Lacolle, Québec, Canada (Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle)
Battle of Lacolle Mill, 1814

Following a disastrous American attempt to take Montréal in the fall of 1813, Major General James Wilkinson made a last-ditch effort to achieve success on the northern front in March 1814. His plan was to lead 4000 men from Plattsburgh, New York, and Burlington, Vermont, into Lower Canada. His division included 11 infantry regiments, the First US Rifle Regiment, the US Regiment of Light Dragoons, and 11 field guns. Brigadier General Alexander Macomb supported the operation by briefly occupying Philipsburg, Lower Canada, on 22 March.

Wilkinson's force had its first encounter with the British at Lacolle. The garrison under Major Richard Handcock included 180 regulars, a battalion of Royal Marines, a detachment of the rocket corps of the Royal Marines, and the Canadian Voltigeurs. Handcock positioned his forces around a three-storey mill on the south side of the Lacolle River and a wooden barracks on the north side. Another 550 Royal Marines and regular infantry were stationed at L'Île-aux-Noix, 11 kilometres to the north.

Wilkinson crossed the frontier early on 30 March and occupied Odelltown. By 8:00 AM the Americans were near Lacolle. In the early afternoon, Wilkinson sent 1200 men to the west and north of Lacolle to outflank the British and cut the road to L'Île-aux-Noix. Snow and poor conditions made for difficult terrain, and the Americans were only able to get one 12-pounder gun and a howitzer into position. The delays allowed the British flank companies of the 13th Foot to be sent up river to reinforce the position at Lacolle. Wilkinson's gunfire proved ineffective, and his infantry fell back under a hail of fire.

A fierce firefight ensued, but ended with the British withdrawing. The Canadian Fencibles and Voltigeurs arrived next, along with several Aboriginal allies. This larger force went after the American guns, which were taken and spiked before the British were pushed back once more.

Weather conditions worsened as evening fell, and Wilkinson was forced to call off the attack. The British suffered 11 killed, 46 wounded and 4 missing, while the Americans lost 13, with 51 wounded. With another failure, the Americans returned to Champlain, and Wilkinson's days as a commander were over. He was replaced by Major General George Izard, and returned home to face a court martial, his military career ended.

The Canadian Encyclopedia

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