Bicentennial Timeline: January to March 1814

Jan. 5 US President James Madison and James Monroe, secretary of state, accepted a British offer of direct negotiations to end the war. The commissioners opened discussion in Ghent on August 8.

Jan. 12 Patrick Hartney, barrack master at Fort York and a widower, was married to Mary Marshall by Rev. John Strachan. (see “Patrick Hartney, barrack master at Fort York,” Fife and Drum December 2011)

Feb. In late January, 216 Royal Navy seamen sailed from Halifax to Saint John where citizens provided sleighs to transport them on to Fredericton. Setting off for Quebec in early February they arrived by the end of the month then marched off to Kingston, making fifty-three days on the road.

Mar. Although Col. Ralph Bruyeres of the Royal Engineers reported “a total want of Artificers” Fort York’s existing Blockhouses One and Two were completed this month.

Mar. 4 At the Battle of the Longwoods, near Glencoe, Ontario, an American victory over a larger force of British regulars, militia, and Native allies was consistent with the spotty control the British had over the western part of the province during the last year of the war.

Mar. 14 Seeking to conserve food supplies Lieutenant-General Gordon Drummond in his capacity as Administrator for Upper Canada prohibited the distillation of spirits or low wines from wheat, corn, or other grain during the ensuing season.

Mar. 19 Six men summoned to explain why they had failed to send their teams and sleighs for government service were dismissed when the constable did not attend court in York.

Mar. 30 An invading force of 4000 American regulars was repelled at the second Battle of Lacolle in Lower Canada.