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CHARACTERS

Major John E. Wool

As a captain of the 13th Infantry, John E. Wool suggested the plan to capture the gun battery at the Queenston Heights. Despite being wounded, he managed to lead 240 men up the escarpment to gain the Heights from the British. Wool's capture of the British gun battery turned the battle in favor of the Americans. But eventually, the U.S. troops on the plateau had to withdraw under repeated attacks by British regulars and Native Americans.

Recovering from his wounds by 1814, Wool was a major commanding the 29th Infantry who saw action at Plattsburg. There, he and his 280 men effectively detained a British force of 12,000 until reinforced.

Wool remained with the army and became one of the oldest serving officers, lasting even longer than Winfield Scott.