Battle of Lacolle Mills - March 30, 1813 |
RevengeAs part of a larger plan to invade and gain control of Canada, and to avenge the bitter defeat at the Battle of Crysler's Farm, Major General James Wilkinson and over 4,000 men left Plattsburgh, New York and attacked the small outpost at Lacolle Mills. The outpost contained a small regiment of 70 or 80 British soldiers barricaded in a stone mill. Wilkinson Suffers a DefeatAs Wilkinson tried to dislodge the soldiers from the mill with withering gunfire, the British responded with congreve rockets. During the battle, the British soldiers were reinforced by additional British and Canadian soldiers. Ultimately, American firepower proved in ineffective in its barrage on the stone mill and Wilkinson and his men were forced back into American territory. American forces suffered 154 casualties compared to 61 British casualties. Revenge AttackAs part of a plan to invade Canada and get revenge for a previous loss, General James Wilkinson led over 4,000 American soldiers from Plattsburgh, New York. They attacked a small British outpost at Lacolle Mills, which was defended by only 70 to 80 soldiers inside a stone mill. Wilkinson’s DefeatWilkinson tried to force the British out with heavy gunfire, but the British fought back using special rockets. More British and Canadian troops arrived to help, and the strong stone mill held up against the American attack. Retreat and CasualtiesIn the end, Wilkinson’s forces had to retreat back to American land. The Americans lost 154 soldiers, while the British lost only 61. |
