ously to continue the war. Congress authorized a loan of $25,000,000; while Britain, on the abdication of Napoleon, sent over 14,000 veterans, to aid in the defence of Canada.

497. The naval operations of the United States during 1814 were neither so extensive nor so successful as in the two previous years. In consequence of the close blockade of the coast by British cruisers, it was difficult for American vessels to leave port or bring in their prizes. The Essex, in which, during the summer of 1813, Commodore Porter ran the triumphant career already described, was attacked [March 28] in the harbor of Valparaiso [vahl-pa-ri'-so] by the British brig Phoebe and sloop-of-war Cherub. Against such odds even Porter's skill and bravery were unavailing; and, after a gallant fight and a vain attempt to run his vessel ashore, he had to surrender. "We have been unfortunate, but not disgraced," wrote Porter to the head of the navy department. The American vessels, Frolic, Rattlesnake, and Syren, were also taken

ve-a'] struck her

colors to the Peacock, and the Reindeer was captured by the Wasp. The larger American men-of-war be

ing kept in port

ENGAGEMENT OF THE WASP AND REINDEER.

by the blockade, most of their crews were sent to aid Commodore Chauncey on Lake Ontario.

action was taken by the president? What preparations were made by both governments? 497. What is said of the naval operations of the United States in 1814? What was the effect of the blockade of the coast by the British? Give an account of the capture of the Essex. What did Commodore Porter write to the secretary of the navy? What other American vessels were taken? What British vessels were captured? Where

1814]

BATTLE OF LUNDY'S LANE.

373

498. On the 3d of July, 1814, Gen. Brown, who had marched from Sackett's Harbor, crossed the Niagara River with 3,500 men. Fort Erie surrendered, and the Americans moved on to Chippewa [see Map, p. 351]. Here the main body of the enemy was posted, and a general action commenced. Both parties displayed great gallantry; but the unerring fire of Gen. Scott's and Major Jessup's men drove the veterans whom Wellington had often led to victory, behind their works, and the whole force of the enemy fell back on Fort George, abandoning their intermediate posts. General Brown, after pursuing them as far as Queenstown Heights, encamped at Chippewa. The American loss in this battle was about 300; that of the British was nearly twice as great.

Has

499. On the 25th of July, Scott's brigade was detailed to watch the movements of a division of the enemy. On approaching the Falls of Niagara, the Americans suddenly found themselves in the presence of the whole British army, which was advantageously posted for a pitched battle. tily sending word to Gen. Brown, Scott soon had his artillery at work, and maintained his ground in the most heroic manner. He was ably seconded by Jessup, who, by a masterly movement, gained the British rear, and made prisoners of Gen. Riall and his suite. Soon after dark, Ripley's brigade arrived on the field, affording timely relief to Scott's exhausted troops. A tremendous fire was still kept up by the enemy from a commanding height defended by a battery. Unless this height was carried, Gen. Ripley could see no chance of victory. The effort was almost hopeless, but he resolved that it should be made. Col. Miller was selected to lead the desperate charge. "Can you take that battery ?" asked the commander. "I will try, sir," was the reply. Steadily up

were most of the crews of the larger vessels sent? 498. What movement was made by Gen. Brown, July 8, 1814? What fort did he take? Whither did he then proceed? [See Map, p. 351.-How is Fort Erie situated? How is Chippewa situated? What island in the Niagara opposite to it?] What ensued? Describe the battle of Chippewɛ. To what post did the enemy fall back? How far did Gen. Brown pursue them? Where did he encamp? What was the loss on each side? 499. What occurred July 25th ? [See Map, p. 351.-Where did this battle take place? What river south of Lundy's Lane? What island a little above it in the Niagara River?] What did Gen. Scott do? What achievement was performed by Major Jessup? Who came up soon after dark to their

the hill toiled the fearless leader at the head of his regiment. A hot fire was poured upon them; but they closed their ranks, and gallantly moved on. In a few moments the battery was in their hands, and the retreating enemy were fired upon with their own guns. Three times the British rallied for their recapture, and three times were they repulsed. At midnight they gave up their efforts, and left the Americans in possession of the field. This battle of Lundy's Lane, or Bridgewater, was one of the most hotly contested actions ever fought in the new world. Three thousand Americans, and 4,500 British took part in it. The former lost 743 in killed and wounded; the latter, 878.

La Prairie

St. Joseph

St.Philipe

500. After gaining this victory, the Americans retired to Fort Erie, where in a few days they were besieged by the British army, now reinforced to 4,000 men. A heavy bombardment and midnight assault, in which the enemy lost nearly a thousand men, were successfully resisted; and finally the beleaguered garrison, making a bold sortie, destroyed the hostile batteries, and drove the enemy towards Chippewa. Thus successfully closing a campaign, which, though productive of no permanent advantages, was every way glorious to America, Brown destroyed Fort Erie, and led his men into winterquarters at Buffalo.

CANADA

NEWYORK

Chambly

PLATTSBURG BAL

BRITISH

Saranac

· 501. Gen. Brown was not alone in his success. About the 1st of September, Sir George

0.5. LINE

Missisqui

St Albans

VE

NO

PLATTSBURG AND THE VICINITY.

support? Give an account of Col. Miller's brilliant charge. How often did the British uttempt to recapture this battery? Who remained masters of the field? What is said of the battle of Lundy's Lane? How many on each side were engaged in it? What was the loss? 500. Whither did the Americans retire? What befell them at Fort Erie ? Give an account of the sioge and its termination. Where did the Americans winter?

1814]

PREVOST'S INVASION OF NEW YORK.

375

Prevost, taking advantage of the absence of Gen. Izard and his army, who had moved towards Sackett's Harbor, crossed the northern boundary of the state of New York, with the view of penetrating to the Hudson by way of Lake Champlain. Gen. Macomb [ma-koom'], who was in command at Plattsburg, hastily collected the militia of the vicinity, enrolling even boys who were large enough to handle a musket. He was too weak, however, to prevent the advance of the enemy; and, as they approached, he crossed the Sar'-a-nac, taking up the planks of the bridges behind him. Prevost entered Plattsburg on the 10th, and there waited to be joined by a naval force under Commodore Down'-ie, consisting of 17 vessels carrying 95 guns, which was advancing into the lake by the So-rel' River.

Commodore McDonough [macdon'-o], a native of Delaware, now about 30 years of age, commanded for the U. S. on Lake Champlain. By incredible exertions he had got together 14 vessels, mounting 86 guns; one of which, a brig, he built in

BIRTH-PLACE OF COMMODORE MCDONOUGH.

twenty days from timber growing on the bank of the lake. On the 11th of September, Downie, who had boasted that with his flag-vessel alone he could destroy the whole American squadron, was seen advancing towards Plattsburg. The shore of the lake and the roof tops of the town were crowded

501. What enterprise was undertaken by Prevost? When? What was his design? [See Map, p. 374.-How is Plattsburg situated? What river near it? What was the direction of Prevost's route?] Who was in command at Plattsburg? What steps did he take? When did Prevost enter Plattsburg? For what did he then wait? Who commanded for the U. S. on Lake Champlain? How large a force had McDonough raised? When did Downie make his appearance? What boast had he made? How

with spectators, who awaited with palpitating hearts the issue of the engagement. McDonough, who had drawn up his little fleet in a favorable position across the mouth of the harbor and had publicly asked the blessing of God on his efforts in defence of his country, opened a fire as the enemy approached. The British had heavier cannon than the Americans; but their gunners, though taken in part from men-of-war at Quebec, were neither as quick in their movements nor as accurate in their aim as McDonough's. The hottest fire was maintained between the vessels which bore the two commanders; and the American flag-ship, the Saratoga, was at length completely disabled on the side presented to the enemy. McDonough then had recourse to the ingenious expedient of wearing his vessel round, to bring the other side into play. The enemy, who had also suffered severely, attempted the same movement, but without success; and within two hours and a half after the action commenced, the whole British fleet struck. The American loss was 158 in killed and wounded; that of the British, about 200, including Downie himself.

During the battle on the lake, Prevost's army attempted to cross the Saranac at several different points, but were repulsed by the Americans. On the surrender of the fleet, they gave up all further efforts. Prevost was seized with terror; and that same night, in the midst of a heavy rain, he made a hasty retreat, leaving his sick and wounded behind him, together with large quantities of military stores. Many of his troops deserted. One company of 400 men marched to the American camp, preceded by a band of music. It is computed that the loss of the enemy in this expedition was not far short of 3,000 men.

502. The British did not confine their operations to the northern frontier. The Atlantic coast had been blockaded throughout the year by a strong fleet under Lord Cockburn,

had McDonough posted his vessels? How did the two fleets compare in guns and men? Give an account of the conflict between the two flag-vessels. What was the result of the action? State the loss on each side. During the engagement, what attempts were made by the British army? With what success? What followed? What is said of the desertions from Prevost's army? 502. What was the state of affairs on the Atlantic coast