War of 1812
"Repulsion of the British at Fort Erie" War of 1812 Litho
1814-Depiction (War of 1812), Color Print "Repulsion of the British at Fort Erie," by E.C.W. pinxt (from Latin: "one painted" added to the signature depiction of the name of the person responsible for a work of art), printed by P.S. Duval, Lith. Phila., On Stone by J. Queen" (James Queen, American, 1824"1877), 1841, Choice Very Fine+.
Original, vibrantly Colored Lithograph Print of this historic important battle during the War of 1812. The title reads: "Repulsion of the British at Fort Erie, On the 15th of August 1814, at 2 O'Clock A.M." This Print measures 10.5" x 8" (by sight), being professionally matted and framed to an overall size of 18.5" x 16.5" being meant for display. Some light even tone to the outer margin edges does not affect the central image. The makers inscription below the image reads: "E.C.W. pinxt, P.S. Duval, Lith. Phila., On Stone by J. Queen." It lists the names of the primary American and British participants. The Six soldiers shown in this picture are identified. There are (3) Americans (Capt. A.J. Williams, Lieut. McDonough, and Lieut. Watmough) and (3) British (Col. Drummond, Col. Scott, and Midshipman Hyde). Rich blue and red color of the soldiers' uniforms remains vibrant, enhancing the eye appeal of this excellent print. After painting by E.C. Watmough. A colorful, dramatic representation showing the ill-fated British attack on Fort Erie, which occurred between August 14-15, 1814, with the American and British officers depicted in the scene identified at left and right in the lower margin. One example located from the Mabel Brady Garvan Collection, donated 1946; Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn. A historic Wartime period produced American battle action print.
Provenance: Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II.
The Siege of Fort Erie, from 4 August to 21 September 1814, was one of the last engagements of the War of 1812, between British and American forces. It took place during the Niagara campaign, and the Americans successfully defended Fort Erie against a British army.
During the siege, the British suffered high casualties in a failed storming attempt; they also suffered casualties from sickness and exposure in their rough encampments. Unaware that the British were about to abandon the siege, the American garrison launched a sortie to destroy the British siege batteries, during which both sides again suffered high losses.
After the British abandoned the siege, the reinforced American army followed up cautiously and forced a second retreat at Cook's Mills but, with the onset of winter and shortage of supplies, they withdrew. They demolished Fort Erie before leaving the area. The attempted siege ended one of the last British offensives along the northern border, (the other being the failed British assault on Plattsburgh).