mmand of the forces in the district of Montreal. It is not
ascertained whether his removal was the result of the displeasure of the
commander of the forces [Sir George Prevost]; but upon a cool survey of
the battle of York, it must be owned that the honour of the British arms
was strenuously and ably maintained by the small party of men under his
command, who, including regulars, militia, and Indians, did not exceed
600." (Christie's History of the War of 1812, Chap. v., p. 105.)]

[Footnote 210: Among the killed of the British party was Mr. Allan
MacLean, Clerk of the House of Assembly of Upper Canada, who volunteered
his services with a musket.

"The Americans moved forward in three strong brigades, under Generals
Chandler, Winder, and Boyd, with an advance of light troops and
riflemen, under Colonels Scott and Forsyth, the whole commanded by
General Lewis, the next in command to General Dearborn, whose low state
of health compelled him to keep his bed, from whence he issued his
orders." (Thompson's History of the War of 1812, Chap, xxiii., p. 185.)]

[Footnote 211: Thompson's War of 1812, Chap. xxiii.

In General Vincent's official despatch relating to this brilliant and
intrepid action, he gives the credit of it to Lieutenant-Colonel Harvey.
He says: "To Lieutenant-Colonel Harvey, the Deputy-Adjutant-General, my
obligations are particularly due. From the first moment the enemy's
approach was known, he watched his movements, and afforded me the
earliest information. To him, indeed, I am indebted for the suggestion
and plan of operations; nothing could have been more clear than his
arrangements, nor more completely successful in the result." (Christie,
Chap. v.)]

[Footnote 212: Christie's History of the War of 1812, Chap. v.]

[Footnote 213: The following graphic account of the manoeuvres and
conflicts of the two fleets is given by the American historian,
Brackenridge, in his War of 1812:

"On Lake Ontario, a naval armament, which might be termed formidable for
this inland sea, was arrayed on either side; and an interesting contest
ensued between two skilful officers for the superiority. The _General
Pike_, of twenty-two guns, having been launched, and proving to be an
excellent sailer, Commodore Chauncey was now fully equal, in point of
strength, to his antagonist. Sir James Yeo, though somewhat inferior in
force, had the advantage in an important particular: his ships sailed
better in squadron, and he could