Not a lot of Americans know about the battle of the Thames. It’s a shame, it was a great victory for the yanks and
W.H. Harrison. It had a direct impact where I live in Brantford, Ontario on the Grand River right beside the Six Nations Reserve. American General Duncan McArthur was determined to raid deep into the Ontario peninsula after the victory at Moravian Town on the Thames. His planned march along the Detroit Path to Burlington brought American troops up along the Thames River and right into County of Brant. This march was one of devastation, since McArthur had ordered his mounted Kentucky and Ohio riflemen to massacre, burn and destroy in order to demoralize the people living in the area. It is thought that his plan was to attack the British at Burlington Heights and then head south to help American troops at Fort Erie. In early November 1814, at Oxford Upon the Thames, there was a small skirmish near the present-day Centreville. Although McArthur had stated that he wouldn’t cause any more damage if there was no further resistance, two Oxford residents, George Nichol and Jacob Wood, left to warn the troops in Burford that McArthur was on his way. In retaliation, the homes of these two men were burned and their livestock killed. In addition, the Burdick Mill was burned to the ground. It was the only flour mill in the area. Knowing that McArthur was heading to Burlington and that the shortest route was to cross the Grand River, Upper Canada militia leaders determined that their small force of about 150 men would be no match for the Americans. They decided to march to Malcolm’s Mills, now Oakland, to join with the Norfolk Militia. Meanwhile, a large contingent of militia, foot soldiers and Haudenosaunee warriors were waiting for McArthur’s men at D’Aubigny Creek and Brant’s Ford. Since the west side of the river was rather swampy and the Grand River was swollen, the result of recent rains, the Americans were severely handicapped. In addition, a flat-bottomed boat that usually provided ferry service had been conveniently sunk by the men of Brantford. Three things influenced McArthur’s next decision. He had received word that the American army was evacuating Fort Erie, the river was too swollen and the current too swift to attempt a crossing and the militia and natives on the other side were determined to not let the Americans across the river. Instead, the Americans withdrew and camped overnight in a drier and more suitable area and then headed south along the Mount Pleasant Trail. When they reached Mount Pleasant, Perrin’s Mill was burned, as was the local store. The troops stole household items, cattle and horses to supplement their own supplies. As well, the homes of known militiamen were burned to the ground. As in other locations, this caused several years of hardship, since the settlers faced food shortages. Their homes and the mill had to be rebuilt. On Nov. 6, 1814, when McArthur and his force of riflemen arrived at Malcolm’s Mills (now Oakland), they found that the road was barricaded and a bridge that went across the creek was damaged. However, they managed to move across a dam of logs and driftwood on foot and were able to attack the waiting militiamen from the rear. The 400 Upper Canadians were not only outnumbered, but also very poorly equipped. The American forces overwhelmed them. The following day, McArthur burned both the sawmill and the grist mill operated by the Malcolm family, as well as Gates’ Mill down the Grand River. At Sovereign’s Mills, now Waterford, all mills were burned, as well as several others in the vicinity of Port Dover, including Dover Mills. Following along the north shore of Lake Erie, McArthur again reached Detroit on Nov. 17, 1814. Often said to be the last battle fought on Canadian soil against a foreign enemy, the Battle of Malcolm’s Mills basically ended the conflict in Upper Canada.
