The Battle of York The Reverend John Strachan   Further Reading Background to the Battle of York The British at the Battle of York The Americans at the Battle of York The Aftermath of the Battle of York: The American Perspective

The Aftermath of the Battle of York: The British and Canadian Perspective For the citizens of York, nothing will ever be the same. Gone forever the easy camaraderie between Loyalists and recently arrived Americans of republican sympathies. Anyone who remained neutral during the invasion will ever after be regarded with suspicion. Those who openly sympathised with the invaders are prosecuted as traitors. The Reverend John Strachan, who badgered General Dearborn into signing the terms of York's surrender and did his best to prevent the American looting, emerges with his prestige much enhanced. Strachan draws up a petition calling for the removal of General Sheaffe who, in Strachan's book at least, ran away before the Americans. Such is the measure of Strachan's growing influence that Governor General Sir George Prevost grants his wish and appoints Major-General Francis de Rottenburg in Sheaffe's stead. Prevost and his naval commander, Sir James Yeo, are convinced that with the American army and navy busy raiding at the far end of the lake, their base at Sackett's Harbour is vulnerable. Soon, Prevost will personally lead a raid on the Sackets base. Although far from a resounding success, this raid will so impress American Commodore Chauncey that, from that point on, he will refuse to take any further part in combined army/navy operations. The American raid on York will prove particularly costly for the British because the Americans have captured the supplies and armament meant for the Lake Erie fleet. This will leave Robert Barclay so seriously disadvantaged that he will lose the upcoming Battle of Lake Erie.