Surrender of French Mills facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Surrender of French Mills
Part of War of 1812
Date 22 November 1812 Location French Mills New York Result British Victory
Belligerents
Upper Canada	United States
Commanders and leaders
Lt. Col. Alex McMillan	Unknown
Strength
150	50
Casualties and losses
None	50 captured

The Surrender of French Mills was a small but important event during the War of 1812. It happened on November 22, 1812, when a group of Canadian soldiers and militia surprised and captured American troops at French Mills, New York. This event was a victory for the British and their Canadian allies.

Before this, 100 American soldiers from French Mills had successfully attacked 45 Canadian voyageurs (travelers who often used canoes) at the Battle of St. Regis on October 22. After that battle, half of the American soldiers went to Plattsburgh, New York, and the other half returned to French Mills. In response, about 150 Canadian soldiers and militia attacked the 50 Americans left at French Mills, forcing them to give up.

How it Started

In the summer of 1812, American soldiers began building a small fort, called a blockhouse, at French Mills. This place was along the St. Lawrence River. About 100 American soldiers, led by Major Guilford Dudley Young, were stationed there.

They decided to attack a group of 45 Canadian voyageurs near St. Regis. The Canadians were watching for American attacks and helping the Mohawk people in St. Regis feel safe. The American attack was successful. They killed 5 voyageurs and captured the remaining 40 during the Battle of St. Regis. After this battle, 50 of the American soldiers left for Plattsburgh, New York, while the other 50 went back to French Mills.

The Attack

About a month after the attack on St. Regis, a group of 150 Canadian soldiers and militia set out from Cornwall, Ontario. This group included soldiers from the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles, Stormont militia, Dundas Militia, and Glengarry Militia. They were led by Lieutenant Colonel Alex McMillan of the Glengarry Militia.

In the middle of the night, they quietly approached the American position at French Mills. When the Americans saw that they were greatly outnumbered, they quickly retreated into their blockhouse. They did not fire their weapons, which allowed the Canadians to completely surround them. Seeing that there was no way out, the Americans surrendered.

What Happened Next

After the surrender, the Canadians took four river boats and 57 muskets (a type of gun). All the muskets were broken in half and thrown into the St. Lawrence River so the Americans couldn't use them again.

The American prisoners were then taken by the Glengarry company to Fort Coteau-du-Lac and from there to Montreal. Later, they were set free in an exchange for some York Militiamen who had been captured by the Americans.