War of 1812 Bicentennial

York, October 17.

A short Statement of the Victory obtained at Queenston.

On the 13th inst. a most glorious victory took place at Queenston over the enemy; landing with the flower of their army, said to consist of about 1500 men, they obtained a temporary, and but a temporary possession of that post. Our forces, though a handful compared with those of the enemy, were not intimidated by numbers, but bravely resisted, like men who had a King and a Country to defend.

General Brock, watchful as he was brave, soon appeared in the midst of his faithful troops, ever obedient to his call, and whom he loved with the affection of a Father; but alas! whilst collecting, arranging, forming and cheering his brave followers, that great commander gloriously fell when preparing for victory. "Push on brave York Volunteers," being then near him, they were the last words of the dying Hero.—Inhabitants of Upper Canada, in the day of battle remember Brock.

Nor let us forget to lament the untimely fate of the young, the affectionate, and the brave Lieut. Col. John Macdonnel, who received a mortal wound about the same time with his beloved General—attached to him from affection, his constant follower in every danger, this amiable youth is now buried with him in the same grave.—But let not our gratitude and praise be withheld from the living, many good, many brave do still remain to defend us.

Major General Sheaffe, immediately after the death of Major General Brock, succeeded to the command, and proved himself worthy to fill that important, tho' difficult and dangerous situation in which he was placed. Being reinforced by troops (including a body of Indians) from Fort George, General Sheaffe succeeded by a most judicious movement, in gaining the flank and rear of the enemy; by this time, succours having arrived from Chippawa, the General advanced with about seven hundred men in all, and after a most spirited and obstinate engagement, totally defeated the enemy.

Unable to resist or escape from the British arms, about 900 Americans surrendered prisoners of war, the residue of their army (perhaps with a few exceptions) was either killed or drowned in the river. It is supposed that we, including troops of every description, have lost about thirty men, and that there is on our side about sixty men wounded.

To mention those who have distinguished themselves on this great occasion, would be to repeat the names of every person who was engaged; suffice it to say, that every individual behaved in a manner worthy of the cause for which he fought, and of the General under whom he served.