the whole British force
consisted of 2,800; but before the arrival of the troops under Colonel
Scott, of the 103rd Regiment, it did not exceed 1,600.

"Of all the battles (says a writer on this subject) fought in America,
the action of Lundy's Lane was unquestionably the best sustained and by
far the most sanguinary. The rapid charges and real contest with the
bayonet were themselves sufficient to render this engagement
conspicuous. Traits of real bravery and heroic devotion were that night
displayed by those engaged, which would not suffer in comparison with
those exhibited at the storming of St. Sebastian, or the conflict of
Quatre Bras.

"Both the belligerent armies have offered their claims for victory in
this engagement. Upon what grounds the American general could propose
such a claim are best known to himself--General Brown not only abandoned
the plans of operations which he had formed previous to the action at
Lundy's Lane [of advancing to Queenston, Fort George, and Burlington
Heights], but 'retreated in great disorder towards Fort Erie,' where his
egress from the territory might be more easy; and in his way destroyed
the bridge at Chippewa, in order to retard the advance of the British
light troops in his rear."[221]

PART III.

AMERICAN ARMY RETREATS TO FORT ERIE, PURSUED BY GENERAL DRUMMOND, WHO
INVESTS THE FORT--UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO STORM IT--SORTIE OF THE WHOLE
AMERICAN FORCE, TWICE THAT OF GENERAL DRUMMOND, BUT DEFEATED--RAIN
COMPELS THE RAISING OF THE SIEGE--GENERAL BROWN EVACUATES THE FORT AND
CROSSES THE RIVER TO THE AMERICAN SIDE, AND THIS ENDS THE THREE YEARS'
INVASIONS OF CANADA, WITHOUT ACQUIRING AN INCH OF ITS TERRITORY.

On the American army reaching Fort Erie, they entrenched and
strengthened the fortifications of the fort. Thither General Drummond
pursued, and immediately invested the fort, although his army was not
half the strength of the American army. General Drummond having
reconnoitred the enemy's position, determined to storm his
entrenchments. On the 13th of August, General Drummond, having completed
his batteries, commenced a brisk cannonade on the position of the enemy,
which, with few interruptions, was continued for two days with great
effect; after which he was determined to carry the fort and outworks by
nocturnal assault. In pursuance of this purpose, he formed his troops
into three divisions: the first, under Lieutenant-Colonel Fischer, of De
Watteville's, consistin