In early August, 1814, during The War of 1812 a force of about 600 British Soldiers crossed into New York from Canada in an attempt to raid American supply depots kept in Black Rock, New York in preparation for the Siege of Fort Erie. American Riflemen, having detected the British landing prepared defenses at Scajaquada Creek, then known as "Conjocta Creek". British Forces attempted to cross the creek to reach Black Rock, but became engaged in an intense skirmish with the roughly 200 American riflemen defending the creek. The fighting lasted an hour before the British force retreated to Canada. The British force suffered 12 killed and 17 wounded, the Americans 2 killed and 8 wounded. English Author and Inventor, Shadrack Byfield was wounded in the Battle and had his arm amputated as a result.