The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

BATTLE OF FORT NIAGARA

In the War of 1812, on November 21, 1812, a severe bombardment was opened against Fort Niagara from the British fortifications on the Canadian side. The artillery duel lasted all day, resulting in slight damage to the fort and the loss of four killed and five wounded. Later, in retaliation for the burning of Newark by the Americans, Colonel Murray, with about 1000 British and Indians, crossed over from Canada, on December the 19th, 1813, and made a night attack upon the fort. The main gate, through gross negligence, was found wide open, the commander was away and the men asleep! The fort was captured without much difficulty, but some slight resistance aroused the passions of the British and a number of Americans were killed. From this point as a centre the whole Niagara frontier was ravaged and made desolate. With the fort were captured 344 men and immense stores of arms, ammunition and military supplies.
Research Battle of Fort Niagara