HISTORY

War on the Genesee, 1813

On the 11th of September, the British fleet lay becalmed off the Genesee River. "The inhabitants at Charlotte," wrote one writer, "supposed the fleet had anchored preparatory to another landing." Local militia was called up to resist any attempted landing for more supplies.

Shortly afterwards, the American fleet of Commodore Chauncey was seen approaching. Chauncey had the weather gauge (wind advantage). The Americans and British exchanged fire. Smoke hid the squadrons from the view of the locals, but the roar of the cannon was heard far inland. Chauncey used his longer range guns and kept mostly out of range (neither Chauncey or the British commander Yeo were willing to risk their fleets in any even duel.). The result was a long, running fight down Lake Ontario, the British moved to Amherst Bay, where the Americans, unacquainted with the waters, were unwilling to follow.

The British were successfully able to withdraw with out any serious damage to their ships.