Battle of Crysler's Farm - November 11, 1814 |
Falling Into a TrapThe Battle of Crysler's Farm arose from an American plan to attack and occupy Quebec in Canada (British territory). The plan called for General James Wilkinson to lead his army down the St. Lawrence River. The trip downriver, however, required the crossing of the dreaded Sault Falls. To lighten the load, and to eliminate any enemies in the area, Wilkinson landed his army at the Crysler Farm - exactly what the British were hoping for. Wilkinson's Embarrassing FailureDespite being outnumbered by at least three to one, British soldiers, Canadian soldiers (known as Voltigeurs), and Native warriors drove Wilkinson's disorganized army back across the US-Canada border thanks to brilliant military maneuvers and tactics orchestrated by British General Joseph Morrison. American forces suffered 489 casualties. The defeat was particularly embarrassing considering the superior numbers of American army. Falling Into a TrapThe Battle of Crysler's Farm happened when the U.S. planned to attack and take over Quebec in Canada. General James Wilkinson led his army down the St. Lawrence River, but had to stop at Crysler's Farm to rest and clear the area—just as the British had hoped. Wilkinson's Embarrassing FailureEven though they were outnumbered three to one, British, Canadian (Voltigeurs), and Native warriors used smart tactics to defeat the American army. The Americans were pushed back into the U.S. and lost 489 soldiers. It was a major defeat for General Wilkinson, especially because his army was much larger. |
