Preface to Third Edition 19 



equal: on the side of the Americans, 854 men (in 

 cluding Generals Brown and Scott, wounded) and 

 two guns; on that of the British, 878 men (includ 

 ing General Riall captured) and one gun. Each 

 side claimed it as a victory over superior numbers. 

 The truth is beyond question that the British had 

 the advantage in numbers, and a still greater advan 

 tage in position ; while it is equally beyond question 

 that it was a defeat and not a victory for the Ameri 

 cans. They left the field and retired in perfect or 

 der to Fort Erie, while the British held the field and 

 the next day pursued their foes. 



Having received some reinforcements General 

 Drummond, now with about 3,600 men, pushed for 

 ward to besiege Fort Erie, in which was the Ameri 

 can army, some 2,400 strong, under General Gaines. 

 Col. Tucker with 500 British regulars was sent 

 across the Niagara to destroy the batteries at Black 

 Rock, but was defeated by 300 American regulars 

 under Major Morgan, fighting from behind a strong 

 breastwork of felled trees, with a creek in front. 

 On the night of the I5th of August, the British in 

 three columns advanced to storm the American 

 works, but after making a most determined assault 

 were beaten off. The assailants lost 900 men, the 

 assailed about 80. After this nothing was done till 

 September I7th, when General Brown, who had 

 resumed command of the American forces, deter 

 mined upon and executed a sortie. Each side had 

 received reinforcements; the Americans numbered 

 over 3,000, the British nearly 4,000. The fighting 



