100th Anniversary of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane Parade July 25, 1914 – Preparations at the corner of Main Street and Lundy’s Lane Image courtesy of Niagara Falls Public Library
July it was, and the sun’s fierce heat
On road and meadow glistened and beat.
Glistened and beat till the hillside brown
Shrivelled and parched in its angry frown.
Till the dust lay white ‘neath the creaking wain,
And never a zephyr to promise the rain.
Backward from Queenston, backward for aye,
The hostile invaders had passed on their way.
While hot on their rear like a hound on the track,
By the way he retreated brave Riall came back.
By the way he retreated from Chippewa fight,
Outnumbered and beaten that terrible night.
And now where the ground softly slopes from the plain.
And the fragrance of orchards breathes o’er Lundy’s Lane,
At the point where it joins with the old Portage road,
His scanty battalions defiantly stood.
In front lay the foe ; to his challenge they come,
But behind hear the beat of the patriot drum !
For Drummond is marching that pitiless day.
And the feet of his soldiers are swift for the fray.
Undaunted by numbers, by odds undismayed,
“Form the line with the guns in the centre,” he said.
Six o’clock, and the sun as it sunk to its rest.
Like a circle of blood shot its glow from the West.
One instant its gleam on their battle ranks broke ;
The next it was lost in the batteries’ smoke.
And they grappled, they struggled, they fought and they fell,
‘Mid the flash of the bayonet, the hiss of the shell.
One to four ! they are Britons in blood and in bone,
And the land that they fight for they know is their own.
One to four ! shall they perish when wisdom says “Fly?”
On ! Forward like heroes ! for valor says ” Die.”
One to four ! and the twilight in horror shrinks down,
And over the dead casts her mantle of brown.
One to four ! and there fades the last glimmer of light,
And they fought hand to hand for the guns in the night.
And the flashes of flame shot their glare o’er the gloom,
And the cannons re-echoed the cataract’s boom.
And the smoke of their volleys strewn far o’er the plain
Seemed the ghosts of the fallen contending again.
Rose the moon, pallid orbed, her pale course to pursue,
Belated, reluctant, aghast at the view !
So their hands from the slaughter a moment they stay,
A moment they stand statue-like in its ray.
A moment of breathing—a moment—no more,
Then bellowed the cannons their grape as before.
Till the foe, horror-smitten at blood so out-poured,
Withdrew with the bayonet, withdrew with the sword.
So, baffled and vanquished, they sullenly fled,
And night and the victors kept watch with the dead.
Source: George W. Ross (ed.) Patriotic Recitations and Arbor Day Exercises. Toronto : Warwick & Rutter, 1893.
Abram Hull was a captain in the United States Infantry, and was killed in the battle of Lundy’s Lane, 25th July, 1814, and interred on the battleground, near to the spot where he fell, with the fallen on both sides. The battleground was consecrated as a cemetery, and is now kept in order by the Lundy’s Lane Historical Society.
Headstone of Abraham Hull. Photo by James Lemon on Find a Grave
Not that thou wast an enemy do I desire
Thy grave shall be no mound of weeds or mire ;
My country’s enemies are mine, and I would fight
With tireless arm to guard her sacred right.
Not that thou wast an enemy and I forget
The fierce incursion—unforgiven yet.
But that thou wast a mother’s son, I’d keep,
For mother-love, thy bed in thy last sleep.
Lay e’er, my son, in stranger-land a foe,
I would some mother-breast should pity know,
Some kindly hand should smooth, as I do now,
His last long pillow, and upon his brow
Drop gentle tears for one so brave and young,
Nor leave, for enmity, a warrior’s dirge unsung.
Source: The Dominion Illustrated, 17th August 1889
The full title of this epic poem is The Fredoniad; or, Independence Preserved. An Epic Poem on The Late War of 1812.
This is a poem in 40 cantos covering the entire War of 1812. This page contains the table of contents of each of the 4 volumes, and links to the full text of this poem found on the Hathi Trust.
The Fredoniad vol 1 Table of Contents. Click on the image to see larger
Source: Emmons, Richard. The Fredoniad; or, Independence Preserved. An Epic Poem on The Late War of 1812. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: W. Emmons, 1832
A discussion of this poem can be found in Severance, Frank H. Old Trails on the Niagara Frontier. Buffalo: The Matthews-Northrup Co., 1899 (Chapter entitled Niagara and the Poets) Available digitally by clicking here
Bloody Battle Near Niagara Broadside. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress
THE BRITISH, in Canada, proudly display
Their forces, collecting in battle array ;
But when to derange or to strike the Guelphs down,
We wish, or determine,… Scott, Perry and Brown…. ‡‡Will prove themselves valiant, and worthy, and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
So Hull, Ransellaer—Burrows, Lawrence and Pike,
On the minds of their chieftains such terror would strike,
As to throw them amaz’d and astonish’d aghast,
With muscles close strain’d… as a shoe to a mast. ‡‡They prov’d themselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
So Bainbridge and Porter, Decatur and Jones,
And all the brave heroes, America owns, Rodgers, Harrison, Warrington, each glorious name,
In our annals enroll’d and distinguish’d in fame : ‡‡All prove themselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea. JOHN BULL once believ’d, in the mischance of War,
When Coercion was substitute, render’d for Law ;
Declar’d as our Rights ; — and enforc’d from the Throne,
For all which, their nation’s best blood did atone. ‡‡We prov’d ourselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
But now BULLy JOHN, in his dotage and dreams,
Believes us a National people, it seems ;
But ranging as Arbiter round the wide world,
He would have us conform, or to ruin be hurl’d. ‡‡We will prove to JOHN BULL, we are valiant and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
So it seems “ giant ” JOHN — with his ships and his arms,
Intends, for us Yankees, a great many harms ;
But the prodigal now, with his fortune all made,
Is out-law’d in Honor, and bankrupt in Trade. ‡‡While the Yankees are valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
The British, in triumph, establish their Stakes,
Along the Atlantic, and round the great Lakes ;
But away from their posts, they are sure to retreat,
When with equal force match’d ; ’tis their death and defeat ‡‡We prove ourselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea. Lord Wellington’s armies, the Indians and all,
Nor Frauds, nor Blockades shall our FREEDOM enthral,
Our RIGHTS, as our life-blood, are equally dear,
And as true to our Nation…we’re Brave without Fear. ‡‡We prove ourselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
How many brave heroes, at Chippewa fell ;
Of their actions hereafter shall history tell ;
Embalm’d in our hearts, shall their memories be,
While our hearts uncorrupted shall love LIBERTY. ‡‡For they proved themselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
Brave SCOTT, is a Hero, the Soldier, the Man,
He leads as the chief, and directs in the van ;
To glory he leads, — mid war’s clangor and blaze,
He’s the Victor enlaurell’d, — deserving our praise. ‡‡So prove yourselves valiant, and worthy, and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
Soon the heroic BROWN meets the Canada troops
Unmov’d by their threats, or their shouts or yell-hoops
He offers them battle, on terms to contend,
He fights like a Soldier, but treats like a Friend. ‡‡So fight, ye brave boys, as you’re valiant and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
He captures their garrison ; moves on in arms,
And triumphs as victor, amid their alarms ;
He engages, again and again, on the field ;
Compelling the vanquished Britons to yield. ‡‡Thus prove yourselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
On the evening of July, the twenty-fifth day,
Where the moon beams reflect, in Niagara’s spray,
Where the noise of the cataract echoes around,
There Riall and Brown, and their Troops take their ground. ‡‡The Yankees are conq’rors — valiant and free, ‡‡In battles on land, boys, and battles at sea.
Dislodg’d from their strong holds, at ev’ry place,
They fall or surrender, or run with disgrace ;
They attack, they retreat ; — they pant for relief ;
All is lost ! — their best troops — and their ambitious Chief. ‡‡The Yankees are victors…they’re valiant and free, ‡‡In battles on land boys, and battles at sea.
Seven hours rag’d the battle ! — then in silence profound,
The victims and wounded, bestrewing the ground,
Exhibit a scene, which all hearts must deplore,
‘Tis the fate of all WARS ! — but the Battle is o’er ! ‡‡We prove ourselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea. Our Heroes, and chiefs, in the Battle, survive ;
Many fall ! — and O ! could brave SPENCER but live !
But in glory, he dies, with his compeers in arms ;
May regret and respect fill the heart as it warms. ‡‡Let us prove ourselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
The British are vanquish’d again and again,
On the Lakes, in the field, on each mound, and each plain,
Their DAY-STAR’S bright lustre bedim’d disappears ;
While our glory increases, with th’ increase of years. ‡‡We prove ourselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on land, boys, and battles at sea.
Drop a tear o’er the scene ; like Leonidas’ band,
Our youth fight and die, at their country’s command :
As “sacred to mem’ry”— triumphantly raise,
Where they fall….monumental inscriptions of Praise. ‡‡They prove themselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on land, boys, and battles at sea.
Be the chief Gen. BROWN, and the brave Gen. SCOTT,
By the Sons of Columbia never forgot ;
May our hearts all unite, in America’s cause,
In defence of our Honor, Rights, Freedom and Laws. ‡‡Thus prove ourselves valiant, and worthy and free, ‡‡In battles on shore, boys, and battles at sea.
Source: Boston: Printed by N. Coverly, 1814
At head of poem:
BLOODY BATTLE NEAR NIAGARA.
Bloody Battle Near Niagara
The United States’ army, commanded by Major JACOB BROWN, victorious over the British Forces, under the command of Major General RIALL ; “The action commenced on the 25th July, at 5 o’clock P.M. and continued without intermission till midnight.” The enemy was driven at every position ; his battery stormed, and all his artillery taken by the Americans ; Gen. RIALL, 20 officers of rank, and near 300 privates were made prisoners. Generals Brown and Scott severely wounded, the brave Capt. Spencer mortally. The loss on both sides in this severe engagement was very great. The U. S. troops under Gen. Ripley, maintained their position several hours after the action, and then fell back upon Fort Erie as a measure of precaution. Success attend the arms of the UNITED STATES, to effect an honorable and lasting PEACE.
John Neal by Sarah Miriam Peale, c. 1823, Portland Museum of Art – Portland, Maine
The full title of this book is Battle of Niagara: A Poem, Without Notes : and Goldau, Or, The Maniac Harper. It was originally published under the pseudonym Jehu O’Cataract in 1818.
John Neal was of Quaker descent but was read out of the society. He was a pioneer in American literature, being the first American contributor to English and Scotch quarterlies. He was an artist, a lawyer, traveler, journalist, athlete and an advocate of woman suffrage in 1838.
“The Battle of Niagara” was written when the author was a prisoner, or so he informs the reader. It has a metrical introduction with four cantos which tell the story of the Battle of Niagara. This story is interspersed with various flights of poetic fancy on the scenery and surroundings of the Falls.
N.B. The Battle of Niagara is now formally known as the Battle of Lundy’s Lane. Other names have included the Battle of Niagara Falls and the Battle of Bridgewater.
*Dow, Charles Mason. Anthology and Bibliography of Niagara Falls. Albany: State of New York, 1921, p. 699
From Frank H. Severance:**
As I survey the literature of this- period I find no bolder utterance, no fiercer defiance of Great Britain’s “Hordes,” than in the sonorous stanzas of some of our gentle poets. Iambic defiance, unless kindled by a grand genius, is a poor sort of fireworks, even when it undertakes to combine patriotism and appreciation of natural scenery. Certainly something might be expected of a poet who sandwiches Niagara Falls in between bloody battles and gives us the magnificent in nature, the gallant in warfare and the loftiest patriotism in purpose, the three strains woven in a triple paean of passion, 94 duodecimo pages in length. Such a work was offered to the world at Baltimore in 1818, with this title-page: “Battle of Niagara, a Poem without Notes, and Goldau, or the Maniac Harper. Eagles and Stars and Rainbows. By Jehu O’Cataract, author of ‘Keep Cool.’ ” I have never seen “Keep Cool,” but it must be very different from the “Battle of Niagara,” or it belies its name. The fiery Jehu O’Cataract was John Neal, or “Yankee Neal,” as he was called.
The “Battle of Niagara,” he informs the reader, was written when he was a prisoner; when he “felt the victories of his countrymen.” The poem has a metrical introduction and four cantos, in which is told, none too lucidly, the story of the battle of Niagara, with such flights of eagles, scintillation of stars and breaking of rainbows, that no quotation can do it justice. In style it is now Miltonic, now reminiscent of Walter Scott. The opening canto is mainly an apostrophe to the Bird, and a vision of glittering horsemen. Canto two is a dissertation on Lake Ontario, with word-pictures of the primitive Indian. The rest of the poem is devoted to the battle near the great cataract—and throughout all are sprinkled the eagles, stars and rainbows. Do not infer from this that the production is wholly bad; it is merely a good specimen of that early American poetry which was just bad enough to escape being good.
Source: John Neal. Battle of Niagara: A Poem, Without Notes : and Goldau, Or, The Maniac Harper. Baltimore: N.G. Maxwell. From the Portico Press, Geo. W. Grater, printer, 1818
