In 1813, the American high command hoped to repair the damage caused by the defeats of 1812 by recapturing Detroit in the west and attacking Canada across Lake Ontario in the east. the American success at the the Battle of the Thames (October 5, 1813) was seen as but the first step in a renewed American offensive, which would be continued on the east with the capture of Kingston, Ontario, and the destruction of the British ships stationed there. If this initial objective could be accomplished, Lake Ontario would be cleared for a an American attack on York (present day Toronto), the capital of Upper Canada.
Operations Along the Niagara River
On May 27, 1813, General Dearborn began the renewed American operations on the Niagara front with a force of approximately 4,000 troops. The operations began well with an amphibious assault across the Niagara River led by Col. Winfield Scott. The landing of the infantry supported by fire from Chauncey's fleet, drove the British from their positions at Fort George and Queenston. Yet, because the Americans failed to follow up their victory with a rapid pursuit of the retreating British, the British commander, General John Vincent, was able to conduct an orderly withdrawl, safely evacuating his troops from Fort George ans Queenston as well as Chippawa (Chippewa) and Fort Erie.
It took General Dearborn several days to mount a pursuit of the retreating British forces. When he finally sent 2,000 men after Vincent's troops, these Americans were surprised and soundly defeated at Stoney Creek on June 5-6, 1813. The British regaining their momemtum, immediately advanced toward Fort George, forcing the Americans to evacuate their recently occupied positions at Fort Erie and Chippawa (Chippewa).
In an effort to halt this British counterattack, the American commander at Fort George sent a force of 500 men, commanded by Colonel Charles Boerstler, against the British, but they were defeated and forced to surrender to a contingent of British regulars and primarily Indian allies at Beaver Dams on June 24, 1813. The remainder of the American garrison at Fort George, although on Canadian soil, was totally isloated.
In December, the American garrison at Fort George was finally evacuated, and the British reacted by launching an offensive across the Niagara River that resulted in the capture of Fort Niagara, Lewiston, Black Rock, and Buffalo.
