in the United States | in Canada

Battle of Chippawa

American officer on horseback
Source: John Sek

"These are regulars, by God!"
British Major General Phineas Riall

In the beginning of July 1814, American Major General Jacob Brown started another campaign against Upper Canada. He commaned a force of 3,500 soldiers, mostly regulars, and 600 Amerindians. The troops were divided into two brigades, commanded by Brigadier Generals Winfield Scott and Eleazar Ripley.

After capturing Fort Erie, the weakest point of the British along the Niagara border, General Brown advanced to Chippawa, where the British force under the command of Major General Phineas Riall waited. There were roughly 1,500 British regulars and 300 Amerindians and militia present.

Misjudging the size of the American force, and mistaking trained regulars for militia, General Riall crossed the Chippawa river and ordered a direct assault, hoping that the American line would break. The general was unpleasantly surprised when he realized that the "militia" were, in fact, trained regular troops. After a fierce battle, the British attack was driven back and General Riall retreated back across the river.

The British forces lost over 400 killed, while the American army paid a toll of over 300. Two days later, the American forces crossed the river and General Riall withdrew from Chippawa. General Brown followed, gaining control of a large stretch of the Niagara border, until he captured the city of Queenston.