The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-06-09
Gen. Scott and John Brant.
AN HISTORICAL TALE.

The incident we are about to relate occurred at
Niagara, in Canada. after the unfortunate battle of
Queension. The battle was fought on the lsth of
October 1912, and was of the most sharply con-
tested in the whole war; though the force engaged on
either side was inconsiderablo. The object of the
Genera in command, Van Rensselaer,, was specifcal-
ly to gain possession OF the heights OF Queenstou,
then to move upon Fort Niagara, and there take up
quarters Cor the winter, in the enemy's country; but
more important general purpose to elface by
some brilliant exploit the recollection of the disaster
that had beGallen the American arm in the nglorous
surrender Of Gen. Hull, at Detroit
The British force at Queenston, under the
command of Gen. Brock the command of the expe-
dition against it given to Solomon Van Rensel-
laor; and his force consisted chiefly Of militia sup
ported by two corps each $50 strong, under Lieut..
Colonies Chrystie and Fonwick Gen. Scott, then
Lieut.. Colonel in command Of a regiment of artillery
stationed at Scholler Buffalo, u volunteer in
the expedition; but rs he could not consent TO waive
his rank, which would give him the command over
Col Van Rensselaer,, who held commission only in
the militia, it arranged that he should cross
the river but remain Lewiston, and there use his
artillery to such advantage might be practicable.
ne eApcuuOH was III IT'S OulSeL 1T
ronious information had been received Of Gen
Brooks departure for Detroit-the intention to sur
prisethe enemy was frustrated-and in the very be
ginning Of the conflict, after the landing Colonies Van
Rensselaer,, Fenwick and Chryslie, and Captains
Armstrong, Malcolm and Wool ,were wounded. The
British troops were driven from the ground, at the
point Of the bayonet but at the close Of this first
brush it found that Capt Wool, whose wound
was slight was the only senior officer capable Of doing
duty. Col Van Rensselaer, had received no less
than six wounds, three Of which were very severe.
Intelligence of this ravage among the officers being
received on the American side-Col. Scott was graf
conflict be hurried across the river and assumed the
command On his arrival he found that the heights
had been cleared orthe enemy. and battery which
crowned them taken, by gallant charge under Capt
Wool; but the Americans had been assaed in turn
by Gen. Brock in person and driven TO the edge OF
the heights; whence, however, they returned by a
successful rally, in which Brock killed, and his
troops thereupon dispersed in confusion. 1t was just
after this repulse of the British that COL Sc OFT arrived
upon the ground
His first effort was 70 collect the force and bring it
into order doing which he found that it consisted
Of $50 regulars and 257 volunteers Turning his at
,enton next 10 piece Of cannon which had been
spiked by the British before their flight, and which
he hoped to make available, his momentary absence
was takon advantage ofby large body of Indians,
who rushed suddenly upon the American troops, and
were upon tho point of scattering them in wild dsor-
der when Col. Scott arrived just in season to keep
thom steady and repulse the sayages. The leader of