HISTORY

November 1, 1813
Battle of French Creek

Shortly after the defeat of Hampton forces and his retreat, Gen. Jacob Brown made camp at French Creek on October 29, 1813. Brown's force was the advance guard of Gen. Wilkinson's wing of the Northern Army marching on Montreal. With Hampton on the run, it was Wilkinson's turn.

On November 1, a small British squadron under the command of Capt. William H. Mulcaster arrived at the mouth of French Creek. Mulcaster's main purpose was to disrupt and harass the American troops as they moved towards Montreal. Mulcaster anchored 3 ships in the bay and began firing on the American position. The Americans responded with cannon fire from two brass 18-pounders. Mulcaster, with some of his ships hit by defensive fire, called off the action around dark. The British continued firing on the American position the next morning. However, during the night, the Americans had placed more cannon and the results were inconclusive. Mulcaster withdrew once again.