The Battle of Queenston print, 1836

The Battle of Queenston Heights was the first major battle of the War of 1812. The Americans, led by General Stephen Van Rensselaer, crossed the Niagara River into Queenston on October 13, 1812. The Americans were able to capture Queenston Heights. Major-General Isaac Brock was stationed at Fort George and quickly prepared his forces to engage with the Americans. Brock led a charge up the heights, but was shot and killed. Mohawk chief John Norton, an ally of the British, was able to hold off the American advance until Major-General Roger Hale Sheaffe arrived from Fort George with reinforcements. He was able to capture what the Americans had taken, along with about 1000 prisoners.A coloured print titled “The Battle of Queenston, Octr. 13, 1813. Which ended in a complete Victory on the part of the British, having captured 927 Men, killed or wounded about 500. Taken 1400 Stand of Arms, a Six Pounder, and a Stand of Colours”. It was published in London on April 12, 1836 for I.W. Laird’s Martial Achievements at 1 Leadenhall St. The print shows several stages of the battle, including the Americans crossing the Niagara River from Lewiston to Queenston; the British firing on the Americans as they land at Queenston; the first British counterattack on the redan battery, during which Isaac Brock was killed; and the British advance against the American position on the Heights later in the day. The painting is attributed to British Major James Dennis of the 49th Foot, who fought in the Battle of Queenston Heights. It was engraved by T. Sutherland. It first appeared in Martial Achievements of Great Britain by Thomas Sutherland shortly after the War of 1812. A note indicated it was based upon a drawing by “Major Dennis”. A painting based on Major Dennis’ account of the battle can be found at the RiverBrink Art Museum in Queenston. Many of the prints vary in detail from the painting. This particular print reverses the colours of the uniforms from the painting, showing men in red coats crossing from Lewiston and men in blue coats defending Queenston. The year of the battle included on the print is also incorrect. The battle took place on October 13, 1812, and not in 1813 as indicated in the title