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The three forts south of the Saranac
were the scenes of feverish activity as the British juggernaut pushed south from
the border. The few men Macomb had at his disposal knew their only hope of
holding back the mighty British army was a strong defensive barrier. This... and
a victory in the bay. That outcome was out of their hands- they could only wait
and take solace in the impressive fleet at anchor in a line in Cumberland Bay.
In the meantime, they did what they could- strengthened the forts and batteries.
Fort Moreau, the largest of the earthen
embrasures, halfway between the Saranac and the lakeshore was
commanded by Col. Melancton Smith.
 Moreau
was manned by the 6th and 29th regiments. Fort Brown, close
by the southern bank of the river was under the charge of Lieutenant
Col. Storrs. This fort was manned by detachments of the 30th
and 31st regiments. Fort Scott- 33rd and 34th regiments, closest
to the lake, was commanded by a Major Vinson. The blockhouse
and battery closest to the mouth of the river were commanded
by Captain Smith and Lieutenant Fowler. Most of the troops with
Smith in the blockhouse were convalescents who were well enough
to remain behind as the sickest soldiers were evacuated to Crab
Island.
On September 5th, Macomb issued his orders, stating his plan
of defense:
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"... The troops will line the parapet in two ranks
leaving intervals for the artillery. A reserve of one-fifth of the whole
force in infantry will be detailed and paraded fronting the several
angles, which it will be their particular duty to sustain. To each bastion
are to be assigned, by the several commanders of Forts, a sufficient
number of infantry to line all the faces (in single rank) of each tier.
Should the enemy gain the ditch, the front rank of the part assailed will
mount the parapet and repel him with its fire and bayonet. If the men of
this rank are determined, no human force can dispossess them of that
position..."1 |
 Retreating
from Chazy, Appling's riflemen fell back to the Dead Creek bridge
between the Village and Cumberland Head. Here, Macomb had sent
200 infantrymen under Captain John Sproul along with two cannon
to hold the bridge and delay the left flank. The combined forces
were assisted in their efforts by American gunboats just off
shore. It was during this engagement that the intrepid Silas
Duncan received his horrible wound, as the British
forces brought up artillery and turned these guns on the American
vessels.
The British right flank was having its own
problems. Driving south through Beekman's Town, they had scattered
a group of militia. They were met at Culver's Hill by a determined
force of regulars under Major John Wool. Wool had under his
command but
 250 men, but they surprised the British and put
up a spirited defense. Soon, they also were forced to pull back
to Halsey's Corners, a mere mile and a half from a critical
bridge within the Village. Prevost lost officers at Culver's
Hill- among the dead were a Lt. Colonel
Wellington, and Ensign Chapman. Many enlisted men were killed
and wounded on both sides.
At Halsey's Corners, Wool was reinforced by Captain Leonard
and two field pieces. Here another stand was made with devastating results for
the oncoming British. Leonard set up his cannon at right angles to the road,
where they were hidden from view. The infantry took positions behind a stone
wall and other obstacles. The oncoming columns of Redcoats advanced straight
into the maw of these guns, which were discharged repeatedly with deadly effect.
The British responded bravely and charged the American line with bayonets,
resulting in a retreat from this last post outside the Village. The main road
into the Village of Plattsburg lay open before them...
A signal victory on Lake
Champlain
The Battle of Plattsburg
continues
HERE
Part
IV- War in Plattsburg, New York:
September 6-11, 1814.
The battles on land within Plattsburg
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