HISTORY

July 3, 1813
Raid on Ft. Schlosser

With the invading American army bottled up in Ft. George, the British were free to go back on the offensive . . . less than two months from near total defeat. The first stage was launched by British Lt. Col. Thomas Clark led a unit of the 49th with 30 or so Canadian Militia and raided the American military supply depot at Ft. Schlosser (present day Niagara Falls, NY.) Crossing the river from the British outpost at Chippewa they landed and surprised the small garrison in their single blockhouse. The defenders put up limited resistance and then fled.

The British retired across the river with all the supplies they could carry away and one artillery piece. The British burned the blockhouse as they withdrew.

This would be a last disaster charged to Henry Dearborn. He would be recalled from command on July 6, 1813 and sent to administrative duties in New York City. Sadly he would be replaced by James Wilkinson, opportunist, self-promoter and Spanish spy.