Elliott's force of about 100 men left Buffalo Creek by night, seized both brigs off Fort Erie, and brought Caledonia to Black Rock.

On 8 October 1812, Detroit and the North West Company's brig Caledonia were anchored off Fort Erie in the upper Niagara River. Lieutenant Jesse Elliott, commanding US naval forces on Lake Erie, spotted the vessels and mounted a cutting-out operation. An American force of 100 departed Buffalo Creek in darkness and captured both brigs, aided by Army Captain Nathan Towson. The captors headed for Black Rock; Caledonia arrived safely, but Detroit grounded on the southern tip of Squaw Island after the wind died, coming under heavy British artillery fire. Elliott battled the shore emplacement until his ammunition ran out, beached the brig, and fled to the American side, then ordered Detroit burned to prevent her recapture.

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