James Miller American The Americans at Lundy’s Lane

Lieutenant Colonel James Miller (1776-1851) was head of the 4th Regiment of U.S. Infantry which formed part of General Hull’s Army of the Northwest. He was Hull’s second-in- command, and though critical of the General, he nevertheless followed orders. While in Detroit, Miller led an American force that tried to secure supplies for the Americans and was ambushed by a British and Indian force near the Indian village of Maguaga. He managed to rout the enemy but was ordered to retreat unsuccessful, back to Detroit. In this short but costly engagement; eighteen of his men were killed and more than sixty wounded. Back at Detroit, Miller fell seriously ill. Though he agreed with Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur that Hull was an ineffective leader, he did not sanction the plan of deposing him. He was captured in Detroit and quickly exchanged back to the United States where he participated in the unsuccessful campaign against Montreal in 1813. Miller saw almost continuous action in 1814. Leading the 21st US Regiment, he helped capture Fort Erie and fought at the Battle Chippawa. But it is for Lundy’s Lane that Miller is most remembered. In the heat of the battle, Major General Jacob Brown ordered Miller to take a hill from which British artillery were wreaking havoc on the Americans. Miller’s now famous reply was “I’ll try, sir.” He was successful in securing and maintaining the position until the Americans signaled a withdrawal to Fort Erie. Miller’s bravery during the conflict earned him the thanks of the American Congress and a promotion to brigadier general after the war. He would go on to be the first governor of the Arkansas territory.