A Mohawk Memoir from the War of 1812 presents the story of John Norton, or Teyoninhokarawen, an important war chief and political figure among the Grand River Haudenosaunee (or Iroquois) in Upper Canada. Norton saw more action during the conflict than almost anyone else, being present at the fall of Detroit; the capture of Fort Niagara; the battles of Queenston Heights, Fort George, Stoney Creek, Chippawa, and Lundy's Lane; the blockades of Fort George and Fort Erie; and a large number of skirmishes and front-line patrols. His memoir describes the fighting, the stresses suffered by indigenous peoples, and the complex relationships between the Haudenosaunee and both their British allies and other First Nations communities.

Norton's account, written in 1815 and 1816, provides nearly one-third of the book's content, with the remainder consisting of Carl Benn's introductions and annotations, which enable readers to understand Norton's fascinating autobiography within its historical contexts. With the assistance of modern scholarship, A Mohawk Memoir presents an exceptional opportunity to explore the War of 1812 and native-newcomer issues not only through Teyoninhokarawen's Mohawk perspective but in his own words.

About the Author
Carl Benn is a history professor at Ryerson University. His other books include The Iroquois in the War of 1812, also published by University of Toronto Press.

Reviews
"A significant achievement ... Benn's work is a gift to those seeking to better understand the varied First Nations perspectives on the militarization and settlement of eastern North America, as well as the War of 1812 between Americans and British and their respective Native allies." -- Carla J. Mulford, Pennsylvania State University * American Indian Culture and Research Journal *


Awards
Winner of The Clio Ontario Region Prize awarded by the Canadian Historical Association 2020 (Canada). Commended for 2019 C.P. Stacey Award Awarded by the Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies 2021 (Canada).



Book Information
ISBN 9781487523268
Author Carl Benn
Format Paperback
Page Count 392
Imprint University of Toronto Press
Publisher University of Toronto Press
Weight(grams) 600g
Dimensions(mm) 227mm * 152mm * 23mm