HISTORY

June 8, 1813
Battle of Forty Mile Creek

When word reached Ft. George of the Battle at Stoney Creek and the loss of two generals, Dearborn dispatched Scott and Lewis to Forty Mile Creek. Now the expedition had the right leaders, but right after they left things started to go very wrong.

With the American Lake Ontario fleet staying in Sackett's Harbor to defend it, the Royal Navy fleet was able to sail unopposed to the Western side of the lake. When they passed Ft. George, Dearborn panicked, fearing an attack on Forts George or Niagara. He sent for the troops to return at once. The British sailed up to Forty Mile Creek and began to shell the encampment.

The Battle of Forty Mile Creek was more an artillery fire exercise than a battle. When the shelling started, Lewis sent a number of 6-pounders to the shore and set up a furnace to make hot shot. Both sides claimed serious damage to the other side, but the reality was totally ineffective fire by everyone. The only accomplishment was the exhausting of power.

By now the Native American's were returning to the British camp . . . since the Americans has withdrawn for Stoney Creek and Vincent had returned. Lewis at first ignored Dearborn's order and planned to continue the advance up Burlington Beach, but looking at the Royal Navy, the poor condition of the army, and the musket fire now coming from the Native Americans in the woods, even the aggressive Scott agreed to return to Ft. George. That may have been Scott's only deliberate retreat.

The withdrawal was a disaster. The British reported capturing 500 tents at Forty Mile Creek, supplies and even stacked arms left behind by the American Army. The boats got a late start and the troops sent to escort them never arrived. On the night of June 8th a landing party of Royal Marines drove off the unarmed crews and captured the entire flotilla, supplies intact.

By June 10th every American position in Canada was withdrawn except for Ft. George. British troops advanced and reoccupied then all. The 1813 invasion of Canada had ended . . . in complete failure.