Battle of Chippawa: Brown defeats Riall

Background. In early 1814, the defeat of Napoleon in Europe allowed seasoned British veterans from the Peninsular War to be redeployed to Canada. Major General Jacob Brown formed the Left Division of the Army of the North, while Major General Phineas Riall commanded the Right Division of the British Army in Upper Canada on the Niagara River. Riall sought to drive American forces back across the Niagara to relieve Fort Erie.

Engagement. On July 5, British light infantry, militia, and Indians crossed the Chippawa River ahead of Riall's main body, sniping at American outposts. Riall's tactics, suitable for militia, proved disastrous against Scott's well-trained regulars. The battle featured two parallel lines of regular soldiers moving in close order across an open plain. Marksmanship decided the result, with American fire proving superior to British fire.

Aftermath. The battle proved the worthiness of American regulars against British counterparts. Two days after the engagement, Brown completed his intended maneuver by crossing the Chippawa upstream of Riall's defenses, forcing the British to fall back to Fort George. American forces captured numerous British regulars and Indian warriors, including officers and chiefs.