HISTORY

July 11, 1813
Raid on Black Rock

Pleased with the success of the July 3rd Ft. Schlosser raid, the British determined it was time to repeat their success. At 2:00 A.M. Lt. Col. Cecil Bisshopp set out with 200 regulars and 40 militiamen, crossing the Niagara River, and landing below Black. 150 New York Militia under the command of Maj. Parmenio Adams, who had been stationed at Fort Gibson to defend Black Rock, abandoned their position without firing a shot. The British spiked several guns, took large amount of military supplies including several kegs of powder and 180 barrels of provisions. They burned the blockhouses and barracks as well as the navy yard, and burned a schooner.

Brig. Gen. Peter B. Porter, the Militia commander who had failed to kill Smyth in their duel, launched a counterattack with a small number of regulars, militia and native Americans in the dark on the beach as they were preparing to withdraw to Canada with their capture booty. The British force re-crossed to Canada with all of their plunder but not without significant casualties. Bisshopp was mortally wounded during the escape and 12 others were killed in the 20 minute firefight and 25 others were wounded.