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Capture of Fort George

British troops fire on the advancing enemy
Source: Michael Karpelson (Team 22916)

"I could not consider myself justified in continuing so unequal a contest..."
British Major General John Vincent

After the capture of York, it was determined that the British forts on the Niagara River would be the next target for American attack. As a result of this, the garrison of Fort George awoke on May 25, 1813, to an intense bombardment by Captain Isaac Chauncey's fleet. The bombardment was conducted with specially heated cannonballs, which soon set the log buildings of the fort on fire.

On the morning of May 27, the American landing took place. Over 4,000 American troops, led by Colonel Winfield Scott, attacked the British defense force. After losing 52 of his men, Brigadier General John Vincent abandoned Fort George, and the British began a retreat towards Dams. British Dragoons traveled behind the retreating army and made many attempts to delay the progress of the Americans, commanded by Major General Henry Dearborn.

Despite this, the American force pursued the British until the confrontation at Stoney Creek.