HISTORY

August 15, 1814
Battle of Fort Erie

At 2AM on the morning of the 14th an alarm was sounded by a company of the 23rd Infantry, commanded by Lt. Belknap, who alerted the American camp to an attack by 1,500 British troops under Lt. Col. Fischer. The attack targeted Towson's Battery. One column used ladders to scale Towson's embankment, the other attempted to charge the 21st regiment in the rear. Both attacks failed.

Lt. Col. Drummond and Scott attacked on the right at the same time and were able to force an entrance over the walls. Although the British were gaining a foothold on the walls when the local powder magazine exploded and the British were forced to withdraw.

British parties in small boats captured the schooners Ohio and Somers on the night of August the 12th.

Both side at Ft. Erie immediately prepared to continue the siege. New British batteries opened up on Ft. Erie with the intent to compel the Americans to evacuate it. Almost daily, until the close of August, shells and rockets were lobbed into the fort. On the 28th, a shell wounded Gaines and he was compelled to relinquish command. The situation forced the still recovering Gen. Brown to return to Ft. Erie, and assume command.