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The Art of Historical Re-Enacting - Part 5© Beth Mitchell
In this part, Beth gives us an "in persona" view of the war happening in 1813
This war between brothers and neighbours has been going on for more than one year. The story that I am about to tell you could prove historically to be, in this reporter's opinion, the turning point in this battle between the newly formed United States of America and the mighty British Empire. With the fall of Fort George, the larger part of the Niagara peninsula has been evacuated by the British army. The American army (rumoured to be approximately three thousand strong), is pushing up towards Kingston. None of this was important to young Billy Green, a teenager left mostly to his own devices from an early age. What he saw one early June morning, while travelling through the woods near his home in Stoney Creek, absolutely delighted him. Americans were marching by, on their way to his home village! This was an opportunity for pranks that he couldn't resist. At noon, hidden from view, Billy and one of his brothers, began to shriek and yell like Indians - a sound that sent panic throughout the entire group of soldiers. The brothers then ran back to warn the village that the Americans were on their way. Later on that same day, Billy learns that his brother-in-law, Isaac Corman, who had been captured by the Americans, has since been released by claiming kinship with the commander of the Army of the American North-West, William Henry Harrison. This information in fact was true in that his mother is Harrison's father's sister. Not only did the Americans release Isaac, but they also provided him with the countersign (or password) for the day so that he could cross the American lines and join up. Instead he gives this information to his brother-in-law, Billy Green. Billy realizes that he has to give this information to the British army and does so before nightfall. In exchange for this information, Billy is given a corporal's sword. He then agrees to lead the British to the American camp that very night. Lieutenant-Colonel Harvey and his superior, Major General Vincent, felt now that with this information along with what they already knew about then placement of the artillery within the American camp the British would be in a good position to win this battle. They decided on a surprise attack and despite fewer numbers, they managed to capture several of the enemies' cannon and generals. Espionage and the inability to distinguish friend from foe were also major factors in this battle. At one point, as described to me by an eyewitness, Captain James FitzGibbon donned a blue cape over his red tunic and approached, with on friendly wave, one of the guns held by the Americans just outside the Gage homestead. This 'disguise' Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article The Art of Historical Re-Enacting - Part 5 in Historical Re-Enactment is owned by Beth Mitchell. Permission to republish The Art of Historical Re-Enacting - Part 5 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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