The British, fully aware of the American buildup, determined to strike first. In early May 1814, Captain David Pring sailed south, intent on either entering Otter Creek to smash the American fleet or blocking the entrance to pen up Macdonough's fleet.
On May 14th, the British fleet appeared at the mouth of Otter Creek and encountered the hastily construction American fortifications at Fort Cassin, named for Macdonough's key subordinate, Lt. Stephen Cassin.
A battle ensued for two hours before the British fleet withdrew back to Ile aux Noix with the loss of one sailor. The Americans had just one wounded casualty.
The American victory at Fort Cassin saved Macdonough's fleet. The British returned to their base and redoubled their shipbuilding effort, finally launching a 37-gun largest-ever ship on Lake Champlain, the HMS Confiance. The two fleets would meet again in just a few months in September at the decisive Battle of Plattsburgh Bay, or Battle of Lake Champlain as it is also called.
--Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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