Fort Montgomery on Lake Champlain-- Part 5: Joseph Totten

Directly behind the fort itself, between it and the actual shoreline, a massive manmade island was constructed.  Standing higher than the fort itself,  the earthen berm was known as the "cover face" and protected the fort against an enemy on land being able to utilize heavy siege guns to reduce the walls.

It was connected to land by a narrow stone causeway and to the fort itself by a bridge.  Also, during the fort's latter construction, Chief Engineer of the Army, Joseph Totten, invented an iron reinforced embrasure for cannons which would better protect the gunners.

This upgrade was added to the fort's design in the upper tier.  The two lower ones had aleady been completed so were left with the brick embrasures.

Totten was no stranger to the area either, having served as a major under Generals Izard and Macomb during the 1814 Battle of Plattsburgh where he had been in charge of constructing the American defenses.

Later, he was brevetted to lieutenant colonel for gallantry under fire.

--Brock-Perry

200 Years Ago Today: Americans Blow Up Fort Erie

NOVEMBER 5TH, 1814:  American forces blow up Fort Erie, Upper Canada, and withdraw to Buffalo, New York.

On this date, general Izard's forces mined Fort Erie and set off a series of blasts to destroy the much-fought-over fort.

British General Drummond's scouts arrive shortly after to find the fort's walls destroyed, buildings ablaze and Izard's Army, suffering from severe food shortages, across the Niagara River and in winter quarters in Buffalo.

Drummond's Army then secured the Niagara Frontier.

And, After All That Fighting for the Fort.  --Brock-Perry

Gen. Izard's Cut Off

OCTOBER 16TH, 1814:  General George Izard wrote a letter to Armstrong expressing his concerns about being cut off from supplies and reinforcements now that the British control Lake Ontario after the launch of the HMS St. Lawrence.  he is also afraid that Yeo's control of the lake might enable larger forces to be brought against him.

At this point, Izard is seriously considering withdrawing from Fort Erie.

--Brock-Perry

200 Years Ago: Izard Takes Command and Goes on the Offensive

OCTOBER 11TH, 1814:  General George Izard arrives at Fort Erie and relieves General Jacob Brown of command.  He learns that British forces under Drummond have just 2,500 to oppose his 8,000 and begins an immediate advance.

OCTOBER 15TH, 1864:  General Izard skirmished with Drummond at Chippawa Creek and establishes camp at Street's Creek.  While here, he learns that the American Navy under Chauncey had lost control of Lake Ontario because of the launch of the HMS St. Lawrence.

He then stops his advance and returns to Fort Erie, Upper Canada (Ontario).

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Cook's Mill (s)--Part 2

On the 16th of October, there was an artillery duel over Chippawa Creek. General Izard then sent 1200 men of the 5th, 14th, 15th and 16th U.S. Infantry to capture the British supply depot at Cook's Mills on Lyons Creek.

British general Gordon Drummond sent 750 men out to reconnoiter the American force and a half hour battle was fought on the 19th at the mills.

The outnumbered British withdrew and were pursued a short distance by the Americans who then returned and destroyed all the grain and flour they found at the mill.

Later, Izard destroyed Fort Erie and retreated to the U.S. side of the Niagara River.

The site was made a National Historic Site of Canada in 1921.

Now, You Know.  --Brock-Perry

Battle of Cook's Mill (s)-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

Like I said in the last post, I'd never heard of this battle, so Wiki here I come.

The battle was part of the Niagara Campaign and the next-to-last one fought on Canadian soil during the war (the last one was the battle of Malcolm's Mills.

This one was fought October 19, 1814 in Upper Canada, present-day Welland, Ontario.  It ended as an American victory, but strategic British win as the Americans withdrew across the Niagara River.

The 750 British troops in the battle were led by Christopher Myers and fought against 1200 U.S. soldiers led by General George Izard and Daniel Bissell.  British losses were 1 killed, 35 wounded.  American: 12 killed and 55 wounded.

Setting the stage for this battle was the American successful defense of Fort Erie (which was later abandoned because of lack of supplies).  George Izard marched his army from Plattsburgh, NY and was hoping to draw British general Gordon Drummand into a fight outside of his defenses.

More to Come.  --Brock-Perry