Historical Battle Overview
After Sir Gordon Drummond's unsuccessful siege of Fort Erie, his army fell back to the prepared positions at Chippawa. The British far right flank faced south at Cook's Mills and their left flank firmly entrenched at the mouth the the Chippawa River.
On the American commander, General Jacob Brown was replaced by Major General George Izard who moved his reinforced army south of Chippawa, setting up camp in the same location prior to the action at Chippawa on 5 July.
For three days Izard demonstrated before the British position on the north bank of the Chippawa hoping to lure Drummond out of his entrenchments. Drummond declined and Izard unwilling to attack the strong enemy position withdrew south on 17 October.
The following day Izard dispatched Brigadier General Daniel Bissell with about a 1,000 regulars to Cook's Mills, on Lyon's Creek, to seize supplies believed to be stored at that place. Learning of this movement, Drummond sent a force of about 700 light infantry under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Myers.
Historical Outcome
The British force engaged the Americans a short distance east of Cook's Mills, named after the Cook Brothers, who had come up from Pennsylvania as Loyalists and had established their flour mills on Lyons Creek. The British lost 19 men killed or wounded and the American losses were acknowledge to be 67 men, apart from the fact that 200 bushes of wheat and flour were destroyed by the Americans, nothing else resulted from this sharp skirmish.
On 20 October, the Americans withdrew to Fort Erie. The following day the Americans began crossing the Niagara River to Buffalo. In the subsequent reports filed by each commanding officer, both sides claimed a victory.
Briefings and Orders of Battle
Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Myers :
Your hastily assembled command has been ordered to march with all haste to Cook's Mills on the Lyon's Creek.
You have been informed that an American force, of unknown size, has moved to that area and may very well attempt
to flank the main British defences at Chippawa. As the autumn rains and resultant mud slow your progress you
wonder if this American movement is a prelude to an assault at Chippawa.
What orders do your commanders have?
For a detailed Order of Battle click HERE.
Brigadier General Daniel Bissell :
Things are going better than you had planned. The fall of Fort Erie was far easier than expected.
Ripley's brigade and that of Porter's are moving into camp. Brigadier General Scott, as usual has
his brigade dressed and marching through their drills. Brigadier General Ripley is at least three
hours away to the south. A cloud of dust to the north detotes an army on the march. It is now 3:30pm 5 July 1814. What orders do your commanders have? For a detailed
Order of Battle click HERE.
Deployment of Forces at 3:30pm, 5 July 1814
British: Pearson starts in the area between the Chippawa River bridge and the woods. Riall, with artillery and cavalry, starts in road column poised to cross the Chippawa River bridge to the south. Indian allies are always considered in skirmish formation.
American: Scott and Porter start south of Streets Creek (as shown on the map below). Ripley arrives on the road from Fort Erie (south) as early as 6:30pm. A d10 roll is made at the start of each 10 minute turn. On a roll of a one, Ripley arrives. Street's Creek is only fordable from the woods and west. Indian allies are always considered in skirmish formation.
Chippawa 5 July 1814 Map:
Chippawa - July 5, 1814 : After Action Report
Yet to be tabled by the members of the NMWST.
