Historical and
Commemorative Medals
Collection of Benjamin Weiss
MAJOR GENERAL EDMUND GAINES FURST, Moritz: USA, 1814, Bronze, 65 mm The Battle of Erie (the event commemorated by this medal)
pitted the forces commanded by General Gaines against the British forces in
the Peninsula of Upper Canada, commanded by Lieutenant General Drummond. The
Americans held the position on the margin of the lake, at the entrance of
the Niagara river, near a small unfinished fort, Erie. It terminated in a
victory in favor of the united American forces with about 600 of the enemy
killed or wounded and fewer, though considerable, losses to the American
forces. (From Loubat) * The War of 1812 is one of the forgotten wars of the
United States. The war lasted for over two years, and while it ended much
like it started, in stalemate, it was in fact a war that once and for all
confirmed American Independence. The offensive actions of the United States
failed in every attempt to capture Canada. On the other hand, the British
army was successfully stopped when it attempted to capture Baltimore and New
Orleans. There were a number of American naval victories in which American
vessels proved themselves superior to similarly sized British vessels. These
victories coming after victories in the Quasi War (an even more forgotten
war) launched American naval traditions. (From historycentral.com) LINK to article:
Medalic History of the War of 1812: Consequences to the American Indian
Nations (by Benjamin Weiss) |
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