"Capital In Flames: The American Attack On York, 1813" Topic

"As Canada's central depot and naval dockyard on the Great Lakes early in the War of 1812, the capital frontier town of York (present-day Toronto) was a prime target for American forces. In April 1813 a squadron of warships under U.S. Commodore Isaac Chauncey sailed up Lake Ontario and landed about 1,800 soldiers there as the renowned explorer Gen. Zebulon Pike led his men into battle. Though the Americans took the town, their victory proved disappointing Malcomson challenges conventional ideas about the battle as he brings to life the politicians, soldiers, and citizens whose destinies clashed at York"
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Amicalement
Armand

A very good history replete with much detail, photos of paintings in BW, many maps, contemporary views of York, uniforms, leaders, buildings … In short an outstandingly wel researched book on one of the few American successes during the War to that date.

A must requirement for any War of 1812 library.

Thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand

I agree with the Iron Dukes assessment. When you fly into Toronto arriving at Billy bishop airport (downtown), fort York is just a short walk away. Well worth a visit if you are in the City.

I agree thoroughly; Malcolmson's book is a masterpiece of research. His early death was a real loss and he is sorely missed. His work has built a solid foundation for further research and we owe him a debt of gratitude.

The state of the Canadian National Archives British Military Records, RG 8, is somewhat haphazard. All documents are catalogued but there is almost no cross-referencing. For example, as a result, documents such as Ordnance Returns can be filed under the Indian Department because the accompanying correspondence may briefly refer to matters in that department.

I'm a bit of an Ordnance fanatic and have managed to fill in all of the missing details regarding the guns actually at York during the battle. This involved accessing a number of online primary documents from the archives from the Ordnance Department, Engineering Department, Garrison Records, The Provincial Marine, Lt. Governors' Letter Books, Governor Generals' Secretaries Correspondence and other sources from 1793 through 1813. I hope to publish some of the information soon.

It's an excellent book-highly recommended.

Thank you for the advice. Just sent off to the inter library loan desk at my local library to get this for me.

Thank you to my friends at the local inter library loan desk at my public library. Got the book and now on my second reading. It is fantastic. Thank you all for the recommendation

Also started A Very Brilliant Affair. Outstanding.

Yes it is-good choice.

SmokieGunner; let us know when you publish/make it available. I am interested as I plan to game York at some point.