Raid on Black Rock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Raid on Black Rock
Part of War of 1812
Date 11 July 1813 Location Black Rock, New York 42°55′41″N 78°53′53″W / 42.928117°N 78.898058°W / 42.928117; -78.898058 Result British Victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom	United States
Commanders and leaders
Cecil Bisshopp (DOW)	Peter B. Porter
Strength
240	c. 230
Casualties and losses
3 killed 24 wounded 4 wounded prisoners 13 captured	3 killed 6 wounded

The Raid on Black Rock was a small but important battle during the War of 1812. It happened on July 11, 1813, near the Niagara River in New York State, USA. The main goal for the British was to take military supplies and equipment from a storage area in Black Rock, New York. The raid worked, but the British soldiers lost many men as they went back to their boats.

What Happened During the Raid?

On July 11, 1813, Lieutenant Colonel Cecil Bisshopp led a group of about 240 British soldiers. This group included soldiers from the Royal Artillery, the 8th (King's) Regiment, the 41st Regiment, the 49th Regiment, and the Lincoln Militia.

They crossed the Niagara River and landed quietly near Black Rock. They quickly attacked the American post there. About 150 New York Militia soldiers, who were supposed to defend Black Rock, ran away. This allowed Bisshopp's men to start their mission.

They disabled several American cannons and took others with them. They also grabbed 177 muskets (a type of rifle), lots of ammunition, and a large amount of army clothes. They also took seven large boats called bateaux and a scow (a flat-bottomed boat) that were full of food supplies. After taking what they wanted, they burned down the American buildings, including the barracks and a schooner (a type of sailing ship).

The American Counterattack

While the British were busy, Brigadier General Peter B. Porter of the New York Militia quickly gathered his own force. His home was nearby, so he knew the area well. Porter's group included:

• U.S. regular soldiers
• Some of the American militia who had run away earlier
• Militia from Buffalo
• About 30 Seneca warriors who were helping the United States

This American force set up a surprise attack on Bisshopp's soldiers. They ambushed the British as they were marching along the beach in the dark.

The British managed to get back across the river to Canada with all the supplies they had taken. However, they suffered many losses. The biggest loss for the British was Lieutenant Colonel Bisshopp himself, who was badly wounded and later died. Some people said the British took too long to leave because they wanted to make sure they got hundreds of bags of salt, which were very valuable.

Who Was Lost?

The British officially reported that 13 of their soldiers were killed, 25 were wounded, and 19 were captured or went missing. However, American records show they captured 17 British soldiers. This suggests that some of the men the British thought were killed were actually taken prisoner. In total, the British likely had 3 soldiers killed, 24 wounded, and 17 captured (4 of whom were wounded).

The American side lost 3 militiamen killed. They also had 4 militiamen and 2 Seneca warriors wounded.