Solomon Van Rensselaer American Solomon Van Rensselaer at Queenston Heights

Solomon Van Rensselaer was the cousin of General Stephen Van Rensselaer and a veteran soldier. Though most of his service had been in the militia, through battles such as Fallen Timbers, he had earned a reputation as a tough, shrewd, and fair man. He was an adversary worthy of Isaac Brock. Like many Federalists, Van Rensselaerc was opposed to the war, and blamed the Republican government for creating a critical situation for which the country was so ill-prepared. But Van Rensselaer was also a patriot, so when it came time to serve, he wanted to do what he could for his country. Stephen Van Rensselaer believed that Solomon was indispensable for the success on the Niagara. Solomon had the strategic and tactical skills that he lacked, Stephen being essentially a career bureaucrat with little military experience. Solomon led three hundred militia in the first part of the attack on Queenston Heights. There he sustained no less than five leg wounds, but remained calm and continued to command until he lost consciousness after which he was evacuated to safety. It was to be the end of Solomon Van Rensselaer’s participation in the war. In his home state of New York, Van Rensselaer was hailed as a hero. He rode this reputation to the U.S. Congress where he served from 1819 to 1822. He later campaigned for his old army friend William Henry Harrison when he ran for President. He died in Albany in 1852.