“For a few minutes firing almost ceased, and this interval was employed by the United States’ artillerymen in bringing forward fresh supplies of ammunition, and a daring officer, Captain Brooke, stealthily crept up the hillside until within a few yards of the British battery, with a dark lantern, which he suspended in a thicket, as a guide for his gunners to take aim by; for although the moon had risen, its light was rendered faint and uncertain by drifting clouds of smoke and dust, and the position of either line of battle was simply indicated at intervals, by the flash of their guns.”[64]
Drummond employed part of his reinforcement to strengthen his right, while the remainder formed a second line in rear of the first. A field gun was also brought up in line with the two guns on the hill.
The United States’ commander was now convinced that the capture of the hill and the guns on it was necessary to success. Forming a brigade, 1400 strong, in the hollow of the hill, he sent them straight against the guns. Part of them recoiled under the heavy fire, but one battalion was able to approach under a screen of dense thickets, and gained a position behind a log fence within twenty yards of the guns without being observed. Pouring in a volley, they rushed on the gunners with the bayonet, and were at once masters of the guns, which were turned upon the British line. A large body of United States’ infantry were then brought up on to the hill, and their artillery ascended the slope at a gallop. In doing this, one gun, of which the drivers were killed by a sudden volley, was taken by the horses into the British ranks, and secured.
“The remainder of the British artillery was at the same time brought forward, until the muzzles of the (opposing) guns were only a few yards asunder, and the battle thenceforward became a confused, ferocious and sanguinary struggle, waged frequently at the bayonet’s point, or with clubbed muskets, the British striving desperately to regain the ground they had lost, and their opponents to thrust them down into the hollow beyond, and drive them from the field. Regiments, companies, and sections were broken up and mingled together. They retired, rallied, and were led to the charge again.”[64]
Walker & Boutall sc.
For over two hours this desperate struggle in the dark continued, with varying fortunes. At one moment, the 103rd, a young regiment, was forced back in disorder; at another the U.S. guns were captured, and two of them spiked. Neither side could make headway, in spite of frequent attacks and counter-attacks. Drummond was severely wounded but kept the field: nearly one-third of the British force were killed and wounded. The U.S. forces were in equally bad case. Three of their generals were wounded, while the rank and file had lost heavily. In the confusion and darkness the whole force had become disorganized; Scott’s brigade, that had commenced the fight, had dwindled to a few companies: there were an enormous number of stragglers. Closing their ranks for a last attack the wearied British troops, headed by the light company of the 41st, regained possession of the hill and of the guns, just as Brown had decided on withdrawing. Desultory firing continued for a few minutes: it was not till near midnight that the British troops, wearied by prolonged marching and fighting, remained in undisturbed possession of the field. Two of the enemy’s guns remained in their possession, while one British gun was carried off.
Thus ended the battle of Lundy’s Lane, the most severely contested action of the war. On the British side both generals were severely wounded, one of them being taken prisoner. Out of a total strength of somewhat less than 3000, the total British loss amounted to 5 officers and 76 men killed, 30 officers and 532 men wounded, 14 officers and 219 men missing and prisoners. The disproportion of wounded to killed, in this and other actions, was mainly due to the frequent use of buckshot by the enemy. The heaviest losses fell on the Royal Scots and 89th, who, out of a total of about 900 present, suffered a loss of 426. The 19th Light Dragoons had two wounded and one missing, together with three horses killed, ten wounded, and one missing. The United States’ loss was never correctly stated. Of the four generals engaged, three were wounded, while the disorganization of their force of about 4500 men engaged, and the loss of 16 officers killed and 56 wounded, makes it probable that their loss in killed and wounded was not less than 1200. Several hundred prisoners remained in the hands of the British. In his dispatch, General Drummond writes, “In reviewing the action from its commencement, the first object which presents itself as deserving of notice, is the steadiness and good countenance of the squadron of the 19th Light Dragoons, under Major Lisle, and the very creditable and excellent defence made by the incorporated militia-battalion &c.” This refers to the first period of the action when the left of the line was forced back.
The following day, General Ripley, who had succeeded to the command of the United States’ troops, advanced across the Chippewa to see to his dead and wounded; finding the field in occupation of the British, he immediately retired, broke down the bridge, destroyed a quantity of camp equipage and stores, and retired precipitately to Erie, which he reached on 27th. The light troops, cavalry and Indians were sent in pursuit, and made a few prisoners. On reaching Erie, Ripley at once set to work to enlarge and strengthen the defences, in anticipation of attack.