Battle in the Dark: Stoney Creek, June 6, 1813

Wesley B. Turner is an associate professor of history at Brock
University and author of The War of 1812: The War That Both Sides Won.

There seems no end to new writings about the War of 1812. Certainly, any
work by G.F.G. Stanley about this war deserves attention, for he is
responsible for some of the most informative and authoritative writing
on that conflict. Thus, this slim volume, an entry in the Canadian
Battle series, provides a clear and, at times, stimulating account of
one of the most curious skirmishes in that singular war.

Stanley begins with Brig. Gen. John Vincent’s report on the battle,
followed by the contrasting report of the American commander, Maj. Gen.
Henry Dearborn. After this somewhat ponderous beginning, the narrative
moves at a faster pace and ranges more widely. Stanley discusses the
origins of the war, Brock’s death, and American campaigns in 1813,
before returning to a detailed treatment of the Battle of Stoney Creek.
This is followed by details of further American campaigns in 1813, a
brief mention of the end of the war and the significance of Burlington
Heights, and a glance at war claims made by the owners of property on or
near the site of the battle. The reference to Francis, Baron de
Rottenburg, as an “anglicized Dane” is surprising because he was
born in what is now Gdбnsk, Poland, and served in many theatres but
never in Denmark. Otherwise, this account is reliable and judicious.

The story is brought to life by the many quotations from the writings
of participants, but no references are provided to facilitate follow-up
research. For that purpose, the reader will have to rely on the
informative “Bibliographical Note.” The illustrations are
interesting and the maps helpful. Perhaps more useful would have been a
map that might enable the reader, booklet in hand, to walk over the
accessible parts of the site.

Adults as well as juvenile readers would enjoy this book.