Canada. On 28 June 1814, Benjamin Forsyth, commander of the American Regiment of Riflemen, advanced from Chazy, New York to Odelltown, Lower Canada intending to draw a British force of Canadians and American Indian allies into an ambush. Upon arriving at the British positions, Forsyth sent a few men forward as decoys to make contact. When the British responded, the American decoys conducted a feigned retreat, which successfully lured 150 Canadians and American Indian allies into the ambush site. During the ensuing fight, Forsyth needlessly exposed himself by stepping on a log to watch the attack and was shot and killed. Forsyth's riflemen, still hidden and now enraged over the death of their commander, rose from their covered positions and fired a devastating volley. The British were surprised by the ambush and retreated in confusion, leaving seventeen dead on the field. Forsyth was the only American casualty. Even though Forsyth was killed, his feigned retreat and ambush succeeded at inflicting heavy casualties on the British force. Legacy Following his death, the people of North Carolina named Forsyth County after him. In addition, the state General Assembly paid for his son's education through special legislation and gave him a jewelled sword. Forsyth Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side is also named for him. Notes References Year of birth missing 1814 deaths United States Army personnel of the War of 1812 People from Stokes County, North Carolina American military personnel killed in the War of 1812 United States Army officers