The British and Indian force surprised the Americans before daybreak on January 22, 1813. Winchester had quartered himself in a house south of Frenchtown and when he heard the sounds of battle, he hurried to the scene, only to be captured by Indians on the way. They took his clothes, giving rise to the legend that he was captured in his bedclothes.
The 17th US Infantry consisted of mostly green troops and were caught out in the open by the onslaught. They broke and fled with their Col. William Allen being shot dead and then scalped. Dozens tried to surrender but were shot and tomahawked by the Indians.
The Kentucky Rifle Regiment continued to occupy the town despite being under heavy fire. They killed many attackers but were running low on ammunition.
The captured General Winchester was convinced to surrender his troops under the condition they be treated as prisoners of war.
The Kentucky troops continued to fight for another three hours before surrendering.
The British Take Back What They Lost. --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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