Why Did Americans Raid Queenston Heights
On October 13th of 1812, Americans raid Queenston Heights, hoping to capture Queenston Heights and possibly Detroit. The battle is fought, ending with British with a gain and loss. During September of 1812, Americans started to bring together an army of soldiers, which would attack Queenston Heights, (which is close to the town Queenston). They created a plan to cut the British supplies to Detroit. On October 12th, 1812, the Americans launched their New York militia, which contained of citizens, such as Merchants. They started crossing the Niagara river. Brock, the British Major General, was stubborn at the fact that Americans will go further down the river and arrive at Fort George, which, of course, was an American Feint. This caused Brock
to secure Fort George, leaving Queenston Heights exposed. Americans made their way up the hill, called Heights, soon approaching the dawn of 13th October. As Americans gained control, Brock was soon alerted by the sounds of guns at Vrooman’s Point, near Queenston Heights. Brock, rode his horse from Vrooman’s Point to Queenston Heights, just in time to let the British forces regain the Heights. Brock charged forward with his sword drawn and was wearing his bright red commander suit, which made him an easy target for snipers to shoot him just above the heart, causing him to be rushed to aid, yet he died in a matter of few minutes. There was a delay after that, both sides agreed to cease fire. Not for peace, but to muster more troops. Reserves from Fort George arrived, with a new Major General- Roger Hale Sheaffe. The soldiers included 300 soldiers and 250 militia. American reserves, however, did not arrive because the militia refused to cross into Upper Canada and to Queenston Heights. Sheaffe, knowing about this, took advantage and attacked, lastly leaving around 600 soldiers while the rest were killed. The mere 600 soldiers had low ammunition and lost courage to continue. US Lieutenant Colonel Winfield Scott, taking orders, waved a white flag/handkercheif to beckon a surrender. Once the smoke and ashes cleared from the battle, British took approximately 1000 American prisoners. Even though British had won, and more yet to come, this battle had been a defeat, with their brave general Sir Isaac Brock gone.
to secure Fort George, leaving Queenston Heights exposed. Americans made their way up the hill, called Heights, soon approaching the dawn of 13th October. As Americans gained control, Brock was soon alerted by the sounds of guns at Vrooman’s Point, near Queenston Heights. Brock, rode his horse from Vrooman’s Point to Queenston Heights, just in time to let the British forces regain the Heights. Brock charged forward with his sword drawn and was wearing his bright red commander suit, which made him an easy target for snipers to shoot him just above the heart, causing him to be rushed to aid, yet he died in a matter of few minutes. There was a delay after that, both sides agreed to cease fire. Not for peace, but to muster more troops. Reserves from Fort George arrived, with a new Major General- Roger Hale Sheaffe. The soldiers included 300 soldiers and 250 militia. American reserves, however, did not arrive because the militia refused to cross into Upper Canada and to Queenston Heights. Sheaffe, knowing about this, took advantage and attacked, lastly leaving around 600 soldiers while the rest were killed. The mere 600 soldiers had low ammunition and lost courage to continue. US Lieutenant Colonel Winfield Scott, taking orders, waved a white flag/handkercheif to beckon a surrender. Once the smoke and ashes cleared from the battle, British took approximately 1000 American prisoners. Even though British had won, and more yet to come, this battle had been a defeat, with their brave general Sir Isaac Brock gone.