Laura Secord

War Summary

     One evening on June 21 1813, American soldiers arrived and invaded  Mrs. Secord’s home demanding dinner.  Mrs. Secord fed them and gave them plenty of alcohol to drink.  They got drunk.  When Mrs. Secord was in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner, she overheard 1 of the Americans, Colonel Boerstler saying he was going to plan a surprise attack on Beaverdams.  He stated,  "We'll make a surprise move against FitzGibbon at Beaver Dams.  We will destroy his headquarters and take the whole detachment captive." Nobody knows why they were discussing this in front of Mrs. Secord.  Some think it was the amount of alcohol they had consumed and others think they didn't think the Secords were a threat.  

     Later, the Secords decided that Lieutenant Fitzgibbon should know about this.  Originally, James was supposed to go but because of his wounds, Laura went instead.  Mrs. Secord walked for 32 kilometres (20 miles) through dangerous, First Nation land.  She walked through plains, snake, alligator and other dangerous animals infested swamps and through thick forest with First Nations hiding to ambush their enemy.  At any given moment, without mercy, a First Nation soldier could easily shot and killed her thinking she was an enemy.  Mrs. Secord did encounter a first nation group.  Fortunately, they were kind and helped her along her journey.  

     Eventually after 1 full night of walking, tired and dirty, Mrs. Secord arrived at John De Cou’s office.  2 hours later, she then met with Lieutenant Fitzgibbon.  

     On 24 June 1813, American troops under Colonel Charles Boerstler were ambushed near Beaver Dams by 300 Caughnawaga who were joined by 100 Mohawk warriors led by Captain William Kerr. FitzGibbon arrived with 50 soldiers from the 49th Regiment and persuaded Boerstler to surrender.     

The reports from the official press, made no note of Mrs. Secord aid in their success.  After the war, she received a gift of appreciation of 100 pounds.