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 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. As a result of this engagement, 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. 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 defenses 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 :
You have been given orders to send a raiding party to Cook's Mills, which lies north-east of Fort Erie
on the Lyon's Creek. Due to the nature of your mission, your force has not been encumbered with any artillery pieces,
which will ensure a reasonable march rate. After all, no significant opposition is expected at your destination.
What orders do your commanders have? For a detailed
Order of Battle click HERE.
Deployment of Forces, 19 October 1814
British: Line troops start within one foot of the north edge of the table. Light infantry and flank companies within two feet of the north edge in open order. Artillery remains limbered in the area bound by the line troops.
American: Line troops start within one foot of the south edge of the table. Riflemen and within two feet of the south edge in open order.
Cook's Mills (Lyon's Creek) : October 19, 1814 Map:
Cook's Mills (Lyon's Creek) : October 19, 1814 : After Action Report
Yet to be tabled by the members of the NMWST.
