Another HMS Detroit-- Part 3: Recaptured By the Americans

On 9 October 1812, an American boat expedition led by Lt. Jesse D. Elliott captured both the HMS Detroit and Caledonia while they were anchored right under the guns of British Fort Erie.  They were able to successfully get the Caledonia away and back to the American base at Black Rock, New York.

But the larger HMS Detroit, owing to light wind was swept down the Niagara River's strong current and under British guns.  Elliott and his men manned the Detroit's guns until they ran out of ammunition.  They cut the cable and drifted down the river.

The ship grounded by Squaw Island within range of both American and British guns, whereupon Elliott and his men abandoned ship.  A force of British troops then boarded the ship only to be driven off with heavy losses.

Both sides fired at the battered hull until it caught fire and burned.

--Brock-Perry