, but being menaced by a small party of Indians, retired
precipitately to their camps. Many were of the opinion that the army
should at once retire from Canada, but a ( ounril f)f war, composed of
the chief officers, was lield, at v/hich it was ulii nately decided to
remain. Every exertion was made to fortify and strengthen their
position at Fort (leorge. Thenceforward for ihrci,' months, they were
restricted by their fears to the ground within ran.;e of their cannon,
r-ring the first week they did not venure to send even a patrole
further than a mile outside their entrtnchincnis. The principal div-
ision of the invading army was virtually paralyzed during the season
of the year most favorable for military operations, and remained pent
up within the limits of a few acres by force of less than halt its
numbers. Night after night their sentries and outposts were startled
by feigned attacks, which kept the entire camp in a feverish condition
of alarm, and subjected officers and men to excessive fatigue. During
the hottest months cf the year one-third of thediv'jion was prostrated
by disease, and though the hospital was removed to Lewiston, the pro-
portion of deaths became frightfully large Although repeatedly rein-
forced, their numbers constantly diminished, and they were constrained
to relinquish active operations altogether until the storms of autumn
rendered them difficult and hazardous. The chief medical officer of
the United States Army, then attached to General Dearborn's division,
was forced to make this frank admission : "When an enemy exhibits
great military ability we are disposed to allow him all the credit due
him, even when by artful deceptions and judicious management with
a force inferior, he was enabled to apparently check our army, and
compel It to place itself in a position entirely defensive."^

The effect produced by Bcerstler's defeat in Washington was
quite as remarkable. Congress was sitting when information of the
surrender arrived. Mr. IngersoU, one of the leaders of the dominant
party in the House of Representatives, stated that it was regarded as
forming "the climax to continual tidings of mismanagement and mis.
fortune. On the 6th of July, therefore, after a short accidental com.

1. Coffin ; Merritt'B Journal ; Royal Military Cbroniole, 1813 ; 2. Quebec Mercury ; Duo-
barme, Narrativa, 3, Coffin, life of Qeu H. Dearborn ; Mann, Medical sketches of the

munion of regret and impatience in the lobby with the speaker
(Henry Clay,) and Central Ri„ggoId, ol Marylaml, I was de, ufed a

retr >val from a command whuh so far had proved so unfortunate "
Cc quently a despatch w.s framed the same day. instructinrGen

l,nf,!2- ' ' '■" ""'"'-^'a^e successor, General JJoyd, was pro-

hibitec , attemptrnj,' any offensive operations until their sduadron
regained control of the Inke.i • ^'luaaron

nn.i i'''''"l- "''']"■'"'"''''*' '''^^^'•'^'"^'^^^e events, James Fit/mbbon
and Laura Sccord, attamed an extreme old age, and must be remem-
bered by many persons still living. ^

Fitzgibbon resided in Canada for more than forty years and took
an act,ye part m the suppression of the rebellion of^X; Some
years after he was nominated a Military Knight of Windsor, wK
he was still hvmg m 1867, at the aue of cightv-five

. Mrs. Secord died in 1868, at the advanced .ige of or and is

buned m the graveyard at Drummond Hill, on The batutneM of

Lundy's T,ane. It ,s to be hoped that not many j ears wih be al owed

o pass away ere her final resting place is marked by a nZt

memorial of one of the bravest and most loyal of CanadiL worn n'

1. C. J. Ingoraoll. Hist. Sketch Socoiul W'nr. Vol, I. p. 288.

APPENDIX

NO. I.

Mrs. Secord's narrative, cited by Mr. Auchinleck in 1853, is as
follows : It was while the Americans had possession of the frontier
that I learned the plans of the American commander, and determined
to put the British troops under Fitzgibbon in possession of them,
and, if possible, to save the British troops from capture or perhaps
total destruction. In doing so, I found I should have great difficulty
in getting through the American guards, which were out ten miles in
the country. Determined to persevere, however, I left early in the
morning, walked nineteen miles in the month of June over a rough
and difficult part of the country, when I came to a field belonging to
a Mr. Decamp, in the neighborhood of the Beaver Dam. By this
time daylight had left me. Here I found all the Indians encamped ;
by moonlight the scene was terrifying, and to those accustomed to
such scenes might be considered grand. Upon advancing to the
Indians, they all rose, and with some yells, said "Woman," which
made me tremble. I cannot express the awful feeling it gave me;
but I did not lose my presence of mind. I was determined to
persevere. I went up to one of the chiefs, made him understand
that I had great news for Capt. Fitzgibbon, and that he must let me
pass hi?, camp, or that he and his party would be all taken. The
chief at first objected to let me pass, but finally consented, after some
hesitation, to go with me and accompany me to Fitzgibbon's station,
which was at the Beaver Dam, when I had an interview with him.
I then told him what I had come for, and what I had heard — that
the Americans intended an attack upon the troops under his com-
mand, and would, from their superior numbers, capture them all.
Benefiting by this infoimation, Capt. Fitzgibbon formed his plans
accordingly, and captuied about five hundred American infantry,
about fifty dragoons, and a fieldpiece or two was taken from the
enemy. I returned home next day exhausted and fatigued. I am
now advanced in years, and when I look back I wonder how I could
have gone through so much fatigue with the fortitude to accomplish it.

NO. II.

CERTIFICATE OF LIEUT. FITZGIBBON.

I do hereby certify that Mrs. Secord, the wife of James Secord,
Esq., of Chippawa, did, in the month of June, 1813, walk from her
house in the village of St. Davids to Decamp's house in Thorold by
a circuitous route of about twelve miles, partly thiough the woods, to
acquaint me that the enemy intended to attempt by surprise to
capture a detachment of the 49th regiment, then under my command,

she having obtahicd such knowledge from good authority, as the
event proved. Mrs. Secord was a person of slit^lit and dehcate
frame, and made the effort in weather excessively warm, and I
dreaded at the time that she must suffer in health in consequence ot
fatigue and anxiety, she having been exposed to dangerj^from the
enemy, through whcje line of communication she had to pass. The
attempt was made on my detachment by the enemy, and his detach-
ment, consisting of upwards of 500 men, with a fieldpiece and fifty
dragoons, were captured in consequence. I write this certificate in a
moment of much hurry and from memory, and it i$ therefore thus
brief.

James Fit^gibhon,

Formerly Lieutenant in 49th Regiment

NO. III.

Mr. Lossing in his Field-book of the War of 1812 quotes on
page 621 the following extract of a letter from Mrs. Secord :

"After going to St. David's and the reco . ery of Mr. Secord, we
returned again to Queenston, where my courage again was much tried.
It was there I gained the secret plan laid to capture Captain
Fitzgibbon and his party. I was determined, it possible, to save
them. I had much difficulty in getting through the American guards.
They were ten miles out in the country. When I came to a field
belonging to a Mr. I)e Cou, in the neighborhood of the Beaver Dams,
I then had walked nineteen miles. By that lime daylight had left
me. I yf ^ had a swift stream of water (Twelve mile Creek) to cross
over on an old fallen tree, ar.d to climb a high iiili, which fatigued
me very much.

" Before I arrived at the encampment of the Indians, as I
approached they all rose with one of their war yells, which, indeed,
awed me. You may imagine whai: my feeUngs were to behold so
many savages. With forced courage I went to one of the chiefs, told
him I had great news for his commander, and that he must take me
to him or they would be all lost. He did not understand me, but
said, 'Woman ! What does woman want here ?' The scene by
moonlight to some might have beer grand, but to a weak woman
certainly terrifying. With difficulty ^ got one of the chiefs to go with
me to their commander. With the intelligence I gave him he formed
his plans and saved his country. I have ever found the brave and
noble Colonel Fitzgibbon a friend to me. May he prosper in the
world to come as he has done in this.

" Lai' \ Secoru.

"Chippawa, U, C, Feb. 18, 1861."

NO. IV.
ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION.

" Particulars of the capitulation made between Captain
McDowell, on the part of Lieutenant-Colonel Bcerstler, of the United
States Army, and Major De Haren, of his Britannic Majesty's
Canadian Regiment, on the part of Lieutenant- Colonel Bishopp,
commanding the advance of the British, respecting the force under
the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Boerstler :

"Article i. — That Lieutenant-Colonel Bcerstler and the forces
under his command shall surrender prisoners of war.

"Art; ,ie 2.- -That the officers shall retain their arms, horses and
baggage.

"Article 3.- -That the non-commissioned officers and soldiers
shall lay down their arms at the head of the British column, and
shall become prisoners of war.

"Article 4. — That the militia and volunteers with Lieutenant-
Colonel Btjorstler shall be permitted to return to the United States
on parole.

"Andrew McDowell,
^''Captain of the United States Light Artillery.

"Acceded to and signed,

"C. G. B.ERSTLKR,

'•'•Lieut. -Col. commanding detachmetit United States At my.

" P. V. De Haren,
'■'■Major Canadian Regiment."