The War of 1812

The Battle of Moraviantown (The Battle of the Thames)

Further Reading

An Overview of the Battle of Moraviantown

First Nations Retreat From Amherstburg To Moraviantown

The First Nations at Moraviantown

The British at Moraviantown

The Americans at Moraviantown

The British Retreat from Amherstburg to Moraviantown

British Commander Henry Procter's problems really begin almost a month before the disastrous battle which will lead to his disgrace and suspension from military service. The events that will lead to Procter's court martial begins at the Battle of Lake Erie. On September 9th, Oliver Hazard Perry and the U.S. Navy score a brilliant victory over the British squadron at Put-in-Bay. The Americans now control the water and can circle Amherstburg from behind. Procter faces the danger of being outflanked and having to fight off an attack from two sides.

Besides the tactical disadvantages facing the British, Procter's men are tired, hungry and demoralized by the US naval victory. They are also worried about the Natives. Procter initially lied to the tribes, telling them that it was actually the Royal Navy which won the confrontation at Put-in-Bay. The Natives aren't fooled and suspect the British are getting ready to retreat. The warriors outnumber the British troops three-to-one. Tecumseh is furious and there is talk that his followers will revolt and massacre Procter and his men.

Amherstburg's Fort Malden is defenseless, its cannon having been used to outfit the Royal Navy. One-third of Procter's army has been taken prisoner in the defeat at Put-in-Bay. His Lake Erie supply line is no longer open. Winter is approaching and there aren't nearly enough provisions to keep the British-Native army going until the spring. Procter decides to retreat and make his stand on the Thames River near Chatham.

The withdrawal is a massive undertaking. Procter must first smooth over relations with his native allies and convince Tecumseh that the Thames Valley is a better place to face the enemy. He then has to coordinate the retreat of 10,000 men, women and children along with their military supplies and personal possessions. Amherstburg is abandoned on September 24, 1813, and the general retreat from Detroit and Sandwich starts four days later.