Now available in paperback… Capital in Flames: The American
Attack on York, 1813 Today’s Toronto was the frontier town of
York when it suffered its most traumatic day. In April 1813,
warships under U.S. Commodore Isaac Chauncey landed 1,700
soldiers near today’s CNE grounds and General Zebulon Pike led
them into battle against British, Canadian and native defenders
commanded by General Sir Roger Sheaffe. In mid-battle a mighty
explosion ripped the earth open and rattled windows 40 miles
away, killing or wounding nearly 300. Though the Americans had
taken York, they were disappointed as the vessels they hoped to
seize were not there and supplies they hoped to capture were
destroyed. Discipline broke down and gangs of invaders looted
and burned public buildings – and the loyalty of some citizens
came into question. The town suffered a trauma few of its
inhabitants would forget, and the much-criticized Sheaffe never
again saw active service. This is the first book devoted to this
major event in the history of To