French Mills in the War of 1812-- Part 2: Cold and Unhealthy Winter

Now called Fort Covington, New York, French Mills was the site just inside New York state from Canada where Gen. Wilkinson retreated after the disastrous Battle of Crysler's Farm in November 1813.

He and 2000+ men arrived here by boats up the Salmon River from across the St. Lawrence River.

The winter camp at French Mills was extremely cold and unhealthy.  Food was scarce as the nearest supply base was 200 miles away at Plattsburgh and involved travel over some very poor roads.

Over 200 soldiers, including Robert Lucas, dies there.

By February, the troops burned their boats and began to withdraw to Sackets Harbor and Plattsburgh.

General Covington was an officer who was fatally wounded at the Battle of Crysler's Farm and died enroute to French Mills.

--Brock-Perry