The Niagara Campaign of 1814 Seige and Defense of Fort Erie Remains of Fort Erie Further Reading The Road to Lundy's Lane: Introduction to the Niagara Campaign of 1814 The Iroquois in 1814 The Battle of Chippawa The Battle of Lundy's Lane   Winfield Scott, American Officer

The Americans Take Fort Erie: Prelude to the Battle of Chippawa Staring into the dark from the shores of the Niagara River, on July 3, 1814, British pickets can barely make out the formation of boats heading in their direction. They fire off a few rounds across the water before wheeling around to inform the commander at Fort Erie that the Americans are on their way. By morning, Major Thomas Buck has a very clear view of the massive force that has crossed to Canada; the flotilla of boats has carried dozens of horses, field guns, and 3500 soldiers under the command of Brigadier Generals Winfield Scott and Eleazar Ripley. The American invasion force moves slowly on the British fort, perhaps because they know already it has nowhere near the number of men needed to put up a fight. In fact, Major Buck has only 137 troops in the fort. Buck’s situation goes from bad to worse as another American force of 1000 militia and 500 native warriors under Peter B. Porter, marches onwards towards the fort from it’s landing point to the south. The nearest British reinforcements are at Fort George with Major Phineas Riall. Buck decides to fire off a few guns, “for the honour of the flag” knowing full well that surrender is his only option. He opens the gates to the Americans at 5pm. Scott is pleased with the progress so far. Ripley, however, believes that General Jacob Brown’s plan is little more than a gamble since much of it hinges on Commodore Chauncey’s gaining control of Lake Ontario. Without the Commodore’s support, Ripley doubts that this force of 5000 can make a lasting impression on the peninsula. It is Scott however, who controls this operation and Ripley has little say in the matter. Winfield Scott wastes no time. He orders Porter to remain at Fort Erie with his force while the rest march northwards. Porter has orders to rendez-vous on the morrow if the army makes progress. Scott personally leads the advance brigade. By afternoon, the Americans encounter the forward elements of Riall’s army who, alerted to the American invasion, have marched from Fort George and camped north of the Chippawa River. But these few regulars could only slow, but not stop, Scott’s advancing troops. The British retire across the King’s Bridge to the north side of the Chippawa. Luckily, Phineas Riall has a good defensive position. The Chippawa River slices across the peninsula and widens to nearly 75 meters where the British are dug in. Riall has strongly reinforced both ends of the only bridge across this otherwise impassable stretch of river. By late afternoon, the last of the battle-weary residents of the tiny village of Chippawa cross the bridge to once more seek protection behind the British lines. Riall has sent a dispatch to York demanding reinforcement for his 2000 troops. By evening Norton’s men have moved down from the Niagara Falls and pitched camp in the forest to the right of the British. Winfield Scott ventured close enough to the King’s Bridge to assess his enemy’s position. He realizes that the British position can not be taken without more preparation. Scott orders his advance troops back one mile behind Street’s Creek where they are joined by the brigades under General Brown and Eleazar Ripley. Only one mile separates the two armies. Despite the thick air of anticipation, all sides attempt to get some rest . Many believe they will need it come the morrow.