"His Majesty's arms gained a complete victory over those of the United States yesterday in a very brilliant affair" Captain William Holcroft Royal Artillery
Robert Malcomson who many readers will be familiar was the dean of War of 1812 historians. Although most of his works center on the naval side of the war, this book finds him describing a land action. The site of Queenston Heights was very special to him and the staff there still refers to him with great respect. Possibly because of this this book is a gem. Great writing, great research and a better understanding of a complicated event.
The Battle of Queenston Heights would set a pattern for other battles during the War of 1812. An inexperienced mixture of American regulars and militia commanded by a politically appointed General tasked with a overly complicated plan against a professional General with a handful of regulars, militia and Native warriors. A pattern that would exist until the 1814 Niagara campaign.
Malcomson has written a narrative that sets the stage for why the battle happened and the course of the fighting. He is at pains to describe why commanders did what they did based on circumstances at that time. Finally he addresses many of the myths that have grown up about the battle and obscured its actual details. Was General Isaac Brock the true hero of the day? What role did General Roger Hale Sheaffe play? Was this a victory for the Canadian militia alone? What were the role of John Norton and his Native Warriors? Were the often maligned New York militia really responsible for their armies defeat? Could the American invading force have won? During the reading of the book you are introduced to many amazing and interesting people. The politically appointed General Stephen Van Rensselaer. The dynamic General Isaac Brock. Professional to the core Captain William Holcroft. John Norton who lived in two worlds. And the larger then life Winfield Scott who is seen striding across the battlefield in full dress Chapeau and plume. And many others.
All in all a wonderful read and a scholarly book that should be on the shelf of any War of 1812 buff. Highly recommended!
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