Chippewa

July 5, 1814

A force of some 1700 British troops under General Sir Phineas Riall was guarding the Chippewa River just north of Fort Erie.

Approached by General Winfield Scott's 1300-strong column, the British moved across the river to attack - thinking their opponents were gray-clad militia units and not American regular troops.

The surprise for Riall was a nasty one, as Scott's men charged them at bayonet point.

The British suffered heavy casualties and were forced back, losing more than 200 killed and a further 360 men wounded or captured. Scott's force had 61 killed and 270 casualties.

Footnote: The gray West Point uniform celebrates Scott's victory at Chippewa.