Official account of the capture of York...

Item # 703015

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May 18, 1813

THE WAR, New York, May 18, 1813

* Battle of York (Toronto)

The entire front page, and part of page 2, are taken up with documents headed: "Official Account of The Capture of York" which includes a prefacing document signed: H. Dearborn, plus a more detailed letter from York, signed: Henry Dearborn, and a lengthy letter from the U.S. ship Madison at York, signed: Isaac Chauncey, followed by the: "Terms of Capitulation" which carry over to page 2. This is followed by: "General Pike" which deals with his death.
Elsewhere in the issue are: "American Prisoners in Jamaica' "British Deserters" "Further Depredations--Fredericktown & Georgetown Burnt" "Harrison's Army" "Escape from a British Prison" and even more.
Four pages, 9 by 11 1/4 inches, good condition.

AI notes: The Battle of York, fought on April 27, 1813, was a pivotal engagement during the War of 1812 in what is now Toronto, Ontario. American forces under Brigadier General Henry Dearborn and Commodore Isaac Chauncey launched a coordinated amphibious assault on the town, which was defended by a modest British garrison led by Major General Roger Hale Sheaffe, including regular troops, militia, and Native allies. After intense fighting, the Americans overcame British defenses, capturing the town and seizing military supplies, though not without losses—approximately 188 American and 100–200 British and allied casualties. During the battle, British forces blew up their own magazine in retreat, and the Americans burned government buildings, including the provincial parliament, fueling Canadian outrage. While a tactical victory for the United States, the battle galvanized local resistance and set the stage for subsequent retaliatory raids, highlighting both the brutality and strategic significance of the conflict in Upper Canada.

This is a fascinating, short-lived newspaper, having begun in 1812 with the exclusive purpose of reporting on the War of 1812 (hence the title). When the war ended, so did this newspaper.

Category: War of 1812