HALSEY'S CORNERS

Painting by John Purdy-2011

                                                           A British force threatening Major Wool's real line at Culver Hill forced his withdrawal to Halsey's corners on the morning of Sept. 6, 1814.

                                                       Wool's detachment of 250 regulars, militia, and Aiken's Company joined by Capt. Leonard with two 3 pounders (cannons), had little time to

                                                       ready themselves for the impending massive assault.

                                                 A British brigade led by Major General Powell, supported by four companies of light infantry and a demi-brigade, a total of 4,000 troops,

                                             was in close pursuit.  

                                                 Leonard's cannon balls cut deadly paths three times through the approaching ranks.  Bugles rallied the Redcoats who threw off their

                                              knapsacks and charged forcing Wool to withdraw, each platoon firing, then passing through another to reload and repeat a deadly skirmish

                                              line, back to the Town centre.

                                                  In this confrontation, British Lieutenant Robert Kingsbury and others who were mortally wounded were taken to nearby Isaac Platt's home

                                              (site # 27), died there and were buried in Platt's garden.

                                                  The corners are named for the Reverend Frederick Halsey, first pastor (1797) of the Presbyterian Church and chaplain of a militia

                                               regiment in the 1812 war. 

                                            2011