Historical Battle Overview
By the mid-afternoon of 5 July 1814, Scott was surprised to learn from scouts that British troops were crossing the bridge over the Chippawa and marching south directly towards Street's Creek. He knew that this would catch Porter's men on the flank and this quickly became a reality. Before long, Porter's men, in complete confusion, came streaming back over Street's Creek. At once Scott moved to Porter's aid and crossed Street's Creek and drew up in line formation on the flat plain north of the creek.
From the north came the British. Riall was acting on advice from Drummond, who assured him that the American troops lacked discipline and training, and that he could afford to to take chances not normally acceptable in war. When he first saw Scott's men crossing Street's Creek, Riall believed that the grey uniforms worn by the Americans indicated militia; but as the regiments wheeled into line with precision and steadiness, Riall took another look at them. "Those are regulars, by God!" he cried.
As the British advanced. Scott held back his centre, pushing forward his wings, thus exposing the attacking force to both frontal and flanking fire. The British casualties were more severe than expected. Riall did his best to rally his troops. He had handled the tactical side of the battle with more impetuosity than skill, allowing gaps to develop between regiments which were expoited by the Americans. The British withdrew over the Chippawa River bridge having sustained losses of 148 men killed, 221 wounded, and 46 missing or taken prisoner. The Americans suffered a total of 327 men killed, wounded, or taken prisoner, practically all of them from Scott's brigade.
Historical Outcome
In the actual battle Ripley only appeared on the field in the very last stages. Alone, Scott was able to advance his brigade over the bridge and in front of the British before they were able to fully deploy. The resulting defeat set the British back, an imbalance they were unable to overcome until the battle of Lundy's Lane, three weeks later.
Briefings and Orders of Battle
Commander Right Division, British Army in Canada : Major General Phineas Riall:
The Americans have landed just north of Fort Erie two days ago. The garrison was expected to
expected to hold out long enough to allow your forces to concentrate for the defence of Niagara.
Instead, it fell within a day. The American forces are now gathering to march north. With the arrival
of the 8th (King's) Regiment of Foot you feel that you now have the strength to attack the Americans
before they consolidate and organze their forces. It is now 3:30pm 5 July 1814. Your reinforcements
are set to cross the Chippawa River. What orders do your commanders have? For a detailed
Order of Battle click HERE.
Commander Left Division, U.S. Army: Major General Jacob Brown :
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.
