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March 31, 1814 Wilkinson Forces first struck Odelltown, where the army encountered the enemy's pickets, and drove them back. At about 3PM they came within sight of La Colle Mill, a heavy stone structure, with walls eighteen inches thick, and its windows barricaded with heavy timbers, through which there were loop-holes for muskets. It stood on the southern bank of La Colle Creek, at the end of a bridge. On the opposite bank was a block-house and around both were entrenchments. The advance of Wilkinson's army was commanded by Col. Isaac Clark and Maj. Benjamin Forsyth. At this time the British garrison consisted of only about 200 men, chiefly regulars, under Maj. Hancock, of the British 13th Regiment of Foot. Macomb tried to send forward an 18-pounder to breach the walls, but even with the addition of a 5 ½ inch mortar, their fire was ineffective. The British responded with Congreve rockets; and the whole American line, standing in the open, was pounded with musket fire. While this contest was waging, two companies of the British 13th, Commanded by Capt. Ellard and Holgate, arrived to support the garrison. Maj. Hancock now decided to storm the American battery, and gave orders for an attack by the two companies that had just arrived. They made several charges, and were repulsed by the infantry supporting the American artillery each time. They were finally driven back across the bridge, and compelled to take refuge in the block-house on the northerly side of the stream. There they were soon joined by some Canadian Militia. These joined the companies of Ellard and Holgate in one final attack, which was repulsed by the American supporting brigades, and the bombardment went on. They made no impression, however, upon the walls of the mill. The British garrison, now at 1,000 men, and the artillery having no effect, Wilkinson withdrew, having lost 150 or so casualties. The British lost about 59.
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