The Lieutenant Governors and military commanders in the province were concerned that in the event of war with America, the Americans would receive active help from many of these, and from Canadians whom they induced to support them.

Brock however, induced the Executive Council to prorogue the Legislature, which had been slow to support war measures and was sometimes obstructive, and proclaim Martial Law.

Brock's successes stiffened the resolve of many Canadians, and he was also able to issue large numbers of captured muskets to the hitherto badly armed militia units.

Brock was killed at the Battle of Queenston Heights in October, and his successor, Major General Roger Hale Sheaffe, introduced harsh restrictions against American immigrants and those expressing pro-American sentiments.

During the ensuing winter, although there was no longer open disaffection, many Canadians of American origin applied for permission to return to the United States.

In July 1813, Joseph Willcocks, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada who had participated on the British side during the early days of the war (as an envoy to the Six Nations), defected to the Americans.

Willcocks, like others who later became prominent members of the Canadian Volunteers, was not a recent American immigrant to Upper Canada, but believed that the harsh measures taken against those considered to be disloyal by the military authorities violated natural justice and the rule of law.

Faced with a British advance, Brigadier General George McClure of the New York State Militia ordered the post to be abandoned.

[4][5] Some at least of the Canadian Volunteers fought in the Battle of Buffalo near the end of the year, when the British launched another punitive expedition across the upper part of the Niagara.

They fought at the Battle of Chippawa On 22 July 1814, Joseph Willcocks led 200-300 men, including American dragoons, in a surprise raid on Saint David's where there were four Canadian militiamen.

During the ensuing Siege of Fort Erie, Brigadier General Porter departed for three weeks to recruit fresh volunteers from the militia, and Lieutenant Colonel Willcocks assumed command of his brigade.