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Battle of Chrysler's Farm

The Battle of Chrysler's Farm was a battle of the War of 1812 on November 11, 1813.

American General James Wilkinson[?] planned to attack Montreal, leaving with a fleet from Sackett’s Harbor[?] on October 17. The British under Captain William Mulcaster[?] chased him, and by November 10 Wilkinson was forced to land near John Chrysler's farm, about 150 kilometers from Montreal. A British force under Colonel Joseph Morrison[?] was waiting there for the fleet, although Morrison only had 800 men while Wilkinson had 8000.

On November 11, Wilkinson ordered a small group of his men to attack Morrison's right flank. While marching towards the British position, the Lower Canada militia and a group of natives attacked the Americans by surprise. The Americans were able to drive them off, but it allowed the British to find a better position and fire directly on the American troops.

Wilkinson ordered a second attack, on the left flank, but the British easily manoeuvred once again to fire on them directly. Wilkinson then ordered a cavalry charge, but this was also routed by the much more highly trained British army.

Although he only lost about 300 men, Wilkinson's uncoordinated attack was a complete failure. He barely escaped by boat before the British counterattack reached him. On the 12th, he decided to abandon the attack on Montreal.



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