Third Draft Manuscript - John E. Wool and the Battle of Queenston Heights

Abstract

Third draft, n.d. A manuscript bound by ribbon in secretarial writing, with some brief notes and edits in Wool’s hand. The title at the top of the page is in Wool’s handwriting and reads “Chapter 1—Containing a…history of the Battle of Queenstown”. Chapter 1 is 11 pages. Chapter 2 follows and is 53 pages long, followed by an additional 24 pages. Chapter 1 contains information about Wool’s family and career. Chapter 2 begins with a general discussion of the War of 1812. An account of the Battle of Queenston Heights can be found on pages 12 to 29. The account includes details of an attack on Captain Wool’s 13th infantry while waiting at the bottom of the heights (p. 12); the Americans’ ascent of the heights under Captain Wool (p. 15); charge of the heights led by Isaac Brock (p. 18); the death of Isaac Brock (p. 20); the British taking possession of Queenston Heights (p. 21); the arrival of General Sheaffe (p. 26); and the surrender of the Americans (p. 28). The following pages mention Van Rensellaer’s omission in crediting Captain Wool for his part in the successful taking of the heights in his report to General Dearborn (p. 32-33). It is acknowledged that Wool later received credit for his role. Pages 35 to 38 contain copies of correspondence by General Van Rensellaer and General Smyth, as well as a report by Lieut. Col. Chrystie, acknowledging Wool’s admirable conduct in the battle. Pages 39 to 50 contain an examination of the circumstances of the battle that led to its result. Page 50 includes a brief account of the respect and admiration that the Americans had for Isaac Brock noting that “During the funeral of General Brock minute guns were fired by the Americans, and what is more conclusive evidence of the estimation in which that illustrious man was held by his foes is a singular instance of the generosity of some American sailors who had captured his baggage on its way from Upper to Lower Canada, and who on ascertaining that it belonged to him spontaneously relinquished it”. Pages 51 to 53 contain information about Isaac Brock’s character and accomplishments in the war, and monuments built in his honour. The following 19 pages discuss General Van Rensellaer’s situation and resignation, and General Alexander Smythe’s character and actions. The last six pages provide a summary of the events of the War of 1812, noting that “the only instance of valor rewarded with success which occurred in the military transactions of the disastrous year of 1812, was the storming of the battery on Queenston Heights, and the defeat of General Brock, achieved under the command of Captain Wool”.