War of 1812, Part 9: An Opportunity Lost for the Americans

The New Nation
Written By Tom Hand

With Commodore Isaac Chauncey’s fleet in control of Lake Ontario, York sacked, and British Brigadier General Vincent's army on its heels, the time seemed ripe for the American conquest of Upper Canada. It would prove to be the best opportunity of the war for the Americans, but unfortunately one they would squander. In early June, the Americans moved their brigades west to confront Vincent's army at Burlington Heights. The Americans probed the British position on June 5 and retired to Stoney Creek, ten miles from the British lines. But that night, Vincent directed Colonel John Harvey to lead 700 men against the American camp; confusion reigned and the undermanned British force broke the American line, which had been taken completely by surprise. General Vincent moved his base forward 20 miles to Beaver Dams and conducted almost daily raids against the American camp. Annoyed by these raids, General Henry Dearborn sent Colonel Charles Boerstler with 570 men to dislodge the enemy. The Americans walked straight into an ambush and this second check of their invasion would effectively crush their spirit of initiative.

Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses how the Americans squandered a critical opportunity in the War of 1812 and why it still matters today. 

 

Images courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery - Smithsonian Institution, Art Institute of Chicago, New York Public Library, Library of Congress, Yale University Art Gallery, Naval History and Heritage Command, World History Encyclopedia, Wikimedia. 

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Tom Hand
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War of 1812, Part 8: Americans Burn a Capital