Phases Of The Battle

Phases Of The Battle. Ogdensburg Battlefield Trail. , PHASE ONE The British launch their attack on Ogdensburgh by sending a two pronged attack on Ogdensburgh. One column is sent against the rifle company at the point, while a second force marches against the village. A column of 300 Prescott militia and British military cross the ice from Fort Wellington to attack Forsyth's rifle regiment stationed in the garrisons at the old French Fort, Fort La Presentation. Forsyth's troops begin firing at the British forces. The British find themselves mired in the deep snows along the shores. The British forces begin to break formation and retreat., PHASE TWO While the first British force attacks Forsyth's men, a second, larger force of 500 men, march across the ice to attack the village of Ogdensburgh. The village of Ogdensburgh has only about 50 volunteer militia to defend it against the superior British force. Forsyth's Rifle Company, already under attack by the first force, is unable to assist the village., PHASE THREE Colonel McDonnell leads his 500 men into the village, sweeping past the outnumbered Americans. They hit the village at the foot of Caroline Street. Some of the men march up Gertrude Street, now known as Franklin Street, past the undefended Fort Oswegatchie. Others continue up Caroline Street to Ford Street. When the British troops reach the corner of Washington Street and Caroline Street, one group continues up Caroline to Ford Street. Others continue west from the corner of Washington Street and Caroline Street, turning south at State Street as they head toward Ford Street. Near the corner of Ford and State Street[s], the British find themselves facing two cannon. One commanded by Captain Giles Kellogg and Sheriff Joseph York. The British overrun them., PHASE FOUR After Colonel McDonnell and his men capture the cannon, they easily overrun the rest of the thinly defended village. The British troops haul the cannon they find in the village to Parish's store (now the U.S. Customs building). McDonnell's men and cannon line up along the east shore of the Oswegatchie facing Forsyth's troops at the old French Fort, Fort La Presentation. McDonnell's men, plus reinforcements from the force of 300 who had been forced to retreat by Forsyth, bring their guns and cannon to bear on Forsyth's small band across the mouth of the Oswegatchie. McDonnell sends his envoys to Forsyth, ordering him to surrender, and warning that if they refuse, they will all be put to the bayonet. Forsyth refuses, but quietly orders his men to quietly sneak away. The massed British forces launch their attack on the empty fort.