The Niagara Campaign of 1814: The Battle of Chippawa Further Reading The Americans Take Fort Erie: Prelude to the Battle of Chippawa The Battle of Chippawa John Norton Meets the Iroquois From New York After the Battle of Chippawa

The Iroquois Clash in the Forest at Chippawa Norton and the men in his group are deeper in the woods, west of the furious clash. Making their way through the woods they come upon dozens of their slaughtered kinsmen, but are too late to take revenge. Porter and his men are already scrambling across the fields to the American front. The only thing Norton and his men can do, is fire upon Winfield Scott’s Americans as they advance to do battle with the British. Norton’s men watch as Scott’s determined men gain the upper hand. When Major General Phineas Riall calls for a withdrawal, it is Norton’s men, along with the light infantry, who must cover the retreat. They are among the last to cross back over the Chippawa before the bridge is taken up. Behind them they leave as many as 87 dead tribesmen from the Grand and the western territories. The fact that most of the Iroquois deaths were inflicted by other Iroquois has a devastating effect on the surviving warriors and on the communities of both sides. Besides their heavy losses, the Grand River Iroquois must bear the burden of having participated in the death or wounding of 25 tribesmen who fought with the Americans. For many, this is a sign to return to the Grand, adopt a neutral stance, and fight only if their family or community is threatened. Most of the Iroquois, and many of the western tribesmen, leave the British camp to return to Burlington Heights, and eventually, the Grand. The British can do nothing to stop them; supplies are so low that no gifts of provisions can be offered. It is doubtful whether any amount of gifts would be able to restore their fighting spirit. Though John Norton and the young John Brant will later convince a handful to return to the front, the Iroquois cease to be an effective force for either side.