Imagine you are in October 1812 in Upper Canada (Ontario).

Since June 18, the United States of America have officially declared war on Great Britain and its North American colony of Canada. At the centre of the conflict are: (1) European trade barriers between Great Britain and France (Orders-in-Council) resulting in American vessels – trading with both countries regardless of the blockade – being seized by the British Navy; (2) and American expansionist visions of Republican Congressmen and frontiersmen who oppose British-Canadian presence in North America as well as their support for Aboriginal peoples in the Great Lakes region, notably the Shawnee chief Tecumseh.

Attacking Canada was seen by American "War Hawks" as a straightforward and necessary strategy to defend the interests and sovereignty of the United States by defeating Great Britain in North America. Former American President Thomas Jefferson was convinced that victory would be a formality. "The acquisition of Canada," he infamously proclaimed, "will be a mere matter of marching...."

As part of a plan to invade Canada and avenge the taking of Fort Detroit in August 1812, 6000 American troops under the command of General Stephen Van Rensselaer launched a surprise attack on the morning of October 13. The objective is the village of Queenston Heights strategically located on the Niagara River, just across from Fort Gray. Initially successful, the American attempt to capture the Canadian village is ultimately repulsed by British General Isaac Brock and his 2000 regular and militia troops and Indian allies. Over 300 American soldiers were killed or wounded in the battle and nearly 950 were taken as prisoners. On the Canadian side, 14 were killed, including General Brock and his aide-de-camp, Colonel Macdonell.

One key witness of the whole battle of Queenston Heights was Canadian militiaman Archibald McLean who enrolled as an officer with the 3rd York Militia and wrote a detailed account of the famous battle.