Battle of the Cedars

The Battle of the Cedars: A Turning Point in the American Revolutionary War

Imagine a pivotal moment in history, where the fate of an entire region hung in the balance. The Battle of the Cedars, fought in May 1776 during the American Revolutionary War, was such a critical juncture. This battle involved the Continental Army and a British detachment led by Captain George Forster, with support from Haudenosaunee warriors and Canadian Militia. The outcome of this clash would have far-reaching consequences for both sides.

The Prelude to Battle

Before we delve into the details of the battle, let’s set the stage. In September 1775, American forces had invaded Montreal, Quebec, a strategic location that could potentially turn the tide in their favor. However, the British and their allies were not about to give up without a fight.

Enter Lorimier, who proposed recruiting Indians to attack Continental forces at Montreal from the west. His plan was bold but fraught with complications. Lorimier managed to recruit 100 Mohawk men, but his activities didn’t go unnoticed. American rebels quickly fortified the Cedars, preparing for any potential assault.

At Fort Niagara, Loyalist captain John Butler convinced over 50 Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondaga warriors to join the British cause. This move strengthened the British forces significantly, making them a formidable opponent for the Continental Army.

The Battle Unfolds

On May 12, Forster assembled a force of 260 troops and left Oswegatchie. He picked up more Haudenosaunee at Saint Francis Lake and received scouting reports about the American troop strength at the Cedars. The stage was set for what would become one of the most significant battles in that region.

On May 15, Bedel left the Cedars to meet with Caughnawaga Indians but returned later claiming he was doing so for a friendly meeting. This move by Bedel proved to be a critical misstep, as it allowed Forster’s forces to approach undetected.

Forster’s force landed near the American-occupied fort on May 18 and exchanged fire with Butterfield. Sherburne crossed the Ottawa River from Montreal to Quinze-Chênes but retreated back across the river after being informed that the Cedars had fallen. The British received additional help in the form of 40 Canadiens under Jean-Baptiste Testard de Montigny, who were sent to harass Sherburne.

Word then came to Forster that Sherburne had resumed his advance; Butterfield, unaware of this, surrendered the fort. Sherburne reached Fort Anne on May 17 and was met with a surprise: 500 Indians had surrounded the fort at the Cedars. Sherburne decided to delay crossing the river and send for further assistance.

The Climax

On May 20, Sherburne landed about 100 of his men at Quinze-Chênes despite Forster’s orders to stop him. Sherburne was attacked by Lorimier’s force but surrendered after a short fight. Forster moved his forces, including the prisoners, to Quinze-Chênes and left some there.

He advanced on May 23 to Fort Senneville, where he found Arnold’s force entrenched at Lachine. Arnold gathered reinforcements and sent requests for more troops. Forster retreated back to Quinze-Chênes after learning of Arnold’s position and planned reinforcement.

Once his scouts reported Forster’s retreat, Arnold gave chase and reached Fort Senneville on May 26. He demanded that Forster release the prisoners and threatened to destroy area Indian villages if harmed. Forster countered by saying he would permit his Indians to kill the prisoners if Arnold attacked. Arnold attempted to cross the Ottawa River with men but was driven back by Forster’s four-pounders.

The Aftermath

Early in May, Lieutenant Parke crossed the river with Sherburne and Forster’s deputy, carrying an offer for a prisoner exchange. Forster agreed to terms with Arnold after negotiations, leading to the return of American prisoners two days later due to high winds.

The Americans did not hold up their side of the prisoner exchange, which led to accusations against Forster. Congress accused him of mistreating American prisoners by turning them over to the Indians. This breach of etiquette and potential influence from exaggerated accounts of atrocities committed against American troops further complicated matters.

Arnold initially blamed Bedel for the defeat, removing both him and Butterfield from command and sending them to court-martial. Bedel was convicted and cashiered from the army but was later given a new commission after Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga in October 1777.

The site of some skirmishes was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1928, commemorating this significant event. The Battle of the Cedars remains a testament to the complexities and challenges faced by both sides during the American Revolutionary War.