(WAR OF 1812) | Report of the Battle of Queenston Heights, the first major battle in the War of 1812, in Supplement to the Quebec Gazette, 24th October 1812

Property from the Eric C. Caren Collection

(WAR OF 1812)

Report of the Battle of Queenston Heights, the first major battle in the War of 1812, in Supplement to the Quebec Gazette, 24th October 1812

Broadside on laid paper (14 3/4 x 10 in.; 375 x 253 mm). Text, in English and French, in three columns; some scattered light spots, a few pinholes at intersecting folds. The consignor has independently obtained a letter of authenticity from PSA that will accompany the lot.

The death of the "gallant and ever-to-be-lamented Chief, Major Genl. Brock." The first major engagement of the War of 1812 was the result of a U.S. offensive: Stephen Van Rensselaer's attempted invasion of Canada across the Niagara River, north of the Falls. Despite having a nearly three to one troop advantage, the Americans were routed by a combination of British regulars, Canadian militia, and Mohawk warriors, suffering more than 1,100 casualties, compared to 128 for their opponents. One of the British casualties was a devastating one, however, as Isaac Brock, Major-General and Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, was killed.

The present Supplement prints the British General Orders from the Adjutant General's Office, Headquarters, Montreal, for 21 October 1812, which incorporates the report received on the "Brilliant Victory" from Major-General Roger Hale Sheaffe, who succeeded to command after Brock's death. Among the individual combatants mentioned, Sheaffe "reports the conduct of the Indians employed on this occasion, as meriting the highest praise for their good order and spirit, and particularly names the Chief Norton, who was wounded." Chief Norton, or Teyoninhokarawen, was born John Norton in Scotland, but was eventually adopted into the Mohawk people.