119 



abbatis, ^nd commenced the attack; but in spite 

 of all his efforts to force a passage by repeated 

 assaults, he was held in check by the vigorous 

 well-directed fire of Colonel de Salaberry. On 

 the opposite side of the river, the American 

 light brigade under Colonel M'Carty, that had 

 been detached from the right column to turn 

 the flank of Captain Daly's position, and take it 

 en reverse^ was intercepted in its progress by the 

 spirited advance of that officer, supported by 

 a company of Chateauguaj'^ chasseurs under 

 Captain Bruyers : the brisk fire and skilful 

 manoeuvres of these companies frustrated the 

 attempt ; but both officers being wounded, 

 and having otherwise sustained some loss, they 

 fell back, when their position was immediately 

 occupied in the most resolute manner by a flank 

 company of the first battalion of militia, who 

 succeeded in maintaining it. On both these 

 points, although the Americans were several 

 times repulsed, they repeatedly rallied and re- 

 sumed the attack with no better success until 

 the close of day, when their commander, un- 

 able to make any impression upon the invinci- 

 ble bravery of a truly Spartan band, thought 

 proper to withdraw from so unequal a contest, 

 overwhelmed with defeat and disgrace. The 

 loss sustained by the enemy from the British 

 fire was severe, and much increased by the mis-^ 



