The “Longwoods” was the heavily forested tract of country that lay between the present towns of Thamesville and Delaware near London Ontario. On March 3rd 1813, Holmes rapidly moving force, which was entirely mounted approached within 15 miles of Delaware, where a British force was stationed. From a local settler, he learned that the British had left Delaware and were on their way to intercept him. Holmes’ force fell back to Twenty Mile Creek and after crossing took up a strong position on the west side. This is the site now known as Battle Hill.
The British force sent to capture Holmes was under the command of Captain James Lewis Basden. Basden had under his command the light companies of the Royal Scots and 89th Regiment, a detachment of Kent Militia , a company of rangers and some native warriors: in all about 300 men.
Morale in the American force was not high, but after a brief council of war it was determined to remain in position and meet the British. On the late afternoon of March 4th 1813, Basden’s small contingent arrived opposite Battle Hill. the American position naturally a strong one, was enhanced by an abatis that had been constructed the evening before. The sides of the ravine were also very slippery, the Americans having watered the position down and the surface was now frozen.
Basden decided to have the Kent Militia, under Captain Caldwell, outflank the position to the north. The forty Indian warriors would engage the American right flank. Basden himself, not utilizing great judgment, would lead the flank companies of regulars on a frontal assault. What occurred was hardly surprising, as Basden’s men were cut down mercilessly by the rifle fire from above. Basden himself received a fatal wound in the right thigh. As darkness fell, the British retired from the position and retreated east. Considering the numbers engaged, the British suffered greatly. Official reports state 14 men killed, 52 wounded and one missing. American losses were light, with 4 men killed and 3 wounded.
Despite their successful defence, Holmes now knew he could not take the British post at Delaware, and that same evening they began their retreat to Detroit, which they reached unhindered. The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada has commemorated the action with a cairn and plaque which is located on Highway 2 west of Delaware, Ontario.(Collins, Gilbert, Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812, 1998, pages 76-77,)
