Capture of HMS Caledonia

DATE: December 8, 1812
LOCATION: near Fort Erie, Upper Canada
VICTORY: American
COMMANDERS: Lt. Jesse D. Elliot (American)/ none
CASUALTIES:
AMERICAN................ ( 100 men) unknown
BRITISH/INDIANS...... ( unknown men) none


BATTLE DESCRIPTION:
On December 8, the HMS Caledonia and the HMS Detroit were anchored near and protected by the guns of Fort Erie. Lt. Jesse D. Elliot decided to capture the 2 British vessels and add them to the American squadron. After putting together a force of approximately 100 men. Some sailors, some drafts from the army. Lieutenant Elliot's force left the American side of the Niagara River about 1:00 A.M. December 9 in 2 large boats.
When they arrived by the 2 ships, the British opened fire with their muskets. The Americans began boarding the ships and after a great deal of fighting the ships were taken. The British kept up a heavy fire as the 2 ships tried to reach Black Rock, and the strong current in the Niagara River made this task even more difficult. The Caledonia finally reached the safety of the American shore. The Detroit was not so lucky, hit several times by British artillery as well as American fire, it became uncontrolable and ran aground on Squaw Island. The Americans set the Detroit on fire and destroyed her so the ship would not fall back into British hands.