Canadian Volunteers
| Canadian Volunteers | |
|---|---|
| Active | July 1813 – 15 June 1815 |
| Country |
 Upper Canada
|
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Size | Regiment (rarely exceeded company in strength) |
| Engagements |
Capture of Fort Niagara Battle of Buffalo Battle of Chippawa Battle of Lundy's Lane Siege of Fort Erie |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Joseph Willcocks Abraham Markle |
The Canadian Volunteers was a unit composed of pro-American citizens or inhabitants of Upper Canada which fought for the United States of America during the Anglo-American War of 1812.
Before the War, Americans had been encouraged to settle in Upper Canada by generous grants of land. 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. In March 1812, Major General Isaac Brock claimed that many of them influenced the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada.
When the War broke out, several Canadians in the western districts of Upper Canada did indeed support the American army of Major General William Hull when it invaded Canadian territory from Detroit, though not as many as the Americans had hoped. Near York, the provincial capital, many militiamen avoided duty by marching to comparatively remote settlements such as Newmarket, where they could avoid the authorities. 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. He then won a victory over Hull at the Siege of Detroit. No other American force successfully occupied any Canadian territory before the end of the winter. 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. Many others crossed into America unlawfully, across the Niagara River or across the frozen Lake Erie.
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Wikipedia