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Project:1812 – Battle of Stoney Creek

By the end of May 1813 the Americans had overrun the entire Niagara Peninsula. American troops occupied the town of Newark and Fort George, Chauncey, and Perry patrolled the Niagara River and Lake Erie with little resistance from the Provincial Marine. York was in ashes, and the only British strong point left was Burlington Heights. But the Americans knew that if they were to take all of Upper Canada, the fortifications at Burlington Heights must fall.

Burlington Heights as it stands today, some of the earthworks remain in the cemetary on York Street in Hamilton, ON.

In early June of 1813 a force of 3,400 troops marched on Burlington Heights and by June 4th had reached 40-mile creek near what is today Stoney Creek, and made camp on the Gage Farm, the farmhouse serving as Headquarters for Generals William H Winder and John Chandler. But the one thing that the Americans didn’t realize was that the British knew they were coming, they knew their numbers, and how to get past the sentries. Earlier in the day the American column had been spotted by a local boy, Billy Green who went to tell his cousin, Isaac Corman. Corman had just been released as a prisoner of the Americans, after convincing them that he (Corman) was a cousin of William Henry Harrison, an American General. Corman had been given the password to get past the sentries after promising not to reveal this to the British. But Corman did tell this password to Billy. Green immediately took this to the General Vincent at Burlington Heights. Vincent sent a force of 700 troops under Lieutenant Colonel John Harvey to probe the American lines. One of Harvey’s officers, Lieutenant FitzGibbon infiltrated the American camp in disguise to scout out their numbers and positioning.

Reenactors representing the 8th (The King’s) Regiment of Foot, and the Royal Scots take the field at the Stoney Creek Reenactment, June 2012.

Harvey’s troops, along with General Vincent marched from Burlington Heights under the cover of night on June 5th, 1813 to the American Camp. The column even removed their flints; with bayonets fixed they aimed to take out any sentries or pickets by stealth. They achieved this fairly well taking two sentries without raising an alarm, but when they got into an area of the camp where they expected to find a surprised 25th US Infantry, they only found civilians and cooks, the soldiers had moved to a better position. A cheer from the British raised the alarm when it was overheard by an American officer, with the element of surprise lost, the British soon found themselves outnumbered. The Americans quickly organized themselves and having the high ground began to pour lead into the floundering British lines. Despite many attempts the British could not break through the American lines until they did it for them. The 5th US Infantry was called out to protect the failing left flank, leaving enough of a gap for the 49th Regiment of Foot under Major Plenderleath to charge the American guns. With the Americans now disorganized, their own cavalry charged US Lines and dawn breaking, the British with both Generals Winder and Chandler as prisoners withdrew into the woods to hide their numbers. And despite holding superior numbers the Americans withdrew as well.

A good volley!

The entire battle lasted all of forty-five minutes; the British took 7 officers prisoners, along with 93 enlisted men, but suffered 23 deaths, 136 wounded, 3 missing, and 52 captured. The Americans suffered 17 deaths and 38 wounded. General Vincent, thinking all was lost, rode off into the night. He was later found missing his hat, sword, and horse. The Americans withdrew further back only to be chased back to Fort George when a Royal Navy squadron appeared off the shore of Lake Ontario (Commodore Chauncey’s Squadron having been recalled to Sacket’s Harbor to repulse a failed British attack there). Stoney Creek was the furthest any American Army made it into Upper Canada, and they never made it that far again. After suffering another defeat at Beaver Dams at the hands of FitzGibbon they holed up in Fort George and then scattered back across the Niagara River near the end of 1813.

The Crown Forces Fife and Drum Corps.

Today the site of the battle of Stoney Creek is marked by a massive tower built in 1913 at the 100 year anniversary of the battle, the Gage Farmhouse still stands and the grounds and farmhouse, now called Battlefield house is open to the public as a museum and historic site. Each year on the first weekend of June a re-enactment of the battle takes place.

With Files from:
www.battlefieldhouse.ca/war1812.asp
www.eighteentwelve.ca/?q=eng/Topic/30
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition by Gilbert Collins – 2006 The Dundurn Group Publishers

Photos: Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 80-160mm 1:4.5 – Kodak Portra 400 @ ISO-800 (no push in development)

Project:1812 – Laura Secord

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What do chocolate and the war of 1812 have in common; just one thing, a name, Laura Secord. Many people today hear the name Laura Secord and think of the Canadian confectionary company, but there was a hero behind that name. But unlike other heroes from the war whose names were praised right after their great victories, Laura lived in relative obscurity until decades after the war had ended. Born Laura Ingersoll on the 13th of September 1775 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, she was the eldest of four born to Thomas Ingersoll and Elizabeth Dewey. When she was eight her mother passed away, her father remarried twice, greatly expanding the family. After the American War of Independence the Ingersoll’s settled in Upper Canada. While they were living in Queenston, Laura met James Secord, a shopkeeper in the town, and in 1797 they were married, settling first in St. David’s but soon moved back to Queenston just before the start of the War of 1812. At the start of the conflict James served as a sergeant in the 1st Lincoln Militia where he saw action at the battle of Queenston Heights, and was forced to stay at home over the course of the next year.

The Secord home in Queenston, ON

By the summer of 1813 American forces had again overrun much of the Niagara Peninsula and on a June evening that year, several American officers were billeted at the Secord’s home. They spoke loudly of their plans to march on a British officer that had been leading raids against their forces from DeCew house and was being a thorn in their side since Stoney Creek. Both James and Laura overheard this conversation, but with James still recovering from his injuries it was Laura who took it upon herself to make the journey to warn the British. The direct route was twelve miles, but wanting to avoid American entanglements, Laura took a twenty mile journey instead. Leaving early, she went first to St. David’s and had her cousin Elizabeth Secord join her, but by Shipman’s Corners (modern day St. Catherines), Elizabeth was far too tired to carry on. Laura however pressed on, following the route of the Twelve Mile River, crossing the river at a fallen log, she stumbled into a Native Camp, she was by this point lost and scared. Explaining to the natives what she had heard, they took her to Lieutenant James FitzGibbon at DeCew House, the very officer the Americans were seeking to destroy. FitzGibbon used her information and was able to secure a victory against the Americans at what is known as the Battle of Beaverdams.

The DeCew house ruins where Laura Secord met James FitzGibbon.

But Laura’s name was never mentioned in the aftermath of the great victory, and she was lost to history. At the end of the war, her husband received a small pension from the government for his service and wound during the war. Even with the support of James FitzGibbon, requests for support from the colonial government at York fell on deaf ears. After James’ death in 1841, Laura was left with no financial support. But it was in 1860 during the visit of the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII) that Laura’s story came to the public eye. Upon his return to England he sent Laura a reward of one hundred pounds (7,330 pounds today). Laura Secord passed away three years later, her story now known. She is buried next to her husband at Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls.

A monument to Laura Secord at Lundy’s Lane (Drummond Hill). Laura and her Husband are burried there, however I was unable to locate their grave markers.

Laura’s story doesn’t stop there; her fame only grew after her death. Songs, poems, and dramatic interpretations were being produced about Laura Secord. She became a genuine folk hero. And like any hero legends about her journey soon began to circle. The legends stated that Laura brought a cow along as camouflage, or that she did the entire journey at night (she actually left early in the day on June 23rd), or that she did it all barefoot, all of which have been proven to be false. There were also detractors, stating that her journey was in vain, or completely unnecessary. But FitzGibbon’s letters of support of the Secord’s support requests in the 1820s secured Laura’s place in history as one of the hero’s of the Battle of Beaverdams. Memorials to her sprang up in the early 20th century both at Lundy’s Lane (Drummond Hill Cemetery), and Queenston Heights. The chocolate company that bears her name was established in 1913, and was instrumental in rebuilding and restoring the Secord home in Queenston in 1971. Queenston is also home to Laura Secord Public School, which is to become an additional space for Willowbank School of Restoration Arts. Laura Secord remains a well known folk hero to this day, her image on postage stamps, and even a statue in Ottawa among the other greats of Canada’s proud history.

Laura Secord Public School in Queenston, ON. Hopefully the name sticks when Willowbrank moves in.

Photos: Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – Kodak Tri-X 400, Ilford HP5+, and Kodak Plus-X Pan

With Files from:
Web: www.warof1812.ca/laurasecord.htm
Web: www.niagaraparks.com/heritage-trail/laura-secord-homestead-history.html

Project:1812 – The Battle of Beaver Dams

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The Battle of Beaver Dams created two Canadian Folk Heroes and was one of the stranger battles of the War of 1812, for it wasn’t won by force of arms but through audacity and deception. By the end of May 1813 most of the Niagara peninsula was in the hands of the Americans, they held Fort George, Newark (Niagara-On-The-Lake) and Queenston Heights. The British had been forced back to Burlington Heights, but after the Battle of Stoney Creek had established a series of outposts along the Niagara Escarpment. One of these outposts was at DeCew house near the settlement of Beaver Dams. The outpost at DeCew House was under the command of Lieutenant James FitzGibbon of the 49th. Along with the Lieutenant was fifty handpicked men of the 49th and a band of Mohawk Warriors.

Laura Secord’s home in Queenston where all the action started.

The Americans still smarting from their defeat at Stoney Creek set out on a new offensive on June 22nd, a column of 600 troops under the command of Lt. Colonel Charles Boerstler set out from Fort George and made it to Queenston by 11pm on the 22nd and billeted in the town. Several officers stayed at the home of Laura Secord. During the night she overheard their plans to attack DeCew house and slipped out heading north walking the 27 kilometers to the house located in modern day Thorold. The Americans set out again in the morning of the 23rd, as they neared the escarpment at St. Davids they were spoted by Native scouts who also headed towards FitzGibbon at DeCew house. Their story was corroborated by the earlier information the Lieutenant had received from Laura Secord. FitzGibbon realizing he was seriously outnumbered began to lay his own plans for the American forces that were still under the impression the element of surprise was on their side.

The Ruins of DeCew house in Thorold, ON

By the 24th the Americans had made it over the escarpment and began to march along the Mountain Road towards the settlement at Beaver Dams. FitzGibbon had deployed his native warriors in the woods along the mountain road in ambush, and the small detachment of the 49th at the rear of the American column to prevent them from retreating. Boerstler became aware of the native warriors in the woods but refused to take any actions against them. As the American column approached the north east corner of Thorold Township the Mohawk warriors attacked the column, ambushing them in the woods. The American column broke, and scattered while continuing to be harassed by the Mohawks. The Americans wanted to drive the natives out into the open so that they could bring their artillery to bear, but with the warriors attacking from all sides it was difficult for the American commanders to organize their men into an effective counter attack. The battle raged on for a couple hours, FitzGibbon hearing the musket fire rode out to see what was happening, giving order for his own men to muster for battle. By the time he had arrived the Americans were preparing to pull back. FitzGibbon rode out to meet the Americans under a flag of truce only to encounter the Americans riding his way under the same flag. But FitzGibbon had a plan. He knew that his force was far outnumbered, even the native allies were pulling back, but even still he told the American officer that more natives were coming and he could not count on controlling them, in addition to the natives more British regulars were on their way and that their best move would be to surrender now. The Americans called FitzGibbon’s bluff and refused to surrender to a force that they could not see, but the bold Lieutenant offered to allow them to inspect the forces. The ruse was perpetuated as a group of Dragoons showed on the scene. FitzGibbon convinced the leader of the Dragoons, Captain John Hall to portray FitzGibbon’s superior officer, Major DeHaren, Hall stepped into the role with pride, informing the Americans that they could not inspect the British forces. The ruse was working, Boerstler was despite, he had many tired soldiers and more wounded. But the whole thing was nearly undone on the arrival of the actual Major DeHaren who began his own negotiations for the American Surrender. FitzGibbon pulled the major aside and informed him of the ruse that would allow for a British victory. DeHaren went along with the ruse and the surrender was signed.

The former battlefield memorial park in Beaver Dams, at the time I was unaware a new park had been constructed in downtown Thorold and the plaque moved there.

FitzGibbon was promoted to Captain and assigned to the Glengary Light Infantry for his actions at Beaver Dams. Laura Secord however was not recognized for her actions under later in the 19th century when FitzGibbon issued a written statement confirming her involvement in bringing the information to the Lieutenant. Today DeCew house is nothing more than a ruin having burned down in 1950; Ontario Power Company stabilized the ruin and installed a plaque explaining the value of the structure. The actual battlefield is paved over and a historic plaque that used to sit there was moved to a memorial park first in Beaver Dams but was moved to a new park in downtown Thorold.

Photos:
Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 75mm 1:2.8 and SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – Kodak Plus-X Pan (PXP) and Ilford HP5+

Sources:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition, Revised and Updated
Gilbert Collins
Web: www.battleofbeaverdams.com

Project:1812 – James FitzGibbon

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This entry I’m writing specifically for my dear friend Erin, who like me, has a love for the War of 1812, in one of her recent blog posts she mentioned her new job at an independent children’s book publisher, and one of the recent releases from the company was on the war of 1812, and one of the lesser known heroes of the war. When you think of the War of 1812 and the heroes that came out of that war, on the British side, Isaac Brock and Laura Secord stand above them all, and yes, they both played important roles, but there was one other hero, whose tale intertwines with both this figures. His name was James FitzGibbon, an Irishman raised from the ranks that went on to serve Upper Canada twice in his career in the army.

Blockhouses at Fort George wheren FitzGibbon and the rest of the 49th of foot garrisoned from the early 1800s to 1813 when the American’s captured the fort.

FitzGibbon was born in November of 1780 in Glin, Ireland. His family was not wealthy, and at fifteen James joined the local Yeomanry, after three years of service he went onto serve in the Tarbert Infantry Fencibles, a home service regiment in Ireland. During his time in the Fencibles he was recruited into the British Army, the 49th Regiment of Foot. During his European Service with the 49th he fought in the battles of Egmond aan Zee and Copenhagen. It was in 1802, FitzGibbon, now a Sergeant along with the 49th and their commander Isaac Brock were sent to Upper Canada. Brock took the young man under his wing, teaching him how to be a gentleman, and in 1806 secured an ensign’s commission for FitzGibbon in the 49th. It was rare in the 19th century to have an officer raised from the ranks, and often was detrimental to the man in questions, but FitzGibbon seemed to slide into the role with ease, and by 1809 was promoted to Lieutenant.

The battlefield monument at Stoney Creek built 100 years after the battle in 1813.

Even early in the War of 1812, the Lieutenant managed to catch the eye of both the men and officers. Under the noses of the Americans managed to escort supply boats along the St. Lawrence River, and then again managed to keep the supply lines clear through the winter of 1813, bringing much needed supplies from Montreal to Kingston. Just prior to the Battle of Stoney Creek in June of 1813, FitzGibbon managed to infiltrate the American Camp, disguising himself as a farmer he peddled butter to the American soldiers to listen in on camp gossip. Using his intelligence, the British Forces, with FitzGibbon participating as a company commander, managed to drive off a greater number of American soldiers. After Stoney Creek, FitzGibbon raised a volunteer force of fifty men from the 49th to form an elite force of guerrilla soldiers to harass American forces in the Niagara Peninsula. FitzGibbon’s Bloody Boys as they were called often would use grey coats to cover up their usual red-coats to provide better cover. But it was on June 22nd, 1813, that FitzGibbon saw the crowning victory of his career. After a journey of 20 miles through occupied territory, Laura Secord, a resident of Queenston, brought news of on an American attack, designed to take out the thorn in their side, Lt. FitzGibbon. Secord brought news that five hundred American troops were heading towards DeCew house, his headquarters. FitzGibbon, his men, and several native allies took to the field. With the native Allies harassing the American column, FitzGibbon showed up, and under a flag of truce, informed the Americans that they were outnumbered, and surrounded. The Americans surrendered, and FitzGibbon was made a hero, promoted to Captain and transferred to the Glengarry Light Infantry. In the final years of the war FitzGibbon participated in the carnage of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane.

The Ruins of DeCew house where FitzGibbon setup his HQ during the lead up to the Battle of Beaver Dams and where he met Laura Secord.

After the Treaty was signed ending the war, James FitzGibbon remained in Upper Canada serving in the Incorporated Militia, and in 1826 was promoted to full Colonel. He also worked for the Adjutant-General of the Militia, becoming the assistance to the Adjutant-General, and in 1827 was appointed clerk to the Upper House of the Assembly. He was known for his ability to break up rants by house members, a skill that was put to use to break up a riot in 1832 outside William Lyon Mackenzie’s printing house. FitzGibbon, still a Colonel in the Militia played a role in the 1837 rebellions, trying to convince Lt. Governor Head to take action against the rebels, Head eventually conceded that the militia should be called out, and appointed FitzGibbon acting Adjunct-General of the Militia. FitzGibbon, in an act of defiance against Head, posted units on Yonge Street, which allowed them to easily intercept the Rebels that were marching from the north and managed to disperse them. After the rebellion had been quashed, FitzGibbon resigned in protest because of his treatment by Head. After the death of his wife in 1847, he returned to England, becoming a Military Knight at Windsor Castle until his death in 1863, and is buried there.

The memorial wall at the Lundey’s Lane Battlefield.

Sources:
www.herontrips.com/Fitz.html
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition, Revised and Updated
Gilbert Collins

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Tag Archives: james fitzgibbon

Project:1812 – Battle of Stoney Creek

Project:1812 – Laura Secord

Project:1812 – The Battle of Beaver Dams

Project:1812 – James FitzGibbon