On January 8, 1814 a contingent of 70 Americans led by General John Swift attacked a group of British soldiers gathering wood a half-mile from Fort Niagara.

On December 10, 1813 Fort George, Ontario was abandoned by the Americans because of a stronger British force advancing toward them under the command of General Gordon Drummond.

Further British attacks at the Battle of Buffalo forced the Americans to abandon their positions on the Niagara River and retreat to Williamsville New York.

General John Swift of the American militia led 70 volunteers to scout Fort Niagara.

[4] A half-mile from the fort the Americans attacked a contingent of British soldiers gathering fire wood.