Battle of New Orleans.

Friday, December 20, 2013

War of 1812 Timeline: December 17th and 19th,1813: Capture of Fort Niagara

DECEMBER 17TH:

The Lower Canada Militia raid Derby, Vermont, capturing supplies and burning barracks and storehouses.

DECEMBER 19TH:

British capture Fort Niagara, New York, in a surprise night assault. During a snow storm on the night of 18-19 December 1813, British troops and Canadian militia volunteers crossed the Niagara River at Youngstown and attacked Fort Niagara.

An advance party led by British Sergeant Andrew Spearman moved unseen through the village of Youngstown, killing or capturing the American guards posted outside the fort. His group was able to force the main gates and the attackers stormed inside.

After a fierce struggle the fort was taken, along with an immense quantity of weapons and supplies. Seventy-nine Americans were killed or wounded, and 350 surrendered.

The attackers lost five killed and six wounded.

The British occupied Fort Niagara, controlling the mouth of the river until the end of the War of 1812.

--Brock-Perry

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