MacDonell, John of Greenfield

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: See full biography at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Macdonell
Wiki Biography:
- Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell of Greenfield (19 April 1785 – 14 October 1812) was an aide-de-camp to British Major General Sir Isaac Brock during the War of 1812, dying in the Battle of Queenston Heights.
- He was born on 19 April 1785 in Scotland near Aberchalder and came to Canada when he was seven years old. There, he studied to become a lawyer and was called to the bar at the age of 23, opening his own law office. An interest in politics earned him a seat on the legislature and an appointment as attorney-general.
- He also became a lieutenant colonel in the York Militia and, at the outbreak of the War of 1812, became secretary and provincial aide-de-camp to General Isaac Brock. On 13 October 1812, during the Battle of Queenston Heights, Brock was struck and killed by an American musket ball. Despite being a lawyer by trade with little military experience, Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonell, along with Captain John Williams of the 49th Foot, led a second attempt to retake the Redan, one that was very nearly successful.
- With Williams’ men of the 49th starting from brush to the right of the line near the escarpment and Macdonell’s anchoring the left, the force of between 70 and 80 men (more than half of whom were militia) advanced toward the Redan Battery. The U.S. forces under the command of Captain John E. Wool had been reinforced by more troops who had just made their way up the path to the top of the Heights, and Macdonell faced some four hundred troops.
- Despite the disadvantage in numbers as well as attacking a fixed position, Williams’ and Macdonell’s small force was driving the opposing force to the edge of the gorge on which the Redan was situated, and seemed on the verge of success before the Americans were able to regroup and stand firm. The momentum of the battle turned when a musket ball hit Macdonell’s mount, causing it to rear and twist around. Another shot hit Macdonnell in the small of the back, causing him to fall from the horse. He was removed from the battlefield but succumbed to his injuries early the next day.
Grandson of United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=5264
Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75183688/john-macdonell