zine of ammunition, and spiking the guns. But ere he could effect
his retreat, the ready and reserve columns arrived, and immediately
commenced a determined attack upon his columns, and after about half an
hour's desperate fighting, notwithstanding his great superiority of
numbers, he retired before the bayonets of the British line, in great
precipitation, under the cover of his works, after losing nearly 600 of
his force.

The incessant rains which had fallen that season rendered it impossible
for General Drummond to repair his batteries, or, indeed, to keep the
field, on account of the exposure and increased sickness of the troops;
he therefore, on the 21st of September, raised the siege and retired
into winter quarters, in rear of his works at the mouth of the Chippewa.

General Brown affected some inclination to follow on the rear of the
British army; yet, notwithstanding all the efforts which could possibly
be exercised by a general were called into contribution by General
Drummond to bring General Brown into action, it all proved unavailing.
The American general, "as soon as the coast was clear," having blown up
the works, evacuated Fort Erie, and retreated across the river into his
own country.

Thus terminated the campaign of 1814 on the Niagara frontier; and
whatever might have been the object of the American Government when they
sent that last army to invade Canada, it is certain that nothing was
acquired, if we except a fresh proof (if such had been now necessary) of
the loyalty of the Canadian people to their Sovereign, and their
unshaken zeal to defend their country from the grip of its enemy, at
whatever time he might think proper to invade it.[223]

PART IV.

REVIEW.

The author cannot better present a summary review of the true principles
of loyalty, the origin, causes, characteristics, and results of the war
of 1812-15, together with the conduct of the inhabitants of Canada in
respect to it, than in the words of an address which he delivered to the
York Pioneers at Queenston, in July, 1875, on the occasion of the
anniversary celebration of the battle of Lundy's Lane. The address
(which was entirely extemporaneous in the delivery) is here reproduced,
as reported in the newspapers at the time:

"CAUSES OF THE WAR DECLARED BY THE UNITED STATES AGAINST GREAT BRITAIN,
JUNE 18, 1812--CANADIAN DEFENCE--BATTLE OF LUNDY'S LANE, FOUGHT JULY 25,
1814.

"Address delivered by the Rev. Dr. Ryerson befor