The first engagement on Canadian soil in the War of 1812, marking the opening of the American invasion of Upper Canada.
Key Facts
- Date
- July 16, 1812
- American force size
- 280 men
- British rearguard soldiers
- 2 (Hancock and Dean)
- American commanders
- Colonel Lewis Cass; Lt. Col. James Miller
- British reinforcement
- 20-gun Queen Charlotte moved into river
- Distance from Sandwich to bridge
- 12 miles (19 km)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
On July 12, 1812, Brigadier General William Hull crossed the Detroit River and occupied Sandwich in Upper Canada, positioning American forces roughly 16 miles north of the British base at Amherstburg. As war had been declared on June 18, Hull sought to probe British defenses by ordering a reconnaissance toward the Canard River bridge.
On July 16, Hull dispatched 280 men under Colonel Lewis Cass and Lieutenant Colonel James Miller to the Canard River bridge, held by a detachment of the 41st Regiment of Foot and Menominee allies. Cass forded upstream to flank the British while Miller pinned them at the bridge. The British withdrew, leaving only two soldiers as rearguard; both were wounded and captured, one dying of his wounds.
Although Americans briefly held the bridge, Hull chose not to advance on Amherstburg and ordered a withdrawal to Sandwich. The British quickly reoccupied and reinforced the position, partially demolished the bridge, and brought up naval assets including the Queen Charlotte. Skirmishing along the river continued for several days, and Hull's hesitation foreshadowed his eventual surrender of Detroit to Major General Isaac Brock a month later.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Colonel Lewis Cass, Lieutenant Colonel James Miller, Brigadier General William Hull.
Side B
1 belligerent