The Catastrophic Explosion That Defined the War of 1812-- Part 1: "Man Killing Idiot"

From the April 27, 2013 Blog To (Toronto) by Chris Bateman.

On April 27, 1813,, "the most powerful explosion ever witnessed in North America tore through Fort York."

This took place during the American attack on York (now Toronto) Upper Canada.  The American fleet consisted of 14 vessels. Two-thirds of York's civilian population were American born.

There were 300 troops in the fort, 300 militia in town and 100 Indians.

The American Army consisted of 1700 troops, including the riflemen under Benjamin Forsyth, described as "a man killing idiot" who wore a green jacket into battle.

--Brock-Perry