After the death of Major General Sir Isaac Brock, at the Battle of Queenston Heights, "hostilities became sporadic and confused, with several failed American attempts at invasion.  When the Yankees briefly occupied York, in 1813, the troops seemed more interested in plunder than power." ~ Charlotte Gray, Canadian author.

Except from Penelope Beikie letter to her Brother, John MacDonell,York, May 5, 1813:

"Every house they found deserted was completely sacked.  We have lost a few things, which were carried off before our faces; but, as we expected to lose all, we think ourselves well off.  Will you believe it?  I had the temerity to frighten, and even to threaten, some of the enemy, though they had the place and me in their power...They so overloaded their vessels with the spirits of this place, that I am told they have thrown quantities of pork and flour into the lake.
"I really attribute this visit to the vengeance of heaven on this place, for quantities of stores, farming utensils, etc., sent from England in the time of General Simeon [Simcoe], were allowed to remain in the Kings stores and nothing of them did [the colonists] ever get.  Now, our enemies have them, to do with them as they please.  I think we deserve all we have got.  Keep up, your spirits, my dear John, for God seems to be on our side."
~ CANADA A PORTRAIT IN LETTERS 1800 - 2000, Charlotte Gray, Doubleday Canada, 2003.