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HISTORY

2nd Battle of Ogdensburg, February 22, 1813

Leading a force of 600 regulars and militia, Lt. Col. George MacDonnell surprises the garrison at Ogdensburg. This is mostly in retaliation for the raid on Elizabethtown on February 8th. MacDonnell's forces crossed the frozen St. Lawrence River and after silencing musket fire from the town, took a number of prisoners (reports vary.) The local American defenders retreated south leaving significant supplies to be captured in the town. Snow made it impossible for reinforcements to reach Ogdensburg from Sackett's harbor.

Because the position could not be adequately supported Gen. Brown made the determination that the site not be used as a supply base in the future. Ogdensburg remained ungarrisoned for the remainder of the war.