A Tale of True Adventure: The Courage of Laura Secord

Introduction

A Tale of True Adventure: The Courage of Laura Secord unfolds during the summer of 1812, when Americans were invading Canada. An overwhelming number of eight million Americans confronted less than half a million British and French Canadians, with only about 5,000 regular troops in all of British North America.

Laura Secord’s Background

No one was more determined to fight for their country than James and Laura Secord. Laura’s parents, the Ingersolls, were among the thousands of Americans who remained loyal to Britain during the American War of Independence. Persecuted for their loyalty, they moved north from Massachusetts after the war ended in 1783, settling in British territory with their eight-year-old daughter.

Britain had gained Canada from the French 20 years earlier. The English-speaking men and women who settled in Canada during this time were known as the United Empire Loyalists. The Ingersolls established themselves in what is now Ontario, where Laura later married James Secord. They resided in Queenston, along the Niagara River.

The Road to War

At this time, Americans still harbored distrust toward the British, who were engaged in a life-and-death struggle with Napoleon. Disputes over shipping, trade, and the impressment of American sailors soured relations between the two countries. Yet the real cause of the War of 1812 lay in the Americans’ greedy aspirations for Canadian territory.

Fortunately, many Americans had no desire to fight, and their troops were poorly led. However, families like the Secords, living near the border, were filled with fear that the troops they despised would invade their new homeland. A battle occurred near the Secord home, resulting in the death of General Sir Isaac Brock, a hero to all of Canada. Despite his loss, he inspired his troops and their Indian allies to defeat the larger American army, forcing them to retreat across the border.

Laura’s Determined Journey

While Canada celebrated this victory, Laura Secord was devotedly nursing her husband, who had been severely wounded in battle. Throughout the winter, she cared for him, but by summer, he still could not walk. Then, the Americans returned, overrunning Queenston and leaving Laura behind enemy lines.

The Canadians had no choice but to leave Laura and James behind, as he was too weak to move. Their house was occupied by the Americans, who Laura was obliged to feed. One day in June 1813, she overheard two American officers discussing a surprise attack scheduled for the following day on the Canadians, who were camped about 20 miles away. Pretending not to listen, she finished serving breakfast and hurried upstairs to inform her husband of the impending attack.

A Dangerous Plan

James was disheartened. “Even if I were fit,” he lamented, “I’d never get past the Yankee pickets.” But Laura, filled with resolve, insisted, “I could, though.” Though worried, James reluctantly agreed that she might be able to succeed.

There were Americans everywhere. Laura donned her farm clothes and went out to milk their cow. As fate would have it, things went awry that morning. The cow kicked over the pail and wandered away, providing a moment of amusement for the American soldiers. This happened several times, leading them to believe Laura was simple-minded, allowing her to draw less attention.

Finally, when the cow bolted towards the edge of the forest, Laura seized the opportunity. She followed the cow into the woods, leaving it to wander home. What followed was a terrifying journey filled with swamps, swollen creeks, poisonous snakes, and fallen trees, coupled with the constant fear of encountering American soldiers.

Encounter in the Woods

Suddenly, her journey took a terrifying turn as she was surrounded by twenty howling Indians in full war paint. It was a moment of sheer panic for Laura. Though she had heard that the Indians were on the British side, she could not be certain. With hundreds of lives depending on her, she took a deep breath, praying silently, and spoke to the chief.

A Heroine’s Triumph

The Indians, who were scouts for the British, carried Laura to Lieutenant Fitzgibbon at Beaver Dams, where she relayed her crucial news. Grateful, Fitzgibbon ordered that every care would be taken of her. The next day, Fitzgibbon and his force of regulars, Canadians, and Indians were prepared for the larger American contingent and defeated them decisively. Fitzgibbon successfully persuaded the American commander, fearing massacre at the hands of the Indians, to surrender.

Laura soon recovered from her ordeal and was reunited with her husband. The war continued, with the Niagara area witnessing more fierce fighting. Ultimately, neither side claimed a decisive victory, but Canada emerged as the true champion. Laura’s unwavering bravery during those challenging years had helped forge a nation.

Legacy of Laura Secord

Laura Secord lived on until 1868, becoming a national heroine. In 1860, when the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Canada, he met Laura and presented her with a handsome gift. All of Canada celebrated the honor bestowed upon the brave patriot, a woman who embodied the proud title of United Empire Loyalist.