The Niagara Campaign of 1814: The Battle of Chippawa "The loss of our friends gave us all a gloomy appearance." John Norton after the Battle of Chippawa. Further Reading The Americans Take Fort Erie: Prelude to the Battle of Chippawa The Battle of Chippawa The Iroquois Clash in the Forest at Chippawa

John Norton Meets the Iroquois From New York After the Battle of Chippawa They said that they had a conference with our people in the presence of the officer commanding the Garrison, that they had entreated them to remain neuter, because they hoped that should they comply with this entreaty,—the Americans would also permit them to remain peaceably at their homes;—they said that at first they had held the Language of peace towards them, advising them to remain neuter,—alleging that they, (the Americans)—were sufficiently numerous themselves for every emergency of War, and that they would never ask any Indian Tribe for their assistance,—" but," (they added,) —" now they have changed their Tone,—& say,—as the Indians with the British assist them, you must also help us,—or we will consider you as our Enemies, and their secret friends." " We are," (continued they) " in their power, we cannot withdraw our families from among them, but we are certainly much averse to help them in War, for in so doing, we are brought to fight against Relatives and friends. I told them that their Situation & that of the Tribes who fought on the side of the King was very different,—that it was to him they looked as a Protector & a father, that therefore it was very natural for them to exert themselves in Support of His authority,—but the Americans were totally dissimilar, being the common Enemy of all the Aboriginal Race,—that therefore none could have any object in fighting under their Banner—that they made use of them as a Hunter used a Dog, pushing them always forward in the greatest Danger, —without allowing them any Share of glory. " If you are unable to resist their power, you can however elude Compulsion, by leaving your Villages and retiring to the Woods to hunt,—any expedient is better than to allow those who have got the most of your lands, now to have your Lives at their disposal; —If by this means they can effect your utter Destruction, they will be highly gratified,—there will then be only Women & Children remaining to claim the little Land which yet remains your property. These Men appeared in haste to return home;—I advised them to remain a few days,—apprehending that the Enemy might [draw] some information from them respecting our movements,—but they urged that their people only awaited their return, to leave the American army entirely.