Queenston Heights Battle Of

In War of 1812. Brock commanded the

British forces, consisting of regulars and militia, between 1500 and

2000 men, scattered along the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Fort

George. The opposing American forces numbered about 6000 men, similarly

distributed on the south bank of the river, under Stephen Van

Rensselaer. In the first skirmish, a few hundred men only were engaged

on either side, and the Americans finally gai ed the heights, brought up

reinforcements, and remained in possession for several hours. The

British losses included Brock and Macdonell. Sheaffe, on whom the

command had devolved, gathered together the scattered detachments of

British troops, 1000 strong, and marching them through the woods,

attacked the Americans from the inland side, and completely defeated

them. Many were driven over the banks into the river, and between 900

and 1000 surrendered, including Major-General Wadsworth and

Lieutenant-Colonel Winfield Scott. =Index=: (General Brock era) Account of battle,

300-312. =Bib.=: Lucas, Canadian War of 1812; Currie, Battle of

Queenston Heights. See also War of 1812.