considered as having added new glory to the American arms. The field was crimsoned with blood of 339 killed and wounded, whose deaths or scars will immortalize this day. The names of the officers whose bravery and activity characterized this conflict, were reported to the commander-in-chief. The praise, however, which was so parsimoniously bestowed on this occasion but ill accords with their deserts. In the account of the enemy, who reported our numbers 7,000 men, a greater compliment is implied than could be found in the despatches of the commanderin-chief.

XVIII

The Battle of Bridgewater

or Niagara Falls, July 25, 1814

From a History of the War of 1812 (Philadelphia, 1816)

Τ

HE British had abandoned their works

at Chippewa, and burning their barracks, retired to Fort Niagara and Fort George, closely followed by Brown. Here he expected to receive some heavy guns and reinforcements from Sackett's Harbor; but on the 23d of July, 1814, he received a letter by express from General Grimes advising him that that port was blockaded by a superior British force, and that Commodore Chauncey was confined to his bed with a fever. Thus disappointed in his expectations of being enabled to reduce the forts at the mouth of the Niagara, Brown determined to disencumber the army of baggage, and march directly for Burlington Heights. To mask this intention, and to draw from Schlosser a small supply of provisions, he fell back upon Chippewa.

After noon on the 25th, General Brown was advised by an express from Lewistown, that the British were following him, and were in con

siderable force in Queenstown and on its heights; that four of the enemy's fleet had arrived with reinforcements at Niagara during the preceding night, and that a number of boats were in view, moving up the river. Shortly after,

intelligence was brought that the enemy were landing at Lewistown, and that the baggage and stores at Schlosser, and on their way thither, were in danger of immediate capture. In order to recall the British from this object, Brown determined to put the army in motion towards Queenstown, and accordingly General Scott was directed to advance with the First Brigade, Towson's Artillery, and all the dragoons and mounted men, with orders to report if the enemy appeared, and if necessary to call for assistance. On his arrival near the falls, Scott learned that the enemy was in force directly in his front, a narrow piece of woods alone intercepting his view of them. He immediately advanced upon them, after despatching a messenger to General Brown with this intelligence.

The report of the cannon and small arms reached General Brown before the messenger, and orders were instantly issued for General Ripley to march to the support of General Scott, with the Second Brigade and all the artillery, and Brown himself repaired with all speed to the scene of action, whence he sent orders for