TIIE BATTLE OP LANE The name given to a decisive naval engagement of the War of Is1•. fought oil the town of Plattsburg. on September 11. 1814, between a British fleet under Captain George Downie and an American squad ron wale r Commodore Thomas Maedonough. In duly. 1814, a British army of about 11.000 men, under 'zit- Oeorge Prevost. undertook the invasion of New York, by the way of the we-tern shore of Like Champlain. To reinforee this movement it was however. to dispose of the small American duet which was then at Plattsburg. In preparation for the coining naval hattle. both sides increased their strength by the building of ships. Ott September 11 the British fleet entered Platt-burg Harbor, and assailed the American squadron. which was awaiting their attack at anchor. Maedonough had chosen an advantageous position, with his line of battle so disposed as to make it impossible fOr the enemy to turn either think. The two fleets were about equally matched
in lighting strength, the American squadron num berina I-I vessels of some 2250 tons, with 882 men and 51 guns; while the strength of the Brit ish comprised 10 vessels of 2400 tons, with 037 men and 12 guns. The advantage in training and was prfibahly on the side of the Brit ish. The hattle lasted about two and one-half hours. and ended in a victory for the Americans. hving to the close range at which the en !red. the loss was heavy on both sides. the Americans losing about 200, as against more titan 300 for the British. _\s a result of the bat tle, the plan of British invasion by land was abandoned. and Prevost retreated in haste to Can ada. The victory was also effective in hurrying on the close of hostilities. : 'Roosevelt. The Nara! Thar of 181.2 New York, 1882) : John son. history of the Bar of 1812-1.7, (New York, 1882).