The Battle of Queenston Heights

On this day, Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer launched a U.S. attack on British Canada with an assault force of regulars and militia. Initially they were pinned down along the shore until Captain John Ellis Wool and his men scaled the heights using the fisherman's path and positioned themselves behind the British. The redan was overwhelmed and the British retreated. The U.S. colors were unfuried triumphantly in victory. Later that afternoon, British Major General Roger Hale Sheaffe, with one thousand fresh troops plus friendly Indians, outflanked the U.S. forces. Faced with low ammunition and no re-enforcements for his tired men, Lt. Col. Winfield Scott arranged the surrender of his troops.<br><br> The British victory was subdued with the loss of their brilliant commander, Major General Isaac Brock.