Forsyth's Rifle Regiment

History

At the beginning of the War of 1812, a company of U.S. riflemen, under the command of Captain Benjamin Forsyth, was stationed in Ogdensburgh.

Captain Benjamin Forsyth, never a man to remain idle long, decided to initiate action on his own. Forsyth had been advised by Dearborn ... not to commence hostilities because of his exposed position and the possibility of British retaliation. But early in February of 1813, Forsyth learned that a part of the enemy had crossed the St. Lawrence River onto American territory, captured a few Americans, and carried them back to Elizabethtown (now Brockville), Upper Canada. There the prisoners languished in the local jail and allegedly were treated "with severity". It was rumored that some of them would be executed by the authority of British court martial for desertion.

Forsyth decided to attempt their rescue with his riflemen. "In consequence of this intrusion of the enemy on our soil, on the 6th Inst. about 10 P.M., I left this place with a part of my rifle company and a party of volunteers for the purpose of retaking the prisoners and chastising the insolent enemy," he wrote. Covered by darkness, the party of 200 set out on the 28 mile round trip through ice, snow and bitter cold. Reaching Elizabethtown about 3 a.m., the force surrounded and attacked the jail, demanded and were given the keys. A shot from a nearby window wounded one of Forsyth's men. Otherwise, no resistance was offered. The opposition was so completely surprised that they did not have time to resist. Forsyth freed every prisoner except those accused of murder. Several prominent Canadians were also taken hostage and brought back to Ogdensburgh. The rescued prisoners and citizens numbered 53, amoung whom were one major, three captains, three lieutenants and one surgeon's mate. Forsyth's party also brought off 134 muskets that had been captured by the British at Detroit, twenty rifles, two casks of fixed ammunition and some other public stores.

As Dearborn had warned, British retaliation for Forsyth's raid was not long in coming and was indeed directed at Ogdensburgh. Major "Red" George Macdonnell of the Glengarry Light Infantry chose to strike directly at Forsyth "for his late wonted aggressive on this frontier" at Elizabethtown. On the morning of February 22, 480 British and Canadian troops crossed the frozen St. Lawrence from Prescott to Ogdensburgh. In little more than an hour, eleven field pieces and all the American ordnance, marine, commissariat and quartermaster general's stores were taken. The British captured four officers and 70 prisoners, mostly militia. In addition, they burned two armed schooners, the Niagara and Dolphin, as well as two large gunboats and the barracks.

Forsyth, bolder in attack than defence, had retreated precipitately from the scene. Forsyth's rifle company made good its retreat from Ogdensburgh to Sackett's Harbour and increased that garrison's strength.

Today

Forsyth's Rifle Regiment and the 1st Regiment U.S. Light Artillery, a reenactment unit for the War of 1812, would invite you back with them to an earlier time. A time of war between the Americans, British and British sympathizing Indians. A war fought with black powder muskets and cannon.

Forsyth's Rifles is modeled after the First Regiment of Rifles, United States Army. This unit was stationed in Ogdensburgh, NY between 1812 and 1813, under the command of Captain Benjamin Forsyth. Its mission was to provide protection from the British for the surrounding areas and to keep watch for military movement on and along the St. Lawrence River.

The Rifle Regiment was an advance group that used very accurate rifle fire and guerilla fighting techniques to deadly advantage. A rifle regiment would normally operate in advance of infantry companies to harass the enemy and to neutralize their officers and musicians who were used to signal the officers' commands to the troops.

Forsyth's Rifles, Inc. features authentic accurate uniforms, equipment and weapons. Its encampments and educational programs feature authentic tactics and maneuvers. We encourage our audience to step back in time with us, to ask questions and to just generally enjoy this unique experience. Visitors to our encampments have the opportunity to observe life in a 19th century American Field Camp complete with tent rows, cooking, and military drills.

The members of Forsyth's Rifles, Inc. all share a common interest in history and constantly expand their knowledge of the War of 1812. Information on any of our programs or on joining our organization may be obtained from any member or by writing to:

Forsyth's Rifles, Inc.

c/oTim Cryderman	or Secretary Teresa Curry
280 Jones R	158 Cr 50
Madrid, Ny 13660	Brasher Falls, Ny 13613
(315)322-5519	(315) 389-4232
Timtaz@northnet.org	Tcurry@slic.com

Officers

Forsyth's Rifle Regiment	1st Regiment U.S. Light Artillery
Sgt Robert Massia	Lt Tim Cryderman
Cpl Henry Curry	Sgt Grover Katzman
	Sgt Russ Jacoby
	Cpl Marty Syne